________________________ Best in the State Washington Post's The Fix, 2011, 2009 Best in Pittsburgh Region PoliticsPA, 2011 "[W]idely cited as one of the oldest and most-read political blogs in the city" Pittsburgh City Paper, 2007 ________________________ We value your privacy. Focus Taiwan (CNA) uses tracking technologies to provide better reading experiences, but it also respects readers' privacy. Click here to find out more about Focus Taiwan's privacy policy. When you close this window, it means you agree with this policy. It has come to our attention that an inappropriate supplication that was offensive to those of Jewish faith, was made in our downtown mosque, Masjid Toronto. Such language is unacceptable and against the values and practices of the Muslim Association of Canada (MAC), Masjid Toronto and the Muslim Community at large. Masjid Toronto condemns all forms of hate and racism towards any faith group or others and is committed to offering a safe spiritual space for all congregants. O Allah! We ask you [to give us] victory over the enemies.O Allah! Raise the standing of Islam and the Muslims. O Allah! Give victory (help) to your oppressed slaves all over the world, east to west. O Allah! Give victory (help) to your slaves who believe in the oneness of Allah, O the Lord of the Worlds! O Allah! Destroy the criminals. O Allah! Destroy anyone who inflicts injustice on your slaves, O the Lord of the Worlds! O Allah! Count their number; slay them one by one and spare not one of them. O Allah! Do not defer [it] on them.O Allah! Seize them with the seizure of One Mighty, Omnipotent [referring to a Quranic verse that deals with the punishment Allah inflicted on Pharaoh and his people]. [O Allah!] Give us victory over the disbelieving people O Allah! Give victory to Islam and raise the standing the Muslims. And humiliate the polytheism and polytheists. O Allah! Give victory (help) to your slaves who believe in the oneness of Allah, O the Lord of the Worlds!O Allah! Give them victory over the criminal people. O Allah! Destroy anyone who killed Muslims. O Allah! Destroy anyone who displaced the sons of the Muslims. O Allah! Count their number; slay them one by one and spare not one of them. O Allah! Purify Al-Aqsa Mosque from the filth of the Jews! O Allah! Purify Al-Aqsa Mosque from the filth of the Jews! O Allah! Raise the standing of Islam and the Muslims.And humiliate the polytheism, the polytheists, the infidels and the atheists. And Give victory (help) to your slaves who believe in the oneness of Allah.O Allah! Give victory to our oppressed and deprived Muslim brothers and the mujahideen (those who engage in jihad) everywhere.O Allah! Pour on them patience and steadfast their feet. And give them victory over the disbelieving people. And give them victory over the evildoersAnd give them victory over the criminals. Supplications at Masjid Toronto Mosque: Slay them one by one and spare not one of them (click HERE ) ) Will Mayor John Tory denounce the hatred coming from the Masjid Toronto mosque? (click HERE) On February 20, 2017 Masjid Toronto mosque has issued the following statement On February 18, 2017 CIJnews exposed excerpts from supplications (originally in Arabic) recited by Aymen Elkasrawy and Shaykh Abdool Hamid at Masjid Toronto mosque in 2016:See also:People inside Masjid Toronto are upset at what videos discovered by @Jonathanhalevi show and will apologize. Watch for story soonJewish Defence League alleges hate crime | Toronto News | Toronto Sun Joe Warmington @MeirWeinstein This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate After searching Ben Taub Hospital twice and interviewing witnesses about a reported shooting, the Houston Police Department gave an "all clear" Tuesday afternoon and returned control of the hospital back to medical staff. Although an early report indicated a shooter had been cornered on a floor of the hospital, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said that no evidence was found of an active shooter or shooting. "It wasn't a mistake, there was a specific reason (we responded)," Acevedo said. "We had multiple witnesses that heard a man yell, 'Drop the gun, drop the gun.' Multiple people heard two large bangs, whether or not those were gunshots is subject to further investigation." But Acevedo, who arrived on the scene shortly after SWAT officers arrived, said there was no evidence of a shooting, such as bullet casings, broken windows or bullet holes. Police did not find any victims during their first and second checks. "All patients and employees are safe at this point," Acevedo said. Reports started coming in about 2 p.m. of shots fired, Houston police spokesman Kese Smith said. Medical providers hid inside their offices at Ben Taub Hospital as Houston police responded to reports of shots fired inside the building. Others barricaded themselves in available areas of the hospital. Patients in the Emergency Room told the Chronicle that hospital staff originally said the flurry of action was part of a drill but then began disconnecting patients from their IVs. Images showed nurses and others bringing patients outside on hospital beds and gurneys. More patrol units as well as members of the SWAT team were en route at 2:15 p.m. Texas Southern University student Pegah Nassiri was working the second day of her job when she heard staff announce a "code white" over the hospital's loud speaker. "I didn't know what code white meant, but we knew we needed to lock ourselves in a room," Nassiri said. She said she and another student stayed locked in a first floor room for 15 minutes before police found them and told them to get out. Barbara Mushinski, who has been a nurse at Ben Traub for nine years, said colleagues on the second floor told her they heard gunshots and heard someone say to put down a gun. She said 10 people near the eye clinic on the second floor were told to shelter in place. But the clinic is a busy, noisy place, where banging noises are not uncommon. "It was completely unreal, terrifying actually," Mushinski said. "This doesn't happen all the time," adding that she has seen three similar incidents during her nine years with the hospital. Around 2:00 p.m. Eva Arroyo was registering patients into the emergency room located on the first floor of Ben Taub, when she heard reports that there was an active shooter in the hospital. A code white was issued and Arroyo said she and other hospital employees immediately began sheltering in place. Nurses blocked off the doors with stretchers. "We know we need to close the doors, windows and stay still, " Arroyo said. She said she positioned herself by two police officers who were monitoring a patient, who is also a prisoner. "If anything, there's two police officers out there, so I feel safe in a way, " She recalls thinking while inside. Eventually a doctor told them it would be safer for them to evacuate outside of the hospital. As she anxiously stood outside Ben Taub, waiting to receive updates, she said sometimes she worries about someone walking into the hospital with a gun. "I mean who's going to see what they have under their jacket or in their briefcase?" She wondered. While she waited, hospital employees gathered a group of emergency room patients at picnic tables. Other hospital employees checked their phones and looked onward at the hospital, waiting to receive word on if they could go back inside. Students at St. Marks Episcopal School in Bellaire were apparently in the hospital's cardiology unit not long before the reports of a shooting were made. Harris Health System posted on Twitter a photo and Tweet praising fifth grade students for donating artwork to the cardiology clinic. The school would not answer a reporter's questions about whether the students were still at the hospital when the building was locked down. By about 3:45 p.m., at least three patients had been transferred by ambulance to other hospitals as other patients wandered around outside. Baylor College of Medicine's security department issued an emergency notification of an "active shooter situation" about 2:15 p.m. The notification instructed college employees not to go to Ben Taub and ordered those already there to follow emergency response guidelines. The last shooting at Ben Taub happened in October 2016, when an officer shot an inmate who had taken a medical student hostage. Ricky Hall, 46, was facing a parole violation and a host of new charges when he was shot by a sheriff's deputy after he took up an "edged weapon," according to Chronicle archives. Days before his violent outburst, Hall - who struggled with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, his mother said - was taken to the hospital for treatment of seizures. Hall ultimately died from his wounds. More recently, a gun-wielding patient was shot by off-duty sheriff's deputies after he opened fire Jan. 3 inside the North Cypress Medical Center in northwest Harris County, sending receptionists diving under their desks. The 21-year-old gunman, whose name was not released, survived the incident after being shot multiple times, according to authorities. Check back for more details on this developing story. Electronic LittleBits at the library Children in grades 3 through 6 will enjoy the third session of TinkerSpace starting 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, in the Plattsmouth Public Library auditorium. Activities are based on littleBits, a fantastic collection of electronic parts that children will use to build their own machines. The kits includes buttons, buzzers and even a small fan that all connect with magnets. The building blocks are fun and easy to work with, and there are limitless ways to put them together. The free program runs from 4- 5 p.m., and snacks are provided. No registration is required; drop-ins are welcome. Call Kirsten Wood at 402-296-4154 Ext. 21 for more information. This program is sponsored by the Nebraska Library Commission and funded in part with state funds allocated through the Nebraska Legislature. ABU SAIF, Iraq Iraqi troops worked to secure a strategic hilltop overlooking Mosuls international airport and a nearby military base on Tuesday, fearing the Islamic State group, which still holds both facilities, may launch another wave of nighttime counterattacks. The U.S.-backed Iraqi forces advancing on western Mosul from the south have not seen the waves of car bombs that troops confronted when they moved into eastern Mosul late last year. But the latest battle, launched on Sunday, is still in its early stages. As the militarized Federal Police stationed in the hilltop village of Abu Saif scanned a nearby cluster of houses for militants, they spotted around a dozen civilians waving white flags. The soldiers called out for them to approach. Theyre scared, said federal police Officer Hashem Ali, adding that he has seen the extremists target fleeing civilians with sniper and mortar fire. When the family got close enough, a group of soldiers moved down to search them before bringing them back to the base. They handed the men cigarettes and water before whisking them away to be questioned. We will put them in one of these empty houses, Ali said. If their area is liberated soon, then they can return. The troops expect to encounter far more civilians once they enter western Mosul, the more densely populated half of Iraqs second largest city. Iraqi forces declared the half of the city stretching east of the Tigris River fully liberated last month after nearly three months of fierce fighting, but still occasionally come under attack there. Federal Police Capt. Asad Abdullah pointed down at Mosuls airport and the Ghazlani military base, the next targets of the offensive. But he said the focus now is erecting dirt berms to guard their front-line position. We have seen it before when the enemy sends many car bombs, he said. Since the new push for western Mosul began two days ago, Iraqi forces have retaken nearly 50 square miles south of the city, said Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, an Iraqi military spokesman. Islamic State mortar rounds hit Iraqi positions on Tuesday, and rockets struck the main staging base to the south, in Hamam al-Alil, which was captured last year. At least two soldiers were wounded in the rocket attack, according to Maj. Ghassan al-Wattar, a doctor at a front-line clinic. The extremists have also deployed car bombs south of Mosul, though not as many as in earlier stages of the 4-month-old offensive. Four suicide car bombs struck Iraqi forces late Monday, and another five were destroyed by air strikes before hitting their targets, Federal Police Maj. Gen. Saleh Nasr said. Al-Wattar, the Federal Police doctor, said at least eight troops had been killed over the past two days and dozens wounded. He said the casualty rates were nothing like the first days of the Mosul offensive in October, when he admitted 90 people in a single day. Susannah George and Qassim Abdul-Zahra are Associated Press writers. JERUSALEM An Israeli soldier who shot an incapacitated Palestinian attacker in the head was sentenced to 18 months in prison Tuesday, in a case that has divided Israelis and prompted calls for his pardon. Col. Maya Heller, a judge speaking on behalf of a military panel in Tel Aviv, reminded the defendant, Sgt. Elor Azaria, that his conviction for manslaughter was grave and that he could have faced up to 20 years in prison. The acts of the defendant are serious, the judge said, according to a pool report from Israel Radio. The accused damaged the purity of arms which is so holy in the Israel military, she added. There is a need to safeguard humanity. Azaria, now 20, was convicted in January by a panel of military judges for the death of Abdel al-Fatah al-Sharif in Hebron in March. Widely shared video showed the sergeant shooting al-Sharif, who was lying still on his back, in the head. Al-Sharif and another Palestinian had stabbed and wounded an Israeli soldier at a checkpoint. Israeli soldiers killed the other man and wounded al-Sharif. The case unfolded against a backdrop of random attacks by Palestinians using guns, knives and vehicles that had killed at least 28 Israelis in a little over four months. The decision to prosecute Azaria rapidly emerged as a flash point in the debate over the Israeli military and its role as the nations conscience and most trusted institution. Conservatives in Israel expressed outrage, with Naftali Bennett, the education minister, accusing the generals of being quick to pounce on the soldier, while others launched a bitter campaign against the defense minister, Moshe Yaalon. Many Israelis said Azaria should not have been punished for putting his life on the line in the military; service is required for most young Israelis and is held in high esteem in the country. Palestinians and Israeli rights advocates said the events showed a callousness to Palestinian life. An Israeli legal and human rights advocacy group that opposes Israels occupation of the West Bank, Yesh Din, has said that before the case involving Azaria, only one Israeli soldier had been charged and convicted of homicide after more than 260 investigations into Palestinian fatalities since the beginning of the second Palestinian uprising in 2000. Traditionally, generals have preached restraint in the face of Palestinian violence and adherence to open-fire regulations, which dictate that soldiers should shoot only to neutralize a threat. But under the pressure of continued violence last winter, that consensus had eroded. Ian Fisher is a New York Times writer. EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/Getty Images BRUSSELS Vice President Mike Pence told a rattled Europe on Monday that President Trump fully supported crucial European institutions despite the presidents perplexing comments and occasional insults and said he supported the firing of the national security adviser. The president did ask me to come here to Brussels, to the home of the European Union, and deliver an additional message, Pence said while standing next to Donald Tusk, president of the European Council and a former prime minister of Poland. So today its my privilege on behalf of President Trump to express the strong commitment of the United States to continued cooperation and partnership with the European Union. NEW YORK Russias ambassador to the United Nations, a veteran diplomat known as a potent and personable voice for his countrys interests as he sparred with his Western counterparts, died suddenly after falling ill Monday in his office at the mission. Vitaly Churkin, 64, was taken to a hospital in New York, where he died, said Russias deputy U.N. ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov. The cause of death wasnt immediately known. He had been Russias envoy at the United Nations since 2006 and was considered Moscows great champion at the U.N. Diplomatic colleagues from around the world mourned Churkin as a powerful and passionate voice for his nation, with both a deep knowledge of diplomacy and a large and colorful personality. He was the longest-serving member of the Security Council, the U.N.s most powerful body. Among many other issues, he had recently made Russias views heard on the conflict in Syria, sparring with diplomats from the U.S. and other Western countries over whether to impose sanctions or take action to end the conflict. President Vladimir Putin praised Churkins professionalism and diplomacy, according to the state news agency TASS. Russias foreign ministry called Churkin an outstanding diplomat and expressed condolences to his friends and family. Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Churkin was an extraordinary person. A bright man. We have lost a dear one. Churkins death came at the start of a week when the Security Council is expected to discuss Ukraine and Syria. Our thoughts go to his family, to his friends and to his government, said U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq. Calling Churkin a diplomatic maestro and deeply caring man, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power tweeted that he had done all he could to bridge differences between the U.S. and Russia. Edith M. Lederer and Jennifer Peltz are Associated Press writers. The Santa Fe Police Department's internal affairs unit on Monday opened an investigation of the local police union president for incendiary posts shared on his Facebook page, including memes disparaging Muslims, African Americans and the transgender community. The investigation comes after SFR emailed Police Chief Patrick Gallagher seven screenshots taken from Sgt. Troy Baker's Facebook page, representing just a small sample of questionable posts shared by the officer over several years. Baker has not been placed on leave. Here's one of the images we emailed to Gallagher, followed by Baker's explanation to us, which he gave via phone: Baker's view: "That is a joke and taken as such. We don't need to be running over people intentionally, but people shouldn't be blocking roadways either." Heres another: Baker's explanation: "Your gender is what you're born with. You can't change it just because you say you are what you say. By that logic, I am royalty, right? Because I say I am. And I'm black because that's what I am." Heres one more: Baker's view: "I don't have anti-Muslim views. I have anti-radical Islam views. I have friends that are Muslim. It's not against a religion. It's against radical Muslims. The people in that photo are from ISIS." (Scroll down for more examples of Baker's Facebook posts.) The Santa Fe Police Department does not have a social media policy, but the department personnel code does prohibit "conduct unbecoming of an officer." When asked whether Baker's posts reflect broader positions of the police department, Gallagher tells SFR, "Emphatically, no." He adds: "Posts such as this have the potential to make officers' jobs more difficult by eroding police-community relationships." Baker says personal views expressed on his Facebook post do not affect his on-duty behavior. "I'm not bringing it to work," he tells SFR. "You find one person I am not giving appropriate community service to due to their gender, race or ethnicity. Find one." Baker briefly lost his job after a 2010 incident in which a man claimed he and four other officers used excessive force when arresting him for disorderly conduct in a Walmart parking lot. An external review board reinstated Baker and another officer, Steve Cosban. (We asked the police department for additional complaints filed against Baker. We'll keep you updated with any responses.) Baker, a 22-year veteran of Santa Fe city police, was elected president of the Santa Fe Police Officers Association about a year ago. The union represents roughly 150 sworn officers and civilian employees, according to Baker. Not every one of Baker's Facebook posts expresses his political views. For example, he routinely posts memorials for fallen officers. He also occasionally shares personal news, including a photograph of the trophy he received after the Santa Fe Police Department awarded him 2016 Supervisor of the Year. But much of Bakers social media activity involves sharing overtly racist or sexist content, often derived from the pages of right-wing icons like Samuel Joseph Wurzelbacher (better known as "Joe the Plumber") and Milo Yiannopoulos, the provocateur who was recently dropped as keynote speaker for the Conservative Political Action Committee after a video of him defending pedophiles surfaced. Baker frequently uses his Facebook page to express his views on immigration. Like this one: Another post of his from June 2016 links to a story about a US Congressional bill that would pull federal funding from so-called "sanctuary cities," jurisdictions that do not cooperate with federal deportation authorities. Bakers post predated the election of President Donald Trump, who has promised to do the same thing. Santa Fe is a sanctuary city. While Baker does not say whether he condones pulling federal funding from sanctuary cities, he makes his view clear in a phone call with SFR. Why should a city be rewarded for violating federal law? Baker says. I have a lot of friends who are here illegally too. I am absolutely against the criminal element and making the city an absolute safe haven, but again, thats my personal opinion and has nothing to do with the police department. Baker also often uses his Facebook page to make generalizations about Muslims and refugees fleeing war-torn Syria. Like this one: While Baker typically doesnt add substantial commentary to the memes he posts, the sergeant became quite verbose in November 2015, when Mayor Javier Gonzales called on Gov. Susana Martinez to welcome more Syrian refugees into New Mexico. He went from honoring our veterans last week, to kicking us in the balls today, Baker, whose Facebook profile picture is a US Army uniform, wrote of the mayor. We have enough issues here in Santa Fe for our overworked, underpaid, and understaffed police department. We dont need to add international terrorists to our citizens. Our proximity to LANL, SNL and Kirtland AFB, make us a prime target." Santa Fe is hardly the first police department to conduct internal investigations over content shared or posted by officers on social media. Just 50 miles south, the Albuquerque Police Department became one of the first in the nation to implement a social media conduct policy after journalists (namely, former Albuquerque Journal reporter and current SFR contributing editor Jeff Proctor) flagged offensive posts made by officers. One detective was temporarily suspended for listing his job description as human waste disposal, a detail reporters noticed after he fatally shot a man during a traffic stop. In another example, a detective was fired after posts referencing swastikas, pistol-whipping and disparaging comments about Muslims. Taken together, the Albuquerque officers' posts offered one of the first public windows into deeply rooted problems surrounding civil rights, use of force and a dim view of the public at the state's largest law enforcement agency. After a 16-month investigation of Albuquerque police by the US Department of Justice, federal officials would describe it in a blistering set of findings issued in April 2014 as a "culture of aggression" that led to widespread excessive force and one of the highest rates of police shootings in the nation. The Department of Justice most recently referenced social media posts expressing discriminatory views in a scathing report of civil rights violations by the Chicago Police Department. After coming across Bakers Facebook page, SFR reviewed the Facebook pages of the rest of the Santa Fe Police Department roster. Of those who set their pages to public, we could not find any posts with the same tenor, tone or offensive content as Baker's. Baker set his page to private after SFR called him for comment. While Baker typically doesnt add substantial commentary to the memes he posts, the sergeant became quite verbose in November 2015, when Mayor Javier Gonzales called on Gov. Susana Martinez to welcome more Syrian refugees into New Mexico. He went from honoring our veterans last week, to kicking us in the balls today, Baker, whose Facebook profile picture is a US Army uniform, wrote of the mayor. We have enough issues here in Santa Fe for our overworked, underpaid, and understaffed police department. We dont need to add international terrorists to our citizens. Our proximity to LANL, SNL and Kirtland AFB, make us a prime target." Santa Fe is hardly the first police department to conduct internal investigations over content shared or posted by officers on social media. Just 50 miles south, the Albuquerque Police Department became one of the first in the nation to implement a social media conduct policy after journalists (namely, former Albuquerque Journal reporter and current SFR contributing editor Jeff Proctor) flagged offensive posts made by officers. One detective was temporarily suspended for listing his job description as human waste disposal, a detail reporters noticed after he fatally shot a man during a traffic stop. In another example, a detective was fired after posts referencing swastikas, pistol-whipping and disparaging comments about Muslims. Taken together, the Albuquerque officers' posts offered one of the first public windows into deeply rooted problems surrounding civil rights, use of force and a dim view of the public at the state's largest law enforcement agency. After a 16-month investigation of Albuquerque police by the US Department of Justice, federal officials would describe it in a blistering set of findings issued in April 2014 as a "culture of aggression" that led to widespread excessive force and one of the highest rates of police shootings in the nation. The Department of Justice most recently referenced social media posts expressing discriminatory views in a scathing report of civil rights violations by the Chicago Police Department. After coming across Bakers Facebook page, SFR reviewed the Facebook pages of the rest of the Santa Fe Police Department roster. Of those who set their pages to public, we could not find any posts with the same tenor, tone or offensive content as Baker's. Baker set his page to private after SFR called him for comment. Here are more examples of his Facebook posts: Jeff Proctor contributed to this story.8:16 PM: This story has been updated to reflect Sgt. Baker's involvement in an alleged excessive force case in 2010. Santa Fe Reporter Rakon director Peter Maire has resigned after 16 years at the company, with the board expecting to appoint new directors in the next few weeks. "My decision to leave the Board now is because my other business interests are demanding much more of my time and with the arrival of Siward as a high quality major shareholder and potential future business partner, my specific skills are well replaced by their involvement," Maire said. Rakon has tested investors' patience with the founding Robinson family's influence becoming a bone of contention at the 2016 annual meeting last November, with executive director Darren Robinson ousted from the board. While chairman Bryan Mogridge retained his seat, he indicated he would serve one more term and that founder Warren Robinson was prepared to step down before the next AGM. Taiwan's Siward Crystal Technology, which took a 17 percent stake in Rakon in February for $14.1 million, will also appoint a director to its board as part of that deal. The board said today it was confident it is compliant with listing rules around the number of independent directors it needs, with Mogridge and Bruce Irvine filling those roles. Rakon tilted its focus to the telecommunications sector after rivals in the smart wireless market caught up, turning what was once a niche product into a commoditised one. The shift helped Rakon return to profitability in the March 2015 year, but a slump in spending by network operators weighed on the Kiwi firm in 2016 and pushed it back into the red, with the company reporting a first-half loss of $5.7 million last year.The company said it will use the $14.1 million raised from Siward to repay debt, which was at $22.8 million as at Sept. 30, 2016, up $100,000 from a year earlier. The shares were unchanged at 20 cents. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: SKC - ADDITIONAL US PRIVATE PLACEMENT FUNDING SECURED Spark New Zealand Limited's Annual Meeting Results 2022 Fonterra Australia settles class action proceedings PFI - Q3 Dividend, Development and Divestment Update November 4th Morning Report FPH to announce half year results on 29 November 2022 ATM - FDA approval to supply infant milk formula to United States Steel & Tube - Adopts ESG World Platform BGP - 3rd Quarter Sales to 30 October 2022 GEO - Quarterly Operating Update Meridian Energy's revenues from offshore activities are closing in on 10 percent of total income, with political uncertainty in Australia about the use of renewable energy offering both opportunities and risks for the Wellington-based renewable electricity generator and retailer. In the six months to Dec. 31, international income totalled $104 million, all but $2 million of which was earned in Australia from a combination of wind farm operations and the growth of its Powershop retail brand, which has most recently launched in the state of Queensland and boasts 91,000 customers across the ditch. For the half-year, the company reported earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, amortisation and changes in the value of financial instruments of $352 million, up 6 percent, despite a slight fall in total income for the period of $1.13 billion, from $1.21 billion in the previous comparable period. Trading conditions in New Zealand were relatively flat during the half-year, with demand and wholesale electricity prices suppressed by a combination of mild winter weather, reduced irrigation demand because of a wet spring, and some loss of load caused by contracts with major industrial customers coming to an end and being only partially offset by new signings from small and medium-sized customers. In Australia, however, total generation volumes rose by 19 percent and the company's international segment produced an 88 percent uplift in ebitdaf over the same period a year earlier, at $32 million, just $2 million short of ebitdaf for the whole of the previous financial year. Powershop retail sales of 78 gigawatt hours were up 48 percent as the brand expanded its footprint into Queensland and was nominated 'greenest' Australian energy supplier by the environmental lobby group Greenpeace for the second year in a row. However, political turmoil in Australia's electricity sector was becoming an issue, with the recent storm-related outage in South Australia being tied back to the country's pursuit of increased contributions from renewable, particularly wind, energy to offset Australia's heavy reliance on coal and natural gas to produce electricity. It was unclear whether political support was sufficiently solid for the federal government's 2020 Renewable Energy Target to see the target met, although this was leading to some firming in prices for renewable electricity under Australia's scheme, which produces a spot price for renewables under a Large-Scale Generation Certificates scheme. "This inability to provide political certainty for investors is seeing the build rate to meet Australia's 2020 RET rise to a point where most commentators do not deem it realistically achievable," directors said in the Meridian interim report, published today. "The flip side to this has been a strong price for LGCs, which has been a contributor to improved generation prices." Meanwhile, Meridian believes its largest customer - the Rio Tinto-controlled aluminium smelter near Bluff - "remains cash positive at current prices and exchange rates". Since Jan. 1, the smelter has been paying a new, higher price for electricity, but is also now able to announce termination of supply at any time under complex renegotiations that occurred before Meridian's partial privatisation in October 2013. The smelter consumes about 12 percent of all electricity generated in New Zealand. Meridian chair Chris Moller and chief executive Mark Binns noted that global aluminium prices had firmed by around 4 percent at the same time as the New Zealand dollar had weakened about 3 percent against the US dollar, with early signs that the new regime in the US may bolster metal prices. "It will be interesting to see if the new US president, with both a pro-growth agenda and a stated intention of addressing perceived unfair trade practices, has an impact, on both the supply and demand sides of the world aluminium market," they said. "Initial indications have been positive, with the aluminium price on the London Metal Exchange having improved by 7 percent from the date of the US presidential election through to the end of January." The company also this morning announced an intention to raise to an unspecified sum via an issue of unsecured, unsubordinated, fixed rate seven-year retail bonds of which further details will eventually emerge. The company announced a slight increase in interim dividend to 5.33 cents per share, 88 percent imputed, and a special dividend of 2.44 cents. Meridian shares were trading late morning at $2.67, a 0.2 percent rise on yesterday's close. In the last 12 months, the shares have risen 25 percent. BusinessDesk.co.nz Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: SKC - ADDITIONAL US PRIVATE PLACEMENT FUNDING SECURED Spark New Zealand Limited's Annual Meeting Results 2022 Fonterra Australia settles class action proceedings PFI - Q3 Dividend, Development and Divestment Update November 4th Morning Report FPH to announce half year results on 29 November 2022 ATM - FDA approval to supply infant milk formula to United States Steel & Tube - Adopts ESG World Platform BGP - 3rd Quarter Sales to 30 October 2022 GEO - Quarterly Operating Update NEW DELHI: India today discussed several issues, including proposed restrictions on American work visa and intellectual property rights (IPRs), with the visiting U.S. lawmakers. These issues were deliberated upon during a 45-minute long meeting between Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and the eight-member US delegation here. While India raised its concerns regarding H-1B visa restrictions, which will have adverse bearing on the Indian IT industry, the US side flagged the IPR and copyright related matters, sources said. Besides, both sides also discussed market access of certain agricultural products. The US delegation was led by Bob Goodlatte, chairman, Judiciary committee, House of Representatives. He is also scheduled to meet IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The proposed overhaul of popular H-1B visa regime by US President Donald Trump has raised concerns among Indian IT firms, as any changes in the visa regime may result in higher operational costs and shortage of skilled workers for the USD 110-billion Indian outsourcing industry. Indian IT sector, which contributes 9.3 pct to the country's GDP, is one of the largest private sector employers of 3.7 million people. The US accounts for nearly 62 pct of the exports, while EU is the second largest market for the Indian IT services exporters with around 28 pct contribution. Recently, a US legislation (Lofgren Bill) has been introduced that proposes doubling of the minimum wages of H-1B visa holders to USD 130,000. The current H-1B minimum wage of USD 60,000 was fixed in 1989 and has since remained unchanged. Such protectionist stance by the US could also spell more trouble for IT firms that are already facing strong headwinds from currency fluctuation and cautious client spending. Read Also: No Cap On Visa For Indian Students: British Envoy India, EU Discuss Long Pending Free Trade Agreement NEW DELHI: Britain today said there is no cap on visa for Indian students and they are free to access world-class education in top notch UK universities. British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said that the UK had announced 600 scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in the UK. "UK has no cap on visas for students from India or anywhere else. All are treated same. Whoever comes will join almost half a million international students who come in the UK to access word-class education in the world-class universities," he said here. Asquith was speaking at the India launch of the report of the UN Secretary General's High Level Panel on Women's Economic Empowerment. India has time and again asked Britain to relax student visa rules for greater mobility of students. UK's visa policy requires students to return home after their courses end -- a move that has led to fall of Indian students enrolling in British universities by 50 pct. As per estimates, the number of study visas issued to Indian nationals have fallen drastically. Asquith also said that the UK is participating in several initiatives of the Indian government to promote skilling. He said the UK is already investing and supporting about 75 start-up businesses and they provided access to financial services to women in India. British companies, on an average, are spending 7 pct of their revenues on training and skilling employees in India and are also creating more opportunities for women, Asquith said. Read Also: Steel Exports Surge 224 Pct In January India, South Korea Industrial Partnership Growing Fast Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy 02:40 Consensus in the US right now is Republicans will take the House Former White House director of communications Anthony Scaramucci says he believes the Republicans will take the House and Senate in the US midterms... 08:10 Businesses are unanimous in their condemnation of the IR bill Shadow Employment and Workplace Relations Minister Michaelia Cash says businesses are unanimous in their condemnation of the governments... 06:30 Trump had a spring in his step as he hinted at next presidential run Donald Trump had a spring in his step at his rally in Pennsylvania as he hinted at a potential announcement for his third presidential... 03:15 Theyre at it again: TGA pushes for limits on paracetamol purchases Health authorities are at it again with the Therapeutic Goods Administration pushing for limits on supermarket purchases of paracetamol,... 05:45 Democrats desperately trying to pretend democracy is on the ballot Sky News host Paul Murray says the Democrats are desperately" trying to pretend democracy is on the ballot ahead of the US midterm elections.... 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According to the affidavit, Cochrane said she decided to speak out after reading an Associated Press article that said Bedke had temporarily stripped Rep. Heather Scott, R-Blanchard, of her committee assignments in January for accusing female lawmakers of only moving ahead in the Statehouse by trading sexual favors. Scott has since been reinstated to her assignments, but her far-right supporters, which include Redoubt News, have since cried foul and demanded increased scrutiny over the actions and comments made by legislative leadership. A rally in downtown Los Angeles also drew thousands. Demonstrators there called attention to Trump's crackdown on immigration and his party's response to climate change and the environment. Organizers said they chose to rally on the holiday as a way to honor past presidents by exercising their constitutional right to assemble and peacefully protest. 1 of 1 View Caption Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Sen. Orrin Hatch says a few words during a panel discussion on the prevention and treatment o Best Canadian Blog 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 About Kate Why this blog? Until this moment I have been forced to listen while media and politicians alike have told me "what Canadians think". In all that time they never once asked. This is just the voice of an ordinary Canadian yelling back at the radio - "You don't speak for me." (goes to a private mailserver in Europe) I can't answer or use every tip, but all are appreciated! Katewerk Art Support SDA I am not a registered charity. I cannot issue tax receipts. Reconnaissance Man Economics for the Disinterested Montrose County Trump The Establishment "I enjoyed these poems immensely." - William Peter Blatty, author of The Exorcist Want lies? Hire a regular consultant. Want truth? Hire an asshole. Weather Shop Click to inquire about rates. Dow Jones What They Say About SDA "Smalldeadanimals doesn't speak for the people of Saskatchewan" Former Sask Premier Lorne Calvert "I got so much traffic after your post my web host asked me to buy a larger traffic allowance." Dr.Ross McKitrick Holy hell, woman. When you send someone traffic, you send someone TRAFFIC. My hosting provider thought I was being DDoSed. - Sean McCormick "The New York Times link to me yesterday [...] generated one-fifth of the traffic I normally get from a link from Small Dead Animals." Kathy Shaidle "Thank you for your link. A wave of your Canadian readers came to my blog! Really impressive." Juan Giner - INNOVATION International Media Consulting Group I got links from the Weekly Standard, Hot Air and Instapundit yesterday - but SDA was running at least equal to those in visitors clicking through to my blog. Jeff Dobbs "You may be a nasty right winger, but you're not nasty all the time!" Warren Kinsella "Go back to collecting your welfare livelihood."Michael E. Zilkowsky Intelliweather Seismic Map Comments Policy Read this Best Of SDA Hide The Decline The Bottle Genie (ClimateGate links) You Might Be A Liberal Uncrossing The Line Bob Fife: Knuckledragger A Modest Proposal (NP) Settled Science Series Y2Kyoto Series SDA: Reader Occupation Survey Brett Lamb Sheltered Workshop Flakes On A Plane All Your Weather Are Belong To Us Song Of The Sled The Raise A Flag Debacle (Now on Youtube!) (.mwv Video) Abuse Ruins Life Of Girl Trudeaupiate Kleptocrat Jeans Child Labour I Concede Small Dead Feminist Protein Hoser: THK Interview The Werewolf Extinction Dear Laura (VRWC) We Wait Blogging The Oscars Jackson Converts To Islam Just Shut The HELL Up Manipulating Condi Gay Equality Rights Liberal politician Mark Parton has sought the advice of the ACT's ethic and integrity advisor over a series of radio and television ads he appeared in for a Canberra car dealership. A Canberra Liberals spokesman confirmed on Monday the Member for Brindabella had gone to Stephen Skehill for advice on the matter but was yet to hear back as to whether he was in breach of any assembly codes. A screenshot from a social media advertisement for Rolfe Honda featuring Mark Parton. Mr Parton has asked for advice on the ad from the ACT ethics and integrity adviser. Credit:Screenshot/Rolfe Honda The advertisements were made for Rolfe Honda before Mr Parton was elected to the assembly last year but have continued to play in the intervening months. In his declarations of interests, Mr Parton said he began winding down his marketing business upon taking office. It didn't take long for Carwoola's Toni Glaab to know something was wrong when she smelt smoke on Friday. A quick glance at an emergency services website showed the fire speeding towards her home was attached with a 'Watch and Act' alert level, and she left her home. The Glaab family were renting a home at Carwoola and it is now gone due to the fire. Toni and her husband Carl Glaab, and their children Christina 8, and Alexander, 9. Credit:Jamila Toderas By the time she arrived at Bungendore, radio alerts told residents on her road, Widgiewa Street, to leave. "It was so fast," she said. Stephen Raymond Stubbs, the Canberra criminal solicitor who was found guilty last year of fraud, was jailed in the 1970s for dishonesty offences, a court has heard. Stubbs, 63, faced a sentencing hearing in the ACT Supreme Court on Tuesday, after a jury found him guilty on December 15 of 14 counts of dishonestly obtaining property by deception. Over the course of about a year in 2008 and 2009, Stubbs had demanded money for legal work from both a client's mother, Anne Duffy, and Legal Aid ACT, a legal funding service for socially or economically disadvantaged people. The total amounts he was found guilty of dishonestly taking were $25,000 and $4,000 respectively. Stubbs did not deny taking the money. The prosecution had argued he was dishonest because he told both parties the other was not contributing to the defence of Alexander Duffy - who was facing a serious charge of conspiracy to commit murder. In a victim impact statement read by the prosecutor on Tuesday, Ms Duffy described Stubbs' crimes as "the cruelest of all betrayals". The Canberra Times recently reported that the water in Lake Burley Griffin is slightly improving - but the data failed to change many member's of the public's strong stance that they won't be jumping in any time soon. According to the National Capital Authority, which manages the lake, if fewer people had gym memberships they might give it a try. University of Canberra professor Ross Thompson testing water quality at Lake Burley Griffin. Credit:Rohan Thomson But a Canberra water scientist thinks it has more to do with the lingering foul smells, murky appearance and pollution. And unfortunately for the people who are turned off for those very reasons - he believes it will take at least a decade until they are fixed, despite state and federal government efforts to clean up the lake. The AFL tribunal won't sit on Tuesday after Brisbane recruit Jack Frost accepted a one-match ban and four other players accepted fines. Frost, who crossed from Collingwood in the off-season, will miss the Lions' round-one clash against Gold Coast after accepting the ban for his crude tackle on the Suns' Brandon Matera. The pair were chasing a loose ball out of bounds in the third quarter of Sunday's pre-season competition clash when Frost slung Matera to the turf, causing a brief melee. Bank staff are pressured not to "rock the boat" by calling out unethical or unlawful behaviour, the union representing finance workers says. In a submission to a parliamentary inquiry calling for greater whistleblower protections, the Finance Sector Union says while employers have whistleblower policies in place, workers are afraid to access the policies because of pressure from management. The union says staff have reported instances where they have been warned by managers not to report unethical behaviour and occasions when they have been directed to undertake unethical behaviour. Staff have also reported being subjected to onerous procedures after speaking out about unlawful activity, it said. Caltex is to review its operations including its franchise model as it prepares to push further into convenience retailing in a bid to drive growth to counter a looming loss of earnings from severing a large contract to supply Woolworths-branded petrol stations from year end. BP is hoping to complete the $1.8 billion acquisition of the Woolworths petrol stations by year end, with Caltex moving to ensure the lost earnings will be offset by acquisitions or further operating efficiencies. The loss of the Woolworths business comes as Caltex is ramping up efforts to push into the convenience retailing sector, via tie-ups with the likes of Sumo Salad, Boost Juices, Guzman Y Gomez, along with laundry and parcel pick-up (for internet transactions) service operators. Non-fuel sales already run at $1.1 billion a year, which gives it a ready platform that it is now moving to expand with greater convenience store sales. The recent purchase of Melbourne sandwich and coffee bar operator Nashi, which has nine outlets, was part of that push. Caltex has been refining its new convenience retailing concept at its petrol stations, recently launching The Foodary at a petrol station in Sydney, with the expectation it could take another year or two to refine the model sufficiently to support a broader roll-out across its network nationwide. The company told analysts on Tuesday that a five-year development plan was under way, but it would only be in years three to five that there would be a "meaningful level" of contributions from the convenience store revamp. One of the more interesting asides to the earnings season was provided by Peter Allen, the boss of Westfield spin-off Scentre Group. The shopping centre operator could have been crimped pretty badly by the recent failures of Allphones, Marcs, David Lawrence, Pumpkin Patch and Payless Shoes. But these people were schooled by billionaire Frank Lowy, and they certainly know how to smell blood in the water. Or in Allen's words, know which retailers are in danger of "going dark". One of the analysts on the conference call for Scentre's half-year results on Tuesday asked Allen about the prospect of future bankruptcies and whether there were any tenants that "might be in a bit more trouble than usual". The 1st UNWTO World Conference on Smart Destinations was organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in cooperation with the Ministry of Industry, Tourism and the Digital Agenda of Spain and the Region of Murcia on 15-17 February. More than 100 speakers from 20 countries convened in Murcia, Spain to present solutions and experiences for smart destinations. Smart destinations are key to sustainable development and contribute not only to advances in the tourism sector but also in societies at large. The use of technological solutions contributes effectively to evidence-based decision making, prioritization of measures and anticipation of future scenarios, which is essential for responsible management of tourism and its impacts. Topics such as smart destination systems for regular and timely measurement, intelligent promotion of tourist sites and digital accessibility formed part of the parallel presentations given over the three days. Improved accessibility of destinations thanks to new solutions, the opportunities and challenges deriving from geo-referenced data, big data and open data platforms, and enhanced environmental protection through smart tools were also part of the discussions. Furthermore, changing travel behaviours and increasing personalized customer experiences, new business models and the role of entrepreneurs, improved participatory processes supported by smart solutions, the relation between travellers and local communities, and the sharing of existing applications were at the core of the conference. Smart tourism is not a trend, but the future of tourism development, said UNWTO Secretary-General Taleb Rifai opening the conference. The International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development 2017 is the perfect framework to conduct such an event, as it addresses major challenges and opportunities of the tourism sector in the coming years, he added. Spain has not only accepted the concept of smart tourism, but it has also launched related projects and actions, such as the conversion of the island of El Hierro and other cities such as Palma into smart destinations, or the development of normative work on this topic, said State Secretary of Spain for Tourism, Matilde Asian. Destinations have to assume the new global framework: a complex context in which tourists behaviour and new technologies are changing economic structures and related policies; we are in a new scenario of continuous evolution, said the President of the Murcia region, Pedro Antonio Sanchez. The former lover of Seven West Media chief Tim Worner said she wanted to "destroy" him and promised to unleash a "reign of terror", emails tendered in court reveal. In a dramatic hearing in the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday, lawyers for the media company released a string of emails in which former executive assistant Amber Harrison said she was "out to get" Mr Worner. The company is seeking an order permanently restraining the 39-year-old from publishing embarrassing details about her two-year affair with the Seven chief executive, which ended in 2014. But Ms Harrison's barrister told the court she was far from a "venomous harridan setting up poor Mr Worner" and Seven did not need to be protected from an "unemployed woman living down in Melbourne". Charter Hall Retail REIT is looking at a range of capital management tools to deploy cash at a time when the supply of regional and neighbourhood centres is tightening. These could range from a share buy to an equity return to investors, but only if cash cannot be deployed into new acquisitions. Charter Hall Retail REIT added the Arana Hills Plaza, Queensland, to its assets. Credit:UA Creative It comes as its major tenants, being Wesfarmer's Coles and Woolworths supermarkets, have shown some strength and the Aldi chain has also increased its presence and is now the eighth tenant in the portfolio in term of base rent paid. Charter Hall Retail's chief executive Scott Dundas said a buy back or equity return, if they occur, "are both equivalent to buying more of an improved residual portfolio and therefore increasing the growth from it". Family-owned commercial and high-rise residential builder Crema Constructions has leased an older-style industrial building in Port Melbourne. Another securely tenanted medical facility on Hastings Road has sold for $3.1million to a local developer. Colliers International's Ben Baines and Adrian Rowse said the 1821 sq m site generated more than 100 inquiries and sold on a yield of 6.1 per cent. Mornington School uniform supplier Bob Stewart has leased a large office/warehouse at 364-368 Darebin Road, Alphington. A Mornington Peninsula hotel popular with newly weds and for functions has sold for around $9 million. The Best Western Plus Brooklands hotel on the beachside of Nepean Highway at 99 Tanti Avenue has 53 four-star guest rooms, four function rooms, a heated indoor pool and gymnasium on a 9000 sq m site. CBRE's Scott Callow said the buyer was an experienced accommodation operator from Melbourne. Windsor The successful auction of a property at 86-90 High Street prompted the off-market sale of a neighbouring property at 92 High Street to Quattro Group chief executive Peter Quattro. Colliers International's Ben Baines and Jeremy Gruzewski negotiated the sale of the two-level creative-style office/showroom for $2,775,000. Epping A local transport business has paid $1.65 million for a new office warehouse at 9 Newmarket Lane. The business, which is expanding, will move from an older facility into the 1250 sq m on a 1808 sq m site, Knight Frank's Daniel DeSanctis and Scott Braithwaite said. Moorabbin A 3200 sq m second-grade industrial building has sold within two weeks, said Colliers International's James Stott. Vendor Bert Tuckwell walked away with $3.3 million after the property at 1-7 Sullivan Street sold off market. Mr Stott said the south-eastern suburbs had experienced strong capital growth throughout 2016. Meanwhile, Ace Fencing is moving to Pakenham from Dandenong South after purchasing a 1362 sq m warehouse for $1,482,000. The 2632 sq m property is Carmega Properties' last remaining lot at SouthEast Business Park, Gordon Code and Michael Burne said. Moorabbin Crabtrees Real Estate successfully sold out Phoenix Business Park at 143 Keys Road. Six warehouse shells sold on a sq m rate between $2750 and $2955. "The Moorabbin market is very strong at the moment. There is simply very few options available," said Luke Pitcher. LEASES Ravenhall Fast-growing fitness group The HIIT Factory has expanded its Victorian footprint, leasing out warehouse four at 24-28 Eucumbene Drive. Colliers International's Ashley McIntyre negotiated the terms at $95 per sq m for two years, plus the option for two years. Ms McIntyre said HIIT decided to open near Caroline Springs to take advantage of the growing population. Alphington School uniform supplier Bob Stewart has leased a large office/warehouse at 364-368 Darebin Road. The firm will move its warehouse from Kew into the 2600 sq m building leased by CBRE's Guy Naselli and Gray & Johnson on a five-year term for $180,000 per annum. It's retail shop will remain in Kew. Port Melbourne Family-owned commercial and high-rise residential builder Crema Constructions has leased an older-style industrial building at 90 Turner Street. Gray Johnson's Rory White said the firm took a three-year lease plus three-year option on starting gross annual rental of $242,000 with no incentives. Retail has had a rough and ready couple of months, but some companies are hitting it out of the park. Shopping centre owner GPT Group has singled out jewellery retailer Pandora and cosmetics chains Mecca and Mac as star performers. "Over the past 12 months, total centre sales were up 3.2 per cent, with an improvement in department stores (up 4.2 per cent) and supermarkets (up 2.4 per cent), while the discount department stores [were] still showing declining sales growth (down 2.6 per cent)," GPT, which controls a $4.9 billion retail portfolio across 14 centres, told investors. Discount department stores include well-known brands such as Target, Kmart and Big W. One of Australia's largest IVF providers has suffered an almost 18 per cent fall in first-half profit as demand for IVF treatments in Australia sinks. Virtus Health reported a 17.6 per cent fall in first-half profit to $14.7 million, citing lower market activity and weakness in Victoria, with revenue for the six months to December 31 down 0.7 per cent to $131.4 million. The company said it was anticipating pressure in Queensland as a result of increased low-cost competition. Credit:Getty Images While the assisted reproductive services (ARS) market contracted 6 per cent in the half year, Virtus' fresh cycle activity in Australia dropped by 7.2 per cent on a like-for-like basis. However, Virtus chief executive Sue Channon said revenue had improved in its diagnostics business, where revenue for pre-genetic screening services (PGS) rose 37.9 per cent. The fizz is going out of China's beer market. Consumption volume has declined in the last two years, and is set to continue to do so for the next five, according to BMI Research. The reasons include intense competition, changing tastes, growing health awareness and a slower economy, which is squeezing out lower-income consumers, the research arm of Fitch Group said. Asahi Group Holdings is looking to exit its 19.9 per cent stake in Tsingtao Brewery after eight years, epitomising the troubles operators face in the market. Pakistan is also vesting significant hope in the new port. Inland lie huge deposits of minerals (iron, lithium and deposits of rare earths). Opening a transport route could transform the region; but that's been the case for years. What's changed now is that real money is backing the project. China is devoting an enormous sum, nearly $A60 billion, towards the project. Once opened, it will allow China to escape the "string of pearls" the maritime choke points in the South China Sea that act like a garrotte around the superpower. Understanding this is the key to unravelling the new determination behind the development of the port. It will, however, require much more than just willpower to hold back the desert. Despite plans for new coal-fired power and desalination plants, almost as soon as any capacity comes online more is urgently needed and it's difficult to know where it will come from. The hinterland is bare which is why it hasn't already been developed. Jamaldini (who studied for a PhD at the University of Queensland) is, necessarily, pushing the doors that are open as he tries to fire up the port. That doesn't mean it will be enough. While the beating sun would appear to offer an ideal opportunity for solar power, this isn't planned at the moment and generating power, like obtaining fresh water, will remain problematic. New techniques are, however, being introduced. Customs' collector Saeed Akram has increased revenue by 50 per cent by using the "light touch" of indirect taxes. As part of an effort to encourage more companies to move, the port itself will also become a tax-free zone. Hopeful rhetoric has surrounded this project for years. What's changed now is that dollar signs are attached. What happens over the coming 12 months will be the key to making or breaking the project, and that's why a lot will depend on speed. Melbourne might be the self-proclaimed coffee capital of the known universe, but what floats this Melburnian's boat is the humble, daggy cup of tea. I can go for days without coffee, and have even (oh the shame!) been known to sneak a cup of instant. Tea, however (made in a pot, with leaves) is a matter of survival. I can well understand why Jeannie Gunn, in the Australian classic We of the Never Never, written in the early years of the 20th century, describes how vital tea was to the functioning of her remote Northern Territory cattle station. Everything would grind to a halt if the tea ran out; people would risk life and limb to ensure that supplies arrived. Tea: The warmth starts as your hands wrap around the mug, and steals gently into your soul. Credit:Louise Southerden I grew up in the middle of tea plantations in the subcontinent, where tea is the beverage that keeps the nation on its feet. Any Indian will tell you, it is never too hot for a cup of tea, and there is always, always time for one. Every time we moved house in India, we packed our crockery in old tea chests. To this day I can picture them: big boxes made of ply, covered in stencils of exotic place names, lined with tin, with traces of the leaves still in the corners and the faintest aroma of tea. This is what's still happening despite any protestations from the government, despite any pretence that it's taking serious action. Last week, two women died violently on the same day. This year, seven all up that we know about, as well as at least two deaths in remote communities where getting any consistent public reporting is nearly impossible. Over the past three years, more than 200 women have been killed. It's such an urgent problem across the world that United Nations special rapporteur Dubravka Simonovic is conducting a sweeping study. She is in Australia now assessing violence against women here and meeting everyone she can representatives at federal, state and territorial level among the legislative and judicial branches, the Australian Human Rights Commission and various rights commissioners, as well as with a broad range of civil society representatives. I met her in Sydney last week and her laser focus on the issue of violence against women was compelling. She urged us all to have the best data we could collect and acknowledged those involved in what she described as the femicide census or femicide watch, including the work of Destroy the Joint's Counting Dead Women. She has said: "Violence against women continues to be one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, affecting every woman worldwide and Australia is no exception." Which is why Batty continues with her inhuman workload. Last year, she spoke at more than 150 events. This year, there are many more to come. She's sure that one particular area would do much to stop family violence in particular the deaths of children and that's the reform of the Family Court. She has begged and pleaded with everyone to take stock and to stop the harm. Instead of those changes, she's seen back-pedalling and the rise of One Nation. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has criticised the United Nations for a recent resolution condemning Israeli settlements while reiterating Australia's continuing support for a two state solution to the Middle East conflict, ahead of an historic visit by the Israeli prime minister on Wednesday. Writing for News Corp, Mr Turnbull welcomed Israel's leader Benjamin Netanyahu to Australia and appeared to censure both the UN and those who "insisted government take the side of those in the international community who seek to chastise Israel and it alone for the continuing failure of the peace process." "In a speech to the UN General Assembly in 2015, Prime Minister Netanyahu pointed out that in the preceding 12 months, the General Assembly had adopted 20 resolutions critical of Israel, compared to just one in response to the war in Syria, which has resulted in more than 250,000 killed and millions driven from their homes," Mr Turnbull wrote. "My government will not support one-sided resolutions criticising Israel of the kind recently adopted by the UN Security Council and we deplore the boycott campaigns designed to delegitimise the Jewish state." Australians overwhelmingly believe keeping asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru indefinitely is cruel, but are evenly split on whether they should be resettled in Australia, a survey has found. The poll by Roy Morgan Research shows attitudes towards those held on remote foreign islands are heavily based on age, gender, geography and political affiliation, with young progressive voters strongly supporting resettlement in Australia. The chief executive officer of Roy Morgan Research, Michele Levine, said those who took part in the poll were invited to comment on the policy that has left more than 2000 asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru for more than three years. "Even those who said: 'Don't bring them to Australia' would still say: 'It's really cruel, I'm concerned at the way they are living'," Ms Levine told Fairfax Media. "There is an overwhelming concern and response to the human suffering that seems to cut across everything." There's not much the Kardashian/Jenner clan won't do for fame, especially with momager, Kris Jenner, at the helm cracking the whip, so it will come as no surprise that Kim Kardashian West has kept the details of her Paris robbery for the 13th season of her family's reality television show, Keeping up with the Kardashians. Appearing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show on Monday, Jenner explained that her second-eldest daughter (and main cash cow) found it "therapeutic" to speak about the October heist for the cameras. "When we started filming again and started getting up and running, obviously Kim was around because we all practically lived together on the same street. We started filming and what was coming out of that was very therapeutic for her I think, to just to explain to us and walk us through," Kris said. "Now we are seeing some of the stuff that had come out of those days and no one can even get through the first five minutes without being hysterical. I get choked up just thinking about it and talking about it. But it's remarkable to listen to her tell the story." HSC courses could be sold to countries with the best performing education systems, with Asian countries keen to teach the NSW syllabuses in their schools, according to the board responsible for exams and curriculum. The chair of the NSW Education Standards Authority, Tom Alegounarias, said the HSC was in demand around the world. "The HSC is one of the state's greatest assets," Mr Alegounarias said. "We have had Chinese schools and systems wanting to buy our syllabuses." The standards authority, formerly the Board of Studies, released new syllabuses for English, Maths, Science and History on Tuesday after a four-year consultation period with teachers, interest groups and academics. Essendon, July 10, 1978: Catastrophe and comfort, the warmth of the burning plane and the blazing house somehow made a haunting contrast that cold winter's evening. The plane had hit the house, slewed across the back fence and slammed into the rear brick wall of the backyard neighbour's place. Three men were still trapped in the wreckage. The ABC television evening news had just started as neighbours rushed with hoses and buckets to put out the fire engulfing the twin-engine Partenavia aircraft. A major Islamic organisation thrown into turmoil by an internal coup has been stacked with new executives that include two sacked school leaders and a halal certifier suing anti-Islam campaigner Kirralie Smith. Fairfax Media reported on Monday that a group of former executive members of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC), who either stepped down or were banned last year, entered the organisation's Zetland headquarters late at night last week with a locksmith. Hafez Kassem (second from right) resigned as AFIC president but now claims it was only temporary. AFIC administers millions of dollars worth of halal certification, sits on $65 million worth of assets and runs six Islamic schools. All six schools risked having their federal funding revoked after audits uncovered years of mismanagement, nepotism and financial impropriety by AFIC. The Bishop of Parramatta, Vincent Long Van Nguyen, has told a royal commission he suffered sexual abuse by a member of the clergy after arriving in Australia as a refugee from Vietnam in 1981. Bishop Long told the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse he had enormous empathy for victims. Bishop of Parramatta Vincent Long Van Nguyen has told a royal commission the Catholic church needs reform. Credit:Nic Walker "I was also a victim of sexual abuse by clergy when I first came to Australia, even though I was an adult," he said. "That had a powerful impact on me and I want to walk in the shoes of other victims and endeavour to attain justice and dignity for them." The morning Caroline Byrne was found dead at the bottom of a cliff, her boyfriend Gordon Wood went to view her body in the morgue. Accompanied by his mother and sister, Mr Wood was told by a counsellor that he could hold Ms Byrne's hand to say goodbye, Mr Wood's barrister Bruce McClintock, SC, told the NSW Supreme Court on Tuesday. Caroline Byrne, whose body was found at the bottom of a cliff at The Gap, in Watsons Bay, in June 1995. But Ms Byrne's former boyfriend, Andrew Blanchette, told a false and "sinister" story about Mr Wood's visit to the morgue on June 8, 1995, Mr McClintock said. Mr Blanchette, then a police officer, also visited the morgue that morning and made a statement in 2000, which was read to the court as part of Mr Wood's claim against the state of NSW for malicious prosecution. A man who claimed his pet pug dog was stolen at knife-point in Sydney Olympic Park earlier this month has been charged with making a false report to police about the late-night armed robbery, which police allege never happened. However, police are still searching for the 14-week-old puppy, named Egg, who has been missing since February 9 when his owner claimed he had been stolen. On that night, the 29-year-old man told police he was walking Egg near the corner of Australia Avenue and Parkview Drive about 10.30pm when he was confronted by three men who were armed with knives. The man told police the offenders demanded his wallet and backpack, which he handed over to them. Aussie hip hop act Bliss n Eso will play a tribute show to the Gold Coast stuntman killed while filming a music video for their latest single. Popular stuntman Johann Ofner died last month while filming an "Asian gangster" scene using prop guns and blanks in an underground Brisbane bar, shocking the industry. Fairfax Media has been told it's suspected a piece or pieces of debris exited the barrel of a prop shotgun used in the scene and penetrated the performer's chest. On Friday, the band announced plans to push back its album launch and play a tribute show for the 28-year-old in his hometown. Emergency vehicles are automatically turning Brisbane's lights green to enable them to get to their destinations up to 26 per cent quicker. The technology has been rolled out across 13 Brisbane road corridors at a cost of $1.1 million, jointly funded by Brisbane City Council and the Queensland state government. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the technology could shave almost 30 seconds off an emergency vehicle's travel time, a relatively small amount of time that could have life-saving ramifications. "In an emergency, every second counts and this priority emergency technology is about making sure we see emergency vehicles, be they ambulances or fire and rescue vehicles, get to where they need to go quickly," he said. The pilot of the plane that crashed at Essendon Airport killing himself and four passengers on Tuesday was the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau that had been deferred on three separate occasions. Max Quartermain, the 63-year-old owner and pilot for charter company Corporate and Leisure Aviation faced referral to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and possible suspension of his aviation licence over a "near collision" with another plane on Mount Hotham in September 2015. But the draft investigation report has been delayed for more than eight months because of "competing priorities and workload of the investigator in charge", according to a recent update from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. "Completion of the draft investigation report has been further delayed by the involvement of the investigator in charge on other aviation safety investigations and tasks." There are heavy delays Altona-bound on the Western Ring Road after two crashes. The first one, is about to clear, at Sydney Road, where a truck is being pushed out of the way of the right hand lane but the trouble is further down at Airport Drive. A couple of trucks have collided in a noses-to-tails crash. The three right-hand lanes are closed and it is not clear how long it will take to shift the trucks out of the way. Only the left lane is getting through. VicRoads and emergency services are on the way. Detectives have visited the home of missing Melbourne mother Karen Ristevski. Police confirmed the worst on Tuesday afternoon, saying a body found in Mount Macedon belonged to Ms Ristevski. Missing Melbourne mother Karen Ristevski has been confirmed dead. Karen Ristevski with her husband, Borce, and daughter, Sarah. Two plain-clothes officers arrived at the Oakley Drive house in Avondale Heights shortly before 5pm on Tuesday. They left alone about 5.45pm. Ms Ristevski's husband Borce and their 21-year-old daughter Sarah live at the house. It comes after a badly decomposed body was found in bushland at the base of Mount Macedon on Monday. Premier Daniel Andrews has rejected the State Coroner's push for a safe injecting room to help reduce deadly drug overdoses, adding fuel to the political battle between Labor and the Greens in a key inner-city seat. Despite recommendations from Coroner Jacqui Hawkins that a safe injecting room for heroin users be trialled, Mr Andrews on Tuesday said his Labor government had no plans to set such a facility up. Premier Daniel Andrews is resisting calls to trial a safe injecting room Credit:Rick Stevens "I have been very, very clear prior to the election and since. We have no plans to introduce a facility like that," Mr Andrews said. Thirty-four people died in 2016 in an area centred around Victoria Street in Richmond. Professor Buxton said the Essendon Airport DFO was "one of the most extensive commercialisations of any airport in Australia and it has put thousands of extra people daily within the airport boundaries". He said state governments had failed to strongly oppose bad developments at airports despite the dangers they introduced. Premier Daniel Andrews, asked on Tuesday if Essendon Airport should shut after the latest accident, pointed to its importance as a transport hub for Victoria. Aviation analyst Neil Hansford said the crash raised questions about whether Essendon Airport's operators should have been allowed to develop the site. "The DFO sits on what used to be cleared land for the airport. If the DFO hadn't been there, [the plane] would have come down on the airport estate," he said. But Peter Bruce, deputy chair of Swinburne University's aviation department, said there was tight regulation to prevent developments on airport grounds interfering with safety. "This is a freak sort of thing," Dr Bruce said. There have been 287 incidents, three serious, and three "accidents" at Essendon Airport in the past decade, according to Australian Transport Safety Bureau data. The most recent before Tuesday's was in December, when a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane's landing gear collapsed and it overran the runway. Helen van den Berg was spokeswoman for a campaign to close Essendon Airport for 13 years but the group wound itself up two years ago after realising the fight was pointless. "Why argue when nobody will act? You saw today, the premier shut down the argument about closing so quickly because commerce takes precedence over people," she said. Labor's 1996 federal election campaign promised to shut the airport and turn it into film studios. Ms van den Berg, who lives in Niddrie, said air safety bureaucrats had warned at that time that Essendon needed a far bigger buffer around its runways. Approached for a response on the safety of airport development, and resident safety, Essendon Airport issued a statement on Tuesday saying: "Planning on and around airports is subject to an extensive public consultation process including the local community and all relevant authorities." It was not appropriate to comment further on the incident until safety investigations were complete, the statement said. Ms van den Berg said the aircraft in Tuesday's accident might have had more chance of reducing the crash severity if there had been open space around it. "If I buy a ticket for Tullamarine, I know there is a buffer of green space around it. At Essendon, there's nothing." Arun Chandu completed his PhD last year into the history of Melbourne's airports, which looked at Essendon from its use as a major airfield from 1919. "It was on the outskirts at that time, miles from everything," he said. He argued that the crash was due to an aircraft issue, and the focus shouldn't be on the development around the airport. But Essendon Fields residents on Tuesday voiced their concerns about the height of buildings close to the airport. Stephen Moore saw the aftermath of the plane crashing into the shopping centre. He was surprised "a building of that height that close to an airport" had been allowed. Mr Moore was also concerned about other surrounding developments, including apartments being built on a hill on Bulla Road, across the Tullamarine Freeway from the DFO. "It seems high for being that close to the airport," he said. However he said he didn't believe the airport should be shut or buffer zones increased. "It's a rare event so we have to take that into context," he said. Loading The Ristevski house in Avondale Heights. Credit:Pat Scala June 29: Karen Ristevski disappears from her Avondale Heights home about 10am after an argument with her husband, Borce. July 4: Karen's daughter, Sarah, makes a plea for public information about her mother's disappearance. July 8: Karen's husband Borce Ristevski is questioned by police over the disappearance. Work to duplicate the Western Highway between Ballarat and Stawell has been suspended indefinitely because VicRoads failed to renew an expired planning permit for the project. The administrative blunder has put the biggest regional road project in Victoria in limbo, because VicRoads has lost its authority to proceed with the next stage of the $675 million highway upgrade. The Western Highway, between Ararat and Stawell, is set to be duplicated. Credit:Paul Jeffers It is the latest in a series of costly errors made by the authority, which won environmental approval for an earlier stage of the project on the basis of a wildly inaccurate estimate that it would cut down no more than 221 large old trees. It went on to destroy almost 900 such trees, which were classified as "of very high conservation significance". The evidence in favour of a supervised drug injecting room is now too compelling to ignore. The voices in support of such a centre have become louder after Coroner Jacqui Hawkins recommended a trial. Yet Premier Daniel Andrews remains stubbornly opposed to a measure that is widely accepted as saving lives. The official line from MPs is against an injecting room but privately many support it. The man allegedly behind the wheel of the Toyota Landcruiser that crashed head-on into Jenni Pratt's car on the Bussell Highway near Capel on Saturday has been identified as Shaun Southern. The 45-year-old remains in a critical condition in hospital and is yet to be interviewed by detectives investigating the horrific fatal crash and his alleged erratic behaviour in the moments beforehand. Homicide detectives are trying to determine why the father-of-two seemingly deliberately drove onto the wrong side of the highway, forcing dozens of oncoming motorists to swerve or drive their vehicles at high speed into roadside ditches to avoid a collision. Ms Pratt was returning from an outing with a friend when her RAV4 was hit head-on by the 4WD Mr Southern was driving. She died at the scene. "I have a dream..." Two pensioners from Port Kennedy who used their last $11 in change to buy a Monday Lotto ticket are WA's latest millionaires. A Port Kennedy couple have had an extraordinary win in Monday Lotto. Credit:Viki Lascaris The self-described battlers - both in their 60s - purchased the ticket only after the wife dreamt she had won Lotto. Just days later she scooped the $1 million Division One prize. A child rapist will not return to school after a public outcry from parents who were not told the offender was at the same school as their children. The 10-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to sexually penetrating a child and threatening to kill following an incident where he raped an eight-year-old boy in a local park at knifepoint in December. The boy's sentencing was delayed on Tuesday after a magistrate expressed concerns he may not have the capacity to understand the legal process. Around 50 parents who had planned to pull their children out of the school if the child returned held a meeting on Tuesday afternoon following the court delay. The houses in the Rockaways sat empty. The next year, Hurricane Sandy struck the Queens neighbourhood with great force, causing massive property damage. The city created the "Build It Back" program to provide assistance for reconstruction. Clean-up and reconstruction began on Beach 120th Street, but not at the two empty homes, and that may have been the first time someone discovered they were vacant. A woman named Donata Rea, 53, lived five blocks away. She would later tell the authorities that she had known Connors from the neighbourhood, and helped her in later years when she was ill. She took a new interest in Connors' property after the storm. In January 2013, Rea created the Karen M. Connors Living Trust - more than a year after Connors had ceased living - in a document bearing what was purported to be Connors' signature, according to a criminal complaint released last week. The document gave the dead woman's jewellery, her furniture, a bank account containing more than $US32,000 ($41,000) and the two homes to Rea, according to the complaint. Five months later, Rea submitted paperwork to obtain power of attorney over Connors, again with the dead woman's signature. A month after that, Rea began a scheme that would eventually lead to her arrest, according to the complaint. She applied for Build It Back funds for repairs to the houses. "It's that last sort of greedy step that ends up being her undoing," said Mark Peters, the commissioner of the city's Department of Investigation, which worked on the case with the Queens district attorney's office. The program went on to approve more than $US60,000 in payments for work done on the houses, according to the complaint. Rea turned the former Connors summer home into an apartment with three units and leased them to tenants. One of those tenants, Patricia Struse, 70, arrived in 2014. She and other tenants were told that Karen Connors was the landlady, but they never saw her, Struse said. Neighbours said they thought she had died. Struse said she didn't want trouble, and wrote her monthly $US1100 check to Rea. "I was just happy to have a roof over my head," she said. In 2015, investigators received a tip that something was amiss on Beach 120th Street. By then, Rea had sold property that Connors had owned in Florida for $US146,000, according to the complaint. She went on to collect $US50,000 in rent from the three apartments and put the house up for sale, the complaint states. In November last year, Rea entered into a contract with a buyer to sell that house for $800,000, the complaint states. It was then that the public administrator's office first learned of Connors and her assets, said Gerard Sweeney, a lawyer for the office. "We brought proceedings to recover the real estate," he said. Rea agreed to vacate the deeds, giving the property to the public administrator. She was arrested on Wednesday, charged with grand larceny and released on her own recognisance. A woman at her home responded to a reporter's knock on Thursday by saying: "She's not here." If convicted, Rea faces up to 25 years in prison, according to the district attorney. Her lawyer, Joseph Mure jnr, said Rea had been trying to help Connors, not knowing she had died. "The woman was missing," he said Friday. "Sandy hit, and she attempted to help out her friend, getting into the house, fixing things up." The criminal case led to the realisation of what had become of Connors' remains. "A destitute person looks just the same as a person with a million dollars in real estate if there's no one there to tell a story," Sweeney said. Connors was born in 1948 to Mary and Michael Connors, not long after Michael Connors had returned from Europe, where he fought in World War II as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. She attended Saint Leo College in Florida (now Saint Leo University), where she participated in the drama club, student government, the dance company and the riding club; a yearbook photo showed her on horseback at Tampa Downs, her long blonde hair pulled back beneath a riding hat. She graduated in 1972 with a degree in theatre and philosophy. Her father died of a heart attack in the summer house on Beach 120th Street in 1966. Her mother died in 1976. Connors returned to the two-storey home. Neighbours last week described her as a recluse in her later years, more prone to complain about noisy children than start a conversation. The office plans to auction Connors' homes next month, and the proceeds will eventually be divided among any cousins who come forward. But first, the office will pay to have Connors disinterred from Hart Island. It has found the cemetery in Long Island where her mother and father are buried. There is no room there, but a plot is available at a nearby Catholic cemetery; that is where Connors will be buried, said Lois Rosenblatt, the public administrator. South of Mosul: US-backed Iraqi forces battling Islamic State fighters have fought their way close to Mosul's airport on the second day of a ground offensive on the jihadists' remaining stronghold in the western side of the city. Federal police and elite interior ministry units known as Rapid Response are leading the charge toward the airport on the southern outskirts of Mosul and plan to turn it into a close support base for the push into western Mosul, military commanders said. They dislodged Islamic State fighters from the hilltop village of Albu Saif which overlooks the airport, reaching its "vicinity," an Iraqi military statement said. The militants were said to be essentially under siege in western Mosul, along with an estimated 750,000 civilians, after they were forced out of the eastern part of the city in the first phase of the campaign that ended last month after 100 days of fighting. The bill, authored by state Senator Jacob Anderegg, a fellow Utah Republican, would commission a study on whether there's a pay gap between male and female workers in the state. It would require certain employers to adopt a uniform criteria that will be used to determine whether someone should get a raise based on performance, and would create a pay index that states the average pay range for each occupation based on years of experience. SB 210 was introduced on Monday. Shortly after its publication, Green's letter was met with such a sharp response, within two days, Green wrote an apology and resigned from his post as vice chair of the Wasatch County Republican Party. State Representative Tim Quinn, a Republican who represents Utah's 54th district, which includes Wasatch County, denounced the comments and distanced himself from Green. Wasatch County, with a population of a little more than 29,000, is located about 160 kilometres outside of Salt Lake City. "I am shocked and appalled to learn how James Green feels about equal pay for women. I don't know where this belief came from," Quinn said in a statement, according to Fox affiliate KSTU. "I do not subscribe publicly or privately to the words or the spirit behind these words, thoughts or ideas. Of course, the Wasatch County Republican Party and I are for equal pay and rights for all people." The Utah Women's Coalition, which supports SB 210, took to social media with its criticism of Green's comments. "Are we really having this conversation in 2017?" asked a Facebook post sharing a local story about Green. The coalition's Stephanie Pitcher told Fox affiliate KSTU that the bluntness of Green's remarks were "very disappointing" and contradicts the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, as well as anti-discrimination provisions in state law. "He was very straightforward and blunt about his thoughts on women in the workforce and that was really surprising, but the first thing I noticed was a very open recognition that there is a pay disparity between men and women," Pitcher told KSTU of Green. Green told KSTU that he has been in "hot water" since his letter was published. "You wouldn't believe the hateful, vile comments and messages I've received," Green told KSTU, adding that he decided to resign from his position because he "didn't want to hurt the party," which he said was getting blamed for his comments. Green then wrote a second letter saying his comments are not representative of the Wasatch County GOP or the Republican Party in general and apologising to those who have been offended. "I want to clarify that the main focus of my letter was to express that I don't feel the government should be dictating to private establishments what they must do in regard to employment, hiring, or wages," Green wrote, according to KSTU. "There was no offence intended toward Women, whatsoever. And yet some took it that way. To those who were offended, I profusely apologise. I sincerely did not mean to do that." He also said he values women's contributions in the workforce, and that he was only pointing out the "historical reasons for pay disparity". "While I worked my fingers to the bone (with numerous extra side jobs) so my Wife could say in the home and raise our two Sons, who are now both Physician/Surgeons (plus one also has a Law Degree), I realise not everyone is so fortunate," Green wrote. A spokeswoman for the Utah GOP told the TV station Green had resigned. Efforts to reach the Utah GOP were unsuccessful. Women in Utah make 71 cents for every dollar paid to men for the same occupation, according to the National Women's Law Centre. That's lower than the US average, which is 80 cents for every dollar paid to men. Black and Latina women in the state make 56 cents and 47 cents for every dollar paid to white men, respectively, according to the centre. Both numbers are below the national averages: 63 cents for black women and 54 cents for Latina women. Malaysia has labelled North Korea "delusional" over claims that include the man assassinated at Kuala Lumpur airport last week was not the estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un. Foreign minister Anifah Aman said Malaysia is "deeply insulted" by North Korea's questioning of the investigation into the poisoning of 46 year-old Kim Jong-nam by two women in what South Korea says was a long planned operation by North Korea's spy agency. Mr Anifah hit back in a statement saying "these allegations are culled from delusions, lies and half-truths." "In all civilised nations, it is the norm for cases such as these to be comprehensively investigated," he said. French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen stirred controversy on the second day of her trip to Lebanon, refusing to wear a headscarf to meet a top Islamic leader and pledging to restore ties with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if elected. Officials at the Dar al-Fatwa, Lebanon's highest Sunni authority, said Ms Le Pen had been told in advance she'd need to put on a headscarf before meeting Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian. Reminded again on arriving at his Beirut headquarters, she refused and left. "Dar al-Fatwa regrets this inappropriate behaviour," the council said. Ms Le Pen disputed she broke a prior agreement. "I told them Monday that I wasn't going to wear a headscarf. They didn't cancel the meeting and so I therefore assumed that they had then accepted that I wouldn't be wearing a headscarf," she told reporters after the incident, according to Agence France-Presse. She reportedly also told her hosts that she hadn't worn a veil when meeting Egypt's Grand Imam of al-Azhar in May 2015, and she would not do so now, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported. US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis, second from right, is greeted by US Ambassador Douglas Silliman as he arrives at Baghdad International Airport, Iraq, on Monday. Credit:AP And high on Pence's to-do list on his return to Washington was a meeting with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, to do more smoothing of Canberra's ruffled feathers after the madness of Trump's "worst" phone call with Malcolm Turnbull. And in a separate meeting with Bishop, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was to do a bit more smoothing. And the Swedes? So far no one in Washington has had time to wrap their head around damage control in the wake of Trump's unfounded claim at a rally in Florida on Saturday, that something terrible had happened in Sweden overnight Friday. Oh, and by the way, the country was a cot-case because its migrant communities were crime-ridden which they are not. Jim Mattis speaks during the Munich Security Conference on Friday. Credit:AP There's a huge problem in all this double talk from Washington who to believe? Vali Nasr, dean of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, who was at a Munich security conference also attended by Mattis and Pence, spoke of the defence secretary as "the one island of stability". But Nasr went on: "The key is that nobody knows the extent of his influence. Right now, we're tight with trans-Atlantic unity, but who knows what to believe?" Mike Pence, left, and EU Council President Donald Tusk in Brussels. Credit:AP If Trump pre-emptively rattles the cages of the world, these contrary assurances from his saner underlings have an uncertain value; particularly because in making their pitches of comfort, none of them addresses a fundamental why did Trump say what he said in the first place? Trump disparages the European Union and NATO; he's in love with Vladimir Putin and Russia; and he's all over the shop on the Middle East. But if his emissaries are to be believed, the US still sees itself as a deterrent to Russia and China; as Europe's staunch ally; and as an honest broker in the Middle East. National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster says the US is exploring "a range of options" to respond to North Korea. Credit:AP It's as though two administrations are working from two scripts and that's scary. The best that can be said, is that a new normal is being worked out or as a hopeful British defence minister, Michael Fallon, said at the weekend, "You know, new administrations, you know, can take time to settle down". US Vice-President Mike Pence, left, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Credit:AP Perhaps. But for now there is a dissonance that can't go on unresolved. The notion that this is a deliberate good-cop/bad-cop strategy offers little comfort, because Trump was running at the mouth on these issues before he had any good cops to perform the other side of a double-act that, for now, is reducing global diplomacy to a crapshoot. Not surprisingly, scepticism abounds despite, and because of utterances by the administration, congressional and think tank emissaries who travelled to Europe. US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets with other foreign ministers to discuss Syria in Bonn on Friday. Credit:Getty Images "Let's put it this way, the discrepancy between the President's news conference [last Thursday] and the way his cabinet is trying to reassure Europeans couldn't be wider," Michael Werz, a senior fellow at the Centre for American Progress, told The New York Times. Volker Perthes, the head of the German SWP policy research group, was as disbelieving. "Mattis speaks of 'defending the rules-based international order'. I hope he can explain this to his boss." US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis shakes hands with Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani in Munich on Friday. Credit:AP Donald Tusk, president of the European Council and a former prime minister of Poland, for one, was playing the glad game. After meeting Pence on Monday, he explained his sense of reassurance in a statement, in which he said he had asked the vice president if Washington was committed to maintaining an international order based on rules and laws; if Trump was committed to NATO and to "the closest possible trans-Atlantic cooperation"; and if Europe could count "as always in the past, on the United States' wholehearted and unequivocal, let me repeat, unequivocal support for the idea of a united Europe". "In reply to these three matters," Tusk said, "I heard today from Vice President Pence three times 'yes'. After such a positive declaration, both Europeans and Americans must simply practice what they preach." Not all are convinced. "Of course European Union officials are happy to have Pence here, and they are happy about what he said, but that's not going to cancel out the deep and lingering doubt in many other European capitals about what the White House and President Trump actually want," Guntram Wolff, director of Bruegel, a Brussels think tank told the Times. "What Europe still has to do is to be prepared for the worst, and to try to work with partners around the world to support and defend multilateralism, and to do so without being antagonistic." Zbigniew Brzezinski, national security adviser in the Carter administration, casts Trump's erratic arrival on the world stage in alarmist terms. "The global order is in disarray. The world is sliding into significant disorder with no international structure capable of handling the kinds of problems that are likely to erupt almost simultaneously," he wrote in a weekend op-ed. Urging a clearly stated "Trump Doctrine", he argued that to date, the President had failed to formulate any significant, relevant statements about the global condition. Instead, the world had been left to interpret statements from Trump's team that, at times, were irresponsible, uncoordinated and ignorant. "A vulnerable world needs an America characterised by clarity of thought and leadership that projects optimism and progress. 'Make America Great Again' and 'America First' are all very well as bumper stickers, but the foreign policy of the United States needs to be more than a campaign slogan." Confirming his role as Trump's chief Republican critic, Senator John McCain shredded Trump's world view in a speech to the Munich conference thereby accentuating the split personality of the new administration. "I know there is profound concern across Europe and the world that America is laying down the mantle of global leadership," he said. The organisers of this week's Conservative Political Action Conference rescinded their controversial booking of Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos on Monday, following an outcry after the right-wing speaker's critics resurfaced videos of him criticising age of consent laws and joking about a teenaged sexual encounter with a Catholic priest. The famed internet troll's book deal has also been cancelled. "Due to the revelation of an offensive video in the past 24 hours condoning paedophilia, the American Conservative Union has decided to rescind the invitation," the group's chairman, Matt Schlapp, said in a statement. He added, "We realise that Mr Yiannopoulos has responded on Facebook, but it is insufficient. It is up to him to answer the tough questions and we urge him to immediately further address these disturbing comments." David Taylor speaks with his parents from his holding cell at Denpasar District Court on Tuesday. Credit:Alan Putra "The victim was still alive when he left and he died later from swelling of the brain. We believe therefore the appropriate article to charge him with is group attack leading to death." One of Mr Taylor's lawyers, Haposan Sihombing, said it was "more gentlemanly" to admit the scuffle happened instead of asking to be freed. "It was committed by more than my client," he said. Sara Connor covers her face with a fan at the holding cell at Denpasar District Court on Tuesday. Credit:Alan Putra He said he would ask the judges for leniency because Mr Taylor was young and had no intention to kill. Both Mr Taylor and Ms Connor face the same three alternative charges - murder, fatal group assault or assault leading to death - but are being tried separately. The charges carry maximum sentences of 15 years', 12 years' and seven years' jail respectively. Sara Connor arriving at Denpasar District Court on Tuesday. Credit:Alan Putra He appeared relaxed when he arrived at Denpasar District Court, smiling and chatting with his parents from his holding cell. His lawyer, Erick Sihombing, said prior to the trial starting that Mr Taylor had been prepared for a maximum of 12 years' jail - for fatal group assault - because his legal team believed it had been proven there was no intent to kill. David Taylor arriving at Denpasar District Court last week. Credit:Alan Putra "Of course he is tense, he is in prison, who wouldn't be?" The trial, which began in the Denpasar District Court on November 9 last year, has heard that Mr Taylor visited Bali in August last year in the hope of a romantic holiday with his girlfriend of just four months. David Taylor at Denpasar District Court on Tuesday. Credit:Alan Putra He had left Australia in a hurry after his wife, with whom he was separated, "had gone behind his back" and informed immigration of his newly single status. Mr Taylor had hoped to return to Australia on a new visa. However the romantic sojourn began to unravel late at night on a Bali beach when Ms Connor, 46, discovered her handbag had gone missing while the couple had been kissing near the water. Mr Taylor believed the bag had been stolen. He approached Mr Sudarsa, a Balinese police officer of 35 years, but believed him to be a bogus cop when he allegedly laughed after Mr Taylor asked him for assistance. Mr Taylor admitted to "searching his body" but said Mr Sudarsa then pushed him to the ground and punched him. At one point, he testified, Mr Sudarsa's arm was on his throat. "I couldn't breathe. I was afraid I was going to die. I never experienced it before - I was really scared," Mr Taylor told a court hearing last month. Mr Sudarsa's bloodied corpse was found near Ms Connor's identity cards on August 17, with 42 wounds to his body. However Mr Taylor insists that he had still been breathing when he last checked the body. A forensic doctor testified that Mr Sudarsa may have lived if he had received medical treatment in the two hours before he died. Mr Taylor said outside the court on February 1 it made him feel "extremely sad" and a "little bit angry" witnesses claimed to have seen Mr Sudarsa on the beach but did nothing to help him. Ms Connor, who owned a fresh pasta business in Byron Bay and is the mother of two young boys, has denied she had anything to do with the police officer's death. She says her only involvement was to try to separate the two men when they were fighting in the sand. The couple told the court they had tried to go to police station but an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver refused to take them. Instead, they bought cigarettes and returned to their homestay in Kuta, Kubu Kauh Inn. They showered and then Ms Connor cut up Mr Sudarsa's identity cards, which were in the wallet Mr Taylor had taken from the victim. Cutting up the cards was Ms Connor's idea, Mr Taylor revealed, but both insisted it was to protect the victim from identity theft. The couple checked out of Kubu Kauh Inn at 7am on August 17 and travelled to Jimbaran, which was "a much nicer area than Kuta". They claimed they only learned the victim had died when Ms Connor was contacted by a friend on August 19, who said her name was all over the news after her identity cards had been found at the crime scene. "I didn't feel guilty until I learnt the full consequence of the fight which was two days later," Mr Taylor said earlier this month. The couple were in tears and "desperate" after learning of Mr Sudarsa's death and Mr Taylor burnt the clothes they had been wearing the night of the fight. They then went to the Australian consulate in Bali and were later apprehended by police. Mr Taylor's father, John, a minister, his mother Janet and brother Peter, have regularly attended the trial but did not address the court. For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday the 17th of February 2017 a departing passenger was scanned by the new PJIA E-gate system. During the passport scanning process, it became clear that the passenger tried to leave St Maarten using a false passport. He was arrested by personnel of the St Maarten Police Force / Immigration and Border Protection Service, for further investigations. In cooperation with the office of Interpol St Maarten, it appeared that the suspect was in the possession of several passports and ID cards, using a total of 3 different nationalities and identities. During the investigation on one of these identities, it became clear that he was a Cuban-born American citizen. His arrest was warranted, via a so-called Interpol red notice (international arrest warrant) on request of the US authorities. As a result of this cooperation and on order of the Attorney Generals office, the suspect was arrested with a view towards extradition. The suspect will be led by a judge of instruction on the 20th of February 2017. The suspect is wanted by the US authorities in an investigation into large-scale fraud in which millions of US dollars were gained between 2006 and 2012. KPSM Press Release PHILIPSBURG:--- In December the Interact Club of CIA had a donation drive to help those in need in the community. The Interactors were asked to collect books, toys, personal and sanitary items, nonperishable foods and clothing for men, women, and children. Their drive was so successful that they turned over the surplus items to The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle, their sponsor club, for distribution. Mid Isle donated the remaining items out on their behalf. The nonperishable food items were given to Scotiabanks Food Drive in December. Books were put aside as the nurses on the maternity wing at the SMMC has asked Mid Isle to include books in their Baby Welcome Bags to encourage new parents to read to their baby. An assortment of books, toys, and clothes was given to The New Start for Children Foundation and the Hope Out Reach Foundation. The childrens ward at the SMMC also received a selection of toys, books, games and cuddly toys. The remaining items were donated to The Salvation Army including some French books which the superintendent informed us along with some of the other items would be going to Haiti. Interact clubs bring together students aged 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Interactors connect with leaders in their community and around the world to take action to make a difference in their school and community, discover new cultures and promote international understanding, become leaders in their school and community and to have fun and to make new friends from around the world Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary clubs sponsor, mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills. Mid Isle will be holding their Fundraising Motor Treasure Hunt on Sunday, March 19th starting at the Kim Sha Beach, see any member of Mid Isle for more information or call 520-1052 or 520-1899. The proceeds from this event will go towards a fetal monitor for the maternity wing at the SMMC and other needed items. The Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle meets Tuesday at 7 pm at Marys Boone in Simpson Bay. For more information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Facebook page Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle. P.E.P (Patrol to Eradicate Pedophilia and Child Molestation) president Mhakeda Shillingford, would like to, first of all, thank Michael Granger and the St. Maarten Carnival Development Committee for the opportunity last year to combine and host the Carnival Youth Extravaganza in collaboration with the Pep Showdown. Pep Showdown was our first annual show featuring high schools and their artistic directors portraying their message against child abuse and molestation in song, dance, and drama. We also had our French vs Dutch annual DJ completion. The Reigning Champion is the Charlotte Brookson Academy. This year, the other schools will be challenging for the top spot. Our winning DJs will send up their protegees. This year we will not be hosting the youth extravaganza at the festival village. The SCDF will be organizing the youth extravaganza. Pep Showdown will be held as a separate show in the month of May 2017. PEP thanks the schools registered participating in the Showdown 2017. Will Charlotte Brookson retain the trophy or will we crown a new winner? PEP Showdown 2017 participants are invited to a stakeholders meeting on Saturday, February 25, 2017, at the St Peters community at 1:00-3:00. You can contact PEP at 5272884 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prosecutors Office in good collaboration with the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM), the Kingdom Detectives Cooperation Team (RST) and the French Authorities is actively searching for escaped prisoner Kathron Kuchi Fortune born on October 14, 1977, on the island of Grenada. He is sentenced to imprisonment at the Point Blanche prison for murder, but escaped from prison guards who had taken him for a doctor's visit in Cay Hill on February 15, 2016. A lot of effort is being done by both Dutch and French authorities to catch Kuchi since there is concrete information that Kuchi is still on St. Maarten. In the past week's extra efforts have been taking place in the hunt for Kuchi, some of which may have been visible to the public. Recapturing Kuchi has always been one of the priorities of all justice authorities. It is important to know that harboring "Kuchi" - or for that matter, any other fugitive of the law - or helping him to escape from justice is a serious crime and punishable by law. This type of assistance will lead to the arrest and prosecution of those who make themselves guilty of assisting Kuchi. In this regard the Prosecutors Office and KPSM are requesting anyone who has information that could lead to the arrest of "Kuchi" to immediately call 542-2222 ext. 214, 215 or the anonymous tip line 9300. The Prosecutors Office and KPSM warn the public and emphasize not to attempt capturing Kuchi on your own as he is considered armed and extremely dangerous. Prosecutor's Office Press Release Simpson Bay:--- Training Professionals International Firm, TPI is excited to announce that they have partnered with the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry to host TPIs ACCREDITED Administrative and Executive Assistant Training for professionals in the workplace. This course will help to prepare your Assistants for performance excellence. The training will take place on Wednesday, March 1st, 2016 at La Vue Boutique Inns Conference from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The cost for the training is US$ 250.00 per person. All participants who complete this course will receive an accredited globally recognized Certificate of Completion. All interested persons/companies are asked to send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . All of the other services provided by TPI are available to Anguilla and can be viewed at firmtpi.com. TPI will be offering a consortium of other accredited training opportunities in Anguilla and other Caribbean islands this year. This particular training will be offered in St. Maarten on Tuesday, April 25th to register contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . A spokesperson from the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce stated in a recent press release: The Anguilla Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACOCI) is pleased to collaborate with TPI on providing an Administrative and Executive accredited Training for our members and the Business Community at large. TPIs commitment in providing high-quality educational training programs and organizational services will definitely be a benefit to the ACOCI membership. As Jack Welch, former General Electric Ceo once stated, An organizations ability to learn, and translate that learning into action rapidly is the ultimate competitive advantage. Dr Gittens shared passionately, Our mission is to promote and support employee development and organizational effectiveness by providing high-quality educational training programs and organizational services that are accredited and globally recognized. We believe that if a training is not accredited it is not worth offering and we encourage persons to register for non-accredited trainings. Dr. Gittens said, The first step in doing good business is helping organizations' reach their full potential. We are happy to be able to work with individuals and businesses in Anguilla to meet individual, group, departmental and institutional needs and objectives ." She continued, We strive to enhance individual learning and development as the means for creating a better workplace environment. Effective workers and workplaces will help to build a stronger Caribbean. What sets this firm apart? Dr. Gittens articulated, Our team of TPI experts take pride in projecting trends of the new millennium. The modern day approach we take and innovative concepts like the "One Stop Service Option" support leaders with managing professionals. Our multitude of additional services fit the demands of organizations who simply want quality services "from one firm, under one roof, TPI." PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a plenary public session on February 22, 2017. The initiative taken of these two drafts, Member of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams will be answering and queries from Members of Parliament on these two drafts. The plenary public meeting has been set for Wednesday at 2.00 pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The agenda points are: 1. Incoming documents 2. Draft initiative national ordinance to revise the rules pertaining timeshare 3. Draft initiative national ordinance to establish a Timeshare Authority Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org. Ad Hoc Committee of Integrity scheduled to meet Wednesday PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ad Hoc Committee of Integrity (AHCI), will meet on February 22, 2017. The AHCI Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 11.00 am in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The agenda points to be discussed are: 1. Code of Conduct Members of Parliament 2. Integrity reports 3. Scope, parameters and work method of the Permanent Integrity Committee of Parliament Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.com and via www.sxmparliament.org. PHILIPSBURG:--- Theatre-lovers flocking to the opening night of Albina Matuzkos production of Behind the Beyond (now playing at the National Institute of Arts Black Box Theatre, John Larmonie Center, Longwall Road) hadnt really counted on getting a twofer when they sat down, ready to see the show unfold. For the uninitiated, a twofer is simply a term of phrase, not literary, nor grammatical, and certainly not of the theatrical root. It merely stands for the rewarding act of giving or receiving - two for the price of one. It turns out that our theatre-goers, unbeknownst to them were not only holding tickets for the premiere of the much-heralded fake send-up of a Stephen Leacock classic, Behind the Beyond, but also to a Reggae party that, quite unfortunately, was also taking place next door effectively and annoyingly disturbing the latter part of the show. The director had promised Something completely different for the St. Maarten Theatre scene and had the eager crowd of well-wishers, family and friends arrived just half an hour earlier to hear a borrowed backup generator purring noisily on a pre-premiere run, they would probably have been more on their guard. Its not as if they werent warned. NIA co-director, Clara Reyes, a doyen of St. Maarten Culture and dance, made it clear that the venue itself, aptly termed the Black Box Theatre exists only because of the dire need to have a performance space that is affordable and multi-functional to identify, capture and nurture the abundance of untapped talent with exists within the local community and has done for many, many years. Intimate in its setting, most charming with its clip-on lighting and curtained backdrop, the audience is assured that this work in progress is close to the heart of those who conceptualized it and continue to hope that one day they will be housed in their own purpose-built state-of-the-art facility. And Director Matuzko said as much when she too addressed the audience on opening night to introduce her cast of players and the support teams (and families) behind them. She pointed to the tiered seating that had to be literally air-lifted in to provide suitable seating for our theatre-lovers. She also noted limitations of space and time on rehearsal schedules due to the great demand for use by all types of groups and organizations oh and yes, she could not fail to mention the stream of reggae music coming from outside, threatening to drown out the performance, spoiling it for the audience and cast alike. Needless to say, twofer was not the choice of words streaming through the Ukranian-born directors mind, while delivering her introductory dialogue. In what can be described as no less than brilliant, Ms. Matuzko has managed to incorporate all the shortcomings of the local theater into her first production on the island in subtle, but deeply profound ways. It is no accident that the rise and fall of curtains at the start, during and at the end of the show is symbolized by crudely constructed roller blinds that would be more befitting of your kitchen window than as a prop in a major production. But the audience got it, understood the sentiment and genuinely appreciated the gesture. In fact, this play is all about the audience getting it and being involved. It begins with some of the lucky play-goers receiving their own hand-made opera glasses so that they could be part of the show. It also begins with the cast of players entering the stage as members of the visiting audience, even taking up places within the audience for the opening Audition scene. The story begins to unfold with the appearance of two actors on stage, who we soon learn are girl and boy narrators (Meredith Boekhoudt and Ray-Angel Simon) who are going to manipulate, pour scorn on and generally upstage our enthusiastic, but amateur troupe who have passed the auditions and are now into playing their roles. The narrators masterfully take the audience on a journey through three acts (one with intermission) against a backdrop of props that are authentic in appearance and professionally executed to mimic the 1910 period in which the play is set. Act I introduces the characters to the audience, starting with the appearance of Parliamentarian, Sir. John Trevor, played by veteran journalist, Joe Dominique. The director promised something different, and so it was when this character entered the stage, laces and flies undone and belt unstrapped. The audience was not to know whether this was part of the act or not, however the actor delivered his lines relentlessly and unperturbed. If it was not part of the act, its something a wardrobe department or stage hand would have caught, but sadly such is a luxury in the Black Box Theatre and so the show went on with this actor, literally caught with this pants still on just. Act I is driven by the two lovers in the play, Lady Cicely ( lovingly captured by Eveline Henriquez- Dijkhoffz) and Jack Harding (teasingly played by talented teenage actor, Sjeord Scott). The antics of the pair (look out for Lady Cicelys death scene dive) was well received by the audience well into the scene and continued into ACT II where the pace of the drama picks up and distraught mother, Mrs. Margaret Harding, (played by Carla van Dam) makes her entry stage left. Adding to the pace, and providing a few of the silliest and funniest moments, is the introduction of the French Maid (played with effortless ease by another talented teenager, Zack Phipps). The audience warmed to this character, even with an obvious slur against French Maids which, in the political correctness of present society (read recent spat between French side and Dutch side over ownership of the Oyster Bay Marina area), may do well to exclude from future performances. According to the narrators, by the time Mrs. Harding comes into the picture the play is just about puffing itself out with a deep sense of Melancholy with only the setting of atmosphere to consider, however ACT III is much more than that, since it reveals the true intent of the dynamics of the unfolding drama all along. Behind the Beyond is not rip-roaringly funny. Neither do I believe it is meant to be. It has taken a slice of life in Victorian England as seen through the eyes of Canadian humorist, Stephen Leacock, and transposed the emotions and sentiments that are contained within us all, irrespective of time and place, into a modern day St. Maarten, bent on keeping in step with globalization replete with video games, mobile phones and electronic devices. The production plays tribute to workers, like the three stage hands, played mostly in the dark (remember the back-up generator at the start?) by the directors husband Cor Sikkes, Nascha Kagie and Werner van de Zilver. These are workers youre sure to find in all walks of life right here on the island. They work very hard behind the scenes to ensure that those upon whom the spotlight shines are provided with all the support they need even though sometimes their own yearning for attention and recognition can no longer be contained. The nostalgia of the period was not missed by the audience, mostly adult in nature, but also quite unexpectedly by children in the audience who obviously would be puzzled by much of the ado on stage and yet were thoroughly amused and entertained. It is however a shame that, at least on opening night, the theatre lovers attracted to see the something different that director Matuzko offered, consisted mainly of persons already familiar with this type of production and also of the time and era. Here was and still is, a wonderful opportunity for more St. Maarten residents, unaccustomed to this type of theatre, to take a peek see and experience for themselves the something different and completely magical thing that has been around for centuries. Its called Theatre. What is there to lose? With a Twofer ticket, anyone who finds the show boring or not to their taste can always leave at the Intermission...........and follow the sound of the Reggae music next door. Go see Behind the Beyond. I promise you will have a good time. Behind the Beyond is playing at the (Black Box Theatre) John Larmonie Center, Longwall Road, Phillipsburg, St. Maarten on the following dates: Claim: A listing provides accurate statistics about the number and costs of undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles County. Rating: About this rating Outdated Advertisment: Origin Since 2006, a list purportedly detailing the taxpayer costs related to the presence of illegal immigrants in Los Angeles County has circulated online, originally under the title "The Largest Insane Asylum in the World: California": WHERE YOUR TAXES GO - ILLEGAL ALIENS Attributed to the LA Times, June 2002: 1. 40% of all workers in L.A. County (L.A. County has 10 million people) are working for cash and not paying taxes. This was because they are predominantly illegal immigrants, working without a green card. 2. 95% of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens. 3. 75% of people on the most wanted list in Los Angeles are illegal aliens. 4. Over 2/3's of all births in Los Angeles County are to illegal alien Mexicans on Medi-Cal whose births were paid for by taxpayers. 5. Nearly 25% of all inmates in California detention centers are Mexican nationals here illegally. 6. Over 300,000 illegal aliens in Los Angeles County are living in garages. 7. The FBI reports half of all gang members in Los Angeles are most likely illegal aliens from south of the border. 8. Nearly 60% of all occupants of HUD properties are illegal. 9. 21 radio stations in L.A. are Spanish speaking. 10. In L.A.County 5.1 million people speak English. 3.9 million speak Spanish (10.2 million people in L.A.County). (All 10 from the Los Angeles Times) Less than 2% of illegal aliens are picking our crops but 29% are on welfare. See... https://www.cis.org/ Over 70% of the United States annual population growth (and over 90% of California, Florida, and New York) results from immigration. The cost of illegal immigration to the American taxpayer in 1997 was a NET (after subtracting taxes immigrants pay) $70 BILLION a year, [Professor Donald Huddle, Rice University]. The lifetime fiscal impact (taxes paid minus services used) for the average adult Mexican immigrant is a NEGATIVE. 29% of inmates in federal prisons are illegal aliens. The statistics were not taken from a 2002 Los Angeles Times article. They appear to have been gleaned from a variety of sources and vary in accuracy as noted below: Over 2/3's of all births in Los Angeles County are to illegal alien Mexicans on Medi-Cal whose births were paid for by taxpayers. The California Vital Records Department of the Department of Health Services classified as "Hispanic" the race/ethnicity of 62.7% of all births occurring in Los Angeles county in 2001. The statistic quoted above therefore erroneously characterizes all parents of Hispanic heritage in Los Angeles County in 2001 as being "illegal alien Mexicans on Medi-Cal." The FBI reports half of all gang members in Los Angeles are most likely illegal aliens from south of the border. In April 2005, Heather Mac Donald, a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research, testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims. On the issue of gang membership among illegal immigrants, she said: No one knows for certain the percentage of illegals in gangs, thanks in large part to sanctuary laws themselves. But various estimates exist:A confidential California Department of Justice study reported in 1995 that 60 percent of the 20,000-strong 18th Street Gang in southern California is illegal; police officers say the proportion is actually much greater. The bloody gang collaborates with the Mexican Mafia, the dominant force in California prisons, on complex drug-distribution schemes, extortion, and drive-by assassinations. It commits an assault or robbery every day in L.A. County. The gang has grown dramatically over the last two decades by recruiting recently arrived youngsters, most of them illegal, from Central America and Mexico. Note, however, that this statement referenced a California Department of Justice study (not an FBI report), and that it describes only a single gang in Los Angeles County (the 18th Street Gang), the gang that likely has the highest membership rate of illegal aliens. 95% of warrants for murder in Los Angeles are for illegal aliens. This figure also appeared (unsourced) in Heather Mac Donald's testimony before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims: In Los Angeles, 95 percent of all outstanding warrants for homicide in the first half of 2004 (which totaled 1,200 to 1,500) targeted illegal aliens. Up to two-thirds of all fugitive felony warrants (17,000) were for illegal aliens. Even if the statistic were accurate, however, it is subject to a variety of interpretations. For example, illegal aliens might be disproportionately represented by outstanding homicide warrants in Los Angeles because they are more likely to flee the jurisdiction before their cases are adjudicated than legal residents are (not necessarily because they commit a far greater share of the homicides in Los Angeles). This interpretation is supported by a University of California Davis summary of immigration issues that notes: The Los Angeles Police Department has a 12-year old Foreign Prosecution Unit that pursues suspects who fled the US after committing crimes in Los Angeles and gives testimony when they are prosecuted aboard. The United States does not have extradition treaties with most Latin American countries but many countries, for example, Mexico, Nicaragua or El Salvador try suspects for murder and other violent crimes committed in the US.The Foreign Prosecution Unit was founded in 1985, after a study found that nearly half of the LAPD's outstanding arrest warrants involved Mexican nationals who were presumed to have fled the country. The FPU works with Interpol to find suspects who flee abroad and then prepares the evidence so that the person can be arrested and prosecuted. The FPU clears about one-third of its cases, compared to two-thirds of all homicide cases in Los Angeles. The Mexican consulate in Los Angeles has a representative of the Mexican attorney general's office to work with the FPU in prosecuting suspects in Mexico for crimes committed in Los Angeles. 75% of people on the most wanted list in Los Angeles are illegal aliens. The Los Angeles Police Department's "Most Wanted" list is viewable on-line, but since each entry generally includes only the ethnicity of a suspect (not his or her immigration status or nationality), and many of the entries refer to persons of unknown identity, it's difficult to verify the claim that 75% of the people listed therein are illegal aliens. Nearly 25% of all inmates in California detention centers are Mexican nationals here illegally. Again, this figure appears to correspond with Heather MacDonald's testimony before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, in which stated that "The L.A. County Sheriff reported in 2000 that 23% of inmates in county jails were deportable, according to the New York Times." However, the 23% figure she cited included all deportable aliens, not just Mexican nationals. 21 radio stations in L.A. are Spanish speaking. The number of Spanish-language radio stations in Los Angeles varies a bit from source to source (and according to how one defines "Los Angeles"), but according to Los Angeles Almanac, if both AM and FM stations are counted, and all programming formats (e.g., music, news, talk, religion, sports) are included, then it's fair to say that there are about 20 "Spanish speaking" radio stations in Los Angeles. The existence of these radio stations imposes a negligible cost upon taxpayers. Less than 2% of illegal aliens are picking our crops but 29% are on welfare. Although illegal aliens are not generally eligible to collect public welfare benefits, an illegal alien may receive benefits under the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) and Food Stamps programs on behalf of his or her U.S. citizen child. (Any child born in the United States is considered a U.S. citizen, regardless of the parents' immigration status.) A 1997 General Accounting Office (GAO) report determined that in 1995 households headed by illegal aliens received a total of $700 million in AFDC benefits and $430 million in Food Stamps. Over 70% of the United States annual population growth (and over 90% of California, Florida, and New York) results from immigration. As the Sacramento Bee reported, the "over 90%" figure for population growth in California is essentially accurate if the term "immigration" is defined to encompass both foreign immigrants and births to immigrant mothers: When Department of Finance numbers are merged with Census Bureau numbers and birth and death data collected by the state Department of Health Services are added to the mix, showing that half of all births are to immigrant mothers, the inescapable conclusion is that foreign immigration and births to immigrant mothers together comprise all of the state's net population growth. Or, to put it another way, without foreign immigration, California would have virtually zero population growth. The cost of illegal immigration to the American taxpayer in 1997 was a NET (after subtracting taxes immigrants pay) $70 BILLION a year, [Professor Donald Huddle, Rice University]. It is true that Rice University economist Donald Huddle has conducted studies and concluded that immigrants (both legal and illegal) in the U.S. receive billions of dollars more in social services from local, state and federal governments than they contribute in revenue. It's also true that others have criticized his studies as flawed and arrived at exactly the opposite conclusion (i.e., that immigrants actually produce a net revenue surplus). For example, a University of California Davis Migration News article on "Illegal Immigration: Numbers, Benefits, and Costs in California" notes: There is a great deal of disagreement over the costs and benefits of immigrants to the US and California. Studies in the early 1980s in Texas and New York concluded that the taxes paid by immigrants exceeded the cost of providing public services to them, but that the federal government got the surplus of taxes over expenditures, and local governments had deficits. Los Angeles did a study in 1992 that reinforced this conclusion.Donald Huddle of Rice University set the benchmark for today's debate with a study that concluded that the legal and illegal immigrants who arrived since 1970 cost the US $42.5 billion in 1992, and $18.1 billion in California. According to Huddle, 7.2 million immigrants arrived legally and illegally in California since 1970, and the state incurred costs of $23 billion to provide them with services half of the costs were for education and health care, and one-sixth were due to the costs of providing services to US residents displaced by these immigrants. As with all such studies, Huddle made assumptions about how many illegal aliens there are, their usage of welfare and other public services, the taxes they paid, and their indirect economic impacts. Jeff Passel of the Urban Institute reviewed and revised Huddle's US estimates, and his calculations turned the $42 billion net cost into a $29 billion net benefit. Most of the $70 billion difference between these studies arises from their estimates of the taxes paid by immigrants Huddle assumes that post-1970 immigrants paid $20 billion in taxes to all levels of government, and Passel assumes they paid $70 billion. And the major reason for the difference in tax estimates is that Huddle did not include the 15 percent of each worker's earnings that are paid in Social Security taxes, while Passel did this accounts for over one-third of the $70 billion difference. Huddle excluded Social Security taxes because, in his view, contributions today need to be offset by the promise of benefit payments to immigrants when they retire. Passel included them because the federal government treats Social Security on a pay-as-you-go basis. An article published by the Urban Institute drew similar conclusions: According to the most controversial study of those discussed here, the benefits and costs of immigration to the United States in 1992 add up to a total net cost to all levels of government of $42.5 billion. This study, by Donald Huddle, was sponsored by the Carrying Capacity Network, a nonprofit group that advocates major reductions in immigration to the United States. "The Costs of Immigration" (Huddle 1993) uses estimation procedures that include a variety of errors. When these errors are corrected, the post-1970 immigrants in Huddle's study actually show a surplus of revenues over social service costs of at least $25 billion. The "Largest Insane Asylum in the World/California" e-mail forward first appeared in 2006 and as of late 2020, the well-worn item continued to pop up on blogs and in social media posts. Claim: WalMart has authorized U.S. law enforcement to enter its stores and arrest any illegal immigrants found within. Rating: About this rating False Advertisment: In mid-March 2010, messages began circulating via e-mail and text messaging claiming that WalMart had authorized U.S. law enforcement (the Border Patrol and/or Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to enter its stores and arrest any illegal immigrants found within. Some messages have tied this action to efforts by Latino groups to organize a boycott of Walmart for a month (beginning on 20 March 2010) as a "call for the worlds biggest retailer to adopt a favorable position vis-a-vis immigration reform." Various sources have claimed that the messages about immigration raids at WalMart stores are either spurious rumors intended to promote the boycott or a scare tactic being used by WalMart to thwart the boycott. As the warning messages spread, additional rumors began to circulate claiming that the described raids had been seen taking place: The message claims that WalMart gave permission for immigrants to be trapped in its stores on March 20. The message adds to support the Hispanic movement by not shopping at WalMart, and to spread the word. Senior Pastor David Stepp at Bakersfield Hispanic Church is concerned about the affects the text message can have. "This could affect traffic in stores and East Bakersfield," he said. Stepp also became concerned when members of his congregation held a meeting about the text. "Panic, fear, mistrust of WalMart," is how he described their mood. Stepp added that he didn't believe the text message when he first heard about it. "There were too many inconsistencies, didn't sound right," he said. But the text messages have gone beyond simple warnings telling people to stay away from WalMart. The latest ones actually claim that two bus loads of immigrants were picked up from the East Hills WalMart. As far as we know, no evidence documents any such raids taking place at WalMart stores. WalMart itself said, in response to an inquiry, that: The rumors circulating via text message, and other means, about Walmart coordinating or supporting immigration raids in our stores are not true. These rumors are baseless and inaccurate. We think it's unfortunate that such unsubstantiated rumors are spread. On immigration reform, our position is clear. We believe reform is needed. We are committed to working with all interested parties lawmakers, employers, and consumers to make comprehensive reform a reality. The San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC) also noted that it had not yet been able to confirm any accounts of the apprehension of illegal immigrants at Walmart stores: Text messages, emails and phone calls have been circulating calling for a boycott of Wal-Mart stores because they are either actively conducting raids at the moment, or because they are "going to allow customs, or border patrol to conduct raids in and outside of the store property" starting on March 20th. Despite these alerts, there have been no actual confirmations of any of these messages to be true. The San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium (SDIRC) met on Monday, March 8th and discussed if anyone knew the source of these messages. According to Pedro Rios, the American Friends Service Committee of San Diego (AFSC) spoke with ICE officials and Wal-Mart representatives, and neither confirmed that any of this was true. The rumor may have originated with messages sent by members of the Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights (GLAHR): Claim: Barack Obama's birth certificate is a forgery. Rating: About this rating False Advertisment: In April 2011, President Barack Obama sought to put end to rumors claiming that he was not a natural-born citizen of the United States by obtaining and releasing a copy of his long form birth certificate issued by the state of Hawaii. Officials from that state certified that the copy of the certificate they provided to President Obama was authentic: The Hawaii State Health Department recently complied with a request by President Barack Obama for certified copies of his original Certificate of Live Birth, which is sometimes referred to in the media as a "long form" birth certificate. "We hope that issuing certified copies of the original Certificate of Live Birth to President Obama will end the numerous inquiries related to his birth in Hawaii," Hawaii Health Director Loretta Fuddy said. "I have seen the original records filed at the Department of Health and attest to the authenticity of the certified copies the department provided to the President that further prove the fact that he was born in Hawaii." On April 25, 2011, pursuant to President Obama's request, Director Fuddy personally witnessed the copying of the original Certificate of Live Birth and attested to the authenticity of the two copies. Dr. Alvin Onaka, the State Registrar, certified the copies. The claims of anachronism stemmed from three elements in the certificate: 1. Back in 1961 people of color were called 'Negroes.' So how can the Obama 'birth certificate' state he is 'African-American' when the term wasn't even used at that time? 2. The birth certificate that the White House released lists Obama's birth as August 4, 1961. It also lists Barack Hussein Obama as his father. No big deal, right? At the time of Obama's birth, it also shows that his father is aged 25 years old, and that Obama's father was born in "Kenya, East Africa". This wouldn't seem like anything of concern, except the fact that Kenya did not even exist until 1963, two whole years after Obama's birth, and 27 years after his father's birth. How could Obama's father have been born in a country that did not yet exist? Up and until Kenya was formed in 1963, it was known as the "British East Africa Protectorate". 3. On the birth certificate released by the White House, the listed place of birth is "Kapiolani Maternity & Gynecological Hospital". This cannot be, because the hospital(s) in question in 1961 were called "Kaui Keolani Children's Hospital" and "Kapi'olani Maternity Home", respectively. The name did not change to Kapi'olani Maternity & Gynecological Hospital until 1978, when these two hospitals merged. How can this particular name of the hospital be on a birth certificate dated 1961 if this name had not yet been applied to it until 1978? Claims that these elements are anachronistic to 1961 (the year of Barack Obama's birth) are incorrect: Nowhere on Barack Obama's birth certificate does the term "African-American" appear. The space for "Race of Father" is filled in with the word "African," which at the time was a descriptor that blacks who were actually native-born Africans (like Barack Obama's father was) were more likely to use for themselves than "negro" (the latter being synonymous with "slave" in Euro-colonial countries such as Kenya). In 1895 the British Empire established the East Africa Protectorate, the forerunner of the country now known as the republic of Kenya. Although Kenya did not achieve complete independence from the United Kingdom until 1963, it was known as the Kenya Colony from 1920 onwards and was typically referred to as Kenya long before 1963. A search of news reports from 1961 (the year of Barack Obama's birth) turns up hundreds and hundreds of news articles referencing that entity simply as "Kenya." The former Kapi'olani Maternity Home became the Kapi'olani Maternity & Gynecological Hospital (where Barack Obama was born) in 1931, and it retained that appellation until 1971, when its name was shortened to Kapi'olani Hospital. The Kauikeolani Children's Hospital (where Barack Obama was not born) was a separate entity which merged with the Kapi'olani Hospital in 1978 to become the Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children.A listing of social services available in the Hawaiian islands documents that the facility bore that name prior to 1961: Moreover, a copy of a birth certificate issued to a child born in Honolulu one day after Barack Obama also shows "Kapi'olani Maternity & Gynecological Hospital" listed in the "Name of Hospital" field. As for the argument that opening the birth certificate's PDF file in Adobe Illustrator reveals the presence of multiple layers, which proves that the image was altered, that claim was debunked by an Adobe-certified expert: It didn't take long for some of President Obamas doubters to claim the long-awaited birth certificate posted online by the White House had been altered or might be a fake.The doubters have latched onto the idea that Adobe Illustrator the premier program for computer graphic artists "reveals" evidence of document manipulation in the Obama birth certificate. They note Illustrator reveals nine separate layers of the document, and claim it's "proof" the file has been altered. But that's not so, says Jean-Claude Tremblay, a leading software trainer and Adobe-certified expert, who has years of experience working with and teaching Adobe Illustrator. He said the layers cited by doubters are evidence of the use of common, off-the-shelf scanning software not evidence of a forgery. "I have seen a lot of illustrator documents that come from photos and contain those kind of clippings and it looks exactly like this," he said. Tremblay explained that the scanner optical character recognition (OCR) software attempts to translate characters or words in a photograph into text. He said the layers cited by the doubters shows that software at work and nothing more. "When you open it in Illustrator it looks like layers, but it doesn't look like someone built it from scratch. If someone made a fake it wouldn't look like this," he said. "Some scanning software is trying to separate the background and the text and splitting element into layers and parts of layers." Tremblay also said that during the scanning process, instances where the software was unable to separate text fully from background led to the creation of a separate layer within the document. This could be places where a signature runs over the line of background, or typed characters touch the internal border of the document. "I know that you can scan a document from a scanner [and] most of the time it will appear as one piece, but that doesnt mean that there's no software that's doing this kind of stuff," he said, adding that it's really quite common. John Woodman, author of Is Barack Obama's Birth Certificate a Fraud?: A Computer Guy Examines The Evidence for Forgery, also debunked the "layers" argument in a series of videos: Claim: Elizabeth Warren lives in a multi-million-dollar mansion and relied on scant Native American heritage claims to land a job at Harvard. Rating: About this rating Mixture What's True Elizabeth Warren's home is likely worth more than the average American home, and the senator has often spoken of her Native American ancestry. What's False Elizabeth Warren doesn't live in a mansion valued at several million dollars, evidence is contradictory over whether she used false claims of Native American heritage to gain an edge over other candidates for a job at Harvard or drew a large salary for teaching only one class. Advertisment: In October 2014, a meme targeting Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) began to circulate on social media sites. In it, Warren is framed as hypocritically exploiting programs aimed at Native Americans to achieve wealth and political power. Examples cited included her purported ownership of a $5.4 million mansion and a high-paying gig at Harvard University supposedly achieved solely due to her claim of possessing a small amount of Native American heritage: The image (which concluded with a reminder of Warren's positions against concentrating power disproportionately amidst the very wealthy) packed a number of claims into one small statement, the first being the value of Warren's Boston-area home. Public real estate records suggest Warren's house is not by any means what one might imagine a mansion to be, boasting a modest four bedrooms and three to three-and-a-half baths. Warren's home last sold in 1995 for less than $500,000, and market estimates currently vary quite a bit for its potential resale value. It's fair to say average Americans would find homes in Warren's neighborhood to be out of their price range, and assessments of the value of Warren's home hover between one and two million dollars, far under the $5.4 million cited in the image above. It's possible the estimate came from the range in which Warren listed her home on standard disclosure forms in 2011 [PDF], a pre-set checkbox field that indicates a value anywhere between one and five million dollars. Although at one point, Warren did draw a large salary for teaching at Harvard (her 2011 campaign disclosure form indicates a salary for 2010-2011 of $429,981 although her paperwork doesn't indicate how many classes she was actually teaching), her 2013 tax filings [PDF] indicated that she left in January of that year (when she was sworn in to her Senate post), only retaining an agreement to be able to store some materials at the university and retain an honorary title of emeritus professor. A Harvard Computer Society (HCS) document held Warren's salary was $192,550 at an unspecified juncture, along with $133,453 in "other compensation." The claim about Warren's use of her Native American heritage to obtain a high-paying job at Harvard University appears to date from her 2012 bid against incumbent Scott Brown for his Senate seat. Brown alleged during a debate in 2012: I think character is important. I think what you're referring to is the fact that Professor Warren claimed that she was a Native American, a person of color, and as you can see, she's not. That being said, she checked the box and she had an opportunity actually to make a decision throughout her career when she applied to Penn and Harvard and she checked the box claiming she was a Native American.And, you know, clearly she's not. That being said, I don't know and neither do the viewers know whether she got ahead as a result of that checking of the box, but the only way that we'll be able to find that out is to have her release her personnel records, have Harvard release their personnel records to make sure that she did not have an advantage that others were entitled to. When you are a United States Senator you have to pass a test, and one of character and honesty and truthfulness. And I believe, and others believe, that she has failed that test. The legitimacy of Warren's claims to Native American heritage has certainly been challenged by many critics, and it is true that while Warren was at U. Penn. Law School she put herself on the "Minority Law Teacher" list as Native American) in the faculty directory of the Association of American Law Schools, and that Harvard Law School at one time promoted Warren as a Native American faculty member. But specific evidence that she gained her position at Harvard (at least in part) through her claims to Native American heritage is lacking. Warren denied applying for special consideration as a person of Native American heritage during her career, and when the matter was examined in 2012 in response to Brown's claims, people with whom Warren had worked similarly denied her ancestral background's factoring into the professional opportunities afforded her: The former chairman of the American Association of Law Schools, David Bernstein, told the Herald that the group's directory once served as a tip sheet for administrators. "In the old days before the Internet, you'd pull out the AALS directory and look up people," he said. "There are schools that, if they were looking for a minority faculty member, would go to that list and might say, 'I didn't know Elizabeth Warren was a minority.'"Warren said she didn't know Harvard had used her heritage as proof of diversity until reading about the issue in the news, according to a Herald report. She also denied that she ever tried to gain a professional advantage through her lineage. Warren responded she was recruited for the positions and did not "apply" for them; and for the most part, her record did not indicate any identification as part of a minority group: The Globe obtained a portion of Warren's application to Rutgers, which asks if prospective students want to apply for admission under the school's Program for Minority Group Students. Warren answered "no."For her employment documents at the University of Texas, Warren indicated that she was "white." But Penn's 2005 Minority Equity Report identified her as the recipient of a 1994 faculty award, listing her name in bold to signify that she was a minority. The Herald has twice quoted Charles Fried, the head of the Harvard appointing committee that recommended Warren for her position in 1995, saying that the Democratic candidate's heritage didn't come up during the course of her hiring. "It simply played no role in the appointments process," he said. "It was not mentioned and I didn't mention it to the faculty." The Herald later quoted Fried, a former U.S. Solicitor General under President Ronald Reagan, saying, "I can state categorically that the subject of her Native American ancestry never once was mentioned." In September 2018, the Boston Globe published the results of an investigation over whether Warren was hired at Harvard because "had decided to self-identify as a Native American woman and Harvard saw a chance to diversify the law faculty." The Globe concluded that: In the most exhaustive review undertaken of Elizabeth Warrens professional history, the Globe found clear evidence, in documents and interviews, that her claim to Native American ethnicity was never considered by the Harvard Law faculty, which voted resoundingly to hire her, or by those who hired her to four prior positions at other law schools. At every step of her remarkable rise in the legal profession, the people responsible for hiring her saw her as a white woman. The Globe examined hundreds of documents, many of them never before available, and reached out to all 52 of the law professors who are still living and were eligible to be in [on the decision]. Some are Warrens allies. Others are not. Thirty-one agreed to talk to the Globe including the law professor who was, at the time, in charge of recruiting minority faculty. Most said they were unaware of her claims to Native American heritage and all but one of the 31 said those claims were not discussed as part of her hire. One professor told the Globe he is unsure whether her heritage came up, but is certain that, if it did, it had no bearing on his vote on Warrens appointment. In October 2018, Senator Warren released a controversial report on a DNA analysis that was said to show a pure Native American ancestor appeared in her ancestry in the range of six to 10 generations ago. In February 2019 the Washington Post surfaced Warrens 1986 registration card for the State Bar of Texas, on which she identified her race as American Indian. In August 2019, Senator Warren apologized for harm caused by her past claims to tribal heritage. Enterprise Adoption Fuels Redis Labs Rising Momentum MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA (Marketwired) 02/21/17 Redis Labs, the home of Redis and provider of Redis Enterprise, today announced continued growth in 2016 and reported a substantial increase in enterprise customers year over year. In the past year, more than 1,300 enterprises adopted the Redis Enterprise (Redis(e)) platform including Fortune 100 companies across many industries, two of the top three telecommunications companies and five of the top ten U.S technology companies. With organizations facing increasingly complex data challenges, Redis Labs enables enterprises to efficiently meet their real-time data needs. The Redis(e) platform serves over 61,000 accounts globally, including 7,000 enterprise customers, deployed on-premises or in public, private and hybrid clouds. Redis Labs entire portfolio enhances open source Redis with automated, seamless scaling and always-on availability while fully supporting all its commands, data structures and modules. In the last year, Redis Labs has added new enterprise customers including Vodafone, Dell, TD Bank, Verizon, United Healthcare, Atlassian, DBS, Menards, RingCentral, TaxAct, EverBank, KPMG, Shutterfly, Staples and Amdocs. In 2016, the Redis(e) platform powered a including mobile applications, ecommerce, customer engagement applications and real-time analytics. Enterprises to power high-speed transactions, streamline job, queue and user session management, increase application scalability, achieve real-time analytics and handle high-speed data ingest. Additionally, over 70 percent of Redis Labs customers use Redis(e) as a and more of their business-critical data from other data stores such as RDBMS-es as well as NoSQLs like MongoDB, Cassandra and others. The NoSQL market is quickly evolving beyond developer-led projects and moving toward enterprise-wide deployments to support real-time business applications, said Ofer Bengal, CEO at Redis Labs. As a result, global organizations in a variety of verticals are increasingly embracing Redis(e) as their number one deployment choice for new applications that require enterprise-class high availability, effortless scaling and reduced operational overhead. Highlights from the past year include: Redis Labs unveiled its platform that underpins its Redis(e) Cloud, Redis(e) Cloud Private, Redis(e) Pack and Redis(e) Pack Managed offerings, delivering unprecedented deployment flexibility and choice to enterprises. Earlier in the year, the company introduced and , followed by the recent release of the Redis machine learning module () to deliver instant predictive intelligence and the full text-search module () to be up to five times faster than specialized search software like ElasticSearch and Solr, and the updated Redis(e) Pack 4.4. Redis Labs partnered with AWS, Microsoft Azure, Intel, Samsung, IBM, and Accenture all important contributors in todays application development space to bring the advantages of Redis(e) to their customers. In addition, Redis Labs with AWS Marketplace to offer integrated billing to help enterprises streamline access to the Redis(e) Cloud database service. Redis was named by InfoWorld. Redis Labs was named a leading database provider by two of the leading independent analyst firms, Gartner and Forrester Research, in their respective reports: and . Redis Enterprises exploding popularity in 2016 is also reflected by a string of achievements and milestones. percent, with high-profile customers and industry experts from Apple, Google, GoPro, Netflix and Scopely presenting the trends driving database decisions. The in November engaged the developer community with over 5000 participants from 30 countries, producing numerous to Redis such as graph, rate-limiting, time-series, JSON and ranking modules. The company welcomed several executive team members with deep industry expertise, including Manish Gupta, CMO, David Maitland, VP of EMEA Sales, Rod Hamlin, VP of Global Alliances, Cihan Biyikoglu, VP of Product Management and Ron Klinger, VP of Global Support. Redis Labs expanded their headquarters in Mountain View and opened a new London office with plans to double the headcount of the companys sales, marketing and customer success teams. For more information on Redis Labs, visit: . , home of open source , the worlds most popular in-memory database platform, provides (Redis(e)), as a service in all major clouds, and as downloadable software. The high performance, true high availability and seamless scaling of Redis(e) powers e-commerce, social, personalization, IoT, metering, fraud detection and other real-time applications. Redis Labs serves over 60,000 customers globally and is consistently ranked as a leader in top analyst reports on NoSQL, in-memory and operational databases. Redis has been rated the , , , and . Founded in 2011, Redis Labs is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., with offices in Tel Aviv and London. For more information, visit or follow us at . Melissa Roxas Inner Circle Labs for Redis Labs (415) 684-9401 Sharon Thompson Redis Labs (650) 483-7506 Hit Rail signs new contract with Dutch railway NS to provide enhanced rail connectivity between Netherlands and Belgium Utrecht/Brussels, 21 February 2017 International rail connectivity specialist Hit Rail B.V. has signed a three-year contract with Dutch railway operator NS to improve and upgrade its connectivity with other rail organisations through use of Hit Rails MPLS-based Hermes VPN (Virtual Private Network). The agreement also covers the migration of the companys connectivity with international ticketing joint venture BeNe Rail International to the Hermes VPN. Under the agreement, Hit Rail already helped with the relocation of NSs routers to two new sites in Amsterdam and Apeldoorn set up to provide 6Mbps Ethernet links from each site to the Hermes VPN. At the same time, work was carried out to upgrade the connection of BeNe Rail International in Brussels with 6Mbps Ethernet links via the Infrabel network, with migration of its data traffic to the Hermes VPN. Once these works have been completed all three organisations will benefit from a robust and open connectivity solution with built-in redundancy and future-proofing. Access to Hit Rails Hermes VPN services will ensure the three Benelux rail organisations have the best possible message interoperability for passenger reservations in-country and internationally. The Hermes VPN is already the connectivity choice for all railway reservation systems in Europe using the UIC 918 international reservations protocol, including, amongst others, ResaRail, EPA, Thalys and Eurostar. The enhanced service for NS, together with the connection of BeNe to Hermes, opens up a vast pool of reservation opportunities for passengers within the region and throughout Europe. NS is the principal railway operator in the Netherlands for passenger traffic. NS runs 4,800 scheduled domestic trains a day, serving 1.2 million passengers. It also provides international rail services from the Netherlands to other European destinations. Infrabel is the infrastructure manager of the railways in Belgium and BeNe Rail International is a joint venture between NMBS (Belgian Rail) and NS, created to manage the sales and distribution of international and high speed train tickets and help shape the Dutch and Belgian rail systems. The Hermes VPN, already used by NS and Infrabel, was the logical way forward for NS, BeNe and Infrabel because of its reliability, performance and security and the fact that it is used by so many of Europes rail operators, enhancing connectivity and interoperability for all. Erik Dekkers of NS said: We have been working with Hit Rail for many years and wanted to upgrade our services and connectivity to enable a greater use of the service. Hermes is already widely used throughout the European passenger rail system for reservations and international messaging so it made sense to recommend that BeNe should also migrate to the VPN. Antonio Lopez, General Manager of Hit Rail, added: This is an excellent solution for NS and its partners we are pleased that all three organisations have chosen to connect to our Hermes VPN and have therefore been provided with enhanced connectivity, delivering better information and reservation services to their passengers. In partnership with the Wyoming Historical Society for the celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Cincinnati Preservation Association is hosting a spring house tour in the neighborhood to highlight some of its historic buildings and residences.First listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, the Wyoming Historic District is home to more than 300 buildings including homes, churches, businesses and more. The Ohio Historical Preservation Office calls it a one-of-a-kind community with an extremely impressive array of architecture.The neighborhood has 19th- and 20-century homes in Victorian and Tudor styles.Self-guided walking tours are available in the district, with resources provided by the Wyoming Historical Society. Although self-guided tours of the village dont take tourists into the buildings, the brochure provided through the Wyoming Historical Society takes you through each historical step from previous farmland to colonial-style homes. Going this route, you have access to the historical architecture of the areas homes, churches, businesses and schools.The Spring House Tour , in partnership with the CPA, will take visitors through the heart of Wyomings village area, touring through five homes and two churches along the way.According to Ashleigh Finke, board member of the CPA and co-chair of the tour, the event highlights architectural variety by featuring five homes ranging from an Italianate built in 1865 to a charming bungalow constructed in 1925.The Palmer-Stearn House, a High Italianate mansion atop a rolling 1.6-acre estate, will be one of the stops on the tour. The mansion was fully restored and is known as one of the oldest and most historically important homes in Wyoming. The tour will cap off with a visit to two local churches one a Victorian-Gothic style and the other a Mid-Century Modern.The event, sponsored by Cincinnati Historic Homes and the Sanregret Team, will take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on May 13. Will call will be available at the Wyoming Civic Center, but advance purchase is recommended. Tickets are $30 for CPA and WHS members, $35 for nonmembers if purchased in advance and $40 for a full day of touring.Tickets can be purchased by calling 513-721-4506 or by visiting www.cincinnatipreservation.org Solar Novus Today Has Been Integrated With Novus Light Technologies Today Visit Novus Light Technologies Today to see all the cutting-edge stories and products that you have come to enjoy on Solar Novus Today. In addition, you will find more information on related light-based technologies. Get the latest solar and renewable energy news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Green Technologies newsletter CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES NEWSLETTER A new city website, accessible on computers and mobile devices, that allows users to view public safety data, building code violations, city facility information, and more on an interactive map, was the sole presentation at the Feb. 14. meeting of the South Side Planning Forum. The presenter was Geoffrey Arnold of the citys Department of Innovation and Performance. Called the Burghs Eye View, it includes data on: 311 requests, crime incidents, arrests, non-traffic citations, building code violations, and city facilities. The data is for the citys 90 recognized neighborhoods. More categories are planned. In addition to viewing data, users may submit 311 requests from the site. The website, data.pittsburghpa.gov, is accessible on computers and mobile devices. Once on the website, users should click on the Burghs Eye View logo on the right sidebar. To a question of how data ends up on Burghs Eye View, Mr. Arnold said it is through a partnership with the University of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County called the Western Pennsylvania Regional Data Center. The data is updated daily. In her report of the Development Review Committee (DRC), chair Tracy Myers said there is a proposal to demolish St. Matthews on 19th St. There has been a for sale sign on the property for a long time, she said. The matter has not yet come before the DRC. She said the developer hopes to buy the building, demolish it, and build seven townhouses. Forum chair Hugh Brannan said the developer has reached out to community groups, and is anxious to begin a conversation. To a question about preserving the building, Ms. Myers said it is not a historic landmark. She said not all buildings are worth preserving. Progress sometimes means creative destruction, she said. She said the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation would have declared it a landmark if they felt it was unique. The DRC can provide feedback on design. But it is not on the South Side Neighborhood Plans do not tear down list, she said. Thom Barry, of the South Side Chamber of Commerce, called it shocking anyone would want to take down the building. He said it would take the neighborhood to be up in arms to stop the demolition. Ms. Myers said the design will be carefully evaluated by the DRC and the city. On another matter, Ms. Myers said there will be a Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing at 10:30 a.m. on March 2 on a proposed fast food restaurant with drive-thru at 2417 E. Carson St. The property owner is the Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA Inc. A fast food restaurant is not permitted in the local neighborhood commercial (LNC) zoning district. Drive-thru use in an LNC district is a special exception. Ms. Myers said a fast food restaurant is not the highest and best use for that plot of land. Next, regarding the South Side Neighborhood Plan, ninth update, Ms. Myers said regular reviews will be conducted. At three and nine months, the plan will be looked at to see how organizations are doing with their responsibilities. She also reported that she developed a formal application form for organizations seeking to become forum members. The matter was spurred by the recent plan update which included recommendations that Duquesne University and the South Side Bar & Restaurant Association (SSB&RA) become members of the planning forum. Duquesne would be non-voting, while the SSB&RA would be a voting member. She said she hopes to have both on board as forum members in March. In announcements, the annual South Side Soup Contest, scheduled for Feb. 18, was sold out of its 1250 general admission tickets. About 60 of 100 VIP tickets were sold as of Feb. 14. Proceeds support the South Side community programs and initiatives of the Brashear Association and the South Side Welcome Center. Mr. Barry said in January, the Welcome Center had 30 volunteers for 248 volunteer hours worked, and 219 visitors. The Chamber will be holding a luncheon at noon on March 8 at The Urban Tap, 1209 East Carson St. Mike Carroll and Dan Yablonsky of BikePGH will talk about the May 28 OpenStreets event on the South Side, and about BikePGH. Businesses are urged to become involved, such as in offering sidewalk specials and dining. State Rep. Jake Wheatley will host the annual small business day in Harrisburg on March 20 beginning at 11:15 a.m. Inclusive Innovation Week in the city will be held March 31 to April 7. It is designed to provide a city-wide opportunity to participate in innovation in the city. Groups should submit their event by March 1. The website is innovationroadmap.pittsburghpa.gov . The next forum meeting will be on March 14. Noie: That's what it all should look like in Notre Dame Stadium First-year head coach Marcus Freeman kept insisting it was going to happen if Notre Dame kept working. On Saturday, it finally happened for the Irish A Republican senator would like to see Iowa raise its interstate highway speed limit to 75 mph. Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, who filed Senate File 289, said transportation officials say the interstate system was designed to handle traffic speeds of up to 85 mph. I travel a lot and I thought it was just worthy of having a conversation, Zaun said Monday. He noted the bill stalled in recent sessions but theres been a change in command with Republicans now in control of the Iowa Senate so I thought Id give it another shot. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Tim Kapucian, R-Keystone, said he expected a subcommittee would meet on the bill but he did not give it much of a chance of getting very far in the process. There are a lot of people that dont want it raised, said Kapucian. Theres quite a bit of leeway now in how fast you can go. I dont know if we want to go there. CIVICS EXAM: A House Education subcommittee has postponed indefinitely further action to require high school students score 60 percent on the U.S. citizenship test to graduate. Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Orange City, a co-sponsor of HF 220, wants to see a Legislative Services Agency fiscal analysis of the bill because he doesnt want to impose an unfunded mandate on local schools. When he was running for office last year, Wheeler said, he had to explain to voters the difference between the U.S. House and the Iowa House. Some people thought I was running against (U.S. Rep. Steve) King, he said. Rep. Art Staed, D-Cedar Rapids, a social studies teacher, called the bill a joke. Requiring the test wont improve proficiency in social studies, he said. If students lack proficiency in social studies, Staed suggested it might be because too few teachers have a background in the subject matter. FOREIGN LAWS: A House Judiciary subcommittee moved forward a bill, HF 223, which would make it state policy to protect Iowans from the application of foreign laws that would result in violating rights guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions, including but not limited to those applying to due process, freedom of religion, speech or press, and any right of privacy or marriage. Civil liberties advocates advised that U.S. courts have long held international law is a part of U.S. law. That it could put Americans at risk and cast uncertainty on multinational agreements. Another lobbyist warned the language is so broad as to require civil courts to ignore 1,000 years of the Catholic Churchs canon law in handling disputes such as those involving church property or health care directives. The bill says a court cannot enforce a law if religious or foreign laws does not match the U.S. Constitution. Canon law, Tom Chapman of the Iowa Catholic Conference, does not recognize the right to an abortion, for example. Sponsor Rep. Ralph Watts, R-Adel, said the bill is in response to comments by U.S. Supreme Court justices suggesting that international law should be considered in deciding constitutional questions. In the current environment, with people of many cultures coming to America Watts said it is important to preserve constitutional freedoms. Some culture, he said, permit child marriages. Some dont recognize the rights of women. Rep. Vicki Lensing, D-Iowa City, pointed out the Constitution was written at a time when people of many cultures were entering America and that some would say we dont have full recognition of womens rights now. EXPANDING FIREARM LAW: The Senate Transportation Committee agreed Monday to modify a firearm law they passed last year to expand its provisions to renters and hired hands. Iowa landowners now are allowed to carry a loaded firearm while operating a snowmobile or an ATV on their property. Off-road vehicle operators on someone elses property are required to place unloaded shotguns or rifles in a case. In addition, Iowans with a permit to carry a handgun would be allowed to possess a pistol if it is secured in a holster similar to those used by law enforcement officers. Current law also requires snowmobilers and ATV riders to get off the vehicle to shoot. Senate File 227 would extend the provisions to Iowans who rent property or who work as a laborer as part of an animal agriculture operation. The bill now goes to the Senate debate calendar for consideration. BABY DRUG TESTING: Lawmakers and lobbyist questioned the need for universal drug testing for babies born in Iowa hospitals. While they agreed there is a problems with infants being born with exposure to illegal substances, HF 259 was indefinitely postponed while similar legislation is considered. Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Dave Heaton, R-Mount Pleasant, called for the universal testing to address drug problems of both newborns and their mothers. Hes interested in the childs welfare, but added, dont write off the mother. However, Janee Harvey of the Department of Human Services Child Welfare and Community Services Bureau, wasnt convinced that testing was needed for e very newborn or that involving the DHS by filing Child in Need of Assistance papers in every case was the best way to address the problem. Given rising incidences of heroin and opioid abuse, We need to take a strong stance, Heaton said. QUOTE OF THE DAY: Youve not only derailed bipartisanship, you seem to have driven it off the cliff in some Thelma and Louise fashion, Rep. Bruce Hunter, D-Des Moines, referring to majority Republicans passage of HF 291, which significantly altered public employee collective bargaining rights. --Compiled by the Globe Gazette Des Moines Bureau OSAGE | With another hunting season under their belts, over 150 North Iowa sportsmen and women gathered at the Milton R. Owen Nature Center for the annual Deer and Turkey Expo Saturday, Feb. 11. With new vendors to browse, along with this years mounted exhibits and trail cam photos, there was plenty for visitors to see. Avid hunters from Mitchell, Floyd and other surrounding counties, as well as visitors from Minnesota, flocked the nature center, to see, among other displays, the large mounted buck with the drop tine. By mid-afternoon it was the forerunner to win the competition. The DNR was on hand to discuss issues of conservation, as well as conduct a presentation on the effects of Chronic Wasting Disease and how to spot the signs. The disease, found in white tailed deer and other members of the deer, elk and moose family, causes the animals to lose weight over time and show signs of having difficulty moving, ultimately leading to death. In addition, vendors like Iron Rack Products, creators of European skull mount plaques, were on hand with their wares. From racks in the shape of Iowa, arrow heads, and six shooters, to those who looked like the skull symbol from Punisher, they had several different styles on display. Piggyback Smoke Shack provided the BBQ concession along with several meat and cheese samplers provided by area meat lockers including S & S Locker, Osage. Its a great event up here, this is the first time weve come and its been really nice, they have an awesome facility up here, Iron Rack owner Tyler Larsen said. You really have to look for events like these, but they are around. Youngsters who visited had the opportunity to enjoy searching for the salamander in its habitat or marveling at the snake exhibit as well as several others throughout the room. In addition, DNR officer Eric Johnston was there to answer questions about state hunting and fishing regulations and give tips and advice to those who asked, like Pat ODonnell and his son, Connor, who were visiting from Nora Springs. Were both hunters and fishermen, the elder ODonnell said. My son has been hunting and fishing with me since he was 10, hes 14 now. For us, its all about doing it correctly, thats why were asking Officer Johnston about the length of certain fish and whats regulation and what isnt. Were more in it for fun, but we want to do things legally. Coming to shows like this is a nice way to see the kind of deer that have been harvested and maybe start a wish list of our own. Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. MASON CITY | Cerro Gordo County supervisors gave unanimous approval Tuesday in support of a state fund that addresses water quality, outdoor recreation and natural resources needs. "This is something we really need to do," said Supervisor Tim Latham. Cerro Gordo County Conservation Director Mike Webb said the Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund was created through an amendment to the Iowa Constitution in 2010. It requires the first 3/8 of a cent of the next sales tax increase to be placed in a special fund and used only for water quality and natural resources issues. But the fund has yet to receive any money because of no increase in the sales tax. Proponents are asking the Legislature to enact a tax increase to fund the program that voters supported by their approval of the constitutional amendment seven years ago. Adam Shirley, Mitchell County conservation director and president of the Iowa Conservation Directors Association, recently addressed the issue in a press release. "Hundreds of rivers, lakes and streams are impaired for recreational use," he said. "Some older local and state park facilities require major maintenance and upgrades. Many recreational trails are disconnected or need repair. "With all of this, we live in a state that ranks 47th in the country in spending on natural resources and outdoor recreation," Shirley said. Georgetown, SC (29440) Today Clouds and some sun this morning with more clouds for this afternoon. High 79F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.. Tonight Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low near 60F. Winds light and variable. Welcome to SwanseaOnline - your home for the best news, sports and what's on coverage of the city. Never miss a Swansea story with our daily newsletter Sign up to comment on our stories here Follow us on Facebook and Twitter | Swansea City news | Ospreys news | InYourArea GARNER | U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley faced an angry crowd shouting taunts and waving protest signs during a town hall meeting Tuesday in the basement of the Hancock County Courthouse. An overflow crowd of about 200 filled the meeting room and spilled out onto a stairway. Grassley fielded questions on health care, education, immigration, term limits and President Trump's cabinet picks and possible ties to Russia. Often his answers were hard for some to hear because of others shouting questions or insults at the same time. As one person held up a sign saying "Shame On You, Chuck Grassley Sold to the Highest Bidder," the senator defended his vote in favor of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education. A woman read off a litany of reasons she felt DeVos was unqualified. "I voted for a lot of Obama's nominees for the cabinet," said Grassley. "I think great deference should be given to a new president to help him put his team together to carry out his programs." When the woman said "It's your role to determine who is competent," some in the crowd chanted, "Do your job; do your job." When someone mentioned DeVos donated $21,000 to Grassley's re-election campaign, he replied, "When you raise $10-$11 million in a campaign, you can't possibly know where every $21,000 came from." Another person asked if he thought President Trump should release his tax returns. Grassley said, "You can't force it." When asked if he would sign a letter asking Trump to release his tax returns, the senator replied, "It would be kind of silly for me to say I'd sign a letter I haven't read." Jamet Colton, a native of Chile who now lives in Ames, said immigrants are an important part of American society. "We're already making this country great again," she said. Then she asked, "How will you stand up for immigrants?" Grassley agreed immigrants are important and said, "Aren't we an inviting country?" which drew a loud chorus of "No." Colton said afterward she felt that Grassley was baiting her and had deflected answering her question. David Bernau of West Bend asked Grassley his views on term limits. Grassley said it came up for a vote once years ago and he voted in favor, and that he would do it again. Grassley said he favors a bipartisan investigation by the Senate Intelligence Committee on whether Russia interfered with the presidential election last year. Regarding Trump involvement with Russia, he said Attorney Gen. Jeff Sessions, a longtime Trump friend and political ally, has said he will recuse himself from any prosecution if that becomes necessary. He said he favors repeal and reform of the Affordable Care Act, often called "Obamacare," and said there is consensus among Republicans to keep some parts of it, such coverage of pre-existing illnesses and coverage of young people on their parents' policies up to the age of 26. Grassley, meeting with reporters after the session, said it was often difficult to hear because of so many people speaking at once. Also, he said, so many people made statements rather than asking questions, it limited the number of questions asked. "But it's their right to speak up and it's a very important part of representative government. Two-way communication is essential," he said. Grassley added, "People who lost the last election are very well organized. If Hillary Clinton had been elected, Republicans would be doing the same thing." But he admitted that at one point, "questions were coming at you like a machine gun." Earlier Tuesday, Grassley encountered angry constituents in Iowa Falls. At that session, Clear Lake area farmer Chris Petersen offered him a package of Tums, saying he was going to need them. Grassley said the only time he needs them is when he eats chocolate ice cream before he goes to bed. Air Force Col. Thatcher Cardon of Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas won first place and $15,000 in NASA's Space Poop Challenge for developing new designs for spacesuit toilet systems. WASHINGTON NASA has picked its number one person for a number two problem. Air Force Col. Thatcher Cardon won the agency's "Space Poop Challenge," an effort to design better ways for astronauts to deal with bodily waste than the current super-absorbent diapers. Cardon's solution is a "perineal access port" located in the suit's crotch. It's essentially a valve opening through which astronauts can insert various toilet devices to aid in waste extraction, and can be easily operated while wearing a spacesuit glove. [How Astronauts Use the Bathroom in Space: A Guide] He beat out more than 5,000 other competitors, according to a press release from the Air Force, and will receive $15,000 from NASA for winning the challenge. "I've always wanted to go into biomedical engineering," Cardon, commander of the 47th medical group at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, said in a statement. "I opted for family medicine instead, thinking I could always do biomedical engineering later on. I never imagined that poop would be my ticket into the field." When NASA launched the challenge in October on the HeroX crowdsourcing site, the agency said it was looking for a system that would work continuously for a daunting 144 hours, potentially in the event of an emergency in orbit that required astronauts to stay in their spacesuits for extended periods of time. In an introductory video for the competition, space shuttle veteran astronaut Rick Mastracchio put it succinctly: "We have to figure out ways to keep astronauts alive and healthy many days after a major malfunction, such as loss of vehicle pressure," he said. "I can tell you that spaceflight is not always glamorous, and people need to go to the bathroom even in a spacecraft. How is this waste treated so that it does not harm the astronaut or even kill them?" Cardon said that training as a flight surgeon helped him think about how to maintain pressure within a spacesuit while using a waste disposal device. Air Force medical staff often must consider changing pressures in a flight cabin for patients who are airlifted out of dangerous areas.[In Space, Everyone Can Hear You Poop (Video)] Col. Thatcher Cardon, 47th Medical Group commander at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. Cardon's "perineal access port" won NASA's first Space Poop Challenge for spacesuit toilet systems. (Image credit: Airman 1st Class Benjamin N. Valmoj/U.S. Air Force) Another of the devices Cardon created is a "hygiene wand" to be used instead of toilet paper. "Its tip is covered with bunched tubular fabric," the press release said. "After the fabric is applied to the perineum, it is pulled outward through the middle of the wand so that fresh fabric slides forward from the outside of the wand in a motion similar to a sock being turned inside out." After meticulously planning out how his system might work, Cardon "drove around town to dollar stores, thrift stores, craft, clothing and hardware stores to buy materials for mockups." "I have a small office and workshop that was in a complete uproar for several weeks as the submission came together on evenings and weekends," the colonel said. "It was a ton of fun." Col. Thomas Shank, the 47th Flying Training Wing commander at Laughlin, said he wasn't surprised that Cardon's creativity won the contest. "When I ask him for a solution, he always gives me several options and one of the options will be out of left field, one that I would never think about. He's an extremely innovative person," Shank said in a statement. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. A Russian Progress spacecraft is seen on approach to the International Space Station in this undated NASA image. A robotic Russian cargo ship will launch toward the International Space Station early Wednesday (Feb. 22), to be followed hours later by the arrival of an unpiloted SpaceX cargo ship at the same cosmic destination. And if you're an extreme night owl (or early bird), you can watch all the space action live online. The Russian Progress 66 resupply ship will launch to the space station from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 12:58 a.m. EST (0558 GMT), beginning a two-day trip to the space station. Then, at 6 a.m. EST (1100 GMT) Wednesday, SpaceX's 10th Dragon cargo ship will arrive at the space station to complete a trip that began with a spectacular launch Sunday (Feb. 19). You can watch both space events live online, courtesy of NASA TV. The Progress 66 cargo ship's launch webcast will begin at 12:30 a.m. EST (0530 GMT). NASA's coverage of the SpaceX Dragon's arrival at the space station, meanwhile, will begin at 4:30 a.m. EST (0930 GMT) and likely conclude after astronauts on the station capture the Dragon capsule with the outpost's robotic arm. NASA will resume coverage at 8:30 a.m. EST (1330 GMT) to show live views of Dragon being attached to the space station, NASA officials said in a statement. Progress 66 is unpiloted cargo ship packed with nearly 3 tons of food, fuel and supplies for the Expedition 50 crew on the space station. It is Russia's first cargo ship launch since the loss of the Progress 65 supply craft on Dec. 1, 2016, NASA officials said. If all goes well with the launch, the new cargo ship should arrive at the space station in the wee hours of Friday (Feb. 24). Nearly 5 hours after the Progress 66 launch, SpaceX's latest Dragon space capsule will arrive at the space station. SpaceX launched the Dragon capsule Sunday using a Falcon 9 rocket that lifted off from NASA's Launch Pad 39A. It was the first private rocket launch from the historic pad, which NASA used to launch the Apollo 11 moon-landing mission and the final space shuttle flight, among others. Dragon is carrying about nearly 5,500 lbs. (2,500 kilograms) of food, scientific equipment and other supplies for the space station crew. Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement IOWA FALLS | A raucous town hall meeting frequently interrupted by shouted questions, insults and do your job chants was a great example of making the process of representative government work, Iowa U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said Tuesday. What youve just seen is the best way to do it, Grassley said about communicating with constituents. His early morning meeting at a volunteer fire department station in the north central Iowa town of Iowa Falls drew a couple of hundred people. Judging from the comments and questions during the hour-long forum, most did not support his re-election last fall to a seventh term. Its just part of the job, the Iowa Republican said about his visits to all 99 counties every year for the past 36 years. We have a responsibility to have dialogue with our constituents, Grassley told reporters later. What I just did is the best way to do it. Over the course of an hour, Grassley fielded about 15 questions, many hostile towards him, President Donald Trump and Republicans, in general. Unlike his more typical town hall meetings, the questions speeches, often were longer, Grassleys answers shorter and there was less discussion. That, he said, was unfortunate, but an accommodation he was willing to make. I dont think people had a chance to hear me as much as they normally would because there were long speeches and some applause and some interference, so they didnt get my point of view, Grassley said. But if they want me to listen to them, Im willing to listen to them. What he heard told him weve got issues that people feel very strongly about. He appreciated the input on the Affordable Care Act, which congressional Republicans and the president say they will repeal and replace. He hasnt had many opportunities to discuss that at town hall meetings year, so I think that was a good thing to hear from people. As confrontational as the meeting was, Grassley said it was nowhere near as intense as meetings on President Barack Obamas proposed health care overhaul in the summer of 2009. Its nothing compared to 2009, he said. I went through this in 2009. If you get through it in 2009 this is not a problem. In that spirit, Clear Lake farmer and Democratic activist Chris Peterson, offered Grassley a gift. I got a present for you if you want them, he said before giving Grassley an earful on family farms, the EPA, health care and more. Theyre called Tums and youre going to need them in the next few years. Grassley appreciated the offer, but told reporters it wasnt necessary. The only time I need Tums is when I have chocolate ice cream before I go to bed, Grassley said. Reach James Lynch at 319-398-8375; james.lynch@thegazette.com. OSAGE | The Mitchell County Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved applications for two 2,500-head hog confinements after denying them in January. The approval followed clarification provided by Iowa Select Farms, on behalf of local producer Grey Owl Farms II, LLC. Iowa Select Farms Environmental Compliance Officer Keith Kratchmer during the meeting provided a two-page clarification. It addressed the county's concerns regarding the producer's master matrix application, a scoring system for concentrated animal feeding operations. The board had denied Grey Owl Farms' applications Jan. 31 after reviewing an analysis submitted by a nonprofit citizens' environmental action group. The company, operating as Underwood Finisher Farms, Orchard, wanted to build the deep pit swine finisher buildings in rural southeastern Mitchell County. It was the first application the county denied. Mitchell County officials said they have relied on applicants scoring their own master matrix applications, with the board approving them as presented. Denial was based on application analysis by Erica Blair, an organizer for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement's (CCI) farming and environment team. Operates are required to score a minimum of 440 points on applications. Grey Owl Farms II said it scored 445, but Blair's analysis determined the company took in 105 erroneous points not meeting DNR standards, instead scoring at 340. Blair's concerns involved the use of "periodic" or "routine" inspections, with no specific definition of those terms in the application. She previously said she believed additional clarification was needed for points to be awarded. Blair via phone Tuesday said it was good the supervisors took constituent concerns into account as they "decided to take the master matrix more seriously." "Even so, we would have liked to see the supervisors stick to their guns," she said. "This is just another example of the master matrix failing to adequately protect communities and the environment from factory farm pollution. "It doesnt go far enough and we need supervisors to demand real change. We cant continue to simply let factory farms degrade our water, air and quality of life." Kratchmer addressed those terms in a letter to the supervisors, stating, "We believe that good management practices and common sense direct us on the timelines of such inspections. To clarify the issue, Iowa Select Farms (whose pigs will be raised by Underwood Finishing) requires the reporting of manure levels, water usage and a visual inspection of all storage structures and building on a weekly basis. Regarding the inspection of pit floors, Kratchmer said the Iowa DNR requires drainage tile like ones proposed for the Grey Owl Farms site. The manure storage structures on this farm and any other farm represent a significant investment and it is not anyones best interest to design, operate and maintain these structures in a manner that does not protect our neighbors or the environment," the letter said. Since points were met, County Attorney Mark Walk said the supervisors were obligated to approve the application. Although some people may think county has some say in the zoning of these confinements, Iowa law makes it very clear it is not the job of the counties to zone for confinement buildings," Walk said. The Floyd County Board of Supervisors earlier this month asked Gov. Terry Branstad and the Iowa Legislature to change the master matrix. Floyd County is the third county in which supervisors have formally called for changes in the state matrix, joining both Allamakee and Winneshiek counties. Last year, Webster and Pocahontas county officials wrote letters to legislators and the DNR calling for a moratorium on factory farms and changes to the master matrix. In addition, Johnson County officials also called for more local control. As for Mitchell County, Walk said voting down a master matrix application meeting criteria is a "waste of everyone's time." After the county initially denied the application, Walk contacted DNR Senior Environmental Specialist Cindy Garza, inquiring into the county's next option. Garza, who handles animal feeding operations, offered the county two options: allowing the DNR to score the matrix itself or requesting a 30-day extension to work with Iowa Select Farms. The county chose the extension, then renegotiating the application with Grey Owl Farms II. The board also approved establishing a formal review committee of a county supervisor, the producer, producer's environmental officer and either the county attorney or county sanitarian and community members to review and discuss master matrix applications. The committee met with Grey Owl Farms II to discuss the county's concerns with the application. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. And in doing so, it appears that Schulz was even ready to bend the rules of parliament. Two weeks ago, Schulz became the subject of criticism over the largesse he has shown to former European Parliament staffer and current campaign director Markus Engels, including a questionable employment arrangement that guaranteed Engels lucrative extras on top of his base salary. Furthermore, Schulz pushed hard in 2014 for Engels to become an EU civil servant, a coveted status, even though it was not in Schulz's jurisdiction to do so. Likewise in 2014, Schulz tried to push for Engels to become the head of parliament's Media Intelligence Unit, even writing an email to a personnel department staff member to get it through. Chahid Elhafed (Saharawi Refugee Camps), February 21, 2017 (SPS) - Saharawi Government condemned Monday Morocco's "policy of threat and blackmail" against the European Union for its legal positions over the conflict of Western Sahara. The Saharawi government, in a statement published Sunday, said Morocco uses illegal immigration as a blackmail tool," the government said through the Saharawi Communication's statement. "Whenever Morocco is under political or economic pressure, it resorts to such methods, especially Spain, to force it to breach its historical responsibilities towards Western Sahara people and their right to freedom and independence," "The European Union will not accept that its legal institutions undergo any form of blackmail," the statement noted. "Those acts are parts of Morocco's policy which jeopardize security and stability in the region, making of drugs, illegal immigration and organized crime a tool for blackmail." SPS 125/090/700 Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Osage with Rev. Alan Schulz officiating. Burial will be in the Osage Cemetery. London, February 21, 2017 (SPS) - Western Sahara Resource Watch (WSRW) denounced the illegal oil exploration by the Swiss company Glencore off the coast of the occupied territory of Western Sahara. WSRW underlined in a communique that Glencore is accelerating the oil exploration off the coast of occupied Western Sahara, underlining that the company conducted other seismic surveys and concluded a renewable agreement on a block offshore the occupied territory. Glencore has already been involved in similar illegal activities when it signed an agreement with the Moroccan occupier in 2016, said the source. WSRW also reported that the seismic study vessel BGP Prospector, owned by a subsidiary of the Chinese oil company CNPC, has undertaken seismic studies off the coast of occupied El Aaiun, the capital city of Western Sahara, and has done similar studies twice in the past. SPS 125/090/700 DARIEN A skimming device was found on an ATM at the Darien Bank & Trust on the Post Road. On Feb. 15 around 3:30 p.m., bank management told police they had been contacted by an outside monitoring agency about abnormal customer banking activity in New York City. MASON CITY | Police called to North Iowa Area Community College on Tuesday for a report of a suicidal person took a man to the hospital. Officials say no one was hurt. Mason City police said in a statement they were notified about 10:30 a.m. that someone Winnebago County authorities were looking for was at NIACC's campus on the east side of Mason City. Law-enforcement in Winnebago County was seeking to do a welfare check on that person. THe person was located walking on the community college's campus and taken without incident to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa, police say. NIACC President Steve Schulz said in a school alert that the call was for a campus visitor with a mental health issue. "The individual was cooperative and has been removed from campus and there is no need for anyone to take additional action," he said via e-mail. College officials say the campus was not locked down. For the second year, Entrepreneur partnered with CultureIQ to find the best office cultures in America. For more tips and profiles, check out the rest of 2017's Top Company Cultures package. Its a long-told story: Millennials and Gen Xers dont understand each other. But at this Nashville-based IT firm, the culture runs on collaboration -- so much so that generational divides have nearly disappeared, according to its staff. Daniel Akridge, a 28-year-old service-desk lead, and Darlene Dralus, a 49-year-old network operations center engineer, explain how. Related: To Change Your Company Culture, Change Your Conversations Akridge: I was told when I started at Concept to ask a lot of questions. In IT, you dont see that a ton. People hoard their knowledge to be indispensable. Dralus: If youre a field engineer, you might be juggling up to 18 clients. To know that they can call Daniel and his team on the help desk and get the right information right away is reassuring. A: Most of my team are millennials. And millennials -- myself included -- tend to want quick promotion. Part of my job has been to create a development program and communicate that if youre really good at what you do, we want you to continue doing that for a long time before we promote you. Not just six months. You can value [the advancement of] your career or the culture of a workplace. Sometimes they overlap, and luckily, here they do. Related: How One Company Used Data To Improve Its Sales Staff D: I dont know how much of that is generational or just being young. When youre 25, two years seems like a long time. At 49, its a drop in the bucket. Ive joked with Daniel that I have sweatpants older than him! Still, Im constantly bugging him for help. A: Darlene and I work together every day. There are no barriers between our teams. We work to figure out scripts, checks and monitors, and that interaction works great. D: There are always going to be office moments that make you roll your eyes. About a year ago, a younger male employee posted a video in Slack that I can only describe as inappropriate. A: I forgot about that! Related: Medium-Sized Companies: The Best Company Cultures in 2017 D: It was frat-boy humor. I rolled my eyes, but I didnt want to be the one to play mom. Three male colleagues immediately said, Knock it off! On one hand, it should have never happened, but on the other, thank goodness I have a team of people that said, This isnt right. Related: Fusion Doubles Down on Employee Wellness and Watches Productivity Soar The 153 Best Company Cultures In America (And What You Can Learn From Them) Small-Sized Companies: The Best Company Cultures in 2017 Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Michael Cummo / Hearst Connecticut Media STAMFORD A New York man has been accused of harassing his estranged wife by calling her 48 times in one day, police said. Sgt. Simon Blanc said Andrew Cummings, 45, of Bayshore, N.Y., was charged with two counts of threatening and 48 counts of harassment. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STAMFORD A city man already facing a gun possession charge was arrested for allegedly setting fire to a carjacked vehicle. Jeremy Middleton, 18, was charged with arson, conspiracy to commit arson, third-degree larceny and ordered held in lieu of a $150,000 court appearance bond. Middletons arrest is the second in the case after a city fire marshal tracked down video of the stolen red Subaru Forrester at a West Side filling station showing the vehicles interior being doused with gasoline on Jan. 14. The footage was recorded 15 minutes before a 911 call reported the vehicle engulfed in flames on Oakwood Place. According to Middletons arrest affidavit, the burned-out Forrester was owned by a pizza delivery-man who had been robbed at gunpoint last month in Bridgeport by two masked black men. Two days later a state police dog signaled that accelerant was in the Subaru, according to the affadavit. Officers heard from Norwalk police that a red Subaru Forrester was used during a robbery and shooting of a Chinese food delivery driver about an hour before the vehicle fire was reported in Stamford, the affidavit said. Assistant Fire Marshall Antonio Forte went to Turnpike Shell on West Avenue and found surveillance video of the Forrester in addition to the Chinese food delivery drivers black Toyota Camry at the station about 15 minutes before the Forrester was reported ablaze at 8:05 p.m. The station is a mile from the location of the vehicle fire. The recording shows Middleton and Tyreik Gantt,19, of Stamford purchasing six dollars of gas, the affidavit said. Gantt is then seen directing the gasoline nozzle onto the rear seat of the Forrester, the affidavit says. Middleton gets into the Forrester and Gannt gets into the Camry before both vehicles drive out the Grenhart Road driveway of the station, the affidavit said. At the time, police say Gantt was out on bond from a gun possession charge from September. On Jan. 26, less than two weeks after the fire, Gantt was arrested in Bridgeport while driving the stolen Camry and charged with arson, police said. On Friday, Norwalk police charged Gantt with the robbery and shooting the Chinese food delivery driver as well as the robbery of another Chinese food deliver driver five days earlier in Norwalk. Again, Gantt was out on bond when he was picked up on the robbery charge. Middleton was picked up almost two weeks after the fire when following a tip that he planned to rob a drug dealer in Stamford, police said. Police said they intercepted him on the street with a loaded 9 mm semiautomatic pistol in his pocket and he was charged with possession of a stolen firearm and attempted armed robbery. The affidavit says that Middleton confessed to robbing both delivery drivers with Gantt in Norwalk and torching the Forrester with Gantt in Stamford. Middleton told police that he was woozy from the gas fumes in the Forrester before driving it onto Oakwood Place, the affidavit said. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com; W anted: world-renowned banker to chair Britains second-biggest company. Must be on the Christmas-card list of every major political leader, central banker and regulator in the world. Experience running multinational businesses with 235,000 employees a distinct advantage. Some Mandarin preferable, along with a willingness to get flogged by select committee MPs when duty calls. You can see why HSBC is not having the easiest time finding a replacement to Douglas Flint in the chairmans job. Now, to add to all the existing hurdles, the banks near-70% share-price run over the past year has come juddering to a halt with todays mildly disappointing numbers. Whoever takes the chair and its 2 million-a-year paycheque wont have the glamour of overseeing a bull run like that again. Rather, the coming decade will see HSBC having to find ways to offset declining global trade from newly protectionist populist governments in the US and Europe. Thanks to its Asia-focus, HSBC is better placed to win than most, given that trade between countries in that region will increase to fill the gap from US orders. But gains will be harder to find than hitherto. The market had once expected Flints replacement to be announced by the AGM in April. Now, the end of 2017 even looks a stretch, although the bank denies that. Funny thing is, the only person obviously qualified for the job the one who ticks all those boxes in the CV criteria is staring headhunters in the face. He is, of course, the man whos pushed through $6 billion of cost savings and returned billions to shareholders; chief executive Stuart Gulliver. For corporate governance reasons, shareholders would go berserk if he got it, of course. It will never happen. But you have to admit, he could step up tomorrow and probably do a rather good job. Solomons has key Intercontinental Hotels Group boss Richard Solomons is used to bankers urging him to do a megadeal. Since Accors takeover of Fairmont and Marriotts Starwood strike, they call for little else. But he reckons he can grow IHG alone, by both opening new hotels and driving greater numbers of customers through its in-house loyalty programmes. Any who doubt hes right should look at todays numbers: despite terror attacks and wobbly economies, IHG has pumped out profit growth of 10% and a $400 million surprise special dividend. The message to investors is clear: keep the faith. Ignore the bankers. V idal Sassoon on Tuesday led an army of Londons hair and beauty firms that warned new business rates hikes will make the capital uglier for investors. The company, founded by the late celebrity hairdresser Vidal Sassoon, said the rates bill for its four London salons will surge 18% this year as part of the Governments revaluation of the rateable value of commercial property. Managing director Jackie Lang told the Standard: This is an unfair burden on London based hairdressers, both independent and national, and could result in businesses closing and jobs being lost. It will certainly cause many companies to rethink expansion plans for London. Paul Simbler, director at Hob Salons which has 19 London branches, said: The rates are exactly what businesses dont need. Business is tough enough, especially with rents in London being sky high. Lucy Patterson, the founder of waxing and manicure specialist Milk Beauty, added: Salons have a maximum sales capacity as only so many treatments can be delivered each day. This limitation makes them inherently more vulnerable to increases in overhead costs like the April rates rise. Property specialist CVS said that of 1600 London hair and beauty parlours it analysed, they are collectively paying 10.5 million per year in rates, but that will be nearly 13 million from April. W hen John Roberts, the maverick chief executive of AO World, unveiled his drastic plan for European domination, it is fair to say some in the City were less than impressed. Investors wanted Roberts to prove the model at home first before an ambitious drive into the Continent. The scepticism surrounding AOs European expansion returned today as Morgan Stanley came back from the white goods companys investor day in Germany a fortnight ago with a bearish view of its growth prospects. The investment bank cut its rating to Underweight and its target price to 135p, arguing that the FTSE 250 firm would struggle to hit its 30% growth target in Germany and the Netherlands even if it raises its marketing budget significantly. Our forecasts were already below consensus and we feel expectations for Europe, particularly in outer years, will still need to come down further, said analyst Miriam Adisa. She cut her revenue forecasts for Europe by 13% and 19% for this year and next, adding that the overseas business is unlikely to break even by 2021. Her annual forecasts for this year are now at the bottom end of guidance. The gloomy note dragged AO shares down 3.8p, or 2.4%, to 156.2p. On the wider market, disappointing numbers from HSBC sent the FTSE 100 down 11.63 points to 7288.23 as the banking giant the LSEs second biggest company after Shell dived 45.8p, nearly 6.5%, to 666.5p. Beleaguered outsourcer Capita was back in the red, falling 4.5p to 509.5p as it wrote down the value of historic contracts to the tune of 50 million. However, the shares began to recover from heavier early falls as analysts at Numis argued that investors are wrong to expect another profit warning, management shake-up and a fundraising. On the mid-cap index, the 11 million deal by construction group Balfour Beatty to sell its Middle East joint ventures lifted shares 0.9p to 274p, and solid first-half figures bolstered housebuilder Galliford Try, up 14p to 1530p. Theresa Mays critics have lambasted the Prime Minister for inaction in blocking foreign takeovers, but her constituents were busy in the market today. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead she is MP for the latter have taken a combined 20% stake in Gresham House. The AIM-listed specialty asset manager has launched the British Strategic Investment Fund, a 300 million fund to invest in innovation, housing and infrastructure, three themes highlighted by Chancellor Philip Hammond in his Autumn Statement. Shares rose 19.5p, or 6.4%, to 322.5p. Elsewhere, a 50,000 share purchase by executive chairman John Watkins did little to stop investors reversing out of telematics business Trakm8, which dived 34p, or 31%, to 76p after a painful profit warning. O ne of the most remarkable features of contemporary London, an aspect of its global, cosmopolitan character, is that it is now one of the great gastronomic capitals of the world. The increasing prosperity of the city has allowed more and more people to eat out a trend that has been undiminished since the referendum and the influx of people from all over the world means that what we eat is now remarkably diverse. If you want to eat Vietnamese, Peruvian, Sicilian or Ethiopian, you can do it here. This extraordinary food culture is what this paper is celebrating in our London Food Month in June. It will take place all over the city with the highlight being an outdoor dining event called the Night Market in a London park which will take place over 12 nights from June 7 and will replicate the citys street-food scene. The festival as a whole will include events with Londons most celebrated chefs. One recent development has been the number of top restaurants in other capitals who have set up establishments here; why should food lovers travel to Paris or Madrid if they can eat their finest dishes here? But we should not forget that England has its own admirable culinary tradition: the focus will be on local and national produce and on British as well as global cooking. The festival will, in fact, embrace good food in all its forms: its partner charity, The Felix Project, brings attention to the issue of food waste, which has been given renewed attention in a recent Evening Standard campaign. We shall be publishing the festival programme in April: we hope readers will come and enjoy it. HSBC reflects the times The drop in profits of HSBC, Europes biggest bank, is in some ways reflective of the difficulties facing the entire sector. It made pre-tax profits of $7.1 billion (5.7 billion) last year, down 62 per cent on 2015. Its chairman, Douglas Flint, said 2016 will be long remembered for its significant and largely unexpected economic and political events namely, Brexit and Donald Trump. And yet a succession of one-off charges, such as the sale of its Brazilian operations, also affected profits. Most of the banks profits are made in Asia, not here. The bank confirmed last year that it would be keeping its headquarters in London but ministers should also reflect on the significance of Mr Flints suggestion that the bank may move 1,000 jobs to Paris, depending on the result of the Brexit negotiations and the possible loss of passporting rights within the EU. HSBC, said Mr Flint, has broadly all the licences and infrastructure needed to continue to support our clients once the UK leaves the EU. Of course, big institutions will all be preparing for every eventuality but this move is a timely reminder of the absolute priority that Brexit Secretary David Davis must give to the welfare of the City in the next two years. London is a global financial centre, not just a European one, but we cannot take our competitive advantage for granted. Global institutions are mobile; lets remember it. A Wild Party Andrew Lloyd Webbers new theatre, The Other Palace, officially opened last night, playing host to Drew McOnies triumphant production of Michael John LaChiusas 2000 musical, The Wild Party. The former St James Theatre has been rebranded by Lord Lloyd-Webber to be a home for new musicals. It is a bold move which reflects the ever-growing affection for musical theatre in the UK. Indeed, the success of La La Land in cinemas shows how popular musicals are. Encouraging new talent in the industry will secure its long-term future. 1. Ground control At a tidy 1,400, Balenciagas thigh- high metallic boots make for a no-brainer purchase. Not least because youll wear them every day and with, well, everything, from your favourite hoodie to your fail-safe LBD. Jokes. But if they came with a guarantee of looking as cool in them as Lulu Kennedy does we may well consider a pair. Getty Images 2. Sock meets sandal For long-suffering fash folk, February is a treacherous time: there are shows, 5am flights and social-media allegiances to contend with. Then theres the weather. The sock-and- sandal combo - a favourite with seasoned show types such as Matchesfashion.com fashion features ed Jane McFarland (pictured) - is a means by which we can keep a foot in both seasons and thus regain control. Getty Images 3. Knights in white cotton If youre looking for a hangover companion, a white peasant-sleeve dress is your friend. A favourite with creative consultant Kate Foley and Alexa Chung, who championed JW Andersons interpretation this week, its a frock that suggests the wearer is more innocent than they look. (Dave Benett) / Dave Benett/Getty Images 4. Ballerina girls Wondering how to pull off next seasons ballet trend without looking like a baby elephant crossed with a Barbie? Simples: reinvent yourself as Agyness Deyn. Elfin good looks and an enviable sense of style meant the model-turned-actress looked more boss than ballet when she turned up to Molly Goddards show on Saturday. Not jealous at all. Getty Images 5. Off-shoulder robing Want to make it as a street-style blogger? Youd better unbutton. Only a pedestrian would wear a coat on their shoulders. Thanks to Demna Gvasalia and his AW16 vision for Balenciaga, shoulder robing has given way to shoulder bearing. NB: this is an uncomfortable pastime that involves contortionist lessons and rather chilly shoulders. Getty Images 6. Wear your floral frock with jeans Its February and the summer dress you pre-ordered has arrived early: cue much cheering, then despair as you realise its far too cold even to contemplate wearing it outside of your underfloor-heated bathroom - never mind on the street. Thankfully the street-style experts have come up with a canny plan: welcome summer into winter by wearing your new floral fancy with a pair of jeans. Crazy or clever? 7. Do a feature leg Edgy Russian Mulberry stylist Lotta Volkova practised what she preached on Sunday, choosing a pair of mohair-knit tights from the brands AW17 collection to decorate her legs. And she wasnt the only one opting to make a statement in winter woollies, with printed and bright-coloured deniers all the rage this week. Fancy stepping out in the trend? Team the most outlandish pair you can find with a skirt or short in a matching shade. Trust us, its a thing. instagram/lottavolkova 8. Embrace colour If racking up Instagram likes ranks high on your agenda, rocking up at the shows in any old navy sweater is not going to cut it. A master in the art of anti-austerity style, Swedish actress Noomi Rapace has the standing-out-from-the-crowd thing down pat. To emulate her look, dig out the brightest shade you can get your hands on and then swaddle yourself in it. Mike Marsland/WireImage Visit standard/fashion to catch up on all the shows from London Fashion Week A comedian has turned his decade-long battle with anorexia into a stand-up show to raise awareness of the illness. Dave Chawner, 28, wants to bring humour to the difficult and very unfunny topic and engage people. He has suffered from anorexia since he was 17. He said: There was no real reason behind it, nothing hidden in my subconscious. It was a sort of escapism like drugs or alcohol. I dont mean to be crass but it is addictive, like substance abuse. I still miss it, like alcoholics or drug abusers. He took up comedy nine years ago while studying at Southampton University and began using his struggles as material after several years on the circuit. But in 2015, despite being in therapy, I wasnt ready really and it was all too much. I relapsed and was sick again, so it has taken another couple of years to get here. Arts picks of the week: 20th - 26th February 1 /9 Arts picks of the week: 20th - 26th February Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Daniel Radcliffe returns to the London stage to play the Rosencrantz to Joshua McGuires Guildenstern, celebrating 50 years since the play began. Who knew that from its humble beginnings at the Edinburgh Fringe it would still be the subject of starry revivals? February 25 - April 29, Old Vic Buy tickets for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead with Evening Standard Tickets Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Edward Albee passed away last year, but his impact as a dramatist is lasting. This production starring Imelda Staunton is the first of two revivals of his plays. The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia, starring Damien Lewis, opens in March. February 22 - May 27, Harold Pinter Theatre The Wild Party Its going to be quite a party when The Other Palace throws open its doors. Andrew Lloyd Webbers new theatre, designed to push the genre of the musical forward through an eclectic programme and open workshops, throws open its doors with this full-throttle show. Artistic Director Paul Taylor-Mills laid out his intentions in an interview with the Standard. Until April 1, The Other Palace Buy tickets for The Wild Party with Evening Standard Tickets Speech and Debate Riot Club star Douglas Booth and Tony Revolori, known from The Grand Budapest Hotel, are certainly great names to catch on stage. Stephen Karams play about a school sex scandal promises to make us laugh - a perfect tonic for fraught times. February 22 - April 1, Trafalgar Studios Buy tickets for Speech and Debate with Evening Standard Tickets America After The Fall: Painting in the 1930s America is going through some changes at the moment, but this new show from the Royal Academy asks if there was ever a time when it wasnt. It looks at how artists from Georgia OKeeffe to Jackson Pollock charted the early 20th century when the nation was recovering from depression. Excitingly, it will feature Grant Woods American Gothic, which has never before been taken out of America. February 25 - June 4, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk Royal Academy of the Arts/The Art Institute of Chicago, friends of American Art Collection, 1930.934 Ugly Lies The Bone This will be the UK debut of Lindsey Ferrentinos Ugly Lies the Bone, telling the story of Afghanistan veteran Jess using virtual reality therapy to escape her pain. Director Indhu Rubasingham worked magic in the Lyttelton with another Broadway transfer in 2015, The Motherf**ker with the Hat, so this will be worth a look. From February 22, National Theatre; nationaltheatre.org.uk My Brilliant Friend If you can catch your breath after all of those openings, theres a treat in store in Kingston. April de Angelis has adapted Elena Ferrantes Neapolitan novels for the stage, a two part epic starring Niamh Cusack and Catherine McCormack. Its a powerful portrayal of female friendship, as well as an evocative depiction of a tough neighbourhood in Naples. February 25 - April 2; Rose Theatre Buy tickets for My Brilliant Friend with Evening Standard Tickets Max & Ivan: Our Story This Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated duo return to Soho Theatre with their show Our Story, a sketch show about how they met. It runs for two weeks and promises to bring the lols. February 20 - March 4, Soho Theatre; sohotheatre.com CUT Festival CUT Festival is a unique new East London artistic celebration of the culture of barber shops. Including performances, exhibitions, and even the chance to get a free haircut, its the wild card of the week, and the chance to see something a bit different. February 24 - March 5, across London; cutfestival.com Mr Chawner, who is 5ft 9in, said revealing his lowest weight is not productive, as people who are at their lowest will see it as some sort of competition or believe they do not have disordered eating if they weigh more than he did. But he said at his lowest weight he was suffering from heart issues and doctors told him his potassium levels were very, very low. Now well, the Brixton-based performer is touring his show Normally Abnormal and is on at Imperial College London tomorrow. He will be raising money for Beat, the UKs leading eating disorder charity, before the start of Eating Disorders Awareness Week next Monday. He said: Im trying to use comedy to talk about something that is quite taboo, an informative talk using humour to make it more engaging. I want to approach the subject in an honest and candid way. A new restaurant from Nieves Barragan Mohacho will put a little-seen Spanish food concept in the spotlight, in the same way that Barrafina did a decade ago. The chef will leave Barrafina, which is credited with kick-starting Londons love affair with tapas, at the end of the month after 10 years of service. She will then embark on a new restaurant project alongside Jose Etura, Barrafinas general manager, who is also leaving the group. Nieves said: The restaurant will bring a new concept from Spain. It will be based on something which is not in London at the moment, and people will come just to eat that. She added that it would be traditional Spanish in its influences, but did not reveal more. Nieves was speaking ahead of the launch of the Evening Standards London Food Month, taking place across June. She enthusased about Londons food scene, saying: London is one of the most exciting cities for food. You can taste the whole entire world in London, its just incredible. If you want dumplings, you have Hakkasan; if you want noodles there is Koya Bar; for Sri Lankan there is Hoppers and they are all absolutely top of their game. She added: The food scene in London and its diversity means that when chefs come, they stay put because nowhere can rival it. When I came I intened to stay for one or two years and Ive now been here for 18 years. A ndrew Lloyd Webber's new theatre will send an electric message to the West End, according to the director of its debut show. Drew McOnies production of Wild Party opened The Other Palace, formerly the St James Theatre, with a Prohibition story full of sex and violence. Audiences were warned of strong language, sexual content, adult themes and gunshots but McOnie said there was room for challenging work. He said: It sends out an electric message about what the theatre means. The Other Palace was set up by Lloyd Webber, 68, as a breeding ground for new musicals with a studio theatre available to songwriters, directors and choreographers and an open mic bar to encourage performers to come to the venue, in Palace Street, Victoria. He has said he wants it to enable writers and producers to try out and refine new material without the distraction of complicated sets and automation. Arts picks of the week: 20th - 26th February 1 /9 Arts picks of the week: 20th - 26th February Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead Daniel Radcliffe returns to the London stage to play the Rosencrantz to Joshua McGuires Guildenstern, celebrating 50 years since the play began. Who knew that from its humble beginnings at the Edinburgh Fringe it would still be the subject of starry revivals? February 25 - April 29, Old Vic Buy tickets for Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead with Evening Standard Tickets Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Edward Albee passed away last year, but his impact as a dramatist is lasting. This production starring Imelda Staunton is the first of two revivals of his plays. The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia, starring Damien Lewis, opens in March. February 22 - May 27, Harold Pinter Theatre The Wild Party Its going to be quite a party when The Other Palace throws open its doors. Andrew Lloyd Webbers new theatre, designed to push the genre of the musical forward through an eclectic programme and open workshops, throws open its doors with this full-throttle show. Artistic Director Paul Taylor-Mills laid out his intentions in an interview with the Standard. Until April 1, The Other Palace Buy tickets for The Wild Party with Evening Standard Tickets Speech and Debate Riot Club star Douglas Booth and Tony Revolori, known from The Grand Budapest Hotel, are certainly great names to catch on stage. Stephen Karams play about a school sex scandal promises to make us laugh - a perfect tonic for fraught times. February 22 - April 1, Trafalgar Studios Buy tickets for Speech and Debate with Evening Standard Tickets America After The Fall: Painting in the 1930s America is going through some changes at the moment, but this new show from the Royal Academy asks if there was ever a time when it wasnt. It looks at how artists from Georgia OKeeffe to Jackson Pollock charted the early 20th century when the nation was recovering from depression. Excitingly, it will feature Grant Woods American Gothic, which has never before been taken out of America. February 25 - June 4, Royal Academy; royalacademy.org.uk Royal Academy of the Arts/The Art Institute of Chicago, friends of American Art Collection, 1930.934 Ugly Lies The Bone This will be the UK debut of Lindsey Ferrentinos Ugly Lies the Bone, telling the story of Afghanistan veteran Jess using virtual reality therapy to escape her pain. Director Indhu Rubasingham worked magic in the Lyttelton with another Broadway transfer in 2015, The Motherf**ker with the Hat, so this will be worth a look. From February 22, National Theatre; nationaltheatre.org.uk My Brilliant Friend If you can catch your breath after all of those openings, theres a treat in store in Kingston. April de Angelis has adapted Elena Ferrantes Neapolitan novels for the stage, a two part epic starring Niamh Cusack and Catherine McCormack. Its a powerful portrayal of female friendship, as well as an evocative depiction of a tough neighbourhood in Naples. February 25 - April 2; Rose Theatre Buy tickets for My Brilliant Friend with Evening Standard Tickets Max & Ivan: Our Story This Edinburgh Comedy Award nominated duo return to Soho Theatre with their show Our Story, a sketch show about how they met. It runs for two weeks and promises to bring the lols. February 20 - March 4, Soho Theatre; sohotheatre.com CUT Festival CUT Festival is a unique new East London artistic celebration of the culture of barber shops. Including performances, exhibitions, and even the chance to get a free haircut, its the wild card of the week, and the chance to see something a bit different. February 24 - March 5, across London; cutfestival.com McOnie, who won an Olivier award for his choreography on the London production of In The Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda, writer of hit musical Hamilton, said: Musicals in America feel they can talk about anything while in England they are still seen as a bit lightweight. "Audiences in London, and every big city come to that, want more from an experience at the theatre, which is why immersive theatre is so popular. Hopefully putting on challenging work and bringing in audiences to new work and things they dont necessarily know will find a role here In the Heights was workshopped for six years before it became a hit, so being able to have shows without the pressure of [performing] for hundreds of thousands of people will be really valuable. S peech and Debate are two things that our current political climate is generating in abundance - but its also the name of a play by American playwright Stephen Karam. It opens for its UK premiere this week at the Trafalgar Studios, a venue that is proving a great hotspot for American writing to get an outing in London; Jesse Eisenbergs The Spoils also premiered there last year. From its madcap premise to an A-list cast, here are a few things that make Speech and Debate one to watch out for. Stephen Karam is a Tony award winner Karam had one of the biggest hits on Broadway last year with The Humans. It won the Tony Award for Best Play, as well as being a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Its a one-act play about a rather fraught Thanksgiving family dinner, and ran for the best part of a year. Karam tweeted about a rather special guest at the production - Hillary Clinton popped by to see it after the real life drama of the election had died down. Its been made into a film Speech and Debate has been adapted for screen, with a United States release due in April 2017. It will star Liam James and Sarah Steele, and feature a sneaky cameo from Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. Arthur Miller as youve never seen him before The play features three teenage misfits who want to expose a drama teacher who is preying on teen boys at the school. How do they do this? By making a musical version of Arthur Millers play The Crucible, where an accused witch travels in time to meet a gay teenage Abraham Lincoln. Speech and Debate - in rehearsals 1 /8 Speech and Debate - in rehearsals Speech and Debate - in rehearsals Photo by Mark Douet Speech and Debate - in rehearsals Photo by Mark Douet Speech and Debate - in rehearsals Photo by Mark Douet Speech and Debate - in rehearsals Photo by Mark Douet Speech and Debate - in rehearsals Photo by Mark Douet Speech and Debate - in rehearsals Photo by Mark Douet Speech and Debate - in rehearsals Photo by Mark Douet Speech and Debate - in rehearsals Photo by Mark Douet It gets performed a lot Speech and Debate is a favourite for amateur companies to perform - it first premiered in 2007, and by 2014 it had already had over 150 productions. Student drama groups performing a play about a student drama production? Very meta. The cast includes some faces youll recognise The Trafalgar production boasts a pretty cool cast. Douglas Booth, who was in the film adaptation of Laura Wades Posh, is making his West End debut. There is nowhere to hide but that is just how I want it, he told The Standard last year. Alongside Booth is Tony Revolori, known for playing put upon lobby boy Zero in The Grand Budapest Hotel, opposite Ralph Fiennes. They are joined by West End old-hands, Patsy Ferran and Charlotte Lucas. Speech and Debate Speech and Debate is at Trafalgar Studios from February 22 - April 1 Buy tickets for Speech and Debate with Evening Standard Tickets T op Gear host Matt LeBlanc has been forced to deny eating horse penis with his co-presenters on the motoring shows new series. The former Friends star spoke out about the rumours for the first time to insist "nothing below the belt" was consumed. He said: "Neither one of us ate a horse penis, just for the record." However, LeBlanc, who will return to host the popular BBC Two show alongside Chris Harris and Rory Reid, revealed that they did eat a sheep's ear while in Kazakhstan. LeBlanc said he and Harris tucked into the local delicacy but fellow presenter Reid "sensibly didn't", because "he didn't want to be violently ill". Harris explained: "I made a joke around the fact that some of it may well have been (horse penis) as some of it looked like it. "We hacked away at a sheep's head that had been cooked I think three weeks earlier and had for some reason been covered in pastry. Matt asked a local gentleman what the best bit of it was to eat and he signalled to the ear. "It was just about on the turn. It wasn't fully off, but you know when it's just starting to tingle a bit, so we had a go at that and then the tribal chief was very impressed about 10 minutes later when he heard me being sick outside." The trio will also visit Cuba, Montenegro, Monte Carlo and Germany when the series returns in March. The first trailer was released earlier in February and featured an array of supercars and extraordinary vehicles, from the Aston Martin DB11 to the Ferrari FXX K, to the Russian eight-wheeled Avtoros Shaman. Car enthusiasts will also get to see the team try a car valued at 2 million, and a 'mode of transport' tested that is valued at 4.5 million, although no details as to what these are have been revealed. A didas has opened its first fitness studio offering free workouts, run clubs and nutritional workshops for women on east Londons Brick Lane. Certified personal trainers, fitness influencers and Adidas ambassadors will be hosting the sessions, from running to yoga via circuit training. Pay-as-you-go fitness classes in London vary between 10 to 30 a class, which really adds up if you're doing around three classes per week. So these Adidas classes offer a welcome respite for your bank balance. I think to have a base where women can come together, go on their runs and train in such an environment is really great, Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill said at the opening night of the Adidas Studio LDN. For Adidas, it's about creating a safe and confidence-boosting environment and to bring together a likeminded community where women can work on reaching their goals. Fitness blogger and Adidas ambassador Adrienne Herbert said that the fitness industry and working out can be quite intimidating at first to some people, especially if they havent trained in a long time, but having a space thats only for women makes it a comfortable environment. Its a big confidence boost, she said. The confidence you gain from achieving your goals through training can translate into other areas of your life, Adrienne said. And when you struggle whether its career or relationship that confidence will help you see that if you break it down to small steps, you can achieve anything. 20 Instagrams for fitness motivation 1 /26 20 Instagrams for fitness motivation Fitness on Toast Yoga Girl Tracy Anderson Hannah Bronfman Amanda Bisk Ballet Beautiful Two Bad Bodies Nicole Winhoffer Lunges and Lycra Joe Wicks Jen Selter Base Body Babes Natalie Uhling Patrick Beach Lorna Jane Active My Name is Jessamyn Marie Purvis Richard Tidmarsh Tone It Up Kayla Itsines Fitness blogger Emilie Lovaine, who works just across the street from the studio, said shes been inviting along girls from her office every time shes taken a class. Theyre not runners, they dont exercise, but theyve been doing the classes with me and finishing like, I want to come next week, she said. And, Jessica Ennis-Hill couldnt agree more: For any woman thats wanting to get more active and live a healthier life, youve just got to take that first step, Jessica said. Join a space like this where you can train with other people who are trying to achieve the same things, and thatll definitely help you in your journey. For a quick pre-workout energy or post-workout refuel, health food cafe Bel Air serves up feel-good fast food, smoothies and coffees on the spot. All sessions are free. For the schedule and to book a session, visit adidas.co.uk/studioLDN Klaudia is a freelance health and fitness writer. Follow her on Twitter @ByKlaudiaBalogh Horrific. This was the adjective used most often by director Marta Shaw, 38, when describing her experience filming Ross Kemp: Libyas Migrant Hell, a documentary exploring the dangerous and often perilous journey undertaken by migrants attempting to travel through Libya, across the Mediterranean, to Italy. Since the EU-Turkey deal came into effect last year, which limits the number of migrants entering Greece from Turkey, Libya to Italy is now the main route for Sub-Saharan migrants hoping to reach Europe. Approximately 3,000 people attempt to cross the sea from Libya each week, and many are unsuccessful. The International Organisation for Migration estimates that of the 5,000 migrants who died at sea last year, 90 per cent set off from Libya. However, the sea crossing is only part of the journey. To have made it to the coast alone is already a feat in itself. What was really horrific is that [the migrants] were so shocked by the situation that they found themselves in, Shaw explains. I dont think many of them really realised the horrors that they would come across. The horrors she refers to are plentiful and relentless. If they havent already started in the migrants country of origin such as in Nigeria on account of Boko Haram they start with the Sahara crossing in Libya. Migrants are packed into overcrowded cars (more than 20 to a vehicle) and driven across the sands by tribal militias towards the town of Sabha. More migrants die in the desert doing the drive each year then they do at sea. With the cost of travel reaching up to $5,000, smuggling is big business. Once through the desert, theres a strong possibility male migrants will find themselves held captive in safe houses and forced into labour, to make up any shortfall in their passage payments. Women who dont have enough are often forced into prostitution. Involuntarily held for undetermined periods of time though officially until they make enough for their forward journey they face kidnap, rape and even death. Those that eventually do make it out to the coast are then packed, in their hundreds, onto rubber dinghies and sent off to sea. Its likely the boats will sink. The lucky ones get picked up by European search and rescue operatives and taken to Europe. The unlucky drown, or are rescued by Libyan coastguards, who send them to detention centres, where they remain indefinitely. It is a nightmare. And the fact that most spend their lifes earnings attempting it only compounds the tragedy. Ross Kemp speaks to migrant sex workers In the documentary, Marta Shaw, former-Eastenders star and presenter Ross Kemp and their production team, are allowed unrivaled access to each stage of this route: travelling with migrants across the desert, visiting the so-called safe houses, witnessing the abominable confines of male and female detention centres, and going on a night operation with Libyan coastguards in search of migrant boats. At each stage, they speak to the men and women brave enough to undertake this hazardous journey. The people that are leaving their countries are the ones that have the get-up and go and want to better their lives, Shaw explains. In many cases they are the smartest [and] the most driven. As one mother detained in a detention centre tells Kemp in the documentary: I was doing it for my children, and didnt realise I was landing them in this hole. Since the 2011 Western-backed Libyan revolution which saw dictator Colonel Gaddafi deposed and killed the country has been devastated by two civil wars. As the programme explains, the north is controlled by rival governments, and the south, by rival tribes. What Libya needs is one government to unite the country and restore the peace. Without it, its likely there will be no end to the conflict, and the migrant crisis a humanitarian disaster according to Shaw will continue. Migrants are rescued from a boat Until you sort out the problem in Libya itself and the political situation, Shaw says, theres always going to be this turmoil. Because of the lack of the security [and] the lack of one cohesive government, the real problem is that none of the [aid] organisations can get in and work there. Until the political situation is sorted, its all a bit of a plaster. Migrant boat capsizes off the coast of Libya 1 /13 Migrant boat capsizes off the coast of Libya A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare A rescue operation of the navy during the shipwreck of an overcrowded boat of migrants off the Libyan coast today Marina Militare The biggest issue with Libya is that, in other places, you might be able to say: This charity might be able give some help or Theres this human rights group. Theres no one [in Libya], she continues. It really is a humanitarian disaster in my eyes, without any humanitarian organisation on the ground being able to do anything about it. So you just feel that these people are being forgotten about and youre turning your back on this horrific situation. Shaw has spent time in Syria and Northern Iraq filming with the female Kurdish fighters battling ISIS, so the London-based director is no stranger to volatile regions and human tragedy. But it was the particular hopelessness of the crisis in Libya, which made this story especially hard to tell. Usually when youre making a documentary you can dip into peoples lives, and its quite nice to follow up and see where they are later on. Usually you can call somebody that would have an idea or could find out. Thats just not the case in Libya. With next to nothing she could do to provide the migrants any real relief from their suffering, Shaw and her team did what they could with the limited options available to them. In one of the detention centres, everyone started writing down telephone numbers and saying: Could you call and let these people know [Im] safe. And that was absolutely horrific. Because you then find yourself in the situation [where], of course, thats the only thing [you] can do, is to let [their family] know. But I couldnt really give that much information. I didnt know how long they were going be there for. I didnt know what chance they had of coming back. I couldnt give any sort of guarantees or reassurance. I couldnt even say Oh, but theyre safe Shaw said it was difficult for her team to witness the horrors first-hand, with next to nothing that they could provide in the form of relief The best I could say is that they havent drowned at sea and that theyre alive. And, of course, youve got somebody on the other side of the phone [where] this is the first news theyve had from [their] family member in, in some cases, six months. So, of course, theyre going to follow up with more calls. And its heartbreaking that Im not going back there. That wasnt the only time Shaw and her team felt compelled to get involved. When out at sea with the Libyan coastguards, they found themselves in the unenviable position of having to explain to the captured migrants what lay in store for them back on land. Nobody explained to [the migrants] what was going to happen next. So we found ourselves saying, Were making this documentary [and] youre going to go back to Libya now. People [were] screaming [and] crying out, You cant do that, you cant send us back there. This is just my personal view, but I feel as though, funding the Libyan coastguards [there are talks with the EU of providing funds and training] to send the migrants back is like trying to put up a fictitious wall in the Mediterranean. And until youve dealt with what is happening back in Libya youre just signing their death sentence. As the documentary uncovered, once back in Libya, the migrants sent to detention centres are often subjected to violence. When Shaw asked one of the centre managers if his men ever beat the detainees, she recalls he responded, Well, I believe that it is true, yes, my men probably do do that. The problem is they dont know what a migrant is. They think that theyre some sort of criminal, because its illegal. They dont speak the language, they have no sort of understanding of what these people are feeling [and] why theyre doing this journey. Libya is evidently dangerous territory for migrants. But to tell their story, Shaw and her team put themselves in danger too. Its no safer for Westerners, and in fact, it was recently reported that Shaws team were nearly kidnapped whilst out filming. That was slightly taken out of context, she says. We were down in the south and although we had permission and were in with one of the tribal families the area we were in was quite staunchly pro-Gaddafi, and I think we were a bit of an anomaly coming down there, sticking out. Wed been there for a few days and what was really striking was that tensions were simmering at all times. You could really feel that anything could spark off some kind of violent reaction. We got into a bit of a situation at a petrol station, and later on that evening, we were kept in our house until the situation diffused. Shaw and her team wanted to show the true horrors faced by migrants in Libya An intrepid mission for any journalist to undertake, for a woman in that region, it was particularly risky. Whilst Shaw didnt encounter problems directly relating to her gender, she says she found the experience quite threatening and acknowledged that journalists trying to operate there face a number of dangers. But that pales in comparison to what the migrants have to go through, she adds. A memory which stays with her in particular involves two young boys she met at one of the detention centres. They had been rescued from sea the night before and were accompanied by a girl of 17, whose sister had also drowned. Shaw assumed the boys were the girls children. They werent. We were just on the same boat, the girl told her. Both of their mothers died last night. The four year old was still asking for his mother, Shaw continues. A lot of the women were asking the producer to take the boys [and saying], The best thing you can do is smuggle them out of here... I quite often think what [might have] happened to them. Being able to walk away was horrific, and whilst she tried to hold on to the fact that the documentary might bring light to the situation, it seemed such a tiny, tiny thing to do. I dont know if its any direct help to those people youre filming with, she says. It stays with you for a long time. With more than one million Syrian refugees requesting asylum in Europe, what lead her to focus on the Sub-Saharan migrants hoping to reach Europe as well? It seemed, in some ways, a harder subject to get people to care about, she says. This is the forgotten route. There are reports about all of the deaths in the Mediterranean, which I think weve become slightly immune to its like, Oh, another thousand. And you get kind of horribly used to seeing images of people being rescued at sea. But little was known about the journey that [the migrants] do, even to get up to the coast I also feel weve sort of just got our heads around refugees and Syria and what that is. And in the process, an economic migrant has become like a dirty word... Theyre the people were referring to as swarms of migrants coming in and, sort of, dehumanised. This felt like a really important story, she says. The documentary a heartbreaking depiction of human suffering and crushed hope more than illustrates that. Ross Kemp: Libyas Migrant Hell premieres tonight on Sky1 at 9pm Follow Edwina Langley on Twitter @EdwinaLangley B eing a pilot has to be one of the most impressive jobs going. There's the years of required training, the heaps of responsibility and, of course, the travel to often exotic, far-flung locations. And it seems we're extremely curious to know what a pilot's life actually looks like is it as glamorous as it sounds? Eser Aksan Erdogan, 31, a pilot for Turkey's low-cost Pegasus Airlines, has amassed more than 40,000 followers by documenting her jet-setting lifestyle on Instagram. Erdogan has been a pilot for three years and flies a Boeing 737 aircraft to locations in Europe and the Middle East. She regularly posts selfies from the cockpit wearing her uniform and snaps from the picturesque locations she visits for work. By giving people a glimpse into her daily life on the job, Erdogan has helped to highlight the fact that there are very few female pilots just 5,000, according to The Daily Mirror. Erdogan recalled a memorable shift in which she and her female co-pilot landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where women are banned from driving cars. The ground operations crew were surprised to see them, she said. "After landing they [ground operations] didn't give us a hard time but we were certainly popular. A group of ground workers was staring at us like they've never seen girls fly before." 20 travel Instagrams you should follow now 1 /25 20 travel Instagrams you should follow now Cole Rise Cole is a talented photographer and self-style "escape artist". His photos of faraway lands will get your wanderlust going in no time. Jared Chambers If you love a great view, this Instagram is for you. Classic American vistas and magazine-perfect shots. Le Postcard Wondering what the jetsetting crowd are up to? We're not going to lie - it's pretty fabulous. Paris in Four Months Carin Olsson moved to Paris for four months, but ended up staying permanently. Her blog is a love letter to the city with a dash of high fashion thrown in for good measure. Expert Vagabond With a dash of adrenaline and a lot of colour, Matthew Karsten's blog is endlessly entertaining. A Girl Who Travels Thinking about traveling on your own? Marta's solo jaunts around Europe and elsewhere are proof that it can be pretty amazing. Kimi Juan These faded, beachy pictures are sure to get you dreaming about long summer days. Hirozzz Edgy and intense, Japanese photographer Hiroaki Fukuda has a unique view on urban travel. This Wild Idea An absolutely addictive blog for travel and animal lovers alike. Theron Humphrey and his dog Maddie road trip it around the States. Lonely Planet You can't go wrong with the foremost authority on travel. See the world (if only through your screen) with these amazing photos. A Lady in London Although based in London, this popular blogger travels wide and often, making for an envy-inducing Instagram feed. Chris Burkard One for those active, outdoorsy types. Chris's Instagram features mother nature at her finest. Passion Passport This Instagram features photos taken by a community of travelers and photographers around the world. The ultimate in travel porn. Foster Huntington Follow Foster's adventures as he travels around the United States in his camper van. Lvis.Ca Luis Cardenas is a Mexican photographer who documents the everyday life and beauty of his country. Great for anyone thinking of going to Central or South America. Dear Leila This London-based photographer's Instagram is part travel and part lifestyle, but beautiful the whole way through. Features lovely photos of our fair city, along with pictures of Leila's European travels. Matthias J Barker Haunting, dramatic photos for the would-be hiker. Elle Croft You'll enjoy this London-based writer's lifestyle photos as much as her travel shots. Elle's energy and enthusiasm make her easily relatable. Lucy Laucht Beautifully styled holiday inspo from this travel photographer with an eye for detail. It was a "childhood dream" to be a pilot, Erdogan said. "I was kind of a tomboy so I always wanted to fly an F16, but since I'm against war, violence and armies, flying big jets is so much better, she told the Mirror, adding that her parents were both scared of flying. "The eternal blue of the sky, fluffy clouds and the ability to visit countries far, far away have always had a big attraction on me, she said. Erdogan has visited nearly 50 countries and her favourite locations include the Seychelles, which reminds her of her marriage, Rio for carnival and Tanzania for safari. She also recommends Marrakech, the Cote d'Azur, Cappadocia in Turkey and Australia's east coast, the Mirror reported. However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as the extended periods of travel can take a toll on her personal life. Luckily, her husband Volkan, 33, is also a pilot and the pair are sometimes able to synchronise their schedules so they can travel the world as a unit and document their travels online. Despite the difficulties and the long hours of studying required, Erdogan urged more women and girls to consider a career as a pilot. Be prepared for hard weather conditions, red-eye flights, very long duty hours up to a maximum of 14 to 16 hours and a lot of hotel rooms, she told the Mirror. "There have been days when I woke up and didn't know my location for a minute. You will miss a lot of birthdays, special occasions and anniversaries, you will lose a lot of friends, but in return you get the most colourful, awesome job with lots of travelling and did I mention you have the best office view in the world? Read more from Refinery29: This Woman Was Fired For Being Too Attractive How This London Girls' School Is Embracing Gender Fluidity Woman Who Found 5 Note Worth 50,000 Donates It To Charity A s we all know, the most popular time to book holidays is in January. It makes sense - you're depressed, it's cold, the year's looming ahead of you like a big, bleak, never-ending cloud of doom... Obviously you want something to look forward to. If you didn't get organised enough to book a holiday in January though (hello) don't worry - you may actually have the upper hand. See, rather than having to do all the research about where the best places to go this year are, all you need to do is copy those people who were organised January bookers and figure the rest out later. So, where have the Hermione Grangers of the travelling club been looking to go this year? Well, according to new trend report from travel company Kuoni, some of the big destinations from last year are still going strong (Sri Lanka), new flight routes have opened up new destinations and even politics are playing a part in where we want to head on our hols (a trip to Canada involves a personal visit with Justin Trudeau, right?). Greece When it comes to short-haul holidays, Greece seems to be the big winner of 2017 with Kuoni reporting a 30 per cent rise in bookings from last year - despite the shoddy state of the pound. I mean, you could do worse - the blue Aegean sea, the mercifully car-free island of Hydra, the fancy-pants luxury of Santorini... Sign us up. Croatia Croatian currency the Kuna is offering a rather delightful exchange rate which is helping to lure travellers in. The good thing is, there's something in Croatia for everyone - from historical sightseeing to backpacking partying to remote beaches - you'll be able to keep everyone happy. Costa Rica If you're looking to go further afield, Costa Rica (with help from a new direct flight from Gatwick) has seen bookings rise a silly 310 per cent. Although, with a nice mix of rainforest and beach, rugged terrain for hiking and waves for surfing, it's easy to see why people can't wait to get there. Hotels opening in 2017 in pictures 1 /18 Hotels opening in 2017 in pictures Six Senses Cambodia A bedroom at Six Sense Cambodia on Krabey Island The Ned, London A stylish bathroom at The Ned One of the bars at The Ned Sir Nikolai, Hamburg Design Hotels Hoxton Hotel, Paris Henrietta, London The Whitby, New York Design Hotels Lympstone Manor, Devon Artist Residence, Oxfordshire Wild Coast Tented Lodge, Sri Lanka A copper tub in one of the Wild Coast Tented Lodges in Yala, Sri Lanka Brown, Jerusalem A rendering of the Brown hotel in Jerusalem Canada Canada finds itself in the top 20 for the first time this year which is probably something to do with their rather dreamy Prime Minister and his wonderfully liberal approach to welcoming people to enter his magnificent country. Toronto is the big city that everyone loves but spare a thought too for Montreal, the half-French speaking capital of Quebec and also Vancouver, the laid back, super-diverse hipster hub which isn't a world away from it's equally cool American neighbours, Seattle and Portland. South Africa After the turmoil with the South African Rand in recent times (I mean, you thought the Pound was having a nightmare), people are looking to South Africa for a cheaper-than-usual long haul holiday - it's moved up three places on the list to number 15. Photo: Via @visitsouthafrica Full List 1. Maldives 2. Mauritius 3. Sri Lanka 4. Thailand 5. USA 6. Indonesia 7. Italy 8. Antigua 9. Barbados 10. Malaysia 11. India 12. St. Lucia 13. Vietnam 14. Mexico 15. South Africa 16. Cuba 17. UAE 18. Australia 19. Canada 20. New Zealand Photo: Via @visitmaldives Read more from Refinery29: Feeling Brave? Take A Swim In Mexico's Spectacular Flooded Caves The Best Airports In The World According To Flight Attendants Where Would You Go If Your Next Trip Was Your Last? D etectives have been given more time to question five teenagers held on suspicion of planning to flee Britain to fight for Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. The five males including a 15-year-old schoolboy - were arrested at homes across London on Monday on suspicion of the preparation of terrorist acts. The Mets counter terror detectives are investigating alleged plans by the teenagers, four of whom are schoolchildren, to travel to join the jihadist terror group after communicating with each other online. Officers now have until Monday February 27 to question the four teenagers, aged 16, 17, 17 and 19, who were arrested at addresses in south and west London. A 15-year-old boy arrested on Monday evening in east London can be questioned until Friday. Police said the arrests follow searches at four residential addresses in London on Tuesday February 14. A further property was searched in Lambeth on Monday in connection with the investigation. Detectives are thought to have recovered a number of phones and computers during these raids. Officers are examining if any of the five had made contact with jihadists in Syria and or if the group had hatched a plot to travel online. All five remain in custody at a central London police station pending further inquiries. F ive London teenagers were being questioned by anti-terror police today on suspicion of planning to flee Britain to fight for Islamic State in Syria and Iraq. The five - including a 15-year-old schoolboy - were arrested yesterday at homes across London. Counter terror detectives are investigating alleged plans by the teenagers, four of whom are school children, to travel to join the jihadist terror group after communicating with each other online. In a co-ordinated operation early yesterday, two youths, aged 16 and 17, were held at separate addresses in south London while two others, aged 17 and 19, were arrested at the same address in west London. A boy aged 15 was arrested last night in east London while a further address in Lambeth was also searched in connection with the opoeration. Detectives are examining how the teenagers, who are all known to each other, came into contact. The arrests came after Scotland Yards Counter Terrorism Command searched the teenagers addresses in London last month. Detectives are thought to have recovered a number of phones and computers during these raids. The Met said the five were arrested on suspicion of the preparation of terrorist acts and were being interviewed at a central London police station today. Detectives are examining if any of the five had made contact with jihadists in Syria and or if the group had hatched a plot to travel online. The arrests follow the case of three London schoolgirls who ran away from home to join Islamic State in February 2015. Shamima Begum and Amira Abase, both 15 at the time, and Khadiza Sultana, then 16, all fellow pupils at Bethnal Green Academy, disappeared from their homes in east London and flew to Turkey, before crossing the border into war torn Syria. Khadiza is thought to have been killed in an air strike in Syria last year but the fate of the other two girls is unknown. Today it also emerged that a Briton fighting with Islamic State blew himself up in a suicide mission against troops advancing on western Mosul. The terror group said a man using the name Abu Zakariya al-Britani was one of two fighters who died attacking Iraqi troops int he battle for the city. A young man has been left with life-changing injuries after he was chased and repeatedly stabbed by a gang on a busy north London road, police say. Officers were called to Green Lanes, near Newington Green, just before 4.30pm on Monday. An Air Ambulance was also scrambled and the victim, in his early 20s, was rushed to hospital with multiple stab wounds. Police believe he was chased by a gang before he was knifed. Members of the group fled shortly after the attack. Green Lanes was closed in both directions / @romaejaz Shocked witnesses described gruesome scenes between Aden Grove and Lidfield Road. Social worker Chris Murray, told the Standard: There was blood spattered all over the ground and up a metal gate. It was horrible, the young lad was lying on the pavement and looked in a pretty bad way. Air ambulance lands for Green Lanes stabbing Remy Waslyuk added: "There was a man lying on the floor being treated by the ambulance crew and a splattering of blood on the pavement. "The police were then shutting off the road just as our bus passed." The victim remains in hospital. A Met Police spokesman said there had not been any arrests and enquiries continue. Anyone who witnessed the stabbing or has any information is asked to contact detectives at Hackney CID on 101 or via Twitter @MetCC. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A pensioner is fighting for life after a stabbing in a park in east London. Police and paramedics raced to the scene of the attack in South Park, off a quiet residential road in Ilford, at around 10am. The man was rushed to hospital after suffering life threatening injuries, police said. Pictures posted on social media show an entrance to the park cordoned off as police officers carry out an investigation. A police officer stands guard at the entrance to the park / @antiknifeuk Mohammed Hussein, who has been the manager of nearby Noori Foods for eight months and has lived in Ilford all his life, told the Standard people were concerned by the horrific stabbing. He said: Its horrific, we are really close by. I have never heard of such a thing in this area. We have customers who live quite close, residential people who are worried that such a thing has happened. I heard the police sirens earlier but didnt realise until later what had happened. That this is happening right next to our doorstep, it is worrying. The park has been closed off / @antiknifeuk Danny O'Brien, founder of nonprofit group anti-knife UK, lives ten minutes from the park where the attack happened. He told the Standard: It seems like it was a random attack. I hope he pulls through. Ive lived in Ilford 18 years and [knife crime] has never been as bad as its been in the last year. We keep on saying it is a youth problem but it is a community problem. We are human beings and even animals treat their own kind better. People arent shocked about it. They dont do anything about it until it happens to them. A Met Police spokesman said: Police were called at 10.02am on Tuesday, February 21, by the London Ambulance Service to reports of a man found suffering stab wounds in South Park, off Green Lane, Ilford. The man in his 80s was taken to an east London hospital. His injuries are potentially life-threatening at this stage. A crime scene is in place and officers are in attendance. The spokesman added that there have been no arrests. P olice are hunting a man who indecently exposed himself to a young woman after she turned down his offer of sex at a bus stop. The suspect allegedly approached a 27-year-old woman after she got off a route 140 bus in Northolt while on her way home from work. The victim ran from Danemead Road towards Reading Road but the suspect caught up with her by grabbing her hands, police said. With the help of two passers-by, she managed to free herself and escape. The man is described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, slim and aged 20 to 25 with black hair. He was wearing a black padded jacket with a hood. Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) are investigating the incident, which happened on Thursday, November 20. Police have now released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace over the incident. No arrests have been made. Detective Constable Naomi Goodman, of the RTPC, said: "I am very grateful to the members of the public who assisted the victim and would very much like to hear from them or anyone with information relating to this incident." Police have released a CCTV image of the suspect and ask anyone who recognises him or has any information to contact DC Goodman on 07770 315 678 or via 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A London commuter spat and hurled coffee at a railway worker at Victoria station, police said. Officers said the man approached the female railway worker who was in an information kiosk at the station. He allegedly swore at her, spat in her face and threw his coffee over her. Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident. British Transport Police said in a statement: Disgusted? We are too. "And wed like to speak to this man in connection with the incident, which took place on the main concourse at around 2.20pm on February 6. We wont stand for threatening behaviour and we certainly wont stand for violence. Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call BTP on 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016 with the reference number 282 of February 6. P eoples personalities change beyond recognition between adolescence and old age as life sculpts our character traits, a new study has found. Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found that personality is less innate than previously thought, changing during a lifetime, according to The Times. The study was based on research conducted in 1950 in Scotland in which the personalities of 1,200 14-year-olds were recorded. Teachers were asked to rate their pupils on six traits: self-confidence, conscientiousness, perseverance, stability of mood, originality and the desire to learn. The teenagers were also asked to take an intelligence test. The results were then boiled down to a single score which researchers said came close to measuring dependability. 60 years later Matthew Harris, research associate in brain imaging at the University of Edinburgh, tracked down 635 of the adolescents who originally took the test and asked if they would be assessed again. Those who agreed, now aged 77, rated themselves on the six traits and asked a close friend to do the same. They also retook an intelligence test and answered questions on their general wellbeing. The results found that only stability of mood and conscientiousness stayed the same throughout a lifetime and even then it was not guaranteed. Mr Harris told The Times he was surprised by the lack of correlation between personality traits at 14 and those at 77. He told the paper: We hypothesised that we would find evidence of personality stability over ... 63 years but our correlations did not support this hypothesis. Mr Harris said personalities altered slowly overtime and did not change overnight when confronted with unexpected life events such as falling in love or grief. More likely, he said, was that subtle changes build up overtime to affect personality in the long-run. A ctress Lindsay Lohan has claimed she was asked to remove her headscarf at Heathrow Airport and was "racially profiled" by security staff. The Mean Girls star spoke of her shock surrounding the incident during an interview with Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on ITVs Good Morning Britain on Tuesday. She explained how she had been asked to remove her headscarf by security staff at the airport as she queued for a flight to New York after travelling from Turkey. Lohan said: When I was flying to New York recently, I was wearing a headscarf and I got stopped at the airport and racially profiled for the first time in my life at Heathrow Airport. She opened my passport and saw Lindsay Lohan and started immediately apologising but then said, Please take off your head scarf. 'Racially profiled': The actress claimed she was asked to remove her headscarf at Heathrow Airport / ITV The Parent Trap actress explained she removed the item and said: "It was ok." However, she then went on to share her sympathy with other woman who dont feel comfortable removing their headscarves in public. She added: What scared me at that moment was, how would another woman who doesnt feel comfortable taking off her headscarf feelthat was really interesting to me. 'Racially profiled': Lindsay Lohan refused to confirm wether she had converted to Islam / Rex I was in shock. It was jarring. When asked if the request freaked her out a bit, Lohan replied: It did, Im from New York, I was born and raised there so I was a little intimidated. During the interview, which was praised by fans on Twitter, Lohan said she had been studying Islam but did not confirm if she was planning to convert to the religion. She told Susannah Reid: Out of respect to certain countries that I go to, I feel more comfortable acting the same as the other women. Thats just a personal respect issue for me. A spokeswoman for Heathrow Airport said: "Heathrow respects the cultural and religious needs of all passengers travelling through the airport. "We work hard to provide our passengers with great service while ensuring everyone remains safe and secure." A Home Office spokeswoman said: "Border Force checks the passports of passengers who come into the country and pass through the UK border. "Those who land at a UK airport to catch a connecting flight would usually have their documentation checked by airline or airport staff to ensure it was valid for their onward journey." C limate change protesters have blockaded a motorway tunnel near Heathrow Airport in protest at a third runway. Activists used a vehicle to block the tunnel leading to the airport before chaining themselves to it and lying down in the road on Tuesday morning. The blue car was draped with a banner which read no new runways. Police were at the scene shortly before 8.30am and the protest was brought to an end three hours later. The drivers of two other vehicles - both men - used to help block the tunnel were arrested, while officers worked to remove three people locked to the third car, police said. Protests: Activists blocked the tunnel / PA The two men and a woman who were chained to the car were eventually removed by officers and also arrested. One of them - a man - was taken to hospital, while the other four were taken into custody. The protest was staged by campaign group Rising Up, which works to tackle climate change, with a video streamed live on its Facebook page from inside the tunnel. Activist Simon Bramwell who was involved in the protest described a consultation process for the proposal for the airport's expansion as "illegitimate and undemocratic". He said: "This blockade is our contribution to the consultation: a third runway is a disastrous option that will lead to climate chaos. "I look upon my niece and nephew, upon the children who will inherit the future we are creating right now and my conscience tells me to act. "I am breaking conditions imposed on me by the courts, following road blockades in November but the Government is not listening to the science or to our concerns. They have left us with no alternative but to keep taking action. "We will not stop until plans to build another runway are fully and finally shut down" Traffic: The motorway was gridlocked / Highways England A plan to build a third runway at Heathrow was chosen in October as the Government's preferred option for increasing capacity in south-east England. An additional 260,000 take-off or landings will be permitted each year from the expanded airport, up from the current cap of 480,000, according to a draft National Policy Statement (NPS) on aviation released last month. A final NPS is expected to be voted on by Parliament in winter 2017/18, following a consultation. Photos emerged on social media of a gridlocked section of the M4 Spur on the approach to Terminals Two and Three of the airport. Motorists described being stuck in "bumper to bumper" traffic because of the demonstration. Air France employee Ryan McGuire said on Twitter: "Stuck in this #Heathrow traffic. It's bumper to bumper. Anyone know what the protest is about? It was Black Lives Matter last time." A woman named Josie tweeted: "Heathrow protesters are f****** a********. Ruining people's holidays. There are other ways to protest. You'd get the same result." Another Twitter user named Rosh said: "Whilst I'm all for movements, protesting at #Heathrow and making people miss their flights doesn't seem like the best way to get support.." Campaign group Back Heathrow, which supports the airport's expansion, said: "The actions of these protesters are selfish, short-sighted and counter-productive. Most local communities living near Heathrow support expansion and passengers simply want to be able to use the airport in peace. This pointless protest will merely aggravate thousands of ordinary people, many of whom simply want to get to work or catch a flight. Transport for London wrote on Twitter: "The Heathrow Tunnel (into the airport) is currently blocked due to in impromptu demonstration, traffic is slow on M4 Spur." A Heathrow spokesman said: "Heathrow airport can confirm that a protest activity is on-going in the in-bound tunnel to Terminals 2 and 3. "Heathrow supports the right to peaceful protest within the law, but the safety and security of our passengers, aircraft and colleagues together with the smooth running of the operation is paramount. "Contraflow traffic measures are in place and we are working closely with the authorities to resolve the issue, but advise passengers to allow more time to drive into Terminals 2 and 3." A Met Police spokesman said: "A road and tunnel at Heathrow Airport blocked following a spontaneous protest has now re-opened. "At around 8.25am on Tuesday, February 21 police were called to reports of a tunnel near Heathrow Airport has been blocked to traffic by protesters. "Officers attended the inbound tunnel and found three cars blocking the tunnel, with three protesters locked to one of them. "The drivers of two of the vehicles- both men - were arrested for obstructing a highway and taken into custody at a west London police station. "Heathrow officers worked with Heathrow Airport staff to remove the people locked to the third car. "These two men and one woman were, once removed, arrested on for obstructing a highway. "One man has been taken to hospital as a precaution; the remaining man and woman have been taken into custody, also at a west London police station. "The cars have been removed and the tunnel was re-opened around 11.30am." L ondon could become the worlds first pay to pollute capital after a competition was launched to trial radical new emissions-cutting technology. Technology firm Tantalum, which specialises in connected cars, is offering one global city the chance to install its device for free on at least 1,000 vehicles. The system provides real-time data on the amount of CO2 a vehicle is producing and, from the autumn, will be able to measure poisonous nitrogen dioxide as well. Transport for London could penalise drivers for taking routes near schools in pollution hotspots or for using their car during bad air days. Motorists altering their behaviour driving smoothly to reduce fuel use by up to 20 per cent would be rewarded by being charged a lower rate. Former mayor Boris Johnsons deputy mayor for the environment Matthew Pencharz, who now works for himself, is acting as a consultant for the firm, which has already held talks with TfL and City Hall officials on its plans. A spokeswoman for Mayor Sadiq Khan said: TfL are working closely with industry to ensure the most efficient advanced systems are deployed in all future plans. The technology could be used by freight groups, as well as NHS fleets, supermarket vans, and Amazon delivery vehicles. Ultimately, it could be used by city transport authorities to introduce emissions-based road pricing systems to tackle congestion and clean up air, without the high infrastructure costs of existing schemes. Mr Khan has announced a 10 toxicity charge for central London this autumn and has brought forward the widened Ultra Low Emission Zone by a year. Critics feel they are a blunt tool as they take no account of how much motorists drive within the zone, the route they take, or how much pollution they produce. Cities understood to be interested in the technology include Paris, Athens, Mexico City and Singapore. The firm has announced a separate 1,000-vehicle trial of the system with Capita, the C-charge operator, from September. A man has been left fighting for his life in hospital after falling from a building in Streatham. London Air Ambulance was scrambled following reports that a man, aged in his 20s, fell from a height on Faygate Road. Police officers tweeted a picture of the helicopter - which had landed in the grounds of Hitherfield Primary School - as paramedics attended to the man. Lambeth police were called to the scene by paramedics at around 12.45pm but there have been no arrests. The man was rushed to a south London hospital in a critical condition. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police force told the Standard: Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 12.44pm on Tuesday, 21 February to reports of a man fallen from a building on Faygate Road in Streatham. Officers and Londons Air Ambulance attended. The man, believed to be in his 20s, was taken to a south London hospital where he remains in a critical condition. Enquiries continue. There have been no arrests. T his is the shocking moment a van driver swerved across two lanes of traffic on one of Londons busiest roads to rejoin the main carriageway. Dashcam footage taken from a driver exiting the North Circular near the junction with the M11 in showed cars slam on the brakes as the van turned from the slip road back onto the carriageway. The van, which appeared to take a wrong turn, is seen stopping completely in one lane of fast-moving traffic before slowly crossing another in order to rejoin the London ring road. At least one vehicle is forced to dart around the van seconds before crashing into it while others cars are seen slowing down while the dangerous manoeuvre is attempted. The footage was uploaded to the Idiot UK Drivers Exposed YouTube page in December where the motorist was branded Idiot van driver of the year. One person commented: That's a special kind of stupid. A music fan who blames dim lighting for a nasty fall at Ronnie Scotts is suing for substantial damages. Eren Hussein, 53, broke her elbow and two bones in her wrist after she fell down in a very dimly lit stairwell on her way out of the Soho jazz club. In a court claim, the company director, of Lower Clapton, Hackney, says the world famous venue should pay her thousands in compensation. But the clubs owners say lighting was perfectly adequate and there was a handrail which Mrs Hussein could have used. Giving evidence at Central London County Court, Mrs Hussein, who weighed 18st at the time, said she had been left with very painful injuries after her fall. She had been at a birthday party in March 2012 and was on her way out with her heavily pregnant daughter-in-law when she had the accident. Eren Hussein denies being drunk at the time of the fall After missing a step close to the top of the stairs, she fell, tumbling down one flight, round a corner and down another, she said. It was dark, it was dim and I didnt see my step as I was going down, she told Judge Heather Baucher QC. I tumbled over and over and over and I injured myself very badly. I recall landing on my neck and the back of my head as well. The court heard there had been a handrail on only one side of the flight of stairs, which lead from an upstairs lounge to the lower floor. But Mrs Hussein had allowed her seven months pregnant daughter-in-law to use it and instead walked on the other side of the stairs. Lawyers for the club say that, given her size at the time, whether she was on the right or left, she would still have been able to reach the rail. The lighting was considered adequate in the stairwell, which was also an emergency exit, the court was told. The judge was also referred to medical notes following Mrs Husseins arrival at St Thomas Hospital in an ambulance. In the document, a doctor or nurse had recorded intoxicated as their impression of the patient. But Mrs Hussein, who had been given gas and air due to her pain, vehemently denied that she was drunk. She had not had a drink in six months before the accident and had only a glass and a half of champagne and a small amount of red wine before the fall, she said. It could be from the gas and air, she said, explaining why medics might have thought she was drunk. Her barrister, Kiril Waite, argues that lighting in the stairwell was not good enough and that an adequate risk assessment had not been carried out. If Mrs Husseins claim is successful, her compensation payout will then be assessed, if not agreed. The hearing continues. C ressida Dick is in pole position to succeed Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe as Britains top cop after impressing Amber Rudd and Sadiq Khan in early discussions, insiders said today. The former Scotland Yard counter-terrorism chief is understood to be the preferred choice of the Mayor as the formal interview process begins today. Ms Dick, who currently holds a senior post at the Foreign Office, is said to have performed best in the early rounds, putting her in line to become Britains first female Met chief. But she still faces a stiff challenge from her rivals for the post of Metropolitan Police Commissioner, led by Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley. A source close to the process said: Cressida is definitely the favourite at this stage but its not going to be a shoo-in. All four remaining candidates will be interviewed by the Home Secretary and the London Mayor today and tomorrow. Mr Rowley, in charge of Specialist Operations for the force, is the only one on the shortlist currently working inside Scotland Yard. Sara Thornton, former chief constable of Thames Valley police who became the first president of the National Police Chiefs Council, and Stephen Kavanagh, the chief constable of Essex, are also in the running. In addition to the Home Secretary and the Mayor, the four final candidates will be interviewed by policing minister Brandon Lewis and deputy mayor for policing Sophie Linden. A former Labour minister has claimed there is clear evidence Russia interfered directly in UK elections. Chris Bryant, the former Europe minister, told Parliament he thought top-level decisions made on UK security issues had also been compromised by Russian infiltration. He said: There is now clear evidence of Russian direct, corrupt involvement in elections in France, in Germany, in the United States of America, and I would argue also in this country. Many believe that some of the highest level decisions affecting security in the United Kingdom, in Germany, in France and in the United States of America are now compromised by Russian infiltration. Fellow Labour former minister Ben Bradshaw has previously claimed it was "highly probable" Russia interfered in the EU referendum through cyber warfare, a claim the Government says there is no evidence for. Putin's government has rejected claims of intefering and hacking / AFP/Getty Images Mr Bryant repeated these concerns as MPs considered new powers to tackle money laundering, which many have seen as a crackdown on corrupt money flowing into the UK from Russia and other countries. Donald Trump has been dogged by allegations of links between his senior team and Russia. Emmanuel Macron, the favourite to become the next French president, has also accused Russia and its state-owned media of using hacking and fake news to interfere with the French presidential race. Both claims are rejected by the Kremlin. Mr Bryant went on to criticise both British and US policy towards Russia in recent years. He said: "My personal perception was that both David Cameron and President Obama were very reluctant to show a strong arm to Russia, because they thought by pressing the reset button, that was Obama's view, somehow or other you would manage to get major concessions out of Putin. "I have to say, that has simply not proved to be an effective strategy. "In every single regard, Putin has simply taken those moments as a sign of weakness and preceded to use force in greater degree." T he daughter of a hero police officer killed in one of Londons worst terrorist attacks today appealed to Theresa May to meet victims seeking compensation from Libya, which supplied the explosives for the bomb. Susanne Dodd, whose father died trying to save shoppers and tourists in the Harrods bombing on December 17, 1983, is fighting to unlock a fortune stashed in London by former despot Muammar Gaddafi. However, the Prime Ministers office has told her Mrs May was too busy to sit down with campaigners. Margaret Thatcher wrote two handwritten letters to my mum regarding the Harrods bombing and the Brighton bombing, said Ms Dodd. My family met the Queen many years ago, and if she can find time in her busy diary Im sure the Prime Minister can find one hour to hear from victims about what they have suffered over many years. Horror: Melanie and Susanne Dodd at the funeral of their father (Associated Newspapers ) / Associated Newspapers Inspector Stephen Dodd, 34, was one of three Met officers killed by the IRA car bomb in Hans Crescent, near the side entrance of Harrods. They answered the call after terrorists telephoned a warning 37 minutes before the 25lb bomb exploded, leaving six dead and 90 injured. Like several other major IRA bombings in London, including the Docklands, Hyde Park and Regents Park attacks, the bomb contained Semtex high explosive supplied by Gaddafi as part of his campaign against the West. The Government has revealed that Gaddafi salted away 9.5 billion in investments in Britain before he was deposed and killed in 2011 money that campaigners say could help scores of people left seriously injured or bereaved. Ms Dodd wrote to Mrs May, asking her to meet campaigners who include a cross-party group of senior MPs. She received a letter stating: The Prime Minister appreciates you taking the time to write to her. However, owing to the tremendous pressures on her diary, I regret that it will not be possible to arrange a meeting. Revealing that David Cameron had also refused to meet her when he was prime minister, Ms Dodd added: I feel like the Government does not care about the issue that victims are raising. Romford Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, who is helping to pilot a Bill for compensation claims, said: It is about time that victims and families of victims received the compensation they have long deserved. The Treasury recently told Parliament that Libyan assets frozen in the UK are worth 9,467,630,000, including cash, properties and shares. A Downing Street spokesman said the Government hoped to secure a compensation package once stability returns to Libya. We are determined to see a just solution for UK victims of Gadaffi-sponsored terrorism and the Foreign Office continues to encourage the Libyans to engage with UK victims and their legal representatives seeking redress. A Labour rebel has launched a brazen attack on Jeremy Corbyn by blaming him for voters deserting the party. In a meeting of Labour MPs, backbencher Neil Coyle told the leader directly he was the reason lifelong supporters would abandon the party in Thursdays Stoke and Copeland by-elections. The Bermondsey MP said: He had emphasised unity as important, and honesty. We are 18 points behind the Tories and third place in Scotland and in Copeland, the reason why lifelong voters arent backing us is Jeremy Corbyn. He didnt look riled when I said this. He said just get out there and thanked everyone whos been campaigning. The scathing attack came as Mr Corbyn faced MPs at the Parliamentary Labour Party meeting in Westminster to discuss the elections and their dire ICM/Guardian poll ratings. A source said Mr Corbyns long-held anti-nuclear views are affecting voters in Copeland in Cumbria, where the Sellafield nuclear power station is the areas main employer. Earlier Tottenham MP David Lammy and Mr Coyle tweeted about warning letters they had been sent from the chief whip Nick Brown after they defied the party to vote against the triggering of Article 50. Mr Coyle, who led the rebellion of London MPs against Brexit, said he is auctioning off his letter to raise party campaign funds, and has already received an opening bid of 100. He said: Some local members have begun bidding for my letter of reprimand so I guess I should thank the chief whip for helping me raise vital campaign funds. T housands of London firms could be forced to close if the Government blunders on with plans to increase business rates, Sadiq Khan has warned. The Mayor accused ministers of giving businesses in the capital a kick in the teeth, with more than 7,500 expected to see a 45 per cent rise in their bills this April. He claimed the character of the capitals high streets was under threat from the double whammy of the business rates hike and uncertainty over Brexit. London faces increases of at least 900 million rising as high as 1.1 billion which would fund a cut in rates across the rest of the country. The warning came as the Mayor, London councils and business groups from across the city wrote to Chancellor Philip Hammond, urging him to protect businesses from increases. Chinatown and the West End, as well as parts of inner London such as Islington and Hackney where property values have increased dramatically, could be particularly badly hit. Mr Khan told the Standard: I am genuinely shocked that the Governments actions will damage the prospects of so many businesses in the capital, putting many at risk of closure. "The very character of our local high streets is under threat Londons businesses have been warning about the damaging effect of this skewed and unfair revaluation for months and yet the Government blunders on. This is the last thing London businesses need and will serve as a kick in the teeth for tens of thousands of companies in the capital who are still digesting the recent vote to leave the European Union. Alongside the uncertainty created by Brexit, this will serve as a double whammy for business in London. The Mayor called on ministers to address the unfair and damaging situation by bringing in measures to soften the blow. The Standard revealed yesterday that while ministers are not planning a U-turn, they have not ruled out a cash cushion. City Hall also wants the current national 12,000 rateable value threshold, below which small businesses receive 100 per cent relief, raised to a more realistic level. Ministers are also under pressure to bring in transitional arrangements. At the last revaluation in 2010 no business faced an increase of more than 12.5 per cent in the first year. But under the new plan businesses in Islington face rises averaging 30.7 per cent. Hackneys increases will average 31.7 per cent and Lewishams 22.6 per cent. Sir Peter Rogers, chairman of the New West End Company, said the Government should heed widespread pleas from businesses of all sizes and the London Chamber of Commerce said there is real concern about the future of London businesses. A Tory peer has revealed how she was vilified as a slut, whore and harlot for campaigning for Britain to remain in the European Union. Baroness Patience Wheatcroft told the House of Lords she was stunned by the irrational hostility she met when making a case to remain in the EU before the referendum vote last summer. The former newspaper editor was speaking during the Lords two-day debate on the EU (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, which, if passed, will allow Theresa May to start formal Brexit negotiations. She told the House, the referendum had unleashed a wave of anger and intolerance which is truly frightening and dangerous for this country. When I dared to voice my concerns over the outcome of the referendum, my postbagboth virtual and realwas awful. It was astonishing that people actually put stamps on those diatribes. There were plaintive messages from UK citizens living in Europe who now feel completely abandoned, but there were many more, branding me slut, whore, harlot, scum and much, much worse. Encouraged, no doubt, by various, more vicious parts of the media. But she told the Lords those who believed leaving the EU would be bad for the UK must not be intimidated by the bullies as she said she would vote against the Bill. She called on there to be a second referendum on the final deal reached by Ms May and her EU counterparts. Baroness Wheatcrofts speech came as Ms May took the unprecedented step of personally sitting in the Lords as the debate got underway. Her presence has been read as a visual warning to peers seeking to amend or vote against the legislation. The Bill was passed unamended by a majority of 372 MPs earlier this month. M acron-mania was today breaking out in London with more than 2,500 people set to hear a message of radical change from the French presidential contender. Emmanuel Macron was due to promise hundreds of thousands of French citizens in London that he will transform France to make it a more attractive place to live and work. At the meeting at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, he was set to offer a vision of his country which may lure some of the French bankers, restaurateurs and other workers in the capital back across the Channel. Centrist Mr Macron, a 39-year-old former investment banker, supports the European Union but has challenged Frances 35-hour work week and warned that a lack of competitiveness is to blame for high unemployment and weak economic growth. He was economic minister in Socialist president Francois Hollandes government but quit last summer to launch his own campaign for the top job with his En Marche On the Move movement. Mr Macron has also vowed to be pretty tough on Brexit, arguing that there have to be consequences for the UK in order to safeguard the EU. An estimated 250,000 French citizens live in London, including some who left France because of Mr Hollandes tax policies. Mr Macrons pledge to shake up Frances political system is expected to resonate with the relatively young, globally-minded French community in the city, many of whom feel bruised by Brexit and fear the far-right policies of Marine Le Pen. Loren King, 26, moved to the UK at the age of 18 to study at Oxford University and now lives in Archway, Islington, working as an economic analyst. He said: Macron is by far the best candidate, although I dont know how much of that is a reflection of him or the other candidates being terrible. Louis Daillencourt, 26, a business developer from Westminster, said: He is winning on a platform of being neither Right nor Left. Definitely at heart he is a liberal in the English sense of the word. Others voiced disillusionment with Centre-right candidate Francois Fillon who sank in the polls after the Penelopegate scandal, which alleged 831,400 (710,000) of public money was spent on fake jobs for his family. Fillon has apologised for the payments but insisted they were all legal and that he had nothing to hide. Eleonore Vidal, 28, a NGO project manager from Wandsworth, said she initially liked serious and honest Mr Fillon but is now reconsidering her vote. Meanwhile, the latest poll showed National Front leader Ms Le Pen gaining ground on her main election rivals. The Opinionway survey had her easily beating her four main rivals to win the April 23 first round with 27 percent of the vote. T he boss of high street banking giant HSBC today admitted that the unexpected shocks of the Brexit vote and Donald Trumps presidential election triumph were partly to blame for a huge slump in profits. Chairman Douglas Flint said that the uncertainties thrown up by the twin political earthquakes of 2016 temporarily influenced investment activity and contributed to volatile financial market conditions. The Canary Wharf based lender, which is Europes biggest bank, employing 240,000 people worldwide, made pre-tax profits of $7.1 billion (5.7 billion) last year, down 62 per cent on 2015. The City was dismayed by the worse than expected financial results and a slump in the share price wiped 9 billion off the banks value. Analysts had been expecting profits of around $14.4 billion. Mr Flint said that 2016 will be long remembered for its significant and largely unexpected economic and political events but insisted that the banks performance was broadly satisfactory considering such turbulent conditions. A series of one-off charges, such as the sale of its Brazilian operations, were the main factors in the downturn in HSBCs profits. There was also a warning that the unpredictable age of populism and the fall-out from the reaction against globalism is likely to continue far into 2017. Mr Flint cautioned over risks from upcoming European elections, possible protectionist measures from the new US administration impacting global trade, uncertainties facing the UK and the EU as they enter Brexit negotiations, and the impact of a stronger dollar on emerging economies with high debt levels. Chief executive Stuart Gulliver told the Standard: The pushback against globalisation is something we need to be mindful of. The first step towards an answer is recognising that there is a problem. Business has a responsibility to recognise it. He said globalisation has not benefited all people equally adding that the protectionist stance is clearly a negative for us. Clearly we are free-traders. HSBC confirmed that the vote to quit Brussels meant it may need to relocate some 1,000 roles from London to Paris progressively over the next two years, depending on how negotiations develop. The bank also revealed that some bosses have had their pay cut because of slow progress in complying with tougher new anti-money laundering rules. However, the bank still paid 245 staff at least 1 million in 2016 and Mr Gullivers total package is on track to rise to 7.7 million from 7.3 million. Mr Gulliver said: By the end of this year, we are on track to have our anti-money laundering and sanctions policy framework in place and to have introduced major compliance IT systems across the group. The shares slumped more than six per cent, or 45.8p to 666.5p. Analysts had been expecting profits of around $14.4 billion. Legislation that would overhaul collective bargaining in Iowa is far from perfect. It's rushed for political expedience. It's chock-full of carve-outs that create first- and second-class public employees. It's still unclear how one-size-fits-all health care insurance would adequately serve a workforce that includes state scientists and school maintenance workers. No, the proposed sweeping limitations to Iowa's Chapter 20 collective bargaining law aren't ideal. But, at the end of the day, the amended version, rolled out Tuesday by Republicans in Iowa Legislature, are an improvement over the original pitch. In the political reality of the moment, this new bill is worth supporting. The original draft would have gut collective bargaining for unions representing state and local employees. Basically all but base wage would suddenly literally be off the table, essentially robbing the vacation days and other benefits that are key to negotiations and define the worker/management dynamic. It would have left employees without course to challenge wrongful terminations. It would have imbalanced the public sphere, while giving short shrift to hundreds of thousands of public employees. On Tuesday, lawmakers reacted to the countless calls, emails and chants rising from protests throughout the state. The amended package would reinstate bargaining for grievance procedures, seniority benefits and release time. It would permit court challenges to Civil Service Commission decisions. Even the most vocal opponents to the GOP move to limit union power admit that the amendments are an improvement over the original draft. No one should be surprised that Republicans instantly moved to rollback worker protection and throttle unions after seizing complete control of the Statehouse. It's the conservative cause celebre right now, kicked off in Wisconsin in 2011. Fact is, the partisan rush-job a clear attempt to limit statewide rage walked blindly into traps that should have been obvious from the outset. Take, for example, the new cut-out for transportation employees. They'd be on par with cops and firefighters, under the amended draft. Not doing so could cost Iowa millions in federal funding. Wisconsin and Michigan learned this lesson years ago. Quelling criticism with speed clearly took precedence over research here. It's disingenuous to act as if political motivations aren't front and center in all of this. Unions amass thousands of foot-soldiers every election cycle, typically for Democrats, that knock on doors and spread the message. Unions themselves are massive campaign donors. Republicans can only win by the union decline seen in Wisconsin after collective bargaining was rolled back. But, all that aside, the taxpayer does stand to gain from the overhaul. Health care costs annually spike, particularly at local government and school districts. And, year after year, union power ensures it's the taxpayer that picks up most of the tab. A single, statewide health care cohort equates to better rates and a better deal for taxpayers. Republicans won total control in November. This is a central party platform at Statehouses throughout the country. And, in all likelihood, Iowa's version will pass easily within days if not hours. The first draft was a poorly conceived bill. It's improved after a series of amendments. And taxpayers can be counted among the winners when it happens. Right now, that's the best anyone can hope for. This editorial appeared in the Feb. 16 edition of the Quad-City Times, another Lee Enterprises publication. A shameless peer once kept his taxi running while he nipped into Parliament to collect his 300 daily allowance, a former speaker of the House of Lords has said. Baroness DSouza told a BBC documentary that many peers contribute absolutely nothing to Parliament and attend only to claim their daily attendance allowance. She suggested the "sense of honour" that used to come with being a member of the House of Lords had been lost. In the new documentary, titled Inside the Lords, Lady D'Souza said: "There is a core of peers who work incredibly hard, who do that work, and there are, sad to say, many, many, many peers who contribute absolutely nothing but who claim the full allowance. "I can remember one occasion when I was leaving the House quite late and there was a peer - who shall be utterly nameless - who jumped out of a taxi just outside the peers' entrance, left the engine running. Withering assessment: Baroness D'Souza said many peers "contribute absolutely nothing" in the documentary / Matt Dunham/WPA Pool/Getty Images "He ran in, presumably to show that he'd attended, and then ran out again while the taxi was still running. "So I mean that's not normal, but it is something that does happen and I think that we have lost the sense of honour that used to pertain, and that is a great, great shame." Also in the documentary, which combines interviews with fly-on-the-wall footage, Lord Blunkett and Lord Tebbit questioned appointments prime ministers had made to the upper house. Labour former home secretary Lord Blunkett said: "You have got people who may well be, out of the patronage of the government of the day, rewarded for either keeping their mouth shut or opening their mouth or their purse at a particular moment in time." Tory peer Lord Tebbit added: "Far too many people have been put in here as a sort of personal reward. Liberal Democrat Lord Tyler also gave a withering assessment, describing the House of Lords as the best day care centre for the elderly in London. He said: Families can drop in him or her and make sure that the staff will look after them very well nice meals subsidised by the taxpayer, and they can have a snooze in the afternoon in the chamber or in the library." A House of Lords spokesman said: "All members have to certify that they have undertaken parliamentary work when claiming for attending the House. "Where members are shown to have claimed when they have not undertaken parliamentary work, the House has the power to suspend them - as in the case of Lord Hanningfield. "The House has a robust Code of Conduct overseen by the independent Lords Commissioner for Standards." Meet The Lords will be broadcast on Monday February 27 at 9pm on BBC Two. A British Muslim teacher was denied entry to the United States while with students on a school trip to New York. Pupils and colleagues were left shocked and distressed after popular and respected maths teacher Juhel Miah was escorted off a United States-bound plane in Reykjavik. He had travelled to Iceland from Britain and was removed from the plane by security personnel last Thursday despite having a valid visa. The trip proceeded as planned, but a spokesman for Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council in South Wales said it had written to the US Embassy in London to express its dismay at the treatment of one of its employees. It said it understood that Mr Miah, who teaches at Llangatwg Comprehensive, was refused permission by the United States authorities to fly to New York, despite being issued with a valid visa for travel. A spokesman said: "We are appalled by the treatment of Mr Miah and are demanding an explanation. The matter has also been raised with our local member of parliament. "No satisfactory reason has been provided for refusing entry to the United States - either at the airport in Iceland or subsequently at the US Embassy in Reykjavik. "Mr Miah attempted to visit the embassy but was denied access to the building. "Understandably he feels belittled and upset at what appears to be an unjustified act of discrimination." Mr Trump's executive order was hastily unveiled at the end of his first week in office. While the White House boasted that he was fulfilling a campaign promise to toughen vetting procedures for people coming from countries with terror ties, the order caused chaos at airports in the US and sparked protests across the country. The president has cast the order as crucial for national security. In its original form, the order temporarily suspended all travel to the US for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days. The order was put on hold by the courts and a revised version has not yet been signed though it is understood from a draft that the same seven countries - Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Libya - will be targeted in it. D onald Trump is set to rip up key safeguards on greenhouse gases and water pollution imposed by the Obama administration. The president is determined to promote fossil fuel production and economic growth even if that impacts on the environment. New executive orders lifting limits on greenhouse gases from electricity plants and rolling back water pollution regulations could be signed into law as early as today. The president has already pushed through repeal of an Obama-era regulation requiring coal-mining firms to clean up streams after their work. Environmentalists warn that the reversals would mark a major change in the role the US plays internationally on climate change. Undermining the international leadership the US has shown on climate action would be an enormous mistake of historic consequence, said John Coequyt, global climate policy director for the Sierra Club. It would mean he is declaring open season on our air, water and climate while further destabilising our role in the world, he added. During his campaign, Mr Trump pledged to rescind President Obamas Clean Power Plan, which aimed to cut carbon-dioxide emissions from electricity generation by 32 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. The other early target was the 2015 Waters Of The US rule that applies more stringent safeguards to 60 per cent of the bodies of water in America. Shortly after Mr Trumps inauguration last month, all mention of climate change disappeared from the official White House website. Ivanka Trump last night tweeted her support for the Jewish community after 11 community centres were targeted with bomb hoaxes. She wrote: America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. F rench presidential hopeful Emmanuel Macron told Theresa May that the UK should not receive preferential treatment from the European Union post-Brexit. The En Marche! leader met with the Prime Minister at Downing Street ahead of his London campaign rally for French nationals living in Britain. The young, but increasingly prominent, candidate who set up his party in 2016 met Mrs May in an attempt to boost his credibility as a world-class politician. "Brexit cannot lead to a kind of optimisation of Britain's relationship with the rest of Europe. An exit is an exit," he said outside 10 Downing Street. Emmanuel Macron: the frontrunner is head of the political movement En Marche !, or Onwards !, / REUTERS "In particular there cannot be access to the single market without budgetary contributions (to the EU) ... I am very determined that there will be no undue advantages." Mr Macron, 39, a former economy minister during Francois Hollande's government, is running as an independent. He had previously vowed to be "pretty tough" with Britain over the terms of Brexit. The latest polls suggest he and right-wing rival Francois Fillon are tied behind far-right leader Marine Le Pen ahead of the first round of the election on April 23. Polls suggest either man would easily beat Le Pen in the May 7 run-off. Marine Le Pen: French National Front political party leader / REUTERS After leaving May's office, Macron was due to meet Britain's finance minister Philip Hammond before his rally in the capital which is home to an estimated 200,000 French nationals. Mr Macron, who is due to unveil his full electoral programme next week, said that he and May had also discussed issues ranging from the fate of French expatriates in Britain after Brexit to defence cooperation and the fight against terrorism. He mentioned the Le Touquet agreement, which allows France and Britain to have border controls on each other's territory and frames the two countries' cooperation on immigration, suggesting he wanted to partially renegotiate it. "On certain subjects, Britain's contribution should be revised up, in particular ... on Calais and Grande Synthe," he said, referring to locations in northern France that have drawn large numbers of migrants and refugees trying to reach Britain. Asked if he wanted banks to move to France after Brexit, Macron responded that he wanted not only banks but also academics, researchers and talented people in general to return to France, adding that his programme would contain a series of initiatives to attract such people. Ms Le Pen was also campaigning outside France on Tuesday, using a two-day visit to Lebanon to bolster her own foreign policy credentials. A spokesman for Mrs May told reporters it was long-standing British government policy not to engage with Le Pen's anti-immigration National Front party. A 17-year-old Indian boy woke up on the way to his own funeral, shocking relatives who presumed he was dead. Kumar Marewad opened his eyes, moved his legs and started breathing fast just 2km from where the ceremony was due to take place. The boy was then rushed to a hospital where he was placed back on life support. He was originally taken to hospital with a severe fever weeks after he was bitten by a stray dog in Managundi village in the Dharwad district of Karnataka. Doctors warned the boy was fighting for his life and would not survive if his life support was switched off, The Times of India reported. Amid deepening fears for his survival, the boy was later moved home after experts informed his family a life-threatening infection had spread throughout his body. Sharanappa Naikar, the teenagers brother-in-law, told the Times of India: "We had decided to take Kumar home after doctors told us his chances of survival were bleak once taken off the ventilator. Once at home, relatives began making funeral arrangements after they noticed no body movements or breathing which led them to presume the boy had died. But on the way to his service, the boy began to move and started breathing again. Dr Mahesh Neelakhantannavar told the newspaper: "Kumar is on ventilator. "We suspect he suffers from meningoencephalitis, an infection caused due to dog bite. " The boys parents, Ningappa and Manjula, said: "Kumar stopped going to school after class IX to support us. He used to work as a construction labourer. "His elder brother is physically challenged. We need support for his treatment." F ive people have died after a plane crashed into an Australian shopping centre and exploded into a "fireball". Four Americans and an Australian pilot died when the engine on the light aircraft failed shortly after taking off from Essendon Airport, near Melbourne, police said. Dramatic images showed the small charter flight burst into flames as it struck the DFO shopping complex in the north-west of the city. Plumes of thick, black smoke were also seen billowing from the crash site. Melbourne plane crash leaves at least five dead No one on the ground was killed or injured, officials confirmed. Crash site: Five people were killed when a plane hit a shopping centre in Melbourne, Australia / EPA Victorias Premier Daniel Andrews branded the crash the states worst civilian accident in 30 years. He told the BBC: Today is a desperately sad day. Fatal crash: Fire crews battle to extinguish flames a light aircraft exploded as it hit a shopping centre in Melbourne / AFP/Getty Images The Australian Transport Safety Bureau will launch an investigation into the crash, involving a twin-engine Beechcraft B200 King Air, which happened just after 9am local time on Tuesday. Emergency response: Fire crews battle to put out flames after the aircraft exploded / AFP/Getty Images A spokeswoman for Spotlight, a retailer in the complex, said the plane crashed into its rear warehouse but all staff were safe. The shopping centre was not open to the public at the time. Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane said: Looking at the fireball, it is incredibly lucky that no-one was at the back of those stores or in the car park of the stores, that no-one was even hurt. 'Desperately sad': Employees at the Direct Factory Outlet in Melbourne comfort each other / EPA The US embassy has confirmed that four passengers on the plane, bound for Tasmania's King Island, were US citizens. The pilot has been named by Australian media as 63-year-old Max Quartermain. Essendon Airport, which is mostly used by light planes, is situated around 8 miles north-west of central Melbourne, has been closed. A 14-year-old girl was reportedly murdered by her uncle after he spotted her on the phone to her cousin and suspected them of having a relationship. The teenager was shot dead by her relative before being buried in the snow in the Utror Valley in Pakistans northern Swat district amid a recent spate of honour killings in the region, local media reported. Journalist Mujahid Tanoli told The Express Tribune the man killed his niece over suspicions she was in a relationship with a cousin. He told the newspaper: He shot and killed her before burying her in the snow with the help of his family members. She was offering morning prayers when her uncle Ajab Gul murdered her because he saw her talking to her cousin on her phone. He thought she was in a relationship with him. This has not happened in this area for the first time. The lives of women have no value here. Men kill them to save their families honour, and families feel proud of carrying out this brutal act. The Express Tribune highlighted the murder as one of three honour killings committed in five days. It said figures from the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan showed 1,096 women and 88 men were killed in honour crimes last year. But it warned the figures could be even higher with many cases unreported, according to campaigners. A truck driver has been shot at in Barcelona after he drove at high speed towards the city centre in a vehicle packed with gas cylinders. Officers opened fire on Tuesday morning during a high speed chase as canisters flew off the back of the lorry on the Ronda Litoral, which injured at least one pedestrian. The vehicle, which was reported to be stolen, was being driven the wrong way down a dual carriageway towards the centre of Barcelona and is understood to have rammed several cars on its way. Spanish media reported police shot at the truck and into the air before the vehicle stopped and a man, believed to be a Swedish national named as Joakim Robin Berggren, was arrested. Pictures taken from the scene showed a bullet hole in the truck's windscreen and crowds of police officers appearing to arrest the driver. Arrested: The driver was stopped and apprehended by police on the Ronda Litoral in Barcelona / SergioGarciaCuz/Twitter Packed with gas: The vehicle was carrying gas butane bottles on the back / Albert Gea/Reuters Spanish national television TVE reported the truck hit several cars before police fired several gunshots as the drama unfolded on the busy Spanish road. The chase took place on the Ronda Litoral / Antonio Lirio Eyewitness Jordi Sintes told La Vanguardia: We heard the sirens, and then a very strong blow. We have all turned and seen the butane truck braking suddenly at the entrance to the Round. It was in the wrong direction. Two motorbikes from the Guardia Urbana followed. They have got off and pointed the driver with their pistols. He has opened his arms and then three Mossos have arrived and they have done it. Loading.... In a matter of a minute, cops have appeared from all directions. Some with machine guns. And in less than five minutes they had him handcuffed." A police spokeswoman said the lorry was being driven on the dual carriageway at around 11am (10am UK time) when the driver was stopped. Bullet hole: The truck was shot at by police before the vehicle was stopped / Albert Gea/Reuters Investigators check the truck / Albert Gea/Reuters Some media have reported the man may be suffering from mental health problems while other reports suggested he may have been under the influence of illegal drugs. The spokeswoman would not confirm the gunshots but said the driver was being interrogated. Investigators studying the scene in Barcelona / EPA Earlier reports indicated the driver had been shot and killed but police denied this. Spain has kept its national security alert one step below maximum since July 2015, following violent attacks across Europe. A n Instagram model was hauled before police after she diced with death by dangling from one of the worlds tallest skyscrapers for a photoshoot. Viktoria Odintcova, 22, was ordered to sign a written statement pledging not to repeat the stunt which she had carried out in Dubai, the Sun reported. Ms Odintcova posed for a photo as she clung to the hand of a male assistant after climbing over the edge of the 1,000ft tall tower. The model also leant backwards over the edge of the skyscraper with one arm outstretched for another shot. Major General Halil Ibragim Al-Mansuri, of the Dubai Police, told the newspaper: "The actions of the Russian woman put her life at risk." Ms Odintcove had posted the photos and videos on her Instagram account which has more than three million followers. She wrote: I still cant believe I did it. Every time I watch the video my palms go sweaty. The photoshoot took place at the top of Dubais Cayan Tower which is 73 storeys high and was the worlds tallest building when it opened in 2013. But some of the models fans were unimpressed and slammed the reckless stunt. One person commented on her Instagram post: Crazy! Looks like god gave you beauty but seems like he forgot to grace you with a brain. Another Instagram user said: How can you disregard your life like that? While another wrote: So irresponsible and stupid. What if people try to copy this? Proving beauty doesn't equal intelligence. Speechless by the amount of stupidity. No apparent safety equipment or precautions. If this becomes a trend I really will lose faith in humanity. E astEnders bosses have denied claims that Danny Dyer was embroiled in a feud with his co-star Steve McFadden. Dyer who plays Queen Vic landlord Mick Carter was spoiling for a fight with the Phil Mitchell actor before he flew to South Africa, The Sun reported. A source told the publication that there was a huge amount of tension between the actors, and that Dyer is a nightmare to work with. EastEnders might be trying to paint a picture of harmony but it couldnt be further from the truth, they said. Its Steve who has more support. A lot of people find Danny a nightmare to work with. BBC/Kieron McCarron But a spokesperson for the BBC soap dismissed the reports and insisted Dyer is popular on set. In a statement they told Standard Online: As previously stated, Danny is an extremely popular member of cast and respected by everyone on the show. EastEnders bosses last week announced that Dyer is taking a break from the show. EastEnders fans are outraged as Danny Dyer's character Mick Carter uses derogatory slur for Italians The news came after it was claimed that Dyer was suffering from exhaustion and told to sort his life out, something show bosses denied. His daughter Dani Dyer, 20, accused people of fabricating stupid lies about her father and warned people to stop prying into her family. She tweeted: I swear to god if I see one more b******* lie about my dad on stupid papers stupid stupid stupid people (sic). In a post that has since been deleted she said: I know you need to feed your family but why don't you write about what's happening in the world? Stay the f*** out of my family life! Dyer who joined the Walford-based soap in 2013 has won two National Television Awards for Serial Drama Performance for his role as Carter, opposite on-screen wife Linda, played by Kellie Bright. EastEnders - Best Villains 1 /10 EastEnders - Best Villains Janine Butcher What hasn't Janine done? Walford's Queen of Evil has spread rumours about Jamie Mitchell's bedroom antics, blackmailed Ian Beale, pushed her blubbering husband Barry off of a cliff, and stabbed herself in an attempt to frame Stacey Slater for attempted murder. Dirty Den Watts Den is Walford's original baddie. He was so keen to retain the title that he even came 'back from the dead' to continue his villainous ways. He served up divorce papers to his first wife Angie on Christmas Day but failed to escape from his second wife Chrissie who thumped him on the head with a doorstop. Stella Crawford Poor Ben Mitchell was subjected to months of abuse from Stella Crawford. The lawyer bullied the boy and even manipulated him into convincing his father Phil Mitchell to get down on one knee and pop the question. As with all EastEnders villains, Stella never did get her happy ever after and met her grizzly end after being confronted by Phil on their wedding day before throwing herself off of a building. Archie Mitchell No one seemed to escape Archies dastardly actions. He stole the Queen Vic from his fiance Peggy Mitchell, devised schemes to control his family, blackmailed Ian Beale and raped Stacey Slater. After narrowly escaping being buried alive by Phil Mitchell, he was whacked over the head with the famous Queen Vic bust. Trevor Morgan Unfortunately for Little Mo there was no end to Trevors wicked ways. He pushed her face into the Christmas dinner and forced her to eat the remains off of the carpet, isolated her from her family, burned her hand with an iron, raped her as punishment for attending her sister Lynne Hobbs's wedding, and tried to frame her for attempted murder. Steve Owen Steve killed Saskia by thumping her with an ashtray before burying her in Epping Forest and proceeding to frame Matthew. Despite his villainous traits he did manage to fit in one good deed. He passed baby Louise (who he planned to take to America with Lisa) to her father Phil Mitchell seconds before his car exploded. Nasty Nick Cotton Nasty Nick's devilish ways are endless. He beat up and killed Reg Cox who was found dead in the show's first episode. He claimed to be a born again Christian but then attempted to kill his "Ma" Dot - twice, murdered Eddie Royle, tried to con Dot by fooling her into thinking he had AIDS and was responsible for the death of DCI Emma Summerhayes after tampering with the brakes in Roxy's car. Andy Hunter He was a member of organised crime gang, The Firm, so there was to be no curbing his gangster ways. He conned his way into bed with Kat Slater and split her up from Alfie. But after two years of torturing Walford residents, he was killed by archenemy Johnny Allen who threw him off of a motorway bridge. EastEnders is on BBC One tonight at 7:30pm. Gov. Pete Ricketts is attempting to take the state's tax policy in the right direction, however, how to accomplish his goals is a challenge. Ricketts is right to seek to lower the state's income tax rate and to lower property taxes. He's also limiting the growth of the state budget, which is particularly needed since state tax revenue is falling short of projections. Ricketts proposal would lower the state's top income tax rate from 6.84 percent to 5.99 percent. This would be done in eight steps. A step would only kick in during years when projected state revenue goes up by more than 3.5 percent. The governor is right to try to lower income taxes to make Nebraska more competitive as Wyoming and South Dakota have no income tax and Kansas and Missouri have lower rates. Iowa in the only bordering state that has a higher rate. There are concerns, though, with the automatic method of reducing rates by tying it to state revenue. What would be preferable would be for state senators to assess the state's situation each year and then decide whether to adjust the rate. With the automatic reduction, the state's tax rate could be going down when there are some pressing needs as is being seen in the state's Department of Corrections this year. In addition, the state's economic situation could change dramatically during a year and a rate cut might not be the wisest move at the time. One option to consider is to raise the income level where Nebraska's top tax rate kicks in. Now those levels are $29,800 for a single taxpayer and $59,700 for married couples. Those income levels are way lower than they should be for the top tax rate. The governor also has a promising proposal that would lower property taxes on agricultural land. Under the plan, the state's property tax valuation system would be switched from one based on land sales to how much income land could produce. This would take into account drops in commodity prices. This would give a much more accurate picture of the land's value. Ricketts said in a recent column, "Income potential is a much fairer measure, and will slow the growth of ag land valuation increases. If this system were in place for 2017, it would have reduced ag land valuations by about $2.2 billion." The governor said similar income-potential valuation systems are being used in North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. As the governor says, it's time for Nebraska to join these other ag states and have a more realistic way of assessing the value of ag land. The lingering question in all the tax debate, though, is how lost revenue would be made up for school districts and other entities. There's a lot to sort through in adjusting tax policy, but Ricketts has the discussion moving in the right direction. This editorial appeared in the Feb. 14 edition of The Grand Island Independent. Winding its way through the Legislature is a bill that would undermine this state's commitment to transparent government. It must be stopped, and we're asking readers to contact their legislators and voice their objection to AB70 and its companion bill in the Senate, SB42. The stakes are high for people who depend on newspapers to provide information about government proceedings. If adopted, the bill would eliminate requirements to publish meeting minutes in newspapers and allow local governments to put these documents on their websites in other words, mostly hidden from public view. This is a classic case of the foxes guarding the henhouse. In the past, these foxes knew they were unwelcome guests. But in recent years, the foxes have become emboldened, believing the public no longer pays attention to their schemes. That's not true, of course. When legislators tried in 2015 to gut open records laws through legislative maneuvering just before the Fourth of July weekend, newspapers cried foul. Legislators quickly backtracked, but the saga was a reminder that the public must remain vigilant in monitoring its henhouse. At one time, legislators went to Madison with a clear understanding of their mission to serve the people. But for many reasons, legislators have become increasingly susceptible to the influence of special interests, which often cleverly disguise their agendas as acting in the public's interest. In concocting AB70 and SB42, lawmakers cuddled up to local government officials. These two groups would never admit it, but they both stand to benefit from keeping the public in the dark. Operating in the open can be a headache and hurdle to re-election. When constituents know what their government is doing, they have this annoying tendency to demand accountability. Some legislators claim AB70 and SB42 will save taxpayers because governments no longer would have to pay to publish meeting proceedings. But in the long run, less transparency for the sake of saving tax dollars backfires. Whenever government officials start to feel unaccountable, they spend even more tax dollars on perks that benefit themselves and their friends because they stop feeling concerned that the public will find out. Publishing meeting minutes and other legal notices in newspapers keeps officials honest, or at least a little more honest than they would otherwise be. At this juncture, can we really afford policies that encourage dishonesty and validate the foxes' pillaging of open government? Current publication requirements maintain a strong link between government and the public, and it would be a grave mistake to downplay this link's significance. Unless you believe that your local government is entitled to do as it pleases, get in touch with your legislator. Tell him or her that AB70 and SB42 should die quickly, preferably while still in committee. This editorial appeared in the Feb. 16 edition of The Janesville (Wisconsin) Gazette. First in the nation in education. Iowans have always been proud of the quality education provided by our schools...until 2017. Iowa's Republican senators and representatives are relentlessly attacking our schools. Now not only are they underfunding our schools with a meager 1.11 percent supplemental state aid for school budgets, but now they are trying to actually take money out of each school's account. Republicans want to transfer over $250 million of taxpayers' money to the private bank accounts of families who enroll their students in private schools or home school. Each student in a private school or home school would get a voucher check for nearly $4,000 to use however they see fit - no reporting or turning in receipts to show how it is used. A family with three students attending private school or home school would get $12,000 in vouchers directly deposited into a private bank account each year. At the end of each year, any money left from the vouchers in the private bank account rolls over to the next year...until the student is 25 years old! Once the student graduates from private school, home school, or gets a GED, the student can continue to draw money from all those rolled over vouchers in their private bank account to pay for a college education at a community college, public college/university, or private college/university in Iowa. Do you want to pay for private school or home school students' college educations? Tell your state senator to vote NO to Senate File 29. Joslyn Stock, Hampton A meth lab discovered by the Rowan County Sheriffs Office sat within 1,000 feet of Rockwell Elementary School, according to reports. On Monday, Feb. 20, the Rowan County Sheriffs Officeassisted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation-Southern Piedmont District and the SBIs Clandestine Laboratory Response Teamexecuted a search warrant at 714 China Grove Highway in Rockwell. Investigators discovered five one pot shake and bake methamphetamine laboratories and four hydrochloric acid generators on the property, according to a report. A small amount of finished methamphetamine was found in a bedroom inside the residence. Christopher David Rathburn, 20, and Michael Manuel Flake, 33, both residents of 714 China Grove Highway, were arrested Rathburn was charged with conspiracy to manufacture methamphetamine and possession of an immediate precursor chemical, pseudoephedrine. Flake was charged with manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of immediate precursor chemicals, lithium batteries and pseudoephedrine, maintaining a dwelling for keeping and selling controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine, possession of hydrocodone, and manufacturing methamphetamines within 1,000 feet of a school, Rockwell Elementary School. Secured bond for Flake was set at $60,000, and secured bond for Rathburn was $20,000. Flake has a previous misdemeanor conviction for sexual battery, while Rathburn has a misdemeanor conviction for shoplifting. By MARK EVANS STE. GENEVIEVE HERALD Scott Schmieder, county road and bridge foreman, reported to the county commission last Thursday that temperatures are getting too cold at night for much more asphalt work to be done. He said potholes had all been patched. His crews were working on Bodine Road and made call-ins to locate TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has again extended its contract with Echologics for pipeline condition assessment services for an additional one-year term. This is the second extension of the contract between WSSC and Echologics. Echologics, a Mueller Technologies company, has assessed more than 200 miles of WSSC's water pipeline since 2013. The one-year extension, which is worth up to $2 million, will allow WSSC to assess even more miles of cast iron, ductile iron and steel water mains in its water distribution network. Echologics is a leading developer and provider of smart water technologies, including acoustic-based technologies for leak detection, pipe condition assessment and water loss management, which allow water utilities to intelligently manage their assets. WSSC is among the largest water and wastewater utilities in the United States. WSSC will deploy Echologics ePulse technology. This proprietary and patented acoustic pipe condition assessment technology is a non-invasive solution that is designed to provide water utilities with cost-effective and accurate measurement of the remaining average wall thickness of a selected length of pipe. It has the added benefit of being able to simultaneously identify leaks. Our continued partnership with Echologics demonstrates our commitment to investing in our aging infrastructure and delivering excellent customer service, said WSSC general manager and chief executive officer Carla A. Reid. By using the latest technology to assess the condition of older pipes, we can quickly identify any issues and take immediate action to minimize impacts to our customers. By measuring the remaining average wall thickness of pipe, water utilities can prioritize repairs and replacement of mains. This critical information can help utilities efficiently target capital spending, mitigate risks associated with deteriorating pipe walls and reduce non-revenue water. "WSSC is proactively managing its water infrastructure to ensure that its customers continue to have access to safe, clean drinking water, said Marc Bracken, vice president and general manager of Echologics. By analyzing the remaining pipe wall thickness of their mains, we are able to help WSSC minimize service disruptions, operate more efficiently and reduce water loss. About Echologics Echologics, a Mueller Technologies company, is a developer of water infrastructure diagnostic technologies for water loss management, leak detection and pipe condition assessment. Echologics is dedicated to helping water utilities reduce water loss with subsequent benefits in monetary, environmental and health costs to their communities. For more information, visit www.echologics.com. About Mueller Water Products Mueller Water Products, Inc. (NYSE:MWA) is a leading provider of water infrastructure products and services used in the transmission, distribution and measurement of water in North America. Our broad product and service portfolio includes engineered valves, fire hydrants, metering products and systems, leak detection and pipe condition assessment. We help municipalities increase operational efficiencies, improve customer service and prioritize capital spending, demonstrating why Mueller Water Products is Where Intelligence Meets Infrastructure. Visit us at www.muellerwaterproducts.com. 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On Monday, the Internal Affairs Minister, Carmen Dan, also went to the DNA, to be heard as a witness in the same case. Last week, the government's Secretary General, Mihai Busuioc, and the Minister for Relation with Parliament, Gratiela Gavrilescu, were heard at the DNA in the same case concerning the amendment of the Criminal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure under Emergency Ordinance no. 13. Previously summoned to the DNA for hearings were prosecutors Oana Schmidt-Haineala and Constantin Sima, former senior officials with the Ministry of Justice. Early this February, the DNA confirmed it had registered a notification submitted by several individuals regarding possible facts in connection with the way of adopting certain pieces of legislation, and that procedural papers are ongoing. The Ministry of Justice specified back then that it had received a request from the DNA to send the originals of all papers that are connected with the drafting and issuing of OUG 13 regarding the amendment of the criminal codes, as well as with the bill on pardon. agerpres. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Luxor Industrial Corporation (Luxor or the Company) (TSX.V:LRL) (OTC:LXRRF) announces that its senior secured lender has engaged a non-court appointed monitor to review the Company's finances and operations on its behalf. The Company has consented to the appointment. Luxor also announces that Gary Liu and Amanda Mo have resigned as directors of the Company. To date, Luxor has been unsuccessful in its attempt to restructure its finances as its current debt and working capital deficiency exceed the combined realizable value of its assets and expected profit margins from its existing contracts. The working capital deficiency was primarily caused by unrecoverable cost overruns on one major contract that accounted for over 40 percent of sales in 2016. The Company is continuing operations in the short-term to deliver product under existing contracts. The board will provide updates as events unfold. On behalf of the Board: Terry Lashman, Chief Executive Officer and Director Luxor Industrial Corporation ABOUT LUXOR Luxors operations are focused around a turnkey framing solution for multi-family complexes. With its manufacturing facility in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Luxors operations are focused on offering a complete service, including estimating, design, manufacturing and constructing, to General Contractors in the Western United States. In addition, Luxor is involved in the development, engineering, manufacturing and marketing of engineered wood products. In the industrial sector, it manufacturers wood mat products. In the residential sector it manufactures its patented IBS 2000 engineered floor bridging, fire protected architectural wood products, and FastFrame wall components. This news release contains forward looking statements. Although Management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because Luxor can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Additional information may be accessed through the SEDAR website: www.sedar.com. For further information contact Terry Lashman at 604-684-7929 Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Affigen, a St. Louis startup developing drugs that target specific molecules in cancerous tumors, has raised $17 million in capital. The lead investor is Black Beret Life Sciences, an affiliate of Houston-based Bosarge Family Office. Ed Bosarge, a mathematician and businessman, founded Black Beret in 2014 to invest in new medical technologies. The company said it would use the funds to advance its first compounds through pre-clinical research and into clinical studies. Affigen has strong ties to Washington University. Its chief medical officer, David States, formerly headed the university's Center for Genetics in Medicine and Institute for Biomedical Computing. Affigen's chief executive is Carlos Santos, a former CEO of Biovest International. Updated at 5:15 p.m. Shares of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tumbled more than 30 percent on Tuesday after a U.S. appeals court shut down efforts by hedge funds and other investors to pursue numerous legal claims accusing the U.S. government of seizing their profits following taxpayer bailouts. By a 2-1 vote, the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia said a lower court had correctly barred claims that the government overstepped its authority in 2012 by eliminating dividend payouts to various shareholders and requiring the companies to pay the U.S. Treasury an amount equal to their quarterly net worth. "For me, it looks like the end of the road," Ellis Phifer, senior market strategist at Raymond James in Memphis, Tenn., said of the hedge funds' claim. The court said Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac investors could still pursue some damages claims, including for breach of contract. The plaintiffs could also appeal the ruling, possibly sending the case to the U.S. Supreme Court. Still, stock traders viewed the decision as a setback. Hedge fund Perry Capital was among those that sought to challenge the lower court's dismissal of lawsuits, arguing the government's confiscation of profits was illegal. Fannie Mae shares closed down 35 percent at $2.71, while Freddie Mac fell 38 percent to $2.47. Both stocks are still up by about two-thirds since Donald Trump won the presidential election on Nov. 8. Investors said part of that rally stemmed from comments that month by then-Treasury Secretary-nominee Steve Mnuchin that both companies should be privatized. Mnuchin, however, said in January he was against such a plan. In an unusual joint majority decision, Circuit Judges Patricia Millett and Douglas Ginsburg said the government had the authority under a 2008 law that laid the groundwork for its seizure of the two companies. Both companies have since become profitable under the conservatorship of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. According to court papers, they have returned roughly $68 billion more to the government than they drew down during the financial crisis. Circuit Judge Janice Rogers Brown dissented, accusing the FHFA of improperly exercising a "stunningly broad view of its own power" as a conservator. Major owners of the companies' preferred stock include Bruce Berkowitz's Fairholme Funds Inc., while William Ackman's Pershing Square Capital Management has a large stake in their common shares. In January, Ackman told investors that shares of the two companies could continue to rise. Prior to Tuesday, they had helped the billionaire investor start 2017 with gains after two years of losses. A lawyer for Perry Capital said the fund, which had been a prominent hedge fund before suffering steep losses and deciding last year to shut down, would consider an appeal. "While we disagree with the majority analysis... we are gratified to have our breach of contract claims go forward as part of the class action," said Matthew McGill, an attorney at Gibson Dunn. Analysts said the ruling was consistent with others on FHFA's guardianship of Fannie and Freddie, making it less likely the Supreme Court would take the case. "It doesn't seem to be a constitutional issue," said Bose George, an analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods in New York. OMAHA, Neb. Investor Warren Buffett plans to release his annual letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders on Saturday. Buffett's letter is always well-read because he has a talent for explaining complicated subjects in entertaining ways, and because he has a remarkably successful investing record. Buffett also uses the letter to recount Berkshire's performance over the past year. He has led the Omaha, Neb.-based conglomerate as chairman and CEO for more than five decades. Berkshire Hathaway owns a mix of companies, including insurance, utilities, railroad, manufacturing and retail firms. Berkshire also holds significant stakes in Coca-Cola, Wells Fargo, American Express, IBM, Apple and other companies. Buffett's letter will be posted online Saturday at www.berkshirehathaway.com . VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. ("Naturally Splendid") (FRANKFURT:50N)(TSX VENTURE:NSP)(OTC:NSPDF) is pleased to announce we will be presenting at FOODEX JAPAN 2017 from March 7-10. FOODEX JAPAN is the largest annual food and beverage tradeshow in Asia and has been a highly successful trade event since its debut in 1976 serving Japans $585 billion food market and additional significant Asian markets. Over 76,500 professional visitors attended FOODEX 2016, including over 9,000 from Korea, Taiwan, China, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Naturally Splendid will be presenting a wide range of products at FOODEX JAPAN, including; debuting their new division; NATERA CBD. -NATERA CBD (Cannabidiol) - featuring a product line of capsules formulated with CBD. The capsules are 15 or 25 mg of Full Spectrum Hemp Extract with NO-THC and are manufactured using a BioAvailable Proprietary Formulation for Full & Fast Absorption. -NATERA HEMP FOODS - retail division which includes; seeds, proteins and oils -NATERA INGREDIENTS - bulk division which also includes HempOmega Naturally Splendid President Mr. J. Craig Goodwin states, We have been working diligently in developing a solid business strategy for CBD based products. The regulatory environment regarding CBD products continues to evolve, creating opportunities for Naturally Splendid in the region. For our initial CBD product, the Company has negotiated an exclusive sales agreement for Japan with an established manufacturer of exceptional quality CBD capsules. We are currently evaluating and finalizing several other CBD related products, some of which may be included in the debut of NATERA CBD in Japan. Naturally Splendid CEO Mr. Dave Eto states, As part of our Strategic Plan, we have restructured our branding under the NATERA banner; thus, we will build a stronger presence in various multiple geographical territories. I am particularly encouraged with our new division NATERA CBD and the emerging opportunities it brings. I will personally be attending JAPAN TRADEX with Craig Goodwin and we will be investigating multiple opportunities for NATERA CBD and HempOmega. Naturally Splendid will be presenting with Eat Real Snack Foods at JAPAN FOODEX who are participating as Canadian Delegates in the Canadian Pavilion. Naturally Splendid recently completed an acquisition of a comprehensive state-ofthe-art packaging line from Eat Real Snack Foods and continues to develop business opportunities between the Companies. JAPAN FOODEX is indicative of the potential synergies between the companies. According to Agriculture and Agri Food Canada; - Japanese packaged food sales were valued at US$158 billion in 2015, and are anticipated to reach US$164.2 billion by 2020. - Japanese consumers are renowned for placing enormous importance on consuming food that is both safe and of high-quality, and they perceive Canada as a country that produces food with these characteristics. Japan is a trendsetter in many areas, and it can be a very useful gateway to other markets within Asia. Stock Options Granted Naturally Splendid has granted 60,000 stock options to a consultant. The options were granted for a period of five (5) years, expiring on February 13, 2022. The stock options will vest over two years and each stock option will allow the holder to purchase a common share of Naturally Splendid at an exercise price of $0.35. About Naturally Splendid Enterprises Ltd. Naturally Splendid is a multifaceted biotechnology company that is developing, producing, commercializing, and licensing an entirely new generation of plant-derived, bioactive ingredients, nutrient dense foods, and related products. Naturally Splendid is building an expanding portfolio of patents (issued and pending) and proprietary intellectual property focused on the commercial uses of industrial hemp and non-psychoactive cannabinoid compounds in a broad spectrum of applications. Naturally Splendid currently has six innovative divisions: (1) Natera brand of retail hemp superfood products currently distributed throughout North America and Asia; (2) Chi Hemp Industries Incorporated (Chii) is selling natural and organic hemp products through e-commerce (3) PawsitiveFX brand of pet care products; (4) Simpli Plant-Based Ingredients Division of plant-derived bulk ingredients including patent-pending HempOmega; (5) The 12,000-square-foot POS / BPC Facility - which is managed for Naturally Splendid by POS Bio-Sciences - is positioned to offer commercial-scale custom processing solutions for biological materials, such as functional foods and natural health ingredients to a wide range of clients (6) hemp-based cannabinoid nutraceuticals. Naturally Splendid's advanced technologies, industry expertise, and strategic partners allow for the creation of customized solutions with a consistent focus on quality and sustainability. For more information e-mail info@naturallysplendid.com or call Investor Relations at 604-673-9573. On Behalf of the Board of Directors Mr. Dave Eto CEO, Director Forward-Looking Statements Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Naturally Splendid cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond Naturally Splendid's control including, the Naturally Splendid's ability to compete with large food and beverage companies; sales of any potential products developed will be profitable; sales of shelled hemp seed will continue at existing rates or increase; the ability to complete the sales of all bulk hemp seed purchase orders; and the risk that any of the potential applications may not receive all required regulatory or legal approval. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, Naturally Splendid undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Updated at 7:25 p.m. with details about fund-raising efforts from Muslim groups. UNIVERSITY CITY As many as 200 headstones at a Jewish cemetery were toppled over the weekend here in a case that is making national headlines. Anita Feigenbaum, executive director of the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, said officials will be cataloging the damage Tuesday and notifying relatives whose families are affected. A monument company will decide which headstones need to be replaced and which need to be reset, she said. Feigenbaum was emotional in describing the damage she saw. "It's hard to even express how terrible it was," she said Tuesday morning. "It was horrible." Among those helping raise money for repairs was Brooklyn-based social justice activist Linda Sarsour, who started the fundraising campaign Muslims Unite to Repair Jewish Cemetery. In about a day the online campaign raised more than $25,000, well above its original $20,000 goal. The Imam Council of Metropolitan St. Louis, which represents 18 Islamic centers in the region, expressed condolences and said it planned to encourage Muslim congregations to donate to help with cemetery repairs. Police are investigating the vandalism, which happened sometime over the weekend. No arrests had been made, as of Tuesday. Asked whether the incident is being investigated as a hate crime, Detective Lt. Fredrick Lemons II said police were keeping all options open. Lemons said detectives are reviewing a weekend's worth of video, so it will take more time to complete. He wouldn't say if they've found anything on tape so far that looks suspicious. He also said he couldn't yet narrow down the time it happened. "There's nothing to indicate it was any type of hate crime," he said. The police force has increased patrols. "We want our citizens Jewish and non-Jewish to feel comfortable," he said. Lemons said police were notified of the vandalism at about 8:30 a.m. Monday. Investigators are looking for clues from video surveillance cameras on the cemetery property and nearby businesses. Anyone with information is asked to call University City police at 314-725-2211, extension 8010, or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477. According to its website, the cemetery at Hanley Road and Olive Boulevard dates to 1893. The damage was done to an older part of the cemetery, on the southeast end. In one swath, for example, spread across about 40 yards, two dozen stones are toppled but 10 rows of stones nearby are untouched. A semicircle of destruction included stones marked with names of Schaefer, Weisman, Weinstein, Pearl and Levinson, but one headstone in the middle, with the name Levy, was unscathed. The years of death on these stones ranged from about 1921 to 1962. Judy Sipkin of Creve Coeur heard about it from her daughter in Dallas, who saw it on Facebook. Sipkin and her sister, Marla Levinson, rushed out to survey the damage. The headstones of their parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles were all fine. Levinson snapped a photo of one toppled stone - Rubenstein, her mother-in-law's name - and was sending it to her husband to see if it matched his side of the family. "It's unbelievably disrespectful, just a shame," she said. "Nobody's saying it's a hate crime, but it certainly wasn't love or a compassionate situation." The sisters said they hoped the vandalism was a juvenile prank. "Let's hope it was children who don't know better," Levinson said, "instead of a white supremacist group. That's a whole different ballgame." Even Andy Cohen, the host of "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen" on Bravo, decried the vandalism in his hometown. He said his great-grandparents and many other of his relatives are buried there. A detective was knocking on doors Tuesday on a street that runs along the back of the cemetery. One row of destruction appeared to lead straight for the backyard of one home police visited. Karen Aroesty, regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, said seeing the damaged headstones was "horrific." She said she didnt know if the headstones had been damaged as an act of hatred but questioned motives that would lead to the act. The league tweeted Monday, Have not seen desecration like this in region. Will work with law enforcement and community to support. Thanks for the solidarity and support. The incident was discovered the same day several Jewish community centers around the country received bomb threats, according to the Jewish Community Center Association. Aroesty said she believes the anxiety that some people may feel over those threats only worsens with incidents such as the vandalism at the cemetery. People in the St. Louis area have asked Aroesty via tweets and emails how they can help the cemetery, she said. The league intends to work with the community and police to address what happened. Gov. Eric Greitens denounced the vandalism as a "despicable act" in a post late Monday on his Facebook page. "Anyone who would seek to divide us through an act of desecration will find instead that they unite us in shared determination," he said. "From their pitiful act of ugliness, we can emerge even more powerful in our faith." He also tweeted on Tuesday that he would visit the cemetery Wednesday afternoon to help with the cleanup. In Jefferson City Tuesday, Rep. Stacey Newman, D-Clayton, called on her colleagues in the House to stand for a moment of silence to recognize what she called an act of hatred. Newman, who has family members buried in the cemetery, stood with Rep. Joe Adams, a University City Democrat whose district includes the cemetery. This desecration has devastated the whole St. Louis community, Newman said. The grief and the sadness of this act is overwhelming. Completely overwhelming." A Lutheran church, All Nations Church, was among those trying to raise money for the cleanup. Its pastor, Chris Paavola, said of the vandalism: "This is just intolerable. It's a hateful act." Feigenbaum busily fielded calls Tuesday. It was "tremendous outpouring of support," both from people wanting to donate money and others volunteering to help clean up, she said. The weight of the stones might leave the actual cleanup to the professionals, she said, and she is waiting for an estimate on how expensive it will be to reset or replace the stones. Kim Bell of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. A man was found fatally shot in the 600 block of Athlone Avenue in St. Louis on Saturday has been identified. Police said the victim was Lendell Palmer, 36, of the 3000 block of Wyoming Street in St. Louis. Officers were called to the scene around 6 p.m. when a passerby saw Palmer lying lifeless in a vacant lot. Palmer had been shot multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators do not know when the shooting occurred. According to a Missouri Highway Patrol database of missing people, Palmer was reported missing to police on Feb. 11. ST. LOUIS Police are searching for a missing 65-year-old woman who has been diagnosed with dementia. Shirley Brown was reported missing by a family member Monday afternoon. Brown told the family member about 5:50 p.m. Sunday that she was driving to Barnes-Jewish Hospital to visit a friend, but she was never seen by hospital staff and was not at her house in Affton, police said. Brown, an African-American woman, has been diagnosed with dementia and uses a wheelchair, police said. She lives at a senior housing center in the 8500 block of Mackenzie Road in Affton and drives a van with a Missouri license plate of CJ69S. Brown was last seen wearing a red long-sleeved top, dark jeans and brown slip-on, clog-style shoes, police said. Officials ask anyone who sees Brown to call 911. The wife and stepson of the leader of a Ku Klux Klan group who was fatally shot Feb. 9 pleaded not guilty in St. Francois County Circuit Court Tuesday to murder and other charges. Both Malissa Ancona, 44, of Leadwood, and Paul Edward Jinkerson Jr., 24, of Belgrade, Mo., face charges of murder, armed criminal action, abandonment of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence in the death of Frank Ancona, 51. Charging documents say Malissa Ancona blamed her son, and that Jinkerson used a 9mm handgun to shoot Frank Ancona in the head while he was asleep in his bed. But Washington County Coroner Brian DeClue said Friday that Frank Ancona was shot in the head by both a pistol and a shotgun. The shots came at close range, he said. Authorities recovered both weapons after Malissa Ancona told them where they were, Washington County Sheriff Zach Jacobsen said last week. The pistol had been dumped in the Big River in Washington County and the shotgun in a St. Francois County pond. Asked about the allegations in the charging documents, St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney Jerrod Mahurin said that they were abbreviated and just enough to hold Malissa Ancona and Jinkerson. He said that he expected more information to come out soon, adding that he's waiting on more reports from investigators. He also hasn't decided whether to take the case to a grand jury or bring the case before a judge in a preliminary examination. In the days since the crime, investigators in two counties have gathered surveillance video, store receipts and blood evidence that contradicted Malissa Ancona's initial claim that her husband was missing. Frank Ancona was imperial wizard of the Traditionalist American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan. Authorities previously have said that his threats of divorce might have been the motive for the crime. Jinkerson's father, Paul Jinkerson Sr., said Monday that Frank Acona had called him about six months ago, saying that he was trying to leave his wife. He was done with her, but he was also afraid because she had threatened to hurt herself or call the police in the past, Jinkerson Sr. said. Frank Ancona's relatives told investigators that he kept pain pills and cash in a safe that was apparently broken open after the murder, Jacobsen said. In recently unsealed court documents, investigators said that Frank Ancona's bodyguard had spoken of past death threats Malissa Ancona had made against her husband. Ancona's lawyer, Wayne Williams, said Tuesday that he'd only spoken briefly with her, and not about the details of the case. He declined to comment on the allegations against her. "I try the case in the courtroom and she enjoys the presumption of innocence," he said. Jinkerson Sr. said his son is gentle and compliant, a computer whiz who taught himself to play the guitar. To my knowledge, he has never fired a gun. To my knowledge, he has never gotten into a fight, he said. I love my son. I'm not going to abandon my son. I don't believe he's responsible for this. Jinkerson Sr. said his son liked Frank Ancona, who had helped him get a delivery job, and the pair had a good rapport. Jinkerson Sr. saw his son Sunday, and delivered the news that he had been dropped from college because of the charges. He said his son was surprised to learn that the story has garnered worldwide attention. The family has fielded interview requests from as far as Japan. Covering up the crime The killers did a poor job of covering up the crime, the Post-Dispatch has learned. St. Francois County Sheriff's investigators spotted blood and hair on the sidewalk in front of the Ancona house on their first, unsuccessful attempt to contact Malissa Ancona, court documents say. On Feb. 11, they obtained a search warrant and entered the house. They swabbed various surfaces for evidence and took a section of drywall and a door, some 9mm magazines, material from a box spring and bedding. Surveillance video from local businesses and other records show Malissa Ancona in her husband's car after she claimed he'd driven away from the house, Jacobsen said, and buying things with his credit or debit cards, including new bedding. Charging documents say both Malissa Ancona and Jinkerson tried to clean up the crime scene. They dumped the body near the Big River outside of Belgrade and Frank Ancona's car in the Mark Twain National Forest. The car had been wiped down, and a pile of burned clothing was found nearby, according to officials and court documents. Malissa Ancona and Jinkerson were captured on video at a gas station near where Frank Ancona's body was dumped, Jacobsen said. The video and a witness spotted them in two cars, including Frank Ancona's. They traveled west out of Belgrade, he said. Only one car came back. Even animal rescuers were witnesses to the botched cleanup at the Ancona home. Lucretia Skaggs, a founding board member of the Midwest Community Cat Alliance, said there were clear signs of a crime when she entered the house to begin rescuing the roughly 45 cats that were left in or around the house with food but no water. Skaggs stepped into the hallway to a bedroom, looked to the left and there's the bloody mattress. There were drops of blood on the floor and on the sidewalk outside the house. The bedroom ceiling had been recently painted. So recently, that the paint cans were still sitting in the room, she said. "It was very obvious what had happened there, she said Skaggs said that several groups have helped rescue the cats and two dogs, and they and other groups are helping find new homes in no-kill shelters. Swedish English Press release February 21, 2017 Johan Wilsby leaves his position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Fingerprint Cards Johan Wilsby leaves, on his own initiative, his position as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for a new assignment at another employer. "Fingerprint Cards is a dynamic and rapidly growing company where Johan is a business-driven and highly appreciated co-worker. Johan has been instrumental for the company's financials, growth and positive business development within several areas, for example sustainability and human resources. I want to thank Johan for his contributions and wish him good luck in his future career", says Christian Fredrikson, CEO of Fingerprint Cards. "I have had a fantastic and instructive time at Fingerprint Cards and had the privilege to be involved in the most intense year's of the company's growth journey from a small company into a global player. Now I have gotten the opportunity to move on to new, exciting challenges", says Johan Wilsby. The process of finding a successor has started. Johan Wilsby ends his position as CFO no later than July 2017. For more information, please contact: Press center at Fingerprint Cards AB: +46(0)70-490 44 79, press@fingerprints.com Investor Relations at Fingerprint Cards AB: +46(0)10-172 00 10, investrel@fingerprints.com About Fingerprint Cards AB (publ) Fingerprint Cards AB (FPC) is a high-tech, listed company which develops, produces and markets biometric technology that, through the analysis and matching of an individual's unique fingerprint, verifies the person's identity. A secure and convenient user experience is thus made possible, beyond keys and pins. The FPC technology offers world-class advantages and includes unique image quality, extreme robustness, low power consumption and complete biometric systems. With these advantages, in combination with low production costs, the technology may be implemented in large volume products, such as smartphones, tablets and biometric cards where these demands are extremely high. FPC's technology has been tested thoroughly in several fields of application. This is information that Fingerprint Cards AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the Swedish Securities Market Act and/or the Swedish Financial Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication, through the contact persons set out above, on February 21, 2017, at 13:00 CET. Important information Issuance, publication or distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions could be subject to restrictions. Recipients of this press release are responsible for using this press release and the information herein in accordance with applicable rules in each jurisdiction. This press release does not constitute an offer, or invitation to acquire or subscribe for new securities in Fingerprint Cards in any jurisdiction. WASHINGTON The St. Louis artist suing the architect of the U.S. Capitol for removing his painting could make a potentially strong argument that his rights were violated, attorneys said Tuesday. Rep. Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, announced Tuesday on the steps of a Washington federal courthouse that he wants a federal judge's order to rehang the painting, which depicts some police officers with animal heads along with other images inspired by the Ferguson protests. The plaintiffs are David Pulphus, who painted the artwork as a high school student, and Clay, whose office administered the art competition that brought the painting to Congress. The architect of the capitol in January ordered the painting removed seven months after approving it, citing the congressional art competition's rule that pieces cannot depict contemporary political issues. It hung among several hundred other pieces in a Capitol Hill tunnel until conservative commentators began asserting its anti-police themes were inappropriate for Congress. Republican congressmen removed it several times and delivered it to Clay's office. Legal observers say the case could hinge on whether the congressional art competition amounts to a public forum. If it is a forum, courts have ruled government officials cannot censor viewpoints they disagree with, said Frank LoMonte, an attorney and executive director of the Student Press Law Center, a nonprofit that advocates for student expression. "His best argument is going to be: You singled my expression out because of the anti-police message that it conveyed," LoMonte said. "And honestly, I don't think anybody's going to be able to dispute that." The architect's initial approval of the artwork further bolsters Pulphus' argument, said David Korzenik, a media attorney and professor at New York's Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. After reviewing the complaint, Korzenik said the "unruly" manner of challenging the painting creates "real problems" for those who want the painting to come down. "It was accepted, and it was displayed. And then retroactively theyre applying guidelines to reject it which certainly indicates its an attack on the viewpoint and the content of the work, he said. Clay argued that the architect of the capitol acted "in response to the enormous political pressure he experienced from the Speaker of the House and certain right-wing media outlets." The government will likely argue it has the right to decorate its space however it chooses, LoMonte said. "The courts are really going to parse what this art competition was, and exactly how it was displayed and explained to the public." About thirty years ago, the government won a court case to remove a sculpture from a federal plaza in Manhattan, arguing that artwork owned by the government was not protected speech. But unlike that case, Korzenik said, the artist still owns his painting and the contest was managed by private entities, like art teachers. Pulphus' artwork was slated to hang in the Capitol until the summer. A judge would likely still rule on the case even if it lasts beyond the time Pulphus' work was supposed to come down, although the remedy might be in question, LeMonte said. "The courts have typically said that even just a day's delay in speaking when you had a right to speak is an irreparable injury," he said. "And because so much political speech in particular is worthless if it can't be heard in a timely manner, the courts have been pretty protective of people's right to speak even if the injury is totally completed." JEFFERSON CITY Gov. Eric Greitens said he will talk with President Trump this weekend about policies that will bring more jobs to Missouri. The Republican governor is scheduled to be in the nation's capital Sunday and Monday as part of his third visit to Washington DC since he took office on Jan. 9. The political newcomer said he will discuss loosening federal regulations that could limit business investment in the state, as well as urge Trump to help states lower the cost of providing health insurance for the poor. Its so much fun being in office right now, Greitens said during an interview Thursday on the Mark Reardon Show on KMOX radio. We stand ready to work with them to get a solution. Although an official schedule has not been released, Greitens is scheduled to be at the White House Sunday and Monday as part of a National Governors Association meeting, which will include a visit with Trump. He also is attending meetings associated with the Republican Governors Association while in town. He will leave for Washington after attending a political event in Springfield on Saturday. Greitens is scheduled to participate in a meet and greet with supporters as part of the Missouri Republican Partys Lincoln Days event. In his interview on Tuesday, Greitens said he is mulling the use of the state highway patrol to fight crime in St. Louis. There are options for using state resources, Greitens said. Its one of the options were looking at right now. Greitens also defended his record in dealing with the Capitol press corps, saying interviews with national and local media, as well as his posts on Facebook, should mute any criticism that he has held few press conferences. I actually think weve done a really good job reaching out to the people of Missouri, Greitens said. JEFFERSON CITY Travelers wanting a frosty beer or a cocktail before flying out of St. Louis Lambert International Airport could drink in the waiting areas under a new version of legislation moving through the Missouri Legislature. Its a change the airport supports. In action Tuesday, the House gave initial approval to the measure, which would enable bars and restaurants at both Lambert and Kansas City International airport to apply for permits allowing patrons to leave the premises with an alcoholic drink. Rep. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, said Missouris two largest airports were out of step with others in the nation that allow people to roam the concourse with their booze. It makes us seem a little old-fashioned, McCreery said. Rep. Alan Green, D-Florissant, said it would help travelers who are in a rush to get a drink and then return to their gate. But Rep. Stacey Newman, D-Clayton, said lawmakers should not be encouraging more alcohol consumption among passengers. Having intoxicated passengers at 30,000 feet when there is nothing you can do? As a crew member this is everyones worst nightmare, said Newman, a former flight crew member for TWA. It might sound great for passenger convenience, Newman said. We have enough situations now with unruly passengers. This, I believe, does not do anything to help those kinds of situations. St. Louis Lambert International Airport is in favor of the law change, spokesman Jeff Lea said. The airport has heard from passengers who say that they want to be able to take their drinks with them to their gates, and that many other airports already allow it. He also said that there were times when people wouldnt buy a drink because an airport bar is too far from their gates, and that allowing drinks to be taken out of bars could mean increased concession revenue. The responsibility remains with bars as to whether to serve a passenger who may have had too much to drink, Lea said. Under the proposal, which is sponsored by Rep. Noel Shull, R-Liberty, the drinks must be in containers that display the retailers name or logo. A similar measure was debated by the House and Senate in 2016, but the legislation failed to win final approval. The legislation is House Bill 115. Leah Thorsen of the Post-Dispatch contributed to this report. JEFFERSON CITY A bid to put Missouris new right-to-work law to a vote of the people has been scuttled by what supporters say is a weak technicality. In an announcement Tuesday, Republican Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft received notification from Republican Attorney General Josh Hawleys office regarding a seldom-used referendum petition submitted by the AFL-CIO. According to the attorney generals letter, the petition must be rejected because parts of the proposal were not properly punctuated and underlined. While Missouri AFL-CIO President Mike Louis said a new version will be submitted, the rejection means it could be another 15 days before the union can begin collecting signatures to place it on the 2018 general election ballot. The union is trying to kill off a new law that would allow employees in unionized workplaces to opt out of paying unions for the cost of being represented. Supporters such as Republican Gov. Eric Greitens argue that it will boost the states economy by attracting more businesses to the state. Democrats and labor officials say it will drive down wages and hurt middle-class families. The union, along with the Missouri NAACP, is using a referendum process that hasnt been attempted in 35 years to try and overturn the law. Missouri residents may call a referendum on a new law by collecting signatures totaling 5 percent of the voters from two-thirds of the states congressional districts. Organizers of the anti-right-to-work referendum have until Aug. 28 to collect an estimated 90,000 signatures to place the law on the ballot. That is the same day the right-to-work measure is scheduled to go into effect. If petitioners get enough signatures, the new law wont take effect until Missourians get the chance to have their say in 2018. A yes vote would mean right-to-work becomes law. A no means it does not. Louis blamed the rejection on partisan politics. He called the rationale for the rejection a "weak technicality." Its just another overreach by the Secretary of State and the Attorney General to conspire together to keep the people of Missouris voices from being heard at the polling booths, Louis told the Post-Dispatch. All were trying to do is let the people vote, he added. JEFFERSON CITY The Missouri House has approved tougher penalties for those who harm police officers, sparking a debate over what the Legislature has done or failed to do in response to the unrest in Ferguson. The proposal in question expands the heightened punishment for crimes such as voluntary manslaughter, trespassing and rioting. The House passed it last week. Supporters argue that the stricter charges a priority for Gov. Eric Greitens, a Republican in his first year as the states chief executive send a message of support to law enforcement who feel they cant proactively police. Conversation on the House floor last week also included the shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager killed by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson in 2014. Wilson was not charged, but the shooting triggered months of protests and a national debate over racially biased policing. It also triggered a Ferguson effect, Greitens has argued, that makes it difficult to recruit police officers to work in Missouri. Sponsoring Rep. Marsha Haefner, R-Oakville, said she was motivated to take action when she heard St. Louis County police officers say their families had being threatened or their homes vandalized because of their profession. Her bill initially would have made targeting police officers a hate crime. Similar legislation has been passed in other states and is sometimes known as a Blue Lives Matter bill. After fielding concerns, Haefner amended her proposal to instead extend the list of crimes that bring tougher charges if committed against law enforcement instead of a civilian. Police officers already are a protected class under the states special victims statute. Democrats wondered if taking intent out of the legislation could make for lengthy sentences for someone found guilty of crimes rooted in reckless indifference, committed by someone with no intent of targeting an officer. Crimes such as involuntary manslaughter, argued Rep. Peter Merideth D-St. Louis, cant be intentionally directed at a police officer. This isnt because of what they do for a living this is, it just so happens that it is a police officer who is the victim, he said. For example, Merideth said, a teenage girl driving recklessly could unfairly face significantly more jail time for accidentally hitting a police officer instead of hitting a civilian. That is exactly why we didnt do mandatory sentences, so prosecutors would have discretion in what charges to make and what possibly motivated or did not motivate the crime, Haefner responded. Black Democrats raised concerns that leaving situational charges up to police and prosecutors discretion could lead to racial injustice, particularly for protesters. Wed have to build another prison if this was law when Ferguson happened, said Rep. Clem Smith, D-Velda Village Hills. Addressing concerns House Speaker Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, said there was no merit to the argument that the bill could be used to unfairly punish protesters. Other Republicans contended that if protests are peaceful, it wouldnt be an issue. Rep. Bruce Franks, D-St. Louis, a Ferguson activist, said that isnt necessarily true for people of color. You obeying the law and me obeying the law can turn out very differently, Franks said. Some GOP lawmakers urged their colleagues not to dismiss protections for the vast majority of police officers who are ethical and risk their lives to keep people safe. They want to serve their community. They want to help people, said Rep. Shawn Rhoads, R-West Plains, a former police officer. Opponents to the proposal questioned what they argue is an urgency to protect police but an unwillingness to seriously consider criminal justice reform. The only thing we want to do is give increased protections to those who arent in jeopardy, said Rep. Brandon Ellington, D-Kansas City. Haefner acknowledged a need to address police accountability but at another time. Those are two entirely different subjects, Haefner said. And we do need to have more discussions on resolving the events that happened in Ferguson, but that had nothing to do with this bill. The House also voted to approve a statewide emergency alert system that would help law enforcement more quickly apprehend anyone who harms a police officer. Ferguson response bills Two Ferguson-related reform bills have been given hearings in House committees. One, backed by Ellington, would assign numbers to law enforcement personnel to track written complaints against officers as they move from agency to agency. Another, from House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty, D-Kansas City, would require the appointment of a special prosecutor when charges are filed in officer-involved shootings. Similar legislation has been filed in the past, but each bill has stalled, along with dozens of other criminal justice reform proposals inspired by Ferguson, such as citizen review boards, body cameras for police officers and new training protocols. McCann Beattys bill was met with resistance from Missouri prosecutors, who said it undermined local prosecutors who people within a jurisdiction have voted into office. She said she would work with prosecutors to tweak the bill, but maintained it was a reasonable response to the events in Ferguson. It addresses the fact that the general public no longer has faith in our legal system, McCann Beatty said. JEFFERSON CITY Missouri senators began work on one of Gov. Eric Greitens' signature campaign promises on ethics Tuesday. Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lee's Summit, presented a resolution to the Senate rules committee that would extend the two-term, eight-year term limits placed on the governor and treasurer to the four other statewide officeholders. "Gov. Greitens ran on wanting to extend term limits to all statewides and this takes care of that," Kraus said. "I just think everyone elected to statewide offices should be on the same playing field." Many states have term limits on their statewide officeholders, but most confine their limits to governors and lieutenant governors. Kraus's resolution would make Missouri one of seven states with limits on its secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer and top financial investigator. The issue is one of several ethics reform initiatives the new Republican governor championed on the campaign trail. He's also pushed restrictions on lobbyist gifts to legislators and limits on how quickly lawmakers can become lobbyists when their terms end. The House overwhelmingly passed a gift limits proposal earlier this month, but it hasn't moved past a first hearing in the Senate. Legislation that would extend the time period lawmakers must wait before becoming lobbyists from the current six months to as many as five years have gained less support. Greitens may have better luck with the term limits, which have historically been very popular with Missouri voters. An amendment adding term limits for the governor passed in 1965 with 72 percent of the vote, according to the University of Missouri Institute for Public Policy. Voters reached an even higher margin in 1992, when they voted to restrict state legislators from spending more than 8 years in the House or Senate. They also supported term limiting members of Congress, despite the state's lack of jurisdiction over the federal government. The hearing also raised long-simmering questions about whether those term limits actually make the capitol more responsive to the public or instead force perennial newbies to rely lobbyists and special interests to learn the ropes. Sen. Bob Dixon, R-Springfield, and Sen. Jason Holsman, D-Kansas City, both asked Kraus if he thought the term limits drained the legislature of its institutional knowledge. But Kraus said those concerns went beyond the scope of his initiative and would need to be addressed in a different bill. Rep. Kip Kendrick, D-Columbia, is sponsoring an identical amendment in the House. If passed, Missourians would vote on whether to add the changes to the state constitution in November 2018. The legislation is Senate Joint Resolution 14. CLAYTON About 100 protesters lined an intersection outside U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt's office in Clayton Tuesday, holding signs that asked Where's Roy? and demanding the Missouri Republican conduct town hall-style meetings with the public. "Our impression is that, if things go the way they're going, there's simply is not going to be a town hall meeting with Senator Blunt. Our objective is to change that if we can," said organizer Scott Wilson, as passing cars on Bonhomme Avenue honked their support. Congressional Republicans around the country have been facing protests in public meetings with their constituents over the GOP's plans to repeal Obamacare or, more generally, about the party's support for the policies of President Donald Trump. The protests are reminiscent of Tea Party activism against Democratic senators and representatives early in President Barack Obama's term, which caused some of those lawmakers to avoid holding open public meetings. Some Republican office-holders now are reacting in the same way, with their absence from public appearances in their home states and districts sparking protests like the one Tuesday. "There's a lot energy, a lot of anxiety, a lot of hostility, you see the news reports on town halls in other jurisdictions, said Wilson, whose nascent protest group is called St. Louis Indivisible. I think Sen. Blunt isn't interested in exposing himself to what's actually out here. Wilson vowed that, if Blunt would conduct such a meeting, our group will treat him with respect." The Post-Dispatch has asked Blunt's office for a comment. Blunt supported Trump after he sealed the GOP presidential nomination, though he hasn't been a notably enthusiastic supporter. Last month, Blunt, a member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, made national headlines as one of the first Republicans to call for an official investigation into possible ties between the Trump Administration and the Russian government. Several of the protesters Tuesday tempered their criticism of Blunt by noting that fact. A separate group has announced they will protest outside the office U.S. Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Ballwin, at 301 Sovereign Court in Ballwin, on healthcare issues. JEFFERSON CITY Legislation that would help Missouri comply with the federal Real ID Act of 2005 cleared a major hurdle on Tuesday, with House lawmakers giving the proposal initial approval after a lengthy debate on whether or not compliance comes at a cost of personal freedoms. The Real ID act was passed after the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and intended to prevent terror attacks by setting standards for state-issued IDs. But more than a dozen states, including Missouri, took issue with certain aspects in the Real ID law, fearing requirements that states keep databases of personal documents could leave citizens personal information vulnerable to hackers. In 2009, former Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, signed into law a bill barring the Department of Revenue from complying with the law in light of those privacy concerns. But beginning in 2018, Missouri drivers licenses wont be accepted at airport security checkpoints. Meaning if lawmakers cant agree on a way for the state to comply with the federal law, Missourians could find themselves on the hook for passports needed for domestic air travel, starting Jan. 22. It can take up to six weeks to get a passport in Missouri, and can cost nearly $200. Proposals moving through the Legislature would allow those who want compliant IDs to receive them, and those wary of sharing personal documents to opt out. The Department of Revenue would be required to explain the differences between compliant and non-compliant licenses to applicants, making clear that compliant IDs would be needed to fly or access military bases or federal government facilities. Theres no more freedom than that, to ultimately let our citizens make the choice, said Rep. Kevin Corlew, a Kansas City Republican who is sponsoring such a bill in the House. On Tuesday, lawmakers tried and failed to attach more than a dozen amendments to the controversial bill, including one that would require any elected official who voted to approve the change to declare on election documents: I WOULD RATHER KNEEL TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT THAN STAND STRONG PROTECTING MY CONSTITUENTS RIGHT TO PRIVACY. Opponents argued the bill disregarded liberty in favor of convenience. Our constitutional rights are being stepped on by this, said Rep. Keith Frederick, R-Rolla. Others drew parallels to the Obamacare, which has been widely panned by the GOP-led Legislature. Its requiring us to purchase something or we will be penalized, said Rep. Jered Taylor, R-Nixa. The Senate is also expected to take up Real ID legislation this week, where Republican senators have already found themselves at odds. Sen. Ryan Silvey of Kansas City is backing a similar proposal that has already cleared a Senate committee. Some of his colleagues, including Sen. Will Kraus, R-Lees Summit, have been vocal opponents. The two recently sparred on Twitter, with Kraus saying that during the Senate's debate this week, he will be standing on the side of privacy and pushing back on federal govt. overreach. Silvey countered that he would be standing on the side of liberty and letting you decide what is best for you. Kraus and nine other GOP senators have also signed a letter to Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley asking him to "take action and help prevent the encroachment of the federal governments REAL ID Act of 2005." The House bill can move to the Senate after one more vote, or the Senate can take up Silvey's proposal. JEFFERSON CITY Vice President Mike Pence will be in St. Louis Wednesday as part of a push to promote job growth. Pence will participate in "listening discussions" and give a speech at an event at Fabick Caterpillar in Fenton. The speech is expected to begin at 1:30 p.m., according to a statement from the White House. Fabick CEO Doug Fabick said in a separate statement that the event is an invitation only, private affair. As a family-owned business spanning five generations, Fabick Cat is honored to host the vice president of the United States at our Fenton Headquarters," Fabick said. He added that Pence plans to share a message of streamlining government regulations as a way to help small businesses. The former Indiana governor recently returned from a trip to Europe where he sought to assure leaders that the Trump administration supports the European Union. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens will welcome Pence, Greitens adviser Austin Chambers said on Twitter. Dayton, Ohio , Feb. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MacAulay-Brown, Inc. (MacB), a leading National Security company delivering advanced engineering services, cybersecurity and product solutions, announced today that Enlighten IT Consulting (EITC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MacB, was awarded a position on a multiple-award, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract supporting the Defense Logistics Agency through a Contracting Teaming Arrangement (CTA) with KPMG LLC. The J6 Enterprise Technology Services (JETS) contract is designed to provide Information Technology (IT), technical, and management expertise in support of the Defense Logistics Agencys (DLA) Information Operations Office (J6), as well as other Department of Defense (DoD) agencies. The IDIQ has a ceiling value of $6 billion over an eight-year period (five-year base with one three-year option period). DLA is the combat logistics support agency for the DoD, providing the U.S. Army, the U.S. Marine Corps, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force with a full spectrum of logistics, acquisition and technical services. DLA also supports other federal and civilian agencies, as well as the armed forces of partner nations. Under the JETS acquisition vehicle, EITC is partnering with KPMG to offer a wide range of support across 21 task areas of the DLA IT enterprise. Work will include supporting and enhancing IT systems and capabilities, network and telecommunications, technology evaluations, and enterprise architecture and data support. The EITC team in particular will focus on NetOps monitoring, cyber threat detection, and big data analysis and reporting functions. We are proud to support J6 operations by delivering critical IT services and development via our partnership with KPMG, said Shawn Justice, former CEO of EITC and the new Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Enlighten IT Group (EITG) at MacB. We look forward to providing innovative agile development practices and processes to meet the challenges associated with critical infrastructures and business systems across the DoD community. ABOUT ENLIGHTEN IT CONSULTING (EITC), a MACAULAY-BROWN, INC. (MacB) COMPANY Since 2007, EITC has been an innovative provider of advanced and mission critical big data infrastructure, secure cloud engineering, and analytic solutions for federal, state, and local clients with specific emphasis on the warfighter and decision makers responsible for national defense and security. EITC is headquartered in Linthicum Heights, MD. ABOUT KPMG KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. The company operates in 152 countries, with more than 189,000 people working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity, and describes itself as such. ABOUT MACAULAY-BROWN, INC. (MacB) For more than 37 years, MacAulay-Brown, Inc. (MacB) has been solving some of the Nations most complex National Security challenges. Defense, Intelligence Community, Special Operations Forces, Homeland Security and Federal agencies rely on our advanced engineering services, cybersecurity, and product solutions to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. With Corporate Headquarters in Dayton, Ohio and National Capital Headquarters in Vienna, Virginia, our more than 1,500 employees worldwide are dedicated to developing mission-focused and results-oriented solutions that make a difference where and when it matters most. Learn more about MacB at www.macb.com. Follow MacB ### ST. LOUIS The $30 million renovation of Soldiers Memorial downtown wont be completed until November 2018, but after a year of construction the structure is showing signs of what will be. As the Missouri Historical Society prepares to host public forums on the project this week and in March, the memorial itself is home to more hard hats than war relics. Blank walls with large slits cut for installing air cooling and heating systems will eventually showcase stories and artifacts from St. Louisans experiences in war. Its all going to be brought to life by the stories of individual St. Louisans, said Karen Goering, managing director of administration and operations at the Historical Society. The final exhibit plans are still in the works, museum spokeswoman Leigh Walters said, but they will revolve around the buildup to and the aftermath of each world war. Up to 300 artifacts dating from the War of 1812 and up to the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will be featured. Former office space under the building has been cleared, and concrete will soon be laid for what will be a new exhibition space. Walters said the new space will host temporary exhibits. Outside to the south, the Court of Honor prepares for the installation of a reflecting pool and the narrowing of Chestnut Street to integrate the two memorial spaces. The Court of Honor opened in 1948 to honor St. Louis dead from World War II, which totaled 2,573, Goering said. Goering said 1,075 St. Louisans died in World War I. The Court of Honor will also include new memorials for locals who fought in other American wars. Goering said the Historical Society hopes to include those from the entire St. Louis area, not only from within the city. When Soldiers Memorial opened, most people who might say they were from St. Louis actually lived in the city, and we know thats not the case now, Goering said. The skeleton of a new elevator shaft in the east wing is a sign of the improved access to come. Ramp access for the disabled was previously only offered at the back entrance, but a second ramp for the front will fix what museum officials called unacceptable. Disabled veterans shouldnt have to use the back entrance to get into a war memorial, Goering said. The imposing sculptures on the corners of the north and south staircases look refreshed after a cleaning removed years of coal soot and dirt. They were done by famous St. Louisan Walker Hancock, one of the real life Monuments Men whose story was used as inspiration for John Goodmans character in the 2014 film. Museum officials said they hope the finished product both within and outside the building strikes a quiet, reflective tone. Whereas the downtown block occupied by the Court of Honor and Soldiers Memorial between 14th and 13th streets previously hosted all sorts of events, Walters said they want the space to always draw attention to what it represents. This is a reverent space, Walters said. St. Louis police and city officials must have a productive working relationship if they hope to address serious crime issues and improve safety for residents and visitors. One of the biggest obstacles to that relationship is Jeff Roorda, business agent for the citys police union. He seems to work overtime to foment division, ensuring there can be no unity or solidarity of purpose. Roorda taunts his opponents with hostile language and insults. His most recent jabs at St. Louis Treasurer and mayoral candidate Tishaura Jones were so inflammatory that an opponent, 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson, called on the union to fire Roorda. Krewsons voice matters as the candidate endorsed by the St. Louis Police Officers Association. In a Facebook post, Roorda called Jones the daughter of a felon, laziest legislator of all time, a cop hater and a race baiter. He declined our request for comment. Tensions already are so high across the political spectrum, this city doesnt need someone like Roorda fanning the flames. Krewson called Roordas comments vile and disgusting. His history heading the union is rife with examples of provocation. He brawled with a woman at a 2015 Board of Aldermen meeting during discussion of a civilian oversight review board that the union vigorously opposed. The brawl prompted a lawsuit against Roorda and the association. He seemed intent on creating a disturbance at the meeting. It followed the shooting death of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer. Roorda wore a wristband proclaiming, I am Darren Wilson, a display of solidarity with the police officer, and chastised protesters and Black Lives Matter activists at the meeting, which ended in chaos. He is the author of a book, Ferghanistan: The War on Police, and blamed President Barack Obama for the deaths of five police officers shot last year by a sniper in Dallas. Roordas employment background includes dismissal by the Arnold, Mo., police force after 17 years for making false statements. After 18 months as business manager of the St. Louis County Police Association, that union terminated its contract with him last August. Along with objecting to the oversight board, Roorda opposes police dashboard and body cameras, even though officials with police support organizations generally view them as a way to protect officers as well as citizens. Some officers no doubt support Roordas fierce stance. Others recognize him as part of the problem rather than a solution in repairing police-community relations. Roordas provocative statements seem designed to reinforce an old-school, Im the boss style of policing. A more modern style of law enforcement recognizes the need to be responsive to citizens, not punitive. If the union has any hope of getting along with the next mayor, whoever wins, itll need to show Roorda the exit door. Since it was formally announced on July 1, 2016, MBombays Gaaja line has only had a single blend available in a single vitola: a Toro, which I reviewed (and thoroughly enjoyed) last summer. That changed earlier this month when a second Gaaja format was addeda Torpedoalong with a Maduro blend. Today I review the new Gaaja Maduro Torpedo. By way of background, MBombay is a small-batch brand of high-end cigars made in Costa Rica and produced by Bombay Tobak. The man behind the operation is Mel Shah, owner of an upscale cigar and wine lounge in Palm Springs, California. Gaaja (pronounced Gaa-ya) is Sanskrit for elephant. The original blend took over four years to perfect and calls for an Ecuadorian hybrid Connecticut and Cameroon wrapper thats grown in the desflorado fashion. (The process of cultivating desflorado tobacco requires the buds on the plants to be cut off before they flower to force the plants energy on leaf production instead of flower production.) The binder is Ecuadorian, and the filler is a combination of Seco from Peru; Viso from Ecuador, Paraguay, and the Dominican Republic; and Dominican Ligero. Gaaja Maduro uses the same binder and filler combination, but it replaces the Ecuadorian hybrid wrapper with a darker Brazilian Mata Fina leaf. This wrapper has played a very important factor in increasing the flavor and the body to the cigar, reads a press release dated February 6. Brazilian Mata Fina wrapper has definitely added more complexity into the mix. [The] rest of the composition of the Gaaja cigar has not been changed, [but] the proportions have been adjusted to make the cigar taste more complete. There are two Gaaja Maduro sizes on the market, both of which retail for $15.50: Toro (6 x 54) and Torpedo (6.5 x 54). I smoked several of the latter for this review. The cigar is pungent and attractive out of the cellophane with rounded box press edges, a seamless wrapper, a nicely executed cap, and pre-light notes of dark chocolate and nougat at the foot. The striking appearance and overall feel of quality is only complemented by a unique band of gold, blue, and red that offers no text on the face (but reads Gaaja on one side and Bombay Tobak on the other). Whats more, its silky smooth, oily wrapper gives the Gaaja Maduro Torpedo a velvety feel. And, despite its firmness, the cold draw is surprisingly effortless. I found the original Gaaja to be teeming with well-balanced complexity and flavors like honey, graham, bread, dry wood, cream, and almond. While the Maduro does have some almond and dry wood, its core is more focused on coffee bean, dark chocolate, salted caramel, and roasted nuts. In other words, delicious. Adding to the enjoyment is the aroma of the resting smoke, which is mouth-wateringly sweet. I would classify the body as medium to medium-plus. The texture of the smoke is light and sweet (I am reminded of marshmallows) and there is only moderate spice with no traces of heat or harshness. In addition to a harmonious, interesting, well-balanced profile, and, as you should expect from any cigar with a super-premium price tag, the combustion properties are excellent. The burn runs straight and true from light to nub, the ash holds very well off the foot, the draw remains clear throughout, and the smoke production is above average. Dont be turned off by the price; this is not one to miss. I like everything about the Gaaja Maduro Torpedothe taste, the aroma, the way it smokes, and the way it looks. In fact, I think its up there with the finest. And thats why Im awarding it our highest rating: five stogies out of five. [To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. A list of other five-stogie rated cigars can be found here.] Patrick A photo credit: Stogie Guys BOCA RATON, Fla., Feb. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tyson Foods (NYSE:TSN) President and CEO Tom Hayes today outlined his vision for how the company will shape the future of food. Speaking at the 2017 Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference along with Sally Grimes, president of Tysons retail business, Hayes said the company is strong today and will lead for tomorrow by growing its portfolio of protein-packed brands and delivering sustainable food at scale. The purpose of our company is to raise the worlds expectations for how much good food can do, and were uniquely positioned to deliver just that, said Hayes. The company will continue investing in innovation that will bring to market a wide variety of new products that meet consumers desire for fresh food, more protein and in flexible forms that can be eaten seamlessly throughout the day. The company highlighted a dozen new products and announced that all Tyson consumer brand products would feature chicken with No Antibiotics Ever (NAE). Were driving growth through strong innovation and brand-building, said Grimes. Tyson Foods also is deepening its commitment to a more sustainable food system. The company will innovate to develop new solutions that deliver healthier food, healthier animals, healthier workplaces and a healthier environment. In this commitment, the company sees a long-term opportunity to grow and increase profits sustainably. Tyson Foods holistic sustainability plan includes commitments such as: Expanding its NAE chicken offerings, making Tyson Foods the worlds leading producer of NAE chicken Setting a goal of reducing workplace injuries and illnesses by 15 percent year over year Establishing strategic partnerships to set science-based sustainability goals Continuing third-party audits of farms to certify humane treatment of chickens Improving how chickens are raised through a concept farm, with innovations designed to be better for the birds, the environment and food safety Increasing transparency across the business, including sustainability efforts For us, sustainability isnt a single issue; its about focusing on multiple dimensions in order to advance the whole, said Hayes. We will use our reach, capabilities and resources to drive positive change at a scale we believe no other company can match. Hayes also said the companys new approach to financial fitness will fund investment in long-term growth. It will include efforts to reduce waste across the company, the allocation of capital for growth and transforming business models through technology. Reflecting the new direction of the company, Tyson Foods today unveiled a new corporate logo. A downloadable version is available here. About Tyson Foods Tyson Foods, Inc. (NYSE:TSN), with headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, is one of the worlds largest food companies with leading brands such as Tyson, Jimmy Dean, Hillshire Farm, Sara Lee, Ball Park, Wright, Aidells and State Fair. Its a recognized market leader in chicken, beef and pork as well as prepared foods, including bacon, breakfast sausage, turkey, lunchmeat, hot dogs, pizza crusts and toppings, tortillas and desserts. The company supplies retail and foodservice customers throughout the United States and approximately 115 countries. Tyson Foods was founded in 1935 by John W. Tyson, whose family has continued to lead the business with his son, Don Tyson, guiding the company for many years and grandson, John H. Tyson, serving as the current chairman of the board of directors. The company currently has approximately 114,000 Team Members employed at more than 400 facilities and offices in the United States and around the world. Through its Core Values, Code of Conduct and Team Member Bill of Rights, Tyson Foods strives to operate with integrity and trust and is committed to creating value for its shareholders, customers and Team Members. The company also strives to be faith-friendly, provide a safe work environment and serve as stewards of the animals, land and environment entrusted to it. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements, such as statements relating to expected performance, new products, product innovation, and sustainability. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties which could cause our actual results and experiences to differ materially from the anticipated results and expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. These statements speak only as of the date made, and we do not intend nor do we undertake any obligation to update these statements. French English Dutch Today Ageas announces that it has reached an agreement with the Luxembourg company Archand s.a.r.l. and affiliated persons ("Archand") to support the Fortis settlement. On 11 May 2015, Archand initiated proceedings against Ageas and a former Fortis executive before the Amsterdam court, claiming damages because of miscommunication on Fortis' financial position. Ageas welcomes Archand's agreement to support the settlement agreement of 14 March 2016. For all relevant information about the settlement we refer to the dedicated website FORsettlement.com. Any questions regarding this settlement should be sent to: info@forsettlement.com. Ageas is a listed international insurance Group with a heritage spanning 190 years. It offers Retail and Business customers Life and Non-Life insurance products designed to suit their specific needs, today and tomorrow. As one of Europe's larger insurance companies, Ageas concentrates its activities in Europe and Asia, which together make up the major part of the global insurance market. It operates successful insurance businesses in Belgium, the UK, Luxembourg, France, Italy, Portugal, Turkey, China, Malaysia, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Singapore, and the Philippines through a combination of wholly owned subsidiaries and long term partnerships with strong financial institutions and key distributors. Ageas ranks among the market leaders in the countries in which it operates. It represents a staff force of over 40,000 people and reported annual inflows close to EUR 32 billion in 2016 (all figures at 100%). SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt., Feb. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dynapower, the global leader in energy storage inverters, and Intertek, a leading provider of quality solutions to industries worldwide, are proud to jointly announce that Dynapowers MPS-250 is the first storage-only energy inverter to be confirmed by Intertek to meet the UL 1741 SA draft requirements for a smart inverter. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00469733-7744-4b14-b5ef-7f01a028b3e7. Compliance with this standard ensures that Dynapowers MPS-250 smart inverter is California Rule 21 and Hawaii Rule 14H compliant through development of advanced inverter features. This was achieved by Dynapower through the use of Interteks SATELLITE Data Acceptance Program. Dynapower has always been on the forefront of energy storage inverter technology and we are extremely pleased and proud to receive confirmation from Intertek that our MPS-250 inverter meets the UL 1741 SA draft requirements, said Chip Palombini, sales manager of the energy storage group at Dynapower. Working through the Intertek SATELLITE program enabled Dynapower to have full control over the timeline of the compliance process. Intertek is proud to work with global leaders like Dynapower to advance the energy industry through smart inverter functionality, enabling PV integration and improving grid resiliency, crucial steps toward smart grids and smart cities, said Sunny Rai, Vice President of Renewable Energy at Intertek. Dynapowers storage-only energy inverters are the first confirmed by Intertek to meet the UL 1741 SA draft requirements, and they achieved this through Interteks SATELLITE program, which allows manufacturers to run more efficient compliance programs. In addition to the smart inverter features required by the new standard, Dynapower also incorporated Dynamic Transfer as a standard feature into the Generation 2 MPS-250. Dynamic Transfer enables a backup power mode of operation for energy storage systems. For further information and to download the MPS-250 datasheet please visit http://www.dynapowerenergy.com/ul1741sa/. About Dynapower Dynapower is a global leader in the design and manufacture of power conversion equipment including high-power rectifiers, energy storage inverters, microgrid control systems and transformers. Dynapower provides power electronics solutions for energy storage, industrial, mining, military, and research applications. With more than 53 years of experience providing power electronics solutions to a global customer base, Dynapowers product range includes discrete power electronics and fully integrated systems ranging from 100 kilowatts to 36 megawatts. Dynapower has more than 300 MW of the companys high reliability, energy storage inverters deployed worldwide. For more information, visit: www.Dynapower.com. About Intertek Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide. Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices and over 40,000 people in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers operations and supply chains. www.intertek.com Bringing quality and safety to life One of the top tourist attractions at the Mount is unable to be fully enjoyed. Masked by parked cars, the giant pohutukawa tree in Pitau Rd has been spreading itself magnificently for nearly 500 years without even a plaque. A small seedling nudged its new frond up through the sand bar that we call the Mount one morning between 1566 and 1616. Its been growing and flowering ever since. This was in the same time period that Pocahontas was saving the life of John Smith, Galileo saw the moons of Jupiter through his telescope, the King James version of the Bible was being published, the first African slaves were being taken to North America, the English Civil War was happening, Rembrandt was painting his Night Watch, the Ming Dynasty was ending in China, King Louis XIV was starting to build Versailles, the Great Plague in London killed 75,000, there was the great fire in London, and Peter the Great became Czar. Noel Davenhill, who has taken visitors from the UK to visit the tree, worked in vegetation management at the Rotorua Forest Research Insititute (now called Scion) for more than 40 years. He is sceptical of the trees age. "I would have thought this tree older than 450 years, says Noel. Its looks to me a lot older than that. Its a beautiful tree." About 300 years after pohutukawa took root, Pitau Rd was laid beside it. The pohutukawa tree in Pitau Road, believed to be 450 years old. The variety Metrosideros excelsa Mt Maunganui are all cutting-grown descendants from this tree, and it is of special significance to Ngai Te Rangi iwi. Pohutukawa wood is dense, strong and highly figured. Maori used it in shipbuilding, since the natural curvy shapes made strong knees. The Pepi Toot beach train runs most summer days, taking families and cruise ship passengers for rides. Departing from Salisbury Ave, it travels along The Mall, to Adams Ave, around to Banks Ave, then right into Pitau St, going past the 450-year-old pohutukawa tree. Passengers always comment about two things that they enjoy while on the train, says train driver Lesley Smith. One is the cleanliness of the Mount streets. The other is the tree. Its very popular. Shes unable to stop nearby for passengers to take photographs, as often cars are parked there. Parks are available further along and on the other side of the road, but that location provides fast and easy access for the drivers to walk through to the shops nearby. It would be great if there were markers in place so that parking was available for short-term five-minute parking, says Lesley. Then the train could pull in there too. Its a shame because its such an iconic tree and even the locals dont know about it. We are planning to install an interpretation panel displaying the trees history, in the next financial year 2017-2018, says Tauranga City Council parks and recreation manager Mark Smith. A man accused of bashing Lance John Murphy to death with a tree branch has told the court he believed the victim was a hit man who had murdered his own wife and was possessed by a demonic 10-headed dragon. Michael Joseph Davies, 52, is standing trial accused of kidnapping Lance Murphy, a friend of 30 years, before beating him to death and leaving him tied to a tree at the top of a hill in Puhoi in November 2015. Davies co-accused, 38-year-old Steve Gunbie, is charged with helping in the kidnapping and with hiding the body. Gunbie was arrested in Waihi back in December 2015. On Tuesday, Davies, also known as Michael Waipouri, told the High Court at Auckland, he had grown ever more wary of Mr Murphys unpredictable behaviour in the years and days leading up to his death. He said Mr Murphy had boasted to him he was a hit man, who had killed among others, a work colleague at a steel factory. "Lance told me he had thrown that man into the [factorys blast] furnace," he said. Davies also increasingly came to believe Mr Murphy had given his long-time wife a lethal dose of medication when she was sick with cancer in 2015. After trying numerous treatments for his wifes cancer, Davies said Mr Murphy began to repeatedly complain. "She is costing too much to keep alive, she is starting to stink ... and she is cursing [me] with every foul curse in the book," Davies said. He said he believed Mr Murphy had also, a short time later, withheld medication leading to the death of his wifes mother. When Davies shared his accusations with a friend, he said Mr Murphy heard about it and sent stand over men to intimidate him. He later came to Davies home in November 2015 and threatened to kill him, saying he would use him "as a boat anchor". During the visit, Davies believed he had a spiritual moment in which he saw a 10-headed dragon leaving Mr Murphys chest, with each head meant to represent a person he had killed. Davies testimony comes after an earlier witness in the trial said he had heard Mr Murphy was responsible for the cold case murder of Jane Furlong. Davies lawyer John Munro also told the jury while other people might interpret events differently, it was important to remember Davies genuinely believed Mr Murphy was a threat to him. He said Davies had formed his beliefs based on Mr Murphys behaviour, his own blend of spirituality and a deeply paranoid personality. The trial continues. Source: AAP. UPDATED 4.01PM: Up to five people are dead after a charter plane crashed into a Melbourne discount shopping outlet and exploded in Victorias worst civil aviation accident in 30 years. The Beechcraft Super King Air twin-engine aircraft with five aboard struck the DFO Essendon about 9am on Tuesday after taking off from nearby Essendon Airport, heading for King Island. Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane told reporters it was a catastrophic crash and all five aboard were believed dead. Read more on Newsie. Up to five people are dead after a charter plane crashed into a Melbourne discount shopping outlet and exploded in Victorias worst civil aviation accident in 30 years. The Beechcraft Super King Air twin-engine aircraft with five aboard struck the DFO Essendon about 9am on Tuesday after taking off from nearby Essendon Airport, heading for King Island. Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane told reporters it was a catastrophic crash and all five aboard were believed dead. - See more at: http://newsie.co.nz/news/3645-vic-plane-crashed-fireball-witnesses.html#sthash.YEfksDER.dpuf - See more at: http://newsie.co.nz/news/3645-vic-plane-crashed-fireball-witnesses.html#sthash.YEfksDER.dpuf EARLIER: Catastrophic engine failure just after take-off may have caused a charter plane carrying five people to crash into a Melbourne retail outlet and explode, police believe. Five people were on the Beechcraft Super King Air twin-engine which hit DFO Essendon about 9am on Tuesday after departing nearby Essendon Airport for King Island. Superintendent Mick Frewen says there was a Mayday call, followed by possible catastrophic engine failure. "But we are unsure at this stage. Emergency services are still battling the blaze at the back of JB Hi-Fi and Focus on Furniture in the DFO centre. Read more on Newsie. Today the weather forecast is for a fine day with some morning clouds and light winds. Remember to wear sun protection. Today is six years since the February 2011 earthquake. A great way to show care and support to the Cantabrians who moved to the Bay of Plenty, is to pop a flower into a traffic cone. Improving performance is the story of this quarters health target results in the Bay of Plenty. Of the Ministry of Healths six quarterly targets the Bay of Plenty District Health Board has exceeded three and was just one per cent off achieving a fourth for the October-December 2016 quarter. The same quarter in 2015 saw just one target achieved. The success included two firsts with record results in both the Shorter Stays in Emergency Departments result and the Better Help for Smokers to Quit target. More than 96 per cent of patients across Tauranga and Whakatane Hospital emergency departments were seen within the target waiting time of six hours during the quarter. The result was achieved despite ever-increasing numbers attending the two EDs, says BOPDHB chief executive Helen Mason. This is our best ever result and is testament to great co-operation and co-ordination across our two hospitals, to meet the needs of our acute care patients. This result has been achieved during a time when there were often more than 200 people presenting daily at our two EDs. Over 26,000 Bay of Plenty smokers have been given help to quit during the past 15 months as the Better Help for Smokers to Quit target was met for the first time, according tohealth equity/public health portfolio manager Brian Pointon. The DHB congratulates our three PHOs - Western Bay of Plenty Primary Health Organisation, Nga Mataapuna Oranga and the Eastern Bay Primary Health Alliance - and their general practices for achieving the target and recognises the additional efforts they have put in over recent months. The target is that 90 per cent of Primary Health Organisation enrolled patients who smoke are offered help to quit in the preceding 15 months. Many will have accepted that offer and are now living a smokefree life. The results see the BOPDHB once again exceeding the Improved Access to Elective Surgery target. 2779 patients received treatment during the three-month period, which is 147 above the target level, says surgical service business leader Bronwyn Anstis. This represents a positive result for the community we serve and remains a high focus area. It means more Bay of Plenty residents are getting the surgery they need. The BOPDHB has now exceeded the target every quarter for the last three-and-half years. Continued improvement against the Faster Cancer Treatment target (up from 82 per cent to 84 per cent) was also seen. The BOPDHB now ranks eighth nationally and is just one percent below target. This steady improvement represents more members of our community being able to receive their first cancer treatment faster, says Bronwyn. The target is that 85 per cent of patients receive their first cancer treatment (or other management) within 62 days of being referred with a high suspicion of cancer and a need to be seen within two weeks. This quarter was the second time the Raising Healthy Kids health target results have been published. The target is that by December 2017, 95 per cent of obese children identified in the B4 School Check programme will be offered a referral to a health professional for clinical assessment and family based nutrition, activity and lifestyle interventions. The BOPDHB recorded a result of 33 per cent for the six months to December 2016. Whilst we started from a low baseline, our performance has improved significantly and continues to do so, says BOPDHB planning and funding general manager Simon Everitt. As the target is calculated on a rolling six-month average, there is a time lag effect of that improved performance being shown in the figures. For the most recent three months, the rate achieved was 80 per cent. We are confident that we will achieve the target by December 2017 which is when it is due. The way in which immunisation services are delivered is being reviewed to improve immunisation cover for eligible babies and children, and help achieve the Increased Immunisation target, according to primary health portfolio manager Andrea Baker. Our eight-month immunisation coverage was 87 per cent for quarter two, up one per cent from quarter one. We are in the process of strengthening our childhood immunisation services to improve childhood immunisation coverage and timeliness for all immunisation milestones from six weeks to five years. We are committed to improve our performance to meet these objectives. The target is 95 per cent of eight-months-olds will have their primary course of immunisation (six weeks, three months and five months immunisation events) on time. Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller is impressed with the results. The statistics show the Bay of Plenty DHB is performing well when measured against the Governments national health targets and this is in line with what Im hearing out in the community from the health professionals to the man on the street. He does agree, though, that work needs to be done to increase immunisation rates and reduce childhood obesity. My wish for all kids in the Bay, and throughout New Zealand, is the same wish I have for my own children; that they are able to lead happy and healthy lifestyles to give them the best opportunity to thrive later in life. Kevin Rivoli Best Chinese restaurants in Syracuse When you don't want to brave the elements (or can't work up the energy to cook), Chinese takeout is a godsend. Besides dozens of delivery places, Syracuse is home to several gems of Chinese cuisine, featuring crackling duck and chow mein. We've compiled a list of our favorite Chinese sit-down restaurants, buffets and take-out joints in the Syracuse area. Please note: Korean, Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and chain restaurants will not appear on this list. However, some Chinese restaurants with added Japanese sushi bars are included. Pictured: Fried dumplings at Tang Flavor in Syracuse. Don't Edit Katrina Tulloch Bamboo House Bamboo House succeeds both as a restaurant and a take-out joint, with most prices ranging from $7.95 to $13.95. They serve many standard Chinese dishes like homemade dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, lo mein, fried rice and Kung Pao chicken. Dining critic Jane Marmaduke wrote, "Service at Bamboo House is extremely friendly...Our server was happy to talk with us at length about the dishes we ordered and to bring endless diner mugs of hot green tea as we watched many take-out and delivery orders leave the restaurant." 252 W. Genesee St., downtown Syracuse, (315) 424-8800 Don't Edit Don Cazentre Tang Flavor Downtown Syracuse's Tang Flavor has 80 seats for dine-in customers, and offers Szechuan, Canton and Hong Kong dishes for takeout. The restaurant is well-liked by local Yelp users and deserves points for having the only website that points out the difference between standard Chinese-American fare (lo mein, fried rice, etc.) and what they hilariously call "real Chinese food" (sizzling squid, crispy pig intestine, ox ribs and lots of seafood). 413 S. Warren St., Syracuse, 315-472-0279. Don't Edit Jane Marmaduke Red Chili Red Chili offers numerous styles of Szechuan cooking, from hot pots and noodles to duck heads and blood curd. There are plenty of options for vegetarians too. In a rave review, dining critic Jane Marmaduke wrote: "Red Chili is a comfortable, pretty restaurant with extraordinarily helpful service and a wide range of food choices, both familiar and far less so, many of them mild, not spicy. It deserves the broadest possible audience." 2740 Erie Blvd., East Syracuse, 446-2882 Don't Edit China Road China Road China Road won't disappoint if you're looking for Szechuan-style cuisine. They feature a traditional Chinese menu for adventurous diners, from squid and mushroom soup to a duck tongue casserole. Try the jellyfish or Peking duck. 2204 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale, (315) 455-5888 Don't Edit Don't Edit Katrina Tulloch China Cafe (Manlius) China Cafe, located in Limestone Common Plaza, has made a name for itself over the years for affordable, authentic food. As their tagline suggests, they "bring Chinatown to Manlius." The menu includes many Chinese classics, including squid, duck, braised pork and walnut shrimp. In her review, dining critic Aimee Koval wrote: "Steaming cups of vegetable soup ($2) and wonton soup ($1.50) took the edge off the November chill...service was friendly and attentive despite standing-room only demand for a half dozen tables and the daily influx of take-out customers." 240 West Seneca St., Manlius, (315) 682-1999 Don't Edit China Pavilion China Pavilion A brother and sister duo first opened China Pavilion in 1986. They pride themselves on an eclectic selection featuring an expansive menu for dim sum. The dim sum portions are small, but cheap, ranging in price for $3 to $4 for fried wontons, shrimp dumplings, steamed pork buns, stuffed peppers and more. Heads up: China Pavilion is closed every Monday. 2318 W. Genesee St. (Westvale Plaza), 315-488-2828 Don't Edit Mike Roy Oriental Star Both take-out customers and diners are welcome at Oriental Star in Fayetteville. They offer both Chinese and Japanese food, ranging from General Tso's Chicken to sushi rolls. They also have a small selection of Malaysian, Indonesian and Thai curries. Pictured: Oriental Star Chinese and Japanese Restaurant owner Jim Zheng (r) and sushi chef Ken Zheng pose at their restaurant located at 210 West Genesee St. in Fayetteville. (315) 637-0505 Don't Edit Hank Domin | hdomin@syracuse.com Golden City Golden City in DeWitt is another small but mighty Chinese joint with standard fare like chow mein, lo mein, mixed vegetables, fried tofu, egg rolls, golden sesame chicken and chop suey. Prices range from $5.75 for lunch specials to $8 or $10 for dinner. 4457 East Genesee St., DeWitt, (315) 445-0888 Don't Edit Yelp user Vicki Z. Asian Wok Tucked behind Carol's Polar Parlor, it's easy to miss Asian Wok while driving up West Genesee Street. Formerly known as Osaka Asian Cuisine and Nikkou Japan, the small, angular restaurant didn't find much success with cuisine from other parts of Asia. This new takeout joint has only been operating for a year, but has cemented itself as a reliable place, according to local Yelp users. 3800 W. Genesee St., Camillus, (315) 488-8838 Don't Edit Don't Edit China Cafe (downtown) Not to be confused with China Cafe in Manlius, the downtown China Cafe is located on one edge of Armory Square. Many dishes feature a lighter sauce (not gloppy) with lots of dry hot peppers. A "special Chinese cuisine" section on their menu offers rarer fare, like fish in a hot bean paste (head included), or pork kidney with peppercorn. 227 W Fayette St, Syracuse, (315) 478-0888 Don't Edit Fortune Hawaii Fortune Hawaii Fortune Hawaii is located between Mario & Salvo's Pizza and Carvel in DeWitt. They serve Chinese, Japanese and Thai food in large portions, and offer catering as well. Lunch specials don't exceed $5.95. Heads up: They're closed on Mondays. 4324 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, (315) 446-6666 Don't Edit Google China King China King in Baldwinsville has a slew of positive reviews on Yelp. Local resident Seth Kriesel says: "The food is always good, hot, and plentiful. We usually order a dinner and eat it for 2 other meals. The prices are outstanding and the service is friendly. Nice little gem in B'ville!" 36 E. Genesee St., Baldwinsville, (315) 720-1071 Don't Edit Empire Buffet Empire Buffet Empire Buffet in DeWitt offers more than 160 items, but doesn't delve too deep into complex flavors of Far East cuisine. Yes, you can find egg rolls, noodles and dumplings here, but you can also get macaroni and cheese, chicken wings, ice cream and cake. It's a good place to go if you want a lot of food at a low price, plus Americanized options for picky eaters in your dining party. 3179 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse, (315) 251-1888. Don't Edit HK Takeout HK Takeout I and II HK Takeout, with two locations in Syracuse, is another place to be praised for its longevity. The original HK Takeout on Erie Boulevard has served Syracuse since 1985. The interior and menu have no frills (lo mein, egg foo young, shrimp in garlic sauce) but service is speedy and prices are a bargain. 1640 Erie Blvd E., Syracuse, (315) 428-8898 700 Wolf St. (612 2nd North St.), Syracuse, (315) 476-3439 Don't Edit Don't Edit Thinkstock Mr. Stirfry Though it's more of take-out joint than a restaurant, Mr. Stirfry gets the job done for students and residents near South Campus of Syracuse University. The egg rolls are always crisply fried and they offer mixed vegetables, mei fun, chow fun, chow mein and American dishes to boot. 214 Tecumseh Rd., Syracuse. (315) 446-3968 Don't Edit Dave Lassman Panda West There's something to be said for any restaurant with staying power on Marshall Street, where business success ties directly to the appetites of Syracuse University students. Panda West isn't going anywhere. Sizzling hot pots and crispy duck dishes draw even the pickiest of students. We recommend the "Dragon and Phoenix," with shrimp in spicy chili sauce paired with General Tso's chicken. Don't Edit Katrina Tulloch Did we miss one? This list featured some of our favorite Chinese restaurants, buffets and takeout joints in the Syracuse area. Dozens more exist in the surrounding suburbs, villages and towns. Got a suggestion for a place to add? Email ktulloch@syracuse.com, or comment below. Pictured: Spicy Sour Beef Cellophane Noodle Soup at Red Chili Restaurant in Syracuse. Don't Edit Katrina Tulloch | ktulloch@syracuse.com Best food in town See all of our "Best Of" features on syracuse.com.. Pictured: Happy hour appetizers at Liehs & Steigerwald in downtown Syracuse. 032605 Rico's Ad.JPG Rico's Ristorante, 320 East First Street, East Syracuse. (File photo ) EAST SYRACUSE, NY -- Rico's Ristorante, which has been serving hearty and reasonably priced Italian-American cuisine since 1997, will close in September. Steve Geremia, who has been running the restaurant at 320 E. 1st St. in East Syracuse with his father, Enrico, confirmed the closing. The lease expires Oct. 1, he said. A Facebook post from Jackie Geremia-Macko reports that Rico's Ristorante in East Syracuse, owned by her family, will close in September. Enrico Geremia opened Rico's in October 1997. A native of Casanova, Italy, Geremia had previous experience working as a chef at Central New York restaurants like Villa, the Hotel Syracuse, Lorenzo's, Angelo's Cornucopia, Caroma, Barbuto's and Grimaldi's. In recent years, Steve Geremia has taken a greater role in running the restaurant. It remains a local standard bearer for pasta, steaks, chops and seafood, and is also frequently booked for private parties and events. In 2001, former Post-Standard restaurant reviewer Yolanda Wright described Rico's as "a quintessential Italian family restaurant, where women in expensive outfits tuck giant linen napkins under their chins to avoid red-sauce disasters, and it's not unusual for a waitress to greet a regular customer with a kiss on the cheek." Visiting again in 2009, Wright wrote: "If you're tired of fancy food, frilly edible towers and sky-high prices, Rico's Ristorante in East Syracuse is ready to dish up hearty portions of good Italian-American food at moderate prices ... ." Steve Geremia's sister, Jackie Geremia-Macko, posted a Facebook note on the closing Monday, "Have ya heard, Ricos Restaurant is closing in September," she posted. " gonna be a bitter sweet day ... really wish there was someone out there to take it over." The restaurant's online home page features a note from founder Enrico Geremia: "Ever since I came to this wonderful country from the little town of Casanova, outside of Naples, it has been my dream to own a restaurant like this. Rico's features all the best of what I have learned in over fifty years in the restaurant business. ... Now, at the restaurant that bears my name, I offer you the best of what I have spent my life learning -- fine Italian cuisine. Buon Appetito!" Don Cazentre writes about food, beverages, restaurants and bars for syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Contact him by email, on Twitter, at Google+ or via Facebook. Medallion.jpg A medallion, like this one, will need to be found by a participant in order to win the treasure hunt. The Post-Standard and syracuse.com have hidden a medallion somewhere in Onondaga County and will publish daily clues pointing treasure hunters to its location. Solve the clues and find the medallion, and you'll win $2,000. The winner will also be enrolled in the Driver's Village VIP Rewards Loyalty program and win a $200 value towards their next vehicle purchase at Driver's Village. To learn more about the Driver's Village Rewards Loyalty program, visit www.dvviprewards.com The 2017 Treasure Hunt is underway. Follow the clues each day ... On syracuse.com at On the pages of The Post-Standard and the ePost-Standard On Twitter On Facebook at On Snapchat at syracusedotcom Clue No. 6 Tues. Feb. 21 "A perfect day for a drive...and to look for a prize. Be shore you're in the right place... And you just might win this race." This year's Treasure Hunt has been made possible thanks to Driver's Village. Driver's Village is proud to support the 30th Anniversary of this community event, as the Burdick Family celebrates their 80th Anniversary of serving Central New York. NOTE: The medallion in not hidden anywhere on Driver's Village Property. San Antonio -- A man who disappeared from the San Antonio area earlier in February was found living with someone he met online in Northeast Ohio. Lee Arms, 44, of Falls City, Texas, outside San Antonio, was found living in a community near Bath Township, Ohio, outside Akron. "He wanted to escape his life out there and his situation," Bath Township Police Chief Michael McNeely said, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. McNeely said Arms moved to Ohio because he met someone online. "I've worked in human trafficking and missing persons for 14 years and this is a very rare incident," said Dottie Laster, executive director of the Heidi Search Center in San Antonio, according to News 4 in Texas. "This is the first time I've actually had it happen." Arms was last seen on Feb. 5. His Ford Fusion was later found abandoned. Arms drove from Falls City to San Antonio from Sunday through Thursday to work a night shift at a UPS facility. Friends and family began looking for him up when he didn't show up for work. A family member told News 4 that they were trying to process everything and heal. The family thanked all involved in the search for their efforts to find Arms. No charges have been filed against Arms, but his actions are being reviewed. A detective in Bath received a tip about "unusual activity" that led authorities there to find Arms, according to the Beacon Journal. Police in Ohio would not release further details, including exactly where Arms was living, because he had not committed any crimes. Contact Kevin Tampone anytime: Email | Twitter | Google + | 315-454-2112 Bienvenida Estimados amigos, Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia. Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro. Gonzalo Raffo de Lavalle Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras. Friedrich Nietzsche Quien conoce su ignorancia revela la mas profunda sabiduria. Quien ignora su ignorancia vive en la mas profunda ilusion. Lao Tse There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen. Vladimir Ilyich Lenin You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out. Warren Buffett No soy alguien que sabe, sino alguien que busca. FOZ Only Gold is money. Everything else is debt. J.P. Morgan Las grandes almas tienen voluntades; las debiles tan solo deseos. Proverbio Chino Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada. Helenio Herrera History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce. Karl Marx If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. Sun Tzu We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity. 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Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Why Trump Cant Bully China CAMBRIDGE As US President Donald Trump proceeds to destabilize the post-war global economic order, much of the world is collectively holding its breath. Commentators search for words to describe his assault on conventional norms of leadership and tolerance in a modern liberal democracy. The mainstream media, faced with a president who might sometimes be badly uninformed and yet really believes what he is saying, hesitate to label conspicuously false statements as lies. But some would argue that beneath the chaos and bluster, there is an economic rationale to the Trump administrations disorderly retreat from globalization. According to this view, the US has been duped into enabling Chinas ascendency, and one day Americans will come to regret it. We economists tend to view abdication of US world leadership as a historic mistake. It is important to acknowledge that the roots of the anti-globalization movement in the United States run much deeper than disenfranchised blue-collar workers. For example, some economists opposed the Trans-Pacific Partnership (a 12-country trade deal that would have covered 40% of the global economy) on the questionable grounds that it would have harmed American workers. It fact, the TPP would have opened Japan far more than it would have affected the US. Rejecting it only opens the door to Chinese economic dominance across the Pacific. US populists, perhaps inspired by the writings of Thomas Piketty, seem unimpressed by the fact that globalization has lifted hundreds of millions of desperately poor people in China and India into the global middle class. The liberal view of Asias rise is that it makes the world a fairer and more just place, where a persons economic fate does not depend quite so much on where they happen to have been born. But a more cynical view permeates populist logic, namely that in its excessive adherence to globalism, the US has sown the seeds of its own political and economic destruction. Trumpism taps into this sense of national mortality; here is someone who thinks he can do something about it. The aim is not just to bring home American jobs, but to create a system that will extend US dominance. We should focus on our own is the mantra of Trump and others. Unfortunately, with this attitude, it is hard to see how America can maintain the world order that has benefited it so much for so many decades. And make no mistake: America has been the big winner. No other large country is nearly as rich, and the US middle class is still very well off by global standards. Yes, Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders was right that Denmark is a great place to live and does many things right. He might have mentioned, however, that Denmark is a relatively homogeneous country of 5.6 million people that has very low tolerance for immigration. For better or for worse, the globalization train has long since left the station, and the idea that one can turn it back is utterly naive. Whatever might have been done differently before US President Richard Nixon visited China in 1972 is no longer possible. The fate of China, and its role in the world, is now in the hands of the Chinese and their leaders. If the Trump administration thinks it can reset the clock by starting a trade war with China, it is as likely to accelerate Chinas economic and military development as it is to slow it down. So far, the Trump administration has only sparred with China, concentrating its early anti-trade rhetoric on Mexico. Although the North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump reviles, has likely had only modest effects on US trade and jobs, he has attempted to humiliate Mexicans insisting that they pay for his border wall, as if Mexico were a US colony. The US is ill-advised to destabilize its Latin American neighbors. In the near term, Mexican institutions should prove quite robust; but in the long run, Trumpism, by encouraging anti-American sentiment, will undermine leaders otherwise sympathetic to US interests. If the Trump administration tries such crude tactics with China, it will be in for a rude surprise. China has financial weapons, including trillions of dollars of US debt. A disruption of trade with China could lead to massive price increases in the low-cost stores for example, Wal-Mart and Target on which many Americans rely. Moreover, huge swaths of Asia, from Taiwan to India, are vulnerable to Chinese aggression. For the moment, Chinas military is relatively weak and would likely lose a conventional war with the US; but this situation is rapidly evolving, and China may soon have its own aircraft carriers and other more advanced military capabilities. The US cannot win a trade war with China, and any victory will be Pyrrhic. The US needs to negotiate hard with China to protect its friends in Asia and deal with the rogue state of North Korea. And the best way to get the good deals Trump says he seeks is to pursue a more open trade policy with China, not a destructive trade war. Seamless AI services like Amazon's Alexa have become popular for their ease of use and smart features. According to a South Korean report, Samsung is looking to bolster their AI efforts with future acquisitions totaling $1 billion or more. The report cites an unnamed Samsung executive in the United States who says the company has earmarked the funds to purchase "AI tech companies or stakes in the firms." While Samsung doesn't have their own mainstream AI assistant, they are no strangers to the technology. They purchased Harman, the car infotainment manufacturer, late last year. Harman is known to be working on various AI projects like smart cities and voice control, all things Samsung wants to expand into. Another notable acquisition was for Viv Labs, the company behind Apple's Siri. In total, Samsung has purchased or invested in about 10 different tech firms like these. A billion dollars is no small amount so it's clear Samsung is serious about AI technology going forward. Top company executives have expressed strong interest in the past about Samsung acquiring their own technology. Samsung's head of software R&D told Bloomberg last year that they believe "intelligence is no longer an option. It's a must." The upcoming Galaxy S8 smartphone is expected to feature Bixby, Samsung's homegrown competitor to Siri, Alexa, and the Google Assistant. In addition, Samsung's home appliance division is looking for similar technology so home users "don't even have to move a finger when they want to do something." Apple is close to releasing an OS with an improved file system that will significantly make things difficult for iOS jailbreakers. But the more well-known hackers have not even come close to releasing a stable version of an iOS 10.2 jailbreak tool for public use. Apple rolled out the iOS 10.2.1 update on Jan. 23, and Tech Times reported on Jan. 25 that the Chinese hacker team Pangu announced a delay in the release of its jailbreak for the iOS 10.2. iOS Jailbreakers Remain Silent, Laying Low While jailbreakers are usually quick to find exploits to develop jailbreaking tools for public use, it is quite noticeable that most of them are laying low for unknown reasons. Some believe that Apple's quick rollout of security patches for the iOS 10 has been effective in keeping jailbreakers from exploiting the operating system's weaknesses. Others think hackers, specifically Pangu, are just waiting for a stable iOS 10 release to work on, but the group has kept mum about its true reason. Luca Todesco's Yalu102 Still In Beta At the very least, 19-year-old Italian hacker Luca Todesco rolled out his beta version for the Yalu102 his jailbreak tool for the iOS 10.2 but users claim that it still has a lot of bugs that need fixing, which actually makes sense since the tool is still in beta, so a perfectly polished tool should not have been expected. the latest commit of yalu102 as an ipa is now available at https://t.co/yZLQTPXp8p qwertyoruiop (@qwertyoruiopz) January 26, 2017 However, prior to the actual release, it would seem Todesco has had enough of the jailbreaking community and announced that he will be taking a break from his public research for the 10.2 jailbreak. Take a look at his tweet below. PSA: I will stop all public iOS research after I drop that 10.2 thing. The idiocy of the jailbreak community is too much to handle for me. qwertyoruiop (@qwertyoruiopz) January 22, 2017 Unfortunately, he is not the only one. So @ih8sn0w is also about to leave the jailbreak community. Sad! qwertyoruiop (@qwertyoruiopz) January 28, 2017 However, Todesco did clarify that he only intended to stop with the public research, not the actual research. @d_olex you're not wrong: I will keep to do research, and I will talk about technical info. By 'public research' I mostly meant 'public jbs' qwertyoruiop (@qwertyoruiopz) January 22, 2017 The good news is that Todesco is not completely abandoning jailbreaking tool creation but only focusing on other things at the moment. That includes resolving bugs and expanding the list of Apple devices supported by Yalu. An official .ipa will be provided once I get feedback that this solved issues on the iPhone 6 and that it actually works on the 5s qwertyoruiop (@qwertyoruiopz) January 29, 2017 hopefully one step closer to final with yalu102b6 now available at https://t.co/06ytqT4Q4f qwertyoruiop (@qwertyoruiopz) January 30, 2017 To clear it up: Yalu1011 for iPhone 7 will be updated at some point. Just not a priority right now. Got stuff to do. qwertyoruiop (@qwertyoruiopz) February 1, 2017 Except for the iOS 10.2 on iPhone 7. I find it hilarious that the people that keep asking for i7 10.2 support cannot understand that if it's not supported, there's a reason. qwertyoruiop (@qwertyoruiopz) February 17, 2017 The only thing jailbreak enthusiasts can do is hope that either Pangu is already well on their way to releasing an iOS 10.2 jailbreak tool while Todesco is working on resolving and finalizing Yalu. Then again, there are other jailbreakers who are equally determined to crack the iOS 10.2. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The strange relation between ocean disturbances and terrestrial climate has been underscored in a new study. The Pacific Ocean faced the unusual occurrence of a mass of warm water known as "the blob" from 2013 to 2015 with a moderate growth in 2016, which triggered many problems in the ocean's environment. The blob affected the marine system in the 3.5 million-square-mile stretch starting from Mexico to Alaska. First detected in 2013, the blob spread in 2014 and 2015 though its growth was moderate in 2016. A study conducted by researchers from the University of Washington Bothell showed that ocean conditions that turned messy because of the blob also impacted the offshore climate. Mass die-offs were reported in the ocean during this period when temperatures jumped 3 degrees Celsius more than the average, including the deaths of thousands of California sea lions due to starvation. The research has been published in Geophysical Research Letters. "Ultimately, it all links back to the blob, which was the most unusual meteorological event we've had in decades," said Dan Jaffe, a team member from the University of Washington Bothell and the lead author. Ozone Formed By Terrestrial Effects According to scientists, the blob had few parallels and its effect on land manifested as warmer temperatures, low cloud cover, and calmer air. These became the key ingredients to produce ozone, which is a component of smog and acts as a secondary pollutant. Formed by a chain reaction between pollutants from automobiles, factories, and other sources with solar rays, ozone is hazardous to health and its volumes are regulated by federal rules. The study said the areas that recorded higher-than-normal ozone were the same regions where high temperatures were experienced. Jaffe and team have been tracking ozone levels in the United States since 2004. They noticed the big spike in ozone levels in 2015 and wondered if the blobs had anything to do with it. The research group tracked ozone changes atop Mount Bachelor in central Oregon. To validate the connection, the team mapped out the duration of the blob using satellites and tracked fluctuations in temperature on the surface of the Pacific Ocean between 2014 and 2016. They found that the blob's influence majorly impacted quality of air above Washington, Oregon, western Utah and northern California with the escalation of ozone, according to the study. "Washington and Oregon were really the bull's eye for the whole thing, because of the location of the winds," said Jaffe. Jaffe described Salt Lake City and Sacramento on the edge because their ozone is always a bit higher and the cities had acute effects. The June 2015 ozone levels at the observatory were 12 parts per billion, higher than the average of all previous observations. Climate Variability And Air Quality Warmer temperatures favor ozone production, according to Jaffe who also added that the study suggests more scrutiny of the broader climate patterns in air quality and human health. According to the lead author, the work would help in establishing the linkages between climate variability and air quality and give an idea of what to expect when the Earth turns warmer. Reflecting on the current environmental laws, Jaffe stressed the need for accommodating the variability that is becoming evident. "Our environmental laws need to be written with an understanding that there's a lot of variability from one year to the next, and with an understanding of the long-term path of where we're heading under climate change," Jaffe said. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. If you are in Canada and own the LG G Pad III 8.0, which was released in May 2016, you would have probably benefitted from the Android 7.0 Nougat update by now. The over-the-air (OTA) update for the 8-inch LG G Pad III is now being pushed out by Canadian carrier Fido. The Canadian network operator started rolling out the Android 7.0 Nougat update for the LG tablet on Feb. 17. LG G Pad III 8.0 Android Nougat Update Thanks to the update the tablet jumps from Android Marshmallow to Android N. The software update brings the multi-tasking mode to the LG G Pad III. It also adds a split screen mode to the device. The ones who have not received the prompt options to download the update can check for its availability manually. To do so, navigate to the device's Settings > About Device > Updates > Check for Updates. Before updating your device to Android N, make sure that the tablet has at least 50 percent battery charge. Make sure you have made a backup of all important data. LG G Pad III 8.0 Connectivity Issues While the arrival of the Android 7.0 Nougat update for the LG tablet may excite users in Canada, those on carrier Fido may be hoping that it addresses the connectivity issue plaguing the device. Some users of the device have been complaining of connectivity issues. Users of the 8-inch LG G Pad III, who are Fido subscribers, have taken to the network operator's support forum to voice their concerns. What Kind Of Connectivity Issues Are The Users Facing? Fido's online support forum is getting inundated with the customer complains pertaining to the connectivity issues. One of the customers has mentioned the trouble he has been facing every time he attempts to connect the LG G Pad II 8.0 with the 5G connection. The user reveals that he also has a Google Nexus Player and a Nexus 5 which easily connect to the 5G network unlike the LG G Pad III 8.0. Even though the tablet is not able to connect to the 5G network and rather goes to the saved profile, it does get the 2.4 Wi-Fi connection smoothly. "When I first updated the tablet it would connect and then drop after a minute or so, then less. I shut the tablet down, then started it again and it is now not even connecting via 5G simply goes to 5G saved. As I mentioned I also reset network settings and removed the 2.4 and 5G profiles and then re-established wifi to no avail," mentioned the user who also tried troubleshooting, but to no avail. The support team at Fido was quick to address the subscriber's concern. "I appreciate you trying the different troubleshooting steps. What exactly happens when you try joining to your 5GHz network? Any error message?" he asked. The Fido employee also suggested that the user may not be encountering a router issue since most of his devices were successfully accessing the 5G connection. However, to rule out the possibility of this being a router problem, he suggested that the user reboot the same. This would help in scanning the local environment and select the best channel that is available. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Android smartphone owners have been waiting for their phone carriers to release the Android 7.0 Nougat for their devices since it was released in August 2016. Google's subsequent roll outs of updates to the Nougat has only served to fuel the desire of smartphone owners to finally get the new operating system in their devices, and while carriers have been rolling out Android 7.0 to HTC, LG, and Huawei devices, many Samsung devices seem to have been left behind at least until last week. Tech Times reported on Jan. 18 that a worldwide rollout of Android 7.0 Nougat for Samsung devices are already well on their way in several territories but had yet to reach the United States. Many Samsung smartphone owners may have been frustrated with the long wait, but the Nougat update is finally here with T-Mobile leading the pack and AT&T on its heels. Samsung Devices Ready for Nougat The Samsung devices that were confirmed for the update earlier were Samsung Galaxy S7, S7 edge, S7 Active, S6, S6 edge, S6 edge+, Note 5, and Tab A with S Pen, Galaxy Tab S2 (LTE unlock), Galaxy A3, and Galaxy A8, but so far, the S6 series and Note 5 were ahead of the other models in line to receive the update. Finally, the S7 and S7 edge caught up. The Samsung Galaxy A and Galaxy J series is also part of the list, but updates for those two will not be available until the middle of 2017, earliest. T-Mobile We also reported on Feb. 17 that T-Mobile has already started rolling out the Nougat for the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge but that devices running the Samsung Galaxy Beta Software will receive it first. As of Feb. 17, however, T-Mobile finally updated its support page to confirm the information and announced that devices that meet its requirements can finally update their OS to the Nougat by Feb. 20. Devices can be updated over-the-air or by connecting the smartphone to a computer. The update requires 117 MB of free memory, and it already comes with the Feb. 1 security patch as well as all the amazing new features Nougat brings to devices. AT&T On T-Mobile's heels is AT&T, which also confirmed on Feb. 17 that it is ready to release the Nougat update to Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge devices in its network. As of Feb. 18, AT&T has yet to update its support pages for the two Samsung flagship devices, but given that the news has been confirmed, the carrier would probably do it soon. Important Reminder We hate to burst anyone's bubble, but just so we're clear on this, the updates from both T-Mobile and AT&T will bring Samsung S7 and S7 edge devices up to Android 7.0, not 7.1, but that is better than nothing, right? 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A former Uber engineer has published a lengthy blog post Sunday, alleging sexist workplace practices inside the company during her one-year stint, detailing, in almost 3,000 words, instances of sexism that she experienced firsthand. Sexism At Uber Sexism is one of the tentpole issues in the Silicon Valley workplace, and her accounts of it provide evidence of that, with stories often, if not always, worryingly pernicious, if also slightly bizarre. The engineer, Susan Fowler, calls it a "strange, fascinating, and slightly horrifying story." She joined the company late 2015 and left in December the following year to join Stripe. Her stint in Uber was bogged by a number of sexist incidents, the first of which happened on the first day. Manager's Understated Hookup Invitation In her blog post, Fowler states that in as early as the first day on her job as an Uber engineer, her manager sent her a string of messages indicating that he was engaged in an open relationship i.e., a setup that allows committed partners to seek different sex with third parties but was unsuccessful in looking for partners to exercise that with. He was trying to stay out of trouble at work but couldn't avoid it because he was attempting to get women he could hook up with, according to messages sent to Fowler. "It was clear that he was trying to get me to have sex with him, and it was so clearly out of line that I immediately took screenshots of these chat messages and reported him to HR," writes Fowler. The HR's response, however, was unexpected, Fowler says. Though clearly an unambiguous account of sexual harassment, the HR said that they weren't comfortable in handing down to the accused anything more than a warning, given that it was his first offense. Additionally, upper management informed Fowler that the man was a "high performer," and they wouldn't feel comfortable issuing him a reprimand for "what was probably just an innocent mistake on his part," according to the HR, as per Fowler's post. Repeated Sexual Harassment Invariably Regarded As First Offense Later on, when Fowler moved to a different team, she found out speaking to female colleagues that the manager in question had committed similar offenses in the past, and such reports have actually been brought to HR similarly. Not long afterward, the manager was yet again reported for similar behaviors, but the HR told those who notified of his offenses that it was his "first offense" yet again. Fowler notes that the reports were brought up as high as up the chain where it could be brought up, although "nothing was done." Engineers Engaging In Game Of Thrones-Esque War Fowler's stay at the company moving forward didn't ease. Instances of sexist workplace accounts only turned bleaker. She writes that there was an underlying political jostling among upper management in the engineering department, saying the power struggle was akin to the HBO show Game of Thrones. According to Fowler, managers are unabashedly attempting to overthrow, undermine, and sabotage each other. Fowler writes that every manager seemed predisposed to fighting and undermining their peers to get ahead, noting that the managers didn't even hide this behavior, going as far as boasting about it during meetings, telling their direct reports about it, and such. "We all lived under fear that our teams would be dissolved, there would be another re-org, and we'd have to start on yet another new project with an impossible deadline. It was an organization in complete, unrelenting chaos." Fowler's account of her time at the company also includes attempts by her managers to hamper her growth, impair her accomplishments and opportunities, and more pressing attempts to stall her altogether. She writes that glowing workplace performance reviews were later messed with to justify holding her back for a potential promotion and prevent her from looking to be transferred to another part of the company. In her many attempts to report repeated incidents of sexist abuse inside Uber, HR denied her protest for decent treatment, telling her that she was the "common theme" in all her complaints and that reporting things to HR using email was "unprofessional." Telling women not to complain, or suppress their urge to complain, is one of the hallmark signs of sexist organizations, as noted by The Verge. No Leather Jackets For Women In an odd part of the series of accounts, Fowler describes how a manager ordered leather jackets for all site reliability engineers except women because there were not enough of them to make up for the expense of purchasing the jackets. Fowler says that over 120 men got their jackets and that according to the manager, it wouldn't be fair to order jackets for women unless they found a way to receive a bulk discount. Travis Kalanick Orders Urgent Investigation Travis Kalanick, Uber's CEO, has ordered an urgent investigation in light of Fowler's blog post. "What she describes is abhorrent and against everything Uber stands for and believes in," he said, as reported by CNBC. Kalanick says that this is the first time he has learned of such accounts and that he instructed Uber's new HR chief to conduct the investigation. "We seek to make Uber a just workplace and there can be absolutely no place for this kind of behavior at Uber and anyone who behaves this way or thinks this is OK will be fired." Fowler wrote that when she joined Uber, 25 percent of the company was comprised of women. When she left, it was down to 3 percent. Upon publication, Fowler's blog post quickly gained traction online, even reaching Chris Sacca, an early Uber investor, who called Fowler's account of sexist incidents "awful." "This is awful. I'm very sorry it happened to you. I can't imagine how that must have felt and still feels now," said Sacca. "Well, as you might have read, I have zero say in how that company is run. Frustrating," Sacca said when asked what Uber and its investors can do moving forward. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Guess who is planning their space exploration mission right after China and India? None other than UK. According to reports, a bill named Spaceflight has been proposed which will "cement the UK's position as a world leader in this emerging market." The proposed bill offers setting up of space ports and launching of satellites to gain knowledge and information about space, giving UK an edge in the space exploration sector. Spaceflight Bill As stated by the Department for Transport (DfT), the Spaceflight bill is the ticket, which will allow scientists from the UK to perform several experiments under zero gravity, as well as develop enhanced vaccines and antibiotics. The proposal also states that if developments go according to plan, the UK will lift off a commercial space shuttle from its own space port by 2020. "Our ambition is to allow for safe and competitive access to space from the UK, so we remain at the forefront of a new commercial space age," said aviation Lord Ahmad, UK's aviation minister. Why A Spaceflight Bill? The global commercial space flight market is estimated to be worth 25 billion (approximately $31.1 billion) over the next 20 years. Given the circumstances that all other nations are making incredible progress in space exploration, it would be foolhardy for Britain to stay out of the race. Ahmad stated that the UK's ambition is to gain safe and competitive access to space in a bid to stay ahead in the commercial game. Moreover, he also stated that the UK's space sector is the future of British economy, which is obvious given the global market estimates stated earlier. "The UK 's space sector is the future of the British economy. It already employs thousands of people and supports industries worth more than 250 million to the economy, and we want to grow it further," said Ahmad. The Spaceflight bill would also make the UK independent by creating its own space ports and launch stations. Currently, the UK has to depend on other countries like the United States, India or Japan to get access to launch vehicles. This dependence not only causes delays but also imposes restrictions on the UK in many ways. The bill would make the UK capable of launching its own space exploration mission without any compromises. Progress So Far Nearly 10 million (approximately $12 million) worth of grants would be made available to help start the commercial spaceflight project by 2020. The Spaceflight bill would be submitted in the Parliament for approval sometime this week. Photo: SpaceX | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Here's a fun treat for TV memorabilia fans or just fans of Norman Lear's groundbreaking sitcom, All in the Family: A jacket worn by fictional Queens resident Archie Bunker, played by the late Carroll O'Connor, was appraised on Antiques Roadshow. A woman bought it from an estate sale of O'Connor's widow and paid just $40 for the plaid CPO coat! The episode (which premieres Monday night) was filmed in Palm Springs, and the curious Roadshow attendee explained that when O'Connor's wifeNancy Fields O'Connor, a documentary producerdied in 2014, her daughter-in-law opened up their Malibu home for the estate sale. She described going into a bedroom and realizing the coat looked like it was right out of Archie Bunker's wardrobe. She said to the daughter-in-law, "These couldn't possibly be your father's in law's clothes," and got the reply, "Yeah, my mom never threw anything away." The attendee said that having the coat "just takes me back to a time when my whole family was together, laughing and having a good time." And of course, there's a great reaction to the appraised value: $10,000 to $15,000! And here's that famous scene with O'Connor and Sammy Davis Jr., with the plaid coat in the background: Tonight's episode of Antiques Roadshow also features a Noah Purifoy sculpture and a Franz Bergman lamp. We spoke to producer Marsha Bemko in 2014 when the show made a return to NYC and there was a million-dollar appraisal! The worlds richest man sends out a chilling warning: people by the tens of millions could get killed by bioterrorism and no country is ready at present to face such monumental threat. Bill Gates warned world leaders last Saturday at the Munich Security Conference that a genetically engineered virus could make it easier to kill more people than nuclear weapons could. He raised the same concern on bioterrorism at the World Economic Forum last January. Genetically Engineered Terrorist Threats Gates raised the dangers of ignoring the association between global security and health security. The next epidemic could originate on the computer screen of a terrorist intent on using genetic engineering to create a synthetic version of the smallpox virus ... or a super contagious and deadly strain of the flu, warned the Microsoft cofounder, who has spent billions in philanthropic efforts focused on global health. On his first appearance at the conference, Gates cited epidemiologists estimate that a fast-moving airborne pathogen could hit and kill over 30 million in less than a year a likely outbreak in the next 10 to 15 years. It already happened, Gates added, when a deadly, highly contagious flu strain killed 50 million to 100 million in 1918. A fatal global pandemic not happening recently should not be mistaken for proof that it will not take place in the future, he said. [E]ven if the next pandemic isnt on the scale of the 1918 flu, we would be wise to consider the social and economic turmoil that might ensue if something like Ebola made its way into urban centers, Gates explained. Gearing Up For Battle The tech billionaires co-panelists were in agreement with him. We have forgotten how catastrophic those epidemics have been, said Norways prime minister Erna Solberg, referring to the more rapid spread of violence and disease today than ever. She cited the Black Death that killed over half of the Norwegian population and paved the way for a two-century recession in Europe. Its only a matter of time for these events to occur again, according to WHO executive director Peter Salama, who called for ramping up preparedness across the world. U.S. and UK intelligence offices have earlier warned that biological weapons are in development at Syrian and Iraqi bases, although they have downplayed the threat and assured that better skills and laboratories are needed by terrorists to carry out destruction plans. Security experts are also not taking the threat of bioterrorism lightly, particularly with updates in molecular biology that makes it easier now to devise bio-weapons. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists seven biological agents as potential ingredients in a bioterrorist cocktail, including anthrax and bleeding fevers such as Ebola. Gates, who along with his wife, founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in 2000, said that technological advances as well as new developments in drugs and vaccines could help prevent the spread of epidemics the same things necessary to prepare for a biological attack, he said. He stressed the importance of innovation, cooperation, and careful planning in stopping nuclear warfare, climate catastrophe, and global pandemics in their tracks. Also recently, Gates delved on the issue of bots stealing human employment and believed that one should tax the robots despite being non-living entities. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The problem with treating people with terminal cancer is not that doctors cannot kill the cancer but rather doing so needs high radiation doses that can also kill the patient. Marco Durante from the National Institute of Nuclear Physics in Italy, however, suggested a solution that may potentially cure half of cancer patients: put patients into hibernation while their tumors are being killed using radiotherapy. Humans Can Hibernate Research suggests that most animals including humans have the ability to hibernate. Scientists, for instance, have induced hibernation in rats and there have been instances when people appear to have entered hibernation, during which they experienced a dramatic drop in temperature. Their metabolism also slowed down to the extent they can survive for a longer time without oxygen. Some seem to be unharmed by the experience. Anna Bagenholm, a Swedish radiologist, fell into and remained in a hole in ice for more than one hour with her body temperature falling to 13.7 degrees Celsius. She suffered from a slight amount of nerve injury but made a complete recovery. A 13-month-old toddler wearing only a nappy ventured outside in sub-zero conditions and was considered clinically dead when she was found. Doctors were not able to detect recordable heartbeat but the child returned to normal with no signs of serious damage after being placed under a warming blanket. Doctors suggested she may have entered a hibernation-like state. Hibernation To Help Treat Cancer Scientists think that placing the body in a resting state improves its ability to repair DNA damage. During hibernation, a form of cold temperature deep sleep, body functions such as metabolism, heart and respiration rate, and oxygen uptake all slow down. Molecular level activities such as protein synthesis and gene activity slow down as well. Durante said that hibernation may potentially offer hope for thousands of cancer patients with terminal cancer. About half of cancer patients have advanced cancer and there is nothing that can be done with them as they have multiple metastasis in their body. Durante said that doctors cannot treat all metastases since it is not possible to use surgery everywhere to eliminate the cancer or use radiation in all the affected parts. Such an aggressive treatment will kill the patient. Putting the patient into synthetic hibernation though may stop the cancer from growing, giving oncologists more time. "You also increase radioresistance. So you can treat all the different metastases without killing the patient," Durante said. "You wake up the patients and they are cured. That is our ambition." Scientists have found that when the body enters a state of torpor, it is significantly protected from the toxic effects of radiotherapy and even stops tumors from growing. With this, oncologists may be able to use higher doses of radiation to kill cancer cells sans harming the patient. The approach may potentially help thousands whose conditions appear to be no longer treatable. Researchers have successfully tried the process in rats and are now on the stage of planning to conduct tests on humans with the hope that the treatment would be available within a decade. The plan is to place cancer patients into deep sleep for around a week, long enough to give time for medics to kill their tumors using radiotherapy. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. According to a new study, 30 percent to 40 percent of the BMI in children is inherited from parents. This means that if the parents are suffering from obesity issues then it is likely that the child will be inheriting it as well. In case of most obese children, this rate can be as high 55 percent to 60 percent. An experiment has been conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Sussex in which the weight and height ratios of almost 100,000 children and parents worldwide were studied. The countries that were included were the U.S., the UK, Indonesia, China, Mexico and Spain. Intergenerational Transmission Leading To Obesity In Children The findings showed that around 0.2 percent of BMI was constantly transmitted through intergeneration. Further research revealed that the transmission took place at about 20 percent from the mother and 20 percent from the father. "From one of the most obese populations - USA - to two of the least obese countries in the world - China and Indonesia," said Professor Peter Dolton of the University of Sussex, indicating the variety of data that had to be collected from over the globe. These results were quite consistent irrespective of the difference in origin, as well as economic development of the country. This research was an eye opener as it showed how obesity got transmitted over the generations both in developing and developed countries. It shows how overweight parents can lead to obesity in children. How The Study Was Conducted The team consistently monitored the participants from all over the world. They found the parental effect to be the lowest for the slimmest children and highest for obese children. In case of the slimmest child, 10 percent of their BMI was inherited from the mother and another 10 percent from the father. However, for the obese child the rate of transmission was almost 30 percent, inherited from each of their parents. The research concluded that children belonging to obese parents are more likely to become obese in their growing years. The effect is greater for the most obese children than in case of the slimmer ones. The study's findings are important in the context of the health of children worldwide. With these results, people would perhaps start leading a healthier life for both their own benefit, as well as the healthier future of their kids. The study has been published in the journal Economics and Human Biology. Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The mimicry continues. Facebook has taken a page off Snapchat's playbook once again for the nth time and cloned the popular photo messaging service's "Stories" feature for WhatsApp, renamed it "Status," and gave it encryption. WhatsApp Borrows Snapchat's Stories The new feature is being rolled out Monday, letting users share photos, GIFs, or videos superimposed with drawings, emoji, or captions that'll show up on friends' newsfeeds, which will expire after 24 hours. The setup is, needless to say, dead-on Snapchat-y, although this isn't a surprise: Apps Facebook now own or have created, including Instagram and Messenger, have all tried and succeeded in borrowing photo-sharing features Snapchat first championed. The premise of it copying the company, which is currently busy with its IPO, isn't even subtle, and in fact, the desire to do such a thing originates some years ago. In 2013, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO, offered $3 billion to buy Snapchat. It declined. Since then, Facebook has tried to provide a similar set of features heralded by Snapchat, The New York Times reports. The feature is a bigger change for WhatsApp compared with Instagram, since the latter had already been infused with photo-related purposes even before the Snapchat-like features emerged. WhatsApp, however, is chiefly a messaging app, and the feature potentially heralds an entirely new way of using it to its user base, the total number of which runs past the billion mark. Until now, WhatsApp has been fairly utilitarian people bring it up to check their messages, send some of their own, read and type some more, and then halt, not scroll through their friend's activity or content streams. That'll change very, very soon, obviously. Advertisers' Playground Apart from conventional photo-sharing features of "Status," it could also usher in a flurry of advertisers all running to take advantage of the platform. More than a year ago, as per a report by Forbes, WhatsApp said that it was looking for a way in which businesses could send messages to its users without coming off as intrusive. This could be the solution it has found not that it had to look far. WhatsApp executives shied away when asked about the feature's similarities with Snapchat's. A spokeswoman for Facebook Messenger, Jennifer Hakes, however, said, as per the New York Times's report: "In some ways, the camera is now replacing the keyboard. As more people use Messenger in their everyday lives, we wanted to make it faster, simpler and more fun to send photos and videos so we built the new Messenger camera," which is interesting, since it nearly parallels Snap CEO Evan Spiegel's comments about what the camera is for the smartphone in modern communication. In its latest Roadshow materials to entice investors, Spiegel said that with Snapchat, the primary input method has been the camera, in the way the keyboard is the primary input for the computer. WhatsApp has now become the fourth Facebook-owned entity to be inserted with the said feature. Instagram received it first in August, followed by Facebook Messenger and Facebook itself, both of which remain in testing across a number of countries. Going Back To WhatsApp Roots While the feature holds dead-on similarities, WhatsApp has positioned it as a "gift" to its users and also a coming-back-to-its-roots move. In a blog post, the company said that when WhatsApp started eighty years ago, it was an app for sharing status updates, which then grew into a messaging app, and then to what it has become now. The feature's impact to Snap's roadmap remains to be seen. Its IPO is scheduled for March 2. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microorganisms believed to be 60,000 year old, which were recently discovered by NASA scientists, may hold more clues than meet the eye. Scientists believe the discovery may hold the key to understanding microbial evolutionary history. Trapped in giant crystals, the microbes thrived in a hostile environment with sulfite, manganese, and copper oxide as their food. The NASA scientists discovered the ancient bacteria deep into the Naica mountain caves in the Northern Mexican state of Chihuahua. Ancient Bacteria Hold The Key To Evolutionary History These microbes may have evolved in order to survive, said Penelope Boston of NASA's Astrobiology Institute at the conference of the American Association for the Advancement of Science over the weekend. Boston revealed that around 100 kinds of microorganisms have been discovered inside the mine crystals, most of them are bacteria with varying periods from 10,000 to 60,000 years. Most of these microbes have not been observed before. The discovery may have "profound effects on how we try to understand the evolutionary history of microbial life on this planet," Boston said. Bacteria are known to pass their genes even with species different from their own in a process called lateral gene transfer. Ancient bacteria, such as the ones recently discovered, can be used to study the evolution history of microbes. Extraterrestrial Organisms Can Hitch A Ride To Earth The condition in Naica is hot, with temperatures ranging from 40-60 degree Celcius it is also humid and acidic. In the absence of light in its environment, the microbes had to generate energy by processing the rock minerals around them. These mineral-eating microbes have survived the worst of conditions for thousands of years and it raises a possibility that dangerous microorganisms from space can enter Earth through a returning spaceship and yet survive, NASA scientists warned. On the other hand, Earth organisms can also potentially contaminate other planets during space missions to Mars or the moon. There is no way of knowing "true Mars life or life from icy worlds rather than our own," Boston, the new director of NASA's Astrobiology Institute in California, observed. Not Just Another Contaminant There were concerns that the newfound microorganisms could be just products of contamination, either introduced by the team of scientists or the mining operations. Boston admitted this could be possible but at the same time confident that all protocols during the course of the research were followed. Her confidence is not unfounded. The Naica caves ooze with diverse life present in the environment, which only meant that "these are fully fledged microbial communities that have their viral load" inherent to any other community. "So, that's another aspect of this that argues against casual contamination," she said. As an astrobiologist, Boston believes the Naica caves discovery is relevant in the search for extraterrestrial life. The discovery is an added collection to the "atlas of possibilities that we can apply to different planetary settings." 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Despite the changes that Microsoft will implement along with the Creators Update, data protection watchdogs in the European Union are still concerned over the privacy of Windows 10 users. Microsoft has won over certain privacy groups with the changes that will be made to data collection policies once the Windows 10 Creators Update rolls out, but apparently, they were not enough for privacy authorities in the European Union. EU Watchdogs Express Concern Over Windows 10 User Data Privacy The Article 29 Working Party, a group that is made up of the 28 authorities of the European Union responsible for the enforcement of laws on user data protection, issued a letter last year to Microsoft. The letter contained the group's concerns on the default settings for the installation of Windows 10 and the apparent lack of options for users to prevent Microsoft from collecting and processing their data. With the Creators Update, the Windows 10 installation process will include a new screen that allows users to see and adjust the most important privacy settings related to their data and how the operating system uses and process them. The list of privacy settings include Location, which will allow Windows 10 and apps to access data on where the user is located; Speech Recognition, which will send voice input to Microsoft to help in the improvement of speech services; Diagnostics, which will send diagnostic data on various tools and service to Microsoft; Tailored Experiences With Diagnostic Data, which will allow Microsoft to use the diagnostic data coming from users; and Relevant Ads, which will allows apps to use data to display more interesting advertisements. In addition to the improvements in privacy control, Microsoft will be launching a new privacy dashboard that will grant better control over the privacy settings of Microsoft accounts. The Article 29 Working Party, however, said that separately from the ongoing inquiries into the operating system and despite the changes coming with the Windows 10 Creators Update, it remains concerned with how the personal data of users will be protected. Privacy Concerns Against Microsoft National authorities have previously launched investigations into Windows 10, with France back in July ordering Microsoft to stop its practice of excessive collection of user data. France's Chair of the National Data Protection Commission then ordered Microsoft to implement changes to the operating system with three months or face significant fines. The concerns by the Article 29 Working Party is separate from these issues, specifically as with the expanded privacy options for Windows 10, it was still not clear whether users will be informed on the specific types of data that will be collected from them if they agree to the options. Without consumers knowing what specific data they are agreeing to share, they will not be able to make informed decisions on whether or not to activate the privacy options. Microsoft, however, was acknowledged by the Article 29 Working Party to have shown willingness in cooperating with the group's concerns. The company still has a couple of months to try to address the concerns, as the Creators Update is expected to launch in April. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung's standing in the United States plummeted by 42 places, a new reputation poll reveals. Considering how the whole Galaxy Note 7 fiasco among other things stirred up the tech world for both consumers and manufacturers alike, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that the South Korean brand is taking quite a hit regarding its position in the market. Samsung's Reputation In The Eyes Of The American Consumer According to Harris Poll's 2017 Reputation Quotient Ratings, Samsung is now the 49th placer in the list of the 100 most visible companies in the United States, scoring 75.17. In the previous 2016 poll, the company managed to get the seventh spot. Other competitors worth noting that beat the smartphone maker includes Apple in the fifth ranking with 82.07, Google in the eighth ranking with 82, Microsoft in the 20th ranking with 79.29, and Sony in the 42nd ranking with 76.76. The agency considers entries that scored 80 and above as Excellent and 75 to 79 as Very Good. It conducted the survey between Nov. 28 and Dec. 16, 2016, during the time when Samsung was trying to come up with ways to remotely kill off Galaxy Note 7 units in customers' hands. This goes without saying, but that was just terrible timing. For the survey, Harris Poll asked more than 30,000 U.S. adults to participate and attributed approximately 300 ratings for each company in the list, taking into account factors such as social responsibility, vision and leadership, financial performance, products and services, emotional appeal, and workplace environment. The organization calls it the Six Dimensions of Reputation. Things Aren't Looking Up For Samsung Just Yet Last year, Samsung had a tough time dealing with the Galaxy Note 7 debacle, recalling the device worldwide not once but twice due to batteries catching fire. As if that weren't enough to put the company in the critical spotlight, its washing machines followed suit, prompting a warning from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, which occurred in September 2016, before Harris Poll's survey started. Fast-forward to more recent events, Samsung's battery woes aren't over yet when a fire broke out in the factory of the company's battery-making subsidiary SDI. Also, a South Korean court has issued an arrest warrant for Lee Jae-yong, the Samsung heir. While these happened after the survey, they are still bad signs for the company moving forward. At any rate, Samsung's future in the smartphone business hinges on the highly anticipated Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8. Reuters Poll Implied Otherwise Before Harris Poll's results came to light, Reuters conducted an opinion poll between Oct. 26 and Nov. 9, 2016, and it implied the Galaxy Note 7 disaster didn't have a huge impact on Samsung and discovered that users were still loyal to the brand despite all the hubbub. It involved 2,735 Samsung phone owners and 3,158 iPhone users across all the 50 states. Needless to say, the two surveys at play here have yielded conflicting findings. Galaxy Note 7 Snafu May Have Been Good But Not For Samsung Samsung may not have a silver lining of sorts out of the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, but it may have been beneficial for consumers. First off, awareness of the risks involving lithium-ion batteries in practically every gadget have become widespread. Second, industry standards may have been raised case in point, LG is going above and beyond to make sure the G6 won't suffer the same fate as the Galaxy Note 7. Last but not least, it caused Samsung to implement its 8-Point Battery Safety Check, ensuring the batteries in its future devices are up to code and safe. Recap To sum things up, Samsung is no longer among the top 10 brands in the United States, according to Harris Poll, and it's likely because of the exploding Galaxy Note 7 and washing machines. However, loyal fans of the company are still there to show support, even after all the problems in 2016. With all said and done, what do you think of Samsung taking a big hit in terms of reputation? Drop by our comments section below and let us know. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a mere decade, poaching has decimated forest elephants in Minkebe National Park in Africa, slaughtering about 25,000 or roughly 81 percent of the population in what is supposed to be a key sanctuary. In the key nature reserve deemed one of the largest and most important in Central Africa, the number of elephants declined by at least 78 percent, according to new findings by a Duke University team. Losing Elephants To The Ivory Trade The remote, 2,900-square-mile Minkebe in the country of Gabon acts as a frontliner in the battle against poaching, which seeks to respond to ivory demand in Asia. Now, the regions elephant population appears to be disappearing fast from just 2004 to 2014. With nearly half of Central Africas estimated 100,000 forest elephants thought to live in Gabon, the loss of 25,000 elephants from this key sanctuary is a considerable setback for the preservation of the species, confirmed Duke professor and study author John Poulsen in a statement. Minkebe is threatened not just by poachers originating from within the country, but by hunters for neighboring ones such as Cameroon, which are believed to have "emptied the northern and central sections of the park, according to the study published in the journal Current Biology. Gabonese poachers are killing elephants in the southern part of the park, which is 58 kilometers (36 miles) from the nearest major road. The central and northern sections, on the other hand, are only 6.1 km (3.79 miles) from a national road in Cameroon, making it quite easy for poachers to access their target and move their illegal wares back to the huge city and ivory trade hub of Douala. To estimate the extent of the elephant population loss, the team compared data from two major surveys of elephant dung in the park during the 10-year period, using two methods accounting for heavy rainfall that could accelerate the dungs decay and skew survey accuracy. The dungs abundance and geographic distribution pointed to two fronts where poaching pressure emanates, Poulsen explained. Curbing Poaching In The Region The Gabonese government has taken steps to address the problem in Minkebe, including updating the conservation status of the species to fully protected, doubling the parks budget, and being the first African country to burn all confiscated ivory. While laudable, they do little to stop the illegal trespassing, the team said, recommending the creation of new multinational protected zones and coordinating international law enforcement to prosecute foreigners committing wildlife crimes in other territories. China, the largest ivory market worldwide, announced in 2016 that it is planning to ban domestic ivory trade by the end of this year. The announcement came months after the United States, another major market, banned the trade of largely all ivory goods to protect the African elephant. The situation looks grim, but scientists like Poulsen are not even close to giving up. As much bad news as weve been hearing, I think people are paying attention and theres more will to conserve the elephants, he said in a report in The Atlantic. Chinas ivory ban is good evidence of that. Im optimistic that we can move forward and save both species. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. For their next installment of milkshake this, Black Tapthe burgary turned 2,500 calorie Instagram bait pusherstakes the hometown angle, partnering with Brooklyn-born Junior's for a milkshake/cheesecake mashup. Take a look at The New Yorker Shake, a strawberry "Crazy Shake"the parlance they use to describe...stuff like thisrimmed with vanilla frosting and graham crackers and capped off with a slice of Junior's Strawberry Cheesecake and a jaunty dollop of whipped cream. Is it still a milkshake when you need to employ a fork to eat said milkshake? Questions for future generations. During the first weekend of March (3/3/-3/5), all locations of Black Tap and two Junior's locations in NYC (the Brooklyn flagship and Times Square) will offer the shake. If you can agree to part with $19 (a regular slice at Junior's is about $8, for reference), this sip and slice of future heart disease can be yours. Researchers at the Madison School of Veterinary Medicine conducted a study which indicates that the Listeria pathogens can adversely affect the fetus during pregnancy and may even cause miscarriage during the early stages, in some cases. The results of their research have been published in the journal mBio on Feb 21. "Listeria has been associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancy, but particularly at the end of pregnancy," said Ted Golos, a UW-Madison professor of comparative biosciences and reproductive physiologist Effects Of Listeria The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that Listeria afflicts a relatively small number of Americans each year. Among those infected, most are either newborn babies or older adults with weak immune systems. Sophia Kathariou, a North Carolina State University professor of microbiology and food science represented the cases of around 11 pregnant women who faced stillbirth, miscarriage and premature delivery in 2000 due to the infection. Procedure And Result Of The Research The trial involved several animals, such as monkeys who were pregnant. Researchers assessed the animals by ingesting them with the Listeria infection. Later, the animals were analyzed by conducting ultrasound of their fetus. The study revealed that none of the mother monkeys were infected themselves before the end of their pregnancies. It seemed that the Listeria invaded the placenta which prevented the transmission of the bacteria to the mother. The researchers concluded that Listeria or several other pathogens are the vital reasons of miscarriages and the bacteria's speed makes it hard to cure. Preventive Measures To prevent the infection, pregnant women are advised to avoid several foods, such as unpasteurized milk, soft cheese, raw sprouts and also melon and deli meats which are not carefully handled. These foods tend to harbor Listeria bacterium. The researchers also stated that the symptom of Listeria infection during pregnancy is indistinguishable, as there are several similar discomforts that a pregnant woman may naturally face during the early stages of pregnancy. Therefore, it becomes difficult to diagnose the infection. Bryce Wolfe, a UW-Madison graduate student, who also monitored the progression of Listeria, suggested the availability of severable effective antibiotics. Wolfe, along with Golos, is further planning to study Listeria and resolve questions concerning the process of bacteria targeting the reproductive tract, its incubation time and its connectivity with the disease. They plan to provide basic knowledge regarding the maternal immune effect on intracellular pathogens during pregnancy that will likely help in the cure of other diseases. While Listeria is not treated as seriously as the Zika virus for now, its potential danger warrants people to stay vigilant against it as well. Photo: Nicu Buculei | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a private ceremony on Saturday lead by several Northwest tribes, the Kennewick Man was reburied, ending a 20-year-old legal battle between scientists and native tribes. For the unfamiliar, scientists were of the opinion that the Kennewick Man's bones - touted to be the "most important human skeleton ever found in North America" - must be examined for research. However, the Native American tribes were against this notion and wanted to lay them to rest. The two decade-long saga came to an end over the weekend following the remains of the 9000-year-old Paleoamerican being finally interred. Nearly 30 Native Americans from five different tribes traveled to Burke Museum in Seattle on Feb. 17. This was the place where the skeleton had been preserved for the last two decades. The tribe members retrieved dozens of boxes containing the remains of the Kennewick Man and on Feb. 18, more than 200 people of the tribes, such as the Yakama, Umatilla, Nez Perce, Colville and Wanapum, gathered at an undisclosed location on the Columbia Plateau to bury the Ancient One. The somber ceremony was completed with various traditional songs. "The Ancient One ... may now finally find peace, and we, his relatives, will equally feel content knowing that this work has been completed on his behalf," shared JoDe Goudy, chairman of the Yakama Nation Tribal Council. The Kennewick Man The remains of Kennewick Man were spotted in 1996. It was a summer day when two college students discovered the human skull along the Columbia River in Kennewick. Being one of the most-studied sets of ancient remains in the world, the discovered skeleton's hip was entrenched with a stone point. The archaeologists unearthed around 300 pieces of bone in the coming months to complete the skeleton. The scientists performed several tests on the discovered skeleton and at the time of discovery believed that the bones were unrelated to Native Americans. However, they were curious to learn about the origins of the remains. They even suggested that the Kennewick Man was the offspring of people who migrated from Asia to North America. The people migrated into the continent before individuals who were responsible for modern-day Native Americans. Moreover, scientists compared the Kennewick Man's DNA with that of people originating from Europe, Asia and even America. The study's results were published in 2015, which revealed that most of the DNA matched with most Native Americans. The findings affirmed the beliefs of the tribe members that the Kennewick Man was their relative. The Custody Battle Scientists and Native Americans fought over the custody of the bones of the Ancient One for over two decades. The tribal people opposed further research on the remains, suggesting that it would violate their religious and cultural rights. They were in the favor of reburial of the remains. A prolonged legal battle followed, with the Native Americans losing the legal battle in 2004. The court ordered the researchers to continue their study of the remains in the museum. However, tribes were able to visit the remains at the time of some ceremonies. In December 2016, President Obama signed a legislation as reported, allowing the native tribes of eastern Washington to take away the remains of Kennewick Man for reburial, putting an end to the battle. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Samsung is apparently ready to bet big on artificial intelligence, with a massive amount of money set aside for buying more AI companies. Artificial intelligence is rapidly gaining ground and it's playing an increasingly bigger role in people's everyday lives. From smart digital assistants to all sorts of gadgets, robots, infotainment systems and more, AI is shaping up as a cornerstone of modern technology and it adds convenience in virtually every technology area. We've seen an impressive growth in the artificial intelligence field in recent years and the trend is gaining momentum still, with more companies embedding AI technology into more products and areas. Samsung itself is expected to take a big AI plunge with a smart assistant called Bixby, presumably set to grace the next-generation Samsung Galaxy S8 flagship. Bixby is reportedly based on technology from Viv Labs, an artificial intelligence company that Samsung acquired back in September 2016. Viv Labs was founded by the creators behind Apple's popular Siri digital assistant and Bixby is expected to be a massive selling point for the Galaxy S8 and future high-end devices from Samsung. Samsung Reserving $1 Billion To Buy AI Companies A new report out of South Korea now indicates that Samsung has even more ambitious artificial intelligence endeavors. The report claims that Samsung is considering setting up a large fund for future acquisitions, with a specific focus in mind. The company is reportedly allocating a whopping $1 billion to this goal and a Samsung Electronics US official, who agreed to comment under condition of anonymity, said that Samsung is reserving that fund for acquiring AI companies. While Samsung has already made a number of deals recently, including the Viv Labs acquisition, the company's management reportedly agreed that Samsung needs to invest more in artificial intelligence. A $1 billion fund for AI acquisitions could definitely go a long way toward that goal, but it remains to be seen whether it will actually materialize. Samsung AI Efforts Samsung's increased interest in artificial intelligence might be stemming from the company's bid to set itself apart from the crowd and come up with something more innovative. The Galaxy Note 7 disaster put quite a dent in the company's financials and reputation and those two recalls won't be easy to put behind, but Samsung is expected to make up for that fiasco with a truly impressive Galaxy S8 flagship with Bixby AI on board. Various reports speculate that Bixby will debut on the Samsung Galaxy S8, but it will eventually expand to more Samsung products later on. The AI assistant will likely reach only high-end devices at first, but it could reach even mid-range devices further down the line. Having a more solid portfolio of AI companies under its belt would undoubtedly help Samsung gain a bigger foothold in the market, but it remains to be seen how things will pan out in the end. It's all still in the rumor stage at this point, so it's highly advised to take all such rumors and reports with a dose of skepticism. As always, we'll keep you informed as soon as we learn more. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Department of Homeland Security today unveiled extreme immigration enforcement guidelines that direct interior and border enforcement officials on how to carry out President Donald Trump's policies. The published memos differ little from a pair of memos leaked over the weekend, and are already being met with resistance. "These memos confirm that the Trump administration is willing to trample on due process, human decency, [and] the well-being of communities... in pursuit of a hyper-aggressive mass deportation policy," said American Civil Liberties Union Immigrants' Rights Project director Omar Jadwat in a statement. "The courts and public will not allow this un-American dream to become a reality," he added. The guidelines vastly expand deportation priorities, superseding efforts under President Barack Obama to focus enforcement on convicted felons and individuals on terrorism watch lists. Though President Trump said on the campaign trial that he would focus on removing "criminals" from the country, the definition of criminal has been broadly expanded to include any person who is in the United States without a visa. There are an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US. "Under this executive order, with extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement," a fact sheet published Tuesday morning states. "All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceedings, up to and including removal from the United States." The legal term "alien" includes undocumented residentsthere are an estimated 500,000 in NYCas well as anyone with a green card or temporary visa. Last week, immigration defense attorneys in NYC told Gothamist that they were already experiencing this hardline attitude in court. The guidelines also call for expedited removal of all undocumented immigrants who have been in the country for less than two yearsa procedure currently only applicable in cases where a person has been in the United States for less than two weeks and is within 100 miles of the US border. A recent American Immigration Council report outlines the history of expedited removal, which has been on the rise in recent years. In FY 2013, 193,000 removals, or 44 percent of the total, were executed this way. Under Trump, the organization predicts, thousands more could be quickly deported, without due process. (Scott Lynch / Gothamist) The border control memo can be viewed in full here, along with a fact sheet. Same for the interior control memo. "I think the expanded use of forms of removal that don't permit a person the due process protection of going before a neutral judge is a very significant thing," NYCLU Staff Attorney Jordan Wells told Gothamist. "We are talking about the right to be here [in the US] and be among your family, and not be deported from the country. But it also is very ominous in terms of the regard this administration is going to have for people to have their day in court." The memos also call for the prosecution of parents found to have aided a child's border crossing, and the reinstatement of a program called Secure Communities, which emboldens police departments to perform ICE duties. DHS refers to the police-collaboration programa President George W. Bush legacy that would not apply under New York City's sanctuary guidelinesas a "highly successful force multiplier." Another surprise, for immigration advocates, is a plan to send all immigrants apprehended at the border back to Mexico to await deportation hearingsnot just Mexican immigrants, but anyone crossing the southern border. An anonymous DHS official told the NY Times this morning that that particular guideline would not be implemented without approval from the Mexican government. DHS has not eliminated Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Trump pledged on the campaign trail to immediately repeal the policy, which has given temporary work permits to hundreds of thousands of immigrants who entered the US illegally as children. All told, this vast expansion of DHSincluding a wider application of expedited removalwould likely require an influx of Congress-approved funding. Most people detained by ICE are entitled to a hearing before a judge, and New York City has a strong track record for providing immigrants with representation in court. A Legal Aid Society attorney told us last week that she was adamant about continuing to pursue "every right our clients have." Before mass deportations, many advocates anticipate massive court backlogs. "Immigrants already have to wait an average of 2.5 years to have a hearing before an immigration judge," said Stephen Yale-Loehr, an immigration professor at Cornell Law School. "Unless the administration finds funding to hire more immigration judges, those backlogs will skyrocket." But Wells cautioned that some aspects of the memos are more ideological than logistical, and could have an immediate impact on immigrant communities across the country. He referenced Brandon Judd, president of the National Border Patrol Council, who told the Washington Post this weekend that the draft memos were "heading in the right direction" by instilling fear in immigrants, and dissuading them from attempting to cross the border. "You get the impression that agents are chomping at the bit to take Trump up on his invitation to just, without any sort of mercy or regard for why people are coming to the US, detain and deport them," Wells said. "All of the signals from the White House are to be relentless and to not prioritize." While NYC laws limit cooperation between ICE and law enforcement, ICE still has the bandwidth to investigate cases and make arrests here. The Mayor's Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Advocates across NYC have decried DHS's new mandate. "Immigrant communities and our allies will resist these policies," said Javier Valdes, co-director of Make the Road New York. "We are here to stay." [Update 5:00 pm]: Mayor de Blasio reiterated New York City's sanctuary policy in a statement Tuesday. We have been clear from the start that we will work with federal immigration authorities to remove individuals who are proven public safety threats in our City," he said. "What we will not do is turn our NYPD officers into immigration agentsor our jails into holding pens for deportation policy that will only undermine the inclusiveness that has helped make New York City the safest big city in the nation. Arce stressed that "this table has a vital importance to continue giving certainties and solutions, above the whims, subway agreements and political calculations". | Read More We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today Federal authorities are still looking for eight of the 11 passengers who breezed through a TSA security line at JFK without getting fully screened yesterday. At around 6 a.m. yesterday, 11 passengers at JFK's Terminal 5 walked through an unmanned security line without submitting to a checkat least three of them set off the metal detector, according to surveillance video. Port Authority spokesperson Joseph Pentangelo told Gothamist in a statement yesterday that the TSA did not alert Port Authority police about the breach until 8 a.m., and though officers attempted to locate the passengers, it is believed they all boarded flights. "The TSA tried to mitigate the situation by sending their screeners through the terminal in violation of all the protocols, an unnamed source told the Daily News. The protocol says law enforcement is immediately notified. Police were able to identify three passengers using surveillance video, according to Pentangelo. All three boarded a flight to California and were screened when they landed. The TSA told Gothamist in a statement that the incident did not pose a safety risk: The Transportation Security Administration is reviewing reports of a possible security incident this morning at John F Kennedy International Airport Terminal 5. Early reports indicate 3 passengers did not receive required secondary screening after alarming the walk through metal detector. All personal carry-on bags received required screening. A K9 team was present at the checkpoint at the time of the incident. TSA conducted security measures at the passengers' arrival airport. TSA works with a network of security layers both seen and unseen. We are confident this incident presents minimal risk to the aviation transportation system. The administration says they will take "appropriate action" once they've reviewed the breach. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission A 23-year-old corrections cadet at Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel allegedly caught on video punching an inmate on Sunday was arrested for simple battery. Eric Lands, who'd worked for the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections since July 25, will be fired following the incident, said Ken Pastorick, a DOC spokesman. Pastorick said several witnesses along with the prison's surveillance cameras saw Lands repeatedly hit the man while escorting him back to his cell. Witnesses told investigators Lands attacked the inmate after he spit in the cadet's face, Pastorick said. Detectives from the St. Gabriel Police Department and internal investigators from DOC are both looking into the incident. Pastorick said Lands, who was still in a probationary employment period following his hire seven months ago, passed a criminal background check and met or exceeded all other requirements for the job before joining the department. The incident comes after the FBI opened an investigation into the alleged beating of a 34-year-old Thibodaux man in early January by a group of six guards at the St. Gabriel prison, which is the state's second-largest correctional facility. The federal probe into the January incident, as well as a parallel internal investigation by state corrections officials, remains ongoing. The six officers, who haven't been publicly identified, are on paid leave while the investigations continue. Pastorick said that because Lands was still a probationary employee at the prison, state civil service rules allow prison officials to immediately fire him. Pastorick said Lands still needs to be served with paperwork before his termination becomes official. Tonia Cain surrendered Tuesday to the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office, Avoyelles Parish District Attorney Charles Riddle III said. Cain, the wife of former prison warden Nate Cain, was indicted in January on charges of theft of $25,000 or more, malfeasance and injuring public records, according to Riddle. Cain's attorney, Jill Craft, said in a written statement that Riddle's office prepared an arrest warrant following the grand jury's indictment and that her client has cooperated throughout the process. "Tonia voluntarily turned herself in and has continued to cooperate fully in this process," Craft wrote. "While we respect the process, we also look forward to presenting the facts and justice." Cain previously served as business manager at Avoyelles Correctional Center, but resigned in May 2016 during investigations into her and her husband's actions at the prison. The indictment followed a legislative audit that suggested she had records shredded in order to cover up that more than $30,000 in cash was missing. That money came from concession sales at the prison that was meant to benefit clubs that help to rehabilitate inmates. A revised draft of possible TOPS changes Monday no longer includes a controversial recommendation that college freshmen and sophomores get less TOPS aid than juniors and seniors. The initial proposal was unveiled on Jan. 9 by the staff of the Louisiana Board of Regents, which oversees colleges and universities. Under that suggestion, freshmen and sophomores would be eligible for less than the traditional assistance from the Taylor Opportunity Program for Students. +2 Interested in TOPS? Pivotal vote might crank up academic requirements Leading up to a key vote, a proposal to toughen academic requirements for TOPS students has Freshmen would get 80 percent of their tuition covered, sophomores 90 percent and juniors and seniors 100 percent, according to the recommendations. But the latest draft that will go to the board on Friday deletes the section that called for tiered TOPS allocations. The new version is available at regents.la.gov. Commissioner of Higher Education Joseph Rallo said Monday Regents officials might revisit the issue if TOPS is fully funded by the Legislature for the 2017-18 school year. If TOPS is not fully funded for the second year in a row, Rallo said, it would mean freshmen and sophomores would face two reductions less state aid across the board in addition to a newly-instituted reduction by class level. "We felt that would be viewed as penalizing the students," he said. "That is why it came out." TOPS used to be sort of a politically untouchable part of state spending. Students who met modest high school and college academic requirements, and their families, banked on the state's pledge that their tuition and some other costs would be financed. Backers said doing so helped keep some of Louisiana's brightest students in the state. However, repeated state budget problems led to a first-time ever reduction in TOPS funding this year. Roughly 50,000 TOPS recipients are paying about 30 percent of tuition costs formerly financed by the state. The recommendation stemmed from a study required under a 2016 bill by state Sen. Sharon Hewitt, R-Slidell. Last month Hewitt said that, while she favors 100 percent funding for TOPS, dividing the assistance would benefit students who showed they could be successful at the university level. "I do like the idea of rewarding the upperclassmen," she said Friday. But there was also criticism of the proposal in emails sent to the Board of Regents since the draft recommendations were announced. A bill by state Rep. Chris Broadwater, R-Hammond, was offered during the 2016 regular legislative session similar to the tiered recommendation by the regents' staff. That measure died in the House Education Committee. Rallo said the bill sort of put the issue on the table. "We were looking at different options," he said. "We thought that was a good plan." That thinking changed, however, amid signs that state aid for TOPS for the next school year is anything but certain. The Legislature is nearing the end of a special session to address a $304 million shortfall for the financial year that ends June 30. Another big shortfall is expected to dominate the regular session, which begins April 10. That means aid for higher education in general and TOPS in particular is unclear. "We felt it would be piling on the students and take away even more money," the commissioner said. State aid for colleges and universities has dropped $700 million in the past seven years. Still in play for Friday's meeting of the Board of Regents is another controversial proposal to toughen academic requirements for TOPS recipients. Under that plan, students would have to earn 30 credit hours per academic year to keep the assistance, up from 24 credit hours now. Rallo, Board of Regents Chairman Richard Lipsey, of Baton Rouge, and others contend the 30-hour rule would help keep students on track to graduate in four years, or close to it. Opponents say any such requirement would pose hardships on students who hold jobs in addition to their college classes. The 30-hour proposal, unlike the tiered payments for TOPS recipients, would not require a change in state law. The change would take effect for the incoming class of 2018. Louisiana's transportation chief said Monday it is impossible to say exactly how much additional revenue the state needs to make a big impact on the state's troubled road and bridge system. Shawn Wilson, secretary for the state Department of Transportation and Development, said he has heard talk of boosting the state gasoline tax by 5 cents per gallon, which would raise about $150 million per year. "I can't deliver the system they (state lawmakers) are asking for, for $150 million," Wilson told the Press Club of Baton Rouge. He said that, on Sunday, he got calls from two state lawmakers asking for projects, and both had supported a resolution that would result in a $20 million cut in the fund used for road and bridge improvements. "There is an appetite for projects," Wilson said. "There is not an appetite to pay for it." A task force named by Gov. John Bel Edwards, and co-chaired by Wilson, said in December that the state would need to spend $700 million more per year to make a major dent in transportation troubles. The state has a $13 billion backlog of rank-and-file needs and a $16 billion list of "mega" projects, including a new bridge across the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge. However, such an increase is unlikely in the 2017 regular legislative session, which begins April 10. Wilson said that, while he will allocate whatever lawmakers agree on for transportation, "it has got to be realistic, it has to be impactful." Highway backers say privately that at least $400 million more is needed per year for roads and bridges, and that any push for new dollars well below that would mostly end the debate without solving the problem. The Legislature is in the final three days of a special session to address a $304 million shortfall for the financial year that ends June 30. In addition, new money problems are expected to again be the key topic for the regular session. On a possible $300 million increase Wilson said, "I could give you some of the mega projects. I can't give you all of those mega projects." A $700 million hike would require a 23 cent-per-gallon increase in the state gasoline tax, if that turned out to be the sole source. "I am not going to be supporting a bill that says 23 cents," Wilson said. Tolls, public/private partnerships and increased truck fees have also been mentioned as possible revenue sources. Motorists pay 38.4 cents per gallon in state and federal gasoline taxes, including 20 cents in state taxes. Any gasoline or other tax hike requires the support of two thirds of the House and Senate, always a tall order politically speaking. Some key lawmakers contend taxpayers are unwilling to support a big boost in what they pay at the pump. Wilson, as he often does, cited statistics to make his case for more transportation dollars. He said 42 states have better pavement conditions than Louisiana, 47 have better bridges and the state is one of just five that has not increased its gasoline tax in nearly 30 years. "When you think about it, you know why we are where we are," Wilson said. Edwards said Friday he will announce his transportation recommendations soon. The special election to fill the Senate District 2 seat vacated by former Sen. Troy Brown last week has been set for April 29. Louisiana Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego, issued a proclamation Tuesday, setting a qualifying period from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 15-17. Brown, a Democrat from Napoleonville, abruptly resigned from the Senate on the eve of what would have been the first expulsion proceeding in 35 years. Brown said that though he felt his was treated unfairly, he believed that two-thirds of the Senate would vote to remove him. He had twice pleaded no contest in two separate incidents involving physical violence against women. Under Louisiana law, both charges were misdemeanors. He served a short time in jail, paid a fine and sought counseling. The River Parishes Senate District 2 covers parts of seven parishes and spans from Geismar south to Thibodaux and east to LaPlace. The district includes portions of St. Charles, St. John the Baptist, St. James, Iberville, West Baton Rouge, Ascension, Assumption and Lafourche parishes. If a runoff is needed, it will be held on May 27. Louisiana lawmakers have less than a day left to decide how the state will close a $304 million mid-year budget deficit, and though negotiations appeared to be moving in a positive direction, the fight ultimately could come down to a battle over fewer than $10 million. At issue is what it will take to get 70 votes in the House to pass a key piece of legislation through so that the state can use money from the rainy day fund. Behind-the-scenes negotiations over the amount of reserve money House members will stomach stretched on for much of the day Tuesday. Those involved in the ongoing discussions say that the gap is narrowing, but differences remain. In calling the nine-day special session, Gov. John Bel Edwards had proposed that lawmakers use $119.6 million from the state's reserves to help plug the hole. The rest of the deficit would be closed by some $59 million in cuts, plus money from other sources, under the governor's plan. The House instead adopted its own proposal that would use about $75 million in rainy day dollars and cut about $114 million from the budget with four months left in the year. The Senate countered with a plan that would come down in the middle: about $99 million from the rainy day fund and about $84 million in cuts. "We think this is a good compromise forward," Senate President John Alario, R-Westwego. Alario said $99 million is the amount the Senate majority wants and not a negotiating point. Senate Democrats also released a statement saying that they won't agree to any deal that relies on less than $99 million in rainy day dollars. But House leadership has struggled to muster the votes for the higher number. Use of the rainy day fund to help cover the deficit requires a two-step process: Approval of a budget cut plan and a separate resolution authorizing the state to dip into its reserves, which requires approval from two-thirds of the members of each chamber. That will be a sticking point with a number of folks. A lot of members would prefer we use no rainy day money," said House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia. House Republican leaders said that members were warming to the idea of going as high as about $90 million from the rainy day fund, but they weren't willing to go to the $99 million favored by the Republican-controlled Senate and now backed by Edwards and Democrats in the House. Members have until midnight to hash out a final agreement. Several lawmakers from both chamber said Tuesday evening that they remain optimistic that the Legislature, which tends to thrive on deadlines and is known to take major legislation down to the wire, will work out something in the session's final day. "I have reasonable expectations that something will be accomplished, said Rep. Lance Harris, of Alexandria, who serves as chairman of the House GOP caucus. Harris said Tuesday afternoon that he put the odds at 50-50. Im hopeful we hit that sweet spot, he said after the House adjourned for the day. Edwards told reporters on Friday, as the Legislature was just hitting the special session's halfway mark that he expected that a deal would be brokered. But it's unclear what might happen if they don't. The governor said he believes he's satisfied his duties by calling the session. "I don't believe the Legislature has to immediately come back, and I don't believe that I have to, under the Louisiana Constitution, make more cuts," he said Friday. The state Constitution is unclear and other interpretations abound in the Capitol, including among members who believe that it would be up to Edwards to make cuts. The use of the rainy day fund quickly emerged as the major battle over the course of the brief deficit-closing session, though one that wasn't entirely expected. House Republican leaders started the session with plans to use $50 million or no money from the state's reserves. The state savings account currently has a balance of $360 million, but the Legislature can't take more than a third of that. The state is required to put at least $25 million back into the fund each year. Edwards addressed critics of its use in his session-opening remarks, pointing out that it had rarely been a topic of controversy over the years. The Legislature agreed to use $517.4 million from the fund, spread over four occasions, during the administration of Edwards' predecessor, Republican Bobby Jindal. Few legislators voted against those instances. Last year, shortly after Edwards took office, the Legislature agreed to use $128 million in rainy day dollars to shore up a mid-year deficit. "It's discouraging to see such a partisan approach in the House on an issue that has generated no controversy for years," Edwards said Friday. House leaders have denied that they are playing partisan politics with the first-term Democratic governor. We dont take things as trying to get victory over the governor, House Appropriations Chairmon Cameron Henry said. On Tuesday, the Senate Finance and House Appropriations committees moved quickly to advance two key pieces of legislation that leaders will be instrumental in securing the larger budget agreement between the two chambers before the session's time is up. The Appropriations Committee quickly sent the rainy day legislation to the full chamber to vet on Wednesday. The Finance Committee approved a resolution from Barras that would urge the state treasurer to explore options for using use a cut of money that would normally go toward dedicated funds to pay down the state's debt. Doing so would free up money in the budget for other things. Next year's estimate is about $96 million. A similar proposal last year was shot down in the Senate but the upper chamber has been more willing to work on the latest version as part of a package to get a final deficit plan through. PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) President Donald Trump has tapped Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser, replacing the ousted Michael Flynn. Trump announced the pick Monday at his Palm Beach club and said McMaster is "a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience." Trump says retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg who had been his acting adviser, will now serve as the National Security Council chief of staff. He also said he would be asking John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, to work with them in a "somewhat different capacity." Can't see video below? Click here. Trump made the announcement from a luxurious living room, sitting on a couch between McMaster and Kellogg. He has been looking for a replacement for retired Gen. Michael Flynn, who was ousted last week. Trump brought four options for the position to Mar-a-Lago over the weekend for in person interviews, McMaster among them. McMaster called the appointment a "privilege." The president told reporters as he exited the room that Vice President Mike Pence had been involved in the process. The position of national security adviser does not require Senate confirmation. Trump pushed out Flynn a week ago after revelations that the adviser had misled Pence about discussing sanctions with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential transition. Trump said in a news conference Thursday that he was disappointed by how Flynn had treated Pence, but did not believe Flynn had done anything wrong by having the conversations. Trump's first choice to replace Flynn, retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward, turned down the offer. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Facing a wave of lawsuits over a traffic wreck that claimed three lives, the company that was looking to hire the prospective flood-relief wor Jefferson authorities jail man in apparent bid to get him to testify against infant son's accused killer The most senior Catholic official in the Canberra-Goulburn Archdiocese has told a royal commission the ACT needed to "raise the bar" on its incoming reportable conduct scheme. Catholic Archbishop Christopher Prowse told the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse on Tuesday there needed to be some "fine tuning" and "amendments" to the mandatory reporting laws taking force in the ACT from July. Cnberra's Catholic archbishop, Christopher Prowse, before the royal commission. Credit:Royal commission As it stands, the scheme only covers clergy attached to a school or residential care organisations, Fairfax Media understands. Child sexual assault campaigner Damian De Marco said the impression he had been given was that altar boys, religious camps and sporting groups would not be covered. All remaining trees on Northbourne Avenue will be clear-felled by the end of March, the government announced on Tuesday, citing safety concerns in its decision to bring forward the tree removal. The government had planned to remove the 450 trees in stages over a year, with the third tranche to come down at the end of the year. Tree removal works begin on Northbourne Avenue in December. Plans to remove the rest of the trees have been brought forward, with all of the trees to come down by March. Credit:Karleen Minney But Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris said the trees were a risk to the safety of workers building the light rail line and to the wider public. Arborists had discovered rot and fungal infestations in a number of the trees that had been felled, and other trees had smaller and shallower root balls than expected. Peter Duffy is swapping party animals for those from the farm in the wake of the devastating Carwoola blaze. The owner and driver of the Pink Party Bus has been using his vehicle to evacuate animals and transport supplies as the community begins the long road to recovery. Mr Duffy, from nearby Hoskinstown, said it made perfect sense to help others by putting his bus to good use. "The main thing we've been using the bus for was, as the fire came through, loading animals and pets and using it as a vehicle to evacuate them," Mr Duffy said. Whitman served as editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle from 1846 to 1848, at the time headquartered on Old Fulton Street in Dumbo. This was their office in the early 1900s. (Courtesy of the Library of Congress) A "new" Walt Whitman story has been unearthed 125 years after his death. The novel, titled The Life and Adventures of Jack Engle, was only published once in a newspaper in 1852. It ran in six installments, and was published anonymously. The Sunday Dispatch, a New York City paper that Whitman was known to contribute to, ran the 36,000-word story in March of that year, and alerted the public via an advertisement that ran in a rival paper, the New York Times. You can see the ad here on page 3; it read: "This week's Sunday Dispatch will contain The Life and Adventures of Jack Engle, an autobiography, in which will be handled the philosophy, philanthropy, pauperism, law, crime, love, matrimony, morals... which are characteristic of this great city at the present time, including the manners and morals of boarding houses, some scenes from church history, operations in Wall St, with graphic sketches of men and women, as they appear to the public, and as they appear in other scenes not public. Read it and you will find some familiar cases and characters, with explanations necessary to properly understand what it is about." According to the NY Times, the story was rediscovered last summer by a graduate student, and you can now purchase it in book form thanks to the University of Iowa Press. You can also read it all online, as it was published on The Walt Whitman Quarterly Review on Monday. Whitman's handwritten notes while writing 'Jack Engle' (Library of Congress); The book cover of the newly published novel. If that old timey language above didn't give you an idea of what this story is really about, the Times notes that it's a "quasi-Dickensian tale of an orphans adventures, it features a villainous lawyer, virtuous Quakers, glad-handing politicians, a sultry Spanish dancer and more than a few unlikely plot twists and jarring narrative shifts." And David S. Reynolds, a Whitman expert the City University of New York, told them, "This is Whitmans take on the city mystery novel, a popular genre of the day that pitted the upper 10 thousand what we would call the 1 percent against the lower million." Reynolds also points out that in this newly unearthed story one might see "how a workaday journalist and mostly conventional poet transformed himself into the author of the sensuous, philosophical, wildly experimental and altogether unclassifiable free verse of Leaves of Grass," his groundbreaking work that was first published at a printing shop just around the corner from the Brooklyn Daily Eagle's offices. At the time that he wrote this, Whitman had just left his post as editor of the Brooklyn Daily Eagle (where he was in the late 1840s), following a fallout with the paper's founder, Isaac Van Anden, "over the issue of slavery Whitman was a supporter of the Wilmot Proviso, which prohibited the extension of slavery to new territories." The man who found it was Zachary Turpin, first discovered the advertisement and then found "the only known original copy, which had not yet been digitized, in the Library of Congress." The story was never republished until now. Royal commission documents have exposed Marist College in Canberra as the most notorious Catholic school in Australia for child sexual abuse claims. The Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse has revealed 63 claims of child sexual abuse made against the school. The Marist Brothers Catholic Order was found to be one of the most notorious for allegations of child sexual abuse. But Bravehearts ambassador Damian De Marco believed the total number of victims at Marist College Canberra would be much higher. "The true figure at Marist would be well over 100 given the number of stories I have heard about people who will never present officially and those that have died from suicide and drugs," Mr De Marco said. Melbourne Airport will help take air traffic from Essendon Airport, which will remain closed while an investigation into Tuesday's fatal crash takes place. Emergency services aircraft, including fire bombers and air ambulances, will continue to fly out of Essendon, but it is closed to all other traffic. There were more than 53,000 take-offs and landings at Essendon Airport in 2012. Credit:Joe Armao Three commercial carriers - Free Spirit Airlines, Jetgo and Sharp Airlines - fly scheduled services from Essendon to regional destinations including Burnie, King Island, Flinders Island, Merimbula and Dubbo. Free Spirit managing director Roman Badov said Essendon Airport management told him the airport would be shut until at least 9am on Wednesday. Boutique fund manager Key Capital will test investor appetite for shopping centres when it offloads its Wangaratta large format retail centre. The Wangaratta Retail Centre will be the first Victorian large format outlet to hit the market this year after several years of intense buyer interest that have seen yields fall by up to 300 basis points. The Wangaratta Retail Centre is hitting the market. Credit:Cloud 9 Aerial Photography About half of the newly refurbished centre's income was derived from national tenants Officeworks and Spotlight, marketing agent Colliers International's Tom Noonan said. The centre boasts a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 6.2 years. Investors had limited opportunity to buy large format centres last year, with only five transacting. "Last year we saw yields for Victorian large format retail centres sharpen substantially, with the sector attracting national buyer interest," Mr Noonan said. One centre, Sunbury Showrooms, was sold last December to a Chinese investor on a yield of 6.52 per cent for $14.88 million. Another regional centre, Home Central Shepparton, sold in May last year to US giant Blackstone on an 8 per cent yield for $21.6 million. Harvey Norman bought the Rocklea Homemaker Centre in Bendigo for $35 million on a 7.65 per cent yield. Aldi is calling for people to join its testers' club, seeking to capitalise on the fervour of some of its shoppers. One hundred people will be selected to join the testers' club, which will receive 10 grocery products a quarter and must review at least half of them. More than 17,000 applied to join the testers' club when it began in 2015, a spokeswoman for the German discount supermarket said. The spokeswoman said members were not paid but "love the opportunity to try out new Aldi products for free". When a goanna made a surprise appearance at a South Coast restaurant one peaceful afternoon, a French waitress quickly took control of the situation. On Sunday, Samia Lila was serving at the packed Mimosa Winery restaurant at Murrah, near Bega, when a customer grabbed her hand and pointed at the scaly visitor that was crawling across the floor. "I looked at it and thought it was a dog at first!" Ms Lila said. "But then I realised it was a goanna." The number of international students coming to Australia surged to record levels last year and there are hopes the political instability unleashed by Donald Trump and Brexit will help lure even more foreign students to the country. New Department of Education figures to be released on Wednesday show there were 554,179 full-fee paying international students in Australia in 2016, generating a total 712,884 enrolments. Enrolments grew by 11 per cent on the previous year while the number of international students beginning their studies rose by 10 per cent. New enrolments grew by 12 per cent in Victoria and 10 per cent in NSW. International education is Australia's third largest export after iron ore and coal and has flow-on effects for the retail, hospitality and tourism industries. Labor's left is pushing for mandated minimum rate of tax for the super wealthy. The so-called "Buffett rule" would try and stop the rich from arranging their finances to reduce their tax obligations by forcing them to pay at least 35 per cent of their entire income in tax. [Heath Aston/Fairfax] This push comes at a time when Labor's left has more power than ever before. As Mark Kenny points out, if Turnbull can be accused of being dragged to heel by the right, the same can be said for Shorten and the left. One to watch. [Fairfax] Treasurer Scott Morrison with a lump of coal during question time. Credit:Andrew Meares The government's attack on renewable energy and promotion of coal is failing with voters, Essential polling suggests. [Michelle Grattan/The Conversation] Immigration Minister Peter Dutton says the first transfer of refugees from Manus Island and Nauru to the United States will begin in a couple of months. However the US may not take the 1250 it indicated it could take. [Michael Koziol/Fairfax] It also comes after Yiannopoulos was banned from Twitter after inciting his gruesome pack of fans to racially abuse Ghostbusters actor Leslie Jones. This comes quite a long time after another author in the Simon & Schuster stable, Roxane Gay, pulled her own book, How to be Heard, in protest against his deal. At the time, she told Buzzfeed , "I was supposed to turn the book in this month and I kept thinking about how egregious it is to give someone like Milo a platform for his blunt, inelegant hate and provocation. I just couldn't bring myself to turn the book in. My editor emailed me last week and I kept staring at that email in my inbox and finally over the weekend I asked my agent to pull the book." On Tuesday it was announced that full-o-hate Breitbart editor, consummate internet troll and hero of the " alt-right ", Milo Yiannopoulos, had lost his book contract from Simon & Schuster for his memoir, Dangerous. And it comes after his role in 'Gamergate', (the abuse campaign directed at women in the gaming industry) and take your pick from the offensive, hateful comments on everything that he's offended by: fat people, Muslim people, transgender people, liberal people, women... the list goes on. But it seems the final straw has been the comments that Yiannopoulos made about paedophilia in a 2016 video that surfaced online this week where he criticised the age of consent and made jokes about his own molestation. "Paedophilia is not a sexual attraction to somebody 13 years old, who is sexually mature," he said on the radio show Drunken Peasants. "Paedophilia is attraction to children who have not reached puberty. Paedophilia is attraction to people who don't have functioning sex organs yet who have not gone through puberty." Yiannopoulos later defended his comments on his Facebook page, writing, "I'm partly to blame. My own experiences as a victim led me to believe I could say anything I wanted to on this subject, no matter how outrageous. But I understand that my usual blend of British sarcasm, provocation and gallows humour might have come across as flippancy, a lack of care for other victims or, worse, 'advocacy.' I deeply regret that. People deal with things from their past in different ways." Thing is, Yiannopoulos has said a lot of deeply offensive things that did not mean that he no longer had a book deal. Which prompts the question, is this the hard line when it comes to being "too offensive?" "In order to stay sane" says Thordis Elva of the night she was raped, "I silently counted the seconds on my alarm clock. And ever since that night, I've known that there are 7,200 seconds in two hours." Thordis could have spoken alone about her rape, and it may well have attracted attention. She is a well-known journalist, advocate and speaker in Iceland. But it was the inclusion of her rapist, Tom Stranger, in the discussion that gave it international reach. And it's causing considerable distress for other rape survivors. Humanising the monstrosity of rape, truly, is both a blessing and a curse. Thordis and Tom's confronting TED talk, our story of rape and reconciliation, has been viewed over two million times since it went live two weeks ago. In it, they describe how they met in Iceland when she was 16 and he was an 18-year-old Australian exchange student. They fell in love and went to the school Christmas ball together, where she tried rum for the first time. The alcohol made her so sick that someone suggested calling an ambulance. Tom refused offers of assistance, carefully helped her home, removed her clothes and raped her. Major air disasters are rare in Australia, but that wasn't always the case. Among the worst early civil aviation disasters was that of the Kyeema, a National Australian Airlines passenger plane that smashed into Mount Dandenong in 1938 when its pilots thought it was on final approach to Essendon Airport. All 18 people on board died. The Douglas DC-2 had left Adelaide on the morning of October 25, its passengers including a federal parliamentarian, Charles Hawker, three high-profile South Australian wine makers - Hugo Grant, Tom Hardy and Sidney Hill Smith - a honeymoon couple and several barristers. The flight crew apparently mistook Sunbury forDaylesford, putting them 30 kilometres off course before, in heavy cloud, they hit the western slopes of Mount Dandenong. A subsequent royal commission saw regulations introduced requiring flight checking officers to monitor flights, weather and alternative landing options. 1. Fill in your name or an alias. Do not leave blank or use the name 'guest' or 'anonymous'. 2. No Nivul Peh. Profanity will be deleted. Up to 3000 disabled students are at risk of having funding cut to their vocational education courses after the NSW government suspended 17 providers for failing to meet minimum standards under the Smart and Skilled program. Documents released under freedom of information laws show that thousands of disabled students studying courses in business administration, warehousing and retail at colleges across NSW are facing an uncertain future after the government suspended funding to their courses. The government has refused to release the names of the colleges that have been suspended, so students and families will not be notified until a college has their funding terminated. A spokesman for the Department of Industry said naming suspended providers could cause students undue or unwarranted concern when the breaches could be minor. A broken-down truck that created long delays on the M1 this morning has been cleared but its effects are still being felt. The vehicle was cleared about 7.15am but heavy peak hour traffic was only slowly improving. The M1 is crawling from Coomera to Yatala. Credit:Paul Rovere Traffic was left crawling for more than 13 kilometres after the truck broke down on Queensland's busiest stretch of road. The two left lanes were blocked on the M1 northbound at Yatala after the crash about 6.15am, slowing traffic to a crawl as far south as Coomera. The official confirmation that human remains found in bushland at Mount Macedon are those of missing mother Karen Ristevski is a breakthrough in the baffling case, but it does not provide all the answers. Police have now identified her body and perhaps know where she died, but they don't know why or how. The identification of the body was quick due to DNA testing. Police will be hoping technology will also help with the next question: how. For it will be through a difficult autopsy on a badly decomposed body that they will hope to find a cause of death. The fate of Karen Ristevski, who disappeared seven months ago, has baffled police and held the attention of Melbourne's public. On Tuesday afternoon, finally police came a step closer to solving what happened to her when human remains that were found in bushland near Mount Macedon were confirmed as belonging to the missing Avondale Heights mother. Mrs Ristevski had not been seen since June 29 last year when she left her home after an argument with her husband, Borce Ristevski, 52, about 10am. Mr Ristevski confirmed they had argued over a "sum of hundreds of dollars" before his 47-year-old wife left the home to "clear her head". Forensic testing that police hope will reveal the identity of a body found in bushland at Mount Macedon is not expected to be completed until Wednesday. The badly decomposed body of a woman was found by a bushwalker about 12.30pm on Monday in the Macedon Regional Park north of Melbourne. The scene is not far from where detectives focused their search for suspected murder victim Karen Ristevski late last year. Detectives visited Ms Ristevski's Avondale Heights home to speak to her family shortly before 5pm on Tuesday, according to 9 News. Karen Ristevski with her husband, Borce, and daughter, Sarah. "We will continue to do everything we can to assist police to help find the person responsible. "We call on anyone who may have seen or heard anything, particularly from the Mount Macedon area, to call Crime Stoppers." Detectives at the home of Karen Ristevski on Tuesday after forensic tests confirmed remains found were hers. Credit:Pat Scala The breakthrough in the baffling case came on Monday at 12.30pm when a bushwalker stumbled upon her body between two logs, not far from a dirt track off Loch Road in Mount Macedon Regional Park north of Melbourne. Results from a forensic test to determine the identity of the remains came back on Tuesday afternoon, with detectives visiting the Ristevski's Oakleigh Drive home to break the news to her husband Borce Ristevski and their 21-year-old daughter Sarah. The focus of the investigation now turns to charging Ms Ristevski's killer. Police have appealed to anyone who may have been walking along the dirt track, or anyone who may have seen vehicles there, to contact them. Investigators are also hoping to speak to anyone who may have been at Mount Macedon any time since June last year and taken photos or videos in the area. At the scene during the past two days, witnesses spoke of odd sightings in the area. A couple told police they had previously seen a man with a shovel, and made a joke to him about burying a body and were met with a stony look. A woman who owns a property nearby said she saw a white van, which looked out of place, parked near Loch Road last August. The mother and fashion boutique owner was last seen at her home in Melbourne's north-west by Mr Ristevski on June 29 last year. Mr Ristevski said the couple had an argument over financial issues and his wife went for a walk to "clear her head". Monday's discovery ended an intensive search for Ms Ristevski, which started in the vicinity of the Avondale Heights home and then grew to Macedon and as far as northern Victoria. Dams were drained near Gisborne, farmland was scoured after cropping season, and the infamous Black Hill Road in Gisborne South - where Jill Meagher was buried in a shallow grave in 2012 - also became part of the search. Detectives even travelled to Barmah, in northern Victoria, where police were told the Ristevskis had holidayed. Last year, head of the missing persons squad, Detective Inspector Stephen Dennis, said there had been ongoing discussions with members of the Ristevski family, but would not say what had prompted them to concentrate the search around Gisborne. However, Ms Ristevski's phone reportedly pinged on towers on the Calder Highway and at Gisborne on the day she went missing, and Mr Ristevski's phone was detected in nearby Diggers Rest on the same day. His phone was also reportedly switched off for two hours. Gisborne is about 12 kilometres a 14-minute drive over the Calder from Mount Macedon. The case has been marked with bizarre theories since Ms Ristevski disappeared. Mr Ristevski reportedly told detectives he had driven his wife's 2004 Mercedes-Benz coupe on the day she disappeared to test a faulty fuel gauge. He said the car hit a bump in the road and the problem fixed itself, so he turned around and returned home. Mr Ristevski's brother Vasko Ristevski, who was at the Ristevski home on Tuesday, had also claimed his sister-in-law was alive and well, and had fled overseas using a fake passport. Meanwhile, Mr Ristevski's son from a previous relationship, Anthony Rickard, told various media outlets there was conflict within the family and that his stepmother had fled. Both Borce Ristevski and Mr Rickard have been interviewed by police. Fairfax Media is not suggesting either was involved in Ms Ristevski's disappearance. Ms Ristevski reportedly received a share of a $360,000 will left by her father before she went missing. She and her brother inherited the sum after the death of their father, Joseph Williams, in 2014. Bangkok: Twenty per cent of Cambodians live in poverty. Forty-two per cent of children under five years old are malnourished and stunted. More than half of Cambodians lack access to toilets and sanitation. For three decades Hun Sen has ruled Cambodia with the tacit backing of foreign countries sympathetic to the leader of a nation emerging from genocide and civil war. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh, on Monday. Credit:AP Australia has long being at the forefront of a donor-nation generosity that has seen billions of dollars pour in to help Cambodia's 16 million people. Since 2014 in particular Australia has showered diplomatic praise and an additional $40 million on Hun Sen and his ministers in return for Cambodia accepting what has turned out to be only a handful of refugees from Nauru. Sara Connor after hearing prosecutors request a sentence of eight years' jail for her at Denpasar District Court on Tuesday Credit:Alan Putra She said Mr Sudarsa had bitten her on the arm and thigh when she tried to separate the two men as they fought in the sand. Prosecutors told the court that aggravating factors were that Ms Connor's actions had caused the loss of a life and she had given a convoluted statement and not admitted what she did. Sara Connor after hearing prosecutors request a sentence of eight years' jail for her at Denpasar District Court on Tuesday. Credit:Alan Putra They also said she had been under the influence of alcohol, which had affected her emotions. Both Mr Taylor and Ms Connor face the same three charges - murder, fatal group assault and assault leading to death. The charge carry maximum sentences of 15 years', 12 years' and seven years' jail respectively. Sara Connor after hearing prosecutors wanted her to be sentenced to eight years' jail. Credit:Alan Putra Although judges can choose to impose a greater or lesser sentence they generally agree with the charge requested by the prosecutors. One of Mr Taylor's lawyers, Haposan Sihombing, said it was "more gentlemanly" to admit the scuffle happened instead of asking to be freed. "It was committed by more than my client," he said. Sara Connor maintained her innocence throughout the four-month trial. Credit:Alan Putra He said he would ask the judges for leniency because Mr Taylor was young and had no intention to kill. The trials, which began in the Denpasar District Court on November 9 last year, heard the new couple had planned a romantic holiday in Bali in August last year. David Taylor arriving at Denpasar District Court earlioer on Tuesday. Credit:Alan Putra Mr Taylor had picked Ms Connor up from the airport on August 16 and the two had drunk a couple of beers and shared an arak cocktail over dinner before heading to the beach. However Ms Connor, 46, discovered her handbag had gone missing while the couple had been kissing near the water. The widow of Wayan Sudarsa, Ketut Arsini, and her son Kadek Toni, hold a portrait of the police officer who was killed on Legian beach. Credit:Alan Putra Mr Taylor believed the bag had been stolen. He approached Mr Sudarsa, a Balinese police officer of 35 years, but believed him to be a bogus cop when he allegedly laughed after Mr Taylor asked him for assistance. Mr Taylor admitted to "searching his body" but said Mr Sudarsa then pushed him to the ground and punched him. Sara Connor and David Taylor strolling in Bali's Kerobokan jail in January. Credit:Alan Putra Ms Connor said she wandered off looking for her missing bag after attempting to separate the two men and did not see Mr Taylor land any blows. "I never knew the policeman was seriously hurt. I left I never went back to the scene," she said last month. Ms Connor, who was originally from Italy, testified that Mr Taylor had told her Mr Sudarsa had "passed out" and she didn't realise the extent of his injuries. "English is not my first language. That for me could mean just tired," she said. The couple told the court they had tried to go to police station but an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver refused to take them. Instead, they bought cigarettes and returned to their homestay in Kuta, Kubu Kauh Inn. The couple showered and then Ms Connor cut up Mr Sudarsa's identity cards, which were in the wallet Mr Taylor had taken from the victim. Ms Connor insisted this was to protect the Balinese police officer from identity theft. But prosecutors told the court this was irrational and she had done it to hide something. The couple checked out of Kubu Kauh Inn at 7am on August 17 and travelled to Jimbaran. They claimed they only learned the victim had died when Ms Connor was contacted by a friend on August 19, who said her name was all over the news after her identity cards had been found at the crime scene. "After I received the phone call, we were both crying," Ms Connor said earlier this month. "That's when I asked David: 'Did you hit him with something?' He told me yes. We were desperate." She said Mr Taylor had suggested they burn the clothes they had been wearing that night. While Ms Connor initially just wanted to "chuck them away", she ultimately didn't complain because she was so sad a life had been lost. The couple then went to the Australian consulate in Bali and were later apprehended by police. Loading Haifa is on the "front line" in any action in the north but this blog looks at life in the shadow of danger to all of Israel A police car in the Stockholm suburb of Rinkeby. Credit:AP In 2013, the police shooting of a man wielding a knife led to nights of violence in the suburbs of Stockholm, including Rinkeby. Interior Minister Anders Ygeman called the clashes on Monday "very serious". A policeman investigates a burnt-out car in Rinkeby outside Stockholm after the riot. Credit:AP But, he added: "There is work being done to make our suburbs and socially vulnerable areas safer. Sometimes it can get a little messy, but the police are not backing down." Nonetheless, the disturbances in Rinkeby were seized upon by some people online as evidence of Trump's claim. Rinkeby, an economically deprived area of about 16,000 people, is overwhelmingly populated by residents with immigrant backgrounds. Right-wing news outlets in the United States and elsewhere have insisted that Sweden is covering up evidence of migrant-related crime - a claim officials in this prosperous Scandinavian nation, which has a long humanitarian tradition, have rejected. Lars Bystrom, a police spokesman, said the police were summoned at 8.18pm on Monday to the transit station in Rinkeby, about 10 kilometres north-west of Stockholm's City Hall, after officers made a drug-related arrest and were set upon by residents. A police officer fired a live round of ammunition as a warning shot. "No one was hit, but it had the intended effect of clearing the scene so that police could make an arrest," Bystrom said. The clashes intensified, with up to 70 people throwing stones and objects, before the police finally got the situation under control about 12am, he said. Asked whether there was enough of a police presence in Rinkeby, Bystrom cited the district police chief, Niklas Andersson, in describing police resources in the area as plentiful. But Bystrom also said that officials would continue to bolster security. Patrik Derk, the district director for Rinkeby-Kista, the northernmost of the boroughs that make up the municipality of Stockholm, said it would be a mistake to see proof of Trump's claims in the unrest. "This type of problem exists in most countries, even in the USA," he said in a phone interview. "And we are managing these problems and will succeed with this. They're complex problems." Derk was hired in late 2015 to "make Rinkeby a better place to grow up and live in", as he put it. He previously helped turn around the Hovsjo district of Sodertalje, a city south-west of Stockholm that, like Rinkeby, has a large population of low-income immigrants. "We created jobs through building development initiatives and training unemployed youth," he said, adding that the efforts involved collaboration with the police as well as economic investments. "And that's what we are trying to do here. Create a condition for the residents to live a good life in the area." Derk acknowledged that Rinkeby had significant problems: "It is one of the more troubled areas in terms of school results, tight quarters, unemployment." Benjamin Dousa, 24, an appointed member of a local board in Rinkeby that distributes public money for schools, social services, elder care, and parks and recreation, wrote in an opinion essay that Trump's critique had some merit. "A battered journalist, stones thrown at the police and stores that are being plundered, unfortunately, are not unusual occurrences where I live," Dousa, whose father was a Turkish immigrant to Sweden, wrote in the essay, published in the newspaper Expressen. "I hear the police helicopter every other day." He said that, in the neighbourhood, "this type of criminality has become part of everyday life". The Prime Minister, Stefan Lofven, has said that complaints that migrants are driving a crime surge are exaggerations. Trump's critique was made in response to a Fox News interview with Ami Horowitz, an American filmmaker who argues that migrants in Sweden have fed a rise in violent crime. Right-wing news outlets such as Breitbart and Infowars have also pointed repeatedly to Sweden as a case study of the failure of immigrants to assimilate. Dousa said in a phone interview that he was familiar with the English-language right-wing news reports. "Of course, some of them are fake, but the situation in Rinkeby is not good," he said. "The police don't have control over the area. That's not fake news." Horowitz has not responded to requests for an interview about his videos, which Swedish officials say contain errors and distortions. But Dousa said he was sympathetic to Horowitz's argument that Swedish elites are unwilling to talk about the problems associated with migration. "If you said you had a problem with integration in Sweden, you would be called a racist," he said, adding that the situation has been changing. "The debate has opened up." if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration. ----Donald Trump Donald Trump I wi... 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This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. If Douglas Tingey had his way, dilbit would become a household word discussed around kitchen tables across southern Manitoba. The Winnipeg lawyer, who specializes in international trade and foreign investment, was in Steinbach last week to deliver a lecture on the proposed Energy East pipeline and its potential negative effects on the natural environment. The event was a joint effort by the South Eastman Transition Initiative and the Provencher Green Party Electoral District Association. JORDAN ROSS | THE CARILLON Left to right, Gilles Detillieux, David Dawson, and Frank Clincke listen to Winnipeg lawyer Douglas Tingeys lecture on the potential local environmental impact of the proposed Energy East pipeline. Its route would bring it near communities like Ile des Chenes, Lorette, Ste Anne and Falcon Lake. In the Southeast, the pipeline would see an existing natural gas pipeline repurposed to transport dilbitbitumen diluted with natural gas condensates to achieve a desired viscosityfrom Alberta and Saskatchewan to petroleum refineries and terminals in Quebec and New Brunswick. The route of the $15.7 billion pipeline would bring it close to communities like Lorette, Ile des Chenes, Ste Anne and Falcon Lake, Tingey told his audience. If approved, the 4,500 kilometre pipeline would carry 1.1 million barrels of crude oil daily, he said, citing statistics corroborated by TransCanada, the company that built the natural gas pipeline in the 1970s and that applied, in October 2014, to build the Energy East pipeline. Numerous pump stations and new sections of pipeline would also be required in several provinces, including Manitoba, Tingey noted. He also asserted that the project is considered by its supporters to be critical to the expansion of oil production in all three prairie provinces. Tingey noted the pipeline application, which had passed the National Energy Boards regulatory hurdles and was entering the hearing stage, had to be restarted when a conflict of interests was uncovered, setting the project back two years. He pegged the likelihood of the pipeline application receiving approval at less than 50 percent. Tingey, who is open about his opposition to the monster pipeline project, dubbed the pipeline a hangover from former Prime Minister Stephen Harpers energy policies. However, Tingey argued he was not a rabid environmentalist, but rather, a businessman concerned about long-term climate change, short-term environmental degradation, and a host of First Nations issues raised by the pipeline proposal. Many in attendence at the meeting were concerned about the pipeline routes crossing of the Winnipeg aqueduct and numerous watersheds, including many that drain into the Red River, Assiniboine River, and Lake Winnipeg. According to Tingey, significant risks are posed to ecological habitats and drinking water sources if the pipeline was to leak or burst. Unlike refined petroleum, Tingey said, spilled dilbit sinks and bonds to sediment, and cannot simply be skimmed off the surface of a body of water. This makes clean-up more difficult, he said. The possibility of an explosion was also on attendees minds, with Tingey observing that burning dilbit produces thick, noxious black smoke that could cover a city the size of Steinbach and adversely affect the health of its citizens. As the evening concluded, attendees also discussed ways to reduce carbon emissions on small and large scales, and pondered the best strategies for nudging consumers toward greener lifestyle choices. Stephen Colbert will never fjorget where he was when he first heard about last weeks totally made up terror attack in Sweden. He was listening to President Donald Trump deliver his entirely too-early campaign rally in Florida. You look at whats happening in Germany, you look at whats happening last night in Sweden, Trump told his supporters on Saturday night. Sweden, who would believe this? No one. No one would believe that, Colbert answered Monday night. Well, not no one, but maybe someone who skips his intelligence briefings. In response to Trump, former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt tweeted, Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? To that, Colbert replied, What has he been smoking? Uh Vladimir Putins dick? Lets be real here, this is the president of the United States, Colbert continued. He has access to everything and the latest intel at all time. Sir, for real, where did you get your information from? As Trump himself tweeted on Sunday, he got it from Fox News. Oh, I guess Trump only accepts intelligence reports with the logo, As seen on TV. Despite an influx of immigrants into Sweden, Colbert noted that crime rates there have actually fallen since 2005. In fact, experts say 90 percent of Swedish crime actually occurs in The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, he joked. Tragically, Sweden is the third not-a-terrorist-attack that has not shocked the world in the last month, Colbert said, citing Kellyanne Conways Bowling Green massacre and Sean Spicers Atlanta incident. When will it begin?! he asked in mock outrage. And just because it didnt happen doesnt mean we dont stand in solidarity with all the people who did not suffer. He proceeded to pay tribute to the Swedes with a montage of everything from Swedish Fish and ABBA to Ikea and the Swedish Chef. The piece ended with two words: Never Fjorget. Its Presidents Day and Seth Meyers doesnt seem to know where to start with President Trump. On the one hand, youve got the genuinely ominous things hes done, from declaring the free press an enemy of the American people to preemptively blaming a judge for future terror attacks, the Late Night host said Monday night. And then, he added, theres the everyday weirdness of a story like Chris Christies meatloaf-fueled visit to the White House last week. Of course, the meatloaf was actually a second course for Christie after Trump made him swallow his pride, Meyers joked. The more substantive dysfunction in Trumps administration, Meyers went on to say, seems to be scaring some people off from working in the White House. For instance, there was retired Admiral Robert Harward, who turned down the chance to succeed Michael Flynn as national security adviser, reportedly calling the role a shit sandwich. We have shit sandwiches? Meyers imagined Trump asking. Then why did we let Chris Christie have meatloaf? Then there was Trumps post-press conference tweet on Friday calling the media the enemy of the American people, which Meyers called something you expect to hear from an authoritarian ruler. But even when Trump wants to come off as an authoritarian strongman, it turns out hes still a buffoon. Before he posted that message, he tweeted and deleted a first draft and left off ABC and CBS News. When you have to double-clutch on your authoritarian declarations, you sound less like a terrifying dictator and more like the guy at the bonfire who can almost play guitar, Meyers said. Finally, Meyers turned to the campaign rally in Florida in which Trump invented a terror attack in Sweden out of whole cloth. Trump literally saw something on Fox News and confused it for reality, he said. Next thing you know hes going to lament the terrible treatment of people with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Between Trumps press conference and his event in Florida, Trump has made a series of wild and unhinged appearances over the last few days, Meyers added. But there has been one common theme. Showing clips of Trump asking for questions from a friendly reporter and telling rally attendees he wants to be among friends, Meyers said, The president of the United States just wants a friend. You know someone he can force to eat meatloaf. Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster says what he thinks, and cant resist a tough problem that everyone else says is impossible. Hes also been called bullheaded, by those who call him friend and enemy. Those qualities help explain why he said yes to becoming President Donald Trumps second national security adviser, after the resignation of Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn amid charges Flynn improperly communicated with the Russian ambassador and then lied to the vice president about it. McMasters stubborn streak also helps explain why he got passed over twice for promotion, before breaking through a logjam of Army officers who were offended by his renowned frankness, and not impressed by his prodigious scholarship and Ph.D, which is sometimes an impediment to advancement in the U.S. Army. Now the question becomes: Is McMaster too bullheaded for a White House already filled with power players like Counselor to the President Steve Bannon, presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner, and Trump himself? Or is McMaster just contrary enough? Trump, the ultimate political insurgent, has just picked one of the U.S. militarys most famous counter-insurgents to become his top national security aide. What comes next is anyones guess. Trump transition official James Carafano of the Heritage Foundation called such questions "silly." H.R. would not take job if he did not respect Trump. Trump would not have offered it to him if he did not plan to listen to him," he wrote in an email to The Daily Beast. "Bannon et al are not some shadow government," he said, adding that Mattis, Kelly, Tillerson and Sessions "have enormous influence and H.R. will fit in like glove." Indeed, the pick is meeting instant praise. Trump administration detractors hailed the choice as a chato right the controversy-tossed National Security Council. H.R. McMaster is one of the most impressive army officers of his generationa rare combination of soldier and scholar, said Max Boot, a military historian at the Council on Foreign Relations, in an email to The Daily Beast. But not even the most talented individual will succeed in that job as long as Bannon and Kushner continue to run their own foreign policies and as long as Trump continues to make outlandish statements questioning basic American commitments and valued allies. Former Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ray Odierno said McMaster can handle that. He will quickly figure out the politics and his intellect and reputation will earn the respect of all the players, Odierno predicted in an email to The Daily Beast. Sen. John McCain, the Arizona Republican who had become one of Trumps loudest critics, said in a statement that McMaster knows how to succeed. I give President Trump great credit for this decision, as well as his national security cabinet choices. I could not imagine a better, more capable national security team than the one we have right now. Friction between Trump and that team could come early, however. While Flynn took great professional risksand reportedly $40,000 in Kremlin money, according to The New Yorkerwarming up to Moscow, McMaster recently led an Army study into how best to take on the Russian military, should conflict ever break out. That could put McMaster at odds with his famously Putin-friendly new boss. A West Point graduate, McMaster has accrued the time on the battlefield that has been a magnet for Trump in his appointmentshis secretaries of defense and homeland security also served as generals. Such military commanders, active duty or retired, also have the advantage of mostly staying reticent about their political beliefs, which means they are more likely to pass the Trump loyalty test of never having spoken against the president publicly or in social media. McMaster fought with distinction in the first Gulf War and second Gulf War, while also advising Gen. David Petraeus. He took some time out to earn his doctorate at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He focused on the missteps of the top brass during the Vietnam War, and turned his thesis into a book titled Dereliction of Duty. McMaster stresses two elements in his discussion of America's failure in Vietnam: the hubris of [President Lyndon] Johnson and his advisors and the weakness of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a description of the book reads, an ironic foreshadowing of how hell have to manage the outsized ego of the current commander in chief. The book speaks to McMasters historical awareness that his duty is to tell Trump what he needs to hear, not what he wants to hearand a credit to the commander in chief who is choosing the blunt speaker as counterpoint to advisers like Bannon, who has established what many believe to by a rival to the National Security Council, and Kushner, who has been given some of the Trump administrations most sensitive tasks. I have known McMaster for over a decade and cannot imagine a more decent man in his position today, Andrew Exum, a retired Army officer and Pentagon official, wrote in The Atlantic. This job is going to drive him crazy, because he does not suffer fools gladly. Unless he has been given some assurances about both staffing and process, he will struggle in a competition to influence the presidentto be the last man in the room when the president makes a key decision. H.R. is a very forceful advocate for his positions and viewpoints, said Ohio State professor Dr. Peter Mansoor, a retired U.S army colonel who worked for McMaster in Iraq. Mansoor said then-commander Gen. David Petraeus would bring McMaster in to study tough problems and come up with solutions. When the president makes a decision, he will salute and execute forcefully, provided its ethical, he added McMaster led troops in Iraq during some of the worst of the fighting, from June 2004 to June 2006, and was credited with driving al Qaeda of Iraq out of the northern city of Tel Afara city now held by the so-called Islamic State. He became one of the first commanders to use a counterinsurgency plan that focused on securing the local populace, rather than simply killing foes. It took years for the rest of the military to finally catch up. And when it was all over, McMaster was no more kind in his assessments of the political and military leadership of the early stage of that war than he was in his critiques of the Vietnam eras chiefs. Believers in the theory known as the Revolution in Military Affairs predicted that further advances in military technology would deliver dominance over any opponent, he wrote in an op-ed in The New York Times. The theory was hubristic. Yet it became orthodoxy and complicated our efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, where underdeveloped war plans encountered unanticipated political problems. After Iraq, McMaster went on to lead a task force trying to stem corruption in the Afghan governmenta nearly impossible task, as he lamented to those close to him at the time, but he did work with Afghan officials to support innovative new ways to track money like paying troops directly by cellphone, to cut out middle management officers who were skimming funds off the top or collecting pay for ghost soldiers who didnt exist. Hes currently helping shape the Armys future at the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, after stints as a fellow at the Hoover Institution and the London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies. McMaster gave a hint of what he might recommend to Trump for the fight against ISIS in a 2013 interview with Breaking Defense. It might not be totally in sync with the presidents stated preferences to bomb the shit out of jihadistsand keep American ground forces out of the fight. Targeting [enemies] is not strategy, he said, quipping thats merely a militarized version of George Costanza in Seinfeld, leave on an up notejust go in, do a lot of damage, and leave. And while chocking up culture and language skills to work with local partners is important, he said fighting cant always be outsourced. Our interests are not always congruent with those of our so-called partners, which means recommending U.S. troops do more of the job, he explained. Its not my job to sell it, he concluded in his 2013 interview. You just provide your best professional assessment. In a democracy, you get the army that the people are willing to pay for. Jim Maurer stood before a meeting of 500 union bosses in November 1919 and declared it was time to bring Pennsylvania to its knees. Get ready for the last grand struggle of all, Maurer said. Fight with every weapon at your command.The union bosses pledged that if the governor didnt rein in the state polices systematic harassment of steel strikers, every single organized worker in Pennsylvania would walk off the job. All Jim Maurer had to do was give the word. By the end of the month, a mob of demobilized soldiers had hunted Jim Maurer through midnight streets; the attorney general of the United States had denounced him by name; and the Philadelphia Inquirer had warned him to leave the state. The old Civil War veterans of the Grand Army of the Republic sang a song about him: Hang Jim Maurer on the Sour Apple Tree. Maurer, a broad-shouldered plumber, had been a prominent radical for years; an enemy to militarists, industry, and the U.S. government. But it wasnt until he threatened a general strike that someone wrote a song about lynching him. There has been serious talk in recent weeks about a new wave of anti-Trump general strikes. Activists called one strike on Feb. 17, with others to follow on March 8 and May 1. What that means is not entirely clear, but the idea, with its whiffs of Red Emma and Big Bill Haywood, has captured the imaginations of leftists looking to escalate a growing protest movement. But general strikes, in which all workers across industries strike in mutual solidarity, havent happened often in American history. General strikes that make political demands, like the ones the anti-Trump activists are planning, are even more rare. Jim Maurer is one of the few Americans to have seriously tried it. It nearly got him killed. Maurer was 55 at the time, a former member of the Pennsylvania legislature and a onetime Socialist Party candidate for governor. In 1919, he was president of the statewide federation of labor unions, which was why, in late August, he was among the first to learn that sheriffs deputies in Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, had murdered a union organizer named Fannie Sellins. The details of the incident remain sketchy. In his 1938 autobiography, Maurer writes that he got a telegram from a United Mine Workers leader reporting that armed deputies from Pittsburgh had rolled into town on a Tuesday afternoon, intending to harass miners striking at the Allegheny Coal and Coke Company. While manhandling workers, the deputies clocked a 58-year-old union member in the head, and then pumped bullets into him. When Sellins protested, they shot her, too. This butchery was performed in broad daylight, Maurer wrote. Maurer was incensed, and he sent letters to Washington demanding an investigation. It was a small incident in a year of bloody labor battles, but it hit close to home, and it meant that when a quarter-million steelworkers walked off the job across the nation on Sept. 22, Maurer was already angry and ready for a fight. The big steel strike was one of the largest the country had ever seen. In Pennsylvania, local governments responded by going to war on behalf of the companies. State police busted up union meetings, beat up picketers, and skirmished with strikers. Unable to organize or even demonstrate, the strikes organizers stumbled, and the effort quickly began to falter. Hoping to forestall defeat, Maurer called a convention of the heads of all of Pennsylvanias unions for Nov. 1. A New York Times reporter asked Maurer the day before the conference if there would be action taken by the delegates. Therell be action, all right, Maurer shot back. By the end of the meetings first day, the union bosses had pledged to combine their efforts against the state governments assault on the steel miners rights. In a vote of 498-2, representatives of all of the unions of Pennsylvania agreed to a statewide strike for free speech, free press, and free assembly. It was framed as an ultimatum: If Governor William Sproul would not call a special session of the state legislaturefor the purpose of aiding to restore constitutional liberty in Pennsylvania, all 500,000 union members in the state would stop work. If the order is given to go out, stick, Maurer said. It will be better for the state to go down with us into the grave than to remain as she is. Maurer wants to make the strike a political weapon, wrote the New York Tribune. He wants to use the economic power of the unions to overthrow existing forms of government. It was an idea that had long fired the imaginations of radicals and haunted the nightmares of the establishment. The general political strike was a particular obsession of A. Mitchell Palmer, the attorney general, who hurried to Pennsylvania as news of Maurers threat spread. It was when Palmer got to Harrisburg that things got ugly. Palmer had a pathological hatred of communists and radicals, which may have had something to do with the anarchist bombers who had blown up his house a few months earlier. On Nov. 7, Palmer launched the first in a series of raids in which federal agents rounded up and deported hundreds of anarchists. But on Nov. 6, he took time out from the planning to visit Harrisburg and deliver a jeremiad against Jim Maurer. It was in his attack on the radical labor leaders of the country that the Attorney-General grew bitter, the Cincinnati Enquirer wrote in its report on Palmers address. Palmer called political strikes one of the most insidious attacks upon our government, quoted liberally from speeches Maurer had given years before, and called on the union men to reject his influence. The press piled on. Palmer Flays Radicals, read The Suns headline. Says Radical Leaders Real Foes of Worker, read the Los Angeles Times. The Washington Post wrote that Palmer was rallying the loyal and patriotic people of the country to the governments standard. And so they rallied. Two secret societies in Reading, where Maurer lived, launched a drive to free Reading of Maurer. The Philadelphia Inquirer ran an editorial titled, Move On, Maurer, Move On, and called him a radical agitator and a dangerous man. In his autobiography, Maurer says he uncovered a plot to have him tarred and feathered and dragged out into the mountains. On Nov. 23, a parade of thousands of men, most of them recently demobilized members of the American Legion, massed outside of Maurers Reading headquarters, ready to riot. At the hour that The New York Timess correspondent filed his report on the incident, Maurer and another socialist were being sought by the Legion men further trouble during the night is feared. All of this without the general strike even being called. In fact, Maurer never made good on his threat. It turns out he never intended to. In his autobiography, Maurer admits that the whole thing was a ruse. The state labor federation didnt even have the authority to call any strike, never mind a massive one. It was nothing but a bluff, Maurer wrote. But it worked, scaring the uninformed captains of industry and their political and journalistic allies into a blue funk. Maurer knew the power of the act he was threatening; knew the depths of the fear it would inspire. He had heard the rhetoric accusing the steel strikers of Bolshevism, and he capitalized on it, letting frightened officials get lost in their fearful imaginings. As a short-term tactic, it was something of a bust: The steel strike, it turned out, was beyond help, and by January it had been thoroughly put down. In the long term, however, there may have been some benefit to terrifying the attorney general: Palmer started seeing general political strikes everywhere. The following April, he warned that radicals were planning a nationwide general strike coupled with an assassination campaign for May Day. They werent, and when they didnt, Palmer was humiliated. His opponents pressed the advantage, effectively ending the Red Scare. Still, the fear of the general political strike never really dissipated. Since 1947, Congress and the courts have generally barred unions from calling political strikes of any scale. Two generations later, its hard to know whether the tactic still bears the power to terrify, and to mobilize. Over the next few months, we might find out. When Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer stopped by The View Tuesday morning, there was one topic they had to get out of the way right off of the bat: What President Trump referred to as his fake tears over the administrations travel ban last month. We brought tissues just in case you start to tear up, because you never know, moderator Whoopi Goldberg said, before asking Schumer, Is there anything you want to tell him now? Well, he doesn't know me, Schumer said of Trump. He says he knows me. I get tearful. My daughter's wedding, I could hardly contain it in. When Harry Reid stepped down and here's what my family knows who remembers the movie Free Willy? When you admit to tearing up at that 1993 film about the plight of a whale, youre kind of allowing that it doesnt take much to make you cry. Trump has it so wrong, Schumer continued. Seriously, I care about immigration, he added, noting that his actual middle name is Ellis after Ellis Island and his daughters middle name is Emma after Emma Lazarus, who wrote the poem emblazoned on The Statue of Liberty. You know, Donald Trump would like people to think all immigrants are terrorists and criminals. They're not. They're the future of America. No member of the Senate has received more donations from Donald Trump over the years than Schumer, but now they find themselves in direct opposition. Trump called Schumer the head clown and Schumer has taken to chanting Dump Trump at rallies. The hosts wanted to know what exactly Dump Trump would look like. We have to stop him, Schumer said, speaking more broadly than specifically. Here's what I believe, you should always be guided by your values, that's my internal gyroscope. He added, If you have your own beliefs, your own values and stick with them you'll stay on course. So, Trump calling me names doesn't affect me, Trump trying to flatter me doesn't affect me. If he sticks with the right values I won't oppose things just because the name Trump is on it. But, when he's against our values and American values, I'll fight him tooth and nail. Schumer went on to agree with his colleague Al Franken that when you talk to Republicans quietly, you know, in the cloakroom or in the gym, they are having real problems with President Trump. He singled out Sen. John McCain for having the courage to oppose Trump despite that fact that hes voted with the president 94% of the time so far and predicted that we will see a lot more Republicans breaking with him in the coming months. That is the hope of America, he said. Asked by Goldberg if he thinks the Republicans view a favorable Supreme Court nominee as more important than what the Constitution stands for, Schumer aired how disappointed he has been with Trumps cabinet picks, especially coming from a man who vowed to drain the swamp in Washington. This is the worst cabinet weve ever seen in the history of America, he said. We call his cabinet the swamp cabinet, billionaires and bankers, totally against what he campaigned on. The Senate minority leader also stood up the media, who Trump has now deemed the enemy of the American people. The press has always been a counter to people in power, he said. Every one of us gets criticized by the press, we don't like it. But it makesit probably keeps us better. And when he totally, totally just demeans them and when he's wrong and then calls them fake news, that's trouble for the democracy. Later in the show, Schumer discussed his conversations with Trumps Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch and explained why he is disappointed in the pick. Schumer said he asked Gorsuch if he disagrees with Trumps characterization of the so-called judge who ruled against him on the ban, something Schumer said goes against all our whole way of making laws and respect for the branches of government and he wouldn't say so. He asked Gorsuch, Would a Muslim ban be unconstitutional? He wouldn't answer, adding, I sat there with an eerie feeling. Asked by co-host Joy Behar why the Democrats dont do to Gorsuch what the Republicans did to Merrick Garland, Schumer had a simple answer: Because theyre in charge. In other words, we can't, he continued. If we were in charge we could do they did, Im not saying we should. We could not bring him up for a vote. But they were in charge for Garland, so they didnt bring him up. The good news, he said, is that Gorsuch will need 60 votes to get through I believe, if Gorsuch keeps it up he'll have a rough road to hoe to get those 60 votes. People ask, do the Democrats have power? Schumer added. We're not in charge, which means we can't set the agenda. But we can block a lot of things. Lanky and gregarious, Daniel Clowes sat before a blown-up back cover image of his 2016 graphic novel Patience on the wall of Galerie Martel. The Parisian gallery, dedicated to comics and illustration, is hosting a show of his original works through March 11. Not having sold original drawings for years (there is plenty of work he wont part with, and plenty already in private institutions), his selection for the show pulled from his own miscellany. I imagine after I die my son will throw it into a dumpster: What do I need this paper for?! he joked. So I went through it. The displayed drawings are mainly culled from the last 17 of his 32 years as cartoonist. The eclectic assortment includes a portrait of Don DeLillo for GQ magazine from 2016; a sketch for the upcoming Criterion DVD cover of Ghost World, which earned Clowes an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2001; original lettering for the titles of his second cinematic collaboration, Art School Confidential; complete pages of David Boring from 2000 (sampling from page 57: Please dont go into your doomsday routine right now ok?), and a color sketch for the 2003 Japanese edition of the Velvet Glove cover. An elliptical biography: The 55-year-old, Chicago-born Clowes graduated from Pratt, and threw himself into alternative comics in 1985 with Lloyd Llewellyn about a private detective. In 1989 he created Eightball, a showcase of serialized narratives (including Ghost World and David Boring)which was recently reassembled as a completist two-volume set timed for its 25th anniversary. Clowess work has graced covers of The New Yorker, and he received the PEN Literary Award for Graphic Literature in 2011. He lives in Oakland, California, with his wife and son (the very one who might one day dispense of his fathers lawless archives). Original comics became valuable on the art market only recently. All of us doing comics thought that there was a value to the work we were doing that was not appreciated, Clowes recalls. Years ago, the artwork was thought of as this kind of disposable part of the process and the final work was the printed book. In fact, they used to just cut up the artwork, throw it away, use the back of it it was treated with utter contempt. He noted that the reverence accorded to the comic book in France, aka the bande dessine, has been way ahead of everybody else. Clowes himself delights in the scrappy beauty of the early drafts. Whenever Ive seen the original artwork of comics I love and feel connected to, it is as magical as seeing a Vermeer painting, he says. You feel in the presence and aura of this artist whos made this creation. His rich roster of characters double only vaguely as alter egos: I dont know that the events of their lives are necessarily mine, he cautions. Theyre certainly not the wholeness of what I am. But theres always some emotional resonance I write out the things Im thinking about all the time. With Patience, released last yearbilled as a science-fiction time-traveling love storyhe wrestled with my younger self and how I became myself now from this younger man. Throughout his work, the key thing for him is expressing things askance, with tongue in cheek: I love irony. I think its almost the only way to express the truth. Sincerity always feels false in some way, but irony can be blunt and dance around that edge of what is sincere and what is a mockery of being sincere. I find the closer you get to that edge, the more interesting it is. Although Clowes values the rather auteur quality of comics, he has recently reconsidered the medium as a potentially galvanizing tool during such a deeply fraught political moment. Its something I really have been thinking about, constantly, since our horrible event, Clowes says, alluding to the last election. He admits that collective political reality is not my usual mode. He half-joked that I have no interest in catering to any world but my own. But then he pivots to say, Whatever I do for the next five or more years will be very much about this, because its all I think about. Im trying to figure out the way to do it that feels like it will have some power. I don't know that I can change anybodys mind, but I want to do something that lasts and is resonant to the people in the charred future. The political landscape in the U.S. has so reshaped the vision of the world that hes not harboring any anger for anyone on the same political side in these incredibly divisive timesnot even against Shia LaBeouf, who in 2013 was accused of plagiarizing Clowess 2008 comic Justin M. Damiano. Although Clowes hasn't seen LaBeoufs anti-Trump installation, being anti-Trump is in and of itself enough to bond people together, he thinks. At least for now. I look forward to the day we can go back to hating Shia LeBeouf, Clowes deadpans. Clowess next big splash is the movie adaptation of his 2010 graphic novel Wilson, coming out this year. He wrote the screenplay, but it is otherwise the least involvement hes had so far in a film based on his work. He explains: The reason I got into making films was that I was isolated. Im drawing in this room all day every day I wanted to see what its like to collaborate with other people. (He clarifies: I didnt want to collaborate on my comicsthats my sanctum. Those are always mine; I dont want to ever pollute that with anything else.) The reality of movie-making dimmed the shine of collaborating, however. On Ghost World I was working on the movie as it was being made, and I found it really frustrating. You have to get up at 5 in the morning and work all day. I couldnt be creative at all. I was half-awake and not making my best decisionsnobody was! Youre just under such pressure that its difficult to do something thats exactly what you want it to be. So Im back to writing the screenplays in my room, exactly as I was doing with comics! he laughs. And I just realized thats my thingI do my own thing by myself, and hand it off. Cleaving the writing from the production prevents him from feeling precious about the original material: I give them the template, and they make the film. Clowes enjoys being able to be a spectator. Often Im the only one laughing in the theaterI know all the jokes behind it. I get perspective on my own work. Ultimately the film, he says, is not mine. The fragmentary nature of Wilson was kind of useful; it was like an outline. The book is bullet points. He can't really talk to himself as muchthat honestly just seems crazy in a non-cartoon character. I had to give him people to talk to. The result: Its much more of a comedy than the book is, but I like that. Knowing the range his pop culture collaborations, from a poster for Todd Solondzs Happiness to the Ramones' music video I Dont Wanna Grow Up, it seems only natural to query whether he has any wishful pop culture collabs. Like work with Beyonce? he responds. He thinks on who might be of interest but circles back to Beyonce. Plant that in the press, he advises. Not long ago, Steve Bannons Capitol Hill townhouse had a plaque next to the front door proclaiming it The Breitbart Embassy. A similar sign may as well be placed at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, renaming the White House The Breitbart House, one dedicated to bringing down the old power structure, including the Republican and Democratic establishments, and destroying the power of the international so-called Davos elites. The Breitbart House is apocalyptic. It aims to bring down the powers that be, and to replace them with a new world order. Thats a big task. Privately, reporters are saying that those Republicans they talk to on the Hill are worried about President Trump, but fear going after him because it might lose their constituents support. In audio recordings of his Sirius/XM radio program from 2015 and 2016, USA Today reported, Bannon told his listeners that the United States and the Western world are engaged in a global existential war, and he entertained claims that a fifth column of Islamist sympathizers had infiltrated the U.S. government and news media. Among other predictions, he said America and China would go to war in five to 10 years in the South China Sea. Both an expansionist Islam and an expansionist China, he argued, were on the march And they think the Judeo-Christian West is on the retreat. Islam itself, he said is darker than either Nazi Germany or Stalinist Russia ever was. Anyone who has taken the time to watch Bannons 2010 Generation Zero documentary will understand how he sees the world. The films predominant theme is that the Judeo-Christian West is under attack by the Islamic world. The latter will win unless the West wakes up and counters it. In America, this can be done by drawing on more traditional eras, like the 1950s, when there was an agreement on basic morality deriving from the strength of organized religion in a church-going nation. In a script for a film he never made , on Islams takeover of the United States, Bannon asserts that our present situation is the result of the appeasement of Islam practiced by enablers from the universities, the Jewish community, and the media that is facilitating their victory. As for immigration, Bannon believes that all Muslim immigrants to the United States are not Jeffersonian democrats, and that at least half of them believe in being Sharia-compliant. Since he seems to believe that anyone who practices Islam necessarily believes in Sharia, he thinks Muslims cannot be allowed to come to the United States or gain citizenship. Moreover, according to Bannon, 5 to 10 percent of Muslims believe in radical jihad, which means that hundreds of thousands of jihadists will be coming into the United States. Should that happen, the country will be doomed, he thinks. Crucially, this is not just the view of one powerful Trump adviser. Bannon has appointed people who generally share the type of analysis one finds on Breitbart.com to major White House positions. They include: Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the president: Previously the defense and security columnist for Breitbart, Gorka worked in Hungarys Defense Ministry for five years, where he was involved in issues pertaining to international security. A scholar with a Ph.D. in politics from a university in Budapest, Gorka is most known as a hardline opponent of the Iranian government, as well as a strong critic of radical Islam. His views were expressed in his recent book, Defeating Jihad: The Winnable War . (A synthesis of the book can be found here .) He sees the likelihood of a Paris-style attack coming soon to the United States, carried out by sleeper cells of jihadists already in the United States. Bannon called Gorka one of the worlds leading experts in asymmetric warfare. Going on the major news programs, Gorka argued (and I personally agree with him on this) that both the Bush 43 and Obama administrations did not deal with the religious roots of Islamist ideology, saying only that Islam is a religion of peace. As for Iran, he told Sean Hannity that the administration would make it clear that Iran is not just another country but is a state sponsor of terrorism that is destabilizing the region. Recently, Gorka has been accused by the editors of Hungarian Spectrum and by writer Eli Clifton of having sympathies with a neo-fascist World War II Hungarian group that was popular during the Nazi-collaborating Horthy regime. Gorka was photographed at the Trump Inaugural Ball wearing a Bocskai jacket and on it displaying the Order of Heroes, a Vitezi Rend medal awarded to his father by a group that collaborated with the Nazis and is blatantly anti-Semitic. It was Gorka who was chosen by Trump to answer the allegation that leaving out any mention of Jews on Holocaust Remembrance Day was anti-Semitic. Gorka has responded that his father got the award only a few decades ago, and he wore it to honor his anti-Nazi and anti-communist father. Yet Spectrum concludes that since the Order was anti-Semitic, radically right, and ultra-nationalist, a person who is committed to democratic values cannot possibly be proud of his familys association with such a group. Stephen Miller, senior policy adviser to the president: Although Millers family were staunch Democrats, he took another path in high school by becoming a conservative and going on conservative talk radio to explain his positions. After graduating from Duke, he served as press secretary to Republican Rep. Michele Bachmann. He then became Senator (now Attorney General) Jeff Sessionss chief of communications. In 2014, Miller provided Sessions with anti-immigrant talking points and distributed literature that helped to kill a bipartisan deal on comprehensive immigration reform that had passed the Senate. Miller joined candidate Trumps campaign, warming up the crowds by giving rousing speeches promoting Trumps anti-immigrant agenda, including building the wall, telling the crowd, Were going to build that wall high and were going to build it tall. Miller wrote the speech Trump gave at the 2016 Republican National Convention. As a member of the administration, Miller along with Bannon worked on its policies to restrict immigration, including Trumps executive order. In defense of the order, Miller appeared on CBSs Face the Nation and became notoriousas I wrote here for saying in his defense of Trumps temporary immigration ban that the powers of the president to protect our country are very substantial and will not be questioned. His comments produced genuine concern by many Americans about the growing authoritarian direction taken by the administration, and indicated a lack of respect for our basic separation of powers. Chosen to defend the presidents immigration order, Miller is clearly becoming more important. Michael Anton, deputy assistant to the president on strategic communications on the National Security Council: Perhaps the most intellectual member of the Bannon group is the person who during the campaign, anonymously wrote the now famous essay in The Claremont Review of Books, The Flight 93 Election. In it, Anton wrote that American conservatives are like the passengers in Flight 93, the plane hijacked on 9/11 by al Qaeda terrorists that was headed for destruction. 2016, he wrote, is the Flight 93 Election: charge the cockpit or you die. If one does not, death is certain. To let Hillary Clinton win the presidency is the equivalent of Russian Roulette with a semi-auto, and would mean that the nation was headed off a cliff. Later, after others criticized his argument for Trump, Anton defended himself with this answer . Those articles were written under the pseudonym Publius Decius Mus, which Anton later explained he had to use because in the financial industry in which he worked, he was worried that a strong defense of Trump might result in losing his job. Anton might have the most far-ranging interests of all of Trumps followers Bannon has brought into the White House. A well-known fashionista, writing under the name Nicholas Antongivanni, he is author of the book The Suit: A Machiavellian Approach to Mens Styles, in which he argues that dressing the correct way is the pathway to power. Originally, Anton was a traditional conservative, writing for mainstream conservative publications like The Weekly Standard. He told Peter Maas of The Intercept that my journey toward Trumpism was in many ways a journey (on my part) leftward, toward the center, and that he had jettisoned a lot of conservative orthodoxy because I think it was not working for the bottom half, or even the bottom two thirds. His explanation for the path toward Trumpism reflects the view of many that Trump and Bannon are not exemplars of the traditional conservative right or liberal left. They take their themes from part of both world-views, and in that sense, by leaving mainstream conservatism, Anton sees himself moving leftward. One thing is clear. By giving these men such power, the administration is entering into a major confrontation with some of Trumps mainstream appointees. Eventually, one side will have to give in. When I first entered the netherworld of corruption and violence in 1993 for a first-time, nonviolent LSD conspiracy, the first two books I read when I hit prison were Norman Mailers The Executioners Song and Jack Henry Abbotts In the Belly of the Beast. I was already a big fan of Mailer from reading The Naked and The Dead in my teens, but as a skinny, 22-year-old, white kid from the suburbs, with multiple decades to serve, I decided that reading Abbotts book was paramount to my survival. Being completely ignorant on prison life, besides what Id seen in the movies, I knew that getting up to speed was crucial to my well being. Abbotts book became a kind of prison Cliff's Notes for me. A guide on how to act, what to say, and how to conduct myself in any given situation on the inside. During the writing of the The Executioners Song a book about condemned killer Gary Gilmore, Mailer took Abbotta New York state prisoner and self proclaimed state raised convict whod served much of his life in prison for manslaughter, bank robbery and forgery chargesunder his wing and groomed him as a writer. With Mailers guidance and support, Abbott not only became a prison celebrity, but was released in 1981 on parole, despite being prone to violence and having spent years of his sentence in solitary confinement. Last summer, Trevor Noah told me that if by some crazy turn of events Trump were to be elected, he wasnt sure he would be able to stay in the United States. And if, as promised, Trump decided to open up the libel laws, the South African host wondered, could a program like The Daily Show even exist? One month into the Trump administration, Noah is still here, still tearing into Trump four nights a week most recently mocking his insane press conference and delivering The Daily Show its highest-rated month since his October 2015 debut with an average of 1.4 million viewers a night in January. Just as hes been for Daily Show alum Stephen Colbert , President Trump has been a barely-disguised blessing for Noah. During a chilled out Saturday morning in Boston, where he is in the middle of performing six sold-out shows at the Wilbur Theatre, Noah calls The Daily Beast to talk about his new Netflix stand-up special, Afraid of the Dark. The hour-plus set premieres this Tuesday, but the comedian taped it last November, just three days before the election at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. It may just be the benefit of hindsight, but Noah says he had a feeling then that things might not be going Hillary Clintons way. Below is our edited and condensed conversation. The last time we spoke , you said you hoped after the election The Daily Show might be able to spread its wings a little bit more and have more of an opportunity to focus on the world. Then Trump won. Hows that working out for you so far? Well, for now its been chaotic. But you know whats interesting? Trump has actually brought that closer to me than I thought, because he has involved the world in everything. So what Donald Trump has done, unwittingly, is he has gotten America involved in world politics in a way I dont think he even imagined. So now we can do stories including the Japanese prime minister. Now we can talk a little more about whats happening in Canada in relation to the U.S. We can talk a little bit more about whats happening with Theresa May in the U.K. and how shes dealing with Brexit because shes meeting with Donald Trump. I still believe weve got to open up the lens a little bit more and talk about everything thats happening instead of looking at only one dimension, and thats what were going to keep on doing. Your new Netflix special gives you a chance to talk about something other than politics. What do you get out of stand-up that you cant get from hosting The Daily Show every night? I think the two things I get out of stand-up is, one, it is a lot more forgiving in that Im doing it live and Im talking to the people. So, the audience is all there with stand-up. With The Daily Show, Im trying to perform for people who are not there and so Im trying to imagine how they would be reacting. With stand-up, Im talking to the audience and the audience is responding to me immediately. So, I can have conversations with them that takes a slightly different bent. With stand-up, youre also not restricted to time, both literally and figuratively. With The Daily Show and any late-night show, youre reacting to whats happening, youre working with whats in the news, and that makes sense. Whereas with stand-up, I can go back and talk about something that happened a year ago and try and parse that with the audience, which is nice because it gives you a different way to process everything thats happening or has happened. The new special was taped just three days before the election. At that point, how confident were you that Hillary would win? I wasnt confident at all! I saw the numbers and I was like, I think shell do well? And for all intents and purposes, the national polls were right. I guess its tough to calculate it on a state level because of the Electoral College. So I wasnt in the most confident place. After the FBI came out and said they were opening up the investigation , I was like, oh wow, we dont know whats going to happen here. So when I taped the special, I taped it with that in mind. And Im lucky in that I hedged my bets, so the special didnt lose any of its relevance. What was the audience like that night? Did you sense that they were on edge about the election? No, they were actually pretty good. Thats something I try to create with my stand-uplets try and escape the feeling from the outside. Lets try to create an entirely new feeling thats going to be contained within the walls of this theater and within the walls of this hour and a half that we spend together. So thats why, with my stand-up, I try to tackle things from a different angle. Even if youre not really into politics, you may not be someone who completely agrees with my political views, but in the stand-up space well be able to find a lot more common ground, because were working through the prism of laughter only. As opposed to The Daily Show, which is specifically focused on politics. Since Trump took office, not only are The Daily Shows ratings way up, but Stephen Colbert has overtaken Jimmy Fallon and SNL has its best ratings in years . Why do you think viewers are so hungry for political comedy right now? I think its because a lot of people werent interested beforehand. We always forget everyone goes, half the country is Republican, half the country is Democrat. No, half the voters are Republican, half the voters are Democrat. The majority of the country, the bigger chunk than half, just doesnt vote. So there is this huge group of people who were just not interested. And then Trump comes in and he starts affecting everybody. Because during the campaign, he didnt affect everybody. And now, whether you think youre involved in politics or not, when a travel ban hits you cannot say, Im not political. When the effects of Trumps laws start kicking in, you cant say, Oh, Im not really into politics. How has your job changed so far under the Trump presidency? My job changed from the time Trump won the election. We stepped up. I know I changed gears, because the thing I struggled with trying to explain to people before the election was, why do you want me to be angry? People were like, Why arent you angry? Why arent you outraged? And I said, theres nothing to be outraged about right now. There were moments where you could find yourself being angry about whats happening, but you cannot exist in a constant state of outrage when nothing is actually happening. After the election I realized why. If I was at a level 10 outrage before the election, what would I be at now? Theres nothing higher. Whereas now, I can see a distinct change in the way I approach the show. I know that if you are a Muslim person now in America, before you were on edge but now you are terrified, because youre seeing these dominoes fall toward a point where you are labeled an enemy of the state. If you are an immigrant or a child of immigrants in America right now, you are not in a comfortable space, you are afraid. And so that has definitely changed how we function on the show. Do you feel outraged? There are moments. Its weird because it fluctuates between outrage and incredulousness and shock and disgust and disbelief. Its a range of emotions every single day. Because its not like this administration is operating precisely. If they were, then youd be able to maintain an emotion. This is like an apocalypse riding in a clown car. I dont even know how to feel about this. This past week you covered Trumps press conference and you talked about how you basically had to throw out the entire show after that happened. What is that process like when you guys have to really start from scratch? What we started realizing was, Donald Trump, unlike most politicians before him, does not adhere to the regular news cycle. He doesnt communicate through regular channels. So what that means is, you cannot rely on the news remaining the same from the night before until the next evening. Donald Trump will create news in the middle of the day, randomly. If you look at the work day that hes set for himself, he reportedly ends his day around 5 or 6 p.m. Most late-night shows tape in the afternoon, anywhere from 5 p.m. to 6:30, so if the person is creating news when youre recording your show, you have to re-look at how you do your show. So thats what we started doing, because you want to give the viewers the freshest content. If youre talking about something that happened yesterday and since that time, this guy has declared war on several different groups of people, you want to have that on the show. I feel like a lot of people just kind of stopped working and stared at that press conference for an hour and 15 minutes. Is that what happened at your office? Thats exactly what happened. When it started, Donald Trump was just sort of reading and he was calm. And then it just turned into a monster and it was like, wow, OK, this is special. And you couldnt ignore it. Hes obviously created a lot of challenges for the press with his fake news narrative . How do you think the media is doing so far at covering him? I think the media is stepping up, I wont lie. I think news organizations are really stepping up. The only thing that Im not a fan of is when some news stations or news anchors make it feel like theyre stepping up as revenge because of what Donald Trump is saying about them. Thats not why you should be doing it. News should be news, and whether the president likes you or not, you should be delivering the same news. But I wont lie, everyone from [George] Stephanopoulos to Chuck Todd to Jake Tapper , youre seeing news anchors that are really, really upping their game. Even people on Fox News like Bill OReilly, he hasnt just succumbed to Trump . He calls Trump out. And you can see a lot of the more extreme voices on Fox News starting to hate him for that. Shep Smith the other day, he came out and said something, and people were like #FireShep, that was the new hashtag that was trending. Shep is the new Megyn Kelly, kick him out. So there are a lot of great journalists who are doing a lot of great work out there. Were talking the morning after Bill Maher had Milo Yiannopoulos on his HBO show . He got a lot of blowback for booking him in the first place and then got even more criticism for letting him off kind of easy . You got a better response for your interview with Tomi Lahren , which also got a lot of attention. How do you balance giving someone like that, who you might not agree with, a platform versus having them on and debating them and holding them to account? I think the question you have to ask yourself is, what is your intention? Why are you having the person on? I dont ever wish to have somebody on the show just for the sake of having them on the show. I dont ever wish to provide hate a platform. There may be people who you feel are hateful, who are saying things you feel are just being said to incite. But if they truly dont believe that from their side, then maybe there is a discussion to be had. Now will the discussion bear fruit, will it always yield some sort of consensus? You never know that until you have the interview. What I always aim to do though is make sure that I know what my intention is going in. I would never want someone to have, as you say, a platform. But when you are challenging somebody and when you dont allow that person to walk away with unchallenged views or let them spew things that are completely incorrect, then youre not giving them a platform. But the same way I play clips that I dont agree with and then challenge arguments is what I would do when certain guests come on the show. What about someone like Kellyanne Conway? She has now been banned from Morning Joe and CNN for a while was saying they werent going to have her on because of credibility issues . Is that someone you would welcome on your show and how would you approach an interview with her? I dont know if we would. I mean, I guess we probably would but thats the thing. Why would we be having Kellyanne Conway on? Because news organizations, Im glad that theyve picked up on that. If the person is not coming to provide clarity thats the sole reason that people were having Kellyanne Conway on. They go, Kellyanne, you are the voice of the administration, you will provide clarity on what Donald Trump has said or done. If you realize suddenly that she is not doing that, then why are you having that person on? There is no point. There is literally no point at all. If every interview ends with you being more confused than you were when the interview started, then you start to realize theres no point. So I say kudos to them, because at the end of day the only reason these organizations have people from the administration on is they are meant to provide clarity. And if theyre not doing that, the news can still do the news without them. The news can still report. And thats what journalism is all about. You get the information and you pass it onto the viewer. Do you think Trump will ever appear on The Daily Show? I doubt it. Trump is in a world where he truly only wants to associate himself with people that like him. And so, unless The Daily Show turned around and said, Were really sorry, Trump, youre actually a really great leader, I dont think well ever see him coming on the show. I dont think Trump has the balls to go on a show where people dont like him. You saw him at the press conference, what did he say? Can I get an easy question? And the guy got up, gave him the easiest question in the world . All he had to say was, were going to stamp out anti-Semitism and once again, Donald Trump failed to say hes going to stamp out anti-Semitism or hes opposed to it 100 percent. That was the craziest moment where I was like, wow, this guy really doesnt seem to get it. Youve made it known that you are open to hosting the White House Correspondents Dinner. If it even happens, and if you were chosen, what would you hope to accomplish on that night? Id hope to accomplish what any great White House Correspondents Dinner host would hope to accomplish, which is a good strong show thats funny and truthful. Thats really all the White House Correspondents Dinner should be. All the greats that hosted it have achieved that and thats what I would hope to do. Thats the one thing thats really great about it, is you have a simple goal if you are a comedian, and that is truth through comedy and thats it. Its as simple as that. Obama was known for being pretty hilarious at those events. How do you think Trump would do on that podium? I dont think hes going to do that well. Hes not great at delivering a joke that was written for him. Hes good in the moment at riffing and stuff, but hes not particularly good at like, reading, in general. So I dont think hell do that well. Hes not really that charismatic when hes delivering someone elses words. I wonder if they will have the event or not. I will say this though: The irony in any country is, if you track satire and comedy, you will always find them in countries where there is no revolution. If you look at the Arab Spring, if you look at Egypt and those places, its when they started shutting down free speech that people started taking to the streets. Because there is a fine balance that is achieved between any administration and the populace with allowing them to say how they feel about what is happening. And once you start shutting that down, the people feel like they no longer have a voice or a space to amplify their thoughts. The White House Correspondents Dinner not being there could just be one step closer to the people feeling like this man is trying to set up his authoritarian regime. So if Trump doesnt want a revolution he should let comedians say whatever they want about him? Hey, you never know. PARIS European politicians and policy makers have begun to feel theyre watching a horror movie: the tale of an American administration with a split personality as sinister as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hydethe first perfectly reasonable and sociable, the other monstrous, unable, and unwilling to control its impulses. And all this as the very existence of the European Union and the credibility of NATO hang in the balance with far-right populists like Geert Wilders in the Netherlands and Marine Le Pen in France potentially set to gain enormous power through upcoming elections. The respected French daily Le Monde describes this administration as one where theres a civil war at the top between the rationals and the radicals. And over the last few days the rationalsVice President Mike Pence, Secretary of Defense Gen. John Mattis, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Secretary of Homeland Security Gen. John Kellyhave been in Europe trying to find ways to say that the president does not really mean what he has said again, and again, and again, and keeps on saying. No, the rationals insisted, NATO is not obsolete. Yes, the United States supports the European Union. And the rationals might have succeeded in convincing their closest European friends that the U.S. commitment was as serious as it soundeduntil Europe saw video of President Donald Trump soaking up adoration at a staged rally in Florida on Saturday, as if slobbering fans could vindicate his trademark incoherence. The rally was the antithesis of reasonable discourse, and a potent reminder for many that Disrupter-in-Chief Steve Bannon continues pushing an agenda that will break up the EU, and diminish NATO while exalting Russia and its Putinesque authoritarianism. Trumps craving for love and admiration and adoration can make him extraordinarily sensitive to whoever would influence him, says Francois Heisbourg, a veteran of the European policy establishment who is now affiliated with the Foundation for Strategic Reasearch. Every single ally of the United States now has to think of hedging, said Heisbourg. With diminishing confidence in support by the American superpower, many leaders in Europe will look to cut deals with Russian President Vladimir Putin that may compromise their participation in the Atlantic Alliance. As far away as Australia, another importante American ally, the inclination will be to curry favor with China at the expense of American interests if Australians believe Washington no longer has their back. As traditional alliances fall apart, Russia and China will emerge as much stronger regional and global powers. So its little wonder that Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the annual Munich Security Conference on Saturday, proclaimed the coming of a post-West world order. And what was the American response? Part of the tradition at the Munich conference over the last half a century is that speakers answer questions after they have presented their prepared remarks. But the American delegation declined to do so. The Americans, as Le Monde put it, preferred not to find themselves in the uncomfortable position of not knowing what to say. In a world trying to navigate multiple crises, the overall impression is that the U.S.S. Trump is a rudderless flagship. Staffan de Mistura, the United Nations envoy trying to forge some sort of peace settlement in Syria, noted, The big question is where is the United States in all this? He couldnt say. Former NATO chief and EU foreign policy czar Javier Solana said Pence talked to the Munich conference as if to a bunch of children: I love you, I love you, but with no substance. Others discerned an almost mutinous undercurrent at the conference. Early on, U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) gave a speech that drew a clear line between the (unnamed) U.S. president and his more rational, professional Cabinet. McCain denounced those who turn away from universal values and toward old ties of blood, and race, and sectarianism. He decried the hardening resentment we see toward immigrants, and refugees, and minority groups, especially Muslims. He noted with alarm the growing inability, and even unwillingness, to separate truth from lies, and the extent to which more and more of our fellow citizens seem to be flirting with authoritarianism and romanticizing it as our moral equivalent. Giving Pence, Mattis, and Kelly a shout-out, McCain said neither he nor they would be laying down the mantle of global leadership. And when the White House announced Monday that hard-driving H.R. McMaster, another general, would take over the position of national security adviser, McCain welcomed the appointment as if hed just had a star player added to his team: I give President Trump great credit for this decision, as well as his national security cabinet choices. I could not imagine a better, more capable national security team than the one we have right now. At the Munich conference, when Pence made his appearance, he struck many in the audience as somebody attempting to and succeeding in projecting the image of someone who is mainstream, said one participant. The vice president spoke in the dulcet tones he learned working as a radio and TV talk show host. And, as the same observer put it, the sentences Pence spoke had a subject and a verbwe are not used to this anymore. I had the impression he was positioning himself as Gerry Ford, said this participant, alluding to the man who became vice president and then president as the government of Richard Nixon collapsed in 1974. As Heisbourg put it, Pence gave the impression that if stuff happens, there will be an adult around. That would seem the least Europe could hope for. The very least. Fox News Tucker Carlson had a hard time booking Olga Lexell, the creator and co-organizer of the nationwide Not My Presidents Day protests on Monday. So, after repeated refusals, Carlsons show instead booked Shane Saunders, a Los Angeles-based actor and casting agent, who Lexell said was not affiliated in any way with our rallies and was not an organizer. In the five-minute segment, Saunders was referred to as an organizer by an on-screen graphic and Carlson himself, who also asked Saunders about why your protest is going to make a difference. It's frustrating because, with the exception of one person, all of the organizers are women, Lexell told The Daily Beast. For a man who knows nothing about the protests to go on TV unprepared, misrepresent our message, take credit for our weeks of hard work, and make us look badand for Tucker Carlson's team to go along with itis just disappointing. Lexell said Carlsons producers reached out to all of the nationwide organizers on Facebook and proceeded to Facebook message us on Monday, asking them to be on the show. She initially said yes, just to bide (our) time while I contacted everyone. Once everyone was on the same page, I canceled (and) made some jokes about how I'd meet Tucker for brunch, she said. He responded by begging me to come on the show. Emails Lexell posted on Twitter and provided to The Daily Beast show Carlson sending two personal requests for Lexell to appear on his show, which she declined. Carlson has been accused of blindsiding his guests and keeping them from issuing fully formed answers by reporters like the Washington Posts Erik Wemple, who wrote just that after appearing on Fox News in primetime last week. This led to other writers, like Alex Pareene at Deadspin, to implore potential Carlson guests to learn from Wemples appearance and Don't Volunteer To Be Ambushed On Television . Saunders, who Lexell said saw her post the jokes about not wanting to go on Tucker's show and replied with a bunch of comments he's since deleted, was then booked in her stead. I told him that we had just organized a massive rally with ample news coverage and that we didn't need to go on Tucker Carlson's show to validate that, she said. She insists Saunders, who she says is a friend of some friends of mine, had nothing to do with organizing the protests. He was not involved in the planning of the protests in any way, at any point, ever, she said. Heather (Mason) and I organized the LA event that started the whole thing, and we had specific contacts in the other cities who had dealt with media outreach before. We know everyone who was involved on every team. Mason, the event's co-organizer, believes "Carlson's team either didn't vet him or didn't care that he wasn't involved." "Shane wasn't involved in organizing the protests, yet inserted himself into the narrative for some unknown reason without authority on the subject. I don't know what in the world would make him think that was a good idea or even one that made logical sense," said Mason. "He didn't clarify his role in the protests and proceeded to lock his Twitter account after I asked him if he attended." Saunders told The Daily Beast he went on the show under the conditions that I wouldnt allow my words to be twisted by Tucker Carlson. "They said it would be a very simple segment about you as a protestor at todays rally," said Saunders, who said "works on the other side of (acting) now" in a writers room. "I never once said I was an organizer of the event." Saunders said that Lexell, whom he says he's never met in person, has been "thrown off on this wild course of craziness right now" since the interview "blew up in a way that I never wouldve imagined." After Saunders appeared on the show, Lexell emailed the shows producers to let them know of the extent of his involvement in the protests, which totaled about 13,000 people in New York alone. Hey just so you guys know, that guy who you got on the show isn't affiliated with our event and didn't even attend any of the protests. I know him in real life and he's an aspiring actor, she said. (Saunders said he attended the event and is now working in a writer's room.) Okay, one of Carlsons producers responded. Update: Fox News' Justin Wells, Executive Producer of Tucker Carlson Tonight, has issued a statement to The Daily Beast regarding the segment. "The program incorrectly identified a Los Angeles based protest participant as a protest organizer in a graphic during Monday nights telecast. While he was correctly identified in the introduction to the segment, we regret the graphic didnt accurately reflect his role throughout the entire segment." The story was also updated to include comment from Saunders. While President Trump doubles down on the hypothetical threats of incoming terrorists posing as refugees, he might be ignoring a very real concern here at home: The U.S. is largely underprepared to detect or respond to the threat of a radiological terrorist attack on American soil. A so-called Red Team from the U.S. federal agency charged with evaluating domestic capabilities to defend against dirty bomb and weapons of mass destruction attacks found gaping holes in domestic nuclear detection and defense capabilities and massive failures during covert testing. Thats according to the most recent annual report by the Department of Homeland Securitys Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. The Red Team found significant issues in detecting dangerous radioactive and nuclear materials, failing to do so in 30 percent of covert tests conducted over the course of the year. In far too many cases, the person operating the detection device had no idea how to use it. And when the operator did get a hit, he or she relayed sensitive information over unsecured open radio channels. The Red Team report, dated July 2016 and reviewed by The Daily Beast, summarizes a years worth of covert and overt testing of nuclear and radiological detection and response capabilities. These tests were performed by a broad range state, local, federal, and tribal agencies and across a range of venues: at border points of entry, in aviation and maritime environments, during large public events like the Super Bowl or Inauguration, and at regular checkpoints around the country. Dozens of FBI and DHS intelligence reports issued in the last six months and reviewed by The Daily Beast outline the current threat landscape, identifying the biggest concerns: Rising homegrown radicalization of U.S. citizens and renewed calls by terror groups to carry out dirty bomb and weapons of mass destruction attacks on targets throughout the United States. For example, in May, a pro-Islamic State outfit published a detailed document explaining the concept of making a radiological weapon. The instructions included photo instructions and promised death by radiation poisoning. The missive was distributed via Telegram, the secure messaging app, and on Twitter. A five-page translation produced by SITE Intel Group was circulated the same day to the FBI and other counterterrorism agencies and divisions. In November, DNDO distributed an article from the recent Military Review headlined The Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Terrorism Threat from the Islamic State. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly acknowledges this threat and said in an interview with Fox News conducted right after his confirmation that nuclear and radiological detection capabilities would be included in the construction of Trumps proposed border wall. But according to the July 2016 Red Team report, local and federal agencies had ongoing and serious problems fulfilling even the most basic aspects of that mission at the border and elsewhere. In the most basic sense, the Red Team is in charge of assessing the abilities of a massive interconnected web of thousands of agencies and fusion centers and task forces that make up the nationwide network designed to detect and respond to domestic nuclear and radiological threats. Every year the Red Team conducts covert and overt tests all over the country to determine two things: Can the U.S. effectively detect and identify these materials? And can it follow proper communication protocols to alert appropriate agencies whose job it is to conduct secondary testing or minimize harm to the public during emergency events? (The answers: not really, and no.) The Red Team report noted a continued and widespread failure to detect and identify the presence of neutron radiation, also highlighted in the report. This is a big deal because illegally trafficked nuclear and radiological materials are often smuggled inside stolen nuclear density gauges, a type of soil-measuring device used in construction and mining that is highly regulated by federal agencies and extremely dangerous if handled improperly. They contain dangerous levels of radiation and are reported missing or stolen from U.S. facilities about 25 times a year. In 40 percent of all assessments, the Red Team found issues associated with equipment damages or malfunctions made far worse by ad hoc attempts to prevent overheating or fix devices by placing them in the freezer for no reason. This did not work, obviously. During covert testing, important checkpoints outside high population cities repeatedly failed to detect the radiological and nuclear materials. One time, in the middle of the day a critical checkpoint was entirely abandoned and left unmanned while all the operators attended the same training. Not a single person was there to prevent the Red Team from walking right through with hazardous materials. In 70 percent of its tests, the Red Team found that operators ability to do their jobs was inhibited because they werent trained in what the information on their device meant. Certain colored lights, for example, indicate the presence of specific materialsand those operating the devices had no idea what those indicators or colors were or what any of the icons on the panel screen represented. The final issue, found in 50 percent of assessments, involves issues involving reachbackthe term used to describe the successful relaying of radiological and nuclear data through designated pathways to the appropriate state or federal or other agency for further analysis in a timely and effective manner. Relaying critical information during nuclear or radiological events was the most challenging aspect of the entire radiological and nuclear detection mission. The federal government does not maintain an in-depth database of deployed nuclear and radiological detection capabilities, so the feds rely on this failed information sharing process for locating detection equipment and responding to emergency events like terrorist attacks. The country is running blind while everyone fumbles to relay the data down the line. Even more frustrating is just how simple and easily fixable this is. The biggest threat to the entire countrys domestic nuclear detection architecture all comes down to failures attributed to out-of-date software, lost or forgotten passwords, bad or no cell or wireless coverage, and failure to bring the right cable to plug into the device. The report concluded: Agency leaders must continually emphasize the consequences of a nuclear or radiological attack on the homelandfrontline supervisors must ensure the frontline operators conduct these duties, and they should all show up for work when theyre supposed to. That frequently cited apathetic or complacent view toward nuclear and radiological threat detection and ongoing failures to keep critical detection checkpoints manned during regular business hours are embarrassingly simple problems that could have devastating consequences, counterterrorism officials told The Daily Beast. The combined increases in homegrown radicalization of U.S. citizens and calls by ISIS to carry out nuclear and chemical attacks on American soil are among the most serious threats facing the country, according to dozens of FBI and DHS intelligence reports issued over the past six months and interviews with counterterrorism officials at those agencies. In his opening remarks at the Nuclear Security Summit just a few months before the Red Team report was issued, President Obama stated that the danger of a terrorist group obtaining and using a nuclear weapon is one of the greatest threats to global security. The Trump administrations hardline and vocal anti-immigration stance will make this pressure cooker of a situation even more volatile, as aspiring foreign fighters refocus their efforts on domestic attacks out of concern that if they leave the country, they wont be allowed to return. It doesnt matter what happens in court, explained one administration official, referring to the executive order banning travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations. Its about the appearance of increased scrutiny at the border that will keep a lot of wannabe foreign fighters from going anywhere, explained one administration counterterrorism official. So youve got a bunch of idiots whod probably be killed in Syria but now theyre like, What if I cant come home to mommy and daddy? This view was echoed by officials and law enforcement military and congressional officials who nearly all enthusiastically support the refugee ban but spoke out of frustration that media attention might be the only way to quickly mobilize resources to harden domestic nuclear defense amid what they all said was a significant, urgent national security threat not getting enough attention from the president. There is no law compelling DHS and other agencies to adopt the recommendations of the Red Team reportand if the references to similar problems the previous year in the report are any indication, these recommendations are not always or often followed. The current gaping holes in U.S. nuclear and radiological detection capabilities are significant, but many can be quickly and immediately fixed, said law enforcement officials at TSA, Customs and Border Patrol, and U.S. Secret Serviceall of whom carry the detection devices tested by the Red Team. The biggest obstacle? Working better each other. Each source laughed when asked if better interagency cooperation could also be fixed easily and quickly. Nobody talks to anybody and when we look at something and clear it, we will see somebody else wasting their time checking the same thing, said one TSA official. We dont know what they do or how, so we do what we do and they do what they do, said a Secret Service official. I tend to think Red Team reports are bullshit, but I guess they have a point here. The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on the specific Red Team report, citing policy not to discuss sensitive items. A spokesperson, however, assured The Daily Beast that much was being done to improve domestic detection capabilities. DNDO provides direct support for and guidance on how to develop, implement, enhance, and sustain radiological and nuclear detection programs and capabilities, the DHS official said in an emailed statement. This support includes instructor-led classroom training that is offered through DNDO at no cost to the receiving agencies, operations-based exercises that assist partners in improving their capabilities, and 24/7 access to alarm adjudication and technical reachback for operators in the field. Our assessments of detection capabilities are part of an ongoing effort to continually evaluate and improve the nations radiological and nuclear detection capabilities. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get local news delivered to your inbox! Subscribe to our Daily Headlines newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Life comes at you fast-these days, it seems, at the speed of light. The first 100 days of any new presidential administration bring a flurry of actions and reactions, but this first month alone has been a blizzard of executive orders, presidential tweets, and momentous events-among them an immigration order that created havoc at airports before being blocked in court, dozens of large protest marches, anarchists in the streets of Berkeley, one nomination to the Supreme Court, one national security adviser's resignation, and, for good measure, a North Korean missile test. News readership is on the rise. The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the New Yorker are just a few of the publications reporting post-election subscription bumps. Leading up to the inauguration, news consumers spent 42 percent more time in the newspaper category last year than in 2015, and in the political news category 180 percent more, Comscore reports. Meanwhile, "fake news" is proliferating on the right, as the left jumps into the fray with anti-Trump conspiracy theories. It's no surprise so many Americans report experiencing more stress than usual, overwhelmed by the daily barrage. "When threatened or apprehensive, we don't process information the same way," said Anthony L. Rostain, professor of psychiatry at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "It's good for short periods of time, or when you really are in danger. But to be in that state constantly is both exhausting emotionally and inefficient in getting things done." Below, some advice to help keep you informed and reasonably sane. --- How to tell if a story is for real? Experts say the best indicator is the feeling it elicits. "My biggest rule of thumb is if it arouses an emotional response in you, double-check it," said Brooke Binkowksi, managing editor at Snopes, a website that specializes in debunking popular internet myths from both the left and the right. "They upset you because they're meant to." When a story seems outrageous, such as a five-year-old Syrian refugee shown in handcuffs before deportation, it might not be true-or entirely true. That Syrian girl wasn't in handcuffs, her father said after he had heard the reports, and they aren't refugees. The photo shows detained Syrians trying to go on vacation who, despite their visas, were denied entry and had to return home. Binkowski and D.C. Vito, executive director of the Lamp, which teaches media literacy in New York, suggest searching for a second source, especially when a story is incendiary. Sticking to stories reported by established news media can help. For different perspectives on U.S. events, Binkowski recommends getting news from a variety of outlets, such as CNN, MSNBC, and Fox, as well as overseas outlets such as the BBC and Al Jazeera. "I am not in the camp that Fox News is evil," she said. When a story comes to you through social media, take a moment to determine whether the news source is trustworthy. A photo with a message that it "comes from a friend" probably isn't. "Examine the byline. Make sure you're looking at a name that seems like a name," Vito said. "Does the author provide sources to claims that they're making? Look at the ads on the page. Are they adult-oriented? All news has bias, but is it so overt that you can just sense it's immediately making you mad as hell?" --- Pacing your news consumption will help you manage your reactions, and will also make you less likely to spread misinformation. "Even before news breaks on channels, you have social media talking about it," said Farha Abbasi, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Michigan State University and director of the Muslim Mental Health Conference. "It's constant. Your mind doesn't have time to digest one piece of information and you're getting another." Vito says slow down. "Reading the first report is never really important," he said, noting that early reports are often the least accurate. You don't need to watch every story unfold in real time. "You have to figure out a sustainable schedule for yourself," said Vaile Wright, director of research and special projects at the American Psychological Association. "It's upon us as citizens to be paying attention, but we need to know our own limits." Give yourself an hour in the morning to read the news, an hour at night, or both, and then get back to your life. The rest of the day, prioritize. "Keep focused on what you need to get done and try to minimize off-task behavior as much as possible," said Rostain, who is also the co-author of "The Adult ADHD Tool Kit: Using CBT to Facilitate Coping Inside and Out." Following the news constantly not only makes people more anxious, it's also a "time killer," he said. You need to take a step back and "create a space around you and the task at hand so that you can complete it." If your job requires you to be constantly up-to-date on the news, make time to look away. "You have to carve out that time where you can take a break," Wright said. Being out of the loop for an hour isn't going to make you worse at your job, but better, said Sallie Richards, a clinical psychologist at Rural Mental Health Associates Inc. in Oil City, Pa. That's especially true if you read or hear something that upsets you. "When we identify something that is triggering an emotional reaction, having a break helps maintain our strength and endurance, which helps us continue on effectively," she said. Parents might consider changing their normal news consumption habits so their kids aren't exposed to vulgar language or a drumbeat of angry exchanges, said Mona Damluji, an assistant professor of film and media studies at the University of California-Santa Barbara. The point is to take action. "Don't overestimate your own self-control," said Keith Humphreys, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford Medicine and former policy adviser to the White House under President Barack Obama. "It's really hard to have your phone and not look at it." If you're setting aside screen-free time, he said, "the best thing is to turn it off or don't bring it with you." You might even consider turning off all notifications. And if ever there was a time to break the before-bed phone habit, this is it. "It's bad to look at screens right before bed anyway," Humphreys said, noting the research that has shown blue light to disrupt sleep. "Going to bed terrified and enraged is going to cause you misery." --- Even the most fastidious news consumers will sometimes get sucked into emotionally charged stories too quickly to recognize that they might not be true. And even real events can be deeply troubling. You probably can't control what just happened, but you can control how you react to it. Instead of sharing these stories to Facebook, "have a few friends-two or three people on a text thread-for when something upsetting happens in the news," said Tara Well, an associate professor of psychology at Barnard College. "Stay supportive and close with those people," whatever your politics. This can help avoid the "emotional contagion" of social media, where feelings of fear can spread quickly, warranted or not. Take self-care seriously. Don't let your regular healthy habits-eating, exercise, sleeping-go out the window. Add new healthy habits to your routine, and implement them when you need them. Well recommends mirror meditation, starting with 10 silent minutes of thought while staring in the mirror. Abbasi, the psychiatry professor at Michigan State, is a fan of laughter yoga. "Laughter is free, it is infectious, and it helps your stress levels go down," she said. Mindfulness and finding ways to be in the moment by focusing on your senses and deep breathing are important, Richards said. If you've never meditated, you're in luck-there is no shortage of apps available to teach you how to do it. Good old-fashioned therapy still works and can be done through an app now, too. Replace some of your news consumption with uplifting content, whatever that is for you. Damluji, the media studies professor, has created a new playlist for background audio she wants children to hear, including Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I have a dream" speech and the work of Warsan Shire, a London-based Somali poet. Writing or calling your senators and state representatives to advocate for the institutions and programs you believe in, or becoming active in your local community, can help you cope in tough times, said Abbasi, who spoke at the Women's March at the Capitol steps in Lansing, Mich. "However raw and depleted and underprivileged you are feeling, there is someone out there you can reach out to and share the pain." She encourages everyone, of every political stripe, to volunteer for a cause. "Giving social support can be even more helpful than getting it," said Humphreys, who also recommends finding opportunities to serve through a faith community of some kind. "It gets us out of ourselves and gives us a sense of competence. Even just taking time to tell a colleague that you value them as a co-worker. It's good for your own well-being to do that." Don't disengage. "I wouldn't advocate that people become totally unplugged, uninformed, and unaware of what's going on," Damluji said. "I think we could schedule our time or consumption of information so that it is not spilling over and consuming every waking moment." Thumbs Down: The 10 Worst States For High Earners by Ashlea Ebeling, Forbes, February 21, 2017 (excerpts) High earners who live in these taxing states can expect a big bill at tax time. It could get worse. In New York, Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling to extend New Yorks 2009 temporary millionaires income tax through 2020, and Assembly Democrats want a new 10% top rate for $100-million-plus earners. Hawaii stays on the list although it let a temporary 2009 tax hike with a top rate of 11% expire in 2015. These are the 10 most taxing states for the wealthy based on high-income tax rates and the income level at which the most punishing rate kicks in (calculated for a married couple in 2016). HAWAII - 8.25% over $96k. Hawaii exempts all Social Security benefits and some pension, 401(k) and IRA withdrawals from tax Forbes: Blue State Blues: The Great Income Tax Divide read Thumbs Down * * * * * HB209: Progressive Democrats Demand Massive Income Tax Hike on Small Business Owners IM: On Thursday, the House Finance Committee took up the issue of the regressive tax system in Hawai`i. HB 209 would expand the low income-household renters' income tax credit based on adjusted gross income and filing status, establish a state earned income tax credit, and restore the income tax rates for high income brackets that were repealed at the end of 2015. The bill was amended and passed unanimously. (Better Idea: 100% Tax on Vacant Positions) Chair Luke noted that the testimony was an inch-and-a-half thick; some 100 plus testifiers supported passing the legislation (which would squeeze small business, thus making the poor, poorer.). There were at least two groups in opposition: Hawai`i Association of Realtors and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii opposed Section 3. The Tax Foundation of Hawai`i expressed concerns. The Chamber noted that part 3 restores the income tax rates for high income brackets that were repealed on 12/31/15. The Chamber takes no position on the other substantive parts of the bill. This bill adversely affects small businesses and would severely limit their ability to reinvest in their business, create jobs, and keep their small business running. Business owners already face many restrictions and regulations and this bill is just another challenge for small business owners in Hawaii to survive. HB209: Text, Status read Regressive Hunting guides Walker Daugherty and Michael Bryant were leading a hunting party in southern Texas in early January, when they claimed immigrants illegally crossed the nearby Mexico border, converged on their camp in the middle of the night and tried to rob them. Gunfire erupted. When the smoke cleared and the fight was over, Daugherty was bleeding from a shot to his abdomen. Another member of the party had been shot in the arm. After being airlifted to the hospital, the men told authorities that immigrants who crossed the border from Mexico wanted to steal an RV some of the hunters were using. In statements made through friends and family, they went further, suggesting that the assailants wanted to kill everyone in the party, as the Albuquerque Journal reported. A GoFundMe page set up by a family friend to cover Daugherty's medical bills raised $26,300 from more than 200 donors. The story was harrowing, to be sure, not to mention rife with political implications. The Texas Agriculture Commissioner even shared it on his Facebook page, saying it underscored the need for President Trump's proposed border wall. But authorities say it was all a lie. Daugherty and Bryant were indicted last week on one count each of using deadly conduct by discharging firearms in the direction of others, according to CBS 7. Presidio County Sheriff Danny Dominguez told the station that an investigation had found Daugherty and the other injured hunter were struck by friendly fire. There was no sign, he said, that anyone else was involved. It wasn't clear whether Daugherty or Bryant had retained attorneys or entered pleas. Daugherty, Bryant and a group of their clients had been hunting at the Circle Dug Ranch, a 15,000-acre tract of valley land just a few miles from the Mexico border in Texas. On the night of Jan. 6, a deputy in the sheriff's office responded to a call for a shooting, and when he arrived he found Daugherty and 59-year-old Edwin Roberts suffering from gunshot wounds. Authorities were suspicious from the beginning. Prompted by the group's claims that illegal immigrants were responsible, U.S. Border Patrol dispatched 30 agents were to sweep the area, aided by expert trackers and thermal imaging technology, Big Bend Now reported. Daugherty and his fiancee claimed to have previously seen immigrants crossing the border and through their property, according to CBS 7. Within days of the shooting, however, the sheriff 's office said there was "no evidence that suggests cross-border violence" and "no sign of human pedestrian traffic leading to or from the ranch that night." "There were no bullet casings or projectiles from weapons other than those belonging to the individuals hunting on the ranch nor in the RV belonging to the hunting party," the sheriff's office told Big Bend Now in mid-January. By then, however, the rumors had already spread. A rancher and family friend in Arizona released a statement based on the Daugherty family's account, describing the incident as a brutal, calculated attack by "illegal aliens." "The attack has the family concerned that the attack was not just an attempt to rob the property," the statement read, according to the Albuquerque Journal. "They believe the assailants intended to kill all the party. The attackers were strategically placed around the lodge, and the men were fired upon from different areas." Sid Miller, the Texas Agriculture Commissioner, shared the story with his 400,000-plus followers on Facebook. "This is why we need the wall and to secure our borders," Miller wrote in a since-deleted post that was shared more than 6,500 times. "There are violent criminals and members of drug cartels coming in and it must put a stop to it [sic] before we have many more Walker Daughertys." What really happened, Sheriff Dominguez said, was much simpler and less nefarious: Daugherty shot his client, and Bryant shot Daugherty. Dominguez told CBS 7 that the hunters may have become paranoid from reports of violence crossing over the border from Mexico. But he said they need not worry. "Border Patrol are experts in tracking in this area," Dominguez said. "We trust what they say because that's all they do on a daily basis, and they didn't find no sign, no indication that there was anybody in or out of that area that night." Three Rising Up! activists thius morning blockading the main access road into Heathrow Terminals 1, 2 and 3, chaining themselves to a vehicle in protest against the proposed third runway. The protest comes during the four-month long public consultation on its decision to expand Britain's biggest airport. In a statement the Metropolitan Police said officers attended the scene at 8.25am and arrested two people for obstructing a highway. Three protesters were locked to one of the vehicles and the drivers of two of the cars were apprehended. Long tailbacks were caused to traffic trying to reach the airport on the M4 and other roads. Rising Up! Spokesperson Laura Bedford explained the motivations for the disruption: "Rising Up! has taken this action today to show solidarity with those people worst affected by Heathrow expansion. Thousands of local residents are set to lose their homes and 300,000 people a year lose their lives due to effects of climate change, most of these being black, brown and indigenous peoples in the global south." UK inflicting 'climate disaster' on world's poorest She continued: "A third runway will be disastrous for the climate: the extra 250,000 flights a year will emit as much carbon dioxide as the entire country of Kenya at a time when we need to be reducing CO 2 emissions in line with the 2008 climate change act. It is the responsibility of those people who have the privilege to take action to take a stand with those most affected and prevent climate chaos." "The leader of the world's dirtiest economy may be a passionate climate change denier, but the decision to expand Heathrow shows that Theresa May is Trump's political ally in enacting this life-destroying extremism. The need to take action is immediate. We must fight this global rise in intolerance and stand up for social, economic and environmental justice." Local resident Neil Keveren said: "Whilst an Austrian court has just blocked the construction of a new runway at Vienna's airport on climate grounds, the UK blindly continues to pursue this dangerous programme of expansion. The approval of a third runway would mean the absolute triumph of profit over people and reason. "Heathrow airport would be the biggest single source of carbon dioxide in the UK, bigger than Drax power station. The government's U-turn on the third runway shows democracy has failed us. But it doesn't matter what Theresa May says, we won't give up, we'll keep fighting to protect our homes. There will be no third runway." Our Submission to the Heathrow Consultation from Ri Singup on Vimeo. 'Illegitimate and undemocratic' Simon Bramwell, one of the activists involved today said: "Heathrow's consultation process is illegitimate and undemocratic, conducted around the assumption that airport expansion is an option. This blockade is our contribution to the consultation: a 3rd runway is a disastrous option that will lead to climate chaos. "I look upon my niece and nephew, upon the children who will inherit the future we are creating right now and my conscience tells me to act. "I am breaking conditions imposed on me by the courts, following road blockades in November but the government is not listening to the science or to our concerns. They have left us with no alternative but to keep taking action. We will not stop until plans to build another runway are fully and finally shut down." Action: Rising Up!, are holding an open public meeting on March 2nd in Hammersmith to discuss ways to fight against Heathrow expansion. Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ... BILLINGS A pared-down bill to add two district court judges in Yellowstone County and one in Missoula County was approved unanimously by the House Appropriations Committee Monday and will face a third House reading before heading to the Senate. The committee vote was 22-0. House Bill 44, introduced by Rep. Jeff Essmann, R-Billings, at the request of the Montana Supreme Court, will cost about $843,000 during the second half of the 2018-19 fiscal year and about $1.37 million, the second year, and $1.39 million the third. The cost includes three new district court judges, three court reporters, three judicial assistants and two law clerks. Initially, the two new judges elected to the bench in Yellowstone County will share a law clerk. The bill is designed in part to ease the caseloads of the six judges in the Billings-based 13th Judicial District, Mike McGrath, chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, told the committee Monday. Nearly 20 percent of the 55,000 or so Montana cases filed annually in district court are in the 13th district, he said. The judges caseload means that civil and commercial litigation cases in Yellowstone County can be delayed up to two years, McGrath said. "It's fair to characterize that courthouse as a zoo," he said. Cases involving the abuse or neglect of young children are cases that need to be resolved quickly, McGrath said, so that decisions can be made about where and who they are going to live with. Ed Bartlett, representing the Montana Judges Association, the State Bar of Montana and the Montana Chamber of Commerce, said that while the committee is most interested in cost need and cost go together. We hope youll determine this is not a substantial cost. Its a reasonable cost for judges and their staff. Yellowstone County Commissioners have assured judicial officials they will have space for the two new judges in time for the beginning of their terms, on Jan. 2, 2019. The Missoula County Courthouse already has space for its additional judge. Dustin Monroe held up an old Gatorade bottle filled with orange, oil-contaminated water and implored Montana legislators to approve a bill that would ban fossil fuel pipelines from crossing under rivers and lakes. How many of us in this room would drink this? Monroe, CEO of Native Generational Change, asked the House Federal Relations, Energy and Telecommunications Committee during a hearing for House Bill 486 on Monday. The measure would ban pipelines with a diameter of 10 inches or greater from going under navigable water bodies and establish construction requirements for them to cross aboveground, including rules on casings and leak detection. The new regulations would apply to fossil fuels such as crude petroleum, coal and their products. The bills introduction comes after several major spills into Montana rivers over the last decade, ranging from Glendive to Billings. And it comes as the nation debates the best methods to transport crude oil, what risk to water sources is acceptable, and how far tribal sovereignty extends when projects cross aboriginal lands that are no longer tribally owned, as was the case outside Standing Rock where thousands have gathered for months to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline. The decision by President Donald Trump in January to revive the Keystone XL pipeline project with a handful of executive actions drew a mixed response. As proposed, 284 miles of the 1,700-mile project would cut through Montana, crossing the Canadian border north of Malta and passing into South Dakota north of Ekalaka. It would cross the Missouri River near Fort Peck and the Yellowstone River south of Glendive. It would transport Canadian Tar Sands crude -- argued to be more difficult or impossible to clean up because it is thicker than other oils -- to southern U.S. refineries and ports. The current industry standard for crossing streams, rivers and lakes is to use horizontal drilling -- the same technology used in some oil exploration -- to dig tunnels underneath them. Federal rules require pipelines to be at least four feet deeper than water bodies, but opponents of the bill said Monday most are now dug 20 to 60 feet deep, depending on geographic features. Rep. George Kipp III said the bill, which he introduced, is as much about protecting underground aquifers from contamination as it is about rivers and streams. The further you get from the surface, the closer you get to the (aquifers) down there, he said. Its not reasonable, its not rational to go between two fresh water sources with a major contaminant. The Heart Butte Democrat and Blackfeet tribal member said Montana needs to take a more hands-on approach to fulfilling the state constitutions requirement for a clean and healthful environment by updating and expanding its oversight of how these products are transported across the state. It is time for the State of Montana and this legislative body to start structuring some sideboards and provide some controlsAs we know, all manmade objects are designed to break at some point in time, he said. Ask yourself, how do you fix a leak 40 feet under the water? How do you protect the aquifer under it? How do you preserve that water for your grandchildren? I think going overhead is a simple fix that allows you to actually get to a line and fix it. Representatives from several tribal and environmental organizations, including Indian Peoples Action and the Montana Environmental Information Center testified in support of the bill. Opponents included the Montana Petroleum Association, representatives from pipeline and refinery companies and the AFL-CIO, the states largest union. This is the most safe way to do it, MPA Spokeswoman Jessica Sena said of underground transmission arguing against crossing rivers aboveground. Theyre more exposed. Weve seen pipeline tampering. Weve seen protests I dont think this will make anything more safe. Gary Forrester of WBI Energy worried that moving pipelines to the surface would be a perfect invitation for somebody thats willing to create an act of terror. The Glendive-based company was fined after a natural gas pipeline near Laurel broke that he admits probably wasnt put in deep enough. It has since been replaced at a new depth of 20 feet. Peggy Trenk of the Treasure State Resources Association cited other incidents of aboveground pipelines breaking, such as when one was shot by a drunk man in Alaska and when three teen boys broke one searching for treasure. It just invites people to do stupid things, she said. The committee took no action on the bill Monday. Republicans preferred in Iowas 4 congressional races Republicans hold an advantage in all four of Iowas congressional districts ahead of Election Day, according to a new Iowa Poll. MISSOULA -- A bill to add civil rights protections for LGBT people to the Montana Human Rights Act died on Monday, following debate between Democrats and Republicans about the need for such legislation. A few days earlier, dozens had traveled to Helena to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on House Bill 417. Supporters from Great Falls to Billings shared personal stories of being denied housing, jobs and services because of their sexual orientation or gender identity without any options for legal recourse, sometimes leaving them unable to provide for their families. This is a fundamental American value to protect people from discrimination. People should be able to be who they were born to be, House Minority Leader Jenny Eck, D-Helena, said before Mondays vote. Its long past time we get it passed. Opponents argued the bill would fix a nonexistent problem, encourage immoral lifestyle choices, allow sexual predators into bathrooms and would become a weapon against conservative Christians, citing cases in other states where bakers or florists were fined for refusing to provide wedding services to gay couples. Pointing to studies of 23 other states with similar legislation, experts on the law and sexual violence contradicted claims it would create a public danger or weaken existing protections for religious freedom, noting that the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that commerce is not a religious practice. On Monday, 11 Republicans voted against HB417, and eight Democrats supported it. The committee then tabled the measure, almost certainly killing it. Rep. Bill Harris, R-Winnett, said he would have supported the measure if it would have provided additional protections for religious expression. I would agree the folks in this community deserve the same rights as all the rest of us. In fact I dont see them different than the rest of us. There are some people in this community that have taken it to an extreme and theyre angry people probably, he said, arguing for extra language so the religious community isnt discriminated against without protection no different than the community were visiting about there. Rep. Laurie Bishop, D-Livingston, said those fears ignore the reality of discrimination faced by some Montanans. Rather than step in and provide what seem like the obvious protections for those people, we instead reserve those protections for the imaginary among us, she said. Rep. Lola Sheldon-Galloway, R-Great Falls, fought back tears as she explained her vote against the bill, referencing a history of discrimination and violence against Mormons. In 1930, a state governor extended an extermination order for a religious sect. You could shoot these people on the spot and not get accused of anything. Im part of that group. This extermination order wasnt even relinquished until 1976, she said, noting that the Montana Human Rights Act protected her under the broad term of religion rather than by identifying particular belief systems. She argued, We are not fragmenting as a group and next were going to have another group here that wants their name in here. And another group and another group, but we already have a word in here that covers this, she said, pointing to sex as an existing protection that should already cover LGBT Montanans. Im not trying to divide you. Im trying to include you in and Im offended that I could be told that because Im going to say no to this bill that Im not wrapping my arms around this group and defending them and wanting to stand with them. The stories we heard were wrong. Absolutely wrong. But youre already protected and I will stand with you in that protection. Attorneys and LGBT citizens who had experienced discrimination had testified that, in fact, they are not covered by the existing list of protected classes, in part, because plain language definitions are different from legal ones. If it were enough, we wouldnt even need to have this conversation, Eck said. The fact of the matter is people are being discriminated against and the language in the law as it currently stands is not enough. NORWALK Congressman Jim Himes, the Greenwich Democrat who has represented Connecticuts 4th District since early 2009, could face fire from the political left during a Town Hall meeting at Norwalk Concert Hall on Tuesday evening. Patrick Malone, his communications director, said the event was moved from West Rocks Middle School to the concert hall after we saw very quickly wed probably have more than a thousand people. I think youll see groups from MoveOn.org, Democracy for America, Pantsuit Nation and Indivisible, too, said Malone, referring to groups that have mobilized against the agenda of newly seated Republican President Donald Trump. So you have a wide range of the Democratic constituency there, from people who are very progressive, people who are more moderate, people who are looking for Jim to file articles of impeachment tomorrow, to people who are saying, how are you going to work with Trump? Malone said the energy at the moment in the wake of Trumps election last November is coming from the political left. This is a bigger thing than anything we have seen since the health care town halls eight years ago, but this is part of the job, Malone said. It actually energizes Jim to go out and hear from people rather than hear through a filter. The town hall meeting, which is set for Feb. 21, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Norwalk Concert Hall, 125 East Ave., is among numerous such events nationwide being marked by liberal groups opposed Trumps agenda on health care, immigration and other issues. Progressives energized While Republicans lawmakers have faced the loudest outcry as they return home from Washington, D.C., to speak with constituents at such town hall meetings, Democrats also could get an earful. Theres a lot of progressives in the Fairfield County who want to hold Jim Himes accountable, said Sal Liccione, a Westport Democrat and member of Democracy for America, the liberal political action committee formed by former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean. Jim is a great friend of mine but hes part of the moderate, the Wall Street wing of the Democratic Party. Tuesdays town hall meeting in Norwalk will be the first of three such events held by Himes in the coming weeks. The second is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Bridgeport City Hall. The third is set at 2:30 p.m. March 4 at the UConn Stamford GenRe Auditorium. The town hall meetings come as Himes and other lawmakers return home as part of the first recess of the 115th Congress. Resistance Recess, a self-described grassroots movement supported by MoveOn.org Civic Action and other liberal groups, is encouraging people nationwide to attend the town hall meetings and hold their elected representatives Republicans and Democrats alike accountable to their constituents. Next week's recess is our biggest opportunity yet to make sure that Republicans who side with Trump are held accountable and that Democrats understand that using every single tool at their disposal to block Trumps toxic agenda is not just justified, but absolutely necessary for our democracy and our most cherished values to survive the Trump era, wrote MoveOn.org Organizing Director Victoria Kaplan in a press statement. Resistance Recess has posted a map of the town hall meetings nationwide on its website and is encouraging residents to attend to Save Our Health Care, Our Communities, and Our Democracy. Diverse feedback Unaffiliated voters make up the bulk of people in Norwalk followed by Democrats and Republicans. As such, Himes may hear from constituents of all political stripes Tuesday evening. Andrew T. Conroy, Norwalk Republican Town Committee chairman and a former city councilman from District E, said he plans to attend the town hall meeting and hear what the Democratic congressman has to say. Himes is a congressman and it would be nice to see how he interacts with the public and hear what he has to say, Conroy said. Ive seen Himes make more sense than Chris Murphy on a lot of issues, Conroy said of the Democratic U.S. senator. Conroy expressed hope that the meeting remains civil. He said he witnessed disruptive behavior while he was a student at the University of California, Berkeley, in the late 1960s and saw no point in such behavior. We should attend but we should not disrupt, Conroy said. I dont think getting up and throwing a tantrum accomplishes anything at all. Conroy said Trump has got a lot of learning to do as a newcomer to Washington, D.C., but he added, his over-arching policies, I think, are correct. I know that people give him a spin that hes antisocial and anti the values of America, Conroy said. But the policies are pretty much a businessmans view of ways to get things done in Washington. ObamaCare front and center During his first years in office, Himes faced fire from Tea Party members on the political right over the Affordable Care Act, otherwise known as ObamaCare. Trump has vowed to repeal and replace the healthcare law. MoveOn.org and similar groups hope to derail that effort by getting people to speak up at town hall meetings nationwide. Voters are thronging the streets, flooding Capitol Hill phone lines, and, next week, theyll be packing into every town hall event in the country. And the resistance is working. Democrats are showing spine, voting in unprecedented numbers against extremist and unqualified cabinet nominees, wrote MoveOn.org Washington Director Ben Wikler in a press statement. Meanwhile, Republicans who had planned to repeal the Affordable Care Act by January 20 are now in total disarray. People ask why a few of us presidential junkies would like to see Presidents Day changed back to Washingtons Birthday. The technical explanation has to do with a misguided law called HR 15951 that was passed in 1968 to make federal holidays less complicated. The real answer is simply this: George Washington is our greatest president, and too few American children know why. George Washington earned the respect even of his former enemy, King George III, by doing something exceedingly rare in history: When he had the chance to increase personal power, he decreased it not once, not twice, but repeatedly. During the American Revolution, Washington put service before self. His personal example was his greatest gift to the nation. It has often been said that the Father of our country was less eloquent than Jefferson; less educated than Madison; less experienced than Franklin; less talented than Hamilton. Yet all these leaders looked to Washington to lead them because they trusted him with power. He didnt need power. Washington knew that the bold American experiment in self government under the rule of law could survive only if leaders exercised self-restraint and accepted institutional limits on executive power. He believed that leading virtuously was more important than anything he could write or say. This is why Washington has been compared to two great republicans of Ancient Rome Cincinnatus, who traded his sword for a plow, and Cato the Younger, who died defending the republic against the tyranny of Julius Caesar. Consider all the times that Washington put service before self. In 1775, when he accepted command of the Continental Army, he promised Congress that he would resign his commission when the war was over. Once the British withdrew, he was true to his word, and surrendered command of an army fiercely loyal to him. In a moving scene before Congress on December 23, 1783 (then assembled in Annapolis, Maryland), Washington pledged loyalty to the civilian government he had served. He thereby established the principle that our nations military would always be under civilian rule. Earlier in the 1780s, Washington had been approached twice by army officers who promised their support if he decided to seize civilian power. In one famous incident in 1782, Col. Lewis Nicola wrote a letter urging Washington to overthrow Congress and become Americas king. The commanding general scolded Nicola the very same day. In 1783, Washington caught wind of officers wanting to stage a coup detat against Congress. The so-called Newburgh Conspirators were frustrated that Congress was not paying them what had been promised when the nation desperately needed their sacrifice. Washington would not be moved that die would not be cast. On the Ides of March, he called the men together and sternly reprimanded them for losing faith in the idea of America. The new nation had a chance to succeed only if its leaders and military adhered to the rule of law. When King George III heard that Washington would resign his commission to a powerless Congress, he told the painter Benjamin West: If he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world. Washington returned home to Mount Vernon in December 1783. Like Cincinnatus, he put down his sword and took up his plow, making him the most trusted man in America. Delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1787 selected him to be their president, knowing he would not abuse his position to aggrandize himself. And a grateful nation unanimously elected him president of the United States in 1789 and again in 1792, because they knew he would devote all his energies to serving the new nation. Washington, when convinced that he had done all he could to help the country, retired after two terms as president. True to principle, he relinquished the power that was his for the taking. It was an example of selfless leadership that inspires Americans and the world to this day. Why dont more American children know that? This essay first appeared here in February 2017. The Imaginative Conservative applies the principle of appreciation to the discussion of culture and politicswe approach dialogue with magnanimity rather than with mere civility. Will you help us remain a refreshing oasis in the increasingly contentious arena of modern discourse? Please consider donating now. The featured image is a portrait of George Washington in 1795 by Gilbert Stuart, and is in the public domain, courtesy of Wikimedia Commons. ST. PAUL The growing concern of teen alcohol abuse in St. Paul and Howard County was the subject of Mondays meeting of the St. Paul C.A.R.E. Team. More than two dozen people attended the meeting, which hosted a number of speakers from to discuss their concerns about the alarming number of children who regularly abuse alcohol. Helping to facilitate the meeting was St. Paul physician Dr. Angie Brennan. She is chairman of the St. Paul C.A.R.E. (Community Advocates Reaching Everyone) Team. The team was started eight years ago, the result of a state grant for improving mental health care in rural Nebraska. The three main goals of the team, according to Brennan, are: Education. Reducing the stigma of alcoholism and mental illness. Providing resources for mental illness in rural communities. Brennan said Mondays team meeting was a discussion on alcohol and how it affects people in all facets of life. How it impacts youth, families and the community physically, mentally and spiritually, she said. We have had a cry from the community to focus on alcohol issues, Brennan added. We have noticed problems in the school and concerns from community members and parents about some of the alcohol problems here in the school. Those concerns include underage alcohol abuse and binge drinking. Along with Brennan, the panel discussion included St. Paul School Principal (grades 7-12) Jennifer Hagen, Howard County Deputy Mike Hoff, Celeste Heaivilin of the Central Nebraska Council on Alcoholism & Addictions, Pastor Mike Fowler and parent Barb Schmidt. All spoke about how underage alcohol has impacted them, their families and the community. Brennan talked about how alcoholism seriously elevates health risks for people of all ages, and how binge drinking is related to acute injuries due to intoxication and the cardiovascular risk. Other medical consequences of alcohol abuse are trauma, accidents, anxiety, depression, suicide, PTSD and eating disorders. By educating the community about the high prevalence of alcohol abuse among teenagers, Brennan said C.A.R.E. wants to make the community more aware of the problem and parents more proactive in their childrens lives. Excessive alcohol consumption is the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the U.S. and is a serious health crisis in the country. We want this to be a call to action to the parents for this to be more of a discussion within the family, Brennan said. Hagen discussed the results of the latest survey of St. Paul teens concerning their use of alcohol. That survey, taken in 2014 with an updated survey to be released later on this year, showed that St. Paul youth, who responded to the survey, had higher than the national and state average in alcohol abuse, not only use but alcohol-impaired driving and where the children were getting their alcohol. Eighth- and 12th-graders were surveyed. For example, the survey showed that 62.8 percent of St. Paul 10th-graders said they are a lifetime user of alcohol, compared to the state average of 40.5 percent. For seniors, that number was 84.2 percent locally, compared to 60 percent statewide. Thirty-one percent of the seniors said they had driven a vehicle after they had been drinking. What is difficult, Hagen said, was that I went to school here since kindergarten and I know what drinking has looked like in St. Paul. It hasnt changed much. The kids who were drinking when I was here in high school now have children who are drinking in our school. Hagen said the school has intervention programs to deal with underage drinking and has been proactive in educating children about its dangers. Because there is so much more that goes into alcohol abuse, we do have the Center for Psych from Kearney come out and meet with kids, she said. We actually got them to come here because of the numbers off of our survey. So we wanted to get that in place in order to have an outlet to work on alcohol addiction as it pertains to their own issues. Hagen added. We have a lot of kids who need that support as some are using alcohol to cope with the things that are not going well in their lives. The St. Paul C.A.R.E. Team will meet again on March 17. The group will hear from Dr. Ian Newman, a professor at UNL, about substance abuse and a prevention program he has developed that has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. That meeting will take place at the St. Paul Library Community at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Its been another busy week in the Legislature. We continue with floor debate in the mornings and committee hearings in the afternoons. Committee hearings run through mid-March when we will begin full-day floor debate. The disagreement over adopting permanent procedural rules that has consumed a substantial amount of time so far has been temporarily resolved and legislation is starting to move. LB22, the heavily debated short-term budget adjustment bill, was passed by the Legislature on Feb. 13 and signed into law by the governor. The bill contained the emergency clause and takes effect immediately. This year I introduced numerous bills that try to address the high property taxes we all must pay. Most of those efforts looked at K-12 education, but community colleges also contribute to the overall property tax burden. Over the past 10 years, the taxes collected by community colleges have increased by an average 8.23 percent per year. This is considerably higher than any other entity that collects property taxes. For example, over the same 10-year period, taxes collected for K-12 education increased by an average 5.53 percent annually. LB569 would address how community colleges are funded. Nebraskas community colleges have long been recognized as a valuable and affordable educational resource to prepare students for transfer to four-year institutions or immediate entry into the workforce. As a graduate of Southeast Community College in Milford, I appreciate the opportunity community colleges provide for those of us who do not want a traditional four-year degree. Gov. Rickets has touted the importance of community colleges in providing an educated workforce for growing the states economy. At present, community colleges rely on a three-legged funding stool of state aid, tuition and property taxes. LB946 introduced by York Sen. Greg Adams in 2012 established the current formula for distributing state-appropriated funds to community colleges. The bill also gave community colleges aggregate levy authority of up to 11.25 cents per $100 of taxable valuation beginning in FY2013-14 and continuing for each fiscal year thereafter. In 2016 community colleges collected about $211.3 million in property taxes statewide. LB569, which I introduced this session, will create a task force to determine if community colleges are duplicating educational services and, if so, the associated costs. It will also be charged with providing recommendations for alternative funding mechanisms for community colleges and sunset their authority to levy property taxes so that FY2019-20 will be the last year they will be able to assess property taxes. With greater attention on community colleges increasing enrollment, costs will continue to escalate. Each year more students see community colleges as a cheaper way to obtain credit hours they can transfer to the state college system or the university. The nine-member task force will be appointed by the Legislatures Executive Board. Its report will be due on Dec. 1, 2018. Astros win second World Series title in six seasons behind dramatic moonshot The Astros beat the Phillies in six games to win the World Series, thanks to Yordan Alvarez's 450-foot three-run home run in the clincher. Hundreds of protesters who were upset that U.S. Sen. Steve Daines wasn't planning a town hall this week decided to bring one to him instead outside of the Montana Capitol, where Daines was scheduled to address the state Legislature on Tuesday. Daines canceled his appearance at the last minute, prompting boos and jeers from the crowd that spilled from the Capitol steps onto the lawn. The "Take the Town Hall to Steve Daines" demonstration went on, anyway. "What a coward!" said Katherine Haque-Hausrath of Helena, one of the organizers. "If he doesn't listen to us now, he can listen to us in 2020 in the election." Daines rescheduled his appearance before the state Legislature for Wednesday, when he also plans to visit with students at Helena Christian Academy and St. Andrew School and hold a news conference on Neil Gorsuch's U.S. Supreme Court nomination. His office released a statement saying the senator "welcomes the opinions of everyone from the Treasure State." Protesters across the nation are greeting members of Congress who are home this week for a recess. Many of the demonstrators in Helena reflected the concerns of other groups, particularly about President Donald Trump's order to restrict refugee and immigration arrivals, his plans to roll back President Barack Obama's health care reforms and his cabinet selections. Many there also objected to Daines gaveling down Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren as the presiding officer during the debate on Attorney General Jeff Sessions' nomination. "I'm here with my daughter and I want her to know that real men are not afraid to listen to women and they can't tell her to sit down," said Camas Sturm Kakuk, standing next to her 5-year-old daughter. Others said they objected to Daines' vote for Betsy DeVos as education secretary after she gave him tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. Daines held a constituent teleconference last week. Participants in Tuesday's demonstration accused Daines of ducking them and said a phone conference was insufficient. "People need to be able to see their senators face to face, ask questions and have a conversation," said Al Beaver, a protester from Helena. This February, the Edwardsville Rotary Club honored Edwardsville High School student Chase Wernex with the Student of the Month Award. Nominated by Mrs. Terry Menz, Wernex has excelled in his academics all throughout his high school career. Many of his achievements include awards such as the Do The Right Thing Award, placing 4th in Dynamic Planet at the Illinois Science Olympiad State Competition, placing 1st in Astronomy and Game-On in the Illinois Science Olympiad Regional Competition, as well as being an Illinois State Scholar for 2017-18. Even more, Wernex is a member of the National Honor Society at Edwardsville High School and has been in the High Honor Roll for every quarter of high school. In addition to Wernexs academics, he is also heavily involved in extracurricular activities. A Billings Democrat tried and failed Tuesday to revive his bill to add protections for LGBT people to the Montana Human Rights Act, which would have barred discrimination in housing, employment and services. The House Judiciary had voted along party lines to kill and table House Bill 417 on Monday, a few days after dozens testified at a public hearing in Helena mostly in support of the measure. Sponsor Rep. Kelly McCarthy made a blast motion on Tuesday to bring the bill out of the committee and directly to the full House for consideration. It is of such gravity I think it is worthy (to) bring out here on the House floor and have a larger conversation about it, he said. If you havent gotten feedback on this, you should check with (the Legislative Services Division), because I think they have incorrect contact information. He again shared the story of his niece, who had testified last week about her experiences with housing and job discrimination when she moved to Billings after completing military service. Rep. Kim Abbott, D-Helena, likewise urged her colleagues to revive the bill. This is a personal issue to me, she said, noting she is lesbian and lives with her partner a few blocks from the State Capitol. I got here the same way you all got here. I represent the same number of people. I have the same rights and privileges in this building. I am certain if someone tried to treat me differently because of my sexual orientation, the chairs, the leaders here would prevent that from happening. Its different for me outside this building. And its different for me outside this community. She noted that Helena is one of five Montana cities with local-level nondiscrimination ordinances. On a road trip, Im thinking about things that seem minor. Should we both walk in when we check in to a hotel? Is it going to cause an issue? Will we have to lie? Will we have to be humiliated? Sometimes the adjustment, the lie, is minor, but it takes a cumulative toll on our spirit, she said. Ive got good news. We can take care of it. Rep. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, was the only person to speak in opposition to the bill. Each side is limited to two speakers on blast motions. I dont think any of us in Montana want to discriminate against anyone. If we pass this bill, were basically going to send a mandate down across the State of Montana. Several cities have discussed it. Some have passed nondiscrimination ordinances and some have not, he said, arguing the discussion, for now at least, needs to stay at the local level. If we send this down, what will that do across the state? Its going to divide us. Were going to continue to talk about this issue for a very long time as we have many other issues. ... Maybe in the next session or the next session well get up here and be able to come up with a great resolution as to how to solve this discrimination issue. The blast motion failed on a 43-55 vote. It needed 60 votes. Rep. Jon Knokey, R-Bozeman, joined Democrats in supporting the motion; Rep. Adam Hertz, R-Missoula, left the room and did not cast a vote; and Rep. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka was absent for the full meeting. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Adisti Sukma Sawitri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 The government has made a bold move with its plan to grant people wider access to land under its agrarian reform. More than 9 million hectares, comprising roughly 4.5 million hectares of degraded forest and 4.5 million ha of uncertified plots, will be owned by citizens under land objects for agrarian reform (TORA), while another 12.7 million ha will be managed by indigenous people. The government has introduced the land reform as part of its equity policy, which aims to ensure equal access to land, infrastructure and basic services and reduce widening inequality. "When I think of Indonesia, I think of colonialism, tropical jungles, beaches with crystal clear waters, extremism; also hospitality, drugs, the death penalty, the execution of Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, and how theres so much tension between our governments and security issues," remarked the actors from La Trobe Student Theater and Film, Australia, when asked what their views on Indonesia. Meanwhile, seven actors from Theater Lakon from the Indonesian Education University (UPI) in Bandung, West Java, also shared their opinion on Australia; how it is home to kangaroo steaks, it is where beers are cheaper than mineral water, lacking spicy sambal, snowing, there is no street congestion, the roads are friendly for pedestrians, it is hard to hear adzan (call to prayer) and quite an uncomfortable place for someone who wears hijab. These views were highlighted during the performance of The Light Within a Night at UPI's Cultural Building on Feb. 14-15. A similar show was also performed at the Bentara Budaya Bali cultural center on Feb. 18-19. The difference between local cultures and habits of the two countries became the main attraction in the 105-minute performance. Two directors, Bob Pavlich and Sahlah Mujtaba, were in charge of bringing together these 14 people from two countries. Read also: 'Wayang Orang Bharata' strives to preserve traditional culture The duo also combined similarities between the two nations. Pavlich, 58, chose to depict the tragedy of Lindy Chamberlain, who lost her child in Uluru, Australia, in 1980. Lindy's daughter, Azaria, went missing while they went camping together with her husband, Michael Chamberlain. Lindy was convinced that Azaria had been attacked and kidnapped by a dingo. Meanwhile, the federal trial acknowledged Lindy as the one responsible for the incident. She was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment until finally her name was cleared since no evidence was found that she had committed the crime. Meanwhile, Mujtaba, 31, decided to tell the story of the Jamarun folklore originating from Cianjur, West Java. Jamarun was a farmer who found a woman's dead body while fishing. Since he was a stranger at the site, he was blamed for the death and was then convicted and sentenced to death. Thousands of butterflies are said to appear and cover Jamarun's dead body, followed by the smell of fragrance. The people soon felt sorry for wrongly accusing Jamarun. These tragedies and uncertainties were gathered into a 28-scene show. Chayanda Nurhadi Hasan, 23, played himself and Jamarun. Blayne Welsh, who is of Aborigine descent, told of his origin in one scene and also portrayed Kanjeng Dalem, the ruler who handed down the death sentence to Jamarun. This sort of theater is quite popular; where the actors play themselves, as well as working with different images. Theres a lot of [these kinds of shows] in Australia, said Pavlich. The show's execution felt fresh; encouraging audiences to follow the dialogue more closely. "It's quite challenging; we need to make many changes in order to attract viewers in Australia," said Mujtaba, referring to the theater's plans to perform in Menzies Theatre, La Trobe University Bundoora on March 6-8 and La Mama Courthouse, Australia, on March 16-19. Read also: Theater show about Maluku's Run Island to be performed in New York The difference of style and characteristics between Australia and Indonesia, especially in the theater discipline, resulted in a unique experience when watching the dual-language show. Australian actors are known to be strict with their dialogue while Indonesian actors tend to use improvisation. "We have to free the actors in order for them to develop more since we tend to rely on speech," said Mujtaba. The performance also succeeded in highlighting the attention given to cases involving Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, two Australian citizens who were found guilty of smuggling 8.3 kilograms of heroin to Indonesia. (kes) The ethnic Chinese community has made an important contribution to the history of Kediri, which is also famously called Kota Tahu (tofu city). This well-known favorite has its origins in the arrival of immigrants from China in the early 1900s. The Chinese brought their culinary skills to the city by introducing tofu as one of their food specialties. While tofu from other regions is generally white, Kediris soybean curd is typically golden yellow and commonly called tahu takwa. Historical records refer to Lauw Soen Hok, Liem Go Moy and Kaou Loung as the three tofu-making pioneers in Kediri, which is believed to be the place of entry for tofu to Indonesia. Since then, dozens of tofu producers from small and medium enterprises have emerged with their respective outlets and brands. Lauw Soen Hok, who started his tofu business on Jl. Patimura, Kediri, in 1912, was one of the citys major tofu producers. Lauw Soen Hok, who was better known as Bah Kacung, managed the factory until he died. His son, Lauw Sing Hian, aka Seger Budi Santoso, took over managing the business and moved the factory to Jl. Trunojoyo, Kediri in 1966. Read also: A luscious portion of 'serabi' with a modern touch Seger Budi Santoso died in 2008 and Bah Kacung tahu takwa shop is now managed by Lauw Soen Djing, aka Herman Budiono, as the third-generation owner. The 49-year-old man said this family business could survive by maintaining its tofu quality and flavor. We continue to produce tofu by traditional means, he said at his shop earlier this year. The name Bah Kacung was given to his grandfather due to his close relationship with local people, making him more popular because of this moniker. Herman maintains the way the family produces tofu by using wooden and stone devices as well as firewood, all being manually handled. He said stone grinders preserved the tofus flavor because unlike machines, the soybeans werent fully mashed. Packed: Bah Kacung tofu is wrapped in banana leaves and packed in a woven bamboo box. After being pulverized, the soybeans are boiled over burning firewood and then strained to obtain the soft pulp, which is treated with vinegar to create a firm texture. The addition of a certain amount of vinegar should go along with stirring the pulp slowly, Herman said. The next step is processing the curd by using wooden blocks with iron weights. The golden color is derived from crushed turmeric, which not only makes the tofu yellow but also serves as a natural preservative. Read also: The one ingredient the worlds top chefs cant do without We can guarantee that our tofu is free from artificial coloring and preservatives because today tofu manufacturers very rarely use turmeric for either purposes, Herman said. A few years ago, the use of illegal preservatives like formalin in tofu production rocked tofu businesses in the country, including in Kediri. Tofu containing only natural ingredients does not last long, prompting some tofu-makers to use dangerous substances to make it last longer. Bah Kacung tahu takwa is wrapped in banana leaves and packed in woven bamboo boxes called besek in Javanese. Hermans customers get written instructions at the time of purchase on how to store the tofu. Herman realized that the high cost of manual production at his factory made his tofu more expensive than other tofu in Kediri, but he was not going after competitive prices. Our tofu costs Rp 3,500 [26 US cents] per piece, while other tofu of the same size costs only Rp 1,800 to Rp 2,500, he said. Herman said he wanted to offer prices that enabled him to maintain the quality of manual production. He said his employees were skillful and capable of applying standard procedures set by his father and grandfather. Some of them have worked for the business through the generations. Were just like a big family, Herman said. Hermans tofu, labeled Bah Kacung Cakrawijaya, is only available at his shop and is not sold by other agents or outlets. His modest shop, which also serves as the factory, sells tahu takwa along with other snacks. For me, this is not merely a business. It serves more as an effort to maintain customer confidence and preserve a tradition that has lasted over a century, Herman said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 Despite their recent defeat at the Jakarta State Administrative Court (PTUN Jakarta), human rights campaigners will continue to push for justice surrounding the murder of activist Munir Said Thalib. They turned to the Judicial Commission, an external oversight body that monitors judges, on Tuesday afternoon to file a report against the panel of judges at the administrative court who examined a petition on the murder that occurred 12 years ago. In its ruling on Feb. 16, the court annulled a Central Information Commission (KIP) ruling delivered last October, which stated that an investigative report into Munir's murder case -- submitted by the now-defunct fact-finding team established by then president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in 2005 -- constituted public information that needed to be disclosed. The court ruled in favor of the State Secretariat, which challenged the KIP's decision. Last year, a dispute related to the report was filed jointly by the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Munir's widow Suciwati and the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute. (Read also: Government doesnt need to disclose assassination findings) The PTUN Jakarta concluded that there was no evidence supporting the notion that the findings had been handed over to the State Secretariat to be archived. "We believe there were irregularities in the PTUN process. For instance, the hearing was conducted behind closed-doors," said Putri Kanesia from Kontras on Tuesday. The brouhaha over the missing documents has turned into a blame-game between supporters of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Yudhoyono. (wit) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Tue, February 21, 2017 Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil plans to ban conventional plastic bags to tackle the plastic waste problem in the city. Use biodegradable plastic bags instead, said Ridwan after attending an event to mark National Waste Awareness Day at Bandung City Hall on Tuesday. Ridwan previously banned the use of styrofoam food containers. The mayor expressed his optimism about the implementation of the ban, saying that he was still trying to find ways to reduce waste in the city. Environmentally friendly company PT Nirwana Alam Hijau has produced biodegradable plastics from corn, soy and sunflower seeds. So its a mixture of organic components, Nirwana Alam Hijau co-founder Daniel Rosenqvist said during an event to introduce material to replace styrofoam, recently. (Read only: Kelapa Gading to set up additional waste banks) Nirwana Alam Hijau created an eco-friendly poncho before producing food containers and straws. For food containers, the company uses sugar cane fiber. We dont want to have too much influences from outside Indonesia, we want to use technology and resources here because even though its an organic product if we have to bring it from outside [Indonesia], there are still carbon footprints [detected in the production process], Rosenqvist went on. The central government has said it is time for Indonesians to pay for plastic bags when shopping. Plastic bag waste from retailers in Indonesia is estimated to account for 9.8 billion bags a year, or about 38 per person. (trw) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 The Trade Ministry has distributed circulars to inform officials that business permits (SIUP) no longer need to be renewed and that registration certificates (TDP) can be renewed online. Weve eliminated the SIUP renewal obligation. For TDP, as the law obliges its renewal [every five years], we have shifted the procedure to online for free. The circulars have been issued today, said Minister Enggartiasto Enggar Lukita in a press conference before joining a Trade Ministry working meeting on Tuesday. Previously, business players had to renew the two licenses every five years, a procedure that was lengthy. Businesses, meanwhile, have lauded the initiative. (Read also: Ministry to scrap expiry date for SIUP, TDP) This is good because it will free us from unnecessary costs because the permits will be valid forever, except if a business closes down, said Adhi Lukman, chairman of the Food and Beverages Association (GAPMMI). Document renewal was not costly but time-consuming as it took around two weeks, Adhi said. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Winda A. Charmila (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 State-owned commuter train operator PT KAI Commuter Jabodetabek (KCJ) said Tuesday that commuter trains had been running normally amid high intensity rains that resulted in floods in several areas. Commuter lines have passed through the Bogor/Depok-Jakarta Kota, Bekasi-Jakarta Kota, Tangerang-Duri, Tanah Abang-Maja, Jakarta Kota-Tanjung Priok routes without significant disruption, despite several long delays. Trips from Bekasi to Jakarta Kota Station have been normal. But, Jatinegara Station is crowded because of signal interference caused by puddles, said Eva Chairunisa, KCJ spokesperson, said in a statement. Meanwhile, commuter lines from Tangerang to Duri were forced to slow down at Taman Kota Station as residents around the area had been evacuated on account of flooding. KCJ said it would continue to monitor areas around commuter line operations and had collaborated with relevant parties to ensure train operations ran well. Jakarta saw high intensity rain from the early hours of Tuesday, lasting several hours, resulting in floods and traffic congestion. (wit) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 Counterfeit products are still rampant in the Indonesian market and cause a total loss of Rp 65.1 trillion (US$4.82 billion) to the national economy, a study by the Indonesian Anti-Counterfeiting Society (MIAP) claims. The government also suffers a Rp 424 billion loss in taxes on software sales, according to the study conducted by MIAP in cooperation with the University of Indonesias Economics School. The four largest fake product categories in the market are printer ink (49.4 percent), clothes (38.9 percent), leather products (37.2 percent) and software (33.5 percent). MIAP secretary general Justisiari P Kusumah said the economic losses could be prevented if all stakeholders -- producers, sellers, law enforcement authorities and consumers -- cooperated to fight against such products. She praised the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) team that had started to take action against outlets selling fake Microsoft software. Meanwhile, Linda Dwiyanti, consumer channels group director of Microsoft Indonesia, said within three months of operation, Microsoft DCU identified 23 vendors selling fake software online. She said Microsoft Indonesia had filed a lawsuit against three of them in cooperation with MIAP and the government. Our goal is to protect customers from the danger of using fake software, Linda said as reported by kompas.com on Tuesday. In February, a number of sellers in Surabaya, Jakarta and Bandung offered an apology for selling fake software and admitted to wrongdoing. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Tue, February 21 2017 On March 15, Dutch voters will decide whether to entrust Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders to lead their country on the basis of politics of hatred. If they choose Wilders, they need to realize that they will pay dearly for playing with fire. The Netherlands is not so huge or important to the international community that it can force other nations to accept its terms and conditions without reservation. As published in this paper on Monday, the Associated Press reported that a small nation that has grown hugely wealthy thanks to centuries of doing business far and wide, the political mood in the Netherlands has turned surprisingly inward. Dutch ultranationalist leader Wilders boasted that his PVV would easily win the parliamentary election and he would be very close to forming a new government because other political parties would have little choice but to join his camp. Recent polls show Wilders will likely win 30 of the 76 parliament seats needed to form a coalition government. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21 2017 The domestic jewelry industry is predicted to grow by 8 percent per year between 2016 and 2021 thanks to increasing demand. A study by Euromonitor International shows that the jewelry industry surged by 13 percent to Rp 21 trillion (US$1.57 billion) in 2016 compared to the previous year. A lot of people buy jewelry for investment or for following the latest fashion trend, Euromonitor representative Jasmine Seng said on Monday. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., was scheduled to speak to the Montana Legislature on Tuesday but his address has been postponed. He will now speak Wednesday. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Corry Elyda and Agus Maryono (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21 2017 Throughout the campaign period leading up to last weeks gubernatorial election, the issue of flooding was rarely mentioned, and when finally discussed, there was no sense of urgency among political candidates who talked about it. The reason is simple: There were no floods to talk about. But this week as severe inundation has begun to affect neighborhoods in East Jakarta, flooding again became a hot-button issue for two candidates expected to meet in the runoff stage of the Jakarta gubernatorial election: incumbent Governor Basuki Tjahaja Ahok Purnama and runner-up in the first round of the election Anies Baswedan. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Tue, February 21 2017 The government and Freeport McMoran should exhaust all possible avenues in resolving their dispute over Indonesias mining policy, as stipulated in the 2009 Mining Law, because going through the arbitration process would cause both parties significant financial and reputational losses. The government has made a lot of compromises to help Freeports Indonesian subsidiary, PT Freeport Indonesia (FI), which has mined the worlds largest gold deposits in Papua since 1973, to adjust its operations to Indonesias 2009 Mining Law. FI has been allowed to export semi-processed minerals (copper concentrate), which should have been refined locally since 2014, for another five years to maintain export earnings and tax and royalty revenues and to prevent massive layoffs under the condition that FI converts its contract of work to a special mining license as required by the 2009 law. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Viriya P. Singgih (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 Despite a prolonged tussle with the government over its future operations in Indonesia, US mining giant Freeport McMoRan still expects to resolve the impasse in negotiations through a non-arbitration settlement. As the dispute intensifies, Freeport has expressed its hope of reaching a win-win solution with the government during the settlement period of 120 days according to its contract of work (CoW), as the Grasberg mine is too precious for either party to neglect. Located in Mimika regency, in Indonesias easternmost province of Papua, the Grasberg mine is the worlds biggest gold mine and second-largest copper mine. The company has operated it for five decades. Its an important asset for the company. Its an important, vital, natural resource for the Republic of Indonesia. [] But, we have to find a way to work together, and Freeport is committed to trying to do that, Freeport McMoRan chief executive Richard Adkerson told reporters on Monday. PT Freeport Indonesia, the local unit of the politically connected gold and copper miner, last Friday obtained a recommendation to export 1.1 million tons of copper concentrates until Feb. 16 next year after the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry agreed to convert the companys CoW into a special mining license (IUPK). It came with the requirement that it divest 51 percent of its shares within a decade of production and build a smelter within five years. Nonetheless, Freeport has yet to accept the conversion as it would automatically annul its CoW signed in 1991 and push it to fulfill the divestment of ownership and smelter obligation. The contract change is deemed to weaken its position against the government, particularly pertaining to its pursuit of a long-term investment stability guarantee until 2041, as IUPK holders must comply with the future prevailing law. Right now, were in an impasse with the Indonesian government, who says that we can only export if we forfeit our contract. Freeports position is that we cant give up our contract, said Adkerson. On the same day that the government granted an extended export permit, Freeport notified the ministry about the areas of dispute between the parties. The 120-day dispute settlement period then began, Adkerson said, adding that the company deserved the right to commence international arbitration. Based on the counsel of our external lawyer in Indonesia and our international lawyer as well, Freeports contract of work should remain in place, Adkerson said. Indonesian law and international law provide that the contract of work cant be changed or terminated unilaterally, even by a government regulation. With the resignation of Chappy Hakim as Freeport Indonesias president director last Saturday, allegedly because of his opposition to the arbitration, the negotiations will be led by Adkerson. Chappy, a retired air chief marshal who served for only three months in the president director role, is the eight Indonesian to have held the companys top position. Previously, Maroef Sjamsoeddin, a former State Intelligence Agency (BIN) deputy head, stepped down in early 2016 after one year, following a recording scandal involving a lawmaker. Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Ignasius Jonan acknowledged that one of several possibilities was for Freeport to take the case to international arbitration. However, its not necessarily going to be like that, as there is still enough time for us to negotiate with them, he said, referring to a six-month adjustment period given for the company after the issuance of the IUPK. (Read also: Indonesia ready for Freeport tribunal) Illustrating the challenges of international arbitration, it previously took four years, from 2012 to 2016, for Indonesia to win a case against London-listed miner Churchill Mining Plc. at the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) over a coal-mining permit revocation matter in East Kalimantan. As Freeport now cannot rely on Indonesian executives to reach an agreement with the government, concerns have mounted about potentially lengthier and more complicated negotiations. Further export delays would continue to hurt Freeports sales, after it missed its annual target last year. For each month of export delays, the company, which employs around 32,000 people in Papua alone, claims that its share of production is reduced by approximately 70 million pounds of copper and 70,000 ounces of gold. The firm said Monday that it had laid off 10 percent of its expatriate workforce and would dismiss contract workers this week. The dispute is also taking place in the wake of several issues surrounding the companys operations at Grasberg. A ruling by the tax court stipulated that the firm needed to pay US$469 million in water taxes and penalties to the Papua administration for water used between 2011 and 2015. Moreover, the halt in Freeport Indonesias copper concentrate exports since Jan. 12 has led Rio Tinto, the worlds second largest miner, to reconsider its option to take over an effective 40-percent stake in Grasberg in 2023. Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) head Thomas Lembong said separately that the possibility of Freeports move to international arbitration would not have significant impacts on the countrys investment climate, including US investors. Many investors have good experiences investing in the country, such as in the banking or property sectors. Hence, one difficulty in a certain sector [like mining] can still be offset with success stories from other sectors, Lembong said. Freeport, government still aim to settle dispute outside arbitration Lengthy, costly process would harm both parties. DYLAN AMIRIO CONTRIBUTED TO THIS STORY. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 House of Representatives Speaker Setya Novanto said on Tuesday that he hoped todays rally held in front of the legislative complex would run smoothly without triggering any disruptions. Todays rally led by various Islamic organizations, including the Muslim Peoples Forum (FUI) and the National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPF-MUI), demanded the suspension and detainment of Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama. Setya said he respected those organizations for voicing their opinions. Voicing opinions through demonstration is a citizens right and it is guaranteed under the law. I hope there wont be any disruptions to Jakartan activities, said the chairman of the Golkar Party, a major ally in the ruling coalition. (Read also: Government allies ready to block Ahok inquiry initiative) When asked about whether he would meet with the organizations representatives from the rally, he said it depended on the aspirations the groups were delivering. According to the FUI, 10,000 people would attend the rally. They are set to meet members of House Commission III overseeing legal affairs and human rights. (rdi/wit) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 The Environment and Forestry Ministry has thwarted an illegal logging attempt in South Sumatra. During a patrol from Feb. 17 to 20, the ministrys law enforcement team found heaps of weeping paperbark on three riverbanks at the Padang Sugihan wildlife sanctuary in South Sumatra. At the first location, the team found 2,614 logs, while at the second and third locations; there were 3,150 logs and 63 logs, respectively. All of the logs have been destroyed by chain saw so that they cant be used anymore by the perpetrators, South Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) head Genman S. Hasibuan said on Monday. (Read also: Landmark court ruling expected to serve as deterrent) The logs were to be sent by boat through the river. The river route has been blocked with gelam logs by the patrol team, Genman said. The team also found four boats allegedly used by the perpetrators to transport the logs. The ministrys law enforcement head for the Sumatra region, Halasan Tulus, said the ministry was collecting information on those behind the illegal logging operation. The ministry will continue to monitor forests in various forest areas prone to illegal logging, the ministrys law enforcement director general, Rasio Ridho Sani, said. (dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 The Jakarta administration has allocated Rp 709 billion (US$53 million) to fund various projects that will mitigate the citys annual flooding. The fund will be used, among other things, to widen rivers and water reservoirs, Jakarta Water Management Agency chairman Teguh Hendrawan said on Monday. Teguh said the administration would use around Rp 200 billion to widen rivers and around Rp 400 billion to widen water reservoirs. The total amount of the fund does not cover the money needed to acquire 15 hectares of land in Ciawi, he said as quoted by wartakotalive.com. (Read also: BNPB advises Jakarta to brace for floods) The city administration is putting in a lot of effort to prevent floods from engulfing the city during the rainy season every year. Teguh said land acquisition was a problem for the ongoing project to widen rivers because many residents living on riverbanks objected the administrations plan to relocate them. The administration is also planning to add more infiltration wells. We are adding more wells in South Jakarta and East Jakarta this year. Altogether, we will build roughly 1,000 of them. We put them in the flood-prone areas, Teguh said. (saf/wit) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Corry Elyda (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21 2017 The Jakarta administration is stepping up efforts to increase tax revenue, including integrating data, forming a confiscation team and using drones to map information about taxpayers properties. Jakarta Deputy Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat said after a meeting at City Hall on Monday that the city administration would team up with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to create a system that would force taxpayers to fulfil their outstanding tax obligations. Our outstanding tax revenue currently reaches up to Rp 5.4 trillion [US$405 million], he said. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Fedina S. Sundaryani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 President Joko Jokowi Widodo criticized the Trade Ministry for not being more ambitious and coming up with new innovations to penetrate new markets abroad. He claims the ministry has long worked in its comfort zone and has been unable to harness new markets outside traditional markets in the United States, Japan, China and Europe. Jokowi cited the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centers (ITPC) as an example of routine work without fruition. The ITPC has stayed the same. Im sorry, but I have to tell it like it is. There is nothing new with our exhibitions either. There are so many new markets that we have not seriously worked on, he said during the opening of the ministrys 2017 work meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Tuesday. (Read also: Trade surplus hits 3-year high amid price recovery) Although Jokowi acknowledged that traditional markets were safe, he claimed that there was potential outside. Jokowi cited the markets in Africa and Eurasia, which had potential values of US$550 billion and $251 billion, respectively. Even so, Indonesia only had a $4.2 billion hold in the African market and less than $1 billion in Eurasia. We never take them seriously even though we should not underestimate them, he said. Jokowi asked that high quality small and medium enterprises (SMEs) participate in exhibitions abroad. Furthermore, he said spending more on better located stands at exhibitions was not a problem as it would improve Indonesias reputation. Spending a little more is fine as long as its not a place next to the restrooms, which I know has a lot of discounts. However, it hurts our brand to be located in those places. These kinds of habits must be erased, he said. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 Jakarta residents who lost their right to vote in the first round of the election would be listed for the race's second round, said the city's elections commission (KPU Jakarta) head, Sumarno. "We will update voter data on a limited basis," said Sumarno, as quoted by Kompas.com on Monday evening. The decision had been taken during a consultation meeting with the National Elections Commission in Menteng, Central Jakarta, he added. Given the limited time, KPU Jakarta would not conduct door-to-door registration like it did for the first round. Residents were being asked to register themselves at the voting commission in each sub-precinct office. However, KPU Jakarta had yet to decide on the time and procedure for registration as it needed further investigation, he said. (agn/dmr) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Djemi Amnifu (The Jakarta Post) Kupang Tue, February 21, 2017 Lawmakers have demanded the Indonesian government engage in intensive diplomatic talks with its Australian counterpart to resolve an oil spill in the Montara oil field that has destroyed the livelihoods of fishermen in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. A number of lawmakers from House of Representatives Commission V overseeing infrastructure, transportation and village development have signed a petition to urge the government to speed up efforts to resolve the case. We are committed to supporting the fisherman in the Montara case, said Commission V chairman Fary Francis of the Gerindra Party on Tuesday. (Read also: Montara oil spill brought suffering to E. Nusa Tenggara) After an explosion in 2009 at an oil field operated by PTTEP Australasia, gas and oil from the rig gushed into the Timor Sea for more than 70 days. It is estimated that in excess of 300,000 liters of oil per day contaminated the sea, equivalent to pouring 10 Olympic swimming pools of toxic sludge into the ocean over the months the spill continued. The oil spill has had a devastating effect on the livelihoods of fishermen and coastal communities in East Nusa Tenggara, with fish catches and seaweed harvests continuing to decline in the heavily polluted waters. A group of 13,000 seaweed farmers are demanding compensation from the company through an Australian court. (wit) BUTTE - A man subdued by an off-duty law enforcement officer during a robbery attempt in which the suspects gun was fired -- may face additional charges beyond the attempted deliberate homicide he was booked on, Dillon Chief of Police Don Guiberson said Tuesday. Terry Watson, of Dillon, was arrested after allegedly jumping the counter at the Safeway pharmacy around 10:30 a.m. Sunday while brandishing a .45-caliber pistol. The wife of an off-duty officer informed her husband, who was also shopping in the store. Sgt. Jeremy Barnes, a 12-year veteran of the Utah Department of Public Safety, climbed onto the counter to confront Watson, but backed off when Watson pointed the pistol at him, according to Guiberson. Barnes then positioned himself adjacent to the interior door leading from the back area of the pharmacy, and took Watson to the ground when he exited. The two men struggled, and Watson fired one round before being disarmed and held at gunpoint -- with the suspect's gun -- by Barnes until Dillon police arrived, according to police. There were no injuries, and police have yet to find the bullet that was fired. Guiberson said Barnes was on vacation visiting family in the Dillon area, and had stopped with his wife at the Safeway for Tylenol and coffee. Barnes is a supervisor with the Utah state police's Peace Officer Standards and Training division in a bureau that investigates civilian complaints against police officers. Guiberson said Watson could face drug possession, robbery and assault with a weapon charges as determined by the Beaverhead County Attorney's Office. County Attorney Jed Fitch said his office plans on prosecuting Watson on felony charges for attempted deliberate homicide, two charges of assault with a weapon, robbery and criminal endangerment, as well as misdemeanors for discharging a firearm in city limits and a concealed weapons violation. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Semarang, Central Java Tue, February 21, 2017 A Malaysian identified as Avtar Singh Teja Singh has been detained at the Surakarta Immigration Detention Center in Central Java for allegedly living in Indonesia illegally. Surakarta Immigration Office officials are questioning the man, who is married to a local woman named Tri Hastutiningsih, regarding his immigration status. "Avtar arrived at Adisumarmo airport [Surakarta] on Sept. 25, 2010. He had a visa that enabled him to stay in the country for up to 60 days. He, however, did not renew the visa," said the head of the immigration division at Central Java Law and Human Rights Agency, M Diah, in Semarang on Tuesday. Singhs passport was issued in Perlak, Malaysia, on June 2, 2010 and expired on June 2, 2015. "We are investigating his stay in Indonesia and whether he committed any crimes," said Diah. (Read also: 76 Chinese nationals arrested for immigration violations) The case was revealed when Singhs wife went to the Surakarta Immigration Office to inquire how to renew his visa. Officials found that Singh was reportedly an illegal alien and detained him. Singh has two children with Tri. Their marriage is registered at the Religious Affairs Office. He and his family live in Mireng, Klaten regency. In 2016, Diah added, the Central Java Immigration Office deported 117 foreigners from various countries for immigration violations. So far this year, 53 foreigners have been detained for immigration violations. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 A Muslim cleric testified on Tuesday before the court at a trial regarding the blasphemy case of the incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, acknowledging that the controversy over the interpretation of Surah Al Maidah 51 on Muslims not voting for non-Muslim leaders would only occur in Jakarta. Miftachul Akhyar, a leader of the supervisory board of the biggest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said the 101 regions that held simultaneous elections on February 15 had no problem voting for Muslim or non-Muslim leaders. This was only a problem in Jakarta. "His [Ahok's] statement quoting the verse has resulted in an unnecessary polemic," Akhyar said before the judges. (Read also: MUI chairman testifies at Ahok trial, admits did not watch video) Akhyar added that the election climate in the city should have been conducive if only Ahok had not made his comment about the Quranic verse during his working visit to Thousand Islands last year. Earlier on Tuesday, Akhyar said that the governor had committed blasphemy while claiming that Surah Al Maidah 51 could be used as a tool to deceive residents to not vote for the non-Muslim leaders. "There's an indication to mislead people in which [Ahok] asked believers to not believe in the [Quranic] verse," he said. (dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 The National Police have vowed to keep police recruitment free from corruption and have called on the regions to maintain clean recruitment. National Police chief expert staffer for management, Insp. Gen. Arief Sulistyanto, delivered the message through a video conference on Tuesday with regional police chiefs after signing a commitment to keep police recruitment corruption-free. "The new candidates have to follow the procedures without nepotism. We will take immediate action if there is indication of corruption," said Arief. (Read also: 15 police officers arrested over alleged illegal levies in Riau) Arief said the police had provided a hotline number on their website that people could phone to report such misconduct. Police recruitment was essential as there was not yet an ideal ratio of police officers to inhabitants, Arief added. (dis/wit) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Indra Budiari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 Thousands of protesters swarmed the House of Representatives in Senayan, South Jakarta, causing gridlock in the area, forcing vehicles to turn back and find an alternative route on Tuesday. The crowd had been gathered in front of the House since morning, demanding that Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama be detained and removed from office. The rally disrupted traffic in the busy district. Dozens of vehicles opted to enter the toll road to avoid gridlock. Sr. Comr. Ermayudi from the Jakarta Traffic Police said motorists were permitted to pass through the toll road next to the rally site for free until the exit gate in Slipi, West Jakarta. "This traffic engineering is needed to avoid worsening congestion," he told reporters. Meanwhile, a man who introduced himself as Habib Salim from Subang, West Java, told the demonstrators that police should show no mercy to the governor and arrest him immediately. The crowd started to disperse midday after lawmakers received their representatives. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hans Nicholas Jong (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Tue, February 21, 2017 The Environment and Forestry Ministry has arrested six people for the alleged poaching of Sumatran tigers in Solok, West Sumatra. The ministrys team received information from forest police officers in Jambi province about the illegal operation, the ministrys law enforcement director-general, Rasio Ridho Sani, said. The finding comprises bones and teeth from Sumatran tigers suspected to be brought by the perpetrators from the Kerinci Seblat National Park in Jambi, the ministrys spokesman, Djati Witjaksono Hadi, said on Monday. The six people were being questioned by the West Sumatra Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA). (Read also: Three named suspects for feasting on orangutan in Kapuas) Last year, law enforcers arrested three members of an alleged Sumatran tiger poaching group in protected forests within the national park in Marike subdistrict, Langkat, North Sumatra. Groups of poachers of rare and endangered Sumatran tigers are believed to have long been operating in the protected forests. Poaching of endangered Sumatran tigers is rampant in the national park. Sumatran tigers are hunted and killed not only for their skins but also their organs. (trw) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Markus Makur (The Jakarta Post) East Manggarai Tue, February 21, 2017 Students of a state junior high school in East Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara, had to move to a nearby church and to another school building for classes after their school collapsed during a strong wind. The wood-and-bamboo building of SMP N 8 Kampung Lenang Neros in Paang Leleng village fell down after a wind swept through the area on Feb. 7. About 128 students were forced to study in the Kapela Neros Church and in an elementary school while residents tried to rebuild their school. The local police station has also contributed material for the reconstruction process. We couldnt do anything when it was ruined. We have asked the East Manggarai administration for a permanent building but there has been no response as yet, school principal Yuliana Anjelus told The Jakarta Post. (Read also: Private schools to retain on-loan govt teachers) Data from the Culture and Education Ministry shows that about 70 percent of the countrys school facilities, specifically classrooms, are in a damaged state. Furthermore, in the last four years, about 5 million children dropped out of elementary school or decided not to continue to junior high school. (wit) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ni Komang Erviani (The Jakarta Post) Denpasar Wed, February 22 2017 Prosecutors at the Denpasar District Court demanded on Tuesday that a British man and his Australian girlfriend be sentenced to eight years in prison for allegedly murdering a local policeman. In two separate hearings with the same prosecutors, the prosecution asked the panel of judges to declare the couple guilty of violating Article 170 of the Criminal Code for collective assault that resulted in death. Previously in the indictment, the prosecutors charged David James Taylor, 34, and Sara Connor, 45, under three articles: 338 on murder, 351 on violence and article 170. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Stefani Ribka (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, February 22 2017 A number of French companies have expressed interest in exploring investment opportunities in Indonesia, with a particular focus on shipyards, aircraft maintenance, train equipment and clean energy. From Monday to Tuesday, representatives from 34 French companies under the Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) were in Jakarta to meet their local counterparts as well as government officials to learn more about investment opportunities in Southeast Asias largest economy. MEDEF chairman Pierre Gattaz said infrastructure was one of the businesspeoples shared interests along with the tourism, health and food industries. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Haeril Halim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, February 22 2017 Indonesia is seeking closer ties with Saudi Arabia with plans for a special reception to welcome King Salman and his entourage to Jakarta for a state visit that is also expected to spur investment. Jakarta expects the visit may bring US$25 billion worth of investment from Saudi investors. The meeting is historic for both of the Muslim-majority countries. The last time a Saudi king visited Jakarta was 47 years ago, when Salmans father, King Abdul Aziz al-Saud, arrived in 1970. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Will Ripley (The Jakarta Post) Pyongyang Wed, February 22 2017 As the world awaits every tweet, every gaffe, from United States President Donald Trump, everyday North Koreans go about their lives unaware of the political frenzy swirling around in the outside world. Pyongyang citizens have heard of President Trump in their state media. However, they do not know about his countless controversies or his promise to deal with Pyongyang very strongly after its latest missile launch. I arrived in Pyongyang two days after the nations Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un tested a new kind of mid-range ballistic missile. The launch, one of dozens Kim has ordered over the last three years, made international headlines mostly because it was the first to occur during the Trump administration. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login TheJakartaPost Please Update your browser Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below. Just click on the icons to get to the download page. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Wed, February 22 2017 The Indonesian proverb Egg-laying chickens die on a granary is also applicable to war-torn South Sudan. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Program (WFP) warned on Monday that 5.5 million people, more than half of South Sudans population, would face severe food shortages within the next few months. No fewer than 1 million people in the country are very close to starvation on their fertile land. This is a tragedy of humanity. Those responsible for the calamity should be punished for committing gross human rights violations. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,500/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nestor P. Burgos Jr. (Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN) Boracay Island, the Philippines Tue, February 21, 2017 The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is fully committed to come up with a Code of Conduct on the South China Sea (COC) more than 14 years after the signing of a non-binding declaration of conduct. There is no change in the ASEAN position, said Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Enrique Manalo in a briefing in Boracay Island, the Philippines, on Monday. He said the ASEAN member-states have been united in coming with a legally binding COC and the full implementation of the Declaration of Conduct (DOC) on the South China Sea. He said the member states as well as China have been hoping to come up with a framework on the COC by this year. There has been more determination to proceed to finalise the COC framework as soon as possible and proceed to actual negotiations on the COC, Manalo said. The DOC was signed on Nov. 4, 2002 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, by ASEAN member-states and China as a measure to help prevent and settle territorial disputes involving the South China Sea. It declares among others that countries should refrain from inhabiting presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features, and handle their differences in a constructive manner. But ASEAN-member states including the Philippines have protested the building of structures by China in the disputed territory. While there were still no discussions on the COC framework, Manalo said the COC framework would be based on the DOC. He also gave an update on the Senior Officials Meeting in preparation for the Foreign Ministers Retreat set on Feb. 21. He said the meeting of the senior officials involved discussions on ASEAN community building, conduct of ASEAN summits, external relations and milestone anniversaries of the regional body as well dialogues with non-ASEAN countries. The Foreign Ministers Retreat, to be chaired by Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, is the first major meeting of the ASEAN this year under the chairmanship of the Philippines, which coincides with the 50th founding anniversary of the regional body. Established on Aug. 8, 1967, the ASEAN is composed of 10 member-states: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It aims to promote regional cooperation on economic, political and security concerns. Yasay will hold a briefing for journalists on the highlights of the meeting on Tuesday afternoon, according to the DFA. Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Jose earlier said that regional integration as well as security concerns including terrorism and illegal drugs would be among the issues to be tackled in the retreat. He said common challenges including transnational crimes like terrorism, violent extremism, human trafficking and illegal drugs would be discussed in the meeting. This article appeared on the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Annabelle Liang (Associated Press) Singapore Tue, February 21, 2017 Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, hosting a visit by his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, said Monday his country believes in a "two-state solution" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Lee explained his stand at a joint news briefing with Netanyahu, who does not endorse the two-nation approach. Lee said he realizes a two-state solution is difficult to achieve, but said it is the only way to achieve peace. Netanyahu's official visit is the first to Singapore by an Israeli head of government. Last year Lee became the first Singaporean prime minister to visit Israel. Netanyahu referred to Singapore and Israel at the news conference as being "kindred spirits." Both nations are small, with significant defense and high-tech industries. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1969, but have ties dating back to 1965, when Israeli military advisers covertly assisted Singapore after its declaration of independence. Acknowledging the "very complex situation" between Palestinians and Israel, Lee called for direct negotiations that will ensure "progress toward a just and durable solution to this long-standing and often, unfortunately violent conflict." "We have consistently believed that a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine, however hard to achieve, is the only way to bring peace and security to both peoples," Lee said. Netanyahu did not mention tensions in the Middle East in his remarks at the news briefing, after which questions were not allowed. But afterward, at a state dinner, he said he believes there is an opportunity to seek peace now "because I sense a great change in the Arab world, in many Arab countries, and I hope ... to be able to use that newfound attitude toward Israel to help us solve the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as well." The two-state approach, in which negotiations aim to lead to an independent Palestinian nation, has wide international support, including from Arab nations. It would likely require Israel to give up occupied territory that is strategically and religiously significant. A two-state solution has anchored American diplomacy in the Middle East for two decades. When U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Netanyahu last week, the American leader signaled a policy shift, saying both a two-state and a single-state solution should be considered. Netanyahu also said Israel was pivoting toward Asia "in a very clear and purposeful way." "Next month I'll go to China. Somewhat later this year, Prime Minister Modi of India will come to visit Israel," he said. Poised in the middle, he said, is Singapore, "our perfect partner." Netanyahu departs for Australia on Tuesday. (dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Gillian Flaccus (Associated Press) Portland, Oregon, United States Tue, February 21, 2017 Watchdog groups that keep tabs on digital privacy rights are concerned that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are searching the phones and other digital devices of international travelers at border checkpoints in U.S. airports. The issue gained attention recently after at least three travelers, including a Canadian journalist, spoke out publicly about their experiences. The episodes have gained notice amid an outcry over President Donald Trump's travel ban and complaints of mistreatment of foreign travelers, but the government insists there has been no policy change in the new administration. Border Protection says searches increased fivefold in the final fiscal year of the Obama presidency, but still amounted to less than one-hundredth of 1 percent of all international arrivals. Here are some things to know about the searches and your privacy rights. __________ WHAT HAS PROMPTED THE CONCERN? The American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation both say they have noticed an uptick in complaints about searches of digital devices by border agents. The increase has become most noticeable in the last month, said Adam Schwartz, a senior staff lawyer at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. "We are concerned that a bad practice that has existed under past presidents has gotten worse in quantity under the new president," Schwartz said. The government says nothing has changed. Customs officials also say the perceived shift can be attributed to a jump in the number of electronic devices that people are carrying with them and shifting tactics as the agency adjusts to the amount and types of information that can be stored on today's devices. In this Feb. 17, 2016, file photo an iPhone is seen in Washington. Watchdog groups that keep tabs on digital privacy rights are concerned that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents are searching the phones and other digital devices of international travelers at border checkpoints in U.S. airports. The American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation say complaints of such searches have spiked recently. Americans have protection under the Fourth Amendment from unreasonable search and seizure. A police officer, for example, must obtain a warrant from a judge before searching a suspect's phone. But the U.S. border is a legal grey zone. Border agents have long had the right to search travelers' physical luggage without a warrant, and that interpretation has been expanded to include digital devices.(AP/Carolyn Kaster) __________ WHAT SEARCH AUTHORITY DOES THE BORDER PROTECTION HAVE? Americans have protection under the Fourth Amendment from unreasonable search and seizure. A police officer, for example, must obtain a warrant from a judge before searching a suspect's phone. But the U.S. border is a legal gray zone. Border agents have long had the right to search travelers' physical luggage without a warrant, and that interpretation has been expanded to include digital devices, ACLU staff attorney Nathan Freed Wessler said. In 2013, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that if agents want to do a forensic search they need to have a reasonable suspicion of wrongdoing, he said. But the court stopped short of requiring agents to obtain a search warrant beforehand, he said. And an agent can flip through a phone in a cursory search for any reason. The law has not kept up with the "incredible volume of personal data that we have in our pockets now" and that creates tremendous constitutional questions, said Wessler. "In some ways, a search of your phone is more invasive than a search of your house," he said. A case currently headed to another appeals court could further clarify the law, said Schwartz. (Read also: Annoyed neighbors can now complain directly to Airbnb) __________ WHAT DOES THE BORDER PROTECTION SAY? Numbers provided by the Border Protection show a fivefold increase in electronic media searches in the 2016 fiscal year ending on Sept. 30 over the previous fiscal year. In 2016, under the Obama administration, there were 23,877 electronic media searches. That comes to .0061 percent of total arrivals into the U.S. In fiscal year 2015, there were 4,764 electronic media searches. A senior CBP official briefed reporters on the issue Friday, but the agency insisted the official not be identified. "We see it as an article that is brought into the U.S., no different than a booklet of materials, no different than a suitcase with items in it," the official said. "We've uncovered very serious and significant information in these types of searches, everything from national security concerns to child pornography to evidence of crimes to determinations of people's admissibility status under the immigration laws." In this Feb. 23, 2016, file photo, a man holds up his iPhone during a rally in support of data privacy outside the Apple store in San Francisco. Watchdog groups that keep tabs on digital privacy rights are concerned that U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents are searching the phones and other digital devices of international travelers at border checkpoints in U.S. airports. The American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation say complaints of such searches have spiked recently. (AP/Eric Risberg) __________ HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL PRIVACY WHILE TRAVELING? Privacy advocates say travelers who are concerned should leave their phones and laptops at home and buy a cheap phone once they arrive at their destination. The Council on American-Islamic Relations is also advising its members to do the same. Those who can't leave their devices behind should encrypt them and close out of all social media applications so they aren't accessible without a password, said Schwartz. But those steps won't matter much if a border agent asks a traveler to unlock the phone or provide a password, said Scwhartz. And travelers should also be aware of the rules in other countries. Israel authorities can check mobile phones at the airport, for example. This Aug. 2016 photo provided by Haisam Elsharkawi, shows Haisam Elsharkawi, a self-employed businessman from Anaheim, Calif., poses for a selfie at Disneyland. Elsharkawi says he was detained on Feb. 9, by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Los Angeles International Airport while he tried to board a flight to Saudi Arabia because he refused to unlock his cell phone. Watchdog groups that monitor digital privacy rights are concerned about an increase in electronic media searches at immigration checkpoints in U.S. Airports.(Haisam Elsharkawi via AP/File) __________ WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU REFUSE? CBP can't bar a U.S. citizen from entry if they refuse to comply, but agents can make things difficult. Travelers who don't unlock their phones could be questioned, detained temporarily and have their phones taken by agents for days. Travelers who are not U.S. citizens can be denied entry. Haisam Elsharkawi, a self-employed businessman from Anaheim, California, told the AP that he was stopped by agents in Los Angeles last week as he was boarding a plane to Saudi Arabia to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. They asked him to unlock his phone without telling him why. Elsharkawi, a Muslim, said he refused because he didn't want the male agents to see photos of his wife with her head uncovered. When he asked for a lawyer, the agents detained him, handcuffed him and interrogated him for four hours before he agreed to unlock the device for a female agent, he said. He was then released and his phone was returned after the female Homeland Security officer checked his email, photos and eBay and Amazon accounts. Elsharkawi, 34, was born in Saudi Arabia to Egyptian parents. He came to the U.S. in 2004 and became a U.S. citizen in 2012. "I was already nervous before and after what has happened ... I don't know what to expect next," he said. __________ Associated Press Writers Kevin Freking in Washington, D.C. and Josef Federman in Jerusalem, Israel contributed to this report. A firehouse on the Lower East Side has made a media star. Today in the New York Post and a few days ago in DNA Info, there were profiles of Ashley, a pit bull rescued on Staten Island and adopted by the guys at Fort Pitt (Engine 15/Ladder 18). Ashley has an Instagram account (@probyash), where her daily exploits are being chronicled. The one-year-old dog was saved from a crack house by a non-profit group, No More Pain Rescue, Jan. 9. The organizations co-founder, Erica Mahnken, told the Post, Ashley was, filthy, extremely malnourished and about 25 pounds underweight. She had cigarette burns on her head. Mahnken and her fiance knew the LES firehouse crew was looking for a dog, so a match was made quickly. The minute we walked her through those doors, we knew thats where she was meant to be, Mahnken said. Every single Fort Pitt firefighter instantly fell in love with her and she fell even more in love with them. Uncle FF Jim Murray knows the good spot! A post shared by Ashley (@probyash) on Feb 10, 2017 at 12:29pm PST Takin up- hurry up LT I gotta !! A post shared by Ashley (@probyash) on Feb 2, 2017 at 7:01am PST DECATUR The burned-out Del Carmen's East pizza restaurant in Decatur will, like one of its fabled crusts, rise again. But it may not be at its former location at 221 N. 22nd St., and the resurrection process could take anywhere from six months to a year. Married couple Larry and Martha Stanley, who had run the restaurant for just shy of 30 years before an arson fire set by burglars destroyed it in September, said they most likely won't be the ones managing the new version. Larry Stanley said the couple's two daughters and several other businesspeople are interested in reopening Del Carmen's, and it's a question now of who can be involved in a deal. But for my wife and I, and we both just turned 74, we don't think that it's time to start over, Stanley said. He also said the original North 22nd Street location was too badly damaged in the fire to be saved, and that building is scheduled to be torn down. He said a neighboring beauty shop and an apartment are in a nearby but separate building and will be unaffected. Whether the new owner will want to rebuild at that location, I don't know, he added. However, I would really suggest putting it back there because most people know that location and we had a good following there. He said an estimated return timeline for the restaurant, whether at North 22nd Street or elsewhere, ranges anywhere from six months to a year from now. There is another Del Carmen's pizza business in town, but it has no connection with the couple. Stanley said he had always tried to keep the pizza recipe, from brand of cheese to tomato sauce to singular crust, as close as possible to the original he acquired with the business. And he said he's convinced that customers appreciated that style of cooking and are eager for it to return. I probably don't have a day go by when I'm out in public and somebody says 'Hey, when are you going to get the pizza place going again?' I just came home from vacation and I had another business guy calling me on the phone, wanting to know what I was going to do with the restaurant. There is a lot of interest in Del Carmen's. Customers like Decatur's Misty Gosda say they've been going through withdrawal symptoms since fire burned away their favorite pizza option. Gosda, a Flora native, says she got hooked on it while visiting Decatur to date Chris Gosda, the man who became her husband in 2015. She says they built their relationship eating at Del Carmen's: Oh, the sauce, the breadsticks, no other pizza places were the same, said Misty Gosda, 30. She's glad the place is coming back, even though she may have to grind through another hungry 12 months of waiting, and is just thankful she had gone there to pick up dinner just a week before the arsonist struck. Chris and I said 'Well, at least we got one last good fix before we couldn't have it again, she added. As to why someone would call a pizza restaurant Del Carmen's in the first place, there are lots of stories. Stanley says he was told it meant Eat at Carmen's in French. But if that were the case, the restaurant should be called Manger a' Carmen. Better still, the Italian version would be Mangiare a Carmen. A more likely explanation is that the original owner's ex-wife was named Carmen. And the ex-husband, before they split up, told me he liked the 'Del' from 'Del Monte foods and he just put that with Carmen for Del Carmen's, Stanley said. DECATUR -- The United States on Monday marked Presidents Day, which began as a celebration of George Washington's birthday, Feb. 22. Throughout the 19th century, communities celebrated with parades and fireworks, said Evan Phifer, a research historian at the White House Historical Association. In the late 1800s, Feb. 22 became a federal holiday. The holiday was moved to the third Monday in February in 1971, creating a three-day weekend for many workers. The Herald & Review spoke to people in Decatur on Monday to find out what Presidents Day means to them and ask: Who's your favorite president? Christopher Wall, 33, Decatur Feelings on Presidents Day: As a kid, you get out of school. That's nice, but it's the same as any other holiday. Now as an adult, nobody ever talks about it. You either have the day off or you don't have the day off. It's nice to able to celebrate past presidents. I don't know if I feel like celebrating the current one, though. Favorite president: My daughter (kindergartner at Dennis School) likes Abraham Lincoln and she'll talk about him a little bit. That's a pretty good choice. George Washington is a classic choice as well. He has the highest military rank; nobody can outrank him. Genia Mabry, 31, Decatur Feelings: It's a day for people to really learn the history and backgrounds of the presidents. I don't think people really celebrate like they should, but it is a day where we could understand what the presidents do. We need more stuff around the community. They should have more events to inform people, especially our children. Favorite: I would say Barack Obama. Maybe it's my age; that is when I started paying attention. I was in my early 20s. Courtney McSherry, 35, Decatur Feelings: We enjoy the holiday. It is important to celebrate the presidents, all of them, even the newest. Favorite: Abraham Lincoln was the Civil War president. I was not good at history in high school, but now I'm interested in it because of the kids. Larry Franz, 68, Decatur Feelings: I don't know if I've ever thought about it. We owned our own business (White Hen Pantry,) so we never got the day off. We even worked on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Wasn't it originally to celebrate Washington and Lincoln's birthdays? Now it's to celebrate all of the presidents. That's they way I've always thought about it. Favorite: You have to go with Abraham Lincoln, but I didn't live through his time. During my time, I'm most fond of Ronald Reagan and what all he did for us. There is so much division between Republicans and Democrats these days. They just represent their own party instead of the people. Ronald Reagan had the ability to unify both parties. Ike Nicholson, 72, Decatur Feelings: I didn't know it was a holiday. I shouldn't be washing my car then. I thought there was something going on. There wasn't a lot of cars at the school, but I didn't think it was a holiday. Favorite: John Kennedy because he worked for the poor. I was living in Chicago when he was assassinated. Kerrin Wantland, 17, Springfield High School senior attending Millikin University in the fall Feelings: It is kind of nice to have the day off. It is a pretty important day if you are talking about the leaders of our country. This year, we are learning about the government and the roles they do. Favorite: I always liked Teddy Roosevelt and the things that he did for the nature preserves. But I feel like I should say Lincoln since I'm from Springfield. Liam Harris, 17, Junior at Decatur Christian School Feelings: It is mostly about just good or bad presidents, giving them the respect and thanks for doing our country good. You can't get somebody perfect, but I expect you to do your job and do what you think is best. If you do your job and you do what you think is best, then you are in the office for a reason. Favorite: Abraham Lincoln set the tone, not just for being a president everybody likes, but being the president to do what's right. Emma Phillips, 16, sophomore at Lutheran School Association Feelings: We should learn more about it in school. But it is a good time to give our presidents now and in the past the recognition they deserve. Favorite: Barack Obama did two terms. He showed everyone how things are supposed to be done and how to respect people. Connie Doty, 68, Decatur Feelings: It is very important to honor our presidents. I'm a very patriotic person. I believe the presidents are the head of our country and all it stands for. Favorite: Abraham Lincoln treated everyone equally. Kelly Reichardt returns to small-town America with a cleverly written but otherwise ultra drab day-in-the-life drama. Between Meeks Cutoff, Wendy and Lucy and (the slightly louder) Night Moves, Kelly Reichardt is pretty much the go-to force for quiet, contemplative dramas surrounding small-town women. And that success just keeps on flowing with this, her latest, already award-winning, festival favourite. Zeroing in on the fairly average lives of four local women in snowy middle-American Montana, Certain Women isnt what you would call a particularly exciting film. Its cheap, incredibly slow (often frustratingly so) and the large majority of its key conflicts are all ridiculously underplayed. Put simply, it doesnt really feel like much happens. This isnt to say that nothing does though. In fact, between the three broken-up narratives here - a lawyer and her troublesome client, a quietly failing marriage and a cutesy student-teacher crush - theres plenty of dramatic meat for the spectacular leading cast to really tear through. Its just that the drama in question is so subtly dealt that its very, very easy to miss. Reichardts own script is very tidily strung together, linking each story quietly but effectively, and building the characters themselves terrifically. Michelle Williams, Laura Dern and Lily Gladstone are all not only beautifully cast but thoroughly immersive to watch, and even the usually one-note Kristen Stewart takes a step back from her usual umm-ing and ah-ing to become a surprisingly sweet addition. Lump this all together with Reichardts regular lensman Christopher Blauvelts finest and most pensive cinematography to date, and technically speaking, Certain Women is a marvel to behold. Lovers of carefully astute framing and seriously understated performances look no further. Everybody else though, might as well run for the hills. If youve ever seen a Kelly Reichardt film before youll know what to expect, and in terms of the directors own vision and talent, this certainly feels like a culmination of pretty much all of her work to date. So seamlessly structured and softly worded; the patient minded will find a lot to love. But it is a film for a very specific, cinema-loving audience and those who find themselves easily bored should almost definitely look elsewhere. Certain Women is an incredibly insightful and tremendously assembled piece of work, with an awards-worthy cast to boot, but it does require an extraordinary amount of patience to tolerate. Certain Women is out in UK cinemas 3rd March. DECATUR A Decatur service station owner is turning detective to help police track down the hit-and-run suspect who left a tow truck driver lying injured by the side of the road. Jay Billingsley, owner of Billingsley BP Service Center and Towing, has painstakingly pieced together pieces of the front plastic bumper left behind at the accident scene and says he can now identify the color and type of vehicle involved: a 2006-2009 Chevrolet Impala in a gray shade the factory calls dark gray tarnished metallic. Billingsley said this is the vehicle that side-swiped his friend and colleague, tow truck driver Chris Moore, on the shoulder of eastbound Interstate 72 near Argenta on the evening of Feb. 9. Moore, who was securing a disabled truck for towing, was left with both legs broken below the knee and two broken ankles, among other injuries. A married man with two children, he is continuing to recover in a hospital; the driver of the disabled vehicle was also injured, but less seriously. The Illinois State Police, who acknowledged Billingsley's information, haven't commented on the significance of the evidence, and officers had collected their own vehicle fragments from the accident scene. Since the accident happened, we have been following leads throughout the area regarding different vehicles, but none of those leads have panned out, said Master Sgt. Ryan Starrick. If anyone has information, they can call (217) 867-2050. Billingsley, who worked with colleague Tom Rutherford to reassemble the collected bumper fragments, says it was at first thought the suspect vehicle was a Ford Taurus, but he's confident of the Impala identity now. He also knows it's a long shot trying to locate the hit and run driver, who could be multiple time zones away, but he says he owes it to Moore to try. Chris, in addition to being my co-worker, is a very good friend, and I know that if I were to ever to experience a situation like this, he would do the same for me, said Billingsley, 42. He said the suspect driver, whose vehicle would also be missing its passenger side mirror, would have realized instantly what they had done. That person needs to know it's not too late to do the right thing: Be an upstanding citizen and admit the mistake and turn themselves in, Billingsley said. He described Moore as a fighter determined to get better, and says he was given the best of care and attention by the first responders who came to the accident scene. The Argenta Fire Department, the Macon County Sheriff's Office, the State Police and Decatur Ambulance all responded immediately, and we're very, very thankful for their efforts at the scene, Billingsley added. He said this was the first time an incident like this had happened to one of his drivers, but being a tow truck operator is regarded as a risky way to make a living. It's a dangerous profession and should be treated with as much respect as possible, he said. Drivers should move over when they see any kind of emergency vehicle by the side of the road; that's also the law. Footage apparently showing the moment Kim Jong Nam was allegedly poisoned has been leaked. The CCTV video from a Kuala Lumpur airport shows two women approaching a man, thought to be the estranged half-brother of North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un, and putting a piece of cloth over his face. Kim Jong Nam later died. Upon news of his death, Pyongyang demanded custody of Kim Jong Nams body, strongly objecting to a post-mortem examination. The Malaysian government resisted and conducted two post-mortem examinations, after the result of the first came back inconclusive. On Monday, the Malaysian foreign ministry said it had recalled its ambassador to Pyongyang for consultations and had summoned North Koreas ambassador to Malaysia, Kang Chol, to a meeting. Malaysian police have arrested four people carrying IDs from North Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam, and are looking for four men who travelled out of the country on the day of the incident. An elderly woman who found a rare five pound note worth 50,000 has donated it to help young people, as she doesn't need the money 'at her time of life'. The woman found one of four notes which the artist Graham Short engraved with tiny 5mm portraits of Jane Austen in December, before spending one each in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Short told the BBC: "An old lady found it and she said 'I don't want my picture in the papers' and she said 'if it sells for a lot of money it will be better if young children could benefit from it'." The woman, from Eniskillen in Northern Ireland, sent a note to Short's gallery which read: "It was lovely to speak to you today. 5 note enclosed, I don't need it at my time of life. Please use it to help young people." The artist said he is now contacting outlets connected to Children in Need in order to find a good cause to which to donate the money. the new ones with the animal fat in them Short engraved the notes -- to mark the 200th anniversary of Austen's death. Each is marked with a different quote from the novelist's work. The first was found in a cafe in Wales in December, and the second in the same month in a Christmas card in Scotland. Now only the note spent in England remains in circulation. For those frantically checking their wallets, the serial number of the last note is AM 32 885554. The Telegraph revealed yesterday that French officials have approached Oxford University to open a new campus in Paris. The university, which has never opened a foreign campus in its 700-year history, is said to be considering the move as a solution to Brexit-induced funding concerns. In a meeting last week French officials assured university staff that any satellite point in France would have French legal status and as such could continue to receive EU funding. The plans would mean certain degree programmes being relocated across the channel and the creation of new joint degrees and research labs. Commenting on the move, Liberal Democrat education spokesperson John Pugh said: British Universities bring the best and brightest to our country, now they are being forced to educate off-shore. This is entirely down to the Governments choice for a Hard Brexit. They have committed to keeping apart from vital EU institutions like the Horizon 2020 programme which would guarantee Oxbridge and others continued access to 2bn in funding for research here in the UK. Instead they are choosing to leave the Single Market and risk falling out of these vital programmes altogether. This looks less like Taking Back Control and more like shipping out our national institutions. Oxford isnt the only leading British university to be approached, with Jean-Michel Blanquer, former director-general of the French ministry for education, saying that talks were underway with the French authorities and several UK-based institutions. To date Oxford and Warwick are the only to have met with the Parisian officials. Although no decision has yet been taken by Oxford, a spokesperson said: Oxford has been an international university throughout its history and it is determined to remain open to the world whatever the future political landscape looks like. Image by Andrew Shiva If you've ever dreamt of combining a helicopter ride over one of the world's most exciting cities with an evening of great food, you're in luck. Maverick Helicopters, an award-winning helicopter operator, has partnered with Las Vegas' top culinary tour company Lip Smacking Foodie Tours to offer the ultimate dining experience. Savory Bites & Neon Lights, which starts at $299 per person, features exclusive food tasting at five prominent resaturants followed by Maverick Helicopters' renowned Vegas Nights flight over the Las Vegas strip. The five hour experience begins at ARIA Resort & Casino and includes a guided tour to each dining venue with reserved seating and a choice of up to four signature dishes. Expect to visit acclaimed culinary destinations such as Chef Michael Mina's Bardot Brasserie, Chef Shawn McClain's Sage at ARIA, and Chef Costas Spiliadis' Estiatorio Milos inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. This is the perfect opportunitity for you to taste dishes from some of the most exclusive restaurants that the city has to offer, all in a single evening. Tour hosts are on hand throughout the night to talk guests through the menu and the food that they are enjoying. Once fed, guests are transported to Maverick Helicopters' private Las Vegas terminal where they are greeted with a champagne toast before they take to the Vegas skies. The 12 to 15 minute Vegas Nights flight offers stunning, panoramic views of the Las Vegas strip with a narration of the surround attractions. At the end of the flight a limo wil take visitors back to their hotel. www.flymaverick.com for more information. Visit Follow Lip Smacking Foodie Tours on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram for the latest news and updates. Nazis have taken over London on screens at least. The BBCs absorbing new series SS-GB, based on Len Deightons popular 1978 novel, imagines a world in which the Nazis have invaded and defeated Britain by 1941. Such an imaginative conceit is by no means unusual. Similar dystopian visions of Nazi victory in World War II have long been popular. Take, for instance, Richard Harris Fatherland (1992), Stephen Frys Making History (1996), Philip Roths The Plot Against America (2004) and CJ Sansoms acclaimed Dominion (2012). There was even Iron Sky , the 2012 film which imagined that the defeated Nazis fled to the other side of the moon in 1945 only to plan a space fleet to return to conquer Earth some 60 years later. As Gavriel Rosenfeld has eloquently argued , persistent rewriting of history is intimately connected to changing perceptions of the Third Reichs real historical legacy as well as to subversive efforts to normalise the Nazi past in the West, and especially in the United States and Britain. Through imagining a life of defeat and occupation, Britons and Americans (who have authored, read or viewed the vast majority of these visions) are able to bathe in the still-lingering glow of victory while at the same time closing the distance between themselves and their wartime enemies. This nightmare of a Nazi military victory and of a Nazified world order was in fact first explored in pre-war fiction, most notably Katharine Burdakins Swastika Night (1937). But it was not until the Cold War that the idea took hold, with a flurry of activity in the early 60s. The year 1964 saw The Other Man air on ITV (with Michael Caine in the lead role) and 1965 the cinematic release of the powerful and provocative It Happened Here . Using deliberately grainy 16mm black and white film, this latter production offered a harrowing portrayal of what a Nazi occupation of Britain might have looked like. In the United States, meanwhile, the most powerful vision of a Nazi victory was surely Philip K Dicks 1963 story, The Man in the High Castle . Set in the 60s, Dick describes an America occupied in the West by Imperial Japan and in the East by the Nazis. The two victors of World War II are technically at peace, but tensions are mounting, particularly once the Japanese government learns that their Nazi allies may be developing new and terrifying weaponry in order to secure overall control of the North American continent. Tellingly, these 60s stories are once again very popular. Dicks frightening vision is the subject of a current Amazon Prime TV series, now in its second season . Similar imaginings have featured in the NBC series Timeless (2016), which features an episode given over to a rewriting of World War II, while the 2011 Welsh film Resistance (starring Michael Sheen) begins with the failure of D-Day and the subsequent German invasion and occupation of Britain. The BBCs adaptation of SS-GB is just the latest in this line. Clearly, alternative histories of a Nazified world again have commercial and cultural traction. Nazi obsessions Perhaps unsurprisingly, the ideas and images offered by such a counterfactual Nazi world seem to have worked their way into contemporary political discourse. Amid the ongoing cross-Channel rancour connected to Brexit, Boris Johnson, the current British foreign secretary, asked whether the French president Francois Hollandes function within the EU was akin to a Nazi prison guard. And during a recent and now typical Twitter outburst, Donald Trump, the US president, responded to his antagonists (in the media and intelligence community) with a pointed question : Are we living in Nazi Germany? Seen in this context, the contemporary fascination with counterfactual history is the popular culture counterpart to Trumpian political truth. In Trumps pronouncements and press conferences, truth is invented and reinvented on a daily basis. Media critics are Nazis; civil rights leaders once battered by the baton are all talk ; the families of heroic veterans can quickly become villains ; and famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass is even resurrected from the dead Sid Gentle Films Ltd // Screen Grab On TV, meanwhile, history is remade and re-imagined via the most persistent Anglo-American what if nightmare Nazi victory. The popularity of this kind of television history in the post-truth age of fake news surely makes perfect sense: they are two sides of the same coin. While very different in purpose and power, both are suggestive of a world in which the lines between fact and fiction are increasingly blurred. But the apparently symbiotic connection between the two should also give us pause for thought, particularly when the last age of counterfactual fascination the 60s is kept in mind. Now, beware a spoiler. At the very end of his story, Dick confronts the reader with a revelation. The reality of an Axis victory is a myth, and the counterfactual histories of Allied victory authored to Nazi irritation by the mysterious man in the high castle are instead the truth. It is a skillful plot device, arresting and jolting. It also invites a troubling thought: if the man in the high castle writes the truth from deep within a myth, what does this mean for Dicks own relationship with and to the 1960s? Does it suggest that Dick was similarly in a high castle and that his counterfactual vision of Nazis in New York contained a truth of sorts? Dicks contemporaries later endured the Age of Nixon, witnessed frequent racialised brutality targeting African-Americans in the south, and encountered and perpetrated the massacre of My Lai in the Vietnam War (which one American soldier later admitted was a Nazi kind of thing). As we enter our own counterfactual age, in which truth is twisted and lies disseminated, the renewed obsession with alternative histories provides a powerful cautionary reminder of what can happen when nightmares are made real. Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. 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"She has a huge smile and a positive attitude that is contagious. Bridget is a high-performing employee. She gets things done. She keeps it simple. She works and plays well with others. She lives 'can do.' I am thankful every day that she is on my team." Im very humbled by this, said Sibthorp-Moecker, a graduate of Warrensburg-Latham High School and Illinois State University. Im from here Im from this small town and Ive lived here my whole life. So, in a way, its almost jarring because I dont think of myself on that scale. In 2015, Sibthorp-Moecker spearheaded the launch of a pilot website in collaboration with Newspapers.com, a division of Ancestry. The Pantagraph was the first newspaper in the nation to enter into such a partnership, providing users with an easily searchable database of historic newspaper content and preserving it for future generations. The H&R is also available on Newspapers.com "Although Bridget is our local digital expert, she also has a great appreciation for our printed product. She has a foot in both worlds and respects each," Bechtel said. Last year, Sibthorp-Moecker was part of Lee Enterprises Sweeps team for developing a plan to produce and schedule digital content that provides an extra boost to traffic and engagement during peak periods of digital advertising demand. I just do whats in front of me and hope to do it well, Sibthorp-Moecker said. Everyone in our company has their own important job to do. A lot of what I do is behind the scenes, and my goal is help find a way to keep our business sustainable long after Im gone. Sibthorp-Moecker has worked for Lee Enterprises at the H&R since May 2005. Editor & Publisher is one of the leading news media publications in the country. E&Ps Top 25 Under 35 winners will be featured in Aprils issue. LINCOLN A tip from a Logan County sheriffs deputy has led to the discovery of a double-homicide in Freeport, officials said. During a routine traffic stop near Lincoln around midnight last Wednesday, the deputy became suspicious of a car driven by Mitchell Davis, 33, of Freeport. The car was registered to the mans parents and the deputy wanted to make sure he had permission to drive it. During the stop, the deputy asked Freeport officials to check on Patrick Davis, 66, and his wife, Carlotta, 59. When police arrived at the couple's Freeport home, they found the couple dead as a result of stab wounds. Stephenson County Coroner Tim Leamon confirmed the couple was stabbed to death, possibly as early as last Monday. The family has ties to Logan County, according to Stephenson County officials. Mitchell Davis remains in Stephenson County jail in lieu of $750,000 bond and faces two counts of first-degree murder. NORMAL Ameya Pawar is bringing a lesson he learned from knocking on every door of Chicago's 47th Ward to his campaign for governor. "You get some doors slammed in your face ... but that two-way dialogue is important," said Pawar, a Democratic two-term alderman. "I can't knock on every door, but I plan to go to every county." That plan continued Monday when Pawar stopped in McLean County to campaign for his party's nomination in 2018. He participated in interviews with media outlets before addressing about 50 people at Normal Public Library. Pawar said he wants to run a populist campaign with these priorities: better education funding; easier access to child care; jobs and infrastructure improvements; and criminal justice reform. He hopes to subsidize child care for families earning less than $75,000 per year. Pawar also supports a progressive income tax and student loan refinancing for young adults who pledge to live in Illinois for the next decade. Of competing with Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic primary opponent Chris Kennedy, both wealthy businessmen, Pawar said he's "not scared of money" and plans to run a grass-roots campaign statewide. Masked monks in clash with DSI as tempers flare PATHUM THANI: The government yesterday (Feb 20) pledged to move ahead with search operations at the controversial Wat Phra Dhammakaya, saying no place was beyond the reach of the law. crimecorruptionviolencepolicemilitaryreligion By Bangkok Post Tuesday 21 February 2017, 08:55AM Monks wearing masks fought with DSI officers near the temple gate as the joint military-police task force searching Wat Phra Dhammakaya again came up empty in their attempt to arrest sect leader Dhammajayo. Photo: Pattanapong Hirunard Pushing and shoving broke out yesterday when the monks tried to eject the officials. After the scuffle, barricades were erected between them to prevent further clashes. The temple also asked the officials not to cut off the water and power supply as residents nearby would also be affected. Police deployed 26 more companies to join the operation. The DSI lodged a complaint with police after the scuffle in which some DSI officers were injured. The tough stance came on the fifth day of the operation at the Pathum Thani temple to search for former abbot Phra Dhammajayo, wanted in connection with the multi-billion-baht Klongchan Credit Union Cooperative embezzlement scandal. A scuffle broke out Monday morning when dozens of monks, wearing masks, tried to prevent the authorities from entering the temples compound through Gate 5 and Gate 6. Some police and Wat Phra Dhammakaya followers were injured. There was no sign of Phra Dhammajayo at the end of the fifth day amid rumours that an order issued under Section 44 of the interim charter to enable the search operations would be revoked. The order was intended to allow officials to temporarily control the temple and surrounding area and prevent outsiders from entering after Phra Dhammajayo repeatedly failed to report to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to acknowledge charges against him, and after his devotees obstructed the DSIs previous search operations. Quoting Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, government spokesman Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the operations at Wat Phra Dhammakaya were about the enforcement of the law. The principle is strict enforcement of the law, or the case will set a bad example ... that the law cant be implemented there. The government cant afford that. The law must be applied everywhere, Lt Gen Sansern said. He said the prime minister was closely observing the operations led by the DSI with police and troops as support units. Lt Gen Sansern insisted authorities were aware of the sensitivity of the issue and they were exercising caution in carrying out their job. He said handling the issue was no easy task. The government spokesman also called on the media to be careful when reporting on the operations, saying some temple followers were trying to distort facts and undermining officials. He said some were even dragging Buddhism into the controversy when it was not, arguing the authorities were merely trying to bring Phra Dhammajayo to fight charges in the justice system. The search operation was led by the DSI with the support of police officers from Provincial Police Region 1, Provincial Police Region 7, and the Metropolitan Police Bureau. Soldiers were deployed outside the temple to maintain order and prevent people carrying weapons into the temple. Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon also said authorities were enforcing the law and they could be charged with negligence of duty if they did not enforce the search warrant. We dont care if Phra Dhammajayo is arrested [in this operation] or not. We are executing the search warrant. Authorities must be able to search every nook and cranny, he said. He also emphasised that authorities must tell the public, the monks and the temple disciples that they were enforcing the law. He denied a full-blown clash took place between officers and temple followers, saying it was a little pushing and shoving which occurred during a stand-off. Justice Minister Suwaphan Tanyuvardhana said he would leave it to the authorities to decide how to handle the disciples and followers of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, who were reportedly turning up in large numbers. He denied reports the authorities would seize control of Wat Phra Dhammakaya, detain and defrock the monks, and prohibit them attending a Pali language examination at Wat Khien Khet today (Feb 21) and tomorrow (Feb 22) in Pathum Thani. It will be all right if the search for Phra Dhammajayo fails. But I would like to ask the Supreme Sangha Council and monks in charge of running Wat Phra Dhammakaya, and government officials, to join hands to solve the problem, to move in the same direction for the sake of social order, he said. The department was questioning Phra Thammasak Charuthammo, who claimed to have seen Phra Dhammajayo sneak out last Thursday (Feb 16). Tension heightened on Sunday afternoon (Feb 19) after the devotees launched a campaign on social media to mobilise hundreds of thousands of supporters nationwide to pressure officials into ending the temple search. Read original story here. On Demand We have a new story every day on the front page of thephuketnews.com. Also like us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/thephuketnews) and be the first to watch all the new stories. Finally you can watch any segment, any time by going to thephuketnews.com/tv where all the stories are listed for you to enjoy. All our programs can be enjoyed in High Definition when watching on the internet. In-Room VDO Two months, B1.3mn budget to repair collapsed Phuket bridge, say officials PHUKET: Rawai Mayor Aroon Solos has confirmed to The Phuket News today that it will take at least two months to fix a collapsed bridge at Naiharn lake. Motorists are advised to take alternative routes while the work is being carried out. constructiontransport By Tanyaluk Sakoot Tuesday 21 February 2017, 06:25PM The alternative route is marked out for motorists. Photo: Rawai Municipality The road will take two months and a budget of B1.3mn to fix. Photo: Rawai Municipality Speaking to The Phuket News today (Feb 21) Mayor Aroon said, I have been trying to find out who is responsible for repairing this bridge and I have still not been able to find the relevant government agency. However, as this is urgent Rawai Municipality have prepared a budget of B1.3 million for the repairs, he said. I have made sure that the area is now closed off to the general public as a matter of safety and drivers should now avoid this route. Motorists needing to use this area should now use Naya Rd as an alternative until the repairs are complete. Motorists should now turn left at the junction at the Reggae Bar and drive all the way around the lake and exit via Naya Rd, he added. Somsong Saetang, Head of Public Works Division, Rawai Municipality, added, We are now removing the collapsed bridge before rebuilding it. We closed the road at 9am today and it is going to take at least two months to complete the reconstruction, he said. MOLINE (AP) Democratic U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos says she won't run for Illinois governor in 2018. In a statement Monday, Bustos says she decided staying in Congress is "the best way for me to continue getting real results for working families across the heartland." Bustos was recently elected to Democratic leadership in the U.S. House, where she is co-chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee. The East Moline resident had said publicly for months that she was considering challenging Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. She said Monday she looks forward to "actively campaigning" to elect a Democratic governor. Two Democrats already have announced they're running. They are businessman Chris Kennedy and Chicago Alderman Ameya Pawar. Bustos represents the 17th Congressional District, which comprises a swath of western and northern Illinois. Armenian National Congress (HAK) MP Aram Manoukyan told reporters today that 60% of the countrys legislators would prefer a parliament where they could sit and do nothing. Arguing that most MPs lack any principles other than spending large amounts of taxpayer money, Manoukyan lambasted many of his colleagues for doing nothing more than pressing buttons when a bill comes up for a vote. Manoukyan said he could say the names of thirty current MPs and none of the reporters present would know who they are. This parade of irresponsibility has gotten bigger, he said. Describing Armenias political landscape as replete with buffoonery, he described MPs as grasshoppers jumping to and fro just to wind up with a seat in parliament. Manoukyan accused the countrys political parties and alliances for making grandiose promises in the run-up to the April 2 parliamentary election without explaining how they propose to achieve them. All their platforms are the same. We must do this or that. We must cut corruption, must cut migration, must solve the Karabakh conflict, etc. Its a campaign of desires, Manoukyan argued. Using numbers to depict what the situation in Armenia is today, Manoukyan said, The number of school pupils has dropped by 100,000 in the past ten years. Their number has dropped from 602,000 to 360,000 in the past eighteen years. Armenia has 250,000 less pupils than 17 years ago. If we divide this number by two, it means we have that many fewer boys to serve in the army. Manoukyan said that the Armenian National Congress is the only party to present a comprehensive vision of the countrys future development. What county auditors want voters to know ahead of the midterm election Forty-one South Dakota county auditors spoke with the Argus Leader about the sanctity of elections in the state. Zagreb sold a record amount of aging weapons and ammunition to Saudi Arabia in 2016, ignoring evidence the arms are regularly being diverted to Syria. Croatia has drastically increased its sales of decades-old arms and ammunition to Saudi Arabia despite mounting evidence that the deliveries are being diverted to Syria in breach of European Union (EU) and international law. Though it has one of the best and most expensively equipped armies in the Middle East, the Gulf Kingdom imported US$ 81.7 million in aging ammunition, including bullets, mortars, rockets, and rocket and grenade launchers worth $5.8 million from Croatia during the first nine months of 2016. This total is already double Croatias sales to Saudi Arabia over the previous four years, and the final value will likely be higher, as figures for the last quarter have not yet been published. Igor Tabak, a Croatian defense analyst, said that the country does not currently produce ammunition. It is quite likely that the exports come from old ammunition, he said, possibly from the inventory of the former Yugoslavia and Eastern [Bloc] production. While Croatia has consistently refused to acknowledge that it is profiting from liquidating its old stocks on the Syrian battlefields, defense ministry documents reviewed by the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN) and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) show a major surge in sales from its stockpile coinciding with the start of the civil war in 2012. According to those reports, the Ministry of Defense, which has a stockpile of around 18,000 tons, sold at least 5,000 tons of surplus ammunition in 2013 and 2014as much as it had sold in the preceding decade. The Ministry of Defense did not respond to a request for additional information on who bought the armaments and whether additional sales were made in 2015 and 2016. Arms Exports: A State Secret Croatia was among the first countries to supply weapons to Syrian rebels in the winter of 2012. The shipment was routed via Jordan with logistical support from the CIA and paid for by Saudi Arabia, according to a 2013 investigation by the New York Times. Following a flurry of embarrassing news coverage, Croatia abruptly started removing key information, such as the final destination of its exports, from official reports in an attempt to keep the details of this trade out of the headlines. The Ministry of Economy, which is responsible for issuing import/export licenses for weapons and ammunition, told BIRN and OCCRP that a 2012 law on personal data protection prohibits it from giving out this information. This is disputed by the Croatian Data Protection Agency, which said the legislation applies only to individuals, not to companies or governments. Five non-governmental organizations described the removal of information as a troubling decline in transparency in their submission to a United Nations (UN) Human Rights Panel on Croatia in March 2015. Reporters, however, obtained the data via a little-known UN database, Comtrade, which contains annual international trade statistics from more than 170 countries. The UN database revealed that Croatia exported $36 million worth of ammunition to Jordan in the two years since the Syrian conflict began in 2012. After Croatias role became public, Saudi Arabia took over importing more than $124 million worth of ammunition since 2014 two thirds in the first nine months of 2016 alone. The two countries also imported more than $21 million in weapons, including rocket and grenade launchers, since 2012. Prior to 2012, the arms trade between Croatia, Jordan and Saudi Arabia was virtually nonexistent. Since 2012, all but a few hundred thousand dollars of Croatias ammunition sales have gone to Jordan or Saudi Arabia. A spokesperson of the Croatian Ministry of Economy said that the latest exports took place in accordance with licenses approved in 2015. He also added that some export licenses to Saudi Arabia were rejected in 2015, and none were issued in 2016 but refused to provide any further detail. An earlier investigation by BIRN and OCCRP revealed that Croatia approved $302 million worth of arms export licenses over this period. Unless these licenses are revoked, millions of dollars in future exports are approved to go forward. Falling Into the Wrong Hands While experts have previously highlighted video and photographic evidence of Croatian-made RBG-6 grenade launchers and RAK-12 multiple-launch rocket systems in Syria, Croatian officials have disputed their origin, pointing out that similar weapons are produced elsewhere. However, new analysis by BIRN and OCCRP of the social media profiles used by brigades fighting in Syria, as well from online enthusiasts who monitor the spread of weapons, provide clear evidence that these weapons are Croatian-made. Read more Ukranian authorities arrested two female ringleaders of a sex trafficking network that was sending young women to Turkey. The National Police announced Sunday that they busted the prostitution ring when they stopped two young women in the Boryspil International Airport. These two women were allegedly on their way to Turkey where they would be forced into sex work. After intercepting the trafficking victims at the airport, authorities launched an investigation and arrested two suspected leaders of the prostitution ring, local media reported. The suspects are set to be tried on human trafficking charges and may receive a sentence between 5 and 20 years. Feminist activist group FEMEN protests sex trafficking in Kiev (Photo: Alexey Perkin CC BY SA 2.0) occrp.org An administrative botch-up has deprived hundreds of Delhi University (DU) retirees of their pension since 2014, with the varsity telling a court here that it cannot abide by an August 2016 order to pay as it doesn't have the money to do so. The case will now be taken up on April 17. In the decade from 1989 to 1999, Delhi University (DU) gave its employees the option through circulars to choose between Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) or pension upon retirement. It gave this option not once or twice but 11 times in total. However, the University Grants Commission (UGC), which funds central universities like DU, asked that the option be stopped in 1999 saying it did not have the power to do so. By this time several employees had exercised their choice in choosing for either pension or CPF through these circulars, while there were many who did not choose either. The DU circulars had come following a central government order dated May 1, 1987. The order stated that "all CPF beneficiaries will be deemed to have come over to the Pension Scheme" from the date mentioned before, unless they explicitly request to remain in CPF by informing this to their offices on or before September 30 of the same year. Almost two decades later, in an unrelated case, a court here ruled in 2006 that a similar option given by the Bureau Of Indian Standards (BIS) was not in order as it was applicable only until September 30, 1987. Those who did not make a choice till that date would be treated as pensioners when they retired. The court, then, ruled that the September 30, 1987, date was sacrosanct and all central government employees, as per the recommendation of the Fourth Central Pay Commission, will be deemed to have come into pension without their having specifically expressed so. The BIS case galvanised into action scores of DU employees who either had expressed their desire to come into pension after the cut-off date of September 30, 1987, or had refrained from explicitly choosing either. Many of these employees started approaching the Delhi High Court which consolidated all such pleas into three categories category 1 and category 3 for employees cited above, and category 2 comprising those who chose CPF before the cut-off date and delivered a combined judgement on April 30, 2014. In a single bench judgement the court ruled that two categories (1 and 3) were eligible for pension and directed the DU to proceed accordingly. The court based its judgement on the ground laid during the BIS judgement in 2006, which upheld the indisputability of cut-off date as the final date before which an option to remain in CPF could be made, and which was irreversible. However, DU decided to challenge this verdict. Also in an open letter to teachers, unwittingly or wittingly, Dinesh Singh, the then Vice Chancellor, acknowledged that the university was not entitled to extend the option of choosing between the CPF and pension. "During the period 1988 to 1999, the University had granted extensions to employees to move over from CPF to GPF-cum-pension scheme. The University and its EC (Executive Council) believed that they had the power to do so on their own and thus thousands of employees in all sincerity had exercised the above options and were drawing, or now expect to draw pension upon retirement," Singh wrote in his letter dated August 21, 2014, just days before the court judgement came. But "unfortunately" in approaching the court, the employees, Singh continued, "ended up challenging the validity of the options granted by the University and the legitimate exercise of these options by all University employees between 1988 and 1999". "It seems that the V C either wasn't aware of the BIS case which had, in effect, already rendered those circulars illegal, or, he didn't understand its implications," Amarnath Gupta, a retired Associate Professor from the university and an active member of Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) Pension Committee, told IANS. "The DU staff moved the court after the very BIS case thinking that the option chosen by them for pension will not stand since the cut-off for doing was already pronounced to be long over on September 30, 1987 but they rightly got the succour from the court, since they didn't explicitly have to choose pension at any time, it was automatically done on October 1, 1987, if they hadn't explicitly selected for CPF," he said. The DU then received another blow when a division bench of the High Court upheld the 2014 judgement on its ruling dated August 24, 2016, giving the university three months time to start paying the retirees which it had stopped after the 2014 judgement. "In spite of being directed by the Delhi High Court to start disbursing pension, which ruled it in its August judgement last year, the university has not budged," Gupta complained. After almost five months of the verdict, the university is yet to resume the pensions of the employees. It also seeks to challenge the verdict, as directed by the HRD ministry. On the other hand, "a contempt of court notice was slapped on the university for not adhering to the court order," Gupta said. He also added that during its first hearing on January 19 this year, the DU cited lack of funds for not being able to disburse pensions and the court reprimanded it for not fulfilling its responsibility as an employer. The case is next due to be heard on April 17. A total of 636 (teaching and non-teaching) DU employees stand to be affected by how things play out in the future. Of them, 518 are retired and have had their pension on hold and 118 are yet to retire. The face-off between the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration and the agitating students continued on Tuesday, with the university expressing shock at the "misinformation" being spread by the students community. The university has implored the students, who are protesting its notification on an upper cap on the number of M.Phil. and Ph.D. students a faculty member can guide, to end their "siege" of the administrative block. "The university's website and media reports have plenty of appeals and requests made by the administration to these students to refrain from unlawful and harmful methods and come forward for peaceful discussion and dialogue," the premier university of the country said in a statement. It also accused the students of misleading the public by showing their "illogical demands as genuine concerns". It is the 12th day since a hundred-odd students started their occupation of the building, blocking all entries to it and throwing, as the administration alleged, "the entire bureaucratic apparatus out of gear". "The agitators do not care at all when thousand plus contractual labourers suffer because of their agitation, and yet shed crocodile tears by invoking 'social justice' arguments," the statement said. "Do they worry at all when the university has lost huge sums of money, that are actually the country's taxpayers' money, due to their occupation and blockade of the administrative building?" "Do they respect academics, when official papers of faculty and students related to their academic engagements in India and abroad are not processed due to their illegal siege of the office building?" the university said. It also reprimanded the JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) for supporting the students and taking the matter out of campus instead of approaching the administration. "The JNUTA has not even once given a call for ending the siege of the administration building," it said. "Some students have resorted to confining top JNU officials for above 20 hours, breaking open the doors and disrupting meetings, putting locks in various School Buildings to prevent classes, All these incidents ironically are not considered law and order problems by JNUTA!" said the administration. The students decided to "occupy" the administrative block on February 9, following the adoption of a 2016 University Grants Commission (UGC) notification which recommended an upper cap on the number of M.Phil. and Ph.D. students a faculty member can guide. They alleged that the cap would mean a massive seat-cut in the admissions, although the university said it will not happen. News Story not available This story has been published on: 2022-11-06. To contact the author, please use the contact details within the article. This story is no longer available on our site. On Saturday, June 10, 1882, a German woman named Kate Folz was walking along the tracks of the New Haven Branch Line on her way, by foot, from Connecticut to New York City. She worked as a servant in Stamford and in Greenwich. She carried a carpet bag filled with clothing. That day Kate Folz finally reached a rather desolate and unpopulated area known as Pelham Woods near Pelham's border with New Rochelle between the New Haven Branch Line and the Pelham border. There, where the railroad tracks crossed Boston Post Road, she encountered a local gang of five young ruffians from New Rochelle, some of whom already had criminal records and had served jail time. The brutal encounter that followed became fodder for a host of newspaper reports throughout the region and a massive manhunt to track down the ruffians. The gang robbed Ms. Folz of her earrings. They tore up her carpet bag as they searched for valuables and destroyed the clothing within. They demanded money and forced the poor woman to beg for her life. They stole nearly all the money she had, a little more than seven dollars. The thugs next assaulted her repeatedly. Given the sensibilities of the time, no newspaper reported that the thugs raped their victim. Yet, the brutal attack became widely known, euphemistically, as the "Outrage." A local newspaper warned, ominously, as follows: " had the scamps come across any other woman, a wife, daughter or sister of some of the better known citizens might have been as grossly outraged." In short, m ost reports made clear that Kate Folz had been raped repeatedly. The brutal repeated assaults of Kate Folz ended only when a man named Peter Berger, a New Rochelle trustee, approached the area driving his wagon on Boston Post Road and heard the woman's screams and cries. The thugs fled the scene. As one report put it: " They only desisted from their brutal outrageous assaults when they saw Peter Berger, one of the village trustees, approaching. Mr. Berger kindly put the woman in his wagon and brought her to the village.'" Peter Berger saw the fleeing ruffians and recognized them as a gang of no-goods from New Rochelle. Mr. Berger helped the poor woman into his wagon and returned to New Rochelle to get her help. I have written before about the brutal crimes committed against Kate Folz. See Residents of both Pelham and New Rochelle were outraged by the robbery and assault. The Pelham Manor Protective Club was willing to pledge a $100 reward for the arrest and conviction of the robbers a considerable sum. In addition, the citizens of New Rochelle participated in a crowded town meeting to address the situation and even decided to organize a Citizens Protective Association, much like the nearby Pelham Manor Protective Club, as a result of the attack. Indeed, the Pelham Manor Protective Club had been organized only the year before to help guard against precisely such violations of the law. During the early 1880s, a decade before the Village of Pelham Manor was incorporated in 1891, local residents founded the Pelham Manor Protective Club as a "vigilance committee" intended, principally, to deal with crimes committed by so-called "tramps" who roamed the region hopping on and off the New Haven Branch Line trains. The founders, however, had broader foresight and organized the "Club" as a means of working together for the good of their community. Nearly the entire adult male population of the area 52 local residents subscribed as members. Only one household chose not to subscribe to the organization. Within two days the Executive Committee of the Pelham Manor Protective Club met to address what the minutes of the meeting described as " a reported outrage committed on June 10th at or near the town line of Pelham." At the time, the Executive Committee consisted of Robert C. Black, William E. Barnett, Hamlin Q. French, and Thomas D. De Witt (who served as Secretary and kept the minutes). The minutes of the June 12, 1882 special meeting of the Executive Committee of the Pelham Manor Protective Club included the following entry: " Mr. French moved, that Mr. T. D. De Witt, be appointed a committee of one to ascertain the truth of a reported outrage committed on June 10th at or near the town line of Pelham, and to offer, if he considers it necessary, to the proper persons of New Rochelle, our assistance in the amount of One Hundred Dollars provisional on the conviction of one or more of the ruffians, and he is instructed to report progress as soon as possible. Carried." New Rochelle was just as outraged as its neighbor, Pelham Manor. Town Supervisor Henry D. Phelps issued a call for a mass meeting to address the outrageous crime. On Thursday, June 15, New Rochelle residents crowded into Town Hall for the meeting. Col. Richard Lathers who owned land in New Rochelle and Pelham (including the area known today as Pelhamwood) was chosen Chairman of the meeting. After rousing speeches, a motion to raise $500 by subscription to serve as a reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of one or more of the thugs was passed. The money was raised immediately, with one person giving $100 and several others giving $50 each. Additionally, a motion to organize a "Citizens Protective Association" like the Pelham Manor Protective Club was also adopted unanimously. Within a short time, Thomas De Witt of the Pelham Manor Protective Club approached New Rochelle officials to offer an additional $100 toward the proposed reward. The approach was not successful, though. According to the minutes of the August 22, 1882 meeting of the Executive Committee of the organization, Thomas De Witt issued the following report: " In regard to the Outrage committed in New Rochelle, I have failed to learn anything from the authorities in New Rochelle, and therefore I have not deemed it my duty to take any steps in the matter or offer them any assistance. Therefore I ask to be discharged as a committee." In the meantime, Peter Berger was able to help New Rochelle police identify the five thugs who fled New Rochelle as the police closed in. They were: Floyd Fowler, John Cody, William McRedmond, James Killeen, and William Brennan. Floyd Fowler, one of the five, was the first to be caught. On Tuesday, July 4, 1882, he was arrested and, the following day, was taken before Police Justice C. E. Keene. He was committed to the County Jail to await the action of the Grand Jury. He promptly was indicted and agreed to become an informant and turn State's evidence against his co-conspirators, whom he identified to the authorities. John Cody and William McRedmond were the next to be captured. On the morning of Wednesday, August 23, 1882, the two men were riding downtown on a Second Avenue elevated train. Also on the train were two New York City police officers as well as a New Rochelle resident named Charles E. Van Beuschaatten. Van Beuschaatten recognized the two thugs and alerted the two patrolmen on the train, pointing out that they were wanted for the brutal assault in Westchester County. The officers approached and questioned the young men who admitted that they were from New Rochelle. The police arrested the pair and took them to the Police Central Office. With James Killeen and William Brennan still on the run, criminal proceedings went forward against John Cody. At a criminal trial in the fall of 1882, Kate Folz was unable to identify Cody as one of the men who assaulted her. Based on the testimony of Fowler (who had agreed to turn State's evidence), Cody was found guilty in a jury trial and was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment at hard labor in the Albany Penitentiary. McRedmond, it appears, was tried shortly thereafter and was similarly convicted and sentenced. James Killeen was the next to be caught. After the crime he had fled from New Rochelle to escape capture. He took a job in the blacksmith shop of the West Shore Railroad Company at the Wilbur Tunnel in Kingston, Ulster County. On Thursday, December 28, police who had tracked him to Kingston arrested Killeen in the blacksmith shop without incident. Killeen was quickly tried and convicted in a jury trial that ended on Wednesday, February 21, 1883. According to one news report, once again Kate Folz was unable to identify her attacker during the trial. But, " the evidence of Fowler, who turned State's evidence, proved sufficient to convict, the jury being absent but fifteen minutes." Killeen's lawyers filed a motion for a new trial. In early April, the motion was denied, and the Court sentenced Killeen to seven years imprisonment in Sing Sing Prison. William Brennan was the last remaining fugitive. He apparently was never caught. According to one report published in 1884, he fled the country. The story was not over, however. On January 1, 1883, future U.S. President Grover Cleveland took office as Governor of the State of New York. During his brief two-year term as governor, Cleveland was a Democrat who portrayed himself as a progressive reformer. Soon, the citizens of Pelham Manor and New Rochelle were outraged to learn that on Thursday, September 18, 1884, Governor Cleveland pardoned William Cody, one of the five thugs who assaulted Kate Folz. Local newspapers expressed the outrage of the local citizenry. One newspaper fumed: "Governor Cleveland in exercising executive clemency in behalf of this man Cody invites from every law abiding citizen of New Rochelle and the whole country, the most scathing criticism. While we have observed with alarm the great number during the last few weeks pardoned by our reform executive, we did not expect this demoralizing blow to strike so near to the homes and legal government of this community. It is for the people to say if they approve of the course pursued by the man who poses before the world as a reformer." Though the end may have been unsatisfying, the Outrage of 1882 thereafter faded into obscurity. Its impact, however, did not. The Pelham Manor Protective Club and its inspirational spinoff, the Citizens' Protective Association of New Rochelle, redoubled their efforts as "vigilance committees." Indeed, the Pelham Manor Protective Club hired security personnel to patrol the region, clocking in on punch clocks throughout the night as they worked to keep Pelham Manor safe in the years before the settlement existed as a village and had a police department. Detail of 1881 Bromley Map Showing Boston Post Road Where It Crossed Pelham's Border with New Rochelle Through the Jessup Estate Where the Assault on Kate Folz (also Foltz) on June 10, 1882. & Co., Atlas of Westchester County, New York. From Actual Surveys and Official Records by G. W. Bromley & Co., Civil Engineers, pp. on Image to Enlarge. * * * * * Below is the text of a number of items that relate to the Outrage committed against Kate Folz in Pelham Woods on Saturday, June 10, 1882 and its aftermath. Each is followed by a citation and link to its source. "At a special meeting of the Executive Committee of the Pelham Manor Protective Club, held at the residence of T. D. De Witt, Jun 12th 1882. Messrs. Black, Barnett, French and De Witt were present. Minutes of last meeting read and adopted. Mr. French moved, that Mr. T. D. De Witt, be appointed a committee of one to ascertain the truth of a reported outrage committed on June 10th at or near the town line of Pelham, and to offer, if he considers it necessary, to the proper persons of New Rochelle, our assistance in the amount of One Hundred Dollars provisional on the conviction of one or more of the ruffians, and he is instructed to report progress as soon as possible. Carried. On motion Committee adjourned. Thos D. De Witt Secretary. . . . At a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Pelham Manor Protective Club, held at the residence of Mr. Geo. H. Reynolds, Aug. 22nd 1882. Messrs. Reynolds, French, Barnett, and De Witt, were present. . . . The following report of Thos. D. De Witt in regard to the Outrage committed in New Rochelle, read and adopted. 'In regard to the Outrage committed in New Rochelle, I have failed to learn anything from the authorities in New Rochelle, and therefore I have not deemed it my duty to take any steps in the matter or offer them any assistance. Therefore I ask to be discharged as a committee.' . . ." Source: RECORDS OF THE PELHAM MANOR PROTECTIVE CLUB OF PELHAM MANOR, N.Y. pp. 23, 24, 27, 28 (Handwritten records in leather-bound volume in the collections of The Westchester County Historical Society, Elmsford, NY). HIGHWAY ROBBERY IN WESTCHESTER. The New-Rochelle policemen are looking for five young highwaymen, residents of that place, who on Saturday last stopped a woman named Kate Folz on the Boston turnpike, robbed her of her earrings, a little over $7, leaving her only 25 cents, and then rifled her carpet-bag and nearly destroyed it, tearing up the clothing that was in it. She said yesterday that they demanded her money or they would kill her. She begged for her life and gave them her money. They then outrageously assaulted her, and only desisted when they saw Mr. P. Berger, one of the village Trustees, approaching. They then fled, and Mr. Berger brought the unfortunate woman to New-Rochelle. NEW-ROCHELLE RESIDENTS AROUSED. The robbery and assault upon Kate Folz, on the Boston turnpike in New-Rochelle, last Saturday, has created wide-spread indignation in the town. The Police have the names of the five desperadoes who did the deed, but they are not yet revealed to the public. Town Supervisor Henry D. Phelps issued a call for a mass-meeting, and last evening the Town Hall was crowded with citizens anxious to punish the perpetrators. Richard Lathers was chosen Chairman of the meeting, and Mr. Phelps was Secretary. Earnest speeches were made by the Chairman and by Messrs. J. F. Harrison, Charles Roosevelt, George W. Lloyd, J. Q. Underhill, George Ferguson, and L. M. Ferguson. Mr. Harrison moved that the meeting subscribe $500 as a reward for the capture of the offenders, and the motion, being seconded by George Ferguson, was unanimously adopted. A motion to organize a Citizens Protective Association was also adopted unanimously. " ----- Kate Foltz, a German woman was grossly assaulted by some ruffians, Saturday week. An exchange says: 'She was directed to a lady in Pelham Manor who wanted help, and about eleven that morning crossed the bridge over the Harlem Branch R. R., near the Ronald's place, when she was seized by two young ruffians -- who were assisted by five others -- hurried their victim into the woods where she was treated in a shocking and revolting manner. Her stiffled [sic] cries attracted Mr. Berger who immediately repaired to the spot. The ruffians disappeared but not soon enough, Mr. Berger recognizing five of them. Warrants for the arrest of the five recognized were issued. The ruffians also stole a pocket book containing over $7 from their victim. Miss Foltz is about forty years of age.' The New Rochelle authorities offer $500 reward for the arrest of the young scoundrels, and the people of the vicinity are intensely excited over the affair, and well they may be, for had the scamps come across any other woman, a wife, daughter or sister of some of the better known citizens might have been as grossly outraged. It is time that some united action is taken by the men folk of the vicinity, and arrest and punishment made prompt and sure!" Source: "COUNTY NEWS IN A LUMP. . . . The town and village authorities of New Rochelle, have offered a reward of $500 for the arrest and conviction of the persons who committed an outrage upon Miss Kate Foltz and robbed her on Saturday afternoon, June 10. . . ." Source: "WESTCHESTER COUNTY. . . . NEW-ROCHELLE. -- Floyd Fowler, one of the young men who about ten days ago committed a felonious assault upon the person of Kate Folz, was arrested on Tuesday night, and yesterday was taken before Police Justice C. E. Keene. He was committed to the County Jail to await the action of the Grand Jury. The complainant, Kate Folz, was detained as a witness. . . ." "NABBED ON AN ELEVATED TRAIN. TWO YOUNG VILLAINS FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY CAPTURED. While Patrolmen Leonard and Cox, of the steam-boat squad, were riding down town on a Second-avenue elevated train early yesterday morning, Mr. Charles E. Van Beuschaatten, a resident of New-Rochelle, pointed out to them two rough young men, who, he said, were being sought for by the authorities of Westchester County to answer charges of rape and robbery. The officers spoke to the young men, who admitted that they were from New-Rochelle, and they were thereupon arrested and taken to the Police Central Office. They gave their names as John Cody and William McCudden as two of a gang of five young men who had assaulted and robbed a German woman named Kate Foltz. The crime was committed on the 10th of June. The woman had been in service at Greenwich, Conn. and at Stamford, and on the day in question was making her way on foot to this City. She was walking along the railroad track between New-Rochelle and Pelham Manor when she was met by Cody, McCudden, James Killeen, William Brennan, and Floyd Fowler, all residents of New Rochelle, who dragged her into the woods. After assaulting her they robbed her of $9. She was found some hours later in the woods. An iceman who was driving along the road saw the five young ruffians coming out of the woods and he gave information to the authorities. They fled the county, and a reward of $500 was offered by the Trustees of the village of New-Rochelle for their apprehension. Fowler surrendered himself and gave testimony against his companions. Killeen and Brennan are still at large. Cody and McCudden were taken to New-Rochelle by Chief Molloy last evening. The Chief said that Cody, McCudden, Killeen, and Brennan were members of a gang of young ruffians who have long been the terror of the respectable residents of New-Rochelle and the neighboring villages." Source: "CAPTURED AND IN JAIL. John Cody and William McRedmond, two of the New Rochelle ruffians who committed the assault upon and afterwards robbed Kat Folz, in the Pelham woods, near the railroad track, on the 10th of June last (as reported in the JOURNAL at that time), were arrested in New York city on Wednesday of last week, and are now in the County Jail, to await the action of the Grand Jury. The offense for which these young ruffians are now held is one that, if convviction follows, will undoubtedly doom them to the prison walls of Sing Sing for years to come. Fowler, one of the gang, it will be remembered, surrendered himself and gave testimony against his companions. Killeen and Brennan, the other two of the gang, are still at large." Source: "CODY SENTENCED. -- John Cody, one of the scoundrels who committed the assault upon Kate Folz, at New Rochelle, on the 10th of July last, was on Wednesday last week sentenced by Judge Gifford to seven years' imprisonment at hard labor in the Albany Penitentiary. Cody's accomplice, McRedmond, will be tried at the next term of the Court." "WESTCHESTER COUNTY. James Killeen, the fourth of the New Rochelle roughs who assaulted Kate Foltz, on the highway last Spring, has been captured at Kingston, N.Y. . . ." "A SCOUNDREL CAUGHT. -- On Thursday Jas. Caleen [sic], one of a gang of ruffians who criminally assaulted Kate Folz, a German woman, near New Rochelle last June, was arrested in the blacksmith shop of the West Shore Railroad Company at the Wilbur Tunnel, Kingston, Ulster County, where he had secured work when he fled from New Rochelle to escape the consequences of his crime." "One More Convicted. James Killeen, one of the scoundrels who committed the assault upon Kate Folz in the Pelham woods, last summer, as fully reported in the PIONEER of that time, was on Wednesday tried and convicted before County Judge Gifford and a jury, of the said offence. Mr. Keogh appeared in behalf of the people against the accused, and Francis Larkin defended Killeen. Kate Folz could not identify Killeen as one of the parties who assaulted her, but the evidence of Fowler, who turned State's evidence, proved sufficient to convict, the jury being absent but fifteen minutes. Judge Gifford will pass sentence next Wednesday." Source: "THE INFORMER ----- IN our last week's issue, in an article captioned 'One More Convicted,' which referred to the conviction of Jas. Killeen, one of the scoundrels who assaulted Kate Folz, in the Pelham woods, last summer, we stated that the corroborated evidence of Fowler, who turned States' evidence, proved sufficient to convict. On the same day, the article in question was shown Fowler by one Cashin, who asked him to read it, and then told him that he would kill him. Fowler immediately made complaint before a magistrate, and a warrant was issued for the arrest of Cashin. It is indeed difficult for casuists and pluralists to classify the informer. Those against whom the informer informs are inclined to place him in the category of the condemned; while those who are interested in the triumph of truth and justice regard him as a minister of judgment, but they do not welcome him as an angel of light. Much depends, however, upon the relation which the informer bears to the criminals upon whom he informs. The testimony of Tompkins, who testified upon the preliminary examination of Charles H. Clark, recently committed by Justice Kene to the County Jail, is entirely of a different nature. Tompkins in no way was shown to be implicated, although a daily companion of the accused. On the other hand, Fowler is one of the parties accused of crime, and told all he knew about it, to mitigate his own punishment, to the discomfiture of his partners in vice, and their friends. Cordial's statement about his companion in crime, McCabe, concerning Miss Moulton's watch, is another instance of a treacherous informer. The case of Carey, the Irish informer, who claims to have been led into connection with the recent assassinations in Ireland, believing the cause of Ireland justified assassination and murder, is one of a peculiar nature. Speaking of Irish treachery, the New York 'Times,' in alluding to Carey's recent dramatic confession, says: 'But the truth of history compels us to say that there has never been an Irish conspiracy that has not been betrayed by an Irish informer.' No man admires an informer. There is in the human breast implanted a sentiment of fairness and justice, which reprobates the action of the man who tells against those who have been partners in his guilt. It was passed to the lasting credit of a certain Prince, who will some day be a King, that when confronted in the witness box with a lady in the case, 'he perjured himself like a gentleman,' rather than cast one filament of a web of scandal on a lady's name. The foregoing is strong -- too much so, doubtless, for many. Perjuring one's self 'like a gentleman' is a decidedly questionable quotation. The discussion of the subject of informers invariably recalls the oft-quoted saying of a thoughtless, yet brilliant, genius -- Aaron Burr -- who, on coming into church as the services were about to close, was greeted from the pulpit by the rough old clergyman of that day, who at that moment had but ended a tirade against coming into church after the beginning of services, with, 'The old belated sinner now coming down the aisle. I hope to be in heaven on that great day to bear witness against him!' Burr's ready repartee was equal to the emergency. Straightening himself to his full height, and looking his accuser full in the face, he said, 'I have mangled much in vice, and practised criminal law among the hardest villains of this or any other land for more than a quarter of a century, and of all the rascals I ever met or knew, it was the men who turned State's evidence.'" "NEWS AND NOTES. . . . On Wednesday last week a motion was argued in the County Court before Judge Gifford and Justices Howe and Baxter, for a new trial for James Killeen, of New Rochelle, who was recently convicted for committing an atrocious assault upon Miss Kate Folz, which occurred a few months ago in this village. The motion was denied, and the Court sentenced Killeen to seven years imprisonment in Sing Sing Prison." "Cody Pardoned. Governor Cleveland on Thursday pardoned Cody, one of the parties accused and convicted of a criminal assault upon Kate Folz, near the Pelham Woods over two years ago. The following is taken from the PIONEER of June 17, 1882: 'On Saturday last five desperadoes, well known to the authorities of this village and the county jail and some of them but recently from the State Prison at Sing Sing, by the names of McCredmond, Cody, Brennan, Fowler and Killeen, stopped a woman named Kate Folz near the Pelham Woods, and under the pretext of conducting her to some house she inquired for in Pelham Manor, one of the number led her a short distance from the line of the road, where he and his companions committed a brutal outrage upon the helpless woman, and robbed her of all the money she had, amounting to a little over seven dollars, leaving her only twenty-five cents. They then rifled her carpet bag, nearly destroying it, and tore up the clothing that was in it. The woman says they demanded her money or the would kill her. She says she begged for her life and gave them money. They only desisted from their brutal outrageous assaults when they saw Peter Berger, one of the village trustees, approaching. Mr. Berger kindly put the woman in his wagon and brought her to the village.' Fowler pleaded guilty, and Brennan left the country. The people of New Rochelle were at the time thoroughly aroused, a public meeting was called in the Town Hall by Supervisor Phelps. Col. Lathers presided. Mr. Harrison moved that $500 reward be offered for the capture of the guilty offenders. The motion on being seconded by Mr. George Ferguson was unanimously adopted. A subscription list the very same evening was circulated and liberally subscribed to. Mr. Ferguson put his name down for $100. Mr. Phelps, $50. Col. Lathers, $50, Mr. Harrison, $50, Mr. C. O. Iselin $50, and many others gave liberally. Cody and McCredmond were captured through the instrumentality of Chas. E. Van Benschoten, while they were riding down town on the morning of August 23, 1882, near Chatham Square, New York city, on the elevated road. The prisoners, where brought to New Rochelle before a Justice and sent to the County Jail. They were subsequently indicted, and Cody was found guilty on the 26th of Sept. Miss Folz upon trial could not fully identify Cody, but the evidence of Fowler, who turned States' evidence, with admissions made to the officers at the time of the arrest, together with the testimony of Supervisor Phelps, Messrs. Lambden, Traphagen, and Justice LeCount as to the general bad character of the accused was sufficient for the jury. On October 4th, 1882, Judge Gifford sentenced Cody to seven year's imprisonment at hard labor in the Albany Penitentiary. Governor Cleveland in exercising executive clemency in behalf of this man Cody invites from every law abiding citizen of New Rochelle and the whole country, the most scathing criticism. While we have observed with alarm the great number during the last few weeks pardoned by our reform executive, we did not expect this demoralizing blow to strike so near to the homes and legal government of this community. It is for the people to say if they approve of the course pursued by the man who poses before the world as a reformer." Labels: 1882, 1883, 1884, Crime, Floyd Fowler, James Killeen, John Cody, Kate Folz, Pelham Manor Protective Club, William Brennan, William McRedmond Industrialist Anil Ambani, who flew in a Rafale fighter jet at the recent Aero India show in Bangalore, has evinced interest in partnership with firms from UAE for defence manufacturing. Ambani met UAE Prime Minister and Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on the sidelines of the 'International Defence Exhibition and Conference, IDEX 2017 in Abhu Dhabi and discussed possible collaborations between the two nations to provide a boost in defence production space. Ambani's Reliance Defence signed an MoU with Strata Manufacturing, the advanced composite aero-structures firm, wholly owned by Mubadala Development Company of the United Arab Emirates. The Dhirubhai Ambani Aerospace Park, located at the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport in Nagpur (MIHAN), is being considered by Reliance Defence Ltd for a new facility to support its aerospace ambitions, and forms part of the emerging aerospace industry in India. As the government inches towards rolling out of the most ambitious indirect tax reform of Goods and Services Tax (GST), former chief economic adviser and noted economist Arvind Virmani expressed his concerns on the proposed varied tax structure on goods and services. Speaking to The Statesman, Virmani said having a single rate makes accounting very easy. "I would have preferred a single rate across the board, with a few sales taxes which separate out because the trail becomes very easy to follow. The government can still do it in their draft and making a provision in the law instead of keeping a higher rate of 28 per cent ~ it should put special surcharges on selected 5-10 items," he said. Virmani added, I had recommended retention of few a special sales taxes on specific goods such as liquor, tobacco products, polluting fuels and other consumer goods like cars. This would have made monitoring of the tax set-off chain much simpler. The proposed rates for GST are messier. The GST Council will meet again on 4 and 5 March to approve the legally vetted draft of the supporting legislation for Central GST (C-GST) and Integrated GST (I-GST), days before the start of the second half of the Budget Session beginning 9 March when the Centre is hoping to get them approved. After the laws are approved, the Council will get down to fixing rates of taxes for different goods and services by fitting them into the four approved slabs of 5, 12, 18 and 28 per cent. GST is the biggest indirect tax reform India has seen in decades and is expected to absolve several state level levies into one thus creating a uniform tax regime. This is expected to help the economy widen the tax base over a period of time. However, Indian businesses have their own concerns about the GST law and its transmission to the process. According to Pratik Jain, partner PWC, The proposal causing concern to the business houses is the anti-profiteering clause, which requires the businesses to pass on the benefit of reduced rates or increased credits to the customers. Given the short time available to the industry and the government for the introduction of GST, this provision could lead to complex paperwork and widespread audits, much like what happened in Malaysia recently. Businesses were expecting a much more simplified input credit provision, in line with international best practices, wherein all GST incurred on business purchases would be allowed as set-off against GST payable. Information Technology giant Microsoft was on Tuesday urged by IT and Electronics Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to consider the use of the companys innovative technology in the upcoming DigiGaon (Digital Village) initiative. Prasad, who on Tuesday met India-born CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella, asked the company to extend assistance for this project. "Had a good &productive meeting with @satyanadella. He deeply appreciated the success of ongoing #DigitalIndia program, which is transformative," the minister tweeted after talks with Nadella here. "Requested @satyanadella to consider the use of their innovative technology in the proposed Digigaon (Digital Village) initiative," Prasad said. In the Union Budget for the 2017-18 Fiscal, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that a DigiGaon initiative will be launched for the provision of telemedicine, education and skills with the help of digital technology. "It was fantastic to spend time with Minister Prasad, talking about the great progress India is making with IndiaStack and Digital India," Nadella said. IndiaStack is a set of application programming interface (APIs) that allows governments, businesses, startups and developers to utilise a unique digital infrastructure to solve India's problems towards "presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery". "For us at Microsoft, our mission is to empower every Indian and every Indian organisation to be able to achieve more and with the policies of the Government of India. We are excited to contribute to help take advantage of Digital India," Nadella said in a video posted by Prasad on his Twitter account. Nadella will tomorrow address "Future Decoded", Microsoft's two-day flagship technology and business conference that started off in Mumbai on Tuesday. The conference is a platform that brings together 1,500 business and government decision-makers to engage in conversations on how technology will transform all aspects of our work and life. Earlier on Monday, leading e-commerce major Flipkart tied up with Microsoft to use its Azure Cloud platform for boosting its e-tail sales. The strategic partnership was announced by Nadella on his maiden visit to Bengaluru after he took over the reins of the world's largest software product firm in February 2014. The National Green Tribunal has directed German auto major Volkswagen, embroiled in an emission scandal, to submit a road map with regard to recall of over 3.23 lakh vehicles in the country. Volkswagen India had in December 2015 announced recall of 3,23,700 lakh vehicles to fix the emission software after Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) conducted tests on some models and found "on road" emissions from its cars were 1.1 times to 2.6 times higher than applicable BS-IV norms. The automobile giant had admitted use of "defeat device" in 11 million diesel engine cars sold in the US, Europe and other global markets that allowed manipulation of emissions tests by changing the performance of vehicles to improve results. Following the tests, Volkswagen India had undertaken to rejig the software by recalling around 3.23 lakh vehicles fitted with EA 189 diesel engines which were in alleged violation of emission norms. The company, however, had said that the recall in India was purely voluntary in nature as it did not face any charges regarding violating emission norms in India unlike in the US. The counsel for the car manufacturer told the NGT that ARAI, which is being consulted on the redesign of the software, had approved it for only 70 per cent of the 3.23 lakh vehicles. ARAI, however, said Volkswagen had submitted redesigned software for only 70 per cent and was yet to do so for the remaining 30 per cent. "During the course of the hearing we take note of the fact that the Respondent No 4 (Volkswagen) has not only in its statement of reply but otherwise also offered to voluntary recall all the vehicle which are subject matter of these proceedings i.e. fitted with E189 diesel engine to different variant mentioned in the application. "However, on ascertaining the factual position we are informed that the process of recall is not complete for the reason though Respondent No. 4 and other respondent have been requested by ARAI to submit its redesign as only 70 per cent has been approved. "Respondent nos 4 to 7 shall file road map with regard to recalling of the vehicle in question. In the meanwhile, we direct ARAI to file submission with regard to present status of the recall program of the vehicle in question," a bench headed by Justice Jawad Rahim said while posting the matter for hearing on March 10. The tribunal was hearing pleas filed by a school teacher Saloni Ailawadi and few city residents seeking ban on sale of its vehicles for alleged violation of emission norms. Polling for the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 9 other civic bodies across Maharashtra got underway this morning with estranged allies BJP and Shiv Sena at the forefront of this battle of might. A total of 3.77 crore voters will determine the fate of 17,331 candidates for 3210 seats up for grabs in 10 municipal corporations, 11 zilla parishads and 118 panchayat samitis in the second phase of polls being seen as "mini general elections." The stakes are high for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, who have led their respective parties from the front and were involved in a high decibel and no holds barred campaign relegating the Opposition Congress and NCP to the background. Polling began at 7.30 AM at 43,160 polling stations spread across the state. The districts going to polls in the second phase are Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Pune, Solapur, Nashik, Amravati and Gadchiroli. Elections are being held in 118 panchayat samitis in these districts. The ten municipal corporations include Mumbai, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. As many as 43,160 polling booths have been set up. There will be 2.76 lakh election staff and equal number of police personnel on the duty. More than 1.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the zilla parishads and panchayat samitis while 1.95 crore urban voters will in the ten Municipal corporations. In Mumbai, the country's financial capital, there are 2275 candidates and 92 lakh voters. The election result for Asia's largest civic body which has been run by the Shiv Sena supported by the BJP for the last two decades will decide the fate of the Devendra Fadnavis government. In municipal corporations excluding Mumbai, there are multi member wards where a voter will have to cast his vote for each of the category in the panel. Each panel has more than two wards. The big poll focus is on 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), retaining control of which is vital for Shiv Sena as the city has remained its prime political space ever since the party's formation in 1966. Shiv Sena has been in power in BMC for over two decades. BJP, which had been a junior partner of Sena before it gained the upper hand through the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, declined to accept the number of seats offered by the Sena. It has set its eyes on gaining power in BMC, one of the world's largest city bodies, boasting of an annual budget of over Rs 37,000 crore. For 1268 seats of the ten municipal corporations, there are 9208 candidates; for 11 zilla parishads there are 2956 candidates for 654 seats, and 5167 candidates for 1288 seats in 118 panchayat samitis. The first phase for 15 zilla parishad and 165 panchayat samitis polling was held on February 16 where 69 percent voters exercised their franchise. Counting of votes will be taken up on February 23. Delhi Police has arrested one person in connection with the alleged rape of a 24-year-old northeast woman in Hauz Khas Village here. The accused, a resident of Chandra Vihar, was identified last night, police said today. Further details are awaited. Police teams had been working on different leads based on CCTV footage and local intelligence and by questioning parking attendants, private security guards of the Deer Park and other shopkeepers in the locality. The incident happened on the night of February 18 when the woman was returning from a party in Hauz Khas village along with her friends and cousins. The woman told police that around 11:30 pm she was offered a drop home by an unknown person. He apparently told her that his vehicle was parked at some distance near the park. The accused, thereafter, on the pretext of guiding the woman, led her to an isolated stretch in the adjoining park area and allegedly raped her. Hours ahead of Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam's visit in Tamenglong district of Manipur, suspected militants on Tuesday opened fire at the police unit deployed for the ministers visit, according to a senior police official. The police party fired back triggering a gunbattle. However, no casualties were reported. "About 8.30 am, suspected militants fired at a police advance party which was deployed there in view of Deputy Chief Minister's visit in the area. Our forces fired back. There are no reports of casualties so far," the police said. A week before Gaikhangams visit, protesters in the district burnt effigy of the state Deputy CM to vehemently protest the backwardness of the district and the government's negligence of the region over a long time. All shops in the state remained shut in protest against his visit to the district where he filed for nomination for the upcoming State Assembly Election. Gaikhangam will be contesting from Nungba Assembly constituency for the upcoming two-phase state assembly election to be held on March 4 and March 8. They call it the Nobel Prize for students and going by the names and prestige involved with the annual Hult Challenge Prize, one would have to agree. Started in 2010, the prize from the Hult International Business School (named after Swedish entrepreneur Bertil Hult, the B-school has campuses in Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai and Shanghai) is awarded to a team of college students who come up with unique business solutions for a pressing global problem. Like every year, 2017s topic Refugees: Reawakening Human Potential was also issued by former US president Bill Clinton, who is a key member of the selection panel. The prize has several stages local and regional competitions; followed by the Hult Prize Accelerator (six teams attend an intensive six-week programme at the Hult International Business School in July and August); the global finals, which are hosted by Clinton in New York in September and where one team gets a seed capital of US one million dollars to implement their plan via a start-up. The winning team is mentored thereafter by experts for the implementation stage. It is in this milieu that the all-women Team Visionaries comprising four students from the International Management Institute, New Delhi, will head to Boston for one of the regional rounds (conducted simultaneously in Boston, San Francisco, London, Dubai, Shanghai and online) on 4 March. The team members 23 year olds, Ayushi Srivastava, Bhanushee Malhotra and Anisha Rajput and 26-year-old Priyesha Modi shared their excitement at getting a chance to showcase their plan in Boston and talked on how the competition would help their start up, SharanAtithi. Excerpts from an interview: Do elaborate on the selection process for the regional final. Initially, a real life problem concerning the globe was posed by the Hult Challenge Prize 2017. We were asked to propose a social business plan to improve the conditions of refugees, who are taking shelter in different countries. We had to explain the entire business plan by answering questions posted by the Hult team. Through our primary research, we did justify the questions by providing rational and feasible solutions to the critical problem. Among a pool of over 50,000 applicants, our application was shortlisted for the regional finals to be conducted at the Hult International Business School, Boston. How have you tackled the chosen topic, Refugees: Reawakening Human Potential? We interacted with the refugees residing in different areas of Delhi and tried to understand the issues concerning them. On talking to them, we came to know that the major issue that they face in any country, where they take shelter, is the communication barrier. They are unable to converse in the local or regional language of their country of residence. This exponentially increases their hardships. Our aim was clear to eliminate the problem from its grassroots level. Hence, we ensured proper understanding of the local language by the refugees. Providing them social upliftment and instilling a sense of belonging in them towards the shelter country has been our motto. We tried to culturally integrate them with the native citizens of the country and make them feel at home. What makes your entry different from the rest? We didnt consider it as merely a competition. Rather, it was our passion that drove us to actually propose a business solution, which can improve the current living conditions of refugees. We began at the grassroots level in order to probe the core reason behind the plight of refugees the problems they are facing, the circumstances that led to their pathetic condition, their emotional connect with their native country et al. Based on the information collected, we devised a plan to address this real life social cause and began a start up called SharanAtithi. How supportive have your teachers been? Right from the beginning, our faculty members have been our backbone; be it mentoring about the process, providing guidance on initiating research or completing the administrative formalities. They supported us throughout the entire journey and encouraged us to participate at the international level. In times of difficulty, the entire IMI fraternity motivated us. How will participating at the regional final in Boston help your future endeavours? The Hult Challenge Prize is a great platform that encourages young minds to think beyond the horizon and cater to a social cause. It motivates budding entrepreneurs to propose a business solution, which addresses a real life problem and start an organisation of their own. Moreover, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity would provide us valuable exposure, which will surely widen our thinking horizon. Competing at the international level with teams from the Harvard Business School, Columbia University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and many others would enable us to learn about their thought processes and business design. Exchange of ideas at such a broad level would provide a foundation for our startup, SharanAtithi in the near future. Kim Min-hee becomes the first South Korean actress to win the Silver Bear in a movie supposedly mirroring her rumoured extramarital relationship with director Hong Sang-soo. Kim Min-hee has become the first South Korea actress to win the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival. Kim won the award for her role in the upcoming movie On the Beach at Night Alone which is directed by Hong Sang-soo. Today, I was presented with a joy that shines like the bright starsFor some, I believe that this movie can bring emotions deep within their hearts, she said. In the movie, Kim plays Yeong-hee, an actress who is having an affair with a married movie director. The news of her win shed light upon her controversial relationship with Hong, in that the movie appears to mirror the rumoured extramarital relationship between the 57-year-old director and 34-year-old actress. In addition, the character of the director in the movie bears a striking resemblance to Hong in terms of his improvised directing style and appearance. The two have neither denied nor confirmed the rumours, although Hong said that the movie was not a personal tale of the two. All directors reflect their stories in their work, but (On the Beach at Night Alone) is not an autobiography, he told reporters. But the sight of two holding hands at the ceremony and Kim saying she respects and loves Hong in her acceptance speech further fuelled suspicions about their affair. He filed for divorce from his wife in November last year. Kims win Saturday is a testament to her successful transition from a model and actor to one of most talented and acclaimed actresses in the country. Kims 2012 appearance in the psychological thriller film Helpless by Byun Young-joo drastically changed the publics perception of her acting skills. Her performance in last years Handmaiden also boosted her profile in a positive way. Her win in such a prestigious European film festival is likely to cement her reputation as a top actress. After Jeon Do-yeon won the best actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 2007, she earned the nickname The Queen of Cannes. It remains to be seen whether Kim will enjoy the downpour of offers Jeon did, as the public sentiment toward the couple remains icy. For Hong, the flick earned him a third trip to the Berlinale after Night and Day in 2008 and Nobodys Daughter Haewon in 2013. On the Beach at Night Alone is slated to hit theatres in South Korea next month. The Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival went to On Body and Soul By Hungarian writer-director Ildiko Enyedi, a film exploring an offbeat love story about two slaughterhouse workers. Comedy The Other Side of Hope by filmmaker Aki Kaurismaki, considered a strong contender for the Golden Bear, won a Silver Bear for best director. The best actor award went to Georg Friedrich in Bright Nights, while the jury award went to Alain Gomis Felicite. The Silver Bear for best screenplay went to Sebastian Lelio and Gonzalo Maza for A Fantastic Woman. Calin Peter Netzers Ana, mon amour took the award for outstanding artistic contribution, and Spoor won the Alfred Bauer Prize for work of particular innovation. (The Korea Herald/ANN) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making a desperate bid to resurrect his stature but the absence of credibility is haunting him, chief co-ordinator of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee Ashok Gehlot said. "Indira Gandhi's aura was different, while the aura of Modi is diminishing. Gandhi was ousted in a poll primarily due to the anger of voters but she was again accepted by them," he told after refusing to draw any comparison between Modi and the late prime minister. "Modi had got a chance but he lost it. Senior party leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi and L K Advani have been marginalised. BJP workers are feeling suffocated," the former Rajasthan chief minister said here. Gehlot said a sense of frustration has penetrated deep in his mind and added that "Modi is making a desperate bid to resurrect his stature but the absence of credibility is haunting him". Sharpening his attack, he said, "Congress never bothered for power. But I think BJP is going to meet the same fate in Uttar Pradesh as in the Assembly elections of Delhi and Bihar." He said BIMARU states was only a new jumla (rhetoric) coined by Modi. "BIMARU is simply a jumla and nothing else. What is the definition of BIMARU, can you tell me? In fact, Modi is an expert in telling lies," Gehlot said, adding that Modi is busy creating a rift between the rich and the poor. Claiming that "dictatorship" has raised its ugly head in the BJP, Gehlot said Modi's current image resembles that of US President Donald Trump. "After 30 years, a particular party got a clear mandate. When Modi came to power, the writing on the wall was that this government would last for 10 years and this view emanated across different political parties," Gehlot said, adding that in two-and-half years, Modi's image has taken a beating. We need to look at dairy heifers like a beef operation, Elancos John Lee told attendees at the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Councils annual gathering in Columbus, Ohio. Dairy farmers need to stop breeding infertile heifers sooner, he went on to explain. What might that advice look like in action on the dairy farm? After three to four unsuccessful services and a maximum of six 21-day cycles, stop breeding those heifers, said Lee. In most herds, 95 percent of heifers will be pregnant by the third or fourth service and only 5 percent of heifers will be culled. However, these infertile heifers will be the source of a lions share of ongoing problems. As for goals to perform first A.I. in heifers, How many farmers believe in getting cows serviced 100 days after the voluntary waiting period? asked Lee. None, he said, answering his own question. But we allow this to happen in heifers. The ideal breeding age for heifers should be defined by physical growth parameters. Breeding should start when heifers reach 55 percent of adult weight and 85 percent of adult height, said Lee, citing Penn State recommendations. Breeding heifers is not a voluntary wait period, its a voluntary weight period, Lee went on to say using a play on words. What are the economics of reducing the age at first calving and making some of these decisions? Reducing the age at first calving by one month can lower replacement costs by 4.3 percent, said Lee. However, remember, these heifers must be well grown or dystocia issues will hamper them in the first lactation. Mocking Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs slogan 'kaam bolta hain' (work speaks), BJP chief Amit Shah on Tuesday said the Samajwadi Party (SP) government has only nurtured gundaraj in the state and failed to provide jobs to youth, electricity to farmers and safety to women. Neither the youth has jobs, nor the farmers have water or electricity, which work is Akhilesh talking about? said the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while addressing a massive road show in Allahabad ahead of the fourth phase of assembly polls on Feb 23. Its high time that UP is pulled out of the cesspool of gundaraj, corruption and casteism endorsed by the SP. The BJP will form a majority government in the state, he added. Shah further said that the new BJP government in the state will bring an end to widespread lawlessness that plagues the politically crucial state. India and Rwanda have signed three agreements during the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to boost bilateral relations that include establishment of an entrepreneurship developement centre in Kigali. According to the Memorandum of Understandings signed between Rwanda and India, Rwanda Air will soon begin services to India, and the two countries will mutually exempt visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders. Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi said the MoUs will boost economic and business ties with India. "We have 54 years of fruitful bilateral relationship. Rwanda and India share important ties and we are committed to make this relationship grow stronger," Murekezi said. Ansari, who is on a five-day tour to Rwanda and Uganda, earlier yesterday launched an innovation growth programme and addressed business leaders and experts from the two countries. He said Rwanda offers a "wonderful platform" to Indian partners to enhance their presence in other parts of Africa and emphasised India was "ready to work" with partners in Rwanda and the larger African continent in "transferring our experience" in building an innovation-driven economy. "India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Program is being launched to expand ties in science, Technology and Innovation. After this pilot project, the programme is proposed to be implemented in the East African community in seven countries and will then be scaled up to seven other economic zones across Africa," he said. Under the programme, 20 Indian technologies and innovations are to be adopted over a period of two years. "The programme aims at creating an ecosystem wherein Indian innovations and technology enterprises will thrive and encourage business ventures from both sides," Ansari said. The vice president said it was an "exciting prospect" to see the captains of trade and industry from Rwanda stand alongside the Indian business community and innovators. "This portends well for the future of Rwanda-India commercial and economic relations," he said. Prime Minister Murekezi attended the event organised by Rwanda Development Board, the Private Sector Federation of Rwanda and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). The United Kingdom on Tuesday clarified that there is no cap on visa for Indian students which means they are free to access world-class education in UKs best universities. The UK had announced 600 scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in the UK, British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said while addressing the India launch of the reportUN Secretary General's High Level Panel on Women's Economic Empowerment. Asquith said that the UK has no cap on visas for students from India or anywhere else. All are treated same. Whoever comes will join almost half a million international students who come in the UK to access word-class education in the world-class universities. India has consistently asked the UK to relax student visa rules for better mobility of students. UK's visa policy requires students to return home after their courses end. This has caused a fall in number of Indian students enrolling in British universities by 50 per cent. As per estimates, the number of study-visas issued to Indian nationals has fallen drastically. Asquith also said that the UK is participating in several initiatives of the Indian government to promote skilling. The UK is already investing and supporting about 75 start-up businesses and they also provided access to financial services to women in India, Asquith added. British companies, on an average, are spending seven per cent of their revenues on training and skilling employees in India and are also creating more opportunities for women. Controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik will be recording his statement in a case of suspected money-laundering via video conferencing, reports said on Tuesday. Citing that the atmosphere was not conducive for Naik to return to India, his lawyer has informed the Enforcement Directorate (ED) that the televangelist, currently staying in Saudi Arabia, was ready to record his statement via e-mail or Skype. The ED first information report under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, follows similar complaints filed by the National Investigation Agency against Naik and his NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) two months ago. Last month, the NIA had filed cases against Naik under the UAPA for allegedly promoting enmity between groups on religious and racial grounds, and raided over a dozen offices, residential premises, his Peace TV offices, and other locations, besides freezing a bank account of his NGO. The ED has already probed certain bank documents and transaction details of the 51-year-old Naik and IRF and may issue summons to him shortly, an ED official said in Mumbai. On November 15, the Union government banned the IRF for five years after declaring it as an "unlawful association" under the anti-terror laws. Prior to that, the Union Home Ministry revoked the IRF's permission to receive foreign donations under the Foreign Contributions Regulation Act and placed IRF Education Trust under a prior permission category for the same. A competent financial audit will calculate the expenses incurred on the biennial military-aviation fiesta Aero India, the 11th edition of which has just concluded at IAF Yelahanka, Bangalore. Unfortunately, it would be difficult to assess in financial terms the gains that accrued from the extravaganza. For while 500,000 footfalls, and massive traffic jams when the show was thrown open to the public might testify to its popularity, the prime purpose of such events is business promotion the thrills that attracted so much attention are a mere side-show. Hence the yardstick by which the success of Aero India 2017 or the lack of it must be evaluated is professional, lest it degenerate into a mela like the annual trade fair in the Capital. The international aviation industry will not invest much time, effort and money for a mere exhibition. That nearly 100 firms fewer participated this year, when contrasted with the previous show tells a certain tale: it points to a trend that needs to be addressed before the next Aero India. Particularly in the light of the buzz that the next event may be staged in the defence ministers political bailiwick, Goa, which unlike Bangalore does not have an aviation industry track-record; and its lovely beaches are no substitute for an industry that came into being during World War II. While no deals are expected to be firmed up at such events, it is worth noting that while there is need for some 200 combat aircraft to maintain the desired squadron-strength of the Indian Air Force, no new aspirant flipped its wings at Yelahanka. The Lockheed Martin F-16, Swedish SAAB Gripen, Dassaults Rafale and Russian SU-30 have all been evaluated before, and if more attractive financial arrangements are now on offer the event was not where they would be made. The grapevine has it that those firms participated in Aero India 2017 only because they apprehended that staying away would diminish their chances of bagging an order. The domestic industry did not really sell itself: though the public sector HAL displayed a range of helicopters, most of them have been on the market for some time now. The Air Chief flying the Tejas LCA was merely for show. Much was made of the induction of an indigenous AWAC, but this plane had participated in the flypast on Republic Day, and a bigger platform is now being considered. It was disappointing that the participants were informed that the revised procurement/offsets policy would be announced shortly prudence demanded that it be made public ahead of the show. The short point being that Aero India will attract the cutting edge only if India convinces that it is ready to do business. The annual get-together of European military and security chiefs in the southern German city of Munich is a traditional venue for governments to reassert their commitments; the conference served as inspiration for the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, which now performs the same function in Asia. But this years Munich gathering, which concluded over the weekend, was particularly noteworthy, for it offered a first glimpse into the defence policies of Donald Trump, the only United States president since World War II to have dismissed Americas military alliance with Europe as obsolete and the only US head of state who appears to believe that the potential break-up of the European Union may actually serve Americas interests. After weeks of transatlantic spats, the Munich Security Conference braced itself for the worst. But it ended on the best of tones, as US Vice-President Mike Pence reiterated Washingtons commitment to stand with Europe today, and every day, and as Europeans restated their attachment to the transatlantic link. Europe needs North America, and North America needs Europe, Mr Jens Stoltenberg, secretary-general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato), the US-led military alliance in Europe, responded. But despite this renewal of their marriage vows, the reality remains that US-Europe relations are still facing their biggest challenge in seven decades, and the discussion about what needs to be done to fix them has barely begun. Nobody doubts the significance of the transatlantic link. Notwithstanding the economic rise of Asia, the US-EU economic relationship remains the worlds largest, accounting for around one-third of global trade in goods and services, and just under half of the global economic output. Its 28 member states spend a staggering US$1 trillion on their armed forces each year, have a combined force of 3.1 million servicemen and women, and include the nuclear arsenals of no fewer than three of the worlds nuclear powers. A bigger punch in both economic and military terms cannot be imagined. But there is equally no doubt that the military relationship between the US and Europe is ailing. Since Nato was founded in 1949, the Europeans never paid their full share of the expenses. By the early 1990s when the Cold War ended, the US alone paid for half of Natos military capabilities. Since then, matters have got worse. The Americans are now responsible for around 70 per cent of Nato assets, despite the fact that in both terms of population and combined size of their economies, the Europeans are bigger than the US. Efforts to shame the Europeans into spending more are hardly new. In prophetic words which date back to 2011, then US Defence Secretary Robert Gates publicly warned that Nato faces a dismal future of collective military irrelevance unless its European members increase their financial contributions. But the pledge which European governments then made to devote at least 2 per cent of their gross domestic product to defence each year remains unfulfilled: apart from the US itself, only Britain, Greece, Poland and Estonia have redeemed the pledge. Europeans cannot, therefore, plausibly claim to be surprised that the Trump administration now expects quick progress, or that the new US officials are even less diplomatic on this point. No longer can the American taxpayer carry a disproportionate share of the defence of Western values; Americans cannot care more for your childrens future security than you do, said US Defence Secretary James Mattis. Some European officials still resent being lectured to. With his curious knack of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time, Mr Jean-Claude Juncker, president of the European Commission, the EUs executive body, rejected American pressure, claiming that the EUs broader contributions to global development should also be taken into account. But that was very much a minority view; most European decision makers accept that they should dig deeper into their own pockets. Still, the Trump administrations insistence on increased European contributions is misconceived, and can lead only to a sterile debate which will do little to improve transatlantic links. To start with, the Europeans are already doing more. Countries such as Poland and Romania, much closer to Russia which they consider as a threat, are increasing their defence budgets at the fastest rates in Europe. Germany and France have also pledged additional funds. True, they should have done much more, and much earlier. But the Europeans have already accepted that the burden of proof of their commitment now lies with them. However, looking at bare numbers does not tell much about the actual European defences. For even if the political will to boost military expenditures was there, the capacity to absorb so much extra cash into the defence sector is absent. Germany alone, for instance, would have to divert about 30 billion of extra expenditure into its defence budget each year, a huge amount which clearly would take years to ramp up. Furthermore, it is not so much the volume of spending but, rather, how one spends cash which matters more. Nato member states are supposed to devote 20 per cent of their military budgets each year to the purchase of new hardware but, on average, they spend only 11 per cent on new weapons. Greece, for instance, meets the 2 per cent of GDP spending target but blows most of the cash on pension liabilities for its servicemen. So, what Europe and the US need is not an accountants dialogue but a broader discussion about how their military relationship is going to function, and what the Americans are still prepared to do. President Trump inherited an ambitious programme of military involvement with the Europeans, which included a plan to place four Nato multinational battalions including one commanded by the US nearer the borders of Russia, in order to bolster the defences of fragile countries. The current White House also inherited a so-called European Reassurance Initiative, a plan to enhance the capabilities of former communist countries which are now members of Nato. At least for the moment, however, there is no signal from Washington whether the Trump administration intends to proceed with these plans, and that matters more to cementing transatlantic relations than all the discussions about defence expenditure targets. And overshadowing everything is the thorny issue of Russia. In Munich, Vice-President Pence sought to reassure the Europeans that the US would continue to hold Russia accountable for the illegal annexation of Crimea, and for fomenting the war in Ukraine. But at the same time, Pence also told the Europeans that Washington will continue to search for new common ground with Russia which, as you know, President Trump believes can be found. Europe is not against a dialogue with Moscow; after all, the Europeans have frequently argued that the US should pay more attention to engaging with Russia. But they fear that Trumps idea of a deal is one negotiated above the heads of Europe, directly with Moscow. And they also resent what appears to be the US Presidents premise that Russia is a potential ally in a joint effort to contain the threat Trump considers most acute: that of China. Such plans to enlist Russian support against China are not only being dismissed in Europe as wrong-headed, but they are also seen as deadly to the future existence of the Nato alliance. Ultimately, all the participants in the Munich dialogue laboured under a polite, diplomatic delusion that it is possible to isolate military and security questions from the deeper worries which Europe has with President Trumps dismissal of the advantages of free trade and globalisation, and that it is feasible for Washington and its European allies to pretend that their security relationship remains unchanged, while they disagree on almost everything else the US President plans to do. It fell only to Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor whose country hosted the event, to warn that it remains to be seen whether Europe and the US will be able to act in concert or fall back into parochial politics. It was a clear admission that the worlds most important security link, although durable, may still need rescuing. The Straits Times/ANN A swathe of rural Bengal is seething again over the appointments purportedly on the basis of the Teachers Eligibility Test. The distressing message of the observation of the Calcutta High Court is that corruption has been institutionalised over the years, and ever more so under a holier-than-thou dispensation. It is a measure of the scam that the Bench (coram: Arijit Banerjee, J) has virtually binned the appointments made as per the results of TET, 2015. Aside from the logistical conundrum on the day of the exam scandalised by the leak of question papers a wholly arbitrary system of appointments was determined by the candidates proximity to the party in power with little or no regard to ones performance in TET, let alone pre-exam training. Primary education has been generally disastrous in West Bengal; the Right to Education Act has translated to precious little in terms of qualitative change. It now comes about that TET has degenerated to a political qualifier, bereft of even a scintilla of academic connotation. In the absence of adequate teachers and the appalling teacher-student ratio, the child in search of learning is the worst sufferer as must be primary education in the wider canvas. A multiplicity of universities can make the foundation weaker still. It is a grim tragedy for education that those appointed as teachers are essentially political appointees who lack the wherewithal to teach. The change of education ministers from Bratya Basu to Partha Chatterjee has scarcely addressed the chaos that is almost wholly politically contrived. More accurately, the fiddle has been finetuned ever since primary teachers without the mandatory training were appointed by the CPI-M dispensation. Confusion gets worse confounded with reports that appointments are being effected on monetary considerations a euphemism for bribery. This has provoked the judge to observe that this is a serious allegation. No less serious has been the violation of another certitude that the names of those recommended for appointment must be published. The public domain has rather conveniently been accorded the short shrift; those chosen in accord with the lights of the ruling party are being informed via SMS. An essential qualification for teachers in the primary segment has been denuded beyond measure. Political affiliation ensures that untrained candidates loyal to the establishment are being accorded precedence over the trained and most particularly those who have cleared TET. It would be delusory on the part of the government to ignore the groundswell of opposition in rural Bengal over the education departments handling of a basic test. The siege of several District Primary School Councils is but a symptom of the overwhelming malaise. The recent comments against those supporting militants in the valley by the army chief have been criticized by politicians and armchair journalists and strategists. However, few of those negative comments comprehend the true situation. As the snow recedes, operations against militants who had managed to cross have intensified across the valley. Operations are against both local as well as infiltrated militants. In most cases, militants are trapped in villages, raising questions of whether they have local support or have barged in forcibly. Most recent encounters have been partially successful due to stone pelting and movement towards encounter sites by locals, compelling security forces to adhere to increased precautions to avoid civilian casualties. This distraction results in increased losses to security forces and enables militants to escape. While the army does not get involved with stone-throwers, leaving this to the police to handle, recent incidents have highlighted their impact on operations. The army has also discarded the use of heavy weapons which could destroy residential accommodation where militants hide, mainly to safeguard civilian property. They are forced to battle under severe restrictions, constraints never placed on any military across the globe. In its recent counter-strike against militants, after the blast in the Sufi Mosque in Sehwan, Pakistan openly employed air and artillery firepower, unmindful of collateral damage. The issue which arises is whether the sacrifice of Indian jawans lives are justified and for how long can we expect the army to continue to suffer casualties when those whom they seek to protect attack them, providing militants a chance to escape with their lives. Stone throwing and adopting an anti-Indian stance is not a recent phenomenon in the valley. It has existed for decades. Excessive deployment of the army and its lack of retaliation against provocation by the locals have only emboldened them, especially as they continue to be supported by Pakistan and the separatists. If no action is taken, they are likely to become more violent. Even criminal law terms an accessory to murder guilty for the crime; hence stone-throwers and agitators who disrupt activities resulting in additional casualties are legally guilty. Each soldier who is involved in operations is also a father, a son or a husband, as are the locals. The soldier is involved in operations not for sacrificing his life, but to eliminate those who threaten the fabric of the country. There is thus a need to re-think and analyse the strategy which is presently in vogue and possibly adopt a hard-line approach, ignoring any criticism, local or international. Those armchair journalists, politicians and strategists who seek to criticise the army chiefs statement should understand that the situation existing in the valley is the culmination of a series of failures of successive governments, both at the Centre and in the state. None of the critics has either faced a bullet or lost loved ones to militant bullets, hence can easily pass judgement from the safety of secure homes. No militancy has ever been curbed by treating every civilian resident in the area as an enemy and therefore there is a need to segregate those with or against the state. To move people away from the clutches of militants, the army had adopted a policy of winning hearts and minds, while simultaneously battling militancy. It had expended colossal funds and effort by establishing schools, implementing developmental projects and conducting medical camps. It has always provided amenities to the local public, when the state machinery has failed. In places where residents interfere with anti-militancy operations, these projects should be temporarily closed for security reasons. A clear message would then be conveyed that if you desire support from the state, then you need to support the state. It can no longer be a one-way traffic, nor can the government be taken for granted. The army is the instrument of last resort; hence whenever it has been deployed to restore a situation beyond the local civil authorities it has ensured peace, whether it is Haryana, Gujarat or any other state. It is a respected force when so deployed. Its attitude in the valley needs to change to regain this stance. Hence, those indulging in stone throwing or disrupting operations need to be engaged as enemies of the state and treated at par with militants. The police and Special Operations Group of the J and K police should be tasked to deal firmly with those disrupting operations, including by opening fire, while the army battles militants. If the British government could enact an order suspending human rights laws on the battlefield as late as October 2016, we too could consider strengthening AFSPA in the valley, as we battle anti-national elements and their supporters. There is a feeling within governments at the state and Centre that the situation that prevailed last summer should not be allowed to recur. This message has also been conveyed to the security forces, who are compelled to be more cautious about civilian casualties than their own. It is time the government takes a holistic view of the prevailing situation and allows security forces more freedom and laxity in their operations. Firmness and strictness in dealing with the situation would bring normalcy faster than mollycoddling the populace. Those who sit and criticise should spend time with troops and understand the deep tensions and pressures under which they operate, rather than bank on their limited knowledge, gleaned from movies, videos and interactions with anti-national elements. Firm decisions need to be considered and implemented as early as possible. With summer approaching, the valley is likely to be again on the boil, with increased infiltration. The army cannot afford to be battling both militants and their local supporters. The hierarchy of the army and the government must agree to new rules of engagement, before the army suffers abnormal casualties, affecting morale and efficiency. (The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.) Has your mind been preoccupied with negative thoughts lately? Do you feel irritated time and again? A new study suggests that you might be suffering from stress. Conducted by YourDost, an online counselling and emotional wellness portal, the study notes "negative thinking is one of the major symptoms of stress". While highlighting that psychological issues like stress are often neglected and ignored, it reveals that in 50 per cent cases "irritability" and "pessimistic thoughts" are indicative of the onset of stress, along with other manifestations in mannerisms like irregular eating and sleeping habits. "41 per cent of the participants felt their sleeping and eating habits changed when they were stressed. 39 per cent of people showed temperament changes. "Reduction of productivity was observed in 36 per cent, while overwhelming feelings and self-criticism increased in about 35 per cent of the participants," says the study. Attributing the rising levels of stress to changing lifestyles, psychologist Shruti Singhal says an incompatibility between personalities and environments also contributes towards increased stress levels. "Stress levels are rising in every walk of life. We encounter daily cases of people breaking down under the pressures of highly competitive and demanding academic, professional and lifestyle stressors. "In addition to that, the emotional and social fabric of the society has become very fragile. Issues like break ups, family/marital discord, loneliness have only added to the emotional breakdowns. Introversion and shyness in a social set up where extroverted characteristics are sought after," she says. The study also points out that "14 per cent of India's total population are in high-stress zone and needed expert intervention" and 58 per cent of these people are inclined to consult a counsellor. "While only 6 per cent of these stress-affected individuals actually talked to a psychologist, the rest 52 per cent resorted to listening to music and sleeping to de-stress themselves," it says. In another interesting finding, the study says that more number of women were stressed in the country compared to men, adding that "singles and unmarried people" find it easier to cope with stress than married couples. Three suicide bombers who targeted a court in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province were killed on Tuesday, the ghastly attack also leaving five others dead, authorities said. At least three attackers attempted to enter the Sessions Court at Charsadda district through the main gate when the complex was crowded, media reports said. The terrorists suddenly opened fire and threw grenades, prompting police and security forces to fire back, the Dawn said after speaking to officers and witnesses. One of the bombers was killed in the firing at the gate and a second died as he entered the court. The third bomber was killed when he detonated his explosives, police told the Dawn. Police officer Fayaz Khan was quoted as saying that five civilians were also killed in the terror attack, for which the outlawed Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility. Some reports said a lawyer was among the dead and that up to 17 persons were injured. Urdu TV channel Abb Takk said the injured included five policemen, Xinhua news agency reported. Up to 10 ambulances were rushed to Charsadda from Peshawar, where the Lady Reading Hospital was put on high alert. The attack come even though security had been heightened across the province and the rest of Pakistan after a wave of terror attacks that left over 100 people dead in the past 10 days. Charsadda is located nearly 40 minutes away Peshawar. Earlier, gunfire was heard after one of the blasts near the gate of the court located at Tangi Bazaar. The Dawn quoted witnesses as saying that the remains of the bombers were lying along with their explosives and ammunition. On February 16, a suicide attack on the Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine in Sindh killed 88 persons and injured more than 200. The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, with ties to the Islamic State, had also claimed responsibility for the carnage. Fake news website The Underground Report" published an article on february 21st 2017 titled: "WIKILEAKS: OBAMA RAN PEDOPHILE RING OUT OF WHITEHOUSE" The article opens: Julian Assange unveiled another bombshell Sunday evening, alleging that wikileaks now has hard proof that former President, Barack Hussein Obama, operated and participated in a pedophile ring based in the white house. A leaked email released today read, "A young boy the age of 5. He will make the perfect catamite for the president. He will arrive from Romania on Tuesday. I'm sure the president will be pleased." This is obviously fake news: neither Julian Assange nor Wikileaks have written anything about this on their Twitter accounts or on the official Wikileaks website. A search for the phrase "He will make the perfect catamite for the president" among the leaked emails on Wikileaks returns no results. If it had been true you would expect them to be pulling out all the stops in order to spread the news far and wide as it would be the scoop of the century. What you wouldn't expect them to do is to reveal the news only to an obscure website that has only existed for one day. And the website undergroundnewsreport.com only exists since yesterday, as evidenced by WHOIS records: DOMAIN INFORMATION Domain: undergroundnewsreport.com Registrar: GODADDY.COM, LLC Registration Date: 2017-02-20 Expiration Date: 2018-02-20 Updated Date: 2017-02-20 Before that the site appears to have been operating from undergroundreportorg.wordpress.com, which now redirects to the 'new' site. Yet despite all these red flags the story is being shared around widely as you can see in the Trendolizer graph at the end of this article. If you notice anyone spreading the rumor around you can help by pointing them to this article here because nobody likes fake news. China's Trade Minister on Tuesday said talks on the proposed Asia-Pacific free trade agreement are progressing well, after the US withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement last month. Gao Hucheng said at a news conference in Beijing that talks for setting up the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership that would include 16 countries from the Asia-Pacific region are progressing smoothly, and expressed confidence that they will be concluded soon after certain challenges were addressed, Efe news reported. "Globalisation is not the problem, the problem is how to distribute the benefits of globalisation," Gao said, adding that no country can afford a return to the pre-globalisation era. US President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products imported from China, and Gao said Beijing will carefully study such measures and adopt an appropriate stance when it happens. "Cooperation benefits both, while confrontation can only hurt," he noted, while dismissing speculation that the two largest global economies were going to begin a trade war. RCEP, a free trade initiative backed by China as an alternative to the TPP (which it was not part of), also comprises the ten member states of the Association of South East Asian Nations, besides Australia, South Korea, India, Japan and New Zealand. Talks for the RCEP began in 2013, and are set to continue at a meeting in Kobe, Japan, said Gao. The last round of talks was hosted by Indonesia in December 2016. Gao stressed that China is looking to play a leading role in these meetings, where it will try to encourage all participants to resolve differences and reach an agreement. He added that Beijing is also keen to promote its integration into the world economy through the New Silk Road, an initiative through which China is seeking to improve connectivity with the rest of Asia, besides Africa and Europe. Pakistan has said Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, who has been listed under an anti-terrorism law, can pose a "serious threat" to the nation, and was thus placed under house arrest in the country's "larger interest". The acknowledgement of the danger the Mumbai attacks mastermind poses came from Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during an international security conference in Munich, Germany. "Saeed can pose a serious threat to the society," Asif told the audience at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, The Nation reported. Saeed was "arrested in the larger interest of the country", he added, according to the report. Saeed was placed under house arrest under the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on January 30 in Lahore, provoking an uproar from his party and allies. Saeed's inclusion in the list shows he is linked with militancy in some way. Saeed was earlier this month put on the Exit Control List, barring him from leaving the country. During a panel discussion on countering extremism and terrorism, Asif said: "Terrorism is not synonymous to any religion. Terrorists aren't Christians or Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus. They are terrorists, they are criminals." The action against Saeed was taken after Pakistan was hit by at least eight terror attacks this month in which more than 100 people died, the latest being a suicide bombing on a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province that claimed 88 lives. Saeed was also put under house arrest after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 in which 166 people died, but he was freed by a court in 2009. He carries a reward of USD 10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities. In a statement critical of the American policies, Asif said Pakistan is determined to fight terrorism: "Let me assure the world community that Pakistan is a frontline state in this war and it will continue to fulfil its obligations to its own people and the international community but if the West's policies are going to be isolationist it won't help the fight against terrorism, only fuel it." Within days of the Pakistan Army summoning Afghan diplomats to demand action against militants sheltering in Afghanistan and involved in attacks in Pakistan, Kabul has handed over a list of Afghan Taliban militants and 32 terrorist hideouts on Pakistani territory. According to a statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry on Monday, the list was handed over to Pakistani authorities through Kabul's envoy to Pakistan Omar Zakhiwal, seeking action against militants operating on Pakistani soil. "The ministry gave a list of militants and 32 terrorist-training centres operating in Pakistan against Afghanistan, and asked for immediate action against them," said the statement. The statement warned that continued violence would push Kabul to seek international sanctions against "terrorist groups and their supporters". In a separate development, Zakhiwal on Monday said he had a "very positive" meeting with Pakistan Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz. Zakhiwal also said that he had a "constructive" talk with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Bajwa and expected quick de-escalation of tension between the two neighbours. Talking to the media later, Aziz confirmed that a list was handed over to Bajwa by the Afghan envoy, adding that the overall security situation in the region and border issues were discussed during his meeting with Zakhiwal. The demand from Kabul comes after the Pakistani military targeted militant hideouts near the Afghan border, killing dozens of terrorists and destroying their hideouts, Dawn online reported. Bajwa on Monday also said that Pakistan and Afghanistan would jointly target their common enemy terrorists of all hue and colour. The comments clearly contrasted with the earlier tone which bordered on unilateralism. The Pakistan Army had, soon after the suicide attack at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan town of Sindh province, closed border crossings with Afghanistan and the troops pounded "terrorist targets" across the border. Bajwa had told the US commander in Afghanistan that the Afghan government's inaction against terrorists was testing Pakistan's policy of cross-border restraint. Pakistan had also sent reinforcements to the border and deployed heavy armament. Malaysia's ambassador to Pyongyang says the investigation into the death of the exiled half-brother of North Korea's ruler is being conducted in an impartial manner. Mohamad Nizan Mohamad spoke today in China's capital, Beijing, while in transit to Malaysia to where he had been recalled following the death last week in the Southeast Asian nation of Kim Jong Nam. Kim appeared to have been poisoned at Kuala Lumpur's international airport. North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia has denounced the country's investigation into Kim's death, calling it politically motivated and demanding a joint probe. Malaysia's foreign ministry responded that the ambassador's comments were "culled from delusions, lies and half-truths." Mohamad said Malaysia had no reason to take sides over the incident and would "be very objective and fair to everybody." Malaysian authorities are waiting for the son of self-exiled North Korean Kim Jong-nam to identify if the man murdered last week at the Kuala Lumpur airport was his father and the half-brother of Pyongyang leader Kim Jong-un, the media reported on Tuesday. Police Chief Abd Samah Mat did not confirm if Kim Han-sol has already reached Malaysia but said so far no family member has claimed the body, according to Channel News Asia. Mat added any family member who claims the body will be taken to the Kuala Lumpur Hospital to identify the remains and provide a DNA sample, and only after positive identification will the body be handed over and the North Korean Embassy will be informed. The police chief's statement comes after a convoy of four unregistered vehicles escorted by around 30 Special Task Force personnel was seen arriving early Tuesday at the hospital. alaysian authorities said autopsy results will be released on Wednesday. Earlier, North Korean Ambassador Kang Chol had said they do not trust the Malaysian probe and had called for a joint investigation into the incident, Efe news reported. He had also accused Malaysia of violating international norms by carrying out the tests without permission from the North Korean authorities. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak denied the allegations and defended the professional expertise of Malaysian police and forensic experts. On February 13, Kim Jong-nam, who was travelling on a diplomatic passport under the name of Kim Chol, was attacked by two women at the Kuala Lumpur airport. The two women, an Indonesian and a Vietnamese, have been arrested. They said they were hired by some "unknown" people to "play a prank" on the victim. The Malaysian police also arrested a Malaysian man and a North Korean chemist while a search and arrest warrant have been issued against four other North Korean nationals. They apparently left for Pyongyang shortly after the alleged murder. Kim Jong-nam was born on May 10, 1971, in Pyongyang, and was the son of the late North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il and actress Song Hye-rim. India-Bangla ties have seen a steady upswing over the last several years with the two nations moving forward to strengthen connectivity and energy cooperation Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India are graduating to a new level, as the two countries have come closer through enhanced mutual cooperation in a wide range of areas. Harsh Vardhan Shringla, Indian high commissioner in Dhaka, said this on Monday in an interaction with journalists of The Daily Star during a courtesy visit to the newspaper office in the capital. Indo-Bangla ties have seen a steady upswing over the last several years with the two nations moving forward to strengthen connectivity and energy cooperation. India has given Bangladesh duty-free benefits on almost all goods. And the two neighbours have also implemented the Land Boundary Agreement, he said. On energy sector cooperation, he said India is currently exporting 600 megawatt of electricity to Bangladesh, and is ready to export more as per Bangladesh's requirement. India is also helping Bangladesh produce power. There is no limit to what you can get from India because we have a lot of surplus energy. We can sell you electricity any time you can take 1,000 megawatt, 2,000 megawatt and even 10,000 megawatt, Shringla said. Replying to a query on the 1,320MW coal-fired Rampal power plant, he said India is providing 80 percent of the financing with one percent interest on the loan payable over a period of 30 years. Bangladesh offered the land and it happened to be at Rampal. The envoy said India has no issues regarding the location of the India-Bangladesh joint venture project. As far as India is concerned, we are happy to work with you [Bangladesh] in setting up power plant wherever you like, including in Rampal. About Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming India visit, Shringla said it would be the first state visit in her current tenure. Her previous state visit to India took place seven years ago. From our side, this is a very important visit Shringla mentioned that Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar would visit Dhaka on February 23-24, and assess areas of bilateral cooperation and groundwork for the Bangladesh PM's upcoming visit. Preparatory aspects of the visit are important and we need to prepare. We need to make sure that both logistically and substantially we have the right input in place before the visit. So, all this work is in progress, said the Indian envoy. He noted that the new level of cooperation helped the two next-door neighbours harness the benefits of bilateral and sub-regional trade and investment. India now allows duty-free benefits to all Bangladeshi goods, except for cigarette and alcohol items. Over the past years, the two countries have been moving forward to achieve socio-economic progress. For us (India) to prosper economically, socially and everywhere, Bangladesh needs to be a partner in this. For you (Bangladesh) to be a mid-income country by 2021 and developed country by 2041, you need to be a partner. In order to achieve this, we decided that we must remove some major impediments, some perceptions that existed in Bangladesh, he said. One of the aspects that we tried to resolve is the issue of market access The second thing that we resolved was land boundary. We were able to sign the land boundary agreement and implement it. The two countries also sorted out maritime boundary. Referring to Indo-Bangla defence cooperation, Shringla said there has been cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. Extensive training and exercises are held at military and navy levels, he said. On the Indian defence minister's recent Bangladesh visit, he said it was Manohar Parrikar's first visit to Dhaka. The visit was very significant as he had wide-ranging discussions with political and military leadership of Bangladesh. We certainly look forward to continuing our current level of cooperation, which is quite significant because we have talked army to army, navy to navy, air force to air force we have regular exchange at all levels. He said military-to-military exchanges are very extensive, and hoped that those would go on in the future. On the Teesta water sharing issue, Shringla said India's commitment to conclude an agreement has been there on record and continues to be there. It is something that is under constant consideration on our side, he said. He pointed out that as per the Indian federal system, the centre needs to involve the state government before signing any such agreement. On Bangladesh's growing relations with China, Shringla said, Your relationship with other countries, as it develops and progresses, is absolutely, from our point of view, is good development. We want good cooperation, we want amity, we want economic development in the region. Economic development is also good for us. Our economies are so interlinked that if you develop, we also develop. On the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation, he said India remains steadfast in its commitment to regional cooperation, connectivity and contacts. But increasing cross-border terrorist attacks in the region and growing interference in the internal affairs by one country have created an environment that is not conducive to Saarc's success. He, however, sees huge potential and prospects of The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), and regional sub-grouping BBIN (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal), which, according to him, can play an effective role in achieving socio-economic development. The Trump administration is considering dropping an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees in a revised executive order on immigration that the President is expected to release this week, the media reported. Trump's original order, issued a week into his presidency, barred citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the US for 90 days, all refugees for 120 days and refugees from Syria indefinitely. However, his inital order failed to overcome legal challenges. The new draft, in a major difference from the earlier order, contains an exemption for green-card holders from the seven countries included in the travel ban as well as those individuals who are dual citizens of the US, one of the officials said, ABC News reported on Monday. The revised version of Trump's temporary travel ban could be issued as early as Tuesday, according to reports. "The President is contemplating releasing a tighter, more streamlined version of the first executive order," US Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said at the Munich Security Conference over the weekend. The new order is also expected to address concerns of the 9th Circuit federal appeals court, which blocked the original order, that travellers' due process rights were not being respected by giving detailed notice of restrictions for those with current or pending visas, a CNN report said. Trump has expressed frustration in person and on the social media over his stalled travel ban, often targeting the courts and the judges who have ruled against provisions of the order. "The new order is going to be very much tailored to what I consider to be a very bad decision," Trump told reporters at the White House last week, referring to a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that ruled against his earlier order. As of Monday afternoon, the revised order was still considered to be in an early drafting stage, according to the administration officials. Challengers to the original executive order were confident they'll prevail in court again because the second version has the same "core problem". Lee Gelernt, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) who is challenging the order in New York courts, said he expected that the new order will exempt green card holders, but warned that he expected other aspects of the new order to present legal problems. "If the only real change is to exempt green card holders, then the legal challenges will continue full force," he said. Immigration attorney David Leopold argued that the very fact that a new order is being drafted "is a clear admission by the Trump administration that the President directly violated immigration law and the Constitution when he ordered a sweeping ban on Muslims and Syrian refugees in late January." Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Steady light rain this morning. Showers continuing this afternoon. High 67F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 90%.. Tonight Some passing clouds. Low 54F. Winds SW at 10 to 20 mph. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. For the late Tom McAvoy, Attleboro was, as he put it simply in a 2014 column, "home." Recently, in Part 1 of this series, I discussed the discovery of US military records which comment liberally on unidentified flying objects, usually shortened to just UFOs, during the Vietnam War. These records, discovered by myself and Boston based research Barry Greenwood, were originally created by all four branches of the US armed forces. The sorts of records we have found include Histories and Chronologies, Mission Reports, Patrol Logs, Daily Staff By Paul Dean The UFO Chronicles 9-21-16 I observed five large, illuminated oval-shaped objects, traveling in close formation and at a very high rate of speed across the sky. At that time, I was on the roof of the Saigon Field Office of the 524th MI Detachment I first saw these objects near the horizon to my left and watched them cover the entire field of my vision in what I believe to be less than five seconds. During that period of time, the objects travelled from where I first saw them, near the horizon to my left, passed almost directly over me at what seemed to be a very great height, and then moved out of sight behind a cloud formation at the horizon to my right. The sky was partly cloudy but, at the time of the sighting, the area of the sky over which they travelled was very clear, with the exception of a few small patches of scattered clouds, which they seemed to be above. As the objects passed over these clouds, they were obscured from my vision until they emerged on the other side. I also observed that, as they passed between my line of sight and a star, they covered the star and blocked out its light until they had passed. This indicated to me that the objects were not transparent. It was apparent that they were not any form of conventional aircraft due to their size, shape, rate of speed and the fact that they made no noise audible to me. Prior to the sighting of these objects, I had been observing conventional aircraft, both propeller and jet-powered, and there is no question in my mind that they were a great deal larger than any craft I have ever seen in the sky. They were also traveling at a rate of speed which I would estimate to be at least five times greater than any jet-powered aircraft I have ever seen. They were too distant and traveling too fast for a detailed description to be possible. I was only able to see that they were definitely oval in shape and glowed a steady white... I have never held any opinion concerning unidentified flying objects. Neither have I ever seen any, previously. However, I believe that these objects were spacecraft of some kind. I am convinced that they were not reflections, conventional aircraft, meteorites or planets. As reported, this case is completely unidentified and much additional information is called for. It is inconceivable that military intelligence would not have looked further into this case, and therefore I should like to request that any further information gathered be forwarded to Project Blue Book Any follow-up investigation is yet to come to light. Harkinsons two-page Sighting of Unidentified Flying Objects Counterintelligence Spot Report form is imaged above top and below. Tower at AmTrac CP reports two UFOs at 2 oclock, 8000m Co A at C4 position reported unidentified aircraft due east of C4 position. Elms Co A at Oceanview reported 6 UFOs vic of the mouth of the Ben Hai River Co A at C-4 position reported AA fire at UFO in vic of Gio Linh. Tower at AmTrac CP reported helicopter flying north over the peninsula. Co B platoon, at Oceanview, (YD 2917151), reported sighting 4 UFOs at an azimuth of 6200 mils, approximate distance 8000 to 10000 meters. Notified Da Nang DASC. Co B platoon, at Oceanview, (YD 2917151), reported sighting 10 UFOs from azimuth 5900 mils to azimuth 6200 mils, approximate distance 8000 to 10000 meters. Notified Da Nang DASC. To NCS from Radar radar picked up UFO moving east. An hour later, it is stated: To NCS from Radar. Spotted UFO circling, two landings Spooky 23 will be in vicinity of LZ Laura for any possible engagement of UFOs. Spooky arrived at 0407. Brigade wants 1/14 to check out the area where artillery was employed where UFOs were fired upon this morning. Radar reported visual sighting over LZ Chara Bde In the 1st ten minutes, there have been 4 landing also there is electrical interference coming from that area. To emphasise the importance of prompt and accurate reporting of intelligence sightings by USNS ships under the operation control of the Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, Far East (COMSTSFE) Following on, the Background section discusses the significance of intelligence sightings reporting, and the importance of complying with the established procedures in the interests of national security. The next section, titled Action, states: All USNS ships under the operational control of COMSTSFE are directed to report the following intelligence sightings by message: a. Hostile or unidentified single aircraft or formation of aircraft which appear to be directed against the United States forces. b. Missiles. c. Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) d. Hostile or unidentified submarines. e. Hostile or unidentified group or groups of military surface vessels. f. Individual surface vessels, submarines, or aircraft of unconventional design, or engaged in suspicious activity or observed in an unusual location. g. Unidentified objects of either scientific or warlike appearance seen submerged or floating on the surface of the water. There would seem to be no good reason to withhold the reports if a FOI request were filed. These events were fifty years ago. Invoking National Security for a war that ended in the distant past would not be convincing. As information, the Air force began investigating UFOs in 1948 under a program called Project Sign. Later, the programs name was changed to Project Grudge and, in 1953, it became known as Project Blue Book. On December 17, 1969, the Secretary of the Air Force announced the termination of Project Blue Book... As a result of these investigations, studies, and experience, the conclusions of Project Blue book were: 1) no UFO reported, investigated and evaluated by the Air Force has ever given any indication of threat to our national security Journals, and so-called Lessons Learned publications. Also represented in these finds are Project CHECO publications, specific to the United States Air Force (USAF). Most of these records have come from either the Defence Technical Information Center (DTIC) or National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). This came on top of other ongoing work which dealt specifically with unresolved questions around the USAFs accidental strike on Australias warship, the HMAS Hobart. Part 1 and Part 2 of that work is complete, and there will be a third installment at some point in the future.One of the issues I have raised is a question of terminology. It should easy to write off the term UFO as some sort of lazy catchall for unknown, unidentifiable aircraft. Helicopters, especially seen at a distance, or only briefly plotted on primary radar, would have fallen into the the UFO category. However, the problem is rather more complex than that. Time and time again in official military documents we have seen the term UFO being alongside, or distinct from, unidentified aircraft, unknown helicopters, and the like. This is both inconsistent and unexpected in such a wide range of military records. Still, is it possible that these references to, and reports of, UFOs or unidentified flying objects in Vietnam were merely bumbling enemy helicopters and tricks of light in the jungle? Unfortunately, simple explanations fail to solve the issue to my satisfaction.Though not found by either Barry Greenwood or myself, it is worth taking a look at a 17th of April, 1967 UFO report made by US Army Specialist (SP4) Robert M. Harkinson who was assigned to Headquarters, 524th Military Intelligence Detachment, Saigon. Harkinsons typed report was submitted on a two page US Army Counterintelligence Spot Report form, with a Subject line reading Sighting of Unidentified Flying Objects. He states that at around 2:20am:Following on, the witness attempts to compare the objects to known aircraft, and conveys limitations in describing the objects in detail:Finally, Harkinson states:Whatever SP4 Harkinson witnessed, or believed he witnessed, it certainly had nothing to do with North Vietnamese helicopters. The report was submitted to the USAFs Air Force Systems Commands (AFSC) Foreign Technology Division (FTD) which controlled Project Blue Book, but, as far as we know, wasnt investigated. In the covering letter to the FTD, the witness was described as a stable, mature member of the Armys military intelligence community in Saigon. Astronomer and Project Blue Book consultant J. Allen Hynek took interest in the case, writing to Maj. Hector Quintanilla, the head of the flawed Blue Book UFO investigation project, on the 20th of November, 1967, about acquiring more details from the US Army in Saigon. In the letter, Hynek stated, amongst other things, that:As I have frequently pointed out, the terms UFO and Unidentified Flying Object are used alongside terms like unidentified aircraft, unknown aircraft, unidentified helicopter and the like. This would imply that the unknown objects being commonly witnessed by military forces werefitting into more mundane categories. Who would want to use the term UFO over, say, unknown helicopter? Numerous United States Marine Corps (USMC) Command Chronology publications exemplify this conundrum.One such example comes from. In the Sequential Listing of Significant Events section of the document, there are pages and pages of raw, tabulated text which discuss the daily activities of the 3rd Marine Divisions 1st Amphibious Tractor Battalion while they were patrolling the southern edge of the demilitarized Zone (DMZ) in 1968. The entries logged on the 18th of June, between 8:35pm and 9:09pm, state:The terms unidentified aircraft, UFO and helicopter are used in a very short period of time indeed. Startlingly also is the reference to reported anti-aircraft fire at UFO. I have imaged this page below:The same USMC battalion, by September, 1968, was reporting UFOs to the USAFs regional Direct Air Support Center (DASC) at Dong Ha Airfield. Such is stated in the Sequential Listing of Significant Events in Command Chronology, Headquarters, 3rd Marine Division, 1st Amphibious Tractor Battalion, 1 September, 1968 to 30 September, 1968. The entries logged on the 17th of September, between 8:15pm and 9:00pm, state:The page is imaged below:The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in Washington DC have released thousands of pages of Daily Staff Journal Or Duty Officers Log records which were compiled by the ground forces of the US Armys 4th Infantry Division. One such set of logs, penned by the 14th Infantry Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Brigade, contains numerous references to radar contacts and visual observations, including landings, which, one would think, should be referred to as helicopters or aircraft. But, instead, they are listed as UFOs. For instance, on the 13th of January, 1969, starting at 1:13am, the 14th Infantry Duty Officer writes:These sorts of entries continue, and include numerous sightings, plus a touch down. Also listed is the firing of five rounds of 105mm Howitzer fire. The log goes on to state, at 4:01am, that:Spooky was the name given to the USAFs AC-47 gunship aircraft employed for low level ground attack and light air-to-air combat. In this case, apparently, the UFOs were gone by the time Spooky 23 arrived. But, just before 5am, radar picked up the unknown intruders for another half an hour before they vanished. Finally, at 7:30am, it is written that:The log entries for the rest of the day make no mention of anything being found where UFOs were fired upon, so evidently nothing was. The above detailed page is imaged below:The above log entry is but just one example. With ample time and space, I could highlight similar events, with a detailed summary of each page, but there are simply too many. Suffice to say, some entries are more noteworthy than others. On the 14th of January, for example, at 4:30am, it is said that:Electrical interference? This is an effect often reported during localised, close range UFO incidents. Whatever the specifics, and there unfortunately isnt enough of them, these 14th Infantry logs are loaded with unsolved, unidentified entries about UFOs. Helicopters are never mentioned, and, in fact, some of the UFO sightings specifically discuss the total lack of sound. None of the sightings end up being actually solved. Also not mentioned, ever, are hostile aircraft, contrails, flak or flares. Its always UFOs. Maybe the wartime environment, plus unpredictable enemy activity, could be responsible for the inability to identify these objects. However, again, there seems to be no association between the UFOs and, say, helicopter activity or the sounds of engines. Needless to say, whatever the objects or phenomenon were, the USAF was not taking reports from the 14th Infantry, nor anyone else in the 4th Infantry Division.Since the early 1950s, the US Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have promulgated a series of Merchant Ship Intelligence (MERINT) instructions which contained a standardized process for reporting unusual, unidentified or potentially hostile aircraft or vessels. While promulgated within Joint Army Navy Air Force Publication 146 (JANAP 146) doctrine, MERINT instructions were by both non-military maritime professionals aboard US and Canadian flagged ships. Usually running at twelve pages or so, they were often published alongside the more well-known Communications Instructions for Reporting Vital Intelligence Sightings (CIRVIS) procedures, and, in fact, some shortened versions of JANAP 146 have both the MERINT and CIRVIS sections combined into one chapter.Specifically, MERINT instructions requested the reporting of unidentified aircraft, or, formations of unidentified aircraft, missiles, hostile or unidentified submarines and surface vessels, and other unusual or unexpected air or waterborne activity. Also specified are unidentified flying objects. A submitted MERINT report would include a description of the sighting, including the object(s) shape, size, color, any discernible features, associated sound, direction of travel, length of sighting, etc. Historically, addressees included, to name a few, the Commander-in-Chief, North American Air Defense Command (CINCNORAD), the USNs Chief of Naval Operations, (CNO), the USNs Director, Naval Ocean Surveillance Information Center, (D-NOSIC), and the Canadian Navys Commander, Maritime Command.The US Navy (USN) was serious about the promulgation of MERINT instructions through a document titled Military Sea Transportation Service, Far East, Instruction 3360.1A. The four page document, distributed in June, 1967, was sent from the Commander, Military Sea Transportation Service, Far East, San Francisco, to various USN Naval Communication Stations (NAVCOMMSTA) in the Asia-Pacific region. Starting on Page 1, the subject line of the document is Reporting of Vital Intelligence Sightings from Seaborne Sources (SHORT TITLE MERINT) and highlights JANAP 146(E) in the reference list. In the Purpose section, it is stated:Note here that a distinction is drawn between Unidentified Flying Objects, or, UFOs and missiles, unidentified single aircraft or formation of aircraft, etc. Thus, UFOs do not seem to mean the same thing. I have imaged the page below:While it is probably unnecessary to reproduce the rest of Military Sea Transportation Service, Far East, Instruction 3360.1A here, I should mention that the second page lays out what exactly should be contained in a report, including items such Date and time of sighting, Altitude of object expressed as Low, Medium or High, Direction of travel of object, Speed of object and Conditions of sea and weather. Clearly, MERINT instructions, as well as the more familiar CIRVIS procedures mentioned before, are primarily for the reporting of unidentifiable aircraft or vessels which could be hostile. However, unusual UFO events have indeed been reported using MERINT and CIRVIS procedures. The USAFs Project Blue Book case files contain a significant number of them, as do Canadas UFO files, formally held by the Department of National Defence (DND). And these are only the cases we know aboutIt is easily argued that significant MERINT and CIRVIS reported UFO cases never even made it to Blue Book or the DND, and, in fact, stayed well within operational areas of air defence, air intelligence and so forth. The infamous Bolender Memo, which was actually an USAF Air Staff Study, and not a memorandum as such, stated that reports of unidentified flying objects which could affect national security are made in accordance with JANAP 146 are not part of the Blue Book system.. Signed on the 20th October, 1969 by Brigadier General Carrol H. Bolender, Deputy Director of Development, USAF, the document also went on to state that reports of UFOs which could affect national security would continue to be handled through the standard Air Force procedures designed for this purpose.. Thus, it is established that JANAP 146, which contained CIRVIS and MERINT reporting procedures, was one of a number of ongoing examples of doctrine that allowed for, even demanded, the reporting of UFOs which could affect national security. CIRVIS and MERINT reportable events have continued to be submitted with urgency. Canadas Department of Transport (DOT) has released some of these reports, but the USAF and NORAD have not, and Freedom of Information requests have been knocked back time and time again.Actual MERINT instruction booklets, like the example referred to in Military Sea Transportation Service, Far East, Instruction 3360.1A, have been released, and are quite clear in textual and graphical presentation. While there have been different versions released since the 1950s, a good example of a Vietnam War-era MERINT booklet is OPNAV 94-P-3. Signed off by Admiral James S. Russell, Vice Chief of Naval Operations, USN, and promulgated in July, 1959, this version of MERINT was current until January, 1967. Page 6 contains the typical What To Report section. It is stated, Report all airborne and waterborne objects which appear hostile, suspicious, or unidentified. Examples such as guided missiles and aircraft or contrails are listed as distinct from unidentified flying objects. Also displayed are shaded illustrations next to each example. Next to unidentified flying objects is a somewhat classic flying saucer craft, as well as a Buck Rogers type rocket. So, again, there is certainly a requirement here that UFOs were to be reported. Below is the page in question.In March, 2015, researcher Barry Greenwood discovered that the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) had made a previously unknown collection of Vietnam War-era records partially available. Titled Combat Air Activities Files (CACTA), these records were originally controlled by the Joint Chiefs of Staffs (JCS) J-3 (Operations) Directorate, and contain vast amounts of tabulated data regarding combat missions flown over southeast Asia. The CACTA database is keyword searchable. Using the search term UFO, dozens of records populate the results display. Furthermore, the term UFO is often accompanied by other terms. The results are as varied as UFO CHASE, SUS UFO and UFO SEARCH. The actual missions that contain these terms include Air Interdiction, Visual Reconnaissance, Flare Drop, Strike and Airborne Alert. Amazingly, although the raw data in these records are available, the actual hardcopy records at NARA are still classified SECRET. So, even after five decades, the controlling authorities have not seen fit to make them fully available. Barry Greenwood, probably the worlds leading expert on government UFO records availability, says:Still, what little we see in these summarised CACTA records is enough to, once again, conclude that the US military, was using the term UFO regularly, and, it was being used as a standard descriptor. This should not have been the case. Project Blue Book was being finalized, and the Colorado UFO Study had actually ended when some of these aerial missions over Asia were evidently still listing some events as UFOs. Below is one of the digital results pages from the online CACTA database.To conclude, there is undoubtedly far more Vietnam War-era documentation yet to be declassified and released. We have only seen a fraction of the administrative records painstakingly produced by all four branches of the US military. We have, likewise, only scratched the surface when it comes to operational records records we know exist by category or title, but have yet to be made available to researchers. There are Strike Reports, Air Interdiction Results, After Action Mission Reports, Base Alerts, Reconnaissance Reports, Bombardment Reports, Daily Staff Journals, Air Traffic Control Logs, and myriad other groupings of day-to-day paperwork. If the comparatively tiny number of released records, so far, are littered with references to UFOs, then the rest of them will hardly be any different. Experience tells us that these current discoveries will not be a freak statistical fluke.More importantly, considering that UFOs were being reported distinctly from other aerial activity, Project Blue Book investigation, with only a handful of exceptions, was absolutely nowhere to be seen. Researchers are well area that the North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD), Aerospace Defence Command (ADCOM), and the old Strategic Air Command (SAC) were not submitting UFO cases to Project Blue Book when they should have been, but now we can safely say that American forces in Vietnam were no better. Congress, the press and the public were being regularly told that Blue Book was the final word in UFO case collection and study.Even the most extremist, most boneheaded debunker cannot fail to see dishonesty and inconsistency here. Astoundingly, when Americas leaders specifically ask about the UFO matter, they are told untruths. In a reply letter to Senator Patty Murray, dated August 25, 1993, Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Shubert, USAF, stated:Compare this with the contents of the Bolender Memo, which stated reports of unidentified flying objects which could affect national security are made in accordance with JANAP 146. As I have highlighted, JANAP 146 laid out CIRVIS and MERINT procedures, which, needless to say, specifically ask for the reporting of unidentified flying objects. Moreover, actual copies of CIRVIS and MERINT reports held in America are still classified, despite the fact that some are thirty or forty years old. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), while powerful, has not yielded anything. The Canadian government has done better, releasing interesting CIRVIS reports as they see fit. Apparently though, Canadian MERINT reports are not available. Below is a copy of the reply letter to Senator Patty Murray:As for Vietnam, whatever the situation UFOs, helicopters, unknown aircraft, whatever phrase or term used, there is an awful lot of questions that need to be answered, and an gigantic quantity of military records which need to be seen. We are making progress on the latter. About two years ago, I did a comparison of the costs and benefits of the Visa Black Card and the American Express Platinum. And the result wasn't even close -- the Amex Platinum was better in virtually every way. Many reviews around the same time even referred to the Visa Black Card as the worst credit card product on the market. Since then, the Visa Black Card has been rebranded as the "Luxury Card," so let's see if the card is now a worthy competitor for the Amex Platinum. The American Express Platinum: High-end benefits at a reasonable cost At first glance, the American Express Platinum card's $450 annual fee may sound expensive, and it is in the sense that there are plenty of reward credit cards you could get for less. However, consider the array of benefits that come with it. Travelers will enjoy a $200 annual airline fee credit that is automatically applied to incidental expenses such as baggage fees or in-flight food and drink. Plus, there is a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre-Check every four years. In addition, the card gives access to Delta Sky Club airport lounges, as well as lounges in the Priority Pass network, and the ultra-luxurious Centurion lounges. Through its Fine Hotels and Resorts program, cardholders can get benefits such as room upgrades and late checkout, and also have access to American Express' Platinum Travel Service, whose representatives can provide custom travel itineraries and recommendations. Cardholders also get elite status at several major hotel and car rental chains, such as Starwood's SPG Gold status and Hilton HHonors Gold. As far as rewards go, purchases earn Amex Membership Reward points at a one-point-per-dollar rate for most purchases and a generous five-point-per-dollar rate on air travel booked directly. As an introductory offer, American Express is advertising a 40,000-point bonus after spending $3,000 over the first three months, which basically covers your annual fee for the first year. Luxury Card's MasterCard Black Card: Better than before As I mentioned, the Visa Black Card issued by Barclays has since been rebranded as the Luxury Card, which is available in three tiers of MasterCard products -- Titanium, Black, and Gold. The MasterCard Black Card is the old Visa product's direct replacement, as the annual fee is at $495, same as the old product. My biggest complaint about the old Visa Black Card is that for virtually every one of its benefits, the Amex Platinum offered a better version. And this is still true, in many cases. For example, the MasterCard Black Card comes with a Priority Pass airline lounge membership, while the Amex Platinum includes this and access to Delta Sky Clubs and Centurion Lounges. And the $100 annual airline fee credit offered by the card is one-upped by the Amex Platinum's $200 annual credit amount. Both cards reimburse members for TSA Pre-Check or Global Entry. To be fair, these benefits are an improvement over the Visa Black Card. The rewards program is also improved, and is superior to the Amex card's program in terms of redemption value. Just like with the Visa Black Card, the new MasterCard version has the double point-redemption rate for airfare. Additionally, there is a new 1.5-to-one redemption rate for cash back rewards. The Amex Platinum has neither of these benefits. One final big drawback to the MasterCard Black Card is the lack of any introductory offer advertised on its website -- no point bonus, introductory APR, fee waiver, or anything is mentioned as of this writing. This is rare among lower-end credit cards, let alone those that cost nearly $500 per year. Value wins The MasterCard Black Card is certainly an improvement over its predecessor but not by much, especially in the current ultra-competitive high-end credit card market. Simply put, the Amex Platinum offers a much more compelling value for a slightly lower cost, while this is just not the case for the MasterCard Black Card. 10 stocks we like better than Wal-Mart When investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, the Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.* David and Tom just revealed what they believe are the ten best stocks for investors to buy right now... and Wal-Mart wasn't one of them! That's right -- they think these 10 stocks are even better buys. Click here to learn about these picks! *Stock Advisor returns as of December 12, 2016 The author(s) may have a position in any stocks mentioned. Matthew Frankel owns shares of American Express. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Mastercard and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends American Express. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Organisation: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Position No.: 10027130 Vacancy Notice: 009/2017 Duty Station: Uganda Post Grade: NOA About UNHCR: The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December 14, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. UNHCRs mandate under the Statute of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees is to lead and co-ordinate action for international protection to refugees; seek permanent solutions for the problems of refugees and safeguard refugee rights and well-being. UNHCR has an additional mandate concerning issues of statelessness, as it is given a designated role under Article 11 of the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness. Job Summary: The Assistant Information Management Officer will assist in the production and dissemination of information on the population of concern, including but not limited to Protection and Programme information. The incumbent will operationalize data standards developed at the central level in field operations, will compile data and analyses information from all populations of concern. S/he will support the Programme Team and UNHCR implementing partners in the choice of indicators for monitoring to be included in sub-agreements as well as the Protection Team in operationalizing protection monitoring systems. Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities: Operationalize country-specific common data standards and promote them with partners, including UNHCR data standards and the IASC Common Operational Datasets. The incumbent will compile, aggregrate and analyze data and information elements required to produce standardized information products and implement data/information collection plans for baseline and context-specific data. Support the operation in the analysis of processed data and information and perform data quality and consistency control. Facilitate the analysis of cross-border information between relevant countries. Assist in training staff involved in information management activities, including data collection and data entry teams. Support and leverage geographic data for map production and use in geographic information systems (GIS). Share UNHCR data with partner agencies and maintain Portal data and information in-line with agreed frequencies. Provide technical Information Management support to Needs Assessment processes, specifically in data collection, processing/collation and analysis. Perform other duties as required. Key Performance Indicators: The Office delivers reliable, accessible and user-friendly, relevant, predictable, appropriate and timely information. Global data standards, and where appropriate, the establishment of country-specific common data standards are adopted by UNHCR and its partners. Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience: The ideal candidate for the United Nations UNHCR Assistant Information Management Officer career opportunity should hold a good University degree in information technology, demography, statistics, social sciences or any related area. A minimum of two years of relevant work experience. Knowledge of the UN system and the humanitarian community. Proven skills to analyse statistical information. Advanced Excel skills (e.g. pivot tables, functions, etc.). Ability to formulate IM-related technical requirements and Operating Procedures. Previous experience with handling confidential data and demonstrated understanding of different data collection methodologies. knowledge of another UN language. Excellent knowledge of English and workingknowledge of another UN language. How to Apply: All interested Ugandan nationals who wish to join the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in the aforementioned capacity are encouraged to click on the link below and follow the application instructions after reviewing the job details. Deadline: 18th December 2017 Job Title: Water and Sanitation Field Engineer Organisation: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Duty Station: Uganda Reports to: Water and Sanitation Team Leader About US: Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in an international non-profit organization that carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. Job Summary: The Water and Sanitation Field Engineer will overview and monitor all Water and Sanitation Construction activities. He/she will manage all community teams constructing latrine slabs, digging drainages and monitoring contractors in water supply repair /constructions. Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities: Work in liaison with WASH TLs and Operation staff to ensure that materials are delivered in time and according to specified quantities. As indicated by the WASH TLs conduct assessments and/or surveys. Undergo together with Community Latrine Slab construction team a training given by Oxfam on production and construction of dome shaped latrine slabs Supervise on a daily basis all construction activities ensuring that high quality of works are achieved Have a close coordination with Hygiene Promotion Officers and ensure that all daily workers sign attendance sheets in order to be paid The jobholder will repair or supervise repairs of hand pumps Ensure together with the HPTL that Field Engineers and Hygiene Promotion Officers engages both refugee and hosts communities in consultation, mobilization and construction activities where these are community based. Encourage contractors to employ skilled and unskilled workers from the refugees and host communities Support PM to prepare plans, proposals, and budgets for project extensions and new construction projects. Ensure that Field Engineers monitor that community workers and contractors adheres to Health and Safety standards during construction activities. The incumbent ensures that use of appropriate project management tools to plan, review and track progress on projects implementation as well as on the utilization of project resources. Ensure the development and implementation of a strong M&E system using appropriate CRS tools and resources to maximize project impact on beneficiaries. Keenly monitor project development and identify deviation from approved project plans and implement corrective measures when necessary to ensure that the partners meet the project objectives. Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience: The applicant must hold a Bachelors or Masters Degree in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Engineering, Hydrogeology or Construction Engineering At least two years experience working with INGOs in the field of Emergency WASH or other infrastructure WASH programs. Prior implementation experience of water supply: gravity fed systems and distribution networks, experience in repairing India Mark II, III & AfriDev hand pumps Implementation experience in sanitation: construction experience especially different types of latrine and toilet technologies Communicates strategically under pressure Manages stress and complexity Actively promotes safety and security Proven organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. Strong verbal and written English communication skills as well as local languages. Excellent interpersonal communication skills. Proficient in the use of AutoCAD and MS Office programs. Ability to work independently and creatively. Enthusiasm in workings, a member of a team and willingness to learn. Ability to embrace the challenge of working under pressure Agency-Wide Competences (for all CRS Staff): Serves with Integrity, Models Stewardship, Cultivates Constructive Relationships, Promotes Learning How to Apply: All suitably qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to send a cover letter, updated CV and three work references (names and contact information only) to ug_recruitment@crs.org Deadline: 24th February, 2017 Still Standing: Four the Moments legacy honoured at Nova Scotia Music Week When a quartet of Halifax women began singing together a cappella in the name of social justice in 1982, there was little in the way of a music industry at play in Atlantic Canada. And even if there had been, its likely that Four the Moment would ... Kangana Ranaut has been making news for her honest and cheeky responses to Karan Johar on his show, Koffee with Karan. The episode, aired on Sunday, got people talking on Twitter. Twitterers and fans haven't stopped raving about her honesty and how she gave it back to Johar, who is considered by many, including Ranaut, as the movie mafia. She was hailed as the real queen of Bollywood. Many applauded her for being bold and calling out the nepotism that is so deeply entrenched in the industry. Kangana Ranaut is that rare actor who is honest in her roles and even more honest in her life. Can't not love her. Sorabh Pant (@hankypanty) February 20, 2017 She had appeared on the show along with Saif Ali Khan, her co-star in the upcoming Vishal Bhardwaj film, Rangoon. Usually, Johar's guests engage in friendly banter with him, reminding audience of how close-knit and diplomatic the Bollywood community can be. In some episodes, Johar does manage to bring up difficult or less talked about subjectslike Salman Khan's virginitythat makes waves. Haha that's how U roast someone without being abusive/racist. Probably AIB & CNB can learn a lesson or two from kangana #koffeewithkangana Prakriti (@illuminati5666) February 19, 2017 With Ranaut, however, Johar was in for a surprise. He was more often than once put into an uncomfortable spot, which he took into stride. So Kangana Ranaut actually sat across from Karan Johar on *his* show,and called him 'flag bearer of nepotism' in Bollywood. Lady has guts :) Padmaja joshi (@PadmajaJoshi) February 20, 2017 Early on in the episode, Ranaut reminded Johar of the time he had made fun of her accent and the way she spoke English in the same show, years before. She then said to him, strongly, You've been the driving force of my life. If it wasn't for all the rejections and the mocking, I wouldn't have made it. There are Bollywood actresses and then there's Kangana Ranaut She rules; both on screen and off screen. #KoffeeWithKangana (@nilima_gg) February 19, 2017 She also called him out for being intolerant of outsiders, referring to how he had never cast her in his or Dharma Productions' films. In another one of her now-popular one-liners, she said, If ever my biopic is made, you'll be the stereotypical Bollywood biggie who is snooty...a flag-bearer of nepotism...the movie mafia. It elicited a masked uncomfortable laugh from Johar. Even with the rapid fire questions, she seemed to take potshots at Johar. Ranaut also mentioned how Aditya Chopra had once dismissed her as someone who would not make much of a difference in the industry, and how he called her last year to say that he was wrong. " Why is it becoming impossible for people to be happy for others?" Kangana Ranaut. So so true. Swapan Seth (@swapanseth) February 21, 2017 "You made fun of my English on this couch. Sometimes these things drive you" Kangana Ranaut to @karanjohar Satak! #koffeewithkangana Rahul Sharma (@Biorahul) February 19, 2017 On being asked which Big KhanShah Rukh, Aamir or Salmanshe would want to work with, she said she wouldn't want to work with any of them. I don't want to work with anyone with whom I don't have an equal role, she said. She did speak endearingly of her Rangoon co-stars, Saif and Shahid Kapoor. She also narrated how Vishal Bhardwaj was one of the people she sought validation from (and not someone like Johar, she said). "You seek validation from people you look up to. Not people that you don't care about. Vishal sir has written a character in which I can see a genuine appreciation for me as an actor and a genuine regard for my art. It is not just talk where you are praising someone sitting there and then never want to work with them. Kangana: "Karan, I know your show is frivolous but you make our work seem even more frivolous." #koffeewithkangana srishti. (@srishtea) February 19, 2017 Saif Ali Khan was completely overshadowed during the entirety of the show. Whenever Ranaut said something snarky, his expressions were aptsometimes disbelief, sometimes wonder. When he did get to speak, he talked about the controversy around naming his son Taimur Ali Khan and giving up a role in Kapoor and Sons, among other things. Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Anil Dave is in denial mode. On Tuesday, he came down heavily on the studies done by international agencies and institutes which have highlighted the health hazards caused by air pollution in India. While not naming the studies, he said Indians have a tendency to be impressed by foreign data and not consider the data generated by the institutes in the country. Recent studies have shown that air pollution in India is the cause for 1.1 million premature deaths in the country. While the minister refuted these figures, he was unable to provide the authentic Indian data, saying the Ministry of Health was in the process of compiling it. All that he was able to provide was a study by the Chittranjan Institute in Kolkata, which according to him, says, Air pollution aggravates health conditions and increases chances of death, it is not directly the cause of death.'' Dave also washed his hands off the responsibility of curbing air pollution, saying this was the task of the local municipal bodies, and in the federal structure, his ministry's role was just that of a mentor and guide. Understanding air pollution is no rocket science... All you have to understand is that the main causes of air pollution are road dust, vehicular emission, biomass burning, industrial discharge, generator sets and construction and demolition works. If these issues are addressed, there will not be any problem at all,'' he said, adding that ministry had recently provided a 42-point set of guidelines to local bodies, but it was their duty to implement them. India is not the only country grappling with bad air. Recently, a delegation from European Union told me about their problems. I told them their issues are different from ours,'' the minister said. Incidentally, after the smog in Delhi last November, the government set up a centralised monitoring agency between centre and states. We are monitoring responses on a regular basis,'' said an official. The Congress on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asking why he has not spoken out on the Naliya sex scandal in Gujarat's Kutch region. The party claimed that the scandal, in which some of the BJP leaders are the accused, exposes the hollowness of the BJP government's Beti Bachao slogan. Terming the incident another 'Nirbhaya case', Shobha Oza, chairperson of the All India Mahila Congress, said while the Modi government has completed two-and-a-half years in office, women are not safe in his home state. Why has the prime minister, who gave the slogan Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, maintained a stoic silence on the issue of Naliya sex scandal of Kutch? The slogan is simply a hollow one as BJP and RSS leaders have become exploiters of women in the country, she said. Oza said according to the statement made by the victim, she was drugged and raped by the accused who also videotaped the crime with the intention of blackmailing her. The victim claimed that she was molested several times after the incident, forcing her to try to commit suicide thrice. According to Oza, the victim lodged an FIR against BJP leaders. When the police took them into custody, friends of the accused started threatening the family of the victim, pressuring them to withdraw the charge, and even offered Rs. 1 crore to take back the complaint, she said. The Congress demanded that the incident be probed by a sitting judge under the supervision of the High Court. Why is Modiji not ready for investigation of such incidents when they take place in Gujarat, Assam or other BJP-ruled states? Oza asked. She also said the BJP delayed action against the accused who belong to the party. According to the National Crime Record Bureau, 12 out of the 13 BJP-ruled states lead in cases of rape and molestation of women, but Modiji talks of the situation in other states. Will the prime minister introspect? she asked. Congress President Sonia Gandhi, who has not campaigned in the ongoing Uttar Pradesh elections, didn't figure in the party's campaign schedule for Tuesdaythe last day to seek votes for the fourth phase of balloting on Thursday. The party released its schedule late Monday for rallies to be addressed by Sonia Gandhi's son and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Rae Barelithe Congress bastion and its President's Lok Sabha constituency. According to the schedule, Rahul Gandhi would address a road show in Allahabad along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav as the Congress and Samajwadi Party are contesting the polls together. Sonia Gandhi has not attended a single rally in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Manipur and Goathe five states where elections began early this month. Goa, Punjab and Uttarakhand have voted while staggered polling in Uttar Pradesh that began on February 11 will end on March 8. Manipur votes on March 4 and 8. Results of all the elections will be known on March 11. This is for the first time in Sonia Gandhi's political career that she has skipped election campaign for the party she has headed since 1998. The Congress President was listed one of the star campaigners for the party. She was expected to canvass for Congress candidates in Rae Barelispread over five assembly constituencies. But she had not been keeping well since August last year when she was taken ill at a public meeting in Varanasi. She also skipped much of the budget session of Parliament this month. A Congress leader told IANS on condition of anonymity that Sonia Gandhi won't attend any public rally in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur. Union IT and Electronics Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday met Indian-born CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella and urged him to consider the use of Microsoft's innovative technology in the upcoming Digigaon (Digital Village) initiative. "Had a good &productive meeting with @satyanadella. He deeply appreciated the success of ongoing #DigitalIndia program, which is transformative," the minister tweeted after talks with Nadella here. "Requested @satyanadella to consider the use of their innovative technology in the proposed Digigaon (Digital Village) initiative," Prasad added. In the Union Budget for the 2017-18 Fiscal, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that a DigiGaon initiative will be launched for the provision of telemedicine, education and skills with the help of digital technology. After meeting the minister, Nadella was scheduled to attend and address "Future Decoded"Microsoft's two-day flagship technology and business conference thatstarted off in Mumbai on Tuesday. The conference is a platform that brings together 1,500 business and government decision-makers to engage in conversations on how technology will transform all aspects of our work and life. On Monday, leading e-commerce major Flipkart tied up with the global software major Microsoft to use its Azure Cloud platform for boosting its e-tail sales. The strategic partnership was announced by Satya Nadella on his maiden visit to Bengaluru after he took over the reins of the world's largest software product firm in February 2014. "At Microsoft, we aim to empower every Indian and every Indian organisation with technology through strategic partnerships with innovative firms like Flipkart," said Nadella on the occasion. As a public cloud computing platform, Azure provides a range of services, including analytics, storage and networking on network of computers (cloud). "By combining our public cloud platform and AI (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities with Flipkart's services and data assets, we will enable the e-tailor to accelerate its digital transformation and deliver new customer experiences," said Nadella. Kigali, Rwanda: On April 7, 1994, Rwanda entered the darkest period of its history. As depicted in the Hollywood film Hotel Rwanda, and in various other films and books, the genocide against the Tutsis led to a loss of up to one million Tutsis and moderate Hutus in 100 days. During this period, Hotel des Mille Collines became a shelter for a terrified crowd fearing for their lives. Up to 2,000 people were saved by the hotel opening its doors to citizens fearing for their lives. Some gave birth, others got married and, most importantly, all of them were given the chance to have a future. It is in this hotel, Vice President Hamid Ansari met the President of the Senate of Rwanda, Bernard Makuza, on Monday and presented him the copy of the Constitution. "We were delighted to host the Vice President of India. The hotel is frequented by international tourists who want to know about the history, particularly because many of them have seen the movie," said Paul Kato, marketing manager of the hotel. Ansari's gesture signified the highest importance being given by India to the history of Rwanda that shaped the lives of not only the sufferers of the genocide but also the Indians who formed a significant part of this struggle for revival. Ansari was served an eight-course meal here, with famous Indian chicken and fish curries on the menu. Incidentally, it was a Pakistani national Ubed Rehman, the executive housekeeper of the hotel, who got a chance to serve Ansari and decide the lavish Indian menu. Vice President Hamid Ansari with President of the Senate of Rwanda Bernard Makuza before a meeting in Kigali on Monday | PTI Speaking in Hindi, Rehman, who was earlier working in Iraq, said that Rwanda is reaching out to the world community with lessons in peace and brotherhood. Rehman said he was happy to have got a chance to meet the Vice President. Today, the hotel has 70-80 per cent occupancy on a daily basis, where volcano safaris and visit to the genocide memorial top the list of must-visit places by foreign tourists. The memorial has pictures of the deceased men, women and children, victims of worst kind of brutality that brings shame to humanity. Fresh flowers are kept on graves, some open ones, keeping memories of their loved ones alive. But amid this despair, the management of the memorial is gathering messages of peace for its future generations. On sheets of paper, whoever visits the memorial, can leave a message of peace and harmony that are collected and read out to children of Rwanda. Lord Hanuman, please grant me a visa, says one appeal, scribbled in red ink on a sheet of paper. Another simply says, My daughter, Tanu, desires to study and work in the US. Several such notes are placed all around the idol of Lord Hanuman at the Chamatkari Visawale Hanuman Mandir, situated in a congested street in Neb Sarai in Delhi. Visa aspirants flock to this shrine for divine intervention; the temple is fabled to grant visas to the true believers. Though visa seekers for all countries come here, the US aspirants outnumber all others put together. Their pleas are only getting more fervent now that the new administration in America has announced a rethink of the H-1B visas under which skilled workers head to the US. Three private member bills on tweaking the H-1B visas have been tabled in the US Congress and President Donald Trumps administration has reportedly drafted an executive order to cap these visas, a move ostensibly to ensure that Americans get the first pick of jobs, instead of foreign techiesmost of them from Indiawho take away these jobs at low salaries of around $60,000 a year. Trumps intentions have come as a splash of icy water on the dreams of thousands of Indians who had been hoping for a foothold in the land of opportunity. Akanksha Sharma was thrilled after she was short-listed by her firm for a transfer to its US office. She applied for the H-1B visa last May and was twice lucky when her name came through in the random selection (the process by which cleared aspirants are picked). She checked her case status online, and saw that her application had got the approved tag last month. But the company attorney in the US, who was supposed to get a letter to this effect from the US government, hasnt got it yet, so her application is in limbo. Is the delay part of the natural process, or have recent developments put my case on hold? wonders 28-year-old Sharma, a certified professional in learning and performance. The entire process of H-1B visa tests your patience in the normal course. There is an element of chance, there is no set parameter for how long one stage takesit could be days in one case, weeks or even months for another. Now, there is the cloud of the visa itself being revamped, says Sharma. Sharma at least hasnt incurred any monetary loss as she waits for Uncle Sams invitation. Neil Das is in a tighter spot. Following in the footsteps of his uncle, who went to work in Silicon Valley at the beginning of the dotcom boom in the mid 1990s, and whose journey from H-1B visa to green card to citizenship took just under ten years, Das went to the US for his masters in engineering, a course that has cost his middle-class parents around Rs 75 lakh. He was hoping to stay back and work, recovering the investment and hopefully, living the American Dream. He will get an employee authorisation document (EAD) from his college, which will give him two years to work in the US, by when he should acquire a work visa, says his uncle, Arindam, a California resident. Given the way things are developing, it seems hell be back in India once the EAD lapses. No wonder 21-year-old Shantanu Gupta, a final-year mechanical engineering student at Ramaiah Institute of Technology, Bengaluru, is wary about pursuing his American Dream. I have applied to some US universities for my masters. But now I am trying for some universities in Europe. Although the US is a better option for higher studies, I think in the next few years, job opportunities for outsiders will go down there. What is the point in pursuing a masters if there is no scope for a job, says Gupta. The Trump government will make the situation very unpredictable and uncertain for us. Xavier Augustin, founder of Hyderabad-based immigration consultancy Y-Axis Overseas, has a word of advice for worried youngsters like Gupta. Augustin, who is enrolled in a course in Harvard University, says American education institutions remain one of the best value propositions for students. And, it will be unfortunate to lose out a life changing opportunity because of a perceived fear. Imaging: Binesh Sreedharan, Graphics: Ajeesh Kumar Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup, too, says it is premature to react as the H-1B bills and the executive order have not yet been passed. He says India has conveyed its interests and concerns to the US administration and the US Congress at senior levels. The government has asked the IT industry, which is perceived to be most vulnerable, to put together a dossier on how it will be affected. Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a meeting with top officials from ministries of finance, telecommunication and external affairs, which was also attended by industry representatives. The meeting asked industry bodies to formulate a strategy on how to counter the move that might hit Indian business badly. NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies) is expected to take up this task. Despite the mounting challenges, the allure of America remains strong. I could explore Canada or Europe, but it wont be the same thing, says Bengaluru-based software engineer D. Sannat. The US is on top, isnt it? Everything is the best there, infrastructure, future, and till now, there was stability in government policies, too. Plus, most of us have relatives and friends in the US, he says. Moreover, the variety and number of universities in the US is unmatched, says Vibha Kagzi, founder of ReachIvy, an overseas education consulting firm. The quality of research at these institutes and the faculty are top class. And theres a range of employment opportunities, from Silicon Valley for the techies to Wall Street for the financial ones. Its not just for Indians, the US is the global top destination, says Kagzi. However, the promise of quality education without the assurance of a job that will help repay the exorbitant fees sours the dream. America does want Indian (and Chinese) students, whose fees help keep the universities in business. A degree from an American university costs an Indian anything from Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1.2 crore, an amount which many aspirational families scrimp and save. If you get a job in the US, the loans can be repaid in three to six years. On Indian salaries, it would take up to 20 years, says Kagzi, explaining how capping the H-1B visa will hit Indians. Sujata Mahajan, who works in a multinational consultancy firm, has been saving for years, hoping to send her son, an engineering student, to the US for that coveted masters degree. We had recently been told that some of us could be selected to work in the US office, she says. Mahajan was hoping that she would be able to get her work visa around the same time her son started his masters course. That, however, was before Trump came to power. My son is studying electronics and communication engineering, for which the US is the best place, if we are spending so much money. Unless theres scope of work after college, the dream might remain just that, she says. The Trump administration wants to make it less lucrative for firms to hire cheap technical labour from foreign shores. One way of doing this is to raise minimum salaries of visa workers from the current $60,000 annually (much below the rates at which Americans are hired) to $1,30,000, so that only the cream is hired on H-1B. Given that most of the tech companies manned by Indian software engineers pay employees around $60-$85,000 a year, this lucrative set-up is in jeopardy. The H-1B visa has been exploited in recent years by body-shopping companies from India, who send workers on temporary contracts, then shift them from one outsourced project to another, making a good commission, says Arindam. There are increasing problems with this visa systemthe lottery for selection, the waiting that can stretch for two years and people who are exploiting the provisions. Had Hillary Clinton won, she, too, would have had a challenge, sorting out the work visa-green card mess. I dont know whether Trumps way is the right way, but one thing is certain. America does not have qualified locals for these high-skilled jobs, which is why workers are being imported in the first place, Arindam adds. T.V. Mohandas Pai, who was chief financial officer of Infosys, agrees. Indian IT companies deliver complex quality projects. The systems of many large global corporations are managed and run by these companies, a critical function the failure of which could disrupt the banking system and paralyse their operations. Many companies are affected because of the lack of IT employees. With rapid shifts in technology, the situation will worsen, he says. In his view, a hike in the basic salary for H-1B visa holders will result in a massive increase in costs. Big companies in Silicon Valley are willing to pay above $1,00,000 but they are a small part of the industry; main street America will suffer a lot, says Pai. The move will also affect American universities, according to J.A. Chowdhary, IT adviser to the government of Andhra Pradesh. American universities will face a cash flow problem since most of them depend on Asian contributions. Shantanu Gupta (extreme left) | Bhanu Prakash Chandra Ashok Soota, another IT industry veteran, says the Indian IT industry should adapt to the proposed visa changes and move forward. Every change of regulation has actually turned out to be for the benefit of the Indian industry because we adapted and worked out strategic approaches. By sending fewer, but more experienced and skilled persons abroad, we will drive the movement up the value chain. We will also bridge the gap, if any, in revenues by doing more local hiring. Lalit Advani, president of Ahmedabad-based consultancy service Visa Central, sees yet another silver lining. He says although the proposed regulations would hurt Indian companies and visa consultants, it would give impetus to schemes like Make In India. Richa Saklani, business head of California-based Stoodnt.com, a career and college consultancy, says techies will be less impacted than non-tech workers, whose jobs might be filled locally, too. I would advise going for the STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) option, that is where the pay is high and the local skill gap big. Also, since the order of preference for hiring is Americans first, graduates from the US second and then non US-educated workers, I would advise people to seek a course at the undergraduate level instead of masters. This would give them up to 18 months of working under the optional practical training (OPT) scheme, during which they can try for H-1B, and even enrol for a masters if that doesnt work out, thereby extending their stay legally and being able to earn a bit. Many are exploring Plan B options. I will wait a bit more, then start looking at options in Europe or New Zealand, says Akanksha Sharma. Kagzi points towards another opportunity for India from Trumps America First policy. If he continues to be as radical, job seekers will look elsewhere. But the global environment is changing, even Europe is getting protectionist. Could India work towards attracting talent back home? For that, the country has to prepare to absorb this talent with commensurate salary. Now, thats one tall order. WITH ABHINAV SINGH, LALITA IYER AND NANDINI OZA REAP and the University of Wisconsin-Extension recently teamed up to teach nutrition at Lincoln Elementary School. [PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE] Two rockets fired from Sinai landed in open areas in southern Israel on Monday morning 24 Shevat. Bchasdei Hashem there was no loss of life, no injuries or property damage. The accompanying photos show the impact area of the rocket. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photos: via Media Resource Group) Histadrut national labor federation leader Avi Nissankoren has announced his deadline for an agreement to be reached with Egged regarding government subsidies. He announced on Monday 24 Shevat that if an agreement is not reached by March 21st (23 Adar), all Egged lines nationwide will be halted. The threatened strike surrounds the fact that the subsidy agreement between Egged and the Government of Israel that was signed in 2005, expired in 2016. The government has since been skirting the issue, signaling it is trying to avoid continue a subsidy arrangement with Egged. The bus company has held a number of limited strikes since 2016, claiming it cannot continue under the current arrangement, without receiving subsidy funds for many non-profitable lines from the government. Nissankoren added The Ministries of Transportation and Finance foot-dragging regarding implementation of the new agreement is the reason for the threatened strike. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The Knesset Committee convened on Monday 24 Shevat to discuss no shows, the Members of Knesset who simply do not bother reporting to work. Committee Chairman MK (Likud) Yoav Kisch let the session at the behest of Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein who has decided to address the matter of absentee MKs. He told committee members that a special meeting was called last week and over twenty MKs did not attend, not attempting to hide his anger as he stated he may bring the matter to the Knesset Ethics Committee. Edelstein is also less than pleased with the conduct of MKs and the constant need to call legislators to order when there is a guest present. MK (Likud) David Bitan explained that MKs are accustomed of not reporting on Tuesdays, a day they do not view to be a work day and he suggested deducting this from their salaries if they do not show as they are required to. It is added that in recent polls, the publics view of the Knesset continues to drop as the Israeli parliament is not viewed as an institution that demands respect. In a recent poll, Knesset support was as low as 23%. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) More than 100 headstones in a Jewish cemetery near St Louis were damaged over the weekend. Detectives with the University City Police Department are working to find out who is responsible for the damage. The incident happened at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery. Police have not yet officially called this incident a hate crime, but believe more than one person is responsible. The incident comes amid a rise in anti-Semitic attacks across the United States. Last month, three people were arrested in connection with the vandalism of the headstone of a Jewish couple buried in the cemetery of a small Indiana town. Earlier this month, the windows of the Chicago Loop Synagogue were smashed and copies of swastikas were taped to its front doors. A 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with a hate crime in connection with the vandalism. The vandalism at the St. Louis cemetery was reported just hours after at least 10 Jewish community centers across the United States were targeted with bomb threats for the fourth time in five weeks. Last week, President Donald Trump was asked by an Orthodox Jewish reporter during a news conference about the prior JCC bomb threats and what the governments response would be to an uptick in anti-Semitism. Although the reporter did not suggest Trump was anti-Semitic, the president answered by denying he is an anti-Semite and called the question insulting. (Source: Breaking911.com) The IDF Military Court today, Tuesday, 25 Shevat announced the sentence in the manslaughter trial of Sgt. Elor Azariya. The young soldier was charged with manslaughter after firing at a wounded terrorist in Hebron last Purim, killing him. The court acknowledged that the defendant was an exemplary soldier, served as the companys medic, has always tried to contribute to society and that the incident is his first since he has always been an example of conduct and performance. The court also mentioned that it is aware that his remand to a base for ten months has had an effect on him as well as the health and well-being of his parents and family. All of these factors have been weighed prior to coming to a decision as to the verdict in the case. The court was divided on the punishment. The sentence handed down is 18 months imprisonment and court martial to the rank of private. He will remain on probation for a number of years. If one-third is removed for good behavior as is the norm, he should not serve more than a year in prison. The court did not take his remand to the base during the trial into account for sentencing. The terrorist was shot and wounded after stabbing an IDF soldier, a colleague of Azariya. He then responded and fired at the terrorist at close range, telling authorities he saw the terrorist moving and feared he might be reaching for a bomb on his body. Many testified and confirmed his version of the events as well as a number of people rejecting his version. The court rejected most of the defense arguments. The prosecution asked for a 3-to-5-year sentence that does not include time served as Azariya has been restricted to his base throughout the trial, which has been about ten months. The defense asked for a year or two and including time served. The defense has indicated an appeal in the case is likely. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The person in charge of the Kiryat Yovel minhelet, the local community council, is working very hard to do everything possible to keep out addition chareidi families and to compel those in the community to back their bags and get out. The situation for the many frum families in the Jerusalem neighborhood is not an easy one, actually it is quite difficult at times. On Tuesday morning 25 Shevat the director of the local community council, Yechiel Levy, was interviewed on Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) and he used the opportunity to explain his modus operandi. He explained that by making life miserable for the chareidim, they will want to leave the community. This is the method that works today choking them he stated. He explained that deprivation of services will create a level of frustration until they leave the area. He proudly explained that the Shabbos airing of movies hosted by the local council are held in chareidi areas to show them who is the boss despite the fact there is an understanding between the chareidi and secular families in that area. Jerusalem Deputy Mayor Yossi Deutsch then got on the air and accused Levy of anti-Semitism as he espoused his hate for an entire tzibur over the air. Deutsch explained that Levys position is funded by the Education Ministry and Jerusalem City Hall and a person such as Levy should not be permitted to remain in his public position, not even for an hour. Deutsch added If one spoke out like this against any other sector, Ethiopians or Arabs, taking about choking them until they get out, not providing them with services they are entitled to in the hope of ousting them there would be a public outcry as there should be in this case. Everyone would be demanding his dismissal. He should receive a letter [of dismissal] from the Minister of Education and the Mayor within the hour Deutsch added. Following the interview on Galei Tzahal, Health Minister Yaakov Litzman stated his words representing crossing a red line and he poses a real danger to the welfare of the tzibur and Mayor Nir Barkat and Education Minister Naftali Bennett must act to dismiss him immediately as the man is not suited for the job. His words are echoed by Mayor Nir Barkat and Shas leader Aryeh Deri. President Reuven Rivlin has also spoken out harshly against Levys statements aired on Galei Tzahal. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Toronto police have launched an investigation after notes with anti-Semitic messages were left on doors at a condominium in the city, residents say. Photos shared with the Star show a small note bearing the phrase no Jews above a swastika written in red ink. Mezuzahs were vandalized or stolen, residents confirmed. Helen Chaiton, who has lived in the building for 18 years, said her rabbi had visited Sunday afternoon to replace her mezuzah that was completely vandalized. Hours later, in the evening, her new mezuzah had been stolen with an obscene message left at her front door. At the foot of my door was an expletive, and a swastika, she said. I am staying strong. I come from a family of Holocaust survivors. Anti-Semitism has no place in Toronto. Our Jewish residents should not have to face hatred on their doorsteps, Mayor John Tory said in a statement on Monday. These acts, and the people who carry them out, do not represent Toronto or Torontonians, the mayor continued. Police confirmed that the Hate Crime Unit was investigating several other incidents over the past few weeks that were motivated by hate. READ MORE: THE STAR Share your opinion on this topic by sending a letter to the editor to tctvoice@madison.com. Include your full name, hometown and phone number. Your name and town will be published. The phone number is for verification purposes only. Please keep your letter to 250 words or less. The gravity of the issues raised by the events that led to national security adviser Michael Flynns resignation cannot be overstated or ignored. Revelations about Flynns contact with the Russians and reports indicating that he may have lied to the FBI about that contact may be only the tip of the iceberg. Theres an overwhelming view in our intelligence community that Russia tried to influence our election. The American people, and indeed American democracy, require a thorough and independent investigation into what transpired and whether any criminal laws or constitutional precepts were violated. Such an investigation and any resulting prosecution would normally be carried out under the purview of the attorney general, as the nations chief law-enforcement officer with oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But in this case, given his deep and long-standing ties to President Donald Trump and many of Trumps top advisers, Attorney General Jeff Sessions cannot lead such an investigation. Sessionss recusal is required by the Justice Departments own rules and regulations. The department clearly states that no employee shall participate in a criminal investigation or prosecution if he has a personal or political relationship with any person or organization substantially involved in the conduct that is the subject of the investigation or prosecution or any person or . . . has a specific and substantial interest that would be directly affected by the outcome of the investigation or prosecution. It is beyond dispute that Trump has a number of specific and substantial interests that would be directly affected by the outcome of the investigation. The regulations define a political relationship as a close identification with an elected official [or] candidate . . . arising from service as a principal adviser thereto or a principal official thereof. During the campaign, Sessions was identified by the Trump campaign and by Trump himself as a key adviser. Sessions was the first senator to endorse Trump, frequently appeared with him on the campaign trail and even served on the same campaign council as Flynn. Would he be able to impartially lead an inquiry into potential wrongdoing by the team that appointed him to his current post and with whom he has been closely allied? Certainly, the appearance of bias is unavoidable. Most important, Sessionss recusal from this matter is important not only to comply with the law but also to ensure that the public can have faith that the investigation is being conducted in a thorough and impartial way. Last week, the attorney general met with the president in the Oval Office, as his job requires. Until he recuses himself from this investigation, many Americans will remain suspicious about what they discussed. Did they talk about the ongoing investigation? Did the president try, in any way, to steer him away from the truth? A cloud will hang over every meeting and conversation between the president and attorney general until Sessions recuses himself. Because administration officials did not reveal Flynns prevaricating about his contacts with Russia for weeks, acknowledging them only after they were exposed by the media, they have made it extremely difficult for the American people to believe that they will endeavor to get to the bottom of the issues at hand. Removing a political ally from running the investigation is absolutely necessary to assure the public the matter will be handled without partisanship. Anything short of a full recusal by Sessions will jaundice the investigation and violate Justice Department rules. As then-Sen. Sessions wrote, with others, in calling for the recusal of then-Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in the matter of former secretary of state Hillary Clintons emails: When a high public official is accused of serious wrongdoing and there is a sufficient factual predicate to investigate it is imperative the investigation be thorough, with dispatch and without partisanship. . . . The appropriate response when the subject matter is public and it arises in a highly-charged political atmosphere is for the Attorney General to appoint a Special Counsel of great public stature and indisputable independence to assure the public the matter will be handled without partisanship. Attorney General Jeff Sessions should take the words of Sen. Jeff Sessions to heart. Special to The Washington Post Chuck Schumer Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is currently on a first-ever official state visit to Singapore where he is meeting with state leaders. Some of his most senior advisors during the trip addressed the government promise to construct a new yishuv for the Amona expellees, who are currently living under extremely harsh conditions. The official is quoted saying at present, it is far from certain that Mr. Netanyahu is going to build a new community for Amona residents. The matter now appears to be on hold until such time Mr. Netanyahu completes the visit to the Philippines and subsequent visit to Australia. Following his meeting with US President Trump in the White House, Mr. Netanyahu spoke of the formation of a joint US/Israeli team which will oversee the future of Yehuda and Shomron, an announcement that elicited the ire of Yesha Council officials. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Tie-up fails Poundland owner Steinhoff and supermarket chain Shoprite have abandoned a $14 billion deal to create Africas biggest shop network. The tie-up would have been the latest move by South African retail group Steinhoff, which bought the discount chain last year. But the merger talks foundered after Shoprite shareholders complained they were getting a bad deal. Steinhoff shares rose 7 per cent in Johannesburg. Shoprite jumped 6 per cent. Irish deal WPP has bought a stake in an Irish digital communications network. The ad giants subsidiary, Ogilvy & Mather, has taken an undisclosed holding of Eightytwenty Customer Experience. WPP makes about 60 million from its Irish operations out of its total revenue of about 15.2 billion. Shares in WPP fell 0.6 per cent, or 11p, to 1889p. Snap decision Snapchat is losing its top advertising executive as it gears up for an 18 billion flotation. Sriram Krishnan, formerly of Facebook, was brought on board to help the photo-messaging app unlock money from advertisers. It is yet to make a profit and makes most of its 323 million revenue from advertising. But he announced on Twitter he was leaving after a year at the company. Bank boss JP Morgan has appointed Oliver Gregson as boss of the Nordic and UK division at its private bank. He will be based in London and previously ran HSBCs private bank investment group, advising ultra-rich clients on what to do with their cash. Pair merge Construction consultancy Turner & Townsend is merging with business adviser AMCL. Leeds-based Turner & Townsend has overseen major projects at Heathrow Airport and The Shard skyscraper in London. AMCL clients include Scottish & Southern Electric and Network Rail. Report delayed Direct Line Group has delayed its annual results announcement until after a Government review of compensation payments. If the review hands higher payouts to accident victims, it could hit insurers future profits. Direct Line has moved its results day from February 28 to March 7 so it has time to respond to the decision. Shares climbed 2.3 per cent, or 8p, to 361.9p. Kenya contract Avanti Communications has signed a deal with Telkom Kenya. The satellite data firm will provide connectivity for the Kenyan government. Shares were flat at 20p. Profits at Hammerson collapsed after the shopping centre group booked heavy losses on the value of its property portfolio. The group, which owns sites around the country, said full-year profit fell 56 per cent to 322.8 million. In the UK, its shopping centre values fell by 6 million and retail parks by 118 million. Shopping woes: Hammerson owns sites around the country including Birmingham's Bullring (above) - it said full-year profit fell 56 per cent to 322.8 million It also pointed the finger at weak trading at its French operation. Chief executive David Atkins blamed UK retail headwinds but also struck an optimistic note. He added: During the year we have significantly grown and enhanced the portfolio. I am confident that we have a resilient and adaptable business with multiple opportunities to drive similar levels of growth. A cash crisis will hit banks on the Continent if the EU fails to reach a financial services deal with Britain, according to a report. The study by a respected City group suggests the blocs lenders could be cut off from crucial markets if they lose access to London. It looks at the regulation around trading in complex derivatives, which banks use to cut their exposure to risks. A cash crisis will hit banks on the Continent if the EU fails to reach a financial services deal with Britain, according to a report There are more than 480 trillion of derivatives contracts outstanding across the world with 40 per cent of trading cleared through the UK. The other EU states account for just 10 per cent of the total. The report, by the International Regulation Strategy Group, argues that if the EU puts up trading barriers these banks would be in breach of regulations with potentially disastrous consequences. The IRSG said firms, including 20 German and 15 French banks, would face a massive capital hit. They would have to move their UK-focused trading activity out of the EU, into Britain, to avoid this crisis. The Government and the Bank of England have warned the EU faces a major threat to financial stability if it seeks to harm the City. The boss of Unilever may be forced to wield the axe and cut jobs and brands to stave off another takeover bid. The Anglo-Dutch consumer goods firm fought off a 115 billion approach from US food giant Kraft Heinz over the weekend. But now analysts predict chief executive Paul Polman will be under pressure from shareholders to cut costs and boost profit margins to prevent a further takeover offensive. The boss of Unilever may be forced to wield the axe and cut jobs and brands to stave off another takeover bid If not, it is thought shareholders could demand Unilever takes action to improve its financial performance. Polman, 60, has already set out a cost-saving plan, which included doubling his target for expanding Unilevers margins aiming for an increase of between 0.4 per cent and 0.8 per cent by 2019. After the merger with Heinz in 2015, Kraft announced it was shutting seven manufacturing plants, which resulted in 7,000 jobs losses. Meanwhile its margin jumped from 18 per cent to 26 per cent. Unilever, on the other hand, reported a profit margin in 2016 of 15 per cent. Julian Wild, head of food at law firm Rollits, said the approach from Kraft was bound to have set alarm bells ringing at Unilever. Now Unilever is under the spotlight, the pressure will stay. 'It will have to have a pretty major review of its operations, including looking at people they employ and potentially selling part of the business, he said. 12BN FUND FOR MEGADEAL Kraft Heinzs private equity backer has 12 billion to fund its next mega-deal, it is claimed. The Financial Times said 3G, which often teams up with billionaire investor Warren Buffett, has secured cash for another acquisition. It raises the prospects of a major deal after its attempt to buy Unilever was knocked back. 3G typically takes on large amounts of debt to fund its deals. It has already invested in Kraft Heinz, brewer AB InBev and Burger King. A 1.4 billion play by 3G for Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen will soon be announced, it was revealed yesterday. Kraft Heinz had to issue a statement on Friday saying it had made an offer to Unilever, which was rejected. It led to speculation the Government would step in to investigate a potential deal, and raised concerns over drastic cuts should the two companies combine. But on Sunday Kraft announced it had withdrawn the offer. Shares in Unilever tumbled 6.6 per cent, or 249p, to 3548p yesterday and there is speculation it could look to spin off some of its food brands, which includes Flora spreads, Colmans Mustard and Hellmanns. Under market rules, Kraft needs to wait six months before it can return to the table with another bid. But Martin Deboo, analyst at Jefferies, said the seismic shock at Unilever would reverberate for a while yet. Meanwhile it is thought the offer, while unsuccessful, could fire the starting gun for further deal-making in the sector. Unilever did not respond to a request for a comment. Upmarket fashion brand Reiss has lured a former Next boss who had been tipped to revive Marks & Spencers fashion brands Upmarket fashion brand Reiss has lured a former Next boss who had been tipped to revive Marks & Spencers fashion brands. Christos Angelides, 52, had been widely expected to lead an overhaul of M&Ss clothing division. But yesterday Reiss announced Angelides had agreed to take on its top post, as founder and chairman David Reiss scales back his responsibilities. Angelides spent 28 years at Next and was credited with the success of its clothing range. In 2014 he became president of US fashion brand Abercrombie & Fitch where he collected 14.4 million for just 14 months work, including a 4.4 million severance payment. Reiss was handed a boost after the Duchess of Cambridge wore a Reiss dress to meet President Obama and his wife Michelle in 2011. It instantly sent traffic surging on the brands website, causing it to crash. There was a time when no self-respecting yuppie or City worker would be seen without one. But now the pager seems to be on its last legs. Vodafone, the last major pager network supplier, is selling up more than 20 years after the heyday of the beeper devices. A spokesman for Vodafone confirmed the sale to Capitas PageOne Communications The deal will make professional services firm Capita the last remaining pager operator in the UK. There has been a steady decline in the use of pagers, which have become less popular with the advent and growth of mobile phones. Vodafone has just 1,000 customers in the UK, many of who are companies that use them to send simple messages to large numbers of workers. Orange and O2 have already sold their networks. A spokesman for Vodafone confirmed the sale to Capitas PageOne Communications. The deal, for a nominal amount, is subject to approval by the Competition and Markets Authority. Vodafone shares rose 0.25 per cent, or 0.5p, to 198.5p. The controversial buyer of the Governments Green Investment Bank will make hundreds of millions of pounds from the deal, it has been claimed. Australian bank Macquarie dubbed the vampire kangaroo for its ruthless tactics when buying firms is set for a huge windfall at taxpayers expense, ministers have been warned. A decision to sell the Government-backed bank, which is charged with investing in renewable energy projects, is expected within days. The controversial buyer of the Governments Green Investment Bank will make hundreds of millions of pounds from the deal, it has been claimed But it is alleged that Macquarie will make millions more than has been estimated by buying two of the Green Investment Banks wind farms. And it is claimed the Treasury is offering the bank on the cheap. Ministers are facing massive opposition to the plans for a sale and are reportedly considering a flotation instead. In a letter to Business Secretary Greg Clark, seen by the Mail, former business secretary Vince Cable, who founded the GIB, and former energy minister Lord Barker, claim the Government is set to miss out on a massive windfall if they sell now. They said: GIB has been investing in the construction phase of a range of high-value infrastructure assets over the past few years. Former business secretary Vince Cable founded the GIB A number of these assets are still under construction and are not yet operational. Once these assets have completed construction and are thereby de-risked those same assets will be worth significantly more than they are now. While it is not possible to calculate the exact amount without detailed information on two of the offshore wind assets currently under construction, it is clear that this could amount to a windfall of hundreds of millions of pounds to Macquarie, at the expense of the taxpayer. It will therefore be Macquarie rather than the taxpayer that benefits from this significant value uplift. Two of GIBs main assets are the Rampion and Galloper wind farms being built off Sussex and Suffolk, due to be finished in 2018. GIB has committed 306 million for Rampion and 119 million for Galloper. Experts believe that if they were bought now with the rest of the bank, the price paid would be about half what it would be when they are finished. Many opponents would prefer the bank to remain in state-ownership or be publicly floated. A spokesman for the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy said: Any decisions on the sale of the Green Investment Bank will be driven by what best achieves our objectives, including continued investment in the green economy and a sale which is in the best interests of the taxpayer. This is a commercially sensitive process and it is inappropriate for us to comment further while that process is ongoing. The Government has said it wants GIB to continue to invest in green sectors and would try to keep a veto. Macquarie has declined to comment on the sale of GIB, but has pointed to its record of investing in renewable energy in the UK. That includes 1.6 billion in the Race Bank wind farm off the north Norfolk coast. MATSAPHA They say businesses that survive hard economic times are those that never cease to innovate and that is exactly what Standard Bank Swaziland has done. The countrys biggest bank by asset base and number of customers has once again come with new innovation in three forms; which will subsequently improve its competitive edge over its competitors. The three new improvements which the bank has launched into the market are the Touch Screen Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), the Standard Bank Mobile App, and the establishment of the Customer Contact Centre (CCC) which is based at the Matsapha Branch. About the Standard Bank SmartApp: In what deserves to be called another Standard Banks milestone, yesterday the bank announced another addition to its digital banking package, the Standard Bank Smart Banking App. This channel, available in Google play Store and iTunes when installed, will enable the bank customers to check balances, make payments, transfers, and buy electricity and airtime among other things. Payment of water bills will be added in March. Standard Bank Chief Executive Mvuselelo Fakudze said: As Standard Bank Swaziland, we strive to deliver progress that is real. This means we need to understand what our customers want, define what they perceive as progress and quickly try to find out what solutions we can give them. He went on to say that one of the things customers are looking for is to bank anywhere and anytime without the need to go to a branch. He said anywhere-anytime banking is no longer just a competitive edge but something that has to happen if they are to keep customers content. He said the continuous reduction in data cost, coupled with an increase in Smart phone production by mobile phone companies, tells a story, that is, banking and other service companies will consider delivering their services through these gadgets. We are proud to join this realm, where we deliver our services through streams that customers are interested in. We also understand that not all our customers will be able to navigate the app, therefore, we will need to socialize our customers to this platform and our marketing and digital teams have plans to engage customers. To show our commitment to our customers, we decided to make digital banking a significant channel in delivering a better customer experience. The journey started with ATMs, POS, mobile banking and then internet banking. We currently have more than 64 ATMs across the country and over 260 POS machines aimed at delivering cash and enabling payments, respectively. We have plans to increase the numbers by a sizable margin. This is possible and will continue to be possible through our customers continued support, Fakudze said. MBABANE Two years after marriage, a couple will have to start life afresh after their maid burnt down their rented house damaging household items amounting to E1 183 452. Initially, when Zenzile Tfwala made her first appearance, she was facing theft and arson charges where she was alleged to have stolen items valued at E54 000 and further set the house on fire and damaged items valued at E177 000. However, after the completion of the assessment to ascertain the actual cause of the damage, it appeared that the destruction, including the burning of the house, was equivalent to E1 183 452. As a woman, when you start up a new home, you take some time planning and saving but it took Zenzile Tfwala a few minutes to destroy my property. This was said by Nishana Maharaj, whose newly-employed maid allegedly set her house on fire and caused damages valued at the aformentioned amount at Selection Park. She revealed in court that none of the items were insured, which means that she suffered a permanent loss of over E1 million. Maharaj said this was the first house she had shared with her husband since getting married two years ago. Narrating her ordeal, she said the family was in South Africa to visit her sickly brother, who was reported to be at the Intensive Care Unit. Maharaj said when she went to SA, she left Tfwala with extra food and E400. MBABANE The bad news of Cyclone Dineo is the destruction of property but the good news is that water woes are finally over for Mbabane residents. In fact, the recent rains have set Mbabane folk free of the water crisis. This was confirmed by Swaziland Water Services Corporation (SWSC) Managing Director (MD) Peter Bhembe. Bhembe gave an assurance that there was enough water to last the capital city for the financial year, which ends in April. He said even if the country could experience drastic weather patterns, Hawane Dam would still be able to supply water to Mbabane residents. The country is still recovering from the drought that hit the entire southern African region last year. This saw dam levels drastically being reduced and the Hawane Dam, that supplies mainly Mbabane and Ngwenya residents, was reduced to zero per cent (water carrying capacity). SWSC had to stop pumping water for domestic use from the depleted dam and instead used other tributaries of the Mbuluzi River. Following that, SWSC had to apply a serious water rationing exercise that saw the city being without water for a minimum of four days, subjecting residents to unusual bathing patterns and minimal use of water, among other things. According to Bhembe, the company has gone back to sourcing water from Hawane Dam. Initially, Luphohlo Dam had been an alternative option to supply water for the residents. With the increased dam levels, Bhembe said the Luphohlo Dam project, which was alternatively meant to supply water to the residents during the crisis, had been put on hold. MBABANE A 60-year old woman was killed by a tall tree measuring 10 metres, which fell on her on Friday. Nomasonto Zwane was epileptic and she was on her way to LaMgabhi Constituency last week Friday to attend a launch of an epilepsy club that was being launched in the community for people with her condition. The incident happened at around 10am and Zwane died while she was still being rushed to hospital. Information gathered is that certain community members were cutting down the trees so they could go and sell the wood. On the Friday, Zwane was less than a kilometre away from her home while walking towards the constituencys meeting place. The people who were cutting down the trees said they did not see the elderly woman until it was too late and when they warned her to move out of the way she ran to the direction, the falling tree. Personnel from Emergency Medical Services were called immediately to the scene to rush Zwane to hospital. The elderly woman was bleeding from her mouth and nostrils and could not talk. Seeing that the ambulance was taking too long to arrive, she was then transported in a vehicle belonging to a community member. On the way to hospital, they met the emergency response ambulance and when they tried to transfer her into the ambulance, they were informed that they would not take Zwane since she had already passed away. Her son, Bheki Zwane, said they were informed by their elder brother about the incident. Our mother was still a strong woman and she would have lived for more years had it not been for this sudden death. I did not believe that she was dead until I saw her body at the mortuary. Her arms looked like they were fractured by the tree. MBABANE A movie like scene played itself out in the Shiselweni region as a chase between the police and a pastor ended in the man of God being shot. The Word of Hope Ministries Pastor, Njabulo Madonsela, was shot by the police on Saturday evening after it was suspected that he was ferrying dagga. Pastor Madonsela was shot in the thigh at around 6:20pm while at Mfishane after he was stopped by five police officers in two different cars. Madonsela, who is still admitted to hospital, said he was driving towards Nhlangano, on his way home from his parental homestead at Hlatikhulu when he was stopped by a police vehicle. The pastor said three plain- clothes officers tried to block him at a bridge as they got out of the police van, armed with guns. Seeing that they were not in uniform, the man of the cloth said he drove away in fear because he was not sure if they were real police officers. According to the pastor, he was first stopped at a deserted place where there were no people who could help him if he needed assistance. When I drove on, another police vehicle stopped in front of my BMW and two officers, who were in uniform, came out of the car. I also jumped out of my car and raised my hands to show that I was surrendering but they shot me in the leg at close range of less than five metres away. I know the officer who shot me and he was in the company of a female colleague. The other police vehicle which had stopped me the first time then caught up and my vehicle was searched extensively but the officers did not find anything. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Patrick Donachie Employees for a Kennedy Airport contractor accused of religious discrimination called on the airports management Wednesday to ensure that harassment of Muslim employees is not tolerated. The group of employees, accompanied by representatives from the Airport Workers Organizing Committee and Imam Aiyub Abdul Baki of the Islamic Leadership Council in Manhattan, delivered letters to the manager of the airports Terminal 4, as well as representatives from Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airlines. The letters contended that supervisors at Pax Assist, Inc., an Arverne-based contractor servicing 32 airlines and employing more than 250 workers, allegedly harassed Muslim employees over a public radio address system. New York Citys Human Rights Commission charged the company with alleged acts of discrimination last month, saying supervisors refused to let Muslim employees schedule their breaks to properly end their religious fasts. Supervisors also allegedly broadcast over a radio system: We dont care about Ramadan, and well give you a break on our time, not your time. The letters delivered Wednesday also requested an opportunity for the aggrieved Pax Assist employees to meet with representatives from the airlines and Terminal 4 management. The NYC Human Rights Law recognizes the legal rights of employees of every faith to request and receive reasonable accommodation for religious observances so long as those accommodations do not cause an undue hardship on the employer, the letters read. Members of SEIU 32BJ heard about the allegations against Pax Assist from affected employees and informed the citys Human Rights Commission, according to the letters. The Pax Assist employees designated a member of the union as their representative in communications with the airlines and Terminal 4 management. The HRC has the authority to fine employers up to $250,000 in civil penalties if the commission uncovers willful and malicious violations of the law, and can award compensatory damages to victims. Pax Assist did not respond to calls for comment. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Patrick Donachie Students in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program at Merrick Academy Charter School in Jamaica are embarking on a weeks-long program of hands-on science workshops at York College, an event made in concert with the National Aeronautic and Space Administrations Minority University Research and Education Project. Its a program in which the goal is to increase interest in students in the sciences in the community, said Michelle Harrison, Merrick Academys STEM teacher. So theyre targeting schools in the community underrepresented, and minority students. The programs are designed to increase students interest in STEM by using technology and hands-on projects. About 25 students from Merrick are attending the program at York College, one of nine NASA STEM education sites throughout the country. The programs goal is to increase the number of underserved students who are interested in NASA specific STEM careers, and to offer guidance to parents on how to facilitate their childrens interest in STEM education and professions. Harrison said the NASA program at York helps to unlock potential in STEM students. Some of the activities they have planned for them, since they involve real-life challenges, these are things they are able to see and they visualize what theyre learning, so theyre able to put them into action in a real situation, she said. The first lesson involved a look at solar power, and students started learning how to build solar cars, according to Harrison. She said other activities planned for the two-month program included robotics, chemistry experiments, liquid nitrogen ice cream making and flight simulations. Anna Bassoo had a son in the second grade at Merrick Academy who was attending the program who also attended the previous year. She said the effect the NASA weekend classes had on him was pronounced. In the previous year, he learned about the galaxy and how humans could create a settlement on another planet. He had a tent set up in the living room, trying to figure out what would survive, she said. He looked forward to going every Saturday. He was so engaged in what he was taught that even when there was something on the news hed learned about, he would quickly make that connection. Thalia Wilson-Palmer, whose daughter Gianna is enrolled in the program, said the workshops were revelatory and had sparked renewed interest in her daughter about a new approach to learning. When she signed up for it, she was so skeptical. Now, shes happy, shes enjoying it, she said. Its really nice because shes learning more, and understanding the concepts she learned in school more clearly. Gianna personally gave the program high marks. I love it, she said. Im definitely thinking differently about science. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Larry Penner When it comes to public transportation, Katz delivers State of Borough address (TimesLedger/Feb. 3) made for some great sound bites but provided little substance. Queens Borough President Melinda Katz failed to provide any specific information on how the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and city Department of Transportation will come up with funding to implement any of the following transportation projects advocated by many other Queens elected officials, constituents and transit advocates. The list includes but is not limited to the following projects or proposals. Just where does Katz stand on these ideas? All 14 members of the Queens Council delegation are supporting the Commuter Rail Fare Equalization Proposal. This would allow city residents to pay the same $2.75 fare on the Long Island Rail Road or Metro North Rail Road as riding the NYC Transit Subway and provide a free transfer to the NYC subway. How will New York City provide the MTA with $200 million to cover the cost? Another $200 million is needed to provide 1/2 fare Metro Cards for several hundred thousand poor residents earning less than $26,000 per year. The LaGuardia Airport Train to the Plane base line budget of $450 million will require up to an additional $550 million in the years to come. The final cost may be closer to $1 billion. Some Queens residents will be looking for $100 million toward the $400 million Woodhaven Boulevard Select Bus Service. These dollars may be necessary if NYCDOT is unable to secure $100 million in U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration New Starts funding. Others will continue to lobby for $100 million to construct light rail between Jamaica and Long Island City on the old Lower Montauk LIRR branch; restoration of LIRR service on the old Rockaway LIRR branch at $1 billion; Triboro X Subway Express (new subway line connecting the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn for $2 billion); Main Street Flushing Intermodal Bus Terminal $100 million; reopening the Woodhaven Boulevard, Atlantic Branch LIRR Station $40 million; and the Brooklyn-Queens Waterfront Street Car Connector at a cost of $2.5 billion. This would connect various neighborhoods along the waterfront from Sunset Park, Brooklyn, to Astoria, Queens. Many neighborhoods are looking for the introduction of either Select Bus Service (SBS); Bus Rapid Transit (BRT); limited stop bus to Subway or Express Bus Service to Manhattan. There is still the need to bring many of the 78 Queens subway and 21 LIRR stations back up to a state of good repair. Dont forget the need for additional subway and LIRR stations to become fully compliant with the Americans for Disability Act by construction of elevators. Where does Katz think the MTA will find the cash for all these projects? The Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration and state may be possible funding sources for some of these projects. Clearly the city will have to contribute some significant funding if many of these projects will ever see the light of day. Larry Penner Great Neck (Larry Penner is a transportation historian and advocate who previously worked 31 years for the US Department of Transportation Federal Transit Administration Region 2 NY Office) Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Bill Parry The city wants to put your neighborhood business on the map literally. The Department of Small Business Services has launched NYC Love Your Local, a new grassroots approach to celebrate and promote small businesses throughout the five boroughs. The program encourages New Yorkers to share their favorite independent, non-franchise businesses, which will be added to an interactive map that is now available online. Independent, small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods, and the NYC Love Your Local initiative recognizes and supports their vital role in the fabric of New York City, said Department of Small Business Services Commissioner Gregg Bishop. New York City is full of unique neighborhoods that are given character by local merchants and entrepreneurs. New Yorkers should share their favorite neighborhood business and be sure to share their love. The interactive map is now available online at nyc.gov/loveyourlocal. Shared businesses may also apply for a share of $1.8 million in grant funding and expert advice to help them better meet competitive pressures from the big chains. Providing opportunities for New York Citys small businesses to grow and thrive is pivotal for creating jobs and a stable economy, said City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (DEast Elmhurst). The NYC Love Your Local initiative is a creative way to engage consumers to show support for local shops, all while helping these businesses access capital, improve their operations, and gain recognition. The Queens Chamber of Commerce endorsed the citys new small business promotion. As the most diverse county in the U.S. and the largest geographic borough in New York City, Queens and our small businesses will be served by this unique initiative, said Queens Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Thomas Grech. Queens has nearly 47,000 business entities spread across 14 City Council districts, so this project will truly spread the love across the borough. The Department of Small Business Services has launched a $400,000 advertising campaign to promote the NYC Love Your Local campaign and encourage New Yorkers to shop locally. The ads will be running in subway cars, LinkNYC terminals, on radio stations, and in other print and digital forms around the city. The NYC Love Your Local initiative is a great way to spread the word and shine a light on our small businesses here on Steinway Street, said Steinway Astoria Partnership Executive Director Marie Torniali. These businesses help Astoria thrive and are an integral part of what makes Astoria great. Strong defense, pair of goals from Shaye Bailey hands Freedom WPIAL Class 1A championship A shutdown defense and a pair of second-half goals from junior Shaye Bailey led the Freedom Bulldogs to a convincing 3-0 win over Springdale Friday. Gov. Scott Walker wants to eliminate the DNR's Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, which has 88,000 subscribers that support its operations. RENSSELAER -- City officers arrested a Virginia man, who is accused of trying to kill a woman he knows Feb. 2, after chasing the suspect through Rensselaer and North Greenbush Monday night, police said. Officers stopped a 2009 Ford sedan on Washington Avenue for going 56 mph in a 30 mph zone at 10:52 p.m., and discovered 24-year-old driver Demetrius M. Williams was wanted in Richmond, Va., on an attempted murder charge, Rensselaer police said. When officers ordered Williams to get out the car, he refused and drove off, police said. Williams led city officers and State Police on a short chase into North Greenbush, where he crashed into a curb near the intersection of Route 4 and 43, Rensselaer police said. Richmond police spokesman Gene Lepley said police responded to a Jennie Scher Road home at 8 p.m. Feb. 2 after a woman told 911 dispatchers a man she knew shot a gun at her multiple times during an argument. No one was injured, Lepley said. The female victim identified Williams as the shooter and an investigation revealed multiple shots had been fired inside the home, Lepley said. A Richmond judge issued the arrest warrant, he said. Williams faces six charges in Richmond: attempted murder, assault and battery, breaking and entering with the intent to commit a felony, petit larceny, unlawful use or injury to a telephone, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Rensselaer police have charged Williams with eleven additional offenses. Williams faces one felony charge of being a fugitive from justice, and five misdemeanor charges of drunken driving, fleeing a police officer, obstruction of governmental administration, resisting arrest and criminal tampering. He was ticketed for five violations: speeding, not wearing a seat belt, aggravated unlicensed operator, unlicensed driver and unlawful possession of marihuana. The Richmond Police Department is seeking extradition, Lepley said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Schenectady U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko blocked off two hours Monday evening for a town hall meeting with constituents. Then overtime began. For more than two hours at Schenectady County Community College, the Amsterdam Democrat took questions on environmental policies pushed by President Donald Trump's administration, the manufacturing workforce, efforts to repeal of the Affordable Care Act, hate crimes that have gained considerable attention since the election and other topics. He then prepared to take on one-on-one meetings with more than a dozen constituents. Though interest in the Tonko town hall was as high as interest in similar forums held by his Republican colleagues, it was comparatively tranquil. It also was more congenial than Tonko's last major town hall a Bethlehem event in 2009 that included vocal vitriol against and support of the yet-to-be-passed Affordable Care Act. On Monday, he was greeted by raucous cheering. As he took the stage, one woman exclaimed, "Hero!" Tonko told hundreds of constituents he is looking forward to a conversation with the president that looks ahead at policy, not back at the Electoral College, popular vote and crowd sizes. "When I have a chance to meet with President Trump, I will share some very strong feelings about climate change, about our stewardship of the environment, about public lands and the importance of preserving those lands, about our stewardship not only with the water and air and soil that we require, but with wildlife, too, showing a deep respect for our ecosystem," he said. One person sought information on how constituents can assist Tonko in pushing back against the repeal of Obamacare. The Democrat repeated his stance that a replacement plan must be ready before lawmakers vote to repeal. "I say, replace in place before you repeal," he said. "There's three standards of acceptance for the repeal package: affordability, accessibility, quality of care. If any of those is denied or reduced, no plan. No approval." On the Capital Region economy for decades supported by, as Tonko put it, a necklace of mill towns the congressman pointed to the need for hands-on training and retraining for an advanced manufacturing workforce. Asked about recent instances of anti-Semitic rhetoric and bomb threats called into Jewish community centers nationwide, including in Albany, Tonko took a serious tone. "We're not in this business to set that kind of tone," he said of elected officials. "True leaders bring people together. True leaders respect the diversity that is us, that is America." Tonko received sustained applause. That kind of fluid, supportive question-and-answer session isn't what some Republicans have experienced at their events as anger persists at the Trump administration's early actions and some planned GOP majority actions in Congress, such as repeal of the Affordable Care Act. MoveOn.org, a website that progressives can use to organize, was billing Tonko's town hall as an opportunity to "have your voice heard about concerns you have in your community." "Democrats need to stand up and protect all Americans," the event listing stated. Compare that to what was listed for a protest being organized for Saturday at U.S. Rep. John Faso's Kinderhook office. "Protest Congressman Faso's refusal to speak to constituents," the listing stated. "Support ACA, PPH. NY CD 19 is a swing district. We need your support!" Faso told the Times Union last week that a small constituent meeting setting will be "much more productive than some mass meeting where people stand up and scream." On Monday Tonko told reporters prior to the town hall: "The way to respond to that intensity I think is respect for the people you represent and to approach them with the civility that gives them their space to speak and take it from there." That isn't to say majority Republicans in the House and Senate do not have support back home that minority Democrats may be finding more easily. On Monday, a GoFundMe page set up by western New York political operative Michael Caputo had nearly reached its $1,600 goal to pay for a billboard in support of Rep. Chris Collins, R-Erie County, after two billboards went up calling Collins out for saying he wouldn't hold meetings. Monday's event in Schenectady was not the first time this year that Tonko has sat down with constituents to discuss the issues. He held a smaller roundtable on the Affordable Care Act in January to solicit anecdotes that he says are important to include in policymaking and debate. "Otherwise it's just an accounting ledger, it's a shell game," Tonko told reporters. "What we need is to talk about the fabric here, about the individuals who are impacted favorably, negatively, and to make certain that we do the best thing." Christine Witkowski, a lifelong Democrat, said that while the town hall did not offer many new revelations, it was an important forum. "This is democracy in action," the Scotia woman said. "It gives me hope for our future." mhamilton@timesunion.com 518-454-5449 New York More than most, Eric Schneiderman understands the risks of taking on Donald Trump. New York's attorney general was a target of Trump's Twitter feed years before the president's assaults on "Little Marco" Rubio or "Lyin' Ted" Cruz. He was once depicted as a deranged ''Clockwork Orange'' character on the cover of a newspaper owned by Trump's son-in-law. And he faced intense anti-Semitic attacks from Trump loyalists on social media that continue even today. "It's really vile stuff. It's a picture of your face going into a gas chamber, your face on a lampshade," Schneiderman told The Associated Press, acknowledging a new rash of anti-Semitism in recent weeks as he fought the new president's travel ban. Even Schneiderman's daughter was targeted in one social media post. "If there's something that they take seriously as a threat, they tell me. I don't pay attention to it," Schneiderman said. He later added, "I have a responsibility to fight." Indeed, this 62-year-old Democrat with little national profile is maneuvering to be a key player in the broader Trump resistance. Backed by one of the nation's largest public law firms, he is positioned to challenge Trump's agenda in ways his Democratic allies in Washington cannot even as critics question whether he has the fortitude to effectively challenge the brash billionaire's aggressive agenda. Trump called Schneiderman a "lightweight" on Twitter in 2013, when the attorney general was investigating Trump University. Schneiderman is quick to point out he has already beaten Trump. The ambitious attorney led a lawsuit against Trump University alleging fraud, ultimately helping to secure a $25 million settlement after the election. Trump had vowed never to settle. Schneiderman also investigated Trump's family foundation, and he played a role recently in organizing legal opposition by Democratic attorneys general to Trump's travel ban. "Eric, who leads a very large public law firm, he brings significant resources to bear," said Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson. But others note he has struggled to build the same national profile as recent New York attorneys general like Eliot Spitzer and Andrew Cuomo, both hard-charging Democrats who took on Wall Street and eventually became governor. Schneiderman insists he's planning to run for re-election in 2018, dismissing speculation he may run challenge Cuomo instead. He has more than $6 million in his campaign account, a haul dwarfed by Cuomo's $22 million. In the meantime, Schneiderman and his legal team of nearly 700 attorneys are focused on the Republican president. Targeting the new administration is also good politics in a state Trump lost by 22 percentage points. "All these things Trump is trying to do are very unpopular in the state of New York," New York Democratic consultant Bruce Gyory said. Beyond immigration, Schneiderman's team is preparing to challenge the White House on the environment, civil rights, women's health care, labor rules and consumer protection, among other issues. Schneiderman said it's nothing personal. "No matter how rich or powerful you are, if you're hurting people of the state of New York, we will go after you," he said. "I'm concerned about real harm to real people." The New York City native's path to politics began in a Washington, D.C., abortion clinic more than four decades ago. At age 17, he said, he helped transport women from the airport to the clinic in one of the few cities where abortion was legal in the early 1970s. Albany New York state is paying $3 million to the family of a developmentally disabled boy repeatedly molested by a staffer at a state-run group home who later wrote that lax supervision at the facility made it "a predator's dream." The former staffer, Stephen DeProspero, is now imprisoned in the Attica Correctional Facility. He was incriminated by videos and photographs he took of the molestation, which occurred from 2005 to 2008 at the facility located in central New York. "The lack of supervision there made it easy to do what I did," DeProspero said in a handwritten affidavit obtained by The Associated Press. "I could have stayed in that house for years and abused him every day without anybody even noticing at all. It was a predator's dream." State officials say new policies are in place to prevent similar crimes. But a leading critic of state institutional care said the problems persist. "Tragically, this sexual predator case is a drop in the bucket in regards to the rampant sexual abuse occurring within New York State's mental health care system today," said Michael Carey, whose autistic son was killed by a state caregiver 10 years ago this month. Vitaly I. Churkin, the Russian ambassador to the United Nations, died "suddenly" while at work in New York on Monday morning, the Russian government announced, without offering details about the cause of death. He would have been 65 Tuesday. The deputy Russian ambassador, Petr Iliichev, said in brief remarks at a U.N. meeting Monday that Churkin had been in the office "until the final moments." Churkin had not been at Security Council meetings often recently, but he brushed off reporters' questions last week about his health. Churkin, something of a legend in diplomatic circles, was a former child actor who could be caustic and wry in equal measure in his exchanges with U.S. counterparts. He had formerly worked as a translator, and as ambassador he sometimes became visibly annoyed with U.N. translators who could not keep up with his rapid speaking style. He began his career in the Soviet era, served as spokesman for the Foreign Ministry under Mikhail S. Gorbachev and represented Russia at the United Nations in recent years as relations with the United States soured, first over Libya and then over the crises in Syria and Ukraine. In an interview in October, Churkin said the last time that Russian-U.S. relations were so strained was more than four decades ago, when the Arab-Israeli conflict nearly brought the two Cold War powers to a confrontation. At his death, he was the longest-serving ambassador on the U.N. Security Council, and he sometimes jokingly referred to himself as the "permanent representative," the formal title for each nation's top U.N. envoy. News of Churkin's sudden death sent a ripple of shock across the diplomatic community. He was widely seen as a deft diplomat, skilled at using the rules and protocol of the U.N. system to his country's advantage, including Russia's veto in the Security Council. He wielded that veto to block six resolutions that would have punished the government of Syria, Moscow's staunch ally, and met every Western criticism of Russia's conduct in the Syrian conflict with retorts about the Western role in Yemen and elsewhere. Samantha Power, the former U.S. ambassador, said on Twitter that she was "devastated" by the news of Churkin's death. "Diplomatic maestro & deeply caring man who did all he cld to bridge US-RUS differences," she wrote. The French Laundrys most recent evolution began modestly enough four years ago. Chef Thomas Keller wanted to remodel the wine cellar. Fast-forward about 1,460 days and the Yountville fine-dining destination is nearing the end of a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion, anchored by a new state-of-the-art kitchen. The projects price tag has surpassed $10 million, and the overall scope of the work encompasses a 2,120-square-foot annex, 9,000 square feet of landscape design and a rebuilt wine cellar capable of housing 16,000 selections. Further portions of the revamp, such as the entrance, will not be finished or unveiled until the spring, according to the French Laundry team. But Saturday, Feb. 18, will be the restaurants first dinner service, with a $310 tasting menu, since the kitchen was completed. All it took was four years and, according to general manager Michael Minnillo, some patience. Were in our 23rd year, and were still that same group that wants to drive this profession, he said. Keller collaborated on the project with Snohetta, an architecture and design firm with Norwegian roots and offices in Austria, New York and San Francisco. The joint effort led to aesthetics that showcase a sleek, stylish yet minimalist concept. Prior to the French Laundry, Snohetta spearheaded the $305 million expansion of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Kellers new digs are steeped in functionality. For example, the restaurant is moving away from the walk-in refrigerators seen in most restaurants and toward smaller, more efficient coolers. The counters are elevated so kitchen staff wont have to stoop their shoulders while using a cutting board. The improvements were the result of research. The Snohetta team spent time in Kellers kitchen, learning the needs of high-level chefs. The kitchen not only has more natural light and better acoustics for communication among team members, but its also lined with windows so guests can see the inner workings of the French Laundry operation. Minnillo, who has been with the restaurant since the 1990s, said a key characteristic of the design is efficiency. Everything from the spacing of work stations to the height of cabinets plays a role, he said. Executive pastry chef Elwyn Boyles, who oversees the dessert menus for both the French Laundry and New York sister restaurant Per Se, reiterated Minnillos sentiments functionality is key. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle The old kitchen was great but we outgrew it as a staff, Boyles said. Snohettas design increased the size of the kitchen by about 25 percent, according to the company. The ceilings are reminiscent of flowing table cloths, both for aesthetics and practical use, as they obscure equipment on the kitchens ceiling. The renovation, while planned years ago, is being completed at a unique time for both the French Laundry and the Bay Area dining scene, as storied dining destinations are no longer surviving on reputation alone. Keller has said in the past he doesnt plan to distance the restaurant from its roots. The menu still changes daily and remains an amalgamation of French tradition and high-quality ingredients. Still, the project is wrapping up less than a year after New York Times restaurant critic Pete Wells stripped Kellers Per Se of its perfect rating, instead describing a slow creep of mediocrity. In the aftermath, Keller expressed a renewed vigor for righting the ship. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle While the conversations about French Laundry are layered with story lines, Minnillo said outside influences have nothing to do with whats happening on the Yountville property. The changes are the result of progressive thinking, the heartbeat of French Laundry over the decades, he said. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle Were constantly changing everything everyday, Minnillo said. I tell the team all the time, were trailblazers. We have to do it for the profession. Were always cutting-edge, from concepts to food to designs. Justin Phillips is a staff writer for the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @JustMrPhillips Schenectady Young women, fitness and elephants might seem like odd pillars on which to build a business. But James Brooks has at least four million reasons that prove otherwise. That's how much money his company, Elephant Pants, made last year. Now, the Schenectady native will vie for a bigger prize when he appears on the hit ABC show ''Shark Tank'' on Friday. The company has roots in Thailand, where Brooks and his business partner Nathan Coleman discovered the marketability for "harem-style" pants. It's also where they witnessed firsthand the plight of elephants in some of the country's worst refuges. "We got to see a lot of the so-called sanctuaries that claim to do good by elephants, but a lot of them were using bullwhips and riding them," Brooks said. "Once we did some research, we realized there was some good we could do." After returning from Asia in 2014, the two launched a crowdfunding campaign for their Brooklyn-based company, with the caveat that 10 percent of all proceeds go to elephant sanctuaries. The company also works with the African Wildlife Foundation and International Elephant Foundation to help the animals, which are increasingly targeted by hunters for their ivory tusks. The mission also aligned with the company's target demographic, women aged 18-35. "We donate money and that's great," Brooks said. But he said it's more important that they use the company to educate younger generations "who are very viral and very vocal about what they believe in. So we want to make change by putting ... the plight of elephants in their own backyard." Two years later and as sales routinely top $3.5 million Coleman and Brooks are ready to pitch the idea to high-profile investors like Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec. The two couldn't go into details about whether they received a deal when the episode filmed last year. But they did say the episode, which will celebrate the 100th million dollar invested by the show's hosts, has a "couple of surprises." "Our product line would be an obvious fit with Daymond John and his knowledge of clothing designs," Brooks said. "But we also were rooting for Mark Cuban because of his strong investment skills but all of the sharks are accomplished investors and we welcome any of their ideas in helping our company grow." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. The two say they're excited for the exposure their company will receive from the roughly 5 million people who watch every episode. Other companies that have made deals on the show often report an enormous influx of customers. Saratoga Springs native Melissa Nurse said her company, Tranquilo Mat, nearly doubled its annual sales after inking a deal with Herjavec earlier this month. "The Shark Tank is truly powerful!" she wrote in an email to the Times Union. RDownen@timesunion.com - 518-454-5018 - Follow @RobertDownenTU Pittsfield, Mass. The 10 short works in this year's 10X10 New Play Festival at Barrington Stage Company complement each other thematically in subtle, but satisfying ways that make the evening richer than the past three 10X10 festivals I've seen from BSC. Though those were fine evenings of theater, this one the sixth at Barrington and part of the citywide 10X10 arts promotion during February and March produces deeper resonance as the plays, despite being written independently, collectively explore being an outsider, of being other. The directors BSC artistic director Julianne Boyd and Matthew Penn, who has a vast resume in TV dramas including "Law & Order," but who also regularly works in the Berkshires never push too hard on the linkage, and it's not immediately obvious from the differing tone and content of the short works, each lasting about 10 minutes. More Information Stage review 10X10 New Play Festival When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday Where: St. Germain Stage, Barrington Stage Company, 36 Linden St., Pittsfield, Mass. Length: 120 minutes, one intermission Continues: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, through March 2 Tickets: $15 to $32 See More Collapse In "Sandbox," by Scott Mullen, the mother of a toddler confronts adults who have built a sandbox in a city park and use it to relieve workday stress. A quartet of young soldiers force a shouty drill sergeant to reconsider the vulgar cadences he has used for decades in "I Don't Know," by James McLindon. Thwarting their adult children's plans to move them into a retirement community becomes a comedic exercise for a senior couple in "Compos Mentis," by Marilyn Millstone. And the evening ends with the pairing of the strongest, most ambitious piece Tom Coash's "Raghead," about a date that goes wrong when a woman pretending to be a Muslim experiences the lash of prejudice and "Desk Fort," by Annette Storckman, essentially a bookend to "Sandbox" in which office workers take refuge from their jobs. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. The cast, several of whom have been in every 10X10, is uniformly excellent. They are Lucky Gretzinger, Matt Neely (who also wrote the "Hamilton"-style musical introduction), Jane Pfitsch, Peggy Pharr Wilson, Douglas Rees and Dina Thomas. Set designer Tristan Wilson effectively changes locations with the most minimal of furniture and other elements. Each play, in ways large and small, considers the norm with characters who are outside of it, conflict with or reject it. The cumulative effect is of a large theme amplified by small snapshots taken from 10 angles, and you leave knowing you've seen much more than a collection of brief plays. sbarnes@timesunion.com 518-454-5489 This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany Brianna Rocais was sitting at a bus stop at Central Avenue and Quail Street at noon Monday when a man walking by suddenly punched her in the back of the head. "He decked me," Rocais said. Her attacker walked away with his friend as if nothing happened. "They were laughing," Rocais, a 23-year-old transgender woman, said. She followed them and asked, "Did you just hit me? Why did you hit me?" The man turned to face her and shouted a slew of obscenities punctuated by a homophobic slur. "They looked like they wanted a fight," Rocais said. "I didn't want to get beat up so I turned tail and ran." Rocais said she believes the attack, one of three confrontations she has endured since November but the first she's reported to police, was motivated by a hatred of transgender people. "It seems like a growing problem of violence toward queer folk in the area," Rocais said. Martha Harvey, the executive director of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, said hate crimes are increasing nationwide. "There is no denying there is a rise in homophobic slurs, attacks," Harvey said. "It seems that people feel emboldened to be aggressive, confrontational and intolerant since the new (presidential) administration took office." Last year was the deadliest year on record for transgender people in the United States, according to GLAAD, a national LGBT organization. Twenty-seven transgender people were killed in the United States last year and nearly all of the victims were transgender women of color, GLAAD reports. Transgender people are also at a greater risk for assault, harassment and suicide. A 2016 report by the National LGBTQ Task Force and the National Center for Transgender Equality found that 61 percent of transgender and gender non-conforming people had been a victim of physical assault and 64 percent had been a victim of sexual assault. A staggering 41 percent of respondents reported attempting suicide, compared to 1.6 percent of the general population. Harvey said she was "not surprised but saddened and angered" to hear about Rocais being attacked. "She was just sitting there waiting for a bus, minding her own business, in the middle of the day ... Just, wow," Harvey said. "We need to be out and visible and protect each other now more than ever." Albany police spokesman Officer Steve Smith confirmed the details of the attack, saying officers are searching for the perpetrator, who could be ticketed for harassment. Smith said Tuesday that Rocais did not tell officers at the scene that she thought the attack was motivated by transphobia. Rocais said Tuesday she believes her gender identity and expression make her a target for attacks, especially "when I'm not presenting entirely feminine." Rocais works at Target and was wearing her uniform, a red shirt and khaki pants, when she was attacked. "I was in a daze," she said. "I was hit hard. I felt like I got the lights kicked out of me." After she escaped, Rocais called 911. She said officers told her a nearby city camera may have caught the incident on tape and EMS workers didn't think she'd suffered a concussion. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. "The pain has dulled. Now I'm just more frustrated," Rocais said Tuesday. "I hate to say it but I expect these things to happen." In November, Rocais was walking down Quail Street when an intoxicated man threatened to sexually assault her, she said. "He picked up a rubber pylon (from a Stewart's parking lot) and threatened to shove it up me," Rocais said. She ran to a nearby friend's house. Rocais said she considered calling the police but, since the man never touched her, decided not to report the incident. She recalled thinking, "Maybe it was a freak accident." Two months later, a man on Ontario Street spat his chewing tobacco on her as she walked by, Rocais said. "I didn't react to that at all. I went home and cleaned it off," she said. "Self-care and self-preservation is the most important thing." When a stranger punched her without even making eye contact Monday, Rocais said it was "the last straw" and she had to call police. "I feel like they did it because they felt they wouldn't get reprimanded," Rocais said. "That casual bigotry needs to be called out." emasters@timesunion.com 518-454-5467 @emilysmasters John Nichols: The enemy of the people is a president who imagines a free press is the enemy THE ISSUE: Some in Congress try to dodge critics by not holding open meetings. THE STAKES: Will they represent all their constituents, or just a select few? More Information To comment: tuletters@timesunion.com or at http://blog.timesunion.com/opinion See More Collapse Eight years ago, with Democrats in control of Washington, D.C., the fledgling tea party movement gained national attention in no small measure because of its members' raucous behavior at local meetings held by members of the House and Senate. Fast-forward to 2017, and the tables have turned Republicans hold Congress and the White House. Where conservatives were agitated about the Obama administration and the Affordable Care Act, liberals are now incensed about Donald Trump's misstatements and the possibility that he and Congress will undo the progress that brought health care to 20 million Americans. Newly energized progressives are showing up at congressional town halls, making life uncomfortable for their representatives. If, that is, elected officials deign to meet with them. With Congress on break this week, a time many would normally hold open meetings back in their districts, some are choosing not to. Among them, sadly, are two from the Capital Region, John Faso, R-Kinderhook, and Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro. Ms. Stefanik justifies her decision by blaming "a small number of activists" who want to "hijack and ambush community events for the sole purpose of political theater." Mr. Faso says it would be "much more productive for me to have interactions one-to-one or in small groups." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. We understand their desire to avoid the heat. But to dismiss the discontent as "a small number of activists" or to suggest, as some Republicans in Congress have, that this is all the fault of paid agitators, is to ignore the reality that a majority of Americans are apprehensive, many are fearful and some are downright angry. They're concerned about a president whose policies seem little more than 140 characters deep, and a Congress that is plunging toward killing Obamacare with no replacement plan, even after eight years of attacking it. To meet only in quiet offices with mostly like-minded people is not in the spirit of representative government. It's more like democracy for an invited few. To Mr. Faso's credit, he does plan to meet with some progressive leaders. And he's right that it is unproductive to hold "some mass meeting where people stand up and scream." We don't favor the idea of citizens turning public meetings into shouting matches. Public forums are the place to ask questions, get answers and offer arguments. There are plenty of other venues for demonstrations. Mr. Faso and Ms. Stefanik, though, can't convey the notion that they're afraid to hear tough talk. They might take a lesson from a colleague across the aisle, Rep. Paul Tonko, D-Amsterdam, a veteran of those contentious 2009 meetings: "This job is not about being in a comfort zone," he said. They and their colleagues need to accept that governing isn't all pep rallies and adoring crowds. They can listen now to more than just select groups or they can govern in a bubble. They just shouldn't be surprised if, come an election, the bubble bursts. (Spoilers ahead. Read the book first.) Near the beginning of Anthony Doerrs All the Light We Cannot See, Werner Pfennig, a boy in a German orphanage, is listening to a radio with his sister. It is 1934. The boy tunes in to a lecture on science, then hears a stranger ask a question that seems meant for him alone: The brain is locked in total darkness, of course, children, says the voice. It floats in a clear liquid inside the skull, never in the light. And yet the world it constructs in the mind is full of light. It brims with color and movement. So how, children, does the brain, which lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light? The strangers question is a key to the books concerns. All the Light is many things: a historical novel; a coming-of-age book; a detailed homage to the worlds endless detail; a meticulously crafted paean to craft; a meditation on disability and adaptation; a book about trauma, identity, and impossible moral choices. But beneath these concerns, and joining them together, is an abiding preoccupation with the ways we make sense of the world. To understand the art of Doerrs sentence, we need to read it closely. But the art of the sentence is also the art of context. At any given moment, everything already-read, everything not-yet-read, comes to bear on the sentence at hand; the sentence, in turn, acts as a prism or a diamond, absorbing and refracting meaning from the novel it inhabits. Its significant that the strangers question is part of a lecture on science. Far more than most novelists, Doerr is interested in science as a human practice and as a means of knowing the world. Though the question has religious overtonesa world full of lightit refers even more immediately to physics and biology. In the lecture, light is meant literally, as a form of radiation; and the brain is described in physiological terms, as float[ing] in a clear liquid inside the skull. Doerr is interested in all the light we cannot see, which can be glossed as hope, or the idea of good, in impossible times; but those conventional novelistic concerns are wedded inextricably to science. He is interested not only in the light we cannot see, but in the light we can, and the abiding mystery that we can see it at all. (Whats more, the voice is carried by radio waves, which are on the electromagnetic spectrum: they are, literally, an example of light that cannot be seen.) Yet Doerr embeds his reflections on science in a novel, not a treatise. Doerr knows that science happens in a human context. The curiosity driving the pursuit of knowledge is only one feeling, mixed with othersloneliness and ambition, in Werners caseand plays out in society, which can derail, crush, or co-opt that pursuit. So how, children, does the brain, which lives without a spark of light, build for us a world full of light? The strangers question also illuminates Doerrs formal approach: his narrative acquires depth and significance from a carefully orchestrated series of repetitions, a symphony of echoes. In this case, the question echoes not only the title, but also one of the books epigraphs. (Joseph Goebbels: It would not have been possible for us to take power or to use it in the ways we have without the radio.) But images of light and radio pervade the book, as we see in Werners story. Werner is plucked from the orphanage and sent to Schulpforta, a brutal Nazi training school. There, his talent for science is put to work: he invents a device that can triangulate on a radio signal, which is used to locate partisans who are broadcasting in the field. Later, as a soldier, Werner operates the device himself: he sits in the back of a truck, scanning the airwaves for voices, directing soldiers to partisans, who are then executed. These scenes offer grotesque echoes of his childhood in the orphanage, where he prowl[ed] the ionosphere for a strangers voice. Throughout the novel, Werner remembers fragments of the radio broadcast he heard as a child. These mark his distance from boyhood, and the loss of what he hoped science would be in his life. Though his life in the orphanage was difficult, it was not without hope. Radio stood for the possibility of a life in science, and for connection with others: the strangers voice; his sister Jutta,with whom he hears the broadcast; the orphans who listen to the radio with him. Doerr salts Werners narrative with echoes of the broadcast, each one measuring the gap between his life and his hopes. (In a parallel motif, Werner periodically receives letters from Jutta, which are increasingly blacked out by censors, and which Werner ceases to answer.) After a mistake on Werners part leads to the death of a girl and her mother, Werner recalls part of the lecture: So really, children, mathematically, all of light is invisible. For Werner, conscience-stricken, traumatized by the losses he has already suffered, the phrase is newly apt. Light, in any spiritual or moral sense, is unavailable to him. Werner is living without a spark of light; his challenge is how to build a world full of light. As Werners life spirals downward, the strangers question deepens in significance. Late in the book, Werner is trapped under a collapsed building, and needs to repair a radio to find freedom, to find light again in a world of darkness. That scene is itself an echo: it recapitulates the scene when Werner, a child in the orphanage, first hears the strangers question. Just as he did as a boy, he repairs a radio, finds a connection to the outside world; this gives him the hope he needs to escape, along with his surviving comrade, from the rubble. (They use a grenade.) Returning to the world is an almost literal rebirth, and the beginning of Werners (partial) redemption. He comes full circle, just as the novel does. After emerging from the collapsed building, Werner deserts his responsibilities as a soldier, turns from abetting assassination to finding and helping to rescue Marie-Laure. As Doerrs deployment of echoes makes this clear, journey is mediated by science, but was always primarily moral. The radio motif is key to the books plot, and to understanding Werner. But radio is only one form of the information technologies that fill the book: leaflets falling from the sky, books of Braille, radio waves, blacked-out letters from home, slips of paper baked into loaves of bread. These offer a key to Doerrs metafictional concerns: the novel, like a radio broadcast, is at once public and deeply intimate. We receive it like a Resistance message hidden in breadsustaining, hidden in sustenance, meant only for us. Doerr is making a larger argument for the sustenance literature provides. Returning to Werners boyhood, and the strangers question, we see that Werner is excited by sciencebut that he responds to the broadcast as literature. He is inspired by a lavish, penetrating voice. He feels transported, launched into a different existence, and his perceptions of reality are altered: Time slows. The attic disappears. Jutta disappears. Has anyone ever spoken so intimately about the very things Werner is most curious about? The experience is also inflected by religion: Werner imagines radio waves as mile-long harp strings flying through forests, through cities, through walls. He responds, in other words, with metaphor. Werner is, in that moment, an ideal reader, perfectly attuned to anothers signal, building a world of light from that invisible transmission. From this perspective, all the light of the books title invokes a books workings upon the brain, any description reconstituted in the brains darkness. Werners story is then also about the power of writing, its capacity to align distant brains with a paradoxical intimacy, to create a network of like-minded people, an improvised family of listeners. Reading All the Light, we are, in a strange way, included in that family; and as we read about Werner in the attic, absorbed in the words of a distant stranger, our situation parallels that of the character before us. Just as Werner discovers possibility in isolation, just as the brain, locked in total darkness, finds the light of others, so do we. Theres a paradox in the broadcast Werner hears: a confined space can still contain infinite possibility. The brain, without a spark of light, can build a luminous world. Writing also can build that world for us, illuminating a model of the actual with moral understanding, linking us to other solitudes, and teaching us to see beyond our accustomed range. George Estreich is the author of Textbook Illustrations of the Human Body, a book of poems, and of The Shape of the Eye, which won the 2012 Oregon Book Award in Creative Nonfiction. His essays have been published widely, most recently in The New York Times. Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content. Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist. If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism, consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter . Support our mission and join our community now. Two of Tipperary's most prestigious eateries have been recognised in this year's John and Sally McKenna's Guide 2017. Both 'Chez Hans' in Cashel, and The Old Convent, Clogheen, have long established reputations for fine dining. Their reputations will be burnished by this latest accolade, which names them as two of the Top 100 restaurants in Ireland in which to eat. According to the Guide, the Matthiae brothers Jason, Stefan and Hansi head up a trilogy of restaurants in County Tipperary, with Chez Hans and Cafe Hans now joined by the excellent Stef Hans Cafe in Thurles. But it is the original of the species Chez Hans, a de-consecrated church sitting under the shadow of the Rock of Cashel, founded in 1968 that remains the beloved destination for food lovers in the county. Jason Matthiaes lush, rich cooking never swerves from its classical path, so you come here to eat Kings Farm chicken with Madeira sauce, and Dublin Bay prawn cocktail, and Dover sole on the bone with crab meuniere, and vanilla rice pudding with prunes and Armagnac. The cooking never misses a beat, and the room is one of the best big night out destinations in Ireland. Regarding the Old Convent in Clogheen, McKenna's Guide 2017 quotes Paddy Foyle, Dermot Gannons first ever employer in Clifden, Connemara: He's an Alchemist is how Paddy described his protege to us. Its true. Mr Gannon is the Merlin of the kitchen, a vivid and intense creative spirit who makes the most beautiful things. The cooking in The Old Convent, the restaurant with rooms he runs with his wife, Christine, is totemic: McGeoughs air-dried mountain lamb with Toonsbridge mozzarella and pickled melon; Crowe brothers crispy pork with Traas Farm plums; Ballyhoura nameko mushrooms with mature Cashel Blue; wild garlic risotto. He brings the foods of his region to his kitchen, and he makes magic with them throughout inspired set menus that offer the flavours of the county. Its a wise idea to book a room, as breakfast is as good as dinner. Congratulations to both restaurants. John & Sally McKenna's Guide describes itself as a connoisseur of all the best places to eat, shop and stay in Ireland, a local guide to local places. [February 21, 2017] CEFC China Takes Shares from the Biggest Oil Gas Field in UAE BEIJING, Feb. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- China Energy Company Limited (CEFC China), which ranks 34th among the Fortune Global 500's energy industry list, announced yesterday that it has gained 40 years of equities in the biggest land oil gas field in Abu Dhabi, UEA. On February 20th local time, China Energy Company Limited (CEFC) signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi government and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) to obtain four percent of equities of Abu Dhabi's land leasing contract area. The contract term is 40 years and the total volume is USD1.8 billion. This is the first time for a Chinese company to gain equities in Abu Dhabi's land oil gas area. With the propelling Belt & Road Initiative, Chinese companies are accelerating their pace of overseas development. The United Arab Emirates is one of the world's most important oil producers and exporters. CEFC China becoming a shareholder of the biggest oil gas field in UAE marks another success in the Belt & Road Initiaive. According to the contract, CEFC China will obtain four percent of the equities, which will yield an annual oil share of 3.2 million tons based on current output, and will be expected to reach over 4 million tons for peak period. In addition, CEFC China has reached an agreement with ADNOC for long term supply of 10 million tons of crude oil each year, thus to ensure China a stable supply of over 13.2 million tons of high quality crude oil each year. The agreement was signed between Mr. Ye Jianming, Chairman of China Energy Company Limited and Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and member of Abu Dhabi Supreme Petroleum Council. The contracted oil field is currently the biggest developed field in Abu Dhabi, accounting for half of the country's oil and gas reserve and production. The contracted field will be run by joint operation, with CEFC China taking part in decision-making and management, French Total and British BP providing technical support. The oil field will adopt world-level high standards in production and management. Mr. Ye Jianming, Chairman of CEFC China attended the signing ceremony and met with Dr. Jaber, CEO of ADNOC. "This is a milestone in bilateral cooperation. Long-term and stable land oil equities investment will bring about deeper cooperation between CEFC China and ADNOC on oil and natural gas exploration and development, oil reserve and open market trade", said Ye Jianming. Dr. Jaber noted that he is glad to develop strategic partnership with CEFC China, and that ADNOC will maintain close ties with partners who have value-added, world level expertise, financial resources and market opportunities. Chen Qiutu, CEO of CEFC China told the media that overseas merger & acquisition has always been CEFC China's prioritized goal. CEFC China becoming a shareholder of ADNOC enables the company to obtain long-term stable oil equities, expand its territory in the Middle East's oil gas up-stream industry and establish its influence in the world's up-stream oil gas field. CEFC China will further develop in the European oil gas terminals, increase investment into up-streams in the Middle East, Central Asia and Africa, promote cooperation between overseas up-streams and China's oil reserve and refining, thus to strengthen its global competitiveness. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cefc-china-takes-shares-from-the-biggest-oil-gas-field-in-uae-300410661.html SOURCE CEFC China Energy Company Limited (CEFC China) [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Highmark Expands Quartet Partnership to Improve Mental Health Integration across Western Pennsylvania Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Quartet, a mission-driven technology company integrating mental health into primary care, announced today the expansion of their programs into Pennsylvania's Butler and Westmoreland Counties. Their partnership to make mental healthcare more accessible first launched last summer in Pittsburgh. In the first seven months, thousands of physicians, behavioral healthcare specialists, and patients have engaged with Quartet. Quartet increases access to mental health resources by identifying Highmark members who may have undiagnosed mental health conditions. The platform also identifies patients who have a mental health diagnosis, but are not in treatment or could benefit from additional support. As the first platform to integrate mental health into primary care successfully, Quartet helps physicians to quickly initiate patients into care with the right specialist for their needs. Previously it could take months to get an appointment with a psychiatrist or psychologist, and too often patients discouraged by the wait are not connected to care. "It works like a dream," says Kim Pierce, M.D., a primary care physician with Allegheny Health Network's Stone Quarry Primary Care practice in Pittsburgh. "I can connect patients to care within a minute, either through the Quartet app on my smartphone or through the web portal that links right into our electronic health records." Dr. Pierce initiates up to five patients a week, many of whom have mental health conditions connected to a chronic disease. Quartet has expanded to all of Allegheny Health Network's primary care sites and is now engaging with specialists to provide local resources. "There is significant and growing evidence that demonstrates the dramatic correlation between chronic disease and mental health," said Barb Gray, R.N., senior vice president of clinical services at Highmark. "Our partnership with Quartet supports our care management objective of providing integrated solutions to help our members manage their chronic conditions and re-engage with their lives." Two-thirds of adult patients with a diagnosis of one of the top five physical illnesses (asthma, diabetes, hypertension, congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) also have a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression complicating their care. Nearly 70 percent of adults with mental health conditions also have a medical condition.1 "Highmark's integrated care management team, in coordination with providers, community resources and other vendor partners, works to address the physical, mental and socio-economic determinants of care. Co-morbid conditions make it difficult for patients to adhere to treatment plans, and in some cases, keep them from ever seeking treatment in the first place," Gray explained. "Untreated depression and anxiety can reduce quality of life and impact the entire family. Taking a holistic, integrated approach is essential in order to do right by our members." "America's healthcare system has been acute, piecemeal, and prioritizing fee-for-service over value-based care for too long," echoed David Wennberg, M.D., Quartet's Chief Science Officer. "Highmark is leading the way among insurers in understanding that mental health is a core driver of overall health, and that investments in access and integration into primary care make good, moral, clinical, and economic sense." The financial cost of continuing to treat mental and physical disease in silos is staggering. A 2014 study commissioned by the American Psychiatric Association found that between $26.3 billion and $48.3 billion could be cut from the total cost of health care in the United States each year by effectively integrating medical and behavioral health treatment.2 What's more, although most people with depression seek help from their primary care physician, those physicians are not always the best equipped to deal with mental health issues. A recent study published in Health Affairs found that primary care physicians were not as successful at managing depression as they were managing other chronic conditions. They didn't schedule as many appointments, didn't educate depressed patients on how to manage their symptoms, and didn't regularly follow up to monitor their progress.3 Highmark and Quartet address this concern by supporting primary care physicians with telephonic "curbside consults" with psychiatrists, online patient support tools as needed, and rapid connections to behavioral health specialists who, with the patient's permission, stay in communication with the primary care physician through quick and easy consult notes. "Highmark has been a great partner and recognized that primary care physicians, behavioral health specialists and its members have benefited from Quartet," said Arun Gupta, founder and CEO of Quartet. "We are excited to take our model of improved access, outcomes, and efficiency to more Pennsylvanians thanks to Highmark's expanded sponsorship." Quartet was launched in 2014 and is currently partnered with leading health plans and provider organizations across the country. Backed by top healthcare and technology investors including GV (formerly Google (News - Alert) Ventures), Oak HC/FT, F-Prime Capital Partners, and Polaris Partners, Quartet is quickly expanding across the country in 2017. About Quartet Quartet is a mission-driven technology company transforming the way mental healthcare is delivered. We partner with insurers and physicians to make mental healthcare more accessible and integrated into primary care. Our platform relies on advanced analytics, proven treatment programs, and easy-to-use technology to improve outcomes and total cost of care. We are a team of engineers, data scientists, and clinicians finding solutions for a broken healthcare system. For more information, visit www.quartethealth.com. About Highmark Inc. Highmark Inc. and its health insurance subsidiaries and affiliates collectively are among the ten largest health insurers in the United States and comprise the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated organization. Highmark and its diversified businesses and affiliates operate health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia that serve 5.2 million members and hundreds of thousands of additional members through the Blue Card program. Its diversified businesses serve group customer and individual needs across the United States through dental insurance, vision care and other related businesses. Highmark is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com. _______________________ 1 IMPACT Study (Improving Mood: Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment) Published in American Journal of Managed Care, February 14, 2008. 2 "Economic Impact of Integrated Medical-Behavioral Healthcare, Implications for Psychiatry," Milliman study prepared for the American Psychiatric Association, April 2014 3 "Care Management Processes Used Less Often for Depression Than For Other Chronic Conditions in U.S. Primary Care Practices," Health Affairs, March 2016 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005209/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] JQH Appoints Patrick Blache to Vice President of Information Technology John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) today announced that Patrick Blache has been promoted to vice president of information technology. He previously served as corporate senior director of information technology for the Springfield, Missouri-based company, which is a leading private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States. With more than 18 years of comprehensive experience in a multi-site, multi-host, network environment, Blache is responsible for continuing to guide JQH's IT strategy at the corporate and portfolio levels, including 35 hotels and more than 1 million square feet of superb meeting space. He is located in JQH's headquarters in Springfield and reports to Christopher Smith, JQH's senior vice president of administration and control. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006202/en/ John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) has promoted Patrick Blache to vice president of information technology. He previously served as corporate senior director of information technology for the company. Blache is responsible for continuing to guide JQH's IT strategy at the corporate and portfolio levels, including 35 hotels and more tha 1 million square feet of superb meeting space. (Photo: Business Wire) "Patrick has proven to be a talented strategist and leader as he has guided JQH through the necessary investments in bandwidth and infrastructure to ensure heightened service at JQH's thousands of guest rooms and expansive meeting spaces nationwide," Smith said. "Under Patrick's direction, we are pleased to be one of the hotel companies leading the hospitality industry in deploying extensive technology for an enhanced guest experience." As vice president, Blache continues to oversee planning, organization, security and execution of all IT functions for JQH. Prior to joining the company in 2015, Blache served as director of technical services for Catholic Health Initiatives in Denver. His career also includes work as a systems engineer for Acxiom (News - Alert) Corporation in Little Rock, Arkansas. "I look forward to continuing to ensure our guests can feel confident that they can safely experience the breadth of technology available at home when staying at a JQH-operated hotel, while also having access to even greater bandwidth at the company's convention spaces," Blache said. About John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts Springfield, Missouri-based John Q. Hammons Hotels & Resorts (JQH) is a leading private, independent owner and manager of hotels in the United States, representing brands such as: Marriott, Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Sheraton, IHG, Chateau on the Lake Resort / Spa & Convention Center, and Plaza Hotels Collection. With a portfolio of 35 hotels representing approximately 8,500 guest rooms/suites in 16 states, JQH's properties are dominant in their markets. Founded on the extraordinary vision of John Q. Hammons and built on his continued legacy of excellence spanning more than 50 years, JQH has become one of the most recognized and award-winning companies in the hospitality industry. Built to be the best, JQH continues to set the standard in hospitality management and hotel development. Go to www.jqhhotels.com for more information, or connect with JQH on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006202/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Milrem Exhibits Its Fully Customizable UGV at IDEX Together with AEC, IAS and Raytheon Milrem, the Estonian defence solutions provider, has joined forces with Raytheon (News - Alert) UK, Advanced Electronics Company and IGG Aselsan Systems to deploy their fully modular hybrid unmanned ground vehicle THeMIS in the MENA region. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006208/en/ The joint product of IGG Aselsan and Milrem features the THeMIS unmanned ground vehicle with Aselsan's SARP remote weapon station. (Photo: Business Wire) Together with these strong partners Milrem is exhibiting three different solutions of the world's first fully modular hybrid unmanned ground vehicle the THeMIS. Milrem will be represented at the IGG stand with the first weaponized unmanned ground vehicle intended specifically for the UAE market. The vehicle features Milrem's THeMIS and Aselsans SARP remote weapon station. The goal of the two companies is to deploy this vehicle with the UAE GHQ. Togetherwith the Advanced Electronics Company Milrem is exhibiting the THeMIS as a transport solution intended to carry a squad's gear. The vehicle is able to carry up to 750 kg of weight and run up to 10 hours. The third Milrem vehicle can be found at the Estonian Pavilion with other Estonian defence companies. The vehicle there is equipped with the GroundEye, an IED detection devices developed by Raytheon UK. "The success of Milrem's solutions in the Middle East, Asia as well as USA is a great proof that research and developement in a small country like Estonia is very much possible and in a very high level," said Margus Tsahkna, the Defence Minister of Estonia. "Being represented at three stands with three different companies shows exactly how customizable the first fully modular hybrid unmanned ground vehicle THeMIS is," said Kuldar Vaarsi, Chief Executive Officer of Milrem. "One platform can be equipped with specific payloads needed by the region's armies," he added. In addition to using the THeMIS as an equipment transport, weapon station and IED detection vehicle, the THeMIS can also be used as a medevac, UAV landing and powering platform, a sensor array etc. The vehicle uses one base platform for different applications, lowering maintenance and training costs. To view the product video, please visit - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVAqaIyqOhA For photos from the exhibition, please visit - https://www.dropbox.com/sh/rdjot96tvg3bfot/AAAechXMu5YyMRSkX83wntTEa?dl=0 About Milrem Milrem is an Estonian technology solutions provider. The company's two main lines of business include the research and development of unmanned vehicles and life cycle management for heavy-duty military vehicles. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006208/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] SES Partners with Globecast to Expand TRT World Reach SES (News - Alert) S.A. (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announced today that TRT World is expanding its global distribution with global media solutions provider Globecast on the SES fleet. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170220005752/en/ SES Partners with Globecast to Expand TRT World Reach (Photo: Business Wire) The international Turkish news platform, TRT World, started broadcasting in January from ASTRA 19.2 degrees East, ASTRA 28.2 degrees East, and SES-5 at 5 degrees East. These orbital positions were selected to reach viewers in continental Europe, UK and Sub-Saharan Africa. As part of a global program and a multi-year agreement with TRT World, Globecast is extending satellite distribution of the channel around the world. Globecast is providing the technical broadcast solutions needed to achieve this expanded global delivery including worldwide connectivity and uplink distribution services using its unique reach and access to 10 satellites. TRT World is owned by Turkish national public broadcaster TRT and is Turkey's first English language international news platform, providing news coverage in English 24/7, from Istanbul. Giorgio Giacomini, Managing Director MENA at Globecast, said, "We are delighted to enable TRT World to expand around the globe using SES's sophisticated and extensive satellite fleet. Together with SES, we are giving TRT World the opportunity to broaden its footprint and deliver important news coverage in a greater capacity than ever before." "We are very glad to continue our cooperation with Globecast to support international broadcasters' worldwide ambitions. The choice of TRT World to join three prime SES orbital positions demonstrates once again the value of SES's assets in a global distribution scheme," said Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer at SES. Follow us on: Twitter (News - Alert): https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites Facebook (News - Alert): https://www.facebook.com/SES.Satellites YouTube (News - Alert): http://www.youtube.com/SESVideoChannel Blog: https://www.ses.com/news/blogs SES White papers are available under: https://www.ses.com/news/whitepapers About SES SES is the world-leading satellite operator and the first to deliver a differentiated and scalable GEO-MEO offering worldwide, with more than 50 satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) and 12 in Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). SES focuses on value-added, end-to-end solutions in four key market verticals (Video, Enterprise, Mobility and Government). It provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators, governments and institutions, and businesses worldwide. SES's portfolio includes the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest Direct-to-Home (DTH) television reach in Europe, and O3b Networks, a global managed data communications service provider. Another SES subsidiary, MX1, is a leading media service provider and offers a full suite of innovative digital video and media services. Further information available at: www.ses.com About TRT World Being as the first international news platform of Turkey, TRT World aims to bring a new point of view to world journalism with its English broadcast streaming, rich news and documentary content and to be "global audience's channel" with objective and courageous reporting principles. With its new point of view, it will be an international news platform that is putting human at the center of the news as a messenger of the positive change in the world and showing different sides of the same news. By incorporating screen faces that have experiences in internationally prestigious channels and especially by catching the developing technology, TRT World is among the live TV channels that broadcast through social media and internet Website: www.trtworld.com About Globecast Part of the Orange (News - Alert) Group, Globecast provides agile and seamless content acquisition, management and distribution services globally. The company constantly innovates in an evolving IP-centric environment to provide reliable and secure customer solutions. Globecast has created the number one global hybrid fiber and satellite network for video contribution and distribution. This network enables multiplatform delivery including TV Everywhere OTT, satellite, cable, video on demand, CDN delivery as well as cloud-enabled media services. The company remains the trusted partner for coverage and international delivery of news, sports, and special events around the globe. Customers enjoy a seamless global experience on the ground from 12 interconnected Globecast owned facilities, including Los Angeles, London, Singapore, Paris, Rome, and Johannesburg. www.globecast.com | LinkedIn | Twitter View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170220005752/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 20, 2017] Enigma Biomedical Group Signs Research Agreement with McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging Enigma Biomedical Group today announced a clinical research agreement with McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging in Montreal to support multiple projects over the next several years. These research projects are for studies of an early stage imaging agent (MK-6240) to be used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans for assessing the status and progression of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain. NFTs made up of aggregated tau protein are a hallmark of several neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease. As part of the agreement, Enigma will provide funding for various research projects, and through its US entity Cerveau Technologies, Inc., will supply the MK-6240 precursor needed for the initiatives. Lee Anne Gibbs, President of Enigma Biomedical Group said, "We are proud to partner with McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging, one of the premier institutions in the world. This is another important step in our ongoing and long-term relationship with McGill." Dr. Pedro Rosa-Neto, Director of McGill University Research Centre for Studies in Aging said, "These research projects will provide valuable insight into the status and progressio of NFTs in healthy subjects, subjects with mild cognitive impairment and confirmed Alzheimer's Disease. We appreciate the support of Enigma Biomedical Group and value our ongoing relationship." Dr. Serge Gauthier, Director of the AD & Related Disorders Research Unit of the McGill University Research Center for Studies in Aging said: "The ability to visualize and quantify tau in the brain will facilitate therapeutic research in the field of Alzheimer's disease." "At Cerveau, we are focused on providing information and technologies to researchers and clinicians to improve brain health," said Rick Hiatt, President of Cerveau Technologies, Inc., and CEO of Enigma Biomedical Group. "We are excited by the opportunity to work with McGill and the pharmaceutical industry in providing access to this novel imaging agent to the broader scientific community." About Enigma Biomedical Group Toronto based Enigma Biomedical Group (EBG) enhances access to key technologies with a focus on molecular imaging and medicine. EBG offers a suite of services to the pharmaceutical industry and clinical research community to accelerate drug development and global access. EBG partners with academic institutions and universities to foster and broaden access to novel research. More information can be found at http://www.enigmabiomedicalgroup.com/. About Cerveau Technologies, Inc. Cerveau Technologies, Inc. is a partnership between Enigma Biomedical Group, Inc. and Sinotau Pharmaceutical Group. Cerveau's vision is to globally develop diagnostics and technology that positively impact patients with neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170220005696/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 20, 2017] Ambiente 2017 Was Held in Frankfurt, MINISO Appeared and Wowed the Fair FRANKFURT, Germany, Feb. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- MINISO attended and wowed the crowd from 10 to 14 February, 2017, at Ambiente 2017, which was hosted by Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH, was successfully held in Messe Frankfurt, Germany. Ambiente 2017 revealed four themes of the world's consumption trends: natural inspiration, texture, childhood fantasy and modern elegance, which lead the trends of the consumer markets of next season. The exciting content of the exhibition were highly expected by some industry insiders and international buyers. Numerous international top brands were invited to Ambiente, including Zwilling, the German brand initiates the concept of "modern kitchen", WMF, the German high-end kitchenware brand, Korean renown brand Lock & Lock and Japanese fast fashion designer brand MINISO. Ambiente is the world's largest and most influential international trade fair for consumer goods. It not only is a communication center for contract business, but also is an ideal platform for exhibitors to meet new clients and leads the brands develop to the world. According to statistics, there were more than 4,000 exhibitors from over 90 countries and regions invited to Ambiente, with over 140,000 professional buyers attending. The brands invited to Ambiente is a reflection of their social status. MINISO's appearance at Ambiente not only showed it is favored by consumers all over the world, but also highlights its social status in the intrnational market. As MINISO advocates fashionable and relaxed lifestyle and directs a superior products consumption pattern, it is popular with customers since its establishment in 2013. MINISO has reached strategic cooperation agreements with more than 40 countries and regions including the U.S., Canada, Australia, Dubai and Korea, opening over 1,800 stores around the globe, with an expanding rate of 80-100 stores opened monthly. In 2016, MINISO's global revenue approached RMB10 billion. MINISO appeared at Ambiente with plenty of high quality and creative new products, including HI-FI metal earphones, multi-function speaker, stainless steel tableware, ultra-light preservation boxes and other living supplies. With the "high-quality, creative and low-price" products, MINISO was warmly welcomed by visitors at the fair and highly praised by exhibitors of other countries. Not only were the products favored by consumers and exhibitors, but the design philosophy of "simple, natural and quality" was also widely admired. The inner design of the booth shares the same design philosophy of the brand, which is simple but of high quality. It not only stays close to the theme of Ambiente, which is "natural inspiration and modern elegance" but also made every visitor feel calm and relaxed. "Simple, natural and quality" are the design philosophies that Miyake Junya, the global co-founder and chief designer of MINISO has always persisted in. Inspired by minimalism, Miyake Junya believes that the design should come "back to nature, and revert to the essence of products". As a result, the design team he leads has always insisted on the concept of "life" and "home", who designs and develops the products according to the idea of "natural life". He wishes to lead the consumers to build a sound consumption outlook through the simple but lively aesthetics of design while meeting consumers' pursuit of quality and high-end design. The design philosophy of Miyake Junya not only shares the same concept with the theme of Ambiente, but it will also lead the trend of future consumption. Some "old friends" of MINISO, such as the world's top tableware supplier Jiacheng Groups also gathered at Ambiente, with many international top class suppliers. On one hand, MINISO had the opportunity to negotiate with such suppliers through Ambiente, by which they are able to join to provide more products of high quality but low-price to consumers; on the other hand, as MINISO aims at reaching the peak of retail industry, Ambiente has great influence in the international market which helps to improve the brand's international competitiveness. The director of MINISO expressed that MINISO will establish subsidiary corporations in Germany, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt and India in 2017. It helps the brand to develop further in the international market and it is promising to complete opening 6,000 stores all over the world with over RMB 60 billion revenue by 2020. For more information contact: Myra He +86-20-3622-8788-8838 [email protected] Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20170217/0861701257 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 20, 2017] Kiosk translating in sign language assist deaf customers and help restaurants reduce risk of ADA lawsuits Birmingham Alabama, Feb. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Looking for a simple lunch, a deaf woman recently went into an Alabama restaurant and jotted down her order on a piece of paper. The waiter hustled the request to the kitchen, where preparers tried to decipher the woman's handwriting. But when the sandwich she wanted was delivered, it contained tomatoes, which she had said in writing she did not want. Frustrated, the woman went back-and-forth with the waiter for a few minutes to explain exactly what she wanted. The sandwich ended up having to be remade. "That experience might keep her from going back to that restaurant, said Grace Vasa, CEO of technology firm Juke Slot. Unfortunately, such communication mix-ups are not isolated incidents in the larger restaurant field." The inability of restaurants to communicate effectively with all customers both threatens to hurt their businesses and serves as an opportunity to generate additional revenue. But what might seem like an operational hurdle actually can be an easy fix with long-term financial benefits. Self-ordering kiosks featuring capabilities such as sign language and foreign language translations allow people with conversational difficulties to communicate more easily represent solutions that minimize order errors and strengthen the customer experience. Such technology would enable restaurants to cater to a different segment of the population scores of people who struggle with basic communication, not only those who are deaf. Just as important: Its good business, industry experts say. Implementing kiosk solutions provide an easy avenue for ordering for those with physical impairments, brain injuries and mental disabilities. That can be of particular importance for those with communications problems who also suffer food allergies, to ensure their messages or notes arent misunderstood. The kiosk is a game-changer for restaurants when it comes to appealing to ALL customers, Vasa said. Every community has people who have some kind of trouble placing an order at a restaurant. Potential new consumers About 54 million Americans have some sort of disability, reports the ADA National Network. Of those some 15 percent of Americans roughly 49 million people, based on U.S. Census Bureau statistics are deaf or hard of hearing, according to the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The Americans with Disabilities Act, passed in 1990, requires restaurants to accommodate those with disabilities of all types. So when it comes to accommodating diners with mental and physical challenges, the ADA National Network recommends that restaurants not only make their facilities accessible to all, but also the ability to order, purchase and enjoy a meal as freely as any able person. Those within the industry who already implemented technology make themselves less susceptible to criticism, scrutiny and potential legal action. The argument is that theres no excuse these days for a restaurant not to have this technology, Vasa said. Technology at a glance One of the tools expected to be key in better connecting restaurants with diners is a unique kiosk by the name of Oublie recently released from Juke Slot. Oublie, French word deriving from the English word Forgotten gives this unique kiosk an identity in which separate itself from the rest. With the ability to display on a counter or in an upright stand, Oublie have the ability to function as a normal self-ordering kiosk as well as cater to deaf, hard of hearing, blind and foreign languages. A sleek design built for an above over view providing the customer with a sense of privacy. Its Android-based software is customizable, meaning restaurateurs can tailor the interface to their and their customers needs. For example, a restaurant not only can display its full menu on the screen, but also can allow customers to modify meals to their liking. The devices versatility positions it as a key solution in how business is conducted effectively and efficiently in a host of applications. At high-traffic times, kiosks can be used to allow customers to order and pay on demand, creating shorter line waits. Adding a new dynamic Tailoring the units to overcome communications barriers only increases the machines impact and value. The deaf woman at the Alabama restaurant indicated after her incorrect order that a kiosk wouldve prevented problems. Realizing the need to deploy a machine that enables users of all types and capabilities to use it easily, Juke Slot is developing an patent interface that specifically provides the deaf and hard of hearing a more inviting experience. Juke Slots ADA compliant software enables users to change the interface language to sign language, including a virtual avatar translating all customer selections in ASL. Unfortunately, communicating through writing isnt always a viable option. Many who are deaf read at a third-grade level, said Emily Ann Friedberg, an agriculture teacher with the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf. And many only write at a fourth-grade level. Juke Slot has partnered with the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf to survey and work with individuals in that organization to provide feedback to Juke Slot as it deploys its software ordering system. The goal is to ensure the interface continually meets those users needs. This will be great because it allows us to assure our technology is best-suited, Vasa said. The operating system eventually will go far beyond just helping the disabled, Vasa said. It will be tailored to assist those with language barriers, such as those with hard-to-understand accents, general annunciation issues and local dialects. Users could select the language they need. When ready to place their order, it would be relayed in English to the kitchen. The technology could bridge a long-standing communications gap within the restaurant industry, said Jimmy Peterson, executive director of the Georgia Center of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Peterson, who is deaf, has quickly become a fan of kiosks that, he said, provides convenience in ordering and confidence that his experience will be satisfactory. He recalled going to an Atlanta McDonalds last week, which didnt have kiosks. So he wrote down his order, and handed it to the person at the counter. When he received his food, the order was wrong and he was overcharged. Complaining to the manager, the manager, Peterson said, became upset that Peterson hadnt been quick enough in placing his order and that caused issues in the fulfillment process. Thats a pretty common mishap, Peterson said. Kiosks with the sort of interface Juke Slot plans to implement not only can prevent mistakes, but also increase business by building relationships with new clientele, Peterson said. Its so easy; very easy and very efficient, Peterson said of restaurant kiosks. If I order something, I normally write it down or text it. With the kiosk, theres a screen where I can view sign language from a avatar when ordering. I can catch what theyre doing, and it means less mistakes being made when I order. Juke Slot has currently been in discussion with Chick-fil-A, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts and scheduled to roll out Oublie in locations around the U.S in 2017! Grace Vasa Email: [email protected] website: www.jukeslotselfservice.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] ROCHESTER A Waterford woman who allegedly struck her husband with a car early Sunday has been charged with two felonies. Terria Rudzinski, 32, of the 600 block of Rohda Drive, Waterford, was charged Monday with intoxicated use of a vehicle and hit and run, both causing great bodily harm, as well as first offense drunken driving causing injury and disorderly conduct. According to the criminal complaint, Rudzinskis husband was taken from near the scene of the crash in Rochester by Flight for Life to an area hospital with skull and neck fractures. The complaint states that Rudzinskis husband was unconscious when he was transported to the hospital, and was in critical but stable condition after having a portion of his skull surgically removed. Rudzinski made her initial appearance in court Monday and had her bond set at $1,000 cash, court records show. Records show that Rudzinski also was assigned a $10,000 signature bond and cannot drive or consume alcohol. According to the complaint, witnesses in the 400 block of South Front Street in Rochester overheard a woman, believed to be Rudzinski, screaming expletives; they then heard a loud noise consistent with someone being hit by a car. Deputies said one witness told them Rudzinskis husband had a hole in the back of his head. Rudzinski told deputies that her husband had pulled her hair during an argument on the way home from a bar, and that she had pulled away from the scene at about 2 mph before her husband struck the passenger side windshield with his hand, according to the complaint. Racine County Sheriffs Office deputies said they calculated Rudzinskis preliminary breath test at 0.165, more than twice the legal limit, based on field sobriety tests. Rudzinskis preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 1 at the county Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. She remained in custody as of Monday night at the County Jail. [February 21, 2017] Parablu's Cloud Solution Helps Wipro Secure End-User Data BANGALORE, February 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Parablu, a global leader in secure data management solutions, today announced that Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, has deployed Parablu's suite of secure data management solutions. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/470111/Parablu_Logo.jpg ) The deployment includes Parablu's BluVault , a scalable end-user backup and recovery solution and BluDrive, a secure large file transfer solution to securely manage cloud-based backups and file transfers for Wipro's user endpoints. The deployment of Parablu's BluVault and BluDrive solutions have enabled secure cloud storage for Wipro. "Parablu fills a critical need for secure data backup and availability in today's cloud landscape. We needed a cost-effective and secure data management solution that could scale up without compromising performance and usability. Parablu was able to give us such a solution," said Raja Ukil, Chief Information Officer, Wipro Limited. "While cloud usage is at an all-time high, concerns around security and privacy of enterprise assets remain one of the biggest inhibitors to cloud adoption," said Anand Prahlad, CEO and President, Parablu. "Our robust data management solutions - BluVault and BluDrive, aim to make the cloud a more secure destination for enterprise assets and help drive up cloud adoption." About Parablu Parablu is an award-winning leader in secure data management solutions, combining security with scale, performance and usability. Parablu's cloud access security broker, combined with its world-class data management solutions offer enterprises a simple and cost-effective way to utilize the public cloud without compromising security and privacy of their enterprise assets. Parablu's solutions run on several thousand systems worldwide and are trusted by some of the world's largest corporations. Learn more at http://www.parablu.com Media Contact: Naveen Ekambaram Manager of Marketing and Communications, Parablu Phone: +1-(650)-762-6641; +91-9886385680 [email protected] [February 21, 2017] Telia Carrier Establishes Two New PoPs in St. Petersburg, Russia to Bolster Its Network Backbone in the Region Telia Carrier today announced that it has established two new points of presence (PoP) in St. Petersburg, Russia to meet customer demand, and add more depth and diversity to the company's network in a region experiencing major traffic growth. Telia Carrier continues to add granularity to its network with the two new PoPs, ensuring that customer needs are met in a high traffic region and expanding the reach of its top-two ranked global IP backbone, AS1299. The new PoPs add to Telia Carrier's historical commitment to the region and follow the company's recent announcement of a new route from Stockholm to St. Petersburg via Tallinn. Following the build-out, the global wholesale carrier will offer IP transit, Ethernet and wavelength services from two new data center facilities in St. Petersburg - Miran and Selectel. As a result, content providers and operators, primarily within Russia and the Baltic states, can now choose from Telia Carrier's compelling portfolio of 100G+ services at these sites. Content providers in particular stand to benefit from improved access to a rapidly growing cloud and content services market in Russia. "More content and cloud providers are adding a local presence in the Russian market to provide services for millions of new customers. These providers all demand low latency, high capacity backbone services to support the delivery of rich content to the end user," said Ilya Bulaev, sales director - Russia & CIS, for Telia Carrier. "These two new PoPs reinforce Telia Carrier's depth of presence in the European and Russian markets, and enable content providers to enter new markets with extremely high capacity network service offerings." "Several dozen communications providers are already present in Selectel's data centers," said Kirill Malevanov, technical director Selectel. "We'd like to add more in the future, as new providers create new opportunities for our clients to develop their network infrastructure. Telia Carrier, a leading Tier 1 provider, can offer interesting solutions pertaining to IP transit and VPN services." Telia Carrier's global fiber backbone is the first to be 100G-enabled in both Europe and North America. It is also the first network to successfully transmit 1 Tb/s on its US network. According to Dyn (News - Alert) Research's global backbone rankings, AS1299, Telia Carrier's global IP backbone is currently ranked top-two. Telia Carrier's rapid growth and ascension through the rankings was highlighted in Dyn's 'Baker's Dozen, 2015 edition' report. The company enables worldwide connectivity by connecting more than 220 Points of Presence (PoPs) across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East including over 70 PoPs in North America alone. About Telia Carrier Telia Carrier owns and operates one of the world's most extensive fiber backbones. Our mission is to provide exceptional network infrastructure and services - empowering individuals, businesses and societies to execute their most critical activities. By working close to our customers, we make big ideas happen at the speed of fiber. Discover more at teliacarrier.com. About Selectel Selectel is Russia's leading IaaS provider. We offer a wide range of high-performance, managed hosting services, including the virtual private cloud, cloud storage, bare metal servers, colocation, CDN, and more. All of our services are built on server-grade hardware and operate from our privately owned Tier III data centers in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Over 8,000 clients have chosen Selectel. For more information, visit selectel.com. About Miran Data Center "Miran-1" is located in its own industrial building in the protected production area of St. Petersburg. The total data center area of 500 square meters contains more than 130 server cabinets. Power and cooling systems are built with N + 1 redundancy or better, and the power supply system includes uninterruptible power supplies and a standby diesel generator. The building houses a video surveillance system, fire alarm systems and gas fire, access control. "Miran-1" is the first commercial data center in the North-West region of Russia to be certified to PCI (News - Alert) DSS. https://miran.ru/en/datacenters/miran-1/ View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170220005740/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] First Comprehensive Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Initiative Launched in Africa His Excellency the President Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama of the Republic of Botswana, the Honorable Minister Dorcas Makgato of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers (TXCH) and Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital (BIPAI) through public-private partnerships with the governments of Botswana, Uganda and Malawi, announced a $100 million initiative to create an innovative pediatric hematology-oncology treatment network in southern and east Africa. The comprehensive initiative called Global HOPE (Hematology-Oncology Pediatric Excellence) will build long-term capacity to treat and dramatically improve the prognosis of thousands of children with cancer and blood disorders in southern and eastern Africa. In the United States, 80 percent of children with cancer survive. In sub-Saharan Africa, the overwhelming majority of pediatric patients do not survive. The mortality rate is estimated to be as high as 90 percent, meaning that thousands of children die from cancer across Africa each year. This is in large part due to an inadequate healthcare infrastructure and a significant lack of expert physicians and other healthcare workers trained to treat children with cancer. The most common types of childhood cancers are blood cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma. Global HOPE will partner with local Governments and Ministries of Health to build medical capacity to diagnose and treat pediatric blood disorders and cancer in Botswana, Malawi and Uganda. The initiative will also create significant clinical, educational and research capabilities. Doctors, nurses and ancillary professionals will be recruited from around the world to provide training to local healthcare professionals and to begin treating children with blood disorders and cancer immediately. "This project is building on a solid foundation for pediatric cancer treatment in Botswana that began with pediatric oncologists from Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers," said His Excellency the President Lieutenant General Dr. Seretse Khama Ian Khama of the Republic of Botswana. "The Global HOPE program will bring to Botswana the latest bio-medical technologies and the potential to work with local institutions such as the Botswana Innovation Hub and University of Botswana to quickly increase the survival of children with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders in Botswana and the region." The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation is committing $50 million over five years to fund the training of healthcare providers as well as clinical infrastructure and operations. BIPAI will raise an additional $50 million for the initiative. "We are eager to get started on this critical initiative to help children with blood disorders and cancer. Working with our partners and drawing on our expertise of building sustainable health systems in underserved countries, we will help make a significant difference in the outcomes for children while creating a blueprint for other countries to follow," said Giovanni Caforio, M.D., chairman of the board of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation and chief executive officer, Brisol-Myers Squibb Company. "This initiative builds on 18 years of success of the Foundation's SECURE THE FUTURE program and will offer new hope to families impacted by pediatric blood disorders and cancer." As public-private partnerships, the various governments will each play an important role in developing the pediatric hematology-oncology network, assisting with the training, technical assistance, logistics and resources to support Global HOPE. The Global HOPE initiative will train an estimated 4,800 healthcare professionals from Botswana, Uganda, Malawi and other African countries, including doctors and nurses specializing in pediatric hematology-oncology and social workers. The program estimates that over 5,000 children will receive care in the first five years. "With only five pediatric oncologists currently in the countries of Botswana, Malawi and Uganda combined, there are simply not enough expert doctors to treat all the children diagnosed with blood disorders and cancer. We believe in these countries there are more than 11,000 new cases annually of pediatric cancer and 40,000 new cases of serious, life-threatening blood disorders such as sickle cell disease and hemophilia. Because of these staggering numbers, more healthcare providers with special expertise are urgently needed," said David G. Poplack, M.D., director of Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers and Professor of Pediatric Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine. "Global HOPE will help build capacity in the region to diagnose and care for children with blood disorders and cancer, offering the potential for transformational change in survivorship for these children." The Global HOPE initiative will be modeled on the work of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation, BIPAI and the Governments of Botswana, Uganda and Malawi, which created the largest pediatric HIV treatment network in the world, leveraging existing experience, infrastructure, and public/private partnerships created through the initiative. Since 2003, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation and BIPAI have trained 52,000 healthcare professionals and currently provide care for nearly 300,000 children with HIV and their families in sub-Saharan Africa, lowering the mortality rate for these children to 1.2 percent. "The success we've had in radically changing the course of pediatric HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa is due in large part to the tremendous support provided by the country governments, healthcare providers on the ground and donors who have made our work possible," said Mark W. Kline, M.D., president and founder of BIPAI, physician-in-chief of Texas Children's Hospital and chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "We look forward to helping patients and their families by embarking on this unchartered area of cancer care in Africa. Working with our partners, we aim to build a self-sustaining infrastructure that changes the tide of these childhood diseases in sub-Saharan Africa." About the Republic of Botswana and the Ministry of Health and Wellness Botswana is a country with two million inhabitants in southern Africa with abundant and diverse natural resources. The official languages are English and Setswana. Since independence in 1966, Botswana has been a parliamentary republic; the chief of state and head of government is the president. Botswana's economy is a success story in southern Africa due to the investment of the government in the education, health, clean water and telecommunications sectors to create a better standard of living for its citizens and to foster a conducive environment for free enterprise to prosper. The Ministry of Health and Wellness aims to improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of every citizen of Botswana to fully contribute to the development of Botswana through a healthy nation. About the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation is committed to improving the health outcomes of populations disproportionately affected by serious diseases by strengthening healthcare worker capacity, integrating medical care and community-based supportive services, and addressing unmet medical need. The Foundation engages partners to develop, execute, evaluate and promote innovative programs to help patients with lung cancer and removing barriers to accessing care in the United States, HIV and comorbid diseases such as cervical and breast cancers and tuberculosis in sub-Saharan Africa, hepatitis B and C in China and India and veterans' mental health and well-being in the U.S. Since 1999, the Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation's SECURE THE FUTURE initiative has been working with partners in Africa to provide care and support for communities affected by HIV, tuberculosis, women's cancer and most recently, lung cancer. Global HOPE will apply this same transformational model to pediatric oncology and hematology in a number of the same geographic areas. Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers at Texas Children's Hospital Texas Children's Cancer and Hematology Centers (TXCH) is the largest pediatric hematology-oncology program in the U.S., treating patients from 35 states and 26 countries. TXCH performs advanced patient care, cutting edge clinical and laboratory research and has largest training program for pediatric hematology-oncology in the U.S. With a staff of renowned experts, the centers have developed a wide array of programs aimed at curing children with diagnoses ranging from the most common to the very rare. The team of 186 faculty and nearly 1,000 staff have pioneered many of the now standard treatments for pediatric cancer and blood disorders. TXCH has a long-standing commitment to improving global health. For more information, please visit txch.org. Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital (BIPAI) Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative (BIPAI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing pediatric and maternal health care in resource limited settings. BIPAI medical teams offer free medical care and medical education for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, malnutrition, obstetrics/gynecology, hematology/oncology and more. Partnering with Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, BIPAI operates in 11 countries, caring for nearly 300,000 children and their families. Learn more at www.bipai.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005215/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] The Internet of the Seas Sets Sail The University of St Andrews Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) is developing smart telemetry tags using Narrow Band-IoT (NB-IoT) technology to track and monitor the movement of harbour seals and research their population decline. NB-IoT is a Low Power, Wide Area (LPWA) technology that was standardised by the GSMA's (News - Alert) Mobile IoT Initiative and will play a fundamental role in the emerging 'Internet of the Seas' by capturing underwater data that will help to monitor climate change. The new sensors being developed by SMRU will be harmlessly attached to the seals in order to log detailed data on the animals' behaviour, such as location and dive depth, as well as temperature, salinity and, eventually, underwater sound. Low power devices and networks in licensed spectrum vastly improve wildlife tracking by enabling more efficient tracking tags that are smaller and less intrusive. SMRU expects to trial the new NB-IoT enabled marine tags later this year. In 2016, it successfully gathered information for analysis from harbour seals in Orkney, Scotland, using machine-to-machine (M2M) technology. Mobile IoT networks have the potential to deliver improvements in mobile coverage and the built-in device modules offer battery life superior to devices reliant on conventional cellular technologies. "The GSMA is supporting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals by exploring how mobile technology can be utilised to capture vital information to support wildlife conservation projects around the world, as well as protect the oceans, seas and the species living in them," commented Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA. "The intersection between Mobile IoT technologies and global conservation projects such as this is exciting, timely and powerful and will play a fundamental role in helping to achieve healthy and productive oceans." The Internet of the Seas NB-IoT technology can also be used to support the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS), a UNESCO programme that coordinates global ocean data from different governance bodies. NB-IoT can help monitor climate change by means of low energy sensors and data relay channels that capture information on the temperature and salinity of the oceans. Combined and standardised with data from other sea monitoring systems, such NB-IoT-derived data will help provide scientists and oceanographers with accurate information on the world's oceans. Tagging animals with smart tags also helps scientists to use their mobility and diving skills to explore both distant and deep parts of oceans. "NB-IoT technology is the future of our research and allows us to springboard from the success of our previous work using M2M technology and capture far more detailed data in a much more efficient way," said Dr Bernie McConnell, Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews. "Many species, both marine and aquatic, are under threat. NB-IoT is ideally suited to be a global carrier of animal information that will provide vital data needed to inform and benefit wildlife conservation worldwide." SMRU was approached by the Scottish Government to investigate why seals on the east coast of Scotland and the Northern Isles were in serious decline with a 70 per cent reduction over the last ten years. The natural habitat of animals around the world is being impacted by climate change that is disrupting food chains and biodiversity. The research is ongoing but the possible reasons for the decline could be food limitation, disease, aggression from grey seals, predation by killer whales, and poisoning from harmful algal blooms. A crucial element will be in discovering where the threatened seals feed at sea. The GSMA Mobile IoT Initiative LPWA networks are a high-growth area of the IoT designed for M2M applications that have low data rates, require long battery lives and operate unattended for long periods of time, often in remote locations. They will be used for a wide variety of applications such as industrial asset tracking, safety monitoring, water and gas metering, smart grids, city parking, vending machines and city lighting. The GSMA's Mobile IoT Initiative is designed to accelerate the commercial availability of LPWA solutions in licensed spectrum. These licensed standards allow operators to optimise their existing mobile network infrastructure through an upgrade to LTE (News - Alert)-M for LTE networks, while NB-IoT can use both 2G and 4G spectrum. It is currently backed by 30 of the world's leading mobile operators, OEMs, chipset, module and infrastucture companies. The GSMA Mobile IoT initiative is supporting the industry with multiple global pilots with full commercial solutions expected in market later this year. Mobile IoT at Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) 2017 At Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the GSMA's Connected Living Programme will host the 'GSMA Global Mobile IoT Summit' with leading industry experts on Sunday, 26 February from 13:00 - 17:30. The session will explore how the industry is working together to realise the full potential of Mobile IoT. There will also be a separate session, 'Mobile IoT (LPWA) - Open for Business', on Wednesday, 1 March from 13:30 - 15:30 that will provide an opportunity to learn about the latest commercial rollouts, launches and pilots. There will also be number of demonstrations of LPWA technology at the GSMA Innovation City located in Hall 4 in Fira Gran Via. For more information or please visit www.gsma.com/connectedliving/event/mobile-world-congress-2017/ or download the Connected Living IoT Guide to MWC 2017: http://www.gsma.com/connectedliving/iot-guide-mwc17/. For more information on the GSMA Mobile IoT Initiative go to: www.gsma.com/connectedliving/mobile-iot-initiative/ Get Involved at Mobile World Congress 2017 For more information on Mobile World Congress 2017, including how to attend, exhibit or sponsor, visit www.mobileworldcongress.com. Follow developments and updates on Mobile World Congress on Twitter (News - Alert) @GSMA using #MWC17, on our LinkedIn Mobile World Congress page www.linkedin.com/company/gsma-mobile-world-congress or on Facebook (News - Alert) at https://www.facebook.com/mobileworldcongress/. For additional information on GSMA social channels, visit www.mobileworldcongress.com/about/contact/social-media/. About the GSMA The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with almost 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences. For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA. About the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) SMRU (http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/ @_SMRU_) is a component of the School of Biology within the University of St Andrews, Scotland. Its staff and students carry out a range of fundamental and applied studies into the biology, ecology, physiology and behaviour of marine mammals throughout the world. Its core is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (http://www.nerc.ac.uk/) With over 40 staff and students, SMRU represents a formidable concentration of expertise and talent in the field of marine mammalogy and, more generally, in marine ecology. In recognition of the world-leading role played by our researchers in furthering our understanding and protection of the oceans, SMRU was awarded the Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011. SMRU's Instrumentation Group (SMRU-IG) (http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/Instrumentation/Overview/) designs and builds a range of electronic devices for attachment to animals that collect, compress and transmit data. These devices are used both by the SMRU and a wide range of international customers and colleagues. SMRU-IG is a research group funded by the sale of electronic tags. It has an annual turnover of about 1m. About St Andrews University Founded in the 15th century, St Andrews is Scotland's first university and the third oldest in the English speaking world. Teaching began in the community of St Andrews on the east coast of Scotland in 1410 and the University was formally constituted by the issue of Papal Bull in 1413. The university is now one of Europe's most research intensive seats of learning - over a quarter of its turnover comes from research grants and contracts. It is one of the top rated universities in Europe for research, teaching quality and student satisfaction and is consistently ranked among the UK's top five in leading independent league tables produced by The Sunday Times and The Times, The Guardian and The Complete University Guide. For University Press Office contact details, use telephone 01334 462530 or email [email protected] View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005398/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Holland Services Taps Marc Jackson as Denver's Regional Manager Holland Services, a national leader in oil and gas land-related services, announced today that Marc Jackson, RPL, will serve as the Holland Services Regional Manager, Rockies and be located in the company's Denver office. Marc brings 12 years' experience as a Registered Petroleum Landman (RPL) to his new position. In that time, Marc excelled at overseeing a wide array of projects in oil & gas exploration, production, mergers and acquisitions, and divestitures across the Rockies and other major basins throughout the U.S. Speaking about his role, Marc said, "My goal is to take Holland Services even higher as the premier land services brokerage in the Rockies." In addition to serving Holland's current Denver clients, Marc will develop new relationships in the Rockies Region and be responsible for providing overall office and project leadership. Bryan Gaudin, Chief Operating Officer of Holland Services, commented, "Marc is an excellent ft for us; his high level of skill and experience will contribute greatly to the success of our clients' business, and Holland's commitment to deliver excellence, efficiency and results." Marc is an active member of the American Association of Petroleum Landmen (AAPL), the Denver Association of Petroleum Landmen (DAPL), and the Wyoming Association of Petroleum Landmen (WAPL). He has worked on projects of every size and scope throughout Colorado, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming. About Holland Services Holland Services is one of the leading national land service companies in the United States. With more than 30 years of land advisory experience from upstream to downstream, Holland specializes in leasing, title abstracting, due diligence, curative, GIS, right-of-way services, asset management, as well as environmental and water solutions. The company provides these and other services to the energy sector in addition to the power generation, telecommunications and transportation industries. Holland Services employs the very best and brightest people, leading edge technology and a time-proven, results oriented system of management and administration to deliver the highest quality work product in the most timely, efficient manner to its clients. Holland is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas with regional offices in Midland, Houston, Denver, Oklahoma City, Washington, PA, and additional strategically located satellite offices throughout North America. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005304/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] TrackNet Launches Tabs IoT Home and Family Monitoring Solution for Busy Families TrackNet, Inc., a cutting-edge LoRaWAN Internet of Things (IoT) solutions provider for consumer and industry, announces the unveiling of Tabs at Mobile World Congress (News - Alert) (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, February 27-March 1. Tabs combines a Wi-Fi / LoRa hub with Internet parental control and a broad range of sensor devices using long-range wireless technology with an easy-to-use mobile app to monitor child safety, home security, and home health. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005570/en/ Photo shows the TrackNet Tabs solution, including Tabs hub, smartphone app and a variety of sensors and wearables. (Graphic: Business Wire) The Tabs hub provides Wi-Fi coverage over an entire residence and Tabs sensor coverage over entire neighborhoods with significant benefits not only to consumers but also to operators and service providers deploying Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN). For operators and service providers, the Tabs hub installed within customers' homes accelerates and scales LPWAN deployments much faster than a solely tower-based approach, easily provides deep indoor coverage and significantly reduces the network deployment capital and operation expense. Contributing Network Coverage from The Home Each Tabs solution starts with a wireless hub, which provides the Tabs sensor coverage over an entire neighborhood or high-rise development, delivering immediate benefit to the consumer. Each solution further includes a Tabs extender, which is a Tabs sensor hub but not a full Wi-Fi router, to ensure coverage over the locations most frequented by families such as school, day-care, or a friend's house. As more users install Tabs hubs and extenders, they collaborate to build or improve network coverage over a entire city or region, giving the users additional benefit for locating children, pets, elderly or things. Most cities can already have 100 percent network coverage if just a few citizens utilize the Tabs solution. This LoRaWAN network coverage built from the indoor Tabs hubs also has significant benefit to network operators who have deployed light outdoor network coverage with existing cell tower infrastructure. The hybrid deployment model of numerous in-home and in-building gateways mixed with light tower coverage is quickly being recognized as the optimal deployment model for LPWAN and being adopted by major operators globally. Helping Consumers Keep Tabs on What Matters Most In addition to providing connectivity, the Tabs hub also shields children from inappropriate web content and allows web time limits through the easy-to-configure Wi-Fi parental control feature on the mobile app. For children, the Tabs child wearable sensor gives parents visibility into their children's location and activities. Parents can set alerts to be notified, for example, when their children enter or leave a location, don't come home on time, or take longer than usual to get to a friend's house. Kids can be more independent but are just a button push away from mom and dad using the Tabs messaging feature, which allows children to send quick messages saying, "I'm safe," or "ready for pickup," without the cost or concerns of providing them with cell phones. For homes, Tabs offers a suite of devices designed to protect the safety and health of families. Its door, window, motion sensors, configurable push button, and multi-purpose trackers pair with the Tabs mobile app, giving families better visibility into what happens when they're away or asleep. Tabs further monitors air quality, temperature, and humidity to ensure homes are healthy and comfortable, and alerts users in the event that harmful gases or poor air quality is detected. A push button feature on the multi-purpose tracker and in the form of a dedicated device lets users have one-touch access to frequently used functions. The Tabs solution interfaces with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT-enabled devices so it can be combined or integrated with other home solutions such as Wi-Fi controlled lighting. Tabs further facilitates the next generation of neighborhood watch, allowing users to share alerts with neighbors or friends while away at work or on vacation. Tabs is now in trials with service providers who will bring it to market. To learn more about Tabs or to schedule a meeting at Mobile World Congress for a private demonstration of the Tabs solution, contact [email protected]. For more about Tabs visit http://tabs.io and for more about TrackNet visit http://www.tracknet.io/. About TrackNet TrackNet provides highly scalable LoRaWAN IoT solutions for consumers and industry, focusing on ease of use and unparalleled scalability to enable a new era of exponentially growing LPWAN deployments for a sustainable world. TrackNet is developing end-to-end solutions including sensors, gateways, and apps with optimized user experience for targeted LPWAN and IoT applications. The company is a contributing member of the LoRa Alliance and the TrackNet team has been instrumental in specifying, building, and establishing LoRaWAN and the LoRa Alliance for more than five years. It has been brought to life by former Semtech and IBM (News - Alert) employees with cumulated decades of real-world experience in embedded and RF systems, wireless networks, network management, end-to-end security, and solutions development for the whole spectrum from small-scale private networks to carrier-grade deployments. TrackNet has offices in Switzerland and California, USA, and is looking to build a talented, passionate team to realize IoT and LPWAN applications. More information is at www.tracknet.io. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005570/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Praxify Unveils Clinical Intelligence Layer for EHRs That Saves Physicians Time Praxify, a healthcare technology company with a mission to make physician lives easier, officially launched today at the annual HIMSS conference in Orlando, following successful implementations with initial U.S. customers. The company unveiled its proven technology including MIRA, a mobile application that improves EHR usability and performance, and SIYA, a care management workflow solution for payers, providers, and patients. The company also announced today that Nicklaus Children's Hospital in Miami, FL, recently implemented Praxify's technology to streamline clinical workflows and provide its physicians with deep clinical insights at the point of care. In a preliminary study, physicians at Nicklaus who used Praxify's MIRA technology for the first time improved their documentation and order creation speed by 30% over their existing processes. "It is no secret that physicians today have 'point and click fatigue' when it comes to the EHR, leading to higher rates of physician burnout, lower physician productivity, and most importantly, lower patient satisfaction," said Ram Sahasranam, President and Co-Founder of Praxify. "Our company has developed proven technologies that help EHRs work the way they should: to enhance the patient-provider encounter, streamline workflows and enable physicians to consume clinical insights." Praxify's core application, MIRA, adds a mobile-based augmentation layer to an organization's existing EHR, making it much faster and easier for physicians to use. Specifically, MIRA speeds up and improves the chart review process by collecting, analyzing, and displaying relevant patient data in a 'glance-able' interface. MIRA also helps physicians complete dcumentation and orders faster with a voice-activated digital assistant and context-aware, adaptable templates. In addition, as an Apple (News - Alert) mobility partner, Praxify has worked closely with Apple to optimize product design for a physician's mobile workflow. Looking for a solution that would enhance the capabilities of the organization's EHR, Nicklaus Children's Hospital collaborated with Praxify to help physicians access clinical documents and comprehensive clinical insights on the go. "Praxify's solutions are enabling Nicklaus Children's Hospital to leverage our existing EHR infrastructure, while significantly streamlining clinical workflows and bringing real-time analytical feedback to the provider at the point of care," said Edward Martinez, CIO & SVP IT of Miami Children's Health System. "This partnership is helping us allow our clinicians to work the way they want to, with less time spent clicking through tabs in the EHR and more time interacting with patients. Their communications tools also help outcomes and patient experience simultaneously." "Providers are often frustrated with going through all of the screens and filling out all the forms required in the EHR. As we seek to gather and utilize population health data, we want to be sure not to exacerbate clinicians' stress," said Dr. Jacques Orces, CMIO, Nicklaus Children's Hospital. "MIRA makes the EHR easier to use while also bringing in additional data points from its own analytic engine. It has been a great fit for our organization." "The most important thing about technology is that is should solve a problem - if using the technology creates challenges for the user, the goal is not achieved. Nowhere is this idea more important than in healthcare," said Dr. Narendra Kini, CEO of Miami Children's Health System. "Praxify has built a platform that emulates clinical workflows, and an environment that makes users feel like nothing has changed. With clinical intelligence built into the product, the technology provides smart guidance which differentiates Praxify's solutions from any other technology in the marketplace today." To learn more about Praxify, stop by booth #1689 at HIMSS from February 20-23 in Orlando, or visit http://praxify.com. To schedule a meeting with a Praxify executive at the conference, please contact Danielle Johns at [email protected]. About Praxify Praxify makes EHRs work the way doctors and patients need them to - quickly, intelligently and intuitively. The company's solutions transform the EHR experience for clinicians with streamlined workflows, intuitive mobile interfaces and real-time analytical feedback. Founded in 2010 with a vision to make health IT seamless, intelligent, and helpful, Praxify's founders conducted comprehensive studies to determine where EHRs and decision support systems fall short for clinicians and patients. The company's team of world class clinicians, designers, and technologists continues to reinvent the way doctors work with data, achieving remarkable gains in productivity, portability, and clinical insight. Praxify solutions support more than five million patients in the U.S and around the world, across dozens of specialties. For more information, visit http://praxify.com. About Nicklaus Children's Hospital Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Nicklaus Children's Hospital - part of Miami Children's Health System - is South Florida's only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with more than 740 attending physicians and over 220 pediatric subspecialists. The 289-bed hospital is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine with several specialty programs ranked among the best in the nation in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016-17, by U.S. News & World Report. The hospital is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern United States and has been designated an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession's most prestigious institutional honor. In addition, HIMSS Analytics awarded the organization For more information, visit nicklauschildrens.org. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005649/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] NW3 Media Reaches Record 150M Monthly US Visitors Based on comScore Media Metrix ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- NW3 Media, a digital media company that creates custom native and ad-based marketing programs for brands, today announced reaching a record 150 million monthly US visitors across its diverse portfolio of publisher properties, according to comScore Media Metrix. These numbers mark the latest in a period of explosive growth for the company, as the company continues to position itself as a leader in the digital advertising space. Utilizing its premium ad formats and custom solutions, available across their 25 different content channels, and now reaching over 150 million people each month in the US, NW3 Media is able to connect brands with people and their passions in truly powerful ways. "We have seen tremendous growth in the past year, and we are happy to start 2017 in that same direction with the release of our January comScore reach," said Sean Mulrooney, CEO of NW3 Media. "Our offering is a proven vehicle for aligning brands with passionate and highly engaged audiences, and we look forward to another year of successful partnerships." The Right Content with the Right Reach NW3 Media develops digital avertising campaigns for brands and agencies from concept to execution. Through a variety of targeting options, engaging ad formats, and significant scale, NW3 Media is able to meet client objectives and KPIs, and effectively reach their desired audience. In addition to achieving massive scale, NW3 Media actively worked to amplify its reach across the most desired core audience segments, including millennials, females, and affluent consumers. The company allocated significant resources towards expanding its reach across these demographics with strategic partnerships and acquisitions to its publisher portfolio. The resulting growth means that NW3 Media now reaches 80 million females, 60 million millennials, and 65 million affluent users within the US, on a monthly basis, making it one of the few digital media companies that have significant scale across all three of these desired audiences. About NW3 Media NW3 Media is a digital media company which creates custom native and ad-based marketing programs for brands, at scale, reaching over 150 million users in the US each month across its portfolio of lifestyle properties. NW3 Media's sites publish content across a wide range of passion points, which allow our readers to find, engage, and connect with what they care about the most. For advertisers, we're able to produce completely custom, and integrated marketing programs that utilize rich media, video, mobile and social, putting your brand in front of your target audience in a powerful way. For more information visit http://nw3.media/. Media Contact: Lisa Wang, [email protected], 1-888-317-4687 ext. 703 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nw3-media-reaches-record-150m-monthly-us-visitors-based-on-comscore-media-metrix-300410002.html SOURCE NW3 Media [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Parking Technology Leader Klever Logic Is Now FlashParking AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Already known in the parking industry as the "Flash Guys," it only seemed fitting to transition the brand from Klever Logic to FlashParking. The rebrand also signals to our customers that our suite of parking solutions goes beyond valet, and now includes revenue control solutions for garages and parking lots. No matter your parking needs, FlashParking is your total simple approach to parking. The rebrand includes a new brand identity along with a new website that merged all of Klever Logic's solutionsFlashValet, FlashPARCS, and FlashMobileunder the FlashParking umbrella. The company first started under the FlashValet moniker, which is why we became known as the "Flash Guys." But as our solution portfolio grew it became apparent that we needed an identity that represented the full breadth of our capabilities. Now customers can visit www.flashparking.com to get a 360-degree view of FlashParking and its solutions as well as log-on to the customer portal to manage their venue in real-time. All of this comes on the heels of FlashParking's funding announcement led by Austin-based serial entrepreneurs Sam Goodner and Dan Sharplin. Their span >$3M injection allowed for a hiring surge and the company has grown from 12 to 36 people. Fueled by this growth, the company moved in January to its new headquarters located in South Austin. Since the company launched five years ago, FlashParking's solutions now run in over 850 venues across the country and are used by the top brands in the hospitality industry. The FlashParking platform has processed over 33 million vehicles so far. "During the re-branding process, it was important to us to maintain the integrity of the Flash brand and our continued commitment to being the best and fastest in the industry," said President Sam Goodner. "It is our goal that the new FlashParking brand will become recognized as the industry standard for a superior parking solution that delivers on the promise of Parking in a Flash." "When we set out, we had no idea FlashParking would grow into this comprehensive parking solution company," said Juan Rodriguez, CEO and a co-founder of FlashParking. "Our success is directly linked to the unwavering support of our clients who believe in us and our disruptive parking technology." FLASHPARKING, www.flashparking.com, is a parking technology company with a suite of products that together are reinventing parking for both consumers and parking operators. All FlashParking parking solutionsFlashValet, FlashPARCS, FlashMobileuse a cloud-based platform enabling parking operators to tap into real-time data from a mobile phone, tablet or desktop. With FlashParking, parking operators now can control their revenue and parking operations (valet, gated, and mobile payments) from virtually anywhere, while also giving guests the ability to use their mobile device for a superior parking experience. Media Contact: Karin Maake, (512) 750-0123 [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/parking-technology-leader-klever-logic-is-now-flashparking-300410454.html SOURCE FlashParking [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Atera Augments IT Automation and MSP Efficiency with New Enhanced Monitoring and Autocorrect Capabilities NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Atera, developer of the cloud-based IT automation platform that combines Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM), Professional Services Automation (PSA), and remote access into one powerful solution, today announced it has added new automation features and upgrades to the platform that offers Managed Service Providers (MSPs) improved performance and efficiency. The IT market is constantly evolving, and we want to ensure our MSP partners have the best monitoring technology in order to gain a competitive advantage in the industry, said Gil Pekelman, CEO at Atera. That means adding new features to help MSPs scale and automate their processes. Our platforms agility and our investment in R&D enable us to improve existing features and add better ones faster than any other monitoring platform on the market today. The new features and enhancements are bringing us one step closer to our vision of being the only tool MSPs need to manage their customers needs. Ateras new technology improvements were designed to strengthen MSPs businesses through automationultimately, enabling them to provide a better experience for their customers. MSPs utilizing Ateras platform will benefit from the following new features that will streamline the automation process: Added Auto Healing Scripts, which is a new feature that triggers a script to run when a threshold level is exceeded Enhanced out-of-the-box monitoring, further increasing the simplicity and ease-of-use by expanding the network monitoring range Full integration of Splashtop, saving time and increasing MSP efficiency when connecting to remote machines Streamlined agent installation process through newly integrated troubleshooting diagnostics, improving the speed and ease of installing agentswhich combined with Ateras unlimited agent approachoffers MSPsa greater competitive advantage Added script categories, which provides the option to classify scripts by category, making it easier to organize and search User activity status updates, enabling MSPs to see if an account is active, disconnected, idle, or locked before remotely connecting to the workstation Integrated Wake-on-LAN (WoL) capabilities, allowing a computer to be turned on or awakened directly from the Atera console Detailed invoicing creation based on contract type, ticket, and time entry Automatic alert system for expiring contracts via email Ticket timer options, providing greater flexibility when setting up a ticket both automatically and manually Ability to edit or reclassify a ticket name Auto-save text added to tickets Atera is always listening to feedback from MSPs to simplify and improve their monitoring technology. Through Atera, we are able to provide our customers with what we believe is the best monitoring platform on the market today, said Lawrence Guyot, president at ETTE and an Atera partner. But Atera does not stop there. They are constantly improving the platform and adding new capabilities that provide even more simplification, ease-of-use, and better security. We are happy to have a true partner in Atera. In addition to the new features and enhancements, Atera offers a comprehensive suite of security solutions to protect its customers from ransomware and sophisticated cyber-attacks through Webroot, mail filtering, and online backup. These solutions are uniquely suited to bring MSPs better protection, performance, and increase profitability. Atera is enabling MSPs to improve their business practices through its RMM software, services, and security. Its unmatched technology provides MSPs with the Business Intelligence (BI) they require to succeed with its unique pricing model and a transformative billing dashboard that includes real-time statistics from The Benchmark. Atera makes it fast and easy for MSPs to migrate their customers to the platform. To learn more about Atera, please call (877) 211-4666, or email [email protected]. MSPs seeking to efficiently and effectively run their businesses should sign up for a 30-day free trial today via www.atera.com. About Atera Atera is the developer of the cloud-based IT automation platform that combines RMM, PSA, and remote access into one powerful solution. Ateras all-in-one innovative platform offers MSPs improved operational efficiency, seamless integration, end-to-end management, and disruptive pricing. To learn more, visit www.atera.com. Media Contact Amanda Lee ARL Strategic Communications for Atera 727-272-0781 [email protected] [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy [February 21, 2017] FCi Federal Appoints Tina Dolph to Executive Leadership Team FCi Federal today announced the appointment of Tina Dolph as Executive Vice President and General Manager to lead the Company's U.S. Department of State (DoS) programs as well as pursue expansion into new markets. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006074/en/ Tina Dolph, FCi Federal Executive Vice President and General Manager (Photo: Business Wire) Dolph joins FCi with a 25-year track record in the government services industry serving in executive leadership positions with leading federal contractors Lockheed Martin (News - Alert), PAE and ASRC Federal. Her expertise spans program operations, strategic planning, business development and financial management. "Tina's proven success in our market and her firsthand experience with our core clients, having led organizations that supported the State Department around the globe, make her a tremendous asset," said FCi Federal President and CEO Scott F. Miller. "In addition to her DoS expertise, Tina's knowledge of clients in adjacent markets will play a key role in our strategic plans and business development." Prior to FCi Federal, Dolph served as President of Information and Technical Solutions for ASRC Federal whre she delivered top and bottom line growth within the first 12 months of her tenure. Before ASRC Federal, Dolph held executive positions with PAE, Inc. starting as the Chief Operating Officer in 2010 and culminating in the role of Executive Vice President of Company Operations in 2014. She played a significant role in the divesture of PAE from Lockheed Martin, had full profit and loss responsibility for a team of more than 3,000 employees across the globe and also led the transition of the acquisition into the company. Earlier in her career, Dolph worked for Lockheed Martin holding positions of increasing responsibility in operations, finance, strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions integration and business infrastructure. "FCi Federal is an impressive company with a track record of phenomenal growth, customer focus and extraordinary leadership," said Dolph. "I am excited to join the FCi team and looking forward to serving the Department of State and its mission around the globe." Recently, FCi Federal was recognized as one of the Washington, DC area's fastest growing mid-sized companies with a 2017 Future 50 Award in the large "Blue Chip" category by SmartCEO. FCi Federal was named to the Inc. 5000 list as one of the fastest growing companies in the nation for the fifth straight year and by the Washington Business Journal as one of the leading government technology contractors in the Washington, D.C. metro area. About FCi Federal Operating in more than 40 states and territories, FCi Federal is one of the fastest growing government services firms in the industry providing a wide range of managed professional, administrative and technical services to federal agencies. With 25 years of experience in the federal market, FCi Federal brings depth and breadth of resources and engaged leadership to manage complex government programs, ranging from operating large production centers to providing integrated mission support services for geographically distributed operations. The company's nearly 5,000 employees and subcontractors put their core expertise in program management support, records management, pre-adjudication support, fraud detection and other administrative support services to work in ways that routinely outperform expectations. More information about FCi Federal can be found at www.fcifederal.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006074/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] The Standard Hires Kate Tubesing as Retirement Plan Consultant The Standard announced the hiring of Kate Tubesing as a retirement plan consultant for its East Sales Region. She is based in The Standard's Cincinnati retirement plans sales and service office. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006233/en/ Kate Tubesing, retirement plan consultant at The Standard. (Photo: Business Wire) Kate joins The Standard with more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, specializing in retirement plans. Prior to joinng The Standard, Kate held positions at Nationwide and Fidelity where she most recently served as Fidelity's managing director of client relationships. "Kate's deep experience as a relationship manager, plan administrator, investment representative and plan education consultant make her uniquely qualified to serve as a resource to our advisor partners and their clients," said Mark Bransford, regional sales director for The Standard's East Sales Region. "With a keen understanding of plan sponsor and advisor needs, Kate is known in the industry for her ability to build and strengthen retirement plan relationships." Kate served as an E4 Specialist in the U.S. Army, where she received an honorable discharge. She holds the Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses. About The Standard The Standard is a leading provider of financial products and services, including group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and vision insurance, absence management services, retirement plans products and services and individual annuities. For more information about The Standard, visit www.standard.com. The Standard is the marketing name for StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., and its subsidiaries. StanCorp Equities, Inc., member FINRA, wholesales a group annuity contract issued by Standard Insurance Company and a mutual fund trust platform for retirement plans. Third-party administrative services are provided by Standard Retirement Services, Inc. Investment advisory services are provided by StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., a registered investment advisor. StanCorp Equities, Inc., Standard Insurance Company, Standard Retirement Services, Inc., and StanCorp Investment Advisers, Inc., are subsidiaries of StanCorp Financial Group, Inc., and all are Oregon corporations. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006233/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] FOX News Channel Signs Oncologist and Affordable Care Act Architect Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel to Contributor Role FOX News Channel (FNC) has signed oncologist and Affordable Care Act architect Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel as a contributor. In this role, effective immediately, he will offer healthcare and policy analysis across FNC and FOX Business Network's (FBN) daytime and primetime programming. Emanuel is the Vice Provost for Global Initiatives, the Diane v.S. Levy and Robert M. Levy University Professor and Chair of the Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress and an op-ed contributor to The New York Times. Before joining the University of Pennsylvania in August 2011, he was the founding chair of the Department of Bioethics at the National Institutes of Health and previously served as an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. From January 2009 until January 2011, Emanuel served as a Special Advisor on Health Policy to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and National Economic Council in former President Barack Obama's administration, where he was notably one of the designers of the Affordable Care Act. He is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the chair of the meta-council on the Future of Health Care Committee for the World Economic Forum. Emanuel served on President Clinton's Health Care Task Force, the National Bioethics Advisory Commission (NBAC) and on the bioethics panel of the Pan-American Healthcare Organization. Additionally, he has been a visiting professor at many universities and medical schools, including the Brin Professor at Johns Hopkins Medical School, the Kovitz Prfessor at Stanford Medical School, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, UCLA and a visiting professor at New York University Law School. The recipient of numerous awards, Emanuel was elected to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academy of Science, the Association of American Physicians and the Royal College of Medicine (UK). He also received the AMA-Burroughs Wellcome Leadership Award, the Public Service Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the John Mendelsohn Award from the MD Anderson Cancer Center, a Fulbright Scholarship (which he declined), the President's Medal for Social Justice from Roosevelt University and was selected as Hippocrates Magazine's Doctor of the Year in Ethics. Emanuel developed The Medical Directive, a living will that has been endorsed by Consumer Reports on Health, Harvard Health Letter, The New York Times and Wall Street Journal, among other publications. He has published over 250 peer-reviewed articles on the ethics of clinical research, health care reform, international research ethics, end of life care issues, euthanasia, the ethics of managed care and the physician-patient relationship. Emanuel's work is featured in the New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet and JAMA, among other medical journals. Additionally, he has authored six books and co-edited seven books, including "Reinventing American Health Care: How the Affordable Care Act will Improve our Terribly Complex, Blatantly Unjust, Outrageously Expensive, Grossly Inefficient, Error Prone System," "Brothers Emanuel: A Memoir of an American Family" and "Healthcare, Guaranteed: A Simple, Secure Solution for America." Emanuel graduated from Amherst College and later received his M.Sc. from Oxford University in Biochemistry. He earned his M.D. from Harvard Medical School and his Ph.D. in political philosophy from Harvard University, where his dissertation received the Toppan Award for the finest political science dissertation of the year. Additionally, he was a fellow in the Program in Ethics and the Professions at the Kennedy School of Government. Emanuel completed his residency in internal medicine at Boston's Beth Israel Hospital and his oncology fellowship at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he later joined the faculty. FOX News Channel (FNC) is a 24-hour all-encompassing news service dedicated to delivering breaking news as well as political and business news. The number one network in cable, FNC has been the most-watched television news channel for 15 years and according to a Suffolk University/USA Today poll, is the most-trusted television news source in the country. Owned by 21st Century Fox, FNC is available in 90 million homes and dominates the cable news landscape, routinely notching the top ten programs in the genre. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006287/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] RTLS (Real Time Location System) Leader Sonitor Technologies Selected to Receive Major Research Innovation Grant by The Research Council of Norway Sonitor Technologies Inc., a global leader in indoor positioning technologies, announced today that The Research Council of Norway (RCN (News - Alert) - www.rcn.no) has selected Sonitor Technologies and MazeMap (www.mazemap.com) as one of the winners in the latest round of research innovation awards. http://www.forskningsradet.no/no/Nyheter/Forskningsradet_har_delt_ut_900_millioner_til_innovasjon_i_neringslivet/1254024689778/p1174467583739 /p> The goal of the project is to develop a new generation of indoor positioning technology that will place accurate and cost-effective 3D positioning in everyone's hands. To achieve this, both companies will work collaboratively with leading research groups at the University of Oslo led by Professor Sverre Holm and Associate Professor Jan Kenneth Bekkeng. "We're very excited to partner with MazeMap and collaborate with the University of Oslo on this project and honored to be selected by RCN," said Wilfred Booij, CTO at Sonitor Technologies. "By combining Sonitor's proprietary ultrasound indoor positioning expertise and technology with MazeMap's indoor maps and wayfinding expertise, we have the unique opportunity to bring next generation, innovative 3D positioning to consumers in many markets." About Sonitor Technologies, Inc. Sonitor is the leading developer and provider of unique, ultrasound-based indoor positioning technology that locates people and items in real time with reliable, high definition accuracy within complex indoor environments. Sonitor has developed the healthcare industry's most advanced open integration RTLS platform, Sonitor Sense, a wireless system which supports a wide range of applications to make hospital operations more efficient. Sonitor is selected by world-class partners to build industry-leading solutions for global deployment. For more information please visit www.sonitor.com. About The Research Council of Norway The Research Council of Norway serves as the chief advisory body for the Norwegian government on research policy issues. It distributes roughly nine billion Norwegian Kroner (NOK) (approximately 1 billion US Dollars) to research and innovation activities each year and works to promote international cooperation and increase participation in the EU framework program on research and innovation. The Research Council creates meeting places and provides a platform for dialogue between researchers, users of research and research funders. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006302/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Stakeholders From Around the World - and Across the Supply Chain - Share Their Stories of Growth Through GFSI PARIS, Feb. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- A family-run salt producer in Latin America, a fish processer in Asia and a retailer in Europe - what do these individuals have in common? They've all agreed to share their stories of how the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) has positively impacted growth for their company and their customers' confidence in the safety of their products. Thanks to the generous support of 3M Food Safety , the web series has gone to different corners of the globe to see how GFSI impacts the lives and businesses of very different stakeholders in the food supply chain. The first stop in the GFSI Web Series takes viewers to Myanmar. The country's first fisherwoman has leveraged GFSI's Global Markets Programme, through a collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Organization (UNIDO) to build food safety capacity in her fish processing plant, train her tems and gain the confidence of new customers. These achievements are opening doors for her as she grows her exports and accesses new markets. Next, the GFSI Web Series goes to Germany, where viewers meet Nikos. He manages quality control for the supply chains of a retailer which operates in 25 different countries. He reveals how he leverages GFSI's "food safety passport" and capacity building tools. He sees these benefits across global supply chains, he says, calling on Sagar, a colleague in Pakistan, to illustrate. Then, the Web Series meets Walter, who started a primary production company with his family, mining and purifying salt in his home country of Chile. When Walmart told Walter about GFSI, he embarked upon GFSI's capability building programme, progressed through the different levels and ultimately achieved certification to a GFSI-recognised scheme. Walter has grown the business in the face of strong local competition, gaining the trust of many new clients and today, he exports to five different continents. Watch the first episode here and stay tuned to the GFSI web series for new episodes released on GFSI YouTube, on www.myGFSI.com and at the Global Food Safety Conference. 3M Food Safety's innovative solutions help food manufacturers optimize the quality of their products, mitigate risk and protect consumers. Together with GFSI, we're helping advance the science of food safety in countries all over the world. Learn more at 3M.com/foodsafety Press contact: Lisa Prevert, [email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stakeholders-from-around-the-world---and-across-the-supply-chain---share-their-stories-of-growth-through-gfsi-300410879.html SOURCE Global Food Safety Initiative [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Rise Broadband Unveils New Small Business Services; High-Speed Internet & Phone Packages Tailored for Local Companies In order to meet the needs of local retail, operations, consumer services and other businesses throughout its rural and suburban coverage area, Rise Broadband, the country's largest fixed wireless Internet/phone provider, has introduced several new Small Business Services programs. "Since our inception in 2005, we have helped close the digital divide by delivering affordable and reliable internet service to areas often under-served by the wireline carriers," said Jack Koo, Rise Broadband's president and chief executive officer. "Now we are pleased to provide small businesses with big-city speeds, increased access and online capabilities they need to thrive." Rise's new Small Business platform delivers access, quality and reliability with: High-speed data - up to 50 megabits per second (Mbps). Businesses get more for less to stay connected with customers, vendors and others - up to 50 megabits per second (Mbps). Businesses get more for less to stay connected with customers, vendors and others Absolutely NO data caps Plans star as low as $69.95 per month (taxes, fees and equipment not included) per month (taxes, fees and equipment not included) Affordable, reliable and hassle-free service for one or two digital phone lines for one or two digital phone lines One-, two- and three-year service plans available More information is available online at RiseBroadband.com/small-business/packages/ or call toll free (844) 762-7473 (844-SMB-RISE). Click here to determine coverage for a specific location. About Rise Broadband Rise Broadband is the nation's largest fixed wireless Internet service provider; offering affordable high-speed broadband (Internet and phone) services in 16 states. Established in 2005 as JAB Wireless, Inc., Rise serves nearly 200,000 residential and business accounts in rural and suburban areas throughout the Midwest, Rocky Mountain and Southwest regions. The company also offers DISH and DIRECTV service as well as PC Care; a one-stop resource for residential tech assistance. Rise is headquartered in metro Denver and more information can be found at RiseBroadband.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005382/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] TRADER Corporation and Dealertrack Canada Introduce Digital Retailing Technologies to Improve the Car Buying Experience Exclusive partnership and connected car buying platform will transform the consumer experience, while driving efficiency and increasing vehicle sales for automotive retailers across Canada TORONTO, Feb. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - TRADER Corporation and Dealertrack Canada are pleased to announce an exclusive partnership introducing an industry first transaction communication platform to Canadian automotive retailers. Together, both companies will bridge the gap between the online and in-store consumer experience while enabling the transformation of auto retailing through connected car buying technologies. These technologies will be available in market on April 1, 2017. From ride sharing services to accommodation booking sites, there has been a paradigm shift in the retail industry and the seemingly instantaneous rise of brands that empower the consumer. These brands have disrupted the traditional retail shopping experience and set the new standard for the type of online convenience that is now expected by consumers. The auto industry is now being affected by this inevitable shift towards digital retailing. "Today's connected car buyer expects an accelerated shopping experience that is efficient, transparent and seamless," said Edwin Ulak, Vice President of Product at TRADER. "They want to save time at the dealership, and they want to take control and design their own shopping experience across every aspect of the deal." The clear majority of the car buying journey today occurs online, while the retailer interaction time is limited at the end of the process, averaging only 2.5 days. TRADER and Dealertrack Canada will deliver a platform that enables dealers to streamline their deals and engage with consumers much earlier and at various stages in the purchase process. The partnership provides the ability to exclusively embed Dealertrack digital retailing tools into TRADER website solutions across Canada/span>. It will facilitate deeper integration into the full website and advertising platforms providing consumers a seamless and efficient user experience and enriched workflow that is unmatched in the Canadian ad-tech space. "This new digital shopping experience that has been evident in other retail industries is becoming the expectation for consumers in automotive retailing", said Richard Evans, Vice President & General Manager at Dealertrack Canada. "We are excited by this partnership that will benefit both consumers and automotive retailers, providing a more efficient process for vehicle purchases in Canada." This partnership allows car buyers to personalize their payments, appraise their vehicle trade-in, apply for financing, and select various Finance & Insurance products. Bringing these in-store experiences online will educate and empower the consumer before they visit the dealership and make the face-to-face sales experience more efficient for both the consumer and retailer. About TRADER Corporation TRADER Corporation is a trusted Canadian leader in online media, managing consumer automotive marketplaces and providing dealers with digital business solutions to market and manage their inventory. The company's primary online destinations include autoTRADER.ca, autoHEBDO.net and Autos.ca, driving over 13.5 million visits a month and more than 3 million mobile app downloads. Both autoTRADER.ca and autoHEBDO.net offer an extensive inventory of new and used vehicles in Canada across both desktop and mobile platforms. Partnering with global leaders such as Dealer.com and vAuto, TRADER delivers best-in-class digital web, advertising and inventory management solutions to help accelerate business performance of dealers across Canada. For more information, visit: go.trader.ca Follow TRADER on Twitter and YouTube! About Cox Automotive Cox Automotive is a leading provider of vehicle remarketing services and digital marketing and software solutions for automotive dealers and consumers. Cox Automotive, a subsidiary of Atlanta-based Cox Enterprises includes Manheim, Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, vAuto, NextGear Capital, and a host of global businesses and brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Cox Automotive employs nearly 24,000 employees in over 150 locations worldwide. The company partners with more than 40,000 dealers as well as most major automobile manufacturers and touches over 67 percent of all car buyers in the U.S. with the most recognized brands in the industry. Cox Automotive unites more than 20 brands in this space, providing an end-to-end solution to transform the way people buy and sell cars every day. About Cox Automotive Canada Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Cox Automotive Canada operates nine businesses and brands including Manheim, vAuto, NextGear Capital, RMS, Dealer.com, HomeNet, VinSolutions, Xtime and Dealertrack. About Dealertrack Canada Dealertrack Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, and provides products and services to dealers, manufacturers and lenders that are fully integrated. From robust desking tools that enrich the in-store experience to the largest lender network in Canada connecting 8000 dealers to 60+ lenders, imaging documents and data insights, our solutions make workflows more efficient, transparent and profitable. SOURCE TRADER Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Altarum Institute Chosen to Provide Support for Small Practices in CMS Quality Payment Program The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has awarded a contract to Altarum Institute to help small practices in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Minnesota prepare for and participate in the new Quality Payment Program, established by the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA). This technical assistance, authorized and funded under MACRA, brings direct support to thousands of Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) eligible clinicians in small practices with 15 or fewer clinicians, including small practices in rural locations, health professional shortage areas, and medically underserved areas across the country. The direct technical assistance is available immediately, free to all MIPS eligible clinicians, and will deliver support for up to a five-year period. "For years, Altarum has successfully used its model of delivering technical assistance to physicians to help them achieve practice transformation and improvements in quality," said Dan Armijo, Altarum vice-president and director of Health Innovations. "We are honored and excited to leverage this expertise to advance this critical support program that will give physicians the tools to deliver better care, leading to improved population health." Altarum, along with its partners, which include Medical Advantage Group, MetaStar, Michigan Center for Rural Healh, MPRO, Northern Illinois University, Northwestern University, Purdue University (News - Alert), Stratis Health, and University of Kentucky, is dedicated to providing innovative technical assistance to clinician practices in rural, Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA), and underserved areas. Altarum and its partners will provide customized technical assistance to MIPS-eligible clinicians across seven states as a part of the Small, Underserved, and Rural Support (SURS) program, which may include, but is not limited to, the following: Conveying the MIPS expectations and timelines, Explaining the MIPS feedback report, Creating a MIPS-score improvement plan, Evaluating practice readiness for joining an Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM (News - Alert)), Assessing and optimizing Health Information Technology, Supporting change management and strategic planning, Developing and disseminating education and training materials, and Enabling peer-to-peer learning and local partnerships. Altarum can be contacted through Francois de Brantes: 734-205-6102, [email protected]. For more information on the Quality Payment Program, visit qpp.cms.gov or contact the Quality Payment Program by calling 1-866-288-8292 or emailing [email protected]. Altarum Institute (www.altarum.org) integrates objective research and client-centered consulting skills to deliver comprehensive, systems-based solutions that improve health and health care. Altarum employs over 450 individuals and is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with additional offices in Portland, Maine, and the Washington, D.C., area. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006474/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Danaher Announces Appointment of Raymond C. Stevens, Ph.D. to Danaher Board WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Danaher Corporation (NYSE: DHR) announced today that it has appointed Raymond C. Stevens, Ph.D. to its Board of Directors. Professor Stevens is currently Provost Professor of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, and Director of The Bridge Institute, at the University of Southern California, where he has served since July 2014. From 1999 until July 2014, he served as Professor of Molecular Biology and Chemistry with The Scripps Research Institute, a non-profit research organization. Professor Stevens is also Founding Director of the iHuman Institute at ShanghaiTech University, and has launched multiple biotechnology companies focused on dug discovery. Steven M. Rales, Chairman of the Board of Danaher Corporation, said, "We are very pleased to welcome Professor Stevens to the Danaher Board, and expect his diverse experiences in science will create valuable long term learning for the Company." ABOUT DANAHER Danaher is a global science and technology innovator committed to helping its customers solve complex challenges and improving quality of life around the world. Its family of world class brands has leadership positions in some of the most demanding and attractive industries, including health care, environmental and industrial. With more than 20 operating companies, Danaher's globally diverse team of over 62,000 associates is united by a common culture and operating system, the Danaher Business System. For more information, please visit www.danaher.com. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/danaher-announces-appointment-of-raymond-c-stevens-phd-to-danaher-board-300410894.html SOURCE Danaher Corporation [February 21, 2017] Psychologists Falsely Accused of Colluding to Allow "Torture" File Defamation Lawsuit Against American Psychological Association, Attorneys Five psychologists, falsely accused of colluding with the government and a prominent association regarding tactics used to interrogate terrorists, recently filed a defamation lawsuit against the American Psychological Association (APA), attorney David Hoffman (News - Alert) and law firm Sidley Austin LLP. The plaintiffs include three retired military officers, Cols. (Ret.) Morgan Banks, Debra Dunivin and Larry James and two former employees of the APA, Drs. Stephen Behnke and Russ Newman. The lawsuit was filed in state court in Ohio by attorneys James E. Arnold, Bonny J. Forrest, and Louis J. Freeh, former director of the FBI. The suit arises from an investigation conducted by Hoffman for the APA in the wake of allegations in Pay Any Price: Greed, Power and Endless War, a book by James Risen, a New York Times reporter. The book claims the APA colluded with the military and CIA during the Bush Administration to support torture. Despite finding no evidence to support Risen's allegations, Hoffman's $4.1-million report attacked the plaintiffs for allegedly colluding to block the APA from taking any efective steps to prevent military psychologists' involvement in abusive interrogations. Hoffman's allegations have been proven false by evidence that was in his possession. Neither Hoffman nor the APA have taken any significant steps to repair the damage done to the plaintiffs' livelihoods and reputations. The 12-count lawsuit seeks compensatory, consequential and punitive damages as well as litigation costs and fees. "The complaint demonstrates that Hoffman's report was no more than a blatant attempt to scapegoat a few individuals so the APA could mollify its critics," said Forrest. The damage to the plaintiffs was compounded by the APA board's response, as some board members knew that key facts on which Hoffman based his conclusions were false. "The APA board abandoned any pretense of fairness by immediately firing Dr. Behnke, without giving him a chance to respond to Hoffman's gross mischaracterization of his actions and motives," said Freeh, attorney for Dr. Behnke. Further information about the lawsuit may be found here: www.hoffmanreportapa.com and the complaint can be downloaded here: http://www.hoffmanreportapa.com/resources/Complaint.pdf. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006670/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Lenovo to Deliver Enterprise Cloud Solution for Users of SAP HANA in China Lenovo (News - Alert) today announced an agreement with SAP under which Lenovo will deliver a new enterprise cloud solution created exclusively for customers holding licenses for the SAP (News - Alert) HANA platform in China. To be named "Lenovo Enterprise Cloud designed for SAP HANA," the new managed service is intended to open a simple and powerful migration path for China customers seeking to leverage their investments in SAP HANA offsite in a cloud environment. The new deal comes shortly after the two companies crossed the one-year mark of an expanded strategic alliance announced in January 2016. It follows several other significant milestones achieved last year as part of the joint commitment to develop new cloud solutions for the China market, pioneer global innovations leveraging SAP HANA and Lenovo server technologies, and execute collaborative go-to-market programs. Lenovo and SAP have been working closely together, particularly in China, since 2010. The solution's cloud environment will be customized by Lenovo, with support from SAP, to optimize performance and availability running SAP HANA-based applications such as real-time data analytics. The core infrastructure will employ Lenovo's high-performance System x3850 and x3950 X6 servers, while the System x3650 M5 will power the application servers. Lenovo will build and operate the end-to-end cloud data center infrastructure for the solution in China, while also managing and supporting its SAP HANA database and applications, including customer technical support such as a hotline service. SAP and Lenovo will jointly expand its market presence and offer off-premise solutions to customers in China. SAP will help Lenovo with quality assurance during the deployment and support process. With the agreement, Lenovo gains a major new channel for its industry-leading capabilities in deploying SAP HANA and delivering its benefits. The company currently is among the largest SAP customers in China and also runs one of the largest instances of SAP HANA in the Asia Pacific region. By deploying SAP HANA in-memory database technology deeply in its own organization using its own infrastructure, Lenovo has developed vast knowledge of how to optimize application performance, as well as implement the technology rapidly and efficiently, which it applies to customer engagements. Lenovo Enterprise Cloud designed for SAP HANA will be available from SAP and Lenovo starting in the first half of 2017. Latest Milestone in Expanded Alliance Introduction of the managed service for SAP HANA in China culminates a year of intense collaboration between SAP and Lenovo flowing from the companies' expanded alliance agreement. Some of the most significant developments in 2016 included: Announcement of a new, smart data-tiering solution for SAP Business Warehouse powered by SAP HANA that manages "warm" data, allowing customers to ain cost-effective access to larger amounts of data, thereby driving improved analytics performance. Unveiling of a roadmap for expanded memory support in solutions running SAP HANA - up to eight-socket, 8TB configurations, an advancement that will enable customers to expand their SAP S/4HANA footprint and deliver faster, more responsive data access. With Samsung (News - Alert), SAP and Lenovo outlined a vision of in-memory systems that will leverage 128GB memory technology to unleash further performance advancements, as well as new levels of scalability. Lenovo earned an SAP HANA Innovation Award for its internal implementation to accelerate supply chain management reporting. The company cut the time needed to generate reports from 1-2 weeks to 6-8 minutes, while enabling near real-time cost analysis and driving about $50 million in cost savings. Lenovo's lifetime shipments of SAP HANA reached 6,800 worldwide, ranking it among the top two global leaders in this segment. Lenovo (SEHK:0992) (Pink Sheets:LNVGY) is a $45 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode Yoga brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Moto brand), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (News - Alert) (@Lenovo) or visit us at www.lenovo.com. Quotes Lenovo: (Peter Hortensius, CTO & Head of Strategy, Data Center Group) "SAP's selection of Lenovo to partner in delivering its enterprise cloud for SAP HANA in China - as well as the trust and confidence implied in this decision - serves as compelling proof of our industry leadership capabilities in this rapidly expanding market segment," said Peter Hortensius, chief technology officer and head of strategy, Data Center Group, Lenovo. "It is also the latest demonstration of how Lenovo's open, flexible strategy of partnering with industry leaders delivers valuable co-innovations that address the most critical challenges of our mutual customers." SAP: (Edward Chen, chief business officer, SAP Greater China) "This new dimension of our partnership with Lenovo gives China enterprises access to a powerful, highly scalable cloud solution for rapidly and efficiently deploying applications running on SAP HANA off premise," said Edward Chen, chief business officer, SAP Greater China. "Also, we anticipate that Lenovo Enterprise Cloud designed for SAP HANA will be a compelling option for customers because it leverages the company's high-performance server technology, as well as its deep skills and experience in delivering these applications." Industry Analyst: (Kitty Fok, Managing Director of IDC China) "The joint effort of Lenovo and SAP to offer the enterprise cloud solution for users of SAP HANA will help companies in China deploy their platform and migrate workloads to SAP HANA rapidly," said Kitty Fok, managing director of IDC China. "We anticipate that enterprises will benefit from the performance of the SAP HANA platform and Lenovo's professional services for the data center, which will help bring them competitive advantage in the future." SAP, SAP HANA, SAP S/4HANA and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP SE (or an SAP affiliate company) in Germany and other countries. See http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx for additional trademark information and notices. All other product and service names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective companies. SAP Forward-looking Statement Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC (News - Alert)"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006597/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] ACQC to Host Feb. 22nd Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Officially Launch Wellness Center for STD Screenings and Treatment AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, February 22nd from 2-4 p.m. at the Wellness Center's headquarters located at 89-74 162nd St. 7th floor, Jamaica, NY to officially open the doors of its AHF Wellness Center that will provide walk-in STD screenings and treatment. ACQC joined forces with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) in February 2015 to expand its capacity to provide critical lifesaving services to those affected by HIV/AIDS throughout the borough of Queens-where the prevalence of HIV/AIDS is extremely high in New York City. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006725/en/ WHAT: ACQC's ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open its AHF Wellness Center WHEN: Wednesday, FEBRUARY 22nd 2017-2:00 - 4 PM WHERE: 89-74 162nd St. 7th floor Jamaica, NY 11432 Light food and refreshments will be served. For almost 30 years and as the only AIDS Community Service Provider in the borough of Queens, ACQC provides critical services and advocacy for HIV-positive individuals. ACQC has served over 8,000 HIV-positive clients, and 30,000 community residents in five locations throughout the borough. AHF is a global organization that provides cutting-edge medicine and advocacy to more than 696,000 people in 36 countries. It is also the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the United States. About ACQC The AIDS Center of Queens County (ACQC) is the largest provider of HIV/AIDS services in the borough of Queens, serving over 8,000 HIV+ clients, and 30,000 community residents in five sites throughout the borough. Our services include case management, harm reduction and syringe exchange program, health education and prevention services, housing services, legal services, a licensed mental health clinic, and a food pantry program. Our services are provided at no charge to our clients. About AHF AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) is the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS healthcare provider in the USA. AHF currently provides medical care and/or services to more than 696,000 individuals in 36 countries worldwide in the US, Africa, Latin America/Caribbean, Eastern Europe, and Asia. Additional information is available at www.aidshealth.org, find us on Facebook (News - Alert): www.facebook.com/aidshealth and follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) & Instagram: @AIDSHealthcare View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006725/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] A look back on all of our reporting of the Delphi murders since 2017 404 - Page Not Found Sorry, this page was not found. Try visiting our homepage or using the search function in our menu. Theres plenty of music out there, but theres also plenty of tunes hidden away that we are just dying to get our hands on. Lets look at some of the lost. Throughout the entire history of art, weve seen plenty of hits, and plenty of misses. Many times, the misses have lead to people questioning why that particular piece of art was produced in the first place. But how often do we think of the reverse? What about all those amazing pieces of art that have never seen the light of day? Frequently, we hear rumours of famous recordings in the world of music which havent surfaced for one reason or another. Sometimes, weve seen tragedy strike the band, leaving the group unable or unwilling to release their material, or in some cases weve seen artists withhold their works for personal reasons at other times, it just hasnt been good enough to release. While weve touched on this topic before, the vast annals of music history mean that there are always going to be works of art that havent seen the light of day, and there will always be unreleased music that well want to give a spin. So join us as we take a look back at some of the famous unreleased or lost recordings that wed give anything to hear. Eros Deftones After the release of Deftones fifth album Saturday Night Wrist in 2006, they band were on the verge of breaking up. With the intention of making the best album they could to overcome any tensions within the group, the band set to work at the start of 2008 to record an album that was tentatively titled Eros. However, recording sessions were halted in late 2008 when Deftones bassist Chi Cheng was involved in a serious car accident which ended his career, and after being comatose for nearly five years, Cheng would eventually pass away in April of 2013. Love The Beatles? Get the latest The Beatles news, features, updates and giveaways straight to your inbox Learn more JOIN While the group had recorded and released material in the interim, Eros had remained unfinished, as they were waiting for Cheng to return to the recording sessions. Following Chengs death, Deftones frontman said the chances for the albums releases looked good, but to this date, it has still not been released, namely due to the band not being terrible happy with the quality of the material. To date, the only taste weve had of the unfinished recordings is a sole track called Smile, which can be heard below. Born Again Boom Crash Opera In the late 80s, Boom Crash Opera were all over the Aussie charts. With their singles such as Hands Up In The Air, Onion Skin, and The Best Thing, the group were staples of the Aussie live scene. By the time the 90s rolled around, their popularity had started to wane somewhat, but their fans were still hungry for any material they would release, regardless of the experimental direction the group were starting to take. Sadly, the groups record label didnt believe in the group as much as their fans did. In 1995, the group unleashed Born, a planned double-album which was released in a curious manner. Released in a double-CD package, the space for the second disc was reserved by a paper slip which advised fans to look out for the follow-up disc, Born Again, which was supposed to be coming soon. Due to the lukewarm reception that Born received, the groups record label dropped the band, whilst keeping the rights to the unreleased album. To date, Born Again is yet to make an appearance, though the band have moved on and have continued to work on further music. Check out Gimme, one of the tracks from the half of the album that was released, below. Lifehouse The Who In 1969, The Who released their classic rock opera Tommy, which has gone on to be considered one of the most influential rock albums of the time. Emboldened by the success of Tommy, the group decided to capitalise on their success by recording yet another rock opera, tentatively called Lifehouse. Intended to be an album that focused on a post-apocalyptic world, the original version of the album was scrapped in favour of creating a more straightforward rock album. The album they chose to record instead was Whos Next?, one of the groups most famous records. Containing tracks such as Behind Blue Eyes, Wont Get Fooled Again, and Baba ORiley, the album was made up of abandoned ideas from Lifehouse. The group would later revisit ideas from the abandoned sessions on their record Who Are You. While we may never know what Lifehouse was going to sound like, we did manage to get Whos Next? instead, so maybe this one was actually for the best. Illiteracy Will Prevail Fecal Matter If youve ever wondered about the origins of Nirvana, you may have wound up looking at a band called Fecal Matter. Consisting of Kurt Cobain and Buzz Osborne and Dale Crover of the Melvins, the group lasted for two years and managed to record a sole demo tape entitled Illiteracy Will Prevail. The holy grail of Nirvana fans, the tape has managed to elude the general public for over 30 years. While numerous tracks of varying quality and questionable sources are said to have leaked from the album over the years, the only recording to be officially released is Spank Thru, released on the Nirvana compilation Sliver, in 2005. It shows a young Kurt Cobain still finding his feet in the songwriting game, but it gives us a pretty good idea of what was to come in the very near future. Untitled Fourth Album The Velvet Underground Back in 1969, The Velvet Underground had released their third album, a self-titled record, intended to be complete 180 from what they had delivered with their second record, White Light/White Heat. The group set to work on recording what would be their fourth album, however, due to a large number of professional and personal difference, these recording sessions were scrapped, and the album never surfaced. While 1985s VU compilation saw a small amount of these abandoned sessions collected for a widespread release, we still havent managed to properly see the album in the way it was meant to be released. A 2014 reissue of the self-titled album saw a collection of the 1969 sessions as a bonus disc, but many of these tracks had been remixed from their original states. While we can view some of these tracks to this day, and many of these tracks exist in famously bootlegged live versions, we still have no proper release of the lost fourth Velvet Underground album in the way that it was meant to be heard. All Lights Fucked On The Hairy Amp Drooling Godspeed You! Black Emperor One of the most famous and enigmatic post-rock groups of all time is the Canadian group Godspeed You! Black Emperor. The group, while often and media-shy and reclusive, boast a famously voracious fanbase whose dedication is beyond what many bands could dream of. For the vast majority of the fanbase though, they share a common goal; to finally hear what Godspeeds demo tape sounds like. The groups demo tape, All Lights Fucked On The Hairy Amp Drooling, is a little different to their regular tunes in that it was a cassette-only release which was limited to 33 copies when it was released back in 1994. However, apart from small mentions of it by the band, almost no information about it is known, except that it bears almost no resemblance to the music the group would later make. In 2013, a Reddit user claimed that he had a copy of the tape, an even went so far as to upload some questionable audio files to prove his story. The user soon disappeared, causing many commentators to believe his claims were a hoax. While this user may have just been scared off by the groups vast fanbase, we may never know if this album does exist, or what it sounds like. Carnival Of Light The Beatles In 1968, Paul McCartney agreed to contribute a piece of music to an art show held by British designer David Vaughan. The contributed piece, entitled Carnival Of Light, is said to be one of the longest, and most psychedelic of all the pieces of music recorded by The Beatles. Consisting of distorted guitars, church organs, and screamed phrases from John Lennon and Paul McCartney, it doesnt appear to be on of the Fab Fours most palatable works. The track is said to be incredibly avant-garde, and certainly not something that would be found on any of the groups records, so naturally, we want to hear it. Surprisingly though, Paul McCartney actually wants us to hear it, and has actively campaigned to have the track released. He tried to get it released back in 1995, but George Harrison denied its release, and if McCartney wants it to be released now, he would need consent from Ringo Starr and the widows of Lennon and Harrison. However, considering all he has done for music in the past, were sure McCartney will find a way to let us finally hear this unreleased piece of Beatles history. While we wait though, check out one of The Beatles best forays into the realm of avant-garde, Revolution 9, below. Hail And Farewell, Gothenburg The Mountain Goats Sadly, there are many examples of these famous recordings being leaked to the public, but not in the way that the artist intended. Sure, in your heart you can enjoy what youre hearing an be somewhat satisfied that your long search is over, but often, you know that this isnt the same as hearing an officially released version that mimics the true vision of the artist. Such is the case of Hail And Farewell, Gothenburg, by The Mountain Goats. Originally recorded in 1995, the record was reportedly mastered at an incorrect speed by The Mountain Goats frontman John Darnielle. While he had fully intended to re-master the album and release it later, the album leaked out into the public without his consent, and was shared around by an excited fanbase, keen for more music. Disheartened by this leak, Darnielle abandoned the project, with no intention to release it as he had planned. While we have a version of this album available to listen to, it is in no way the same record that John Darnielle wanted to release. As a result of this leak though, Darnielle has stated that he now destroys the master tapes for any works he doesnt wish the public to hear. First Rays Of The New Rising Sun Jimi Hendrix In much the same way as the Velvet Undergrounds album above, weve seen a lot of this record released, but in the same vein as Jeff Buckleys Sketches For My Sweetheart, The Drunk, who knows how much resemblance this bears to the intended vision? With recording for this album beginning back in 1970 prior to Hendrixs death, it was intended to be a double album. In 1997, it was released as a compilation of the surviving master tracks, with the intention of making the record as close as possible to Hendrixs original vision. While it is unknown how much of the original record was completed when Hendrix died, or how close the final album was to Hendrixs vision, we can take solace in that weve heard at least something from these sessions, but of course, we wish Hendrix was still around to give us the album that he always wanted to make. Red Devils Collaborations Mick Jagger From a memoir we may never read to his collaborations with the Red Devils, Mick Jagger has a way of keeping his art safe from prying eyes. Back in 1992, the Rolling Stones frontman was hard at work recording a solo album which would eventually be released under the name Wandering Spirit. In the meantime though, Jaggers producer, Rick Rubin, had been working with a young blues rock group called the Red Devils and suggested the group collaborate with Jagger. Taking a break from his solo album, Jagger reportedly recorded an entire albums worth of covers of his favourite blues tracks. To date though, only one song, Checkin Up On My Baby, has been released officially. Considering the penchant that Jagger has for blues, and with an accomplished band such as the Red Devils behind him, we can only wonder why this album was shelved. Whatever the reason though, we hope that Jagger one day releases it, maybe the same day he releases his memoir. The Commission Jay Z & The Notorious B.I.G. If youve ever given The Notorious B.I.G.s Life After Death a spin and wondered what the heck the commission that Biggie talks about in Whats Beef? is, well, we have the answer for you. Apparently, prior to his death, Biggie Smalls was in talks with Jay Z to record music together as a supergroup of sorts that would be called The Commission. If the lyrics in Whats Beef? are to be believed, The Commission would have been made up of himself (Franke White), Jay-Z (Iceberg Slim), Puff Daddy, Lance Rivera (Uncle Paulie), Lil Cease (Caesar Leo DeGenero), and Charli Baltimore. While Jay Z and Biggie had collaborated before, this wouldve been an absolute landmark in the world of hip-hop, bringing together two of the genres biggest names for an album length journey into lyrical mastery. While there are varying rumours as to whether the material was ever recorded, we can only sit and hope that The Notorious B.I.G.s vaults will one day be opened further to find these fabled collaborations. Unfinished Album Grateful Dead The Grateful Dead were a cultural phenomenon. From their inception in the mid 60s to their demise in the mid 90s, they had a following which many of social commentators have described as almost cult-like. With a history of positive, communal jam-music, and a reputation for putting on of the best live shows you could witness, the Grateful Deads breakup was a shock to a tight-knit musical community. In a manner similar to the aforementioned Deftones album, the Grateful Dead were in the process of recording a follow-up to their 1989 album Built To Last when frontman Jerry Garcia passed away. While the group had been recording new music since the early 90s, work was in full swing by late 1994, but by August 1995, Garcia had sadly died, leaving the group without their leader. The group had considered finishing the album in preparation for an eventual release, but this was also abandoned. Thankfully, due to a dedicated group of fans who had recorded the Deads music religiously, some live versions of the tracks that would have featured on the album do exist, and quite frankly, its just as good as any of the stuff they officially released. Early Releases Boards Of Canada While weve written about the enigmatic nature of Scottish duo Boards Of Canada before, the Sandison brothers music has an origin story that has intrigued fans for years now. The group came to prominence in the late 90s with their debut album Music Has The Right To Children, however, the duo had been making music for twelve years by this point. A vast majority of this music, has never been heard outside a select group of family and friends. At least half a dozen cassette recordings exist from the late 80s onwards which chronicle the groups musical formation. Until the early 2000s almost no information was known about these recordings, but when a number of questionably sourced tracks surfaced online, fans began digging deeper. What is known now, is that the brothers had decided to produce numerous tapes of their music as gifts to friends and family. By the time the mid 90s rolled around, they had decided to release their music publicly, but to date, they have not spoken about releasing their early material to the public. Whether well ever hear these tracks remains to be seen, but with an output that is frequently cited as genius, you can be sure were waiting with bated breath. Say goodbye to quick Google searches for leaked MP3 downloads. The search giant has changed the way it codes its search results so that illegal sites are demoted and fair sites are more likely to pop up. The world-first move in the UK, by Google, Bing and other search engines, is thanks to government-hosted talks which threatened legislation if search engines did not update their code. Music groups have obviously been complaining about the unwitting promotion of unlicenced infringing sites since, well, Napster probably; but they have a point. Despite the plethora of legal and free licenced music outlets, sites like Google are impacting the legal market and stunting musicians careers. In fact, Googles autocomplete tool even provides pirate-friendly terms. Its no wonder in October Google was processing 24 million links to pirate pages per week. However, restricting peoples access to pirate sites wont change everyones dirty piracy habits. BPI chief exec Geoff Taylor warns the move wont be a silver bullet: The code will accelerate the demotion of illegal sites following notices from rights holders, and establishes ongoing technical consultation, increased co-operation and information sharing to develop and improve on the process. It will also enable new practices to be adopted where needed, he said. The incomparable Elton John is returning to Australia in 2017, and hes already announced the first dates and some surprising venues. Rather than sticking to the standard tour locations, hell be heading out to more remote areas like Cairns and Mackay, with more dates on the way. Exclusive to Australia, Elton John & His Band will perform four very special Once In A Lifetime concerts this September, the Chugg touring website read s. Three of the first-and-last time events will be in cities he has never played before, and one is an intimate revisit of more than 25 years. So far, the only confirmed dates are Friday September 22 at BB Print Stadium in Mackay, and Saturday September 30 at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns, with the other two still to be announced. Hell be joined by Nigel Olsson on drums, who was part of Eltons original trio of backing musicians, and theyll be playing hits spanning Eltons decades-long career. I always love coming back to Australia, Elton says, having first played here in Perth. It holds a very special place in my heart, ever since my first visit there at the start of my world-wide career in 1971. My band and I are really looking forward to playing there again in September and this tour will be even more memorable because it will be the first time I have ever played Mackay and Cairnswhich I cant believe but there you have it. If the audiences are anything like those at all of the other shows we have done in Queensland over the years, everyone will surely be in for a wonderful crazy night! You can sign up for presale at the Chugg website, and general tickets go on sale on Tuesday March 14. ELTON JOHN ONCE IN A LIFETIME TOUR Mackay Friday 22 September BB Print Stadium More information here Cairns Saturday 30 September Cazalys Stadium More information here More dates to be announced. Once again, protesters against President Trump dominate the Kansas City discourse.Today, "Not My President's Day" was the occasion as a crowd of nearly 1000 gathered to cheer and chant against the current Prez.Close to two dozen police protected the crowd . . .The signs were clever but mostly focused on talking points we've seen previously . . .Lots of honking and cheering on of the youthful plaza crowd . . .Moreover . . .The pouty hottie with the legs advocating a free press was my highlight for this quick tour.Take a look at MSM roundup from just a few minutes ago . . .You decide . . . President Prokopis Pavlopoulos spoke about the role Saudi Arabia could play in ensuring peace in the region and combatting terrorism President Prokopis Pavlopoulos spoke about the role Saudi Arabia could play in ensuring peace in the region and combatting terrorism, as well the country's long economic relations with Greece, during a meeting with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on Tuesday. Pavlopoulos is on an official two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and is accompanied by Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroumblis and Alternate Foreign Minister George Katrougalos. "In this new period of relations with Saudi Arabia, Greece enters as a member-state of the European Union, located in a very sensitive region of the Mediterranean. The cooperation is not just economic. Saudi Arabia is a country that lays a central role within the Arabic countries. Its role is strengthened by its stability. Therefore it can play an important role in the consolidation of peace in the region and in combatting terrorism," Pavlopoulos said. Source: ANA-MPA RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report The balance of travel services in Greece during 2016 showed a surplus of 11,210 million euros, down 7.3% from a surplus of 12,088 million euros in 2015, due to a decrease of 906 million euros or 6.4% in travel receipts. The drop in travel receipts resulted from an 11.3 percent decline in average expenditure per trip, as inbound traveller flows grew by 5.1%. Based on provisional data by the Bank of Greece, the balance of travel services showed a surplus of 55 million in December 2016, compared with a surplus of 5 million in December 2015. More specifically, travel receipts in December 2016 rose to 193 million (up 4.7% from 184 million in December 2015), whereas travel payments fell by 22.9% (December 2016: 139 million, December 2015: 180 million). The rise in travel receipts resulted from a 15.6% increase in inbound traveller flows, as average expenditure per trip fell by 9.4%. Net receipts from travel services offset 3.6% of the goods deficit and accounted for 10.0% of total net receipts from services. In 2016, the balance of travel services showed a surplus of 11,210 million, down 7.3% from a surplus of 12,088 million in 2015. This development was due to a decrease of 906 million or 6.4% in travel receipts, as travel payments dropped by 28 million or 1.4%. The fall in travel receipts resulted from an 11.3% decline in average expenditure per trip, as inbound traveller flows rose by 5.1%. Net receipts from travel services offset 67.6% of the goods deficit and accounted for 73.2% of total net receipts from services. Travel receipts In December 2016, as mentioned previously, travel receipts rose by 4.7% year-on-year. Looking at the breakdown by visitors country of origin, receipts from residents of the EU28 increased by 32.2% (December 2016: 107 million, December 2015: 81 million), while receipts from outside the EU28 dropped by 17.3% (December 2016: 84 million, December 2015: 101 million). The rise in receipts from within the EU28 was due to a 22.1% increase in receipts from euro area residents to 67 million in December 2016, from 55 million in December 2015, as well as to a 53.4% rise in receipts from residents of non-euro area EU28 countries. Among major countries of origin, receipts from Germany fell by 3.8% to 17 million and those from France dropped by 18.2% to 4 million. Receipts from the United Kingdom increased by 33.4% to 18 million. Turning to non-EU28 countries, receipts from Russia fell by 4.8% to 5 million, while receipts from the United States increased by 78.8% to 16 million. In 2016, travel receipts fell by 6.4%, compared with the previous year, to 13,220 million. This development is attributed to lower receipts from both within the EU28 (down 3.0% to 9,123 million) and outside the EU28 (down 15.0% to 3,633 million). In particular, receipts from euro area residents fell by 6.9% to 5,596 million, while those from residents of non-euro area EU28 countries rose by 3.9% to 3,527 million. Specifically, receipts from Germany dropped by 4.1% to 2,152 million and those from France by 25.1% to 894 million. Receipts from the United Kingdom also decreased, by 2.9% to 1,961 million. Turning to non-EU28 countries, receipts from Russia rose by 3.4% to 436 million, while those from the United States fell by 22.8% to 728 million. Inbound traveller flows The number of inbound visitors in December 2016 rose by 15.6% year-on-year to 564 thousand. Specifically, visitor flows through airports increased by 34.4% and those through road border-crossing points by 2.6%. This development is attributed to higher visitor flows from within the EU28 (up 65.4%), as those from outside the EU28 fell by 19.6%. In greater detail, visitors from the euro area rose by 43.8% to 151 thousand and those from the non-euro area EU28 countries increased by 89.0% (December 2016: 183 thousand, December 2015: 97 thousand). Specifically, visitors from Germany increased by 29.4% to 39 thousand, while those from France fell by 33.6% to 9 thousand. Visitors from the United Kingdom rose by 32.6% to 36 thousand. Turning to non-EU28 countries, visitors from Russia rose by 21.9% to 11 thousand, while visitors from the United States rose by 19.9% to 23 thousand. The number of inbound visitors in 2016 increased by 5.1% to 24,799 thousand (2015: 23,600 thousand). Specifically, visitor flows through airports increased by 9.0%, while those through road border-crossing points fell by 4.7%. In 2016, visitors from within the EU28 increased by 15.0%, compared with the previous year, to 17,217 thousand, whereas those from outside the EU28 fell by 12.1% to 7,583 thousand. Visitors from the euro area rose by 9.1% and those from the non-euro area EU28 countries by 22.1%. Specifically, visitors from Germany rose by 11.7% to 3,139 thousand, while those from France fell by 13.7% to 1,314 thousand. Visitors from the United Kingdom rose by 20.8% to 2,895 thousand. Finally, turning to non-EU28 countries, visitors from Russia increased by 16.1% to 596 thousand and those from the United States by 3.8% to 779 thousand. Related link: Developments in the balance of travel services: December 2016 - Table RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report President of Republic Prokopios Pavlopoulos, who pays a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, will meet on Tuesday afternoon with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud President of Republic Prokopios Pavlopoulos, who pays a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, will meet on Tuesday afternoon with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. In the morning the Greek president held talks with Transport Minister Soulaiman Al Hamdan with whom he discussed matters of financial interest with special focus on tourism. Later, Pavlopoulos met with Minister of Commerce and Investments Dr Majed Bin Abdullah Al Kassabi. The meeting focused on issues of bilateral financial interest and the prospect of investments in Greece. Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, Shipping Minister Panagiotis Kouroumblis, Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura and Alternate Foreign Minister responsible for European Affairs George Katrougalos were present at the meetings. Pavlopoulos will also meet with Deputy Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud who chairs the Council for Economic and Development Affairs and is chief of the Public Investment Fund. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report . Kostas Tzivelekas had led 13 missions in the Himalayas and had participated in 37 missions in total The most famous and experienced Greek climber is no longer with us. Kostas Tzivelekas had led 13 missions in the Himalayas and had participated in 37 missions in total. His most important achievement, of course, was leading the Hellas Everest 2004, the first mission of Greeks at the top of the Everest. Tzivelekas was from Mavrolithari, Fokida. The news of his death has brought sorrow to Greece and to the people of sports. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Concerns have spread in Europe about a potential nuclear incident following a recent report by a French nuclear watchdog agency the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN), the French national public expert in nuclear and radiological risks that radioactive Iodine-131 had been observed across much of northern and central Europe. Since the isotope has a half-life of only eight days, the detection was an indication of a rather recent release. As the Barents Observer added, where the radioactivity is coming from is still a mystery. The emission was rumored to have originated close to the Arctic circle, with some speculating that a nuclear test of emergency had taken place in Russia in January and the fallout then spread to Norway and onward to Europe: Iodine-131 a radionuclide of anthropogenic origin, has recently been detected in tiny amounts in the ground-level atmosphere in Europe. The preliminary report states it was first found during week 2 of January 2017 in northern Norway. Iodine-131 was also detected in Finland, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, France and Spain, until the end of January, the French Institute de Radioprotection et de Surete Nucleaire wrote in a press release. Adding an air of mystery to this alleged incident was the spotting of the Constant Phoenix, which as we first reported, arrived on Friday in the UKs Mildenhall airbase from Florida. The WC-135 Constant Phoenix has been used in the past to determine whether nuclear tests or detonations have taken place in any given region. The WC-135 is a derivative of the Boeing C-135 transport and support plane. Two of these aircraft are in service today out of the ten examples operated since 1963. The aircraft are flown by flight crews from the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron from Offutt Air Force Base while mission crews are staffed by Detachment 1 from the Air Force Technical Applications Center. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Russia and Iran have begun the construction of a 1.4-gigawatt (GW) thermal power plant in the city of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran, a report said. Russian company Technopromexport and an Iranian holding company signed an agreement on the construction of a thermal power plant in Iran with 1.2 billion ($1.27 billion) funding of by Russia, reported Iran Daily, citing Sputnik. The Russians will also improve the efficiency at the Ramin power plant in Khuzestan Province to 50-55 percent from the current 36 percent, a government official said. "The two power contracts between Iran and Russia are worth several billion dollars. The details will be announced in the future," he added. Leading communications company Ooredoo has partnered with MBC Group, a free-to-air satellite broadcasting company, to launch a new high definition (HD) Arabic content channel on its IPTV service in Qatar. The new MBC + Ooredoo channel launch is part of a multi-year MoU the duo had signed last year, which gave Ooredoo exclusive rights to some of the MBCs HD channels in Qatar. With this latest partnership, Ooredoo tv customers will now be able to exclusively enjoy a brand new channel and that will include a selection of MBCs best Arabic content, said the statement from the Qatari group. Ooredoo and MBC Group hosted a star-studded event at the Museum of Islamic Art last night to launch the new channel. It was attended by Ooredoo Qatar CEO Waleed Al Sayed, MBC Group CEO Sam Barnett and a host of MBC talent including "Sabah Al Khair Ya Arab" star Khaled Al Shaer, reporter and broadcaster Ali Al Ghofaily, journalist Ola Al-Fares, as well as presenter Ghada Mussali from MBC1 and presenter Mariam Said from ET Bil Arabi. The MBC + Ooredoo, which will be available on channel 180, will boast of top programmes inlcuding Tabakh Al Sultan, Scoop, Dahsha, El Hokm, El Hob Al Halal and much more. Speaking at the launch, Al Sayed said: "Since its launch Ooredoo tv has offered the latest and best content, whether live, On Demand or on the go via the Ooredoo tv App." "This is the latest step in our vision of offering leading local and international content to Qatar and we hope you enjoy the wide range of programmes we have selected especially for Ooredoo tv customers in HD," he noted. Expressing delight at partnership with Ooredoo, Barnett said: "The speed and sophistication of the network provided by Ooredoo means that viewers in Qatar are able to experience audiovisual content at industry leading levels of quality." "It was only a few months ago when we announced our intention to work together, and now today our combined teams are ready to launch both MBC+ Ooredoo and our premium Video On Demand service Shahid Plus," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Madison Gas & Electric plans to build a wind farm in northeast Iowa that could generate up to 66 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 47,000 homes. The Madison utility company said Tuesday the Saratoga wind farm in Howard County, Iowa, would consist of 33 turbines, each nearly 500 feet tall. Thats 100 feet taller than turbines at MGEs Top of Iowa wind farm in Worth County, in north-central Iowa, installed in 2008. If regulators approve the proposal, it will be built next year and will begin operating by the end of 2018. The estimated cost is $107 million. This is an exciting opportunity for our customers and continues the progress weve made in reducing carbon emissions and increasing renewable energy, Gary Wolter, MGE chairman, president and CEO, said in a written statement. With recent advances in technology, this project represents a long-term, cost-effective strategy for MGE to continue to transition to cleaner energy sources. The announcement came one week before Wolter is slated to retire as president and CEO, to be succeeded by Jeffrey Keebler, senior vice president of energy supply and planning, on March 1. Wolter will remain chairman of the boards of MGE and parent firm MGE Energy. Tyler Huebner, executive director of the Madison renewable energy advocacy nonprofit RENEW Wisconsin, praised MGEs Saratoga project. Were happy to see MGE move ahead on their Energy 2030 framework and identify a large, renewable energy project, he said. Huebner was not surprised about the Iowa location. Right now, southwest Wisconsin is a little transmission-constrained. That is hurting the ability to develop wind power (in Wisconsin), he said. The Sierra Club also is glad to see MGE taking the much needed initiative to invest in wind power, said spokeswoman Elizabeth Katt Reinders, in Madison. Wed like to see MGE commit to large-scale clean energy investment with the goal of replacing, not augmenting, dirty fossil fuels. In its Energy 2030 plan, released in November 2015, MGE said it plans to supply 25 percent of its electric sales from renewable resources by 2025 and 30 percent by 2030. MGE said it started searching for sites for a wind farm in summer 2015. It began negotiations for the northeast Iowa site in summer 2016 and obtained rights to the location last year from initial site developer RPM Access. If approved, it will be MGEs largest wind farm. The utility also gets wind-generated power from five other farms in Wisconsin and Iowa. Tuesdays announcement about the Saratoga project comes on the heels of a meeting held Monday night by RePower Madison, a citizen group formed in 2014 to oppose MGEs rate increase plans. About 100 people attended the session at the Madison Central Library at which RePower Madison encouraged residents to send postcards to the utility calling for MGE to commit to 100 percent renewable energy. RePower program manager Mitch Brey said the timing of MGEs Saratoga announcement could be more than coincidental, though the project has been in the works for a while. We hope this will be the first of many clean energy projects for MGEs incoming CEO, Jeffrey Keebler, and that he will embrace a goal of 100 percent renewable energy as he takes on his new leadership role, Brey said. The MGE proposal is the latest in a series of wind generation projects announced in the past year. Alliant Energy, Madison, will build at least 500 megawatts in Iowa by 2020 and Dairyland Power Cooperative, La Crosse, said it will buy power from a wind farm under construction near Platteville and another, already operating, in north-central Iowa. The only solution to combating deadly infestations in date palms is early detection and directed treatment with the use of remote sensing technology, which can save farmers millions of dollars, said a top official. The best chance of gaining control and subsequently eradicating the infestations is when the insect population is still small and can be localised for direct treatment, added Bill Haraka, managing director at Dutch organisation TEC-IB, the creators of DateGIS, a multi-spectral satellite data gathering system for date farmers will outline the advancement in remote sensing technology to save date palms. He was speaking ahead of the Global Forum for Innovations in Agriculture (GFIA), running on March 20 and 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Following the success of remote sensing data acquisition trials carried out in Saudi Arabias Al Kharj region in 2016, TEC-IB has already gained support from the Kingdoms Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and is now looking for partnership with commercial farmers and the government organisations to conduct trials in the UAE and Oman. Due to its magnitude, the infestation of red palm weevil (RPW), a snout beetle, has become one of the biggest problems for farmers in the region, whose production accounts for 30 per cent of the worlds date supply. Haraka added: Traditional methods of detecting infestations take months and are inefficient as often the presence of the red palm weevil becomes apparent when the insects have already burrowed into the date palm, while a single aerial survey can provide a detailed map with the exact geo-location of infected date palms in a matter of days. Combined with sharp variations in rainfall, regional water scarcity and the increasing numbers of pests and diseases, the infestation of red palm weevils poses a challenge the farmers across the region cannot solve alone and need governmental support to combat it. The trials convinced the farmers and the Ministry of Agriculture that utilising the remote-sensing technology in the agricultural sector provides more control over the production yields increase and brings down internal costs due to directed and timely treatment of affected palms, Haraka said. Large-scale detection through the analysis of data acquired by satellites and aerial remote sensors is now a game-changer and the only solution for ministries of agriculture and commercial farmers. Held in strategic partnership with the Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority, GFIA will also feature an exhibition hosting some 300 companies, and an Innovations Programme, showcasing a series of 15-minute talks from start-up companies who think they have a next-generation solution that could shape the future of farming around the world. TradeArabia News Service Petroleum ministers of Iran and Iraq have signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in different fields of oil and gas, a report said. Issues such as development of oil and gas fields in common borders, exporting engineering and technical services, exporting goods and cooperation in the field of petroleum and derivatives were mentioned in the MoU, reported Irna. Rendering help to rebuild infrastructures of Iraq oil and gas refineries by Iran were also mentioned in the MoU. An agreement was also reached on exporting Kirkuk oil through a pipeline, which passes from Irans territory and it is due that an international consultant to be introduced for its technical and economic justification. Granting university scholarships to Iraqi students to study in upstream oil and gas courses were also among other issues in the MoU. Riyadh Travel Fair (RTF) 2017, Saudi Arabias largest travel trade event showcasing more than 250 exhibitors, national pavilions and seminars, is set to welcome an anticipated 30,000 visitors this April. RTF will open its doors for the ninth consecutive year, with the 2017 edition to be located at the Al Faisaliah Hotel, Riyadh from April 7 10. The four-day event will become the focus of business networking opportunities, insightful seminar sessions, ministerial discussions and the recognition of 12 months of the tourism industrys achievements. The 2017 edition will be the largest on record with an increase in both the number of exhibitors and expected visitor arrivals. More than 250 exhibitors will be present representing more than 50 countries. Over 50 national and regional pavilions will have a prominent presence with the show floor space also increased by 10 per cent compared to the 2016 event. Last year the Riyadh Travel Fair featured 246 exhibitors with visitor attendance at 25,724. That was an increase of 30 per cent compared to the 2015 edition. This year will continue our year-on-year growth as exhibitors hit over 250 and expected visitors numbers over 30,000, said Bander' Al Gryni, general manager ASAS Exhibitions organizer of Riyadh Travel Fair. Al Gryni added: Year after year, we have seen a consistent positive growth on the number of participants, exhibitors and attendees at RTF. With Saudi nationals increasingly travelling both domestically and overseas, the opportunities that the Riyadh Travel Fair provides for domestic and overseas destinations, hospitality service providers and other tourism related businesses, to directly meet with the kingdoms leading travel professionals and travellers has never been more significant. The Riyadh Travel Fair is open to both travel professionals and the general public looking for in-depth destination information and special deals. Visitors to the 2017 edition will be able to interact directly with various tourism authorities, hotels, airlines and travel agents from around the world. The Arabian Gulf region will have a strong presence at the fair including pavilions sponsored by; Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority (Strategic Partner), Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (Diamond Sponsor), Indonesia Tourism as Platinum Partner, Al-Riyadh Travel & Tourism (Gold Sponsors), Alia Travel (Silver Sponsor) and Careem (Transportation Sponsor). National pavilions confirmed to attend include those of: Austria, Kyoto Japan, Philippines, Doka, Orange County California, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Slovenia, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Bursa ,Taiwan, Mexico ,Holland ,Maldives and Korea, to name just a few. Exhibitors from Asia, Oceania, Europe and North Africa will also be present, along with hotels, airlines, travel agencies, online booking sites, and car rental companies such as Rotana, Lufthansa, MATATO, Thrifty , Dollar Rent A Car, Fursan Travel, and AirFrance & KLM , to name a few. Riyadh Travel Fair is organised by ASAS Exhibition and Conference Organizing company under the sponsorship of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority as Strategic Partner. - TradeArabia News Service Ascott, a leading serviced residence owner-operator, has appointed Meenu Singh as its new director of sales for Somerset Panorama Muscat in Oman. In her new role, Singh will oversee the sales of the 277-unit apartment hotel, and provide a strategic implementation of long and short-term plans towards the business development for the hotel. She brings over 17 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Before this appointment, Singh was the head of sales and marketing for Coral Hotels & Resorts, Muscat. She has held senior management positions in Al Nahda Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels Group and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts in Oman and India. Vincent Miccolis, Ascotts country general manager Middle East & Turkey said: Were delighted to welcome Meenu Singh in our team. She possesses strong experience in hospitality management. I am confident that under her leadership, we will continue to strengthen our business in Muscat and reinforce our reputation as the leading international serviced residence owner-operator." Singh said: I am delighted to work with this dynamic and passionate team. Oman is a great destination and has seen significant growth in the hospitality sector. Im excited to lead the team in the first Somerset-branded property in the country. Somerset Panorama Muscat is located in Al Ghubrah Street in Muscat. The property is ideal for travellers who are on business or holiday with family, Somerset Panorama Muscat is a perfect option for short-term or long-stay visitors who want the flexibility of being able to explore Omans fascinating capital from the comfort of an ultra-modern, apartment hotel. Residents can select from studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, each of which is tastefully designed to exude a home away from home feeling of warmth and hospitality. - TradeArabia News Service There's some common knowledge about the Great Wall of China that almost everyone knows, but are they fact or fiction? Some myths are worth debunking so here are five things you should know about China's ancient wall. Is It Visible From Space? Back in 1932, an amateur anthropologist from America made a public statement that the Great Wall can be seen from the moon which later on became an urban myth. But when space travel advancements happened, people weren't able to see from space. It's Called The Long Wall Most people call it the Great Wall but it's not how the Chinese call it. In fact, most locals call it Chang Cheng which means Long Wall or Long City. Chinese poets would even go for more artistic names such as The Earth Dragon or The Purple Wall. It's "Not" The Longest Graveyard In The World With a wall that's over 5500 miles, it's assumed a lot of workers died making it the longest cemetery. But according to The Telegraph, no human remains were discovered and it was only a tactic by a historian to destroy a previous regime. Rice Flour Was Used To Build It According to China Travellers, during the Qin Dynasty which lasted in 221-207 BC, glutinous rice flour was the material used by builders to bind the bricks together. It was hitting two birds with one stone because the rice was used as binding material and food for the workers as well. The Wall Can't Be Penetrated Back In The Day It was indeed a great wall that defended China from enemies. However, it's the people behind the walls that makes it penetrable. In 1644, on traitor in the Shanhaiguan outpost opened one of the gates and let the Manchu armies in. This event would change the course of China's history. There's a lot about the Great Wall of China that everyone didn't know. These five things would help in making you appreciate this historical edifice even more. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The American Museum of Natural History is nearly celebrating its 150 years of existence. The museum's authorities have decided to fund a $340 million worth of renovations and additions to the place. If you're familiar with it, you've probably seen it in a Ben Stiller movie, "A Night At The Museum." The most prominent addition to the museum is the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education and Innovation. Its purpose is to entice students to be more scientifically literate, with several interactive exhibits that don't focus on just one particular subject. The project's design will be headed by Jeanne Gang and with the collaboration of Reed Hilderbrand, the landscape architects from Cambridge, Mass. Jeane Gang has won the privilege of designing the Gilder Center from a competition and has already demonstrated the building model at an event at the American Museum of Natural History last Wednesday. Some of the new exhibits to be added include the Insectarium, which is going to be located in the first floor of the center. A butterfly sanctuary will also take place on the second floor, with a special augmented reality component as one of its perks. Guests can take pictures of beautiful, colorful butterflies without worrying they'll fly away. "The new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation will invite visitors to experience the Museum not only as a place of public exhibitions but as an active scientific and educational institution," their website reads. "The Gilder Center will include new exhibition and learning spaces with state-of-the-art technology and access to the Museum's world-class collections. It will also expand access to a broader range of the Museum's resources for students, teachers, and families, offering new learning opportunities and inviting all visitors to share in the excitement of discovery." All the new exhibits and features in the Gilder Center will be top-of-the-notch and will be more interactive than the usual exhibits. Intense planning and preparation are currently taking place; and by the times it's finished, students and museum fanatics all over the country will be wanting to step inside its walls. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Delta Air Lines has confirmed the return of its free complimentary economy-class meals to all passengers on selected long-haul flights beginning March 1, 2017. The free meals will take place on the cabin of flights between the Los Angeles Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. It will also be given to passengers for flights between JFK International Airport and San Francisco International Airport. According to the Travel Weekly, this multi-million dollar effort makes the Atlanta-based carrier the first airline to provide free meals for passengers with economy-class tickets. The complimentary meals will include sandwiches, continental breakfast, Luvo breakfast medley and fruit plates for early morning flights and veggie wraps and smoked turkeys for lunch. Moreover, on April 24, Delta Air Lines will also be serving meals for other major routes such as Boston to Los Angeles, Boston to San Francisco, Boston to Seattle, Washington to LAX, Seattle to Fort Lauderdale, Seattle to Orlando, Seattle to Raleigh-Durham, New York's JFK to Portland, JFK to Ore, JFK to San Diego and lastly, JFK to Seattle. According to Travel and Leisure, Delta Air Lines has also confirmed that the menu they are about to serve will be regularly modified depending upon seasonal and local ingredients that are available. For Delta Comfort+ passengers, there will be free beers, wine and spirits as well as a Greek frozen yogurt bar. Delta Air Lines has already established a legacy in offering free meals to passengers way back 2001. However, because of the suits filed by other domestic airlines as well as the financial crisis which began in the year 2007, Delta Air Lines eliminated the complimentary meals for in-flight passengers. Last year, the carrier started giving free meals to passengers as part of its customer satisfaction limited service test. The customer satisfaction polls revealed that passengers who received complimentary meals have given higher satisfaction rate to the airlines and this is what triggered the management to bring back its free meal offering to passengers. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 US President Donald Trump's revised executive order to ban travel for all immigrants coming from seven Muslim-majority nations would exclude green card holders coming from these nations. According to the newly-elected POTUS, the new immigration executive order would "protect our people" and pass the requirements of court. According to CNN, the revised travel ban executive order could be re-proposed as early as this week and it would clarify that green card holders from the Muslim-majority countries indicated in the ban are excluded. The news website cites Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly in his Munich Security Conference Statement that, "The President is contemplating releasing a tighter, more streamlined version of the executive order." In the last few weeks, Trump's travel ban against the countries Iran, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen caused international controversy. Should the 9th Circuit Court implemented the executive order, the country would hold the entry of citizens from these Muslim-majority nations for 90 days -- with Syrian refugees to be held at bay "indefinitely." The Hill writes that the revised travel ban would still include the original seven countries and "will no longer tell authorities to specifically single out" and "reject Syrian refugees." The first version of the travel ban had the Trump administration face lawsuits from several human rights groups before a Seattle federal judge -- whom Trump publicly berated and blamed for any possible security issues in the country -- blocked the executive order. After the executive order's announcement, the US travel industry expected a quick and massive decline in the number of bookings into the United States. According to Boston Globe, analysts believed the executive order to ban travelers from seven Muslim nations could cause the same damage as the Sept 11, 2001 terror attacks caused in the United States. The same report cited several online booking websites that searches for the United States for booking went down from 17 percent to 6 percent after Trump's announcement and signing of the executive order. According to analysts, the "icy message" the announcement and signing of the executive order's intent is alarming. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 A good entry to your bucket list is the chance to learn history and explore the world's lost cities--indeed, an adventure of a lifetime with its breathtaking views and unforgettable activities. Here are five ancient lost cities to visit before you die. Vilcabamba, Peru. One of the historical Inca sites that is truly a must visit is Vilcabamba. It is located in the south of Peru and along the Chontabamba River, and is held in high regard, as it was the leading society that fought the last of the Spanish invasion. Copan, Honduras. Copan is perfect for travel explorers with its multiple activities. According to Honduras.com, you can have a tour in their internationally acclaimed museums and see authentic Mayan sculptures. In addition, one can appreciate the wide variety of birds including parrots, toucans, and macaws in famed Copan Valley bird watching. Caracol, Belize. If you're tired of the mainstream attractions, Caracol is the destination for you with its glorious ceiba trees, stones wrapped in roots and howler monkeys moving freely. It's also the largest Mayan site in Belize with a 136-foot temple. And the best part is that it has only few tourists. Persepolis, Iran. According to Telegraph, this is a highly recommended attraction when you visit Iran. It would be a good remembrance to have a picture in the capital of the First Persian Empire. Be amazed at the ancient ruins and sculptures that have remained after the being burnt during the time of Alexander the Great. Shisr, Oman. If you have the read the Quran, you would be familiar with this place since is described as the "Atlantis of the Sands." This is said to be a trading spot with the vast variety of artifacts originating from Persia, Greece and Rome. Though a trip here requires permission from Salalah City, it is a rare opportunity to see the Frankincense City of Ubar. These ancient lost cities not only hold great knowledge but history as well. They are equipped with remains that give a glimpse of the culture and arts of different civilizations. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Urban affairs, investigations, consumer help ("SOS") Follow Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today Signs on the door of the East Side Madison eatery identified it as a sanctuary restaurant with a place at the table for everyone. All are welcome and safe here, they declared. A sign isnt going to keep immigration agents at bay if the Trump administration begins mass deportations of people who entered this country illegally. But its hard to fault the signs sentiment. The sanctuary restaurant movement started in Michigan, and the signs I saw include the logo for Madison Originals, an association of almost 50 independently owned Madison-area restaurants. I think it means something different to each member who chose to display it, but I believe most saw it as being a statement about accepting all people, Madison Originals ambassador Holly Tierney-Bedord said of the signs. A handful of the groups restaurants are using them, she said. Latino immigrants not legally allowed to work here are almost certainly among those worthy of acceptance, given that they often dominate the ranks of busboys and cooks and other back-of-the-house restaurant positions. Although if I were an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, the signs could be a clue about where to find such workers, which is why if I were such a worker, the signs could be reason for some frustrated forehead-slapping. At the least, they are indicative of the kinds of self-congratulatory political statements Madisonians are so fond of, as well as one more way to attract customers interested in eating good food while simultaneously patting themselves on the back. Still, theres ample reason for supporting immigrant workers. Yes, those not authorized to be in the country are breaking the law. But spending the time and money required to deport them all while often sowing chaos in their families seems akin to putting a cop on every corner to catch every speeder, even if the speeder happens to be rushing his pregnant wife to the hospital. Theres also an argument to be made that these workers depress wages and take jobs from Americans, especially in low-skilled employment. But there are other data showing benefits they make to the economy. Without workers who immigrated illegally, some industries would have to pay more to compete for labor in a tighter labor market dominated by Americans who arent eager to take the low-paying, difficult and dirty jobs those workers often take. Higher labor costs would mean increases in the prices of some products, and that could be a problem in an age when wage growth isnt necessarily keeping up with the growth in the number and range of products advertisers tell Americans they should buy. I spent much of my 20s working in restaurants in Chicago and its suburbs, and lots of the people I worked with were Latino, Polish and Asian immigrants most of whom Im assuming were not in the country legally. As a group, they were more hard-working, helpful and pleasant than my native-born American co-workers. Americas immigration system may be broken, but the vast majority of immigrants, whether they arrived legally or not, deserve neither the blame nor the punishment for that. Tech giant company Google has taken an action against sites that spread "false news." The company has launched its tool called Fact Check Tag that will help readers find fact checking in the huge news stories online. As a matter of fact, Google has launched this tool in three more countries and has been introduced weeks before presidential election voting. The new tool has been featured in its new section to allow its readers to determine whether the article is true or not. The label is now visible in the expand story box in Google News search results and the Google News and Weather app in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, according to Independent UK. The new feature was first launched in the United States in October 2016 ahead of the election. Then, it has been rolled out in France and Germany. Last year, Google and Facebook have been accused of beings reasons why fake news spread like wildfire online. Since then, both companies are now committed to fight those sites that spread lies. "We have to take the fake news problem very, very seriously and think about what we can do there," Google chief business officer, Philipp Schindler said during Code Media conference. The current U.S. President Donald Trump is very vocal about labelling unfavourable reports that he called "fake news." During a rally with his supporters in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Trump attacked again "fake news" and claimed that something happened in Sweden. "You look at what's happening in Germany, you look at what's happening last night in Sweden," Trump said on Sunday, Feb. 18. He also mocked Sweden's "large-scale immigration," claiming media (which he accused a source of fake news) covered up the real impact of refugees arriving in Scandinavian. His claims about Sweden triggered mockery on social media because nothing happened in the country. Many netizens reacted on Trump's claim. The former prime minister of Swede Carl Bildt reacted on Trump's remarks. "Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? Questions abound," Bildt tweeted. On Monday, Feb. 20, Trump took Twitter to inform the public where did he get this information. According to the U.S. President, his claim was in reference to a story that Fox News broadcast concerning the immigration. The U.S. President also accused Google for manipulating news and claimed that the search engine hides "bad Hillary Clinton news." My statement as to what's happening in Sweden was in reference to a story that was broadcast on @FoxNews concerning immigrants & Sweden. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2017 See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Travel in Southeast Asia has become popular for the adventurous and free-spirited tourists throughout the modern era. This global region is currently considered as the backpacker's paradise. As of 2015, this area has the second highest number of international arrivals garnering a total of approximately 127.1 million visitors. One of the most compelling reasons that draw tourists in this part of the world has a lot to do with the economical overall expenses. Travel in Southeast Asia is relatively cheaper than visiting the Mediterranean or Latin America. Another interesting draw about this global region is the alluring tropical climate, which makes the beaches of Southeast Asian countries a much cheaper alternative to the Caribbean destinations. Although most Southeast Asian countries share almost the same climate, they pretty much differ greatly in terms of culture. Here are the three different countries to take note of anyone's next travel plan in this part of the world: Malaysia. This archipelago is predominantly Muslim and a former British colony. Although the Malay ethnicity comprised its national heritage, this country has an overwhelming number of Chinese and Indian peoples occupying its demographics. Those who wish to visit Malaysia should venture out of Kuala Lumpur and explore other areas like Borneo, Penang, Malacca, Kota Kinabalu, Sarawak, Ipoh, and Perak. Thailand. In this country, Buddhism suffuses almost all aspects of life. This country has a significant local Chinese presence, comprising a total of 14 percent of the entire Thai population as of 2012. Curiously, however, Thailand is also an important haven for 13th and 16th Century Japanese exiles. There is more to see for people who plan to visit Thailand than the glaring nightlife scene of Bangkok. Other key locations worth noting include Pattaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Chiang Rai, Khon Kaen and Krabi. Philippines. This archipelago identifies itself as predominantly Roman Catholic, but a significant Muslim presence is known in the southernmost parts of the nation. The Philippines was a former Spanish colony, but the United States held the most significant influence throughout the modern times. Ironically, outsiders who visit the Philippines would find the key tourist spots outside the capital city of Manila. These places include Palawan, Batanes, Cebu, Surigao, Davao, and Baguio. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Road trips are fun, until you find yourself in an off-beaten path filled with deadly sharp curves, deep ravines, and the kind of drive that will make you fear for your life. Roads may be really essential for the movement from one destination to the other, but in some cases, it doesn't hurt to just stay put. The World Health Organization has declared the years 2011-2021 "A decade of action for road safety," but some roads are really just too dangerous to drive safely. So before you fill up your car tank and have the road trip of your life, take note of these roads that are proven to be some of the most dangerous in the world: Pan-American Highway, Alaska to Argentina. Deemed as the "longest motorable road in the world", traversing in this 30,000 mile-highway would certainly leave you off your car for quite some time. Spanning from Alaska to South America, you would have to get past jungles and glaciers and mountains before you get to your destination. Now if you're not careful, this might be the last drive of your life. North Yungas Road, Bolivia. This road is famed due to its tendency to claim around 200-300 lives each year. Because of its narrow path and absence of proper road blockings, buses and trucks usually collide and fall in the valley down the road. It's named "The Road of Death" by the locals. Sichuan-Tibet Highway, China. It's amazing how some drivers brave this road as it looks like somebody just hastily carved up some space on the side of the mountain. This road is not properly paved and avalanches tend to happen regularly without warning. According to reports, there are 7,500 deaths for every 100,000 drivers who drive this road. Care to try your luck? Skippers Canyon Road, New Zealand. You have to get a special permit first before you'll be allowed to drive on this road. The reason? It entails a really narrow path on the side of a cliff which can only accommodate one car way. The views around the road are remarkable, but if you don't want to die just yet, don't take your eyes off the road. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The west coast of California has generously opened its doors to immigrants for more than two centuries, despite (ironically) the ostensibly isolationist position of the current administration's so-called Muslim ban. As of 2014, 38.8 million inhabitants call it as their home. This state is still one of the biggest multicultural territories in the United States. In 2015, around 27 percent of the entire state's population is foreign-born. Between the two important cities of California, there are key locations that urge foreigners to visit Los Angeles instead. These are the following tourist spots to take note: Hollywood. One of the foremost things that come to mind for people thinking about Los Angeles is Hollywood. Indeed, this city is considered the cultural center of America's blockbuster filmmaking industry since the 1950's. Among its notable tourist attractions is the Walk of Fame. Little Tokyo. Declared as a National Historic Landmark in 1995, this neighborhood is considered as the cultural center of Japanese Americans living in Southern California. Little Tokyo boasts a vast array of Japanese commercial outlets, from restaurants to recreational stores (e.g. books, anime DVD's, etc). Movie Studios Tour. Speaking of Hollywood, the best way to enjoy American movie patronage for people who travel to California is to tour around the prestigious Hollywood studios. The most popular of which is the Universal Studios theme park. Despite the glitz and glamor of LA, there are also a number of reasons why some would prefer to visit San Francisco. These are the following attractions worth mentioning: The Biggest Chinatown Not only does San Francisco have the biggest Chinatown outside of Asia, it is also the oldest Chinese community in North America. As of 2012, around 21.4 percent of the city's population is comprised of Chinese Americans. This neighborhood is teeming with exotic shops, dim sum restaurants, and other commercial outlets. Alcatraz Prison Since it closed in the mid-1960's, the Alcatraz Prison has beckoned outsiders to explore the remnants of its notorious past. This prison was home to America's legendary criminals, among which included Al Capone. Travel Back In The 60's The Haight-Asbury district was the center of the Hippie Movement during its heyday. Now, this neighborhood takes visitors back into the age of the 'Flower Children.' Many would easily describe this part of San Francisco as a 'colorful' zone. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 More and more artists are becoming enraged with President Donald Trump's immigration law with thousands of them holding exhibitions and art protests.The Davis Museum at Wellesley College protested by removing all artworks and covering them in black cloth that was created or given by immigrant artists. "Art-Less" is a six-day de-installation project that honors immigrants, especially the artists that helped shape the country's culture. The policy will affect the 120 works done by immigrants in the campus, according to The Boston Globe. These artworks are mostly paintings, bronze and wood sculptures, and masks from other countries. Lisa Fischman, Director of Davis, was reported as saying, "We're hoping to articulate the contributions of immigrants here at Davis in response to the anxiety this executive order has raised and continued to raise." The de-installation will contain labels or tags that say, "made by an immigrant" or "given by an immigrant." These tags can be used by anyone and can be downloaded at the Davis Museum website. People can still catch the protest as it will end today. The greatest art impact there will be from the African gallery collection as most of the artworks displayed came from the immigrant family, Klejman, who arrived in America after World War II. Meanwhile, New York's Museum of Modern Art is replacing paintings by famous artists to honor painters hailing from the seven Muslim-majority countries listed by the law. Galleries on the fifth floor will now hang up Iranian artists' works such as sculptors by Parviz Tanavoli and photography of Shirana Shahbazi. Moreover, the Manhattan Gallery has created their wall of 700 immigrants' backpacks to acknowledge the migrants who illegally crossed the U.S. border that led some to their death. Only time will tell how much more artists out there will show their great dismay over the policy Trump has ordered. But one thing is for sure - immigrant artists have significantly contributed to America's art and culture scene. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Angelina Jolie stepped back into the spotlight in Cambodia to promote her latest project, "First They Killed My Father." In tow on the trip were all of her 6 children, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh as well as twins Knox and Vivienne. Given her very public split with husband, Brad Pitt, late last year, the actress was continuously asked about her state of affairs with her estranged partner. And while the actress obviously does not want to talk about the matter, she was keen in panning the topic of conversation more on her kids. The 41-year-old actress sat down with BBC for an exclusive interview in light of her newest gig. But she was also asked some personal questions like where she sees her life in five years. Jolie gamely answered the query with an optimistic outlook revealing that by that time, she would like to happily travel the world with all of her children. Given that 3 of her kids in Maddox, Pax and Zahara were adopted from Cambodia, Vietnam, and Ethiopia respectively, she wishes to bring them back to their home country to give them the homecoming that her eldest just experienced. On top of that, she hopes that she is still able to support them in all of their personal endeavors "not through the prism of Hollywood or through a certain kind of life but really take them into the world where they have a really good sense of the come-round of people." Even before her split, the actress was known for always trying to protect her family from the public eye which makes her answer very sensible. Outside of her family, Jolie also shared envisions herself to continue promoting her causes and bringing more attention to the charities that are close to her. The "Maleficent" actress is known for her humanitarian works across the world being part of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) promoting Human and Women's Rights. As of now, Jolie's divorce proceedings with Pitt that started last September is still ongoing privately. The Hollywood pair cited irreconcilable differences as their main reason for separating with Jolie requesting full custody of all of their kids including their 3 biological kids - Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Utah's largest brewery wants you to hike and visit US National Parks as their beer cans promote these outdoor spots with their exclusive Rotating Parks Series packaging. Uinta Brewery will release limited editions of their packaging, featuring different National Parks around the country. However, people might want to know that the beer will taste all the same - a golden ale which the group describes as "a year-round refresher, light bodied and crisp with a subtle sweetness." Uinta Chief Executive Officer Steve Mills told The Full Pint that many of their explorations in the national parks had inspired them to craft a particular beer and now, they're paying homage of their experience through the Rotating package. "We're fortunate to have five National Parks within 5 hours of the brewery and hope that our Golden Ale encourages consumers to get out and explore those that surround them," he further explained. This year, they would be printing images of the Yosemite, Yellowstone, Arches, Great Smoky Mountains, Acadia, Grand Canyon, Rocky Mountain and Everglades, with 54 more packaging designs to be unveiled soon. Will the money go to the restoration of the parks? This has been the question most drinkers have asked, but it seemed like Uinta won't be donating proceeds to the parks. The brewery has other partners for their beer craft and would, therefore, arouse some conflicts if they do. However, the company stated that they do support other outdoor non-profits. Uinta said that it's been creating the Rotating Parks Series packaging for years, the launching in February became immensely important especially that the parks seemed to suffer from the recent move made by the Trump administration to issue a media blackout of the Environmental Protection Agency. But, nevertheless, people can buy the special edition of the drink and can travel to the parks themselves. Because that is truly what the message is all about - travel and promotion. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Food that "burned down to charcoal" brought firefighters to a Downtown apartment early Tuesday morning, with nobody hurt in the blaze. The fire was reported at about 12:30 a.m. at an apartment in the 400 block of West Wilson Street, the Madison Fire Department said. "A neighbor called 911 upon noticing smoke coming out from under the apartment door," said spokeswoman Cynthia Schuster. "Firefighters made their way to the apartment where they found food on the stove burned down to charcoal." No extension of fire was found in the cupboards or adjacent areas in the kitchen. "The occupant was found sleeping in another room," Schuster said. "Firefighters woke him up so he could leave the apartment while it was being ventilated." After the smoke cleared, the occupant was allowed back inside. No other evacuation was noted. An Arkdale man was up front with a Madison police officer Monday night after crashing his van into several parked vehicles on the city's Near East Side. "I'm drunk, can we just go to jail?," said James Trottier, 52, when approached by the officer at about 6:30 p.m. on North Sherman Avenue at North Brearly Street. Trottier did go to jail, tentatively charged with his alleged sixth drunken driving offense, along with hit and run to an unattended vehicle and having open intoxicants in a motor vehicle. Police were sent to the scene when the owner of one of the damaged parked cars called police as Trottier's van came to a stop. "The front driver's side wheel was missing and air bags had deployed," said police spokesman Joel DeSpain. "There were many full and empty beer cans in the van." Trottier told police he also had been drinking at a bar. "He didn't realize he had been involved in a crash," DeSpain said. Climate change models should do more than just predict dire results from rising carbon dioxide levels. They must help guide political choices that could alter disastrous outcomes, or they do little more than help us calculate insurance rate hikes and make emergency plans. A paper by an international group of University of Maryland-led scientists, counting no less than 5 members of the National Academy of Sciences to their ranks, argues that current climate models will fail precisely because they focus too much on the science and not enough on sociology. "The Human System has become strongly dominant within the Earth System" The paper makes two key observations: Current models may address the influence of projected population growth, GDP growth, or other social factors -- but they do not integrate these factors in a coupled, bi-directional feedback loop. By treating social factors as externalities, climate models reinforce the human tendency to perceive measures taken to control climate change as "costs" rather than as cost effective or good investments. The solution? Toss the current models, such as the Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs), and create new Earth System Models (ESMs) that can better predict wider factors that can influence climate change. The concept underlying this recommendation is known as "coupling" - when change in one parameter causes change in other parameters. The IAMs earned the "integrated" in their acronym by including energy and agricultural influences. But they still input factors like population from external reports that may not account for the impact of climate change on population growth. To see how broader integration is essential, take this example: if we educate women birth rates fall and population growth slows. Education would not be selected as a priority influence in current climate models which do not "couple" social factors with climate outcomes, but could be analyzed more fully in Earth System Models. Perhaps money currently spent subsidizing electric cars would be better spent in educational outreach? Or the other way around: because education contributes to greater growth in per capita income, the effects of lowering the number of people might be overwhelmed by the vastly higher environmental footprints typical of wealthier populations (the richest 10% of humanity produce over half of greenhouse gas emissions). In a more critical example, current climate models point to massive reductions in fossil fuel use as a solution. This obvious path forward has consistently failed to gain political traction, though, because it is perceived as "too high a cost" to the global economy. Earth System Models (ESMs) need to show how the use of our air and our rivers as sinks for human outputs also poses "too high a cost" as growth becomes hemmed in by limitations in the earth's ability to process our outputs or supply our needs. The scientists behind the paper wisely point out that good policy involves more than just perfecting the models, which is hard enough. When it comes to discussing issues such as family planning or displacement of pollution versus growth of developing economies, human rights issues must be considered as well. It has been officially proposed that we have been living in the Anthropocene epoch since approximately the Industrial Revolution. Whether advocates gain approval for this concept of a new epoch or not, the term is intended convey that we humans are now the most significant influencing factor on the evolution of our planet. It also proves how little we understand that in the end, it will be the earth that influences our evolution. What remains to be seen: can Earth System Models (ESMs) pierce the denialism and outright apathy about climate change before the Anthropocene turns out to be the shortest epoch? Read the entire article, Modeling sustainability: population, inequality, consumption, and bidirectional coupling of the Earth and Human Systems, published unlocked in the National Science Review, When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Girona, seen from the Eiffel Bridge Fiercely independent At the crossroads of history Home to a specialized Gothic style Simply pretty Rocambolesc ice cream The handsome city ofin far northeastern Spain had long been on my to-visit list, becoming irresistible after a series of sensational blog posts and Instagram photos from friends I follow came across my feed.After all, who could resist a city that gets festooned with an avalanche of flowers every spring , that boasts a strikingly-red Eiffel Bridge, and that is home to the Best Ice Cream in the World?You might think that Girona (pronounced zhee-ROE-nuh [io.n]) would be totally overshadowed by its neighbor Barcelona to the south, but sitting a 40-minute train ride away lets this provincial capital carve out its own unique character and feel. Andmaking Girona a perfect place to experience what makes the northeastern region of Catalunya so special.As part of my final trip around Spain before moving back home, I spent three nights in this fabulous city and got more deeply acquainted with what makes Catalan culture unique than I would have otherwise as a tourist in Barcelona.When I visited Girona in June of 2015, the regional government of Catalunya had just held an (illegitimate) referendum on independence from Spain that past November. So it was only natural to seeof both the regional and separatist (blue triangle + white star) varieties being flown from windows and balconies all over town. These flags are a common sight across a region whose residents are more likely to self-identify as Catalan first, European second, and Spanishonly if they need a passport. The mayor of Girona belongs to a pro-separatism party, to boot.As I strolled through the old town, I came across a shop that had been converted into an information center for Catalan separatism with a huge banner proclaiming a myriad of statistics that supported Catalans creating their own country (and to be fair, it was pretty convincing, even in the original Catalan!). The banner did leave off one critical piece of information: an independent Catalunya would remain outside the institutions that have ensured its prosperity over the years, like NATO, the borderless Schengen Area, and, most significantly, the European Union.But hey,as they say.Gironas situated just to the south of the lowlands that make it possible to move between Spain and the rest of continental Europe, so as you can imagine the city has been at the crossroads of the history that has shaped not only this distinct region of Spain but also Europe as a whole.The city began as Romana major fortification at the confluence of several rivers. Over the centuries it would pass from the barbarian Visigoths, to the Moors based in Andalucia, to Charlemagne of France, and finally to the Counts of Barcelona. The imposing location of the current Christian cathedral has in the past been home to a Roman temple and a Muslim mosque.Up until the Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492, they made up a thriving element of the community in Gironasor Jewish quarter. Today the city honors itswith a history museum housed in a medieval building with an original Jewish, or bath for ritual immersion.Girona quickly industrialized at the turn of the century along with the rest of Catalunya (unlike the rest of Spain at the time). Epitomizing this industrialization is a strikingthat spans the Onyar River in the heart of the old town, designed by none other thanhimself. Today the bridge offers a way to get postcard-perfect shots of riverside Girona framed by the diamond-shaped beams that support the bridge.If I ever get around to writing a blog post about my top 10 favorite cathedrals in Spain, Gironas will definitely show up on that list, if only because its such a glorious example ofwhich features wide interior spaces, vast flat/unadorned walls, and octagonal towers.You reach the cathedral via a monumental staircase 86 steps longjust as you would have done in Roman times to reach the main temple. An ornate Baroque facade completes the overwhelming scene, one that will also exhaust you after climbing up all those stairs.Within, youre really taken aback by the sheer immensity of the church, which contains a single nave rather than the typical central nave flanked by aisles on either side with separate arches and columns.The triforium or arched gallery that runs along the entire length of the cathedral seems punched out of the walls, and the occasional tourist that passes from window to window appears even tinier when compared to the enormous clerestory windows above. This whole gallery really dazzled me when I was there as it feels like something taken out of a fantasy tale whereconnected sprawling palaces and castles.Dont get me wrong, Spain is a truly beautiful country, but there are many regions that are just plain drab, home to little more than flat agricultural plains with farming towns falling apart due to neglect or provincial capitals that exploded in population under Franco and now boast block after block of ugly 70s-era apartment units. Catalunya is not one of these regions, and Girona is no different.Cobblestone streets take you through shaded medieval neighborhoods out to the Onyar River, over which hang houses painted in earthy tones like ochre, goldenrod, and salmon.A host of stunning Romanesque and Gothic churches punctuate these pleasant homes, each overflowing with exquisite sculptures.And surrounding it all is a lush natural setting of rolling hills, forests, and farms that continue into the distance.Just around the corner from the red Eiffel Bridge youll find theice cream shop on the main shopping drag. The prices are astronomicaland the ice cream combos they mix up feel truly galactic. My green-tea fro-yo came topped with candied pistachios, mint sugar, and something crunchy flavored with eucalyptus. Over-the-top, most definitely, but this glamorous bowl of ice cream felt right at home in such a gorgeous city. A car fire on Madison's West Side on Monday was caused by smoking materials inside the vehicle. Nobody was injured in the fire that destroyed the car at about 1:30 p.m. in the 500 block of Walnut Street, the Madison Fire Department said. Damage was estimated to be $18,000. A column of smoke was rising from the car as firefighters arrived. "As they drew closer to the sedan, they noted the fire appeared to be confined to the passenger compartment," said fire department spokeswoman Cynthia Schuster. The fire didn't extend beyond the passenger compartment, and nearby buildings were not affected. Unseasonably warm weather melting snow and expected rain and snow prompted the National Weather Service to issue a flood warning Monday for Columbia County. The weather service predicts the Wisconsin River will reach flood stage levels of 17 feet by Thursday and crest at 18 feet on Friday. Several roads in Blackhawk Park of flood-prone Portage could be flooded, including Blackhawk Road, West Lane Road, Old River Road and Lake Road, Columbia County Emergency Management said in a release. On Monday afternoon, the water level in Portage was just below 14 feet, according to the weather service. "People who live in low lying areas along the Wisconsin River are encouraged to take appropriate actions and to monitor the river levels for any changes," the emergency management office said. Between a quarter and a half of an inch of rain is expected to fall in Portage over Monday night, while another round of rain and snow is likely to hit the area Thursday night through Friday. Highway V and Oak Knoll Road in the town of Dekorra, south of Portage, also face potential flooding. Emergency officials warned travelers to not attempt to drive through flooded areas. The weather service also issued warnings for Wood, Jackson, Buffalo, Pepin, Chippewa and Eau Claire counties. A bill introduced in the state Assembly this week would create the first charter school in Wisconsin specifically for teens recovering from substance abuse. The bill, co-authored by Sens. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, and Rep. John Nygren, R-Marinette, would allow the UW Systems Office of Educational Opportunity to seek bids for a charter school operator to start a school for no more than 15 students who are recovering from addictions. The bill also is supported by 10 Assembly Democrats, including Reps. Melissa Sargent and Lisa Subeck, both of Madison. The school would be the first founded by the OEO, created in the state 2015-17 budget, which has the ability to bypass local school boards and authorize independent charter schools in Madison and Milwaukee. It would also be the first recovery charter school in Wisconsin. The only recovery school in Wisconsin currently is Horizon High School, a private nonprofit school in Madison. Nationwide, according to the Association of Recovery Schools 2016 annual report, there were 43 recovery schools operating or poised to open. Of them, 26 percent were charter schools. Nygren said the operator of Wisconsins charter recovery school would be chosen through a request for proposal process, and that would likely dictate where the school would be located. He said its hoped the school would be located in a higher-population area, like Milwaukee or Madison. The school would be created as a four-year pilot project and be for students who have begun treatment for substance abuse and maintained sobriety for at least 30 days before attending the school. Students would have to agree to be screened or tested for drug use, and the school would not be allowed to admit those who test positive. Nygren said having a school where those who have been treated for drug addiction can resume studies is important, because students in recovery who go back to familiar people and places risk relapse. They go back to the same environment they came from, going back to the same school, dealing with the same friends, same pressures, same triggers, that actually got them into that spot, Nygren said. So creating a school that is recovery-focused is really kind of the intent behind it. It lets us maximize the investment we have. If we can educate them in a way that will foster a long-term recovery, then its worth it. Nygren said that while the project is a four-year pilot, he would like to see it evaluated sooner, so other recovery charter schools could be created faster. The bill also allows State Superintendent Tony Evers to give up to $50,000 in grant funding in the 2017-18 school year to a charter school operator that wants to start the recovery charter school if the UW System can find matching funds. State Journal reporter Molly Beck contributed to this report. Mumbai, February 21 Billionaire Mukesh Ambani's telecom unit Jio will begin charging for data services from April but will give steep discounts for a year to over 100 million (10 crore) customers who have come on board within six months of its launch. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) While local voice calls, STD and roaming will continue to be free, he promised to match the best offers of rival telecom companies and add 20 per cent more data from April 1. In a speech broadcast live from the company's social media accounts, Ambani said Jio has added 100 million subscribers in 170 days since launch in September last year and the company plans to extend the network to cover 99 per cent of population by this year-end. Jio, which marked Ambani's re-entry in telecom space after a decade with free voice calls for life and free data for a promotional period that was extended until March 31, will offer existing users unlimited services for a year at a monthly charge of Rs 303 and one-time membership fee of Rs 99. Read: Aggrieved by free voice calls of JIO: Vodafone to HC The entry forced incumbents to cut tariff and consider mergers to face competition from Jio. Vodafone and Idea are considering a merger to create a player bigger than the market leader, Bharti Airtel. The incumbents also challenged Jios promotional scheme before telecom regulator Trai, saying free services beyond 90 days were a violation of rules. While shares of Reliance Industries, the parent firm of Jio, rose 1.36 per cent to close at Rs 1,088.25 on BSE, rival Bharti Airtel tanked 3.9 per cent to close at Rs 362.95. Idea Cellular fell 0.4 per cent to Rs 108.30. "Jio launched its services on September 5 of last year. Today, just 170 days later, Jio has crossed the 100 million customer mark on its 4G LTE, all-IP wireless broadband network," Ambani said. After end of its Happy New Year Offer, which was kind of an extension of the initial promotional offer of free voice and data to attract customers, Jio will introduce tariff plans from April 1. Ambani said all domestic calls to any network including STD and roaming will continue to be free. For data, Jio will not only match the highest selling tariffs of each of the other leading Indian telecom operators but also provide 20 per cent more data in each of these plans, he said. For the existing 100-million-plus users, Ambani announced Jio Prime Membership programme wherein customers can enrol by paying one-time fee of Rs 99 and continue to get the existing benefits till March 2018 at "a rock-bottom introductory price of only Rs 303 per month". "For 170 days, Jio has added on average nearly 7 customers on its network every single second of every single day. This is an unprecedented level of acceptance for any technology company anywhere in the world," he said. With 200 crore minutes of voice and video calls, more than 100 crore GB or 3.3 crore GB a day of data has been consumed on the Jio network, India is now number one country in the world for mobile data usage, he said. Data usage on Jio matches almost the usage in US and nearly half more than all of China. "A significant portion of this data is consumed as video and Jio carries nearly 5.5 crore hours of video daily on its network. This makes Jio one of the largest mobile video networks globally," he said. Ambani said Jio has more than double the number of 4G base stations of all the other Indian operators put together. "And we are making our network better, faster and stronger with each passing day. In the coming months, we will more than double our data capacity and this means even better quality for our customers," he said, adding that by 2017-end the Jio network will be present in nearly all the cities, towns and villages of India, covering 99 per cent of population. PTI Saurabh Malik Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 22 Coming to the rescue of two Australian children detained by their father, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has allowed them to go with their mother and also directed the police to conduct raids for tracing their passports. The UT, Chandigarh, and the Central Government, will do their best to help the children in getting extension or grant of visa for going to Australia, Justice AB Chaudhari ruled. The developments took place on a habeas corpus petition filed by Navjinder Kaur against the UT, Chandigarh, and other respondents. Taking up the petition, the court, on February 20, had appointed a warrant officer to find out the children, aged 12 and 11. The report prepared by the warrant officer, Bhag Singh Virk, showed that there was resistance from the respondent-father. However, the warrant officer succeeded in getting the children produced before Justice Chaudharis Bench. Referring to Dutts assertion that the children were indeed Australian citizens but their visa had expired on February 9, Justice Chaudhari asserted the court was convinced that their custody should be given to the mother in view of the desire expressed by them since their understanding is better. Justice Chaudhari added the custody was required to be handed over to the mother all the more so because the father, on being called out, was not present in the court showing he was hardly having any interest in the children. Be that as it may, the children are allowed to go in the custody of the petitioner from the court itself The counsel for the petitioner and the children submitted that their original passports are with the respondent-father. The SHO concerned is directed to conduct raids at the house of the respondent-father and others concerned for finding the passports of the children and submit a report to this court. Hasan Suroor SHORTLY after the dates for the ongoing Assembly elections were announced, a relatively sober TV channel conducted an opinion poll predicting a majority for the BJP in Uttar Pradesh. As representatives of other parties on the panel accused the pollsters of a pro-BJP bias, the BJP spokesman protested that, on the contrary, they had underestimated his partys prospects. A simple majority? What nonsense! Nothing short of a landslide would do. Remember our performance in UP in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections? Since then the battle has moved out from the cosy studio chats into the real world. And the reality, it seems, is not quite in sync with that gentlemans cocky claims. Although its still early days and only the very brave or the very foolish will dare to make any prediction, one thing is clear: the BJP is in for a much tougher ride than it might have reckoned with. Theres no Modi/BJP hawa even in its strongholds. Party president Amit Shah has boasted that this time the BJP wave is bigger than in 2014. If so, its such a closely guarded secret that nobody apart from him seems to have noticed it. If anything, the Modi magic appears to have given way to a Modi fatigue, including in Varanasi Narendra Modis own Lok Sabha seat. The law of diminishing returns has clearly kicked in. Apparently a joke going round the city is that Mahadev BJP se naraaz ho gaye hain (Lord Shiva has become angry with the BJP). Has UP had enough of its self-styled adopted son? During my own travels through western UP, I was surprised by the level of anti-BJP sentiment in many places. I met people who described themselves as life-long BJP supporters but said this time they were not going to vote for it. The party is battling a backlash on several fronts from the demonetisation chaos and the governments attempt to lie its way through it, to dissatisfaction with the performance of local sitting BJP MLAs, and candidate selection which is said to have provoked a mini revolt. It has also been seriously hit by a flight of Jat voters to Ajit Singhs RLD. And the nervousness in the party, despite its brave public rhetoric, is showing in the way it has fallen back on its default strategy of dog-whistle politics to polarise Hindu-Muslim relations and consolidate the Hindu vote. So, midway it has drafted hate-spewing Yogi Avaidyanath into the campaign; raised the pitch on the Uniform Civil Code controversy; revived its notorious love jihad campaign under another label; and threatened to shut down slaughter houses. Central minister KirenRijiju, meanwhile, suddenly decides to raise the old bogey of Muslim population growth. And then there is the PM himself busy flogging his polarising agenda touching a new low with his kabristan and shamshaan ghat remark. After the hype over demonetisation and claims of solid public support one would have thought it would top the BJPs campaign plank. Yet, it has been barely mentioned; in fact, the party is studiously avoiding the issue. Its deafening silence on supposedly the governments most proud achievement speaks for itself; more revealing is the partys and Modis own defensive and mostly intemperate reaction when rival parties raise the issue. This is because its discovering the depth of the repressed public fury over demonetisation whose entire edifice its shifting rationales, the spin around its success, and claims of peoples backing was built on fiction. A fiction that is now unravelling. Initially, people were indeed taken in by the yarn, but the mood changed after Modis much-touted 50-day deadline to sort out the currency crisis passed leaving people still having to spend hours standing outside cashless ATMs and shuttered banks. The penny then dropped: the government had been winging it. And, what hurt them more was that the Prime Minister himself had been misleading them. Thats when they realised they had been used as pawns in an elaborate political con, and started to question the governments, and the PMs, credibility. People feel betrayed and say they have lost trust in this government. If pradhan mantris word has no sanctity, who else can they trust? A particularly bad news for the BJP is that the trading community the partys traditional vote bank, to borrow its favourite term has been hit the hardest by demonetisation and its determined to punish it. My business has been ruined, Ive suffered, my family has suffered... were still suffering. Why should I vote for them (BJP)? one restaurant owner told me, echoing a widespread sentiment in the business community. Amit Shahs contemptuous retort in a TV interview that the BJP was no longer solely dependent on the Baniya vote, suggesting that it had become dispensable and that its old loyalists were free to stew in their own juice, smacks of the sort of hubris that the party has paid for in the past and looks set to pay for it again. But its not the Baniyas alone who are dumping the BJP. As noted earlier, Jats in western UP have drifted away. And to quote one Muzaffarnagar Jat farmer, without the Jats, the BJP is nothing in this belt. In the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, they had voted for the BJP in massive numbers, but feel let down that it has not kept its promises. They describe it as a party of liars. The problem is that, contrary to Shahs claim, the BJP has failed to win enough new converts to fill the vacuum created by the loss of Baniya and Jat voters. Many of the floating voters who turned up for it in 2014 on the back of a Modi wave are likely to float away elsewhere this time as is the nature of floating voters. This leaves the BJP pinning its hopes entirely on anti-incumbency going against the SP. Meanwhile, the BJP is also rattled by the SP-Congress alliance which seems to be doing well, if the mood I picked up on my admittedly limited outing is any guide. If they pull it off, it could queer the pitch for the BJP in the 2019 general election. But the biggest threat to it would appear to be from within, if reports that RSS workers, angry over candidate selection, are staying away from the campaign or not pulling their full weight are true. The RSS has always been central to mobilisation of BJP voters, and historically whenever it has held back, the party has suffered. Is the history set to repeat itself? Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 20 The Supreme Court on Monday directed Unitech to deposit 14% interest on Rs 17 crore invested by 39 buyers in the real estate developers Vistas project in Gurugram. The interest has to be paid from January 1, 2010 till August 2016 when the principal amount was deposited, a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra ordered. It gave eight weeks to the company to deposit the amount with the courts registry. The principal amount has already been given to the 39 buyers who opted out of the project for inordinate delay in delivery. Unitech had promised to deliver the flats by 2012. Unitech has to calculate the interest amount of each buyer separately and indicate accordingly deposit the money with the registry. The bench directed the registry to reimburse 90 per cent of the amount on pro-rata basis. The bench fixed April 24 to hear the buyers plea for a direction to the company to compensate them for delayed delivery of flats. Peshawar, February 21 Pakistans Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, where the Sikh community thrived before the partition, faces security issues and lacks basic necessities like education and healthcare, a media report said. The province has a sizeable number of Sikh population in Pakistan but there have been instances where Sikh traders have been targeted for ransom. There are nearly 10,000 members of the Sikh community in the province. Plazas have been constructed in place of some gurdwaras. The ones not sold have been taken over by the land grabbing mafia, Pakistan Sikh community chairman Radesh Singh Tony was quoted as saying by Geo News. The community does not have a cremation ground to perform the last rites, he said. Instead, the community has to make cremation arrangements in Attock district in Punjab province. Members of the Sikh community had to move to Peshawars Muhalla Jogan Shah and Saddar Bazaar localities after the law and order situation posed threats to their security. Children were pulled out of schools due to safety concerns. We are renting property to create makeshift schools. It is difficult to bear the expenses. We request the government to provide us with a building and funds for education, said school headmaster Baba Jugerpaal Singh. Despite the tough living conditions, the community remains fairly positive that its issues will be resolved by the government. The prime minister is taking a lot of interest in resolving minority issues. Recently Pakistan has passed a Bill against forced conversion, lawmaker Asfan Yar Bhandara said during his visit to a gurdwara. PTI London, February 21 Sikhs and Kashmiris are among new categories being considered for additional ethnicity tick-boxes on the 2021 census form by the UK's Office of National Statistics (ONS). "We are a long way off as there is still a lot of research that needs to be done to ensure that the census held every 10 years collects all the right information. Ethnicity is just one aspect of this research and Sikhs and Kashmiris are among a number of requests we received," an ONS spokesperson said. Sikhs are already recognised as a separate religion in the optional religious question introduced in the 2001 Census. The UK's Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 placed an obligatory and specific duty on the country's public authorities to monitor and positively promote race equality in the provision of public services. Sikh groups based in the UK have been campaigning for a separate category for British Sikhs for years and are hopeful that research launched this week to inform the census questionnaire will lead to such a change. "If the Census 2021 ethnicity question does not include a Sikh tick box question, the impact from a service user perspective will continue to grow and result in Sikhs being invisible to those who develop policies and deliver public services," Sikh Federation UK and Sikh Network said as part of their representations to the ONS. "This will span across the inequalities observed by Sikhs in health, education, employment etc," it said. For Kashmiris, Manchester City Council expressed the view that adding such a category would help them benchmark their services for the community. "Including Kashmiri in the Census will allow us to benchmark our practice and the outcomes of Manchester's Kashmiri population with the rest of the UK," the council said. Gypsy, Jewish, Latin American, Somali and Turkish are among some of the other ethnicities that are being considered as part of a UK-wide survey of nearly 40,000 households, which began yesterday. The results of the survey will be analysed and published later this year before a 'Census White Paper' is prepared for Parliament by 2018. PTI Nitish Sharma Tribune News Service Ambala, February 21 Additional Director General of Police RC Mishra along with other police officials today visited Haryana-Punjab border here to check security arrangements in wake of the call given by the INLD to march towards Punjab to dig the SYL Canal on February 23. He said, We visited the border area from where the INLD has planned to take out its march, and spoke to Punjab Police officials, too, besides checking the arrangement on their behalf. The ADGP said a route map had been chalked out and vehicles plying on NH would be diverted through various routes. He said nine companies of Haryana Police would be deployed to maintain law and order. As per the information, the traffic will be diverted through various routes from 8 am on February 23. As many as 10 nakas will be setup for this purpose. Vehicles coming from Kurukshetra on NH will be diverted from Mohra towards Jansui-head. While vehicles from Kingfisher, Baldev Nagar Chowk, Sultanpur Chowk, Sarsehri to Lohgarh T-point, Baldev Nagar police station point, Kalka Chowk and Manji Sahib Gurdwara will be diverted towards Chandigarh road, if they want to go Punjab. The traffic going towards Punjab from Hisar will be diverted through Nanyola. Superintendent of Police Abhishek Jorwal appealed to the commuters to cooperate with the police. Meanwhile, INLD leader Abhay Chautala also reached Ambala and assigned duties to INLD workers. He said we would fight for right as the Supreme Court had given its verdict in Haryanas favour. On the other hand, DGP (Punjab) Suresh Arora and several other senior officials of the Punjab Police visited the Shambhu barrier to check the preparedness. Gobinder Singh, DSP, said security arrangements were in place and nobody would be allowed to enter Punjab. The Punjab police have dug parts of the canal boundary to make sure that no one entered the state. Deputy Commissioner Prabhjot Singh, said, Two such pits were dug deliberately on Haryanas side too by the Punjab police. These have been filled and the matter has been raised with the authorities concerned. Pradeep Sharma Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 21 Two days before the scheduled digging of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal by the INLD, the ruling BJP took on the party supremo Om Prakash Chautala for vitiating the atmosphere of the state by inciting people to undertake digging of the canal. The INLD leaders, under the guidance of Chautala who is serving a 10-year jail term in teachers recruitment scam and is out on parole, are going around the state and inciting people to undertake digging in the name of strengthening social ties, alleged BJP ministers Krishan Kumar and Nayab Singh Saini here today. Taking potshots at personal ties of Chautala and Badal families, the ministers stressed on how the two families were colluding to weaken the stand of Haryana regarding the SYL canal in the Supreme Court. Close on the heels of a series of attacks by Leader of the Opposition Abhay Chautala on the BJP Governments weak stand on the issue, the Khattar government seems to have fielded two ministers to blunt the Oppositions attack. The ministers asserted that all facts in the matter were in favour of the state and the Supreme Court had directed Punjab to release water to Haryana. However, the INLD was hindering the legal process by inciting people of the state to violate the law, thus weakening Haryanas stand in the apex court. The tug-of-war between the BJP and the INLD on the SYL issue is seen as attempts by two parties to score brownie points in the run-up to the Budget Session beginning February 27. The BJP and the INLD, which earlier teamed up to embarrass the Congress both inside and outside the Haryana Assembly, now seemed to have fallen out on a variety of issues. Mukesh Tandon Tribune News Service Panipat, February 20 Giving in to pressure from the protesting Jats, the Haryana Government today agreed to pay Rs 2 lakh compensation to those left disabled in action by security personnel during last years pro-quota agitation. It would also form a four-member committee to review criminal cases pending before courts. Editorial: Jats need to get it right Speaking to the media after the second round of talks with members of the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) here, Chief Secretary DS Dhesi said a consensus had been reached on two important points. The meeting lasted more than three hours. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The samitis seven-point agenda was discussed with Yashpal Malik (AIJASS chief) and other members. The government has agreed to pay Rs 2 lakh compensation to those who sustained permanent injuries, said Dhesi. The government had earlier announced compensation ranging from Rs 25,000 to Rs 1 lakh to those injured. The violence during the February 2016 agitation had left 30 persons dead and over 200 injured. Government and private properties worth hundreds of crores were also damaged. Dhesi said the four-member panel would comprise two members each from government and samitis side. No date had been fixed for the next round of talks, but these would be held soon, said the Chief Secretary. Malik too said the second round of talks was successful. The government has been given seven days to fulfill the two demands. The ball is in their court now. The dharnas will be lifted as soon as they deliver, he said. Geetanjali Gayatri Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 21 A trust deficit seems to be ailing government-protester talks with Jats resentful of the bargaining mode of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government and the latter perturbed by the shifting goalposts of the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS). After two rounds of inconclusive talks in Panipat and despite the announcement of a four-member committee and enhancement of compensation to the injured, the issue seems stuck on the dropping of police cases. Yesterday, at the meeting held in three rounds, a section of the protesters, in talks with the committee, nearly walked out of the talks, only to be mollified on the issue of the committee repeatedly back-tracking on the demands. However, sources in the government said the AIJASS seemed intent on continuing its dharnas and was repeatedly changing the goalposts. They initially wanted dropping of cases registered last year. We explained that most of these had been closed and those in court could not be withdrawn at this stage. Now, they want cases registered for last years rioting being investigated by the CBI and during the previous Congress regime dropped because we are keen on a solution, government sources said. Jat protesters have their own set of grievances against the committee with their leaders maintaining that the government is trying to strike a bargain and give as little as possible. Hisars Krishan Kirmara, who nearly walked out of the talks, said, We are clear that all cases have to be dropped. At the first meeting, the committee was in a reconciliatory mode and willing to take a relook. At yesterdays meeting, they backed out and began singing a different tune, which is when we objected. AIJASS leader Yashpal Malik is our leader, but we have every right to raise issues independently since it is our children who are in jail, he said. The government agreed to a compensation of Rs 2 lakh, Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000 to various categories of the injured. When the announcement came, they conveniently halved it. Can we trust this government? It agrees to one thing and announces another. We put our foot down to get the amount enhanced from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, said AIJASS leader Azad Lathwal of Sonepat. On the issue of permanent government jobs to kin of the deceased, these leaders maintained that the committee members expressed ignorance. They told us that yesterday was the first time they heard that we wanted permanent government jobs and we were shocked, he added. While Malik seconded this assertion, he saidthe committees emphasis was on wrapping up dharnas, which was unacceptable. Meanwhile, the sources said the government was proceeding with great caution since it was not sure if accepting the demands of protesters would result in lifting of the dharnas. This was evident in yesterdays meeting, where Jats seemed divided on the fate of police cases. The government has to weigh the outcome before accepting whatever is reasonable, the sources claimed. Backdoor talks continue to find a middle path before the next meeting. Two Democratic state lawmakers have backed away from banning powdered alcohol and instead want to subject it to the same regulations as liquid alcohol. Sen. Tim Carpenter and Rep. Debra Kolste introduced a bill Monday to expand the states definition of alcohol to include powdered forms. A bill they introduced in 2015 to ban the sale of the substance in Wisconsin failed to win key Republican support. Given that half of the states have already banned it, its unlikely to be sold on a large scale soon. But Carpenter and Kolste said they want to ensure powdered alcohol is covered by the same rules that applied to sale and consumption of liquid alcohol should it arrive in Wisconsin. They say it poses additional risks because it can be snorted or ingested and the compact packets are easy to hide. We have enough problems with drinking in our state, Carpenter said. The federal government approved a powdered alcohol product called Palcohol in 2015. Palcohol comes in the form of freeze-dried alcohols and cocktails meant to be mixed with liquid. Since then, states have been scrambling to ban or regulate the products before they hit shelves. At least 25 states including nearby Michigan, Illinois and Indiana had banned the sale of powdered alcohol as of 2015, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Palcohol spokeswoman Lynne Barbour said the company supports regulating powdered alcohol the same as liquid alcohol but rejects the idea it is any more dangerous. Palcohol is not currently sold anywhere in the United States. While Palcohols website says the product could be on sale as soon as this summer, Barbour declined to comment on timing. Palcohol WILL come to Wisconsin, she said. The prudent action would be to regulate it so kids cant get ahold of it. The bill proposed by Carpenter and Kolste includes regulatory exceptions for the use of powdered alcohol by hospitals or for scientific research. Two Republicans, Rep. Ed Brooks and Rep. Jeremy Thiesfeldt, have already signed onto the measure. Republican Sen. Leah Vukmir, who Carpenter said opposed banning powdered alcohol, did not immediately respond to a message. Four other states have passed similar legislation. Tribune News Service Solan, February 21 Terming the demonetisation policy introduced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a black chapter in the history of the country, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said today that it was a big jolt to the economy as people had been restricted from withdrawing their own money. He said the farmers and the horticulturist of the state were the worst sufferers. The CM was addressing a public meeting at Khari Ka Khala in the Bikram Bag area of the Nahan assembly constituency on the second day of his visit to the Sirmaur district today. He said necessary arrangements and effective steps should have been taken before introducing this policy to safeguard the interest of farmers, small traders and other sections of society. Earlier, the CM laid the foundation stone of a bridge over Khari Ka Khala which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 3.64 crore in the Nahan Assembly constituency. He announced the opening of an ayurveda dispensary for Bhedon which was located in the remote corner bordering Haryana. He also announced upgrade of Government Middle School, Dhakwala-Khairwala to High School, three borewells at Simbalwala, Khairwala and village Khadi and metalling of road from Devni-Lal Pipal for which an amount of Rs 16 lakh has been approved. He also announced footbridges at Bikram Bag-Mandherva and at Dhaduwala. He said the Khajurna-Bikram Bag-Kala Amb via Suketi-Trilokpur road of 21 km had been approved by NABARD. He directed the officials to ensure completion of the bridge over the Markanda river within a year. He also listed the development projects completed and those which were in various stages of being completion during the last four years. The CM also laid the foundation stones of slew of development projects, including seven bridges, which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 29.08 crore. He also laid the foundation stone of an indoor stadium at Nahan which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 6.60 crore, a bridge at Khadri over the Markanda river worth Rs 9.26 crore and bridge over Khari Ka Khala worth Rs 3.64 crore. He also laid the foundation stone of a bridge at Bhudarion which would be constructed at a cost of Rs 2.47 crore, bridge over the Roon river at Palio worth Rs 3.83 crore, bridge over the Markanda river at Dhimki worth Rs 3.15 crore, bridge over Konthri Khala at Rampur worth Rs 3.58 crore, bridge over Mandi Khala worth Rs 3.15 crore and pucca road from Doinwala to Khairi village. Earlier, Ajay Bahadur Singh, chairman, HIMFED, welcomed the CM and said the area was ignored by the sitting MLA and the previous BJP governments. He urged the CM to approve various development projects for the area. Chief Parliamentary Secretary Vinay Kumar, MLA Kirnesh Jung, HIMFED chairman Ajay Bahadur, Employment Generation and Resource Mobilisation chairman Harshvardhan Chauhan were among those present on the occasion. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh while addressing a public meeting at Rampur Bharapur in Paonta Sahib late this evening said some politicians played divisive politics when polls were nearing by trying to divide the people on religion, caste and region basis. He said this was detrimental for the state. He added that many others try to lure people by offering monetary benefits but one should refrain from such divisive tactics and such politicians were the most worthless politicians. He also laid the foundation stone of a bridge over Konthri Khala at Rampur which would be completed at a cost of Rs 3.58 crore. He said since the area was close to Paonta Sahib, it had been economically strengthened. He said it was necessary to channelise seasonal rivulets of Paonta Sahib and the Nahan area to protect the fertile land from wearing away in floods. He said financial provision for the construction of various bridges in the area had been made and foundation stone of bridges worth Rs 29.10 crore had been laid today. Earlier, the Chief Minister also addressed a public meeting at Palliyon in the interior area of the Nahan Assembly constituency. Three kgof opium seized Tribune News Service Jalandhar, February 21 The CIA staff today recovered 3 kg of opium from the Mithapur road. The police had received information about Kulvinder Singh, alias Sheru, running drug business from a house near Mithapur School and was keeping an eye on the house for days. It received information that Kulvinder was bringing a huge consignment of drugs in his Ford Endeavour car (PB 12-Y1433). The police at the Urban Estate check-post was alerted about this and a team, led by ASI Jagdev Singh, reached the spot. On seeing the car, the team asked the car driver to stop the vehicle. Though the car stopped, Kulvinder, however, managed to flee from the spot on an un-numbered motorcycle following him. Later, the police recovered 3 kg of opium packed in a white pack in his car. Girl student commits suicide Phagwara: Amandeep Kaur (19), a student of BCom (I), allegedly committed suicide by jumping before a Jaipur-bound train near Chack Hakim between Phagwara and Chiherru on the Phagwara-Jalandhar rail section this evening. The Government Railway Police Phagwara said the body had been sent to the local Civil Hospital for post-mortem. Amir Tantray Tribune News Service Rajouri, February 21 The Border Security Force (BSF) gunned down a terrorist in an attempt to foil an infiltration bid in Rajouri in the wee hours of Tuesday. The BSF 163 Battalion gunned down the terrorist in Keri sector in the gun battle that ensued between the two sides. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The firing between the two sides continued for half an hour. Two terrorists managed to flee the spot. During search of the area later, a bag with ammunition was found. With ANI Tribune News Service Jammu, February 21 The Border Security Force (BSF) foiled an infiltration attempt and gunned down a militant in the Keri area of Rajouri sector last night. Giving details, BSF PRO said a group of three to four militants tried to infiltrate into the Indian side in the Keri area of Rajouri sector. The BSF sentries immediately alerted nearby duty points and also simultaneously kept the movement and the entire area under close observation. As the Militants approached the LC fence, one of them tried to negotiate it, he said. However, the alert BSF troops of the 163 battalion brought down effective fire on them. On realising that they had been spotted, the militants opened fire with automatic weapons and hurled UBGL grenades on the BSF troops deployed on the duty points along the fence. The BSF troops retaliated with aimed fire, as a result one of the militants was neutralised at the fence itself, the PRO added. He said due to the effective firing by the BSF troops, the other three militants were unable to move further and retreated back towards the PoK taking advantage of the darkness as well as undulating ground. As they were escaping, it could be observed that one of the slain or injured militants was also being dragged along. After that, the area was kept under close and intense surveillance throughout the night. The BSF conducted a search operation in the morning and recovered one AK-56 rifle, 16 AK magazines, 267 AK live ammunition, 89 AK series EFC, one radio set, a pair of binocular, five grenades, three wire cutter, four backpacks, two IEDs, one AK magazine fitted with IED, one knife, 48 pencil cells, two chargers, four walking sticks, liquid material bottles for fire burning, five pairs of hand gloves, raincoat, jacket, bed sheet and survival items like dry fruits and juices. Pakistan had been desperately trying to push militants into the Indian side of the LoC and infiltration attempts are being made by militants to cross over at regular intervals. Tribune News Service Jammu, February 21 Continuing their protest against sexual harassment of a student allegedly by senior doctor in Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, recently, students in Jammu University demanded the constitution of fast-track court to ensure speedy and time-bound justice to the victim. Under the banner of the All Students of Jammu and Kashmir and supported by the National Students Union of India (NSUI), members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parisad (ABVP), All India Students Federation, Gujjar Bakawal Students Union and All Ladakh Student Union, Jammu, raised slogans against silence of the government on the issue. The protesters demanded that the accused doctor should be terminated from the post. His attachment to any services under the J&K Government should be revoked immediately. In addition we demand that he should not be attached to any department under the J&K Government which relates to the students affairs or deals with the students. says the memorandum submitted to the government. The protesting students also demanded the intervention of the Chief Minister for immediate and swift action to be taken against the accused and constitution of separate police cell or a 24X7 helpline to handle the cases of sexual harassment against students on the line of the provision for the students from the North-East in New Delhi. We also want to know about the committee that the Health Minister promised to constitute in the Legislative Assembly to investigate the case. We want to know whether this committee has submitted any report to the government so far, says the memorandum. Col P S Sangha (retd) ORDERLY/batman/sahayak/buddythese are terms to describe the same man. Who is he? He is one who has been, and remains, an intrinsic part of an Army officers life. Over the past few years, and more recently, he is mentioned in the media in a manner that gives a wrong idea to the civilian public. The idea being put across is that combat manpower is being misused for the benefits of officers and their families. There have been ripostes by some retired Army officers, mainly in social media, justifying the presence of a buddy (current term) in the retinue of an officer. Some mention the large number of men at the residences of police and IAS officers, being used for all kinds of domestic work, including cooking and house cleaning. It is a fact that police officers, DSP level onwards, use constables for domestic work and IAS officers at the district level maintain a large number of unauthorised staff at home. But I do not think an Army officer needs this to justify the allotment of his buddy. A batman/buddy is authorised to an officer because of the nature of his work in war and peace. It is a system which we have picked up from the British Indian Army. Although he is meant to look after the officer, he becomes a part of the family wherein the children call him bhaiya. Sometimes, he will see off/receive the kids at school bus stops. He is, however, never made to do menial work like cleaning the house or any kitchen work. This buddy forms a strong relationship with his officer that remains even after retirement. As a Commanding Officer, I had a number of buddies over a four-year period. After I retired, I was pleasantly surprised to get calls from them. They had retired and requested for help to get their sons recruited into the Army, or a job in the civil sector. I could never say no to their call for help. I felt it was my turn to be their buddy. So, I arranged for them to get good training for the recruitment tests. Some managed to join the Army, others got jobs in the civil sector. Recently my son, got married in the US, and we organised a reception in Delhi. He specifically asked me to invite his bhaiyas. I sent an invite to a couple of them. On the morning of the reception, I got a call from my old buddy, who had come all the way from his village in Bihar. I was overwhelmed. That evening, he came properly dressed to the Officers Mess, with a bouquet of flowers. My son, who had last seen him 30 years ago, embraced him. I made him sit with my regimental officers. When we parted company later that evening, it was with a big hug between two buddies. This is the buddy system of the Army. I do not think such a relationship exists in the civil services. Why compare? Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service Lucknow, February 21 They claim to have affected the outcome in favour of the BJP-led NDA on at least 150 seats in the 2014 Lok Sabha poll. And now in the UP Assembly polls, they are out to punish the incumbent government at the Centre for, what they call, renegading on the promises made to them by none other than Modi in the run-up to the 2014 poll at Rewari. Office-bearers of the United Front of Ex-servicemen of India Maj-Gen Satbir Singh (retd), Group Capt VK Gandhi and Lieut Kameshwar Pandey, who travelled to Lucknow to show solidarity with the SP-Congress combine todaywill be making more trips to UP before the last vote is cast. The aim is to urge ex-servicemen to vote against Modi in the remaining four phases. Veterans, they say, voted for the BJP in 2014 on the solemn promise by Narendra Modi at the Rewari rally on September 15 in front of 3.5 lakh veterans that he will approve full OROP to armed forces personnel. But his government reneged the promise to soldiers and on November 7, 2015, approved a one-time increment in the garb of OROP. Claiming to having swayed trends against the Akali-BJP formation in Punjab with its 60 lakh membership, Singh believes 40 lakh ex-servicemen in UP can make a difference. We just want to make a point that those who betrayed us (in OROP grant) should be punished. With our strength, we can easily affect fortunes in 75 to 90 odd seats in the eastern and central parts, he said. Tribune News Service Mumbai, February 21 Actor Aamir Khan has been drawn into a controversy over his public appeal asking people to come out and vote in todays election to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. Sponsored by an NGO, Mumbai First, which has links to several corporate houses, the appeal published as advertisements in major newspapers reminds voters that their votes contribute to Good governance to fast-track development initiatives and partnership with civil society and Accountability and Transparency in decision making and expenditure. The Congress and NCP have alleged that the ad is a subtle endorsement of the BJP which has aggressively used words like good governance, accountability and transparency in its poll campaign. We will file a complaint with the EC since the ad violates the poll code, Congress Sachin Sawant said. Parties are not allowed to advertise in the media 48 hours before the beginning of elections. Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 21 The Punjab Government has told the Supreme Court that the land meant for constructing the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal that had been given back to the landowners could not be recovered. In an affidavit, it said: ...the land in question having been already transferred to the landowners in obedience to the resolution of the Legislative Assembly dated 16.11.2016, the recovery of the said land from the landowners is not possible. Edit: SYL again The SAD-BJP government accused the Centre of abdicating its responsibility, stating the latter had failed in its mandatory duty to constitute a water tribunal for adjudication of issues raised by Punjab in its January 1, 2003, complaint. The Union of India is duty-bound to play the role of a mediator in interstate water disputes. In the present case, it has not shown any proactive approach in sorting out the water issues between the two neighbouring states, the affidavit, that will be taken up for hearing on Wednesday by a Bench headed by Justice PC Ghosh, reads. A fuller constitutional solution to the SYL canal is not possible unless the alleged entitlement of the applicant State of Haryana, a non-riparian, is resolved in accordance with law having regard to the changed circumstances, the affidavit states. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The Punjab Government had on February 16 requested the Supreme Court to hear the SYL canal issue after the announcement of the Assembly poll results on March 11. But in its rejoinder affidavit, filed to counter the Centres submissions, the state had requested the top court to direct the Centre to immediately explore on the transfer of the Sarda waters to the Yamuna under the feasibility report prepared by the National Water Development Agency. It had pleaded that the Centre be directed to create storages over the Yamuna to utilise water which is otherwise going waste and to explore alternative sources for irrigating Yamuna Basin areas, by augmenting the Yamuna flows in Haryana, particularly from the river Sarda. The SAD-BJP government, represented by senior counsel Ram Jethmalani, had pleaded that the SYL issue be heard after the poll results on March 11. However, the Bench had asked the Punjab Government to file its affidavit by February 20 and posted the matter for further hearing on February 22. The top court had in November 2016 declared the law passed by the Punjab Assembly terminating the SYL canal water-sharing agreement with neighbouring states as unconstitutional. It had answered in the negative all four questions referred to it in a Presidential Reference. A Constitution Bench had on November10 ruled that Punjab could not have taken a unilateral decision to terminate the agreement with Haryana, HP, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh on sharing of the Ravi-Beas river waters. On a plea by the Haryana Government, the top court had on November 30 last year ordered a status quo on the land acquired for the construction of canals stretch in Punjab and appointed the Union Home Secretary, Punjabs Chief Secretary and the DGP as receivers. Last week, the top court had said the interim order would continue. SOUTH MILWAUKEE I am a proud military veteran, Medal of Honor recipient, American Legion member and retired operating engineer. Though retired, I am an active advocate for veterans, their medical care, job opportunities and family sustaining wages. Specifically, I am concerned about a repeal of Wisconsins prevailing wage law and the negative impact it would have on veterans. Wisconsin legislators are threatening a rollback of the prevailing wage law that would mean a significant cut in wages for anyone union or non-union working in construction. The Wisconsin American Legion understands the seriousness of the situation and recently passed a resolution calling for veterans to receive employment preference for projects that receive state, county and municipal grants and contracts. It also calls for wages to be paid at a family-sustaining level (as set by federal guidelines mirroring our state prevailing wage law) to prevent the financial exploitation of veterans. When I came back from the Vietnam War, I was one shot-up man. Almost exactly 49 years ago, our helicopter was shot down near Ap Dong An, and I lost one of my arms. My crew members were either dead or soon-to-be dead, because the helicopter was on fire and the enemy had us pinned down. I grabbed the copters machine gun and returned fire with my one good arm. I survived that day with a few others and was awarded the nations highest award for valor by President Lyndon B. Johnson. When I came back, a career in the operating engineers offered me training, a community and a good living. Transitioning to civilian life was hard, but having a job to support a family helped make that transition easier. I operated heavy machinery with one arm for 40 years. In Wisconsin, veterans make up 8.3 percent of the construction workforce, which is significantly higher than the percentage of veterans in the general workforce. Employment in the construction industry is projected to grow by over 14,000 jobs between now and 2022. In other words, Wisconsin has a real opportunity to put veterans to work in an industry they already gravitate toward. Thats why efforts to repeal Wisconsins prevailing wage law are so troubling. The law was written to promote better workmanship, higher productivity and efficiency, and more local hiring on government-funded construction. Prevailing wages help support the largest system of privately financed vocational training in the country skilled trade apprenticeship programs. These programs enable those interested in construction to acquire the training they need to build a career in the industry. Opponents of prevailing wage policies argue that repeal saves money. They claim a low-skilled, undertrained construction worker making rock-bottom wages will produce the same product as a higher-skilled, professionally trained craftsman. I can tell you from experience that is simply not true. What low-road contractors save in labor costs never materializes as savings for taxpayers. Thats because taxpayers end up footing the bill for reduced worksite efficiency, higher injury rates, and the prospect of needing to go back and fix work that wasnt done right the first time by a contractor who by then is long gone, resulting in higher material and energy costs. This is not a union versus non-union issue. All workers in the construction industry benefit from prevailing wage laws. Prevailing wage laws simply ensure workers building our vital infrastructure receive a fair wage. If you cut construction worker wages by repealing prevailing wage laws which everyone agrees will happen if prevailing wage laws are eliminated veterans will be harder hit because veterans are more likely to work in the construction industry. We are veterans who want our voices heard and have a deep desire to continue proudly serving this great state and country by building safer roads, schools and communities for our families. Let us send a loud message to our legislative leaders protect job opportunities and wages for our veterans. Lucknow, February 21 Hectic campaigning, punctuated by bitter personal jibes, came to a close this evening in 53 Assembly constituencies spread over 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh that will go to polls in the fourth phase on Thursday. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav held a roadshow in Allahabad, while racing against time BJP president Amit Shah held a parallel roadshow in 'Sangam Nagari', as Allahabad is also called, claiming that the BJP was poised for absolute majority. A stage collapsed in Allahabad, where Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and CM Akhilesh Yadav were to address a rally after a roadshow. The roadshow ended 3 km ahead of the closing point as the poll campaign had to conclude at 5 pm. #WATCH: Gol Park stage collapses, Akhilesh Yadav & Rahul Gandhi were to address from here after joint roadshow in Allahabad #UPPolls2017 pic.twitter.com/doIHdUAxE2 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) February 21, 2017 Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati were among the host of leaders who made a beeline to backward and water-scarce Bundelkhand region, which also figures in phase-IV of polling. Assembly segments in Congress president Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency will also go to polls in this phase. Other districts going to polls in the fourth phase are Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Allahabad, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Banda, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot and Fatehpur. During the highly surcharged campaigning, Modi repeatedly targeted the SP-Congress alliance and the BSP for corruption in their regime. "SCAM stands for SP, Congress, Akhilesh and Mayawati," was Modi's refrain when he appealed to the voters of Bundelkhand to get rid of them. As the prime minister termed BSP as "Behenji Sampatti Party", Mayawati in her instant retort said the initials of Narendra Damodardas Modi stood for "Mr. Negative Dalit Man", escalating political temperature with such tit-for-tat barbs. "Narendra Damodardas Modi means Mr. Negative Dalit Man, he is anti-dalit...this negative dalit man does not like that common people give small contributions in running the BSP movement which is also run through donations," an irked Mayawati said. Amid the verbal free-for-all, Akhilesh referred to an advertisement of the tourism department of Gujarat, where Modi was CM before assuming the office of prime minister. Without taking any name, he advised megastar Amitabh Bachchan, "do not advertise for the donkeys of Gujarat". BJP took exception to such "cheap remarks", with its UP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak saying, "After family drama, SP is now dabbling in filmy drama." TNS/PTI Shiv Kumar Tribune News Service Mumbai, February 21 Enthused by a high-voltage campaign by major political parties, Mumbaikars on Tuesday somewhat shed their notorious apathy towards elections and showed up to vote taking the turnout pass the 52 per cent mark. Election Commission officials expect the tally to go up as a large number of people were still waiting in the queue to vote. Read: BMC polls: Shah Rukh, Rekha, Ranveer Singh come out to vote The previous two civic elections saw turnout hovering at around 40 per cent. Elections were held in Mumbais 227 municipal wards where 2275 candidates are trying their luck. Counting of votes will happen on Thursday. Apart from the Shiv Sena, the BJP, the Congress and the NCP smaller parties such as the MNS, the Samajwadi Party and the AIMIM are in the fray. Billed as mini-assembly elections, polls were held for nine other city corporations, including Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. Elections for 11 district panchayats (Zilla Parishads), including Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Pune, Solapur, Nashik, Amravati and Gadchiroli were also held today. Mumbai also saw many celebrities, including Shar Rukh Khan, Rekha, Gulzar, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma; turning up to vote. However, many people saw their name being struck off the voting list due to delimitation of constituencies. More than nine lakh voters may have lost their names from the voting lists, according to estimates by political parties. Even political personalities such as BJP spokesperson Shaina NC had to run from one booth to another to exercise her franchise. Beijing, February 21 Indias foreign secretary S Jaishankar will meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday, as the two countries hold bilateral talks despite several sticking points between them, including Beijings position about New Delhis membership to Nuclear Suppliers Group. Jaishankar, who landed in China after his visit to Sri Lanka, met top diplomat Yang Jiechi. Jiechi, Chinas State Councillor of the Communist Party of China and Beijing's Special Representative for border talks between India and China a leader who, under Beijings system, functions directly under the countrys leadership at Zhongnanhai. "We truly hope that in the year ahead our two countries can enhance our exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation so that we can jointly contribute more to peace and stability and development of our region and the world at large," Yang said, recalling President Pranab Mukherjee's visit last year. Jaishankar is expected to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, besides attending an upgraded strategic dialogue with China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui on Wednesday. The meetings are likely to witness talks on some contentious issues such as Chinas resistance to Indias entry into the elite NSG and its position over Indias call for UN sanctions on Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar. Chinas $46 billion investment on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a project that passes through the contested Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir will also likely be discussed. China, an ally of Pakistan, has been reluctant to allow India into the NSG citing Indias position on the nuclear non-proliferation treaty. India is not a signatory to the treaty. Another sore point between the two countries, besides an unresolved border dispute, is Chinas efforts to block Indias application to have Azhar a man who has been accused of having been involved in several terrorist attacks in India, including one at a military base in Pathankot last year listed as a terrorist in UN Security Councils 1267 Sanctions Committee list. Sanctions against Azhar would mean a travel ban and assets freeze for him. Last month, China had frustrated a resolution by the US for the sanctions. Beijing had already blocked two of Indias resolutions before. Counter terrorism In an interview before the meeting to Chinas state run newspaper Global Times Jaishankar said India was worried about the CPEC project and terrorism. "For us, there are questions of sovereignty which need to be addressed first," he said in oblique references to CPEC passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK) over which New Delhi has already conveyed its protest to Beijing. He also said India and China should loosely work on countering terrorism, a hint at Chinas technical hold on Indias application for sanctions. "China has a very strong, principled position on counter-terrorism. We hope the position China already has will be further implemented," Jaishankar said, adding that India was holding discussions with China. PTI Simran Sodhi Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 21 The India-Pakistan narrative is slowly edging back to a state of normalcy, considering the indications coming from some quarters. After the acrimonious exchange of words on the Indus Water Treaty, sources said a meeting was likely to take place soon on the Permanent Indus Commission. Talks scheduled for the commission that were to be held last year were suspended after the Uri attacks. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) It is learnt that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keen on restarting the bilateral dialogue. At a meeting the PM had last week with a visiting delegation from the UK, the PM, people present in the meeting told The Tribune, recalled with positivity the trip he made to Lahore in December 2015. He also pointed out that the attacks took place soon after as there were forces in Pakistan that did not want peace in the region. But he also felt there were positive forces in Pakistan. Modi spoke about the menace of terrorism and of Pakistans role in it. But, he also expressed optimism that talks should resume and said India was ready to compromise wherever India felt was in its best interest. The PM, sources said, wanted to extend a hand of peace towards Pakistan, and cited the example where an international court decided against India in a maritime dispute with Bangladesh and India accepted the verdict. The PM was referring to the verdict of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) dispute regarding the delimitation of the maritime boundary between India and Bangladesh that was delivered in 2014. The tribunal awarded Bangladesh 19,467 sq km of the 25,602 sq km sea area of the Bay of Bengal and India abided by the verdict. India and Pakistan are all set to become permanent members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) this year when the meet is held in Astana, Kazakhstan, in June. Both Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif are expected to travel to Astana for the SCO meet. Indications from both sides are this will serve as an ideal opportunity for the two leaders to meet on the sidelines and break the ice. But some groundwork needs to be done before that and the Indus Water Commission meet and the PMs own comments are the first steps in that direction. Shahira Naim Tribune News Service Lucknow, February 21 Not taking any chances, the BJP in UP has quickly graduated from vikas (development) to Mandal (caste quota) and now the kamandal (Hindutva) brand of politics. As the state goes for Phase-IV of polling, the party has revised its strategy, returning completely to the Hindutva agenda. This was clear at the election rally of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Fatehpur on February 19 where he said, If you create a kabaristan (graveyard) in a village, then a shamshan ghat (cremation ground) should also be created. If there is uninterrupted electricity during Ramzan, it should be so on Diwali too. Bhed-bhaav nahi hona chaiiye (there should be no discrimination). BJP chief Amit Shah had set the tone much earlier on January 28 while releasing the BJP manifesto, reiterating the partys commitment to build Ram Mandir through legal means. He had also raked up the religion-based migration in Kairana, claiming it had caused dangerous demographic changes. This is a clear shift from the 2014 campaign that Modi had fought on the development plank, projecting Gujarat as the model. But recent events in his home state and the Hardik Patel agitation has taken the sheen off the Gujarat model. No mention of it is being made in UP. After the unprecedented 2014 victory, the BJP, aided and abetted by the RSS, had started to work on the caste dynamics in UP, inviting the non-Yadav OBCs and non-Jatav Dalits into the party fold. Ruchika M Khanna Tribune News Service Chandigarh, February 21 Three months after the Punjab Assembly directed the state government to recover dues of water flowing into non-riparian states of Haryana, Rajasthan and Delhi, the state government has initiated the process of assessing the cost. A technical committee, formed by the government earlier this year, is in the process of determining how much of the amount is to be charged from the three states. The committee comprises technical consultant on water issues SK Goyal and interstate water issues expert Pritam Singh Kumedan. Senior officials told The Tribune that the committee had already submitted its interim report. Sources say the committee has given the calculation regarding the quantum of water that has flown into the three states (10.54 MAF to Rajasthan, 5.95 MAF to Haryana and 0.2 MAF to Delhi). They have also sought the help of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to calculate the figure in cusecs. The sources say the technical committee has made two observations the method for calculating the charges to be imposed could either be based on basis of benefit to agriculture productivity in these states (by including the cost of running 14 lakh tubewells in the agriculture sector in Punjab) or the loss suffered on account of the receding water table in Punjab due to incessant use of ground water. The other method suggested by the committee is to make the calculations on the basis of historical levy of user charges to the kingdoms of Bikaner and Bhawalpur states as determined by the British before Independence. The rates that the British government had imposed on these states for supplying water from the Ferozepur headworks have also been given in the interim report. The committee has also sought the help of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), a senior official in Punjab government said. He said once the report from PAU experts was received, they would be sending the bills to the three states. But the final decision will have to be taken by the political party that assumes office after the election results, said the officer. Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, February 21 The Punjab government has told the Supreme Court that the land meant for the construction of Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal that was given back to the landowners cannot be recovered. In an affidavit filed in the top court, the Punjab government said: ...the land in question having been already transferred to the landowners in obedience to the resolution of the legislative assembly dated 16.11.2016, the recovery of said land from the landowners is not possible. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The Parkash Singh Badal-led SAD-BJP government accused the Centre of abdicating its responsibility, saying it failed to fulfil its mandatory duty to constitute a Water Tribunal for adjudication of the issues raised by Punjab in its January 1, 2003 complaint. Union of India is duty bound to play the role of a mediator in interstate water disputes to uphold the spirit of federalism which is the underpinning principle on which our Constitution is founded. In the present case, the Union of India has not shown any proactive approach in sorting out the water issues between the two neighbouring states, the affidavit read. Read: Security deployed along SYL canal in view of INLD threat The affidavit which will be taken up for hearing on Wednesday by a bench headed by Justice PC Ghosh stated that a fuller constitutional solution to the SYL canal is not possible unless the alleged entitlement of the Applicant State of Haryana a non-riparian state is resolved in accordance with law having regard to the changed circumstances. Interestingly, the Punjab government had on February 16 requested the Supreme Court to hear the SYL canal issue after the announcement of results of Assembly polls on March 11. But in its rejoinder affidavit filed to counter the Centres submissions, the Punjab government requested the top court to direct the Centre to immediately explore on the transfer of Sarda water to Yamuna under the feasibility report prepared by the National Water Development Agency. It said the court should direct the Centre to create storages over river Yamuna to utilise water which is otherwise going waste and to explore alternate sources for irrigating Yamuna basin areas, by augmenting the Yamuna flows in Haryana, particularly from river Sarda as now planned by the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) a premier agency of the Union Ministry of Water Resources. Appearing for the SAD-BJP government, senior counsel Ram Jethmalani had said: "Please keep it after 11th of March..... Election results are to be announced..." The bench had wondered what had the court proceedings to do with election results. Jethmalani had said the Punjab government's affidavit was ready but the Chief Minister was undergoing medical treatment and it would be filed tomorrow after vetting. The bench had asked the Punjab government to file their affidavit by February 20 and posted the matter for further hearing on February 22. The top court had in November 2016, declared unconstitutional the law passed by the Punjab Assembly in 2004 to terminate the SYL canal water sharing agreement with neighbouring states. Holding that the Punjab Termination of Agreement Act, 2004 was not in conformity with the provisions of the Constitution, it had answered in the negative all the four questions referred to it in a Presidential Reference. A constitution bench had on November 10 ruled that Punjab could not have taken a unilateral decision to terminate the agreement with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh on sharing of the Ravi-Beas river waters. On November 30 last year, the top court had ordered status quo on the land acquired for the construction of canal's stretch in Punjab and appointed the Union home secretary, Punjab's chief secretary and the director general of police as receivers. However, it had made it clear that the receivers were only for the purposes of submitting a report on the ground situation to the court. The order had come on Haryana government's plea seeking status quo ante in the wake of Punjab's decision to de-notify the acquired land and restoring it to original owners. Last week, the top court said the interim order would continue. Harare, February 21 As he celebrated his 93rd birthday on Tuesday, Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe brushed aside persistent allegations of corruption against senior officials, saying rumour-mongers were merely targeting big fish in his administration. In comments to be aired on state media on Tuesday, the worlds oldest leader said he would act if shown evidence even though graft scandals involving ministers and even members of his own family are regular fare in local newspapers. I think the big fish, more of it has been talk, talk and talk. People have not come out and actually said here is a case against a big fish, Mugabe said in a pre-recorded interview. Or are people afraid to come out and even come to us and say This one is stealing so much, investigate the person? If there is evidence, we will pursue that evidence and certainly we will deal with those persons, he said. Despite the almost daily slew of scandals involving state tenders and contracts reported in Zimbabwes free-wheeling private media, investigations are rare and arrests even rarer. The anti-corruption panel is currently fighting the higher education minister and his deputy, who are accused of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from a state fund. They, however, deny the charges. Parliament has also penned reports recommending probe into irregular tender allocations. The reports have been ignored. Reuters Florida, February 21 President Donald Trump has named Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond McMaster as his new national security adviser, choosing a military officer known for speaking his mind and challenging his superiors. McMaster is a highly regarded military tactician and strategic thinker, but his selection surprised some observers who wondered how the officer, whose army career stalled at times for his questioning of authority, would deal with a White House that has not welcomed criticism. He is highly respected by everybody in the military and were very honoured to have him, Trump told reporters in West Palm Beach where he spent the weekend. Hes a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience. One subject on which Trump and McMaster could soon differ is Russia. McMaster shares the consensus view among the US national security establishment that Russia is a threat and an antagonist to the United States, while the man whom McMaster is replacing, retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, appeared to view it more as a potential geopolitical partner. Trump in the past has expressed a willingness to engage with Russia more than his predecessor, Barack Obama. Flynn was fired as NSA on February 13 after reports emerged that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about speaking to Russias ambassador to the US on US sanctions before Trumps inauguration. The ouster, coming so early, was another upset for the White House that has been hit by miscues, including a travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority nations, since Trump took office on January 20. Reuters Military tactician Lahore, February 21 Pakistan has cancelled the licences of 44 weapons issued to JuD chief Hafiz Saeed and other members of his organisations, citing security reasons, even as it said he can pose a serious threat to the nation, and was thus placed under house arrest in the countrys larger interest. (Follow The Tribune on Facebook; and Twitter @thetribunechd) The acknowledgement of the danger the Mumbai attacks mastermind poses came from Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during an international security conference in Munich, Germany. Saeed can pose a serious threat to society, Asif told the audience at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, The Nation reported. Meanwhile, an official of the Punjab Home Department said the step has been taken in line with the government's action against Saeed and his organisations the Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and the Falaha-e-Insanyat (FIF). "The Punjab Home Department cancelled licences of 44 weapons for security reasons," the official told PTI today. The government on January 30 had put Saeed and four other leaders of his organisations under house arrest in Lahore for a period of 90 days. Saeed and 37 members of JuD and FIF have also been placed on the Exit Control List, barring them from leaving the country. According to the Punjab Home Department notification, "Both JuD and FIF are engaged in certain activities which could be prejudicial to peace and security and in violation of Pakistan's obligations to the United Nations Security Council Resolution and both organisations have been placed in the Second Schedule of Anti-Terrorism Act 1997." "Hafiz Saeed, Abdullah Ubaid, Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Kashif Niazi are engaged in certain activities which could be prejudicial to peace and security." The federal government has also put JuD and FIF on the watch list for six months. Saeed, who is carrying a $10 million bounty on his head, was also put under house arrest after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack but he was freed by Lahore High Court in 2009. Saeed was arrested in the larger interest of the country, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif added, according to The Nation report. Saeed was placed under house arrest under the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on January 30 in Lahore, provoking uproar from his party and allies. Saeeds inclusion in the list shows he is linked with militancy in some way. Saeed was earlier this month put on the Exit Control List, barring him from leaving the country. During a panel discussion on countering extremism and terrorism, Asif said: Terrorism is not synonymous with any religion. Terrorists arent Christians or Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus. They are terrorists, they are criminals. The action against Saeed was taken after Pakistan was hit by at least eight terror attacks this month in which more than 100 people died, the latest being a suicide bombing on a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province that claimed 88 lives. In a statement critical of the American policies, Asif said Pakistan is determined to fight terrorism. Let me assure the world community that Pakistan is a frontline state in this war and it will continue to fulfil its obligations to its own people and the international community; but if the Wests policies are going to be isolationist it wont help the fight against terrorism, only fuel it. PTI London, February 20 Thousands of protesters rallied outside Parliament on Tuesday as MPs debated a petition to cancel a state visit by US President Donald Trump which gained more than 1.8 million signatures. Placards reading "No to Trump" and "Dump Trump" were held by demonstrators in Parliament Square, in the latest rally against the US President who came to power a month ago. British Prime Minister Theresa May became the first foreign leader to meet Trump in the White House in January, when she invited him to the UK on a state visit to be hosted by Queen Elizabeth II later this year. The invitation came hours ahead of Trump imposing tough entry restrictions on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries and within days an online petition to prevent the president's state visit attracted more than 1.8 million signatures. The British government has said it will not support the petition and stressed that the invitation still stands, but Parliament went ahead and debated the issue due to the popularity of the petition. Lawmakers also discussed a counter-petition to uphold the state visit invite, which attracted over 300,000 signatures. During the debate, opposition Labour MP David Lammy said the government offered the state visit because it is "desperate" for a trade deal with the US. "I think my children deserve better than that... I'm ashamed that it's come to this," he said. Fellow Labour lawmaker Paul Flynn said the invitation should be downgraded from the regal affair to a regular visit. "There are great dangers in attempting to give him the best accolade we can give anyone," he said. While Trump was offered a state visit after just seven days in office, his predecessor Barack Obama had to wait 758 days before receiving the same invitation. Outside Parliament yesterday, protester Benjamin Kari said people needed to stand up against Trump's policies and avoid becoming complacent. "He's promoting racist policies, he's normalising racism and misogyny and Islamophobia," he told AFP. Bryan Richardson, a member of the Stand up to Racism group, said May "humiliated herself by rushing over to Washington to be the first leader to meet Donald Trump". A Stop Trump Coalition website named February 20 a "day of action" against the US President, listing events planned across Britain. Around 300 people gathered in Glasgow waving sometimes comical banners aimed at Trump, one describing him as a "Feckin Plonker". AFP Washington, February 21 President Donald Trump has tapped Herbert Raymond McMaster, a decorated and outspoken US Army lieutenant general to be his new national security adviser, days after he fired his first pick and his second turned down the crucial post. The 54-year-old, McMaster, the head of the Army Capabilities Integration Centre, will become one of Trumps top national security and foreign policy advisers, taking the helm of the White Houses National Security Council, which was left rudderless after Lt Gen Michael Flynn was forced to resign after just 24 days on the job. I just wanted to announce that Gen H R McMaster will become the national security adviser. Hes a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience, Trump said while making the announcement at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida yesterday. I watched and read a lot over the last two days. He is highly respected by everyone in the military and were very honored to have him, Trump said. In his brief remarks, McMaster said he looks forward to joining the national security team and doing everything he can to advance and protect the interests of the American people. McMaster will take on the new role after having served several tours of duty in Germany, Southwest Asia and Iraq, including a stint as special assistant to Gen. David Petraeus when he was commander of the US-led coalition forces in Iraq during the 2007 troop surge. McMasters predecessor, Lt Gen Michael Flynn was forced out by Trump after revelations that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about discussing sanctions with Russias ambassador to the US during the presidential transition. Trump then offered the job to retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward, who turned down the role, citing personal reasons. The acting national security adviser, Gen (retd) Keith Kellogg, will now serve as Trumps national security council chief of staff. The President also said John Bolton, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, would serve the administration in another capacity. PTI London, February 21 A gurdwara in the UK which had put screens to separate differently abled people and other worshippers has agreed to remove the partition, in a first of its kind case that could impact practices at gurdwaras across the country. Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Wolverhampton had been accused of discrimination as differently abled worshippers were segregated from the main prayer congregation as they could not observe the custom of sitting cross-legged on the floor. A settlement was approved last week as a hearing was set to begin at Birmingham County Court yesterday. The screening was like you were in a prison. On one side youve done something wrong; people (will) catch what youve got. Thats how we felt, said Bhupinder Kaur Chohan, one of the claimants in the case. The case is believed to be the first of its kind internationally and could impact practices at gurdwaras across the UK. Rajinder Singh Basi, chair of Sikh Forum Wolverhampton, described the result as a victory. The five claimants had alleged that members of the congregation who are unable to sit on the floor were being forced to sit behind screens in the prayer hall and dining room. The agreement requires gurdwara chiefs to remove all of the screens from both rooms as well as signs which prohibited the use of chairs and wheelchairs. In addition, a lift will be installed providing access to the first-floor prayer hall and all necessary auxiliary aids as set out by the local Wolverhampton Council will be permitted, including chairs with arm rests, according to the local Express & Star newspaper. The gurdwara ruling committee must also pay the claimants legal costs as part of the deal. PTI Update: Tulsa City councilors delayed a decision Tuesday afternoon on a proposal to resolve the status of Helmerich Park. The park's northern end at 71st Street and Riverside Drive has for two years been at the center of negotiations involving the city, developers and citizens over a proposed 8.8-acre retail center anchored by a major tenant generally believed to be the sporting goods dealer REI. On Tuesday, Mayor G.T. Bynum presented a compromise proposal that calls for less parking and smaller buildings on the tract. The council will revisit the issue at its meeting March 1. It also calls for the entire $1,465,000 sale price to be reserved for the benefit of the rest of Helmerich Park, for developers to donate $100,000 to Park Friends and for the city to spend up to $570,000 for utilities and other infrastructure at the site. "By allowing development of one-eighth of the park, the other seven-eighths benefits," Bynum said. Public comment on the proposal began late Tuesday morning, with 43 people signed up to speak for five minutes each. "I don't want this resolved behind closed doors in a courtroom or anywhere else," Bynum said. "I think the City Council is the mechanism we have in place for the will of the people to be channeled, so I wanted to bring this up in this forum." Shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday, after 2 hours of public comment, the council went into executive session to discuss the proposal. After more than 90 minutes, councilors returned with the decision to continue the meeting until March 1. The story below by Jarrel Wade appeared in Tuesday's Tulsa World: The long road in the dispute over a proposed development at Helmerich Park has led to a Tuesday City Council meeting where councilors will have their first opportunity to weigh in during a public forum. Mayor G.T. Bynum is approaching the council at the 10 a.m. special meeting to propose a resolution with possible action from the council that could largely resolve the dispute. Opponents to the development plans have vowed to continue the fight, saying only compliance with the Arkansas River Corridor Master Plan which proposed development guidelines for the site would allow the group to consider standing down. The park proposals have involved allowing the development of a river-front restaurant, other retail space and an upscale sporting-goods store reportedly Oklahomas first Recreational Equipment Inc. on 8.8 acres of Helmerich Parks almost 60 acres at the southwest corner of 71st Street and Riverside Drive. Bynum sees his purpose as being the middle man between the desires of the council and public and those of the developer. The dispute thus far has been framed in a way that Bynum said he wants to get past. It was either youre pro-development or pro-park, Bynum said. I reject the notion that you have to be one or the other. It can be both. On the one hand, Bynum said, his proposal would improve most of the remaining land at the park if the development were allowed to move forward. Bynums proposal includes more than just new-and-improved volleyball courts and would include public input, he said. What were trying to do is use one-eighth of that existing land to benefit the other seven-eighths of it through this type of agreement, Bynum said. On the other hand, Bynum said, he has concerns about walking away from a developer who wants to invest millions in Tulsa and has stuck with it through public backlash and lawsuits. As somebody whos trying to sell developers on Tulsa, I dont want to have a reputation as a city that backs out of deals, Bynum said. If we drug them through what theyve been through for the last two years and then just walked away from that and dealt with that in court, I have no confidence that wed ever get anyone to even offer what these guys have offered on it. Talk of development at Helmerich Park began before 2013, when city officials under Mayor Dewey Bartlett drafted development ideals for the park and made plans to ask for public proposals. Even at the beginning, plans included improving the existing volleyball courts. Opposition to the development plans took root in summer 2015 as the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority moved to sell a parcel of the land for development in a deal partially struck by the former administration. Residents then filed a lawsuit, seeking a judges intervention to block the deal. That case has been ongoing and is currently headed toward a jury trial in July or August. A key argument in the case is that a public process should have occurred through the Tulsa City Council to abandon park use of the 8.8 acres considered for development. The citys legal position, by and large, has been that the land was never under park ownership and has been under the Tulsa Public Facilities Authority, giving the authority full rights to sell. Recent action in the case led to plaintiffs, city leaders, developers and others spending a full day in mediation, though no resolution came from it. However, Bynum said his proposal is a result of the issues he heard from all parties in the mediation process. What I dont want is for this to be decided in a courtroom where the elected representatives of the citizens dont have any say in the outcome of the property, Bynum said. I think its a far more beneficial vehicle for resolving it going this route through the council than it would be through the legal system. Okmulgee County issued a burn ban as warming trend has northeast Oklahoma on track for record-setting high temperatures. The commissioners issued the burn ban Tuesday in an effort to prevent wild fires and grass fires in the county. Conditions are expected to converge this week to increase the danger of wildfires, according to a news release from Okmulgee County Emergency Management Director Timothy Craighton. "Even a small spark can turn into a massive life-threatening wildfire," Craighton said. Much of eastern Oklahoma is at risk for limited fire spread risks Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service in Tulsa. Warm temperatures, dry vegetation and 15 mph winds combined Tuesday to create the risks associated with fire weather, according to the weather service. The weather service predicts the potential for fire danger to increase significantly Thursday due to high winds. The risks of fire danger are expected to be tempered by predictions of thunderstorms early next week. Temperatures for Wednesday and Thursday are expected to reach into the low 80s in the Tulsa area. For Friday and Saturday, temperatures are expected to reach into the 50s. The Tulsa area sees averages temperatures in the 30s and 40s during February, according to the weather service's records. The burn ban makes it unlawful for any person to set fires to "any forest, grass, range, crop, or or to build a campfire or bonfire, or to burn trash or other materials that may cause a forest, grass, range, crop or other wildlands fire," according to Okmulgee County Emergency Management. Anyone convicted of violating the burn ban can be fined up to $500 or imprisoned for up to a year. Other counties with burn bans include Atoka, Bryan, Canadian, Jefferson, Oklahoma, Pottawatomie and Sequoyah counties, according to Oklahoma Forestry Services. Most of the bans are through early March. Pottawatomie and Sequoyah counties' bans end in late February. Tulsa immigrant families are bracing for mass deportations, raids and the breakup of families, members of Dream Act-Oklahoma say. More undocumented parents of children are seeking applications for power of attorney in case they get deported. Families have emergency plans in place for children who may come home to empty houses, says Jordan Mazariegos, president of the grass roots immigration reform group. They are teaching kids that this can happen and are having conversations with kids about it. These are kids who are in elementary school and barely learning their names. Its a burden they have to carry already, Mazariegos said. Two memos released Tuesday by the Homeland Security Department greatly expand the number of people considered a priority for deportation, including those arrested for traffic violations. When we advocate for immigration, we are advocating for family reunification, for people staying together and for people living calmly without the fear of deportation, Mazariegos said. This means more authority is being given to officials who already have authority to racially profile. Dream Act-Oklahoma advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, which gets at the root cause of undocumented and illegal immigration. Part of that is to ease the bureaucratic and financial burdens to open pathways to legal residency, such as worker programs. When we talk about immigration, the narrative is about having a good immigrant or a bad immigrant, Mazariegos said. In recent years, the United States hasnt welcomed the poor immigrant. It favors the wealthy ones. The memos say that if you dont have the resources to come here legally, we dont want you. This isnt about good or bad immigrants. This is a nation for wealthy immigration and not the hard-working, poor immigrants, which is who we are targeting. The memos erase the executive orders signed by President Barack Obama that placed a priority on deporting undocumented immigrants who had committed certain crimes. It has brought an end to the exercise of prosecutorial discretion previously in place under the Obama administration, said Elizabeth McCormick, founder and director of the Immigrant Rights Project at the University of Tulsa. Essentially, the previous administration articulated that only certain categories of individuals here without legal authority would be targeted for immigration enforcement, McCormick continued. This eliminates those categories. Anybody present without authority is on that list. President Donald Trump campaigned on a promise of deporting the nations estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants and vowed to build a wall along the Mexican border. Under the Obama administration, a record number of removals was set with 2.5 million undocumented people deported between 2009 and 2015. Under George W. Bushs two terms, a little more than 2 million were deported. The memos leave in place the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows certain undocumented people who came to the country as children to stay. Known as DACA, it does not provide a legal path to residency or citizenship. It has aspects of the Dream Act federal legislation that has been proposed in Congress every year since 2001 and would make qualifying undocumented youth eligible for a path to citizenship if they complete a college degree or two years of military service but is a type of legal limbo. Mazariegos arrived in the United States at age 2, graduated from Union High School and is studying finance and accounting at Oklahoma State University. He was approved for DACA but does not have a realistic path to residency. It would take about 25 years for him to become a legal resident, and that includes returning to Mexico and waiting at least 10 years to return. I may be granted DACA, but tomorrow Trump may change his mind, he said. My fear is that my family members might be deported because of the memo. This doesnt just target criminals and threats to national security, but it targets people like my mother. The memos do not change immigration law, which can only be done by Congress. At this point, the memos dont change the law and dont have the ability to allocate new resources, McCormick said. It will remain to be seen how capacity locally will change to carry out enforcement when there are not necessarily any more resources going toward that. McCormick said the clients seeking immigration relief are anxious. They worry that applying for benefits puts them on the radar and makes them a target for immigration enforcement, McCormick said. We dont have examples of that happening. But the message is one that suggests everyone is potentially exposed, and there is a lot of fear and anxiety. People are worried about whats going to happen. Google and Microsoft-owned Bing have signed up to a voluntary code of practice in the UK, making it harder to search for pirated content. The US tech giants have agreed links to pirate websites will be blocked from the first page of results. According to The Guardian the agreement will run in parallel with existing anti-piracy measures aimed at reducing online infringement. These include court ordered site blocking, work with brands to reduce advertising on illegal sites and consumer education campaigns. Eddy Leviten, director general at the Alliance for Intellectual Property, said: Sometimes people will search for something and they will end up unwittingly being taken to a pirated piece of content. What we want to ensure is that the results at the top of the search engines are the genuine ones. It is about protecting people who use the internet, but also protecting the creators of that material too. Stan McCoy, of the Motion Picture Association in Europe, said: Pirate websites are currently much too easy to find via search, so we appreciate the parties willingness to try to improve that situation. We look forward to working on this initiative alongside many other approaches to fighting online piracy, such as the Get it Right campaign that aims to help educate consumers about the many ways to enjoy film and television content legally and at the time of their choosing. Meanwhile the high court in New Zealand has ruled Megaupload founder Kim Dotcom can be extradited to the United States to face a multitude of charges including money laundering and copyright breaches. The German national, who has permanent residency in New Zealand, faces up to 20 years in jail if convicted in the US of piracy, which authorities say cost copyright owners hundreds of millions of dollars. Seven Group Holdings chief executive and Seven West Media board member Ryan Stokes has defended the company in light of growing criticism over the culture within the company. His comments come as lawyers for Seven blasted Amber Harrison in court yesterday and SGH announced a half-year loss of $41.8 million due to $145 million of write-downs almost entirely related to the value of its stake in Seven West Media. But the Australian Financial Review reports a 2015 report conducted with employees in Perth found it was a boys club in which negative attitudes prevailed, communication was poor and development opportunities were rarely provided. I think our culture is a strong culture, said Stokes. I think the culture that has enabled that team to continue to deliver the results that it has, [demonstrates] things are going well, things are going right. I think Tim [Worner] is the first to admit within Seven West he is keen to see cultural enhancement within the group but again the performance is a sign that things are inherently OK, but there is opportunity to grow and improve. Source: AFR, SMH Hi, my name is Scott C. Waring and I wrote a few books and am currently a ESL School Owner in Taiwan. I have had my own UFO sighting up close and personal, but that's how it works right? A non believer becomes a believer when they experience their first sighting. You witnessed it, your perceptual field changes, so now you need to share it. I created this site to help the UFO community get a little bit organized. I noticed that there was a lot of chaos when searching for UFO sighting reports, so I hope this site helps. I wanted to support those eyewitnesses who have tried to tell others about what they have seen, yet were laughed at by even closest of friends. More and more each day the governments of the world leak bits and pieces of UFO information to the public. They have a trickle down theory in hopes of slowly getting citizens use to the idea that we are not alone in universe and never have been. The truth is being leaked drop by drop until one day we look around and find ourselves neck high in it. The discovery of alien species in existence is the most monumental scientific event in human history, suppression of that information is a crime against humanity. About me: I live in Taiwan. I OWN MY OWN ENGLISH SCHOOL, AND ONCE HAD 5 SCHOOLS. Am Former USAF at SAC base (flight line). Age: 42 Educ: BA in Elem ed. Masters in Counseling ed. I had two UFO sightings, (30+bus size orbs) in military and in 2012 personally saw the UFO over Taipei 101 building on New Years Day (and recored it). An Iraqi family who fled fighting in Mosul collect aid items at Hasansham camp, Iraq, January 23 2017. They had fled militant held west Mosul three days before by crossing the Tigris River at night in a small wooden boat. UNHCR/Ivor Prickett With the new military operations under way in Mosul, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is focusing efforts on camp construction to shelter many of those who could be displaced by the renewed fighting. Its estimated that up to 250,000 people could be displaced. Almost 217,000 people have fled hostilities since 17 October, of whom around 160,000 are still displaced. Others have returned to their homes in newly-retaken areas. But the situation remains fluid and terrifying for those trapped or affected by the fighting. UNHCR has eight camps open or completed at present, and one under construction. We are planning for the start of work at another site (Hamam Al Alil), south of Mosul. Currently there is spare capacity in three existing camps to the east of Mosul (Hasansham U3, Khazer M1 and M2), with space for 12,700 more people. An additional 1,000 plots are planned for Khazer M2. There are also spaces for 14,400 people in UNHCRs newly-built Chamakor camp, where 500 tents have already been pitched. The Government of Iraq has decided, initially, to transport people displaced from western Mosul to camps in the east while new capacity is being added in the south. UNHCR has been asked to support a new Government site at Hamam Al-Alil, 20 km south of Mosul. It is expected that many of those fleeing western Mosul will reach Hamam Al-Alil on foot. This site will shelter for up to 60,000 people. One camp at the site will be UNHCR built. Another, which has been built by the government, for 24,000 people, will be UNHCR-supported. With the predicted exodus of up to a quarter of a million people, it will be impossible to accommodate such large numbers on existing land. We have identified other land that could be used as camps once frontlines shift. Meantime, conditions in the densely-populated west of the city are worsening, according to reports and testimonies, and hence concerns are mounting for the well-being of civilians. There are shortages of food, water, fuel and medicine. Half of all food shops have closed and most people can only access untreated water. Food prices are rocketing and there are reports of families burning furniture, clothing and plastic to stay warm. Conditions will deteriorate if civilians are not able to flee the fighting. During the battle for eastern Mosul, the protection of civilians was prioritized in military planning and activities, and UNHCR hopes this principle will continue to be upheld. However, the new battle will be different. The citys west is densely populated, with many narrow streets, and fighting will be street by street. Armed groups have built a network of tunnels. Insecurity and recent suicide attacks in eastern Mosul have resulted in some families who had opted to return to their homes coming back to the camps in search of safety. For more information on this topic, please contact: In Geneva, Matthew Saltmarsh, [email protected], +41 79 217 31 40 In Iraq, Caroline Gluck, [email protected], +964 780 920 7286 As fighting spreads in Yemen in February 2017, a recently displaced family receives UNHCR assistance, a tent to live in, in the coastal governate of Al Hudaydah. Some 34,000 people fled their homes in Al Mokha and Dhubab districts as the conflict intensified. UNHCR/N Al Sharafi Unabated conflict and rapidly deteriorating conditions across Yemen are pushing millions of displaced Yemenis further into danger and adversity, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and IOM, the UN Migration Agency, warned today following the release of the latest data on the countrys displacement crisis. Since the beginning of the conflict in March 2015, more than 11 per cent of Yemens population, some 3 million people, have been forced to flee their homes for safety. Almost two years later, however, prolonged hostilities and worsening conditions are now forcing 1 million of those uprooted to return to the homes from which they fled, despite danger and insecurity across the country. Two reports issued by the Task Force on Population Movement (TFPM), a technical working group co-led by UNHCR and IOM, show that there are currently 2 million internally displaced people (IDPs) across Yemen and 1 million IDP returnees; and that as conditions across the country further deteriorate, many more IDPs are contemplating a return home, where challenging security and socio-economic conditions persist. Comprising a Multi-sectoral Location Assessment report released today and a periodically updated population movement tracking report (TFPM 12th report) published last month, the TFPM reports furnish the most comprehensive and detailed estimates of displaced populations and their circumstances in Yemen, and inform humanitarian response planning for 2017. The reports highlight that a lack of access to income and basic services in areas of displacement are the main reasons pushing IDPs to return to their areas of origin, with 40 per cent of key informants indicating that IDPs now intend to return home within the next three months. UNHCRs Country Representative for Yemen, Ayman Gharaibeh, said: Its testament to how catastrophic the situation in Yemen has become, that those displaced by the conflict are now returning home because life in the areas to which they had fled for safety is just as abysmal as in the areas from which they fled. Those attempting to return face tremendous challenges, Gharaibeh added. They often return to homes that have been damaged, in areas lacking essential services. They still need humanitarian aid and are often forced to flee their homes again. These returns cannot be viewed as sustainable. Noting that all of Yemens governorates, with the exception of the island of Socotra, have been affected by conflict, Gharaibeh said, the overwhelming majority of Yemens 1 million IDP returnees have returned to Aden, Amanat Al Asimah, Taizz, Lahj and Shabwah, which have been particularly impacted by hostilities and insecurity. For those that are returning home, food, financial assistance and psycho-social support remain priority needs, he added. The TFPM reports also provide indications of how dire life has become for the 2 million IDPs across the country. Shortages of food and malnutrition are widespread and reported in 84 per cent of IDP locations identified. In addition to malnutrition, diarrheal diseases and malaria are cited as the most common health concerns for Yemens displaced. IOM Yemens Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boeck, noted the great distress for those in collective centers and spontaneous settlements, explaining that IOM, alongside its partners, remains committed to support IDP families who have sought shelter in these camp-like settings and are living in unbearable conditions with limited to no access to services and are exposed to health risks and environmental hazards on a daily basis. When I recently visited some of these spontaneous settlements and IDPs in schools in Taizz, Hajjah, Lahj and Ibb governorates I saw just how imperative it is for the humanitarian community to adapt its response to address lifesaving needs, while also working to rebuild the damaged infrastructure to improve access to services, such as those of health, shelter, NFIs, water and food, and alleviate the pressures on the communities hosting large IDP populations, De Boeck said. De Boeck added, with the most recent large scale displacement seen in Taizz, which is not yet reflected within the TFPM reports, IOM and all partners must scale up their response to support those newly displaced as well as those whose displacement is becoming increasingly protracted with shifting needs as indicated in the released reports. This motivates IOM to scale up and access the most remote areas in country. So far, 71 per cent of those displaced have been seeking refuge in Yemens central and western governorates -- including Hajjah, Amanat Al Asimah, Sanaa, Dhamar, Ibb and Taizz, all of which are experiencing intense hostilities -- and multiple displacement is increasingly being observed. In the absence of livelihood opportunities and insufficient assistance, many IDPs are also resorting to harmful practices to cope in displacement, including child labour and early marriage. Yemens local communities, which are overwhelmingly absorbing the burden of the displacement crisis, are also under intense strain with alarming scarcities of food and insufficient access to water and sanitation services reported. Eighty-four percent of Yemens 2 million IDPs have been displaced for more than a year and scarce resources are increasingly overstretched. The Location Assessment report also provides insight into difficulties in accessing conflict-affected populations across Yemen and the perception among IDPs and returnees of humanitarian assistance. Though the majority of IDPs and returnees perceive humanitarian assistance as partially supporting them in meeting priority needs, negative perceptions of aid and considerable gaps in the engagement of humanitarian actors with local communities are also reported. In response, the humanitarian community in Yemen has adopted an Accountability to Affected Populations Framework as part of the Humanitarian Response Plan for 2017, requiring all humanitarian partners to create mechanisms to ensure that affected populations can provide feedback or complain about the assistance they have received. In addition, UNHCR and IOM are continuing to engage with all parties to the conflict for improved access to populations in need across Yemen, and with donors for increased international support for life-saving humanitarian programs. Assessments for the two TFPM reports were conducted in all of Yemens governorates. Displacement tracking for the 12th report covered 98.5% of Yemens 333 districts and data for the Location Assessment report was collected through physical site visits by field teams where key informants representing the community were interviewed. Copies of the full reports are available here: For further information: An Iraqi family who fled fighting in Mosul collect aid items at Hasansham camp, Iraq, January 23 2017. They had fled militant held west Mosul three days before by crossing the Tigris River at night in a small wooden boat. UNHCR/Ivor Prickett HASANSHAM, Iraq When Ahmads* family learned yesterday the Iraqi government had launched a military operation focusing on western Mosul, where they remain trapped under the rule of armed groups, they risked their lives by climbing onto the roof of their house to get the mobile reception to call him. My family are happy to learn of the offensive, but also very worried, said Ahmad, 25, speaking from the UNHCR-run Hasansham camp 40 kilometres east of Mosul, where he fled last month. They'll be in the middle of the fighting. There's no way out for them. During last nights phone call, his relatives in the west told Ahmad that members of the extremist group who control west Mosul were walking the streets with loudspeakers, urging local residents to come out and fight with them. They are saying if you dont come out and fight with us, we will rape your women, kill your men and humiliate you, he said. Those caught using mobile phones in areas controlled by armed groups could face extreme punishment, even death. "My family ... will be in the middle of the fighting. There's no way out for them." It is predicted that up to 250,000 people could be displaced by the fighting for control of the densely-populated west of the city. Almost 217,000 have fled their homes since the start of the Mosul offensive on October 17, and around 160,000 remain displaced, while the rest have returned to their homes in newly liberated areas in eastern Mosul. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is focusing its efforts on camp construction to cope with any fresh exodus. It currently has eight camps open or completed, another under construction, and plans to start work at a new site (Hamam Al Alil), south of west Mosul. There is also spare capacity for more than 27,000 people in existing camps run or supported by UNHCR to the east of Mosul. With the predicted exodus of up to a quarter of a million people, it will be impossible to accommodate such large numbers on existing land. We have identified other land that could be used as camps once frontlines shift, UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh told a news briefing in Geneva on Tuesday (February 21). Iraqi families from Mosul in the winter sun at UNHCR's Hasansham U3 camp in Iraq. UNHCR/Caroline Gluck Saltmarsh warned that conditions in the densely-populated west of the city are worsening, amid reported shortages of food, water, fuel and medicine. He cautioned that conditions would deteriorate still further if civilians are "not able to flee the fighting." Ahmad, who used to run a small tea shop before fleeing the brutality he witnessed living under the control of armed groups, said winning the military offensive would only be the start. The treasure that was Mosul is gone, he said. If Mosul is liberated and Im optimistic it will be if the city gets the support of the government, things can improve and get better. I hope we can go back and rebuild. As a Moslawi, I want to build my city again. Another resident of Hasansham camp, Noor*, fled her home in the Jadidah neighbourhood of west Mosul a month ago with her husband and four children. They paid smugglers to take them across the Tigris River by boat, and stayed with family in the east of the city for 20 days before leaving once again on foot to seek safety. "We are safe and thats the most important thing. I dont know what to think about the future." Noor, 35, said they fled the west due to the lack of food, electricity and fuel, as well as the constant aerial bombardments. She is concerned for the safety of her relatives who stayed in the west of the city when she fled. I spoke to them two days ago. They told me things are getting more and more expensive. A 50 kilo bag of flour costs 150,000 Iraqi dinar (US$127) when it used to cost about 20,000 dinar (US$17). A kilo of onions used to cost 500 dinar (US$0.40), now it costs 17,000 (US$14), she said. People have started begging for food and families are going hungry. Very few people can afford these prices. They are skipping meals and maybe eat once a day; sometimes bread, sometimes lentils, Noor added. Thank God we are here; we are safe and thats the most important thing. I dont know what to think about the future, she said. I just pray for peace. I hope this painful period will soon finish. We've been through so much. * Names changed for protection reasons Somali women displaced by drought and famine wait in line to collect UNHCR aid supplies at the Maajo IDP settlement in Mogadishu, Somalia in this 2011 file photo. UNHCR/Siegfried Modola Drought has displaced more than 135,000 people inside Somalia since November, according to data compiled by UNHCR, the Norwegian Refugee Council and community based organizations. Swift and substantial action and adequate funding are becoming urgently needed to avoid famine and a repeat of 2011, when some 250,000 people died, more than half of them aged under five years. According to the authorities in Puntland, more than 20,000 families have moved to the Bari region. And 1,638 are in need of emergency assistance in the northern town of Galkayo. People are leaving their homes because of the drought, rising food prices, dry weather forecasts, and ongoing insecurity and are heading for urban areas. This includes to Mogadishu and the town of Baidoa. The Government is seeking to have aid provided to people in their districts in order to avoid people making long a dangerous trip on foot in search of help. There have been reports of deaths and illness, although these are not widespread. On Sunday, we received reports of 38 deaths due to drought-linked reasons in the Bakool region of South-Central Somalia. Medical cases include people with acute malnutrition, especially children, watery diarrhoea, and cholera. Detail is sparse. Through an inter-agency response, UNHCR and partners are working to mitigate against a deterioration into famine. This includes tackling rising malnutrition, limiting displacement, and containing disease outbreaks and enhancing protection. We have started helping the displaced in the worst affected areas Puntland and Somaliland in the north, and the areas of Bay and Bakool. This includes through the provision of emergency shelter and aid items to thousands of people and through strengthened protection monitoring. Some 1,000 aid kits are being sent to drought affected families in Mudug (Puntland), and preparations are under way to distribute 1,500 in Bari (Puntland), and truck water into areas of Somaliland. UNHCR is also providing help in shelter and distribution of aid items in Bari, Nugal (Puntland) and Sanaag (Somaliland) Galkayo and Garowe. Drought is also pushing some to flee the country. Since the start of the year, more than 3,770 Somali new arrivals have been recorded at Melkadida in Ethiopia, and acute malnutrition has been reported in around 75 per cent of arriving child refugees. No substantial movement into Kenya has been reported so far. The drought comes as UNHCR continues its voluntary repatriation programme for Somali refugees in Kenyas Dadaab complex, which has brought home 49,985 people since December 2014. UNHCR is informing people in the camps about the drought, but so far this does not appear to have had a major effect on returns. UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations are better prepared to respond than in 2011, but funding needs are urgent. For JanuaryJune, US$825 million is needed, but US$100 million has been pledged. For more information on this topic, please contact: In Geneva, Leo Dobbs, [email protected], +41 79 883 6347 In Nairobi, Julien Navier, [email protected], +254 732 400 044 Google has revealed Windows OS vulnerabilities that Microsoft has not fixed since this was reported by a Google researcher three months ago. This is the second time that Google found a security bug via its Project Zero research wing. The first time Google disclosed a Windows bug just over a week after informing Microsoft, which found the move "disappointing" and putting users at greater risk. Last week, Google made the announcement before Microsoft can patch it only because the three-month grace period has already lapsed. The Windows OS bug in question has something to do with the Graphics Development Interface (GDI) library. The library allows applications to utilize the graphics and formatted text on both the local printer and video display. Google researcher Mateusz Jurczyk revealed that the vulnerabilities can be easily exploited by hackers in order to fetch information from the memory. This bug can potentially affect any program that accesses the library. The said bug is actually a part of a collection of issues discovered in March 2016. Jurczyk initial report was sent to Microsoft on June 9, 2016, and the Redmond-based giant soon released a patch by June 15, Neowin has learned. However, not all Windows OS vulnerabilities were fixed as discovered again by the Google researcher who submitted his bug report on Nov. 16, 2016. Three months after, Microsoft has not offered any fixes, which were expected to be included in their monthly patch update. Microsoft has deviated from its monthly schedule and delayed the patch update for this month. This move has alarmed a good number of users now exposed to potential attacks. However, there is no cause to panic yet as the Windows OS bug uncovered by Google entails physical access to the host system for potential attackers to perform an exploit. Nonetheless, Microsoft still needs to act soon to beat the development of any advanced exploits that may happen anytime. The February 14 patch was not released with Microsoft saying that they have suffered "a last minute issue," ZDNet reported. Both the February and March security patches will be released by March 15 with Windows users hoping that the Windows 10 bugs will be resolved. Microsoft usually releases patch updates on the second Tuesday of the month dubbed as the Patch Tuesday. This is a big event at Redmond where bug fixes and security updates are rolled out to all supported devices from Windows to Office. These are essential updates to fix any Windows OS bugs and other vulnerabilities like the Windows 10 mobile bug blamed for exposing users' photos. Tristan Bagala, a 21 year old student from the University of Georgia, is working for a US senator, travelling to France in order to work for the Catholic Church, and serving dessert to the Canadian defense minister at the Canadian Embassy during a presidential inauguration. Aside from being a graduating student at his university where he is double majoring in political science and marketing, he is also Washington interning in the office Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb, Daily Comet reported. Bagala is one of the three students in the same institution who is spending this semester in Washington D.C, according to The Augusta Chronicle. He said that he is working for 50 hours every week, then he goes home 2 nights weekly and have classes. And since it is already his last semester already, he said that this could be a way from him to possibly transition into a job but is still unsure if that is his path. Bagala finds his experiences in the nation's capitol eye opening and informative, because it takes a lot to make sure everything is in order, he says. He describes that even a simple and short interview with a senator that you can watch on the news will have to require 15 to 20 people to make it happen. Bagala enjoys a full scholarship as a Chambliss Fellow in UGA, and not only that. He also is entitled for a travel stipend for educational trips. He used to study at Oxford during his college career, then worked for the archdiocese in Tours, France. He is also soon going to Japan for two weeks to pay a visit to Buddhist Temples and enjoy his time in Tokyo Disneyland. All these are things that Bagala worked really hard for the moment that he entered school. Melinda Gates is not only the co-founder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. She is also an American businesswoman and philanthropist that worked at Microsoft. But she confesses that she almost left the company because of it being a male dominated environment. Which is why Melinda Gates is pushing for diversity in the tech industry. More and more people are pushing women and young women to join the STEM world. And Melinda Gates is doing the same thing because she admits that she knows the problems women face in the tech work force.x Melinda French, which is her maiden name, is a valedictorian from Ursuline Academy of Dallas. She attended Duke University and earned her bachelor's degree in computer science and economics. She receive her MBA from Duke's Fuqua School of Business thereafter. She then joined Microsoft and worked on projects such as Publisher, Expedia, Encarta and Microsoft Bob. Now, Melinda Gates sits down with Seattle Times and cites her experience with Microsoft back in 1987. She loved the work she did with Microsoft at the time but disliked the bitter male dominated culture. She almost left but she did not. Instead, she pushed for diversity. Now, she is pushing women to have interest and access to the STEM field. Microsoft has rewarding tech jobs that can also be offered to women. She believes that a diverse team means better products, as reported by On MSFT. Now, as Melinda Gates works on the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, she is working on raising awareness and helping in zeroing out issues concerning poor women in developing and poor countries, and also in the United States. Melinda Gates challenges other companies to look at their team and ask how many women are in it. She stresses that if it is less than two, that is too few. Watch the TIME video clip below where Melinda Gates talks about how women doubt themselves: Artificial intelligence is present in many forms these days. AI can be found in smart phones and even in factories. Now, it is taking on a different approach. Artificial intelligence is now found in an IBM imaging system that can one day help diagnose and predict certain diseases. Using anonymous health data, an artificially-intelligent IBM imaging system, with the help of Froedtert and The Medical College of Wisconsin, the IBM Watson Health medical imaging collaborative is formed. Froedtert and The Medical College of Wisconsin will provide the data that is going to train the AI. The group is also joined by seven other organizations, such as the University of Michigan, Strategic Radiology, University of Virginia Health system, Pacific Radiology Group, Sutter Health and IDx LLC, as reported by Biz Times. The imaging collaborative team moves forward to address the world's health challenges. They are set to train the imaging system with medical reports and patient information. Using this database, the system can flag high risk patients and assist in working towards a solution. According to Kathy Sieja, the Froedtert & MCW spokeswoman, artificial intelligence is a tool that can address the shortage of health care providers. The whole process hopes that the provided data will help train the AI to quickly assess the patient's medical history and provide potential diagnoses. Reports indicate that the IBM Watson imaging system is not yet ready for actual use but doctors are impressed with the new technology, as reported by Engadget. In their reports, there is a 90 percent accuracy when it comes to supporting lung cancer treatment decisions. But the team behind this artificial intelligence system stresses that there is still more work to be done to make it useful in the real world. Working with scientists, businesses, researchers and governments, IBM Watson Health aims to solve the biggest health care challenges in the world. Watch the video clip below of IBM Watson discussing the Power of Artificial Intelligence: NASA will hold a Wednesday press conference to announce a new discovery. The discovery is described to be beyond our own solar system. Those attending the NASA press conference this Wednesday speculate that this involves the discovery of planets that can sustain human life. However, NASA did not provide such details. Instead, the presentation is reportedly going to feature exoplanets. Exoplanets are planets that orbit a star, other than the Sun. Astronomers have been studying these planets to figure out if life can exist beyond the solar system, as reported by Telegraph. NASA has recorded dozens of exoplanets that have similar distances like the the Earth has to the Sun. It is not clear if NASA is going to expose knowledge of new habitable planets. But during an earlier press conference, the space agency announced discovery of over a thousand planets. Nine of those are found to be habitable. According to Paul Hertz, the NASA director of the Astrophysics Division, says that man questions if he is indeed alone in the universe. Hertz explains that looking at exoplanets can help answer that question. But many still feel that NASA's announcement and Hertz's statement is a tad cryptic, as reported by Daily Star. Reports speculate that NASA is going to feature planets that could harbour alien life. While NASA is busy looking to the universe for answers, geniuses like Elon Musk are busy building rockets that can bring mankind to the Moon and Mars, commercially, one day. Especially that he is looking at Mars to become a place of residence for humans. With SpaceX pushing for a 2020 Mars Mission and leading rockets to orbit and send supplies to the Moon, Musk has his hands full. Watch out for NASA's press conference which will happen at 1:00 p.m. EST on Wednesday on NASA's TV station and official website. In the meantime, watch the NASA clip below where SpaceX Launches tenth cargo mission to the International Space Station: Milo Yiannopoulos is a known British journalist, author and editor fro Breitbart News. He is famous for his high opinions and polarizing stands on certain arenas, especially in the political field. Milo Yiannopoulos has been a speaker at various colleges and universities, such as the California Polytechnic State University and on the University of California campus in Berkeley. But his attendance has always been met with controversy and protests. Now, the right-wing speaker's publisher has reportedly dropped his book "Dangerous" because it is a subject of intense controversy, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. But Milo Yiannopoulos insists that the book should be back on the shelves. The drop of the book happened after his publisher was not invited to this year's CPAC. The CPAC, a conservative US conference, is described to be a forum for controversies and disagreements but explains that Milo Yiannopoulos' thoughts in his books do not have room in the forum. Yiannopoulos explains that he is guilty of imprecise language but he insists that he does not turn a blind eye to the evils of the world, as reported by NBC News. Regardless of his confessions, Milo Yiannopoulos is still met with demonstrators in university campuses and school institutions. Schools are previously forced to cancel his speaking appearances because of the intense scrutiny and demonstrations the students are displaying prior to his visit. While schools are extending invitations with the knowledge that free speech on campuses is open to all, Milo Yiannopoulos' branding has forced schools to rescind invites. The CPAC also rescinds its invite. His fame has brought him a new title. The BBC writes that Milo Yiannopoulos calls himself the "most fabulous super villain on the internet." Now, as the CPAC finds his explanation insufficient, they want him to immediately further address the controversial comments. Watch the clip below where ABC News looks into Milo Yiannopoulos' speech cancellations and riots: University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill has high hopes in predicting which babies are going to be high-risk. Previously, University of Minnesota researchers are also looking into which babies would later feature autism spectrum order. The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill researchers are also looking into the same study using an MRI to image the brains of infants. The results and images from the MRI tests can create brain measurements and computer algorithms that can predict autism before behavioral symptoms sets. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in babies with older siblings diagnosed with autism, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill researchers are able to predict 80 percent of infants who would later exhibit autistic signs at two years old, as reported by Science Daily. Joseph Piven MD, a senior author from the Thomas E. Castelloe Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, says that brain bio markers can prove to be very useful in identifying autism development. Currently, studies can only pinpoint the development of autism between two and three years old because of the behavioral symptoms being exhibited. By that time it would be too late because the brain has already changed substantially. With this research in place, the study could help diagnose early autism in babies with less than two years of age. This new insight is promising as it would lead to earlier management of the disorder and categorize infants in a high risk pool, as reported by Seattle PI. University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and University of Minnesota are not the only teams who are focused on this study. This research project included other researchers from other clinical sites such as the University of Washington, Washington University in St. Louis, and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Other key collaborators are McGill University, the University of Alberta,, the College of Charleston, and New York University. In the meantime, watch The National's clip below as autism studies aim to crack down on autism: Oxford University has negated the claims that it is considering breaking its century-old tradition and open its first foreign campus in response to the UK leaving the European Union. The British university told CNBC last Monday that they have received a number of "constructive and helpful proposals" from their colleagues but decided not to pursue the model of having a campus overseas. They were told that in the prospect of having Oxford in Paris, the campus will automatically obtain French legal status and will continue to receive the security EU funding after the Brexit, according to Independent. However, the university has finally come to a decision and they are not pushing for the French campus. British universities are currently receiving about $1.5 billion a year from the EU research funding. Jean-Michel Blanquer, the former director-general of the French ministry for education and incumbent President of ESSEC Business School, part of the Universite of Paris Seine network, explained that the British universities today are focused on preserving the relationships they have established with their partners in Europe and this is the reason why they have chosen this action so as to give them the opportunity for growth and development together with them. Oxford University currently joins and participates in a number of international alliances together with the other leading universities but it does not have any school overseas, and they said that it is not going to change despite the new proposals. Meanwhile, other UK universities have welcomed the plans and the University of Warwick is currently in discussion with the French officials. In fact, the university said that they were interested about the proposals and are looking forward to hear how those plans will evolve and how they might involve more partner universities in Europe. A lot of people were surprised when Betsy DeVos got appointed as the Education Secretary. DeVos herself admitted her astonishment when she was told of the possibility of leading the Department of Education. In an interview with Axios, DeVos revealed that she had never thought about someday being with the Department of Education. She recalled that, a day after the election, a colleague sent her an email and asked if she ever thought about becoming Secretary of Education. Betsy DeVos admitted that she was not able to send a response before talking to her husband, Dick. She replied after a day, saying that she had never thought about it but that she would consider it if the opportunity presented itself. The Education Secretary also confessed that she got excited for the job after she found out that President Donald Trump's views on education and its policies were "very aligned" with hers. Apparently, both of them see that several students are not being served well by four-year college degrees. Instead, they aim to promote vocational training to equip students for work and reduce student debt. DeVos claimed that the first measurement of success for the Department of Education would be the success in implementing the Every Student Succeeds Act. This program reduces the federal government's part in education but she added that it was still too early to state specific numerical goals. She was confirmed as the Secretary of Education earlier this month after a 50-50 vote on the U.S. Senate prompted Vice-President Mike Pence to cast a tie-breaking vote, according to NBC News. She was the sixth Cabinet appointment of President Trump. Betsy DeVos was recently slammed for criticizing teachers at Jefferson Academy, where she was barred by protesters from entering last Feb. 1. She said that the teachers were on "receive mode" and were just waiting to be told what to do. The JFA teachers took to Twitter to slam DeVos for her comments. They proved the real meaning of "receive mode" when they get students at a second-grade level and help them move to an eighth-grade level. Daniel Ramirez, a DREAMer who was arrested last week even while being protected by the DACA program, was denied released by a federal judge. This comes after President Donald Trump's immigration ban and the crackdown that followed. TIME reported that a federal magistrate refused to release Ramirez, who was arrested by immigration agents last week. Ramirez is a DREAMer or someone who is protected by the DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act under the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) program. Ramirez was threatened with deportation and detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Feb. 10 in Seattle. A lawsuit was filed on Monday since Ramirez should have been protected by the DACA program. ICE officials claimed that Daniel Ramirez was a "self-admitted gang member." They added that his detention was due to him being a "risk to public safety." Ramirez's arrest comes as concerns over the safety of undocumented immigrants, especially students, under President Trump escalates. There are also worries that the current administration may start targeting thousands of immigrants who were considered low priorities for deportation under the previous presidency. The U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday that there was "no legal basis" for the district court to deliberate any challenge on Daniel Ramirez's detention. This is due, in part, to his pending case in the immigration court. According to The Associated Press, the Department of Justice confirmed that Medina was arrested because of being a gang member. Ramirez was said to have stated that he was no longer involved with any gang activity, implying that he was involved before. He also added that he hung out with members of the Surenos gang in California as well as with gang members in Washington state. The court document revealed that Ramirez arrived in the United States at seven years old with his father. Daniel Ramirez Medina's lawyer Mark Rosenbaum called out the documents, saying that it is a "blatant falsehood" and that it only serves to defame the DREAMer. Kentucky State University's search for a new president has been filled with controversy and criticism. The issue stems from the list of final candidates that the institution has announced last week. Diverse Education reported that the search committee excluded Kentucky State University's interim president in the list of finalists that they recommended for the role. This led to complaints and criticisms from the faculty senate. Several people from the university's staff senate as well as state lawmakers questioned the qualifications of the candidates. KSU officials refused to comment on the presidential search issue. The school's interim president, Aaron Thompson, and acting provost Candace Love Jackson were also unable to comment on the issue. They were both out of the state last week. The protest surrounding the list of finalists began about two weeks ago. This was when the KSU Board of Regents' five-member Presidential Search Committee voted three to two in favor of accepting the three final candidates from its consultant, Academic Search, which is based in Washington, D.C. The two who voted against the list said that they were not provided with the background information of the candidates. Two candidates, M. Christopher Brown and Said Sewell, have higher education experience but also had questionable past service. Oklahoma judge Thomas Colbert has had less than two years' experience in higher education when he served as an assistant dean in a university law school. It was also noted that Kentucky State University paid Academic Search $125,000 for the list of finalists. Meanwhile, according to the Lexington Herald Leader, the school's faculty was told last week to stop discussing the presidential search in their classes. Provost Jackson has said that some students complained about how some teachers discussed the search in class. In an email, the class discussions about the issue were described as "unacceptable" and "inappropriate." Elaine Farris, chair of the academic affairs committee, noted that it is important that teachers keep the focus on teaching and learning in class. However, she did acknowledge that they did not want to trespass upon the faculty members' academic freedom. The University of Washington will be launching a course that aims to help students think critically about big data. It is expected to facilitate the development of students' analyzing skills. Stat News reported that two professors from the University of Washington have developed a new course that is intended to help students see alternative facts and fake news with a critical eye. The course is entitled "Calling Bullshit In the Age of Big Data." The official website of the class was launched last month and has become quite popular. Carl Bergstrom, a biologist and one of the professors who helped create the course, said that they had 20,000 visitors, several emails and even got book offers the morning after the website went online. His teaching partner is assistant professor in UW's Information School, Jevin West. Both of them are longtime scientific collaborators and have invested years in investigating inflated claims, manipulated algorithms as well as twisted interpretations. The course will initially be a 1-credit seminar this spring. There are already plans to expand it to a 3- or 4-credit course for the next school year. It is expected that students will be able to remain vigilant and know how to discern fake news or data from information fed to them. The professors also expect students to be able to figure out why certain information is inaccurate or fake and be able to provide a technical explanation for it. Moreover, they expect the skills that students gain from this course to be the "most useful and most broadly applicable" out of everything they learned in college. Speaking to Recode, West said that he and Bergstorm believe that science may be a bit at risk because of inaccurate information being provided by the media. They saw that methods of statistics intended for smaller data sets were being applied to big data sets, which makes it easy to manipulate a correlation that is not always accurate. The Origami concept has been used to make the bulletproof Kevlar shield that expands in seconds and withstands bullets from even a .44 Magnum pistol. Engineers at Utah's Brigham Young University were motivated to develop the technology that could potentially save man lives. The Kevlar shield is designed for law enforcers but has the can be used to protect anyone like schoolchildren caught in a firefight. BYU engineers have long been referring to the Origami concept for various applications. They have worked with NASA in creating deployable systems with unique features. One, it should be compact enough for launch and another, it could expand in space for optimal usage. The Japanese art of folding paper has also had surgical applications where powerful devices can be inserted in the tiniest incision to perform a complicated task. However, this will be the first time that BYU engineers will work on a certain kind of barrier like the bulletproof Kevlar shield that can ultimately save lives, the primary motivation of both professors and students. The Compliant Mechanism Research Group of BYU developed the bulletproof Kevlar shield, which is a freestanding barrier that can be erected within seconds. It is made of 12 layers of Kevlar that are bound together by a thin aluminum core in the middle. It is inspired by the Origami fold pattern known as the Yoshimura. It is specially designed to have a curved shape that is big enough for two to three law enforcers protected not only in front but also on the sides, Digital Trends reported. During testing, BYU engineers assaulted the bulletproof Kevlar shield with several rounds from common handguns. The shield was able to stop bullets from handguns like the 9mm, .357 Magnum and even the big .44 Magnum pistols, Phys.Org reported. Moreover, the device is lightweight and easily transported in the trunk of the car. It is unlike other existing products, which are heavy at 90 pounds, require being held and have a flat design offering minimal protection. However, it is the concept behind the Origami-inspired bulletproof Kevlar shield that excites BYU engineers for it could have the potential to save more lives not just those of police officers. It can be used in school buildings to protect students in cases of shooting. This is why BYU engineers have already mapped out their next step, which is to further improve the shield and the process behind it for easy manufacturing. The Times Higher Education has created its list once again for the year 2017 regarding the best universities around the world. THE used 13 indicators to choose which among the 300 universities from 41 countries. Here are the Top 7 universities from emerging economies around the world. Peking University Considered as the first modern university established in China and was originally named the Imperial University of Peking. Founded in 1898, it has educated some of China's leaders including Mao Zedong and writer Lu Xun. Tsinghua University Founded in 1911, Tsinghua University has consistently been one of the top universities in China along with Peking University. Ranked 18th by THE, it has one of the strongest scientific and research programs in mainland China with more than 1400 projects every year. Lomonosov Moscow State University This coeducational research university located in Moscow takes the third spot in the Top 7 universities from emerging countries. This academic institution has a total of 6,000 professors and lecturers and another 5000 researchers. Shanghai Jiao Tong University Originally named Nanyang Public School, Shanghai Jiao Tong University was established in 1886. The university has a total of 62 undergraduate programs in 9 disciplines and 37 doctorate degree programs in 8 disciplines. It has 29 schools, 13 hospitals, and 25 directly-affiliated institutions. University of the Witwaterstrand Wits University, as it often refers to itself, is a multi-campus South African university located in Johannesburg. Wits has more than 350 National Research Foundation-rated researchers as well as 22 South African Research Initiative chairpersons. It also has 13 large research institutions that receive funding from external sources. Zhejiang University Taking the sixth spot in the Top 7 universities from emerging economies is Zhejiang University, which was founded in 1897. Zhejian University is an amalgamation of four academic institutions - Zhejiang, Hangzhou University, Zhejiang Agricultural University, and Zhejiang Medical University. In 1998, it became a comprehensive university comprising of 7 universities, 9 research institutes, 25 departments, and a research center with the approval of the State Council. National Taiwan University To complete the Top 7 universities from emerging economies is the Taiwan University located in Taipei, Taiwan. The university was founded by the Japanese in 1928 and originally named the Taihoku Imperial University. At present, the university has a total of 100 graduate institutes, 54 departments, and 25 research centers. Penns David and Lyn Silfen University Forum: February 28: A Formidable Foe: Cancer in the 21st Century Penn President Amy Gutmann, with the Vice President of the United States Joe Biden at the January 15 formal launch for the Cancer Moonshot Project. It has been called the emperor of all maladies. A scourge familiar to the ancient Egyptians that still elicits fear. The foe: cancer. The last century saw enormous progress in our understanding of cancer biology as well as prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Yet, while cancer mortality rates have been steadily declining in the United States, enormous challenges remain in understanding and treating cancer. The decline in cancer death rates is slowing, but some cancers still remain largely incurable. Our improved understanding of cancer has uncovered many new questions about this broad collection of diseases. Can different cancers be reclassified? Can the bodys own immune system be harnessed to aid in the fight? Are the newest treatments and technologies scalable to all cancers or are they one-hit wonders destined to help comparatively few patients? In 2016, President Barack Obama announced a new Cancer Moonshot with a goal of, in the words of Vice President Joseph Biden, fundamentally chang[ing] the trajectory of how our society and world understands and combats cancer. Americas research universities and academic medical centers are critical to this effort (Almanac January 26, 2016). On February 28, Penn President Amy Gutmann and a distinguished panel, including Mr. Biden will discuss the past, present and future of cancer research and treatment at the David and Lyn Silfen University Forum. What progress has been made in the fight against cancer? What are the most difficult questions and challenges ahead? What is the role of leading universities and academic medical centers like Penn in overturning the tyranny of this emperor of all maladies? The David and Lyn Silfen University Forum series was generously endowed by the late University Trustee David M. Silfen and his wife Lyn to foster conversation and debate regarding important contemporary issues. Dr. Gutmann will be joined by The Honorable Joseph R. Biden, Jr., 47th Vice President of the United States; Loretta Lori Alf, Penn Medicine Ambassador and patient; Otis W. Brawley, chief medical officer, American Cancer Society; Nancy E. Davidson, director, Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, president, American Association for Cancer Research; Carl H. June, director, Translational Research Program, Abramson Cancer Center, professor of pathology and laboratory medicine, Perelman School of Medicine. There was such a great response that tickets sold out in minutes. The University will stream the Silfen Forum live on February 28 at 4 p.m. at http://www.upenn.edu/silfenforum/webcast.html 2017-2018 Penns Financial-aid Budget and Tuition The University of Pennsylvania announced a $224 million financial-aid budget for 2017-2018the largest in the Universitys history while increasing total undergraduate charges by 3.9 percent. Since Amy Gutmann became Penns president in 2004, Penns financial-aid budget has grown by 171 percent, and the University has awarded $2 billion in undergraduate aid to a total of 17,253 students. Penn is the largest US university with a need-blind admissions policy and grant-based financial aid for undergraduates. Upon admission, Penn determines students financial need, then reduces the cost of tuition, room and board and fees through University grants and work-study jobs. These grants, made up largely from Penns funds as well as federal and state grants, do not require repayment. This current academic year, 46 percent of Penn undergraduate students received need-based grants from the University, with the average grant for students estimated at $45,368. Approaching the tenth anniversary of establishing grant-based financial aid among the highest of our priorities, Penns Ivy League education is more accessible and affordable to students with the greatest promise from all backgrounds than ever before, said Penn President Gutmann. Doubling the number of first-generation college students is just one among the many educational and societal benefits that flow from Penns doubling of financial aid and our outreach efforts, which we continually strengthen. As the first in my family to attend college, I understand the transformative impact that affordable access to high quality higher education can have. It is the single greatest gateway to economic opportunity and has an indelible impact on society. This is the enduring value fueling Penns grant-based financial aid program. Penns grant-based financial aid initiative supports the Universitys long-standing commitment to its need-blind admissions policy, which means students are accepted based on academic achievement, regardless of their ability to pay. Financial aid packages are determined based on the cost of attendance for 2017-2018, which includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation and personal expenses. For 2017-2018 undergraduate tuition will increase to $47,416 from $45,556; room and board will increase to $15,066 from $14,536; and fees will increase to $6,118 from $5,908. Demonstrating Penns commitment to supporting a socio-economically diverse student body, 48 percent of aided students receiving grants in the academic year 2016-2017 were awarded more than $50,000. Most undergraduate students with a family income of less than $40,000 received grant-based aid covering the total cost of tuition, room and board and fees. Ninety-four percent of undergraduate students with a family income of $180,000 or less received grant assistance. Penns grant-based financial aid program is aligned with the inclusion goals outlined in the Penn Compact 2020 Presidential Initiatives, which include a comprehensive effort to raise additional funding for the endowment to support undergraduate financial aid as well as graduate and professional student aid. At Penn, one in eight members of the class of 2020 are first generation, up from one in 20 in 2004, reflecting success with inclusion goals. Additional information on undergraduate financial aid at Penn is available at www.sfs.upenn.edu Penn Joins Amicus Brief Opposing Trump Administrations Executive Order on Immigration The University of Pennsylvania joined with fellow Ivy Plus and other research universities from across the country in filing an amicus brief opposing the Trump Administrations Executive Order on Immigration. The brief was filed in the United States District Court Eastern District of New York. The brief contends that the executive order impedes amicis goals of educating tomorrows leaders from around the world. Because amici seek to educate future leaders from nearly every continent, attract the worlds best scholars, faculty, and students, and work across international borders, they rely on the ability to welcome international students, faculty, and scholars into their communities. The Executive Order at issue in this case threatens that ability, and creates significant hardship for amicis valued international students, faculty, and scholars. In addition to Penn, the brief was signed by leaders of Brown University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of Chicago, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Duke University, Emory University, Harvard University, Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northwestern University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Vanderbilt University and Yale University. A link to the amicus brief can be found at https://news.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/Darweesh-university-amicus-brief-21317-FINAL-2.pdf Fall 2016 University Research Foundation Awards In the most recent cycle, Fall 2016, of Penns internally-funded University Research Foundation, URF Conference Support (noted with *), the Office of the Vice Provost for Research has announced awards to the following members of the faculty for the projects listed below. Amada Armenta, School of Arts & Sciences, Sociology, Immigrants & Justice: Gendered Understandings of Crime and Policing Among Latino Immigrants in Philadelphia Daniel Barber, School of Design, Architecture, Climatic Effects: Architecture, Media, and the Great Acceleration Eugenie Birch, Provost Interdisciplinary Programs, Penn Institute for Urban Research, Penn IUR Undergraduate Research Colloquium UURC Hsiao-wen Cheng, School of Arts & Sciences, East Asian Religions; Knowing Women: Medicine, Popular Religion and Female Sexuality in China, 7-14th Centuries Brian Chow, School of Engineering & Applied Science, Bioengineering, Engineering artificial proteins for stimuli-responsive photoacoustic imaging contrast Mariella De Biasi, Perelman School of Medicine, Psychiatry/Neuroscience, Epigenetic regulation of gene expression following marijuana vapor delivery David Fajgenbaum, Perelman School of Medicine, Medicine, Investigating inhibition of mTOR and T-cell activation in Castleman disease *Tulia Falleti, School of Arts & Sciences, Political Science; The Future of the Left in Latin America Ian Fleishman, School of Arts & Sciences, German Language/Lit, An Aesthetics of Injury *Michael Gamer, School of Arts & Sciences, English, Gothic States: a Conference *Marybeth Gasman, Graduate School of Education, Higher Education Division, Teaching the Liberal Arts to Diverse Students Sarah Guerin, School of Arts & Sciences, History of Art, Caravans of Gold, Fragments in Time: Art, Culture, and Trans-Saharan Trade *Raffaella Giannetto, School of Design, Landscape Architecture, Ethics and Aesthetics of the Cultural Landscape Reto Giere, School of Arts & Sciences, Earth and Environmental Science, The Energy-Food-Water Nexus- A Grand Challenge of our Time Maria Golson, Perelman School of Medicine, Genetics, Regulation of Mature Beta-Cell Function by the Transcription Factor FoxM1 *Sara Heller, School of Arts & Sciences, Criminology, Transatlantic Workshop on the Economics of Crime *Yasmin Kafai, Graduate School of Education, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership Division, Bio Design in K-12 Education Ayako Kano, School of Arts & Sciences, East Asian Languages and Civilizations, War, Sex, and Belonging: Analyzing Adaptation of Modern Japanese Fiction to Film *Justin Khoury, School of Arts & Sciences, Physics, New Frontiers in Cosmology and String Theory Annette Lareau, School of Arts & Sciences, Sociology, Individuals of High Net Worth: Challenges and Opportunities in Family Life Jennifer Sternad Ponce de Leon, School of Arts & Sciences, English, Politically Engaged and Extra-disciplinary Art in Argentina, 1998-Present Marsha Lester, School of Arts & Sciences, Chemistry, Spectroscopy and Dynamics of Reaction Intermediates Chunsheng Li, Perelman School of Medicine, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Novel Shikonin-loaded smart nanoparticle for targeting CD248-positive carcinoma and sarcoma *Terri Lipman, School of Nursing, Family and Community Health; Community/Academic Partnerships to Increase Activity in Youth and their Families *Heather Love, School of Arts & Sciences, English, Disability Studies: A History Timothy Lucas, Perelman School of Medicine, Neurosurgery, An actuated, high density neuroprosthetic interface Steven Marcus, School of Social Policy & Practice, A pilot study to identify factors that interrupt suicide plans Mark Neuman, Perelman School of Medicine, Anesthesiology, Pilot of Peer Engagement for Enhancing Recovery after Surgery Study E. James Petersson, School of Arts & Sciences, Chemistry, Toward a Molecular Mechanism of Secondary Tau Fibril Seeding in Neurodegenerative Disease *Jean-Michel Rabate, School of Arts & Sciences, English, Ezra Pound Among the Taurians: A Public Lecture Megan Ryerson, School of Design, City and Regional Planning, Flying the Urban Airways: The design of freight delivery and emergency response urban airways for Unmanned Aerial Systems *Daniel Singer, School of Arts & Sciences, Philosophy, Penn-Rutgers-Princeton Social Epistemology Workshop Andrew Tsourkas, School of Engineering & Applied Science, Bioengineering, Multi-pronged approach for the treatment of glioblastoma Related: University Research Foundation Applications: March 23 University Research Foundation Applications: March 23 The University Research Foundation (URF) is now accepting applications for the March 23 deadline. The URF is an intramural program that provides three funding mechanisms: Research Grants and Conference Support, Impact Seminar Grants and Research Opportunity Development Grants. URF Research Grants and Conference Support provides up to $50,000 in project support and up to $3,000 for conference support. Its objectives are to: help junior faculty undertake pilot projects that will enable them to successfully apply for extramural sources of funding and aid in establishing their careers as independent investigators; help established faculty perform novel, pioneering research to determine project feasibility and develop preliminary data to support extramural grant applications; provide support in disciplines where extramural support is difficult to obtain and where significant research can be facilitated with internal funding; and provide limited institutional matching funds that are required as part of a successful external peer-reviewed application. URF Impact Seminar Grants will make awards up to $20,000 for support for a cross-school, cross-disciplinary large scale event to be held on Penns campus within a year of the award. Funding for this award can be used to augment an already scheduled University event. The eventwhich can be a symposium, forum or conferenceshould occur over one to two days and be open to the entire Penn community. It should highlight the scholarship of Penn faculty and bring distinguished scholars to Penns campus, with a particular focus on the Universitys distinguishing strength in integrating knowledge. Documented school and/or department matching funds are required. URF Research Opportunity Development Grants (RODG) The Research Opportunity Development Grant program (Phase 1 and Phase 2) was designed to facilitate the intersection of the forward trajectory of Penns research frontiers with the trajectory of the national and global research priorities. RODG applications should map onto emerging research areas with new opportunities for support. Awards from these programs should be used to develop preliminary information and data for new applications in these emerging research areas. The two programs are described here. Research Opportunity Development Grants: Phase 1 With an identified new research area in mind, Phase 1 grants enable a team to articulate the research focus, map Penns intellectual assets in the new area, coalesce the appropriate group of scholars, identify Penns potential contributions in the area in the context of national and international research initiatives and identify a funding target. Typically a Phase 1 proposal would lead to a Phase 2 application. In addition, special attention will be paid to project proposals that include mentorship of Penn undergraduates. Applications up to $10,000 will be considered. Research Opportunity Development Grants: Phase 2 Phase 2 grants offer extensive support for up to two years to enable specific outcomes in support of a center or group proposal to an external funding organization. Activities include research workshops, preliminary studies, networking in the relevant research community, etc. Specific outcomes are expected. Documented matching department and/or school funds will be considered positively. In addition, special attention will be paid to project proposals that include mentorship of Penn undergraduates. Applications with requests between $50,000 to $200,000 will be considered. Note: Phase 2 grants are not intended to support the development of proposals that respond to regular solicitations such as those for NIH RO1 grants or NSF Division programs. Disciplines for all award programs: Biomedical Sciences, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Engineering, Social Science and Management. Undergraduate Participation: As part of the Universitys commitment to providing research opportunities to scholars across our campus community, URF applicants are encouraged to include undergraduate student participants within the framework of their proposals. Budget: Each URF program has separate budget requirements. Eligibility for all award programs: Eligibility is limited to Penn assistant, associate and full professors in any track. Instructors and research associates must provide a letter from their department chair establishing that the applicant will receive an appointment as an assistant professor by the time of the award. Assistant professors must submit a letter from their department chair describing their research independence. Adjunct faculty are not eligible to apply. Awards must be expended on University of Pennsylvania facilities, equipment and/or associated University technical staff and undergraduate students. Note: Proposals from faculty who have received awards from the University Research Foundation in the past three cycles will be less competitive. Detailed information including application materials can be found at http://www.upenn.edu/research/smarts/university_research_foundation/ Related: Fall 2016 University Research Foundation Awards A deserted area in Zone No.69 of the Bu op agro- forestry farm in Binh Phuoc Province where most of the woods have been exploited.-VNA/VNS Photo The apology was delivered by Nguyen Van Tram, chairman of the provincial peoples Committee at a meeting with a working group led by Mai Tien Dung, Minister and head of the Government Office yesterday. Tram attributed the shortage of forest rangers to ineffective forest management, adding that each ranger was responsible for 700ha of forest. Nguyen Van Loi, the provinces Party Secretary, admitted shortcomings in forest protection work. He has promised to clarify the responsibilities of relevant officials and take drastic measures to overcome shortcomings. Addressing the meeting, Dung said the provincial authorities did not follow an order by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last June to close natural forests nationwide. Specifically, hundreds of ha of natural forest area had its designated use changed illegally, he said. Dung asked provincial authorities to strictly implement the Prime Ministers instructions on forest protection. "The natural forest should be closed and shifting from so called "poor" forest which means forest suffering exhaustion for other purposes should be considered carefully," he said. The Ministry of Public Securitys Environmental Crime Police Department in August last year detected various violations by provincial authorities relating to turning over 575 ha of forest into land for husbandry and cultivation. The project was later suspended. According to the department, provincial authorities granted a licence to an enterprise exploiting the natural forest without compiling a report on the environmental impact. The provincial authorities violated regulations on forestation when allowing Song Be Rubber Company to exploit the natural forest before the projects approval. Binh Phuoc Provinces Department of Agriculture and Rural Development also erred when granting a license to an enterprise that was not authorised to perform husbandry. illustration photo Top global producers, such as Orion, Nestle, and Mondelez, are discovering the country as a precious production hub, but more importantly, as a dynamic consumer market with great potential for growth. According to the summary of the December 2016 report by Euromonitor available on the market research companys website, over the review period, the rising consumer awareness of health and wellness had a consistently negative effect on demand for sugar confectionery. In terms of prospects, the import taxes applied to sugar confectionery imported into Vietnam from other Asian countries, such as Thailand and South Korea, are expected to continue decreasing over the forecast period, based on trade agreements recently signed by the Vietnamese government. This is set to result in further increases in the number of international players, which is set to result in harsher competition. In sugar confectionery, local players are expected to face the threat of losing ground to foreign rivals. Mondelez International At a colossal VND11.6 trillion ($534 million) deal, global confectionery powerhouse Mondelez International acquired an 80 per cent stake in Kinh Do Corporations snack business, setting up the Mondelez Kinh Do brand on July 15, 2015. The acquisition was seen as a means for Mondelez to strengthen its route to its Asia-Pacific markets and set foot in Vietnam. The business has a combined portfolio of Kinh Do mooncakes, Cosy buscuits, and Solite soft cakes, in addition to AFC crackers, Oreo cookies, Ritz crackers, and Cadbury chocolate products. In its 2015 annual report, Modelez recorded $128 million in incremental net revenue from its Vietnamese acquisition, against a $29,636 million total net revenue. Considering its new Vietnamese operations only started in July of the year, these numbers were seen as encouraging. Orion Corporation Another powerhouse, Korean confectionery manufacturer Orion, best known for the brand Choco Pie, reported a record operating profit last year. The companys operating profit rose by 9 per cent on-year, to KRW326.2 billion ($283.6 million). As reported by newswire Korea JoongAng Daily, the groups Vietnamese operation posted an impressive 24.1 per cent growth in 2016, surpassing the KRW200 billion ($173,900) threshold in sales, for the first time since Orion entered Vietnam. According to the 2016 Investor Relation presentation, in Vietnam Orion has a 100 per cent owned subsidiary named Orion Food Vina. Between 2011 and 2015, the companys revenue from the Vietnamese market saw a compounded annual growth rate of 11 per cent. According to the companys report on spin-off and stock split released in late 2016, in Vietnam the company plans aggressive market expansion, aiming for Vietnam to be the bridgehead of its expansion in Southeast Asia. Lotte Lotte, the leading confectioner in Japan and South Korea, now has one factory in the southern province of Binh Duong. Established in 1998, the factory produces chewing gums and chocolate products. Not only expanding the sales of its own products in Vietnam, starting in 2013 the company has made headlines for its dramatic attempts at swallowing Vietnamese confectioner Bibica (HoSE: BBC). In 2007, Bibica sold 30 per cent to Lotte. Then Lotte kept buying into Bibica and raising the holding to 43.56 per cent as of the end of 2013. Counterweight asset management company SSIAM under SSI and related companies held a total 40 per cent. In September 2014, Lotte increased its ownership to 44.03 per cent. SSIAM and related companies sold their holding to PAN Food. As of the end of 2016, Lotte Confectionery Co., Ltd. held 44.03 per cent of Bibica, being the biggest shareholder in the company, followed closely by PAN Food (42.25 per cent). Lotte wants Bibica to produce Lotte-branded products, such as Lotte-Pie. Meanwhile, PAN wants Bibica to grow its own brands. Deputy chairman Truong Phu Chien, for multiple times, has told local media that Lottes target does not align with Bibica, and that Bibica wanted to work with PAN food more. Perfetti Van Melle Perfetti Van Melle started construction of a factory in Vietnam in 2006 and the second one in 2007. According to Euromonitor, Perfetti Van Melle Vietnam Ltd. continued to lead in terms of sales of sugar confectionery in 2016, accounting for 14 per cent of the total sales value during the year. The companys leading position can be attributed mainly to its diverse product portfolio, which includes the Mentos, Alpenliebe, and Golia brands. In addition, the company registered a slight increase in its share value in the sugar confectionery category between 2014 and 2016. The company has continuously expanded its distribution network across the country, actively conducting promotional activities. One obvious example of this statement must be the Grilled Mullet Fish Wrapped in Lotus Leaves in Dong Thap. Even though it has just been invented recently, this delicious dish has attracted many visitors from other parts of country to Dong Thap. The grilled mullet fishes are grilled, wrapped in lotus leaves and dipped in tamarind sauce. The mullet fishes used in this recipe can be caught in many ponds or springs throughout the province. Each of the fish only weighs about 5 kg. Unlike that of mullet fishes raised in the city, the body of natural mullet fishes is firm and slim. Therefore, the meat of those fishes is very chewy, sweet, and bones-free! Right after they are caught, the fishes are washed and grilled on red coal. We have to pay great attention when grilling, otherwise the fishes will be burnt. A well-grilled fish has a tempting yellow color; its skin still remains, covering the fragrant and white meat inside. After separating the grilled fish into two halves and putting them on the dish, we dust crumple nuts and pour the special sauce on top. Made solely from oil and onion, this sauce will enhance the smell of the dish. The grilled mullet fishes are served with lotus leaves and tamarind sauce. The procedure to eat this dish is somehow similar to that of summer rolls. However, instead of using rice paper, you use lotus leaves to wrap around the fish and fresh herbs. Last, never and never forget to dip the fish in tamarind sauce. This wonderful tropical sauce will make eating this dish an unforgettable experience for you! The HCMC leadership last Friday had two meetings with the municipal transport department and relevant agencies on the traffic situation and the progress of traffic infrastructure projects citywide. HCMC Vice Chairman Le Van Khoa told the transport department not to let public passenger transport go down as last year. From now until June, the congestion-prone points should be resolved. To address congestion in Tan Son Nhat airport area, the HCMC Department of Transport in cooperation with aviation authorities should make it possible for passengers to check in somewhere outside the airport terminal. When the procedures are done, passengers could be transferred to the airport by bus, thus reducing traffic on Truong Son Street and other nearby roads to the airport. On the same day, HCMC Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong chaired a meeting to review traffic safety in 2016 and discuss tasks for 2017. He said the responsibility of leaders was important to solving traffic problems in their districts. Tran Quang Lam, deputy director of the HCMC Department of Transport, reported there were 37 locations still prone to traffic congestion in the city. In 2017, the department will focus on dealing with these congestion-prone points with multiple solutions. However, Lam believed only 18 points would be addressed this year, while the remaining 19 must wait for the completion of the ongoing traffic works. Huynh Trung Phong, head of the HCMC Road and Railway Traffic Police Department, said that to solve those 37 congestion-prone sites, specific assignments have been given to traffic police, ward police and youth volunteers. From 2017 onwards, traffic police will boost the application of technology to impose sanctions, especially via surveillance camera systems, Phong said. Regarding the encroachment on pavements and roadways, after two inspections by the transport department before and after the Lunar New Year, the situation has not improved much. Nguyen Ngoc Tuong, deputy head of the HCMC Traffic Safety Committee, said: Because district authorities are not determined, the 159 streets registered as models (for addressing traffic congestion) in 2012 so far have not been definitely settled. At the end of the meeting, Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong said 2016 data showed 3,962 traffic accidents happened in the city last year, killing 805 people and injuring 3,204 others, up 208 in the number of cases, up 103 in the death toll and down 97 in the number of wounded people from 2015. He said the HCMC Traffic Safety Committee report had identified the cause but not come up with a solution. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has announced import quotas of 8,400; 8,820 and 9,261 cartons of eggs (a dozen each) for 2017, 2018 and 2019, respectively.-Photo vietnamplus.vn The import quotas follow the regulations on application of tariffs rate quota under the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) for its member countries. In addition, the import quotas for cigarettes would be 500 tonnes per year in the 2017-19 period. The imported products have to be given certificate of origin issued by the authorised agency of EAEUs member countries. All customs clearance procedures should be implemented at border gates. The regulation will take effect on March 14, 2017, until the end of 2019. Last year, the quotas for eggs and cigarettes from EAEUs members were 8,000 cartons and 500 tonnes, respectively. Participants at the groundbreaking ceremony of the new social housing project built in the Phuoc Long new urban area in the central coastal Khanh Hoa Provinces Nha Trang City.-Photo baoxaydung.com.vn The project spans an area of 1.8ha in the Phuoc Long new urban area, comprising of three 10-storey apartment buildings. Each apartment has an area of 59-66sq.m. HUD, under the Ministry of Construction, is waiting for the provincial Peoples Committees approval for the pricing plan of the project, with the average price of an apartment under VND9.5 million per sq.m. Located in the west of the city, the project is connected to regional residential areas, factories, universities, attracting a large number of citizens, students and workers who have high demand for affordable housing, especially housing with an average price that is below VND10 million per sq.m. At the projects groundbreaking ceremony, Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Pham Khanh said the project, once completed, would meet the demand for housing of poor and low-income households currently living in Nha Trang City, creating favorable conditions for them to improve their living standards. The Ministry of Construction has asked HUD to focus on the management of the projects construction and quality and make ensure citizens get their new houses as scheduled. According to Dao Cong Thien, vice chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, from now until 2020, Khanh Hoa needs 15,000 affordable apartments and, so far, it has implemented a total of 11 affordable housing projects with 5,733 apartments. Although the price, fluctuating at some VND9 million per sq.m. seems reasonable, but in total, people have to spend VND600 million to buy a 60 to 70sq.m. house, which may still be a strain for them. Therefore, investors, in the future, should consider building smaller apartments, such as from 30 to 40sq.m, to meet the demands of people from lower income groups," Thien said. Thien added that Khanh Hoa Province will create favourable conditions for investors and solve any problems related to project development. Saudi Minister of Energy, Industrial and Mineral Resources, Khaled al-Falih, said the kingdom will begin its plan to wean itself off oil. (AFP/FAYEZ NURELDINE) It invited local and international firms to try to qualify for bidding on two projects. One is for 300 MW of solar energy to be built in Al-Jouf province, in the kingdom's north. The second is for a 400 MW wind power development in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia, the energy ministry said in a statement. Government estimates say Saudi peak energy demand is expected to exceed 120 gigawatts by 2032. Virtually all of the kingdom's power currently comes from crude, refined oil or natural gas. But as part of the Vision 2030 economic reform plan to wean the kingdom off oil, it has set a target of 9.5 GW of renewable energy by 2023. "This marks the starting point of a long and sustained program of renewable energy deployment in Saudi Arabia," Khaled al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources, said in the statement. He said this will not only diversify the kingdom's power mix but will also catalyse economic development. Reaching the 9.5 GW target will cost between US$30 billion and US$50 billion, Falih said last month. Companies will have until Mar 20 to file documents for bidding pre-qualification. Those which are successful will be announced by Apr 10. Formal proposals can then be presented until July, the ministry said. The Phu Lac wind power plant in Binh Thuan Province.-Photo courtesy of EVN Bui Van Thinh, chairman of the Binh Thuan Wind Power Association, said the Ministry of Industry and Trade had sent a proposal to raise the regulated selling price of wind power to the Government, but the decision, expected at the end of last year or beginning of this year, would be delayed. Last year, the association asked the Ministry of Industry and Trade to raise the selling price of wind power to US$9.5-10 cents per kWh, up from $7.8 cents. Viet Nam has great potential for wind power, estimated at about 10,000 MW, according to research by the German International Cooperation Agency (GIZ). Initially, the Government set a target of generating 1,000 MW of wind power by 2020, but later lowered it to 800 MW. Only four wind power projects are operating in the country with a total capacity of 160 MW. Meanwhile, total capacity of the proposed registered wind power projects has reached 5,700 MW. Most of the investors postponed the projects because regulated prices were below production costs, Thinh said. For example, Ben Tre Province licensed five wind-power projects with a total capacity of 150 MW, but investors have been waiting for the price to increase. Nineteen wind power projects were registered in the south-central province of Binh Thuan, but work on them has yet to begin, he said. The regulated selling price of wind power in Viet Nam is among the lowest in the world, only 7.8 cent per kWh (compared to Thailand with 20 cent per kWh, the Philippines with 29 cent per kWh, and Japan with 30 cent per kWh). In addition, poor infrastructure such as seaports and roads are also a challenge for investors. Thinh said, however, that the wind power market was still attractive to foreign investors. Binh, who is also director of the Thuan Binh Wind Power Joint-Stock Company, said the company was upbeat about renewable energy as the industry was expected to flourish when the price increased. After operating the first phase of the Phu Lac Wind Power plant with a capacity of 24 MW in Binh Thuan Province, the company now plans to increase the charter capital from VND240 billion ($10.54 million) to VND450 billion ($19.76 million) to develop new projects with an estimated total capacity of 510 MW of wind power and more than 570 MW of solar power. From now to 2030, we need more than $2 billion to develop wind power and solar power projects in Binh Thuan and Ninh Thuan provinces and the Central Highlands region, Thinh said. Moreover, to increase revenue for the company, the Phu Lac Wind Power Plant plans to develop wind power and solar power in combination with eco-tourism, Thinh said. The number of wind power projects in Viet Nam remains low since only wind turbine towers, which account for 20 per cent of production costs, can be produced locally, while investors have to import the other components. Viet Nam plans to produce propellers valued at 10 per cent of the investment cost, turbines worth 7 per cent of the cost, and several other small components. A South Korean firm in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province produces wind turbine towers, and a US company manufactures turbines in the northern port city of Hai Phong. If the wind power market achieves strong growth in the future and attracts foreign investors capable of producing complicated parts, we will be able to raise the localisation ratio to more than 40 per cent, Thinh said. Viet Nam needs to switch to renewable energy such as wind and solar power as the country has cancelled its first two nuclear power projects and has started implementing commitments on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, experts have said. The countrys total wind power output has reached only 160MW, far below the huge potential that exists in the country. The Government has released its National Electricity Development Plan for the 2011-2020 period with a strategic priority on renewable energy, with wind power capacity targeted at 800 MW by 2020 and 6,000 MW by 2030. Margrethe Maersk, a Triple-E container ship. - Photo VNA With the arrival of Margrethe Maersk, CMIT, located downstream Cai Mep River of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, is the first port in Vietnam and the 19th in the world to be able to handle an 18,300-TEU Triple-E vessel, according to the Sai Gon Giai phong (Liberated Saigon) daily. Margrethe Maersk, built by Danish container shipping company Maersk Line, is 399.2m long and 59m wide and has a deadweight tonnage of 194,000. Triple-E is a class of the worlds largest container ship. The name is derived from its three design principles: Economy of scale, energy efficiency, and environmentally friendly. In recent years, about 30 per cent of Vietnams containers destined for faraway markets had to transit ports in Hong Kong (China), Singapore or Malaysia, which has added to the delivery costs and time. The vessel Margrethe Maersk is arriving at Cai Mep to load goods to be transported to Europe. With this direct trip, transport time for Vietnamese goods will be cut by a day and transport expense by 10-20 percent, compared with the traditional shipping routes, which would transit at other countries. CMIT managing director Robert Hambleton said the arrival of Margrethe Maersk is a landmark for both CMIT and Vietnam. It proves the capacity of the port and the country, which can become a point of transit for goods being transported from Asia to Europe. Under a plan for seaport development in Vietnam until 2020, the Cai Mep complex of container terminals consists of CMIT, Tan Cang-Cai Mep ODA Terminal and SP-SSA International Terminal. It was designated to be a deep-water port complex capable of handling container ships of more than 100,000 DWT. About 1.36 million TEU of goods was handled by the Cai Mep complex in 2015. The volume increased by 47 per cent in the following year to more than 2 million TEU. The inclusion of CMIT in the network of terminals eligible for receiving Triple-E vessels by 2M Alliance of Maersk Line and MSC demonstrates the strategic position of the Cai Mep complex, and the successful handling of Margrethe Maersk is also a step towards turning this complex into an international point of transit for containers. In October 2016, Lloyds List named CMIT as one of the top four port operators in Asia. The problems that plagued the world economy in 2016 will continue this year, coupled with several new issues that have drawn the worlds attention - nationalism and trade protectionism. New US President Donald Trump issued a decree to withdraw from the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP). There were also decrees which required Canada and Mexico to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), applied unilateral measures on trade protection to individual nations, and urged US firms to move offshore factories back to the US. Behind these decrees lies the emergence of a new trend: American nationalism. Trump jumpstarted negotiations with the UK - a past member of the European Union (EU) - after its exit from the union. Following the emergence of right-wing leaders in France and other European countries, the rise in nationalism, and its resulting protectionist policies, is expected to shadow globalisation and international economic integration efforts. Analyst Gideon Rachman wrote in an early 2017 Financial Times issue that the incompatibility between American and Chinese nationalism in the Pacific seemingly has increased since Trump won the election. Rachman said that before Trump espoused the slogan Make America great again, Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed to restore the Chinese nation and Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to make Russia the world superpower it once was during the time of the former Soviet Union. With Donald Trumps election and protectionist sentiment on the rise, Vietnam must prepare itself for multiple scenarios of international trade, Photo: Le Toan US stance towards China Since the early 2000s, US-China relations have heavily impacted the worlds political and economic environment. After taking office in 2001, former US President George W. Bush regarded China as a strategic rival, and accused China of creating tensions in Asia. The terrorist attacks in the US on September 11, 2001 marked a watershed in the two countries relations, as China sided with the US in their fight against terrorism. Late in his second term, Bush attended the opening ceremony and other events at the Beijing Olympics in 2008. Since his first term in 2009, former US President Barack Obama maintained relatively friendly relations with China. In November 2009, he and former Chinese President Hu Jintao held the US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue to expand bilateral economic co-operation, initiated in 2006 under Bushs reign. Beginning in 2012, Obama began pivoting towards Asia, focusing on the Asia-Pacific region, while Xi Jinping announced plans to strengthen Chinas influence in the international arena. In the late years of the Obama administration, confrontation escalated, despite the two countries co-operating on climate change, ratifying the Paris Agreement in 2016. Over the past few years, China has rapidly increased its export value. In 2015, Chinas export value represented 14 per cent of the world market, surpassing the US (9 per cent), Germany (8 per cent), and Japan (3.8 per cent). With import surpluses in the US touching $261 billion, China accounted for 70 per cent of total American import surplus in 2015. Bilateral trade relations between China and the US have drawn the attention of a few US presidents over the years. However, no US president has been as stern as Trump, who, among other things, threatened to impose high tariffs on goods imported from China. International experts predict that under Trump, relations between China and the US will become increasingly strained, and an unprecedented trade war between these two leading economies could break out. US stance towards the EU Trump publicly supported the UKs exit from the EU, and his views regarding the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) were commented on by the New York Times: EU leaders are struggling to decipher Donald Trump, who seemingly each day picks a new fight against a new nation, whether friend or foe. Recently, an EU summit in Malta was convened where European Commission Chairman Donald Tusk wrote a letter to EU leaders saying that changes in Washington have brought difficulties to the EU. The US new administration is challenging their external policies that have been faring well for the past 70 years. French President Francois Hollande insisted that Europe must demonstrate unity before Washington, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel said nations must stand on their feet during Trumps term. For US allies in Europe such as Germany, France, and the UK, their relations with the US during Trumps administration are facing new challenges. For instance with Germany, leading American news channel CNBC assumed that Germanys high trade surplus of nearly $270 billion last year may be a source of tensions with the US. Meanwhile Germany, which chairs the G-20 Group in 2017, is forecast to try its utmost to protect trade liberalisation under the slogan Shaping an interconnected world. Vietnams approach When the leader of the worlds number-one economy vows to pursue nationalism despite facing opposition from politicians, scientists, leading business groups, and millions of Americans, this trend may spread to other regions in the world, and is accompanied by trade protectionism, which goes against globalisation and international integration. This has brought about a series of new issues for Vietnam, particularly regarding the process of pursuing investment and trade liberalisation and deepening regional and international integration. Economic relations, particularly trade relations, with the US are very important to Vietnam. Although there have not been any signs directly impacting the two countries trade relations, we should remember that Trump once floated the idea of imposing a 20 per cent tax rate on commodities exported to the US. If this happens, it could have a major impact on Vietnams export value in the US market, which made up more than 20 per cent of the countrys total export value in 2016. According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnams total export value to the US touched $3 billion in January 2017, down more than $600 million compared to December 2016 and $10 million year-on-year. The monthly export value to the US market averaged $3.3 billion last year. It is too soon to draw any conclusions about the situation, but it may be a difficult year for Vietnam-US relations when Trumps new policies come into force. Thus, how can Vietnamese companies currently having relations with US partners prepare for the new situation? The government and its ministries, particularly the Ministry of Industry and Trade, need to keep tabs on the situation, make timely forecasts, and prepare suitable remedies to support businesses and ensure national interests. In the meantime, they must adapt to developing worldwide trends. The US withdrew from TPP, but several countries, including Japan and Australia, are still pursuing the agreement and will convene a meeting with representatives of the 11 remaining countries. Vietnam needs to present initiatives on its continued implementation of TPP without the US, and make careful preparations to commence negotiations to finalise the agreement. TPP will bring benefits to all stakeholders, particularly local businesses and the Vietnamese economy. When announcing US withdrawal from TPP, Trump unveiled the possibility of forming bilateral free trade agreements (FTAs) with individual nations. That needs to be further studied, especially in the context of the two countries fast-growing trade thanks to the Vietnam-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) inked in December 2001. Forming a new Vietnam-US FTA to supersede the existing BTA may foster relations with the US and allow the two countries to scale up mutual trade. It could also help attract investment from big US groups into Vietnam. Cambodia has adopted controversial new legislation that amends the law governing political parties that could lead to opposition parties being dissolved. The legislation was passed by a unanimous vote of the ruling in the National Assembly amid an opposition boycott of proceedings. Among other changes, the amendments mean that politicians with criminal convictions will be barred from holding senior positions in parties and that parties may be dissolved by the Supreme Court if they break the rules. It also places restrictions on foreign funding of political parties. The oppositions 55 lawmakers declined to attend the vote, saying the legislation would cause chaos in the country and that it was contradictory to the principle of multiparty democracy and intends to exploit the opposition. Leng Peng Long, a National Assembly spokesman, said the new rules would come into immediate effect. The opposition party boycott indicates clearly that they do not want to engage in a dialogue. We, the ruling party, often want to practice the dialogue culture, but they refused the request, he added. The amendments have provoked strong criticism from analysts and the international community. After viewing Angelina Jolies latest production, First They Killed My Father, in Siem Reap this week, Cambodians say they hope the film will encourage more people to learn about their harrowing history. Loun Punloeu, a university student, said she hoped the film would stop history from repeating. The film is so good, Im touched, she said. Hopefully after young people watch the film they will help develop the country for the better and avoid such events in the future. The film is an adaptation of the memoir of Loung Ung, an author, which describes her traumatic early life under the Khmer Rouge between 1975 and 1979. Ung was just 5 years old when the regime took control of Phnom Penh, in April 1975, losing her father and later her mother and other relatives to the harsh conditions of its rule. At the screening last week in Siem Reap, many broke into tears while watching the screening. Tan So Reuy, 70, a Siem Reap resident who saw the film, said it reflects the real situation under the Khmer Rouge regime that I experienced for three years. Its good film. And its valuable to the nation since it shows that Khmer people experienced numerous hardships during wartime. We divided and we argued to the point that a foreign country intervened. We suffered from the repercussions of the intervention, which left us with nothing. Heng Sitha, a student, said the film would spread awareness about the trauma suffered by those living under the Khmer Rouge. I knew that the regime was dark from what my mum and my grandma told me. I feel sorrowful for what had happened to Cambodia in the past, and I never want it to happen again, he said. Jolie, who has adopted a Cambodian son, said at the opening ceremony on Saturday: I directed and aired the film in Cambodia for the first time to express my gratitude to Cambodia for giving me a new life and helping me become a mother. The Hollywood star, who was granted Cambodian citizenship by King Norodom Sihamoni 10 years ago, added: This film was not made to focus on the horrors of the past, but to celebrate the resilience, kindness and talent of the Cambodian people. Most of all, this film is my way of saying thank you to Cambodia. Without Cambodia I may never have become a mother. Part of my heart is and will always be in this country. The film will be screened in Phnom Penh for the first time at Olympic Stadium on Tuesday and in Battambong on Wednesday. It will be available on Netflix from September. Punloeu expects that all Cambodians will be able to see the film. If we screen the film internationally, more people will know more about us. After screening internationally, I hope the film can be screened again for free, so all people can watch it. Members of Mekong River Commission and civil society groups will be heading to Luang Prabang in Laos to attend the regional stakeholder meeting on Wednesday to discuss Laos proposal to build a third dam on the Mekong mainstream, the Pak Beng. The 912-MW dam project has been heavily criticized over the expected impact on the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on the Mekong. Courtney Weatherby, research analyst with the Southeast Asia program at the Stimson Center, based in Washington D.C., said expectations for a change to the plans were low given previous exchanges with Laos over the Don Sahong and Xayaburi dams. I think that the consultation forum will be an important indicator for what the long-term prospects for the dam are. We have seen very clearly from the consultation processes for Xayaburi and Don Sahong that it is difficult to have a two-way conversation when the developers and the government of Laos have essentially decided before the consultation that they are moving forward with the project. Initiated by the Mekong River Commission, the Procedures for Notification, Prior Consultation and Agreement process, or PNPCA, aims to allow the four member countries including Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, to raise their concerns prior to building dams on the lower Mekong. Tek Vannara, executive director at the NGO Forum in Cambodia, told VOA Khmer that the PNPCA agreement is a good initiative if concerns are taken into consideration. The PNPCA procedures agreement is good if the Laos government and the Mekong River Commission take the result from the consultation meeting into consideration, include it in the plan, and enforce the decision, he said. However, he continued that the PNPCA procedures agreement was just a formality based on political reasons, rather than technical ones. Under The Mekong River Commission's 1995 agreement, every member is required to conduct a study and have prior consultation before any member can build a dam in order to guarantee sustainable development. Unfortunately, Laos has not adhered to the agreement, building several dams without proper consultation, according to Meach Mean, coordinator at the 3S Rivers Protection Network. The main impact is on political policy. Laos is trying not to abide by the 1995 Mekong agreement, he said. Vannara said the NGO Forum would suggest Laos postpone building the three dams until impact studies could be carried out. Similarly, Weatherby recommended the Mekong River Commission use its influence to make sure peoples voices are heard. I would really recommend that the Mekong River Commission uses its very important role as a convener to make sure that those conversations happen, so that all of the concerns are really brought to people who are making a decision about the project. The PNPCA procedures agreement process will take six months to complete. Prior consultation on the Pak Beng project began last December. After the regional stakeholder meeting this month there will be a field visit to Pak Beng in April. The U.S. Midwest state of Kansas has historically voted Republican, rejecting Democratic presidential candidates since 1964. VOAs Carolyn Presutti spoke to some strong Trump supporters and a rare democrat to see how President Trump is doing during these first 100 days in office. By any means necessary. That was the mantra of black activist Malcolm X, who was assassinated during an address in New York City 52 years ago today at the age of 39. Schooled by the Nation of Islam while in prison for burglary at the age of 21, Malcolm became a loyal follower of its leader Elijah Muhammed and later an effective minister, known for his fiery oratory. The Nation of Islam advocated black nationalism and racial separatism and condemned Americans of European descent as immoral devils. His adopted brand of activism was decidedly at odds with Americas civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr., who followed the pacifist protest ideology of Indias Mahatma Gandhi. By contrast, Malcolm advocated self-defense and separation from the white man. In late 1963, Malcolms suggestion that President John F. Kennedys assassination was a matter of the chickens coming home to roost prompted Elijah Muhammad, who believed that Malcolm had become too powerful, to suspend him from the Nation of Islam. A few months later, Malcolm formally left the organization and made a Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, where he was profoundly affected by the lack of racial discord among orthodox Muslims. He returned to America as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz and in June 1964 founded the Organization of Afro-American Unity, which advocated black identity and held that racism, not the white race, was the greatest foe of the African American. Malcolms more moderate philosophy became increasingly influential in the civil rights movement, especially among the leaders of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. A week before he was shot to death by members of the National of Islam, he home was firebombed. Thomas Hagan was the only man who admitted his role in the murder. Hagan was sentenced to 20 years to life imprisonment after being found guilty at trial with two others in 1966. The other two men were released in the 1980s and have long denied involvement in the killing. Hagan was paroled in 2010 after serving 44 years in prison. Right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos has been disinvited to this year's Conservative Political Action Conference after his attempt to clarify past comments on relationships between boys and older men fell flat with organizers. Hours later, his publisher cancelled his book Dangerous, which had been scheduled to come out in June. The American Conservative Union founded and hosts CPAC, which is being held Wednesday through Saturday outside Washington. In a tweet on Monday, ACU chairman Matt Schlapp said that "due to the revelation of an offensive video in the past 24 hours condoning pedophilia, the American Conservative Union has decided to rescind the invitation of Milo Yiannopoulos to speak." After the polarizing Breitbart News editor was invited, his invitation sparked a backlash. The conservative Reagan Battalion blog tweeted video clips Sunday in which Yiannopoulos discussed Jews, sexual consent, statutory rape, child abuse and homosexuality. Later Monday, Simon & Schuster and its Threshold Editions imprint announced that "after careful consideration" they had pulled the book, for which pre-orders placed it high on Amazon.com's best-seller lists. The subject of intense controversy, Dangerous was originally scheduled to come out in March. But Yiannopoulos pushed back the release to June so he could write about the protests during his recent campus tour, including a cancelled appearance at the University of California, Berkeley. At the time of his publisher's decision Monday, Dangerous ranked No. 83 on Amazon's overall list and No. 1 in the subcategory of "Censorship & Politics." More than 100 Simon & Schuster authors had objected to his book deal, which was announced last December, and Roxane Gay withdrew a planned book. Some bookstores had said they would not sell it, although the National Coalition Against Censorship and other free speech organizations had defended the publisher. Threshold is a conservative imprint that has published books by President Donald Trump, who has defended Yiannopoulos, and former Vice President Dick Cheney among others. On Facebook, Yiannopoulos blamed deceptive editing and his own "sloppy phrasing" for any indication he supported pedophilia. The British author said he spoke of his own relationship when he was 17 with a man who was 29. The age of consent in the U.K. is 16. It's unclear who edited the videos. "We realize that Mr. Yiannopoulos has responded on Facebook, but it is insufficient," Schlapp said. "We urge him to immediately further address these disturbing comments." Schlapp said the invitation was initially extended knowing that free speech on college campuses is a "battlefield where we need brave, conservative standard-bearers." But he added: "There is no disagreement among our attendees on the evils of sexual abuse of children." Yiannopoulos writes for Breitbart News, considered by many a platform for the so-called alt-right movement, an offshoot of conservatism that mixes racism, white nationalism and populism. As dawn breaks over an encampment that was once home to thousands of people protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline, a few hundred holdouts rise for another day of resistance. They aren't deterred by the threat of flooding, nor by declarations from state and federal authorities that they must leave by Wednesday or face possible arrest. They're determined to remain and fight a pipeline they maintain threatens the very sanctity of the land. "If we don't stand now, when will we?" said Tiffanie Pieper of San Diego, who has been in the camp most of the winter. Protest started in August Protesters have been at the campsite since August to fight the $3.8 billion pipeline that will carry oil from North Dakota through South Dakota and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois. Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners began work on the last big section of the pipeline this month after the Army gave it permission to lay pipe under a reservoir on the Missouri River. The protest camp is on Army Corp of Engineers land nearby. The protests have been led by Native American tribes, particularly the Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux, whose reservation is downstream. They say the pipeline threatens drinking water and cultural sites. ETP disputes that. Faced with the prospect of spring flooding, some protesters are considering moving to higher ground, though not necessarily off the federal land. Some may move to the Standing Rock Reservation, where the Cheyenne River Sioux is leasing land to provide camping space even though Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault has urged protesters to leave. "We have the same goals," Cheyenne River Chairman Harold Frazier said of himself and Archambault. "We don't agree on whether or not the water protectors should be on the ground." No camp re-entry after Wednesday On Monday, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum talked with Archambault on the telephone about efforts to clean up and vacate the protest camp, Burgum's office said. Burgum and Archambault both stressed the importance of keeping lines of communication open, including a one-page flyer that the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs will distribute in the camp, reminding protesters that the main camp will be evacuated at 2 p.m. Wednesday and re-entry will not be allowed, Burgum's office said. More than 230 truckloads of debris have been hauled out as of Monday, according to the governor's office. Those urging the protesters to leave say they're concerned about possible flooding in the area as snow melts. "The purpose of this is to close the land to ensure no one gets harmed," said Corps Capt. Ryan Hignight. Debris from camp a concern One concern is that floodwaters could wash tons of trash and debris at the encampment into the nearby rivers. "One of the biggest environmental threats to the Missouri is the camp itself," Burgum said. Many in camp think authorities are exaggerating the flood threat and trying to turn public sentiment against them. "They're talking like it will be a flood that will wipe out all of existence," said Luke Black Elk, a Cheyenne River Sioux from South Dakota. Some flooding is likely, he said, but "most of it won't be that bad." The camp has been the site of numerous and sometimes violent clashes between police and protesters who call themselves "water protectors," with more than 700 arrests. The camp's population has dwindled as the pipeline battle has largely moved into the courts. Protesters wont make it easy Protesters who remain say they're prepared to be arrested, but will remain peaceful. "We'll make it difficult for them to handcuff us, but there will be no forceful opposition," said Bryce Peppard of Oregon. The Corps and the governor say they would rather there were no arrests. "The ideal situation is zero arrests are made because everybody figures out that it's not a place where you want to be when the flood starts to happen," Burgum said. The worlds oldest leader, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe, turns 93 Tuesday. The European Union marked the occasion by renewing sanctions against the president and members of his government. Zimbabwe state media broadcast the first part of its sit-down interview with President Robert Mugabe on the eve of his 93rd birthday. "This man is not going," said Mugabe. "The call to step down must come from my party... I will step down. But what do you see? The opposite. They want me to stand for elections. It's their voice I heed and the voice of no one else. The Zanu-PF Party recently selected Mugabe as its candidate for 2018 elections. Last week, his wife said people will vote for him even if he were dead and it were just his corpse on the ballot. However, there are signs of opposition. Mugabe faced unprecedented protests last year over the failing economy and fresh allegations of rights abuses. And some activists have called for his birthday party to be canceled. The celebrations are set for Saturday in Matopos in the southwest. The ruling party puts the price tag for celebrations at about $2 million. Activists say that money should be used to address economic problems Zimbabweans are facing. On Tuesday, the European Union gave Mugabe a birthday present that he might not like. The EU voted to extend its travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo for another year. The sanctions have been in place since 2002 over allegations of election rigging and rights abuses. Independent political commentator Chamunoda Mutasa was not surprised at the renewal. "It confirms that the administration still has a long way in terms of implementing reforms and reversing archaic moves that they implemented and called for sanctions in the first place, said Mutasa. The president has not responded to the renewal of sanctions. In the past, he has said they were imposed to push him to abandon a policy of taking land from white farmers. Forecasters issued flash flood warnings Monday throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and elsewhere in Northern California as downpours swelled creeks and rivers in the already soggy region. The National Weather Service said heavy rain could persist into the evening and was expected to cause flooding on the Carmel River in Monterey County and Coyote Creek in Santa Clara County. In the San Joaquin Valley, residents were patrolling levees for signs of danger, reviewing evacuation plans and filling hundreds of sand bags as the San Joaquin River kept rising. Our community is pulling together like real champs, said San Joaquin River Club resident Paula Martin, who is helping coordinate emergency plans for the private neighborhood of 800 homes. Sirens at the ready Martin said the neighborhood has sirens in a clubhouse and church that can warn residents of impending flooding. The weather service issued snow and wind advisories, including a flash flood warning for the Soberanes burn area in Monterey County. It said winds could reach 60 mph in the San Francisco Bay Area. Santa Cruz County had seen 2.8 inches of rain in 24 hours and could see up to 8 inches before the storm passes Tuesday. Marin County got 2.3 inches of rain while close to an inch fell in San Francisco. Forecasters said rainfall in San Francisco has already surpassed the normal annual amount for the wet season that begins in October. The city has logged 24.50 inches of rain since October. 1, said forecaster Bob Benjamin. The average rainfall for the year ending September 30 is 23.65 inches. A pre-evacuation advisory was issued for a community in Madera County after water discharges from Bass Lake were increased and threatened to swell rivers, officials said. The Fresno Bee reported that the order was issued for several roads near downtown North Fork, about 10 miles from the lake. The sheriff's office said residents should be ready to leave quickly if conditions worsen. Heavy snow expected In the mountains, the weather service forecast heavy snow in the Lake Tahoe area with a high avalanche danger until Tuesday in an area of the Sierra Nevada from Yuba Pass to Ebbetts Pass. Forecasters say the winter storm could drop up to 5 feet of snow in areas above 7,500 feet, while lower elevations could see between 8 and 24 inches of snow. Forecasters advised motorists to avoid travel in the area through Tuesday. Moderate to heavy rain along with snowmelt below 7,000 feet was expected to swell rivers and streams and increase the chance of flooding. Levees being tested The San Joaquin River was approaching the top of levees and could remain at that level for four days, said Tim Daly, a spokesman with the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services. When the water gets that high and more water is coming, there is just too much pressure and levees can break, Daly said. They can be topped. The Don Pedro reservoir, which captures water from the Tuolumne River, a key tributary of the San Joaquin, was at 97 percent capacity. The weather service also issued flash flood warnings for the North Bay and Monterey areas, as well as south-central Alameda County and southeastern Santa Clara County. Water on the rise In Alameda County, the weather service reported gauges on Alameda Creek were showing that rapidly rising water levels have surpassed local flood stages in Niles Canyon and a watershed above Sunol Regional Wilderness. For the first time in more than 10 years, water flowed into Lake Berryessa's unique spillway. The Monticello Dam Morning Glory Spillway, also known as the Glory Hole, operates similarly to a bathtub drain for the northern California lake. The last time it spilled over was in 2006. Elsewhere, the water level kept falling at Oroville Dam, where a damaged spillway had raised major flood concerns and prompted the evacuation of 188,000 people a week ago. German officials have proposed that the European Union relax some human rights safeguards so that more asylum seekers can be deported while awaiting the outcome of their cases, according to a working paper seen by Reuters. The paper is among many under discussion in Brussels as the EU, which has taken in more than 1.3 million migrants and refugees since the start of 2015, makes it tougher for them to get in and be allowed to stay. The paper said the proposal would only kick in at times of a "mass influx" of people to the bloc. "This is another element in efforts to energize readmission of people to wherever they came from," said one Brussels-based diplomat. The EU currently has an agreement allowing the return of asylum seekers only with Turkey. If approved, the proposal could enable such transfers to other places as well, including south of the Mediterranean, diplomats said. The EU is already talking to Libya, Tunisia and Egypt about curbing immigration to Europe. While the EU says it has the right to send away all economic migrants if it chooses, its existing laws on human rights say asylum seekers awaiting a ruling on their cases can only be deported to countries that meet certain conditions. The working paper lists them as including: safety from threat and persecution; humane reception conditions; and at least partial access to medical care, education and the labor market. Some parts of this "clearly exceed" the basic safeguards stipulated by the Geneva convention on refugees and the European Charter of Fundamental Rights, it said. It did not specify which of them might be dropped, but made clear that mass expulsions would still be prohibited and receiving countries would still have to guarantee decent living conditions for deported asylum seekers. They would also have to go on obeying the so-called non-refoulement principle, which means ensuring that people deported by the EU are not pushed further towards places where their lives might be at risk. Safe zones Specifically, the proposal also includes an option to recognize certain regions - rather than whole states as is the case now - as fit for people, including asylum seekers, to be sent back to. EU officials acknowledge they are considering this "safe zones" concept, which could mean sending people back to certain areas of countries otherwise deemed too dangerous. "These plans are overturning the international law on refugees... This is an utter betrayal, inhumane," Ska Keller, a Green member of the European Parliament, said of the document. The European Union's executive had no comment on the proposal paper. The document said: "This is not about building a 'Fortress Europe'. It is about combating illegal immigration, which has already cost the lives of thousands, and about replacing it by a regulated system of legal admissions, combined with humane living conditions, assured by the EU in third countries." Last year's EU migration deal with Turkey - which includes provisions on sending back asylum seekers who came to Europe via that country - has sharply cut the numbers arriving, and the paper said it should serve as a blueprint for the future. The Turkey agreement has, however, been criticized by rights groups as cutting corners on human rights and for bumpy implementation they say has put people's lives at risk. The paper said extending the options for deportation of asylum seekers would discourage people-smuggling. The EU would also provide funds to improve conditions for refugees and migrants sent back to third countries. The Celtic cross tattoo on Shannon Martinez's leg gives away her past. A victim of sexual assault at age 14 and never quite able to meet her parents' expectations, Martinez sought out other angry teens. By 16, she was a skinhead spouting white supremacist rhetoric, giving stiff-armed Nazi salutes and tagging public property with swastikas. She favored racist fashion statements like the symbol on her right calf. Fortified by the love of an adopted family, Martinez left the skinheads behind. Today she's helping others do the same as part of an emerging U.S. movement that helps people quit hate organizations. Modeled loosely upon organizations that formed in Europe years ago to combat extremism, groups and individuals are offering counseling, education and understanding to extremists seeking a way out. Life After Hate Now a 42-year-old mom who homeschools her kids at their house in Georgia, Martinez volunteers with Life After Hate, a leading organization dedicated to helping people leave white supremacy. On Facebook, she shares her story with others who've left or are looking to leave extremism. "We act as a group of people who understand each other," said former skinhead Christian Picciolini, an old friend of Martinez who founded the Chicago-based Life After Hate. "We understand the motivations of where we came from and why we joined. We understand what keeps people in. And we help each other detach and disengage from that ideology and provide a support system for them as they go through that transformation." Founded in 2009, Life After Hate was awarded a $400,000 Justice Department grant in the closing days of the Obama administration funding that could be endangered if the Trump administration decides to refocus a federal program combatting violent extremism solely on Islamic radicals, as is being considered. Leaving hate behind While several other grant recipients are dedicated to countering radical Muslim ideology, Life After Hate concentrates specifically on showing white extremists there's another way. The group operates a website where people who want to explore leaving white extremism can submit contact information. It also conducts educational and counseling programs including the Facebook group where members sometimes chat with extremists trying to change their lives, Picciolini said. "I started the organization ... because it was so difficult to leave that movement," he said. "Even though I'd abandoned the ideology, I wasn't ready to give up my community and my power and my identity, and I knew how hard it would be for other people to leave this type of ideology or this type of movement." Another group, One People's Project, was started by Daryle Lamont Jenkins of Philadelphia. Aside from monitoring racist groups, Jenkins who is black confronts white nationalists at public gatherings and talks one-on-one with willing white supremacists as he can, trying to show them there's a way other than hate. Some have never met a black person, he said. Jenkins' work is similar to that of Daryl Davis, a black musician from Maryland who has gained notice for trying to talk people out of the Ku Klux Klan. Mark Potok, a senior fellow with the liberal Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama, said it's hard to determine exact numbers, but around 100,000 people might be members in hate groups and several hundred thousand could be linked informally. Potok said exit organizations began in Europe in the 1980s to counter the rise right-wing militants there. "I do think that this is a particularly important moment for this kind of exit work to be happening because we have seen in the last year, year and a half, a real legitimization of these views," he said. President Donald Trump's election with the support of neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan has lent a new sense of urgency to opponents of white supremacy. "The Trump election has absolutely lit a fire under the butts of the white nationalists," Martinez said. "It is like, 'Our time is coming.'" Martinez said she grew up in metro Atlanta in a relatively normal family but rebelled after being sexually assaulted at a party. She got involved in the punk scene, which led to the skinhead movement. Martinez said she was on a path to prison or an early death when she moved in with the family of her skinhead boyfriend, who was away for Army training. His mother showed unconditional love that pulled her out of the abyss, Martinez said. Today, she looks at photos of herself from her skinhead days and fights back tears. "I was filled with rage and anger and the skinheads were the angriest people that I knew and I was kind of like, 'Those are my people.' And the ideology was a means of taking something that was ethereal, something that was unnamable, an anger and a rage that I felt, and giving it a focal point," she said. Shane Johnson was born into extremism. His father and many of his father's relatives were part of the Klan, he said, so there was only one real way for him to go as a youth in northern Indiana. "We were known as the Klan family," he said. "I got my first Klan robe when I was 14." Johnson eventually joined a skinhead group in addition to the KKK but finally decided to quit after getting arrested, stopping drinking and meeting the woman who is now his wife. Leaving was a real fight, though, as even relatives jumped him at a gas station one night after learning he wanted to quit. "When I dropped out they beat the holy hell out of me," he said. Since then, Johnson has tried to cover some of his racist tattoos with new ones and wears long sleeves to hide remnants of the past he regrets. Life After Hate is helping him numerous ways, Johnson said, including showing him how to read the Bible without seeing it as a treatise on racial separation, as he had been taught. Johnson, now 25 and living in rural Indiana, isn't ready to begin counseling others about leaving extremism; he still sometimes longs for his racist buddies and their ways. But he said his own story is proof that hate doesn't have to be permanent. "You can get out," he said. Guinea's government has signed an agreement with the country's two largest teachers' unions, it said, ending strikes that closed schools since the beginning of the month. At least five people were killed Monday when police reacted to student protests supporting the teachers and demanding an agreement so they could return to classes. The violence wounded 30 others, and police arrested 12, the government said. The government said teachers would have to wait until September for the salary increases, but other details of the agreement, signed late Monday, were not available. The strikes began in early February for pay raises and better training for contracted teachers. Souleymane Sy Savane, secretary-general for Guinea's Free Trade Union of Teachers and Researchers, said schools will re-open Wednesday as negotiations continue. But others said they do not agree with the settlement and want the pay increase as early as February. "This agreement is binding only for the trade union officials who signed it, and we are basically challenging it until the reevaluation [pay raise] is effective," Kalidou Diallo, the administrative secretary of the union told private radio station Lynx FM early Tuesday. The unions said Monday that the strike would continue until a pay raise of between 7.5 to 10.3 percent is granted. U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Tuesday that the United States is committed to working with European allies, despite occasional disagreements. At the end of the day, no one should misinterpret occasional policy differences and debates as a signal of anything less than total commitment to our alliances in Europe. That commitment is strong, she said, speaking to the U.N. Security Council. Haley also called NATO the strongest alliance in history, and said the U.S. is working to make the organization even more effective.Her comments echo those made by Vice President Mike Pence on Monday, when he told NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg the U.S. is committed to its NATO allies, but other countries also need to share the fiscal burden of defense more evenly. "We intend to increase our defense spending. America will do our part," Pence declared of the new U.S. administration under President Donald Trump. But he added, "It is time for action, not words" by the 23 countries that have not met the minimum 2 percent threshold. Stoltenberg said he agreed with Pence that other countries need to pay their fair share. The good news is we are moving in that direction," he said. Trump has, in the past, suggested the United States might not defend NATO allies who did not spend their share on defense. Haley said she believes the U.S. can have a better relationship with Russia, but greater cooperation with Russia cant come at the expense of our European friends and allies. That is why we continue to urge Russia to show a commitment to peace by fully implementing the commitments under the Minsk agreements and ending its occupation of Crimea, she said. The United States and the EU remain united in this approach, keeping sanctions in place until Moscow fully honors its Minsk commitments. Under the 2015 Minsk agreement, Ukraine, Russia and Russia-backed separatists agreed to end the crisis in Ukraine, beginning with the withdrawal of heavy weapons. Passports Haley also called Russia's recognition of passports issued by separatist authorities in eastern Ukraine a "direct challenge to efforts to bring peace" to the region. Her comments came just hours after Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko pressed for new sanctions against Russia over its decision to honor the travel documents, which Moscow calls a "humanitarian" move to help residents of rebel-held areas affected by a Ukrainian blockade. "From the point of view of international law, this is an element of recognition of these illegal entities and de facto renunciation of the Minsk process, since these steps are incompatible with the implementation of the Minsk agreements," Poroshenko said at a Tuesday meeting with the EU commissioner for humanitarian aid and crisis management, according to a report by Russian News Agency TASS. "We believe that this is a very worrisome phenomenon, which requires decisive action up to tightening sanctions." The Kremlin accused Ukraine of denying vital documents to people in the rebel-controlled areas and that its decision doesn't amount to recognizing those areas in any official capacity "The Ukrainian authorities are doing all they can to make life as difficult as possible for the residents of those territories and make it as hard as possible for them to enjoy the most basic rights and freedoms,'' Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said. "It's hard, and often impossible, to exercise those rights without documents.'' "Russian recognition of documents from separatist 'republics' is troubling and inconsistent with agreed goals of Minsk agreement," U.S. embassy officials in Kyiv tweeted on Sunday. On Tuesday, State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner said the U.S. "rejects Russia's decision to recognize illegitimate passports and other documents being distributed by Russian-backed separatists in Ukraines Donetsk and Luhansk regions." "This action undermines efforts to bring peace to eastern Ukraine," he said. "The United States expects Russia to honor its commitment to the Minsk agreements and work to de-escalate violence in Ukraine." Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since April 2014, a conflict that has killed more than 9,800 people. With weddings becoming the biggest social statement for most Indian families, a bill that proposes to target the usually ostentatious celebrations has stirred a lively debate can Indians be persuaded to cut down on the size and scale of marriages? The big, fat Indian wedding is no longer restricted to the rich. As a booming economy has put more money into the hands of the middle class, they too are staging extravagant, multi-day celebrations at five star hotels and farmhouses. A member of parliament from Bihar, Ranjeet Ranjan, is introducing a new bill in parliament called the Marriages (Compulsory Registration and Prevention of Wasteful Expenditure) Bill 2016, which proposes that those who spend more than $ 7,500 on their wedding should donate 10 percent of the money to a government fund, which wold be used to fund marriages of poor girls. It also seeks to put a cap on the number of guests and dishes served at wedding functions. Ranjan told VOA her aim is to remove the intense social pressure the middle class and others face to host elaborate celebrations. This has become a status symbol. People sell land, take loans to host their daughters weddings, she lamented. Parents set aside a fat budget for their childrens wedding, particularly girls weddings. Estimates show that many Indian parents fork out one fifth of the wealth they have accumulated on hosting a wedding. While budgets vary widely, many middle class families shell out $50,000 to $100,000 for their childrens nuptials. In a country that holds some 10 million marriages a year, Indias booming wedding industry is estimated to be worth about $35 billion and racing ahead at 30 percent a year. It is often described as a recession-proof industry, untouched by financial downturns or economic slowdowns. New Delhi resident and finance professional Pradeep Bhargava, who has hosted his daughters and sons marriages in recent years, feels wedding spending has gone a step too far. We are going 100 percent overboard, trying to show off, trying to be one up, he says. Many of these parents recall that their own weddings some three decades ago were relatively simple affairs where family and friends sang wedding songs at home and cooks prepared traditional delicacies. But thats history. Now as an aspirational middle class joins the race to put up a grand show, elaborate ceremonies spread over two to five days have become the norm -- from putting henna on the bride to choreographed dance shows, grooms arriving on chariots and elephants and exotic wedding feasts with several types of food available. Event managers and wedding planners are no longer just the purview of the rich. The spending on decor alone can run into the thousands of dollars said Pooja Gupta from New Delhi based Elusive Dreams, which specializes in adding glitz and glamour to wedding venues. They want new themes that come out every season, and they really want to transform the face of the venue, and they are willing to spend whatever, unlimited. They want to outdo each other at the wedding, she said. Many people vehemently oppose any effort to impose a tax on wedding expenses and say any effort to trim lavish Indian weddings has to be led by society itself. Sanjoy Pasricha, who is in the midst of hectic preparations for his daughters wedding to be held next month, has opted for a destination wedding in the beach resort of Goa. He points out that a marriage is a major event for an Indian family. Strongly opposing any government role in regulating wedding expenses he said, Its my decision how much I want to spend. Its as good as saying that you will have to stop wearing suits and only wear trousers, or you should not wear silk saris, but only cotton saris. However, lawmaker Ranjeet Ranjan said many people would welcome an escape from the extravagant spending that weddings now involve. The response I am getting is that a lot of people who spend due to pressure from society will be happy to get the shelter of the law, according to Ranjan. The lawmaker, who is from the opposition Congress Party, said she has found strong support for her bill, which could be taken up in the next session of parliament starting in March. Although new legislation typically takes years as it winds through the two houses of parliament in India, she is confident it could pass if the government supports it. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has not yet taken a position on the proposal. Iraqi troops have pushed into the southern outskirts of Mosul as they consolidate their position on the third day of a rebooted offensive to take the city, a military spokesman said. A coalition of troops from the federal police, interior ministry Rapid Response units, and other soldiers took part in the renewed push, which began Sunday and so far has secured an additional 123 square kilometers south of Mosul, the spokesman of the Joint Military Operation Command said. The U.S.-backed Iraqi forces reached the Mosul airport on Monday after removing Islamic State jihadists from a nearby in Albu Saif, according to an Iraqi military statement. "We are in Albu Saif and we started to clear houses from bombs, and we are conducting house-to-house search," said Police Lieutenant Colonel Hussein. After Iraqi forces re-take the airport, they plan to use it to launch attacks in the offensive on western Mosul, which is still under the control of IS fighters. Mosul is split roughly down the middle by the Tigris River. Iraqi forces removed the militants from the eastern side of the city last month. The IS group took over Mosul, Iraqs second-largest city, in 2014. There are an estimated 750,000 civilians in western Mosul, essentially under siege by Iraqi forces, along with IS fighters. Many of those civilians in western Mosul were forced out of the eastern part of the city during heavy fighting there last month. Refugee deluge expected Meanwhile, aid agencies are worried and preparing for the possibility that up to 250,000 people might flee the Mosul in the coming days or weeks. The U.N. refugee agency is focusing its efforts on building new camps to house the displaced. The UNHCR has completed eight camps and says it is planning to start work at another site south of Mosul. UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh said there was room in several of these sites to shelter new arrivals. But once the predicted exodus begins, he said, it will be impossible to accommodate such large numbers on existing land. Meanwhile, Saltmarsh said conditions are raising concern for the well-being of civilians in the city. "There are shortages of food, water, fuel and medicine," he said. "Half of all food shops have closed, and most people can only access untreated water at the moment. Food prices are rocketing, and there are reports of families burning furniture, clothing and plastic to stay warm. Conditions will deteriorate if civilians are not able to flee the fighting." Protecting civilians During the battle for eastern Mosul, Iraqi forces prioritized the protection of the civilian population in its military planning. Saltmarsh said he hoped this principle would continue to be upheld in western Mosul, but he told VOA it was likely to be more difficult to avoid civilian casualties in the densely populated western part of Mosul. "We do not have any official estimates of or predictions of the numbers who might be killed, but obviously, we are extremely concerned because the fighting is expected to be extremely intense once it gets into the urban areas," Saltmarsh said. "And, of course, there is a risk of hostages and human shields." Meanwhile, the World Food Program said it was extremely concerned about the welfare of 750,000 people still trapped in western Mosul. WFP said it had enough food stock in the area for 770,000 people. It called for unimpeded access to all those in need. Lisa Schlein contributed to this report from Geneva. A former CIA agent will be handed over to Italy in the coming days to serve a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of involvement in a U.S. program that kidnapped suspects for interrogation, a lawyer said Tuesday. Sabrina de Sousa spent the night in a women's prison near Lisbon after a Portuguese court ordered police to extradite her, her Portuguese lawyer, Manuel Magalhaes e Silva, told the Associated Press in an interview. He said she was detained Monday after a two-year fight against extradition and will be put on a plane once formalities between Portuguese and Italian police are concluded. De Sousa, 61, was among 26 Americans convicted of kidnapping suspect Osama Moustafa Hassan Nas, also known as Abu Omar, from a Milan street on Feb. 17, 2003. She denied involvement in the abduction. The U.S. rendition program, under which terror suspects were kidnapped and transferred to centers where they were interrogated and tortured, was part of the anti-terrorism strategy of the Bush administration following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Former President Barack Obama ended the program years later. De Sousa lost several appeals against extradition since her arrest at Lisbon Airport in October 2015 on a European warrant. She had argued she was never officially informed of the Italian court conviction and couldn't use confidential U.S. government information to defend herself. Once in Italy, De Sousa is expected to be taken to a women's prison in Milan, but her Italian lawyer Dario Bolognesi said he would immediately appeal to the Milan court to defer her imprisonment pending a decision on her years-long request for clemency. Other Americans convicted in the case have received clemency from the Italian president. Bolognesi met Tuesday with Justice Ministry officials who are reviewing the clemency request and emerged optimistic. Regardless, he said he would also request that De Sousa be granted semi-freedom and serve any sentence doing social work. He disputed the written ruling by the Lisbon judges that said that the verdict in Italy that provided the grounds for the European arrest warrant was "not final." He said the Italian case went all the way to the highest court and is final. Magalhaes e Silva, de Sousa's Lisbon lawyer and a human rights expert who said he took her case pro bono, said the European arrest warrant guaranteed de Sousa the possibility of a new trial or an appeal. Those assurances persuaded the Lisbon court to send her to Italy, he said. But last June the Italian authorities retracted that promise in a letter to the court, he said. "It will be interesting to see what the Italian courts do when there's an extradition based on a European arrest warrant in which Italy guaranteed to Portugal that it would respect certain rights, then like a pariah state it turns around and says no," he said. De Sousa, who was born in India and holds both U.S. and Portuguese passports, has said she had been living in Portugal and intended to settle there. She was on her way to visit her elderly mother in India with a roundtrip ticket when she was detained. There are an estimated 60,000 people living on the streets of Kenya's capital. Three years ago a local teacher decided to offer a meal to some homeless people, and today his impulse has grown into a charity that feeds hundreds every day and has sent some homeless children to school. It is 5 pm in Nairobi. Traffic is building up in the Highridge Estate area as people rush home from work. A group of street children and families are gathered at a corner, playing and chatting. Clifford Oluoch parks his car and gets out. A second car off-loads food and other boxed goods. Volunteers start distributing the food. The day's meal is rice and beans. Later in the evening, they will be having bread and milk. Oluoch does this every day. He started in 2014. Balance leads to success It has been tough, but I think the fulfillment overrides the toughness. There are days you ask yourself, What am I doing? Because initially, at the beginning, the cases were too much. I tried to solve everyone's problem and I got a total emotional burn-out, so I had to learn how toThis, I cannot . This, I can and take things that I can. And what I could do was take guys back to school and that has worked beautifully. He shares photos and stories from his daily encounters on Facebook. Word spread from there. The 49-year-old teaches mathematics and physics at a Nairobi elementary school. He initially paid for the food out of his own pocket, but now his charity receives enough in donations to feed approximately 500 people each day. A sense of family Twelve-year-old Wycliffe Wasike sits quietly as he eats the day's meal. His parents died when he was 10 and he ended up on the streets. He says these people have become his family. Wycliffe says, There are days you are so hungry after a long day. This is the only place you can fall back on. He says this is the only place he is assured of a meal. Oluoch wanted to do more for children like Wycliffe. His charity, Homeless of Nairobi, raised money to enroll 33 street children in school. The charity also runs a children's home where the homeless students can come study. Some also live there, though most still choose the streets. Oluoch says many of the boys he sees are addicted to various substances like glue and marijuana. They first need rehabilitation before they can go to school. Unexpected support Donations and well-wishers have come from unexpected corners. When I was doing the feeding in Westlands, there was a policeman who came and told me to feed them because when you feed them, the petty crime reduces by half.' He told me, Just keep feeding them. It is that simple. Just keep feeding them.'" And that is what he intends to do. When asked about the future, he says he envisions feeding centers for street children set up throughout the city. Malaysian health officials said Tuesday they have not yet determined a cause of death in the apparent assassination of the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Noor Hisham Abdullah, director of general health at the Malaysian health ministry, told reporters that samples taken from an autopsy on Kim Jong Nam have been sent to a lab for analysis to both determine what killed him and to identify his next of kin. That analysis will include examining the samples for evidence of any poisons, and it is unclear when it will be completed. Noor Hisham said that from the autopsy there was "no evidence of heart attack" and "nothing obvious for us to suggest any puncture marks or wounds." DNA samples As far as positively identifying the man as Kim Jong Nam, Noor Hisham said examiners have samples of DNA, fingerprints and dental information from the body, but not yet any corresponding records from family that can be matched up. "At the moment we do not have anyone who claims to be the next of kin." On Monday, North Korea's envoy to Kuala Lumpur, Kang Chol, called for a joint probe into the death, telling reporters that North Korean "cannot trust the investigation by the Malaysian police." Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak responded by saying his country had no reason "to paint the North Koreans in a bad light," and expressed "absolute confidence" in the objectivity of the investigation. The 45-year-old Kim Jong Nam was accosted and believed to be poisoned by two women at Kuala Lumpur International Airport while waiting to board a flight bound for the Chinese territory of Macau. Japanese broadcaster Fuji TV aired grainy footage Monday taken by the airport's security cameras that shows one of the women grabbing Kim from behind and forcibly holding something over his face. After the attack, Kim is shown seeking help from airport workers while gesturing towards his eyes. He died en route to a hospital. Four people have been detained in connection with the crime, including the two suspected assailants and a North Korean national, who was arrested Friday. Investigators are also seeking four North Korean men who flew out of Malaysia on the day of Kim's death. Father of suspect The father of Doan Thi Huong, who has been detained in connection with the case, spoke with VOA's Vietnamese service about his daughters alleged role in the death of Kim Jong Nam. "I couldn't know what she did," Doan Van Thanh told VOA Vietnamese. We can't. She didn't even let us know where she goes. She did get home on January 25 and left four days later. She left and we know nothing since then, he added. Doan described his daughter as a good and hard-working girl. She's not a bad girl. Local authorities in Vietnam confirmed the womans identity as Vietnam-born Doan Thi Huong, 29, a resident of Nghia Binh Commune, Nghia Hung District, Nam Dinh province. Vu Van Cuong, chairman of the Peoples Committee of the Nghia Binh Commune also told VOA Vietnamese that the woman was a quiet person who had little contact with neighbors. He added Huong used to be a medical student who went to Hanoi for work years ago. Her parents said they didnt know where she lived in Hanoi nor what she did for a living. They said she had traveled overseas, but it was unclear where. ... Family is struggling Doans father is a disabled veteran and her mother died in 2014. Her family is struggling with poverty, the commune leader told VOA Vietnamese. She has an older brother and three older sisters. All of them are poor. Theyre all married and live in this commune. Kim Jong Nam was once considered the heir apparent to lead North Korea, but he fell out of favor with his father Kim Jong Il after a failed 2001 attempt to enter Japan on a forged passport to visit Disneyland, and was basically exiled to the Chinese controlled territory of Macau. South Korea's spy agency says Kim Jong Un issued a "standing order" for his half-brother's assassination after taking power, and there was a failed attempt in 2012. During a National Security Council meeting Monday, South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn said the deadly attack revealed Pyongyang's "reckless and brutal nature." Kim Jong Nam was reportedly considered a threat to his half-brothers rule because of his outspoken criticism of the authoritarian regime. There has been speculation that China is getting tired of North Korea's repeated nuclear and missile tests in defiance on international sanctions and that the apparent assassination of Kim John Nam may have led to the Chinese decision Saturday to suspend all coal imports from the North. Coal exports are a vital source of revenue for the Pyongyang government. U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis welcomed the naming of Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond McMaster as the new national security adviser, a Pentagon spokesman said on Tuesday. U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday named McMaster as his new national security adviser, choosing a military officer known for speaking his mind and challenging his superiors. "Secretary Mattis has known Lieutenant General McMaster since the late 1990s when his book was published and he has great respect for his strategic perspective, his intellectual rigor and his managerial discipline," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told reporters on Tuesday. Any attempt to introduce quotas or tariffs to the North American Free Trade Agreement would be disastrous for the three-nation treaty, Mexican Economy Minister Ildefonso Guajardo on Tuesday told a Toronto conference on the future of North America. U.S. President Donald Trump who says free trade treaties have cost countless thousands of American jobs wants NAFTA to be renegotiated with a focus on cutting his country's large trade deficit with Mexico. One idea floating in Washington is that of a border tariff, which could hit Mexican exports. "Nothing in the new NAFTA should be a step backward. We will definitely not include any type of trade management measures, like quotas, or open the Pandora's box of tariffs," Guajardo said. "That will be disastrous in any process moving forward," he said. New tariffs would result in special interests in all three nations asking for protection, Guajardo predicted. Trump has revealed little about his intentions for NAFTA, which came into force in 1994, except that he wants to tweak the U.S. trading relationship with Canada while pushing for larger changes with Mexico. Canadian officials have suggested the United States would first negotiate with Canada and then focus on Mexico, an approach that trade experts say is almost unworkable and one that Mexico dislikes. Guajardo said the bulk of the NAFTA talks would have to be carried out on a trilateral basis to give investors confidence that the same set of investment rules applied to all three nations. For the talks to succeed, governments in all three nations would have to prove they had benefited, he added. "If I don't go back home with a trade agreement that can be clearly understood as a beneficial outcome for Mexico, there is no way the Mexican Senate will approve it," he said. The Mexican government expects the talks to start this summer, said Guajardo, who stressed several times how well Canada and Mexico had worked together in the past on trade. Guajardo and Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray were to hold talks with Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland later on Tuesday. Freeland said earlier this month that Canada opposed the idea of the United States imposing new border tariffs and would respond to any such move. We may soon be able to once again call Pluto a planet, rather than a dwarf planet if some NASA scientists proposal gains traction. Pluto was called a planet from 1930 to 2006, when it was demoted because there appeared to be other bodies similar to Pluto orbiting beyond it, making Neptune the outermost planet. Plutos demotion angered some scientists who are still fighting for Pluto to be reinstated as a planet, including Alan Stern, the lead scientist with NASAs New Horizons mission to Pluto. Stern recently submitted a proposal to the International Astronomical Union to make Pluto a full-fledged planet. In the mind of the public, the word 'planet' carries a significance lacking in other words used to describe planetary bodies, according to the proposal. In the decade following the supposed 'demotion' of Pluto by the International Astronomical Union, many members of the public, in our experience, assume that alleged 'non-planets' cease to be interesting enough to warrant scientific exploration. They also say planets should be round objects in space that are smaller than stars except for white dwarfs and neutron stars. "A planet is a sub-stellar mass body that has never undergone nuclear fusion and that has sufficient self-gravitation to assume a spheroidal shape adequately described by a triaxial ellipsoid regardless of its orbital parameters," the proposal continued. Its unclear if the IAU will rule on the proposal. Suicide attempts among teens, particularly those who are gay, lesbian and bisexual, declined in states that legalized same-sex marriage, according to a new study. Writing in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health say their study showed that in states that legalized same-sex marriage before the U.S. Supreme Court followed suit saw declines in attempted suicide. Specifically, the researchers analyzed data from 1999 to 2015 and found a 7 percent reduction in suicide attempts of high school-aged youngsters in 32 states that had already legalized same-sex marriage. Among gays, lesbians and bisexuals, the decrease was 14 percent, researchers say. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for U.S. teens, but occurs at a higher rate among gay, lesbian and bisexual kids. For example, 29 percent of LGBT teens in the study reported a suicide attempt, compared to just 6 percent among heterosexual teens. Researchers say the study does not prove a connection between same-sex marriage and suicide as much of the data is self reported; but, they do theorize that perhaps laws that are for gay adults may send a message to teens to feel more hopeful for the future, said lead author Julia Raifman, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. For their study, researchers looked at data from more than 700,000 public high school students who took part in government survey about risky behavior from 1999 to 2015, which is the year same-sex marriage was declared legal by the Supreme Court. Of those, more than 213,000 identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual. Surveys did not ask about students who said they were transgender or queer. To hone in more on the connection between suicide and gays, lesbians and bisexuals, future researchers will need to account for economic status and religion, among other things, according to the study. "There is a need for further research to understand the association between sexual minority rights, stigma and sexual minority health," according to the study. Montenegro's former prime minister has accused Russia of destructive politics in the Balkans following what the country says was a thwarted attempt to overthrow its pro-Western government. Milo Djukanovic, who stepped down after the alleged pro-Russian plot in October to prevent the small Balkan country from joining NATO, said that Moscow ``harnessed a lot of destructive material toward Montenegro.'' Montenegro is now in the line of Moscow's attempts to expand its influence in the war-torn Balkans, and pro-Russian opposition parties were ready to use bloodshed and a coup to come to install a pro-Kremlin government, Djukanovic said late Monday while addressing his Socialist Democratic Party youth in the second-largest town of Niksic ahead of local elections. A new, puppet government would only serve Moscow's interests, which wants to send a message to Europe and NATO that they cannot expand in the Balkans without their [Moscow's] consent, said Djukanovic, who brought the country to the threshold of NATO membership. Russian officials have recently named Serbia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Montenegro as Moscow's sphere of interest in the Balkans, saying they should not join NATO. The former Yugoslav republics were never part of the Soviet bloc and officially all of them want to join the European Union. Montenegro's prosecutors have accused Russia and its secret service operatives of plotting the election-day coup attempt that included alleged plans to kill Djukanovic and take over parliament. Some 20 people - including two Russians - have been accused of taking part. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied involvement in the plot. But it has openly supported nationalist parties and groups opposed to Montenegro's NATO membership. Nigeria says President Muhammadu Buhari has extended his medical leave in London for a second time. A statement Tuesday from adviser Femi Adesina says that during the president's annual checkup, "tests showed he needed a longer period of rest." The statement said there is no reason for Nigerians to worry but did not say when Buhari, 74, will return. The leader of Africa's most populous country left for London on January 19 and has been seen only in photographs since then. He was originally scheduled to return February 5, but his office said that doctors advised him to stay in London to await the results of medical tests. Aides to the president have refused to say what is ailing him, fueling speculation on social media about his condition. Worry about a power vacuum has been limited because Buhari transferred authority to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo before his departure. Nigeria experienced a near-constitutional crisis in 2009 when President Umaru Yar'Adua left the country for extended medical treatment and left no one in charge. The crisis led the Senate to grant full powers to Yar'Adua's deputy, future president Goodluck Jonathan. The presidents of Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia will hold a summit soon to try to find ways to reconcile neighboring Libya's rival political factions and stem the country's chaos, diplomats said Monday. The summit was announced in Tunis after a new round of diplomatic efforts for Libya, where two rival administrations are jockeying for power and where the Islamic State group and other extremists have prospered amid the political vacuum. Libya's neighbors are highly concerned about spillover of extremist violence. Diplomats meeting in Tunis released a statement declaring their "attachment to Libya's sovereignty and territorial integrity," arguing against foreign intervention or any military solution to Libya's crisis. U.S. warplanes have conducted airstrikes on suspected extremists in Libya, which hasn't emerged from chaos since the killing of Muammar Gadhafi in a 2011 uprising and ensuing civil war. The diplomats announced the Libya summit among Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi, but said the date would be set after meetings with the Libyan parties. Libya's most powerful army commander, Khalifa Hifter, is expected in Tunis in the coming days, according to Tunisia's foreign minister Khemaies Jihnaoui. Jihnaoui met with the Egyptian foreign minister and Algeria's African and Arab affairs minister Sunday and Monday in Tunis. A new health scare Monday for Algeria's leader threw a shadow over the upcoming summit, planned in Algiers. The Algerian leader canceled a visit by German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the last minute because of what his office called acute bronchitis, raising new concerns about his health after a 2013 stroke. The French government and UNICEF are urging the international community to step up protection of children living in and fleeing armed conflict that affects tens of millions of youngsters. Tuesdays conference was a chance to take stock of progress made since a decade ago, when Paris hosted a similar meeting. But especially, it was a time to urge the world community to do more. French President Francois Hollande described how the photo of the body of drowned Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi, who washed up on a Turkish beach, fueled a drive to welcome more refugees in Europe and elsewhere. But that has proved ephemeral. Since then, he said, many more children have died to general indifference. The United Nations estimates more than 200 million children live in conflict zones. Tens of thousands have been killed, conscripted as child soldiers or forced to become sex slaves. In South Sudan, thousands now risk starvation, with conflict a key driver. President Hollande did note bright spots. Tens of thousands of child soldiers have been liberated in recent years, including more than 8,000 in 2015. Closer to home, he called on Britain to take in underage migrants with families across the Channel, following London's decision earlier this month to cut the numbers it had originally promised to accept from Europe. Hollande also alluded to the new U.S. administration, which reportedly plans to cut funding to the United Nations and other international bodies. He said international laws and institutions must be respected, along with the idea of working together on behalf of the world. A suicide gun-and-bomb attack on a courthouse in northwestern Pakistan Tuesday killed at least seven people and wounded 30 others. Police and witnesses said three gunmen wearing suicide vests stormed the courthouse in the town of Charsadda and lobbed hand grenades to try to enter the main building. District police chief Sohail Khalid told reporters security guards swiftly challenged the assailants, prompting two of them to detonate their vests during the gunfight while the third attacker was gunned down. "They tried to enter the courts. At first they attacked with hand grenades and pistols. The police retaliated for about 15 or 20 minutes, and all the suicide bombers exploded after they were hit by the police, said Khalid A lawyer, policemen and civilians were among the dead, police and hospital officials said. A spokesman for Jamaat-ul Ahrar, a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack. A fresh wave of terrorist attacks is gripping Pakistan and Jammat-ul Ahrar, or JuA, as well as the mainstream Pakistani Taliban have taken credit for being behind most of the violence. The surge in militant attacks has left more than 120 people dead and hundreds of others wounded within the last two weeks. Local affiliates of Islamic State, however, have claimed Thursdays suicide bombing of a famous Sufi shrine in southern Sindh province. The blast killed at least 90 devotees and wounded more than 300 others. Pakistani security forces have since responded to the spike in violence by unleashing a nationwide crackdown on suspected militants across the country, killing more than 100 and detaining 1300 others. Pakistan has also closed border crossings with Afghanistan and enhanced troop presence there, saying Jamaat-ul Ahrar and other anti-state groups have masterminded the violence from their bases in the neighboring country. The Afghan government has denied the charges. Aid agencies in Pakistans restive northwestern region are struggling to provide services to help curb militancy and deliver aid because they lack government permission to operate, according to humanitarian organizations. The aid groups say the government is creating obstacles for them to obtain a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, which has been hard-hit by militancy and terrorism. The certificate is a requirement for an organization to work in the area. Getting an NOC is almost impossible in the areas where military operations are currently ongoing, Tahira Abdullah, a human rights activist in Pakistan, told VOA. Humanitarian and aid organizations are required to have the document, which is a form of approval from the provincial government prior to starting projects in the region. Foreign-funded local organizations in northwestern Pakistan provide humanitarian and emergency assistance, including health, education, and food distribution, to more than two million people who have been displaced by ongoing Pakistani military operations against militant groups. Some of the local organizations help teach programs on empowering women and young people that are designed to help curb a spreading extremist ideology among Pakistani youth. For the past few years, obtaining NOCs has increasingly become harder for aid agencies in Pakhtunkhwa, according to the NGOs. They say the restrictions have adversely affected aid effectiveness in the militancy-torn region. There are more than 15 aid agencies waiting for issuance of No Objection Certificate from the Pakhtunkhwa government for over seven months now, Sher Zaman, provincial program manager for the South Asia Partnership Pakistan organization, told VOA. The process should not take more than two to three months according to government regulations, Zaman said. Officials looking into the matter Mushtaq Ghani, a spokesperson for the provincial government, told VOA, that authorities are aware of the delays. Ive heard complaints from different aid agencies, Ghani said. Im looking into the matter along with Home Department. Ghani said the certificate regulations were introduced to verify the aid agencies as some militant organizations use aid groups as a cloak for terrorist activities. Weve got to be careful before we allow any aid agency receiving foreign aid to start operation in the region, Ghani said. But the prolonged delays are leaving a void in education and employment as aid groups are not able to hire or educate children. Aid groups say the restrictions have alienated young people who are a target for militants recruiters. According to aid groups, more than 6,500 people in the tribal region have lost their jobs during the past few months due to restrictions on aid agencies. Civil society activists say the government often does not provide a reason for delaying issuing a certificate. Weve tried to talk to different departments of the government on the matter. But they just wouldnt give you a reason or an answer, Sher Khan, vice chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan in Pakhtunkhwa told VOA. Unwelcome scrutiny Some activists say the restrictions on aid groups are an attempt by the government to avoid outside scrutiny. Pakistans military has been accused by activists of human rights violations in the tribal region. Thousands of people have been rounded up in what the government calls terrorism-related probes and are classified as missing, the groups said. Human rights experts say that civil and military governments in Pakistan through the years have shunned progressive, liberal and rights-based aid agencies. These organizations also monitor government performance and write alternate/shadow reports to rebut the distorted, untruthful government reports to U.N. bodies on United Nation Conventions that Pakistan has ratified, said one activist named Abdullah. Advocates say humanitarian organizations are needed in the restive area to educate people on their rights. We really need initiatives from aid agencies through which we can make people aware of their rights and to make them demand their basic needs from the government, said Shabaan Ali, who runs a non-governmental organization to help empower his tribesmen. Southeast Asian countries hope that U.S. President Donald Trump will unveil his policies within the next few months to provide a "more concrete and clearer picture", especially regarding China, the Philippine foreign minister said on Tuesday. "We all recognize the fact that American policy under the Trump administration is still evolving," Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay told a news conference. "We do not know the complete picture of what this foreign policy might be, insofar as its relationship with China is concerned. "We're however, hopeful, that the policy that would come out will be positive... And we would hope that within the next few months we would see a more concrete and clearer picture." Transparency International says corruption is one of the root causes of violent extremism. The anti-corruption watchdog says the international community needs to make tackling corruption a top priority in the ongoing battle against extremist groups such as Islamic State and Boko Haram. In a report released Tuesday Transparency International says government corruption allows militants to take advantage of public anger to fuel recruiting, facilitate arms flows, and undermine public institutions such as the military - leaving them incapable of controlling extremist threats. "The international community expends great efforts tackling the 'ideology' of groups such as ISIS, focusing on the religious rhetoric they produce, yet completely ignoring the material circumstances in which they thrive," said Katherine Dixon, director Transparency International Defense and Security. The report cites the ability of Islamic State fighters to seize the key Iraqi city of Mosul in 2015 as it swept across large portions of northern and western Iraq and also eastern Syria. Mosul quickly fell in part because Iraqi forces were unable to defend the city that is today the focus of a major offensive to reclaim control from the militants. Islamic State also had success capitalizing on the lack of stability in Libya that has persisted since the overthrow of longtime leader Moammar Gadhafi, though the group has lost much of the area it once controlled there. Transparency International says extremists in Libya are able to make their case based on a corruption narrative that is hard to counter because of the history of corruption there, as well as the transitional government's inability to provide a stable security environment for Libyans. The report also cites the Nigerian militant group Boko Haram, saying its early years included a foundation of anti-corruption and anti-elite rhetoric. "Abuses by the security forces and high levels of fraud and corruption in the army meant the group's message resonated," the report says. In the case of Islamic State, Transparency International says the group's messaging portrays itself as pure in a way that governments in the Middle East are not. "ISIS's message is clear: governments in power are corrupt, bent towards the interests of a narrow, unrepresentative elite. They fail to provide services for their citizens; ISIS, on the other hand, is focused on justice, good governance and the provision of services," the report says. Transparency International says those messages have resonance with Iraqis and Syrians who have dealt with "violent foreign interventions and decades of sectarian inequalities." "Perhaps what is most concerning about the group is not its fanaticism, but its ability to unite fanaticism with messages that resonate with a frustrated public, to violent ends." First, his oldest son left for Texas. Then his stepson headed south to join him. Then the two daughters moved out of state. Four out of five of Gary Steele's children left their homestead in the midwest state of Kansas for jobs and a better economy. "There's nothing left here, you know," Steele said, adding that the area needs jobs. Yates Center, the seat of Woodson County, Kansas, is known as the Prairie Hay Capital of the World, and Steele raises 400 hectares of it. A few years back he was getting $75 for two bales of hay. Now he gets about $50. "First we had two good years of hay," he said. "Now, you have no market." Steele says the market is too crowded with hay farmers. He voted for Donald Trump and thinks he's off to a good start. He'd like to see the president lessen the overhead of farmers. "Corn ought to be twice as much as what it costs to put it in," Steele said. Bring our jobs back Steele drives 8 kilometers from his farm to eat lunch at what the waitress fondly calls "the male gossip table" at the Feedbunk Restaurant. The Feedbunk is the most popular spot in the tiny town. Today's special is meatloaf sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, coffee and dessert for $7.25. His only child still living in Kansas, a 19-year-old stepdaughter, waits on him. The Feedbunk is one of few businesses open in Yates Center, which is in Woodson County, the poorest county in Kansas. A picturesque red brick and white courthouse sits in the town square. It is bordered by four streets of closed businesses, with white paint peeling and plywood or paper covering the windows. No whipping boy for agriculture Rodney Grisier says he voted for Donald Trump because he brought "an outside voice and a voice of common sense" to Washington, DC. He believes the president will bring jobs to the area and can't understand why industry has not come to the area, especially since Yates Center is "a small town near a major transportation hub." Grisier speaks over the sound of his tractor as it pulls a tank of anhydrous ammonia that fertilizes his 1,000 hectares of corn and soybeans, three times the average Kansas farm. He also owns 2,500 head of cattle. "I don't want agriculture to be the 'whipping boy' in our trade issues," Grisier told VOA. He thinks America's heartland elected Trump because people here depend on the global economy and therefore see diplomacy through a bigger magnifying glass than urban America. "When they're in the city, they have blinders on." In all my 81 years... Katherine Weldin is finishing a piece of cake. It's her 81st birthday and her friends are giving her a party. She voted for Hillary Clinton and isn't sure Trump can help Kansas. In her eight decades of life, Weldin says she's never seen a president like him. "I just don't think he stops and thinks about what could go on with his decisions," she said. The one signal light in Yates Center is a blinking red light. It's the only traffic signal in the entire county. Residents hope the new administration will help bring in new industry to change that. A senior Socialist minister said Tuesday that he might back centrist Emmanuel Macron in France's presidential election, which could help Macron as he battles to maintain his campaign's momentum. The pronouncement by Agriculture Minister Stephane Le Foll came as opinion polls pictured a multicandidate race in which far-right leader Marine Le Pen was holding on to recent gains, keeping debt and foreign exchange markets on edge. Two polls showed ex-banker Macron neck and neck with conservative rival Francois Fillon as favorite. A third, from Elabe, had Macron in retreat, and made Fillon of the Republicans, a former prime minister, the favorite for the first time since a scandal over allegedly fake work rocked his campaign four weeks ago. All recent polls show Le Pen ahead in the April 23 first round, but losing a May 7 runoff to the first-round winner, be it Macron or Fillon. They also show, however, that her losing margin has shrunk to as little as 6 percentage points from more than 10. Bad news for left Le Foll's potential defection was the latest development in a slew of bad news for France's divided political left. "I support the man who has been chosen [by the Socialists], but the moment comes for political responsibility with regard to what is at play, with regard to Marine Le Pen and with regard also to the program of Francois Fillon," he said on BFM TV. Asked whether this meant he would back whoever was best placed to prevent a Le Pen-Fillon runoff, he said: "Exactly!" Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has also said he might back Macron, rather than the ruling Socialists' chosen candidate, Benoit Hamon, who is a distant fourth in the polls. Despite the prospect of heavyweight Socialist backing, the polls show Macron's campaign losing momentum. Elabe pollsters reckon he has made a series of missteps that explain how they now see Fillon ahead. Macron "has had 10 difficult days," they said. Anger on the right Macron angered opponents on the right during a visit to Algeria last week by calling France's colonial past a crime against humanity. He has upset gay-marriage supporters by saying their opponents had been humiliated by the government when it pushed through the gay marriage bill in 2013. On Tuesday, Macron took his centrist and pro-European campaign to London, home to a large expatriate French community who get to vote in the elections. The anti-immigration, anti-European Union Le Pen, meanwhile, caused controversy on a trip to Lebanon, where her plans to meet a senior Muslim figure were canceled after her refusal to wear a headscarf. Le Pen's surge has worried investors concerned that her policies will further destabilize fragile European unity, blow apart the eurozone and hurt the value of French debt. The cost of insuring French government debt against default has risen to its highest level in more than three years, and sterling rose almost 1 percent against the euro to its highest in two months. Fillon, meanwhile, was tweaking the health care policies that caused a campaign wobble earlier this year, having apparently put behind him allegations that his wife, Penelope, was paid hundreds of thousands of euros for work she may not have done. Fillon has said the work was genuine. An official inquiry is under way. Unity talks flag Besides the three-way fight, discussions to unite candidates on the left looked to be going nowhere. Hamon is pushing a hard-left program that divides his party and competes for votes with another leftist, Communist-backed Jean-Luc Melenchon. Melenchon is in fifth place, but a combined Hamon-Melenchon vote could theoretically put them into first or second and therefore into the runoff, instead of Fillon or Macron, against Le Pen. Talks between Melenchon, a veteran campaigner, and Hamon, an ex-education minister, were tentative from the start, and both have acknowledged wide policy differences. Hamon gave the latest indication on Tuesday that they were unlikely to be joining forces. "There is a desire on Melenchon's part to go on right to the end," Hamon said on Europe 1 radio. "I respect that. ... In any case, I will work on right to the end." Political analysts are also eyeing an imminent decision from veteran centrist Francois Bayrou on whether to stand. If he stands, that could hurt Macron, but backing from Bayrou could be a further boost. Bemused Swedes have been defending their record as a low-crime society in the wake of U.S. President Donald Trump's speech in Florida last week in which he appeared to refer to a terrorist attack in Sweden that did not happen. Trump later said he was talking about a Fox News program highlighting allegedly surging crime statistics in Sweden and linking them to rising immigrant numbers, after a record 163,000 asylum-seekers arrived in 2015. On Monday, he tweeted: "The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT!" Swedes have jumped to their country's defense. Last year there were app 50 pct more murders only in Orlando/Orange in Florida, where Trump spoke the other day, than in all of Sweden. Bad," former Prime Minister Carl Bildt tweeted. Few would argue with the fact that Trump's picture of Sweden is at odds with statistics. Crime wave not a fact Sweden ranked 187th out of 218 countries in 2014 in terms of murders per capita, according to a survey by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime. The murder rate in the United States, which ranked about 110th, was more than four times higher. The suggestion that the recent rise in asylum numbers has triggered a crime wave appears to have come from media reports rather than from statistics, as Swedish police do not register suspects' ethnic origins, only their gender and age. There is no basis for drawing the conclusion that crime rates are soaring in Sweden and that that is related to immigration, Stina Holmberg at the National Council for Crime Prevention said. The most recent official survey from 2005 does show foreign-born Swedes are more than twice as likely to be suspects in criminal investigations, but their ethnicity is not the main reason for this. Minorities are often over-represented in criminal statistics, but when you adjust for socioeconomic factors, that disappears almost completely, Social and Justice Minister Morgan Johansson said recently. Surge in gang violence Sweden is nevertheless not the crime-free utopia that some might like to believe. A surge in gang-related violence has pushed up the murder rate in the last couple of years. In the southern city of Malmo, a town just shy of 300,000 people, 12 people were killed last year, according to local media. That was a record and gave it a murder rate per capita three times higher than that of London. In 2013, in the mainly immigrant Stockholm suburb of Husby, around a hundred cars were burned and seven police were injured in five nights of rioting, which spread on a smaller scale to other cities across the country. Trouble in suburbs Emergency services are regularly attacked by stone-throwing youths, and on Monday night, rioters in a suburb of the capital battled police and burned a handful of cars. But the violence has clearly not spiraled out of control. There are no areas where the police don't go, police spokeswoman Johanna Blomqvist said in an email in reply to Reuters' questions. And an annual survey of Swedes by the National Council for Crime Prevention shows crime rates broadly unchanged over the last 10 years. Many Swedes do appear to be worried about immigration, however. Call for more police The anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, a party that has called for a big rise in police numbers and tougher sentences for criminals, has surged in popularity and is now vying for second spot in polls. Sweden took in more asylum-seekers relative to the size of its population than any other European Union member in 2015. In a backlash, many asylum centers have been targeted by far-right attackers and several have been burned to the ground. Integrating the new arrivals is also likely to be problematic. Segregation, poor schools and unemployment blight the prospects of many young people, often those with immigrant backgrounds. Unemployment among foreign-born Swedes is around 15 percent compared with 5 percent among those born in the country. "Sweden, like many other countries, has many opportunities, but faces many challenges," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said. An agile thief nicknamed "Spiderman," an antiques dealer and an art expert were sentenced to prison Monday and ordered to pay Paris for stealing five masterpieces from the city's Modern Art Museum worth 104 million euros ($110 million.) The paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Braque and Fernand Leger have not been seen since the dramatic 2010 heist. The Paris court convicted "Spiderman'' Vjeran Tomic of stealing the paintings and sentenced him to eight years in prison. Jean-Michel Corvez, the antiques dealer who orchestrated the theft, was sentenced to seven years. Sentence 'particularly severe' Yonathan Birn, who stored the paintings and told the court he destroyed them out of fear of getting caught, screamed at the judge who sentenced him to six years in prison. His lawyer, Caroline Toby, called Birn's sentence "particularly severe." The court also jointly fined the men an eye-popping 104 million euros for the loss of the paintings, but the verdict did not detail how they might go about raising even a fraction of the fine. Birn, a 40-year-old expert and dealer in luxury watches, previously told the court he threw the masterpieces in the trash and "made the worst mistake of my existence." Masterpieces smuggled out of France Investigators think the paintings were smuggled out of France, although they were not able to prove that, court documents showed. Birn's co-defendants testified he was "too smart" to destroy the masterpieces. Tomic, a thief with 14 previous convictions, said before sentencing that he got a buzz from the May 20, 2010, overnight break-in. He took advantage of failures in the security, alarm and video-surveillance systems to move around the high-ceilinged museum near the Eiffel Tower. "It's quite spectacular. There is an adrenaline rush the moment you enter the space," he said. "The sounds resonate from one side to the other." Authorities found climbing gear at his home: gloves, ropes, climbing shoes and suction cups. He removed the glass from a bay window without breaking it and cut the padlock of the metal grid behind it, allowing him to move from one room to another without raising the security alarm. Tomic was there to steal a painting by Fernand Leger and possibly a Modigliani ordered by Corvez, the 61-year-old antiques dealer who confessed to being a receiver of stolen goods. Tomic said when he came across the Picasso, the Matisse and the Braque paintings, he decided to take them as well. 'Totally stunned' Several hours after the headline-making burglary, Tomic said he offered the five paintings to Corvez, who said he was "totally stunned" by them. Corvez said he initially gave Tomic a plastic bag containing 40,000 euros ($43,000) in small denominations just for the Leger, because he was unsure he would get buyers for the other paintings. Corvez then became worried about keeping the artworks in his shop after several months and showed them to his friend Birn, who agreed to buy the Modigliani for 80,000 euros ($86,000) and to store the others in his studio. The Modigliani was hidden in a bank safe, he said. Birn said he panicked when police began investigating. He says one day in May 2011 he retrieved the Modigliani from the safe, returned to his workshop to break the stretcher bars on all the canvasses with fierce kicks and then threw them all into the building's trash. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Mexico this week along with the Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to discuss issues including border security with the southern neighbor amid frayed relations under new U.S. President Donald Trump. Tillerson and Kelly will meet with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and other top Mexican officials during the two-day visit on Wednesday and Thursday, the State Department said in a statement. They will discuss border security, law enforcement and trade, the State Department said. The February 22-23 visit comes amid tensions between the United States and Mexico since Trump took office on January 20. Trump has vowed to build a wall on the U.S. southern border, slap a hefty tax on Mexican-made goods entering the country and pull out of a trade deal with Mexico if he cannot renegotiate it to benefit the United States. Pena Nieto canceled a planned January meeting of the two leaders in Washington after Trump said his counterpart should not attend if he was unwilling to pay for the wall. Despite the tensions, senior Mexican and American military and interior officials spoke this month in a sign that communication remained open between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned a recent surge in anti-Semitic threats across the country, saying they are "going to stop." "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," he said. Trump's remarks were made while he paid a visit Tuesday to the new National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall. WATCH: Trump's remarks at African American museum The president's condemnation of anti-Semitic attacks comes one day after the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) reported at least 10 Jewish community centers in multiple states had received bombing threats Monday, the fourth string of such threats since the beginning of the year. The ADL said no explosives were found at the centers and described the reported threats as "not credible." WATCH: Vice President Pence at Missouri cemetery Last weekend, the graves of more than 170 Jews were vandalized at a cemetery in University City, Missouri. The ADL Monday called again on the Trump administration to develop a plan to address what some believe is a recent rise in anti-Semitism in the U.S. At a Washington news conference last Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump was asked about increase in anti-Semitic incidents throughout the U.S. Rather than condemn the acts, Trump instead talked about his electoral college victory and described the question as unfair, prompting more criticism that he had been silent about the apparent rise in anti-Semitism in the U.S. Earlier Monday, Trump's opponent in last November's election, Democrat Hillary Clinton, called for the president to take a stronger stand against anti-Semitism. WATCH: Pence helps clean up cemetery Protesters chant, We want the death penalty|," as 40 soldiers are led into an Ankara court. The soldiers are accused of trying to assassinate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a failed coup in July, in which more than 250 people were killed. Erdogan, touring the country to rally support for an April referendum to extend his presidential powers, promised to bring back the death penalty. "If parliament passes the law to bring it back, I will sign it, and pay my debt to the martyrs of our country," Erdogan said to thousands of supporters in the Turkish city of Kahramanmaras Friday. The death penalty was abolished by Erdogan when he was prime minister in 2004 as part of the countrys bid to join the European Union; but its return would be popular among many nationalists and conservative voters who support him. With anger still felt toward those behind the coup attempt and a resurgence in terror attacks by Kurdish insurgents, analysts predict returning the death penalty is a vote winner. There is a great yearning by the people to hang 'the bastards;' I really think people feel that way, says political consultant Atilla Yesilada of Global Source partners; but Yesilada says Turkey will pay a high price. If it is ever introduced, the EU has no choice but to cut the umbilical link to Turkey. EU warning The European Union has warned Ankara its bid to join would be automatically frozen, but, with that bid making little progress because of opposition from some members, there is growing resentment among many Turks toward the European Union. Erdogan said he is not going to listen to Europeans, referring to them as "Hans and George." At the Kahramanmaras rally, Erdogan told his supporters, I listen to the Ayses and Ahmets of our country," referring to traditional Turkish Muslim names, while adding, "I listen to the words of God." Analysts say such rhetoric plays well with large sections of the electorate, underscoring his message of the need for a strong president with strong powers. Many, however, are predicting the death penalty issue will be quietly forgotten after the April referendum. I always believed that the death penalty rhetoric was more to consolidate the alliance with the nationalists, but eventually it would be dropped, said analyst Sinan Ulgen, a visiting scholar of the Carnegie Europe policy group, because of the very high cost of introducing the death penalty in Turkey, the very high political and economical cost this would entail. Risks involved Notably, Devlet Bahceli, the leader of Turkeys main nationalist party, the MHP, has not, so far, echoed the presidents latest call. Analysts point out the return of the death penalty would inevitability exacerbate the countrys already deep political and ethnic divisions, if members of the Kurdish rebel group the PKK were executed. Any break with the EU would also threaten to further destabilize the countrys vulnerable economy. We have seen how severely the markets reacted the day the European parliament voted to suspend the accession process which was only a non-binding resolution, notes consultant Yesilada, recalling Novembers vote. I would imagine how severe the markets would react if the EU was to freeze accession talks. It's really a bad scenario. Analysts also point out that despite Erdogans tough referendum campaign rhetoric of not only calling for the death penalty, but also regular EU attacks, behind the scenes, there is another story. What we are seeing now is a realistic assessment by both the EU and Ankara, Ulgen said, adding, that despite the difficulties, this relationship remains of critical importance for both sides. Pragmatism is being widely predicted to prevail over the death penalty, in the face of calls from Erdogans grassroots, and many nationalists; but, given the country is set to face a crucial general and presidential election within two years, few are predicting with any certainty the death penalty controversy will end soon. Ukraine's president on Tuesday called for new sanctions against Russia over its decision to recognize passports issued by separatist authorities in the east, while the Kremlin accused Ukrainian authorities of denying vital documents to people in the rebel regions. The Kremlin said its decision is a humanitarian move to help residents of the east suffering from Ukraine's blockade, and doesn't amount to recognizing the rebel regions. Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since April 2014, a conflict that has killed more than 9,800 people. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday denounced Moscow's action as contradicting the 2015 Minsk peace agreement. Speaking at a meeting with EU Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Commissioner Christos Stylianides, Poroshenko called for resolute action, up to strengthening sanctions. The United States and the European Union have hit Russia with sanctions for its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and support for pro-Russian insurgents in eastern Ukraine. The February 2015 peace agreement brokered by France and Germany has helped reduce fighting in the east, but clashes have continued and provisions for a political settlement have stalled. Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the lack of progress. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov argued Tuesday that the decision to recognize passports and other documents issued by separatist authorities in the east was intended to protect the rights of local residents, who have found it impossible to receive documents from Ukraine because of its blockade of the rebel regions. The Ukrainian authorities are doing all they can to make life as difficult as possible for the residents of those territories and make it as hard as possible for them to enjoy the most basic rights and freedoms, Lavrov said. It's hard and often impossible to exercise those rights without documents. U.N. aid agencies are appealing to international donors to provide money to scale up lifesaving operations in drought-stricken Ethiopia and Somalia, where millions of hungry people are at risk of death and illness. Five years after a devastating 2011 famine killed nearly 260,000 people in Somalia, famine again is stalking that country. The worst-affected areas are in northern Puntland and Somaliland, where dozens of drought-related deaths and many illnesses already are being reported. "On Sunday, we received reports of 38 deaths due to drought-linked reasons in the Bakool region of south-central Somalia," said Leo Dobbs, spokesman for the U.N. refugee agency. "Medical cases include people with acute malnutrition especially children watery diarrhea and cholera. These problems are likely to grow without substantial aid." The United Nations estimates that half of Somalia's population, 6.2 million people, is threatened by the drought. The U.N. Children's Fund said children were the most vulnerable. Christiane Boulierac, a UNICEF spokesman, said the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition "is expected to rise to 270,000 in the next few months." Flight to urban areas The UNHCR said thousands of people were leaving their homes and heading for urban areas, including the Somali capital, Mogadishu, because of the drought, rising food prices and dry weather forecasts all problems compounded by continuing warfare. Dobbs told VOA the Somali government was taking this situation very seriously, and that this was a very personal matter for President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, who was Somalia's prime minister during the 2011 famine disaster. The president wants to make sure that scenes that marked those days are not repeated scenes of "people walking for days and days and arriving in dreadful physical shape, and where children were suffering from acute malnutrition. He wants to avoid that certainly in areas where there is complete control," the refugee agency spokesman said. UNHCR has begun helping displaced people in the worst-affected areas, Dobbs said, but "swift and substantial action and adequate funding are becoming urgently needed to avoid famine and a repeat of 2011." The U.N. agency urgently needs $825 million to carry out humanitarian operations until June, he said. On a related issue, the United Nations released $18.5 million from its global emergency fund in response to a new catastrophic drought in Ethiopia. Jens Laerke of the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs told VOA this response was "triggered by the very rapidly deteriorating situation we have in Ethiopia, and in particular in the Somali region, where the pastoralists were extremely vulnerable to climatic changes and were in very dire condition." Farmers move herds Laerke said the emergency funds could help more than 785,000 people suffering from hunger, malnutrition and severe water shortages. Thousands of farmers who raise livestock in the Somali region already have been forced to relocate their herds in search of water and pasture. The current drought hit Ethiopia before the country had a chance to recover from the effects of a devastating El Nino-induced drought in 2015-16. That disaster left more than 10 million people in urgent need of aid last year. Bettina Luescher, spokeswoman for the World Food Program, said the Ethiopian government and partners helped save countless lives and averted a humanitarian catastrophe. "So the good news is that the numbers of people that this year will need help with food assistance is down from last year," she said. "This year, 5.6 million people will need assistance." WFP said it needed $268 million to provide food aid for the drought victims through July. The United Nations has put the cost of its humanitarian operation for this year at $948 million. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has issued two new memos outlining the implementation of President Donald Trumps executive orders to stop illegal immigration while deporting undocumented immigrants out of the U.S. The documents, issued Tuesday by Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, expand the priority list for immigrants who face immediate removal, summarize a plan to hire thousands of enforcement agents, and assign local authorities to act as immigration officers to apply immigration laws. Effective immediately, the document read, department personnel shall faithfully execute the immigration laws of the United States against all removable aliens. The memos, first leaked to the media on Friday, have only one exception: the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients immigrants who came to the United States at a young age and have been protected under a program established by former President Barack Obama. WATCH: White House press secretary spicer on DHS memos Approximately 750,000 undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States at a young age known as "dreamers" depend on the program to live and work in the U.S. without fear of deportation. Trump told the media during a news conference last week he plans to deal with DACA "with heart," a subject he called "very, very tough." "You have some absolutely incredible kids, I would say mostly," Trump said. "I find it very, very hard doing what the law says exactly to do, and you know the law is rough." Tuesday's memos are a direct interpretation of the January 25 immigration executive orders signed by Trump. Kelly's directive on border patrol focuses on a proposed U.S.-Mexico border wall as a necessary tool to deter and prevent illegal entry of immigrants. Immigrants rights advocates say new immigration policies of the Trump administration are intent on inflicting cruelty on millions of immigrant families across the country. Virtually every immigrant is now a priority for detention and deportation. Immigration and border agents will increase dramatically in number and are empowered to operate unfettered, Joanne Lin, American Civil Liberties Union senior legislative counsel, has shared in a statement. State and local law enforcement agencies, including those with records of racial profiling and police brutality, are encouraged to become immigration agents, said Lin. The DHS memos are different from Trump's reported new executive order to ban travel from seven majority-Muslim countries. The original order has been blocked by federal courts, and a newly written order is expected this week. From marijuana-laced candy to body lotion infused with marijuana, this controversial plant is becoming a big business in the United States as more states make it mainstream. Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is now legal in 28 U.S. states for either medical or recreational use. Of those states, four of them legalized recreational marijuana last November, including California. At a dispensary in Los Angeles, the experience for customers is more similar to a trip to the winery or high-end retail store. There are cannabis plants on well-lit display and available for a smell test, as well as other edibles. Its an effort to dispel pots stigma and normalize its use. Its inevitable. Get with it, said a customer who would only give his first name, Eric. He sees it as an herb with fewer side effects than prescription pain medicine. Public opinion about legalization of marijuana has shifted in its favor. The Pew Research Center finds that 57 percent of those polled support the legal use of marijuana compared to 32 percent in 2006. The cannabis industry is also growing. In 2016, the legalized marijuana business reached close to $7 billion. That number is expected to increase to more than $21 billion in five years, according to Arcview Market Research, which describes cannabis as the fastest growing industry in the world. State vs. federal laws Underneath the growing public support and booming industry, federal law still considers marijuana as illegal, even though state law may say otherwise. The administration of former President Barack Obama took a hands-off approach and left it up to the states to govern and prosecute the use of marijuana. With the new Trump administration comes uncertainty. The marijuana industry is definitely an industry that is in flux and part of it is because of this very complex regulatory landscape. Its legal at the state level, its illegal at the federal level and there are a lot of conflicting laws, said Daniel Yi, a spokesman for MedMen, a management company for marijuana dispensaries. There are areas of law [in] which we have both federal and state laws. When those laws are in direct conflict, the federal law trumps no pun intended of course the idea being really the supremacy clause which is a clause in the United States Constitution that makes clear that the federal law is supreme, said constitutional law and political science expert Martin Adamian at California State University, Los Angeles. Adamian said even though federal agents can still enforce laws at a state level, federal law does not undo the state law if they conflict, making this a gray area and often confusing to the lay person. Ultimately, it is up to each administration to set enforcement priorities. The new Trump administration is creating uncertainty among those in the cannabis industry. Theres a lot of fear from those involved in the medical marijuana as well as the recreational marijuana industries. Theres a lot of fear about the uncertainty that exists. And so it may be the case that the Trump administration could decide to prosecute individuals on some level for violations of those laws, said Adamian. The new attorney general, Jeff Sessions, has in the past been a critic of marijuana. In a 2016 Senate Drug Caucus hearing, Sessions, then a senator from Alabama, said, Good people dont smoke marijuana. In his Senate confirmation hearing for attorney general, Sessions was vague when answering a question from Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy. Would you use our federal resources to investigate and prosecute sick people who are using marijuana in accordance with their state laws even though it may violate federal law? questioned Leahy. I wont commit to never enforcing federal law, Senator Leahy, but absolutely its a problem of resources for the federal government, replied Sessions. With enough independence and freedom to decide the direction he wants to go, somebody like Jeff Sessions may very well try to enforce federal marijuana laws which could lead to additional raids even within states that have approved marijuana use, said Adamian. Some players in the cannabis industry, however, are more hopeful, including Yi. If you go by the theory that government follows the will of the people, and the fact that the marijuana industrys already thriving - Its already growing and its functioning within the bounds of law and is showing its a possible industry, I think we feel pretty optimistic about the future. Congress is responding to the growing popularity of marijuana. Four members of Congress formed a bipartisan Cannabis Caucus to bridge the disconnect between state and federal government, and capitalize on the growing industry. Sofia Imber, who turned a garage into the Caracas Museum of Contemporary Art and became one of Venezuela's most influential women journalists, died Monday in the capital. She was 92. The former director of what was once among Latin America's most important art galleries succumbed to complications due to old age, her biographer, Diego Arroyo Gil, told The Associated Press. Imber's television program Buenos Dias, which she hosted with her second husband from 1969 to 1993, was a landmark of Venezuelan journalism and politics. She became famous for her cutting interviews with global leaders such as former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Israel's Simon Peres and the Dalai Lama, as well as with writers like Gabriel Garcia Marquez. Social media was flooded by people lamenting her death. "Good journey, dear Sofia Imber. You gave us art, you gave us culture, you gave us an example of tireless work. That was your best piece," humorist Eduardo Edo Sanabria said on Twitter. In 1971, when Venezuelan authorities were looking for a place to display art, Imber famously said: "If you give me a garage, I will turn it into a museum." Three years after, she created a foundation to transform an auto parts garage into the first museum of modern art in Venezuela. In less than a decade, it had grown to hold pieces by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Henry Moore, Fernando Botero and many Venezuelan artists. At one point, it had more than 4,000 works and received more than 15,000 visitors a month. Laid off by Chavez in 2001 Imber, a critic of the socialist government established by the late President Hugo Chavez, was laid off as the museum's director by Chavez in 2001. She called her dismissal "one of the most painful moments" of her life. "The president forgot or did not want to recognize the courage and the dedication of this wonderful woman," artist Jesus Soto told AP before his death in 2005. Before being fired as museum director, she created a program to bring paintings and sculpture to suburbs and faraway places. In 1967, she became the first Latin American woman to win UNESCO's Picasso Medal. She also received awards in Brazil, France, Chile, Colombia, Italy, Mexico and Spain. "Sofia Imber took contemporary art to the most remote areas of the country," Soto said. Born in Soroca, Moldova, then in the former Soviet Union, she arrived in Venezuela in 1930 with her family. She later graduated from Central University of Venezuela. Lived in Paris, Brussels In 1944, she married Guillermo Meneses and they had four children. Meneses later held diplomatic posts in Paris and Brussels, where the couple met intellectuals and artists like Picasso, Andre Malraux and William Faulkner. The couple divorced in 1964 and she later married journalist Carlos Rangel. In a speech after being let go as director of the Caracas art museum, she said: "I want to be remembered as a worker and tireless woman." White House spokesman Sean Spicer defended President Donald Trump Tuesday for labeling the press as "the enemy of the American people" and accused some news outlets of purposely reporting biased, inaccurate information. Spicer told reporters at a White House briefing the president has "deep respect for the First Amendment (which guarantees Americans' free-speech rights) and the role of the press." However, he added, "It's a two-way street. "I think that the president understands that certain outlets have gone out of their way to not be completely accurate and fair in their coverage of what's going on," Spicer said. The press secretary reviewed Trump's concern about the press in response to a reporter who asked whether the president "regrets or wants to clarify his characterization" of the news media as "the enemy," during a lengthy news conference last Thursday. Two different views Spicer did not cite any examples of inaccurate or unfair news coverage, but he was asked to comment on reports suggesting Trump had been careless with classified information last week, when he learned of North Korea's most recent missile test while dining in public at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. Other people dining at the same time saw a gathering of senior officials around Trump's table, consulting documents and making telephone calls. Since those present were dining by candlelight, Trump's advisers shone lights from their cellular phones to illuminate their work. Someone in the dining room posted a photograph of the unusual scene to social media. Subsequently various news reports suggested that the president and his aides had unwisely discussed classified, sensitive issues in full view of people with no connection to the White House. Spicer rebutted those accounts firmly Tuesday. "Its amazing," the press secretary said. "A photo gets put out, the president has got a piece of paper, and the immediate conclusion is hes got to be talking about classified information." Spicer: security was intact Spicer said Trump had been briefed on the situation in North Korea before he entered the dining room, and that briefing took place in a secure, separate location -- a SCIF (pronounced "skiff), in government parlance, meaning a sensitive, compartmented information facility. During dinner, which included Japanese Prime Minister AShinzo Abe and his aides, the president and others discussed the logistics of a late-night statement to reporters that he and Abe had agreed to make. "There was a question as to where to hold the press conference," Spicer said Tuesday. "They had a discussion about the logistics of it. And subsequent to that dinner, he was briefed again in a SCIF with updates on the situation in North Korea. Thats it, plain and simple." Bolstering his initial comments about reporters' alleged inclination to distrust the president's motives and actions, or to describe them unfairly, Spicer said: "I think that its amazing that the immediate ... conclusion [by] several outlets was, 'Well, theres a piece of paper; it must be classified.' " Spicer continued: "Its amazing to see that and to see people jump to that conclusion that hes surrounded by his staff and members of the Japanese delegation, the conclusion is they must be doing something nefarious or wrong. in fact, [Trump] followed every procedure thats laid out." 'Disheartening' mistrust by reporters The press secretary said the "immediate conclusions that sombody jumps to" were "disheartening." "So when you talk about coverage, we have a free press," he concluded. "We have the right for people to say and do what they believe. But at some point, it is incumbent upon people to try to get it right. And in that case (in Mar-a-Lago last Saturday), it wasnt even attempted. It was a jump to conclusion by many to say that there must be something else going on when, in fact, we were able to provide a very, very clear tick-tock (a straightforward, chronological explanation) as to what had happened." The controversy over the White House viewing the press as its foe began after Trump said in a tweet last week that the "fake news media is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People! The statement represented an escalation in Trumps long-running quarrel with the media, which he has referred to as dishonest, "fake and as "the opposition party." Past U.S. presidents have battled the news media. But rarely, if ever, has the relationship between the media and the White House been so contentious. Veteran Washington reporter Carl Bernstein, whose coverage of the Watergate scandal in the early 1970s for The Washington Post helped bring down President Richard Nixon, has said Trump's language about the press "may be more insidious and dangerous than Richard Nixon's attacks on the press." "But there is a similarity," Bernstein said, "in trying to divide the country and make the conduct of the press the issue, instead of the conduct of the president." Bernstein noted critically that what he called Trump's "authoritarian attitude" indicates the president does not fully understand the role of a free press. U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday named Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser. McMaster is a vocal critic of the U.S. militarys handling of the Vietnam War and has become known as a counterinsurgency expert as he progressed through the ranks. WATCH: McMaster's remarks about his new NSC position In 2014, McMaster was named one of Time Magazines 100 Most Influential People just prior to being chosen to lead the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Commands Army Capabilities Integration Center. In this role, McMaster was seen as the architect of the Army, leading it into the future. McMaster graduated from West Point and later earned a Silver Star for leadership during the Gulf War when, as a cavalry commander, he led a small contingent of U.S. tanks to destroy 80 Iraqi tanks. During the Iraq War, McMaster commanded the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in its mission to remove insurgent fighters from the city of Tal Afar. The tactics McMaster employed in securing the city were seen as pioneering at the time. McMaster wrote a doctoral dissertation about the Vietnam War that later became the book Dereliction of Duty in which he criticizes the Joint Chiefs of Staff for failing in their duty to provide President Lyndon Johnson with adequate military advice. The book has since become recommended reading for all Army officers. McMaster is one of several Trump advisers with military backgrounds. Trump has also named retired officers as his secretaries of homeland security and defense. Tensions are high in South Africas capital amid a wave of attacks against businesses owned by immigrants, who some angry residents accuse of spreading crime. A group of Pretoria residents are preparing to hold an anti-immigrant protest on Friday. Several low-income Pretoria neighborhoods have in recent days seen violence evocative of the last major wave of of xenophobia that hit Johannesburg and Durban in 2015. Police reported that at least 20 shops and homes were looted and burned and foreign residents were attacked Monday. No arrests have been made, police say, as no one has stepped forward to press charges. Prince Binda, a representative from the (DRC) Congolese immigrant community, says many local Congolese residents are losing hope in the Rainbow Nation. I have a friend for instance in Pretoria West, who phoned and said, Look, man, today I have nothing in this country, he said. Because the car we were driving, we were thrown of out the car, and people came into the flat and they took everything. So really, so to be punished, or to be beaten up for what we didnt do, makes you regret why you first came in this country. President Jacob Zumas office told VOA on Tuesday he had not made any public pronouncements on the attacks and had yet to issue a statement. Many activists say politicians have a big role to play in these events, citing comments made by Johannesburgs mayor Herman Mashaba in December in which he said immigrants are holding our country to ransom and equated immigrants to criminals. Those comments earned him sharp rebukes from other politicians. Magnet for immigrants South Africa has long been a magnet for migrants from around Africa, and beyond, because of its progressive laws, porous borders, advanced economy and a migration policy that does not require asylum seekers to live in refugee camps. Officially, the last census counted 2.2. million immigrants in South Africa; some estimates are as high as 5 million immigrants. The nation is also beset by racial inequality and high unemployment, which has led to frustration. In 2015, xenophobic violence in Durban and Johannesburg left at least seven people dead and prompted thousands to flee. Another outbreak of violence in 2008 left at least 67 people dead. Ethiopian community member Alemayehu Senbeta, a carpenter, disputes the notion that immigrants take jobs away from South Africans and hinder the economy. Were not taking any jobs from the [citizens], but we are helping and supporting, he said. As you know, most of our people are in locations, rural areas. They go wherever, even risky places where people cannot go. Even some of the places citizens are very scared to go to that place, but our people go there and create a business for themselves. But we are not actually taking a job from the South Africans. Economic contributions University of Cape Town research supports him. A 2015 study found immigrant business owners in South Africa contribute to the economy in numerous ways, among them, by paying rent to South Africans, and by hiring South Africans. Activist Mametlwe Sebei of Lawyers for Human Rights, who is South African, says the government urgently needs to address the situation, before any more immigrants pay the price. Yemen has launched a major polio vaccination campaign amid fears the disease could reappear in the war-ravaged nation where the health system is on the verge of collapse and aid agencies are warning of famine. The World Health Organization (WHO), which is supporting the drive, said some 40,000 health workers aimed to immunize more than 5 million children under the age of five across the country. "The threat of [polio] virus importation is serious and this campaign aims to curb any possible return of the virus to Yemen," WHO's representative in Yemen, Nevio Zagaria, said in a statement. Polio, which spreads quickly among children and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, remains endemic in only three countries Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria. Yemen was declared polio-free in 2009, but experts say conflict-affected countries are particularly at risk of outbreaks because of disruption to their health systems. WHO's spokesman on polio eradication, Sona Bari, said both Syria and Iraq saw polio outbreaks a few years ago. "This is why the [Yemen] campaign at this time is extremely important," she told the Thomson Reuters Foundation by phone from Geneva. "We have been very lucky that polio hasn't shown up in Yemen, but it is a virus that travels very easily and is very good at finding unprotected children." The immunization drive, which began on Monday, had been scheduled for last September, but insecurity has hampered access. The vaccination teams will also target high-risk groups including families uprooted from their homes by fighting and refugees who have fled to Yemen from conflicts in Africa. Around 2 million people are displaced in Yemen where nearly two years of civil war has pitted the Iran-allied Houthi group against a Western-backed Arab coalition led by Saudi Arabia. The U.N. children's agency UNICEF, which is also helping with the vaccinations, warned on Tuesday of looming famine in Yemen where nearly half a million children have severe acute malnutrition. Bari said there was a risk that polio vaccines would not be effective in malnourished children suffering from diarrhea because they would be flushed out. She said WHO was also worried about the risks of polio emerging in countries in the Lake Chad basin, Syria, Iraq, Somalia and South Sudan. (St. Paul, MN) After years of attempts, a bill that would allow Minnesotans to buy liquor on Sundays passed the House Monday by a bipartisan 85-45 vote. HF30, sponsored by Rep. Jenifer Loon (R-Eden Prairie), would limit Sunday alcohol sales from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., lifting a Prohibition-era ban on buying off-sale booze. Monday through Saturday sales would remain unchanged. Included in the bill is a compromise provision that would prohibit carriers from delivering on Sundays. The bill now heads to the Senate, where Sen. Jeremy Miller (R-Winona) is the sponsor. A hearing on Sunday liquor sales is scheduled Wednesday by the Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee. The measures approval is a victory for Sunday sales proponents after the House last year shot down a similar proposal 70-56 and 75-57 in 2015. This year, House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) announced early in the session he believed the bill had traction, even though its debate has been somewhat of a failed annual tradition at the Capitol. I do think that the consumers of Minnesota have spoken, have spoken loudly and spoken over a long period of time, Loon said. Although members of both parties approved the bill after less than an hour of debate, it also received bipartisan opposition. Dissenters argue lifting the ban would hurt small liquor outlets with limited resources who would be forced to compete with better-staffed big box stores. Likening it to disappearing local department stores and pharmacies, Rep. Jack Considine Jr. (DFL-Mankato) said small businesses are gobbled up when they go toe-to-toe with larger stores. I feel a duty to protect family business and small businesses, Considine said. If we do not start protecting them, they will start to disappear. Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen (R-Glencoe) warned that easing liquor restrictions would set a poor example for children and Rep. Kathy Lohmer (R-Stillwater) said the overhead costs of trying to compete would bury mom-and-pop liquor stores. I think its not something we want to do - go after the small businesses in our state, Lohmer said. Senate Majority Leader Paul Gazelka (R-Nisswa), who controls the bills fate in that chamber, said hes willing to give the bill a floor hearing, leaving the decision up to the 67-member body even if hes traditionally been opposed to the idea. Minnesota is one of a dozen states with the so-called blue law on its books. Proponents say Minnesota is losing precious tax revenue to neighboring states who allow off-sale Sunday liquor sales. They also say it should be up to consumers when and where they purchase alcohol. Citing economic freedom, Loon said Sunday sales gives busy consumers another day to purchase alcohol if they want it. Brushing aside concerns about local liquor stores losing sales to their bigger counterparts, she added, They (consumers) are looking for convenience and they are happy to support their local liquor stores this is about providing more choices. Rep. Laurie Halverson (DFL-Eagan), a traditional no vote, supported the measure. She said compromise brought her on board, but warned the legislative body not to forget the small businesses. Make sure youre stopping by your mom-and-pop on the way home from work. The Munich Security Conference took place between 16 and 19 February [1]. Like every year, it united more than 500 European Ministers and members of Parliament, as well as a number of foreign guests. This is the most important international meeting on European Foreign Policy and Defence. Ten years ago, in 2007, Vladimir Putin caused a scandal by claiming that it was in the interest of the Europeans not to follow the Pentagon in its military adventures, but to act independently [2]. He also reminded his listeners that his country, Russia, is also a European state, even though it is excluded from the European Union. The participants had laughed at him and his pretentions. As one, they sought protection under cover of the NATO umbrella. This time, it was Sergey Lavrov who caused a scandal, by calling for a post-Western world order. We are obliged to admit that NATO has lost its superiority in terms of conventional warfare even though it easily maintains first place in terms of nuclear war. We are obliged to admit that after 15 years of uninterrupted war in the Greater Middle East, the mirage of remodelling the region into micro-states, each with less than 10 million inhabitants, and the fantasy of eradicating secular regimes for the benefit of dictatorships run by the Muslim Brotherhood, have failed. Astoundingly, the Europeans persist in pursuing these goals, which have been imposed on them by Washington, but which the People of the United States and their President Donald Trump do not want any more. So the Europeans are counting on the deep US state (that is to say the Raven Rock Mountain Continuity of Government group who organised the attacks of 11 September). Their political leaders continue, as a preventive measure, to denounce Donald Trumps supposed racism and Islamophobia, the same people who applauded when George W. Bush and Barack Obama killed more than 3 million people. Their Press continually insults Donald Trump, whom it presents as capricious and incapable [3]. Horrified by the opinions of Donald Trump, according to whom NATO is obsolete, they were reassured by the declarations of his ministers, who in essence, told them the same thing NATO no longer needs to exist in its current format - it needs to be transformed into a defensive alliance, and if you want to be part of it, you will have to dedicate 2% of your Defence budget. Obsessed by their imperialist lunacy, the Europeans were terrified by the possible abandon of their anti-Russian investments in Ukraine and Syria. There too, they were reassured by declarations which were nonetheless as vague as could be. Trumps ministers repeated that they would give up no interest vital to the USA in Ukraine, and that they would pursue a political solution in Syria. So why did the Europeans understand that the People of the United States has vital interests on the banks of the Dnipro and that a political solution in Syria means replacing the Republic with the Muslim Brotherhood? Simply because that is what they were taught by the Obama administration the administration that was rejected by the People of the United States. Of course, everyone can see the struggle between the Trump administration on one side and the Continuity of Government group on the other. The mountains trembled when Donald Trump excluded the CIA and the Joint Chief of Staff from the National Security Council [4]. Everyone noticed the way in which the CIA, in response, refused Defence accreditation to six of the Presidents advisors, and accused the National Security advisor of being a Russian spy, forcing him to resign, and how they are still pursuing four other representatives from the Presidential team. But losing a few battles does not mean losing the war, and it is distressing that the Europeans enslaved for so long do not know this. How can they believe that Donald Trump was going to sweep away such a powerful deep state in just a few days? And how could they imagine that his first defeats would be enough to make him give up? [5] Over the last few years, this Security Conference has been a way for Germany to serve as a link between the United States and their European partners. This year, its only goal was to force the European leaders to confirm their allegiance to the deep US state, without taking into account either the will expressed by the US People, or the change in the White House. A preparatory document, drawn up by the German organisers of the Conference, was handed to the participants. The Press was careful not to mention it. It contains an article by Volker Perthes, author of the Feltman plan for the total and unconditional capitulation of the Syrian Arab Republic [6]. This eminent expert presents his vision of the Greater Middle East, or rather the vision of the US Continuity of Government [7]. 1. [Even if we have not managed to remodel it,] this region will not be unaffected by the wars and the Arab Spring. [We didnt do all that for nothing]. 2. The conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran has become a sectarian conflict between Sunnis and Chiites [which masks our geopolitical ambitions]. 3. While everyone is caught up in this false religious conflict, no-one is paying any attention to the Palestinian situation [for the greater benefit of the colonial state of Israel]. 4. While the Europeans are unanimously tired of these bloodbaths taking place far from their homes, and hope for the long-awaited triumph of the Muslim Brotherhood, no-one in the Greater Middle East has yet admitted to having been beaten. 5. During the war in Syria, the alliances have continually been sealed and unsealed at the regional level, the latest of which was the pact between Russia, Turkey and Iran, which should not last [luckily] any longer than the others. 6. Syria and Iraq will not beat terrorism, and will not find peace other than by inclusive government [that is to say, by accepting to introduce al-Qaeda and Daesh into their governments]. 7. All of this could only end, for all the populations of the Greater Middle East, by a major international conference during which the Westerners would determine their future, just as, at the Congress of Vienna (1814), the Quadruple Alliance decided the fate of the rest of the world. Quite clearly, neither faced with the vote of the US People, nor the Resistance of the Arab Peoples, do the European leaders intend to change they can only be dismissed by the European People. The Nato Ministers of Defense met in Brussels at the North Atlantic Council and resolved further measures to strengthen the Alliance. These measures focused on the Eastern Front in particular, with the deployment of new deterrent forces in Estonia, Latvia and Poland, assembled for increasing Nato presence across the whole of Eastern Europe with drills both on land and at sea. In June, four multinational battalions will be fully operational so that they can be deployed in the region. At the same time, Nato will increase its naval presence in the Black Sea. Furthermore, Nato has launched the creation of a multinational command of special forces, formed initially by Belgian, Danish and Dutch forces. Finally, the North Atlantic Council praises Georgia for the progress it has made on the journey that will enable it to enter the Alliance, becoming the third Nato country (together with Estonia and Latvia) positioned directly at the Russian border. On the southern border, closely connected to the Eastern border (notably through the Russia Nato confrontation in Syria), the North Atlantic Council announces a series of measures to contain threats coming from the Middle East and North Africa and to project stability beyond our borders. At the Command of Joint Allied Forces at Naples, the Hub for the South is established, with a personnel of about 100 soldiers. Its mission? To evaluate threats coming from the region and to tackle them together with nations and partner organizations. It will provide Awacs spy planes and drones and will soon become operational at Sigonella. For military operations that are already underway, [there is] the Nato Response Force of 40,000 men, in particular, its Spearhead force of very high operational readiness. The Hub for the South explains Stoltenberg, the Secretary-General will increase Natos capacity to anticipate and prevent crises. In other words, once a crisis has been anticipated in the Middle East, North Africa or anywhere else for that matter, Nato will be able to carry out a pre-emptive military strike. In this way, the entire Atlantic Alliance adopts Bush the Hawks doctrine on pre-emptive wars. At present, the first wishing to strengthen Nato, especially with regard to its anti-Russian role [are] the European governments of the Alliance: those that, generally speaking, present themselves as doves. Indeed, they fear being bypassed or marginalized if the Trump Administration were to strike a direct deal with Moscow. Particularly active: the governments of the East. The armoured Brigade 3a that the Obama Administration sent to Poland does not satisfy Warsaw. It [wants more] and now, with the authoritative Kaczynski speaking in its name, asks Washington for shelter under the US nuclear umbrella. In other words, it expresses its desire to have on its own soil, US nuclear arms pointed at Russia. Kiev had relaunched an offensive in Donbass against the Russians in Ukraine, either through heavy bombing or through the systematic murders of those masterminding the resistance - attacks which the Western Secret Services are also behind. At the same time, President Poroshenko has announced a referendum on Ukraines membership of Nato. Alexis Tspipras went to lend support to his campaign. On 8-9 February, he was on an official visit to Kiev and made clear to President Poroshenko Greeces unwavering support for the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine and, consequently, the non-recognition of what Kiev defines the illegal Russian annexation of Crimea. The meeting, Tsipras declared, laying the foundations for years of close cooperation between Greece and Ukraine, will contribute to bringing about peace in the region. On Monday nights episode of Watch What Happens Live, Andy Cohen took a moment to address the recent spate of threats and other acts of hate against Jewish community centers across the country. Cohen noted that this news struck close to home, as his great-grandparents and many of his relatives are buried in a Jewish cemetery near St. Louis that was vandalized over the weekend. I dont have to have a personal connection, though, to know that this is not who we are as Americans, he added. We cannot allow acts of hate against anyone to become normal. Photo: HBO Every week until the series finale of Girls, Vulture TV columnist Jen Chaney will also serve as an advice columnist for various characters on the HBO series. This weeks advice recipient: Shoshanna Shapiro. Dear Jen, Im not sure how I feel about writing to an advice columnist. Like, it feels like something that old people do. But Im in a pretty desperate place, so whatever. Ill give it a shot. I recently got into a huge fight with my friend Jessa, who also happens to be my cousin. (By the way, and like, I realize this will sound really weird, but I completely forgot she was my cousin until a couple of days ago.) So Jessa tagged along even though I did not really invite her to this female-entrepreneurs mixer. These two ex-friends of mine, Rachel and Ziva you know, the ones who invented Jamba Jeans were there, and I really wanted to impress them. But Jessa, who Rachel and Ziva never really liked, pretty much ruined things. Jessa always ruins things. Related Stories Girls Recap: The Third Wheel Thats why the fight happened. After Rachel and Ziva said there wasnt room for me in their lives anymore, Jessa and I left the mixer. While standing outside trying to hail a cab, I just lost it. I dont know what caused it. Maybe it was the fact that Jessa actually stole a dish full of finger foods, including the dish, or the fact that my friend Elijah admitted that Marnie is cheating on Ray, my ex-boyfriend; or the fact that Jessa was trying to justify her relationship with Adam, as if that relationship, of course, explains every dynamic between her and every human being on Earth; or the fact that I was still stung from being rejected by Rachel and Ziva. Anyway, I completely blew up at Jessa. I told her that she ruined my life by drawing me into her dysfunctional social circle. (Its so dysfunctional its barely a circle. Its more like a sad, lopsided oval.) Then I started crying. I screamed, Get out of my face! at her three times and also threw one of her sliders on the ground. It was not a good night. Jessa stomped away and yelled at me to grow up. That stung, too. I guess I just feel like I should be a grown-up by now, like one of those women at the WEMUN (Women Entrepreneurs Meet Up Now!) mixer who has all their shit together and whose friends also clearly have all their shit totally organized into Container Store baskets and Elfa cabinets. I could have been one of those women. Instead, I started hanging out with Jessa and Hannah and Marnie and Ray, who is so great, but also a little aimless. I could have been a New York success story, like Rachel and Ziva and their denim leisurewear. Instead Im just another girl working at a hip branding agency wishing she had a brand of her own. I feel bad for yelling at Jessa, and for wasting a perfectly good slider. Should I apologize to her? (I mean Jessa, not the slider.) On one hand, Im kind of not sorry I said what I said. On the other hand, I still want her in my life. Shes my friend, even though shes so self-involved, she thinks that working in marketing is the same thing as, like, working at a farmers market. Shes also my cousin, apparently. Like, what do I do? Signed, Shoshanna Shapiro Current resident of New York, former resident of Japan Dear Shoshanna, First things first: Should you apologize to Jessa? If you want her to remain a part of your life, which it sounds like you do, and if you have regrets about the way you behaved toward her, which it also sounds like you do, then yes, apologize. Thats what grown-ups do. But this sorry should be a qualified sorry. You should tell Jessa that you feel badly for yelling at her, but also be honest about how frustrating it is when she doesnt listen to you or demeans your sense of ambition or makes everything about her damn British-accented self. What was it she said right before you let the slider fly? She accused you of being a jeans fucker, which implied that you only want to bask in the borrowed glow of women like Rachel and Ziva. Thats not quite true. But it is partially true. A person can only snap the way you snapped when they hear fighting words with some grains of honesty in them. I believe theres a tenacity in you, Shosh, and that when you find something concrete to focus on, you become a positive, unstoppable force. The way you single-handedly rehabbed Rays coffee shop is a great example of this. But I also think Jessa wasnt wrong when she suggested you want to be in the orbit of people who are admired, without actually doing work yourself that qualifies as admirable. I know you just started a new job, but I can sense already that youre only working at Silverhorn because its what you think you are supposed to do. You need to figure out what makes you happy while having a positive impact on others, and then pursue it immediately. What you are doing instead is trying to look and sound impressive to people you think are worth impressing, even though those individuals may be less dimensional than holograms of actual humans. Yes, I am referring here to Rachel and Ziva, who are so obviously the worst. My God, Shoshanna, I dont get why you dont see that. No, scratch that I do get why you dont see that. Its because Rachel and Ziva not only represent the road not taken, theyre also the girlfriends who broke up with you and did so in a way that specifically signals that theres something wrong with you. I mean, its true that youre not perfect. If Im being honest, for the first three season of Girls, you drove me absolutely crazy. But the fact that these two women are still holding a grudge against you for bailing on a spring-break trip from so long ago suggests that they are the petty and insecure ones, not you. Its natural to compare ourselves to other people and conclude that we come up short. We all do this; I think women especially do this. Id like to tell you that as you get older, you will stop this terrible habit. But Id be lying. For as long as you live, you will sometimes mentally Photoshop yourself into split-screen images that place you next to friends, colleagues, and maybe other mothers if you decide to have kids someday. When you do this, you will inevitably see yourself as the sad, gross Before and everyone else as the flawless, self-actualized After. The key is to manage that impulse, to recognize that you will sometimes compare yourself to others and feel lousy, but that doing so is human nature and should not define your sense of self. You have not only allowed other women, like Jessa and co., to define who you are, but also other WEMUN to do it, too. Youve always gravitated toward the friends and career that project maturity, that make you feel like youre advancing by association. But you still havent figured out what you need to do to advance yourself. You work in branding, but your brand is vapor. Thats okay, because youre young and youre still trying to figure everything out. You should not expect to have made it already. You also shouldnt conclude that you havent made it because of the people with whom you chose or did not choose to hang out. The bad news is: Who you are is all on you. The good news is: Who you are is all on you. As Elijah so eloquently put it, We cant all be perfect, okay? Everyone has their own path. We cant all be Justin Trudeau. You immediately asked if he meant Justin Theroux, which was a ridiculous question. But actually, either Justin works in this scenario. We cant all be the hot prime minister of Canada who can explain quantum computing off the top of his head, nor can we all be the talented star of The Leftovers who is married to Jennifer Aniston and has abs that could stop freeway traffic. Nor should we want to be. Both Justins already have those departments covered! We, and you specifically, should want to be the best people we can be, while recognizing that there is no such thing, in life or at WEMUN mixers, as perfection. I hope you recognize that, Shoshanna. I also hope you cancel your membership to WEMUN and get at least a partial refund on that exorbitant $2,000 annual fee. Youre worth so, so much more than that. Kitesurfing all day, drinking whiskey, and talking to the TV all night: According to Jordan Peeles impersonation of the 44th president of the United States on Late Night, Obama is leaning real hard into retired life. This Obama isnt buttoned-up enough to require an anger translator. Hes just Vacation Obama, clothes filled with sand, heart filled with schadenfreude, shoes also probably filled with sand. Lohan. Photo: Chance Yeh/Getty Images Amid speculation that Lindsay Lohan may be converting to Islam, the actress now says she was recently a victim of Islamophobia. While traveling from London to New York after meeting with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey to discuss the global refugee crisis, Lohan claims she was racially profiled for the first time in my life at Heathrow Airport for wearing a headscarf. She told Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain, [British Airport Security] opened my passport and saw Lindsay Lohan and started immediately apologizing, but then said please take off your headscarf. And I did, its okay. (She says she was wearing a headscarf out of personal respect for Turkish culture.) However, the incident forced Lohan to consider how she benefited from her privilege as both a celebrity and non-Muslim: What scared me in that moment [is] how would another woman who doesnt feel comfortable taking off her headscarf feel? That was really interesting to me. I was kind of in shock. It was jarring. As for her religion, Lohan said it wouldnt be right to talk about converting until shes finished studying the Koran, but that its a consideration. Walt Whitman Photo: ullstein bild/Getty Images Walt Whitman might be best known for his genre-defying poetic masterpiece Leaves of Grass, but the 19th-century writer was far from a one trick pony. Last year, graduate student Zachary Turpin discovered a long lost Dickensian serialized novel written by Whitman that was last seen in print 165 years ago, reports the New York Times. The 36,000-word story Life and Adventures of Jack Engle, is a first-person narrative following an orphan on his journey through New York, which included a full cast of colorful, diabolical money-and-power-hungry characters, as well as virtuous Quakers and a sultry Spanish dancer. Researchers believe that the work was never reprinted after it was published anonymously in the New Yorkarea newspaper The Sunday Dispatch. Turpin was only able to find the novel by entering character names and a few details referenced in Whitmans notebooks in a digital database where he found an advertisement that ran in the Times for the Jack Engle story. From there, he was able to find the only known original copy, which had not yet been digitized, in the Library of Congress. Though the 1852 book is not a particularly good example of the authors oeuvre, or of the city mystery novels that were popular during that time, Whitman experts point to clear connections to Leaves of Grass, which was published three years later. At times the drama of the novels mustache-twirling super-rich versus the kind, hardworking everyman gives way to the sort of wandering explorations on nature and the human experience that made Whitman a hero of the American literary canon. You can see for yourself by reading it. Life and Adventures of Jack Engle is available, for the first time ever, now as a book and online. This week, network televisions most confusing show got a little less haphazard. With no less than three plots and a half-dozen plot twists per episode, watching Quantico has lately felt like trying to solve a Rubiks cube: All the pieces fit together with some series of twists, but until the puzzle is actually solved, it just seems like a complete mess. In Epicshelter, the puzzle finally starts to come together. For weeks now, weve been dealing with the same major plotlines: a terrorist attack in NYC, a hunt for a covert team, and several interpersonal dramas. This episode is no different, of course, as the divisions of narrative labor have settled into standard places. In the future, viewers get a lot of good action scenes and fast-paced drama, and in the past, we get the emotional weight Quantico needs to keep viewers connected to whats happening with this CIA-FBI-MI6 mess. The big difference? This time, the episode actually offers plot resolution. Normally, each episode of Quantico offers an overt moral. A lesson taught on the Farm, where Alex Parrish & Co. must learn their latest CIA skill, becomes the overarching theme. But this week, there is no major lesson on the Farm, no challenge for the young recruits to battle over. The only guidance were given is a very short lecture given by a random actor weve never seen before, who promises that even the best have to prepare for the worst, then asks each of them to work on their wills. This concept, that the end is right around the corner, permeates the episode as it ties up loose end after loose end. On the Farm, things move at a breakneck pace. Last week, Owen (Blair Underwood) and Alex (Priyanka Chopra) watched a strange bunker that presumably belongs to the AIC explode and kill a man, and now that event has already come back to haunt them. Two FBI agents show up to interview recruits and find out what happened. The man who died, they tell us, is Jeremy Miller (David Call), a former recruit who also was a fairly famous novelist. Now, if you have the memory of a literal spy, you might remember that Jeremy Miller is not actually dead. One thousand years ago, when this terrorist plotline began, Alex Parrish was convinced that she saw him alive. This knowledge doesnt really matter, though. Owen is arrested by the CIA and taken into custody. The meat of the past story line (for the third week in a row!) comes from Harry Doyle (Russell Tovey), who is struggling to balance his mission as an undercover MI6 agent at the Farm with his own personal drama. Yet again, Tovey carries the episodes emotional weight like its nothing and proves himself one of the best actors in this ensemble cast. His best scene takes place at the bar with the other recruits, where he says he came here with good intentions and like all good intentions they went up in flames. Sebastian Chen (David Lim), his enemy-roommate, has ratted him out to a higher-up, which means hell be pulled from his position. Hes not the only agent to leave the Farm this episode, either. Alex Parrish is also kicked out by Owens daughter, Lydia (Tracy Ifeachor). The Alex and Lydia drama continues in the present story line, where she discovered at the end of last weeks episode that Lydia is running the operations on the terrorist attacks. Now outside the perimeter, the sense of danger Quantico tried to sustain for too many episodes does briefly fade for a few minutes. Almost immediately, though, it returns: Alex and her friends are sent back into the perimeter to track down Will (Jay Armstrong Johnson) and Dayana (Pearl Thusi), who are allegedly trying to upload some very secretive drives that need to be kept private. Oh Lord, I hope this is the end and not the sequel, Harry jokes as they enter the perimeter. His sentiment was mine as well. This terrorism subplot has been dead for weeks, and finally it seems like its coming to a close. The team splits up to find Will and Dayana with guns out. For the first time in weeks, there is actual tension. Its definitely more dangerous to put these characters inside a closed perimeter with a bunch of terrorists, and during this mission, it actually feels like someone might die. The streets are dark, they are in small groups, and Will and Dayana are both good agents. No one dies, of course. But the tension still works. Alex finds Will and Dayana only to get shot in the back (shes wearing kevlar, whew), watch Lydia upload the drive, and get into a fist fight with her. This is the most drama Quantico has had in weeks and the fight is mesmerizing. Both leave with little more than bloody noses, but its been a while since weve seen a well-choreographed fight. Its a breath of fresh air. Alex wins, but shes too late; Lydia uploads the drives and their information. Epicshelter races through so many plotlines that we even get what is essentially a recap near the end of the episode. While Miranda (who is in custody) explains to Shelby what happened, a second screen displays other scenes from the episode to explain to us what is really happening. The gist is that Alex was right all along, and the twist is that the First Lady is involved with the Citizens Liberation Front. With all that wrapped up, the only thing left to address is Alexs relationship with Ryan (Jake McLaughlin). To deal with this, the episode flashes forward two more weeks and shows her returning the ring, promising all the while that shell always love him. This episode really feels like a season (if not a series) finale. If Quantico never aired again after this week, Id feel pretty content with where every character ends up. It would be a nice ending point, especially if the last four minutes were cut. But the show must go on, and so it sets up a new future: Alex, Ryan, Shelby (Johanna Brady), Dayana, and Nimah (Yasmine Al Massri) are all recruited to become a covert task force for the president. Soon, they will begin a new assignment. Lets hope its the change of pace Quantico desperately needs. During his regular Closer Look segment on Late Night, Seth Meyers took on a smorgasbord of different news stories from the past few days (you read that right: days, not weeks). In that time, President Trump delivered a memorable though not well-received press conference, found a new national security adviser, and made up a terrorist incident in Sweden that never happened, but seemed like it could have happened based on a segment he saw on Fox News the night before. Not even the Swedish Chef, the Muppets greatest Nordic character, could understand the fictional upheaval the country was in. The most important takeaway Meyers offered was a word of warning to anybody hoping to become friends with the 45th president (are you reading this, Putin?): Expect to be forced to eat meatloaf on the regular. Which reminds us, what do the betting markets currently say are the odds Celebrity Apprentice contestant Meat Loaf will be joining the administration any day now? Hyderabad Feb 20 : Nizamabad MP and Telangana Rashtra Samithi leader K Kavita on Monday reacted strongly against Congress leaders over their remarks on the party leaders not working towards the development of Telangana. Stating that the TRS members of Parliament were speaking in favour of people in Telangana which is the reason AIIMS has been established in the state, the MP said that all their efforts at the Centre has resulted in the approval of several Telangana projects. Kavitha further pointed out that the Congress leaders who were in power for a decade failed to failed in terms of the welfare of people in the state. A 26-year-old Robinson man pleaded guilty Monday in the October 2015 traffic deaths of two women. Robert St. John Brucker, a restaurant worker, pleaded guilty to two counts of manslaughter in the deaths of Maria Arredondo and Francisca Dominguez, both North Texas residents. The womens ages were unavailable Monday. The women were killed and three others in their van were injured in a crash on Interstate 35. Brucker pleaded guilty in what is known as an open plea to the court without benefit of a plea bargain after rejecting a plea offer of 10 years in prison from prosecutors, said his attorney, Lewis Giles. Judge Ralph Strother of 19th State District Court will sentence Brucker on April 17. Brucker is seeking probation but faces a maximum 20-year sentence on each count. According to police reports, Brucker was speeding and driving recklessly about 10:15 p.m. when he struck the back of a trailer being pulled by the vehicle in which the women were riding. Brucker told officers that he was traveling south on the interstate when he saw a trailer in front of him with no lights on. He told the officer he tried to swerve to the left to avoid hitting the trailer but there was a car in the center lane, so he swerved back and crashed into the trailer. The driver of the van, Sanjuana Lopez, told officers she felt the impact from the collision before her vehicle left the roadway and rolled. A state trooper noted in his report that the speedometer was locked on Bruckers vehicle at 89 mph after the crash. He also noted the lighting system on the trailer was intact. Giles said Brucker was returning from Hill County, where he had gone to visit his daughter. Sometimes bad things happen. In this case, it is uncontested that he was driving too fast. It was late at night and his vehicle and the trailer collided, Giles said. The two ladies who died were not wearing their seat belts, but I dont think an error in judgment should mean he should spend more than half of the rest of his life in prison. Lets say youre a Trump voter, the kind we often hear about an honest, hard-working American who put up with Donald Trumps unusual behavior because you wanted a president who would stop playing Washingtons political games, bring a businessmans obsession with action and results, and focus on the economy. How is that working out for you? The first few weeks of President Trumps administration have been an illustration of writer Alfred Montaperts adage, Do not confuse motion and progress. A rocking horse keeps moving but does not make any progress. We are witnessing a rocking-horse presidency in which everyone is jerking back and forth furiously, yet there is no forward movement. Since winning the election, Trump has dominated the news nearly every day. He has picked fights with the media, making a series of bizarre, mostly false claims about the magnitude of his victory, the size of his inauguration crowd, the weather that day, the numbers of illegally cast ballots, among many others. He has had photo ops with everyone from Kanye West and Jack Ma to Shinzo Abe and Justin Trudeau. Now he is embroiled in a controversy about ties to Russia. But in the midst of it all, what has he actually done? Hardly anything. On Thursday, Trump said at a news conference, There has never been a presidency thats done so much in such a short period of time. Matthew Yglesias of Vox observes that at this point in his presidency, Barack Obama had signed into law an almost-trillion-dollar stimulus bill to revive the economy, extended health insurance to 4 million children and made it easier to challenge discriminatory labor practices. In their respective first 100 days in office, FiveThirtyEight calculates, Bill Clinton had passed 24 bills; John Kennedy, 26; Harry Truman, 55; and FDR, 76. Despite having a Republican House and Senate, Trump does not seem likely to crack 10 in his first 100 days. Yglesias notes that the Trump White House has not even begun serious discussions with Congress on major legislation. Of the 696 positions that require Senate confirmation, the president has yet to nominate 661 of them. Trump has issued a series of executive orders with great fanfare (though fewer than Obama at this point). But they are mostly hot air lofty proclamations that direct some agency to review a law, report back to him, consider some action or reaffirm some long-standing practice. His one order that did something, the temporary travel ban, was so poorly conceived and phrased that it got stuck in the court system and will have to be rewritten or abandoned. What about the plans to reindustrialize the Midwest, bring back jobs, and revive the coal and steel industries? What, for that matter, of his explicit commitments that on Day One he would begin removing criminal illegal immigrants and would label China a currency manipulator, push for a constitutional amendment to impose term limits on all members of Congress and get rid of gun-free zones in schools and . . . military bases? All were promised. Almost nothing has been done. There are two aspects to the Trump presidency. There is the freak show the tweets, the wild claims, the fake facts, the fights with anyone who refuses to bow down to him (the media, judges), the ceaseless self-promotion. But then there is Trump the savvy businessman who named intelligent heavyweights such as Gary Cohn, Rex Tillerson and Jim Mattis to key positions and who has at times articulated a serious reform agenda. For many people, the bargain of the Trump presidency was that they would put up with the freak show in order to get tax reform, infrastructure projects and deregulation. That may still happen, but for now at least reality TV is in overdrive and not much is happening in the realm of serious policy. That voter in Ohio or Michigan might well wonder how picking fights with the media will bring jobs back to his region or how assaulting the judiciary will help create retraining programs for laid-off workers. But maybe Donald Trump, who freely admits to getting most of his information from television, has a television view of the presidency. The point is to be seen doing things. The Romans said that the way to keep people happy was to give them bread and circus. So far, all we have gotten is the circus. Author Fareed Zakaria also hosts CNNs GPS Sunday morning. U.S. manufacturers spirits have been rising. Whether caused by the manufacturing-focused election season or Americas continued economic recovery, optimism is on the rise across Texas. The Dallas Feds recent report reflects this trend. It found that factory activity increased for the seventh consecutive month in January. New orders climbed to a multiyear high as well, pointing toward good things to come. The numbers are encouraging, but economic indicators arent what matter to working families. They want to know that their jobs are secure and that new opportunities are on the horizon. The good news: they are. Texas economic growth is delivering benefits directly to employees paychecks. Wages are on the rise. And the state has become so popular for business, some experts are worried about a lack of skilled employees to fill the manufacturing positions being created. The Lone Star State is in good stead, but questions remain. How can we build on our success and invite all geographic areas and all communities to join in our increasing prosperity? And what role can President Donald Trump and leaders in Washington, D.C., play in reaching our goals? So far, the new administration has been signaling its commitment to manufacturing. Early actions have targeted some of manufacturers highest priorities. For example, a key executive order paved the way for relief from federal regulations, which today impose more than 297,000 restrictions on manufacturing operations. This is a sign of progress for the 81 percent of Texas manufacturers that cite regulatory burdens as a top concern. Other likely positives include a more rational perspective on energy. President Trump has greenlit previously delayed pipeline projects, which will create jobs, including manufacturing jobs. As promising as the outlook may be, manufacturers and their supporters must remain vigilant. Some of the most needed changes, including infrastructure investment and tax reform, will require hard-won legislation on Capitol Hill. At the moment, leaders in both parties seem committed to the idea of repairing the nations crumbling roads and bridges, upgrading our ports and waterways and expanding broadband internet access but plans for accomplishing these objectives differ widely. Compromise must be reached or the United States stands to lose 2.5 million jobs by 2025 because of infrastructure deficiencies. We should also seize the opportunity to act on comprehensive tax reform. Sensible changes to Americas outdated tax code could add more than 6.5 million jobs over 10 years. Working families should not be asked to give those up because of political infighting. These are some of the issues the National Association of Manufacturers will be discussing at the 2017 State of Manufacturing Tour launch in Austin this week. Its an honor to have Texas leading off this event. Our manufacturers deserve the national spotlight for facing down economic headwinds, including declining oil prices, to innovate, expand and steer our state toward a brighter future. Local industry leaders and our counterparts from across the nation will be using this unique opportunity to underscore why U.S. manufacturing remains the envy of the world. The next challenge will be to make American manufacturing even greater than it is today. Tony Bennett is the president and CEO of the Texas Association of Manufacturers. Chris Wallace is president of the Texas Association of Business. Kudos to new Waco Police Chief Ryan Holt for demonstrating the courage, humility and maturity to acknowledge serious mistakes were made in police management of protesters during Gov. Greg Abbotts Feb. 9 appearance at the McLennan County Republican Partys Lincoln-Reagan Dinner at Knox Hall of the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum. Too many people in positions of authority would have cavalierly dismissed protesters concerns or sought to marginalize them. Holt did neither. Rather, in the wake of local attorney David Schleichers letter of concern about the peaceful protest in Fort Fisher Park, Chief Holt without taking sides in the political acrimony that increasingly divides citizens reaffirmed community faith in the cherished First Amendment. He acknowledged his officers at one point relegated protesters to a position too far from the focus of their demonstration and he made clear to one and all afterward that he would ensure Waco police officers receive appropriate training so they dont again compromise the rights of protesters. In doing so, he confirms the City Councils deep faith in him. Ours too. The chief also noted that he heard no complaints about the protesters, many of whom wanted to send a clear message to the governor and those local Republicans heralding his presence of how they felt about gubernatorial initiatives ranging from school vouchers to immigration. These figure in legislative priorities Abbott pressed during his Jan. 31 State of the State address to Texas lawmakers. The right to demonstrate is not only guaranteed by the Bill of Rights but has been practiced often enough in McLennan County. As Chief Holt correctly noted, experienced officers have insights gained from managing those who protested President George W. Bushs foreign policies when the president was back in McLennan County where his ranch is located. And then-Congressman Chet Edwards, a Democrat, endured particularly unruly protesters during a town-hall meeting in Waco in 2009. In that context, we cheer not only the chief but his police officers, who politely endured disagreement with protesters during the Feb. 9 event. And while were at it, heres to the protesters, who resisted the temptation to get ugly or violent even when they were in the right. Their peers protesting elsewhere in this polarized nation could surely learn from them. Airmen assigned to the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing take great pride in the heritage created for them by the Tuskegee Airmen. Today a key piece of the wings history has once again returned to its flightline. The legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen was born in Montgomery, Alabama, when the Tuskegee Institutes application to conduct civilian pilot training was approved by the Civil Aeronautics Administration in autumn of 1939. About one year later President Franklin D. Roosevelts administration announced the Army Air Corps would begin training black military pilots, and the place to do it was Tuskegee, Alabama. So began the storied history of the Tuskegee Airmen. Flying their P-51 Mustangs, with tails painted bright red, the Airmen fought valiantly through World War II under the crest of the 332nd Fighter Group. Now more than 75 years later, a red-tailed fighter jet from Montgomery again flies with the 332nd. The lineage of the Tuskegee Airmen has been passed to Alabama Air National Guards 187th Fighter Wing. An F-16 Fighting Falcon from the unit is currently flying with the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, which is one of the squadrons assigned to the 332nd AEW. It is well documented that our WWII bomber pilots would look out their windows and gain confidence from Red Tail fighters flying beside them. It has been stated they took comfort in knowing their chances for survival were higher with a Red Tail escort than from any other outfit in 12th and 15th Air Force, said Col. David C. Lyons, 407th Air Expeditionary Group commander. Now we have one of those Red Tails on our flight line, once again flying with the 332nd and creating the next chapter of Red Tail history. The mission of the unit is to support Operation Inherent Resolve in the fight against ISIS by providing air-to-ground combat airpower at the request of the Combined Joint Task Force commander. The 134th EFS has been heavily involved in the fight, flying more than 500 missions, delivering more than 800 weapons, and making significant contributions to the fight in Mosul, Iraq, and Raqqa, Syria. We are talking about liberating cities, Lyons said. That is something we havent talked about in this way since World War II. The Airmen of the 134th EFS flying the missions to liberate cities in Iraq and Syria are deployed from the Vermont Air National Guard. The red tail was provided to the Vermont ANG along with F-16s from the New Jersey and Wisconsin Air National Guards to ensure the squadron had enough capable aircraft to meet the short-notice deployment to support OIR. At least one Airman from the Vermont ANG takes a special amount of pride in seeing the red tail on the flightline with his unit. During a formal dinner hosted by the Vermont ANG, Chief Master Sgt. Brian Senecal, 407th Expeditionary Maintenance Squadron, had the opportunity to host Col. Charles McGee. McGee is one of the Tuskegee Airmen and also holds a U.S. Air Force record for flying 409 combat missions in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Honestly it was the highlight of my whole military career to spend time with the guy to meet someone who gave some much, Senecal said. Most Soldiers and Sailors were welcomed back from World War II with open arms and the Tuskegee Airmen had to come back to a still-segregated America. Despite the discrimination the Tuskegee Airmen faced at the time, their trailblazing efforts have left a legacy of which all Airmen can be proud. It is an honor to continue the tradition started by the original Tuskegee Airmen and to be carrying on their good name 75 years later, Senecal said. We have no excuse for overlooking the meaning of this anniversary. And its timing compels us to consider its lessons. In last week marking the 75th anniversary of the fall of Singapore, Malcolm Turnbull called it "shattering". Bill Shorten called it "unthinkable". It was the bitterest strategic betrayal in Australia's history since white conquest. The fall of Singapore was, according to Winston Churchill, "the worst disaster and largest capitulation in British history". Britain has never recovered from the blow to its prestige. For Australia it was about much more than prestige. It was about national survival. The fall of the supposedly impregnable British fortress in Singapore opened Australia to Japanese invasion. With Singapore taken, Japan's bombers opened their first attacks on Darwin just four days later. Yet even as Parliament paused last week to reflect sombrely on that shocking event, officialdom showed troubling signs of utterly missing the point. Neither Turnbull nor Shorten drew any big conclusions about the fall of Singapore in their speeches. They paid tribute, rightly, to the troops and the civilians who were the immediate victims of Britain's incompetence when they were killed or captured by the Japanese. Business groups have joined calls for fixed election dates every four years in Australia, as part of efforts to allow governments time for long-term reform and reduce economic uncertainty. Incumbent prime ministers have called elections, on average, every 2.59 years over the past century, rather than go full three-year terms, according to Fairfax Media analysis based on Australia Institute data. On Tuesday, Liberal MP David Coleman released a draft private members bill, which would introduce fixed, four-year terms. Mr Coleman used an opinion piece for Fairfax Media to call for a referendum coinciding with the next election, due in 2019, saying the plan would limit political drama and promote strategic decision-making. It started as an embarrassing joke. Shane Barnbrook accidentally swallowed a chicken bone while eating dinner and knew it had to come out. While waiting for the bone to emerge, his family called him a "pain in the bum". His wife Sarah was 40 weeks pregnant, so she wanted him to be well for their third child's arrival. Shane Barnbrook, with wife Sarah, is suing two hospitals for negligent care that left him a quadriplegic. Credit:Justin McManus Shane, a social worker, thought about going to the doctor but figured he'd be okay. Eventually, half a wishbone arrived. It was painful but not enough for him to think it would make him a quadriplegic. But over the next few days, Shane felt tired and had indigestion. He planned to go to his GP, then his chest tightened up. He thought he was having a heart attack. Sarah called an ambulance. When paramedics arrived, he had pain radiating down one arm and felt anxious. He told them about the chicken bone he'd swallowed and said he had pain in his rectum. Perth Children's Court has to determine whether a 10-year-old boy who raped an eight-year-old boy has the capacity to understand the court process. The boy, who was baby-faced and appeared younger than his age, had his sentencing delayed after fronting court on Tuesday. He had previously pleaded guilty to one count of sexual penetration of a child and one count of threatening to kill. Magistrate Andree-Marie Horrigan ordered a report to determine whether the accused child was fit to understand what was going on. Washington: In keeping with his campaign's focus on more jobs and fewer undocumented migrants, President Donald Trump is creating more than 15,000 new immigration enforcement, border control and judicial posts to root out millions of what Americans call "illegal aliens". A new homeland security plan announced on Tuesday strikes down the lenient enforcement guidelines of previous administrations. But giving policy substance to some of Trump's wildest campaign rhetoric, it dramatically widens the criteria for the detention and deportation of illegals whose numbers are estimated at about 11 million. Despite the urgency of the campaign and this new army of lawmen, one of the Department of Homeland Security officials who briefed reporters on Tuesday insisted there would not be mass round-ups. "We don't need a sense of panic in the communities we don't have the personnel, time or resources to go into communities and round up people and do all kinds of mass throwing [of] folks on buses," an unnamed official said. At the invitation of the Director General of Denmark Customs, Mr. Preben Buchholtz Hansen, WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited Denmark on 20 February 2017 to attend the inauguration of a mobile body scanner. The ceremony took place in Gedser, the southernmost town in Denmark, where ferries frequently arrive from Germany. Customs officers are tasked with selecting suspicious passengers for a body scan in order to check whether they have any internal concealment of illicit narcotic drugs. This new technology supports Customs passenger controls in a quick manner, while facilitating the movement of people at borders. Without the body scanner, Customs would have to take suspicious passengers to the police, who would then take them to the local hospital for an X-ray, resulting in time-consuming processes. Denmark Customs introduced a fixed body scanner at the airport in Copenhagen last year, and with the mobile body scanner, they can now cover sea and land borders too. The inauguration was attended by Nordic Customs representatives from Iceland, Finland and Sweden as well as the local police. In his opening speech, Secretary General Mikuriya commended Denmark Customs for taking an innovative approach towards enhancing border control to protect society from drug trafficking and illicit trade. The launch was widely covered by national media. If you were not able to sign up for this presentation, join The Nassau Institute in collaboration with the Banking, Economics & Finance Department and The Economics Society of the University of The Bahamas, Wednesday, February 22, 2016 for a lecture by Richard Ebeling, BB & T Professor of Ethics and Free Enterprise Leadership at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina Topic: Globalization and the Free Society Summary: Recent political events in Europe, the United States and many other nations suggest a trend away from the more open world of the last several decades. The rise of economic nationalism and closed borders threatens to slow humanitys progress toward both more personal freedom and growing prosperity for too many still living in poverty. Liberty and prosperity requires free trade and economic liberalism. Dr. Ebeling is no stranger to The Bahamas, The Nassau Institute or the University of The Bahamas. The presentation will take place in lecture hall at the Harry C. Moore Library at the University of The Bahamas starting at 6:30pm. The event is free. This event would not be possible without the generous support of : The Templeton Foundations Compass Point AID Automotive & Industrial Distributors Bahamas Wholesale Agencies Limited Go Ahead Biscuits Arizona Drinks Dr. Richard M. Ebeling is the BB & T Professor of Ethics and Free Enterprise Leadership at The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, He was formerly professor of Economics at Northwood University. Was formerly president of The Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), was the Ludwig von Mises Professor of Economics at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan, and served as president of academic affairs for The Future of Freedom Foundation (FFF). Fort Polk, LA (71446) Today Cloudy early with isolated thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 81F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening, then becoming foggy and damp after midnight. Low 67F. Winds light and variable. By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 21, 2017 | 04:05 PM | MARSHALL COUNTY, KY A crash on Interstate 24 Monday night led to an assortment of drug charges for an Illinois man. According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened just after 7 pm at the 22 mile marker of I-24. During the investigation, deputies learned that the driver of one of the vehicles was intoxicated. The driver, 29-year-old Daniel Ossola of Collinsville, IL, failed field sobriety tests. Deputies found marijuana, suboxone, rolling papers and a white powder substance on Ossola and in the vehicle. Ossola was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, two counts of possession of controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ossola was lodged in the Marshall County Detention Center. Police did not indicate if anyone was injured in the crash. By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 21, 2017 | 06:31 AM | HARDIN, KY Two people face drug charges after their arrest over the weekend. According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded on Saturday to Commerce Street in Hardin to serve warrants on 31-year-old Patrick Cartwright, who lived at the home. A woman living at the home, 32-year-old Ashley N. Lassiter of Murray, initially told officers that Cartwright did not live there, but later admitted that he did. During the investigation, deputies found items in the home that resulted in new charges. Lassiter was charged with hindering prosecution or apprehension, trafficking in marijuana, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence. Cartwright was charged with trafficking in marijuana. Both were lodged in the Marshall County Detention Center. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. Advertisement By Sen. Danny Carroll Feb. 20, 2017 | FRANKFORT, KY By Sen. Danny Carroll Feb. 20, 2017 | 02:30 PM | FRANKFORT, KY A wide array of bills were heard in committees and voted out of the Senate in a busy and fast-paced third week of the 2017 Session. Because this years 30-day meeting of the Kentucky General Assembly is considered a short session, we are maximizing our time here in Frankfort. We passed nearly 20 bills this week with topics ranging from tobacco use on school property to campaign finance reform to transportation issues. One of the most noteworthy bills, however, is Senate Bill (SB) 14, which strengthens penalties for trafficking in heroin. Kentucky made national news these past few weeks for the rash of devastating overdoses that occurred. In Louisville, for example, there were over 50 overdoses in a 32-hour periodan unprecedented number. People dealing heroin are dealing in death, and they must be stopped. Another important piece of legislation the Senate passed this week was SB 1, which is comprehensive education reform that is desperately needed to help our schools. With approval from teachers, administrators, and other education stakeholders from across the commonwealth, SB 1 allows teachers to teach and returns control to our local districts. I am happy to report this bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support and is now heading to the House for consideration. We also passed SB 117, which would allow a veteran with a bachelor's degree in any area to be issued a provisional teaching certificate if other criteria are met. This legislation would ultimately make it easier for veterans to teach in a classroom. I am dedicated to helping our veterans easily integrate back into the workplace. The Senate has already started to receive House bills, and we have sent Senate bills to the House for its approval. Many of you have already reached out to me regarding certain pieces of legislation, and I appreciate your input and concerns. I urge you to continue making your voices heard in Frankfort. If you have any questions or comments about these issues or any other public policy issue, please call me toll-free at 1-800-372-7181 or email me at danny.carroll@lrc.ky.gov. You can also review the Legislatures work online at www.lrc.ky.gov. Senator Danny Carroll (R-Paducah) represents the 2nd District encompassing Ballard, Carlisle, Marshall and McCracken counties. Senator Carroll serves as the chairman of the Budget Review Subcommittee on General Government, as well as the co-chair of the Program Review and Investigations Committee. He also serves as a member of the Appropriations and Revenue Committee, the Education Committee, the Budget Review Subcommittee on Education, the Health and Welfare Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Government Nonprofit Contracting Task Force. Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 21, 2017 | MURRAY, KY By West Kentucky Star Staff Feb. 21, 2017 | 08:23 AM | MURRAY, KY Police in Murray say a man who was shot in the head is listed in stable condition at a Nashville hospital. The Murray Police Department says the shooting took place at around 11:30 Monday night at Welch Court in Murray, just off U B Bailey Road. When police got to the apartment complex, they say they "located a male individual who did have what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the head." Police are withholding the name of the victim for now, but are saying that he was airlifted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he is currently listed in stable condition. Police are not giving additional details, or whether they are looking for a suspect. More information, they say, will be available as the investigation continues. By The Associated Press Feb. 21, 2017 | 04:53 AM | FRANKFORT, KY Kentucky State Police officials are taking applications for children to attend a free summer camp. Trooper Island Camp offers a chance for boys and girls ages 10 to 12 to spend time at Dale Hollow Lake in Clinton County. The camp, operated by state police, is financed entirely by donations with no public funds used. The summer program is for children whose families cannot afford to send them to other camps. Each year, about 700 children attend the camp. It offers recreation, guidance and esteem-building activities designed to build good citizenship and positive relationships with law enforcement officers. Trooper First Class Jonathan Biven, the camp commander, says the goal is to give the children a camping experience that will have an impact on their lives for years to come. "LIVE" ON WHKP THIS WEEK, WNC CONGRESSMAN MEADOWS REASSURED LOCAL GROWERS ON THE IMMIGRATION AND FARM LABOR ISSUES MEADOW WILL BE MEETING WITH TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS THIS WEEK HEAR MORE DETAILS ON WHKP'S LOCAL NEWS ALL DAY AND NIGHT THIS WEDNESDAY As the Trump Administration was announcing new, tougher immigration and deportation policies Tuesday morning, Western North Carolina Congressman Mark Meadows was announcing, in a live interview on WHKP, that he has gotten the message loud and clear about the need for adequate farm labor from farmers in Henderson County. Meadows told WHKP and the listening audience that he will be returning to Washington on Thursday and will be meeting with some top level Administration officials on the immigration and farm labor issues. Local farmers on the Town of Mills Rivers Agriculture Advisory Committee recently sent a letter to Meadows and to U.S. Senators Burr and Tillis from North Carolina expressing their hope for meaningful immigration reform, while stressing the need for adequate labor to plant, care for, and harvest their crops this year. Some will be growing fewer acres of crops this year, fearful that ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents will raid their fields and apprehend and possibly deport farm labor that is not in this country legally. Reassuring local growers, Meadows said Tuesday that is not going to happen. Meadows pointed out that ICE (and the Trump Administration) are only interested in those illegals who are guilty of, or have a history of, dangerous crimes or have flagrantly over-stayed their permitted time in this country. Meadows also said he is confident that some type of guest worker arrangement will be worked out to keep adequate farm labor (mainly from Mexico) on the farms and in the fields and orchards of Western North Carolina. In a related matter, Meadows said the move to establish a refugee re-location center in Western North Carolina, probably in the Ashville area, has, at least for the time being, been squelched. Some churches in the area indicated a while back they would be interested in assisting refugees, even from such troubled countries as Syria, re-locate in this area---and that possibility caused concern among some local citizens and elected officials and resulted in a resolution by Henderson County commissioners opposing such refugee re-location. By WHKP News Director Larry Freeman 02/21/17 Updated 3pm Commuters on Manchesters Metrolink network were transported to Rio de Janeiro as samba dancers and drummers brought the sights and sounds of the Brazil carnival to their morning commute. A colourful carnival atmosphere complete with Brazilian samba dancers in feather headdresses, wings and vibrant sequins were joined by traditional drummers to bring the party atmosphere to the tramline. Bound for the Etihad Stadium, the flamboyant procession was in town to revel with Manchester City fans on board, as the club celebrate all things Brazil with the introduction of their Touch of Brazil exhibition within their stadium and club tour. Tram carriages packed full of City fans enjoyed the lively surprise as they journeyed towards the Etihad Stadium ahead of Citys game against Monaco that evening. Fun face masks of the teams Brazilian players, Fernandinho, Elano and Gabriel Jesus were handed out to jubilant fans to shine a light on the clubs history of Brazilian talent. Launched in line with Brazils national carnival and running throughout half term to offer families something different to do, A Touch of Brazil graces the Etihad Stadium in celebration of Brazilian players, past and present. From Elano to Gabriel Jesus and Robinho to Fernandino, a number of Brazilian stars have lifted City fans off their seats over the years and the new tour gives fans the chance to celebrate those memories. Supporters visiting the tour between 18-26 February can enjoy a bespoke Brazilian themed exhibition space and enter a competition to win a signed Gabriel Jesus shirt. Once immersed on the tour, visitors get the chance to explore the clubs heritage through unique memorabilia and interactive displays, giving fans the chance to relive Citys greatest moments and truly discover what makes Manchester City the club that it is today. Manchester Citys Stadium & Club Tour is a 70 minute professionally guided tour of the club and Etihad Stadium. Tickets for the tour cost 17 per adult, 11 per child aged 5-16 and 12 for concessions. A Touch of Brazil runs until Sunday 26 February with the non-bespoke tour resuming from Monday 27 February. Please see the website for dates. www.mancity.com Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. For a glimpse at how U.S. President Donald Trumps America first approach to immigrants may affect the meat industry in the United States the worlds largest beef producer look no further than across the northern border to Canada. Three years after former prime minister Stephen Harper tightened restrictions on foreign workers to force employers to hire more Canadians, processors across Canada say the move compounded a labour shortage from which they have not recovered. The Canadian Meat Council estimates the industry has 1,650 vacancies at 19 rural abattoirs, or nine per cent of total employment at those facilities. Carving up carcasses and packaging meat is messy, physically demanding work. While workers get health and other benefits, the starting pay is below the national average. Thats why the $24.1-billion industry has grown increasingly dependent on foreign labour. WAYNE.GLOWACKI / Winnipeg free press files Neepawa's Hylife Foods has to work aggressively to recruit and retain staff under Canada's foreign-worker rules, its president says. Well take anybody that is willing to work, said Ron Davidson, director of international trade, government and media relations at the Ottawa-based meat council, which represents about 50 companies including Maple Leaf, Olymel SEC and the Canadian units of Cargill and JBS. More severe measures proposed by Trump to limit foreign workers might be just as disruptive for U.S. plants, including pork and poultry facilities, which already face labour shortages. Immigrant workers account for 35 per cent of the 441,000 animal slaughtering and processing jobs, according to 2015 data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Such moves arent likely to create more jobs for Americans in U.S. meat plants, according to David Swenson, an economist at Iowa State University. He estimates three-quarters of the workers at processing plants in Iowa the largest pork-producing state are immigrants, mostly from Mexico. Domestic workers probably wont take those jobs, he said. That was the experience in Canada, which is also a major meat exporter and employs about 66,000 people. Processing plants offer full health and dental benefits, but hourly wages start between $13 and $19, below the national average for natural-resource and agricultural workers of about $25.75, government data show. Thats made it difficult to use only Canadian workers. We are really concerned going forward how were going to be able to fill our positions, said Claude Vielfaure, president of HyLife Ltd., a Manitoba-based pork processor that exports $650 million of meat annually to countries including the U.S., China and Mexico. If we dont have the people, were just not going to grow, and were going to fall behind. Under a Canadian government program, employers can hire foreign nationals to fill jobs not being taken by citizens or immigrants. HyLife obtained a permit to bring workers to its processing plant in Neepawa before the government overhauled its temporary foreign workers program and has worked aggressively to recruit and retain staff, Vielfaure said. The new Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, says it may drop some of the restrictions and create a path to permanent residency, which should ease the shortages for the meat industry. A new federal budget is due in the coming weeks. For now, Canadas meat industry says its labour shortage will get even worse if its competitors in the U.S. are hit with more restrictive rules on using foreign workers, as Trump has proposed. They will be forced to go where they can find workers, the meat councils Davidson said, adding that animal welfare could be at risk if Canadian plants cant handle the overflow. Bloomberg News Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. For several weeks, Winnipeg police believed they were investigating a domestic violence case. Two months after the case began more than a month after the alleged domestic assault victim took out a protection order against her former common-law spouse a tip turned it into a homicide investigation involving another woman who lived at the same residence. Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Rob Carver confirmed the initial investigation focused on Jessica Reid as the alleged victim of domestic violence. Winnipeg Free Press Files Perez Adaryll Cleveland, 43, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Jennifer Barrett. On Oct. 18, Reid applied for a protection order against Perez Adaryll Cleveland, arguing she and her 11-year-old son needed to be protected from him. Reid alleged Cleveland had threatened to kill me and beat me. He had a homemade weapon in his hand and was swinging it towards me. I ran out of the house because he has really hurt me before and I was scared I called the police with neighbours that help me. Carver said when a news release was sent out in September, asking for the publics help in locating Cleveland, he was a suspect in a domestic violence case. Our (homicide) victim was not on our radar at this point, he said. As for what caused police to apply for and execute a search warrant in early December at a Waverley Heights residence, all Carver would say is, We received information that initiated our investigation. The decomposing body of 42-year-old Jennifer Barrett was found in a barrel filled with several chemical agents. Cleveland, 43, a Canadian citizen who was born in the U.S., is charged with first-degree murder. Reid, 34, and Holley Alyssa Sullivan, 28, of Calgary, have been charged with being accessories after the fact to murder. All three, as well as the victim, shared a Waverley Heights home where police were collecting evidence Friday. Barrett was beaten to death over several days in August, and her body was put into a 45-gallon drum barrel along with several chemical agents which hastened the decomposition, police said about the homicide, which was not made public until Friday. Police know little about Barrett, who arrived in Winnipeg from Ontario. She was not known to police prior to this, Carver said, adding its not clear how long she had been in Winnipeg. She was not reported as a missing person, he said. Police executed a search warrant on Dec. 1 after being tipped off about human remains in the backyard of the house at 38 Forest Lake Dr., which has been vacant since the end of November, he said. The Canadian Press files Jessica Reid, 34, is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder. The victim and three accused lived there together for a time in 2016. Carver said police are not certain about the relationships between the others involved. This was a difficult and complex investigation, he said, adding police chose not to report the homicide publicly until after Thursdays arrests. As well, they were waiting for the results of forensic tests that identified Barretts remains. Police said Cleveland was charged while in custody at Headingley Correctional Institution. He is accused of committing violent assaults from Aug. 14 to Sept. 27 and was arrested in the North End in December. Hes charged with numerous offences, including assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon and possession of a weapon. Reid was arrested at a Winnipeg residence, and Sullivan was arrested by Calgary police. They face charges of being accessories after the fact to the murder because police believe they were both involved at the time of the murder or immediately afterward. In a 2012 Canadian Press article, Reid said she went from foster care to drug addiction, to having her son cared for by others. Reid, who at the time was studying child and youth care at Red River College while raising her six-year-old son, credited a respite worker she met when she was 13 for helping to turn her life around. She gave up drugs while she was pregnant, but lost custody of her son when he was 18 months old. After battling addiction for two more years, she was able to get him back. with files from Alexandra Paul kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The murky future of Manitoba Hydro is about to get a bit clearer. After months of anxious howls from the Hydro board about a financial collapse, the Crown utility will approach the Public Utilities Board (PUB) this spring with a new general rate application. When it does, it will be the first time the public will get a broad, detailed and apolitical examination of Hydros true fiscal state. It is difficult to predict with any certainty what the PUB will say. Even so, there is evidence to suggest the PUB may not subscribe to the gloom-and-doom narrative thats being broadcast from the boardroom of the Manitoba Hydro headquarters on Portage Avenue. Since last fall, board chairman Sandy Riley and president Kelvin Shepherd have been arguing that mounting debt and declining equity require rate increases of as much as 20 per cent annually or a billion-dollar cash bailout from the province or both. Without financial help, they argue, Hydros debt could ultimately drag down the provinces credit rating. These concerns have provided the context for the boards decision to dramatically cut overhead, including eliminating 900 jobs and imposing a wage freeze on some employees. Although there is a nugget of truth in Rileys assertions, their view of the future differs significantly with the view put forward by the PUB itself, and vigilant intervener groups that monitor rate hearings. Byron Williams, director of the Public Interest Law Centre, has represented the Consumers Association of Canada and the Manitoba Society of Seniors at the PUB for more than a decade. The centres work on behalf of its clients has helped nudge the PUB to take a more aggressive role in considering the effect of capital borrowing on current rates. While Williams and his clients are not happy about the impact Keeyask and Bipole III will have on rates, he does not accept Rileys gloomy outlook. This is not a new debate before the PUB, Williams said. We have had intense discussions around the appropriate levels of debt and equity, and its impact on rates. And our clients did not support Hydros aggressive decision to pursue Keeyask and Bipole III. That having been said, there is no need to panic. Our clients are of the strong view that rate increases can be kept at manageable levels. In its last three decisions on Hydro rate applications, the PUB has certainly agreed there is no need to panic. In 2014, Hydros integrated financial forecast called for 3.95 per cent increases through 2021 to help the utility carry the borrowing needed to finish Keeyask and Bipole III. However, at the first rate application following the release of that forecast, the PUB only approved a 2.75 per cent increase. The following year, the PUB granted the full 3.95 per cent hike, but pared that back in 2016 3.36 per cent. In the spring 2016 decision, the PUB said long-term financial projections for Hydro had improved significantly, diminishing the need for the full 3.95 per cent hike. Williams, who was present throughout those rate hearings, said the PUB took a reasoned look at Hydros financial statements and saw nothing to support rate increases of the magnitude being speculated about by the Hydro chairman and president. Williams suggested Riley, in particular, may be applying more of a private-sector sensibility to his analysis of Hydros fiscal situation. In a private company, equity-to-debt ratios are kept much more in balance in order to guard against economic downturns, or macro shifts in market conditions that might hammer its bottom line. However, Hydro is a government-owned monopoly that does not suffer nearly as much from economic downturn or market conditions. Its debt is guaranteed by the Manitoba government. As a result, lenders and credit-raters give government-owned monopolies much more wiggle room than private enterprises. In New Brunswick, Williams said, the Crown power authority has an equity-to-debt ratio in the neighborhood of 5/95 (five per cent equity to 95 per cent debt). That contrasts with a 30/70 ratio in Quebec. Once its capital borrowing is done, Manitoba Hydro will sink to nearly 10/90, with a long-term target of 25/70, he said. Williams said in the 1990s when the Limestone Generating Station was being built, Hydros equity-to-debt ratio was 10/90, and the province continued to enjoy affordable access to debt-financing. Of course, the trump card here is the provincial debt and the debt-to-GDP ratio were much more manageable in the 1990s than they are now. Manitobas net debt is expected to rise to nearly $25 billion in the next few years, with its debt-to-GDP approach 35 per cent. Riley has been very vocal in linking Hydros fiscal woes with the provinces mounting debt and a chronic deficit that is likely to rise back to more than $1 billion in this springs budget. In government fiscal matters, its an accepted principle if you wait until its a full-blown crisis, youve waited too long. Hydro is amassing an enormous debt at a time when its export revenues continue to lag. One prolonged drought, and Hydros finances could be in deep trouble. However, this debate over the future of Hydro desperately needs an injection of sober commentary. The PUB and its intervenors are uniquely positioned to provide just that. The Hydro board is politically appointed, and its tough not to see a measure of political motivation in the gloomy narrative provided by Riley and others. Perhaps its just his private-sector instincts winning out, or perhaps a burning desire to hang Hydros fiscal woes around the neck of the former NDP government like a millstone. Whatever the reason, there is evidence to suggest Riley has been torquing the numbers just a tad. The good news is that if past experience is any guide, the PUB hearings this spring will set the record straight about whether Riley and his board are delivering a prudent warning of future risk, or just howling at the sky that is in no immediate risk of falling. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Who cares about Antarctica? After all, its too far away to concern us here in the Great White North isnt it? Given the way climate change affects the South Pole, and Canada, the answer is no. Economically, the southern continent hasnt been important to anyone since Norwegians and Russians hunted whales in the area in the 19th century. These days, it only rarely attracts notice from ongoing scientific studies there. In the 1980s, the opening hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica spurred countries to take action over CFCs chlorofluorocarbons in the atmosphere. Now, its the issue of ice that may be signalling impending environmental disaster. ROBERTO CANDIA / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILEs King George Island, Antarctica Antarctica isnt a monolith, climatically or geologically, and scientists have been paying particular attention to the way the ice in the West Antarctic is deteriorating. The Larsen ice shelves that is, the ice atop the ocean along the coast, fed by glacial ice on land have been collapsing. The Larsen A shelf melted and splintered into shards in 1995, and the Larsen B shelf in 2002. Now, the remaining portion, Larsen C, is showing a 144-kilometre crack and could soon collapse. If more of the ice shelves around Antarctica collapse and average temperatures in the region have been increasing it means more glacial ice will flow, unhindered, to the ocean and melt. Given the ice mass on the continent, if it were all to melt, it would raise global sea levels by 60 metres. To say this would affect us here in Canada, a nation with coasts on three oceans, is an understatement. Canada has signed on to the Paris climate accord, but international treaties arent enough. We should be looking at ways to reduce emissions personally, locally and nationally. And, given the tack taken by U.S. President Donald Trump, who doesnt believe in human-caused climate change, its more important than ever for Canada to act in an environmentally responsible way. Climate change is going to have to be one of the many uncomfortable but necessary conversations between Canada and the United States, even though little was said about it during the first meeting between the two leaders early last week. In fact, many pundits have suggested there was a serious attempt by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to downplay climate change issues in his first discussions with Mr. Trump in order to ensure peace between the two countries. The issue will require some careful diplomacy for Canada, particularly in light of the discussions on tweaking NAFTA in a way that will result in benefits to this country given the strong trading relationship with the U.S., but emissions responsibilities need to be taken seriously. By the time its too late for Antarctica, it will be too late for Canadas coasts as well. U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar met with the National FFA Officer Team, including Central Region Vice President Valerie Earley from Wykoff in Fillmore County, on Feb. 14. The students were in Washington to discuss the upcoming farm bill and youth involvement in agriculture issues with members of Congress. Minnesota is one of the largest agriculture states in the nation, said Klobuchar in a statement. The next generations participation in programs like FFA is essential to the future of American agriculture." The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 649,355 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,859 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Beaver Dam Common Council approved a $1.6 million capital improvements plan for this year out to 2021, which includes upgrades to Lincoln Park playground equipment. Engineering projects in the queue for this year include a various street rehabs ($273,500), North Lincoln Avenue from East Maple Avenue to East Third Street ($55,000), North Spring Street from Maple Avenue to Mackie Street ($66,000), West Mackie Street from North Center Street to North Spring Street ($260,000) and the East Third Street parking lot reconstruction ($65,000). In total the engineering department's projects will cost $719,500. The fire department will be borrowing for water/ice rescue equipment ($170,000) and breathing apparatus program ($210,000). Police are borrowing $50,000 for an outdoor shooting range. Public works only borrowing this year is reserved for a front-end loader ($195,000). Parks Department will borrow for window replacement on the Municipal Building ($211,000) and Lincoln Park playground equipment update ($44,000). Borrowing is typically capped at $1.6 million. Looking ahead, the city could be borrowing more than $3 million in 2018, $2.5 million in 2019, a safe $1.6 million in 2020 and $1 million in 2021. However, projects can be shuffled as they were last month when Ritchie Piltz, director of facilities and engineering, swapped some upcoming park improvement projects to bring this under the $1.6 million budget. The final vote was 11 in favor and one opposed. Dog area plans beginning to take shape Beaver Dam Operations Committee talked about constructing a second dog area for the first time since allocating $19,000 in capital overlay during the budget cycle in November. (A dog area already exists at Edgewater Park north of Beaver Dam). According to the justification for the dog area, it would be built on the opposite side from the skateboard area in Patrick Park Conley BMX/Skateboard Park and could include fencing, sally port gates, service entrances, disposal stations and seating. At the moment John Neumann, parks and forestry supervisor, said the fencing would run along a patch of land at the intersection of Fletcher Road and Beichl Avenue. Neumann said that his estimates for the cost of the dog area come in just under $19,000. Alderperson Mick Fischer brought his findings and research on the topic to Mondays committee meeting and said that he would support building a dog park, but only if it involves feedback from city residents and alderpersons. Previously Fischer said that he would like to review some data online about an off-leash dog area because it could be a liability for the city if a dog attacks a human or another dog. Alderperson Cris Olson expressed concerns with accessibility to the dog area. The area has no sidewalks. Sidewalk runs along Burnett Street but it doesnt run down Fletcher Road. Neumann said that a parking area is in the works for Patrick Park Conley BMX/Skateboard Park, but according to the park layout, this would require dog owners to walk a short distance to the dog area. City sells land to MPTC Moraine Park Technical College will soon own about three acres of land along Highway 151 after the Beaver Dam Common Council approved the sale. We are squeezed for space, attorney John Peter said. The land is being sold for $1,000 and runs next to Highway 151 and then wraps up along Burnett Street. Peter said that MPTC is in talks with the school district about the plot of land on the north side along Burnett Street that Beaver Dam High School is keen to control for its batting cage. Its a complex piece of resolution, he said. The land buy comes alongside a 3,800 square feet building expansion that includes a lab and classroom. Carrie Kasubaski, vice president of finance and administration, said that a mock village would be created that the students would utilize. She said funding for the program is going well with about $200,000 raised. According to a document detailing the gas utility technician workforce development, MPTC is working with Wisconsin Technical College System, Wisconsin Energy Workforce Consortium, WE Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Michels Corporation. They all have verified the need for local gas utility workers. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay has a gas utility technician program that will be a model for the MPTC program. Kasubaski said there are only two technical colleges in Wisconsin that offer a gas utility technician program and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is one of them. MPTC in Beaver Dam would be the third. There is no firm timeline, but Kasubaski previously said MPTC is looking at breaking ground sometime in 2017. The resolution to discontinue a portion of Gould Street, the sale of 3 acres of vacant land and a lot on the north end of the MPTC campus were all approved. Moraine Park Technical College will soon own about three acres of land along Highway 151 after the Beaver Dam Common Council approved the sale. We are squeezed for space, attorney John Peter said. The land is being sold for $1,000 and runs next to Highway 151 and then wraps up along Burnett Street. Peter said that MPTC is in talks with the school district about the plot of land on the north side along Burnett Street that Beaver Dam High School is keen to control for its batting cage. Its a complex piece of resolution, he said. The land buy comes alongside a 3,800 square feet building expansion that includes a lab and classroom. Carrie Kasubaski, vice president of finance and administration, said that a mock village would be created that the students would utilize. She said funding for the program is going well with about $200,000 raised. According to a document detailing the gas utility technician workforce development, MPTC is working with Wisconsin Technical College System, Wisconsin Energy Workforce Consortium, WE Energy, Madison Gas and Electric, Wisconsin Public Service Corporation and Michels Corporation. They all have verified the need for local gas utility workers. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay has a gas utility technician program that will be a model for the MPTC program. Kasubaski said there are only two technical colleges in Wisconsin that offer a gas utility technician program and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is one of them. MPTC in Beaver Dam would be the third. There is no firm timeline, but Kasubaski previously said MPTC is looking at breaking ground sometime in 2017. The resolution to discontinue a portion of Gould Street, the sale of 3 acres of vacant land and a lot on the north end of the MPTC campus were all approved. World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together on the first Friday of March each year to observe a common day of prayer. Through World Day of Prayer, participants affirm their faith in Jesus Christ and engage with the whole world, are enriched by the faith experience of Christians of other countries and cultures, share the burdens of other people by praying with them and for them, and use their own talents in the service of Gods world. Prayer and action are inseparable and both have immeasurable influence in the world. County officials took a significant step forward in its project to bring a new government services building to downtown Mauston. The county board approved a resolution during its monthly meeting on Tuesday to fund the multi-million dollar facility. Board members authorized the permission for the county not to exceed $13,250,000 in general obligation bonds or promissory notes for the project. Juneau County will finance the project in two phases. The first phase will begin this year with about $10 million of the project financed at 3.25 percent interest. The remaining amount will be financed in 2018 at a projected 3.75 percent interest. On Tuesday, board members received a detailed presentation on the financing from Carol Ann Wirth from Wisconsin Public Finance Professionals, LLC in Brookfield. Board member Tim Cottingham gave an update on the building project. Cottingham said the process began almost a year ago, and while the project has hit some hurdles, its finally starting to move along. Weve completed phase one and are ready for the first bids to go out and pass the bonding resolution, Cottingham said. I believe we are well within our means to finance this project. Fellow supervisor John Wenum reiterated the countys need for a modern building. He said the county looked into renting a space, but the rent was estimated at $100,000 a year and the facility would be almost a mile from current county facilities. Because of constant sound leakage, were almost always in violation of HIPPA laws, Wenum said. We really needed a secure facility and the package we have put together will resolve these issues. When you factor in the cost, I think this is quite reasonable. Not only will the new building bring county offices up to code, it will feature more space and better parking. Wenum said the financing structure should suit the county well for the next couple decades. This would bring the county up to date and we would have a proper housing facility for our offices for the next half century, Wenum said. Bill Devine, from project contractor Devine, Inc., said the building should be completed by the end of 2018. He told board members, youre getting an awful lot for your dollar. The building wont be anything fancy, but will serve the needs of the county. The county will have to find another location for its senior meal site, however, as building specifications do not include relocations plans. Devine said bids on construction will begin on March 16 and will be presented to the board at its next meeting March 21. JCAIRS project coming along Dan Wafle and Nathan Thiel from JCAIRS said the organizations plan to revitalize the county fairgrounds and Veterans Memorial Park is ahead of schedule. Thiel said funding remains strong and new building projects should be completed in 2017, highlighted by a pig and sheep barn. We have more than 25 percent of our donations in, Thiel said. Were really making headway. Thiel said JCAIRS has about $6 million left to use and have several large projects on tap. Within a few years, the organization plans to construct an expo center on the grounds. It will also establish a $1 million endowment to help fund future needs. Board meets May Also on Tuesday, county officials met Col. David May, the new commander at Volk Field, an Air National Guard base near Camp Douglas. May, a Middleton native, took over the post about six months ago. He said the base continues to be a leader in training in the country and will likely add new positions this year. About 440 people are employed at the base and it contributes more than $52 million to the Wisconsin economy. May said the base could welcome state-of-the-art F-35 jets in for test flights in a few years. The Portage Police Department has welcomed a new officer to the ranks, one with more than a decade of experience in law enforcement and some national news coverage. Officer Brian Loewenhagen, 34, received his badge Monday in a ceremony at the Portage Municipal Building, welcomed by fellow officers and city staff. The ceremony reset the departments roster, after the departure of Officer Brandon Koziel, who left to join the Lake Delton Police Department after only a few months in Portage. Brian isnt your typical new hire, like we would have, where you have to spend a lot of time in training, said Lt. Keith Klafke. Once you go through the academy, you get the basics to get you by, but you actually learn everything through your FTO (Field Training Officer) process and first three years as an officer. Loewenhagen, originally of Appleton, comes from the Adams County Sheriffs Office where he worked 11 years as a deputy, where he developed the reputation of being a walking statute book. Among the high points of his already solid resume are his certification as a drug recognition expert, an FTO, an FTO supervisor for Adams County, and as an instructor for field sobriety testing. Its kind of a win-win situation, said Klafke, because were filling a void because were back to full staff now and also the stuff that Brian can bring to the table. I did work part-time in Wisconsin Dells and part-time in the city of Adams, and in Plainview before so I have some experience of working with the city, said Loewenhagen. And in the city, youre a little more tight-knit with the community, not like with the county when youre covering a vast area of a sector. Despite working a beat of miles (hundreds of mostly rural square miles of the county), Loewenhagen wound up on the national news. On the evening of Nov. 17, he responded to a call of a car-deer encounter near Friendship. When he arrived on the scene, the deer, which had been placed in the back of an SUV turned out to be alive, and after being dragged out to be dispatched by Loewenhagen, sprung to life and bounded into the darkness. Stories, including the dashcam video of the incident, also noted that Loewenhagen was the officer that pulled over a suspected drunken driver, who blamed the situation on beer-battered fish. In June, Loewenhagen was presented with a Commendation of Valor Duty Injury Award from the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police. He was given the award for an incident in May 2015 in which he received knife injuries during a fight, but was still able to subdue and arrest his assailant. Were not going to have to spend a lot of time on procedural stuff or legal stuff, said Klafke. Hes got the experience that he knows how to handle a domestic, how to handle a drunk driver, the only thing we have to do here is how does Portage do it what are the streets of Portage? The move to Portage was not something to be done on a whim, Klafke said, given that in addition to all of the complications of a new home and new organization, Loewenhagen accepted the job recognizing that it is not a lateral move. Despite his credentials, he is starting over in Portage. As specifically dictated by police union rules, he is coming into the department with experience, but no seniority. That must mean that there is a lot to gain, said Klafke. There are certain key things in his background that he didnt quite have career fulfillment with, and in those key aspects, I think we can deliver. A Reedsburg Area High School teacher went before the School Board on Feb. 20 to talk about a trip to the latest presidential inauguration. Social studies teacher Dave Moon gave a presentation about how students and staff went to Washington D.C. for the welcoming of President Donald Trump. He said the visit included the chance to see noteworthy sites such as the National Mall and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum. We enjoyed this trip so much, he said. The group included a mix of many political beliefs, he said. Not all students who attended agree with the new president and some even joined the Womens March. Moon said another trip is planned for Boston in 2018. The city was chosen because it has a rich history. Its a chance for kids to get out of Wisconsin and see some things, Moon said of the trips. The Boston trek will be a 4-day journey and will cost $1,649 per student. Its possible that adults could also attend but their fares will likely be higher, Moon said. Fundraising will help offset costs, and events are in development, he added. For more information email at dmoon@rsd.k12.wi.us. MERRIMAC Residents here wont see much action on the $17 million reconstruction project of a railroad bridge across Lake Wisconsin until the summer of 2018. However, some early work on the more than 100-year-old bridge will take place this summer as span 2 of the bridge is replaced, said Virgil Kasper, vice chairman of the Pink Lady Rail Transit Commission. Kasper presented a program Feb. 16 to a room packed with members of the Lake Wisconsin Alliance and the public at the Merrimac Village Hall. During the program, Kasper discussed the history of the railroad in Sauk County from its beginnings in 1871. He stressed how vital the railroad was to the region at the time and highlighted how it remains important. The bridge plays a vital economic role in the county because it provides rail access to several large employers in Baraboo and Reedsburg. The Merrimac bridge must be very vital if Wisconsin & Southern is willing to invest $3.5 million in it, Kasper said. Kasper said 80 percent of the $17 million project will be funded by the state. The other 20 percent is the responsibility of Wisconsin & Southern Railroad. Work to be done over the next few summers includes reinforcing some of the bridges piers. The bridge will be strengthened handle heavier freight at faster speeds. Trains crossing the bridge now are limited to 5 miles per hour. With the improvements, trains could get up to 25 mph. Kasper said rail service would be timed so there would be no interruption of service during the project. The project is targeted to be completed by the end of 2019, he said. MERRIMAC On Valentines Day, students at Merrimac Community Charter School shared kindness and love with local veterans from Sauk Prairies VFW Post 7694. Veterans from the post visited the school Feb. 14 for a kindness program, in which students got to personally thank nine of them with a hug, handshake or fist bump. All 111 students created handmade valentines for the vets, which will be distributed to those members who were unable to attend. We were working on kindness activities this month, said Merrimac school guidance counselor Tom Steward. The idea is that we would have all the students get involved in the project and learn about kindness. The culmination would be wed present handmade valentines cards to the vets who came out. The veterans who came served during World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam. The original plan was for the students to simply create the cards and drop them off at the VFW for them to be distributed. But Bart Mauch, adjutant at the VFW, suggested the visit. I think it was important for them to see who they are giving the cards to, Mauch said. Its even better when you can thank them personally. This is the first year for the program. Steward said Merrimac is a community-driven school and the Valentines for Veterans program is just one way they can give back to a part of our community that is so often overlooked, he said. Steward said its good for the students to see how grateful the veterans are for the thanks they were given. They saw how something they thought was such a small act could be so big, he said. It brought both the vets and the students and staff to tears. The event was just as important to the vets as the students. Mauch said the veterans appreciated the students patriotism and that they were willing to spend the time thanking them. He said he hopes when the students are older they will remember the day they met the vets. There arent a lot of us left, so we found it would be really important to be there, Mauch said. Hopefully they will remember they saw a World War II vet when we are all long gone. A local incursion with Russian origins had a fleet of Dells Army Ducks on the move this past weekend. No, this is not another alleged instance of Russian interference with Americas democratic institutions, nor is it a new scenario for the latest local Room Escape attraction. Fake news, it most definitely is not. Instead, its really what happened in Wisconsin Dells Saturday through Monday, when unseasonably warm weather hastened a first-ever February launching of one local fleet of DUKW amphibious vehicles. Those lucky Duck riders as well as the hundreds of other visitors to the area over the Presidents Day weekend have a weather pattern in Siberia to thank for their early preview of spring, which is still officially a month away. A large ridge of high pressure over Siberia has diverted the jet stream into Alaska, which in turn has forced mild Pacific air into the western United States and eventually into Wisconsin, said career meteorologist and former Dells Events reporter and weather columnist Jeff Smith. This process has also displaced the polar vortex in Canada, which typically drives bitterly cold arctic air into Wisconsin. The Siberian-born displacement led to temperatures in the high 50s and low 60s throughout the region over the weekend and into early this week, which in turn led Dells Army Ducks owner and operator Jason Field to liberate his companys fleet from winter storage. The first Army Duck-full of passengers set off at noon Saturday for the nearby Wisconsin River and the scenic Lower Dells surrounding it, and as of Monday afternoon the Duck-riders were still coming. The weekend excursions which skipped Lake Delton because that body of water remained ice-bound as of the weekend marked the first time the Army Ducks had dipped their beaks in February. Weve got Ducks ready all the time, and once the weather turned toward the 60s we knew those Ducks were ready and able, Field said Monday afternoon, a few minutes after the days first passenger-loaded Army Duck set off from the companys military-themed headquarters on the Wisconsin Dells Parkway. The weather combined with a three-day holiday for at least some visitors equaled robust business for other Dells-Delton business as well, their owners reported. We had a great weekend, and the weather certainly helped, said Jeff Morris, co-owner and operator of Bobbers Island Grill in Lake Delton. On Thursday, it was only like 40 degrees but we pulled some dining room tables outside and had people eating there. It just happened. Automobile and foot traffic in downtown Dells on Saturday and Sunday looked more like a typical early spring weekend than the middle of February and that trend continued well into Monday. We were jam packed this morning, said Belgiis Waffles owner and operator Mason Rudarmel early Monday afternoon. Rudarmel was by then almost at the end of his weekend supply of fresh-made Belgian waffle dough at the small shop in the 100 block of Broadway downtown. With the warming trend expected to conclude at mid-week and a return to cooler temperatures expected this weekend, those Army Ducks most likely wont be plying the still-icy waters much longer this winter, Field predicted. Im not anticipating that were going to be up and running its an outdoor ride, and temperatures need to be conducive to that, Field said. I am anticipating an early start for spring. We could be open the first weekend in March, weather permitting. Well have to see. Your Ultimate Investing Toolkit Sign up for MarketBeat All Access to gain access to MarketBeat's full suite of research tools: Portfolio Monitoring Top Stock Lists Premium Reports Stock Screeners Live News Feed Premium Support Free for your first month. Healthcare Trust of America, Inc. (NYSE: HTA) is the largest dedicated owner and operator of MOBs in the United States, comprising approximately 25.1 million square feet of GLA, with $7.4 billion invested primarily in MOBs. HTA provides real estate infrastructure for the integrated delivery of healthcare services in highly-desirable locations. Investments are targeted to build critical mass in 20 to 25 leading gateway markets that generally have leading university and medical institutions, which translates to superior demographics, high-quality graduates, intellectual talent and job growth. The strategic markets HTA invests in support a strong, long-term demand for quality medical office space. HTA utilizes an integrated asset management platform consisting of on-site leasing, property management, engineering and building services, and development capabilities to create complete, state of the art facilities in each market. This drives efficiencies, strong tenant and health system relationships, and strategic partnerships that result in high levels of tenant retention, rental growth and long-term value creation. Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, HTA has developed a national brand with dedicated relationships at the local level. Founded in 2006 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012, HTA has produced attractive returns for its stockholders that have outperformed the US REIT index. Enbridge Inc. operates as an energy infrastructure company. The company operates through five segments: Liquids Pipelines, Gas Transmission and Midstream, Gas Distribution and Storage, Renewable Power Generation, and Energy Services. The Liquids Pipelines segment operates pipelines and related terminals to transport various grades of crude oil and other liquid hydrocarbons in Canada and the United States. The Gas Transmission and Midstream segment invests in natural gas pipelines, and gathering and processing facilities in Canada and the United States. The Gas Distribution and Storage segment is involved in natural gas utility operations serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers in Ontario, as well as natural gas distribution and energy transportation activities in Quebec. The Renewable Power Generation segment operates power generating assets, such as wind, solar, geothermal, and waste heat recovery facilities; and transmission assets in North America and Europe. The Energy Services segment provides energy marketing services to refiners, producers, and other customers; and physical commodity marketing and logistical services in Canada and the United States. The company was formerly known as IPL Energy Inc. and changed its name to Enbridge Inc. in October 1998. Enbridge Inc. was founded in 1949 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Moving pictures Number cruncher: Caitlin Lewis Smallwood 88 directs a team of around 50 data scientists, engineers and mathematicians at Netflix in Los Gatos, California. Photo by Timothy Archibald Photo - of - Hide Caption The following story originally appeared in the winter 2017 issue of the W&M Alumni Magazine - Ed. Caitlin Lewis Smallwood 88 is vice president of science and algorithms at the worlds leading internet television network. From her office in Los Gatos, Calif., she oversees the numbers that help Netflix learn what you like to watch, predict what you might want to watch next, and decide what to purchase and produce in the future. She can also see cranes, dump trucks and construction workers building Netflixs brand-new corporate headquarters on the south end of Silicon Valley. Shes a leader in a growing field within an influential company during a historic moment: data science is helping Netflix take off. Its incredibly inspiring to me to be involved in this company when were at a point where weve launched mostly globally, Smallwood says. Its an amazing opportunity to really help cultures learn about one another in an innocuous, non-threatening fashion. Taste clusters There is a dizzying number of conference rooms at Netflix headquarters, and theyre not even finished building it yet. Each one is a little different and named after a famous movie (usually one that is available to stream via the service). Many feature a glass wall, frosted with the image of a notable scene or actor. And then there are the Emmys. The lobby of Smallwoods building is full of movie- and TV-based touches: art books about film on reclaimed wood tables, a constant stream of Netflix products on a giant screen (in this case, The Crown), and two softly lit columns displaying Netflixs Emmy awards. Emmys arent common in Silicon Valley, but theyre testaments to the companys smarts and strategy. Then theres the data. When a user logs into the Netflix service and begins browsing, they see rows of categories. While you browse, Netflix logs what you watch, how you found it, how long you watched it, and the device you watched it on, among other things. As Netflix learns more about your viewing habits, it gets better at predicting what you like. This works no matter where you are in the world. One thing weve learned that holds true so far, anyhow is that when you try to get an understanding of peoples tastes, the kinds of clusters of taste that people have are pretty similar around the world, says Smallwood. The size of the audience for these different kinds of tastes can differ quite a bit from region to region, but the actual kernels of what those tastes are, are not dramatically different. On Netflix, tastes are displayed as rows of categorized content. Usually, the rows are the typical fare from the old Blockbuster shelves: drama, comedy, action, sci-fi, romance and so on. But as you move further into Netflixs database of over 50,000 row titles, things get really specific Strong Female Lead, Raunchy Cult Late-Night Comedies, Quirky Romances, Supernatural Horror Movies and so on. There are a number of websites dedicated to chronicling the most obscure categories delivered to Netflix subscribers all over the world like Gritty British Prison Movies. Although our internal job is harder, she says, the output to our customers is actually a little bit better because you can discover nuanced pockets of taste because of other regions that then help you serve members in a different region even more effectively. That parts exciting, too. Smallwood is in charge of more than 50 engineers, data scientists and mathematicians who are working to distill the viewing habits of over 86 million Netflix subscribers and make the product better. Algorithms orchestrate the viewer experience, and theyve responded: to the tune of 125 million hours watched per day. Thats like watching Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home more than a million times daily, or that one episode of Murder, She Wrote nearly 2.7 million times. Its a colossal amount of data, and its up to Smallwood to make sense of it. Right questions Technically, an algorithm is just a set of rules that a computer can follow to solve a problem. For early data scientists like Smallwood in the 90s, those problems were confined largely to logistics and transportation: packing shipping containers or coordinating airline networks. The problems that shes solving today at Netflix, she says, werent really in the world back then. The biggest thing that hit me over the head is just the volume of data its on a completely different scale than anything I had experienced before, she says, because there are these large companies where the product itself is interacting with people. Lots of people just generate so much data that volume was really the biggest thing. So as the Internet expanded out of universities and into offices, living rooms, laptops and pant pockets, the amount of data generated by people exploded. Suddenly, extra data was attached to everything: digital photos were now linked to the location where they were taken; your phone keeps track of where you parked your car. Netflix, for its part, is mostly just interested in the shows and movies people watch and how they watch them but there are lots of data points attached to that, too. In data science, there are a couple things that happen when you have a large volume of data, she says. One is that you really can touch so many lives in a way that you hope is a positive thing. Even if I just make some task for you quicker, for me thats very satisfying. For a Netflix subscriber, that task is, primarily, how do I find something to watch? The answer is different for a couple staying in for a movie night than for a parent trying to calm a chaotic toddler, but the service learns from everyone who uses it. The data that is generated is processed by Smallwoods team and their arsenal of exotic statistical and machine learning techniques. At a search giant like Google, tech people talk about The One Algorithm in hushed tones; at Netflix, they test 500 different algorithms a year. Theres no one silver bullet, says Smallwood. These algorithms underpin the whole operation, especially the recommender system. The business goal, she explains, is to increase and retain the people who pay monthly to use Netflix, but its also to grow the number of hours subscribers spend with the service. So the easier it is for us to find the shows we want and discover movies we dont even know we want, the more successful her team is. So they ask questions. Which episodes did you start and not finish? What else was in the row you chose your last movie from? How much binge-watching have you been doing? The number of things we could track, measure, study, analyze and everything else is crazy its just impractical to do it all, she says. So its very important to get crystal clear on the core thing we have to learn with this experiment. Lets focus on that and add one or two other things, not 20 other things. Part of it is a discipline. Settling on the right question, Smallwood says, is in some ways more important than the conclusion that is reached by the end of the experiment. Then its time to look at the numbers. Netflix first chooses algorithms that show potential based on offline data not from users currently using the service. Only the most promising processes are tested live. Since you have data from that many people, you really can identify patterns and clusters and see this massive variety in human behavior, she says. Then you tailor things to that behavior that otherwise might not be known to you. Even as humans, we cant necessarily articulate why were behaving the way that we do. Whats great about the data is that its pure its what actually happened. You find surprising things that nobody else would have found otherwise. Its almost like being a detective. Smallwood takes special care to note that Netflix is extremely cautious with the data it analyzes: there is physical separation of information in some cases, and widespread anonymization so data points cant be attached to specific users. She cant delve into the system and find out who precisely is watching every episode of Voltron: Legendary Defender at 3 a.m. She also cant reveal all the exact methods and results they find in their tests, but with original series like Stranger Things, House of Cards and (Smallwoods current favorite) The Crown, theyre doing something right. Especially in those cases, data is not 100 percent of the decision: human expertise is critical to making sure Netflixs catalog is fresh, deep and successful. Sometimes its automating things, but other times its just providing an additional data point, she says. We want to really help make it easier for you to find the things youre going to watch. Luckily, we have so many other members watching stuff, we can see what kinds of patterns emerge and where your tastes tend to line up with other peoples tastes. That helps us really to identify things to suggest to you. Algorithm by algorithm, Smallwood and her team are building bridges between human behavior and machine learning to provide the best possible experience. Human networks Early in her career, Smallwood worked on preventing skill degradation in the Air Force applying data to airmens job training. But it was her later work on modeling U.S. Postal Service data networks that opened the door to more. These networks were much, much smaller in the 1990s, she says, but that didnt make the problem simple. That project actually was the thing that made me fall in love with data science in a deeper way because it was this complicated networking kind of problem, she says. You had your voice lines and your data lines and they all have to be configured and designed with a pattern that spanned the U.S. and covered all the demand. It was fascinating to study. When Smallwood talks about the complex data sets and networking challenges she engages with, its easy to tell how excited she gets. This kind of math wasnt equations scrawled on a chalkboard it was nodes and linkages and networks. And there was an inescapable human component the data was saying something about people. She had found a reason to delve even further into math. That was the first time I really thought that there was an area I could actually specialize in, Smallwood says. It resonated with me and my interests, both technically and in terms of the applications I could imagine. So she got a masters in operations research at Stanford. That was where Beth Lewis as she had been known became Caitlin. Her grad-school roommates unilaterally decided that she looked more like a Caitlin than a Beth, and after about a year, she found herself introducing herself that way. By the end of that year, nobody called me Beth anymore, she says with a smile. But she was still the same woman: focusing on data and finding the truths within. However, that focus was hard-fought. Renaissance woman Until she got to high school, Smallwood had attended a different school every year of her life. Her family bounced around places like Colorado and New Mexico before eventually landing in Virginia. The movement may have contributed to her certain Renaissance woman quality. Im one of those people who suffers from being interested in too many things, she says. I always have been. For her, William & Mary was the right place to start exploring her options. She landed in Spotswood Hall and eventually pledged Chi Omega. She was a resident assistant in Yates during her sophomore year, and fondly remembers the Green Leafe, the Cheese Shop, and jumping around on the trampoline of then-President Paul Verkuil 61. She also laughs when she remembers leaping over the Governors Palace wall with friends late one night. Williamsburg is such a beautiful city, she remembers. One of my girlfriends and I used to just go running together [on DoG Street] probably five days a week. I miss it. Coursework was rewarding, as well. I remember some of the religion and philosophy classes were actually held in the Wren Building. That was just phenomenal, she says. It felt really, truly like you had gone back in time, because theres the professor at the old-fashioned podium, theres the pews its just such a funky unique classroom setting. The quality of the instruction at William & Mary was just awesome. But during the school week, Beth Lewis the future Caitlin Smallwood could not seem to stop changing her major. Even as she enjoyed her courses, something still didnt feel right. First she tried an accounting major, then biology, then philosophy, and then it was a crisis. She called her mom on the phone, who said: Well, youve always loved math, and just in the background, without paying attention to it youve actually got all the qualities and taken all the courses as if you were majoring in math. Mom was right. She made the point that sometimes we think that something isnt our passion because it comes easily to us, says Smallwood. I thought about that comment and I realized: I actually do enjoy math. Then I really started getting into it and focusing on it. But what had taken her so long? Math has so many flavors, she says. Sometimes you might take a course thats in a particular genre that you dont really love that much, and it might lead you to draw an incorrect conclusion about the whole field. What I really learned that I love is patterns. Soon enough, Smallwood was on her way to graduating as a mathematics major and a philosophy minor, of course. On some level, she knew then how important it was to take cutting-edge methods and lots and lots of numbers, and then link them with human experience. It was all bound to make sense from the very beginning its all about patterns. When I was a little kid, she says, I used to cut paper and kept cutting it into smaller and smaller pieces to see if I could get to infinity. Evolving forward Infinity feels like the horizon in Silicon Valley technology grows and moves that quickly. But despite her deep background in the burgeoning big-data field, Caitlin Smallwood still finds time to unplug. She spends time inline skating in the California sun, and found herself recently at a Queens of the Stone Age concert. Earlier in 2016, she brought her high-school senior twins to William & Mary for a visit, showing them an important data point for the story of their mom. I have to give a lot of credit to William & Mary for starting me off on my path, she says. I feel so fortunate to have landed in a career at a point in time in history where data science is really evolving so much. After 57 years on the job, Blackstones Larry Ray, left, has fixed just about everything an electrician can fix, and he was recently honored for his dedicated service with citations from town and state officials. The former Main Street Albion complex that housed a post office, a corner store, a social club and several apartments was a hub of village activity for decades, say current and former residents. Pictured here the day after it was devastated by fire on Feb. 12, the site is now being leveled and its future use is up in the air. Foratom says reforms to Europe's ETS insufficient 21 February 2017 Share Foratom has welcomed the European Parliament's approval of European Commission proposals to reform the bloc's Emissions Trading System (ETS). The European nuclear trade body added, however, the carbon price needs to increase significantly in order to boost investment in low-carbon energy sources. The EU ETS was launched in 2005 and operates in 31 countries - all 28 EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It is designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions from more than 11,000 heavy energy-using industries (power plants and manufacturing facilities) and airlines operating between these countries. It covers about 45% of the bloc's GHG emissions. A centrepiece of the EU's 2030 energy and climate policy framework is the binding target to reduce overall GHG emissions by at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. To achieve this cost-effectively, the sectors covered by the EU ETS will have to reduce their emissions by 43% compared with 2005, while non-ETS sectors will have to reduce theirs by 30%. The European Commission published its proposal in July 2015 to revise the directive on the EU ETS for the 2021-2030 period. Its proposal for a market stability reserve (MSR), adopted in October that year, takes 12% of the surplus allowances out of the market from the beginning of 2019. In December last year, Foratom issued a position paper on the proposal and the ongoing debate in the European Parliament concerning the steps needed to reach Europe's decarbonisation goals. At that time Foratom said the Commission's proposals and other measures introduced by the EU - including backloading and the MSR - are headed in the right direction but more must be done to restore confidence in the ETS, so that it can help decarbonise the European economy in an affordable way. Foratom had called for a significant reduction in the oversupply of allowances in the ETS by increasing the speed at which allowances are moved to the MSR. It also wanted an improvement in regulation of the volume of allowances. On 15 February, the European Parliament voted in favour of the Commission's proposed revisions to the ETS directive. Miguel Arias Canete, European commissioner for climate action and energy, said: "The landmark vote provides a clear outcome after more than a year of discussions in parliament, and it demonstrates the European Union's commitment to turning the Paris Agreement into reality through concrete action on the ground. Now the EU ETS revision is on the Council's table and we hope they can swiftly reach an agreement to kick-start negotiations." Foratom said yesterday: "If the ETS reform prevails with the Council, the European Parliament's position should help to boost carbon prices but [it] falls short of fully aligning the ETS with the Paris Agreement. The ETS should be spearheading the switch from fossil fuels to low-carbon sources of electricity (renewables and nuclear). If investments in low-carbon electricity production are to be incentivised, the price of carbon needs to be significantly higher than it is currently." Foratom said it supported the report from the European Parliament's Committee on Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, which the parliament voted on last week. That report had proposed an annual reduction in the cap on emissions of 2.4%. Foratom said it was "disappointed" this was "watered down" to 2.2% in the plenary vote - in line with the European Commission's proposal - but it welcomed the improvement compared with the current rate of 1.74%. "It will now be crucial for the Council to agree on an ambitious position that supports the measures adopted by the European Parliament," Foratom said. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics European iodine mystery solved 17 November 2011 Share The cause of trace detection of radioactive iodine-131 in Europe has been identified as 'most probably' a release from a Hungarian factory making medical isotopes. Authorities in that country today informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of their theory that the release may have begun at a facility run by Institute of Isotopes Ltd (Izotop) on 8 September and continued until yesterday. Iodine-131 is one isotope that could be released by a nuclear reactor accident, such as occurred at Fukushima Daiichi earlier this year, but in that circumstance it would be accompanied by other isotopes such as caesium-137. No such fission products were detected in Europe, giving authorities full confidence to declare the iodine they detected could not have been from either Fukushima or any new nuclear accident. The amounts of iodine-131 involved were tiny, but the substance decays quickly and therefore it is highly unusual for it to be detected in the environment by radiation monitoring networks. It is used to diagnose and treat cancers and disorders of the thyroid gland. All types of iodine are naturally transported by the human body to the gland, where large concentrations of iodine-131 are capable of delivering radiotherapy doses directly to tissues. The IAEA said there were no concerns for public health: "If any member of the public were to breathe iodine for a whole year at the levels measured in European countries, then they would receive a dose in the range of 0.01 microsieverts for the year. To put this into perspective, the average annual background is 2400 microsieverts per year." The Izotop facility is near to the Budapest Research Reactor. As well as iodine-131 it supplies radioisotopes for pharmaceutical, scientific and industrial use including yttrium-90, technetium-99m, iodine-125, samarium-153, holmium-166 and lutetium-177. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Bernard Weber, a business person in Zurich, Switzerland, is responsible for launching the New7Wonders internet poll in an attempt to identify the best cities in the world. The survey began with a list of 1,200 cities in 220 countries, however that list was narrowed down to 77 due to a one city per country restriction. A committee, headed by the former director of UNESCO, further reduced the list to 28 cities based on a specific set of criteria. The idea behind the New7Wonders was that the winning cities would best represent the accomplishments of urban civilization around the world. In 2011, interestested internet-users were asked to cast their vote for 1 of the 28 candidates. The results were tallied in 2014 with 7 winners: Beirut, Doha, Durban, Havana, Kuala Lumpur, La Paz, and Vigan. This article takes a closer look at each of these cities. 7. Vigan Vigan is located on the island of Luzon in the Philippines and has a population of approximately 53,879. It is one of the last cities in this country that still displays a relatively unchanged Hispanic history, dating back to the 1500s. This city is well known for its unique architecture, which blends together several styles, including colonial European, Oriental, and Philippine. Its architecture is made even more interesting by the cobblestone streets that wind between the buildings. Before Spanish colonizers arrived, Vigan was established by the Chinese as a trading post. In addition to being one of the new Urban Wonders of the world, it is also a World Heritage Site. 6. La Paz La Paz is the capital of Bolivia. It is located at 11,975 feet above sea level, making it the highest national capital in the world. This city is settled in a canyon that runs through the Altiplano mountains of the Andes mountain range. It has a population size of around 789,541, however, the entire metropolitan area includes El Alto and Viacha, which brings the population up to 2.3 million. Spanish colonialists founded La Paz over the site of an Inca settlement in 1548. Today, this city is home to the Presidential Palace, Plurinational Legislative Assembly, San Francisco Church, and Witches Market (among other places). Its economy makes up 25% of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) and is centered around manufacturing of goods like: food, clothing, building materials, and tobacco products. 5. Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur is the capital and largest city of Malaysia. It has a population size of 1.7 million and is listed as one of the fastest growing metropolitan regions of Southeast Asia. Its entire metropolitan area has a population of 7.2 million. This city is home to a wide variety of modern architecture and is well known for its skyscrapers. In fact, the tallest buildings in the world are located in Kuala Lumpur: the Petronas Twin Towers. Nobody is sure when the city was founded, but written records dating back to the early 19th century indicate that at that time, the city had a thriving tin mining industry. Today, this city is the principal financial, real estate, insurance, arts, and media center of the country. 4. Havana Havana is the capital city of Cuba. It has a population of approximately 2.1 million over an area of 281.18 square miles, making it the largest city in the country by both population and area. Additionally, Havana has a major economic role in this country as a commercial center and major port city. Founded in the early 16th century by Spanish colonialists, this city is well known for its historic and colorful architecture. It is divided into 3 sections: Old Havana, Vedado, and modern suburbs. Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. Durban Durban is located in South Africa and has a population of 3.5 million, making it the largest city in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. This city sits on the coast and has become the busiest sea port in the country. Additionally, Durban is a popular tourist destination, known for its subtropical weather, surfing, and beautiful beach. In order to attract more tourists, the city has invested in developing the Golden Mile. This is a developed stretch of beach with apartments, hotels, casinos, piers, a promenade, and restaurants. The waters off of the Golden Mile are protected by lifeguards and shark nets. Durban and the area surrounding it have served as important human settlements since around 100,000 BC, according to archaeological evidence. British settlers began arriving at the beginning of the 19th century, when Durban as it is known now was established. 2. Doha Doha is located along the Persian Gulf in the eastern region of Qatar and became the national capital in 1971 after Qatar's independence. It currently has a population of nearly 1.5 million, which represents more than half of the countrys population. Doha is the most important economic center of Qatar and is considered its fastest growing city. Additionally, this city is quickly emerging as one of the most important financial hubs of the Middle East. It is also home to Education City, a research and education project established by the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development. Doha has significant oil and natural gas reserves, which have contributed to Qatars growth as one of the wealthiest nations in the world. This city has become more involved in international events, hosting the 2006 Asian Games, the 2011 Pan Arab Games, the 20th World Petroleum Conference in 2011, and the UNFCCC Climate Negotiations of 2012. In addition to being one of the new 7 Wonder Cities, it is also believed to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. 1. Beirut Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, is one of the oldest cities in the world with human settlements dating back as far as 5,000 years ago. It is located on a peninsula in the Mediterranean Sea and is the most important port city in the country. Additionally, it is a financial and legal center and home to several corporate headquarters. Because of multiple instances of political unrest, the Lebanese Civil War being perhaps the most destructive, throughout its history, Beirut has been rebuilt on many occasions. This ongoing construction has resulted in a unique architectural mix of Ottoman, colonial French, and modern influences. Beirut is sometimes referred to as the Paris of the Mediterranean. Michael Barbee By: Alexis Bell WorldWideWeirdNews.com (Scroll down for video) A Catholic school teacher shamelessly admitted to sexually assaulting a young girl who called him stupid in front of other children, according to police in Pennsylvania. Norristown police said that they have arrested 32-year-old Michael Barbee, after being accused of putting his hands on the private parts of the 3-year-old student. Barbee has been charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 years old, aggravated indecent assault of a minor under 13 years old and unlawful contact with a minor. He was booked into jail, and his bail has been set at $750,000. According to the criminal complaint, Barbee has been a teacher at the early learning program of the Saint Francis of Assisi Parish. Earlier this month, the 3-year-old girl allegedly called Barbee stupid. In response, Barbee forced his hands under the girlas pants and touched her private parts for sexual gratification. The girl went home and complained of pain in her private parts. She then revealed that the teacher sexually assaulted her. During questioning, Barbee first denied touching the girl, but after a polygraph test, the teacher admitted to sexually assaulting the student for just 10 seconds because she called him stupid. Juhel Miah By: Tanya Clark WorldWideWeirdNews.com A teacher of the United Kingdom is demanding answers after he was denied entry into the United States. 25-year-old Juhel Miah of Swansea, Wales, was traveling with his colleagues and students when he was removed from an airplane. Miah and his students from the Llangatwg Comprehensive School traveled to Iceland, and from there, they were supposed to fly to New York. However, after he already boarded the flight, Miah was removed from the plane by security personnel in Reykjavik. His colleagues and students continued on their trip without him. A spokesman for the Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council said that they have written a letter to the U.S. Embassy in London, to express dismay at the treatment of Miah, as he had been issued with a valid visa for travel. The spokesperson said that athe matter has also been raised with our member of parliament, but no satisfactory reason has been provided for refusing Miah entry into the United States either at the airport in Iceland or subsequently at the U.S. Embassy in Reykjavik.a According to the spokesperson, the Muslim teacher went to the embassy to get answers, but he was refused permission to enter the building. aUnderstandably, he feels belittled and upset at what appears to be an unjustified act of discrimination,a the spokesperson said. Mark your calendars! August 21st, 2017 is what NASA is calling The 2017 Eclipse Across America. This will be a total solar eclipse, which happens when the sun is completely blocked from the moon. The event will cross the entire United States from the coast of Oregon to the coast of South Carolina. Right in the middle of that path is Nebraska, which is near ground zero for the greatest effects! Notice on the attached maps that Omaha is just outside of the area of totality (complete blockage of the sun), but Lincoln is in that area. Therefore, the times we'll be referencing will be for the specific city of Lincoln, but can still be used elsewhere as well. As stated earlier the eclipse will be occurring in the middle of the day, which means everyone will notice the skies over us darkening. The eclipse will begin at 11:37 a.m. Monday, August 21st. This is the time the moon starts moving in front of the sun. Over the next 90 minutes you'll notice a gradual darkening as more of the sun gets blocked. Totality begins at 1:02 p.m. and ends just after 1:04 p.m. This is when skies will be darkest. **DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN** You can go blind or cause permanent eye damage. You can go to the following NASA website for safe viewing instructions. https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/ After 1:04 p.m. the skies will gradually lighten back up as the moon moves past the sun. The eclipse will be completely over at 2:30 p.m. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat, announced an austerity budget last week for 2017-2018 aimed at eliminating a structural deficit estimated at $3 billion. The $32.3 billion budget contains $2 billion in spending cuts and $1 billion in additional revenue. In a 22-minute public address, Wolf declared, Our commonwealth has been operating with a structural deficit for a long time. That means Harrisburg has been living beyond its means. Households cant do that, and neither can we. A couple of days after his budget address at a gathering of state Democrats he said his budget promised a different way to move forward, a new way for PA. In other words - harsh austerity. The budget proposal will act as the point of departure for Wolf to begin negotiations with the Republican-controlled state legislature, which will undoubtedly insist on even deeper cuts. For education at both the K-12 level and college level Wolf is offering a paltry $100 million in new basic education funding and $75 million in new early childhood funds. Meanwhile, he has slashed $50 million in pupil transportation. Lawrence Feinberg, a school board member in Haverford Township, quoted in Philly.com, said the governor giveth, and the governor taketh away. He continued, Without significant, sustained increases in funding, it will be years and years before kids in underfunded districts have the resources they need - and that the new state formula acknowledges are required - for an adequate education. Pennsylvania schools already confront a ruinous funding crisis from years of state underfunding both education and pension costs. Seventy-five percent of school districts received less state money in the 2016-17 budget year than they did in 2009, and most of this gap will remain in the current budget. Philadelphia schools receive roughly $800 per student less than they did seven years ago. Both Democrats and Republicans have promoted the spread of charter schools, which siphon money out of the public school system. The 14 state universities had submitted a request for about $60 million in additional funding. The governor did not oblige, however, increasing funding by a mere $9 million. This will have the effect of forcing state universities to raise tuition and impose budget cuts of their own. The state system is already underwater financially and is undergoing a review process that might result in the merger of schools or permanent closure of some. Penn State, Temple, Pittsburgh and Lincoln universities as well as community colleges will have their funding frozen. State funding in the amount of some $31 million for the University of Pennsylvanias veterinary school will be terminated. The governor said he might consolidate four state agencies into the Department of Health and Human Services saving $91 million in the process. Wolf was rather reticent in declaring where the savings will come from, but undoubtedly state workers will face furloughs and layoffs. Those who depend on state services will see some delayed or eliminated completely. In December the Wolf administration laid off about 600 workers at the states unemployment centers and issued a diktat postponing the hiring of all state workers, leaving thousands of positions unfilled. At the beginning of the year Wolf closed multiple state prisons, halfway houses, and mental health facilities. His new budget cuts Inmate Education and Training by over 11 percent. Pensions, at both the state and municipal levels, have been deliberately underfunded as a first step to their total elimination. Wolf did not allocate any additional money for pensions and has previously indicated support for placing all newly hired state workers into a 401k-type retirement scheme. Wolfs budget provides only $2.3 billion for the teachers retirement fund, leaving it underfunded. The Lancaster County House GOP delegation issued a public response, saying, the biggest cost driver to state government is the states two public pensions systems. The Republicans have long sought to completely eliminate pensions for both state workers and teachers. Whether pension reform is part of the budget, or we get an agreement during negotiations to move it separately, at more than $61 billion in unfunded liabilities, Pennsylvanias pension crisis must be addressed. While the plan laid out today moves government spending in the right direction, we believe if pensions are not part of the discussions, we may miss a real opportunity for reform on this crucial issue. Other cuts contained in the budget include the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, with its budget being slashed by 49.7 percent. Most of these cuts target state parks and state forests, reducing funding by 72.6 percent and 71.5 percent, respectively. Assistance to counties will be reduced by over $40 million, or about 10 percent. Support for public libraries will remain flat and Cultural and Historical Support along with Grants to the Arts are being completely eliminated. Community and Economic Development will also see an eight percent reduction. The Department of Labor and Industry will be reduced by 11 percent, most of which will come from a massive 53 percent drop in funding of the Occupational and Industrial Safety division. Wolf is also proposing to lower corporate taxes a full percentage point to 8.99 percent and enact a severance tax on natural gas drillers in the Marcellus Shale region, with the latter measure having no chance of passing. Likewise, a raise in the state minimum wage is highly unlikely given Republican opposition, even if packaged with a lowering of the corporate tax rate. Republicans generally praised the budget proposal. Republican House speaker Mike Turzai, in a public response, said Wolf is taking a more pragmatic approach to governing and that he certainly took a few pages from our playbook. Left unstated is the impact of the possible elimination of the Affordable Care Act by the US Congress. In Pennsylvania that would end health care coverage for over 1.1 million people and add over $1.4 billion to the states budget deficit. Embattled protesters, including Standing Rock Sioux tribe members and their allies, face increasingly stark odds as President Donald Trump and North Dakota legislators double down in defense of the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL). One of Trumps first items of business as president was to demand that the Army Corps of Engineers scuttle any further environmental reviews of the final portion of the project and move directly to grant Energy Transfer Partners the final easement needed to complete the pipeline. On Thursday, North Dakotas Senate passed three separate bills aimed directly at anti-DAPL protesters. The bills significantly curtail protest rights and impose stiff penalties on protesters who run afoul of local or state law enforcement. One bill imposes sentencing of up to 20 years in prison. The bills represent a sharp turn in the increasing drive to curtail protests in the United States; they equate protesting with rioting and public endangerment, and are bolstered by arguments from lawmakers, law enforcement, and industrial mouthpieces that the protesters are, in fact, terrorists. North Dakotas House of Representatives passed similar bills in recent weeks. One such bill offered impunity to motorists who struck protesters in the roadways, even if the motorist were to strike a protester through negligenceessentially painting a target onto protesters chests. One of the bills passed by the state Senate Thursday makes it illegal for adults to cover their faces in most instances in public. Republican state Senator Janne Myrdal told reporters, We all have a right to free speech but we do not have a right to evade prosecution of a crime. Myrdals comments conveniently gloss over the circumstances in which protesters have covered their facesexcruciating, sub-freezing temperatures, police water cannons, and tear gas among them. The bill makes it a crime to be unidentifiable to police, even as law enforcement is given exceptionally broad latitude in this regard. Another bill significantly curtails where protesters may gather, making it a crime to trespass or protest on public safety zones, which are defined at will by the states governor. Last week, North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum ordered the immediate closure of all remaining protest camps near Cannon Ball, North Dakota. He demanded that protesters move out ahead of melting ice and potential flooding, and rebuked protesters for leaving the Missouri River subject to pollution by their camps. The biggest threat is the camp itself, Burgum told reporters last week. His words were a sly attack on the protesters concerns about the pipelines environmental impact upon the Missouri River and the Standing Rock Sioux tribes drinking water. The final state Senate bill gives law enforcement more oversight in declaring that a protest is a riot, and increases the penalties for inciting or participating in a riot. Those accused of inciting a riot would face up to 20 years in prison; those accused of participating in a riot of more than 100 people could be sentenced to a years imprisonment. State Senator Kelly Armstrong urged support for the bills, claiming that there is a strong minority and contingent [of protesters] who have not always acted peacefully and our laws have proven to be inadequate down there in regards to felony prosecution. Since October, 2016, Morton County Sheriffs Department has arrested nearly 600 protesters. The Sheriffs Department has refused to answer to the public outcry against its tactics, which have included aiming water cannons at protesters in sub-zero weather, use of rubber bullets, concussive grenades, fire-setting, and sound cannons during Sioux prayer rituals. The department also looked the other way when supporters of the pipeline unleashed dogs upon peaceful protesters. Instead, the Department has consistently sought to portray protesters as violent extremists seeking to terrorize locals and damage the local economy. In recent weeks, there have also been multiple instances in which people with out-of-state tags have been targeted for traffic stops and car searches in both North and South Dakota, in an effort to intimidate and weed out potential newcomers to the protest camp. Two men were jailed in South Dakota, and their possessionsincluding the car they were drivingwere impounded as evidence by the police. Their camping supplies were noted by the arresting officer as protest gear, and were impounded as well. North Dakotas anti-protest bills are certainly aimed at Dakota Access Pipeline protesters, particularly in anticipation of increased backlash over the projects imminent completion. However, they are part of a wider push by lawmakers and law enforcement in the United States to push back against a public that is increasingly vocal in its complaints against the governance in their communities. Protests against Trumps heavy-handed, fascistic administration, as well as protests against police violence, have gained traction throughout the US, and lawmakers have increasingly cooperated with law enforcement agencies to ensure that future protests are crushed as brutally and swiftly as possible. As in the rest of the country, legislators in North Dakota reveal the heightened intensity of class antagonism and the crisis of American bourgeois democracy. Workers across the US faced retaliation from their employers for participating in last Thursdays A Day without Immigrants protests. More than 100 workers throughout the country were fired due to their participation in the one-day event. According to NBC, 30 workers and a foremen were fired from JVS Masonry in Commerce City, Colorado after ignoring the company owners warnings that they would pay the price for not coming to work on Thursday. In addition, 25 catering service workers in Long Island, New York, 21 boat manufacturing workers in South Carolina and 18 workers at Bradley Coatings, Inc. in Nashville Tennessee were fired for similar reasons. In Oklahoma, 12 line cooks at a bar and grill were terminated for failing to call out of work, while two workers at a school in Bonita Springs, Florida were also terminated, with others quitting in protest. Many of the terminated workers were categorized as at-will, which meant that they could be fired without warning and without reason. Many more workers likely faced more subtle forms of workplace retaliation for choosing to participate in the protest. Last week, thousands of immigrant workers and others throughout the country stayed home, avoiding work, school, shopping and other activities as a way of showing opposition to the Trump administrations draconian anti-immigrant measures. In many locations, spontaneous protests broke out, demonstrating the advanced state of social tensions in the US due to the policies enacted by both the Democratic and Republican Parties. Businesses provocatively sought to justify their decisions to fire protest participants, many of whom had been loyal employees for years, on grounds that their actions had left fellow co-workers shorthanded. If youre going to stand up for what you believe in, you have to be willing to pay the price, said JVS Masonry owner Jim Serowski to CNN. They were warned: If you do this, youre hurting the company, and if you go against the team, youre not a member of the team, Serowski added. Workers at I Dont Care Bar and Grill in Catoosa, Oklahoma were notified of their termination by text message, which glibly stated, You and your family are fired. I hope you enjoyed your day off, and you can enjoy many more. Love you. The decision to summarily fire workers for protesting met with outrage on social media, with many people, including friends and relatives of those turned out by their employers, speaking out against the companies. My 62 year old immigrant father, a US CITIZEN and an expert at his profession, worked for JVS Masonry since 2007. This man that I look up to (who wont even take time off for a doctors appointment) was working 6 to 7 days a week, at times WITHOUT the [overtime] pay that he so rightfully and not to mention legally earned, stated a family member of one of the workers fired from JVS Masonry. Good riddance JVS Masonry, now my dad can go work for a reputable company that takes care of their employees by offering OT pay, health benefits and paid vacations, something he was never offered while staying loyal to your callous company!!! Another online commenter wrote in support of the workers, I hope that each man finds a higher paying job on Monday elsewhere instead of continuing to support this business that obviously respects them enough to fire them. They are MEN, not boys to cower to or be controlled by you. Your remarks suggest that they drive your bottom line (money in your business) and that you should have respected them. The Trump administration is set to give final approval to two leaked memos signed by Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, according to multiple press reports. The basic content of the memos will be largely unchanged from the versions made public over the weekend. An official announcement adopting the memos is expected this week. The full implementation of these protocols would fundamentally alter the demographic makeup of the United States and would result in one of the largest forced migrations in world history. The new DHS protocols place millions of migrants at risk of removal and threaten to upend the lives of millions more family members and friends. A Texas immigration lawyer who wished to remain anonymous for fear the government would punish her clients told the World Socialist Web Site, The highlights of the memo have shaken the core of those we serve as fear has seeped in, leaving them doubtful of the immediate future. The total number of migrants who can be arrested, detained and deported immediately without a court hearing is likely in the hundreds of thousands, as the memos expand the expedited removal process to include migrants located anywhere in the US who cannot prove two years of residence. Previously, only migrants captured within 100 miles of the border and within 14 days of their entry could be removed without appearing before a judge. The memos prioritize the removal of migrants with criminal records, as well as those who have been charged with a criminal offense; those who have abused any program related to receipt of public benefits or those who in the judgment of an immigration officer otherwise pose a risk to public safety or national security. Though it remains to be seen exactly how officials will implement these sweeping and vaguely worded protocols, the Los Angeles Times estimated that 6 million migrants entered without documentation or inspection and technically fall under the new priority standard. In addition, parents who pay to help their children join them in the US will now be deported or criminally prosecuted on the absurd ground that they are aiding human trafficking. The deportation of even a significant fraction of those affected will require a massive police presence in major American cities. The new DHS protocols will deputize tens of thousands of local police to stop immigrants with reasonable suspicion that they are an undocumented worker. This will result in mass racial profiling of Latinos, Africans, Asians and others, not limited to US border regions. The memos call for the hiring of 10,000 immigration agents and 5,000 border patrolmen, who will fill the courts and detention centers with immigrants, in many cases tearing them away from their children, parents or other loved ones. These officials, local police, the National Guard and perhaps other branches of the military will be mobilized to crush resistance to deportation in heavily migrant neighborhoods and among sympathetic demonstrators. Conditions at the border will become extremely harsh. All migrants captured crossing the border will now be placed in detention centers either before they are removed without trial or as they await their potentially years-long legal process to conclude. These facilities will become increasingly crowded and conditions will worsen. Deaths in detention facilities are already common as guards withhold medicine and otherwise deny migrants medical care. The Rio Grande Valley is one of the most highly policed areas of the country, said John-Michael Torres of La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE) in an interview with the WSWS. LUPE is an immigrant rights group based along the Texas-Mexico border. Border communities are similar to the rest of the country: we are made up of diverse, tight-knit communities from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, with people who are proud of where they liveWe dont want our communities to be divided by border walls and our families divided by deportations. Under the DHS memos, asylum seekers will now have to prove they have a significant possibility of satisfying the complex legal requirements for asylum to avoid expedited removal, whereas before they only needed to show they had a credible fear of returning to their home country to win a hearing before a judge. This will be difficult for migrants to do, especially without a lawyer present. ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials regularly block attorneys from contacting their clients in prison, trick migrants into signing incriminating documents with the false promise of release and write reports including false testimony that ruin a migrants asylum case. To make matters worse, the memos also call for sending asylum seekers back to the country from which they entered the US (almost always Mexico) while they wait for their case to conclude. This will result in an abrogation of their basic due process rights, which attach to non-citizens only when they are on US soil, as evidenced by the memos requirement that migrants participate in any court hearings by teleconference only. The order calls for the construction of a new militarized infrastructure of walls and jails that will house new entrants and those waiting to be deported. The language of the memo signed by Kelly calls for ICE and CBP to take all necessary action and allocate all available resources to expand their detention capabilities and capacities at or near the border with Mexico to the greatest extent possible. The orders also severely restrict both prosecutors ability to halt removal proceedings based on their discretion and the governments ability to temporarily allow immigrants to exit and re-enter the US for humanitarian reasons, like to visit a dying parent in Mexico. Millions of migrants in the US are making urgent plans for the possibility of deportation as fear grows of additional round-ups. Last week, the Trump administration arrested 680 migrants, including a student with valid DACA paperwork, and many without criminal records. Families across the country are now scrambling to organize their paperwork and to make arrangements to place their citizen children in the care of friends or family. Immigrants are flooding the consulates of their home countries with calls for help. Rumors of ICE raids spread rapidly across social media even when unfounded, giving a sense of the level of fear and desperation. Teachers in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods report high levels of fear and anxiety among young children, many of whom are US citizens, who worry that the government will take their parents away. The defense of the millions of migrants facing deportation in the US and of the millions more seeking refuge in Europe requires mobilizing the working class internationally. This must take place on the basis of a socialist, anti-war and anti-capitalist program. The conditions that give rise to migrationwar and povertyand the harsh conditions migrants face in the US and Europe are both the product of the capitalist system and cannot be solved by appeals to capitalist politicians. Only by reorganizing the world economy on a socialist and egalitarian basis can the right to travel freely across the world without fear of detention or deportation be secured for all. Hundreds of workers have been taking industrial action over low wages at the Taylor Preston meat-processing factory in Wellington since January 24. Members of the New Zealand Meat Workers and Related Trades Union (MWU), who make up approximately half of the 900 workers at the plant, are working reduced shifts (eight hours a day compared with the normal 9.5 or longer) and have stopped working on weekends. Workers are demanding an extra 50 cents per hour, back-dated to May last year. For at least the past year, union members have received 30 cents an hour less than non-union members. Workers also want additional allowances for overtime and for working on weekends and at night. The MWU has kept industrial action to a bare minimum, allowing the plant to continue operating, while it negotiates with the company behind the backs of the workers. The union has made no public statement on the dispute, which has not been reported anywhere in the media. The World Socialist Web Site learnt about it by speaking with Taylor Preston workers. The MWUs February newsletter says nothing about the industrial action but merely states that negotiations are underway with Taylor Preston and workers have quite a lot of catching up to do in their pay rates. The Daily Blog, which is funded by the MWU and several other unions, has not mentioned the dispute. The pseudo-left groupsthe International Socialist Organisation, Fightback, Socialist Aotearoa and Redlinehave also remained silent. All of them have links with the unions and have falsely promoted the MWU as a vehicle to defend jobs. In fact, as it has done many times before, the MWU is seeking to isolate and wear down the workers at Taylor Preston and compel them to accept a deal which does nothing to substantially improve their pay and conditions. This is the first industrial action at Taylor Preston since 2006, when about 300 workers held a three-day strike over low wages. More than a decade later, most workers at the site still only receive about a dollar above the legal minimum of $15.25 an hour. Even workers who have been with the company for many years receive little more than $16 an hour. Taylor Preston exports meat to dozens of markets, including the US, Europe and Asia, and has export revenue of around $250 million per year. Its workforce, however, is the lowest paid in the New Zealand meat-processing industry. Work at the factory is grueling and accidents are common. The company has been convicted and fined in 2005, 2007, 2013 and 2015 over a series of hand injuries, including two finger amputations. Workers are also concerned about asbestos in the factory roof, which was built in the 1950s. The unions principal concern is not workers pay and conditions but maintaining its dues base. MWU national membership has dropped dramatically over the past five years, from 18,100 in 2011 to 13,550 in 2016. Thousands of workers see no reason to join the MWU. Like their counterparts internationally, the unions have long ceased to function as defensive workers organisations but operate as the adjuncts of big business and the government, helping to impose layoffs, wage cuts and factory closures. Workers told the WSWS that a meeting of 200 workers at Taylor Preston in mid-2016 overwhelmingly voted in favour of industrial action, with only two people voting against, but the union organised nothing until late January. Its almost like the union is not there, one worker with almost 10 years experience at the site told the WSWS. Theyll be quiet for months on end, then they ring up and say, Hey, theres a meeting on, or give us a newsletter, but thats it. Asked about the impact of the industrial action on Taylor Prestons operations, the worker explained: I guess theyre not making as much money, though its not really making a difference because the stock numbers are down, because theres a drought. Every year during the off-season workers are laid off for weeks, and sometimes two or three months if there is a prolonged drought. Many are forced to apply for welfare payments. Workers expect these annual layoffs to start soon. The miserable pay and lack of job security in New Zealands meat-processing industry is the outcome of decades of betrayals by the trade union bureaucracy. While meat workers struck repeatedly to fight wage cuts and redundancies from the 1970s to the 1990s, the MWU accepted plant closures as inevitable. At a conference of the Australian Agricultural Economics Society in July 1989, MWU president Roger Middlemass called for the orderly transition of ownership and reduction in plant capacity in the industry. Hard decisions have to be made with far reaching consequences... The unions are prepared to accept that responsibility, he said. Between 1986 and 1990 alone, during the Labour government of David Lange, 15,000 meat workers were made redundant. Entire towns and working-class suburbs were devastated by factory closures, which continued throughout the 1990s and 2000s. In October 2014, Middlemass told the Manawatu Standard that the union would agree to more closures to reduce overcapacity and protect the profits of New Zealand companies. Last October Silver Fern Farms closed two factories in Mossburn and Frasertown, with 110 job losses. A MWU official told Radio NZ on October 26 the Mossburn closure was terrible but something that had to happen. New attacks are now being prepared in response to declining New Zealand meat exports, which have fallen over the past two years. The rise in nationalism and protectionism, particularly following the Brexit vote in the UK and the election of Trump in the US, is producing concern for exporters seeking to access these markets. To fight for decent jobs, wages and conditions, meat workers will need to carry out a struggle against the MWU, the Labour Party, and the pseudo-left supporters of these organisations. At Taylor Preston this will involve workers forming an independent rank-and-file committee, which they themselves control, and linking up with other workers facing similar attacks in the meat industry and elsewhere. Such a unified struggle can only be carried forward by rejecting nationalism and anti-immigrant xenophobia which is used by the MWU to divide workers and distract attention from the unions role in the assault on jobs and wages. Above all, New Zealand workers need a socialist and internationalist perspective. Vital industries such as food production should be placed under the ownership and control of the working class and run in the interests of human need, not private profit. The author also recommends: New layoffs in New Zealand meat processing [31 March 2016] More meatworks close in New Zealand [14 October 1998] New Zealand Order of Merit for trade union head: A loyal servant of capitalism [12 January 1999] More than a week has passed since the Oroville Dam crisis began and 188,000 people from mostly impoverished towns and cities in Northern California were forced to evacuate. Since then, more information has been revealed detailing the depth of the governments knowledge regarding the improper and unsafe construction of the dams spillways. However, another storm began Sunday night and is expected to bring as much as 5 inches of rain by Tuesday. Californias Department of Water Resources (DWR) stated it had lowered the water level in Lake Oroville to 852 feet from 901 feet last week at the height of the crisis. This will supposedly allow the lake to deal with the additional precipitation and runoff. DWR spokesman Chris Orrock stated they were expecting only a 5-foot increase in the water level. Not everyone has left the evacuation centers. As of Monday, around 110 people were still staying at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico. Conditions are less than optimal with reports that 20 people, including five Red Cross workers, had contracted norovirus. While the symptoms are generally mild, including diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pains, and last only a few days, it is an indication of the overall lack of access to health care and clean facilities, a fact that is also true on a daily basis for many workers living in the region. California state officials are currently engaged in a campaign to cover up the criminal and conscious neglect over dam safety. While top officials like DWR acting director Bill Croyle, who stated on February 13 that Im not sure anything went wrong [with the emergency spillway], remain at their positions, five workers from Syblon Reid, a contracting company, were fired after posting images of the Oroville Dam spillway to social media, exposing the danger publically. The DWR hired the company to work on the dam. The agency is also seeking to slander workers, claiming they see a large turnover in general due to failed drug tests or that some are unqualified. On February 11, the day before the evacuation order was given, Croyle stood before the media and claimed that the emergency spillway was solid rock. This turned out to be false. While the top of the emergency spillway is concrete, the base is unpaved. After a hole was discovered in the primary spillway, the secondary one was put into use. Handling less than 5 percent the amount of water it was supposedly designed to release, the base of the spillway began to erode, threatening to collapse the structure and bring down a 30-foot wall of water on nearby towns. While it became clear almost immediately that the DWR and federal government had been warned in the past that the Oroville Dam was unsafe, the extent of the warnings demonstrates the truly criminal character behind that neglect. Built in 1968, the dams emergency spillway was not anchored to the rock underneath. At the same time, the underlying hillside is soft and easily erodible. There is no way to rationalize running water down a hillslope with deep soils and a forest on it and weak bedrock, stated Jeffrey Mount, a professor emeritus of geology from University of California Davis. He went on to state that the DWR was operating on an assumption the spillway was safe and did not conduct tests, such as lab analyses of rock corings, of the bedrock under the emergency spillway after it had been warned. In 2005, three environmental groupsFriends of the River, the South Yuba River Citizens League and the Sierra Clubwent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to request the dam and its spillways be brought up to code. They referred to a 2002 memo from the Yuba County Water Agency stating use of the emergency spillway would cause extensive erosion. However, the DWR claimed in 2006 that it had recently reviewed the geologic conditions at the emergency spillway and concluded that the spillway is a safe and stable structure founded on solid bedrock that will not erode. The agency is continuing to avoid taking responsibility. Nancy Vogel, DWR spokeswoman, stated, We dont know the cause of the spillway erosion and we wont know the cause until we get experts in there to do a full investigation and analysis. The conditions at Oroville Dam are not restricted to it or simply an isolated incident. Dams around the United States are in crumbling condition along with the rest of the countrys infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave dams nationally a D grade for their conditions in 2013. While hundreds of billions of dollars are spent on the military, the basic needs of workers, even the right to live safely, are ignored. At the same time, safety measures for evacuating people living under these dams are also inadequate. The DWR informed federal dam regulators in 2011 that local officials do not believe there is enough time to perform evacuations in the communities immediately downstream of the dam during a sudden failure. This referred to the Oroville Dam itself, not the spillways. Despite this, measures to provide adequate warning, planning and escape routes have not been put in place. Annual safety briefings for the public have not been held. Orovilles civil defense emergency sirens are no longer in place due to funding cuts. Just how serious this problem is became clear on February 12, when traffic jams occurred during the evacuation, preventing people from reaching safety. Others without access to transportation were forced to wait in their homes for buses that took hours to arrive. The federal and state governments claim that emergency response plans for dam failures cannot be made public due to the possibility they could be used by terrorists. No steps will be taken by the federal or state governments around the country to address dam safety. Disaster after disaster around the country have demonstrated this fact. Under the capitalist system, money is squandered by the wealthy while the working class and those living in poverty are forced to live in situations that place their lives at risk. www.greenpeace.org Tokyo/ New Delhi, Feb 21 (IBNS) The Japanese government will soon lift evacuation orders for 6,000 citizens of Iitate village in Fukushima prefecture where radiation levels in nearby forests are comparable to the current levels within the Chernobyl 30km exclusion zone a an area that more than 30 years after the accident remains formally closed to habitation. Seventy-five percent of Iitate is contaminated forested mountains, a Greenpeace statement claimed.. A survey team led by Greenpeace Japan recently found radiation dose rates at houses in the village of Iitate well above long-term government targets, with annual and lifetime exposure levels posing a long-term risk to citizens who may return. Evacuation orders will be lifted for Iitate no later than March 31, 2017, to be followed one year later by the termination of compensation payments. The relatively high radiation values, both inside and outside houses, show an unacceptable radiation risk for citizens if they were to return to Iitate. Citizens returning to their irradiated homes are at risk of receiving radiation equivalent to one chest X-ray every week. This is not normal or acceptable, said Ai Kashiwagi, energy campaigner with Greenpeace Japan . As Japan nears the six year anniversary of the nuclear disaster, the Japanese government last week confirmed that it has not yet conducted any assessments of lifetime exposure risks for citizens if they were to return to Iitate. Recent reports suggest that the cost of cleaning up of Fukushima plant would cost more than 12lakh crores. If a developed country like Japan, known for its processes and systems, is finding it too difficult to handle the disaster, it makes little sense for India to go ahead and sign up for four more reactors at Kudankulam and elsewhere. In the words of George Santania Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it," says G. Sundarrajan of Poovulagin Nanbargal. Life can never go back to normal for people living near nuclear power plants. But clearly, the world has failed to learn its lessons from nuclear accidents like those in Chernobyl and Fukushima. India, for instance, seems determined to add on to its nuclear power capacity despite putting the lives of millions of people at risk, says Nandikesh Sivalingam, climate and energy campaigner, Greenpeace India. The fact remains that nuclear power is neither safe nor economical, and that India is grossly ill-prepared to handle a nuclear disaster. This was pointed out by Red Alert, a Greenpeace India report that released last year. Last years Indo-Japan nuclear deal also negated the lessons learnt from Fukushima. The deal to buy six AP1000 reactors was more of a last ditch effort to save Westinghouse/Toshiba from imminent meltdown. Now, after the meltdown, the future of the six nuclear reactors has put a question mark on the economic viability of nuclear power. Its reported that the cost of building these six reactors will be three to six times greater than the cost of building a solar photovoltaic plant of the same capacity. It should also be noted that India is currently in a situation of surplus power witnessing massive installed overcapacity in the electricity sector. With the solar tariffs going down to record low levels, Indias energy needs for the next ten years can be fulfilled by cleaner and safer sources of energy in the form of solar and wind. Greenpeace India stand by the victims of Fukushima who are being forced to return to the accident site for economic reasons. India must learn from the Fukushima disaster and its long lasting impacts on peoples lives and livelihoods and move away permanently from highly risky and economically unviable nuclear energy to safer, greener and cheaper energy sources like solar and wind. Greenpeace has launched a public petition in solidarity with the Fukushima survivors campaigning for the restitution/protection of their human rights. The American ruling class is locked in a ferocious internal conflict centered on issues of foreign policy and war. The Democratic Party, along with a section of Republicans and most of the media, is conducting a hysterical campaign against Donald Trump for his supposed conciliatory attitude toward Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin. These forces are fronting for the intelligence establishment, which is determined to prevent any retreat from the policy of aggressive confrontation with Moscow carried out by the Obama administration. Trump, for his part, speaks for elements in the ruling elite and the state who view Iran and China to be the more immediate targets for US provocation and preparations for war, and would like to tamp down the conflict with Russia for now so as to peel it away from Tehran and Beijing. There is not an ounce of democratic content on either side of this struggle between reactionary and war-mongering factions of US imperialism. The Democrats, however, are seeking to use unsubstantiated allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election to hijack popular opposition to the Trump administration and corral it behind the drive to war with Russia. For months, the front pages of leading newspapers have featured news stories, based on the alleged statements of unnamed officials, about supposed meddling by Russia in the political affairs of the US and other countries. Nationally syndicated columnists have denounced Putin as a dictator, tyrant and murderer bent on dominating Europe and subverting American democracy. Members of congress have declared Russias alleged intervention in the US election an act of war (in the words of John McCain) and vowed to kick Russias ass (Lindsey Graham). This campaign takes place in the context of a major buildup of US and NATO military forcestroops, tanks, heavy weaponson Russias western border, and an imminent military escalation in Syria, where US-backed rebel militias are fighting Syrian government forces supported by Iranian troops and Russian war planes and military advisors. Whether in the Baltics or the Middle East, conditions are present for a clash between US and Russian forces, even if unintentional, to spark a full-scale war between the worlds two biggest nuclear-armed powers. Yet neither the media nor the politicians agitating for a more aggressive posture toward Moscow discuss where their policy is leading, much less the likely consequences of a war between the US and Russia. How many people would die in such a war? What are the odds that it would involve the use of nuclear weapons? On these life-and-death questions, the commentators and politicians, who drone on endlessly about Trumps supposed softness toward Putin, are silent. Behind the scenes, however, the intelligence agencies and Pentagon, along with their allied geo-strategic think tanks, are engaged in intense discussions and detailed planning premised on the possibility, indeed inevitability, of a major war with Russia. Plans are being laid and preparations made to wage and win such a war, including through the use of nuclear weapons. One does not have to look far to find the people who are heading up the war planning. Yesterday, President Trump appointed Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, an army strategist, as his new national security advisor. The selection of McMaster is broadly seen as a concession to Trumps anti-Russia critics in the political and intelligence establishment. He is the leading figure in an Army project called the Russia New Generation Warfare study, whose participants have made repeated trips to the battlefields of eastern Ukraine to study Russias military capabilities and devise strategies and weapons systems to defeat them. McMaster has called on the US to prepare for high-intensity conventional war with Russia, involving not only long-range missile systems and stealth aircraft, but also close combat. Beyond conventional warfare, US think tank strategists are discussing what it would take to win a nuclear war. The Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) recently put out a 140-page report, Preserving the Balance: A US Eurasia Defense Strategy, which discusses this issue in detail. The CSBA is headed by Andrew Krepinevich, the reports author, and includes on its Board of Directors figures such as former Under Secretary of the Army Nelson Ford, former CIA Director James Woolsey and retired general Jack Keane. There is a need to rethink the problem of limited nuclear war in which the United States is a direct participant, or between other parties where the United States has a major security interest, Krepinevich writes. As opposed to the global apocalypse envisioned in the wake of a superpower nuclear exchange during the Cold War, there will very likely be a functioning world after a war between minor nuclear powers, or even between the United States and a nuclear-armed Iran or North Korea. US forces must, therefore, be prepared to respond to a range of strategic warfare contingencies along the Eurasian periphery. In an earlier report entitled Rethinking Armageddon, Krepinevich argued that the use of a small number of battlefield nuclear weapons should be included among the appropriate responses by a US president to conventional threats from Russia. During the Cold War, the limited use of nuclear weapons was seen as an invitation for a full-scale nuclear exchange and the destruction of the planet. Now such discussions are considered respectable and prudent. These plans are being realized in the US military arsenal. The US is currently in the midst of a $1 trillion nuclear weapons modernization program commissioned under Obama. The program centers on the procurement of lower-yield, maneuverable nuclear weapons that are more likely to be used in combat. However, the Defense Science Board, a committee appointed to advise the Pentagon, recently called on the Trump administration to do more to develop weapons suitable for a tailored nuclear option for limited use. What would be the human toll from such an exchange? Numerous Pentagon war games conducted during the Cold War concluded that the limited use of nuclear weapons would not only cause millions of civilian casualties, but quickly escalate into a full-scale nuclear exchange that would destroy major cities. A 1955 war game titled Carte Blanche, which was responding to a Russian invasion of German territory with the use of a small number of battlefield nuclear weapons, resulted in the immediate deaths of 1.7 million Germans, the wounding of 3.5 million more, and millions more dead as a result of fallout radiation. In one 1983 war game code-named Proud Prophet, NATO initiated a limited nuclear first strike on Soviet military targets. But rather than backing down, the USSR initiated a full-scale nuclear retaliation, prompting the US to reply in kind. When the proverbial dust had settled, half a billion people were dead and European civilization destroyed. More contemporary studies have shown similarly disastrous outcomes. A 2007 report by the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War suggested that a limited nuclear exchange could lead to the deaths of over a billion people, mostly as a result of widespread climate disruption. The US National Academy of Sciences concluded that a large-scale nuclear war would lead directly to the deaths of up to four billion people. The eruption of such a war at the hands of the nuclear arsonists who preside over crisis-ridden American capitalism is a real and present danger. In fact, as the McCarthyite-style anti-Russia agitation indicates, absent the independent and revolutionary intervention of the working class in the US and around the world, it is an inevitability. Such is the criminality and recklessness of the American ruling elite and its political representatives on both sides of the aisle. Escalating war is a conspiracy of the elites, into which the masses of people are to be dragged and sacrificed. Anyone who doubts that the American ruling class is capable of such acts should look to the historical record. The United States dropped nuclear bombs, which today would be considered low-yield and even tactical, on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, just to warn off the Soviet Union. Truman and company killed over 100,000 people on the day the bombs were dropped, and another 100,000 died from radioactive poisoning over the ensuing four months. Today, when the United States faces economic and geopolitical challenges far greater than those of an earlier period, it will operate all the more ruthlessly and recklessly. The growing movement in opposition to the Trump administration must be inured against any and all efforts of the Democratic Party to infect it with the virus of imperialist war-mongering. The ongoing protests against Trumps billionaire cabinet and his attacks on immigrants and democratic rights are only the heralds of a movement of the working class. It is necessary to politically arm this emerging movement with the program of socialist internationalism and the understanding that the fight against war and dictatorship is the fight against capitalism. Thousands of people once again turned out across the US on Monday to protest the right-wing policies of the Trump administration. The protests were billed by organizers as Not My Presidents Day, a play on the Presidents Day federal holiday marking George Washingtons birthday which fell on Monday. While the protests drew several thousand people in New York City and a thousand people each in Chicago and Los Angeles, the crowds were noticeably smaller than other anti-Trump protests that have occurred in the last four weeks. The one month since Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th president of the United States has been marked by almost daily protests in cities large and small across the US and around the world. The first major protest, called as the Womens March, drew millions of protesters into the streets in cities around the world on January 21, Trumps first full day in office. Last Thursday saw A Day without Immigrants protests in which thousands of immigrant workers and supporters stayed home from work and school, resulting in the closure of hundreds of businesses. Thousands of people turned out in a number of cities over the weekend, including Los Angeles and San Diego, to oppose the Trump administration plans to deport millions of immigrant workers. Tens of thousands marched in Milwaukee, Wisconsin last Monday to oppose plans to deputize county sheriffs as federal immigration enforcement agents. The Democratic Party and liberal medias efforts to redirect mass popular opposition to Trumps anti-democratic and anti-immigrant policies in a right-wing, pro-war direction by pushing unsubstantiated claims that Russia hacked the election in favor of Trump, and that Trump coordinated his campaign with Moscow, found some expression in Mondays protests. Chicago In downtown Chicago, demonstrators gathered Monday across from Trump Tower for the second day in a row. The crowd, estimated at about 1,000, was somewhat smaller than the previous days protest. Many of the protesters bore signs expressing their opposition to Trumps attacks on immigrants and refugees, his right-wing cabinet picks, and his pro-corporate agenda. However, as with Sundays demonstration, a minority centered their attacks on the unsubstantiated claims of Russian influence in the election, reflecting the impact of efforts by the Democratic Party and the national security apparatus to channel opposition to Trump behind a pro-war agenda. A supporter of the Socialist Equality Party was able to address the rally, and was alone among the speakers in calling for a break with both big-business parties: Not a drop of confidence or support can be placed in the Democratic Party, that pack of cowards, co-conspirators and liars, he said. The Democrats do not stand in opposition to the Trump administration, but are complicit in its crimes. It was Obama who said, after the election of Trump, that both parties, Democrats and Republicans, are on the same team, and wished Trump every success. Right now, the Democrats, including those who are nominally left-wing such as Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, are attempting to whip up an anti-Russian hysteria, to convince the American public that we should go to war with Russia, a war that could possibly lead to nuclear destruction of the planet. Reporters for the WSWS also spoke with a number of attendees. Jodie, a graduate student, said, I mean, Obama was deporting millions of immigrants, and the fact that Trump is trying to ramp that up with the Muslim ban is just ridiculous. When a WSWS reporter referred to the recent report that the eight richest billionaires control as much wealth as the bottom half of the worlds population, Jodie noted, Thats what people at these protests are reacting to, but they dont realize it yet. I dont think Trumps economic policies are a departure from the capitalist system. In an ideal world, we would have a radical redistribution of wealth. Karen, a small business owner from Chicago, expressed opposition to Trumps nationalism and chauvinism, saying, For me, Trump represents everything thats wrong with America, that section that believes in racism and isolationism, and I dont believe that. Were a global nation and its a global world and everyone is welcome here. There shouldnt be these kind of policies. I dont think anyone should have the right to control anyones bodies, and I dont think anyone should control who comes in and out. Sophia, a computer programmer, noted that Obama had provided the framework for much of Trumps anti-immigrant policies. She said, Thats something that I had struggled with at a previous protest. Everyone was there to oppose Trump, but somebody was there who was very vocally a proponent of Obama, and I kind of got into it with him. I think Trump is definitely a product of capitalism and American society, she said. Capitalism is just a really harmful system. New York City Several thousand rallied in New York City Monday, filling a half mile stretch up from Trump International Hotel and Tower along Central Park West. Similar to other recent large demonstrations, protesters expressed widespread hostility to the policies of the Trump administration and a determination to fight back. Placards denounced the president as a liar and a fascist, and called for his impeachment. Many also criticized Trump for his alleged ties to Putin, in line with the relentless campaign by the Democratic Party and the media in recent weeks. Hampton, a worker at a local bookstore, told the WSWS, I think we are living in an intensely flawed system, and it has allowed far-right-wing movements like Trump to sweep across the industrialized world. The current situation impacted me particularly. Im from a Latino community outside of Houston. You can see that people are afraid there about losing their jobs, and if one person is deported it impacts the entire family. It is really concerning when the delusions of one individual like Trump can impact so many people. Asked about the Democratic Partys allegations of Russian influence over Trump, he added, I dont think what they are doing is useful. They are attempting to play off the same xenophobia and nationalism that Trump was able to tap into, and it is like modern McCarthyism. Sarah, a recently unemployed worker, said, I came here and I went to the Womens March because this man [Trump] represents everything wrong with America. He is the antithesis of diplomacy. He is not a politician, and honestly I dont even think you have to be a politician, but all he cares about is big business. While Sarah said she thought that Russian hacking influenced the election, she added, The Democrats did not get everybody involved. They took us [Democratic Party supporters] for granted, and they are not fighting on issues people care about. I even said if Hillary didnt win I would have to reevaluate the party. It is clear that the Democrats of today are not the Democrats my father supported. Sydney, a political science and gender studies student, came with a group of students from Pace University in lower Manhattan. We have been to other protests. I identify as a socialist. To get change, we need to change the system. This system created Trump. A lot of people here are upset Hillary is not the president, but she was for neo-liberalism. A lot of protests organized by students were more radical. It is unfortunate we have Trump but he will create more protests, especially from marginalized groups. In late January, President Trump issued a Memorandum to vastly expand the US armed forces. Among other demands, the memo calls for a rebuilding of the military, a review of US nuclear readiness, and a ballistic missile defense review. The document begins, To pursue peace through strength, it shall be the policy of the United States to rebuild the U.S. Armed Forces. A major pillar of these plans will be the expansion of the US Naval fleet. In a speech given in October in Pennsylvania, Trump lamented the badly depleted military and claimed that the Navy is the smallest its been since World War I. My plan will build the 350-ship Navy we need. This will be the largest effort at rebuilding our military since Ronald Reagan, and it will require a truly national effort. On January 27, the same day the Memorandum on Rebuilding the U.S. Armed Forces was released, the White House issued another press briefing detailing a Manufacturing Jobs Initiative that is to be carried out in concert with the rebuilding of the US war machine. The initiative involves industrial bosses as well as AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka and Deputy Chief of Staff Thea Lee. Taken together, these announcements represent two cornerstones of the policies of the American ruling class: a vast expansion of US militarism abroad and further attacks on the working class within the United States. The plans to rebuild the Navy will be carried out on the backs of American workers. There is no side of the war machine that does not take a violent toll on the working class, from those who prepare the machines to those who use them, and most directly, on those they are used against. These war plans will not be creating safe, high-paying jobs for the working class, but rather will exacerbate the already deadly conditions of the poorly regulated shipbuilding industry. Shipyard accidents and injuries The workers who build and repair Navy ships operate under conditions with some of the weakest oversight of any federally contracted industry. In the decade spanning from 2005 through 2015, a total of 76 workers in the private shipbuilding and repair industry were killed on the job. According to the most recent federal labor figures, shipyard workers face an injury and illness rate that is approximately 80 percent higher than construction jobs. Examples of these conditions have been exposed repeatedly over the last 15 years. In 2009, VT Halter Marine Inc.s shipyard in Escatawpa, Mississippi, was forced to settle with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), agreeing to pay a reduced fine of $860,500, after admitting to willful violation of 12 safety rules that killed two men. A recent report in Politico describes the incident: [T]he company had dispatched the men into a confined space with flammable vapors without testing the air. It didnt give them explosion-proof lights. As the men worked, toxic fumes reached more than 600 times the legal limit, according to OSHA. Of two men who died in the explosion, one was an immigrant from Puerto Rico, only 25 years old. The other was a recently released felon, 52 years old. Just a month before the explosion, another worker was killed at a VT Halter shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, after falling 40 feet, working unharnessed and without handrails. He was 23 years old and left behind 4-year-old twins. During the several-months-long investigation, and just months before the settlement was reached, the US Navy awarded the company another contract, worth $87 million, to build a 350-foot ship to improve submarine warfare. The US government has given out over $100 billion in public money to the Navy and Coast Guards seven major private shipbuilders since October 2008. These contracts continue to funnel money into shipbuilding industries despite numerous citations for serious safety lapses that have endangered, injured and, in some cases, killed workers. The two arms of the political establishment operate in this field as if a part of separate bodiesone shakes a fist at these industries by imposing minimal fines, while the other routinely rewards them with massive contracts. Thus is the logic of the imperialist machine. Although many commercial shipyards have moved overseas as a result of globalization and less expensive manufacturing in China, Korea, and Japan, the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 requires that government vessels be constructed within the borders of the US. Critics of this policy include longtime war hawk John McCain, who favors shifting the construction of oil and gasoline tankers to other countries that will further cut costs of shipbuilding. Trump, on the other hand, has promised that the plans to expand the Navy will mean the hiring of American craftsmen, pipe fitters and welders. In 2011, then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton wrote a lengthy policy article headlined Americas Pacific Century, calling for a substantially increased investmentdiplomatic, economic, strategic, and otherwisein the Asia-Pacific region over the next decade. In December 2016, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced that the department had completed a yearlong Force Structure Assessment, to evaluate long-term defense security requirements and upon review, recommends a 355-ship fleet including 12 carriers, 104 large surface combatants, 52 small surface combatants, 38 amphibious ships, and 66 submarines as part of the Navys 30-year shipbuilding plan. Mabus went on to state, To continue to protect America and defend our strategic interests around the world, all the while continuing the counter terrorism fight and appropriately competing with a growing China and resurgent Russia, our Navy must continue to grow. Numerous policy analysts, think tanks, and politicians in the Democratic and Republican parties have recognized the declining economic power of the United States in relation to China and have, over the past few years, pursued diplomatic measures and more-aggressive military action in the region seeking to contain China. Long-term plans to expand the Navy, which have already been under way, are in line with Trumps call to bring jobs back to the US. His slogan Make America Great Again in reality means an intensification of the attacks on the social position of shipyard and other workers in order to further enrich American corporations and make them more competitive on the global market. Trumps plans represent a further shift to the right in a process that began under Obama with the restructuring of the auto industry and the halving of workers wages with the dedicated complicity of the unions. While the battle in Washington between the intelligence agencies, the media and the Trump administration over the question of Russia and Trumps supposed ties to Putin is attracting most of the headlines, a conflict on the economic front is of no less significance. Earlier this month, in response to Trumps America First agenda and what it called his divisive delusions on trade, the Financial Times, the voice of British and to some extent European finance capital, warned that if the Trump administration continued on its present course, it would represent a clear and present danger to the global trading and monetary system. The immediate cause of this unusually strong language was the claim by the Trump administration that the euro was significantly undervalued, operating to the benefit of Germany, which enjoys a trade surplus with the US. The editorial called for other countries to stand ready to resist bullying and not to let the US drive wedges between them. The Financial Times did not go any further, but the logic of this position is clear. If countries are to stand together to combat what are seen as American attacks, then the next step is the development of trade and economic agreements directed against the USin short, a major step down the road to the kind of economic and currency blocs that exacerbated the 1930s Depression and played a major role in the drive to a second world war in the space of two decades. No one has yet put forward the formation of such alliances, but the issue is assuming a larger presence in public pronouncements and no doubt in discussions behind closed doors. Last month, speaking to the New York Times on the sidelines of the Davos summit of the World Economic Forum, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the president of the euro group of finance ministers, pointed to possible major shifts in orientation. Weve always said that America is our best friend, he said. If thats no longer the case, if thats what we need to understand from Donald Trump, then, of course, Europe will be looking for new friends. China is a very strong candidate for that. The Chinese involvement in Europe in terms of investment is already very high and expanding. If you push away your friends, you mustnt be surprised if the friends start looking for new friends. So far as the Trump administration is concerned, China, and to some extent Germany, is the main economic opponent and threat to the economic pre-eminence of the United States. This orientation is one of the reasons for its conflict with the sections of the military and intelligence establishment that are pressing for a more open confrontation with Russia. Trump has variously threatened to brand China a currency manipulator and impose tariffs as high as 45 percent on its exports to the US. While he has yet to announce any concrete policies and his positions so far have been set out only in tweets and similar remarks, the underlying position of the administration and the economic processes that are driving it were set out last September in a paper on the Trump economic plan authored by the then-business professor at the University of California-Irvine, Peter Navarro, and equity investor Wilbur Ross. Since the election Navarro has become the head of Trumps National Trade Council and Wilbur Ross has become commerce secretary. The paper began by noting that in the period from 1947 to 2001, US gross domestic product grew at an annual rate of 3.5 percent a year, but from 2002, that average had fallen to 1.9 percent, representing a 45 percent reduction in the US growth rate from its historical pre-2002 norm. The authors dismissed the claims of the Obama administration that lower growth was a new normal, labelling that position defeatist and claiming that low growth was the result of higher taxes, increased regulation and the self-inflicted negative impacts from poorly negotiated trade deals, including NAFTA and Chinas entry into the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The latter, they wrote, negotiated under Bill Clinton, opened Americas markets to a flood of illegally subsidized Chinese imports, thereby creating massive and chronic trade deficits. Chinas accession to the WTO, they argued, also rapidly accelerated the offshoring of Americas factories and a concomitant decline in US domestic business investment as a percentage of our economy. They noted that from 1999 to 2003, US investment flows to China were stable at around $1.6 billion per year, but jumped in the period 20042008 to an annual average of $6.4 billion a year. In other words, according to their argument, the flow of investment funds to China, made possible by its accession to the WTO, is one of the chief causes of the long-term slowdown in US economic growth. The authors also hit out at WTO rules, saying that the exemption of exports to the US from value added taxes (VAT) imposed by European governments and the fact that US exports to Europe are subject to these taxes was a form of discrimination against US firms. These conclusions form the basis for the discussion within the Trump administration on the possible imposition of taxes on imports. They wrote that unequal treatment of US exports was an example of VAT gaming, and that the US should have demanded equal tax treatment for US exports. Since the WTO would be meaningless without the presence of the worlds largest importer and third largest exporter, we had the leverage thenand we have the leverage nowto fix this anomaly and loophole, they asserted, adding the implied threat that without the US as a member, there would not be much purpose to the WTO. The Trump administrations denunciations of China as a currency manipulator have attracted most of the media attention. But Navarro and Ross were no less strident when it came to the European Monetary Union. While the euro freely floats in international currency markets, this system deflates the German currency from where it would be if the German Deutschmark were still in existence, they wrote. This was the reason, they claimed, that the US had a large trade in goods deficit with Germany, some $75 billion in 2015, even though German wages were relatively high. The paper gave a clear summing up of where the Trump administration sees the position of the US in regard to the struggle for global markets. Answering critics of the America First agenda, they wrote: Those who suggest that Trump trade policies will ignite a trade war ignore the fact that we are already engaged in a trade war. It is a war in which the American government has surrendered before engaging. They held out the prospect that in pursuing a policy of what they termed more balanced trade, the US would be able to secure cooperation because US trade partners were more dependent on American markets than America is on their markets. As with so many of Trumps policies, the trade war agenda outlined by Navarro and Ross represents not so much a break from the policies of the Obama administration as a continuation of their basic thrust and, at the same time, a qualitative escalation. The underlying strategy of the Trans-Pacific Partnership and its counterpart for Europe, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, promoted by the Obama administration, was that privileged access to the vast American market for those countries that signed up would enable the US to force concessions upon them. Both proposed trade investment deals specifically scrapped the system that had governed trade relations since World War II under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and then the WTO, which maintained that concessions offered to one country should be offered to all. This policy was in recognition of the damage done to the world economy and trade system through the formation of exclusivist blocs in the period of the 1930s. Outlining the rationale for the proposed agreements in 2014, Obamas trade representative Michael Froman wrote in a major Foreign Affairs article that trade policy is national security policy, and that the aim of the agreements was to place the US at the center of agreements that will provide unfettered access to two-thirds of the global economy. He went on to explain that the post-war system was no longer adequate and that the US no longer held as dominant a position as it did at the end of World War II and had to build new trade coalitions working toward consensus positions. In other words, the development of new mechanisms whereby the US could counter its economic decline vis-a-vis its rivals. The Trump policy is being driven by this same agenda, albeit in a different form. The underlying driving forces can be clearly seen. First, there is the contraction in economic growth not only in the US but internationally. It has been estimated that the economic slowdown since the financial crisis of 2008 means that developed economies are one sixth smaller than they would have been had pre-crisis growth trends been maintained. The contraction is even more pronounced in world trade. Since 2012, world trade has advanced by little more than 3 percent per year, less than half the average expansion of the preceding decades. As the International Monetary Fund has noted, between 1985 and 2007 real world trade grew on average twice as fast as global gross domestic product (GDP), whereas over the past four years it has barely kept pace. Such prolonged sluggish growth in trade volumes, it concluded, relative to economic activity has few precedents during the past five decades. Even before the accession of Trump, the WTO noted the rise of protectionist measures. It pointed out that members of the G20 groupall of which pledged to eschew 1930s style measureshad, in the five months leading up to last October, been implementing an average of 17 trade constraints a month, a situation it described as a real and persistent concern. In other words, the accession of Trump and his America First agenda of economic nationalism and a war of each against all is not some aberration, but the qualitative development of a trend that has been building up within the world capitalist economy over the past decade, but which is now coming to the surface with explosive force. Donald Trumps state visit is in Britains national interest but it is not yet decided if the US president will address parliament. Such is the government line as set down by Sir Alan Duncan, foreign office minister, during yesterdays debate on a petition calling for Trump to be denied an official state visit to the UK. The official invitation to the US president was meant to be a coup for the Conservative government of Theresa May. Committed to a hard exit from the European Unionincluding withdrawal from the European single marketthe hope was that the visit would prove that the special relationship between the US and the UK would enable Britain to thrive outside the EU. The backing of the US president, who has been openly hostile to the EU, was also to be employed to extract better terms for the UK in negotiations with its former European partners. Instead, the visit is becoming a public relations disaster. Some 1.85 million people signed the petition urging the government not to make Trumps visit an official state affair. An alternative petition, in support of an official state visit, had just 310,000 names. Before a date has even been announced, the government had indicated it was considering severely restricting any public engagements, including making sure that Trump visits during the parliamentary recess, so he cannot address the House of Commons. Duncan described the state visitcomplete with royal paraphernaliaas our most important diplomatic tool and expressed his hope that Trump would receive a polite and generous welcome. But as the debate unfolded, thousands gathered outside parliament in support of the anti-Trump petition, and smaller demonstrations took place across the country. The protests are indicative of widespread hostility to Trumps extreme-right, anti-immigrant, big business policies, which have sparked nearly daily demonstrations within the US. Only the day before, it was announced that the Trump administration had ordered the rounding up of hundreds of thousands of migrants and the construction of new prisons to detain them. The London protest drew in many young workers and students. Earlier in the day thousands of migrants, who make up nearly 11 percent of the UK workforce, staged a rally in Parliament Square along with their families and supporters. Also participating were EU citizens angered by the governments refusal to safeguard their right to continue working and living in the UK after Brexit. These concerns found no genuine expression in the debate. The petitions were heard in Westminster Hall, not the Commons chamber itself. Lasting just three hours, the debate was non-binding and no vote was taken. Before it started, the government made clear it would not retreat. While saying that it recognised the strong views of those supporting the petition, it insisted Trump will be extended the full courtesy of a state visit. Even as it dismissed public opposition, however, the government faces real problems with its invite. Despite Trumps warmongering statements against China, North Korea and Iran, a significant section of the US ruling elite have denounced him for being soft on Russia. The intelligence agencies, with the support of the corporate-controlled media, the Democratic Party and a section of the Republicans will not countenance any let-up in the campaign of sanctions and military buildup conducted under the Obama administration. To this end, the Senate Intelligence Committee has begun investigating allegations of Russian involvement in the 2016 election campaign. Moreover, the May governmentand much of the British establishmentare sympathetic to the anti-Russian stance of Trumps opponents. Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon, and MI6 chief, Alex Younger, recently denounced Moscow as a threat to British sovereignty and democratic values. The bourgeoisie hopes to utilise the UKs military weight and its position within NATO as a means of maintaining its influence in Europe after Brexit, and is indifferent to the consequences of such recklessness. These life-and-death issues were not mentioned in Westminster Hall. The petition itself objects to Trumps state visit on the grounds that it would cause embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen. The president had only been in office for seven days when the invite was sent. It took 978 days for George W. Bush, Tony Blairs partner in crime in Iraq, to be extended the honour, and 758 for Barack Obama. Concern for the queen animated much of the protest from Labour MPs. Labour MP Paul Flynn, a member of the petitions committee, spoke of his enormous regard for the queen and cited approvingly the complaint by Observer journalist, Andrew Rawnsley, against Pimping out the Queen for Donald Trump. Scottish National Party MP Alex Salmond referred to reports that Trump did not want to meet Prince Charles during the visit (in case the prince tries to discuss climate change), bemoaning that Trump must be the first person on a state visit to pick which royals he would meet. Labours David Lammy, said that Trump should have a state visit but not an official visit because the speed with which it had been organised made Britain look desperate. Conservative MP Crispin Blunt, who chairs the Commons foreign affairs committee, also fretted about the queens position but from the standpoint that the withdrawal of the state visit would be more embarrassing. Blunt said supportively, however, that Mays invite to Trump had been aimed at getting the US president to affirm his support for NATO, after he had bitterly attacked the alliance. Likewise, Conservative MP Julian Lewis, who chairs the Commons defence committee, stressed that the promised state visit had been necessary to lead him [Trump] down the path of righteousness to restating his backing for NATO because what really matters to the future of Europe is that [the] transatlantic alliance continues and should prosper. Conservative MPs were the only ones to give any inkling of the broader foreign policy issues involved. Conservative James Cartlidge warned there would be smiles all round in the Kremlin if the UK withdrew the invite to Trump. Moscow did not want a strong transatlantic relationship, he said, before adding that foreign policy is best served by following the national interest, not through gestures or knee-jerk reactions and on this basis, he would also offer a state visit to Vladimir Putin. Behind all the arguments over Trumps visit, the reality is that it has become a proxy battleground for rival factions within ruling circles, divided between those in favour of a hard Brexit and those opposed. That is why the main focus of the media was not the Trump debate, but the start of deliberations in the House of Lords on the governments bill to trigger Article 50, beginning Britains exit from the EU. May personally attended the start of the Lords debate, which is considered unprecedented for a sitting prime minister. She has warned the Lords not to hold up the legislation with amendments. The soft-Brexit faction consists of sections of the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, Greens, the SNP and the pseudo-left groups who style themselves as a progressive alliance. They were unable to reverse the EU referendum result in parliament due to the pledge by Jeremy Corbyns Labour Party not to block Brexit, and look unlikely to do so in the Lords. They have joined forces in the various coalitions that led the protests, hoping to utilise opposition to Trumps reactionary America First agenda to promote support for the EU as a supposedly democratic counterweight. This is window dressing for their no less reactionary drive to insist that the UK must retain its access to the European single market post-Brexit. Speakers at the London rally included Guardian journalist Owen Jones, Green MP Caroline Lucas, Labour MP Diane Abbott and shadow chancellor John McDonnell. For McDonnell, the issue was that we will not become a colony of the Trump regime. All were silent on the draconian austerity measures that have reduced Greece, Spain and other countries to penury. Nor did they mention the EUs vicious Fortress Europe policy that has left thousands of migrants to drown in the Mediterranean. Labour has accepted restrictions on freedom of movement and backed the governments Brexit bill despite the absence of protections for EU citizens in the UK. Mumbai, Feb 21 (IBNS) The richest civic body of India-Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)- is witnessing a hard contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena as the former allies decided to fight against each other after falling out on seat sharing issue. Nine other municipal corporations in Maharashtra are also undergoing polls during the day. The Sena-BJP coalition had been ruling the BMC for a long time but the two parties are falling out with each other for quite some time now with the Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray openly criticising Narendra Modi and even siding with his arch rivals over the demonetisation issue. On Tuesday, among the other civic bodies going to polls are in Nagpur, Thane, Pune and Nashik. Elections are also being held for 11 Zilla Parishads and 118 Panchayat Samitis. The total number of voters in the ten municipalities are 3.77 crore. A total of 17,331 candidates are in the fray for 5,512 seats. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier said he would take the responsibility if the BJP loses but if the party wins all credits with go to the party. ATLANTA (AP) - The Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform is recommending changes to felony probation in the state. In a report submitted to the governor Monday, the council notes that Georgia has the highest felony probation rate in the country. The council says there are two main reasons for that. First, probation is widely used as a sentence instead of imprisonment and in combination with imprisonment. Second, the state imposes relatively long felony probation terms. The council's recommendations include: - using probation, programming and treatment to reduce recidivism for first-time or non-violent offenders; - reducing long probation sentences as an incentive for good behavior; - focusing more supervision on people early in their probation terms. ___ This version has been corrected to show that the report was presented to the governor on Tuesday, not Monday. (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) ALBANY, Ga. (AP) - A southwest Georgia woman charged with killing a man by slashing his throat has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after she agreed to plead guilty to reduced charges. WALB-TV reports (http://bit.ly/2lDscv4) 31-year-old Ashley Stroble was sentenced Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault. She had originally been charged with murder in the 2015 slaying of 37-year-old Jimmie Fennell. Authorities said Fennell died after his throat was cut at a boarding house in Albany. In Georgia, murder carries a minimum sentence of life with the possibility of parole. The victim was a cousin of Dougherty County District Attorney Greg Edwards, who recused himself from prosecuting the case. Stroble had previous been jailed on nonviolent charges including financial card fraud. ___ Information from: WALB-TV, http://www.walb.com/ (Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) TIFTON, Ga. (WTXL) - Law enforcement is investigating after a Adel man was found dead behind a business in Tifton. The Tifton Police Department said that 52-year-old David Philips was found dead Saturday morning. They said he was found behind a business on West 7th Street in Tifton. Police say that the scene was processed with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. The body has been sent in for an autopsy. We will continue to update this story as we confirm more details. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - This week is National Engineers' Week and FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Week. The school will be hosting a variety of events all week long. The dean of the school, Murray Gibson says the week is about celebrating engineering as a career and how it benefits society. He says, the celebration is geared towards promoting more students to become engineers. Tonight at 6 p.m. the school will be screening the film "Dream Big" at the Challenger Learning Center. We'll sit down with organizers of the event to talk more about what's happening this week and how you can take part. For a full list of scheduled events, click here. New Delhi, Feb 21 (IBNS): Delhi police on Tuesday arrested one person in the alleged Hauz Khas rape incident, according to media reports. A woman from north-east India was allegedly raped in Delhi's Hauz Khas Village area by a man who offered her a lift after a party, reports said on Monday. Reportedly the man worked in pubs in the Hauz Khas Village area. The police had a sketch done by the victim and a CCTV grab, media reported. According to the complaint lodged with the police, the woman, who is from Nagaland, was walking home alone late in the night when she was offered a ride by a man. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL)-- Adoption can be a blessing to both the child and the parent. In December, we ran a series called Fostering Hope where we showed you nearly three dozen children who were hoping for adoption. The Florida Department of Children and Families told us out of the 32 children we she showed you online and on air through our series two are now going through the adoption process. That's the good news, but the reality is going through the process can be complicated and take more time than you expect. They're always on the go. Three-year-old Tenley and her sister two-year Taylyn are full of life. "Every day I come home, I open the door and they're like, "daddy, daddy, they're such a joy,'" said parent Greg Brannen. Brannen and his wife Nancy decided they wanted to adopt in the summer of 2012 and took the classes needed to start the process. "We went through infertility treatments, and they were unsuccessful so we decided there were so many children in need of adoption locally," said Nancy Brannen. Through the state they first found Tenley. She was put in foster care at birth. Her adoption was final when she was about seventh months old in March of 2014. Taylyn's official adoption was official in August of 2015. "Taylen was a surprise," said Nancy. "We found out about after she was born. She was still in the hospital, and they are half sisters so they are bio-related and the family, their bio family members actually contacted me and told me Taylyn had actually been born the next day." The couple expanding their family to four, but there is financial help. "There are many benefits that go along with adopting a kid in foster care," said Jamie Honerlaw, Wendy's Wonderful Kids Adoption Recruiter. "We provide a state subsidy which will go every month utilities the child reaches the age of 18 to help with the costs and things that are inquired when adopting a kid and we also provide a state tuition waiver." Honerlaw says usually the typical time frame to adopt is 15 months through the state. It all starts with quality parent training. "It is a seven-week course where you go through and learn how are kids going into care, why are they going into care," said Honerlaw. "It kind of gives you a toolbox to help you work with these kids because they are very different than your own biological children." Then they approve your home setting to match you and your children. Adoption can be a wonderful journey for the the whole family Tenley and Taylyn's cousin has really enjoys spending time with them. "It's been a real joy to have them in our lives," said cousin Nolan McCrory. "I couldn't ask for two better babies." If you're considering adopting through the state foster care system know that the process is free. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Senator Bill Nelson made a stop in the Capital City today. He met with students and administrators at Florida A&M University about the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math. He also discussed his own experience aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia. After his time on campus, Nelson headed to the state capitol to meet with lawmakers. We'll hear from Senator Nelson about his visit coming up at six o'clock. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Students are rallying on the campus of Florida State University hoping to have their voices heard by President Donald Trump and school officials. Their message? That immigrants and refugees are welcome on the FSU campus. Students for a Democratic Society say they want the FSU campus to declare it's self a sanctuary campus, which would protect immigrant and refugees students from possible deportation. In a statement the group says they want to quote: "Assure that all students receive a campus, classroom, and community experience free of hostilities, aggression, and bullying by publicizing the campus-wide anonymous reporting mechanism." New Delhi, Feb 21 (IBNS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that he will be spending Mahashivratri in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. PM Modi took to social media to break the news. "On Mahashivratri, will be in Coimbatore to join the programme organised by @ishafoundation at the Isha Yoga Center. @SadhguruJV #Adiyogi,' his tweet read. The Prime Minister has also urged people to post ideas on his app for his upcoming programme. "On the App, share your views with me for the programme on 24th. I may refer to some of them in my speech. http://nm4.in/dnldapp ," he said. Six decades after tribal families lost their homes along the Columbia River when The Dalles YAKIMA, Wash. -- Bob Koerner, a business representative for Teamsters Local Union No. 760, has been driving up and down the Yakima Valley to n Submit An Obituary Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death. Go to form Kochi, Feb 21 (IBNS) : One more person accused in the abduction and assault of a leading Malayalam actress was taken into custody on Tuesday, media reports said. The man has reportedly confessed that the crime was committed to extort money. According to a CNN-News 18 report, Manikandan, who was allegedly inside the car during the crime told the police that the gang intended to record the act and use it to blackmail her. He claimed the plot was hatched by the main accused Sunil Kumar, known as Pulsar Suni, and that he was in it only for the money. Sunil is still absconding. So far, three persons--Vadival Salim, Pradeep and Martin--have been arrested in connection with the case. Forensic experts have collected evidence from the car in which the actress was allegedly assaulted for two hours by the gang members who forced their way into the vehicle on Friday night. Sure, it costs a bit to fly to Cape Town, South Africa but once you get there? The exchange rate is ever in your favor. Today, South African Sarah tells us about boutique hostels for $15 a night, breakfast for $1.25 (!!!) and wine tasting for $2 per winery. I have never been so tempted! Hi! Im (another) Sarah, and a born and bred Capetonian. Although I spend a fair amount of time travelling to other places, Cape Town is still my favorite destination ever and yes, I am completely and unashamedly biased! I live online at Sarah Evelyn, where I build online courses for amazing brands (for free!) and provide an editing service for blogs and other digital publishers. Id love to say hi to you on Instagram! The weakness of the South African Rand (youll currently get over R15.00 for every US dollar you spend) is great for visitors. World-class dining, lovely accommodation and easy transport on the cheap really mean that the only significant cost youre likely to pay is your flight. Also, Cape Town is the perfect place to experience things you may have long dreamed about lazy lunches in vineyards, winding coastal roads or white beaches and palm trees all in one place and without breaking the piggy bank. Cheap lodgings in Cape Town Air Bnb from $20 The way in which Air Bnb has disrupted the accommodation space has meant a wide range of well-appointed accommodation options for visitors to Cape Town especially if youre travelling in a group. This gorgeous apartment has sea views, and this one a view of Table Mountain and the Cape Town harbour. P.S. If youve never used Airbnb before, use this link to get $40 off your first booking! 91 Loop from $14 This recently-opened boutique hostel is one example in a movement of upscale hostels and backpackers that are changing the way we view budget accommodation. Bright and airy, serving great coffee and cheap breakfasts at its in-house restaurant, The Honey Badger, 91 Loop is spotlessly clean and very comfortable. Once in Cape Town from $15 Another funky hostel in Cape Towns city centre, Once in Cape Town is right upstairs from one of the most on-trend places to hang out Yours Truly which serves craft beer, coffee and light meals on Kloof Street. Cheap Things to Eat in Cape Town Ristorante Posticino large pizza from about $5 This family-owned Italian with two branches (one in Hout Bay, with fantastic views, the other on vibey Sea Point Main Road) serves some of Cape Towns most authentic Italian food and delicious wine (at almost cost price) with warmth and humor. This is the restaurant my husband and I visit most often, and we havent been disappointed yet. Arnolds breakfast from $1.25 Arnolds an owner-managed joint on Kloof Street was a student favourite that managed to grow up us, and kept its low prices. If youd like a (really) cheap, no-frills bacon and eggs with all the trimmings or a quick city lunch or dinner, then this is the place to go. Naturalis platters to share from about $12 Want to eat food made by South Africas most celebrated chef, Luke Dale Roberts, at a fraction of the price that its sold for at his famous Test Kitchen (one of the worlds best restaurants)? Visit his experimental food lab, Naturalis. The menu changes daily and is offered on a range of wooden platters, paired with delicious South African wine. Bay Harbour Market free; food from 75c For us, weekend mornings often start at the Bay Harbour Market, a community-centred market in the fishing village of Hout Bay that serves fantastic homemade food (as well as vintage jewelry, fresh flowers, crafts and clothing). Ive become adept at skimming around people to reach the paninis at Taste of Tunisa, the dim sum opposite and poring over the astounding array baked goods (look for them behind the coffee stand). Live music, a central bar and a boggling variety of food choices make it the perfect place to meet friends and share a delicious brunch. La Boheme two courses for $5.70, three for $7 If you happen to be in search of a romantic bistro and wine bar with an upmarket feel, seasonal menu and delicious French food with a South African twist, La Boheme hits all the spots. The independent bistro is a locals local and feels perennially happy. Mzolis from $2 Mzolis sells and serves a single ingredient in the heart of Cape Towns historical township Gugulethu: meat. The butchery, meeting place and outdoor restaurant is always buzzing in the summer, with people from all over the city flocking to the communal braai (BBQ). Bring your own drinks and paper napkins and be ready to meet new people, listen to the live djs playing South African house music, and feast on meat off the fire. Fish on the Rocks hake and chips for $3.50 Why pay a fortune for fresh fish when you can eat it (with delicious chips) outside and with a view of the ocean? Fish on the Rocks at the Hout Bay harbour (or alternatively, Kalkys at Kalk Bay) serves fresh fish made a variety of ways where you want to eat it is up to you. Cheap Things to Do in Cape Town Lie on the beach free; about $4 for a days use of an umbrella Cape Towns beaches are one of its biggest draw cards, and, like most cities, they have a bit of a code. If youre feeling like a family day out or a vintage-inspired day with friends, catch a train to Fish Hoek or Simons Town (where the sand isnt white but the towns are pretty and the sea is warm). To mingle with the beautiful, rich and famous, visit Clifton fourth beach, which is the citys most sheltered, and if youre beautiful, rich and famous but dont care about your image, carry on past Camps Bay (lovely when its not windy, and close to bars and restaurants), to Llandudno. To swim with penguins and walk amongst a colony, head to Boulders Beach (its protected, so youll need to pay about $4 entry to get in, but you can look over the fence for free). Take a hike free Although the revolving cable car (about $8 for a one-way ticket) is a great way to reach the top of the citys most iconic landmark Table Mountain hiking means you get an even better view (and its free!). However, if you want a view of Table Mountain (and a 360C view) hike up the locals favourite, Lions Head. Spend a day at the V&A Waterfront free The citys Waterfront (named after Queen Victoria and Prince Alfred, her son) has had a long and vibrant history and remains a fascinating place today in part because it is still very much a working harbour. The waterfront not only serves as the citys central meeting place for locals and tourists alike, but it also offers a food market, an upscale design market, a luxury mall and plenty of restaurants. The best thing you can pay for at the V&A Waterfront is a sunset cruise preferably with sparkling wine included! Go wine-tasting free to $2 per wine farm While many wine farms now charge a nominal fee for wine tasting if you dont buy a bottle (especially in the older, more popular Paarl and Stellenbosch wine routes) there are plenty that are happy to fill your glasses for free. The Route 62 wine route is quieter, less touristy, and offers great wines at good prices. Visit a museum from free to $4 Especially good for wet days, or when youve had too much time on the beach, Cape Towns museums are largely well taken care off, easy to move around and free (or very cheap) to enter. My favourites are: People watch on the promenade free Young, old, rich, poor, the citys promenade walk is a great leveller. The beautiful stretch of coastline from the city, through Green Point and Sea Point, to Camps Bay, has been matched with wide paving, public pools, large stretches of grass, art installations and open-air gyms. If you prefer to be on wheels, rent a bicycle from the concession stands outside the Sea Point pool (entry $1.30), or play a round of put-put next to the Green Point Lighthouse. Sotano makes for a post-walk tapas spot that stays lively late into the evening. Chapmans Peak Drive free for runners or cyclists, $2.50 per car Pretend that youre Bond, James Bond, as you wind around the mountain on this cliff road that could be somewhere on the French Riviera. One of the most beautiful drives in the world, Chapmans Peak takes you from Noordhoek to Hout Bay and is best done just before sunset. Drive slowly and stop at the designated viewpoints along the way for photos. City Sightseeing Bus one-day ticket from $10 Although this is more expensive than the usual budget activity, the bus not only provides you with a narrated tour around the city, but its hop-on, hop-off nature means that it includes all your transport cost for the day. If youre pressed for time and youd like to visit Camps Bay Beach, the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, the Constantia Wine Route and several museums all in one day, these topless buses will take you there (with a view, and some history). Enjoy your trip! To maximise your experience, download the free Cape Town Travel app before you arrive. Im sure we have a few other South African readers. What would you add? P.S. 7 travel tools I will not shut up about until you buy them and Mini Travel Guide: Shanghai, China Sgt. Elor Azaria has been sentenced to a year and a half in prison Tuesday during a sentencing hearing at the Kirya base in Tel Aviv. The special military court handed down the sentence after Azaria was found guilty of manslaughter in January. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Azaria will begin serving his sentence on March 5, when he must report to Prison Six in northern Israel. A year into the sentence, it is customary to transfer soldiers to a civilian prison, but a special Ministry of Justice committee will be convened in Azaria's case in the future, if necessary. The sentencing brings an end to a trial and national saga that lasted almost a year and thrust the debate of the IDF's combat ethics and soldiers squarely into the public discourse. Sgt. Elor Azaria Azaria arriving for sentencing Azaria reported at the Tel Aviv military headquarters early Tuesday morning. His entrance into the courtroom was greeted by loud applause from his supporters. He was accompanied by his parents, Charlie and Oshra, his girlfriend and other family members. Near the court, approximately 100 demonstrators gathered to express their support. His father asked his son's supporters to "maintain restraint, without much fuss even though they are trying to portray us as criminals." Azaria hugging his mother (Photo: Tomer Applebaum) In reading out the sentence, the presiding judge, Col. Maya Heller, said, "The defendant shot a terrorist without any justification. The only value that was harmed by the defendant's actions was the value of life. Azaria also defiled the purity of arms which is upheld by the IDF." Heller continued, saying, "There are a number of mitigating circumstances that required consideration, including a complicated area where terrorists attempted to kill soldiers and even managed to injure one." Judge Lt. Col. Maya Heller (Photo: Yariv Katz) Eyal Besserglick, one of Azaria's defense attorneys, said, "The chances of a successful appeal are very good. A central witness has recanted testimony." Azaria's lawyers now have 15 days to file an appeal from the day of sentencing. The appeal's outline has already been written and the central claim focuses on judges supposedly ignoring evidence presented by the defense. Photo: Tomer Applebaum The defense is planning on filing an appeal, based on information that one of the trial's central witnesses has recanted their testimony. In addition, the defense is also filing a request for a postponement of incarceration until such a time as the appeal is ruled upon. The prosecutor, Lt. Col. Nadav Weissman, is opposed to a delay and demanded that Azaria begin serving his sentence as early as Sunday. "The appeal could have already been written, as 45 days have passed since the verdict was given. The defendant no longer gets the benefit of the doubt. A manslaughter sentence should be immediately carried out." Azaria arriving for sentencing (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Azaria's parents arriving (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Azaria was found guilty of manslaughter in January after shooting dead a seriously wounded terrorist who carried out a stabbing attack in Hebron just moments earlier. One of the leading candidates in France's presidential election, Marine Le Pen, had had her first meeting with a leader of a foreign country, President of Lebanon Michel Aoun, on Monday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to Lebanese media, Le Pen told Aoun that "his choice marks the start of an era of stability, growth and renewal in Lebanon." Marine Le Pen in Lebanon (: ) X Aoun himself spoke about the depth of the relations between Lebanon and France and hoped that they will continue to strengthen them by learning from the shared values that unite the French and Lebanese. Le Pen with Lebanese President Michel Aoun (Photo: Reuters) "We spoke about the long and fruitful friendship between our two states," said Le Pen after her 30-minute meeting in Beirut with Aoun, the only Christian president in the Middle East. Le Pen also said that she spoke to Aoun about the refugee crisis in his country, which had more than a million illegal Syrian refugees who escaped their war-torn country. The far-right French candidate is well known for her anti-immigration position. Despite this, she has called upon the international community to increase humanitarian aid in order to assist refugees and the Lebanese government. Le Pen with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri (Photo: AP) Le Pen also said that she and Aoun discussed the rise of radical Islam, which is proving to be a serious international concern, and how to deal with it. During her visit to Lebanon, Le Pen also met with Prime Minister Saad Hariri and Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil. Le Pen with Lebanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Gebran Bassil (Photo: EPA) Hariri told Le Pen that Muslims are the first victims of terrorism, which hides under the pretext of religion, when in fact, there is no religion. "Moderate Muslims, who make up the majority of Muslims in the world, are the first targets of radical terrorist acts in the name of religion. This is because they are the first to fight it," said Hariri. In her visit to the city of Byblos (Photo: AP) The French presidential election is expected to take place in April (first round) and in May (second round). According to recent polls, Le Pen is projected to win the first round, but projected to lose to the independent candidate Emmanuel Macron in the second round. Even so, the gap between the two is diminishing lately in favor of the far-right National Front leader. Le Pen's visit to Lebanon was meant to increase her international credibility and score points with the French electorate. Her rival, former Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron, visited Lebanon in January and also met with Aoun and Hariri. Hundreds of headstones were vandalized in a St. Louis Jewish cemetery in the US, reported Fox News. Police are investigating the circumstances, but have yet to define it as a hate crime. Authorities suspect it was an organized operation rather than an act executed by a single individual. At the same time, police are investigating a series of bomb threats against Jewish community centers across the US. Mumbai, Feb 21 (IBNS) Mumbai on Tuesday voted peacefully to elect their civic fathers for the next term as the richest civic body of India-Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)- witnessed a polling that is seen as a tough contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena, the former allies, who decided to fight against each other this time after falling out on seat sharing issue. Nine other municipal corporations in Maharashtra are also undergoing polls during the day. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis tweeted after the voting: "Thank you #Mumbai for the record voting percentage & people from all Municipal Corporations & ZP for participating in festival of democracy!" With an annual budget of Rs 37,000 crores, BMC enjoys a unique stature as the richest civic body. The Sena-BJP coalition had been ruling the BMC for a long time but the two parties are falling out with each other for quite some time now with the Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray openly criticising Narendra Modi and even siding with his arch rivals over the demonetisation issue. A loss of Sena will marginalise it in the state and Mumbai politics, said political observers. On Tuesday, among the other civic bodies that went to polls were in Nagpur, Thane, Pune and Nashik. Elections are also being held for 11 Zilla Parishads and 118 Panchayat Samitis. The total number of voters in the ten municipalities are 3.77 crore. A total of 17,331 candidates were in the fray for 5,512 seats. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis earlier said he would take the responsibility if the BJP loses but if the party wins all credits with go to the party. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman sarcastically commented on the ISIS report that an Israeli drone killed five of its fighters in Sinai in an interview to Army Radio on Monday night. "The source of the attack today was indeed Sinai and as always, I guess Lichtenstein's Special Forces liquidated a few ISIS terrorists in Sinai yesterday and the day before that," said Lieberman. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman added: "We leave nothing uncommented. I don't think ISIS in Sinai poses a major threat. It's vexing, it's bothersome, but when you speak of Hamas and Hezbollah, they're without a doubt no longer terror organizations; each of them has built its own army." Archive ISIS claimed on Sunday that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) belonging to the Israel Air Force attacked a vehicle on Saturday, liquidating five of the Islamic terror groups members in the Rafah area. ISIS-affiliated news agency al-Amaq reported that the alleged attack was carried out in a village in southern Rafah. Monday morning, two rockets were fired from the Sinai Peninsula and landed in open space in Israel near the Egyptian border, in the Eshkol Regional Council. There were no casualties and no damage was incurred. Nasrallah A week and a half ago, four rockets were fired from the peninsula toward Eilatthree of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome missile-defense system and the fourth falling in an open area. Approximately two hours after the attack, Hamas reported two casualties and five wounded in an attack in the Rafah region. IDF officials claimed the attack may have been executed by the Egyptians. The defense minister also addressed the Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah's threat to attack the Ammonia tanks and Dimona. "A dog that barks doesn't bite," said Lieberman. "I advise him to continue sitting there in his bunker, making these small cameos. I don't intend to have any kind of public argument with him." Lieberman also addressed the verdict that is set to be handed down on Tuesday in the case of IDF soldier Elor Azaria's trial, saying he hopes the judges take into consideration the fact he is an outstanding soldier who fought terrorists. "I advise the family not to prolong their suffering. After the verdict is handed down, they may appeal to the Central Command Chief and ask him to mitigate the punishment." French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen on Monday called Syrian President Bashar Assad "the most reassuring solution for France," a major divergence with her nation's official policy. Le Pen, head of the anti-immigration National Front, spoke after meetings with Lebanese President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Saad Hariri. They were among numerous officials, including the Christian Maronite patriarch, that Le Pen was meeting on her two-day visit to Lebanon, a former French protectorate. The trip represented the first major foray into foreign policy for Le Pen, a leading candidate in France's April 23 and May 7 election. She said she told Hariri that there is "no viable and workable solution" to the Syrian civil war beyond choosing between Assad and the Islamic State group. "I clearly explained that in the political picture the least bad option is the politically realistic. It appears that Bashar al Assad is evidently today the most reassuring solution for France." More than 100 Jewish graves were desecrated in the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri. According to reports, hundreds of headstones were vandalized and toppled over the weekend. Simultaneously, on Monday, 11 Jewish centers across the US recieved bomb threats and had to evacuate. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter State police opened an investigation, but refused to define the incident as a hate crime, stating that "all angles are being covered." Police officers examined security footage in the area, and it is suspected that this was the result of an intentional act committed by a group of people rather than the act of a single individual. St. Louis Jewish cemetery vandalized (: ) X Relatives of those buried in the cemetery arrived to the site after the reports. "It's horrifying," said Mira Kats who placed the blame on the new government administration, "there is so much anti-Semitism now with all those cabinet members. Maybe I shouldn't say that, but you can't put bigots and people with so much hatred in a cabinet and not have them think it's ok to hate everybody." Jenny Rosenblatt arrived to the site after the gate had already closed and promised to return the next day: "I lived in Israel for a very long time, and when something like this happens, you go and you drive by to see that everything is ok." St. Louis Jewish cemetery No suspects have been arrested. The same time with the discovery of the massive damage to the historical gravesite, several Jewish community centers (JCC) across the United States were evacuated for a time on Monday after receiving bomb threats, the latest wave of threatened attacks against them this year, the national umbrella organization said. Some 11 centers including those in the Houston, Chicago and Milwaukee areas received phoned-in bomb threats that were later determined to be hoaxes, said David Posner, a director at JCC Association of North America who advises centers on security. No arrests were made and no one was injured. All of the centers returned to normal operations, Posner said in a statement. The FBI was investigating the incidents, Posner said. Officials at the FBI were not immediately available for comment. Monday's incidents come after three waves of bomb threats in 2017. In all, 69 incidents at 54 JCCs in 27 states and one Canadian province have been reported, according to the JCC Association of North America. "We are concerned about the anti-Semitism behind these threats, and the repetition of threats intended to interfere with day-to-day life," Posner said. Donald Trump on anti-Semitism X The White House denounced these acts of anti-Semitism across the country. White House deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters said, "Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individual freedom. The President has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable." Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism and married Jared Kushner, addressed the wave of anti-Semitism via Twitter: "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers." United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley's pro-Israeli words spoken against the UN have swept over the web. Even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared the video and posted on Facebook: "US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, thank you for your unequivocal support for Israel! It's time to put an end to the absurdity in the United Nations." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Israeli UN representatives headed by Ambassador Danny Danon and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately realized they have quite the PR prize on their hands and distributed the video. Israeli ambassadors worldwide followed suit. Photo: AP Spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emanuel Nachshon, said, "The US Ambassador to the UN's remarks signal the beginning of a new era in which the world's biggest power says 'enough!' to discrimination against Israel in international institutions. For us, this is a substantial moment. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been distributing her statements via all its public diplomacy channels." US Ambassador to UN speaks out against Israeli discrimination X "The Security Council just finished its regular monthly meeting on Middle East issues, it's the first meeting like that, that I've attended, and I have to say, it was a bit strange," said Haley. Photo: AP "The security council is supposed to discuss how to maintain international peace and security, but in our meeting on the Middle East, the discussion was not about Hezbollah's illegal buildup of rockets in Lebanon, it was not about the money and weapons Iran provides to terrorists, it was not about how we defeat ISIS, it was not about how we hold Bashar al-Assad accountable for the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of civilians, no, instead, the meeting focused on criticizing Israel, the one true democracy in the Middle East," she continued. Iran is hosting the sixth conference in support of the Palestinian Intifada. The conference will be attended by representatives from 80 countries and more than 20 heads of parliaments around the world. Today the conference opened with the participation of representatives from Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Hezbollah. Lebanese newspaper "Al-Akhbar" reported that "the conference is held for the first time in six years to refresh the Palestinian issue and the struggle against Israel." Health Minister Yaakov Litzman is now demanding a reform in nursing following shocking reports of violence toward senior citizens in nursing homes, which shocked the country. There is a vast shortage of quality personnel, a lack of supervision, as well as many other failures. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Litzman contacted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon on Monday in a request to step in, in what he calls "a national crisis." The solution he suggested has both immediate and long-term facets. For the immediate phase, Litzman suggested installing cameras in the nursing departments, adding standards, reinforcing the workforce by 2,400 foreign workers, and adding 95 supervisors, all of which requires immediate funding estimated at around a quarter of a billion shekels. However, the health minister realizes that cameras and supervisors are not enough to delve into the core of the system and mend its deep-seated failures, which is why he insisted the state should budget an overall reform. In Israel, there are currently 21,000 geriatric beds in 800 departments spread out over 300 nursing home facilities across the country. This population is currently treated by approximately 8,800 nursing stafftoo small a number for a developed western country. The Israeli nursing system falls under the jurisdiction of various bodiesfrom the community clinics, through the health and welfare ministries and all the way to social security. The proposed reform includes incentive packages to the community clinics for them to make house calls and visit elderly patients, and by doing so, perhaps prevent their deterioration. Health Minister Litzman (Photo: Alex Kolomoisky) The number of nursing care hours will be nearly doubledcurrently, home nursing care recipients get 18 hours at the most. According to the new reform, the number of hours will be doubled and reach 33 hours per week. Moreover, an elderly individual who is hospitalized in a nursing facility needs to produce title documents of his properties as well as his children's salary slips, but that requirement will be dropped. In order to fund the reform, Litzman suggested a 0.6 percent raise in health taxes, according to income. The Finance Ministry is against this and one of the proposed solutions is that in the first two years, the state would finance the reform and if it proves successful, the tax will be raised. Minister of Welfare Haim Katz said to Yedioth Ahronoth that he "would not hesitate to shut down nursing homes that break the law. What is happening right now is atrocious." Katz addressed the recently exposed reports on the abuse of elderly individuals saying that "there can't be a situation in which a caregiver loses his patience and acts inappropriately." Katz also said that most of the supervision will be done in the mentally frail wards. "The state should be the one supervising since it is the one paying for it, and it should take care of its helpless." Katz intends to pass a bill amendment in the next few days, which would allow discharged soldiers to work in the nursing field as a preferred job. On the backdrop of the events in the Haifa nursing home, the owner of the facility, Avi Ruderman, will step down from his position as CEO and the nursing home will start looking for an external replacement. Health Minister Litzman and the Ministry of Health's Director General, Moshe Bar Siman Tov, toured the Haifa nursing home on Monday, met with patients, family and staff members. The conclusions of the independent committee appointed to head the investigation into the events will be submitted to the Ministry of Health. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its shock over the actions of a group of protesters, whose demonstrations led to the cancellation of an event involving the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland, Ze'ev Boker, at Trinity College in Dublin, on Monday night. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "These protestors chanted genocidal refrains, which call for Israel's destruction, while barring access to the lecture theatre," said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Emmanuel Nahshon. BDS protest "They obviously have no interest in helping efforts to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but rather wish to ignite and enflame the situation. It is a pity to see such a small and extreme group denying academic thought, exploration and discussion from an Irish audience, but unfortunately, these are the bullying, intimidating tactics of the BDS movement," continued Nahshon. "We are sure that an esteemed university such as Trinity will take the appropriate measures to deal with the instigators of last night's protest. We expect the Irish authorities to take the necessary measures to ensure the freedom of speech of Israel's ambassador." In an interview to the Irish Times , Irish4Israel chairman Barry Williams described the protest as hysterical behavior from certain segments of students." Every time this happens we end up getting more supporters for Israel, he continued. People end up getting so frustrated, they actually start to investigate more. Had they let him speak, they could have asked him difficult questions. Despite recently visiting last November , Coldplay's Chris Martin is set to land in Israel again on Thursday, if all goes according to plan. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Martin visited Israel to scout possible locations for a concert. He stayed for several days, but eventually returned to Britain without a concert deal. Chris Martin (Photo: Getty Images) In the months that followed, rumors abounded that a deal for a concert had been inked, but the band officially denied the rumors about a dealbut not that negotiations were underway. The band is interested in performing two shows in the region, one in Israel and the other in the Palestinian Authority as part of a peace tour. However, in similar situations in the past, the Palestinian side has not agreed to "double" shows. For example, a request by Leonard Cohen to perform in Ramallah was denied following a performance in Israel. As such, it is currently unclear how the Palestinians will react or if Coldplay's idea is even feasible in terms of security. The possibility of Coldplay performing for Palestinians in Israel is also being examined. Marine Le Pen, presidential candidate for France's far-right National Front party, cancelled a meeting on Tuesday with Lebanon's Grand Mufti after refusing to wear a headscarf for the encounter. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "When I met with the Sheikh of al-Azhar (in Egypt in 2015), I didn't don a headscarf then and I will not do so now," Le Pen was quoted in the Lebanese press. "You can pass on my respects to the Grand Mufti, but I will not cover myself up," Le Pen told reporters. Marine Le Pen (Photo: AFP) According to the reports, Le Pen arrived at the Mufti's chambers in Beirut and left soon after without seeing him. The press office for the Grand Mufti said that Le Pen's aides had been informed beforehand of their requirement for her to wear head covering for the meeting. It was hinted that her response might have been a planned provocation. Le Pen has been visiting Lebanon as she seeks to bolster her presidential credentials. Le Pen refuses to wear headscarf (Photo: Reuters) On Monday, she met with the Lebanese President Michel Aoun (her first meeting with a leader of a foreign country), Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and heads of state ministries. During her visit, Le Pen stated that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is the only alternative to ISIS, a statement that would surely be met with a certain amount of backlash from political parties in Lebanon. She continued to say that there is no solution for the civil war in Syria other than choosing between the Syrian president and ISIS. Opinion polls say Le Pen is likely to get the highest score in the first round of voting in April, but then lose to a mainstream candidate in the decisive second round vote in May. The Kremlin said Monday that the Russian government does not know anything about a Ukraine peace plan crafted by an opposition Ukrainian lawmaker and two of President Donald Trump's associates. Russia President Vladimir Putin's spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, shrugged off the plan that the lawmaker in Ukraine reportedly tried to peddle to the Trump administration, dismissing it as "absurd." The draft plan, first reported by The New York Times, calls for all Russian forces to withdraw from eastern Ukraine. It also calls for a referendum to let Ukrainian voters decide whether the Crimea, which was seized by Russia, should be leased to Moscow for 50 or 100 years. Russia isn't going "to rent its own region," Peskov said. New Delhi, Feb 21 (IBNS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reportedly urged the USA to keep its mind open in welcoming skilled talents from India. After meeting a USA delegation, the PMO in a press statement said: "The prime minister referred to the role of skilled Indian talent in enriching the American economy and society," Modi met a bipartisan delegation of 26 members of the US Congress. "He urged developing a reflective, balanced and far-sighted perspective on movement of skilled professionals," the statement as quoted in media said. The Prime Minister shared his perspective on areas where both India and USA can work even more closely. The PM recognized the US Congress strong bipartisan support for the India-US partnership. The PM recalled his positive conversation with President Donald Trump and the shared commitment to further strengthen India-US ties. The PM said it augurs a good start to bilateral exchanges following the new U.S. Administration and Congress. US President Donald Trump denounced anti-Semitism in the United States on Tuesday in his most forceful remarks to date about a spate of threats to Jewish community centers around the country. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Several Jewish community centers were evacuated for a time on Monday after receiving bomb threats, the JCC Association of North America organization said. President Trump condemns anti-Semitism Vandals toppled the headstones of about 170 graves at the Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, according to news reports. "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," Trump told reporters. He was speaking at the end of a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, where he also spoke out against racism. The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect in New York, which has criticized the Trump administration repeatedly over anti-Semitism, said his comments were too little too late. "The president's sudden acknowledgement is a Band-Aid on the cancer of anti-Semitism that has infected his own administration," Steven Goldstein, the group's executive director, said in a statement. Sean Spicer, a White House spokesman, rejected the characterization. "I wish that they had praised the president for his leadership in this area," he told reporters when asked about Goldstein's comment. "Hopefully as time goes by they'll recognize his commitment to civil rights." Jewish groups criticized the White House for omitting any mention of Jews in its statement marking Holocaust Memorial Day last month. The White House said the omission was deliberate since the Nazis also killed people who were not Jews, if in smaller numbers. The stated goal of the Nazis was the extermination of Jews. Trump's comments marked a changed in tone from Trump, who had declined to condemn explicitly the threats against Jews when asked last week, and had reacted at times with anger to reporters' questions on the topic, taking the questions as though they were accusing him personally of having anti-Semitic views. : X On Monday, bomb threats were called in to 11 Jewish community centers, including those in the Houston, Chicago and Milwaukee areas, according to David Posner, a director at JCC Association of North America. They were found to be hoaxes. No arrests were made and no one was injured. The FBI has previously said it is investigating recent threats as "possible civil rights violations." Monday's incidents follow three waves of bomb threats so far this year. In all, 69 incidents at 54 Jewish community centers in 27 states and one Canadian province have been reported, according to the JCC Association of North America. On Monday, Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, wrote on Twitter, "We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers," and used the hashtag #JCC. She converted to Judaism ahead of her 2009 marriage to Jared Kushner. She joined her father at the African American museum tour. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called on Palestinians on Tuesday to pursue an uprising against Israel, suggesting the Israeli government was a "cancerous tumor" that should be confronted until Palestinians were completely liberated. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "... by Allahs permission, we will see that this intifada will begin a very important chapter in the history of fighting and that it will inflict another defeat on that usurping regime," Khamenei said, according to his website. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in pro-Palestinian convention against Israel (Photo: AFP) The Supreme Leaders bellicose comments, made during a two-day conference in Tehran focused on its support for the Palestinians, come at a time of increasingly heated rhetoric between Iran, Israel and the United States. While on a visit to Washington last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel and the United States had a "grand mission" to confront the threat of a nuclear Iran. US President Donald Trump has already been highly critical of a deal hammered out between Iran and world powers, including the United States, in 2015 intended to partially lift sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Iran says its program is for purely peaceful means. When Iran carried out a ballistic missile test in late January, Trumps then national security adviser Mike Flynn said the administration was putting Iran "on notice". Ordinary Iranians have been posting their concerns about a possible military confrontation between Iran and the United States on social media. Khamenei did not mention any Iranian military attack against Israel in his comments on Tuesday and was focused on gains that Palestinians could make in any confrontation with Israel, which he described as tumor developing into "the current disaster" "The Palestinian intifada continues to gallop forward in a thunderous manner so that it can achieve its other goals until the complete liberation of Palestine," he said, according to the transcript of the speech posted on his website. The leaders of Egypt and Jordan reaffirmed their continued support on Tuesday for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after US President Donald Trump suggested abandoning it. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah discussed the issue and coordination of their positions on the Middle East peace process at a meeting in Cairo, a statement from Sisi's office said. Trump suggested at a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week that he was open to new ways to achieve peace that did not necessarily entail the creation of a Palestinian state. King Abdullah and President al-Sisi (Photo: AFP) Most Arab countries call for a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders before Israel seized the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. Netanyahu has described the 1967 lines as indefensible and has said Israel would never return to them. "The two sides discussed future movements to break gridlock within the Middle East peace process, especially with US President Donald Trump's administration taking power," Sisi's office said in a statement after the Sisi-Abdullah meeting. Photo: AFP "They also discussed mutual coordination to reach a two-state solution and establish a Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as a capital, which is a national constant that cannot be given up." The meeting took place two days after media reports that the two men secretly met with Netanyahu last year in a failed attempt by the Obama administration to convene a wider regional summit on Israeli-Palestinian peace. A Netanyahu spokesman declined to comment on the report in Israel's Haaretz daily. Sisi's office issued a statement referring to it as having "incorrect information" but did not deny that a meeting took place. No immediate comment was available from Jordan. The courts decision to sentence Sgt. Elor Azaria to 18 months in prison on Tuesday was met by a significant public outcry to pardon him, most notably from several senior political figures. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Bayit Yehudi leader and Education Minister Naftali Bennett was among the first to come out in favor of pardoning Azaria, who was convicted in January of the manslaughter of a neutralized terrorist who had carried out a stabbing attack in Hebron just moments earlier in March 2016. The security of the Israeli people demands the immediate pardon of Azaria who was sent to protect us. The process (Azarias trial) was tainted from its base. Bennett tweeted, adding that Elor must not be imprisoned, or we will all pay the price. Elor Azaria and his father, Charlie (Photo: Tomer Appelbaum) Minister of Construction Yoav Galant also called on Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman and IDF Chief of General Staff Gadi Eisenkot to take measures to pardon Azaria. The whole Azaria affair has taken a toll on the army and the Israeli people. In light of the punishment he received during his remand and for the purpose of healing the cracks within the public, we must show a measure of sense and compassion. I call the Defense Minister and the IDF Chief of General Staff to pardon Azaria, even today, said Galant. Minister of Transport Yisrael Katz also joined the call to pardon Azaria, tweeting the court has said its piece, the legal proceedings are over. It is now time for pardon. Bring Elor back home. Commenting on the courts verdict on his Facebook page, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman indicated that no pardon would be forthcoming, and that the courts ruling would be upheld. Now, after the verdict, I hope that both sides will do what is needed in order to put this matter behind us. As I have said before, even those who do not like or even object the courts verdict must respect it, and as I have also said, the IDF should stand beside the soldier and his family. Were talking about an exceptional soldier on one side and a terrorist aiming to kill Jews on the other. This is something that everyone needs to take into account. Protest over the court's verdict (Credit: Matan Turkia) ( : ) X MK Zehava Gal-On (Meretz) criticized the members of the Knesset who called to pardon Azaria. The court sentenced Azaria to 18 months in prison. That is the lowest amount of time possible for this kind of crime, and it was given despite the judges saying that Azaria made himself judge and executioner. And still, not surprisingly, calls to pardon him are already being heard, Gal-On wrote on Facebook. Too many politicians used the Azaria story over the past few months for their own agenda, no matter what the cost was. Every effort was legitimized in trying to whiten this black flag. Its good that the court and the IDF Chief of General Staff refused to bend under the pressures, and I hope that the president will also refuse to succumb and wont pardon Azaria, for if we do not recognize a red line when its so bold, we will lose more than our ability to hold a professional army. We will lose our most basic values, Gal-On added. Opposition leader Isaac Herzog (Zionist Union) praised the courts decision, writing the court showed sensitivity and understanding to the soldiers plight and at the same time followed the strict implementation of the IDFs purity of arms. Elor Azaria is a victim of impossible political circumstances that the state of Israel has been avoiding for years. It is up to the government, the Defense Minister, IDF and official defense authorities to now inspect the ways to prevent the next difficult case. Former defense minister Moshe Yaalon issued a statement Tuesday afternoon in response to criticism levelled against him by the military court for publicly condemning Sgt. Elor Azaria prior to the conclusion of the investigation against him. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Azaria was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment earlier on Tuesday after being convicted in January of the manslaughter of a neutralized terrorist who had carried out a stabbing attack in Hebron just moments earlier in March 2016. Labelling the defendants actions as things that damage the IDFs values even before the conclusion of the investigation could have caused harm, said the head Judge of the panel in Azarias case, Col. Maya Heller. The defense minister and other began making comments while the investigation was just starting. When it comes to investigative matters, it is best to wait until the picture becomes clearer. Moshe Ya'alon (Photo: Zvika Tishler) However, Yaalon insisted that the picture was already clear to him. To the prime minister, the IDF Chief of Staff and to me, it was immediately clear at the end of the initial military investigation that we were talking about an exceptional situation, Yaalon said during a conference near the Dead Sea. That is why, in a joint decision, we came out together with a statement a few hours after the incident in order to prevent a flare up in the (hostile zones), in order to prevent this incident from being used as proof of the Palestinian blood libel theory that seeks to label us, time and again, as the State of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF who perform extrajudicial executions. Judge Maya Heller (Photo: Motti Kimchi) We did this out of responsibility for the security of the state, he added as he sought to justify what many observers denounced as premature statements, which influenced the verdict from the trials inception. Yaalon also said that his comments, along with those of Prime Minister Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, were made before the launching of a criminal investigation and that he was compelled to say something in defense of the courts, which he said were coming under attack from various MKs at the time. I was forced to say something later on when I saw MKs (Avigdor) Lieberman and (Oren) Hazan attack the military courts...and I warned that the rules of opening fire in the IDF will be decided by the chief of staff and not by militant gangs. This was also done out of responsibility as the defense minister, he continued. Netanyahu and Ya'alon (Photo: AFP) His statements were made to counter the attacks being waged by politicians against IDF commanders, and particularly Eisenkot, who was compared to notorious figures in Jewish history and who was called upon to resign, Yaalon asserted. Who will protect the IDF if not the defense minister? All the fiery individuals? Will Facebook and Twitter give me the lessons on fighting terror or on what an enemy is or how to win? Will it teach me the ethics of war? Who, among all these tempestuous people, has seen more soldiers and enemies and terrorist, or was forced to kill them more than me, asked Yaalon, who also served as chief of staff. On the day of the stabbing and the shooting, Prime Minister Netanyahu also came out publicly against Azaria. What happened in Hebron does not represent the values of the IDF. The IDF expects from its soldiers to act with level headedness and in accordance with the rules of engagement, he said. Netanyahu and Charlie Azaria (Photo: Motti Kimchi and Kobi Gideo/GPO) Shortly thereafter however, Netanyahu changed his tune and at the end of March, he held a telephone conversation with Charlie Azaria, Elors father, which made headlines. I understand your pain," he told Charlie. I have full faith in the IDF and its chief of staff, and that I think you, too, should have faith in the commanders and examination, just as the people of Israel need to stay united around its army. We only have one army, with many more challenges ahead of us, Netanyahu added. The prime minister became more outspoken in Azarias defense in January after he was convicted in January of manslaughter, declaring publicly that he supported him being pardoned. A top adviser to the UN envoy for Syria said Tuesday that their "main guidance" for the first Syrian peace talks in 10 months will be a Security Council resolution that calls for a political transition. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura is putting the "finishing touches on arrangements" for Thursday's start of talks in Geneva between the government and the opposition, the fourth round since early last year, his chief of staff, Michael Contet, told reporters. Contet noted that Security Council resolution 2254 asks the envoy to convene "formal negotiations on the political transition process." The new talks will revolve around three issues: "Credible, inclusive and nonsectarian governance," a new constitution and free and fair elections. The last UN-mediated talks were suspended in April amid renewed fighting. Government forces have since recaptured areas around the country and taken full control of the northern city of Aleppo President Bashar Assad's biggest victory since the conflict began in March 2011. According to several estimates, Syria's war has killed some 400,000 people, displaced millions and sent more than four million refugees to neighboring countries. ISIS claimed responsibility on Tuesday for the launching of two rockets which were fired into Israel from the Sinai Peninsula and landed in open space in the Eshkol Regional Council on Monday morning. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter No one was injured in the attack and no damage was caused. ISIS rocket launch toward Israel from Sinai ISIS operative preparing to launch rockets The incident occurred against a background of reports on Sunday in an ISIS news agency that an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) belonging to the Israel Air Force attacked a vehicle in Egypt's Sinai desert on Saturday, liquidating five of the Islamic terror groups members in the process. One of the people killed in the alleged attack was a Salafi activist in the Gaza Strip. Balancing the budget is not only a tradition in Nebraska, but its also a requirement because our state cannot borrow money to finance the states budget. Just like Nebraska households, state government does not spend money we do not have. This principle is so foundational to who we are as a state that Nebraskas Constitution places strict limits on the states ability to borrow in Article XIII. This fiscal responsibility has earned Nebraska the distinction of ranking second best in the nation for fiscal health according to the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Lagging tax revenues caused in part by lagging commodity prices have put the budget front and center during this legislative session. Since June 2016, I have been working with my agencies to prepare for budget cuts to address the gap between appropriations and revenues. Last month in my State of the State address, I unveiled budget plans that will allow us to balance the budget and address the revenue gap without raising taxes. Accomplishing this goal is my number one priority this session. We must put the taxpayer before special interests by balancing the budget without raising taxes. To this end, I am working with the Legislature to balance the current years budget as well as pass a new budget for the next two years. This week, I signed LB22, a bill to enact cuts to the current Fiscal Year 2017 budget. Thank you to Appropriations Committee Chairman John Stinner and his entire committee for their swift action. They worked quickly to move LB22 through hearings and three rounds of floor debate! To put this in perspective, we have not passed two budget packages during a single session in recent memory. LB22 cuts $137 million from the current years budget while protecting key investments in K-12 education, continuing Corrections reform, and supporting programming for our most vulnerable Nebraskans. While LB22 was a key step towards balancing our budget and addressing the revenue gap, there is still much more work to do. The Appropriations Committee is now considering my recommendations for the next two-year budget for Fiscal Years 2018 and 2019. They will release preliminary recommendations and hold hearings on the next two-year budget proposal before moving a budget package out of committee for consideration by the full Legislature. The recommendation I outlined in my State of the State address balances the budget for the next two years without raising taxes. Spending constraint is critical to balancing the budget. Prior to becoming Governor, the state budget was growing at about 6.5 percent. In my first budget, I worked with the Legislature to cut the rate of budget growth to 3.6 percent. My current budget proposal limits government growth to 1.7 percent. My two-year budget does not cut the Property Tax Credit Relief Fund, and fully funds $400 million in direct property tax relief for all property taxpayers as well as $40 million in direct property tax relief for ag land taxpayers. Additionally, I proposed increasing state aid to schools by 2.7 percent on average over the next two years, or nearly 60 percent faster than the rest of the state budget is growing. This budget also builds on critical reforms in the Department of Corrections by financing additional workforce initiatives, capital improvements, and security upgrades. These next steps will also include tough decisions. Every agency is contributing in some way towards balancing the budget by cutting back on spending. My own office is reducing our budget and has 13 percent fewer team members than a year ago. There are many tough decisions ahead, but I know that we can balance the budget without raising taxes by working together. I look forward to working with the Appropriations Committee and full Legislature as they consider my recommendations. As work on the budget process and legislative session progresses, I hope that you will stay in touch with your senator. Both senators and I want to hear from you about your priorities and concerns. Contact information for your senator is available at www.NebraskaLegislature.gov. My office can be reached by emailing pete.ricketts@nebraska.gov or by calling 402-471-2244. We look forward to hearing from you! I cant believe its been almost a year since dad passed away. Its been challenging for all of us especially during the holidays. Family was always very important to him and going through almost a year has been hard at times. The strange thing about it all is how mom has been dealing with the loss of her husband of 60+ years. Shes actually doing great. She told me during the funeral planning that in her mind, dad has been gone for 2 years so the end was the closing of a book for her. The one thing she has been avoiding is to start the process of moving forward, including finding homes for all of dads things. Step in Number 2 (that was my dads nickname for meI didnt actually step in # 2). I talked to her this week and I asked her when she was going to sell the big house and move into something more manageable. She said she wasnt ready to begin that process until she can make herself get dads clothing and belongings out of the house. I said, Ill be there on Sunday to pick up his clothes. I told her we have several organizations here in York who help people with their resumes, job interviewing skills and wardrobe enhancement. I told her dad would be so proud to have his clothing go to someone who could really use it and since he was a salesperson for 30 years, his clothing would be nice. She hesitated a bit and then realize that yes, dad would want us to do this. Sunday Bob and I drove up and began the chore of getting the closets cleaned out and get them ready to take to York. Dad had a lot of clothes---a lot of clothes! He had beautiful suits, slacks, shirts, ties and shoes. It took us a while to go through all the clothes and match up suits with slacks and get things arranged. Since Bob worked at Toms Clothing for years, he is apt with how clothes should be presented. He said we had to go through all the pants and jackets to make sure the pockets were empty. That was interesting. We found $30.00 in one suit jacket, $3.00 in some pants and a stash of $2.00 bills that mom has been looking for these past couple of years. She said she gave them to dad to put in a safe place and that happened to be in a jacket. We found lots of papers, business cards, receipts, credit cards (all had expired), bank statements, his social security card, medical records and about 10 pounds of used tissues. Mom was convinced that my younger brother in Colorado could wear some of dads clothes. I said, Yes he probably could fit into some of these clothes, but he would never wear any of them. Mom disagreed and said some of the slacks (not pants, but slacks) werent worn before and Larry (brother) would look great in them. I asked if she had ever met her son because he wouldnt let those clothes in the house. We went back and forth on this and she even dragged Bob into the conversation asking him if these clothes were nice enough for a 45 year old man to wear or not. Poor thinghe said the clothes were nicely kept but doubt if Larry would ever wear them. My sister is going out to visit my brother next month so mom said she would bundle up a bunch of clothes for Larry to wear. I have a feeling my sister will find a Good Will store along the way before she gets to Colorado. While it was fun going through all of this with mom, it also hit me as very sad. I know deep down dad would appreciate what we were doing, but as I helped take the last load out to the car, I noticed mom stood and looked at the empty racks in her closet and I think all the sadness she hasnt had up to this point was finally sinking in. For a minute I felt her pain and then she said something that brought it all togetherDamn...look at all the room I have in here now, I think Ill go shopping. So much for sadness. We are all trying to talk her into going to Rochester, New York, in May to attend my cousins daughters wedding. My mom has one nephew left and he felt terrible he couldnt get to Omaha for dads funeral. He and his family were in Nebraska about 4 years ago for my nieces Bat Mitzvah. We had a great time with him and now she has a chance to go and spend some time with one of her only living relative. I know she is hesitant about traveling alone, but it should be an easy flight and I know my cousin would love to have Aunt Joan for a week or so. Mom showed us some great photos my cousin sent to her. They included both my Uncles (her brother) Junior High graduation picture as well as her class picture. I picked my Uncle out in a minute because he looks like my brother, but mom was hard to locate. When she pointed herself out I could see my other cousin in her face. He also sent some pictures of she and a date (hadnt met dad yet) double dating with her brother and his wife at the Waldorf Astoria and some other swanky night clubs. They all looked so glamorous except the one picture that had a hole where her face wasshe didnt like the picture of herself. Overall it was a very nice afternoon. Just enough time to laugh and get caught up on things. She was very well behaved when we went out to lunch. Maybe this process of turning the next page was good for her. As we were leaving she yelled out to us If you find any more money in the pockets---let me know. Some things never change. Guwahati, Feb 21 (IBNS): Assam Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday said that a retired High Court judge will conduct a probe into the alleged leak of question papers during the ongoing High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination conducted by the Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA). The state Education minister said that a retired High Court judge will conduct the probe into the alleged papers leak of two subjects once the examinations are over. The question papers of Social Science and Modern Indian Language (Assamese) subjects, examinations for which are due on February 24 and March 7 respectively, were allegedly distributed among the students in place of Mathematics in two examination centres on February 20. Following the incident, SEBA has rescheduled the Social Science examination on March 11 next and announced that new question papers would be set for both subjects. Meanwhile, the Assam Education Minister claimed that the question papers of the subjects were not distributed to any student or leaked, but SEBA has decided to hold examinations of these two subjects with new set of papers. Himanta Biswa Sarma has also requested Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to relieve him from the Education portfolio following the alleged papers leak incident. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Dobra, k. Szczecina 900 m2 40 miejsc parkingowych Atut: Dodatkowe dochody z paczkomatow InPostu, a juz niedugo i z myjni samoobsugowej. Tradycyjny zakup nieruchomosci, mozliwosc wykupienia uzytkowania wieczystego. Guwahati, Feb 21 (IBNS): Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam on Tuesday escaped unhurt while suspected tribal militants attacked his cavalcade in Noney district. According to the reports, the ambush was reported at Thingkhongjang village in the newly created district of the poll bound north eastern Indian state at around 8-30 am, where the Deputy CM Gaikhangam was going to address an election rally. The Deputy CM was on his way to his residence in Gaidimjang in Khoupum to hoist the party's flag in connection with the 11th assembly poll in Manipur. However there was no report of casualty from the site of the incident. Gaikhangam was safely escorted till Gaidimjang in a bullet proof vehicle. Manipur police said that, following the militant attack the cavalcade of Gaikhangam, also the state Home minister stranded for a hour. Police said that, suspected NSCN (IM) militants are behind the attack. Following the incident, the area has been cordoned off by the security forces. On the other hand, an IRB rifleman was injured when unidentified gunmen fired at security personnel who were on duty at Nungkaolong area in Khoupum part 3. The incident occurred in the afternoon around 12-30 pm. The injured security personnel was identified as Yumnam Jenish from Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and rushed to hospital. The trouble torn state witnessed several militant attacks on security personnel in past three months during the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) since November 1. Manipur is going to hold the assembly poll on March 4 and 8 in two phases. (Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath) Srinagar, Feb 21 (IBNS): Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday announced a number of restrictions to curb the wastage at social, government and private gatherings, especially weddings to prevent wastage of food. There shall be complete ban on sending dry fruits, sweet packets extra with invitation card by any person to relatives, friends, guests, invitees etc, read an order, issued on Tuesday. There shall be complete ban on use of amplifiers, loudspeakers and firecrackers. The number of guests to be invited on marriage of daughter (barat), marriage of son and small functions like engagement of son or daughter and other small functions should be restricted to a maximum of 500, 400 and 100 respectively, the order read. The number of non-veg, veg dishes to be cooked in such functions should be restricted to a max of seven each and two stalls of sweets and fruits, it said. The order shall come into effect from April 1, 2017. (Reporting by Saleem Iqbal Qadri) New York, Feb 21 (Just Earth News): The United Nations Security Council and the General Assembly on Monday mourned the passing of the Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, who died suddenly this morning in New York. Ambassador Churkin spent more than 40 years at the Russian Diplomatic Service, headed the Russian Mission to the UN for more than a decade and would have turned 65 tomorrow, 21 February. In a statement on Monday, members of the Security Council also expressed their deep condolences to the family of the Ambassador, the Government and the Russian people. Also on Monday, the General Assembly held a moment of silence honouring the Ambassador's memory. During a meeting of the Assembly on the reform of the world body, Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative, Petr Iliichev, informed those present about Churkin's sudden passing. UN Photo/Amanda Voisard Source: www.justearthnews.com New York, Feb 21 (Just Earth News): The United Nations human rights chief on Monday called on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to take immediate steps to halt widespread human rights violations, including apparent summary executions, by the country's armed forces. It is time to stop a blunt military response that does nothing to tackle the root causes of the conflict between the Government and local militias but instead targets civilians on the basis of their presumed links to the militias, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in a news release from his office (OHCHR). Zeid said that there are multiple, credible allegations of massive human rights violations in the provinces of Kasai, Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental and Lomami amid a sharp deterioration in security situation there. A local militia linked to a customary chief, Kamuina Nsapu, who was killed by the African country's armed forces in August 2016 has been increasingly active in Kasai Central Province, mostly attacking government buildings and churches, and national security forces. The militia also reportedly recruits and uses children. According to OCHR, horrific video footage emerged over the weekend apparently showing soldiers of the Government security forces, known as FARDC, shooting repeatedly and without warning at men and women, who purportedly belonged to the militia in Muenza Nsapu village. The UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC is not in a position to verify the origin and authenticity of the video. However, the DRC Government spokesperson has stated that FARDC officers are under judicial investigation. The UN Joint Human Rights Office in the country has documented the killings of more than 280 individuals since July 2016 in the context of this violence. Amid a worrying escalation of violence in provinces considered relatively calm, I call again on the Government to redouble its efforts to tackle impunity that feeds further violence and human rights violations, said Zeid. UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferre Source: www.justearthnews.com New York, Feb 22 (Just Earth News): Noting that recent crises in Europe show that the continent remains at risk from new outbreaks of conflict, United Nations Secretary-General called for reinforcing mutual trust and respect to strengthen stability and cooperation both within Europe and beyond. The Security Council meeting at which the UN chief delivered this message started with a moment of silence in memory of the Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, who passed away yesterday. I think [the Ambassador's] passing represents a deep loss for all of us in the UN, including in this Council, where his distinctive voice was ever-present for the past decade, and where, I think, we will all miss that voice in the sessions to come, said Guterres in his tribute. Turning to the subject at hand, the Secretary-General, who briefed the Council alongside Lamberto Zannier, the Secretary-General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and Helga Schmid, Secretary-General, European External Action Service of the European Union (EU), said crises in Europe could also adversely impact economic progress and sustainable development. Conflict in Europe is not only a tragedy for those directly involved: those killed, injured, displaced, who have lost loved ones, who may be unable to access healthcare and are missing vital years of their education, Guterres said, adding: It is also reversing development gains and preventing communities and societies from achieving their full potential and contributing to regional and global prosperity. Noting that no single factor is responsible for the emergence and continuation of conflicts, he said that in many cases, peace agreements were simply not being implemented. Other factors included challenges to democratic governance and the rule of law, and the manipulation of ethnic, economic, religious and communal tensions for personal or political gain. Whatever the causes may be, the inability of regional and international institutions, including our own, to prevent and resolve conflicts is seriously undermining their credibility and making it more difficult for them to succeed in future, added the UN chief. Speaking specifically on the conflict in Ukraine, Guterres said the UN remains committed to supporting a peaceful resolution, in a manner that fully upholds the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, and in accordance with relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. He also noted that the UN fully supported the efforts within the Normandy Four, the Trilateral Contact Group, and the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission, and that it has repeatedly called for the full implementation by all sides of all of their commitments under the Minsk Process, both in letter and in spirit. I urge all stakeholders to avoid unilateral steps or attempts to create facts on the ground, which further complicate and endanger efforts to find negotiated settlements. This is especially relevant in view of the latest actions taken in relation to the conflicts in eastern Ukraine and the South Caucasus, he highlighted, urging all sides to give the highest priority to protecting civilians. In his remarks, Guterres also spoke of challenges to peace in other parts of Europe, such as in the Balkans, Cyprus, Georgia, Moldova and South Caucasus, as well as on the long-standing name issue between Greece and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. He also noted new challenges and threats such as the phenomenon of populism, nationalism, xenophobia and violent extremism were both causes and effects of conflict. I encourage Member States, this Council, regional mechanisms and all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to define a peace and security agenda to address on Tuesday's complex challenges, urged Secretary-General Guterres. The status quo is not sustainable. UN Photo/Rick Bajornas Source: www.justearthnews.com New York, Feb 22 (Just Earth News): The top United Nations humanitarian official on Tuesday released $18.5 million from the organization's Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to enable critical aid for more than 785,000 people suffering from hunger, malnutrition and severe water shortages in Ethiopia's Somali region a the worst drought-stricken part of the country. I was recently in Ethiopia's Somali region, where I saw the devastating impact this drought is having on people's lives, livestock and livelihoods, said UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O'Brien. Time lost means lives lost so I am releasing CERF funding to provide urgent aid to people in need now when they need it most. According to CERF, the latest allocation will immediately provide affected people with access to water and health, nutritional and agricultural services. The funds will also help pastoral communities, who are most in need, and thousands of whom have been forced to move in search of water and pasture. This latest drought struck Ethiopia before it could recover from the effects of a devastating El Nino-induced drought in 2015 and 2016 which left millions in urgent need of aid. However, the grant covers only a small portion of what is required in 2017 to address rising challenges. Furthermore, according to current estimates more than 5.6 million people in the country are in desperate need of basic necessities. Humanitarians will use these funds to save lives, but it is a bridge that must be matched and surpassed urgently. Millions of people's lives, livelihoods and wellbeing depend on continued donor support, noted O'Brien. The drought is also one of the worst to hit the Horn of Africa in decades. According to the UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the region received only a quarter of the expected rainfall between October and December last year, leaving over 17 million people in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda in crisis and emergency food insecurity levels. CERF also highlighted that as the scale and intensity of emergencies around the world continue to increase, the Fund needs to be strengthened so that aid can reach people, whenever and wherever crises hit. To this end, In December last year, UN General Assembly endorsed a recommendation by then Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's to double CERF's annual target to $1 billion by 2018. Photo: OCHA/Charlotte Cans Source: www.justearthnews.com Chonmipem Horam `Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and that which cannot remain silent`- Victor Hugo Can you imagine a life void of music? Absolutely NOT! Whether you admit it or not, music permeates our daily life, weaving its beauty and emotion through our thoughts, activities and memories. Music is harmony and music is beauty. Music has the quality of expressing the inexpressible. One cannot approach music with ones own peculiar likes, dislikes or tastes, which are all a part of ones own conditioning. Music is something both extraordinarily complex and incredibly simple at the same time.Roots of World Music day World Music Day also known as Fete de la Musique, was a music festival that began in France in 1982.The idea was conceived by French Minister of Culture, Jack Lang in 1981. Since then June 21st has been celebrated every year as World Music Day. Today, it has spread to Argentina, Australia, Britain, Luxemburg, Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, China, India, Lebanon, Pakistan and many other countries. On this day, the musicians perform for free in open areas. Free concerts are organized in parks, museums, train stations, castles etc. This is done to promote music, making all genres of music accessible to the public. It gives an opportunity to communicate and share special bond through music. The term World Music includes traditional as well as non-western music. It is folk music of any culture, created and played by indigenous people. It is a classical form of music accompanied by traditional ethnic instruments, some prominent forms are Japanese Koto music, India raga music, Tibetan chants and South African `township music`. Genres India, being a land of unity in diversity with various cultures, traditions, art forms, every region has its own unique musical form. While there are various genres, Indian classical music has been divided into North Indian tradition known as Hindustani music and Carnatic music belonging to South India. But apart from these, there are varied forms such as Bhangra, Bhajans or devotional, Ghazals and Qawwalis, Indi-pop, Folk, Tribal, Film songs, Remixes, Fusion. While, Bhangra is a dance oriented folk music, Bhavageete (literally `devotional song`) is a form of expressionist poetry and light music. Qawwali is a Sufi form of devotional music based on Hindustani classical. And in the West, we have Metal, Punk, Rock, Hip-Hop, Hard Rock, alternative, Experimental, Country, Disco, Funk, Classical, Progressive, Trance, Techno, Ska, Reggae music. Trance Music was developed in early quarters of 20th century and is generally played in club houses and dance floors. Indigenous Country Music born of the US is in form of folk, Celtic, church, gospels and tribal music, while, Pop Music is both classical and folk. Reggae is a music genre developed in late 1960`s. Its lyrics deal with faith, love, sexuality, relationships, injustice etc. Hip-hop is both a cultural movement and genre of music developed in New York City in 1970`s by African Americans and Latin Americans.The good, the bad and the ugly Music is an important form of communication. Its a reflection of society in a particular time and place. Music needs no boundaries, it bonds us irrespective of who we are, and where are we from. Not only its a source of entertainment but it also acts as a medium to convey messages, of how things are, and what lies ahead in the future. Michael Jackson`s song `Heal the world sounds beautiful as well as inspiring as it echoes noble thoughts. There`s A Place In Your Heart, And I Know That It Is Love, And This Place Could Be Much Brighter Than Tomorrow, And If You Really Try You`ll Find There`s No Need To Cry,In This Place You`ll Feel There`s No Hurt Or Sorrow There Are Ways To Get There If You Care Enough For The Living Make A Little Space, Make A Better Place... Heal The World, Make It A Better Place, For You And For Me And The Entire Human Race There Are People Dying, If You Care Enough For The Living, Make A Better Place For You And For Me If You Want To Know Why There`s A Love That Cannot Lie Love Is Strong, It Only Cares For Joyful Giving If We Try, We Shall See In This Bliss We Cannot Feel, Fear Or Dread We Stop Existing And Start Living Then It Feels That Always Love`s Enough For Us Growing So Make A Better World Make A Better World... And The Dream We Were Conceived In, Will Reveal A Joyful Face And The World We Once Believed In Will Shine Again In Grace Then Why Do We Keep Strangling Life Wound This Earth, Crucify Its Soul Though It`s Plain To See, This World Is Heavenly Be God`s Glow We Could Fly So High Let Our Spirits Never Die In My Heart, I Feel You Are All My Brothers Create A World With No Fear Together We`ll Cry Happy Tears See The Nations Turn their Swords Into Plowshares We Could Really Get There If You Cared Enough for The Living Make A Little Space, To Make A Better Place... You And For Me Music also grants us the freedom of expression. Like in late 1980`s and 90`s, young black Americans coming out of the Civil Rights Movement used this to show the limitation of the movement. It used Hip-hop to voice their issues. It lets them the world to be noticed. But inspite of all these social impacts, there have been negative aspects as well. Some of the most popular songs in Hip-hop genre have negatively influenced violence, drugs, alcohol, sex and disrespect for authorities, which is detrimental to the lives and education of the youngsters.Festivals There are many World Music festivals and jazz/folk/roots/new age crossover events. The Ariano Folkfestival is the biggest World Music festival in southern Italy, is held in mid August. The California World Music Festival is held each July at Nevada County Fairgrounds. The World Sacred Music Festival is held annually in Olympia, Washington State. FloydFest in Floyd, Virginia, USA. The Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance in Trumansburg, New York, USA. Rainforest World Music Festival is another world music festival held in Malaysia. Stern Grove festival is a San Francisco celebration of musical and cultural diversity. The Starwood Festival in New York has been held in July every year since 1981. New York, Feb 22 (Just Earth News): Almost 1.4 million children are at imminent risk of death due to severe acute malnutrition this year, as famine threatens in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen, warned the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), urging prompt action to save them. We can still save many lives. The severe malnutrition and looming famine are largely man-made, said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake in a news release issued by the UN agency on Tuesday. Our common humanity demands faster action, he underscored. According to UNICEF, as many as 462,000 children in Yemen where a conflict has been raging for the past two years are currently suffering from severe acute malnutrition. This figure has risen nearly 200 per cent since 2014. Similarly, in conflict affected parts of northeast Nigeria, including Adamawa, Borno and Yobi, the number of children with severe acute malnutrition is expected to reach 450,000. According to a famine early warning system, the famine likely occurred in some previously inaccessible areas of Borno, and it is likely ongoing, and will continue, in other areas which remain beyond humanitarian reach. Furthermore, in Somalia, droughts threaten an already fragile population battered by decades of conflict: almost half the population (6.2 million people) faces acute food insecurity and is in need of urgent relief, 185,000 among them children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. There are fears that the number could rise to 270,000 in the next few months. In South Sudan, a famine was recently declared in parts of the country, adding to a humanitarian situation already complicated due to poverty and insecurity. Over 270,000 children are severely malnourished in the country and the total number of food insecure people across the country is expected to rise once the lean season sets in. In its response, UNICEF, working with partners, has been providing therapeutic treatment to 220,000 severely malnourished children in Nigeria, over 200,000 in both South Sudan and Somalia, and 320,000 children in Yemen. However, more action is urgently needed. Time is running out, said Lake. We must not repeat the tragedy of the 2011 famine in the Horn of Africa. Photo: UNICEF/Esiebo Source: www.justearthnews.com New York, Feb 22 (Just Earth News): The United Nations refugee agency is focusing efforts on camp construction in and around the Iraqi city of Mosul, where renewed fighting could displace up to 250,000 people. With the predicted exodus of up to a quarter of a million people, it will be impossible to accommodate such large numbers on existing land, said Matthew Saltmarsh, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), at the regular press briefing in Geneva. Almost 227,000 people have fled from the eastern sections of Mosul since the military offensive to oust Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorists began on 17 October 2016. About 160,000 remain displaced while others have returned to their homes in the now Government-controlled areas. The spokesperson said UNHCR has eight camps open or completed at present, and one under construction. We are planning for the start of work at another site in Hamam Al Alil, south of Mosul, he said. The Iraqi Government has decided, initially, to transport people displaced from western Mosul to camps in the east while new capacity is being added in the south. UNHCR has been asked to support a new site at Hamam Al-Alil, 20 km south of Mosul. It is expected that many of those fleeing western Mosul will reach there on foot. This site will provide shelter for up to 60,000 people. According to reports and testimonies, conditions in the densely-populated west of the city are worsening, and hence concerns are mounting for the well-being of civilians. There are shortages of food, water, fuel and medicine. Half of all food shops have closed and most people can only access untreated water. Food prices are skyrocketing and there are reports of families burning furniture, clothing and plastic to stay warm. Saltmarsh said that during the battle for eastern Mosul, the protection of civilians was prioritized in military planning and activities, and UNHCR hopes this principle will continue to be upheld. However, he added, the new battle will be different as the city's west is densely populated, with many narrow streets, and fighting will be street by street. Armed groups have built a network of tunnels. Insecurity and recent suicide attacks in eastern Mosul have resulted in some families who had opted to return to their homes coming back to the camps in search of safety, he said. Photo: UNHCR/Ivor Prickett Source: www.justearthnews.com This week Alltech, the animal nutrition and health company, launched the first cohort of its new accelerator program. The Pearse Lyons Accelerator is named after Alltechs founder and president, who has taken the business from a startup in 1980 to a multinational business, which turned over $2 billion last year. The program received applications from nearly 200 businesses across 38 countries globally but took on just 10. They are: Agrilyst (USA) is a farm management and data analytics software tool for indoor farmings. AgriWebb (Australia) is a mobile herd & farm management application for cattle, sheep, and wool producers. Alesca Life (China) developed a concept called farming-as-a-service that allows scalable, localized food production for commercial and retail customers. eFishery (Indonesia) is an automated fish feeder that can sense the fishs appetite and adjust the amount of feed given. GreenGage (UK) provides LED lamps to serve the farming industry. Hargol FoodTech (Israel) has developed methods and technology to grow large quantities of grasshoppers quickly in captivity. MagGrow (Ireland) has created magnetic spraying system to help row crop farmers apply inputs and reduce drift by over 80%. MooCall (Ireland) is an animal wearable that accurately predicts when a cow is going to give birth and communicates this back to the farmer through text message SkySquirrel (Canada) operates a drone-based crop analytics company that monitors crop health, with a primary focus on improving crop yields and reducing costs at commercial vineyards Tevatronic (Israel) has developed an automated irrigation and fertilization technology. The system is capable of deciding when and how much to irrigate, and it executes the irrigation decision autonomous. Funding is Not the Answer Originally planning to put an internal 10 million fund to work to invest equity in the cohort, Alltech and its accelerator partner Dogpatch Labs discovered that many startups were not actually looking for equity investment. Many of the companies that came to us already had plenty of funding themselves on average $3 million each so they werent attracted by the funding opportunity; they were more concerned about getting their product into the market and getting some sales, said Aidan Connolly, chief innovation officer at Alltech. So they were looking for access to markets and customers as well as gaining market knowledge. Since Altech is present in 129 countries globally, it has a great understanding of where and how to promote technologies. The 15-week program will focus around mentorship, including access to Lyons himself, collaborative learning, and finding new business or partnership opportunities, according to Patrick Walsh, managing director of Dogpatch Labs, which is also providing coworking space for the cohort. Partly virtual, the program started this week with structured workshops in Dublin, followed by weekly calls when the startups return to their respective markets, and two further in-person sessions halfway through the program and again at the end. Alltech is giving each startup a 15k grant to pay for flights and hotel rooms during their time in Dublin. The program culminates in May at ONE: The Alltech Ideas Conference in Lexington, Kentucky in the USA, where the startups will have the opportunity to present in front of 3k people. This high-profile event will give the startups the opportunity to demo their ideas in front of potential customers and distributors, said Connolly. So Whats In It for Alltech? Thought leadership, argues Connolly. ONE has been the preeminent event of its type for the last 30 years and is the place to go for new ideas, he said. While wed love to have a monopoly on all new ideas, we felt launching this accelerator program and then bringing the accelerator startups to the event was a great way to maintain the idea of Alltech as a thought leader in the space. The accelerator will also help Alltech keep up with the latest innovation internally. While not all of the technology is relevant to Alltechs core business in animal health, Connolly argues that there are increasing overlaps between new technologies and what the company does. Alltech also hopes the startups will be able to add value to their customers. We arent necessarily seeing these startups as a way for us to make money, but they could be something our customers and collaborators can tap into to make them more profitable, said Connolly. The company has invested in tech startups in the past and wouldnt preclude the possibility of investing in one of the startups later down the line if tech was a good bolt-on to its existing nutritional and health products for animals. But Connolly emphasized this was not a core focus of the program. How Did Alltech Choose the Final 10? Of the 184 companies that applied, about 170 were viable, so it was very difficult to get that number down to 10, said Connolly. We tried to reflect the areas we thought were most of interest, he said, adding that a LinkedIn blog post he recently published entitled 8 Disruptive Digital Technologies with the Power to Transform Agriculture, was downloaded 8k times in 60 days. That shows you how hot this area is, he added. The company picked companies from across the agtech spectrum and avoiding choosing two in the same area to avoid any competitive issues. The accelerator is also geographically diverse with companies coming from seven different countries. For more about if and when venture capital funding is suitable for your agritech startup, read AgDNA CEO Paul Turners guest commentary on the subject here. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Speaker of the Parliament of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) Ashot Ghoulyan on February 20 held a meeting with the parliamentary delegation of Armenia led by Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov, press service of the NKR Parliament told Armenpress. The NKR Parliament Speaker welcomed the guests and expressed gratitude for the constant readiness to assist Karabakh, stating that it is a proud and great enthusiasm for the NKR people to feel again the Armenian unity in this political and historical important day. In his turn Eduard Sharmazanov congratulated on the occasion of Karabakh Revival Day, stating that being in Karabakh on the day of the Constitutional referendum is not only just an observation mission, but also a pleasure and necessary obligation. This referendum strengthens the right of the Armenians of Karabakh to decide their own fate with their own hands. This was another chance to show that Karabakh is steadily moving towards democracy, Sharmazanov said. Armenias MPs Gagik Melikyan, Shushan Petrosyan, Lyova Khachatryan, Alexander Arzumanyan, Vahram Mkrtchyan and Karen Shahmuradyan summarized their observations carried out in various polling stations and expressed satisfaction over the entire referendum process. During the meeting the parliamentarians discussed the provisions of the new Constitution, in particular, issues related to the further legislative regulations deriving from it. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Emergency Situations told Armenpress that on February 21, as of 09:00 some highways are difficult to pass in Armenia. Sotk-Karvachar highway is difficult to pass. The roads of Syunik province and Tigranashen turns are partly covered with clear ice. Fog descends on Ararat province. The Emergency Situations Department of Georgias Ministry of Interior Affairs informs that the Stepantsminda-Lars highway is open for all types of vehicles in case of using tire chains. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Ambassador of Armenia to Colombia H.E. Ashot Galoyan (residence in Brazil) presented his credentials on February 16 to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon in Bogota, the foreign ministry of Armenia told ARMENPRESS. During a conversation with the President of Colombia, Ambassador Galoyan stressed the necessity of strengthening and developing the Armenian-Colombian bilateral relations. The Armenian Ambassador appreciated the Colombian Presidents big political contribution in settling the domestic crisis, for which the President was awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize. Speaking on establishing peace in the world, Ambassador Galoyan especially mentioned the role of the 16th World Summit of Nobel Peace Laureates in Bogota which was held recently. The Colombian President highlighted the Ambassadors appointment and expressed willingness to assist in developing bilateral relations in all crucial spheres. During a conversation with Maria Angela Holguin, foreign minister of Colombia, among other issues, the sides agreed to carry out works over the issue of visa liberalization between the two countries. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. President of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) Bako Sahakyan on February 21 received Armenias parliamentary delegation led by Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov who arrived in Karabakh to carry out an observation mission during the Constitutional referendum, press service of the NKR Presidents Office told Armenpress. The NKR President expressed gratitude to the observers from Armenia, stating that Armenias political, scientific-research, public, information spheres representatives carry out an observation mission in all elections of the NKR, and highly appreciated their impartial and professional stance. During the meeting a number of issues related to the mutual cooperation of the two Armenian states, the NKR state-building, domestic and foreign policy, regional developments were discussed. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Group of Friends of Artsakh in the European Parliament issued a joint statement over the results of the Constitutional referendum in the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR), reports Armenpress. The text of the statement was signed by MEPs Frank Engel, Jaromir Stetina and Eleni Theocharous. The statement says the turnout of over 76% is resounding proof of the intention of Artsakh voters to take an active part in the shaping of their democracy. The MEPs stated that the vote took place after a campaign during which both camps expressed their ideas and convictions freely. The people of Artsakh said yes to their new constitution which heralds significant changes in the institutional functioning of the country. It also clearly spells that the Republic of Artsakh upholds and protects the rule of law and the rights and freedoms of the people, they said, stating that the Constitutional changes are important also for the South Caucasus. A people, a population, a nation who believe in their state and refine their republican institutions should not be ignored by the international community. This people, these voting citizens, exist. Their existence is not affected by the absence of international recognition of their country. The people of Artsakh, a nation under constant threat of military attack by an aggressive neighbor, continue to oppose democratic vitality and maturity to the international denial of their state, the statement reads. As of 03:00, 69.540 citizens (87.6%) of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic (NKR) voted in favor of the Constitutional referendum. 7686 citizens voted against, the NKR Central Electoral Commission said. 2202 ballots (2.8%) were declared invalid. 79.428 (76.44% of the total number of voters) out of 103.766 citizens took part in the voting. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Armenias finance minister Vardan Aramyan held a meeting on February 21 with Richard Doornbosch, deputy executive director of the International Monetary Fund for Armenia, who is currently on a regional visit. The minister presented the target issues in cooperation with the IMF, namely the current macroeconomic situation, main indicators, the level of deficit and scheduled activities for maintaining it on the planned level, the finance ministry told ARMENPRESS. The sides also discussed other issues of the Armenia-IMF cooperation. Kabul, Feb 21 (IBNS): At least 12 ISIS militants were killed in an airstrike conducted by the US in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, local Khaama Press reported. The operation was carried out in Achin district of the province on Monday. A vehicle belonging to the terrorist organisation was also destroyed in the raid. All militants killed were foreign nations, the agency quoted local officials as saying. The officials also added that no civilians were harmed during the raid. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. 8199 citizens who had cash deposits in the former USSR Savings Banks SSR Republican Bank received monetary compensations under the compensation program of cash deposits in Armenia, Anush Danielyan, spokesperson of the minister of labor and social affairs told ARMENPRESS. The compensation program for deposits functions since 2006. Overall 102 thousand people were registered for receiving deposits. Until now, over 92 thousand received the deposits. Around 8000 people get the deposits each year, Danielyan said. According to Anush Danielyan, the government provides resources monthly for deposits. As to how many people will receive during one month is impossible to say. It depends on how many depositors the given monthly amount will be enough. The government is compensating the cash deposits for people who had made deposits in the former USSR Savings Bank until June 10 of 1993. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS.The President of the National Assembly of Armenia Galust Sahakyan received on February 21 Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Armenia Tareq Maaty. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the National Assembly of Armenia, welcoming the Ambassador, Galust Sahakyan noted that Armenia and Egypt have historical commonalities and friendly traditions formed long ago between the two peoples. According to the speaker of the Armenian parliament, Armenia will always continue the effective cooperation with Egypt both in the international arena and in the development of bilateral relations. The President of the National Assembly of Armenia highlighted the development of the inter-parliamentary cooperation, which promotes the advancement and deepening of the relations of the two states. Galust Sahakyan expressed his gratitude to the House of Representatives of Egypt for the works being done in recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide, underlining the importance of the draft statement recognizing and condemning the Armenian Genocide presented by the member of the House of Representatives of Egypt in July 2016, and 337 deputies of the House of Representatives joined it with their signatures. The parliament speaker expressed conviction that after the upcoming parliamentary elections the Armenian-Egyptian inter-parliamentary cooperation will turn into a new phase, which will give an opportunity to hold discussions over the issues of common interest, promoting the enlivening of the contacts between the societies. He expressed hope that the Ambassadors activities will boost the Armenian-Egyptian relations especially promote the development of the inter-parliamentary cooperation. The National Assembly President highly assessed the balanced position of Egypt towards the most important problems for Armenia. Galust Sahakyan touched upon the Constitutional amendments, the agreement reached between the authorities and opposition of Armenia, which will contribute to holding fair, democratic and transparent and parliamentary elections. Thanking for the reception, Tareq Maaty has noted that they observe the democratic process going on in Armenia with joy in Egypt. Referring to the recent changes occurred in Egypt, Mr Maaty has stated that today the authorities of the House of Representatives of Egypt are bigger than ever, and it is one of the most important conditions of the development of the country. In the Ambassadors word, the Armenian-Egyptian centuries-old relations have become closer due to Egypts Armenian community, which played a great role in the cultural and public life of the country. Tareq Maaty expressed hope that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Armenia will be held in accordance with the principles of democracy, and an Armenian-Egyptian Group will also be created in the newly forming parliament. Talking about the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, the Ambassador highlighted the focusing of Egypts public attention to this issue, as they realize its importance for the Armenian people. At the end of the meeting Galust Sahakyan expressed conviction that Egypt will recover very quickly its stability and will re-establish its leading position in the region and in the Arab world. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Minister of Armenia Edward Nalbandian and Foreign Minister of Mongolia Tsend Munkh-Orgil on February 21 exchanged messages on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, press service of the Armenian MFA told Armenpress. The Armenian FM said in his message that the mutual partnership between the two countries serves as a firm base to further expand and strengthen the friendly relations through joint efforts. Foreign Minister of Mongolia in his message expressed confidence that the traditional friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries will further develop and deepen in sectors of mutual interest for the benefit of the two peoples. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian community of Lithuania foiled another propaganda event of Azerbaijan. The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Lithuania has sent invitations to the diplomatic corps and Lithuanian politicians for a concert dedicated to the so-called 25th Anniversary of Khojaly genocide, scheduled for 20th of February in Vilnius City Hall, however, as result of efforts of the Armenian community the event was failed, since it was possible to reveal another forgery of the propaganda machine of Azerbaijan. The Azerbaijani Embassy sent the invitations from the name of the Azerbaijan-Lithuania friendship group of Lithuanias Parliament, however in reality it turned out the members of the group were unaware about this. The Baltic Armenian Alliance issued an announcement in this regard, which namely said: We have learnt with concern that the Embassy of Azerbaijan has sent invitations to diplomatic corps and Lithuanian politicians for a concert dedicated to the so called 25th Anniversary of Khojaly genocide, scheduled for 20th of February in Vilnius City Hall (Ratusa). The invitations to this event have been sent in the name the Azerbaijan-Lithuania Friendship Group in Seimas [Parliament of Lithuania], and the logo of the Lithuanian Seimas has been used. We sent an inquiry to the Seimas for clarification. We also contacted some Seimas members of the above mentioned group. We have not received yet a written clarification, but from our conversations we understood that the group members had no idea that an invitation had been sent in their name. Moreover, and more disturbingly for the Azerbaijani Embassy, it seems the Seimas had not authorized the use of its logo for this event, either. Thus, cheat and distortion are used to attract to an event which is in itself a fabrication of history, although tragedy did happen back in 1992. Our concern is primarily not about Azerbaijans interpretation of history, but its attempt to drag Lithuanian politicians and diplomatic corps in this one-sided and totally distorted presentation of some episodes of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is common practice that some states attempt to represent their own interpretation of recent history thereby emphasizing or ignoring other events in that chain. But it is absolutely unacceptable to spread falsifications and history constructed on those falsifications as undeniable truths. Khojali tragedy, which the Azerbaijan officially claims as genocide and pours a lot of money to present its own, even if invented, genocide to the international public. There is no genocide scholar who would consider Khojali as genocide, since for such terminology the intent, scale, perpetrator and victims need to be clearly identified. Yet, this is not the case here. Throughout Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the civilian population was repeatedly exposed to armed attacks, and in some cases, to pogroms and slaughter. Among the most well-known episodes could be mentioned the following: the complete annihilation of Armenian civilian population in the village of Maragha in Nagorno-Karabakh, the ethnic purges of Armenians in Nakhijevan Autonomous Region, in the Azerbaijan SSR, the pogrom and massacre of Armenians in Sumgait (February 26-29, 1988), Kirovabad (November 21-27, 1988), and Baku (January 13-19, 1990), the killings of civilian population in Stepanakert, fired at by facilities Grad from Shushi and Khojaly. The 2016 April aggression by Azerbaijan in Karabakh and barbaric killing of civilians (including elderly and children), as well as decapitating of captured or killed Karabakhi Armenian soldiers are a sad attestation of the continuation of fierce mass hatred in Azerbaijan, incited and promoted on the top level. The question is not whether the events that happened to the population of Khojaly were a tragedy, but of what really happened there, and who is responsible for this tragedy. In the midst of Karabakh war in 1992 the blockaded Stepanakert, the capital of Nagorno-Karabakh was daily exposed to a relentless artillery fire from the nearby Azerbaijani firing positions. One of these positions was the village of Khojaly, located next to the only airport in the region, capable of providing a link between Karabakh and the outside world. The capture of Khojaly by the Karabakhi Armenian forces was the only way to break the blockade and achieve salvation from the artillery fire, cold and hunger imposed by Azerbaijan to eliminate the people of Nagorno-Karabakh. Both the authorities and the population of the village had been informed about the upcoming attack and about the existence of the humanitarian corridor for the unhindered exit of the population in the direction of Aghdam controlled by the armed forces of Azerbaijan. Those residents who used this humanitarian corridor were able to reach the Azerbaijani positions. The part of the population which remained in the village did not suffer significant losses during the military operation either and got under the protection of Karabakhi Armenian forces and later on was safely evacuated. The killing of civilians occurred not in the Khojaly and its immediate vicinity, but on the outskirts of Aghdam territory, which were under the control not of Karabakhi, but Azerbaijani armed forces. [Then] Azerbaijani President Ayaz Mutalibov himself questioned the validity of claims that Armenian stood behind this tragedy. ...the corridor, by which people could escape, had nonetheless been left by the Armenians. So, why did they have to open fire? Especially in the area around Aghdam, where there was sufficient force at that time to get help to the people. (Ayaz Mutalibov, then President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Nezavisimaya Gazeta, 02.04.1992) Khojaly residents themselves insist that they did use the corridor and that the Armenian soldiers, on the other side of the corridor, did not open fire. Some soldiers from the Azerbaijani Popular Front evacuated some of the Khojaly residents in the direction of the village of Nakhijevanik I have no idea why since it was under the control of the Armenian Askeran Battalion at the time. Others were caught in artillery fire in the area around Aghdam. (Eynulla Fatullayev, Azerbaijani Journalist, the newspaper Realny Azerbaijan, April 2005) And such evidences of the representatives of Azerbaijan, as well as other countries are sufficient to conclude that the inhabitants of Khojaly had become the victims of power struggle in Baku and are being used for propaganda purposes. If you are interested to learn more about Aghdam killings we include a booklet as well as request you to visit the website http://xocali.net Nothing can justify the attempts to use tragedies for the propaganda purposes, especially by the side which is responsible for that. We appeal to refrain from getting entangled in the Azerbaijani distortion of history. Invented victimization and dehumanization of Armenians, currently underway in Azerbaijan, are not means to support the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. All our efforts and resources should be directed at building sustainable peace, and not inciting hatred through propaganda. Baltic-Armenian Alliance YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The new Law on Drugs toughened the import of unregistered drugs to Armenia, Acting Head of the State Health Inspectorate of the Healthcare Ministry Samvel Purtoyan said at a meeting with reporters, reports Armenpress. He said the penalties were further increased. Hakob Topchyan Director of Scientific Center of Drug and Medical Technologies Expertise after academician E. Gabrielyan CJSC, said the old Law on drugs needed update and was not in accordance with todays demands. The new Law on Drugs will not lead to increase in prices. It will regulate and control the circulation of drugs, he said. Referring to the discharge of prescription drugs, Topchyan said 40% of 4500 registered drugs in Armenia are prescription drugs. The procedure, form of prescription is already ready and it will be applied after the Governments respective decision, he said. The new Law on Drugs was put into circulation on December 15, 2016. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Foreign Ministers Edward Nalbandian and Yun Byung-se on February 21 exchanged messages on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Armenia and Republic of Korea, press service of the Armenian MFA told Armenpress. The Armenian Minister said in his message that a firm partnership has been formed between Armenia and Republic of Korea in the last quarter century and mutually beneficial cooperation has been established. Edward Nalbandian expressed hope that it would be possible to reveal through joint efforts the entire potential of cooperation between the two states and further expand the friendly ties. In his message FM Yun Byung-se said the relations between the two countries have developed steadily, particularly, in trade and investment spheres. He expressed readiness to continue the close cooperation with Armenias FM aimed at further expanding the cooperation between the two states by including new prospective directions. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Matevosyan family living in Stepanakert told EUobserver about the details of massacres committed against Armenians in Sumgait 29 years ago, stating that the April events in Karabakh showed that the situation hasnt changed, reports Armenpress. Karen Matevosyan tells about the events that took place in February 1988. I saw a naked girl running through the field. The men surrounded her and started beating her, punching and kicking her. They kept kicking her even after she was dead. I saw this with my own eyes, he said. EUobserver writes that events, which Matevosyan called three day of hell, give an insight why reconciliation between Armenians and Azerbaijanis remains so hard. I cant forgive and forget what they did. Azerbaijanis are still killers and animals, he said, wiping his tears. Matevosyan said everything had been normal two days earlier, he was working with his Azerbaijani friends, however, everything changed on February 26. He said groups of bandits appeared in the streets chanting Death to Armenians. He said the men and boys, some as young as 15, appeared to be drunk or on drugs. They must have been given lists because they knew exactly where we [Armenian people] lived. It was prepared in advance. They beat people in the street. They threw their belongings out of the windows into the courtyards and set them on fire. We were hiding at home waiting to die. We couldnt call for help because the phone lines had been cut. I had to hold my sons mouth closed to stop him from crying because we were afraid that if he made a noise then they would find us, he said as quoted by EUobserver. On February 29 a mob entered their building and started attacking the residents on the second and third floors. When the Russian soldiers appeared on the streets, the Azerbaijanis escaped. That day I was two minutes away from losing my life, Karen Matevosyan said. The Russian troops let him take only the necessary things and took him out from Sumgait. Karen clearly remembers the face and words of a Russian officer: As a soldier, Im instructed to tell you that the situation is calm and that you can go back home, but as a human being, after seeing all that blood on the asphalt, I must tell you that I wouldnt stay here a minute longer because the situation could change again. Matevosyan, who served as a soldier in the 1990s, remembers how his co-servicemen captured 10 Azerbaijani soldiers during the war. They brought the soldiers to me since they knew I was from Sumgait. They told me I can do with them everything I want, however, when I looked at them, I understood that I couldn't do anything, Matevosyan said, stating that the war has never been between peoples. During the Soviet times we were friends. I don't think that the Azerbaijanis have ever wanted a war, and I dont think that they need Nagorno Karabakh. It is the state of Azerbaijan that wants this war for some political reasons, he said. He informed that recently he found some of his school friends on the internet. One of them lives in Baku. I found him and we chatted for two days, and then he said: Sorry I cant stay in touch with you any more since its dangerous for me to speak with an Armenian, Matevosyan told EUobserver. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. General Vicar of the Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul Aram Ateshian will arrive to the Holy See on February 23, Armenpress reports Istanbul-based Zhamanak daily informs. According to the periodical, Head of the Armenian Diocese of Germany Archbishop Garegin Bekchian arrived on February 20, while Chairman of the Clerical Assembly of Istanbul Bishop Sahak Mashalyan arrived to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in the morning of February 21. The three top clerics will have an opportunity to have a sincere discussion over the situation with elections of the Patriarch of Istanbul, writes the periodical. Chairman of the Clerical Assembly of the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul Bishop Sahak Mashalian announced on February 13 about his resignation, informing that General Vicar Aram Ateshian is to blame for his decision. Mashalian released a letter explaining his steps, noting that he made the decision on February 13 due to Ateshians behavior during the Clerical Assembly meeting. He also informed that he does not want to bid for Patriarchy and plans to leave Istanbul. The crisis of relations between Ateshian and Mashalyan is overcome. Both of them will continue their tenures. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Foreign Ministry of Armenia has released the statement of Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on the constitutional referendum in Artsakh. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the MFA Armenia, the statement runs as follows, The referendum held on February 20 is yet another evidence of the determination of the people of Artsakh to organise their public life by democratic processes. The current Constitutional Referendum is aimed at choosing the system of governance that the people of Nagorno-Karabakh consider more relevant to their needs. It is commendable that more than hundred international observers representing three dozen countries assessed the Referendum as well organized, transparent and in line with international standards. The exercise of fundamental freedoms is a universal right that cannot be subject to limitations. For quarter of a century Nagorno-Karabakh conducts processes inherent to democratic societies and there is no doubt that the people of Artsakh have certainly gained the right to live according to the same universal values that the free democratic world enjoys. Once again the people of Artsakh demonstrated that their will to build democratic society is irreversible notwithstanding all odds of continuous use of force and threat of force, economic blockade and other hostile actions perpetrated by Azerbaijan. It does not come as a surprise that the ongoing democratic processes in Artsakh are met with such an extreme discontent in Azerbaijan - a country notorious with its human rights violations. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. President of Armenia, Chairman of the National Security Council Serzh Sargsyan convened a National Security Council meeting on February 21. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Armenian presidents Office, in the sidelines of the meeting the President of the Constitutional Court of Armenia, Chairman of the Professional Commission for the Constitutional Reforms Gagik Harutyunyan reported to the Security Council on the guarantees of legal security in the country, legal issues for ensuring the realization of the Constitutional amendments and the activities of the mentioned Professional Commission. In his report Gagik Harutyunyan highlighted the issue of guaranteeing legal security and considered it as an urgent one for all the countries moving towards a legal state and based on comprehensive examination of the best international practice presented the key approaches that could serve as the basis for the development of the concept of a legal state in our country and its implementation. Stating that this is the first time this issue is referred to in such a comprehensive way, the Chairman of the Professional Commission noted that the future steps will greatly contribute to the creation of firm guarantees for a constitutional democracy in Armenia. The President of the Republic issues a number of instructions over the legislative initiatives. In the sidelines of the second issue on the agenda of the NSC, Minister - Chief of Armenian Government Staff Davit Harutyunyan provided the participants of the meeting with information on the preparatory works of ensuring the technical equipment for the parliamentary elections of April 2, 2017. Kabul, Feb 21 (IBNS): At least seven ISIS militants have been killed in the ongoing Shaheen 25 offensive, launched by the Afghanistan government, local Khaama Press reported. The killings took place in the past 24 hours in Nangarhar province of the country. Two ISIS militants also suffered injuries during the raid. The terrorist group is yet to comment on the loss. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Foreign Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh) has issued a statement that the development of a democratic statehood in Artsakh is an unalterable process and the reluctance of Azerbaijan to recognize this fact through denial of the right to self-determination realized by the people of Artsakh is an attempt to return to the past, which is doomed to failure. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of NKR MFA, the statement reads as follows, On 20 February 2017, a national referendum on a new draft Constitution was held in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic). The turnout has been 76, 44 per cent of the registered voters, of which 87, 6 per cent supported the adoption of the new Constitution. Around 100 international observers from 30 countries monitored the voting process and positively assessed the organization and conduct of the referendum noting their transparency and compliance with international standards. The new Constitution is to continue the traditions of state building enshrined in the first constitution, further strengthen the sovereignty of the country, and promote human rights and the rule of law, to improve public administration, enroot the independent judiciary and reform the local self-government. A key innovation was the increase of direct participation of citizens in public affairs by providing them with the right to legislative initiative, as well as on proposing amendments to the Constitution. The referendum on 20 February has become another act of expression of will by the people of Artsakh, in exercising their right to determine their own future, as enshrined in fundamental international documents. The attempts of Baku to suppress by all means, including military, this inherent right of the people of Artsakh, lead to the outbreak of the armed conflict. It remains a major source of persistent tension in the region and the reason for the lack of progress in the settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict. The democratic development of Artsakh's statehood is an irreversible process. Reluctance of Azerbaijan to recognize this fact through denial of the right to self-determination realized by the people of Artsakh is an attempt to return to the past, which is doomed to failure. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs, Head of Armenian delegation to Euronest PA Artak Zakaryan has presented details on a number of working sessions of the Assembly in Kiyev. Armenpress reports MP Artak Zakaryan posted on his Facebook page that 2-day sessions with the participation of the Heads of Delegations took place at Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Kiev. Artak Zakaryan informed that a number of innovative solutions were discussed, as well as some key amendments of the charter. The Heads of all the Delegations unanimously informed the Azerbaijani delegation (which for some unknown reasons was represented by the head of delegation and other MPs, AzTV reporters) about the gentlemen's agreement. Resolutions, reports or other proposals on Artsakh conflict will no longer be submitted or discussed at the Euronest, Zakaryan wrote. According to him, during the last 6 years the Azerbaijani delegation and lobbyists supporting them from eastern and European countries have regularly tried to come to Euronest with documents or formulations inadmissible for Armenia but they all have been foiled by the efforts of the Armenian delegation (the Armenian delegation even wracked an entire report due to just one inadmissible word in 2011). The Euronest PA gradually turned into a confrontation platform between Armenia and Azerbaijan (the Azerbaijanis tried to initiate resolutions on Sarsang Reservoir, occupation of Artsakh, Khojaly, as well as tried to submit reports on territorial integrity, refugees and IDPs, withdrawal of troops, etc). Artak Zakaryan informed that at the proposal of the Armenian delegation in March 2016 during the plenary session in the Brussels (the Azerbaiajni delegation was boycotting the session back then) a gentlemans agreement was reached. Yesterday and today we informed the Azerbaijani parliamentarians about that who silently accepted the agreement. Lets see how they will behave in the future. The next Euronest plenary session will take place in October, 2017 in Kiev, Zakaryan stressed. Zakaryan also thanked his colleagues for the productive works at the Euronest. I would like to specially highlight the invaluable contribution and efforts of late Vahan Hovhannisyan for the establishment of the Euronest, Zakaryan concluded. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. A number of representatives of the Armenian community in Turkey have sent a letter to the Catholicos of all Armenians ahead of the meeting between General Vicar of Armenian Patriarch in Istanbul Aram Ateshian and the Chairman of the Clerical Assembly of Istanbul Sahak Mashalyan scheduled at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin to be chaired by Karekin II. Armenpress reports Istanbul-based Agos periodical has published the letter presented bellow. For 8 years the Patriarchal seat of Istanbul has been vacant. A number of Church and community representatives delayed the elections for their personal interests. We submit this phenomenon to your attention with a letter containing over 5000 signatures. Its a pity we have received no response from the Mother See so far. Several negative incidents occurred during the last 8 years. Archbishop Aram Ateshian appointed by the state in contradiction with our traditions acts with Patriarchal powers irrespective of the peoples will and in an unreasonable manner. Aram Ateshian, deprived of the quality of a leader, and with negligence towards the victims of the Genocide of 1915, has left deep wounds in the spirits of those feeling that grief in their hearts. Our sole consolation is to see how April 24 commemoration events take place in various cities of Turkey even with our defeated posture. The Patriarchy, which is a place intended for solving problems, has itself become problematic. The clerics are unable to resist pressures and become part of the sin. As a result, the link between the Armenian community and its Church has dimmed. The religious community deprived of its leader gradually extinguishes. Finally, the people have no more patience, which has induced people to conduct protests in front of the Patriarchy. Your Holiness, after numerous challenges we are on the threshold of Patriarchal elections. We know that there are some people who even in this stage will attempt to foil the election, but we are confident. We well understand that an elected Patriarch is not only the leader of the Church, but also the representative of the Armenian of Turkey in front of the State. We hail with satisfaction your intervention (though with some delay) in the disagreement within our Church. We, Armenians in Turkey, have taken a decision to solve our problems on our own. For the sake of fair and transparent Patriarchal elections we kindly ask you to demand Aram Ateshians resignation from the post of the Vicar. We once again underline that we do not elect a religious person to lead the Church community, but someone who will represent the entire Armenian community in front of the state and the law. You have encouraged us by your problem solving efforts. Verizon's purchase of Yahoo will end the internet pioneer's run of more than 20 years as an independent company Yahoo slashed the price of its core Internet business in the sale to Verizon by $350 million following a pair of major data breaches at Yahoo, the two companies announced Tuesday. Under revised terms of the delayed deal, Verizon's purchase the Yahoo assets will now total $4.48 billion. Yahoo still faces probes and lawsuits related to the cyber attacks, which affected more than 1.5 billion accounts. The transaction had been setback due to the hacks. Yahoo announced in September that hackers in 2014 stole personal data from more than 500 million of its user accounts. It admitted in December to another cyber attack, this one dating from 2013 and affecting more than a billion users. Under the terms of the revised sales agreement, Yahoo will continue to cover the cost of a Securities and Exchange Commission probe into the breaches as well as shareholder lawsuits. However, other government investigations and third-party litigation related to the hacks will be shared by Verizon and Yahoo. "We have always believed this acquisition makes strategic sense," said Verizon executive vice president Marni Walden. "We look forward to moving ahead expeditiously so that we can quickly welcome Yahoo's tremendous talent and assets into our expanding portfolio in the digital advertising space." Yahoo is selling its main operating business as a way to separate that from its more valuable stake in Chinese internet giant Alibaba, which will become a new entity, to be renamed Altaba, Inc., and will act as an investment company. The deal with Verizon was expected to close by July, and will end Yahoo's run of more than 20 years as an independent company. Prices of Yahoo shares rose slightly more than 0.3 percent to $45.26 in early afternoon trading, while Verizon gained nearly half a percent to $49.43. - Epic hacks - Yahoo is ramping up security as it grapples with the aftermath of the epic hacks. Mayer said last month that "approximately 90 percent of our daily active users have already taken or do not need to take remedial action to protect their accounts, and we're aggressively continuing to drive this number up." Story continues Yahoo boasted having more than a billion users monthly in 2016, with more than 650 million of those people connecting from mobile devices. The SEC reportedly opened an investigation into whether Yahoo should have informed investors sooner about two major data breaches. US law requires companies that fall victim to such hacks to disclose them as soon as they are deemed to affect stock prices. The hacks have been a major embarrassment for a former internet leader that has failed to keep up with Google, Facebook and other rising stars. Yahoo's most recent earnings report showed the company swung to profit in the final three months of last year, after a massive $4.4 billion loss in the same period of 2015. Yahoo reported a loss of $214 million for 2016 on revenue that inched up to $5.2 billion from $5 billion in 2015. Mayer will quit the company's board after its merger with Verizon, according to an SEC filing, though she is expected to remain with the core Yahoo business. "We continue to be very excited to join forces with Verizon and AOL," Mayer said in a joint release. "This transaction will accelerate Yahoo's operating business especially on mobile, while effectively separating our Asian asset equity stakes." This article originally ran in the February 2016 issue of AVN magazine. Click here to see the digital edition. Growing up, Tony Dimarco was always a big fan of Falcon movies. He remembers seeing Spokes early on and how it left an indelible impression, specifically the hot male cyclist orgy in a barn. Little did he know at the time, but he would have a hand in continuing the legacy of the iconic series that started in 1983. For me, it gave me permission to fantasize. My favorite scene would have to be the orgy in the first Spokes and the orgy in Spokes III with Mason Wyler. Both were kind of dirty, raw and cathartic. Back in the day, watching guys like Dick Fisk and Lee Ryder was a dream come true to a young gay man growing up in New Jersey. Its an honor to have a chance to be a part of the Spokes legacy. He helmed the fourth entry in the seriesUrban Spokes, released earlier this yearfollowing two other sequels: Spokes II: The Graduation (1988) and Spokes III (2006), each installment featuring a cream-of-the-crop cast representative of its era. When coming up with ideas for movies, you never know when an idea will click and do great or when it will fail. Its a gamble, and sometimes an idea will strike a chord with people. I think thats what the original Spokes did, Dimarco says. It spawned so many sequels and was successful partly because of the simple concept: perpetually horny, well-built guys with big cocks who ride and love to fuck. I think it endured at Falcon for all these years for those reasons. Plus, the tight-fitting biking outfits left little to the imagination. Actually, maybe thats it the tight biker shorts. That could be the reason why everyone loves it. Dimarco notes that Falcon Studios Group President Tim Valenti wanted to do something special to commemorate the studios 45th anniversary. Instead of doing a one-time anniversary party to celebrate the milestone, he wanted to do something bigger and better. And what better way to celebrate an enduring legacy than to pay homage to it, Dimarco says. He thought, Lets re-imagine the classics, make them new again and open them to a new audience. Chris Ward resurrected The Other Side of Aspen with part VI in 2014, but Spokes is the first to celebrate the 45th anniversary. Theres another film in the works with an original Falcon director slated to direct, but we cant reveal the details just yet. Hot House is also getting in on the fun, resurrecting its Skuff series (more on that next month). As for Urban Spokes, Dimarco had the idea to do a cyclist-themed movie for some time, and the anniversary presented the perfect opportunity. Because the times and technology have changed a lot since the original film, it gave him lots of room to explore. Besides, the fascination with cyclists is something that hasnt gone out of style. Cyclists have adapted and changed slightly with each new generation. I think thats why the legacy of Spokes can continue, Dimarco adds. When you look at what turns us on, its oftentimes what we observe around us in our daily lives. Who hasnt passed a hot bike rider on the side of the road peddling and didnt have a few dirty thoughts? The guy struggling hard to get up that hill, breathing heavy, his muscles pushing against those tight-fitting biker shorts you think, What would it be like to have sex with him? I think many have had those fantasies, and the Spokes films allows us to explore those. For the latest installment, the director wanted to take it off the county side roads and barns and bring it into an urban setting. Theres an element of excitement and danger to riding in a city populated with cars and touristsand also beautiful views. ... To put it on the streets and hills was a nice change of pace, and of course it was fitting to film in San Francisco, the birthplace of Falcon Studios. We wanted to honor that, too. It was so special that we could film it here. Dimarco says that he has always wanted to do a film based on urban bike messengers, so it made perfect sense. The city setting afforded him the ability to feature a wide array of cyclists and make it more moderndaily commuters, bike messengers and speed cyclists all meshing together. He watched only a little bit of the older films to see what he could pull from them. I didnt want it to influence me too much, since I wanted to create a new vision of the original concept. We worked with Jack Shamama to write the script. We paid homage to the originalthe speech that Trenton Ducati gives at the induction ceremony is the exact speech that Lee Ryder gives in the first Spokes. It was kind of cool that we were able to include that. Dimarco notes it was fun working with porn legend mr. Pam on the production, who lightened things up and served as a nice yin to his more serious yang. He was also excited to work with new performers like Griffin Barrows, Connor Patricks and Rod Peterson along with standout exclusives J.J. Knight and Ryan Rose. Add to the mix A-list porn veterans Trenton Ducati and exclusive Brent Corrigan, and it made for a memorable shoot. And to top it off we got to shoot with a drone so cool! Dimarco says. There were a lot of great memories on set, but I have to say for me shooting the orgy in the warehouse was a highlight. Yet another homage to the original thats certain to have fans along for the ride. Click here for a gallery with more images. TORONTO, ON--(Marketwired - February 21, 2017) - ECN Capital Corp. (ECN.TO) ("ECN Capital" or "the Company"), one of North America's leading commercial finance companies, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with PNC Financial Services Group (PNC) to sell the Company's US Commercial and Vendor (C&V) Finance business for cash proceeds of approximately US$ 1.253 billion. PNC will purchase ECN Capital's US C&V Finance business which includes approximately US$1.075 billion of total assets. As part of the transaction, PNC has agreed to offer employment to all of ECN Capital's US C&V Finance employees and to retain the lease on the existing office in Horsham, Pennsylvania. The transaction is subject to customary approvals and is expected to close by early April 2017. "Over the last five years, ECN Capital has built market-leading platforms in Canada and the United States in both rail finance and in commercial and vendor finance," said Steven Hudson, ECN Capital's Chief Executive Officer. "The process of selling our US C&V Finance operations, which was led by ECN Capital's Chief Operating Officer Jim Nikopoulos, began last year and has culminated in a transaction that will enable this business to continue producing quality growth and strong returns under the ownership of one of the leading banks in the U.S.," added Mr. Hudson. "This all-cash transaction, which has the support of ECN Capital's lending syndicate, requires minimal third-party approvals and is expected to strengthen our balance sheet, reduce leverage, substantially increase our tangible book value, and maintain our investment grade ratings," said Jim Nikopoulos, ECN Capital's Chief Operating Officer. "As stewards of capital, we have acted in the best interests of our stakeholders with respect to this transaction," commented Mr. Hudson. Macquarie Capital acted as lead financial advisor on the transaction for ECN Capital, together with assistance from Morgan Stanley and BMO Capital Markets. Dechert LLP provided the Company with legal advice in connection with the transaction. Story continues Analyst Briefing ECN Capital will host an analyst conference call to discuss the transaction at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. Investors may access the conference call and presentation slides as outlined below: North America toll-free 1-800-319-8560 passcode 18895 International dial-in numbers http://services.choruscall.ca/public/accessnumbers.html passcode 18895 Presentation slides http://www.ecncapitalcorp.com/investors/presentations A replay of the conference call will be available until March 21, 2017 by dialing 1-855-669-9658 in North America or +1-604-674-8052 for international calls and entering the passcode 1203. About ECN Capital Corp. With total owned and managed assets of $7.5 billion, ECN Capital Corp. (ECN.TO) is one of North America's leading commercial finance companies. ECN Capital operates across North America in three verticals of the equipment finance market (Commercial & Vendor Finance, Rail Finance, and Commercial Aviation Finance). About PNC The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com. Forward-looking Statements This release includes forward-looking statements regarding ECN Capital and its business. Such statements are based on the current expectations and views of future events of ECN Capital's management. In some cases the forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "potential", "estimate", "believe" or the negative of these terms, or other similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements, including the closing of the transaction, ECN Capital's intended use of the proceeds from the transaction, the ability of ECN Capital to redeploy capital in the speciality finance market and the strategic advantages, business plans and future opportunities of ECN Capital. The forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this release may not occur and could differ materially as a result of known and unknown risk factors and uncertainties affecting ECN Capital, including risks regarding the equipment finance industry, economic factors, and many other factors beyond the control of ECN Capital. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. Forward-looking statements and information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statement or information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. A discussion of the material risks and assumptions associated with this outlook can be found in ECN Capital's amended third quarter 2016 management discussion and analysis which has been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements or information. Except as required by applicable securities laws, forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and ECN Capital does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Amancio Ortega, founder of clothing giant Zara, is seen here. (Town & Country) While it has been investors in the East that have been the subject of many a headline about their penchant for Canadian real estate, it turns out that their counterparts in the West are also snapping up properties. According to data reported by The Globe and Mail, foreign buyers doled out a record $5.6 billion on commercial properties last year, according to U.S. commercial real estate firm CBRE Group, $950 million of which came from the Europe. The majority of foreign investors were based in Asia, but a large part of the deals were hotel and office building acquisitions by financial groups such as Chinas Anbang. The insurer has gone on a high-profile property-buying spree, swallowing up the likes of New Yorks Waldorf Astoria, a US$6.5-billion acquisition of Strategic Hotels and Resorts, as well as a 30-storey tower occupied by the Government of Ontario in downtown Toronto. However, according to CBREs research, it appears as though wealthy European investors are also dipping their toes in the Canadian market. The elite list includes Spains Amancio Ortega, the founder of clothing giant Zara and Germanys Klaus-Michael Kuehne, whose nearly US$10-billion fortune comes from his familys shopping company Kuehne + Nagel. Ortega has picked up prime real estate in Montreals downtown, while Kuehne acquired Vancouvers highly coveted, 37-storey Royal Centre office tower for about $400 million last year. Isabelle Hayen, a Belgian real estate investor, also recently bought a two-storey property on Torontos ritzy Mink Mile, which home to the countrys priciest retail rents, and is ripe for redevelopment. The Globe reports that these wealthy European investors were drawn to Canada because of a number of factors, including the emergence of Toronto and Vancouver as global destinations, with commercial real estate prices that remain significantly below other, larger financial hubs, such as London and New York. Theres also the Brexit element. CBRE said that many Europeans could be putting money into the Canadian market to hedge their bets, as the future of the European Union remains in question. Story continues Geopolitical uncertainty seems to increase on an on an almost daily basis. Against that backdrop, Canada is about as safe a bet as there is on the global scale, Peter Senst, president of CBRE Canada Capital Markets, told The Globe. Whats clear is Toronto and Vancouver have developed as gateway cities for global investors and we expect this demand to continue into 2017. In total, CBRE said foreign buyers made up 27 per cent of the $34.7 billion in Canadian commercial real estate transactions last year. However, it only tracks sales of properties of $10 million or more. CBRE said the previous record of foreign investment was set in 2008, when buyers from abroad account for 9 per cent of transactions. Virtual Reality Understanding Social Immersion, Improving Instructional Design Are Vital to Keeping VR Around Internationally recognized experts in virtual reality gathered at the 2017 Workshop on Virtual Reality and Immersive Learning. The Immersive Learning Group at Harvard Universitys Graduate School of Education last month hosted the 2017 Workshop on Virtual Reality and Immersive Learning. International scholars, policy specialists and entrepreneurs convened at the three-day workshop to design a roadmap that will use virtual reality (VR) to improve immersive learning. During the event, the school signed an agreement with Beijing Normal Universitys Smart Learning Institute (SLI) and NetDragon to collaborate on VR research. Now, the Chinese university can use and develop the schools EcoMUVE software and curriculum, which utilizes virtual environments to teach middle school students about ecosystems and casual patterns. Among the workshops attendees was Chris Dede, a professor at the Graduate School of Education and a Timothy E. Wirth Professor in Learning Technologies, who began working with VR more than 25 years ago. He received a grant from the National Science Foundation and built some very early VR models for learning in the 90s. Then, he shifted over to multi-user virtual environments in 1999 and began building and studying those. In 2005, he started building mixed realities (MR). Having obtained quite a bit of field experience over the years, Dede was approached by NetDragon, a major online gaming company in China that started moving into the education market about four years ago. For the last year, Dede and his colleagues had discussed the idea of hosting a conference to bring together some of the topics surrounding VR and learning from around the world to assess where things are right now, as well as to develop a research agenda for the future. With NetDragons sponsorship, they were able to bring in experts from Spain, Great Britain, Germany, China and other parts of the United States, Jan. 13-15. A select few were invited to collaborate on an upcoming book titled Virtual, Augmented, and Mixed Realities in Education, which will be published later this year. Among the key items on the research agenda, according to Dede, is understanding the social immersion that can come from VR and MR. Nicole Kramer, a professor at the University of Cologne in Germany who is an expert on the social dimensions in immersion, discussed the different ways that VR and MR can be socially immersive. Panelists also talked about pedagogical agents of different kinds that can be part of VR and act as digital mentors for students who still feel a sense of social engagement even though they know theyre computer-based engagements, or people in avatar form, Dede explained. In addition, panelists talked about the advancements with virtual makerspaces. We know that makerspaces are becoming very popular, both pre-college and for college students, but typically makerspaces are where people are physically co-located, said Dede. The concept of being virtually co-located but physically distributed I think is a very interesting one, and VR and immersive technology give people the sense of being in a shared space together even when theyre not physically there. Opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives on Tuesday scored the leadership's plan to railroad the death penalty bill by bypassing the plenary debate and putting the bill to a vote next week. In a press conference at the House of Representatives, Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said a "train terminal has been installed menacingly in the plenary hall of the House of Representatives" due to the planned railroad of House Bill 4727 seeking to restore the death penalty on Feb. 28. Lagman said the leadership led by Majority Leader Rodolfo "Rudy" Farinas wanted to railroad the bill following opposition from lawmakers who constantly questioned the quorum during sessions in a bid to block the prompt passage of the bill. "The advance voting was a reaction to the quorum calls of those objecting to the retrogressive measure," Lagman said. Lagman said the Lower House could not act on passing the death penalty bill on Feb. 28 if there is no quorum in the plenary. "It is a puzzle why the House leadership gets peeved when the absence of a quorum is raised considering that under the Rules no business can be conducted in the absence of a quorum," Lagman said. Lagman said moving to adjourn the session due to absence of a quorum is permitted in the Rules of the House, under Article 75 of Rule XI as a legitimate parliamentary motion. "It is the duty of the House leadership to maintain a quorum after the roll call is held in order to assure that the interpellations and debates would continue," Lagman said. Asked why the House leadership is rushing the passage of such a controversial measure just less than a month after it reached the plenary for debates, Lagman said the leadership is railroading the bill because it is not confident with its numbers to pass it. "If they are acting this way, they don't have the numbers," Lagman said. Lagman scored the leadership for rushing the bill while muzzling the opposition by putting a deadline for the plenary debates. "They appear omnipotent. When we use the rules legitimately it's like they are the ones peeved. I cannot understand why we should rush the voting on this very important although retrogressive measure," Lagman said. Lagman said this is the 1st time in Congress' history to stifle the brewing opposition on any legislation in the House of Representatives. "This kind of muzzling has not happened before. This is a way of continuing the culture of violence because suppressing freedom of expression is a form of violence," Lagman said. For his part, Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin said the leadership is railroading the bill fearful that it would not be passed once President Rodrigo Duterte's political capital erodes. Duterte faces anew the issue of his involvement in death squads when he was Davao city mayor as divulged by his former right-hand man SPO3 Arturo Lascanas, who claimed Duterte ordered the death squad to kill criminals and his vocal critics, including broadcaster Jun Pala. "Maybe by the 2nd year of the Duterte presidency, his political capital would go down. That is the only pragmatic and political reason on why they want to rush this bill. Right to life cuts across sectors," Villarin said. On Monday, Farinas said that the House majority agreed to limit the offenses punishable with death to drug-related offenses, plunder and treason. He said that mere possession of illegal drugs has been removed from the drug-related offenses in the bill. According to the original version of the bill, the following are punishable with death under the Revised Penal Code - treason, qualified piracy, qualified bribery, parricide, murder, infanticide, rape, kidnapping and serious illegal detention, robbery with homicide, rape, intentional mutilation or arson and destructive arson. The following offenses under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act are also punishable with death - importation; sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution and transportation; maintenance of a den, dive or resort; manufacture; possession of certain quantities of dangerous drugs; cultivation; unlawful prescription; misappropriation or failure to account confiscated, seized or surrendered dangerous drugs; and planting of evidence. Carnapping is also a criminal offense punishable with death under the Anti-Carnapping Act or Republic Act 6539. Plunder is also punishable with reclusion perpetua to death according to Republic Act 7080 or the plunder law as amended by Republic Act 7659. Lawmakers initially wanted to remove plunder from death row, which garnered public backlash compelling Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez to call for plunder as punishable with the death penalty. Meanwhile, the death penalty bill in the Senate hit a gridlock after senators centered on the country's obligations to the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which under the Second Optional Protocol states that "Each State Party shall take all necessary measures to abolish the death penalty within its jurisdiction." CBCP to take death penalty bill to SC The Supreme Court is expected to be the next battleground for the proponents and challengers of the death penalty should lawmakers succeed in railroading the passage of the bill reviving the proposed punishment for heinous crimes. This developed as an official of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) announced its support for lawmakers expressing opposition to the reimposition of the death penalty. Rudy Diamante, executive secretary of the CBCP's Commission on Prison Pastoral Care, said the bishops would exhaust all legal means to question the bill once it is enacted into law. "We will go to the Supreme Court. We will exhaust all legal means available because we believe that it is unconstitutional. It is cruel. It is inhumane," he said in a press forum in Manila on Monday. Diamante said there were 2 ways to dispute the restoration of death penalty in the high court: having a prisoner sentenced to death question it; or through lawmakers who ratified the Philippines' international treaty obligation against death penalty. The CBCP official made the statement following the "Walk for Life" prayer rally against the death penalty and extrajudicial killings organized by Catholic lay people on Saturday. Lawmakers from the House of Representatives are currently holding plenary debates on the bill for the reinstatement of the death penalty, after which they will vote on the measure. House Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Farinas Jr. said voting on the death penalty bill would take place on Feb. 28, a few days earlier than the initially agreed March 8 schedule. This was one of the agreements reached at the nearly three-hour majority caucus meeting, where the lawmakers decided to continue with the plenary debates. Sought for comment, Akbayan Rep. Tom Villarin said antideath penalty lawmakers like him would "exhaust all parliamentary means to stall this seeming railroad." "We can't do deadlines when passing this very important measure. Taking away life is not something to be taken lightly nor to be rushed," Villarin said. The bill is a priority legislation of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, who vowed to restore the death penalty, one of President Duterte's campaign promises. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net, February 21, 2017Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net, February 21, 2017 The trial of over 40 officers and soldiers accused of attempting to assassinate Turkey's president during the July 15, 2016 attempted putsch started on Monday. The case could be a test for the restoration of the death penalty in Turkey. The trial of more than 40 Turkish soldiers accused of attempting to assassinate President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during last year's failed coup started on Monday. The defendants were taken under tight security to a courthouse in the southwestern city of Mugla, not far from the luxury resort where Erdogan and his family narrowly escaped the soldiers, fleeing in a helicopter shortly before their hotel was attacked. Calls for restoration of death penalty The suspects include Erdogan's former aide-de-camp. They were wearing suits when they were brought from prison to the courthouse. A crowd of some 200 people waved flags and called for their execution. Turkey abandoned the death penalty in 2002, as part of its bid to join the EU. Since the attempted putsch, calls for its restoration have increased. "We want the death penalty. Let the hand that tried to harm our chief be broken," said one of the protesters, 61-year-old Zuhal Ayhan, referring to Erdogan. "I'd give my life for him." Almost all of the accused were soldiers. All those on trial face multiple charges including attempting to assassinate the president, violating the constitution and being members of an armed terrorist organisation. Crackdown on FETO More than 240 people were killed during the July 15 failed coup and over 2,000 wounded, when a group of rogue officers and soldiers commandeered tanks, warplanes and helicopters, attacking parliament and attempting to overthrow the government. Turkey says the coup was orchestrated by US-based Fethullah Gulen and his organisation, which Ankara calls the Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO). Gulen has lived in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania since 1999, and denies any involvement in the attempted coup. Turkey is seeking Gulen's extradition to stand trial. The government accuses FETO of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary. Since the failed coup, more than 40,000 people have been arrested and more than 100,000 have been sacked or suspended from the military, civil service and private sector in Turkey's bid to eradicate FETO. The government says the measures are necessary, given the security threat. Turkey launched its 1st criminal trial related to the coup attempt in December and more trials are expected. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Source: trtworld.com, February 21, 2017 The bill to repeal Wyoming's Death Penalty is no longer being taken under consideration in the Legislature's House. House Bill 240 (HB 240), sponsored by Representative Marti Halverson proposed a complete repeal of Wyoming's death penalty law. "I'm pretty adamantly opposed to the death penalty, so I thought that this [House Bill 240] was great." UW Professor of Philosophy Edward Sherline said. According to the Wyoming Constitution, a person convicted of murder in the 1st degree can be punished by death, life imprisonment without parole or life imprisonment, with the exception of persons under the age of 18, who will not be given the death penalty. The present form of execution in Wyoming is death by lethal injection. Representative Mark Baker, co-sponsor of HB 240, said that as of Feb. 15, the bill did not meet the cut-off date and is indefinitely postponed for the session. Sherline said the death penalty has not had a significant impact on Wyoming, however, he still opposes it. The last person to be executed in Wyoming was Mark Hopkinson in 1992 and the last person sentenced to death row was Dale Wayne Eaton in 2004. Since 2014 Judge Alan B. Johnson has overturned Eaton's sentencing on the grounds that Eaton received poor representation, which was due to the Wyoming Public Defender's office's lack of funding. At this time no one is on death row in Wyoming or being tried for the death penalty, according to the Death Penatly Information Center's website. "I wouldn't have cared otherwise, how would it affect me?" Brian Halsey, a Political Science and History student at UW said. "It [the death penalty] doesn't dictate my everyday life so why should I worry about it? In Wyoming it is okay because it won't really be used in a state with a population of 500,000." A bill was considered in the 2015 session to replace the state's backup method of execution. The bill would have replaced the gas chamber with a firing squad as an alternative in the event that lethal injection is not available. A bill to eliminate the death penalty will not be considered this year, however, this may still be a step in that direction. "Maybe this is just the 1st step in the door." Sherline said. | Report an error, an omission, a typo; suggest a story or a new angle to an existing story; submit a piece, a comment; recommend a resource; contact the webmaster, contact us: deathpenaltynews@gmail.com Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE! Source: The (Univ. Wyo.) Branding Iron, February 20, 2017 : , , , , - 28 . DURHAM, N.C. - Forest elephant populations in one of Central Africa's largest and most important preserves have declined between 78 percent and 81 percent because of poaching, a new Duke University-led study finds. "Our research suggests that more than 25,000 elephants in Gabon's Minkebe National Park may have been killed for their ivory between 2004 and 2014," said John Poulsen, assistant professor of tropical ecology at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment. "With nearly half of Central Africa's estimated 100,000 forest elephants thought to live in Gabon, the loss of 25,000 elephants from this key sanctuary is a considerable setback for the preservation of the species," he said. While some of the poaching originated from within Gabon, findings from the new study indicate that cross-border poaching by hunters from neighboring nations -- chiefly Cameroon to the north -- largely drove the precipitous decline. Poulsen and his colleagues published their peer-reviewed findings Feb. 20 in the journal Current Biology. They estimated the extent of the population losses by comparing data from two large-scale surveys of elephant dung in Minkebe National Park from 2004 and 2014, using two different analytic methods to account for periods of heavy rainfall that might speed the dung's decay and skew the surveys' accuracy. "Based on changes in the abundance and geographic distribution of the dung, we identified two fronts of poaching pressure," Poulsen said. "Elephant numbers in the south of the park, which is 58 kilometers from the nearest major Gabonese road, have been somewhat reduced," he said. "By comparison, the central and northern parts of the park -- which, at one point, are just 6.1 kilometers from Cameroon's national road -- have been emptied." The proximity of this road makes it relatively easy for Cameroonese poachers to access the park and transport their illegal haul back to their nation's largest city, Douala, a major hub of the international ivory trade. Since 2011, the Gabonese government has taken major steps to curb poaching in Minkebe, Poulsen noted. Among other things, they have elevated forest elephants' conservation status to "fully protected," created a National Park Police force, doubled the national park agency's budget, and become the first African nation to burn all confiscated ivory. These efforts are laudable and may be reducing poaching from within Gabon, Poulsen said, but the new research suggests they have done little to slow the illegal cross-border traffic. "The clock is ticking," he said. "To save Central Africa's forest elephants, we need to create new multinational protected areas and coordinate international law enforcement to ensure the prosecution of foreign nationals who commit or encourage wildlife crimes in other countries," he said. "Studies showing sharp declines in forest elephant populations are nothing new," he said, "but a 78 to 81 percent loss in a single decade from one of the largest, most remote protected areas in Central Africa is a startling warning that no place is safe from poaching." ### Researchers from the National Parks Agency of Gabon, the University of South Florida, the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, the World Wildlife Fund Central Africa Regional Program Office, Gabon's Institute for Tropical Ecology Research, and the University of Stirling conducted the study with Poulsen. Duke-affiliated co-authors were Connie Clark, Amelia Meier, Cooper Rosin, Sarah Moore, Sally Koerner and Vincent Medjibe. The 2004 and 2014 surveys used in the new study were funded by four agencies: the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the World Wildlife Fund, the Wildlife Conservation Society, and the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora's Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants program. CITATION: "Poaching Empties Central African Wilderness of Forest Elephants," John R. Poulsen, Sally E. Koerner, Sarah Moore, Vincent P. Medjibe, Stephen Blake, Connie J. Clark, Mark Ella Akou, Michael Fay, Amelia Meier, Joseph Okouyi, Cooper Rosen and Lee J.T. White; Current Biology; Feb. 20, 2017. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.01.023 Advanced technologies provide researchers with new insights into the warning signs for cardiovascular disease Screening methods for cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes could be improved by measuring different biological signposts to those currently being tested, a new study led by researchers from King's College London suggests. Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the study could allow doctors to better predict the development of cardiovascular disease at an earlier stage. The research, which was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre at Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, explored the role of a family of proteins called apolipoproteins. Currently, the main focus is on apolipoprotein A1 (apoA1), the main component of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or 'good' cholesterol, and apolipoprotein B (apoB), which is present on low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or 'bad' cholesterol. However, for the first time, researchers have used a technology called mass spectrometry to measure an unprecedented number of apolipoproteins in a population-based study and discovered that another group of apolipoproteins might complement the signposts of good and bad cholesterol: apoE, apoC2 and apoC3. These apolipoproteins are associated with very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) and predominantly linked to another type of fat called triglycerides. ApoE, apoC2 and apoC3 have shown a stronger association with cardiovascular disease than apoA1 and apoB, suggesting that currently some of the most predictive apolipoproteins are not measured in patients who may be at risk of cardiovascular disease. The findings could lead to a change in the way patients all over the world are screened for cardiovascular disease, a condition which affects seven million people and causes more than 160,000 deaths in each year in the UK. It could also pave the way for more personalised treatments. Lead author of the study Professor Manuel Mayr from King's College London said: "We directly compared the association of a broad panel of apolipoproteins to new onset of cardiovascular disease over a 10-year observation period, and found that while apoB was predictive, other apolipoproteins, namely apoE, apoC2 and apoC3, were even better. "These unexpected strong associations of VLDL-associated apolipoproteins with cardiovascular disease provide support to expanding the current measurements of apolipoproteins and to the concept of targeting additional apolipoproteins to reduce risk." The study identified apoC3 as a prime therapeutic target for lowering VLDL, which might reduce excess cardiovascular risk related to high VLDL. ### The work was enabled by a long-standing collaboration between researchers from UK, Austria and US and funded by VASCage, an Austrian / UK Research Centre of Excellence in Vascular Ageing, as well as the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence at King's College London. By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS (Reuters) - European Union finance ministers agreed on Tuesday to close loopholes multinational corporations use to skip taxation on dividends, part of a drive to stop them from parking profits where they pay the least tax. The new rules, due to go into effect in 2020, should help the EU recoup revenues from companies that cut their tax bills by declaring profits in countries with low or no taxation. Tax-saving schemes used by Apple, Amazon, Google, Starbucks and other companies - all legal under current laws - have raised public pressure for EU-wide rules to close these loopholes. "We have reached a general approach," Finance Minister Edward Scicluna of Malta, which holds the current six-month rotating EU presidency, said after the deal was reached. He called it a "bold step" to reduce these tax differentials, known in EU jargon as hybrid mismatches. "The agreement reached today will ensure that hybrid mismatches of all types cannot be used to avoid tax in the EU, even where the arrangements involve third countries," the EU Commission said in a statement. The deal postponed application of the new rules by one year to January 2020 because some countries noted possible negative consequences on competitiveness if changes were too quick. In some limited cases, the new rules will apply from 2022. Last December, the finance ministers failed to agree on the issue after some of them said a proposal by the then Slovak presidency and backed by Britain would water down the plan.. In a bid to quell multinationals' concerns, Scicluna said there would be new proposals in coming months to make sure that corporations will not pay double taxes under the new system. TAX HAVENS LIST Ministers also found a compromise on the criteria to define a tax haven. Attempts to have a common EU list of "non-cooperative jurisdictions" have so far failed as several EU countries preferred to maintain their own, often empty, listing. But the idea of setting up a common list has gained traction after several revelations of massive tax avoidance in countries such as Panama or the Bahamas. EU sanctions could be imposed on countries on the list. Ministers agreed that countries that apply zero tax rates will not automatically be considered a tax haven, but they will be subject to checks against other criteria, such as their level of cooperation with the EU on tax matters or the existence of off-shore structures in their jurisdictions. "It's welcome that the EU now accepts that a zero percentage tax rate is potentially harmful," said the anti-poverty charity Oxfam. But without a blanket ban on zero tax rates, it added, "Oxfam is worried that the likes of Bermuda and Bahamas might slip through the net". The list should be finalised by the end of this year. So far, letters have been sent to 92 countries, including the United States, to start a screening of practices that could be seen as facilitating tax avoidance. (Reporting by Francesco Guarascio; Editing by Tom Heneghan) Amsterdam - February 21, 2017 - Intertrust N.V. ("Intertrust" or "the Company") [ticker symbol INTER], the leading global provider of high-value trust, fund and corporate services, announces changes to its Supervisory Board, which will be proposed for adoption at the Annual General Meeting on May 16, 2017. Bert Groenewegen, member of Intertrust's Supervisory Board and Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee since 2015, has decided to step down from the board to focus his time on other professional commitments, as of the Annual General Meeting on May 16, 2017. The Supervisory Board has nominated Toine van Laack to join the Supervisory Board for a term of four years, subject to regulatory approval and approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on May 16, 2017. Mr. van Laack is expected to succeed Mr. Groenewegen as Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee. Mr. van Laack has a vast amount of international experience in the finance sector. He spent 25 years at Ernst & Young where he held several senior positions including senior audit partner and managing partner for Transaction Advisory Services. More recently, Mr. van Laack held the position of managing director of Janivo Holding B.V., an investment company and family office based in Zeist, The Netherlands. He has also held supervisory positions on various boards including TomTom N.V., LBi N.V. and Nidera B.V.. Helene Vletter-van Dort, Chairperson of Intertrust's Supervisory Board, commented: "We would like to thank Bert for his valuable contribution over the years. We look forward to welcoming Toine and are confident that his extensive experience in risk management, global mergers and acquisitions, and accounting will add value to the board." David de Buck, CEO of Intertrust also commented: "Bert has been an asset to our Supervisory Board and I wish him well for the future. On behalf of the whole Intertrust team, we look forward to welcoming Toine." Until Mr. Van Laack's envisaged appointment at the Annual General Meeting on May 16, 2017, he will attend board meetings as an observer. The agenda and notice for the meeting will be available on the Company's website from April 3, 2017. For further information Intertrust N.V. annelouise.metz@intertrustgroup.com Anne Louise Metz Tel: +31 20 577 1157 Director of Investor Relations, Marketing & Communications About Intertrust Intertrust is the leading global provider of high-value trust, fund and corporate services, with approximately 2,400 employees located throughout a network of 41 offices in 30 jurisdictions across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Middle-East. The Company delivers high-quality, tailored services to its clients with a view to building long-term relationships. Intertrust's business services offering is comprised of corporate services, fund services, capital market services, and private wealth services. Intertrust has leading market positions in selected key geographic markets of its industry, including the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Jersey, and the Cayman Islands. Intertrust works with global law firms and accountancy firms, multi-national corporations, financial institutions, fund managers, high net worth individuals and family offices. Ocean View, Delaware, Feb. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The report Power Transmission Components Market Size By Product (Transformers, Circuit Breakers, Isolators, Insulators, Arrestors, Transmission Lines, Transmission Towers), By Voltage Level (132 kV, 220 kV, 440 kV, 660 kV, 765 kV & above), By Current Level (HVDC, HVAC), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, France, Germany, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, Peru), Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2024 by Global Market Insights, Inc. says Power Transmission Components Market size is poised to cross USD 35 billion by 2024. Rising investment towards expansion of existing grid infrastructure coupled with growing electricity demand from rural areas will stimulate the power transmission components market share over the forecast period. In 2015, the National Energy Administration of China had released the transmission grid construction and reform plan with the aim to invest USD 280 billion towards the upgradation of UHV, HV and MV transmission lines. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1151 Increasing adoption of renewable energy including solar, wind, biomass and small hydro will increase the demand for small grid networks, which will drive the positively power transmission components market. Countries including the U.S., UK, China, and India are making significant investments towards the development of microgrid structure to supply electricity across remote areas. Power transmission components market size from transmission towers segment is set to witness strong growth by 2024. Deployment of multi circuit tower structures by various developed countries including the U.S. and UK to carry long distances overhead lines will favor the business growth. Transformer is predicted to surpass USD 2 billion by 2024. Growing concern towards the upgradation of aging infrastructure will positively impact the business growth. HVDC is anticipate to reach over USD 7 billion by 2024. Growing investments towards the development of long distance EHV and UHV network on account of safe and reliable electricity will positively drive the power transmission components market share. However, high initial cost may hamper the industry growth. Browse key industry insights spread across 145 pages with 244 market data tables & 11 figures & charts from this 2017 report Power Transmission Components Market in detail along with the table of contents at: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/power-transmission-components-market For Europe, France power transmission components market size for 2015 was valued over USD 700 million. Growing measures to reduce the frequent blackouts owing to grid failures will stimulate the business growth. In 2016, Government of France announced to build 150-mile undersea transmission network with the aim to provide reliable electricity supply. China power transmission components market size is anticipated to witness a substantial growth of over 8% over the forecast period. Government of China is inherently working with the private players to enhance the capability of existing grid infrastructure to cater the growing electricity demand. India is predicted to exceed USD 4 billion by 2024. Government of India has introduced numerous initiatives to integrate the state and central grid to achieve single tariff structure. Ongoing program including rural electrification will further complement the business landscape. Brazil power transmission components market size was valued over USD 1 billion in 2015. In 2016, Brazils non-state-owned company CPFL Energia signed USD 13 billion strategic alliance with the State Grid Corp. of China. Key industry player includes Eaton, General Electric Company, Hitachi, ABB, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Siemens AG, Schneider Electric, Emerson, Tebian Electric Apparatus Stock, and Toshiba. Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/1151 Power transmission components market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue in USD Million from 2013 to 2024 , for the following segments: Global Power Transmission Components, By Product Transformers Circuit Breakers Isolators Insulators Arrestors Transmission lines Transmission towers Global Power Transmission Components, By Current Level HVAC HVDC Global Power Transmission Components, By Voltage Level 132 kV 220 kV 440 kV 660 kV 765 kV & Above The above information is provided on a regional and country basis for the following : North America US Canada Mexico Europe UK France Germany Russia Asia Pacific China India Japan South Korea Australia Middle East & Africa Saudi Arabia UAE South Africa Latin America Brazil Argentina Peru Browse Related Reports: String Inverter Market Size, By Product (Standalone, On-grid), By Phase (Single, Three), By Power Rating (10KW, 11KW-40KW, 41KW80KW, Over 80KW), By Application (Residential, Commercial, Utility), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, UK, Germany, Spain, France, Netherland, China, India, Japan, Australia, South Korea, UAE, South Africa, Brazil, Chile), Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/string-inverter-market Power Transformer Market Size By Product (501 MVA to 800 MVA, 100 MVA to 500 MVA, 801 MVA to 1200 MVA), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Development Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2015 2022 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/power-transformer-market-report About Global Market Insights Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology. Contact Us: Arun Hegde Corporate Sales, USA Global Market Insights, Inc. Phone: 1-302-846-7766 Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688 Email: sales@gminsights.com Web: https://www.gminsights.com Blog: https://gminsights.wordpress.com Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, Feb. 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robix Environmental Technologies, Inc. (Robix or the Corporation) (CSE:RZX) (Frankfurt:R0X) (OTC:ROBXF) is pleased to announce that through its subsidiary Corris Technologies Mexico S.A de C.V ("Corris"), Robix has entered into an agreement to lease the C-160 that has been used as a demonstration unit in Tuxpan, Veracruz, Mexico during the past year. The customer ("Ecios & Salida Construcciones Group" or Ecios) has been awarded a remediation contract in the state of Veracruz, and has chosen the C-Series as a key tool in its remediation strategy for this project. The remediation site, which is near Texistepec, Veracruz has been undergoing various stages of remedial work over the past few years. Since Robix has been in active technology demonstration with both Ecios and other stakeholders, it has been determined that the C-160 is an ideal choice for remediation of this site. Nathan Hansen, President & CEO of Robix, states: Our ongoing marketing activity, including demonstration of the C-160 with PEMEX officials, has brought us to the attention of customers such as Ecios and we are very pleased with this new business relationship. It demonstrates that containment, recovery and disposal equipment is a practical and needed solution to todays remediation needs. Mr. Hansen added, "I am grateful to our Corris team and our Mexico partners for securing this business relationship. We are looking forward to possible expansion of our C-Series product line and potential water treatment solutions in this remediation project. Karla Alva-Jorstad, Managing Director of Corris commented: "The remediation of Texistepec lagoon will have a major ecological impact, as it is one of the largest environmental liabilities on the North American continent. The lagoon contamination is a very significant problem and has been a major concern for local communities for several years. Being involved in a project of this magnitude is milestone Robix/Corris history and provides credibility to the Company as an important entity in the environmental protection arena. About Robix Robix is focused on the worldwide market for oil containment, recovery and cleaning equipment specifically for the oil spill protection, oil production and water cleaning and purification industries. To that end, Robix has commercialized its C Series Clean Ocean Vessel and the P Series Stationary Platform; both are based on a patented revolutionary oil recovery technology. The C Series is a vessel that recovers oil in rough ocean waters, lakes, rivers and tailings ponds in virtually any conditions. The P Series is an oil recovery platform designed to accelerate oil recovery from settling ponds at production facilities. The Company also offers a suite of Hydro Cycle Water purification and cleaning products. No stock exchange or any securities regulatory body has reviewed the contents of this news release. Congratulations on 2 scholarships and 2 admits. Fantastic Job at 25!I rushed to the thread thinking it was easy pickings of Haas full ride vs. Columbia. Of course it is not, and nothing looks as good as we think it does at first. I think the biggest question is now vs. next year. Frankly, getting a top 10 MBA for free is probably as it gets since you can't get Stanford or HBS for free. There have just been 2 somewhat similar discussions by younger applicants in a similar boat: Ross vs. Reapply and Fuqua vs. Reapply. The Ross applicant picked reapply and the Fuqua applicant picked Fuqua this year. The two applicants mostly based their situation and perspectives. Interesting enough, they were both also in a weaker positions (those were the only schools that have accepted them) and how much you think an upside you will get waiting a year, having to go through the process, and deal with your current job.I was in a similar situation and I chose to go to a lower-ranked school with a full scholarship rather than trying my luck the year after. I was just as young - 2.5 years after graduating from undergrad. Here is what I considered as my pros and cons:1. I had to get out of my job - I was sick of it (pretty strong reason to enroll). If i did not enroll, i would likely quit and find a new job; not a great strategy for reapplying. My job was shot - i burned myself out of it.2. I was 24 or 25, so waiting a year seemed like eternity. I did not have much upside in staying.3. MBA + full scholarship has exceeded my expectations (seems you may be in the same boat since you did not apply to higher ranked schools). There was still risk I would not get a scholarship/admit the year after, though it was minor.At the end, i picked to go and not wait. I was impatient and immature and waiting a year would have probably done good to get me a bit more mature so I could get out more from my BSchool experience. However, it did not matter at the end. I would probably still do it the way i did it - i am perfectly happy with how my life and path turned out. I feel it was the right move for me. I think there is a good chance you will get admitted to H/S without a scholarship of course, so is that brand name worth the wait and a $100K? Depends on how much of a brand junkie you are (sounds like you are not, how much money you can afford to spend, and how much potential you have in your job) - that's 3 things to figure out.As to Columbia vs. Haas - it is a big change NYC vs. Berkeley esp for someone from West Coast. If you are planning to stick around CA after graduation, then go to Haas. If you are thinking mid-west or East Coast, then you must go to a school in that region. Haas (for a number of reasons) has very low placement numbers in East Coast and Midwest (in part because nobody wants to freeze their tail in Chicago winds if they don't have to).Congrats! Fantastic Job!P.S. I modified your poll to reflect the third choice._________________ reply2spg wrote: What is the remainder when the positive integer n is divided by 2? (1) When n is divided by 5, the remainder is an odd integer. (2) When n is divided by 10, the remainder is an odd integer. Contact me for online GMAT math tutoring, or about my higher-level GMAT Quant books and problem sets, at ianstewartgmat at gmail.com ianstewartgmat.com GMAT Tutor in MontrealContact me for online GMAT math tutoring, or about my higher-level GMAT Quant books and problem sets, at ianstewartgmat at gmail.com Signature Read More Without testing numbers:First, there are only two remainders possible when you divide n by 2: 0 and 1. The remainder is 0 if n is even, and 1 if n is odd. So the question is really just asking "is n odd?"Remember the quotient/remainder definition. When we divide n by d, we have n = qd + r, where r is the remainder and q the quotient.From S1, n = 5q + r, where r is odd. So n = 5q + odd, and n could be even if q is odd, and n could be odd if q is even. Insufficient.From S2, n = 10q + r where r is odd. So n = even + odd = odd. Sufficient._________________ - Doctors gave a seven-year-old boy in Cape Town just two weeks to live after diagnosing him with cancer that resisted chemotherapy - However, three weeks later, the boy is still as strong as ever - His family has called his defiance of cancer a miracle Three weeks ago, doctors in Cape Town diagnosed a seven-year-old boy with stage 4 of a cancer known as neuroblastoma and gave him just two weeks to live. However, he is still alive and strong and was even seen riding a bicycle on Sunday. Junaid Arendse and her mom Monique. He has defied cancer odds PAY ATTENTION: Get all the latest gossips on NAIJ Gossip App Young Junaid Arendse initially complained of hip pain and his family took him to the hospital for examination. Doctors diagnosed him with cancer and told his family that it had spread to various parts of his body. They also said it was resistant to chemotherapy and as a result, there was nothing they could do to help Junaid. Junaid's mother and grandmother were distraught at the news and sought prayers from their local church. READ ALSO: BEAUTIFUL story of six sisters who were saved from pain and suffering (photos) Junaid is as strong and vibrant as ever despite doctors' predictions Three weeks later, Junaid shows no signs of slowing down on his life. He is as strong and vibrant as ever and was even seen riding a bicycle up and down his street on Sunday. READ ALSO: 8-year-old boy beats cancer after fighting it for 5 years (photo) His grandmother Margaret is calling Junaid's defiance a miracle, while his mother Monique prays that her son's fight and zeal for life continues. She adds that her husband and Junaid's dad is in prison, and is hopeful that Junaid will still be alive when his dad is released next month. To learn more about neuroblastoma, see the video below. Source: Legit.ng As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ Samsung took a hit to both its reputation and its bottom line from the disastrous launch of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone in 2016. After a massive recall and a large-scale investigation, Samsung is now pretty sure it knows why some phones seemed to spontaneously catch fire. The good news is that means the company can hopefully prevent it from happening again in future phones. It also means that Samsung may be able to retrofit some Note 7 devices that it recovered during the recall with new batteries and then put them out on the market again. According to a report in the Korea Economic Daily, thats exactly what Samsung plans to do. The refurbished Note 7 phones are expected to have the same processor, camera, screen, and other features as the originals. But the case has reportedly been redesigned, and the refurbished models are expected to ship with 3,000 mAh or 3,200 mAh batteries rather than 3,500 mAh batteries. The plan is to begin selling the refurbished phones starting in June. Theyll primarily be available in developing markets, where a reasonably priced phone with 2016 flagship-level specs might be more attractive to some customers than a full-priced 2017 flagship. Of course, theres always a chance things could go wrong with another rollout. The report that came out last month may be the result of the most comprehensive investigation into the exploding phones but its not the first time Samsung assured the public that the problem had been resolved. There were actually two recalls in 2016, with Samsung first recalling some phones, shipping new models, and then announcing a second phase when some of those new models started exhibiting the same behavior. via SamMobile and ZDNet (HealthDay)Patients with type 2 diabetes have reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilation, regardless of the presence of polyneuropathy, according to a study published online Feb. 15 in Diabetes Care. Anna L. Emanuel, from the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, and colleagues compared skin microvascular function in 16 healthy controls (HCs), 16 patients with cryptogenic axonal polyneuropathy (CAP), 15 patients with type 2 diabetes with polyneuropathy (DPN), and 11 patients with type 2 diabetes without polyneuropathy. Skin biopsy and nerve conduction studies were used to assess axonal degeneration. The researchers found that, compared with HCs, patients with CAP and DPN demonstrated a similar decrease in intraepidermal nerve fiber density and sural sensory nerve action potential. Compared with HCs, patients with CAP had a similar vasodilator response to acetylcholine (relative mean difference based on log values, 13.3 percent; P = 0.652), but patients with diabetes, with and without neuropathy, had lower response (157.5 and 174.2 percent; both P = 0.003). There were no significant differences between the patient groups with diabetes (P = 0.845). The vasodilator response to sodium nitroprusside did not differ significantly among the groups (P = 0.0802). "These data suggest that in type 2 diabetes, neuropathy does not contribute to impaired microvascular endothelium-dependent vasodilation and vice versa," the authors write. One author is an employee of Biogen, which funded the study. Copyright 2017 HealthDay. All rights reserved. If you thought that only your lungs were at risk from the hazardous air, let us tell you how your other organs are getting affected too. Apart from lungs, pollution affects the heart, blood, eyes, skin and creates immunity issues and also mental health illnesses. Not just this, studies reveal that smog affects fertility in men and women. Watch to know more A stylized illustration of a peptide epitope extending from the N-terminal end of the HLA-I binding groove. Credit: Imaging CoE Monash University (Australia) and Cardiff University (UK) researchers have come a step further in understanding how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) evades the immune system. Declared a pandemic in 1987 by the World Health Organization, HIV infection has been responsible for 39 million deaths over the last 30 years. It remains one of the world's most significant public health challenges and thus a greater understanding of how HIV functions is urgently needed so that researchers can design better therapies to target this devastating pathogen. Published today in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, the Monash-Cardiff team has made an important finding in understanding how HIV-I can evade the immune system. They demonstrated, in molecular detail, how mutations within HIV can lead to differing ways in which key immune molecules, termed the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), display fragments of the virus and how this results in the HIV remaining "hidden" from the immune system. Principal author of the study, Dr Julian Vivian, said the team was yet to develop a complete understanding of how HIV outmanoeuvred our immune system. "This work uncovers a novel mechanism for HIV immune escape, which will be important to incorporate into future vaccine development and may have broader implications for immune recognition of MHC molecules," he said. The recent finding is part of a much larger international alliance between the two Universities, with the Systems Immunity Research Institute (SIURI) at Cardiff University and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), having signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The five year mutual agreement recognises a number of highly productive joint projects already being conducted around inflammation and immunity, and provides a mechanism for enabling additional innovative projects and student exchange in the areas of protective immunity, metabolism, autoimmunity and cancer. A chief Investigator on the ARC CoE for Advanced Molecular Imaging, based at Monash BDI, Professor Jamie Rossjohn, said the find was exciting and unexpected. "These result were only possible because of the close collaborative ties between Monash and Cardiff researchers." Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, said the signing of the MoU called for a celebration. "Formalising this collaboration is another step forward in what will continue to be a highly successful exchange program and transfer of knowledge between the two countries for the benefit of all." Monash BDI Director, Professor John Carroll, said the research demonstrated the power of international collaboration. "We are bringing together excellence in molecular and systems level immunity in this partnership, and I know it will lead to many more great discoveries." In the Biological Psychiatry special issue "Neuroimmune Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder", guest editor Professor Kimberley McAllister of the University of California, Davis, presents five reviews and three original research articles highlighting advances that are transforming the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. "ASD is the most rapidly increasing neurodevelopmental disorder and current estimates are alarming," said Dr. McAllister. One in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys in the US are estimated to be on the spectrum. Few treatment options exist, and the search for effective new therapies has been hindered by a struggle to understand what causes ASD. "One of the most exciting recent hypotheses in the field is that immune dysregulation contributes to, and may cause, ASD," Dr. McAllister added. The special issue reports on both environmental factors and genetic mutations that converge on immune dysfunction. To better understand the neurodevelopmental trajectory and role of immune function in ASD, new clinical studies detail the timing of immunologic disturbances in children with ASD and the relationship between immune system activation and severity of impairments. Inflammation may also help explain why ASD affects boys 4 to 5 times more than girls. A review highlighting the importance of the immune system in the normal development of males proposes how the process of masculinization makes boys more vulnerable to the effects of inflammation. Children with ASD often suffer from gastrointestinal issues, and two reviews highlight recent research on the environmental and genetic links that may bridge immune dysfunction, the gut microbiome, and impairments in brain development associated with ASD. Recent research has also implicated the maternal immune system during pregnancy on risk of ASD in children. Two new reviews in the issue collate research in humans and animal models that link alterations in the maternal immune system, whether through genetic autoimmune disorders or through immune system activation in response to infection, with impaired brain development observed in ASD. "Research in this new area of neuroimmunology provides real hope that new therapies directed at preventing and/or correcting immune dysregulation in ASD could improve the lives of millions of Americans," Dr. McAllister concluded. Therapies targeting the immune system may also have benefits beyond ASD, as indicated by a new study linking maternal immune dysfunction with an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The findings suggest that correcting immune dysfunction may have potential for preventing a range of psychiatric diseases. More information: The special issue is "Neuroimmune Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder," Biological Psychiatry, volume 81, issue 5 (2017), published by Elsevier. Journal information: Biological Psychiatry The special issue is "Neuroimmune Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder,", volume 81, issue 5 (2017), published by Elsevier. Fluorescent staining of IL-33 in a newborn mouse lung. Credit: CeMM/Simona Saluzzo The lung is an important interface between the body and the outside environment: with each breath, a surface of roughly 100 square meters exchanges oxygen for carbon dioxide. More than 10,000 liters of air pass adult lungs every day and with this come numerous viruses, bacteria and pollutants, which need to be prevented from entering the body. To defend the organism from these intruders, the lungs harbor their own arsenal of highly specialized immune cells that are equipped to maintain the balance between host defense and tissue quiescence. However, how this balanced immune homeostasis in lungs emerged after birth, was largely unexplored. Now, for the first time, the group of Sylvia Knapp, Director of Medical Affairs at CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences and Professor of Infection Biology at the Medical University of Vienna showed with the help of mouse models that the very first breath of a newborn releases crucial signals that shape the lifelong immunological milieu of lungs. The study, published in Cell Reports, reveals that the mechanical forces of spontaneous ventilation at birth lead to the release of interleukin (IL)-33, a cytokine with a wide-range of effects: So-called "type 2 innate lymphoid cells" (ILC2s) follow the IL-33 signal and migrate into the lung tissue, where they release IL-13, another cytokine. This second signal determines the faith of alveolar macrophages by inducing the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. A graphical abstract of the study. Credit: CeMM/Simona Saluzzo "ILC2-cells are crucial in defending the lungs against parasites or influenza viruses, but little was known about their role in lung homeostasis", first author Simona Saluzzo, PhD Student at CeMM and the Medical University of Vienna, explains. "Now we understand that right after birth, ILC2 are responsible for the differentiation of alveolar macrophages into specialized cells that keep the immune system in check and ensure that the lungs stay calm and healthy to ensure proper gas exchange." These ILC2-induced effects protect the lungs from excessive inflammation to daily encountered environmental triggers - but there is a catch, senior author Sylvia Knapp emphasizes: "We could show in our study that the described mechanisms are crucial in achieving lung quiescence after the first contact with the outside world. However, these processes at the same time increase the susceptibility to bacterial infections, such as caused by pneumococci. In other words: The mechanism that maintains the lung function of gas exchange at the same time explains why bacterial pneumonia is the primary cause of death by an infectious disease in Western countries." More information: "First-breath induced type-2 pathways shape the lung immune environment" Cell Reports, DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.01.071 Journal information: Cell Reports "First-breath induced type-2 pathways shape the lung immune environment" Provided by Austrian Academy of Sciences Credit: The Ohio State University As mindfulness practices rise in popularity and evidence of their worth continues to accumulate, those who work with aging populations are looking to use the techniques to boost cognitive, emotional and physiological health. But studies so far have shown mixed results in the elderly, and more investigation is needed to determine exactly how best to apply mindfulness in that population, a new review of the research to date has found. A majority of the 27 studies in the review suggest that the focused attention at the core of mindfulness benefits older people, but others don't point to improvements. And that should prompt more rigorous investigations in search of interventions likely to do the most good, researchers from The Ohio State University found. Their analysis appears in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. "Mindfulness is a practice that really serves as a way to foster a greater quality of life and there's been some thought that it could help with cognitive decline as we age," said Stephanie Fountain-Zaragoza, lead author of the study and a graduate student in psychology. "Given the growing interest in mindfulness in general, we wanted to determine what we know right now so that researchers can think about where we go from here," she said. The good news so far: The evidence from a variety of studies points to some benefits for older adults, suggesting that mindfulness training might be integrated into senior centers and group homes, the researchers found. Older people are an especially important population to study given diminished social support, physical limitations and changes in cognitive health, the researchers point out. Studies of mindfulness meditation usually involve three types of practices. The first, focused attention, involves sustained attention to a single thing (such as the breath) and an effort to disengage from other distractions. Open monitoring meditation, often seen as the next step up in mindfulness, includes acknowledging the details of multiple phenomena (sensations, sounds, etc.) without selectively focusing on one of them. "This includes being open to experiencing thoughts and sensations and emotions and taking them as they come and letting them go," Fountain-Zaragoza said. Loving-kindness meditation encourages a universal state of love and compassion toward oneself and others. "The goal with this is to foster compassionate acceptance," said senior author Ruchika Shaurya Prakash, director of Ohio State's clinical neuroscience laboratory and an expert in mindfulness. In addition to looking at how mindfulness contributed - or did not - to behavioral and cognitive functioning and to psychological wellbeing, some of the research also looked at its potential role in inflammation, which contributes to a variety of diseases. In all categories of study, including inflammatory processes, Prakash and Fountain-Zaragoza found mixed results. The hope is that mindfulness could help the elderly preserve attention and capitalize on emotional regulation strategies that naturally improve as we age, Prakash said. "Around 50 percent of our lives, our minds are wandering and research from Harvard University has shown that the more your mind wanders, the less happy you are," she said. "Mindfulness allows you to become aware of that chaotic mind-wandering and provides a safe space to just breathe." In older people, mindfulness ideally has the potential to help with cognition, emotion and inflammation, but little research has been done so far and those studies that have been done have had mixed results and scientific limitations. While most of the studies in the review showed positive results, the field is limited and would benefit greatly from larger randomized controlled trials, Fountain-Zaragoza said. "We want to really be able to say that we have strong evidence that mindfulness is driving the changes we see," she said. Eric Bartee, Ph.D. of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Medical University of South Carolina, was the first author on the Molecular Therapy - Oncolytics article. Credit: Medical University of South Carolina Treating multiple myeloma (MM) with myxoma virus (MYXV) eliminated a majority of malignant cells in preclinical studies, report investigators at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and elsewhere in an article published online on December 7, 2016 by Molecular TherapyOncolytics. Furthermore, introduction of MYXV elicited a strong immune response that eradicated disease in some animals. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of plasma B cells, a cell type within the body's immune system. MM is the second most common blood cancer and, unfortunately, remains difficult to treat. Even with the introduction of new chemotherapy regimens, most patients still succumb to disease relapse either from reinfusion of cancerous cells during stem cell transplant or expansion of drug-resistant disease after chemotherapy In the recent study, Eric C. Bartee, Ph.D., an assistant professor of Microbiology and Immunology at MUSC, and his colleagues at MUSC and the University of Oslo took a novel approach to treating MM: using viral oncolytics to specifically target and destroy cancer cells. "What I thought was really interesting here was that we could actually get rid of disease and it didn't appear to ever come back," said Bartee. For the past several years, Bartee has been using myxoma virus to treat MM in cell culture. MYXV exclusively infects rabbits and is therefore noninfectious to humans. However, previous work from the Bartee laboratory showed the MYXV was able to kill human MM cells. Currently, stem cell transplants, using a patient's own stem cells, are used as a treatment for MM, but patients often relapse from residual cancer cells within the transplant sample. Bartee showed that treatment with MYXV was successful in eradicating MM cells in patients' stem cell samples prior to re-engraftment, thereby preventing relapse of MM. In the recent study, they took this one step further by assessing whether treatment with MYXV also has a benefit on disease outside the context of transplantation. Using a preclinical mouse model, Bartee showed that systemic treatment with MYXV reduced tumor burden and led to a modest decrease in disease progression in 66% of mice. More impressively, in 25% of mice, there was a complete eradication of disease with no evidence of relapse. Since MYXV does not replicate in MM cells, it was postulated that eradication of disease was caused by the host's immune system. Investigation of the bone marrow, a compartment that helps produce red and white blood cells, showed that it was unaffected by treatment with MYXV. This suggested that the immune system remained functional and could combat the cancer cells. Indeed, treatment with MYXV led to an increase in CD8+ T cells, a type of white blood cell, within the bone marrow compartment, indicating a strong anti-tumor response. While this preclinical work suggests that MYXV has the potential to cure some patients of MM, there are many hurdles that need to be overcome before this option is available in the clinic. One significant barrier is large-scale production of clinical-grade virus. Another considerable hurdle when moving from preclinical studies in mice to clinical trials in humans is demonstrating a high response rate. "I think the major next question is 'How do you get that response rate from 25% to 50% to 80% to 100%?'" said Bartee. "How do you define the patients in which it works?" One unique advantage of treating MM with MYXV is that the response rate observed in this study is not mediated by the virus. It is actually mediated by the patient's own immune system. Combining MYXV treatment with other immunomodulatory therapies that have been shown to boost anti-tumor response could provide a novel treatment regimen that significantly improves patient outcome compared to the current treatment model. Another advantage is that it is extremely difficult for myeloma to develop resistance to killing by MYXV. One of the challenges with standard chemotherapeutic agents is that many tumors often develop resistance through small changes in the cell, leading to relapse of disease. Because MYXV has evolved for thousands of years to override anything the cell can do, there is no real evidence that tumors can develop resistance to oncolytic infections. "I think what our findings, and oncolytics in general, really highlight is that some of these non-traditional therapies can really offer the benefit of complete disease eradication," said Bartee. "You're not just moving the curve to the right a little bit; you're bending the survival curve up. And you're really fundamentally changing how you can look at cancer treatment." More information: Eric Bartee et al, Systemic therapy with oncolytic myxoma virus cures established residual multiple myeloma in mice, Molecular TherapyOncolytics (2016). Eric Bartee et al, Systemic therapy with oncolytic myxoma virus cures established residual multiple myeloma in mice,(2016). DOI: 10.1038/mto.2016.32 Images in a 55-year-old screening participant. (a, b) Normal digital full-field mediolateral oblique (a) and craniocaudal (b) mammograms (BI-RADS category 1) show a heterogeneously dense breast (ACR category C). (c) Screening ultrasound image shows normal findings (BI-RADS category 1). (d) MR-guided biopsy enabled us to confirm the presence of an invasive high-grade triple-negative cancer (no special type [NST], pT1b, N0, M0). (d) Breast MR image shows a suspicious enhancing mass (arrow) in the left breast (BI-RADS category 5). Credit: Radiological Society of North America MRI screening improves early diagnosis of breast cancer in all women-not only those at high risk-according to a new study from Germany published online in the journal Radiology. MRI has long been known as an effective breast cancer screening modality that offers better sensitivity than mammography and ultrasound. Currently, guidelines reserve breast MRI screening for women who have a strong family history or other specific breast cancer risk factors. MRI screening has not been considered necessary for women at average risk, and there has been resistance to expansion of MRI into this population due, in part, to concern over higher costs. However, with breast cancer remaining a major cause of cancer death in women, there is good reason to pursue the search for improved screening methods, according to the study's lead author, Christiane Kuhl, M.D., chair of the Department of Radiology at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. Between 2005 and 2013, Dr. Kuhl and colleagues studied breast MRI's impact on 2,120 women, ages 40 to 70, with less than a 15 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer. The women had normal screening mammograms and, in the case of those with dense breast tissue, normal screening ultrasound. Breast MRI detected 60 additional breast cancers, including 40 invasive cancers, for an overall supplemental cancer detection rate of 15.5 per 1,000 women. Of the 60 cancers detected in the study group over the observation period (7,007 screening rounds), 59 were found only using MRI, one was found also by mammography, and none by mammography or ultrasound alone. According to Dr. Kuhl, the results suggest that MRI can serve as a useful supplemental screening tool for women at average risk, especially those with dense mammographic tissue, and that MRI is superior to supplemental ultrasound for this purpose. Graph shows distribution of breast density in the entire cohort and in women who had additional cancers detected with only MR imaging. Credit: Radiological Society of North America The results also highlight the ability of MRI in the detection of more aggressive types of cancer. "The faster a cancer grows and the better it is in seeding metastases, the better will it be picked up early by MRI," Dr. Kuhl said. "In our cohort, cancers found by MRI alone exhibited features of rapid growth at pathology." This ability is especially important in women with dense breast tissue in which aggressive cancers may be missed on mammography. Left undetected, these cancers will grow to become clinically palpable cancers, also known as interval cancers. The new study showed that, consistent with previous research, breast MRI can depict these rapidly growing cancers with high reliability. According to Dr. Kuhl, interval cancers exhibit an adverse biologic profile and are the main driver of breast cancer mortality. Additional cancers detected by MRI screening in the study had a skewed distribution towards a higher-than-normal prevalence or incidence of rapidly growing (grade 3) cancers. "The interval cancer rate in our study was zero percent. Not a single cancer was undetected that became palpable," she said. "This suggests that MRI finds breast cancers that also mammography would find, but MRI detects them earlier, and it finds the cancers which, if MRI had not been done, would have progressed to interval cancers." More information: "Supplemental Breast MR Imaging Screening of Women with Average Risk of Breast Cancer," Radiology, 2017. Journal information: Radiology "Supplemental Breast MR Imaging Screening of Women with Average Risk of Breast Cancer,", 2017. Credit: CC0 Public Domain Swedes should take a one-hour paid break from work to go home and have sex with their partners, a local councillor suggested in a proposal Tuesday aimed at improving people's personal relationships. "There are studies that show sex is healthy," Per-Erik Muskos, a 42-year-old city councillor for the northern town of Overtornea, told AFP after presenting the motion. He said couples were not spending enough time with each other in today's society. "It's about having better relationships," he said. He noted there was no way to verify that employees do not use their hour for other purposes than spending time with their partners or spouses. "You can't guarantee that a worker doesn't go out for a walk instead," Muskos said, adding that employers needed to trust their employees. Muskos said he "saw no reason" why the motion wouldn't pass. After the Finns and the French, Swedish full-time employees worked the least in Europe with only 1,685 hours on average in 2015, according to a study by economic research institute Coe-Rexecode. Brits worked an average of 1,900 hours and Germans 1,847 hours in 2015. 2017 AFP Transmission electron microscope image of negative-stained, Fortaleza-strain Zika virus (red), isolated from a microcephaly case in Brazil. The virus is associated with cellular membranes in the center. Credit: NIAID As public health officials warn that spring's warmer temperatures may herald another increase of Zika virus infections in the Caribbean and North and South America, researchers around the world are racing to develop safe and effective measures to prevent the disease. In a review paper published today in the journal, a group of leading vaccine scientistsincluding Dan H. Barouch, MD, PhD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC)outline advances in the hunt for a Zika vaccine and the challenges that still lie ahead. "The pace of preclinical and early clinical development for Zika vaccines is unprecedented," said Barouch, corresponding author and director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at BIDMC. "In less than a year, our group and others have demonstrated that multiple vaccine platforms can provide robust protection against Zika virus challenge in animal models. However, unique challenges will need to be addressed in the clinical development of a Zika vaccine. " The recent outbreak of the Zika virus in the Americas began in Brazil nearly two years ago. By February 2016, the World Health Organization had declared the epidemic a global public health emergency, based largely on the virus' newly-established link to microcephaly and other major birth defects in babies born to infected mothers. The virus has also been associated with the neurologic disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. In a previously published paper, Barouch and colleagues, including Colonel Nelson L. Michael, MD, PhD, director of the Military HIV Research Program at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and Stephen Thomas, MD, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, demonstrated that three different vaccine candidates provided robust protection against Zika virus in both mice and rhesus monkeys. Several human clinical trials began last fall at test sites including BIDMC, WRAIR, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases affiliated clinical trial sites. "The rapid advancement of Zika vaccine candidates into clinical trials reflects the uniquely focused and effective collaboration among scientists in the field to address this important global problem," said Barouch. Despite the accelerated pace of research, much remains unknown about the virus, raising unique challenges in developing a vaccine. Safety considerations are especially critical, given that the target population for a Zika vaccine would likely include men and women of childbearing age. Zika is a member of the flavivirus family of viruses, which includes West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, and dengue viruses, for which successful vaccines have been developed. Studies suggest that Zika-induced antibody responses may also cross-react with other flaviviruses, particularly dengue virus. Whether or not this antibody cross-reactivity may have clinical consequences is another consideration for Zika vaccines and requires further study. Credit: CC0 Public Domain (Medical Xpress)A team of researchers with the University of Edinburgh in the U.K. has conducted the longest study of its kind on human personality traits and how they might change as people age. In their paper published in the journal Psychology and Aging, the researchers describe how they conducted their study and what they found regarding personality changes over time. Most people believe themselves to be the same person all of their lives, but thus far, no one has been able to prove it. In this new effort, the researchers were looking to test one aspect of selfan individual's personality, which is the persona they share with the rest of the world; they wanted to know if it changes over time. To learn more about personality change over the course of a lifetime, the researchers accessed data from a study done back in 1950 in Scotland, where a team had asked a group of teachers to fill out personality assessments of 1,208 of their 14-year-old students (the assessments asked questions about basic traits such as stability of moods, self-confidence, conscientiousness, perseverance, desire to excel and originality). The researchers than went looking for those same students and found 635 of them, 174 of whom agreed to take a test similar to the one given to them by their teacher 63 years before. Each of the volunteers also brought along someone that knew them well, and that person also filled out an assessment of the volunteer. Next, the researchers explored whether they could find any connection between the teacher assessments and those that were made later in life, when the volunteers were 77 years old. They report that they could not find any correlation at allit was as if the second tests had been given to different people. The researchers also report that they were surprised with their results, because other studies had shown some degree of correlation. Their results suggest that personality really does change, which may not come as a surprise to some people who have come across someone they knew many years before and found them to be very different people. More information: Mathew A. Harris et al. Personality stability from age 14 to age 77 years., Psychology and Aging (2016). Mathew A. Harris et al. Personality stability from age 14 to age 77 years.,(2016). DOI: 10.1037/pag0000133 Abstract There is evidence for differential stability in personality trait differences, even over decades. The authors used data from a sample of the Scottish Mental Survey, 1947 to study personality stability from childhood to older age. The 6-Day Sample (N = 1,208) were rated on six personality characteristics by their teachers at around age 14. In 2012, the authors traced as many of these participants as possible and invited them to take part in a follow-up study. Those who agreed (N = 174) completed a questionnaire booklet at age 77 years, which included rating themselves and asking someone who knew them well to rate them on the same 6 characteristics on which they were rated in adolescence. Each set of 6 ratings was reduced to the same single underlying factor, denoted dependability, a trait comparable to conscientiousness. Participants' and others' older-age personality characteristic ratings were moderately correlated with each other, and with other measures of personality and wellbeing, but correlations suggested no significant stability of any of the 6 characteristics or their underlying factor, dependability, over the 63-year interval. However, a more complex model, controlling rater effects, indicated significant 63-year stability of 1 personality characteristic, Stability of Moods, and near-significant stability of another, Conscientiousness. Results suggest that lifelong differential stability of personality is generally quite low, but that some aspects of personality in older age may relate to personality in childhood. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) Journal information: Psychology and Aging 2017 Medical Xpress Florence Marquez liked to describe herself as a cannery worker, even though she was best known in her heavily Latino East San Jose neighborhood as a community activist. She strode alongside Cesar Chavez in the farmworker movement during the 1960s and '70s. She helped build affordable housing for poor families near her local church. But eight years ago, Florence, now 86, couldn't find her way to the house she had lived in for 50 years. "That's when we knew she needed 24-hour care," said her oldest daughter, Barbara Marquez, 61. Florence was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, which robbed her of her memory and her fierce independence. Across the United States, stories like hers are becoming more common, particularly among Latinos - the fastest-growing minority in the country. With no cure in sight, the number of U.S. Latinos with Alzheimer's is expected rise by more than eight times by 2060, to 3.5 million, according to a report by the USC Edward R. Roybal Institute on Aging and the Latinos Against Alzheimer's network. Advanced age is the leading risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's doubles about every five years after age 65. As a group, Latinos are at least 50 percent more likely than whites to have Alzheimer's, in part because they tend to live longer, the report notes. "This is an incoming tsunami," said Dr. William Vega, one of the report's authors and the Roybal Institute's executive director. "If we don't find breakthrough medication, we are going to be facing a terrible financial crisis." That tidal wave of Alzheimer's cases is prompting some tough conversations in Latino families, who often pride themselves on caring for elders at home, rather than placing them in nursing homes. Those talks come with a lot of guilt, Barbara said. Until recently, Barbara was her mother's primary caregiver. Her sister and brother helped out. "But it was more than I could have anticipated," Barbara said, recalling sleepless nights as she tried to make sure Florence didn't get up and wander off. "It impacts your health, it impacts your marriage. So we looked for help." About 1.8 million Latino families nationwide care for someone with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. And while the Roybal report shows that Latino families are less likely than whites to use formal care services, such as nursing home care, institutionalized care is becoming more common among these families. Between 1999 and 2008, the number of elderly Latinos living in U.S. nursing homes grew by about 55 percent, a rate that outpaced the growth of the overall Latino population during that time, according to research published in July 2011 in Health Affairs. That can be costly. Nationwide, the average cost for basic services in an assisted living facility is $43,200 per year, according to the Alzheimer's Association. Yearly nursing home care now averages more than twice that, at slightly more than $92,000. For many Latino families, getting outside help isn't an option. It's often too expensive for seniors who aren't eligible for Medi-Cal, California's version of the Medicaid program for low-income people, which generally pays for nursing home care. Immigrants who are in the country unlawfully do not qualify for it, nor do people whose incomes are too high. Florence's children decided to take their mother out of her house in San Jose, and they brought her to live with her daughter Barbara in Fair Oaks, just outside Sacramento. They sold the San Jose house, thinking it would help pay for institutionalized care should their mom need it down the road. She did not qualify for Medi-Cal, so she lived with Barbara for about three years. But after trying out a senior day care program outside of the house at a cost of about $78 a day, Barbara and her family placed Florence in a senior home in the Sacramento suburb of Carmichael, where she has been living for the past year. The decision to institutionalize Florence Marquez left her children feeling both guilty and overwhelmed by the steep expense. Her care now costs $3,000 to $4,000 per month, they said. They pay extra for specialized services. They had the proceeds from the sale of Florence's house, "but those resources are dwindling," Barbara said. "What do we do when that money is gone?" The Roybal study estimates that the cumulative economic impact of Alzheimer's among Latinos will hit $2.35 trillion by 2060. That figure includes the costs of medical and long-term care, as well as the lost earnings of family members who provide unpaid in-home care, and of the Alzheimer's victims themselves, according to the study. Gustavo Lopez of Chicago cares for his mother, Agustina Lopez, 76, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease seven years ago. Gustavo, 48, and his four siblings looked into assisted living but couldn't afford it. Agustina, after moving between her children's homes, eventually landed with Gustavo, her youngest. When Gustavo first took on the role of primary caregiver, his mother still did most things on her own, he said. But she now relies on him to help her eat, bathe, dress and take her medication. So Gustavo needs a job with flexible hours. He's worked mostly as a waiter. Other employment opportunities have come his way, some with better pay, but caring for his mother comes first, he said. Gustavo does get some help from family friends who check in on his mom while he is at work. He also found Casa Cultural in Chicago, a social service agency that offers a day program for seniors. He can drop his mom off at the center for a few hours, giving him a respite. Free or low-cost programs like these are available in many communities, but families need to do research and ask for help, said Constantina Mizis, president of the Chicago-based Latino Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Alliance. The alliance, formed in 2009, focuses on family members who are primary caregivers. Mizis said she has met many caregivers who are near their breaking point. The nonprofit offers training for them, helps find resources to boost their own well-being and puts on community events for families. When seeking support, the best place to start is at a local community group or center - a church, a nonprofit, a United Way office, or the local Alzheimer's Association chapter, for example, Mizis said. These groups will most likely refer caregivers to a county's Agency on Aging or a state's Department of Aging. There, families are assigned a social worker who can discuss what benefits are available. If an Alzheimer's patient qualifies for Medicaid, these benefits could include caregiver training and payment through programs such as California's In-Home Supportive Services. But benefits and eligibility vary by state. In 2010, the Social Security Administration recognized early-onset Alzheimer's as a medical condition eligible for disability income. That could help people whose Alzheimer's disease is diagnosed before the age of 65, but many Latino families aren't aware the program exists, Mizis said. Because Latinos are more likely to use informal and more affordable care options, the Roybal report calls for improving training and resources for families in both English and Spanish. Among the caregivers who opt to keep a parent with Alzheimer's at home is Julia Garcia, of Houston, Texas. She rotates with her three daughters to watch her mother, Marcela Barberena, 85, who was diagnosed with the disease last year. Julia, who had been unfamiliar with Alzheimer's, initially thought her mother's forgetfulness and childlike behavior was due to age. "Too often people will see Alzheimer's as a result of old age, but this brain-deteriorating disease is not natural," said Vega, co-author of the report. Julia Garcia said she realized it was something more serious when her mother took a shuttle bus from Houston's international airport without knowing her destination. "We had agreed I'd pick her up, but she left on her own," Julia said. "She ended up downtown. It was the scariest moment of my life." As a new caregiver, Julia reached out to her local Alzheimer's Association chapter for information. While some resources are available in Spanish in the Houston chapter, Julia noticed very few Latinos attending the informational workshops or classes. Spanish-language media provided little information about the disease. "You rarely hear anything about it on TV or the radio," she said. In addition, many Latinos, including the Marquez, Lopez and Garcia families, are often unaware of clinical trials through which families can gain access to experimental therapies and medications at little or no cost. Latinos are underrepresented in clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health: They account for 17 percent of the U.S. population but only 7.5 percent of participants at the 32 NIH-funded Alzheimer's research centers across the country, according to the Roybal study. Latino volunteers for these trials are important in helping researchers develop Alzheimer's treatments that work for all ethnic groups, the report says. "This is why it is so important to invest in the education of these communities," Mizis said. Her group helps train promotoras, or community health educators, in regions with large Latino communities - including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Baltimore and New York. Going door-to-door, promotoras educate families about the disease. "I see firsthand everyday how much help our communities need," Mizis said. "And this need keeps growing." 2017 Kaiser Health News Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Press Trust of India: Hyderabad, Feb 20 (PTI) Telangana police probing the cases pertaining to slain Naxal-turned-gangster Mohammed Nayeemuddin, today said they have registered 197 cases against him and his gang members, and filed charge sheets in 18 of them. "So far, 197 cases were registered against Nayeem and his gang members in Telangana state. During the investigation of cases against Nayeem gang, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) officers arrested 125 accused, took 107 accused into police custody and interrogated them," a release from DGP office said. advertisement "The SIT examined 878 witnesses in different cases and filed charge sheets in 18 cases," it said. As many as 14 gangsters of Nayeem involved in several cases were detained under the stringent Preventive Detention Act, the release said. "Within a short period, the police have collected details of several cases, in which the gang was involved, and secured material evidence. The investigation by SIT is progressing at a fast pace in impartial manner to finalise the cases at an early stage," the police release said. Nayeemuddin alias Nayeem alias Balanna (45), wanted in a number of cases, including the murder of an IPS officer, was killed in an exchange of fire with police in Shadnagar town in Mahabubnagar district on August 8 last year. Nayeem had formed a criminal gang and allegedly indulged in land grabbings, extortion, kidnappings, etc, many of which were not reported to police due to fear of reprisal, police said. PTI VVK NP PTP --- ENDS --- Women with mild blockage of coronary arteries report poorer health, more anxiety and a more negative outlook than men with the same condition, according to new research in the American Heart Association's journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes. In general, people with non-obstructive coronary artery disease report more anxiety, depression and a negative outlook, what physicians refer to as psychosocial distress, than the general population. Prior to this study, gender disparity had not been investigated. In non-obstructive coronary artery disease, the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart is partially restricted. This condition is associated with an increased risk of heart attack and other major adverse cardiovascular events, as well as death from any cause. Because a patient's perceived health status, psychological distress and personality are factors that can affect outcomes in coronary artery disease patients, psychosocial factors serve as proxy risk factors for future cardiovascular events, said Paula M.C. Mommersteeg, Ph.D., senior author of the study and assistant professor of medical and clinical psychology at Tilburg University in The Netherlands. Researchers explored the association between non-obstructive coronary artery disease and psychosocial distress in 523 non-obstructive coronary artery disease patients (aged 52 to 70) and 1,347 people from the general population matched by age and by sex. All the participants completed questionnaires assessing their physical and mental health, psychological well-being and personality profile (degree of negative or positive outlook and level of social inhibition). Among patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease, the study noted: a significantly higher prevalence of poor health, anxiety, and Type D personality (negative emotions combined with social inhibition) compared to those without the condition;more physical impairment reported by women than men; and more psychosocial distress reported by women. "We were very intrigued by these sex and gender differenceswe had not thought they would be so apparent," Mommersteeg said. Statistical analysis revealed that these gaps could be explained by several factors related to sex and gender such as societal and cultural norms, age at diagnosis, education level, partner status (married/divorced/widowed/single), employment history and alcohol use, according to the study. The survey and analysis took place as part of the TWeeSteden mIld STenosis (TWIST) study, undertaken to investigate classic and novel risk markers for non-obstructive coronary artery disease. It is unclear if the results can be generalized to other populations, researchers said. Important stuff you won't get from the liberal media! We do the surfing so you can be informed AND have a life! The latest traffic statistics from top ISPs reveal that the fastest-growing traffic groups are streaming video especially YouTube gaming, and voice-over-IP (VoIP). Cybersmart CTO Laurie Fialkov said streaming media has experienced strong growth since the launch of Netflix and ShowMax in South Africa. Gaming is another fast-growing online field, which Fialkov said is driven by popular titles. VoIP, which includes traditional VoIP and app-based voice services from WhatsApp and Skype, is also showing strong growth. While the bandwidth requirements for VoIP are far less than for video streaming, the percentage growth is similar, said Fialkov. Axxess director Franco Barbalich said based on volume, YouTube is showing the biggest growth on its network. Another encouraging protocol showing a significant increase is SSL traffic, which can be directly attributed to the drive for HTTPS everywhere and online services securing their sites, said Barbalich. The biggest traffic declines are in online services used for piracy BitTorrent and Usenet (NNTP). We have seen a significant decline in BitTorrent and NNTP usage since the launch of streaming services like Netflix and ShowMax, said Barbalich. In the past, we have had torrent traffic peak to as much as 50% of our total consumption. Recently, torrent traffic peaks at about 20% of total consumption. Fialkov said BitTorrent and NNTP has experienced a massive decline on their network. BitTorrent traffic volumes are at around 20% of what it was two years ago, while NNTP traffic is practically zero, he said. Now read: DStv and Netflix are killing online piracy in South Africa For years I resisted it, the two-year lock-in that is a smartphone contact. I had a Nexus 5, you see, imported from the US for cheaper than local import services offered it. What Android user could need more than a Google phone and a prepaid SIM? But as time went on, the Nexus started to show its age its battery started to wane and its 16GB of storage (with no microSD support) became a problem. I decided to get a new phone, and found there were good contract deals to be had essentially, interest-free loans repayable over 24 months. I ended up choosing Telkom and the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Ive had the device for a year now, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made. Its not what you think Although the S7 Edge has a great set of hardware housed in a sleek case, these features are not exclusive to Samsung. Apple, Huawei, and LG all sell beautiful and powerful phones in South Africa. Even features such as its IP68 dust and waterproof ratings are not unique. It must also be noted that while I think Samsung offers the best overall package in South Africa, its devices are not perfect. There are always trade-offs when making phones. For example, the Galaxy S7 does not have a removable battery or a dual-camera system, and it doesnt have my favourite implementation of a fingerprint reader. Taking that into account, however, it is hard to beat the Samsung-Android combination for the reasons below. Accessories and VR support As Samsung is such a popular brand, you can always find accessories that fit your phone. Screen protectors, covers, and battery cases are readily available in South Africa. VR support is also included with the S7, and the Samsung Gear VR is a relatively cheap headset (if you discount the cost of the phone). Samsung devices compatible with Gear VR include the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge, Galaxy Note 5, and the Galaxy S6, S6 Edge, and S6 Edge+. Service centres After-sales support is not something many people consider when buying a phone, until its too late and they wish they had. When something goes wrong and you need to get your phone repaired, you will be glad that Samsungs footprint across South Africa is expansive. Accidental damage warranty No list of Samsung smartphone pros would be complete without the accidental damage from handling warranty (ADH). ADH is an additional warranty on flagship Samsung phones that offers a free screen or rear glass repair. The ADH warranty that comes with the S7 offers one free cracked glass repair within the first 12 months of the date of purchase. The Android connection Having a good piece of hardware, customer support, and accessories all fall away if you have a terrible OS, and Android is an essential part of Samsungs success. BlackBerry had arguably the greatest value proposition of any smartphone in South Africa for years, but that didnt stop the decline of its devices running the BlackBerry OS. Like Samsungs hardware, Android is not perfect. Of particular concern are worryingly-infrequent software updates on most networks. Androids niggles are swept away by its rich set of features, though. Multi-window Android 7.0 Nougat has added a multiple app windows feature to its functionality, while Samsung has had this standout feature on its devices for a while. Home screen and app tray Samsung devices come with a 44 home screen and app tray grid size, which means you can fit 16 icons on a single screen. This can be adjusted to a 45 or 55 grid size a feature that isnt available on all Android-based smartphones. Widgets Android has several features you wont find on iOS, including an app tray that is separate from the home screens and the ability to add dynamic widgets and not just app icons to home screens. Samsungs software also includes widgets you wont find on default Android, such as a full-month calendar widget. Data usage tracker A feature I use a lot is Androids mobile data usage tracker and limiter. This allows you to prevent out-of-bundle usage or being cut off by your service provider for reaching your cap. Where did that irritating notification come from? If you install a lot of apps, you will run into a situation where you get notifications whose origins you may not be sure of. You can tap and hold on the notification to bring up an information icon, which reveals its source. These are just a selection of some of the coolest features youll find on Samsung-Android devices. Android smartphones also provide access to alternative keyboards, Google Now, cloud backups to Google services, and customisable quick launch trays. This is an opinion piece. DICE has added additional server support for Battlefield 1, launching servers in South Africa, Hong Kong, and Dubai. Battlefield 1 servers in Johannesburg will launch on 21 February 2017 between 10:00 and 15:00. The developer announced in a forum post that the demand for server support in South Africa required it to deliver better geographical coverage across the region. We are thrilled to announce we are bringing online game servers in these three regions for our Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC players, said Alexander Hassoon, Producer at DICE. We are committed to delivering the best experience for all our players worldwide and continue to monitor latency levels and geographical coverage for the Battlefield franchise. This article first appeared on MyBroadband and is republished with permission. The Globe and Mail newspaper of Canada has devoted an article in memory of Knar Yemenidjian, the Armenian Genocides last witness living in Canada, who died this year. She was one of Canadas last living links to an atrocity that occurred more than 100 years ago. Although Knar Yemenidjian, who died on Jan. 19, reached the age of 107, her childhood was marred by unfathomable violence that nearly ended her life, reads the article. Were all grieving with the family, Armen Yeganian, Armenias ambassador to Canada, commented after Ms. Yemenidjians death. But she was also a bigger symbol, I would imagine, for the Canadian Armenian community and for Armenian people in general. She was born Knar Bohjelian on Feb. 14, 1909, in Caesarea, a city in central Turkey now known as Kayseri. Six-year-old Knar and her family survived the first wave of violence by seeking sanctuary in a barn. Ms. Yeminidjians niece Nazar Artinian told CTV News that the family survived only because Knars father had been warned by a Turkish friend that all the Armenians were going to be killed. According to Ms. Artinian, the family friend insisted, if you want to live, leave your house, take your family and go to this farm and hide yourselves there. So the family hid among the livestock. They were besieged by typhoid and had barely enough food to sustain themselves, but they survived. When the violence subsided, Knar and her family returned to find many of their neighbors murdered, and all the Armenian homes including theirs burned to the ground. The familys only hope for continued survival was converting to Islam. So, after they left the barn they adopted Turkish names and Muslim identities. So they rebuilt the family home and lived under Muslim identities in Caesarea for 10 years. Despite their conversion, the family lived in constant fear. Joseph Yemenidjian, Ms. Yemenidjians son, told The Globe and Mail that as the genocide continued, Knar got older and began attracting potential suitors. During the familys remaining years in Turkey, however, her father refused all requests for her hand. My grandfather was desperate to leave Turkey, he said. Once a ceasefire was established, the family fled the region. They travelled to Ankara in 1928, then Istanbul. Eleven months later, they headed to Greece by boat before immigrating to Alexandria, Egypt. Even after they settled into their new home, Knars father continued to reject the suitors who pressed for his permission to marry her. Joseph said that his grandfather insisted that she marry into a respectable family. My mother was 34 when she finally met my father, Joseph said. He explained that his father believed that meeting Knar was fate. He was already 41 and a goldsmith whose extended family was left destitute following the genocide. The welfare of his family fell upon his shoulders. Joseph noted that his father worked around the clock. The couple lived happily in Egypt until 1956, when the Armenian community in Egypt once again found itself the scapegoat as a result of the Suez Canal crisis. Arab nationalism swept the country, inciting rage and intimidation that was directed at Armenians. As a consequence, Ms. Yemenidjians two sons, Joseph and Noubar, left for Canada and settled in Montreal. And the Yemenidjian couple settled there permanently in 1971. In 2004, Canada was among the first countries to officially recognize the genocide. At the age of 106, Ms. Yemenidjian was among a handful of Armenian-Canadians who attended a special ceremony on Parliament Hill in 2015 to mark the centennial of the start of the genocide. Knar Yemenidjian is survived by her two sons, Joseph and Noubar, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. NYT: Kyiv plans total evacuation in case of power outage Iran reveals new air defense missile IRGC neutralizes terrorist group in southwestern Iran Bahrain to continue building relations with Israel after Netanyahu's victory Iran says it confiscated a large batch of U.S.-made munitions Iran successfully launches Ghaem 100 rocket, making the US nervous U.S. sends warplanes to Iran Washington Post: US privately urges Ukraine to show willingness to negotiate with Russia Parisien: French man wins 160 million in European lottery U.S. decides to block number of seats on planes because of the increase in passenger weight BMW M4 turned into a pickup truck Blinken calls on Israel and Palestine to urgently de-escalate tensions Romania signs deal with Norway for purchase of over 30 F-16 fighters Stoltenberg: The alliance has no plans to change nuclear positions and deployments Tagesschau: Nearly 200,000 people took part in strikes at industrial enterprises of Germany Teenagers hacks Uzbekistan senate website Artsakh Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis fired at tractor in Khramort village of Artsakh Rally participants' statement: Artsakh can't be a part of Azerbaijan Person accused of arson in Russia cafe confesses Fars: Iranian Foreign Ministry reported UAV deliveries to Russia a few months before the start of the UAS Bayramov: Azerbaijan, Armenia leaders next meeting will take place in Brussels this month Unity rally of participants start march in downtown Yerevan North Korea launches 4 ballistic missiles Council of Border Guard Troops commanders discusses situation at CIS external borders Armenia ex-President Kocharyan joins rally in downtown Yerevan Russia oil, natural gas companies plan to collaborate with Iraq Armenia army intelligence troops 30th anniversary is solemnly celebrated (PHOTOS) Rally of unity in support of Karabakh kicks off in downtown Yerevan Pentagon announces sending 8 NASAMS air defense systems to Ukraine Armenian Apostolic Church Supreme Spiritual Council meeting ends, Armenia and Artsakh security discussed Tropical Storm Nalgae death toll climbs to 155 in Philippines Artak Beglaryan is appointed advisor to Artsakh Minister of State (PHOTOS) US House committee extends deadline for Trump to produce documents on Capitol attack Over 200 elephants die in Kenya amid drought 13 dead in cafe fire in Russia Armenia Security Council chief to head for Poland, Netherlands, Lithuania Rishi Sunak: State cannot fix all problems Newspaper: To what extent Armenia adheres to sanctions on Russia? Biden accuses Twitter of spewing lies Newspaper: There are active political processes in Karabakh Qatar FM slams hypocrisy of calls to boycott World Cup France, Singapore and Switzerland begin joint testing of experimental digital currencies Oil war is Biden's biggest mistake Japan considers possible deployment of hypersonic missiles by 2030 Germany to install better air defense system over Defense Ministry buildings Erdogan and Stoltenberg discuss war in Ukraine Armenian MOD: Azerbaijani Armed Forces open fire in direction of Armenian positions True cost of Europe's rejection of Russian gas White House tries to explain Biden's statement about freeing Iran Former Pakistani Prime Minister: Either we will have a peaceful revolution or a bloody one Aramyan: Why are police officers' salaries increasing, while defense officers' are not? Pentagon and U.S. weapons manufacturers to discuss Russia, human resources and supply chain Ankara says U.S. may approve sale of F-16s to Turkey within few months IMF: Turkey should tighten monetary policy and give the Central Bank more independence Pope urges religious leaders to keep the world from brink of abyss Putin awards Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II with Order of Honor U.S. says G7 countries realize need for coordinated response to China Round-the-clock curfew is introduced in Kherson Borrell says they can't put China and Russia on same level Olaf Scholz calls on China to influence Russia G7 foreign ministers express 'unwavering commitment' to protecting Ukraine, criticized PRC and IRI Political technologist explains why Pashinyan was elected chairman of board of ruling party in Armenia Erdogan signs up for TikTok China's army is constantly preparing for war amid provocative U.S. actions Kalin: Armenia is constructive about normalization of relations Poland asks EU to suspend fines Putin: Situation in Ukraine was deadly for Russia Portugal to test a four-day workweek US embassy in Armenia issues statement ahead of November 5 protests in Yerevan Dollar, euro go up in Armenia Baku authorities once again refuse to allow PFPA to hold protest rally Iranians commemorate anniversary of US embassy seizure Richard Kauzlarich: Azerbaijan, Armenia FMs meeting in Washington 'will send message to Putin' Russia ratifies protocol on requirements for length of service of EEU bodies' employees for pensions Armenia deputy defense minister in Russia, discusses military cooperation Yerevan receives proposal to hold Russia-Armenia-Azerbaijan interparliamentary talks Health minister: We will work with fallen Armenia detainees relatives one more time after which bodies will be buried Putin allows mobilization of citizens with unexpunged criminal record for serious crimes Arnika, NESEHNUTI NGOs of Czech Rep. issue joint statement on plan to expand gold mine in Armenias Karaberd Putin urges to evacuate civilians living in Kherson from the war zone Iran parliament speaker to visit Armenia Ruling force MP: Canada is opening embassy in Armenia because we are one of worlds most democratic countries Girl with Armenian roots ends up in Vladimir orphanage Erdogan says he has agreed with Putin to supply grain to needy countries for free Armenia President, UK envoy agree to continue cooperation, close contacts Armenia FM receives EU Monitoring Capacity Spanish MPs don't approve agreement with Baku as a sign of solidarity with Armenia Japan says North Korea may go ahead with nuclear test Armenia government to allocate about $5M to Karabakh refugees support program Belarusian border service: Border guards intercepts Ukrainian training drone President appoints Ruben Vardanyan as Karabakh Minister of State US embassy expresses concern about human rights violation in Azerbaijan Azerbaijan continues muscle play on Iran border Ibrahim Kalin says Turkey will become an important gas center one way or another Biden: We're gonna free Iran Reuters: G7 countries and Australia agrees on fixed price for Russian oil World oil prices dropping Wizz Air to launch new flights between Venice, Yerevan EU assesses Armenia, Azerbaijan border commissions meeting in Brussels as constructive Artsakh President convenes enlarged working consultation YEREVAN. During his meeting with the top officers of the Armed Forces of Armenia, President Serzh Sargsyan commented his initiativeat the timeof making constitutional amendments as follows: Thus, we ruled out the possibility of unhealthy competition of the republics President and Prime Minister, under the conditions of co-existence, reported Zhoghovurd newspaper. Sargsyan also said that after 2018, powers of the PM of the republic will be much broader than what is vested in todays President, in a semi-presidential system [of government]. In fact, Serzh Sargsyan admitted that at least after 2005, when the Constitution was changed and we transitioned to a semi-presidential system, there was unhealthy competition between the presidents and the PMs [of the country]. Moreover, the PMs of Armenia have been RPA [i.e. the ruling Republican Party of Armenia] members, all this time. And now, after these constitutional amendments, S. Sargsyan has decided to take full power into his hands as of April 2018, [but] already as PM, wrote Zhoghovurd. By Press Trust of India: From Natasha Chaku Melbourne, Feb 21 (PTI) Four Americans and an Australian pilot were killed today when a light aircraft crashed into a shopping centre here after a "catastrophic engine failure". The twin-engine aircraft - heading to Tasmanias King Island - came in "low and fast" and hit the Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) in Essendon in the state of Victoria. advertisement State Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the number of deaths and described it as the states worst air accident in three decades. The US embassy has confirmed that four passengers on the plane were US citizens. They were going to King Island to play golf. Local media named the pilot as 63-year-old Max Quartermain. He had decades of flying experience and an "impeccable safety record". The DFO was not open at the time and authorities do not believe staff members were killed in the incident. Police and paramedics rushed to the crash site, where firefighters doused the flames. Victorian Police Assistant commissioner Stephen Leane said it was fortunate more people did not lose their lives in this "catastrophic" event. "It was a catastrophic plane crash that I think has taken a number of lives," he said. "But certainly if we look at the circumstances, we have been very lucky today, depending on the time of day and who was around." Victoria police superintendent Mick Frewen said investigations centred on a "catastrophic engine failure". Craig Lapsley, Emergency Management Commissioner, said witnesses had been treated for shock and trauma but not physical injuries. Essendon airport close to the shopping area has been closed until further notice. PTI NC ABH AKJ NSA --- ENDS --- STEPANAKERT. Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) is breathing with democracy and freedom, whereas this does not exist in the other Caucasus countries. European Parliament member (MEP) Jaromir Stetina (Czech Republic), who is in the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) on an observation mission during Mondays constitutional referendum, on Tuesday told about the aforesaid to reporters, according to ARTSAKHpress news agency. We are always threatened [by Azerbaijan] for coming to Artsakh; but despite this, we have not yet been put on their blacklist [of Karabakh visitors], said Stetina. The referendum has no direct link to the process of resolving the Karabakh-Azerbaijani conflict. The Constitution just stipulates certain rights, to which the population of Artsakh voted in favor yesterday. I hope the international community will see that the democratic institutions here [in Artsakh] are established. The voice of Artsakh shall always be heard in the world. The MEP added that the people of Artsakh give lessons in democracy to the world, and, also, they have the right to self-determination. In addition, Jaromir Stetina noted that, in the future, the people of Artsakh themselves shall decide whether to join Armenia, or be independent. YEREVAN. The interim report on pre-election period in Armenia, and which will contain a preliminary assessment, will be ready in a few weeks. Ambassador Jan Petersen, who will head the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) observation mission during the parliamentary election to be held in Armenia on April 2, on Tuesday stated about the aforementioned. In his words, their mission has started working in Armenia on Monday, and they already have met with the President of Armenia, and members of the Central Electoral Commission. Petersen noted that their main team comprises 14 experts representing 13 countries, and that another 28 long-term observers will join them next week. The OSCE/ODIHR representative also informed that as election day draws near, their mission will be complemented by 250 short-term observers. He stressed that they will be carrying out an observation mission in Armenia for the eleventh time, they are impartial, and that they will observe, assess, and present recommendations. As per Ambassador Petersen, on the day following the parliamentary election, the OSCE/ODIHR mission will submit preliminary assessments. He noted that a final report will be prepared two months later, and based on their respective evaluations, it will contain specific recommendations, and that it is up to Armenias authorities to consider them and draw some conclusions. Jan Petersen added that the OSCE/ODIHR will conduct the observation mission based on the respective invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. STEPANAKERT. Even though there are problems and disagreements within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), Armenias membership in it is justified. Vice President of the National Assembly of Armenia, Eduard Sharmazanov, on Tuesday stated about the aforementioned at a press conference in Stepanakert, the capital city of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh). To note, the Sharmazanov-led Armenian delegation took part in the observation mission on Mondays constitutional referendum in Artsakh. He recalled that the military and political leadership of Armenia has repeatedly stated that there are CSTO allies which do not act like an ally. The President [of Armenia] spoke about this, after the events in [early] April [2016, when Azerbaijan had unleashed a large-scale military aggression against Karabakh], noted the deputy speaker of the Armenian parliament, when asked about the position of Belarus in the case involving blogger Alexander Lapshin. Sharmazanov said he likewise believes that the secret to success within any organization is unity on key issues. Our [i.e. Armenias] membership [in the CSTO] is justified, he noted. Yes, there are problems, but cooperation needs to deepen. Eduard Sharmazanov added, however, that the CSTO is not the sole international organization where there is controversy. We have sounded our position on the deal of Belarus and Azerbaijan [regarding Lapshin], stressed the vice president of the Armenian parliament. Its a shady deal that does not correspond to the spirit of pacific settlement of the [Karabakh] conflict. In December 2016, Israeli Russian blogger Alexander Lapshin was detained in the Belarusian capital city of Minsk. The reason was his being on the international wanted persons list, due to a search which Azerbaijan had declared. Baku accuses him of visiting Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) without its consent. And on February 7 of the current year, Belarus extradited the blogger to the Azerbaijani capital city of Baku, where he was taken into custody. STEPANAKERT. The blacklist of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has increased the number of people wishing to visit Nagorno-Karabakh. Vice President of the National Assembly (NA) of Armenia, Eduard Sharmazanov, on Tuesday said about the abovementioned at a press conference in Stepanakert, the capital city of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh). To note, the Sharmazanov-led parliamentary delegation from Armenia took part in the observation mission on Mondays constitutional referendum in Artsakh. The referendum showed that the people [of Artsakh] are united, their will to create an independent state is unwavering, he stressed. This also showed that the international observers assessments, that Artsakh follows the building of a democratic state and the NKRs democratic processes are not comparable to Azerbaijan, were confirmed. As for the quality of the referendum, we believe that it could be an example for everyone in the region, without exception; this shows that the NKRs international recognition is a matter of time. The presence of [constitutional referendum] observers from close to 30 countries was very important; this means that the actions by both Azerbaijan authorities and their supporters which, supposedly, are also our supporters in some organizations, are futile. The more those that have appeared on their blacklist increases, the foreign nationals desire to be in Nagorno-Karabakh grows that much more. STEPANAKERT. President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic National Assembly (NKR/Artsakh NA), Ashot Ghulyan, on Tuesday received a group of representatives from the US and Canada, and who had come to Artsakh on an observation mission during Mondays constitutional referendum in the country. First, the parliament speaker underscored their activities in the NKR. Congratulating the people of Artsakh on holding a referendum, Toronto (Canada) City Council member James Jim Karygiannis noted that he is impressed by this plebiscite. Karygiannis expressed a view that it was an exceptionally ideal referendum, and that he had witnessed with envy as to how great the voter turnout was. Fresno County (California, USA) Board of Supervisors member Andreas Borgeas, for his part, stated that he was fascinated by the peoples enthusiasm toward the referendum. Borgeas added that he wishes to share his respective experience in Artsakh in his country, since it is not that easy to ensure such voter turnout in the US. And director of the Election Administration Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (USA), Karin Mac Donald, who is in Artsakh for the third time on an observation mission, underscored the amendments that were made to the NKR Electoral Code, and which they had recommended the last time. By Press Trust of India: From Aditi Khanna London, Feb 21 (PTI)Scotland Yard have arrested five teenagers aged between 15 and 19 on suspicion of planning to join the Islamic State terrorist group. "The arrests relate to plans to travel to join a proscribed organisation," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. "Officers from the Scotland Yard Counter Terrorism Command have today, yesterday arrested five males from separate addresses in south, east and west London on suspicion of Preparation of Terrorist Acts, Contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, the statement said. advertisement A further residential address was searched in Lambeth area of London in connection with the investigation, the Met said. All five are being questioned at a central London police station. Some youngsters from London have been at risk of fleeing to Syria and other war zones to join the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group. In 2015, three teenage girls from east London went missing and were believed to have joined ISIS. PTI AK AMS --- ENDS --- Upon the initiative of the Consulate General of Armenia in Los Angeles, Armenia and Karabakh again took part in the Travel & Adventure Show held in Los Angeles. The event is considered as the largest expo in the US tourism sphere. Dozens of countries and thousands of travel agencies take part in this show every year to present the best destinations and tour packages of the world. The Armenia pavilion included 10 travel agencies from Armenia and US. The show visitors were offered Armenian sweets, dried fruit and drinks, as well as presented jewelry and tour packages of two Armenian republics. The representatives of the US-based Armenian travel agencies recorded that the number of foreigners turning to them for the purpose of leaving for Armenia and Artsakh has grown as compared to previous years. During the show, Vartan and Siranush Gevorkiaan dance ensemble performed Armenian dances. The event was also attended by the Armenian American Business Council. International Business Relations Support Council of the Armenian Parliament coordinated the participation of Armenian agencies. YEREVAN. - Prime Minister of Armenia Karen Karapetyan on Tuesday visited the final annual meeting of the European Business Association (EBA). The event was attended by the head of the European Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Piotr Switalski, ambassadors of the EU member-states to Armenia and the representatives of a number of member companies of the association. Welcoming the event participants, the Premier noted that the Armenian Government is interested in expanding its relations with the European business. We are quite interested in that all of you feel secure in the Republic of Armenia, make investments, open jobs, pay taxes and become rich. We are ready to discuss all the issues of concern to you, as well as initiatives and proposals in any platform, Karapetyan stressed, wishing productive work to the EBA representatives. Ambassador Piotr Switalski, for his part, thanked the Premier for conducting open policy and being open for business. He stressed that the Armenian Government has recently adopted different decisions aimed at improving the business environment, which will contribute to attracting investments. In Switalskis words, the EU and business community are ready to develop and deepen their further cooperation with Armenia. The talks on the new agreement with the EU will be completed in the near future. Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, said the aforementioned at an interview during Nemtsova.Interview program of DW. According to Nalbandian, Armenian will in the near future be able to announce that the talks are completed. This new agreement will reflect the depth, volume and level of relations, which Armenia is already developing with the EU, as well as the prospects and possibilities, which both sidesEU and Armeniahave in mind in terms of future partnership in the most diverse spheres and dimensions, which are possible with the EU, Nalbandian added. Responding to the question as to whether Moscow minds the conclusion of that agreement, the Armenian FM said that it is inherent in Armenias strategic ally relations with Russia not to initiate something that would be against the development of bilateral ties with allies, partners, strategic partners, thus he doesnt think there might be, are or can be any objections. Referring to the situation where it was not possible to sign the previous agreement with the EU, this coinciding with Armenian Presidents visit to Russia, Nalbandian said this not exactly this way. According to him, Armenia held talks with the EU and was actually at the final stage of cooperation. However, he also noted that Armenia always stated that it would like to be included in the Customs Union, and when the things came to creating the EAEU, Armenia always said it wished to join it. But at the same time, there were certain objections on that this might be difficult to carry out since Armenia has no common border with the EAEU, and it is simply impossible to be in one Customs Union having no such borders, he added. Thus, a relevant working group of experts was set up, who studied the situation and concluded that Armenias participation in the Customs Union and EAEU which was created then was still possible. Apart from this, Nalbandian noted that in the relations with Russia and all other countries, Armenia stands for as close and solid relations as possible. Referring to the EU, the FM noted that Armenia repeatedly stated about this as early as when exchanging relevant letters with High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton during the Vilnius Summit of the Eastern Partnership in November 2013, following which a statement was made jointly with the EU. Afterwards, when Armenia launched talks with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini on the new agreement between EU and Armenia, the country precisely stated that it intends to develop its relations in both directions, going as far and deep as possible in their relations, cooperation and partnership and taking into consideration the obligations of Armenia in other international integration processes. Thus, everything is apparent here, Nalbandian concluded. The result of Armenias participation in the EAEU might be much better. Armenian FM Edward Nalbandian said the aforementioned in an interview with DW. In his words, all kinds of negative external economic trends also impact countries like Armenia, which has small but sufficiently open economy. The way they do on many other EU countries. In the conditions of not easy economic conjuncture, our accession [to the EAEU]one has to give it creditgave us an opportunity to have access to quite a large market. What is manufactured in Armenia goes to that enormous consumer market at a zero customs duty and without any administrative obstacles, which is important. There is also a [growth] trend: For the last year, that is in 2016, Armenias export grew by 50 percent. You can understand what figures we are talking about. To the observation that these figures reflect the post-crisis recovery growth and that the indexes reached the level of year 2013, Nalbandian noted that there are countries which suffer crisis as a result of global problems and global economic conjuncture. And this crisis continues. But, nevertheless, we have positive trends. Responding to the question that unlike other EAEU member-states, which are very critical about the Union, only Armenia still sees privileges in it, Nalbandian said he doesnt think only Armenian is positively disposed. Criticism is always good if it is aimed at improving the conditions and looking at prospects. From this perspective, it is apparently important to consider criticism as a very positive point instead of pouring ashes on ones heads and saying how bad everything is, he concluded. I would not attribute the ambitious role prospect of being a mediator to Armenia. Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, said the aforementioned at an interview during Nemtsova.Interview program of DW, responding to the question as to whether Armenia can be considered a mediator between Russia and the West. But Armenia may actuallywhy notserve as an example. Many of my EU colleagues often say: Look, you are an EAEU member, but you are sincerely and openly developing close cooperation with the EU and not only. We have traditionally very solid relations with many European countries. And this did not start after the countrys independence but historically it so happened that the Armenian people have been keeping in touch with many nations of the European continent already for centuries. From this perspective, Armenia conducts its policy very openly, that is, it wants to closely cooperate with anyone who would like the same, the FM stressed. But at the same time, he noted that Armenia doesnt want to capitalize on the contradictions or problems existing between separate countries in order to somehow benefit from that. This is a bad position in terms of the prospect that it might backfire. Thus, we say and do what we say. We do and say what we do, Nalbandian concluded. By Press Trust of India: Chennai, Feb 20 (PTI) "Shocked" over the abduction and harassment of a noted actress in Kerala, the South Indian Artistes Association (SIAA) today urged the states Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to ensure the culprits were soon brought to book. "The incident showed there is no safety even for a popular woman celebrity in the country," SIAA said in a letter to Vijayan. advertisement "It is hereby requested that you intervene in the issue without any further delay and speed up the investigation to book the culprits and put them behind bars," it said. SIAA members "were shocked" to know about the incident involving the actress, it added. The associations general secretary Vishal Krishna lauded the actress for her "courage" to speak out about the incident. "Most people would have been embarrassed to speak out if they had underwent such an incident. I laud her courage. Such an incident should not have happened," he told reporters. He rued that "if a well-known actress could undergo such an experience, think of the situation of the common people" and said, "We are in complete solidarity with the actress." He expressed SIAAs solidarity with the Association of Malayalam Movie Artistes (AMMA) on this matter. The actress was allegedly harassed for two hoursby a gang of men, who forced their way into her car before fleeing at a busy areahere on February 17. Her car driver Martin had been arrested even as police are looking for more persons including mastermind Pulser Suni. PTI SA VS KIS --- ENDS --- Every time we reach certain agreements and compromises, Azerbaijan makes a stepand sometimes several stepsback. Foreign Minister of Armenia, Edward Nalbandian, said the aforementioned at an interview during Nemtsova.Interview program of DW. The program host Zhanna Nemtsova decided to ask the Armenian FM several hypothetical questions, part of which related to the Karabakh conflict settlement. Below is the aforementioned interview, in part. What if you manage to reach a compromise with Azerbaijan in respect of the territorial issue? How do you think it would look like? You know, you have apparently prepared well for the interview but you asked a question about Karabakh, which doesnt correspond to the essence of the conflict. This is not a territorial dispute but a human rights issue. I am asking hypothetical questions at the moment: this doesnt anyhow reflect my level of preparedness. Even hypothetically the issue doesnt concern a territorial dispute. It is Azerbaijan which is presenting [the situation] like this. You have prepared this question based on Azerbaijani sources. Absolutely not, you are wrong. Ok. But I will tell you that this is a human right issue, one related to the fundamental right to self-determination. This is a conflict, which apparently differs from others in that the U.S., Russia and Francethat is, on behalf of the EUdeveloped common position on how this conflict can be resolved. And they proposed it to the parties to the conflict, the latter first of all being Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh and Armenia. These positions are reflected in five statements made by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairing statesU.S., France and Russia. And on behalf of Armenia, we stated and continue to state that we are ready to move towards settlement on this ground. Could you still say how the compromise might look like? You say that I have prepared badly. Since I have prepared badly, please tell how you see the compromise, which would satisfy both sides. In terms of the compromise I noted that there are five statements which mention what is proposed. What is proposed? What will satisfy you? Here is what they proposethis not what Armenia proposes but what they [the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs] do: three principles. The first is the principle of non-use of force or threat of force. As you know, Azerbaijan continues its daily threat to use force and does that. Second, the right to self-determination. And third, the territorial integrity. These are these three principles The territorial integrity of which country? The territorial integrity of all the countries in general, as a principle of international law. The conflict should be resolved on the basis of these principles. Azerbaijan says: here is territorial integrity, but with its own interpretation of the latter. According to the interpretation proposed by Azerbaijan, there would not be so many UN member-states, which became independent through exercising the right to self-determination. In general, the essence of the problem is the self-determination of Nagorno-Karabakh, which held a referendum in due time and the population voted for that during that referendum. Thus, those proposals of the Co-Chairs mention that the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh should be decided by means of the free expression of will of the Nagorno-Karabakh population, which will have international legal force. This is a very profound formula in that everything is said here. This is what Azerbaijan is afraid of and it says no, we will give this and that to Nagorno-Karabakh, whereas the international community says no, the population should itself decide how to live and what fate they want to have. The rest are accordingly other elements, the so-called Madrid Principles and elements which were proposed in November 2007 (principles of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group to the parties to the conflict in November 2007). On the basis of these proposals of the Co-Chairs, we are still holding talks. However, every time we reach certain agreements and compromises, Azerbaijan makes a stepand sometimes several stepsback. The democratic development of Artsakh's statehood is an irreversible process, the statement issues by the MFA of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) reads. On 20 February 2017, a national referendum on a new draft Constitution was held in the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh Republic). The turnout has been 76.44 per cent of the registered voters, of which 87.6 per cent supported the adoption of the new Constitution. Around 100 international observers from 30 countries monitored the voting process and positively assessed the organization and conduct of the referendum noting their transparency and compliance with international standards. The new Constitution is to continue the traditions of state building enshrined in the first constitution, further strengthen the sovereignty of the country, and promote human rights and the rule of law, to improve public administration, enroot the independent judiciary and reform the local self-government. A key innovation was the increase of direct participation of citizens in public affairs by providing them with the right to legislative initiative, as well as on proposing amendments to the Constitution. The referendum on 20 February has become another act of expression of will by the people of Artsakh, in exercising their right to determine their own future, as enshrined in fundamental international documents. The attempts of Baku to suppress by all means, including military, this inherent right of the people of Artsakh, lead to the outbreak of the armed conflict. It remains a major source of persistent tension in the region and the reason for the lack of progress in the settlement of the Azerbaijani-Karabakh conflict. The democratic development of Artsakh's statehood is an irreversible process. Reluctance of Azerbaijan to recognize this fact through denial of the right to self-determination realized by the people of Artsakh is an attempt to return to the past, which is doomed to failure, the statement says. The trials of Saif al-Islam and 36 more representatives of Muammar Gaddafis regime do not meet international standards, reads the UN report. According to the document, that process was a serious attempt to hold those responsible for serious crimes accountable, whereas the court hearings were held with gross violations of norms, informs the UN radio. It should be noted, that Tripoli Court sentenced Muammar Gaddafi's son, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, to death in absentia. According to the media, he is in prison in Zintan. The UN highlights that Saif al-Islam Gaddafis trial should be sent to the International Criminal Court, in accordance with the international obligations of Libya. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Premier health institution AIIMS today terminated services of a senior resident doctor and initiated disciplinary action against three others in connection with the death of a pregnant nurse. AIIMS Deputy Director V Sriniavs said the senior resident, Anaesthesiology, was found guilty of "wilful absence" and reached the operation theatre nearly an hour late. advertisement "Due to his absence, the lower segment C-section was done without the nurse being given general anaesthesia," he said. His services have been terminated, Sriniavs said. The action was taken on the findings of a high-level enquiry committee which pointed out procedural lapses and negligence on the part of the doctors. As per a statement issued by the institute, a displeasure memorandum of the Director, AIIMS, will be issued to senior resident, Gynaecology. This means he will not be eligible for an employment at AIIMS after the completion of his 3-year tenure. "A warning shall be issued to the junior resident, Anaesthesiology, for having left the operation theatre under pressure of residents of Obstetrics and Gynaecology," the statement said. It said a showcause notice will be issued to the consultant on call from the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for not being present for the emergency operation despite being informed. Besides, the head of department, Anaesthesiology, has been asked to ensure round-the-clock availability of senior residents at the maternity OT. It has also been asked to ensure that the consultant of Anaesthesiology is available on the hospital premises to oversee and supervise anaesthesiology services in ICUs, wards and emergencies. The 28-year-old nurse with AIIMS, Rajbir Kaur, died on February 4 during delivery through cesarean section. Kaur had suffered a cardiac arrest during the surgery. During treatment, she lost her baby and was put on life support. "The AIIMS director held two rounds of meeting yesterday to decide action to be taken on the basis of the report," Srinivas said. The inquiry committee questioned all doctors involved in the incident before finalising the report. A day after the nurses death, AIIMS had suspended three senior residents from obstetrics and gynaecology department and two junior residents from anaesthesia department pending inquiry. The action was taken based on preliminary report by a committee headed by medical superintendent D K Sharma which ruled out any "intentional gross medical negligence" on part of the five doctors. But the suspension was revoked following protests from resident doctors association (RDA) which sought a detailed probe into the matter. advertisement Later, AIIMS constituted another committee under the chairmanship of Dr S C Sharma, HoD, ENT, to probe the matter. PTI PLB TIR --- ENDS --- One of the most interesting plays Ive seen in the last half-decade is called "The Whale," written by young playwright Samuel D. Hunter. I saw it off Broadway about four or five years ago, and the story of a 600-pound man bent on killing himself with food has stayed with me since. The man, Charlie, teaches writing on the Internet and is on his way to dying because of his sorrow over a former love, now lost. I mention this because Hunter is coming to Milwaukee with "The Few," another play that promises a level of fascination that's both gentle and enveloping. It opens this week at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre. The story is of Bryan, who has returned to his home in Idaho and is worn from publishing his labor of love, a newsletter aimed at long-haul truck drivers. He reconnects with a past lover and a young boy who wants to live in the orbit of Bryan, his idol. There's a powerhouse cast in this production directed by C. Michael Wright. James Ridge and Mary MacDonald Kerr, two of the very best in this state, will be joined by newcomer Mitch Bultman. Ridge and Kerr each did one-person shows at Chamber in 2013, Ridge in "Underneath the Lintel" and Kerr in "The Detectives Wife." Both were among the best plays I saw that season, and getting them together on a stage promises to be a wonderful experience. Charles Isherwood of The New York Times reviewed "The Few," and here are some of his observations: Mr. Hunter, the author of the fine plays "A Bright New Boise" and "The Whale," writes with unusual insight into, and empathy for, people whose lives have settled into sad stasis, or strategic withdrawal. All three characters in "The Few" bear unhealed emotional bruises. QZ hides hers behind a stoicism that begins to fray as she and Bryan confront the darkness in their past. Bryan, emanating an air of bitter defeat in Mr. Laurences (Bryan) chilly-eyed performance, deals with his despair by deflecting it into sarcasm and subtle digs at QZ for turning his newsletter into nothing more than a pickup joint on paper. Matthew, on the other hand, all but broadcasts his vulnerability. He scampers like an overexcited puppy around Bryan, who has long held a mystique for Matthew. He idealizes him as a sort of latter-day beat poet, and hopes that his return means the publications glory days can be revived. Bryan greets his idol worship with cold condescension, although there is a suggestion, too, that hes touched and gratified to think that someone might hold a man like him in esteem; he certainly doesnt. Information on showtimes and tickets for "The Few" is available here. Royalty at The Pabst In the history of black vocal quartets the Temptations, Supremes, Drifters, Platters the Four Tops sit right up there as part of the royalty spawned by Motown, the hit factory born in a tiny white house in Detroit. The group started singing together in 1953 and is still touring today, even though the membership has changed some. The list of hits is full of both memories of yesterday and the promises of a brighter tomorrow, something that might seem pretty important right now. Among the many hits are "Aint No Woman (Like the One I Got)"; "Baby I Need Your Lovin"; "Reach Out Ill Be There" and "Standing in the Shadows of Love." The group is composed now of Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Ronnie McNeir, Lawrence Payton, Jr. and Harold Bonhart. Fakir, 81, is the only original member left and Payton is the son of his dad, who was one of the originals. The Tops will be on stage at The Pabst and accompanied by the Milwaukee Childrens Choir, which is a combination that, on the surface, seems likely to deliver some magic moments (with apologies to The Drifters). Information on showtime and tickets is available here. Editor's note: The following article was originally posted Sept. 25, 2015, but we are reposting it today in honor of National Cat Day. Enjoy! In the world of stereotypes, mens best friends are dogs and ladies are crazy for cats. However, many male celebrities from James Franco to David Bowie to Michael C. Hall remind us that theres nothing unmanly about expressing feline affection. Locally, we tracked down multiple men who really love cats and they shared their stories and their photos with us. 1. Bill Miller & Roger Bill Miller, who lives on the East Side with his wife and stepson, has four cats: two males, Henry and Roger, and two females, Tulip and Lucy. Three of them are black-and-white "tuxedo" cats and Henry is an orange tabby. All of them were born between 2008 and 2009. If forced to pick, Miller admits Roger is his favorite. "But dont tell the other cats," he says. Roger was a neighborhood stray who wound up at MADACC and Miller brought him home just hours before he was scheduled to be euthanized. "We felt a special connection to him. We think he might be the reincarnation of one of our friends who passed away," says Miller, who grew up with cats and kittens in Nebraska. Once, Roger swallowed a sewing needle which required surgery to remove it from his intestinal track. "We spent a lot of money, but it was worth it to spare him from a painful, horrible death," says Miller. "Rogers been through a lot. Hes used many of his nine lives." 2. Steven Kaishian with Picasso & Kismet ""I have always loved pets, but didn't become a 'cat guy until my early adult life," says Steven Kaishian, who has two cats a black-and-white "tuxedo" cat named Picasso and a gray tabby named Kismet. "Picasso is quite the hunter," he says. "His mice are specifically silver and pink glitter balls and if we buy any other color he won't play with them. He brings us his 'mice' one-to-three times in an evening. We have to get out of bed and pet and praise him." Kismet, according to Kaishian, is quite a talker. "Kismet is extremely verbal. We swear he has a 30-word vocabulary. Whenever he enters a room, he announces himself," says Kaishian. "I don't need an alarm clock because Kismet wakes me up with headbutts and butterfly kisses every morning." Kaishian shares his cats with his wife, Pamela Anderson. The couple also has four grown children. "Our cats are our furry children. They are a natural stress reliever and keep our blood pressure low," says Kaishian. "And they never ask for money." 3. Lars Kvam & Otis Lars Kvam has cared for cats all of his adult life. One of his favorite felines was Nasty, a female cat who passed away. After giving himself some time to heal, Kvam adopted Otis in 2012. "Were still in the stage of getting to know each other. I think it takes cats five years to warm up," says Kvam. Originally, Kvam intended to adopt an older cat, but when he saw Otis, who was a kitten at the Humane Society, he knew they were meant to be pals. "He was very, very cute and playful," says Kvam. "Unfortunately, he wasn't potty trained and so the first thing he did when I brought him home was run into my bedroom and sh-t on my bed." Otis eventually got the hang of the litter box, and Kvam has grown extremely fond of him. "Although sometimes I feel like Im too old for him," says Kvam, who is 54. "Im thinking about getting him a little brother to play with. He really needs one." Kvam says he wanted a dog when he was a little boy, but as a grown up, he prefers cats. "It turns out, dogs kind of hate me and I have a way with cats. I like their sincerity. You cant make cats do anything unless they want to do it. Theyre their own people," says Kvam. 4. Ryan Kisiolek & Mr. Kitty Ryan Kisiolek admits hes obsessed with cats. "I love how cats come to you on their own terms. I love their tummies. Wait, that sounds weird," he says. Currently, Kisiolek lives with a roommate and her cat, Mr. Kitty. He has two cats, Leelu and Sam, who are still living with his ex partner. "Both were rescues," he says. "They are currently living with my ex, but I hope to get them back someday." Kisiolek, who grew up on a farm near Sheboygan, saved and rescued more cats and kittens than he can remember. "It was a part of farm life. Mama kitty would have a litter of 12 or wed go to the humane society and pick up a cat or two," says Kisiolek. "Cats have been with me my whole life. But I dont have any favorites, I really love em all." Kisioleks Facebook page often serves as a tribute to cats and kittens. "I like to post anything that has to do with cats," he says. "Mostly because they make me smile and fill me with joy." 5. Wayne Manske with Roufus & Trapper Wayne Manske has two cats, and the eldest is Roufus, a black shorthair whos in his late teens. "I adopted him as an adult, so I don't know exactly how old he is," says Manske. "Hes a very vocal cat who is in constant motion and a bit of a daredevil. He begs for food off my plate and will eat almost anything I share with him." Manskes second cat, Trapper, is a 12-year-old Calico. "She was the pick of the litter. I chose her from my sister's cat's two-day-old kittens because of her unique look. She has two butterscotch spots on her back right above her tail," says Manske. Trapper is less active than Roufus. "She grew up to be a very big girl and loves sitting on laps, papers, boxes or piles of junk mail," says Manske. Manske has been a cat caregiver since he was 7 years old and got his first kitten from his uncle's dairy farm. "I love cats for the companionship and ease of care. They are relaxing pets and it's rewarding because when you love them, they love you back," he says. Like most cat owners, Manske has nicknames for his cats. He sometimes refers to Roufus as "Old Man" or he rolls the R in his name so it sounds like "Rrrroufus." "My girlfriend calls them 'Ruffimo and Trappimo' or 'Twappimo' in her baby talk form of cat-speak," he says. "Sometimes Trapper gets growly and hits and she calls her 'Slappimo,' too." 6. Rusty Smart & Meko Rusty Smart says his affection for cats is a recent development, but he has completely fallen in love with his girlfriends Siamese cats, Meko and Chloe. "They always need and want my attention," says Smart. Although he doesnt want to play favorites, Smart says he appreciates how much Meko loves to ride in the car. "She has a very cool personality. Chloe is much more reserved," he says. This summer, Meko ran away for five days and the couple thought he was gone for good. They searched the neighborhood for days, but couldnt find him. "We were heartbroken," says Smart. "But then, while we were on a trip, Lisa's daughter's boyfriend found him. We were so happy to have Meko back!" David Lary, an atmospheric scientist at the University of Texas-Dallas, discusses air particulate sensors that are being integrated in the Argonne-developed Waggle platform to measure and monitor air quality in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Credit: Wes Agresta/Argonne National Laboratory Less than two years since its release, interest and demand for Waggle, a wireless environmental sensing platform created at the Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, is flourishing among research groups, industry and government entities, its creators say. Waggle is the first platform to combine environmental lightweight sensors with computer hardware and software for "edge computing" within a portable node, or device. Edge computing allows Waggle nodes to process image and audio data directly inside the sensor node by using new technologies in machine learning. Each node collects and transmits environmental data wirelessly via the cloud. By distributing multiple nodes across sites, researchers can access environmental data in near real time, helping improve the efficiency of research and discovery. Top experts in environmental sensing explored existing and potential applications for Waggle and other sensing technologies during a two-day workshop held at Argonne in mid-September. Among the more than 50 attendees were representatives from NASA, the EPA, Honeywell, Bosch, the University of Texas-Dallas and the City of Portland, among others. "Most people know Waggle in connection to Chicago's Array of Things, which is an urban experiment, but there are many other settings in which Waggle is being used," said Pete Beckman, leader of the Waggle project at Argonne. From researching deforestation in the Amazon to improving air quality for manned space missions, attendees revealed unique ways to apply sensing technology to improve our understanding of Earth and human health. For example, one workshop attendee, University of Texas-Dallas atmospheric scientist David Lary, uses Waggle to study the relationship between asthma and pollen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a city that consistently ranks high in childhood asthma incidence within the U.S. His project, known as the Geolocated Allergen Sensing Platform, combines Waggle with a sensor that detects pollen and other air particulates. "What we hope this project will allow us to do is make real-time measurements of the air particulates and pollen present in any given location, and with that we can provide an alert to people so they can make more conscious decisions about their health," Lary said. The powerful edge computing capability of Waggle enables the nodes to process image and audio data and to make use of the latest machine learning techniques. Waggle nodes can be programmed to identify birds, cars, bicycles and types of clouds, giving scientists holistic data about a node's surroundings as well as environmental data. This capability is quite unique, and will be the future of intelligent sensing platforms, Beckman said. Waggle also uses lightweight sensors, a relatively cheap category of sensor already found in everyday items, such as household sensors like carbon monoxide and ozone detectors, as well as the temperature and pressure detectors found in phones, gaming systems and wearable devices. A lightweight sensor can range from tens to hundreds of dollars, while the alternative "reference sensor," a more precise but also heavier and more expensive sensor, can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000. "The problem with the reference sensors is that people can only afford one, two, maybe three of them, but what they want is to buy is tens or hundreds," Beckman said. As lightweight sensors and the Waggle system are applied more widely, Beckman says that he and other researchers still need to work to improve system performance and software design for data collection and analysis and visualization, all while aiming to maintain a relatively low cost. Two other workshop attendees Cristina Negri, an Argonne agronomist and environmental engineer, and Bill Miller, a professor of chemical and biological engineering at Northwestern University also use Waggle in non-urban sensing projects. In one of their projects, done in partnership with the Nature Conservancy and Northeastern Illinois University, Miller and Negri are using Waggle to monitor water flow across a prairie site in the Calumet region. The researchers are focused on monitoring the levels and movements of water to better understand the prairie ecosystem and examine how water movement within the prairie may be affecting surrounding residential communities. "Aside from being great reservoirs for biodiversity, green areas like this help with problems of flooding and with maintaining clean air," Negri said. "So there are a lot of benefits from keeping these green places as healthy as possible, both locally and globally." The National Zoo's giant panda Bao Bao will stay in quarantine for about a month, before entering Chengdu's special breeding program One of Washington's most popular residents left town on Tuesday: Bao Bao, the National Zoo's uber-popular young female panda, headed to her new home in China. Bao Bao left Dulles International Airport outside the US capital on a specially outfitted cargo plane for a 16-hour nonstop flight to the Chinese city of Chengdu, home to a special research base for giant panda breeding. Two zoo personnel will travel with the pandaalong with about 30 kilos (65 pounds) of foodmainly bamboo, but also apples, cooked sweet potatoes and special biscuits. Once in China, the 3.5-year-old Bao Baoborn in August 2013 at the National Zoowill stay in quarantine for about a month, before entering the breeding program. About 60,000 panda lovers visited the zoo over the weekend to say farewell to Bao Bao, some of them traveling long distances. Her departure was shown on Facebook Live on Monday. Most giant pandas around the world are on loan from China. Any panda cubs born abroad, like Bao Bao, are sent back to China before they turn four. The National Zoo has played host to pandas since the early 1970s. An estimated 1,800 pandas live in the wild, mainly in China's Sichuan province. 2017 AFP Koala populations have declined rapidly in south-east Queensland. Credit: University of Queensland Cars and chlamydia were the top causes of a dramatic rise in south-east Queensland koala deaths over the past two decades, according to a new University of Queensland-led study. UQ School of Veterinary Science's Associate Professor Rachel Allavena and Dr Joerg Henning worked with the Queensland Government's Moggill Koala Hospital to analyse data about koala disease and death from 1997 to 2013. Dr Allavena said the important data had been collected over the span of the koala population crash. "Populations throughout the 'Koala Coast' declined by about 80 per cent over this period, so this iconic and famous species is in real trouble in our area," she said. The senior researchers and PhD student Viviana Gonzalez-Astudillo determined that at least a quarter of the koalas hit by cars were otherwise in good health, meaning it was healthy, breeding animals that were killed. About half of the population that died over the study period was affected by more than one disease or health problem, including trauma. Chlamydia was particularly devastating for koalas, because of the potential to render females infertile and cause bladder and eye problems, making predator avoidance and food foraging harder. Animal attacks, particularly from dogs, and wasting away from starvation, disease and poor teeth were other prominent causes of koala deaths. Dr Henning said the research team had developed KoalaBASE, a web-based database about koalas coming into care in south-east Queensland facilities. "KoalaBASE enables data input at multiple veterinary centres, and use of the data by multiple stakeholders such as veterinarians, government departments and researchers," Dr Henning said. The UQ researchers hope their data, published in the journal Scientific Reports, will help government agencies, koala groups and hospitals better target resources to prevention and treatment. Environment Minister Dr Steven Miles said the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection, which funded the $420,723 research project, provided extensive records of koala admissions at Moggill Koala Hospital. "Based on this information and its own research with other koala care facilities, the research team has developed a database which, for the first time, provides accurate scientific information on the specific threats facing south-east Queensland koalas," Dr Miles said. "This is one of several projects funded by the State Government to boost our knowledge and understanding of the threats facing koalas, so we can ensure work to secure viable and healthy koala populations across the state is based on evidence and scientific research." "The Palaszczuk Government takes the protection of the State's much-loved koalas very seriously and has set up a Koala Expert Panel and invested $12.1 million over four years to this cause." More information: Viviana Gonzalez-Astudillo et al. Decline causes of Koalas in South East Queensland, Australia: a 17-year retrospective study of mortality and morbidity, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/srep42587 Journal information: Scientific Reports Kanako is interacting with a familiar human care-taker. Credit: Kumamoto Sanctuary, Kyoto University Japanese researchers have confirmed the second case known to science of a chimpanzee born with trisomy 22, a chromosomal defect similar to that of Down syndrome (or trisomy 21) in humans. The report on Kanako, a 24-year-old female chimp born into captivity, was led by Satoshi Hirata of Kyoto University in Japan, and appears in the journal Primates, published by Springer. The authors also describe their attempts to improve the quality of life of this chimpanzee, through providing and managing opportunities for normal social interaction. Such efforts are seen as key in caring for disabled chimpanzees in captivity. Human cells normally contain 23 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 46. Down syndrome occurs when a person's cells contain a third copy of chromosome 21 (also known as trisomy 21). In turn, apes have 24 pairs of chromosomes, for a total of 48. Trisomy 22 is diagnosed when the cells of apes such as chimpanzees, gorillas or orangutans contain a third copy of chromosome 22. The first confirmed case of a chimpanzee with trisomy 22 was documented in 1969. The chimpanzee described nearly five decades ago died before its second birthday. This means that Kanako is the longest living chimp with this chromosomal disorder that scientists are aware of. Kanako was born in captivity in 1992, at a facility which was transferred to Kyoto University in 2011 and renamed as Kumamoto Sanctuary, Wildlife Research Centre. She experienced stunted growth from an early age, suffers from a congenital heart disease and has underdeveloped teeth. Kanako developed cataracts before the age of one, and became blind by the age of seven. Having cross eyes and suffering from a disorder that causes the progressive thinning of her corneas count among her vision problems. These symptoms are also common in human Down syndrome. Kanako's heart condition was only picked up in 2014 during a routine physical examination. An echocardiogram showed that she has an atrial septal defect, or a so-called "hole" in the wall, that separates the top two chambers of the heart. These results then prompted the research team to conduct further chromosomal analysis, which confirmed that she had trisomy 22. Her blindness makes social interaction with other chimpanzees difficult, but not impossible. She lived separated from other chimps to avoid aggressive interactions, but was provided with the opportunity to interact with another female chimp named Roman once a month. Roman has been calm and friendly to Kanako from the start. Because Kanako's development was not systematically investigated over the years, it is difficult to speculate whether trisomy 22 has caused any specific retardation. "However, the lack of abnormalities noted in her daily care-taking before the age of one, except for neonatal inactivity and limp limbs, suggests that there was no severe retardation in her behavioral development," says Hirata. It is still unclear how common trisomy 22 is among chimpanzees. Last year, news reports from Tanzania for instance highlighted the case of a baby chimp suspected of having "Down syndrome," but chromosomal tests could not be conducted. "It is difficult to estimate the probability of a rare event using a small population, but given that around 500 chimpanzees have been born in captivity in Japan, the probability of this autosomal trisomy in chimpanzees may be comparable to that of trisomy 21 in humans, which occurs in up to 1 in 600 births," speculates Hirata. More information: Satoshi Hirata et al, Chimpanzee Down syndrome: a case study of trisomy 22 in a captive chimpanzee, Primates (2017). DOI: 10.1007/s10329-017-0597-8 Journal information: Primates Provided by Springer Company bosses need to walk the walk when it comes to greening their business with technology, with new QUT research finding that just buying green IT, doesn't make you green. Professor Jan Recker, from the QUT Business School, said investment in Green IT paid off in terms of reducing costs but to generate green reputational and innovation benefits a more substantial change of strategy and practice was required from top-down and beyond the IT department. The research published in Information Systems Journal titled How IT executives create organizational benefits by translating environmental strategies into Green IS initiatives looked at how Green IT solutions needed to be backed up by green information systems practices such as process re-engineering or environmental management systems. "In a nutshell, Green IT refers to reducing the environmental effects of the manufacturing, operation and disposal of IT equipment and infrastructure," Professor Recker said. "For example, buying eco-friendly computers which automatically switch off, or consolidating servers and storage devices to save energy, or refurbishing old computers to extend their lifecycle. "All these practices are aimed at reducing the resources, energy use and electronic waste generated from IT equipment. "The conundrum is that businesses might be greener than they were before but they are still not really green in the sense of being truly sustainable." Professor Recker said companies could only claim the "green tag" if they adopted company-wide practices that decreased the negative environmental effects of business operations and advance corporate sustainability. "Employing smart green information systems practices allows you to change your processes to reduce your energy footprint, or to innovate new products and services; and this is what offers reputational benefits and innovative opportunities," he said. "Environmental management systems can quantify emissions and track resource flows, which can unleash opportunities to reduce resource consumption. "For example, using software that defaults to printing black and white rather than colour, or double-sided instead of single-sided. These changes across an organisation can make a significant difference to its carbon footprint. "Or, digital innovations can lead to green end products and infrastructure solutions, such as smart-grid technologies, engine-control units, intelligent traffic management systems and de-materialisation initiatives that substitute physical products such as books or music with digital services." As part of the study, 118 chief information officers were surveyed about their strategies and their use of green technologies and green practices. "The findings demonstrate to executives who may be suspicious about the benefit of taking on company-wide green information systems that it not only contributes to environmental goals but it also benefits a business' bottomline and reputation," he said. More information: Fabian Loeser et al. How IT executives create organizational benefits by translating environmental strategies into Green IS initiatives, Information Systems Journal (2017). DOI: 10.1111/isj.12136 An IARPA grant to research, develop and evaluate an intelligent analytical tool will help analysts put the pieces together. Credit: Marcia Staimer/George Mason University Researchers at George Mason University are developing a tool combining intelligent computer software and high-level crowdsourcing that will allow intelligence analysts to give sound advice to decision makers in high-pressure situations. The federal government's Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) awarded researchers at George Mason's Volgenau School of Engineering a highly competitive $7.4 million contract to research, develop and evaluate an intelligent analytical tool called Co-Arg, short for cogent argumentation system with crowd elicitation. Gheorghe Tecuci, Mihai Boicu and Dorin Marcu at Mason's Learning Agents Center have developed learning agent software to serve as a cognitive assistant for the intelligence analyst, said Tecuci, Learning Agents Center director and lead researcher on the project. The software can test hypotheses, evaluate evidence, sort facts from deception and provide intelligent reasoning about quickly evolving situations that may have devastating consequences. "We teach the cognitive assistant as you would a student," said Tecuci, who's been working on the underlying technology with Boicu and Marcu for about two decades. "It's not just coding. The software learns how I learn." Current traditional analysis and reporting tools simply don't have the capabilities to effectively help analysts assess "competing hypotheses, produce clear, well-supported judgments or identify and overcome biases," according to IARPA. "Nor do they provide much support for explaining to others why those judgments were made, why seemingly plausible alternatives were rejected and what major informational gaps remain." Mason's tool could help the intelligence community find answers to an array of analytical problems. That might include figuring out the likelihood of a country having a rocket capable of delivering nuclear weapons to the continental United States, or determining whether terrorist groups could develop and use a device that emits an electro-magnetic pulse from a high-flying plane to destroy electrical systems on the ground. Crowdsourcing, which provides crucial information from other intelligence analysts, is another key part of the tool said Boicu, associate director of the Learning Agents Center, who leads this part of the project. Through the tool's web-based system called "Argupedia," the lead analyst can ask other experts to weigh in on small aspects of a hypothesis. Their arguments are assembled and weighted for relevance by the software. The lead analyst uses this information to provide clear, well-informed answers to decision makers' questions, Boicu said. Mason's cognitive assistant approach can be put to work in other fields, including cybersecurity, science education, medicine, law, history and finance by applying similar techniques used for national security analysis, Tecuci said. He added that Mason is at the forefront of structural analytical reasoning tools. In recent years, research has found that black high school students across the country are at least three times more likely to be suspended from school compared to white students. However, social scientists have been unsure as to the reasons why this happens. Now, two new studies from a University of Missouri researcher have determined that differences in misbehavior and negative attitudes cannot explain why black students are suspended at higher rates. Francis Huang, an assistant professor of education, school and counseling psychology in the MU College of Education, examined two different sets of data for his studies. One data set was from a national survey of American high school students; the other data set was from a statewide survey of high school students in Virginia. Students were asked to report certain misbehaviors and attitudes and if they had received out-of-school suspensions. Huang found that, although some differences existed among races in certain types of misbehavior, these differences could not explain the disproportionalities in suspension rates. "Student attitudes and actual misbehaviors are very strong predictors for whether a student will be suspended, which means that suspensions are not entirely arbitrary," Huang said. "Regardless of race, students who expressed aggressive or negative attitudes toward school, their teachers and their peers were much more likely to be suspended than students with more positive attitudes or who did not engage in misbehaviors such as fighting at school, drinking alcohol or smoking marijuana. However, the reported attitudes supporting these misbehaviors were very similar for both black and white students, despite black students being suspended more." Huang examined student-reported misbehaviors that are most likely to lead to school suspensions. These behaviors include fighting at school, bullying, bringing weapons to school, using marijuana and drinking alcohol. Huang found no differences between white and black students in the rates of bullying, bringing weapons to school and marijuana use; however, he did find that white students were more likely to drink alcohol while black students were more likely to fight in school. "These findings are similar to what we see in national surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but our new studies draw a link between these misbehaviors and out-of-school suspensions," Huang said. Huang suggests that schools can help reduce the use of suspensions by targeting the misbehaviors and implementing interventions targeting aggression. "It is important for schools to find alternatives to suspensions as they hurt students' abilities to succeed academically," Huang said. "The more school students miss, the farther behind they fall in their school work and the more likely they are to get into trouble. It is a vicious cycle. Schools can take steps to lessen the need for suspensions by implementing interventions that reduce aggressive behaviors and attitudes, since those are the most likely reasons why students are suspended." Huang's first study was published in The Journal of Educational Research and his second study, co-authored by Dewey Cornell, a professor at the University of Virginia, was published in Children and Youth Services Review. More information: Disproportionate Impact of K-12 School Suspension and Expulsion on Black Students in Southern States. www.gse.upenn.edu/equity/SouthernStates A consortium of scientists studied a healthy population of grey reef sharks on Palmyra atoll. Credit: Darcy Bradley Many shark populations around the world are known to have declined over the past several decades, yet marine scientists lack important baseline information about what a healthy shark population looks like. A clearer picture is now coming into focusthanks to a team of scientists who investigated the size of an unfished community of reef sharks. Researchers from UC Santa Barbara and colleagues conducted an eight-year study of a healthy shark population on Palmyra, a remote, uninhabited atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. This pristine ecosystem is part of a marine refuge that extends 50 nautical miles from its shores. No fishing is allowed within these borders, which protect a diverse array of species, including grey reef sharks. The investigators were surprised to find far fewer sharks than expected. The study results appear in the journal Scientific Reports. "We estimated a population size of between 6,000 to 8,000 grey reef sharks at Palmyra, which works out to a density of about 20 sharks per square kilometer," said lead author Darcy Bradley, a postdoctoral researcher in UCSB's Sustainable Fisheries Group, a collaboration of the campus's Marine Science Institute and Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. "Previous research that used underwater visual survey methods estimated a density of between 200 to 1,000 sharks per square kilometer," Bradley continued. "So while it's not totally clear how those density estimates would scale up to a population estimate, it is clear that it would end up a lot bigger than our estimate." From 2006 to 2014, the research team captured reef sharks across Palmyra and fitted them with numbered ID tags. They also tracked the movement of some of these animals using acoustic telemetry tags, which emit a sound that is then recorded by acoustic receivers located underwater. Of the 1,300 tagged reef sharks, 350 individuals were recaptured, making this effort the largest reef shark tag recapture program in the world. In addition to the tag data, the investigators recorded information on the sex and size of each animal and the location of its capture. They plugged all the data into an algorithm that estimated the total population size. According to Bradley, the fact that the shark population was smaller than anticipated is not all bad news. "If a healthy shark population is smaller than we assumed, that means other shark populations are more precarious than previously suggested," she said. "However, it also means that the recovery goal for shark populations is lower, which makes recovering shark populations somewhat easier. Given that the way we manage fisheries and ecosystem health depends on having decent estimates of abundance, we need to continue to improve the way we count things in the ocean." More information: Darcy Bradley et al. Resetting predator baselines in coral reef ecosystems, Scientific Reports (2017). DOI: 10.1038/srep43131 Journal information: Scientific Reports The All India Institute of Medical Sciences has initiated follow-up action against officials held responsible by an enquiry committee constituted to investigate the death of Nursing Officer Rajbir Kaur on February 4 By Roshani Thokne: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has initiated follow-up action against officials held responsible by an enquiry committee constituted to investigate the death of Nursing Officer Rajbir Kaur, Deputy Director (Administration) V Srinivas said. The Committee noted that Rajbir Kaur's case was that of a low-risk pregnancy, monitored in the labour room on January 16. The labour was progressing well till 5 AM, when there was a sudden drop in heart rate, making emergency surgery necessary. The baby was limp at birth. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful. advertisement Rajbir was shifted to AB 8 ICU, where she passed away on February 4. V Srinavas has outlined a number of steps taken by AIIMS based on the enquiry committee's findings, and two rounds of meetings held at the director-level. First, a termination order will be issued to the Senior Resident, Anesthesiology, who was found guilty of wilful absence from duty. The Senior Resident, Gynaecology, will receive a Displeaure Memorandum from the AIIMS Director, and the Junior Resident, Anaesthesiology, will receive a warning for having left the operation theatre under pressure from Residents of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The consultant-on-call from Obstetrics and Gynaecology will be issued a show-cause notice for not being present for the emergency operation, despite being informed. The Department head, Anaesthesiology, will ensure round-the-clock availability of Senior Residents in the maternity operation theatre. The Department Head, Anaesthesia, will ensure that the Consultant of Anaesthesiology is available at the hospital premises to oversee and supervise anaesthesiology services in diverse areas, depending on the kinds of emergencies that AIIMS needs to handle. A Committee headed by the Chairman, Hospital Management Board, will be constituted to augment health care services with regard to EHS employees. As well, Rajbir Kaur's next-of-kin will be paid Rs 10 lakh in compensation after due administrative approval. ALSO READ: AIIMS doctors threaten to go on strike over suspension of 5 colleagues --- ENDS --- U.S. corporations that have long resisted bending to the demands of computer hackers who take their networks hostage are increasingly stockpiling bitcoin, the digital currency, so that they can quickly meet ransom demands rather than lose valuable corporate data. The companies are responding to cybersecurity experts who recently have changed their advice on how to deal with the growing problem of extortionists taking control of the computers. "It's a moral dilemma. If you pay, you are helping the bad guys," said Paula Long, chief executive of DataGravity, a Nashua, N.H., company that helps clients secure corporate data. But, she added, "You can't go to the moral high ground and put your company at risk." "A lot of companies are doing that as part of their incident response planning," said Chris Pogue, chief information security officer at Nuix, a company that provides information management technologies. "They are setting up bitcoin wallets." Pogue said he believed thousands of U.S. companies had prepared strategies for dealing with hacker extortion demands, and numerous law firms have stepped in to facilitate negotiations with hackers, many of whom operate from the other side of the globe. Symantec, a Mountain View, Calif., company that makes security and storage software, estimates that ransom demands to companies average between $10,000 and $75,000 for hackers to provide keys to decrypt frozen networks. Individuals whose computers get hit pay as little as $100 to $300 to unlock their encrypted files. Companies that analyze cyber threats say the use of ransomware has exploded, and payments have soared. Recorded Future, a Somerville, Mass., threat intelligence firm, says ransom payments skyrocketed 4,000 percent last year, reaching $1 billion. Another firm, Kaspersky Lab, estimates that a new business is attacked with ransomware every 40 seconds. "If you're hit by ransomware today, you have only two options: You either pay the criminals or you lose your data," said Raj Samani, chief technical officer at Intel Security for Europe, the Middle East and Africa. "We underestimated the scale of the issue." Hackers often send out email with tainted hyperlinks to broad targets, say, an entire company. All it takes is one computer user in a company to click on the infected link to allow hackers to get a foothold in the broader network, leading to hostile encryption. "At least one employee will click on anything," said Robert Gibbons, chief technology officer at Datto, a Connecticut company that offers digital disaster recovery services. Law enforcement counsels U.S. businesses not to succumb to ransom demands, urging them to keep backup copies of their data in case of hostile encryption. "The official FBI policy is that you shouldn't pay the ransom," said Leo Taddeo, chief security officer for Cryptzone, a Waltham, Mass., company that provides network security. Until 2015, Taddeo ran the cyber division of the FBI's New York City office. But practical considerations increasingly are dictating a different approach. "It's an option to pay the ransom to get back up and running. Sometimes it's the only option," Taddeo said. "But it has downsides," he added. "Paying ransom just invites the next attack." Moreover, 1 in 4 companies that pay ransoms never get their files restored, Gibbons said. The idea of rewarding extortionists with payment makes some technologists see red. "That makes me super mad," said Lior Div, chief executive of Cybereason, a Boston-area cybersecurity company. "There are things that are unacceptable, and we need to fight them." Div and his company have done something about the extortion epidemic. They built a product called RansomFree that claims to detect 99 percent of all ransomware strains. So far, the free software has been downloaded 125,000 times, the company says. As extortionists get more sophisticated, researchers say, they are modifying their malicious code, their infection strategies and the way they collect payments. Once they weasel their way into your network, they now take a look around. "They'll actually explore your system to see how much money they can squeeze from you," said Andrei Barysevich, director of advanced collection at Recorded Future. And they won't offer any sympathy, no matter how valuable the encrypted data, even if lives are at stake, say, in a health care network. They may even say they are doing nothing evil. "They actually think they are on the moral high ground. They think the companies should have paid more for security," said Barysevich, who spoke at a presentation this week at the annual RSA cybersecurity conference in San Francisco, which bills itself as the world's leading gathering of cybersecurity specialists. One of the reasons midsize and large companies are storing bitcoin for emergency use is that extortionists, once they succeed at penetrating a system, commonly give a deadline for payment before destroying data. But victims can't rush out and buy bitcoin in a day or two. "It takes at times a week for (brokers) to process you," Barysevich said. Setting up the wallet ahead of time, Pogue said, allows businesses an option that is quick, although perhaps repugnant. "If they need to go to it, they are not spinning their wheels standing up a bitcoin wallet," Pogue said. 2017 McClatchy Washington Bureau Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. California is not the only place in the West confronting startling amounts of rain and snow. Drought conditions have declined substantially across the region in recent weeks, with heavy storms replenishing reservoirs and piling fresh powder on ski resorts. Yet there is one place where the precipitation has been particularly welcome and could be transformative: the Colorado River basin, which provides water to nearly 40 million people across seven states. "We're in a really good spot as far as snow accumulations," said Malcolm Wilson, who leads the Bureau of Reclamation's water resources group in the upper Colorado River basin. In fact, if the Rocky Mountains continue to see substantial snowfall this winter, there is a chance that later this year, water managers for the Colorado could do something that seemed inconceivable just a few weeks ago: They could start giving water away. Under federal guidelines that kick in when water flows reach certain volumes, the Bureau of Reclamation, which oversees the river basin's largest reservoirs, Lake Powell and Lake Mead, could release enough water from the former to raise the elevation of the latter by 20 feet or more - providing a remarkable shot in the arm for a lake that has been declining steadily during a devastating drought that started in 2000. The process - lowering one reservoir to lift another - is called equalization, and a few weeks ago, it was not even viewed as a viable option. Now, Wilson said, "It's in the realm of possibility." Even if that optimistic scenario does not play out - the region would need several more weeks of strong precipitation without a substantial warmup - there is still reason to savor a moment of relief on the Colorado. As of last month, the bureau was forecasting about a 50 percent chance that, for the first time, the river and its reservoirs would not be able to fulfill the water demands of states that rely on it, beginning in 2018. But this week, the bureau quietly updated that forecast, saying the chance was only about 34 percent. By the end of this year, it expects Lake Mead to be at least 3 feet above the threshold at which an official "shortage" would be declared. Not only that, the bureau said the likelihood of a shortage through 2021 is no greater than 33 percent. Just a few weeks ago, the chances of shortages in that time frame were about 60 percent. Still, no one is declaring this the end of a drought that has fallowed farm fields, depleted groundwater and even inspired a dystopian novel, "The Water Knife," from 2015, which imagines the Southwest descending into crime and chaos as people fight over the shrinking Colorado. While California has been climbing out of its drought - albeit the hard way, with brutal storms, mudslides and a mass evacuation ordered earlier below the damaged Oroville Dam spillway - the drought on the Colorado may never truly end. That is because no matter how deep the snowpack may get one year - some drainages are seeing close to 200 percent of normal this year - the river itself functions at what its managers call a "structural deficit." The amount of water to which cities, tribes, farmers and others have legal rights is larger than the amount that, on average, flows into the system. In addition, climate change models for the future show declining snowpack and rising temperatures, potentially leading to more evaporation. That all means that delicate negotiations that have been underway to get the seven states which use the water - Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming - to increase the amount of water they conserve are still crucial. The effort, called the drought contingency plan, has been going on for several years, though negotiations intensified in 2016. The idea is to add a layer of voluntary conservation measures to prevent Lake Mead from falling below 1,075 feet, the level that triggers more painful, involuntary conservation measures. Water managers had hoped to reach an agreement by the end of the Obama administration but ran into challenges resolving concerns among agricultural and other interests within individual states, particularly in Arizona and California. Now, some water managers worry they may face a new challenge: that the wet winter may reduce the sense of urgency to complete the drought contingency plan. "It potentially makes it harder, to tell you the truth," said Tom Buschatzke, the head of the Arizona Department of Water Resources, who is trying to build support for the plan among the state's competing interests, "because sometimes crisis mode drives outcomes." Buschatzke noted that 2011 was also a very wet year, with strong snowpack, but less than four years later, water managers were again preparing for the possibility of a shortage. The Colorado provides 41 percent of Arizona's water. "We need to make sure the wet winter doesn't stop the momentum we've built," he said. "Mother Nature does not bail us out." The drought and the recent deluges demonstrate how the region's water issues are connected. The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California relies on the Colorado for about 45 percent of its water on average, but during the drought, the Colorado has provided as much as 90 percent of the utility's water. The recent heavy rain in California has changed the balance again, allowing the utility to leave more water in Lake Mead, which helps the rest of the basin guard against a shortage. "For the last four years, it was all about where can we get extra water," said Bill Hasencamp, who manages Colorado River resources for the Metropolitan Water District. "Now, all of a sudden in the last six weeks, it's a completely different mindset. We're storing as much water as we can in Lake Mead, storing it in our desert groundwater account, storing it in every reservoir account we have." Hasencamp said the improvement in short-term forecasts for the Colorado could make it easier for California to approve the drought contingency plan, in part because the state's water rights already make it least likely to suffer major cuts. Besides, he noted, the plan is merely a temporary fix, one that may not have to be implemented if Lake Mead improves for a few years. The truly complex negotiations will begin in 2020 for what is supposed to be a long-term solution. "Lake Mead is like going to Vegas," Hasencamp said. "You might win a couple of times. You might even hit a jackpot. But in the end, the odds are stacked against you." 2017 Los Angeles Times Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Dallas POS Systems Becomes A Certified Reseller For Harbortouch POS Systems Dallas POS Systems, a point of sale system provider, has just announced that it will be a dealer of Harbortouch POS Systems in a move that aims at bringing better point-of-sale services to their widening customer base. The company, which is known for its business and IT experience, has always had the goal of being the premier POS and merchant service provider in the Dallas-Ft. We have partnered with other POS systems providers in the past and managed to bring impeccable services to our clients, said Jason Feemster speaking on behalf of Dallas POS Systems. Being certified Harbortouch POS system resellers places us at a vantage point to help our clients even better. Cash registers and traditional old school systems are coming to an end of life cycle. Most merchants find it painstakingly hard to manage these systems, and that is where we come in. The new POS systems are swift, reliable, efficient and business owners are now getting a better ROI. We have partnered with Harbortouch to provide user-friendly point of sale systems that are affordable for all merchants, and that is why we are introducing them to our clients. Dallas POS Systems is the preferred merchant service provider in the Dallas, Forth Worth, TX Metroplex. The company provides affordable POS software and hardware. In their years of operation, the company has acted to represent their clients, vetting all equipment and software before releasing them to their customers. This has strengthened the trust between them and their clients, a factor that has seen an upsurge of clients enlisting their services in the last few years. Their partnership with http://www.harbortouchpossoftware.com, was informed by demands from a high number of their customer base as reported by Feemster. Harbortouch has been in the industry since 1999 providing payment processing, merchant services, and POS systems. The award winning company is reputed for its innovative POS hardware and software and has received accolades for their great work. Their industry experience and reputation, to a large extent, informed Dallas POS Systems to offer their systems. This can be found on http://www.dallaspossystems.com. Dallas POS Systems has expanded its services to offer total merchant services including credit card processing, inventory management, live sales figures, cloud reporting, employee management and much more. These services come handy for restaurants, bars, pizza shops, coffee shops, pubs, nightclubs, general stores, salons and spas and many other businesses. According to Feemster, representing Harbortouch products will enable them to reach out to more clients as well as better their services. More information can be seen on http://www.dallaspossystems.com Dallas POS Systems is located at 2807 Allen St. #394 in Dallas, TX. (75204). The company can be contacted via phone at (469) 250-9111 or at their website http://www.dallaspossystems.com/. Other POS articles: Shopgate Joins Salesforce Partner Program with Salesforce Commerce Cloud Shopgate enhances mobile shopping experiences to help Commerce Cloud customers achieve improved customer loyalty and drive repeat purchases. AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 20, 2016 Shopgate today announced that it has joined the Salesforce Partner Program in support of Salesforce Commerce Cloud, the fastest path to unified commerce. Commerce Cloud enables brands to provide personalized experiences for shoppers that span web, mobile, social and in-store. And now, as part of the worlds #1 CRM platform Salesforce brands can deliver completely unified experiences for customers that extend beyond commerce to include marketing, customer service and more. Shopgate is a comprehensive mobile commerce platform that enables retailers to launch mobile websites, and native iOS and Android apps, to help Commerce Cloud customers achieve improved customer retention rates, while increasing lifetime customer value, boosting conversion rates and driving revenue. Benefits of the Shopgate system include: Single system management removes the headache of managing a separate eCommerce site thanks to Shopgates seamless integration with a retailers existing Commerce Cloud account. Advanced push notification capabilities including user segmentation to proactively engage users wherever they go. Real-time updates put marketers and merchandisers in control of the look and feel of their mobile experience. Real-time updates put marketers and merchandisers in control of the look and feel of their mobile experience. Access to Shopgates comprehensive widget library. Merchants can create cost-effective custom designs, make real time content updates, highlight promotions and more. Comprehensive SaaS model, with no transaction fees, Shopgate provides quick-to-market deployment, continuous maintenance, and regular releases of new features and app upgrades. The Salesforce Partner Program is the industrys largest born in the cloud partner program, empowering consultants, ISVs, VARs, agencies and other partners to drive customer success using the Salesforce Customer Success Platform. Through a combination of business, technology and marketing benefits, and the worlds largest business app marketplace the AppExchange the Salesforce Partner Program helps partners of all sizes and industries build successful businesses that leverage the Salesforce platform. Comments on the News We are pleased to partner with Salesforce, giving their merchants the ability to improve customer loyalty and increase conversion rates with our cutting-edge mobile shopping platform. They believe, as we do, that retailers should spend their time focusing on delivering best-in-class mobile experiences, and less on managing technology, said Marc Biel, CEO, Shopgate, While the larger eCommerce industry places a heavy emphasis on new customer acquisition, we focus on customer retention, as it costs five times more to acquire a new customer than to retain one. Everything and everyone is becoming more connected and smarter than ever before, said Alan Bunce, VP of Product Marketing, Salesforce. By joining the Salesforce Partner Program in support of Commerce Cloud, Shopgate is joining the worlds largest community of born-in-the-cloud partners who are committed to innovating on the Salesforce platform and driving customer success. About Shopgate: Shopgates leading SaaS platform provides retailers a complete mobile commerce solution that improves customer retention, while boosting conversion rates and revenue. About Salesforce Commerce Cloud The Salesforce Commerce Cloud empowers retailers to unify customer experiences across all points of commerce, including web, social, mobile and store. ____________ Other News that may interest you: Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state on Monday, February 20, stated that every morning he carries Bible bullets to fight the All Progressives Congress, (APC). Fayose who serves as the chairman of the Peopls Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum made the remark at the partys stakeholders meeting in Abuja. Every morning I carry enough Bible bullets to fight APC Fayose He said: Every morning when I wake up in my room, I carry enough Bible bullets inside my pocket to fight APC. The partys spokesman, Dayo Adeyeye had accused the partys embattled chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff and the APC of conniving to destroy the PDP. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App Following the affirmation of Sheriff as the national chairman of the party by a Port Harcourt Appeal Court, the Makarfis faction had scheduled an emergency meeting for Monday, February 20. The Makarfi-faction of the PDP was however stopped from holding its stakeholders meeting at the International Conference Center (ICC). The meeting was shifted to the Ekiti lodge following a barricade by men of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). Meanwhile the NPF in a statement by its spokesman, Anjuguri Manzah, said the command received credible intelligence that the two factions in the party planned to use the venue for their meetings and a violent clash may have occurred. Source: Legit.ng Following the political unease within Nigeria at the moment, Nigerians are beginning to draw their personal inferences and come with their diverse theories as regards the nation's polity and leadership. Below are 5 politicians who many Nigerians on social platforms believe are potential candidates for the 2019 presidential election, which one needs not a soothsayer to tell, that the polls will be keenly contested. 1. Senator Muhammadu Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso It is perceived by Nigerians that from the looks of things, Kwankwaso is about the most popular northern candidate after PMB, and if one takes the latter out of the race the vast majority of northern electorates will vote for Kwankwaso. 2019 Presidential Election: 5 people Nigerians believe are Potential Presidential candidates Also Kwankwaso are in a very good term with PMB and he seem to be one of the most idle candidates for him to anoint. Remember also Kwankwaso came second in 2015 APC presidential primary election, now imagine PMB out of the picture. There are speculations that Kwankwaso also seem to be the only PDP decampee who has an excellent rapport with the presidency, some believe is bond with the presidency is stronger than that of Saraki and Atiku. 2. Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu Those who propagate propaganda will surely have you believe that the Jagaban Borgu wields great political power and has his eyes on the presidency, having served in the capacity of Senator and Governor. 2019 Presidential Election: 5 people Nigerians believe are Potential Presidential candidates It cannot be overstated that it was Tinubu's influence that saw the emergence of APC, he was the strong hold behind PMB's emergence as presidential candidate because much of the northern voted were decided among PMB, Kwankwaso and Atiku. Some are of the view that if northern candidates (the likes of Atiku, Kwankwaso, Saraki who might contest) were to divide their votes in 2019, a lone Asiwaju from the south could clinch the ticket. 3. VP Prof Yemi Osinbajo Osinbajo is arguably the most popular Nigerian politician today, especially giving his performance as Acting President while the president is away on vacation. Many hold the believe that Osinbajo carries out his duties professionally and diplomatically, in recent times he is seen as the best vice president in Nigeria's democratic history. 2019 Presidential Election: 5 people Nigerians believe are Potential Presidential candidates Nigerians are of the view that given the deep bond that exists between himself and his principal, the president wouldn't mind giving him a chance to succeed him in 2019. If the zoning formula does not play against him, Osinbajo stands a great chance at becoming the nation's commander-in-chief. 4. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar Atiku has already started making his interest known, and 2019 might be the best time for him to actualize his goal He however will have to fight really hard to win the votes from the north. 2019 Presidential Election: 5 people Nigerians believe are Potential Presidential candidates The likes of Kwankwaso and Saraki (if he is to run), will pose a threat to his ambition. He must all take heed of the governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai. 5. Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki For many he seem like the odd one out, however, when ones looks back at the drama that brought him into position as the number 3 man of the nation, one gets to understand that under-estimating Saraki could be detrimental. The Senate President's greatest strength lies in the fact that he tends to have loyalists, supporters and friends in virtually every tribe; and he is loved on both sides of the divide (APC and PDP). 2019 Presidential Election: 5 people Nigerians believe are Potential Presidential candidates His alliance with his deputy - Senator Ike Ekweremadu must also no be understated, the duo might just be able to pull off that which they were able to manage in the Senate. Nigerians are watching keenly as the political drama unfolds. Their wits are sharpened and the people are more aware of that which is obtainable in the Nigerian political scene. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is striving hard to see that the reformation process within the party runs smoothly and speedily as to make them strong enough to not just play the opposition, but for them to be a formidable force, capable of unseating the APC. All other political parties are not left out of the whole plot, though a couple of them do not have a candidate for presidency come 2019, but when the time is ripe, each one will pitch its tent, where favours them the most. Till then, the All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of President Buhari, must seek every means possible, first to stabilize things in the economy and win back the hearts of a great proportion of the masses who are currently of the opinion that this is not the change they voted for. Source: Legit.ng By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) To encourage the denizens of the Capital, particularly children to wear anti-pollution masks, a city-based fashion designer has started an awareness drive about the air pollution menace here. The Anti-Pollution Riot Campaign by designer Gaurav Gupta seeks to find a solution to the problem of air-pollution in the city. advertisement "I wanted to start a movement so that there is more awareness about it. Living in Delhi or anywhere across urban India, we are smoking 20-odd cigarettes just by breathing the air around us. And still I see children and people in general resistant to the idea of wearing masks. This is shocking," he says. Gupta has designed 300 odd "Anti-Pollution Riot kits" comprising a t-shirt and a mask, which he says would be sent out to renowned celebrities from different walks of life including fashion, films and theatre, to make the campaign more impactful. "We are sending out the kits to celebrities. With thousands to millions of followers on social media, we hope that when people see these important faces wearing the t-shirts and masks as part of the campaign, they will stop, see, think and be aware," he says. Terming the problem as a "nation-wide emergency", Gupta says he does not see the awareness drive as a "one-day or one month campaign", but something that will continue for the next "three to five years". "The campaign will evolve. I will be continuously spreading the awareness without any break. Because the problem is nationwide, talking about this problem around Diwali or some other day will get us nowhere," he says. The designer, who does not mind collaborating with government organisations in the future, however, believes the movement by such institutions lacks urgency. "There are government committees that are taking certain actions on this issue, but I feel the action is not urgent enough," he says. The campaign will begin on February 22. PTI MG TRS BK --- ENDS --- Inventory needs to be managed and managed well, or you are going to get in recurring trouble, and lose your credibility and hard-earned conversions, whether Read more FILE PHOTO: Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office Chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo FILE PHOTO: Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office Chief Colonel Edgard Arevalo PHILIPPINES The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office chief, Colonel Edgard Arevalo confirmed on Monday that Al Abdullah, a spotter for Abu Sayyaf Group, was killed in a fire fight with government forces who were conducting maritime security patrol in the waters of Bacungan Turtle Island in Tawi-Tawi. Col. Arevalo said the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi disclosed that the troops acted upon a report of the presence of armed kidnap for ransom group in the said area, prompting them to invite Abdullah for questioning. Nakausap nila si Abdullah at inamin ni Abdullah na sya ang may-ari ng bahay (They talked to Abudallah who admitted he is the owner of the house) where the armed men stayed and was among the reported men sighted, said Col. Arevalo. Abdullah asked to enter the house. He returned with an M16 rifle and initiated the gun fight which resulted in his death. Piracy Attack Meanwhile, the AFP reported a piracy attack in north of Pearl Bank in Tawi-Tawi yesterday against a Vietnamese cargo vessel. This has been confirmed by the 48th Marine Company of Philippine Marines while doing a maritime operation in the area together with personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coastguard. They found 17 crew members inside the vessel. One crew member was already dead and identified as Vu Duchan who suffered multiple gunshot wounds during the attack. The captain of the vessel and five others were abducted. They are: Buy Xuan Vien Captain Do Huu Nghia Chiefmate Bui Trung Duc 3rd Mate Nguyin Huu Trong 2nd Engineer Tran Viet Van Sailor Nguyen Quang Huy Oiler The AFP has no information yet on the groups behind the abduction, but authorities are currently investigating the incident. Bryan de Paz | UNTV News and Rescue The post Abu Sayyaf spotter killed in Tawi-Tawi clash appeared first on UNTV News. VIENNA (AP) An Austrian court on Tuesday approved a U.S. extradition request for a Ukrainian oligarch suspected of paying millions of dollars in bribes to Indian officials. The court decision overturns a lower court ruling nearly two years ago against extraditing Dymitro Firtash. The judge then said that the U.S. move was at least partially politically motivated through links to political events in Ukraine, and not supported by sufficient evidence. Extradition, however, is still not a certainty. Leo Levnaic-Iwanski, who headed the three-judge panel of the Upper State Court, said the final decision will be made by Justice Minister Wolfgang Brandstetter. Firtash was indicted in Chicago by a U.S. grand jury in 2012 for allegedly paying off officials through U.S. banks in a failed attempt to secure titanium mining rights in India worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Arrested a year later in Vienna, he posted bail of 125 million euros (more than $130 million) shortly afterward, leaving him free but unable to leave Austria. Shortly after Tuesday's court ruling however, he was taken into custody on what prosecution spokeswoman Nina Bussek said was a warrant from Spanish law enforcement officials. She gave no details but told the Austria Press Agency that the timing had nothing to do with the Austrian court decision. Instead, she said, it was triggered by the receipt of "supplementary information from Spanish authorities." One of Ukraine's most influential businessmen, Firtash, 51, is well connected both in Moscow and with Ukrainian politicians opposed to the Kremlin. He earned millions of dollars in the natural gas trading sector under deposed pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. News reports tie him to business dealings with lobbyist Paul Manafort, an adviser to Donald Trump during his U.S. presidential election campaign. Manafort also advised Yanukovych during a re-election bid. Austrian Judge Christoph Bauer suggested in 2015 that the extradition request for Firtash was linked to attempts to weaken Yanukovych by stripping him of a key ally. A court statement summarizing Tuesday's ruling focused on the U.S. accusations in overturning Bauer's decision, saying "the crimes Firtash is accused of have no political character." By Eveline Danubrata JAKARTA (Reuters) - A former education minister in Muslim-majority Indonesia facing a run-off vote against a Christian to be Jakarta governor, on Tuesday denied pandering to Islamists to win support and said he could unite the capital after a divisive election. Anies Baswedan is set to take on Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, Jakarta's first Christian and ethnic Chinese governor, in a second-round vote on April 19. Purnama got the most votes in a first round, on Feb. 15, but not by enough to avoid a run-off, unofficial counts show. Campaigning for the poll has been overshadowed by religious tensions, with protests led by hardline group Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) against Purnama, and calls for voters to choose a Muslim. Photographs of Baswedan meeting FPI leader Habib Rizieq were widely published in media, leading his critics to accuse him of tarnishing his reputation as a moderate Muslim. "I think there's a framing that is not fair here," Baswedan said in an interview at his Jakarta home. "If I met the Catholic community, am I then considered no longer a Muslim? If I met the Buddhist community, am I then considered no longer a Muslim?" He said the media was giving a distorted impression of his campaign, which included meetings with a range of religious groups. "Often times, they only see one meeting, even though I've gone for dozens of other meetings," Baswedan said, sitting with a portrait of Sukarno, Indonesia's founding father, hanging on a wall near him. "I interact with all residents of Jakarta." Baswedan, a respected academic who won a Fulbright scholarship to study in the United States, was picked by President Joko Widodo to be education minister, but was dropped from the cabinet in a reshuffle last year. Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population but is officially secular and home to minority Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and other communities. 'UNITE NOT DIVIDE' The post of Jakarta governor has been a stepping stone to higher office. Widodo was previously governor and Purnama was his deputy. The city vote is being widely seen as a proxy battle for the next presidential election, in 2019. Purnama has the support of Widodo's ruling party while Baswedan has the backing of an influential former general, Prabowo Subianto, and his Gerindra Party. Subianto narrowly lost the last presidential election, in 2014, to Widodo. Overshadowing the campaign has been Purnama's trial for blasphemy for allegedly insulting the Koran. He denies the accusation that was filed after he said voters were deceived by his opponents who used a verse in the Koran to imply that Muslims should not vote for a leader of a different religion. The trial, which began in December, seemed to dent his support initially, but it later rebounded, helped by middle-class approval of his efforts to improve the bureaucracy and tackle traffic jams and flooding. Purnama secured about 43 percent of the vote in the first round, ahead of Baswedan with about 40 percent. A third candidate, Agus Yudhoyono, the son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, was last with less than 20 percent. Analysts say some Muslim voters may now shift their support from Yudhoyono to Baswedan, who performed well in televised debates. When asked if Jakarta's governor had to be Muslim, Baswedan said every citizen had the right to run, but added: "Jakarta needs an effective leader who can execute all the plans, and secondly, who can unite, not divide." Baswedan said his policies would be centred on increasing access to education, creating jobs and making housing more affordable. One of his main campaign promises is "zero downpayment" for home buyers. "We will continue to focus on topics that are urgent for the residents of Jakarta," Baswedan said. (Additional reporting by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Ed Davies and Robert Birsel) By Alexandra Ulmer and Alexandra Valencia QUITO (Reuters) - Ecuador's leftist government candidate Lenin Moreno looked set for victory on Monday in a presidential election, but slow results meant it may take days to know if he will face a runoff with former banker Guillermo Lasso. In a nail-biter vote with eight candidates at the weekend, Moreno was close to the threshold needed to avoid a second round on April 2 and continue a decade-long period of leftist rule, just as South America is moving to the right. While Ecuadoreans are angry over an economic downturn and corruption scandals, the opposition split its votes among candidates and the ruling Country Alliance remains popular with many poor voters thanks to social welfare programs. As results trickled in from Ecuador's Andes, jungle, and Pacific coast, Moreno, a disabled former vice president, was just short of the 40 percent of votes and a 10 percentage-point difference over his nearest rival to win outright. He had 39.11 percent of valid votes versus 28.34 percent for Lasso, with 89.5 percent of votes counted, the official preliminary election count showed on Monday afternoon. The electoral council said clarity would not arrive for three more days due to votes trickling in from isolated areas and Ecuadoreans abroad, bureaucratic delays and "inconsistencies" in some ballots. "This doesn't smell right. How can they take three days to count 12 percent?" said Lasso, 61, who already celebrated reaching the second round in his humid hometown of Guayaquil under a stream of confetti on Sunday night. "We're not going to allow fraud ... If they toy with the results, we'll take to the streets," he added. Moreno shot down the opposition's stance. "You can't be a sore loser," he told a news conference on Monday evening, against a backdrop of the Ecuadorean flag and the name "Lenin" emblazoned in large letters. "It's striking to me that there is a politician out there calling for violence," Moreno added, emphasizing the need to wait for final results. A couple of hundred opposition supporters have already congregated in front of the electoral council headquarters in Quito to demand a speedier and more transparent count. "We don't trust the electoral council, it's obviously pro-Country Alliance," said Maribel Cevallos, a 34-year-old psychologist. "We're here watching that they don't cheat us." Protesters waving yellow, blue and red Ecuadorean flags chanted slogans including "We're not Cuba or Venezuela, out with Correa!" Outgoing President Rafael Correa was one of the key figures in Latin America's leftist axis that includes Caracas and Havana. He brought stability to the politically turbulent OPEC country but has aggravated many with his confrontational style. Correa said votes from pro-government rural provinces and Ecuadoreans abroad, many of whom left after a deep financial crisis under a center-right government, would propel Moreno, 63, past the crucial 40 percent mark. POLARIZED NATION The next president faces strong pressure to create jobs and crack down on graft, amid corruption scandals at state-run oil company Petroecuador and Brazilian conglomerate Odebrecht. Lasso has campaigned on a platform to revive the economy, which is dependent on exports of oil, flowers and shrimp, by slashing taxes, fostering foreign investment and creating a million jobs in four years. He has also vowed to remove Wikileaks founder Julian Assange from the Ecuadorean embassy in London and denounce Venezuela's Socialist government. But Lasso has also alienated some voters who deem him a stuffy elitist linked to the 1999 financial crisis when hundreds of thousands lost their savings. Moreno, who lost the use of his legs two decades ago after being shot during a robbery, has a more conciliatory style than the pugnacious Correa and has promised benefits for the disabled, single mothers and the elderly. "In the last few years there have been radical changes in the country, like the end of extreme poverty," said Moreno supporter Ramiro Flores, a 60-year-old civil engineer in the mountainous capital Quito. Critics say Moreno is ill-equipped to overhaul an ailing economy hit by low oil prices, steep debts, and a stronger U.S. dollar that has hurt exports. His running mate, Jorge Glas, who as strategic sectors minister oversaw the oil and infrastructure industries, has also been accused by a fugitive oil minister of corruption in the Petroecuador case. Glas has denied wrongdoing. Moreno has said Assange can stay in the London embassy, but warned in a Monday interview with Latin American broadcaster Telesur he would ask him "not to intervene in the politics of countries that are friends of Ecuador." The new president takes office on May 24 for a four-year term. (Additional reporting by Jose Llangari, Yury Garcia, and Cristina Munoz; Writing by Alexandra Ulmer; Editing by Alan Crosby and Matthew Lewis) By Gerard Bon PARIS (Reuters) - France's far-right National Front accused authorities of staging a media stunt on Monday to influence the presidential election after police searched its headquarters in an investigation into "fake jobs". The searches came after French government bond yields rose sharply on news of a poll showing leader Marine Le Pen gaining ground on her main election rivals, independent Emmanuel Macron and conservative former prime minister Francois Fillon. Le Pen denied on Friday allegations by OLAF, the European Union anti-fraud agency, that she gave parliamentary assistants fake jobs paid for out of EU funds. French judges opened a fraud investigation on Dec. 15 after prosecutors handed the dossier over to them following a preliminary investigation of more than a year. "This is as void as space," the party's vice-president Florian Philippot told BFM television, adding that searches had taken place a year ago and nothing had been found then. "These are media-stunt searches on the day when she (Le Pen) gets a 2-point bounce in the polls. It's always when the system is in panic that these affairs come out." An Opinionway poll of voting intentions on Monday had Le Pen easily beating her four main rivals to win the April 23 first round with 27 percent of the vote. In the second-round two-way runoff against Macron or Fillon, she was still seen losing, but both scenarios saw her narrowing the gap. She would lose against Macron with 42 percent to his 58, while against Fillon she would be defeated with 44 percent to his 56, the poll showed. A week ago she was polling around 36-37 against Macron. It is not clear what impact the probe could have on Le Pen or how quickly the investigation will move forward. Fillon's status as favourite to win the presidency in May has evaporated in the past three weeks amid questions about what work his wife did for hundreds of thousands of euros in taxpayers' money when she was paid as his assistant. He has vowed to fight on despite falling ratings and the threat of being placed under formal investigation by the financial police, who are handling the matter. LEFT-WING BARGAIN UNLIKELY With nine weeks to go, it is not clear whether Macron or Fillon would go through to the knockout against Le Pen. The two men are polling at around similar levels, according to several surveys. Things may become clearer on Wednesday when veteran centrist Francois Bayrou will announce whether he will enter the race. Bayrou, a pro-EU politician who won 18.5 percent of first-round votes in the 2007 presidential vote, is polling around 5 percent. He has accused Fillon of being under the influence of "financial powers" and said French democracy is under threat. Macron, whose aides call for a union with Bayrou, is a political novice who has never held elected office. However, he has pulled in huge crowds at rallies, saying he seeks to transcend the classic left-right divide in French politics. Polls see little chance of a Socialist revival in time for the election given Socialist President Francois Hollande's poor record. Markets have been uneasy about a possible agreement between hard-left Socialist candidate Benoit Hamon, who is polling at around 15 percent, and independent far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon, at around 12 percent, which could strengthen Le Pen in the second round. But moves late last week to form an election deal between the two men appeared to have fizzled out. Melenchon, who is standing as an independent, said: "I have no intention of going and hitching myself to a hearse." Hamon hit back at the weekend, telling journalists: "I won't run after Jean-Luc Melenchon. I don't run after anyone." (Additional reporting by Simon Carraud, Yann Le Guernigou and Emmanuel Jarry; writing by John Irish and Richard Balmforth; editing by Andrew Roche) BEIRUT (AP) France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen refused to don a headscarf for a meeting with Lebanon's top Sunni Muslim cleric on Tuesday and walked away from the scheduled appointment after a brief squabble at the entrance. The debacle topped Le Pen's three-day visit to Lebanon, where she held her first campaign meeting with a head of state. It drew the focus to her strong support for secularism and a proposal in her presidential platform that promotes banishing headscarves and other obvious religious symbols in all public spaces. "I consider the headscarf a symbol of a woman's submission," Le Pen told reporters at the end of her visit. "I will not put on the veil." Le Pen compared her refusal to wear the headscarf to the decision by former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama to decline wearing one during her state visit to Saudi Arabia. "I note that when Marine Le Pen refuses to don the headscarf, it is criticized, but when Michelle Obama refused to do it in Saudi Arabia, it was considered admirable," she said, soliciting applause from the accompanying delegation. Journalists shouted back that the two situations were not comparable because one is a state visit while the other is to a religious body. Le Pen dismissed the criticism. French law already bans headscarves in all classrooms except universities. She has proposed extending the 2004 law banning headscarves and other "ostentatious" religious symbols in classrooms to all public spaces. While the law covers all religions, it is widely viewed as aimed at Muslims. When asked if she fears her proposal may ignite the anger of the Muslim community, she said: "When in Rome do as the Romans do." The headscarf incident occurred ahead of a scheduled meeting with Lebanon's grand mufti, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian. Shortly after Le Pen arrived at his office, one of his aides handed her a white headscarf to put on. Following a discussion with his aides that lasted a few minutes, she refused and returned to her car. Story continues Le Pen said she had informed her host the night before that she would not wear the scarf but they didn't cancel the meeting. Instead, she said, "They tried to impose it upon me." She said the Grand Sheik of Al-Azhar, the head of the Sunni world's most prestigious learning institute, didn't require her to don the headscarf. Photos of Le Pen with Ahmed al-Tayeb in 2015 in Cairo show her with her hair uncovered. The officials at the mufti's office "kept the meeting and consequently put me before a fait accompli," she said. "I stuck to my position, because when I take a position it corresponds to a conviction. If (you don't like it) never mind." The office of Lebanon's mufti issued a statement saying that Le Pen was told in advance through one of her aides that she would have to put on a headscarf during the meeting with the mufti. "This is the protocol" at the mufti's office, the statement said. It said the mufti's aides tried to give her the headscarf and that Le Pen refused to take it. "The mufti's office regrets this inappropriate behavior in such meetings," the statement said. Le Pen has tried to raise her international profile and press her pro-Christian stance with her visit to Lebanon, a former French protectorate. On Monday, she met with President Michel Aoun, a Christian, and Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a Sunni Muslim. She said Syrian President Bashar Assad was "the most reassuring solution for France," adding that the best way to protect minority Christians is to "eradicate" the Islamic State group. In her final press conference, she said that there is currently no alternative to the Assad government. She said she considered it a "mistake" that the French government had closed its embassy in Damascus, which undermined relations between French and Syrian security agencies that she said could have helped thwart terrorist attacks in France. Some Lebanese officials, including Hariri, have taken umbrage at what is widely seen as her stigmatization of Muslims, whom her supporters claim are changing the Christian face of France. There was also apparent displeasure at her comments on Assad, including from some Lebanese allies. Christian right-wing leader Samir Geagea said after meeting with Le Pen that "terrorism has no religion." He described Assad as "the biggest terrorist in Syria and the region." Walid Jumblatt, a leftist politician in Lebanon, tweeted that Le Pen's statements in Lebanon "were an insult toward the Lebanese people and Syrian people." Later Tuesday, a group of Lebanese held a small protest in Beirut against Le Pen's visit. One protester raised a drawing of Le Pen between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, with "Neo-fascists" emblazoned underneath. ___ Associated Press writers Sarah El Deeb in Beirut and Elaine Ganley in Paris contributed to this report. By Simon Carraud BEIRUT (Reuters) - French far-right National Front presidential candidate Marine Le Pen canceled a meeting on Tuesday with Lebanon's grand mufti, its top cleric for Sunni Muslims, after refusing to wear a headscarf for the encounter. Le Pen, among the frontrunners for the presidency, is using a two-day visit to Lebanon to bolster her foreign policy credentials nine weeks from the April 23 first round, and may be partly targeting potential Franco-Lebanese votes. Many Lebanese fled to France, Lebanon's former colonial power, during their country's 1975-1990 civil war and became French citizens. After meeting Christian President Michel Aoun - her first public handshake with a head of state - and Sunni Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri on Monday, she had been scheduled to meet the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian He heads the Dar al-Fatwa, the top religious authority for Sunni Muslims in the multireligious country. "I met the grand mufti of Al-Azhar," she told reporters, referring to a visit in 2015 to Cairo's 1,000-year-old centre of Islamic learning. "The highest Sunni authority didn't have this requirement, but it doesn't matter. "You can pass on my respects to the grand mufti, but I will not cover myself up," she said. The cleric's press office said Le Pen's aides had been informed beforehand that a headscarf was required for the meeting and had been "surprised by her refusal". But it was no surprise in the French political context. French law bans headscarves in the public service and for high school pupils, in the name of church-state separation and equal rights for women. Le Pen wants to extend this ban to all public places, a measure that would affect Muslims most of all. HARIRI'S VEILED MESSAGE Buoyed by the election of President Donald Trump in the United States and by Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Le Pen's anti-immigration, anti-EU National Front (FN) hopes for similar populist momentum in France. Like Trump, she has said radical Islamism must be faced head on, although she has toned down her party's rhetoric to attract more mainstream support and possibly even woo some Muslim voters disillusioned with France's traditional parties. After meeting Hariri on Monday, Le Pen went against current French policy in Syria by describing President Bashar al-Assad as the "only viable solution" for preventing Islamic State from taking power in Syria. Lebanon has some 1.5 million Syrian refugees. "I explained clearly that ... Bashar al-Assad was obviously today a much more reassuring solution for France than Islamic State would be if it came to power in Syria," she told reporters. Hariri, whose family has close links to conservative former French President Jacques Chirac and still has a home in France, issued a strongly-worded statement after their meeting. "The most serious error would be to link Islam and Muslims on the one hand and terrorism on the other," Hariri said. "The Lebanese and Arabs, like most of the world, considers that France is the home of human rights and the republican state makes no distinction between citizens on ethnic, religious or class grounds." Speaking after meeting French President Francois Hollande in Paris, Walid Jumblatt, the main political leader of the minority Druze community in Lebanon, said Le Pen had "insulted" the Lebanese and Syrian people. "I hope France will make a better choice than this fascist right. We cannot ask the Lebanese people to forget the crimes of the Syrian regime against it and we cannot return en masse (Syrians) while there is the Syrian regime. It's a double insult," he said. Syria dominated Lebanese government and politics for years and had a military presence in the country until 2005, when it withdrew following the assassination of Saad's father, former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, and months of anti-Syria protests. (Additional reporting by Angus McDowall and Elizabeth Pineau in Paris; Writing by John Irish; Editing by Tom Heneghan) A 23-year-old daughter talks about her father's battle with cancer in a heartbreaking journal and it is everything you might want to read today. By Neha Vashishth: Our lifestyles have surely evolved over the years, from drinking irresponsibly to reckless smoking, many people have been ruining their bodies for temporary fun and gatherings knowingly. We have been warned various times about the adverse effects of alcohol consumption but let's face it, nobody really cares. Nobody cares about the little warnings on the back of the bottles or packets because we think it's never going to happen to us. But, it can and it does to many of us living among us. advertisement Few stories shake us from the inside to give us a reminder that life is precious and in order to live, we must respect it. A story of a 23-year-old girl from Delhi, who decided to pen down her sadness to aware others about what alcohol abuse did to her father is something everyone must read to understand the value of life. She shared the haunting experience of how fast her 55-year-old father turned into an 80-year-old looking man due to a habit many of us persist in today's time. A Literature student, Simran, jotted down eye-opening effects of increasing alcohol abuse and poured her heart out about how disheartening it is to see your father get sick each day. "Just 55 years old, he looked no less than 75. The man, who would proudly show us his muscles and chest, had now bones poking out. Lying in bed, I could see from his face had he wanted to say a lot, but didn't want to either. He just told me that I should come back home now, after finishing with masters. That I should just come home now, it had been long enough now. The person, who used to down glasses of whiskey, has no strength to lift up a bottle of water to his mouth anymore. " Speaking bravely about her experience, her journal creates awareness about increasing alcohol abuse in our nation. "I too never took it seriously until now. We laugh and joke at advertisements before movies etc. that say 'Alcohol is injurious to health', but if you see it so closely (which I hope you don't), you'll realize how important it is to spread awareness about this." As per a 2015 World Health Organisation report , 30% Indians consume alcohol EVERY DAY which is quite a high number for a country with billions of people living in it. Binge drinking has become a life-threatening issue in today's time making it a life-threatening issue. Our so-called lifestyles have made us dependent on addictions to feel alive. If we talk about more eye-opening facts, every 96 minutes, a person dies in India due to alcohol abuse as per a National Crime Records Bureau report. Her blog is a reminder of all those ignored advertisements and warnings many of us laugh away in fun. Taking inspiration from her positive blog, we hope to create awareness about this severe issue. advertisement Take a look at her full journal here. Also Watch: One Kargil martyr's daughter to another: Don't get bogged down by bullies --- ENDS --- Last week, Haiti indicated that when his appointment as President Commissioner at Grab Indonesia was announced, no formal agreement had been reached between the parties Badrodin Haiti, former Chief of the Indonesian National Police Southeast Asian ride-hailing giant Grab finally speaks up about the controversy surrounding the appointment of former Indonesian chief police officer Badrodin Haiti as President Commissioner of Grab Indonesia. Last Thursday, rumours circulated that Haiti, whose appointment was announced late January, had resigned from the position. Grab told e27 that the rumour of his resignation was not true. But hours later Haiti spoke to the press that when his appointment was announced, it was merely a discussion between the two parties, indicating it had not been formally agreed. But today Grab and Badrodin Haiti finally released a joint statement to clarify his position in the company. Also Read: Grab: How we grew business from 40 to 63,000 drivers In November 2016, Grab Indonesia invited Mr. Badrodin Haiti to join Grab Indonesias management as President Commissioner. The agreement between the parties was formalised by Grab Indonesia through the appointment of Mr. Badrodin Haiti as the President Commissioner by the General Meeting of Shareholders (GMS) of Grab Indonesia and announced to all relevant stakeholders, it said. The statement then explained that Haiti was appointed as President Commissioner of PT Waskita Karya a few weeks before Grab Indonesia announced his appointment. Provisions on State-Owned Enterprises do not allow any Director/Commissioner to hold double posts. Grab Indonesia and Mr. Badrodin Haiti will comply with all relevant provisions and agree to make the necessary adjustments, the statement explained. As a solution, Haiti will now hold the position as Senior Advisor to Grab Indonesia. Grab has been mentioning Indonesia as one of its key market, particularly with its recent launch of Grab4Indonesia master plan, which the company invested US$700 million to build R&D centre, social impact investment fund, and create greater financial inclusion for its driver-partners and users. Story continues It has also been rumoured to acquire Indonesian e-commerce platform Kudo for around US$100 million. Image Credit: Grab The post Grab finally speaks up to clarify Badrodin Haitis role in the company appeared first on e27. ROME (AP) From specialty shops in Rome to supermarkets around the world, lovers of Italian olive oil are in for some sticker shock this year, with prices due to jump by as much as 20 percent. The combination of bad weather and pests hit the harvest in Southern Europe, most of all in Italy, where production is halved from last fall. That's pushing up Italian wholesale prices by 64 percent as of mid-February compared with a year earlier, which translates to shelf price increases of 15 to 20 percent in Italy. In other countries, the ultimate price increases will depend on several factors such as how much retailers take on the costs themselves and the change in currency values. The U.S., for example, is likely to see a more modest rise in price as a stronger dollar keeps a lid on the cost of imports. Italy's harvest was especially hard hit by the combination of early rains that knocked buds off the trees and the threat of an olive fly that forced an early harvest, further cutting yields. Wholesale prices of olive oil from Spain, the world's largest producers, are up a more modest 10 percent, with yields similar to last year's. Vincenzo Iacovissi, the owner of the Sapor d'Olio olive oil shop in Rome, says sales have dropped, though he's tried to ease the shock for customers by explaining why prices have gone up. "When there are increases of 15 to 20 percent there is some impact on sales. However, explaining the reasons for this increase has in part helped to make up for this," Iacovissi said. Italians collectively consume about 20 percent of the world's olive oil, leading Spain at 16 percent, and that affinity makes them pretty resilient as consumers. The U.S. is the third-biggest market, consuming 10 percent of the yearly total. Flaminia Leoni, a 50-year-old mother of four, buys 80 to 100 liters of olive oil a year for her family and says that at most she will consider substituting lower quality olive oil for extra virgin for cooking but not on the table, where olive oil is a staple giving accent to pasta, meats, salads and vegetables. Story continues Cedric Casanova, the owner of an Italian grocery in Paris, said he was hoping to get 30,000 liters of olive oil delivered, but received just 8,000 liters. He will have to rely on leftover stock from last year to help make up for the remaining difference and absorb some of the price increase himself. "I'm working with a standard price, by trying to assume the cost myself," he said. With global stocks down just 14 percent, no one is predicting general olive oil shortages, even with a 75 percent increase in consumption of olive oil over the last 25 years as demand pushed into non-traditional markets. The market for olive oil in the period has grown by two-fold in the United States, seven-fold in Britain and 14 fold in Japan, according to Italy's Coldiretti farm lobby, even if continental Europe remains by far the largest market. Italian olive oil is more vulnerable than that of other major producers to climate shifts and pests due to its varied topography, from hills in the north to larger groves in the south. This also lends great variety to Italian olive oil, where unique flavors are derived from a combination of the terrain, topography and the more than 400 olive varieties, according to Nicola Di Noia, an olive oil expert for the Coldiretti farm lobby. "We have hundreds of different varieties of olives that are more difficult to defend compared with Spain or northern Africa, where there are big groves that are easier to manage," Di Noia said. He said the challenge is educating consumers about why they pay for quality. "We need to learn to choose oils with awareness. Extra-virgin is the juice of a fruit. The primary material from which it derives is very important. Therefore, oil should be tasted and smelled," he said. ____ Barry reported from Milan. Bloomberg file photo Two Singaporeans were sentenced to jail in Australia on Tuesday (21 Feb) after pleading guilty to dealing with proceeds of crime in a District Court. Ryan Marc Pereira and Edward Choi Gou Hang, both 34, was ordered to serve nine and six months in jail respectively. Both men were arrested in December at the Adelaide Airport after sniffer dogs found AU$519,900 (about S$566,745) in cash which they were trying to bring out of the country. According to the Australian Associated Press, the duo tried to use T-bone steaks and lamb chops to mask the smell of the cash to prevent sniffer dogs from detecting it. After their arrest, the pair initially told police that they won the money through gambling, even though they had been in Adelaide for only two days. They later retracted their story, but did not reveal how the cash came into their possession. Judge Geraldine Davison ruled that both men knew the money was from proceeds of a crime, given that Pereira made trips of similar nature in the past. She added that it was not surprising that they pleaded guilty after being caught red-handed. The men were also ordered to forfeit the cash. Itd be hard to over state just how good this Juice section is. Carlos Ribeiro just made a statement thatll be heard around the world and the message is I will fuck up your ledges. Insane pop, precision and all round skill from Primitive Skateboards Brazilian powerhouse. Go watch now Cover photo: Fakie flip at Southbank from Primitives UK tour. Photo: CJ James Grindley is UK skateboarding in human form. Unafraid to sleep in his car for nights in a row when on a mission, or to drive around the country jumping off shit for no material gain: James is relentlessly, unerringly stoked on everything. Happy birthday from all of us James you rule. Peep this Reminisce on This part put together by Smash Skates a collection of James footage gathered in the recent past and plenty which you wont have seen previously. You cant swindle The Grindle! Slick Willies hit the streets of London during the intermittent bursts of dryness that the past winter has offered, managing to hit up a number of spots across the city to get their skateboarding fix until spring eventually arrive. The Cirencester Skatepark Scratch and Skate Jam 2018, organised by Decimal Skateshop, can now be seen courtesy of James Harris' lens. Power moves from Bromley here as Blast Skates welcomes Joe Howard to the team with two minutes of RWTB assisted DIY quarterpipe shredding. Here are our favourite shots from the #CanonFirsts competition, including the two winners Newsletter Terms & Conditions Please enter your email so we can keep you updated with news, features and the latest offers. If you are not interested you can unsubscribe at any time. We will never sell your data and you'll only get messages from us and our partners whose products and services we think you'll enjoy. Read our full Privacy Policy as well as Terms & Conditions. Inspiring small businesses are being recognized and rewarded every year. Share what inspired you and your core mission and you could be the next winner. Entering its fifth year, the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest awards tens of thousands of dollars to passionate small business owners across the country. Nicole Snow is the founder and CEO of Darn Good Yarn and the first grand prize winner of the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest. Her company sources and upcycles materials to create unique yarns and goods from all over the world, providing sustainable employment year round to hundreds of families in India and Nepal. For her, winning was as simple as telling her unique story. At the time I was living in Maine and I had a really complex international supply chain, she said. When I entered the contest, I really just tried to tell my story. Many small businesses are created out of a significant life experience or something you want to change in the world those are the kinds of stories people want to hear. Nicole received a $25,000 grant to invest and further grow her business. The quick infusion of cash helped grow her inventory and bring on additional staff, but she is quick to say there was value in the contest far beyond the grant money. Winning the grant was real validation that I was onto something, Nicole said. As a small business owner, you often have to be your own cheerleader, so when a company like FedEx gets behind you, it helps give you the confidence to go forward in full force with your business. Nicole recommends all small business owners enter the Grant Contest because there are benefits beyond winning a grant. The submission process can be invaluable. When you own a business, youre in charge of everything. When you have to sit down and fill out an application and talk about what your mission is, its a great opportunity to rethink and realign what youre really doing. Its a great opportunity to reconnect with your core and your ethos and get it on paper. Ready to tell your story? The entry period for the FedEx Small Business Grant Contest runs from February 21 to March 29. Learn more and submit your story at fedex.com/grantcontest and you could win a $25,000 grant and $7,500 in FedEx Office print and business services for your small business. Robert Gilpin, R.I.P. - The Washington Post : His greatest book was written in 1981, but the main theory in it is perhaps more trenchant now... BUSES with gamblers from Vienna headed to Bratislava on New Years Eve after the Austrian capital banned all slot machines as of January 1. Bratislava claims that its powers to regulate gamblers houses are limited. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled BUSES with gamblers from Vienna headed to Bratislava on New Years Eve after the Austrian capital banned all slot machines as of January 1. Bratislava claims that its powers to regulate gamblers houses are limited. The prohibition against slot machines does not apply across all of Austria, only to Vienna. Some people now go to Lower Austria, one of Austrias nine states, but gambling is also strictly regulated there. People have to identify themselves, operators of gaming machines take photos of them and their playing time is limited, according to Helmut Kafka, the president of the Austrian Association of Slot Machine Operators. Our priority is to protect the youth and players, not the interests of the companies involved in gambling, Nikolai Moser, the spokesperson of Viennas Environment Councillor Ulli Sima told The Slovak Spectator. Players therefore have started driving to Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary, according to Kafka. Without exaggeration, we can say that it means several million euros profit for Bratislava from taxes and revenues of companies running slot machines, Kafka told The Slovak Spectator. Also 34 Czech municipalities banned gambling houses beginning January 1, 2015 and the Czech Ministry has prepared a law that increases tax levies on gambling. It also is proposing a ban on gambling machines in restaurants or at petrol stations. Currently, the Slovak Ministry of Finance does not plan similar restrictions. The Slovak Association of Amusement and Games (AZAH), uniting operators of gaming devices, stated that it has not noticed any expansion of gaming tourism from Austria and the Czech Republic, according to the Sme daily. For example, there are 7.5 slot gaming machines per 1,000 citizens in the Czech Republic while in Slovakia, on average, there are only 3.5 devices per 1,000 citizens. Since 2008, the number of machines has fallen by 28 percent to around 20,000 of them, AZAH spokesperson Juraj Danielis told Sme. Buses with gamblers On New Years Eve, the Casino Admiral Prater in Vienna shut down and wrapped over 400 machines in plastic. They are ready to be checked by the financial police, according to the webpage of ORF, the Austrian broadcaster. Novomatic, the company running Casino Admiral Prater provided its customers with transportation to a casino which it also owns in the shopping centre near Bratislavas summer resort Zlate Piesky. Novomatic also operates slot machines in Trnava and Nitra cities. In the Czech Republic it owns 14 casinos and has a factory to produce gaming machines, Sme reported. AZAH confirmed that around four buses brought gamblers to Bratislava and that other customers were provided free taxis on New Years Eve. Are Bratislavas hands tied? Slovak legislation obliges operators of slot machines, for example, to put in a visible place on the machines a phone number of the medical institution which specializes in the prevention and treatment of addiction. The operators must deny access to people who have been diagnosed with the disease of pathological gambling upon written request. Even gamblers relatives are allowed to make such a written request, according to Sme. Bratislava is looking for a way to regulate the number of gambling houses. But even though the Bratislava municipality issues licenses to gambling house operators, the new mayor of Bratislava, Ivo Nesrovnal, said its powers were limited. There is evidence that casinos or gambling houses sooner or later destroyed every street, Nesrovnal told Sme. Normal shops leave then and serious social problems arise, such as gambling, alcoholism, prostitution, violence, chaos. Dusan Pekar of the Christian Democratic Movement (KDH), who is mayor of the Ruzinov district of Bratislava, told Sme that he proposed to the previous Bratislava mayor to allow neighbourhoods to regulate the number of such gambling houses in their area. Currently, neighbourhoods do not have the power to issue a regulation that would prevent gambling houses from being established, according to Pekar. The mayor of Petrzalka district, Vladimir Bajan, who is also dealing with increasing numbers of slot machines declined to respond to Smes questions. Gamblers go online The AZAH has argued that it is administratively difficult to open a new gambling house in Slovakia, as the industry is the one of most highly regulated, adding that the cost for an individual license can reach 750,000. Taxation and pricing is relatively high, Vladimir Dostal of the Slovak Games company said, as quoted by Sme. It belongs to one of the highest in Europe. The number of slot machines in Slovakia is generally falling not only due to more strict conditions for their operators but also because players tend to seek more dangerous play online, according to AZAH. Unfortunately, habits, risks or the age of players cannot be controlled on the internet, Danielis told Sme. The region is in the focus of big real estate firms, which may contribute to an increase in foreign investments in near future. Font size: A - | A + The activity on the Slovak market of investment properties broke records in 2016 when the volume of transactions increased 94 percent to 853 million. We notice an increase in interest of global investors in the central European region, and also Slovakia, said Marian Mlynarik, head of the investment properties department at CBRE company, as quoted by the SITA newswire. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The region is in the focus of big real estate firms, which may contribute to an increase in foreign investments in near future, he added. This is mostly the result of enough liquidity in the global market and interest in higher yields which this region offers. The Slovak market may in this respect offer more interesting investment opportunities than its neighbours, Mlynarik said. Slovakia generates on average 1-1.5 percent higher yields that the Czech Republic or Poland, while the macroeconomic risks in these countries are very similar, he added. The significant importance is the liquidity and the size of the market which causes this difference, Mlynarik said, as quoted by SITA. He also pointed to the fact that while in the past, foreign investors focused mostly on the Czech Republic and Poland, in 2017 the investment may move to Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. The restricting factor, however, is the limited number of quality investment opportunities, Mlynarik said. Regarding the total number and volume of completed transactions, the retail sector dominated in 2016 with 11 retail objects costing altogether 417 million, 188 percent more than the previous. Among the most important transactions was the sale of Bratislava-based shopping centre Central for 175 million and the sale of shopping centre Laugaricio in Trencin. The sales are set to continue in the coming years, mostly in regional capitals, according to CBRE. Also the office buildings sector grew last year, with transactions amounting to 118 million, an increase of more than 10 percent compared to 2015. The most important transactions concerned the sales of Dell headquarters, the office building Europeum on Hodzovo Square in Bratislava, and the Twin City A building, also in Bratislava. The industrial real estate sector was dominated by the sale of logistics parks belonging to HB Reavis company to the portfolio of Australian Macquarie Capital Group for 79 million, SITA reported. Kamaal Rashid Khan chose to take a dig at Swara Bhaskar and her film Anaarkali Of Aarah. He got destroyed in return. By India Today Web Desk: Swara Bhaskar of Nil Battey Sannata and Raanjhanaa fame will soon be seen in yet another solo lead role in the film Anaarkali Of Aarah. After the poster of the same hit the internet yesterday, Swara kept getting congratulated for her fabulous, glamourous look in the poster. Among those appreciating Swara Bhaskar was filmmaker Karan Johar. Karan tweeted the poster saying, "Well done, @ReallySwara for constantly breaking ground!" Well done @ReallySwara for constantly breaking ground!! 24th march is the date guys ! For this new world and engaging film!!! pic.twitter.com/3zmuUvOIrO Karan Johar (@karanjohar) February 20, 2017 advertisement Suddenly, out of nowhere, emerged self-styled film critic Kamaal Rashid Khan AKA KRK who chose to deliver his unsolicited verdict, once again, on Karan Johar's tweet and Anaarkali Of Aarah. Sir @karanjohar it will not be a flop or washout, but it will be super duper disaster of the year coz KRK says so. https://t.co/Ugu3GPfFxT KRK (@kamaalrkhan) February 20, 2017 Not betraying hubris at all, Kamaal Rashid Khan wrote, " it will not be a flop or washout, but it will be super duper disaster of the year coz KRK says so." To this, Swara Bhaskar gave a strong and stern reply. She wrote, "Kuch logon ki gaali, compliment hoti hai! :) Thanks @kamaalrkhan the unasked filth u spew is a character certificate for us!" Kuch logon ki gaali, compliment hoti hai! :) Thanks @kamaalrkhan the unasked filth u spew is a character certificate for us! ????? Appreciated. https://t.co/4rDCWQShio Swara Bhaskar (@ReallySwara) February 20, 2017 Kamaal Rashid Khan is known for his absurd, often sexist and racist tweets. For his maniacal ways, he has frequently gone into loggerheads with several female actors, for example, Sonakshi Sinha, Parineeti Chopra and Lisa Haydon. KRK famously got into controversy last year when he somehow became the main character in the box-office war between Ajay Devgn, and his film Shivaay, and Karan Johar and his film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. ALSO READ: 10 things you don't really want to know about KRK ALSO READ: Who is Kamaal Rashid Khan? Why Bollywood hates him on TL but loves him in DM WATCH: FIR lodged against KRK for obscene tweets against women --- ENDS --- The growing economy and falling unemployment rate create a good environment for the growth of companies already established in Slovakia, but also for the arrival of new ones. Font size: A - | A + The market of commercial properties will continue growing in 2017. Real estate and consulting experts expect that several new office buildings will be added to the offer this year. Since most of the spaces have already been rented during construction, the vacancy rate is not expected to increase significantly, the TASR newswire reported. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The growing economy and falling unemployment rate create a good environment for the growth of companies already established in Slovakia, but also for the arrival of new ones. This may result in stable or slightly increased demand for office space, opines Roman Gazdik of Cushman & Wakefield company. As for Bratislava, new office premises should be created as part of Zuckermandel, Rosum, Uniq Staromestska, Blumental, Stein and Panorama II projects which will offer more than 100,000 square metres of modern space. More office premises are expected to appear in the market in 2018, TASR reported. The real estate companies also expect positive trends in the coming years. Meanwhile, the rental conditions and prices may slightly increase, but the rise should not be higher than 3-4 percent, Oliver Galata of CBRE Slovensko told TASR. He also expects the restoration of the rent of offices and the construction of some projects that was halted in the regions. This concerns Kosice, Zilina, Poprad, Presov and Banska Bystrica, especially due to the interest of international companies, Galata added. Dalibor Surovy of the JLL company predicts a slight drop in the activity of lessees. Most of firms which rent space of more than 2,000 square metres have already signed leases for a longer period. Overall demand will be impacted mostly by activities of small and medium-sized companies, so it is possible to expect a higher number of signed contracts and a drop in the total volume of transactions, he added for TASR. Meanwhile, some owners of lower standard buildings have adopted steps to secure their competitiveness, said Ermanno Boeris, head of Colliers International. They will reconstruct the spaces to a higher standard and compete with one another via rental rates. The trends coming from the west also indicate that the usage of office buildings may change, for example, they may be turned into residential buildings, he added. The presidency will also be scrutinised by state auditors. Font size: A - | A + The National Criminal Agency (NAKA) will scrutinise the cultural events that were held during Slovakias six-month Presidency of the EU Council, including the overpriced logo presentation. The first reports about the scandal, involving the organiser of the event agency Evka, appeared already in November 2016 after former Foreign Affairs Ministry employee Zuzana Hlavkova went public with the information. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement NAKA will now focus on potential suspicion of committing a crime of violating duties when administering someone elses property, the Sme daily reported. Elite police officers launched the investigation on their own initiative, based on the monitoring of media that reported on the scandal with the overpriced presidency logo presentation. The agency Evka, which organised the event, spent 156,000 on it, according to the reports. The Foreign Affairs Ministry picked the agency directly after its own market research, without any competition. It has not yet specified the names of two other firms which it had allegedly addressed during research. The cost of the event later rose to nearly 250,000. It was revealed that the ministry paid separately for renting the premises of the Slovak National Theatre and also for rewarding artists. These costs had originally been part of the contract with Evka. Hlavkova says that the actual cost of the event was as high as 300,000, Sme reported. NAKA investigators are currently hearing the people involved. It is not clear who has been invited for talks. Regarding the ongoing investigation it is not appropriate to comment on the current and planned operations and their results at the moment, the press department of the Police Corps presidents office told Sme. Read also: Read also: MPs will not investigate use of Evka agency Read more Some people have already been heard Before NAKA took the case, Hlavkova had been invited to be heard by police on January 10. The police officers interrogated also Pavol Szalai, another former Foreign Affairs Ministry employee, who confirmed Hlavkovas claims. I was there for four hours, Hlavkova said, as quoted by Sme, adding that she repeated the whole story and answered some additional questions. The police officers were interested in the actions of former head of private broadcaster TV Markiza Zuzana Tapakova, who came to the Foreign Affairs Ministry as an external consultant. Hlavkova claims that after her arrival events started to change and prices began to increase. Meanwhile, the Supreme Audit Office (NKU) will also check the financing and events of the presidency this year. It plans to launch an investigation in early March, focusing on three areas: the system of securing the preparation and organisation of the whole presidency, the procurement of goods and services, and the usage of money, Sme reported. Behind his decision is disagreement with the stances of party chair Richard Sulik. Font size: A - | A + One of the founding members of opposition party Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) and former labour minister Jozef Mihal is leaving the party after eight years. He is leaving mostly due to the opinions of SaS chairman and MEP Richard Sulik, the TASR newswire reported on February 20. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Good-bye SaS, Mihal wrote on his Facebook account. Im leaving because of the chairmans stances. Those who know me are aware of my loyalty and my tolerance for many things for a long time. SaS is ceasing to be the liberal party that I cofounded as one of the four members of the preparatory committee in 2008 and 2009. He remains liberal and will continue to support right-wing solutions, he added. SaS informed earlier that day that Mihal wanted to take a break from politics and to devote his time to his family and teaching. We understand his [Mihals] decision, because he was under time pressure stemming from his public and party roles and regular training courses on taxes and levies, SaS spokesperson Katarina Svrcekova wrote in an official statement, as quoted by TASR. It admitted, however, there are certain discrepancies with Suliks attitudes. This is closely linked to his health issues and recommendations from doctors to ease off, Svrcekova added, as quoted by TASR. Freedom and Solidarity takes this fully on board. It will now be up to Mihal whether or not he gives up his seat in the parliament, Svrcekova said. SaS MP Martin Poliacik told public-service broadcaster RTVS that Mihals decision may be considered a warning to Sulik that it is not always the most important to try to win preferences. Scrutiny follows media report by Serbian journalist concerning conditions in a Galanta-based plant. Font size: A - | A + The Labour Ministry will pay more attention to companies with foreign staff. The decision comes in the wake of a recent report by a Serbian journalist who worked incognito for three months in allegedly dire conditions at the Samsung plant in Galanta (Trnava region), the TASR newswire reported. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Inspections are being carried out routinely, but were now focusing mainly on companies with foreign staff, particularly from countries [outside the EU], as it seems that the problem there is the most pronounced, said Labour Minister Jan Richter on February 20, as quoted by TASR. Serbian reporter Dragan Krsnik, in a story published in weekly magazine Nedeljnik in mid-February, claimed that he had worked at Samsung in Galanta without a proper work permit in what he called slave-like conditions and for a woeful salary. Officially, close to 6,000 Serbian nationals currently work in Slovakia, most of them via staff leasing agencies. The Labour Ministry wants to see foreigners working in Slovakia only legally and in conditions corresponding to the Slovak Labour Code, Richter said. Having carried out checks at almost 24,000 companies last year, the ministrys inspectorate discovered 1,331 companies that were employing almost 3,000 people illegally, including many foreigners: 138 Serbs, 51 Ukrainians, 16 Vietnamese and six Macedonians. Most of the violations, in some [companies] as many as 90 percent, concerned staff leasing agencies, said Richter, as quoted by TASR, adding that such agencies will now become the focus of particular scrutiny. Richter also announced that he is due to discuss the situation with Serbian Ambassador to Slovakia Sani Dermaku. There could be hundreds of Serbian nationals employed illegally in Slovakia, the minister said, as quoted by TASR. The two countries have signed agreements concerning social issues that could be expanded in order to encompass cooperation and exchange information between the Slovak and Serbian labour inspectorates, Richter noted. Four companies want to invest altogether 88.5 million in Slovakia. Font size: A - | A + Four investors plan to create altogether 500 new jobs in Slovakia, particularly in Zilina, Ladomerska Vieska, Lucenec (both Banska Bystrica Region), and Betliar (Kosice Region). They are expected to invest altogether 88.5 million. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The companies have already addressed the state, asking it for investment aid amounting to more than 11 million, mostly in the form of tax reliefs, the SITA newswire reported. Company Franke Slovakia plans to invest nearly 27 million in Zilina, building a new plant specialising in the production of coloured kitchen sinks, with the plan to move all of its employees there from the existing company. Part of the new premises will also be a competence centre focused on testing and development of materials and designs of sinks. The company also plans to create 240 new jobs, of which 33 will be designed for specialists who are expected to work in the competence centre. Franke Slovakia has asked the state for 3.9 million in form of tax reliefs, SITA reported. Another company, Nemak, wants to expand its production of aluminium castings by using high-pressure casting technology, situated in Ladomerska Vieska. It plans to invest more than 59 million and to create 210 new jobs. The investor is asking for investment aid amounting to 6.2 million, provided in the form of tax reliefs, SITA wrote. Meanwhile, the company D&J Design plans to build a new hall to produce wooden components in Lucenec, investing 2 million and creating 40 new jobs. It is seeking investment stimuli amounting to 910,000, both in form of direct subsidies and tax relief, SITA reported. The last to ask for state aid is company Frafak & Fafrak, which wants to expand its existing sawmill plant in Betliar for about 140,000. The plan is also to create 10 new jobs. The investor has asked the state for stimuli amounting to 77,000, both in form of direct subsidies and tax reliefs, according to SITA. The stimuli will now be considered by the government. The Economy Ministry does not have any objections to providing the aid. Their task will be to check vessels in the sea to curtail human smuggling. Migration crisis was one of causes for the rise in conspiracies and fake or hybrid news; illustrative stock photo (Source: AP/TASR) Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Slovak military police officers may attend the EUNAVFOR MED Sophia operation in the Mediterranean Sea as of August. The country plans to send there altogether 10 police officers who should service in two six-month rotations. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement This stems from the proposal submitted by the Defence Ministry for interdepartmental review, the TASR newswire reported. The military police officers are to serve on a German ship as part of an intervention team. Their task will be to check the vessels in the sea, together with other colleagues. Currently, military police officers are trained in Germany where they are to spend nine weeks in the Exkenford centre. They, among other things, train how to fight in small spaces and learn more about international law provisions, like how to enter a foreign vessel in international waters, TASR wrote. The European Union launched the EUNAVFOR MED Sophia operation in 2015, with the aim to patrol in the international waters close to the Libyan coast and detain people suspected of smuggling migrants to Europe. The operation should contribute to neutralising established refugee smuggling routes. Internet bookstores have recorded an increased interest in books exploring totalitarian regimes, including demanding theoretical works. Font size: A - | A + At the end of January, 1984 - the book by George Orwell - became a hit on the online shop Amazon. It was speculated that its popularity is a reaction to the fact that the administration of new US President, Donald Trump, uses communication practices resembling that from the imaginary world of Orwell. Since then, the book has become a hit also in Slovakia. On the Gorila online bookshop, its sale increased by 40 percent in a quarter of a year. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement However, this is not the only book that has experienced success a long time after publishing. The sale rate of political analyst Hannah Arendts The Origins of Totalitarianism has increased as well .The Gorila website reported a quarter-on-quarter increase of about 20 percent, and on Amazon, it sold out in a few days. The sale of books connected with the current political situation has grown, confirms Katarina Mesarcikova of Gorila. Hannah Arendt's book (Source: Hannah Arendt Centre) In December, the rise in sales of these books was recorded also by the Bratislava-based bookshop Martinus. The sale of 1984 grew by 120 percent, and Arendts work by 91 percent. The shop admits that these figures may be caused also by an overall increase in the sale of books before Christmas. but still, the number is surprising. The new popularity of Arendt can be explained also by her ideas being mentioned recently by many political columnists. Evil in inactivity Hannah Arendt had a turbulent life; the turning point for her was in 1961 when she sat in a crowded courtroom in Israel. As a Jew, she had followed the rise of Nazism in Europe first-hand, and fled the continent shortly before World War II. The New Yorker magazine sent her to Jerusalem, to write a report from the trial of Adolf Eichmann, one of those behind the Holocaust and the system of mass killings in concentration camps. In the courtroom, Arendt contemplated on how to define human evil. She wrote a famous theoretical paper Eichmann in Jerusalem, which has also returned to bookshops. Her answer was that evil hides in simple inactivity and obedience to follow any orders, without thinking further of the consequences. Eichmann, too, considered himself a mere clerk just doing his job. If people lack critical thinking and are not able to express their opinions, they cannot find the thin line between good and evil, she explained. A few powerful The book The Origin of Totalitarianism is slightly older. In it, Arendt tries to cope with what she saw in Europe shortly before her flight, and to capture how a totalitarian regime can appear. She draws on experience with Nazism and Stalinism and she describes how the situation gradually worsened in Germany and Russia before the war. The book lays out at what point people should feel concern and worry about what is happening around them. We should pay attention to politicians behaviour, she says. First, they start building up hatred towards some groups of citizens, then they start considering how to take up as much space in the world as possible. Gradually, a totalitarian rule is established which is marked also by limiting or trampling on human rights and by forcing obedience violently. In her book, Arendt describes how political leaders can mislead masses with well-chosen words. Difficult literature The Origins of Totalitarianism is, in its original version, a book of 600 pages. It is difficult theoretical literature studied at colleges, in courses of sociology and political science; such books rarely become bestsellers. This is shocking, Roger Berkowitz, head of the Hannah Arendt Centre at the New York Bad College told the KQED TV channel. Another book that topped the Amazon book sales was the book by Sinclair Lewis It Cant Happen Here about what would happen if a fascist dictator started to lead the USA. This book was first published in 1935. Former head of the Slovak National Party (SNS), gets a stricter although still conditional sentence, for drunk driving from the appellate court. Font size: A - | A + Jan Slota, former chair of the SNS party, got a four months probational sentence over 24 months for drunk driving on February 21, from the Zilina Regional Court. This is a stricter sentence than the original one and the court also ruled that part of the original decision of the first-instance court, a six year driving ban, should remain in effect. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Read also: Read also: Judge released former SNS head, prosecutor appeals Read more Last year, the Zilina district court found Slota guilty of the misdemeanour of endangering the public while under the influence of an addictive substance and fined him 6,000. Failure to pay would result in a six month prison sentence. It also banned him from driving for the next six years, the SITA newswire wrote. However, the prosecutor found this sentence insufficient and filed an appeal. The appellate court replaced the 6,000 fine with a conditional sentence, while leaving the ban on driving in its original form. Plaintiff happy, defendant may appeal I think this is good news for all drivers in Zilina and its surroundings, as they can drive safely, without being endangered by this person, the prosecutor and spokesman of the Zilian Regional Prosecutors Office Milan Cisarik said, as cited by SITA. The Prosecutors Office proposed a stricter punishment but is still satisfied with the current decision, especially due to the fact that it is a combination of a ban on activity i.e. driving and a conditional prison sentence. Slotas lawyer Pavol Kuric commented that they have acknowledged the verdict of the regional court and that he will discuss possible further motions with his client. Thus, the verdict is not yet valid. The course of accident Jan Slota caused an accident on January 18, 2016, near the village of Porubka in the Zilina District. Driving a Porsche Cayenne, he crashed into the rear of the Audi A6 driving in front of him, which then bumped into the Suzuki SX4 driving still further in front. The driver of the Audi had to be treated after the crash. Slota refused a breathalyser test, as well as blood tests to ascertain the level of alcohol in his blood. The other two drivers were not under the influence. The recently passed law, clamping down on puppy farms will have serious consequences for honest dog breeders and state employees. Font size: A - | A + This is the opinion of the Agriculture Ministry, which also adds that the puppy farms producing countless puppies as products will be spared. The ministry reacted on February 17 to the draft bill submitted by the opposition Freedom and Solidarity (SaS) party which was approved by parliament on February 14. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The amendment which will come into effect as of May, seeks to regulate the breeding of dogs when carried out as a business activity and is aimed at those selling puppies for profit. The law involves a serious financial and paperwork burden that honest dog breeders will need to deal with, the ministry opined, as cited by the TASR newswire. It will also do away with breeding dogs for state employees such as rescue workers, firefighters and police officers. In addition, the ministry dislikes what it sees as loopholes that will preclude the authorities from stamping out puppy mills. With that in mind, the ministry is working on comprehensive measures that will be made public by the end of this year, directed at puppy farms. The policies will also involve giving more authority to veterinary inspectors. Flaws of the bill The MPs who submitted the bill certainly meant well, but the actual wording misses the goal, Agriculture Minister Gabriela Matecna (a Slovak National Party-SNS nominee) said. She also noted that comments from her ministry were not heeded when the law was under consideration. One way or another, she said, the situation is to be addressed by a major shake-up of the Veterinary Care Act that will include measures against puppy mills. This is set to be ready in September. Matecna is planning to meet representatives of the Slovak Kennel Club, who, she said were left out by the MPs submitting the bill. She admitted, though, that supervision of dog breeding is indeed inadequate at present, a state of affairs that she is looking to change and replace with an effective system of oversight and monitoring. Only then, honest dog breeders and their animals can be protected. Well punish puppy farm operators severely, she summed up. The SaS bill was phrased in a populist and non-expert fashion, Agriculture Ministrys State Secretary Gabriel Csicsai (Most-Hid nominee) told TASR. He also pointed to a recent phenomenon involving the breeding and sale of puppies, including from Slovakia and Hungary, for the EUs old member states. This process is lawful and monitored, but this bill precludes it, said Csicsai. The bill was only passed thanks to five votes from MPs representing the ruling Smer party. During the parliamentary debate, SaS toned down its original bill via an amending proposal whereby dog breeding will only be subject to regulation if carried out for business purposes. If puppies are simply given away, no such regulation will apply. The passed amendment also stipulates the duty to establish a licence of self-employment for breeders, to be fulfilled by July 31, 2017. However, Matecna says there is no provision in the current Self-Emyploment Act that would allow stricter punishment for the avoidance of this duty. The definition of a regulated dog breeder, as made for business, is toothless, too, according to the minister. If the breeder claims he breeds puppies without doing business or gaining profit, the law on regulated dog breeding will not apply to them. Protests and reservations The breeders themselves have reservations about the law, and one of them, Radek Blazo, has already in a letter, called on President Andrej Kiska not to sign it, the SITA newswire wrote. He dislikes the status of dubious dog reproducers who breed dogs in poor conditions, on a mass scale, without due treatment for the bitch and the puppies. However, according to the amendment, they can be considered registered kennels, while the dutiful and respectful breeders face excessive and unnecessary red tape, according to Blazo. The animal rights organisation Sloboda zvierat also expressed fears that the amendment would enable the mass breeders to claim they breed for free and not for business. The register of breeding animals should be administered by the State Veterinary and Food Administration (SVPS), which has legal means to check on the kennels and breeding animals. As things stand, the oversight is the responsibility of the Tax Administration which has no tools to make inspections. Sloboda zvierat (Animal Freedom) opines, according to SITA. This would require cooperation between the Tax Administration and the SVPS but it is not clear how this would be done. The number of respondents willing to replace democracy is lower than last November. Font size: A - | A + Comments disabled Only 16 percent of people would prefer the abolition of the parliamentary system and to replace it with a dictatorship. Their number dropped from 24 percent measured by the Focus pollster for the economic think tank INEKO at the turn of October and November 2016 on 1,020 respondents. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The institute decided to repeat the survey in the second half of January 2017, responding to some journalists and experts who expressed doubt over the wording of a question asking the respondents about alternatives to the current state of democracy. The critics pointed out that dictatorship or quitting the EU is an alternative, so the results might be distorted, showing higher numbers, INEKO explained in a blog post. In the recent poll, the respondents were divided in two groups, composed of 502 and 506 respondents. While they asked the former the same question as in the earlier poll, the latter were asked a slightly modified question. The results disproved the doubts of the critics as they did not show any statistically important differences between the answers to various questions, INEKO wrote in the blog. Read also: Read also: Quarter of Slovaks would welcome dictatorship Read more The January poll showed three significant changes. Except for the drop in the number of people preferring dictatorship, also the number of respondents supporting the departure of Slovakia from the EU fell: from 35 percent to 28-30 percent. Moreover, the share of people preferring the stronger state position in economics decreased from 44 percent to 37-39 percent, INEKO wrote. We dont know the reasons for these changes, INEKO wrote. We can only guess that peoples opinions might have been impacted by broad coverage of the results from the November poll or relatively intensive discussions about the nature of liberal democracy. Other reasons may include the missing context of questions which were not repeated in the January poll. Martin Sloriarik of Focus said that the changes may have been caused by a certain degree of uncertainty over the development of the security situation in the world, which may be demonstrated by stronger association with existing institutions, like the EU, the parliamentary system etc. Both polls suggest that there are still only a few people who reject democracy and the EU. Instead, most of the population supports democracy. More than two-thirds of respondents think it may improve with the bigger involvement of decent people in the management of public affairs. Moreover, nearly two-thirds of people want to strengthen the independence and professionalism of police investigators, the prosecutors office, the courts, and supervision and regulatory authorities to reduce the risk of the abuse of power, INEKO informed. By Press Trust of India: From Kunal Dutt Kampala, Feb 21 (PTI) Vice President Hamid Ansari today arrived in Uganda after wrapping up a three-day visit of Rwanda during which he held bilateral talks with the leadership and attended a business forum during which both the countries signed agreements. Ansari was received at the Entebbe International Airport by his Ugandan counterpart Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. He was also given a guard of honour at the VIP reception area. advertisement This is the first high-level bilateral visit from the country to Uganda since 1997, Ministry of External Affairs officials said. The Vice President arrived in Kampala this evening after bidding farewell to Rwanda, where he spent three days in its capital Kigali. Uganda is the last leg of his five-day two-nation visit to these East African countries. During his visit here from February 21-23 he will meet and hold bilateral talks with President Yoweri Museveni, attend a banquet hosted by him and pay floral tributes to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Jinja. Besides, meeting the top leadership, Ansari will also attend India-Uganda Business Forum tomorrow. On February 23, he will also interact with the Indian community here. The Vice President along with wife Salma, is traveling with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla, four MPs -- Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and P K Biju, and senior officials. Ansari embarked on the trip on February 19. He arrived in Rwandan capital Kigali the same evening and attended a banquet hosted there by the Indian High Commission of Uganda. The Vice President had said that this visit is part of a "conscious effort" by the Indian government to "intensify interactions" with Africa. In Kigali, Ansari paid tributes at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and called it a symbol of an "indomitable spirit" of the people of Rwanda in finding reconciliation with its turbulent past. He also launched India-Rwanda innovation Growth Programme yesterday after which the two sides signed three MoUs for setting up an entrepreneurship development centre in Rwanda, starting flight service from Kigali to Mumbai from April 3, and for working on mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports. PTI KND UZM --- ENDS --- The state-run freight carrier Cargo did not succeed in its bid, but is still discussing the distribution of suborders with the German firm. Font size: A - | A + German freight carrier Deutsche Bahn Cargo will distribute the cars produced by the Nitra-based Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) plant by rail. The tender was announced by the British carmaker last autumn, the Sme daily reported. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement The German firm, previously known as DB Schenker Rail, defeated the Slovak state-run railway freight carrier Cargo Slovakia. It discussed with JLR the possibility of transporting components for the production of new cars in Nitra and then exporting them mostly to the Belgian ports. We can confirm that our company failed in the competition to secure comprehensive services for JLR, Cargo Slovakia spokesperson Martin Halanda confirmed for Sme. Read also: Read also: Jaguar after the first few months of construction works Read more The victory of Deutsche Bahn Cargo, however, is no surprise as it has better bases in Germany and France, said analyst with the company Finlord Boris Tomciak. The western countries will be target markets for the carmaker. JLR as well as Slovak and German firms however are silent about the reasons for picking a specific supplier, Sme wrote. Though Cargo Slovakia did not succeed in its bid, it still has a chance to contribute to the distribution of cars from the Nitra-based JLR plant. It is currently discussing the possibility of cooperating with the Germans, by acting as its subcontractor in the Slovak and Czech section of the rail network, according to Sme. This would mean that the Slovak company will provide the Germans with an engine, an engine driver and train crew. The company however does not want to comment on the information. Such a collaboration would be beneficial for Cargo as it would cover the loss of other incomes, like transport for the metallurgical industry, Tomciak told Sme. The ruling coalition will also confirm plans to create an energy holding. Font size: A - | A + The new head of the Regulatory Office for Network Industries (URSO) will have fewer powers than their predecessor, Jozef Holjencik. The government will separate the posts of URSO director and chair of the Regulatory Board, the Sme daily reported. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement This stems from the agreement of the coalition council. The decision follows the scandal over extremely high energy bills. It resulted in Holjencik leaving the post. The URSO head will not be chair of the Regulatory Board anymore, Smer leader and PM Robert Fico said after the February 21 meeting of the coalition partners, as quoted by Sme. The specific proposal will be prepared by Economy Minister Peter Ziga (Smer). He will submit it for discussion at the beginning of March when the new parliamentary session begins. This is also the reason why the government is not talking about Holjenciks successor. It first wants to be sure the posts will be separated, Sme wrote. Read also: Read also: Energy prices hike tensions in coalition Read more The URSO is currently led by its deputy head, Miroslav Celinsky, who will be responsible for any new price decisions the regulator should currently make. The plan is to use the same prices as were applied last year, also retrospectively. All price decisions the regulator will issue will be applied as of January 1, 2017, the URSO informed on February 21, as quoted by Sme. Originally, it planned to change them only as of March. The coalition parties also confirmed the creation of an energy holding whose task will be to merge all state shares. We, for example, want to better use the right of first refusal and use every opportunity to strengthen the state, Fico said, as quoted by Sme. The fact however is that until the investors want to sell their shares, the state cannot use its right of first refusal, according to the daily. There was one interesting response to the September 2012 incident in Benghazi (Libya) where Islamic terrorists attacked American diplomats, and managed to kill the U.S. ambassador mainly because there was no American military forces in the region that could reach Libya in time. A quick reaction force was created to deal with any similar incident in the future. Since 2013 the quick reaction force, consisting mostly of marines, has grown to over 2,000 personnel stationed in numerous bases (and sometimes at sea) fr0m Spain to Pakistan. Initially this force was known as SPMAGTF-CR-AF (Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Africa). Initially it consisted of 500 marines and six V-22 tilt rotor transports in Spain. That force was expanded to 850 marines. The U.S. Navy has long maintained bases in Spain. About the same time a similar, but larger (about twice the size) SPMAGTF-CR-CC (Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force-Crisis Response-Central Command) was formed to cover similar potential emergencies further east. This force has access to more C-130s and jet fighters if needed. The new quick reaction force will be available for all manner of disasters and emergencies in Africa and throughout the Middle East (from Egypt to Pakistan). This now includes TRAP (Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel) which is ready to work with SOCOM (Special Operations Command) para-rescue teams operated by the U.S. Air Force. There is also at least one CRBN (chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear) to handle any Islamic terrorists who have got their hands on something like that. Some of the marine units on standby are at sea in amphibious ships. The basic idea is if you can get a small force of troops to a rapidly developing hot spot, you can prevent it from becoming a larger or more intense disaster. While there are many bases the U.S. has access to in CENTCOM there is one official U.S. military base in Africa, in Djibouti. France and the United States SOCOM (Special Operations Command) have had special operations forces (commandos and special aircraft) stationed in Djibouti for years. France has had commandos there for over a decade and the U.S. moved in after September 11, 2001. The Djibouti base supports operations throughout the Sahel (the semi-desert strip between the North African desert and the Central African jungles, which stretches from the Atlantic to Somalia). The U.S. also has a number of other airports in central and southern Africa where it has agreements to quietly allow its military and contractor aircraft to operate. American warplanes (especially the very-long range F-15E) operate out of Persian Gulf air bases and have apparently carried out smart bomb attacks in Yemen, Somalia, and perhaps elsewhere in Africa. Throughout the region there are often large explosions at night. If a smart bomb was dropped from a high enough altitude, there would just be the explosion and yet another mystery no one was keen to solve. Despite being allies, Turkey and Iran are now feuding in the media over public accusations by senior Turkish leaders that Iran was attempting to destabilize Syria and Iraq in order to increase Iranian influence in those countries. While many people in those countries, both pro and anti-Iran, would agree, the official Iranian line is that their military efforts in Syria and Iraq are simply to help fight ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant). Turkey is largely Sunni and has been trying to improve its relations with all Moslem majority nations in the region since 2000. That is proving difficult with the growing struggle between Shia (led by Iran) and Sunni (led by Saudi Arabia). Turkey has tried to stay out of this conflict but that is proving impossible. While Iran has some internal problems with religious minorities and the Shia-Sunni dispute the worst domestic problems are ethnic. This is particularly true with the Kurd and Arab minorities. Both groups are largely Shia and the animosity is mainly resistance to domination by the Persian (ethnic Iranian) majority. The latest unrest has been in the southwestern province of Khuzestan. For over a week there have been mass protests in Ahvaz (the provincial capital) over worsening air pollution and power shortages. Arabs are the majority in Khuzestan province. While Arabs comprise only about two percent of the Iranian population most of the oil fields are in Khuzestan and that creates a lot of air pollution and resentment over not sharing in the wealth. All that oil should also produce plenty of fuel for generating electricity but government corruption and mismanagement have left Ahvaz without power more frequently. The Arabs there are generally hostile to the ethnic Iranians, who are accused of persecuting and not respecting Arab Iranians. Arab protests are often more violent. Arab separatists like the ASMLA (Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahvaz) bomb oil pipelines. ASMLA has been active since 2005 but not in a big way. The most recent ASMLA bombing was in early January. But there are other active Arab rebels. In July 2016 the al Farouq Brigade carried out two pipeline attacks. At the same time the Hawks of Ahwaz took credit for a fire in a local petrochemical plant. Hawks of Ahwaz took credit for two other similar fires that have occurred since 2015. Iran is acutely aware of how unruly its own Arab minority can be. There are a growing number of terrorist incidents inside Iran traced to Iranian Arabs. Most Iranian oil is pumped from the ancestral lands of these Arabs, who have become increasingly bitter about how they receive little benefit from all that oil wealth. The three million Arabs in Khuzestan province (formerly Arabistan) are Shia and have been ruled by non-Arab Iranians for centuries. Arab unrest here has grown since 2003, when the Sunni dictatorship of Saddam Hussein was overthrown in Iraq and the Shia majority won elections to take power. Since 2003 hundreds of Iranian Arabs have been arrested for separatist activities. Many are still in prison and nearly 30 have been executed. The Untouchables Nearly all Iranians are most concerned about the economy and standard-of-living in general. The major obstacle to improving the situation is persistent, and growing, corruption. There are several obstacles to dealing with corruption, or even protesting it. The main defender of corruption is the IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) generals who, like the late shah, are inclined to ignore public opinion and put down with force any public displays of dissent. At the other extremes you have religious leaders to are willing to compromise with many popular demands, especially those related to economic freedom and curbing corruption. That goal collides with the IRGC, which is all about controlling all manner of personal freedoms and tolerating corruption when it benefits the IRGC. While leaders of the religious government and the IRGC are both getting rich off corruption the IRGC is able to shut down reform. Iran was always notoriously corrupt and it has been an enduring problem for thousands of years. Currently Iran is not rated as one of the most corrupt nations on the planet. But Iran is close to the bottom and is 131 out of 176 countries for 2016 and somewhat better off than the worst. Iran has been slowly improving its corruption score but not fast enough to make much difference to the average Iranian, who sees their economic situation worsening. Efforts to achieve noticeable improvement has stalled. Somalia was rated the most corrupt nation in the world and has held that dubious distinction for a decade. Corruption in the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index is measured on a 1 (most corrupt) to 100 (not corrupt) scale. The most corrupt nations (usually North Korea, Somalia or, since 2011, South Sudan) have a rating of under fifteen while for the least corrupt (usually Denmark) it tends to be 90 or higher. The current Iran score is 29 compared to 17 for Iraq, 41 for Turkey, 46 for Saudi Arabia, 28 for Lebanon, 41 for Kuwait, 66 for the UAE (United Arab Emirates), 64 for Israel, 25 for Afghanistan, 32 for Pakistan, 29 for Russia, 40 for China, 28 for Nigeria, 45 for South Africa, 40 for India, 72 for Japan, 37 for Indonesia, 53 for South Korea, 11 for South Sudan, 12 for North Korea, and 74 for the United States. A lower corruption score is common with nations in economic trouble. African nations are the most corrupt, followed by Middle Eastern ones. Fixing an existing culture of corruption has proved a most difficult challenge. The Price Of Progress Iran thought victories in Syria, Yemen and Iraq, alliances with Turkey, China and Russia to oppose the West plus the end of sanctions would lead to more domestic support for the religious dictatorship that has run the country since the 1980s. That has not worked, at least not as well as the government expected. Opinion surveys showed that 90 percent of Iranians backed the Syrian operations in 2015 but that support dropped to 73 percent in 2016 and is now less than 30 percent. There were similar declines regarding Iranian popular support for Hezbollah and Shia militias in Lebanon, Syria. Yemen and Iraq. Most Iranians are more concerned with own circumstances, which have not improved much despite all the government boasting of victories elsewhere. Many Iranians are unhappy with the alliance with Russia, which has been seen as a threat for centuries. The religious dictatorship overcame that out of desperation as Russia was one of the few nations they could trade with during the height of the sanctions (that largely ended in 2016). But most Iranians have long memories and when they think about Russia that triggers of someone close, hostile, untrustworthy and aggressive. The Turks are regarded in a similar fashion but at least they are Moslem (although not the right flavor) and willing to be accommodating in the long term. Iran has been willing to cooperate with the Turks on the Kurdish issue and even the Israelis and Sunni Arabs are cooperative. But at the same time most of the nations unconcerned about Kurdish aspirations are very much concerned about Iran obtaining even more control over Syria. Thats what will happen if the rebels are defeated and none of the nations bordering Syria are happy with Iranian control of Syria, with or without the Assads still around. Iraq Iranian military advisors in Iraq have a problem with the locals. Iraqis prefer time consuming tactics in the fight against ISIL because this keeps civilian and security forces casualties low and keeps the Iran backed Shia militias out of the fighting. That prevents more atrocities against non-Shia civilians in general and Iraqi Sunnis in particular. More importantly it shows Iran that Iraq can take care of this without a lot of Iranian help. While over half of Iraqis are Shia they do not want the country dominated by Shia (but non-Arab) Iran. As a result many of the Iran backed Shia militias have proved reliable (in their treatment of non-Shia civilians) when assigned to police and protect areas ISIL had recently been driven from. Sunni civilians are often warned by ISIL that Shia militias will kill them, rape the women and generally misbehave. But most of the Shia militiamen bring with them needed food and medical aid and generally behave well. Yet the government knows there are violently pro-Iran Shia Iraqis in some of these militias so the risk of bad behavior is always there and Iranian military trainers and advisors do little to discourage it. Perhaps to avoid that the government announced that some Iraqi Shia militias would be allowed to cross into Syria to aid in the effort to drive ISIL out of eastern Syria. Iranians are present among the several thousand foreign troops, all of them advisors or specialists (like American air control, intelligence or communications specialists) working with the 30,000 Iraqis fighting to drive ISIL out of Mosul. There are over a thousand Iranians providing training, advisory and support assistance to the pro-Iran Shia militias. The Iraqi government fears that these IRGC advisors and trainers are secretly building pro-Iran armed militias in Iraq. Thats simply not true because the IRGC is quite open about what they are doing to encourage Iraqi Shia to organize armed groups so they can work with Iran someday to impose the same kind of religious dictatorship in Iraq that has existed in Iran since the 1980s. Syria This is where Iran is having the most problems, especially with Turkey because the Turks are involved mainly because of the Kurds. Thats why Turkey is so opposed to any peace deal that keeps the Shia Assad clan in power. Turkey is even pressuring the new American government to drop its military support for the Kurds in general and those in Syria in particular. The United States is still very popular in Turkey but the current Turkish government is very (more than usual) hostile to Kurds. The Arab states that are working with NATO to destroy ISIL back continued support for Kurds in Syria. This annoys the Turkish government, who dont care if a pro-Iran Shia minority rules Syria as long as that group respects Turkish attitudes about Kurdish nationalism (violently opposed because those Kurds claim most of eastern Turkey). The Assads have a long history of making deals with the Kurds, even if those deals hurt Turkey. So the Assads have to go. Many Turks have demonstrated against and criticized Turkish cooperation with Iran, Russia and the Assad government of Syria. All three of these groups have long been seen as enemies of Turkey. In early January Turkey threatened to withdraw from the temporary alliance with Russia and Iran in Syria. Turkey was angry at Iran for tolerating repeated violations of the recent ceasefire deal by Iranian mercenaries (mainly Hezbollah) in Syria. The Turkish government justifies the alliance with Iran and Russia in Syria by referring to increased cooperation with Russia and Iran since the 1990s. But in Syria the Turks have to deal with the fact that Iran is run by a religious dictatorship and Turkey and Russia are not. Iran justifies breaking agreements by blaming it on the many religious fanatics in its government and military. Russia is willing to ignore that sort of thing, Turkey isnt. At the same time a growing number of Iranians openly demonstrate against the alliance with Russia, especially highly visible things like the continued use of Iranian airspace by Russian military aircraft travelling to and from Syria. For decades Russia was depicted (by Iranian media, governments and personal experience) as a dangerous enemy of Iran. Russia and Iran also openly disagree over some key items. Russia openly supports Israels efforts to defend itself from Hezbollah or Iranian missile attacks. Russia is also willing to have the Americans join in the effort to craft a peace deal at the conference going on now in Kazakhstan. Iran insisted that the Americans not show and the new U.S. government was OK with that. The unusual alliance of Iran, Turkey and Russia is seen by all three countries as historically unnatural and unsustainable. Iran has long been fighting the Russians and Turks over who had the most power, control and influence in the areas where they were neighbors. Each of the three still have fundamental differences with the other two and popular opinion in all three nations shows widespread distrust of these unnatural allies. But most Iranians also remember that many times in the past Iran has made such unstable alliances work, for a while at least. Beyond the shared desire to destroy ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) the various foreign powers now involved in Syria mostly disagree with each other on much else. Iran has maintained its military presence in Syria even if it causes friction with new allies like Turkey. Iran is trying several solutions to this perception problem. It is encouraging (apparently with some cash) Hezbollah fighters operating in Syria to join Syrian Army units and wear Syrian uniforms. These Lebanese soldiers apparently operate together in small units (like a platoon of 20-30 men) under Hezbollah leaders (wearing NCO or officer uniforms). It is believed that Hezbollah is using a similar technique in Lebanon as part of its effort to take control of the Lebanese Army. It is also easier for Hezbollah men to get training in new weapons when doing so in Syrian uniforms. Russia is fine with this but the Turks are not. Yemen Iranian support for Yemeni Shia rebels is a low cost operation because Iran always urged the Shia there to adopt a more cautious and gradual strategy. That advice was ignored and when the Yemeni Shia had an opportunity to seize the capital and declare a new government in 2015 they did so. It didnt work but came close enough to encourage Iran to spend a lot of what little cash they had to support the Yemeni Shia. Iran knew that the Yemeni Shia, or at least some of them, would be grateful for this support and that would benefit Iran long-term. In the meantime the situation in Yemen, where the outnumbered and outgunned Shia are holding out against the Sunni majority and their Arab (led by the Saudis) allies. This has given the Iranians an excellent media opportunity and they are making the most of the fact that the Arabs, even with greater numbers and superior weapons, are unable to defeat fellow Arabs who just happen to be Shia. Iran, the largest Shia majority nation in the world, considers the Shia form of Islam superior to the Sunni variants (which over 80 percent of Moslems follow). February 15, 2017: The Iranian president visited Oman and met with the local ruler (the sultan) to discuss improving relations with the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab oil states in the Persian Gulf), and especially with Saudi Arabia. While in Oman the Iranian president also met with the Kuwaiti ruler who was also visiting. It is unclear if this is a serious peace effort or just another Iranian move to make the GCC and Saudi Arabia look like the bad guys. It did not go unmentioned that the two members of the GCC that continue to have good relations with Iran are Oman and Kuwait. These two Arab states have worked well with Iran for generations. February 9, 2017: In the southeast, near the Pakistan (Baluchistan) border four mortar shells fell on the Pakistani side and the Pakistanis accused the Iranian border guards of being responsible. Iran did not respond but this had happened before (several times) and usually involved the Iranians trying to deal with some Iranian rebels fleeing to sanctuary in Pakistan. Baluchi Sunni Islamic terrorists often carry out operations in Iran flee back across the border to Pakistan. These Iranian Baluchi separatists regularly operate against Iran from bases in Pakistan and have become a growing problem for both countries. Pakistan is under a lot of pressure to do something about it, so the Pakistani government at least goes through the motions of responding to each incident. Across the Persian Gulf in Bahrain ten Shia Islamic terrorists sought to reach sanctuary in Iran but their boat was sighted and fired on by a police vessel. That left three of the escaped (on January 1st) prisoners dead and their boat unable to move. The other seven were arrested. All ten Bahraini Shia had been convicted of crimes associated which their efforts to secure more political power for the Shia Arabs. Bahrain believes the Iranian Quds Force (which specializes in supporting Islamic terrorists) is providing terrorist training to Bahraini Shia in Iraq and Iran and assisting in obtaining explosives and weapons for Bahraini Shia rebels. Relations between Bahrain and Iran have been getting worse since the 1980s, when a religious dictatorship took power in Iran. It got so bad in July 2015 that Bahrain recalled its ambassador in Iran because of a recent incident where a small boat was stopped off Bahrain and two men with known terrorist connections were arrested after the boat was found to be carrying 44 kg (96 pounds) of C4 explosive, other components (detonators) for making bombs, six assault rifles and several hundred rounds of ammo. The men admitted they had received the weapons from a nearby Iranian ship in international waters. One of the men was known to have received terrorist training in Iran in 2013. Iran dismisses all these accusations as lies. But these are not isolated incidents. There are many of them and they occur regularly. They often involve arresting Islamic terrorists and seizing supplies of explosives meant for terrorist bombings in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. This sort of thing has been going on for some time. Iranian politicians have increasingly mentioned in public that Bahrain is really the 14th province of Iran. That's because, well, it isn't called the "Persian" Gulf for nothing (although since all the oil money showed up the Arabs have been trying to popularize the term "Arabian Gulf," with mixed success). There have been ethnic Iranian communities in Bahrain for centuries, along with a Shia Arab majority, and Iran had a formal claim on the island until 1969 when the claim was dropped, in order to improve relations with Arab neighbors. Iran has always been an empire and still is (only half the population is ethnic Iranian). The way this works you always have a sense of "Greater Iran" which includes, at the least, claims on any nearby areas containing ethnic Iranians or people of similar religion. Hitler used this concept to guide his strategy during World War II. Bahrainis (both Sunni and Shia) get very upset when these claims are periodically revived. The local Shia want an independent Bahrain run by the Shia majority. The Iranian government officially denounces such claims on Bahrain but apparently many Iranians have not forgotten. Arabs are not very happy about that and have responded by pointing out that Iran was Sunni until 500 years ago and were forced to convert, on pain of death, by a Shia emperor who killed about a million of his subjects in the process. Saudi Arabia is trying, with some success, to organize Arab resistance to Iranian expansionist moves. Iran has responded by encouraging the Shia minorities on the west side of the Gulf to demonstrate their unhappiness with their minority status. The Iranian claim is based on Iranian control of Bahrain for a few years during the 18th century. Iran resents Western interference in the area believing themselves to be the regional superpower and the final arbiter of who is sovereign and who is not. Arabs see Iran continuing to throw its traditional weight around, despite the decades of sanctions and the current low oil prices. Traditional thinking among Sunnis is that Shia are scum and a bunch of unreliable losers, although the Iranians have always visibly contradicted that. The average Iranian holds similar views towards Arabs, especially Sunni Arabs. February 5, 2017: Saudi Arabian air defense forces used a Patriot missile to shoot down a ballistic missile fired by Shia rebels towards a base in central Saudi Arabia (outside the capital, Riyadh). Iranian media insisted the missile landed but there was no evidence of that on the ground or posted to the Internet (from people living in the area, none of whom reported any visual or audio indications of a missile landing). February 4, 2017: In northern Iraq (Tal Afar, between Mosul and Syria) another to IRGC officer was killed while advising (or leading) Iraqi Shia militiamen. Iran has sent hundreds of IRGC officers, most of them from the Quds Force. Dozens of senior IRGC officers have been killed in Syria and Iraq since 2012. January 30, 2017: In Yemen the Shia rebels (or at least the Iranian media that first reported it) claim to have used a ballistic missile to attack a Saudi base on Zuqar Island in the Red Sea. The Iranian media claimed that there were over a hundred casualties but there was no evidence of such an attack. Similar claims have been made before. Remember the surf/skate/snow dream? Sometime around 1995, when we were all bredren. Wed read crossover mags and wear something baggy and dream of replicating similar moves on saltwater, on crete, up a mountain? And probably listen to Das Efx? (It was kinda awkward I guess if you were a bodyboarder, I mean did you skeleton bob instead on the mountains? Anyway) Well guess what? The 90s are so fucking biggidy back and so is surf/skate/snow. Quik have just dropped Radical Times in Spain complete with a guide to wear/what/how and all sorts. And if that doesnt make you wanna guzzle thin slices of acorn-fattened swine, wipe your greasy chops with a napkin and then throw that napkin purposefully on the bar floor, well nothing will. And then shred the puta madre out of it. Spain rules. Fact. Mikey February, Natxo Gonzalez, Javier Mendizabal, Bryan Fox, Austen Sweetin, Mat Crepel, and Zack Miller certainly gave it a decent nudge recently. p.s. If it was really the 90s, Elko and Spenny/whoever wouldve at least had the decency to jump in nude, no? Face transplant is the spectacular advancement of medical technology which enables people to get a whole new face through surgery and Andrew Sandness the US-based man is the recent example of this progress. Andrew has been waiting for this day since years, and the doctors of Mayo Clinic finally made his dream real. After 50 hours long face transplant surgery, Andrew Sandness has got an absolutely new look. Andrew Sandness is a 32 years old man, belongs to the United States. When Andrew was only 21 years old, his face was confounded by a gunfire wound, and the incident was so intense that left his face, mouth, and nose completely devastated. Since ten years, he was waiting for some miracle which can change his destiny. Finally, the day came, when the doctors from Mayo Clinic gave him a new lease of life after a donor agreed to donate his entire face, including each bit if organs to Andrew. The duration of the surgery, which was conducted last year was 50 hours, which is one of the longest-lasting operations of the world. Last year, the doctors efficiently carried out a near-total face transplant on Andrew, and now, Andrew is an entirely new person. The extensive medical operation, which was conducted to enhance the capability of Andrew to converse, chew up, inhale and smell and now Andrew, is living a blissful life. For optimising the look, atheistic, and functionality of Andrews face, a multidisciplinary team group of physicians, surgeons, and health professionals brought virtual surgical preparation technology and 3D printing into play, and the surgery was conducted at Mayo Clinics Rochester campus. After recovering in Rochester campus of Mayo Clinics, Andrew is expected to rush back home, located in eastern Wyoming this month, said the surgeon team. In the first-of-its-kind surgery, doctors and surgeons were able to restore back the facial muscles, upper and lower jaw, nose, teeth, palate, cheeks, oral mucosa, most parts of the salivary glands, and the facial skin of Andrew and now he is a completely new man. Commenting on the successful face transplant, Samir Mardini, the medical director at Mayo Clinic Essam and Dalal Obaid Centre for Reconstructive Transplant Surgery said, Since ten years, we are treating Andrew Sandness. He came here at the age of 21, with a completely devastated face and at the age of 32, we found a donor, who agreed to donate his face and facial organs to Andrew. All through the treatment process, Andrew was very active, determined and cooperative, and these natures helped us to take the biggest risk. Andrew Sandness, who was shocked after seeing his recovered face in the mirror, while reporting to a local newspaper said, I am absolutely surprised by the clinical outcomes so far. The surgery has enabled me to chew up and consume regular food, and my nerve sensations are gradually recovering. NASA to unveil findings on Exoplanets beyond our solar system in a conference tomorrow The US space agency NASA will hold a major conference at 1 p.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 22, where it will reveal the latest findings on the habitable exoplanets, and the event will air live on the NASA website and NASA Television. Exoplanets are those planets that revolve around their parent stars other than our Sun and reside in the galaxy other than Milky Way. Sometimes they orbit in Goldilocks zone (or habitable zone) which is neither too far nor too close from the parent star, where water can exist in the liquid state, a necessary ingredient for the existence of life. Although, a planet located in the habitable zone do not mean that it will host life, but it is the first criteria that scientists look for when searching life in other solar systems. Anyone can see the live show on NASA TV, but limited seats are available for those who want to attend the conference in person at the agencys Headquarters at 300 E Street SW in Washington. In addition, media individuals who are unable to visit the conference can ask questions over the telephone. However, those who are willing to attend the conference in person or by phone should inform the space agency by sending an email with their name, affiliation and telephone number to Dwayne Brown at [email protected] by noon Feb. 22. Media and the public also may ask questions during the briefing on Twitter using the hashtag #askNASA. The briefing participants are: Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington Michael Gillon, astronomer at the University of Liege in Belgium Sean Carey, manager of NASAs Spitzer Science Center at Caltech/IPAC, Pasadena, California Nikole Lewis, astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore Sara Seager, professor of planetary science and physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge A Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) about exoplanets will be held following the briefing at 3 p.m. with scientists available to answer questions in English and Spanish. You can watch NASA TV here. As we come closer to the Samsungs Galaxy S8 launch event, picture of the device is getting clearer. Rumours have started flooding the internet about the design, price, colour variants and launch date of the upcoming flagship smartphone. According to latest updates, Samsung will not unveil Galaxy S8 at MWC 2017, rather the smartphone giant will select a specific date and send invites for the launch event on 26 February. However, before its launch, the marketers and retail analysts have left no stones unturned to explore the features and specs of the yet-to-be-announced smartphone. Thanks to all those leaked reports and unofficial teasers that most of us are acquainted with the features of the upcoming handsets of Samsung. As per the leaked reports, Samsung, like the previous model of its S flagship, will launch the S8 in two variants. The base variant will be called Samsung Galaxy S8, and it will cost around 800. On the other hand, the higher console of the flagship will be called Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus and will be tagged with the approximate price range of 900. However, following the previous patterns, we are quite assured that both models of Samsung wont find their ways to Indian market before the middle of April this year. Design If we go with the most reliable leaks and teasers, then it is quite guaranteed that both models of S8 will have a curved display edge, bezel-free display, and no home button. Yes, Samsung with its new devices is ditching the time-honored Home Button for facilitating its display some extra accommodation. Also, a high-end fingerprint scanner is expected to sit at the rear panel, beneath of the camera. Some leaked photos have already confirmed the S8 and S8 Plus to have a 3.5mm headphone jack port at the lower edge Display As per the leaks and rumors, the Base version is expected to flaunt an either a 5.7-inches or 5.8-inches display, while the S8 Plus will feature a 6.2 inch screen. Displays of both models will be protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 at both front and back panel. With curved Super AMOLED displays coupled with Quad HD or 4K resolution, both models will have more than 550ppi pixel density. Integrated with extra display features like 3D Touch, Always-on screen, and TouchWiz UI, Samsungs upcoming phones are estimated to be a game changer for the South Korean Multinational. Features and Specifications The Galaxy S8, of course, will be waterproof, like its predecessor devices. As the Galaxy S7 was an IP68-certified model and can stay 1.5m under water for 30 minutes, Samsung is likely to go a step further with its new devices. Under the hood, the Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus will be powered by the most recent Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, which will deliver a seamless performance to the users. With the Octa-core chip clocked at the speed of up to 2.4Gz, both variants will provide 20% faster and flawless performance than the Snapdragon 820. Storage As per the reports, the Galaxy S8 phones will hit the market with two RAMs 4GB and 6GB. While the 4GB model will be exclusive to some selected European markets, 6GB variant will be available internationally. Similarly, on the storage front, the new Galaxy phones will pack no less than 64 GB of onboard storage. It manes, the phone will come up with two ROM variants like 6$ GB and 128GB with expandable storage option to 256 GB via micro SD card. Software On the software front, the Galaxy S8 phones will run on the latest Android Nougat 8 out of the box. With the new TouchWiz OS with Samsungs homespun AI-based virtual assistant Bixby, the new Galaxy gadgets are supposed to be a premium and iconic Samsung phone. Camera Well, this is the most enchanting segment of Samsung phones. The upcoming Galaxy S8 models of Samsung will have a dual-camera setup at the back panel and will host a dual 12-mp snapper. On the front part, the phone will accommodate an 8-mp shooter for selfies. Geo-tagging, touch focus, face/smile detection, live 4K video, 9MP image recording, Auto HDR, and panorama are some additional features which will accompany the camera segment of Galaxy S8 models. Battery For superb power backup, Samsung will incorporate its approaching Galaxy phones with a non-removable 3500mAh, which is quite higher than its previous flagship the S7. It will also have a USB Type C for faster charging. Colour availability In terms of Color availability, the upcoming phones of Samsung will be launched in three variants including Black, Gold, and Orchid Grey. It means buyers will get wide color options to pick the Galaxy S8 phones. Expected price Samsung hasnt yet maintained a tight lip regarding the price of its impending phones. But following the trend of pricing patterns of Samsung, we can expect the 6GB RAM+64GB model console of the Galaxy S8 to retail at $950 (roughly Rs. 63,800) and $1050 (roughly Rs. 70,500) for bigger sibling. Keynote Anthony Johnson Brings 'Johnsonville' to Life North Carolina elementary teacher combines STEM with innovative, real-world systems. Great things can come from humble beginnings. Anthony Johnson, a former high school dropout, is a teacher of the year winner in his school district and the southwest region of North Carolina. He is also a finalist for state teacher of the year. At Isenberg Elementary School in Salisbury, NC, he has transformed his science and social studies classrooms into Johnsonville, a world where each student must find a job, pay the bills, pay mortgage and taxes, and learn by doing projects. Johnson uses Defined STEM as his source for curricula for the project-based learning taking place in his fourth and fifth grade classes. Johnson combines technology with his lesson plans and Johnsonville to produce positive, concrete results. His school district, the Rowan-Salisbury School System, is 1-to-1, so all of his students have iPads they can use for homework, class assignments and tests. THE Journal: Describe your high school experience. Anthony Johnson Anthony Johnson: You could say I was a high school dropout. The school counselor made that decision for me. She said I needed to get a GED and learn a trade. That basically I was just wasting my time in high school. They didnt tell me getting a job with just a high school diploma (equivalency) and without a college degree is hard. I started working minimum wage when I lost my mom. Then lost my dad six months later. I thought, Where did my life go wrong? I decided to go back to school and to become an educator. I wanted to make a difference. I wanted to make sure kids dont have same experience that I have. So now, Im in year 14 of teaching. THE Journal: What was your first job out of college? Johnson: When I first got out of college, I was a technology facilitator at Isenberg Elementary. I was actually working with teachers to make sure they were using technology thoughtfully and constructively in the classroom. But I missed working with students, and decided to go back to the classroom. THE Journal: Describe Johnsonville. Where did you get the idea? Johnson: My whole thing is, when I decided to become a teacher, I decided I was going to do everything the opposite of when I was a student. I was going to have a classroom thats engaging, with real-world experience. I wanted to make it interesting. I decided, Im the mayor. I make the rules. Working in my classroom, you get paid. You have a responsibility to pay the bills, pay mortgage, find a job. They have to pay taxes 10 percent of income goes back to the mayor. Kids can keep the room clean and start a janitorial business. They can start a transportation company. Instead of directly giving them a treat, I have the students buy from me, then sell to classmates for a profit. Im still teaching the standards. The first job is not to become an entrepreneur. If youre doing my work, then you get $100 a day. (Its fake money.) Im still teaching the standards, just adding the real-world component to them. Instead of teaching forces of motion, like the standard says, I explore how is it relevant to everyday life. I want to make it relevant, so students stay engaged. Its called PBL problem based learning. And they manage their finances on the iPad. THE Journal: How do you use Defined STEM? Johnson: Thats my resource for all my PBLs. Its pretty much where I get 95 percent of my PBLs. I can customize the lessons. Everything is all created for you. You dont have to be that teacher standing up in front of the classroom (all the time). Its a great online resource. I cant say enough about Defined STEM. If you really want to get a kid engaged, its a one-stop shop. The content is K12, and if you really want to challenge them, you can give them middle school work, modify it a little. Everything and anything you can think of is in there. And best of all the school pays for it. THE Journal: Do you use any other technologies in your instruction? Johnson: We are a 1-to-1 school district. We use those iPads to keep track of inventory, if they have a business. We also use Discovery Education and their Techbooks. We use Schoology as our learning management system. THE Journal: What are the advantages of being a 1-to-1 school district? Johnson: A device for every kid its an equalizer for those whose parents are not as fortunate. Kids whose parents have a little bit more income they can afford it. But even they are learning important lessons. Were not using those devices to consume information. They are actually producing. Theyre using iMovie to produce movies; Garage Band to make audio tracks, to mix songs and create original music. They can record their science experiments, play it back over and over. They can share it, and theres green screen capability for videos. THE Journal: Elaborate on your students and their activities on the iPad. Johnson: The same way you manage your bank account, its the same way at Johnsonville. They come in in the morning, and they can see the daily agenda. They do all of they homework on the iPad. They do their tests via PDFs, on the iPad. We dont use paper. Were completely paperless. Its still effective. Its better for me. I can keep up electronically better than paper anyway. I dont miss it at all. The content is always updated. In textbooks, the information is already outdated by the time the books get published and distributed. We talk about weather, forces in motion, ecosystems, energy, electricity. There are always updates in those topics. In social studies, were discussing the Revolutionary War right now. You can look up different sources of content you have multiple sources in your research. You can do so much on an iPad your representation of historic facts is richer. This site focuses on Republican politicians and conservatives that rip off their constituency. We have the Tea Party, fundamentalist churches, the corruption of ALEC and other special interests groups. But the site also supports progressive Democrats and the local Democratic Socialist of America. We must have ideas on how to replace regressive and corrupt politicians with something better. For comments steveotto2001@yahoo.com or ottozero2001@yahoo.com. By Press Trust of India: From Kunal Dutt Kigali, Feb 21 (PTI) Vice President Hamid Ansari today left for Uganda after concluding his three-day visit to Rwanda where he held bilateral talks with the top leadership. During his visit to the east African country, he held talks with President of Senate Bernard Makuza and President Paul Kagame for giving the strategic bilateral ties more content. advertisement He also attended India-Rwanda Business Forum where the two countries signed three MoUs to set up an entrepreneurship development centre in Rwanda, start a direct flight service from Kigali to Mumbai and for making mutual visa requirement exemption for holders of diplomatic and official passports. Ansari, who arrived here on February 19, launched India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme that seeks to cement the "strong ties" between the two countries. He yesterday visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial here and lauded the "resilience and courage" of Rwandans in putting behind hatred and moving ahead on the path of reconciliation. Today, he addressed a gathering at University of Rwanda and termed the "upsuge" in India-Africa ties as a "win-win" situation. The Vice President has described his two-nation visit a "conscious effort" by India to "intensify interactions" with Africa. PTI KND PMS --- ENDS --- By TJ Strydom and Tiisetso Motsoeneng JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's Steinhoff and grocery retailer Shoprite called off a deal on Monday to create an African shopping giant, preventing leading investor Christo Wiese from bringing more of his retail assets under one roof. Billionaire Wiese, a shareholder in both companies and the architect of the deal, and other investors including state-owned pension fund the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) could not agree on the value of a share exchange. The deal's collapse will test Wiese's determination to place more and more of his assets in one basket. At least three of Shoprite's minority shareholders told Reuters last week the commercial and strategic logic did not stand up to scrutiny. Bankers estimated the combination would have a value of more than 180 billion rand ($14 billion). Wiese told Reuters in a telephone interview that he still saw opportunities for Shoprite, an $8 billion grocery retailer, and Steinhoff, the owner of Conforama in France and Poundland in the UK, to work together. "There are quite a number of things that we noticed and that we will explore in due course to see whether there are things where we can get the two groups to work together, but for me it is impossible to sketch out the way forward," Wiese said. In a joint statement, the firms said "the fact that the relevant parties could not reach an agreement in respect of the share exchange resulted in the negotiations being terminated." Complaints by Shoprite minorities -- that the deal was sparse on details, lacked obvious cost-savings overlaps and would mean exchanging a stock with bigger potential for what they called inferior businesses -- had depressed both companies' share prices. "There were no real synergies between the two," said 36One Asset Management fund manager Evan Walker. "We own shares in both, (and) kept shares in both hoping the deal would fail and sanity would prevail." Shares in Shoprite traded 7.5 percent higher at 1435 GMT. Steinhoff jumped 5 percent in Frankfurt and 4.8 percent in Johannesburg, where it has a secondary listing. AFRICA'S IKEA Under the deal, Steinhoff would have sold its African assets to Shoprite in return for a controlling stake in the grocery chain. Steinhoff would have exchanged its shares for those of Shoprite's top two shareholders -- Wiese and the PIC, which like Wiese owns shares in both companies. The deal would have given Steinhoff, dubbed Africa's IKEA and vying with the Swedish firm for global market share, a major interest in Shoprite, a 110 billion rand company operating in countries including Ghana, Nigeria and Angola. It would have also ensured Wiese, who owns 16 percent of Shoprite, moved more of his assets into Steinhoff, in which he owns a 23 percent stake bulked up in 2014 through the cash and share sale of his Pepkor chain to the furniture retailer. For Shoprite the termination of the deal allows it to focus on growing its store network elsewhere on the continent. It could also reassure Steinhoff's shareholders who might have had concerns about a major deviation from its stated strategy of selling low-cost furniture and household goods. "In my view, the deal was not crucial to either Shoprite or Steinhoff and its failing should not detract from the investment case of either company," said Unathi Loos, an analyst at Investec Asset Management. Steinhoff also owns retailers Poundland in Britain and Conforama in France. PLAN B? However, the collapse of the tie-up might not deter Steinhoff from buying control of Shoprite if food retail is the cornerstone of its new strategy. The company could buy out a controlling stake from Wiese, who told Reuters last year he was looking for ways to consolidate his assets. "It's not the first time Wiese has tried to take out Shoprite. I don't think will be the last," Gryphon Asset Management's Chief Investment Officer Abri du Plessis. Wiese, through his investment vehicle Brait SE, tried and failed in 2007 to buy Shoprite in a $2 billion deal because Shoprite and Brait could not agree on the price. Besides his direct Shoprite holding, Wiese owns another 35 percent in deferred shares, which carry the same voting rights, through his investment vehicle, Thibault Square, meaning he controls about 50 percent of Shoprite. (Additional reporting by Nqobile Dludla; Writing by James Macharia and Tiisetso Motsoeneng; Editing by Keith Weir/Ruth Pitchford) By Nailia Bagirova BAKU (Reuters) - Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev has appointed his wife Mehriban as his deputy, further entrenching the power of the family in what one opposition leader denounced as a "first step to establishment of an absolute monarchy". Ilham Aliyev assumed the presidency of the oil and gas exporter in 2003 after the death of his father Heydar, whose rule stretched back into Soviet times. Mehriban herself hails from one of the most wealthy and influential families in the country, the Pashayevs. "Mehriban Aliyeva is a very professional, clever, experienced, principled and benevolent person," Aliyev told a meeting of Azerbaijan's Security Council. "It is not mere chance that the Azeri people love her very much." Ilham Aliyev's hold on power was tested last year when low prices for Azerbaijan's main export, oil, hit the currency and pushed up prices for staple goods like flour. Riots erupted in some cities outside Baku, witnesses said, before police restored order, detaining dozens of people. Since then, oil prices have recovered and the currency has stabilised. Known for her stylish dress sense and immaculate appearance at public events, Mehriban Aliyev, 52, is a member of parliament and a UNESCO goodwill ambassador. But her most prominent role until now has been as head of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, a philanthropic organisation. She and her husband have two adult daughters and a student son. Her official title will be First Vice President, a post that was created last year following a referendum on constitutional changes. The revised constitution does not specify what duties the first vice president has. RIOTING Opposition figures described the appointment as an abuse of power by the ruling family. "This appointment shows disrespect to the people," Ali Kerimli, leader of one of Azerbaijan's opposition parties, told Reuters. "It's the first step to the establishment of an absolute monarchy in the country." European institutions and rights bodies have accused the Azeri authorities of curbing free expression and preventing fair elections. Azeri officials deny those accusations, saying Aliyev's rule has brought prosperity and stability to a country located in an area, the southern Caucasus, that has seen several conflicts since collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Its own territory of Nagorno-Karabakh is focus of a "frozen" conflict with Armenia. Mehriban's collection of contemporary art forms the basis of a new museum of modern art in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Her family, the Pashayevs, has vast business interests, including several banks, an insurance company, construction, travel, and Azerbaijan's only Bentley dealership. Several of her relatives have served in senior government posts. Under its revised constitution, Azerbaijan also has a vice president -- which is more junior to the first vice president. That post is vacant. (Additional reporting by Margarita Antidze; Writing by Aleksandar Vasovic and Margarita Antidze; Editing by Katya Golubkova and Ralph Boulton) Sunday Briefing: MOI_est_JEAN Wins the $120K Whale February 21 2017 Matthew Pitt Editor The $120,000 Whale tournament returned to 888poker on Feb. 19 and saw its large guarantee surpassed by $18,990 thanks to 246 players buying in for $600. Almost 11 and a half hours after the first cards were dealt, MOI_est_JEAN was the last player standing and was rewarded with the princely sum of $28,423. Earlier at the Whale final table, f0rmEiTseGaL bust in eighth place and added $3,474 to their account. 888poker has long been a happy hunting ground for players calling the UK and Ireland home and this weekend was no different. Robert float2felt Snell and masajedepies reached the final table of the $120,000 Mega Deep, falling in sixth and fourth place for scores of $5,635 and $9,945 while Sebastian iknowmybody Saffari finished as runner-up in the $40,000 Turbo Mega Deep for $6,840. There was a Union Jack present at the final table of the $80,000 Sunday Challenge as Hindukrush finished in seventh place for $2,763. Across to partypoker now where Phil PhilRoyal888 Mighall reached the final table of the $50,000 Gtd Weigh-In and turned $109 into $1,344 and where Roberto TheWelshWizard Romanello finished fourth in the $30,000 Gtd Rebuy for $3,727. Now to PokerStars where there were several notable scores, including the runner-up finish in the $1,050 Sunday Grand PLO by Billy b8chatz Chattaway worth $25,114. Narrowly missing out on a final table appearance in that event was DrAnubis who fell in seventh place for $7,796. Stuart guitey Guite helped himself to the $22,238 fourth place prize of the $215 Sunday Warm-Up with Palmero92 emerging victorious in the $700 Super-Sized Sunday for a cool $40,402. One of the many UK-based Spanish stars, Vicente vicenfish Delgado, banked a massive $56,741 by taking down the $1,050 Sunday Grand NLHE, Boatman570 finished third in the Big $215 for $13,296 and Ahhh Is It? final table bubbled the $215 Sunday Supersonic for a $4,299 addition to their bankroll. BELGRADE, Serbia It was a week in frigid hell for hundreds of migrants squatting in an abandoned warehouse in the Serbian capital of Belgrade while trying to move on toward Western Europe. When the weather suddenly turned nasty before Orthodox Christmas Eve on Jan. 6, temperatures plummeted way below 0 C (32 F) and a cold wind pushed into every corner of the makeshift migrant shelter. Men and boys occupying the sprawling complex a vast crumbling building with few windows or doors found themselves in danger of exposure while aid groups scrambled to help. Wrapped in blankets, migrants huddled next to each other, desperately trying to warm up by the fires they lit inside and outside the warehouse. A search for firewood became a morning routine migrants chopped branches from frozen trees or burned old wooden railway tiles they picked from the abandoned tracks by the warehouse. Thick, choking smoke filled the warehouse. Migrants said two people have been hospitalized with respiratory problems from inhaling the smoke. Muhammad Yusuf Navid from Afghanistan said he couldnt sleep at night: It is too bad, too cold. I did not sleep for one hour. At lunchtime every day, hundreds of migrants lined up, with a blizzard brushing wind and snow against their faces, to receive a warm meal distributed by aid groups. Holding plastic dishes, the men looked for a quiet corner or squatted in the snow to eat the meal of cooked cabbage or beans. Some melted the snow to wash themselves despite the freeze. Migrants appealed to European nations to open their borders graffiti on one wall of the Belgrade warehouse reads: The problem is borders. ___ Darko Vojinovic is The Associated Press chief photographer in Belgrade. Follow Darko Vojinovic on Twitter: https://twitter.com/apdarkov BUCHAREST, Romania A Romanian court ruled Friday that the speaker of the Senate, accused of making false statements in a property fraud case, can go on trial. The news came as thousands of Romanians protested in Bucharest for the 11th straight day over government efforts to ease penalties for corrupt officials. The High Court of Cassation and Justice rejected an appeal by speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu, who argued there were insufficient grounds for his trial. No date was set for the trial to begin. Last year, prosecutors charged Tariceanu with making false statements under oath and hampering the investigation into a suspected fraudulent land restitution case. He had denied knowledge of connections between a Romanian prince and a politically connected businessman and others. Romania has seen massive protests in the last two weeks against a government decree that would have diluted the anti-corruption fight that has targeted top officials. The Social Democrat-led government has withdrawn the emergency decree easing penalties for corrupt officials, but has vowed to craft a version of it to be passed by parliament, where it has a majority. The decree that was withdrawn was one of a series of government initiatives that would have also eased penalties for a vote-rigging conviction for the Social Democrats leader, Liviu Dragnea, which has been blocking him from becoming prime minister. Tariceanu is also a strong critic of Romanias anti-corruption prosecutors agency, which he accuses of overstepping its authority. Thousands protested for an 11th consecutive night Friday in the Romanian capital, standing outside government offices in the bitter cold blowing vuvuzelas or waving Romanian, European Union or U.S. flags. Some demonstrators carried banners saying Resign while others wore white armbands inscribed #resist. Earlier, hundreds of government supporters had protested outside the presidential palace against President Klaus Iohannis, whom they blame for the countrys political crisis, calling for his resignation. Iohannis has expressed support for protesters and champions the anti-graft fight that has targeted Romanias rich and powerful. In Romania, the president is elected separately from the parliament and Iohannis was head of the center-right Liberal Party before becoming president in 2014. The justice minister resigned Thursday over the unrest, but more protests are forecast for the weekend, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of the whole government. Im here tonight because I care about this country, said Peter Ionescu, who was demonstrating Friday night in Bucharests Victory Square. I want the fight against corruption to continue in this country. I dont want laws for the criminals. I dont want laws for the people who can steal or who can abuse (power). ___ Eldar Emric in Bucharest also contributed to this report. ISLAMABAD The Latest on developments in Pakistan (all times local): 2:05 p.m. The Afghan government has summoned Pakistans ambassador in protest of recent shelling in Afghanistans eastern provinces. Afghanistans foreign ministry summoned Ambassador Abrar Hussain in Kabul, where Deputy Foreign Minister Hekmat Khalil Karzai asked for an explanation but also gave his condolences regarding recent suicide attacks in Pakistan. At least two people have been killed and two others wounded in the shelling from Pakistan, according to reports. Karzai also said the Afghan government wants Pakistan to take strict action against terrorists that are hiding in Pakistan. Karzai expressed concern over the closure of the Torkham and Chaman border crossings and asked for the reopening of the gates. ____ 1:45 p.m. Two Pakistani officials say a second key Chaman border crossing into Afghanistan has been closed, halting trade supplies to the neighboring landlocked country. The border closure in Pakistans southwest Baluchistan province comes after a suicide bombing at a Sufi shrine in southern Pakistan that killed 88 people. It was seen as a tactic to pressure Kabul to act against militants who Pakistan says have sanctuaries in Afghanistan. The Pakistani officials asked to remain anonymous because they are not authorized to brief the media on the record. Earlier, Pakistan closed a border crossing at Torkham, which connects Pakistan to Afghanistans Nangarhar province. The Islamic State says it was behind the shrine attack and Pakistani security forces have launched nationwide operations that they say has left more than 100 terrorists dead. __ Munir Ahmed Police have arrested one of the three young men suspected of beating up and robbing an older man in front of a 7-Eleven in southeast Albuquerque last summer. Emilio Mirabal, 19, is charged with murder and robbery with a deadly weapon, and was booked into the county jail Monday. The other two suspects are still at large. Around 2 a.m. on Aug. 10, a woman called 911 to say she saw the three young men beat up an older Native American man, later identified as 66-year-old Irvin Sanchez, according to a criminal complaint filed in Metropolitan Court. She said she saw them rummage through his pockets and run away from the store on the corner of San Mateo and Kathryn SE. Sanchez was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy report revealed he had injuries to his brain and to his spleen, and some broken ribs. A break in the case came a couple of weeks later when the detective watched a surveillance video from inside the convenience store showing the suspects buying food and drinks. One of the suspects used a credit card to buy a drink and Hot Fries, and the detective traced the card number to the Metropolitan Detention Center. The jail issues credit cards to inmates who have remaining money in their account when they are released. The inmate was Mirabal and he had been released the previous day, according to the complaint. It is unclear from online court records why he had been in jail. An informant also identified Mirabal, who he said had gone to Highland High School. The informant didnt recognize the other two suspects. On the night of President Donald Trumps inauguration, Sebastian Gorka attended the celebratory balls in a high-necked, black Hungarian jacket. Pinned on his chest was a Hungarian coat of arms, a tribute to his father who had been tortured by the communists, and a civilian commendation from the U.S. military. For years, Gorka had labored on the fringes of Washington, D.C., and the far edge of acceptable debate as defined by the citys Republican and Democratic foreign policy elite. Today, the former national security editor for the conservative Breitbart News outlet occupies a senior job in the White House and his controversial ideas especially about Islam drive Trumps populist approach to counterterrorism and national security. Amid the cheering, music and confetti that night, Gorka talked about Trumps opening shot in a high-stakes civilizational war, still in its early days. Everythings changed, Gorka said. He homed in on three words from Trumps dystopian inaugural addressthat day: Radical Islamic terrorism. When he used those three words today radical Islamic terrorism he put the marker down for the whole national security establishment, he told an interviewer from Fox News. For Gorka and his allies, the words are more than just a description of the enemy. They signal a radical break with the approach that Republicans and Democrats have taken over the past 16 years to counterterrorism and the Muslim world. Only days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, President George W. Bush insisted the terror strikes had violated the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith. Islam is peace, he told a nation still reeling from grief. President Barack Obama sounded the same theme routinely during two terms in office. Gorka has relentlessly championed the opposite view. For him, the terrorism problem has nothing to do with repression, alienation, torture, tribalism, poverty, or Americas foreign policy blunders and a messy and complex Middle East. This is the famous approach that says it is all so nuanced and complicated, Gorka said in an interview. This is what I completely jettison. For him, the terror threat is rooted in Islam and martial parts of the Koran that he says predispose some Muslims to acts of terror. Anybody who downplays the role of religious ideology . . . they are deleting reality to fit their own world, he said. Gorka is a deputy assistant to the president. He reports to Stephen Bannon, Trumps chief strategist, and is a member of his Strategic Initiatives Group. Bannon has spoken in similarly apocalyptic terms of a new barbarity that threatens the Christian West. Most counterterrorism experts dismiss Gorkas ideas as a dangerous oversimplification that could alienate Muslim allies and boost support for terrorist groups. He thinks the government and intelligence agencies dont know anything about radicalization, but the government knows a lot and thinks hes nuts, said Cindy Storer, a former CIA analyst who developed the agency models that trace the path from religious zealotry to violence. Religious scholars are equally withering. I cant overstate how profoundly dangerous this is, said Omid Safi, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Duke University. This is music to the ears of [the Islamic State]. This is what they seek. Gorka has heard all of those criticisms before and fought against them often ferociously. Last month, as he celebrated at the inaugural ball, those critics no longer seemed to matter. Trumps victory demonstrated to Gorka and his supporters that the common sense of the American people counted for far more than the opinions of experts in Washington and the cloistered world of academia. His side had won. Before he wrapped up his inauguration night interview, Gorka said he had one last message for Americas troops the guys inside the machine and its enemies. He turned toward the host, his medal glinting in the TV lights. The alpha males are back, he said. Gorkas ideas about radical Islam began with his fathers fight against the communists in his native Hungary and his deep Catholic faith. The elder Gorka and a small group of Christian students in Budapest were sending secret, coded messages to London when he was captured by the Communist regime, tortured and given a life sentence. In 1956, he escaped and fled to the United Kingdom, where Gorka was born and raised. When al-Qaida struck on Sept. 11, Gorka said he immediately saw the event through the prism of his fathers decades-old life and death struggle. Yes, it was jihadi terrorism . . . but, more importantly, that event was linked to communism. It was linked to fascism, he said. Why? Because al-Qaida, ISIS, all of these groups are totalitarians either you surrender to them or they will kill you. His other insight, he said, was that the Washington foreign policy elite was too quick to discount the role of religion. Their worldview is fundamentally challenged by anybody who takes religion seriously and you know what? I take religion seriously, Gorka said. Because when you take seven minutes on a video to decapitate another human being by manually sawing off their head, thats the power that religion can have or a distortion of religion or whatever you want to call it. My father was tortured tortured for weeks by the communist secret police in Hungary. I didnt start decapitating people when I found out what happened to my father. Gorkas core idea is that the United States should partner with a shortlist of Muslim allies Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt that he describes as secular or willing to separate Islam from the running of the state. Together, they should fight the jihadist religious ideology in the same manner that America fought to discredit communism during the Cold War. That insight, he said, led him to study Islam, starting with the faiths ancient texts. Theres a lot of misinformation out there, he said. Would you take anybodys views on Christianity seriously if they hadnt read the New Testament? Of course you wouldnt. So I read the Koran. Gorkas academic credentials, particularly on the subject of Islam, are thin. He went to college in London and spent three years as a reserve intelligence soldier in the British Army, focused on the conflict in Northern Ireland. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he cycled through think tanks in Washington and Europe, dabbled in Hungarian politics and taught courses in counterterrorism at the George C. Marshall Center in Germany, which focuses on educating midcareer NATO and allied military officers. He earned his doctorate from a Hungarian university in 2008 and a few months later landed a faculty job at the College of International Security Affairs (CISA), a new Pentagon-funded school that was still working toward accreditation. There, he was a dynamic lecturer and an uneven scholar, said retired Col. Mike Bell, the schools chancellor. Gorka does not speak Arabic and has never lived in a Muslim-majority country. His knowledge of Islam comes largely from reading English translations of Islamic texts and interacting with foreign officers who account for about two-thirds of the CISA student body and come largely from Muslim nations. Sometimes, the Muslim students would object to his views of their religion. I tell them very simply that I am not here to debate Islam, Gorka said. Nobody has the right even a Muslim to talk for all Muslims. His goal, he said, was to understand how the enemy interpreted the faith. In other instances, his fellow professors would challenge his contention that the Korans violent passages are the primary driver of terrorism. Theres crazy stuff in the Bible, too, said David Ucko, who taught alongside Gorka for three years at CISA. Gorka countered that the argument misrepresents Christianity, and he cited the Crusades, which are often invoked as a war against Islam. The fact is that none of what happened in the Crusades can be justified by the message of Jesus Christ on the cross taking all of our sins upon himself, he said in an interview. Its just not possible. . . . If a crusader killed a woman and child or a heathen, that cannot be theologically justified and therefore its wrong and its a sin. Islams martial passages and intermingling of faith and politics makes it different, Gorka said. If you are pro-fundamentalist in interpretation, he said, you have a lot of argumentation on your side. Ucko said he quickly dropped the argument for the sake of harmony. Gorkas former supervisors pushed him to incorporate other perspectives on Islam and publish in peer-reviewed journals where his ideas would be challenged and perhaps tempered, Bell said. But Gorka insisted that he wasnt interested in that kind of scholarship. What I care about is if somebody in the field is reading my article, he said. I see myself as somebody who supports the bravest of the brave the warfighter. Publish or be damned? Ill be damned, thank you very much. Off-campus, Gorka began meeting with conservatives members of Congress and lectured regularly at the Armys Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In 2014, Gorka left to take a teaching job at Marine Corps University that would give him more freedom and new influential connections. The school is part of the Defense Department, but Gorka was not hired as a government employee. His academic chair was funded by Thomas Saunders III, a major Republican Party donor and chairman of the conservative Heritage Foundation. Saunders and Gorka were related by marriage, but Marine officials who oversaw the selection process said they were not aware of the tie. Saunders said he did not advocate for him. Gorka began appearing regularly on Fox News and caught the eye of Bannon, who was then editor of Breitbart. Bannon offered him a job at the news outlet. A conservative publishing house signed him to a book contract. At Marine Corps University, enthusiastic officers eagerly packed Gorkas lectures, even as many faculty members took a dim view of his work. He made a difficult and complex situation simple and confirmed the officers prejudices and assumptions, said retired Lt. Col. Mike Lewis, who served as an assistant professor and Special Operations chair at the school. Said James Joyner, an associate professor: The guy he was on Fox News is the guy he was here bombastic and a showman. A few complained that Gorkas TV appearances, which touted his ties to the school and bashed Obama, made it appear as though the government-funded school for Marine officers actively opposed the commander in chief. The schools vice president for academic affairs said he raised the matter with Gorka. But the controversy never spread much beyond the universitys Quantico campus. Shortly after the Islamic State burned alive a Jordanian pilot in 2015, Saunders invited Gorka to New York to do lectures on terrorism and Islam. Saunders had made his fortune as a former managing director at Morgan Stanley and founder of a successful private equity fund. He had done business all over the world. Like many Americans, he said his thoughts often turned to the Middle East and the threat of terrorism. What the hell is going on? he said he often found himself thinking. What possible explanations could possibly exist for the savage behavior he was seeing on television and online? In Gorka, he had finally found someone with answers. One of Gorkas lectures took place at the Colony Club, an exclusive all-womens club on Park Avenue. Why do they behead us? he recalled Gorka asking the standing-room-only crowd. And why did they choose to burn alive this Jordanian pilot who had flown missions over Syria? Gorka explained that the answer could be found in the Islamic laws of war, which, he said, ordered Muslims to behead infidels and prescribed an even worse punishment for apostates who should suffer as if they are already in hell. When Gorka was finished, the place could not stop talking about terrorism, Saunders said. It was spellbinding. This is a true scholar telling you what happened and why. He is very detailed and very specific. For much of the past 16 years, Bush and Obama had played down Islams role in fueling terrorism. Like many in Washington, they worried about provoking a backlash against Muslims or feeding the jihadists clash of civilizations narrative. Islam is not part of the problem, Obama said in his seminal 2009 speech at Cairo University. It is an important part of promoting peace. Such characterizations not only failed to describe the war being waged within Islam, they didnt match what people such as Saunders were seeing in blood-drenched news reports from the region and hearing on the campaign trail, especially from Republican candidates. In speech after speech, Trump described the threat posed by radical Islamic terrorists in grisly terms: Children slaughtered, girls sold into slavery, men and women burned alive, Crucifixions, beheadings and drownings. Ethnic minorities targeted for mass execution. Holy sites desecrated, he said in a fiery 2016 address in Youngstown, Ohio. . . . We cannot let this evil continue. The solution, Trump said, was to mount a Cold War-style campaign that would take on the ideology of radical Islam. He spoke of banning immigrants from terrorist hotbeds and religious tests to weed out those who believe that Sharia law should supplant American law. Many of the ideas in Trumps terrorism speeches had their origins in Gorkas work. Others elements traced back to Frank Gaffney Jr., a senior Reagan-era Pentagon official who founded the Center for Security Policy, a Washington-based think tank. Gaffney has long been politically radioactive in Washington. He drew widespread condemnation for suggesting that Grover Norquist, a Republican anti-tax stalwart, had ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. In a much-derided piece in Breitbart, he suggested that the logo for the Pentagons Missile Defense Agency bore a disconcerting resemblance to an amalgamation of the Obama campaigns logo and the symbols of Islam. The Washington Times pulled his column and he was barred from speaking at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. It has been my lot in life to be criticized and even punished . . . for telling the truth, Gaffney said in a recent interview. But outside Washington, Gaffney has amassed a considerable following who know him through his speeches and Secure Freedom radio program. Both Gorka and his wife, Katharine, a counterterrorism analyst and a Trump political appointee in the Department of Homeland Security, have been regular guests on the show. Dire warnings from the likes of Gaffney, Gorka and many others seem to have had an effect on Americans view of Muslims. In the first years after the 9/11 attacks, about 25 percent of Republicans said they had an unfavorable view of Muslims, according to soon-to-be published research by Charles Kurzman, a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since 2012, the percentage of Republicans with negative views has been consistently more than 50 percent. Part of the reason for the increase is this campaign on the part of people like Gorka and Gaffney to inflate the terror threat, Kurzman said. Its troubling. Gaffney is still too controversial to land a job in the administration, but for the first time in nearly three decades, he has allies in the White House and real hopes, he said, that his ideas will finally be tested in the crucible of public policy. Chief among those allies is Gorka. Few in Washington noticed when Gorka began advising Trump and his ideas began showing up in the candidates speeches. Despite a best-selling book and numerous Fox News appearances, he existed outside the orbit of established national security experts. Just three days after Trumps election, Gorka addressed a cheering room of people who had helped pave his way to the halls of power. The audience consisted mostly of retirees who had gathered at the Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. They were Gorkas admirers: regular people, deeply afraid of terrorism and eager to listen to a man whose frightening insights would soon be receiving a hearing at the highest levels of the U.S. government. Im accused by many people of being the most serious man on television, Gorka said in his plummy British accent. Today, it might be a little different. I am in a different mood. Today, I am going to start with something a tad naughty. He moved through the crowd of people who had paid up to $1,500 to hear him speak. We are happy, right? We are happy, he said. There were nods and quiet applause as Gorka fished around in the pocket of his yellow blazer, searching for his remote. I am going to show a picture I am not meant to show usually, he said. He paused to draw out the suspense before pressing the remotes button. Up popped a photograph of a dead, bloodied brown-skinned man, lying on the ground next to an AK-47 assault rifle. The audience began to cheer first hesitantly and then with gusto. Gorkas booming voice filled the room. We can win now, he thundered. We can win! Gorkas former colleagues view his ascent with a mixture of surprise and alarm. Its quite staggering, said Ucko, Gorkas former teaching colleague. If you are a fan, you are enthralled. If not, its crazy to think we live in a time when hes wandering the halls of the West Wing and advising the president. It is surreal. At the Pentagon and the State Department, senior officials scrambled to figure out who he was and what his populist foreign policy views might mean for Americas approach to the Muslim world and counterterrorism. A few changes seem possible. Trump could boost support to strongmen such as Egypts Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, whom the president has hailed as a stalwart ally in the war against radical Islam. Gorka has described Sissi, criticized by human rights groups for his assault on political opponents, in particular the Muslim Brotherhood, as enlightened and a reformer. Trump could designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization a move that Gorka and his wife have long advocated. Such a designation would put the United States in direct conflict with the Middle Easts largest Islamist movement and its millions of followers. Gorkas high-profile role in the administrations earliest days suggests Trumps populist foreign policy instincts, at least for the moment, are ascendant. In the first hours after the troubled rollout of the presidents executive order on immigration and refugees, the White House dispatched Gorka to defend the move on Fox News. Within days, he was everywhere and loving it. Theres a new sheriff in town and his name is Donald Trump, he told CNN anchor Jake Tapper. On the BBC, he blasted the media for its absolutely fallacious coverage. On NPR, he insisted that even Iraqis were thankful for Trumps order, which banned them from entering the United States. Then he disparaged the thousands of protesters demonstrating at airports as the chattering classes . . . people totally disconnected from the reality of November 8. I find it quite amusing, sadly so, he said. The NPR host thanked him for his time. Its been a delight, Gorka replied, his voice brightening. The Washington Posts Julie Tate contributed to this report. WASHINGTON Hundreds of people blocked traffic and prompted rolling street closures as they marched in downtown Washington on Monday afternoon, waving signs and shouting slogans to protest President Donald Trumps policies. The throng walked from Dupont Circle to the White House, echoing demonstrations across the country timed to the Presidents Day holiday. There was a woman at her 20th protest since the inauguration, and a man at his first protest of his life. There was a man in a suit with a cowboy hat and an American flag draped over his shoulder like a cape, and a mother taking a selfie with her children while the crowd surged around them. Their messages scrawled on posters and typed on fliers ranged from concerns about attacks on scientific research and illegal immigration to the more generic Love Trumps Hate. People chanted Water is life, the slogan for environmental protests at Standing Rock, North Dakota and Black Lives Matter. Some had trouble listing all the reasons they were there. I detest Donald Trumps policies, said Steven Evans, 58, a teacher from Boston who was at his first protest. Marching was liberating, he said, as a woman driving by in a small Fiat beeped at a Honk if you want to impeach sign. A man with a megaphone in front of the White House who, like many Americans, wanted to support the new president, told them all to go home. Leave Trump alone! he said. But Maria Aragon stayed with her mother, who in her late 70s has begun protesting for the first time since the Vietnam War. I used to work in the Holocaust Museum, Aragon said, and Trump scares her. She hopes the rally, along with others Monday in Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and other places, will be the pebble in his shoe. The Washington Posts Luz Lazo contributed to this report. The U.S. Marshals Service added a woman suspected in the shooting death of an Albuquerque man last summer to their New Mexicos Most Wanted list. Antoinette Tone Martinez, 41, is charged with murder in the death of Larry Sanchez, 49. Sanchez was found shot to death on June 20 on Casa Feliz NE, a residential street near Wyoming and Academy NE. Police arrested two other suspects involved in the case last September. A police spokesman at the time said they believe Dakota Cook, 24, shot Sanchez. He is charged with murder. Another man, Joe Ray Newson, 27, is charged with receiving and transferring a stolen vehicle. An arrest warrant for Martinez was issued in late October, but it is unclear why she was only put on the most wanted list last week. A spokesman for the U.S. Marshals did not respond to calls or emails asking questions. According to a search warrant affidavit filed in the 2nd Judicial District Court, Sanchez had arranged to sell drugs to Tone the night he was killed. A friend told officers he had driven Sanchez to the Walmart near Wyoming and Academy to meet a girl, according to the affidavit. The friend told detectives Sanchez got out of his car and into another car. Then he said the car shook back and forth like there was a fight going on inside the car and he heard a gunshot. The car drove off, and the friend approached the cul-de-sac, where he saw Sanchez was dead. WASHINGTON President Trump confronts complicated problems as the investigation widens into Russias attack on our political system. But his responsibilities are simple: A month ago, he swore an oath that he would faithfully execute his office and preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. Thats apparently easier said than done. In a rambling press conference Thursday and his blizzard of tweets, Trump has dismissed inquiries into his campaigns contacts with Russia and denounced leakers as low-life and un-American. These statements seem more likely to confound ongoing investigations than faithfully execute his role as chief executive. Michael Flynns forced resignation as national security adviser last week, after concealing details of his contacts with a Russian diplomat, has been blurred by Trumps contradictory comments. So its worth going back to basics: Why was the U.S. expelling Russian spies at the time Flynn made his late December call to Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak? Why would Flynn have hidden for weeks that he talked with Kislyak about those anti-Russian sanctions, or have denied it to the FBI, as The Washington Post reported late Thursday? What would Trump have known about these issues? You dont need leaks of classified information to understand why Flynns dealings with an aggressive Russia were inappropriate. You just need to look at the public record. The seriousness of Russias assault on America first became clear on Oct. 7, when the intelligence community released a statement charging that Russias senior-most officials (meaning President Vladimir Putin) had launched a cyberattack intended to interfere with the U.S. election process. Intelligence officials had been briefing members of Congress about the Russian activities since the summer. Rep. Adam Schiff, the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, had pushed the White House since September to respond, to no avail. FBI Director James Comey, meanwhile, had decided against disclosing the bureaus own pre-election investigation of possible links between Russia and the Trump campaign. So on Election Day, the public wasnt aware of the growing belief among intelligence analysts that Russian hackers were trying to help Trump and hurt his rival, Hillary Clinton. That judgment was only shared many weeks after the election, in a Jan. 6 report that said Russia sought to denigrate Secretary Clinton and harm her electability and potential presidency and that the Kremlin developed a clear preference for Trump. President Obama finally took decisive action on Dec. 29, when he expelled 35 Russian intelligence operatives and closed two vacation compounds, on Long Island and Marylands Eastern Shore, which the Russians were using to collect signals intelligence. (The loss of those monitoring platforms may explain why a Russian spy ship carrying a forest of antennas sailed up the Delaware coast toward Connecticut last week.) Heres where the timeline gets intriguing: The White House said in a Dec. 29 conference call with reporters that Obama had informed Trump about the impending sanctions on Dec. 28, one of the days when Flynn communicated with Kislyak, according to the Trump team. (U.S. officials told me a call took place Dec. 29.) Hours after the expulsion was announced, Trump issued a bland statement: Its time for our country to move onto bigger and better things. We now know that Flynn promised Kislyak that Trump would review the U.S reprisals a fact Flynn withheld from Vice President Pence and the public for weeks. Flynn finally shared his version Monday with the conservative Daily Caller, the day he was fired. He said his conversation with Kislyak was about the 35 guys who were thrown out. It was basically, Look, I know this happened. Well review everything.' Flynns promise to review the case evidently encouraged Putin to forgo the usual tit-for-tat retaliation, despite an initial Kremlin statement that there was no alternative to reciprocal measures. On Dec. 30, Putin said that rather than taking immediate countermeasures, he would instead seek to restore Russian-U.S. relations based on the policies of the Trump administration. Trump tweeted later that day: Great move on delay (by V. Putin) always knew he was very smart! Given the magnitude of Russias cyberattack on America, it remains puzzling that Flynn and Trump were so cavalier about the U.S. governments attempt to hold Moscow accountable. Thats one reason investigators keep asking what contacts the Trump team had with Russia before the election. Trump said Thursday there hadnt been any. Yet Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Nov. 10: Obviously, we know most of the people from [Trumps] entourage. The FBI and the Senate Intelligence Committee are investigating the scope of Russias pro-Trump activities. Inevitably, there will be leaks, but that issue is a red herring. For all Trumps talk about fake news, the country needs answers. Email: davidignatius@washpost.com. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group. College students who have ever transferred from one university to another know the nightmare of having credits earned by passing a class at your former school not being accepted at your new university even though the class content was nearly identical. And the closer you are to earning that coveted degree, the more difficult it can be to find and schedule the course you need. Thats why bills like House Bill 108 and its companion, Senate Bill 103, are so important to New Mexico students working toward their degrees. The bipartisan bills, introduced by two teachers, Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richard, D-Los Alamos, and Sen. Gay Kernan, R-Hobbs, make the transferring of college credits between state universities easier without compromising on what students are expected to learn. The bills direct the New Mexico Higher Education Department to establish a common course naming and numbering system so students can more readily identify courses as substantially equivalent and more easily transfer credits from one college to another. The bills also charge the department with verifying that the content of each course is comparable across institutions offering that course, developing a statewide general education core curriculum, maintaining and updating the core curriculum, and reviewing and approving future proposed requirements. Acting University of New Mexico President Chaouki Abdallah, who recently updated UNM regents on the bills, said the New Mexico Council of University Presidents, of which he is a member, supports the bills. By removing obstacles for students transferring, say, from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales to UNM, legislators are encouraging them to keep moving forward with their education. The sentiment behind these bills deserves an A, and they should get a P in their chambers for pass. This editorial first appeared in the Albuquerque Journal. It was written by members of the editorial board and is unsigned as it represents the opinion of the newspaper rather than the writers. SANTA FE The president of the Santa Fe police officers union is being investigated for possible violations of police department policy for highly charged posts on his personal Facebook page about the NAACP, Muslims, immigration and other topics, Santa Fe Police Chief Patrick Gallagher confirmed Monday. Gallagher said a reporter with the Santa Fe Reporter weekly newspaper called him Monday morning to ask what he thought about memes Sgt. Troy Baker, head of the Santa Fe Police Officers Association, had posted as far back as 2015. Gallagher said he asked for an internal affairs investigation of Baker after seeing screenshots of the posts. Do these posts violate the rules governing off-duty conduct? Thats why we started to investigate, Gallagher said. The posts could not be found on Bakers page Monday evening, but the Reporter posted screenshots of the memes to its own website. One Baker post from July 11, 2015, that has a Confederate flag flying in the background reads: Now lets eliminate the N.A.A.C.P. which in name alone is racist as is its purpose! There is no room in this country for a separate race to have a membership where holding an office requires that you be black. A meme from July 30 said, Hillary had the mothers of a bunch of thugs speak at the DNC. Didnt see any fathers tho. The mothers of African-Americans who were gunned down by police, died in police custody or were killed by gun violence including the mothers of Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and Eric Garner spoke at the Democratic National Convention last summer. Other posts are aimed at Islam and refugees from mostly Islamic countries. Lets discuss what Islam has to offer, a post from Oct. 27, 2015 says, before listing things like rape, beheadings, female genital mutilation, oppression of women and paedophilia. A meme Baker posted Feb. 1 read, All lives splatter. Nobody cares about your protest. Moral of the story stay off the road!! The post is a play on the banner of the Black Lives Matter movement and appears to refer to a recent legislative proposals in North Dakota, where protesters have tried to block construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, and elsewhere that would provide legal protection to drivers who run over protesters blocking the road. Gallagher said that while Baker has the right to free speech, the views expressed in the Facebook memes should not be considered reflective of the views of other officers. This does not in any way represent the position of the Santa Fe Police Department, Gallagher said. Gallagher said Baker has not been placed on leave pending the investigation. Baker did not return a phone call to his cellphone late Monday. Baker and officer Steve Cosban were fired by then-Police Chief Ray Rael in July 2011 after Rael contended that they falsified reports of a take-down of a man they arrested in a Wal-Mart parking lot in March 2010. That decision was overturned by an arbitrator five months later and Baker instead served a three-week suspension for violating arrest and use-of-force procedures. WHITTIER, Calif. It began as a routine police call to a rear-end collision, the sort of traffic accident that happens every day in Southern California. It ended in tragedy, with one Whittier police officer dead and another wounded. The officers didnt know when they approached the accident scene about 8 a.m. Monday that one of the drivers a 26-year-old man, released on parole less than two weeks ago was in stolen car and suspected of killing another man hours earlier in East Los Angeles, authorities said. As the man got out of the silver car and officers moved to pat him down, he pulled a semiautomatic handgun from his waistband and shot them at close range. The officers, both wearing bulletproof vests, returned fire. But Keith Boyer, 53, a 27-year department veteran, was killed. Patrick Hazell, a young officer hired three years ago, was wounded and hospitalized in stable condition. Whittier Police Chief Jeff Piper broke down in tears as he paid tribute to Boyer, who became the first officer from the department to be killed in the line of duty in 37 years. Piper said Boyer was a close friend and beloved officer who was close to retirement. He was the best of the best, Piper said. Alongside the outpouring of grief, however, was a display of anger, as Piper and other law enforcement officials blamed the slaying on new laws designed to reduce incarcerations in California. We need to wake up. Enough is enough, Piper said. This is a senseless, senseless tragedy that did not need to be. Police said the suspect, whose name has not been made public, was released from custody early, but they did not provide details on his criminal history or why he was released. Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell pointed to three measures enacted in the last seven years Propositions 47 and 57, and Assembly Bill 109 that he said have led to the release of too many criminals without creating a proper safety net of mental health, drug rehabilitation and other services. Were putting people back on the street that arent ready to be back on the street, McDonnell said. He said the county jail system he runs, the largest in the nation, has become a default state prison. Sheriffs officials have long criticized Proposition 47, which was approved by voters in 2014 and downgraded some drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. They say AB 109 which moved state prisoners to local lockups has pushed lower-level offenders out of custody onto the streets, giving them little deterrent against committing new crimes. Proposition 57, which passed last year, changed Californias three strikes rule and made sentencing more flexible, allowing some prisoners who wouldnt normally have been eligible for early parole to be considered for release. Authorities described the suspect in Mondays shooting as a known Los Angeles gang member. Hours before his run-in with Whittier police, he is suspected of fatally shooting a man who may have been a relative and stealing his car in East Los Angeles. Further details of that killing were not released. After the suspect collided with a vehicle near Colima Road and Mar Vista Street, he asked the other driver for help pushing his car off to the side of the road. The suspect then asked for a ride from the people whose vehicle he hit, but they refused, wary of a man with tattoos on his neck and face. When three officers arrived at the accident scene, they believed they were helping an injured motorist. Instead, McDonnell said, they end up in a gunfight for their lives. Police did not release many details of the firefight, but a police vehicle was seen with its windows shot out. Boyer and Hazell were taken to the University of California, Irvine Medical Center, where Boyer was pronounced dead. The suspect was taken to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center. His condition is unknown, but hes expected to survive. Piper said he and others were devastated by the death of Boyer, who was known for his friendly disposition and willingness to lend help and advice. He leaves behind two adult sons, according to the department. Boyer joined the department in 1989 as a jailer and dispatcher before becoming an officer in 1990. One of his pastimes was performing as a drummer with Mrs. Jones Revenge, a classic-rock tribute band in Temecula that played at wineries and weddings. Band leader Jeff McNeal said drumming was probably a nice release for him, with the kind of high-stress work he does. Boyers skills elevated the band, said McNeal, 57, calling him probably the easiest guy in the whole band. Always willing to play. He loved the music. It was his passion. Mondays shooting marked the third time a Whittier police officer had been slain in the line of duty in the departments 100-year history. The Police Department has about 128 sworn officers who patrol the cities of Whittier and Santa Fe Springs in southeastern Los Angeles County. This is a very sad day for our officers, the families involved, the Whittier Police Department and our community, said Mayor Joe Vinatieri. But were pulling together. And were going to take care of these families, and were going to take care of this Police Department. A procession of police vehicles traveled from UC Irvine Medical Center, accompanying Boyers body to the Orange County coroners office. Their cars were greeted by law enforcement officers and firefighters who saluted as the vehicles drove by, some wiping away tears. In the evening, the city held a vigil outside the Whittier Police Department. A crowd of about 1,000 police officers and other mourners overflowed onto the sidewalks of civic center, standing silently and holding candles while an enormous American flag hung from a fire truck. A framed photo of Boyer was placed in front of the memorial for the two other Whittier officers killed decades ago. (Times staff writers Maya Lau and Ruben Vives contributed to this report.) A bill aimed at keeping the birth control provisions of the Affordable Care Act available under state laws passed its first legislative committee this week. House Bill 284 would require insurance companies to provide coverage for Food and Drug Administration-approved contraceptive prescription medications, clinical services and long-acting birth control devices without cost-sharing. Those benefits have been available since 2012 under the Affordable Care Act, which Congressional Republicans have said they plan to repeal. We are aiming to solidify and protect in New Mexico laws the full access to contraceptive protection in all forms now provided under the ACA, said Rep. Deborah Armstrong, D-Albuquerque, who sponsored the bill along with Reps. Patricia Roybal Caballero, Joanne Ferrary, Christine Trujillo and Linda Trujillo, all Democrats. The House Health and Human Services committee approved the bill on a 5 to 1 vote on Wednesday. It is now headed to the House Judiciary Committee. In a fiscal impact report on the bill, the state Department of Health calculated that nearly 300,000 women in New Mexico could be at risk of unintended pregnancies,which increase the risk for poor maternal and infant outcomes. Armstrong pointed out that the bill would also expand on the current federal law by enabling women to get insurance coverage for 12-month contraceptive prescriptions. The state Health Department said in the impact report that there is evidence that providing a 12-month supply of contraceptive is cost-effective and that shorter durations of prescription availability contribute to a higher rate of unwanted pregnancies. Concerns that current access to contraceptives may go away if the Affordable Care Act is repealed appears to be driving many women to obtain long-acting birth control intrauterine devices that can provide pregnancy prevention for up to 10 years. The devices, which can cost up to $1,000, are available free or at low cost under the ACA and to women with Medicaid coverage. Planned Parenthood nationally has seen a 900 percent increase in IUD appointments since the election. Its significant, said Whitney Phillips, communications director for Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, which oversees Colorado, New Mexico, southern Nevada and Wyoming. The fiscal impact report noted that the bill referred to services for device insertion and removal but did not specify that the cost of the devices would be covered. If passed, the bill would maintain ACA contraceptive benefits through changes to the state Health Care Purchasing Act, the New Mexico Insurance Code, the Health Maintenance Organization law and the Public Assistance Act. The bill does allow religious entities to exclude insurance coverage for contraceptive drugs or devices from their policies. SANTA FE A proposal aimed at improving conditions inside boardinghouses like the kind that accept ex-psychiatric patients won overwhelming support in the House and now heads to the Senate. The measure, sponsored by Rep. Deborah Armstrong, D-Albuquerque, would impose a licensing system to identify boardinghouses and allow local governments to adopt standards for living conditions. The bill won approval 65-0 late Monday. A Journal investigation last year found crowded conditions, amid other concerns, in some boardinghouses. GUN SENSE: Former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is coming to Santa Fe this week to launch a new state-level coalition aimed at curbing gun violence. The group, to be called New Mexicans for Common Sense, will feature prosecutors, educators and more, though few details were released Monday about how it will function. Giffords, an Arizona Democrat, was shot in the head in January 2011 at a constituent event. She survived the shooting but did not seek re-election in 2012. Since then, Giffords and her husband have founded Americans for Responsible Solutions, a nonprofit group that supports expanding background checks for firearm purchases. New Mexico lawmakers have been engaged in a fierce debate over background check legislation during the ongoing 60-day session. House and Senate bills to expand background check requirements have been met by opposition from the National Rifle Association and most sheriffs around the state. CONFIRMED: Two Cabinet-level appointees were confirmed Monday by the Senate without dissent. Environment Department Secretary Butch Tongate was confirmed 41-0. He was appointed to the job by Gov. Susana Martinez in September, after former agency head Ryan Flynn stepped down. A longtime Environment Department employee, Tongate has also worked as a division director and deputy secretary. Also on Monday, Public Safety Secretary Scott Weaver was confirmed by the Senate 40-0. Weaver is a former New Mexico State Police officer who was appointed in March to succeed former DPS Secretary Greg Fouratt. Both Weaver and Tongate are making annual salaries of $125,000 as Cabinet secretaries. ELECTIONS: A proposal heading to the House floor would require cities, school districts and other nonpartisan local entities to hold their elections on the same day in November of odd-numbered years. The goal is to boost voter turnout by avoiding a series of smaller elections over the course of the year. Under the bill, Albuquerque, for example, would move its traditional October municipal election to November, and voters that day would also pick school board members and handle other nonpartisan offices. If no one gets a majority of the vote for, say, mayor, then a runoff election with the top two candidates would follow in December. The new officials would take office in January. The bill would go into effect for the 2019 elections. House Bill 174 is sponsored by Republican Reps. James Smith of Albuquerque and Paul Bandy of Aztec and Democratic Sen. Daniel Ivey-Soto of Albuquerque. TESTING: The House approved two education bills Monday. Members voted 41-28 in favor of limiting the amount of time students spend taking statewide standardized tests and 64-3 in favor of a bill allowing teachers to take up to 10 days of sick leave without affecting their annual evaluations. A bill that would provide funds to keep New Mexico jury trials going through the end of the states budget year is one step closer to Gov. Susana Martinezs desk. The Senate voted 38-2 Monday in favor of the emergency funding bill, which would provide $1.6 million to the states court system so that jury trials could be held through June. Its too important not to fund juries, said Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth, D-Santa Fe. The issue of court funding has emerged as a political hot potato during this years 60-day session, as Martinez has already vetoed two previous proposals due to concerns over dollar amounts. The Board of Finance earlier this month signed off on up to $600,000 in emergency funds, but thats only expected to keep jury trials going through mid-April. Because the Senate made changes to it, House Bill 261 must go back to the House for final approval before reaching the governors desk. The police on Tuesday finally arrested the principal, general manager and 2 other school staff under Section 188 of the IPC. By Nolan Pinto: Four school management staff have been booked under Section 188 of the IPC for failing to follow the state government rules on not letting men accompany children to the washroom. After many parents gathered at the nursery school located in Belladur on Monday evening demanding the principal be arrested for criminal negligence in the case of a three-and-a-half-year old being sexually assaulted on Friday. advertisement Developments so far: 1. The police on Tuesday finally arrested the principal, general manager and 2 other school staff under Section 188 of the IPC. The arrests took place after parents questioned the police for allegedly shielding the school management. 2. Senior Congress leader VS Ugrappa, MLC and Chairman, Expert Committee on Prevention of Sexual Violence against Women and Children along with Whitefield DCP Narayana M visited the school and met the protesting parents. Ugrappa assured the agitated parents that all proper procedures will be followed by the police and urged other parents present there to add their complaints to the main FIR. 3. Extra police personnel were deployed around the school to make sure that things did not get ugly. Senior police officers who spoke to India Today on the condition of anonymity said that after what transpired on Monday evening when the parents corned the principal, they did not want to take any chance today. The parents on the other hand said that they were not thugs and goons but were here because their children have been affected and they wanted justice. Also read: Bengaluru: 3-yr-old sexually assaulted by school staffer, arrested 4. The mother of the minor speaking exclusively to India Today said that she was happy with how the police took action immediately today when they filed a complaint. But when they got to know that more than 40 children were also allegedly complaining of being sexually assaulted, that is when they decided that the school management be taken to task. 5. "What we need to know is what sort of action will the police take against the school management now," she asked adding, "Additional Commissioner of Police (East) Hemanth Nimbalkar has assured us of action and we are hopeful that our perception of the police doing a proper job remains the same." 6. The police last night had made the parents sit at the Marathahalli Police Station till after 11 pm with many senior officers speaking to them. 7. However, even though action has been taken, most of the parents are in a state of shock. Also read: Tamil Nadu: Amid political tussle, 2 minors sexually assaulted, murdered in Chennai --- ENDS --- Copyright 2017 Albuquerque Journal Bernalillo County commissioners will begin discussions today on a proposal that would increase by an estimated $30 million a year the gross receipts taxes that people pay for most goods and services purchased in the county. If enacted, the proposal would boost the countys tax rate on gross receipts a tax similar to a sales tax by three-sixteenths of 1 percent on each purchase starting July 1. Revenue would be used for general county operations. It comes less than two years after the county raised the gross receipts tax an identical amount. The new tax would cost nearly 19 cents on a $100 purchase. The proposed tax increase would not require voter approval. Commissioners have authority under state law to approve such a tax without a public vote. The earliest commissioners could approve the proposed tax increase would be at their March 28 meeting. Commissioners today will consider only a notice of intent to impose it. The tax increase is being proposed by county administrators to cover the costs of county operations without further spending down the general fund balance. County Commissioner Wayne Johnson, said Monday the proposal demonstrates that Bernalillo County lacks adequate control over spending. The county has an operating budget of nearly $250 million a year. What we have not done is get (spending) under control, and that what this tax increase is really admitting, Johnson said. Instead, the county for years has drawn down its fund balance to cover recurring costs, such as salaries and benefits, he said. Budget records show that the countys general fund balance peaked at $207 million in 2012 and dwindled to $131 million in 2016. Several problems have contributed to the countys budget woes in recent years, including a $17 million loss in its investment portfolio and the high cost of housing inmates in other counties to comply with a court-ordered cap at the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. Bernalillo County last raised its gross receipts tax rate in 2015 by three-sixteenths of a percent, an amount identical to the proposed increase. The 2015 increase included a one-eighth percent gross receipts tax earmarked for mental health and substance abuse treatment. The proposed tax increase consists of two separate hikes, both of which would start at the same time. The first would impose a one-eighth percent increase that would raise an estimated $20 million a year. That increase is authorized under state law to compensate cities and counties for revenue lost when the state exempted gross receipts taxes on food and medicine. The second portion of the proposal would reimpose a one-sixteenth percent gross receipts tax that was repealed by the Bernalillo County Commission in 2015. Restoring that amount would raise an estimated $10 million a year. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are considering a sweeping proposal to overhaul New Mexicos gross receipts tax by getting rid of most exemptions and lowering base rates. SANTA FE Mayor Javier Gonzales controversial proposal to place a two-cent-per-ounce tax on sugar-sweetened beverages to fund early childhood education programs in the city was passed by the Public Works Committee on Monday, but some members of the panel found the idea a little too tart. Councilor Ron Trujillo was the only member of the five-member committee to cast a no vote. He called it another initiative that divides the community, but thats not why he voted against it. Theres a lot of things that still need to be answered, he said. Like how much will it cost to pay a city employee and a third-party collection company to collect the tax? And, Whats next? he asked. A tax on salt? Even if the proposal gets the support of the City Council next month, it will be up to voters to decide whether to impose the tax, expected to generate about $7.2 million annually to fund the program. The mayor said the purpose of the tax is to provide for programs that would allow approximately 1,000 children ages 3 and 4 in the community access to early childhood education. Many of them are from low-income families who cannot afford to pay the $900 to $1,400 per month to put a child in a program. Councilor Joseph Maestas abstained from the vote, partly because he, too, still had unanswered questions. Since the funding would be distributed to mostly nonprofit organizations that operate or support early childhood education programs, he wasnt sure how the city could get around the anti-donation clause because it would be public money allocated to private groups. He also questioned whether it should be city government leading the effort, saying early childhood education was not a core function of the city. He was also concerned about the long-term sustainability of a tax that has the potential to max out right from the get-go. The two-cent-per-ounce tax would actually be placed on the distributors of sugary drinks, but retailers are expected to raise prices in turn. That could lead to a decline in sales, thus a decline in revenue to support the program. Gonzales said a financial analysis and a survey of other cities that have imposed a similar tax indicated that consumers end up paying only a portion of the tax. The proposed ordinance passed with an amendment from the mayor that specifies the tax only would apply to beverages with more than 5 grams of sugar per 12 ounce serving. Councilors Peter Ives, Renee Villarreal and Chris Rivera voted in favor of the proposed ordinance. The vote came after a public hearing at which most of the speakers supported the proposal. Among them were representatives of the United Way of Santa Fe County, teachers and doctors, who spoke of the negative health effects of sugar consumption. Some of those opposed to the idea said it would hurt small businesses and were skeptical about how the program would be implemented. A vote on an accompanying resolution setting guidelines for the early childhood initiative passed unanimously. Both the proposed ordinance and the resolution will be considered by the Finance Committee on Feb. 27, at which time another public hearing will be held. The public will also have a chance to provide input when the matter comes before the City Council on March 8. The message is the same, though the venue has changed, and the tone is way different. And the move of actor Shia LaBeoufs He Will Not Divide Us project to Albuquerque is certainly drawing national attention. TMZ posted a video mocking a few locals, saying it showed that people are much more laid back, even while protesting, in New Mexico. On Monday, small groups of visitors ebbed and flowed to the side of the Historic El Rey Theater on Central and Seventh to view LaBeoufs installation. Someone watching the live stream ordered pizza for them; another offered to buy coffee. Nearly two weeks ago, the installation was shut down by the Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, N.Y., due to its being a serious and ongoing safety hazard for visitors, staff, local residents and businesses. There had been numerous shouting and shoving matches in New York, which resulted in police patrols there. In Albuquerque, some stayed at the site for hours, others dropped in, took a picture and quickly sped off. Its clear that it has quickly become a common ground for dialogue. Organizers say the project moved from New York to the Duke City on Saturday because of its cultural diversity. The project is produced by LaBeouf, Nastja Sade Ronkko and Luke Turner and is streamed live at www.hewillnotdivide.us. The plan is to stream content continuously for four years, or the duration of the current presidency. Those who visited on Monday had different reasons for being there. T.J. Muniz got up early and made the more than four-hour drive from Silver City. Art installations, they bring art to the people, he said. What people dont realize is there is a common ground. I wanted to see it for myself because it has gotten so much attention. Ephraim Colbert, of San Francisco, stood for hours to bring awareness of the death of Juan Carlos Romero. Romero, a University of New Mexico graduate student, was shot to death on the sidewalk across from the campus on Feb. 7. Colbert held signs that read, UNM campus area security is not a priority. For a city that is used to public art, some here say LaBeoufs installation is working. Suzanne Sbarge, executive director of 516 Arts in Downtown, said her organization has done a lot of public mural projects in the area. She finds that experiencing arts outdoors in the public realm is something that people respond to positively. Its a populist way of engaging in art, she said. You dont have to know anything about it, or pay for it or go to another venue to see it. Sbarge said the public responds to getting art in their daily lives. Though she hasnt seen the installation, she said experiencing art in an unexpected way always draws attention. It seems spontaneous, she said. Im all for artists coming into the local community and mix the local art community with a larger scale. Meanwhile, Justin Cox and Sylvester Padilla both showed up for two straight days. What they found was common ground. Cox, a transplant from South Carolina who supports President Donald Trump, and Padilla, an Albuquerque native, got into a heated discussion Sunday. Both men were grateful to have the opportunity to speak with each other and share their views. There is a lot of frustration, Padilla said. The installation gives us an opportunity to speak our minds. Cox said that by being at the installation he wanted to simply say that nobody will divide us. Were all here together, Cox said. This art piece has started a lot of conversations. Its doing its job. The sacking of Michael Flynn as national security adviser has intensified the frenzy over possible Russian interference in the election. The New York Times published an editorial comparing the Flynn imbroglio to Watergate, expressing shock and incredulity that Trump campaign officials were in contact with Russian intelligence officials, demanding a congressional investigation of whether people at the highest levels of the United States government have aided and abetted the interests of a nation that has tried to thwart American foreign policy since the Cold War. President Donald Trump, of course, scorns the charges as a ruse and ridiculous. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., called an emergency meeting of Democrats to plan how to spotlight the issue. When Washington heads into one of these feeding frenzies, judgment is often the first casualty. Its worth remembering what is at stake. After the election, we learned that the CIA and the FBI with the more tentative agreement of other intelligence agencies concluded that Russian intelligence officials ran a covert operation that hacked into and leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign chair John Podesta, with the purpose of hurting Clinton. Upon reviewing the still-secret report, President Barack Obama, after affirming the results of the election, punished the Russians, expelling 35 suspected Russian intelligence operatives and imposing other restrictions. To date, the evidence released publicly for this explosive charge in the Office of the Director of National Intelligences Jan. 6 report is so threadbare that the Times conceded that it contained no information about how the agencies had collected their data or had come to their conclusions. Clearly, an independent commission should be created to report on what was done and what should be done to protect against it in the future. It is shameful that Republicans in the Congress have chosen to block this effort. The sacking of Flynn also raises fundamental concerns. According to intelligence agency leaks, intercepted conversations between Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and Flynn, then the incoming national security adviser for President-elect Trump, suggest that Flynn may have urged the Russians not to overreact to the Obama sanctions. Putin chose not to respond in a traditional tit for tat. According to the leaks, intelligence agencies went to acting attorney general Sally Q.Yates with concerns that Flynn might be subject to Russian blackmail. She took those concerns to Trump. Weeks later, Flynn was fired for misleading Vice President Pence, among others,about the substance of his conversations. But the Times editorial board and others suggest that mere contact with Russian officials is somehow nefarious, if not criminal and that to suggest better relations are in the offing with a new president is virtual treason. This is simply bizarre. Trump spoke positively of Russian President Vladimir Putin throughout the campaign, stating he would seek to enlist Russia in the fight against the Islamic State. If Flynn was reassuring the Russian ambassador that Obamas sanctions wouldnt dissuade Trump, he was doing what any national security adviser might do for a president-elect. Flynn is as anyone reading his writings would discover unfit to head the National Security Council. But talking to the Russian ambassador or to purported Russian intelligence officials about the intentions of the incoming president is hardly subversive. What should be of concern is the leaking of officially classified and intercepted telephone conversations in what was clearly a successful effort to target and take out Flynn. That Trump has railed against the intelligence leaks should not discredit this concern. The intelligence communitys use of leaks of secret information to undermine a president constitutionally elected by the American people no matter how unfit we consider him to be is an ominous precedent. Trumps expressed hope for cooperating with Russia raised significant alarm at high levels of the national security establishment. The exaggerated Russian threat helps justify bloated military budgets and unify increasingly fractious allies. As Robert Hunter, the former U.S. ambassador to NATO, recently observed: Allegations of Russian interference in the U.S. election campaign become a tool to limit, if not cripple, President Trumps attempts to change the downward course of U.S. and Western relations with Russia. Sadly, common sense is getting lost in the frenzy. Clinton supporters inflate the importance of the purported Russian hacks to excuse her painful defeat. Democrats see the scandal as a way to undermine Trump. In the targeting of Trump, too many liberals have joined in fanning a neo-McCarthyite furor, working to discredit those who seek to deescalate U.S.-Russian tensions, and dismissing anyone expressing doubts about the charges of hacking or collusion as a Putin apologist. But, as the Nation has editorialized, skepticism isnt treason; instead its essential to establishing the truth. In fact, better relations with Russia are in our national interest. Cooperation on nuclear proliferation, arms control, terrorism and other issues is vital to our security. Consolidating a zone of peace in Europe cannot happen without Russian engagement. As a leading oil producer, Russia must be part of the global effort to address climate change. Increasingly dangerous steps between two nuclear powers a Russian spy ship off our coast, near misses of planes over Syria, provocative NATO exercises on the Russian border could easily spiral out of control. Foreign interference in U.S. elections is unacceptable. Leaks of secret intelligence to discredit an elected president are bad precedent. We need an independent investigation that reports publicly on what happened and what steps are necessary to protect against both. What we dont need is a replay of Cold War hysteria that cuts off debate, slanders skeptics and undermines any effort to explore areas of agreement with Russia in our own national interest. Vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher of the Nation magazine, writes a weekly online column for The Post. Sweeping new immigration policies issued by the Trump administration expand the governments ability to detain and deport millions of undocumented immigrants, which portends a sea change in enforcement, especially in border states such as New Mexico. In two memos dated Feb. 20 and posted to the Department of Homeland Security website, Secretary John Kelly said the government will target any unauthorized immigrant suspected of, charged with or convicted of a criminal offense and not limit enforcement to violent criminals and unlawful border crossers, as has been the case in recent years. Criminal aliens have demonstrated their disregard for the rule of law and pose a threat to persons residing in the United States, Kelly said in the memo. Crossing the border illegally itself is a federal crime. Overstaying a visa is a civil offense. The memo also prioritizes those who have misrepresented themselves to a government agency, abused public benefits programs or are judged by immigration authorities to pose a risk to public safety or national security. It could put millions of undocumented people here at risk, said Maureen Meyer, senior associate for migrant rights at the Washington Office on Latin America, a think tank that advocates for immigrant rights. It will likely separate families, particularly families of mixed immigration status. Anybody here without the right papers could be fair game. A spokesman for Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican, said the governor has always said we need to strengthen our border, and that includes enforcing federal law. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., slammed the new guidelines, saying they amount to a plan to begin mass deportations and are unrealistic, inhumane, bad for the economy and an extremely inefficient use of already thin resources. Dreamers exempt Exempted from the new enforcement priorities are those young immigrants known as dreamers who were protected by an executive order by then-President Barack Obama known as the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, or DACA. More than 10,500 New Mexicans are protected under the program, and nearly 750,000 immigrants are covered by DACA nationwide. President Donald Trump vowed to make tougher immigration enforcement a keystone of his administration. Kellys two memos serve as practical guidelines to the presidents recent executive orders on border security and immigration. DHS officials, speaking anonymously in a call with reporters, sought to calm fears on Tuesday. We do not need a sense of panic in the communities, an official told The Washington Post. We do not have the personnel, time or resources to go into communities and round up people and do all kinds of mass throwing folks on buses. This is not intended to produce mass roundups, mass deportations. But Vicki Gaubeca, executive director of the ACLUs Regional Center for Border Rights in Las Cruces, said, Im not sure how they can say that and allay the concerns of the public. Because the potential for that is there (in the new guidance). What kind of protections are they putting in place, instead of just words? If they want to allay fears, they should be very clear what those protections are. Local cooperation In a provision that is likely to generate significant debate from Santa Fe to Las Cruces, Kelly directed federal agencies to partner with local law enforcement to authorize qualified officers to perform the functions of an immigration officer. Counties statewide have for several years strictly limited local law enforcements ability to work with federal immigration authorities, in part because of legal liabilities associated with doing so as well as to encourage undocumented residents to report crimes. Police, sheriffs deputies and jails in New Mexico often cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement concerning individuals who are felons or are charged with violent or serious crimes, including drug trafficking. But most local agencies restrict their officers from inquiring about immigration status during routine stops. Another provision in the memos authorizes the use of expedited removal nationwide a practice previously restricted to a zone within 100 miles of the border, which doesnt include Albuquerque. Under expedited removal, immigration officers may remove without further hearing or review any immigrant who they determine to be inadmissable under U.S. law. U.S. Border Patrol apprehended more than 408,000 unlawful immigrants near the Southwest border in fiscal 2016, up 23 percent from the prior year but well below the million-plus apprehensions of a decade ago. Illegal immigration, especially from Mexico, has plummeted over the past 10 years. More often, migrants are arriving at the Southwest border from Central America, Brazil and other countries. Many of them are fleeing extreme violence and poverty and have made claims of credible fear, a precursor to applying for asylum. The memos keep policies in place to interview recent arrivals for credible fear but also tighten guidance on who can be released into the country while awaiting a court hearing. Most immigrants will be detained, according to the memos. Increased detention The memos state that lawful detention of aliens is the most efficient means by which to enforce the immigration laws at our borders. Policies that facilitate the release of removable aliens apprehended at and between the ports of entry, which allow them to abscond and fail to appear at their removal hearings, undermine the border security mission, the memo says. Such policies, collectively referred to as catch-and-release, shall end. New Mexico has at least three detention facilities specifically designated to hold undocumented immigrants, one each in Torrance, Cibola and Otero counties. Together the facilities include at least 2,000 beds. Additionally, the U.S. Marshals contract on behalf of other federal agencies for detention space in Hidalgo, Luna and Dona Ana county jails on the border; many detainees there are recent border crossers who are charged with felony illegal entry or re-entry and are awaiting sentencing at federal court in Las Cruces. The message has been made clear that the new policies are detention-centric, said Olsi Vrapi, an Albuquerque immigration attorney. We are seeing in practice already that our clients who would have gotten bond three weeks ago are now being denied bond. The memo hinges the expanded detention authority on the governments establishing new detention centers and a plan with the Department of Justice to surge the deployment of immigration judges and asylum officers. The nations immigration courts are overwhelmed with a backlog of more than 534,000 pending cases, according to the memo. Supporting the effort I think that the restoration of serious no-nonsense immigration enforcement is the only thing that is going to make it possible for immigration reform in the future, said Jessica Vaughan, director for policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, a think tank that advocates stricter immigration enforcement. The main reason that amnesty proposals failed in the past is because people didnt have any faith that the laws were going to be enforced. Deportations by ICE reached a peak during the Obama administration, with nearly 410,000 in fiscal 2008. Nearly 3 million unauthorized immigrants were removed by ICE during the Obama years, although the pace slowed considerably during the last two years of his administration. To facilitate increased enforcement, Kellys memos authorize ICE to hire 10,000 new officers and Border Patrol to hire 5,000 new agents. Kelly also echoes Trumps executive order by calling for the immediate planning, design, construction and maintenance of a wall at the southern border. The memos do not specify how much implementing the new policies will cost or how DHS intends to pay for its expanded enforcement plans. SANTA FE A bill that would bar New Mexico state land from being used to facilitate the building of a controversial border wall sparked a wide-ranging debate Tuesday on wildlife corridors, stolen vehicles and illicit drug use before being approved by a party-line vote. The next stop for the legislation, House Bill 292, will be the House floor after the 5-4 vote in the House State Government, Indian and Veterans Affairs Committee. Democratic lawmakers on the panel voted in favor of the bill, which was prompted by President Donald Trumps border wall plan. If we dont stand up on something as big as this, then what are we here for? asked Rep. Derrick Lente, D-Sandia Pueblo. But Republican committee members questioned the states ability to halt a federal government initiative, calling the legislation misguided and unenforceable. The federal government is just going to go ahead and condemn the land, said Rep. Bill Rehm, R-Albuquerque. In New Mexico, there are more than 22 miles of state-owned land and mineral rights within 600 feet of the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the State Land Office. State Land Commissioner Aubrey Dunn, a Republican, has proposed a land swap to the Trump administration in which state trust lands and mineral rights within three miles of the border would be exchanged for federally owned land in southern New Mexico. The State Land Offices acting general counsel, Jack Sullivan, said during Tuesdays hearing that approach is better than the proposed bill, since the state has limited ability to stop the federal process of eminent domain. He also referenced a 1907 proclamation by then-President Theodore Roosevelt that created a 60-foot strip of land on the United States side of the U.S.-Mexico border which some have described as a public reservation as another legal consideration. But Rep. Javier Martinez, D-Albuquerque, one of the bills co-sponsors, said the legislation would make it more difficult for the federal government to seize the land needed to build the border wall. He described the proposed border wall as a very, very expensive distraction, as some estimates have pegged its construction cost at as high as $15 billion. Representatives from several environmental groups also spoke in favor of the measure, saying a border wall could block migration paths for jaguars, ocelots and other animals. Meanwhile, Rep. Bill McCamley, D-Mesilla Park, another co-sponsor of the bill, said construction of a new border wall would hurt New Mexicos trade efforts with Mexico. The states exports to Mexico totaled nearly $1.6 billion last year. We need to work toward building a 21st-century economy, McCamley said, calling border walls and moats a 12th-century approach. WASHINGTON A Capitol Hill controversy over a student painting portraying police and protesters as animals moved to the federal courts Tuesday when a Missouri congressman said its removal from the U.S. Capitol walls violated the young artists right to free speech. Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-Mo., and Missouri student David Pulphus said in a 19-page lawsuit in Washington that the Architect of the Capitol violated Pulphus First Amendment rights in bowing to overt political pressure from House Republicans to remove the work Jan. 17 after it had been displayed for seven months. Pulphus said the painting, one of more than 400 works by winners of a national student art contest from each congressional district, was inspired by the 2014 civil unrest in Ferguson, Mo., near his home. The art depicted a horned beast similar to a wild boar in a police uniform in the foreground tangling with a protester rendered as a wolf. In the background, protesters hold signs, including one that says, Racism kills. Pulphus painting was removed the day after the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday after Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., said in a statement that he had been informed by House Speaker Paul Ryans office that Capitol officials had concluded that the painting violated House rules. Ryan, R-Wis., cited rules against depicting subjects of contemporary political controversy or a sensationalistic or gruesome nature on the Capitol premises. Law enforcement groups and conservative media outlets said the work portrayed police officers as pigs and was disrespectful to police. Clay and Pulphus sued Architect of the Capitol Stephen Ayers over what they called the unprecedented step of retroactively disqualifying a contest winner after previously finding that it met all requirements and hanging it for seven months. They asked a court to reinstate the painting and rehang it in a busy corridor between the U.S. Capitol and Cannon House Office Building. The AOCs decision to remove the Painting based solely on these objections to its content and viewpoint constitutes a hecklers veto and a clear violation of Mr. Pulphuss constitutional rights and those of the artworks congressional sponsor, Clay, according to the lawsuit. In a statement released by his office and in comments outside the federal courthouse, Clay added that the removal of the painting sent a chilling message to young Americans that their voices are not respected. He added, This case is truly about something much bigger than a students painting. It is about defending our fundamental 1st Amendment freedoms which are currently under assault in this country. Spokesmen for Ryan and Reichert did not immediately respond to requests for comment. In January, Ryan said that the painting was disgusting and not befitting the Capitol. Its not as if you have a constitutional right to hang whatever painting you want in the House hallway, he said. In a statement at the time, Reichert said: With any competition there are rules, and these rules exist for a reason. This painting hung in clear defiance to those rules and was a slap in the face to the countless men and women who put their lives on the line everyday on behalf of our safety and freedom. Late last month, a pair of Islamic State fighters in desert camouflage climbed to the top of a river bluff in northern Iraq to demonstrate an important new weapon: a small drone, about six feet wide with swept wings and a small bomb tucked in its fuselage. The two men launched the slender machine and took videos from a second, smaller drone that shadowed its movements. The aircraft glided over the besieged city of Mosul, swooped close to an Iraqi army outpost and dropped its bomb, scattering Iraqi troops with a small blast that left one figure sprawled on the ground, apparently dead or wounded. The incident was among dozens in recent weeks in a rapidly accelerating campaign of armed drone strikes by the Islamic State in northern Iraq. The terrorist group last month formally announced the establishment of a new Unmanned Aircraft of the Mujahideen unit, a fleet of modified drones equipped with bombs, and claimed that its drones had killed or wounded 39 Iraqi soldiers in a single week. A new source of horror for the apostates! the groups official al-Naba newsletter declared. While the casualty claim is almost certainly exaggerated, U.S. officials confirm that the terrorist group appears to have crossed a threshold with its use of unmanned aircraft. Two years after the Islamic State first used commercially purchased drones to conduct surveillance, the militants are showing a growing ambition to use the technology to kill enemies, U.S. officials and terrorism experts say. The threat to troops is serious enough to prompt U.S. and Iraqi commanders to issue warnings to soldiers near the front lines. But a far bigger worry, U.S. officials say, is the potential for future attacks against civilians. Islamic militants have long discussed the possibility of using drones as remote-control missiles that can deliver explosives or even unconventional weapons such as deadly nerve agents. In recent weeks, the notion of terrorist drones has moved a step closer to reality, terrorism experts say. Theyre now showing that these devices can be effective on the battlefield, said Steven Stalinsky, executive director of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a Washington nonprofit that analyzed dozens of incidents for a new report on Islamic militant groups use of drones. With the way these groups use social media, my worry is that theyre also putting the idea into peoples heads that this is something you can now do. To be sure, the lightweight, relatively inexpensive drones in the jihadists fleet are nowhere close to matching the sophistication and lethal power of the Predators and Reapers used by the U.S. military. The drones displayed by the Islamic State are too small to carry heavy bombs and rockets, and they lack the guidance systems used by U.S. pilots to steer missiles toward their targets. Still, even a small bomb, such as the three-pound mortar shells typically used against Iraqi government troops, can have an effective blast radius of 30 to 45 feet, enough to kill or injure dozens of people if dropped in a crowded area. Pentagon officials say the drones have scant military significance and will not affect the Iraqi governments timetable for recapturing Mosul, the northern Iraqi city that fell to the Islamic State in 2014. Although dangerous, and effective as a propaganda tactic, it has limited operational effect on the battlefield and will not change the outcome, Air Force Col. John L. Dorrian, spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition opposing the Islamic State, said at a press briefing last week. But a second Pentagon official acknowledged that coalition troops had been forced to take countermeasures against drones steps that include early-detection systems and electronic jamming while also stepping up the search for factories and staging areas where the aircraft are being readied for use on the battlefield. The coalition takes this threat seriously, said the official, who insisted on anonymity in discussing the militarys response to the new threat. Small start, big ambitions As recently as a decade ago, drones were the province of a few advanced industrialized countries, especially the United States, the pioneer and lead practitioner in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to target and kill suspected terrorists overseas. But today, dozens of countries, including Israel, China and Iran, manufacture and operate military-grade UAVs. At the same time, a rapidly growing commercial drone industry has made the technology available to private consumers almost anywhere in the world. Online shoppers can pick from hundreds of models, from sparrow-sized nano drones that can be controlled from a smartphone to larger aircraft that cost thousands of dollars and can carry small payloads. The sudden availability of cheap, remote-controlled flying machines did not escape the notice of terrorists groups. The Islamic State is only the latest in a long line of militant organizations that have acquired drones and attempted to modify them for their own purposes. The Iranian-backed group Hezbollah has repeatedly used drones to probe Israels air defenses, and the group released video last summer that appeared to show a drone dropping Chinese-made bomblets on Syrian rebels. Al-Qaida operatives in Pakistan commissioned an avionics engineer to build small attack drones and conducted at least one successful test flight before the program was discovered by police in 2013. There have also been plots involving drones by lone-wolf actors in the United States. In 2011, a physics graduate and model hobbyist from Massachusetts was accused of planning to launch small drones with bombs against the Pentagon and the Capitol, according to an FBI affidavit. The Islamic States efforts so far have been comparatively crude. Beginning in August 2014, the terrorist group began using drones to gather battlefield intelligence and to document the effects of suicide bombings, often broadcasting the videos online to bolster morale, according to the report by MEMRI. Occasionally the group would strap an explosive onto a small drone and try to land it near a military outpost, as happened in October when a booby-trapped toy aircraft exploded as Kurdish fighters were examining it near the northern city of Irbil. Terrorist leaders last year put out appeals for scientists and engineers to travel to Iraq and Syria to work on weapons programs, including drones. In March, a group of pro-Islamic State technicians used the social-media platform Telegram to discuss how common engine parts might be adapted for use in missiles or in military-style attack drones, according to transcript of the discussion provided by MEMRI. What does success look like? asked one of the participants, using a nickname but describing himself as an American with a microelectronics background. Are we talking about an actual guided missile or a drone which can drop payload? Coming soon: A lot more surprises At least a few technical experts appear to have responded to the call. When government troops recaptured the Iraqi provincial capital of Ramadi last year, they discovered a small workshop where workers were attempting to manufacture drone parts from scratch. Photographs from inside the facility show homemade wings and fuselage parts as well as electronics, camera controllers and gyro sensors used to control flight, according to an analysis by Conflict Armament Research, a London-based nonprofit that investigates weapons trafficking. Similar factories built to modify commercial UAVs have been found in liberated parts of Mosul in the past few weeks, all pointing to an increasing use by ISIS of weaponized drones, said James Bevan, Conflict Armament Researchs executive director, using an acronym for the Islamic State. Bevans analysts found that the group initially favored small helicopter-like drones with four rotors and sufficient heft to carry a small bomb usually a mortar shell or similar device with stabilizing fins and a point-detonating fuse built to explode on impact. But some of the more recent attacks involved fixed-wing drones of uncertain origin, U.S. officials said. When Iraqi troops captured drone facilities in Mosul earlier this year, they discovered scores of documents detailing an elaborate procurement system for purchasing the aircraft and parts, as well as extensive procedures for altering and testing the equipment. The records speak to the groups efforts to secure, modify and enhance the range and performance of its drones, said a report by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, N.Y., which published some of the documents. When the siege of Mosul began in the fall, Islamic State fighters stepped up their use of small surveillance drones to gather intelligence and showcase their efforts to defend the city, producing mini-documentaries with aerial footage of successful suicide attacks on Iraqi troops. The shift to weaponized drone attacks began late last year and was ramping up dramatically at the time of the groups formal announcement of the program Jan. 24. The army of the Islamic State has revealed its use of the unmanned aircraft weapon for the first time, the groups al-Naba newsletter said. It described an aerial bombardment of Iraqi forces around Mosul and said most of the hits were precise, and inflicted losses in the ranks of the apostates. Since then, the groups social-media pages have carried dozens of videos showing strikes using small bombs and rockets. Not all the bombs find their targets, but the drone attacks have become a daily threat for residents in some parts of liberated eastern Mosul, Iraqi news accounts show. Iraqi troops also have been forced to scan the skies for tiny aircraft and to take cover when they appear. Videos released by the Islamic State show multiple instances in which bombs were dropped close enough to Iraqi troop positions to cause injuries. Some of the footage appears to show wounded figures on the ground following the attacks, although there has been no official confirmation from Iraq of the terrorists claim of dozens killed and wounded. Regardless of the actual numbers, the campaign appears to have raised the spirits of some of the groups supporters. The Jan. 24 announcement triggered euphoric discussions on social-media platforms used by Islamic militant groups, as well as predictions that armed drones would soon be deployed elsewhere. One February 3 post on the Telegram messaging site called the early attacks a drop in the sea. The coming days will reveal a lot more, Allah permitting, the post said, according to a translation provided by the SITE Intelligence Group, a private company that monitors jihadist websites. After the planes, there are still a lot more surprises. PHOENIX The Arizona Senate has rejected legislation for the second year in a row that would bar cities like Phoenix from issuing photo-identification cards to people who are in the country illegally. Republican Sen. Sonny Borrellis proposal failed on a 13-17 vote Tuesday, with three Republicans joining all Democrats in opposing Senate Bill 1142. Borrelli changed his vote to no in a procedural move that allows him to ask for a reconsideration vote. The Phoenix City Council in August approved a city photo-identification card. It can be issued to people without proof of legal presence in the U.S. and those having trouble getting a valid government ID. The city expects to begin issuing them in mid-2017. The city ID would not be recognized as a primary ID like a drivers license. More than any other officer of his generation, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMasters military career has been defined by a willingness to dissent often forcefully. In Dereliction of Duty, the book he wrote in the 1990s, McMaster blasted the nations top generals for their unwillingness to tell a domineering president that his war strategy in Vietnam could not work. More than a decade later as the commander of a 5,000-soldier regiment in Iraq, McMaster essentially ignored the U.S. militarys prevailing plan for stabilizing the country, which he concluded was failing badly. On Monday President Donald Trump chose McMaster as his national security adviser, replacing the ousted Michael Flynn. McMasters surprising rise has his supporters and critics asking the same question: How will a soldier known for his sharp mind and even sharper opinions get along with a president who does not like being told that he is wrong? I have tremendous respect for H.R. as a military professional, Stephen Biddle, a political scientist who has worked closely with the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Whether he can be as effective and candid as we all hope is the big question. In his many successes and his most notable failure leading an anti-corruption task force in Afghanistan McMaster has displayed the same traits: a fierce intellect, dogged determination and a penchant for conflict that has produced loyal supporters and, in some cases, determined foes. McMaster comes to the job leading the White Houses National Security Council with some significant disadvantages relative to his predecessors. The most effective national security advisers have close personal relationships with the president. Its not clear whether McMaster had even met Trump before interviewing for the job. McMaster, a three-star general, will be coordinating and helping to oversee a Cabinet that includes retired Marine Gens. Jim Mattis and John Kelly, both of whom outranked him when they were in uniform and could view him as a subordinate or someone they can bypass. Finally, McMasters decision to stay on active duty even as he serves in the Trump White House could make it harder for him to disagree forcefully with the president or other senior administration officials. It is a lot easier to say Screw this job or I am not doing that as a civilian, said a friend of McMaster, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to be frank. It is the ethos of the military to do what you are told whether or not you like the mission or the chain of command. The ethos of uncritically following orders is one that has never come easily to McMaster. McMaster wrote about the Vietnam War at a moment when most of the U.S. Army was more interested in forgetting about it. The emotions connected with sacrifices made in a lost war ran too deep to permit veterans of that conflict to dwell on their experiences, he wrote in the books introduction. When the book was published in 1997, the Armys top brass still blamed its loss on a micromanaging president and a disloyal, left-leaning press that undermined support for the war at home. McMaster instead shifted the blame to some of the Armys most storied generals, whom he faulted for their passivity and willingness to support a policy of gradual escalation that they knew was doomed to failure. In 2005, McMasters armored cavalry regiment deployed to Iraq at a moment when U.S. fatalities were climbing and Iraq was slipping into an all-out civil war. In Baghdad, senior commanders were telling their field commanders to consolidate U.S. forces on large secure bases, where they would be less vulnerable to enemy attack, and focus on training beleaguered Iraqi troops to take over the fight. McMaster, then a colonel, was among a small group of officers who ignored that guidance. He moved his troops off a large, secure air base outside the northern city of Tal Afar and established 29 combat outposts throughout the city. Instead of training Iraqis, his troops focused on stopping the ethnic and sectarian killing in the city. McMasters approach caught the attention of Philip Zelikow, a senior aide to then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Both Zelikow and Rice then fought for it back in Washington. I talked to other generals who had mixed things to say about H.R. as a commander . . . and personally, Zelikow said. My view was that this is a guy who is really trying to do something, and hes breaking some [bureaucratic] crockery in the process. Journalists, academics and officials from Washington think tanks flocked to Tal Afar, often at McMasters invitation, to study his approach. A 2006 New Yorker article, which received widespread attention in Washington, described McMaster and his men as rebels against an incoherent strategy. Despite public praise from President George W. Bush, McMaster was twice passed over for promotion to one-star general upon returning from Iraq. To Zelikow, the Armys failure to elevate one of its smartest officers was a sign of anti-intellectualism in the ranks and very serious institutional rot. Iraq was not the Armys finest hour, he said. Others in the Army said that the decision reflected McMasters impatience with underperforming subordinates, his temper and his tendency to clash with superiors. Sometimes, McMasters passion and intellect worked against him on the battlefield especially in Afghanistan, where he was chosen in 2010 to lead an anti-corruption task force. McMaster landed at an inauspicious moment in the counter-corruption effort. Hundreds of millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars were being siphoned from ministries by Afghan officials and flown out of the country to buy beachfront real estate in Dubai. McMasters unit was an eclectic mix of soldiers and civilians from various NATO countries and included former fighter pilots, Rhodes scholars, counterintelligence officers, Treasury Department officials and FBI agents. His brash style alienated many of his American civilian colleagues at the U.S. Embassy and angered his partners in the Afghan government. But even those who hated his management style tended to recognize his brilliance. Hes not a bull in a china shop, Paul Rexton Kan, a professor who spent a month in Kabul on McMasters team to help write the anti-corruption strategy, said in an interview for a book on Afghanistan. Hes a bull who picks up the china shop and just smashes it. With an uncooperative Afghan government, and an Obama administration unwilling to cut off aid money, McMasters team had little to show for its work after months of effort. His own team called themselves the Fix the Impossible Task Force and the Anti-Gravity Task Force. Several team members described the work environment as toxic. In one episode, McMaster demanded that U.S. Justice Department advisers hand over the corruption files kept by the Afghan attorney general and then berated the officials and knocked over a chair when they refused. That outburst caused a stir back in Washington. People in the meeting were asked to give affidavits about what happened, according to those familiar with the situation. Eric Holder, then the U.S. attorney general, demanded an apology from McMaster. Trump has demonstrated something of a split-personality when selecting his senior staff and Cabinet. In Mattis, Kelly and McMaster, Trump has chosen brash leaders who speak plainly and frankly. He has also proved quick to fire aides who question his judgment, and he has blackballed senior Republican foreign policy officials who criticized him during his presidential campaign. In Dereliction of Duty, McMaster wrote critically of generals who chose not to air their differences with President Lyndon B. Johnson. Their silence helped to impel the very strategic concept they opposed, McMaster wrote. Soon he will be sitting at the same situation room table deciding what to say. Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is the richest civic body in the country, and needless to say that one who rules the BMC enjoys immense influence in political circles in Maharashtra and even Delhi. By India Today Web Desk: Elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and nine other civic bodies are underway and at stake is the prestige of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiv Sena. Following a bitter fight for seats, the two parties are going solo this time with Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnasis getting into ugly verbal duels in a no-holds barred election campaign. advertisement Congress, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and Raj Thackeray-led Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) are also in the fray, but political pundits expect the BJP and the Sena to take the fight to the finish. ALSO READ: BMC election 2017: All you need to know about the bitter battle between Shiv Sena, BJP HERE IS ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE MUNICIPAL POLLS: Of all the municipal corporations going to the polls today, all eyes are on the 227-member Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation election. BMC is the richest municipal corporation in the country, and needless to say that one who rules the BMC enjoys immense influence in political circles in Maharashtra and even Delhi. Roughly 92 lakh voters will decide the fate of 2,275 candidates who are in the fray for BMC election. A Sena citadel for the last two decades, the election will prove if Devendra Fadnasis-led BJP can storm the bastion on its own this time. A total of 3,210 seats are up for grabs in the 10 municipal corporations, 11 zila parishads and 118 panchayat samitis for which 17,331 candidates are in the running this time. Nearly 3.77 crore voters across Maharashtra will seal the fate of these candidates. There are 43,160 polling stations across the state, and polling has started at 7.30 am. More than 2.5 lakh election staff and an equal number of police personnel are on duty today. The 10 municipal corporations going to polls are: Mumbai, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. Elections to 118 panchayat samitis in 10 disricts are also underway. These districts are: Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Satara, Sangli, Kolhapur, Pune, Solapur, Nashik, Amravati and Gadchiroli. More than 1.80 crore electorate are eligible to exercise their franchise in the zila parishads and panchayat samitis while 1.95 crore urban voters will cast their vote in 10 municipal corporations. ALSO READ: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls: How Congress, NCP, MNS are suffering collateral damage BMC polls beyond BJP-Shiv Sena spat: 5 parties you did not hear about BMC polls: What Mumbai wants from new leadership as city readies to vote ALSO WATCH --- ENDS --- Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Bern, 21.02.2017 - Sebastien Hug has been appointed head of swissnex India and consul general of Switzerland in Bangalore. He will take up his post in November 2017. Sebastien Hug was born in 1980 in Fribourg (FR), place of origin Egerkingen (SO). Mr Hug began his career as attache for higher education, science and technology at the Swiss embassy in Canada in 2007. From 2011 to 2013 he was project leader for higher education and partnerships at swissnex Boston. Since 2013 he has been working in the International Relations Division of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation at the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research. As a scientific adviser, Mr Hug is responsible for the management of the swissnex network. Address for enquiries FDFA Communication Federal Palace West Wing CH-3003 Bern, Switzerland Tel. Communication service: +41 58 462 31 53 Tel. Press service: +41 58 460 55 55 E-mail: kommunikation@eda.admin.ch Twitter: @SwissMFA Publisher Federal Department of Foreign Affairs https://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home.html Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research http://www.wbf.admin.ch State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation http://www.sbfi.admin.ch Canadians who have been waiting to get their hands on Samsungs Galaxy A5 will be happy to hear that a price has been leaked via internal documents. That the device is coming to Canadian carriers is certainly not news, since it passed through the FCC on February 13th bearing a model number that is commonly associated with devices slated for release in the country. However, this new information outs the cost to buy a brand new Galaxy A5 from carriers, which are expected to offer the device at $499. The leaked cost of the Galaxy A5 falls in line with its placement as an upper-end, mid-range device, as shown by those known specs. The smartphone is already out in the UK and it is not expected that any changes will be made to the specifications for the device. For those who dont already know, a quick rundown of the specs shows that the Galaxy A5 currently has Marshmallow (Android 6.0.1) on the software side. That is, in turn, powered by an Exynos octa-core processor clocking in at 1.9GHz and backed by 3GB of RAM. Storage can be expanded via SD card to 128GB, coming from 32GB of storage out of the box. It has a 3000 mAh battery, which also features fast charging through the devices USB Type-C port. Some of the more premium features of the Galaxy A5 include a 16-megapixel camera on both the front and the back, a fingerprint reader, and IP68 certification among other Samsung-standard features such as Samsung Pay and S-Voice. All of that is packed behind a 5.2-inch full-HD Super AMOLED screen. Unfortunately, a release date for Canada has still not been announced for the Galaxy A5 at this time so consumers in the country who are interested in it will have to continue waiting. However, for those of you waiting patiently to get this device for yourselves, the recent approval from the FCC and the release of a price-point seem to indicate that it will be arriving very soon. The device is also expected to be sold by Rogers, Telus, and Bell, as well as being available on any of those providers subsidiary companies. So, once it does release, it should not be any problem to get your hands on one. The LeEco Le 2S has been the subject of leaks and rumors for a fairly long time, but now it appears that the company might be preparing for the smartphones eventual release, at least in China, where the Chinese regulatory body known as TENAA recently certified two variants of the LeEco Le 2S. They are known as the LEX656 and LEX659, with the latter promising dual-SIM capabilities. Aside from the fact that the LeEco Le 2S LEX659 is equipped with an additional SIM card slot, there seems to be virtually no difference between the two aforementioned variants in terms of what makes them tick. They both make use of the same hardware components, including a 10-core processor, and while the exact CPU model is unspecified by TENAA, the unit is most likely a MediaTek Helio X25 System-on-Chip clocked at a frequency of up to 2.3 GHz per core. The CPU works alongside 4 GB of RAM and TENAA reveals that the device houses a total of 32 GB of on-board memory. Unfortunately, according to the listing it would appear that the smartphone does not have any options for expanding the on-board memory. Moving on, the LeEco Le 2S packs a 5.5-inch IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080, a dual 13-megapixel main camera coupled with an 8-megapixel front-facing sensor, and takes advantage of IR (infrared) and Bluetooth connectivity. All the internal components rely on a 3,900 mAh battery, and the device runs on the previous main version of Android, specifically Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which will likely be covered by the proprietary user interface EUI. In overall, the LeEco Le 2S weighs 168 grams, it measures 152.4 x 75.1 x 7.5 millimeters, and TENAA mentions multiple color options; two of which have been exposed in live pictures (below). Its also worth noting that the LeEco Le 2S presents itself in a metal unibody design flaunting a rear-mounted fingerprint recognition sensor below the dual-camera setup. At the moment theres no official word on when either one of the two LeEco Le 2S models certified by TENAA will hit the shelves. However, seeing how the smartphone now has TENAAs certificate under its belt, its likely that the LeEco Le 2S is nearing its highly-anticipated debut, which could take place at Mobile World Congress at the earliest. For readers who may be wondering, TENAA is known as Chinas equivalent of the FCC, and any formalities set in place with the regulatory body usually hint at an approaching market release. Samsung Electronics may invest $1 billion into acquisitions of artificial intelligence (AI) companies. South Korean outlet Chosun Biz reported on Tuesday that the Seoul-based tech giant is currently considering the idea of establishing a $1 billion fund for that purpose. An anonymous source from the U.S. branch of Samsung Electronics allegedly said that the company may even inject more money into the fund as the aforementioned figure is apparently just the bare minimum that the largest business conglomerate in South Korea believes is worth investing. Apart from direct acquisitions and mergers, the report says that the fund would also be used to purchase stakes in AI companies. Despite the fact that Samsung Electronics recently made some significant investments into AI, the companys management still thinks more similar initiatives are necessary, the source revealed. Samsungs latest related investment was made in October when the company announced the acquisition of Viv Labs, a U.S. AI startup founded by some of the developers who worked on Apples smart assistant Siri. Viv Labs reportedly also created Bixby, the unannounced AI assistant thats heavily rumored to debut with the Galaxy S8 and the Galaxy S8 Plus. Some of Samsungs recent trademark filings related to Bixby suggest that the company is looking to not only ship an assistant that would act as a selling point of its upcoming Android flagships but is also interested in creating an ecosystem around its latest and greatest digital assistant. The companys major push into AI is being interpreted as its attempt to not repeat some of the mistakes it made in the past. Namely, Chosun Biz claims that Samsung is still sore about the fact that it refused to purchase the Android operating system from Andy Rubin back in 2005 and is now adamant to do whatever it takes to spearhead the next mobile software revolution. Given that state of affairs, its not surprising that Samsung may consider making more investments into the AI sector, especially since the company is also rumored to be working on a competitor to Amazons Echo and Google Home called Samsung Hello. More information on Samsungs AI-related ambitions will likely follow by spring. There is no doubt the Voice Assistant devices such as Amazons Echo, Apples Siri, Microsofts Cortana, and Google Home, are here to stay, and more, like Samsung, will be joining the party. But just how well do they keep your many secrets or personal information? It is a strange fact, but true, that we are much more willing to speak openly to an electronic ear than we would to a real individual. It follows the same line as texting, where we may text things to a person that we would find very difficult to say in a face-to-face meeting. We can ask Google Home the answers to intimate questions and receive a reply, but did you ever wonder what happens to that question after you ask it? Can someone ever retrieve a list of questions posed by you to find out just how your mind thinks in determining what kind of person you really are? While this Artifical Intelligence (AI) is still in its infancy stage, one has to wonder how this will affect us in the future as this Artificial Intelligence (AI) grows more mature and more capable. Just how much information our digital assistants amass was brought to light by a murder investigation in Arkansas. The suspect had an Amazon Echo in the room, and the police asked Amazon for a recording of what went on in the room of the suspect, but Amazon explained that no audio is transmitted without first saying its trigger word, such as Alexa followed by a command. It seems that Amazons Echo and Google Home work about the same way. Before the recording starts, you must first say the devices trigger word, ask your question, and then it stops recording after your answer is given. You can visually see it recording because the lights will be on as an indicator. Optionally, you can have Echo beep when it recognizes its name and again when it stops recording. The is also an old fashioned on/off switch for the microphone if you are really paranoid. Amazon, like all companies, keeps the recordings to improve their services and voice recognition, but you always have the option via your Alexa app to permanently delete any recordings. Google will also keep the recordings unless you tell them you want them removed at my.activity.google.com. Advertisement Apples Siri also produces no recordings unless you trigger it and ask a direct question, but Siri assigns a random number associated with your request, keeping your name entirely out of the process. Apple only keeps the question for two years for testing and then deletes the recordings, or if you turn Siri off, all identities and recordings are deleted. Microsofts Cortana will answer many web related answers, setting alarms, etc., without ever associating your name to the task there is no reason to do so. If Cortana needs to access personal information, it will ask you if it is okay. You can also use the settings to turn off any personal information you might have shared, and the option is always available to delete the recording from their server. People are just now buying into the idea of products for their home or as they are termed, The Internet of Things (IoT). The ability to control the power to turn lights on/off, adjust your homes heating/AC, turn your TV or music on/off and raise the volume, answer the door, or to ask questions and receive answers to just too enticing to pass up. Googles CEO Sundar Pichai explains, This is a core area weve invested in for the long-term and Google is thinking about it across phones, homes, TVs, [and] cars. The added exposure to this AI opens up, even more, doors to what we might deem as an invasion of our future privacy. LG recently passed an unannounced device called the X230DS through the FCC. The device is not shown much, aside from the back of the device where the FCC label is to be placed, but a few facts about the device are revealed with the little bit of information given. For starters, this device will have a removable battery, and the FCC logo will be located underneath the battery. The battery will also ship outside of the phone, residing inside the box and ensuring that the customer has to see the FCC labeling when they open up the device to install the battery for the first time. As for other facts about the phone, we can ascertain just a bit from the design and the model number. For starters, the DS suffix might indicate a dual sim device as it appears that there may be a SIM card-shaped cutout up at the top-left of the device that seems to combine with another cutout at the corner. Its likely that the device will at least sport two SIM slots in Brazil, thanks to an image in the FCC filings. At the bottom, you can see what appears to be a 3.5 millimeter headphone jack. The bulk of the model number alludes to it being a variant of the low-end LG X230, an upcoming budget smartphone from the South Korean giant. The LG X230 is itself largely shrouded in mystery at the moment, aside from the fact that its model number pegs it as a lower-end version of the LG X300. Logically, one could easily assume that it will bear a resemblance to its inspiration, cosmetically, while a recent Geekbench run which can be seen below indicates that the phone has only 1 gigabyte of RAM, alongside a low-end MediaTek processor. The device also seems to be running Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), as opposed to Android 7.0 (Nougat), which is starting to hit some devices coming off of assembly lines and is making its way to many older devices via updates. If the Geekbench test indeed showed off a final or near-final model of the phone, the use of Marshmallow may well have been down to software optimizations from LG specially built for the lower Android version. Toshiba wants at least $8.8 billion for a major share of its memory business that the Japanese tech giant is looking to sell since last month, Reuters reports, citing sources with knowledge of the situation. The Tokyo-based company was previously looking to sell a 20-percent share of its memory unit, but it was prompted to part with a larger stake as its nuclear business in the United States continues to lose money. Industry sources claim that Toshiba is now even prepared to sell its entire NAND memory division that manufactures mobile chipsets. While recent reports indicate that the South Korean semiconductor manufacturer SK Hynix already made a bid for a 20-percent stake in Toshibas memory business, the Japanese company apparently isnt waiting for its suitor to increase its bid and is already prepared to listen to offers for the remaining shares of its memory chip division. The transaction with SK Hynix thats reportedly worth $2.6 billion hasnt been agreed on to this date. Apart from the Korean chip maker, other interested parties reportedly include various investment funds and other chipmakers. Micron Technology, Bain Capital, and Western Digital were all said to be interested in the companys NAND memory division. Industry sources told Reuters that Toshiba still hasnt decided whether to sell a majority stake in its memory business or part with its most profitable unit entirely. Instead, the Tokyo-based tech giant allegedly decided to focus on the amount of money it can raise with the sale. Toshibas U.S. nuclear business thats bleeding money is putting the company in a tough spot as Toshiba is unable to turn to equity markets to raise funding and cover for its losses due to a 2015 accounting scandal worth $1.3 billion. Due to that state of affairs, the Japanese conglomerate has little choice but to sell some of its assets. Seeing how Toshibas NAND memory unit is by far its most profitable venture, its also the one that can be sold in the shortest timeframe. Even if the company manages to sell its successful unit by the end of the quarter, it remains to be seen how it will cope with more potential financial problems down the road. Online money transfer service TransferWise introduced a Facebook Messenger bot designed to help users send money without ever leaving their instant messaging (IM) app of choice. The so-called TransferWise Bot launched on Monday and should already be available to users in many parts of the world. The London-based company said that the bot currently supports transfers from the United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, and the rest of Europe. The bot was programmed to guide users through online money transfers by assisting them with setting up transactions. Naturally, youll need a TransferWise account to use the services of the TransferWise Bot. Users who regularly make payments between two currencies can ask the TransferWise Bot to send them rate alerts and keeps them notified about exchange rates on a daily basis. This functionality also extends to a larger number of currencies as users are able to ask for alerts for any number of currencies. Once you see an exchange rate you like, you can simply ask the bot to set up a transfer for you within Facebooks Messenger app. Scott Miller, Head of Global Partnerships at TransferWise revealed that the TransferWise Bot was built using the TransferWise application programming interface (API) with the goal of facilitating the process of making online money transfers. While the launch of this bot doesnt mean TransferWise succeeded in that endeavor, its an important step in the firms long-term strategy, Miller said. The companys official also revealed how the TransferWise Bot may make its way to other popular IM apps in the future. The peer-to-peer online money transfer service currently supports over 600 currency routes and is handling almost $1 million in transactions on a monthly basis, according to its own claims. The TransferWise Bot was integrated into Messenger thanks to a new functionality that Facebook launched back in April in an effort to draw third-party developers to its platform and turn its popular IM app into a standalone ecosystem that can even be used without a Facebook account. While it was already possible to send money in the United States using Messenger, the TransferWise Bot is the first tool that allows Facebooks IM app to make international money transfers. In an exclusive interview to India Today, Smita Thackeray said corruption continues to be the mainstay of BMC. By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: In a major embarrassment for the Shiv Sena on the polling day, Thackeray bahu has slammed the way the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) works. In an exclusive interview to India Today, Smita Thackeray, ex-wife of Jaidev Thackeray--late Bal Thackeray's estranged son--said corruption continues to be the mainstay of BMC. The BMC has been run by the Shiv Sena-BJP alliance for the last few years. However, this time the two parties are going it alone in the polls. advertisement "Problems of pothole-ridden roads and corruption in BMC have remained unresolved," Smita Thackeray said, who stayed in Matoshree until her divorce with Jaidev in 2004. ALSO READ: Why this Kolaveri Di over BMC polls? 4 things which make it the greatest FACED PROBLEMS DESPITE MY FAMILY NAME In a scathing criticism of the BMC, Thackeray said, "Files do not move, and work is slow" adding that the system needs to be "transparent". "I have faced problems in spite of being from the (Thackeray) family," she said. The election to the richest municipal corporation in the country is expected to be a close fight between Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena and Devendra Fadnavis-led BJP. Besides Mumbai, elections to nine other municipal corporations are also underway. ALSO READ: BMC election: 21 cartons of alcohol seized, cops smell plot to lure voters on dry day WATCH: BMC poll: Thackeray bahu slams BMC for corruption ANOTHER THACKERAY BAHU SPEAKS Shalini Thackeray, who is the sister-in-law of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray, alleged conspiracy by some to prevent people from voting. "People who have been voting for several years are not able to cast their votes because their names are not on the electoral list," Shalini said. "Several people are going back without voting. I feel this is a conspiracy," she alleged adding that only when people vote in large numbers can the right candidate win. She said the MNS has raised several important issues in the past and expects a good show in this election. VOTE FOR CHANGE, SAYS CONGRESS Congress' Sanjay Nirupam said Mumbaikars need good roads and a clean city and should vote for the Congress to help it bring about these positive changes in the city. "Both the BJP and the Shiv Sena are playing dirty politics and people should understand this, and vote for the Congress," Nirupam said. "We will approach the Election Commission as both the parties (BJP, Shiv Sena) have violated the code of conducted," he said. Watch Video: BMC poll: Thackeray bahu slams BMC for corruption advertisement ALSO READ: BMC election 2017: Your 7-point guide to everything you need to know BMC election 2017: All you need to know about the bitter battle between Shiv Sena, BJP --- ENDS --- Taking an initiative to inspire people to vote in the ongoing BMC polls, restaurants and hotels in Mumbai are offering freebies and discounts to people who come in with inked fingers. By India Today Web Desk: Restaurant owners in Mumbai are bent on sending customers to cast their votes for the ongoing BMC polls. And to ensure it, they are offering freebies and discounts to people who come in with inked fingers. One such restaurant, an eatery named Delicious in Chembur, is giving 15 per cent discount on food to people who walk in after casting their votes. advertisement "I have noticed that in the past few years, the voting rate has gone down. So, I thought that if I offered such a discount at our restaurant, it might inspire people to vote," the owner of restaurant Delicious told ANI. Customers also seem to be in the favour of this strategy. Some of them even feel that the offer of a discount will actually influence people to go cast their vote. Also read: BMC Election 2017 LIVE: Shiv Sena-BJP fight it out in battle of prestige The good news is, Delicious is not the only restaurant making this offer. Some 7,000 restaurants, hotels, pubs and bars in Mumbai are said to be offering special discounts and/or freebies to customers with the indelible ink mark on their fingers, proving that they have voted. "We have noticed that Mumbaikars are generally not very responsive during elections, the same attitude was witnessed in the 2014 Lok Sabha and Maharashtra assembly elections," said Indian Hotel and Restaurant Association President (AHAR) Adarsh Shetty. Also read: Slick faux-Bombay-style diners are booming across the country An IANS report said that the state election commissioner (SEC) "wholeheartedly approved" the idea of offering discounts to voters after AHAR suggested. After all, who doesn't like a good discount on food, right? --- ENDS --- The two brands, belonging to a Malaysian holding company, have been up for sale since last year, and various reports have placed several automakers as potentially interested parties.Among the mentioned brands that could have secretly placed a bid for Lotus, Proton, or both, are Renault, Suzuki, and Chinas Geely.A previous report from Reuters that quoted undisclosed sources that were claimed to be close to the matter, noted that Renault and Suzuki had lost interest in the purchase of Proton and Lotus, but the Chinese at Geely are still discussing the possibility.Meanwhile, Groupe PSA might be Geelys main rival in its attempt of buying the Proton and Lotus brands from their Malaysian owners.As some of you know by now, Groupe PSA was also interested in the possible acquisition of General Motors European arm, which consists of the Opel and Vauxhall brands. The French conglomerate could have the finances behind it to complete both deals, as it has a partnership with the Chinese at Dongfeng, which could supply a financial backing.Moreover, the Proton and Lotus brands are not reportedly sold for a massive amount when large corporations are concerned so that Groupe PSA might afford it without any outside assistance. Officials of the French organization have told Financial Times that they regularly explore new business opportunities.The answer provided by Groupe PSA regarding the situation is standard practice, as the Australians at CarAdvice noted, and we would not be surprised if they offered the same reply when inquired by a different representative of the media regarding the situation.In other words, Peugeot and Citroens parent company is not interested in unveiling if it does want to buy Proton and Lotus, but it could do it regardless of these statements.Groupe PSA could benefit from Lotus engineering expertise, while the British brand will get a reliable partner to supply it with technology and fund its next products. The French conglomerate already has a partnership Lotus Japanese engine suppliers, Toyota, so Lotus will still be able to get motors from them if it desires.Meanwhile, Proton could help Peugeot and Citroen sell more of its platforms and technologies on an emerging market. Peugeot is interested in achieving significant sales volumes, and these could also come from Malaysia if the deal is finished.Do not place your bets just yet, as these discussions might be concluded with a different buyer for Proton and Lotus. Regardless of their new owner, it is more important to petrolheads to keep the brands alive instead of seeing them disappear from the market. TDI The latest regarding the emissions scandal started after the German conglomerate admitted it used a defeat device to cheat in emissions tests comes from two British lawyers, who responded to statements made by Volkswagens managing director in the United Kingdom.As The Telegraph notes, Volkswagen UKs managing director, Paul Willis, was questioned by the transport select committee regarding the emissions scandal.Wills argued that the company will provide a quick technical fix to make-engined vehicles sold in the United Kingdom be compliant with standards, and he then blamed a failure in regulation as the cause of the problem.The statements that infuriated two lawyers who represent Volkswagen customers in cases against the company were that the automaker never sold cars on emissions levels, and a claim from Wills that they (Volkswagen UK) never misled anyone on anything.The German companys highest representative in the United Kingdom explained that British drivers did not buy the diesel-engined models because they were eco-friendly, but admitted that between 1 and five percent of their affected clients told them that the green credentials of the vehicles affected their purchase decisions towards the German conglomerate.Attorneys do not agree with Wills statement, and one of the solicitors who spoke with The Telegraph , Damon Parker, stated that he felt that Volkswagen treated British motorists with disdain.Parker works for Harcus Sinclair, a law firm that represents about 31,000 Volkswagen customers in the UK, and he wants to obtain compensation from Volkswagen for misleading his clients.A solicitor from Your Lawyers Ltd, Aman Johal, told journalists that he was shocked and astounded when he heard Volkswagens representative claim that the company has not misled customers. Mr. Johal is also pursuing a claim against the German automaker.We expect the situation regarding Volkswagens dieselgate to continue to make headlines for years, as a story of this magnitude is difficult to ignore. NHTSA These campaigns will fix about 18,000 vehicles in total for different issues that may put the safety of their occupants at risk in the event of a crash. No injuries or deaths have been linked to the problems, but Mercedes-Benz wants to be sure that its customers are safe from any potential harm.The largest recall targets 12,456 units, which could have an issue with the passenger detection system. Mercedes-Benz has informed the NHTSA that the situation could lead to the passengers side airbags might not be deployed in the event of an accident because the system might disable them.The 2017 E300 and E43 are affected by the issue, and all owners will be contacted in March to schedule an appointment with their preferred dealers.The second-largest recall announced by Mercedes-Benz focuses on 5,882 units sold in the USA. The affected models are 2017 GLE , and GLS SUVs, which may encounter the unlatching of the center console in particular types of crashes. Mercedes-Benz will modify their center consoles to ensure that these parts remain latched in the event of an accident.One of the recall campaigns targets the 2017 E-Class , in the form of the E300. The version of the model might have been fitted with a potentially faulty column-mounted shifter module.The module in question might have a damaged circuit board that could prevent the lever from selecting a gear. This action targets only 73 vehicles, but thestill had to be advised of the situation.A different recall targets the windshields of four vehicles that may not have received sufficient adhesive in the bonding process of the glass element. Because of that problem, Mercedes-Benz fears that the windshields of four MY2016 GLS450 and GLE350 models could detach in a crash.The owners of the affected automobiles will be notified, and they will get new windshields to prevent any potential harm that could have been caused in the event of an accident. Uber has hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to lead an investigation into a former engineer's explosive allegations of gender discrimination and sexual harassment, according to a company-wide email sent on Monday by CEO Travis Kalanick. This comes less than 24 hours after Uber board member Arianna Huffington said that she and new HR chief Liane Hornsey would lead an "independent" investigation, which some quickly noted was hardly independent. Huffington and Hornsey both will still be involved, as will Holder's law partner Tammy Albarran and Uber associate general counsel Angela Padilla. The group also will dig into Uber's overall workplace culture as it pertains to diversity and inclusion. In that vein, Kalanick pledged that Uber in the coming months will release its first workforce diversity report, something it hasn't done despite the example set by many of Silicon Valley's other large technology companies. Why Holder? He's a respected outsider, although he has been publicly supportive of Uber in the past, such as arguing in favor of the company's background check practices. Holder also was hired last summer by Airbnb to craft an anti-discrimination policy, so he has some Silicon Valley experience. What's next: Uber will be closely watched as it embarks on this investigation, and especially once the results are out. With a longstanding reputation for ignoring and excusing bad behavior, there will be a lot of pressure on the company to make bold moves if Holder finds the allegations to be truthful. Below is Kalanick's email Team,It's been a tough 24 hours. I know the company is hurting, and understand everyone has been waiting for more information on where things stand and what actions we are going to take. First, Eric Holder, former US Attorney General under President Obama, and Tammy Albarran -- both partners at the leading law firm Covington & Burling-- will conduct an independent review into the specific issues relating to the work place environment raised by Susan Fowler, as well as diversity and inclusion at Uber more broadly. Joining them will be Arianna Huffington, who sits on Uber's board, Liane Hornsey, our recently hired Chief Human Resources Officer, and Angela Padilla, our Associate General Counsel. I expect them to conduct this review in short order. Second, Arianna is flying out to join me and Liane at our all hands meeting tomorrow to discuss what's happened and next steps. Arianna and Liane will also be doing smaller group and one-on-one listening sessions to get your feedback directly. Third, there have been many questions about the gender diversity of Uber's technology teams. If you look across our engineering, product management, and scientist roles, 15.1% of employees are women and this has not changed substantively in the last year. As points of reference, Facebook is at 17%, Google at 18% and Twitter is at 10%. Liane and I will be working to publish a broader diversity report for the company in the coming months. I believe in creating a workplace where a deep sense of justice underpins everything we do. Every Uber employee should be proud of the culture we have and what we will build together over time. What is driving me through all this is a determination that we take what's happened as an opportunity to heal wounds of the past and set a new standard for justice in the workplace. It is my number one priority that we come through this a better organization, where we live our values and fight for and support those who experience injustice. Thanks,Travis First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain. Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that. And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details. If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices The protestors at polling booth in Gavanpada area reportedly attacked Singh's SUV asking him to step out of the booth and asked the police to take action against him. By Divyesh Singh: BJP MLA Sardar Tara Singh from Mulund was gheraoed by around 300 workers of different parties when he tried to enter a polling booth in Gavanpada area of Mulund east when the polling was about to end. A worker from MNS protested initially, after which Singh was asked to leave the polling booth immediately. This led to a protest like situation outside the polling booth and around 300 party workers of various other parties gheraoed Singh's car. advertisement The protestors reportedly attacked Singh's SUV asking him to step out of the booth and asked the police to take action against him. The protest went on for an hour after which the police present on the spot dispersed the crowd and rescued Singh from the spot. Singh was taken to the Navghar Police Station where he stayed till the voting ended at 5:30 pm. BJP MP Kirit Somaiya also visited the police station to meet Singh. Also read: Who will rule Mumbai? BJP catches up with Shiv Sena on BMC turf, says exit poll Talking to India Today, Singh said, "I went to the polling booth as our candidate from that ward complained that electricity had gone off in the school where the booth was located. I checked with the returning officer but did not enter the polling area and when I was leaving, people from other parties started protesting." Singh added, "The protestors did not allow me to leave for more than an hour and kept banging my car. It was the police who rescued me safely from the spot." Also read: BMC polls: Politicians, civilians throng polling booths to exercise their franchise --- ENDS --- By Divyesh Singh: Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls have brought people from all corners of the city together to exercise their rights. In one of the polling booths in Bhandup, a newly married couple attracted attention. The couple, after completing their nuptial ceremony, rushed to a polling booth in Bhandup to cast their vote for the BMC elections. Uday Shinde and Swapnali Shinde got married on Tuesday morning. advertisement The couple completed the primary rituals and then marched towards the IDBS school polling booth to cast their vote while the guests and relatives waited for them."Voting is not only a right but my duty as a citizen. We completed the primary rituals of marriage and then proceeded towards the polling booth to cast our vote. Some relatives objected to us leaving the rituals mid way, but we convinced them and finally were allowed to go to the polling booth," Uday told India Today. "We have been facing so many civic issues like bad roads, water crisis, pollution but to put an end to these problems one needs to vote. My husband and I had decided that we will surely cast our vote and as soon as the rings were exchanged we left the wedding hall to reach the polling booth," said Swapnali. PARALYSIS DID NOT DETER THIS WOMAN Shobha Khotkar(59) arrives to cast her vote. Shobha Khotkar(59) arrives to cast her vote. For many their circumstances did not deter their willingness to vote and look forward to change. Shobha Khotkar (59) who has been paralysed below waist, came to the IDBS School in Bhandup to cast her vote. "If I don't cast my vote, I have no right to complain against the civic authorities. We need better roads, open spaces, parks and better infrastructure facilities in the city. Casting my vote ensures that I have performed my duty, now it is the elected representative who has to deliver," said Khotar. The voting percentage at this booth by noon was around fifteen percent. Also read: Bollywood A-listers to skip BMC election? BMC Election 2017: Shiv Sena-BJP fight it out in battle of prestige BMC election 2017: All you need to know about the bitter battle between Shiv Sena, BJP --- ENDS --- Even if the final figure remains around 52 percent it will be higher than by eight percent than the previous BMC election in 2012. By Kiran Tare: With approximately 52 percent voting in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election today both BJP and Shiv Sena have claimed that the high voter turnout will work in their favour. The election commission has maintained that the final figures of the voter turnout will be released late night. Even if the final figure remains around 52 percent it will be higher than by eight percent than the previous BMC election in 2012. advertisement The BJP has assumed that the high voter turnout is an indication that the Mumbaikars wanted parivartan (change) in the city's "corrupt" administration. "More turnover means people are yearing for a change and they are in our favour," said BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari. Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant too claimed that the verdict is in his party's favour. "There was a big wave against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his decision of demonetisation. Those who suffered a lot because of the move have voted for us," he said. Political observers say that both BJP and Shiv Sena have equal chances in the election. "If the voter turnout had remained less than 40 percent the Shiv Sena had great chance to secure majority. BJP has somehow managed to remain in the contest and it would be too close," said a commentator. The observers believe that Shiv Sena will increase its tally from 72 to 90 whereas BJP will grow from 32 to 80. The difference between both the parties will not be more than 10 seats. Meanwhile, the election commission has received complained from several candidates saying that around 12 lakh people could not vote in the election as their names were deleted from the voters' list without their knowledge. The outcome of the BMC election will be a mandate on chief minister Devendra Fadnavis who had announced that each vote for the BJP will be counted as a vote for him. He had acquired a centre stage in the election with his aggressive campaign and tall promises of development and transparency in the administration. ALSO READ:Maharashtra civic elections over: Shiv Sena or BJP - who will conquer cash rich BMC?WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- Brajesh Pandey pleaded innocence and said that he has been framed in false charges. Pandey, who had unsuccessfully contested from Govindganj constituency in East Champaran in 2015, pleaded innocence in his resignation letter. By Press Trust of India: Bihar Congress Vice-President Brajesh Kumar alias Brajesh Pandey has been booked in a case of sexual exploitation of a minor girl, following which he tendered resignation from his post. Pandey has been booked under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on the basis of a supervision note submitted by CID Womens cell DSP Mamta Kalyani, IGP (Weaker Section) Anil Kishore Yadav told PTI today. advertisement Refusing to divulge more details, the IGP told PTI that investigation is on in the matter. Pandeys name has been included in the case along with main accused Nikhil Priyadarshi. THE VICTIM SAYS The victim girl, daughter of a former state minister also from Congress, alleged that Priyadarshi duped her in the name of marriage and blackmailed her with his brother, another co-accused and the Congress leader. Also read: UP election: As Lucknow goes to the polls, its most famous voter - Atal Bihari Vajpayee - won't get inked Also read: Bhojpuri film men, lured by ISI, arrested for plotting train derailment in Bihar An FIR has been registered in this connection with SC/ST police station in Patna. Priyadarshi and the other co-accused are absconding after a local court recently rejected their anticipatory bail. Alleging that Pandey, who was introduced to her as a big leader, used to threaten her with dire consequences, she accused him of being involved in a sex racket. MINISTER QUITS FOR PARTY'S SAKE As the matter hogged media limelight, Pandey resigned from his post saying, "I do not want that the party suffer in any manner because of me". He faxed his resignation letter to state party president Ashok Choudhary. Also read: 35,000 arrested after Nitish Kumar's liquor ban, Bihar needs more jails State party spokesman Harkhu Jha said in a statement that the state president, who is now campaigning for Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, accepted the resignation. Pandey, who had unsuccessfully contested from Govindganj constituency in East Champaran in 2015, pleaded innocence in his resignation letter. The victim girl has been accusing Nikhil Priyadarshi and his family but "I do not know how come she is now naming me... I am deliberately victimised on behalf of somebody," he said in the letter. WATCH: --- ENDS --- If you thought Parliaments hearings on the new mortgage rules was boring, you missed last weeks exchange between MP Ron Liepert and CMHC head, Evan Siddall. This 4-minute video captures the tension Never, to our recollection, has there been such animosity towards the regulatory 3-Amigos: CMHC, OSFI and the Department of Finance. The trios insurance policies have ravaged mortgage competition, jacked up borrowing costs and are destined to cost consumers billions (literally billions)if theyre not overturned. With most industry professionals we speak to, theres an almost palpable loss of respect for federal regulators. Its unhealthy, its unnecessary and it could have all been avoided. How? By conferring with industry experts before decreeing their policies, and by preserving sacred competition in Canadas oligopoly-dominated mortgage market. These two reasonable measures would not have prevented rulemakers from achieving their goal, mitigating consumer debt risk. In his testimony, Siddall acknowledged making recommendations to the Finance Minister. Those recommendations resulted in the withdrawal of vital insurance and securitization options for: refinances average-priced houses in Toronto and Vancouver rental properties amortizations over 25 years, and low-ratio mortgages qualified at the contract rate. Had officials justified these specific edicts in their testimony (with relevant data), it might have disarmed their critics. Instead, government representatives unapologetically demonstrated how little they thought about the wake of destruction theyve left for lenders and consumers. What follows is a sampling of testimony from one who many consider to be Canadas biggest promoter of the new rules, Evan Siddall. ******* Siddall on why the mortgage industry was never consulted: More often than not our advice and analysis is provided confidentially, given that housing finance policy decisions can affect the marketplaceBroad consultations are not always appropriate. Counterpoint: Industry was consulted countless times before on pending regulation. Given the gravity of these particular rules, this time should not have been an exception. The feds defence seems to be that traders might have shorted lenders stocks if the government tipped its hand before announcing the rules. But banks are public companies and they were consulted, noted MP Dan Albas. Why did policy-makers find it appropriate to solicit feedback from banks (but virtually no other lenders) before decreeing the most devastating rule changes the non-bank industry has ever seen. With no one to counterbalance regulators proposals, the mortgage industry got rash bank-biased policy. Canadian families will now bear layers of new costs, for possibly years to come. (Side note: Theres no reason to blame banks for these rules but, relatively speaking, they do benefit from them.) Siddall on the damage to mortgage competition: The results of these policy changes were fully intendedWe did expect lower levels of competition in certain areas as well as a modest increase in mortgage ratesIn our judgment the mortgage insurance regime was providing undesirable stimulus in the marketplace so indeed we sought to remove distortion Counterpoint: So the government picked favourites. It chose to cripple non-banks instead of raising qualification standards on all lenders equally. Siddall supported these changes despite non-banks demonstrating 50% lower delinquency rates than banks, based on his (CMHCs) own data. Non-banks, and the brokers they distribute through, have been a primary reason why consumers get bigger discounts on mortgages today than they did two decades ago. But now theyve been marginalized and consumers will pay the price. By the way, regulators idea of modest rate increases is up to 50 bps. Thats up to $6,800 of extra interest on a $300,000 mortgage, over just the first five years. That money could pay someones university tuition for a year, or cover a familys child-care expenses, or pay a homeowners hydro bill for four yearsall of which are better uses of a familys hard-earned income than government-imposed interest costs. Siddall on the governments key concern: Action, we thought, wasneeded to address the level of household indebtedness in CanadaThe Bank of Canada calls this factor the greatest vulnerability to our economic outlook Counterpoint: No one can argue that surging consumer debt isnt dangerous. It is. And the government is reasonable for wanting to take action. But Siddall and his cohorts didnt just take action. They cut off a leg to treat a gangrenous toe. There were multiple alternative treatments they could have prescribed to keep fringe borrowers from O.D.-ing on debt. (Examples). And all of those methods would have left the patientCanadas world-class competitive mortgage marketintact. Part II will follow this week Sidebar: Heres a link to all of the Finance Committees hearings on mortgage policy. Commentaries reflect the views of the author and not necessarily the views of this publications parent. NASDAQ is an acronym for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations. The NASDAQ stock exchange is owned by Nasdaq, Inc. and serves as an international electronic marketplace where investors can buy and sell securities. It is the second largest stock exchange in the world. The NASDAQ exchange lists stocks from virtually every sector of the economy. Although they are heavily weighted in technology, you will also see them as a leader in fields such as healthcare and biotech, energy and industrials and financial services. And the NASDAQ is also an index which is referred to as the NASDAQ Composite. When you hear that the NASDAQ was up or down, they are referring to the index. This index measures over 3,000 stocks listed on the NASDAQ exchange and includes the worlds leading tech stocks including the FAANG stocks. The index is a mathematical average of the stocks that are listed. The NASDAQ index cant be traded. However, investors can purchase an index fund that is similar to a mutual fund or an ETF and is made up of the stocks in the index. The purpose of this article is to provide a brief history of the NASDAQ, explain how its different from the NYSE and the Dow Jones Index, and why the NASDAQ is important to investors. What Were the Origins of the NASDAQ? The NASDAQ started trading on February 8, 1971. It was created as an alternative to the NYSE so as to give new, emerging companies a way into the stock market. Since the NYSE is made up of primarily blue-chip companies with a large market capitalization, many financially sound companies with modest assets had to look for alternate means to raise capital. At first, the NASDAQ only provided quotations and matched buyers and sellers with dealers. As it started trading, it became a source for speculative, over-the-counter (OTC) stocks to raise capital. However, when it became the first U.S. stock market to conduct online trading, it soon became the go-to exchange for technology stocks that saw it as a more modern way to list their stocks. In a way, it reflected the innovation that those companies represented. What Are the Listing Requirements for the NASDAQ? For starters, the NASDAQ is a company. So every company that wishes to be listed on the NASDAQ has to pay an initial listing fee. This fee can be between $50,000 and $75,000. In addition, there is an annual fee to remain as a member. This fee can be as lows as $42,000 or as high as $155,000 depending on the companys size. But being part of an exchange is not just a matter of paying dues. To be listed, a company must meet a set of requirements. These include but are not limited to: Quantitative financial requirements (earnings, market cap, and assets) Corporate governance standards that give clear guidance about issues like shareholder rights and annual meetings Once a stock is listed, they must continue to meet regulatory requirements by making financial information about the company and the stock available to the public. And, the companies listed on the NASDAQ must meet SEC requirements, including the filing of financial reports. All of this is done to provide transparency to investors. For this reason, as the NASDAQ has grown up it is no longer the domain of speculative over-the-counter stocks. How is the NASDAQ Different from the NYSE? Initially, the primary difference between the NYSE and NASDAQ was in the way trades were conducted. The NYSE is an auction market. As the word auction implies, trades occur between buyers who offer a bid price for a stock and sellers who have an ask price. The highest bidding price is matched with the lowest asking price. The NASDAQ, by contrast, started as a dealers market where these dealers served as middlemen between buyers and sellers. With the advent of trading technology, the difference in methodology between the two exchanges is more subtle. The NASDAQ now automatically matches buyers and sellers similar to an auction system. And the NYSE relies heavily on computers to facilitate their trades. One of the differences remains the presence of human brokers who still man the trading floor of the NYSE. Another subtle difference comes with how the exchanges ensure liquidity and security. On the NYSE, each security has a Designated Market Maker (DMM) who serves as an auctioneer of sorts. Unlike the NYSE, each security on the NASDAQ has multiple Market Makers to help ensure liquidity. Apple, for example, has 54 registered Market Makers. Yet another difference can be found in the size and profile of the companies listed with each exchange. As of June 2022, the NYSE includes approximately 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $28.2 trillion. The NASDAQ has over 3,300 listings with a total market capitalization of $11 trillion dollars. Why is this significant? The NYSE has been around since 1792 making it the oldest stock exchange and for almost 200 years the only game in town. As a result, it is home to many of what are seen as the blue-chip companies. The NASDAQ, by comparison, generally consists of stocks that are more volatile and growth oriented. In recent years, it is for housing the FAANG stocks (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google/Alphabet). How is the NASDAQ Different from the Dow? Both the Dow and the NASDAQ are predictive indicators of the market direction. In the case of the Dow, the stocks can be listed on the NYSE or the NASDAQ exchanges. The Dow Jones (also known as The Dow) is an index of what are considered the 30 biggest companies in terms of scale and firm returns. When stock reports are given you usually hear reference to The Dow was up X number of points or The Dow was down X number of points. This is referring to the average of these 30 stocks. It is considered to be a broad view of the market in general. You may also hear the phrase advancers versus decliners. This refers to how many stocks in the Dow 30 made gains for the day (advancers) and how many had losses (decliners). The companies in the Dow 30 make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). Some investors may buy an index fund which contains only the securities that make up the Dow 30. The NASDAQ is also an index, but it is also an exchange that is made up of over 3,400 individual securities. Many of these securities are in the technology sector. Some of these securities may be part of the Dow 30, but the index as a whole is separate from the Dow. Like the Dow, many investors choose to invest in index funds that are tailored to stocks in the NASDAQ. The USAA NASDAQ 100 Index Fund (USNQX) is one such fund. This fund includes the 100 biggest stocks (non-financial) that are listed on the NASDAQ exchange. What Does the NASDAQ Say About Investor Sentiment? The NASDAQ offers growth investors a cue to how much risk the market is willing to absorb at a given moment. For example, when you hear that the Dow is up (which usually means the NYSE is up), it typically signals a time of where investors may be less inclined to take risks. But when the NASDAQ is up and the Dow is down or trailing, it usually signifies that investors are more confident about the overall economy and are willing to assume more risk. And as we stated earlier, the NASDAQ still plays a critical role in how many young companies go public. There were 34 initial public offerings (IPOs) posted on the NYSE in 2016. This was just three percent of the total volume of IPOs worldwide. By contrast, in that same year, the NASDAQ held 77 IPOs which was seven percent of global IPOs, more than double that of the NYSE. Some Final Thoughts on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange The arrival of the NASDAQ stock exchange in the 1970s created a choice for investors that meant more than just choosing Coke or Pepsi. By offering a lower cost of entry and welcoming start-ups with a focus on innovation, the NASDAQ gave these companies a stock exchange that looked like them. Today, the NASDAQ is the largest electronic stock market with over 3,000 companies listed. And ironically, the five largest companies in terms of market cap are listed on the NASDAQ. However, although this stock exchange has grown up a bit, it still retains its rebellious cache. With its focus on technology stocks, many of the worlds most nimble and innovative companies look to get listed on the NASDAQ as a way to raise capital. It is almost synonymous with technology and serves as a predictor of the broader markets appetite for risk. Orange S.A. provides various fixed telephony and mobile telecommunications, data transmission, and other value-added services to customers, businesses, and other telecommunications operators in France and internationally. It operates through France; Spain and Other European Countries; The Africa and Middle East; Enterprise; International Carriers & Shared Services; and Mobile Financial Services segments. The company offers mobile services, such as voice, SMS, and data; fixed broadband and narrowband services, as well as fixed network business solutions, including voice and data; and convergence packages. It also sells mobile handsets, mobile terminals, broadband equipment, connected devices, and accessories. In addition, the company provides IT and integration services comprising unified communication and collaboration services, such as LAN and telephony, consultancy, integration, and project management; hosting and infrastructure services, including cloud computing; customer relations management and other applications services; security services; and video conferencing, as well as sells related equipment. Further, it offers national and international roaming services; online advertising services; and mobile virtual network operators, network sharing, and mobile financial services, as well as sells equipment to external distributors and brokers. Orange S.A. markets its products and services under the Orange brand. The company was formerly known as France Telecom and changed its name to Orange S.A. in July 2013. Orange S.A. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in Issy-les-Moulineaux, France. Regularly heralded as the greatest Cuban film of all time, Tomas Gutierrez Aleas Memories of Underdevelopment is a ranging, challenging work. A cine-essay blend of fictional narrative and documentary observation, it stands out even in the febrile atmosphere of post-revolutionary Cuba. The 1960s saw a number of widely touted films from what is often referred to as the countrys cinematic golden age: from Mikheil Kalatozishvilis I Am Cuba to Humberto Solas Lucia, by way of urgent cinema and Santiago Alvarezs proto-music video Now. Much appraisal comes from the lips of its protagonist, Sergio (Sergio Corrieri), an urbane Europhile intellectual who decides to remain in Havana when his wife and parents flee to America shortly after the Bay of Pigs fiasco. Hes a self-styled anthropologist, observing the people of a declining society after a revolution he cannot really fathom. He bandies around the term underdevelopment not primarily in the economic or industrial sense that it is more often employed, but in reference to the women he meets and lusts after. He typifies their problem as an inability to establish links between things, to gather experience and grow. Sergio obsessively listens to a recording of an antagonistic exchange with his ex-wife, but when he meets a new young women, the 16-year-old Elena (Daisy Granados), he gravitates towards recreating what he has lost, furnishing her with his wifes old European-style dresses. In many senses Elena is a cypher for a Cuba that is defiled by Western influences, but the way in which Sergio escapes punishment casts a clearly critical eye on the countrys own direction. This is also reflected in Sergios maintained status as a member of the bourgeoisie. He still lives in a large, glamorous, well-serviced apartment. He still receives income for property. Sergio can still use his time to wander Havanas streets on a perpetual derive, continually exasperated by a people he cant understand. Sergios clear alienation is an echo of prevailing European cinematic trends of the time. This Euro-inflected narrative jangles against the vitality of Aleas style in the same way that Sergio does against the world around him. Alea playfully utilises Western inspiration with one hand and subtly condemns it with the other. He is keen never to completely unwrap this enigmatic national portrait. Instead he punctuates it with documentary, or documentary-like, interludes of various kinds and flitting through time. These asides express the fervour of the country particularly palpable in the year between the Bay of Pigs and the Missile Crisis, which serve as the narratives start and end points and fill in the explicit political commentary that Sergio notably tends to omit. They provide the Cuban flavour that juxtaposes against the European existentialism, expressing the protagonists turmoil through form while allowing Alea to take sly shots in various directions, imbuing this complex work with vital energy. Memories of Underdevelopment is ripe for rediscovery. Ben Nicholson | @BRNicholson During her Senate confirmation hearings, Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos was attacked in every way imaginable. She was called names. Her intelligence, commitment, and religiosity were called into question. In nominating DeVos, Trump makes it loud and clear that his education policy will focus on privatizing, defunding and destroying public education in America, seethed American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten. Chicago Teachers Union boss Karen Lewis referred to DeVos as a nightmare. Speaking a day before the confirmation vote, Minnesota senator Al Franken pointed out DeVoss supposed lack of experience in the field, insisting that education secretary is not a job for amateurs. The vitriol hasnt abated since DeVos was confirmed on February 7, with Vice President Mike Pence breaking a 50-50 tie. Weingarten proclaimed DeVoss confirmation a sad day for children. National Education Association leader Lily Eskelsen Garcia was defiant. There will be no relationship with Betsy DeVos, she insisted. California Teacher Association capo Eric Heins referred to the nomination as a blow to our nation. Filmmaker Michael Moore tweeted, The Senate Republicans have just sent a big FU to the school children of America. Even the worst countries dont sh*t on their own kids. And most delirious of all, Vanity Fair film critic Richard Lawson tweeted, Betsy DeVoss policies will kill children. That is not an exaggeration in any sense. The viciousness toward DeVos is animated by several things: she is rich, a Christian, a Republican, and, worst of all, a school-choice supporter. As chairman of the American Federation of Children, she has devoted much of her adult life trying to provide children with the best possible education, whether via a private school, home school, charter, or traditional public school. This drives the public-school monopolists crazy, as it hints at an alternative to the nineteenth-century, one-size-fits-all education model they control. [DeVoss] concentration on charter schools and vouchers . . . raises the question of whether or not she fully appreciates that the Secretary of Educations primary focus must be on helping states and communities, parents, teachers, school board members, and administrators strengthen our public schools, commented Maine senator Susan Collins, one of two Republicans who voted against DeVos. Collins is wrong. The Department of Educations mission is, simply, to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation. The department has no special brief to promote public schools. Its sole focus is on improving education outcomes. What those who cling to the education status quo dont understandor wont acknowledgeis that Secretary DeVos isnt an absolute monarch ruling over a vast national education empire. In fact, the great majority of U.S. education policy and financing is handled at the state and local levels. Fordham Institute president Mike Petrilli points out that the education secretarys job is to work with members of Congress and governors, to understand how a bill becomes a law, to provide moral support to reformers as they fight it out in the states and at the local level. Being an outsider makes DeVos an especially good pick. The strength of Secretary DeVoss appointment is that she brings strong independent leadership to American education, observes National Association of Scholars president Peter Wood. She will not be steered by organized labor or by the higher education establishment. This means that we have the opportunity for real reform. While the establishmentarians are choice-phobic, parents arent. In fact, school choice is popular. A recent EdChoice survey revealed that most American parents arent getting the educational options they want. When asked about their preferences, 41 percent of parents said that they prefer a private school; 28 percent, a public district school; 17 percent, a charter school; 11 percent, home school. But as things stand now, 83 percent of students attend traditional public schools. Despite the monopolists panic, school choice wont kill off public schools; theyll just have to try harder to hold on to their customers. In fact, as EdChoices Greg Forster has shown, vouchers make public education better. According to Forster, out of 33 studies examining the effects on public schools where private-school options exist, 31 showed an improvement in public schools and one study showed no effect. Only one study revealed a negative effect on public-school students. Ill take 31 to 1 any day. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Exit polls conducted by Axis-My-India after Tuesday's elections indicated both parties secured a vote share of 32 percent each. The Congress, the survey showed, could manage 16 percent, the NCP four and the MNS eight percent. By Harmeet Shah Singh: Billed as a citadel of Maharashtra's Shiv Sena, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) might be on course to welcome the BJP as an equally powerful - if not more - stakeholder in its governance, exit polls showed. The Shiv Sena fielded candidates on all 227 BMC wards across the metropolis for Tuesday's elections. The Congress fought 221 and the BJP 211. Besides, the MNS contested 201 wards, the NCP 171, the BSP 109, the Samajwadi Party 76 and the Hyderabad-based AIMIM 56. advertisement Partners in the central and state governments, the Shiv Sena and the BJP opposed each other on the BMC turf because of various factors, including differences over seat-sharing. Exit polls conducted by Axis-My-India after Tuesday's elections indicated both parties secured a vote share of 32 percent each. The Congress, the survey showed, could manage 16 percent, the NCP four and the MNS eight percent. In terms of wards, the exit poll forecast 86 to 92 seats for the Shiv Sena. The BJP followed closely, with a possible victory in 80 to 88 wards, the post-election survey predicted. The Congress is likely to win 30 to 34 seats, the NCP three to six and the MNS five to seven, according to the exit poll. Official data show the Mumbai metropolis accounts for a major portion of the nation's international trade and government revenue. The BMC, figures reveal, is not just the richest municipal corporation in the country but is wealthier than one of the other three major metros by ten times. Against the BMC's budget of Rs 37,052 crore for 2016-17, the allocation for the municipal corporations of Delhi was Rs 6,919 crore, Rs 5,123.51 crore for the Greater Chennai Corporation and Rs 3,793 crore for Kolkata Municipal Corporation for the same year. Historically, Mumbai's iconic BMC has remained a Shiv Sena stronghold. The Sena, which fought past its elections in alliance with the BJP, won 75 seats in 2012 and 84 in 2007 on its own. Its junior partner, the BJP, secured 31 wards in 2012 and 28 in 2007. But Tuesday's Axis-My-India exit polls showed the Sena's former ally in the BMC catching up with it neck-and-neck as a competitor in this year's vote. ALSO READ:Maharashtra civic elections over: Shiv Sena or BJP - who will conquer cash rich BMC?WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- It was three days into the New Year at LaGuardia Community College in Queens, and Governor Andrew Cuomo was spooling himself into a pitch for a major 2017 policy initiative: free tuition at New Yorks two public universities. Back in the day, he declared with voice rising, if you were from Queens you could work your way up and . . . you could be as successful as anyone. And the great equalizer was the public education system. With a public education you could go from anywhere and wind up anything. You could be Mario Cuomo, my father, born to poor Italian immigrants in South Jamaica, Queens and you could wind up Governor of the state of New York all from the public education system. It was a classic Cuomo tub-thumpand, as is all too often the case with the governors orations, it essentially wasnt true. Yes, Mario Cuomo did attend a public grammar school, but from that point on, it was private school, all the way: St. Johns Preparatory School, St. Johns University, and St. Johns Law School. And there is considerable irony in this, insofar as the free tuition scheme that Cuomo the Younger is advancing could do substantial damage to New Yorks highly regarded, and economically critical, network of private colleges and universitiesthe path that his father really took to Albanys Executive Mansion. How much would free tuition at New Yorks public universities really cost, anyway? Is it even necessary? And who would pay for it? The governors plan seems straightforward enough. He means to provide topping-off aidthe difference between actual SUNY/CUNY tuition and existing subsidiesfor full-time students from families with adjusted gross income (AGI) up to $125,000 annually. Potentially, those students could emerge from college debt-free. The new cashas proposed, $71 million in the first year, growing to $163 million annuallywould come on top of New Yorks already robust assistance, effectively eliminating what is currently one of the nations lowest public-university tuitions. Indeed, SUNY/CUNY tuitionroughly $6,300 for New York residentsis the least expensive of any public institution in the Northeast and in the bottom quartile nationally, according to the university itself. Thus the practical impact of Cuomos proposal mostly will be marginal. But theres no denying the schemes political appeal. Why else would Cuomo have had erstwhile Democratic president candidate Bernie Sanders standing to his right during the announcement? As always, its best to be leery of pols bearing free stuff, which almost always has hidden costs. Cuomos scheme is no exception. Post-secondary education is an enormous industry in New York. The state and city universities together enroll more than 412,000 students and boast combined budgets of roughly $14 billion. Meanwhile, four-year enrollment at the states 350-plus private colleges and universities was roughly 490,000with an estimated combined economic impact of some $80 billion in 2015. To be sure, New York generously subsidizes private-sector higher education. The formulas are complex, and while individual grants tend to be lower than in some other states, New York enrolls more students in aid programs, with the result that New York spends more on aid than most other states. Now Cuomo proposes to tinker with those aid formulas to help finance his free-tuition initiative. This has private-sector educators worried about the impact on their own lower- and middle-income studentsand on their institutions in general. At present, New Yorks $1 billion-a-year Tuition Assistance Program, or TAP, is available to income-qualified state residents attending either public or private colleges. The maximum TAP award of $5,165 is calibrated to cover full SUNY or CUNY tuition when combined with federal aid to the poorest students. Students from families with adjusted gross incomes from roughly $60,000 to nearly $100,000 now are eligible for the minimum TAP award of $500. Not surprisingly, low-income students attending private institutions depend disproportionally on TAP aidas do the colleges. What the governors announcement didnt say is that hes seeking to strip aggregate assistance from private schools that raise tuition even a tick above the Consumer Price Index. This arguably places at risk more than $220 million in subsidy cash, according to the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities. That may be a pittance in the context of total higher-education spending, but its money disbursed in small increments and often represents the difference between attending college or not. Heres the problem in a nutshell: A $650 tuition increase at Albanys Siena College, a business-oriented liberal arts school whose $32,293 tuition attracts middle-class students, would match the projected CPI rateplus $5 or so. That $5 difference, however, could technically be enough to render all of Sienas low-income enrollees ineligible for TAP aid. In the real world, such details would be massaged, but only up to a point. Siena and other private schools are already operating on the razors edge as they compete against one of the nations lowest public-university tuitionswhich Cuomo means to subsidize further at the expense of the privates. Its a dangerous game for a governor who professes to value economic vibrancy. Academics aside, local colleges or universities are among the only job engines left in many depleted upstate communities. Messing with that mix is a fraught enterprise, so why would Cuomo want to do it? The governor, who polls virtually everything, doubtless had no difficulty discovering tuition angst among New Yorks hard-pressed middle- and working-class voters. In that context, free tuition would be among the quickest of fixes for a governor committed to running for a third termand maybe with ambitions beyond that. So free tuition it is, and let the consequences fall where they may. Its hard to imagine that Mario Cuomo, proud private-college grad, would have approved. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images The Charity Finance Group has warned that the charity sector could see its business rates bill hit 432m a year by 2019/20 more than double what it was in 2010/11. Charities receive an 80 per cent mandatory relief on business rates on property occupied for charitable activity, and local authorities can apply a discretionary 20 per cent relief. However most choose not to do so. In 2010/11 charities paid 210m and latest figures from the Department for Communities and Local Government show the sectors bill for 2017/18 is likely to be 390m. If the current rate of growth continues, CFG projects that the sector will be paying 432m a year by 2019/20 and has written to the Chancellor Correct this historical anomaly A poll of 2,000 people carried out on by ComRes, CFG and the Institute of Fundraising has found that just 17 per cent of the public support the idea that charities should pay business rates. Andrew OBrien, head of policy and engagement, said: There is a perception amongst the public that charities are tax free. This is simply not the case. Although we do receive support towards paying business rates, there are many charities which are still paying substantial amounts. "This, alongside taxes such as IPT and irrecoverable VAT, should be seen as indirect taxes on peoples donations as they mean that there is less money left over to help beneficiaries. It is time to correct this historically anomaly and create a simpler system which will see charitable resources flowing to where they should go, furthering charitable objectives. Letter to the Chancellor CFGs chief executive, Caron Bradshaw, has now written to the Chancellor Philip Hammond urging him to increase mandatory rate relief to 100 per cent. She said: This is a significant cost burden on the charity sector, at a time when demand is increasing for services. Bradshaw also told the Chancellor that charities in economically deprived areas are more affected because those councils which operate in areas of economic disadvantage and have a weaker tax base are least able to give discretionary rate relief. At a time when, in the wake of Brexit, we need to do more to support the disadvantaged in our society and bring our country together, she said, we should reform the tax system so that charities are unshackled to help as many people as possible and deliver public benefit. The Fundraising Regulator has recommended that charities should only contact people who have opted in to receive fundraising communications, say it is the clearest" and "safest form of consent. Ahead of the joint conference on data protection being held in Manchester today by the Information Commissioners Office, the Fundraising Regulator and the Charity Commission, the fundraising watchdog has published a guidance document called Personal Information and Fundraising: Consent, Purpose and Transparency. In the document, the Fundraising Regulator said that a move to communicating only with people who have opted in represents the clearest, safest, most future-proof way for charities to ensure they have the consent of donors once the General Data Protection Regulations - a new EU law governing the handling of data - comes into force in May 2018. The regulator recommended that: Charities must have a clear understanding of the basis on which they will justify their collection and use of personal information for their direct marketing purposes." It also said that: "Communications should include a mechanism to withdraw consent easily at any time. The document said that existing ICO codes of practice and guidance, the existing GDPR definitions of consent, and the desire of the Fundraising Regulator to ensure that the sector adheres to good practice "all point to opt-in methods as the clearest, safest, most-future proof way of collecting and demonstrating consent". The paper also questioned the use of the "legitimate interests" argument, which says fundraisers can say they needed to use donor data to carry out the legitimate interests of their charity. It recommended that fundraising charities do not rely on legitimate interests unless it can be shown that the data was obtained fairly and lawfully and also said that legitimate interests will not be enough to make live calls to non-TPS and non-previous object numbers. This is guidance, not standards The Fundraising Regulator said that the document was guidance, not standards and nothing contained within it were stipulations or changes to the Code of Fundraising Practice. Stephen Service, policy manager at the Fundraising Regulator, said: The first thing is, we havent said to charities that they have to move to opt-in. Effectively what were doing is going along with what the ICO is saying on this which is effectively that opt-in represents the safest way by which charities can evidence consent from individuals. Service said that, as far as the Fundraising Regulator understands, some form of opt-out communications will still be legally valid after GDPR comes into force. However, Service did say that the Fundraising Regulator agrees with the ICO that fundraising charities will need some form of positive action from the individual to evidence consent. Wed agree with the ICO that you need some form of positive action from the individual to evidence consent, said Service. If charities choose to ignore that, what the Fundraising Regulator is saying is theres a real risk there that if youre asked to evidence it, that evidence will be ambiguous. Gerald Oppenheim, head of policy and communications at the Fundraising Regulator, said that the guidance was the first step in a process, and that the guidance would be amended in the future, before it informs any changes to the Code of Fundraising Practice. If our assumption is right that GDPR will allow opt-in and opt-out what GDPR will do is that all of us will adapt our guidance accordingly fully and properly and we will then take that into the Code, so as to codify the rules around opt-in and opt-out so that we can make our judgements in that way. Service said that the guidance was about identifying where the risks lie, inviting charities to make a decision on that basis but ensure that theyre fully informed about what the consequences of that decision might be if they choose to go opt-out, and the risk that is potentially posed with that decision. Gerald Oppenheim will be discussing the Fundraising Regulators guidance at the Fundraising and Regulatory Compliance Conference in Manchester this afternoon. A live stream of the event can be viewed here. He also wrote a blog outlining why the Fundraising Regulator decided to release this guidance, which can be read here. Shelter has announced that Polly Neate, who is currently chief executive of Womens Aid, will become its new chief executive. Neate will join Shelter on 14 August after four years at Womens Aid. Prior to that she was executive director of external relations and communications at Action for Children. Campbell Robb left Shelter last year to become chief executive of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation. Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, has been interim chief executive since January. Neate said: The sad truth is that homelessness is a growing problem in this country. Almost quarter of a million people are homeless in the UK right now, and shockingly half of these are children. This simply isnt good enough. Thats why Im so thrilled to be joining Shelter at such an important time, to work with its world class staff to make its mission of ending bad housing and homelessness a reality. Its an honour to join such a pioneering organisation that Ive long admired to help take its work to the next level. Sir Derek Myers, chair, said: Were delighted to be welcoming Polly to Shelter. Her impressive expertise and fresh thinking will help the organisation develop and implement a range of exciting services and groundbreaking campaigns. Learning from her father how to operate a $145 million circular check-kiting scheme that victimized a credit union and two banks, landed a Michigan woman in federal prison for 18 months. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Robert J. Jonker in Kalamazoo, Mich., also ordered Brooke Lynn Vernier on Feb. 14 to serve two years of supervised release following her prison term and to pay $1,780,232 in restitution. Vernier pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank fraud in August, admitting to writing hundreds of checks that transferred or attempted to transfer approximately $145 million among seven accounts at the $140 million TruNorth Federal Credit Union in Ishpeming, Mich., formerly known as Ishpeming Community Federal Credit Union, Peninsula Bank and River Valley Bank. In 2008, Vernier, a bookkeeper, learned a simple form of check kiting allegedly from her father, who controlled three businesses that were owned by Brooke Lynn. He allegedly set his daughter up in these businesses, in part, to avoid creditors from a previous bankruptcy case, according to court documents. Each year, more than 5,000 credit union attendees gather at CUNAs Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in Washington, D.C., for the same purpose: to advocate for the credit union industry. Well be at GAC, too, hiking the hill alongside credit union leaders and members and advocating for credit union system priorities. As you head to Washington, D.C., or follow the conference from afar, here are three advocacy topics to think about. Credit unions need regulatory relief.Credit unions offer members many benefits, including affordable financial services. However, as regulatory burden increases, credit union members end up paying the price. According to CUNA, regulatory burden subjects 105 million credit union members to higher loan rates, longer wait times for loan approvals, limited access to modernized technology and fewer and more expensive services and products. This translates to a loss of $71 each year per credit union member. By Press Trust of India: Jammu, Feb 21 (PTI) The BSF foiled an infiltration bid along the LoC in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir early today, gunning down a militant even as a huge amount of ammunition was seized. Officials said the incident occurred around midnight when the Border Security Force (BSF) troops deployed along the Line of Control fence in Keri sector of Rajouri detected some suspicious movement. advertisement A heavy exchange of fire, including lobbing of grendades by the militants ensued for about 30 minutes and the guns then went silent from the other side, the BSF said. A search was conducted early morning during which the BSF party recovered the body of the militant along with an AK-56 rifle, 16 loaded magazines, 267 live rounds, 89 other rounds of AK-series and a monocular night vision device from the Pakistan side. Three wire cutters, used to breach the wire fence, a radio set, 2 improvised explosive devices, knife, 48 pencil cells, four walking sticks (used to pull the fence), five pairs of hand gloves, liquid for triggering fire, jackets, bed sheet, dry fruits and juice was also recovered, they said adding the seized items indicate that the terrorists were ready for a long haul had they succeeded in breaching the fence. A picture of the spot showed the slain militant wearing dark green camouflage uniform like that used by Indian Army personnel. "The remaining terrorists took advantage of the undulating hilly ground and jungle and retreated to their side. The possible infiltration bid was foiled by alert troops," they added. The BSF said it has foiled 26 such bids, with 11 on the International Border, since November 29 last year in Jammu and Kashmir. PTI AB/NES KUN --- ENDS --- Talking Points: Crude oil prices looking to IP conference as deadlock continues Gold prices may fall as hawkish Fed-speak boosts rate hike bets Technical positioning bolsters the case for bearish gold outlook Commodity pricesmade little headway as US markets remained shuttered for the Presidents Day holiday at the start of the week (as expected). From here, crude oil prices will be keeping an eye on the three-day International Petroleum (IP) conference hosted by the Energy Institute getting underway in London. A busy speaking schedule of industry bigwigs includes OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo and IEA Director Keisuke Sadamori. The WTI contract has been stuck in a narrow congestion range, with ATR-measured volatility down to the lowest level since mid-2004, as traders weigh up OPECs supply cut deal against swelling swing supply. The markets will be on the lookout for any remarks that can help break the deadlock. Meanwhile, gold prices will probably continue to reflect Fed policy speculation. Comments from Neel Kashkari, Patrick Harker and John Williams Presidents of the US central banks Minneapolis, Philadelphia and San Francisco branches stand to inform intraday performance. Recent commentary from Fed officials has taken a decidedly hawkish tone, most notably in last weeks Congressional testimony from Fed Chair Janet Yellen. More of the same this time around may steepen the projected tightening path, weighing on the yellow metal. What do traders buy and sell decisions say about the gold price trend? Find out here ! GOLD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold prices may be forming a double top near monthly highs marked by a pair of bearish candlestick formations, one an Engulfing and the other a Dark Cloud Cover setup. From here, a daily close below the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement at 1215.75 sees the next downside barrier at 1197.99, the 38.2% barrier. Alternatively, a move above the 23.6% Fib expansion at 1245.29 exposes the 38.2% level at 1263.05. Chart created using TradingView CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Crude oil prices continue to mark time in familiar territory. A daily close above range top resistance at 53.86 opens the door for a test of the 55.21-65 area (January 3 high, 38.2% Fibonacci expansion). Alternatively, a drop below rising trend line support, now at 52.02, paves the way for a challenge the 38.2% Fib retracementat 50.25. Chart created using TradingView --- Written by Ilya Spivak, Currency Strategist for DailyFX.com To receive Ilya's analysis directly via email, please SIGN UP HERE Contact and follow Ilya on Twitter: @IlyaSpivak Is that chicken really organic? Were those tomatoes really grown in Canada? The labels may say so, but as a new Dalhousie-led study on food fraud released Tuesday shows, Canadian consumers are growing increasingly concerned about whether they are really getting what they paid for. Sixty-three per cent of Canadians surveyed in the study said they are generally concerned about food fraud the practice of mislabelling, adulterating or counterfeiting food products. Getting what you pay for Food fraud has many potential consequences. It can pose a public health hazard, particularly in cases where people with allergies or food intolerances are misled by a label. And it also presents a challenge to the food industry itself. Food fraud is not a victimless crime, says Sylvain Charlebois, dean of the Faculty of Management and the lead author on the study. The entire food economy depends on consumer trust. Once lost, it becomes much more challenging to grow the sector and define a value proposition. Dr. Charlebois (left) worked with colleagues from Dal and the University of Guelph on the study, which examines the relationship between consumers education, age, income, gender, health-related predisposition and geographical region and their risk perception of food fraud in general through a survey of 1,088 Canadians. The researchers found that older, more educated consumers and those with food allergies were more likely to be more concerned about food fraud. And those who experienced food fraud first hand suggested they are far more likely to trust themselves and other consumers to manage the risks than they are to turn to government or industry. Consumers seem to trust themselves more than industry to address food fraud, which is interesting, says Dr. Charlebois. Those who had not experienced food fraud, however, suggested that industry and regulators could help mitigate risks. Many Canadians affected The study titled Food fraud and risk perception: Awareness in Canada and projected trust on risk mitigating agents also turned up strong evidence that food fraud is prevalent in the Canadian marketplace. Of those surveyed, 42.7 per cent believe they have bought a counterfeit food product at some point. Seafood and fish (27.9 per cent) was the top-selected category where fraud was experienced, followed by liquids such as oils and wines (20.9 per cent), fruits and vegetables (13.9 per cent), deli meats (11.6 per cent) and baked goods (9.3 per cent). The fact that more than 40 per cent of Canadians believe they have bought a counterfeit food product is alarming, says Dr. Charlebois When study participants were asked to identify where they purchased a fraudulent food item, 65.9 per cent said at a regular grocery store, 12.2 per cent at a non-traditional food retailer, 9.8 per cent at a farmers market and 2.4 per cent at a restaurant or food outlet. A plurality (42.8 per cent) said they found out about their fraudulent food product through social media, with personal research (35 per cent) and public recall (19.1 per cent) being the source of the others discoveries. Need for a comprehensive approach The study shows that the most vulnerable consumers are not aware of the problem. With evidence that the practice is commonplace, there is a risk that if it is not addressed that more consumers could be victims and lose faith in regulators and the industry. With social and personal networks then perceived as more valuable for consumers, the authors suggest a more effective way to mitigate risk from food fraud may be to educate the network of supporters. But the authors also suggest that tackling such a complex issue requires a comprehensive approach to protecting consumers from food fraud one that includes government, the food industry, consumers and researchers. WASHINGTON -- Community-based palliative care -- care delivered at home, not the hospital -- was associated with a 50 percent reduction in emergency department visits for patients in their last year of life. The results of an Australian study were published online February 3rd in Annals of Emergency Medicine ("The Association of Community-Based Palliative Care with Reduced Emergency Department Visits in the Last Year of Life Varies by Patient Factors"). Researchers studied nearly 12,000 records for patients who died of cancer, heart failure, kidney failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and/or liver failures in Western Australia from 2009 to 2010. Dying patients visited the emergency department on average twice a year during their last year of life. The average number of emergency department visits was reduced when patients received palliative care. "It is encouraging that palliative care was associated with reduced emergency department visits for five different diseases, so isn't limited to just cancer or heart failure, for example," said study lead Lorna Rosenwax, PhD. of Curtin University in Perth, Australia. "Most patients who were in their last year of life visited the emergency department at least once, with one person visiting 74 times in the space of a year. Only about one-third (32 percent) of the patients we studied received community-based palliative care but they were much less likely to require emergency medical treatment as a result." The greatest reduction in emergency department visits for patients receiving palliative care was seen in patients who were older, had a partner, lived in major cities, lived in more affluent areas and had no prior history of emergency department visits. The proportion of end-of-life patients who had three or more emergency department visits increased with younger age, geographic remoteness, social disadvantage and end-stage liver failure. End-of-life cancer patients were most likely to receive community-based palliative care (47 percent) while end-of-life liver failure patients were least likely to receive it (13 percent). "Ideally, high-quality palliative care should be able to manage the most common acute symptoms of the dying person without the need for hospitalization," said Ms. Rosenwax. "For these fragile patients, providing care at home should be the goal, but how we get there is the question. When planning community-based palliative care service delivery in the last year of life, it is important to consider patients' social, demographic and health factors." ### Annals of Emergency Medicine is the peer-reviewed scientific journal for the American College of Emergency Physicians, the national medical society representing emergency medicine. ACEP is committed to advancing emergency care through continuing education, research, and public education. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, ACEP has 53 chapters representing each state, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. A Government Services Chapter represents emergency physicians employed by military branches and other government agencies. For more information, visit http://www.acep.org. Session P15 - Poster WP375 - Clues point to which hospitalized stroke patients are greater fall risks Stroke patients' neurological status and degree of weakness or loss of movement when they're first hospitalized for ischemic, or clot-caused, stroke can be important indicators of their risk for falling while in the hospital, according to research presented at the Nursing Symposium of the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017. Hospital falls often are preventable and can reflect nursing care quality. Researchers looked specifically at fall risk for 683 ischemic stroke patients in an urban hospital, examining records and more from 2013 to 2015. The study found stroke patients who fell were average age 67 years; 82 percent men and the falls greatly increased stroke patients' length of hospital stay. Most had visible changes to the small vessels in the brain, and 36 percent had strokes impacting the middle cerebral artery of the brain. Researchers also found: Stroke patient falls accounted for 6 percent of all falls among adult inpatient medical-surgical patients. 91 percent were able to walk independently before arriving at the hospital. 90 percent who experienced a fall had weakness or partial loss of movement when first examined in hospital. Falls didn't increase when patients were treated with the clot-busting drug tissue plasminogen activator, or tPA. Having a higher average National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score at hospital admission was associated with an increased fall risk. (NIHSS is a stroke assessment tool to evaluate stroke patients' neurological status). The fall rates in this study are lower than those previously reported, which could reflect more vigilance among nurses and other providers and widespread use of fall prevention strategies, researchers said. Robynn Cox, B.S.N, R.N., S.C.R.N., The MetroHealth System, Cleveland, Ohio. Note: Actual scientific presentation time is 6:15 p.m. CT/7:15 p.m. ET, Weds., Feb. 22, 2017 in Hall E. Session P15 - Poster WP377 - Internet, social media fuel health system's stroke awareness campaign Social media is a powerful tool for educating and engaging large numbers of people in the community about stroke, according to research presented at the Nursing Symposium of the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017. Researchers studied how adding an interactive social media component impacted a health system's community-based public awareness campaign in May, which is Stroke Awareness Month. They compared results collected from in-person blood pressure and risk factor screening events in various community settings, to the campaign with added internet and social media components for community education and outreach. The 2016 campaign included the traditional community events, but also directed people to a web-based stroke risk profiler which evaluated their risk for stroke and suggested interventions to reduce risk. Campaign strategies included using the health system's internal marketing, as well as social media, to direct people to the risk profiler, and included paid social media, search and display ads for stroke signs and stroke risk. They found: The traditional in-person event campaign required about 50 hours of volunteer time to screen 193 community members. During May 2016, more than 6,000 people visited the web-based, interactive stroke risk assessment profiler and 1,570 fully completed the profiler. In the months following the web-based community outreach campaign, traffic on the health system stroke center webpage remained as high as it was in May, and was more than 200 percent higher than traffic the previous year. "Using the internet and social media expands the size and increases the interaction of the community reached during Stroke Awareness Month," researchers wrote. Beth Hundt, Ph.D.(c), M.S., NP-C, ACNS-BC, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Va. Note: Actual scientific presentation time is 6:15 p.m. CT/7:15 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 in Hall E. ### Additional Resources: Any available multimedia related to these tips are on the right column of this link http://newsroom.heart.org/news/isc17-tuesday-news-tips?preview=620c33403bdf420116851363c9290757 Join the AHA/ASA Support Network to talk with others going through similar journeys including depression after stroke. Follow news from the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017 via Twitter: @HeartNews #ISC17. Statements and conclusions of study authors that are presented at American Stroke Association scientific meetings are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect association policy or position. The association makes no representation or warranty as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding. Researchers from Aarhus University have found an important piece of the puzzle leading towards an understanding of how our innate immune system reacts against viral infections and recognises foreign DNA, for example from dying cancer cells Researchers from Aarhus University have found an important piece of the puzzle leading towards an understanding of how our innate immune system reacts against viral infections and recognises foreign DNA, for example from dying cancer cells. The discovery may prove to be of great importance for immunological treatment of cancer as well as autoimmune diseases in the future. Our immune system's most important function is to monitor the body for danger signals. A classical danger signal is DNA from micro-organisms and damaged or dying cells. When DNA accumulates within the cytoplasm of cells (cytoplasm comprises the entire contents of the cell except for the cell nucleus), they will react by making interferon, a type of signalling protein that alarms neighbouring immune cells about approaching danger. Thus far, researchers have fought to explain these events in details. New Danish research has now taken an important step towards doing just this. "We have discovered that a protein called IFI16, which most of our immune cells carry, has crucial significance for the cell's defence against microorganisms or dying cells' release of DNA," explains one of the researchers behind the study, Associate Professor Martin Roelsgaard Jakobsen from the Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, about the results, which have just been published in Nature Communications. Knowledge about how IFI16 works in immune cells and how it helps to initiate and control an immune response can have major long term potential for various types of immunotherapies that are used in the treatment of cancer. Examined cellular debris The innate immune system consists of many different knobs that can be 'pulled' to fight infections by initiating the production of interferon and various inflammatory cytokines. One of these knobs is called STING, a protein that is activated when immune cells sense the presence of DNA parts outside the cell nucleus. "STING's function and its degree of activity play a significant role in how well the body fights conditions when it is exposed to something that is foreign or abnormal such as infections and cancer," explains Martin Roelsgaard Jakobsen. In the new study, the researchers chose to investigate the function of STING in one of the most essential immune cells known to engulf cell-free DNA - the macrophages. They deleted different genes from macrophages' genetic backbone and examined whether the "STING knob" continued to function. It turned out that when the gene which encodes the protein IFI16 was depleted, macrophages stopped producing an immune response and halted production of interferon when exposed to cell-free DNA or DNA viruses. "By using different molecular biological methods, we could clearly demonstrate that our immune cells only need a very small fraction of the IFI16 protin for STING to function optimally," says Martin Roelsgaard Jakobsen. The researchers are currently making use of the new knowledge to develop ways in which they can turn the STING knob in different directions - either up or down in the activity - with the help of synthetic designed molecules. "Within the next five to seven years we hope to have developed a new form of medicine that can support current immunotherapies in the cancer field, where we go directly in and boost the innate immune defence system in the cancerous tumour by using molecules that targets and triggers STING and IFI16 function," explains Martin Roelsgaard Jakobsen. To make certain that this new knowledge will benefit patients as much as possible, the project group is currently working on a commercialisation platform in collaboration with the NOME and ScaleUp Denmark programmes (nome.nu and scale-updenmark.com). ### The research results - more information Type of study: Basic research Partners: Ulm Medical Centre, Germany and the University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands External funding: The Lundbeck Foundation, the Danish Council for Independent Research, the Augustinus Foundation, Frode V. Nyegaard og Hustrus Foundation Read the scientific article: http://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms14391 Boston, MA-- Hearing loss affects 360 million people worldwide according to the World Health Organization. Inner ear sensory cells, called hair cells, are responsible for detecting sound and helping to signal it to the brain. Loud sounds and toxic drugs can lead to death of the hair cells, which do not regenerate, and is the root cause for widespread hearing loss. Until now, it was not possible to promote the generation of sufficient quantities of new hair cells. In a new paper in Cell Reports, scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Massachusetts Eye & Ear describe a technique to grow large quantities of inner ear progenitor cells that convert into hair cells. The same techniques show the ability to regenerate hair cells in the cochlea. Humans are born with only 15,000 sensory hair cells in each cochlea, which are susceptible to damage from exposure to loud noises and medications, which can lead to cell death and hearing loss over time. "Amazingly, birds and amphibians are capable of regenerating hair cells throughout their life, suggesting that the biology exists and should be possible for humans. Intrigued, we decided to explore whether these hair cells could be regenerated," says Jeff Karp, PhD, co-corresponding author and biomedical engineer at BWH. In order to find out, "we took cochlear supporting cells expressing Lgr5, a marker recently found in stem cells of several organs, and treated them with a drug cocktail that stimulated critical pathways," says Xiaolei Yin, co-lead author on the paper and instructor of medicine at BWH. The team achieved a >2000-fold increase in Lgr5 progenitor cells and found that these progenitors could generate new hair cells in high yield. The team also demonstrated that this approach could work with cells from mouse, non-human primate, and human tissue. Importantly, the drug cocktail "generates new sensory hair cells in intact cochlear tissue, which shows promise for a therapy to treat patients with hearing loss," says Karp. This expansion of large populations of Lgr5-expressing cells and their differentiation to hair cells provides a powerful tool for investigating the regenerative biology of hearing, and these drugs should be relevant for clinical application. To advance this work to patients, Frequency Therapeutics, is developing a novel small molecule approach to treat chronic hearing loss and expects to be in the clinic within the next 18 months. ### Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) is a 793-bed nonprofit teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and a founding member of Partners HealthCare. BWH has more than 4.2 million annual patient visits and nearly 46,000 inpatient stays, is the largest birthing center in Massachusetts and employs nearly 16,000 people. The Brigham's medical preeminence dates back to 1832, and today that rich history in clinical care is coupled with its national leadership in patient care, quality improvement and patient safety initiatives, and its dedication to research, innovation, community engagement and educating and training the next generation of health care professionals. Through investigation and discovery conducted at its Brigham Research Institute (BRI), BWH is an international leader in basic, clinical and translational research on human diseases, more than 3,000 researchers, including physician-investigators and renowned biomedical scientists and faculty supported by nearly $666 million in funding. For the last 25 years, BWH ranked second in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) among independent hospitals. BWH is also home to major landmark epidemiologic population studies, including the Nurses' and Physicians' Health Studies and the Women's Health Initiative as well as the TIMI Study Group, one of the premier cardiovascular clinical trials groups. For more information, resources and to follow us on social media, please visit BWH's online newsroom. In less than one year, researchers have developed multiple vaccine platforms that provide robust protection against Zika virus challenge in animal models In less than one year, researchers have developed multiple vaccine platforms that provide robust protection against Zika virus challenge in animal models. Multiple phase 1 clinical trials have been initiated by government, industry and academic research institutions, including Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Research challenges remain, including the high bar for safety and efficacy needed to protect pregnant women and their fetuses from congenital Zika syndrome, which can cause devastating neurological defects in babies of infected mothers. BOSTON - As public health officials warn that spring's warmer temperatures may herald another increase of Zika virus infections in the Caribbean and North and South America, researchers around the world are racing to develop safe and effective measures to prevent the disease. In a review paper published today in the journal Immunity, a group of leading vaccine scientists -- including Dan H. Barouch, MD, PhD, of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) -- outline advances in the hunt for a Zika vaccine and the challenges that still lie ahead. "The pace of preclinical and early clinical development for Zika vaccines is unprecedented," said Barouch, corresponding author and director of the Center for Virology and Vaccine Research at BIDMC. "In less than a year, our group and others have demonstrated that multiple vaccine platforms can provide robust protection against Zika virus challenge in animal models. However, unique challenges will need to be addressed in the clinical development of a Zika vaccine. " The recent outbreak of the Zika virus in the Americas began in Brazil nearly two years ago. By February 2016, the World Health Organization had declared the epidemic a global public health emergency, based largely on the virus' newly-established link to microcephaly and other major birth defects in babies born to infected mothers. The virus has also been associated with the neurologic disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. In a previously published paper, Barouch and colleagues, including Colonel Nelson L. Michael, MD, PhD, director of the Military HIV Research Program at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) and Stephen Thomas, MD, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, demonstrated that three different vaccine candidates provided robust protection against Zika virus in both mice and rhesus monkeys. Several human clinical trials began last fall at test sites including BIDMC, WRAIR, and National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases affiliated clinical trial sites. "The rapid advancement of Zika vaccine candidates into clinical trials reflects the uniquely focused and effective collaboration among scientists in the field to address this important global problem," said Barouch. Despite the accelerated pace of research, much remains unknown about the virus, raising unique challenges in developing a vaccine. Safety considerations are especially critical, given that the target population for a Zika vaccine would likely include men and women of childbearing age. Zika is a member of the flavivirus family of viruses, which includes West Nile virus, yellow fever virus, and dengue viruses, for which successful vaccines have been developed. Studies suggest that Zika-induced antibody responses may also cross-react with other flaviviruses, particularly dengue virus. Whether or not this antibody cross-reactivity may have clinical consequences is another consideration for Zika vaccines and requires further study. ### Co-authors include: Stephen J. Thomas, MD, Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse; and Colonel Nelson L. Michael, MD, PhD, director, Military HIV Research Program, at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR). The review's authors acknowledge support from the U.S. Military Research and Material Command and the U.S. Military HIV Research Program; the National Institutes of Health (AI095985, AI096040, AI100663, AI124377); and the Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard. About Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center is a patient care, teaching and research affiliate of Harvard Medical School and consistently ranks as a national leader among independent hospitals in National Institutes of Health funding. BIDMC is in the community with Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Milton, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Needham, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth, Anna Jaques Hospital, Cambridge Health Alliance, Lawrence General Hospital, MetroWest Medical Center, Signature Healthcare, Beth Israel Deaconess HealthCare, Community Care Alliance and Atrius Health. BIDMC is also clinically affiliated with the Joslin Diabetes Center and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center and is a research partner of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center and the Jackson Laboratory. BIDMC is the official hospital of the Boston Red Sox. For more information, visit http://www.bidmc.org. KANSAS CITY, MO -- February 21, 2017 -- Children's Mercy Kansas City today announced it has been named a recipient of Microsoft Corp.'s 2017 Health Innovation Awards. The awards, which were announced at the 2017 HIMSS Annual Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Florida, recognize health organizations and their technology solution partners for using Microsoft devices and services in innovative ways that help engage patients, empower care teams, optimize clinical and operational effectiveness, and transform the care continuum. The 2017 winners are transforming the industry by creating breakthrough solutions that empower health and life sciences organizations, while meeting global, local and industry-specific compliance and security standards. Children's Mercy received the Health Innovation Award for its Cardiac High Acuity Monitoring Program (CHAMP). Nearly 2,000 babies are born each year with congenital heart disease consisting of a single ventricle. CHAMP combines traditional single-ventricle home monitoring, a service where nurse coordinators provide triage at home for highly fragile infants, with an innovative new app developed by the Ward Family Heart Center team at Children's Mercy. CHAMP consists of a Microsoft Surface 3 tablet with the Windows 10 operating system, connected to a database that sits in the Microsoft Cloud. Parents enter patient information into CHAMP, which transfers home monitoring data and videos in near real-time to the CHAMP home monitoring care team. Once entered into the CHAMP web portal, the data is evaluated through algorithms and can trigger instant alerts to the team for further evaluation of each single-ventricle child. Before the app and tablet were introduced, parents would check various vital signs at home, such as heartrate, weight and oxygen saturation, that are important indicators of cardiac health, and then it was up to them to provide that information to the hospital each week over the phone. Otherwise nurses would try to track down the parents to find out if they were concerned about anything. Nationally, around 1 in 5 babies with single-ventricle heart disease, such as Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, will not survive the time period at home between the first surgery and second surgeries, known as the interstage period. Since Children's Mercy started using the CHAMP app in March 2014, none of its 62 single-ventricle patients have died during that interstage period. Today, 55 U.S. sites, representing nearly 80 percent of all centers that perform single-ventricle heart surgery on infants, and eight international sites have expressed interest in using CHAMP. "We're extremely honored to have Microsoft and HIMSS celebrate CHAMP's early success in 8 states, and this Health Innovation Award reinforces our goal to build a system that will evolve and become more intelligent over time," said Dr. Girish Shirali, co-director of the Ward Family Heart Center at Children's Mercy. "With more sophisticated analytics, we hope to find ways to help us treat babies quicker and even avoid hospitalization altogether." The Ward Family Heart Center at Children's Mercy Kansas City, one of the top pediatric cardiology and heart surgery programs in the nation, performs nearly 450 cardiac surgical procedures, provides 15,700 outpatient visits and 18,000 echocardiograms, and performs catheterization and electrophysiology procedures on more than 500 patients annually. The Heart Center's outcomes regularly outperform the combined averages of the 114 North American children's hospitals contributing to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons National Congenital Heart Surgery Database. Through innovative research, the Ward Family Heart Center is at the forefront of improving care and quality of life for children with congenital and acquired heart disease. "The health industry is undergoing a seismic shift in which intelligent technologies are helping organizations, communities and individuals improve care by helping them better understand and share information," said Laura Wallace, vice president, Health & Life Sciences, Microsoft. "This year's Microsoft Health Innovation Award recipients are advancing the goals of improved patient engagement and care coordination through their pioneering use of Microsoft devices, platforms and cloud services." ### Nominations were submitted by health providers, payers, pharmaceutical and life science organizations, and public and private health institutions across the world for applying Microsoft technology to create transformative and highly-effective innovations. An esteemed panel of industry experts selected this year's winners based on how their innovation represents a forward-thinking development or implementation of a solution that is delivering groundbreaking results and producing better health outcomes for more people. Recipients will be highlighted on the Microsoft website at http://www.microsoft.com/healthinnovationawards and on the Microsoft in Health blog at https://enterprise.microsoft.com/en-us/industries/health/?post_type=articles. About Children's Mercy Kansas City Founded in 1897, Children's Mercy is one of the nation's top pediatric medical centers. With not-for-profit hospitals in Missouri and Kansas, and numerous specialty clinics in both states, Children's Mercy provides the highest level of care for children from birth through the age of 21. U.S. News & World Report has repeatedly ranked Children's Mercy as one of "America's Best Children's Hospitals." For the fourth time in a row, Children's Mercy has achieved Magnet nursing designation, awarded to fewer than seven percent of all hospitals nationally, for excellence in quality care. Its faculty of more than 700 pediatric subspecialists and researchers across more than 40 subspecialties are actively involved in clinical care, pediatric research, and educating the next generation of pediatric subspecialists. Thanks to generous philanthropic and volunteer support, Children's Mercy provides medical care to every child who passes through its doors, regardless of a family's ability to pay. For more information about Children's Mercy and its research, visit childrensmercy.org. For breaking news and videos, follow us on Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. For more information, press only: Contact Jake Jacobson, Director of Public Relations at Children's Mercy Kansas City at 913.406.2060 or jajacobson@cmh.edu, or visit the online newsroom at news.childrensmercy.org. Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Sebastian Will, an assistant professor in the Department of Physics at Columbia University, has been named a 2017 Sloan Research Fellow. An assistant professor at Columbia since 2016, Wills research interests include ultracold molecules and dipolar quantum gases, quantum simulation and quantum magnetism, and ultracold Fermi gases and Bose-Einstein condensates. It sounds complicated, but Will explained that this area of research is important because it allows for a fundamental understanding about quantum many-body systems. Simply put, he said, were investigating how nature gives order to systems that consist of many interacting particles. In every-day life we see what nature does in basic ways -- stuff can be a solid, a liquid, or a gas - those are the three basic states of matter. However, in the world of quantum mechanics, many more states of matter are possible. One of them is the state of a superconductor electricity can flow without any resistance, which means no power is lost. With ultracold atoms and molecules we try to understand such quantum states of matter better. This may allow us to design new materials with powerful and technologically relevant properties. Personally, I am most excited that we can observe states of matter in the lab that no one has ever observed before. Who knows what they will be useful for in the future? Thats the beauty of fundamental research. The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation awards two-year, $60,000 fellowships to 126 researchers from the United States and Canada annually. The fellowships, awarded since 1955, recognize the distinguished performance of early-career scholars and their unique potential to make substantial contributions to their field. Administered and funded by the foundation, the fellowships are awarded in eight scientific fields: chemistry, computer science, economics, mathematics, evolutionary and computational molecular biology, neuroscience, ocean sciences, and physics. To qualify, candidates must first be nominated by fellow scientists and subsequently selected by an independent panel of senior scholars. Getting early-career support can be a make-or-break moment for a young scholar, said Paul L. Joskow, president of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, in a press release. In an increasingly competitive academic environment, it can be difficult to stand out, even when your work is first rate. The Sloan Research Fellowships have become an unmistakable marker of quality among researchers. Fellows represent the best-of-the-best among young scientists. It is a great honor to be selected, Will said. The Sloan Research Fellowship has an enormous tradition. Among the awardees are some of the greatest physicists, such as Richard Feynman. It is quite amazing to stand on the shoulders of such giants. He added that the money will be used for experiments that deepen the exploration of ultracold molecules. It will hopefully help to uncover more miracles of the quantum world, he said. Since the beginning of the program, 43 Sloan Fellows have earned Nobel Prizes, 16 have won the Fields Medal in mathematics, 69 have received the National Medal of Science, and 16 have won the John Bates Clark Medal in economics. Other 2017 Sloan Research Fellows include a chemist developing a heat-reflective window paint to help reduce air conditioning demands in hot climates; an evolutionary biologist who models how human gene distributions change with migration; an astronomer using state-of-the-art spectroscopy to study the galaxys most massive stars; a computer scientist whose work upended a 25-year consensus on algorithmic efficiency; an ocean scientist studying how marine organisms adapt to climate change and the costs of those adaptations; an economist who examines the ways that racial bias among managers can suppress employee productivity; a mathematician developing optimal methods for the efficient analysis of large datasets; and a neuroscientist who studies the way bats learn through echolocation as a model for understanding language development. ### To learn more about Professor Will's research, visit: http://www.sebastianwill.com/Sebastian_Wills_Homepage/Home.html Highly creative people have significantly more nerve connections between the right and left hemispheres DURHAM, N.C. -- Seemingly countless self-help books and seminars tell you to tap into the right side of your brain to stimulate creativity. But forget the "right-brain" myth -- a new study suggests it's how well the two brain hemispheres communicate that sets highly creative people apart. For the study, statisticians David Dunson of Duke University and Daniele Durante of the University of Padova analyzed the network of white matter connections among 68 separate brain regions in healthy college-age volunteers. The brain's white matter lies underneath the outer grey matter. It is composed of bundles of wires, or axons, which connect billions of neurons and carry electrical signals between them. A team led by neuroscientist Rex Jung of the University of New Mexico collected the data using an MRI technique called diffusion tensor imaging, which allows researchers to peer through the skull of a living person and trace the paths of all the axons by following the movement of water along them. Computers then comb through each of the 1-gigabyte scans and convert them to three-dimensional maps -- wiring diagrams of the brain. Jung's team used a combination of tests to assess creativity. Some were measures of a type of problem-solving called "divergent thinking," or the ability to come up with many answers to a question. They asked people to draw as many geometric designs as they could in five minutes. They also asked people to list as many new uses as they could for everyday objects, such as a brick or a paper clip. The participants also filled out a questionnaire about their achievements in ten areas, including the visual arts, music, creative writing, dance, cooking and science. The responses were used to calculate a composite creativity score for each person. Dunson and Durante trained computers to sift through the data and identify differences in brain structure. They found no statistical differences in connectivity within hemispheres, or between men and women. But when they compared people who scored in the top 15 percent on the creativity tests with those in the bottom 15 percent, high-scoring people had significantly more connections between the right and left hemispheres. The differences were mainly in the brain's frontal lobe. Dunson said their approach could also be used to predict the probability that a person will be highly creative simply based on his or her brain network structure. "Maybe by scanning a person's brain we could tell what they're likely to be good at," Dunson said. The study is part of a decade-old field, connectomics, which uses network science to understand the brain. Instead of focusing on specific brain regions in isolation, connectomics researchers use advanced brain imaging techniques to identify and map the rich, dense web of links between them. Dunson and colleagues are now developing statistical methods to find out whether brain connectivity varies with I.Q., whose relationship to creativity is a subject of ongoing debate. In collaboration with neurology professor Paul Thompson at the University of Southern California, they're also using their methods for early detection of Alzheimer's disease, to help distinguish it from normal aging. By studying the patterns of interconnections in healthy and diseased brains, they and other researchers also hope to better understand dementia, epilepsy, schizophrenia and other neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injury or coma. "Data sharing in neuroscience is increasingly more common as compared to only five years ago," said Joshua Vogelstein of Johns Hopkins University, who founded the Open Connectome Project and processed the raw data for the study. Just making sense of the enormous datasets produced by brain imaging studies is a challenge, Dunson said. Most statistical methods for analyzing brain network data focus on estimating properties of single brains, such as which regions serve as highly connected hubs. But each person's brain is wired differently, and techniques for identifying similarities and differences in connectivity across individuals and between groups have lagged behind. ### The study appears online and will be published in a forthcoming issue of the journal Bayesian Analysis. This research was supported by grants from the University of Padova, Italy (CPDA154381/15), the United States Office of Naval Research (N00014-14-1-0245) and the John Templeton Foundation (22156). CITATION: "Bayesian Inference and Testing of Group Differences in Brain Networks," Daniele Durante and David B. Dunson. Bayesian Analysis, first online Nov. 2016. DOI: 10.1214/16-BA1030 By Press Trust of India: Jammu, Feb 21 (PTI) BSF has foiled an infiltration bid along the Line of Control in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir and gunned down a militant. Officials said the incident occurred around midnight when Border Security Force (BSF) troops deployed along the LoC fence in Keri sector of Rajouri detected some suspicious movement. advertisement A heavy exchange of fire ensued for about 30 minutes and the guns then went silent from the other side, they said. A search was conducted early morning during which the BSF party recovered the body of the militant along with an AK-47 rifle, six loaded magazines and a monocular night vision device from the Pakistan side. A black bag containing another loaded AK magazine, dry fruits and juice was also recovered, they said. "It is understood that the remaining terrorists took advantage of the undulating hilly ground and jungle and retreated to their side. An infiltration bid was foiled by alert troops," they added. PTI AB/NES DV --- ENDS --- DURHAM, N.C. - Each year, 2 to 16 percent of hydraulically fractured oil and gas wells spill hydrocarbons, chemical-laden water, hydraulic fracturing fluids and other substances, according to a new study. The analysis, which appears Feb. 21 in Environmental Science & Technology, identified 6,648 spills reported across Colorado, New Mexico, North Dakota and Pennsylvania during a 10-year period. "This study provides important insights into the frequency, volume, and cause of spills," said Lauren Patterson, policy associate at Duke University's Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions and the study's lead author. Researchers examined state-level spill data to characterize spills associated with unconventional oil and gas development at 31,481 wells hydraulically fractured or "fracked" in the four states between 2005 and 2014. "State spill data holds great promise for risk identification and mitigation," Patterson said. "However, reporting requirements differ across states, requiring considerable effort to make the data usable for analysis." North Dakota reported the highest spill rate, with 4,453 incidents, followed by Pennsylvania at 1,293, Colorado at 476 and New Mexico at 426. The number of spills reported is partly a reflection of the reporting requirements set by each state. For example, North Dakota required reporting smaller spills (42 gallons or more) than Colorado and New Mexico (210 gallons or more). "As this form of energy production increases, state efforts to reduce spill risk could benefit from making data more uniform and accessible to better provide stakeholders with important information on where to target efforts for locating and preventing future spills," Patterson added. The results of the study exceed the 457 spills calculated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for eight states between 2006 and 2012 because the EPA's analysis only considered the hydraulic fracturing stage, rather than the full life cycle of unconventional oil and gas production. "Understanding spills at all stages of well development is important because preparing for hydraulic fracturing requires the transport of more materials to and from well sites and storage of these materials on site," Patterson said. "Investigating all stages helps to shed further light on the spills that can occur at all types of wells -- not just unconventional ones." Fifty percent of spills identified in the Environmental Science & Technology article were related to storage and moving fluids via pipelines, although it was not always possible to determine the cause of the spill because some states explicitly required this data to be reported while others relied on narrative descriptions. Across all states, the first three years of a well's life, when drilling and hydraulic fracturing occurred and production volumes were highest, had the greatest risk of a spill. The study found that a significant portion of spills (from 26 percent in Colorado to 53 percent in North Dakota) occur at wells that experienced more than one spill, which suggests that wells where spills have already occurred merit closer attention. "Analyses like this one are so important, to define and mitigate risk to water supplies and human health," said Kate Konschnik, director of the Harvard Law School's Environmental Policy Initiative. "Writing state reporting rules with these factors in mind is critical, to ensure that the right data are available -- and in an accessible format -- for industry, states and the research community." ### The article will be available on the journal site as well as the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions publication page at 8 a.m. ET, February 21. A data visualization tool of spill data contained in this study is also available: http://snappartnership.net/groups/hydraulic-fracturing/webapp/spills.html. CITATION: L. Patterson, K. Konschnik, H. Wiseman, et. al. 2017. "Unconventional Oil and Gas Spills: Risks, Mitigation Priorities and States Reporting Requirements" Environmental Science & Technology: DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.05749. FUNDERS: This work was supported with grant funding from the Science for Nature and People Partnership, a partnership of The Nature Conservancy, Wildlife Conservation Society and the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis. Philadelphia, PA, February 21, 2017 - In the Biological Psychiatry special issue "Neuroimmune Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder", guest editor Professor Kimberley McAllister of the University of California, Davis, presents five reviews and three original research articles highlighting advances that are transforming the field of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research. "ASD is the most rapidly increasing neurodevelopmental disorder and current estimates are alarming," said Dr. McAllister. One in 68 children and 1 in 42 boys in the US are estimated to be on the spectrum. Few treatment options exist, and the search for effective new therapies has been hindered by a struggle to understand what causes ASD. "One of the most exciting recent hypotheses in the field is that immune dysregulation contributes to, and may cause, ASD," Dr. McAllister added. The special issue reports on both environmental factors and genetic mutations that converge on immune dysfunction. To better understand the neurodevelopmental trajectory and role of immune function in ASD, new clinical studies detail the timing of immunologic disturbances in children with ASD and the relationship between immune system activation and severity of impairments. Inflammation may also help explain why ASD affects boys 4 to 5 times more than girls. A review highlighting the importance of the immune system in the normal development of males proposes how the process of masculinization makes boys more vulnerable to the effects of inflammation. Children with ASD often suffer from gastrointestinal issues, and two reviews highlight recent research on the environmental and genetic links that may bridge immune dysfunction, the gut microbiome, and impairments in brain development associated with ASD. Recent research has also implicated the maternal immune system during pregnancy on risk of ASD in children. Two new reviews in the issue collate research in humans and animal models that link alterations in the maternal immune system, whether through genetic autoimmune disorders or through immune system activation in response to infection, with impaired brain development observed in ASD. "Research in this new area of neuroimmunology provides real hope that new therapies directed at preventing and/or correcting immune dysregulation in ASD could improve the lives of millions of Americans," Dr. McAllister concluded. Therapies targeting the immune system may also have benefits beyond ASD, as indicated by a new study linking maternal immune dysfunction with an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The findings suggest that correcting immune dysfunction may have potential for preventing a range of psychiatric diseases. ### Notes for editors The special issue is "Neuroimmune Mechanisms in Autism Spectrum Disorder," Biological Psychiatry, volume 81, issue 5 (2017), published by Elsevier. Copies of this paper included in the special issue are available to credentialed journalists upon request; please contact Elsevier's Newsroom at newsroom@elsevier.com or +31 20 485 2492. About Biological Psychiatry Biological Psychiatry is the official journal of the Society of Biological Psychiatry, whose purpose is to promote excellence in scientific research and education in fields that investigate the nature, causes, mechanisms and treatments of disorders of thought, emotion, or behavior. In accord with this mission, this peer-reviewed, rapid-publication, international journal publishes both basic and clinical contributions from all disciplines and research areas relevant to the pathophysiology and treatment of major psychiatric disorders. The journal publishes novel results of original research which represent an important new lead or significant impact on the field, particularly those addressing genetic and environmental risk factors, neural circuitry and neurochemistry, and important new therapeutic approaches. Reviews and commentaries that focus on topics of current research and interest are also encouraged. Biological Psychiatry is one of the most selective and highly cited journals in the field of psychiatric neuroscience. It is ranked 5th out of 140 Psychiatry titles and 11th out of 256 Neurosciences titles in the Journal Citations Reports published by Thomson Reuters. The 2015 Impact Factor score for Biological Psychiatry is 11.212. About Elsevier Elsevier is a world-leading provider of information solutions that enhance the performance of science, health, and technology professionals, empowering them to make better decisions, deliver better care, and sometimes make groundbreaking discoveries that advance the boundaries of knowledge and human progress. Elsevier provides web-based, digital solutions -- among them ScienceDirect, Scopus, Research Intelligence and ClinicalKey -- and publishes over 2,500 journals, including The Lancet and Cell, and more than 35,000 book titles, including a number of iconic reference works. Elsevier is part of RELX Group, a world-leading provider of information and analytics for professional and business customers across industries. http://www.elsevier.com BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Hiring more black police officers is not a viable strategy for reducing police-involved homicides of black citizens in most cities, according to new Indiana University research that is the first in-depth study of this increasingly urgent public policy question. IU researchers tested a potential solution that emerged following the police shooting of an unarmed black citizen in Ferguson, Missouri, as well as similar homicides in more than a dozen other cities. The shootings triggered nationwide "Black Lives Matter" protests and heated political debates. The study finds that, for many cities, it would take a massive increase in the percentage of black police officers to reduce the number of police-involved shootings of black citizens. Adding just a few black officers, the researchers say, won't help and might make matters worse. "More black officers are seen as a way to directly reduce unnecessary violence between police and citizens," said study co-author Sean Nicholson-Crotty. "We found that, for the vast majority of cities, simply increasing the percentage of black officers is not an effective solution. "There may be other good reasons to have a police force that is more representative," he said, "but there is little evidence that more black cops will result in fewer homicides of black citizens." The full analysis by IU researchers is presented in the article, "Will More Black Cops Matter? Officer Race and Police-Involved Homicides of Black Citizens." It will appear in the March/April issue of Public Administration Review as part of a symposium on policing and race. Until recently, no data existed that allowed a study of police homicides, according to the authors. Local law enforcement agencies have not been compelled to report deaths in custody by race, and there was no federal source for the information. To produce the first peer-reviewed study of its type, Nicholson-Crotty and co-researchers Jill Nicholson-Crotty and Sergio Fernandez, all from IU's School of Public and Environmental Affairs, used new data from two sources: Mapping Police Violence, an advocacy group that developed a database of police homicides in 2014 in the 100 largest American cities. A Washington Post collection of data on police-involved homicides in 2015. Previous studies have examined the effect of hiring more black officers on policing outcomes such as arrests, citizen complaints and traffic stops. Findings were mixed. The studies found that greater representation reduces discrimination in some cases, has no effect in others and leads to more discrimination against black citizens in yet other situations. Furthermore, the IU researchers argue, the studies do not tell us much about the likely impact on police-involved homicides. "Because of these inconsistent conclusions, we want to find out if there's a critical mass, a point at which the impact of more black officers on police-involved homicides changes from positive or neutral to negative," Jill Nicholson-Crotty said. The authors found that, until the number of black officers reached between 35 percent and 40 percent of the police force, adding black officers had no effect on the number of police-involved shootings of black citizens or was associated with a higher number of such shootings. After the number of black officers surpassed between 35 percent and 40 percent, they found, adding black officers had no effect and, in some cases, may have been associated with a lower number of police-involved shootings of black citizens. "At that point [35 to 40 percent] and higher, individual officers may become less likely to discriminate against black citizens and more inclined to assume a minority advocacy role," Fernandez said. The sticking point is that in Ferguson and most other places, even doubling or tripling the number of black officers won't result in a percentage as high as 35 percent to 40 percent. The authors also caution that: "In most cities, a critical mass of black officers on the police force can be achieved only by over-representing blacks and making bureaucracy even less representative of the community it serves." They say more investigation is needed to find solutions and fully understand how questions of race affect protection of peace and administration of justice. ### Reporters may request a copy of the paper from SPEA communications director Jim Hanchett at 812-856-5490 or jimhanch@indiana.edu. The paper may also be downloaded from the journal's website. LOS ANGELES -- Research published today found testosterone treatment improved bone density and anemia for men over 65 with low testosterone. But the treatment didn't improve patients' cognitive function, and it increased the amount of plaque buildup in participants' coronary arteries, according to four studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and JAMA Internal Medicine. A team of researchers from LA BioMed and 12 other medical centers in the U.S., in partnership with the National Institute on Aging, conducted The Testosterone Trials (TTrials), a coordinated group of seven trials, which studied the effects of testosterone treatment for one year as compared to placebo for men 65 and older with low testosterone. Four of those studies were published today. "While we have long known that testosterone levels decrease as men age, very little was known about the effects of testosterone treatment in older men with low testosterone until last year," said Ronald S. Swerdloff, MD, an LA BioMed researcher and co-author of the four studies. "Our first published research last year found benefits to testosterone treatment, and this latest series of studies finds further benefits in terms of improving bone density and anemia. However, the cardiovascular study showed that the testosterone treatment group had increased plaque buildup in coronary arteries, suggesting a possible risk factor." In the cardiovascular trial, researchers assessed coronary artery plaque buildup by CT angiography. That assessment showed more plaque buildup in men treated with testosterone than in men treated with placebo. Nonetheless, in all 788 men in the TTrials, the number of major adverse cardiovascular events was similar in the men treated with testosterone as in the men treated with placebo. "We want to emphasize that this study was exploratory and emphasizes the need for a large-scale, well-controlled, long-term safety trial to determine if there is an increased risk of heart damage or death," Dr. Swerdloff said. "As with all medications the physician and patient need to balance the benefits and risks of treatment." Dr. Christina Wang, an LA BioMed researcher and co-author of the four studies, noted that the researchers also found that testosterone treatment improved bone density and estimated bone strength, as determined by CT. "After one year of treatment, older men with low testosterone significantly increased bone density and estimated bone strength compared to those on placebo," said Dr. Wang. "A larger and longer trial would be needed to determine if testosterone treatment reduces fracture risk." Testosterone treatment also increased hemoglobin concentrations, corrected the anemia of men who had no other identifiable cause of anemia and corrected the anemia of men who had an identifiable cause, such as iron deficiency. While these conclusions proved testosterone to be beneficial to the participants, testosterone treatment did not improve memory or any other measure of cognitive function. "As a result of these findings, physicians may wish to consider measuring testosterone in men age 65 and older who have unexplained anemia and symptoms suggestive of low testosterone levels," said Dr. Swerdloff. The TTrials are now the largest trials to examine the efficacy of testosterone treatment in men 65 and older whose testosterone levels are low due seemingly to age alone. TTrials researchers screened 51,085 men to find 790 who qualified with a sufficiently low testosterone level and who met other criteria. The men enrolled were randomized into two groups: one to take a daily testosterone gel and the other a daily placebo gel, for one year. Efficacy was then evaluated at months three, six, nine and 12. "Final decisions about testosterone treatment for older men will depend on balancing the results from these seven TTrials with the results from a much larger and longer term trial designed to assess cardiovascular and prostate risk in the future," said principal investigator Peter J. Snyder, MD, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine professor of medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. ### In addition to LA BioMed and University of Pennsylvania, the TTrials were conducted at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Puget Sound Health Care System, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, University of Florida School of Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health and Yale School of Medicine. The Testosterone Trials were supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (U01 AG030644). The TTrials were also supplemented by funds from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. AbbVie (formerly Solvay and Abbott Laboratories) also provided funding, AndroGel, and placebo gel. About LA BioMed Founded in 1952, LA BioMed is one of the country's leading nonprofit independent biomedical research institutes. It has approximately 100 principal researchers conducting studies into improved treatments and therapies for cancer, inherited diseases, infectious diseases, illnesses caused by environmental factors and more. It also educates young scientists and provides community services, including prenatal counseling and childhood nutrition programs. LA BioMed is academically affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and located on the campus of Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. For more information, please visit http://www.LABioMed.org Monash University (Australia) and Cardiff University (UK) researchers have come a step further in understanding how the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) evades the immune system. Declared a pandemic in 1987 by the World Health Organization, HIV infection has been responsible for 39 million deaths over the last 30 years. It remains one of the world's most significant public health challenges and thus a greater understanding of how HIV functions is urgently needed so that researchers can design better therapies to target this devastating pathogen. Published today in Nature Structural and Molecular Biology, the Monash-Cardiff team has made an important finding in understanding how HIV-I can evade the immune system. They demonstrated, in molecular detail, how mutations within HIV can lead to differing ways in which key immune molecules, termed the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), display fragments of the virus and how this results in the HIV remaining "hidden" from the immune system. Principal author of the study, Dr Julian Vivian, said the team was yet to develop a complete understanding of how HIV outmanoeuvred our immune system. "This work uncovers a novel mechanism for HIV immune escape, which will be important to incorporate into future vaccine development and may have broader implications for immune recognition of MHC molecules," he said. The recent finding is part of a much larger international alliance between the two Universities, with the Systems Immunity Research Institute (SIURI) at Cardiff University and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute (BDI), having signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The five year mutual agreement recognises a number of highly productive joint projects already being conducted around inflammation and immunity, and provides a mechanism for enabling additional innovative projects and student exchange in the areas of protective immunity, metabolism, autoimmunity and cancer. A chief Investigator on the ARC CoE for Advanced Molecular Imaging, based at Monash BDI, Professor Jamie Rossjohn, said the find was exciting and unexpected. "These result were only possible because of the close collaborative ties between Monash and Cardiff researchers." Cardiff University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Colin Riordan, said the signing of the MoU called for a celebration. "Formalising this collaboration is another step forward in what will continue to be a highly successful exchange program and transfer of knowledge between the two countries for the benefit of all." Monash BDI Director, Professor John Carroll, said the research demonstrated the power of international collaboration. "We are bringing together excellence in molecular and systems level immunity in this partnership, and I know it will lead to many more great discoveries." ### About the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging The $39 million ARC-funded Imaging CoE develops and uses innovative imaging technologies to visualise the molecular interactions that underpin the immune system. Featuring an internationally renowned team of lead scientists across five major Australian Universities and academic and commercial partners globally, the Centre uses a truly multi scale and programmatic approach to imaging to deliver maximum impact. The Imaging CoE is headquartered at Monash University with four collaborating organisations - La Trobe University, the University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales and the University of Queensland. About the Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute Committed to making the discoveries that will relieve the future burden of disease, the newly established Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute at Monash University brings together more than 120 internationally-renowned research teams. Our researchers are supported by world-class technology and infrastructure, and partner with industry, clinicians and researchers internationally to enhance lives through discovery. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has launched a Phase 1 clinical trial to test an investigational vaccine intended to provide broad protection against a range of mosquito-transmitted diseases, such as Zika, malaria, West Nile fever and dengue fever, and to hinder the ability of mosquitoes to transmit such infections. The study, which is being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, will examine the experimental vaccine's safety and ability to generate an immune response. The investigational vaccine, called AGS-v, was developed by the London-based pharmaceutical company SEEK, which has since formed a joint venture with hVIVO in London. The consulting group Halloran has provided regulatory advice to both companies. Unlike other vaccines targeting specific mosquito-borne diseases, the AGS-v candidate is designed to trigger an immune response to mosquito saliva rather than to a specific virus or parasite carried by mosquitoes. The test vaccine contains four synthetic proteins from mosquito salivary glands. The proteins are designed to induce antibodies in a vaccinated individual and to cause a modified allergic response that can prevent infection when a person is bitten by a disease-carrying mosquito. "Mosquitoes cause more human disease and death than any other animal," said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. "A single vaccine capable of protecting against the scourge of mosquito-borne diseases is a novel concept that, if proven successful, would be a monumental public health advance." Led by Matthew J. Memoli, M.D., director of the Clinical Studies Unit in NIAID's Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, the clinical trial is expected to enroll up to 60 healthy adults ages 18 to 50 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of three vaccine regimens. The first group will receive two injections of the AGS-v vaccine, 21 days apart. The second group will receive two injections of AGS-v combined with an adjuvant, 21 days apart. The adjuvant is an oil and water mixture commonly added to vaccines to enhance immune responses. The third group will receive two placebo injections of sterile water 21 days apart. Neither the study investigators nor the participants will know who is assigned to each group. Participants will be asked to return to the clinic twice between vaccinations and twice after the second vaccination to undergo a physical exam and to provide blood samples. Study investigators will examine the blood samples to measure levels of antibodies triggered by vaccination. Each participant also will return to the Clinical Center approximately 21 days after completing the vaccination schedule to undergo a controlled exposure to biting mosquitoes. The mosquitoes will not be carrying viruses or parasites, so the participants are not at risk of becoming infected with a mosquito-borne disease. Five to 10 female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes from the insectary in NIAID's Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research will be put in a feeding device that will be placed on each participant's arm for 20 minutes. The mosquitoes will bite the participants' arms through the netting on the feeding devices. Afterward, investigators will take blood samples from each participant at various time points to see if participants experience a modified response to the mosquito bites as a result of AGS-v vaccination. Investigators also will examine the mosquitoes after the feeding to assess any changes to their life cycle. Scientists suspect that the mosquitoes who take a blood meal from ASG-v-vaccinated participants may have altered behavior that could lead to early death or a reduced ability to reproduce. This would indicate that the experimental vaccine could also hinder disease transmission by controlling the mosquito population. All participants will be asked to return to the clinic for follow-up visits every 60 days for five months following the mosquito feeding. A final clinic visit to assess long-term safety will take place approximately 10 months after the mosquito feeding. Throughout the trial, an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board will review study data to evaluate participant safety and the overall conduct of the study. A medical monitor from NIAID's Office of Clinical Research Policy and Regulatory Operations will also perform routine safety assessments. ### The study is expected to be completed by summer 2018. For more information about the trial, see ClinicalTrials.gov using the trial identifier NCT03055000. NIAID conducts and supports research--at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide--to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website. About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov. A NASA-led team will kick off an ambitious airborne campaign to determine which combination of sensors would work best at collecting global snow-water measurements from space -- critical for understanding and managing the world's freshwater resources. Scientists at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland are providing technology to the mission. The first winter campaign of the multi-year effort, called SnowEx, begins on February 6, said Ed Kim, the SnowEx project scientist at NASA Goddard. "SnowEx is all about challenging the sensing techniques and algorithms...until they break," he said. "Only then will we learn when and where each technique works or doesn't work and, of course, why. That's the key to finding an optimum mix for a future snow satellite mission." Snow Water Equivalent, The Sweet Spot Although satellites have given scientists a half-century of snow-cover maps, showing the extent of snow over the landscape, they have proven unreliable at helping scientists determine the snow-water equivalent, or SWE, which is the amount of water that the snowpack contains. Currently, SWE can be measured in the field or calculated using a combination of space-based observations and modeling. To calculate SWE -- information vitally important for water-resource managers, to say nothing of the more than a billion people worldwide who rely on snowpacks for their water -- scientists use sophisticated computer algorithms and models that consider snow depth and density. However, more accurate, remotely sensed measurements are needed as input to improve the model results. The remote-sensing measurements come from airborne or spaceborne sensors, which either receive radiation passively, or actively emit radiation directed toward the ground. The radiation then interacts with the target and subsequently is received back at the sensor. However, forests and complex topography can confound and complicate remotely sensed signals. Consequently, multiple sensors will be flown to determine which combination of sensors works best in different snow conditions. The knowledge will be applied to formulating a space-based mission to measure snow and other features of the cryosphere globally. It also could be used to determine how measurements from missions designed for other purposes might aid in evaluating global SWE. As for measuring SWE, each sensor offers both capabilities and limitations. Active and passive microwave sensors are useful for measuring SWE, irrespective of clouds or darkness, as long as the snow isn't wet, Kim said. Some can see shallow snow while others lose sensitivity under conditions of deep snow with a high SWE. Lidar, on the other hand, doesn't saturate for deep snow, isn't effective for shallow snow, and cannot see through clouds. All the sensors have trouble in densely forested areas, although lidar and others show much promise. "We've never before had the opportunity to combine these specific sensors in one campaign," explained Dorothy Hall, a Michigan State University researcher and former Goddard scientist who is on the SnowEx organizing team. "We need to evaluate how each sensor performs for measurement of snowpack properties, and how they can be used together, to measure SWE accurately in different land covers." Determining the Breaking Point To determine the effectiveness of each remote-sensing technique, the team will begin flying multiple airborne sensors in February over Grand Mesa, Colorado. This site was selected by the NASA snow community at a meeting that was held at the University of Washington in Seattle last spring. A distinct forest-cover gradient at Grand Mesa makes it a versatile site for measuring snow in different forest densities. "It was a Goldilocks story," Kim said. "We wanted a site where there weren't too many or too few trees." Lidar can be used to measure snow depth and SWE if the pre-snow topography and snowpack density are known. Thus, a baseline survey of the area before snow accumulates is needed. In September, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Airborne Snow Observatory flew a lidar to determine specific pre-snow terrain conditions. Likewise, certain radar techniques benefit from 'no-snow' baseline data. The team will fly the European Space Agency's radar, SnowSAR, in the summer of 2017 to obtain a 'no-snow' baseline. NASA Goddard Instruments When the campaign begins in February, the suite of SnowEx instruments will include two Goddard-contributed instruments: the passive microwave Airborne Earth Science Microwave Imaging Radiometer, or AESMIR, and the bi-directional reflectance function Cloud Absorption Radiometer, or CAR. Two thermal-infrared sensors and a video camera also will be flown. The Uninhabited Aerial Vehicle Synthetic Aperture Radar, or UAVSAR, and the Airborne Glacier and Land Ice Surface Topography Interferometer-A, or GLISTIN-A, also will be flown to provide measurements with two experimental radar techniques. UAVSAR will attempt to sense SWE by penetrating the entire snowpack, while GLISTIN-A will attempt to sense snow depth using lidar-like techniques. In contrast, ESA's SnowSAR employs the traditional radar approach, which measures the amount of scattering that occurs within the snowpack. Ground Truth Data Collection A major feature of the campaign is a robust ground-truth program designed to validate sensor data, Kim said. Participation from federal partners, such as the U.S. Forest Service and NOAA, as well as from international partners from Canada, Norway, and other countries, is key to the success of this mission. Kelly Elder, a snow scientist with the Forest Service in Fort Collins, Colorado, is leading this part of the SnowEx campaign. The big emphasis, however, remains on the airborne sensors themselves, said Charles Gatebe, who is the SnowEx deputy project scientist and principal investigator of the Cloud Absorption Radiometer that will fly during the campaign. "We need a satellite mission that can measure snow globally," he said. "We are looking for the tools." ### For more Goddard technology news, go to: http://gsfctechnology.gsfc.nasa.gov/newsletter/Current.pdf Adolescents with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms are more likely to misidentify sad and angry faces as fearful, while teens with symptoms of conduct disorder tend to interpret sad faces as angry, finds a study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development. "Our findings suggest that exposure to stress and trauma can have acute emotional impacts that simply translate to misidentification of important affective cues," said Shabnam Javdani, assistant professor of applied psychology at NYU Steinhardt, who led the study with Naomi Sadeh of the University of Delaware. The study was published in the February issue of the journal Child and Adolescent Mental Health. Research suggests that trauma increases the risk for the development of both PTSD and conduct disorder - a group of behavioral and emotional problems characterized by callousness or aggression towards others - in teens. These disorders, which often co-occur, have an immense impact on the well being and healthy development of adolescents; if left untreated, they increase the risk of hurting others or oneself, substance use, and mental health problems in adulthood. Trauma has also been associated with an impaired ability to recognize facial expressions. Understanding facial expressions is critical for social functioning and communicating emotions. Earlier studies have found that youth with PTSD and conduct disorder symptoms have deficits in emotional processing that are associated with aggressive behavior and impaired social functioning. These interpersonal problems may be connected to youth misinterpreting social cues conveyed through facial expressions. The researchers examined the effects of PTSD and conduct disorder symptoms on how youth with emotional and behavior problems process facial expressions. The study included 371 teens, ages 13-19, who were enrolled in therapeutic day schools in Chicago or Providence, R.I. The teens completed a structured diagnostic assessment and a facial affect recognition task. Seventeen percent of participants had at least one PTSD symptom, and 12.4 percent met the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. Eighty-five percent of the teens studied had at least one conduct disorder symptom, and approximately 30 percent met the criteria for a diagnosis of conduct disorder. In addition, 17 percent of those studied had symptoms of both PTSD and conduct disorder. The researchers found that youth with emotional and behavior problems generally had more difficulty accurately identifying angry faces than fearful or sad faces. However, when they looked at participants with PTSD or conduct disorder symptoms, their findings varied. Higher levels of PTSD symptoms were associated with less accurate identification of angry faces compared with fearful and sad faces; specifically, youth with greater PTSD symptoms were more likely to mistake sad and angry emotions for fear. "Fear is particularly relevant for understanding PTSD, as the disorder has been associated with a 'survival mode' of functioning characterized by an overactive fight-or-flight response and increased threat perception," Javdani said. In contrast, teens with conduct disorder were more likely to misidentify sad faces, but did not have trouble recognizing angry or fearful faces. Conduct disorder symptoms were associated with mistaking sadness for anger, suggesting that youth with higher levels of conduct disorder interpret sad faces as angry and may be less effective at recognizing others' sadness, pain, and suffering. "Difficulty interpreting displays of sadness and misidentifying sadness as anger may contribute to the impaired affective bonding, low empathy, and callous behavior observed in teens with conduct disorder," Javdani said. The researchers point to potential treatment implications of their findings: enhancing the accuracy of recognizing facial expressions may be an important treatment goal for youth with symptoms of PTSD and conduct disorder. ### In addition to Javdani and Sadeh, the study was coauthored by Geri R. Donenberg and Erin M. Emerson of the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health and Christopher Houck and Larry K. Brown of Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University. The research was supported by a National Institute of Mental Health grant (R01 MH066641) to the University of Illinois at Chicago and Rhode Island Hospital, and by the Lifespan/Brown/Tufts Center for AIDS Research (P30 AI042853). About the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development (@nyusteinhardt) Located in the heart of Greenwich Village, NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development prepares students for careers in the arts, education, health, media, and psychology. Since its founding in 1890, the Steinhardt School's mission has been to expand human capacity through public service, global collaboration, research, scholarship, and practice. To learn more about NYU Steinhardt, visit steinhardt.nyu.edu. COLUMBUS, Ohio - As mindfulness practices rise in popularity and evidence of their worth continues to accumulate, those who work with aging populations are looking to use the techniques to boost cognitive, emotional and physiological health. But studies so far have shown mixed results in the elderly, and more investigation is needed to determine exactly how best to apply mindfulness in that population, a new review of the research to date has found. A majority of the 27 studies in the review suggest that the focused attention at the core of mindfulness benefits older people, but others don't point to improvements. And that should prompt more rigorous investigations in search of interventions likely to do the most good, researchers from The Ohio State University found. Their analysis appears in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. "Mindfulness is a practice that really serves as a way to foster a greater quality of life and there's been some thought that it could help with cognitive decline as we age," said Stephanie Fountain-Zaragoza, lead author of the study and a graduate student in psychology. "Given the growing interest in mindfulness in general, we wanted to determine what we know right now so that researchers can think about where we go from here," she said. The good news so far: The evidence from a variety of studies points to some benefits for older adults, suggesting that mindfulness training might be integrated into senior centers and group homes, the researchers found. Older people are an especially important population to study given diminished social support, physical limitations and changes in cognitive health, the researchers point out. Studies of mindfulness meditation usually involve three types of practices. The first, focused attention, involves sustained attention to a single thing (such as the breath) and an effort to disengage from other distractions. Open monitoring meditation, often seen as the next step up in mindfulness, includes acknowledging the details of multiple phenomena (sensations, sounds, etc.) without selectively focusing on one of them. "This includes being open to experiencing thoughts and sensations and emotions and taking them as they come and letting them go," Fountain-Zaragoza said. Loving-kindness meditation encourages a universal state of love and compassion toward oneself and others. "The goal with this is to foster compassionate acceptance," said senior author Ruchika Shaurya Prakash, director of Ohio State's clinical neuroscience laboratory and an expert in mindfulness. In addition to looking at how mindfulness contributed - or did not - to behavioral and cognitive functioning and to psychological wellbeing, some of the research also looked at its potential role in inflammation, which contributes to a variety of diseases. In all categories of study, including inflammatory processes, Prakash and Fountain-Zaragoza found mixed results. The hope is that mindfulness could help the elderly preserve attention and capitalize on emotional regulation strategies that naturally improve as we age, Prakash said. "Around 50 percent of our lives, our minds are wandering and research from Harvard University has shown that the more your mind wanders, the less happy you are," she said. "Mindfulness allows you to become aware of that chaotic mind-wandering and provides a safe space to just breathe." In older people, mindfulness ideally has the potential to help with cognition, emotion and inflammation, but little research has been done so far and those studies that have been done have had mixed results and scientific limitations. While most of the studies in the review showed positive results, the field is limited and would benefit greatly from larger randomized controlled trials, Fountain-Zaragoza said. "We want to really be able to say that we have strong evidence that mindfulness is driving the changes we see," she said. ### CONTACTS: Stephanie Fountain-Zaragoza, Fountain-zaragoza.1@osu.edu. Ruchika Shaurya Prakash, (614) 292-8462; Prakash.30@osu.edu. Written by Misti Crane, 614-292-5220; Crane.11@osu.edu New York, NY-Africa's protected parks and reserves are capable of supporting three to four times as many wild lions if well funded and managed, according to a new report led by Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization. Published in Biological Conservation, the study shows that populations of the African lion and its prey species are drastically below their natural potential inside most of Africa's protected areas (PA). In recent years, lion numbers have declined steeply. Some estimates suggest as few as 20,000 wild lions remain in all of Africa, compared to 30,000 that existed just two decades ago. Yet, the study indicates that with sufficient global support for African conservation efforts, the continent's protected areas could support as many as 83,000 free-ranging lions. Panthera Research Associate and Wildlife Conservation Network Conservation Initiatives Director, Dr. Peter Lindsey, shared, "Africa's incredible protected areas hold the key to securing the future of lions and several other wildlife species, and can yield significant benefits for people. African governments have set aside enough space to conserve lions effectively - we just need to find ways to enable those areas to be funded sufficiently and managed effectively. While a diverse set of approaches are needed to achieve lion conservation, it is clear that investing in improved management of PAs has particular potential to boost the conservation prospects for lions." Lindsey continued, "Encouragingly, there are more than just biological reasons for investing in PAs. Well-funded protected areas, and especially those with lions, can play a critical role in developing tourism industries whose revenues can help to grow and diversify economies and create jobs. In addition, protected areas also play essential roles in providing ecosystem services, such as watershed protection. By investing sufficiently in Africa's protected area network, the global community has the opportunity to halt and reverse the decline in lion numbers." The study found that less than one third of the 175 parks and reserves examined are currently conserving lions at more than 50% of their 'carrying capacity' - an ecological term for the natural population levels animals reach if human threats are minimal. Parks were in slightly better shape for lion prey, with around 45% of surveyed protected areas conserving herbivores at over 50% of their carrying capacity. The illegal bushmeat trade stands out as the most severe and prevalent threat facing lions and many other wildlife species in Africa's protected areas. Following closely behind are a multitude of threats, including human-lion conflict, encroachment of PAs by humans and livestock and in some cases, the emerging threat of direct poaching of lions for the illegal wildlife trade. Panthera and partner scientists found that adequate management budgets and management capacity are essential pre-requisites for successfully conserving lions in PAs, as they permit effective law enforcement and other critical conservation initiatives. Those protected areas dedicating the use of their land primarily for photo-tourism operations are also associated with the greatest success in conserving lions and their prey. Today, sub-Saharan Africa's tourism industry, supported by dozens of parks and reserves, is valued at $25 billion dollars, compared to the $20 billion a year illegal wildlife trade that is increasingly targeting Africa's big cats and wildlife for their precious parts. Panthera also recognizes the importance of making sure that local people have a stake in and stand to benefit from PAs and big cat conservation. Simply put, managing PAs and protecting wildlife will be cheaper and easier if local people are supportive, and have a stake in the process. Panthera Senior Lion Program Director, Dr. Paul Funston, shared, "There is just no replacement for large protected areas that invest adequately in management and protection of their lions. Very few areas in Africa meet these needs, and those that do are pure gold for lions. They are places where tourists can see lions really being lions in all the amazing facets of their behavior, and where lions properly fulfill their ecological role." Funston continued, "Protected areas are at the heart of the formula to save Africa's lions, and to ensure the species lives on, lions and their wild landscapes require nothing short of a wealthy and immediate investment from the global community - everyone from donors in New York City and African nations to international governments, corporations, foundations and NGOs who want to be a part of the solution in saving one of our planet's most remarkable wild animals." While in many ways bleak, the lion's future glimmers with hope. Panthera's President and publication co-author, Dr. Luke Hunter, noted, "Many African nations have allocated truly massive swaths of land as protected parks and reserves. However, for Africa's vast PA network to fulfill its potential for conserving lions and other species, there is an urgent need to greatly escalate funding and capacity to effectively manage those parks. That will require a renewed commitment, both from African governments and the international community." ### Panthera's Project Leonardo leads or supports initiatives in 15 African nations to bring lion populations back to a minimum of 30,000 individuals within 15 years. Learn more. About Panthera Panthera, founded in 2006, is devoted exclusively to preserving wild cats and their critical role in the world's ecosystems. Panthera's team of leading biologists, law enforcement experts and wild cat advocates develop innovative strategies based on the best available science to protect cheetahs, jaguars, leopards, lions, pumas, snow leopards and tigers and their vast landscapes. In 50 countries around the world, Panthera works with a wide variety of stakeholders to reduce or eliminate the most pressing threats to wild cats--securing their future, and ours. Visit panthera.org Around midnight, BSF troops observed suspicious movement of 3-4 terrorists along the LoC and fired at them. Terrorists retaliated and the firing continued for about half-an-hour. By Manjeet Negi, Ashwini Kumar: After a terrorist was killed along the LoC in Keri sector of Jammu and Kashmir following a failed infiltration bid around midnight, the BSF has sounded an alert in Rajouri. Security forces have been asked to be vigilant. Around midnight, BSF troops observed suspicious movement of 3-4 terrorists along the LoC and fired at them. Terrorists retaliated and the firing continued for about half-an-hour. advertisement The body of the terrorist was recovered along with an AK-47 rifle in the morning. When the area was searched in detail in the morning, a black bag was also recovered from the site of the incident containing a water-proof night-vision monocular, a loaded AK magazine, dry fruits and juice among others. Also read | J-K: Army to get tough with those blocking anti-terror ops, troops asked to stick to guns instead of lathis The other terrorists managed to flee taking advantage of undulating hilly terrain and jungle cover. The incident has triggered an alarm along the LoC and International border in Jammu division. It is important to note that in the past, terrorist groups have infiltrated through these routes and launched many attacks on military and civilian establishments in Jammu area. WATCH VIDEO --- ENDS --- An autistic researcher at Portland State University has received two federal grants totaling $467,000 to help other autistic people be more successful in the workforce. Dora Raymaker, assistant research professor in the School of Social Work's Regional Research Institute, will lead a study to determine what helps autistic people do well professionally and develop a plan to improve their professional outcomes. Her research team will interview 95 people, including autistic people and those who work with them. This study is both a personal and academic interest for Raymaker, whose own path to professional success has been an unconventional one. She says she faced discrimination, multiple career shifts and a disability services system often ill-equipped to provide support in skilled settings before finding an academic home at PSU and profession that values her abilities. "I want to make the way easier for people who come after me," she says. "This is not only a culmination of my life, but it's also something incredibly important for the community." Raymaker received a two-year $417,285 grant from the National Institute of Mental Health and a $50,000 pilot grant from PSU's BUILD EXITO, an undergraduate research training program funded by the National Institutes of Health. Autism affects an estimated 1 percent of the population and is considered a "spectrum" that includes a wide range of cognitive and verbal skills. Little research has been done on what helps autistic people be successful in professions, even as more autistic children grow up and join the workforce. Raymaker started the Academic Autism Spectrum Partnership in Research and Education (AASPIRE) with Christina Nicolaidis, a social work professor at PSU and physician at Oregon Health & Science University, 10 years ago to fill the gap between what the autistic community wanted from research and what researchers were delivering. They use a model of community-based participatory research to ensure that autistic people aren't just studied, but also are involved in all phases of the study. ### About Portland State University (PSU) As Oregon's only urban public research university, Portland State offers tremendous opportunity to 27,000 students from all backgrounds. Our mission to "Let Knowledge Serve the City" reflects our dedication to finding creative, sustainable solutions to local and global problems. Our location in the heart of Portland, one of America's most dynamic cities, gives our students unmatched access to career connections and an internationally acclaimed culture scene. "U.S. News & World Report" ranks us among the nation's top 10 most innovative universities. Los Angeles, CA (Feb. 21, 2017): The Tyler Prize Executive Committee will award the 2017 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement to pioneering Mexican ecologist Professor Jose Sarukhan, for his scientific contributions to the field of biological diversity and institution-building. At a time when the fate of Mexico's rainforests was in critical danger from extensive land clearing, then-Mexican President Carlos Salinas turned to Sarukhan for advice on how to show the global community that the country valued its natural resources. In response Sarukhan masterminded a federal government department focused entirely on biodiversity - one of the first of its kind in the world. It became known as CONABIO, the 'National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity' (Spanish: Comision Nacional para el Conocimiento y Uso de la Biodiversidad). Now in its 25th anniversary year, CONABIO runs what is considered as the largest, electronically accessible, national biodiversity database in the world, with over 11.2 million specimens. CONABIO is an interministerial Commission (spanning 10 federal ministries) that acquires knowledge and shapes policies on conservation and the sustainable use of Mexico's natural resources. This integrated approach to conservation has proven so successful that President Obama's advisory council recommended it be used as a model for the United States. Tyler Prize Executive Committee Chair Julia Marton-Lefevre said Sarukhan was being recognized for identifying a scientific problem and creating a solution that was built into his nation's laws and regulations, through strong institutions. "As a world-class scientist - Sarukhan published in all the most esteemed scientific journals and got the highest prizes that every scientist wants. But he knew that seeking 'knowledge for the sake of knowledge' was no longer enough, and that saving the biodiversity in Mexico's forests would take much more than just excellent science. "Few scientists could convince a President to find budget for a federal-level conservation agency - but Sarukhan did, and because of that, Mexico's forests now have an institutional watchdog actively protecting their biodiversity. "Sarukhan has made sure that his science has led to practical solutions that are changing peoples' lives and changing the way the environment is able to provide us a home for the future," said Marton-Lefevre. As the winner of the Tyler Prize, Sarukhan will receive a $200,000 cash prize and join the ranks of laureates that include Jane Goodall and E.O Wilson. Sarukhan said he was "honored and humbled" by the Prize, and attributed his social responsibility to his mentors, eminent biologist Arturo Gomez-Pompa (himself a Tyler Laureate) and botanist Dr. Efraim Hernandez Xolocotzi. In the 1970's, both mentors had been two of the most effective voices of criticism of the government's rainforest clearing,. The experience was formative for Sarukhan, and helped him to understand that science was 'something that had to be fought for'. "Scientists should make people aware of the implications that research has on their surroundings and their own health. I believe that academia has a contract with society, to be outspoken if information is not being used the way it should be - perhaps because of political or economical reasons. I know that not everyone is built to do that kind of work, but if one feels they can take on this role, which might be called activism or politics, I think one has to do it," said Professor Sarukhan. As CONABIO's national coordinator, Sarukhan has worked under five different presidential administrations from both sides of the political spectrum - a role that has often required him to defend biodiversity as a national priority. "Scientists should defend a fundamental principle: humankind cannot move forward if governments pretend not to know, or not to be based, in fact and science." Harold Mooney, the 2008 Tyler Prize Laureate and Professor of Environmental Biology at Stanford University, said that Sarukhan is an extraordinary scientific leader and statesman. "He was one of the first academics to recognize the importance of building a link between conservation and development policies based on scientific knowledge." Professor Jose Sarukhan will be honored at an Award Ceremony in Washington DC on May 4th. Earlier that day he will give a special lecture and appear in a panel discussion. Members of the press interested in attending should email the Media Director (contact details below). ### Click here to download a fact sheet and photos of Professor Sarukhan. About the Tyler Prize Established by the late John and Alice Tyler in 1973, the Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement is one of the first international premier awards for environmental science, environmental health and energy. Recipients encompass the spectrum of environmental concerns, including environmental policy, health, air and water pollution, ecosystem disruption and loss of biodiversity, and energy resources. The Prize is awarded by the international Tyler Prize Executive Committee with the administrative support of the University of Southern California. For more information on the Tyler Prize go to: http://www.tylerprize.org OAK BROOK, Ill. - MRI screening improves early diagnosis of breast cancer in all women-not only those at high risk-according to a new study from Germany published online in the journal Radiology. MRI has long been known as an effective breast cancer screening modality that offers better sensitivity than mammography and ultrasound. Currently, guidelines reserve breast MRI screening for women who have a strong family history or other specific breast cancer risk factors. MRI screening has not been considered necessary for women at average risk, and there has been resistance to expansion of MRI into this population due, in part, to concern over higher costs. However, with breast cancer remaining a major cause of cancer death in women, there is good reason to pursue the search for improved screening methods, according to the study's lead author, Christiane Kuhl, M.D., chair of the Department of Radiology at RWTH Aachen University in Aachen, Germany. Between 2005 and 2013, Dr. Kuhl and colleagues studied breast MRI's impact on 2,120 women, ages 40 to 70, with less than a 15 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer. The women had normal screening mammograms and, in the case of those with dense breast tissue, normal screening ultrasound. Breast MRI detected 60 additional breast cancers, including 40 invasive cancers, for an overall supplemental cancer detection rate of 15.5 per 1,000 women. Of the 60 cancers detected in the study group over the observation period (7,007 screening rounds), 59 were found only using MRI, one was found also by mammography, and none by mammography or ultrasound alone. According to Dr. Kuhl, the results suggest that MRI can serve as a useful supplemental screening tool for women at average risk, especially those with dense mammographic tissue, and that MRI is superior to supplemental ultrasound for this purpose. The results also highlight the ability of MRI in the detection of more aggressive types of cancer. "The faster a cancer grows and the better it is in seeding metastases, the better will it be picked up early by MRI," Dr. Kuhl said. "In our cohort, cancers found by MRI alone exhibited features of rapid growth at pathology." This ability is especially important in women with dense breast tissue in which aggressive cancers may be missed on mammography. Left undetected, these cancers will grow to become clinically palpable cancers, also known as interval cancers. The new study showed that, consistent with previous research, breast MRI can depict these rapidly growing cancers with high reliability. According to Dr. Kuhl, interval cancers exhibit an adverse biologic profile and are the main driver of breast cancer mortality. Additional cancers detected by MRI screening in the study had a skewed distribution towards a higher-than-normal prevalence or incidence of rapidly growing (grade 3) cancers. "The interval cancer rate in our study was zero percent. Not a single cancer was undetected that became palpable," she said. "This suggests that MRI finds breast cancers that also mammography would find, but MRI detects them earlier, and it finds the cancers which, if MRI had not been done, would have progressed to interval cancers." ### "Supplemental Breast MR Imaging Screening of Women with Average Risk of Breast Cancer." Collaborating with Dr. Kuhl were Kevin Strobel, M.D., Heribert Bieling, M.Sc., Claudia Leutner, M.D., Hans H. Schild, M.D., Ph.D., and Simone Schrading, M.D., Ph.D. Radiology is edited by Herbert Y. Kressel, M.D., Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass., and owned and published by the Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (http://radiology.rsna.org/) RSNA is an association of 54,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org) For patient-friendly information on breast MRI, visit RadiologyInfo.org. A group of Russian and Kazakh scientists headed by prof Skalnyj from RUDN University (Moscow, Russia) analyzed the level of toxic and essential trace elements in hair of petrochemical workers involved in different technological processes. The objective of the investigation was to compare and to analyze hair trace element content in workers of different departments of a petrochemical plant. A total of 75 men working in an office (engineers), and different departments of the petrochemical plant, as well as occupationally non-exposed persons, were examined. Hair trace element levels were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The office workers were characterized by the highest hair As, Hg, Sn, I, and Si content as compared to the workers of other departments, whereas the level of those elements did not differ significantly from the control values. It is notable that hair Be levels in all employees of petrochemical plant were significantly lower, whereas Se content was significantly higher than that in unexposed controls. Hair toxic trace element content in workers directly involved in industrial processes did not differ significantly or was lower than that in the control group. At the same time, the highest levels of essential trace elements (Cr, Fe, and I) were observed in employees working in primary oil refining (D1). Hair levels of Co, I, and Li were maximal in persons of sulfur and bitumen-producing division (D4). The lowest levels of both essential and toxic trace elements in hair were detected in employees involved in production of liquefied gas, kerosene, and diesel fuel (D3). The obtained data demonstrate that involvement in different technological processes in petrochemical complex differentially affect hair trace element content in workers. ### Targeted drug therapies during adolescence may be used to normalize synapse number in the brains of individuals with abnormal numbers of synapses, such as found in Schizophrenia and Autism Brooklyn, NY - Memories are formed at structures in the brain known as dendritic spines, which communicate with other brain cells through "synapses." The number of these brain connections decreases by half after puberty in a process termed adolescent "synaptic pruning" that is necessary for normal learning in adulthood. However, the pruning away of unnecessary synapses does not follow the normal process in diseases such as autism and schizophrenia, where the abnormality is thought to underlie many of the cognitive impairments associated with these disorders. Researchers at SUNY Downstate Medical Center recently discovered that an inhibitory brain receptor triggers pruning in adolescence in a pre-clinical model. Now, a new article by the SUNY Downstate researchers shows that drugs that selectively target these receptors, when administered during adolescence, can alter synapse number. Sheryl S. Smith, PhD, professor of physiology and pharmacology at Downstate, explains, "Drugs that enhance activity of this inhibitory receptor reduce synapse number, while drugs that decrease this inhibitory receptor increase synapse number." Dr. Smith adds, "These findings suggest that targeted drug therapies during adolescence could potentially be used to normalize synapse number in the brains of individuals with abnormal numbers of synapses, such as found in autism and schizophrenia." Dr. Smith cautions, however, that at this time such drugs are not yet available for use in humans. ### The article is "4 GABAA receptors reduce dendritic spine density in CA1 hippocampus and impair relearning ability of adolescent female mice: Effects of a GABA agonist and a stress steroid," by Sonia Afroz, Hui Shen, Sheryl S. Smith. It appears in Neuroscience, Volume 347 (April 2017), published by Elsevier. The research leading to the results published by Neuroscience was supported by the National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Mental Health, Award Number R01-MH100561, to Sheryl S. Smith. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institute of Mental Health or National Institutes of Health. Copies of this paper are available to credentialed journalists upon request; please contact Elsevier's Newsroom at newsroom@elsevier.com or +31 20 485 2492. About SUNY Downstate SUNY Downstate Medical Center, founded in 1860, was the first medical school in the United States to bring teaching out of the lecture hall and to the patient's bedside. A center of innovation and excellence in research and clinical service delivery, SUNY Downstate Medical Center comprises a College of Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Health Related Professions, a School of Graduate Studies, a School of Public Health, University Hospital of Brooklyn, and a multifaceted biotechnology initiative including the Downstate Biotechnology Incubator and BioBAT for early-stage and more mature companies, respectively. SUNY Downstate ranks twelfth nationally in the number of alumni who are on the faculty of American medical schools. More physicians practicing in New York City have graduated from SUNY Downstate than from any other medical school. For more information, visit http://www.downstate.edu. About Neuroscience An International Journal under the editorial direction of IBRO, Neuroscience publishes papers describing the results of original research on any aspect of the scientific study of the nervous system. Any paper, however short, will be considered for publication provided that it reports significant, new and carefully confirmed findings with full experimental details. Ocean explorers need to think "beyond the ships" and plan ahead to an age of SuBastian and the Roboats -- a new world of marine technology characterized by autonomy, sensors, precision, miniaturization, machine learning and artificial intelligence, telepresence, better forms of energy storage, and sharing to boost asset utilization. That's among the major recommendations emerging from the US 2016 National Ocean Exploration Forum, "Beyond the Ships: 2020-2025," delivered in a final report released today. Hosted Oct. 20-21 by the Program for the Human Environment at The Rockefeller University, New York City, in partnership with Monmouth University' Urban Coast Institute, the Forum was the latest in a series mandated by Congress in 2009 to promote ocean exploration and its attendant cooperative expedition planning, technology development and transfer, data management, and public understanding. About 100 influential academic, government, and private sector experts discussed adaptation and integration of technologies to employ in ocean exploration campaigns in the 2020-2025 timeframe. The Forum was supported by the Monmouth-Rockefeller Marine Science and Policy Initiative, NOAA, Schmidt Ocean Institute, and James A. Austin, Jr. The top recommendations: Understand better the U.S. "demand" for exploration. Think and plan "Beyond the Ships," to the world of SuBastian and the Roboats, and therefore continually develop autonomy, lower cost sensors and vehicles, miniaturization, machine learning and artificial intelligence, telepresence, better forms of energy storage, and sharing to boost asset utilization. Allow many more oceanographic vessels to become vessels of ocean exploration by two technology-related actions that can be taken almost immediately: a) outfit vessels with telepresence communications capabilities; and b) modularize deep ROV and other exploration sensor systems in air/ship moveable containers. Support development of environmentally responsible disposable exploration sensors and devices, including vehicles. Promote new, nondestructive means of collecting biological samples, especially techniques that do not harm or destroy a marine species when the sample is brought to the surface, and techniques that nondestructively collect a sample of biomaterial from the organism in situ, or the water around it. Use campaigns as systematic "proving grounds" for emerging ocean exploration technologies. Embrace the "campaign" concept so that a larger fraction of U.S. national ocean exploration is conducted as campaigns. Supported by several sponsors (public and private) using a multitude of techniques, "campaigns" comprehensively explore an ocean area and may span several years. Develop better measures and indicators for whether an ocean area is explored and characterized. Speed "the baseline" exploration activity to map the U.S. EEZ comprehensively with multibeam bathymetry at appropriate resolution. Embrace an international goal to map the entire ocean, the General Bathymetric Chart of the Oceans. ### The 34-page final report is available in full at https://phe.rockefeller.edu/noef/NOEF_Report_0217.pdf as well as a wealth of materials from the Forum at the updated site: https://phe.rockefeller.edu/noef/ A 19 October 2016 Press Release announced the Forum: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-10/tca-ev101216.php Among older adults with subthreshold depression (insufficient levels of depressive symptoms to meet diagnostic criteria), collaborative care compared with usual care resulted in an improvement in depressive symptoms after four months, although it is of uncertain clinical importance, according to a study appearing in the February 21 issue of JAMA. Depression is the second leading cause of disability worldwide, and one in seven older people meet criteria for depression. Effective therapeutic strategies are needed in older people with depressive symptoms. Simon Gilbody, Ph.D., of the University of York, England, and colleagues randomly assigned 705 adults age 65 years or older with subthreshold depression to collaborative care (n=344) or usual primary care (control; n=361). Collaborative care was coordinated by a case manager who assessed functional impairments relating to mood symptoms. Participants were offered behavioral activation and completed an average of six weekly sessions. Collaborative care resulted in lower scores vs usual care at 4-month follow-up on measures of self-reported depression severity. The proportion of participants meeting criteria for depression were lower for collaborative care (17.2 percent) than usual care (23.5 percent) at 4-month follow-up, and at 12-month follow-up (15.7 percent vs 27.8 percent). "Although differences persisted through 12 months, findings are limited by attrition, and further research is needed to assess longer-term efficacy," the authors write. ### (doi:10.1001/jama.2017.0130; the study is available pre-embargo at the For the Media website) Editor's Note: This project was funded by the UK National Institute of Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme. All authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none were reported. Related material: The editorial, "When and How to Treat Subthreshold Depression," by Kurt Kroenke, M.D., of the Regenstrief Institute, Indianapolis, also is available at the For The Media website. To place an electronic embedded link to this study in your story This link will be live at the embargo time: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2017.0130 An analysis of 28 commercial physician-rating websites finds that search mechanisms are cumbersome, and reviews scarce, according to a study appearing in the February 21 issue of JAMA. Patients are increasingly seeking information about physicians online. Nearly 60 percent report that online reviews are important when choosing a physician. Because publicly reported quality data are not reported at the physician level, patients must consult physician-rating websites to find such reviews. Tara Lagu, M.D., M.P.H., of Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, Mass., and colleagues identified 28 physician-rating websites that met criteria for inclusion in the study. The researchers then used publicly available lists of registered and active physicians to identify a random sample of 600 physicians from three metropolitan areas (Boston, Portland, Ore.; and Dallas) and searched each website for reviews and calculated average and median number of reviews per physician per site. The authors found that few sites allowed the user to search by clinical condition, sex of physician, hospital affiliation, languages spoken, or insurance accepted. Across the 28 websites, there were 8,133 quantitative reviews for the 600 physicians. Among physicians with at least one review on any site, the median number was 7 reviews per physician across all sites. One-third of sampled physicians did not have a review on any site. The researchers write that despite certain study limitations, "these results demonstrate that it is difficult for a prospective patient to find (for any given physician on any commercial physician-rating website) a quantity of reviews that would accurately relay the experience of care with that physician." "Methods that use systematic data collection (e.g., surveys) may have a greater chance of amassing a sufficient quantity and quality of reviews to allow patients to make inferences about patient experience of care." ### (doi:10.1001/jama.2016.18553; the study is available pre-embargo at the For the Media website) Editor's Note: This work is supported by grants from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and from the National Institute of Child Health and Development of the National Institutes of Health. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, etc. To place an electronic embedded link to this study in your story This link will be live at the embargo time: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2016.18553 Irvine, Calif., Feb. 21, 2017 - Global climate change is being felt in many coastal communities of the United States, not always in the form of big weather disasters but as a steady drip, drip, drip of nuisance flooding. According to researchers at the University of California, Irvine, rising sea levels will cause these smaller events to become increasingly frequent in the future, and the cumulative effect will be comparable to extreme events such as Hurricane Katrina or Superstorm Sandy. "Catastrophic storms get a lot of media attention and are studied, but we wanted to know more about the non-extreme events," said Amir AghaKouchak, UCI associate professor of civil & environmental engineering and co-author of a new study on cumulative hazards in the American Geophysical Union journal Earth's Future. "These diffuse floods happen multiple times a month or year," he said. "They don't kill anyone, they don't damage buildings, but over time they have extremely high-cost outcomes, and it happens without us realizing it." In Washington, D.C., for instance, the number of hours of nuisance flooding per year has grown from 19 between 1930 and 1970 to 94 over the last two decades. Projections suggest that there could be as many as 700 hours of nuisance flooding per year by 2050. The capital's monuments, marinas, parks, public transportation infrastructure, roads and businesses could be affected. The UCI researchers found similar potential impacts in four other American cities: Miami, New York, Seattle and San Francisco. Climate change is driving the growth of cumulative hazards, they noted. A full moon on a clear night triggering higher tides is now enough to cause flooding, because ocean levels are so high. "The frequency is increasing because of sea level rise," AghaKouchak said. "We call it clear-sky flooding. There's no rain, but if you have a higher-than-usual tide, you get flooding in these coastal areas." While not catastrophic at the time, these episodes degrade infrastructure and can damage roads and building foundations. More immediately, nuisance flooding forces municipalities to expend resources to pump water out of streets. Communities suffer school closures, traffic interruptions, and reverberating waves of cost and inconvenience. Degraded sewer infrastructure results in heightened public health risks. Lead author Hamed Moftakhari, a UCI postdoctoral scholar, said that people in often-hit regions have begun the process of adapting to the problem. "In a recent social science survey, people weren't really interested in knowing the depth of the water. They just wanted to know how long they would be flooded," he said. "Their main concern was finding out when they could get back to their schools and businesses." But public officials can't afford to take cumulative hazards in stride, said co-author Richard Matthew, UCI professor of planning, policy & design. Policymakers faced with limited capital funds frequently defer action or make incremental improvements when major investments may be critical to fortify their communities. The team created a cumulative hazards index to pinpoint which locations would experience the greatest long-term risk. "This index gives officials a tool that could help them decide to move beyond the convenient but potentially very costly strategies of deferral and incrementalism and promote more transformative policies where they make sense," Matthew said. Co-author Brett Sanders, UCI professor of civil & environmental engineering, added: "The index is particularly useful for predicting future hot spots for nuisance flooding across the U.S., where adaptation measures are needed the most." ### Funding for the study was provided by the National Science Foundation. Data was provided by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration and Climate Central. About the University of California, Irvine: Founded in 1965, UCI is the youngest member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. The campus has produced three Nobel laureates and is known for its academic achievement, premier research, innovation and anteater mascot. Led by Chancellor Howard Gillman, UCI has more than 30,000 students and offers 192 degree programs. It's located in one of the world's safest and most economically vibrant communities and is Orange County's second-largest employer, contributing $5 billion annually to the local economy. For more on UCI, visit http://www.uci.edu. Media access: Radio programs/stations may, for a fee, use an on-campus ISDN line to interview UCI faculty and experts, subject to availability and university approval. For more UCI news, visit news.uci.edu. Additional resources for journalists may be found at communications.uci.edu/for-journalists. NOTE TO EDITORS, VISUAL AVAILABLE AT: https://news.uci.edu/research/over-time-nuisance-flooding-can-cost-more-than-extreme-infrequent-events/ Contact: Brian Bell 949-824-8249 bpbell@uci.edu Warming seawaters, caused by climate change and extreme climatic events, threaten the stability of tropical coral reefs, with potentially devastating implications for many reef species and the human communities that reefs support. New research by the University of Exeter shows that increased surface ocean temperatures during the strong 2016 El Nino led to a major coral die-off event in the Maldives, and that this has caused reef growth rates to collapse. They also found that the rates at which some reefs species, in particular parrotfish, are eroding the reefs had increased following this coral die-off event. Similar magnitudes of coral death have been reported on many other reefs in the region, including on the northern Great Barrier Reef, suggesting similar impacts may be very widespread. Professor Chris Perry and Dr Kyle Morgan, of the University of Exeter's Geography department, studied the impact of the 2016 El Nino event at sites in the southern Maldives and found that the event had not only caused widespread coral bleaching, a phenomenon whereby corals expel their photosynthesising algae when stressed by high temperatures, but that this had also led to extensive coral death in all shallow water reef habitats examined. "A very major concern now is how quickly these reefs might recover. Recovery from similar past disturbances in the Maldives have taken 10-15 years, but major bleaching events are predicted to become far more frequent than this. If this is the case it could lead to long-term loss of reef growth and so limit the coastal protection and habitat services these reefs presently provide," Professor Perry said. "The most alarming aspect of this coral die-off event is that it has led to a rapid and very large decline in the growth rate of the reefs. This in turn has major implications not only for the capacity of these reefs to match any increases in sea-level, but is also likely to lead to a loss of the surface structure of the reefs that is so critical for supporting fish species diversity and abundance." Coral reefs are formed by the accumulation of coral skeletons (made of calcium carbonate) that builds up over 100's to 1000's of years, forming the complex structures that support a huge diversity of marine life. The so-called 'carbonate budget' of a reef, which represents the balance between the rate at which this carbonate is produced by corals and the rate at which it is removed (by biological or physical erosion or chemical dissolution), influences the development of these structures and how fast a reef can grow. The effect these combined factors was a major decline in the carbonate budgets of these reefs, with an average reduction of 157%. Before the warming event, the reefs had been in a period of rapid growth, but after the period of higher sea temperatures a negative carbonate budget was recorded at all sites. Put simply, the structure of these reefs is now eroding at a faster rate that it is growing. Based on past studies the researchers suggest that given the severity of the bleaching impacts it may take 10 to 15 years for full recovery to occur. The extent of the 2016 bleaching, which also affected reefs in other parts of the Indian Ocean and Pacific, was so severe that it was subsequently named the 'Third Global Coral Bleaching Event'. Dr Kyle Morgan said: "Coral reefs provide a wealth of benefits. They are vital habitats, essential for a vast number of species and they are also important for tourism and food provision. The reduction in carbonate budget threatens these benefits and may well also lead to the structural collapse of reefs. The key issue to consider now is whether, and when, these reefs will recover, both ecologically and in terms of their growth. Based on past trajectories, we predict recovery will take at least a decade, however it all depends on the extent of future warming events and climate change." University of Exeter scientists warned there could be further rises in sea temperatures owing to global warming with potentially devastating effects on coral reefs. Professor Mat Collins, an expert in climate modelling at the University of Exeter, said: "We expect El Nino variability to continue into the future which, when combined with rising temperatures due to global warming, means we will see unprecedented sea temperatures and increasing incidence of coral bleaching." Bleaching drives collapse in reef carbonate budgets and reef growth potential on southern Maldives reefs is published in Scientific Reports. ### Professor Perry is available on c.perry@exeter.ac.uk and Dr Kyle Morgan is available on k.morgan@exeter.ac.uk During the highly surcharged campaigning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeatedly targeted the SP-Congress alliance and the BSP for corruption in their regime. By Press Trust of India: Hectic campaigning, punctuated by bitter personal jibes, came to a close this evening in 53 Assembly constituencies spread over 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh that will go to polls in the fourth phase on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and BSP supremo Mayawati were among the host of leaders who made a beeline to backward and water-scarce Bundelkhand region, which also figures in fourth phase of polling. advertisement ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2017: FULL COVERAGE Assembly segments in Congress President Sonia Gandhi's Raebareli Lok Sabha constituency will also go to polls in this phase. Other districts going to polls in the fourth phase are Pratapgarh, Kaushambi, Allahabad, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Banda, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot and Fatehpur. During the highly surcharged campaigning, Modi repeatedly targeted the SP-Congress alliance and the BSP for corruption in their regime. ALSO READ: Gujarat Tourism's 'gadha' ad: A mocking Akhilesh has a request for megastar Amitabh "SCAM stands for SP, Congress, Akhilesh and Mayawati," was Modi's refrain when he appealed to the voters of Bundelkhand to get rid of them. As the prime minister termed BSP as "Behenji Sampatti Party", Mayawati in her instant retort said the initials of Narendra Damodardas Modi stood for "Mr. Negative Dalit Man", escalating political temperature with such tit-for-tat barbs. ALSO READ: Manipur Election 2017: Row over PM Modi's rally at Imphal's 'sacred' Kangla fort "Narendra Damodardas Modi means Mr. Negative Dalit Man, he is anti-dalit...this negative dalit man does not like that common people give small contributions in running the BSP movement which is also run through donations," an irked Mayawati said. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav held a roadshow in Allahabad, while racing against time BJP president Amit Shah held a parallel roadshow in 'Sangam Nagari', as Allahabad is also called, claiming that the BJP was poised for absolute majority. Amid the verbal free-for-all, Akhilesh referred to an advertisement of the tourism department of Gujarat, where Modi was CM before assuming the office of prime minister. Without taking any name, he advised megastar Amitabh Bachchan, "do not advertise for the donkeys of Gujarat". BJP took exception to such "cheap remarks", with its UP General Secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak saying, "After family drama, SP is now dabbling in filmy drama." The fate of 680 candidates will be decided by 1.84 crore voters including 84,000 women and 1,032 of third gender. ALSO READ: Rahul Gandhi at Banda: PM Modi lost his smile after Congress, SP tie-up in UP advertisement The maximum number of 26 candidates are in Allahabad North, while only six candidates are in fray in Khaga (Fatehpur), Manjhanpur (Kaushambi) and Kunda (Pratapgarh). In 2012 polls, out of the 53 seats in this phase, SP had won 24, BJP 5, BSP 15, Congress 6 and 'others' 3. Prominent among those in the fray are sitting MLA Aradhana Mishra from Rampur Khas (Pratapgarh), who is daughter of Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, and Independent MLA and minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya, who is again contesting from his traditional Kunda (Pratapgarh) seat. In Sonia's constituency Raebareli, Aditi Singh is contesting on Congress ticket, BSP turncoat Swami Prasad Maurya's son Utkarsh Maurya is in fray from Unchahar seat, while Leader of Opposition Gaya Charan Dinkar is contesting from Naraini (Banda) seat. Senior SP leader Reoti Raman Singh's son Ujjwal Raman Singh is in the race from Karchana (Allahabad) seat. ALSO READ: Akhilesh Yadav in Raibareli: Modi must speak truth, SP provides 24-hour power to Varanasi Priyanka Gandhi's dig at PM Narendra Modi: UP doesn't need adopted sons, it has its own --- ENDS --- CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- As devices become smaller and more powerful, they require faster, smaller, more stable batteries. University of Illinois chemists have developed a superionic solid that could be the basis of next-generation lithium-ion batteries. Chemistry professor Prashant Jain and graduate students Sarah White and Progna Banerjee described the material - ultrasmall nanoclusters of copper selenide - in the journal Nature Communications. "Now that we're seeing this nanoelectronics boom, we need tiny batteries that can be put on a chip, and that can't happen with liquid electrolytes," Jain said. "We are using nanostructured materials to achieve the properties at the heart of lithium-ion technology. They have much more thermal and mechanical stability, there are no leakage issues, and we can make extremely thin electrolyte layers so we can miniaturize batteries." Standard lithium-ion and other ionic batteries are filled with a liquid electrolyte that the lithium ions move through. The ions flow one direction when the battery is being used, and the opposite direction when the battery is charged. However, liquid electrolytes have several drawbacks: They require volume, degrade as the battery cycles, leak and are highly flammable, which has led to explosions in phones, laptops and other devices. Though solid electrolytes are considerably more stable, ions move through them much more slowly, making them less efficient for battery applications. The copper selenide nanocluster electrolyte combines the best of both liquid and solid electrolytes: It has the stability of a solid, but ions easily move through it like a liquid. Copper selenide is known to be superionic at high temperatures, but the tiny nanoclusters are the first demonstration of the material being superionic at room temperature. The researchers discovered this superionic property by accident while investigating copper selenide's surface reactivity. They noticed that ultrasmall nanoclusters - about 2 nanometers in diameter - looked very different from larger copper selenide nanoparticles in an electron microscope. "That was our first hint that they have different structures," Jain said. "We investigated further, and we realized that these small clusters are actually semiliquid at room temperature." The reason for the semiliquid, superionic property is the special structure of the nanoclusters, Jain said. The much larger selenium ions form a crystal lattice, while the smaller copper ions move around them like a liquid. This crystal structure is a result of internal strain in the clusters. "With around 100 atoms, these nanoclusters are right at the interface of molecules and nanoparticles," Jain said. "Right now, the big push is to make every nanoparticle in a sample exactly the same size and shape. It turns out with these clusters, every single cluster is exactly the same structure. Somehow, at this size, the electronic structure of the material is so stable that every single cluster has the same arrangement of atoms." The researchers are working to incorporate the nanoclusters into a battery, measure the conductivity of lithium ions and compare the performance with existing solid-state electrolytes and liquid electrolytes. ### The American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund supported this work. Editor's notes: To contact Prashant Jain, call 217-333-3417; email: jain@illinois.edu. The paper "Liquid-like cationic sub-lattice in copper selenide clusters" is available online. In their study of the IRS-1 protein, researchers at the University of North Carolina found a new lead for reversing or preventing heart disease associated with diabetes. CHAPEL HILL, NC - People with diabetes are at high risk of developing heart disease. Despite knowing this, scientists have struggled to trace the specific biology behind that risk or find ways to intervene. Now, UNC School of Medicine researchers have hunted down a possible culprit - a protein called IRS-1, which is crucial for the smooth muscle cells that make up veins and arteries. According to a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, too little of IRS-1 causes cells to revert to a "dedifferentiated" or stem-cell like state, and this may contribute to the buildup of plaque in the heart's arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis, which increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other forms of heart disease. "When diabetes is poorly managed, your blood sugar goes up and the amount of this protein goes down, so the cells become subject to abnormal proliferation," said senior author David R. Clemmons, MD, Sarah Graham Kenan Professor of Medicine at the UNC School of Medicine. "We need to conduct more studies, but we think this cell pathway may have significant implications for how high blood glucose leads to atherosclerosis in humans." The research could bring scientists one step closer to finding drugs to help stave off heart disease in people with diabetes, who are twice as likely to have heart disease or experience a stroke, as compared to people without diabetes. People with diabetes also tend to experience major cardiac events at a younger age. The study focused on the cells that form the walls of veins and arteries, known as vascular smooth muscle cells. The main function of these cells is to contract whenever the heart beats, helping to push oxygen-rich blood to the body's tissues. When plaque builds up along the arterial walls, these cells gradually lose their ability to contract. In their previous work, Clemmons and colleagues discovered that diabetes can trigger an abnormal cell signaling pathway that causes vascular smooth muscle cells to proliferate, which contributes to atherosclerosis. But their attempts to correct the abnormal signaling pathway didn't seem to completely solve the problem, leading them to suspect another factor. In the new study, the team found that IRS-1 acts as an inhibitor of the abnormal signaling pathway thereby keeping the vascular smooth muscle cells differentiated, or specialized. In the absence of IRS-1, the cells revert to a stem-cell like state, which in turn activates the abnormal signaling pathway and promotes cell proliferation. In people with diabetes, the presence of IRS-1 is strongly influenced by how well - or how poorly - blood sugar is kept in check. Previous studies have shown that patients who frequently or consistently have high blood sugar show dramatic reductions in IRS-1. The new study is the first to link this reduction with a predisposition for heart disease. "The study suggests that you can't just inhibit the abnormal signaling, which we've already figured out how to do," Clemmons said. "Our work suggests you probably have to restore the normal signaling pathway, at least to some extent, in order to completely restore the cells to normal cell health, differentiation, and functioning." As a next step, the Clemmons lab will look for things that might stimulate the synthesis of this protein even in the presence of high blood glucose. To prove that IRS-1 acts as a brake on the abnormal signaling pathway that leads to cell proliferation, the team conducted experiments in three different types of mice: healthy mice, diabetic mice, and nondiabetic mice that were genetically engineered to produce no IRS-1. The scientists made a small incision in the blood vessels of the animals and then watched to see how the vascular smooth muscle cells reacted. In healthy mice, the incision stimulated wound healing but little cellular proliferation. In both the diabetic animals and the nondiabetic IRS-1 deficient animals, the researchers observed a marked increase in abnormal cellular proliferation. The findings suggest that it may be possible to counteract the deleterious effects of high blood sugar on atherosclerosis by developing drugs that boost IRS-1. Clemmons said the activities of IRS-1 might also play a role in other diabetes complications, such as eye and kidney disease. The researchers plan to study those potential links. ### Study co-authors include UNC Research Assistant Professor Gang Xi, PhD, UNC Research Technician Christine Wai, and Morris White, PhD, of Harvard Medical School. The National Institute of Aging and the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute funded this research. University of Oklahoma Gallogly College of Engineering professor, Robert W. Nairn, is the recipient of the prestigious William T. Plass Award from the American Society of Mining and Reclamation. Nairn pioneered wetland technologies to rehabilitate contaminated water at the Tar Creek Superfund site where he has worked for almost 20 years. The award is the highest level of recognition given by the society in the field of mined land reclamation. Nairn transformed mine reclamation work at Tar Creek--one of the Environmental Protection Agency's top abandoned hazardous waste sites. "Professor Nairn's scholarly work has had a huge impact in Oklahoma and around the world," said OU President David L. Boren. "No one is more deserving of the Plass Award." Nairn, the Viersen Family Presidential Professor in the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science and the director of the Center for Restoration of Ecosystems and Watersheds, began working to clean up Tar Creek in the late nineties. In 2008, he and his team installed a full-scale passive water treatment system for the contaminated water discharging site near Commerce, Oklahoma. The system treats approximately 20 percent of mine drainage, rendering the treated water safe for discharge into the receiving stream. The success of this passive treatment system led to additional funding to extend the system to other discharge sites. "It is with great pleasure that I share in the selection of Robert W. Nairn for the William T. Plass Award from the American Society of Mining and Reclamation. With this award, the society recognizes Nairn's research, teaching and regional, national and international outreach. His career accomplishments in the field of mined land reclamation are huge and have impacted many people, including tribes, non-profits, regulatory agencies, industry and international governments," said Randall L. Kolar, director of the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science. Nairn's work has received significant media attention over the years from local, state and national newspapers and broadcast news stations, as well as from the History Channel and Discovery Channel. In 2009, an award-winning documentary film featuring Nairn entitled "Tar Creek" was produced by Matt Myers and screened nationally and internationally. As testimony to his global impact, Nairn has expanded his mitigation work at one of the world's oldest and largest silver mines in Potosi, Bolivia. His efforts have been widely recognized. Previously, Nairn received the Richard I. and Lela M. Barnhisel Reclamation Researcher of the Year Award from the American Society of Mining and Reclamation for his work at Tar Creek in northeastern Oklahoma, the Arkoma Coal Basin of eastern Oklahoma, eastern Arkansas and Potosi, Bolivia. The award was given to individuals demonstrating substantive contributions to the advancement of reclamation science and technology through scientific research. Nairn was nominated for the award by his students and voted on by his peers in the society. ### If you've ever wondered how a vaccine given decades ago can still protect against infection, you have your plasma cells to thank. Plasma cells are long-lived B cells that reside in the bone marrow and churn out antibodies against previously encountered vaccines or pathogens. While plasma cells are vital components of the immune system, they can also be a contributor to disease, as is the case in autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, and in certain cancers, such as multiple myeloma. Now, a group led by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, has come to a better understanding of how these cells are maintained. Using a specialized type of microscope that captures the movement and interaction of cells in living organisms, the scientists observed that, in the bone marrow, immune cells called regulatory T cells closely interact with plasma cells and support them. When the T cells aren't there, plasma cells vanish. "This interaction was completely unanticipated," said senior author Christopher A. Hunter, Mindy Halikman Heyer Distinguished Professor of Pathobiology and chair of the Department of Pathobiology at Penn Vet. "If we can understand what controls these long-lived plasma cells, then maybe we can augment that interaction, making more plasma cells to, for example, enhance vaccine efficiency. Or, if you want to limit autoimmunity or cancer, maybe there is an opportunity to disrupt this niche to mitigate some of those conditions." The research, published in the journal Cell Reports, was led by two trainees in Hunter's laboratory, Arielle Glatman Zaretsky and Christoph Konradt, along with a team of researchers from Penn Vet, Penn's Perelman School of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Osaka University, Medimmune, the University of California, San Diego, and The Wistar Institute. Hunter's laboratory has long investigated how the immune system responds to infection with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. They have used high-tech microscopy to visualize the dynamics of immune cells and other structures in living organisms. This specialized imaging was able to turn up a surprising finding. A video of the bone marrow in a mouse exposed to T. gondii revealed that the animal's plasma cells disappeared, later returning as the infection was controlled. A few other groups had seen plasma cells behave similarly in response to systemic inflammation or infection, but the reason for the drop in plasma cells remained unclear. "We don't know whether these cells leave the bone marrow or die there during infection, but, either way, they are gone," said Glatman Zaretzky. "And that set up a great system to understand what kinds of cellular interactions normally create the hospitable environment and allow the plasma cells to remain there." The research team had noticed that regulatory T cells, which Hunter calls "the health and safety inspectors" of the immune system because they keep immune responses at the appropriate level, were located in a similar region of the bone marrow as the plasma cells, next to the blood vessels. And, when mice were exposed to an infection, these "T regs" declined precipitously, just as the plasma cells had. Together, these observations called to mind an earlier finding by another group of scientists that showed that T regs play a key role in protecting the bone marrow from inflammation. In other words, it suggested that T regs make the bone marrow an immune-privileged site, shielding its vital components from the potentially damaging effects of infection or immune response. Curious whether these T regs interacted with plasma cells, the researchers examined both cell types in mice that have T regs labeled with a green fluorescent marker and plasma cells labeled with a yellow one. They found that T regs appeared to be closely interacting with plasma cells for extended periods of time. "No one had put these two cell types together before," Hunter said. "Yet, when we looked, we saw that these interactions were not rare but were frequent and sustained." Further studies found that both of these cell types also interact with dendritic cells, which are thought to promote plasma-cell survival. The researchers also demonstrated that T regs were necessary to maintain plasma cells, showing that enhancing T reg survival in mice during infection increased plasma-cell numbers and that experimentally depleting T regs led to reductions in plasma cells. The work gives insight into how the body is able to sustain plasma cells for so long, ensuring that they will jump into action even years after a vaccine was administered or an earlier infection was conquered. They also lay the foundation for targeting this cell population -- a feat that has thus far escaped scientists -- to ameliorate autoimmune diseases that arise due to inappropriate antibody production or to treat cancers that form from plasma cells. ### In addition to Hunter, Glatman Zaretsky and Kondradt, the paper's authors were Penn Vet's Julie B. Engiles, Dorothy C. Borwn and Daniel Beiting; Penn Medicine's Radhika Goenka, Daniela Gomez Atria, William J. Quinn, David Allman and Michael P. Cancro; Harvard's Fabien Depis and Christophe O. Benoist; Osaka University's James B. Wing and Shimon Sakaguchi; Medimmune's Jonathan S. Silver; UCSD's Suglim Cho and Lifan Lu; and Wistar's Amaya I. Wolf and Jan Erikson. The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, Lupus Foundation of America and Japan Society for the Promotion of Science. PHILADELPHIA--Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for women low- and middle-income countries, including Botswana, where 75 percent of cervical cancer patients suffer from advanced forms of the disease. These patients can face wait times as long as five months after diagnosis before receiving lifesaving treatment. A new, multidisciplinary model of cervical cancer care developed by a University of Pennsylvania team based in Botswana cut the delay between diagnosis and treatment by more than 50 percent, according to research published this month in the Journal of Global Oncology. Limited access to preventive screenings combined with the HIV epidemic are driving the high rate of cervical cancer in Botswana, which has the second highest HIV rate in the world. The risk of developing cervical cancer in women infected with HIV is three- to six-fold higher than those who are HIV-negative. In Botswana, more than two-thirds of all cervical cancer cases occur among women who are also living with HIV. However, radiation therapy is not available at in public clinics in Botswana, requiring patients to seek care at private hospitals, which can be a cumbersome process with wait times as long as five months. "With so many women suffering from advanced cervical cancer in Botswana, long delays between treatment and diagnosis can mean the difference between life and death," said Surbhi Grover, MD, MPH, director of Global Radiation Oncology in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and head of Oncology at Princess Marina Hospital in Botswana. "We saw an urgent need to develop a care program that gives cervical cancer patients the treatment they need as quickly as possible." Grover and her fellow researchers at Princess Marina Hospital developed a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to streamline care and communication between providers and get patients to treatment facilities faster. Weekly care team meetings were established across providers, including radiation oncologists, clinical oncologists, gynecologists, nurse coordinators, and palliative care specialists to discuss patient cases and develop treatment plans. The teams also worked to together to submit paperwork and other documentation, further reducing delays in treatment and simplifying the overall process. "While this type of model might seem common in the United States or other developed countries, it's actually a quite complicated process that lacks a global standard of guidelines," Grover said. "We saw many different models across the world, but no published outcomes on how to successfully implement an MDT approach for cervical cancer care." Over a six-month period, the team saw 135 patients, 60 percent of whom were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 42 percent had locally advanced cancer the required chemo-radiation. However, thanks to the MDT model, 62 percent of those patients required only one clinic visit to coordinate care, reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment initiation by more than 50 percent, with the median delay from biopsy to treatment initiation cut to 39 days from an average of 108 days before the new care model. "With this model, we've shown that the MDT approach works in a resource-limited setting and actually helps address several challenges providers face," Grover said. "Many of our patients must travel long distances or face other barriers that prevent them from returning to the clinic for multiple visits. Offering patients a comprehensive treatment plan during one clinic visit is a game-changer." Similar MDT models are being developed for head and neck cancer, breast cancer, and palliative care in Botswana. A follow-up clinic is also being piloted where patients with gynecological cancer receive continued follow-up care after chemotherapy and radiation are complete. All patients seen in the Penn MDT clinic will be linked to this new clinic and will receive regular communication about follow-up care. "What this approach really shows is the importance of integrated care and treatment models," Grover said. "We hope our MDT model will be applied on a broad scale across many different illnesses and clinics in resource-limited settings worldwide." ### Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania(founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $5.3 billion enterprise. The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 18 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $373 million awarded in the 2015 fiscal year. The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Chestnut Hill Hospital and Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine. Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2015, Penn Medicine provided $253.3 million to benefit our community. PHILADELPHIA -- It is commonly known that testosterone levels decrease as men age, but until last year, little was known about the effects of testosterone treatment in older men with low testosterone. Today, in a group of papers published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) and JAMA Internal Medicine, researchers found that testosterone treatment improved bone density and anemia for men over 65 with unequivocally low testosterone. However, testosterone treatment did not improve cognitive function, and it increased the amount of plaque buildup in participants' coronary arteries. A team of researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and twelve other medical centers in the United States, in partnership with the National Institute on Aging, conducted The Testosterone Trials (TTrials), a coordinated group of seven trials, which studied the effects of testosterone treatment for one year as compared to placebo for men 65 and older with low testosterone. The first paper, which reported that testosterone treatment improved sexual function and mood, was published in February 2016. Today's publications of the Bone, Anemia, Cognition and Cardiovascular Trials conclude the primary results of the study. Researchers found that testosterone treatment improved bone density and estimated bone strength, as determined by quantitative computed tomography (CT). The treatment also increased hemoglobin concentrations, corrected the anemia of men who had no other identifiable cause of anemia and corrected the anemia of men who had an identifiable cause, such as iron deficiency. While these conclusions proved testosterone to be beneficial to the participants, testosterone treatment did not improve memory or any other measure of cognitive function. "The paper reporting the results of the first three trials published last year was the first to show there were advantages to giving testosterone treatment to older men with low testosterone levels, and the bone and anemia trial results further support a benefit," said the principal investigator Peter J. Snyder, MD, a professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism. "However, the increase of plaque buildup in the coronary artery shows that this treatment may also have some risk" In the cardiovascular trial, researchers assessed coronary artery plaque buildup by CT angiography. That assessment showed more plaque buildup in men treated with testosterone than in men treated with placebo. Nonetheless, in all 788 men in the TTrials, the number of major adverse cardiovascular events was similar in the men treated with testosterone as in the men treated with placebo. However, Snyder added, "treating 788 men for one year is far too few to draw conclusions about the clinical significance of the increase in coronary artery plaque volume and the cardiovascular risk of testosterone treatment." The TTrials are now the largest trials to examine the efficacy of testosterone treatment in men 65 and older whose testosterone levels are low due seemingly to age alone. TTrials researchers screened 51,085 men to find 790 who qualified with a sufficiently low testosterone level and who met other criteria. The men enrolled were randomized into two groups: one to take a daily testosterone gel and the other a daily placebo gel, for one year. Efficacy was then evaluated at months three, six, nine and 12. "Final decisions about testosterone treatment for older men will depend on balancing the results from these seven TTrials with the results from a much larger and longer term trial designed to assess cardiovascular and prostate risk in the future," said Snyder. ### The TTrials were conducted at 12 additional medical centers across the country including Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Puget Sound Health Care System, University of California at San Diego School of Medicine, University of Florida School of Medicine, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, and Yale School of Medicine. The Testosterone Trials were supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institutes of Health (U01 AG030644). The TTrials were also supplemented by funds from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke, and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. AbbVie (formerly Solvay and Abbott Laboratories) also provided funding, AndroGel, and placebo gel. Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $5.3 billion enterprise. The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top five medical schools in the United States for the past 18 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $373 million awarded in the 2015 fiscal year. The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Chestnut Hill Hospital and Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine. Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2015, Penn Medicine provided $253.3 million to benefit our community. A new study led by the University of Glasgow reports on key barriers and facilitators to implementing a digital health programme - and provides recommendations to move the field forward. The study, which is published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research today, suggests that while there are many challenges, these are not "insurmountable". The authors write that the current UK healthcare system, as well as the wider population and market, are not entirely ready for a wide scale digital health programme or digital health platforms. Alongside revealing barriers and facilitators, the authors of the study also reveal their ten key recommendations to aid and accelerate uptake in the digital health field. Digital Health programmes include apps, personal health records, telehealth and wearable activity trackers. The researchers found that while there is receptiveness to digital health, key barriers remain at every level: market and policy level, organisational level and within the general professional and public population but intensive engagement, clinical endorsement and upskilling efforts can prove beneficial. Factors hindering implementation included a lack of IT infrastructure (including universal broadband); uncertainty around information governance; and trust in the security of digital health platforms. The commercial market was perceived as difficult to navigate, with concerns over accountability and liability voiced from within the commercial sector. The authors' recommendations include further commitment and investment in digital healthcare at a national and local level, and support for those who are not digitally fluent. The researchers also suggest training the next generation of health professionals to make them more digitally able and upgrading the technical capabilities of the health service. The study lead, Professor Frances Mair, Professor of Primary Care Research from the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, said: "Given the current self-care agenda, the drive towards more personalised medicine and person-centred digital health solutions, this study is timely and has the opportunity to make an important contribution to understanding the implementation of digital health innovations." The study, which was conducted in collaboration with researchers from the University of Strathclyde and Newcastle University, evaluated the 37m digital health programme 'Delivering Assisted Living Lifestyles at Scale (dallas)' between 2012 and 2015. The dallas programme aimed to develop and implement a range of digital health products to enable self-care and preventative care. To understand the barriers and hurdles faced during the programme the researchers interviewed people involved and examined a vast quantity of documentary evidence over the course of the three year project. Researchers took care to include representatives from all the types of organisations involved, including private, public and voluntary, along with persons from all levels of the project from management to those delivering it to patients. There were also focus groups held with digital health users including patients and health professionals to gain their insight. Dr Marilyn Lennon, first author, from the University of Strathclyde's Department of Computer & Information Sciences, and co-lead of the study, said: "Digital health is a huge market with the potential to make a massive impact on society, but making it a part of routine care delivery has been much slower than expected. "This is not due to any lack of technical innovation, but to uncertainty over the role of technology in delivering care. There's also uncertainty about managing and using health data - many people go online to do banking or to use social media but seem wary about doing the same for health. Sharing this data with doctors or friends and family for example could avoid GP visits or prolonged stays in hospital. "Our research responds to calls for exploration of current barriers to the wide scale adoption of digital health, and offers recommendations that could help to realise its full potential." ### The dallas programme was funded by Innovate UK, The National Institute for Health Research, the Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. The paper, 'Readiness for Delivering Digital Health at Scale: Lessons From a Longitudinal Qualitative Evaluation of a National Digital Health Innovation Program in the United Kingdom', is published in Journal of Medical Internet Research. The study is funded by Innovate UK. TORONTO, ON (Canada) - A University of Toronto (U of T) study on fruit flies has uncovered a gene that could play a key role in obesity in humans. The paper published online this month in Genetics examines a "foraging gene" humans share in common with the flies, which plays multiple roles and is found in similar places, such as the nervous system, in the muscle and in fat. "What our study does is nails the gene for being very important for the traits of moving, feeding and fat storage," says University Professor Marla Sokolowski of the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology (EEB) in U of T's Faculty of Arts & Science. In nature, fruit flies called "rovers" with high amounts of the gene tend to move a lot, eat very little and stay lean, while flies with low amounts of for called "sitters" are the opposite. The foraging gene encodes a cell signalling molecule called a cGMP dependent protein kinase. The same could apply to obesity in humans. "When we say the foraging gene is the same, what we're saying is that when you look at the DNA sequences of the human and the fly there is a lot of similarity, enough that you can see it's the fly version of the gene that the human has," says Sokolowski. "So you could imagine if you are a fly, preferences for sugar, the tendency to store a lot of fat and the tendency to move less could all be contributing to the likelihood of being more obese if you have low levels of this gene, or to be leaner if you have higher levels." Such similarities between species are known as orthologs, meaning they are genes that evolved from a common ancestor eons ago. When scientists first started mapping human genomes and comparing them to other organisms, they were shocked to discover humans don't have that many more genes than flies do. Sokolowski says the research is another part of the puzzle, and the beginning of our understanding of how what was once considered "junk DNA" is actually very important for regulating key characteristics such as behaviour and metabolism. "No one has analyzed it in the way we have in flies, but it's a hint from the fly. The fly has been an excellent model organism to understand mammalian behaviour and metabolism, and so this work can point to places to look further in humans," says Sokolowski. The study involved a technique called recombineering to manipulate DNA at the molecular level, so as to remove and then reinsert the gene in various doses to see the effects on behaviour and metabolism. Lead author Aaron Allen was a PhD student in cell & systems biology at U of T when the work was done, and he was assisted by Sokolowski, fellow EEB student Ina Anreiter, and Oxford University collaborator Megan Neville, who taught Allen the technique. "This kind of work is actually so cutting-edge that it takes a really good student to learn how to do this and then bring the technique back to the lab," says Sokolowski. "To be able to take a gene of this large size and complexity and put it back in the fly so that it works is almost at the edge of what is possible." Sokolowski says it's particularly interesting that one gene should have multiple roles in feeding and obesity in the body, a characteristic known as pleiotropy. The next question would be how exactly it plays multiple roles. "Lots of genes have multiple roles, but the idea here is that this gene may be involved in the coordination of roles in traits important for feeding and obesity." "We don't know much about pleiotropy, or how it happens, or how it's regulated at the level of the molecules. So this sets the groundwork to be able to look at that in detail." ### The research was supported by grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR). Notes to media: 1) The study "Feeding-Related Traits Are Affected by Dosage of the foraging Gene in Drosophila melanogaster" is available at http://www.genetics.org/content/205/2/761. MEDIA CONTACTS: Marla Sokolowski Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Arts & Science University of Toronto marla.sokolowski@utoronto.ca 1+647-330-6398 Sean Bettam Communications Officer, Faculty of Arts & Science University of Toronto 1 416 946 7950 s.bettam@utoronto.ca GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Feb. 21, 2017)--An international collaboration of life scientists, including experts at Van Andel Research Institute, has described in exquisite detail the critical first steps of DNA replication, which allows cells to divide and most advanced life, including human, to propagate. Results of the study are published in the journal Nature Structural and Molecular Biology and reveal that a ring-shaped protein called origin recognition complex (ORC) possesses a special alpha-helix, which slips into a groove on DNA and initiates a cascade of microscopic interactions that copy DNA. "This is a story of one ring that lords over another ring," says Huilin Li, Ph.D., a professor in Van Andel Research Institute's Center for Epigenetics and a senior author of the paper. "Biologists have known for many years that both ORC and helicase are ring-shaped structures essential in the initiation and execution of DNA replication, but until now we never understood exactly how the ORC ring loads the helicase ring onto DNA." The work also reveals that ORC, with the help of Cdc6 and Cdt1, loads the helicase core onto DNA via paired interactions of the so-called winged helix domains. The resulting 14-protein structure completes the loading of the first helicase ring and is now prepared to load the next ring. This process represents the inception of an immensely complex and elegant system that is constantly ongoing at tens of thousands of points on the DNA in many cells of the human body, and it all starts with ORCs. "We hope that by mapping this process, others will eventually convert this knowledge into new treatments for DNA replication-related conditions, including many cancers and rare disorders," says Li. At the outset, the six-protein ORCs assemble into a crescent, which envelops the DNA duplex. The ORCs then recruit a seventh protein, called Cdc6, to encircle DNA. Next, this ring threads the second ring, called minichromosome maintenance protein (Cdt1-bound Mcm2-7 hexamer), around DNA, which completes loading of the first Mcm2-7 hexamer. "It's like threading a pearl onto a string; but unlike a short piece of string, the DNA strand is incredibly long and so the bead cannot be threaded on at one end," says Christian Speck, a professor at Imperial College of London's Institute of Clinical Sciences, leader of the DNA Replication group at MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences and a senior author of the paper. "Instead, it must somehow be opened up, slotted around the strand, and closed again." The study was conducted on the DNA of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, better known as baker's yeast, because of its biological and genomic similarity to larger organisms, including mammals, at an average resolution of 3.9 Angstroms (about 40 billionths of a meter), which is roughly the diameter of a single atom of sodium. Magnification of this scale is currently possible only with cryoelectron microscopy (cryo-EM), a revolutionary technology VARI continues to invest in through its recently established Cryo-EM Core. Imaging for this study was conducted at Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus and at Scripps Research Institute. ### Study authors are Zuanning Yuan, Lin Bai, Jingchuan Sun and Huilin Li, of Van Andel Research Institute; Alberto Riera, Marta Barbon and Christian Speck, all of Imperial College of London and MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences; Jingchuan Sun of University of Pennsylvania; Saikat Nandi and Bruce Stillman, both of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory; Christos Spanos, Zhuo Angel Chen and Juri Rappsilber, all of University of Edinburgh. Rappsilber is also affiliated with Technische Universitat Berlin. Sun is now affiliated with University of Pennsylvania. This work was funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health (GM111472 and OD12272 to Huilin Li and GM45436 to Bruce Stillman), the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council UK (P56061 to Christian Speck), and the Wellcome Trust (Investigator Award P56628 to Speck, Senior Research Fellowship 103139 to Juri Rappsilber, a Centre core grant 092076 to Rappsilber, and an instrument grant 108504 to Rappsilber). ABOUT VAN ANDEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent nonprofit biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premier research and educational institution that supports the work of more than 360 scientists, educators and staff. Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), VAI's research division, is dedicated to determining the epigenetic, genetic, molecular and cellular origins of cancer, Parkinson's and other diseases and translating those findings into effective therapies. The Institute's scientists work in onsite laboratories and participate in collaborative partnerships that span the globe. Learn more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting http://www.vai.org. A new report from Development Economics says that for every 1 invested in farm support, farming delivers 7.40 back to the economy. For the first time farmings contribution to the country has been expressed in monetary value. The National Farmers Union (NFU) President said this will highlight to Government the positive economic, social and environmental impact of the sector just weeks before Article 50 is triggered. Steve Lucas, Managing Director of Development Economics, said: This is an important moment in the debate around EU negotiations. For the first time we have calculated the total contribution of agriculture to the UK economy and society. This shows how critical farming is to the country and why the Government must prioritise the sector during Brexit negotiations. NFU President Meurig Raymond said the report demonstrates that money invested by government into UK farming is money invested 'wisely' 'Invested wisely' NFU President Meurig Raymond said the report demonstrates that money invested by government into UK farming is money invested 'wisely'. He said: With the right trade and labour conditions, this sector could deliver an even greater return to the country. Farmers are proud to produce food for a growing population, but also go above and beyond this, playing a huge role in contributing to the wealth and prosperity of the country. Decision-makers in Government can take this important message to the formal post-Brexit negotiations. For centuries farms have been deeply rooted in the rural community, stimulating the wider economy. Todays report shows farming spends 15.3billion on goods and services. British countryside The British countryside provides the backdrop for visitors from across the world, an industry worth over 21billion. Mr Raymond continued: With farms operating on 70% of British land, we must ensure these farms are viable businesses in order to carry on delivering this. With this report, we can look at the economic impact agriculture has already made. But its clear that farming, and with that, food, could have a very different path carved for its future and it will be up to Government to do this in the formal negotiations. To increase the vital contribution farming makes to the economic, social and environmental well-being of the UK, Government must ensure we have the best possible trade deals, access to a competent and reliable workforce and farm support that is fit for purpose. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Students suffering from Type-I diabetes can now take snacks during Class X and Class XII board examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education. In a circular, the Board said a significant number of children suffer from Type-I diabetes and need insulin injections at regular intervals to keep their blood glucose levels in check. advertisement These children need frequent meals to avoid hypoglycemia which may otherwise affect their performance, the CBSE circular said. Such students can carry items like sugar tablets, fruits, snacks and water to the examination centre which has to be kept with invigilators. The CBSE, however, said the certificate of the students medical condition should be forwarded by the principal of the school concerned. PTI ADS GVS --- ENDS --- A 75 per cent bridging payment will be made available for those still awaiting BPS subsidies at the end of March, the Defra Secretary Andrea Leadsom has announced. Andrea Leadsom took to the stand at NFU Conference 2017, in front of 1,500 delegates, to explain the secured agreement from the Treasury. Ms Leadsom said: Nearly 86,000 farmers are eligible for BPS payments, and for some of you, it makes up as much as 70% of your bottom line. I understand how important these payments are to you. I have this week secured agreement from the treasury to offer a 75% bridging payment to all those still affected by the BPS delay at the end of March. The Secretary of State said that, as of today( 21 February), 95.5% of farmers have received their BPS money, but she will continue to push for those 4,000 farmers still left behind. Helping ease cash-flow The National Farmers Union (NFU) has lobbied government for payments for farmers to help ease short-term cashflows and longer-term planning and investment at an uncertain time for many businesses. On the CAP, Ms Leadsom called the system flawed and drew attention to how it tied farmers up in red tape. It [the CAP] offers poor value for money and fails to address the key issues you face. Its a blunt tool that offers little reward or recognition for the services farmers provide this country. And its desperately complicated, she said. I am determined that we will do so much better for farmers when we leave the EU, with a system based on simpler, more effective rules, well be free to grow more, sell more and export more of our Great British food. A landowner has been fined 3,400 at Newry Magistrates court, County Armagh for breaches of Environment Order legislation. Derek Johnston of 82D Carrickastricken Road, Forkhill was fined for damaging a protected habitat. On five occasions between 5 October 2012 and 15 July 2014, Northern Ireland Environment Agency officers investigated a site owned by Mr Johnston within Slieve Gullion Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and Slieve Gullion Special Area of Conservation (SAC). On each occasion unauthorised works were observed which resulted in substantial damage to protected habitat. Burning, spraying and mechanical removal of vegetation caused the destruction of 12.5 hectares of priority Dry Heath habitat on land owned by Mr Johnston. Jail sentence for Armagh man Earlier in the month, another man from Co Armagh was convicted at Craigavon Magistrates Court on 21 charges. These included: one charge of removing ear tags from bovine animals; one charge of failing to present a herd register; two charges of failure to notify the Department of the movement of two animals onto his holding; 14 charges of knowingly or recklessly providing false information on movement notifications to the Department; and three charges of failing to have three animals TSE tested within 24 hours of death. Mr Thompson pleaded guilty to all charges and received three months jail, suspended for three years, for each charge to run concurrently. 12 Yorkshire-based farmers visited the Aunt Bessies factory in Hull to witness first-hand how their locally grown wheat is turned into the food brands famous frozen Yorkshire Puddings. The factory tour, led by Sustainable Futures, is part of a rapidly growing initiative to improve the sustainability of food and drink by linking global brands, food processors and farmers together along the supply chain. The Aunt Bessies tour is one of several Walk the Supply Chain events delivered by Sustainable Futures for its project partners which includes over 120 farmers and major manufacturers including William Jackson Food Group. Sustainable Futures engages with farmers to share knowledge, best practice and innovative solutions that benefit the farms environmentally whilst reducing costs and generating profitable yields, year after year. 'Strong working relationships' Steve Cann, a Co-Director of the Sustainable Futures project said: We are really pleased our farming partners had the opportunity to see where the crops they grow are ultimately used further down the chain. The Sustainable Futures Walk the Supply Chain events create strong working relationships and a better understanding of the challenges faced by other supply chain partners. The shared understanding helps to create a more sustainable & resilient future for the UKs food and drink industry. William Jackson Food Group, the company that owns Aunt Bessies, joined Sustainable Futures as a partner in 2015 with a view to further improving relationships with local suppliers and developing initiatives to improve productivity while conserving resources for generations to come. Gavin Milligan, Sustainability Director for William Jackson Food Group, said: Were a responsible business and were proud to work closely with our suppliers and growers. The whole industry must work together to continually look for ways to ensure a sustainable future and were very pleased to be part of the Sustainable Futures initiative. The Liberal Democrats have said the Government is failing to provide farmers with the clarity they need on Brexit. Responding to Andrea Leadsom's speech a tthe NFU Conference today, Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs Kate Parminter said: Eight months on since the referendum, and still this government is failing to provide farmers with the clarity they need on Brexit. The long-promised Green Paper on food and farming is still nowhere to be seen, meaning farm businesses are not being given a clear sense of direction. It's all very well saying tariff-free access to the Single Market is the starting point for the Brexit negotiations, but farmers need to know what the end point will be. Ms Parminter said the UK faces a risk of 'crashing out' of the Single Market without any transitional arrangements, which would be an 'unmitigated disaster' for the UK farming sector. She continued: Far-flung trade deals will not make up for losing unfettered access to the market for three-quarters of UK farming exports. The Liberal Democrats will keep fighting for membership of the Single Market and to prevent a disastrous hard Brexit for British farmers. 'Three key areas' National Farmers Union has also called on the Leadsom to clarify the Government's commitments to post-Brexit farming. In his opening speech at the NFU 2017 conference, NFU President Meurig Raymond highlighted three areas Government needs to take action on if Brexit is to be successful for the countrys food and farming industry. He said: "Firstly unrestricted access to the European market, secondly continued access to a competent and reliable workforce both pre and post farm-gate and thirdly a new agricultural policy which assists in the development of an increasingly productive, progressive and above all profitable farming sector." Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom failed to commit to compensation for free range egg producers forced to continue housing their birds against bird flu after February 28. However, she said she would look at what support she could provide. Free range layers forced to be housed beyond the end of February will lose their free range status under EU regulations. Their eggs will be downgraded to barn. The European Commission said it will make compensation available for producers whose eggs are downgraded, but said this would depend on the UK Government making an application for funds from the EU and also being prepared to pay half of any compensation payment. It has been estimated that the losses to the country's free range egg producers could run into millions. No entitlement A spokeswoman for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) told FarmingUK that compensation would not be available for producers despite what the Commission has said. "Poultry keepers are not entitled to compensation for any consequential losses resulting from the housing or netting of their birds," she said. However, during the National Farmers Union (NFU) conference in Birmingham, FarmingUK pressed the Environment Secretary about the issue. NFU President: "We have written to all major retailers where farmers in high risk areas may have to sell eggs as barn eggs rather than free range" Andrea Leadsom said: "In terms of the prospects for those who are forced to continue to house poultry for the good of the entire sector, we will be looking at what, if there is anything, we can do to help further support them in the weeks ahead." She said: "We will always look at the opportunities that are there to support our industry." Maximum of 12 weeks EU regulations specify that free range birds can only be housed for a maximum on 12 weeks without losing their free range status. The 12 weeks are up in the UK on February 28. Producers in Scotland and Wales have been told that their birds will be allowed out again after that date, although with strict bio-security arrangements in place. In England, Defra has announced plans for a partial lifting of the housing order. It has designated a series of higher risk zones where producers will have to continue housing their birds or find a way of netting over the range. Some 25 per cent of the layer flock in England is in one of these zones. Producers whose eggs are downgraded to barn could lose as much as 20 pence per dozen on their egg price, although some retailers have said they will continue to pay the full free range price. Marks & Spencer was the first to do so. Waitrose has also said it will continue to pay the free range price to producers in higher risk areas. 'Continue supporting farmers' NFU president Meurig Raymond told FarmingUK during his union's conference that the NFU had been urging retailers to continue supporting farmers who find themselves in the higher risk zones. He said there had been a positive response: "We have written to all the major retailers where the farmers in the high risk areas may have to sell eggs as barn eggs rather than free range. We are trying to encourage those major retailers to hold on to the premiums that are available and not devalue those eggs that have been labelled as barn eggs. We have had some good favourable responses from the retailers," he said. The European Commission confirmed that compensation would be made available during the possibility of extending the 12-week housing period after which free range birds must be downgraded. Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan had come under pressure from farmers' leaders in a number of EU member countries to extend the 12 weeks to avoid free range egg producers having their eggs downgraded to barn. Producers in the United Kingdom and other European states were ordered to lock their birds up to try to stop the spread of the highly pathogenic H5N8 virus. 'Expert advice' Andrea Leadsom told FarmingUK that Defra had acted at all times on expert advice. She said: "Let me be clear about avian influenza. The absolute goal is to make sure that we keep it out of this country as far as we possibly can. "All of the steps we have taken have been guided very clearly by veterinary advice to make sure that we do all we can to prevent the spread of avian influenza. "As things stand, our latest advice says that we should be able to change the housing restrictions to limit it to those who are in the higher risk areas i.e. those where wild birds tend to gather. "What that will then mean is that those flocks will need to either continue to be housed or be outside under netting and with very strong bio-security measures and so on. This is absolutely in accordance with the best veterinary advice and risk assessments and also to protect our industry." There have been at least eight H5N8 outbreaks in the United Kingdom in turkey flocks in Lincolnshire, on game units in Lancashire, a broiler farm in Suffolk and in two backyard flocks. The virus has also been found in wild birds across the country. Good news for Freeport-McMoRan (FCX 11.50%) investors! This morning, The Wall Street Journal reported that "the world's biggest mining companies ... are now poised to reap the rewards" of a mining market in which copper prices have surged 30%, and named Anglo American PLC, BHP Billiton Ltd, and Glencore PLC as beneficiaries of the boom. Bad news for Freeport-McMoRan investors: Freeport isn't on that list. In fact, although Freeport-McMoRan is one of the biggest names in copper worldwide, Freeport stock just got downgraded, as analysts at Deutsche Bank removed their hold rating and downgraded Freeport stock to sell. Here are three things you need to know about that. 1. Hold no more As reported this morning on StreetInsider.com, Deutsche has cut its rating on Freeport stock to sell. The analyst also cut its price target on Freeport-McMoRan from $14 a share to $12.50 per share. Mind you, with Freeport selling for nearly $15 a share at the close of trading last week, Deutsche wasn't thrilled with the stock in any case. But now, the German analyst thinks Freeport stock could fall by as much as 16% over the course of this year -- and indeed, after the downgrade came out, Freeport promptly plunged nearly 6% in early Tuesday trading. 2. Big trouble in little Indonesia Why cut Freeport stock in the face of a booming world market for copper? Because according to Deutsche, Freeport isn't going to be allowed to export its copper to the world -- or at least not as much as it would like to. Last month, The Financial Times reported on Indonesia's ban on copper exports from Freeport's giant Indonesian Grasberg copper mine. As FT explained, Jakarta wants foreign miners to sign new mining licenses, sell majority stakes in their mining operations to local companies, and build more smelters in-country to reduce the volume of exports of raw materials outside the country, retaining more value-added profits for Indonesia. Failing to agree to these terms, Freeport will be prevented from exporting copper concentrate from the country. 3. Why this matters to Freeport As FT goes on to explain, Grasberg is both the second-largest copper mine in the world and a low-cost producer of copper -- and Freeport-McMoRan's most important asset, to boot. Deutsche believes that in failing to reach an agreement with the Indonesian government, Freeport will be forced to cut production at Grasberg, and will delay development of the mine as well. In Deutsche's opinion, Freeport's reduced prospects in Indonesia, alone, decrease the value of its shares by about $0.80 per share. The analyst believes other factors subtract a further $0.70 from the "net present value" of Freeport-McMoRan stock, adding up to a total reduction in target price to $12.50. Bonus thing: The future for Freeport Freeport-McMoRan has made some big mistakes in recent years -- first and foremost its disastrous entree to and exit from the oil exploration and production market, which according to S&P Global Market Intelligence data cost Freeport $5.7 billion in lost profit last year, and more than $24 billion in operating losses over the past three years. At high cost, Freeport has moved to extricate itself from the oil market, selling its Deepwater Gulf of Mexico to Anadarko for $2 billion in September 2016 and its onshore California oil and gas properties to Sentinel Peak Resources California LLC for at least $592 million a month later. In contrast, Freeport is somewhat less to blame for the copper fiasco in Indonesia, which has been sparked by government interference in the business. And there may even be a silver lining to this latest gray cloud lowering over Freeport stock. According to Deutsche, the need to cut back on development of Grasberg will relieve Freeport of the need to make capital investments in the mine, "pushing out" capital expenditures by at least 18 months. At the same time, even Deutsche admits that "Grasberg is a high quality, long life, low cost asset," so what copper Freeport cannot produce today will still remain to be mined in years to come, when regulatory restrictions in Indonesia may lessen. Meanwhile, Freeport-McMoRan remains free of the need to spend money on developing Grasberg. The company, which burned cash in 2014 and 2015, may enjoy more years like 2016, in which it generated respectable positive free cash flow (of $916 million, according to S&P Global). Granted, with a market capitalization of more than $21 billion, I still wouldn't call Freeport-McMoRan stock a bargain at only $916 million in FCF. But it is, at the least, free cash flow positive once again. And with a little help from Indonesia, perhaps it will be able to stay that way for a little bit longer. Canada Sky Launches New Holiday Packages to Cope with Spike in Demand Canada Sky has revealed new holiday packages after a substantial growth in demand for travel to Canada from the UK, as Canada is named the number one country to visit in 2017 by Lonely Planet. -- The numbers of UK Tourists flying to Canada has increased significantly over the past two years. Plane seat sales rose from 1.8 million in 2015 to 2.1 million in 2016, with 2.2 million expected to visit in 2017. Including indirect flights, the rise between 2015 and 2016 is actually 13% and is expected to climb an additional 3.5-5% this year. The increase has in part been prompted by TripAdvisor naming Whistler in British Columbia the number two destination on the rise in the world in 2016. To support this growing demand, Canadian Sky has recently introduced great new holiday packages, with the ability to mix and match experiences. They offer a West Coast tour starting in Calgary taking in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, incorporating a couple of days on the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train and ending in Vancouver with the option to stay in the wilderness resort of Sonora in northernmost British Columbia, visit here. Individuals can also choose to add an Alaskan Cruise, or add on a trip to the Manitoban tundra and see wild polar bears. Rail has always been a popular way to travel around the vastness of Canada, enabling people to see both east and west. A new package will enable people to travel by VIA Rail to the wild north of British Columbia, through Prince George, with its fascinating aboriginal history, and onto Prince Rupert on the wild Northwest Coast, click here to view. This mountain to sea rail passage promises wonder after wonder. Many more holidaymakers are now interested in using motor homes, enabling them to travel freely through this vast country, staying in picturesque locations in the National Parks. To meet this need the company now offers a recommended itinerary that helps people really see the wilderness of Vancouver Island, exploring the beautiful beaches and rugged landscape to the fullest. The most popular provinces for UK tourists are still British Columbia and Alberta in the west in addition to Ontario and Quebec in the east. With an increased number of return visitors, unexplored and remote places in Canada are becoming increasingly popular. To answer this demand, the company has created the Atlantic Canada experience, which incorporates the most easterly provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador. A spokesperson for Canadian Sky explained, "Canadian Sky is thrilled to be able to introduce new holiday packages for individuals throughout the UK to enjoy. We have been excited to see the increase in traffic over the last year and already 2017 is breaking monthly records for the number of enquiries and bookings. That's why we felt confident in creating new packages that offer greater variety than ever to travellers." About Canadian Sky: Canadian Sky offers tailor made Canadian experiences, including handpicked destinations and accommodation, taking in a range of bespoke activities to ensure the perfect trip and once-in-a-lifetime experience. Their experienced team has travelled extensively throughout Canada, identifying the best wilderness resorts, remote locations, rail packages, fly-drives and Alaskan Cruises for tourists to embark on. Contact Info: Name: Mike Collins Email: info@canadiansky.com Organization: Canadian Sky Address: Tropical House, Garland Road, East Grinstead, West Sussex, RH19 1NJ Phone: 01342 886494 Source URL: http://marketersmedia.com/canada-sky-launches-new-holiday-packages-to-cope-with-spike-in-demand/171763 For more information, please visit http://www.canadiansky.co.uk/ Source: MarketersMedia Release ID: 171763 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) India requires 12 million units of blood for its 1.2-billion strong population. However, only nine million units are collected every year. By Priyanka Sharma: The Union health ministry is coming up with 79 new blood banks in different states such as Uttar Pradesh, J&K, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh, to address the shortfall. Over the past two years, the ministry has proposed 1,135 government blood banks in the country and planned to operationalise 780 blood banks, out of which 300 blood banks could be made fully operational. advertisement The other existing blood banks are still not upgraded and lack manpower and the latest equipment to help patients in cases of emergency. WORK ALREADY ON IN SOME CITIES According to a ministry official, most deaths occur due to lack of blood transfusion in the 'golden period'. Another senior health ministry official said, "A proposal has been passed for commissioning 79 new blood banks at different states. In many of these cities, work has already started." "At present, only 50 per cent people voluntarily come forward to donate blood, which government is planning take it to 70-80 per cent through awareness programmes," he added. In Uttar Pradesh, the government has decided to set up blood banks in Hapur, Shamli, Sambhal and Amethi, whereas in Uttarakhand, the same would be set up in Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Champawat. In J&K, blood banks would be set up in Bandipora, Shopian, Ganderbal, Reasi and Samba, while in Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul and Spiti have been shortlisted. The Centre has decided to commission at least three blood banks in Karnataka; five in Bihar, Manipur and Assam; nine in Andhra Pradesh and 11 in Chhattisgarh. Also read: Bihar legislators to donate blood on assembly foundation day tomorrow BLOOD SHORTAGE OF THREE MILLION UNITS Despite being a country with a population of 1.2 billion, India faces a blood shortage of three million units. While the requirement is 12 million units, only nine million units can be collected. NCR alone faces a shortage of 1,00,000 units per year. Recently, the Centre gave its approval for the transfer of blood from one blood bank to another to better utilise blood and blood components and fixed an exchange value for surplus plasma available at some blood banks. This was done to ensure safe blood and enhance access to blood products by patients. The move was followed by recommendations of the National Blood Transfusion Council. Also read: Blood donation is an offering in Kerala's St Anthony Church --- ENDS --- Florida Probate Costs Expenses Legal Advice Free Attorney Consultations Launched The popular Home Solutions FLA, providing fair cash offers within 24 hours on any property across Florida at 561-370-8335, has announced it is now offering free probate attorney consultations to help homeowners with the Florida probate costs they may be facing. -- The renowned real estate investment firm Home Solutions FLA announced its ProbateSolutionsFl.com division is now providing free probate attorney consultations to help homeowners with their Florida probate costs. More information is available at http://probatesolutionsfl.com/florida-probate-costs. The Home Solutions FLA is a highly popular home buying service who has earned its leading reputation in the Florida real estate market by helping homeowners throughout the region sell their burdensome, distressed or unwanted properties for cash in as little as 7 days with no stress and realtor fees or commissions. Its acclaimed ProbateSolutionsFl.com division with extensive experience providing homeowners across Florida with the most fair, quick, reliable and sough after solutions to sell probate or inherited properties in any condition with no hassle for cash, is now offering free probate attorney consultations to help homeowners with the Florida probate costs they may be facing. The company's probate attorney consultations offer expert advice and guidance on the Florida probate process and the range of costs associated with its court supervised proceedings for identifying and gathering the assets, paying the outstanding debts and distributing the assets as well as any other additional fees required by the state of Florida for a summary or a formal administration. The free Home Solutions FLA probate attorney consultations and extensive advice, information or guides on the Florida probate process and its costs along with more information on the company's unique home buying solutions, including fair and no-obligation cash offers provided within 24 hours for properties in any condition, can be requested and consulted through the website link provided above or at 561 370 8335. The Home Solutions FLA founder, Robert Weglewski, explain that "Florida probate costs can end up being very high since the petitioner is not only required to pay for the attorney fees but also all those other costs that have to be taken care of when the case is filed with the circuit court. We are now offering a free probate attorney consultation to help any homeowners, even those who are not selling the inherited property, with those Florida probate costs they may be facing." Contact Info: Name: Robert Weglewski Organization: Home Solutions Fla LLC - ProbateSolutionsFl.com Address: 12482 Sawgrass Court, Wellington 33414, United States For more information, please visit http://www.probatesolutionsfl.com/florida-probate-costs/ Source: PressCable Release ID: 171607 For more information visit r Recent Press Releases By The Same User Agarwood Essential Oil Market Expected to Grow at CAGR 4.2% During 2016 to 2022"> (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Cyber Weapon Market by Type, Product, Application, Region, Outlook and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Landscaping and Gardening Expert Trevor McClintock Launches New Locally Optimized Website (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Sleep apnea devices Market is Evolving At A CAGR of 7.5% by 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Agriculture Technology Market 2017 Global Analysis, Opportunities and Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) Global VR Helmet Market by Manufacturers, Technology, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022 (Fri 2nd Jun 17) A small North Pennine primary school is fully embracing its landscape and heritage by placing farming firmly on the syllabus and is planning to hold a Sheep Week in June. Classroom time at Wearhead primary school is spent looking for opportunities to link aspects of farming to an agriculture-less curriculum. This approach makes sense to the schools two full-time and two part-time staff, each of whom say they are hugely proud to work in Wearhead, a small village nestled in the Durham Dales. There is, however, no onus on the team to inject farming into classrooms. They do it because they feel its an opportunity to celebrate the Dales farming and people. There is very little on the national curriculum and if I had my way I would change it, says junior class teacher (Key Stage 2) Liz Judges, who is not at all surprised children in urban areas do not know where milk comes from. She says there are some aspects of the curriculum that touch on agriculture but it is not enough: In design and technology there is a bit about food and healthy living; and in science we talk about main food groups and healthy living; in KS2 geography we are encouraged to study the distribution of natural resources including energy, food, minerals and water. Its sad that in some schools there is such an onus put on all the new curriculums literacy and numeracy that there isnt time to even think about researching where our UK produced food comes from in this country let alone how a farmer is a producer. Rural trade-off Mrs Judges says that rural living means that children lack some of the knowledge that urban children have but gain insight in other areas. For example, a road safety training session a few years ago highlighted the need for relevant topics in the Wearhead classroom when children needed explanations as to what level crossings, underpasses and subways were. Our children were oblivious to basic road and traffic terminology, but they know the difference between a buzzard and a red kite; and a Swaledale and a Texdale, she adds. They can explain the importance of bumblebees for crop pollination; tell you that bumblebees have smelly feet and whether they are male or female. The 27 children we have coming to school bring an absolute love for the environment and for upland hill farming. Our children are ambassadors for a safe and respected environment. Farm learning at Wearhead Bring your tractor to school day Spot the Red Tractor on food packages Playground sheep shearing demonstrations Sheep brought to school for infant class projects Trip to NSA North, Tow Law, Wednesday June 7 the highlight of this years Sheep Week Fundraising for farming charity UTASS (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Service) Washed fleeces and made woollen poppies for Remembrance as part of North Pennine AONB Wool Event Possible trip planned to Middleton-in-Teesdale mart for a programme of agricultural workshops Sounding out Love Lamb Week initiative about a future visit Sheep studies Mrs Judges says the school is indebted to local Swaledale sheep breeder Greg Dalton for taking the time to bring sheep into the school to make learning more interesting. A former student of Wearhead himself and married to a teacher at Forest-of-Teesdale primary school, Mr Dalton understands the vital role small schools have in upland areas. The clipping is a practical thing the children can see happening in front of them, its ideal because its not too long, says Mr Dalton. You can explain why sheep need clipping and about animal health and welfare. Mr Dalton believes the agricultural sector can gain much from explaining itself to the general public and possibly showing how fragile landscapes and food production can be. As an industry I think we all need to promote ourselves and convert the public more to our way of life. The National Farmers Union does a good job, you see stands at county shows. Things are actually quite precarious in food production, maybe more so than people think. Weve seen it this winter in the Mediterranean and shortages of lettuces and courgettes. Weardale and Westminster Being a small school, Mrs Judges, along with infant teacher Carey Turnbull and headteacher Karen Evans, all have to work hard, believing that you dont need to be big to achieve great things. A charity toilet project bears witness to this mantra, raising enough money to fund seven toilets in the developing world in one term. Two years ago the school was challenged to raise 180 over the whole academic year for three toilets, recalls Mrs Judges. There were only 18 children at the time. Money raising efforts included a bring-and-buy sale, a child running round the playground 50 times for 50p and a charity walk to Burnhope Reservoir, in the hills above the village. More recently the school has welcomed Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Hilary Armstrong, who was the local MP between 1987 and 2010) to talk about politics and democracy. In addition, leading figures of the methodist movement paid an Easter visit. The school has been handpicked as a test base for resources for KS2 humanities because of the schools dedication to learning about geography and the environment. Such opportunities arise out of a belief that shy bairns get nowt, which has most recently led to the school planning Sheep Week in June and arranging a visit from NSA Next Generation ambassador Tom Vickers. Meanwhile, inter-faith days and trips to synagogues, mosques and gurdwara temples mean the children are well instructed on world faiths and appreciate what lies outside the valley they call home. The UK food and farming sector must secure a good transition deal to smooth the countrys exit from the EU if it is to avoid sleepwalking into a fully blown crisis. The stark warning was made during a session exploring the effect of Brexit on trade and investment in agriculture at the NFU conference. With the threat to slap steep tariffs on UK agricultural products, the Institute of Directors (IoD) Allie Renison warned that reverting to World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules to govern trade between the UK and the EU would be a highly undesirable scenario. See also: Leadsom wants to protect farming standards in US deal Ms Renison, head of Europe and trade policy at the IoD, said a free-trade deal is a priority outcome and there was a growing sense that a UK-EU zero-to-zero deal on tariffs would be agreed, but warned this might not include agriculture. But she added: Agriculture has to form part of a tariff-free extension. My fear is that as a compromise you will have the EU suggesting a phase-in of tariffs over 20 to 30 years. Thats certainly better than having them [tariffs] put in right away. Transitional deal vital Ian Wright, director general of the Food & Drink Federation (FDF), said a transitional trade deal between the EU and UK was absolutely vital for the food and farming sector. It is important that ministers get the transition deal right before they start worrying about the free trade agreement, he added. The transition deal and the arrangements have the real capacity to completely derail us. Mr Wright recalled the fuel strike by tanker drivers in 2000, which he said nearly brought down the Blair government. He said: Just imagine if we dont get the transition deal right? How would Operation Stack look as it curves around the M25? Taking the example of Ireland, Mr Wright said cross-border trading was critical and the island was effectively a single market for food and farming. Cross-border controls The government needed to guarantee frictionless arrangements for cross-border controls of foods after Brexit. He said: One in five cows across Ireland produces milk for Baileys. If you are the producer of milk in Northern Ireland, your milk crosses the border five times before the bottle is sold. Imagine the damage that would be wrought by having to go through customs posts on each of those five occasions? The same is true for meat and poultry in the North. NFU deputy president Minette Batters stressed the need for the UK government to carry out an impact assessment of the consequences trading under WTO default rules would have on rural Britain. If we dont have a deal and we default to WTO rules, tariffs could be in place that price us out of the marketplace. There is a clear need for government to do this work. Its not something we can analyse in two years time. Government should spend a similar amount of money on agriculture as it currently does post-Brexit, but direct payments should be scrapped, with more emphasis on supporting farmers, not landowners. Those are the overarching aims of two new reports from the Soil Association (SA) and the Land Workers Alliance (LWA) as their contribution to the debate on a future UK agricultural policy. The Soil Association, which represents the organic sector, has set out six game changing proposals, which it says have the potential to transform farming and land use (see Soil Association game changers). See also: Farm support must continue after Brexit, says NFU One potential game-changer is agroforestry, bringing trees into fields, which could up productivity, boost wildlife and help tackle climate change, says Tom MacMillan, the SAs director of innovation. If our government aimed for half of farms to try it, as the French are doing, it could be transformative. The SA is also demanding more support for practical innovation by farmers, with government putting 10% of the 450m agricultural research budget into projects led by farmers. Many of the best ideas in farming already come from farmers, and well depend on their ingenuity more than ever in this time of change, said Mr MacMillan. The SA is also suggesting soil stewardship payments as part of a new UK agricultural policy, to incentivise farmers to increase the organic matter of the soil. Radical ideas The LWA has also presented a list of 45 recommendations which it hopes will influence government thinking. Some of the more radical ideas include a shift away from export markets so UK farmers can focus on meeting UK demand for food, and 20% VAT on meat and meat products to suppress consumption. It also wants to see support payments for small-scale farmers and new entrants, and policies introduced that help steer land prices downwards. There should be specific labelling on food products which involve the use of artificial fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and GM materials, it adds. The reports were commissioned by Green MEP Molly Scott Cato. Brexit could be a unique opportunity to move towards an ecologically sustainable farming system; one that focuses on supporting family farms and relocalising food production, thereby creating thriving rural communities, she said. We can also refocus land management to encourage biodiversity, improve animal welfare and help tackle climate change. A recent decision from the Commissioner of Oregons Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) raised the stakes on violations of veterans preference laws in public employment. Under Oregon law, public employers must provide a preference to military veterans who apply for a job or promotion. In the Matter of Multnomah County Sheriffs Office BOLI found Multnomah County (Employer) failed to apply the required preference for a veteran applying for a promotion. Current law provides that if an employer uses a process to select an applicant for a job or promotion that includes a numeric score, the employer applies a preference by simply adding the equivalent of five percentage points to the score of a veteran applicant and ten percentage points to the score of a disabled-veteran applicant. On the other hand, if an employer uses an unscored selection process (such as a standard interview process), the law provides no method for application of the preference, but instead requires employers to devise and apply methods giving special consideration to veterans. The law fails to provide a definition of special considerations, and employers are left without any guidance on what special consideration means. In its decision, BOLI acknowledged that the law provides no guidance to public employers on how to give special consideration for an unscored selection process. But, BOLI stated that special consideration requires an e... In Lane v. Franks et al., the Supreme Court unanimously held today that when a public employee testifies truthfully outside of the scope of ordinary job duties, he or she testifies as a private citizen and not as a public employee for purposes of First Amendment protections. This remains the case even when the testimony in question relates to the public employees job or concerns information that the employee learned through employment. The distinction between testimony as a public employee and as a private citizen is more than academic. As a private citizen speaking on matters of public importance, a public employee is entitled to First Amendment protections, and those protections prevent public employers from firing or taking other adverse employment actions against their employees on the basis of that speech. Here is how the issue arose. In 2006, Central Alabama Community College appointed Edward Lane as the probationary director of Community Intensive Training for Youth (CITY), a statewide program for under-privileged youth that received federal funds for a portion of its budget. A comprehensive audit of the programs expenses revealed that Alabama State Representative Suzanne Schmitz was on CITYs payroll, yet was not reporting to CITYs offices for work. All told, Schmitz had received $177,251 from CITY but had provided virtually no services and generated virtually no work product. When Schmitz refused to report for work at CITYs ... By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma Beijing, Feb 21 (PTI) China is building a third aircraft carrier based on American models as it seeks to fortify its claims in the disputed South China Sea and dominate the larger Indian Ocean region to realise its blue water aspirations. Chinese experts said China is on course to build 5-6 aircraft carriers. advertisement While the first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, is a refitted Soviet-era ship, the second is being built on the same model with more advanced facilities and is likely to enter service in 2020. The latest carrier, under construction at Shanghai, is based on US models, state-run Global Times reported today. Based on information released by Chinese defence ministry, the second Type 001A carrier being built at the northeast Dalian port uses the ski-jump technology for aircraft to take off, like the first carrier Liaoning rather than a more advanced catapult technology used by American carriers. The second aircraft carrier is expected to have a displacement of 50,000 tonnes. China is looking into catapult technology for the third Type 002 carrier being built in Shanghai, the daily quoted Li Jie, a naval military expert, as saying. "In other words, 002 is entirely different from Liaoning (001) and 001A, and it will look like a US aircraft carrier rather than a Russian one," Li added. Official Chinese media have earlier reported about the possibility of a third carrier but it is the first time they have announced that it was being built. Most advanced carriers use the Electromagnetic Catapult System, or Electromagnetic launcher (EML), to launch fighter jets, but China is also testing steam catapults, Li said. "In order to protect Chinas territories and overseas interests, China needs two carrier strike groups in the West Pacific Ocean and two in the Indian Ocean. So we need at least five to six aircraft carriers," Yin Zhuo, a senior researcher at the PLA Navy Equipment Research Centre, said. Chinese media has often highlighted the construction of aircraft carriers as the US deployed aircraft carriers in the disputed South China Sea challenging Beijings claims. The US Navy on Sunday announced that an aircraft carrier strike group has begun "routine operations" in the South China Sea. The announcement came despite a warning from China not to interfere with Chinese sovereignty in the region. China has a long history of maritime disputes with its South China Sea neighbours. It claims almost all of the South China Sea, despite objections from the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. advertisement China has also created artificial islands in the area, outfitting some of them with military features. PTI KJV KJ ABH KJ --- ENDS --- For those of you who havent heard, level funding is the next big thing in small business insurance options. But how do you know if its right for your company? And if you decide its a good solution, what is your next step? First, lets start with a basic review of how most companies purchase insurance. Traditionally there are two ways of doing things: A fully insured plan means that you are passing all of the risk onto your insurance carrier who charges you a flat monthly fee based on how they gauge the risk of insuring your employees. If covered employees experience health issues and use the plan more, you will probably face a hefty increase in the monthly premium your business pays when your plan renews. Conversely, if your employees rarely use the insurance, youre stuck playing a flat monthly rate no matter what. This model decreases the risk of month-to-month fluctuations but doesnt provide any meaningful incentive for having healthy employees. In essence fully insured plans protect your business financially against catastrophic claims but dont give you any reward if claims experience is low. A self-insured plan is one in which the business pays the actual claims and essentially assumes the role of the insurance carrier in terms of managing risk. Many large companies offer at least one plan that is fully self-insured because they have a large pool of covered employees and also have the cash reserves to prote... On July 28, 2014, the City Council of Eugene passed a protected paid sick leave ordinance, which will require most employers engaged in business in the city to allow their employees working in or scheduled to work inside the city to earn paid, protected sick leave. The paid sick leave requirement will go into effect on July 1, 2015. Over the upcoming months, the Eugene City Manager will be developing administrative rules to provide specific details on the new requirements. More detailed definitions are to be established, as well as protocols for record-keeping and enforcement. The rulemaking process is slated to be completed by January 31, 2015, with training sessions and outreach to take place from February through June of 2015. Eugenes ordinance provides for a minimum accrual rate of one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked. Although, the hours will begin to accrue immediately upon employment, employers are permitted to restrict usage of the accrued time until the employee has worked at least 90 days. Workers are entitled to accrue up to 40 hours in a year, and unused time can be carried over to the next year. However, employers are not required to allow their employees to use more than 40 accrued hours in a given year, or to compensate an employee for unused sick time upon termination of employment, regardless of the cause. Employers of all sizes, even those with only one employee, will be required to provide sick leave with pay, but there a... Its been over twenty years since President Bill Clinton signed the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). However, questions and concerns arise in navigating through the FMLAs intricacies to this day. It seems that with each passing year, new rules and laws are established making even the best HR professional feel completely confused, at times. If youve felt this way, I hope this article gives you some insight as to what you can do. If you have not felt this way, and in fact find FMLA laws enjoyable to read and learn about, then congratulations, good for you; you are a rare breed (unicorn rare). Im sure while working in the HR field you have often wondered, What can I do to make FMLA simpler for myself and the employees? Because, lets face it, just keeping up with the ever changing laws is a job in itself. First, lets quickly, and hopefully painlessly, discuss what FMLA is for. FMLA gives eligible employees job-protected unpaid leave for 12 weeks in a 12-month period, to care for any of the following: Birth of a child and to care for a newborn child of the employee or spouse. Placement with the employee of a child for adoption or foster care. To care for the employees spouse, child, or parent with a serious health condition. A serious health condition that makes an employee unable to perform the functions of the employees job. A qualifying exigency arising out of the employee&rsqu... The use of social media has exploded over the past five years. A large number of lawyers have jumped on the proverbial social media bandwagon and are using these websites both as highly effective marketing tools and as a way to stay connected with friends, family, colleagues and others. Use of social media among young lawyers is particularly prevalent because many of us have been active participants on these websites since their infancy starting from the days when you needed an .edu email address to register for Facebook. Unfortunately, for the unwary employees, including young lawyers, the use of social media can give rise to myriad workplace issues. Seemingly innocuous conduct on social media can quickly endanger a young lawyer's job. The Scary Story A hypothetical young lawyer, like so many others, had a Facebook page he mainly used for personal activities, such as staying in touch with high school and college friends. After joining a prominent Philadelphia law firm, the lawyer friended a few co-workers on Facebook. He also friended the law firm through its Facebook page. This gave the human resources department, at the firm, access to the lawyer's Facebook page. With this access, the HR department periodically checked the lawyer's Facebook page to ensure that none of its content reflected negatively on the firm. After a weekend of fun, a friend posted pictures, on Facebook, that included pic... Its often the first thing job seekers look for in a workplace The values and behaviors that contribute to the unique social and psychological environment of an organization Business Dictionary An anthropology cliche tells us that culture is to humans what water is to fish. You probably dont think about it, but your family has a culture. So does your neighborhood and your country. Your workplace most definitely has a culture. Fish can get by without knowing much about the element that sustains them, but humans get in trouble when we fail to understand the culture we live in. A nation going through an identity crisis can bring out the worst in its citizens (just turn on the news). A business that cant define its culture will hire the wrong people and ultimately lose clients. Recent studies have shown that organizational culture is a major factor in employee retention, productivity, and satisfaction. Its often the first thing job seekers look for in a workplace, and numerous studies suggest that cultural fit should be the most important consideration when hiring new employees. Recruiting firms must define and maintain a healthy culture of employees who genuinely care about candidates, the firms they serve, and the industry. When you hire with culture in mind, your firm will consistently outperform agencies that ignore it. As one expert put it, culture equals cash. What is Organizational Culture... Hiring new employees is a high priority for most HR teams, and its one of the top HR challenges faced by human resources professionals across the globe. Every organization has a different approach to the process for hiring new employees, from the way they source candidates for a role, to the questions they ask in interviews, to the criteria that a candidate must meet before they can extend an offer. For many organizations, hiring the right person for a role means finding someone who not only has the right skills, experience, and qualifications for the job, but also fits in with the culture of the organization. To better understand how organizations overcome the hiring challenge, we asked seven HR professionals for some of their best tips on hiring the right employee for a role. With their extensive experience in recruiting and hiring, they offered up some outstanding insights and advice. Heres what we learned from them: Mike Bensi, Advisor at FirstPerson Hiring for fit is an easy tip to think of, but few organizations actually define what fit means for them. Take the time to identify the key values and behaviors needed to be successful within your company. And then develop the interview process around those needs. This allows you to create a unique value proposition that ensures youre hiring people who are attracted to your company! Trisha Borme, Manager of Talent Acquisit... About Webcast With recent articles like Harvard Business Reviews Its Time to Split HR, written by world-renowned business advisor and author Ram Charan, and Bersin Insights Will HR Lose the Battle Over Analytics, written by industry analyst Karen OLeonard, 2016 represents a pivotal year for Human Resources. The global economic recovery, compounded by demographic shifts, is moving power from employers to employees, turning labor into a sellers market. As a result, the workforce is becoming an increasingly core strategic consideration to businesses. Yet the most commonly monitored workforce metrics do very little to deliver true insight into workforce topics. Leaders need to graduate from metrics to analytics, surfacing the important connections and patterns in their data to make better workforce decisions. Join expert Dave Weisbeck as he discusses how HR can play a more critical role driving business performance than ever before. In this informative webinar, Dave will discuss how you can graduate from metrics to analytics, ramping up from operational reporting to strategic analytics and planning. Topics will include: - Trends shaping the Datafication of HR, including the case for and against splitting HR - How HR can climb the workforce intelligence maturity curve, defining key terms and concepts - The future of HR as a strategic advisor, with examples of how to graduate from metrics to analytics in: - Recruiting Effectiveness - Performance Management - Talent Retention - Comp & Benefits - Workforce Costs - Common pitfalls to avoid Register for this engaging webinar to learn the ins and outs of the datafication of HR and how it has an impact on your HR organization in 2016. By registering for this webcast you will receive email communications and notifications from the sponsor(s). News Bangladesh Calls for Efforts to Curb Influx of Refugees Refugee children attend a school at Kutupalang Makeshift Refugee Camp in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh, Feb. 12, 2017 / Reuters DHAKA, Bangladesh Bangladeshs foreign minister called on the international community on Monday to address Burmas treatment of its Muslim Rohingya minority, tens of thousands of whom have fled in recent months to Bangladesh. Speaking at a meeting with Yanghee Lee, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Burma, who is in Dhaka on a three-day visit, A. H. Mahmood Ali said a peaceful resolution must be found, a Foreign Ministry statement said. Ali also described efforts by Dhaka to engage with Burma bilaterally by establishing border liaison offices and talks on security cooperation, the statement said. Lee is visiting the Coxs Bazar area on the border with Burma, where the foreign minister said the influx of Rohingya was having an adverse impact on the local population and undermining security. In a separate meeting, Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, in Dhaka on a two-day visit, urged the international community to put more pressure on Burma to stop maltreatment of the Rohingya. The Buddhist majority country has to treat minorities with dignity and inclusiveness, Brende said. Nearly 70,000 Rohingya have fled Burmas Arakan State to Bangladesh since October. They have joined more than 200,000 Rohingya already in Bangladesh, many living in official and makeshift camps, straining resources in one of Asias poorest regions. The UN human rights office said in a report this month that Burmas security forces had committed mass killings and rapes of Rohingya Muslims and burned their villages. UN officials working with refugees in Bangladesh have told Reuters the death toll from the security sweep could be more than 1,000. Burma has denied almost all allegations of human rights abuses and says a lawful counterinsurgency campaign has been underway since the Oct. 9 attacks on border security posts killed nine policemen. Following her visit to Bangladesh, Special Rapporteur Lee will share her findings in a report to the UN Human Rights Council which will be available online on March 13, the Foreign Ministry statement said. White Rock, British Columbia (FSCwire) - Renaissance Gold Inc. (TSX.V: REN) (Rengold or the Company) is pleased to announce that they have signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Kinross Gold U.S.A., Inc. (Kinross). Subject to completion of due diligence and definitive documentation within 60 days, the option agreement would grant Kinross the option to acquire a 70% interest in the Spruce East, Diamond Point and Buffalo Canyon exploration projects located in Nevada within 10 years. The Spruce East and Diamond Point projects in Elko County were just acquired by RenGold (see press release NR2017-1) and Buffalo Canyon in Nye County is drill permit ready. Each project will be subject to a separate exploration earn-in agreement. Upon signing the definitive agreements Kinross will advance RenGold US$500,000 to carry out and conduct exploration for the first agreement year among the three projects as directed by Kinross. Subsequent years will have increasing minimum expenditures for each project of US$200k, then US$300k and finally US$500k per year through year 10 totaling US$4,000,000 to vest an undivided 70% interest in each project. Kinross may accelerate vesting by spending US$5,000,000 before the end of the seventh year. Concurrent with execution of the definitive option agreements, Kinross will subscribe for such number of common shares in the capital of RenGold amounting to no less than 5% and not more than 9.9% of the issued and outstanding shares of RenGold at a price of C$0.33 per share. The private placement and any modification to it are subject to compliance with applicable securities laws and to receipt of regulatory approval. The proceeds from the private placement will be used by RenGold for general corporate purposes. In addition, RenGold will grant to Kinross for a period of not more than three years a Right of First Refusal (ROFR) to acquire new projects developed by RenGold under arms-length terms in a defined area of Nevada. The ROFR can be used a maximum of three times within the three years of the agreement. Ronald Parratt, President & CEO states This agreement provides an excellent opportunity to accelerate the exploration of three properties in the RenGold portfolio. A total of 6 projects out of 15 are now in earn-in agreements with industry partners. It is anticipated that all three projects will see some drilling this year and, based on outcomes, aggressive follow-up may be warranted. Were pleased with the confidence placed in RenGold by Kinross and it is a pleasure to add a company such as Kinross to our shareholder list. They will be the fourth major mining company to hold an interest in the Company. About Renaissance Gold Inc. Renaissance Gold Inc. is a gold/silver exploration company that has a large portfolio of exploration projects in Nevada and Utah. RenGolds objective is to place the projects in exploration earn-in agreements with industry partners who provide exploration funding. RenGold applies the extensive exploration experience and high-end technical skills of its founders and team members to search for and acquire new precious metal exploration projects that are then offered for joint venture. By Press Trust of India: From K J M Varma Beijing, Feb 21 (PTI) China today beefed up security measures in its volatile Xinjiang province by making it mandatory for all vehicles to install a satellite navigation system similar to the GPS as part of an anti-terror initiative. All vehicles in Bayingol Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region must install the Beidou Navigation Satellite System starting Monday to "safeguard stability" in the prefecture, local officials said. advertisement The move is to ensure stability in the prefecture, state-run Global Times reported quoting a staffer with the vehicle management station under the traffic police detachment of Bayingol Public Security Bureau. "Cars are the major means of transportation for terrorists, and also a frequently chosen tool to conduct terrorist attacks. So its necessary to use the Beidou system and electronic vehicle identification to enhance the management of vehicles," a statement by Bayingols traffic police detachment said. "All vehicles must install the system, so that they can be tracked wherever they go. It also helps car owners to find their cars quickly if its been stolen or taken [by terrorists]," added the staffer, surnamed Ma. The Beidou network is a China-developed satellite navigation system similar to GPS, the third Global Navigation Satellite System applied in international navigation. The new rule came as thousands of armed police, public security officers and militia held massive anti-terror rally in provincial capital Urumqi in the face of increasing attacks by alleged Uygur militants. Xinjiang where the Turkik speaking Uygur Muslims constitute majority faced unrest for several years over Uygurs resentment about the settlements of Hans from outside. The province faced numerous terrorist attack, which China blamed on the separatist East Turkistan Islamic Movement, (ETIM). PTI KJVKJ ABH KJ --- ENDS --- VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 21, 2017) - Angel Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE:ANG) ("Angel" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has commenced geophysical surveying on its El Porvenir project where surface trenching and sampling has identified high-grade gold and silver values. The project is located at less than 2 km from Gran Colombia project, in the Segovia Belt, the most productive gold district in Colombia. The geophysical program will consist of pole-dipole Induced Polarization, and ground magnetics, covering a total of 23.15 line kilometers at its Iguanacito, Guayabales and Abejero prospects. The surveys will be carried out by KTTM geophysics and their Canadian partner Geophysics GPR. KTTM is based in Medellin Colombia, and has been operating in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Nicaragua for the last 10 years in mining exploration, providing services and supplies for many of the large successful exploration programs in the Colombia. Stella Frias, Angel Gold's President & CEO, commented, "We are excited by the potential to generate target at depth in an area with abundant gold and silver anomalies identified at the surface. This geophysical survey will be conducted in an area that also contains broad alteration-hosted and intrusive-related styles of mineralization indicated by our work to date have not been previously reported by others within the Segovia district." Iguanacito Prospect Surveying will commence at the Iguanacito Prospect associated with the Nus Fault which separates the extensively gold-mineralized intrusives of the Segovia Batholith from a unit of black sediments with interbedded volcanic rocks that has been intruded by younger igneous bodies. The initial discovery of gold-silver mineralization was as two discrete zones of intensely sericite-silica altered brecciation zones containing high-grade sulfide-silica breccias, some 50m apart, that coalesce southwards along the contact into a continuous zone of intense sericitization of over 100m in width and exhibiting stockworks and sheeted veinlets of sulfide and quartz. Angel has previously reported its discoveries of wide zones of intense sericite alteration within the adjacent black sediments/volcanics unit and a small exposure of intensely sericitized porphyry with multiple episodes of stockwork mineralization, as well as stream float of bonanza-grade silver in pyrite-silica breccia (1050 g/t Ag or 30.63oz/short ton). It is suspected the prospect is underlain and flanked by largely-buried mineralised intrusive bodies of younger ages than previously recognized in the district. This is a newly discovered prospect and has had no previous modern exploration work undertaken over it. (See: http://www.angelgoldcorp.com/news/) Guayabales Prospect The Guayabales Prospect is hosted within an intensely-weathered, poorly-outcropping multi-phase intrusive body within the black sediment unit. Historic shallow drilling (17 holes for 1308.4m) identified a zone in the southernmost 5 drill holes at least 100m wide of intense sericitization with intense silicification at its core where diamond drill hole RBGDDH049 intersected 9m @ 0.76g/t gold and 89.9 g/t silver from 27.15 to 36.15m downhole (true width unknown), associated with sulfide-quartz breccia infillings. A nearby surface rock chip by Angel returned 1.57g/t gold and 170 g/t. Soil sampling by Angel suggest that this alteration zone continues southwards for at least 700m and continues beyond the southern-most soil line, and suggests that the alteration zone could be at least 400m wide with a more geochemically anomalous core of around 100m width. Details of the soil sampling results have been included previously in a press release dated August 25, 2015 Abejero Prospect The Abejero Prospect is a shear structure within Proterozoic metamorphic rocks immediately adjacent to the major, deep, crustal scale, Bagre Fault. Historic shallow drilling (36 holes for 2398.25m) identified two high-grade to bonanza-grade gold-bearing steeply plunging sulfide-bearing quartz shoots within the shear structure. Drill holes also intersected an intrusive diorite at the ends of 3 of these shallow holes. A single IP line along this intermediate dipping structure will test the down dip continuation of these sulfide-quartz shoots. See results of the historic drilling on press release dated February 17, 2015. About Angel Gold Corp.: Angel is a Canada-based gold and silver exploration company focused on responsible development of mineral resources in Colombia, host to some of the world's largest gold deposits. Angel's flagship project the El Porvenir is located at less than 2 km from Gran Colombia project, the El Pino West Project is adjacent to Gramalote project, B2Gold and Anglo Gold Ashanti JV, 2.5M oz. discovery and its Heliconia project is located north of the Titiribi district along the Cauca fault system. Angel has been focused on acquiring and validating strategic mineral exploration opportunities in Colombia's best mining districts with the highest potential for new discoveries. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 21, 2017) - GMV Minerals Inc. (the "Company" or "GMV") (TSX VENTURE:GMV) is pleased to report preliminary results from two additional holes from its recently completed reverse circulation drill program designed to extend the known mineralization on its Mexican Hat gold property in S.E. Arizona. As was the case in the first batch of holes reported on February 1, 2017, both holes are adding to the existing resource. The Company is pleased to announce that it has extended the known area of mineralization in the north of the Mexican Hat deposit by approximately 120 metres. The current NI #43-101 resource was calculated with a 0.2 gpt gold cut-off, so all assays that exceed the cut off are considered material and further support an open pit heap leach extraction model. The intersections on GMV 2016-8 are an approximately 30-meter lateral step out to the northeast on zones AN, A, and B, and are 30 meters deeper on the AN zone, 20 meters deeper on the A zone, and 20 meters deeper on the B zone. The intersections in GMV 2016-7 are similar lateral step outs as in GMV 2016-8. The two new intersections are located above 130 meters downhole (the first two intercepts in hole 2016-7-see below) and both are newly discovered zones. The Company is also pleased to confirm that this hole hit the AN zone 100 meters below previous drilling, 120 meters below previous intercepts on A zone, and 100 meters deeper on B zone. The Company wishes to confirm that some infill sampling is pending on these two holes which may add to the reported intercepts' grade and length. Both of these holes intersected multiple fractured hematite-bearing zones, typically associated with the known mineralization. Significant intersections occurred in both holes and include: Hole from (m) to (m) length (m) Gold (gpt) GMV 2016-7 57.9 67.1 9.1 0.65 GMV 2016-7 115.8 121.9 6.1 0.39 GMV 2016-7 152.4 155.4 3.0 0.45 GMV 2016-7 167.6 195.1 27.4 0.20 GMV 2016-8 152.4 158.5 6.1 1.83 GMV 2016-8 170.7 176.8 6.1 0.69 GMV 2016-8 201.2 204.2 3.0 0.66 GMV 2016-8 222.5 228.6 6.1 0.60 GMV 2016-8 268.2 271.3 3.0 0.54 GMV 2016-8 274.3 277.4 3.0 0.38 Figures are rounded and small rounding differences may appear. The results from five additional holes are pending. Ian Klassen, GMV's CEO remarked, "We are pleased with these additional assays. As per our recent announcement on February 1, not only have we been able to extend the H2 Zone and encounter additional mineralization to the southeast, beyond the previous limits of our resource, but now we have also done the same to the northeast of the deposit. These results give us some of the deepest cuts into our zones and should translate well into additional tonnage and ounces." RC samples were collected using a rotary splitter at the drill, bagged, dried, and shipped by commercial carrier to Inspectorate America Corporation Laboratories in Sparks, Nevada. Certified standards and blanks were inserted into the sample stream prior to shipping, and laboratories standards, blanks and duplicates were analyzed and reported. Samples were prepared using PRP70-250 and analyzed using FA330 (fire assay) and AQ251 (ICP) methods. All gold values are reported from the FA330 results. All standards and duplicates reported acceptable results. The Company also wishes to confirm that diamond drilling at the Hernandez Hill, a newly discovered epithermal target 500 m northeast of the Mexican Hat mineralization has now concluded, and logging, sampling and assaying is in progress. This target was identified by geology and surficial geochemistry and supported by recent AMT geophysical survey. The metallurgical testing on the Company's bulk sample from Mexican Hat is completed and final assays on the residue are in progress at the lab. A detailed news release on this test will be issued once the results have been received. Dr. D.R. Webb, Ph.D., P.Geo., P.Eng. is the Q.P. for this release within the meaning of NI 43-101 and has reviewed the technical content of this release and has approved its content. About GMV Minerals Inc. GMV Minerals Inc. is a publicly traded exploration company focused on developing precious metal assets in Arizona. GMV, through its 100% owned subsidiary, has a 100% interest in a Mining Property Lease commonly referred to as the Mexican Hat project, located in Cochise County, Arizona, USA. The Mexican Hat property contains an inferred mineral resource of 23,452,000 tonnes grading 0.70 grams of gold per tonne hosting 531,400 troy ounces of gold. The project was initially explored by Placer Dome (USA) in the late 1980's to early 1990's. GMV is focused on developing the asset and realizing the full mineral potential of the property through near term gold production. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 21, 2017) - Royal Road Minerals Limited (TSXV: RYR) (the "Company") a gold focused mineral exploration and development company, announces that it has appointed Daniel De Narvaez to the Board of Directors, that Ivan Devia has moved to the position of Vice President Operations and that it has granted incentive stock options to purchase an aggregate of 4,360,000 ordinary shares of the Company to certain officers, employees and consultants of the Company pursuant to the Company's stock option plan. The options are exercisable until February 17, 2019 at a price of $0.15 per share and shall vest as to 30% of the options, 60 days from the grant date; as to a further 30% of the options, 90 days from the grant date; and as to the remainder of the options, 120 days from the grant date. The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Daniel De Narvaez as a Director of the Company. Daniel is based in Bogota, Colombia. Daniel has a B.S. in Mining Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a Diploma in Negotiating Strategies from the Universidad de Los Andes in Bogota. Daniel has worked extensively in mining and socio-political aspects of mining in Colombia and throughout the America's. During the past five years Daniel has been the Executive Director of Exploraciones Oceanicas S de RL de CV, managing the exploration work and permitting of the Don Diego offshore phosphate deposit in the Pacific coast of Mexico's Baja California peninsula. Ivan Devia has been with the Company since it commenced operations in Colombia in 2015. We are pleased to announce that Ivan will now move to the post of VP-Operations overseeing the Company's activities in Colombia and elsewhere throughout Latin America. Ivan is an international logistics, risk-management and community engagement specialist with 15 years of experience in Latin America and the Middle East. He is a graduate in Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law at the University of Nueva Granada in Colombia. Ivan spent 6 years with B2 Gold Colombia as Health, Safety and Security Manager and was Operations and Security Center Manager with AngloGold-Ashanti in Colombia. "These appointments come at a crucial time in the Company's evolution," said Dr Tim Coughlin, Royal Roads President and CEO. "With the evolving peace process in Colombia our activities have expanded and the focus has somewhat shifted. As well as increasing our interest in the region of the La Golondrina and Redencion projects, we are now conducting more regional exploration over highly prospective areas, engaging more closely with the Colombian authorities and their post-conflict aspirations, and adopting a more innovative and sustainable approach to engaging communities and other regional stakeholders. Both Daniel and Ivan bring unique skills and invaluable experience in regards to all aspects of Royal Road's work in Colombia and elsewhere in Latin America. They will no doubt be crucial in Royal Road's success as the Company enters this important new chapter in its development." VANCOUVER, Feb. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Barsele Minerals Corp. (TSX-V: BME) ("Barsele") reports that Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (TSX, NYSE: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle") has prepared an updated mineral resource estimate for the Barsele gold deposit within the Barsele Au-VMS Project area in Vasterbottens Lan, northern Sweden (the "Barsele Project"). Exploration and mineral resource definition at the Barsele Project has been managed by joint venture partner Agnico Eagle. Ownership in the Barsele Project is 55% Agnico Eagle and 45% Barsele. Agnico Eagle can earn an additional 15% in the Barsele Project through the completion of a pre-feasibility study. The Barsele property is known to contain intrusive hosted gold mineralization that appears to be similar to Agnico Eagle's Goldex deposit in Quebec. During 2016, a total of 85 diamond drill holes totaling 33,477 meters were drilled by Agnico Eagle. Drilling focused on verifying, defining and expanding the mineral resources within and along the Central, Avan and Skirasen zones, that are now interpreted to be part of the same mineralized system that extends over 2.6 kilometers of strike length and to a depth of 600 meters and still open in all directions. These contiguous mineralized zones occur within a granodiorite host that ranges in width from 200 to 500 meters and is traceable over a strike length exceeding 8.0 kilometers. Gold is generally associated with arsenopyrite and low base metal content, but also occurs as native metal locally. Barsele is having its qualified persons review the updated mineral resource estimate and will disclose the results on completion of the review. An updated NI 43-101 Technical Report will be prepared if warranted. About the Barsele Gold Project The Barsele Project is located on the western end of the Proterozoic "Skellefte Trend", a prolific volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits belt, where it intersects with the "Gold Line" in Northern Sweden. Both polymetallic deposits and intrusive hosted orogenic gold deposits are present in this region and on the property. Current and past producers in the region include Boliden, Kristineberg, Bjorkdal, Svartliden and Storliden. Art Freeze, P.Geo. is the Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and takes responsibility for the technical disclosure contained within this news release. About Barsele Minerals Corp. Barsele is a Canadian-based junior exploration company comprised of highly qualified mining professionals. Barsele's main property is the Barsele Gold Project in Vasterbottens Lan, Sweden, a joint venture with Agnico Eagle Mines Limited. VANCOUVER, Feb. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Lithium X Energy ("Lithium X", or the "Company") (TSX-V: LIX)(OTCQX: LIXXF) is pleased to announce that the Company has received permits for the construction of the initial ponding facility (the "Facility") to be constructed as part of the Salta Exploraciones S.A. ("SESA") Joint Venture (the "JV"). The initial ponding facility is designed for an output of approximately 2,500 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent ("LCE"). The permits allow for the construction of brine collection, pumping, piping and ponding facilities consisting of 62.6 hectares of lined ponds, designed to produce a high-purity 5% lithium concentrate, at the Company's flagship Sal de los Angeles project ("SDLA" or the "Project") in Argentina. The JV ponding facility will cover a maximum of 100 hectares (approximately 1%) of the 8,156 hectares that comprise the Sal de los Angeles property. Construction activities will begin immediately. The Project has not been the subject of a feasibility study and there is no guarantee the Facility will successfully produce a commercial product on a profitable basis or at all. "We would like to thank the Province of Salta and respective regulatory authorities for their assistance and cooperation in the granting of this permit," commented Paul Matysek, Executive Chairman. "This is a key milestone for our Company and will certainly strengthen and differentiate our status in a very crowded lithium sector. We look forward to working closely with the local authorities and workforce in developing sustainable environmental, work and social programs to ensure we develop the Facility in harmony with the Puna region." "The receipt of construction permits for our Facility is a major landmark for Lithium X and our joint venture with SESA," commented Brian Paes-Braga, Chief Executive Officer "We are on the cusp of obtaining our first 5% lithium concentrate from our pilot pools on site. This is a high purity brine concentrate that could serve as feed to existing or new battery grade lithium carbonate and/or lithium hydroxide plants. We have already been approached by several end users of the expected concentrate and look forward to initiate testing with downstream partners." Under the terms of the JV Agreement, to earn a 50% stake in the JV Company, SESA must contribute an estimated US$6 million or the required amount for the construction and operation of an initial 2,500tpa LCE ponding facility by incurring all construction costs, including one full year of post-construction operation. Potasio y Litio de Argentina S.A. ("PLASA"), of which Lithium X has the right to earn 80% and is 100% owner of SDLA, shall contribute US$3.3 million for a 30% contributing participation in the JV and the right to commercialize the lithium products. In addition, PLASA is also fully carried for the remaining 20% for contributing brine from existing wells on the Project, including a free-flowing artesian well that is expected to supply the operation initially. The Company cautions that the Project has not been the subject of a feasibility study and there is no guarantee the pilot ponding facility will successfully produce a commercial product on a profitable basis or at all. There is a significant risk that production from the pilot ponding facility will not be profitable, and the risks are even greater given that no feasibility study has been prepared. The Company has not established the economic viability of the proposed operation or any mineral reserves that would support the same. It also does not disclose the higher risk of failure of this production decision in the circumstances. The purpose of the pilot program is not to commence commercial production but to utilize the expertise and experience of its new joint venture partner, Salta Exploraciones SA ("SESA") using brine from an existing free flowing artesian well which will contribute initial brine to the pilot ponding facility. SESA is a consortium of Argentina based engineering and construction firms with extensive experience in the design, construction and operation of lithium brine facilities in Argentina's Puna region, where the Project is located. The scientific and technical content and interpretations contained in this news release have been reviewed and approved by VP of Project Development William Randall, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. About Lithium X Energy Corp. Lithium X Energy Corp. is a lithium exploration and development company with a goal of becoming a low-cost supplier for the burgeoning lithium battery industry. Lithium X owns 50%, and has the option to acquire up to 80%, of the Sal de los Angeles lithium brine project in the prolific "Lithium Triangle" in mining friendly Salta province, Argentina. Lithium X's Arizaro project consists of 33,846 hectares located in one of the district's largest salars known to contain elevated lithium brine values. Lithium X is also exploring a large land package in Nevada's Clayton Valley, contiguous to the only producing lithium operation in North America Silver Peak, owned and operated by Albemarle, the world's largest lithium producer. Lithium X is listed on the TSXV under the trading symbol LIX. For additional information about Lithium X Energy Corp., please visit the Company's website at www.lithium-x.com or review the Company's documents filed on www.sedar.com. Join the Company's email list at http://lithium-x.com/subscribe. HALIFAX, Feb. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Zonte Metals Inc. is pleased to provide an update on the Consejo de Estado ("Special Court") proceedings regarding its' application over the Gramalote application. As announced in May 2016, Zonte and a Colombian partner, (collectively "Zonte" or the "Company") initiated legal action against the Secretaria de Minas (Secretary of Mines) for the Department of Antioquia, Colombia, as well the Agencia Nacional de Mineria (National Mining Agency) for not complying with the Mining Code in titling an exploration application submitted by Zonte in July 2013. Zonte's application covers open areas between titles on top of the permitted Gramalote Gold deposit which is a joint venture between AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE: AU) and B2Gold (TSX: BTO, NYSE: BTG). The Special Court had three options available to respond to the Company's submission of documents which included accepting the case as presented; accepting the case with modification; or rejecting the case totally. The Company is pleased to report that the Special Court has accepted the case as presented and that the case will now officially proceed through the court process. The Company will provide additional information as it becomes available. For more information regarding the Gramalote application including a map illustrating the open areas between titles and the legal initiatives please visit the company's webpage at www.zontemetals.com About Zonte Zonte Metals Inc. is a junior explorer focused on gold and copper. The Company has signed an Option Agreement to acquire 100% of the McConnells Jest project, in the Tintina Gold Belt, located in the Yukon Territory, which is composed of 172 claims totaling approximately 3371 hectares, and holds the drill ready Wings Point Gold Project located in Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, the Company and a Colombian partner have an application over open areas sitting on top of the open pit outline of the Gramalote Deposit in Colombia, which is held by AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE: AU) and B2Gold (TSX: BTO, NYSE: BTG). The title issuance is being contested by the state governing the application and the Company has started legal action to protect its rights. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 21, 2017) - West Kirkland Mining Inc. (TSX VENTURE:WKM) ("West Kirkland", "WKM" or the "Company") announces that it has entered into an agreement to lease water rights (the "Lease") in Nevada from Liberty Moly LLC ("Liberty Moly"). Liberty Moly holds certain water rights which allow it to appropriate ground water within Basin 137a for use at their Liberty Moly project, located 30 km from WKM's Hasbrouck Gold Project. The lease allows WKM to appropriate ground water in the amount of 1.522 cubic feet per second with an annual duty of 800 acre feet. The quantity of water leased by WKM is a portion of Liberty Moly's right to 6,200 acre feet annually and is sufficient for all of WKM`s water needs for production at the Hasbrouck Project. The Three Hills Mine is the first phase of the Hasbrouck Gold Project and is also located within Basin 137a. Obtaining approval from Nevada's state engineer to change the point of diversion of the leased water to the Hasbrouck Project is expected to be in the normal course of affairs. The Hasbrouck Mine is the second phase of the project and is located in the adjacent Basin 142; an inter-basin approval is required for the leased water to be diverted to the Hasbrouck Mine. The company plans to make this application and work on it during Three Hills Mine construction and gold production phases. The Three Hills Mine involves an open pit, heap leach and gold plant, and is fully permitted for construction and operation. Purchase of private lands for the Three Hills heap leach facility was concluded in January 2017. Work on permitting the Hasbrouck Mine is ongoing and is expected to be completed under an Environmental Assessment. Assay results from recent exploration drilling at Three Hills are pending. The Hasbrouck Project consists of the Hasbrouck Mine, Three Hills Mine, and surrounding land package, all located near Tonopah, Nevada. All dollar values presented in this news release are U.S. dollars and are presented on a 100% project basis. Highlights include: Low initial capital cost of $47 million with a 12-month construction period Open pit mining with minimal pre-stripping and an overall stripping ratio of 1.1:1 594,000 recoverable gold equivalent ounces* 74,000 gold equivalent ounces* produced annually for eight years $717 All-in Sustaining Cost per Au ounce Robust 2016 pre-feasibility study indicating after-tax NPV (5%) of $120 million and a 43% IRR $1,275/oz Au and $18.21/oz Ag metal price assumptions Good exploration potential proximal to the Three Hills permitted pit *Gold equivalent ounces are calculated by multiplying the silver ounces by 18.21 over 1,275 and then adding to the gold ounces Proven and Probable Reserves total 45.3 million tons containing 762,000 ounces gold and 10.6 million ounces silver as detailed below: Hasbrouck Project Reserves, June 3, 2015, Mine Development Associates (1, 2) Three Hills Mine Reserves K tons Ore Grade (oz Au/ton) K oz Au Grade (oz Ag/ton) K oz Ag 0.005 opt Au cutoff Proven - - - - - Probable 9,653 0.018 175 - - P&P 9,653 0.018 175 - - Hasbrouck Mine Reserves Variable cutoff grade(3) Proven 6,242 0.020 127 0.410 2,562 Probable 29,374 0.016 461 0.273 8,007 P&P 35,617 0.017 588 0.297 10,569 Total Hasbrouck Project Reserves Variable cutoff grade(3) Proven 6,242 0.020 127 0.410 2,562 Probable 39,028 0.016 635 0.205 8,007 P&P 45,270 0.017 762 0.233 10,569 Notes: The estimation and classification of Proven and Probable Mineral Reserves have been prepared by Thomas L. Dyer, P.E., of Mine Development Associates following CIM standards Mineral Reserves are estimated based on $1,225/oz gold and $17.50/oz silver Cutoff grades used for Mineral Reserves are: Three Hills 0.005 oz Au/ton, Hasbrouck Upper Siebert 0.008 oz Au/ton, and Hasbrouck Lower Siebert 0.007 oz Au/ton WKM Chief Operating Officer Sandy McVey commented that "Securing this water supply is a major milestone for the Company and significantly advances the project, as well as improving project economics. We understand from discussions with Nevada Division of Water Resources that State approval for this water transfer should be granted on application. We look forward to further progressing the Hasbrouck Gold Project by permitting the Hasbrouck Mine under an Environmental Assessment as we did in seven months at the Three Hills Mine." The initial term of the Lease is for six (6) years commencing on February 10, 2017. WKM may extend the Lease for one additional four (4) year term. WKM's diversion and use of ground water pursuant to the Lease is subject to the approval of the Nevada State Engineer. In the event that Liberty Moly requires the leased water rights for the construction and operation of its own mine project during the term or extension of the Lease, Liberty Moly may terminate the Lease by providing twenty-four (24) months' notice to WKM. As initial compensation for the leased water rights, WKM will issue to Liberty Moly US$100,000 worth of WKM common shares calculated on the last closing price of one WKM common share on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") on February 13, 2017, converted into U.S. dollars based on the noon buying rate reported by the Bank of Canada on February 14, 2017 (being 1,454,778 WKM common shares). On each anniversary date during the term of the Lease, WKM is to pay Liberty Moly either US$10,000 in cash or the equivalent value in common shares calculated by dividing US$10,000 by the last closing price of one WKM common share on the TSXV immediately preceding the anniversary date, converted into U.S. dollars based on the foreign exchange rate reported by the Bank of Canada on the applicable payment anniversary. All WKM common shares issued pursuant to the Lease will be subject to TSXV approval and will bear a resale restriction under Canadian securities laws for a period of four months and one day from the date of issue and will also bear a legend and be subject to resale restrictions under applicable U.S. securities laws. WKM may terminate the Lease by written notice if at any time WKM is prevented from using the leased water rights because of judicial orders, court decrees or local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations now or later in effect. Authors and Qualified Persons Statement The referenced Mineral Reserve Estimate was prepared in conformance with NI 43-101 by Thomas L. Dyer, P.E. of MDA and was filed on SEDAR on September 2016. Mr. Dyer is a "Qualified Person" under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the information in this news release. MDA has reviewed and verified that the data disclosed in this news release conforms to CIM "Estimation of Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserves Best Practices" guidelines and to NI 43-101. Sandy McVey, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer of West Kirkland, and a non-independent Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101, has reviewed the information contained in this news release and has verified the data. Sample Preparation, Analyses, and Security It is MDA's opinion that the sampling, assaying, and security procedures used at Three Hills and Hasbrouck deposits follow industry standard procedures, and are adequate for the estimation of the current Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Data Verification MDA completed audits of the database, performed a site visit, reviewed QAQC data and confirmed historic assays. After performing their review, they consider the assay data to be adequate for the estimation of the current Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. About West Kirkland Mining Inc. West Kirkland owns a 75% interest in the Hasbrouck Gold Project in Tonopah, Nevada. A Pre-Feasibility Study and Environmental Assessment with construction-level drawings and all federal and state permits for the phase-one Three Hills Mine provides an advanced project for potential expansion with drilling underway. West Kirkland also holds a 60% interest in the open pit heap-leach TUG Gold Project in Utah in Joint Venture with Newmont. VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Feb. 21, 2017) - Scorpio Gold Corporation ("Scorpio Gold" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:SGN)(FRANKFURT:Z3S) is pleased to announce the signing of a letter of intent (the "LOI") with Lode-Star Mining Inc. ("Lode-Star") for a custom milling agreement (the "Agreement") to provide custom milling of mineralized material at the Company's Goldwedge processing facility, located 75 miles north of Goldfield in Manhattan, Nevada. The Goldwedge mill is a 400 ton per day facility with an associated gravity recovery circuit. Testing of Lode-Star's mineralized material is expected to commence in Q1 2017 and is pending receipt of approval from the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection ("NDEP"). This testing will provide the baselines for metallurgical recoveries and mill throughput data to support Lode Star's mine permitting with the NDEP. The coarse gold component of Lode-Star's material will be recovered by the gravity circuit. Further testing will be conducted on the tailings to determine the potential economics of shipping tailings to Scorpio Gold's 70% owned Mineral Ridge heap leach operation for final recovery of cyanide-leachable precious metals. Assaying services can be provided to Lode Star at Mineral Ridge. The companies are moving forward with permitting requirements associated with the Agreement. The Agreement requires completion of a cost analysis and other operational details which are expected to be concluded upon completion of the testing. The parties believe this arrangement can be mutually economical and operationally beneficial for their respective operations. Lode-Star President, Mark Walmesley, comments, "Lode-Star has been working steadily with Scorpio Gold on this milling solution for well over a year. The results of our metallurgy work through Kappes Cassiday indicate positive compatibility with Scorpio Gold's existing processes. Utilization of the Mineral Ridge assaying lab is a key benefit that speeds up our overall production and milling timeline. We look forward to working with the Scorpio Gold team and believe this is a great pairing between our operations." Chris Zerga, President of Scorpio Gold Corporation, comments, "We hope to develop a long-term relationship with the Lode-Star team and we continue to look for other synergistic opportunities within our surrounding area." About Lode-Star Mining Inc. Lode-Star Mining Inc. (OTCQB:LSMG) is a U.S. based junior-tier mining company focused on the exploration, development, and production of North American mineral assets. Lode-Star is the operator of the Goldfield Bonanza property, acquired under an option for development on December 11, 2014 from Lode-Star Gold, Inc., a private Nevada corporation. The property is located in the historic gold producing district of Goldfield, NV, which at one time was Nevada's largest gold producing district. Historic production totaled better than 4 million ounces of gold. About Scorpio Gold Scorpio Gold holds a 70% interest in the producing Mineral Ridge gold mining operation located in Esmeralda County, Nevada with joint venture partner Elevon, LLC (30%). Mineral Ridge is a conventional open pit mining and heap leach operation. The Mineral Ridge property is host to multiple gold-bearing structures, veins and lenses at exploration, development and production stages. Scorpio Gold also holds a 100% interest in the advanced exploration-stage Goldwedge property in Manhattan, Nevada with a fully permitted underground mine and 400 ton per day mill facility. The Goldwedge mill facility has been placed on a care and maintenance basis and can be restarted upon short notice. Scorpio Gold's Chairman, Peter J. Hawley, PGeo, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Rajya Sabha MP K T S Tulsi, BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy and AAP today joined Union minister Venkaiah Naidu in demanding a thorough probe into allegations that former CBI chief Amar Pratap Singh favoured controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi. "The allegations have to be throughly enquired into. It is a real shame for all of us that director of a premier investigative agency has now been charged," Naidu said earlier. advertisement "This shows the level of corruption that has crept into the system. It should be taken to its logical conclusion and whatever links are there should be throughly investigated," he said. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said the development has sent a message that anybody, irrespective of his position, could be brought to book. "In the first time in history, a CBI director has been brought to book," he said. Senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP K T S Tulsi, who was nominated to the Upper House during the UPA regime, said it was a serious blow to the reputation of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "One after the other the directors seem to be compromising the integrity of law and an institution which is the premier investigating agency in the country. If people lose faith in the institution, how are we going to have inquires against terrorists and those committing most heinous crimes? "It is very important to have faith in the impartiality of the institution. It is a sad state of affairs," he said. Demanding unearthing of the conspiracy in the case, senior AAP leader Ashutosh said the incident reflected the corruption in Indias premier investigating agency and the way appointment of its directors was done. The CBI had named Singh along with Qureshi and others in an FIR registered last week for allegedly favouring the meat exporter after receiving a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate. The agency had carried out searches at the residence of Singh yesterday. PTI JC SRY --- ENDS --- CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Feb. 21, 2017) - Bacanora Minerals Ltd. ("Bacanora" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:BCN)(AIM:BCN), the Canadian and London listed resource developer focused on building an international lithium company, is pleased to announce that it has entered into a definitive agreement (dated February 17, 2017) to acquire a 50% interest in, and joint operational control of, the Zinnwald Lithium Project ("Zinnwald" or the "Project") in southern Saxony, Germany from SolarWorld AG ("SolarWorld"), the largest solar panel producer in Europe. This is in line with management's vision to become a global lithium operator focused on projects with significant value accretion potential and defined markets at both the product and geographic levels. Highlights Zinnwald, which reportedly produced lithium carbonate in the 1950s, is located in a granite hosted Sn/W/Li belt that has been mined historically for tin, tungsten and lithium The Project benefits from excellent access to the rapidly growing market for lithium in Germany which is being driven by the automotive, renewable energy storage and chemicals industries Geographical location of the Project provides potential access to new markets, which diversifies risk and complements potential target markets for the Company's Sonora project in Mexico, where a Feasibility Study is on track for completion in 2017 Bacanora will earn 50% of the Project in return for a cash consideration of EUR5 million and an undertaking to contribute EUR5 million towards the cost of completing of a Feasibility Study on the Project, which is anticipated to take approximately 18-24 months to complete Access to the significant lithium technical expertise developed by SolarWorld over the past ten years in the renewable energy industry Option to acquire the outstanding 50% held by SolarWorld within a 24 month period for EUR30 million Bacanora Chairman Mark Hohnen stated, "Zinnwald is a strategic asset located in close proximity to a thriving market for lithium and energy products. The Project fits with both our corporate strategy to develop and operate integrated lithium projects to produce high value lithium products, and also the commercial overlay which drives our acquisition strategy." "Sonora continues to sit at the heart of our portfolio and having produced battery grade lithium carbonate from our 100% owned pilot plant ahead of finalizing off-take agreements in Asia, we are committed to bringing this into production. However, Zinnwald provides us with exposure to an exciting new geographic market and adds hard rock mineralization to our portfolio. We believe that with an ownership structure that is accretive to Bacanora, Zinnwald will further facilitate our ambition of becoming an independent global lithium operating group." Zinnwald The Zinnwald Lithium Project is located in southeast Germany, some 35 km from Dresden and adjacent to the border of the Czech Republic and within 5km of the town of Altenberg and 50 km of the town of Freiberg. The Project is located in a granite hosted Sn/W/Li belt that has been mined historically for tin, tungsten and lithium at different times over the past 300 years. The strategic location of the Project allows immediate access to the German automotive and downstream lithium chemical industries. The Zinnwald Project and leases are held by SolarWorld Solicium GmbH, a 100% owned subsidiary of SolarWorld AG, the largest solar panel producer in Europe. The Project has a historical resource estimate dated 1st October 2014 which was reported in accordance with the PERC Code1, comprised of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Resources.2 A Qualified Person (under National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101")) has not done sufficient work to confirm the historical estimate; hence Bacanora is not treating the historical estimate as current Mineral Resources or Mineral Reserves. However, Bacanora believes that the historical work at Zinnwald and the geological context of the deposit support the case for investing in further work to investigate the Mineral Resource and its potential for economic extraction. Resource Category Tonnes* (000) Li Grade (ppm) Contained LCE** (Tonnes) Measured 10,283 3,661 200,277 Indicated 16,287 3,594 311,408 Inferred 9,867 3,705 194,484 Notes: * Li cut-off 2,500pm and >2 metres vertical thickness. ** LCE is the industry standard terminology for, and is equivalent to, Li 2 CO 3 .1 ppm Li metal is equivalent to 5.32 ppm LCE / Li 2 CO 3 .Use of LCE is to provide data comparable with industry reports and assumes complete conversion of lithium in clays with no recovery or process losses. SRK Consulting (UK) Ltd has briefly reviewed the historical work at Zinnwald and adjacent properties and is working with the Company to test the historical estimate and develop a future resource. It is expected that additional infill drilling and an updated geological and grade model will allow current Mineral Resources to be reported, following which a new technical report is expected to be prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 and AIM Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies standards. In 2014, SolarWorld AG also completed a technical report on the Project, prepared in accordance with the PERC Code.3 Bacanora has reviewed the foregoing report (a copy of which has been published by SolarWorld AG on its website) and relied upon it in ascribing its internal valuations for the Project and the negotiation of the transaction terms. Bacanora's investment into the Zinnwald Project gives the potential to provide entry into the fast-growing European lithium market whereas the Sonora project continues to focus on off-take markets in Asia. In addition, the location of Zinnwald, adjacent to existing downstream German lithium chemical infrastructure and automotive manufacturing capacity, has the potential to allow the Zinnwald Project to focus on the production of higher value, downstream lithium products, which typically command premium pricing as compared to lithium carbonate products. Martin Pittuck of SRK Consulting (UK) Limited is the Qualified Person pursuant to NI 43-101 and the AIM Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies who has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this announcement. About Bacanora Bacanora is a Canadian and London listed minerals explorer (TSX VENTURE:BCN)(AIM:BCN). The Company explores and develops industrial mineral projects, with a primary focus on the Sonora Lithium Project. The Company's operations are based in Hermosillo in northern Mexico and it currently has two significant projects under development in the state of Sonora. The Sonora Lithium Project, which consists of ten mining concession areas covering approximately 100 thousand hectares in the northeast of Sonora State. The Company, through drilling and exploration work to date, has established an Indicated Mineral Resource (in accordance with NI 43-101) of 4.5 million tonnes (LCE) and 2.7 million tonnes Inferred.4 A PFS completed in Q1 20165 demonstrated the economics associated with becoming a 35,000 tpa lithium carbonate and 50,000 tpa SOP producer in Mexico. By Lee Min-hyung LG Hausys has acquired a controlling stake in c2i, an auto parts manufacturer based in Slovakia, in a bid to tighten its presence in the promising vehicle components industry. The Seoul-based building materials manufacturer said Friday that it bought a 50.1-percent stake in the carbon-fiber components maker for 48.6 billion won ($42.26 million). Both companies plan to finalize the deal by the end of next month, it added. The Slovakian firm, established in 2005, holds patents for manufacturing weight-reducing materials for automobiles, helping improve fuel efficiency. The company posted 30 billion won in sales last year, up 45 percent from the previous year. Its annual growth rate is about 64 percent for the past five years. The Korean firm expects the deal to diversify its business portfolios into the lucrative lightweight materials industry. "We are going to take advantage of c2i's expertise in producing carbon-complex materials by combining them into our existing automobile lightweight materials, such as long fiber thermoplastics or continuous fiber thermoplastics," an LG Hausys official said. LG Hausys supplies seatback frames and bumper beams to Seoul-based automakers, while c2i has diverse overseas auto-making clients, such as BMW, Porsche and Jaguar Land Rover. "The partnership will serve as a building block for us to expand into the European market," said the company official. The deal is part of LG's strategy for the auto-parts industry which LG Group Chairman Koo Bon-moo identified as its next key growth area. LG Hausys Vice President Min Gyeong-jip said, "The lightweight materials industry has been growing in size and importance each year, as it is the key to improving fuel efficiency of vehicles. This reduces energy consumption and alleviates lingering concerns over air pollution. "We will leap into being the industry-leading auto-parts manufacturer through the latest deal, generating synergies between our expertise in research & development and c2i's top-notch carbon-related technologies." Were excited to announce that metalbulletin.com is now part of fastmarkets.com. A new look and an improved experience means you can still stay ahead of this fast-moving metals market with price data, news and market intelligence right here on Fastmarkets. Discover more than 2000 prices, news and analysis in primary and secondary metals markets. We cover base metals, industrial minerals, ores and alloys, steel, scrap and steel raw materials. If you already have a Fastmarkets account, youll still have uninterrupted access to your markets by logging in with your current details. The following companies are subsidiares of InterContinental Hotels Group: 2250 Blake Street Hotel LLC, 24th Street Operator Sub LLC, 36th Street IHG Sub LLC, 426 Main Ave LLC, 46 Nevins Street Associates LLC, Allegro Management LLC, Alpha Kimball Hotel LLC, American Commonwealth Assurance Co. 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Read More Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam working president MK Stalin and other party delegates sought a no-confidence motion against Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Dhanapal on Tuesday, just days after the trust vote won by Chief Minister E Palaniswami. By Pramod Madhav: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president MK Stalin and other party delegates sought a no-confidence motion against Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Dhanapal on Tuesday. The DMK has presented Assembly Secretary AMP Jamaludeen with a letter seeking the motion, three days after Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami - of the AIADMK - won a contentious trust vote and confirmed his appointment as the leader of the Tamil Nadu government. advertisement Stalin said yesterday that despite repeated pleas from the DMK and other parties, Dhanapal didn't agree to hold a 'secret vote ballot.' He explained that the DMK was seeking a no-confidence motion because Dhanapal's motives and conduct on Saturday, the day of the trust vote, were unacceptable. Dhanapal had evicted DMK legislators on Saturday due to their unruly behaviour. Assembly marshals forcibly removed Stalin and other MLAs from the House, following which the DMK deputy chief participated in a hunger strike at Marina beach, and was briefly detained. Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao has received a report on the events that unfolded in the House from Assembly Secretary AMP Jamaludeen. However, Stalin said yesterday that videos showing DMK MLAs raising a ruckus in the Assembly were edited. ALSO READ Tamil Nadu: Jayalalithaa-Karunanidhi spat of 1989 returns in EPS-Stalin fight Edappadi Palaniswami vs O Panneerselvam: 11 Tamil Nadu MLAs face disqualification --- ENDS --- BT Group plc provides communications services worldwide. Its Consumer segment sells telephones, baby monitors, and Wi-Fi extenders through high street retailers, online BT Shop, and Website BT.com; and offers home phone, copper and fiber broadband, TV, and mobile services in various packages. The company's EE segment offers 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile network services; broadband, fixed-voice, and TV services; and postpaid and prepaid plans, and emergency services network. This segment also sells 4G mobile phones, tablets, connected devices, and mobile broadband devices from various manufacturers. Its Business and Public Sector segment provides fixed voice, mobility, fiber and connectivity, and networked IT services to retailers, utilities, public sector, healthcare, sports, construction, finance, and educational sectors. The company's Global Services segment offers business communications and ICT services comprising BT Connect, BT Security, BT One, BT Contact, BT Compute, BT Advise, and BT for financial markets. This segment serves approximately 5,500 customers in 180 countries. Its Wholesale and Ventures segment enables communications providers and other organizations to provide fixed or mobile phone services. Its ventures provide mass-market services, such as directory enquiries and payphones; and enterprise services comprising BT Fleet and BT Redcare. This segment also provides broadband and Ethernet, voice, hosted communication, mobile virtual network operator, managed solutions, machine-to-machine, roaming, and media services. The company's Openreach segment engages in the provision of services over the local access network; and installation and maintenance of fiber and copper communications networks that connect homes and businesses. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was incorporated in 2001 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie is recommending that government officials are made to swear to local deities to effectively curb corruption in the country. The actor believes that it is the sure way to prevent government officials from illegally dipping their hand into state coffers. Mr Edochie, who is currently in Ghana to star in Kofi Asamoahs $150,000 budget movie, noted that unlike God who forgives, small gods will always mete out instant justice if one fails to adhere to their rules. Ghana is a predominately Christian country, just like Nigeria is. If people swear by the Bible, they go out and steal. What about if they swear by the local deities, that will curb corruption because the mere thought of it, it will stop corruption, he said. Chief Edochie made the recommendation when he, together with some cast of the movie, paid a courtesy call on former President Jerry John Rawlings at his Ridge Residence in Accra last Friday. God gives you a long rope according to the Bible, the local deities dont. The moment you go against them, they will kill you. If you swear that you are not going to take a kobo from the government and you do, you will be cut down, the actor, popular for his witty use of proverbs during his dialogues in movies, noted. He believes, "if you must employ culture to fight corruption, I am recommending that we start by making the government officials swear by the local deities and I think you must have some very strong ones at home. Pete Edochie came into prominence in the 1980s when he played the lead role of Okonkwo in an adaptation of Chinua Achebes all-time best-selling novel, Things Fall Apart. The delegation that met the former president was led by Kofi Asamoah, CEO of Kofas Media. It included actors like Nana Ama McBrown, Joselyn Dumas, Kalybos, Funny Face, Martha Ankomah, Ahuofe Patri, Kobi Rana, Gloria Osei Sarfo, Zynnell Zuh, Salma Mumin and Selly Galley. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Ernest Dela Aglanu (Twitter: @delaXdela / Instagram: citizendela) Anita Afriyie 21.02.2017 LISTEN Gospel Artist Anita Afriyie Has Expressed Joy In Completing A Bible School At Charisma Bible College, Krofrom, Kumasi Anita Afriyie, who graduated not too long, made it known to Ghanacreativearts.com that many people sees Bible schools as irrelevant but to her, she believes its good for everyone to attend Bible school if they can. Many people think its waste of time attending, but I think the Bible schools adds up and opens ones knowledge and give opportunities for one to understand the word of God better she said. According to her, she will urge her friends and people within the gospel music industry to attend Bible school. My fans and friends because I believe Bible college education forces students to delve more deeply into Gods word and the study of theology. Their experience in the classroom exposes them to more and diverse insights and ideas that they otherwise may not have ever known. Correspondingly, it enables them to further develop for themselves their own positions regarding certain key doctrines of faith she added. She continued that, This will prepare them to better confront sensitive issues such as baptism, predestination, suffering, evolution, and the like Gospel artiste Ohemaa Brakatu has revealed that she joined the music industry not for monetary gain, but to use music as a medium to bring people closer to God. She stated that her duty as a gospel artiste is to use music and her live performances to educate people about the teachings of Christ, adding, I am a soul winner. I win souls for Christ, as well as to promote His teaching through music. The talented gospel star who released her new album titled 'The Lord's Dance' on February 5 has been groomed by music professionals to meet the challenges ahead of her in the coming years. The title track is a mid-tempo reggae song with a beautiful rhythm with good sound quality which can be attributed to the state-of-the-art equipment used in recording the songs on the album. Having sung for several years, Ohemaa has performed at a number of gospel events which include Ghana's peace concert, Aglow national prayer week, among others. She told BEATWAVES that all the songs on the album were produced by Kwame Baah Acheamfuor and recorded at Morris Baby Face Studios in Accra. According to her, even though she composed all the songs on the album herself, her husband, Dr Jonathan Ohene Nkunim, was of great support to her. Ohemaa who is a clinical administrator at the Rising Sun Health Centre at Mallam in Accra expressed the hope that the album would touch the hearts of many Christians and help them to have breakthroughs in their lives. Some people raised signs that said "Not My President," while others held up a large American flag during demonstrations to challenge Donald Trump in a President's Day protest dubbed Not my President's Day. Thousands of demonstrators turned out Monday across the U.S. to challenge President Donald Trump in a Presidents Day protest dubbed Not My President's Day.(photo: AP) By AP: The United States on Monday marked Presidents Day, a holiday that's taking on a new meaning for some Americans this year as Republican President Donald Trump - to the dismay of some and the delight of others - upends traditional notions of the office. The holiday began as a celebration of George Washington's birthday, Feb. 22, and its official name remains Washington's Birthday. advertisement Thousands of demonstrators turned out across the U.S. to challenge Donald Trump in a President's Day protest dubbed Not My President's Day. Photo: AP The protests on the federal holiday didn't draw nearly as many people as the million-plus who thronged the streets following the Republican president's inauguration a month earlier, but the message was similar. Thousands of flag-waving protesters lined up outside Central Park in Manhattan. Many in the crowd chanted "No ban, no wall. The Trump regime has got to fall." They held aloft signs saying "Uphold the Constitution Now" and "Impeach the Liar." Also read: Dear Donald Trump, America may be first, but India is even before Nova Calise, one of the New York City organizers, said Presidents Day was "a perfect time to protest the person that's currently holding the title of President of the United States," adding Trump didn't share the values of those demonstrating Monday. A rally in downtown Los Angeles also drew thousands. Demonstrators there called attention to Trump's crackdown on immigration and his party's response to climate change and the environment. Organizers said they chose to rally on the holiday as a way to honor past presidents by exercising their constitutional right to assemble and peacefully protest. They chanted: "Love not hate makes America great." Photo: AP In Chicago, several hundred rallied across the river from the Trump Tower, shouting "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go." Rebecca Wolfram of Chicago, who's in her 60s, said concerns about climate change and immigrant rights under Trump prompted her to start attending rallies. Also read: Tiny Trump: People on internet make the US President look small, so small "I'm trying to demonstrate as much as possible until I figure out what else to do," said Wolfram, who held a sign that said "Old white ladies are really displeased." Several hundred demonstrated in Washington, D.C. Dozens gathered around the fountain in Dupont Circle chanting "Dump Trump" and "Love, not hate: That's what makes America great." Protest in Los Angeles (Photo: AP) Dozens marched through midtown Atlanta for a rally named with a Georgia flavor: "ImPEACH NOW! (Not My) President's Day March." advertisement Hundreds of protesters chanting "This is what democracy looks like" marched through Salt Lake City. Also read: US President Donald Trump's revised travel ban targets same countries Some people raised signs that said "Not My President," while others held up a large American flag. Protester Reg Brookings warned the crowd that Trump is trying to divide the country by making such groups as immigrants the enemy. Thousands march on the White House on #PresidentsDay! Donald Trump does NOT represent our values #NotMyPresidentsDay #resist pic.twitter.com/lbPGHbLBg9 Jack Miller (@politicalmiller) February 20, 2017 Also watch: --- ENDS --- 21.02.2017 LISTEN South African newspaper, Sunday Tribune, has done an exclusive feature the Ghanaian Reggae/Dancehall heavyweight, Stonebwoy. Stonebwoy was featured on Page 15 of the newspaper; full page feature on his music career how he started, his breakthrough to winning local and international awards and recognition et al. The newspaper listed Stonebwoy as Africas Next Music Icon with promising future the world should watch out for. Stonebwoy, born as Livingstone Etse Satekla, spent over a week in Johannesburg shooting for MTV Shuga Series. He also took the opportunity to run some media tours in South Africa to widen his turf as well as shoot some new videos for upcoming projects. Stonebwoys new album is due for release this March 2017, titled Epistles Of Mama. For any updates on Stonebwoy, kindly log on his official website www.StonebwoyOfficial.com Embattled Bawku Central MP failed to present any 'direct evidence' to back his claims that MPs were paid monies intended to influence the approval of then Energy minister-designate Boakye Ayarko. At a cagey meeting with a special investigative committee of parliament Mahama Ayariga pointed to a private conversation as the basis of his claim. In that private conversation, he claimed to have found out from Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak that GHC3,000 he received was traced to Boakye Agarko using the First Deputy Speaker as conduit. On the basis on this information, Mahama Ayariga says he returned the money which he first believed was an allowance the MPs had been expecting to receive from the First Deputy Speaker. Mahama Ayariga maintained these are "facts". But he was unable to provide any further justification for the bribery claims he made on Radio Gold which has triggered considerable media interest. The Joe Ghartey-led Committee's push for further proof beyond the conversations proved futile. The committee however found out that money played no role in the decision of the Minority MPs on the Appointments Committee to finally approve the nominee. Boakye Agyarko secured an agreement by consensus after he retracted two claims he could not substantiate after he first made them during his vetting last month. Photo: Boakye Agyarko He had claimed the World Bank was 'breathing down the neck' of President Mahama over government's gasification policy and also that the then government had procured three production plants. The Minority had vowed to resist his nomination following these two claims. But at a closed door meeting with the Speaker of Parliament Prof. Mike Ocquaye and in the presence of the Appointments Committee members, Majority and Minority leaders, Boakye Agyarko won over the Minority with his retraction of some of the comments. He was subsequently approved unanimously avoiding the need for Parliament to pass a vote on his nomination. Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|[email protected] The Bawku Central Member of Parliament says he returned the alleged GHC3,000 given him to Minority Chief Whip Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak after he realised it was not what he had thought. Mahama Ayariga said he was initially under the impression that the money was to cover their sitting allowance which Parliament's Appointments Committee members had demanded. However, after he was told the money was a donation from then Energy Minister-designate Boakye Agyarko, whose approval the minority was challenging, he returned it. I havent done any business with Agyarko so I cant tell that it is a dividend that he is sharing with me, he said when he appeared before Parliament's Special Bribery Investigative Committee Monday. The integrity of Ghana's legislature was questioned after Mr Ayariga told an Accra-based Radio Gold on January 27 that the sum of GHC3,000 was doled out to members of the Committee. He said a day after they had taken the money, rumor mills got flooded that it was coming from the Energy Minister. So we raised the issue in the morning again and he said he had met with the Chairman [Joseph Osei Owusu] and the chairman had said that it was from Boakye Agyarko who is a nominee whereupon we as a Minority said, 'no, no, we were not interested in his money.' "He (Muntaka) should take the money and then return it to the Chairman to give it back to Agyarko so we gave the money back to our Chief Whip and asked him to send it back to the Chairman. The claim caused public uproar triggering calls for an independent investigation to be instituted into the matter. Speaker of Parliament Professor Mike Aaron Ocquaye acting on a motion set up a five-member committee to unearth the truth about the issue. Railways Development Minister, Joe Ghartey was made the Chairman of the Committee to verify among all things if First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei Owusu received money from the Mr Agyarko. The Committee first met Mr Osei Owusu as the first witness last week to get his take on the issue. Giving his testimony, Mr Ayariga said although he has nothing to tender in as evidence, the facts he has given are true about the issue. I took the money is a fact; later we heard rumor is also a fact; and we asked for investigation is also a fact, he said. He said he can testify that Mr Muntaka told them that the money was coming from Mr Agyarko. The Bawku reiterated he had not withdrawn his claim as was put out in the media during the heat of the issue. Mr Ayariga stated that he had not dealt with the Energy Minister ever until he appeared before the Appointments Committee for his vetting. I have never in my life spoken to Boakye Agyarko, he said, adding he was surprised when the money was said to be coming from him. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected] I wanted to wait for a couple more weeks before airing my opinion on this matter. But again, the questions are being asked, 'Nana how did you earn a place on the [email protected] planning committee?' 'What do you think about celebrating Ghana @60?' 'Has Ghana got anything to celebrate considering our current situation ?' And worst of all 'how many boreholes' - (our new yard stick) 'can we sink with GHC20 million'? I am sure you also want to know my opinion on this matter. Well, I can promise you that I have a very strong opinion, and though I will not compromise on mine, I want to hear yours. So tune in to Joy 99.7 FM at 8pm tonight. You can also log on to www.myjoyonline.com and listen live to the show. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com The Coalition of National Women Organizers of various political parties in the country has slammed the Minority in Parliament for what it calls a vendetta against a Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection. In a statement signed by a number of Political Party Women's Organisers, including the National Democratic Congress' Haija Zenabu Mahama, the women said they were disgusted by the Minoritys conduct. thye expressed outrage over the lawsuit by two minority MPs against the ministerpraying the court to nullify the nomination and swearing-in of Madam Otiko Djaba due to her failure to undertake the mandatory national service. The group said Madam Djaba was subjected to a hostile vetting with useless questions adding that we find as shocking, that after failing in their diabolical agenda of trying to prevent her from becoming a minister in Parliament, they have now proceeded to court wit a vexatious suit against her ministerial status. The Women further said the Minority MPs case against Madam Djaba held no substance as they were attacking her because she was principled and a woman after she refused to refuse to apologise for words directed at former President John Mahama which were considered insults by some members of the Minority in Parliament. It is our firm conviction that these Minority MPs do not really have a genuine case against Hon Otiko. They have only ganged up to fight her because she has been principled and uncompromising in her position on issues. We also regret to say that they are fighting her because she is a woman, else, why are they not issues with the other male ministers who probably gave then more difficult times that Hon. Otiko. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana The Joe-Ghartey-chaired ad-hoc committee investigating the bribery allegation that has rocked Ghana's Parliament, has cautioned the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mahama Ayariga from making further comments on the issue on social media. Mr. Ayariga, who has been vociferous and insistent on the fact that there was an attempt to bribe some minority MPs to be soft on the approval of Boakye Agyarko, Energy Minister during his vetting, has made a number of social media comments. On Monday [February 20, 2017], after appearing before the investigative committee as a witness in the matter, the Chairman of the committee and Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Joe Ghartey, urged Mahama Ayariga, not to comment on the matter in the public domain. He said the committee did not intend to gag him [Ayariga], but prefers he does not grant media interviews or make public comments about his testimony before the committee. We will be grateful if you don't discuss what you said here or give commentary on either radio, television interviews or on social media. We are not gagging you; but we believe that we must all help to bring the work of the committee to a successful end, when we bring out our report, of course, you can comment, do you have any objections to that. Ayariga subsequently agreed to abstain from any such commentaries. All other persons who appeared before the Committee today [Monday], including Boakye Agyarko, Energy Minister and the Minority Chief Whip, Muntaka Mubarak, were also given the same advice. Weigh my evidence Ayariga tells bribery committee Speaking before the committee today; Mr. Ayariga asked the committee to evaluate his evidence in the matter and take the necessary decision. Although he was unable to give the Committee what they deemed as substantial evidence to support his bribery claims, he stated that his allegations were the facts available to him. He therefore asked the committee to weigh his evidence and make a decision. 'Constitution of ad-hoc committee' The Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye with the approval of the leadership of both sides of the House last month, constituted the ad-hoc committee to investigate the bribery allegation brought before the House by the Member of Parliament for Bekwai and Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Joe Osei Owusu who had been accused of being a conduit for giving some MPs on his committee GH 3,000 each as bribe to approve the nomination of the Energy minister, Boakye Agyarko. The members of the committee are the MP for Offinso South, Ben Abdallah; MP for Juaben, Ama Pomaah Boateng; MP for Talensi and MP for Yilo Krobo Magnus Kofi Amoateng. It has Joe Ghartey, the Member of Parliament for Essikado-Kentan, who's also the Minister for Railways Development as Chairman. By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana Follow @jnyabor Minority Chief Whip Alhaji Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak has stressed as false, claims by a member of his caucus Mahama Ayariga, that bribes were paid to approve a ministerial nominee. The Asawase NDC MP told an investigative committee hearing Monday, he was shocked when he first heard the claims. While Mahama Ayariga has stressed these claims as facts, Muntaka has described it as 'non-existent' facts. He said he had no discussion with Mahama Ayariga requesting to know the source of the supposed GHC3,000 he had received. There was no such money paid or returned. "No such money was given to anybody so how could it be returned?" he told the Joe Ghartey-led committee. Not taking any chances, the Asawase MP came to testify to the committee in the presence of his counsel Samson Lardy Ayenini. He is the first of four witnesses to have taken a lawyer for his testimony. Muntaka is also the first to submit a written statement to the committee stating his version of events in a controversy that has raised questions about the code of conduct of parliamentarians. Muntaka stuck to the position he presented to the media when the allegations grabbed media headlines last month. He swore on Joy FM's Newsfile Saturday, that Mahama Ayariga's claim that he gave him GHC,3,000 was false. "I am a Muslim, I am swearing by Allah, I have never given Ayariga anything" he told host Samson Lardy in the January 28,2017 interview. Incidentally, the Asawase MP was legally represented by the host of Newsfile, Samson Lardy. Joe Ghartey joked that if he knew Muntaka's counsel was also the host of the show where he denied the allegations, he would have also summoned Samson Lardy to testify. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Edwin Appiah | The Coalition of National Womens Organizers of the various political parties in the country, has slammed the Minority in Parliament for what it calls a vendetta against Madam Otiko Afisa Djaba, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection. In a statement signed by a number of Political Party Women's Organizers, including the National Democratic Congress' Haija Zenabu Mahama, the women said they were disgusted by the Minoritys conduct. They expressed outrage over the lawsuit by two minority MPs against the minister, praying the court to nullify her nomination and swearing-indue to her failure to undertake the mandatory national service. The group said Madam Djaba was subjected to a hostile vetting with useless questions adding that we find as shocking, that after failing in their diabolical agenda of trying to prevent her from becoming a minister in Parliament, they have now proceeded to court wit a vexatious suit against her ministerial status. The Women further said that, the Minority MPs case against Madam Djaba, held no substance as they were attacking her because she was principled, and a woman, after she refused to apologize for words directed at former President John Mahama, which were considered insults by some members of the Minority in Parliament. It is our firm conviction that these Minority MPs do not really have a genuine case against Hon Otiko. They have only ganged up to fight her because she has been principled and uncompromising in her position on issues. We also regret to say that they are fighting her because she is a woman, else, why are they not having issues with the other male ministers who probably gave them more difficult times that Hon. Otiko. By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana Miami (AFP) - Poachers are killing elephants for their ivory at an alarming rate in the central African nation of Gabon, leading to a loss of 80 percent of the population in the last decade. Some 25,000 elephants have been slaughtered in Minkebe National Park, an area that had been considered a sanctuary, said the report in the journal Current Biology. "Because Gabon is thought to hold the largest remaining population of forest elephants, the implication is that forest elephants are in even more trouble than previously believed," said researcher John Poulsen of Duke University and the Agence Nationale des Parcs Nationaux in Gabon. "With less than 100,000 elephants across all of Central Africa, the subspecies is in danger of extinction if governments and conservation agencies do not act fast." The poachers are primarily coming into Gabon from the bordering country of Cameroon, the report said. "We can no longer assume that apparently large and remote protected areas will conserve species -- poachers will go anywhere that a profit can be made," said Poulsen. To estimate the number of elephants in the forest in 2014, researchers surveyed dung in the forest. They then compared population size estimates for 2014 to estimates calculated in the same way in 2004. A key driver of the poaching is demand for ivory, which must be curtailed, researchers said. "China's recently announced ban of domestic ivory trade will help enormously, if it is effectively implemented," said Poulson. "The international community needs to put pressure on all remaining nations that allow the trade so that all legal trade is stopped." Another strategy is to recognize forest elephants as a distinct species from African savanna elephants, to draw attention to their often forgotten plight. Gabon has taken steps to protect elephants since 2011, elevating forest elephants' conservation status to "fully protected," creating a National Park Police force, doubling the national park agency's budget, and becoming the first African nation to burn all confiscated ivory, the report said. However, Poulsen said more action is needed, such as coordinated international law enforcement to prosecute wildlife criminals and new multinational protected areas. "The clock is ticking," he said. Parliament's 5-member ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged bribery scandal involving members of the Appointments Committee, today [Monday], stopped MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, from giving additional oral evidence as a witness. The Committee at its hearing today, gave opportunity to three witnesses namely Boakye Agyako, Energy Minister, Muntaka Mubarak, Minority Chief Whip, and Mahama Ayariga, MP for Bawku Central. However, it did not allow Mr. Okudzeto to give further evidence orally aside the information he read to Parliament from his written statement. According to the Chairman of Committee, Joe Ghartey, per the rules of the House, Mr. Okudzeto, who was not originally part of the witnesses to be heard orally, was only given the chance to appear before the Committee because he requested to be a witness. He said the proper thing for Mr. Okudzeto to do per their procedure, was to submit any further evidence aside what he read before the committee by memoranda. He reminded him to submit the memoranda to the Committee on time, since they will soon be presenting their report to Parliament. The petition that led to Parliament forming the ad-hoc committee, was signed by three minority MPs namely Mahama Ayariga, Alhassan Suhuyini and Okudzeto Ablakwa. The three persons have insisted that there was indeed an attempted bribery through the Chairman of the Appointments Committee, Joe Osei-Owusu, who used the Minority Chief Whip Muntaka Mubarak, as a conduit to get the Gh3, 000 each to minority members on the committee. However, all the three persons accused of facilitating the payment of the said amount including the supposed source of the money; Minister for Energy Boakye Agyarko, have all denied the occurrence of such an incident. The three reiterated their position under oath when they appeared before the investigative committee. By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana After violent protests broke out in its premises, Delhi's Ramjas College was forced to disinvite JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid from an upcoming seminar they were supposed to speak at. By Press Trust of India: Delhi University's Ramjas College today cancelled an invitation to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid to address a seminar following violent protests from ABVP and members of the varsity's student union. While Khalid was among the students charged with sedition in connection with an event at JNU last year where anti-national slogans were allegedly raised, Shehla Rashid, a former JNU students' union member, was instrumental in the movement against the students' arrest. advertisement The two students were scheduled to take part in a session during a two-day seminar on "Culture of Protest" organised by Wordcraft, Ramjas College's Literary Society. Also read: 10 things you should know about Umar Khalid Khalid was supposed to speak on The War in Adivasi areas which happens to be his PhD subject as well, while Shehla's session was scheduled tomorrow. Members of Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) and RSS students' wing ABVP gathered outside the college and shouted slogans demanding that the invite to the "anti-nationals" be cancelled. Organisers of the seminar claimed that the ABVP members "pelted stones, locked the seminar room and cut the electricity supply", a charge denied by the ABVP. Also read: AMU Students Union invites JNU's Shehla Rashid for leadership talk, then files FIR against her "While the seminar will continue we decided to cancel participation of these two students. It is not that we do not advocate freedom of speech but it had to be done keeping peace and harmony of campus in mind," Ramjas principal Rajendar Prasad said. Vinita Chandra, professor at the colleges English department and one of the organisers, said, "They locked the seminar room, cut the electricity supply and pelted stones at the window as well. I wonder why police was not involved in handling the situation". The principal did not comment on the allegations of lockdown and stone pelting. Police officials claimed that they were present on campus and there was no violence. --- ENDS --- North Tongu MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has denied comments linked to him that Minority Members of Parliament (MPs) cooked up bribery allegations against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) MPs to score political points. Okudzeto stressed that he never made any such comment as claimed by the First Deputy Speaker and Chairman of the Appointments Committee Joe Osei Owusu when he first testified before the Committee investigating the matter. Joe Osei Owusu was implicated in the bribery saga by Mahama Ayariga who claimed GHC3,000 each was channelled through him to be given to some opposition MPs on the Appointments Committee of Parliament. According to the First Deputy Speaker, at a private meeting with the Speaker of Parliament and some MPs, he angrily demanded the claim be thoroughly discussed. But to his relief, Okudzeto said at that meeting, the entire claim is to pay back the NPP government for characterising the Mahama-led NDC government as corrupt. The tensed room then erupted into laughter. This is the testimony Joe Osei Owusu gave. But this is no laughing matter for Okudzeto Ablakwa whose turn it is to get angry. He has described Joe Osei Owusu's testimony as a 'desperate fabrication'. He appeared at the special investigative committee of parliament to explain why Joe Osei Owusu's testimony must not be believed. He said since his name was mentioned in the saga, he has been troubled by many calls including that of his pastor. He said smearing political opponents is a no-no for him by his Christian training. Ablakwa said he wrote to the Special Bribery Investigating Committee to serve as a witness because of his desire to state his side of the story. Although he was given a hearing, Chairman of the Committee Joe Ghartey wondered why he chose to be a witness when he had no extra information. The MP was asked to submit a memo on whatever he wishes to put across to the committee. Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com Conakry (AFP) - At least six people died during violent protests in the Guinean capital Monday, as people demonstrated over teachers' strikes that have closed schools for the past three weeks, government sources said. At least 30 people were also wounded, including members of the police force in Conakry, the government said in a statement. A number of violent protests have rocked the city in the past few weeks, mainly by young people and students who support a teachers' strike. Teachers' unions are demanding that contracted teachers, who are not full time, be fully integrated in the public school system. They are also asking for a higher salary and better working conditions. In response, the government closed schools on February 1. After a series of talks, the government asked the teachers to return to school two weeks later. But unions called for a strike, which was still in effect Monday in the capital and in other parts of the country, teachers and other witnesses told AFP. "Our capital was the scene of unauthorised and illegal protests by the governor of the city of Conakry" to demand that schools reopen, the government said in a statement. The protests were marked by "acts of violence, of vandalism" even though the night before, a deal had been reached "with the unions after many days of negotiations." Four men, including two young people, and one woman were shot and killed during the clashes, said a hospital source. Another young man was hit by a bus as he tried to flee the violence, a police official said. At least 12 people were arrested and some ambulances and public health centres sustained damage. 21.02.2017 LISTEN Commerz Savings and Loans, the newest entrant to the financial sector, is seeking to deploy technological tools to attract more of the unbanked population into the banking sector. Dr. Edem Bart Williams, Managing Director of the new savings and Loans Company, in an interview, said Commerz is coming into the market to do things differently in order to deepen financial inclusion with the use of technology. Commerz is coming to do a different thing: it is basically for financial inclusion and this is meeting the needs of the table top businesses as well as the medium and small scale enterprises (SMEs), he said. He added that Commerz will soon be introducing two new technologically backed mobile banking products: Combanking and Comnet banking, to attract the informal sector into the banking space. We have a lot of technology-backed products to attract the informal sector because the only way they are connected to the internet is through their mobile phones. So what we are going to do more is to use the mobile banking application platform. So thats were Commerz strength will be, leveraging on technology and innovation to serve the SMEs, he added. He explained that the new mobile-based banking applications being introduced by Commerz are customised to suit the needs of the informal sector. The application is in existence and we are doing our final trials and within the next couple of weeks we will launch fully. It is developed in the house and really suited for the market that we are targeting, he said. Dr. Williams added that Commerzs ATMs are already linked to Ghlink and therefore customers can use the ATM cards on other Ghlink ATM cards. Data from the Registrar Generals Department shows that 90percent of companies in Ghana are SMEs and these companies employ more than 80percent of the workforce and contribute about 70percent of GDP. Analysts have noted that SMEs, therefore, have catalytic impacts on economic growth, income and employment. Despite their contributions to economic growth, SMEs face challenges including absence of adequate and timely banking finance, limited capital and knowledge, non-availability of suitable technology, and many more. It is these challenges that Dr. Williams is optimistic that with the introduction of Commerz into the banking sector, technology would be utilise to bring in more and more informal businesses into the banking sector. He noted that many financial institutions in the country are just paying lip service to the SME sector and not actually supporting them. They mostly focus on the big end of the SMEs market, not the middle or the lower end. If you look at the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) debt some are sitting on the books of these SME-focused banks. We are going to work with the market women and men, those who sell the pepper and okro and on table tops, he said. He noted that Commerz was born out of the quest to serve the SME market, because there are so many companies that need financial help tailored to suit their needs. We are going to do the real banking by bringing them in to include them and that is what financial inclusion is. We are not going to play at the high end but the middle and lower end of the market because they need the loans and resources to change their fortunes, he added. Story by Ghana/Myjoyonline.com 21.02.2017 LISTEN Kofi B. KUKUBOR Everyday, the Ghanaian is being exposed to an effusive photo appearances of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo Addo. Under a normal circumstance Presidents photos appearing in the tabloids and others should not be of much concern to Ghanaians. However, the inordinate comparative mockery of his appearance, dress code, and physical stature to a previous President is not only becoming nauseating but also very offensive. He is a 72 year old President and has lived all his handsome years as a biological person. He is naturally short by physical stature, not because he went to a carpenter to be shaped into that physique. As much as I agree that his dress code need an upgrade due to his position as a President which require a standard, how he appears in the dress cannot be determined by any presidential decree but rather his physical stature. And that must be respected and not mocked at. As a matter of principle, the presidency and the occupier, the President must be respected at all times. This principled position of mine has never and will never change in future. The President represents the collective soul and symbol of our country, GHANA. We can not denigrate that by trivial mockery and stupidity. As Ghanaians, our obsession is to critically observe the governance conduct of the President and the presidency, so as to objectively critique their decisions, actions, and inactions. Because, we (Ghanaians) are the true owners of the country and have that inherent and inalienable right to critique the President so as to govern as is demanded and expected. The idee fixe to mock at Akkufo Addos physical appearance and compare him to a swag of a former President at the least opportunity is rather hogwash, childish, unintelligent, and politically naive. The average Ghanaian voter is consciously intelligent at least to know that, physical appearance is not a determinant to putting food on the table or contributing positively or negatively to development and growth. The communicators of the government of National Democratic Congress adopted this ill fated communication strategy albeit against strategic advise to desist due to it's non-resonance with the general voter. This absurd communication strategy rather took the eyes of the NDC communicators off the sound development and economic progress the NDC government was undertaking. Got disengaged from the voters and left the terrain for NPP to dominate and manipulate. If this mockery of Akuffo Addos physical appearance and sleeping blues did not win NDC votes so as to retain power in 2016, then, what intelligence is still driving this ignoble strategy in opposition? The New Patriotic Party administration after badstardising the economy in opposition quickly turn round to tell Ghanaians that, the indicators and fundamentals of Ghanas economy are sound. Reference Osafo Marfo and Ken Offori Atta, Senior Minister and Minister of Finance respectively. Is this not as a result of bad communication strategy from the then ruling government? H.E Nana Akuffo Addos government is already embroiled with inconsistencies on how to fund their audacious free SHS policy, and the highest level lawless behaviour by their invincible forces of which some are alleged to have used Office of the Presidents cars to engage in robberies in the country should be a matter every Ghanaian should be concerned with. These are bread and butter, and security and safety issues the voter wants the largest opposition to concern itself with for clarification and education. It is strongly advised that moving forward, the largest opposition party, NDC should engage in a more intelligent and coordinated communication that resonate with the Ghanaian. Shalom The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commenced the standardization of some electronic appliances to harmonize trading activities among member countries. The standardization which focuses on air conditions and refrigerators will see to the easy import and export of these gadgets within the fifteen ECOWAS member countries. The move is also aimed at curbing the energy crisis facing member countries as the standard also focuses on low energy consuming gadgets. The Director for Industry for the ECOWAS Commission, Mensan Lawson- Hechelli said the standardization process once completed will protect consumers and industries from financial losses as well as facilitate trade among member countries. This is just a step as you know ECOWAS we are on our way to build a common market so if you are moving from one country to another not only persons but also goods and services will be able to move across borders easily so we can trade better and get better interest, he said. Ghana has in recent times faced periods of load shedding due to insufficient energy supply. The use of gadgets which consume high amounts of energy has also been blamed for the development. The situation led to the collapse of numerous businesses. Mensan Lawson- Hechelli who spoke to Citi Business News at the sidelines of the meeting of the ECOWAS Technical Harmonization Committee also asserted that the move will bring uniformity within the sub-region. So this program is to support such common market to have products ready from one country to another with accepted standards, mutual standards so we have the same things across borders and we call it ECOWAS Standard, he added. The countries include Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. The three day meeting is focused on the standardization of other materials other than electrical appliances. These include; agricultural inputs, cement among other things. By: Anita Arthur/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana President Nana Akufo-Addo will today, Tuesday, February 21, 2017, deliver his maiden state of the nation address before Parliament in accordance with Article 67 of the Constitution. His address will present an outlook of the state in various sectors of the economy, as inherited from the erstwhile National Democratic Congress (NDC) government led by John Mahama. President Akufo-Addo will be expected to outline his vision for the development of the country for the next fiscal year. His address is likely to focus more on the country's economic sector which the government, while in opposition, was very critical about, and condemned the then government for undertaking unproductive ventures that have plundered the country into a crisis situation. The address will be his second major national address after his inauguration day speech sought to reignite patriotism and appeal to Ghanaians to work together for the common good of the country. The Minister for Information, Mustapha Hamid, has said that the President has appropriately prepared himself for the major event before Parliament. Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday [February 20, 2017], he said the President's address will announce his plans to make the country better than it was handed over to him by former President John Mahama. He is mandated to tell us what he has inherited, which he will do. If he tells us what he has inherited, he will tell us what he will do with that inheritance He will blot out the negatives and accentuate the positives. He will also give us an outlook of what he wants the future to look like in the next four years. He [Akufo-Addo] looks up to it [the address] with great expectation because it is his first state of the nation, and therefore it is historical for him. He wants to make that debut a very memorable debut, and therefore he is preparing fervently to give an address that is catchy and will bring all Ghanaians along to buy into his vision of how our country should progress, he said. Meanwhile, the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, will also be expected to deliver the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government's first budget; the 2017 national budget and policy statement in March. By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana Press freedom has come under severe attack in West Africa as security agencies, particularly the police, appear to be on rampage against journalists and media workers. In a space of 38 days (January 5- February 12, 2017), 30 media workers have been arrested, detained and/or assaulted by security forces, prompting fears that the gains that have been made in recent years on press freedom and freedom of expression could be eroded. The 30 victims, made up of 15 journalists and 15 media technicians, were arrested, detained and/or assaulted in 10 separate incidents in four countries namely Nigeria, Cote dIvoire, Guinea and Togo. Nigeria recorded six incidents, Cote dIvoire recorded two incidents while Guinea and Togo recorded an incident each. In Nigeria, seven journalists were arrested and detained during the period. In Cote dIvoire, six journalists were arrested and detained in a single incident while one journalist each was affected in Guinea and Togo, bringing the total number of journalists affected to 15. In respect of the other media workers, nine staff of a newspaper printing firm were arrested in single incident. In Cote dIvoire, six technicians working with the state-owned television station were also arrested in a single incident. Details of the incidents in Nigeria as presented in a press freedom report on the month of January , shows a growing trend of intolerance on the part of security agencies. Twelve days after the arrest and detention of six technicians from the Ivorian state television, the Radiodiffusion Television Ivoirienne (RTI) on January 31, another set of six journalists from four media organisations were arrested by the paramilitary group, Gendarmerie, after being accused of publishing what the authorities described as false news and inciting soldiers to mutiny. Their arrest was on the orders of the Attorney General, Adou Richard Christophe. The journalists Coulibaly Vamara and Hamadou Ziao, of the Inter newspaper; Bamba Franck Mamadou, of Notre Voie; Gbane Yacouba and Ferdinand Bailly of Le Temps as well as Jean Bedel Gnago, the correspondent of Soir Info at Aboiso had reported that the government had paid allowances being demanded by mutinous soldiers in the town of Adiake, a claim that the Attorney General, judged to be an attack on national security. They were interrogated at the national headquarters of the Gendarmerie and later taken into detention at a gendarmerie camp on February 12 before being released two days later. In Guinea a reporter of Radio Lynx, Mariam Kouyate , was on February 1, 2017 accosted by the authorities at a hospital in the capital, Conakry and subjected to intense interrogation. She was subsequently taken to the police station for further interrogation and forced to delete pictures she had taken of the hospitals poor infrastructure. On February 7, 2017, Robert Avotor, a journalist with the LAlternative bi-weekly newspaper in Togo was assaulted by a group of gendarmes, while covering a land dispute. He was arrested, handcuffed and forced to delete the pictures he had taken at the scene of the dispute. The above crackdown is a frightening flashback to the gross human rights abuses, including freedom of expression rights violations witnessed in the sub-region during the heady days of military dictatorship in the 1970s and 80s. Meanwhile, all the four countries in which these violations occurred have legal frameworks that guarantee media freedom. The MFWA, therefore, urgently appeals to authorities in the West Africa region, especially authorities in Nigeria and Cote dIvoire, to abide by their national constitutions as well as regional and international treaties that require them to promote and protect press freedom and freedom of expression. The MFWA also urges all countries in the region to take urgent steps to bring a halt, the increasing attacks on journalists and media workers. "... On Ghanaweb, many were they who commented on the "core values" of the NPP as they sought to explain the true "character" of the NPP...For us, the fact that there is still Ghana military...Ghana Police Service...BNI..., and that there is "...Invincible Forces, a private security wing of the governing NPP...", that to us, is what is most worrying...Why was the "senior police officer" assaulted at the Flagstaff House while he was attempting to leave the premise, a government property?...And so, it is now up to President Akufo Addo to direct that his team come clean without any further delay...Who exactly behaved as if they owned the Flagstaff House while he was the President of Ghana...Ghana, Who is This Man?...", (Prof Lungu, 20 Feb 17). Of late, we've not been more unsettled about events in Ghana than reading about the "...beating up a senior police officer at the Flagstaff House in Accra...," by "...persons suspected to be members of the Invincible Forces, a private security wing of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP)...". Now, normally, when we hear about police brutality, it is always about police in United States brutalizing minorities, usually with deadly consequence through the use of guns. But, this is a Ghana interest item. The table is turned, and the victim, as per the hot video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YMQuaPccys), is a senior police officer. Reportedly, the assault on the police officer occurred "9 January, two days after Nana Akufo-Addos investiture", and was captured by a Government-owned Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system at the Flagstaff House. As far as we know, segments of the assault on the undated, untagged, CCTV tape was leaked to the media and public by a "45-year-old military officer" who was on duty that day, and who, as of 20 February, was in the military brig. On Ghanaweb, many were they who commented on the "core values" of the NPP as they sought to explain the true "character" of the NPP. For us, as we understand, some of those "values" attributed to individuals and cited in comments to the article are not illegal, though they may be anti-social. However, it is when President Akufo Addo and the leadership of the NPP allow the name of that party to be shielded, protected, or otherwise used to obfuscate truth behind potentially unlawful acts by their operatives, it is that time we know a threshold has been crossed that require immediate accounting by President Akufo Addo and the NPP party leadership. For us, the fact that there is still Ghana military and all their departments, that there is still Ghana Police Service in all their departments, that there is still BNI and all its departments, and that there is "...Invincible Forces, a private security wing of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP)...", that to us, is what is most worrying. In 2017, when every member of the Ghana defense force is in fact a Ghanaian, and politicians have always had the power to select whom they want to lead those departments, it is insane for a ruling party to have and to maintain, "a private security wing" with access to Government-owned facilities. So, for (1) a senior police officer to be at the receiving end of that mayhem, (2) while a member of the military is being detained for leaking a tape about that same potentially unlawful attack, and (3) the for the absence of any reports, investigations, or communications to Ghanaians, etc., those are the troubling facts. President Akufo Addo must come clean without any further delay about what he knows about the 9 January event, when he knew, and who exactly are those individuals behaving on the tape as if they owned the Flagstaff House while he, Akufo Addo, was the President of Ghana. Ghana, who is that man in the red turtle neck shirt? In addition, we would have expected Lord Commey, "the Director of Operations at the Flagstaff House", to have "directed" the " EBS team" to a real number, to the real person who has responsibility to communicate to the public about matters of that nature. Lord Commey saying that "I dont think Im the right person to talk to", does not exude responsibility and responsiveness on the part of a public employee. It does not denote devotion to service, or duty. We are saying it is not enough for Commey to merely text "this is not my job" when his is in fact on the same "grounds", when his is in fact "the Director of Operations", when he ought to know who that right person is. Try as hard as he may, Lord Commey cannot hide behind "its a purely security matter". Hogwash! But, why hasn't the Ghana Police Service issued a report about the matter to date? Is the Ghana Police Service doing enough to protect its officers? And should not the military treat this "assault case" as a whistle-blower evidence, if (1) the military officer now detained initially made a report to supervisors and (2) the military supervisors failed to investigate in time, or properly? And what is that about the failure to provide food for the detained person? And so, it is now up to President Akufo Addo to direct that his team come clean without any further delay. Who exactly behaved as if they owned the Flagstaff House while he was the President of Ghana. Why was the "senior police officer" assaulted at the Flagstaff House while he was attempting to leave a government premise in a government vehicle? Who are the men in the video tape doing the assault, who employs them, with what funds, and why have they also not been detained to answer charges of assault, battery, and other infractions of the law and civil behavior? Why were they at the Flagstaff House in the first place causing all that havoc in front of military guards on duty with automatic weapons? What is Serious Akufo Addo going to do? SOURCES/NOTES: 1. Ghanaweb, sourced to Classfmonline.com. Soldier detained for leaking Flagstaff House cop brutality video, (http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Soldier-detained-for-leaking-Flagstaff-House-cop-brutality-video-511830). VISIT WWW.GHANAHERO.COM/ FOR MO' INFO: See "Visions": Prof Lungu Says.... /\....Francis Kwarteng Says.... FOIB - Freedom of Information Bill (FOIB/FOI/Ghana), (http://ghanahero.com/FOIB.html). SUBJ: RE: Soldier detained for leaking Flagstaff House cop brutality video. Support Fair-Trade Oil Share Ghana (FTOS-Gh) Campaign/Petition: https://www.change.org/p/ghana-fair-trade-oil-share-psa-campaign-ftos-gh-psa/ Brought to you courtesy www.GhanaHero.com20 Feb 17. (Powered by: www.GhanaHero.Com). 2017-02-21 064457 Dear His Excellency the President and Your Government, I am Mr Rockson Adofo, a subject of the Kumawu Kodua Stool in Kumawu in the Ashanti region, although currently residing in the United Kingdom. It has come to my notice through personal phone calls made, and the Ghana media that some heavily armed police cum military personnel had stormed Kumawu-Bodomase on Thursday, 16 February 2017 to assault the people. The armed security personnel had gone there with intent to stop the peoples favourite and their recognised and accepted Kumawu Omanhene Barima Tweneboa Kodua V from attending the funeral of his deceased sub-chief Nana Okyere Krapa II, the Kumawu Akyempemhene, in the capacity of Kumawu Omanhene. In so doing, they accosted Barima Tweneboa Kodua V and his elders, his retinue and sympathising mourners who were in procession to the funeral ground to perform the necessary traditional funeral rites e.g. swear the oath to its remains before burial as demanded by the Ashanti/Akan tradition and custom. However, the police and the military personnel that had been despatched to the area to forcibly stop Barima Tweneboa Kodua V from exercising his obligated traditional duties to not only his deceased sub-chief but also, his father by extension of the Ashanti extended family, brutally assaulted him and his entourage. The Divisional Police Commander of Effiduase in the Ashanti region is understood to have issued an order to the assaulting security forces to shoot and kill Barima Tweneboa Kodua V claiming his order to have come from above. As I am questioning the source and relevance of this ORDER FROM ABOVE in my other publications, I shall not lay any emphasis on it here. However, what is shocking is since Thursday, 16 February 2017 until today, Monday, 20 February 2017 that I am writing this open letter to you, neither His Excellency the President, nor any member of his government has made a public statement on the issue let alone, visiting Kumawu Bodomase to ascertain the facts for themselves. Much as I know that the government has much more important burning issues to tackle or deal with, it is still not appropriate to me to seeing them go so mute over the near-fatal but purposefully planned incident of police cum military brutalities inflicted on the people and mourners as occurred in Kumawu-Bodomase. The problem of Kumawu or Kumawu-Bodomase is not different from that of Bimbilla in the northern part of Ghana so please, do something about it before the simmering but ongoing chieftaincy dispute in the area escalates into the proportions as oftentimes seen in the northern parts of Ghana. Yours Faithfully, Rockson Adofo Dated: Monday, 20 February 2017 The Writer 21.02.2017 LISTEN From the slavery that lasted a little more than four centuries, to the colonization and independence tailored to sculptor African countries, Africa has supposedly passed from a "primitive state to an alleged modern state of today ". This is at least the point of view of the colonialist, who thus justifies the necessity of colonization, whose balance is negative. (The mass murder of the African people, the deportation of hundreds of thousands of young Africans, the maintenance of the whole continent under diktat, Etc.) This brutality, which results in constant sabotage and pillage, continues to be perpetrated by a few wrists of Africans who are unconscious. Deprived of any critical spirit, ethics and the very essence of the African man, who by nature respects his neighbor, the environment and community work, these wrists of individuals are for the most part Politicians who have no legitimacy because they are not democratically elected and the development of their countries is not at all their priority. An Asian businessman said that the difference between an Asian and an African dictator is that the Asian dictator loves his people and participates in its development. The African dictator does not like his people;. They deprive their people and accumulate the wealth of their country in foreign banks. These funds deposited in the banks of the West promote the financing and supporting of the Western economy whilst at the same time driving their own countries into despair and an economic slump. After more than fifty (50) years of independence, it is clear that African countries can no longer rely on their leaders whom have largely demonstrated incompetence and an inability to lead their countries. It is undeniable today that even during the time of the African kingdoms; African people lived better and were more in harmony with the environment. It is the "modern states" introduced by colonization that have had disastrous consequences on the social, political and economic life of Africans. France is not the only nation to have practiced the trade of slavery and / or colonization. Almost all European countries have done so and the methods used are almost identical. However, other countries do not fully capture the wealth of the colonized countries. They arrange to grant a small margin of freedom to the people thus giving them the illusion that they are free even though they are controlled both culturally and socially almost all of the time. Whilst at the same time, France controls 100% all sectors of social-economic life and this, with the complicity of some people willing to sacrifice their country for French interests. We give this alert because the current economic crisis is very serious and spares no country. Africa can no longer be governed by men deprived of all common sense who leave their populations cut off in the crossing of the Mediterranean. Everyone knows the reason for the exodus to Europe but currently to the African people it does not matter. The drama is that the West has no interest in finding a solution because it is itself the source of the problem. The serious crisis that is placing the great powers on their knees has been predictable for the past several years but is simply and conveniently overlooked. The governments are prohibited from borrowing interest-free money from central banks, and are reliant on borrowing from financial markets and with interest. Those whom are the governments being the same people who control the financial markets, all for their own benefit. The French people do not know nor do they want to accept that beautiful France is clinically deceased. Everyone is waiting for the imminent announcement of the economic death of France. What is really sad is that the public at large appear to be burying their heads in the sand with reference to how the financial crisis has occurred when its staring them right in the face. The French economists who are qualified to carry out such crisis analysis in any event there are disastrous consequences on African countries. SOME PRECISIONS The economic situation in France has now exceeded the limit at which the situation could have been politically acceptable and manageable. From this point on, it appears impossible to straighten the trajectory. At the moment other international events hide the red melting pot of France. Examples include the election of Donald Trump to the US presidency, Syria and the Middle East, the Brexit of the European Union. France's debt-to-GDP ratio is above 100% and to stabilize it requires growth of at least 3% per year which hasnt been reached in a decade. Mr. Mario Draghi, President of the European Central Bank, in July 2012 said that France was "too big to fail", and that he would do "whatever it takes" to save the Euro; then in January 2016, he claims its stock capacities had "no limits". But these statements are only powders to the eyes and are completely false. France is unable to repay the principal of its debt and reimburses interest only with difficulty. According to the French Treasury Agency (March 2015), 64.4% of the French debt is held by "non-residents". The government has placed the future of the country in foreign hands (foreign speculators, banking institutions, etc.). The first holder of long-term French debt is Italy with its morose and very fragile economy. It should be emphasized that Italy's public debt is above 132% of its GDP, with an unemployment rate above 14%. The first holder of short-term French debt is Japan, whose debt-to-GDP ratio is at least 245%. Thus, the two major creditors of France, Japan and Italy have a comatose economy. And yet they are the only ramparts of a system about to sink. It is undeniable that the French state will sooner or later become as insolvent as Greece and the suburbs will be cut off from their supply lines; Universities, schools and closed public transport, suspended wages and closed enterprises. The claim of payment by the creditors if the debt is not honored will be the property known as the African countries. The control of the French government will become the property of these two countries. It would be a general panic, because once the confidence of the creditors of the country has disappeared, chaos will set in. The French newspaper Mediapart resumed in its publication of November 2, 2016, an article of a German economic newspaper. In this article, the German newspaper accuses the French government of immorality, abusive expropriation and being indirectly at the source of many situations of famine, war, instability and destruction. According to this newspaper, France plundered nearly 440 billion Euros a year to Africa through France-Africa. It is a large sum, and if this figure is correct, how does France spend this sum plundered from Africa? However, this could explain the low level of development of the African continent and its real difficulties realizing a real take off. One understands the misery and despair that push young people to leave the continent hoping to find a better life and with it all the fatal consequences of these departures. If the information is even partially proved, it would confirm what the late presidents of Gabon and ex-Zaire (DRC) said on French television sets in the 1980s: "WITHOUT AFRICA, FRANCE DOES NOT LIVE 'AFRICA IS THE ENGINE' The French public debt is above 2,000 billion Euros. It cannot be reimbursed by the French nation. Public services are kept to a minimum and France's future is really bleak. But how can a country that ransom more than 400 billion Euros each year find itself in such a critical situation that it cannot repay its debt? Does France no longer produce or sell? The 400 billion Euros collected in Africa do not come into the coffers of the State? Who really benefits from these colossal sums on the basis the standard of living of the average Frenchman has not evolved for years THE VISION AND PURPOSE OF FRENCH DIPLOMACY ON OTHER EMERGING COUNTRIES France remains a colonial empire despite the word diplomacy used during the last fifty years to describe its relations with its former colonies and African states in general. Nigeria is certainly not a French colony but it is none the less the honey that France had dreamed of sharing with England for years. France has seized a deadly opportunity to try to concretize its dream against the freshly independent Nigerian state, led by valiant men and very proud to be Africans and Nigerians. The government of Nigeria, at that time, was angry and had strongly protested against General de Gaulle's France, because of the nuclear test carried out in Algeria by France. The young Nigerian state had protested to the United Nations and even asked why France did not carry out its nuclear tests on its own territory. Is it because of this protest that France wanted to punish Nigeria by giving at the same time a strong warning to the other allegedly independent African countries? Like any newly independent country, there are often small problems related to leadership. The French Government at the time wanted to punish the young Nigerian State and its people. To do so, it fueled the dispute that existed between the leaders of the Nigerian State and the province of Biafra by supporting and equipping them with heavy weapons, war materials, logistics and funds. It intended to reimburse itself on the oil windfall that would be acquired to it when the secession Biafraise would be consummated. For this reason, France was the first country to recognize the Biafran secession at the UN. The Biafran war has cost the lives of a hundred thousand people. The Mali of Modibo Keita, the former President of Mali, a proud nationalist and pan-Africanist, also protested against the French nuclear test in Algeria and showed solidarity with the Algerian people. Mr. Modibo Keita paid dearly for this initiative, which resulted in economic and political sabotage in his country. This allowed the French government to depose former President Modibo Keita who was replaced by Moussa Traore. President Modibo Keita died in prison, a sad fate for a man of integrity. In 2011, during the campaign against Colonel Gaddafi, former President of Libya, Teodoro Nguema Obiang, President of Equatorial Guinea, wanted to go to Libya to meet with Gaddafi leader with four other African heads of state to find an African solution to the crisis. President Teodoro Nguema was ordered not to set foot in Libya. President Sarkozy made it clear to him that his plane would be shot down if it ever happened. What was the reaction of the UN to this statement by Mr. Sarkozy? Any, The International Community has not reacted either. Who are the givers of these lessons? Now it is Europe and Africa that are destabilized. Francophone Africa silently and automatically aligned itself with French policy and was the first to recognize the transitional government put in place. Syria, for example, although not on the African continent, has experienced the dictates of colonialism. The destabilization of the country has led to the death of more than 400,000 people and the displacement of more than 3,000,000 people. Insecurity has spread to Europe. In 2008, in Paris (France), Christophe de Marjorie, the former president of the French group Total, former French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, former President Nicholas Sarkozy and President Bashar El Assad of Syria, during a visit to discuss the framework of a gas pipeline project which saw the involvement of France, the USA, Qatar and Great Britain. According to a source close to the file whose name cannot be mentioned for reasons of security, President Sarkozy asked the translator to tell Syrian President Bashar El Assad that on the market, 30% was returning to Syria and 70% to France, forgetting that the Syrian President understood and spoke French. The Syrian president said no to the proposal of Mr. Sarkozy and insisted to the translator to tell him that Syria is not a French colony. President Sarkozy stood up, exploded in anger and threatened to put Syria to fire and blood. Today we see the result. The few integral presidents who have defended the interests of their countries and of Africa in priority have died murdered and their countries destabilized. Many Francophone African countries took part in the Biafra war in Nigeria alongside France, for most of them the Presidents of these countries have no decision-making power over the management of their own country. In 2011, when France told African countries to recognize the Libyan opposition, the majority of these French-speaking countries did it in 24 hours as good students. ECOWAS and the African Union have become obsolete instruments in the service of the West. We have the cases of Libya, Cote d'Ivoire and, most recently, the Gambia, where on a phone call from the West, some African leaders have put themselves in line. What can one think of the Senegalese government which says that it is waiting for the UN mandate so that the forces that it directs attack the Gambia? Where are the reasons and the art of negotiation? We remember the UN mandate to disarm Saddam Hussein of IRAQ, a mandate that resulted in the hanging of Saddam Hussein and the destabilization of the Middle East, Europe and Africa. Libya and Cote d'Ivoire, enough said; when the Chadian Minister of Information confirmed that 40% of the weapons used by Boco Haram were French, did Nigeria protest or summon the French ambassador to ask for explanations? What is the role of ECOWAS? Protected are the docile and loyal dictators to the West? HOW CAN THE FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION MODIFY THE FRANCE-AFRICA RELATIONSHIP? No sector of the African economy is sufficiently evolved to eradicate poverty. African Presidents plunder their own countries and do not intend to develop them. The majority of these Presidents are not democratically elected but designated by the West and their loyalty does not go to their people but to France. The colonial policy of France has not changed since the time of the colonial conquest: disillusioned and oppressed people, coups, social unrest, economic sabotage, etc. If the outgoing President is no longer in the odor of holiness with the metropolis, the latter withdraws its support for the outgoing President during the next elections. The country is under political and economic pressure. The threat of "ill-gotten goods" is brandished. The metropolis assumes the role of the savior even though it is the principal author of the situation of impoverishment of the States This system of exploitation is not beneficial to the French people who find themselves victims like the African people of the abuses of their leaders. 3 French young people out of 5 cannot keep a job until they reach retirement age and are unable to contribute to receive the minimum pension. The African population is in the red, despairs is the daily life. The metropolis continues to tax the African population enormously of the benefits of a colonization that has not been solicited. In 2005, there were about 6 million French people of African descent. Half of these 6,000,000 can positively influence the election of the next President of the French Republic. Collective voting can be decisive. In exchange for a collective vote in his favor, the future candidate will undertake to respect the right to self-determination of all people. The abolition of abusive agreements is tantamount to plundering the resources of developing countries. A suppression of the Franc CFA and freedom for the countries of this zone to have their own currency. Markets will now be awarded based on the merit and quality of the offers. It must be the end of favoritism and coercion. The immigrant who becomes a citizen is very often grateful and loyal to his country of adoption and actively participates in its development. The French citizen of African origin can play a decisive role in development. The countries of origin of most of these Africans have close ties with the metropolis, spanning more than a century of relations, yet these expatriates are still not accepted and do not enjoy the same rights as nationals Of origin. This negative discrimination against French people of African origin is also due to the attitude and decisions of certain African Heads of State who do not care about the interests of their expatriates. If we take North Korea, for example, Westerners do not miss any opportunity to treat all the names of the leaders of this country qualified as dictators, among others. This country has no relations of any kind with France. And yet the nationals of this country are more considered than the French of African origin whose ancestors fought for the French Republic. In a few months, there will be the French presidential election where all parties will present themselves (the Right Extreme, the Republicans, the Left and the Independents). They all pretend to the supreme function with a program that can straighten France. These politicians, pretenders to the presidential chair, are all career politicians. During a recent primary, the right talked about immigration, how to strengthen control and deportation but not the causes that force the immigrant to seek his happiness abroad and risk his life far from his. The case of Africa is deplorable. One of these contenders will become President of the French Republic in May 2017 and will not be different from those predecessors. This will not be a surprise to anyone because France makes and defeats the African Presidents (who can be called sub governors) according to their interests. It impoverishes, confiscates the wealth of African countries to its advantage. The French of African origin have the power to no longer accept this slavery and confiscation of African resources by joining their votes to vote in favor of a candidate who will take into account their demands, the first of which must certainly be the abolition of the Franc CFA . The new France - Africa relationship under the aegis of the Africans of France united will put an end to the abusive exploitation of the continent. Recently it was reported that concrete products made through certain French companies was failing. Example of the one who carried out the construction of bridge works, the Henri Konan Bedie which two (02) months after its inauguration already presents defects. The Ivorian state had to draw from the state coffers to make the necessary repairs depriving thousands of Ivoirians of the social services to which they can legitimately aspire. Traditionally this would have resulted in the company that performed the work or to its insurer to ensure such repairs. In addition, this project was set up and financed under President Gbagbo and the bridge was not to be paid for by the population. Under Gbagbo, the bridge was worth about $ 225 million and funds were available through an increase of 10 CFA francs on gasoline prices. The elected President, Mr. Ouattara, in addition to the existing $ 225 million borrowed more than $ 400 million for the construction of this same bridge. The French company that had the contract to build the Henri Konan Bedie bridge is Bouygue. There are many examples where there are corrupt and incompetent companies have been able to win contracts thanks to their privileged relations with the French government. All these transactions, however, are to the detriment of the African population. In terms of financing the French presidential elections, the majority of Francophone African states financed the presidential elections of the French candidates at the cost of millions of Euros which should have gone towards the social cause and hospitals where the sick are dying from curable illness. The obtaining of drinking water or electricity has become a true path of fighters for the populations. During the last visit of the former French Prime Minister, Mr. Manuel Valls to Africa, he asked for funds from Francophone African countries. Mr. Valls would have received a campaign assistance of more than 7 million Euros from a single country which is also highly indebted and where poverty is obvious. If this allegation were to be confirmed, would it not be a crime against humanity from both the donor and the recipient? The majority of African leaders are unable to disagree with France because they are almost French civil servants and not democratic representatives. If African governments resist, reprisals fall on the country. By way of example, the trial of Mr. Gbagbo before The Hague is only that of an indolent and insubordinate Negro whom the Metropolis must subdue. The metropolis has become a center of manipulation and disinformation supported by two powerful weapons that are the IMF and the World Bank that aggravate the misery of the developing countries through their calamitous financial policies. France has an interest in treating its former colonies as a true partner and with the respect it accords to the European States, Asia and America. Yesterday's arrogance is no longer valid today The Africans of France must unite and say no by voting the candidate who will abstain from continuing with this colonial mentality of several hundred years old. France must know that the world is changing and Africa is also changing. This is why many more young people are turning now with hope towards Asia and no longer towards France and Europe. These young people also know that France is responsible for what happens to them by placing and supporting African Presidents vomited by their peoples. Dr. Mehenou Amouzou received his Master in Business from the European Advanced Institute of Management, also a Certificate in Finance and Investment in Paris, France. He completed his Post Graduate Work in Political Strategy, International Relation and Defense Strategies and earned his Ph.D. in Finance. CONTRIBUTION TO THIS ARTICLE: Raymond West from West International Petroleum LLC; Fundacion Paraiso Sin Fronteras; Mr. Paul Kokou Amouzou; Mr. Morgan Lewis, Amouzou Nkrumah Production & Mme Dominique Mazarin. A report prepared by senior ministers stated that samba (rice) crop spread over 50,34,237 acre has failed and advised a compensation package of Rs 2,247 crore for the farmers. By Pramod Madhav: Staying true to his promise on the day of assuming the Tamil Nadu chief minister's office, E Palaniswami today sanctioned the release of a Rs 2,247-crore package for drought-hit farmers. On Monday, the chief minister said his government would release funds for farmers affected by drought in the state. According to a statement issued by the chief minister, the sanctioned amount will be directly credited to the farmers' bank accounts. advertisement Farmers who depend on irrigation for their crop will get Rs 5,465 per acre while those who depend on seasonal rain will get Rs 3,000 per acre. Chief Minister Palaniswami announced the drought package after acquiring a report from senior ministers and IAS officers who visited the drought-hit areas to assess the damage. The report stated that samba crop spread over 50,34,237 acre has failed and advised a compensation package of Rs 2,247 crore for the farmers. Tamil Nadu saw a spate of farmer suicides in the wake of drought and crop loss. The National Human Rights Commission had last month issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government on the increasing number of farmer suicides and deaths in the state. ALSO READ: Palaniswami's first orders: Close 500 liquor shops, mopeds on discount for women Why DMK created mayhem in Tamil Nadu Assembly ahead of Palaniswami's trust vote --- ENDS --- Its laudable to try to cater for all forms of vulnerable populations within our nation, but the prevalent conditions suggest that there are clearer and open vulnerabilities with regards to the rights of children which can better be targeted and must be attended to by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. The issue of child rights has reached a desperate need for attention in view of recent stories in the media and very disturbing realities in the lives of children in very deprived areas of the country. Among these include the nightmare realities of rampant teenage pregnancies, rising cases of child marriages and daily incidents of child labor which are fast assuming a part in the lives of children of this country. The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana in its article 28 (5) defines a child as someone below the age of eighteen. According to the constitution, a child in Ghana has the right to be protected from engaging in work that constitutes a threat to his health, education or development. The constitution further asserts that no child shall be deprived by any other person of medical treatment, education or any other social or economic benefit by reason only of religious or other beliefs. Quite importantly, the constitution enjoins all parents to undertake their natural rights and obligations of care, maintenance and upbringing of their children in co-operation with such institutions as parliament may, by law, prescribe in such manner that in all cases the interests of the children are paramount. In the face of these clear guarantees granted children by the ultimate law of the land which recognizes the rights of children as natural, it invokes questions of our basic morality as a nation to appear to have failed woefully to provide our children their own share of Gods given inalienable rights whenever it appears clear that they lack the required parental care. In fact, the laws of Ghana, in pursuant of guaranteeing the rights of children established the required institutional arrangements to cater for the rights of children. In 2001, the government of John Kuffuor created the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs which later changed to the ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. In any case, despite the change of name, the mandate and objective of the ministry still remains resolutely clear, straightforward, and unchanged. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is mandated to formulate gender and children policies and guidelines, propose programs that promote women and children affairs and the development of institutions that encourage women empowerment. Even though the ministry in recent times has celebrated abolishing the trafficking of children, increasing the number of women in major government sectors, educating women about domestic violence, and improving on domestic violence legislation, so much of its recent policies and programs have witnessed a deviation from its central mandate, thereby promoting gaps in the welfare of women and children and escalating the already prevalent cases of child labor, teenage pregnancies and child marriages among mostly traditional communities in our country. These problems in recent times have exposed the inability of the state to enforce the provisions of the constitution that call for the protection of the welfare of children by parents, state institutions and most often a collaboration between the two. In essence, current challenges facing the welfare of children call for the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to re-assert itself and focus primarily and largely on issues with holistic impact on women and children. In that case, the implementation of the ongoing Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program ought to be reviewed and fine-tuned to focus on addressing the pressing issues that tie the hands of children to poverty and puts them right back in the center of the poverty cycle. The Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty program is a social cash transfer program which provides cash and health insurance to extremely poor households in Ghana to alleviate short-term poverty and encourage long-term human capital development. The three basic eligibility criteria of the program include orphaned children, elderly poor, and extreme disability. Its important to state that even though social protection which the LEAP program seeks to enforce is good, it is of no significant impact because of its minimal focus on the welfare of children. First of all, orphaned children as the program is partially targeting will not achieve educational fulfilment through the LEAP program because the money available is incomparable to the financial demands of education in Ghana at the moment. As it stands, the largest amount of money to be received by any beneficiary is 64 Ghana Cedis which is the amount payable to one member household per month. However, the cost of admission fees for second cycle education in Ghana today averages 1,000 Ghana Cedis in the three regions in the north which already benefit from feeding grants as part of the Northern Scholarship program instituted by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. What this means is that an orphaned child who will be depending wholly on the 64 Ghana Cedis a month will have to engage in child labor or other indecent means to fully cater for the cost of his/her education if that child is determined to sail through the weary storm of education without parental support. Also importantly, there is the other class of children who are fortunate to have one or both parents but none of whom can afford the cost of secondary education. For such children, they are not eligible for the LEAP program and their plight is pitiful. In their case, the only way out is not education because they cannot afford it; their option is what leads to teenage pregnancy, child labour, and child marriages. Additionally, its difficult to determine people who are elderly poor, extremely disabled and orphaned but do not have any form of support. In our local communities, perhaps because of lack of diligence, poor people who have a lot of support get onto the program whiles those with no form of support are left out. In this case, it can be argued that targeting under LEAP is of no significance to promoting the welfare of children. However, in our various communities around the country, it is easy to determine the children who are out of school because they cannot afford the cost of education; it is easy to handpick children who carry loads on the streets because they cannot afford the cost of education; it is easy as well to identify teenage girls who are pregnant because they cannot afford to care for themselves; and it is easy to identify children who are married out because they cannot be catered for. And in any case where traditional communities marry out children with no relation to their inability to cater for the child because of cultural reasons, the state has no problems identifying such cases and enforcing the laws of the land. Moreover, to justify the LEAP program on the grounds that it provides solutions to short-term poverty and provide empowerment to end poverty in the long-term is logically inadequate. This is because the surest way to ensure that poverty is curbed is to provide empowerment. However, the point of departure from the LEAP program is the fact that sufficient education of children is a better option to consider in the conversation of empowerment. It is the best way to build human capital and promote the development and utilization of the nations fullest potentials. Therefore, to spent these stipends on poorly targeted households whiles still allowing children to be preoccupied with the future threatening hostilities of child labor, teenage pregnancies and child marriages is indeed misplaced. In effect, it amounts to a failure of the state. Even though it is important to highlight the fact that the LEAP program has helped increase enrollment in basic schools, such an increase cannot be wholly attributed to the program in view of the impacts of the School Feeding Program and the Capitation Grants introduced by government. Rolling out a LEAP program in the manner it is might be a political scheme to skew out votes and win power, but the state has a bigger role to play to protect the law, to keep children in school, to protect our children whiles they are in school and to secure the rights of our children and the future of our country. In the lead up to the 2008, 2012 and 2016 general elections, whiles the politicians who superintend over the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection were busy chanting praises upon themselves for how many households they have put on the LEAP program, millions of children across the country were deserting the classrooms. Whiles the few fortunate children enjoyed lessons in classrooms, their poor colleagues were busy carrying loads on the streets of Tamale, Kumasi, Accra and other big towns, subjecting themselves to sexual abuse for money, and marrying people as old as their grandparents in order to survive. Whiles the move by some countries to criminalize child marriage for example in Zambia is commendable, it is important to note that the best cure for the problems confronting children lately (child labor, teenage pregnancy and child marriage) can be found in addressing the push factors that lead to these problems. It is to this effect that the welfare of children with regards to education, health and nutrition is being advocated to ensure that they are well empowered and given the license to properly take off into a life of choices fueled by self-determination. The simple fact is that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has done well in trying to implement a social protection policy, but it should eschew the political dividends of such policies and concentrate in rolling out a very tight program to facilitate the educational, health, and nutritional welfare of children who form a larger part of the vulnerable population but yet represent the future of the country. In doing so, the ministry will also be scaring away the embarrassing menace of teenage pregnancy, child labor and child marriages. Back in the districts, municipalities and metropolis, what used to be profound was the Department of Social Welfare. This department was popular in the sense that it attended to neglected children as well as children from poor backgrounds and catered for their entire education. If the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection cannot introduce a consolidated program to identify needy children and cater for them, it should as a matter of prime importance resource the Department of Social Welfare well enough to do what it used to do best. But to engage in cashing out money to people in a program that is ill targeted and does not make the necessary impacts, the ministry is only doing much about nothing. If childrens welfare is properly catered for, both abled and disabled, poor parents will be in no position to need monthly stipends which are in any case used in an effort to cater for the health, nutrition and education of their children. This begs the question, if the hen feeds the hawks young ones, why will the hawk embarrassingly worry the hen on a daily basis. As a developing country, wasteful duplication is the last we should seek to do. And one way to avoid wasteful duplication is to formulate policies and programs that produce the needed impact holistically. In our quest to demand for the welfare of the children of this country, we ought to all be guided and strengthened by the fact that child rights are not only lawful but natural, they are not options to be chosen or demands to be negotiated; they are fundamental and inalienable rights that must be fulfilled. By David Azuliya Mobile: 0505005012 Email: [email protected] We the good people of the three Nzema constituency condemn in the strongest terms the unfortunate tribal statements made by the three chiefs of Nzema. We wish to put on record for the entire nation to note that the views expressed by the three (3) chiefs do not reflect the views and visions of the peace loving people of Nzema. There are seven (7) paramount chiefs in the Nzema enclave and our checks have confirmed that the other four who were not part of the so called press conference are in total disagreement with the unilateral decision by the three chiefs. We wish to state emphatically that, we dissociate ourselves from this unfortunate tribal and ethnocentric statements by the three chiefs. We are all Ghanaians and the constitution is very clear on equal job opportunities irrespective of ones tribe, religion and sex. If the Ashanti kingdom were also to decide that all jobs in the Ashanti region should be offered to only Ashantis or the Greater Accra chiefs also were to rise and make statements that jobs on their land should go to onlyIndegenes, will Ghana be united?. Jobs should be applied for based on merit, competence in the field of endeavor and loyalty to Ghana, not tribe. If the chiefs in the Northern Region have staged a press conference, rejecting the retired professor. Would he have become the acting vice chancellor of the UDS, He should give us a break. Ghana Gas is not reserved for only Nzema people, its for Ghanaians and the unfortunate ploy by a few individuals to scuttle the success of the NPP in Nzema will fail. We the NPP youth, the entire people of Nzema fully support the appointment of Dr Ben Asante because he is qualified, experience and better suited for the job. He is a Ghanaian and not a Mongolian for God sake. It is within the perview of Awulaemo to lobby for jobs for Nzemas, but it should not be limited to only jobs in theNzemaland. Awulaemo should lobby the president to giveus jobs in Tamale, Ho, Tema etc but not tie the hands of the president to specific jobs in Nzema for Nzema people. The path taken by the three (3) chiefs is dangerous for the unity of this nation, and we call on Well Meaning Ghanaians, the media, civil societies, and our development partners to join us in condemning this tribal and ethnocentric practice. We do not wish to denigrate the retired professor who is using the three chiefs to coerce the president to give him a job. Since he has brought on himself, we will set the record straight. Where was the retired professor when we were campaigning? Does he still stands by his mathematical analysis that Nana Akufo Addo will not win the 2016 elections? Is he still teaching in Kenya as a professor since he was convinced NPP will not Win, Did he openly campaign for the NDC and got an award for his so called efforts? It is embarrassing and a cheap ploy for him to hide behind three induced chiefs to look for a retirement job, after he and his team openly campaigned against his Excellency Nana Akufo Addo and the NPP parliamentary candidate. Jobs should be applied for based on merit, competence in the field of endeavor and loyalty to Ghana not tribe. In this day and age of globalization of globalization our three chiefs have made us a laughing stock of the nation by sending a wrong signal out there that we are inward looking. Such ethnocentric and xenophobic statements will not be tolerated by us the progressive youth of Nzema. We are aware that the very chiefs who addressed the press have sent their children to Dr Ben Asante to hire them to work at Ghana Gas. The question is did they realize he wasnt an Nzema? Such hypocrisy is wrong and must be discouraged by all peace loving citizens of Ghana. The constitution is very clear in article 78, the president has the sole Prerogative to appoint, not chiefs. We want to use this chance to tell the president that overwhelming majority including the other chiefs and Queen Mothers of the good people of Nzema are grateful for his wisdom in appointing Dr Ben Asante. The young engineer is perfect for the job and so far has proven himself to all and sundry that the president made the right decision. Why did the three chiefs not reject the Chinese who built the plant designed by Dr Ben Asante? Such unfortunate statement from the three chiefs should be treated with the contempt it deserves and must be ignored. We further state that, Awulae Amihere Kpanynli, paramount chief of Atuabo traditional area, the chief on whose land the Gas plant is situated sent us a message that he support the appointment of Dr Ben Asante and that he believes Dr is the right person for the job. I believe Ghana gas at Atuabo as the first Ghanaian gas endeavor command a strong potential for expansion. This means employment for all Ghanaians, we look forward for this growth and economic development. First of all we here in Nzema are grateful for the leadership role of the president, Nana Akufo Addo and will continue to support his administration and leadership. We want the nation and its inhabitants to know we are host to the first gas plant and wish for their support for a continuous growth and stability. The truth is we need the Nations best men and women to achieve growth in the world market. We are thankful again to his excellency for your directions We the youth are also using this medium to tell the president and the energy minister that we will resist any attempt by the three chiefs to foster the retired professor on us simply because of tribe. Our futures will be bleak and we will be confined to only looking for jobs in Nzemaland based on logic. That is not the Ghana we hope for, we hope for a Ghana where all tribes live in harmony, peace and free to work anywhere one chooses to. Long live npp Long live tfc Long live Ghana. Theophilus Musa--------------president of train for change (0242-081716) Carl Obed Brew---------------vice president of train for change (0541421291) Aaron Angati-----------acting secretary of train for change (0545573808) The Ghana Revenue Authority is considering taxing mobile money services in the country. The move is in line with plans to plug loopholes in revenue mobilization in the informal sector. Figures released by the Bank of Ghana show mobile money services are gaining strong traction in the country with the number of registered users growing 50 per cent year-on-year. Newly appointed Commissioner General of the GRA Kofi Nti dropped the hint in an exclusive interview with Starr Business on some critical issues he intend addressing within the short term of his tenure in office. "For me one critical is the informal sector which accounts for less than 4 percent, we want to have a link to their database and explore how we can rope them into the tax net, he said. Now mobile money every body is using it maybe some small funds could be coming from there, so we will be exploring the opportunities he added. Earlier the New GRA Boss appealed to staff of the Authority to support him in succeeding since revenue generation is critical to the success of the Akuffo Addo led administration. The Former tax policy advisor at the Finance ministry begins work officially today after taking over from George Blankson. Mr. Nti comes to the job with over 30 years of experience as a banker, economist, statistician, accountant and tax expert. He has The Turkish Government has indicated its willingness to support the 'one district, one factory' policy of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Nesrin Bayazit, told DAILY GUIDE yesterday that her country was willing to share its expertise in the areas of industrial development and agriculture to boost the policy. Ghana, Ambassador Bayazit said, has a great future, with the 'one district, one factory' programme and that her country is ready to throw its weight behind the policy of the new government by bringing in Turkish investors to invest here. The Turkish envoy was happy that the strong ties between the two countries had reopened its embassy in Accra in 2010 after a long period of absence due to what she called 'austerity period.' Ghana reciprocated in 2012 with the opening of an embassy in Ankara, the Turkish capital. Ghana-Turkey established diplomatic ties in 1958, a year after the former gained independence, leading to the opening of its embassy in Accra in 1964. Since the time of the reopening of the diplomatic missions, the two countries have had three presidential visits two from Turkey in 2011 and 2016 with President John Mahama returning the visit in 2013. It shows the growth of the diplomatic relationship. We see Ghana as an important development partner, Ambassador Bayazit stated. She was of the strong view that trade volume between her country and Ghana would reach $500,000 million by the year 2020. The trade volume in 2016 alone was in the range of $415 million, believing that the half a billion dollar target may be achieved. Ghana, she explained, is a priority for Turkish businesses with the first Turkish products fair having been held last year in Ghana. She mentioned the Karpower barge producing electricity at Tema and the building of the Terminal Three at the Kotoka International Airport as well as the water project at Oda and Akwatia in the Eastern Region and part of the Central Region as some of the flagship projects. We're also constructing a water treatment plant which is being supported by the Turkish Exim Bank, she disclosed. Ambassador Bayazit also indicated the award of scholarship to Ghanaian students for undergraduate and graduate studies as well as vocational training for professionals in Turkey. The Turkish envoy cautioned Ghanaians against dealing with any group claiming to represent the interest of her country. The group said to be running some educational facilities in Ghana and other parts of the world, she claimed, is linked to a terrorist who organized the July 15 coup to topple the elected government of Turkey. She said the group is not only an internal threat to Turkey, but it has wider international dimension. She expressed the hope that Ghana will join countries that have stopped the activities of the group linked to the Islamic preacher, Muhammed Fethullah Gulen. Paris (AFP) - French President Francois Hollande called Tuesday on Britain to "accept its responsibility" to take in stranded under-age migrants stuck in France who wish to join up with family in the UK. The issue has been a constant irritant between the two countries, made worse by Britain's decision this month to end an arrangement to take in up to 3,000 unaccompanied minors from Europe. The scrapping of the so-called "Dubs agreement" by Britain's conservative government has sparked criticism from opposition MPs in London and led to anger in France. "France is playing its part in the European effort. We expect that our partners do the same, particularly when we are talking about minors on their own," Hollande told a conference on children in conflict zones. "I call on the United Kingdom to accept its responsibility for adolescents in France at the moment who have family on the other side of the Channel," he added. Last October, French authorities cleared a squalid camp near the Calais port on the Channel sea separating the countries which was filled with thousands of migrants hoping to reach Britain. The camp dwellers, many fleeing war in Sudan, Iraq or Afghanistan, were dispersed around France. Children with family in Britain were assured that authorities would help them travel to reach them. A first wave who arrived in Britain shortly afterwards sparked outrage in the right-wing press, with opponents questioning the age of some of the children who appeared to be teenagers or older. One conservative MP suggested the new arrivals should undergo dental tests to prove their age. On February 8, the government announced it would limit to 350, instead of 3,000, the number of unaccompanied young migrants who would be admitted from Europe. Interior minister Amber Rudd argued that the scheme was encouraging children to travel to Europe and that Britain had accepted thousands of others from camps bordering war-torn Syria. Prime Minister Theresa May has made reducing immigration one of her priorities since taking office in July following her country's decision to leave the European Union. On February 24, 1966, the first President of Ghana, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was removed from office through a joint military and police coup. The overthrow of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP) government 51years ago is regrettable, to say the least. In 1956, the CPP won the Legislative Election leading to independence and Kwame Nkrumah became the first Prime Minister of Ghana. He was later elected President of the first Republic in 1960. According to declassified documents from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the United States, France and Britain had been trying to truncate Nkrumahs regime since 1964. President Nkrumah was seen as an ally of erstwhile Soviet Union and the Eastern Europe. But the pan-African leader declared his position in one of his famous statements, We neither face East nor West; we face forward. At the invitation of President Ho Chi Minh, Dr. Nkrumah left Ghana for Hanoi on February 21, 1966, to resolve the Vietnam War. Since the country had no vice president, Ghana was left in the control of a three-man Presidential Commission. Consequently, the CIA-backed coup in Ghana was carried out at the dawn of February 24, 1966, while Nkrumah was still on a peace mission in Southeast Asia. And that became the end of Nkrumahs political career in Ghana. The masterminds of the 1966 revolution were Col. E.K. Kotoka, Major A.A. Afrifa, and Mr. J.W.K. Harley, the then Inspector-General of Police. The bloody coup detat that toppled the first Republican Constitution of Ghana was codenamed Operation Cold Chop. The rationale behind the coup In the early morning hours of February 24, 1966, Col. Kotoka of the 2nd Infantry Brigade is quoted to have announced on Radio Ghana that, Kwame Nkrumah is overthrown, and the myth surrounding him is broken. One may ask the question, what inspired the security officers to overthrow Osagyefo Dr. Nkrumah? And on what basis can the coup be said to be justified? The famous coup-makers cited Nkrumahs Preventive Detection Act (PDA), mismanagement, dictatorial practices, abuse of human rights, oppression and the deteriorating economy of Ghana as the principal reasons for the uprising. Just to play the devils advocate. How did the revolution contribute towards national development? Did the countrys fortunes improve in any way after Nkrumahs administration was deposed? Obviously, your guess is as good as mine. His strengths & weaknesses Dr. Kwame Nkrumah was not without flaws. And like every human, he had his strengths, weaknesses, success, and failure or downfall. I cannot be mistaken to allude the above as the underlying factors that resulted in his overthrow one way or the other. For instance, the one-party state Nkrumah created in the CPP, the declaration of Presidency for Life by Osagyefo in 1964, and the imprisonment of opposition members without trial were quite unfortunate. But some political analysts and historians have justified the PDA which was passed into law in 1958. The Act empowered President Nkrumah to imprison his opponents without trial up to 5years, and later extended to10years. The PDA has been described as a necessary evil because of the series of bomb attacks and assassination attempts on Osagyefos life. There were at least seven attempts to assassinate Dr. Nkrumah during his presidency. Many Ghanaians took to the street and jubilated over the saddened revolution which forced Dr. Nkrumah into political asylum. Subsequently, the long-term goals, policies and vision of Nkrumah became a mirage. Today, there is a paradigm shift in Ghanas history. Kwame Nkrumah, who was once vilified by his own people, is now recognised for his exemplary leadership in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Osagyefo was a selfless leader who did not pursue his parochial interest to the detriment of his country. His drive for the total liberation and unity of Africa also affected his administration in diverse ways. Nkrumahs achievements The success story of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah distinguished him among his contemporaries in Africa. His ideology for pan-Africanism, Africa liberation and self-governance earned him an enviable reputation worldwide. It therefore came as no surprise when Nkrumah was pronounced Africas greatest son (Man of the Millennium) in the year 2000. His social policies and style of leadership were impeccable. As an international icon of freedom in Africa, Kwame Nkrumah was the first leader in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence for his country from the British colony in 1957. Dr. Nkrumah was, undoubtedly, one of the finest presidents Ghana and even Africa has ever had. He is fondly remembered for the better roads, schools, hospitals, factories, the Akosombo Dam and the Tema Harbour, just to name a few. After the overthrow of the CPP administration, Nkrumah sought political exile in Conakry with his Guinean counterpart, President Ahmed Sekou Toure. He was appointed Co-President of Guinea until death laid its icy hands on him in 1972. He died at the age of 63. There is no denying that successive governments have, over the years, abandoned most of the projects and policies of Osagyefo based on political grounds. A poor maintenance culture is the bane of this country. As we mark 60years of independence, it is important that fellow Ghanaians remain united and draw inspiration from the achievements, ideology, and vision of Kwame Nkrumah and our founding fathers for the purpose of nation building, regardless of our political affiliation. The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart, Kwame Nkrumah. ASP James Annan Prisons Headquarters [email protected] The writer is an Assistant Superintendent of Prisons (ASP) at the Prisons Headquarters, Accra A Monument Of Kwame Nkrumah Was Pulled Down Outside The Parliament House The Leader Of The 1966 Coup, Col E.k. Kotoka (left) And Maj. A.a. Afrifa Maj. Afrifa Cheering His Men After The 1966 Coup D'etat How Nkrumah Received The News Of The Coup While In Hanoi Dr. Kwame Nkrumah Exchanging Pleasantries With Col E.k. Kotoka At A Military Function 21.02.2017 LISTEN Restrata, a global leader in safety and security consultancy and training services, is warning of the continued need for improved hotel security to protect employees and guests from future terror attacks across the Middle East and North Africa. In a newly launched white paper, the firm addresses how the hospitality industry should step up its efforts to protect itself against potentially deadly attacks by identifying the steps which must be taken to improve security systems, processes and cultures. Hotels have been seen as a soft target for terrorist attacks because they tend to have large, open spaces and attract a high number of visitors, many of whom are often foreigners. Between 1970 and January 2016, there have been more than 160 terrorist attacks targeted at hotels worldwide. Over the past five years alone, more than 40 hotel terrorist attacks have occurred. Restrata believes more must be done to ensure hotel staff are effectively trained and possess the proper knowledge and equipment to detect and prevent future attacks. Botan Osman, Managing Director of Restrata said: Hospitality targeted attacks may rise unless the industry takes a harder stance. This can be done whilst balancing the business needs of the hotel. Examining the growth in hotel attacks demonstrates a worrying statistic, with a quarter of all hotel attacks since 1970 occurring in the past five years. Documented attacks within the hotel industry focus primarily on North African states where terror levels are already high, yet research suggests a number of hospitality premises in these areas are lacking in basic security design features. Sadly not all incidents can be prevented. Mr Osman added: Attempts must be made to prevent terrorist attacks, but operators should also have a plan in place to deal with such events. We live in an interactive world, where terrorist attacks quickly gain traction in the media. As a global hotel brand, this level of coverage means that an assault on one property ultimately impacts overall reputation by association, damaging the overall brand image. Restratas white paper reports that the challenge for the hotel sector is to strike the right balance between creating a welcoming environment while ensuring the safety and security of visitors, guests and staff. We have found that appropriate security measures are often not considered early enough in the design stage of most hotel developments. Its frequently seen as an unnecessary cost and theres a belief that installing CCTV cameras will suffice, explained Jas Jaiya, technical design authority at Restrata. The hotel industry is key to the economic diversification of many countries within the Middle East and Africa. However, the rise in Islamic terrorism and cyber-crime is having a huge impact on these countries which have the potential to become popular tourist destinations if they adopt a more active approach to security, emergency planning and staff training. One factor leading to the continued allure of hotels as targets has been the hardening of embassies and other diplomatic facilities. Unlike an embassy, a hotel needs to maintain a steady flow of visitors and, on any given day, a large five-star hotel can host hundreds of guests and have hundreds of additional visitors using other facilities. Many hotel security programmes have dramatically improved in response to the threat against them, however there is so much more to be done. Serving clients across the world from its offices around the globe, and headquartered in the UAE, Restrata provides a range of safety and security services to establish the necessary security and crisis management arrangements to build resilience within organisations, including consultancy, auditing and risk assessments, situational awareness and tracking, training and workforce development, response services in crisis and continuity management, fire and rescue services, safe journey management, and HSE management. Download the white paper at http://info.restrata.com/hotelsecurity-whitepaper-new Ghana's former President Jerry John Rawlings has described the emergence of Presidents Buhari of Nigeria and Akufo-Addo of Ghana as a divine intervention because of their respected anti-corruption credentials. The former president said Ghana is fortunate to have somebody like Nana Akufo-Addo because of his principles and values. President Rawlings, who spoke during a courtesy call on him on Friday by a group of actors, including renowned Nigerian actor Pete Edochie, underscored, People think I like that man to high heavens. No, but I respect him for certain principles and values and I will continue to pray and I sincerely hope that he stays the track and devote possibly over 30 percent of his time to fight corruption and corruptible tendencies. The actors are working on a film production based on corruption, and Mr Rawlings commended the production of the movie which has been titled, 'Greedy Bastards' for its important and valuable theme. I must congratulate you for what you're trying to do. Let's use some of these movies effectively. People are distorting historical truths all the time. When you find yourselves at the centre of human endeavours like I have, truth must be sacrosanct, he stated. Former President Rawlings, however, expressed misgivings over the removal and subsequent reinstatement of the head of a government department, who had been involved in questionable dealings. He wondered whose political influence had been brought to bear on the appointing authority, stating that that is why we have to pray for the president to stay the course. He articulated, I am using very polite language because I am not unaware of what this particular Ghanaian has been doing in that department. He should have been thrown out, kept out and investigated but it appears somebody's influence brought itself to bear and the decision was rescinded. Touching on Nigeria, the former president said it's unfortunate that the cost of living appears to be suffocating the people. So while some are praying for his health, some are praying he wouldn't come back, he said in reference to President Buhari's presence in the UK for medical treatment. He said rather than blame Buhari, we should be blaming the extent and depth to which corruption had gripped Nigeria, adding, But I guess you need a creative team that would know how to resolve the economic situation of the country without possibly undermining the cost of living of the people. Rawlings, popularly called Papa J, also called for God's guidance for President Adama Barrow of The Gambia. His emergence is an acknowledgment of the rebirth of true freedom and justice in The Gambia and I sincerely hope that he will not lose his values and allow himself to be corrupted. And I wish the same for the government (Ghana) here, he prayed. Papa J noted that people are getting away with massive corruption because they are not compelled to conform to traditional religious authority. We swear by the Bible and the Quran and lie but dare not with our local traditional deities. We are destroying the fabric of our society. This is not good enough. The Writer 21.02.2017 LISTEN One of the importance of circular education is that it has made knowledge polyvalent in that there are many forms and facets of it. Whereas a school of thought are of the view that a thing is bad, others with empirical evidence will also be of a strong conviction that it is good. The debate on the use of contraceptives is a clear example. One thing we need not forget is that though times changes, wisdom remains constant. The approaches and methods may change or take different forms yet the principles remain constant. We must appreciate the fact that even before the inception of circular education in Africa and Ghana in particular, societies had their own way of socialization ie passing on believes, customs, precepts, values, norms, among others from the old to new generations. One of the cliches by then was that the elderly are always right. This cliche kept ringing in the minds of the youth thus once an elderly person spoke or advised on an issue, the best they could do was to kill their sense of reasoning and just be gullible and dogmatic to the dictates of the elderly irrespective of the cost. I know some folks of today would have a different view especially when what they are being told is not in line with what they wanted to hear or believe in. However, it is a rare person who wants to hear what he doesnt want to hear (Dick Cavett). If you make listening and observation your occupation, you will gain much more than you can talk (Robert Baden-Power). Believe you me, life was simpler and lovely then than it is today. Some of our mothers were betrothed to our fathers when they were born yet they accepted those choices as they grew up knowing very well that decisions emanating from the elderly especially their parents was wisdom. Same cannot be said about our generation of today. The youth are quick to say I know my right, we are quick to make all sort of logical and theoretical analysis to support anything we intend doing whether good or bad forgetting the old adage that says that what the elderly sees whiles sitting, the tallest child cannot see whiles at the apex of the tallest tree. Things are even worse as most of us claim to be lovers of God thus read the Bible, Quran and other religious literature. We misinterpret quotations from the bible for instance as a basis to ignore some of the good councils the elderly in society gives us. For instance we are told to abstain from kissing when in a relationship yet one will be quick to quote any of the below quotations: Rom 16:16 salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. 1Co 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. 2Co 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss. 1Th 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. As interesting as it look, some will be quick not to talk about the holiness of the kiss and will conclude that the good books endorses kissing thus can be practiced without incurring the wrath of God. The major difference between the youth of today and the old or elderly is that whereas young men speak with so much idealism, the old speak with so much experience. You will easily hear a young man say after SHS Ill go to KNUST, study law, then go to the US, study international law do other things, marry a tall, slim, fair and rich lady who can speak very good English and is from Bolga, among others. But when an elderly person hears this, he simply laughs and says young man relax, life is not as easy as we see it. All the truck pushers, drug addicts, unemployed, etc we see day in and out at a point probably painted more colorful lives they wanted to live in the near future but the question is what went wrong?. As young as we are we are too idealistic with so much theoretical thinking that we think all that the theories we learn at school says is the ultimate. On the contrary, the elderly after studying all the theories and marrying them with experience have a better and brighter view about life thus we should be quick to listen to them irrespective of our educational laurels. William Shakespeare said give everyman your ear, but few thy voice. Take each mans censure, but reserve thy judgement. This is one of the difficult things we the youth of today are able to do. Remember God gave us two ears and one mouth so we can hear twice as much as we say. Every person I work with knows something better than me. My job is to listen long enough to find it and use it (Jack Nichols). Proverbs 2:2 So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding. All the above quotations points out the importance of inclining onces ear to wisdom. This means we as young people with all the zeal and enthusiasm to do exploits must be quick to listern to the council of especially the elderly even in situations where we disagree with their council. A good listener tries to understand what the other person is saying. In the end he may disagree, he wants to know exactly what it is he is disagreeing with (Kenneth A. Wells). Though we may disagree with some of the old and maybe outmoded views that may emanate from the elderly in society, lets give them a second thought and apply some objectivity in our quest to pass judgment. King Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun. Everything has been said before, but since nobody listens we have to keep going back and beginning all over again (Andre Gide). All that we need as youth to succeed is right with us, if only we can eschew pride and our unwillingness to listen and learn new things we will be making the most out of the stock of knowledge others have. The youth of today want to be heard but not ready to listen to others especially those who have used the road we are moving on. To listen well is as powerful a means of influence as to talk well, and is as essential to all true conversation (Chinese proverb). The few who listen end up doing their own thing. You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time (M Scott Peck). When you listen to wisdom, endeavor to act accordingly as it is more costly not listen than to listen and act accordingly. Infect you pay nothing for listening to the elderly who are always ready to council and impart knowledge. A young man went to the hospital to be circumcised, he met with the doctor and accidentally said he wanted to be castrated. The doctor asked him if he was serious and knew what he was talking about? This young man became furious and rained all sorts of insults at the doctor saying he did not know anything about customer relations and threatened to report him to his superiors. The doctor was not given the opportunity to explain to the boy what he was requesting for. He therefore pulled out an agreement form which they both signed then he carried out the operation on the young boy. Guess what! After two weeks, the young boy returned to the doctor to dress his sore when he overheard someone saying she wanted to circumcise her newly born baby. There and then the young man remembered and told the doctor I actually wanted to be circumcised and not castrated as I said. Fellows, some mistakes are irreversible, lets therefore endeavor to listen as it is more expensive not to listen. To me average people learn from their experience whiles smart people learn from others; you dont have to take poison to know it kills. When you talk you repeat what you already know; when you listen you listen you often learn something (Jared Sparks). Lets therefore as youth be quick to listen and slow to speak. Avaala Philemon Ndoliyine Studied BSC Planning at UDS (2012-2016) Teaching Assistant Faculty of Planning and Management UDS-Wa 0209667003/0209667003 Harcha (Libya) (AFP) - The bodies of 74 migrants who drowned in the Mediterranean trying to reach Europe have washed up on a beach west of the Libyan capital, the Red Crescent said Tuesday. Residents of the village of Harcha, outside Zawiya, 45 kilometres (30 miles) from Tripoli, alerted the emergency services after finding a wrecked boat on the beach with bodies inside, the Red Crescent said. More were discovered elsewhere on the beach and still more were feared to be in the sea. A long row of black and white body bags was seen lined up near the water's edge. "We don't have an appropriate vehicle to transport the bodies or a cemetery for unidentified bodies to bury them in," the group said. "Some bodies are still on the beach and others that we can't reach are still floating in the water." The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the boat was reported to have foundered on Sunday, leaving as many as 100 people dead. "Traffickers reportedly stole the engine and left it to drift," the agency said. "A survivor, reportedly in a coma, was transferred to hospital." The agency said that if confirmed, the deaths would bring the total number of migrants killed trying to cross the Mediterranean so far this year to more than 365. It said that 187 migrants were rescued off Zawiya on Saturday, and were currently being held in a detention centre. The tragedy is believed to be the worst since around 180 people were estimated to have died on January 14 when a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Libya. Since then, hundreds of people have been plucked from the waters north of the African nation, including 700 on January 30 alone off the western city of Sabratha. 'What price #humanity?' On Tuesday Italy's coast guard said it rescued around another 630 migrants off the coast of Libya from two drifting vessels, a large boat and a rubber raft. "74 bodies on a Libyan shore. Each testament to #indifference, a tragedy, entirely preventable. What price #humanity?" tweeted Elhadj As Sy, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Most migrant departures take place from the west of Libya, usually heading for Italy 300 kilometres (190 miles) away across the Mediterranean The IOM said migrant arrivals in Italy had risen sharply this year compared with the same period of 2016. As of Sunday, 10,120 had arrived compared with 6,589 between January 1 and February 18 last year. People smugglers have taken advantage of the chaos gripping Libya since the 2011 revolution to greatly boost their lucrative trade. Most departures take place from the west of Libya, usually heading for Italy 300 kilometres (190 miles) away across the Mediterranean. Europeans are considering measures aimed at blocking the arrival of thousands of migrants, alarming NGOs which fear that those stranded in Libya may suffer mistreatment. In the absence of an army or a regular police force in Libya, several militias act as coastguards but are often accused themselves of complicity or even involvement in the people-smuggling business. Illegal migrants receive food during a visit of the UN envoy to Libya at a detention centre in the Libyan capital tripoli on February 21, 2017 UN Libya envoy Martin Kobler visited a migrants' camp in Tripoli on Tuesday, and said he would be discussing their voluntary repatriation with the authorities. "They do not have enough food. They have really a serious situation here and it's very important to solve their humanitarian problem," he said. "If they want to return they must be given the chance to return." According to the United Nations, more than 5,000 people died last year in attempts to cross the Mediterranean and reach Europe, most of them after embarking from the Libyan coast after paying people smugglers. This was the highest annual toll on record. Unlike previous years, winter has not brought an end to the migrant arrivals, just a reduction in the numbers. By Press Trust of India: Hyderabad, Feb 21 (PTI) Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana E S L Narasimhan today emphasised the need to provide quality education from school-level onward and rued thousands of graduates are coming out of colleges every year with "zero skills". Speaking after inaugurating TalentSprint?s `SmartCampus here, he said the education sector is not producing the desired results and needs to be restructured. advertisement Students coming out of colleges are turning into machines instead of human beings, an official release quoted the Governor as saying at the event. He lamented engineering graduates are unable face interviews due to lack of desired skills. "Thousands of graduates are coming out of colleges every year with zero skills." Narasimhan said, "Today what we require is skill development. I would also like to appeal that this is the time for all of us to sit down and think what is wrong with our education system. "Something has gone wrong with our education system, the capacity to think, innovate, ask questions or the intuitive system has collapsed, our educational system has just become a mechanical process, thats where the skill talent will provide a platform which will take us forward." He felt that with increasing digitisation in all aspects of life, memory power is decreasing in students, forcing them to rely more on virtual world. He said changes are necessary in methods of teaching to ensure students are fully equipped with required skills and are ready to face the real time world. "It is time for Government to reinvent education and there is no purpose in opening IITs, IIMs all over the place unless I have the right quality of faculty and right quality of education," the Governor added. PTI VVK RSY --- ENDS --- Frank Danyansah, Chief Executive Officer of Danywise Estate and Construction, has indicated that the cost of the official vice presidential residence was enough to provide 600 housing units for the country. He said the actual contract sum $13,900 as revealed by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia with its cedi equivalent being GH55,600,000.00, could put up about 600 three-bedroom apartments. The construction expert revealed this in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, following the veep's revelation. The amount above can give this country about 600 units of three-bedroom houses which can be given to civil servants or public sector workers, teachers, nurses, police, across the 216 districts. It can help reduce our housing deficit. It could be used to build affordable houses for our numerous head porters found on the streets or even health facilities across the various districts, Mr Frank Danyansah said. He said Ghana's housing deficit stood at 1.7 million units, and was projected to escalate to 2 million by 2018. This means the government would have to build 190,000 to 200,000 units each year for the next decade to close the gap. Mr Danyansah expressed misgivings about the report, The revelation below shows clearly how misplaced our priorities are. He called for a probe and further downward review of the project and its associated costs, with a request for immediate scrutiny as he believed justice had not been done on the public purse. He told the GNA that the document from the Architectural and Engineering Services Limited (AESL) confirmed the $13.9 million figure quoted by Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia as the actual figure for the project. The document indicates that a total of $8,179,138.95 dollars has been spent already on the project, with an outstanding amount of $5,789,113.71 left to be paid for the completion of the project, he recalled. He said per the document, the total cost of the project was $13,968,252.66, covering the cost of stone facing works, hard wood panel doors, external electrification works, sculpture and emblems. Mr Frank Danyansah claimed he understood, upon further review of the document, that when minds are set to create, loot and share, there is always oversight, mostly at stating the Provisional Sums. He said the cost of electrical installations, air conditioning, mechanical installations and swimming pool, as indicated by the document, was $4,050,000, which was higher than the super structure ground, first and second floors, which was $3,800,000 dollars. Bright Simons, an official of IMANI Ghana, a political think-tank, attributed the inflation to lack of transparency. The disciplinary committee of the Lower Manya Constituency branch of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has reportedly suspended Michael Teye Nyaunu, the former Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, and three others from the party. DAILY GUIDE gathered that the committees chairman, Christian Azu, took the decision but had not yet communicated it to them at the time of filing this story. According to the committee, a letter was written to the constituency executives that the party members should not attend any meeting organised by Teye Nyaunu and the other suspended members in the persons of the former MCE of the area, Isaac Tetteh Agbo; Korletey Samuel, the constituency organiser and Alex Konotey, the vice chair for the constituency. They are believed to be instigating the branches of the party against the constituency executives on polling agents' money allegedly squandered by some constituency executives during the 2016 elections, according to a section of party members. DAILY GUIDE learnt that the suspension followed the decision by the concerned branch executives of the party to lock up the constituency's office at Nuaso Korlenya on Saturday, February 11, 2016. Atsu Culture, the spokesperson for the group, told DAILY GUIDE that the action was in response to the failure of the national and the regional executives to act on their request for some constituency executives to be suspended. He alleged that the executives pocketed part of monies belonging to polling agents and prompters during the last elections, paying them only GH$100 out of the budgeted GH$200. According to him, even after the partys national chairman, Kofi Portuphy, had intervened and ordered the sitting MP, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, to pay the polling agents within two weeks, the MP still refused to make the payment. The group intimated that its action was necessitated by certain misconduct of the leaders which led to the partys poor performance in the December 2016 polls. By press time, DAILY GUIDE's attempts to speak to Mr Michael Teye Nyaunu on his alleged suspension had proved futile. From Daniel Bampoe, Lower Manya The youth of Nzema in the Western Region have strongly condemned some paramount chiefs who they claim, have introduced tribalism into the appointment of chief executive officer (CEO) of the Ghana Gas Company located at Atuabo in the region. The chiefs are said to be calling for an Nzema person to be appointed for the topmost job. It would be recalled that Awulae Agyefi Kwame and Awulae Agamatu Agyan, paramount chiefs of Nsein and Bamiankor Traditional Areas respectively during a press conference last Saturday, kicked against the president's decision to appoint Dr. Ben Asante as the caretaker CEO of the company. The chiefs, who claimed they represented the rest of the five paramount chiefs of the Nzema Manle Council, rather preferred one Professor Sagary Nokoe. According to the chiefs, Prof Nokoe is an Nzema who understands the socio-cultural, economic, security, political and environmental dynamics of the terrain of the Nzemas and so was fit to be considered for the job. However, the youth of the area have indicated that the views expressed by the two chiefs did not reflect the views and aspirations of the peace-loving people of Nzema. The Nzema youth have indicated that the path taken by the two chiefs was dangerous for the unity of the nation. They have therefore called on all well-meaning Ghanaians and civil society groups to join in condemning the purported tribal and ethnocentric statements by their respected chiefs. If the Ashanti Kingdom were also to decide that all jobs in the Ashanti Region should be offered to only Ashantis or the Greater Accra chiefs also were to rise and make similar statements, would Ghana be united? they quizzed. Addressing a press conference at Axim in reaction to the chiefs' statement, Theophilus Musa, President of the Nzema Youth, noted that there are seven paramount chiefs in the Nzema enclave, and that five of them were not part of the press conference on Saturday and that they were in total disagreement with the suggestion by the two chiefs. He indicated that Ghana Gas is not the preserve of Nzema people but all Ghanaians, stressing that the alleged ploy by some few individuals to purportedly scuttle the success of the NPP government in Nzemaland would fail. We the youth and the entire people of Nzema fully support the appointment of Dr Ben Asante as the CEO of Ghana Gas because he is qualified, experienced and better suited for the job, he pointed out. He continued, The Nzema youth do not wish to denigrate Professor Sagary Nokoe, the Nzema whose name was mentioned by the chiefs for the top job at Ghana Gas, but we think the retired professor wanted to use the two chiefs to coerce the president to give him the job. From Emmanuel Opoku, Axim THE ASHANTI Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, has vehemently debunked rumours making the rounds that he has threatened to ban head porters from operating in Kumasi. He stated that there is no iota of truth in the wild allegation therefore the Kumasi head porters also known as 'Kayayei,' should not feel threatened. According to him, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has plans of making life better and comfortable for head porters so they should not panic. It was mentioned during the minister's vetting that he had said he would not allow the youth from the Northern Regions to migrate to Kumasi to work as head porters. The statement is said to have sparked tension and anxiety among hundreds of kayayei who ply their trade in the Ashanti Regional capital. Tension is also said to be mounting on one Adiza Zongo Pioneer, President of the Head Porters' Association and staunch member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). They are said to have blamed Adiza Zongo Pioneer who convinced most of them to vote for the NPP to improve their lives. Mr Osei Mensah, setting the records straight, said he only called for massive support for the NPP's 'One District, One Factory' campaign promise. He explained that constructing factories in the districts would help provide jobs and prevent the youth from migrating to other areas in search of jobs. The Ashanti Regional Minister expressed concern about the dangers that the youth expose their lives to whilst migrating to other areas for unavailable jobs. Speaking on Hello fm in Kumasi, he stated that he did not say anything like preventing the head porters from working in the region when he was being vetted. Osei Mensah also said he would work tirelessly and seek the support of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu and Nananom to rebrand the Asante culture. FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi 21.02.2017 LISTEN The High Court - Human Rights Division - has ordered former Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to render an apology to two Multimedia journalists. The court, presided over by Justice Anthony K. Yeboah found the AMA under Alfred Oko Vanderpuije and police unlawfully interfered with and violated the rights of Solomon Joojo Cobbinah, Festus Jackson Davies and a driver of the company Felix Akunor to do their constitutionally guaranteed duties as journalists. The former mayor, the AMA and the IGP were jointly sued in 2015 for attempting to arrest the reporters and arresting and detaining the driver for filming the aftermath of the demolition of Mensa Guinea in September 2014. The AMA flattened mostly wooden structures that served as homes to some three hundred inhabitants of Mensa Guinea located behind the Arts Centre near the sea. The victims complained of unfair treatment accusing Mr Vanderpuije of dangerously exposing women and children to the vagaries of the weather especially the cold sea waves while the girls were exposed to rape among other criminal and anti-social acts. Mr Vanderpuije called police on the reporters who were filming the homeless nightlife of the victims after the demolition, accusing them of fabricating a story to embarrass and cause disaffection for government. But the court held that "there was no legal or objectively reasonable justification for the suspicion that the reporters were committing an offence or were attempting to do so." It declared that Mr Vanderpuije and his collaborator's action was a "wrongful and unlawful...interference with the reporters' right to personal liberty, freedom of expression, right to information and right to enjoyment of the independence of the media." It has, therefore, ordered the incumbent Coordinating Director of the AMA and the IGP to render separate apologies to the reporters within seven days and have their apologies published in the Daily Graphic newspaper to be given "special prominence." The court awarded a cost of GHC5000 saying the apology, like a rejoinder, should take the place of damages. Lawyer for the reporters, Samson Lardy Anyenini, says the judge was thorough and clear with his judgment and that this was yet another victory against abuse of journalists coming in the wake a similar recent emphatic judicial vindication of responsible journalism in the Afia Pokua case against the NHIS. Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com Josephine Agbeko addressing the press. With her are executives of EBAFOSA Ghana is set to launch its version of the all-inclusive pan-African framework on food security on March 3, this year. The Ecosystem Based Adaption for Food Security Assembly (EBAFOSA) established under the auspices of the United Nations Environmental Programme is launching the initiative in collaboration with the Ministries of Food and Agriculture and Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation. The event, according to EBAFOSA, will be held at the University of Ghana, and it is expected to bring together key stakeholders in all areas public and private, to collaborate in developing and implementing policy solutions to upscale Ecosystem Based Adaptation driven agriculture and its value chain improvements toward ensuring sustainable inclusive growth in Ghana. Communications Director at EBAFOSA Ghana, Josephine Agbeko, who addressed journalists at the Accra International Press Centre on Monday, explained that the pan-African framework promotes volunteerism in the agricultural sector with the aim of ensuring food security for citizens across Africa. We recognize the potential of the increasing the number of youth and their capacity to transform our country through innovative volunteerism and entrepreneurship if we develop a less bureaucratic environment for them and integrate private sector support and investment to startups and innovative SMEs, she said. Ms. Agbeko said that climate change has negatively affected the Ghanaian economy through agriculture. According to her, It is time to make this known to everyone. It is now becoming very common to find almost everyone complaining about the hotness in temperature, especially in Accra. About EBAFOSA EBAFOSA-Ghana is the Ghanaian chapter of the all-inclusive pan African policy framework and platform. It seeks to tackle food insecurity, climate change adaptation and mitigation, ecosystems degradation and poverty in Ghana. By Melvin Tarlue The Human Rights Advocacy Centre (HRAC) has noted with great unease, a video circulating on the media where a lady suspected to have stolen GHS 1,100 on Friday was stripped naked, beaten, and paraded barefooted on the streets of Kejetia by a crowd of men. These men forced open her legs to take pictures and videos of her vagina, while others inserted their toes into her reproductive organ, flogging her on the buttocks and her plea for mercy was not heard. She was stripped of all her clothes with the exception of her red bra and felt too weak to defend herself so she laid helpless on the street. HRAC condemns this act and finds it debasing, dehumanizing and in utmost violation of the right of the victim enshrined under Article 15 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana. Article 15 provides: (1) The dignity of all persons shall be inviolable. (2) No person shall, whether or not he is arrested, restricted or detained be subjected to (a) torture or other cruel inhumane or degrading treatment or punishment. (b) any other condition that detracts or is likely to detract from dignity and worth as a human being. The criminal offences Act, 1960 (Act 29) also states under section 84, that whoever unlawfully assaults any person is guilty of misdemeanor. This case falls on all fours with the provisions under section 86 of Act 29 which defines the scope of assault and battery. The perpetrators of these heinous acts should be punished in order to deter others from repeating or even contemplating on repeating such violent acts. The Human Rights Advocacy Centre therefore urges the police, the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and other stakeholders to expedite action on getting justice for the victim. HRAC will also take all the necessary steps to ensure that the right of the victim is enforced and ensure that justice is duly served. Human Rights Advocacy Centre Osu, Ako-Adjei. Accra 0302768733 Abidjan (AFP) - The trial opened Tuesday in Ivory Coast of 10 men, mainly soldiers, accused of kidnapping and killing four men from the Novotel hotel in Abidjan in April 2011. "All the defendants are present," the presiding judge Mourlaye Cissoko announced. "They all have a lawyer." The case is expected to shed light on the abduction and murder of the hotel's manager, along with the head of Ivory Coast's largest agro-industrial group and two other businessmen in an unexplained crime, while bloodshed raged in Abidjan between rival political factions. The defendants include General Brunot Dogbo Ble, who was commander of the Republican Guard in the service of Laurent Gbagbo, a former president who refused to step down after losing a November 2010 election to Alassane Ouattara and who clung to power by force. Gbagbo is himself on trial before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, charged with crimes against humanity during more than four months of conflict in Abidjan that claimed about 3,000 lives. At night on April 4, 2011, armed men burst into the Novotel hotel in a part of the economic capital under the control of Gbagbo's forces and snatched the French manager, Stephane Frantz di Rippel. They also kidnapped Yves Lambelin, the French chairman of Ivory Coast's largest private firm, Sifca, his Beninese assistant Raoul Adeossi and a Malaysian, Chelliah Pandian, who ran a Sifca subsidiary, Sania. According to the new Ouattara regime, which was installed once Gbagbo was arrested on April 11, the hit squad took their victims to the presidential palace, where they were tortured and eventually killed. Two corpses were found at the end of May in Abidjan's lagoon, but the only body that could be formally identified was Lambelin's. Five of the men facing trial, including Dogbo Ble, are charged with abduction and murder, while the others are accused of kidnapping and/or making the bodies disappear, supposedly in black plastic bags used to cover bananas. The trial was meant to start last November, but put off at the last moment until January 31, when it was again postponed because half of the accused were not in court. The delay aroused anger from defence lawyers and civil parties in the case, who want to find out why the victims died and how far up the chain of command the order was issued. Sorry, we can't find the content you're looking for at this URL. 21.02.2017 LISTEN Citi FM's Eyewitness News Anchor and Parliamentary Correspondent, Richard Sky, is in the United States of America as one of the guests currently visiting the US State Department. Mr. Sky, who left Accra on Saturday for Washington DC, was invited to be part of the highly reputable International Visitors Leadership Program (IVLP), which will take him to at least five different federal states in the world's most powerful nation. The State Department, through the US Embassy in Accra, selected Mr. Sky who is known in Ghana for his consistent advocacy and open insistence on full-time transparency and accountability in public office to be part of the 14 participants, attending the programme from Africa. As one of two youthful Ghanaians attending this year's programme, Mr. Sky, who works as Editor for Features and Current Affairs at Accra-based Citi FM, calls his invitation by the US Government a rare honour to learn in and about a democratic system that works. People's National Convention (PNC), General Secretary, Atik Mohammed, is the second participant attending this year's IVLP from Ghana. The program starts in Washington DC, and ends three weeks later at Miami in the State of Florida. About the program The website of the US Embassy in Accra describes the IVLP as an extremely popular and competitive program which enhances understanding of the United States among current and future opinion leaders and policymakers. Officials say the IVLP draws more than 4,400 visitors annually, including some twenty Ghanaians. Since its inception, 260 Ghanaians have participated, some in individual programs and others in single-country, regional, or multi-regional group projects, says the website of the US Embassy in Accra. The theme for this year's programme is Emerging Leaders: Newly Elected Officials. It is scheduled for February 21 March 10, 2017. The programme will examine prevailing political, economic, and social issues at the federal, state, and local levels in the U.S. Taking place a month after the US Presidential inauguration, which saw peaceful transfer of power from the Obama Administration to the Trump Administration, the project will provide participants with insight into the historic and legal foundations of U.S. policy and democracy. Mr. Sky will not be reporting on events and proceedings during the programme since the rules of the IVLP dont allow same. However, he hopes to bring his new experiences to bear on his line of work and to impact colleague journalists he works with. Sky speaks on experience at the program On the phone from Washington DC, Mr. Sky spoke in excitement about the positive future he hopes to over time see in Africa after the programme. The lessons I hope to learn during the IVLP will be enormous. The profound impact I expect those lessons to make on me and on my country will in the end, be transformational, Mr. Sky said. He added: I'll say we are here to see and learn about what makes America a nation so diverse and yet so integrated and fit for purpose work seamlessly, and to study about the robust engines that keep the train of a working democracy running unobstructed in this vast country. Those of us here are fortunate in many respects, he said. If we truly deploy the full strength of the lessons we pick up here after returning home, with a focus on helping build a continent that works for all citizens, and not a privileged few, we can in our own little ways, and together with other progressive minds in this generation and the next be a tiny but compelling force of change in making our countries worthy of their names in the fullness of time. Through the lessons we learn here, he said, we can represent a glow of hope for a despondent generation facing an uncertain future on a continent blessed with so much natural and human resources, but tragically plagued with unimaginable poverty, squalor and disease. I believe the paradox of Africa can be fixed in our lifetime, and there can be no greater human satisfaction than playing our part in making this happen. Humans, and indeed patriots, built and continue to build the United States of America through unbelievable sacrifices that have changed the world, said the Eyewitness News Anchor. We have many of such patriots in plentiful supply in Africa, but it is the leadership at many levels that is tragically failing. Armed with the lessons we are absorbing here in the US, we can in our own little ways, help the patriots back home build the Africa we love all into an enduring and functional empire capable of attracting deserving respect from her citizens and of other nations and continents. During the three-week program, participants will keenly observe crucial characteristics of American social, economic, political, cultural and educational institutions and practices through meetings, workshops, seminars, site visits, and home hospitality. Also, participants will visit historic sites and attractive areas as well as attend remarkable cultural events in the US. The pluralistic nature of the U.S. will be explored through the diversity of opinions and policy at all levels of the political system on key issues such as immigration, regional economic challenges, human and civil rights, law enforcement, climate change and energy, said an official email inviting Mr. Sky to the United States. These viewpoints will include government officials and agencies, NGOs, academia, and the media, it added. Richard Skys brief background Mr. Sky, son of Esther Dzaka, a petty trader based in Adafienu in the Volta Region of Ghana, describes himself on twitter as a servant of Ghana, Africa and the world. From his humble beginnings as head porter at Denu, district Capital of the Ketu South Municipal Assembly, Mr. Sky has risen to be counted today among the top ranks of Ghana's media elite in the broadcasting spectrum. Previously a staff of The Statesman Newspaper in Accra, Mr. Sky officially joined Citi FM in January 2006 as a reporter, and climbed up the ladder to become host of the station's flagship Eyewitness News program, which is a market leader in its segment. Mr. Sky will be away for three weeks. In his absence, former Eyewitness News Hostess, Shamima Muslim Alhassan, another respected broadcaster, returns as care-taker anchor of the show until the second week of March. By: citifmonline.com/Ghana By Press Trust of India: Hyderabad, Feb 21 (PTI) Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana E S L Narasimhan today emphasised the need to provide quality education from school-level onward and rued thousands of graduates are coming out of colleges every year with "zero skills". Speaking after inaugurating TalentSprint?s `SmartCampus here, he said the education sector is not producing the desired results and needs to be restructured. advertisement Students coming out of colleges are turning into machines instead of human beings, an official release quoted the Governor as saying at the event. He lamented engineering graduates are unable face interviews due to lack of desired skills. "Thousands of graduates are coming out of colleges every year with zero skills." Narasimhan said, "Today what we require is skill development. I would also like to appeal that this is the time for all of us to sit down and think what is wrong with our education system. "Something has gone wrong with our education system, the capacity to think, innovate, ask questions or the intuitive system has collapsed, our educational system has just become a mechanical process, thats where the skill talent will provide a platform which will take us forward." He felt that with increasing digitisation in all aspects of life, memory power is decreasing in students, forcing them to rely more on virtual world. He said changes are necessary in methods of teaching to ensure students are fully equipped with required skills and are ready to face the real time world. "It is time for Government to reinvent education and there is no purpose in opening IITs, IIMs all over the place unless I have the right quality of faculty and right quality of education," the Governor added. PTI VVK RSY PTP --- ENDS --- The 2017 first Social Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (SPEFA) Forum for the Ga East Municipal Assembly has been held at Haatso with participants rating the assemblys service delivery as below average. The SPEFA forum, an educative public meeting took an innovative twist to get the citizens to experiment with critical tools in engaging duty bearers on issues that affected them. The Community Score Card was used to assess the service delivery indicators, and rating score of 1 to 5 with 1 being poor, 2-not so good, 3-average, 4-good and 5-Excellent and reasons for the score was administered. Overall, service delivery was below average, ranging from a score of (1.4 to 2.8. District Average). The only service (Ease of obtaining Business Operating Permit) crossed the district average score with 3.2. The lowest score 1.4 was ease of obtaining building permit followed by 1.6 for access to good road and drainage. In relation to the electoral areas, Abokobi scored excellent for accessibility and quality of water. Haatso and Dome scored good whiles Atomic scored average and good for accessibility and quality respectively. Persons living with Disability also scored average for water related indicators. However, Agbogba, Taifa, Kwabenya and Musuko scored poor for accessibility and quality of water. Of the four, only Musuko scored average for quality of water. Of all the 11 indicators, Agbogba scored poor for all except ease of obtaining business permit and education on local governance which had a score of not so good and average respectively. Again, computing the average scores per electoral area, Dome had 2.7, Haatso had 2.9, Atomic had 3, Agbogba had 1.2, Taifa had 2.1, Kwabenya had 2, Musuko had 2.1 and Abokobi had 1.9. Persons with disability in Abokobi also averaged 3.3. From the above, it can be deduced that Atomic electoral area is the well served whilst Agbobga is the least served in terms of services. Majority out of the 94 participants opined that even though they expected the Assembly to provide good services, they had a pivotal role in ensuring that services were actually provided. Thus paying rates, acting as watch dogs to safe guard state property and liaising with assembly members and unit committee members to ensure that development reflects the will of the people. The Acting Executive Director of African Development Programme (ADP), Mr Charles Othniel Abbey noted that the Community Score Card (CSC), aims at strengthening citizens voice by creating a channel for direct feedback about a public services between service providers and service users. He also stressed that the process can also lead to quick and tangible results in terms of service delivery improvements, enhances community empowerment and helps build a trustful relationship between service users and providers. Mr Abbey hinted this exercise is one of the best to track development in the future so we intend to conduct same by the end of the year, hopefully the 4th quarter to see how services have improved overtime. We will also share the finding and reasons for the score with the office of the assembly for them to have a clear feedback from the citizens on the services they are providing The event was held at Haatso Church of Pentecost and tagged Making Districts Effectively Work For Citizens-The Community Score Card It is the first of four events to be held in 2017 with additional two town hall meetings as engagement platforms. The SPEFA program is also a third component of the Local Government Capacity Support Project (LGCSP) with funding from the World Bank. It is coordinated by the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) in 46 Metropolitan and Municipal assemblies in Ghana The indicators used were: Responsiveness of assembly staff to the needs of citizens, Access to information.eg MTDP, AAP, budget. Waste Management-Regularity of Service Provider and Customer Relations of Service Provider, Access to good road and drainage in your locality, Responsiveness of public health workers in the district, Accessibility of Water, Quality of Water, Ease of obtaining Building Permit, Ease of obtaining Business Operating Permit and Assembly Education of community on local governance. Img-20170220-wa0006 On UN's International Mother Language Day (IMLD) it is pertinent and appropriate to note and accept that the mother tongue/language of our dear motherland Ghana, incontrovertibly, is AKAN/TWI. There are over forty dialects in Ghana used by the various ethnic groups making up the nation Ghana with Asante, Akuapem, and Fanti, taking about 60%. It is noteworthy that before the birth of Ghana the Gold Coast these divisions existed in some coalition of sorts. Ghana that united these traditional divisions properly and was born on March 6, 1957 was heralded by the founder Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah. The mother tongue/language of Ghana is what the founder used to declare our independence. HE SPOKE TWI/AKAN despite the fact that he hailed from Nzima and declared it on Ga-inhabited area for our capital city and knew of the various ethnic groups! What else in addition to my various articles on this topic are you waiting to convince you? Like ICT, you may ignore Akan/Twi to your own disadvantage in future. A word to the wise is enough, the saying goes. It is ENGLISH or AKAN/TWI or both for Ghana. The choice is yours! I ask you to be citizens: citizens, not spectators; citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens building your communities and our nation. Let us work until the work is done (George Bush, 2001). AKUFO-ADDO A SPECTATOR, NOT A CITIZEN Clearly the target of Akufo-Addos plagiarized inaugural speech was the Ghanaian, supposedly an audiential referent very much in tune with the swearing-in hoopla. Sort of an expectant maiden speech nonetheless, but one deeply marinated in or tinged with the sweltering heat of international ignominy. And thus, Akufo-Addo presented his speech as though he was totally outside the collective experience of the social contract he had had to go into under no ostentatious compulsion, a tacit and overt agreement with his audiential referent on that momentous occasion. Like the political paedomorphosis which he has sometimes represented in the Ghanaian body politic, Akufo-Addo spoke not unlike an exceedingly spoilt potentate or doted-upon brat. The rhetorical semblance of his outside experience stems from the simple fact that he was not and arguably still notthe originator of the line attributable to George Bush. A speech given as if he was in the grip of astral projection. That detachment, that out-of-body experience, was, and still is, a telling indictment on the intellectual personality of Akufo-Addo, of the nation at large. And it shall remain indelibly so on the emotional graveyard of his political epitaphso long as the public memory stays alive no matter what. Still, the philosophical profundity of this Bush-esque line and its intellectual appeal to the human mind are not in question. What is rather in question is Akufo-Addos detached cemeterial silence over the politically motivated hooliganism, vigilantism, and vandalism of the Invisible Forces, a criminal organization, as well as of the so-called State Asset Retrieval Committee, or Assets Recovery Task Force. In one moment Akufo-Addo is telling a Ghana-based Diplomatic Corps that he will make Ghana a hub of social, political and legal justicethe Mecca of the rule of law in Africa. The next moment his elitist, detached silence signals tacit endorsement of the gate-crashing tendencies of the Invisible Forces, a militia attached to, or a military wing of, the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Thus he remains imprisoned in this paralyzing paradox of political inaction, from which it is also becoming abundantly clear that no tenable route exists for his escape, in this case lending credence to a popular opinion in some quarters that he is, after all, behind this blatant, articulate circumvention of due process by members of the Invisible Forces who have gone on a nation-wide rampage under the pretext of retrieving state properties. Akufo-Addo has thus become a spectator, not a citizen. The man is in a full denial mode! This view however contradicts the moral and hopeful subtext of his inaugural speech, a speech made of stolen parts. Akufo-Addo is playing the ostrich while his militant hyenas have gone on a rampage feeding on the blood-soaked carcasses of due process. And this man is supposedly a human rights lawyer, supposedly one of the nations finest lawyers, supposedly one of the key architects of Kumi Preko. On the one hand, Akufo-Addos detached silence constitutes a natural antithesis of citizenship. On the other hand, he makes it look as though citizenship does not require active participation in the political process and nation-building. There exists no workable synergy among citizenship, collective responsibility and active participation in the political process insofar far as his failure to rein in members of the Invisible Forces is concerned. This lack of operational synergy in our political duopoly is bound to turn the Flagstaff House into a den of political criminals and subverters of the rule of law. And, this, unfortunately, is the trend. Or rather the case. Now, lets refresh our memories with how Bush defined citizen for Akufo-Addo: Citizens, not subjects; responsible citizens building your communities and our nation. What we are therefore getting from Akufo-Addos behavior is that those whom the Invisible Forces are hounding tend to be the subjects in his political calculations, while members of the Invisible Forces and his sycophantic political playmates are citizens. Akufo-Addo is therefore denying his subjects due process in a court of competent jurisdiction. This is actually what is done to Black America in many a sad, regrettable situation. In other words, these subjects are treated without the benefit of due process under what Akufo-Addo calls the rule of law, the same manner African Americans are subjected to racial profiling by some in White America who do not see their African-American brothers and sisters as citizens in the American experiment Eugene Arhin, the man who reportedly took the heat for the plagiarized speech without knowing he will ever be caught and accordingly apologized for it, completely ignored the historical and contemporary context of race relations in America as far as the text of the Bush-esque speech goes. The notoriety of Akufo-Addos plagiarized speech, either advertently or inadvertently transplanted this controversial context onto the Ghanaian political and moral landscape. A rather direct or indirect corollary of this working hypothesis is that it somehow evokes a striking parallel context between Akufo-Addos Akan exceptionalism and his misguided take on the question of the presumed primacy of the Akan, who, again, in his warped opinion, is naturally endowed to fill the headship of political governance to the absolute exclusion of members of other ethnic groups, a dangerous political statement reflected in his Yen-Akanfuo nonsense as well as in those genocidal comments from Yaw Osafo-Marfo and Kennedy Agyapong. Leaders like Akufo-Addo should not forget that our unitary nation-state, Ghana, was founded on the progressive principles of social inclusion, ethnic and racial equality, gender equity and equality, social justice, economic prosperity for all, and so on. We cannot afford to underestimate the potential of these social-political variables to make and unmake the political character and integrity of the Ghanaian body politic. It is, therefore, not strange that the social inclusion of all ethnic groups in the national enterprise constitutes the overwhelming motif of our philosophical world, our moral algorithm for a progressive national narrative. Yet, while we may not have chalked or recorded sterling, inviolate achievements and successes in each of these categories, there is no excuse whatsoever for us not to be hopeful that asymptotic approximations of these measurable though burdensome categories of social indicators are far from practical realization. Realizing these noble goals however boils down to citizenship, social justice, political morality, equity and fairness, and political action. As a matter of fact any concept of citizenship devoid of patriotism is meaningless, absolutely meaningless. Akufo-Addos plagiarized speech failed to establish this distinction. This uninspiring speech, in a way, disregards the social contract between the moral roles of citizenship and patriotic citizenship. In our opinion, his speech takes after Maradonas Hand of God in this regard. And oh, yes, Dear Reader, we will also settle on the honorific titular address cynical optimists or objective pessimists, however we deem fit. THE ROLE OF EDUCATION IN MENTAL COLONIALISM Free education is now the newly trumpeted panacea for all our myriad national problems. Of course, free education has become a homeopathic Midas touch under the new administration. This is an excellent idea nonetheless, but we also need to ask ourselves this simple question: What has become of the Unemployed Graduates Association of Ghana (UGAG)? Maybe this question is not even necessary after all. What is necessary then? We are referring to the kind of education that produces the corrupt and unpatriotic breed of ruling class we have in Ghana today. The kind of colonial education that, among other things, only leads to a Guggisberg-like learning economy which, in turn, churns out a desert-forest of unthinking spectators of the debilitating national dilemma. This colonial Guggisberg-like learning economy with its concomitant market economy breeds what Frantz Fanon called dependency complex. At the same time it is this Guggisberg-like learning economy of chew-and-pour or rote-pedagogy that has produced celebrated plagiarists like Eugene Arhin and Akufo-Addo. It is extremely to know that the latter has now come to terms with the idea of moving away from the Guggisberg economic model of dependency complex. We should make it clear that what we mean exactly by the Guggisberg-like learning economy has nothing to do with any specific institutional character, per se, but rather by the categorical lack or absence of authoritative independence and initiative which the African Academy is expected to enjoy. Our argument is that the African Academy is merely an appendage to external authority and approval. Our institutions of learning are so helplessly dependent on external research initiatives and findings, patronage and funding to such an extent that they are incapable of standing alone outside the approving authority of external chaperonage. This is not to attack or reject international efforts in the arena of research activities. Rather, more often than not some of these research collaborations do not necessarily or directly speak to the immediate resolution of our myriad of problems. This reinforces the notion of dependency complex. Yet we still have the models of the West and emerging economies to learn from. Rather, the kind of Freirean, Diopian and Nkrumahist education that says citizenship is a radical instrument of independent, confident mindedness, far departing from the kind of education that churns our men and women of first-order emotional buffoonery and spectatorial sychophancy. Certainly, too, not what Dr. Kofi Kissi Dompere calls irreducible ignorance and cognitive imbecility. At the moment Africa cannot boast of an independent mind because it has none. What we have is a mongrel or hybrid of the Eastern-Western mind. It appears we have drifted too far from African-centered critical pedagogy to make sense of our entrenched yet sorry mental colonialism, particularly in the Humanities/Liberal Arts/Social Sciences. What we need is a productive compromise between the best of the Western and Eastern models of development of against a backcloth of African-centered pedagogy. The African mind is in effect the property of East-West dichotomy, the African mind itself being remote-controlled by this bloodsucking dichotomy not in the interest of the African but of this dichotomy. Akufo-Addo is therefore right to make his free-education signature a strategic policy focus of developing the intellectual property of the mind. This should not be empty rhetoric as we have seen with almost all our political leaders, save the great Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a visionary and political powerhouse whose progressive ideals continue to shape events in Ghana, Africa and across the world. Still, we have to ask this question that has long been a staple on our minds: What kind of education makes reprobate thieves and political criminals out of an Honourable or His Excellency (H.E.) in Ghanaian politics? Day in, day out, we are finding it almost difficult, almost impossible, to ignore the fact that the colonial and unpatriotic education being fed to Ghanaians today make for a tantalizing moral equivalency between armed robbers and our politicians. Otherwise, what can sufficiently explain or account for the teeming idiots and buffoons we have in parliament, say, thieves and political criminals we respectfully address as Honourables? We have lost US$6 billion, and still counting, since we began exporting oil and yet, it is these idiotic, morally corrupt, and unpatriotic parliamentarians who chose to promote and adopt the Ghana Hybrid System (GHS) over Production Sharing Agreement (PSA). What sort of education breeds this kind of political criminals and thieves, the same kind of education that churns out lawyers and horse-wig-wearing judges who believe bribery, tubers of yam, goat meat, sex, massage and the like are superior to justice? Is this the kind of education that the reformed cynic himself, Akufo-Addo promises to sell to our fertile forest of impressionable minds free of charge? Akufo-Addo is that scheming, pomp billboard that preachifies virtue while practicing vice. He does not see the glaring moral contradictions between the All-Die-Be-Die hooliganism, vigilantism, and vandalism of his Invisible Forces and his public pronouncements on his supposed uncompromising beliefs in the rule of law and due process. The shady character is simply a stark status symbol of Orwellian hypocrisy. Now look at Yaw Osafo-Marfo, Akufo-Addos friend. Now also take a close look at Ken Ofori-Atta, Akufo-Addos friend and blood relations. Which of these two looks more like the Heritage Fund? Definitely the ethnocentric hegemonist Yaw Osafo-Marfo! FOOD FOR THOUGHT: SOME CRITICAL QUESTIONS Are the children who study under trees citizens or subjects? Were those six children who died in that avoidable deathtrap which some are calling classroom citizens? Are those children who are forced to study in KVIP-toilets citizens or subjects? Are nurses, teachers, national service personnel and other public servants who go months without pay citizens or subjects? Are our useless politicians who are always paid on time against the backdrop of humungous ex-gratia payments and awards citizens or subjects? How can those dead innocent children and loudmouth Kennedy Agyapong, perhaps Ghanas foremost political buffoon, share in the same citizenship of the same progressive unitary nation-state? How could Akufo-Addo have been part of the institutionalization of the Ghana Hybrid System? Does Akufo-Addos All-Die-Be-Die and Yen Akanfuo make him a citizen or subject? Does Kennedy Agyapongs reported genocidal pronouncement to the effect that Akans (Asantes) should massacre Gas and Ewes make him a citizen or subject? Does Montie 3s threat to kill and rape judges make them citizens or judges? Does Abdulai Naaba, Collins Daudas brothers statement that I kill people every day make him a citizen or subject? And, are our thieving political criminals, who are always on open display of material extravagance, also citizens or subjects? We shall return The General Secretary of the opposition National Democratic Congress Johnson Asiedu Nketia has jabbed President Akufo-Addo, describing his address to Parliament as a lecture. Akufo-Addo delivered his first State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, telling the peoples representatives the economy he inherited from John Mahama is in shambles. As at the beginning of 2009, Ghanas total debt stock was GH9.5 billion. By the end of 2016, the debt had ballooned to GH122 billion Ghanas debt stock now stands at 74% of GDP, after all the previous denials to the contrary, Mr. Akufo-Addo stated. The President added In fact, 92% of Ghanas total debt stock was incurred in the last eight years under the previous government. The interest costs on this debt has also increased and will amount to an estimated GH14.1 billion in 2017. Reacting to the Presidents statement, Mr. Nketia stated reality is dawning on Nana Akufo-Addo, and realizing he will not be able to fulfil his numerous promises, he wants to shift blame. Stop lecturing and fix the economy, Nketia, popularly known as General Mosquito told Starr News Bernard Nasara Saibu after the State of the Nation Address on Tuesday. Please fix it. If you were aware of the dire state of the economy and you went ahead to make those promises then fix it. He is repeating his campaign promises, the NDC kingpin opined. Meanwhile, Akufo-Addo has served notice he is not complaining , but only seeking to let Ghanaians know the true state of the economy. I wasnt elected by the people to complain I was elected to fix what is broken and my government and I are determined to do just that, Akufo-Addo promised. These are perilous times. Perilous for America and consequently, perilous for the entire world. America now has a sitting president who obviously speaks before he thinks? A president who makes most provocative statements without thoughtful analyses and without requisite expert counsel? He is equally generous with his caustic criticisms and generalizations against American intelligence agencies, in the same way he generalizes about pretty much else. President Trump apparently intend to govern America through his Twitter unarticulated commentaries in response to profound policy positions by leaders of other nations and policy wonks. Trumps post-inauguration address and antics from January 20, 2017 through February 20, 2017 is proof positive! Trump has been controversial and scandalous in his words, actions, pronouncements and twitter-feeds! Donald Trump have tended to turn logic on its head with each pronouncement which are now routinely opposites of responsible conversations by a potentate American political leader. As candidate, Mr. Trump engaged in pugnacious rhetoric and no reasonable persons, American, Asian or African or European expected Trump as president to actually follow-through with his boasts, threats and belligerence of his electioneering campaigns, after his election gimmickries culminating in his victory. Trump as president has continue to disavow, denounce and repudiate multilateralism, and globalization in favor of his isolationist so-called America First! President Trump is wildly popular with his political base, there is no doubt, but, it must be borne in mind that Adolf Hitler of the Third Reich was vigorously supported as a popular political leader in Germany before, and during the wars he imposed on Germany, and eventually, the entire world. We should all be asking ourselves, as citizens of the world, whether history about to repeat itself? Is World War III next? Is President Trump flippantly and mindlessly taking the world to the precipice? President Trump talks about Iran, as if he will soon invade and occupy Iran to effect regime change and forbid Iran's centrifuges and any modicum of Nuclear technology efforts! President Trump is faithful to his comedic election campaigns promises so far; on South China Sea, he has deployed an American Aircraft Carrier to illustrate aggressive gunboat diplomacy disposition, while shouting his disregard for a tried and true, one-China policy which the Americans have practiced for decades as a diplomatic detente with mainland China. President Trump in public, have cavalierly made pronouncements regarding the intractable and internecine profound Middle East core of all crises, peace between Israel and Palestine, also dubbed the two-states-solution. The 45th president of the United States of America was tongue-tied as he attempted to articulate his administrations policy regarding Israel and Palestine, he spoke mostly incoherently, and with a wink and nod, assured Israels Prime Minister, Benyamin Netanyahu that they can do whatever they with Palestine lands, but must refrain from announcing it. Telling Israel to stop announcements settlement expansions, but perhaps should continue doing so? President Trumps incoherent and confused press conference with Prime Minister of Israel, should not be confused with the clear pronouncements and stance of the United Nations Organization on the fact that Israel expansion of Settlement offends International Law and countless UN Resolutions supported by a plurality of nations on earth. President Trump has repeatedly and giddily made sundry pronouncements which, if, and when pursued to logical conclusions would lead to Trade Wars with China. He campaigned that as president, he would slap 45% tariff on goods arriving into the United States from China. Trump has so far, been faithful or has attempted to be faithful to his election promises made to his core supporters. President Trump has killed the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which was intended to promote trade, mercantile and vigorous commercial interactions between the United States, Japan, and Australia etc. President Trump has repeatedly derided the North American Free Trade Agreement, NAFTA, just as he has threatened to dismantle NAFTA, without regard to the concerns of all other member nations! On Immigration, he issued Executive Orders against seven Muslim nations as failed nation-states and as incubators of terrorists. Donald J. Trump, has undertaken to build a xenophobic wall between America and Mexico, I do believe that this is impossible, unless and until, Trumps America invades and occupies Mexico, he installs a president of his choice, at his becks and calls, as Mexicans in his estimation, will remain docile! President Trump says the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, is obsolete and Vice President Pence says American support and participation in NATO is unwavering, Trumps statement is in the face of American membership and active participation in NATO for over 50 years. President Trump says Japan needs to ready herself for the withdrawal of American troops and that Japan should fun her own defense, then, President Trump is one hundred percent behind Japan as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visits President Trump. President Trump is anti NATO anti EU in his rhetoric during the electioneering campaigns and since his inauguration on January 20, 2017 to the chagrin of traditional allies, friends and partners of the United States of America. President Trump is the apostle of De-globalization, protection and isolationism. His a passionate Free Trade apostate businessman turned president of America! It was reasonable and every reasonable person believed Donald J. Trump in his electioneering puffing and braggadocios, but, it is no longer reasonable or acceptable for President Trump to continue his diatribes and dangerous pandering to a minority of American citizens, while risking setting the world on unquenchable inferno. Donald John Trumps declarations are analogous of a man pandering to a dangerous lynch mob. Trump as such, has been preaching to the emotions and sentiments of ultra conservative simpletons, Donald Trump is a demagogue. Trump is the sitting president of the United States of America, and as such, his pronouncement(s) are supposed to be meaningful, carry the full-faith and credit of America, but alas, anyone who takes Trumps vacuous declarations literarily harvests Armageddon! Will this be our global fate? Trump is a rabble rouser with complete disregard for facts. This was clearly illustrated a few days ago, when Trump, president of the United States of America verbally and falsely conjured up and announced a fathom terrorists attack in Sweden. When he was chastised for not fact-checking or seeking clarifications before making such booboo and ridiculous declarations, he tried to characterize it as fake news, the fake news which he manufactured in the factory and province of the dimwitted. President Trump is in large measure a comedian, replete with comedy-of-errors, but, this is too important, crucial and critical to be laughable; Trump is certainly dangerous to himself and to us all. Trump needs to be curbed and must be tamed before he does irreparable harm to America and then, by extension and logical extrapolation, the entire world National Media Center for Social and Economic Justice notes with interest the commitment expressed by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Akufo Addo to send to parliament appropriate legislation to help enforce the proposed Office of Special Prosecutor. It is indeed very heartwarming, considering the debate that has surrounded the matter in recent weeks. The debate on the Office has largely centered on its constitutional propriety and the issue of its assured independence. These are issues that cannot be swept under the carpet, hence, the decision of the president to send the matter to Parliament for legislative action, as indicated in his maiden State of the Nation Address today, is a move in the right direction. At the heart of the matter are issues of security of tenure, independence from government interference and grounds for removal, among others. The National Media Center calls on the President, Nana Akufo-Addo to make the Special Prosecutors salaries, allowances, facilities and privileges payable or available, be determined under article 71 of the sovereign Constitution of Ghana. Also, National Media Center is calling for the office of the Special Prosecutor not to be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority in the performance of his/her functions and that he should be made to retire from office at any time after attaining the age of seventy years. To make the Special Prosecutor truly independent and effective, it is imperative that he or she is not seen to please anybody or organization but to strictly adhere to the principles of justice and fairness. In the past, there have been reports of corruption within governments but while some of these reports have provided strong grounds for investigation and possible prosecution, the political will to do so has been lacking. Appropriate legislative support for the Office of the Special Prosecutor will not only provide the necessary constitutional buttress but will also serve to institutionalize a culture of vigilance and discipline within government and other critical sectors. In furtherance of his duties, the Special Prosecutor should be given proactive powers to smell out corruption and prosecute where appropriate. We welcome the commitment by the president to enforce the Procurement Law particularly within the energy sector. This is a sector that has been battered by a troubling crisis and instilling discipline in procurement procedures and practices will provide important verve to the sector. We urge the president to ensure that all key actors who are required to play roles in attaining these targets are up to the task and closely monitored. This should not just be another political talk shop but rather, should mark the beginning of a new era of financial discipline and prudent economic management. Dr. Daniel Nkrumah (Advisory Board Member) Juba (AFP) - South Sudan's President Salva Kiir vowed Tuesday that government would ensure aid could reach areas hit by famine after three years of war that has restricted access for humanitarian workers. The world's youngest nation on Monday declared famine in parts of the northern Greater Unity state where 100,000 people were facing starvation and another one million were on the brink of famine. A total of nearly five million are going hungry. Aid groups have slammed a "man-made" famine caused by ongoing fighting in the country where civil war has forced people to flee, disrupted agriculture, sent prices soaring, and seen aid agencies blocked from accessing some of the worst-hit areas. "It underscores the complete failure by government, opposition forces, and international actors to end the cycle of abuse," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement Tuesday. In an address to parliament, Kiir said government "will ensure that all humanitarian and development organisations have unimpeded access to needy populations across the country". A UN aid official working in the region, speaking on condition of anonymity, welcomed the commitment -- which has been made in the past -- while saying it was "more important that access be granted on the ground." Famine in South Sudan Kiir's commitment could give leverage in negotiations on the ground, she said, as gaining access to hungry communities often meant tricky talks with an array of actors in the crisis. Some regions are only accessible through air drops of humanitarian aid -- which the UN official said costs seven times more than sending aid by road or barge. And access is not as simple as permission: aid agencies have to be sure if they give out food aid to a community they won't be attacked by an armed group and have their rations stolen right afterwards. "There are many types of impediments," said the official. South Sudan was engulfed by civil war in 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup against him. The HRW statement launched a withering attack on the leaders of South Sudan as well as the international community, saying both sides in the conflict "have shrugged off international pressure, and spared themselves from any meaningful consequences." A mother breastfeeds her child who suffers acute malnutrition, at the clinic run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Aweil, northern Bahr al-Ghazal, South Sudan This despite documented cases of large-scale killings, recruitment of child soldiers, rape and torture. "The people of South Sudan were abandoned by their leaders a long time ago. The UN Security Council and regional organisations have failed civilians. Today's famine is the price of inaction," read the statement. The European Commission on Tuesday announced an emergency aid package worth a82 million ($86 million) for "the most urgent needs in the country" and to help neighbouring countries cope with a massive influx of refugees. London (AFP) - Burkina Faso's Diebedo Francis Kere will be the first African architect to design a temporary pavilion in London's Hyde Park, a prestigious assignment given to a world-famous architect every year. Kere's design is inspired by a tree in his hometown of Gando that serves as "a central meeting point for life", the Serpentine Galleries said in a statement. "An expansive roof, supported by a central steel framework, mimics a tree's canopy, allowing air to circulate freely while offering shelter against London rain and summer heat," it read. Kere said he was interested in the contrast between the carefully landscaped park and "natural landscape as a harsh reality" in Burkina Faso. He said it was conceived as "a community structure... that fuses cultural references of my home country... with experimental construction techniques". The Serpentine Pavilion 2017 by the Berlin-based practice Kere Architecture will be unveiled on June 23 and will be open until October 8. Previous architects of the Serpentine Pavilion include Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel and Frank Gehry, as well as Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei. Kere has previously won plaudits for his project for a primary school in Burkina Faso and has held solo museum shows in Munich and Philadelphia. He was also one of the architects behind Geneva's International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum. Immediate past Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Stephen Opuni, has had his assets frozen by the Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO), according to Citi News sources at the presidency. Although reasons for the seizure have not been officially communicated, the sources have hinted Citi News that EOCO is seeking to investigate the entire period that Dr. Opuni served as CEO of that critical state agency. Specifically, government intends to probe some supposed fraudulent multi-million dollar contracts he's believed to have signed before leaving office, the sources indicated. Mr. Opuni's tenure has been engrossed in several allegations of corruption and mismanagement of the cocoa sector, with his critics accusing him of running down the critical sector; which generates revenue for the country and employs millions of Ghanaians. Dr. Opuni was on January 12, 2017, asked to leave office barely a week after the new NPP government was inaugurated. As a former CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Dr. Stephen K. Opuni was appointed by former President John Mahama on November 30, 2013, to head the COCOBOD. He replaced Anthony Fofie, who headed COCOBOD from 2009, under the then New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. Dr. Opuni's 'rot' killing cocoa sector GAWU alleges In April 2016, the General Agriculture Workers Union (GAWU), and the Industrial Commercial Workers Unions (ICU), launched a scathing attack on the leadership of COCOBOD, accusing its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Stephen Opuni of presiding over corruption . GAWU and ICU said corruption at COCOBOD, headed by Dr. Stephen Opuni was affecting the production of cocoa in the country. COCOBOD staff defends Opuni But some staff of COCOBOD at the time jumped his defence, insisting that, Dr. Opuni has not caused any disaffection within the ranks of COCOBOD as ICU and GAWU were alleging. The Staff of the company thus served notice of withdrawing from the two unions, citing a growing mistrust between workers of COCOBOD and the unions. Opuni contributed to NDC's defeat Nukpenu Dr. Opuni has also been criticized heavily by some persons in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), although he served in that party's administration. The Greater Accra Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Anthony Nukpenu, in an interview with Citi FM on January 16, 2017, said Dr. Stephen K. Opuni contributed to the NDC's defeat in the 2016 polls. Mr. Nukpenu accused the former COCOBOD CEO of ignoring people who were not within his circles, making it difficult to engage him on matters pertaining to policy with some NDC members or stakeholders. People come across him in public settings or private settings and it is like he has a class of people he should deal with. If you don't fall in that class, talking to him is a challenge. For example, I would not go to his office to seek for financial favours or contract favours. I may encounter a challenge in his field of work because I interact with downstream cocoa sector workers. If there is a challenge, I need to meet the CEO and lay it there. And if we find it difficult in meeting him then what are we doing as a government or as a party, Mr. Nukpenu lamented. By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana Outgoing Zambian High Commissioner to Ghana Timothy Mwaba Walamba has called for greater collaboration between Ghana and Zambia in the area of investment for the mutual benefit of both countries. Mr Walamba made this known when he met with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to bid him farewell as he brings his four-year duty to an end. Mr Walamba described his stay in Ghana as a wonderful experience and commended the country for maintaining the peace and stability since the Fourth Republic was inaugurated in 1992. The Zambian diplomat was hopeful that the Akufo-Addo presidency would take steps to deepen and strengthen the bilateral relations between Ghana and Zambia. Your Excellency, Zambia and Ghana need to explore areas of collaboration to benefit from each other. Investment is the key area. We need Ghanaians to invest in Zambia and Ghana also need Zambians to invest in Ghana notably in cement production, fertiliser production, energy sector, mining, and the list is endless I wish the existing bilateral relations existing between Zambia and Ghana would grow from strength to strength to benefit our two countries, he stated. He added that his country was extremely delighted at the way election 2016 was conducted and the manner in which the people of Ghana also conducted themselves before, during and after the elections. Mr Akufo-Addo commended Mr Walamba for his work in the country and extended his fondest appreciation to the President of Zambia Edgar Lungu for attending his investiture on the 7th of January. Let me first of all congratulate you on your successful tour of duty and also to extend to the president of Zambia my best wishes and also my gratitude for turning up for my inauguration, he stated. Nana Akufo-Addo also proposed to the outgoing High Commissioner the formation of a joint commission of cooperation between Ghana and Zambia. He stressed on the fact that as soon as the Zambian president cleared the way, he would send Ghanaian officials to meet with their Zambian counterparts to work out a way to establish cooperation between the two countries. It's a pity that after several efforts, we still have not been able to create the basis for a joint commission for cooperation between our two countries We can create a formal structure if we have a joint commission in place to be able to govern and arrange investment flows. So that will be what I will like you to take back to your president that he should give me a sign and we will get officials of both countries to meet and work out a way to bring to fruition the joint commission of cooperation, he stressed. -Classfmonline Eman Ahmed Abdulati, the heaviest woman in the world, is a die-hard fan of Salman Khan and the Dabangg actor might just meet her very soon. By India Today Web Desk: Eman Ahmed Abdulati, from Egypt, the world's heaviest woman weighing 500kg, is a fan of the Khans, particularly Salman Khan. And bhai himself might meet her any time soon! Eman is presently at Mumbai's Saifee Hospital for treatment. She arrived in Mumbai on February 11 for a bariatric procedure that can save her life. According to a report in Mid-Day, Eman has been watching Hindi films in her special 1,000 square-feet room at the hospital. The Khans happen to be her favourite actors, particularly Salman Khan. She expressed her desire to meet Salman through Dr Muffazal Lakdawala, her bariatric surgeon. advertisement Salim Khan, veteran screenwriter and father of Salman Khan, said that his son would definitely meet Iman as soon as Saifee Hospital would send an official request. "We have learnt of her desire. Salman will certainly meet her. An actor would to go to any lengths to fulfil the desire of such a patient. But so far, we haven't received any official request from the hospital. As soon as we receive one, Salman will go to meet her," said Salim Khan. Iman has been bedridden for twenty five years. Being in her room at the hospital, she has developed a liking towards Bollywood cinema and music. "Even though she can't understand the language, she likes the beats of the music. So, when I asked her whom she liked the most, she pointed at the three Khans. When I asked of the three who's her favourite, she said Salman's name," Dr Lakdawala was quoted as saying. Salman Khan is not new to visiting fans upon special request. Salman had earlier met a Pakistani fan in 2015. Abdul Basit had arrived in the maximum city for a liver transplant operation. When Salman got to know that Abdul wanted to meet him, he went and fulfilled the Pakistani fan's wish. A year before that, Salman Khan met Shakila, a victim of domestic violence from Afghanistan. Shakila's eyes, ears and nose had been shot by her husband. But when she met Salman, she couldn't help but smile. ALSO READ: Pakistani actor Saba Qamar calls Salman Khan 'chhichhora', then calls him 'humble' TONGUE-IN-CHEEK: These Salman Khan tips will end your singlehood WATCH: A look at Salman bhaijaan's controversial life --- ENDS --- Former Deputy Education minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has claimed government is planning to cut down on the number of admissions to nursing and teacher training colleges. He suggested the move is because government is concerned about an expected increase in enrolment into colleges of education when it restores the payment of teacher and nurse trainee allowance. A high increase in enrolment rates would trigger a corresponding high increase in the payment of trainee allowances which government may not be ready to shoulder, he explained on Joy FM's Newsnite programme Tuesday. In other words, there could be a return to the quota system where public colleges of education and nursing trainee institutions admitted limited numbers despite the capacity of the facilities to admit more. The North Tongu MP made the claim while assessing President Akufo-Addo's maiden State of the Nation Address to Parliament early Tuesday morning. In the address, the President reiterated a campaign promise to restore the payment of allowances this March, which the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government scrapped. The controversial move, it is believed, cost the government votes as incensed students vowed to pay the NDC government back. Nursing trainees hailed Akufo-Addo during the campaign Under the allowance scheme, the nurses got at least GHC450 every quarter. Government had explained the removal of the allowance was to allow it to admit more students. The allowances had tied the hands of government because huge numbers had serious financial implications. Okudzeto said the observed effect of linking financial incentives to social or education programmes is that it shoots up participation. This was the case under the School Feeding Programme where free meals to students saw a huge increase in school enrolment rates. The NDC government's plan to introduce 'progressively free education' to Day students in Senior High School also saw significant increase in school enrolment rates. The NPP's plan to re-introduce the trainee allowances should expectedly lead to an increase in admission, the North Tongu MP said. To deal with the financial implications, the NPP wants to cut back admissions which he indicated will have an undesired effect of lowering the number of teachers and nurses to be trained for public service. Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com|[email protected] 21.02.2017 LISTEN More people are adding their voices to condemn brutality meted out to a Nigerian woman who was stripped naked and pounded in the private part for allegedly stealing yam. Executive Director of the Ark Foundation, Angela Dwamena Aboagye is one of the many gender activists who have condemned the act perpetuated against the woman. Look at the manner in which they purported to arrest her, they stripped her and look at the acts of violence that were perpetuated against her. When it comes to women, this also sits within not just a social justice framework or criminal law framework, but within violence against women which is completely a human rights issue as well, she told Joy News. Also, human rights lawyer Francis Xavier Sosu has urged the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) to step up its education of human rights to curb abuses as Social Justice Day is observed globally today. Further, pressure group OccupyGhana has added its voice to calls to seek justice for the said lady asking that the police use the video to arrest the men responsible for the abuse. A video of the abuse of the woman has been trending on social media for days now. Some people have alleged that she stole money while others said she stole a piece of yam. Another group also claimed she swindled someone of some money. Although there is no concensus about what is it that she had done, she was assaulted, kicked in the groin and her private part. Luv FMs Erastus Asare Donkor visited the place the incident took place in his attempt to authenticate what the woman did but was disappointedly told nothing. He could not verify what the mob that assaulted the woman accused her of. The disturbing video starts at a point where the young lady had been stripped of her clothes. She covered her waist with a yellow scarf given to her by a good Samaritan, but it was removed by the mob. Another woman who offered a dress was shoved off and the young lady was not allowed to put it on. The mob made up mostly of men, tore the young ladys red brassiere and panty. At a point in the video, the men spread her legs open and kicked her private part many times. Attempts by the young lady to prevent the mob from hitting her private part was met with even harder beatings. One person who took part in the beating took told the Luv News reporter that they stripped her naked and beat her because it is not good for a lady to engage in such an ungodly act. Related: Gender activist demands justice for woman stripped naked, beaten "Initially, I felt sorry for her but I felt it was good to serve as a deterrent to other ladies," he said. Although criticisms about the act continue to pour in, some traders at Kejetia in the Ashanti regional where the incident took place have defended their acts of brutality. They say it is normal for persons accused of stealing to be paraded naked through the streets amid physical assault and sexual torture. Another trader said if they catch a thief, they would strip the alleged thief naked and stuff the private part with pepper. This is the sixth one I have witnessed since I started selling here. The private security guard in the video who was seen in the video trying to save the lady from the mob said he got scared at some point. "I tried calling the police but it won't go through," he said. Meanwhile, police say they are investigating the incident. They revealed they issued a medical form to the woman the moment she was brought to the Central Police State. However, she has not returned to the station to aid with the investigation. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim Babcock University is ideal for Nigerians seeking higher education at Christian colleges. The university is named after American missionary David C. Babcock, who helped the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria in 1914. Babcock University school fees will help you understand how much you will need to pay for a semester or a single course. PAY ATTENTION: heck out news that is picked exactly for YOU find the Recommended for you block on the home page and enjoy! A group of students studying together. Photo: pexels.com, @antonytrivet Source: UGC Babcock University is owned by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nigeria, and its mission is to educate students in knowledge and character so they can contribute to society. It is culturally diverse, with students from all over the country. It has over 7,000 students, over a thousand staff members, hostel accommodations, a cafeteria, and a library. Babcock University school fees 2022/2023 Babcock University is located in Ilishan-Remo in Ogun State. The university has nine schools, each divided into different departments that offer various undergraduate degree programs. They include: School of Education and Humanities The programmes available under this school include: PAY ATTENTION: Share your outstanding story with our editors! Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng! History and International Studies- BA., MA., Languages and Literary Studies- BA., MA., PhD. Religious Studies- BA., PGD Education- BEd., BSc.Ed, BA Ed. Music and Creative Arts- BA. School of Law and Security Studies This school offers only one programme. Law-LLB., LLM. School of Management Science The programmes available under this school include: Accounting -BSc., MSc., PhD. Banking and Finance - BSc., MSc., PGD. Business Administration and Marketing -BSc., PGD., MSc., MBA., PhD. Information Resource Management- MIRM., PGD., PhD. Veronica Adeleke School of Social Science The programmes available under this school include: Economics -BSc., MSc., PGD. PhD. Mass Communication -BSc., PGD., MSc., PhD. Political Science -B.Sc., MSc, PhD., MPM. Public Administration/International Law and Diplomacy -BSc., MSc, PhD. Social Work -BSc. School of Science and Technology A man using a tablet. Photo: pexels.com, @juliamcameron Source: UGC The School of Science and Technology offers the following programmes. Agriculture and Industrial Technology- BAgric., MSc. PhD. Animal Science -MSc. PhD. Agronomy -MSc., PhD. Agric Economics -MSc., PhD. Microbiology -BSc., PGD., MSC., PhD. Basic Sciences: Chemistry, Physics/Electronics, Biology, Mathematics -BSc College of Health and Medical Science (Benjamin S. Carson School of Medicine) The Benjamin S. Carson School of Medicine offers the following programmes. Medicine -MBBS Anatomy -BSc. Physiology -BSc. Biochemistry -BSc., MSc., PhD. Nutrion and Dietecs -BSc. School of Computing and Engineering Science The available programmes under this school include: Computer Science -BSc., PGD., MSc., PhD. Software Engineering -BSc. Information Technology -BSc. School of Public and Allied Health The School of Public and Allied Health offers two programmes. They are: Public Health- BSc., PGD., MPH. PhD. Medical Laboratory Science -BMLS. School of Nursing Science The School of Nursing Science offers only one program. Department of Nursing Science -BNSc., MNSc. How much is Babcock University school fees? The cost of attending Babcock University varies depending on the course you want to pursue. Check out all of the fees and programmes available at the institution. General Babcock University courses and tuition fees A student in a white top. Photo: pexels.com, @cottonbro Source: UGC Below is a table of Babcock general fees for a whole year. Program 100 - 200 levels Total fees in Naira 300 - 500 levels Total fees in Naira Accounting 739,449 568,807 Agriculture 654,129 503,176 Anatomy 711,009 546,930 Banking and Finance 711,009 546,930 Biochemistry 711,009 546,930 Business Administration 711,009 546,930 Computer Information System 739,449 568,807 Computer Science 739,449 568,807 Computer Technology 739,449 568,807 Economics 711,009 546,930 English studies/ French/Music 682,569 525,053 Education programs 375,413 288,779 History and International Relations 654,129 503,176 Information Resource Management 682,569 525,053 Information Technology 739,449 568,807 International Law and Diplomacy 682,569 525,053 Medical Laboratory Science 739,449 568,807 Marketing 711,009 546,930 Maths/Physics/Chemistry/ Biology 654,129 503,176 Mass Communication 711,009 546,930 Microbiology 711,009 546,930 Nursing Science 739,449 568,807 Nutrition and Diet 654,129 503,176 Physiology 711,009 546,930 Political Science 682,569 525,053 Social Work 682,569 525,053 Public Health 682,569 525,053 Software Engineering 739,449 568,807 Theology 625,688 481,298 Note: All 400-500L students must pay a bank draft of -N7,000 to the University bursary for the Entrepreneurship Skill Acquisition programme. Fees for law students The total annual fee for each level is listed below for those interested in law.. Sector 100 - 200 levels Total fees in Naira 300 - 500 levels Total fees in Naira Instructional 1,289,990 773,994 Babcock University school fees for medicine and surgery The table below shows the total annual fee you must pay if enrolled in a medicine and surgery course. Sector 100 - 200 levels Total fees in Naira 300 - 600 levels Total fees in Naira Instructional (Tuition) 1,000,000 1,000,000 Other Fees, including meals and accommodation 2,884,000 1,136,200 Miscellaneous charges 116,000 116,000 TOTAL 4,000,000 2,252,200 Postgraduate fees Below is a table for postgraduate courses and fees. Program Degree in view Total fees in Naira per semester Accounting MSc and PhD 375,000 Business Administration and Marketing MSc., MBA., Mphil., Mphil/PhD. PhD 375,000 MBA Executive 1,125,000 Economics, Banking and Finance PGD 300,000 MSc, PhD 375,000 Information Resource Management MIRM, Mphil., PhD. 300,000 Mass Communication MA and PhD 300,000 Political Science and Public Administration MSc., MPhil., Mphil/PhD., PhD 300,000 MPM (Masters in Public Management) 300,000 History and International Studies MDS, MA, PhD and MEd 300,000 Languages and Literary Studies MSc., MPhil., Mphil/PhD., PhD 300,000 Religious Studies PGD, MSc 300,000 MSc. PhD 375,000 Computing and Engineering MSc., MPhil., Mphil/PhD., PhD 375,000 Chemical and Environmental Science MSc., MPhil., Mphil/PhD., PhD 300,000 Bio-Sciences and Bio-Technology MSc., MPhil., Mphil/PhD., PhD 300,000 Nursing Sciences MSc., PhD 375,000 Public and Allied Health MSc., MPH., Mphil/PhD., PhD 375,000 Agriculture and Industrial Technology MSc., MPhil., Mphil/PhD., PhD 300,000 Law MSc. PhD 375,000 Note: All laboratory-based courses will incur an N50,000 laboratory fee per session. University conversion programmes Conversion courses are intensive postgraduate programmes that allow you to pursue a career for which your undergraduate degree did not prepare. The table below shows the annual or per-semester fees you must pay. Type Full-year 1st-semester Total fees in Naira 2nd-semester Total fees in Naira ACA conversion 500,000 300,000 200,000 Nursing conversion 600,000 425,000 175,000 Education 255,000 167,000 88,000 Babcock University contact Students in a library. Photo: pexels.com, @andybarbour Source: UGC For any inquiries or uncertainties, you can contact the institution through the following: Email: info@babcock.edu.ng or admissions@babcock.edu.ng info@babcock.edu.ng or admissions@babcock.edu.ng Phone number: +(234-8137388316)) or+(234-7032049418) What is the school fees for nursing? The School of Nursing Sciences offers only one programme. The tuition for a postgraduate course is N375,000 per semester. How much do you pay for the meals at the university? Meals have different prices. If you choose two meals per day, you must pay N315,000 per year, and if you choose three meals per day, you must pay N472,500 per year. What is the school fees for engineering course? For an engineering course, you must pay a tuition fee of N375,000 per semester. What is the school fees for ph*rmacy? Unfortunately, the institution does not offer a pha*macy course. How much is Babcock hostel fee? The hostel fees are classified as classic, premium, or regular. Depending on your level, you can pay the following amount annually. Accommodation 100 - 200 levels Total fees in Naira 300 - 500 levels Total fees in Naira Classic 276,120 276,120 Premium 184,080 184,080 Regular 128,856 128,856 Is Babcock form out for 2022? Babcock University admission for fresher and anyone interested in postgraduate programmes in 2022/2023 is still ongoing. Interested candidates can send their applications to the institution. What are the requirements to study Medicine at Babcock University? The admission requirements include a minimum of five credits in core subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. Babcock University school fees structure is reasonable in comparison to the quality of education you will receive as a student. You can also choose from a variety of courses at the institution. READ ALSO: Covenant University school fees 2022/2023: courses and admissions Legit.ng recently published an article about Covenant University tuition fees, courses, and admission requirements. Covenant University (CU) is a private Nigerian university located in Ota, Ogun State. David Oyedepo founded the institution, which opened its doors on October 21, 2002. Covenant University has risen to become one of Nigeria's top universities. It was the first Nigerian university to be ranked in Times Higher Education's 401-500 category of world universities. Source: Legit.ng African cultures are very versatile and interesting. Any foreigner can find something unique for himself. We gathered Ghana weaving shuku styles in Ibadan city. The ladies preserve their native braiding hairstyles. Lets find out what is shuku. Ghana weaving shuku styles Shuku is also often called Suku. It means a basket. It is quite a simple hairstyle, however, still one of the most widespread in Nigeria. It is a braiding where the hair starts running from the forehead to the nape of the neck or, for example, forms a rump on top of the ladys head. Sometimes shuku is blended with koroba (it is also a hairstyle), people call it orishabumni. Previously only the wives of kings could have shuku but now any beautiful lady can try this style on. The hair is a real central point in Yoruba traditions. Such style starts from the forehead and ends at the back of the neck showing that the woman is married. Besides, married ladies adorn their heads with hairstyles from both sides of the head and often finish up in the middle. Shuku didi Ghana weaving shuku styles Didi was an old Yoruba braiding style. Shuku is made in a few trendy ways including this popular Ghana weaving. However, nothing can be compared to the original look. It is recommended for dry damaged hair and also for pregnant ladies. There are two types of didi called didi ologede and didi adimole. Woven Shuku Ghana weaving shuku styles READ ALSO: How to make your hair grow faster? - Top 10 tips One more twist to the original Ghana Shuku but still very traditional is done by forming tiny sub-sections along all the parted sections of ladys hair. Then women twin them into each other to make a braided look. Modern hairstyles Ghana weaving shuku styles Checkup Ghana weaving pictures. The beautiful Nigerian actress whose names Tonto Dike enjoyed being married to a wonderful Yoruba man. She shared her photo with Shuku braids. Ghana weaving styles during festivities Ghana weaving shuku styles Sometimes ladies add beads to shuku. This Igbo bride decided to try it for her wedding READ ALSO: IGBO traditional attire Shuku braids are very similar to popular Ghana weaving. The difference is that shuku always ends up in any ponytail at the top, however, Ghana weaving can easily go down. You should definitely try to make one of the Ghana weaving hairstyles too. SOURCE: yen.com.gh Source: Legit.ng Many Nigerians have already become famous worldwide in various spheres of life. Jelani Aliyu car designer is considered the Nigerian superstar of the General Motors Renaissance. This article will tell you the history of success of the most prominent Nigerian car designer who created the Chevrolet Volt. Jelani Aliyu car designer It took an ordinary Nigerian man 24 years to move from Sokoto State in Nigeria to Detroit. Now Jelani Aliyu is Lead Exterior Designer in the second-largest vehicle manufacturer on the planet General Motors. In 2007, he designed the Chevy Volt. This car has been immediately described as a Revolution and one of the up-to-the-minute models in the design line ever. Jelani Aliyu's biography The most prominent Nigerian car designer Jelani Aliyu was born in 1966 in a large family. He was the fifth of seven children. Jelani remembers that he grew up in Sokoto. This state has always had the rich culture of the people and the state itself. Therefore, from the very childhood, the future designer had perfect access to the newest international information from various spheres of life. It was a great experience for him. From 1971 to 1978, he had been studying at Sokoto Capital School. It is one of the most important secondary schools in the State, which gave the Nigerian genius a very fruitful scholastic experience. Jelani Aliyu car designer From 1978 to 1983, Jelani Aliyu had been studying at Federal Government College, which is also located in Sokoto. After graduating from it, the designer received a trustworthy award as The best in Technical Drawing. During his studying time, Jelani met hundreds of good and bright people from both Nigeria and abroad. They all undoubtedly encouraged and mentored him tremendously in his desire to keep on his creative work. The young designer worked a lot on designing own cars. He made many scale models, even completing them with exteriors and interiors. READ ALSO: Innoson motors price list: cheap cars in Nigeria On one of his rare interviews, Jelani Aliyu answered the question on what drove him into the automotive designing industry: I have always loved drawing. These are different things around me, people, objects, plants, also stuff from my imagination. Growing up, I have always loved science fiction, and in the movies, you would see a lot of alien spacecraft and other futuristic things that would inspire me to look beyond. I also love cars very much, even though then we did not have any Ferraris in Sokoto. However, we did have magazines in which I saw them, and they inspired me, too. So I put together my love for drawing and cars and decided to be a car designer. Jelani Aliyu car designer In 1986, Jelani Aliyu decided to continue his A-levels in Zaria Ahmadu Bello University. However, he quickly abandoned his studying there. Thus, a designer entered the Birnin Kebbi Polytechnic, bagging an OND in Architecture. The studying process there lasted from 1986 to 1988. He graduated from it from the honorable Best All-Round Student Award. Jelani Aliyu car designer There is an imperative notion here. Jelani is very grateful to his parents for their complete support in everything. In particular, the Nigerian designer says: My parents let me decide what I wanted to do. For example, when I went to Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria and decided I did not want to continue there, they were supportive. They did not insist that I had to remain there. They have always been supportive and understanding. After spending thousands of hours in various researches of design and construction, looking into materials and structures that would be most compatible with our environment and climate, finally decided to become a car designer. Thus, Jelani Aliyu made up his mind to continue studying transportation design in the United States. Jelani Aliyu and General Motors In 1990, Jelani Aliyu finally moved to Detroit. There he joined the College for Creative Studies in under a Sokoto Scholarship board sponsorship. This place immediately allowed him to receive fascinating experience. His studying course was very practical, with a strong emphasis on creativity and the development of new designs with quick solutions. During his studying, the Nigerian genius managed to win two awards from Michelin, US, and Ford Motor Company. In 1994, Jelani Aliyu received his degree in automobile design. General Motors instantaneously took this young genius to its team. Thus, Jelani Aliyu started his career in this company in the design department. Jelani Aliyu car designer Among the most outstanding Jelani Aliyu`s projects with General Motors we should mention: Co-designer of Buick Rendezvous; The lead exterior designer of the Pontiac G6; Astra project with General Motors Opel Division. The brilliant work on the Chevrolet Volt design immediately allowed Jelani Aliyu to become the real superstar of the General Motors Renaissance. This compact car developed by the Nigerian genius for the first time was presented at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January 2007. Jelani Aliyu car designer Presently, the car has an electric generator powered by an internal combustion engine with the capacity of 62 kW. Fuel tank capacity is 45 liters. This fuel and the full charge battery are enough to run 640 miles. Jelani Aliyu car designer Now the approximate price of the Chevrolet Volt is $37,000. Conclusion We can conclude that for General Motors Nigeria gas become a lucky country. Jelani Aliyu car designer is a real example for many our people to be proud of. Jelani Aliyu and many other Nigerians keep on doing great in every part of the world, bringing glory and international recognition to their country. Jelani Aliyu has already inspired many other Nigerians to pursue their dreams. Source: Legit.ng By Press Trust of India: Bengaluru, Feb 20 (PTI) India is probably one of the places in the world where the entrepreneurial energy is able to scale up, not just start, Microsoft?s India-born chief Satya Nadella today said. He said the entrepreneurial energy in the country is "tremendous" and Microsoft is "enthused about it. "Every time I come back to India, the thing that grabs you is the entrepreneurial spirit of the place. There are a whole bunch of startups doing really exiting work," Nadella said. Center of entrepreneurial energy at least for us right now in India is all around our cloud. It is fantastic, the quality of the entrepreneurs, the ideas... the Indian market itself is huge, but also going beyond that, it is amazing to see (the growth)", he said in response to Nilekani?s question regarding entrepreneurial energy in India. Nadella today kick-started his three-day visit to India here, where he participated in a discussion organised by Microsoft on cloud-first, mobile-first world along with Indian IT veteran Nandan Nilekani. Stating that India has some brands that have already well established, Nadella said there were stunning cross section of starts ups in the country. He said building on India Stack, the transaction analytics, the very idea of a presence where a payments infrastructure getting built on top of Aadhar by using the cloud, the diagnostic applications that are getting built, world class AI. It was very fascinating to come here and learn about. "I think that the entrepreneurial energy of the place is just tremendous," he said. Pointing out that in the last twelve months there were about 2000 startups in the Microsoft Accelerator programme that the company runs out of Bengaluru, Nadella said 2000 startups using our cloud, it is fantastic. advertisement The funding they are getting locally as well as foreign capital and the number of people joining the Microsoft Accelerator, we are very very enthused. PTI KSU RC --- ENDS --- - President Muhammadu Buhari made several promises to Nigerians during the 2015 presidential elections campaign - One of his major promises was that he will root out corruption in the system - The president has taken concrete steps to address these issues The administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has made concrete steps to address the corruption that has eaten deep into the Nigerian system. The passion of President Buhari to fight corruption is not in doubt President Buhari made several promises to Nigerians during the 2015 presidential elections campaign vowing to root out corruption in the system. Many believed the president and voted him based on his antecedent as a transparent and disciplined leader since his days as Nigeria's military president. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App The trust reposed on the Buhari's government has paid off as the administration has now done 11 things to improve fiscal transparency and accountability in government. Read below: 1. The Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) PICA was set up by President Buhari to strengthen controls over government finances through a continuous internal audit process across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), particularly in respect of payroll. Through the activities of PICA, a total of 53,000 erroneous payroll entries have been identified, with payroll savings of N198 billion achieved in 2016. Also, the federal ministry of finance has set a target to ensure that the federal governments payroll platform the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System (IPPIS) covers 100 percent of MDAs by the end of 2017. Currently 60% of MDAs are enrolled on the IPPIS platform. 2. Budget Reforms First, a presidential order was issued directing that all budgets of all government agencies be prepared in line with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), using a budget template developed for that purpose. Second, the 2017 Budget was collated using a web-based application developed by the Budget Office of the Federation (BOF), for the first time ever. Instead of the traditional method of hard copy submissions of budget proposals, MDAs were asked to upload their proposals to the new budget preparation portal. By replacing paper submissions with an audit-able and trackable online system, the 2017 budget preparation process was strengthened against manipulation and unauthorised alteration. All MDAs budget proposals were uploaded to the new system, for review and final collation by the Budget Office. More than 4,000 staff of the MDAs were specially trained to use the new application, across multiple locations nationwide. Also to support the deployment of the budget portal, the Budget Office set up a Helpdesk, accessible by telephone and email, for authorised users. 3. Expansion of TSA Coverage On August 7, 2015, President Buhari issued a directive to all MDAs to close their accounts with Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and transfer their balances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on or before September 15, 2015. This decision to fully operationalise the Treasury Single Account (TSA) systema public accounting system that enables the government to manage its finances (revenues and payments) using a single/unified account, or series of linked accounts domiciled at the CBN has resulted in the consolidation of more than 20,000 bank accounts previously spread across DMBs in the country, and in savings of an average of N4.7 billion monthly in banking charges associated with indiscriminate government borrowing from the DMBs. As at February 10, 2017, a total sum of N5.244 trillion had flowed into the TSA. The TSA allows the managers of the governments finances, including but not limited to the ministry of finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, to have, at any point in time, a comprehensive overview of cash flows across the entire government. It also ensures increased transparency in public financial management, as well as prevents a scenario in which some MDAs have idle cash while other MDAs are compelled to borrow exorbitantly from DMBs. The TSA system was launched in 2012, but failed to gain traction until President Buharis executive order in August 2015. As at December 2016, 766 MDAs were TSA-compliant. The ministry of finance continues to fine-tune the system to improve its efficiency, and has also commenced an audit to ensure that all funds due to the TSA are remitted into it. 4. Deployment of BVN for Payroll and Social Investment Programmes Considering that personnel costs are the federal governments largest expenditure line, the federal government has given priority to the deployment of the BVN for payroll and pension audits. The use of BVN to verify payroll entries on the IPPIS platform has so far led to the detection of 53,000 erroneous payroll entries. The federal government has also ensured the deployment of BVN system to serve as the verification basis for payments to beneficiaries and vendors in the N-Power Scheme and the Homegrown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) 5. Replacement of old Cash-Based Accounting System with an Accruals-Based System Cash accounting makes no reference to the liabilities that the federal government may be required to meet in the future nor does it recognise the benefits that will be obtained from assets purchased over a period of time. The cash accounting system fails to capture information on public sector assets and liabilities which may present the illusion of positive financial results in the short term, at the expense of longer-term fiscal stability and sustainability. Accruals-based accounting, on the other hand, presents the true financial position of the federal government's assets and liabilities, which would help the government plan future funding requirements for asset maintenance and replacement, and the repayment of existing and contingent liabilities and, thus, better manage their cash position and financing requirements. It provides comprehensive information on governments current and projected cash flows, leading to better cash management. For example, the conversion from cash accounting to accrual accounting led to the discovery of unrecorded debts owed contractors, oil marketers, exporters, electricity distribution companies and others. 6. Enlistment into Open Government Partnership (OGP) In May 2016, President Buhari attended and participated in the International Anti-Corruption Summit organised by the UK Government. At that summit he pledged that Nigeria would join the OGP, an international transparency, accountability and citizen engagement initiative. In July 2016, Nigeria became the 70th country to join the OGP. Following this, Nigeria constituted an OGP National Steering Committee (NSC), which went on to develop a National Action Plan (20172019) that aims to deepen and mainstream transparency mechanisms and citizens engagement in the management of public resources across all sectors. The National Action Plan was submitted at the OGP Global Summit in Paris, France, in December 2016. 7. Insistence on Conditionality of Fiscal Support to States The Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) is a reform programme that specifies conditions under which states can access the federal governments N510 billion Budget Support Facility (BSF). The FSP was introduced to enhance fiscal prudence and transparency in public expenditure, across the states. 35 States signed up. Independent verification and auditing of participating states is now ongoing against the FSP conditions & milestones by eight (8) accounting firms. State governments that fail to implement the FSP action plans, as stated, will be taken off the Budget Support Facility with immediate effect. The FSP is part of government's reform of Public Financial Management Systems nationwide. 8. Creation of Efficiency Unit (EU) to spearhead the efficient use of government resources, and ensure reduction in recurrent expenditure The EU reviews all government overhead expenditure, reduces wastage, provides efficiency and ensures quantifiable savings for the country. Also, the unit identifies best practices in procurement and financial management for adoption. The EUs efforts have resulted in approximately N15 billion in savings on travel, sitting allowances and souvenirs. There is also potential savings of N7 billion on other expenditure lines where the unit seeks to control spending through circulars. In addition, there is on-going work on the deployment of a price-checker, as well as the use of debit cards for payments. 9. Asset Recovery Reforms The constitution of a Presidential Committee on Asset Recovery (PCAR), headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, to bring together all law enforcement agencies involved in the recovery of assets; as well as designation of a dedicated CBN account to receive all recovered funds, for coordination and transparency of management and oversight. 10. Reform of longstanding Cash Call Arrangement In 2016 the federal government exited the cash call arrangement by which the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) traditionally funded its share of the crude oil exploration and production Joint Ventures (JVs) with International Oil Companies (IOCs). The cash call obligations had consistently put pressure on the federal governments finances, and a failure to fully fund them has resulted in the accumulation of debt arrears of more than six billion dollars, as at December 2015. Starting 2017, a new funding mechanism is being introduced, which will allow the JVs to transform into independent, self-financing entities. The advantages for the federal government finances include: (1) Freeing-up the federal government from the budgetary obligation of coming up with the cash calls (savings made under the new arrangement can be directed to critical Infrastructure projects), and (2) A potential increase in Nigerias oil production to about 2.5 million barrels per day, on account of optimal funding. Also as part of the reforms, the debt arrears owed the IOCs have been negotiated downwards to approximately US$5.1 billion for which a long-term repayment plan has been drawn up. 11. New Whistleblowing Policy The new Whistleblowing Policy introduced by the federal ministry of finance has already yielded about $160m and N8 billion in recoveries of stolen government funds. READ ALSO: 6 things you need to know about the FG's whistleblowing programme Source: Legit.ng The bloodshed within the Southern part of Kaduna state, has continued to rise, it is fast becoming a daily affair. Just In: Army General, Police Commissioner relocate to Southern Kaduna There are fears that more and more lives will be lost in a couple of days if a timely intervention does not come. Most recent reports suggest that reports suggest that gunmen on Monday, February 20, killed 14 persons and injured many others, in an attack on Ashim village in the Takad chiefdom of Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna state. The attack comes on the heels of several others which makes the casualty toll very disturbing. What started of as tribal disputes are said to have taken a detour, escalating into grave religious violence, threatening not just Kaduna state on its own, but indeed stirring pressure felt all around the nation at large. Relocation of military personnel The Kaduna state government on Monday, February 20, announced that the Garrison Commander of the 1 Division of the Nigeria Army and the states Commissioner of Police have relocated to the southern part of the state. This is to enable Brigadier-General Ismaila Isa and CP Agyole Abeh coordinate a determined response to renewed attacks by armed bandits on communities in Kaura and Jemaa local government areas. The situation has been brought under control by this afternoon, but security operations continue. Governor extends condolences A government statement said that Malam Nasir El-Rufai has extended his condolence to the families of the victims of the renewed attacks which began last night, 19th February 2017. Vanguard reports that the governor assured them that the government is fully committed to securing the area, with the active support of the army and the police. The statement added that the two battalions of the army and the 10 mobile police squadrons are engaging the bandits, as the duty state carries out its obligations to secure the area, protect lives and rout these armed bandits. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App The governor said that despite these difficulties and the pain of the attacks, this is not the time to give the bandits the pleasure of seeing victims turn on each other. He called for support for the army and the security agencies as they work to repel attacks and crush the bandits. Unknown gunmen in a coordinated attack invaded Bakin Kogi, Kaninkon Village in Jemaa Local Government Area in the State on Sunday 19th February, 2017 at about 5:30pm. They were repulsed by Operation Yaki Surveillance Patrol Teams and Operation Harmony Patrol Teams. Further attacks were recorded today in Kaura local government. Fatalities were recorded and some houses were burnt in the attacks. I have been in touch with the security agencies and I have been studiously following the situation in Jemaa and Kaura Local Government Areas over the unfortunate attacks. I want to, first of all, extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and relations that lost their loved ones and properties in these unfortunate attacks. My prayers and support equally goes to citizens that sustained injuries and are traumatised by what they witnessed. This is clearly a wicked, evil and devilish act being perpetrated by enemies of peace and humanity. I also wish to commend our gallant soldiers and police personnel, who are defending our communities. The Kaduna State Government will continue to work assiduously with security agencies towards the protection of life and property. Source: Legit.ng The Central Bank of Nigerian (CBN) in order to ease the difficulties encountered by Nigerians in obtaining funds for foreign exchange transactions, has issued a new forex policy on the Monday, February 20. Exchange of dollar for naira The policy would be providing direct additional funding to banks to meet the needs of Nigerians for personal and business travel, medical needs, and school fees, effective immediately. This policy will also dictate how things work with the Nigerian foreign exchange market. Here are 8 things you need to know about the new forex policy. 1. The policy is directed at the retail end of the market where the scarcity is worst. This is the market that used to be served by the bureau de change (BDCs). 2. The new forex policy aims to ensure supply of dollars for personal and business travel allowances for those who need to travel on holiday or business. The new policy will be available for medical needs, people who need to pay for medical services abroad and school fees for those who need to pay school fees of their wards schooling abroad. READ ALSO: We are not corrupt, CBN replies Nigerian Wailer 3. This new policy will ensure that the sale of forex to banks will be done weekly by CBN. These categories of people will also get forex easily from commercial banks. 4. This new policy has also made provision for each bank to receive amounts commensurate with their demand per week. This means, the bank that gets patronized the most from customers will get the most dollars from CBN. READ ALSO: Forex hike: Panic as 14 foreign airlines exit Nigerian aviation market 5. The new forex policy will ensure that anyone and everyone who is qualified for personal and business travel allowance gets it. The CBN has also directed all banks to open foreign exchange retail outlets at major airports as soon as logistics permit. 6. The logistics permits implies that banks dont have a timeline to open outlets at various airports. This is a double-edged sword as banks with outlets could sell at a premium. 7. This new policy will allow the three major international airports we have in Nigeria, Lagos, Abuja and Kano to be a foreign exchange market. With Abuja Airport set to be closed, it is likely that Kaduna airport will soon be an FX destination. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App 8. With this new forex policy all banks without an outlet at the major airports will not joining the likes of travelex, UBA, First Bank, GTB, Zenith to sell forex to consumers. Source: Legit.ng By Press Trust of India: Kolkata, Feb 20 (PTI) Eveready Industries India Limited today officially decided to reorganise their packet tea business examining and evaluating all alternatives. "The board has authorised Managing Director Amritanshu Khaitan to examine and evaluate all relevant aspects and alternatives for the reorganisation, including the option of continuing with packet tea operations through a wholly owned subsidiary," a company statement said. advertisement "The objective of the exercise is to provide sharper focus to the packet tea business which is currently not adequate as it remains mixed with the Eveready branded product verticals of dry batteries, flashlights, lighting product and home appliances," it said. The Indian packet tea market is estimated at Rs 10,000 crore dominated by HUL and Tata Tea. The reorganisation will help the company to induct strategic partners or even hive-off. The Eveready packet tea owns brands like Tez, Jaago, and Premium Gold brands and contributed to about just five per cent of the companys Rs 1,331 crore annual sales during 2015-16. Currently, these brands account for anywhere between one and five per cent of the tea market across India. PTI BSM DKB --- ENDS --- - The Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha, has warned a former Governor of Kaduna state, Ahmed Makarfi, and his faction to respect a judgment of a court of Appeal - Okorocha said that Makarfi and his group should not to be anarchists by going against a valid judgement which empowered Sheriff as the indisputable National chairman of the PDP - He asked Makarfi and his co-travellers to proceed on appeal to the Supreme Court and not denigrate the judiciary and or heat up the polity unnecessarily The Governor of Imo state and chairman Progressives Governors Forum, Rochas Okorocha, has warned a former Governor of Kaduna state, Ahmed Makarfi, and his faction to respect a judgment of a court of Appeal, Port Harcourt, Rivers state, which affirmed that Alimodu Sheriff, was the true National chairman of the crisis-ridden Peoples Democratic Party. PDP national chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff addressing the press at the party secretariat, Abuja Punch reports that the Governor said that, while the Makarfi led faction of the PDP reserved the Constitutional right to appeal the court of Appeal judgement in Supreme Court, himself and other faithful who are opposed to the leadership of Sheriff should not heat up the polity or do anything that would undermine the countys nascent democracy. READ ALSO: PDP stakeholders meeting: Fayose, Makarfi, others fault Appeal Court's judgment In a statement issued in Owerri, the state capital on Tuesday 21st February by the Governors political Adviser, Professor Nnamdi Obiaraeri, Okorocha, noted with dismay a communique issued after a meeting in Abuja on Monday 20th February by the Makarfi led faction of the main opposition party. The governor, who averred that democrats in a democracy should have democratic mindsets, admonished Makarfi and his group not to be anarchists by going against a valid judgement which empowered Sheriff as the indisputable National chairman of the PDP. The statement which was titled: Senator Makarfi and his co-travellers can proceed on appeal to the Supreme Court but must not denigrate the judiciary and or heat up the polity unnecessarily, asserted that any unlawful act undertaken by the Makarfi faction was an affront to the countrys democracy. Parts of the statement reads: Our attention has been drawn to the recent Communique allegedly issued after a meeting in Abuja by Senator Makarfi and his co-travelers, following his loss of the National Chairmanship and control of PDP to Senator Sheriff in the recent judgement of the Court of Appeal. We concede the constitutional right of any person dissatisfied with the judgement of the Court of Appeal to approach the Supreme Court for a final adjudication and determination of the matter or matters in contention but we view with grave concern the apparent disregard for a valid and subsisting judgement of the Court of Appeal by Senator Makarfi and his clique in the PDP national leadership impasse. This open disregard for a valid and subsisting judgement of the Court of Appeal is a grave affront to the judiciary as an arm of government and must be condemned by all and sundry as a further threat to our fledgling democracy. Going through the gamut of the said communique, we are piqued by the shameful lack of decorum exhibited by its authors and the derisive language employed by the Senator Markafi led group in lambasting the majority judgement of the Court of Appeal sought to be appealed against. To say the least, the language of the communique as it affects Their Lordships of the Court of Appeal who delivered the majority judgement is very irresponsible and typical of the outcome of a gathering of lawless political marabouts and desperate gamblers. PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng current affairs app for android to get the latest news Concerned stakeholders in the legal profession, decent observers and men and women of enlightened conscience are surprised that Senator Makarfi and his rebellious group will delude themselves into believing that a valid and subsisting majority judgement of the penultimate court of the land can be nibbled at to the point of being brazenly disobeyed because of a dissenting minority judgement. This is completely unacceptable. Source: Legit.ng Ekiti state governor Ayodele Fayose has declared that he would rule Nigeria as President and commander-in-chief very soon. Ayo Fayose believes that in his future is presidency of Nigeria. Speaking during a live interview on Focus Nigeria, a political show on African Independent Television, monitored by Legit.ng on Tuesday, February 21, Fayose said: "It is not by power. It is destiny. Even I did not believe it after becoming Ekiti after eight years of leaving office. READ ALSO: Buhari says no cause to worry over his health status "I will be the vice president of Nigeria, even the President very soon. Fayose attacked Ali Modu Sheriff, saying the former Borno state governor had no popular support as given to Senator Ahmed Makarfi. "He is a general without an army. If democracy is about people and party politics is about people, tell Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to bring out the people behind him. "You will see all the senators at our own meetings, who are those behind Sheriff? When holding a press conference, they will use camera to control them like this, just about three of them." PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest news on Legit.ng News App Fayose also accused Ali Modu Sheriff of tricking the PDP in order to run for the position of President in 2019. Just on Monday, February 20, Fayose said that every morning he carries he carries Bible bullets to fight the All Progressives Congress, (APC). Fayose, who serves as the chairman of the Peopls Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum made the remark at the partys stakeholders meeting in Abuja. Source: Legit.ng President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that he needs a longer time to rest, thus putting paid to speculations and claims by top government officials that he is actually fit and healthy. Buhari wrote to Nigerians through his aide, Femi Adesina The president said this on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 saying the rest is deserved following the results from the series of medical tests he carried out in the United Kingdom where he is on vacation. READ ALSO: Osinbajo meets with governors, ministers over rice The president, who noted that he is staying longer than expected in the UK, reportedly stated this in a four-paragraph statement through his special adviser on media and publicity, Femi Adesina. The Punch reports that the president thanked Nigerians for their prayers, good wishes and support adding that there was no cause to be troubled. President Muhammadu Buhari thanks millions of Nigerians who have been sending good wishes and praying for his health and well-being in mosques and churches throughout the country. The President is immensely grateful for the prayers, show of love and concern. READ ALSO: Ghana's Jerry Rawlings slams Nigerians for wishing Buhari dead President Buhari wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the President staying longer than originally planned, he said. Source: Legit.ng - A human rights organization has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign as Nigeria's president - The organization said Buhari's resignation would be in the interest of the country - Opinion Nigeria said President Buhari's medical trip to London came to Nigerians as a shock considering the state of nation in the new year An international human rights organisation has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign and pave way for the acting president Yemi Osinbajo to be confirmed as Nigeria's substantive president. The organization, Opinion Nigeria said it is important, in the interest of the country, for President Buhari to tender his resignation letter without delay. Opinion Nigeria said President Buhari's medical trip to London came to Nigerians as a shock considering the state of nation i the new year. READ ALSO: Buhari vs Osinbajo: Same party, different attitudes to power The organization's president, Jeff Okoroafor in a petition to Buhari said the response by the presidential spokesperson Femi Adesina that Buhari was on a short leave was the beginning of an unending tale. Okoroafor said Buhari's trip has left the vice president in an acting capacity for too long. He said Nigeria is in dire need of affirmative actions to put things in the right perspective for 2017. Okoroafor said: "Although there seem to be a general assumption that the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is acting in the place of the president as such no vacuum is created in the system. But, we are quite aware that there are so many pending issues on the desk of Mr. President that awaits his return. "We cannot be operating in secrecy at the presidential level expecting the information hungry Nigerians to keep mute. We have the right to know what is happening and we are committed to a functional and operational Nigeria which is not halted for any political gains or satisfaction," Okoroafor said. READ ALSO: JUST IN: Acting President Osinbajo, governors in crucial meeting inside Aso Rock "Based on this, we call for the immediate resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari quoting his health as the reason to fully function as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, followed swiftly with the immediate confirmation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a substantive President of the country. "We hope that this petition will reach deserving authorities in good faith, understanding that the urgency of this request is born out of the desire to salvage the country from total collapse. We pray and urge that this letter will be treated without prejudice or sentiment from whatever sphere of reasoning," he said. "As the days on vacation recede, Nigerians yearn insistently to know the circumstances surrounding the presidents seemingly emergency exit from the country. It is ponderous to put on record that this so-called all important vacation was coming at a point when the countrys economy was demanding the innovation or yet still budgetary intervention to ameliorate the sufferings of many Nigerians. READ ALSO: When Osinbajo takes decisions, some run to Buhari in London to question it Abdulmumin Jibrin The organizations said the social media in Nigeria is already awashed with stories competing for public attention over the reason for the trip. He said the stories which have also expanded with time has sparked up fear and tension on the possibility of President Buhari's inability to respond to treatment at the London Hospital. "The presidency so far has come up with conflicting versions of comments to diffuse the tension but their words further rambled the suspicion of most Nigerians who requested that the president relay a video to Nigerians assuring them that he was hale and hearty but, he never succumbed," Okoroafor said. Source: Legit.ng Few weeks ago, the a report made the rounds, suggesting that over a hundred Nigerians have been killed in South Africa, within two years. The Federal Government had asked the South African Government to investigate and punish those involved in the killing of a Nigerian in Johannesburg in December last year. It also called on Pretoria to end extrajudicial killings, criminalisation of immigrants and xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who visited the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Mnguni, in Abuja on Tuesday 7th February sought assurances that xenophobic attacks against Nigerians by South Africans would be stopped. Killing of Nigerians in South Africa: FG sends strong message to South African government Her visit was sequel to the killing of a Nigerian, Tochukwu Nnadi, in December last year by South African police officers. Nnadi was choked to death for allegedly dealing in hard drug. Dabiri-Erewa complained that over 116 Nigerians were killed within two years in South Africa. She said 63 per cent of the extrajudicial killings were carried out by the police. She expressed sadness over the criminalisation of Nigerians by South Africans, noting that Nigeria and South Africa should rather be engaging in cooperation that could lead to social-economic development as the two giants of Africa. A hint of reprisal Dabiri-Erewa - President Muhammadu Buharis senior special aide, has dropped hints that Nigeria may consider reprisal over renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa. The adviser said the countrys patience was being tried with the renewed attacks and has also called on the African Union (AU), to prevail on the South African government, to take decisive and definitive measures to protect Nigerian citizens and other Africans within that countrys borders. In a statement made on Monday, February 20, the presidential aide decried the renewed xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa. Dabiri-Erewa said the Nigerian community in South Africa, led by Ikechukwu Anyene, has confirmed the attacks and looting of Nigerian-owned businesses in Pretoria West on Saturday. She quoted Anyene as saying that the union had reported the incident to the Nigeria mission and South African police. As we speak, five buildings with Nigerian businesses, including a church, have been looted and burned by South Africans. She said the attention of the AU was being called upon to intervene because there is credible information that more xenophobic attacks against foreigners will take place between February 22 and 23, 2017. Dabiri-Erewa described the attacks as an unnecessary setback and advised Nigerians to be extra cautious. She also urged restraint on the part of Nigerians and warned that further attacks without any reprimand may have dire consequences. Dabiri-Erewa had, two weeks ago, met with the South African High Commissioner in Nigeria, Lulu Aaron-Mnguni, on the killing of Nigerians in his country who promised to investigate the matter. We have lost 116 Nigerians in the last two years and, in 2016 alone, about 20 were killed. This is unacceptable to the people and Government of Nigeria, she told Aaron-Mnguni. Source: Legit.ng - The chairman of the Kaduna Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) Aliyu Ibrahim has decried the lack of infrastructural projects in Nigerian institutions - Ibrahim said his office as a polytechnic lecturer has been under a mango tree for the past 18 years - He said he has not had an office due to infrastructural deficit in the institution The chairman of the Kaduna Chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic (ASUP) Aliyu Ibrahim has decried the lack of infrastructural projects in Nigerian institutions. Ibrahim said his office as a polytechnic lecturer has been under a mango tree for the past 18 years. He said he has not had an office due to infrastructural deficit in the institution. He said nothing has changed in terms of infrastructure since he graduated from the institution in 1994. READ ALSO: Call off strike or no salary - FG tells polytechnic lecturers "I am privileged to be talking to you in this office today because am ASUP chairman but my office is under the mango tree," Ibrahim said. I do not have an office since I joined the institution 18 years ago. I seat under the mango tree. If my students or anybody wants to see me, he must either meet me in the class or strategically position himself and wait for me to pass by," he said. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App The lecturer also said the lack of infrastructure and having to work from under the tree is affecting the motivation of staff in the school. He added that Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund ) had not been fair to polytechnics in Nigeria when it comes to infrastructural intervention. READ ALSO: JUST IN: Polytechnic lecturers embark on nationwide warning strike If TETFund gives university N200 million, for example, it will give polytechnic N50 million for infrastructure. Nigeria is a developing economy and needs the middle class of manpower to develop the economy. The essence of polytechnic education is to bring out middle class operations in terms of technological advancement, design implementation and even research. The lack of infrastructure in the system is hampering the ability of the middle class to deliver," Ibrahim said. He also urged the federal government to address infrastructure challenges affecting polytechnic institutions in the country. Source: NAN Source: Legit.ng By Press Trust of India: Jammu, Feb 21 (PTI) Shrinking the big fat Kashmiri wedding and other opulent functions, the Jammu and Kashmir government has imposed curbs on expenses, the guest list and dishes to be served on such occasions. Also, it has put a ban on the use of amplifiers, loud speakers and fire crackers at such events in the state. advertisement "The government issued a Guest Control Order to impose restrictions on the injudicious use of essential commodities during social, government and private functions and a complete ban on the use of amplifiers, loud speakers and fire crackers on such occasions," Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Choudhary Zulfkar Ali said. He told reporters here that the order was issued after the department received complaints and representations from civil society organisations regarding the "injudicious" use of essential commodities and exorbitant expenditures made on public and private functions. The department, after taking cognisance of the complaints, issued the order, putting a complete ban on any person sending dry fruits, sweet packets with invitation cards to relatives, friends, guests etc. Ali said the number of guests to be invited on the marriage of daughter including baraat should be restricted to a maximum of 500 and on that of son, it should not exceed 400. "For functions like ring ceremony of son, daughter and other small events, the number of guests invited should not cross the hundred mark," the minister said. The order restricts the number of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes to a maximum of seven each. Besides, not more than two stalls of sweets or ice cream can be set up. The minister said the law is "same for everyone and will be applied to all, irrespective of his/her status in the society". The order will be applicable from April 1 as the government wanted to give a buffer period of 40 days to people who have already distributed invitation cards. Ali also asked the organisers to ensure that food items, uncooked or cooked, do not go waste during such functions. "If there is surplus food, it should be given to the needy," he said. No plastic or indecomposable material should be thrown in the open and the same should be collected in a separate dustbin and disposed of properly by the host or the organiser, Ali said. Besides, the order places a complete ban on the use of big generator sets, high-pitch sound amplifiers, loud speakers, decks, profuse lightning, bursting of crackers in social as well as government functions. advertisement The minister also urged for support from the public to make the initiative a success. PTI AB GVS --- ENDS --- Ayodele Fayose, the Ekiti state governor, has caused a stir in the country with his most recent declaration that he would soon be the President and commander-in-chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria very soon. Ayodele Fayose, the Ekiti state governor who has high hopes of being the Nigerian president soon. This declaration seemed to have been made at a time Nigerians are disoriented. With the absence of President Buhari and the skyrocketing exchange rate, many people feel the nation needs a leader who is strong enough to handle their affairs. Fayose revealed his ambition on a political show monitored by Legit.ng on AIT today, February 21. The governor claimed it is destined to happen as he did not know he will be in the position of power that he is now despite leaving the office eight years ago. The active state governor said he will be the vice president of the nation first before being made the president. This news was broken coincidentally on the same day President Buhari wrote a letter saying the doctors have ordered him to have enough rest. This means that Nigeria has a president in waiting even though the sworn-in president is not around. Nigerians have reacted to the declaration made by Fayose. With their reactions, you can guess if they are in support of the state governors move and goal. Check out some of the points raised with Governor Fayose's outburst: 1. He is a man that can kick against injustice READ ALSO: You need to read what Nigerians are saying after President Buhari extended his leave AGAIN 2. It is time for an Igbo president 3. Nigeria has become a joke 4. God bless you Fayose 5. What tribe will vote for you 6. Fayose is a day dreamer 7. What has Fayose achieved as the governor of Ekiti? 8. Ekiti is not up to Zaria LGA 9. Count on my support Fayose PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App 10. We do not need a tout as a president Source: Legit.ng - The Emir of Kano has explained further the proposed law seeking to ban poor men from marrying more than a wife - The Chairman of Islamic family Law Committee in charge of the new law said the law is already being drafted - The is no known punishment yet for those who might break the law The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi ll has explained reasons for the new law that seeks to stop poor men from marrying more than one wife as accepted by Islamic religion. The Emir who spoke through the Chairman of Islamic Family Law Committee, Dr.Bashir Aliyu, Sanusi on Tuesday, February 21, said the law was rather meant to guide Muslims faithful on how to conduct their family lives in line with the teachings of Islam, Nigeria Bulletin reports. Law seeking to stop poor men from marrying many wives is necessary to guide Muslims faithfuls READ ALSO: Emir Sanusi clarifies statement on conversion of schools to mosques The emir said the law provides that a Muslim can marry additional wife only when he meets up with two fundamental conditions: 1. The man will be just and treat his wives equally 2. The man has the means of taking care of more than one wives The Emir said: These are the two conditions provided by the law and that what Islam says about polygamy. When passed into law, the law will help our judges and lawyers in discharging their duties as administrators of justice. It will also guide the community how resolve some family matters. And it will equally prevent alien laws and culture from penetrating into our religion. He announced that the 40-member family law committee had already drafted the law and is currently reviewing it before submission to the main committee for final draft and subsequent passage into law by the Kano state House of Assembly. He however said punishment for breaking the law is yet to be drafted as the law is just a way to sought family planning and reduce poverty in the North. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App Meanwhile, the emir of Kano has recently accused Nigerian leaders of being selfish and only concerned about members of their families. The former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria spoke on Wednesday, February 8 in Abuja at the award presentation ceremony of Most Security Conscious Governor to Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi by the Nigeria Police Force. Source: Legit.ng A 24-hour curfew has been imposed on Southern Kaduna following an attack on Sunday, February 20 by Fulani herdsmen which resulted in the killing of about 14 indigenes. The curfew was imposed by the state Security Council in Jemaa and Kaura local government areas and it is with immediate effect. Nasir El-Rufai's government imposed the curfew on the two local government areas of the state The herdsmen had had reportedly invaded the two local governments where they also destroyed several properties. READ ALSO: Southern Kaduna boy hopes to use his locally produce toy gun to scare herdsmen away (photo, video) Premium Times reports that while the attack on in Jemaa was repelled by security officials, 14 people were killed while many others were injured Ashim village, Takad chiefdom of Kaura local government area. The report said a statement by Samuel Aruwan, the spokesperson to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, said the curfew was imposed on the area to protect lives of the people and avoid further breakdown of law. READ ALSO: Security tightened at Abuja House in London as Presidency keeps silent on Buhari's health Only essential workers and those on humanitarian services are allowed movement after due clearance by security agencies, Mr Aruwan said adding that security agencies have been asked to beef up their protection efforts. Source: Legit.ng Editor's note: Richards Murphy, a forensic psychologist from Calabar, Cross River state has claimed that there is an international undertone to Nigeria's current economic crisis. Murphy also said the activities of Boko Haram terrorists, 'roving bands of Chadian deserters' and former rebels who have made the region south of Chad their base of operations is worrisome. Nigeria has indeed seen tough times, tough times that have lasted over six years, with accompanying wanton destruction of lives and properties running into billions of naira. While it is argued in some quarters that the Boko Haram crisis has some international sponsors, I nonetheless think there is more than just foreign sponsorship of the activities of the sect. In my opinion, there is an international conspiracy to either destroy the economy of Nigeria, or payback for constituting a hindrance to a grand plot. As a first, Nigeria is surrounded by former French colonies, called francophone countries. READ ALSO: How corruption is aiding Boko Haram's attacks in Nigeria - Transparency International These countries share borders with Nigeria, especially the North-East, where the activities of the Boko Haram sect is domiciled. But curiously, it was observed that Boko Haram terrorist often get their supplies from these countries especially Chad and Mali. That is not the catch. The catch is that there is a strong presence of French troops stationed in these countries. For instance, in Mali, there are over 3,000 French soldiers under the auspices of Operation Barkhane, a task force, dedicated to tracking Islamist rebels against the wider sub-Saharan area. But this is the same Mali that hundreds of Boko Haram members stayed at training camps with Malian militants for months in Timbuktu, learning to fix Kalashnikovs and launch shoulder-fired weapons, under the full glare of Operation Barkhane. It didnt stop there, in Chad, Operation Barkhane has 1,200 troops stationed in that country. Yet, activities of Boko Haram terrorists and roving bands of Chadian deserters and former rebels who have made the region south of Chad their base of operations continued, all in the full glare of Operation Barkhane. READ ALSO: Lai Mohammed blasts Biafra group, says fake news poses more threat than insurgency, militancy Let me digress to give some foundation for the continuous presence of French troops in its former colonies. In some quarters, it is stated that the francophone countries entered into an agreement with France to provide security against a coup. So mainly the presence of French troops in these countries is to provide cover for their various business interests somewhat. And part of these activities is ensuring a steady supply of crude oil. But the usual cover story they would tell you is that the presence of French troops in Africa is part of a global mission to tackle militancy across Africa. However, there have been some reactions to France's deepening engagement in West Africa. Some people say that rather than preventing terrorists from coming to this part of the world, they attract them. According to a Chatham House expert, Paul Melly, France wields a level of influence in sub-Saharan Africa that it cannot command anywhere else in the world. Analysts used to refer to the "vested interests" that France had in West Africa in the post-colonial period, and how Nigeria constituted a stumbling block in its quest for outright dominance in Africa. However, the odd angle to the whole counter-terrorism narrative as propagated by France is suspect. Suspect in the sense that on three occasions, France has called for a Boko Haram summit. The first was in 2014, tagged the Paris Security Summit, which saw leaders from Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad, and Benin agree to share their technical know-how with Western allies France, as well as the U.S and Britain to defeat Boko Haram. Did anything come out of the summit? The answer is a huge no. Instead, Boko Haram activities thrived, they acquired more and more sophisticated weapons that are suspected to have been moved through intermediaries from some of the neighboring countries. READ ALSO: Iraq and 14 other countries with highest level of terror attacks, Nigeria's position will make you panic (SEE LIST) In 2015, French President Francois Hollande offered to host a summit of countries fighting Nigeria's Boko Haram armed Islamists on a visit to Cameroon, as a follow-up to the 2014 summit. This again didnt yield anything tangible. In 2016, there was another summit, where leaders of Lake Chad countries along with French President Francois Hollande, US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken and British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond gathered in Abuja to discuss a way of defeating Boko Haram. Nothing tangible was achieved. This is what happens when you follow the story, only to find the most cynical of intentions from every player involved, and indeed the regional politics and geopolitics of West Africa as a whole. Second is the political and economic chessboard in West Africa, where a few interested parties stand to gain from Boko Harams ongoing attacks and destabilization of the entire Nigerian state. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App For example, Chad sees in Nigeria potential oil profits as it expands its oil extraction capabilities throughout the Chad Basin. Of course, major oil companies, not to mention powerful western nations such as France, have a vested interest in maintaining their profits from West African oil. Today, Frances dominant role continues as its port of Le Havre is the final destination for the unrefined oil extracted from under the feet of West Africans. Are we getting somewhere? Is it now clear why French troops stationed in these francophone countries have continued to turn blind eyes while Boko Haram fighters continue to set up camps, train and launch attacks in Nigeria? Your guess is as good as mine. Like I mentioned earlier, the interest of France is the business. For them, since Chad is drilling oil from the Lake Chad basin and the final destination is Le Havre, the insurgency has to continue so the oil can continue to flow. But for how long the French deceit will last is left to be imagined. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Legit.ng. Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@naij.com drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors. Were ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App. Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to Legit.ng Opinion page! Source: Legit.ng Shree Ghatak Muhuri, a 30-year-old theatre artist, is being dubbed as the first transgender woman in West Bengal to get legally married. By India Today Web Desk: When the wedding bells rang for 30-year-old Shree Ghatak on Saturday, it had a loud-and-clear message for everyone in Kolkata and beyond: Love is for one and all. Ghatak, a transgender woman, had socially married long-time partner Sanjay Muhuri in a traditional Bengali wedding last year. This weekend, however, their marriage became even more special as they got it legally registered. advertisement Ghatak, now going by Shree Ghatak Muhuri, is being dubbed as the first trans-woman to be legally married in West Bengal. Having found her happily-ever-after, Ghatak's story, however, did not have a smooth start. Ghatak met husband Sanjay in school, and had been friends since they turned 14. While her feelings for him had been strong ever since, the love story had not been a smooth one. "I was in class eight when I began getting attracted to Sanjay. It was just like any woman gets attracted towards a man. But it was so confusing for me," Ghatak told eNewsroom. "Being a woman trapped in a man's body made me feel lonely, strange and bad at times," she said. "Making things worse was the fact that there was no one in my family to understand my feelings." Also read: Odisha man breaks barriers to marry transgender THE SOCIAL STIGMA Ghatak underwent sex reassignment surgery in 2015, and took up the name Shree. But before that, especially during childhood, Ghatak recalls being subjected to much ridicule and torture for being. "I was often beaten or abused for being what I am. It was really difficult for me," she told eNewsroom. Luckily for Ghatak, she had her mother and a loving partner by her side. Husband Sanjay Muhuri was not excused from the stigma either, as being in a relationship with a trans-woman often made him the target of ridicule as well. However, Ghatak said that since the sex reassignment surgery, people have been able to accept their relationship. "Initially, our families were very much opposed to us getting married. They were worried about what people would say. But once I underwent the surgery to be what I had always been, a woman, my in-laws welcomed me with open arms." Ghatak and Muhuri had a social wedding soon after her sex reassignment surgery, but since they were yet to get the documents supporting her transition, they couldn't go ahead with a legal one. With all the paperwork sorted now, the two got their marriage registered, becoming a married couple in the eyes of the law as well. advertisement Also read: Bengal's Kalyani University bends rules to admit transgender student on humanitarian grounds Shree Ghatak Muhuri with husband, Sanjay Muhuri. Source: Shree Ghatak/ Facebook --- ENDS --- Editor's note: In this piece, Law Mefor, an Abuja-based forensic/ social psychologist, a journalist and author met with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Kuje Prison. Mefor said his visit to the detained IPOB leader made him sober on certain issues. Not long ago, I paid a solidarity and fact-finding visit to the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Director, Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, at Kuje Medium Security Prison. I set out at down and got a cab to drive me to the place. Kuje Prison is tucked away in the corner of Kuje main town and you wouldnt know such a place existed there until sights of the prison waders and soldiers barricading the road to the prison at intervals begin to give such top security hints. Huge Gmelina trees lined the road and provided shades against the harsh February weather made worse by the returning harmattan. Its characteristic dry and dusty northeasterly trade wind blowing from the Sahara Desert into the Gulf of Guinea was so much of a nuisance that trendy morning. Startlingly, the soldiers and prison warders were all cordial and civil. READ ALSO: Release Nnamdi Kanu now to save Nigeria from needless war, aggrieved Nigerian writes open letter to Osinbajo Yet, it took up to thirty minutes to complete the formalities and protocols and for my form to be approved by the Incharge or his deputies and travel back before I was ushered into the final service area, where I was physically frisked and money and ATM card collected, to be handed back upon signing out and exiting. I was then given a visitors pass, which I hung around my neck. I walked into the open hall that served as reception and about three dozen seats were arranged around small plastic tables in threes and fours. I installed myself in one of the chairs as directed by one extremely pretty female prison warder. I wondered for a moment why she chose her profession as I patiently waited while word was sent to Nnamdi Kanu that he had visitors. I soon noticed I was not the only person who had arrived the same hour to see him. There were at least four others who I discerned from their discussions that they were relatives probably all the way from Abia, his state. READ ALSO: Why we don't believe in restructuring Nigeria - IPOB I didnt want to make their acquaintance for obvious reasons. It was the greetings of His excellency that roused me. It was Nnamdi Kanu and two others charged along with him that were being hailed as they came out. We all stood up in obeisance. He wore flowery green Ankara up-and-down and brown sandals. We firmly shook hands as I introduced myself. PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on Legit.ng News App He was oratorical, sonorous, deep, ponderous and impenetrable when he spoke. He already knew me by reputation for he confessed he had read quite a bit of my works. Probably before he was caged in there, I didnt ask when. It was good for me as it made my mission a lot easier. I didnt have to waste much time breaking barriers and winning his confidence even though it wasnt a press visit so to speak. But a journalist is a journalist and he knew I was one. We had become fast friends and discussed as if we had known from childhood. He was a genial fellow who appeared he wouldnt hurt a fly. If he was acting it, then, he made a great job of it. Pleasantries over, we settled down to business. I told him straightaway I was there to show solidarity and to understand why his struggle had taken a narrow view as to preclude political solutions. READ ALSO: We are not recruiting Biafra soldiers and police, IPOB issues STRONG warning He regarded me as one who was far from reality and who needed a bit of education on the matter at hand. I was ready to be schooled. He asked me what I understood about the struggle and whether I thought it was justified and timely. It was a tricky question. I had to tell him the truth. I told him the struggle over Igbo marginalization was justified even though I would prefer inclusion of political option. At least, we have met each other halfway, even though it was how I truly felt. I wasnt faking. He knew I am for a truly federal Nigeria, restructured within the context of one Nigeria. He dismissed that as hoping against hope as the fate of the Igbos in such utopic Nigeria can only grow from bad to worse. He easily proved to me that the Igbos are not even marginalized anymore; that they are now excluded from the mainstream of things Igbos used to play a second fiddle, but now, no fiddles at all. I found myself agreeing and even supplying instances like the recent promotions to the management cadre at the Nigeria Custom Service, where no person from the entire south east was promoted to the cadre of Assistant Comptrollers General, whereas the other 5 zones got three to six slots. Yet, this is the usual pool from where the Comptroller of General of Customs would be selected in the future, thus cutting off decisively the south east from the succession in the Nigeria Customs. READ ALSO: 'Self acclaimed' Biafra leader Benjamin Onwuka is a liar! - IPOB spits FIRE (EVIDENCE) I told him this did not even happen under the military as it ran contrary to the service traditions and federal character enshrined in the constitution. I told him about some other recent instances - the recent promotions in the Nigeria Police, where out of the newly promoted 24 AIGs, not one came from south east. The issue of marginalization escalating to exclusion brought us to one of the issues both of us tried to wrap our hands around: the Igbo political elites and elected officials from south east. He asked what such Igbo leaders are really doing about the about these obvious cases of Igbo exclusion? He wondered why such persons who occupy slots and positions of leadership accruing to the south east would stay and watch, while the constitutional rights of the Igbos are unlawfully taken away despite the so-called constitutional guarantees. We agreed it stemmed from leadership recruitment process, which bypasses the people and diverts allegiance and accountability. Then, after a few other issues, some of which bordered of his case and could be subjuidice to be discussed here, we returned to the issue of political involvement. It meant so much to both of us and he dispassionately addressed it. I had told him pointedly that IPOB could fight for Igbo rights and self-determination much better from within the political space by contesting elections and occupying the seats in both south east government houses, legislative assemblies and the national assembly. I mused about what it would be like to have a Governor Nnamdi Kanu or Senator Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB members occupying most elective positions accruing to the south east in the states, national assembly and government houses in the south east. I cited the facts that even terrorist organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah occupy elective seats in their nations parliaments. He thought pensively before handing me a damning verdict that put some finality to the issue. It is not possible in Nigeria, he said. READ ALSO: Biafra Agitation: IPOB set to take the world by storm, prepare for mega exhibition in Spain Why? IPOB contemplated that in 2009 and had wanted to work with APGA. The Partys leadership betrayed them. He mentioned the names of the leaders who messed up the pact for selfish reasons and ended up betraying not only IPOB but also even Ojukwu and the other Igbos who felt that APGA would be the salvific Igbo party. Thats a story for another. And now? He said it was not possible even now for two or three cardinal reasons. One, there is no democracy in Nigeria so following the political route to Igbo liberation would be suicidal for the struggle, since our brand of democracy is carefully contrived to remove the people from deciding the winners of elections. He agreed that IPOB would easily win but insisted that the powers that be will always declare who they pleased as winners. We reminisced on the experience of Emeka Ojukwu when he returned from exile and one nondescript Edwin Onwudiwe was declared as having defeated Ojukwu in a mere senatorial election and that was soon after Dr. Joseph Wayas (senate president as then was) said openly he would never seat in the same chamber with Ojukwu. Onwudiwe soon after went into oblivion. He asked me what had changed today and I said, nothing. He just shrugged as a way of making it clear that my prescription was a dead-end. It was a sobering experience for me. READ ALSO: Nigeria has not given or done anything for me, pro-Biafra activist writes to Osinbajo The two issues raised by Nnamdi Kanu as leading to his struggle are the Igbo political elites not rising in defence of the people they claim to represent. They have instead, used the Igbo slots to feather their nests and left the over 40 million Igbos naked, undefended and stranded. Nnamdi Kanu rued the absence of democracy in Nigeria as equally foreclosing my proposed political participation option. Was he not right for saying IPOB members will never be allowed to occupy the positions they won? These two apposite issues also remain essentially why the Igbos are fragmented, atomized and never speaking with one voice. These issues are the oxygen fueling the Biafra agitation. Though Nnamdi Kanu and I disagreed, yet, I have a feeling that our disagreement on restructured Nigeria which I hold, where the Igbos and other ethnic nationalities would have equal rights and belonged; and his insistence on independent Biafra are sides of the same coin. For social justice is a cure-all. The two stands are not irreconcilable if you ask me. If we have a country, let us make every citizen a citizen indeed. That was what I took away from that opportune visit. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Legit.ng. Your own opinion articles are welcome at info@naij.com drop an email telling us what you want to write about and why. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest contributors. Were ready to trade your news for our money: submit news and photo reports from your area using our Citizen Journalism App. Contact us if you have any feedback, suggestions, complaints or compliments. We are also available on Facebook and Twitter. Subscribe to Legit.ng Opinion page! Source: Legit.ng Editors note: Mutiu Iyanda, the Legit.ng partner blogger, in this article explains how Nigerians could derive viable income from cassava peels cake. His blogs are: www.infoprations.blogspot.com.ng, www.enterprations.com He could also be contacted via: +2348141374490, +2348062544816. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest bloggers. Cassava, a crop with more than 20 different names from different countries in the world, is a crisis crop. It is being dubbed an emergency crop on the basis of its expediency in solving mans starvation when other crops such as yam, maize, rice, and wheat are insufficient during war, drought or low national incomes. The regime of former General Sanni Abacha is a typical example. Women working at the Gari processing factory During his administration, many Nigerians ate cooked cassava with palm oil for the first time as against the traditional cassava flour and other by-foods associated with the crop. Beyond this, it has been discovered that cassava could lead to the production of several consumables, making it a crisis crop indeed. READ ALSO: How to tap sustainable profits from Nigerian cities wastes Across the regions, Garri is the most food Nigerians make from Cassava followed by Fufu/Akpu. For instance, Nigerians in south-west are known for consumption of lafun (Cassava flour). Those residing in south-south and south-east regions are famous for Akpu while northern Nigerians eat Abacha, the most. Brazil, Indonesia, and Thailand are trailing Nigeria in terms of the commodity production in the world. In terms of metric tons, production of the Nigerian farmers is the largest in the world. The position attained by the country could be traced to the release of improved varieties by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture between 1988 and 1992. National Bureau of Statistics 2016 report shows that Nigeria had the highest production quantity for the three years with 54,023,150 in 2013, 56,328,480 in 2014 and 57,643,271 in 2015. With the failure of harnessing the crop properly, it has been estimated that Nigeria is wasting 14 million metric tons of cassava peels annually. Cassava Peels Evidently, cassava peels can indicate between 5% and 15% of the root. CPs are got from the tubers have been washed with water and peeled mechanically or manually. In most cases, cassava peels contain a significant amount of cyanogenic glycosides and have a higher protein content than other tuber parts. Wet and dried are the two categories of cassava peels. These are converted into cassava peel cakes after series of manual and mechanical processes. The two types are also divided into fine and coarse mash. Existing information signifies that fine mash is appropriate for poultry, fish, and pigs while coarse mash is targeted at feeding cattle, goat, sheep and pigs. The information further indicates that fine mash has higher economic value, while coarse mash is cheaper. To help smallholder farmers and aspiring entrepreneurs in deriving profits from the production of cassava peels cake and increasing the contribution of agriculture to the countrys Gross Domestic Product, national and international researchers have developed technologies for the enhancement of the product. The drying and grading of cassava peels through technologies is crucial to the generation of sustainable animal feeds and income for women and entrepreneurs in Nigeria and other countries in West Africa sub-region. According to the team of experts from the International Livestock Research Institute and International Institute of Tropical Agriculture who innovate latest technology for grating, pressing, pulverising and sieving cassava peel cake, if exploited to the fullest, the innovation would yield at least four million tonnes of high-quality animal feed ingredients valued at around USD 600 million per year. This innovation has been tested by researchers and partners working with the CGIAR Research Programme on Livestock and Fish, Integrated Systems for the Humid Tropics and Roots, Tubers and Bananas. In a recent interview, Okike Iheanacho, one of the scientists who invented the technology, says: the new innovation quickens the drying process by removing excess water from freshly processed peels; five hundred litres of water can be removed from a ton of fresh peels in just 30 minutes. Processing cassava peels cake Cassava peels cake, otherwise known as HQCP (High-quality cassava peel), is produced through four stages. The first stage is the sorting of good peels from the heap of available ones. This becomes necessary because the quality of the raw material used significantly determine the output. In other words, the peels should be gathered from fresh cassava and free from contaminants. Experts say: when processing is delayed beyond a day, the peels start to ferment and become soggy/slippery and difficult to grate. The second stage is the grating of the peels. This must be done three times due to the harsh nature of peels. Grating reduces particle size steadily. READ ALSO: How snail farming can give you financial breakthrough A hydraulic jack, wooden planks, woven bags and a metal frame are needed for pressing the grated peel in the third stage of the processing. These mechanical objects hold loaded bags of freshly grated peels. Pulverising and sieving cassava peel cake constitute specific activities in the last stage of producing the cake. To have dry mash, the peel cake is re-grated to loosen it into a free flowing material that can be subjected to sieving to separate the fine mash (lower fiber, high energy content) from coarse mash (higher fiber, lower energy content). Sieving can be done manually or by using a mechanical device. Where does realistic income lies? Animal feed industry is a huge market in almost all countries in Africa, especially in the west region where a number of people rear different animals at home to augment their monthly income. Venturing into cassava peels cake would be a strategic move in addressing the lack of quality feed facing the industry. Recent statistics show that Nigeria raked in more than N800 billion in 2016. The demand for the product will always be exponential because existing businesses in the industry are struggling to produce feeds needed by 19.5 million cattle, 72.5 million goats, 41.3 million sheep, 7.1 million pigs and 28,000 camels, most of the animal protein supplements which could be derived from the peels cake are currently imported. The data indicates that the number of cattle in the country increased by 110% while sheep, pigs, and goats surged by 369%, 726%, and 249% respectively within 30 years. On the animal consumption level, statistics from Nigerian Institute of Animal Science revealed that in 2015, Nigeria hit 5.3 million metric tonnes of animal feeds with the following breakdown: egg, 3.1 million metric tonnes; chicken meat, 1.08 million metric tonnes; aquaculture, 647,750 metric tonnes; pork, 265,000 metric tonnes; milk, 53,000 metric tonnes; beef, 41,250 metric tonnes; pet foods, 35,000 metric tonnes respectively. From the analysis, it could be discerned that ruminants, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry and rabbits need cassava peels cake for their survival, especially digestibility and degradability. Venturing into HQCP business requires understanding the nitty-gritty of its production from agricultural, expert and business management perspectives. These could be gleaned from the national and international agencies, and business management organisations, specializing in strategic management of human and material resources. For the mechanical process discussed earlier, aspiring entrepreneurs need grater, sifting machine, pulverizer, metal case for jack and hydraulic jack 30 tons. The total cost of the machine is less than a million naira. The grater is the most expensive, which cost N350, 000 with the production capacity of 330kg per hour followed by Pulverizer which is being sold at N300, 000 and produces 125kg per hour. PAY ATTENTION: Legit.ng current affairs app for android to get the latest news Shifting machine, metal case for jack and hydraulic jack 30 tons are being sold at N180, 000, N90, 000 and N15, 000 respectively. The value chain of the business is threefold; production coordination, market coordination, and intermediation. Prospective entrepreneurs have the opportunity of being integrated ones by venturing into all the stages. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily represent the editorial policy of Legit.ng. Legit.ng welcomes writers, bloggers, photographers and all sorts of noise makers to become a part of our Bloggers network. If you are a seasoned writer or a complete newbie apply and become Nigerias next star blogger. Send us some info about your career, interests and expertise and why youd like to contribute to the Blogger Network at blogger@corp.legit.ng Also, please send us the link to your blog and three examples of your work. More details in Legit.ngs step-by-step guide for guest bloggers Source: Legit.ng By Chayyanika Nigam: Two US-based online retailers have come under fire for hurting religious sentiments of Hindus by selling footwear with Om symbol and beer with Lord Ganesha picture on its label. Two separate complaints have been made at the Prashant Vihar police station by animal rights activist Naresh Kadyan, who is also the commissioner (headquarters) at Bharat Scouts & Guides. The first complaint was made against a website https://yeswevibe.com for selling shoes with Om symbol while another complaint was made against www.lostcoast.com for using Ganesha photo on beer bottles. advertisement The first complaint, in possession with Mail Today, states that the symbol Om is affiliated with religious feelings and believes of Hindu communities across the universe. "Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs, violated the different sections of the laws of land, including 295 A and 153 A of the IPC," the complaint reads. Speaking to Mail Today, MN Tiwari, deputy commissioner of police (Rohini district), said: "The officers have been instructed to take necessary legal action against the complaint soon." An FIR was not registered till late Monday. Kadyan has written an official letter to the Ministry of External Affairs to register an FIR against the defaulter websites, asking them to remove the products from sale. Also Read:Tricolour on doormat row: Amazon regrets 'offending' Indian sentiments in letter to Sushma Swaraj According to the website (https://yeswe-vibe.com), that is in operation from Scottsdale city in Arizona (as per www.whois.com), is selling the shoes for $59.99. The website claims that the shoes are handmade and it also promises delivery within two- three days in the US and two- three weeks globally. Shoes with Om symbol. Photo: Mail Today Shoes with Om symbol. Photo: Mail Today When Kadyan contacted the customer care centre via email, he was reverted with a message-"We'll forward this to our top management and get back to you soon". The website www.lostcoast. com is an award-winning brewery located in Eureka, California. "This innocuous trend of using Hindu symbols on fashion or marketing accessories reveals the sellers' insatiable greed for making profits," said Raveena, an activist working with Hindu Human Rights. The complaint has come weeks after foreign affairs minister Sushma Swaraj warned Amazon to apologise for selling doormats with Tricolour printed on it. Soon after the incident, #BoycottAmazon trended on the social media with outraged people venting their anger against the firm. Earlier too, holy symbols on footwear and clothes have raised angry reactions from Hindu community across the globe. A Seattlebased toiletries firm created controversy with images of Ganesha and Kali printed on toilet seats. --- ENDS --- advertisement Aisha Yesufu the co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group has come for Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo over the missing Chibok girls. She posted this via her Twitter handle: Recently, Yesufu in reaction to President Buhari's letter to the Senate on why he cannot sack and prosecute the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, said if the president has any shred of honour, character & integrity he should resign. The co-convener of the BBOG, in a series of tweets on Tuesday, January, 24 and Wednesday, January 25, called out the president saying if he can clear someone that stole N200m from vulnerable IDPS in this type of recession then imagine what he would have done in abundance. Below is a video showing how Nigerians are taking the absence of the president: Source: Legit.ng Sorry! This content is not available in your region When it comes to taking lecture notes, Laura Gayle, a sophomore at Florida State University, has her methods. A smiley face connotes an important person. If the professor says, Make sure you know this, she uses an asterisk. A triangular button signals a video clip played in class. Later, she will organize the notes, write a video summary and check uncertainties against the textbook or with the professor. For Introduction to Classical Mythology, shell even alphabetize a list of Greek gods and goddesses. Then, a few days before the exam, she puts it all up for sale. Since last fall, when she uploaded her macroeconomics notes onto Flashnotes.com to pay for a birthday gift for her mother, Ms. Gayle has sold more than 500 copies of the study guides that shes put together for her courses, made over $3,285 and tapped into a growing, if controversial, online marketplace. In describing her approach, Ms. Gayle, a human resources major with a 3.8 grade-point average, sounds aggressive in the best way. I sit in the front row center for every single class, whether I am selling notes or not, she says. For me it is a matter of paying attention, being detail-oriented and, if something is unclear, taking the initiative to go out and find the answer. Her study guides are rated five stars by users. While borrowing, bartering and selling class notes is nothing new, the online market is just getting organized. Amazon-like sites matching note sellers and buyers have come and gone in recent years as students who started them graduate. NerdyNotes at Stony Brook University is surviving the graduation of a founder, but bigger players are arriving. Suspected cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah on Tuesday twice ambushed Manipur Deputy CM Gaikhangam Gangmei's security team on Khoupum road. One commando was injured. By Manogya Loiwal : Unidentified assailants suspected to be cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah, on Tuesday twice attacked Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei's security team on Khoupum road. Gangmei was travelling to Khoupum village, where he was scheduled to attend a flag-hoisting ceremony at his residence. Yumnam Denish, a Manipur Police commando and a member of the Indian Reserve Batallion, was injured in the second of these attacks. He reportedly took a bullet in his right thigh. advertisement Gangmei and his security escort were stranded for around 20 minutes in Namkaolong, which is only six kilometres from Khoupum. However, the Deputy Chief Minister proceeded to his destination in a bullet-proof vehicle with additional security cover, despite the risk. Upon reaching Khoupum, Gangmei attended a public meeting at Khoupum Gaidingzang community hall, amid tight security. The first ambush occurred at Namkaolong Part-2 near Khoupum at around 10:30 AM, the second happened not far from there. Unidentified individuals had threatened villagers in Khoupum last night, and told them not to take part in the Deputy Chief Minister's flag hoisting ceremony, a source said. (With inputs from Jit Ningomba) ALSO READ: Rajnath Singh's statement on Manipur starts fresh war of words --- ENDS --- A suicide bomber detonated a car laden with explosives on Tuesday in front of a hotel where Libyas Parliament was in session in the eastern city of Tobruk, wounding three deputies and eight hotel staff members, the assemblys spokesman said. The assembly, which was elected in June, shifted its seat to Tobruk, near Egypts border, after violence worsened in its planned location, the eastern city of Benghazi. The car exploded in a parking lot near the hotels entrance gate as lawmakers sat in a nearby hall, a parliamentary spokesman, Farraj Hashem, said. Until now, Tobruk had been secure compared with the rest of Libya, which has been in turmoil since Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi was toppled nearly four years ago. WASHINGTON Saudi Arabias resumption of airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen on Wednesday, only hours after it abruptly declared a halt to most military operations, reflected the difficulty of finding a political solution to the crisis. It also showed the challenges facing the Obama administration as it increasingly relies on allies in the Middle East. Senior Saudi officials made clear on Wednesday that they had not formally declared an end to bombing. Rather, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, Adel al-Jubeir, said the campaign was shifting to a new phase one in which Saudi airstrikes would be more limited and come only in response to Houthi attacks, such as the assault against Yemeni troops in Taiz. The decision to calm matters now rests with them, Mr. Jubeir told reporters at the Saudi Embassy here. He asserted that Saudi Arabia was curtailing its nearly monthlong strategic air campaign because it had ostensibly destroyed Houthi missiles, heavy weapons and aircraft that posed a threat to Saudi Arabia and the region. The ambassador did not mention the intensifying international pressure, including from the Obama administration, to stop airstrikes that medical and relief organizations said were killing hundreds of civilians, and to lift an embargo on food, fuel, water and medicines that was contributing to a growing humanitarian catastrophe. But American officials and Middle Eastern diplomats privately acknowledged that this was clearly a factor in the Saudi calculation. THE scene in Disneys Inside Out might not have meant much to the kids in the movie audience, but for me, it was priceless: While riding on the Train of Thought, a character, Joy, tips over two cargo boxes, one labeled facts, the other opinion. The spilled pieces mingle, and she suggests that trying to undo the mix-up is pointless: These facts and opinions look so similar! But for many readers who complained to me about a recent story on the ouster of Reddits chief executive officer, Ellen Pao, its important for news stories to keep facts and commentary separate. And, they say, in this particular story, that didnt happen. Some readers also objected to the sweeping changes in the story about Ms. Paos departure from the high-traffic site that sometimes calls itself the front page of the Internet. They complained that what was initially a neutral news story, which went online about 5 p.m. on July 10, morphed into an opinion piece a few hours later, with no explanation to readers. That version was what print readers saw on the front page the next morning. And many readers disagreed with the implication of the story that Ms. Pao was fired because of sexism rather than because she was a poor leader. The headline read: Its Silicon Valley 2, Ellen Pao 0: Fighter of Sexism is Out at Reddit. (Ms. Pao lost a highly publicized sex discrimination lawsuit against a previous employer in March.) BENGHAZI, Libya Libyas internationally recognized government has asked fellow Arab states to conduct airstrikes against the Libyan branch of the Islamic State in the coastal city of Surt, a cabinet statement said on Saturday. In the past few days, the Islamic State has crushed a revolt by a rival Salafist group and armed residents who tried to break its grip on the city. Dozens of people have been killed, according to residents. Libyas temporary government, based in the cities of Tobruk and Bayda, said in the statement that it urged the Arab brother states to conduct airstrikes against positions of the Daesh terrorist group in Surt, using the Arabic acronym for the Islamic State. The fighting began on Tuesday in Surt, a central city about 300 miles east of the capital, Tripoli. Islamic State fighters took over Surt in February, expanding their presence in the North African country by exploiting a security vacuum, as they did in Iraq and Syria. Some of the people who give in might do better with more structure. If youre one of them, dont assume youll push a button each month or set aside a pile of $20 bills. Instead, set up automatic account transfers. Unless you automate it, its not going to happen, Ms. Olen said. (A disclosure: I see both Mr. Clements and Ms. Olen every year or two, as the guild of full-time money writers is fairly small.) Americans have made real progress with the way they invest in recent years. Ever more money is going into index funds of various sorts that dont try to pick individual stocks that will do better, on average, than others. At the end of 2014, just over $2 trillion was invested in indexed mutual funds, according to the Investment Company Institute. That amounted to about 15.6 percent of all money in American regulated funds. Thats up from just 8.9 percent of the total 10 years earlier, and it doesnt count the $1.9 trillion at the end of 2014 that was invested in indexed exchange-traded funds, which are close cousins to mutual funds. Still, why is most money still chasing the dream of picking investments that will do better than all the others? Ms. Olen points to lingering Peter Lynch-ism the tendency of older investors who remember the exhortations of the famed Fidelity mutual fund manager to follow their instincts. If the parking lot is full, buy the stock! But this approach gives people a false sense of superiority. You may be looking at the wrong lot in the wrong suburb at the wrong time in the wrong industry. Even if you arent, plenty of professional investors will notice the Costco lot with all the Mercedes in it before you do. This overconfidence leads people to invest only in companies with headquarters near them and buy too much of their employers stock, because they assume they have superior knowledge about the company. Mr. Clements added that many people who bet on individual stocks had never actually compared their portfolio with an index fund. This used to be hard, but online brokerage firms can now do it for you in a few clicks (and you can check your brokers picks on most any investment website). Most people, if theyre being honest and including the losers that are no longer in their portfolio, will find that an index fund will beat their own basket of stocks over long periods of time. All of the experts here think buying a home is a perfectly fine idea, but it has to be an affordable one. And many of us are delusional about exactly what that means. Mr. Pollack, co-author of The Index Card and a professor at the University of Chicagos School of Social Service Administration, was one of them. When he shopped for a home in the Chicago area 13 years ago, he was newly tenured and had been lured away from the University of Michigan. He and his wife, however, had no savings, and his loan officer was not impressed. The decor is standard-issue professor, down to the desk piled with books relating to American political thought, including his own edition of the Federalist Papers the top-selling edition in the country, he noted and an anthology of Woodrow Wilsons political writings. Wilson, as it happens, is a favorite Claremont bete noire: the founder of the modern administrative state, the unelected, unaccountable rule-by-bureaucracy that has, the story goes, usurped the founders vision of rule by the people (and which reached its apogee with Barack Obama, Mr. Kesler argued in his 2012 book, I Am the Change). But Mr. Kesler, an unfailingly genial West Virginian, doesnt seem to mind Wilsons intellectual company. I actually like Wilson, he said. Well, not politically. He takes a similarly cheerful view of the ruckus over the essay. He brought up Mr. Kristols intemperate tweet, but noted that his old friend had recently come to the college for a conference about an essay by the political philosopher Leo Strauss. A secret Straussian conclave! Mr. Kesler said with a laugh, then paused. Dont call it that. Strausss intensely close readings of Plato, Maimonides and Machiavelli can seem remote from contemporary politics. But during the Bush administration, much ink was spilled over the subterranean influence of Straussians like Mr. Kristol, who championed the war in Iraq. And now some see the Claremont crowds rising profile as revenge of the so-called West Coast Straussians, as acolytes of Harry V. Jaffa the Claremont McKenna professor and Claremont Institute patriarch who died in 2015 are known. The Straussian lineages, and their fierce schisms, are notoriously complex. But Mr. Kesler, who studied under the Straussian Harvey C. Mansfield at Harvard but came to Claremont in 1983, gamely summed up the West Coast view as hinging on a more optimistic take on America. AMSTERDAM Dick Bruna, the Dutch illustrator and childrens book author who created one of the most recognizable characters in the world, a sparely drawn round little white rabbit known in English as Miffy, died on Thursday at his home in Utrecht, the Netherlands. He was 89. His death was announced on his website. Mr. Brunas work has been translated into more than 50 languages in 85 countries and has spawned a Miffy cottage industry, with videos, television spinoffs, toys and other products with the characters likeness sold worldwide. Hes the most translated author in the Netherlands, except for Anne Frank, said Agnes Vogt, a childrens book specialist at the Dutch Foundation for Literature, and in that sense hes one of the most important not only illustrators but also authors that the Netherlands has ever had. Mr. Bruna wrote and illustrated 124 books for children over six decades, beginning with De Appel (The Apple) published in the Netherlands in 1953. The book, which tells the story of life from the perspective of an apple, has never gone out of print. After years of growing complaints and lawsuits, the agency moved aggressively to end abusive practices that ranged from deceptive advertising to fraud and cost students and taxpayers billions of dollars. Two mammoth chains collapsed Corinthian Colleges in 2015, and ITT Technical Institute in 2016 leaving thousands of students stranded without degrees and in debt. Overall enrollment in for-profit institutions declined from 2.4 million in 2010 to 1.6 million in 2015 as hundreds of campuses closed. And as the largest provider of student loans, the federal government was left to bail out the defrauded. Just weeks before Mr. Trump took office, the department identified 800 failing programs by applying its new gainful employment rule, which links vocational schools access to federal funds with their record on job placement and earnings. Ninety-eight percent of the programs were at for-profit colleges. The Education Department, using this tool and others, ultimately has the power to punish egregious violators by cutting off federal financial aid the industrys lifeblood with the efficiency of a guillotine. Ms. DeVos suggested she was unlikely to play the executioner, though, when asked at her confirmation hearing about rules like gainful employment. I will review that rule and see that it is actually achieving what the intentions are, she said. The last thing any of us want is to unnecessarily close down important programs. Asked for elaboration from Ms. DeVos for this article, the Education Department offered no comment. But others have offered more explicit assurances to the industry. Were going to get some regulatory relief, which is desperately needed, said Steven Gunderson, president and chief executive of Career Education College and Universities, a trade association of for-profit schools. He said he has repeatedly spoken with members of Trumps transition team, White House domestic policy advisers and congressional Republicans. The chief of detectives met with reporters. The night before, the radical, racist Rabbi Meir Kahane had been shot dead after giving a talk in a Midtown Manhattan hotel. A gunman had tried to get away in a cab but got stuck in traffic, and was himself shot by a postal police officer. The murder seemed to solve itself. At this point, it looks like a lone gunman, the chief said. It was November 1990. In fact, the gunman, El Sayyid Nosair, was not alone, not literally and not figuratively. An accomplice had actually been waiting behind the wheel of a taxi outside the hotel, but had to move because he was in a no-standing zone. Mr. Nosair got into the wrong cab. Beyond the granular details of that crime, both men were part of a group of anti-Semitic zealots who followed a blind Egyptian sheikh, Omar Abdel Rahman, listening to his sermons on a speakerphone from abroad until they arranged to bring him to the United States. Mr. Abdel Rahman died last weekend in a federal prison, a figure long faded from public life, but whose voice still blares in the national conversation as if on a speakerphone from the past. His presence in the United States rewired the public apprehension about Islam and terrorism as drastically as the disappearance in 1979 of Etan Patz did about the dangers lurking in the streets for little children left on their own. By Priyanka Raval: In a unique and distinctive style, German photographer Torsten Andreas Hoffman combines a blurred foreground with iconic architectural backdrops to truly capture the chaos and class contrasts of the metropolis. His work--which he describes as 'paintings as photographs' invite not only aesthetic appreciation, but also a moving social critique. His exhibition titled India in Movement is on display at the Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, from February 21 to 28. We talk to him about the journey that led to this exhibition. What was the moment you came to photography? I started photography when I was young, 13 or so. A friend of mine had a dark room and I was fascinated by the process of developing photos--how you could put a print in a fluid and, out of nothing, watch it miraculously develop into a photograph! There are some moments in life where you feel very, very touched, and you know, "Wow, this I must do," and this was such a moment. So for my 16th birthday I got my first mirror reflex camera and I started taking pictures of airplanes. My parents were separated so I was always flying between Berlin and Cologne and planes fascinated me. My first photo series was of skyscrapers against the light in Frankfurt. After I finished school I was a bit confused about what to do in life, I studied Biology, Russian and even one semester in Economics. Eventually, I gathered the courage to pursue my true passion and went to Brunswick Art School. How was your experience at art school? What were the most important things you learnt? Most importantly, I learnt to always express what's inside. It could be what you love, it could be what you hate, but you must have a very emotional relationship with it. Only then will you produce a good photograph. My photography professor taught me that. But honestly, it was my painting professor who taught me more about photography than my photography one. He taught me how colours should relate to each other and how to make clear compositions. I believe these same laws for a painting are true for a photograph. The difference is that a painter has to make a composition and a photographer has to check reality for compositions. And the reality of composition in India is an absolute mess. It's a mess of colours, it's a mess of forms--the trick as a photographer is to organise the mess, and it's very difficult. I have to watch the whole scene--people running into each other, traffic, animals--and then you find it. You're making a painting with photography. I think it shows in my pictures, I am very much a prevented painter. Tell me about your first trip to India. When I was 23, I was looking through a photo book and two of them were from India. One of a riverside ritual at sunset, the other was of a Hindu temple. I couldn't say why, but I felt deeply touched and I had the profound feeling that I had to go there. Everyone advised me against it, they said it was dangerous and that I'd get diseases. But I went anyway and ended up staying for 5 months, first in Chennai, then Calcutta and Mumbai. It was quite an overwhelming experience; the smells and the cows--I had so many impressions I could not organise it all in my mind. But everything moved me. I learned to just let it all sink in. Also, I was struck by the spirituality of the people I spoke to. I was a total atheist at the time, but the Indians I spoke with taught me a lot: to look for God within, to say 'I feel' instead of 'I think' and to be more in the moment. At that time, my best photos were of faces in black and white, particularly old faces; I wanted to capture the landscapes of the face. Maybe I glorified it a little bit at the time, I was not so professional then. My philosophy back then was that black and white was more truthful, more objective. I saw how the warm orange light of a sunset could make the slums look very romantic and beautiful. So, I put away the distracting glamour of colours. My feelings on this obviously changed later. What about when you came back? What was your first "big break"? It is a funny story. There was a three-day lecture I attended in Germany called Living Without Excess and Dr Martin Kempschen was the keynote speaker. One night, just as I went in my room, I saw another man coming out of his. He had a long beard, long hair and was wearing a kurta, so I said to him, "So, you have been to India too?" and he said, "Yes". So we walked down to the coffee table together and I realised, this was Dr Martin Kempschen! We got talking, I told him about the photos I had taken in India, and he went on to show them to his publisher. The next thing I know the pictures were used to illustrate the book of Tagore's poems he was translating into German. When did you next come back to India? I didn't return to India again until after 20 years, it was 2012. It felt very much like coming home, I was so happy to be back. That time I was much more taken with the movement of people and the architecture. Mainly my photos are of Mumbai. I love the architecture here; I find the buildings are very expressive. They have so much texture and structure. Then I was also struck by the crowds, there are so many you could not even see an individual face. That's what I'm trying to capture when I unfocus the crowds in my exposures. It looks like watercolours, so again I am a painter as a photographer. So, that is what I'm doing, taking these interesting structures and combining them with the colourful fluid mass of the people. What can we expect from your exhibition? And what do you expect? The exhibition comprises 25 of my most recent photographs. There are pictures from Delhi, Varanasi, but mostly Mumbai. All of them have this theme of movement. But there is more of a social critique in this one, one photograph called Collage of Globalisation is superimposed pictures of Mumbai and the West. I'm trying to capture the disparities of wealth that are arising both globally and in Mumbai due to global capitalism. I'm interested in capturing these contrasts. I've spent a lot of time in slums, talking to people, trying to capture something of their reality. If it's not a success, it's an experience. I just want to show photography as an art form, photography as painting--technically correct and emotionally stirring. Once I saw on an Indian motorway road sign, "Expect the unexpected"; it's become my motto for life in India and how I'm approaching the upcoming exhibition. --- ENDS --- advertisement The 69th floor at 4 World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan has been hit by street artists. There is evidence of spray paint, stencils and wheat paste, clues that artists who go by names like Rubin 415, Stickymonger, Gumshoe and Layer Cake have been there. The walls, and in one section the floor, pop with colors and shapes usually found at street level surreal splashes here, images with phrases like No Brain No Pain there. There are Statues of Liberty with almost kaleidoscopic faces. There is a giant $10 bill composed of words that theatergoers would recognize from Hamilton. But the art on the 69th floor is different from street art, and not just because it is indoors and several hundred feet above the street. It is different because none of it is illegal. It is different because the artists were not on the run, chased off by a landlord. In fact, the artists were invited by a creative consultant working for Larry Silverstein, the developer of the 72-story building. Defenders of globalization are on solid ground when they criticize President Trumps threats of punitive tariffs and border walls. The economy cant flourish without trade and immigrants. But many of those defenders have their own dubious explanation for the economic disruption that helped to fuel the rise of Mr. Trump. At a recent global forum in Dubai, Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, said some of the economic pain ascribed to globalization was instead due to the rise of robots taking jobs. In his farewell address in January, President Barack Obama warned that the next wave of economic dislocations wont come from overseas. It will come from the relentless pace of automation that makes a lot of good middle-class jobs obsolete. Blaming robots, though, while not as dangerous as protectionism and xenophobia, is also a distraction from real problems and real solutions. In many ways she is the typical Broadway audience member: a woman of a certain age, affluent and highly educated, living in suburban New York. But theres one big difference: She was almost president of the United States. In the weeks since losing the election, Hillary Clinton has gone to four Broadway shows often enough that industry wags joke about making her a Tony voter. And shes even been spotted at theater district haunts last week, just before seeing a revival of Sunset Boulevard, she had dinner at Orso with Kate McKinnon, the Saturday Night Live cast member who memorably portrayed her during the campaign. At each theater appearance, Mrs. Clinton is greeted as a vanquished hero standing ovations, selfies, shouted adulation. The reception, of course, is in striking contrast with that received by Mike Pence, then the vice president-elect, when he attended Hamilton in November. He was greeted by a smattering of boos and then addressed from the stage by an actor who said cast members were alarmed and anxious about the incoming administration. WASHINGTON For months, President Trump and his aides have insisted that they had no contact with Russian officials during the presidential campaign, a denial Mr. Trump repeated last week. I have nothing to do with Russia, he told reporters on Thursday. To the best of my knowledge, no person that I deal with does. The denial stands at odds with statements by Russian officials, who have at least twice acknowledged contacts with aides to Mr. Trump before the election. It is not uncommon for a presidential campaign to speak to foreign officials, which makes the dispute particularly unusual. At the same time, any contacts would have taken place during a period when American intelligence agencies believe the Russian government was trying to disrupt the election with a campaign of computer hacking. On Monday, 11 bomb scares were called into Jewish community centers around the country. They were the latest in a string of such threats since the start of the year. Since the beginning of this year, weve seen four waves of these threats weve never seen that before, said David Posner, the director of strategic performance at the JCC Association of North America. Just one community center reported such a threat in all of 2016, he said. The centers threatened on Monday were in Albuquerque; Birmingham, Ala.; Buffalo; Chicago; Cleveland; Houston; Milwaukee; Nashville; St. Paul; Tampa, Fla.; and Tulsa, Okla. Like the earlier threats, they were deemed hoaxes, but not before several of the centers were evacuated as a precaution. Mr. Trump has been criticized as slow to condemn anti-Semitic comments, and his candidacy was hailed by white nationalists and white supremacists throughout 2016. According to an official news report, the rallies had a common theme, Showing power to intimidate, lining up the forces. Xinjiang, which abuts Central Asia, is one of the largest regions in China. Parts of it are home to ethnic Uighurs, a Turkic-speaking people who mostly practice Sunni Islam. At least privately, many Uighurs criticize the rule of the ethnic Han, the dominant group in China. Bursts of violence have occurred in recent years. The most startling unfolded in Urumqi in 2009, when ethnic rioting led to about 200 deaths. The government said most of the victims were ethnic Han. Uighurs and international human rights groups criticized an intense security crackdown that followed. In 2013 and 2014, Chinese state-run news organizations reported on many attacks in Xinjiang, some involving groups of people in Uighur towns or neighborhoods who laid siege to police stations with knives, according to the news organizations. Chinese officials accused the attackers of being terrorists or religious extremists with ties to international jihadists, but they offered no evidence of organized terrorism groups at work in Xinjiang. Since then, open conflict in the region has ebbed, although violence occasionally flares. Last year, Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party chief of the Tibet Autonomous Region, where ethnic tensions are also a chronic problem, was appointed to be the party chief of Xinjiang. His predecessor in Xinjiang, Zhang Chunxian, was seen by some central government officials as being too lenient. Mr. Chen, an ethnic Han known for tough policies in Tibet, has tried to project an uncompromising image in Xinjiang. Looking at the past is like lolling in a rocking chair, Martha Graham wrote in a 1952 essay. It is so relaxing, and you can rock back and forth on the porch, and never go forward. It is not for me. Yet exploring the past, as it relates to todays Martha Graham Dance Company, is for me. The current Joyce season, Sacred/Profane, shows that the companys only repertory worth watching is by Graham, and the older like Primitive Mysteries, an all-female gem from 1931 the better. The three programs also feature mediocre dances by contemporary choreographers, including premieres by Annie-B Parson and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and recent works by Pontus Lidberg and Nacho Duato. The company is overflowing with talented dancers. How long before it gets new creations that measure up? BRIAN BROOKS Were struggling through this and finding our way and finding new life in the studio and in life and on the stage. Im confused about where the line between our friendship and our work together is drawn. How does it work between you, as dancer and choreographer? WHELAN I trust Brians instincts. I think Brian is looking at me for who I am. And I feel free to say stuff along the way. BROOKS I come in with a conceptual idea, with music, movement material, research questions and phrases and sequences. But Im definitely sensitive to whos in the studio. I pay attention to what comes back at me from the dancers. I teach a phrase and then Wendy bends it and pulls it. WHELAN I do it differently. BROOKS Its call and response. Like, how do you translate this? She draws attention to aspects of my own work that Im blind to. Her sense of suspension of time through the gaze and gesture is fundamental to the work. Im more of a manic choreographer by choice the idea of moving as fast as you can until something stops you has been elemental for me. Do you use that opposition in the piece? BROOKS Were trying to find an equilibrium between us as we go through the same set of tasks. To have us walk forward side by side down to center-stage, even that simple arrival is a way to get information about these two people. What intrigues you about Brians work? WHELAN The intricacy of his folding and unfolding and winding and twisting. I love the arm work. I have these really long arms, and I have to say my arms are sometimes my favorite body part, so I like what he gives me to do with them. And I like the mental challenge of what he gives me to do. There are so many tiny details, and its so three-dimensional for a ballet dancer. For at least a month before his death, Warhol had been ill, but had done his best to keep up his usual exhausting pace. His terror of hospitals had prevented him from getting any serious treatment. Even once Warhol had finally ended up in the office of Bjorn Thorbjarnarson, a leading surgeon he was known for treating the Shah of Iran Warhol had begged for some kind of stay-at-home treatment. I will make you a rich man if you dont operate on me, the artist had said, Dr. Thorbjarnarson recalled during my visit to his New Jersey home in 2014. (He is now 95 and lives in Florida.) Dr. Thorbjarnarson refused Warhols entreaties and found himself justified three days later, when the sick man was at last on the operating table at New York Hospital (now NewYork-Presbyterian). The surgeon found a gallbladder full of gangrene; the organ fell to pieces as he removed it, he said. As Dr. Ryan learned in his research, Warhol was dehydrated and also emaciated from having barely eaten in the previous month; had for years been taking a daily dose of speed; and was still suffering from the effects of a brush with death in 1968, when he was shot by an enraged hanger-on, Valerie Solanas. Only a brilliant surgeon and brilliant luck had saved his life then he had been declared dead in the emergency room and had nine damaged organs. Recovery from his gunshot wounds took forever and was never fully complete. He was left with a lifetime of trouble eating and swallowing, as well as a split in his abdominal muscles that gave him a large hernia. (He wore girdles to hold in his bowels.) So in 1987, on top of the tricky gallbladder removal, Dr. Thorbjarnarson would have had no choice but to repair Warhols abdominal wall. The operation seemed to go well, and Warhol was in his room making calls by that evening. He still seemed fine when his private nurse checked on him at 4 a.m. But about two hours later, she found him blue and unresponsive and resuscitation efforts failed. An autopsy concluded that ventricular fibrillation was the cause of death, meaning that Warhols heart had quivered and stopped. True, he had the temerity to charge $100 million for a diamond encrusted skull in 2007 and to take over all of Gagosians galleries in 2012 (11 of them at the time) with a retrospective of his spot paintings. But Mr. Hirst, collectors, dealers and auction executives say, is worthy of attention, as evidenced by the Tate Moderns decision to devote a retrospective to his work in 2012. He is still one of the greatest artists of this century, said the real estate developer Aby Rosen, who described himself as long on Hirst in his art collection, calling the new Treasures work stunning. He will produce till he dies because he has so much brain hes so deep, Mr. Rosen added. And this guy is not going away. As to whether collectors unable to sell their Hirsts had a right to be frustrated, Mr. Rosen said: If you want to be a collector, you have to collect wide and deep, and within your portfolio things will go up and down. If you buy two stocks and one goes down, dont be angry at IBM or G.M. There are those who say that Mr. Hirsts coming shows in Venice are inextricably linked with Mr. Pinault, who owns Christies auction house and has avidly collected Mr. Hirsts work. Does he want to jump-start the Hirst market out of self-interest, art experts ask, to raise the value of his own holdings? Whatever the case, most agree that Mr. Hirst with an estimated net worth of $350 million doesnt need the money. By Press Trust of India: Mysuru, Feb 21 (PTI) A German woman was allegedly assaulted and robbed of Rs 2,500 at Chamundi Hills near here, police said today. "A German national was assaulted and robbed of Rs 2,500 on Chamundi Hills last evening," police Inspector B S Prakash told PTI. On the basis of her complaint, a case has been registered under various sections of IPC including 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), he said. advertisement As the woman was climbing down the steps of Chamundi Hills, an unidentified person passing by grabbed her mobile phone, which was on flashlight mode as it was already dark, Prakash said, adding the woman resisted but the accused allegedly bit her left cheek and mouth while pushing her down. The Inspector said the woman managed to escape by kicking him but not before he robbed her of Rs 2,500. The incident comes close on the heels of alleged abduction and harassment of a popular South Indian actress at Kochi in Kerala. PTI BDN BN NSD --- ENDS --- BASSANO ROMANO, Italy It might seem odd that a nearly seven-foot-tall statue of Christ by Michelangelo and a nude one at that would go unnoticed for centuries. But thats what happened to Risen Christ, a monumental figure that was transferred to a country church about 35 miles from Rome in the 17th century and that fell into oblivion until 1997, when scholars attributed it to the Renaissance master. It was thought to be an imitation of a Michelangelo, and not a faithful one at that, said the Rev. Cleto Tuderti, prior of the San Vincenzo Monastery on the outskirts of Bassano Romano, near Viterbo, where the statue was taken in 1644. Certainly, no one thought it was by Michelangelo. Father Tuderti says he is convinced that the unknown provenance of the work ensured its salvation through the ages. When you make art about current events, theres a catch: Events change. The Source, Ted Hearnes slippery, stunning opera about Chelsea Manning and WikiLeaks, had its premiere at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2014. The year before, Ms. Manning had been sentenced to 35 years in prison for leaking secret material on the Iraq war and other American military and diplomatic activities. Many on the left viewed WikiLeaks with wary sympathy for publishing her revelations. Since then, of course, WikiLeaks has become a liberal pariah for publishing hacked emails belonging to Hillary Clintons political advisers. And Ms. Manning, who transitioned from male to female in prison, will be freed in May since her sentence was commuted by President Obama. But as its subject matter has continued to evolve, The Source, some minor musical tweaks aside, has remained the same. How will it come across now? Jagging between chamber-rock outbursts and haunting Auto-Tuned voices, the opera has never been about scoring easy political points. Its ambiguous collage libretto, by Mark Doten, meditates on both Ms. Mannings agonizing private messages about her gender dysphoria and quotations from the war logs she leaked; it never weighs in explicitly about the legitimacy of her disclosures. A trove of porcelain and other items excavated from an Arab cargo ship will go on view in the U.S. for the first time next month in an exhibition at the Asia Society Museum in New York, six years after another planned display was canceled amid ethical concerns. The treasure, salvaged from a ship that sank en route from China to the Persian Gulf in the ninth century, was discovered by commercial sea cucumber divers in 1998 off the coast of Indonesia. It was first shown in 2005 in Singapore, which purchased the contents. Among the items are solid-gold dishes, a silver wine flask, blue-and-white ceramics and copper mirrors decorated with Tang Chinese patterns of lions, grapevines and flying birds. Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown that lets you sleep and lets us get paid to watch comedy. What do you think of it? What else are you interested in? Let us know: thearts@nytimes.com. Colbert and Meyers Take On Trumps Media Attacks Most late-night hosts took Presidents Day off. But Stephen Colbert and Seth Meyers observed the holiday by taking some shots at President Trump particularly his suggestion that the news media is an enemy of the American people. So Presidents Day has come and gone, along with the whining over C-Spans latest ranking of American presidents, which predictably put Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Franklin Delano Roosevelt on top (yawn); demoted the beleaguered Andrew Jackson and Woodrow Wilson; and positioned Barack Obama, in his post-presidential debut, at No. 12. Such lists are a fun parlor game, if one that tends to provoke weary sighs from scholars, including some of the 91 who participated in the poll. Its not a thing that lends itself easily to quantification, said one of them, David Greenberg, a historian at Rutgers University (and author of books about Richard Nixon and Calvin Coolidge). But still we play along. Our attachment to these rankings, Mr. Greenberg said, reflects something real. The president is a singularly important symbolic figure in our national culture, he said. Because the head of government is also head of state, the president just becomes this vehicle for emotional attachment that might otherwise go to a king. Fair enough. But are public persuasion, crisis leadership, moral authority, and pursuit of equal justice for all, to name some of the criteria C-Span used, really the only things that count? Now that the Presidents Day pieties are over, lets look at some alternate ranking systems that take account of the things that really matter. Two Oscar nominees Jackie, starring Natalie Portman, and Disneys animated musical Moana are now available to stream online. And PBS broadcasts its latest American Masters documentary, about the poet and memoirist Maya Angelou. Whats Streaming JACKIE (2016) on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play. This biopic of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, set largely after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, is up for three Oscars: best actress (Natalie Portman, whom the critic Manohla Dargis of The New York Times called perfect in this role); best original score (Mica Levi, the composer behind the chilling music in Under the Skin); and best costume design (Madeline Fontaine, with her first nomination). Jackie doesnt try to complete that impossible, apparently unfinishable movie, the never-ending epic known as The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy and What It Means to History, Ms. Dargis wrote in The Times. Instead, it explores the intersection of the private and the public while ruminating on the transformation of the past into myth. Barry Friedmans broader and more accessible book looks beyond the lethal use of force at the many other ways the Fourth Amendment protection against unreasonable searches and seizures has been ignored or stretched in the name of public safety. The long-established litany of invasive policing practices SWAT teams, stop and frisk, sobriety roadblocks, airport security, CCTV cameras, use of informants is steadily being expanded by technology to include license-plate readers, Stingray cellphone interceptors, facial recognition software, warrantless collection of metadata and archives of DNA samples. Friedmans case illuminated with stories of hapless civilians encountering excesses of force or surveillance is not that police should be denied the best tools, but that there should be clear rules. More often than not, the rules are ambiguous, the prosecutors are reluctant to pursue excesses because they have a symbiotic relationship with police, and judges have hesitated to apply the Constitution to perplexing questions raised by new policing capabilities. Does using an infrared heat detector to discover a pot farmers basement grow lights constitute a search? What about attaching a GPS device to a suspects car? Image The authority to use force on citizens and to conduct surveillance of them the powers that define policing and set it apart may be necessary to maintain order, but those are the most awesome powers we grant any public servants, Friedman writes. We have categorically failed to offer clear guidance to policing agencies as to what they are to do (or refrain from doing). Friedman and Zimring say the solution to abusive policing is not ensuring prosecutors and grand juries are more independent (though they favor both). Nor should we expect an easy fix from body cams or community policing strategies that attempt to turn police into neighborhood ombudsmen, a job for which they have neither the will nor the training. Ultimately both writers look to police leadership, noting that the blue culture will not be moved by reforms imposed from outside. The main arena for the radical changes necessary to save many hundreds of civilian lives . . . is the local police department, not the federal courts or Congress, not state government, not local mayors or city councils, not even the hearts and minds of the police officers on the streets, Zimring writes. Courts and legislatures can bring pressure to bear, but until police departments become willing to spend time, money and management effort on resolving conflicts without killings, nothing significant can happen. Yes, the police, Friedman agrees. They are, after all, the experts. Friedman, who is a constitutional lawyer, puts much of the blame on courts for failing to demand that police show probable cause and obtain warrants, and more generally for letting police invade our privacy in new ways without a prerequisite of open, democratic debate. But the ultimate culprit is us. Whats notable is that when there is transparency, when public dialogue occurs, policy unequivocally does change, Friedman says. He illustrates with examples of communities where media-fueled public engagement led to regulation of Stingray cellphone intercepts, body cavity searches, the militarization of police arsenals, and stop and frisk. THE INVENTION OF ANGELA CARTER A Biography By Edmund Gordon 525 pages. Oxford University Press. $35. The English writer Angela Carter (1940-1992) tended to look, one observer said, like someone whod been left out in a hurricane. She liked to make an impression, and her hair was often wild. She wore, when young, what she termed a reasonably suave Jimi Hendrix cut. She enjoyed floppy hats, tattered furs, large eyeglasses. Boredom was her enemy. Carter was a disrupter of dull dinner parties. A friend called her a raconteur of glee. If she rang you on the phone, youd clear your schedule for the afternoon. She was a similarly disruptive agent in British fiction. Her novels, when they began arriving in the late 1960s, were unlike the button-down realism that then prevailed. They were fantastical, feminist, absurdist, sexy. She tinkered with genres (fairy tales, horror, science fiction, gothic) most literary writers scorned. Carter found an audience before she died, at 51, of lung cancer. But it was only after her death that her reputation was secured, and it has continued to rise. The Times of London, in 2008, ranked Carter 10th on its list of the 50 greatest writers since 1945. In 2012, her novel Nights at the Circus was named the best of the winners of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize. The Trump administration detailed plans to deport millions of immigrants, releasing expansive new rules that allow rapid deportations and the expulsion of undocumented immigrants who have committed even minor offenses. Heres how deportation works. The shift in enforcement faces resistance from many states and dozens of so-called sanctuary cities. The new rules will be high on the agenda as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the head of Homeland Security, John Kelly, visit Mexico this week. But Unilevers response went further. The company said the Kraft Heinz bid had no merit, either financial or strategic, for Unilevers shareholders, and that accordingly there was no basis for any further discussions. If Unilever wanted to haggle only on price it would have left out the part about strategic merit, which was simply another way of saying that the two were just not a good fit under any circumstances. Unilevers harsh response alone should not have been enough to send Kraft Heinz away. Unilever is a rare beast of a corporation: It is actually two corporations, known as a dual-listed company. Unilever was formed in 1929, when the British Lever Brothers company and the Dutch Margarine Unie decided to amalgamate. But they didnt actually combine, instead entering into contractual arrangements that made them effectively one company. Yet Unilever is technically two public companies: Unilever P.L.C., a British company listed on the London Stock Exchange and Unilever N.V., a Dutch company listed on the Amsterdam Stock Exchange. Both companies are also listed on the New York Stock Exchange for good measure. The two separate companies have entered into a series of complex contractual arrangements that allow for shareholders of each to be treated the same for all purposes, including takeovers and dividends. The reason for this byzantine structure is taxes. The dual listing allows the shareholders in each country to invest directly in a domestic company and receive domestic tax treatment on their shares. Kraft Heinz would have to take over both companies in an acquisition. Britain, which prohibits the use of merger defenses like the poison pill, would have been an easier country in which to mount a hostile takeover than the Netherlands, which allows such defenses. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly raping a 24-year-old woman in Hauz Khas village area. Jarnal alias Raja lives in slums near Hauz Khas and used to wash utensils at the restaurants and pubs located there. He hadnt come to his house for two days after the incident but was nabbed once he returned home on the intervening night of February 20 and 21, police said. advertisement The victims iPhone and Rs 450 were recovered from the accused, who had also been hit on his head by the victim. The incident happened on the night of February 18 when the woman was returning from a party in Hauz Khas village along with her friends and cousins. The woman told police that around 11.30 PM she was offered a drop home by an unknown person. He apparently told her that his vehicle was parked at some distance near the park. The accused, thereafter, on the pretext of guiding the woman, led her to an isolated stretch in the adjoining park area and allegedly raped her. PTI SLB BUN DV --- ENDS --- Real-estate agents, money managers and luxury goods retailers in Los Angeles are rubbing their hands together in anticipation of their citys Google moment. When Google debuted on the stock market in 2004, it produced a horde of new millionaires in Silicon Valley. Now, many in Los Angeles hope Snaps initial public offering will do the same in their city. Snap, the parent company of the disappearing-message app Snapchat, is based in the neighborhood of Venice, a once-bohemian beachside area filled with mom-and-pop stores that has seen property prices rise and stores become more upscale in recent years. Snap has started its I.P.O. roadshow and last week revealed its investor pitch video, before what could be one of the biggest public offerings in technology since the Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba listed in 2014 and Twitter went public in 2013. Their hopes, however, are likely to be dashed. This week, Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson and his Homeland Security counterpart, John F. Kelly, are visiting Mexico to assess what sort of bilateral cooperation might be possible in this new era. Even before they got on the plane, new rules suggest that the hard line will prevail. Two memos signed by Mr. Kelly guidelines for Mr. Trumps promised immigration crackdown call for aggressively seeking out, detaining and deporting immigrants living without authorization in the United States. They order the hiring of 10,000 immigration enforcement agents and 5,000 Border Patrol officers, and direct Customs and Border Protection to start designing and building the wall. And in a move sure to stir Mexican outrage, the guidelines direct immigration officials to return immigrants from any country caught entering illegally to the territory of the foreign contiguous country from which they arrived while they await removal proceedings in the United States. And that means Mexico. Officials at the Department of Homeland Security argued that returning Central Americans to Mexico would be done only in a limited fashion, and only after discussions with the government of Mexico. Somehow, it seems unlikely that a provision designed to reduce costs for the American government by foisting them onto Mexico will go down well in Mexico City. That would violate every agreement and convention, said Gustavo Mohar, who formerly served as Mexicos top negotiator for immigration with the United States, about the provision. Mexico is obliged to receive Mexicans, but it has the right to demand accreditation that they are indeed Mexican, Mr. Mohar said. What might Mexico do in return? Refuse to take people who cant prove Mexican citizenship? As a former foreign minister, Jorge Castaneda, told me, one option might be to get out of the way and let Central Americans cross Mexico unimpeded to the United States. The idea is also to recreate how Jewish people have used wood for cooking, Mr. Kalika said. This could mean serving dishes traditionally grilled in a Middle Eastern mangal, an Italian spiedo or even a basic cast-iron caldron. Mr. Kalika also wants to explore the foods of Jewish communities in Ethiopia and Iraq, which often go underrepresented. Jewish cuisine is global, Mr. Kalika said as he tended to a rack of short ribs on a recent trip to New York. The beef had been brined for a week with sugar and spices, including coriander seeds and star anise, then smoked. The ribs were transferred to a pot with wine and stock, sandwiched between flames in a multilayered Argentine grill, the heat licking it from above and below. The pot simmered for hours, until all of that marvelous pink-edged meat pulled away from the bones. Deliciously food-friendly Swedish Brannland Ciders have arrived in the United States. Pernilla Perle is a delicate dry but balanced fizzy pear cider with a gentle 8 percent alcohol level. A concentrated, winey-sweet ice cider (11.5 percent alcohol) with a slightly bitter apple-skin finish is labeled Iscider. Barrique is a rich, barrel-aged version of the ice cider, also 11.5 percent. Skurnik Wines is importing them: Brannland Ciders, Pernilla Perle, $18 for 750 milliliters; Iscider, $37 for 375 milliliters; Barrique, $34 for 187 milliliters, all at Terrys West Village Wines & Spirits, 35 Greenwich Avenue (Charles Street), 212-255-0222, terrysnyc.com. The restaurants ratings are as good as it gets: three stars from Michelin and four from The New York Times. But for all the success of Eleven Madison Park, its owners, Will Guidara and the chef Daniel Humm, are about to start a major overhaul. They plan to close the Manhattan restaurant on June 9 to renovate the kitchen and the dining room, and to ship the operation and staff to a more casual, temporary setting in the Hamptons. If all goes well, they expect to reopen in mid-September with a new look and a revised menu with some new dishes. Its time for a change, Mr. Humm said. Weve been at the restaurant for 11 years, and its been open for 20 years. Were still using Danny Meyers brasserie. Mr. Humm was referring to the restaurants original owner, who sold it to them in 2011. Back then, they considered closing and renovating but held back because they thought it was more important to establish their footing. So they made only small changes over time to their stately dining room, with its Art Deco geometry and soaring casement windows overlooking Madison Square Park. The kitchen is also nearly 20 years old; its renovation will require closing the restaurant. Anybody who tries to tell you that the place to go for Indian food is Jackson Heights, Queens, hasnt been there in a long time. Beyond question, Jackson Heights is the first stop for anyone seeking an education in the Tibetan syllabus: momos filled with brothy beef under their bellybutton pleats; laphing, noodles neatly rolled and sliced like strudel and set loose in a puddle of chile oil; steaming, salty, bracing cups of yak butter tea. Most of the neighborhoods places for samosas and naan, though, either are gone or have faded into insignificance. You less often meet somebody who sends you to Curry Hill for the cooking of India. But its the correct answer. Once known mainly for cheap buffet lunches (Haandi, long the reigning champion of the steam table, is still one of Manhattans unnatural wonders), Lexington Avenue in the upper 20s has over the past few years become home to the most diverse and concentrated hub of Indian restaurants in New York City. A disproportionate amount of this diversity is the work of two veteran chefs and restaurateurs. Shiva Natarajan opened one Curry Hill restaurant that paid tribute to Kolkata, particularly its Jewish cuisine; another that showcased food from Indias southwest coast; a third that brought together dishes from the cities of Lucknow and Hyderabad; and a fourth that specialized in the Punjab. He sold all four to Hemant Mathur two years ago. Together they started working on a fifth, Sahib. It opened in the fall. After the Waldorf Hotel opened in March 1893, the writer Oliver Herford quipped that it brought exclusiveness to the masses. The same could be said for the famous Waldorf salad, a dish that was made for New York Citys elite but that became, through the 20th century, a staple of Americana. On March 1, the Waldorf Astoria will close temporarily for renovations, amid reports that only a small portion of the hotel will remain, making way for luxury apartments. Yet the Waldorf salad, which is currently served at two of its three restaurants and on the room-service menu, lives on in cookbooks, at diners and even at restaurants known for ambitious cooking. The salad, originally a mix of apples and celery tossed in a good-quality mayonnaise, was created for the hotels debut event, a charity ball in honor of St. Marys Hospital for Children on March 14, 1893. The menu was developed by the hotels first executive chef, Edouard Beauchamp, and its maitre dhotel Oscar Tschirky, who became known as Oscar of the Waldorf. I walk into the new Acne Studios store all wet, winter rain running down my coat and shoes, and see there are already puddles all over the floor. Little mottled blue rugs by the British designer Max Lamb look like soft pools; I would gladly fall into one. Even when soaked, its impossible to stand in an Acne store and not feel as though the design is embracing you, even forgiving you. Jonny Johansson, the companys founder and creative director, has said that he sometimes regrets the name Acne, an acronym of Ambition to Create Novel Expression. The brand was first a creative collective, founded in 1997, and has grown into the worlds primary Scandinavian fashion export (not counting H&M, of course). Swedish interiors bring to mind the smoothest possible surfaces: unblemished. Everyday objects things are simple, functional and just. In 2013, Lynn Yaeger accurately described the brand in The Wall Street Journal, saying, Its legions of fans think of it as a brand with integrity, a company that makes principled aesthetic decisions and never resorts to marketing tricks, even though they have hundreds of outlets. He brought them together in dresses that spliced English florals and the suggestion of tartan, with the cut and shape of dresses borrowed from Ottoman paintings. In a ribbon-bound booklet put on every seat, Mr. Moralioglu left a small record of his inspirations, including a painting of a dervish midspin, skirts flying. That silhouette was reflected on the runway in long dresses with slim bodices and long, swishing skirts, a proportion that may be challenging to any woman who is shorter than runway-standard. But even in its past-looking escapism, the collection was charged by the politicized present. Disputes about which influences from abroad are allowed in and which are barred from Britain, from the United States and from the West are enough to send concerned citizens shouting in the streets. Mr. Moralioglu didnt deny that aspect, either. Of course, we live in this strange time, he said. The idea of reflecting on my background: It felt like the right time to do that. Im the product of two people from two very different countries, and I felt like the collection should be a celebration of that. Now more than ever, maybe thats kind of interesting. It may be that sweet, frothy luxury of the sort in which Mr. Moralioglu specializes feels like folly at the moment. Or it may be that, as grimness creeps in, celebration is a strong defense, and living well and beautifully, the best revenge. If it has not been a season punctuated by shocks and standouts in London, it has been one in which designers doubled down on their personal obsessions. When better than now? For Christopher Bailey at Burberry, that was Henry Moore, the great English sculptor, several of whose giant works decorated Makers House, where Burberry staged its show. (The exhibition Mr. Bailey created with the artists daughter and his foundation is open to the public through Feb. 28.) The Sunday wedding announcements in The New York Times have long been a fertile hunting ground for writers of parodies, hate-reads and other forms of snark. The best explanation of why our wedding pages make such a tempting target was provided by Robert Baedeker, one of the authors of Weddings of The Times, a 2009 book parodying our reports, during an interview on National Public Radio. The wedding announcements in The Times are so perfect and polished, and the inspiration comes from that sort of primal feeling one gets when one sees a perfect picture, which is to scribble a mustache on it or draw some sunglasses on it, Mr. Baedeker said. Such scribbled mustaches abound. The website Gawker, before closing last year, routinely took shots at us, including this post imagining our staff at work: I envision, just so you know, a room of ladies peering skeptically over their bifocals at announcement submissions, occasionally pausing to consult worn leather bound address books I could have sworn Swoosie Remington was from Darien and not New Canaan, they sniff while Bob Woletz sits in his office lighting copies of Town & Country on fire. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) The Delhi High Court today stayed a Central Information Commission (CIC) order to CBSE to allow inspection of class 10th and 12th school records of Union Minister Smriti Irani. Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva put on hold CICs January 17 direction on a plea by Central Board of Secondary Examination (CBSE) which said the school records of Irani cannot be disclosed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act as it was third party information which was held in fiduciary capacity. advertisement The court also issued notice to the RTI applicant, on whose application CIC had passed the order, and sought his reply by the next date of hearing on April 27. CIC in its order had rejected CBSEs contention that the information sought by RTI applicant Mohd Naushaduddin was "personal". The office of the Minister of Textiles and the Holy Child Auxilium School, Delhi, from where Irani has claimed to have passed out, were also directed by the Commission to give her roll number to CBSE, Ajmer, which possesses the records for the years 1991 and 1993 "to facilitate search from huge records which is yet to be digitised." "The Commission directs the respondent authority, the CBSE, to facilitate inspection of relevant records and provide certified copies of documents selected by the appellant free of cost, except personal details in admit card and mark sheet, within 60 days from the date of receipt of this order," CIC had said in its order. "Disclosure of the details of a particular candidate contained in the degree or certificate register cannot cause any unwarranted invasion of privacy of the certificate holder," the Commission had said. It had also said if the admit card contains personal information like address, contact number and email id, then it is personal information of the candidate and need not be given. CIC had also said when a public representative declares his educational qualifications, the voter has a right to check up that declaration. PTI HMP PPS ARC --- ENDS --- In the days leading up to and after Betsy DeVoss confirmation as secretary of education, a hashtag spread across Twitter: #publicschoolproud. Parents and teachers tweeted photos of their kids studying, performing, eating lunch together. People of all races tweeted about how public schools changed them, saved them, helped them succeed. The hashtag and storytelling was a rebuttal to DeVos, who called traditional public schools a dead end and who bankrolled efforts to pass reforms in Michigan, her home state, that would funnel public funds in the form of vouchers into religious and privately operated schools and encouraged the proliferation of for-profit charter schools. The tweets railed against DeVoss labeling of public schools as an industry that needed to adopt the free-market principles of competition and choice. #Publicschoolproud was seen as an effort to show that public schools still mattered. But the enthusiastic defense obscured a larger truth: We began moving away from the public in public education a long time ago. In fact, treating public schools like a business these days is largely a matter of fact in many places. Parents have pushed for school-choice policies that encourage shopping for public schools that they hope will give their children an advantage and for the expansion of charter schools that are run by private organizations with public funds. Large numbers of public schools have selective admissions policies that keep most kids out. And parents pay top dollar to buy into neighborhoods zoned to good public schools that can be as exclusive as private ones. The glaring reality is, whether we are talking about schools or other institutions, it seems as if we have forgotten what public really means. The word derives from the Latin word publicus, meaning of the people. This concept that the government belongs to the people and the government should provide for the good of the people was foundational to the worlds nascent democracies. Where once citizens paid taxes to the monarchy in the hope that it would serve the public too, in democracies they paid taxes directly for infrastructure and institutions that benefited society as a whole. The tax dollars of ancient Athenians and Romans built roads and aqueducts, but they also provided free meals to widows whose husbands died in war. Public stood not just for how something was financed with the tax dollars of citizens but for a communal ownership of institutions and for a society that privileged the common good over individual advancement. Federal prosecutors have expanded their investigation of the financial dealings of the former president of the City College of New York into whether she received tens of thousands of dollars in unauthorized payments over several years from the schools oldest alumni fund. Lisa S. Coico, the colleges former president, was already being scrutinized over the improper use of federal research money, and the accounting of her personal expenses from the 21st Century Foundation, the colleges main fund-raising vehicle. She resigned unexpectedly in October after The New York Times reported that a memo concerning those expenses had most likely been fabricated to deceive prosecutors, and that she did not return a $20,000 security deposit for a rental home. The new avenue of inquiry looks at a second source of money the City College Fund, which is supposed to provide scholarships to indigent students, underwrite campus programs and organize alumni reunions and it represents a notable expansion of an inquiry that began last summer. It has spread to other groups affiliated with the colleges parent entity, the City University of New York. This month, the office of Robert L. Capers, the United States attorney for the Eastern District of New York, subpoenaed records related to payments to Ms. Coico from the City College Fund. Among other issues, prosecutors are trying to ascertain why the fund, which has been run for years by one of Dr. Coicos most trusted confidantes, apparently paid Dr. Coico or entities connected to her yet failed to get approval from university officials or report the arrangement on its tax returns. He also said that he recently had back surgery and that at his age, the frequent drives to Albany had become difficult for him. He says that he will make a decision after a state budget is passed. Assemblyman Robert Rodriguez has raised $21,860 for a city campaign, according to a January filing with the City Campaign Finance Board, and he said that he was considering a run for the seat of the City Council speaker, Melissa Mark-Viverito, in East Harlem and the Bronx. Ms. Mark-Viverito cannot run again because of term limits. Mr. Rodriguez also works as a financial adviser and might not gain financially by moving to the Council, where he would have to give up his outside job. Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York, a good government advocacy group, said that, pay aside, the City Council functions much better than the State Senate or Assembly, thanks to years of ethical and legislative reforms. What we see is that when you have an appropriate pay level with correct restrictions on outside income and a more robust, functioning legislative process, combined with a well-thought-out and well-executed public campaign finance system, you attract talented candidates and some of them may be people who are sitting in other bodies, Ms. Lerner said. When you put all these factors together its attractive to be a City Council member. In Albany, she said, most of the activity happens behind closed doors. If you are a public spirited community member or a legislator, it is not irrational to think that you can get more done in the City Council, Ms. Lerner said. You can have a more direct impact. Under pressure to turn around the citys embattled child welfare agency, Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday appointed a new commissioner who was expected to rely more on data to assess performance and determine priorities. The mayors pick, David Hansell, will take over the Administration for Childrens Services next month, inheriting one of the most challenging posts in city government at a time of renewed scrutiny of the agency. The child welfare agency is responsible for investigating reports of child abuse and neglect and determining whether children should be removed from troubled homes. While the agencys successes are rarely public, its most serious failures almost always are, and in recent months a series of child deaths put the agency back in the spotlight, most notably the killing of 6-year-old Zymere Perkins. In December, the child welfare commissioner, Gladys Carrion, announced her resignation after weeks of criticism. A day later, the state announced that it had ordered the agency to hire an independent monitor, after a review faulted child-welfare workers in the death of Zymere, who was not removed from his mothers care despite signs that the boy was in grave danger. A bull escaped from a Queens slaughterhouse on Tuesday and was free on the streets for two hours, but died after being captured, the police said. The black bull ran away from the Aziz Slaughter House on Beaver Road in Jamaica shortly after 10 a.m., the police said. By 10:20 a.m. the police were receiving 911 calls about a vicious animal right across from the Jamaica train hub on Archer Avenue, Detective Ahmed Nasser, a police spokesman, said. All this, however, could merely be a prelude to the moment yet to come Mr. Trump has still not set foot in New York City as president, puzzling and emboldening some protesters who see his weekend visits to his Florida estate as something of a retreat to friendlier ground. But whenever he does settle into his penthouse home atop Trump Tower, seething New Yorkers will finally be able to train their ire directly at Mr. Trump on his doorstep. The visual of Trump coming back to New York would be the Fifth Avenue of Manhattan flooded with people angrily protesting just about everything that Donald Trump has done I dont think he wants to create that visual, said Carl Dix, whose anti-Trump group, Refuse Fascism, has been plastering the city with stickers that say NO! I dont think he wants the world to see that. City officials would not discuss details of security plans that will be used when Mr. Trump returns to the city or how much protecting him will cost. Between his election in November and his inauguration in January, the city spent $37 million for the more than 200 police officers on patrol each day in and around Trump Tower. The federal government has reimbursed the city about $7 million. Large protests would most likely require a bigger police presence. Demonstrations do have an impact on operations because we have to get those cops from somewhere, the police commissioner, James P. ONeill, told reporters at a news conference in response to questions about how the city would manage Mr. Trumps return. Short term, we can handle it, but if it continues to go on, it could have an impact on our operations. Fifty years ago today, on Feb. 21, 1967, the journalist Bernard Fall stepped on a land mine while accompanying Marines on a mission near Hue, in South Vietnam. He died instantly. He was 40 years old. The literature on the Vietnam War is enormous and growing, but Falls work still stands out for its insight and sagacity. He remains our greatest writer on the struggle, despite the fact that he died before the period of heavy American military involvement had reached its halfway point. Fall wrote six books on the Indochina conflict, along with more than 100 articles in popular publications like The New York Times Magazine, The Saturday Evening Post and The New Republic, as well as academic journals. Many an officer who shipped out to Saigon carried with him a dog-eared copy of Street Without Joy: Indochina at War, 19461954, published in 1961. In early 1968, when it seemed possible that American forces could be in for a disastrous siege at Khe Sanh, officers scrambled to get their hands on Hell in a Very Small Place, Falls searing account of the siege at Dien Bien Phu, 14 years earlier, in which the French suffered the decisive loss in their own struggle to control the country. Born in Vienna in 1926, Fall moved to Paris after Germany annexed Austria, and as a teenager he fought for the French resistance. (His father, who also fought for the resistance, was executed by the Germans; his mother died at Auschwitz.) He came to the United States for graduate school in international relations and eventually became a professor at Howard University. He also began traveling to Vietnam in the 1950s and writing about what he saw. Passionate, tireless, intensely ambitious, Fall set out to become, as he put it, the foremost military writer of my generation. Richmond, Calif. DeVone Boggan could teach a class on the art of making a statement. In 2010, he invited a group of the most dangerous gun offenders in Richmond, a Bay Area city of about 100,000 residents, to a conference room at City Hall. At each seat was a name card starting with Mr. and an information folder labeled Operation Peacemaker. Wearing a suit and his signature fedora, Boggan began the meeting by apologizing on behalf of the city for not reaching out to the men sooner. Peace in Richmond, he told them, must come through them. When the meeting was over and everyone got up to leave, Boggan called them back. The men, already wary, assumed they would be arrested. Instead, Boggan handed each an envelope containing $1,000. We wanted to send sound waves through the community, Boggan said. Facebook blew up. The previous year, Richmond police department officials had told Boggan, the director of the citys Office of Neighborhood Safety, that they thought 17 men were responsible for 70 percent of the citys gun crime. At the time, Richmond was among the most dangerous cities in the country. Its homicide rate had reached 46 per 100,000 residents triple Chicagos rate. At one point, the City Council had even considered declaring a state of emergency. Boggan asked each official to independently send him the names of the 17 men, an exercise that yielded 28 unduplicated names. In the three months it took to make contact with all of them, three died of gun related injuries. He invited the remaining 25 to City Hall, and 21 showed up. Boggan is the architect of Operation Peacemaker Fellowship, a controversial program initiated in 2010 that shares features with Cure Violence and Ceasefire, two other programs that, over the last two decades, have become models for reducing gun violence. Like the others, Boggans method uses data and intelligence to identify people highly likely to commit or become victims of gun violence; it then connects them with job training, mentorship and social services while deploying outreach teams to intervene in conflicts. But it also does something else. After six months, its subjects most are African-American males between 14 and 27 years old are eligible for a monthly cash stipend of up to $1,000 for up to nine months (Boggans meeting in 2010 with the first cohort was played out in a way designed to turn heads and attract more fellows into the program). The citys average homicide rate in the five years that preceded the arrival of Operation Peacemaker was 40 per 100,000 residents. In the next five years, it dropped by nearly 60 percent. Perhaps the best indication of General McMasters thinking, and the likelihood of conflict with Mr. Bannon and others, is his 1997 book, Dereliction of Duty, a merciless, meticulous study of the early days of the Vietnam War, and how senior civilian officials and the Joint Chiefs of Staff led the country into a quagmire. His central thesis is that the Joint Chiefs became inordinately politicized, caving to senior civilian officials in the Johnson administration like McGeorge Bundy, the national security adviser, who knew little about Vietnam, or military doctrine. Those officials were more concerned about appearing just strong enough not to lose hawkish domestic support without compromising the Great Society agenda than they were about actually winning the war. This yielded the tentative graduated pressure approach, rather than a decisive early concentration of military resources especially combat ground troops. The war in Vietnam was not lost in the field nor was it lost on the front page of The New York Times or the college campuses, he wrote. It was lost in Washington, even before the first American units were deployed. In his book, and in the 20 years since its publication, General McMaster has shown he is not afraid to find fault with presidents and other powerful officials. Lyndon B. Johnson and his senior advisers, he wrote, rendered the administration incapable of dealing adequately with the complexities of the situation in Vietnam, which prompted arrogance, weakness, and lying. To the Editor: Two points regarding A Republican Call to Climate Action (editorial, Feb. 13): For the Democrats: These conservatives carbon tax and dividend will be more effective than any current regulation. For example, the Clean Power Plan would be a moot point under their proposal: The increased price of carbon would render its mandates irrelevant. The effects of this policy will be economywide and achieve much more than many regulations. And for Republicans: Should it really be considered a tax if all the revenue is distributed back to Americans, as proposed, and it doesnt grow the size of government? It will reduce the size of government by making some regulations irrelevant, and be a net tax cut for most Americans. ROBBIE WILLIAMS Berkeley, Calif. To the Editor: This is the ideal moment for the Republican Party to seize the reins on climate change. Americans long for moderate candidates, especially those who will address the increasingly urgent environmental problems facing us. Republicans are quite vulnerable and likely to lose a lot of seats in 2018, but they could stand a chance of keeping their legislative advantage if they move toward the center in this way. By India Today Web Desk: In what comes as an unusual-yet-pleasant surprise, the Health Ministry of India has unveiled its latest program to educate over 26 crore adolescents in matters of mental health, consent, sexuality, gender among other things. Prepared in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund, the ministry's Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram's program plans to train nearly 1.65 lakh Saathiya 'educators' who will engage the young brigade of the country. advertisement A bid to tackle the misinformation and misconceptions that have been in circulation since the inception of time, the Health Ministry's latest move is progressive, sane and hopeful. Also Read: 4 outfits Indian women should wear to prevent PCOD, eve-teasing and rapes From practising safe sex to homosexual attraction being a natural phenomenon, here are five things that have found mention in the resource material of the program. 1. Normalcy around same-sex attraction: The resource material under Health Ministry's scheme seeks to establish normalcy around the phenomenon of same-sex attraction. In a country where homosexuality is still considered to be a criminal offence, the ministry's progressive stance on the concepts of same-sex attraction are both, rebellious and pleasant. According to a report in Indian Express, the material mentions that feelings of love and attraction sometimes flourish within the members of a certain gender and that's completely normal. 2. Encourages individuals to refrain from attaching gendered labels: For ages, youngsters have faced the wrath of gendered labels that promote skewed definitions of 'masculinity' and 'feminity'. The 'Saathiya' educators will be trained to dispense knowledge about shunning stereotypes and not those associated with them. According to the material, individuals will be told that it is okay for men to cook, design and for women to indulge in sports without being labelled as 'sissy' or 'tomboy-ish' respectively. 3. Dialogue around mental health: In today's day and age where awareness around mental health issues has become a necessity, the program, reportedly, does the needful. The material is a breath of fresh air in a world where men venting out their emotions by means of crying are looked down upon and have to resort to more 'masculine' reactions such as anger and bullying. 4. Consent: While 2016's release Pink managed to stir a conversation around the concept of consent, Health Ministry's latest move plans to take it further. The resource material mentions that mutual consent and trust are of utmost importance in any form of relationship. 5. Safe sex and abortion: The need for practising safe sex, awareness around abortion and the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) also find a mention in Saathiya's resource material. Besides other things, the content also focuses on birth control measures for both, men and women while enlisting masturbation as the top technique for safe sex, reports Indian Express. advertisement While the effectiveness of the programme can only be gauged through its subsequent reach and implementation, the very inclusion of such provisions seem like a long overdue respite in an ecosystem that is often clouded with illogic, ignorance and stringent societal appropriation. --- ENDS --- MELBOURNE, Australia In the days after President Trumps ban on immigrants from several Muslim countries, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull of Australia spent a lot of time saying nothing. He said nothing about the ban itself, enduring days of headlines about his failure to express even the mildest disagreement with the policy. It is not my job, he said, to run a commentary on the domestic policies of other countries. Thats about as adventurous as he got. He then said as little as possible about his now infamous phone call with Mr. Trump, volunteering only that the president had agreed to honor the refugee deal Mr. Turnbull had struck with the Obama administration. As more details of the call emerged and as the status of the refugee deal fluctuated seemingly by the hour (or at least by the tweet) Mr. Turnbull would state only the barest of facts: The deal was still on, and the call ended courteously. This was a studied silence. It is almost impossible to overstate the political importance of the refugee deal to the Turnbull government. Its detention of asylum seekers on Manus Island and Nauru is a festering sore. Australia refuses to allow them on Australian soil out of a belief that doing so would restart a flood of boats toward our shores, and rejected the offer of New Zealand, which has open borders with Australia, to resettle them for the same reason. The government has tried paying other nations, like Cambodia, to take the refugees, but those attempts have failed. By promising to take some refugees, President Barack Obama came to the rescue. America is Australias Plan A. There is no Plan B. To the Editor: President Trumps plan to review and possibly rescind the fiduciary rule is ludicrous. His supporters are just the type of people who need to be protected from those who offer financial advice that benefits themselves more than the client. Before any action is taken, brokers, mutual fund companies, insurance companies, and 401(k) and I.R.A. administrators should be required to send each client a statement that shows how much money the client has put in the account since it was opened, how much the client has paid in fees and how much the client has earned. This would allow clients to compare what they earned versus how much they paid for the privilege of investing. The financial industry is happy to provide costs in percentage terms, but peoples eyes are never really opened until they see how much they have paid in hard dollars. The financial industry has made a huge amount of money taking advantage of the average Americans ignorance about investing. The fiduciary rule requires that financial advisers recommend investments that are best for the client, not themselves. In an era when so many have such paltry retirement savings, dont Americans deserve at least that? The regressive measure is being offered by a majority party that regularly waxes poetic on the campaign trail about the wisdom of local government. But now that Republicans have taken control of both legislative houses, home rule is becoming a casualty of the sort of political triumphalism that President Trump is brandishing in Washington. Reining in civil rights initiatives was in reaction to local measures protecting renters with federal housing vouchers from landlord abuse, critics said. Proponents insisted it was the localities that usurped state authority. But the local initiatives were taken only after the state government had ignored these problems. The new Legislature has already had a tooth-and-claw fight that ended last week with Republican approval of sweeping cutbacks in the collective bargaining rights of government employees. Under the measure, which Gov. Terry Branstad is expected to sign, public-sector negotiations would be limited to wage questions. Unions would be barred from negotiating over health insurance, workers evaluations and staff reductions. The union measure was offered as a lightning surprise as the Republicans last month took control of both houses and the governorship for the first time since 1998. The separate moves to crimp local government were approved by a House committee last week and will be the subject of a public hearing this legislative session. Democrats got nowhere with a proposal to increase the state pay minimum to $11 by 2019. Governor Branstad said that while he supported the limits on home rule, he would like to see the state minimum wage raised so Iowa can stay competitive with neighboring states. The Democratic National Committee will choose its next leader on Saturday, and when it does it should choose a leader who will resist the pressure to pursue the wrong white people. Hundreds of articles have been written about the imperative of attracting more support from white working-class voters who supported Barack Obama in 2012 but then bolted to back Donald J. Trump. The far more important and largely untold story of the election is that more Obama voters defected to third- and fourth-party candidates than the number who supported Mr. Trump. That is the white flight that should most concern the next D.N.C. chairman, because those voters make up a more promising way to reclaim the White House. The way to win them back is by being more progressive, not less. To be clear, all white voters matter. But Democrats must make tough, data-driven decisions about how to prioritize their work. Right now, too many are using bad math and faulty logic to push the party to chase the wrong segment of white voters. For example, Guy Cecil, who spent nearly $200 million as head of the progressive super PAC Priorities USA, urged the party to rebuild trust with the millions of white voters who voted for President Obama and Donald Trump. Send any friend a story As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share. With the Greek government set to run out of cash by the end of July, the countrys main creditors in Europe continue to demand harsh budget cuts as a condition for crucial loans. But after a decade of failing to save Greece, Germany and other European nations, along with the International Monetary Fund, ought to try a different approach, one that makes reviving the economy a priority. Greeces creditors appear willing to provide new loans to pay off debts coming due this year as long as the country commits to achieving a fiscal surplus of 3.5 percent of gross domestic product before interest payments by 2018. The I.M.F., more sensibly, has argued for a surplus of 1.5 percent. It also says that European officials should commit to reducing the Greek governments debt, which is so huge that it equals about 180 percent of the countrys annual economic output. That debt relief could come in various forms, including giving the country more time to repay or reducing the amount owed. The monetary fund is right. Requiring the country to run big budget surpluses when its economy is growing at an annual rate of only 0.4 percent is cruel and counterproductive. Based on current trends, the fund projects that the countrys debt will increase to more than 250 percent of G.D.P. during the next several decades. European officials are much more optimistic, but that hopefulness is based on the dubious assumption that Greece can run large budget surpluses for decades to come. MUNICH This Munich Security Conference was different. A Frenchman defended NATO against the American president. The Russian foreign minister was here but the phantom American secretary of state was not. An ex-Swedish prime minister had to respond to the last-night-in-Sweden affair an ominous incident in a placid Scandinavian state dreamed up in his refugee delirium by Donald Trump. Surreal hardly begins to describe the proceedings at this annual gathering, the Davos of foreign policy. This is what happens when the United States is all over the place. Allies get nervous; they dont know what to believe. Trumps uncontrolled communication is unsettling the world, John Kasich, the Republican governor of Ohio, told me. That is an understatement. The Trump doctrine is chaos. Vice President Mike Pence came, communicated and exited without taking questions. He said the United States would be unwavering in its commitment to NATO, whose glories he extolled. (He never mentioned the European Union, whose fragmentation Trump encourages.) If a question had been allowed, it might have been: Mr. Pence, you defend NATO but your boss says its obsolete. So which is it? To the Editor: Phil Klay writes powerfully of the values that guide American military forces in combat in Iraq (What Were Fighting For, Sunday Review, Feb. 12). Our fighting men and women are indeed brave and honorable. Yet their valor and the exercise of principles even in the heat of combat do not answer the question, What are we fighting for? Despite these principles, the armed forces of the United States and its allies have killed tens if not hundreds of thousands of Iraqis, a large number of them civilians, including women and children. And our country has suffered the death and injury of tens of thousands of our own sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, husbands and wives by waging this war in Iraq. But for what purpose? We know that there were no weapons of mass destruction threatening our peace and security. We had no plan to bring peace and security to Iraq and its neighbors. So yes, our soldiers and sailors are valiant and represent the best in our country, but I still do not know what were fighting for. MICHAEL E. MAHLER Los Angeles Most of us came of age in the last half of the 20th century and had our perceptions of normal formed in that era. It was, all things considered, an unusually happy period. No world wars, no Great Depressions, fewer civil wars, fewer plagues. Its looking like were not going to get to enjoy one of those times again. The 21st century is looking much nastier and bumpier: rising ethnic nationalism, falling faith in democracy, a dissolving world order. At the bottom of all this, perhaps, is declining economic growth. As Nicholas Eberstadt points out in his powerful essay Our Miserable 21st Century, in the current issue of Commentary, between 1948 and 2000 the U.S. economy grew at a per-capita rate of about 2.3 percent a year. But then around 2000, something shifted. In this century, per-capita growth has been less than 1 percent a year on average, and even since 2009 its been only 1.1 percent a year. If the U.S. had been able to maintain postwar 20th-century growth rates into this century, U.S. per-capita G.D.P. would be over 20 percent higher than it is today. To the Editor: Re Trump Calls Media the Enemy of the American People (news article, Feb. 18): President Trump said on Friday that the press is the enemy of the American people, a comment that Senator John McCain responded to by saying thats how dictators get started. Citizens should be concerned by this type of rhetoric, and the best response is to subscribe to a newspaper if you havent already. ED OBRIEN Metuchen, N.J. To the Editor: Youve got to hand it to Donald Trump. He knows how to use the media to his advantage. It was candidate Trump who received at least $2 billion worth of media coverage with his dramatics on the campaign trail (Measuring Trumps Big Advantage in Free Media, The Upshot, March 17, 2016). Now, President Donald Trump uses the media again, this time by denigrating the media for reporting what they see. He creates the enemy because he needs to avoid substantive comments on real issues, and his oft-repeated believe me can be the only truth his followers will hear. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Swiss government today said Sebastien Hug has been appointed as the Consul General of Switzerland in Bengaluru. He would also be the head of swissnex India -- an initiative of Swiss government to facilitate exchanges between the two countries in the areas of science, education, art and innovation. Hug will take up the post in November this year, Swiss government said in a release. advertisement swissnex India is a part of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Bangalore. Hug began his career as attache for higher education, science and technology at the Swiss embassy in Canada in 2007. Since 2013, he has been working in the International Relations Division of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation at the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, the release said. PTI RAM BAL --- ENDS --- The mystery at the core of the Trump-Russia story is motive. President Trump certainly seems to have a strange case of Russophilia. He has surrounded himself with aides who have Russian ties. Those aides were talking to Russian agents during the campaign, and some are now pushing a dubious peace deal in Ukraine. Trump recently went so far as to equate the United States and Vladimir Putins murderous regime. But why? Its not a simple question. In their Russia-related inquiries, the F.B.I. and the Senate Intelligence Committee will need to focus first on what happened whether Trumps team broke any laws and whether the president has lied about it. Yet the investigators, as well as the journalists doing such good work reporting this story, should also keep in mind the why of the matter. It will help explain the rest of the story. The United States has never had a situation quite like this. Other countries have tried to intervene in our affairs before, sometimes with modest success. Britain and Nazi Germany, for example, tried to influence the 1940 presidential election, financing bogus polls and efforts to sway the nominating conventions. But never has a president had such murky ties to a foreign government as hostile as Putins. I count five possible explanations for Trumps Russophilia, and theyre not mutually exclusive. The first is the justification that Trump himself gives, and you shouldnt dismiss it simply because he has an open relationship with reality. He says that fewer tensions with Russia would benefit the United States, which is a reasonable position. Its not so different from the position of John Kerry, President Barack Obamas secretary of state. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerbergs manifesto about community, released last week on Facebook, wisely analyzed the state of journalism: He decried sensationalism, and declared that a strong news industry is also critical to building an informed community. Giving people a voice, he said, is not enough without having people dedicated to uncovering new information and analyzing it. He even noted that reading local news is directly correlated with local civic engagement. Unfortunately, his memo ignored two major points the role that Facebook and other technology platforms are playing in inadvertently damaging local news media, and the one way they could actually save journalism: with a massive philanthropic commitment. Local news is weak in large part because the business models have collapsed. The main reason: As advertising spending shifted from print, TV and radio to the internet, the money didnt mostly go to digital news organizations. Increasingly, it goes to Facebook and Google. Of the $59 billion spent on all digital advertising in 2015 across millions of web sites, by millions of advertisers $36 billion went to those two companies. And their share is rising: Most of the increase in digital advertising in 2016 went to them. One analyst estimated that while Facebook and Google surged, the category called everyone else actually declined. Who are the 500 private citizens with unprecedented access to Mr. Trump during weekends? We talk to Nicholas Confessore and Maggie Haberman, who, along with Eric Lipton, unmasked the secret list of Mar-a-Lago members. Background reading: What is the deep state? The Interpreter column explains. The Timess investigation of the Mar-a-Lago membership list, along with a graphic showing how the resort turned into the Situation Room. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb. And if that isnt enough, we can even text. How do I listen? If you dont see an audio player on this page or to subscribe to The Daily for free, follow the instructions below. On your iPhone or iPad: Open the preloaded app called Podcasts; it has a purple icon. If youre reading this from your phone, tap this link, which will take you straight there. (You can also use the magnifying glass icon to search; type The Daily.) When Marc Benda gave Faye Toogood free rein for her first solo exhibition in his gallery, she instinctively feared hed regret it. It was an incredibly bold move on his part, says the British designer, whose exceptional interiors, furniture and fashion reflect a singular English aesthetic and fascination with materiality. He didnt know if Id come back with a set of vases, a rail of coats or a chair. After presenting 23 objects she wanted to show, almost as a shopping list, she jokes, Benda responded: Weve got to do everything. The resulting exhibition, her first in the U.S., titled Assemblage 5, opens in New Yorks Friedman Benda Gallery this week. The rustic works were inspired by elements in Henri Matisses Chapelle du Rosaire de Vence, which he built in the town of Vence, on the French Riviera, between 1948 and 1951. The show picks up where Assemblage 4, which debuted at Milans Salone del Mobile in 2014, left off: pushing Toogoods exploration of form and geometry in a bold new direction. Im not a religious person, but the spiritual experience of all these objects in one space was quite profound to me, she says. Pews, altar pieces, chalice relics and vestments those were the starting points for the function, almost. With a trio of materials, Toogood aimed to communicate the very essential, the very raw, the elemental and the primitive. She chose lithium-barium crystal, cob composite and silver nitrate bronze to convey the essence of water, earth and the moon, the latter signifying a connection between the lunar cycle and femininity. Each came with its own set of challenges: The first cob pieces crumbled to the floor, and the bronze was almost too heavy to work with. The glass threatened to shatter during the months-long process of curing an expensive gamble for an exhibition of such a large scale. When he wasnt bartending his way through Central Saint Martins, Charles Jeffrey was hosting Loverboy, a monthly club night at Londons VFDalston. He now spends most of his time being a proper mens wear designer, though proper hardly describes his anarchic aesthetic. A lot of our pieces are sort of troubled, or twisted and pulled and cut up, says Jeffrey, a former Dior intern whose latest collection of genderqueer scoop-collared jackets, creeper shoes and extravagantly buttoned trousers was partly inspired by Jean Paul Gaultiers couture. For the runway show, he used a headpiece from a chain-mail hauberk found on the street. For the fledgling designer, the clothes are about ascendance but, burgeoning mainstream success aside, its hard to imagine Jeffrey ever losing his underground cool. Behind every successful person are relationships that helped forge a path. But the stories of these friendships, collaborations, alliances, romances or rivalries often are lost in the glow of achievement. In this new feature, we explore a personal connection that made a difference in the lives of two artists. Andre Holland never thought much about writing his own monologues when he attended the Tisch graduate acting program at New York University. But one day, early in his first semester in 2003, he watched another African-American student, Danai Gurira, forgo the usual speeches by white characters and perform her own material instead. Her monologue, about the struggles of black women, had an immediacy and ferocity that led to a bond between them as friends, actors and, eventually, writing partners. Ms. Gurira was working on what would become In the Continuum, the Obie Award-winning play that she co-wrote and starred in Off Broadway. Ms. Gurira would go on to write last years Tony-nominated play Eclipsed and act on Broadway and television, where she is best known as Michonne on The Walking Dead. Mr. Holland is starring in August Wilsons Jitney on Broadway and as the diner cook Kevin in the film Moonlight, which is nominated for best picture in this Sundays Academy Awards. Rates From $263. Basics On Austins most famous street, a former gravel lot turned food-truck court has given way to one of the most popular spots in town. The South Congress Hotel, opened by the local hospitality group New Waterloo in September 2015, added a restaurant and coffee bar last March. The low-slung building is like a geode chunky and nondescript outside but opening up to an appealing interior; local residents cannot seem to resist it at happy hour. The decor has a Latin flair, and there are fun touches like the vintage motorcycle shop, Revival Cycles, downstairs. Location Part of Austins 2,000-room hotel boomlet, the 83-room property offers what is arguably the best location in Austin, in the thick of South Congress Avenues pedestrian-jammed mix of shopping and dining. The State Capitol, one mile away, presides over the stretch. Sixth Street and Lady Bird Lake intersect with Congress Avenue along the route. And several of the food trucks once on the hotels lot are now parked in a cozier space on the next block. The Room While half the rooms open onto hectic Congress Avenue, ours overlooked the quiet, leafy Travis Heights neighborhood. With concrete ceilings, hardwood floors, a brown leather bench and a charcoal accent wall, the space had a rugged vibe. There were unexpected details, like a headboard that appeared to be a wool blanket, draped and pinned over an extra-wide bed frame. WASHINGTON President Trump has directed his administration to enforce the nations immigration laws more aggressively, unleashing the full force of the federal government to find, arrest and deport those in the country illegally, regardless of whether they have committed serious crimes. Documents released on Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security revealed the broad scope of the presidents ambitions: to publicize crimes by undocumented immigrants; strip such immigrants of privacy protections; enlist local police officers as enforcers; erect new detention facilities; discourage asylum seekers; and, ultimately, speed up deportations. The new enforcement policies put into practice language that Mr. Trump used on the campaign trail, vastly expanding the definition of criminal aliens and warning that such unauthorized immigrants routinely victimize Americans, disregard the rule of law and pose a threat to people in communities across the United States. Despite those assertions in the new documents, research shows lower levels of crime among immigrants than among native-born Americans. WASHINGTON In a case that could further roil relations with Mexico, the Supreme Court considered on Tuesday whether the parents of a 15-year-old Mexican boy killed by an American border guard may sue in United States courts. The teenager, Sergio Hernandez Guereca, was on the Mexican side of the border when the guard, Jesus Mesa Jr., standing about 60 feet away in United States territory, shot him in the head. A lawyer for the youths parents faced two kinds of hurdles at Tuesdays argument. Even justices sympathetic to the parents appeared to be worried about the implications of a ruling in their favor, which would extend constitutional protections beyond the nations borders. And some justices suggested that any solution should come from Congress rather than the courts. The lawyer, Robert C. Hilliard, said he sought only a narrow ruling. The Constitution applies abroad, he said, only when the challenged conduct starts in the United States, when the killer and the victim are both civilians, when the constitutional right at issue is the right to life, and when the foreign government supports the suit. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court turned down an appeal on Tuesday from an Alabama death row inmate who said the state intended to kill him using chemicals that could cause excruciating pain. As is the courts custom, the justices in the majority gave no reasons for declining to hear the case. But Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Stephen G. Breyer, issued an impassioned 18-page dissent. She said the inmate, Thomas D. Arthur, should have been allowed to make the case that one of the chemicals in Alabamas lethal injection protocol, the sedative midazolam, could contribute to prolonged torture. In 2015, a five-justice majority in a different lethal injection case, Glossip v. Gross, issued what Justice Sotomayor called a macabre challenge. (Justices Sotomayor and Breyer were among the four dissenting justices in the case.) The majority said that inmates seeking to challenge a method of execution not only had to prove that it would cause severe pain but also had to propose a known and available way to be executed. Image Thomas D. Arthur was convicted of killing his girlfriends husband in 1982. He asked that he be executed by a firing squad rather than lethal injection. Credit... Alabama Department of Corrections Mr. Arthur killed his girlfriends husband in 1982. After 34 years of legal challenges, Justice Sotomayor wrote, Arthur has accepted that he will die for his crimes. He now challenges only how the state will be permitted to kill him. By Press Trust of India: From Kunal Dutt Kigali, Feb 21 (PTI) India has a lot to learn from Rwanda on governance models like sanitation and smart city and efforts are being made to give more content to bilateral strategic relationship, a top government official said today. "Vice President Hamid Ansari had a very fruitful visit to Rwanda and during bilateral talks both sides endeavoured to give our strategic relationship more content. We think its a great governance model and the Vice President has stated that he hasnt seen a better capital city. And, now we wish to further enhance our ties in several sectors," Amar Sinha, Secretary, Economic Relations in the MEA, said. "One of course is Swachh Bharat and then Smart City, two of our great initiatives and we would like to engage with Rwanda more in these areas. In fact, we will try to send delegates from some of our states, like Andra Pradesh, which is building a new capital," Sinha said. He was interacting with reporters during a briefing as Ansari wound up his trip to Rwanda, the first leg of his two-nation tour. "Besides, cleanliness and smart city initiatives, we have so much to learn from Rwanda, on governance models. It has zero-corruption for tolerance, and and one of the best places to do business. India certainly can take home a lot from this visit, and we certainly will," he said. advertisement Another area where they have sought cooperation is production and shooting of Bollywood films. "After a Hritik Roshan-starrer film was shot in New Zealand, it pushed tourism in a big way in that country. We hope we can find models to replicate it in Rwanda," he said. "Rwandas greatest achievement is its reconciliation with its turbulent past. From signs of great conflict, it has become a shining star of Africa. This is truly remarkable and worthy of emulation," he said. Ansari during his three-day visit to Rwanda held bilateral talks with President of the Senate Bernard Makuza and President Paul Kagame. India and Rwanda also signed three MoUs innovation, aviation and visa requirement. A joint communique on the visit said the Vice President and Kagame committed to further promote bilateral trade and investment and increase people-to-people interactions. The Vice President expressed admiration for remarkable growth and transformation of Rwanda under the able leadership of President Kagame and expressed an interest in exploring the untapped enormous methane reserves in Lake Kivu for energy production. The Vice president reiterated Indias decision to open a resident Indian Mission in Rwanda highlighting that this will further cement the strategic partnership. PTI KND NSA AKJ NSA --- ENDS --- FAIRVIEW, Tenn. Representative Marsha Blackburn may have expected to draw a friendly crowd by scheduling a town hall-style meeting in a Tennessee community that had voted overwhelmingly for President Trump, but she instead faced a hurricane-strength blast of disapproval on Tuesday. Ms. Blackburn, an eight-term Republican, was sharply questioned about a wide range of issues that have unsettled Mr. Trumps first month in office, including health care, the environment, education and the presidents links to Russia. At many moments, her replies elicited boos or shouts to tell the truth. Were not stupid; you have to do better, Renee Armand said at one point, interrupting Ms. Blackburn as she was defending the new education secretary, Betsy DeVos, for bringing a true love of education reform. Ms. Blackburn, who represents a safe Republican seat west of Nashville, was among the latest wave of Washington lawmakers to face angry constituents in what, inevitably but perhaps prematurely, has been called a progressive echo of the Tea Party anger that boiled over in town halls eight years ago. WASHINGTON President Trump said on Tuesday that the rise of anti-Semitism in the United States since his inauguration was horrible and painful, reacting publicly for the first time to mounting threats targeting Jewish people and institutions after he drew criticism for being slow to condemn them. During a visit to the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, Mr. Trump said he was reminded of the need to combat hatred in all of its very ugly forms. He spoke one day after 11 bomb threats were phoned in to Jewish community centers around the country and a Jewish cemetery in University City, Mo., was vandalized. The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible, and are painful, and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil, Mr. Trump said. The statement came after weeks of private complaints from leaders of major Jewish organizations to members of Mr. Trumps inner circle, including his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, about the presidents seeming unwillingness to speak out forcefully against anti-Semitic acts. His failure to do so stoked concern among some Jewish leaders that Mr. Trump, whose presidential campaign drew the support of racist and anti-Semitic groups including the Ku Klux Klan, was at best willing to stay silent about such actions and at worst quietly condoning them. ATLANTA The brick, marked with a threatening message, crashed through the window of a prominent contractors dining room here in September 2015, apparently sometime between dusk and dawn. For some time, news of the incident failed to reverberate much beyond the home itself. The same went for the dead rodents that had been simultaneously placed on the doorstep of the contractor, Elvin R. Mitchell Jr., and the message: ER, keep your mouth shut!!! Shut up. But in recent weeks, the brick, the rodents and the threat have become troubling symbols of a widening federal bribery and corruption investigation revolving around the granting of city contracts. The inquiry has already resulted in Mr. Mitchells and a second contractors guilty pleas to federal bribery charges, and it is spreading unease through the civic culture of Atlanta. Municipal contracting here has served a historically important role in the effort to spread wealth to minority businesses, but it has also, at times, been a source of explosive scandal. On Tuesday, more tremors rippled through City Hall as Jenna Garland, a spokeswoman for Mayor Kasim Reed, said in an email that citys chief procurement officer, Adam Smith, had been relieved of his duties effective immediately. Federal investigators also removed some items from Mr. Smiths office on Tuesday. Justice Department representatives declined to comment on the matter. The campaign got a new fillip in January when the state attorney general, Xavier Becerra, approved language for a Yes California-backed ballot measure for the 2018 election, clearing the way for signature gathering. It has also earned about $60,000 in donations, Mr. Marinelli said. The measure would ask voters to remove a reference in the states Constitution to California as an inseparable part of the United States and set a second vote, for March 2019, that would ask, Should California become a free, sovereign and independent country? But backers need to collect 585,407 valid signatures, a daunting task. David A. Carrillo, the director of the California Constitution Center at the University of California, Berkeley, is not among the supporters. California seceding is so unlikely to happen its a waste of our time even to discuss it, Mr. Carrillo said in a telephone interview. Even if the state could secede, its a terrible idea. In the United States Constitution, Mr. Carrillo said, there is no procedure for allowing states to leave, and if you want a practical example, there is the Civil War. Still, Mr. Marinelli said he believed the support was there. A former Republican turned liberal political activist, he said he turned to teaching English in Russia to pay the bills and because his wife is Russian. They met during an earlier teaching stint, and he said he intended to return to California when his contract expires in June. He co-founded the California secession movement in 2014 in San Diego, flirting first with the name Cal-Leave-Fornia before settling on Calexit, after the successful Brexit campaign for Britain to leave the European Union. While no indications exist of a direct Russian government hand in Mr. Marinellis organization, a group that is nominally independent but nonetheless state financed, and supports only causes that dovetail with the Kremlins foreign policy, paid for a hotel room in Moscow during a congress of secessionist groups from around the world in September 2016. These included the Texas Nationalist Movement, backers of Puerto Rican independence and a group wanting to restore the Hawaiian monarchy. A Russian group, known as the Anti-Globalization Movement, which like Mr. Marinelli advocates the breakup of the United States, also offered him office space in Moscow to open an embassy of California in Russia, and Mr. Marinelli accepted. In the latest study, published in January in Royal Society Open Science, Jiyoun Choi, a doctoral student at the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics in the Netherlands, where Dr. Cutler was the director, and her colleagues looked at Dutch-speaking adults, some of whom had been adopted from Korea, but none of whom spoke Korean. The researchers found that people born in Korea and adopted as babies or toddlers by Dutch families were able to learn to make Korean sounds significantly better than the Dutch-speaking controls who had been born into Dutch families. It was especially interesting that this effect held not only for those who had been adopted after the age of 17 months, when they would have been saying some words, but also for those adopted at under 6 months. In other words, the language heard before birth and in the first months of life had affected both sound perception and sound production, even though the change of language environment happened before the children started making those sounds themselves. Christine Moon, a professor of psychology at Pacific Lutheran University who also studies infants and language acquisition, traces some of her own interest in this subject to her experience as an adoptive mother. My children were adopted at birth, so they are cases of babies who had a certain kind of experience right up until they were born and they did not hear their birth mothers voices after they were born until much later, she said. In a study published in 2012, Dr. Moon and her associates showed that English and Swedish newborns in the first day or two of life responded differently to the vowel sounds used in their native language than they did to vowel sounds from the other language. The researchers have also looked at brain responses in newborns, and in a study published in 2015, they showed that the babies brains could distinguish the mothers voice from a strangers voice in a single second of speech the word baby but the single word was not a sufficient reward to alter the babies sucking behavior. The conclusion has always been under 6 months, they have no phonology, they have no abstract knowledge about language, Dr. Cutler said. But recognizing that a phoneme is a particular sound, even as it occurs in different places in different words, is abstract thinking, she explained. So the research shows that even very early in life, babies brains are able to distinguish patterns of sound, and apply those rules years later to the task of learning how to produce sounds that have not been part of their daily speech. This ability to generalize and to draw abstract conclusions across data is the most important quality of the human mind, Dr. Cutler said. This is what makes us human. GREAT ZIMBABWE NATIONAL MONUMENT, Zimbabwe Black Africans could never have built the Great Zimbabwe monument, or so the white rulers used to say. Clearly, it was made by the Phoenicians or other visitors from faraway places, they insisted. Never mind that archaeologists and carbon dating had confirmed the obvious: that the monument was constructed by the ancestors of the Africans living nearby. The Great Zimbabwe, a Unesco World Heritage site that is one of the few surviving precolonial monuments in sub-Saharan Africa, has long been the continents fiercest archaeological battleground. Europeans used its supposed foreign origins to justify their domination. Liberation fighters used it as a rallying cry for their cause, eventually naming their newly independent nation after it. But the fight over the Great Zimbabwe did not end with independence. As President Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF party have clung to power through violence, they have increasingly turned to the Great Zimbabwe for vindication. ENTERPRISE, Trinidad and Tobago By the time he was 17, Fahyim Sabur had memorized the Quran. At 23, he was shunning calypso parties and giving private Arabic lessons in his neighborhood here in Enterprise, about 20 miles south of Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago. A year later, he was on the battlefield in Syria, where he died fighting for the Islamic State. He never spoke to me about it, said his father, Abdus Sabur, 56, who sells meat patties on the street. National Security called me one day and told me, Your son is dead. Law enforcement officials in Trinidad and Tobago, a small Caribbean island nation off the coast of Venezuela, are scrambling to close a pipeline that has sent a steady stream of young Muslims to Syria, where they have taken up arms for the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL. American officials worry about having a breeding ground for extremists so close to the United States, fearing that Trinidadian fighters could return from the Middle East and attack American diplomatic and oil installations in Trinidad, or even take a three-and-a-half-hour flight to Miami. KABUL, Afghanistan Afghan soldiers and policemen surrounded the house of Vice President Abdul Rashid Dostum on Tuesday in an apparent effort to arrest nine of his aides accused of kidnapping and raping a political opponent on his orders. The attempt to bring about the arrests came after the attorney general complained to police authorities that they had ignored previous orders to carry out the arrests. The police had said they feared an armed confrontation and would have to evacuate the residential neighborhood to avoid civilian casualties, according to copies of official documents obtained by The New York Times. Stung by the attorney generals criticism, police officials promised on Monday to take action. On Tuesday, more than 100 police and soldiers surrounded the downtown Kabul compound of Mr. Dostum, an ethnic Uzbek who is the more senior of the countrys two vice presidents. Observers said it appeared to be a siege, although there was no gunfire and the mood was calm. Mr. Dostum is believed to have hundreds of armed irregulars under his command, and on Tuesday, his home in the Sherpur quarter was guarded with trucks mounted with artillery and heavy machine guns, but it was unclear how many militiamen were inside the cordon. BEIJING For years, the United States and others have pressed Chinas leaders to suspend imports of coal from North Korea to push the reclusive state to abandon its nuclear weapons program. For years, the Chinese leadership resisted until Saturday, when it suddenly announced in a terse statement that it would do just that. But if Beijing was sending a message to North Korea, it was also directing one at President Trump, who has complained that China was not putting enough pressure on North Korea. Now President Xi Jinping of China has essentially said: We have done our part in enforcing sanctions. Over to you, Mr. Trump. The challenge comes at a tantalizing moment. For weeks now, plans have been afoot for a North Korean government delegation to meet in New York in early March with a group of former United States officials who have long been involved in North Korea policy. PESHAWAR, Pakistan Two suicide bombers were fatally shot and a third blew himself up on Tuesday while trying to attack a courthouse in northern Pakistan as violence continued to hit the country. A bomber detonated his suicide vest outside the main entrance of the district courts in Charsadda to provide cover for the two other bombers to enter, but the police shot and killed the two, said Suhail Khalid, a district police officer. Our police guards foiled their attempt to get in and carry out a massacre, Mr. Khalid said by telephone from Charsadda, about 15 miles northeast of Peshawar. Seven civilians were killed and 23 were wounded, and four of the injured were in critical condition, said Dr. Nek Nawaz, the district health officer for Charsadda. By Press Trust of India: From Kunal Dutt Kigali, Feb 21 (PTI) India and Rwanda have signed three agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in areas like science and technology, that includes setting up of an entrepreneurship development centre here, and starting of direct flights to Mumbai. The two sides signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) late last evening in the presence of Vice President Hamid Ansari and Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi at the India-Rwanda Business Forum here. advertisement Ansari is visiting the East African country as part of his five-day visit to Rwanda and Uganda. The first agreement envisages setting up of an entrepreneurship development centre in Rwanda to further cement ties between the two countries in the field of science and technology as well as sharing of Indias expertise in the field. "The centre would be funded by India and we will also guide them and do hand-holding to establish it for them. This will further boost our cooperation with this East African country," a senior MEA official said. The other two MoUs entail starting of flight operations to India by state-run RwandAir and easing of visa regime from both sides for travellers holding diplomatic and official passports. "The agreement seeks to facilitate mutual exemption of visa requirement for travelers holding diplomatic and official passports," the official said. The direct flight from Kigali to Mumbai is expected to begin operations by early April. Ansari, during a function hosted here by the Indian High Commission of Uganda had said that a direct flight would soon become a reality. Though, officials have not given any date yet, the website of the Rwandan carrier says it will commence from April 3 and will make four flights in a week. "With the signing of these MoUs our relationship from here forth is going to grow stronger," Murekezi said while addressing the business forum, attended by top industry leaders and innovators from both countries. "We have 54 years of fruitful bilateral relationship. Rwanda and India share important ties and we are committed to make this relationship grow stronger. Rwanda is a safe country and a recent report has ranked the country as one of the best places to do business. "We are also third least corrupt country in Sub-Saharan Africa region and we definitely are ready for business and greater cooperation," he said. The Rwandan Prime Minister also pitched for Indian companies to "look beyond" the traditional sectors while engaging with Rwanda. Incidentally, Ansari at the forum, hosted by FICCI and Rwanda Development Board, also launched India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme to boost ties in areas of science, technology and innovation, and said Rwanda offers a "wonderful platform" to Indian partners to enhance their presence and capacities in other parts of Africa. PTI KND ABH SUA AKJ SUA --- ENDS --- advertisement Prosecutors in Ukraine are investigating whether a member of Parliament committed treason by working with two associates of President Trumps to promote a plan for settling Ukraines conflicts with Russia. In a court filing on Tuesday, prosecutors accused the lawmaker, Andrii V. Artemenko, of conspiring with Russia to commit subversive acts against Ukraine, in particular by advancing a proposal that could legitimize the temporary occupation of the Crimean peninsula. Russia forcibly annexed the peninsula in 2014, a step that Ukraine, the United States and other governments have refused to recognize; Mr. Artemenko said his proposal would allow Ukraine to formally cede control of the territory to Russia, at least temporarily. Yuriy Lutsenko, Ukraines prosecutor general, posted a copy of the court filing to his Facebook page on Tuesday with the statement Ukraines integrity is above all else. Mr. Artemenkos plan, reported on Sunday by The New York Times, outlines a series of steps meant to bring to an end the rebellion by Russian-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, and to resolve the dispute over Crimea by allowing voters to decide whether to lease the peninsula to Russia for 50 or 100 years. MOSCOW An Austrian court on Tuesday approved an American extradition request for Dmytro V. Firtash, a Ukrainian gas mogul and one of the strongest backers of the ousted Ukrainian president, Viktor F. Yanukovych. Mr. Firtash, who made a fortune acting as an intermediary in natural gas sales in the former Soviet Union, was indicted in Chicago in 2012 on charges of bribing officials in India through American banks to secure a titanium mining deal that never materialized. The oligarch has said the charges against him were orchestrated by the United States government to remove him from the Ukrainian political field at a time when the countrys future was in flux. In 2014, shortly after street protests in Kiev, the Ukrainian capital, forced the pro-Kremlin president, Mr. Yanukovych, to flee and a new pro-Western government was installed, Mr. Firtash was arrested on an F.B.I. warrant in Vienna and then released after paying $174 million in bail. MADRID The police opened fire on Tuesday after the driver of a stolen truck carrying butane gas, and moving at high speed near Barcelonas main ring road, refused to stop. Although there were no fatalities, the chase quickly raised tensions in Spain, which remains on high alert after major terrorist attacks in other European countries, including deadly episodes involving trucks in Nice, France, and in Berlin. The police said that the driver had been taken into custody. They described him as a 32-year-old man with a Swedish passport who was not a resident of Barcelona, but did not identify him further. Joan Carles Molinero, a regional police chief, said during a news conference in Barcelona that the drivers motives were unclear, and that terrorism was not one of the lines of investigation. If someone is deemed to be a risk for state security by intelligence services while staying abroad, they wouldnt get a dime, Mr. Nielsen said. He added that, under the proposed legislation, once a Danish court determines that a citizen has violated the law and joined the Islamic State, then Danish authorities could also demand the reimbursement of benefits already paid. Dozens of militants have returned to Denmark after fighting for ISIS in the Middle East, and the country has been experimenting with ways to reintegrate the former fighters, including psychological counseling, education and job advice. More than a decade ago, Denmark became a flash point for Islamic extremism after a Danish newspaper published caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad, spurring outrage and protests across the Muslim world. In February 2015, Omar Abdel Hamid El-Hussein, a 22-year-old Danish-born gunman of Palestinian descent, killed two people while targeting a Copenhagen synagogue and an event promoting free speech. He was later shot dead by police. The efforts to tame Islamic radicalism in Denmark are occurring against the backdrop of a simmering culture war over Danish identity and the challenge of integrating immigrants, which has helped drive support for the far-right anti-immigrant Danish Peoples Party. This month, the Parliament approved a statement by the Danish Peoples Party expressing concern that there were more immigrants than native-born Danes in some areas of Copenhagen. Parliament notes with concern that today there are areas in Denmark where the share of immigrants and descendants from non-Western countries surpasses 50 percent, the statement said. It is the opinion of the Parliament that Danes should not be a minority in neighborhoods in Denmark. The statement, which was largely symbolic but generated a loud debate, also called for the government to limit the granting of asylum. Opponents of the statement, which was supported by the government and its coalition partners and passed by a vote of 55-54, said it stigmatized Danish immigrants and citizens who were born of immigrant parents. Ms. Kullmann Fives appointment as chairwoman was seen by some as a victory for China, but even she said that China achieves nothing by me replacing Jagland as chair. (He remains on the committee.) Under Ms. Kullman Fives leadership, the committee awarded the prize in 2015 to four organizations for their help in defusing a political crisis in Tunisia and providing stability to the nations fledgling democracy. In 2016, it selected President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia for his pursuit of a deal to end a 52-year conflict with leftist rebels, the longest-running war in the Americas. The committee conducts its deliberations behind closed doors, so it is difficult to ascertain Ms. Kullmann Fives precise impact on them, according to John Peder Egenaes, general secretary of Amnesty International Norway. But Kaci Kullman Five has, in general, been a strong defender of human rights and human rights champions and defenders, something we must assume that she brought with her into the Nobel Committee, he said, noting the rights activists recognized during her time on the committee: Shirin Ebadi of Iran in 2003, Mr. Liu and Malala Yousafzai of Pakistan in 2014. Asle Sveen, an author and historian, said that Ms. Kullmann Five had walked with her back straight and had defended the integrity and independence of the award to Mr. Liu by stating that the committees decision had been unanimous a fact she repeated when Norway normalized relations with China in 2016. She said the committee had no regrets. The Portuguese authorities have detained a former undercover C.I.A. officer whose extradition has been sought by Italy, where she faces a prison sentence over her role in the 2003 kidnapping of an Egyptian cleric as part of a secret United States rendition program. The former officer, Sabrina De Sousa, 60, was detained Monday night and is awaiting imminent extradition to Italy, one of her lawyers, Dario Bolognesi, said. Ms. De Sousa was among 26 Americans convicted of grabbing the cleric, Osama Moustafa Hassan Nasr, also known as Abu Omar, in Milan in February 2003. The operation was one of the so-called renditions ordered by the George W. Bushs administration after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Suspects were captured and taken to other countries for interrogation. The program was ended by the Barack Obama administration. Mr. Nasr was taken to a military base before being moved to Egypt, where he said he was tortured. In 2013, an Italian court sentenced him in absentia to six years in prison for terrorism-related activities. STOCKHOLM Residents in a northwestern suburb predominantly inhabited by immigrants have clashed with police officers, two days after President Trump unleashed a vague but pointed critique of Swedens migration policies. About 20 to 30 masked men threw stones and other objects at police officers in the suburb, Rinkeby, after the police arrested a man on suspicion of dealing drugs. A police officer fired at the perpetrators but did not strike anyone, and the disturbances continued for several more hours, stretching into early Tuesday morning. A photojournalist was injured in the clashes. (The police initially classified the gunshot as a warning shot.) The episode drew scrutiny worldwide because of Mr. Trumps assertions based on a Fox News segment that Sweden had experienced a surge in crime and violence as a result of taking in large numbers of refugees. Mr. Trumps comments were greeted with anger in Sweden, the latest example of strong criticism by the American president antagonizing friendly countries, including neighbors like Mexico and allies like Australia and the European Union. Swedish officials criticized Mr. Trumps statements about crime in the country as exaggerations. Preliminary statistics do not show a major increase in crime from 2015, when the country processed a record 163,000 asylum applications, to 2016. Disturbances like the one in Rinkeby, officials said, are not unprecedented but are infrequent. In 2013, the police shooting of a man wielding a knife led to nights of violence in the suburbs of Stockholm, including Rinkeby. IZMIR, Turkey Turkish officials handed down punishments on Tuesday to two leaders of a major opposition party who have become casualties of a wide-ranging crackdown on dissent that escalated after a failed coup in July. Selahattin Demirtas, a leader of the pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party, was sentenced on Tuesday to five months in jail for insulting the Turkish state, the Turkish nation and their institutions. Hours earlier, Figen Yuksekdag, the other leader of the party, was expelled from Parliament after the countrys top court upheld her conviction for a terrorism offense. Both have been in custody since being detained in raids in November. Thousands of members of their party, known as the H.D.P., have also been arrested since the breakdown of Kurdish peace talks in 2015, including at least a dozen of their 59 members of Parliament. The arrests of party members accelerated after the failed coup, which also set off an even larger purge of government officials and people suspected of being dissidents. More than 45,000 government officials, soldiers, police officers, teachers and journalists have been arrested since the coup attempt, most of them suspected of having connections to the Gulenist movement, a group led by Fethullah Gulen, an exiled cleric living in the United States, that Turkey believes was behind the attempted putsch. TEHRAN Everything was in place on Tuesday for a gala celebration at Irans annual conference in support of Palestinians. Awaiting the hundreds of guests was a table piled high with cakes and fruit, with plenty of tea to wash it all down and a placard saying, Netanyahu: Go to Hell. The theme for this years gathering was All Together for Palestine. Prominent seatings were reserved for the heads of Parliament for Zimbabwe, Tanzania and Syria, as well as the leaders of Islamic Jihad, Hamas and the Lebanese group Hezbollah. All three of those groups are considered terrorist organizations by the United States. Irans support for them is one of the main reasons the White House has, for years, and particularly now, in the Trump era, labeled Iran perhaps the biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the world. In Tehran, however, the groups are revered as freedom fighters battling a Western-backed colonizer. All three have offices in the Iranian capital and all have received money, intelligence and even weapons from Iran at least in the past. BEIT HANOUN, Gaza Strip In her new home, finally finished after she lived two years in a trailer across a dirt road, Samaher al-Masri, 40, showed a video on her cellphone of a cute preschooler: her son Majdi. He was singing: I am a son of Palestine, I have a right and a cause Even if they shoot me and I die as a martyr, I will not forget the cause. Majdi, who was 6, lived through two Gazan wars, though his old family house was toppled by bulldozers in the 2014 fighting with Israel. But the day after he ended kindergarten last year, he caught his hula hoop in a metal door in the trailer. The door was heavy, the frame shoddy. It fell on him and crushed his skull, killing him. Something is missing, his mother said eight months later, in the living room of her house, built on the rubble-cleared plot of the old one. You asked me if this is better. Yes, its better. But Im missing him. His bedroom was waiting for him. So it is in Gaza, outwardly rebuilding and moving on from war, inwardly far from recovered. Gaza seems at a loss for what might be next. After so many years of isolation, residents of Gaza find themselves ever further from Palestinians in the West Bank, their future clouded by rising doubts that they could ever unite and work toward a lasting peace. According to the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed between Rwanda and India, Rwanda Air will soon begin services to India, and the two countries will mutually exempt visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders. By Press Trust of India: India and Rwanda have signed three agreements during the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to boost bilateral relations, which include establishment of an entrepreneurship development centre in Kigali. According to the Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) signed between Rwanda and India, Rwanda Air will soon begin services to India, and the two countries will mutually exempt visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders. advertisement Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi said the MoUs will boost economic and business ties with India. "We have 54 years of fruitful bilateral relationship. Rwanda and India share important ties and we are committed to making this relationship grow stronger", Murekezi said. HAMID ANSARI ON RWANDA, UGANGA TOURS Ansari, who is on a five-day tour to Rwanda and Uganda, had on Monday launched an innovation growth programme and addressed business leaders and experts from the two countries. On VP Hamid Ansari's visit India&Rwanda signed bilateral air service agreement & MoU on establishment of Entrepreneurship Development Centre pic.twitter.com/JUwpPfpfw9 ANI (@ANI_news) February 21, 2017 He said Rwanda offers a "wonderful platform" to Indian partners to enhance their presence in other parts of Africa and emphasised that India was "ready to work" with partners in Rwanda and the larger African continent in "transferring our experience" in building an innovation-driven economy. "India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Program is being launched to expand ties in science, Technology and Innovation. After this pilot project, the programme is proposed to be implemented in the East African community in seven countries and will then be scaled up to seven other economic zones across Africa", he said. Also read | India to open resident mission in Rwanda, VP Ansari announces during African trip Under the programme, 20 Indian technologies and innovations are to be adopted over a period of two years. AIM OF INDIA-RWANDA GROWTH PROGRAMME "The programme aims at creating an ecosystem wherein Indian innovations and technology enterprises will thrive and encourage business ventures from both sides", Ansari said. The vice president said it was an "exciting prospect" to see the captains of trade and industry from Rwanda stand alongside the Indian business community and innovators. "This portends well for the future of Rwanda-India commercial and economic relations", he said. Prime Minister Murekezi attended the event organised by Rwanda Development Board, the Private Sector Federation of Rwanda and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). --- ENDS --- GENEVA Seif al-Islam el-Qaddafi, the son of Libyas ousted dictator, should be turned over to the International Criminal Court to be tried on war crimes charges, the United Nations said on Tuesday, adding that he did not get a fair trial in Libya. But the question is, who will hand him over? A court in Tripoli, the Libyan capital, convicted Mr. Qaddafi in July 2015 and condemned him to death, but he was not in the courts custody. Mr. Qaddafi had been detained by a militia in the northwestern city of Zintan, and took part in the proceedings only by video link; the militia refused to hand him over to the Tripoli authorities, citing security issues. A year after the verdict, the commander of the militia announced that Mr. Qaddafi had been released under an amnesty decree issued by the Libyan government. Mr. Qaddafi has not been seen in public since, the United Nations said, and his status is unclear; he may still be held by the militia. In the Tripoli trial, Mr. Qaddafi and 36 other defendants were charged with indiscriminate attacks on civilians and other crimes committed during the 2011 revolution that toppled Mr. Qaddafis father, Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi. Nine of the defendants were sentenced to death, including Mr. Qaddafi and Abdullah al-Senussi, his fathers intelligence chief. CAIRO The bodies of 74 migrants were recovered from a beach near the town of Zawiya in western Libya, rescuers said on Tuesday, an ominous sign before the high season for Mediterranean crossings. The bodies were believed to have come from a shipwrecked inflatable raft that was found on the same stretch of shore, said Mohammed Almosrti, a spokesman for the Libyan Red Crescent. Some of the bodies were found inside the stricken raft. The rubber boat left Libya for Italy on Saturday and appears to have been left drifting without an engine for several days, said Flavio Di Giacomo, a spokesman for the International Organization for Migration in Rome. Its really strange that smugglers would take off the engine, he said. They are becoming increasingly cruel. If Mr. Trump targeted only those with serious offenses, the number becomes even smaller. About 690,000 of the 820,000 were convicted of felonies or serious misdemeanors. There are about 820,000 unauthorized immigrants who have been convicted of crimes , according to the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan research group. But that number included more than a million immigrants who were here legally, with green cards or temporary visas. Unauthorized immigrantsLegal immigrants Mr. Trump may be basing this number on a 2012 government estimate that there were 1.9 million removable criminal aliens. After the election, Mr. Trump vowed to quickly deport two million to three million unauthorized immigrants who he said have been convicted of crimes. The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday announced details to expel immigrants more aggressively. The tiny figures here represent the estimated 11 million immigrants who are in the United States illegally. Early in the campaign, Donald J. Trump said he would deport all of them. (Each figure represents about 5,000 people.) Its unclear if Mr. Trump could carry out the deportations he has proposed without violating due process, especially at the scale and speed he has suggested. The last time the United States carried out mass deportations was when President Dwight D. Eisenhower authorized military-style roundups to expel hundreds of thousands of Mexicans in 1954. What Mr. Trump proposes is much larger than Eisenhowers deportation program, which was controversial at the time. Mr. Trump would likely need help from local law enforcement, but many cities and counties have limited their cooperation with federal authorities. Counties with policies limiting cooperation WASH. MINN. ORE. MASS. N.Y. WIS. R.I. CONN. IOWA PA. N.J. NEB. NEV. ILL. MD. COLO. CALIF. KAN. KY. N.M. GA. LA. TEX. FLA. WASH. ORE. MINN. MASS. N.Y. WIS. R.I. CONN. IOWA PA. NEB. N.J. NEV. ILL. MD. COLO. KAN. KY. CALIF. N.M. GA. TEX. LA. FLA. WASH. ORE. MINN. MASS. N.Y. WIS. R.I. CONN. PA. IOWA NEB. NEV. N.J. ILL. MD. COLO. KAN. KY. CALIF. N.M. GA. TEX. LA. FLA. Cook County in Illinois, which includes Chicago, adopted an ordinance that generally bars county police officers and jails from detaining unauthorized immigrants to be turned over to federal agents, unless the agents have specific warrants. San Francisco is a so-called sanctuary city that issues local ID cards to unauthorized immigrants so they can have access to municipal services. Democratic mayors of some major cities recently said they would do all they could to protect residents from deportation. Mr. Trumps plans are more aggressive than President Obamas deportation program, which prompted sharp criticism from advocacy groups. During Mr. Obamas first term, about 400,000 immigrants were deported per year. Deportations by year 400 thousand Immigration violators 300 300 200 100 Convicted criminals 35% 59% FY 09 FY 15 The Obama administration has already pursued policies that focus on removing people with criminal records. In 2015, the majority of people deported were convicted criminals. The Army is in urgent need of anti-tank missiles for its indigenous ALH Rudra helicopters. By Ajit Kumar Dubey: Seeking to provide more firepower to its aviation fleet, the Indian Army is on a hunt for missiles which can be fired from the indigenous ALH Rudra chopper to destroy enemy tanks under the fast track procedure for urgent acquisition. The Army is moving a proposal worth over Rs 1,300 crore before the crucial meeting of the defence acquisition council to buy a limited number of anti-tank guided missiles from global vendors for its Rudra helicopter, which is a weaponised version of the ALH Dhruv manufactured by the HAL, sources told Mail Today. advertisement The Army is moving a proposal worth over Rs 1,300 crore before the crucial meeting of the defence acquisition council to buy a limited number of anti-tank guided missiles from global vendors for its Rudra helicopter, which is a weaponised version of the ALH Dhruv manufactured by the HAL, sources told Mail Today. The ATGMs would be fired from helicopters which would be used by both the Army and Air Force and would also be equipped with the indigenous HELINA missiles when they are ready for operational deployment in future. Sources in the Defence Ministry said the Army needs missiles which can hit enemy tanks at a distance of seven kilometers in all conditions claiming that the indigenous HELINA can't do so but there is doubt whether any foreign-origin missile can achieve the strike distances from a helicopter. Also read: Manohar Parrikar orders probe into claims of trial manipulation in missile deal worth Rs 4,000 crore PREVIOUS TENDER SCRAPPED The programme to utilise the weaponised version of the ALH was started over five years ago by the HAL and it handed over the first chopper to the Army in 2013. The force had initiated a tender to procure helicopter-fired ATGMs earlier also in which private firms from Israel, Sweden and France had participated and their trials were also held at foreign locations. However, none of the vendors could meet the Indian requirement of providing twin-tube missile launchers as world-over the attack helicopters fire from fourtube launchers. "The previous tender had to be scrapped in 2015 as the twin-tube solutions could not be found and having a four-tube launcher would have resulted in the boom touching the ground while landing as the Rudra is not a genuine attack machine," sources in the Army said. However, the continuous delays in the project also have resulted in the Army postponing its plans to utilise the choppers in antitank role due to the lack of attack choppers in its inventory. "We are taking clearance from the Defence Ministry under the fast track procedure to buy these ATGMs as they are required urgently for our choppers," Army sources said. advertisement The Indian Army and the Air Force together are looking to acquire a fleet of 76 weaponised Rudra choppers which would be fitted with 70mm guns and rocket pods along with four anti-tank missiles with two each fitted on both sides. The HELINA missile, is a heli-borne version of the NAG missiles developed in the 1980s. Also read: India signs Rs 5000 crore M777 howitzer contract with US --- ENDS --- Just about a week ago, I wrote an article on OEN about the media and the way that they were doing what looked like investigative reporting on Donald Trump. I also said in the article, why is the media suddenly doing investigative reporting when they haven't done so in almost 2 decades? I stated that the media once they get Trump to resign or they concoct an impeachable offense, and Pence assumes the presidency, this newly found notion of speaking truth to power will suddenly evaporate and they will go along just like they did under George Bush and Barack Obama. The very next day I saw article, after article, about how the media was being controlled by the so-called "deep state". These were my thoughts exactly. I think most people know that I am a socialist and I detest Donald Trump. Still, he is our elected president and to see him taken down by all the intelligence agencies and the people that work in government that haven't been elected only appointed, I'm talking about the ones the that been there 20 or 30 years, is a disgrace. Donald Trump cannot fight the people lined up against him no matter how many lawyers he thinks he has or how much money he will spend. The NSA and the CIA and the State Department and the Council on foreign relations have thousands of lawyers. There is no way that he can possibly get anything done when he is impeded by all those lined up against him. I think this was a Republican strategy all along. They have their man, Mike Pence, who will do the bidding of the people that really control the Empire. Donald Trump is a danger because of his stand on Russia. They also worry about his stand on NATO which he said was obsolete, and I agree. This is anathema to the people in the intelligence agencies and the State Department along with the Federal Reserve and the Council on foreign relations and all the countless intelligence agencies in the Defense Department. They know, that a lessening of tensions with Russia, and God forbid working together with them to fight ISIS would destroy their profit margin and endanger many jobs in the intelligence sector. The United States has always needed an enemy throughout its history. Our relationship with Russia is based on lies, and it always has been. The war in Georgia which was started by Georgia and encouraged by NATO was pure propaganda when mainstream media reported on it. Georgia attacked South Ossetia, and killed many Russian peacekeepers. by NATO was pure propaganda when mainstream media reported on it. Georgia attacked South Ossetia, and killed many Russian peacekeepers. The same thing for Ukraine where Victoria Nuland the under Secretary of State for Eastern Europe funneled $5 billion into the war chest of the rebels in Maidan. When she was asked about reaching out to the EU to broker some kind of peace in the country she said, "Fu#k the EU" This kind of behavior can only be described as typical American hubris. When the far right took power, and demand a ban on the Russian language in the Ukraine, it was not a mystery why the two Russian-speaking provinces in eastern Ukraine rebelled. Not only were they anti-fascist, they were also pro-Russian. This is just another in a series of debacles that United States has engaged in since the end of World War II. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Slaughterhouse conditions are rarely in the news--it's bad for Big Meat's image. However,it is safe to say that few to no Americans work as knockers, stickers, bleeders, tail rippers, flankers, gutters, sawers and plate boners in U.S. slaughterhouses for under ten dollars an hour. With very few exceptions, Americans simply won't work such dangerous slaughterhouse jobs that often pay as little as $6.25 to $7 an hour. That is why in 2001, food giant Tyson was charged with paying smugglers to transport illegal workers to its operations from Mexico across the Rio Grande and supplying them with phony social security cards. More recently the largest immigration raid in U.S. history occurred at an Iowa slaughterhouse. Few to no Americans work in US slaughterhouses (Image by Martha Rosenberg) Details DMCA According to the New York Times who studied the Smithfield slaughterhouse in Tar Heel, NC, turnover in slaughterhouse jobs is 100 percent and even convicts given the right to leave their prison cells to work on the floor quit. Think about that. In Big Meat's search for the lowest wage Hispanic workers replaced Eastern European workers decades ago. More recently, Somalis, Sudanese and Pacific Islanders are replacing Hispanic workers. Even as the Trump administration bans Muslim immigrants, the JBS Swift plants in Greeley, CO and Grand Island, NE, Pilgrim's Pride/Gold'n Plump plants in Cold Spring, MN and Arcadia, WI and Tyson Foods' Shelbyville, TN plant are largely populated by Muslim workers. Nor does cheap meat do anyone any favors. Low priced meat enables Americans to eat meat more frequently putting them at risk for colorectal cancer, atherosclerosis, heart disease, stroke and type 2 (adult onset) diabetes. Here is the story of how one slaughterhouse has continued to operate despite a history of egregious worker and safety violations. Cramped apartments; Amputated Hands Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Duluth, Minnesota (OpEdNews) February 20, 2017: My favorite scholar, the American Jesuit polymath Walter J. Ong (1912-2003; Ph.D. in English, Harvard University, 1955) of Saint Louis University (SLU), the Jesuit university in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), attributes the collective American cultural breakdown/breakthrough in the 1960s to the impact of the critical mass of communications media that accentuate sound. He does this most notably in his book The Presence of the Word: Some Prolegomena for Cultural and Religious History (Yale University Press, 1967), the expanded version of Ong's 1964 Terry Lectures at Yale University. In 1964, Ong turned fifty-two. (Broadly speaking, the prestigious Terry Lectures center on religious history.) The title of Ong's book refers to the presence of both the lowercase "word" of our ordinary human experience of spoken language and to the capitalized "Word" in the Christian tradition of thought. The capitalized Word in the Christian tradition of thought is based on the prologue of the Gospel According to John. The capitalized Word in the Christian tradition of thought refers to the supposed person known as Jesus Christ, the supposed divine messiah, who is also known as the second person of the supposed divine trinity. In any event, when Ong was researching his Harvard University doctoral dissertation on the French logician and educational reformer and Protestant martyr Peter Ramus (1515-1572), Ong was based for three years in the early 1950s at a Jesuit residence in Paris. At that time, Ong first read the French Jesuit paleontologist and religious thinker Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's writings in manuscript form. In a 1952 review essay in a journal published at SLU, Ong became one of the first American Catholics to call Teilhard's thought to the attention of his fellow American Catholics. Ong never tired of referring to Teilhard the rest of his life. Teilhard's two most enduring books are (1) The Human Phenomenon, translated by Sarah Appleton-Weber (Brighton and Portland: Sussex Academic Press, 1999) and (2) The Divine Milieu, translated by Sion Cowell (Brighton and Portland: Sussex Academic Press, 2004). The secondary literature about Teilhard's thought is extensive. Briefly, in theological terminology, Teilhard postulated what may be styled an evolutionary christology (i.e., a christology is a theological theory centering on the supposed person known as Jesus Christ, the supposed divine messiah). Not only Roman Catholic theologians but also Protestant theologians write christological works. Now, if you subscribe to the Christian claim about the incarnation of the Word, it is not a big leap to understanding Teilhard's postulated evolutionary christology. But in Teilhard's lifetime, he was forbidden to publish his writings postulating an evolutionary christology because of the Roman Catholic Church's critique of Darwinian evolutionary theory as an alternative to the literal interpretation of the two accounts of creation in Genesis. However, after Teilhard died in New York City in 1955, his literary executor arranged to have his writings published in French. His published writings were quickly translated into English and other languages. Teilhard's posthumously published writings about evolutionary christology rocked the Roman Catholic world. In 1950, Pope Pius XII criticized Darwinian evolutionary theory in his encyclical Humanae Generis. But later popes such as Pope John-Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have made their peace with the literal interpretation of the two accounts of creation in Genesis by allowing that Darwinian evolutionary theory may not be incompatible with the way in which God's creation evolved. However, in the United States to this day, certain Protestant Evangelicals have continued to see Darwinian evolutionary theory as incompatible with the literal interpretation of the two accounts of creation in Genesis. In short, American Protestant Evangelicals today tend to resist Teilhard's christological interpretation of the two accounts of creation in Genesis in light of the role of the capitalized Word in creation in the prologue of the Gospel According to John. Now, in the English-speaking world, the French Jesuit theologian Henri de Lubac (1896-1991), who was made a cardinal in 1983 by Pope John-Paul II, is well-known for his books in the 1960s about Teilhard's thought. In the 1960s, de Lubac published the following books about Teilhard's thought: (1) The Religion of Teilhard de Chardin, translated by Rene Hague (New York: Desclee, 1967; orig. French ed., 1962); (2) Teilhard de Chardin: The Man and His Meaning, translated by Rene Hague (New York: Hawthorn Books, 1965; orig. French ed. 1964); (3) Teilhard Explained, translated by Anthony Buono (New York: Paulist Press, 1968; orig. French ed., 1966); (4) The Eternal Feminine: A Study on the Poem by Teilhard de Chardin, Followed by Teilhard and the Problems of Today, translated by Rene Hague (New York: Harper & Row, 1971; orig. French ed., 1968). De Lubac also contributed notes and commentary to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin and Maurice Blonde's Correspondence, translated by William Whitman (New York: Herder and Herder, 1967; orig. French ed., 1965). In addition, de Lubac contributed a preface to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's Letters from Egypt, 1905-1908, translated by Mary Ilford (New York: Herder and Herder, 1965; orig. French ed., 1965). Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This piece was reprinted by OpEd News with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. From Counterpunch Just when you thought it was safe to venture out, Frankenstein returns -- at least its political equivalent in the shape of Tony Blair, Britain's former prime minister and poster child for the venality, corruption, and opportunism of Western liberalism in our time. Blair's decision to intervene in the ongoing political crisis that has engulfed the UK over Brexit can only be described as offensive. His call to arms, urging the British people to "rise up against Brexit," which he issued from that renowned fortress of people power, Bloomberg headquarters in the City of London, will only harden support for it given the fact that Blair's time in office only helped pave the way for it. The man is a deluded fool if he really thinks that he has the credibility or clout to make any such intervention in frontline politics anything other than a car crash. With the anniversary of the start of the 2003 war in Iraq upon us next month, bringing with it the memory of the role that Blair played in the deaths of up to one million people, along with the destabilization of the region and an explosion of terrorism that has wrought so much carnage in the years since, the only place that Blair should be giving any speech nowadays is from the dock at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, where his presence is long overdue. Tony Blair, along with Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, exemplifies everything rotten and depraved about liberal democracy. Whether it be their attachment to the interests of Wall Street and City of London, the abandonment of the poor and working class in the interests of the politics of identity, the worshipping at the altar of the free market and neoliberalism, not forgetting the slavish devotion to Western imperialism under the rubric of democracy and human rights -- these people have turned the world upside down and enriched themselves and their cronies beyond measure in the process. Abhoring everything that Brexit represents, the explosion of right wing populism, driven by anti-migrant bigotry, nativism, and ultra nationalism fueling it, does not militate against understanding how it fed off the collapse of center ground liberal politics and the hollowing out of social democracy that took place under Blair's leadership. Likewise when it comes to Trump and the venality of Obama's leadership in the US. The global financial and economic crisis that erupted in 2008, and whose impact we are still dealing with almost a decade later, was a direct result of the neoliberal policies embraced by Blair and Bill Clinton throughout the 1990s -- policies that were followed by the successive governments that followed them. The point is that the cynicism and anger towards the political class in both countries did not occur overnight. It built up over years, to the point where a referendum on Britain's continuing membership of the EU provided an opportunity for those who'd suffered most under those neoliberal policies to vent their disdain for the status quo at the ballot box. A similar set of circumstances underlay Donald Trump's election to the White House on the other side of the Atlantic. Do any of his impassioned liberal detractors ever take a moment to ask themselves why a real estate mogul and reality TV star with no political experience was able to best such experienced national politicians such as Jeb Bush, Marco Rubio, and Ted Cruz to win the Republican Party nomination in 2016, and then go on to defeat Hillary Clinton for the presidency later in the same year? The answer is of course that these are politicians whose records are a testament to long years of service to a Washington machine that is loathed by millions of Americans. Not until the political establishments in both the UK and US finally accept their responsibility for the rejection of everything they represent will there be an end to the political and social polarization that is the new normal in both countries. In this respect they remain stuck in the past, holding onto a belief in the verities of the free market, in NATO and Western exceptionalism. In this regard they are akin to those Japanese soldiers who failed to emerge from the jungles and foxholes in which they served during World War II until over a decade after the war ended. Returning to Tony Blair, this is a man who not satisfied with helping to set the world on fire thereafter swanned off into a sunset of unparalleled riches and wealth, the wages of sin he's received in return for services rendered to some of the most corrupt and unsavory governments, corporations, and causes in existence. His every public appearance and utterance is an insult to the millions of men, women, and children in Iraq who were slaughtered as a result of the brutal and illegal imperialist war he unleashed in conjunction with Washington in 2003. It reminds us that their cry for justice from the grave is one that is yet to be heard. From The Hill There should be unanimous agreement among Americans that no foreign dictator should ever be allowed to influence or determine the selection of our president and commander in chief. From Russian President Vladimir Putin's aggressive attacks against American democracy in 2016 designed to elect President Trump to his cyber-invasion of France in 2017 designed to elect far right extremist Marine Le Pen as president of France, which I discussed in my previous column titled "The Battle of Europe," we must resist and thwart this dangerous assault against democracy. In his Feb. 5 interview with Fox News host Bill O'Reilly, when O'Reilly referred to Putin as a "killer," Trump replied by morally equating America with Russia. These sickening comments slandering America were unprecedented for an American president and sent chills up the spines of many Republicans as well as Democrats. In the latest revelations of what I call the Putingate scandal, we learned that Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, was forced out after only three weeks because of conversations with the Russian ambassador, whose ultimate boss is unanimously believed by our intelligence services to have engaged in covert cyber war designed to elect Trump as president. Flynn lied about these conversations to our people, the press and Vice President Pence. The vice president was so far outside the inner loop of the Trump White House that he was not told for two weeks by the president or his staff that Justice Department and intelligence service leaders were so alarmed they warned the White House that Trump's then-chief of the National Security Council could be blackmailed by the Russian dictator. The Putingate scandal is eerily similar to the Watergate scandal. Both cases involve breaking and entering into internal Democratic Party operations for the purpose of electing a Republican president. Both cases involve criminal acts with political motives followed by false denials. Both cases involve attacks against the free press for publishing information that the public has a right and need to know. Both Putingate and Watergate involve a White House that is contemptuous of the federal judiciary that is a bulwark against authoritarian leaders who are tempted to believe they are above the law. Both involve presidents who at times treated our intelligence services like political enemies rather than guardians of democracy against adversaries who threaten our freedom. Both Putingate and Watergate involve presidents with well-earned reputations for repeatedly saying things that were not true, surrounded by staff who often mirrored their habit of repeatedly bearing false witness, pitching denials that were repeatedly proven false. In a stunning similarity between Watergate and Putingate, both the Nixon and Trump administrations included internal voices who exposed untruths and warned Americans against grave dangers that escalate every day. The extraordinary infighting and leaking from within the Trump administration is eerily reminiscent of Deep Throat during the Nixon years exposing wrongdoing through The Washington Post. With new reports of countless and continuous communications between high-level Trump aides and Russian officials before and after election day, which according to some reports may include Russian intelligence operatives or officials, is there a John Dean-like figure in Trump circles who might reveal what the president knew, and when he knew it? Republican leaders in Congress should agree to support an independent counsel or special prosecutor or, as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and others propose, a special select bipartisan committee to fully investigate all aspects of Putingate. If they continue to obstruct this action they may be someday accused of supporting a cover-up by delaying and diluting urgently needed investigation of matters that pose a serious threat to American security. Congress should pass a law requiring full disclosure and divestment of any foreign assets or foreign loans held by any president to prevent any hostile foreign actor, including foreign dictators or business interests acting on their behalf, from exerting financial power over America's president and commander in chief. "All the crises and reforms (real reforms, too) so occupied the people that they did not see the slow motion underneath, of the whole process of government growing remoter and remoter."--Historian Milton Mayer, They Thought They Were Free: The Germans, 1933-45 Brace yourself. There is something being concocted in the dens of power, far beyond the public eye, and it doesn't bode well for the future of this country. Anytime you have an entire nation so mesmerized by the antics of the political ruling class that they are oblivious to all else, you'd better beware. Anytime you have a government that operates in the shadows, speaks in a language of force, and rules by fiat, you'd better beware. And anytime you have a government so far removed from its people as to ensure that they are never seen, heard or heeded by those elected to represent them, you'd better beware. The world has been down this road before. We are at our most vulnerable right now. The gravest threat facing us as a nation is not extremism--delivered by way of sovereign citizens or radicalized Muslims--but despotism, exercised by a ruling class whose only allegiance is to power and money. We're in a national state of denial. Yet no amount of escapism can shield us from the harsh reality that the danger in our midst is posed by an entrenched government bureaucracy that has no regard for the Constitution, Congress, the courts or the citizenry. If the team colors have changed from blue to red, that's just cosmetic. The playbook remains the same. The leopard has not changed its spots. Scrape off the surface layers and you will find that the American police state is alive and well and continuing to wreak havoc on the rights of the American people. "We the people" are no longer living the American Dream. We're living the American Lie. Indeed, Americans have been lied to so sincerely, so incessantly, and for so long by politicians of all stripes--who lie compulsively and without any seeming remorse--that they've almost come to prefer the lies trotted out by those in government over less-palatable truths. Here's a truth few Americans want to acknowledge: nothing has changed (at least, not for the better) since Barack Obama passed the reins of the police state to Donald Trump. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. If you're going to surround yourself with generals in the Oval Office, as Donald Trump has done, that means one thing in these years: you're going to appoint men whose careers were made (or unmade) by what was once known as the Global War on Terror. They will be deeply associated with Washington's 15 years of disastrous wars and conflicts in the Greater Middle East, which have left that region a set of failed or near-failed states and a hotbed of terror outfits, including various branches of al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. Secretary of Defense James "Mad Dog" Mattis, for instance, led troops in the initial post-invasion period in Afghanistan in 2001; in the taking of the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, in 2003; in the fierce fighting for the city of Fallujah in 2004; and then, from 2010 to 2013, he was in charge of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), with responsibility for the Greater Middle East. In that post, he cooked up a scheme to take out either an Iranian oil refinery or power plant in the "dead of night," an act of war meant to pay that country back for supplying mortars to Iraqi insurgents killing American troops. That plan, nixed by the Obama White House, seems to have played a role in his removal from the CENTCOM post five months early. General John Kelly, head of the Department of Homeland Security, also commanded troops and fought in Iraq. (His son was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.) Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn held key intelligence positions in both Afghanistan and Iraq, while his temporary replacement (and now National Security Council chief of staff), General Joseph "Keith" Kellogg, retired and working with private contractor Oracle at the time of the invasion of Iraq, was sent to Baghdad as chief operating officer of the Coalition Provisional Authority that the Bush administration set up to run its ill-fated occupation of that country. He lasted only five months as that body began its "reconstruction" of Iraq, after disbanding Saddam's army and so putting its officers and troops on the unemployment line, which meant at the disposal of the developing insurgency. Army Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster, the new national security adviser, just tapped for the job by Trump, isn't even retired and held command posts in both Iraq and Afghanistan. On the evidence of these last years, such experiences seem to have tied these men to the war against terror in a deep and visceral way, making any major reconsideration of what they had lived through inconceivable. In the new Trump era, clues to this ongoing reality can already be found in two recent events: the first Trump-ordered action in the Greater Middle East, a thoroughly botched Special Operations raid in Yemen, which did not achieve its objective but got large numbers of civilians and one Navy SEAL killed and which, given the last 15 years of U.S. military action in the region, looked painfully familiar; and the request of the present U.S. Afghan commander, General John Nicholson Jr., for "several thousand" more American military advisers, one that it's hard to imagine he would have made before the Senate Armed Services Committee without the agreement of Defense Secretary Mattis. It's also a request that was clearly meant as no more than an opening bid in a potentially far larger surge of American forces into Afghanistan. (Where have you heard that before?) Under the circumstances, it's good to know that, even if not at the highest ranks of the U.S. military, there are officers who have been able to take in what they experienced up close and personal in Iraq and Afghanistan and make some new -- not desperately old -- sense of it. U.S. Army Major Danny Sjursen, a former history instructor at West Point and the author of Ghostriders of Baghdad: Soldiers, Civilians, and the Myth of the Surge, who writes his inaugural TomDispatch post today, is obviously one of them and I doubt he's alone in the American armed forces after all these years. Tom How We Got Here The Misuse of American Military Power and The Middle East in Chaos By Danny Sjursen The United States has already lost -- its war for the Middle East, that is. Having taken my own crack at combat soldiering in both Iraq and Afghanistan, that couldn't be clearer to me. Unfortunately, it's evidently still not clear in Washington. Bush's neo-imperial triumphalism failed. Obama's quiet shift to drones, Special Forces, and clandestine executive actions didn't turn the tide either. For all President Trump's bluster, boasting, and threats, rest assured that, at best, he'll barely move the needle and, at worst" but why even go there? At this point, it's at least reasonable to look back and ask yet again: Why the failure? Explanations abound, of course. Perhaps Americans were simply never tough enough and still need to take off the kid gloves. Maybe there just weren't ever enough troops. (Bring back the draft!) Maybe all those hundreds of thousands of bombs and missiles just came up short. (So how about lots more of them, maybe even a nuke?) Lead from the front. Lead from behind. Surge yet again" The list goes on -- and on and on. And by now all of it, including Donald Trump's recent tough talk, represents such a familiar set of tunes. But what if the problem is far deeper and more fundamental than any of that? Here our nation stands, 15-plus years after 9/11, engaged militarily in half a dozen countries across the Greater Middle East, with no end in sight. Perhaps a more critical, factual reading of our recent past would illuminate the futility of America's tragic, ongoing project to somehow "destroy" terrorism in the Muslim world. The standard triumphalist version of the last 100 or so years of our history might go something like this: in the twentieth century, the United States repeatedly intervened, just in the nick of time, to save the feeble Old World from militarism, fascism, and then, in the Cold War, communism. It did indeed save the day in three global wars and might have lived happily ever after as the world's "sole superpower" if not for the sudden emergence of a new menace. Seemingly out of nowhere, "Islamo-fascists" shattered American complacence with a sneak attack reminiscent of Pearl Harbor. Collectively the people asked: Why do they hate us? Of course, there was no time to really reflect, so the government simply got to work, taking the fight to our new "medieval" enemies on their own turf. It's admittedly been a long, hard slog, but what choice did our leaders have? Better, after all, to fight them in Baghdad than Brooklyn. What if, however, this foundational narrative is not just flawed but little short of delusional? Alternative accounts lead to wholly divergent conclusions and are more likely to inform prudent policy in the Middle East. Let's reconsider just two key years for the United States in that region: 1979 and 2003. America's leadership learned all the wrong "lessons" from those pivotal moments and has intervened there ever since on the basis of some perverse version of them with results that have been little short of disastrous. A more honest narrative of those moments would lead to a far more modest, minimalist approach to a messy and tragic region. The problem is that there seems to be something inherently un-American about entertaining such thoughts. 1979 Revisited Through the first half of the Cold War, the Middle East remained a sideshow. In 1979, however, all that changed radically. First, rising protests against the brutal police state of the American-backed Shah of Iran led to regime collapse, the return of dissident ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, and the declaration of an Islamic Republic. Then Iranian students stormed the U.S. embassy in Tehran, holding 52 hostages for more than 400 days. Of course, by then few Americans remembered the CIA-instigated coup of 1953 that had toppled a democratically elected Iranian prime minister, preserved Western oil interests in that country, and started both lands on this path (though Iranians clearly hadn't forgotten). The shock and duration of the hostage crisis undoubtedly ensured that Jimmy Carter would be a one-term president and -- to make matters worse -- Soviet troops intervened in Afghanistan to shore up a communist government there. It was quite a year. Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From RT With typical bluster of a real estate dealer, US President Trump claimed this week that his administration was a "finely-tuned machine." A nervous Europe and a disappointed Russia suggest something more precarious. The business magnate turned president claims that the corporate news media in the US and Europe are determined to disparage his month-old administration as "chaotic."He has a valid point too. Trump says relentless allegations of a "Russian connection"to his political aides are a "ruse" contrived by the media opposed to his presidency. The resignation of his top National Security Adviser Michael Flynn last week over allegations that he talked with a Russian diplomat before Trump's inauguration on January 20 was, in the president's view, a case of media-driven crisis. Trump has rebuffed media claims of chaos in his administration as overblown and betrays an agenda to undermine his presidency. He counters by pointing to a stream of executive orders signed during the first weeks of office as evidence that his presidency is achieving more than any other administration towards the stated goal of "making America great again." Trump is adamant, with hallmark brusqueness, that he's running a finely-tuned machine. However, unofficial news seeping out of the White House tells a different story. A NPR correspondent this week quoted an insider in the West Wing as saying that the administration was a "train wreck." Empty desks, disenchanted staffers, lack of leadership were said to be taking a toll on efficient running of Trump's administration. The resignation of Michael Flynn and the debacle of a successor, Vice Admiral Robert Harward, turning down the National Security post is an outward expression of bedlam at the White House. When Trump hosted Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu this week at the White House it was obvious that the president was not adequately briefed. His non-committal quip of "I like whatever solution Bibi and the Palestinians like" was a cringing admission that Trump was clueless. And that cluelessness stemmed from not having a National Security Adviser to get him up to speed on the issues. That was just one of several practical examples in the foreign policy realm that raise questions about the Trump White House and whether it will derail sometime soon. "Mixed signals" is perhaps a charitable way to describe a Trump presidency in turmoil. The number of countries unnerved by Trump's mercurial style range from allies to foes alike, from Mexico, Canada, Japan, South Korea, to China, Venezuela and Iran. Not least unnerved are the Europeans who supposedly share a much-vaunted "transatlantic bond" with America, manifested in the NATO military alliance. via GIPHY The dominant foreign policy theme last week could be dubbed "America's reassurance tour of European allies." US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis and Vice President Mike Pence were all in European capitals, each keenly trying to calm anxieties elicited by Donald Trump's earlier critical comments about the European Union and NATO. Mattis and Pence separately addressed the Munich Security Conference and gushingly told delegates that President Trump was fully committed to NATO and the "transatlantic bond." Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). From Consortium News On President's Day, The Washington Post published a front-page article about Thomas Jefferson's mansion, Monticello, finally restoring Sally Hemings's room, which was next door to Jefferson's bedroom, a further grudging acknowledgement that Hemings was his concubine. But the Post could not bring itself to state the obvious. It described Jefferson imposing himself sexually on his female slave as a "relationship," rather than a serial rape that apparently began when Hemings was around 14 years of age. The Post reported that in 1941, the caretakers of Monticello transformed Hemings's room into a restroom as "the floor tiles and bathroom stalls covered over the story of the enslaved woman, who was owned by Jefferson and had a long-term relationship with him." But -- as grotesque as it may be to erase her room by installing toilets -- it is equally grotesque to describe as a "relationship" an older powerful man having sex with a young female slave who had little choice but to submit to his predations and bear his children. It may be hard for the American people to accept but the evidence increasingly indicates that the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third president of the United States was a pedophile and a rapist. That is the story that Jefferson's many apologists have most desperately tried to obscure along with his wretched record on race, including the sickening racism in his Notes on the State of Virginia, that includes his pseudo-science of assessing physiological and mental traits of African-Americans to prove that all men were not created equal. For generations, the apologists also have challenged slave Sally Hemings's late-in-life remembrance to one of her sons, Madison Hemings, describing how Jefferson had imposed himself on her sexually in Paris after she arrived in 1787 as a teen-age slave girl attending one of his daughters. According to Madison Hemings's account, his mother "became Mr. Jefferson's concubine [in Paris]. And when he was called back home she was enciente [pregnant] by him." Jefferson was insistent that Sally Hemings return with him, but her awareness of the absence of slavery in France gave her the leverage to insist on a transactional trade-off; she would continue to provide sex to Jefferson in exchange for his promise of good treatment and the freedom of her children when they turned 21, Madison Hemings said. Smearing Hemings The traditional defense of Jefferson was to portray Sally Hemings as a promiscuous vixen who lied about her relationship with the Great Man to enhance her humble standing. After all, whose word would you believe, that of the estimable Jefferson who publicly decried race mixing or a lowly African-American slave girl? For decades, the defenders stuck to that dismissive response despite the curious coincidence that Hemings tended to give birth nine months after one of Jefferson's visits to Monticello and the discovery of male Jefferson DNA in Hemings's descendants. Still, the Jefferson apologists raised finicky demands for conclusive proof of the liaison, as if it were absurd to envision that a relatively young man then in his mid-40s, a widower since his wife died in 1782, would have initiated a sexual relationship with an African-American female, even an attractive light-skinned mulatto like Hemings (who was the illegitimate daughter of Jefferson's father-in-law and thus Jefferson's late wife's half-sister). Though it's true that unequivocal evidence does not exist -- Hemings did not save a semen-stained blue dress so it could later be subjected to DNA analysis -- historians have increasingly come to accept the reality of Jefferson's sexual involvement with his young slave girl who was only 14 when she moved into Jefferson's residence in Paris. So, with this ground shifting under Jefferson's defensive lines, his apologists retreated to a new position, that the relationship was a true love affair and/or that Jefferson's behavior fit with the moral behavior of the times as slave owners frequently raped their female slaves (and thus Jefferson's behavior should not be judged adversely). Next Page 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) An Indian man who was kidnapped in Libya has been rescued and is being brought back to India shortly, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said tonight. Swaraj said Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam had sustained a bullet injury. "We have rescued Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam in Libya. Dr Kosanam has suffered a bullet injury. We are bringing him to India shortly. advertisement "With this, we have rescued all the six Indians abducted there. I appreciate the good work done by our mission there," Swaraj said in a series of tweets. Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam was reportedly abducted by Islamic State militants in Libya nearly 18 months back. The doctor hails from a village Krishna District in Andhra Pradesh. PTI MPB JC IKA --- ENDS --- Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Putting real power into the hands of voters and consumers, has made bottom-up approaches massively disruptive for politics and brands. It's the present and future of politics and business. Rob Kall's book Bottom-Up pulls together the wisdom and experience of some of the leading thinkers who have brought the bottom-up revolution to full bloom." Joe Trippi, pioneering Internet campaign manager of Howard Dean, digital campaign consultant Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Rob Kall's book, Bottom-Up, offers valuable ways of seeing and powerful tools for enabling new power and connectivity to work to change the hope and promise for the future." Jeremy Heimans, CEO & Co-founder of Purpose and coauthor of New Power Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "The book is very well written...very important in this individualized capitalistic illusory world that enslaves us all within its tentacles and forces us to believe that we are atomized and disconnected beings. Indigenous Lakota people end prayers with "Mitakuye Oyasin...all my relations..." An ancient African proverb states, "A person is a person only because of and with others..." This instructive text is very useful for us living in what we are always told is the modern world, because it reconnects us all and reminds us that ultimately, the endless circle of the Universe binds and connects us all and the Earth is Mother to us with no hierarchy...the ones at the bottom matter the most...like the ants who build mounds and hills, all working in unison and harmony...the book teaches that we were created for community and our destiny is organic community...anything else is doomed..." Julian Kunnie, Professor of Religious Studies/Classics at the University of Arizona and author of The Cost of Globalization: Dangers to the Earth and Its People Dairy Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their diaries after publishing them. To see if the diary was renamed or re-published, please click here. Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. The Seven-million strong American Muslim community, on the receiving end since the ghastly terrorist attacks on 9/11/2001, has ostensibly become target of President Trump's policies. While the January 27 travel ban may still be affecting American Muslim citizens, some Muslim travelers outside the seven countries targeted by the controversial ban, including naturalized U.S. citizens and green card holders, are indicating that their Global Entry status has been revoked. Global Entry is a program run by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which provides expedited entry through customs checkpoints at U.S. airports to vetted travelers. Mic.com has quoted the Immigration lawyers as saying that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is revoking Global Entry status for their clients. Skift.com has also reported the same. According to Mic, lawyers are currently trying to decipher the pattern regarding the cancellation of Global Entry and TSA Precheck status for many Muslim-American travelers. Skift's reporting backs up this pattern. Business travelers indicated to Skift that corporate visa vendors are alerting clients that Muslim men between the ages of 18 and 49 may be affected. One individual, who became a naturalized U.S. citizen while in middle school, was suddenly informed via email that his Global Entry status had been revoked, according to Skift. The CBP stated that his status has been revoked for the following reason: "You do not meet the program eligibility requirements." He had first received Global Entry certification in 2012 an. Mic reported that Greg Siskind, attorney and board member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, has been leading the charge in investigating these cases and called for examples on Twitter in early February. "So far, we have heard from eight to nine people who are all Muslim," he said. "We expect that number to grow." According to Siskind, though, the revocations extend beyond the countries targeted on the ban list -- Syria, Yemen, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan and Libya -- and has even affected American citizens. Heena Musabji, a Chicago-based attorney, said in a phone interview she's heard of three cases since the start of Trump's travel ban in which Muslim U.S. citizens were denied Global Entry without explanation. One of Musabji's clients is Hasan Askari, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen who emigrated from Pakistan in 2003 and later received dual bachelor's degrees at East-West University in Chicago. As a customer relations officer for a Chicago-based software company, Askari's profession requires a lot of traveling, so he applied for Global Entry eligibility in July 2016. In November, Askari went through CBP's in-person screening and interview process. He was told he was approved and would receive his card in the mail, but in February -- after Trump's travel ban was put into effect -- Askari received an email from CBP notifying him of a change in his Global Entry eligibility status. He later learned he was denied. Muslim Legal Clinic Not surprisingly, Legal Clinic Coordinator of the Muslim Community Association of the San Francisco Bay Area (MCA) has given the following advice to the potential travelers: As a U.S. Citizen you should have no problems traveling and, barring an extreme circumstance, legally you cannot be denied entry into the U.S. It is your decision whether to travel or not. Should you decide to travel, I have a few tips from our recent workshop that might make your travels easier: Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). An alleged ISIS recruit, currently in the custody of the Rajasthan ATS, may have pumped money from his Chinese goods business into ISIS accounts in Syria. Officials are also investigating his links to an influential pro-ISIS Twitter account. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: Mohammed Iqbal, 32, the latest ISIS recruit in custody of Rajasthan Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has led to alarm bells ringing in security and intelligence agencies. The agencies are now investigating whether money earned from his Chinese goods business was pumped into ISIS accounts in Syria, besides also attempting to buy his way out to be a jihadi fighter. advertisement On the face of it, everything about Iqbal - a businessman of Chinese mobiles and goods - looked innocuous. He belongs to a well-to-do Chennai-based family and married with two children, staying in an up-market locality of Myalapore. LINKS TO '@SHAMIWITNESS' However Iqbal's undoing began after he was radicalised online. With two foreign handlers and one local link "Jameel Khan", Iqbal is now being probed for his alleged links to Shami Witness known as Mehdi Masroor Biswas, who was arrested by Karnataka Police in 2014 for allegedly operating pro-IS Twitter handle @shamiwitness. Jameel Ahmad He was alleged to have operated the single most influential pro-ISIS Twitter account from India, which was followed by two-third of all the foreign jihadis, but its identity was exposed following a Channel 4 News investigation. A top source in ATS said, "Iqbal didn't know Biswas personally but was in touch with him. We believe that the connection between them was beyond just influence. We are still probing as to how they established the contact." Biswas was one of the first arrests in ISIS case, which triggered a series of arrests by the National Investigation Agency. Iqbal who ran an account "Travel Haq" on social media sites had deleted his account just before his arrest on February 4, making it difficult for the ATS to establish the link. Iqbal frequented Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mecca and Medina but his business interests took him to China seven-eight times. Also read: Confessions of ISIS' Indian lone wolf Mohammad Masiuddin MADE CONTACT WITH ISIS ONLINE A year before his arrest, he peered into his laptop going through websites of ISIS, drawn by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's declaration of a caliphate. Through social media applications like Kik messenger and Telegram, Iqbal established contact with two ISIS handlers Abu Saad al-Sudani, a Sudanese, and Abu Osama Al Somali, a Somalian notorious commander. Arrested earlier this month in Rajamundri on Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, Iqbal spilled the beans of his failed dream to fight along with other ISIS militants in Syria and Iraq to establish caliphate. On invitation from Saad, Iqbal made two attempts to reach the warzone in Syria - first, applying for a visa to Turkey to slip into Syria to get trained as an ISIS fighter in one of several ISIS' camps, and secondly, by trying to reach Turkey through the France route," Rajasthan ATS ADG Umesh Mishra told Mail Today. advertisement Also read: TERROR via TWITTER: Is @magnetgas the new @shamiwitness? DID IQBAL HELP FUND ISIS? After his failed attempts, Sudani advised Iqbal to raise funds for the establishment of caliphate. Five fund transfers made by Iqbal to a name known as Ahmed are now under scanner. Four were made from India, one from China through the Western Union to account of Ahmed. Ahmed, 42, was arrested in October last year by Rajasthan ATS. Ahmed who worked in Dubai in an MNC was handling accounts which provided funds to ISIS in Syria, Bosnia and at least four other countries. Mohammed Iqbal ATS SP Vikas Kumar said, "All five transactions remained under a lakh of rupees to avoid being under the radar of security agencies. While four fund transfers were made from within India, one fund transfer was done from China, through the Western Union." Ahmed admitted that he had provided funds to the ISIS through hawala. "He also said somebody from Tamil Nadu was helping him raising funds. When we went through Ahmed's chat history, "Travel Haq" appeared multiple times," Kumar said. advertisement After three months of surveillance, the ATS was able to establish the real identity of Travel Haq. Also read: Not merely a sympathiser, Mehdi Masroor Biswas represented ISIS: Bengaluru police "Iqbal used Travel Haq as username on social media websites. He has smuggling network spread across Bangladesh and China. Iqbal was arrested with 3.5 kg gold and was locked up in Chennai Jail. "We are interrogating him to get more details about his other supporters," said the official. The Rajasthan ATS has written to MHA to hand over the case to the NIA. --- ENDS --- From WSWS The Trump White House is under increasing pressure from the anti-Russian campaign instigated by the intelligence agencies and spearheaded by the bulk of the corporate-controlled media, the Democratic Party and a section of the Republicans. Over the past several days, the first official action has been carried out by a congressional committee investigating claims of Russian involvement in the 2016 election campaign. The Senate Intelligence Committee has sent letters to more than a dozen government agencies, organizations and individuals asking them to preserve all materials that may be relevant to the committee's investigation. The letters were authorized by committee Chairman Richard Burr of North Carolina, a Republican, and the ranking Democrat, Mark Warner of Virginia. The letters were sent after a two-hour classified briefing by FBI Director James Comey on the alleged Russian hacking of the Democratic National Committee and the Clinton campaign. Senators left the hearing without divulging anything of what took place, but hours later, the request was dispatched for the preservation of documents on alleged Russian interference in the campaign and "related issues." The "related issues" reportedly include the allegations of "constant contact" during the campaign between Trump advisers and aides and Russian intelligence agents, first made in the New York Times last week and later in a broadcast by CNN. Neither report presented any actual evidence, citing only the claims of unnamed intelligence officials, who said they had monitored phone calls or reviewed telephone transcripts. The letters from the Intelligence Committee came one day after Senate Democrats sent similar appeals to the White House, the FBI, the Justice Department and other federal agencies asking them to preserve any relevant materials. This letter, signed by all the Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, was sent to White House Counsel Donald McGahn, asking the administration to preserve "all materials related to contacts between the Trump organization, Trump campaign, Trump transition team, or Trump administration, or others acting on their behalf, and Russian government officials or associates." Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer, speaking on the floor of the Senate last week, warned, "There is real concern that some in the administration may try to cover up its ties to Russia by deleting emails, texts and other records that could shine a light on those connections." House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi chimed in: "I'm afraid they're going to destroy the documents. But the fact that I would even say that, that level of trust has gone so far low in all of this." Pelosi and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, sent their own letter to acting Director of National Intelligence Michael Dempsey requesting "a comprehensive intelligence briefing on Russia by February 28, 2017... This briefing should include information about former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Michael Flynn's contacts with Russian officials, and should also provide unredacted transcripts of any intercepted conversations or communications he had with Russian officials." Some congressional Democrats are raising the specter of treason charges against Trump or his aides. Representative Seth Moulton, a Massachusetts congressman and Iraq war veteran, said on CNN, "If members of the administration are essentially conspiring with Russia...that's the definition of treason. This is a very, very serious affair." At the same time, Trump's congressional defenders are pushing back against his opponents within the intelligence apparatus. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes sent a letter Friday to the FBI asking it to investigate leaks of classified information to the media. He suggested that the leaks came from either career officials who oppose Trump's policies or holdovers from the Obama administration. According to one press report, Nunes "believes that Trump is being targeted by the intelligence community. It's an abuse of authority." White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus appeared on three Sunday television interview programs to denounce the media reports of "constant contact" between the Trump campaign and Russia as false and deliberately aimed at undermining the Trump administration. Speaking on NBC's "Meet the Press," Priebus acknowledged receipt of the Senate Intelligence Committee letter and said the White House would cooperate with the request. "I know what they were told by the FBI," he said, "because I've talked to the FBI. I know what they're saying. I wouldn't be on your show right now telling you that we've been assured that there's nothing to the New York Times story if I actually wasn't assured." He also said that no one at the White House except the now-fired National Security Adviser Michael Flynn had been interviewed by the FBI. Bureau agents interrogated Flynn about his telephone conversation with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak prior to Trump's inauguration. Significantly, all three television hosts who interviewed Priebus avoided raising the issue of the political motivation behind the intelligence agency leaks to the media that have fueled the anti-Russian campaign. Nor did Priebus raise the issue himself, even though Trump touched on it in his press conference Thursday, when he suggested that his opponents would praise him if he ordered a Russian spy ship blown up or otherwise took a more belligerent position towards Moscow. The real driving force of the factional struggle within the US ruling elite is a conflict over foreign policy towards Russia. Dominant sections of the military-intelligence apparatus want to continue and intensify the campaign of sanctions, provocations and military buildup undertaken under the Obama administration, whose logical outcome would be a directly military confrontation between the United States and Russia, the possessors of the vast bulk of the world's nuclear weapons. They view Trump's foreign policy -- if anything, even more militaristic than Obama's, but targeting Iran and China first, rather than Russia -- as undermining this war buildup. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Delusions abound: "grab 'em by the p*ssy" aside, the man actually thinks he can do anything - and well. And win at any game. To him, bragging is not a sin but a simple statement of facts: "no one _____ more than I do." When he inserted "respects women" at the Town Hall Presidential debate, he did not hear the laughter, because his mind cancels out humiliation. When he said "Nobody reads the Bible more than I do," people laughed again because his reading skills have been questioned. Seriously. There is no depth to most of his comments because his vocabulary is so limited. Every time he speaks of being "smart", he sounds more like a man who just passed his GED on the third try - a statement he deems necessary to insert very often and into totally unrelated subjects. That he lives in an alternate reality and abhors the slightest criticism (enacting a streak of vindictiveness) are givens. Critics are "losers" while analytical media are "failures". This is thePresident of the United States we're talking about! Proposed causes of Trump's behavior range from personality disorder to - believe it or not - neurosyphilis: Physicians like me have also taken notice of Trump's bizarre, volatile behavior. Given our experience, we can't help but wonder if there's a medical diagnosis to be made. After all, many medical conditions exhibit their first symptoms in the form of psychiatric issues and personality changes. One condition in particular is notable for doing so: Neurosyphilis. Huffington Post: Virtually every mental health professional I interviewed told me that they believed, with 100% certainty, that Mr. Trump satisfied the DSM (narcissistic personality disorder) criteria of this incurable illness and that, as a result, he is a serious danger to the country and the world. Independent (UK) Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer called for a review of constitutional procedures to remove a president from office, stating it did not consider the mental or emotional health of a leader. "It's not normal behaviour. I don't know anybody in a position of responsibility that doesn't know if they're being rained on. And nobody I work with serially offers up verifiable false statements on an ongoing basis," he told The Hill. California Representative Ted Lieu has announced plans to introduce legislation that would require the presence of a psychiatrist or psychologist in the White House. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). This map from NPR has been making the rounds for a couple years now, and it will continue to become more and more relevant as the pace of automation accelerates. The most common job in each state impact of self-driving vehicles #sundaymorningpic.twitter.com/O9DWp4gAbr Vala Afshar (@ValaAfshar) November 20, 2016 When we talk about self-driving cars, we think of flashy companies like Uber, Tesla and Google, who are building vehicles designed to transport us around a Jetsons-like future. But the real and immediate upside is in truckinga $700 billion industry where a third of the costs go to drivers. From a technological perspective, trucks are the quickest and easiest to replace en masse, since the vast majority of their travels take them along highways, which are infinitely more predictable than city streets. Plus, self-driving trucks are more efficient, which cuts down on fuel costs. States have already laid the foundation for an autonomous future, so this is 100% happening. Per the Los Angeles Times article linked to above: Several states are already laying the groundwork for a future with fewer truckers. In September, the Michigan state Senate approved a law allowing trucks to drive autonomously in platoons, where two or more big rigs drive together and synchronize their movements. That bill follows laws passed in California, Florida and Utah that set regulations for testing truck platoons. Wirelessly connected trucks made their European debut in April, when trucks from six major carmakers successfully drove in platoons through Sweden, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Josh Switkes, 36, says those convoys will be on American roads within a year. Switkes is the chief executive of Peloton, a Mountain View-based company whose software links two semi-trailer trucks. Pelotons investors include UPS and Volvo Group. The company has begun taking reservations for its system from freight fleets, and it plans to start delivering them in volume within a year. So lets just do some back-of-the-envelope calculations to show how this driverless future could also lead us to a Trumpless one as well. There are 29 states where the most common job is a truck driver. Donald Trump won 23 of those states, including 1 electoral vote from Maine. The GDP of those states is roughly $6.1 trillion42% of U.S. GDP. There are 1.7 million truck drivers whose jobs are at-risk. The average annual salary for a truck driver is $40,000 ($68 billion at-risk). That at-risk total is roughly 1% of the GDP of those 23 states that Trump won. Those 23 states were worth 246 electoral votes to Donald Trump (270 to win). Donald Trump was elected largely because middle class Americans are hurting economically, and he was able to successfully portray that as the fault of Barack Obama and liberal politicians, and Hillary Clinton literally ran on a platform of more of the same. The fact of the matter is that automation is responsible for the eradication of service jobs, and not immigration or outsourcing, as our presidents most fervent supporters assert. Its easy for Trump to blame immigrants because: A. People largely dont pay attention to news they dont want to hear. and B. He has no responsibility over this harsh reality faced by Americas middle class. However, as of Jan. 20, 2017, Donald Trump is explicitly responsible for the economy, since we live in a country that somehow believes that the government can only hurt job creation, but also judges our presidents almost exclusively on their ability to create work. There are no more excuses. He ran on a platform of returning good jobs to the middle class, and automation is about to demonstrate how futile much of that promise was. We are on the cusp of a massive shift in one of Americas largest industries hidden in plain sight. Once the robots begin their takeover, trucking will no longer be obscured, and his supporters will demand that he do something. However, there is nothing that he can do. The White House cannot simply overrule state legislatures by fiat. Plus, some of the globes largest companies are aiming to save hundreds of billions of dollars with these investments. Donald Trump has no shot to reverse this trend, and his bloviating about how he is bringing jobs back to America will ring hollow as the number of his unemployed voters reaches a critical mass. Sure, he could blame Obama and liberal state legislatures for accelerating this trend, but he was elected to stop it. Donald Trump would be wise to devise a plan creating income for the coming army of unemployed truck drivers before they wind up at his front door with pitchforks and torches. If he thinks this cant happen to him, he should talk to his predecessorwhom many of his supporters voted for before they turned on him once his campaign promises failed. Automation is eventually coming for all of our jobs, including the 45th presidents. Jacob Weindling is Pastes business and media editor, as well as a staff writer for politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. Probably. Donald Trump has been on record several times brushing off the accusation that Russian President Vladimir Putin kills journalists who are critical of him. Sure, sure, its bad, seems to be Trumps attitude, but America kills people, too: You think our countrys so innocent? This should, and does, alarm journalists, but the most frightening part isnt necessarily Trumps willingness to shrug off the state-sponsored murder of journalists. The most frightening thing here is in our general misperception of Putin and in Trumps misperception of himself. Trump has created a world where violence is possible in new ways, where before it was not. Regardless of whether Trump can hold onto the presidency for the next few months, journalists should be concerned for their personal safety and worried about this culture of violence: violence against journalism (led by Trump) and violence against journalists (inspired by Trump). As youll see, the two are closely related. First things first. My point isnt about political violence in general and which side is worse. I freely admit that Trump supporters have endured disgusting violence. That deserves an essay of its own, but thats not the subject of this one. This ones about the high likelihood of physical violence against journalists in the United States of America during and even after a Trump presidency. Heres whats happening: - Trump has spent years creating a culture in which public expressions of anger, hatred and violence, though not necessarily forgivable, are permitted and even encouraged - Now that hes President, that culture has been legitimized, but at the same time the media threatens his legitimacy - Unlike Putin, Trump cant simply take over NBC or the failing New York Times, so he has to do the opposite and discredit the media - Hes doing this in two ways: One, hes splitting the people and the media; two, hes splitting words from their meaning - The more he attacks the media, the higher his approval ratings go. Trump likely wont order violence. But hes unleashed it, and he doesnt have any incentive to stop it. In fact, the incentive is to go even harder. Journalists critical of Trump have good reason to be concerned about their safety. Lets take a look. First, the US aint Russia by a long shot. Russia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a journalist. 34 Russian journalists have been killed since 2000, and there are probably more we dont know about. For context, that stat runs even with Iraq, Afghanistan, and Sudan. In that same time period, a total of three journalists were killed in the United States. But heres the scary thing: its actually unclear what role Putin has had in those killings. I know it sounds naive to think otherwise and Im not sure if I can let myself fully believe it. But its hard to ignore the fact that American journalistscredible, anti-Russia, anti-Putinwho have spent years and even decades reporting in Moscow say that, even though these murders are clearly politically-motivated, Russian opposition journalists actually dont believe Putin ordered the murders of their colleagues. Instead, they blame Putin for creating the culture where its permissible for journalists to be killed for speaking out. So yes, in one sense, the US sure aint Russia. But in another sense, when you think about what Russian journalists themselves are saying, it very much already is. Let me be very clear here: Im not arguing that Trump will order journalists to be killed. (Jailed, perhaps.) Im arguing that Donald Trump, like Putin, is personally responsible for creating a culture in which violence against journalists will be permissible and, if his rhetoric continues to get more severe, physical violence will likely be frequent. Perhaps equally frightening, however, is his violence against journalism. I need to take a minute to prove how Trump is personally stoking a culture of violence. Here are just a few examples of how despicable his rhetoric has been. Back in December 2015, then-candidate Trump held a campaign rally in an aircraft carrier in South Carolina in which he handed out what was at that time his most vicious attack on the media, at one point calling them absolute scum. But then out of nowhere came this: Little Katy. Third-rate journalist. He pointed her out: Katy Tur! Tur was representing NBC News. A week earlier, shed reported that Trump left a rally abruptly when protesters showed up. Trump didnt like that, so he called her out personally. The crowd quickly turned on Tur and she left the aircraft carrier abruptly, and with a Secret Service escort. And then the death threats. Tur reported that one person wrote, MAYBE A FEW JOURNALISTS DO NEED TO BE WHACKED. MAYBE THEN THEYD STOP BEI[N]G BIASED HACKS. KILL EM ALL STARTING W/ KATY TUR. And a couple months later, Tur live-tweeted from another rally: Trump trashes press. Crowd jeers. Guy by press pen looks at us & screams youre a bitch! Other gentleman gives cameras the double bird. A month after that one, Trump canceled a rally in Chicago because there was a risk violence would break out between protesters and some of his supporters. In an interview afterwards on CNN, Trump addressed the situation, saying, I certainly dont incite violence and I dont condone violence. And yet. Heres a list of things Trump has said at his rallies to incite violence up until that interview, which, again, was about a year ago. - Ill beat the crap out of you. - Part of the problem is nobody wants to hurt each other anymore. - The audience hit back. Thats what we need a little bit more of. - Try not to hurt him. If you do, Ill defend you in court, dont worry about it. - Id like to punch him in the face. - Knock the crap out of them. - Maybe he should have been roughed up. - I dont know if Ill do the fighting myself or if other people will. And heres how his rallies have reacted. Check out this crazy live-tweet thread of the violent rhetoric at a Trump rally from Jared Yates Sexton. Heres a picture of a Trump supporter showing some love for the First Amendment at a Florida rally last August. And dont forget Trump twice slyly suggested someone should shoot Hillary Clintonhis supporters, including a campaign aide, did the same but not so slyly. If youve got the stomach, heres a whole video of Trump supporters threatening violence. Hell, heres another. Pulling out a bit, Trump was also endorsed (loudly) by David Duke, Richard Spencer, the KKK and a host of white supremacists. If you went to a rally for a candidate of your choice and saw dozens of neo-Nazis and white supremacists and confederate flags everywhere as a display of patriotism and heard people chanting to hang the competing candidate, wouldnt you maybe think twice about whats going on with your guy? And sure, Trump cant help it if some of his most vocal supporters are enraged or violent or racist or neo-Nazis who shout about killing his opponent and who coincidentally hadnt participated in American politics until Trump came along. Not his fault, not his fault. And sure, Trump disavowed endorsements from David Duke and the KKK: This publication is repulsive and their views do not represent the tens of millions of Americans who are uniting behind our campaign. And youre right: When Leslie Stahl asked him on 60 Minutes about the spike in hate crimes immediately after his election, Trump really went out on a limb and said, Stop it, twice. The message? I dont condone violence, but I encourage it. Trump might not ever order violence against journalists but, like Putin, hes already created a culture permissive of violence against journalists. And whats troubling is its actually helping him politically: The more he attacks the media, the higher his approval ratings go. He has every incentive to push harder: Trump is committing violence against journalism itself. Donald Trump had a bad first month. The Russia stuff is looking worse all the time, he lost the first major court decision of his presidency, his national security adviser resigned, the White House seems to be totally dysfunctional, and hes getting absolutely hammered in the press. Demagogues like Trump need an enemy, and now that Trumps base doesnt have Clinton around to want to kill hes taken to propping up the press as a temporary enemy until the next election cycle kicks off. For instance, in his first ever post-inauguration speech he said he was fighting a running war with the media. He routinely shouts down reporters at press conferences. Hes relentlessly trying to discredit the free press, including some of the worlds most respected media outlets, oddly even BBC. His surrogates are in on it, too. Steve Bannon called the press the opposition party and said it should just keep its mouth shut. Kellyanne Conway said of the media, If you are not showing the President and his main spokespeople respect, then youre not showing the office respect, and you are inciting mob mentality if not mob violence. Sean Spicer constantly blubbers about Trump being unfairly attacked. Sean Hannity called the presss coverage of the Trump White House a historic beatdown. Note the word choice. Its all violent. Ah, but now weve come to the tweet last Friday: The FAKE NEWS media (failing New York Times, CNN, NBC News, and many more) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People. SICK! Its one thing to speak out against the media, to call them out for lies or bias. Obama did this all the time to Fox News. But once Obama noticed how toxic cable news was getting for him, he stopped watching altogether. The media is even more toxic for Trump, but he just watches more, obsesses over it, even makes policy around it. To be fair, on the heels of San Bernardino, Obama cited his choice to avoid cable news for his failure to understand how fearful Americans were of terrorism in the United States. Interestingly, that information came in an off-the-record interview that wasnt supposed to be published. Yes, it was leaked to the media. But to be fair again, Obamas remarks also came right on the heels of Trumps populist, nationalist call for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the country. Trumps numbers actually went higher, and the popularity of Trumps shockingly unconstitutional policy stunned Obama. Trump, he realized, was accurately taking the pulse of part of the nation Obama never reached, and Trump was able to do it because of his rapacious consumption of cable news. Its one thing to criticize the media, but its another thing altogether to cast the free and independent press as effectual traitors, as the enemy of the people. Lamestream media is one thing. Maimstream media doesnt sound quite as cute. The most dangerous part about enemy of the American people, though, is the word people. Cable news feeds Trumps populist policies, and it coincides with his obsession with polls. This is critical to understanding Trumps rhetoric about the press and where the violence is likely to come from: in one way, Trump doesnt make his own policy. His supporters, whom he calls the people, make his policy. Trump will say whatever he thinks they want to hear. When his language turns violent, its almost always off-prompter. Its just as much as look into how his base feels as it is how Trump feels. Donald Trumps a populist. Take the campaign rally for America he held this Saturday in an aircraft hangar in Melbourne, Florida. Before the rally he visited the pool of reporters at the back of Air Force One. He shook their hands and, according to a BBC reporter, He was warm and friendly to us on the airplane, but things changed at the rally. Of course he was warm and friendlyTrump actually loves the press. He loves the attention, and politically, of course, he needs the press to amplify his message and to inevitably incriminate themselves by engaging with the White House (which is their duty) in this insane fight hes started. Onstage, though, Trump blasted the press first thing: We arent going to let the fake news tell us what to do, how to live, or what to believewe are free and independent people and we will make our own choices. They have their own agenda, he told the people, and their agenda is not your agenda. He lied about the press not showing his crowds. He accused the media of making up sources and of not wanting to report the truth and said he would do whatever I can [to make sure] that they dont get away with it. All of those remarks were carefully scripted (all were on-prompter) to frame the press as the enemy not of Trump but of the people. And note that Trump wasnt talking about himself. That should always set off alarms. Trump was sayingreadingstuff about we and us. Whos we? Does that include me? The majority of voters? No, the vast majority of us doesnt feel that way. By saying the press didnt want to show the people on TV, he was saying the press despised the people. He was saying the media was playing them for fools, outright lying to them as if they wouldnt be able to tell the difference. And in fact, what the press wants isnt what the people want at all. No, the media doesnt give a shit about you. The media isnt the American people. The slippery slope leads here: They arent people. But most importantly, Trump said he wont let them get away with it. He said he, Trump, is their solution. That he, Trump, would do whatever he can to stop them. The crowd loved it, of course, and they started cheering happily for the man who articulated what they felt and feared. But it was shocking and truly terrifying to watch how quickly their happiness with their leader morphed into fury at the media. It was immediate: adoration to anger. BBC reported that, At times the animosity towards the media felt personal. A group of supporters crowded a unit from CNN and chanted, Tell the truth! and CNN sucks! This is the danger of a populist: I alone can fix it coexists neatly with we will make our own choices. Individual responsibility is washed out by the group. In other words, Trump is a surrogate for his supporters. When he says hell do whatever he can to stop the media, the President of the United States gives them his personal permission to do whatever they can. This is why people is the most dangerous part of enemy of the people. Trump is passing the responsibility for having to use intimidation and, soon enough, calls for violence against the media from his singular high-profile public figure to the anonymity of the singular crowd. You know who else used the phrase enemy of the people? Josef Stalin. Mao Zedong. Putin, too, who labels journalists critical of him foreign agents, giving the government license to take severe legal action at whim. All aspiring dictators do this, position themselves as unfairly attacked, giving the masses the gift of a false sense of moral superiority under which heinous acts become normalized in the name of preserving control. John McCain, to his credit, responded by pointing out that a democracy can only exist with a free and at many times adversarial press. Thats how dictators get started, he said. The first thing they do is shut down the press. Trump hasnt shut down the press, and he (probably) wont be able to. Were thankfully very different from Russia in that we have a long history of a healthy, free and independent press. Putin, for instance, simply took over the countrys media and turned it into propaganda, corralling and starving out journalists who spoke out against him. Trump cant do that. But he can make the news so messy that people wont know what to believe. After all, a long-standing free and independent press has a vulnerability of its own: Too many valid points of view, and, importantly in this age where anyone can be a journalist and everyone spends hours reading on social media, too many words. Both Putin and Trump are staging coups of authority, but where Putin staged a coup of a weakened institutional authority, Trump is staging a coup of language, of meaning itself. For instance, FAKE NEWS! is now a meaningless phrase. It went from meaning total fiction to including honest mistakes, then anonymous sources, and, finally, unfavorable reporting and polls. And its working. Heres a comparatively small but telling example. At Trumps insane press conference last week, a Jewish reporter asked a question about the recent rise in anti-Semitic incidents after Trumps election. The reporter took great pains not to trip Trumps well-known triggersnot accusing Trump of being anti-Semiticbut the opposite: He wanted to give the President a chance to reassure the Jewish community. Trump didnt seem to hear or believe any of it and told the reporter to sit down. If that were Obama or W. up there, the reporter wouldnt have prefaced his question with a paragraph about how much the president loved the Jewish community. A reporter wouldnt have feared that his innocuous softball question would have been forcefully misinterpreted. He wouldnt have feared an attack. How free and independent can the press be if the President of the United States refuses to share the objective meaning of words and facts and instead shapes them into a platform for an attack? And how free and independent can the press feel when threats pour in from people animated by Trumps anger, people who, thanks to the President himself have no idea what you actually said? Nor do they care. They only know you said something Trump didnt like. Such is the state of CNN today. The President of the United States of America is divorcing words from their meaning and weaponizing them, using them however he wants. At the same time, hes divorcing journaliststhe enemyfrom the American people. If Trump keeps up these campaign rallies at the same time he escalates his threatening rhetoricand Im sure he willthe people will have their day. Countless reporters have been receiving continual death threats for not being nice to Trump. Megyn Kelly, for instance, was repeatedly stalked at home until Trump made nice with her. Same happens for anyone Trump publicly attacks, really. And sure, the anonymity and pile-ons of Twitter and Trump rallies lower the barrier to making threats, so we can hope that most of Trumps demo, which skews old, wont act on these threats. But as Little Katy Tur said, even though most threats are empty, It only takes one person to take it one step further, and that is what is scary. At a Trump rally, though, the crowd is one person. When words lose their value, then so does everything they represent. Concepts. Institutions. Promises. People. So now answer me this: In the equation the media is the enemy of the American people, who are the American people, and who is the media? Are the Black Lives Matter folks American people? Is Breitbart part of the media? Of course they are. But in Trumps mouth, theyre not. Theres a sleight-of-hand here. Words mean more than you think. Listen closely: I hate some of these people, Trump said. But I would never kill them. I would never kill them. What, Don, you think our countrys so innocent? KILL EM ALL. Known for its gorgeous beaches and azure waters, Puerto Vallarta isnt just a sit-on-the-beach type of resort town, but a well-rounded travel attractiona Mexican culture hub and a nature preserve. Once a sleepy fishing village, Puerto Vallarta rose to its stardom in the decadent 1960s when the American film crews arrived to shoot the now classic The Night of the Iguana. The Hollywood infusion quickly turned the quiet little town into a hot tourist destination. And yet, through their native Indian traditions of fishing, farming and foraging, the residents kept their ties to nature, retained their cuisine and preserved their art forms. The result of this ancient and modern mix is a vibrant multifaceted city with a cobblestone downtown, artisanal markets, fine restaurants and a variety of adventures for nature lovers, assuring that even the most demanding traveler will never get bored. 1. Malecon In Spanish, Malecon refers to an esplanade along a waterfront, which for us translates to boardwalk. Puerto Vallartas Malecon is the essence of this beautiful welcoming city. Locals and tourists alike stroll along the shore, admiring the ocean views and the landmark art sculptures, including the humpback whale, the dancing couple and the citys symbolthe seahorse. Dotted with cafes and restaurants, the boardwalk is the best place for a morning coffee, an afternoon cocktail or a sunset drink. If you want to slow down to that relaxed island pace of life, this is the place to be. Find a chair, grab a drink, listen to the rolling of the ocean and watch Puerto Vallarta stroll by. 2. Casa Kimberly Smack in the middle of Puerto Vallartas downtown, Casa Kimberly is a living memory of the Hollywood love story that made the city what it is today. When two movie stars, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, came here for a shoot, they enjoyed a passionate love affair while still married to other people. Unlike everywhere else in the world, the locals pretty much left the couple alone, so Taylor and Burton built their love nest. On her 34th birthday, Burton gave Taylor a white stucco villa, then bought another property across the street and connected the two by a snow-white bridge, a replica of the Venice Bridge of Sighs. Today that stucco villa is Casa Kimberlya boutique hotel featuring only a few rooms, beautifully decorated and furnished. Taylors heart-shaped (human heart, that is) pink marble Jacuzzi is still there, and so is Burtons original blue-tiled pool. 3. Puerto Vallartas Municipal Market Located on the North Side of the Cuale River, which separates the old town from the city center, Puerto Vallartas Municipal Market is a shopaholics dream. It is where local artisans come to sell Mexican hats, Indian masks, handmade dolls and silver jewelryand for very affordable prices. Bargaining is expected, so if youre buying several pieces, its worth trying to get a better price. Be sure to have pesos handy, and brush up on your Spanishat least the numbers. 4. Emiliano Zapata Market Spanning an entire city block, this covered farmers market is for the foodies. This is where all Puerto Vallarta residents, from grandmothers to award-winning chefs, come for produce, meat and cheese. You can eat yourself full by trying a little bit of everything, from ripened fruit picked on farms hours ago to fresh eggs laid by hens in the mountain villages. Dont be spooked by unusual or ugly-looking fruit; everything that grows here is delicious, as every seller will tell you. The best part is that its all local and seasonal. When you can eat no more, street vendors will happily pour you a glass of tejuinoa velvety drink made from fermented corn. 5. Maia Plan a dinner at Maia, a restaurant recently opened by Puerto Vallartas award-winning chef, Hugo Ahumada. Maia, which is part of the Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel, serves Nuevo Mexican cuisine; traditional ingredients are used to create sophisticated dishes elegantly served against the backdrop of modern Indian-inspired decor. Ahumada, who used to work in a French restaurant where he won several national awards, went back to cooking Mexican after spending some time with the local Indian tribes and drawing inspiration from the old traditions. 6. Turtle Release If youre in town any time between June and December, take part in the baby turtle release parties, hosted by hotels with large beachfront properties such as Velas Vallarta and Casa Magna Marriott. Puerto Vallarta natives have always felt strongly connected to the sea, so when Mexican olive ridley turtles became threatened during the last decade, several hotels instituted a preservation program. When turtles lay eggs on the hotels beaches, preservation crews transfer the eggs to safe nurseries, away from predators and poachers. When the babies hatch, guests and visitors set them off to sea. The programs are immensely popular with children, but adults love them just as much. The release parties are usually hosted around sunset, when the birds of prey return to their nests. 7. Mikes Fishing Boat Mikes Fishing Boat, a two-deck cruiser, can quickly whisk you away to a beautiful remote beach reachable only by sea. In fact, for a long time, most of Puerto Vallartas coastline was accessible only by boat, so even today, a lot of its gorgeous grottos, overgrown jungle forests and secluded harbors remain that way. The golden beaches serve as little islands of civilization where boats can dock and locals serve food and drinks underneath thatched huts. Your margaritas will be ice cold, despite the heat and the sun, and your grilled sea bass, caught only hours ago, will be the freshest ever. 8. Los Arcos Marine Park Named for the two arch-like rocks towering above of the water, Los Arcos Marine Park is a marine sanctuary about an hour away from Puerto Vallarta by boat. Brimming with all kinds of fish species that like to nest and feed around the rocks, Los Arcos is one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving places on the Mexican Pacific coast. Whether by way of swim, snorkel or kayak, passing underneath the cavernous rocks will give you the chills as you marvel at the worlds wonders. Puerto Vallartas coastline is beautiful throughout, but it is particularly charming and dreamy in the Marina Vallarta. No matter which way you look, the beach is endless with the ocean waves softly rolling onshore. Many posh boutique hotels have their beachfronts here, so as you stroll along the water, make sure to wander into one of the beach huts to savor a refreshing drink. And if youre feeling romantic, this is the place to watch the sun sink slowly into the ocean while sipping a frozen margarita, toes buried in the sand. Lina Zeldovich is a New York-based travel writer who has sang with drunken bards in a Russian Woodstock, danced with Kyoto geishas and drank a potion made from a venomous snake in Peruand always lives to tell the story. On February 15, the Acting Administrator of NASA, Robert Lightfoot, announced that NASA would begin a study to see whether or not it was feasible to include a human crew on EM-1, the first test mission of the SLS (Space Launch System). Lets unpack what this means. NASA is currently building a new rocket, SLS, that is intended to take us to the Moon and Mars. Theyre also in the working on a new capsule spacecraft, called Orion, that is intended to once again give NASA the ability to launch humans into space. Both these projects are still under construction. Whenever NASA does anything new that involves human spaceflight, they test, retest and test even more. Think of how long it took us to land on the Moon with the Apollo missions. The first manned Apollo mission to launch, Apollo 7, was a test of the capsule. Apollo 8 took the command and service modules into orbit around the moon, while Apollo 9 tested the Lunar Module (LM, the craft that actually detached from the spacecraft and descended to the Moon) in Earth orbit. Apollo 10 took the whole packagecommand, service, and LMto the Moon, but didnt land. It wasnt until wed tested everything we possibly could that we actually sent Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins to the Moon on Apollo 11. Photo courtesy of NASA This doesnt even include the unmanned test rocket or capsule flights of the Apollo missions, or the fact that there was an entire series of missionsthe oft-undervalued Gemini project, with 10 manned and two unmanned missionsthe aim of which was to test maneuvers such as orbital rendezvous, docking, and space walking before we could go to the Moon. That is how much NASA tests. They need to be as sure as they possibly can before risking human lives. And that is why Im so skeptical of this new NASA directive. Im a huge supporter of human spaceflight. The fact that weve been confined to low, Earth orbit since the end of Apollo is endlessly frustrating. I want to go to the Moon, Mars and beyondbut not like this. The new presidential administration hasnt made a secret of its desire to demonstrate American supremacy, and it apparently views NASA as one avenue to do that. Bob Walker, an adviser to the presidents transition team, said, What I hear being discussed is the potential for sometime within the first Trump term being able to go and do an Apollo 8 mission. Its true that there were so many things we did not know when we launched Apollo 8, billed as a Hail Mary pass around the Moon. Wed never left Earth orbit. We didnt know what leaving the Earths magnetic field would do to astronauts. The list of risks the astronauts were taking on the mission were a mile long, but they were managed risks. We knew the Apollo spacecraft was flight worthy because wed tested it. We knew the Saturn V rocket would work properly because this was its third flight. We knew, with as much certainty as we could, that the hardware would work. SLS, or the Space Launch System, will be the biggest rocket ever constructedbigger even than the mammoth Saturn V rockets that took our astronauts to the Moon. EM-1, the mission is question, is scheduled for late 2018. The plan is to put an uncrewed Orion capsule aboard the SLS and send the rocket and capsule around the Moon. The mission should last around three weeks. Weve never tested the full SLS. And we likely wont until EM-1. Of course, every component of the rocket will be tested and re-tested before use. But the idea of putting a crew on top of a rocket weve never flown before, the most powerful rocket ever constructed by humans, is, quite frankly, mind boggling. Not only that, but this puts extreme pressure on NASA to meet arbitrary political deadlines. While the Orion capsule has been flown in an unmanned test, the first manned test (EM-2) isnt scheduled until 2021. In fact, NASA was discussing shortening the EM-2 test flight because they wanted to fully test the life support systems on the craft. This accelerated schedule is not only frustrating, its irresponsible and dangerous. We need to make sure the hardware is fully ready (and fully tested) before we put astronauts anywhere near it. And NASA has proven time and time again that a deadline-oriented launch schedule brings disastrous results. While NASA would never knowingly endanger the lives of astronauts, theres a culture at NASA that author Diane Vaughan called the normalization of deviance. This is when well-meaning people within an organization (in this case, NASA) push the limits on safetyand it works out. This limit becomes the new normal, until they push again. Eventually this normalization of deviance ends in disaster, as it did in both Challenger and Columbia. In the case of Challenger, NASA had been warned that the O-rings, which were used as seals between fuel segments on the solid rocket boosters, would not hold at low temperatures. Yet they forged ahead because they had successfully launched at low temperatures previously. For Columbia, foam insulation struck the thermal tiles that comprise the orbiters heat shield. But NASA had seen thermal tile damage on previous shuttle reentry, so they assumed it was safe. In both these examples, we had tried and tested spacecraft and rocketsthat wont be the case for Orion and SLS. Photo courtesy of NASA Every time normalization of deviance has come up in NASA culture, its because of a pressure to meet deadlines. Im not saying that, if it happens, this mission will end in disaster. But NASAs main goal is prioritizing the safety of the astronauts, first and foremost. They dont need politicians pressuring them to take shortcuts to make an arbitrary, and potentially unsafe, deadline. Its possible that this directive might be the kick that the organization needs to streamline some of its bureaucracy and get us into space as quickly (but also as safely) as possible. But I fear for the shortcuts it might engender and what this directive means for the future. Since our much-lauded Moon Shot, we have been confined to low Earth orbit for four decades. Seeing NASA as means to a political end, demonstrating our American supremacy, might have had illustrious short-term results, but it stunted growth long-term. Lets not allow that to happen again. Top photo courtesy of NASA Swapna Krishna is a freelance writer, editor, and giant space/sci-fi geek. Every year, at around this time, high school seniors are pressing their best shirt, getting a new pair of sensible shoes, and heading off to interview at their school of choice. Others, however, have spent the past few months preparing materials for an audition that is just as important as anything else in their application. Though the audition may only take two or three minutes, the pressure is palpable, and for students who felt they have prepared for years for the opportunity, it can be very stressful. Thats why we sat down with Priscilla Lindsay, Professor and Chair at the University of Michigans Department of Theatre & Drama, who was kind enough to demystify the process for us, let us in on what goes into auditioning students for their prestigious BFA program, and give advice to young actors on how to make the most of their auditions. Paste: Could you tell us a bit about the process of auditioning at Michigan specifically? Lindsay: Well, prospective students who want to audition for the performance track at Michigan apply to the University of Michigan with the common app, and check that theyre interested in the performance track through the Department of Theatre & Drama within the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. If theyre accepted by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, that means their materials are in a row, their grade-point is what it needs to be, and so-forth. Then, their name comes to us and theyre scheduled for an audition, either in Ann Arborand they can list their preference for where theyd like to beor in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Several faculty members see the auditions in each city, and in Ann Arbor the entire performance faculty is present. Paste: And, ultimately, how many prospective students are accepted into the program? Lindsay: We want to end up with a class of twenty. In the past Im talking five years ago we accepted double the numbers we wanted; we would end up with about twenty. Thats no longer true. About three years ago, we took almost that many and we had twenty-seven students accept. Now, we basically accept at least in the first go-round about twenty-six, because weve found that most of those students come to the program. Paste: What are the differences between a BA program, a conservatory, and a conservatory-style BFA program like Michigan? Lindsay: A BA at another school, not Michigan, is going to be a very broad-based, general degree. You can obviously have an emphasis in acting, directing, probably playwriting, and so-forth, and have a chance to audition for plays. But youre going to get the broadest base of education across the university or school in terms of literature, sciences, and Im sure other arts. A BFA conservatory programwhich ours isis very similar to what Carnegie Mellon, NYU, Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Emerson, Pace, a lot of the Big 10 schools too. Many of those schools, however, are a lot more conservative about the number of credits the students are allowed to take outside the core curriculum. Its a very concentrated, very focused curriculum. Our conservatory-style training programwe call it a conservatoryallows for 43 credits outside of the Performance Major. In fact, it not only allows but insists upon that. Our students should take advantage of what this school has to offer, because the faculty agrees that no matter what you take at this University its going to inform you as a person, as an artist, as a member of this department, and it will influence who you become for the rest of your life. Thats what we think we have to offer; a rigorous core curriculum for performance in the midst of a world-class University. Paste: What are you looking for in actors and actresses that come to audition? Lindsay: Were looking for intelligent, creative, young artists who already have a sense of self and who are able to take adjustments when we ask for them. Who are able to listen to what were asking for and respond to those suggestions. Were looking for young people who think on their feet. The ones who rise to the top, in my opinion, are the ones who take chances. They show a range of capabilities in terms of emotional maturity, and a little sense of style, perhaps. They have a sense of confidence about themselves. They know how to project their personality through the material they choose. And they actually have to have had some training ahead of timethats just the bottom line. Now, every once in awhile, we sense that a person although lacking traininghas a ton of potential, and then we assess that as well. Keeping in mind; this class of 20 has to move together through four years, and we dont have a cut system. We take the 20 that we take and we stick with them through all four years. Paste: Jerald Schwiebert, who taught at Michigan for many years, was well known for reminding students to be brilliant at the things that take no talent. What do you feel those things are? Lindsay: Absolutely. Absolutely, thats important. Its not something, though, that I can necessarily see in an audition. Paste: Thats true. Lindsay: Obviously I can tell if you dont know your lines. But I cant always ascertain whether a person has good work habits. I also cant always figure out if this person is totally committed to being an actor. Theyre doing it because of the fame and glory and the sexiness of it, but theyre not really thinking about it as a career. The reason I know that is because every year we have students who show up and about halfway through the first semester of their freshman year, theyre like deer in the headlights. They cant believe how hard it is, how much you have to buckle down, and how repetitive some of the work is. In a sense, theres a piece of learning how to act thats like playing the piano. It can be a lot of repetition with technique that just takes practice. Some people say, this is not what I thought. I cant always see that in an audition. Paste: What are some things you see in auditions that deduct a few points automatically, that prospective students may not realize are a bad thing? Lindsay: There really are not rules, but the thing that is a sure sign that somethings not right is if you dont open up and show us who you are. If youve learned something by rote, and youre repeating lines, and we dont see any emotional commitment on your part, thats not a good sign. Sometimes, we right down the real deal, when we know, we know this person has acting chops. Its obvious. Theres an electricity in the room, maybe a slight sense of danger. Theres something going on, and it has nothing to do with how sophisticated the person is, and honestly it has nothing to do with the choice of material. There has to be a sense of comfort within their own bodies, and a sense that they want to communicate. They want to share something. Thats exciting. We all sit up in our chairs and our spines start to tingle. Paste: Speaking of the selection of piecesgenerally schools ask for some element of contrast. Either contrasting contemporary monologues, or a contemporary monologue and a contrasting classical monologue. But thats a phrase that can confuse some people who have never heard it before. What can you tell us about the idea of contrast in monologues, and what youre looking for in the pieces people bring in? Lindsay: Contrasting is taken in the broadest sense. If youre not comfortable with a classical piecemeaning Shakespeare, Moliere, even up through Shaw, Ibsenif youre not comfortable in those genres? Sure, do two modern pieces, and the contrast should be in the attack, the emotional quality, and the difference between, say, a serious piece and a comic piece. You dont want to do the same character twice. Believe me, we see it all the time. Someone stops a piece, goes into the second one, and its the same person. Theyre not showing any range, a different attack. Theyre not showing me how these two characters think differently, or act differently, how they use different techniques and skills to get what they want. I want to see someone do two pieces that are age appropriate, show me two different people. I dont want to hear, in the choice of pieces, storytelling. I dont want to see two pieces where the auditioner says, yesterday, I went to the store. I went down the aisle and there was a can of tuna fish. I picked it up, and this woman bothered me. She said, blah-blah-blah. Thats a story. That doesnt show me how the character makes a decision, is grappling with some issue, is arguing with somebody, is working out a problem. The most important thing is to see how that actor thinks. Often, if we cant see that, but we still think theres something there, well give an adjustment. Well give them a problem to solve, and have them do the piece again. Thats to see if the actor can actually deal with an issue in the present tense and work something through. Give themselves an obstacle. Give themselves a problem to solve. Thats whats interesting about a piece. Paste: Theres an 18-year-old kid. Theyre in the hallway, waiting to go in for their audition. The whole faculty will be behind those tables. If you could step out of the room and say one thing to that student before they go in, what would it be? Lindsay: Id say, take a big old deep breath, and try to have some fun. Take a deep breath, and look upon this as your chance to figuratively shake hands with every one of us. Victoria Police have confirmed that 5 people were on board the light plane that crashed into the Essendon DFO in Melbourne earlier this morning, and that none on board are expected to be found alive. Premier Daniel Andrews addressed press a short time ago, describing the incident as a desperately sad day and the worst civil aviation accident seen in Victoria in some 30 years. .@DanielAndrewsMP: Todays a desperately sad day. People have died as a result of the worst civil aviation accident in 30 years #essendon pic.twitter.com/GsW8UCZ47O ABC News 24 (@ABCNews24) February 21, 2017 Authorities have now confirmed that the plane, a Beechcraft Super King Air B200, suffered catastrophic engine failure shortly after take off a little after 9:00am this morning. The plane attempted to circle back and land at Essendon Airport, but crashed into the side of the Essendon DFO shopping centre that borders on the Tullamarine Freeway. Its confirmed that the as-yet-unidentified pilot of the plane issued mayday calls prior to the plane going down. The plane struck storage sections of Focus Furniture and JB Hi-Fi. Both stores were closed to customers at the time of the crash, and no staff were injured in the incident. Fairfax Media reports that the company who owned and operated the charter plane was Corporate and Leisure Aviation, which is based at Essendon Airport. The crash has sparked new questions about the safety of the airport, given how close the shopping centre is to runways. Daniel Andrews stated that, while he has no idea how long the airport will remain closed, that it remains a vital port for freight and charter operations in Victoria. There are many thousands of passenger movements and also freight movements that come out of the Essendon Airport each and every year and its an important transport asset to our state. There will be some, and they are entitled to, who (will) want to have a discussion and a debate about how suitable Essendon Airport is. Fire crews who attended the scene took 1.5 hours to extinguish the intense blaze, caused by the planes load of aviation fuel, that the crash sparked. Investigators are now on the scene piecing together exactly what went so horribly wrong. Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty. While the rest of the world trembles in fear of Australias snakes and spiders; while we casually perpetrate the lie of their commonality from the comfort of our metropolitan homes; while we think of ourselves as tough shit because we allow a huntsman exists near us we mostly forget about the *true* dangerous boy of Australian animals: the goanna. Now in case you didnt know *adopts extreme David Attenborough voice* the humble goanna is a surprisingly dangerous creature, and it will fuck you up. When spooked, goannas have been known to mistake humans for trees and attempt to climb to safety, thereby shredding the poor humans legs with their razor sharp claws. Their tails are hefty, and a good swing can knock over a small child. And while the jury is out as to whether or not goannas are venomous, their bites do tend to cause incessant bleeding. So yeah. Bearing all that in mind, have a look at this absolute psychopath dragging a goanna out of a NSW winery. Mimosa Wines uploaded the video to Facebook, praising the actions of French waitress Samia Lila, whom it has dubbed Goanna Girl. I looked at it and thought it was a dog at first, Samia told Fairfax. But then I realised it was a goanna I wasnt scared, I like reptiles so was a bit excited. And thats the fault of her boss, apparently. Owner Glenn Butson told the The Mercury that hed recently told Samia a story about dragging a trapped goanna out by the tail, so she just thought thats what Aussies do when a goanna comes inside. Goanna Girl? More like goanna get fucked if that thing comes near me, hahahaha amirite guys? Guys? Photo: Mimosa Wines / Facebook. Have you been a naughty person online? Maybe you downloaded a little something you shouldnt have once or twice? Maybe youre really bad and do it on the reg. Well Aussie film distributor, Village Roadshow, has had enough of your shit and is now looking to sue individual content pirates. Thats you. At the companys half-yearly financial results presentation to investors, they announced a five-point program for stopping piracy. Sounds ominous. Along with the piss-weak blocking of popular torrenting websites like The Pirate Bay, they would also like to work with Google to make sure page rankings for piracy websites are demoted. They also want to ensure the availability of legal alternatives and push a major PR campaign to educate users. During the presentation, Village Roadshow referenced the aforementioned site block as a roaring success, despite the extreme ease with which it can be circumvented. A total of 61 domain names have already been blocked by ISPs, with a further 40 websites in their targets. But in the wake of the Dallas Buyers Club clusterfuck, its fair to say pirates have been undeterred. For those with terrible memories, the makers of Dallas Buyers Club pursued nearly 5,000 Australians who had illegally downloaded the film with a dodgy scare-tactic called speculative invoicing. The aim was to squeeze unfair amounts of compensation out of them with the threat of legal action, but the Federal Court saw this as wholly unrealistic and would only allow the company to recoup the cost of purchasing the film legally. Dallas Buyers Club decided that it wasnt worth their effort and left it right there. Knowing just how shitty this worked out for DBC, why the heckin frick would Village Roadshow want to do the same thing? Intellectual property lawyers reckon the publicity from the case will drive people away from the pirates life. Theyll keep the monetary recovery amount low to get it through the courts, but the aim isnt cash, its to scare the living shit out of illegal pirates. Will it work? Hard to say. Would you be scared if you received a letter demanding a semi-reasonable amount of money? Either way, VPN stocks are looking pretty enticing right about now. Source: News.com.au. Photo: Motion Picture Association. By India Today Web Desk: Salman Khan and Iulia Vantur's relationship is not purely personal now. The rumoured lovebirds have now collaborated on a professional level. Iulia, who was often seen with Salman during the shooting of Tubelight, has reportedly being roped in to record a special song for Kabir Khan's directorial venture. The Romanian beauty, who recently released a single with Himesh Reshammiya, is all set to take Bollywood by storm with her new song. Her fluent Hindi accent has already got a thumbs up from many and Iulia is set to make her Bollywood singing debut with Tubelight. advertisement ALSO READ: Salman-Iulia can't stay apart for a minute, from dance rehearsals to parties ALSO READ: All is well between Salman Khan and Iulia Vantur. Here's proof According to a report in Mid-Day, Iulia's song is a part of the main soundtrack. A source was quoted as telling the daily, "Her tone and pitch will enhance the heart-wrenching number. She is yet to record the final track. They (composers) are still fixing the final tune." Interestingly, Iulia had earlier crooned the reprised version of Baby Ko Bass Pasand Hai from 2016 film Sultan. The song added to the hype around Sultan before the film's release. And now Salman is yet again helping her big time in making a singing career in Bollywood. ALSO WATCH: Salman Khan and girlfriend Iulia Vantur in Leh --- ENDS --- Oregon Mom Invents Super-Grip-Lock, a Godsend, says Police By: Super Grip Lock LEBANON, Ore. - Feb. 21, 2017 - PRLog -- Oregon Mom Invents a Godsend! Everyone has the right to know that bump keys are sold online. They open deadbolts and passage locks nearly as fast as a working key, putting everyone at risk. If you rent or stay in a hotel/motel passkeys and pass cards are misused every day everywhere. An Oregon mom working to solve this problem discovered if the deadbolt handle is held in the locked position it can't be unlocked by anyone. She invented a durable hook & loop fabric Strap called Super-Grip-Lock to do that job. It turns a deadbolt into a privacy lock that cannot be opened with any key. It works at home and in hotels and motels. Police call it a Godsend. No tools are needed. Directions are on the product. Just attach and wrap as directed. So simple a child can use it, said Police Lt. Bryon. Homeowners, renters, and travelers can instantly protect themselves against bump keys, passkeys or pass-cards by following the directions on the product. The National Locksmith evaluating locks for the Lock Industry since 1929 reported: "There is an unlimited potential for customers. Even when using a working key and a pair of pliers, the key broke but the deadbolt remained locked." How great is that? Lt. Bryon, 23-year police veteran, wrote the LEAA, a coalition of law-enforcement experts, "This Strap is a Godsend for the traveling public and those who live in rentals." The International Association of Police Chiefs never endorses any product but they introduced Super-Grip-Lock to law enforcement in the Police Chief Magazine. The Electronic Retail Association, which represents 450 companies in 45 nations, awarded Super-Grip-Lock "One of the Ten Most Marketable Products of the Year Award." If you would like to protect yourself against bump keys, passkeys or pass-cards, it's easy. Super-Grip-Lock is one of a kind, industry tested and police endorsed. All information can be found on our Website at Everyone has the right to know how to protect themselves and you have our permission to share any part of the information and photos attached or available on our website. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you, Ron Moore/SGL Super Grip Lock.Com 548 50th Avenue Sweet Home, OR 97386 Phone: 541-378-4533 Website: Email: Contact attached ***@supergriplock.com attached End -- Oregon Mom Invents a Godsend!Everyone has the right to know that bump keys are sold online. They open deadbolts and passage locks nearly as fast as a working key, putting everyone at risk. If you rent or stay in a hotel/motel passkeys and pass cards are misused every day everywhere.An Oregon mom working to solve this problem discovered if the deadbolt handle is held in the locked position it can't be unlocked by anyone. She invented a durable hook & loop fabric Strap called Super-Grip-Lock to do that job. It turns a deadbolt into a privacy lock that cannot be opened with any key. It works at home and in hotels and motels.Police call it a Godsend. No tools are needed. Directions are on the product. Just attach and wrap as directed. So simple a child can use it, said Police Lt. Bryon.Homeowners, renters, and travelers can instantly protect themselves against bump keys, passkeys or pass-cards by following the directions on the product.The National Locksmith evaluating locks for the Lock Industry since 1929 reported: "There is an unlimited potential for customers. Even when using a working key and a pair of pliers, the key broke but the deadbolt remained locked." How great is that?Lt. Bryon, 23-year police veteran, wrote the LEAA, a coalition of law-enforcement experts, "This Strap is a Godsend for the traveling public and those who live in rentals."The International Association of Police Chiefs never endorses any product but they introduced Super-Grip-Lock to law enforcement in the Police Chief Magazine.The Electronic Retail Association, which represents 450 companies in 45 nations, awarded Super-Grip-Lock "One of the Ten Most Marketable Products of the Year Award."If you would like to protect yourself against bump keys, passkeys or pass-cards, it's easy. Super-Grip-Lock is one of a kind, industry tested and police endorsed. All information can be found on our Website at www.supergriplock.com Everyone has the right to know how to protect themselves and you have our permission to share any part of the information and photos attached or available on our website.If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.Thank you,Ron Moore/SGLSuper Grip Lock.Com548 50AvenueSweet Home, OR 97386Phone: 541-378-4533Website: www.supergriplock.com Email: ron.moore@supergriplock.com Email : ***@supergriplock.com Tags : Deadbolt Strap, Portable Travel Lock Industry : Marketing , Media , Television Location : Lebanon - Oregon - United States Subject : Products Account Phone Number Disclaimer Report Abuse Account Email AddressAccount Phone Number Contact IONICA MOLDOVIANU - FASHION DESIGNER ***@ionicamoldovianu.com IONICA MOLDOVIANU - FASHION DESIGNER End -- ORANGE COUNTY-based Luxury Fashion Designer Ionica Moldovianu brings her FALL/WINTER 2017 "Sophisticated woman" collection to the runway.Known for her sophisticated and elegant style, celebrity fashion designer Ionica Moldovianu will showcase her Fall/Winter 2017 collection at the OC Fashion Week on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at the Orange County Art Museum in Newport Beach, California. The Romanian-born designer is set to dazzle the audience with her timeless, elegant, and classic designs.The Newport Coast-based designer known for pushing the envelope onsophistication in women's fashion had an inspiration to redefine how womenwere styled; she felt compelled to recreate a sophisticated woman whosethought-provoking poise could be coupled with powerful, femininesophistication and elegance.On a mission to empower women with her designs while making the world abetter place at the same time, Ionica states:Ionica Moldovianu draws inspiration from life, people, nature and travels. Her style is classic and timelessThe Orange Country Fashion Week will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at7:45 PM (PDT) at the Orange Country Art Museum, 850 San Clemente Dr,Newport Beach, CA 92660. For tickets and more information about theOrange Country Fashion Week show, go to eventbrite.com/ ocfashionweek Ionica Moldovianu is a Fashion designer, Model, and Founder at IONICA. Born and raised in Galati, Romania, and having lived in England for over a decade, hence the European touch in her designs. Her love for fashion was kindled at a very young age. Ionica is also passionate about helping others and a proud Ambassador for various charities. Her biggest dream and ambition as a successful fashion designer and entrepreneur is to make a difference in the world and help those in need.OC Fashion Week, known for its California luxury retail market, is a global organization dedicated to international fashion trade and commerce. OCFW's advocacy program is dedicated to supporting designers. OC Fashion Week's platform is produced bi-annually to offer fashion designers West Coast diversity exposure to some of the world's leading retail buyers and luxury apparel purveyors that not only live in OC, but attract their global counterparts who frequently do business on the California Riviera.Contact detailsIonica MoldovianuFashion DesignerPRGalvin PRWebsiteInstagram.com/ionicaofficial, Facebook, Twitter @ionicaofficial Studio 15 Joins The Resistance With A New Line Of Warrior Wear Contact Jia Wertz ***@studio15nyc.com Jia Wertz End -- Studio 15 (http://www.shopstudio15.com), an online destination known for fashion-forward and free-thinking apparel, launches their The Future Is Female Collection (http://www.shopstudio15.com/boutique/future-is-female) on (Not My) President's Day to speak up against the recent actions of the Trump administration.There was a time when companies sought to protect their brands and market share by projecting neutrality on matters of politics and social justice. However, with the ascendence of the Trump administration and its anti-women, immigrant, and Muslim vitriol, Studio 15 believes that time has passed.Studio 15's founder and CEO Jia Wertz is herself an immigrant and daughter of a Muslim family. Born to a Pakistani mother and Indian father in Libya, Jia and her family immigrated to Canada and became citizens. Jia later migrated to the United States where, like so many immigrants before her, including some of America's most successful business people, she pursued her dream of running her own company."I think this is a moment in our history where at some point we will each have to account for where we stood and what we did as the the founding principles of this country where challenged. I want to be on the right side of history both professionally and personally and that will be reflected in our company" explains Jia Wertz, Studio 15's founder and CEO.Of course, as with all things political in a divided nation, there is a risk of alienating potential customers that is not lost on Jia but does not dissuade her or Studio 15 from entering the fray. "For me, its also personal. If Trump's travel ban were to take effect, there is a chance that my parents couldn't come visit me. Plus, we are a female-founded company that strives to serve strong, dynamic women here and abroad through our philanthropic partnerships. It would be a betrayal to ourselves and our customers if we stayed silent."This limited edition collection features three styles to choose from giving women the option of wearing the one that best represents their viewpoints. The t-shirts spread awareness and support a good cause; 5% of all proceeds are donated to Kleos Microfinance Group ( http://www.kleosmfg.org ), a non-profit organization that helps female entrepreneurs in developing countries fund their own small businesses.The Future Is Female T-Shirt Collection ($40.00 U.S.) Limited Edition:PinkTaupeBlackStudio 15 ( http://www.shopstudio15.com ), a socially responsible women's fashion brand that provides stylish millennial women with on-trend, high-quality fashion that won't break the bank.The fashion brand focuses on doing good and supporting women and as a result has funded more than 30 successful ventures for female entrepreneurs in Africa through a strategic partnership with non-profit organization Kleos Microfinance Group (http://www.kleosmfg.org). As a reflection of their commitment to philanthropy, Studio 15 contributes 5% of all sales to female founders so they too, can start their own businesses.The Future Is Female Collection: http://www.shopstudio15.com/boutique/future-is-femalePhotos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/y0zh64khs2ixlar/AADUUGvIJ6RAS-NtNNZ7wOTea?dl=0Follow Studio 15's story at: www.instagram.com/studio15nyc Author Lisa Minardi will be available to sign copies of book End --Located in the scenic Perkiomen Valley, the adjacent boroughs of Trappe and Collegeville have a rich and fascinating history. Trappe was founded in 1717 by German immigrant Jacob Schrack Sr., who ran a tavern known as the Trap, after which the village was named. Its most famous early residents were Lutheran patriarch Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and his sons Peter, a Revolutionary War general, and Frederick, first speaker of the US House of Representatives. Collegeville, initially known as Freeland, developed primarily in the 1800s following the completion of the Perkiomen Bridge in 1799. It was named after several early colleges, including Freeland Seminary, established in 1848, and the Pennsylvania Female College, established in 1851. These institutions were succeeded by Ursinus College in 1869. A pioneer in women's education, Ursinus became coeducational in 1880. Trappe and Collegeville were formally incorporated as separate boroughs in 1896.Lisa Minardi, 33, is a native of Montgomery County, Pa. Her keen interest in local history was piqued at an early age by attending a colonial crafts day camp at the Peter Wentz Farmstead in Worcester, Pa. In 2003 she became involved with efforts to save the historic home of Frederick Muhlenberg, now known as The Speaker's House, in Trappe, Pa. That led to her ongoing study of the Muhlenberg family and the area of Trappe and Collegevillethe subject of this new book. Minardi is delighted to present this book to Trappe and Collegeville residentspast, present, and futureon the occasion of Trappe's 300th anniversary. She hopes that this work will inspire the preservation of Trappe and Collegeville's unique heritage and architecture for another 300 years and beyond.Barnes & Noble2300 Chemical RoadPlymouth Meeting, PA 19462Saturday, March 4th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.The combination of Arcadia Publishing & The History Press creates the largest and most comprehensive publisher of local and regional content in the USA. By empowering local history and culture enthusiasts to write local stories for local audiences, we create exceptional books that are relevant on a local and personal level, enrich lives, and bring readers closer - to their community, their neighbors, and their past. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com Global packaged coconut water market to grow at a CAGR close to 21% Coconut-Water- Market- Research- Report Contact Beige Market Intelligence ***@beigemarketintelligence.com Beige Market Intelligence End -- The recent report released at Beige Market Intelligence with title "Global Packaged Coconut Water Market Strategic Assessment and Forecast 2017-2022" provides the in-depth analysis of the worldwide packaged coconut water market.View Report:http://www.beigemarketintelligence.com/reports/research-report-consumer-and-retail-market/coconut-water-market/This market research report includes a detailed market segmentation of the market byBy Packaging Type Paper and Paper Board Metal PlasticBy Product Type Sweetened UnsweetenedBy Variant Plain FlavouredBy Distribution Channels Hypermarket and Supermarket Convenience Store Specialty Stores OtherBy Geography APAC EMEA North America Latin AmericaBy Country Brazil Canada China Europe Indonesia MEA Mexico Other Countries in (APAC) USRequest a free sample: http://www.beigemarketintelligence.com/ contactus/request- ... Analysts at Beige Market Intelligence estimate the global packaged coconut water market to cross US$ 5 billion by 2021, growing at a CAGR close to 21%. The packaged coconut water market is set to increase in terms of both volume and revenue. Coconut water market has witnessed tremendous growth over the past 5 years with the consumption volume growing manifold in various geographies.Coconut water is usually packed in three major modes; metal cans, Tetra Pak and plastic bottles. Each packaging mode has its own set of advantages and disadvantages and are usually suitable for a particular variant or a geography. A clear description of the various packaging types and materials is provided in the packaged coconut water market research report. The share of plastic, paper and paperboard in packaging of coconut water is set to grow and outperform that of metal over the forecast period.The Sales Of Flavoured Packaged Coconut Water Is Estimated To Excel During The Forecast PeriodPackaged Coconut water is majorly available in two variants in the market; sweetened and unsweetened. Sweetened variants constituted more than half of the packaged coconut water market in terms of volume in 2016 while the remaining is unsweetened or negligibly sweetened.Packaged plain coconut water stands to be the closest alternative to tender coconut water as the nutrient value almost remains the same. With increased growth and entry of players into coconut water market. The sales of flavoured packaged coconut water is estimated to excel during the forecast period.Demand for coconut water has become a great craze, especially in certain developed markets, owning to its multiple health benefits. Coconut water, on account of containing lower calories than juices while offering better health benefits is being preferred by health-conscious urbane audience.Global consumption of coconut water has jumped by as much as 40% over the period 2013 to 2016 driven by a rapidly growing consumer demand for healthier substitutes to carbonated drinks. This trend expected to remain the same going forward driven by a rise in availability of the product and a growing health awareness among consumers worldwide. Radically Changing urbanization and change in food consumption habits is one of the major factor driving the demand of coconut water. Growing health awareness among consumers both in the developing markets and developed economies thereby is catalysing the packaged coconut water market as it is considered as an healthier alternative compared to other carbonated beverages. Packaged coconut water is well positioned to capitalize upon the trend of increasing temperatures on account of its strong association of being 'natural' with minimal processing and perceived relative health benefits over traditional carbonated drinks.APAC Region Is Expected To Hold A Significant Position In The Consumption Of Coconut Water By 2022The report includes the market analysis of packaged coconut water market in different regions such as North America, APAC, EMEA and Latin America. The report outlines the major market share holder and the market size analysis of all the regions and provides the market size and forecast of key countries.In developing countries, such as India, China and Indonesia that host one-third of the world's population, both the coconut production and consumption are significantly high. Eight out of the top ten coconut producing countries in the world are in APAC. The region is a clear market leader when it comes to the production of coconut. Also The APAC region is expected to hold a significant position in the consumption of coconut water by 2022, which is close to 680 million litres.US To Be The Market Leader When It Comes To The Consumption Size Of The Packaged Coconut Water In North America RegionThere has been an increased interest for packaged coconut water especially in UK, Germany and Italy. Africa on the other hand represents a small consumption market for the product is a large potential supplier of tender coconuts on account of vast land resources and availability of agrarian-dependent workforce. US remains the undisputed market leader when it comes to the consumption size of the packaged coconut water in North America region.Market Is Set To Expect The Entry Of Major FMCG CompaniesThis market research report profiles the major companies in the packaged coconut water market and also provides the competitive landscape of key players. Within the report covers the entire packaged coconut water market outlook regarding the value chain operating within the market. Market is set to expect the entry of major FMCG companies and big retailers looking forward to launch coconut water on their own labels; Majors such as PepsiCo, Coca Cola and Vita Coco are expected to commit investments to the tune of $1 billion over the forecast period. Major vendors included in the report are Amy and Brian Naturals Coca-Cola Green COCO PepsiCo Vita-CocoOther vendors mentioned in the report are C2O, C-Coconut Water, CHI, COCO Libre, Cocojal, DuCOCO, FOCO, H2 COCO, INVO, Taste Nirvana. Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. Language is the armory of the human mind, and at once contains the trophies of its past and the weapons of its future conquests. Contact Mrs Booma Natarajan, Principal ***@yahoo.co.in 91-1596-242314 Mrs Booma Natarajan, Principal91-1596-242314 End -- It is known that we dissect nature along lines laid down by our native language and that language is not simply a reporting device for experience but a defining framework for it. No one has any doubt that language shapes the way we think, and determines what we can think about. Many people are alarmed when a plant or animal species become extinct. A language dying hits even closer to us for it means a unique creation of human beings is gone from the world.International Mother Language Day has been observed every year since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The date 21 February represents the day in 1952 when students demonstrating for recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the then Pakistan, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital of what is now Bangladesh.The theme for 2017 is "Towards Sustainable Futures through Multilingual Education". All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.India is one of unique countries in the world that has the legacy of diversity of languages. Multilingualism is the way of life in India as people in different parts of the country speak more than one language from their birth and learns additional languages during their life time. In 1991 the Census of India listed 1576 mother tongues' with separate grammatical structures and 1796 speech varieties that is classified as other mother tongues'.The twenty two languages that are recognized and included in the Eighth Schedule of the constitution are: Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Dogri,Gujarati, Hindi, Kashmiri, Kannada, Konkani, Maithili, Malayalam, Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Santhali, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu and Urdu. Three languages, Sanskrit, Tamil and Kannada have been recognized as classical language with special status and recognition by Government of India. The classical languages have written and oral history of more than 1000 years. In addition to these scheduled and classical languages, the Constitution of India has included the clause to protect minority languages as a fundamental right.To foster sustainable development, learners must have access to education in their mother tongue and in other languages. It is through the mastery of the first language or mother tongue that the basic skills of reading, writing and numeracy are acquired. Local languages, especially minority and indigenous, transmit cultures, values and traditional knowledge, thus playing an important role in promoting sustainable futures. The Constitution of India also protects the interest of children to get basic education in their mother tongue.Right from its inception, Smt Jamuna Mishra Academy JMA Pilani has embarked on a rich tradition of celebrating various days of national and international significance. The school which is one among the top ranking schools in Pilani, on 21 Feb 2017 during the assembly had a talk by Principal Mrs Booma Natarajan who shared the significance of the day including the message from UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova. There was a thunderous applause when various students came forward to demonstrate their ability to speak in Punjabi, Gujarati etc even though their mother languages were different.For more details about JMA Pilani see http://jmapilani.org About JMA Pilani: Smt. Jamuna Mishra Academy (JMA) established in the year 2004 which has been making rapid strides in early childhood education is presently one of the most sought after schools at Pilani considered as Oasis in the desert state of Rajasthan well known in India today for one among top in world ranking BITS Pilani University as well as CSIR Laboratory CEERI and globally renowned Birla Science Museum. JMA Pilani is a Co-educational English Medium School with Experienced Teachers, Spacious Classrooms and Modern Amenities designed to impart Quality Education combined with All Round Personality Development and lay the Best Foundation for the Child's Future. JMA which started in 2004 with an enrollment of 60 students for the Nursery, LKG, First Junior and Class I has grown today till Class XII and enrollment of 900. While the school admits both boys and girls, the girl student enrollment has been steadily rising every year and is presently nearly 50% of the total strength. The school has boys NCC, girls band which has been winning laurels every year too. Yoga and Fine arts are not just part of school routine but a way of life for the students. By: USOH End -- Hindus are urging all the 21 counties in New Jersey to offer free yoga classes, on the same pattern as being offered by the Union County.Union County is presenting a free yoga event titled "Empowering Union County Women" on March third evening to celebrate "Women's History Month". Open to all, this yoga-meditation event is about three-hours long at 19th century Masker's Barn on Hollow Road in Deserted Village. "It is an excellent opportunity to recharge after a long and difficult winter", says Bruce H. Bergen, Chairman of the Board of Chosen Freeholders of Union County.Calling it a step in the positive direction, Hindu statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada today, commended Union County for coming forward with this initiative and providing an opportunity to its residents to avail the multiple benefits yoga offered.Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, urged New Jersey Governor Chris Christie to work with various county boards and city councils in the state for offering free yoga classes to the residents, thus incorporating highly beneficial yoga in the lives of New Jerseyans.Yoga, referred as "a living fossil", was a mental and physical discipline, for everybody to share and benefit from, whose traces went back to around 2,000 BCE to Indus Valley civilization, Rajan Zed pointed out.Zed further said that yoga, although introduced and nourished by Hinduism, was a world heritage and liberation powerhouse to be utilized by all. According to Patanjali who codified it in, yoga was a methodical effort to attain perfection, through the control of the different elements of human nature, physical and psychical.According to US National Institutes of Health, yoga may help one to feel more relaxed, be more flexible, improve posture, breathe deeply, and get rid of stress. According to a "2016 Yoga in America Study", about 37 million Americans (which included many celebrities)now practice yoga; and yoga is strongly correlated with having a positive self image. Yoga was the repository of something basic in the human soul and psyche, Rajan Zed added.Union County, founded in 1857 and whose tagline is "We're Connected to You!", has reportedly one of the highest property taxes among US counties. Headquartered in Elizabeth, it has created a unique "Office on Women" to "enable them to reach their full potential". Corporate headquarters of global healthcare company Merck is located in the County. Alfred Faella is County Manager and Nicole DeAugustine will be the yoga instructor. New setup showcases Meats & Poultry, Beverages, Pulses, Grains & Cereals and World Food 2017 edition expected to surpass last year's USD 729 million business volume By: Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications End -- UAE, February 21, 2017 Brazilian companies are set to showcase their comprehensive range of quality products at the upcoming Gulfood, one of the largest annual food exhibitions taking place from February 26 to March 2, 2017 at the Dubai World Trade Center. The Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce will also have a stand spanning 33 square meters. The participation is heavily supported by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which connected with and encouraged trade promotion sectors of 13 embassies representing countries in the Middle East and North Africa to invite buyers from their nations to visit the Brazilian companies at the fair.A total of 87 Brazilian companies will be participating this year and it has been forecasted that the 2017 edition will surpass business volumes generated for local companies last year, which reached USD 729 million. In addition, this year's edition will be featuring an exciting new set-up as for the first time ever, Gulfood will not be organized by national pavilions but rather by dedicated halls representing eight of the biggest commodity trading sectors. The Brazilian companies will exhibit in the Meat & Poultry (34 companies), Beverages (07), Pulses, Grains & Cereals (8) and World Food (38), halls with the latter to feature various products.Dr. Michael Alaby, CEO, ABCC, said: "We are happy to see the wide range of companies that is set to participate in the upcoming edition of Gulfood. In the past, we have always received strong feedback with regards to Brazilian exhibitors and we believe that the significant number of participants will provide visitors with a better opportunity to sample the country's most notable products. We are also excited to see the effect the new layout will have on the event's footfall. We believe that sectors such as meats will greatly benefit from having dedicated spaces as many buyers are aware of the premium quality meats being offered by Brazil and can survey the wide options available within the hall. In line with this, the meats hall will be featuring a customary tasting place for buyers to sample the delectable selection of beef and poultry from Brazil. A specialty chef will also be there to present delicious and mouthwatering appetizers prepared with traditional Brazilian ingredients to be served at the World Food hall."Brazil and the Arab World continue to maintain strong ties as shown by data on their trade level for 2016. For that period, Brazilian exports of foodstuff amounted to USD 8,604.61 billion, with Saudi Arabia ranking first at USD 2,079.92 billion or 24.17 per cent, followed by Egypt with USD 1,361 billion at 15.82 per cent and the United Arab Emirates with USD 1,321.73 billion at 15.36 per cent. Of the total exports, sugar ranked first with the highest amount and percentage with USD 3,640 billion at 42.30 per cent of the overall, followed by Meat at USD 3,518.58 million at 40.89 per cent. Cereals ranked third at USD 527.35 million at 6.13 per cent.Brazilian exports also extend to include Machinery which amounted to USD 183.17 million. In this sector, Egypt ranks first with USD 49.67 million or 27.12 per cent of the overall share, followed by Saudi Arabia at USD 28.30 million or 15.45 per cent of the total share, and lastly, the United Arab Emirates at third at USD 23.29 million or 12.71 per cent. Loway Switzerland, worldwide leading provider of solutions for call-centers, celebrates the Release Anniversary of QueueMetrics-Live with a limited time promotion. Contact Loway ***@loway.ch Loway End -- Loway Switzerland celebrates the Release Anniversary of QueueMetrics-Live with a limited time promotion.Each new customer buying a subscription of QueueMetrics-Live receives one month bonus with 30 day money back guaranteed, plus a free installation and initial configuration of the system.QueueMetrics-Live is a cloud solution that offers all the functionality an Asterisk based contact-center is likely to need, integrated on-demand.It tracks over 150 metrics of inbound/outbound activities without upfront expenses for the deployment.A company can choose the service required and pay only for what is needed, included:- Support up to 50 agents, unlimited queues and campaigns- Compatibility with any Asterisk distro and configuration- Single and multiple reporting for queues and campaigns- Weekly activity breakdown in days or hours- Business targets measurement against SLAs- Staff performance analysis on ACD and non-ACD activities- Customizable QA forms for live call grading- Real-time Wallboard- Agent screens via VNC screen-sharing server- Restricted Visitor mode for external inspectionand much more.The main advantage of QueueMetrics SaaS solution is that operations can be easily scaled up or down by taking online resources following only the call-center neeeds. The customer will access the service via secure SSL connection and the developer does all the maintenance, updates and nightly backups, freeing the customers' time and resources for other tasks.QueueMetrics-Live home page: https://www.queuemetrics- live.com/ About LowaySince 2004, Loway develops complete, reliable and customizable call center software solutions for the Asterisk PBX.Their distinguished QueueMetrics set up modern standards in performance measurement and reporting for call centers based on Asterisk technology. WombatDialer is a flexible, easy to use predictive dialing platform and a perfect complement to QueueMetrics. The new guidelines put in place by the Jammu and Kashmir government would be effective from April 1. By Shuja-ul-Haq : The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered a number of restrictions on weddings and other functions in the state in a bid to curb the misuse of resources. The measures have been announced so that the food wastage at social, government and private gatherings, especially weddings are prevented. "There shall be complete ban on sending dry fruits, sweet packets extra with invitation cards by any person to relatives, friends, guests, invitees etc," read a statement issued on Tuesday. advertisement The government order will in a way ensure that there are no more fat weddings in the state. Fat weddings and the extra expenses have been a major cause of concern for the people of the state off late. Many people have been complaining that such weddings were creating a bad precedent. As per the new order, the number of guests to be invited on marriage of daughter (barat), marriage of son and small functions like engagement of son or daughter and other small functions should be restricted to a maximum of 500, 400 and 100 respectively. Also read: No shutdown on Shivratri festival in Kashmir; separatists call off strike "The number of non-veg, veg dishes to be cooked in such functions should be restricted to a maximum of seven each and two stalls of sweets and fruits," read the order. Kashmir is specifically known for the kind of weddings that are organised where the dishes served can go to beyond 20 at times. Most of the times the food is prepared in such a quantity that a lot of it is wasted. The government in it order has also banned the use of loudspeakers and firecrackers in any government/private social functions. The new guidelines put in place by the government would be effective from April 1. Also read: Shattering gender stereotypes: Here comes West Bengal's first legally married transgender bride --- ENDS --- By: V3CUBE Contact V3CUBE ***@v3cube.com 858-427-0668 V3CUBE858-427-0668 End -- Iran and other Middle-eastern countries are all set to welcome the Uber app clone in Persian language. This amazing and unique app is being launched by none other than V3CUBE Technolabs LLB, who has already launched this on-demand taxi clone in RTLlanguages like Farsi, Urdu and Hebrew. The success of this app in these languages created a demand for a similar app in Persian, hence the launch of Uber taxi clone for Iran.People who are in the on demand industry are already familiar with the name of V3CUBE. They are very widely known for their share-economy apps like ride sharing, Uber, Uber for X and other such apps that have made their mark in the entrepreneurial world. Their products have successfully been launched in several countries all over the globe and all the entrepreneurs have nothing but praise for the company and its products.V3CUBE is a company that was set up in with a view to make a difference in the mobile technology world. However, the share economy held great appeal to the team and that is when they decided to venture in carpooling and other similar apps. Having worked on over 1200 projects already, their expertise and knowledge is second to none. Designing the Uber taxi clone for Iran was a challenge that they have overcome successfully.The Uber app clone in Persian languagecomes in a set of three for that perfectly synchronized riding experience the driver app, the passenger app and an admin panel. The app is fully automated enabling the whole application to work effortlessly from the time a rider first registers and looks for a ride to completion of the ride and subsequently automated payment. The whole process is just by tapping on the app. In direct competition with the original app, this app has features that are bigger and better, thus making it a favourite for all software companies who are looking to sell it to their end clients, taxi companies and budding entrepreneurs who wish to start their own taxi business.The V3CUBE team handles all the nitty gritty, including configuring, setting up and launching the app. The amazing thing about this app is that it can launched from anywhere in the world and V3CUBE will do just that, that too in just three days. After the launch, they will make sure that there are no initial hiccups and will ensure their support in the initial days till you are confidently running the business. They will brand the app in your name, make any changes and customization that you require and also change the product in the language and currency of your choice, so that you get that perfect package.To check out that seamless synchronization and the perfectly smooth operation of the Uber app clone in Persian language, visit http://www.v3cube.com/ uber-app-clone- in-persian-language.php Their Uber app clone is not limited to the taxi industry only. It can be customized to any on demand service of your choice.Check out their on demand product portfolio and take your pick. If what you require is not there, all you need to do is contact them and discuss your needs and they will design your app and bring it to life. V3CUBE design their products with a passion and this is evident in all their products like food sharing clone, ride sharing clone and other share economy products.For a full list of their services, and their portfolio visit http://www.v3cube.com and check out how each product is a work of pure passion and professionalism. Contact Brooke Slezak ***@brookeslezak.com Brooke Slezak End -- World Bicycle Relief is pleased to announce the hiring of Allison Dufosee in the role of Chief Executive of World Bicycle Relief UK.In her role, Ms. Dufosee will develop and drive forward an ambitious strategic plan for World Bicycle Relief UK and work closely with the Development Director and Trustees to further enhance fundraising for the non-profit. She will also focus on forging closer relationships and strategic partnerships with a range of NGOs in the international development sector and developing partnerships with corporations that will benefit World Bicycle Relief. She will report to Dave Neiswander, President of World Bicycle Relief, who is based in the United States."We are pleased to have Allison Dufosee join our team. She brings with her a stellar track record of fundraising in the UK and we look forward to capitalizing on her experience, passion and leadership skills to help steward new growth for World Bicycle Relief in the UK," said Mr. Neiswander."The work of World Bicycle Relief is changing lives in the developing world. In regions where distance is a barrier, high quality bicycles are connecting individuals with education, health care and markets and improving social and economic outcomes," said Ms. Dufosee, "I passionately believe in World Bicycle Relief's mission and look forward to making a greater impact by growing World Bicycle Relief in the UK"Ms. Dufosee joined World Bicycle Relief on January 23, 2017. Her previous position was Director at ITS Fundraising Ltd where her clients included HMS VICTORY, Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, Salisbury Plain Heritage Centre and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. While Director at ITS Fundraising Ltd, Ms. Dufosee raised over 10m through various appeals for the National Museum of the Royal Navy.Prior to her role at ITS Fundraising, Ltd, Ms. Dufosee was Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications at the National Museum of the Royal Navy.World Bicycle Relief is a global non-profit that designs and distributes high-quality, purpose built bicycles to students, entrepreneurs and health care workers in the developing world. With the increased efficiency and productivity that a bicycle provides, individuals are able to accomplish much more every day; students stay in school, health care workers visit more patients and entrepreneurs increase profits. World Bicycle Relief is dedicated to helping individuals overcome the barrier of distance through The Power of Bicycles.Founded in 2005, World Bicycle Relief mobilizes people through The Power of Bicycles. World Bicycle Relief accomplishes its mission by distributing specially designed, high quality bicycles through philanthropic and social enterprise programs. These purpose designed bicycles are built to withstand the challenging terrain and conditions in rural, developing areas. Entrepreneurs use the bicycles to increase productivity and profits. Students attend class more regularly and improve their academic performances. And, health care workers visit more patients in less time, providing better, more consistent care. World Bicycle Relief also promotes local economies and long-term sustainability by assembling bicycles locally and training field mechanics to service the bicycles. To date, World Bicycle Relief has delivered over 330,000 bicycles and trained over 1,200 field mechanics in Africa, Southeast Asia and South America. World Bicycle Relief is a registered nonprofit in the USA, Canada, U.K., Germany and Australia, and has assembly facilities in Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Angola.For more information, please visit: http://worldbicyclerelief.org Follow us @PowerOfBicycles and in the UK @UK_WBR ( https://twitter.com/ uk_wbr and Like us at facebook.com/worldbicyclereliefBrooke Slezakbrooke@brookeslezak.compress@worldbicyclerelief.orgMobile: 917.689.6024Stephen Cromwellscromwell@worldbicyclerelief.orgMobile: 07758.952.899 Empowered Flower Girl - in partnership with the Skyline Club - is celebrating sisterhood and exploring what it takes to raise and support POWERful girls in the 21st century EmPOWERing 21st Century Girls Contact Rasheda Kamaria Williams ***@gmail.com Rasheda Kamaria Williams End -- From cyberbullying to societal pressure, 21st century girls are coping with the pangs adolescence both on and offline. But because of technological advances, they also have unlimited resources and opportunities to live powerfully.On Thursday, March 9 (during Women's History Month), Empowered Flower Girl - in partnership with the Skyline Club's Emerging Leaders - will host "EmPOWERing 21st Century Girls."The event aims to bridge the gap between 20th and 21st century women and girls while encouraging sisterhood and empathy. Participants will engage in inter-generational activities as well as learn about local organizations and programs supporting girls' positive development. The event features a panel discussion, author meet and greet, appetizers and door prizes.Rasheda Kamaria Williams, Empowered Flower Girl founder and author of "Be EmPOWERed: How to Live Above & Beyond Life's Drama," will sign copies of her new guidebook for girls and representatives from Lips & Hips will showcase their line of vegan lip glosses for teens."The ultimate goal of this event is to boost understanding and empathy across generations while combating behaviors and norms that lead to drama, relational aggression and other challenges young women face," Rasheda said.EmPOWERing 21st Century Girls will be held at the Skyline Club, 2000 Town Center (28th floor) in Southfield, Michigan. Girls 11 and older and their parents, guardians or other adult chaperones are encouraged to attend. Admission is $10 per couple.RSVP is required. Call the Skyline Club at 248-350-9898. Learn more about Empowered Flower Girl at http://empoweredflowergirl.com/ Contact Jennifer Stevenson ***@bmmglass.com Jennifer Stevenson End -- Theat Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass will open on Saturday, March 4to showcase talented young area artists and celebrate national Youth Art Month. An opening reception and award ceremony will be held Saturday, March 4 from 2-4pm, with awards and remarks at 3pm.The museum offered schools an opportunity to bring students to the museum to work in The Glass Studio with artists, Sara Rezin, Beth Wenger Johnstone, Jed Schleisner, Tom Galbraith and Meghan Wagner. Over the past several weeks 242 students from 16 area schools created work for the exhibition including: Appleton West, Berlin, Chilton, Freedom, Menasha, Neenah, New London, Omro, Oshkosh North, Oshkosh West, Renaissance, St. Mary Catholic, Seymour, Stockbridge, Valders, and Xavier.Throughout the months of January and February, students worked in the glass studio creating objects using flame working techniques to make beads and Borosilicate glass to create detailed sculptures. As students worked with neon artist, Jed Schleisner, they bent glass tubing over a torch to create a lighted sculpture filled with Krypton and Neon.Students experimented with a variety of fused glass methods including open weave fusing, reactive glass techniques, whereby specific glasses are layered on top of one another to create color reactions with the metals in the different glass layers. Students also included copper foil and wire in their creations. The majority of the works exhibited were created during these workshops. Additional artwork created at the schools will also be on display.Visit http://bmmglass.com/ exhibits/future/ for more information.The museum would like to thank the following exhibition sponsors: North Star Asset Management, BelGioioso Cheese, Dr. John and Helen Williams, and the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin and The National Endowment for the Arts. Carmel based renovation and remodeling specialist recognized by customers for excellent service Contact Libby Spencer Legacy Window and Door ***@legacywindowanddoor.com Libby SpencerLegacy Window and Door End -- Angie's List, the Indiana based local services marketplace and consumer review site, continues to recognize the exemplary customer service provided by Carmel based LEGACY Window and Door.This achievement is particularly significant as Angie's List experienced unprecedented member growth in 2016. More than 1.6 million consumers, many of whom were eager to quickly hire highly qualified service pros, joined Angie's List after the company added a new, free membership tier."Companies that can meet higher demands without missing a beat in their exemplary performance standards truly do stand apart from their peers," said Angie's List Founder Angie Hicks. "Only a fraction of the window and door companies in the Indianapolis market were able to do it."Angie's List Super Service Award 2016 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an "A" rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade. The SSA winners must also be in good standing with Angie's List, pass a background check and abide by Angie's List operational guidelines."We are honored and proud of earning the Angie's List Super Service Award for the 7th year in a row," says Mark Spencer, LEGACY's owner/operator. "Angie's List members expect the highest levels of service and quality when choosing to renovate and remodel their homes." Spencer's over 30 years of experience and commitment to fenestration and remodeling has allowed LEGACY to consistently exceed Angie's List members expectations. "We are so grateful for the member reviews that have been submitted that help share our story," says Mr. Spencer.Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie's List as new, verified consumer reviews are submitted. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.For more than 21 years, Angie's List restricted access to its verified reviews to consumers who paid membership fees. When the company removed that barrier, some companies worried that the new, non-paying members would not be as engaged as members of the past. Experience has shown, however, that these newly added members are just as engaged across all age groups as prior members. Also, because the company continues to adhere to its review verification process, there has been no degradation of review quality."The biggest change at Angie's List is that we are connecting even more consumers to high quality service professionals,"Hicks said. "And that's good for everyone."###About LEGACY:LEGACY Window and Door, a Carmel based business, offers premium products manufactured and installed for less. Owner/operator Mark Spencer began working in fenestration in 1990 and has dedicated his career to the industry. Before founding LEGACY Mark worked for the US's largest replacement window manufacturer as a quality control engineer.LEGACY Window and Door offers a wide selection of products including the exclusive Heritage series. In addition to a large selection of vinyl and wood replacement windows and high quality entry and patio doors LEGACY is a full service remodel and renovation specialist. If you'd like more information please call Mark directly at 317 488-1464 or email at mailto:mark@ legacywindowanddoor.com ">mark@legacywindowanddoor.com. By: Brooks Plastic Surgery Contact Prediq Media ***@quotebound.com Prediq Media End -- Dr. Christopher Brooks, MD FACS, Director of Brooks Plastic Surgery located in South Florida, recently traveled to El Salvador with the Global Smile Foundation for 10 days this month to provide surgical care to 29 underserved children of San Salvador. This is Dr. Brooks's sixth mission trip to El Salvador to provide cleft lip and palate, craniofacial and pediatric reconstructive surgery.Dr. Brooks, who trained in Craniofacial Surgery and Pediatric Plastic Surgery at the University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, specializes in many aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery. He enjoys splitting his practice and time between pediatrics and adults, and spends forty days each year doing mission work in Central America. This was his 22mission trip to Central America."It's really a tremendous privilege to be welcomed to El Salvador to help children who were born with cleft lip or cleft palate," said Dr. Brooks. "I wouldn't trade these mission trip experiences for any vacation."This was Global Smile Foundation's 14mission trip to El Salvador since 2006. The team of nearly 30, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses and support staff, work at Benjamin Bloom Hospital, the only children's hospital in El Salvador.While Dr. Brooks enjoys helping patients in his local community, he also focuses much of his time on finding ways to impact and change lives on a more global level. His services to the children of Central America are donated by him and his practice, and he looks forward to many more trips to countries where his services are needed.Christopher Brooks MD PA is the plastic surgery practice of Christopher JM Brooks, MD FACS. Dr. Brooks is a Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at the Cleveland Clinic of Florida and sees patients in both Pembroke Pines and Hollywood at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, where he serves as the Vice Chief of Surgery. He is a craniofacial surgeon on two of the four craniofacial teams in Florida. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Cleft Palate Association and for Interplast South. Brooks Plastic Surgery provides personalized, patient-centered cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery for children and adults throughout the state of Florida. For more information, visit http://brooksplasticsurgery.com http://www.brooksplasticsurgery.com ). First of its kind for University of Northern Iowa Accounting Department Contact Terri Andrews ***@rsmus.com Terri Andrews End -- RSM US LLP ("RSM") the nation's leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, is pleased to announce the formation of a $1 million chaired professorship at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) to enable the university to continue to attract and retain high-quality educators.The RSM Chaired Endowment is the third for UNI's College of Business Administration and the first for its accounting department."Stewardship is one of RSM's core values," said Doug Opheim, chief financial officer with RSM US LLP, and chairman of the board for the RSM US Foundation. "We are so pleased to support UNI, the accounting profession and the Cedar Falls community with this $1 million chaired professorship, made possible by contributions from partners, principals and employees who are alumni of UNI, along with a match from the RSM US Foundation. "UNI is a logical choice for this partnership, given our firm's deep Midwestern roots, the number of UNI alumni who work at RSM and the fact that, for the past five years, UNI has been among the top two schools from which we've hired for our firm's Central Region.""For years, RSM US has positively impacted the lives of UNIstudents with financial support and a desire to build better business leaders," said Leslie K. Wilson, dean of the College of Business Administration. "This [professorship]has enabled us to grow our legacy as the go-to business college for future accounting professionals. The additional resources and expertise made available to us through this endowed chair will allow us to expand our reach, enhance our program and let us compete on a national level. We are grateful to RSM employees, the RSM Foundation and their partners for their dedication to our program."The RSM US Foundation is a tax-exempt public charity dedicated to building tomorrow's middle market leaders by supporting educational outcomes through programs for individuals to have a career path to become entrepreneurs or middle market business leaders, and supporting organizations committed to providing a more stable environment for youth in the areas of hunger, housing and health, which help them excel in education. The scholarship match was offered as part of the Foundation's University Giving program, which provides matches for donations made by RSM partners and principals to colleges and universities.Additional ways that RSM and the RSM US Foundation support the local communities where the firm operates include: Established in 2010, RSM US Volunteer Day represents our commitment to giving our time in the communities where we work and live. In 2016, more than 2,900 RSM employees and clients participated in 175 volunteer events across the country. More than 100 charities benefited, including Ronald McDonald House, Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest Food Bank, Project Sunshine, Junior Achievement and many more. The RSM US Foundation provided a match of $73,392 to the organizations for the time employees spent volunteering. RSM partners with the Davis Love Foundation host organization of PGA TOUR event The RSM Classic on Birdies Fore Love. Through the program, each RSM office selects a local charity that supports youth in the areas of education, hunger, housing and health. Each charity benefits from the funds raised locally by employees, clients, family and friends. With a generous match from the RSM US Foundation, we were able to give $1.5 million directly to deserving charities in 2016. Every day, RSM professionals deliver the power of being understood to today's middle market leaders, globally. To build tomorrow's leaders, the foundation is granting $100,000 in scholarships for the 2017-2018 academic year. Scholarship recipients will also receive invitations to participate in RSM's externship (Pathways) program.To learn more about the RSM US Foundation, visit RSM's website ( http://rsmus.com/ who-we-are/corporate- responsibility/ rsm-... ).In 2014, RSM laid the footings of a giving strategy designed to be compelling to our people, our clients and our markets, while enhancing our longstanding support of the communities where our employees lie and work. The result is the RSM US Foundation. A tax-exempt public charity, our firm's foundation is dedicated to building tomorrow's middle market leaders by enhancing educational outcomes through programs to help individuals develop career paths to become an entrepreneurs or middle market business leaders, and to supporting organizations committed to providing stable environments for youth in the areas of hunger, housing and health, thereby helping them excel in education.RSM US LLP is the leading provider of audit, tax and consulting services focused on the middle market, with 9,000 people in 90 offices nationwide. It is a licensed CPA firm and the U.S. member of RSM International, a global network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms with more than 41,000 people in over 120 countries. RSM uses its deep understanding of the needs and aspirations of clients to help them succeed. For more information, visit rsmus.com , like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and/or connect with us on LinkedIn. ILF Consulting Engineers Polska has renewed its lease agreement for approx. 4,200 sq m of office space in Poleczki Business Park complex in Warsaw. Experts from JLL represented ILF Consulting Engineers Polska in the process of negotiations with UBM, the projects developer. Izabela Metrycka, Consul... [] Javascript Error Javascript is deactivated in your browser. To use all functions on this portal, for example the login, Javascript must be activated. Please activate Javascript in your browser settings. The Porsche 718 Boxster which made its first public appearance at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show last year, has been finally launched in India. New Porsche 718 Boxster is priced from INR 81.63 lakh, ex-showroom, Delhi. The German sportscar maker has restructured the nomenclature of its 20-year old open-top model for the first time. The 718 numbering is introduced to pay homage to Porsches legendary race car of 1950s. The new nomenclature will also apply to the next iteration of the Cayman as well. Both the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S get significant performance boost compared to their respective predecessors. The new convertible will be available in two variants 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S. Visually, the latest Boxsters retain the traditional design lines with modernized elements. The front fascia gets bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights and a new bumper with wider air intakes. Changes to the side come in the form of new wings, larger air-inlet panels and new 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch wheels are available as a option). The rear fascias sense of width is enhanced by the new smoked LED combination lights and a badge carrying accept strip. Twin exhaust tip in the middle add to the sporty character. The interior receives minor revisions to the dashboard in addition to updated Porsche Communication Management (PCM). Navigation is available as an option. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) has been updated. The Porsche 718 Boxster is powered by a turbocharged flat-four boxer petrol engine that displaces 2.0-litre. The motor delivers 300 PS and 380 Nm of torque. The 718 Boxster S 2.5-litre turbo flat-four motor is capable of 350 PS and 420 Nm of torque. Both motors are mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission and an optional PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 718 Boxster is claimed to accelerate from 0-100 kmph in 4.7 seconds while the Boxster S takes 4.2 seconds to achieve the feat (both with PDK and Sport Chrono Pack). Porsche 718 Boxster S Photos By Press Trust of India: Chandigarh, Feb 21 (PTI) The Jat agitation in Haryana seeking reservation in educational institutes and government jobs among other demands entered its 24th day today, even as caste councils of Kandela and Satrol khaps announced their support to the protest. "Large number of members of the Jat community continued with their protests at different places in Haryana. Our protests remained peaceful," Yashpal Malik, president of the All India Jat Aarakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), which is spearheading the agitation, said. advertisement He said the agitation got a boost as Kandela khap at Ikkas village in Jind district extended its support to the protesters, while Satrol khap supported the community at Uggrakheri village in Panipat. Yesterday, the second round of talks between protesting Jats and the Haryana government at Panipat had remained inconclusive as the community members were adamant on their demands and said their stir would continue. The governments five-member committee headed by Chief Secretary D S Dhesi had yesterday held talks with Jat leaders for over three hours and announced to constitute a four-member panel to resolve the issues, including withdrawal of cases registered during the last years stir by the community. Meanwhile, Malik reiterated that February 26 would be observed as "Black Day" by Jats and the community members will wear black turbans, ribbons and arm bands to protest the governments policies. "From March 1, the protesters will not cooperate with the government. No one will pay power, water bills and instalment of loans that they owe to the government," he said. Malik said Jats from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh would protest in the national capital on March 2 and submit a memorandum on the quota issue to the President. They also plan to gherao the Parliament, the date for which will be announced on March 2. Besides seeking quota in education and government jobs under Other Backward Classes category, the demands of the Jats include release of those jailed during last years agitation, withdrawal of cases slapped during the protest and government jobs for the kin of those killed and injured while taking part in the stir. The main opposition party in Haryana, the INLD, has openly come out in support of the agitating Jats this time and asked the government to meet their demands. In view of the fresh Jat stir, paramilitary forces have been deployed in sensitive areas, while the state police is maintaining a strict vigil. Police are also keeping a vigil near the statues of various state icons in sensitive districts to thwart any act of vandalism. advertisement As many as 30 people were killed and property worth crores of rupees was damaged at many places in the state during last years Jat stir, which had turned violent. Rohtak and some of its neighbouring districts, including Sonipat and Jhajjar, were the worst hit by the violence. PTI VJ SRY --- ENDS --- Tata Motors and Microsoft India have come together to redefine connected experience for automobile users. The automaker seeks to augment in-car connectivity along with efficiency so as to offer an all round better mobile experience to its users. The first car to feature this will be unveiled in Geneva early next month under the companys all-new sub brand TaMo. But before that, Tata Motors revealed an all new sporty hatchback concept called the C-Cube. It is to be noted that the Tata C-Cube is not part of the Tamo sub brand, it is purely a Tata Motors concept which debuted at the Microsoft event called 2017 Future Decoded. The idea behind C-Cube is to give an idea about what is to come under the TaMo in the future. Tata C-Cube Concept is a sporty, three door hatchback. It is seen with a single headlamp unit unlike other premium hatchbacks which are sold in India with dual headlamp setup. It gets projector beams and integrated Daytime Running Lights within the headlamp assembly. Rear air vents are positioned lower indicating that this could be a rear engined hatchback akin to the Tata Nano. The showcased C-Cube Concept sports comfortable seating with white inserts in the backrest and headrest while the central console gets an indentation for smartphone and a gear lever forEmergency Stop. Its body is made out of fibre reinforced polymer and while engine details have not yet been specified. Speaking about their new C-Cube concept, Tata says The C-Cube is a special showcase, as part of the Product Transformation theme at the event. Through the C-Cube, Tata Motors is showcasing its advanced structural technology which will enable the Company to bring forward breakthrough products from TAMO. Earlier this week, Tata Motors and Microsoft India signed an agreement to leverage connected vehicle technologies which will ensure better advanced machine learning, artificial intelligence and Internet of Things on a global hyper scale Azure cloud. This will not only offer users a highly personalized driving experience but will ensure use of Microsoft enabled functions such as advanced navigation, predictive maintenance, telematics and remote monitoring features, thereby offering fully connected and seamless driving experience to users. Customers in India and those across the globe will be able to enjoy a safe, productive and fun driving experience. Also See Tata TaMo Futuro sportscar rendered This new collaboration will help automobile users in the following ways: 1. Users will get proactive point of interest, shopping and route assistance taking into account profile and location data. 2. Vehicle condition will be assessed following which owners will be sent pre-emptive service alerts thereby doing away with expensive down time on planned road trips. 3. Use of firmware over the air (FOTA) and software over the air (SOTA) updates protocols settings of vehicles via cloud can be updated. This will help in diagnostics, use of insights from vehicle data to prevent warranty and recall issues while users will be sent new service information. 4. Live road condition updates will allow users to ensure safety, optimize vehicle performance and keep clear from road blocks and uneven terrain. Access to maps, weather, traffic and parking will also ensure a better user experience. News Release With Tiagos popularity on the rise, thanks to attractive design, innovative features and unbeatable price, Tata Motors has now launched a new and more affordable AMT variant of their new small car. Tata Tiago AMT is now available with both XT and XZ trim. It will be offered only with the petrol engine option. It comes with same features as seen on the respective XT and top-end XZ trim. The AMT variants also gets the creep feature, which will make driving in traffic easier. New Tiago AMT will rival with the likes of Celerio AMT and Alto K10 AMT in the entry level automatic car segment. Price of the XT AMT starts from INR 4.85 lakh and that of XZ AMT starts from INR 5.35 lakh. The respective manual transmission variants are priced from INR 4.49 lakh and INR 5.23 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi. Based on a new generation platform, Tata Tiago is currently offered in a choice of petrol and diesel engine options. Both these engines are from Tatas new family of three-cylinder engines. Petrol engine is from the Revotron family while the diesel is from the Revotorq family. AMT will only be offered with petrol engine as of now. Diesel Tiago could get AMT at a later date. Tiagos 1.2-liter petrol engine is rated at 85 PS and 114 Nm, while the 1.05-liter diesel is rated at 70 PS and 140 Nm. Both mated to 5 MT, mileage claimed is 23.84 kmpl and 27.28 kmpl respectively. Expect the AMT variant to deliver same mileage as that of the petrol variant, making Tiago AMT one the most fuel efficient automatic cars in India. There are already over 65,000 Tiago owners in India. Management Speak According to Mr. Vivek Srivatsa Head Marketing, PVBU, Tata Motors AMT is ideally suited for Indias traffic conditions, reducing the stress of driving at an affordable price, without compromising on fuel efficiency. Tata Motors EASY SHIFT AMT comes with additional features like Crawl Function, Sports Mode and Manual shift option, making it an advanced AMT package. As per our turnaround strategy, we are working with a renewed focus and energy to improve our market share and bring products faster to market. To cater to the increased demand for AMT, we introduce the attractively priced TIAGO XTA, aiming to consolidate our growth in the hatchback segment. Tata Tiago Photos Northwestern University researcher Linda Teplin will share data showing alarming premature mortality rates for delinquent youth at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting in Boston. Teplin, the Owen L. Coon Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and director of the Health Disparities and Public Policy Program in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Northwestern's Feinberg School of Medicine, will present "Death in Delinquents: A 16-Year Prospective Study of Rick of Premature Mortality" using data from the Northwestern Juvenile Project (NJP). The NJP, led by Teplin, studied a randomly selected sample of 1,829 youth who were arrested and detained in Cook County, Illinois, between 1995 and 1998. NJP data shows that 16 years after detention, 111 of those studied had died (126 as of November 2016), most from homicide by firearm. Mortality rates varied by age, gender and race/ethnicity, but were two to 10 times higher than general population rates. Significant risk factors in adolescence for later mortality included drug dealing, alcohol use disorder and gang membership. Among delinquent youth, racial/ethnic minorities were at increased risk of homicide compared with non-Hispanic whites. Compared with non-Hispanic whites, African- Americans had 4.5 times and Hispanics had 2.8 times the hazard of homicide. African-American males had the highest mortality rates but among the lowest mortality ratios because death rates for this group in the general population are high. This seminar examines the contributions of science to the legal system from a diversity of perspectives. Teplin, along with two other presenters, also will discuss a study on how criminal justice policies influence outcomes regarding mortality. Many of the toughest decisions faced by cancer patients involve knowing how to use numbers -- calculating risks, evaluating treatment options and figuring odds of medication side effects. But for patients who aren't good at math, decision science research can offer evidence-based advice on how to assess numeric information and ask the right questions to make informed choices. "The ability to understand numbers is associated with all kinds of positive health outcomes, including for cancer patients," said Ellen Peters, professor of psychology at The Ohio State University. "The problem is that too many people aren't good with numbers or are afraid of math. But we're starting to figure out the best ways to help these patients so they aren't at a disadvantage when it comes to their treatment." Peters, who is director of the Decision Sciences Collaborative at Ohio State, presented research on cancer patients' health and numeracy -- the ability to understand and use numbers -- Feb. 20 in Boston at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Numerous studies have shown that people who are less numerate experience worse health outcomes. Peters says these are examples of the "tyranny of numbers." For example, diabetics with lower numeracy scores have higher blood sugar levels. And children with diabetes have higher blood sugar levels if their parents are less numerate. advertisement A 2010 study by Peters shows how skill with numbers can affect breast cancer patients. In this research, women who had surgery for breast cancer were presented with options for further treatment, including hormonal treatment, chemotherapy, combined treatment or no treatment. The patients were given information, based on their characteristics, on how likely they were to survive 10 years for each possible treatment plan. The patients were then asked to estimate, based on this information, what their own chances of survival were for 10 years with each treatment. The patients who scored higher in numeracy were more pessimistic than the data suggested they should be. But their estimates of their own survival did vary based on the numbers they were given. "For those who were less numerate, their survival estimates were pessimistic, but remained the same no matter what numbers they were presented. It was as if they didn't read the numbers at all," Peters said. "This is critical. We were giving them information that should help them choose the best treatment, but they were ignoring it." Other research shows that less numerate people "rely more on their emotions" to make health-related decisions. They are also more swayed by how information is presented to them rather than by the information itself, she said. advertisement If a patient recognizes that he or she is not good with numbers, how can he or she cope? Peters said research suggests four strategies: Ask for the numbers. This may seem counter-intuitive, but research backs it up. In one study, less numerate people were asked to estimate their risk of side effects from a medication. Some were given numeric information about the risks of a particular side effect, while others were told only that there was a risk. When they weren't given the numbers, 70 percent of less numerate people overestimated their risk, but only 17 percent did when given the numbers. They didn't do as well at evaluating risk as more numerate people when given the numbers, but they still did much better than when they didn't have them at all. Ask what the numbers mean. Along with the numbers, doctors should be able to tell you what the numbers mean in practical terms. "If 80 percent of people are helped by this particular drug, is that good or bad? Ask your doctor to say if this is above or below average, if it is a fair, good or excellent treatment compared to other options," she said. Ask for absolute risk. Saying that a particular drug doubles your risk of a dangerous side effect sounds scary. But this is what is called a relative risk. The absolute risk is more important. "If you're doubling your risk from 0.01 percent to 0.02 percent, that is much less threatening than if you are doubling from 10 percent to 20 percent," Peters said. Cut down the choices. If you're given a bewildering list of choices for treatment, ask your doctor to choose the best two options to consider. "It is absolutely OK to tell the doctor that this is too complicated. You don't need to have doctors make a treatment decision for you, but they should be able to identify the most critical information for you to consider." Health care providers should do a better job in presenting critical information to patients, Peters said. But when they don't, patients should ask for help. "Numbers are important, whether you like them or not. And nowhere are they more important than when it comes to your health," she said. Forest elephant populations in one of Central Africa's largest and most important preserves have declined between 78 percent and 81 percent because of poaching, a new Duke University-led study finds. "Our research suggests that more than 25,000 elephants in Gabon's Minkebe National Park may have been killed for their ivory between 2004 and 2014," said John Poulsen, assistant professor of tropical ecology at Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment. "With nearly half of Central Africa's estimated 100,000 forest elephants thought to live in Gabon, the loss of 25,000 elephants from this key sanctuary is a considerable setback for the preservation of the species," he said. While some of the poaching originated from within Gabon, findings from the new study indicate that cross-border poaching by hunters from neighboring nations -- chiefly Cameroon to the north -- largely drove the precipitous decline. Poulsen and his colleagues published their peer-reviewed findings Feb. 20 in the journal Current Biology. They estimated the extent of the population losses by comparing data from two large-scale surveys of elephant dung in Minkebe National Park from 2004 and 2014, using two different analytic methods to account for periods of heavy rainfall that might speed the dung's decay and skew the surveys' accuracy. advertisement "Based on changes in the abundance and geographic distribution of the dung, we identified two fronts of poaching pressure," Poulsen said. "Elephant numbers in the south of the park, which is 58 kilometers from the nearest major Gabonese road, have been somewhat reduced," he said. "By comparison, the central and northern parts of the park -- which, at one point, are just 6.1 kilometers from Cameroon's national road -- have been emptied." The proximity of this road makes it relatively easy for Cameroonese poachers to access the park and transport their illegal haul back to their nation's largest city, Douala, a major hub of the international ivory trade. Since 2011, the Gabonese government has taken major steps to curb poaching in Minkebe, Poulsen noted. Among other things, they have elevated forest elephants' conservation status to "fully protected," created a National Park Police force, doubled the national park agency's budget, and become the first African nation to burn all confiscated ivory. These efforts are laudable and may be reducing poaching from within Gabon, Poulsen said, but the new research suggests they have done little to slow the illegal cross-border traffic. "The clock is ticking," he said. "To save Central Africa's forest elephants, we need to create new multinational protected areas and coordinate international law enforcement to ensure the prosecution of foreign nationals who commit or encourage wildlife crimes in other countries," he said. "Studies showing sharp declines in forest elephant populations are nothing new," he said, "but a 78 to 81 percent loss in a single decade from one of the largest, most remote protected areas in Central Africa is a startling warning that no place is safe from poaching." A new type of battery developed by scientists at Oregon State University shows promise for sustainable, high-power energy storage. It's the world's first battery to use only hydronium ions as the charge carrier. The new battery provides an additional option for researchers, particularly in the area of stationary storage. Stationary storage refers to batteries in a permanent location that store grid power -- including power generated from alternative energy sources such as wind turbines or solar cells -- for use on a standby or emergency basis. Hydronium, also known as H3O+, is a positively charged ion produced when a proton is added to a water molecule. Researchers in the OSU College of Science have demonstrated that hydronium ions can be reversibly stored in an electrode material consisting of perylenetetracarboxylic dianhydridem, or PTCDA. This material is an organic, crystalline, molecular solid. The battery, created in the Department of Chemistry at Oregon State, uses dilute sulfuric acid as the electrolyte. advertisement Graduate student Xingfeng Wang was the first author on the study, which has been published in the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a publication of the German Chemical Society. "This may provide a paradigm-shifting opportunity for more sustainable batteries," said Xiulei Ji, assistant professor of chemistry at OSU and the corresponding author on the research. "It doesn't use lithium or sodium or potassium to carry the charge, and just uses acid as the electrolyte. There's a huge natural abundance of acid so it's highly renewable and sustainable." Ji points out that until now, cations -- ions with a positive charge -- that have been used in batteries have been alkali metal, alkaline earth metals or aluminum. "No nonmetal cations were being considered seriously for batteries," he said. The study observed a big dilation of the PTCDA lattice structure during intercalation -- the process of its receiving ions between the layers of its structure. That meant the electrode was being charged, and the PTCDA structure expanded, by hydronium ions, rather than extremely tiny protons, which are already used in some batteries. "Organic solids are not typically contemplated as crystalline electrode materials, but many are very crystalline, arranged in a very ordered structure," Ji said. "This PTCDA material has a lot of internal space between its molecule constituents so it provides an opportunity for storing big ions and good capacity." The hydronium ions also migrate through the electrode structure with comparatively low "friction," which translates to high power. "It's not going to power electric cars," Ji said. "But it does provide an opportunity for battery researchers to go in a new direction as they look for new alternatives for energy storage, particularly for stationary grid storage." The newest professor in the University of Rhode Island's College of the Environment and Life Sciences, Hollie Putnam, thinks some corals and shellfish might have good enough "memories" to buffer the changes in ocean chemistry that are resulting from global climate change. A native of Minnesota who earned a doctorate at the University of Hawaii, Putnam is studying how a wide variety of marine organisms are responding to changes in their environment. Focusing on reef-building corals and other shelled creatures that are threatened by increasing temperatures and ocean acidification, she is testing them to determine how species may acclimatize to the new circumstances. "I'm interested in how the environment is changing, how animals respond to those changes, and the potential for acclimatization to those conditions, particularly across generations and in different life stages," said Putnam, assistant professor in the URI Department of Biological Sciences, who joined the faculty in January. "I'm asking questions like, do offspring perform better because of their parents' history in certain conditions, and if so, what are the mechanisms driving that." In one study of corals, for instance, she exposed adults to increased temperature and acidification, then exposed their offspring to the same conditions to see if they are more successful because of their parents' previous experience. "Interestingly, we found that there is potential for beneficial acclimatization because of parental history," she said. "There is a more positive metabolic response and ecological response, greater survivorship and growth if their parents have been preconditioned to future scenarios." She is doing similar experiments with geoduck clams, the largest burrowing clam in the world, which are found primarily on the West Coast. She is exposing them to increased acidification levels, returning them to ambient conditions, and then re-exposing them to higher acidification conditions to see if they have a "memory" of those conditions and are less sensitive to it. To understand the underlying mechanism for how this may occur, she is also conducting epigenetic studies to determine where in the genome this acclimatization effect takes place. Putnam grew up hunting, fishing and camping in northern Minnesota, and she said she was always on a path to become a biologist. She didn't consider studying coral reef systems, however, until learning about them as an undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin. Her first job after graduating was at the Environmental Protection Agency, where she assessed the effects of chemicals on amphibians. She said her position at URI is "a perfect match" because of the University's reputation for marine science and the presence of other faculty who also study coral reefs and shellfish. "And we're just a short jump away to the Caribbean, where some of my research will take place," Putnam added. The professor is now setting up her laboratory and developing the courses she will teach next fall, including marine biology and marine environmental physiology. She hopes to develop an undergraduate course in coral reef studies that will include travel to one of her field sites in the Caribbean. And she said some of her graduate students will conduct studies with her at the Moorea Coral Reef Long-term Ecological Research site in French Polynesia. As mindfulness practices rise in popularity and evidence of their worth continues to accumulate, those who work with aging populations are looking to use the techniques to boost cognitive, emotional and physiological health. But studies so far have shown mixed results in the elderly, and more investigation is needed to determine exactly how best to apply mindfulness in that population, a new review of the research to date has found. A majority of the 27 studies in the review suggest that the focused attention at the core of mindfulness benefits older people, but others don't point to improvements. And that should prompt more rigorous investigations in search of interventions likely to do the most good, researchers from The Ohio State University found. Their analysis appears in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. "Mindfulness is a practice that really serves as a way to foster a greater quality of life and there's been some thought that it could help with cognitive decline as we age," said Stephanie Fountain-Zaragoza, lead author of the study and a graduate student in psychology. "Given the growing interest in mindfulness in general, we wanted to determine what we know right now so that researchers can think about where we go from here," she said. The good news so far: The evidence from a variety of studies points to some benefits for older adults, suggesting that mindfulness training might be integrated into senior centers and group homes, the researchers found. advertisement Older people are an especially important population to study given diminished social support, physical limitations and changes in cognitive health, the researchers point out. Studies of mindfulness meditation usually involve three types of practices. The first, focused attention, involves sustained attention to a single thing (such as the breath) and an effort to disengage from other distractions. Open monitoring meditation, often seen as the next step up in mindfulness, includes acknowledging the details of multiple phenomena (sensations, sounds, etc.) without selectively focusing on one of them. "This includes being open to experiencing thoughts and sensations and emotions and taking them as they come and letting them go," Fountain-Zaragoza said. Loving-kindness meditation encourages a universal state of love and compassion toward oneself and others. advertisement "The goal with this is to foster compassionate acceptance," said senior author Ruchika Shaurya Prakash, director of Ohio State's clinical neuroscience laboratory and an expert in mindfulness. In addition to looking at how mindfulness contributed -- or did not -- to behavioral and cognitive functioning and to psychological wellbeing, some of the research also looked at its potential role in inflammation, which contributes to a variety of diseases. In all categories of study, including inflammatory processes, Prakash and Fountain-Zaragoza found mixed results. The hope is that mindfulness could help the elderly preserve attention and capitalize on emotional regulation strategies that naturally improve as we age, Prakash said. "Around 50 percent of our lives, our minds are wandering and research from Harvard University has shown that the more your mind wanders, the less happy you are," she said. "Mindfulness allows you to become aware of that chaotic mind-wandering and provides a safe space to just breathe." In older people, mindfulness ideally has the potential to help with cognition, emotion and inflammation, but little research has been done so far and those studies that have been done have had mixed results and scientific limitations. While most of the studies in the review showed positive results, the field is limited and would benefit greatly from larger randomized controlled trials, Fountain-Zaragoza said. "We want to really be able to say that we have strong evidence that mindfulness is driving the changes we see," she said. Africa's protected parks and reserves are capable of supporting three to four times as many wild lions if well funded and managed, according to a new report led by Panthera, the global wild cat conservation organization. Published in Biological Conservation, the study shows that populations of the African lion and its prey species are drastically below their natural potential inside most of Africa's protected areas (PA). In recent years, lion numbers have declined steeply. Some estimates suggest as few as 20,000 wild lions remain in all of Africa, compared to 30,000 that existed just two decades ago. Yet, the study indicates that with sufficient global support for African conservation efforts, the continent's protected areas could support as many as 83,000 free-ranging lions. Panthera Research Associate and Wildlife Conservation Network Conservation Initiatives Director, Dr. Peter Lindsey, shared, "Africa's incredible protected areas hold the key to securing the future of lions and several other wildlife species, and can yield significant benefits for people. African governments have set aside enough space to conserve lions effectively -- we just need to find ways to enable those areas to be funded sufficiently and managed effectively. While a diverse set of approaches are needed to achieve lion conservation, it is clear that investing in improved management of PAs has particular potential to boost the conservation prospects for lions." Lindsey continued, "Encouragingly, there are more than just biological reasons for investing in PAs. Well-funded protected areas, and especially those with lions, can play a critical role in developing tourism industries whose revenues can help to grow and diversify economies and create jobs. In addition, protected areas also play essential roles in providing ecosystem services, such as watershed protection. By investing sufficiently in Africa's protected area network, the global community has the opportunity to halt and reverse the decline in lion numbers." The study found that less than one third of the 175 parks and reserves examined are currently conserving lions at more than 50% of their 'carrying capacity' -- an ecological term for the natural population levels animals reach if human threats are minimal. Parks were in slightly better shape for lion prey, with around 45% of surveyed protected areas conserving herbivores at over 50% of their carrying capacity. advertisement The illegal bushmeat trade stands out as the most severe and prevalent threat facing lions and many other wildlife species in Africa's protected areas. Following closely behind are a multitude of threats, including human-lion conflict, encroachment of PAs by humans and livestock and in some cases, the emerging threat of direct poaching of lions for the illegal wildlife trade. Panthera and partner scientists found that adequate management budgets and management capacity are essential pre-requisites for successfully conserving lions in PAs, as they permit effective law enforcement and other critical conservation initiatives. Those protected areas dedicating the use of their land primarily for photo-tourism operations are also associated with the greatest success in conserving lions and their prey. Today, sub-Saharan Africa's tourism industry, supported by dozens of parks and reserves, is valued at $25 billion dollars, compared to the $20 billion a year illegal wildlife trade that is increasingly targeting Africa's big cats and wildlife for their precious parts. Panthera also recognizes the importance of making sure that local people have a stake in and stand to benefit from PAs and big cat conservation. Simply put, managing PAs and protecting wildlife will be cheaper and easier if local people are supportive, and have a stake in the process. Panthera Senior Lion Program Director, Dr. Paul Funston, shared, "There is just no replacement for large protected areas that invest adequately in management and protection of their lions. Very few areas in Africa meet these needs, and those that do are pure gold for lions. They are places where tourists can see lions really being lions in all the amazing facets of their behavior, and where lions properly fulfill their ecological role." Funston continued, "Protected areas are at the heart of the formula to save Africa's lions, and to ensure the species lives on, lions and their wild landscapes require nothing short of a wealthy and immediate investment from the global community -- everyone from donors in New York City and African nations to international governments, corporations, foundations and NGOs who want to be a part of the solution in saving one of our planet's most remarkable wild animals." While in many ways bleak, the lion's future glimmers with hope. Panthera's President and publication co-author, Dr. Luke Hunter, noted, "Many African nations have allocated truly massive swaths of land as protected parks and reserves. However, for Africa's vast PA network to fulfill its potential for conserving lions and other species, there is an urgent need to greatly escalate funding and capacity to effectively manage those parks. That will require a renewed commitment, both from African governments and the international community." Kangana Ranaut, in an exclusive interview, spoke to India Today, about Rangoon, her character Julia, working with Vishal Bhardwaj, the feud with Hrithik Roshan and how Bollywood has lost its mojo. By Suhani Singh: From talking about Rangoon and her character Julia to speaking her mind on how it felt fighting Hrithik Roshan, Kangana Ranaut bared it all in an exclusive interview with India Today. Two releases in 2017. Could one of them get you national award no. 4? (Laughs) Fingers crossed. Julia is out there. If a performer doesn't sink her teeth into it and make her own legacy out of it, then shame on that person. Simran is an author-backed role. I would be pleasantly surprised to see better-written characters than Julia and Simran this year. In that case if I do not get a national award, then really shame on me. advertisement You prefer national awards over the commercial ones. Commercial awards don't make a fuss about (the fact) that they are for TRPs. With national awards, that's not the case. It is shown on DD. To be honest you have to keep track of them. If you don't show up, they don't really care. I remember last time I was almost locked out of the ceremony because I was running late after giving TV interviews. I was worried that the doors will be shut. My father went around and pleaded and then we sneaked in. You play jaanbaaz Julia in Rangoon, a character which is reminiscent of the iconic 'Fearless Nadia'. It is an amalgamation of many characters from the 1940s. When I did some research (for the part), I discovered that there were a lot of stuntwomen who were action heroines. People loved them to death. The kind of stardom they enjoyed I don't think we can in the age of social media. Stars are not worshipped now. Vishal sir wanted to bring the iconic image of a woman with a hunter in hand. The 1940s were so progressive that fierceness and sensuality went hand in hand. Now you can either be sensuous or timid. The action heroine is still celebrated in the west. They have kickass characters. Here we lost our mojo and started depicting really submissive, obedient and goody-two-shoes women which became the norm. ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut's Fearless Nadia-inspired Rangoon character lands film in legal soup It is your first collaboration with Vishal Bhardwaj. How was it working with him? Vishal sir has been extremely courteous. I remember early in the stage of casting when there were a lot of opinions from producers etc. on who they want to cast, he said that I cannot see anyone other than Kangana playing jaanbaaz Julia. I remember I was very pleased with my first look test. He wasn't as he was seeking a certain innocence combined with the fierceness of a woman. He decided my haircut. He stood there when it was happening. He decided which lip shade I should wear. Every garment of mine was approved by him - from the patterns to the fabric. He has invested a lot in her. advertisement It's not just about the external being. He really delves into the duality of a woman - her fragility and stubbornness. If you see all his women characters - from Tabu in Haider and Maqbool to Priyanka in Saat Khoon Maaf - they are very grey. He is really drawn to the complexity of a woman's psyche. That's very attractive to me. ALSO READ: My Rangoon character Nawab Malik is a soldier, a patriot, says Shahid Kapoor What traits of heroines from that era you wish existed now? Those days they did their own stunts. There were no body doubles. They worked very hard. That was very inspiring. Today it is becoming very superficial. I try to do as much as one can. If you don't then you subconsciously disconnect from the audience because they know whose back it is. In Rangoon, I have done everything on my own - horse riding and sword fighting. I have not used a dupe. You have spoken of how last year was a low point for you personally. How did you keep yourself going? When you deal with malice and betrayal from someone who you have been extremely close to, of course, it does affect you. There is a character assassination - that too publicly - by that individual in whom you put all your faith and love. It has been very hard to deal with. But the fighter instinct in me dominates every other instinct. I did not think twice. I see so many woman committing suicide and falling into depression and my only point is why do they fail to attack? I'm not saying strip others off their dignity too. But you have got to say no to the healer archetype. I am extremely bold. I sent a notice back. I did not take it lying down. advertisement OPINION: Kangana Ranaut, beware. The Bollywood elite wants to take you down It was a bold move on your part. You were breaking the industry rules which is to not talk about a relationship. Did people tell you to back out? My own family, my mother was like don't do all these things and say, "Bade log hain tumhe marwa daalenge." She would cry all the time. Out of concern and love, they wanted me to shut up not because they don't know want the truth to be out but (because) that's the best thing. But that's not the way to live. If you let your guard down, the other person then gets an opportunity to attack you. It is important to protect yourself. advertisement I was not fighting any individual battle but fighting against many prejudices. I took it all in my stride. So I am a whore, I'm sexually attractive, have psychological problems, capable of falling in love with men passionately. So what is my future? What should be done with me. They have nothing to say. They can't kill the fierceness. You are known to speak your mind. Don't you feel it may hurt you on the professional front? I personally feel that women are made out to be a nurturer or a healer. We really over-identify with that archetype. We need to put a rein to it when it threatens our own dignity, pride and instinct. If someone I feel is being mean, obnoxious or unfair and threatening my survival instinct, as an individual my first and foremost duty is to protect my own dignity as a woman. I have done that whether it is from my father who had his standards of strict parenting, to my initial years in the industry when they tried to humiliate me and slot me in B-grade cinema. I fought that and even nepotism. I speak my mind. I don't think twice before answering back to anyone. It doesn't matter what a great artist you are and how big you are in the industry. I don't encourage bullying or teasing. Why should I? (The writer tweets as @suhani84 .) ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut takes a dig at KJo, calls him a flag-bearer of nepotism ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut deserves a chat show of her own after her Koffee appearance ALSO READ: Now Kangana Ranaut compares Shahid Kapoor to Hrithik Roshan WATCH: Kangana Ranaut talks about being slut-shamed in Bollywood --- ENDS --- Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe How Artificial Intelligence can change the way an entrepreneur thinks By Dale Beaumont There are over 500 million small to medium business owners (SMBs) on the planet. Sadly, however, over 50 million businesses fail each and every year. So, how do we stop so many from failing? That was the question that occupied most of my flight from London to Sydney. And with 22 hours in the air, I had a lot of time to think. Before deciding to build anything new, I first decided to examine the current solutions on offer where they work and where they fall short. At the top of the list were Business Advisors. Give a struggling business owner the right advice and theyll avoid possibly unseen pitfalls. Plus, show them the right way and theyll rise to their potential. Its a worthy profession and a much needed approach. However, as great as Business Advisors are, I couldnt help but start to see their limitations. Slight problem for me (because Im one of them), but I decided to push on. After all, this is an issue that demands our very best. So here was my list of the problems associated with business advisors: High Cost When it comes to business advisors, you pay for what you get. The really good ones know theyre good and they charge accordingly. Plus, when you consider the fact that half of the worlds entrepreneurs still live on less than $20 per day, they simply cant afford the help they so desperately need. Very Limited If you are lucky enough to afford a business advisor and they just so happen to be in your area, you are doing well if you can meet with them once a month. That means if you have an issue, between sessions, youll be sitting on it for some time. Not Specific When you get an advisor or coach, youll quickly realize theyre most likely a generalist. They know a little bit of knowledge about lots of topics but ask them How do I run Facebook Ads? or What POS system should I use? and 99% will have no idea. Not Scalable Say, you do find a business advisor within your budget and they are willing to help. You are one of the lucky ones. Sadly, there are hundreds of millions of others that are still forced to tough it out on their own. Quite simply, there arent enough advisors to go around. I could go on, but Im sure you get the idea. Next on my not-currently-working-options list were: Books, YouTube Videos, Meet-Ups and Networking Groups. All offer something a little different, but again, all have their drawbacks. So, time to look for a new solution. One that was fit for our modern world. As I leaned back in my chair, I began to realize that the only way you could provide unlimited, free, specific and scalable advice was if, it was not human. From this brainwave, I mentally leaped over to a subject I first learn about in school, Artificial Intelligence (AI). First, its worth dropping any Hollywood-style notions of AI and no, we dont need to worry about The Terminator coming to life anytime soon. Quite simply, AI is a field of computer science that is aimed at programming computers to do things that are normally done by people in particular, things associated with people acting intelligently. As I was taught, AI is going to play an important role in the advancement of every industry. The promise is that it will reduce costs, save time and even save lives. So, I began to think about how AI could help my industry and give millions of business owners their own personal business advisor. The possibilities got me very excited. I decided, when I land in Sydney, I will follow this through. That plane ride was two years ago and thats why Im so very pleased to announce we have now launched BRiN, the worlds first artificially intelligent business advisor. Now, it is possible to get unlimited, personal advice and right now, its 100% free. But best of all, we can now provide our service at scale. That means we can now provide human-like support to every entrepreneur on the planet and we can do it all at the same time. While we are pleased with the title of first we are now focused on the title, the worlds smartest business advisor. In fact, coming in 2017, youll be able to link BRiN through API to your CRM, Google Analytics, and even your cloud-based accounting software. Once in place, BRiN will be able to find and bring to your attention useful stats. For example, BRiN will be able to inform and congratulate you because your website traffic was up 24% compared to last month. Shell tell you how many leads you generated in the last 7 days and shell send you an alert when you have an unhealthy amount of overdue payments, so you can jump on the phone and start collecting. In closing, while we are one of the first entrants in our space, we believe there is room for hundreds of other AI applications in every industry. So, lets get busy and together we can change the world. Dale Beaumont is the founder and CEO of BRiN, the worlds first artificially intelligent business advisor. Available as a smart-phone app, the companys goal is to provide personalized education and human-like support to millions of entrepreneurs and business owners, all at the same time. To find out more about BRiN, visit and claim your free subscription at: https://brin.ai. Follow us on Twitter @BRiNdotai. Update: According to Skylands Animal Sanctuary, the bull passed away in transit to the Animal Care Centers (ACC) of New York City. "I'm sorry he didn't make it," the group wrote. An overdose of the tranquilizer is the "likely cause," according to Meredith Turner-Smith, a spokesperson at Farm Sanctuary. "Very sad. He wanted to live so badly and gave it everything he had," she told The Dodo. A bull was literally running for his life on Tuesday morning through the streets of Queens, New York. The animal was so scared and determined to escape that even after officials darted him with sedatives, he still kept running. Dodo Shows Wild Hearts Orphaned Deer Runs Back To The Wild With Her Best Friend The bull escaped before 11 a.m. Police cornered the animal in a backyard in Jamaica, Queens, but the animal was so determined to break free that he ran away again. After an hour-long chase, the bull was sedated and captured. Meanwhile, a rescuer is on his way to the city from New Jersey to try to give the bull a whole new life. "I'm on my way right now," Mike Stura, founder of Skylands Animal Sanctuary & Rescue in Wantage, New Jersey, told The Dodo, just before the bull was captured. Stura said that if the bull gets captured again, he'll try to do everything he can to save him. "Then comes the part where I try to convince them to give him to me," Stura said. Canada should work to strengthen its ties with China and other countries while ensuring it maintains a good relationship with the United States, former prime minister Paul Martin said Tuesday. While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sought to deepen Canadas ties to China, hes also building a relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump who has taken an anti-China stance in many of his comments. The Trudeau government should do exactly what its doing, which is to look to our needs, Martin said in an interview with The Canadian Press. And our needs require, obviously, that we have good relationships with the United States and, obviously, that we should establish sound relations with other countries including China. Read more: Justin Trudeau explains Donald Trump to Europe: Walkom Five revealing moments from the Trudeau-Trump day Trudeau given reassuring signals from Trump during visit Martin said pension reform is one of the areas where Canada and China have common interests, because each faces the challenge of a retirement population thats growing faster than its workforce. We have an aging population and we, obviously as a country, have to deal with it, he said. Canada and China will each have only about 2.5 workers per retiree by 2046 compared with Canadas current ratio of four-to-one and Chinas ratio of about seven-to-one as of 2016, according to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. Martin made his comments following the official launch of a Chinese-language edition of Fixing The Future, a 380-page book about the creation of the CPPIB in 1997 while he was federal finance minister. The CPPIBs fund has since grown to nearly $300 billion making it the biggest retirement fund in Canada although it shares the world stage with retirement funds managed by Quebecs Caisse de depot and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan. Martin said the CPPIBs collaboration with Chinas pension reform efforts is the kind of thing we should be doing. At the same time, he added, we should be establishing the best relationship we can with our largest trading partner, which is the United States. Asked if he had advice for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Martin replied: I think the prime minister is doing very well. Read more about: SHARE: "I could have been released earlier if we had money to appeal in the high court," said Mohammad Hussain Fazili. By Shuja-ul-Haq : After spending close to 12 years in jail, Mohammad Hussain Fazili was acquitted by the trial court on February 16. Fazili was proven innocent. He was arrested from his house in Srinagar and booked on charges on being part of the 2005 Delhi blasts. It took the family more than a decade to prove his innocence in the court. advertisement "They arrested me for blasts in Delhi. I kept on pleading that I had never been to Delhi ever in my life but they never listened to me," said Hussain Fazili. Fazili is one of the three Kashmiris acquitted by the court. The modest Fazili household is jubilant as returned after 12 long years while his family had lost all the hopes. "Till the last moment, we didn't even inform my mother that I could be coming home. We were not sure of the final outcome in the court. Anything could have happened. So, we didn't want to build her expectations. She has already suffered a stroke because of me," said Fazili. For him, these years changed everything. He can't even remember the exact address of his home in Srinagar now. While speaking to India Today on phone and asking directions to his home, he said, "I am sorry. I have to pass it on to my sister to tell you exactly where I live. I can't remeber the exact directions." Also read: No shutdown on Shivratri festival in Kashmir; separatists call off strike Fazili, now 43, was released following the order of acquittal passed by a court on Thursday. Fazili was 30 when he was arrested on November 21, 2005, just 24 days after the serial blasts in Delhi. He used to work as a shawl weaver in Srinagar. Fazili and two others, Mohammad Rafiq Shah and Tariq Ahmad Dar were also arrested in November 2005 in connection with the Delhi blasts. While Fazili and Shah were acquitted, Dar was convicted with 10-year imprisonment. Dar has already spent 10 years in jail. Although Fazili is happy to be back home but has many questions for the government and the security agencies. "I want those people to be brought before the law not for myself only but for all others who are suffering in jails like i did," added Faizili. Also read: New wedding rules in J-K: 500 guests for daughter's, 400 for sons; wazwan dishes reduced to 7 advertisement --- ENDS --- Blame Canada. Thats what U.S. farmers say about some of the bubbling gluts weighing on the milk market, and they are eager for U.S. President Donald Trump to do something about it. While growers and exporters of U.S. crops and food products have expressed anxiety over Trumps restrictive immigration policies and determination to renegotiate trade deals, dairies see him as an opportunity to crack what they see as Canadas protectionist milk practices and to help ease oversupply in some regions. A key battleground is the little known market for ultrafiltered milk, a concentrated ingredient used to boost protein content in cheese and yogurt. Canada is creating incentives for processors to buy from domestic manufacturers. U.S. producers say that could be a disaster, and they allege the new policy would violate trade agreements. Companies in Wisconsin and New York alone might lose $150 million (U.S.) in sales north of the border. Read more: The Trump-Bannon new global order: League of the Three Empires Justin Trudeau must be willing to walk away from Trumps NAFTA: Walkom Canada seems to want to have the free flow of goods south, but are protective of anything going north, so its time to sit down and talk, said Kevin Ellis, chief executive officer of Cayuga Milk Ingredients in Auburn, N.Y. The company exports $30 million a year of ultrafiltered milk to Canada. My hope is that the Trump administration takes them on. The view is different from the Dairy Farmers of Canada. The Ottawa-based industry group, which represents 12,000 farms, says imports of U.S. ultrafiltered milk causes an estimated $231 million (Canadian) in annual losses for domestic producers. Under the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement, which Trump has lambasted as the worst trade deal ever, most U.S. dairy products face duties of as much as 300 per cent. Ultrafiltered milk wasnt part of those rules and arrives in Canada without tariffs. Any restriction on exports is bad news for American dairy producers, who saw cash receipts drop to a six-year low of $34.2 billion (U.S.), according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Low prices and global surpluses have hurt the entire U.S. farm economy, with net income forecast to drop for a fourth straight year in 2017. The news isnt all bad for U.S. producers. Even with expanding record output, domestic prices are expected to rebound in 2017, according to the USDA. Americans are eating more cheese and butter, and U.S. output may be needed to fill supply shortfalls elsewhere in the world. The new Canadian policy on ultrafiltered milk dubbed the national ingredient strategy hasnt been finalized yet, but U.S. dairy groups already dont like what theyve seen. Canada is already prohibitive for American farmers, and its increasingly protectionist stance isnt in keeping with trade obligations under World Trade Organization agreements and NAFTA, the Washington-based National Milk Producers Federation said in a statement last year. The group urged Trump to push back against the changes. The president has pledged to renegotiate NAFTA as part of an America first policy. House Speaker Paul Ryan emphasized the importance of breaking down trade barriers and improving market access for Americas dairy farmers during a Feb. 13 meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Washington. Canadian Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay, at a Winnipeg industry conference last week, called the countrys supply-management system for dairy a model for the world that the government strongly supports. The new ingredient strategy was put together by dairy farmers and manufacturers, he said. Its the Canadians who have vehemently resisted trade with us and fought to slam shut what few doors are open, Shawna Morris, vice-president of trade policy at the National Milk Producers Federation, said. Still, until a final version of Canadas new policy is released, no disputes can be officially filed, she said. Canada controls dairy production through quotas, and imports are restricted with tariffs under a system known as supply management. Regulators have been tight-lipped about the potential changes and when they will officially come into effect. The strategy is still being negotiated, so we wont discuss it, Isabelle Bouchard, a Dairy Farmers of Canada spokesperson, said in an email. The Canadian Dairy Commission didnt respond to requests for comment. Meanwhile, American companies say they have already lost Canadian customers. Grassland Dairy Products Inc., based in Greenwood, Wis., annually exports $100 million of ultrafiltered milk to Canada. The company probably will lose all those sales in the next few months, Goedhart Westers, vice-president of business development, said. It could take two or three years to find sales with similar returns to replace the lost exports, he said. Us losing this business, it means we might have to scale down, Westers said. Itll affect employees and the thousands of farms we buy milk from in the Midwest. The new policy would also place a cap on the amount of skim-milk powder that the Canadian Dairy Commission will buy back from dairy processors. That could lead to an estimated 120,000 metric tons of extra supply being sold into a two million-ton global market, causing a significant disruption in prices, said James McVitty, vice president of government relations and trade strategy for New Zealand-based Fonterra Co-operative Group Ltd., the worlds biggest dairy exporter. We share the concern of the U.S. industry, McVitty said by phone from Washington. U.S. dairies are already grappling with gluts. The amount of milk wasted or used for animal feed last May and June exceeded 34 million kilograms, the most in government data going back to 2000. Production peaks in the spring, and this year there could be even more waste because cow herds have expanded and processing capacity hasnt kept pace. Without Canadas demand for ultrafiltered milk to soak some of the extra supply, dairy farmers will probably see lower paycheques, Matt Gould, an analyst with Dairy & Food Market Analyst Inc., said. Producers normally get paid a government-regulated milk price with bonuses for quality or volume. If theres too much milk, premiums will disappear and they could instead see discounts. For some organizations, this is a catastrophic issue, Gould said. That milk has to stay in the region and will cause even more enormous dumping and wastage, which will take the spot value of raw milk and drive it right into the ground. Read more about: SHARE: ERBIL, IRAQCanadian special forces have shifted their operations in northern Iraq to put pressure on Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL, in places outside the strategic city of Mosul including along the border with Syria. The objective: To figure out the good guys from the bad so Iraqi military forces and coalition aircraft can attack. High atop a rocky hilltop Monday, two Canadian soldiers sat in a makeshift bunker located more than a kilometre behind the front line between Kurdish forces and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. One bearded soldier looked through a high-powered viewfinder, scanning the small community that lay below, while the other took notes. A camera sat between them in case something interesting appeared. When the first Canadian soldiers arrived in the country in September 2014, their mission was to help train the Peshmerga to stop and hold back a confident and, until then, undefeated Daesh hoard. That was the first phase of the now nearly two-and-a-half-year-old mission, before Daesh lost the upper hand. Now, flying by helicopter from Erbil, the Kurds capital in Iraq, to the Mosul Dam, one can see the barricades of dirt and defensive positions that helped the Peshmerga stop Daesh from overwhelming northern Iraq. The trenches and stone buildings hastily constructed during that period two years ago lie abandoned today, as the war and Canadas role in it shifted from defence to offence. Kurdish forces, supported by the Canadians, kicked off a long-anticipated attack to free Mosul, Iraqs second-largest city, from Daesh in October. But the Kurds and their Canadian comrades stopped short of Mosul, as planned. Instead, they shifted to fighting the extremist group in other ways and let the Iraqi military enter and clear Daesh from the city. Briefing reporters on Monday at Camp Erable, the Canadian military camp in Erbil, a special forces officer said the mission has turned toward identifying and monitoring potential Daesh targets in the region. That includes keeping tabs through optical sights and other means, on key enemy movement corridors between Iraq and Syria as well as areas inside and immediately outside Kurdish territory. The officer said such monitoring helped locate Daesh forces inside a large town that was sidestepped during the early parts of the Mosul offensive and needed cleaning up. It also means a decline in the number of times Canadian soldiers have actually fired their weapons in recent months, the officer said, as potential targets are relayed to the Iraqis and coalition for destruction. The special forces officer, who asked not to be identified for security reasons, said the nature of the Mosul offensive had meant Canadian troops often found themselves in situations where they were required to fire. That isnt the case now, he said, adding that Canadian soldiers are specifically told to set up in locations where such circumstances are unlikely. The Canadians continue to work with the Peshmerga. At the hilltop encampment, a number of fighters from the Kurds elite Zeravani stood guard on the perimeter while others relaxed inside. In fact, the special forces officer said his soldiers have started working on a program that will train some Kurds to take on the role of instructors themselves. Capt. Dhyab Mohammed Omar, commander of the Peshmerga fighters, praised his Canadian comrades and the contribution they had made in helping the Kurds fight Daesh. We are always honoured to have them at our positions, he said. It was my wildest dream to work with the Canadians. Having them show up and help us, we would die for them. While much of the attention surrounding Canadas mission in northern Iraq has been focused on the role being played by the special forces, they arent operating alone. Roughly 150 Canadian troops are stationed in Erbil, including a helicopter squadron, logistical staff, and medical personnel, all in support of the special forces mission and broader coalition fight against Daesh. Four Griffon helicopters from Canadian Forces Base Valcartier ferry troops and equipment from Camp Erable to the special forces troops in the field every day, zipping low like dragonflies over fields, around hills and past isolated communities to avoid enemy fire. The challenge here is the more (power) wires and the weather during winter, said Maj. Mathieu Bertrand, commander of the helicopter squadron. We had some fog. But generally, the weather is good. Meanwhile, a Canadian military hospital located within Camp Erables small footprint, which itself is part of a larger coalition base dominated by the U.S., stands ready to provide aid to those wounded in battle. While the hospital, whose personnel hail from CFB Petawawa, has treated more than 100 patients for various injuries, Lt.-Col. Richard Morin said only 13 had received battlefield wounds. None were Canadian. The predominance of cases were getting are emergency department-type casualties or patients that you would get when you get over 5,000 military troops all in one place, he said. The hospital has also treated a handful of Daesh fighters who were wounded and detained by coalition forces, which Morin said falls in line with the laws governing war. We actually understand even in conflict, there are rules that you need to follow that respects the dignity of life, he said. Thats what makes us different. The entire effort is underpinned by logistical personnel, led by Lt.-Col. Dominique Dagenais, who are responsible for Camp Erable and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Dagenais said the biggest challenge he faces is ensuring new personnel get their Iraqi visas in time to replace those who are nearing the end of their deployments. The Iraqi government has in the past dragged its feet when it comes to Canadas mission against Daesh, including delaying deployment of the military hospital and signing off on a plan to arm the Kurds. Read more about: SHARE: SAINT-BERNARD-DE-LACOLLE, QUE.Security officials scrambled on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border Monday morning when two men, a young woman and an infant made their way to the busiest hole in the frontier. On the American side, the group was flagged to the U.S. Border Patrol. Agents intervened and brought them in for questioning and verifications to ensure that they were legally in the country, said Norman Lague, an officer with the agency. When they passed the inspection, the group loaded their three backpacks, the babys diaper bag, a stroller and car seat into a silver taxi van and continued along Roxham Road, a dusty dead-end street, on their way to Canada. It is a version of the scenario that happens now several times a day every day here near the Quebec town of Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle a taxi arrives, a family emerges, luggage is hauled across a border that is nothing more than a ditch, the RCMP arrests the asylum seekers, and takes them to be processed into an already overloaded system. Read more: Montreal becomes third Canadian sanctuary city for non-status refugees Toronto not truly a Sanctuary City, report says How Canada should react to Trump and refugee crisis: Opinion But despite the heartwarming photos of police officers helping with young children, or offering an arm to negotiate the slippery snowbanks, it appears that the status quo is starting to stress Canadas border protection and refugee-intake system. From corporals to a staff sergeant to an inspector, the Mounties who spoke to reporters during a media tour Monday were too stoic to admit such a thing. But Brad Cutris, an acting division chief with the U.S. Border Patrol said it loud and clear from the American side of the border in response to questions lobbed at him a few feet away in Canada. A solution would be great, he said. Like what? a Radio-Canada journalist asked, while teetering on the snowy bank of a creek running between the two countries. I wish I knew, maam. Im not a policy-maker. Mondays group of stunned and likely frightened border crossers was greeted in Canada by many of the nations media outlets, plus a few American journalists who were visiting to better understand that the U.S. is not alone in having people streaming across its borders. The tour for reporters began at the RCMPs emergency operations centre in downtown Montreal, where the force showed off its remote surveillance capabilities, including high-resolution cameras and regular helicopter patrols. Cpl. Francois Gagnon, a media spokesperson with the force, told reporters that the increase in illegal border crossings into Canada has been the greatest in Quebec. It has meant more work for patrol officers but not more than the force can handle, he emphasized. But when the tour moved on to Roxham Road a once-unknown country street that has become Canadas version of Ellis Island for some migrants Gagnon was among the dozen RCMP officers thrust into action when unexpected border-crossers arrived. The 13 dramatic minutes from the time that the migrants taxi pulled up to the border in the U.S. to the time they were driven away in Canada was captured by frenzied photographers and television cameras. Unlike other asylum seekers who obtain tourist visas to travel to the U.S. and make their way directly to Canada upon arrival, this group appears to have been living south of the border for some time. One of the men who had pulled his black toque down to hide his face told Cpl. Gagnon that he was from Eritrea and had been living in the U.S. since 2013. Another RCMP officer who seized the border-crossers passports held a Minnesota drivers licence and what appeared to be a Sudanese passport in his hands. At Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebecs largest border crossing, Canadas newest refugee claimants would have been taken to the basement of a decommissioned building that has been set up with couches, offices, computers and vending machines to process the elevated number of refugee claimants. Normally, the Canada Border Services Agency sees between 10 and 20 claims per day, said Dominique Fillion, an enforcement officer with the agency. Last month there were 452 asylum seekers who made claims at that particular border crossing. The agency will not say how many of those people crossed into Canada illegally. Fillion said the CBSA has been redeploying agents from others posts and duties to help fingerprint, photograph and process the increased number of refugee claimants. Every day we get more officers coming in, she said. Like the RCMP, Fillion would not, or could not say if the agency is looking at any long-term solutions to ease the demands on the system. Refugee advocates in Canada and the U.S. have urged the federal government to suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement, which forces refugees to make their claim in whichever country they first reach. That would remove the need for asylum seekers to sneak into Canada in order to exploit a loophole in the deal. Ottawa has so far rejected such calls, but there is increasing pressure on Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus Liberals to develop a plan that will reduce the illegal and sometimes dangerous crossings. Illegal crossings are unsafe and a burden on local communities, MP Tony Clement, the Conservative partys public safety critic, wrote on Twitter over the weekend. Our laws should be enforced. Read more about: SHARE: WINNIPEGThe federal and provincial governments need to co-ordinate their approach to the growing number of asylum-seekers crossing the border because all signs from the United States suggest the issue is not going away, says Manitobas premier. With the United States approach, and the United States new administrations approach on issues related to refugees and to immigration generally there are conditions that would lead, I think, most people to conclude this will be an ongoing challenge, Brian Pallister said Tuesday. We have a letter going out with specific issues that we would like to see the federal government co-operatively address, and I have a call lined up later this week with other premiers to discuss the issue and co-ordinate our approaches in respect of where we go from here. Pallisters office later clarified that his calls with other premiers will be one-by-one and not a conference call. Read more: Canada-U.S. border the final frontier for refuge-seekers RCMP say 21 refugees arrested for crossing border in Manitoba The number of people fleeing the United States, largely from African countries originally, has jumped in recent weeks, following planned crackdowns on immigration in the U.S. The refugees have been crossing fields and ditches near border communities such as Emerson-Franklin, Man. and Hemmingford, Que. The tactic is a way to get around the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires anyone who has already applied for refugee status in the U.S. to be turned away at an official border crossing in Canada. If a person crosses somewhere else and gets apprehended on Canadian soil, they can apply as a refugee and the case is heard by Canadian authorities. Some immigration lawyers and politicians want Canada to change the agreement so that people can turn themselves in at official border crossings and still get their refugee claim heard. The reeve of Emerson-Franklin, Greg Janzen, said Tuesday the idea would increase safety for his communitys residents and for the refugees, who have been making long crossings on foot in the dead of winter. I would like to see something changed and get some order to this chaos thats going on, Janzen said. Let them walk up to the port of entry. Will that bring more people? Yes. But at least it will be in an organized manner. Pallister was noncommittal on the issue. He said there are arguments for and against changing the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement. In Ottawa, federal Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said he sees no need to change the agreement, because the United States was still living up to its international obligations in dealing with asylum-seekers. Pallister would not specify what he is seeking from the federal government. He said he is putting those details in a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. I think we have to have the dialogue (first) and we should endeavour to do that co-operatively with the federal government. Read more about: SHARE: The St. Matthews Day Banquet in Hamburg has been a big date on the German citys social calendar for more than six centuries. Everyone whos anyone in Hamburg attends. Under the gilded roof of the historic town halls palatial banquet room, keynote speakers each year, a German dignitary and a foreign guest discuss the great matters of the day before hundreds of revelers. Perhaps Justin Trudeaus staff didnt notice before he spoke at this years banquet that the keynote slot has lately become quite thoroughly jinxed. The non-German speaker in 2016 was David Cameron, then the prime minister of Britain. Four months later he lost the Brexit referendum and resigned. In 2015 the guest keynote was delivered by Polish president Bronislaw Komorowski. Three months later he lost his countrys presidential election. In 2014 Danish PM Helle Thorning-Schmidt famous to space-challenged headline writers the world over as Obama selfie friend after she posed for a photo with the former U.S. president at Nelson Mandelas funeral addressed the Hamburg dinner. She lost her next election and retired from politics. In 2013 the cursed Hamburg keynote slot was occupied by Jean-Marc Ayrault, who lasted for 13 more months as Frances prime minister before losing that job. Apparently Trudeau is hoping to buck the trend. Its a very specific trend, if we look more closely. Cameron was trying to stem a rising tide of populism at home by urging the European Union to reform itself. He failed, essentially, and saw his career washed away by a tide of populist nationalism in the Brexit referendum. Komorowski was the standard-bearer for a moderate pro-European business conservative party that found itself losing, first in Polands presidential vote and then in parliamentary elections, to Law and Justice, a social-conservative movement that plays on fear of Polands neighbours, leftover resentment against Communism, and suspicion of newcomers. Thorning-Schmidts social democrats lost to a centre-right party, mostly thanks to a surge in support for the further-right Danish Peoples Party, whose leader has since said he finds Donald Trump refreshing. Ayraults departure was less dramatic. French prime ministers are appointed by presidents, and Ayrault took the fall when it became clear that Francois Hollandes presidency was going nowhere fast. But Ayrault is another symbol of the incapacity of traditional managerial brokerage parties to deliver the change voters crave. Marine Le Pen is almost certain to win more votes in Mays French presidential election than the candidate of Ayraults Socialist party. So the last four consecutive Hamburg keynoters came a cropper, not from random bad luck, but because the fury of the disaffected made political business-as-usual impossible. A cautionary tale. Four for the price of one, in fact. Now along comes Trudeau. Appropriately enough, the tone of his remarks to the Hamburg swells was uncharacteristically dark. Citizens across the political spectrum are looking for guidance. Theyre looking for leadership. Theyre looking for a voice, he said. And so far, theyre feeling a little let down. When companies post record profits on the backs of workers consistently refused full-time work, he said, people get defeated. When governments serve special interests instead of the citizens interests who elected them, people lose faith. Inequality has made citizens distrust governments and employers, and were watching that anxiety transform into anger on an almost daily basis. Thats got to change, Trudeau said, perhaps noticing the Hamburg Rathaus floor is littered with trap doors. Its time to get real about the challenges facing the middle class, he said, and Old approaches dont work anymore, and We cant go about things the same way and expect to succeed in this new world. Much of the rest of his speech was corporate-responsibility stuff companies should pay a living wage, provide generous maternity leave, and so on. As for his own business governing Canada he offered no hint about what might be next, only applause for his enhanced child benefit and his recent at-least-Im-not-in-Davos speaking tour. But I dont take the PM to have been basking in complacency. He didnt come before his German hosts as the guy whos found the solution. He cast themselves, with them, as one who needs to find it. We can no longer brush aside the concerns of our workers and our citizens. We have to address the root cause of their worries, and get real about how the changing economy is impacting peoples lives. I take Trudeaus Hamburg speech as a preview of a strongly populist shift in economic policy, beginning with next months federal budget. Ill have more on that later this week. Paul Wells is a national affairs writer. His column appears Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Read more about: SHARE: MONTREALConservative leadership candidate Steven Blaney says Canada must act immediately to stop illegal immigrants from entering the country. Blaney is proposing a series of measures he believes will make the border airtight. They include giving Canadian authorities the right to immediately hand over illegal immigrants to their American counterparts. He also wants the government to hire an additional 200 RCMP officers and an extra 200 agents at the Canada Border Services Agency. Blaney told a news conference in Montreal today the new hires would cost about $40 million. The MP for Bellechasse-Les Etchemins-Levis is also calling on cities to fully co-operate with authorities, especially with regard to illegal immigrants who have criminal records. Read more: Canada-U.S. border the final frontier for those seeking refuge Conservative leadership hopefuls debate environment, drugs in Vancouver The next leader of the Conservatives is ... one of these 14 SHARE: Toronto police have launched an investigation after disgusting notes with anti-Semitic messages were left on doors at a condominium in the city, residents say. Its absolutely disgusting, a resident of the building at 233 Beecroft Rd. in North York said. In my 15-plus years Ive lived here, Ive never had to lock my door . . . but Ill be locking the door tonight. Photos shared with the Star show a small note bearing the phrase no Jews above a swastika written in red ink. Mezuzahs, bearing scripture from Torah and hung on doorposts, were vandalized or stolen, residents confirmed. Helen Chaiton, who has lived in the building for 18 years, said her rabbi had visited Sunday afternoon to replace her mezuzah that was completely vandalized. Hours later, in the evening, her new mezuzah had been stolen with an obscene message left at her front door. At the foot of my door was the F-word, and a swastika, she said. I am staying strong. I come from a family of Holocaust survivors. Chaiton said that on Sunday evening, she heard chiseling outside her door, and several knocks. Anti-Semitism has no place in Toronto. Our Jewish residents should not have to face hatred on their doorsteps, Mayor John Tory said in a statement on Monday. These acts, and the people who carry them out, do not represent Toronto or Torontonians, the mayor continued. Police confirmed that the Hate Crime Unit was investigating several other incidents over the past few weeks that were motivated by hate. We know these incidents either rooted in Islamophobia or anti-Semitism have a profound effect on the entire community and not just those immediate victims, they said in a statement. They also said that TPS did not see any noticeable increase in the number of hate-motivated incidents, and are encouraging the public to step forward and report an incident. Even if the incident does not meet the threshold for hate crime charges, police will still use the information provided to conduct an investigation that could lead to other criminal charges, the statement read. Rabbi Moshe Steiner, co-director of Uptown Chabad synagogue in North York, went knocking door-to-door in the building on Monday to provide new mezuzahs and assistance to residents. I met with three families. They are taking it seriously. They are confident that they will overcome, he told the Star. Steiner also said that the synagogue would continue to offer free mezuzah scrolls to any residents who were targeted. We are coming together as a community and will emerge stronger from this incident, he said. There has been outpouring of support from both within the Jewish community and beyond. Last Friday, a small anti-Islam protest formed outside Masjid Toronto mosque with protestors holding signs reading No Islam. Another group of people responded with a counterprotest to support the Muslim community. One of my most important responsibilities, together with my Council colleagues, is to safeguard the accepting, safe and stable environment within which the worlds most diverse urban population lives here in Toronto, Tory said. That is why on Friday I condemned the anti-Muslim demonstration which took place outside a downtown Toronto mosque and it is why I similarly condemn anti-Semitic hate notes recently left outside Jewish homes in Willowdale. With files from The Canadian Press SHARE: A man is facing 12 charges after police say a camera was hidden in a washroom at the Rexdale Community Health Centre. Toronto police were called to the centre on Friday, where they found a silver thermos containing a pinhole camera in a staff washroom. The camera had been used to capture images of employees, police said in news release. On Sunday, Wayne Bassaragh, 48, of Toronto was charged with 10 counts of voyeurism, one count of mischief/interfere with property, and one count of corrupting morals. Police said Bassaragh works as a chiropodist at the centre, and also works in other clinics around the GTA. He will appear in court on Mar. 31. SHARE: A judges finding that two inmates were subjected to cruel and unusual treatment because of the numerous prison lockdowns they endured was based on faulty information and legally wrong, Ontarios top court heard Tuesday. In addition, the Court of Appeal was told, the decision to award them a total of $85,000 in damages was unreasonable and unfair given that they had never asked for money. The Ontario government is appealing a May 2016 decision in which Superior Court Justice Douglas Gray awarded $60,000 to Jamil Ogiamien, 46, a Nigerian facing deportation, and another $25,000 to Huy Nguyen, who was awaiting trial on firearms charges. Gray agreed the frequent lockdowns they went through over a two-year period violated their rights because they were largely confined to their cells, deprived of the ability to maintain basic hygiene, and otherwise subjected to harsh conditions that affected their mental and physical health. In submissions to the appeal panel, Ontario government lawyer Mike Dunn said Gray was wrong about the number of lockdowns the men went through while at the maximum security Maplehurst Correctional Complex. Among other things, Gray found they were in lockdown roughly half the time, but Dunn said the real proportion was closer to 30 per cent. Dunn also argued Gray failed to appreciate the steps the province had taken albeit to little effect to address long-standing staffing issues that resulted in frequent lockdowns, which the government says are imposed only as a last resort. The court should take into account efforts made by the institution, made by the administration, Dunn said. Running a large maximum security prison is inherently complex. The three justices wondered whether the government had done enough to deal with the situation given that it had known for years about the staffing shortages. The ministry could keep on trying and keep on failing and thats just fine? Justice Gary Trotter said. Failing to take into account the governments best efforts to address the situation amounts to legal error, Dunn countered. Fellow lawyer, Hart Schwartz, argued that even if the finding of cruel and unusual punishment were upheld, the award of damages should be thrown out. For one thing, Schwartz said, the claimants had simply wanted an end to the lockdowns and neither had asked for a money award. We first learned of it when the decision came over the fax machine, Schwartz said. We were, needless to say, surprised. Barbara Jackman, appointed as a friend of the court to help the unrepresented litigants, said Gray was right to find violation of the mens rights. He was also well within his rights to award damages after deciding that simply slapping the government on the wrist would be insufficient to denounce its conduct and provide a remedy to the men. Justice Grays assessment and finding is sustainable on the evidence, Jackman said in written filings. The impetus for these lockdowns staffing shortages do not arise from legitimate security or safety concerns, but are the harmful result of administrative failures. Neither of them were serving time for a conviction, Jackman said. She also said money damages were appropriate and were covered in the mens request to the courts for general relief. If anything, Jackman told the judges, there was a studied indifference about whats going on in the jails. Justice John Laskin, however, said it was highly unusual for a judge to come up with a money award without notifying the parties or hearing submissions. Jackman agreed, saying if the court upheld Grays finding of a rights breach, it would be appropriate to go back to him to argue damages. In his oral submissions, Ogiamien described conditions under lockdown as cruel and inhumane and said there was no hope because complaints went nowhere. Ogiamien was released under strict conditions in the middle of last year as he fights deportation. Nguyen remains in custody. The justices reserved their decision. SHARE: Two judges have recently called out the federal Crown office in Brampton for failing to disclose evidence to the defence in a timely fashion in drug prosecutions, with one saying the Crowns actions represent the culture of complacency in the legal system described by the Supreme Court in a landmark ruling last year. Ontario court Justice Andras Schreck stayed drug charges against Andrew Stanley and Dilancan Unutkan in December after it took too long to get their case to trial. His colleague on the bench, Justice Kathryn Hawke, stayed charges earlier this month against David McCready and Keith Rochon, finding there were similarities with the Stanley and Unutkan case with regards to the slow pace of disclosure by the Crown. Last year in a landmark ruling, R v. Jordan, the Supreme Court found that cases in provincial court that take longer than 18 months to get to trial are considered presumptively unreasonable, and it falls on the Crown to prove that there were exceptional circumstances for the delay. Read more: Ontario lawyers warn civil court delays a worsening disaster Ontario to tackle court delays by hiring more judges, prosecutors Ottawa must address the high cost of court delays: Editorial Delays attributed to the defence cant be used to justify staying a charge. The delay in this case was primarily the result of the Crowns failure to fulfill its disclosure obligations in anything even approaching a timely fashion, Schreck wrote in December. In my view, this case exemplifies the culture of complacency condemned in Jordan. While a move by the Ontario government last year to add more judges and provincial Crown attorneys was applauded as a first step at clearing the backlog of cases at risk of being thrown out, the two Brampton prosecutions highlight what lawyers say are other issues that cause delay, but get less attention. In the Stanley and Unutkan case, the accused were charged with several counts of possessing drugs for the purpose of trafficking, the total value being about $500,000. The judge found the delay in the case to be 25 months, once delay attributed to the defence was subtracted. As one reason for the delay, Schreck pointed out that it took eight months after the accused were arrested to provide their lawyers with the information to obtain (ITO), a document that contains information about a case sworn by police in order to get a search warrant. Schreck said he found it hard to believe it took so long for the Crown to vet the ITO before it was disclosed to defence lawyers, because the document was nine pages and the only information censored was two small portions on the second page to protect the identity of a confidential informant. I find it difficult to accept that the Crowns office was so short-staffed that it took eight months to vet nine pages, he said. Even if it was, the Crowns failure to allocate sufficient resources to the prosecution of serious criminal offences cannot justify delay that is otherwise unreasonable. Even after the ITO was provided, it took another five months to provide the surveillance disclosure, which consisted of police notes that were created prior to the applicants arrest. Unutkans lawyer, Andrew Edgar, and Stanleys lawyer, John Christie, said a major source of delay in drug cases in Brampton is that Peel Regional Police take too long to provide evidence to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, the federal agency that handles drug crimes. Its not uncommon in Peel drug cases for initial disclosure, which consists largely of photocopies of notebooks that can be prepared in a day, to take months before it is given out, Edgar told the Star. These things dont get done faster quite simply because some Peel officers dont care to do them faster, he said. When serious charges are being stayed as a result of this culture, people will hopefully start to realize that theres something wrong going on here. A spokesman for Peel police said only one instance of delay in the Stanley and Unutkan case was the result of police disclosure. We take the disclosure process seriously, said Sgt. Josh Colley. We have a directive that outlines the time frame within which disclosure is required to occur, and it applies to all areas of Peel Regional Police. A spokeswoman for the Public Prosecution Service of Canada didnt reply specifically to questions about the judges criticism of the Brampton federal Crown office. Nathalie Houle said the prosecution service has issued a new guideline in the wake of Jordan to prosecutors on avoiding unnecessary or lengthy delays. In the second Brampton drug case, Keith Rochon and David McCready were facing several drug possession and possession for the purpose of trafficking charges. After subtracting defence delay, Justice Hawke found it took just over 26 months to get the case to trial. The judge said there was a striking similarity with the Stanley and Unutkan case, in that it took the Crown over seven months after the mens arrest to disclose the ITO to the defence. She said there were warning signs relating to delay but no steps were taken to prioritize it over other federal prosecutions. Getting ITOs to counsel is part of your bread and butter work if you are in the business of prosecuting drug cases, Hawke wrote. Lack of attention to this work does not, without further appropriate details, show complexity, rather it leads to the inferences drawn by Justice Schreck and the complexity argument fails. Lawyer Brian Crothers, who represented Rochon, and Dano Sahulka, a former federal Crown prosecutor who represented McCready, said more resources need to be allocated to the prosecution office by the federal government. Until that problem is fixed, then there will always be problems in providing full disclosure to an accused person in a timely fashion, which will continue to violate a citizen's right to a trial in a reasonable time in this new post-Jordan era, Crothers told the Star. Read more about: SHARE: A man and woman from Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram were detained by Kerala police accusing them of public indecency. The youngsters, irked by unwarranted moral policing, went live on Facebook asking the cops to prove their accusation. By India Today Web Desk: In another incident of moral policing today, Kerala police detained a native of Kerala's Thiruvananthapuram, Vishnu, and his female friend from the premises of the Napier Museum compound, accusing them of indulging in "vulgar" activities. The youngsters gave the cops a tough time by going live on Facebook and compelled two policewomen and a policeman to specify what "indecent" act they were involved in. Unable to answer the questions, cops could be seen standing, helpless, and with no clear grounds to even detain them. advertisement Vishnu's live video has gone viral by now, garnering over 65,000 views within six hours. In the video, Vishnu asks the police what exactly they saw to accuse him and his friend of public indecency. Speechless for a bit, a female cop tells Vishnu that they saw the youngsters hugging and kissing. Whether hugging a friend, regardless of their gender, and kissing someone in public is socially wrong is another discussion altogether, but Vishnu was adamant that they cannot be taken to the police station without at least one person present in the premises testifying that his friend and him were indeed involved in "acts" the police were accusing them of. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: A policeman could be heard saying, "we can let go this woman only with her parents/guardians" to which Vishnu's friend replies, "I am 23 years old, and what if I say I am an orphan?" Struggling to prove their accusation, police could be heard repeating that they saw the youngsters being indecent in public. Vishnu, on the other hand, could be heard saying, "all we did was sitting together, and yes, my hand was over her shoulder. How is that indecent?" This is not the first time Kerala police is being accused of moral policing youngsters, but this is the first time youngsters have put social media to prove their innocence. Often, police detain youngsters and they end up being on the front pages of yellow newspapers with a three column report that narrates how police took action against youngsters indulging in "vulagar" activities in public. --- ENDS --- Ontarios Attorney General is calling on his federal counterpart to scrap preliminary inquiries in most criminal cases as a way to speed up the justice system. These hearings are held prior to trials in Superior Court, which handles the most serious cases such as murder, and allow for a lower court judge to determine if there is enough evidence to send the accused to trial. Speaking to the Empire Club of Canada Tuesday, Attorney General Yasir Naqvi said he also wants federal Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to move as quickly as possible to fill Ontarios 11 judicial vacancies in Superior Court, which include seven in the GTA and three in Ottawa. We need to make bold changes to speed up and simplify the criminal court process, Naqvi said. It is our view that the long-held rationales for preliminary inquiries simply no longer exist, he continued. I have, therefore, asked the Minister to consider Criminal Code reforms that will significantly curtail the use of preliminary inquiries in criminal cases destined for the Superior Court. The Criminal Lawyers Association, which supports preliminary inquiries as the best way to discover a case against the accused, said it was not consulted on Naqvis request. We will be pursuing the opportunity to point out the shortcomings of the Attorney Generals position, said CLA president Anthony Moustacalis. He said a preliminary inquiry also allows the parties to narrow the scope of a case, meaning the eventual trial would not be so lengthy or costly. Toronto lawyer Daniel Brown pointed out that the Supreme Courts recent decision to set a timeline of 30 months to get a case to trial in Superior Court obviously took into account the time needed for a preliminary inquiry. And, so, the notion that these preliminary inquiries have no value to the system is completely unfounded and false, he said. In a letter to Wilson-Raybould obtained by the Star, Naqvi said preliminary inquiries should be limited to the most serious offences, such as murder and treason. He said the Crowns screening standard for bringing a case forward is already higher than the test used in a preliminary inquiry to determine if an accused should stand trial. Naqvi said that the provincial government has been conducting an analysis regarding the effectiveness of preliminary inquiries, and found that, in the vast majority of cases, the accused was ordered to stand trial. Yet this step in the process typically adds months to the length of a criminal case, he said. Naqvi said he has also asked Wilson-Raybould to convene a special meeting as soon as possible of provincial and territorial attorneys general to discuss the implications of a landmark 2016 Supreme Court decision that set new timelines to get a case to trial. That decision, R v. Jordan, found that cases that take longer than 18 months to get to trial in provincial court, and 30 months in Superior Court, are considered presumptively unreasonable and it falls on the Crown to prove there were exceptional circumstances for the delay. If the Crown fails, the charge against the accused will be stayed. Delay attributed to the defense cannot be used to justify staying a charge. Several serious criminal cases have already been stayed in Ontario as a result of the Jordan decision, including a first-degree murder case in Ottawa last year. SHARE: BRUSSELSU.S. Vice-President Mike Pence told a Europe rattled by U.S. President Donald Trumps insults of European institutions and perplexing comments about nonexistent incidents in Sweden that Trump actually fully supported the European Union and NATO. The president did ask me to come here to Brussels to the home of the European Union and deliver an additional message, Pence said while standing next to Donald Tusk, president of the European Council and a former prime minister of Poland. So today its my privilege on behalf of President Trump to express the strong commitment of the United States to continued co-operation and partnership with the European Union. Smiles and handshakes abounded before and after Pence delivered his reassuring words, but Europeans taken aback by Trumps occasional fulminations against European institutions that had long been the bedrock of U.S. policy here were still wary. Read more: Pence tries to ease EU fears of Trumps relationship with Putin and comments on NATO, Brexit U.S. will hold Russia accountable, Mike Pence tells wary European allies As Trump talk becomes policy, EU leaders vow to remain united and defiant In January, Trump called the EU basically a vehicle for Germany, language that stunned leaders of the bloc, which has been struggling with economic malaise, migration and Britains intention to withdraw. Days later, Tusk, who represents the unions 28 national leaders, described Trumps bombastic and skeptical language as a potential threat to European unity alongside Russian aggression, Chinese assertiveness and Islamist terrorism. And just moments before Pence held his final news conference of his first overseas trip here, Trump posted on Twitter: The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT! (Sweden is a member of the EU, but not of NATO.) On Monday, after meeting with Pence, Tusk said he felt reassured. In a detailed statement, he said he had asked Pence whether the Trump administration was committed to maintaining an international order based on rules and laws; whether Trump was committed to NATO and to the closest possible trans-Atlantic co-operation; and whether Europe could count as always in the past, on the United States wholehearted and unequivocal, let me repeat, unequivocal support for the idea of a united Europe. Among the concerns shared by many European policy-makers is the possibility that the Trump administration will impose protectionist tariffs as part of the presidents goal of bringing jobs back to the United States. Read more about: SHARE: Canada has reassured Mexico that updating the North American Free Trade Agreement will be a three-way conversation involving all three member countries. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freelands remarks Tuesday appear to clarify speculation that Canada will abandon Mexico and pursue bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who wants to renegotiate the 23-year-old trade deal. We recognize that NAFTA is a three-country agreement and we need a three-country negotiation, Freeland told a Toronto conference on North Americas future convened by the Canadian Council for the Americas. We have had no specific NAFTA conversation with the U.S. There is no negotiating process in place yet. The U.S. has no team in place. Freeland said her conversations with U.S. counterparts have so far focused on the value of Canadian trade with the U.S., she added, noting that Canada is the top export market for 35 U.S. states. She noted that Canada also enjoys close trade, investment and tourism ties with Mexico, links that were further strengthened by Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus recent decision to remove the visa requirement for Mexican visitors to Canada. I see real opportunities for us to have stronger, closer collaboration between the three North American partners and seize on opportunities to achieve objectives of more jobs and growth. That is the core thing that brings us all together, she said. Luis Videgaray, Mexicos Foreign Minister, echoed this point of view, telling the forum that when it comes to trade ties, this is a three partners conversation. He also praised Mexicos relationship with Canada saying it would be a significant mistake to characterize it as something other than simply great. Trump campaigned for president on a pledge to overturn NAFTA, which he has blamed for a decline in the U.S.s manufacturing sector and called one of the worst deals ever. After meeting with Trudeau last week in Washington, Trump suggested that he planned only tweaks for Canadas terms under the NAFTA, saying he would focus instead on the unfair U.S. commercial relationship with Mexico (the U.S. has a trade deficit with the Mexico). Trump has also pledged to crack down on illegal immigrants from Mexico and to erect a barrier along the entire U.S.-Mexico border, and force Mexico to pay for the wall. The heated rhetoric prompted President Enrique Pena Nieto to cancel his visit to Washington last month. Videgaray called Trumps remarks damaging, offensive and insulting. Mexico and the U.S. have had very public and open differences, he said. But what people dont know is how strong the countries are and the complex and deep relationship. For many, many reasons, the U.S.-Mexico relationship will be sorted out. Videgaray has been to Washington twice already to meet with U.S. counterparts and this week U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will travel to Mexico City in an effort to help promote respectful and close relations between the two neighbouring countries. NAFTA is not the villain of the story, said Ildefonso Guajardo, Mexicos economy minister, who spoke at an earlier panel Tuesday. Introducing tariffs as Trump has suggested would be a disaster and would affect regional competitiveness, said Guajardo, due to integrated supply chains in many sectors. You need domestic policies to retrain people and to help them transition. The solution isnt a less open economy, he said. A Scotiabank study, released Feb. 17, concluded that NAFTA has not led to a decline in U.S. manufacturing jobs, or a hollowing out of labour, environmental or intellectual property standards. Technology, not trade, has cut manufacturing jobs. Manufacturings share of U.S. GDP (gross domestic product) has been stable for decades, the study found. Experts say that a trade deficit or surplus is not a good indicator of a trade deals effectiveness; trade volume is key and so is regional competitiveness. North American trade has more than tripled under the NAFTA, which comprises 470 million people and a $25 trillion regional market. An estimated 2.8 million U.S. jobs are directly supported by exports to Canada and Mexico. The agreement was the first trade deal between two developed countries, and a developing economy. Guajardo said all three members need to acknowledge that the trade deal has been a win-win-win. We must change NAFTA to reflect our new challenges. For example, 23 years ago there was no e-commerce, he said. But nothing new in NAFTA should be a step backwards. It wont include trade quotas or tariffs. There are many other instruments we can use. We must show the world we are committed to free trade and open policies. Changes to certain parts of the deal, such as rules of origin that say how to determine where a product is made, must be trilateral so there are common rules and certainty for investors. Currently, NAFTA requires that all products have 62.5 per cent NAFTA content to avoid duties. John Weekes, Canadas chief negotiator for NAFTA in 1994, said Canada should definitely be in the room for any discussions between Mexico and the U.S. We should be at the table, said Weekes. Canada needs to know what is going on to ensure that the resulting text doesnt emerge in a way that causes problems for Canada later. The White House must deliver 90 days notice to Congress to begin any NAFTA renegotiations. The U.S.s trade deal with Peru took five years to negotiate, while the agreement with Panama took seven years. Read more about: SHARE: ROMEFormer Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi brushed off a fracture within his ruling Democratic Party on Tuesday as he positioned himself to retake its leadership three months after suffering a humiliating defeat. A left-leaning faction within the Democrats failed to show up at a decisive party meeting Tuesday after threatening a schism ahead of a national parliamentary election later this year or in 2018. Renzi had stepped down as party leader over the weekend in hopes of getting a new, stronger mandate, and urged unity. But by Tuesday he seemed resigned that the faction led by Pier Luigi Bersani was leaving and said the party must move on. If someone wants to leave our community, we are pained by the choice but our mantra remains the same: Come, dont go, Renzi wrote on his blog. He said he was looking to the future, to the partys upcoming congress and was planning a new TV and social media blitz to get out his ideas. Read more: Italian opposition parties demand elections after prime ministers referendum defeat Italy chooses foreign minister Paolo Gentiloni to be next prime minister Renzi resigned as prime minister after he lost a Dec. 4 referendum on constitutional changes. Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni has been running the government until new elections are held. Many in the Democratic Party had bristled at Renzis arrogant style and had defied him by urging voters to reject the referendum. Amid the disarray, party founders urged the rebels to rethink, with former prime minister Romano Prodi warning that it would be political suicide to break away at a time when populist forces are poised to make headway in the next election. Another ex-premier, Enrico Letta, whom Renzi ousted as prime minister in a 2014 back room coup, blamed Renzi for the party fracture but urged unity. It cant end like this, he pleaded on Facebook. Its easy to destroy something. Much harder to build it. The factions apparent split doesnt mean that Renzis route to the party leadership is clear, however. Renzi opponent Michele Emiliano, the president of the southern Puglia region, did show up at Tuesdays meeting and immediately announced he would run against Renzi. SHARE: BEIRUTFrances far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen refused to don a headscarf for a meeting with Lebanons top Sunni Muslim cleric on Tuesday and walked away from the scheduled appointment after a brief squabble at the entrance. The debacle topped Le Pens three-day visit to Lebanon, where she held her first campaign meeting with a head of state. It drew the focus to her strong support for secularism and a proposal in her presidential platform that promotes banishing headscarves and other obvious religious symbols in all public spaces. I consider the headscarf a symbol of a womans submission, Le Pen told reporters at the end of her visit. I will not put on the veil. Le Pen compared her refusal to wear the headscarf to the decision by former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama to decline wearing one during her state visit to Saudi Arabia. I note that when Marine Le Pen refuses to don the headscarf, it is criticized, but when Michelle Obama refused to do it in Saudi Arabia, it was considered admirable, she said, soliciting applause from the accompanying delegation. Read more: Marine Le Pens far-right party calls Quebec mosque shooting deplorable As the far-right National Front is rising, France is forgetting what it did in the Holocaust Marine Le Pens new, less racist, vision for France has her ahead in the polls Journalists shouted back that the two situations were not comparable because one is a state visit while the other is to a religious body. Le Pen dismissed the criticism. French law already bans headscarves in all classrooms except universities. She has proposed extending the 2004 law banning headscarves and other ostentatious religious symbols in classrooms to all public spaces. While the law covers all religions, it is widely viewed as aimed at Muslims. When asked if she fears her proposal may ignite the anger of the Muslim community, she said: When in Rome do as the Romans do. The headscarf incident occurred ahead of a scheduled meeting with Lebanons grand mufti, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian. Shortly after Le Pen arrived at his office, one of his aides handed her a white headscarf to put on. Following a discussion with his aides that lasted a few minutes, she refused and returned to her car. Le Pen said she had informed her host the night before that she would not wear the scarf but they didnt cancel the meeting. Instead, she said, They tried to impose it upon me. She said the Grand Sheik of Al-Azhar, the head of the Sunni worlds most prestigious learning institute, didnt require her to don the headscarf. Photos of Le Pen with Ahmed al-Tayeb in 2015 in Cairo show her with her hair uncovered. The officials at the muftis office kept the meeting and consequently put me before a fait accompli, she said. I stuck to my position, because when I take a position it corresponds to a conviction. If (you dont like it) never mind. The office of Lebanons mufti issued a statement saying that Le Pen was told in advance through one of her aides that she would have to put on a headscarf during the meeting with the mufti. This is the protocol at the muftis office, the statement said. It said the muftis aides tried to give her the headscarf and that Le Pen refused to take it. The muftis office regrets this inappropriate behaviour in such meetings, the statement said. Le Pen has tried to raise her international profile and press her pro-Christian stance with her visit to Lebanon, a former French protectorate. On Monday, she met with President Michel Aoun, a Christian, and Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a Sunni Muslim. She said Syrian President Bashar Assad was the most reassuring solution for France, adding that the best way to protect minority Christians is to eradicate Daesh, also known as ISIS or ISIL. In her final press conference, she said that there is currently no alternative to the Assad government. She said she considered it a mistake that the French government had closed its embassy in Damascus, which undermined relations between French and Syrian security agencies that she said could have helped thwart terrorist attacks in France. Some Lebanese officials, including Hariri, have taken umbrage at what is widely seen as her stigmatization of Muslims, whom her supporters claim are changing the Christian face of France. There was also apparent displeasure at her comments on Assad, including from some Lebanese allies. Christian right-wing leader Samir Geagea said after meeting with Le Pen that terrorism has no religion. He described Assad as the biggest terrorist in Syria and the region. Walid Jumblatt, a leftist politician in Lebanon, tweeted that Le Pens statements in Lebanon were an insult toward the Lebanese people and Syrian people. Later Tuesday, a group of Lebanese held a small protest in Beirut against Le Pens visit. One protester raised a drawing of Le Pen between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, with Neo-fascists emblazoned underneath. Read more about: SHARE: TEL AVIV, ISRAELAn Israeli military court on Tuesday sentenced a soldier to 18 months in prison for his deadly shooting of a Palestinian attacker who lay wounded on the ground, capping a nearly yearlong saga that has deeply divided the country. The sentence, which included a years probation and a demotion in rank, was lighter than expected. Prosecutors had asked for a prison term of three to five years. Palestinians dismissed the sentence as a joke. Yet it still triggered disappointment from several hundred protesters who had gathered outside the Tel Aviv court and had hoped to see the soldier walk free. Sgt. Elor Azaria is to start serving his term on March 5, and politicians immediately called for him to be pardoned. Read more: Aftermath of Israeli soldier conviction highlights growing rift between military, politicians Israel acts against incitement after soldiers manslaughter conviction Israeli soldier convicted of manslaughter after shooting wounded Palestinian attacker Even if he erred, Elor should not sit in prison. We will all pay the price, said Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the nationalist Jewish Home Party and an early supporter of the soldier. The Palestinians, meanwhile, said the light sentencing only encouraged Israeli soldiers to use excessive force. This sentence is a joke, and it shows how much discrimination Israeli courts practice against Palestinians, said Issa Karaka, the Palestinian government minister for prisoners. Azaria was convicted of manslaughter last month in a rare case of a military court ruling against a combat soldier for lethal action taken in the field. The verdict marked a victory for commanders who said Azaria had violated the armys code of ethics. But the soldier himself generated great support among the public, many of whom see him as a scapegoat for a misguided elite that has sought to harshly punish a soldier who they say responded to an armed attacker trying to kill other soldiers. Azaria, an army medic, was caught on a cellphone video last March as he fatally shot the wounded Palestinian, just after the man stabbed a soldier in the West Bank city of Hebron. The Palestinian, Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, was lying on the ground badly wounded and already unarmed when Azaria shot him in the head. The dead Palestinians father, Yousri al-Sharif, said the light sentence made a mockery of justice. If one of us killed an animal they would have put him in jail for God knows how long. They are only making fun of us, he said. Fathi al-Sharif, an uncle of the slain attacker, said the sentence was too light. Its not a punishment, he said. This will encourage other soldiers to do the same. The shooting occurred at the height of what has become more than a yearlong wave of Israeli-Palestinian violence. Since September 2015, Palestinian attackers have carried out numerous stabbing and shooting attacks that have killing 41 Israelis and two visiting Americans. During the same time, Israeli forces have killed 235 Palestinians, most of them attackers. Palestinians and human rights groups have accused Israeli forces of using excessive force in some of the cases and even harming innocent people mistaken as attackers. But in the absence of concrete evidence, they have been unable to prove these claims. The video of the Azaria shooting, taken by a Palestinian human rights activist, was the strongest evidence to date to support the Palestinian claims. Sending Elor Azaria to prison for his crime sends an important message about reigning in excessive use of force, said Sari Bashi, Israel and Palestine Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch. But senior Israeli officials should also repudiate the shoot-to-kill rhetoric that too many of them have promoted, even when there is no imminent threat of death. Pardoning Azaria or reducing his punishment would only encourage impunity for unlawfully taking the life of another person. Azarias defenders said he shot the assailant in self-defence, and hard-line politicians have said he should be either cleared or released with a light penalty. The prosecution was thirsty for Elors blood and the sentencing proves that, Yoram Sheftel, one of the soldiers lawyers, said outside the court. But his detractors, including senior military commanders, have said his actions violated military procedures. The uproar has put the army in a delicate position. Military service is compulsory for Israels Jewish majority, and there is widespread sympathy for soldiers, since virtually every family has a member who is serving or has served in the past. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initially defended the military, later softened his position and called Azarias parents to console them. After the verdict last month, he called for Azaria to be pardoned. The dispute helped fuel the resignation of Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon, a former military chief who sided with the army. His successor, Avigdor Lieberman, visited Azaria in court during the trial. But since taking up the defence post, Lieberman has lined up behind the army. On Tuesday, he asked the public to respect the sentencing and urged all sides to do what is necessary to put an end to this affair. Netanyahu was on a trip to Singapore and Australia and did not immediately react to the sentencing. Dozens of the soldiers supporters outside the court chanted words of encouragement and waved banners reading: Death to terrorists. The 20-year-old Azaria entered the court smiling and was greeted by applause from friends and relatives. He then had a long embrace with his mother and other family members. Last months verdict was accompanied by angry outbursts in the courtroom and protesters outside who briefly blocked streets and scuffled with police. But reactions were more muted Tuesday as Azarias father, Charlie, took a more calming approach, asking supporters ahead of the sentencing not to disrupt the proceedings. None of us have any expectations, we shall accept the sentence whatever it may be, he said. The family sang the national anthem at the end of sentencing. Outside the courtroom there was anger, but no major disturbances. Im a mother of soldiers, of fighters just like him. How can I send my kids to the army now? said Sigalit Cohen, an Azaria supporter. You are a soldier, you have a gun, you are a fighter, thats your job. He only did his job. Col. Maya Heller, head of the three-judge panel, noted as mitigating factors in Azarias sentencing that the incident took place in hostile territory and it was Azarias first real operational experience. We took note of the harm suffered by his family, she said. However, she said Azaria had not expressed remorse for his actions and ruled that he did not open fire out of danger but rather to harm the assailant. Read more about: SHARE: MADRIDPolice in Barcelona fired gunshots Tuesday to stop a man who stole a butane gas truck and drove it at high speed against traffic on a city highway, ramming several cars along the way, a police spokeswoman said. Authorities ruled out terrorism as a motive. Spains interior minister, Juan Ignacio Zoido, said in a tweet that the man, a Swedish citizen, has a history of psychiatric conditions and added that it has not been any terrorist act. The 32-year-old suspect was arrested after police fired at the trucks wheels to stop it, regional police chief Joan Carles Molinero told reporters. The suspect is being questioned at a regional hospital where he was sent for a medical checkup, Molinero said. A Brazilian woman suffered a leg injury when she was hit by one of several butane gas tanks that fell off the truck as the man tried to escape by speeding down a highway near the northeastern Spanish citys famed harbour. The incident took place around 11 a.m. Tuesday. Molinero said police started chasing the truck after the driver failed to obey orders to stop from police who had seen it driving at high speeds and dropping part of its load. During the chase that ensued, the driver took a turn near the citys harbour and drove against traffic and into a highway exit where several cars were hit. It finally stopped when it crashed against one of the highways walls. Local and regional police arrested the driver, who carried no weapons. At the moment, we have no indication whatsoever that he was planning a terrorist attack, Molinero said, but added that police were investigating the man and searching the place where he lived. We are working on the possibility that it could be a person with psychological imbalances or who has consumed substances. Spain has kept its national security alert at one step below maximum since July 2015, following violent attacks in France and elsewhere. Read more about: SHARE: Under French military supervision, four golden eagle chicks hatched last year atop drones born into a world of terror and machines they would be bred to destroy. The eagles named dArtagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis grew up with their nemeses. They chased drones through green grass that summer, pecking futilely at composite shells as seen in Sky News footage. They were rewarded with meat, which they ate off the backs of the drones. When the eagles were ready this month dArtagnan launched screeching from a military control tower across a field, Agence France-Presse reported. The bird covered 200 meters in 20 seconds, slamming into a drone, then diving with the wreckage into the tall grass. The eagles are making good progress, said the French air forces commander of a program that adapts the ancient art of falconry to the threats of unmanned flight. Weeks earlier, on the other side of the world, Iraqi soldiers fired their guns wildly into the sky after a small drone dropped a bomb on them. Terrorists have been modifying devices that can be bought in toy stores into weapons and radio-controlled spies, the Associated Press reported. The French have been concerned since early 2015, when drones flew over the presidential palace and a restricted military site, according to Agence France-Presse. No one was harmed. But terrorist attacks later that year, including the November massacre in Paris, inspired military officials to creative prevention. They wanted a way to take down drones without shooting at them a potential disaster if one went rogue in a crowded area. A solution presented itself in an experiment by Dutch police, who last year used a trained eagle to pluck a DJI Phantom drone out of the air, Peter Holley reported for The Washington Post. With unmatched speed and sight and bone-crushing talons, birds of prey have been trained to hunt for hundreds of years for other animals, of course. But a wild eagle demonstrated natural hostility to a drone in Australia as the doomed machines final footage revealed on CNN. Thus, in France, four eggs were placed before birth on top of drones while still inside the eggshell and, after hatching, kept them there during their early feeding period, Reuters reported in November. The eagles were named after characters in The Three Musketeers, and by February proved capable of intercepting drones in lightning-fast horizontal chases. Soon they will be casting off from peaks in the nearby Pyrenees Mountains, Agence France-Presse reported. The military has already ordered a second brood of eagles, according to the outlet. Meanwhile, dArtagnan and his siblings will be outfitted with high technology to carry on their war against machines. The military is designing mittens of leather and Kevlar, an anti-blast material, to protect their talons, Agence France-Presse reported. Read more about: SHARE: In Brisbane and Ankara, Harare and Quito, Berlin and New York, the Panama Papers investigation into tax haven abuses has been recognized with some of the most prestigious journalistic accolades on the planet. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, which co-ordinated more than 100 media partners from around the world including the Star and the CBC in Canada now lists 14 major national and international awards in its trophy case for its work on the Panama Papers. The prizes include a Polk Award, the Perfil Freedom of Expression Award, the Data Journalism Award for investigation of the year, the Online Journalism Award for innovation and the Barlett and Steele Gold Medal. The Online News Association called the Panama Papers series superlative reporting, while the National Center for Business Journalism said it was one of the most talked-about events in journalism history. ICIJ partners, including Swedish television station SVT, German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung and British daily The Guardian, have received an additional eight journalism honours for their reports based on the unprecedented leak of confidential information from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, bringing the total to 22 awards worldwide. This is journalism at its best, wrote the Prix Europa jury. (The Panama Papers) give great hope for the future (of) investigative journalism in Europe, at the same time as they give us a scary glimpse of the political situation in Europe and the dark forces within the human race. British Journalism Award judges praised the investigation, saying it shone a light in some of the darkest corners of international finance. In total, more than 300 reporters on six continents analyzed 2.6 terabytes of data and 11.5 million files relating to 214,000 offshore companies and uncovered secret links to 140 politicians in more than 50 countries. Calling the project an unprecedented collaborative effort, judges for the Maria Moors Cabot Prize wrote that the series prompted a much needed debate about transparency and accountability in (Latin America) and around the world. The Polk Award and other honours are an important recognition of the value of cross-border collaborations, said Gerard Ryle, director of the ICIJ. Some stories are so complex and so global they can only be unlocked when journalists are willing to share information and support each other. Reports revealed anonymous offshore corporations tied to the civil war in Syria, the looting of Africas natural resources, and a Russian network with ties to President Vladimir Putin that hid as much as $2 billion in assets. In Canada, the Star and CBC revealed that a wealthy Canadian businessman was a middleman in what U.S. authorities called a $400 million corruption scheme; a Dubai-based Canadian lawyer registered a company that broke UN sanctions and supplied fuel to the Syrian government; and Canadian engineering firm SNC-Lavalin paid $21 million to an anonymous offshore company to obtain business in Algeria. The Stars reporting also showed how Canada itself is emerging as a tax haven, used by foreign tax cheats and criminals to snow wash illicit funds. The Star has a long record of investigative journalism that has brought transparency where there was blackness, said the Stars editor-in-chief, Michael Cooke. It was a privilege for us to play a role in this successful global effort to help bring this multibillion dollar international cheating by incredibly rich people to the front pages around the world. And believe me, this story isnt over yet. In all, the international team of journalists published more than 4,700 articles that led the U.S. to require that banks identify the real owners of shell companies that open accounts, and led the European Union to create a 65-member investigative committee to weigh tighter money laundering and corporate transparency rules, wrote judges for the Polk Award. The reporting prompted the resignations of the Prime Minister of Iceland, executives in Austria and the Netherlands, government officials in Spain and Armenia, and an ethics expert at FIFA. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron was forced to explain his interest in a secret offshore fund set up by his father, and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif answered questions about his childrens offshore holdings in his countrys highest court. One study found the market value of nearly 400 publicly traded companies linked to the Panama Papers dropped by a collective $135 billion (U.S) SHARE: Chief Complaint: Toothache/Dental Complaint I cringe as I pick up the chart of the next patient to be seen in my busy emergency department in downtown Toronto. In medical school, I learned to deal with illnesses from head to toe. Teeth, however, remain a mystery. I know how to deal with certain complaints, such as a fractured tooth, but when it comes to the most common dental complaints, I simply do not have the skills required to diagnose and treat effectively. Dentists obviously do. In the back corner of the emergency department, I find Jeffrey, a 38-year-old man (a hypothetical typical patient presenting with dental pain), pacing. Before I can introduce myself, he skips to discussing treatment. Doc, you have to give me something for this pain, he says as he holds his cheek and winces. I look in his mouth and find evidence of long-standing poor oral health. When I ask him the last time he saw a dentist, Jeffrey looks at me confusedly. He has never seen a dentist in his life. My question highlights how little I understand his situation. Jeffrey does not have regular employment, so making ends meet is difficult; oral health care is not in his budget. His pain is so severe that he has contemplated pulling the tooth with pliers himself. He likely has pulpitis, a painful infection inside the tooth, for which the treatment is a root canal. I have no idea how to do a root canal. But I still have to assess treatment options. Antibiotics might help temporarily, but ultimately Jeffrey needs to see a dentist for definitive treatment. Meanwhile, the antibiotic may cause abdominal pain, cramping and diarrhea. For his pain, we can try an anti-inflammatory, but many patients do not find this provides adequate pain relief. Ultimately, many patients end up with a prescription for narcotics strong pain killers that can lead to addiction and abuse. We are trying to reduce the flow of these dangerous medications into our community, but limited access to oral health care encourages more use. Like many doctors, I have a hard time diagnosing dental complaints often there are few physical signs. Inevitably, some patients in significant pain will be sent home without proper relief, while others will be given prescriptions for dangerous medications they do not need. If patients could get timely access to affordable dental treatment, these dilemmas wouldnt happen as often. But why would anyone wait for hours in an overwhelmed emergency department in the first place? Why would Jeffrey suffer in pain, only to be seen by someone who lacks the training to help him? The answer is simple: my services are covered by our publicly funded health-care system, but dentists are not. I frequently see patients for dental complaints that need to be addressed by a dentist, not a physician yet they come to the hospital because they have nowhere else to go. For children in low income families, we have a public dental program called Healthy Smiles Ontario. For anyone over age 17 (including seniors), we have nothing. I see patients in severe dental pain almost every week, and I am not the only emergency doctor who does. A 2014 report by the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences found that 1-in-5 people in Canada avoids visiting a dentist because they cannot afford it. In Ontario, it is estimated that between 2 and 3 million people cannot afford to visit a dentist, according to the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario. Analysis of data from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care found there were almost 61,000 visits to emergency departments in Ontario for dental problems in 2015, or one visit every nine minutes. How much is this costing our health-care system? Based on the average cost of an emergency room visit, the Association of Ontario Health Centres estimates it costs the province at least $31 million annually. Access to primary dental care is a necessity for everyone. We need to fill this gap, starting with the most vulnerable people in Ontario. Heres my prescription: expand publicly funded dental programs to low-income adults, and deliver these necessary services in community clinics where people access their other health and social services. Expanded access to oral health care is about providing patients with the right care, at the right time, in the right place. For patients who visit emergency departments with dental complaints, that means being able to see a dentist and dental hygienist when they need to, regardless of financial means. Dr. Hasan Sheikh is an emergency department physician with University Health Network and lecturer with the University of Toronto Department of Family and Community Medicine. Note- October 27, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version to make clear that the patient story described above is a composite story of a number of patients. SHARE: By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said it has to be seen whether terror mastermind Hafiz Saeeds house arrest was the result of "real wise thinking" on the part of Pakistan or simply because things had started "burning under their feet". Parrikar also rejected the concept of good and bad terrorism, insisting,"I can say when you grow cactus, the thorns prick everyone." advertisement His comments followed Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaza Asifs remarks that Saeeds house arrest was in Islamabads "larger interest" as he could pose a "serious threat" to the country. Parrikar said any country supporting terror was bound to feel its impact on its own security situation. "I hope they understand it...what has been said. If this is part of this understanding, it is a good thing that is happening. "But we will have to wait till we find out whether it is only because things started burning under their feet or it is real wise thinking," he told a TV channel. Asifs remarks about the danger posed by the mastermind of the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, in which 166 people were killed, came at an international security conference in Munich, Germany, on Sunday. Saeed was placed under house arrest under the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on January 30 in Lahore, provoking criticism from various outfits loyal to him and allies. Saeeds inclusion in the list was seen as a tacit acknowledgement of his links with militant organisations. Saeed was earlier this month put on the Exit Control List, barring him from leaving the country. Saeed was also put under house arrest after the Mumbai attacks in November 2008, but he was freed by a court in 2009. He carries a reward of USD 10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities. PTI MPB SK SK --- ENDS --- As the world knows by now, President Donald Trump is thin-skinned and obsesses over peripheral matters. There is method in his madness, however. Together with his alter ego and chief strategist Steve Bannon, Trump has conceived a new world order that is deeply at odds with the prevailing American global system. Since 1945, Americas political leadership has developed an international, liberal global order with the United States at its centre. The system privileged the American dollar and American corporations, bolstering the free world with the might of the U.S. military. The goal was to keep America at the core and to push the Soviet Union to the periphery. In the post Soviet era, the American response to Russia has continued to be to keep its own alliance system intact and to sustain the liberal international order. That is until now. Trump and Bannon have an alternative system in mind. Trump never comes out and presents the complete alternative so that it can be grasped systematically. But he has been very open about the pieces of the puzzle. To understand the whole, we have to fit the following pieces together. The United States has been overly generous with other countries, Trump has said many times, and this has undermined Americas economic strength, productive capacity and ability to create and sustain jobs at home. Before and since his inauguration, Trump has made it clear that he admires Russian President Vladimir Putin, that he will pursue closer relations with Moscow, and that he would not be averse to dismantling sanctions against Russia. Trumps statements in support of the United Kingdoms decision to secede from the European Union constitute a third piece of the puzzle. The president has said that it would not surprise him if other EU countries followed Britains example. In a further reversal of previous U.S. administrations, Trump has denigrated NATO as a critical pillar in the defence policy of the United States. Friendly to Russia and negative toward the EU and NATO these are critical pieces of the Trump puzzle. Americas liberal internationalism established an economic order in which most countries, including the U.S., had to play by a common set of rules most of the time. But the world-view of Donald Trump and Steve Bannon holds that this system has proven far too costly for America. An entente with Russia would permit the worlds two leading nuclear powers to seek naked dominance in their respective spheres. Russia would be allowed a freer hand in its near abroad with dire potential consequences for Ukraine and other eastern European countries bordering on Russia. In its own much larger sphere, the United States would be free to pursue its economic, political and military goals without much regard for the interests of so-called allied powers. The guise of defending the free world against Russia would be set aside along with the rules based trading system of the WTO and regional trading blocs. Trump has already ditched the Trans Pacific Partnership. Trump and Bannon prefer a more openly brutal system of bilateral relations between the U.S. and other countries. Canadians take note. Within NAFTA, Mexico is the chief target now. Canada could be later. Bilateralism would allow the U.S. to exert maximum pressure on trading partners, one by one. Such a global arrangement would not be the first time in history that major powers have made common cause in pursuit of their own interests. In the late 19th century German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck fostered, for a time, an entente among Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Russia. Trump and Bannon aim at a fundamental reordering of the world. Whether they want to include China in what would become a League of the Three Empires is not yet clear. Initially Trump hinted at stirring up trouble with China over the status of Taiwan. However, in a recent telephone conversation with Xi Jinping, described as extremely cordial, Trump told the Chinese President he intended to honour the One China Policy. Rome wasnt built in a day. The Trump-Bannon New World Order cannot be constructed in a day. It will be fiercely resisted along the way. Those who are resisting it will be enormously better prepared if they understand the Trump-Bannon conception as a whole and are not merely distracted by its bits and pieces. James Laxer is a professor of political science at York University. He is the author of The Perils of Empire. Read more about: SHARE: A week after Michael Flynn was forced out as national security advisor after lying about discussing sanctions with the Russians, President Donald Trump named Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as Flynn's replacement Monday, reported news sources. According to McMaster's Hoover Institution biography, where he is a visiting fellow, he assumed duties as the director, Army Capabilities Integration Center and Deputy Commanding General, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command in 2014, served as commander, Combined Joint Inter-Agency Task Force Shafafiyat (Transparency) in Kabul, Afghanistan, as special assistant to the commander, Mulitnational Force-Iraq from in 2007 and 2008, director, Commander's Advisory Group at the U.S. Central Command in 2003 and 2004, and squadron executive officer and regimental operations officer in the 11th Armored Calvary Regiment from 1997 to 1999. McMaster has written extensively on historical and national securities topics and penned Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam nearly 20 years ago. President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and King Abdullah of Jordan have reaffirmed their support for a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after President Trump suggested moving toward a different goal. U.S. policy has, for decades, supported the creation of the state of Palestine, Reuters reports. At a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu last week, Trump had suggested finding a way to bring about peace, which may not include the creation of a separate Palestinian state. King Abdullah issued a statement during his meeting in Cairo with el-Sisi on Tuesday, saying that both sides agree any outcome that is not based in a two-state solution will have serious ramifications for the Middle East, the Washington Post reported. Separately, President Trump commented today on the recent threats against Jewish community centers, calling the phoned-in bomb threats to 11 Jewish community centers across the nation "horrible." "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful, and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," Trump said according to the AP. Several Chinese businesses are reportedly moving in on the opportunity to associate their brands with Ivanka Trump, according to the Alibaba (BABA) -owned newspaper South China Morning Post. At least 65 Chinese-based businesses and individuals have filed applications to use the name "Ivanka" as a trademark, according to the paper, citing data from China's national trademark office. The reports come after a slew of U.S.-based retailers like Nordstrom (JWN) and Belk ceased selling products associated with the president's oldest daughter. The applications are still being processed and it remains unclear if permission will be granted. The companies are predominantly involved with clothing, makeup and undergarments, according to the trademark office. CSX (CSX) on Tuesday announced plans for the resignation of its chief executive, Michael Ward, in yet another indication that an agreement between the railroad company and activist investor Paul Hilal of Mantle Ridge LP may be close. Ward and Clarence Gooden, CSX's president, plan to retire by May 31, according to a CSX statement. Fredrik Eliasson, currently chief sales and marketing officer, has been appointed president of Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX. In addition, according to a local media report, roughly 1,000 management positions are expected to be eliminated at both the company's headquarters and field operations. The resignations and layoffs come as Mantle Ridge's Hilal may be closing in on a deal to put railroad veteran Hunter Harrison in as CSX's chief executive. The New York-headquartered insurgent investor, who's been hounding CSX for weeks, offered a compromise proposal late Thursday that he hopes will eliminate the need for a soon-to-be-scheduled shareholder vote on the matter. And on Tuesday, CSX's statement suggests that a deal between Mantle Ridge and the railroad is coming soon. The railroad said that the appointment of Eliasson as president "is not intended to preempt or otherwise affect any discussions CSX may continue to have with Mr. Hunter Harrison and Mantle Ridge regarding Mr. Harrison becoming the CEO at CSX." Hilal, an ex-partner at activist fund Pershing Square Capital Management LP, recently joined forces with Harrison, who last month quit his position as CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) . The duo, together with Pershing Square's Bill Ackman, are well known for engineering a spectacularly successful insurgency in 2012 that led to Harrison's installation as CEO at Canadian Pacific and a turnaround that helped Canadian Pacific's Toronto-listed shares climb nearly 190% during his tenure. Mantle Ridge and Harrison have been negotiating with CSX to bring Harrison in as its CEO. However, the two sides had been squabbling over the length of Harrison's contract, his compensation and the number of new dissident directors that would be installed on the railroad giant's board. In the letter distributed late Thursday, Hilal said if the board could agree to a four-year contract for Harrison, he would agree to a deal that only involved the installation of himself, Harrison and three other directors to what would be a reconstituted 14-person board. Hilal's previous proposal had sought six seats on the CSX board, including seats for himself and Harrison. With his latest proposal, Hilal suggested that the three other directors he is seeking to install on CSX's board don't have any special relationship with him and are independent directors. Some directors could be good targets for Hilal. The company's current 12-person board has at least six non-executive directors that have served for terms of more than 10 years, according to relationship mapping service BoardEx, a service of TheStreet. For example, CSX directors David Moore Ratcliffe, Edward Joseph Kelly III and Donald James Shepard have all served more than 13 years on the railroad company's board. Institutional Shareholders Services, meanwhile, gave a red flag to CSX in its QualityScore report, obtained by The Deal, for its board, noting that 55% of its non-executive directors have "lengthy tenures." Also, late Thursday, CSX said in response it would consider the latest proposal. If the two sides can't reach an agreement, the next step would be for CSX to move ahead with its proposed special shareholder meeting to seek guidance from investors about whether to support Mantle Ridge's proposals. That meeting could take place as soon as April, according to Hilal, or later. "None of us wants to wait," Hilal said. With Harrison in charge, as many expect, railroad investors can look for a focus first on operating improvements and buybacks, only later followed by M&A. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 20 (PTI) Shares of Lloyd Electric & Engineering tumbled over 15 per cent today after electrical goods company Havells said it will acquire the consumer durables business of the firm for about Rs 1,600 crore. The stock, even after a positive opening, failed to hold on to the momentum and plunged 15.15 per cent to Rs 278.15 on the BSE. advertisement At the NSE, shares of the company tanked 15.12 per cent to Rs 278. "...(Havells)board has approved the acquisition of Lloyd Consumer Durable Business Division (Lloyd Consumer). The acquisition is proposed to be executed at an enterprise value of Rs 1,600 crore on a debt free, cash free basis subject to closing adjustments," the company said in a statement yesterday. The acquisition, when completed, will mark Havells foray into the fast growing consumer durables industry. The transaction is subject to confirmatory due diligence and is expected to close in the next 8 weeks. The company plans to finance the transaction through a mix of debt and internal accruals, the statement said. PTI SUM JM --- ENDS --- Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. operates as a seaborne shipping and logistics company in North America, Australia, Europe, Asia, South America, and internationally. It focuses on the transportation and transshipment of dry bulk commodities, including iron ores, coal, and grains. The company operates in two segments, Dry Bulk Vessel Operations and Logistics Business. The Dry Bulk Vessel Operations segment engages in the transportation and handling of bulk cargoes through the ownership, operation, and trading of vessels and freight. This segment charters its vessels to trading houses, producers, and government-owned entities. The Logistics Business segment operates ports and transfer station terminals, as well as upriver transport facilities in the Hidrovia region; and handles vessels, barges, push boats, and cabotage business. This segment provides its integrated transportation, storage, and related services through its port facilities, cargo barges, and product tankers to mineral and grain commodity providers, as well as to users of refined petroleum products. As of December 31, 2021, the company's fleet consisted of 36 vessels totaling 3.9 million deadweight tons. Navios Maritime Holdings Inc. was incorporated in 1954 and is headquartered in Grand Cayman, the Cayman Islands. The prime accused and two others involved in the abduction and harassment of popular Malayalam actress sought anticipatory bail in Kerala High Court on Monday. By India Today Web Desk: The prime accused and two others involved in the abduction and harassment of popular Malayalam actor sought anticipatory bail in Kerala High Court on Monday. EC Poulose, counsel of prime accused Pulsar Sunil, said that the bail application will be moved on Tuesday. A police team led by Inspector General P Vijayan did not divulge details of the investigation. advertisement On Friday night, the actor was abducted and molested by a gang of six, who reportedly took pictures of the actor to blackmail her. The actress has identified Sunil has the prime accused. So far, the police have made three arrests, which includes the actor's driver, who was arrested on the same night. The other two accused were arrested in Coimbatore on Sunday. Reports also suggest that Sunil received a call from a leading film producer on the night when the incident took place. They will be charged under Sections 366 (kidnapping), 376 (rape) of IPC and Section 66 of the IT Act. The actor currently lives in Kochi with her mother. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan as well as former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy have told her that everything will be done to see the perpetrators are brought to justice. On Sunday, several leading actors of the industry staged a silent protest and expressed their support to the actress. Ever since the news report shook the nation, a lot of celebrities from across the industries came in support of the actress. ( With inputs from IANS ) ALSO READ: Malayalam actress abduction- Prime accused escapes ALSO READ: Not just the Malayalam actress rape- These stars too had sickening experiences ALSO READ: After Kerala shocker, Varalaxmi shares her horrific experience ALSO WATCH: Seven detained in Malayalam actor molestation case, rape charges filed --- ENDS --- Nine Ukrainian soldiers were wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine over the past day. Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO issues Oleksandr Motuzianyk said this at a press briefing, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. No Ukrainian soldiers were killed over the last day. Nine soldiers were wounded. One officer of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine died at hospital, he was seriously wounded in Avdiivka on February 2, Motuzianyk said. As reported, Russian-backed terrorists over the past day launched attacks on the Ukrainian positions in all directions. ish The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has started to sell natural gas on Ukraine's domestic market, as confirmed by the company's documents released in the ProZorro system. On December 30, 2016, SOCAR's subsidiary SOCAR Ukraine Trade House signed an agreement with ERU Trading for the procurement of up to 131 million cubic meters of natural gas. Prior to that, on December 14, 2016, the company signed an agreement with Ukrtransgaz PJSC for the transmission of 180 million cubic meters of natural gas between January and December 2017, Liga.net reports. Currently, SOCAR Ukraine Trade House is participating in a tender to supply 36.6 million cubic meters of natural gas to Ukrzaliznytsia PJSC. mk The Cabinet of Ministers has authorized First Vice PM, Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine Stepan Kubiv to sign a bilateral investment treaty between Ukraine and Qatar. This has been reported by the press service of the Economic Development Ministry. "The Government has authorized Stepan Kubiv, the First Vice Prime Minister - Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Ukraine, to sign an agreement on mutual protection of investments and to establish a joint commission on economic, trade and technical cooperation between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the State of Qatar," reads a statement. The signing of these documents will create a working dialogue between Qatar and Ukraine in order to strengthen trade, economic and technical cooperation. ish The international community should increase support for Ukraine in its opposition to Russian aggression. This has been reported by President of the Ukrainian World Congress Eugene Czolij, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "The Ukrainian World Congress honors the memory and victory of the Heroes and participants of the Revolution of Dignity, particularly the Heavenly Hundred, and urges the international community to strengthen its support for the Ukrainian people and thereby, ensure that their voices have been heard," the UWC President stated. According to the Ukrainian World Congress, the continued Russian aggression proves the need to step up pressure on the Russian Federation. "As the hybrid war of the Russian Federation against Ukraine continues to claim the lives of brave soldiers and innocent civilians alike on an almost daily basis, and a rampant disinformation campaign aims to discredit Ukraine and its people, the international community must understand the significance of not only maintaining support for Ukraine, but increasing pressure on the Russian Federation to withdraw its troops from Ukrainian territory," reads a statement. ish The Higher Regional Court of Vienna on Tuesday, February 21, issued a final decision on extradition of Ukrainian billionaire Dmytro Firtash to the United States - to grant extradition. "The Court considers extradition and criminal prosecution acceptable," the judge said, promising to give written reasons for this decision, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. Thus, the complaint of the prosecutor's office that represents the U.S. interests has been satisfied. As a reminder, Dmytro Firtash was arrested in March 2014 by Austrian authorities in Vienna on a provisional arrest request based on charges filed in the Northern District of Illinois, USA. ish President Petro Poroshenko had a meeting with EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides. This has been reported by the press service of the Head of State. The EU Commissioner expressed support for the people of Ukraine and assured the President that the EUs assistance will be continued until it is necessary. We support your actions in difficult conditions and our assistance to Ukraine and all Ukrainians on both sides of the delimitation line will be increased, Stylianides noted. According to him, the EU confirms its willingness to further support reforms implemented in our country. The EU recognizes significant achievements of the Ukrainian authorities and your personal efforts, Mr. President, in the implementation of reforms in Ukraine, the EU Commissioner said. The Head of State informed the Commissioner on the deterioration of the security situation in Donbas and implementation of the Minsk agreements. ish The implementation of the program on creation of the specialized cardiology health centers through the country will allow saving annually by at least 3,000 lives more than today. Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman stated this during a governments meeting, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "A plan on creation of cardiology health centers across the country will be presented today, it will help save annually by at least 3,000 Ukrainian citizens more than today," Groysman said. According to him, the Ukrainian people live by 5, 7 or even 10 years less than citizens of the European countries, stressing that the most common cause of death is cardiovascular disease. ish The prime accused in the abduction of a popular Malayalam actress has escaped, said police sources on Monday. By Indo-Asian News Service: Pulsar Sunil is a driver, who orchestrated the kidnap of a popular Malayalam actor has reportedly escaped. After monitoring his mobile telephone, police found that Pulsar Sunil was in Alappuzha. But before the accused could be intercepted, he reportedly gave the slip. Another accused also escaped minutes before the police reached their hideout. However, a friend who came to meet Sunil was taken into custody, the sources said. advertisement The actress, who was kidnapped by a gang of six on Friday (February 17) night, alleged that Sunil committed the crime at the behest of others. Sunil reportedly told her that he had been hired to kidnap her and if she resisted, he would have to use force. The actress was let off near a director-turned-actor's house, from where the police were informed and her driver Martin was arrested. Now, the police have arrested three of the seven persons allegedly involved in the crime. They will be charged under under Sections 366 (kidnapping), 376 (rape) of IPC and Section 66 of the IT Act. On Sunday night, the Malayalam film fraternity gathered here to express their support to the victim. After the horrific incident, several celebrities across the industries have showed their support to the actor. ALSO READ: Malayalam actress abduction- Prime accused has links with film industry? ALSO READ: After Kerala shocker, Varalaxmi shares her horrific experience ALSO READ: Not just the Malayalam actress rape- These stars too had sickening experiences ALSO WATCH: Seven detained in Malayalam actor molestation case, rape charges filed --- ENDS --- The BJP Kerala unit general secretary has alleged that the CPI (M) state secretary's son was "behind hiring the criminal gang" responsible for a brutal attack on a Malayalam actor last week. By Jeemon Jacob: BJP Kerala unit general secretary AN Radhakrishnan has slammed Communist Party of India (Marxist) state secretary and former Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan for police inaction in the initial hours following a brutal attack on a Malayalam actor last week. Speaking to the media at Kalpetta, Radhakrishnan alleged that Kodiyeri's son Bineesh Kodiyeri "was behind hiring the criminal gang who attacked" the actor. advertisement Radhakrishnan demanded that the investigation in the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). BJP activists staged a protest march to the Inspector General of Police's office in Kochi, and demanded justice for the victim. The march was flagged off by BJP leader Shobha Surendran. Meanwhile, in Thiruvananthapuram, BJP spokesperson MS Kumar alleged that senior police officers enabled the prime accused to evade arrest. Kumar said Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should hand over the charge of the Home department to someone else as he'd proved he couldn't handle the police effectively. If police had carried out checks in the roads during the night, they could have arrested all the accused, Kumar said. "Even after talking to the prime accused, the investigation officers failed to track his tower location. It shows that they didn't want to arrest him," Kumar told India Today. The BJP state leadership has decided to corner the Pinarayi government on the issue of the attack against the actor, since the tragic incident has drawn national attention. ALSO READ: Malayalam actress abduction: Prime accused escapes --- ENDS --- Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is especially prevalent among the elderly. Many patients with NMIBC also have significant concomitant comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases and hypercholesterolemia. Statins are the most commonly used cholesterol-depleting agents, and they may possess anticancer properties. The objective of this population-based study was to evaluate the effect of statins on the survival of individuals diagnosed with NMIBC. This is a retrospective population-based cohort study that used administrative databases to identify individuals 66 years of age and older who were diagnosed with NMIBC between 1992 and 2012. Subjects with documented use of statins before they were 66 years of age were excluded from the analysis. Cumulative daily use of statins was calculated before and after the diagnosis of NMIBC. Their effect on cancer-specific survival and overall survival was estimated using a multivariable competing risk and Cox proportional hazards model, respectively. The final cohort was composed of 13,811 individuals66 years diagnosed with NMIBC. Of these, 4,748 individuals (34%) were exposed to statins during follow-up. The median statin exposure after NMIBC diagnosis was 21.4 months (interquartile range: 7.8-45.4). After a median follow-up of 7.1 years (interquartile range: 4.0-11.3) from NMIBC diagnosis, 8,900 (64%) individuals had died. The cumulative use of statins after NMIBC diagnosis did not significantly affect cancer-specific survival (P = 0.10). However, its cumulative use after NMIBC diagnosis was associated with a better overall survival ([0.93; 95% CI: 0.91-0.96], per year of use). This large population-based study has provided evidence that cumulative statin use was not associated with an improved cancer-specific survival among individuals with NMIBC. However, our findings did demonstrate that statin users had a better overall survival than nonusers. Urologic oncology. 2017 Feb 09 [Epub ahead of print] Patrick O Richard, Ardalan E Ahmad, Shaheena Bashir, Robert J Hamilton, Robert K Nam, Ricardo Leao, Claudio Jeldres, Girish S Kulkarni Division of Urology, Departments of Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Division of Urology, Departments of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada., Division of Urology, Departments of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada., Division of Urology, Departments of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada., Division of Urology, Departments of Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Centre de Recherche du CHUS, Universite de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada., Division of Urology, Departments of Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. Electronic address: . PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28190747 In 1999, the South African writer J.M. Coetzee topped his already celebrated career by publishing Disgrace, an unforgettable novel that earned him a second Man Booker Prize the first time anyone had done that. Four years later, he won the Nobel Prize in literature. But since then, his published fiction has strained mightily to repel any reader who might be interested. Perhaps thats as it should be. If youre 77 years old, and youve collected every literary prize in the world, you ought to be able to write whatever you damn well please. But caveat emptor. The Schooldays of Jesus, Coetzees new novel, is a sequel to his equally enigmatic book The Childhood of Jesus (2013). You can be forgiven for assuming that these novels follow the life of, say, Jesus. But despite those titles, a working familiarity with the Gospels will provide little context for interpreting this ongoing saga. There is a precocious child, but hes known as David, and hes not Jewish nor is he graced with any unusual shine of divinity. In the first novel, he is informally adopted by a man named Simon, who is determined to find the boys mother. They eventually settle on a woman named Ines and set up what passes for a chaste little family. J.M. Coetzee (Ulla Montan) As the new novel begins, this odd trio are fugitives from the law, running from overzealous school authorities and an impending census. Its tempting to imagine this is an allusion to Caesars decree mentioned by Luke, but resist! only frustration lies in that direction. The details of these novels cannot be matched up in any schematic way with the events of Jesus life. Some readers may find this dissonance freeing. To me, its irritatingly coy. Like the bystanders in the Gospel of John, Im left asking: How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. As with so much about these stories, the time and setting are imprecise. Simon and his makeshift family arrive in a benevolent city with a vaguely European socialist vibe. The technology cars, radios suggests the 1930s. [Review: The Childhood of Jesus, by J.M. Coetzee] The most satisfying parts of the novel come early as Simon struggles to provide David with the love and direction the boy needs. Coetzee has an impeccable ear for the tender patter between a curious child and a conscientious father figure who never wants to lose his patience. David can be trying; he persistently asks questions about sex and death and other mysteries beyond his comprehension. Hes quick to claim that Simon doesnt understand him, doesnt love him. Simon responds in a clear and measured way, but privately the boys accusations shake his confidence about his life and the role hes assumed with this icy woman. But the pleasure of this relationship is soon eclipsed by other matters. Anxious about Davids education, Simon and Ines decide to send the boy to the Dance Academy, which professes a strikingly unorthodox theory of mathematics. On parent-teacher night, the headmistress explains: Our Academy is dedicated to guiding the souls of our students toward that realm, to bringing them in accord with the great underlying movement of the universe, or, as we prefer to say, the dance of the universe. To bring the numbers down from where they reside, to allow them to manifest themselves in our midst, to give them body, we rely on dance. Yes, here in the academy we dance, not in a graceless, carnal, or disorderly way, but body and soul together, so as to bring the numbers to life. As music enters us and moves us in dance, so the numbers cease to be mere ideas, mere phantoms, and become real. If Joan Quigley had opened a dance studio, it might have sounded like this, which is just the first indication that something is seriously odd here. But David loves the staff and seems destined to be the schools finest student. (His dance of No. 7 is, by all accounts, transcendent!) Alas, this headache-inducing gibberish is soon overwhelmed by the rantings of a sex criminal named Dmitri who used to work at the Academy. At his trial and through several tedious reappearances that could make you a death-penalty supporter we endure long, repetitive discussions about the mystery of why he killed the woman he loved. Having to read the judges semantic analysis feels crueler than any punishment Dmitri might earn: Your guilt: let us take a moment to ponder that phrase. What does it mean, what does it ever mean, to speak of my guilt or your guilt or our guilt in respect to some action or other? What if we were not ourselves, or not fully ourselves, when the action in question was performed? Was the action then ours? Why, when people have performed heinous deeds, do they commonly say afterwards, I cannot explain why I did, I was beside myself, I was not myself? Theres no denying the haunting quality of Coetzees measured prose, his ability to suspend ordinary events in a world just a few degrees away from our own. But to what end? Although The Childhood of Jesus and The Schooldays of Jesus are presented as allegories, they never yield any interesting allegorical meaning. The result is a story that suggests more profundity than it ever incarnates. Ron Charles is the editor of Book World. You can follow him on Twitter @RonCharles. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) An IT professional has been arrested for allegedly harassing a woman by using caller ID spoofing, creating fake Facebook profile of her and sending vulgar messages to her family members, police said today. A woman had filed a complaint at Hari Nagar Police Station alleging that her sister-in-law was being harassed and threatened over phone and through social media, they said. advertisement "Aman Singh (23), a resident of Paschim Vihar, was arrested on Thursday from his home. The accused is employed with an IT company," DCP(West) Vijay Kumar said. According to the complaint, the victim has finished her graduation and was pursuing a language course from a college in North Campus. She had to discontinue her studies due to continuous harassment and threat calls, a senior police officer said. The complainant said her sister-in-law met Aman in a college fest and they became friends. But, after some time her sister-in-law started maintaining distance from the accused since he was getting "possessive", he said. Since October last year, a person started harassing the victim on social media. He started sending vulgar messages on WhatsApp to her family members and threatened them with dire consequences, the officer said. He had also created a fake Facebook account in the name of the victim and used to post photographs and comments to harass her. "A case was registered and even though the prime suspect was Aman, there was no evidence against him. During probe it was found that the accused was sending vulgar messages, texts and photographs, through social media and mobile apps," he said. The accused was also making calls from international numbers and using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). "The mobile number which was shown on the victims mobile phone was spoofed using an application. The caller ID was "spoofed" as the numbers do not show a subscriber name. We had mounted surveillance on Facebook and WatsApp," the officer said. After analysing the call records, it was seen that the caller was constantly switching to new mobile numbers to harass the victim. On February 11, the culprit took a new SIM card and started sending messages, he said. The number was put on surveillance and the accused was found to be Aman, the officer said. "Three mobile phones with national and international SIM cards, an Apple MacBook, tablet and laptop have been recovered from his possession," the official said. PTI SLB NSD --- ENDS --- advertisement This weeks #DinnerInMinutes recipe calls for harissa paste, a North African condiment. You can easily make your own or buy it in grocery stores (Cava and Mina are two widely available brands; we also like the version made locally by She Peppers). [How to top your favorite side dish: Turn it into a main course] Once youve acquired your harissa paste, how else can you use it? Glad you asked; from the Recipe Finder, here are eight ideas to get you started. Youll soon see just how versatile the spicy sauce can be. (Goran Kosanovic/For The Washington Post) Taim Falafel Two Ways, With Roasted Red Pepper Tahini. Some of the best falafel weve had. From Einat Admony, chef-restaurateur of Balaboosta, Taim and Bar Bolonat in New York. (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post) Harissa Squash and Feta Galette. This savory winter tart has a rye crust. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post) Boiled-Egg Sandwiches With Pickled Carrots, Cilantro and Harissa Mayonnaise. A nice option for lunch or a light dinner. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post) Red Whole-Wheat Penne. This is chef Marcus Samuelssons modernized version of the classic Ethiopian dish pasta saltata. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post) Quick Meatballs. These can be on your table in 30 minutes or less. (Amanda Voisard/For The Washington Post) Roasted Eggplant Dip. This quick appetizer is great with pita chips or spread on open-faced sandwiches. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post) Spiced Chickpeas and Haricots Verts on Grilled Bread. A good way to use up stale bread. (Deb Lindsey/For The Washington Post) Caramel Pork Ribs. These simple ribs come together in one pot. At a time when minimalism and simplicity are rising in popularity, Ive purged those topics from my life. For almost 10 years, I was editor in chief of Unclutterer.com one of the hubs of online articles covering the topics of simple living, home and office organizing, and productivity. In addition to my daily advice wielding, I wrote books and magazine columns and even dished advice live to Kathie Lee and Hoda on the Today show. I had clients (celebrity clients whose names I would drop here if it werent for non-disclosure agreements) and a loyal fan base and helped thousands of people find some level of order in their lives. Then, five months ago, I quit. One day I looked in our editing system and realized Id written 2,000 posts not including books or magazine columns or interviews totaling about a million words. A million words about organizing. I was burned out. So I picked my replacement and took a job at a software company where not a single person cares about my opinions on how to fold fitted sheets or what daily planner I recommend. Often after a day of working with clients on an organizing project, they would comment that they felt lighter. And lighter would be the same word I would use to describe how I felt when I changed careers. It wasnt until I walked away that I realized how much pressure I put on myself to keep a perfect home, to always be on time, to never let a ball drop. I had to walk the walk. It was mentally and physically exhausting to try to be Martha Stewart or my imagined version of her all the time. (I wonder whether she feels the same pressure to live up to her cult of personality?) Erin Rooney Doland, the former editor in chief of Unclutterer.com. (PJ Doland) [Feeling overwhelmed? Do less, but do it better.] I look forward to the first time I walk into someones home and they dont immediately apologize for (what is usually nonexistent) clutter. When youre a professional organizer, everyone you meet assumes youre judging them for how disorganized or chaotic their lives are. Im sorry for the mess! You must think the worst of me! One day, maybe, when I arrive at a friends door she will simply say: Welcome. Come in. Then there was the biggest issue of my previous career: I didnt like thinking about stuff, but I spent nearly a decade constantly thinking about it. Ive been asked recently whether I felt my previous career was akin to selling snake oil. I never thought that. Ive seen how clutter and disorder can cripple people socially. And Ive witnessed how getting rid of unwanted stuff and becoming more organized can improve the quality of peoples lives. But and here is a big confession I also learned that simple living isnt for everyone. Some people can function just fine with a cluttered desk. Some people never lose their keys, even when they put them in a different spot each time they come home. Some people make better connections when they have hundreds of things pinned to a wall than having those same things alphabetized and shoved into files. I dont know how they do it, because my brain doesnt operate that way, but they do and their lives run more smoothly because of/in spite of it. In general, though, I found there were nine fundamental truths themes that played into every piece of advice I gave: 1. Buy what you actually need and use; dont buy a lot of other stuff. 2. Except for mortgage, education and car loans, try your best not to use credit unless its a real emergency. 3. Before you buy anything, know exactly where youre going to store it. Otherwise, that object will always be out of place. 4. Finish what you start: Laundry isnt done until its put away. Dinner isnt over until the dishwasher is loaded. 5. Write tasks down. 6. Do the tasks youve written down. (Of everything on this list, this is the hardest item for most people.) 7. You cant win at organizing, so keep organizing systems as simple as possible. 8. Establish routines for all the chores in your life; the less you have to think about them, the more likely they are to get done. 9. Being uncluttered isnt a destination; its merely clearing a path so you can do something more worthwhile with your time and energy. Remember, too: Its easier to be at the top of your organizing game when youre healthy and happy and in a stable and comfortable situation. If those things dont currently apply to you, being organized is much more difficult for you than for others. If youre looking for permission to let some things slide, this is your permission. Ill even give you permission if your life is puppies and rainbows. I still hang my keys on a hook in my hall closet and sort my mail (trash/recycle/file/act) before I bring it into my house. I keep a to-do list and calendar and tackle my daily responsibilities. I almost exclusively wear solids (navy blue, black, gray, white, red and green) because I can get away with owning fewer items of clothing that way. But there is laundry in my dryer that I have fluffed twice over the past three days, and I will probably fluff it one more time before I fold it. My toddler tore up a piece of paper, and the shreds are still in the pile she left them in this morning. (Its now 9:30 p.m.) Mud is caked on my boots from this weekends hike and will remain there until I go hiking again. Because the pressure of perfection is a form of clutter, too. And its got to go. Erin Rooney Doland is the author of Never Too Busy to Cure Clutter and Unclutter Your Life in One Week. In addition to her day job with a software company, she writes romance novels at night (which she publishes under a pen name). She lives in Northern Virginia. I sold my moms house in Florida in December. I didnt discuss it with her, which is weird because we discuss everything. Or we used to, before her Alzheimers disease worsened. Ive learned to edit myself in conversations and to consider what is worth stressing her out (if she remembers what Ive said). Its all part of the guessing game I have been playing since 2012, when, at age 77, she became one of the 5.4 million Americans diagnosed with the cognitive disorder, according to the Alzheimers Association. She refused to discuss it with me, insisting that her forgetfulness was just part of the normal aging process. She remained in denial, even when she was ordering pizza every other night because she couldnt remember to grocery shop, or when her Medicare coverage lapsed because she forgot to renew it. Luckily, she had done one thing to prepare for her later years: She had signed a durable power of attorney empowering me to make care and financial decisions for her when she no longer could. Im an only child, and my dad died in 1992, so I became her caregiver, armed with a POA and lots of educated guesses. I knew my mom had no intention of leaving the townhouse she had inhabited for 38 years. Keeping her there safely meant I had to hire a housekeeper and a home health aide help she accepted only grudgingly. I was a joint account holder on all her assets, but she refused to tell me what those assets were. To get control of them, my husband and I sneaked over to her house during our visits to our parents in Florida from our home in Fairfax. While she was at my in-laws home nearby, seeing our kids, wed search her files. It felt awful, but it allowed us to keep her lights on. When a stroke and bilateral pulmonary embolism last June left her in a wheelchair and confused (not just forgetful), there was nothing to discuss. Her time at home was over. I moved her into an assisted-living facility minutes from where I live with my husband and our two children. For the most part, I dont regret my choices. Ive done my best. But this situation was avoidable. An end-of-life planning conversation is difficult, but not impossible, even with the most stubborn loved one. I spoke with several experts on aging and end-of-life planning on how to broach the subject and what to cover. Here are their suggestions. Starting the conversation Theres no hard-and-fast one-size-fits-all as to how to do this, said Sally Hurme, author of Checklist for My Family: A Guide to My History, Financial Plans and Final Wishes, published by AARP and the American Bar Association. But there are some tactics that can make the conversation easier, Hurme said: Ask one or two questions at a time. For instance, ask where the person banks, then wait a week before asking where to find their Social Security number. Use someone the person knows as an example of what you want to do or avoid. Discuss how things worked out and ask what your loved one would do differently. Invite a trusted third party, such as a faith leader or lawyer, to act as a mediator to clarify everyones goals. Use the approach that I want to be sure you maintain your independence as long as possible. I want to be sure that your wishes are carried out, whether it be financial, where you live, how you live, the quality of your life, Hurme said. [How to cope with caring for baby boomer parents while raising small children] I didnt start this conversation with my mom until after her diagnosis. I was 34 and more focused on my then-2-year-old and newborn than I was on what Id do if my mom got sick. I also assumed that because she had set up the POA, she wouldnt be averse to discussing other details. On all counts, I was wrong. Its never too early to start the conversation, but it can become too late, Hurme said. Once someone has been diagnosed with cognitive impairment, they can no longer sign a POA. The time frame is today, Hurme said. The conversation should be revisited periodically, particularly when circumstances change, she added. Specifics to cover Legal documents Cover the most important topics first namely, who can make financial and medical decisions for your loved one. I tell my clients there are three important documents they should have, said Morris Klein, a Bethesda-based lawyer who works in elder law. Those include a will, a financial power of attorney and a health-care power of attorney. Simply writing down the names of whom you want to be your beneficiaries and who should make sure those wishes are carried out might not be enough, Klein said. A will must be signed in front of witnesses and fulfill other legal requirements to have maximum leverage in court. But you dont have to pay hefty legal fees to draw one up. Its possible to use online software to generate a simple will. A financial power of attorney authorizes someone to handle money decisions. It can be specific to a life event, such as selling a home, or more general and cover all financial matters. Be aware, though, that third parties (such as banks) are not legally required to honor a financial power of attorney. They are more likely to do so if the document is detailed, including specifics on property transactions, business operations, trusts and bank transactions, Klein said. Additionally, unlike health-care decision-making, there is no default authority given to a spouse or child, making it imperative to be specific here. A health-care power of attorney names someone to make medical and care decisions and may include a do-not-resuscitate order. If no one is specified in this document, a spouse gets priority, followed by children. Without a power of attorney, an incapacitated person is subject to a guardianship someone to be responsible for their care which is often more expensive and time-consuming, Klein said. The cost of having these legal documents drawn up by a lawyer runs from a couple hundred to several thousand dollars. Financial planning The average cost of an assisted-living facility in the District is about $6,700 per month, while a nursing home can cost about $10,000 per month, according to the Genworth 2016 Cost of Care Survey. Prefer to keep your parents at home? Thats not cheap, either. You may need to renovate the space to accommodate a wheelchair, for example, and home health aides typically charge about $20 per hour. One of my biggest regrets is that my mom didnt have long-term-care insurance, which covers policyholders up to a certain amount per day for personal care services such as bathing and eating. That might have been the missing link to fulfilling her wish to stay in her townhouse. Some policies, however, expire after a couple of years, and they might not reimburse for all costs. For instance, insurance may cover building a wheelchair ramp to get into your home, but not the cost of an assisted-living facility, said Jessica Ness, a senior financial planner at CJM Wealth Advisers in Fairfax. Additionally, policyholders might have to meet a deductible before coverage starts. A persons ability to independently perform the six Activities of Daily Living bathing, continence, dressing, eating, toileting and walking is a common gauge for when long-term-care insurance kicks in, Ness said. People with long-term-care insurance should have $30,000 to $60,000 on hand to cover the deductible, Ness said. For those who dont have it, she uses Genworths survey and Fidelitys retiree health-care cost estimate to estimate savings needs. The latter recommended last year that a married couple over age 65 have $260,000 saved for health-care costs. Another option is to give assets away. If youd rather your money go to aid a family member or friend instead of to health-care costs, you need to start gifting early to avoid penalties when applying for Medicaid. The service penalizes any gifts made within five years of your application. Where to live Choosing an assisted-living facility was the hardest decision I made for my mom because I knew she didnt want to live in one. I focused on location, cost and care options so that I wouldnt have to move her more than once. Many people lump assisted living and nursing homes into one category, but theyre different animals. Assisted-living facilities are regulated by the county where theyre situated, and most have an on-site nurse only during typical business hours. That limits the types of services they can provide. Nursing homes are regulated by the state and staffed with a licensed nurse at all times. Its really important to go out and look and see whats available before you make any big decisions, said Megan Descutner, owner of Golden Pond ElderCare Strategies. Things to consider include cost, location and your loved ones interests, said Descutner, who charges $150 an hour plus travel fees to help families find and maintain care. An active senior needs a community with lots of activities and a social population, although more sedentary people can usually find a private space even in the most bustling places. Someone with more advanced health issues might opt for an assisted living facility with a nurse on site 24 hours a day. Regardless of planning, a move will be stressful. I was told it could take three to six months for my mom to acclimate to her new surroundings, but the time frame depends on the person, said Nancy Reburn, manager of the memory-care and assisted-living houses at Charles E. Smith Life Communities in Rockville. Reburn recommends talking with your loved one about what theyd like to take with them. Familiar furniture and decorations can be comforting. I couldnt fit my moms favorite recliner into her tiny bedroom, but I covered her walls in photos of people she loves. Six months into assisted living, my mom still gets mad at me for leaving when our daily visits end. But sometimes she thanks me for being there for her. And I know she means more than visiting. Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D-Tex.) on the international bridge between El Paso and Juarez. I just wish more people could see what I see, of cross-border relations, he said. (Ivan Pierre Aguirre/For The Washington Post) Beto ORourke has long believed that the closer you get to the Mexican border, the less you fear it. So on a recent afternoon, the Democratic congressman who may challenge Ted Cruz for his U.S. Senate seat walked into Juarez for lunch. The mere name of this Mexican city conjures images of bloodthirsty cartels or seedy red-light districts the kind of place, some have argued, against which the United States should seal itself with a big, beautiful wall. ORourke is strongly opposed to that plan. Among other things, it would make it harder to visit the bar he took his wife to on their first date. It was a little bit of a test, to see if she was up for an adventure, he said, ducking into the dimly lit interior of the Kentucky Club. She was. After drinks, he recalled, they bumped into a camera crew that tried to enlist the attractive couple to kiss on camera for a TV commercial but ORourke begged off. Es mi hermana, he told them: Shes my sister. Ten months later, they were married. ORourke isnt naive about the violence that plagues parts of the city. Still, he maintains that crime is not the only story about the U.S.-Mexico border, nor even the most important one. He sees Juarez as a place where an open mind and a stomach for risk can lead to meaningful connections and long-term partnerships. The question for the 44-year-old with statewide ambitions is: Can he get the people of Texas to see the same thing? Inside the bar, where Elizabeth Taylor and Steve McQueen once partied and the margarita was supposedly invented, the congressman grabbed a table lined by photos of matadors and Mexican baseball players. He was greeted by an El Paso friend, Miguel Fernandez, whose telecommunications firm does work on both sides of the border. Fernandez talked about his fear that President Trump will spark a trade war between the two countries. At least tell me, where are you now on running for Senate? Fernandez asked, taking a sip from his bottle of Sol. More than 50-50? Im pretty close, ORourke said. I really want to do this. Democrats might look at ORourke a small-business owner with hipster credentials, a Gen Xer who speaks fluent Spanish and looks more like a Kennedy than the Kennedys do and see a candidate of thrilling national potential, marred only by where he happens to live. But then again, maybe its where he lives that makes him exciting. With its growing Hispanic population, Democrats have long believed that Texas would eventually belong to them just not imminently. But the 2016 election has scrambled the way people think about these things. I wouldnt have said it last year, but I think he has a chance, said Anne Caprara, of the Priorities USA super PAC, who is advising ORourke on his 2018 potential. Naturally, others see opportunities as well. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat deemed a rising star, is considering the race, too. You wont have a problem raising money. Cruz will basically fundraise for you, said Castros twin brother, Julian, the former housing and urban development secretary who recently ruled out a 2018 bid for governor of Texas. O'Rourke and his wife Amy Hoover Sanders O'Rourke watch their daughters volleyball game as their son Henry does homework. (Ivan Pierre Aguirre/For The Washington Post) O'Rourke chats up a constituent at an El Paso cafe. (Ivan Pierre Aguirre/For The Washington Post) The Cruz camp maintains that it isnt worried about either but sees Castro as slightly more of a threat than ORourke. But while the Castros have the fundraising prowess and name recognition, their pragmatism and caution could keep both from seeking higher office so soon. [Julian Castro is ready for whatever comes next] In El Paso, regarded by many as more Mexican than Texan, ORourke is far removed from the Democratic megadonors of Houston or Austin, and he has decided not to take PAC money if he runs. Still, he hopes to turn a necessity into a virtue with a Bernie Sanders-style approach excite the grass roots and rake in smaller donations. (Beto O'Rourke) ORourke may be suffering from the bug thats going around the one causing mass delusions that the old rules of politics no longer apply. Can a Democrat really win in this deeply red state against Cruz, who will be running one of the best-financed campaigns in the country? And can he do so on a positive message about Mexicans in an era when calling them rapists helped make a man president? The timing might not be right for ORourke, but that hasnt stopped him in the past. O'Rourke in a childhood photo from the 1970s. (Family photo/Courtesy of the Office of Rep. Beto O'Rourke) Growing up in El Paso, Robert Francis ORourke (the childhood nickname that stuck is a diminutive of Roberto) wanted nothing more than to get out of town. The son of the county judge, he formed a punk band, Foss, with the hopes of traveling the world. In 1994, Foss needed exposure, and someone suggested a local public-access show called Get Real With Bill Lowrey. There was only one hitch. It was an evangelical broadcast. We told them we were a new gospel band, said ORourke. [WATCH: Foss on Get Real With Bill Lowrey. ORourke is the guy in orange] Oh yeah, they kind of pulled a fast one on me, recalled Lowrey, the televangelist host. But we enjoyed it. Mostly I cant believe he grew up to be a functioning member of society. Foss toured the United States and Canada, but greater success would go to ORourkes drummer, Cedric Bixler-Zavala, who moved on to the cult-favorite bands At the Drive-In and The Mars Volta. ORourke, meanwhile, realized he couldnt be a musician forever. I wasnt that good at it, he admitted. And his dad was pressuring him to grow up. He wont say it, but the expectation is: We didnt take out loans for you to go to Columbia and then [play] in a punk band your whole life. With his Ivy League degree, ORourke moved back to El Paso and started a technology company and an online arts and culture magazine. Even in his 20s, ORourke found it easy to assume a leadership position in the community. He ran for and won his first race for city council at 32, with a focus on downtown development and border issues, seeing the two as inextricably linked. He wrote a book about the drug war and offered legislation calling for an honest, open national debate on ending the prohibition on narcotics. In 2009 ORourke heard his congressman, Rep. Silvestre Reyes, at a Chamber of Commerce meeting described drug-related violence in Juarez like a stick-em-up movie full of cretins who were better off dead, as it sounded to ORourke. The councilman was troubled by what seemed like a lack of empathy for El Pasos twin city. A fellow council member, Steve Ortega, urged him to challenge Reyes. And so, in 2012, he took on the 16-year House veteran in the Democratic primary. [Have liberals found their combative new leader in Keith Olbermann?] Reyes, a former Border Patrol chief, had the support of Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. ORourke had an arrest record: In 1995, he was arrested for breaking and entering, a prank gone awry, he says, when some friends bet each other they could get past a fence surrounding the local college. Then there was the 1998 drunken driving arrest, an incident he says was stupid and regrets. Reyes used ORourkes mug shot in attack ads and criticized him for supporting marijuana legalization. Few people thought ORourke had a chance. But with the help of an anti-incumbent sentiment and an anti-incumbent super PAC that poured $240,000 into the race he won. Five years later, ORourke sees another opportunity to sneak himself in. It cost 25 cents to walk across the Paso Del Norte bridge back into the United States after lunch at the Kentucky Club. A gaggle of shoppers marched in front of the congressman women off to buy shoes, clothes and groceries that are cheaper in El Paso. A few weeks earlier, Border Patrol had allowed separated families to wade into the stagnant, ankle-deep water below and hug where the two countries meet. On the one hand, its really pitiful that this is what they had to do. . . just to see each other, said ORourke. In another way, its really amazing that El Paso and Juarez could figure out a way, and under President Trump no less, to at least do this for families. [As the GOPs anti-Trump, Ben Sasse picked a big fight. What would it mean to win?] At a time when Democrats and Republicans alike talk about securing the border, ORourke maintains that the border has never been more secure. The number of immigrants living illegally in the United States has not increased in years. With 32 million documented border crossings a year, Mexicans are a crucial driver of the El Paso economy. And El Paso ranks as one of the safest cities in the country. ORourke speaks to a customs agent as he crosses from El Paso to Juarez. (Ivan Pierre Aguirre/For The Washington Post) But while ORourke points to El Pasos good health as proof that a semi-porous border works well for both sides, proponents of tougher border security argue that credit goes to the rigorous Border Patrol presence and extensive fencing between Juarez and El Paso. Thats part of what ORourke was up against when he ran against Reyes, who once spearheaded an effort called Operation Hold the Line. If he runs for Senate, hell face Cruz, who promised in his 2016 presidential bid to triple border security and build a wall that works a slogan that certainly worked for the man who won that race. I just wish more people could see what I see, ORourke said. To do that requires an early start. That morning, he woke before dawn for a hike in the Franklin Mountains, leaving his wife and three children sleeping in their home that a century ago sat above a secret tunnel to Mexico. With his old city council pal Ortega, he snaked up the trail under a full moon, passing the spiky silhouettes of cypress trees and clumps of greasewood plants that smell like tar when it rains. They perched on a rocky point near the summit where they peeled oranges and shared a thermos of coffee, looking out at the twin cities glittering in the dark. It was nearly impossible to tell what was Mexico and what was Texas, and that, of course, was his point. President Trump invites a supporter onstage with him during a rally at in Melbourne, Fla. Trump referenced an incident in Sweden that the Swedes say never happened. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters) With cries of fake news coming from all sides, schools are stepping up teaching media literacy to help students distinguish rumor from fact, hoax from reality. As President Trumps bizarre suggestion of a recent terrorist attack in Sweden proved last weekend, he needs a crash course. Were here to help. The Sweden episode was a perfect circle of misinformation, beginning with a report on Fox News on Friday, since challenged, about the dangers of immigration in Sweden. Trump apparently saw that and brought it straight into his campaign-style speech the next day in Florida, in exaggerated form: Weve got to keep our country safe. You look at whats happening in Germany, you look at whats happening last night in Sweden. When the reference caused an international ruckus, he capped it off, not by setting the record straight, but by a blame-shifting tweet that, as usual, fingered the media. Americas longtime ally didnt take it well. Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? fumed former prime minister Carl Bildt. We must all take responsibility for using facts correctly and for verifying anything we spread, Stefan Lofven, the Swedish prime minister, reproved Trump at a news conference. This isnt the first time Trump has taken a break from decrying fake news in order to spread falsehoods himself widespread voter fraud, anyone? Birtherism? Hillary Clintons drug abuse? So lets review some basics. 1. Compare and contrast information sources. A single source can easily get it wrong, so its wise to see if a number of reputable news outlets are reporting the same thing. In this case, no one was reporting a terrorist attack in Sweden certainly not the Fox segment. A Google search would have helped. Or a quick check with someone in, say, the CIA. 2. Dont share without verifying. One useful rule is to check three times before spreading what you think is news. Granted, thats intended to apply to regular people who might be posting on Facebook or retweeting an article or photograph. For a presidential speech before thousands that will be televised globally? Definitely check at least once. 3. If you put out misinformation, correct it quickly. This is not Trumps strong suit, given his long years of spreading lies about Barack Obamas birthplace before eventually agreeing with the obvious: that the then-president was born in the United States. No such correction yet for the Swedish gaffe. He backed off a little in a tweet, saying that his statement suggesting a specific attack was in reference to a TV report. And, two days later, Sweden did experience a riot in an immigrant-heavy suburb of Stockholm, though it certainly didnt bear comparison to terrorist attacks in Paris or Nice. 4. Be skeptical. The TV-obsessed president should consider that not everything on his favorite medium is true. Not even if Sean Hannity says it. Not everything the conspiracy-mongering Alex Jones who long cast doubt on whether the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre really happened might confide on the phone is true. Even Fox & Friends makes a mistake once in a while. A journalistic axiom is worth a thought: If your mother tells you she loves you, check it out. (Presidential version: If Steve Bannon tells you youre the next Abraham Lincoln, check it out.) 5. Use critical thinking. Granted, this is tough for our president. Last October, Trump revved up his campaign rallies with the idea that Hillary Clinton was on performance-enhancing drugs. I dont know whats going on with her, but at the beginning of her last debate, she was all pumped up at the beginning, and at the end it was like take me down, he said at one. She could barely reach her car. Where did this come from? Once again, the circle is unbroken. Roger Stone, the Trump ally and political trickster, had recently been interviewed by Jones, who runs the website Infowars. Heres what Stone had said to Jones: Look, of course she was jacked up on something. I assume some kind of methamphetamine. Critical thinking tells us that even if we want to believe something, the trustworthiness of the source must be considered. Since President Trump wants to change the world, he also might consider the words of George Orwell since, just like the abolitionist Frederick Douglass, the author of 1984 has done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more. In a time of universal deceit, Orwell wrote, telling the truth is a revolutionary act. Time to storm the barricades. For more by Margaret Sullivan visit wapo.st/sullivan Milo Yiannopoulos, the incendiary writer who helped make Breitbart News a leading organ of the alt-right, resigned from the news organization Tuesday after a video of him endorsing pedophilia resurfaced online over the weekend. Yiannopoulos has been a flame-throwing provocateur whose writing has offended women, Muslims, blacks and gay people ever since former Breitbart executive chairman Stephen K. Bannon hired him as a senior editor in 2014. Bannon, now President Trumps senior adviser, championed the British-born Yiannopouloss inflammatory commentary and promoted him as a conservative truth-teller and champion of free speech. In turn, his popularity helped raise Breitbarts profile among Trumps supporters and the alt-right, a vaguely defined collection of nationalists, anti-immigration proponents and anti-establishment conservatives. Adherents of the alt-right are known for espousing racist, anti-Semitic and sexist points of view. Breitbart News has stood by me when others caved, Yiannopoulos said in a statement announcing his resignation. They have been a significant factor in my success. (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) As recently as last week, Breitbart editor Alexander Marlow in an interview called Yiannopoulos the No. 1 free speech warrior of his generation in America at the moment. But Yiannopouloss views on pedophilia apparently went too far even for Breitbart. The site was under pressure to take action against Yiannopoulos, 32, from its own staff, which had threatened to revolt if he wasnt fired or disciplined, according to people familiar with the discussions. In a video interview early last year, Yiannopoulos condoned sexual relations with boys as young as 13 and joked about a sexual encounter he said he had with a Catholic priest as a teenager. Youre misunderstanding what pedophilia means, he told the hosts of a podcast. Pedophilia is not a sexual attraction to somebody 13 years old who is sexually mature. Pedophilia is attraction to children who have not reached puberty. A group called the Reagan Battalion was among those calling attention to the interview to highlight its opposition to Yiannopouloss speaking role at the upcoming Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in the Washington area. The reemergence of the video triggered a cascade of adverse consequences for Yiannopoulos. Milo Yiannopoulos on HBOs Real Time With Bill Maher. on Feb. 17. (Janet Van Ham/HBO via AP) First, CPACs organizer, the American Conservative Union, rescinded its invitation to him as a conference speaker. The groups chairman said in a statement that the organization found his comments disturbing and the video offensive. Then Simon & Schuster canceled an agreement to publish Yiannopouloss forthcoming memoir, Dangerous, for which it paid him a $250,000 advance. The publisher said it decided to cancel the book which had drawn protests before the pedophilia flap arose after careful consideration. Yiannopoulos, meanwhile, defended himself on Facebook on Sunday and Monday as the tide of controversy rose. I do not support pedophilia. Period, he wrote. It is a vile and disgusting crime, perhaps the very worst. There are selectively edited videos doing the rounds, as part of a coordinated effort to discredit me from establishment Republicans, that suggest I am soft on the subject. The openly gay writer made his name with a knack for taunting various groups and manipulating the outrage that followed. He led a Twitter campaign last year against Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones that was so vitriolic that Twitter banned him. He has called feminism cancer in his campus appearances, and he once wrote a Breitbart story headlined, Birth Control Makes Women Unattractive and Crazy. The departure of Yiannopoulos was met with a mixed reaction by Breitbarts staff, which learned of his resignation via Twitter. There was no internal announcement, said one staff member, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media. He was on an island off to himself, the journalist said. Milo has virtually nothing to do with the news operation. But Yiannopouloss outrageous commentary did reflect poorly on the organization, said Lee Stranahan, a Breitbart reporter who streamed remarks on Periscope in the moments before the star columnist staged a news conference in New York. I dont wish anybody badly, but do I kind of hope Milo goes away? Stranahan said. I think I do. I think that would be best for everybody. . . . Because hes not adding to the brand. He was also critical of the sites heavy promotion of Yiannopoulos, noting that the writers face was often featured prominently on the website. Stranahan asserted that Yiannopouloss resignation might allow the site to focus on the left and Islamists, which he described as the biggest threat to America. Addressing the media in New York on Tuesday, Yiannopoulos was alternately defiant, apologetic and self-pitying. He repeated his denunciation of child sexual abuse and said he would donate 10 percent of the royalties from his book, if it eventually gets published, to organizations that advocate on behalf of abuse victims. But he added, This is a cynical media witch hunt by people who do not care about children. They care about destroying me. He also said he will continue to speak and write in the same fashion. I dont think that anything that has happened to me in the past 24 hours will stop me from being as offensive, provocative and outrageously funny on any subject I please. Manuel Roig-Franzia contributed to this report. Dozens of parents with babies and other supporters of paid family leave attend a DC Council hearing on Oct. 6, 2015. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Two D.C. Council members introduced a bill Tuesday that would overhaul legislation that provides one of the nations most generous parental and sick leave policies, adding new uncertainty to the fate of a law whose passage late last year was considered a triumph for progressive lawmakers and labor activists. The new proposal by council members Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3) and Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) would offer eight weeks of paid time off for new parents, six weeks to care for an ill relative and two weeks of personal sick time the same benefits offered in the existing law. The benefits would apply to all private-sector workers in the District but not federal employees or the 35,000 people who work for the D.C. government. However, in a nod to concerns expressed by the Districts business leaders, it would shrink the tax increase intended to fund the program to 0.2 percent of payroll for large employers and 0.4 percent for small ones. The existing law would increase employer-paid payroll taxes by 0.62 percent. With the smaller pool of money, the city would fund benefits exclusively for small businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 employees. Large employers would be required to provide equivalent benefits to their workers on their own. I support paid leave, but I think theres a better way to do it than what we passed, Cheh said. Although she voted for the existing version of the paid leave law that the council enacted in December, she said she did so knowing there would be time to tweak it before its main provisions begin to take effect several years from now. I knew the bill would have a rather long implementation period that would give us the means to get to the same place with a different financing scheme, Cheh said. This is the beginning of that conversation. It probably will be some time before council members begin debating changes to the law in earnest, as the council focuses on budget deliberations in the coming months. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) has said he expects to be holding a hearing on the changes proposed by Cheh and Evans and perhaps other tweaks to the law in June. [Council chair, bowing to business unrest, proposes tweaks to paid leave law ] Although the employer mandate that Cheh and Evans favor purports to offer identical amounts of paid time off, it is controversial among those who championed the laws current version and is likely to face opposition from activists and some council members. Similar ideas were debated and discarded when the council began discussing paid family leave more than a year ago. Jaime Contreras, vice president of 32BJ Service Employees International Union which represents custodians, security guards and other building maintenance workers said in a statement on behalf of the D.C. Paid Family Leave Coalition that the council was delaying and sabotaging paid leave. By caving to industry lobbyists and missing a critical opportunity to reduce D.C.s shamefully high health and income inequality, the council has given working families yet another reason not to trust politicians, Contreras said. Council member Elissa Silverman (I-At Large), one of the sponsors of the existing paid leave law, said she doubts that the same level of benefits could be provided with less revenue from business taxes. She added that the implementation of Cheh and Evanss proposal could be problematic, because it would require a new bureaucracy to ensure that large employers are actually providing paid leave to their workers. We had a very thorough debate for 14 months on how to provide paid leave in the District of Columbia, Silverman said Tuesday. Im not sure why were rehashing the debate now. Theres nothing new thats been provided. Under the existing law, the District would reimburse all private-sector workers directly for 90 percent of their first $900 in weekly pay and 50 percent of their remaining weekly pay, with a limit of $1,000 per week. Such a model is based on those that have been implemented in other states with substantial paid-leave policies, including California, New Jersey and Rhode Island. An employer mandate would take a different approach by relying on large companies in the private sector to provide their employees with sufficient time off. Last week, the Districts paid-leave law seemed a done deal. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), who strongly opposed the law because of its cost, said Wednesday that she would not veto the bill, instead letting it become law without her signature. That seemed to remove the last hurdle for the bill, which now must undergo 30 days of congressional review before becoming law. However, on Friday, Mendelson unexpectedly said the council will revisit and possibly change the law in the face of opposition from the mayor and business community. [Mayor declines to sign or veto the paid leave law] At a news conference Tuesday, Bowser said she had not seen the legislation but was pleased the council had started discussing changes. It is heartening that the council recognizes there is a lot of problems with the bill, she said. Certainly, it has always been my focus that we get a better bill. The mayor declined to say whether she supports preserving the same amounts of paid time off should a new law be approved. We know that the last time they went through this for 14 months that there were a lot of changes, she said. So I dont want to commit to anything until we begin that conversation. Aaron C. Davis contributed to this report. President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. March 17, 2017 President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post The beginning of the presidents term has featured controversial executive orders and frequent conflicts with the media. The new presidents tumultuous first weeks have been marked by a controversial executive orders and conflicts with the media. The new presidents tumultuous first weeks have been marked by a controversial executive orders and conflicts with the media. The Trump administration plans to roll back protections for transgender students, reversing federal guidance that required the nations public schools to allow children to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that matched their gender identities. In a letter to the nations schools, administration officials plan to say they are withdrawing guidance issued by the Obama administration that found that denying transgender students the right to use the bathroom of their choice violates federal prohibitions against sex discrimination, according to a draft of the letter obtained by The Washington Post. This interpretation has given rise to significant litigation, states the two-page draft, which indicates that the Education and Justice departments plan to issue it jointly. The draft says administrators, parents and students have struggled to understand and apply the statements of policy in the Obama-era guidance. As a result, the departments have decided to withdraw and rescind the above-referenced guidance documents in order to further consider the legal issues involved. The letter makes clear that schools must protect all students and that the withdrawal of the guidance does not diminish the protections from bullying and harassment that are available to all students. Schools must ensure that transgender students, like all students, are able to learn in a safe environment. A final version of the letter is slated to be issued Wednesday, according to a Republican operative with knowledge of the conversations within the Trump administration on the issue. The administration is expected to release the letter despite objections from Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who did not want to rescind the guidance, the operative said. Officials with the Education and Justice departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Tuesday night. The reversal would represent a significant setback for the gay rights movement, which made enormous gains under President Barack Obama. It suggests that President Trump, who had signaled during the campaign and in the early days of his presidency that he supports gay and transgender rights, will hew closer to the GOP party line. [Obama administration directs schools to accommodate transgender students] I think that all you have to do is look at what the presidents view has been for a long time, that this is not something that the federal government should be involved in, this is a states rights issue, White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters at a daily media briefing Tuesday afternoon, saying that the Education and Justice departments would issue fresh guidance soon. The decision would not have an immediate impact on the nations public school students because a federal judge had already put a hold on the Obama-era directive. But it would instantly affect several legal cases, including that of Gavin Grimm, a transgender Virginia teen who sued his school board for barring him from using the boys bathroom. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Grimms case next month. [Gavin Grimm just wanted to use the bathroom. He didnt think the nation would debate it.] A lower court ruled in favor of Grimm based on the Obama administrations position on transgender student bathroom use. The change would at least partially undermine Grimms case. (McKenna Ewen,Adriana Usero/The Washington Post) Gay rights groups, which expected the Trump administration to change course from the earlier transgender guidance, condemned the move preemptively. Such clear action directed at children would be a brazen and shameless attack on hundreds of thousands of young Americans who must already defend themselves against schoolyard bullies, but are ill-equipped to fight bullies on the floors of their state legislatures and in the White House, Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, said in a statement Tuesday. [Trump could reverse Obamas actions on college sex assault, transgender rights] The Obama administrations guidance was based on the position that requiring students to use a restroom that clashes with their gender identity is a violation of Title IX, the federal law that bars sex discrimination. Transgender students and their parents cheered Obamas move to expand the protections, but it drew legal challenges from those who believe it was a federal intrusion into local affairs and a violation of social norms. The issue of which bathrooms transgender people should be permitted to use has evolved in recent years into a central debate about rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Transgender advocates say that allowing people with gender dysphoria to use their preferred restroom is essential for their health and psychological well-being. Opponents say the accommodations violate student privacy and traditional values. Many legal experts say that federal law protects transgender students no matter what agency guidance says. This administration cannot strip away the rights of transgender students by retracting the guidance the issue is before the courts now and the law has not changed, said Vanita Gupta, who worked as the head of civil rights for the Justice Department in the Obama administration and issued the original guidance. To cloak this in federalism ignores the vital and historic role that federal law plays in ensuring that all children (including LGBT students) are able to attend school free from discrimination. It is unusual for a new administration to overturn such significant civil rights guidance, according to advocates who closely track the issue. And such a reversal is likely to leave schools confused about how to proceed, they say; Obama administration officials said that they developed the transgender guidance in response to requests from school officials. Schools repeatedly asked for guidance on how to support transgender students and create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all, said Anurima Bhargava, who helmed the educational opportunities section of Justice Departments civil rights division under Obama. The guidance has been, and will continue to be, an important and practical resource for schools. Nearly 800 parents of transgender students wrote to President Trump last week, urging him to keep the guidance to protect their children from discrimination. [Parents of transgender children plead with Trump to maintain protections] No young person should wake up in the morning fearful of the school day ahead, the parents wrote. When this guidance was issued last year, it provided our families and other families like our own across the country with the knowledge and security that our government was determined to protect our children from bullying and discrimination. Please do not take that away from us. The Obama administrations directive sparked immediate backlash from those who saw it as a gross overreach of executive power, and several states sued in response. Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick (R) has been one of the most vociferous opponents of the Obama guidance, calling it blackmail and the most important issue for families in schools since the Supreme Court ruled against school-sponsored prayer. In January, Patrick joined Texas Republicans in supporting a bill that would require the states transgender residents to use bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their biological sex, not their gender identity. He said the legislation was necessary to protect Texans privacy, including in public schools. We know its going to be a tough fight, Patrick said at the time, according to the Texas Tribune. But we know were on the right side of the issue. Were on the right side of history. You can mark today as the day Texas is drawing a line in the sand and saying no. [Eleven states sue Obama administration over bathroom guidance for transgender students] In an interview in May with The Washington Post, Donald Trump, then the presumptive Republican presidential nomination, said he thought that the government should protect transgender people but that it should be up to the states to decide on the bathroom issue. I think its something where we have to help people and hopefully the states will make the right decisions, Trump said in the interview. [Trump: Rescind Obamas transgender directives, but protect everybody] Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been a longtime opponent of broadening LGBT rights. While in the U.S. Senate, he endorsed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and opposed expanding hate crime legislation to include acts against gay and transgender people. DeVos, who was narrowly confirmed this month after a contentious hearing, has a more nuanced record on gay rights. By reversing course on the transgender issue, she could again find herself mired in controversy at the outset of her tenure. DeVos has been accused of hostility to LGBT rights because of her extended familys donations to socially conservative advocacy groups and efforts to ban same-sex marriage. She has tried to distance herself from her familys position; in 2004, for example, she and her husband did not contribute to a ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage in their home state of Michigan, though several of their relatives did. At her confirmation hearing, she asked senators not to confuse her record with that of her family: I embrace equality, and I firmly believe in the intrinsic value of each individual, and that every student should have the assurance of a safe and discrimination-free place to become educated, she said at the time. A week later, a spokesman for the DeVos family told BuzzFeed News that DeVos supports same-sex marriage. Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report. By Ananth Krishnan: Foreign Secretary S.Jaishankar will hold talks with China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi on Tuesday afternoon on a key visit coming amid a number of strains in relations with China. On Wednesday, India and China will hold an upgraded strategic dialogue as Jaishankar meets the Chinese Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui. Jaishankar is likely to raise India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and its on-going efforts to sanction the Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar at the UN Security Council 1267 sanctions committee, with both efforts running into resistance from China. advertisement It was "natural" to have differences with India: Chinese Foreign Ministry The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday reiterated its stand on both issues, but said it was "natural" to have differences with India and that both countries still had a wide range of convergence on other matters. ALSO READ | Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar set for key talks as China says 'no solid evidence' on Masood Azhar On the strategic dialogue, Geng Shuang, spokesperson, said, "The two sides will have an in-depth exchange of views on the international situation and other regional and international issues of mutual interest. The strategic dialogue is an important communication mechanism between India and China. China hopes this will give a further boost to bilateral political mutual trust, strategic consensus and the strategic cooperative partnership between China and India." On Masood Azhar and the NSG, Geng stated China's current stand, offering no new position. On the former issue, after China blocked India's application last year, the United States last month placed a fresh application, which was also placed on a six month "technical hold" by China. It will be revisited by the group when the hold expires. "China upholds principles of objectivity, impartiality and professionalism and takes part in relevant discussions. Whether last years application by India or this year's by the relevant country our position is consistent. Our criteria is only one, we need solid evidence. If there is solid evidence the application can be moved. If there is no solid evidence there is hardly consensus." --- ENDS --- As the building at 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW in Washington is demolished, a lonely tree hangs on. (John Kelly/TWP) Cmon, little tree, I say every time I walk along 13th Street NW between Pennsylvania Avenue and F Street. Hang in there. The tree has become a symbol to me, an inspiration even. Im pulling for it, just as Im pulling for a lot of things these days. Im not even sure what kind of tree it is. A myrtle of some sort? What I do know is that it is growing in what has become one of the most precarious spots in Washington. The tree sits between National Place to the north and 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW to the south. Its on a raised terrace between the two buildings, a story or two up from the sidewalk. National Place, an office building thats also home to a food court beloved by school tour groups, will stay. But 1301 Pennsylvania is in the process of being demolished really demolished. Well, I say, really demolished, as if there are gradations of demolishment, but demolition is demolition, and the old 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. must vanish completely before a new building can rise. The new building will be called One Freedom Plaza. The exterior walls are gone from the old building, and its interior is all twisted rebar and crumbling concrete. It looks more and more as if that tree is growing in the rubble of a bombed-out city. I first noticed the tree in the summer, when construction workers well, I guess theyre more properly destruction workers began chipping away at the 11-story building. The developer, Quadrangle, couldnt really tell me anything about the tree, just that it wasnt likely to survive. Its not as if the tree is special. It isnt the last of its species. It isnt a mighty redwood or home to an endangered bird or butterfly. Its just a little tree. But even little trees are worth celebrating. Theres a pair of scrubby trees I pass when I take the Red Line. Theyre between the Rhode Island Avenue and NoMa-Gallaudet stations, on the west side. The thing about them is, I remember when they were planted. Well, not planted, but, I suppose, born. That stretch of landscape below the old Sanitary Grocery building is still rather desolate today, but 20 years ago it was really scrubby, choked by weeds, bushes and trash. And then one day as my Metro car slid past, I saw that it was being cleared, the whole thing scraped down to bare ground. And then, the following spring: two trees growing side by side. They were small at first, as trees tend to be, but they got bigger. Id look for them on my commute, staring for the few seconds the train passed to see how they were doing. I pondered how they came to be there. Had their seeds escaped the excoriating blade of the bulldozer? Had they fallen from the beak of a bird or the paws of a squirrel? I know how the 13th Street tree came to be: chosen by a landscaper, planted with care. I dont think it will be around much longer. I walked past on Tuesday, and the ledge it sits on had been gnawed away further. Nearby was a big machine with a long arm that ended in a claw. The claw is coming for the tree, as surely as its coming for us all. Reunions These schools are hosting reunions in the upcoming months. Bethesda-Chevy Chase High Class of 1977 April 22. Contact David Elfin at elfind@verizon. net or 301-320-5646. Thomas Jefferson High Classes of 1971, 1972 and 1973 Multiyear reunion May 19 and 20. Contact Jeff Paullin at jeff. paullin@cox.net or call 703-217-0993. McKinley Tech Class of 1977 Sept. 22-24. Visit mckinleytech1977.com. Richard Montgomery High Class of 1966 Sept. 15 and 16. Contact Steve Vincent at svsvsv@aol.com or call 301-512-7849. Northwestern High Class of 1967 Aug. 18 and 19. Email NHSreunion67@gmail.com or call Lou Apple (240-401-8890) or Karen Goldman (410-703-2153). Notre Dame Academy Class of 1967 April 8. Contact Roslyn Brown at roz_eeo@ yahoo.com or call 301-352-2425. Notre Dame Academy Class of 1977 June 16-18. Visit nda40threunion.com or email NDAClass77.40threunion@ gmail.com. St. Anthonys High Class of 1957 April 29. Contact Don McVearry at macandmee@ verizon.net. Saint Marys Academy Class of 1967 Sept. 22-24. Contact Sue Adamson Mairena (817-903-3528) or Carolyn Pavone Langley (703-567-9484). Walt Whitman High Class of 1967 Oct. 6-8. Email waltwhitmanhs67@gmail.com. T.C. Williams High Class of 1977 Oct. 7. Visit tcwilliams77. classquest.com . West by Southwest Last year, a reader named George R. Murray Jr. was reading The Washington Posts death notices when he saw one mentioning that a recently deceased man had been a member of the Southwest Washington Alumni Association. George himself grew up in the citys smallest quadrant. I have invested time in trying to find this organization but without success, he wrote. Anyone out there know anything about the Southwest Washington Alumni Association? If so, drop me a line, and Ill connect you with George. Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the street where the tree is located. It has been corrected. Twitter: @johnkelly For previous columns, visit washingtonpost.com/johnkelly. The antique documents were tied up by a ribbon and kept in an old safe for years, first in the general stores that Danny Dyers family ran in Accokeek, Md., and later in his house nearby. He wasnt certain what they were. Deed of Manumission, many of them said, and they named dozens of men, women and children. Unsure what manumission was, he looked it up. It was the act of freeing a slave. Good God, he thought. What Dyer had in his safe in Prince Georges County was a trove of paperwork that recorded the freeing of scores of slaves, many belonging to Marylands first families, decades before the Civil War. The papers showed that some slaves were granted freedom that did not take effect for 20 years. Others were freed by purchasing themselves. Still others were freed outright. One of several manumission papers that are on display at the Surratt House Museum in Clinton, Md. Charles Beall had this particular document drawn up to legally free his wife, Henny. (Photo by Linda Davidson/The Washington Post) (Linda Davidson/The Washington Post) A 6-year-old slave, Pheby Ann Tyler, was bought by her father, John, of Washington, for $70. A slave woman and her children were manumitted by her husband, who had probably bought them to set them free. A sampling of the documents, which Dyer lent for study to the Surratt House Museum in Clinton, has been put on display this month at the museums visitors center. They have never been made public before. The collection to me is absolutely mind-boggling, said the museums director, Laurie Verge. Colleen Walter Puterbaugh, the Surratt House research librarian who has studied and transcribed the 30 documents, said, We immediately knew that it was really a treasure. . . . [The papers tell] a story. Its only the first layer of that story. And it really hints at a lot more drama going on. One deed was executed on Oct. 23, 1838, by a wealthy widow, Elizabeth W. Snowden. Her in-laws had built Montpelier, a grand Georgian mansion in Laurel, and owned thousands of acres in Prince Georges County. [Smithsonians Freedom House, a monument to the years after slavery ] For generations, the Snowdens were known in the area for their elegant home by the Patuxent River and for their hospitality. George Washington lodged there several times. So did first ladies Martha Washington and Abigail Adams. At one point in the early 1800s, the family owned 141 slaves. Elizabeth Snowdens husband, Nicholas, died in 1831, at age 41, leaving her with 12 children and a large plantation, according to records provided by Montpelier. An inventory taken after his death listed about 60 slaves, mainly by their first names, ages, and monetary value, along with horses, cattle, sheep, corn, tobacco, potatoes, a pleasure sleigh and 23 champagne glasses. Seven years later, Elizabeth, a native of Philadelphia who noted that natural freedom is the right of all men, freed 30 slaves, according to Dyers documents. But for most of them, the freedom was effective only in the future. She ordered Henny, 43, freed in 1839; Hazel, 41, freed in 1840; and their four children freed over the next 20 years. Their child Let, then 9, would not be free until 1851, when he was 22. Nace, then 11, would not be free until 1853, when he was 26. Daughter Ann Elizabeth, 5, would remain a slave until 1855, when she was 22. And daughter Sarah Jane, then 1, would stay a slave until 1859 two decades after her father got his freedom. Snowden did the same for all the slaves she freed, except for Fanny Ridgely and her two children, Rebecca, 6, and Ellen, 2, whom she set free immediately. Its not clear why Snowden freed Henny and Hazel but kept their children in bondage for years. Fourteen of those kept enslaved were children ages 10 and under. There were four other mothers whose childrens freedom did not take effect until after theirs did in some cases, for 15 or 20 years. Puterbaugh, the research librarian, theorizes that Snowden may have meant well in keeping the children in slavery. Many manumission laws discouraged masters from freeing slaves who couldnt take care of themselves. The aim was not to be benevolent, but to protect communities from the burden of caring for them. It may have been more for their safekeeping than for any monetary gain, Puterbaugh said in an email. For the most part, the girls were freed when they reached the age of 22 and the boys when they reached 26 . . . [perhaps] considered the age of maturation at the time. [Haunting relics of a doomed slave ship come to Washington] Jenny Bourne, an economics historian at Carleton College, agreed. Relatively altruistic owners might not free young children until they could support themselves, she said in an email. Stanley Engerman, historian and professor of economics at the University of Rochester, added: The argument was made that slaves were ruined by slavery, and you needed a period of apprenticeship to educate [them] for freedom. A photo from the early 1900s shows the Accokeek post office and store owned by the Dyer family. The store held a safe which contained the manumission papers of some enslaved men, women and children held n Prince Georges County between 1796 and 1853. (Photo courtesy Danny Dyer) Set aside and forgotten The huge safe had been in the Dyer country store/gas station/post office in Accokeek as far back as the horse-and-buggy days. The store, on Livingston Road, was a local gathering place and makeshift repository. It was the only game in town, Dyer said. At the time, there was nothing around. When it moved across the street in 1947, the safe moved with it. Then, when the Dyers got out of the store business, the safe moved into his house next door. Dyer, 74, a retired executive assistant with the state and county governments, was given the combination by his late father, and he started studying the contents after his parents died in the 1980s. There were, among many other things, land deeds, records of the sale of horses and cows, and the manumission papers, which span the years 1781 to 1858. The safe appears to have served as a kind of safe-deposit box in rural Maryland, and Dyer thinks such documents were put there in connection with a great-grandfathers job as a sheriff in the county. I have no idea how long theyve been in there, he said in an interview at Surratt House recently. My father didnt seem to know. He said, Well, they were just here. Theyve always been here. As Dyer examined the handwritten documents, he was puzzled: I started looking, and said, What is this? What the hell is manumission? I didnt know what it was. So I looked it up. He realized the papers historic and emotional value, but he wasnt sure what to do with them. He did a little research. But then years went by, family events came, and the issue of the papers fell into the background, Dyer said. Recently, his son began dating a daughter of Laurie Verge, the director of the Surratt House Museum. The elder Dyer and Verge had gone to high school together. I thought this might be a chance to find out a little bit more about these things, he said. A year and a half ago, he brought his papers to the museum. They now reside in a gray archival box in the museums James O. Hall Research Center, where they will stay for the foreseeable future. The stories they tell are part of American history. On Aug. 31, 1818, a Prince Georges County slave named Nathan, 31 years old and of good bodily strength, bought himself from his owner, a widow, Ann Berry. The price: $220 thousands of dollars in todays money. On Oct. 1, 1806, Aaron Jones, 35, purchased himself under a different arrangement. His owner, Ann Sprigg, priced him high $400 but set up an installment plan: For his freedom, Jones would pay Sprigg $100 each year for four years. Sprigg charged no interest. Aides to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) have begun to unblock people from his Facebook page after criticism over his office deleting negative comments and banning critics and the threat of legal action from the American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland. The organization wrote to Hogans office on Friday to demand a review of all 450 people barred from posting on the governors popular social-media page. The ACLU also wanted apologies and the restoration of posting privileges for seven clients the group says were unjustly barred. The ACLUs letter said the removal of posts violated a state social-media policy urging managers to refrain from taking down antagonistic comments as well as constitutional free-speech protections. The purpose of social media is to have this exchange of ideas, said Deborah Jeon, legal director for the ACLU of Maryland. Once that type of a forum is established by the government and the governor, its not permissible to say, If you agree with me, you are allowed to post. And if you dont, theres no place for you here. Aides to Hogan said they have unblocked six of seven commenters who are being represented by the ACLU but have not changed their policies on deleting off-topic or abusive comments. (His office said they could not locate the sevenths Facebook profile.) While the ACLU should be focusing on much more important activities than monitoring the governors Facebook page, we appreciated them identifying a handful of individuals out of the over 1 million weekly viewers of the page that may have been inadvertently denied access, said Amelia Chasse, a Hogan spokeswoman. We will continue to remove any and all profane, violent, racist, and political spam commentary from the Facebook page, and encourage robust, on-topic discussion, she said. On Tuesday, Hogans office highlighted examples of abusive posts removed from the Facebook page, including images of posts calling the governor a fat racist trump loving Facist and accusing him of using cancer to ensure his reelection. But the ACLU and other critics say people have been blocked for critical posts that used clean language. In addition, Jeon said several peoples access to Hogans Facebook page was restored over the weekend, after Hogans office received the ACLUs letter, but then they found themselves blocked again this week or discovered that their comments had been hidden. Chasse said those people were blocked again for spamming the page with dozens of identical and off-topic posts. Jeon says the ACLU is considering taking further legal action, possibly including a lawsuit. Over the weekend, Hogan pushed back online against people who criticized him for censoring dissenting comments. I do not block constituents who disagree with me, that whole narrative is simply false, he posted Saturday. Several posts criticizing him were left up on the page Saturday and Sunday, with him replying to say that the commenters were inaccurate or ill-informed. The Maryland Democratic Party has also been criticizing Hogan on this issue. In an email to supporters Tuesday, party officials offered to hand deliver letters of complaint to his office and likened his removal of Facebook comments to congressional Republicans refusing to hold town halls. An 8-year-old boy died Tuesday after an ATV crash in Prince William County, Va., authorities said. On Saturday, officers responded to the 14900 block of Deepwood Lane in Nokesville after a report of a crash involving an ATV, Prince William County Police said in a statement. They found that Franklin Flores of Nokesville had been riding a 2002 Kawasaki Prairie 650 without a helmet when he lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree, according to the statement. Flores, who was riding the ATV without parental permission, was flown to a hospital, where he died Tuesday, the statement said. Cleanup continues at the Lincoln Memorial on Tuesday after it was marred with graffiti. The writing is covered by the white sheet on the wall. (Perry Stein/The Washington Post) The Washington Monument and the World War II, Lincoln and D.C. War memorials were damaged by graffiti over the holiday weekend. U.S. Park Police and National Park Service officials said the four sites had graffiti markings that were similar in nature and not considered to be political or racial. The vandalism was scrawled in black permanent marker. Two of the messages were at the Lincoln Memorial: one in the memorial and another at the foot of the steps. One was found at the World War II Memorial, one at the Washington Monument and one at the D.C. War Memorial. Other acts of vandalism were found on street signs and utility boxes on the Mall. Some of the words in the messages were hard to decipher. One message said, Jackie shot JFK. Another mentioned the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. And another part of the graffiti said that blood test is a lie and mentioned leukemia, cancer and HIV, saying get second opinion. Cleanup at the Lincoln Memorial after it was marred with graffiti. (Perry Stein/The Washington Post) [World War II Memorial vandalized with spray paint] Sgt. Anna Rose, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Park Police, said each of the monuments had similar messages. The size of the message varied from about the size of the palm of a hand to as big as a football, officials said. The incidents probably happened between 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday, according to officials. Authorities said they have been told that there was a large crowd around some monuments late Saturday, and they asked anyone who saw anything to come forward with information. We understand that there was quite a crowd here Saturday night who may have seen something, Rose said at a news conference Tuesday in front of the Lincoln Memorial. Investigators are also working to pull surveillance video from the area and believe that all of the incidents are related. Park Police officials said none of the messages rose to the level of being a hate crime, according to Rose. Those responsible could face vandalism charges, she said. In 2015, a case was dismissed against a Chinese woman who was suspected of tossing green paint on several D.C. landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial, after a judge determined she was incompetent to stand trial. Jiamei Tian had been charged in 2013 with one count of defacing property after paint was found spattered in Washington National Cathedral. Graffiti at the foot of the steps at the Lincoln Memorial. (Perry Stein/The Washington Post) [Case dismissed against woman accused of throwing green paint on D.C. landmarks] It often takes several treatments to remove graffiti from monuments, and authorities have to avoid causing long-term damage, said Mike Litterst, a spokesman for the National Park Service. Work crews expect the cleaning to take about two weeks with several rounds of treatments using solvents. Litterst said that getting the green paint off the monuments in the earlier incident took about a dozen treatments but that hopefully this wont be quite as bad. Prince Georges County police released video showing two men suspected in the fatal stabbing of a man outside a Seat Pleasant gas station. (Prince George's County police) An Alexandria man has been charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of a man outside a Prince Georges County gas station, according to police. Marlon Marshall, 46, was arrested in the slaying of Jamal Barnes, 34, of Capitol Heights, police said. Barnes was stabbed Feb. 7 outside the Seat Pleasant gas station about noon. He was taken to a hospital where he later died, police said. [Police release video of men suspected in fatal stabbing outside Md. gas station] Detectives think the stabbing stemmed from a dispute between the men, police said. Marshall is being held without bond. Investigators are looking for a second man in the incident. The second man was recorded on surveillance video outside the gas station that afternoon, police said. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to call 301-772-4925 or 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). An array of dog tags left at the Vietnam Wall. There have been scores of tags and other items left there over the years. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post) The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund has received a $10 million grant for its proposed education center adjacent to its famous memorial on the Mall in Washington. The fund said the grant from the Lilly Endowment is the largest single cash donation in the funds 37-year history. The fund has been trying to raise money to build the underground Education Center at the Wall since 2003. With the Lilly donation, the fund said it now has $42.5 million of the $130 million it needs to raise. The center will be a 25,000-square-foot building displaying thousands of artifacts left at the memorial over the years, first-person accounts of veterans and citizens, and a two-story wall showing the faces of the 58,000 people whose names are etched on the memorial. [The artifacts and anguish left at the Vietnam Wall] This is a selection of M.I.A. bracelets left at the Wall over the years. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post) A ceremonial groundbreaking was held in 2012, but costs and expenditures have risen and fundraising had been slow. Its incredibly encouraging that an organization like the Lilly Endowment, that is so well known and so well respected in philanthropic circles, sees the value and has confidence in this project, said Jim Knotts, president of the fund. I think that there are a lot of people or corporations that have been interested in this project in the past and they have been sitting on the sidelines, he said. We still have a long way to go, and the project is not certain, he said in a telephone interview last week. But I think receiving this kind of commitment from Lilly really indicates to others that this project is a real project, that were making great progress, that it will happen with the support of others. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the wars landmark Tet Offensive by the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong, Knotts said. [The man who built the Wall] In addition, he noted, this September filmmaker Ken Burns is set to release a 10-part documentary about the war on public television stations. Knotts said he has seen six of the episodes. I truly believe it will restart a conversation in this country to remember and honor our Vietnam veterans in a way nothing ever has, he said. House Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights), left, is acting speaker as he confers with House Clerk G. Paul Nardo in April. Cox is expected to be designated the next speaker of the House. (AP Photo/Steve Helber) (Steve Helber/AP) RICHMOND Republicans in Virginias House of Delegates on Wednesday are expected to crown M. Kirkland Cox, a retired government teacher and veteran legislator, their speaker-in-waiting. In a closed-door meeting of the House GOP caucus, members intend to name Cox speaker designee, according to three people familiar with the plans. They spoke on condition of anonymity in order to discuss confidential caucus matters. Cox (R-Colonial Heights) would succeed Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) when Howell retires in January. Howell, who has presided over Richmonds lower chamber for 15 sessions, announced Monday that he would not seek re-election. A state delegate since 1990, Cox has worked closely with Howell and has been widely seen as his likely successor. But as word of Howells retirement plans started filtering out over the past week or so, a rival emerged in Del. Terry G. Kilgore (R-Scott). Cox and Kilgore began trying to line up supporters. On Monday, Kilgore said that he had dropped his bid. I just didnt think it was the right time for me, he said. Cox declined to comment, saying only, This is the speakers day. Supporters of Cox, 59, said he appeared to have sewn up the speakers contest with unusual speed and without the horse-trading over committee assignments that is sometimes involved in securing support. They described him as policy-oriented and hands-on, as a fiscal and social conservative who tries to advance those principles in a pragmatic way. Under current caucus rules, the decision to designate Cox the next speaker would not be binding on the House that convenes in 2018. All 100 House seats are up for election in November. The designation is intended to signal plans for an orderly transition. Howell assumed the role in January 2003, after S. Vance Wilkins resigned amid a sexual harassment scandal. As I understand it, the last really orderly transfer was sometime back in the 1980s, said Del. Richard L. Anderson (R-Prince William). There was a transition that happened as a result of death and, of course, theres been some other unscheduled transitions. And so this will be refreshing because it will be a time where we can move to the next generation of House leadership in an orderly and methodical way. The CBI had named AP Singh along with Moin Qureshi and others in an FIR registered last week for allegedly showing favour to the meat exporter after receiving a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate. By Press Trust of India: A P Singh, the first former CBI chief booked by the agency, today claimed that the phone messages exchanged with controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi that have come under scanner are "mostly personal" and "innocuous" in nature. The CBI had named Singh along with Qureshi and others in an FIR registered last week for allegedly showing favour to the meat exporter after receiving a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate. advertisement The 1974-batch IPS officer, who retired as CBI Director on November 30, 2012, said that he would comment exhaustively on the agency's action after consulting his lawyer but added that the messages had been in public domain "for over three years". "Income Tax and Enforcement Director have not added anything further. None of the purported messages sent through BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) pertain to the CBI investigations. They are mostly personal and innocuous in nature as between friends," he said. Enforcement Directorate chief Karnal Singh had alleged that in the course of investigation in a Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) case against AMQ Group of companies owned by Qureshi, it transpired that the businessman was acting as a middleman for some public servants. In his letter, the ED chief attached records of Blackberry chat messages exchanged between Singh and Qureshi to allege that cognizable offences were committed by the two in collusion with each other. HIGH PROFILE CASES HANDLED BY SINGH Singh, during whose tenure a number of charge sheets were filed in high-profile cases including the alleged fake encounters in Gujarat of Sohrabuddin Sheikh, Sadiq Jamal and Tulsi Prajapati, said majority of the messages were exchanged after he had retired from the CBI on November 30, 2012. In Sheikh and Prajapti case, BJP leader Amit Shah was chargesheeted by the CBI. Shah was also arrested by the CBI but was later given bail. Shah was discharged in the Sheikh encounter case by the Special Court in December, 2014, six months after BJP-led government came to power and the CBI did not appeal against the discharge order. Also read: ISRO spy case: Supreme Court to hear former scientist's plea on Feb 24 Out of the messages exchanged between him and Qureshi, only three belong to the period when Singh was the Director in which the meat exporter had sought "help" for a family friend. However, Singh had informed Qureshi that the case had been chargesheeted and that his friend should approach the courts for relief, according to the messages cited by the ED. All the remaining messages were exchanged after he had retired from the CBI and there is no overt attempt to seek help for anyone, Singh, whose house was searched yesterday by the CBI, claimed. advertisement The ED, surprisingly, had not named Singh in its Enforcement Case Information Report ED Assistant Director Arun Kumar, whose complaint was also attached with Karnal Singh's letter, alleged that Qureshi took "huge money" from different persons for obtaining undue favours from public servants and politicians holding high offices. The ED has appended 22 BBM messages which were exchanged between Singh and Qureshi even after the retirement of the IPS officer. A perusal of the complaint shows that neither Karnal Singh nor Arun Kumar had given any details about specific transactions which, they believe, might have taken place between Singh and Qureshi. The ED has also not specified in its complaint which specific favours were given by Singh and how he was benefited from Qureshi. The complaint takes the name of Qureshi but only talks about senior officials and politicians in generic terms. Also read: Exclusive: Beef politics returns, Akhilesh Yadav dares Narendra Modi to ban meat exports --- ENDS --- At a panel on vaccines last fall in Austin, Jackie Schlegel, second from left, executive director of Texans for Vaccine Choice; state Reps. Bill Zedler (R-Arlington) and Jason Villalba (R-Dallas); and Anna Dragsbaek, president and chief executive of the Immunization Partnership were among the speakers. (Marjorie Kamys Cotera/For the Texas Tribune) The group of 40 people gathered at a popular burger and fish taco restaurant in San Antonio listened eagerly to the latest news about the anti-vaccine fight taking place in the Texas legislature. Some mothers in the group had stopped immunizing their young children because of doubts about vaccine safety. Heads nodded as the woman giving the statehouse update warned that vaccine advocates wanted to chip away at parents right to choose. But she also had encouraging news. We have 30 champions in that statehouse, boasted Jackie Schlegel, executive director of Texans for Vaccine Choice. Last session, we had two. Now they also have one in the White House. President Trumps embrace of discredited theories linking vaccines to autism has energized the anti-vaccine movement. Once fringe, the movement is becoming more popular, raising doubts about basic childhood health care among politically and geographically diverse groups. Public health experts warn that this growing movement is threatening one of the most successful medical innovations of modern times. Globally, vaccines prevent the deaths of about 2.5 million children every year, but deadly diseases such as measles and whooping cough still circulate in populations where enough people are unvaccinated. (The Washington Post) In San Antonio, 80 miles southwest of the state capital, Texans for Vaccine Choice convened a happy hour to encourage attendees to get more involved politically. The event was among dozens of outreach events the group has hosted across the state. The relatively new group has boosted its profile, aided by a savvy social-media strategy, and now leads a contentious fight over vaccines that is gearing up in the current legislative session. The battle comes at a time when increasing numbers of Texas parents are choosing not to immunize their children because of personal beliefs. Measles was eliminated in the United States more than 15 years ago, but the highly contagious disease has made a return in recent years, including in Texas, in part because of parents refusing to vaccinate their children. A 2013 outbreak in Texas infected 21 people, many of them unvaccinated children. The modern anti-vaccine movement is based on a fraud. A study published almost 20 years ago purported to show a link between childhood vaccines and autism. The data was later found to be falsified, and the study was retracted. Scores of large-scale, long-term studies from around the world since then have proved that there is no connection between vaccines and autism. But the suspicion lingers. Its strongest form is a stubborn conspiracy theory that doctors, scientists, federal health agencies, vaccine-makers and the worldwide public health community are hiding the truth and are knowingly harming children. A leading conspiracy theorist is Andrew Wakefield, author of the 1998 study that needlessly triggered the first fears. (The medical journal BMJ, in a 2011 review of the debacle, described the paper as fatally flawed both scientifically and ethically.) Wakefields Twitter handle identifies him as a doctor, but his medical license has been revoked. The British native now lives in Austin, where he is active in the state and national anti-vaccine movement. Trump has met with Wakefield, who attended an inaugural ball and told supporters afterward that he had received tremendous support for his efforts and hoped to have more meetings with the president. Peter Hotez, director of the Texas Childrens Hospital Center for Vaccine Development, predicts that 2017 could be the year the anti-vaccination movement gains ascendancy in the United States. Texas could lead the way, he said, because some public schools are dangerously close to the threshold at which measles outbreaks can be expected. A third of students at some private schools are unvaccinated. Were losing the battle, Hotez said. Although the anti-vaccine movement has been strong in other states, including California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado, experts say the effort in Texas is among the most organized and politically active. Its a great example of an issue that has a targeted, small minority but an intense minority who are willing to mobilize and engage in direct action, said Mark Jones, a political science professor at Rice University in Houston. The vast majority of parents in Texas and across the country vaccinate their children. Most people have never had to think much about this basic preventive-medicine practice. But now immunization advocates are realizing that they cant let vaccine critics go unchallenged, saying they need voices other than scientists and experts to make the case. They are recruiting teachers and grass-roots groups to explain how immunization protects families and communities. Jinny Suh plays with her 4-month-old son while her husband and other son play a video game at their home in Austin on Feb. 9. Suh is a pro-vaccine advocate in addition to running her own businesses from home. (Cooper Neill for The Washington Post) Jinny Suh, 39, runs one such group, Immunize Texas , from her Austin home, where she lives with her husband and two young sons. Their house is about three miles from the Austin Waldorf School, a private school where 158 students more than 40 percent of the school population are unvaccinated, and tuition costs more than $14,000 a year. Suh worries about the risk that the schools unvaccinated children pose to her 4-month-old, who is too young to be immunized. Im sure there are people I go to the grocery store with and go to the park with who have unimmunized children, she said. This is a public hazard. You cant see germs. Those who oppose vaccination are driven by fear, even though it is misguided, and that fear drives passion, she said. But parents who support vaccination need to step up our passion and speak up for science and for children, she said. States set their own day-care and school vaccination requirements. Students in Texas are required to receive seven vaccinations before they attend school, unless their families file an exemption. In Texas, the number of school-age children who are not vaccinated has soared since 2003, when the state expanded its exemption criteria to include reasons of conscience. Personal-belief exemptions increased from 2,314 in the 2003-2004 school year to 44,716 in 2015-2016. Overall statewide vaccination rates remain high over 98 percent. But in some parts of Texas, vaccine coverage is slipping below the 90 to 95 percent level that experts say is needed to prevent an outbreak. Many private schools, including in the Austin area, have the highest rates of unvaccinated children, exceeding 20 percent. Wakefield has stoked parents unfounded fears about vaccines, even though his study was withdrawn and Britains General Medical Council stripped him of his medical license in 2010. In a brief phone interview, Wakefield said he had not spoken to Trump since last summer. He declined to say how he was invited to an inaugural ball. Better to say nothing at this stage, he said. Wakefield said he was heading to Europe to promote Vaxxed, the movie he directed and co-wrote in which he defends the debunked link between the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine and autism. Texans for Vaccine Choice has sponsored showings of the film and promotes it on its Facebook page. One part of the anti-vaccine movements message is that vaccine-preventable diseases arent dangerous if people get modern medical care. But thats a myth, and the failure to vaccinate can be catastrophic. Texas health data shows a steady uptick in diseases such as pertussis and mumps in recent years. A recent mumps outbreak in Johnson County, southwest of Dallas, sickened at least 167 people, mostly students. In 2013, Texas experienced the largest outbreak of whooping cough, or pertussis, since 1959: nearly 4,000 cases. Five newborns who were too young to be vaccinated died. Although anti-vaccine groups are gaining momentum in Texas, other states have shown that they can be fought. In 2015, California passed one of the strictest vaccine requirement laws in the country, mandating that almost all schoolchildren be fully vaccinated to go to school. Exemptions are allowed only for documented medical conditions. The law was sparked by a 2014-2015 measles outbreak that started at Disneyland in California, where a single unvaccinated child with measles led to the infections of 131 people. A Texas lawmaker tried to pass a similar bill during the legislative session in 2015. (Texass legislature meets every other year.) It was clear common sense, recalled Republican Rep. Jason Villalba, a Dallas lawyer. Mumps was resurgent in the state, including in his district, and his youngest child wasnt old enough to be immunized. The bill never made it out of committee. But it sparked a huge reaction and was the reason Schlegel and about 20 other mothers formed Texans for Vaccine Choice. The group claimed that I was a mad scientist, stripping liberties from parents, Villalba recalled. He said Texas lawmakers are not likely to pass any legislation that could be viewed as government intrusion into parents rights. He is not planning to take up the fight against nonmedical exemptions again unless there is a measles outbreak. In the current legislative session, no bills have been filed to eliminate the personal-belief exemptions. In fact, vaccine opponents have introduced a bill to simplify the exemption process. But pro-vaccine advocates are expected to try to change the law and give parents the right to know the number of unimmunized children at individual schools, information thats not readily available now. One bill already introduced would require parents to complete an online education course before seeking a vaccine exemption. Another would make it easier for teenagers to get vaccinated against cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV). The bills sponsor, Republican Rep. Sarah Davis, a Houston lawyer whose district is home to some of Texass most well-known hospitals, said the bills are common-sense legislation that would better protect children. The more active the anti-vaxxers have become, the more that other members start to question whether vaccines are controversial, and most legislators are not wanting to make waves, she said. People on both sides of the vaccine issue are lobbying lawmakers and their staffs, and activity is sure to intensify before the session, which began Jan. 10, ends in May. Vaccines arent a standard conservative or liberal issue. In many parts of the country, pockets of unimmunized children tend to be in white, upper-middle-class neighborhoods, including in Austin, said Anna Dragsbaek, who heads the Immunization Partnership, a Houston-based immunization advocacy group. One particularly strong strain of anti-vaccine rhetoric in Texas is libertarian and anti-government. Texans for Vaccine Choice receives help and expertise from friendly lawmakers and groups such as Empower Texans, said Jonathan Stickland, a tea party Republican representative from Tarrant County and a key supporter. Political experts consider Empower Texans the states most sophisticated and influential conservative organization. Our message resonates with people, said Schlegel, 37, in a brief interview after a day of meetings at the Capitol. Texans value parental rights, she said. We have a message of liberty. We have a message of choice. Schlegel has an assistant who helps coordinate her schedule. The group has a director of state policy. Its Facebook page posts regular updates on Schlegels meetings with lawmakers. The group hands out sophisticated, glossy materials in red, white and blue to lawmakers. The packets, with business cards tucked inside, lay out the groups positions, the bills it supports and the ones it opposes. One leaflet describes the lack of safety testing and questionable ingredients in vaccines. (To be clear, vaccines and their ingredients are some of the most carefully tested medical interventions in history.) Another calls the current recommended schedule of vaccines one of the most aggressive and bloated of ANY other nation on the planet. When the group recently sought volunteers on Facebook for engagement days at the state Capitol this month and in March, one woman said she wanted to help but was concerned she didnt know enough about vaccines. Dont worry, she was told. Very little talk about vaccines and a LOT of talk about parental rights and CHOICE. The American Academy of Pediatrics and 350 other medical, professional and advocacy groups recently wrote a letter to Trump expressing unequivocal support for vaccines safety and endorsing the recommended schedule. The letter has links to more than 40 major studies on safety and effectiveness. But immunization advocates like Suh say its hard to counter the passion of her opponents. Most people consider vaccinations to be such a basic part of life, like clean drinking water, that its hard to motivate them to take time to show up at lawmakers offices. Were completely outgunned, said Suh, adding there are only about a dozen members whom she can call on to show up for events. Immunize Texas is part of the Immunization Project. Suh often writes emails and posts to the groups Facebook account from her cellphone while caring for her two sons. She juggles her immunization advocacy, a mostly volunteer gig, with other businesses she runs from home. To present herself and other mothers as the face of vaccine advocates, she and Jessica Cleary-Kemp, seven months pregnant and mother of a 13-year-old and a 2-year-old, met recently with several lawmakers. One was J.D. Sheffield, a Republican state representative who sought during the last session to require individual schools to provide immunization exemption data. Suh jiggled her son on her lap while Clearys son played a game on an iPad. Its not yet clear whether Sheffield or another lawmaker will introduce the bill this session. But they all agreed it will be a controversial issue. To help get their social-media message out, Suh may need to redo the logo for the groups website. Buttons and T-shirts are another idea. But first, she needs to be better prepared for the next face-to-face meetings. People kept asking for business cards, she said. So we need to get some. Alice Crites contributed to this report from Washington, and Eva Ruth Moravec contributed from San Antonio. TEXAS State cant cut funds to Planned Parenthood, judge says A federal judge has stopped Texas from cutting off Medicaid dollars to Planned Parenthood over secretly recorded videos taken by antiabortion activists in 2015. The decision by U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks on Tuesday preserves what Planned Parenthood says are non-abortion services to nearly 11,000 low-income women. Texas originally intended to defund Planned Parenthood in January, but Sparks told the state to wait pending his ruling. Federal courts have consistently thwarted Republican-controlled states from denying Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood over heavily edited videos that claimed to show the nations largest abortion provider profiting from sales of fetal tissue for medical research. Planned Parenthood has denied wrongdoing, and investigations in 13 states didnt result in criminal charges. Arkansas, Alabama, Kansas, Mississippi and Louisiana have also had similar efforts blocked. Associated Press MISSOURI Man charged with helping plan attack A Missouri man has been charged with helping to plan what he thought would be a terrorist attack in Kansas City, federal officials said Tuesday. Robert Lorenzo Hester Jr. was charged in federal court in Kansas City with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Hester, 25, of Columbia was arrested Friday and the criminal complaint was released Tuesday after his first court appearance. The U.S. attorneys office in Kansas City said Hester, who served less than a year in the U.S. Army, met several times with people he thought were Islamic State group sympathizers. They were actually undercover FBI agents. Prosecutors say Hester agreed to participate in an attack scheduled for Monday that would injure or kill many people. Associated Press Convicted former police officer moved out of Illinois prison: Former suburban Chicago police officer Drew Peterson has been transferred out of the Illinois prison system and is listed in a federal Bureau of Prisons database. Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman Nicole Wilson said Tuesday that Peterson had been transferred but declined to say why or where, citing security. Peterson was sentenced to 38 years in prison for the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio. The investigation into her 2004 death was reopened when Petersons fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, went missing in 2007. Peterson, 63, was sentenced to another 40 years in prison last year for trying to hire someone to kill a prosecutor. From news services The CBI sources said communication between Qureshi and Singh shows that they were in touch with each other to influence top UPA politicians, including the then two Union ministers. By Atir Khan: In order to fix deals requiring political or bureaucratic influence, Moin Qureshi tried to influence top politicians and government officials through his contacts with former CBI Director AP Singh, according to the CBI. The CBI is also of the view that the 'ill-gotten money' availed for striking the deals has been parked in foreign countries. The CBI sources talking to India Today said communication between Qureshi and Singh shows that they were in touch with each other to influence top UPA politicians, including the then two Union ministers. Qureshi and Singh also tried to influence top intelligence officials for getting certain clearances. advertisement In 2011, Qureshi had requested Singh to help him get clearance for running lounge services from Terminal 3 at Delhi Airport through his company 'India Premier Services Pvt. Ltd'. Moin had applied for obtaining concession agreement from M/S Dial. The permission required clearance from various government agencies including Intelligence Bureau. Qureshi was trying to prevail over Singh to persuade top politicians and officials to use their influence into giving the requisite permissions. Singh was responding to Moin's requests and passing on all necessary information in this regard to him. Also read: Messages with meat exporter Moin Qureshi personal, innocuous: Ex-CBI chief AP Singh booked by the agency Singh at one point of time had also given him reference of a top Union minister saying the latter may come handy in getting the job done. Later, the deal could not materialise due to objections raised by Intelligence Bureau. HELP FOR FORMER BANK OFFICIAL Qureshi and Singh had close family relations and both would also travel abroad together. In 2012, Qureshi had also asked Singh to help him in stalling prosecution against ex-chairman of Bank of India who was facing criminal charges. However, Singh had informed him that it was too late as the CBI had already filed a chargesheet against the bank official and relief could only be sought through the court. Similarly, Pradeep Koneru - a Hyderabad-based businessman, who has also been named in the CBI regular case, was in touch with Qureshi to keep a CBI joint director at bay. Apparently, Koneru, son of Rajendra Prasad Koneru, a co-accused in a case of disproportionate assets filed by the agency against Andhra politician Jaganmohan Reddy, had a grudge against the CBI official. Qureshi was apparently trying to influence Singh against the joint director. Pradeep Koneru, through Qureshi had apparently requested meetings with Singh for discussing bail and discharge matters of his father and brother Madhu Koneru. The agency registered a case against both of them last week and carried out searches on their premises on Monday. During the searches, the CBI has seized documents relating to some more deals. advertisement The agency is of the view that Qureshi received bribe money for several such deals and parked the illegal money in foreign countries. Through such money, he has managed to own properties in May Fair London, Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, Sollo Building Apartments in New York, Suntec Tower in Singapore, Marina Dubai and Burj Al- Khalifa in Dubai. These properties have not been declared in his income tax returns for meat export business. That's why it is suspected those properties have been acquired through illegal means. Investigations have revealed that it wasn't just Singh who had close ties with Qureshi, even his successor Ranjit Sinha had met Qureshi on several occasions. Qureshi is also facing income tax and the Enforcement Directorate proceedings against him. Also read: ISRO spy case: Supreme Court to hear former scientist's plea on Feb 24 --- ENDS --- NORTH KOREA Footage shows attack on Kims half brother North Korea said Monday that Malaysia cannot be trusted to carry out the investigation into last weeks killing of leader Kim Jong Uns half brother. With South Korea saying it was certain that Pyongyang was behind the act of terrorism and Malaysia insisting that it will follow established procedures, the case is becoming more dramatic by the day. Closed-circuit TV footage released Monday shows the attack on Kim Jong Nam, 45, at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Kim is seen going to a kiosk when two women ambush him and appear to apply what authorities say was poison. He died shortly afterward. Noting that there had been no evidence released of the cause of death, North Korean envoy Kang Chol told reporters in Kuala Lumpur, the Malaysian capital, It only increases the doubt that there could be someone elses hand behind the investigation. He proposed that North Korea and Malaysia open a joint probe. Kang had been summoned to Malaysias Foreign Ministry over his criticism of the investigation. The Malaysian government regards as unfounded the criticisms made by the North Korean ambassador, the Foreign Ministry said Monday in a statement. With one North Korean in custody in Malaysia and four others suspected of involvement, it seems clear that the North Korean regime is behind this case, Hwang Kyo-ahn, South Koreas prime minister and acting president, said Monday. Anna Fifield SYRIA Russia says bomb killed 4 of its soldiers Four Russian soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb in western Syria last week, the Russian military said. The Defense Ministry said in a statement that the Feb. 16 attack had targeted a Syrian military convoy near Tiyas, an air base from which Russian warplanes have launched raids on Islamic State fighters in ancient Palmyra. It was not possible to immediately verify the Russian statement, and the attack has yet to be claimed by militants in Syria. But the news underscored the growing toll that Syrias conflict has wrought on Russian military and mercenary forces fighting on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. On Monday, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring network said the Syrian government had escalated attacks on rebel-held suburbs of Damascus. Seven people were killed in bombing raids in the district of Barzeh, as rocket attacks on the opposition-held neighborhood of Qaboun continued throughout the day. The White Helmets rescue brigade published a video of the apparent aftermath of a raid on the rebel-held Damascus neighborhood of Tishreen. Rescuers were seen digging a child from a bank of rubble. Louisa Loveluck 5 killed in Guinea protest: At least five people were killed when police in Guinea clamped down on hundreds of students who protested with stones and sticks amid teacher strikes that have kept them out of class for weeks. Guineas government condemned events leading to the deaths, calling the protest illegal. A hospital worker said the dead were shot at close range by riot police and gendarmerie. The government said at least 12 protesters were arrested. Former Salvadoran first lady appears in court: El Salvadors former first lady declared her innocence as she entered a courthouse to face corruption charges related to her husbands presidency. Ana Ligia de Saca and former president Tony Saca are accused of being involved in money laundering and conspiracy. Police have arrested 10 people tied to a scheme that diverted at least $246 million in government funds through advertising and media firms at the behest of the ex-president. Rio protest turns violent: Police in Rio de Janeiro shot tear gas and arrested at least a dozen protesters who turned violent and threw rocks during a rally against privatizing a public utility. State legislators voted 41 to 28 to privatize the state company that provides water and sewage treatment. The move is among austerity measures that have angered many in Rio. Nepal to hold local elections: Nepal will hold its first local elections in 20 years in May, a cabinet minister said. The Himalayan nation has been unable to complete its path to a republic because regional groups rejected a constitution approved by bigger political parties in 2015. Forest Minister Shankar Bhandari said the vote for more than 700 village and municipal assemblies will be May 14, paving the way for national and state elections later this year. From news services George F. Wills Feb. 16 op-ed, How to stop a trade war, which defended the Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (Reins) Act, took a shot at the federal agency rulemaking process. Mr. Will made it sound as if unaccountable and secure bureaucrats were unilaterally issuing regulations. But agencies may issue regulations only if they are authorized to do so by Congress. Many of the regulations that agencies issue are mandated by statute, sometimes by specified deadlines. Also, agencies did not issue 97,110 pages of regulations last year. The 2016 version of the Federal Register may have had that many pages, but they were not all regulations. Some are just notices that information is available to the public. Even when agencies do issue regulations, they usually provide many, many pages of explanation for each page of regulations adopted. These explanations have been ordered by Congress and the courts and have salutary purposes. They respond to public comments on proposed rules, enhancing meaningful public participation in the rulemaking process. And they provide useful guidance on what the regulations mean and how compliance can be achieved. These aspects enhance, not detract from, accountability. Finally, agencies can be held accountable by courts, which are empowered to reverse agency regulations that are unauthorized or are not supported by adequate reasoning. Robert Glicksman, Bethesda IN NORMAL times, the State Department holds a daily briefing, like the White House, to respond to urgent developments around the globe. But there hasnt been one in weeks. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is now on his first trip abroad, but no permanent deputy has been nominated. Hard-working government officials are holding down posts in an acting capacity, but hundreds of vital sub-Cabinet appointments have not been made. President Trump boasts of a fine-tuned machine, but his government halls are more echo than beehive. The president is correct that his Cabinet nominees have run into flak from Democrats in the Senate; nine of 15 department secretaries have been confirmed. The situation is much worse when you include those below Cabinet level. Of 549 key appointments, the White House has yet to name 515, according to a tracker by The Post and Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. Only 14 have been confirmed, and 20 are waiting. These key positions are among the roughly 1,200 total that require Senate confirmation and about 4,100 overall that the new administration must fill. [The Trump White House is already cooking the books] The incoming Trump team wasted no time in forcing Obama appointees overseas to hurry home and vacate their positions by Inauguration Day, but the new administration has moved with far less speed to find replacements. The only three ambassadors nominated so far are to China, Israel and the United Kingdom. Not a single assistant secretary of state has been named, much less confirmed. The business of finding good people and steering them through the labyrinth of approval and security clearance is complex and difficult. But it also seems that the White House chaos is taking a toll. One can only imagine Mr. Tillersons frustration when his choice for deputy secretary of state, Elliott Abrams, was torpedoed by Mr. Trump because of an op-ed Mr. Abrams had written earlier. The New York Times reports that a top aide to Ben Carson, nominated to be housing and urban development secretary, was fired and escorted out of the department Feb. 15 after writings critical of Mr. Trump turned up in his vetting. The National Security Council, the nerve center for foreign and defense policy, lost its first Trump-appointed chief, Michael Flynn, after less than four weeks on the job, and when the position was offered to a retired vice admiral, Robert Harward, he reportedly turned it down in part because of the unpredictable behavior of the president. On Monday, Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster was named to the post. Congressional Republicans, who have the legislative majority, are saying they are having difficulty finding someone to ask about priorities for the Trump administration. [The terrible consequences of abandoning American exceptionalism] Mr. Trumps calling card to be an effective president was his business experience, that he built skyscrapers. If he is to succeed in building government, he ought to pay extra attention to the high vacancy rate in Trumpville. Bill de Blasio is mayor of New York. Like many Democrats, Ive spent a lot of time since Nov. 8 wondering what went wrong. Though Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes, its clear to me that too many voters stayed home because they felt the election was more about personalities than the issues that affect their lives. But what weve seen in the days after the inauguration is nothing short of incredible. All over the country, millions of people are getting organized and demonstrating against the president and the broken policies of the Republican Party. People are starting to feel their power to stop the administration. The new mission of the Democratic Party must be to harness and build on this energy. We need determined leadership that will bring us together as one united party. We need an inspiring vision of equality that resonates in the hearts, minds and souls of all Americans. We need to renew our commitment to strengthening our grass-roots infrastructure to take on President Trump and the Republicans. Youd be hard-pressed to write a better description of Keith Ellisons approach to public service. Thats why Im supporting him in the race to be the next chairman of the Democratic Party. [Keith Ellison: The Democratic Party doesnt exist for Democrats] As leader of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Keith, a Democrat from Minnesota, has been fighting to put working families at the center of our economic vision. He has built coalitions to raise wages for federal contract workers and stop cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. If theres a strike happening, you can almost guarantee Keith will be there right next to the workers. And beyond being right on the issues, Keith knows what Democrats need to do to win. During his successful run for Congress in 2006, his campaign knocked on doors and talked to voters who were neglected for years. That shaped Keiths approach to winning elections. He built a turnout machine in Minnesota by contacting as many voters as possible. It helped elect statewide Democrats in critical election years, including Sen. Al Frankens win by 312 votes in 2008. Surrounded by red states, Minnesota continues to shine blue in part thanks to voter participation levels that often lead the nation. Nationwide, 58 percent of eligible voters went to the polls in 2016. A larger focus on turnout in key states might have changed the outcome. Thats why Keiths experience and his plan to build a 3,143-county turnout strategy is so important. He wants local and state leaders to boost their turnout by 3 to 7 percent. He is committed to make that happen by shifting the resources of the Democratic Party toward a grass-roots focus on getting voters to the polls. Higher turnout everywhere means victories not only at the federal level but at the state and local levels as well. Keith also knows Democrats go further when we go as one. While the people in our party dont agree on everything, Keith knows it is our shared values that animate us to do good, fight for progressive values and lift up our fellow Americans. At the Democratic National Convention, I watched Keith, who had endorsed Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), barnstorm state delegations urging party unity for Democrats to rally behind Hillary Clinton. Later, he went to Nevada to facilitate a meeting between Sanders supporters and the Nevada Democratic Party leadership, helping to deliver a public unity statement after a contentious state convention in May. No matter what the president says about draining the swamp, Republicans will continue to be the party of millionaires and billionaires. I expect the GOP to break its promises to the people who supported it in the fall because they felt left behind economically. When that happens, the Democratic Party will have a big opportunity to win over some of the voters we lost. But what we learned from the 2016 election is that being right on the issues isnt enough to win those voters back. [Obamacares enduring victory] The campaign last year became too much about the wrong thing. It focused on what was bad about Donald Trump his character and his personality. But we shouldve been focused more on what we could do to put more money in the pockets of working Americans. Ironically, that was exactly the focus of our partys primary process. Clinton and Sanders spent months debating who could do more to lift up working families. The debate was substantive and high-minded. It brought new people into the process, introduced ideas that didnt seem possible just a few years ago and, most important, energized our party. We now need to do the hard work of harnessing that energy. We need to organize year-round to constantly remind people that we stand for them. We have to live our values and focus on small-dollar donations. We need to show the voters left behind by Trumps tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations that our party represents them and that were beholden only to them. Weve got to give them a reason to go to the polls. Trump likes to say he built a movement. The demonstrations around the country prove theres a people-powered movement ready to fight against him and the Republican Party. I believe Keith is the leader we need to build a party capable of channeling that power to win up and down the ballot. Chuck Schumer, a Democrat from New York, is U.S. Senate minority leader. The gravity of the issues raised by the events that led to national security adviser Michael Flynns resignation cannot be overstated or ignored. Revelations about Flynns contact with the Russians and reports indicating that he may have lied to the FBI about that contact may be only the tip of the iceberg. Theres an overwhelming view in our intelligence community that Russia tried to influence our election. The American people, and indeed American democracy, require a thorough and independent investigation into what transpired and whether any criminal laws or constitutional precepts were violated. Such an investigation and any resulting prosecution would normally be carried out under the purview of the attorney general, as the nations chief law enforcement officer with oversight of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. But in this case, given his deep and long-standing ties to President Trump and many of Trumps top advisers, Attorney General Jeff Sessions cannot lead such an investigation. [Anyone home in Trumpville?] (The Washington Post) Sessionss recusal is required by the Justice Departments own rules and regulations. The department clearly states that no employee shall participate in a criminal investigation or prosecution if he has a personal or political relationship with any person or organization substantially involved in the conduct that is the subject of the investigation or prosecution or any person or . . . has a specific and substantial interest that would be directly affected by the outcome of the investigation or prosecution. It is beyond dispute that Trump has a number of specific and substantial interests that would be directly affected by the outcome of the investigation. The regulations define a political relationship as a close identification with an elected official [or] candidate . . . arising from service as a principal adviser thereto or a principal official thereof. During the campaign, Sessions was identified by the Trump campaign and by Trump himself as a key adviser. Sessions was the first senator to endorse Trump, frequently appeared with him on the campaign trail and even served on the same campaign council as Flynn. Would he be able to impartially lead an inquiry into potential wrongdoing by the team that appointed him to his current post and with whom he has been closely allied? Certainly, the appearance of bias is unavoidable. Most important, Sessionss recusal from this matter is important not only to comply with the law but also to ensure that the public can have faith that the investigation is being conducted in a thorough and impartial way. Last week, the attorney general met with the president in the Oval Office, as his job requires. Until he recuses himself from this investigation, many Americans will remain suspicious about what they discussed. Did they talk about the ongoing investigation? Did the president try, in any way, to steer him away from the truth? A cloud will hang over every meeting and conversation between the president and attorney general until Sessions recuses himself. [I didnt think Id ever leave the CIA. But because of Trump, I quit.] Because administration officials did not reveal Flynns prevaricating about his contacts with Russia for weeks, acknowledging them only after they were exposed by the media, they have made it extremely difficult for the American people to believe that they will endeavor to get to the bottom of the issues at hand. Removing a political ally from running the investigation is absolutely necessary to assure the public the matter will be handled without partisanship. Anything short of a full recusal by Sessions will jaundice the investigation and violate Justice Department rules. As then-Sen. Sessions wrote, with others, in calling for the recusal of then-Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch in the matter of former secretary of state Hillary Clintons emails: When a high public official is accused of serious wrongdoing and there is a sufficient factual predicate to investigate it is imperative the investigation be thorough, with dispatch and without partisanship. . . . The appropriate response when the subject matter is public and it arises in a highly-charged political atmosphere is for the Attorney General to appoint a Special Counsel of great public stature and indisputable independence to assure the public the matter will be handled without partisanship. Attorney General Jeff Sessions should take the words of Sen. Jeff Sessions to heart. The sacking of Michael Flynn as national security adviser has intensified the frenzy over possible Russian interference in the election. The New York Times published an editorial comparing the Flynn imbroglio to Watergate, expressing shock and incredulity that Trump campaign officials were in contact with Russian intelligence officials, demanding a congressional investigation of whether people at the highest levels of the United States government have aided and abetted the interests of a nation that has tried to thwart American foreign policy since the Cold War. President Trump, of course, scorns the charges as a ruse and ridiculous. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called an emergency meeting of Democrats to plan how to spotlight the issue. When Washington heads into one of these feeding frenzies, judgment is often the first casualty. Its worth remembering what is at stake. After the election, we learned that the CIA and the FBI with the more tentative agreement of other intelligence agencies concluded that Russian intelligence officials ran a covert operation that hacked into and leaked emails from the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign chair John Podesta, with the purpose of hurting Clinton. Upon reviewing the still-secret report, President Obama, after affirming the results of the election, punished the Russians, expelling 35 suspected Russian intelligence operatives and imposing other restrictions. To date, the evidence released publicly for this explosive charge in the Office of the Director of National Intelligences Jan. 6 report is so threadbare that the Times conceded that it contained no information about how the agencies had collected their data or had come to their conclusions. Clearly, an independent commission should be created to report on what was done and what should be done to protect against it in the future. It is shameful that Republicans in the Congress have chosen to block this effort. The sacking of Flynn also raises fundamental concerns. (Adriana Usero/The Washington Post) According to intelligence agency leaks, intercepted conversations between Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and Flynn, then the incoming national security adviser for President-elect Trump, suggest that Flynn may have urged the Russians not to overreact to the Obama sanctions. Putin chose not to respond in a traditional tit for tat. According to the leaks, intelligence agencies went to acting attorney general Sally Q.Yates with concerns that Flynn might be subject to Russian blackmail. She took those concerns to Trump. Weeks later, Flynn was fired for misleading Vice President Pence, among others, about the substance of his conversations. But the Times editorial board and others suggest that mere contact with Russian officials is somehow nefarious, if not criminal and that to suggest better relations are in the offing with a new president is virtual treason. This is simply bizarre. Trump spoke positively of Russian President Vladimir Putin throughout the campaign, stating he would seek to enlist Russia in the fight against the Islamic State. If Flynn was reassuring the Russian ambassador that Obamas sanctions wouldnt dissuade Trump, he was doing what any national security adviser might do for a president-elect. Flynn is as anyone reading his writings would discover unfit to head the National Security Council. But talking to the Russian ambassador or to purported Russian intelligence officials about the intentions of the incoming president is hardly subversive. What should be of concern is the leaking of officially classified and intercepted telephone conversations in what was clearly a successful effort to target and take out Flynn. That Trump has railed against the intelligence leaks should not discredit this concern. The intelligence communitys use of leaks of secret information to undermine a president constitutionally elected by the American people no matter how unfit we consider him to be is an ominous precedent. Trumps expressed hope for cooperating with Russia raised significant alarm at high levels of the national security establishment. The exaggerated Russian threat helps justify bloated military budgets and unify increasingly fractious allies. As Robert Hunter, the former U.S. ambassador to NATO, recently observed: Allegations of Russian interference in the U.S. election campaign become a tool to limit, if not cripple, President Trumps attempts to change the downward course of U.S. and Western relations with Russia. Sadly, common sense is getting lost in the frenzy. Clinton supporters inflate the importance of the purported Russian hacks to excuse her painful defeat. Democrats see the scandal as a way to undermine Trump. In the targeting of Trump, too many liberals have joined in fanning a neo-McCarthyite furor, working to discredit those who seek to deescalate U.S.-Russian tensions, and dismissing anyone expressing doubts about the charges of hacking or collusion as a Putin apologist. But, as the Nation has editorialized, skepticism isnt treason; instead its essential to establishing the truth. In fact, better relations with Russia are in our national interest. Cooperation on nuclear proliferation, arms control, terrorism and other issues is vital to our security. Consolidating a zone of peace in Europe cannot happen without Russian engagement. As a leading oil producer, Russia must be part of the global effort to address climate change. Increasingly dangerous steps between two nuclear powers a Russian spy ship off our coast, near misses of planes over Syria, provocative NATO exercises on the Russian border could easily spiral out of control. Foreign interference in U.S. elections is unacceptable. Leaks of secret intelligence to discredit an elected president are bad precedent. We need an independent investigation that reports publicly on what happened and what steps are necessary to protect against both. What we dont need is a replay of Cold War hysteria that cuts off debate, slanders skeptics and undermines any effort to explore areas of agreement with Russia in our own national interest. Read more from Katrina vanden Heuvels archive or follow her on Twitter. Members of the media raise their hands for questions as President Trump speaks during a news conference in the White House on Feb. 16. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Thomas Gibbons-Neff, a fourth-generation military man, deployed twice to Afghanistan. The second time, as a 22-year-old Marine corporal in 2010, he led an eight-man infantry team into combat. Two of his men were wounded by enemy sniper fire, and one of his best buddies later died in combat. Now President Trump says Thomas is an enemy of the American people. Thomas, a Pentagon correspondent for The Post, was so labeled, along with everybody else in the media, by the commander in chief on Friday. The FAKE NEWS media, Trump tweeted, is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People! I asked my colleague, who went to Georgetown University on the G.I. Bill before joining The Post two years ago, how it felt to be called an enemy of the country he volunteered to serve in combat. Its alarming, like a bunch of other things these days, Thomas said. It also feels like bait. (Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post) And Thomas isnt taking the bait. Like the rest of us, hes keeping his head down and doing his job. [Trumps war on the press is a strategic calculation] Trumps Stalinist labeling of the media is his latest attempt to delegitimize the structures of civil society, following similar attacks on the courts and the intelligence community. We in the press are an easy mark because were already held in low esteem. In this case, the charge, using the universal language of autocrats, probably shouldnt be dignified with a refutation: To be forced to make the case that a free press isnt the enemy of a free people is to fight on Trumps terms. Instead, allow me to introduce you to the backgrounds of some of my colleagues who Trump would have you believe are enemies of the American people. I would argue that they are the American people. Yes, they went to college, they live in the Washington area, and they earn good wages; that earns them the elite epithet. But they hail from all corners of this country, from farms and small towns, the children of immigrants and factory workers, preachers and teachers. Lori Montgomery, The Posts deputy national editor, grew up on her familys dairy farm in western Pennsylvania. Lori, who spent part of her youth stacking hay and shooting a .22, went to Northwestern to study journalism; her brother still runs the farm. Jose DelReal, one of The Posts political reporters, was born in Merced, Calif., to immigrants from Mexico who were both farmhands. The family moved to Anchorage, where Joses mother worked as a maid and his father as a cook and dishwasher. Jobs and scholarships got Jose through Harvard University. Dan Balz, The Posts chief correspondent, comes from Freeport, Ill., one of the cities of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. His father sold batteries. Dan went to the University of Illinois and served for three years in the military. 1 of 83 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad See what President Trump has been doing since taking office View Photos The new presidents tumultuous first weeks have been marked by controversial executive orders and conflicts with the media. Caption The beginning of the presidents term has featured controversial executive orders and frequent conflicts with the media. March 17, 2017 President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Political reporter Jenna Johnson grew up in Nebraska, where she attended the University of Nebraska; she got an internship with The Post and has never left. Her parents run the weekly newspaper in the small town in eastern Iowa where they now live. Steven Ginsberg, The Posts political editor, grew up in Onancock, a town of 1,200 on the rural Eastern Shore of Virginia. For the first four years of his life there, the family home had no heat. [Three reasons to worry about Trumps cable news habit] The mother of Supreme Court reporter Bob Barnes died when he was 10, and his dad, a World War II vet who didnt finish high school, worked as a telephone lineman, climbing poles and installing phones. Bob went from Pensacola, Fla., public schools to the University of Florida where another future Post editor and writer, David Finkel, got through school working at Pizza Hut and Amoco. National correspondent Mary Jordan grew up on Clevelands West Side, her dad a pipe fitter and her mother a maid, both Irish immigrants. Another national reporter, Stephanie McCrummen, whose grandfather was a Southern Baptist preacher, was reared by a mother who worked for Bell South in Birmingham, Ala. And Dan Eggen, a political editor, is the son of a Lutheran minister from small-town Minnesota. If space allowed, I could go on. My colleagues dont volunteer these stories ordinarily, for the same reason I dont drone on about my Civil War ancestry, or about how I was reared by a single mother, a schoolteacher, and worked my way through college. Everybody in the newsroom everybody in America has an American story. Such stories are so commonplace as to be unremarkable or at least they seemed unremarkable until Trump declared some of us enemies of the American people. So lets pause to remember: We are all the American people. And we all love our country. Twitter: @Milbank Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. The Trump administration on Tuesday sought to allay growing fears among immigrant communities over wide-ranging new directives to ramp up enforcement against illegal immigrants, insisting the measures are not intended to produce mass deportations. Federal officials cautioned that many of the changes detailed in a pair of memos from Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly will take time to implement because of costs and logistical challenges and that border patrol agents and immigration officers will use their expanded powers with care and discretion. Yet the official public rollout of Kellys directives, first disclosed in media reports over the weekend, was met with outrage from immigrant rights advocates over concerns the new policies will result in widespread abuses as authorities attempt to fulfill President Trumps goals of tightening border control. Trump took a hard line against illegal immigration during his campaign, at times suggesting he would seek to create a nationwide deportation force to expel as many of the nations estimated 11 million unauthorized immigrants as possible. In a conference call with reporters, a senior Department of Homeland Security official moved to avert what he called a sense of panic among immigrant communities. (Alice Li/The Washington Post) We do not have the personnel, time or resources to go into communities and round up people and do all kinds of mass throwing folks on buses. Thats entirely a figment of folks imagination, said the official, who was joined on the call by two others, all of whom spoke on condition of anonymity to answer questions. This is not intended to produce mass roundups, mass deportations. The new guidelines, intended as a road map toward implementing a pair of executive actions Trump signed last month, call for the hiring of thousands of additional enforcement agents, expanding the pool of immigrants who are prioritized for removal, speeding up deportation hearings and enlisting local law enforcement to help make arrests. The policies represent a sharp break from the final years of the Obama administration and could reverse a sizable reduction in the number of deportations that occurred toward the end of President Barack Obamas time in office. After deportations reached a record high of 434,000 in 2013, intense pressure from immigration advocates prompted the Obama administration to implement new guidelines that focused enforcement on hardened criminals. Obama announced in Nov. 2014 that his administration would deport felons, not families. Many undocumented immigrants have lived in the country for more than a decade and have family members and children who are U.S. citizens. The number of people deported in 2015 was just over 333,000, the lowest number since 2007, according to federal data. Statistics for 2016 are not publicly available. Kellys new DHS policies considerably broaden the pool of undocumented immigrants prioritized for removal, including those who have been charged with crimes but not convicted, those who commit acts that constitute a chargeable criminal offense, and those who an immigration officer concludes pose a risk to public safety or national security. The Trump administration is using the specter of crime to create fear in the American community about immigrants in order to create an opening to advance the indiscriminate persecution of immigrants, said Clarissa Martinez-de-Castro, deputy vice president at the National Council of La Raza. This administration is saying, Now, everybody is going to be a priority, and the devil may care. 1 of 83 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad See what President Trump has been doing since taking office View Photos The new presidents tumultuous first weeks have been marked by controversial executive orders and conflicts with the media. Caption The beginning of the presidents term has featured controversial executive orders and frequent conflicts with the media. March 17, 2017 President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron, walk to Marine One at the White House en route to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. DHS officials emphasized that the guidelines in Kellys memos hew closely to the language of Trumps executive orders and that the secretary has written the memos to conform to federal immigration laws established by Congress. We are not creating anything out of whole cloth, the DHS official said. Democrats and human rights groups blasted the administration. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) called the policies xenophobic and suggested they could lead to racial profiling of minorities. It is irresponsible to treat a hardened criminal the same as an immigrant mother with children for purposes of deportation, Menendez said in a statement. [Trumps hard-line immigration rhetoric runs into obstacles including Trump] White House press secretary Sean Spicer also denied that the goal of Trumps executive orders is mass deportations. Rather, he said, the Obama administration had allowed so many carve outs on which immigrants were to be the focus of enforcement actions that federal agents had their hands cuffed behind them. The president wanted to take the shackles off individuals in these agencies and say, You have a mission, there are laws that need to be followed, you should do your mission and follow the law, Spicer said. Yet Spicer on several occasions during his daily press briefing misrepresented the number of undocumented immigrants living in the country, citing 13, 14, 15 million, or potentially more. In fact, the number has held steady in recent years at just over 11 million, after peaking in 2007 at about 12.2 million, according to a report last fall from Pew Research Center. That is in part because of stricter border control measures have flattened the net flow of illegal immigrants to roughly zero, according to the report. During his campaign, Trump said he thought there could be as many as 30 million illegal immigrants. Nobody knows what the number is, he said. Trumps early attempts to crackdown on immigration, including his executive order banning travel of citizens from seven Muslim-majority nations, have drawn criticism both in the United States and abroad. Kelly and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson plan to visit Mexico later this week where tensions over the presidents plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border are sure to be on display. Around the same time, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) will be leading a delegation of lawmakers to the border as Congress wrestles with how to actually implement Trumps signature campaign promise. Kellys implementation memos do not overturn one important directive from the Obama administration: a program called Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals that has provided work permits to more than 750,000 immigrants who came to the country illegally as children. Trump had promised during his campaign to immediately terminate the program, calling it an unconstitutional executive amnesty, but he has wavered since then. Last week, he said he would show great heart in determining the fate of that program. But the new directives released on Tuesday seek to expand partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to apprehend undocumented immigrants, hire 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and 5,000 new Border Patrol agents, and broaden expedited deportations, currently limited to those in the country two weeks or less, to those who have been in the country for up to two years. The provisions mandate that the government detain immigrants until they are granted a hearing before an immigration judge, ending the Obama administrations policy of releasing some to live with relatives until their hearings. Backlogs at immigration courts have delayed hearings for more than a year. The provisions also allow federal authorities to prosecute the parents of unaccompanied minors who enter the country illegally if they are found to have paid smugglers. DHS officials said the Trump administration is seeking to maximize federal immigration policies that have been on the books for years but were not used by the Obama administration. Some of the changes, they said, will take time to implement because of the costs and because some of the policies must be announced through the federal register. Officials declined to estimate the costs for the additional personnel, including more immigration judges to speed up hearings, as well as significant new detention housing for unauthorized immigrants awaiting their court proceedings. This will not happen tomorrow, the DHS official said. The big picture here is that were executing what the president directed, which is consistent with what Congress put into law, the official added. We will do so professionally. We will treat everyone humanely and with dignity, but were going to execute the laws of the United States. The pressure cooker that was used to hide the gold By Virendrasingh Ghunawat: Custom officials at the Mumbai Airport arrested a female passenger and an accomplice for an alleged attempt to smuggle of gold worth Rs 31.52 lakh. On Monday morning, Banu Abdul Hai Shaikh, resident of Wadala, Mumbai, flew ino the into the city from Dubai on a Fly Dubai Airways flight and cleared herself through the green channel. However, the Air Intelligence Unit (AIU) officers of the customs department intercepted her, based on profiling. advertisement The officers then examined the pressure cooker, which was brought in as part of her checked-in-baggage. This resulted in the recovery of two pieces of circular white plates made of gold weighing 966 gms each. The plates were concealed under the pressure pan of the cooker. "She was also found wearing a pair of payals made of gold weighing 73 gms. Thus, total gold recovered was weighed at 1039 grams valued at Rs. 31,52,326 which were seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962", the official said. Officials also arrested an accomplice - Faheem MK, a reident of Kerala who was supposed to collect the gold from outside airport. Also read: 3 nabbed smuggling gold in their rectum at Mumbai airport --- ENDS --- It was Rep. Jim Jordans second Presidents Day visit to the home of Warren G. Harding, but it was the first to be surrounded by protesters. Nearly 200 people had swarmed the building, their signs accusing the congressman of being a pawn of the Koch brothers who wanted to pollute Ohios streams and rip health insurance away from sick people. Im trying to take all the questions from people with signs calling me all kinds of nice names, said Jordan, a Republican who represents parts of northwestern and central Ohio. Jordan, a member of the Freedom Caucus who has not drawn a credible challenger since joining the House in 2006, was the latest Republican to face an irate and organized town hall audience. He took it in stride, fielding 40 minutes of questions from the porch where Marions favorite son waged his presidential campaign a short, three-month campaign, a museum historian noted. The politics of 2017 had given Jordan a permanent campaign, one he was game to wage. Some of his colleagues had dismissed protesters as paid or otherwise prefab. A few had pointedly told their constituents that they would not hold town hall meetings so long as a radical element was crashing them. Asked whether he thought the protesters were in any way suspicious, Jordan shrugged. Frankly, I dont care, Jordan said in an interview en route to the event, after downing a buttered biscuit and coffee. If there are people here who arent constituents, theyre still Americans. Im happy to talk to them. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan greets the crowd during a town hall outside of the Harding Home Presidential Site in Marion, Ohio, on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. (Maddie McGarvey/For The Washington Post) The Marion town hall was organized like most of the events that have bedeviled members of Congress this year, with a number of progressive and Democratic groups converging and sharing tips. More than 50 people had signed up after MidOhio Indivisible, the local branch of a national project to help progressives force public answers from their congressmen, listed the Jordan event on Facebook. Janet Garrett, Jordans 2016 Democratic opponent whom hed defeated in a 2-to-1 landslide had encouraged supporters to drive with her from Oberlin, the liberal college town that had been added to the district in 2011. Local Democratic Party activists, who said they had never previously faced Jordan at a town hall, cleared their mornings to come by. They were joined by people who said they had simply seen a listing for the event in the local news. Emily Fisher, a 26-year-old from Lima an hour away came with her parents, who had been taking care of her as a degenerative disorder began limiting her eyesight. I couldnt afford treatment without the Affordable Care Act, she said. I want to know, how are we going to be paying for it if they get rid of that? Do the benefits just run out? Like Fisher, most of the town hall attendees wanted to hear Jordan defend his plan for the Affordable Care Act a bill, introduced last week, to repeal the law and replace most of its newly guaranteed coverage with health savings accounts. If they repeal it, they better replace it, said Joan Worthen, 69. I dont think HSAs could replace it all. Away from Marion, similar protests had been breaking out in town squares and outside of whatever events members of Congress were holding. There were holiday-themed #NotMyPresident rallies in big cities; over the weekend, there were surging crowds when Rep. Tom Reed (R-N.Y.) and Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) held public town halls in their districts. Jordans district, a sickle-shaped strip of rural Ohio, had been drawn to elect him. In 2012, it had given Barack Obama just 42 percent of the vote; last year, just 31 percent of its voters had backed Hillary Clinton. In interviews Sunday and Monday, Jordans critics in the district conceded that he was unlikely to lose. The only way that guys going to lose is if someone runs even further to his right in a Republican primary race, said Mike Thomas, 73, a Democratic activist and city council member. That gave the congressman plenty of running room. Before arriving at the town hall, he reminisced fondly about the candidate forum hed attended in Oberlin, where hed won just five votes in one precinct and hoped to win six. When he spotted Garrett in the crowd, brandishing a megaphone, he called her my favorite opponent and smiled through her question. What were concerned about is when the ACA is replaced, that people are going to be able to afford it, Garrett said. Exactly. Thats what were for, Jordan insisted. If you have access, but you cant afford it, its not access, said Garrett. Its denial. You know what you just described, Janet? You just described the situation we have right now under the ACA. People cant afford it now. We have the Affordable Care Act. Im surprised to see you on my side. The asymmetry of the event allowed Jordan to navigate more than a dozen similar questions. He was using a mic and standing behind a silent, focused police officer; the members of the crowd could only shout and hope to be noticed. Asked about climate change, he said he, too, was concerned about the planets future but would not bankrupt people with high energy bills. Asked when he would support a congressional probe of Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election, Jordan cited his time on the Select Committee on Benghazi, empaneled two years after that horrible day, to say that critics needed to wait for the rest of Congress to investigate allegations. Occasionally, the districts progressives were also talked over by a small group of conservatives who resented the treatment Jordan was getting. Several held signs from the Pro-Life Action League, demanding that Jordan end federal funding for Planned Parenthood, which he was more than happy to do. At one point, they offered Jordan a lifeline. Thomas, the city council member, asked Jordan whether the repeal of the Affordable Care Act which would halt the Medicaid expansion that Ohio, under Gov. John Kasich (R), had welcomed would affect the citys Center Street Community Clinic. We got some Planned Parenthood signs here one thing Ive been very clear on is not giving any of your tax dollars to Planned Parenthood, Jordan said. The antiabortion protesters cheered. Save the babies! said a person near the stage. Save the babies! Save the babies! Thomas left the town hall muttering that his question had not really gotten an answer. Inside the Harding home, as he cycled through media interviews, Jordan said he was pretty sure that redirecting Planned Parenthood funds would not close the funding gap. (About $500 million goes to Planned Parenthood annually; the Medicaid expansion was $70 billion.) Those community clinics do a very good job, certainly better than the Planned Parenthood clinics, Jordan said. If were going to put additional dollars into federal clinics, like money directed toward the opioid epidemic, the moneys going to come from somewhere else. To Jordan, the solution was going to come from entitlement reform. That was not an answer that the crowd outside was prepared to accept. As he exited the Harding house, about 20 of the protesters walked to a nearby library, to vent and strategize. Andrew Mackey, 32, leaned on his cane as he described the Parkinsons disease that had led him to leave his job but was manageable with his wifes health plan through the Affordable Care Act. To try to save it, he had decided to run for Congress, against Jim Jordan. Read more at PowerPost Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., ranking Democrat on the Intelligence Committee, center, speaks during a Feb. 15 news conference on Capitol Hill calling for an investigation into President Donald Trump's administration over its relationship with Russia. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP) The Senate Intelligence Committee is seeking to ensure that records related to Russias alleged intervention in the 2016 U.S. elections are preserved as it begins investigating that countrys ties to the Trump team. The panel sent more than a dozen letters to organizations, agencies and officials on Friday, asking them to preserve materials related to the congressional investigation, according to a Senate aide, who was not authorized to comment publicly. The Senate Intelligence Committee is spearheading the most comprehensive probe on Capitol Hill of Russias alleged activities in the elections. The letters went out the same day that FBI Director James B. Comey huddled for almost two hours with the committees Senate members in a closed-door briefing in the Capitol. Senators emerged from that meeting especially tight-lipped about what transpired, with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) breaking the silence by tweeting the next day that he was now very confident the committee will conduct thorough bipartisan investigation of #Putin interference and influence. The committees missives came just days after Trump asked Michael Flynn for his resignation as national security adviser, after the revelation that he misled Vice President Pence about his communications with Russias ambassador to the United States, Sergey Kislyak, between Trumps election and inauguration. Flynns departure prompted an outcry among lawmakers for closer scrutiny of his contact with Kislyak. Democrats in particular are demanding a full record of documents and transcripts pertaining to the Flynn call, in which intelligence officials say he discussed sanctions on Russia, before they destroy them, as House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) put it. The Senate aide would not clarify whether the letters were sent specifically to individuals affiliated with Trump. And White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press that just because Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.) sent a letter, it doesnt mean that theres anything there. It just means they need to do some things that satisfy their committee, that theyve looked into something. The questions from Capitol Hill display differences in the way congressional investigations into Russias alleged actions in the 2016 elections are proceeding on opposite sides of the Capitol. [House Intelligence Committee open to probing Flynn] Republicans have not been as vocal in their suspicions of wrongdoing as have Democrats. At the same time, Democrats on the Senate Intelligence Committee are praising Burr for working with ranking Democrat Mark R. Warner (Va.) to investigate all aspects of alleged Russian intervention in the elections and Flynns departure. On the Senate Judiciary Committee, top-ranking Democrat Dianne Feinstein (Calif.) credited Chairman Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) last week for coming up with the plan to send a joint letter to Comey asking for a briefing and all transcripts and documents of Flynns calls with Kislyak. Feinstein, as a member of the Intelligence Committee, attended Comeys briefing Friday. But in the House, proceedings are trailing the Senate and similar efforts to demand documents and transcripts are noticeably one-sided. Last week, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence said that it would be open to probing Flynns contacts with Russian officials as part of its greater investigation into alleged Russian interference in the elections. But the day after Republican and Democratic leaders reached that decision, Democrats were alone in asking administration officials for the transcript of Flynns calls. Its a bipartisan request in the Senate, Adam B. Schiff (Calif.), the committees ranking Democrat, said in an interview. But we could not get agreement on that. Read more at PowerPost Government troops surrounded the fortified luxury home of First Vice President Abdurrashid Dostum in the Afghan capital Tuesday in an all-day standoff, raising fears of a violent confrontation with his armed guards. The former warlord, accused of brutalizing a political rival, has refused to cooperate with a government investigation for several months. The action came after Dostum repeatedly ignored requests for cooperation from the attorney generals office in investigating the case, including summonses for nine of Dostums guards and other employees wanted for questioning. But on Tuesday evening, after hours of tension and confusion gripped the capital, Dostum spoke publicly with supporters inside his house, saying he had ordered his guards to avoid any armed clash. At the same time, he warned that any move to unseat him would weaken the government of President Ashraf Ghani. In his first public comments on the case since December, when a fellow ethnic Uzbek leader named Ahmad Ishchi accused Dostum of holding him prisoner, subjecting him to brutal assaults and ordering guards to sodomize him, the vice president dismissed the accusations as a conspiracy of the enemies. His appearance was broadcast live on a private TV station. The allegations against Dostum triggered outrage among Western governments and rights groups, which termed the case a major test of Ghanis ability to establish the rule of law. Under Ghanis direction, the Afghan attorney general began an investigation of the charges, but Dostum refused to answer several official summonses and warrants issued for nine guards in his employ. Abdurrashid Dostum stands during prayers at the first day of a peace summit, Aug. 9, 2007, in Kabul. (Paula Bronstein/Getty Images) Meanwhile, Dostum has remained largely out of sight, first at his compound in northern Jowzjan Province and later inside his elaborate, bunker-like residence in the affluent Sherpur neighborhood of Kabul. He stopped going to his government office and attending most official functions, although he did appear at the funeral of a veteran political leader last month. In November, government troops blocked roads near his house in Kabul for a week, raising expectations that Dostum might be arrested, but they did not approach the compound. The latest standoff began early Tuesday, one day after Dostum suddenly reappeared in his vice presidential office for the first time since November. Armed government forces in several armored vehicles blocked roads leading to a cluster of buildings he owns in Sherpur. It was not immediately clear whether the troops were sent there to arrest either Dostum or the nine guards accused in the case. The burly former communist general has often switched sides during Afghanistans nearly four decades of conflict and has earned a reputation for brutal behavior. He said Tuesday that if he were removed from office, it would be a significant blow to the Ghani government, which has been fighting an aggressive Taliban insurgency for more than 15 years and a newer challenge from Islamic State militants. Removal of General Dostum from government certainly will not strengthen the government, it will weaken it. People will not stand behind it. . . . People will be alienated, Dostum said, speaking in the third person. He looked tired in the TV broadcast, but also made jokes with the supporters surrounding him. A huge billboard of the 2014 election campaign, showing Dostum next to Ghani, hung behind him as he made his televised comments. He repeatedly referred to the Islamic State as a major emerging threat to Afghan stability, and he called on the government to overcome internal differences with him and stand together to confront the militants. Dostum, in an apparent effort to emphasize his potential influence on national security, claimed tens of thousands of armed outlaws are in Kabul, waiting for chaos in order to loot banks and private property should security decline further. A number of government officials, including those from Ghanis office, refused to comment on the days events. A palace spokesman, asked about Dostums sudden resumption of his vice presidential duties, said the president had no objection to it. Some critics had called on the government to suspend Dostum while the investigation was underway. But several political observers said Tuesday that his return to duty was part of a deal he had made with Ghani. Dostums chief of staff, Enayatullah Farahmand, said his boss would now return to his normal duties. He attributed Dostums lengthy absence to his involvement in fighting against the Taliban in the north, followed by trips to Uzbekistan and Turkey. The allegations cannot block him from his duties. . . . He will 100 percent continue to do his duty. We want the issue to not be handled politically, Farahmand said in an interview. But several political and academic figures said that Dostums return to his post with the charges still pending against him was a sign of weakness on the governments part. Hamidullah Tokhi, a legislator from southern Zabul province, said that failure to implement the rule of law on the president and his deputies is a serious threat for the progress of the country. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Afghans near the Torkham border post burn a mock Pakistani flag on Feb. 19 to protest cross-border shelling that was intended to target the hideouts of suspected militants. (Ghulamullah Habibi/European Pressphoto Agency) An escalating border conflict between Afghanistan and Pakistan is threatening to undermine their cooperation on terrorism and peace talks with the Taliban as the Trump administration begins weighing its options to spur progress on both fronts. After a blitz of terrorist bombings across Pakistan left more than 125 people dead, Pakistani forces began shelling both sides of the border Friday, aiming at camps used by a group tied to the Islamic State that claimed most of the attacks. Pakistan also closed all border crossings. Afghanistan has protested that the shelling is forcing hundreds of villagers to flee their homes. U.S. officials have asked Pakistani military leaders to cooperate with their neighboring country in going after the militants, but Pakistan has threatened to take further unilateral action. And in a tit-for-tat exchange of demands, Pakistan asked Afghan officials Saturday to hand over 76 alleged militants based in Afghanistan, while Afghan diplomats Sunday called for action on a list of 32 terrorist training centers and 85 militant leaders they say are in Pakistan, including the Haqqani Taliban faction that is fighting against the Afghan state. Turmoil in Afghanistan has created space for terrorist organizations to find their foothold there, said Nafees Zakaria, a spokesman for Pakistans Foreign Affairs Ministry. He said the group responsible for the recent bombings was based in Afghanistan as far back as 2014, when it massacred 141 people at a Pakistani army school, an assault that outraged the country. Zakaria added that other countries in the region are concerned about the growing footprint of groups like ISIS in Afghanistan. The Islamic State is also known as ISIS. Russia in particular has been seeking a role in solving the Afghan conflict, hosting regional meetings on it and expressing support for the Taliban as an antidote to a spillover of Islamic State groups into Central Asia. That approach has alarmed U.S. military officials who urged the Trump administration to raise troop levels in Afghanistan to block further Taliban advances. There is plenty of irony in Pakistans finger-pointing. Afghanistan has long complained that Pakistan provides sanctuary for Taliban leaders and factions, a charge it denies. And the group most linked to last weeks bombings, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, is an outgrowth of the Pakistani Taliban, which was driven into Afghanistan by a massive Pakistan army operation in 2015. Once the group had relocated, some members split off and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, a radical Sunni militia. Those militants have overrun several Afghan border districts, despite repeated efforts by Afghan forces to push them out, and they have claimed the bombing of several Shiite mosques in Kabul, the Afghan capital. Afghanistan is the victim of terrorism, not its shelter, Gen. Dawlat Waziri, a spokesman for the Afghan Defense Ministry, declared Sunday. He called Pakistans border attacks an act of aggression and warned that if diplomatic efforts fail, Afghans will defend their soil with whatever means available. A Foreign Affairs Ministry official said Afghanistan might even seek U.N. sanctions against Pakistan for supporting terrorist groups. Michael Kugelman, deputy director for Asian studies at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, described Jamaat-ul-Ahrar as one of the Pakistani Talibans most bloodthirsty factions, with a small but brutal contingent in Afghanistan. In Pakistan, Kugelman added, the Islamic State has been forming opportunistic partnerships with radical religious groups of all kinds, including some that officials had for political reasons been reluctant to curb. The danger, he said, is of growing collaboration between the Islamic State and high-octane local militant factions eager to latch onto its still-powerful brand. Given the common threat this phenomenon has created for Pakistan and Afghanistan, analysts pointed out, it would seem a perfect moment for their governments to join forces , especially when they are eager to prove to the new administration in Washington that they are serious about fighting Islamist insurgents and terrorists. Instead, years of bitter acrimony between the two Muslim neighbors has fueled an explosion of highly politicized accusations and threats, reminiscent of a decade ago when Afghanistans then-president, Hamid Karzai, used to send lists of anti-Afghan militants living openly in Pakistan to its military president, Gen. Pervez Musharraf with no result. The growing wave of terror in both countries requires a joint approach, the News International newspaper here urged in its lead editorial Sunday. The only beneficiary of increasing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan are terrorist groups. It is important to ensure that we, on both sides, do not resort to blame games. Today, the stakes for both countries are high. In Afghanistan, the 16-year war with the Taliban is at a stalemate, the defense forces are demoralized and stretched thin, and the government of President Ashraf Ghani is beset by divisions and administrative paralysis. Although the Trump administration appears likely to continue supporting the war with funds and troops, critics say the conflict cannot be settled unless the Ghani government takes decisive action to curb corruption, overcome ethnic rivalries, resume stalled election plans and mend fences with Pakistan. In Pakistan, the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been struggling to rein in a panoply of militant Islamist groups without arousing further violence, to maintain a balance between military and civilian power and to navigate new relations with China and other partners while preserving long-standing security ties with Washington. Even before last weeks attacks, some influential U.S. policy experts had urged the Trump administration to sharply cut aid to Pakistan if it does not carry out a full-fledged crackdown on Islamist militants and begin playing a positive role in the effort to settle the Afghan war, rather than trying to manipulate it while providing refuge for anti-Afghan insurgents. Davood Moradian, director of the Kabul-based Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies, said success in Afghanistan was achievable but only if three things happened. Afghanistan has to address corruption, strengthen the armed forces and integrate the Taliban into politics, he said. Pakistan has to abandon its strategy of using terrorism as a state policy. And the United States has to assure its allies and adversaries in both countries that it is determined to prevail. Read more Did Pakistani security agents kidnap bloggers to make a point? U.N. says civilian toll in Afghanistan is highest in years Afghans hope and worry that Trump will shake things up Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Refugees and migrants wait on deck of a Spanish resuce vessel after being found in the Meditteranean and taken to Pozzallo, Italy, on Feb. 19, 2017. (David Ramos/Getty Images) Dozens of bodies washed ashore on Libyas western Mediterranean Sea coast on Tuesday, the latest tragedy to strike desperate migrants from Africa and elsewhere seeking refuge and jobs in Europe. At least 74 bodies were pulled from a beach near the western city of Zawiya, according to Libyas Red Crescent, which added that the dead had previously been on a boat. The agency tweeted photos showing rescue workers placing the victims in black-and-white body bags. It was unclear how the deaths occurred, and there was no sign of a wrecked boat or vessel. But the incident bore the hallmarks of other maritime tragedies involving migrants attempting to cross the Mediterranean on smuggler boats in recent years. Last year saw a record number of drownings more than 4,500 involving migrants traveling on smuggling routes from Libya to Italy, according to a report by the European border management agency Frontex. The actual figure is probably higher because many deaths go unrecorded, the agencys director, Fabrice Leggeri, said last week. In comparison, 2015 had 2,869 drownings, while there were 3,061 in 2014. The agency expects the numbers to rise this year. Leggeri said that more and more smugglers are using poorly built smaller boats and packing them up with migrants to increase revenue. On average, the boats this year are carrying 160 migrants per vessel, while in previous years that average has been about 100. In January, Frontex recorded 228 drowning deaths, the largest monthly toll in recent years. Smugglers and migrants have taken advantage of the lawlessness and turmoil in Libya, beset by civil war since longtime dictator Moammar Gaddafi was ousted and killed during the 2011 revolution, part of the Arab Spring revolts that swept the region. Most migrants are escaping poverty, unemployment and climate change in sub-Saharan Africa and hoping to find a better life in Europe. Read more Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash arrives for the start of his trial in Vienna on Feb. 21. A final decision on whether to hand him over to the United States will be made by Austrias justice minister. (Ronald Zak/Associated Press) An Austrian appeals court on Tuesday approved the extradition to the United States of a Ukrainian oligarch with ties to a former senior Trump adviser on corruption charges. Dmytro Firtash, a billionaire who made a fortune as a middleman in Ukraines rough-and-tumble gas industry, has been indicted by U.S. prosecutors for allegedly bribing Indian officials to secure a titanium deal. An extradition request in 2015 had been denied by a Viennese court, which called the U.S. allegations politically motivated. A final decision on whether to hand over Firtash to the United States will be made by Austrias justice minister. Firtash wielded significant political power in Ukraine under former president Viktor Yanukovych, who was overthrown amid street protests in 2014. Firtash was arrested in Vienna on an FBI warrant just weeks after Yanukovych fled to Russia and was succeeded by a vocally pro-Western government. Firtashs lawyers say that he is being targeted by the United States as part of a political inquisition against Yanukovychs former political allies. It wasnt for us to judge whether Mr. Firtash was guilty, but only whether the extradition is allowed, Judge Leo Levnaic-Iwanski said in the ruling on the U.S. request Tuesday, Bloomberg News reported. This decision only means that another country will make a decision whether he is guilty. Lawyers for Firtash had sought to paint the allegations against Firtash as a strategy to limit Russian influence in Ukraine. The criminal investigation was initiated during the Obama administration. In a statement, Firtashs U.S. legal team said it was disappointed by the appeals court decision and said he was innocent. If and when Mr. Firtash is required to come to the United States, the team will fight to obtain dismissal of this unjust case by the Department of Justice or, if necessary, in U.S. courts, to clear Mr. Firtash's name, the statement read. Firtash had previously weighed teaming up with American investors and political strategist Paul Manafort, who for a time managed Donald Trumps presidential campaign, to buy high-end real estate in the United States, including the famous Drake Hotel in New York. According to correspondence revealed in a 2011 lawsuit brought against Firtash by former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, Manafort met with Firtash in May, June and August of 2008 to seal the Manhattan real estate deal, according to a memo by Rick Gates, another Trump strategist. Firtash had agreed to put $112 million into buying the Drake Hotel, tearing it down and building a new luxury skyscraper, to be called the Bulgari Tower. Tymoshenko claimed that Firtash was trying to invest ill-gotten proceeds from gas deals in Ukraine. The lawsuit was thrown out of a U.S. court for lack of evidence. No deals were completed, and Firtash has denied that he invested in the project. Firtash owned half of a company that negotiated natural gas sales from Russia and Central Asian countries to Ukraine, a lucrative business that Reuters in 2014 reported made him billions of dollars. In another twist, Firtash was detained shortly after Tuesdays decision by Austrian police serving a Spanish warrant separate from the extradition ruling. Spain in November sought Firtashs arrest for charges of money laundering and reported ties to organized crime. It was not immediately clear why the arrest came shortly after the extradition ruling or whether the Spanish extradition request would take precedence. Read more: Inside Trump adviser Manaforts world of politics and financial dealmaking Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort named in Ukraine anti-corruption probe Ukrainian oligarch with ties to Russias Gazprom arrested on FBI warrant Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news The deceased has been identified as Geeta Dubey a resident of Malad. The incident took place at around 9.15 pm on Monday. By Saurabh Vaktania: In a yet another shocking incident of crime against women, a 28-year-old woman was stabbed to death near Goregaon station on Monday night. The deceased has been identified as Geeta Dubey a resident of Malad. The incident took place at around 9.15 pm on Monday. Police said that the woman was getting into an auto rickshaw when a man approached and stabbed her twice. The man fled from the spot soon after stabbing Dubey. advertisement The auto rickshaw driver rushed her to the nearest hospital. However, she was declared dead by the hospital authorities. Following the incident the police examined CCTV footages to identify the accused. Police soon identified the accused as Prasad Rawat and arrested him within few hours of the incident. Rawat married Dubey in 2012 and the couple have two children. MARITAL DISCORD LED TO THE CRIME Police said that the initial investigations revealed that Rawat murdered his wife over marital dispute. According to police, Rawat had planned to flee from the city after committing the crime. Dubey was staying with her mother in Malad. Rawat has been booked under Section 302 (punishment for murder) of the Indian Penal Code. He will be produced before a local court on Tuesday evening. Also read: Pune: Furious over wife's social media posts on family planning, techie kills her, commits suicide --- ENDS --- A military tribunal sentenced an Israeli soldier to 18 months in prison on Tuesday in the killing of a disarmed and wounded Palestinian attacker, noting that the army medic showed no remorse for pulling the trigger long after the attacker lunged at troops with a knife. It was a deeply divisive punishment for an army sergeant whom many Israelis hailed as a hero for neutralizing a terrorist. The months-long trial of Sgt. Elor Azaria was a rare prosecution of an Israeli soldier serving in the almost 50-year military occupation of the West Bank. Azaria was found guilty of manslaughter by the court in January. Many Israelis said the only reason Azaria stood trial was the fact that the fatal shot was clearly captured on video by a Palestinian volunteer for an Israeli human rights group. Naftali Bennett, Israels education minister and the leader of pro-settler party Jewish Home, called for an immediate pardon by Israels president, Reuven Rivlin. (Emad abu-Shamsiyah, B'Tselem) He cannot go to jail, or we will all pay the price, Bennett said. [The military trial thats tearing Israel apart] Israels defense minister, Avigdor Lieberman, said the court should be respected but added: On the one hand there is an excellent soldier, on the other a terrorist who came to kill Jews, and we need to take both of these into account. The central fact of the case is not in dispute. In March 2016, Azaria fired a bullet at close range into the skull of a Palestinian assailant as he lay wounded sprawled on his back on a street in Hebron in the West Bank minutes after slashing at soldiers with a knife and wounding one. Azarias defense said he feared that the suspect, Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, might have been concealing an explosive device under his jacket. On the video, ambulance drivers from the Jewish settlement and others could be heard shouting that the Palestinian was still a danger even as Israeli military officers casually milled about, a few yards from the supine assailant. The incident took place near a military checkpoint in Hebron, where 850 hard-line Jewish settlers, protected by 650 Israeli soldiers, live among 200,000 Palestinians. Jews and Muslims share a religious shrine in Hebron and a mosque and a synagogue where the faithful believe Abraham and the patriarchs of the faiths are buried. It is one of the tensest places in the West Bank. Palestinians want the land for a future state. The Jewish settlers believe the land was given to them by God. At the close of Azarias trial in January, the military judges dismissed Azarias claim that he feared for his safety. We found there was no room to accept his arguments, said chief army judge Maya Heller, reading the decision by the three-judge panel. His motive for shooting was that he felt the terrorist deserved to die, she said. In the past two years, there have been dozens of cases of Israeli forces, including top commanders and private security guards, shooting Palestinian assailants and suspects at checkpoints and in riots. Many of the incidents have been condemned by human rights groups and Palestinians. Few have been the subject of open investigations. None were prosecuted. The Azaria case exposed the deep schisms in Israeli society, where many celebrated the 20-year-old sergeant as a national hero or, at worst, a soldier who made a mistake. Many say he should have been disciplined but never dragged into a courtroom. The Israel Democracy Institute and Tel Aviv University released a survey last year of Jewish Israelis that found that 47 percent supported killing on the spot a terrorist who attacked Jews even if he has been captured and clearly does not pose a threat. Israels military leaders said that discipline and purity of arms were core values for the army and pressed for a court hearing. Retired officers said that Azaria was being railroaded. Many ordinary Israelis took to calling Azaria everyones son. In Israel, military service is mandatory for most Jewish citizens, and the parents of soldiers are more involved than ever in making sure their teenage sons and daughters are well treated by the military. During the trial, tensions spiked so high that military prosecutors and the three-judge panel received threats and required extra security. The sentencing was moved from a courthouse in Tel Avivs Jaffa neighborhood to Israels version of the Pentagon, called the Kirya. Outside, a few hundred supporters of the Azaria family gathered, as leaders with bullhorns condemned the media, the court and the military as left-wingers. Azaria entered the courtroom smiling, to applause from friends and family. Before the judges spoke, Charlie Azaria, the soldiers father and a retired veteran police officer, told supporters not to disrupt the proceedings. None of us have any expectations. We shall accept the sentence, whatever it may be, he said. The chief military judge announced the sentence of 18 months. The maximum for manslaughter is 20 years. Army prosecutors had initially recommended three to five years. Azarias defense team said he should be allowed to return to his family with time served. The family showed no emotion at first. Later, they sang the Israeli national anthem. Heller said the court took mitigating factors into consideration, saying the incident took place in hostile territory. We took note of the harm suffered by his family, Heller said but added that Azaria had not expressed remorse for his actions. Ester Shaked, one of the protesters outside the court, said: The way the army is treating him is evil. Im very shocked by this case. It wouldnt happen in any other country. These terrorists came to kill us, and he protected us. Daniel, a teenager from a nearby high school whose teacher asked that his last name not be used, warned: We wont go to the army. We dont think hes guilty. This country is crazy for seeing him as guilty. The demonstrators also turned their anger toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lieberman, who they said had lied to them and abandoned soldiers. Israels minister of culture and sport, Miri Regev, called the sentence difficult and said, This is a sad day. Elor should not have to sit one day in jail in addition to what he has already endured, she said. Booth reported from Jerusalem. Read more: Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news (Sarah Parnass,Amber Ferguson/The Washington Post) On the night of President Trumps inauguration, Sebastian Gorka attended the celebratory balls in a high-necked, black Hungarian jacket. Pinned on his chest was a Hungarian coat of arms, a tribute to his father who had been tortured by the communists, and a civilian commendation from the U.S. military. For years, Gorka had labored on the fringes of Washington and the far edge of acceptable debate as defined by the citys Republican and Democratic foreign policy elite. Today, the former national security editor for the conservative Breitbart News outlet occupies a senior job in the White House and his controversial ideas especially about Islam drive Trumps populist approach to counterterrorism and national security. Amid the cheering, music and confetti that night, Gorka talked about Trumps opening shot in a high-stakes civilizational war, still in its early days. Everythings changed, Gorka said. He homed in on three words from Trumps dystopian inaugural addressthat day: Radical Islamic terrorism. When he used those three words today radical Islamic terrorism he put the marker down for the whole national security establishment, Gorka told an interviewer from Fox News. For Gorka and his allies, the words are more than just a description of the enemy. They signal a radical break with the approach that Republicans and Democrats have taken over the past 16 years to counterterrorism and the Muslim world. [Trump redefines the enemy and years of counterterrorism policy] Only days after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, President George W. Bush insisted the terror strikes had violated the fundamental tenets of the Islamic faith. Islam is peace, he told a nation still reeling from grief. President Barack Obama sounded the same theme routinely during two terms in office. Gorka has relentlessly championed the opposite view. For him, the terrorism problem has nothing to do with repression, alienation, torture, tribalism, poverty, or Americas foreign policy blunders and a messy and complex Middle East. This is the famous approach that says it is all so nuanced and complicated, Gorka said in an interview. This is what I completely jettison. For him, the terror threat is rooted in Islam and martial parts of the Koran that he says predispose some Muslims to acts of terror. Anybody who downplays the role of religious ideology . . . they are deleting reality to fit their own world, he said. Gorka is a deputy assistant to the president. He reports to Stephen K. Bannon, Trumps chief strategist, and is a member of his Strategic Initiatives Group. Bannon has spoken in similarly apocalyptic terms of a new barbarity that threatens the Christian West. [Bannon film outline warned U.S. could turn into Islamic States of America] Most counterterrorism experts dismiss Gorkas ideas as a dangerous oversimplification that could alienate Muslim allies and boost support for terrorist groups. He thinks the government and intelligence agencies dont know anything about radicalization, but the government knows a lot and thinks hes nuts, said Cindy Storer, a former CIA analyst who developed the agency models that trace the path from religious zealotry to violence. Religious scholars are equally withering. I cant overstate how profoundly dangerous this is, said Omid Safi, a professor of Middle Eastern studies at Duke University. This is music to the ears of [the Islamic State]. This is what they seek. Gorka has heard all of those criticisms before and fought against them often ferociously. Last month, as he celebrated at the inaugural ball, those critics no longer seemed to matter. Trumps victory demonstrated to Gorka and his supporters that the common sense of the American people counted for far more than the opinions of experts in Washington and the cloistered world of academia. His side had won. Before he wrapped up his inauguration night interview, Gorka said he had one last message for Americas troops the guys inside the machine and its enemies. He turned toward the host, his medal glinting in the TV lights. The alpha males are back, he said. The Islamic laws of war Gorkas ideas about radical Islam began with his fathers fight against the communists in his native Hungary and his deep Catholic faith. The elder Gorka and a small group of Christian students in Budapest were sending secret, coded messages to London when he was captured by the communist regime, tortured and given a life sentence. In 1956, he escaped and fled to the United Kingdom, where Gorka was born and raised. When al-Qaeda struck on Sept. 11, Gorka said, he immediately saw the event through the prism of his fathers decades-old life-and-death struggle. Yes, it was jihadi terrorism . . . but, more importantly, that event was linked to communism. It was linked to fascism, he said. Why? Because al-Qaeda, ISIS, all of these groups are totalitarians either you surrender to them or they will kill you. His other insight, he said, was that the Washington foreign policy elite was too quick to discount the role of religion. Their worldview is fundamentally challenged by anybody who takes religion seriously, and you know what? I take religion seriously, Gorka said. Because when you take seven minutes on a video to decapitate another human being by manually sawing off their head, thats the power that religion can have or a distortion of religion or whatever you want to call it. . . . My father was tortured tortured for weeks by the communist secret police in Hungary. I didnt start decapitating people when I found out what happened to my father. Gorkas core idea is that the United States should partner with a shortlist of Muslim allies Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt that he describes as secular or willing to separate Islam from the running of the state. Together, they should fight the jihadist religious ideology in the same manner that America fought to discredit communism during the Cold War. That insight, he said, led him to study Islam, starting with the faiths ancient texts. Theres a lot of misinformation out there, he said. Would you take anybodys views on Christianity seriously if they hadnt read the New Testament? Of course you wouldnt. So I read the Koran. Gorkas academic credentials, particularly on the subject of Islam, are thin. He went to college in London and spent three years as a reserve intelligence soldier in the British army, focused on the conflict in Northern Ireland. In the 1990s and early 2000s, he cycled through think tanks in Washington and Europe, dabbled in Hungarian politics and taught courses in counterterrorism at the George C. Marshall Center in Germany, which focuses on educating midcareer NATO and allied military officers. He earned his doctorate from a Hungarian university in 2008 and a few months later landed a faculty job at the College of International Security Affairs (CISA), a new Pentagon-funded school that was still working toward accreditation. There, he was a dynamic lecturer and an uneven scholar, said retired Col. Mike Bell, the schools chancellor. Gorka does not speak Arabic and has never lived in a Muslim-majority country. His knowledge of Islam comes largely from reading English translations of Islamic texts and interacting with foreign officers who account for about two-thirds of the CISA student body and come largely from Muslim nations. Sometimes, the Muslim students would object to his views of their religion. I tell them very simply that I am not here to debate Islam, Gorka said. Nobody has the right even a Muslim to talk for all Muslims. His goal, he said, was to understand how the enemy interpreted the faith. In other instances, his fellow professors would challenge his contention that the Korans violent passages are the primary driver of terrorism. Theres crazy stuff in the Bible, too, said David Ucko, who taught alongside Gorka for three years at CISA. [How a series of fringe anti-Muslim conspiracy theories went mainstream via Donald Trump] Gorka countered that the argument misrepresents Christianity, and he cited the Crusades, which are often invoked as a war against Islam. The fact is that none of what happened in the Crusades can be justified by the message of Jesus Christ on the cross taking all of our sins upon himself, he said in an interview. Its just not possible. . . . If a crusader killed a woman and child or a heathen, that cannot be theologically justified and therefore its wrong and its a sin. Islams martial passages and intermingling of faith and politics makes it different, Gorka said. If you are pro-fundamentalist in interpretation, he said, you have a lot of argumentation on your side. Ucko said he quickly dropped the argument for the sake of harmony. Gorkas former supervisors pushed him to incorporate other perspectives on Islam and publish in peer-reviewed journals where his ideas would be challenged and perhaps tempered, Bell said. But Gorka insisted that he wasnt interested in that kind of scholarship. What I care about is if somebody in the field is reading my article, he said. I see myself as somebody who supports the bravest of the brave the warfighter. Publish or be damned? Ill be damned, thank you very much. Off campus, Gorka began meeting with conservative members of Congress and lectured regularly at the Armys Special Operations Command at Fort Bragg, N.C. In 2014, Gorka left to take a teaching job at Marine Corps University that would give him more freedom and new influential connections. The school is part of the Defense Department, but Gorka was not hired as a government employee. His academic chair was funded by Thomas Saunders III, a major Republican Party donor and chairman of the conservative Heritage Foundation. Saunders and Gorka were related by marriage, but Marine officials who oversaw the selection process said they were not aware of the tie. Saunders said he did not advocate for him. Gorka began appearing regularly on Fox News and caught the eye of Bannon, who was then editor of Breitbart. Bannon offered him a job at the news outlet. A conservative publishing house signed him to a book contract. [How Bannons Navy service during the Iran hostage crisis shaped his views] At Marine Corps University, enthusiastic officers eagerly packed Gorkas lectures, even as many faculty members took a dim view of his work. He made a difficult and complex situation simple and confirmed the officers prejudices and assumptions, said retired Lt. Col. Mike Lewis, who served as an assistant professor and Special Operations chair at the school. Said James Joyner, an associate professor: The guy he was on Fox News is the guy he was here bombastic and a showman. A few complained that Gorkas TV appearances, which touted his ties to the school and bashed Obama, made it appear as though the government-funded school for Marine officers actively opposed the commander in chief. The schools vice president for academic affairs said he raised the matter with Gorka. But the controversy never spread much beyond the universitys Quantico campus. Shortly after the Islamic State burned alive a Jordanian pilot in 2015, Saunders invited Gorka to New York to do lectures on terrorism and Islam. Saunders had made his fortune as a managing director at Morgan Stanley and founder of a successful private equity fund. He had done business all over the world. Like many Americans, he said his thoughts often turned to the Middle East and the threat of terrorism. What the hell is going on? he said he often found himself thinking. What possible explanations could exist for the savage behavior he was seeing on television and online? In Gorka, he had finally found someone with answers. One of Gorkas lectures took place at the Colony Club, an exclusive all-womens club on Park Avenue. Why do they behead us? he recalled Gorka asking the standing-room-only crowd. And why did they choose to burn alive this Jordanian pilot who had flown missions over Syria? Gorka explained that the answer could be found in the Islamic laws of war, which, he said, ordered Muslims to behead infidels and prescribed an even worse punishment for apostates, who should suffer as if they are already in hell. When Gorka was finished, the place could not stop talking about terrorism, Saunders said. It was spellbinding. . . . This is a true scholar telling you what happened and why. He is very detailed and very specific. Sebastian Gorka lectures in Pfullendorf, Germany. Gorka has said, Al-Qaeda, ISIS, all of these groups are totalitarians either you surrender to them or they will kill you. (2015 photo by Eric Steen/U.S. Army) The crucible of public policy For much of the past 16 years, Bush and Obama had played down Islams role in fueling terrorism. Like many in Washington, they worried about provoking a backlash against Muslims or feeding the jihadists clash-of- civilizations narrative. Islam is not part of the problem, Obama said in his seminal 2009 speech at Cairo University. It is an important part of promoting peace. [Islamic militant groups hail Trumps travel ban as a victory] Such characterizations not only failed to describe the war being waged within Islam but they didnt match what people such as Saunders were seeing in blood-drenched news reports from the region and hearing on the campaign trail, especially from Republican candidates. In speech after speech, Trump described the threat posed by radical Islamic terrorists in grisly terms: Children slaughtered, girls sold into slavery, men and women burned alive, crucifixions, beheadings and drownings. Ethnic minorities targeted for mass execution. Holy sites desecrated, he said in a fiery 2016 address in Youngstown, Ohio. . . . We cannot let this evil continue. The solution, Trump said, was to mount a Cold War-style campaign that would take on the ideology of radical Islam. He spoke of banning immigrants from terrorist hotbeds and imposing religious tests to weed out those who believe that sharia law should supplant American law. Many of the ideas in Trumps terrorism speeches had their origins in Gorkas work. Other elements traced back to Frank Gaffney Jr., a senior Reagan-era Pentagon official who founded the Center for Security Policy, a Washington-based think tank. Gaffney has long been politically radioactive in Washington. He drew widespread condemnation for suggesting that Grover Norquist, a Republican anti-tax stalwart, had ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. In a much-derided piece in Breitbart, he suggested that the logo for the Pentagons Missile Defense Agency bore a disconcerting resemblance to an amalgamation of the Obama campaigns logo and the symbols of Islam. The Washington Times pulled his column and he was barred from speaking at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference. It has been my lot in life to be criticized and even punished . . . for telling the truth, Gaffney said in a recent interview. But outside Washington, Gaffney has amassed a considerable following that knows him through his speeches and Secure Freedom radio program. Both Gorka and his wife, Katharine, a counterterrorism analyst and a Trump political appointee in the Department of Homeland Security, have been regular guests on the show. Dire warnings from the likes of Gaffney, Gorka and many others seem to have had an effect on Americans view of Muslims. In the first years after the 9/11 attacks, about 25 percent of Republicans said they had an unfavorable view of Muslims, according to soon-to-be-published research by Charles Kurzman, a professor of sociology at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since 2012, the percentage of Republicans with negative views has been consistently more than 50 percent. Part of the reason for the increase is this campaign on the part of people like Gorka and Gaffney to inflate the terror threat, Kurzman said. Its troubling. Gaffney is still too controversial to land a job in the administration, but for the first time in nearly three decades, he has allies in the White House and real hopes, he said, that his ideas will finally be tested in the crucible of public policy. Chief among those allies is Gorka. Few in Washington noticed when Gorka began advising Trump and his ideas began showing up in the candidates speeches. Despite a best-selling book and numerous Fox News appearances, he existed outside the orbit of established national security experts. A new sheriff in town Just three days after Trumps election, Gorka addressed a cheering room of people who had helped pave his way to the halls of power. The audience consisted mostly of retirees who had gathered at the Breakers hotel in Palm Beach, Fla. They were Gorkas admirers: regular people, deeply afraid of terrorism and eager to listen to a man whose frightening insights would soon be receiving a hearing at the highest levels of the U.S. government. Im accused by many people of being the most serious man on television, Gorka said in his plummy British accent. Today, it might be a little different. I am in a different mood. Today, I am going to start with something a tad naughty. He moved through the crowd of people who had paid up to $1,500 to hear him speak. We are happy, right? We are happy, he said. There were nods and quiet applause as Gorka fished around in the pocket of his yellow blazer, searching for his remote. I am going to show a picture I am not meant to show usually, he said. He paused to draw out the suspense before pressing the remotes button. Up popped a photograph of a dead, bloodied brown-skinned man, lying on the ground next to an AK-47 assault rifle. The audience began to cheer first hesitantly and then with gusto. Gorkas booming voice filled the room. We can win now, he thundered. We can win! Gorkas former colleagues view his ascent with a mixture of surprise and alarm. Its quite staggering, said Ucko, Gorkas former teaching colleague. If you are a fan, you are enthralled. If not, its crazy to think we live in a time when hes wandering the halls of the West Wing and advising the president. It is surreal. At the Pentagon and the State Department, senior officials scrambled to figure out who he was and what his populist foreign policy views might mean for Americas approach to the Muslim world and counterterrorism. A few changes seem possible. Trump could boost support to strongmen such as Egypts Abdel Fatah al-Sissi, whom the president has hailed as a stalwart ally in the war against radical Islam. Gorka has described Sissi, criticized by human rights groups for his assault on political opponents, in particular the Muslim Brotherhood, as enlightened and a reformer. Trump could designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization a move that Gorka and his wife have long advocated. Such a designation would put the United States in direct conflict with the Middle Easts largest Islamist movement and its millions of followers. [How an obscure U.S. policy effort could hurt American Muslims] Gorkas high-profile role in the administrations earliest days suggests that Trumps populist foreign policy instincts, at least for the moment, are ascendant. In the first hours after the troubled rollout of the presidents executive order on immigration and refugees, the White House dispatched Gorka to defend the move on Fox News. Within days, he was everywhere and loving it. Theres a new sheriff in town and his name is Donald Trump, he told CNN anchor Jake Tapper. On the BBC, he blasted the media for its absolutely fallacious coverage. On NPR, he insisted that even Iraqis were thankful for Trumps order, which banned them from entering the United States. Then he disparaged the thousands of protesters demonstrating at airports as the chattering classes . . . people totally disconnected from the reality of November 8. I find it quite amusing, sadly so, he said. The NPR host thanked him for his time. Its been a delight, Gorka replied, his voice brightening. Julie Tate contributed to this report. Read more: Upheaval is now standard operating procedure inside the White House Officials worry that U.S. counterterrorism defenses will be weakened by Trump actions More than any other officer of his generation, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMasters military career has been defined by a willingness to dissent often forcefully. In Dereliction of Duty, the book he wrote in the 1990s, McMaster blasted the nations top generals for their unwillingness to tell a domineering president that his war strategy in Vietnam could not work. More than a decade later, as the commander of a 5,000-soldier regiment in Iraq, McMaster essentially ignored the U.S. militarys prevailing plan for stabilizing the country, which he concluded was failing badly. On Monday, President Trump chose McMaster as his national security adviser, replacing the ousted Michael Flynn. McMasters surprising rise has his supporters and critics asking the same question: How will a soldier known for his sharp mind and even sharper opinions get along with a president who does not like being told that he is wrong? I have tremendous respect for H.R. as a military professional, said Stephen Biddle, a political scientist who has worked closely with the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan. Whether he can be as effective and candid as we all hope is the big question. President Donald Trump, right, shakes hands with Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, left, at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday. (Susan Walsh/AP) [The tank battle that came to define the early career of Trumps new national security adviser] In his many successes and his most notable failure leading an anti-corruption task force in Afghanistan McMaster has displayed the same traits: a fierce intellect, dogged determination and a penchant for conflict that has produced loyal supporters and, in some cases, determined foes. McMaster comes to the job leading the White Houses National Security Council with some significant disadvantages relative to his predecessors. The most effective national security advisers have close personal relationships with the president. Its not clear whether McMaster had even met Trump before interviewing for the job. McMaster, a three-star general, will be coordinating and helping to oversee a Cabinet that includes retired Marine Gens. Jim Mattis and John F. Kelly, both of whom outranked him when they were in uniform and could view him as a subordinate or someone they can bypass. Finally, McMasters decision to stay on active duty as he serves in the Trump White House could make it harder for him to disagree forcefully with the president or other senior administration officials. It is a lot easier to say Screw this job or I am not doing that as a civilian, said a friend of McMasters, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak frankly. It is the ethos of the military to do what you are told, whether or not you like the mission or the chain of command. The ethos of uncritically following orders is one that has never come easily to McMaster. He wrote about the Vietnam War at a moment when most of the Army was more interested in forgetting about it. The emotions connected with sacrifices made in a lost war ran too deep to permit veterans of that conflict to dwell on their experiences, he wrote in the books introduction. When the book was published in 1997, the Armys top brass still blamed the loss on what they saw as a micromanaging president and a disloyal, left-leaning press that undermined support for the war at home. McMaster instead shifted the blame to some of the Armys most storied generals, whom he faulted for their passivity and willingness to support a policy of gradual escalation that they knew was doomed to failure. In 2005, McMasters armored cavalry regiment deployed to Iraq at a moment when U.S. fatalities were climbing and Iraq was slipping into an all-out civil war. In Baghdad, senior commanders were telling their field commanders to consolidate U.S. forces on large, secure bases, where they would be less vulnerable to enemy attack, and focus on training beleaguered Iraqi troops to take over the fight. McMaster, then a colonel, was among a small group of officers who ignored that guidance. He moved his troops off a large, secure air base outside the northern city of Tal Afar and established 29 combat outposts throughout the city. Instead of training Iraqis, his troops focused on stopping the ethnic and sectarian killing in the city. McMasters approach caught the attention of Philip Zelikow, a senior aide to then-Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Both Zelikow and Rice then fought for it back in Washington. I talked to other generals who had mixed things to say about H.R. as a commander . . . and personally, Zelikow said. My view was that this is a guy who is really trying to do something, and hes breaking some [bureaucratic] crockery in the process. Journalists, academics and officials from Washington think tanks flocked to Tal Afar, often at McMasters invitation, to study his approach. A 2006 New Yorker article, which received widespread attention in Washington, described McMaster and his men as rebels against an incoherent strategy. Despite public praise from President George W. Bush, McMaster was twice passed over for promotion to one-star general upon returning from Iraq. To Zelikow, the Armys failure to elevate one of its smartest officers was a sign of anti-intellectualism in the ranks and very serious institutional rot. Iraq was not the Armys finest hour, he said. Others in the Army said the decision reflected McMasters impatience with underperforming subordinates, his temper and his tendency to clash with superiors. Sometimes, McMasters passion and intellect worked against him on the battlefield especially in Afghanistan, where he was chosen in 2010 to lead an anti-corruption task force. McMaster landed at an inauspicious moment in the counter-corruption effort. Hundreds of millions of U.S. taxpayer dollars were being siphoned from ministries by Afghan officials and flown out of the country to buy beachfront real estate in Dubai. McMasters unit was an eclectic mix of soldiers and civilians from various NATO countries and included former fighter pilots, Rhodes scholars, counterintelligence officers, Treasury Department officials and FBI agents. His brash style alienated many of his American civilian colleagues at the U.S. Embassy and angered his partners in the Afghan government. But even those who hated his management style tended to recognize his brilliance. Hes not a bull in a china shop, Paul Rexton Kan, a professor who spent a month in Kabul on McMasters team to help write the anti-corruption strategy, said in an interview for a book on Afghanistan. Hes a bull who picks up the china shop and just smashes it. With an uncooperative Afghan government, and an Obama administration unwilling to cut off aid money, McMasters team had little to show for its work after months of effort. His own team called itself the Fix the Impossible Task Force and the Anti-Gravity Task Force. Several team members described the work environment as toxic. In one episode, McMaster demanded that U.S. Justice Department advisers hand over the corruption files kept by the Afghan attorney general and then berated the officials and knocked over a chair when they refused. That outburst caused a stir back in Washington. People in the meeting were asked to give affidavits about what happened, according to those familiar with the situation. Eric H. Holder Jr., then the U.S. attorney general, demanded an apology from McMaster. Trump has demonstrated something of a split personality when selecting his senior staff and Cabinet. In Mattis, Kelly and McMaster, Trump has chosen brash leaders who speak plainly and frankly. He has also proved quick to fire aides who question his judgment, and he has blackballed senior Republican foreign policy officials who criticized him during his presidential campaign. In Dereliction of Duty, McMaster wrote critically of generals who chose not to air their differences with President Lyndon B. Johnson. Their silence helped to impel the very strategic concept they opposed, McMaster wrote. Soon he will be sitting at the same Situation Room table, deciding what to say. Read more: Trump taps Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser The Trump presidency exists in a bubble U.S. Special Operations Forces members inspect a drone used by Islamic State militants to drop explosives on Iraqi forces, in Mosul on Jan. 25. (Muhammad Hamed/Reuters) Late last month, a pair of Islamic State fighters in desert camouflage climbed to the top of a river bluff in northern Iraq to demonstrate an important new weapon: a small drone, about six feet wide with swept wings and a small bomb tucked in its fuselage. The two men launched the slender machine and took videos from a second, smaller drone that shadowed its movements. The aircraft glided over the besieged city of Mosul, swooped close to an Iraqi army outpost and dropped its bomb, scattering Iraqi troops with a small blast that left one figure sprawled on the ground, apparently dead or wounded. The incident was among dozens in recent weeks in a rapidly accelerating campaign of armed drone strikes by the Islamic State in northern Iraq. The terrorist group last month formally announced the establishment of a new Unmanned Aircraft of the Mujahideen unit, a fleet of modified drones equipped with bombs, and claimed that its drones had killed or wounded 39 Iraqi soldiers in a single week. A new source of horror for the apostates! the groups official al-Naba newsletter declared. While the casualty claim is almost certainly exaggerated, U.S. officials confirm that the terrorist group appears to have crossed a threshold with its use of unmanned aircraft. Two years after the Islamic State first used commercially purchased drones to conduct surveillance, the militants are showing a growing ambition to use the technology to kill enemies, U.S. officials and terrorism experts say. (Joby Warrick,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post) The threat to troops is serious enough to prompt U.S. and Iraqi commanders to issue warnings to soldiers near the front lines. But a far bigger worry, U.S. officials say, is the potential for future attacks against civilians. Islamist militants have long discussed the possibility of using drones as remote-controlled missiles that can deliver explosives or even unconventional weapons such as deadly nerve agents. In recent weeks, the notion of terrorist drones has moved a step closer to reality, terrorism experts say. Theyre now showing that these devices can be effective on the battlefield, said Steven Stalinsky, executive director of the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a Washington nonprofit group that analyzed dozens of incidents for a new report on Islamist militant groups use of drones. With the way these groups use social media, my worry is that theyre also putting the idea into peoples heads that this is something you can now do. [Islamist militants gleeful over Trumps travel ban] To be sure, the lightweight, relatively inexpensive drones in the militants fleet are nowhere close to matching the sophistication and lethal power of the Predators and Reapers used by the U.S. military. The drones displayed by the Islamic State are too small to carry heavy bombs and rockets, and they lack the guidance systems used by U.S. pilots to steer missiles toward their targets. Still, even a small bomb, such as the three-pound mortar shells typically used against Iraqi government troops, can have an effective blast radius of 30 to 45 feet, enough to kill or injure dozens of people if dropped in a crowded area. Pentagon officials say the drones have scant military significance and will not affect the Iraqi governments timetable for recapturing Mosul, the northern city that fell to the Islamic State in 2014. Although dangerous, and effective as a propaganda tactic, it has limited operational effect on the battlefield and will not change the outcome, Air Force Col. John L. Dorrian, spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition opposing the Islamic State, said at a news briefing last week. But a second Pentagon official acknowledged that coalition troops had been forced to take countermeasures against drones steps that include early-detection systems and electronic jamming while also stepping up the search for factories and staging areas where the aircraft are being readied for use on the battlefield. An Iraqi officer inspects a drone belonging to Islamic State militants in Mosul on Jan. 28. (Khalid Mohammed/AP) The coalition takes this threat seriously, said the official, who insisted on anonymity in discussing the militarys response to the new threat. Small start, big ambitions As recently as a decade ago, drones were the province of a few advanced industrialized countries, with the United States as the pioneer and lead practitioner in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles to target and kill suspected terrorists overseas. Today, dozens of countries, including Israel, China and Iran, manufacture and operate military-grade UAVs. At the same time, a rapidly growing commercial drone industry has made the technology available to private consumers almost anywhere in the world. Online shoppers can pick from hundreds of models, from sparrow-size nano drones that can be controlled from a smartphone to larger aircraft that cost thousands of dollars and can carry small payloads. The sudden availability of cheap, remote-controlled flying machines did not escape the notice of terrorists groups. The Islamic State is only the latest in a long line of militant organizations that have acquired drones and attempted to modify them for their own purposes. The Iranian-backed group Hezbollah has repeatedly used drones to probe Israels air defenses, and the group released video last summer that appeared to show a drone dropping Chinese-made bomblets on Syrian rebels. Al-Qaeda operatives in Pakistan commissioned an avionics engineer to build small attack drones and conducted at least one successful test flight before the program was discovered by police in 2013. There have also been plots involving drones by lone-wolf actors in the United States. In 2011, a physics graduate and model hobbyist from Massachusetts was accused of planning to launch small drones with bombs against the Pentagon and the Capitol, according to an FBI affidavit. The Islamic States efforts have been comparatively crude. In August 2014, the terrorist group began using drones to gather battlefield intelligence and to document the effects of suicide bombings, often broadcasting the videos online to bolster morale, according to the report by MEMRI. Occasionally the group would strap an explosive onto a small drone and try to land it near a military outpost, as happened in October when a booby-trapped toy aircraft exploded as Kurdish fighters were examining it near the northern Iraqi city of Irbil. [Islamic State seeks to turn children into weapons] Terrorist leaders last year put out appeals for scientists and engineers to travel to Iraq and Syria to work on weapons programs, including drones. In March, a group of pro-Islamic State technicians used the social-media platform Telegram to discuss how common engine parts might be adapted for use in missiles or in military-style attack drones, according to a transcript of the discussion provided by MEMRI. What does success look like? asked one of the participants, using a nickname but describing himself as an American with a microelectronics background. Are we talking about an actual guided missile or a drone which can drop payload? A lot more surprises At least a few technical experts appear to have responded to the call. When government troops recaptured the Iraqi provincial capital of Ramadi last year, they discovered a small workshop where workers were attempting to manufacture drone parts from scratch. Photographs from inside the facility show homemade wings and fuselage parts as well as electronics, camera controllers and gyro sensors used to control flight, according to an analysis by Conflict Armament Research, a London-based nonprofit group that investigates weapons trafficking. Similar factories built to modify commercial UAVs have been found in liberated parts of Mosul in the past few weeks, all pointing to an increasing use by ISIS of weaponized drones, said James Bevan, executive director of Conflict Armament Research, using an acronym for the Islamic State. Bevans analysts found that the group initially favored small helicopter-like drones with four rotors and sufficient heft to carry a small bomb usually a mortar shell or similar device with stabilizing fins and a point-detonating fuse built to explode on impact. But some of the more recent attacks have involved fixed-wing drones of uncertain origin, U.S. officials said. When Iraqi troops captured drone facilities in Mosul earlier this year, they discovered scores of documents detailing an elaborate procurement system for purchasing the aircraft and parts, as well as extensive procedures for altering and testing the equipment. The records speak to the groups efforts to secure, modify and enhance the range and performance of its drones, said a report by the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point, N.Y., which published some of the documents. [Files show some Islamic State recruits are refusing to fight] When the siege of Mosul began in the fall, Islamic State fighters stepped up their use of small surveillance drones to gather intelligence and showcase their efforts to defend the city, producing mini-documentaries with aerial footage of successful suicide attacks on Iraqi troops. The shift to weaponized drone attacks began late last year and was ramping up dramatically at the time of the groups formal announcement of the program on Jan. 24. The army of the Islamic State has revealed its use of the unmanned aircraft weapon for the first time, the groups al-Naba newsletter said. It described an aerial bombardment of Iraqi forces around Mosul and said that most of the hits were precise, and inflicted losses in the ranks of the apostates. Since then, the groups social-media pages have carried dozens of videos showing strikes using small bombs and rockets. Not all the bombs find their targets, but the drone attacks have become a daily threat for residents in some parts of liberated eastern Mosul, Iraqi news accounts show. Iraqi troops also have been forced to scan the skies for tiny aircraft and to take cover when they appear. Videos released by the Islamic State show multiple instances in which bombs were dropped close enough to Iraqi troop positions to cause injuries. Some of the footage appears to show wounded figures on the ground after the attacks, although there has been no official confirmation from Iraq of the terrorists claim of dozens killed and wounded. Regardless of the actual numbers, the campaign appears to have raised the spirits of some of the groups supporters. The Jan. 24 announcement triggered euphoric discussions on social-media platforms used by Islamist militant groups, as well as predictions that armed drones would soon be deployed elsewhere. One Feb. 3 post on the Telegram messaging site called the early attacks a drop in the sea. The coming days will reveal a lot more, Allah permitting, the post said, according to a translation provided by the SITE Intelligence Group, a private company that monitors militant websites. After the planes, there are still a lot more surprises. Read more: [How a U.S. team uses Facebook to peel away Islamic State recruits] [Why a German soccer star had to choose between faith and a sports career] [Syria has quietly executed thousands in Assads prisons, report says] Malaysian Director General of Health Noor Hisham Abdullah, left, addresses journalists at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur on Feb. 21 as the head of the Forensic Department, Mohamad Shah Mahmood, listens. (Manan Vatsyayana/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images) The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns half brother remains a mystery, with Malaysian officials saying Tuesday that initial autopsy results show no evidence of a heart attack or puncture wounds. In addition, no member of Kim Jong Nams family has come forward to verify his identity through DNA testing or claim his body. The developments add to the questions surrounding the death of Kim Jong Nam, who was ambushed at the Kuala Lumpur airport last week as he went to check in for a flight and apparently had poison applied to his face, authorities said. Initial reports suggested that he had been injected with a poison needle. Noor Hisham Abdullah, Malaysias director general of health, said pathologists were still waiting for the results of lab tests to confirm the identity of the body and the cause of death. [North Korea says Malaysia cant be trusted to investigate the killing of leaders half brother] We have to confirm with the lab report before we can make any conclusive remark, he told reporters, declining to say when the lab results would be available. Noor Hisham also said that a second autopsy had not been conducted on Kim Jong Nam, contrary to widespread reports in the Malaysian media. Malaysias police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said early Wednesday that two female suspects in the killing were trained to wipe toxin on Kim Jong Nams face, then wash their hands. The police chief said a North Korean Embassy official is among eight North Korean suspects in the case. He said four of them are believed to have returned to North Korea. One suspect is in custody and three are believed to be at large in Malaysia, including the second secretary of the North Korean Embassy. Authorities were also still waiting for a family member to come forward to provide DNA identification and claim the body. At the moment, we do not have anyone claiming to be the next of kin; we are still waiting for them, Noor Hisham said. Kim Han Sol, the 20-something son of Kim Jong Nam, was thought to have arrived in Kuala Lumpur on Monday night. Local news media reported that he was on a flight from Macau, where the family is based, to the Malaysian capital, and reporters staked out the airport for hours. But there was no sign of him. It is possible that he was whisked out via a private exit to avoid the media scrum. [Malaysia arrests North Korean man in connection with death of Kim Jong Uns half brother] North Korea and Malaysia have become embroiled in an increasingly acrimonious diplomatic row over the case. North Korea strongly objected to Malaysias decision to conduct a postmortem on Kim Jong Nam. It then accused Malaysian authorities of mangling the body. Kang Chol, North Koreas ambassador to Kuala Lumpur, said Monday that Malaysia was colluding with South Korea to try to make North Korea look bad and committing human rights abuses in the way the autopsy was conducted. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak responded that his governments probe would be objective and that Malaysian police and doctors were very professional. [Malaysian airport assassination focuses new attention on N. Korean leader] North Korea has not confirmed the identity of the deceased as a member of the ruling family. The ambassador called him Kim Chol, the name listed in one of the four passports that Kim Jong Nam was carrying when the attack occurred. But Malaysian authorities have said that they are sure the victim is the North Korean leaders older half brother. Read more North Korean officials are preparing to come to U.S. for talks with former officials What life looks like inside North Korea Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news US President Donald Trump named Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster as his new national security adviser Monday, one week after firing retired Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, the previous head of the National Security Council. The replacement of one general by another underscores the dominant role of the military in the Trump administration. McMasters appointment does not require Senate confirmation, so he assumed his new duties as soon as he accepted the position. He will reportedly not retire from the Army but rather take a leave of absence for the duration of his stint at the White House. Retired or active-duty military brass hold four top positions: Secretary of Defense James Mad Dog Mattis and Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly are both retired Marine Corps major generals. McMaster will head the NSC, and retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who had been acting head during the week since Flynns dismissal, will resume his position as NSC chief of staff, now as McMasters deputy. While McMasters appointment does not increase the number of generals in the top ranks of the administrationsince he replaces General Flynnhis elevation to head the NSC could well signal a shift in the foreign policy orientation of the Trump administration, and represent a concession to the anti-Russian campaign being waged by the intelligence agencies, the Democratic Party and sections of the Republican Party. The appointment was backed by many of those who have been denouncing Trump for his alleged softness on Russia. The ultra-right magazine National Review hailed the appointment, comparing it to the nomination of Neil Gorsuch for the Supreme Court, and writing that Trumps key generalsJames Mattis, John Kelly, and now H.R. McMasterrepresent the best of modern military leadership. Their presence in the government is deeply reassuring. Its now incumbent on President Trump to heed their counsel and give them the level of authority that they have earned. Senator John McCain, chairman of the Armed Services Committee, fresh from a speech to the Munich Security Conference in which he portrayed the new administration as a potential threat to world stability, praised the nomination as well. I give President Trump great credit for this decision, as well as his national security cabinet choices, McCain said in a statement. I could not imagine a better, more capable national security team than the one we have right now. Michael Hayden, the former director of the CIA and NSA who supported Hillary Clinton for president, described McMaster as a big-picture thinker. And he stands up for what he believes. What a perfect choice for this administration. Representative Adam Smith, the senior Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, called McMaster obviously very well qualified, adding, to say that hes an improvement over Mike Flynn is an understatement. Herbert Raymond McMaster, 54, is leaving a position as commander of the Army Capabilities Integration Center (ARCINC), where he was responsible for strategic planning for the army of the future. He was a tank commander in the first Persian Gulf War, in 1991, and commanded a combat brigade during the occupation of Iraq, where he came to the attention of General David Petraeus as the first commander to successfully recruit local Sunni tribal leaders to assist military operations against insurgent groups. McMasters tactics in the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar were the model for the surge of US forces in 2006-2007, and McMaster became closely associated with Petraeus in his subsequent rise through the upper echelons of the Army. The appointment has special significance in terms of policy towards Russia because McMaster has been engaged in a major military project to study the conflict in Ukraine and the lessons to be drawn by US military planners preparing for war in Eastern Europe against the Russian army and air force. He said in 2016 that the Ukraine conflict has revealed that the Russians have superior artillery firepower, better combat vehicles, and have learned sophisticated use of UAVs [drones] for tactical effect. According to a report last year in Politico, McMaster is quietly overseeing a high-level government panel intended to figure out how the Army should adapt to this Russian wake-up call. He told a Senate committee, Russia possesses a variety of rocket, missile and cannon artillery systems that outrange and are more lethal than US Army artillery systems and munitions. He called for developing advanced weapons to replace the two main Army armored vehicles, the Abrams tank and the Bradley Fighting Vehicle. This background suggests that McMaster will be aligned with Secretary of Defense Mattis in viewing Russia as the main strategic adversary of US imperialism in both the Middle East and Europe. That accounts for the widespread praise for his selection by those who have been spearheading the anti-Russian campaign on behalf of the US military-intelligence apparatus. McMaster first came to public attention in 1997 as the author of a volume analyzing the Pentagon command performance during the early stages of the war in Vietnam, from 1963 through 1965. The books title, Dereliction of Duty: Johnson, McNamara, the Joint Chief s of Staff, and the Lies That Led to Vietnam, suggests a more critical attitude to the Vietnam War than the author actually espouses. He indicts the lies that the civilian and military leaders of the day told each other, not the lies they both told to the American people. A wide range of political commentators praised the book, ranging from Rush Limbaugh on the ultra-right to historian Stanley Karnow to journalist Peter Arnett, a critic of the war. It provides a detailed analysis of the day-to-day relations between the Pentagon brass and the Johnson White House, based on documents then newly declassified. More significant from the standpoint of his current position is the attitude McMaster adopted towards social and political constraints on the military. His book strongly attacked the Joint Chiefs of Staff of that period, 1963-1965, for failing to demand the all-out mobilization of up to 700,000 troops they believed necessary to win the war. They did not press these demands because Johnson was committed to a strategy of limited war in order to provide resources for domestic social reforms such as Medicare, Medicaid and the war on poverty. Such an approach suggests that General McMaster, like Trump himself, would favor the plundering of social programs in order to pay for the rapid and extensive military buildup that both have advocated, preparing for an explosion of American militarism on a scale that would dwarf both Vietnam and the current wars in the Middle East and Central Asia. Chandrasekaran, currently Chief Executive and Managing Director of TCS, will take charge as the Non-Executive Chairman of the board of directors of TCS with effect from today. By Press Trust of India: Natarajan Chandrasekaran,Tata Sons Chairman-designate, will also hold the chairmanship of the group's crown jewel Tata Consultancy Services from today. The country's largest software services provider has also named V Ramakrishnan as its Chief Financial Officer to succeed Rajesh Gopinathan, who will take over as the CEO and MD of the Tata Group company. "TCS has received a letter from Tata Sons, in exercise of the powers under Article 90 of the Articles of Association of the Company, nominating N Chandrasekaran as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company in place of Ishaat Hussain, with effect from February 21, 2017," it said in a BSE filing. advertisement The nomination was duly noted by the directors at its meeting held on February 20, 2017, it added. Chandrasekaran, currently Chief Executive and Managing Director of TCS, will take charge as the Non-Executive Chairman of the board of directors of TCS with effect from today. Also read: Ousted Tata Sons chairman Cyrus Mistry now removed as company director NEW CFO In a separate filing, TCS said its board of directors appointed V Ramakrishnan as the Chief Financial Officer with effect from February 21. Ramakrishnan, or Ramki as he is popularly known, joined TCS Finance in 1999, and served as the Finance Head of TCS North America for seven years. "Ramki closely partnered with business in the rapid growth of TCS operations in the region. Most recently, he has been responsible for the financial controllership of TCS subsidiaries and branches globally and various merger and acquisitions integration initiatives," TCS said. LARGEST BUYBACK Earlier in the day, TCS also announced a Rs 16,000 crore buyback, the largest till date in the Indian corporate history. "Ramki has been a key member of the TCS Finance team for more than 17 years and has worked closely with me over the last nine years. I am confident that under Ramkis leadership, TCS Finance will continue to extend its leadership position," Gopinathan, who has been appointed to the Board, said. TCS also announced that Chief Operating Officer N Ganapathy Subramaniam will be on the board of the company as Executive Director. The bitter boardroom battle between the Tatas and Cyrus Mistry had led to Tata Sons removing him as the Chairman of TCS. Tata Sons then appointed Ishaat Hussain as TCS Chairman on November 11. TCS had said Hussain would hold office as the Chairman until a new Chairman is appointed in his place. --- ENDS --- Rent our xFi Gateway or use your own modem and router. If you plan on using your own equipment, make sure your modem and router are voice-compatible. View compatible devices Genocide, terrorism, a massacre, and police violence: Those are the not-so-cheery but exceptionally topical catalysts of four new plays opening within weeks of each other and continuing simultaneously around Chicago. Three of the works qualify as ripped-from-the-headlines, even if their inspirations cant be pinpointed to a specific news story. Faceless at Northlight Theater depicts the trial of a teenage girl recruited over the internet to join ISIS; at the Gift Theater, Mona Mansours Unseen unravels the mystery of a conflict photographer who cant remember how she ended up unconscious at the scene of a massacre in Istanbul; and Teatro Vistas production of the newest play by Ike Holter (Hit the Wall, Exit Strategy), Wolf at the End of the Block, investigates the potential police beating of a Latino man. But unexpectedly, its a mostly historical drama, The Book of Joseph at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, that resonates in the current moment with overpowering force. At first, the new play by Karen Hartmans (Roz and Ray) seems a relatively straightforward epistolary reconstruction of one Jewish familys history during the Holocaust. Author Richard Hollander (played by Francis Guinan) promotes his book (a real one, called Every Day Lasts a Year), in which he collected the letters between his father Joseph and Josephs family in occupied Poland during the Holocaust. As he relates the story, the characters come to life before us, starting with a scene of enormous, understated power: In the 1930s, Joseph (Sean Fortunato) has attained visas for his entire extended family to go to Portugal, and he tries to convince them that that they need to depart Poland immediately Hitlers army is approaching. The response: why dont we wait and see what happens? It still seems unlikely it could get that bad. The dramatic irony overflows the audience wants to scream in support of Joes plea. But nearly all his family decides to stay, and it gets worse than they ever could have imagined. Story continues Even Joseph and his wifes journey doesnt go smoothly. Not allowed to enter Portugal, they wind up unwelcome refugees at Ellis Island, where theyre told they cant stay. They appeal. Theyre rejected. They appeal again, living with a sense of dread but knowing they are better off than those in Poland, who send letters in carefully couched language to evade the Nazi censors about the deteriorating conditions there. Playing out amidst the immediate chaos of President Trumps ban on refugees, the relevance of this story, portrayed without sentimentality by a superb cast under the direction of Barbara Gaines, couldnt be more potent. Hartman turns the tables in the second act. Richards son Craig (Adam Wesley Brown), also a historian, accuses his father of filling in blanks with interpretation he cant be certain of, such as that very first scene we saw. We learn, too, that Richard had actually found the letters in a suitcase after his fathers death, but did nothing with them for decades. During that time, the people who could have filled in those blanks died. What had begun as a story about confronting the past morphs to take in the story of ignoring it. Issues of interpretation and perspective play key roles in the Chicago plays that are more contemporary in their setting, too. In Faceless, teenager Susie Glenn (Lindsay Stock) stands trial for terrorism-related charges, after meeting a man online who helped her convert to Islam and recruited her to join ISIS. But the charges themselves are not playwright Selina Fillingers primary interest. She focuses instead on the battle of narratives: Neither prosecution nor defense pursue truth, but an interpretation of the events that will be most convincing to a jury. Susies defense attorney wants to take advantage of how innocent Susie seems she is young, white, blonde, and ill-informed about the world ignoring the fact that she is also unrepentant. The prosecutor recruits a young Muslim lawyer who wears a hijab, Claire Fathi (Susaan Jamshidi), to lead the presentation of the case. Knowing full well she is being chosen for symbolic purposes, Claire ultimately agrees she can best serve to convict a terrorist while keeping the highly publicized trial from further demonizing her religion. Fillinger is a recent college grad who found her senior project unexpectedly picked up for full production at Northlight. Faceless has rough edges aplenty, and the production could be more creative and better refined. But the play works on several levels, and Fillingers sophisticated character development and sharp dialogue mark her as a significant young talent. Both Susie and Claire become more and more dimensional as the play goes on, as the story evolves into one dealing with deep personal questions of faith. The other two plays have powerful moments even if they dont fully satisfy. In Unseen, conflict photographer Mia (Brittany Burch) awakens at her girlfriends Istanbul apartment, not remembering how she got there. Against the pleas of her girlfriend and mother to rest, she rushes out to piece together the events. The play never quite works either as a mystery or as a personal or political drama, but it interestingly portrays how documenting horrendous events requires the reporter to see without fully seeing. Let down that emotional guard, and self-protection gives way to unmanageable despair. With fake news on everyones lips these days, the role of questionable journalism makes Wolf at the End of the Block feel especially current. After being beaten by a policeman, Abe (Gabriel Ruiz) gains the aid of reporter Frida (Sandra Marquez) to tell his story, and she doesnt seem to mind too much that apparently, Abe is purposefully leaving out key facts. As with Chicagos three other topical plays at the moment, truth remains elusive. The central narrative in Wolf, however, isnt as compelling as what occurs on the periphery. In a terrific sequence, Abes friend is approached by an outwardly amiable man at a bar, but during the conversation begins to suspect he may be speaking with the man who beat up Abe. Holter very effectively captures the sense of confusing unease that emerges when you arent sure whether someone is friend or foe when you need to balance two competing potential realities, one of which is deeply threatening. Related stories 'Hamilton' in Chicago Review: Wayne Brady's Slick, Calculating Burr 'Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience' Documentary Set for Release in 2017 Broadway's 'Chicago' Turns 20: Stars Reflect on Show's Success Jamie Foxx (Photo: Evan Agostini/Invision/AP) By THR Staff Croatian police have filed disorderly conduct charges against two people who allegedly used a racial slur to insult Jamie Foxx in a restaurant. Police said they acted after receiving reports Sunday of particularly arrogant and rude insults made against restaurant guests, including one of the guests on racial grounds. The police statement did not name Foxx as the target, but the actor briefly posted comments about the incident on his Instagram profile before deleting them. He mentioned an offensive racial term among the examples of the vulgar language used. Related: Tim Minchin to Play Friar Tuck in Lionsgates New Robin Hood Film Police say they are investigating whether to pursue other charges against the men. Croatia, like other European countries, has seen a rise in far-right sentiments. Foxx was in Dubrovnik, a city on the Adriatic Sea, filming Robin Hood: Origins, in which he plays Little John. The Lionsgate retelling of English folklore stars Taron Egerton as the titular thief. Otto Bathurst is directing the action film, also starring Tim Minchin, Eve Hewson, Jamie Dornan and Ben Mendelsohn. Related: Watch trailers, movies and more on Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - Almost 1.4 million children suffering from severe malnutrition could die this year from famine in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen, the UN children's agency said Monday. In Yemen, where war has been raging for nearly two years, 462,000 children are suffering from acute malnutrition while 450,000 children are severely malnourished in northeast Nigeria. Fews Net, the famine early warning system, said some remote areas of Nigeria's Borno state are already affected by famine since late last year and the disaster is likely to continue as aid agencies are unable to reach those in need. Drought in Somalia has left 185,000 children on the brink of famine but that figure is expected to reach 270,000 in the next few months, said UNICEF. In South Sudan, over 270,000 children are malnourished and a famine has just been declared in parts of Unity State in the north of the country, where 20,000 children live. UNICEF director Anthony Lake appealed for quick action. "We can still save many lives," he said. UN Security Council ambassadors are due to travel to northern Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger next month to draw international attention to the humanitarian crisis triggered by the conflict with Boko Haram militants. The iconic Washington Monument is celebrating its 132nd birthday today. Learn how it took 40 years to complete the project, and the surprising connections it has to the Pope, Abraham Lincoln, and the Constitution. The Monument before the Civil War The Washington Monument has endured after its rather lengthy planning process, and it recently an earthquake. The monument is now dealing with a man-made problem, an elevator renovation, that will keep it closed until early 2019. In May 2014, almost three years after a 5.8 magnitude struck on Washington on August, 22, 2011, the obelisk reopened. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis, philanthropist David Rubenstein, and National Mall & Memorial Parks Superintendent Bob Vogel were at the reopening ceremony. Rubensteins generous contributions helped moved the restoration project forward. He is also funding the current elevator project The Washington Monument officially was dedicated on February 21, 1885. In a speech written for that event by Robert Winthrop, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony in 1845, there was one memorable line: An earthquake may shake its foundations but the character which it commemorates and illustrates is secure. Thats not the only interesting fact or coincidence about the iconic monument. Here are 10 more fascinating facts about this American symbol. 1. James Madison had an early role in getting the monument project started. In 1833, the Washington National Monument Society, a private organization, came up with the idea for the tribute to the first President. Madison along with Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall started the society. 2. The first monument design featured a rotunda and a Roman-like George Washington. The initial winning bid came from architect Robert Mills, whose designed a flat topped obelisk with a statue of Washington in a chariot, along with statues of 30 Founding Fathers. The current obelisk design was proposed in 1876. Story continues 3. The Masons, and the Pope, were involved with the monument. Yes, the Free Masons were involved in the cornerstone ceremony and they used Washingtons masonic symbols in the ceremony. At the 1848 ceremony were 20,000 people, and a container that held copies of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and other objects was buried in the cornerstone. 4. Abraham Lincoln was at the 1848 cornerstone ceremony. The eclectic guest list included three James Buchanan, Lincoln, Andrew Johnson, Dolley Madison and Alexander Hamiltons widow, Betsey Hamilton, and of course, the then-current President, James K. Polk. 5. So how does the Pope fit into all of this? The Society asked for people to donate ceremonial stones as part of the construction process. Pope Pius IX donated a memorial stone of marble, which infuriated the anti-Catholic Know Nothing Party. The Know Nothings got their revenge by rigging the leadership election for the Washington National Monument Society. Congress cut off monument funding for 5 years until the Know Nothings left the group. 6. Nothing happened to the monument for a 22-year period. After the Know Nothing takeover in the 1850s, the monument became stalled to the point that it was used as a slaughter yard and cattle pen during the Civil War. Congress took over the project in 1876. 7. It took the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to get the job done. The Engineers were called in to work with Lt. Col. Thomas Lincoln Casey to modify the original ornate plans. The monuments stripped-down, lean look was part of a cost-cutting effort. On December 6, 1884, an aluminum cap, used as a lighting-protection, device was placed on top. In February 1885, the dedication ceremony took place. 8. The Monument was the worlds tallest building when it was dedicated. The Washington Monument as dedicated stood at 555 feet 5 inches tall. The Cologne Cathedral had been the worlds tallest man-made structure. The Eiffel Tower soon surpassed the Monument. 9. The Monument is an engineering marvel. The Washington Post recently pointed out an interesting fact in an on-going debate about the Monument as the worlds tallest free-standing masonry structure. The Monuments marble blocks are held together by just gravity and friction, and no mortar was used in the process. 10. The Washington Monument: Movie star. Nothing says location shot in a film like the Washington Monument, especially when the icon is under attack from aliens and terrorists, or used as a backdrop in a thriller or mystery. But maybe the most memorable appearance, in a real-life moment, occurred in August 1963, when the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke on the mall in Washington, with the Lincoln Memorial stage facing the Monument. Recent Historical Constitution Daily Stories 10 little-known facts about President Theodore Roosevelt 50 interesting facts about Abraham Lincolns life The mysterious death of George Washington 10 facts about Thomas Jefferson for his 273rd birthday The U.S. News Short List, separate from our overall rankings, is a regular series that magnifies individual data points in hopes of providing students and parents a way to find which undergraduate or graduate programs excel or have room to grow in specific areas. Be sure to explore The Short List: College, The Short List: Grad School and The Short List: Online Programs to find data that matter to you in your college or grad school search. College students: Don't expect to always see a professor standing at the front of your classroom. At some research universities, a teaching assistant -- usually a graduate student -- might either serve as the main instructor for an undergraduate course or provide support to the professor. There were 121,120 graduate teaching assistants employed at colleges, universities and professional schools in 2015, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Though some students prefer to learn from an experienced professor rather than a TA with little experience, one 2016 study found undergraduates are more likely to major in a discipline if a graduate student teaches their first course in the subject. [Explore the best schools that focus on undergraduate teaching.] Among the 697 ranked colleges that submitted these data to U.S. News in an annual survey, Purdue University--West Lafayette in Indiana reported the highest percentage of graduate TAs who were listed as a primary instructor for undergraduate courses in fall 2015: 26 percent. The 10 schools with the highest percentages were all public schools and National Universities, meaning they offer a full range of undergraduate programs as well as master's and doctoral degrees. Among Regional Universities, which offer many undergraduate programs and some master's but few doctoral programs, Emporia State University in Kansas reported the highest percentage of TAs who taught classes in fall 2015, at 13 percent. Overall, mainly National Universities and Regional Universities reported having TAs who teach classes -- only two National Liberal Arts Colleges, which emphasize undergraduate education in the liberal arts and sciences, reported that TAs teach any courses, both at 2 percent. That's because many have low student-faculty ratios, so TAs aren't as necessary. Story continues [Discover how colleges help liberal arts students find careers.] Of all the schools that reported these data to U.S. News, 544 listed zero percent. Below are the 10 National Universities with the highest percentage of graduate TAs listed as primary instructors for undergraduate courses in fall 2015. Unranked schools, which did not meet certain criteria required by U.S. News to be numerically ranked, were not considered for this report. Don't see your school in the top 10? Access the U.S. News College Compass to find teaching assistant statistics, complete rankings and much more. School officials can access historical data and rankings, including of peer institutions, via U.S. News Academic Insights. U.S. News surveyed more than 1,800 colleges and universities for our 2016 survey of undergraduate programs. Schools self-reported myriad data regarding their academic programs and the makeup of their student body, among other areas, making U.S. News' data the most accurate and detailed collection of college facts and figures of its kind. While U.S. News uses much of this survey data to rank schools for our annual Best Colleges rankings, the data can also be useful when examined on a smaller scale. U.S. News will now produce lists of data, separate from the overall rankings, meant to provide students and parents a means to find which schools excel, or have room to grow, in specific areas that are important to them. While the data come from the schools themselves, these lists are not related to, and have no influence over, U.S. News' rankings of Best Colleges, Best Graduate Schools or Best Online Programs. The teaching assistant data above are correct as of Feb. 21, 2017. Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com. RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) A Brazilian judge has sentenced two men to 15 years in prison in a gang-rape case that horrified the country. A third man charged in the rape that took place last May in Rio de Janeiro is at large. The sentence handed down by Judge Aylton Cardoso Vasconcellos' was posted Tuesday on the website of Rio de Janeiro's Justice Department. The case made international headlines because videos showing men posing with the unconscious victim were shared on social media. It became a symbol of the Latin American nation's problem of violence against women. The videos and other material that appeared on social media sites helped police identify suspects. PARIS (AP) Three men were arrested Tuesday in widely spread anti-terrorism raids, French officials said, and a bomb squad deployed at the home of one of the men uncovered a training grenade. The officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing operation, said the arrests came in central Clermont-Ferrand, southern Marseille and the Paris region. The bomb squad was dispatched to Clermont-Ferrand, and one of the officials said a training grenade one that was not equipped to explode was discovered at the home of one of the men, who had been previously flagged as an extremist. Tuesday's arrests come less than two weeks after anti-terrorism forces detained an adolescent girl and three men, and uncovered what they described as a makeshift explosives lab. Actor Ashton Kutcher made headlines last week after giving emotional testimony before Congress on his efforts to fight human trafficking. Victims of human trafficking -- modern slavery -- perform labor or commercial sex acts by force, fraud or coercion. Many victims are children. While human trafficking occurs nationwide and to people of all socioeconomic levels, runaway and homeless youth are among the vulnerable, according to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Recent reports of teenage trafficking have occurred in California, Louisiana and Michigan, among other states. [Learn how homeless high schoolers face barriers to education.] "Numerous exploiters have talked about the fact that they do target schools," says Jenee Littrell, administrator of safe and supportive schools for the San Mateo County Office of Education in California. "It's a place where young children are, and young children are vulnerable." Teens can go through many typical stages that could put them at risk, like starting to seek external validation as well as independence from the family, says Littrell, who was the lead author of " Human Trafficking in America's Schools," a 2015 guide from the Department of Education. It's critical for schools to educate staff and students about human trafficking, Littrell says. There could be student victims or others being recruited. Schools are filled with caring adults who have relationships with students who can help young people in need of assistance, she says. High school officials can use the following strategies to build awareness of human trafficking. 1. Make sure staff understand human trafficking: Teachers don't need to be human trafficking experts, but they should know what modern slavery is, how it happens in their community, what to look for and who to turn to if there is a student they are concerned about or a victim comes forward. Some of the warning signs: Students with bruises, tattoos or branding and unexplained trends in absences. For example, if a student is often absent on Monday and Friday it may be because their exploiter is making them travel to different locations. Story continues 2. Integrate human trafficking education into the curriculum: Modern slavery lessons naturally fit into a lesson about the history of slavery, says Littrell. She recommends educators check out the following organizations that deal with human trafficking education: the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives, 3Strands Global Foundation, Protect and Love146. When looking for outside organizations or experts to bring in to discuss this issue, school officials should look for individuals and groups with a service provider background, who know how to use appropriate terminology, are mindful of students who have experienced trauma and strive to create a safe environment. 3. Be aware of school culture when discussing human trafficking: Educators don't want to unintentionally increase the risk for young people on campus when discussing human trafficking, says Littrell. Always be mindful of physical and emotional safety when discussing this topic, she says. There could be networks on campus and often human trafficking is related to gang activity. For example, say there is a student who is a victim of trafficking and people on campus know. A teacher might have a seemingly innocent conversation with the victim, but the exploiter might learn of this and the student could then face retaliation. [Discover ways high school counselors can help families.] Littrell got involved with human trafficking education a number of years ago while working for a school district in the San Diego area. School staff started to notice that local students were being recruited into human trafficking rings and being exploited. Human trafficking education should be tailored to the community and not just involve a one-off lesson or assembly, she says -- it needs to be a whole-school approach. "It's really getting a message out that this doesn't come to our school," and that school is a "pimp-free zone," she says. "We are a place for children to come and learn and be safe and protected." Have something of interest to share? Send your news to us at highschoolnotes@usnews.com. Alexandra Pannoni is an education digital producer at U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at apannoni@usnews.com. By Parmita Uniyal: Nach Baliye is back on small screen and TV buffs are excited about watching their favourite telly couples shake a leg. Mona Lisa-Vikrant Singh Rajpoot; Rohan Mehra-Kanchi Singh, Divyanka Tripathi-Vivek Dahiya, Dipika Kakar-Shoaib Ibrahim are some of the couples who will most likely be seen on the show. Also, we hear that Sonakshi Sinha will be adding Bollywood glamour to the show, as she has been roped in as one of the judges (earlier Kajol was in talks). Bipasha Basu and Karan Singh Grover are in talks to host the show. While the show seems to have roped in the perfect faces; does the line-up really guarantee its success? advertisement Colors' recent show Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa that had the combination of Bollywood star power and television's most popular faces, failed to create ripples. We don't know whether people are no more interested in watching celebs perform or is it just the lack of innovation. Dance reality shows in the recent past have a mixed track record as far as ratings are concerned. While Shilpa Shetty's brand new show Super Dancer--which had kids in the age group of 4-13 years as participants--captured the fancy of the viewers, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 9 failed to woo the audiences despite popular faces. Similarly, the charm and aura of Madhuri Dixit in So You Think You Can Dance could not pull the viewers in its direction, while Remo D'Souza's Dance Plus 2 featuring non-celebrity contestants was one of the biggest reality shows this year. We guess, more than anything else it's talent that impresses the audiences more than the star power these days. A look at how some of the recent dance reality shows fared. SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE Premiere date: April 24, 2016 Viewers verdict: Thumbs down USP: Madhuri Dixit Why we feel it didn't work: The show, hosted by Rithvik Dhanjani and Mouni Roy and judged by Madhuri Dixit, Terence Lewis and Bosco Martis was the Indian version of international franchise So You Think You Can Dance. The contestants performed in different dance styles, and we do feel it was a little niche for the Indian audiences, who love all things masala. Besides, it aired on &TV, which does not even figure in the list of Top 10 channels. While in its first week, it garnered the impressions of 2.1 million, the ratings further saw a downward trend after a month and came down to 1.6 million. DANCE PLUS 2 Premiere date: July 2, 2016 Viewers verdict: Thumbs up USP: Remo D'Souza Why we feel it worked: If you take Remo D'Souza out of Dance Plus 2, half of the viewers' interest is gone because we know that the man knows his craft. Besides, Dharmesh Yelande, Shakti Mohan and Punit Pathak, the mentors combined with the extremely talented dancers who did not shy away from working on themselves and trying new things could be credited for the show's success. Tanay Malhara's journey in the show was full of ups and downs and truly fascinating. It is the power of common man that ultimately led to the success of the show. The show garnered 4.9 million impressions, as per the BARC India report published on September 8. advertisement JHALAK DIKHHLA JAA 9 Premiere date: July 30, 2016 Viewers verdict: Thumbs down USP: New judge Jacqueline Fernandez Why we feel it didn't work: Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 9 promised a brand-new format, a brand-new judge and a fresh set of celeb contestants. This year, the makers experimented with a lot of themes too. But we do feel, the quality of talent was average. We all know that these celebrities are actors first. The lack of passion just couldn't strike the chord with the audiences, we guess. SUPER DANCER Premiere date: September 10, 2016 Viewers verdict: Thumbs up USP: Shilpa Shetty Why we feel it worked: We all have to admit that we tuned into this show for Shilpa Shetty initially; the other judges were director Anurag Basu and choreographer Geeta Kapur. But soon, the super kids who participated in the show stole our hearts, completely. It was difficult to decide who was the best. It was the talent, the raw energy and the passion that made us come back to the show week after week. The show garnered 7 million impressions for the week Nov 12-18, according to BARC India. advertisement But the question remains--will Nach Baliye be able to top the rating charts? Only time will tell. --- ENDS --- On Monday, NASA announced it would hold a press conference on a discovery beyond our solar system. During the conference, to be held at 1 p.m. EST Wednesday, the space agency is expected to present new findings on exoplanets planets that orbit a star (or stars) other than our sun. Although details of what researchers at NASA are planning to reveal are still not known, and a study outlining the findings is under an embargo until 1 p.m., speculation is rife that the revelation may be the biggest exoplanet news since last years discovery of a potentially habitable planet around Proxima Centauri. As we wait with bated breath for NASA to reveal whatever it has up its sleeves, heres a handy list of some of the most potentially habitable and/or Earth-like exoplanets we have discovered so far: Proxima b When a team of astronomers using the European Southern Observatory (ESO) announced the discovery of this planet back in August 2016, the excitement it triggered among exoplanet hunters was immediate and fierce. And with good reason. Proxima b is not only located in the so-called Goldilocks zone a region in a planets orbit where the temperature is just right for liquid water to exist but it also orbits a star just over four light-years from Earth. In the cosmic scale of things, Proxima Centauri the red dwarf star Proxima b orbits is quite literally in Earths galactic backyard. New-Earth-Like-Planet-Proxima-B-2016 Photo: Reuters Although Proxima b orbits much closer to its star than Mercury does to the Sun in the Solar System, the star itself is far fainter than the Sun, the ESO said in a statement last August. As a result Proxima b lies well within the habitable zone around the star and has an estimated surface temperature that would allow the presence of liquid water. Story continues Although a recent study cast doubts over the habitability of the planet, arguing that stellar eruptions and storms associated with its parent star wouldve made it ill-suited for life it is still the best bet for the discovery of life as we know it beyond our solar system. Kepler-452b NASA describes Kepler-452b as Earths Bigger, Older Cousin. This exoplanet was discovered by the Kepler Space Telescope the space agency's planet-hunting workhorse that has so far made over 3,400 confirmed discoveries in July 2015. Kepler-452b is 60 percent larger in diameter than Earth (making it a super-Earth) and orbits a star that is 6 billion years old about 1.5 billion years older than our sun has the same temperature, and is 20 percent brighter. 452b_artistconcept_comparisonwithearth Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle Its awe-inspiring to consider that this planet has spent 6 billion years in the habitable zone of its star; longer than Earth. Thats substantial opportunity for life to arise, should all the necessary ingredients and conditions for life exist on this planet, Jon Jenkins, Kepler data analysis lead at NASAs Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, California, who led the team that discovered the exoplanet, said in a statement. Gliese 667 Cc The discovery of this planet was announced in 2012 by researchers associated with the ESOs High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher (HARPS) collaboration. Gliese 667 Cc, estimated to be about four times heavier than Earth, is the second planet in the Gliese 667 triple star system, located roughly 23.6 light-years away. Gliese 667 Cc Photo: ESO/L. Calcada Although scientists originally said that it almost certainly has the right conditions for the existence of liquid water a prerequisite to the origin and evolution of life a 2014 study, which took into account the effect of stellar activity of its parent red dwarf, cast doubts over whether Gliese 667 Cc is really habitable. In addition, the fact that the planet is most probably tidally locked to the star always showing the same hemisphere to its parent star (much like the moon is tidally locked to Earth) may also have made its surface inhospitable to life. Kepler-186f Kepler-186f the first validated Earth-size planet to orbit a distant star in the habitable zone was discovered in 2014. The planet, which is less than 10 percent larger than Earth, orbits its star a red dwarf once every 130 days and receives one-third the energy that Earth does from its sun, placing it near the outer edge of the habitable zone. If you could stand on the surface of Kepler-186f, the brightness of its star at high noon would appear as bright as our sun is about an hour before sunset on Earth, NASA explained in a statement. kepler186f Photo: NASA Ames/JPL-Caltech/T. Pyle Scientists believe that Kepler-186f, located about 500 light-years from Earth, could either be a rocky terrestrial planet or an ocean planet (a la the Miller planet from Interstellar). Kepler 438b When the discovery of this planet was announced in January 2015, it was touted as the most Earth-like planet discovered to date (its Earth Similarity Index, a measure of how similar a planet is to Earth, is 0.88). Kepler 438b, which is about 12 percent larger than Earth, completes one orbit around its parent star an orange dwarf located about 470 light-years away every 35 days. Given its small size, scientists believe that the planet is probably rocky. However, when it comes to answering the question about the existence of water and life on its surface, the answer is complicated by the fact that its parent star may be emitting high-energy coronal mass ejections. kepler_438b Photo: Mark A Garlick / University of Warwick If the planet ... has a magnetic field like the Earth, it may be shielded from some of the effects, David Armstrong from the University of Warwick, who conducted a study on the planets habitability, said in a statement. However, if it does not, or the flares are strong enough, it could have lost its atmosphere, be irradiated by extra dangerous radiation and be a much harsher place for life to exist. Related Articles U.S. President Donald Trump was ridiculed by Swedes over the weekend when he suggested the countrys acceptance of immigrants was not working out. It began at a campaign-style rally in Florida on Saturday when the President suggested an incident in Sweden that did not occur. You look at whats happening in Germany. You look at whats happening last night in Sweden Sweden who would believe this? He said. Sweden, they took in large numbers, they are having problems like they never thought possible. You look at whats happening Brussels, you look at whats happening all over the world. Trump said on Sunday that the last night was in fact a reference to a Fox News story on rising crime in Sweden committed by refugees, and not a specific act of terror: My statement as to what's happening in Sweden was in reference to a story that was broadcast on @FoxNews concerning immigrants & Sweden. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2017 Give the public a break The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2017 The segment, on Fox News Tucker Carlson Tonight, featured filmmaker Ami Horowitz alleging that there has been a surge in rape and gun violence in the Scandinavian country due to the large surge in migrants and refugees. However, many politicians and people in Sweden have taken issue with the Presidents use of Sweden as a case study in the negative effects of taking refugees. Story continues Here are five statistics to help you understand what the real situation is in Sweden: 13.3 percent The share of people who said they had been exposed to crime in the latest Swedish Crime Survey, in 2015. Although this is indeed a slight increase from 11.3% in 2014, the figure is the same level as a decade before. Swedens crime prevention council found that there has been no significant increase in crimes between 2015 and 2016, the New York Times reports. The council recorded a drop in thefts and drug offences, but did note an uptick in assaults and rapes. The council also noted a rise in lethal violation, but says: In a long-term perspective, ever since the 1990s the trend shows that lethal violence is declining. 6,560 The number of reported rapes in Sweden in 2016, according to publicly available data by Swedens crime prevention council, up from 5,920 the year before. There were 6,700 reported rapes in 2014. The slight rise from 2015 has been attributed to changes in the sexual crimes legislation that is believed to have led to more reported cases of sexual crimes. In general, Sweden has a broader legal definition of rape than many other nations meaning its reported rape totals are typically higher than average. In 2015, 18,100 sex offenses were reported to the police, down 11% from 2014, according to the Swedish National Council for Crime Prevention. These are the most recent figures available. 29,000 The number of new asylum seekers in Sweden in 2016, a decline from the year before when nearly 163,000 sought asylum. The Fox News segment said: In 2016 alone the country accepted more than 160,000 asylum seekers. It seems as if they were referring to the year before. In Germany, over 1.1 million people claimed asylum in 2015. 46% The share of Swedes who believe refugees in our country are more to blame for crime than other groups, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center in early 2016. Theres no data to suggest that is the case. The Swedish Crime Survey separately found the percentage of people with great concern about crime in society had increased 3 points to 25% in 2016 compared to 2015. This number is still lower than the 29% recorded a decade earlier, in 2006. The survey also found that in 2016 people anxious about being a victim of an attack or assault had increased 4 points to 15% the same level as in 2006. 6 years The length of time since the last terrorist attack on Swedish soil; on Dec. 11, 2010, suicide bomber Taimour Abdulwahab blew himself up in central Stockholm. No one else was injured. The Daily Beast GettyIt only took a few hours after Russias Vladimir Putin hailed his mobilization as a sparkling success Friday for a torrent of humiliating reports to emerge that suggest the war effort has been more successful in turning the country against him than defeating mythical Nazis in Ukraine.The most staggering contradiction to the Russian presidents boastful claims came perhaps in Kazan, where dozens of drafted troops were captured on video late Friday berating military leadership outside a colle Algiers (AFP) - Speculation mounted Tuesday over Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's health and political future after acute bronchitis forced the 79-year-old to postpone a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel had been due to meet him Monday as part of efforts to push North African countries to reduce the flow of migrants across the Mediterranean into Europe. But Bouteflika's office said he was "temporarily unavailable due to acute bronchitis", forcing Merkel's visit to be pushed back. Bouteflika, who has been in power since 1999, suffered a stroke in 2013 that affected his speech and confined him to a wheelchair. He has rarely appeared in public since, but frequently visits France for medical treatment. "From great alacrity to temporary unavailability," read Algeria's French-language daily Liberte on Tuesday. It was a reference to French President Francois Hollande's praise of Bouteflika's "alacrity" after they met in 2015. "The head of state...was not in a condition yesterday to receive a foreign guest or even to appear in public," it said. Bouteflika, who will be 80 on March 2, visited France in November for a "periodical" medical check-up, his office said. But daily Le Soir d'Algerie played down speculation that his condition had worsened. "Although very weak, (Bouteflika) did not hesitate to receive French Prime Minister Emmanuel Valls" in April 2016, it said. Valls "unfortunately used the event to tweet a picture showing him on his worst day", it said. The president has entertained several foreign dignitaries at his residence in recent years, providing rare photo opportunities. - 'Power vacuum' - Bouteflika's poor health has not stopped him clinging to power. Algerians had expected him to step down at the end of his third term, but he successfully fought a 2014 campaign for re-election despite making few appearances on the campaign trail. Story continues He made a rare public appearance in September, attending the opening of a new international conference centre in Algiers. State television showed a wheelchair-bound president, flanked by his younger brother Said, unveiling a plaque at the site and touring parts of the new complex. In recent months National Liberation Front chief Djamel Ould Abbes had said Bouteflika's health was improving, and even mentioned a possible fifth term in 2019. But his opponents have regularly talked of a "power vacuum" at the top of government since his stroke. "If we see him in a few days, it was a sudden tiredness and nothing more, but if he is not visible for 15 days, that means his condition has worsened," political analyst Rachid Grim told AFP. "The real problem is in the duration. If he does not appear in 15 days that would mean he has been transferred abroad for treatment," he said. Grim said that if key members of Bouteflika's National Liberation Front (FLN) and the allied Rally for National Democracy (RND) meet for talks in the coming days that could indicate that preparations are being made for his succession. "It's a case of 'wait and see' but we can only speculate," he said. Sociologist Nacer Djabi said the president may be in good health, but the cancellation of Monday's meeting had raised doubts about his future. "Does this mean that he can no longer do even the minimal activities?" Djabi asked. WASHINGTON (AP) The heads of two congressional committees said Tuesday they want the Department of Veterans Affairs to better explain its efforts to stem drug theft and loss in light of rising cases of missing prescriptions and other unauthorized use at VA hospitals. Rep. Phil Roe, who chairs the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said his panel had scheduled a hearing for Monday. The Associated Press reported last Monday on government data showing a sharp increase since 2009 in opioid theft and drugs that had simply disappeared at the VA. He said the panel would call on VA officials to discuss what they were doing to improve internal controls and hold employees accountable. "The fact that drugs are going missing from VA facilities further underscores the importance of oversight," said Roe, R-Tenn., who is a physician, citing the AP story. "This is a serious issue, and it must be addressed quickly." Sen. Ron Johnson, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, also described incidents of rising drug loss and theft as concerning. The Wisconsin Republican last year raised issues of possible unauthorized use at the Milwaukee VA medical center, involving allegations that drugs from the hospital's pharmacy was going to nonveterans. His office said Tuesday that committee review was continuing. Data obtained by the AP show that doctors, nurses or pharmacy staff at federal hospitals the vast majority within the VA system siphoned away controlled substances for their own use or street sales, or drugs intended for patients disappeared. Aggravating the problem is that some VA hospitals have been lax in tracking drug supplies. Congressional auditors said spot checks found four VA hospitals skipped monthly inspections of drug stocks or missed other requirements. Investigators said that signals problems for VA's entire network of more than 160 medical centers and 1,000 clinics, coming after auditor warnings about lax oversight dating back to at least 2009. Story continues Veterans groups urged full accountability. "Medical practitioners at the VA have a responsibility to provide the best care for the injured and ill veterans in their charge, and these actions are contradictory to the very nature of their professional obligations," said Garry Augustine, a Vietnam-era combat-wounded Army veteran, who is executive director of Disabled American Veterans' Washington headquarters. The VA acknowledged it has had problems keeping up with monthly inspections. It said it was requiring hospitals to comply with inspection procedures and develop plans for improvement. In a broadcast interview that aired Tuesday, newly confirmed VA Secretary David Shulkin reiterated his support for VA employees as the "best in health care" but pledged to remove any bad actors. Shulkin served as the department's undersecretary of health while the drug problem was growing. "When you have one or two or three people that really aren't doing their job, they bring everybody down," he told "Fox and Friends." The VA said Tuesday it was compiling information requested by the AP more than three weeks ago on cases of drug loss and theft at its hospitals. Reported incidents of drug losses or theft at federal hospitals jumped from 272 in 2009 to 2,926 in 2015, before dipping to 2,457 last year, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. "Federal hospitals" include the VA's more than 1,100 facilities as well as seven correctional hospitals and roughly 20 hospitals serving Indian tribes. ___ Follow Hope Yen on Twitter at https://twitter.com/hopeyen1 By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as the IT Minister and discussed the companys digital inclusion programme that leverages technology for improving rural healthcare and education. The India born CEO also participated in a round table at NITI Aayog on tapping into cloud computing for good governance in the country. advertisement In a tweet, NITI Aayog said: "@Microsoft CEO @satyanadella answers queries of senior govt officials on secure use big data and cloud computing for good governance." It also shared a photograph of NITI Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya presenting Nadella a book titled State Forward about best practices in governance from States. Nadella and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad talked about the software giants rural digital initiatives and leveraging its professional networking platform, LinkedIn, for creating employment opportunities. The high profile executive, who is on a multi-city tour, is scheduled to address a conference on Future Decoded in Mumbai. He was in Indias tech hub Bengaluru yesterday speaking on a slew of topics including Artificial Intelligence and re-skilling, meeting the startup community and unveiling a cloud partnership with e-tailer Flipkart. Terming his meeting with Nadella as "fruitful", Prasad said India would look at applying the experiences of Microsofts pilot project in Harisal for its newly-announced Digi Gaon initiative. "Microsoft is doing good work in India. In particular, we have appreciated their initiative for digital inclusion in village...the Harisal pilot project in Maharashtra where they brought in a lot of technology and connectivity for digital health and digital education...," Prasad said after the 30-minute meeting. "This is something I am considering for replication... given our larger vision of digital village announced in the Budget by the FM under Digi Gaon initiative," he added. Prasad said other issues that were discussed in detail included "LinkedIn involvement in skilling professionals to be exposed to good job opportunities". "In particular, LinkedIn exposure for creating more employment opportunities and Digi Gaon becoming a success with application of the experience of pilot project in Harisal, is something we eagerly look forward to," Prasad said. The issue of H-1B visas did not figure in the meeting with the Microsoft CEO, he said. Nadella and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, he said, represented a "powerful statement of extraordinary contribution" of Indias talent, and accomplishments in the field of technology. advertisement On the issue of cloud, the Minister noted that India has a cloud first policy, and added, "we have empanelled Microsoft also". PTI SR MBI SA --- ENDS --- By Steve Barnes LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Reuters) - Arkansas, which has not put an inmate to death in more than a decade, plans to schedule executions after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way on Tuesday for it to resume capital punishment, the state's attorney general said. Arkansas has not executed an inmate since 2005 and is one of several states that have had a de facto halt on executions due to legal fights and problems in procuring lethal injection drugs after a sales ban by major pharmaceutical makers. There are 34 men on Arkansas' death row, prison officials said. The Supreme Court refused to hear the appeal of nine death row inmates who challenged a state law forbidding disclosure of the companies supplying drugs used in lethal injections, Arkansas' method of capital punishment. The state's Supreme Court had earlier upheld the statute. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said she would immediately forward the high court's action to the state Supreme Court for certification, allowing Governor Asa Hutchinson to set execution dates. Both Rutledge and Hutchinson are Republicans. "Today's decision from the nation's high court ends this case, which means that executions can move forward in Arkansas, and families of the victims will see justice carried out for those who committed heinous crimes against their loved ones, Rutledge said in a statement. The number of U.S. executions fell to a quarter-century low in 2016 as new death sentences plummeted, according to a study by the Death Penalty Information Center, a non-profit monitoring agency. A lawyer for the Arkansas death row inmates said he was disappointed in the decision. We're thinking through our options, but obviously they are not very bright," Jeff Rosenzweig of Little Rock said in an interview. When capital punishment in Arkansas might resume was uncertain, as the state's stock of potassium chloride, one of the drugs used in executions, expired on Jan. 1, officials said. "Since 'use by' date on one of the drugs has expired, it will be necessary for the Department of Correction to make the acquisition," Governor Hutchinson said in a statement. (Reporting by Steve Barnes; Additional reporting by Jon Herskovitz; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Dan Grebler) PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) A group of suicide bombers with grenades and assault rifles struck outside a courthouse in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing six people in an attack claimed by a Taliban splinter group. The attack was the latest in a wave of militant assaults across the troubled country that has killed over 100 people since last week. The brazen suicide bombings have been claimed by mutiple Islamic militant groups. In Tuesday's attack, three attackers hit the courthouse in the town of Tangi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan. The victims included a lawyer, a child and four police officers, according to Ijaz Khan, a senior police officer. He said police were on maximum alert after receiving intelligence that terrorists could target the courts in Charsadda. One of the bombers threw grenades and detonated his suicide vest at the court's main gate while police shot and killed the two other assailants, according to the district police chief, Sohail Khalid. The other two also wore suicide vests but did not manage to set them off before being gunned down. Khalid said 15 people were wounded in the attack and taken to hospital. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility in a text message sent to an Associated Press reporter. In one of the attacks last week, dozens of worshippers gathered at a famed Sufi shrine were killed Thursday when an Islamic State suicide bomber detonated his device inside the shrine's main hall in the southern province of Sindh. The death toll from that attack has reached 90. The shrine bombing prompted a countrywide crackdown by security forces targeting militants and their hideouts. Pakistan's army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa praised police for foiling the attack and "saving many lives," according to the military statement. Mian Saqib Nisar, the chief justice of Pakistan, strongly condemned the attack in a statement and expressed his condolences for families of those who lost loved ones. Story continues In a latest development, Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, told reporters that fresh talks with the militants cannot be ruled out. "Talks can be held with everyone, including the Taliban," he said. But he maintained that, "We will not bow before the terrorists." Pakistan has been at war with Islamic militants for more than a decade. In recent years, it severed peace talks and launched an ongoing offensive against militant strongholds in the tribal regions along the Afghan border, but insurgents have continued to carry out attacks around the country. ___ Associated Press writers Ishtiaq Mahsud in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, and Munir Ahmed and Asif Shahzad in Islamabad contributed to this report. On Tuesday, a Vienna court ruled that Dmitry Firtash, a Ukrainian businessman wanted in the United States on bribery charges, can indeed be extradited to the United States. Its not just a new wrinkle in an old case: It potentially has big political implications, too. In 2015, a lower court had blocked the extradition request, agreeing with Firtashs legal team that the U.S. case was politically motivated. Firtash allegedly oversaw a scheme to pay $18.5 million to Indian officials to move along a $500 million titanium project in India beginning in 2006. Firtash, in the original case, said he would not confess to bribing the Indian officials, and that his views on how Ukraine should develop are different from those held by the U.S. government. Indeed: Firtash was an ally of former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych who was backed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and he was detained in Austria just days after the Kremlin-friendly leaders March 2014 ouster. But if the case was politically complicated then, it is hardly less so now. Firtash, rumored to have made a killing in the shady seams of the natural gas business between Russia and Ukraine, allegedly has business ties with Americans including one Paul Manafort, President Donald Trumps former campaign chairman. In August, when reports of Manaforts ties in the region emerged, Manafort told NBC News, There was one occasion where an opportunity was explored. Nothing transpired and no business relationship was ever implemented. Rumors are still swirling about the Trump teams alleged ties to Russia. On Feb. 13, former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn resigned for having lied to Vice President Michael Pence about whether he discussed lifting sanctions with the Russian ambassador to the United States (he did). On Feb. 14, the New York Times published a report that the Trump team had indeed had contact with Russian officials during the campaign, despite official denials from the White House. Members of Congress from both parties have said they will look into what ties might possibly bind the U.S. president to Russia. Story continues It is as yet unclear whether Trumps Department of Justice will still want to extradite Firtash, though, so far, there is no sign it would oppose extradition. In response to a request for comment, the Department of Justice said in a statement to Foreign Policy, While, as a general policy, the U.S. Department of Justice does not comment on the particulars of pending extradition cases, we would like to extend our thanks to the Government of Austria for our close cooperation on law enforcement matters. As Austrian Judge Leo Levnaic-Iwanski said on Tuesday, It wasnt for us to judge whether Mr. Firtash was guilty, but only whether the extradition is allowed. This decision only means that another country will make a decision whether he is guilty. But which country will that be? After the courts ruling, Firtash was arrested in Vienna by a plainclothes officer in connection with a separate warrant issued by Spain, which put him on an international wanted list in November, for alleged money laundering. Austrias Justice Ministry may have to decide where, if anywhere, Firtash will face justice. A spokesperson for the Justice Ministry said it was too soon to say whether the Spanish warrant will impact Firtashs extradition to the United States. Update, Feb. 21 2017 3:10 pm ET: This piece has been updated to include comment from the U.S. Department of Justice. Photo credit: SAMUEL KUBANI/AFP/Getty Images Ladies, can your man make you vice president of a country? Probably not. Unless, of course, you happen to be the wife of the president in Azerbaijan, in which case your husband, Ilham Aliyev, just named you his deputy. Putting all other power couples to shame, Aliyev made his wife, Mehriban Aliyeva, vice president. Coincidentally, shes the first vice president of Azerbaijan since the position was created by a referendum last year. This lucky lady is now set to succeed her husband should he ever step down from the role. Her mans been president since 2003, when he took over from his father. And he was reelected in 2008 in an election that opposition parties boycotted. But there probably wont be any boycotts of this appointment. Khadija Ismayilova, an award-winning investigative journalist who was arrested in December 2014 and released in May 2016, wrote on Facebook, Wave of arrests preceded Mehriban Aliyevas appointment to vice-president position. Just in case if someone would dare to protest. Number of opposition activists were sentenced to one month administrative arrest, siblings of the activists abroad were harassed and blackmailed just days before the appointment. Theres even more good news for the Aliyev power couple: theyre not likely to meet any resistance from the international community. Between its well-documented lobbying efforts and oil and gas production, Azerbaijan has stayed in good standing in Washington, D.C. And, as a two-part report by the Hudson Institute suggests, Azerbaijan has used caviar diplomacy with the Council of Europe. Theres no mountain, valley, activist, or institution charged with watching human rights or preventing rampant nepotism that can stop this dream team from ruling Azerbaijan currently ranked not free by Freedom House and famed for rampant human rights abuses and from doing so together. Photo credit: Matthias Hangst/Getty Images for BEGOC Baku (AFP) - Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev on Tuesday appointed his glamorous wife as first vice president, the latest move seen as tightening the family's iron grip on the oil-rich Caspian nation. The elevation of Mehriban Aliyeva -- a prominent socialite and lawmaker -- sees her now become the country's second most senior official after her husband. "She is professional, educated, experienced, principled, and magnanimous," Aliyev told a National Security Council meeting. Known for her lavish lifestyle, Aliyeva, 52, has been an MP for the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party since 2005 and head of the influential Heydar Aliyev Foundation -- named after her father-in-law and former president. "I believe that I will justify this confidence," she said at the security council meeting. "The interests of the country and people will always come above all else for me." Born into the powerful Pashayev family, Aliyeva has sometimes been seen as a possible successor to her husband, who took over in 2003 after the death of his father Heydar, a former KGB officer and Communist-era boss. The appointment follows constitutional changes made after a tightly-managed referendum last year that introduced the powerful position of first vice president. Such steps were denounced by regime opponents as a ploy to cement the Aliyev family's dynastic rule. Azerbaijan's embattled opposition angrily criticised Aliyeva's elevation as undemocratic. "The move throws Azerbaijan back to medieval, feudal times," opposition leader Isa Gambar of Musavat party told AFP. "Family rule has no place in the 21st century," he added. - First lady of fashion - Known for her love of luxury, Aliyeva featured prominently in US diplomatic cables published by Wikileaks, one of which dubbed her "a first lady, too, in fashion". "First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva appears to have had substantial cosmetic surgery, presumably overseas, and wears dresses that would be considered provocative even in the Western world," the leaked 2010 cable said. Story continues An eye doctor by training, she has also authored a dissertation on the ethical aspects of mercy killing. In 2004, she was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations culture agency, UNESCO. The Aliyevs have two socialite daughters Leyla, 32, and Arzu, 27, a student son, Heydar, 19, and four grandchildren. The president, 55, cruised to a third five-year term against limited opposition in 2013, extending his family's rule into a third decade. Supporters have praised the Aliyevs for turning a republic once considered a Soviet backwater into a flourishing energy supplier to Europe. But critics argue they have crushed all opposition and used their power to amass a fortune that funds a lavish lifestyle for the president and his family. Activists have raised concerns over Azerbaijans poor rights record, with Human Rights Watch in May blasting the country for a ruthless crackdown that has seen political activists and critical journalists jailed. "President Ilham Aliyev is the person most responsible for Azerbaijan's appalling human rights record of the last decade," Freedom House, a pro-democracy watchdog, has said. By Laila Kearney (Reuters) - Bao Bao, the 3-year-old giant panda who rose to fame while growing up on live video at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington, left for her new home in China on Tuesday under a long-standing breeding and research program. Bao Bao could be seen in live video provided by the zoo being loaded, inside her crate, onto a Boeing 777F aircraft at the Dulles International Airport in Virginia for Chengdu, China. The freighter, customized with an image of a giant panda emblazoned on its side, took off just before 2 p.m. ET (1900 GMT) "Today is bittersweet," zoo Director Dennis Kelly said in a statement. "We've watched Bao Bao grow up during the past three years, and she has charmed people all over the world with her independent and playful personality." The giant panda now enters "the next chapter of her life," Kelly said. Traveling with Bao Bao will be her handler and veterinarian, as well as 55 pounds of bamboo and several more pounds of biscuits, sweet potatoes and sugarcane. She will be greeted by her new keepers upon arrival in Chengdu. Bao Bao was born at the zoo on Aug. 23, 2013 to mother Mei Xiang and father Tian Tian, who were loaned to the zoo as part of an agreement with the Chinese Wildlife Conservation Association. Under the deal, all cubs born at the National Zoo must move to China by the time they reach 4 years old for breeding and research. The National Zoo received its first pair of giant pandas in 1972 as a gift from the Chinese government. That pair, female Ling-Ling and male Hsing-Hsing, lived at the zoo for more than 20 years, but produced no surviving cubs. Bao Bao drew an international audience as the star of the zoo "panda cam," which documented her birth and childhood for millions of fans worldwide. Admirers have included former first lady Michelle Obama, who sent a message to the giant panda cub on the day she was born. In the week leading up to her departure, fans were allowed to observe Bao Bao as she was plied with her favorite treats, including ice cakes made of frozen fruit juices and vegetables. Bao Bao's younger brother, Bei Bei, who was born in 2015, and their parents will remain at the zoo as part of its breeding program, which runs until December 2020. (Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Jonathan Oatis) 'Beach Bobber' Wins Harley's UK/Ireland Battle of the Kings Custom Build Will Compete Against Other Bikes at This Year's EICMA Harley-Davidson has announced that East Sussex, England, dealer Shaw Harley-Davidson is the overall winner of the UK/Ireland 2017 Battle of the Kings competition. The Beach Bobberwas built by Neil Sefton, Head Custom Technician with valued support from Shaws service manager Simon Pocock. The Battle of the Kings title was awarded after two rounds of judging. Round One involved an online public vote of the 31 entries from the United Kingdom and Ireland, from which the top five builds moved onto a final judging round held at the London Motorcycle Show earlier this. The final live round of judging was conducted by an eclectic mix of invited motorcycle industry personnel and personalities. Attendees were clearly appreciative of the amount of workmanship put into creating the Dark Custom machines based on three models from the Sportster range of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The Beach Bobber now advances to represent the UK/Ireland against fellow finalists from across Europe at the BOTK grand finale to be held at Milans EICMA motorcycle exhibition in November. Im really stoked, said Steven C. Willis, of Shaw Harley-Davidson. Its an absolute fantastic announcement. We are so proud to move forward and represent the UK and Ireland in Battle of the Kings a competition that has always been unique to Harley-Davidson, and an awesome competitive arena for the Harley-Davidson network to show our expertise in the custom market. Harcha (Libya) (AFP) - The bodies of 74 migrants who drowned in the Mediterranean trying to reach Europe have washed up on a beach west of the Libyan capital, the Red Crescent said Tuesday. Residents of the village of Harcha, outside Zawiya, 45 kilometres (30 miles) from Tripoli, alerted the emergency services after finding a wrecked boat on the beach with bodies inside, the Red Crescent said. More were discovered elsewhere on the beach and still more were feared to be in the sea. A long row of black and white body bags was seen lined up near the water's edge. "We don't have an appropriate vehicle to transport the bodies or a cemetery for unidentified bodies to bury them in," the group said. "Some bodies are still on the beach and others that we can't reach are still floating in the water." The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said the boat was reported to have foundered on Sunday, leaving as many as 100 people dead. "Traffickers reportedly stole the engine and left it to drift," the agency said. "A survivor, reportedly in a coma, was transferred to hospital." The agency said that if confirmed, the deaths would bring the total number of migrants killed trying to cross the Mediterranean so far this year to more than 365. It said that 187 migrants were rescued off Zawiya on Saturday, and were currently being held in a detention centre. The tragedy is believed to be the worst since around 180 people were estimated to have died on January 14 when a migrant boat capsized off the coast of Libya. Since then, hundreds of people have been plucked from the waters north of the African nation, including 700 on January 30 alone off the western city of Sabratha. - 'What price #humanity?' - On Tuesday Italy's coast guard said it rescued around another 630 migrants off the coast of Libya from two drifting vessels, a large boat and a rubber raft. "74 bodies on a Libyan shore. Each testament to #indifference, a tragedy, entirely preventable. What price #humanity?" tweeted Elhadj As Sy, head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Story continues The IOM said migrant arrivals in Italy had risen sharply this year compared with the same period of 2016. As of Sunday, 10,120 had arrived compared with 6,589 between January 1 and February 18 last year. People smugglers have taken advantage of the chaos gripping Libya since the 2011 revolution to greatly boost their lucrative trade. Most departures take place from the west of Libya, usually heading for Italy 300 kilometres (190 miles) away across the Mediterranean. Europeans are considering measures aimed at blocking the arrival of thousands of migrants, alarming NGOs which fear that those stranded in Libya may suffer mistreatment. In the absence of an army or a regular police force in Libya, several militias act as coastguards but are often accused themselves of complicity or even involvement in the people-smuggling business. UN Libya envoy Martin Kobler visited a migrants' camp in Tripoli on Tuesday, and said he would be discussing their voluntary repatriation with the authorities. "They do not have enough food. They have really a serious situation here and it's very important to solve their humanitarian problem," he said. "If they want to return they must be given the chance to return." According to the United Nations, more than 5,000 people died last year in attempts to cross the Mediterranean and reach Europe, most of them after embarking from the Libyan coast after paying people smugglers. This was the highest annual toll on record. Unlike previous years, winter has not brought an end to the migrant arrivals, just a reduction in the numbers. La Paz (AFP) - Coca farmers clashed with police Tuesday in the second straight day of violent protests in La Paz against a Morales government bill to limit legal areas of cultivation. Angry farmers threw dynamite, fireworks and rocks at police in an attempt to regain positions lost late Monday in a clash at access points to the Palacio Quemado, the seat of government and residence of President Evo Morales. Anti-riot police agents fought hundreds of coca growers for four hours, firing tear gas to disperse the crowd. The violence Tuesday ended with 148 arrests, the deputy Interior minister, Jose Luis Quiroga, told reporters. "Police were investigating each one to determine the level of responsibility for the public disturbance," he said. Carlos Aparicio, the deputy minister of public safety, said the protesting coca growers "burned police installations, a firefighting unit" and had threatened to blow up a gas station. Morales, a former union leader of coca growers, is serving a third term as Bolivia's first indigenous president. His government's bill would cap the legal area for coca cultivation to 20,000 hectares (49,421 acres). The farmers want to be able to produce as much coca as local demand warrants. Coca is a traditional crop, with Bolivians for generations using the leaf to fight fatigue, reduce altitude sickness in the Andean mountain country and divine the future in indigenous rituals. Chemically processed, coca becomes the addictive stimulant cocaine, an illegal drug in the country and around the world. Under the proposed law, the legal cultivation area for the country's two main coca-growing regions would be capped at 13,000 hectares for the Los Yungas region and 7,000 hectares in the Chapare region, where Morales used to grow coca. According to the United Nations in its latest report, in 2015 Bolivia had 20,2000 coca-growing hectares and was the world's third-largest producer after Colombia and Peru. Story continues But a 2013 financial study by the European Union found that only 14,705 hectares were needed to satisfy local Bolivian demand. In addition, the UN warned that 94 percent of the coca grown in Chapare was circulating illegally. Tuesday's violence forced authorities to delay a meeting between three ministers and the coca farmers that had been intended to defuse tensions. One of the would-be participants, Minister of Government Carlos Romero, said that "the wave of violent attacks against institutions is raising concern." Modi's comments reflected concern that India's $150 billion IT services industry would suffer if the United States curbs the visas, known as H-1B, it relies on to send its software experts to the United States on project work. By Reuters: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the United States to keep an open mind on admitting skilled Indian workers, in comments that pushed back against Republican President Donald Trump's 'America First' rhetoric on jobs. Modi's comments reflected concern that India's $150 billion IT services industry would suffer if the United States curbs the visas, known as H-1B, it relies on to send its software experts to the United States on project work. advertisement "The Prime Minister referred to the role of skilled Indian talent in enriching the American economy and society," the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said in a statement after he met a bipartisan delegation of 26 members of the US Congress. "He urged developing a reflective, balanced and far-sighted perspective on movement of skilled professionals," the PMO said. WHAT IS THE H1-B VISA CONTROVERSY? Indian nationals are by far the largest group of recipients of the 65,000 H-1B visas issued each year to new applicants under a cap mandated by Congress. Exemptions on the H-1B cap are available to up to 20,000 further applicants who have obtained a US master's degree. The actual number of Indian nationals working in the United States under the H-1B programme is significantly higher, however, because many visas are rolled over. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who was born in India, also met Modi today. He told the Economic Times earlier that his own career had been made possible by "an enlightened immigration policy". Initial confidence that Asia's third-largest economy would benefit from Trump's election victory has given way to concern that his isolationist rhetoric and hostility to free trade would hurt India's hi-tech and outsourcing industry. The sector, led by Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd, employs 3.5 million people and is lobbying against proposed U.S. visa curbs - including increases on salaries that H-1B visa holders must earn. Part of the delegation led by Congressman Bob Goodlatte, a Republican from Virginia who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, met Ravi Shankar Prasad, India's minister in charge of electronics and IT. Goodlatte, speaking at the meeting with Prasad, declined to answer a question on visa restrictions, saying it was up to the president to reassess his policies on immigration. A senior Indian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said India hoped to resolve the visa issue with the United States but declined to be drawn on the details. The government supported a move by NASSCOM, India's high-tech industry association, to lobby U.S. lawmakers and companies to urge the administration not to crack down on allowing its skilled workers into the United States, the source said. advertisement ALSO READ: How Trump's new executive order on H1B visas will dent Indian IT sector WATCH --- ENDS --- TEL AVIV (Reuters) - Israel's BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics is seeking early approval in Canada for its adult stem cell treatment for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neuro-degenerative disease, even before it completes late-stage clinical trials. BrainStorm said on Tuesday that it had signed an agreement with CCRM, a Canadian not-for-profit organization that supports development of regenerative medicine, to support a market authorization request for its ALS treatment, called NurOwn. CCRM is helping BrainStorm meet requirements for the Canadian health regulator's early access pathway, which provides rapid review for drugs to treat serious or life-threatening conditions. If NurOwn qualifies, it could be authorized in Canada for distribution by the start of 2018, the company said. "We seemingly fit the criteria," BrainStorm Chief Executive Chaim Lebovits told Reuters. At the same time, BrainStorm will conduct a Phase 3 clinical trial for NurOwn at multiple sites in the United States and Israel. The company in December said the advanced clinical trial is expected to begin enrolling patients in the second quarter of 2017. BrainStorm also plans to submit an application in Israel that will allow patient access to NurOwn as a treatment that has been granted "Hospital Exemption". This recently approved pathway would permit BrainStorm to partner with a medical center in Israel and be allowed to treat patients with NurOwn for a fee. Lebovits foresees possible treatments under this pathway as early as the second half of 2017. BrainStorm is also examining whether it may be eligible for early approval in the United States under new legislation passed in December that supporters say will speed access to new drugs. According to the ALS Association, 5,600 people in the United States are diagnosed each year with the disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, which has severely disabled British physicist Stephen Hawking. (Reporting by Tova Cohen; Editing by Mark Potter) Brasilia (AFP) - A vast corruption scheme that started in Brazil but morphed into a giant international scandal is about to spread even further, a top prosecutor warned on Monday. Brazil-based Odebrecht, one of the region's biggest construction companies, was at the heart of a scheme to bribe Brazilian state oil giant Petrobras in exchange for inflated contracts. Odebrecht also systematically bribed politicians, mostly in Brazil but also in other countries, even running a department to keep track of the bribery. Odebrecht admitted to paying $788 million in bribes across 12 countries and agreed with the US Justice Department to pay a $3.5 billion fine, a world record in foreign corruption cases. Vladimir Aras, the prosecutor in charge of the international side of the Brazilian scandal, told AFP that Brazilian authorities were scrutinizing at least 10 foreign companies. He was speaking after a meeting of prosecutors from around Latin America. The construction giant has done major infrastructure work around the world. And most of the looming investigations will take place in Africa and Latin America, Aras said. International investigations linked to the case "are going to grow a lot," Aras told AFP in Brasilia. "When you look at places where prosecutors are independent as we have in Brazil, we should expect that investigations move forward and shed light on other corruption schemes likely parallel to the ones involving Brazilian companies, mostly construction companies, that work overseas," he said. "Inappropriate interactions between the public sector and private sector is not just an issue in Brazil," Aras added. "Corruption is everywhere." Panama has said Interpol issued international wanted notices for two sons of former president Ricardo Martinelli on allegations that they accepted bribes from the construction giant. And a Peruvian judge issued a domestic and international warrant for the arrest of ex-president Alejandro Toledo over accusations he took a $20 million bribe. In Peru, the Brazilian company was the target of violent protests in January, which forced Peruvian authorities to scrap plans for an Odebrecht-operated toll road north of Lima. The government has also sacked it from a $7 billion gas pipeline project that is less than a third complete. Brazils race to save drought-hit city Natan Cabral, 5, stands on the cracked bed of the Boqueirao Reservoir in the Metropolitan Region of Campina Grande, Paraiba state, Brazil, Feb. 13, 2017. (Photo: Ueslei Marcelino/Reuters) The shrunken carcasses of cows lie in scorched fields outside the city of Campina Grande in northeast Brazil, and hungry goats search for food on the cracked-earth floor of the Boqueirao reservoir that serves the desperate town. After five years of drought, farmer Edivaldo Brito says he cannot remember when the Boqueirao reservoir was last full. But he has never seen it this empty. Weve lost everything: bananas, beans, potatoes, Brito said. We have to walk 3 kilometers just to wash clothes. Brazils arid northeast is weathering its worst drought on record and Campina Grande, which has 400,000 residents that depend on the reservoir, is running out of water. After two years of rationing, residents complain that water from the reservoir is dirty, smelly and undrinkable. Those who can afford to do so buy bottled water to cook, wash their teeth with, and even to give their pets. The reservoir is down to 4 percent of capacity and rainfall is expected to be sparse this year. If it does not fill up, the citys water system will collapse by mid-year, says Janiro Costa Rego, an expert on water resources and hydraulics professor at Campina Grandes federal university. It would be a holocaust. You would have to evacuate the city. Brazils government says help is on the way. After decades of promises and years of delays, the government says the rerouting of Brazils longest river, the Sao Francisco, will soon relieve Campina Grande and desperate farmers in four parched northeastern states. Water will be pumped over hills and through 400 kilometers of canals into dry river basins in Ceara, Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, and Paraiba, the small state of which Campina Grande is the second-biggest city. Begun in 2005 by leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the project has been delayed by political squabbles, corruption and cost-overruns of billions of dollars. Brazils ongoing recession, which economists calculate has shrunk the economy of the impoverished northeast by over four percent during each of the past two years, made things even worse. Story continues Now, President Michel Temer is speeding up completion of the project, perhaps his best opportunity to boost support for his unpopular government in a region long-dominated by native-son Lula and his leftist Workers Party. In early March, Temer plans to open a canal that will feed Campina Grandes reservoir at the town of Monteiro. The water will still take weeks to flow down the dry bed of the Paraiba river to Boqueirao. With the quality of water in Campina Grande dropping by the day, it is a race against time. (Reuters) See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr Just in time for the British House of Lords to begin wrapping up its first day of debate over a bill initiating the U.K.s withdrawal from the European Union, more commonly referred to as Brexit, an analysis by the Guardian Monday afternoon pegged the cost of the separation to exporters at 6.1 billion pounds, the equivalent of $7.6 billion, per year. The newspaper attributed the new costs to tariffs on British exporters imposed under World Trade Organization rules and normally eliminated by the EUs open-trade policies. British Prime Minister Theresa May promised in a January interview with Sky News that she would strive for a really good, ambitious trade deal for the U.K. with the European Union. Later in January, however, May said in a speech to foreign ambassadors that the U.K. would leave the EUs single market and its associated lack of trade barriers. She also promised that the U.K. would remain the EUs best friend, prompting anxiety among economists, most of whom have historically supported free trade. This would be a pretty big shock and it is very clearly unwelcome, Alan Winters, director of Sussex Universitys U.K. Trade Policy Observatory, told the British newspaper as part of its Monday report. At the end of two years, its up to the Europeans to decide if we have a deal. The government has to pretend its okay if we dont, otherwise they have no leverage. This is a piece of political spin to try to persuade us that if this happens, it is not a catastrophe. In the first of five days set aside to debate Mays EU Notification of Withdrawal Bill, which already passed in the House of Commons Feb. 8, members of the House of Lords signaled deference to the decisions of U.K. voters, 51.9 percent of whom chose to leave the EU in June, as well as to the vote of the lower house. "This bill is not about revisiting the debate," Baroness Evans, leader of the House of Lords, reportedly said. "Noble Lords respect the primacy of the elected House and the decision of the British people on 23 June last year." Related Articles Riga (AFP) - Britain's "Brexit" minister responsible for managing its departure from the European Union on Tuesday denied reports his government was planning to pay eastern EU states to support it during negotiations with Brussels. David Davis described as "implausible" recent British media reports that money would be diverted from development projects in Africa and Asia to the Baltic states and other eastern EU countries. "I didn't recognise the story I saw in the papers the other day. It seemed to me to be wholly implausible. We have not started the negotiation yet but that is not the way I think it's going to go," Davis told reporters after talks with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics in Riga. "It's not a divorce, it's a new relationship... it's very modern in that respect," Davis added. Davis told reporters later Tuesday in Vilnius, Lithuania, that he was "confident that we will trigger (Brexit) by the end of March." Britain's House of Lords, an unelected chamber where British Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative Party does not hold a majority, could delay a bill empowering her to trigger Brexit as planned by the end of next month. Davis told Lithuanian Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis it was in Britain's "interest" to see the "European Union succeed when we leave". The British Brexit minister added that London wants cooperation in justice, home affairs, interior matters, counter-terrorism and information exchange with EU members "to continue quite similarly as they are now." "On the economic side, we would like to see an overarching free trade agreement," Davis added. He also assured Baltic leaders that Britain wants to preserve equal rights for EU citizens living there following Brexit. "We want a generous outcome" for both EU citizens living in Britain and Brits in the EU, Davis told Lithuania's Skvernelis. Story continues Hundreds of thousands of EU citizens living and working in Britain, a majority from eastern EU states like Poland, are demanding that their rights be protected despite Brexit. It is estimated that at least 1.2 million British citizens currently live and work in the 27 other EU member states. They, too, are lobbying to preserve their rights post-Brexit. Earlier in Riga, Latvian Foreign Minister Rinkevics insisted the EU member states would not be divided when it comes to Brexit talks between Brussels and London. "We will negotiate according to the solidarity of the 27 EU member states which means there will be a common position," Rinkevics said. A British Muslim math teacher with a valid visa said he was made to feel like a criminal when he was prevented from boarding an airplane heading to the United States. Juhel Miah, from Swansea in Wales, was traveling to New York from Reykjavik in Iceland with a group of school children on Feb. 16 when he told he had been selected for a random security check. He was then taken to a room and searched before being informed that he was unable to board the plane, Wales Online reports. Miah, 25, told the news site that his luggage was taken from him and he was forced to stay in an horrendous hotel before school officials booked him on a flight back to the U.K.. As I was getting my luggage the teachers and kids were confused, he said. I couldnt believe this was happening. All the plane was quiet. I was being escorted out. It made me feel like a criminal. I couldnt speak, I was lost for words. It is unclear why Miah was refused entry to the U.S. One week before he was removed from the plane, a panel of three judges unanimously upheld a temporary restraining order against President Donald Trumps executive order that banned arrivals from seven Muslim-majority countries. A spokesperson from a local Welsh borough council has written to the Embassy of the United States of America in London demanding an explanation over what they described as an unjustified act of discrimination. TIME received no immediate response from the U.S. Embassy in London. [Wales Online] BUJUMBURA, Burundi (AP) A former vice president of Burundi who fled the country after criticizing the ruling party has returned to the country after accusing some of her colleagues in the opposition of being "destructive." Alice Nzomukunda, who was one of President Pierre Nkurunziza's deputies between 2005 and 2006, returned to Burundi Monday with two other members of the opposition bloc CNARED, which has been involved in on-off peace talks with the government. Nzomukunda resigned her post in September 2006, accusing the ruling party of corruption and rights abuses. Her return is seen as a victory for the embattled government, which faces accusations of rights abuses since Nkurunziza sought a third term in April 2015. Hundreds of people have died in the violence and more than 300,000 Burundians are sheltering in neighboring countries. Bao Bao the panda has left the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington D.C., and heading back to China. Read: 3 Tiger Cubs Being Raised by Zoo Staff After They Were Rejected by Mother The panda, who was born in 2013 inside the zoo, has delighted Americans with her playful antics. Thousands showed up to bid her farewell in the last few days, and Bao Bao was even gifted a special goodbye cake made out of ice to nosh on. "Weve watched Bao Bao grow up during the past three years, and she has charmed people all over the world with her independent and playful personality," Dennis Kelly, the director of the Zoo, said in a statement posted to the National Zoo website. "Were so proud of our team who have prepared Bao Bao for the next chapter of her life as she enters the breeding program in China. This is another milestone in our 45-year history of working to study, care for and help save the giant panda and its native habitat. The flight, dubbed the FedEx Panda Express, left Dulles International Airport in Virginia for China on Tuesday morning. For the 16-hour flight, Bao Bao was given 55 pounds of bamboo, two pounds of apples, two bags of leafeater biscuits, cooked sweet potatoes and water. Read: A Tail of Love: Sumatran Tiger Gets a Girlfriend at Los Angeles Zoo The zoos Instagram page has been loaded with images of Bao Bao through the years. Nobody does snow days better than giant pandas. Here's a look back at #BaoBao's first blizzard. #ByeByeBaoBao A post shared by Smithsonian's National Zoo (@smithsonianzoo) on Feb 20, 2017 at 11:08am PST Female giant pandas are only able to conceive for 24 to 72 hours per year. #ByeByeBaoBao A post shared by Smithsonian's National Zoo (@smithsonianzoo) on Feb 20, 2017 at 3:36pm PST Pregnant giant pandas experience delayed implantation, meaning an embryo floats in the uterus, implanting in the uterine wall just a few weeks before birth and growing exponentially during that time. #ByeByeBaoBao A post shared by Smithsonian's National Zoo (@smithsonianzoo) on Feb 20, 2017 at 8:04am PST They also posted a goodbye video and thank you to those who came to see her during her final days in Washington. Story continues Thank you for your love and support. You make it possible for us to save giant pandas. Here's a look back at what Bao Bao means to our team and you. #ByeByeBaoBao @fonznationalzoo @smithsonian A post shared by Smithsonian's National Zoo (@smithsonianzoo) on Feb 21, 2017 at 1:20pm PST Watch: 'Kung Fu Panda' Goes Head-to-Head With Snowman in Epic Battle Related Articles: By Press Trust of India: Yadgir (Ktk), Feb 20 (PTI) Nine persons were killed and at least 44 others injured when the mini-lorry they were travelling in collided with a tanker near here, this evening, police said. The incident took place near Ramasamudra, about 10 km from here. Police said the victims were all from Ganapur village of Yadgir taluk and were returning after attending an engagement ceremony at Shahapur. advertisement The injured have been admitted to hospitals in Raichur and Yadgir. Senior police and district administration officials visited the spot and a case has been registered. PTI COR KSU BN IKA --- ENDS --- (Reuters) - A California police officer responding to a traffic accident in the Los Angeles area was fatally shot on Monday by a gang member who was involved in the collision, a law enforcement spokesman said. A second officer with the Whittier Police Department and the suspect, a Hispanic man in his 20s, were wounded in the exchange of gunfire, said Lieutenant John Corina of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The fallen officer, Keith Boyer, was 53 and survived by two adult sons, California Governor Jerry Brown said in a statement expressing condolences. The officers had responded to a traffic accident in Whittier when they determined that one of the cars was registered as stolen. When they approached it, the suspect opened fire, Corina told a news conference. Were still trying to determine why he shot. Obviously, he was in a stolen car. He is a gang member. Were trying to determine if anything else sparked that, he said. Both officers and the suspect were taken to a hospital, where Boyer died, Corina said. The second officer, whom officials have yet to identify, and the suspect were in stable condition. There had been four firearms-related law enforcement deaths this year through Monday, down from nine in the same period in 2016, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, which tracks on-duty fatalities. (Reporting by Nathan Frandino in Washington and Daniel Trotta in New York; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney) In a sign that interest in Canada as a travel destination is rising, the country's tourism office reports that 2016 saw the arrival of 19.98 million international travelers, narrowly missing the all-time record set in 2002. Overall, international arrivals spiked 16 percent in 2016 compared to 2015, according to Destination Canada, with a record-breaking number of US travelers flying to Canada: Arrivals by air rose 17 percent in 2016 compared to 2015. The year 2016 saw a total of 19.98 million overseas visitors travel to Canada -- the highest number in 14 years, and just 0.4 percent below the record set in 2002. A breakdown of source markets also reveals the countries that are particularly enamored with Canada, with many setting new arrival records. Arrivals from South Korea, for instance, saw a 30 percent spike in 2016 compared to 2015, with 244,442 travelers. China saw an increase of 24 percent over 2015, sending 610,139 visitors, while arrivals from Australia rose 16 percent, with 333,437 visitors traveling to Canada last year. The country is hoping to build on this momentum in 2017, when Canada fetes its 150th anniversary. To mark the landmark anniversary, the country has scheduled a host of festivals and celebrations coast to coast. One of the biggest perks for visitors is free, year-long admission into the country's national parks, national marine conservation areas and national historic sites. Montreal also gets double billing this year, as the city fetes its own 375th anniversary. The French-Canadian metropolis has planned 175 events across the city and expects to receive 10.7 million visitors throughout the year, including a 223 percent increase in Chinese visits from Shanghai and Beijing. Some of the most authoritative travel experts including National Geographic Traveler, Frommer's and Lonely Planet also named Canada or cities in Canada their picks as must-see destinations for 2017. By David Ljunggren TORONTO (Reuters) - Any talks to renew the North American Free Trade Agreement would involve all three member nations, a top Canadian official said on Tuesday, dampening speculation the United States might seek to sit down with Canada first and then Mexico. "We very much recognize that NAFTA is a three-nation agreement and were there to be any negotiations, those would be three-way negotiations," Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told a conference on the future of North America. U.S. President Donald Trump - who says free trade treaties have cost countless thousands of American jobs - wants NAFTA to be renegotiated with a focus on cutting his country's large trade deficit with Mexico. Trump says he needs only to tweak trade ties with Canada, prompting one Canadian official to suggest to a newspaper that Washington would want to negotiate with Ottawa first. Mexico opposes the idea, which trade experts say is almost unworkable. "NAFTA is a three-party agreement and any conversation we have regarding that ... will be a three-party conversation; it has to be," Mexican Foreign Minister Luis Videgaray told reporters in Toronto after Freeland's comments. Mexican Economy Minister Guajardo Ildefonso earlier told the conference that the bulk of the NAFTA talks would have to be carried out on a trilateral basis to give investors confidence that the same set of investment rules applied everywhere. Trump has revealed little about his intentions for NAFTA, which took effect in 1994, except that he wants large changes with Mexico. [nL1N1FY0SP] The Mexican government expects the talks to start this summer, said Guajardo, who stressed several times how well Canada and Mexico had worked together in the past on trade. Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, who helped launch the original NAFTA talks, dismissed the idea that Canada might abandon Mexico to its fate. "This under-the-bus stuff is for losers, not for winners," he told the conference. Freeland noted that Trump's choices for commerce secretary and trade representative had yet to be confirmed. "We all have to collectively be careful not to get ahead of ourselves," she said. One idea floating in Washington is that of a border tariff, which could hit Mexican exports. "Nothing in the new NAFTA should be a step backward. We will definitely not include any type of trade management measures, like quotas, or open the Pandora's box of tariffs," Guajardo said. "That will be disastrous in any process moving forward." (Reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by Dan Grebler) Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel is set to be the star of the show this year at her namesake fashion house. The luxury French brand has announced the launch of both a dedicated "Gabrielle" bag and fragrance over the course of 2017. The fashion icon will also be the focus of four films set to be released by Chanel over the course of the year, focusing on the themes of rebellion, freedom, passion and allure. The "Gabrielle" bag was designed by the French house's Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld last October for the brand's Spring/Summer 2017 collection, while the perfume "Gabrielle Chanel" is set for release in the autumn. The year of Gabrielle will begin this week, with the launch of "Gabrielle, a rebel at heart," a short film set to be unveiled on the house's website on February 22. The film, which is the 18th episode in the brand's "Inside Chanel" series, will examine the life of one of fashion's most iconic women, in her roles as both an artistic rebel and as a fashion designer. According to a Chanel statement, Gabrielle "initiated the attitude that encouraged women to claim a freedom to be one's self and to dare to choose their own lives," and her lasting impact on women's fashion and female empowerment will be explored in the clip. "Gabrielle, a rebel at heart" will be unveiled on www.insidechanel.com BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Friday jailed the former head of its safety watchdog for 15 years for graft, the state broadcaster said, wrapping up an inquiry launched after deadly blasts in 2015 killed nearly 170 people in the city of Tianjin, where he worked. Regular mishaps, from factory fires to mine cave-ins, have boosted public concern about China's relatively lax safety standards, which the government has pledged to improve. Yang Dongliang, former head of the State Administration of Work Safety, who spent much of his career in the port city, was suspected of violating law and party discipline and sacked days after the blasts in a warehouse storing hazardous chemicals. A court in Beijing found Yang guilty of abusing his position, including when he was former vice mayor of northeastern Tianjin, by accepting bribes to grant contracts to companies, China Central Television (CCTV) said. In 1999, a property developer gave Yang an apartment in a new development complex that he failed register with the authorities. The court reduced his sentence because Yang confessed and took steps to return bribe money and assets to the state treasury, CCTV said. State media did not mention the blasts. Yang could not immediately be reached for comment. The company operating the chemical warehouse that blew up in August 2015, injuring hundreds, did not have the license needed to handle and store dangerous materials for more than a year, state media said at the time. Yang's agency, the State Administration of Work Safety, said on its website he signed a directive in 2012 allowing companies to function without a license to work with dangerous chemicals as long as they had a license governing port operations. Chinese president Xi Jinping vowed after the Tianjin blasts that the authorities should learn the lessons paid for in blood. The explosions in the world's 10th-busiest port forced the evacuation of thousands of people from a large industrial site and nearby residential areas after toxic chemicals were detected in the air. There were about 700 tons of deadly sodium cyanide in the warehouse at the time, the government said. (Reporting by Christian Shepherd; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Chinas snap decision to halt North Korean coal imports - a key economic lifeline for Pyongyang - has a broader motive aimed at shaping Donald Trump's as yet undefined policy towards the North's rogue nuclear arms programme, experts say. North Korea defied the world a week ago with a missile test and is suspected of orchestrating the stunning assassination a day later of supreme leader Kim Jong-Un's half-brother in Malaysia, provocative acts that followed a nuclear test in September. China is often the target of US criticism for not doing enough to rein in its irascible neighbour. But analysts said China's ban on North Korean coal imports for the rest of this year could be an attempt by Beijing to defuse such criticisms while nudging North Korea and the United States toward negotiations. "If China is squeezing North Korea, it is for one purpose and one purpose only: to offer a cooperative gesture to the incoming Trump administration in return for an initiative on negotiations," Stephan Haggard, of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, wrote in a blog post. Under the Obama administration, Washington pursued a policy of "strategic patience" toward North Korea in hopes that sanctions would bring Pyongyang to heel and force it to abandon its nukes. The incoming Trump administration has stepped up the rhetoric, with the US leader saying after the February 12 missile launch that Pyongyang was a "big, big problem" and would be dealt with "very strongly". - Onus on Trump - China shares US concerns about Pyongyang obtaining a nuclear weapon, but prefers negotiations to sanctions, which it fears could destabilise North Korea and send a flood of refugees across their shared border. "Chinas main goal in making this move is to put the onus back on Washington, fair and square to solve this problem," said Peter Hayes, director of the Nautilus Institute. "In effect they are saying to the US: OK, we did what you wanted, we lit a fire under their feet. What are you going to do to solve the DPRK problem now?" he added, using the acronym for North Korea's official name. Story continues The UN Security Council has imposed six sets of sanctions since Pyongyang first tested an atomic device in 2006. But North Korea has continued to thumb its nose at the world with a series of missile launches over the years and two nuclear tests in 2016 alone. Beijing traditionally ensures that UN sanctions against Pyongyang include humanitarian exemptions, and had continued to purchase huge amounts of North Korean coal -- over $168 million worth in December alone. It has long resisted calls by Washington to use its economic leverage to punish North Korea for its nuclear programme, arguing it has much less influence on its unpredictable neighbour than the US thinks. "Very few Chinese think that pain is the way to influence North Korea," said John Delury, an expert on Sino-North Korean relations at Seoul's Yonsei University. - 'Can't dally' - From Beijing's perspective, solving the problem will require Washington to negotiate with North Korea, whether directly or as part of a larger group. That was a tough sell for the Obama administration, which insisted that a defiant Pyongyang take significant steps towards denuclearisation before it would consider talks. While Trump has criticised Beijing for not doing enough to curb the North's behaviour, the coal decision suggests China "must have a sense that negotiation is under real consideration", Delury said. China may have pressed the case for talks when Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi met his American counterpart Rex Tillerson on Friday -- just a day before the coal ban was announced -- and discussed North Korea. China may be banking on the iconoclastic Trump's ability to shake up US policy toward the reclusive North. Trump "wants to change his predecessor's policy ... and has the will to solve the problem, rather than simply ignore North Korea's desire" for talks, Lu Chao, a research fellow at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences told Chinese newspaper the Global Times. But if Trump hopes to act on the opening China has given him, he "can't dally", Delury said. He "has to figure out a way to move forward proactively with North Korea," he said. "You can't just sit and wait. The situation will get worse." Waiting for the sanctions to bite, he said, "would be a big mistake. Because the North Koreans will just push right through it". Monguno (Nigeria) (AFP) - The four women lay dazed on the beds of the clinic. The face of one of them was burnt. Another broke her leg during the Nigerian army offensive against Boko Haram Islamists in their village. Civilians have often been collateral damage in the conflict that has raged in remote northeast Nigeria for nearly eight years, leaving at least 20,000 dead and more than 2.6 million homeless. The women wait for their wounds to heal in the suffocating heat. "Boko Haram fighters would come to their village to steal food and hide," a nurse explained. "The army went there and put the women in a truck to evacuate them. "The military set the village on fire, so the insurgents couldn't hide anymore. But the fire 'jumped' in the truck." The women, with their heads covered and gold nose rings in the tradition of the ethnic Kanuri group, still look terrified. They stare at the walls and ignore visitors, afraid that questions will focus too much on the circumstances of the "liberation" of their village. - Fighters easily blend in - The nurse says there are no more men left. They were either killed in the fighting, drafted into the civilian militia or forced to join the ranks of Boko Haram. Some may even be at so-called "screening" centres, where soldiers pass judgement on whether local men have been involved in the insurgency. Such checks, free from any oversight, can take weeks or months, especially if the men are Kanuri like the majority of Boko Haram. James Adewunmi Falode, a security analyst at the University of Lagos who tracks the conflict, said Boko Haram's resemblance to "ordinary citizens" was making the fight against them harder. "They are not a military adversary that can be easily identified and destroyed on the battlefield. These people can easily blend into the general population when the situation demands," he said. Even women and children, who have been repeatedly used by the group as as human bombs, are a potential threat, explaining the tensions between the military and the public. Story continues - 'Just criminals' - Around Dikwa and a dozen or so other secured major towns, villages have been emptied to prevent them being used by the jihadists as hideouts or resupply points. The military also wants to stop the mass kidnapping of their inhabitants. "Before, they (Boko Haram) would read the Koran and try to change us," said Bulama Goni, a former village chief with a white beard in long, flowing robes. "Now, they are just criminals, asking for money, looking rough and disgusting." Boko Haram fighters are also starving: Nigerian army tactics have been to slowly choke the rebels, cutting off their supplies of arms and food. The strategy appears to be working. Boko Haram used to attack major towns and cities in northeast Nigeria and in 2014 controlled territory as big as Belgium. But now it is limited to sporadic suicide bomb attacks and ambushes of military convoys and check-points. The military's isolation strategy, however, has not seen everywhere secured and has had an effect on the daily life of civilians. More than five million people are in desperate need of food, according to the United Nations. "In liberated areas there is no fuel, no communication, no public transport... even the food it's all controlled by the army," said one security operative for a major international aid agency. "This is a classical counter-insurgency strategy left over from the Vietnam war. It hasn't changed but it's not sustainable," he added. - Suspicious activity - Monguno, in the north of Borno state, is a former trading hub near the edge of Lake Chad, the watery border between Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. There are currently about 100,000 people in the town's camps. But some 27,000 people are waiting for food distribution. According to Ibrahim Maina, the coordinator for the Borno state emergency management agency, the last handouts were in November last year. Everyone's face is etched with hunger. The road linking Monguno to the state capital Maiduguri, 137 kilometres (86 miles) away, has been reopened. Muhammadu Sanni, goes to the shores of Lake Chad once a week to catch catfish to feed his family. But he says he can't catch a lot. "If (the military) stop me with a lot of fish, they will think I'm smuggling for Boko Haram," he said, as he fixed his nylon net. "I will go back to screening and it will take a long time." After urging from many including his former presidential rival President Trump denounced anti-Semitism Tuesday morning. This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms, said Trump in a statement at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture. The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil. Earlier that day, Hillary Clinton had joined the chorus urging Trump to denounce the threats. JCC threats, cemetery desecration & online attacks are so troubling & they need to be stopped, the former Secretary of State tweeted Tuesday morning. Everyone must speak out, starting w/ @POTUS. Not long after Clintons posted her call to Trump, MSNBC aired an interview in which Trump called for an end to the anti-Semitic attacks. I will tell you that anti-Semitism is horrible, Trump said. Slideshow: Leaving hate behind >>> Clinton has occasionally needled Trump via social media since his inauguration, supporting the womens march, stating that the presidents travel ban was not who we are, taunting the appeals court loss and making a fake news joke after the ousting of former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn. On Monday, at least 11 Jewish community centers were evacuated after bomb threats, bringing the total number of centers that have been threatened since Trumps election to 54. In addition to the bomb threats, more than 100 headstones were recently desecrated at a historic Jewish cemetery near St. Louis. Ivanka Trump, who converted to Judaism when she married Jared Kushner, denounced the attacks via Twitter: America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 20, 2017 Some, including the Anti-Defamation League and Mort Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, have called for the president himself to speak out. Story continues When asked by MSNBC whether he was directly denouncing anti-Semitism, Trump said, Of course I do it whenever I get a chance I do it. Trump had neglected the opportunity during two press conferences last week. In a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump was asked, I wonder what do you say to those among the Jewish community around the United States, and in Israel, and maybe around the world who believe and feel your administration is playing with xenophobia and maybe racist tones? Trumps initial reply was to cite his margin of victory and the fact he had a daughter, son-in-law, three grandchildren and friends who are all Jewish. And at a separate Thursday press conference, Trump was pressed about why his administration had yet to denounce the anti-Semitic attacks. Trump said that the question wasnt fair, and ordered Jake Turx who writes for the Orthodox Jewish publication Ami Magazine to sit down. The president also told Turx that he was the least anti-Semitic and least racist person he would ever meet. Read more from Yahoo News: By Tom Miles and Aaron Ross GENEVA/KINSHASA (Reuters) - Democratic Republic of Congo must investigate credible reports of atrocities including summary executions by the armed forces, U.N. human rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein said on Monday. The U.N. human rights office has documented the killings of more than 280 people since July 2016 in a flare-up in violence in Kasai Central province, where Congolese forces have been battling an uprising by the Kamuina Nsapu militia. "There are multiple, credible allegations of massive human rights violations in Kasai, Kasai Central, Kasai Oriental and Lomami provinces, amid a sharp deterioration in security situation there, including people being targeted by soldiers for their alleged affiliation with a local militia, Zeid said in a statement. "It is time to stop a blunt military response that does nothing to tackle the root causes of the conflict between the government and local militias but instead targets civilians on the basis of their presumed links to the militias," he said. The U.N. statement followed the emergence of a video at the weekend that appeared to show Congolese troops shooting dead members of the militia in the province. The U.N. said its peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, was not in a position to verify the origin or authenticity of the video, which showed unarmed victims being shot at point blank range as they lay bleeding on the ground. After initially promising an investigation, the government has dismissed the video as a "montage" created by political opponents based in Brussels. On Monday, government spokesman Lambert Mende said it was up to foreign countries accusing the army of having committed exactions to prove their cases. "The government calls on its partners to cease promoting condescending and/or deliberately malicious attitudes toward the institutions of DRC that work to consolidate the rule of law," Mende said. The United States, France and the European Union all called for an investigation on Monday, and Zeid added his voice, saying the government must launch an independent and transparent probe and hold those responsible to account. (Reporting by Tom Miles and Aaron Ross; editing by Stephanie Nebehay and Toby Chopra) A 10-year-old Ohio girl took to heart the old adage, "if you need help, find a police officer," seeking out local cops to lend a hand in solving her tricky math homework. Read: Police Build Kitty Condo for Stray Cat That Has Been Visiting Department For Years Lena Draper, 10, of Heritage Elementary School in Marion, was struggling with the order of operations unit in her math class late one night, when she decided to go online to look for help. I saw [the Marion, Ohio Police Department] on YouTube, when a boy, a first grader, called the police with a problem, Lena told InsideEdition.com. I thought they would know math, and they do. So, she decided to go out on a limb, and message the local law enforcement on Facebook. Im having trouble with my homework. Could you help me? Lena wrote in a Facebook message. Lieutenant B.J. Gruber, who has been with the department for more than 20 years, wrote back and walked her through the equation. This is probably the most unique message Ive ever had, Gruber told InsideEdition.com. This is the exact environment we try to nurture this sense among children that not only can you come to us if you have a problem at home or at school, if we have time, we can answer homework questions too. Gruber, who is a father of four, said being able to help a young kid in need was just an added bonus. I love the idea of feeling like were meeting needs within the community, he explained. I love kids. However, Gruber joked he could probably use some help next time a student asks him about homework. The fact that I gave her a wrong answer was kind of tough, Gruber laughed. Maths the other side of the brain Im more of a creative type. Read: Firefighter Delivers Baby Girl in Ambulance, Adopts Her 48 Hours Later Even so, Lenas mom Molly Draper said she was amazed at how willing their local police department was to extend a helping hand, even if it wasnt a matter of public safety. Story continues I didnt believe [my daughter] at first until she showed me, Draper said. I am glad they took the time, because they have other things to do, but I thought it was fantastic. Gruber said he plans to surprise her at her school on Tuesday with a T-shirt and other goodies, to show the police department is supporting her every step of the way. Watch: A Cop, Skip and a Jump: Cop Plays Hopscotch With Homeless Girl to Comfort Her Related Articles: By Press Trust of India: Boston, Feb 21 (PTI) Scientists are developing a new way of extracting uranium from seawater, an advance that may help countries that lack resources to harness nuclear power from the oceans. Researchers have long known that uranium dissolved in seawater combines chemically with oxygen to form uranyl ions with a positive charge. Extracting these uranyl ions involves dipping plastic fibers containing a compound called amidoxime into seawater. The uranyl ions essentially stick to the amidoxime. advertisement When the strands become saturated, the plastic is chemically treated to free the uranyl, which then has to be refined for use in reactors just like ore from a mine. How practical this approach is depends on three main variables - how much uranyl sticks to the fibres, how quickly ions can be captured and how many times the fibers can be reused. Researchers from Stanford University in the US improved on all three variables: capacity, rate and reuse. Their key advance was to create a conductive hybrid fiber incorporating carbon and amidoxime. By sending pulses of electricity down the fiber, they altered the properties of the hybrid fibre so that more uranyl ions could be collected. Postdoctoral scholar Chong Liu oversaw the lab tests that compared Stanfords amidoxime-carbon hybrid fibers with todays amidoxime fibres. First she tested how much uranyl each type of fiber could hold before reaching saturation. In these tests she found that by the time the standard amidoxime fibre had become saturated, Stanfords amidoxime-carbon hybrid fibres had already adsorbed nine times as much uranyl and were still not saturated. The electrified fibre captured three times as much uranyl during an 11-hour test using seawater from Half Moon Bay, about an hour from Stanford and had three times the useful lifespan of the standard amidoxime. Trace amounts of uranium exists in seawater, but efforts to extract that critical ingredient for nuclear power have produced insufficient quantities to make it a viable source for those countries that lack uranium mines. A practical method for extracting that uranium, which produces higher quantities in less time, could help make nuclear power a viable part of the quest for a carbon-free energy future. "Concentrations are tiny, on the order of a single grain of salt dissolved in a litre of water," said Yi Cui, a materials scientist at Stanford University in the US. "But the oceans are so vast that if we can extract these trace amounts cost effectively, the supply would be endless," said Cui. advertisement Researchers belive that a practical way to extract uranium from seawater is needed to reduce the energy insecurity of nations that depend on nuclear power but lack uranium within their own borders. The research was published in the journal Nature Energy. PTI MHN SAR MHN --- ENDS --- Corey Lewandowski, Donald Trump's former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, has denied the president's false claim that there was massive voter fraud in New Hampshire, costing him the 2016 popular vote. Lewandowski, a resident of the state, said he didn't see evidence of voter fraud. I live on the border, Lewandowski said in an interview with CNN's The Axe Files podcast, The Huffington Post reported. I didnt see buses coming across the line to say that, hey, weve moved up from Massachusetts. The president has alleged that Democrat Hillary Clinton won the popular vote because undocumented imigrants illegally cast millions of votes against him, among other unverified incidents of fraud. Trump has told senators and insisted on Twitter that he would have won in New Hampshire if not for "thousands" of people who were "brought on buses" from Massachusetts to illegally cast ballots in New Hampshire. Trump has also said he would demand a major investigation into voter fraud in the country, headed by Vice President Mike Pence. "I don't think you have that," Lewandowski said of the fraud claim. Other New Hampshire Republicans have also defended the state's voting process, including a former GOP state party chair and the current New Hampshire secretary of state. But White House policy adviser Stephen Miller has insisted that the Trump administration has ample evidence of widespread voter fraud, none of which has been shared with the public. The White House has provided enormous evidence with respect to voter fraud, with respect to people being registered in more than one state, Miller told ABCs This Week. Dead people voting, non-citizens being registered to vote. George, it is a fact and you will not deny it that are massive numbers of non-citizens in this country who are registered to vote. Clinton won more voters than any other losing presidential candidate in U.S. history. She received almost 2.9 million votes more than Trump, or with 65,844,954 votes to his 62,979,879, according to revised and certified final election results in December. Related Articles (Corrects paragraph 2 to "targeting a valuation" instead "aims to raise"; adds billion to show the range was $20 billion to $25 billion) By Simon Jessop and Sophie Sassard LONDON (Reuters) - Snap Inc, owner of popular messaging app Snapchat, kicked off its first investor roadshow on Monday, looking to persuade London money managers to back its initial public offering in the face of concerns about its growth prospects, valuation and corporate governance. The U.S. company, which has yet to make a profit, is targeting a valuation of between $19.5 billion and $22.3 billion from listing on the New York Stock Exchange, after cutting its initial target of $20 billion-$25 billion last week following investor feedback. Investors attending Monday's event said Snap's 26-year-old Chief Executive Evan Spiegel gave a sleek presentation. However, they were disappointed there were no projections on the company's future revenues or advertising share - an indication of how quickly Snap thinks it can make money from its huge user base. "That's the million dollar question and we won't find out for some time," said one potential backer on his way out from the hour-long event where Spiegel ditched his usual casual wear and wore a suit with no tie. Some were disappointed that it was just a question-and-answer session with no demonstration of Snapchat's spectacles, launched in the United States late last year, which come with a built-in camera. One attendee, however, said it made sense not to push the hardware angle too much at this stage. Few U.S. firms aside from Apple have made big profits on hardware, and camera and wearable gadget makers have much lower valuations than Snap is seeking. Most of the questions related to how the company plans to manage its engagement with advertisers and users, and monetise that better, according to people who were in the room. Its responses won over some potential investors. "Management did a good show, they were very convincing," said one attendee. Los Angeles-based Snap also plans roadshows in New York, Boston and San Francisco. It expects to price its IPO after the U.S. market closes on March 1, according to a confidential document seen by Reuters. GOVERNANCE CONCERNS Some fund managers have said they will stay away from Snap given its decision to adopt a three class share structure - the first of its kind - that will mean shareholders who buy in through the IPO will not have any voting rights. Instead Spiegel and his co-founder Bobby Murphy will have the right to 10 votes for every share, and existing investors one vote for each of their shares. "My view would be investors should tread with caution here, the fact the shares will carry no voting rights would be a major concern for me from a governance perspective," Richard Saldanha, global equities fund manager at Aviva Investors, said ahead of the roadshow. Aviva manages 318 billion pounds across a range of asset classes. Mike Fox, head of sustainable investments at Royal London Asset Management, said the inability to vote against a company at its annual general meeting was a "major red flag" and he would not be taking part in the IPO. "It is worth noting that while many U.S. tech firms have delivered tremendous returns for investors following their listing, performance of firms in this sector has not always matched investor expectations following an IPO," he said, also before the meeting. Others were less worried, though. "Snapchat offers a cocktail of hype, insane valuations, dubious fundamentals and weak governance. However, the same was said about companies like Google and Facebook when they listed," said Geir Lode, head of global equities at Hermes Investment Management. "For tech companies early in their lifecycle the weak governance structure is fairly typical, and even with those concerns subsequent shareholder returns have often been stellar." With tech-savvy millennial users of Snap's products able and willing to quickly jump ship to the next Big Thing, there were also concerns about its competitive position versus industry rivals such as Facebook. "Barriers for entry would appear low here as well, and you could see their demographic - 18-34 year olds - easily shift to another service," Aviva Investors' Saldanha said. (Reporting by Simon Jessop; Editing by Susan Fenton) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) A federal appeals court plans to consider arguments over the constitutionality of Ohio's lethal injection process as the state tries to start carrying out executions once again. At issue is whether a contested sedative, midazolam, is powerful enough to put inmates into a deep state of unconsciousness before two subsequent drugs paralyze them and stop their hearts. A related issue is whether Ohio has a realistic chance of finding an alternative drug a barbiturate called pentobarbital that once was widely used in executions but has become difficult or, in Ohio's case, impossible to obtain. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati had scheduled arguments for Tuesday, but reset them for March 7. The court's ruling, likely a few weeks afterward, will be closely watched not just in Ohio but in other states that use midazolam or might be looking to try it. The case reached the court after Ohio appealed a federal judge's ruling that rejected the state's current three-drug method. Executions have been on hold since January 2014 when inmate Dennis McGuire took 26 minutes to die under a never-before-tried two-drug method that began with midazolam. The same drug was involved in a problematic execution later that year in Arizona. Ohio announced its three-drug method in October, and said it had enough for at least four executions, though records obtained by The Associated Press indicated the supply could cover dozens of procedures. The prison system used 10 milligrams of midazolam on McGuire. The new system calls for 500 milligrams. The state said there's plenty of evidence proving the larger amount will keep inmates from feeling pain. Ohio also said the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the use of midazolam in 2015 in a case out of Oklahoma. "Ohio has the capability to perform constitutional executions now. It should be permitted to do so," Thomas Madden, an assistant attorney general, said in Ohio's appeal. Story continues Attorneys for death row inmates said Magistrate Judge Michael Merz got it right in last month's ruling, when he said that the "three-drug midazolam protocol creates a substantial risk of serious harm." Those attorneys also said the U.S. Supreme Court case involved evidence unique to Oklahoma. And they said Ohio has an alternative option: finding pentobarbital. Ohio disagrees, and said that over time it asked seven states in vain for the drug. Of the seven, only Georgia, Missouri and Texas appear to have reliable sources of pentobarbital when needed. Those states won't reveal the source. On Feb. 10, Republican Ohio Gov. John Kasich delayed eight executions to allow time for the appeals court arguments. Ronald Phillips, who was scheduled to die Feb. 15 for raping and killing his girlfriend's 3-year-old daughter in Akron in 1993, is now set for execution May 10. ___ Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/andrew-welsh-huggins. ___ This story has been corrected to show the date of Oklahoma case was 2015, not last year, and updated that Tuesday arguments were reset for March 7. Chinese students at the University of California, San Diego, are protesting an upcoming visit from the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader. The students called the university's decision to ask the Dalai Lama to serve as this year's commencement speaker culturally disrespectful and described the holy man as a separatist leader intent on dividing their home country, a view shared by China's Communist Party. The Chinese Students and Scholars Association at UCSD said it contacted the Chinese consulate in Los Angeles to initiate negotiations with relevant departments at the university. Students also protested the decision on Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #ChineseStudentsMatter. The Dalai Lama is not only a religious personality but also a political exile who has long been carrying out actions to divide the motherland and to destroy national unity, the Chinese Students and Scholars Association said in a statement translated from Chinese by Inside Higher Ed. The group said it would be firm in boycotting any action taking any form, with unclear motives, that denigrate and belittle Chinese history, that recklessly disseminate provocative and extremely politically hostile discourse, in turn affecting the international image of China. The statement adds: "These actions have dampened the passion for learning in many Chinese students and scholars." Student Ruixuan Wang explained in the main UCSD student newspaper, The Guardian, that family members visiting from China for commencement would find the speech offensive. "The Dalai Lama, as a political icon, is viewed differently in our country. We want to spend a fantastic time with our family during the commencement, but his presence will ruin our joy," Wang wrote. "What we want to say is that objectively, he will be an excellent speaker for the commencement. Nonetheless, culturally speaking, his selection to be a presenter is inappropriate in such a situation, considering how many Chinese students and their families are going to attend this commencement. Story continues The university, however, has said it would not back down. The commencement ceremony was scheduled for June 17 and is by invitation only. The University of California, San Diego, has always served as a forum for discussion and interaction on important public policy issues and respects the rights of individuals to agree or disagree as we consider issues of our complex world, the university said. Our 2017 speaker, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, carries a message that promotes global responsibility and service to humanity that is of great interest to the UC San Diego community and to our students as they enter their professional lives. As a public university dedicated to the civil exchange of views, the university believes commencement is one of many events that provide an appropriate opportunity to present to graduates and their families a message of reflection and compassion. UCSD chancellor, Pradeep K. Khosla, called the Dalai Lama a man of peace who promotes global responsibility and service to humanity. He is the winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for "nonviolent opposition to China's occupation of Tibet." Related Articles WASHINGTON (AP) The National Zoo in Washington has said its final goodbye to its panda cub Bao Bao. The zoo packed up the American-born panda Tuesday for a one-way flight to Chengdu, China, where the 3-year-old will eventually join a panda breeding program. Bao Bao left the zoo Tuesday morning in a special crate and began her 16-hour flight to China on Tuesday afternoon from Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The cub won't have to worry about finding overhead bin space or dealing with a talkative seatmate on the 16-hour, nonstop flight. She'll be the only panda on the plane, traveling with a keeper and a veterinarian. In preparation for the trip, keepers have packed Bao Bao's favorite foods, including bamboo, apples and sweet potatoes. Even as the clamor for President Donald Trumps impeachment grows and public protest against his presidency intensifies, Democrats seem divided on the question of impeachment in an almost catch-22 situation. Trump began his first week in office with a 36 percent approval rating, the lowest for any new president. His overall average rating from over a dozen or so polls has since wavered at about 45 percent approving and 50 percent disapproving. However, some Democrats have urged caution in recent days about moving forward with impeachment proceedings without further evidence of misconduct, Politico reported Sunday. While there are several issues that could potentially cause trouble for Trump, including a potential conflict of interest over his financial ties, his immigration travel ban and his alleged ties to Russia, presidents cant be impeached for their unpopularity. "When and if he breaks the law, that is when something like that would come up. But that's not the subject of today," Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said earlier this month. California Rep. Eric Swalwell, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania have also urged Democrats to hold off. Before you can use the I word, you really need to collect all the factsthe I word we should be focused on is 'investigations," he said. Part of the hesitation is the concern that an overzealous opposition may lead to galvanizing more support for Trump. Republicans in both the GOP House and Senate campaign wings have reportedly already responded to criticism with fundraising pleas to defend the president. No president has EVER endured the level of disrespect shown to President Trump. (Its sickening) Unprecedented obstruction from the left on his cabinet nominees. Mockery and scorn from the liberal media. And now the liberal elite are calling for his impeachment IN HIS FIRST MONTH, read one National Republican Senatorial Committee email from last week, according to Politico. Story continues That's not to say Democrats aren't taking any action against the Trump White House. Many are backing an investigation from the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee into Trumps ties to Russia. But for Trump's fierest opponents, that's not enough. The Democratic National Committee, for example, has called Trump's coziness with Russia bigger than Watergate" and demanded an independent, 9/11-style commission into the White House. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders such as California Rep. Maxine Waters, Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin and Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro have publicly called for impeachment proceedings to be initiated against Trump. Related Articles President Donald Trump on Monday named Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his national security advisor, a seasoned military officer known for his combat leadership in two wars in Iraq, proven counterinsurgency savvy, and a hefty intellect. But while Trumps choice won universal praise in Washington, it remains unclear whether the president will grant the Army general the authority and access he needs to bring order and discipline to a chaotic White House run by political operatives. McMaster, whose Ph.D. dissertation-turned-book in 1997 about the Vietnam War won accolades, has gained a reputation for bucking conventional wisdom as an officer in Iraq, and former colleagues say he has never shied away from speaking his mind or telling his superiors what they dont want to hear. His award-winning book, Dereliction of Duty, indicted the timidity of senior U.S. military leaders who failed to push back against the White Houses political agenda during the early years of Vietnam, sowing the seeds for defeat. McMaster is also revered for battlefield exploits during both Iraq wars the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq invasion especially his textbook campaign against al Qaeda in in the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar in 2005. With ideological firebrands in the White House with no battlefield experience in the Middle East, McMaster could serve as a counterpoint and a voice of experience in policy debates, experts and former officials said. But McMaster enters an administration led by a president with a predilection for improvisation and who relies heavily on Stephen Bannon and other political aides that counseled him during his electoral campaign, making it uncertain that the laureled generals strategic nous will be heard. Trump announced the decision from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida after his previous choice, retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward, turned down the job when he was told he could not pick his own team at the National Security Council. Story continues Unlike Harward and other candidates for the job, McMaster is and will remain an active duty member of the military, and by custom and tradition does not have the option of rebuffing the commander in chief or imposing conditions before accepting the job. Youre wearing the uniform of the nation, and when the president asks you to do something, the answer is, Yes, Mr. President, said Peter Mansoor, a close friend of McMasters and retired Army colonel who served with him in Iraq. My guess is being a serving military officer, he probably entered the job without preconditions. The White House insisted the general would have the leeway needed to recruit his own team. The president gave full authority for McMaster to hire whatever staff he sees fit, White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. Trumps insistence on maintaining former Fox News analyst K.T. McFarland as deputy national security advisor was a big reason Harward bowed out. McMasters noted book takes the militarys top brass to task for deferring to the White House in the early 1960s and failing to provide their honest opinion of or even substantially shape a doomed war strategy. In the book, which McMaster wrote when he was a major, he refers to the chiefs of the armed services disdainfully as the five silent men. In his new job, McMaster could face his own test of leadership and conscience as the Trump administration weighs its approach to the war against Islamic State. The president has promised to lift restraints on the military and to deliver a swift and decisive victory against the extremists, who are already on the retreat in Iraq. But McMaster is well-versed in the complexities and pitfalls of the regions sectarian and ethnic politics, and learned first-hand how Islamist extremists took root in Iraq. When he led the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in the desert of northwestern Iraq in 2005, he arranged basic Arabic-language instruction for many of his soldiers beforehand and assigned them reading on Arab and Iraqi history. And when McMaster had arrived at what he thought was a winning plan to take back the northern town of Tal Afar from al Qaeda in Iraq, the then-colonel concluded he needed additional troops to succeed. That idea was opposed by his commander, so he went over his superiors head and won approval for his plan from more senior officers in Baghdad. His plan worked and became a model for counterinsurgency tactics in Iraq. He went to help the then-commander of American forces in Iraq, Gen. David Petraeus, reshape the Iraq campaign to enable U.S. forces to salvage a war effort that at the time was on the brink of failure. His actions in Iraq and elsewhere put him at odds with some of the more conservative generals who ran the Army, and McMaster was twice passed over for promotion to brigadier general in 2006 and 2007. With one of the most innovative officers in the Army facing a forced retirement, Petraeus returned from Iraq to take over the promotion board, and made sure that the controversial colonel pinned on his first star in 2008. In 2010, McMaster was sent to Afghanistan to head a task force given the thankless job of helping reform the Afghan military and stamping out corruption in its ranks. The infamously crooked institution has made some progress since then, but it remains racked by graft, allegations of abuse of civilians, and indiscipline. McMaster, unlike Trumps first pick, Army Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, has won broad applause. Sen. John McCain, who has accused the White House of presiding over a dysfunctional national security policy-making machine, promptly issued a statement hailing McMaster as an outstanding choice. McCain and other lawmakers have also praised other picks to Trumps national security team, including Defense James Mattis, CIA Director Mike Pompeo and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. But so far, their influence is a matter of debate. Trump has continued to alarm foreign partners with his rhetoric questioning the value of long standing alliances like NATO, while his cabinet officers have labored to reassure nervous allies about the strength of U.S. commitments. And his executive order on a controversial travel ban affecting seven predominantly Muslim countries was reportedly drafted with little input from his cabinet. The inexperienced and famously impulsive president has so far resisted embracing a centralized policy-making channel presided over by the National Security Council. And McMaster will face a daunting challenge to break through Trumps inner circle to forge a rapport with the president. The problem is theres another competing center of power in the White House, Mansoor, now a professor of military history at Ohio State University, told FP. But if anyone can make it work, H.R.s the man. FP reporter Paul McLeary contributed to this article. Photo credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images A Maryland surgeon completely straightened out the arm of an 8-year-old boy, who was born with a radial club, in a surgery that utilized his foot bone. Lai Dings genetic condition caused him to have a shortened forearm and an arm that curved at a right angle. His condition was said to be drawing unwanted attention to the boy, according to doctors. Read: 4 Sets of Formerly Conjoined Twins Gather for Special Get-Together: 'Miracles in One Room' His parents turned to doctors to help straighten the 8-year-olds arm and allow it to grow with him. In the first surgery of its kind in the U.S., Dr. Ryan Katz of The Curtis National Hand Center at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, performed a procedure that removed a bone from Lai Dings second toe, including a growth plate, and used it to create a functioning hand and arm. Post-operatively, he has done great. He is walking without a limp and doing recreational activities, Dr. Katz told InsideEdition.com. He is using his hands more and more. Read: CBS Newsman Charlie Rose to Undergo Heart Surgery: 'No One Loves Life More Than I Do' The micro-surgeon consulted a doctor from Finland for instruction on the technique they used in the eight-hour procedure. "He can now grow longitudinally. These complex problems may have complex and unique solutions and it pays to ask around to find the institutions that can offer solutions." Lai goes to physical therapy every week and continues to grow leaps and bounds. Watch: Surgeons at This Children's Hospital Fix Patients and Their Stuffed Animals Related Articles: There are often many controversies surrounding a reality show; some of them are true, and some are just baseless rumours/publicity stunts. Here are a few examples By India Today Web Desk: Reality shows court controversy, and the two share a love-hate relationship with each other. And why are we suddenly talking about this? Well, as some of you might know that according to recent reports, TV personality Karan Kundrra has been replaced by popular VJ/DJ Nikhil Chinapa for Roadies Rising. Why? Because apparently Karan had slapped a contestant during an audition and had gotten violent towards another (contestant). advertisement But is this just a publicity stunt or is there some truth to it? Also read: Bigg Boss 10: Om Swami to participate in the finale episode? We say this because there have been several such controversies in the past about a contestant or a judge/host prior to a new show's premiere, but these reports quickly prove to be false when a show is launched. Here are a few examples: Jacqueline Fernandez and Farah Khan don't get along on the sets of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Jacqueline apparently dated Farah's sibling Sajid Khan, but they broke up later. Little did the actress know that she would soon be sharing a set with her former partner's sister, Farah. There were a number of reports about how the ladies couldn't stand each other and shared cold vibes on the sets of the dance reality show. But anyone who had ever tuned in to watch the show would know that they got along just fine. Reports of Farah Khan replacing Ganesh Hegde on Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa The popular dance reality show was in the news when someone wrote a report claiming that judge of the show and choreographer Ganesh Hegde might be replaced by choreographer-director Farah Khan. But we all know what eventually happened. Both Ganesh and Farah were roped in for the show. Judges of Indian Idol Season 9 can't stand each other Sonu Nigam, Anu Malik and Farah Khan were judges of Season 1 of the musical reality show. And they were called once again for Season 9 of the show. But despite the history they shared, there were some rumours about how the three of them didn't get along. As they say, seeing is believing. And we can't see any tension between any of them. Bigg Boss 10 contestant Om Swami was supposed to be a part of the show's finale And we all know how that one turned out. Swami---who was kicked out of the show, thanks to his abominable behaviour---had made tall claims to various media houses that he was going to be a part of the show's finale. He had even promised to teach the other contestants and host Salman Khan a lesson for mistreating him on the show. But he was not present for the finale, much to everyone's delight. --- ENDS --- advertisement Donald Trumps new national security advisor, Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, has inherited a world in which the tectonic plates are perceptibly shifting. Power, long centered in Washington, is radiating eastward toward Moscow, Tehran, New Delhi, and Beijing. Meanwhile, the rules and institutions of the international system that have for 70 years maintained some modicum of order are visibly under stress, as are the states that make up that system. Whether it recognizes it yet or not, the Trump administration will likely be forced to confront the ongoing challenge of how to restore stability. The unraveling is most apparent in the Middle East. Four states have failed and collapsed into civil war (Syria, Iraq, Libya, and Yemen); others are at peril of the same. In Syria, it is now Russia, not the United States, that is calling the shots, having brazenly inserted its military together with Iran and its proxies into the conflict in 2015 to save Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad from defeat. As in the regions other civil conflicts, the breakdown of order has led to unmitigated chaos: up to a half-million Syrians killed and more than 11 million displaced. The Islamic State and al Qaeda have profited from the mayhem to secure territory and recruits while committing unspeakable atrocities of their own. But the unraveling is evident in Europe as well. Europe is dealing with a not dissimilar crisis of political legitimacy, most noticeably on its periphery, as weak states such as Greece and Bulgaria struggle to provide their citizens with jobs and services in the face of severe fiscal constraints. Europe also is coping with the consequences of the Middle Easts civil wars in the form of massive refugee flows and terrorist attacks. The fear these consequences have generated has strengthened far-right political parties with anti-immigrant, law-and-order messages, contributing to the Brexit victory in Britain and threatening ultimately to undermine the European Union as a whole. Story continues Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his preference for the more multipolar world that is starting to emerge from these dark centripetal forces of disorder. He appears to want to revert to 19th-century balance-of-power politics, wherein a few large states broker among themselves issues of war and peace and maintain order within their respective spheres of influence, often by aligning with local strongmen. Some people in the new administration have suggested they would not be interested in arresting the unraveling of global politics in this direction. But they will ultimately find themselves compelled, for the sake of American power and prosperity, to try revitalizing for a new era the rules-based international order constructed following World War II. At that time, the United States, eager to prevent Europes bloody wars from ever recurring and the scourge of communism from spreading, helped design a web of international and regional institutions to shore up its European allies and encouraged cooperation rather than armed conflict among states. A somewhat analogous challenge faces the United States today in the Middle East. The region is likely to be the fiery cauldron in which the global order either gets reforged for a new era or melts down entirely. Syria may provide the first test. The Russians would like the United States to accept Assads continued rule of that shattered country, in return for a partnership to fight the Islamic State and al Qaeda together. But that is not how stability will be achieved in the Middle East. Assad has alienated too many Syrians through his misrule and brutalities to be able to put his country back together. In the absence of a viable and vibrant Syria that offers its citizens some hope for the future, any battlefield gains against the Islamic State and al Qaeda are likely to be ephemeral. Instead, the United States should seek to negotiate a resolution to the Syrian conflict that safeguards the interests of all parties and provides broad latitude for local and provincial self-government. The Russians need to be persuaded that the war is unwinnable and that Assad is not capable of stabilizing the country. If words alone fail to sway them, then a policy of greater humanitarian protection for civilians trapped in the conflict combined with a stepped-up U.S. effort against the Islamic State in tandem with regional partners should provide greater leverage to nudge them toward a negotiated settlement. For the region more broadly, the agenda needs to be no less ambitious. The measures required to put the Middle East on a more positive trajectory resemble those undertaken in Europe 70 years ago: stop the fighting, negotiate equitable and inclusive political settlements (in this case to the regions other civil wars), shore up weak states to make them resistant to subversion, encourage political leaders to govern in ways that strengthen their legitimacy and unleash the talents of their people, and develop regional institutions that help mitigate conflict and enhance the prospects for cooperation. To achieve this, the United States should partner with states in and outside the region that share its interest in a more stable Middle East. It is high time that those in the region took the lead, providing the vision and doing the lions share of the work, but the United States, Europe, and potentially Russia and China should help, as a matter of self-interest. This may seem a tall order, but the benefits could be substantial. A more secure and prosperous Middle East would undercut radical Islams ideological appeal, stabilize Europes southern border, and open up a market of more than 300 million consumers. Such a project could give new purpose to the transatlantic relationship while reinvigorating and expanding the existing international order for a new era. As it contemplates how to deal with an increasingly chaotic world, the new administration will ultimately face a choice: Do you throw your lot in with strongmen who offer the semblance of order but cannot provide lasting stability, or do you double down on a rules-based international system that has been far from perfect but delivered 70 years of peace and prosperity in an otherwise anarchical world? No other choice could be more consequential. Photo credit: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg via Getty Images President Donald Trump is trying to clarify baffling remarks he made about Sweden over the weekend. Read: Pundits, Late Night Comics Rip Trump's Bizarre Presser: 'It's Crazy What We're Watching' The president sparked confusion when he spoke about an alleged refugee-related security incident in Sweden on Friday night. He later admitted he had been referencing a Fox News report he'd seen on television the night before. On Sunday and again on Monday, Trump took to Twitter to blast the media's coverage of his comments. He wrote: The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT! My statement as to what's happening in Sweden was in reference to a story that was broadcast on @FoxNews concerning immigrants & Sweden. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2017 Give the public a break - The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2017 At the Florida rally on Saturday, he had said: We've got to keep our country safe. You look at what's happening in Germany, you look at what's happening last night in Sweden. Sweden, who would believe this?" Read: Meeting of the Minds: Hillary Clinton and Her 'SNL' Impersonator Kate McKinnon Dine Together Since there was not attack in the Scandinavian country Friday, his comments left many baffled, including the Swedish Embassy, which sent him a message We look forward to informing the US administration about Swedish immigration and integration policies. https://t.co/x5G3euOWRh Embassy of Sweden US (@SwedeninUSA) February 19, 2017 Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt also tweeted about Trump's statements. Story continues Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? Questions abound. https://t.co/XWgw8Fz7tj Carl Bildt (@carlbildt) February 19, 2017 Even Chelsea Clinton tweeted at the president, referencing Kellyanne Conway's earlier statements about the non-existent "Bowling Green Massacre." What happened in Sweden Friday night? Did they catch the Bowling Green Massacre perpetrators? Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) February 19, 2017 Chelsea Clinton attended a Muslim rally in Times Square Sunday. The rally was held to object to Trumps proposed travel ban on refugees and people from certain Middle Eastern countries. Thank you to all who organized #IAmAMuslimToo today - Charlotte's 1st protest rally. #NoBanNoWallNoRaids pic.twitter.com/5mSXGQtPJU Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) February 19, 2017 During Trumps rally on Saturday, his wife, Melania Trump, made her first public appearance since becoming first lady. She recited the Lords Prayer to the crowd. Watch: Scrawl of Duty: Handwriting Expert Reveals What Trump's Penmanship Says About His Personality Related Articles: The Hague (AFP) - The Netherlands took a step closer to regulating the wholesale cultivation of cannabis after lawmakers Tuesday narrowly passed a bill to back legal growing and sale of the soft drug under government control. The Dutch decriminalised the sale of small amounts of cannabis -- less than five grams -- in 1976 and allowed each person to legally grow five plants for personal use. But the wholesale growing and sale of marijuana remains banned, forcing some 600 authorised owners of so-called "coffee shops" to buy from criminals to meet demand. The bill, suggested by progressive D66 party member Vera Bergkamp, has been "approved", the Dutch lower house said on its website. It was accepted by a narrow majority of 77 MPs versus 72 against in the 150-seat lower house, Dutch newscaster NOS said. It now has to be approved by parliament's upper house, but may not pass as parties who voted against the proposal in the lower house hold a majority in the Senate. The Netherlands also heads to the polls on March 15, so it is unlikely that the draft bill will be handled in the Senate before then, Dutch media reports said. Bergkamp argued the cultivation and sale of cannabis will be better controlled if it is regulated by the government. This means that coffee shop owners will be able to buy cannabis from certified growers within a "closed system" controlled by the government. "It will be better for citizens' health if we know where the weed comes from and we'll be able to demand quality standards," Bergkamp told parliament earlier this month. It will also help fight criminality, stop coffee shop owners from having to deal with criminal gangs, clarify legislation around the issue and simplify measures to discourage smoking dope, she said. Opponents of the legislation, however, said regulated cannabis cultivation broke international rules and would lead to more addiction among the youth. Story continues Organised crime, which mainly cultivates marijuana for export, would just continue to grow it for the international market, opponents told the NOS. Dutch coffee shops generate millions of euros annually, and in major hubs such as Amsterdam have proven a draw for some of the millions of tourists that visit the country every year. jhe/jkb/cw Earth has eight continents, and world maps should reflect this, geologists say. The eighth, a lost continent called Zealandia, isn't a huge landmass that geographers have somehow missed. Rather, only small bits including New Zealand, New Caledonia and a few other specks of land in the vast Pacific Ocean are above sea level. The rest of this continent lies beneath the waves, a new study suggests "I hope Zealandia will now start to appear on world maps which show the other continents," said Nick Mortimer, a geologist with GNS Science in Dunedin, New Zealand. "There is an extra one, and it is as real as all the others." [Photos: The World's Weirdest Geological Formations] Decades of evidence The new study synthesizes decades of evidence for a hidden continent lying beneath the ocean surrounding New Zealand. The first line of evidence comes simply from looking at the ocean floor around New Zealand: The continental shelves of Zealandia lie at a depth of about 3,280 feet (1,000 meters) below sea level, while the nearby oceanic crust is about 9,800 feet (3,000 m) below that, Mortimer said. Just like other continents, Zealandia has a huge range in altitude, from the sub-ocean depths to Aoraki/Mount Cook at 12,217 feet (3,724 m) above sea level. The second line of evidence supporting Zealandia's designation as a separate continent comes from extensive study of the rocks beneath the ocean. Over the past 20 years, geologists have set sail on ships to dredge rocks from the seafloor. Unlike the nearby oceanic crust, which is made up of basaltic rocks from the fairly recent geologic past, the crust surrounding New Zealand is composed of a variety of different rock types, including granite, limestone and sandstone, some of which are incredibly ancient. That is typical of continental crust, the researchers reported in the March/April issue of the journal GSA Today. Finally, scientists have shown that there's a narrow strip of oceanic crust separating the continent of Australia from the subterranean reaches of Zealandia, meaning the two are separate continents, Mortimer said. Story continues Ancient formation, distant future A proposed world map showing the eighth continent Zealandia. Though most of this continent is submerged beneath the ocean, scientists say it has all the geologic hallmarks of a separate continent. Nick Mortimer/GNS Science Zealandia was born from the breakup of the supercontinent of Gondwana, about 85 million years ago, Mortimer said. At that time, an ocean began to emerge between Australia and New Zealand. "Zealandia is somewhat unusual, in that just before it separated from the supercontinent of Gondwana, it got stretched," Mortimer told Live Science. That stretching essentially thinned out the continental crust, making it sink more than thicker continental crust, which tends to float, he said. Compared with other continents, Zealandia is pint-size; at 1.8 million square miles (4.9 million square kilometers), it's a little bigger than India and half the size of Europe. And although only a tiny amount of the continent is lying above the water currently, at one time, its above-water footprint was even smaller. Based on geologic layers unearthed on New Zealand, the continent reached its maximum level of submergence about 30 million years ago, Mortimer said. Now, the movement of the Australian plate is cutting Zealandia in two, which should break the continent in half in tens of millions of years, Mortimer said. While the new findings are unlikely to change seismological maps or hazard assessments around New Zealand, "I think it will focus minds; it's just a more correct depiction of the geology and tectonics of this corner of the planet," Mortimer said. From a geological perspective, defining Zealandia as a continent makes sense, said Bruce Luyendyk, a professor emeritus in geology at the Univeristy of California at Santa Barbara, who first coined the term "Zealandia." As to whether maps should reflect this geologic reality, "That's a question answered by geographers and politicians, not geologists," Luyendyk told Live Science. But there's some precedent for recognizing the continental boundaries that lie beneath the water, Luyendyk said. Other continents have continental shelves that project deeper out into the ocean, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets the economic limits of a nation along its coastline, already recognizes these geologic boundaries, Luyendyk said. Originally published on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations Quito (AFP) - Ecuadoran officials denied claims of attempted fraud in a tightly-fought election as the last votes were counted Tuesday with the ruling socialists looking likely to face a hard-to-win runoff vote. With just over 95 percent of ballots counted from Sunday's election, leftist ruling party candidate Lenin Moreno had 39.21 percent of the vote, according to the National Electoral Council. That was just short of the 40 percent needed to avoid a runoff on April 2 against his conservative rival Guillermo Lasso, who was on 28.35 percent. "There is a marked trend, and if that turns out to be the case there would be a runoff," the president of the National Electoral Council, Juan Pablo Pozo, told a news conference. He has said it could take until Thursday for the full results to be confirmed. Lasso said he was confident there would be a second-round runoff. "That it should take three days to publish final results is an attempt at fraud and we are not going to allow that," he wrote on Twitter. The electoral council has denied any fraud took place. It insisted in a statement that it would "guarantee that the people's will is respected." "Never in the history of the country have results come out less than 48 hours after the end of voting," it said on Twitter. - Impatience - Supporters of Lasso earlier scuffled with police as they gathered outside the electoral council, impatient at the delay. Lasso called on people "not to give in to provocation." Political analyst Santiago Basabe of the social science institute FLACSO said it was "difficult for the current trend (towards a runoff vote) to be reversed." Opinion polls indicate Moreno may well lose a runoff in which supporters of other conservative opposition groups are likely to rally behind Lasso. Sunday's election was a test of the legacy of outgoing President Rafael Correa, Moreno's more hardline ally, who is an outspoken critic of the United States. Story continues Correa is leaving office at the end of his term after 10 years in power. Ecuadorans voted on whether to continue Correa's tax-and-spend policies or give Lasso a mandate to cut spending and taxes. If ex-banker Lasso wins the presidency, another pillar of the Latin American left will swing to the right after Argentina, Brazil and Peru did so in recent months. Lasso has also said he will consider ending WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's asylum in Ecuador's London embassy. By Erik Kirschbaum BERLIN (Reuters) - The German government has drafted a law to allow authorities to tap into the phone and computer data of asylum-seekers if there are doubts about their nationalities - an unusual move in a country where data protection is sacred. According to a draft of the bill obtained by Reuters, officials at the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) will receive legal clearance to scan the cellphones, tablets and laptops of applicants for asylum. BAMF officials have said many present false documents in the hope of being granted asylum. Some have no documents. The Interior Ministry, which hammered out the draft with the Justice Ministry, estimated that more than 50 percent of the 280,000 asylum applications in 2016 should have undergone closer scrutiny, such as an examination of phone data. They were not, because officials did not have the legal authority to do it. Officials have instead resorted to language experts to try to determine the true origins of applicants. "We need to establish the identities of the applicants," said Volker Bouffier, state premier in Hesse and a conservative ally of Chancellor Angela Merkel. "To eliminate any doubts of a person's origin, we need to use all information available." The measure is one of several steps Merkel's government has taken to demonstrate its determination to crack down on abuse of the country's liberal asylum rules. More than a million migrants have flooded into Germany in the last 18 months. Public support for refugees remains high but reports of abuse have alarmed voters and political leaders. Germany goes to great lengths to protect data privacy following the abuses of the Gestapo in the Third Reich and the Stasi security police in Communist East Germany. Merkel, fighting a tight battle to win re-election for a fourth term on Sept. 24, is under pressure from her party's right wing to win back conservative voters by cracking down on abuse. An Interior Ministry spokesman, Johannes Dimroth, said Merkel's cabinet was likely to endorse the measure within weeks. There are currently 213,000 asylum seekers whose applications have been rejected and are awaiting deportation but who have been allowed to stay temporarily for a variety of reasons. On Sunday, a Merkel ally said Germany deported a record 80,000 migrants denied asylum last year and that figure would rise in 2017. Nearly half of 700,000 asylum requests made in 2016 were rejected, according to chief of staff Peter Altmaier. (Additional reporting by Thorsten Severin; editing by Andrew Roche) Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitts first speech to employees of the EPA at midday on Tuesday did little to assuage the concerns of environmentalists over his ties to the fossil fuel industry. At the EPAs headquarters in Washington, D.C., Pruitt called for civility and listening in his highly anticipated, tense inaugural address to the staff of an agency that he sued more than a dozen times as Oklahoma attorney general. You dont know me very well. In fact, you dont know me hardly at all, other than what maybe you read in the newspaper or [have] seen on the news, he told the crowd. I look forward to sharing the rest of the story with you as we spend time together. But this is a beginning. President Trumps decision to nominate Pruitt, who has made it clear he has no confidence in mainstream climate science, to lead the EPA immediately incited a backlash from liberals and environmentalists. More than 770 former EPA officials including scientists, engineers and managers signed a letter to all the members of the U.S. Senate, urging them to reject Pruitt. Despite near-unanimous opposition by Democrats, he was confirmed last Friday. On Thursday, an Oklahoma County district judge ordered Pruitt to hand over thousands of emails he exchanged with the energy industry to the Center for Media and Democracy watchdog group by Tuesday the day of his EPA speech. Scott Pruitt, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, speaks to employees of the agency in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. (Photo: Joshua Roberts/Reuters) Why did we have to rush and have this vote before we had this information? Tiernan Sittenfeld, the senior vice president of government affairs for the League of Conservation Voters, asked Yahoo News. Everything we know about Scott Pruitt makes abundantly clear that he is unsuitable to be the EPA administrator, and it really begs the question, What was he hiding? In the speech, Pruitt urged EPA staff members to conduct themselves according to values laid out in two books on the American Revolution and its underlying philosophies: Founding Brothers, by the American historian Joseph J. Ellis, and Inventing Freedom, by a British politician, Daniel Hannan. The values he singled out included civility, rule of law, federalism and listening. Story continues Civility is something that I believe in very much. We ought to be able to get together and wrestle through some very difficult issues in a civil manner, he said. We ought to be able to be thoughtful and exchange ideas. Sittenfeld said the speech did not address environmentalists concern that Pruitt has always acted to protect the interests of industry. She characterized him as antithetical to the EPAs mission to protect the environment and human health. The speech was pretty much a nothingburger, and given that everything about him is antithetical to the EPA, the onus was really on him to somehow convey if he had different plans that would somehow contradict his record to date, Sittenfeld told Yahoo News. As well as suing the EPA at least 14 times, Sittenfeld said, Pruitt has received $350,000 from fossil fuel interests. He also copied letters from oil industry lobbyists and pasted them almost verbatim onto his Oklahoma attorney general letterhead for messages to the Obama administration. All of that is extremely concerning and makes clear to us hes unfit to be the EPA administrator. And nothing about what he said gave us any reason to think otherwise, she said. Pruitts supporters in the fossil fuel industry, as well as among conservatives opposed to regulations, see him as a corrective to what they consider the Obama administrations regulatory overreach. Pruitt quoted Sierra Club founder John Muir toward the end of his speech: Everyone needs beauty as well as bread, places to pray in and play in. Michael Brune, the executive director of the Sierra Club, was none too impressed by this reference. John Muir is rolling over in his grave at the notion of someone as toxic to the environment as Scott Pruitt taking over the EPA, Brune said in a statement. Read more from Yahoo News: Brussels (AFP) - EU finance ministers agreed Tuesday to close loopholes that multinational firms exploit to pay low or no taxes by shopping for better deals outside the 28-nation bloc. They said the new rules aim to prevent firms from "exploiting disparities" in tax rates, particularly those in countries outside the bloc given that the EU issued a tax-avoidance directive for its member states last year. The agreement to tackle so-called "hybrid mismatches" aims to end the erosion of taxable bases of corporate taxpayers in the European Union. "Today is yet another success story in our campaign for fairer taxation" said Pierre Moscovici, the EU's top economic affairs official. "Step by step, we are eliminating the channels used by certain companies to escape taxation," he added in a statement. The new rules are due to take effect in 2020, once member states enact them into law. In rare cases, they will apply from 2022. The latest of many initiative comes amid growing public outrage about tax avoidance by multinational corporations. By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump sent top U.S. officials to Europe with a familiar warning from Washington that allies must spend more on defense, this time with the ultimatum "or else". But Europeans have tried to deflect the threats with the argument that a commitment to security is not just about spending targets, which diplomats said that U.S. officials did not challenge, suggesting that the stand-off will continue. "Things look very different if we add up our defense budgets, our development aid budgets and our humanitarian efforts all around the world," European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told the Munich Security Conference last week. By current standards, Washington funds about 70 percent of NATO spending. Standing beside U.S. Vice President Mike Pence on Monday at the Commission, Juncker called for another measure of what counts. "We want ... a broader understanding that the word 'stability' in the world means defense expenditure, human aid and development aid," said Juncker the EU's chief executive, adding he was against Europeans being "pushed into" the targets. Allies who do not meet NATO targets to spend 2 percent of GDP on military budgets set out to show Pence and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis how Europeans are dealing with crises they trace back, in part, to the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. "France has a readiness to deploy that is hard to match. Spain was leading NATO's new spearhead force last year. Italy is in Afghanistan," said one senior European NATO diplomat. "That isn't already reflected by spending targets." While Germany says Trump has a point about Europe's drop in defense spending since the fall of the Soviet Union, Berlin and the European Commission also say Washington should take note that the EU is the world's biggest aid donor, spending some 56 billion euros ($58.99 billion) a year. The United States spends about 1 percent of its federal budget on foreign aid, or about $50 billion, but that also includes running diplomatic missions and giving academic grants, according to the U.S. State Department. The European Union says most of its aid goes to the world's poorest countries. Germany deserves recognition for the 30 to 40 billion euros ($32 to $42 billion) it is spending to integrate over a million refugees, many of whom were displaced as a result of failed Western policy, Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said. 96 BLN EURO GOAL? At a NATO summit in Wales in 2014, months after Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula, allies agreed to end years of defense cuts that left Europeans without vital capabilities, such as refueling airborne fighter bombers. They agreed all allies should reach the target of spending 2 percent of economic output on defense every year by 2024, although the goal is not legally binding. It aims to reverse a trend that saw defense research spending in the European Union fall by a third, or more than 20 billion euros, since 2006. Only the United States, Britain, Poland, Estonia and Greece met the target in 2016, although the cuts have stopped and Latvia, Lithuania and Romania are close, NATO officials say. NATO's 22 European allies and Canada will spend almost 4 percent more, or some 10 billion euros, on defense this year and Germany's increases account for some 20 percent of that. There is no European push to change the NATO target and NATO officials say the 2 percent target will remain politically useful, if not economically viable. Reaching the 2 percent target could cost NATO's European members $96 billion per year, according to think tank Bruegel. U.S. governments have been pressing Europeans to increase spending on their armed forces for decades, but Trump signaled a much tougher approach, suggesting on the campaign trail to make U.S. support conditional on meeting NATO commitments. He has since given his full support to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, but complained this month that Europeans have "been very unfair to us", for not spending more on defense. Pence maintained the pressure at NATO on Monday, telling allies they had until the end of this year to show "real progress" on spending. Pence cited his spending message as one of the successes of his debut Europe trip, diplomats said. Europeans say the biggest issue is how money is spent. Spurred on by Britain's decision to leave the European Union, Germany and France are leading plans to build a so-called European Defense Union that would allow countries to develop and share military assets together, as well as deploying troops. Collectively the European Union is the world's second-biggest military spender. But fears in Britain of an EU army held back collaboration. Governments spent in isolation and missed out on savings worth 25 billion euros a year, according to EU data. Trump's ultimatum is also still "hypothetical", Pence said. Asked what if Europeans did not spend more, he said: "I don't know what the answer is to: 'or else'. But I know that the patience of the American people will not endure forever." ($1 = 0.9493 euros) (Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton; Editing by Alison Williams) A Delhi man has asked that FIRs be registered against two retail websites for selling products featuring Hindu signs and symbols. Amazon, this time, is not involved. By Chayyanika Nigam: Two US-based online retailers have come under fire for hurting religious sentiments of Hindus by selling footwear with Om symbol and beer with Lord Ganesha picture on its label. Two separate complaints have been made at the Prashant Vihar police station by animal rights activist Naresh Kadyan, who is also the commissioner (headquarters) at Bharat Scouts & Guides. The first complaint was made against a website https://yeswevibe.com for selling shoes with Om symbol while another complaint was made against www.lostcoast.com for using Ganesha photo on beer bottles. advertisement The first complaint, in possession with Mail Today, states that the symbol Om is affiliated with religious feelings and believes of Hindu communities across the universe. "Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs, violated the different sections of the laws of land, including 295 A and 153 A of the IPC," the complaint reads. NO FIR YET Speaking to Mail Today, MN Tiwari, deputy commissioner of police (Rohini district), said: "The officers have been instructed to take necessary legal action against the complaint soon." An FIR was not registered till late Monday. Kadyan has written an official letter to the Ministry of External Affairs to register an FIR against the defaulter websites, asking them to remove the products from sale. According to the website (https://yeswevibe.com), that is in operation from Scottsdale city in Arizona (as per www.whois.com), is selling the shoes for $59.99. The website claims that the shoes are handmade and it also promises delivery within twothree days in the US and two-three weeks globally. Also read: Mumbai pub forced to pull down 'blasphemous' decor after customers complain When Kadyan contacted the customer care centre via email, he was reverted with a message-"We'll forward this to our top management and get back to you soon". The website www.lostcoast.com is an award-winning brewery located in Eureka, California. "This innocuous trend of using Hindu symbols on fashion or marketing accessories reveals the sellers' insatiable greed for making profits," said Raveena, an activist working with Hindu Human Rights. NOT THE FIRST CASE The complaint has come weeks after foreign affairs minister Sushma Swaraj warned Amazon to apologise for selling doormats with Tricolour printed on it. Soon after the incident, #BoycottAmazon trended on the social media with outraged people venting their anger against the firm. Earlier too, holy symbols on footwear and clothes have raised angry reactions from Hindu community across the globe. A Seattle-based toiletries firm created controversy with images of Ganesha and Kali printed on toilet seats. advertisement Also read: Tricolour on doormat row: Amazon regrets 'offending' Indian sentiments in letter to Sushma Swaraj --- ENDS --- If there were ever a time for Europe to develop a Russia strategy independent of Washington, it is now. For most of the period since Russia annexed Crimea, Russian propagandists and foreign-policy mouthpieces have been harping on Europe to break ranks with Washington, pursue its natural material interests, and do a deal. With the election of Donald Trump, the Kremlin may finally have gotten the wedge it wanted in the trans-Atlantic bloc just not quite in the way Moscow may have expected. An American-Russian rapprochement that abandons any effort to check the Kremlins worst behavior would mean trouble for Europe. The continent does not have the luxury of distance that the United States enjoys. Europes economy and politics have for centuries been inextricably intertwined with Russia, not always comfortably. Russia seems committed to undermining faith in European democracy through partnerships with the EUs own internal spoilers like Hungarys Viktor Orban and more covert interventions in the continents elections. Meanwhile, the escalating conflict in Ukraine directly on the EUs doorstep suggests that Russias military poses a threat not just to European values but to the most basic idea of European security. The options for Europe are, to be sure, limited. For the foreseeable future, hard security will remain a NATO domain, where it will be difficult to part ways with the Americans. And military confrontation with Russia would, in any case, be too ruinous to countenance. But offering diplomatic carrots in the form of strategic patience is also not an option Europe spent 20 years since the end of the Cold War trying to build institutional and economic partnerships with Russia, to no clear end. The EU already trades more than 330 billion euros in goods annually with Russia and has invested upwards of $7 trillion. None of that prevented Russia from going to war over the prospect of an EU trade treaty with Ukraine. If Europe is to feel secure, there will need to be change. If Europe is to prosper, Europe itself will have to create that change. To be clear, Europe should not be pursuing regime change in Russia; no one outside of Russia should be in the business of deciding when its time for President Vladimir Putin to go or who should replace him. Europe can and should, however, invest in the transformation of Russian society, by building a more direct relationship with Russias citizens, who would like to see their country governed differently, and by using Europes power to set economic incentives to help increase those constituencies leverage over the Kremlin. Theres a looming gap between Russian citizens who understand the corruption and dysfunction that plagues their country but despair of ever seeing improvement and their leaders, who work hard to convince them that this is as good as it gets. Building a different relationship with Russia will require Europe to insert itself into that gap, to build alliances, and to mobilize to create change. Putins vaunted approval ratings currently around 85 percent and the numbers are genuine enough hide an important reality: Russians may like their president, but they dont like the way their country is run. Only 14 percent of Russians believe that Putin represents the interests of the common man, while 69 percent believe that the gap between rich and poor in Russia has increased while Putin has been in power, according to the independent Levada Center polling agency. Some 55 percent of Russians say they rely on themselves and avoid any and all contact with the state, while only 10 percent say they reliably get what they need from government officials. Nor do Russians necessarily believe everything they hear on television. Despite the rosy pictures, some 70 percent of Russians told the Levada Center in a January survey that the countrys toughest times are either happening right now or will happen in the future. And some 64 percent believe that the road to prosperity lies through integration with the West an increase from the 56 percent who believed that before Crimea. Its no small wonder: By the Russian governments own figures, real incomes in 2016 declined by 5.9 percent, after having fallen by 3.2 percent in 2015. Russians might be happy to have Crimea back, but they understand that these are the real spoils of war. Living in a country that fails to provide stable pathways to prosperity and security, Russians have learned over the decades to turn both inward to their hyper-local networks of friends, colleagues, and relatives and outward, to countries and cultures abroad. Russians have long pursued what you might call individual modernization, integrating one-on-one with the worlds most dynamic economic, cultural, and technological spaces. For many Russians, that means Europe. It is in Europe where Russians who can afford it seek to get their education and their health care. It is European culture and media most Russians consume and emulate, and it is on European models that Russians have begun to reimagine their cities and public spaces even as the Russian government itself openly rejects European values, tries to contain Western expansion, and declares a pivot to China. Europes approach to changing Russian behavior has typically taken the form of traditional conditionality that is, Europe has offered carrots to ordinary Russians, such as the prospect of visa-free travel or reduced trade barriers, conditional on the good behavior of the Russian government. But this approach has it backward: It asks Russian citizens to affect the decisions of a government over which they have no control, in exchange for freer movement of people, capital, and ideas. Consider what would happen if this logic were reversed. What if Europe were to give non-elite Russians visa-free travel right now, with no strings attached? Increase spending on mobility for students and academics by orders of magnitude, allowing Russians of ordinary means but extraordinary talents to study in Europe at European tuition rates? Allow access to European financial services and eased customs procedures for small- and medium-sized enterprises? If ordinary Russians are permitted to learn firsthand how Europe really functions and to leverage European educational, legal, and financial institutions to build their own stability and prosperity, the balance of power in Russia itself will begin to shift. Overnight, it would become much harder for the Kremlin to argue that Europe is the enemy or to portray it as unwelcoming something that it has done quite effectively to date. But its about more than just familiarity and warm feelings. Giving ordinary Russians unfettered access to Europe allows them to build Europe into their own life plans in ways only the countrys ruling elite can (and do) today. Citizens whose career prospects, financial outlook, entrepreneurial business plans, and even retirement plans involve Europe, who see European universities, markets, and even bureaucracies as their own these are citizens who will demand even closer integration and resist any new attempts by the Kremlin to manipulate the relationship for political purposes. To be sure, there are people like this in Russia today, but Europe can and should create more. The irony of such a step is unmistakable: Europe would, under Trump-inspired duress, be giving the Kremlin something it has been seeking for years. Doing so would certainly be politically challenging. But it would also begin the process of trying to integrate Russia with Europe on the Wests terms. None of this is a substitute for continuing to maintain pressure on Russia in Ukraine or for reinforcing the European security architecture. Nor does this change Russian policy in the near term. But there are no near-term solutions to a deeply ingrained, profound conflict that has been decades in the making. The European project, if it is of value, requires a struggle, and the battleground is Russia itself. If Europe is serious about creating stability and prosperity on the continent, it must become serious about creating change in Russia. Photo credit: Alexander Aksakov/Getty Images ST. LOUIS (AP) Has anti-Semitism accompanied Donald Trump's rise to power? Some organizations that monitor hate groups and hate crimes believe so, noting a rash of recent incidents. But data is elusive, and the president's supporters note his family connection a Jewish daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren and his comments this week condemning hate and prejudice. Here's a look at recent incidents targeting Jewish sites and anti-Semitism in the U.S.: ARE HATE CRIMES TARGETING JEWS INCREASING? Human rights activists and organizations are convinced that Trump's popularity and electoral victory created an acceptance into the mainstream of the "alt-right," an offshoot of conservatism mixing racism, white nationalism and populism, and along with it, anti-Semitism. There have been reports nationwide in recent months of anti-Semitic incidents, including people yelling pro-Hitler comments at a rabbi on the street in Providence, Rhode Island, swastikas drawn in subway cars in New York City, and bomb threats at Jewish buildings in several cities. But determining whether such incidents have increased is difficult. The Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit that monitors hate groups and extremists, reported last week that the number of hate groups operating in the U.S. rose from 892 in 2015 to 917 in last year. But that's still short of the all-time high of 1,018 hate groups in 2011. The organization also counted 1,094 bias-related incidents in the month following Trump's November election victory, including 33 against Jews, 108 involving swastikas and 47 white nationalist fliers. New York City police keep a running tab of hate crimes. As of Sunday, 31 hate crimes have been reported against Jewish people this year more than double compared to the same period of 2016. Official nationwide government data for the last year isn't available. The FBI tracks hate crimes, but the most recent available data is from 2015. Story continues ___ WHAT HAS INCREASED CONCERNS ABOUT ANTI-SEMITISM? Among the most recent events were bomb threats phoned in to 11 Jewish community centers across the country on Monday, including in Chicago, Cleveland and Houston. No bombs were found and no arrests have been made, but the threats along with similar threats over recent months at other centers created fear and uncertainty among Jewish people. Also on Monday, roughly 200 headstones were found knocked over or broken at a Jewish cemetery in suburban St. Louis. No arrests have been made for the damage at the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in University City, Missouri. Investigators have not yet determined if it was a hate crime. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, who is Jewish, posted a statement on Facebook calling the vandalism "despicable" and "cowardly." ___ WHAT HAS TRUMP SAID ABOUT ANTI-SEMITISM? Until Tuesday, it was what Trump hadn't said that raised eyebrows. Jewish groups and others were upset in January when a White House statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day failed to mention Jews. Aides to the president defended the statement as "inclusive" of all who were killed by the Nazis. Last week, when a reporter from the Orthodox Ami Magazine tried to ask Trump during a news conference about increased reports of anti-Jewish harassment and hate crimes, Trump interrupted, saying, "not a fair question." When reporter Jake Turx tried to continue, the president said: "Quiet, quiet, quiet ... I find it repulsive. I hate even the question." Trump went on to call himself "the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your life," and the "least racist person." But on Tuesday, Trump denounced threats against Jewish community centers as "horrible" and "painful," saying more needed to be done "to root out hate and prejudice and evil." Speaking after a tour of the newly opened National Museum of African American History and Culture, Trump said: "This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms." ___ DOES TRUMP HAVE PERSONAL TIES TO JUDAISM? The president is a Presbyterian, but his daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism ahead of her 2009 marriage to Jared Kushner, who serves as a senior adviser to the president. Ivanka and Jared Kushner's children the president's grandchildren are Jewish. On Monday, Ivanka Trump wrote on Twitter, "We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers," and used the hashtag #JCC, which stands for Jewish community center. By Shwe Yee Saw Myint and Yimou Lee YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar's army-controlled home ministry is investigating a cover-up by the country's border force of the deaths in custody of two Rohingya Muslims in troubled Rakhine State, according to a police report reviewed by Reuters and interviews with two senior security officials. The internal document is the first official admission of serious wrongdoing by security forces in their crackdown against insurgents in northwestern Myanmar that has sent more than 70,000 people fleeing across the border to Bangladesh. When contacted by Reuters, the Home Affairs Ministry denied an investigation was under way, but the commander of the Border Guard Police (BGP) in the area where the incident took place and a senior home ministry security official confirmed the authenticity of the document and said it was not the only such case that was being looked into. The home ministry oversees the national police force, which includes the BGP. The ministry is headed by an army general. Myanmar is under growing international pressure to take action against those who are alleged to have committed atrocities in Rakhine. The United Nations has documented mass killings and rapes it says may amount to crimes against humanity. About 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims live in apartheid-like conditions in northwestern Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship. Many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar regard them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The civilian government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly denied almost all allegations against the country's still-powerful armed forces during what it has said was a lawful counterinsurgency campaign that began in October. "NOT TELLING THE TRUTH" The undated document reviewed by Reuters, titled "A cover-up of two deaths by Border Guard Police", was compiled by a BGP unit in northern Rakhine and focuses on two men who were arrested on Oct. 18 and questioned on suspicion of aiding insurgents. The men died in custody, the document says, without specifying a cause of death. Instead of reporting the deaths, it says BGP officers in the village of Nga Khu Ya, in Maungdaw township, recorded that they had been transferred, with eight others, to another police detention center. Thura San Lwin, BGP chief in Maungdaw township, near the border with Bangladesh, said the document outlining the findings of the investigation had been submitted to police headquarters in the capital, Naypyitaw. "We are taking actions to punish those who lied in their reports. We won't forgive them. We are also taking actions to punish those who did not follow the rule of law," he said. He said two other incidents of BGP officers on the ground "not telling the truth" in reports on the security crackdown were also being investigated by the home ministry. He declined to provide further details about the nature of those other two incidents, or about the probe into the Nga Khu Ya case. Contradicting the local commander, Home Ministry spokesman Police Colonel Myo Thu Soe denied that any BGP officers had lied to conceal the deaths of the two detainees. He said the pair, who were father and son, died from asthma on the way to a hospital on Oct. 18. Presidential spokesman Zaw Htay said the government "has instructed the police to look into unreliable reports" during their operation in Rakhine. He declined to elaborate. BLAME GAME Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, said cover-ups of abuses by security forces were common in Myanmar. "There are many other cases of abuse that still need to be exposed," he said, adding that abuses committed by the army were "serious and widespread, and probably dwarf what the BGP committed". The army has been in direct control of northern Rakhine since early October and drove the sweeping operation there. The military press bureau did not respond to several requests for comment. Northwestern Myanmar has been cut off to aid workers and other independent observers since October. The military campaign there began after nine BGP officers were killed in attacks on security posts near the Bangladesh border on Oct. 9. It has renewed international criticism that Myanmar leader Suu Kyi has done too little to help the Rohingya Muslim minority. In a report published earlier this month based on accounts from Rohingyas who had escaped or been released, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights described "inhumane conditions and ill-treatment" including rape, torture and deprivation of food and water in various detention centers across northern Rakhine. Myanmar's presidential office, military and police forces have each set up teams to investigate alleged crimes in Rakhine after Suu Kyi promised to probe UN allegations of atrocities. That has set the scene for a behind-the-scenes tussle over who will be held accountable, according to the senior home ministry official and another source with close ties to senior figures in the military. The person with close military ties said the army and police were "trying to blame each other" for alleged atrocities. "The military did not expect such a strong response from the international community," said the source, who is familiar with the thinking of some top generals. "It is now under pressure to investigate." (Reporting By Shwe Yee Saw Myint and Yimou Lee; Editing by Alex Richardson) By Shwe Yee Saw Myint and Yimou Lee YANGON (Reuters) - Myanmar's army-controlled home ministry is investigating a cover-up by the country's border force of the deaths in custody of two Rohingya Muslims in troubled Rakhine State, according to a police report reviewed by Reuters and interviews with two senior security officials. The internal document is the first official admission of serious wrongdoing by security forces in their crackdown against insurgents in northwestern Myanmar that has sent more than 70,000 people fleeing across the border to Bangladesh. When contacted by Reuters, the Home Affairs Ministry denied an investigation was under way, but the commander of the Border Guard Police (BGP) in the area where the incident took place and a senior home ministry security official confirmed the authenticity of the document and said it was not the only such case that was being looked into. The home ministry oversees the national police force, which includes the BGP. The ministry is headed by an army general. Myanmar is under growing international pressure to take action against those who are alleged to have committed atrocities in Rakhine. The United Nations has documented mass killings and rapes it says may amount to crimes against humanity. About 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims live in apartheid-like conditions in northwestern Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship. Many in Buddhist-majority Myanmar regard them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. The civilian government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has repeatedly denied almost all allegations against the country's still-powerful armed forces during what it has said was a lawful counterinsurgency campaign that began in October. "NOT TELLING THE TRUTH" The undated document reviewed by Reuters, titled "A cover-up of two deaths by Border Guard Police", was compiled by a BGP unit in northern Rakhine and focuses on two men who were arrested on Oct. 18 and questioned on suspicion of aiding insurgents. The men died in custody, the document says, without specifying a cause of death. Instead of reporting the deaths, it says BGP officers in the village of Nga Khu Ya, in Maungdaw township, recorded that they had been transferred, with eight others, to another police detention centre. Thura San Lwin, BGP chief in Maungdaw township, near the border with Bangladesh, said the document outlining the findings of the investigation had been submitted to police headquarters in the capital, Naypyitaw. "We are taking actions to punish those who lied in their reports. We won't forgive them. We are also taking actions to punish those who did not follow the rule of law," he said. He said two other incidents of BGP officers on the ground "not telling the truth" in reports on the security crackdown were also being investigated by the home ministry. He declined to provide further details about the nature of those other two incidents, or about the probe into the Nga Khu Ya case. Contradicting the local commander, Home Ministry spokesman Police Colonel Myo Thu Soe denied that any BGP officers had lied to conceal the deaths of the two detainees. He said the pair, who were father and son, died from asthma on the way to a hospital on Oct. 18. Presidential spokesman Zaw Htay said the government "has instructed the police to look into unreliable reports" during their operation in Rakhine. He declined to elaborate. BLAME GAME Phil Robertson, deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Asia division, said cover-ups of abuses by security forces were common in Myanmar. "There are many other cases of abuse that still need to be exposed," he said, adding that abuses committed by the army were "serious and widespread, and probably dwarf what the BGP committed". The army has been in direct control of northern Rakhine since early October and drove the sweeping operation there. The military press bureau did not respond to several requests for comment. Northwestern Myanmar has been cut off to aid workers and other independent observers since October. The military campaign there began after nine BGP officers were killed in attacks on security posts near the Bangladesh border on Oct. 9. It has renewed international criticism that Myanmar leader Suu Kyi has done too little to help the Rohingya Muslim minority. In a report published earlier this month based on accounts from Rohingyas who had escaped or been released, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights described "inhumane conditions and ill-treatment" including rape, torture and deprivation of food and water in various detention centres across northern Rakhine. Myanmar's presidential office, military and police forces have each set up teams to investigate alleged crimes in Rakhine after Suu Kyi promised to probe UN allegations of atrocities. That has set the scene for a behind-the-scenes tussle over who will be held accountable, according to the senior home ministry official and another source with close ties to senior figures in the military. The person with close military ties said the army and police were "trying to blame each other" for alleged atrocities. "The military did not expect such a strong response from the international community," said the source, who is familiar with the thinking of some top generals. "It is now under pressure to investigate." (Reporting By Shwe Yee Saw Myint and Yimou Lee; Editing by Alex Richardson) By Noah Barkin BERLIN (Reuters) - In the week before U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Brussels and pledged America's "steadfast and enduring" commitment to the European Union, White House chief strategist Steve Bannon met with a German diplomat and delivered a different message, according to people familiar with the talks. Bannon, these people said, signalled to Germany's ambassador to Washington that he viewed the EU as a flawed construct and favoured conducting relations with Europe on a bilateral basis. Three people who were briefed on the meeting spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. The German government and the ambassador, Peter Wittig, declined to comment, citing the confidentiality of the talks. A White House official who checked with Bannon in response to a Reuters query confirmed the meeting had taken place but said the account provided to Reuters was inaccurate. "They only spoke for about three minutes and it was just a quick hello," the official said. The sources described a longer meeting in which Bannon took the time to spell out his world view. They said his message was similar to the one he delivered to a Vatican conference back in 2014 when he was running the right-wing website Breitbart News. In those remarks, delivered via Skype, Bannon spoke favourably about European populist movements and described a yearning for nationalism by people who "don't believe in this kind of pan-European Union." Western Europe, he said at the time, was built on a foundation of "strong nationalist movements", adding: "I think it's what can see us forward". The encounter unsettled people in the German government, in part because some officials had been holding out hope that Bannon might temper his views once in government and offer a more nuanced message on Europe in private. One source briefed on the meeting said it had confirmed the view that Germany and its European partners must prepare for a policy of "hostility towards the EU". A second source expressed concern, based on his contacts with the administration, that there was no appreciation for the EU's role in ensuring peace and prosperity in post-war Europe. "There appears to be no understanding in the White House that an unravelling of the EU would have grave consequences," the source said. The White House said there was no transcript of the conversation. The sources who had been briefed on it described it as polite and stressed there was no evidence Trump was prepared to go beyond his rhetorical attacks on the EU - he has repeatedly praised Britain's decision to leave - and take concrete steps to destabilise the bloc. But anxiety over the White House stance led French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, to issue unusual calls last week for Pence to affirm during his visit to Europe that the U.S. was not aiming to break up the EU. Pence obliged on Monday in Brussels, pledging strong ties between the United States and the EU, and making clear his message was shared by the president. "President Trump and I look forward to working together with you and the European Union to deepen our political and economic partnership," he said. But the message did not end the concerns in European capitals. "We are worried and we should be worried," Thomas Matussek, senior adviser at Flint Global and a former German ambassador to the Britain and the United Nations, told Reuters. "No one knows anything at the moment about what sort of decisions will be coming out of Washington. But it is clear that the man on top and the people closest to him feel that it's the nation state that creates identity and not what they see as an amorphous group of countries like the EU." With elections looming in the Netherlands, France and Germany this year, European officials said they hoped Pence, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson could convince Trump to work constructively with the EU. The worst-case scenario from Europe's point of view was described by Ischinger in an article published last week, entitled "How Europe should deal with Trump". He said that if the U.S. administration actively supported right-wing populists in the looming election campaigns it would trigger a "major transatlantic crisis". (Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton and Alastair Macdonald in Brussels, Jeff Mason in Washington; editing by Mark John) By Jibran Ahmad PESHAWAR, Pakistan (Reuters) - Suicide bombers attacked a court complex in Pakistan on Tuesday, killing five people and wounding 20, police officials said, the latest incident in a new surge of Islamist violence. All three of the attackers were carrying hand grenades and AK-47 assault rifles, Ijaz Khan, police chief in the northwestern district of Charsadda, told Reuters. One attacker blew himself up outside the court, while two were killed by policemen before they could enter the building. "The terrorists had come and wanted to kill as many people as they could inside the judicial complex," Khan said. "Five people were killed in the attack." Besides lawyers and judges, hundreds of litigants visit the building every day. A spokesman for Jamaat-ur-Ahrar, a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement emailed to media. Last week, the militant faction released a video announcing a new campaign of attacks against the government, including the judiciary, police and the army. A series of bombings last week, in which more than 100 people were killed, has shattered a nascent sense that the worst of the country's militant violence might be in the past. The deadliest of last week's attacks was on a famous Sufi Muslim shrine in the southern province of Sindh and was claimed by the Middle-Eastern militant group Islamic State. Islamic State has a small but increasingly prominent presence in Pakistan. Fighters loyal to it are known to be operating under different names in Pakistan to attack the government, army and members of religious minorities. Most of the other recent attacks have been claimed by factions of the Pakistani Taliban, which is waging its own fight against the government but whose ranks have also cooperated with, and sometimes defected to, Islamic State. A witness, Mohammad Shah Baz Khan, who was inside the court complex when the attack unfolded, described scenes of panic, saying several people scaled the walls of the building to escape. "Lawyers and other people in the complex started running to save their lives. There was panic and nobody knew where to go," Khan told Reuters. Television footage showed wounded people being taken to hospital. Provincial health officials said the critically wounded would be treated at a major hospital in Peshawar, about 30 km (20 miles) from Charsadda. (Additional reporting by Saud Mehsud in Dera Ismail Khan Writing by Kay Johnson and Saad Sayeed; Editing by Robert Birsel, Mehreen Zahra-Malik) New York (AFP) - Serial provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos, a conservative firebrand and staunch fan of President Donald Trump, resigned Tuesday from the right-wing news site Breitbart amid a storm triggered by comments in which he seems to condone pedophilia. The 32-year-old Briton had already lost a book deal and a speaking engagement after a video was leaked on Twitter over the weekend in which he defends men having sex with children as young as 13. Facing the media at a news conference in New York -- after a 24-hour furor he described as "humiliating" -- Yiannopoulos announced he was stepping down as tech editor for the conservative US site. "I would be wrong to allow my poor choice of words to detract from my colleagues' important reporting," he said, wearing a suit and black shades and reading from a prepared statement. "So today I am resigning from Breitbart, effective immediately. This decision is mine alone." Though he rejects the label, Yiannopoulos is often portrayed as a leader of the "alt-right" -- a white nationalist extremist fringe that found a home on Breitbart's pages and was catapulted into American mainstream view by the political rise of the site's former head Steve Bannon, now Trump's powerful chief strategist. Reviled by his critics as racist and misogynistic, Yiannopoulos casts himself as a gay crusader for free speech and against "political correctness" in all its forms -- and has revelled in provoking the outrage of America's liberal left, which accuses him of spreading hate. Yiannopoulos is also an outspoken supporter of Trump, who he nicknames "Daddy." In the video that led to his resignation, Yiannopoulos is seen telling a radio host that the term pedophilia should not apply to "a sexual attraction to somebody 13 years old who is sexually mature" -- only to pre-pubescent children -- while calling the idea of an age of consent "arbitrary and oppressive." Story continues After the uproar provoked by his comments, he struck an uncharacteristically contrite tone, saying his insensitive choice of words stemmed from his own experience of abuse as a teenager. - 'Media witchhunt' - At Tuesday's press conference, Yiannopoulos recounted his experience, which he said included abuse by a priest, and insisted that he does not condone pedophilia. "My own experiences as a victim led me to believe I could say anything I wanted to on this subject, no matter how outrageous. But I understand that my usual blend of British sarcasm, provocation and gallows humor might have come across as flippancy, a lack of care for other victims or, worse, 'advocacy,'" he said. "I would like to restate my disgust at adults who sexually abuse minors. I am horrified by pedophilia and I have devoted large portions of my career as a journalist to exposing child abusers. "To be a victim of child abuse and for the media to call me an apologist for child abuse is absurd," he said. But Yiannopoulos also struck a defiant note, presenting himself the victim of "a cynical media witchhunt" -- announcing plans to launch a new media venture of his own in coming weeks, and saying his cancelled book would come out this year -- with part of the proceeds donated to child abuse charities. And he vowed: "I will never stop making jokes about taboo subjects. Go into any drag bar or gay club and you will see performers cracking jokes about clerical sexual abuse." Breitbart News issued a statement of its own, saying it had accepted Yiannopoulos's resignation, and adding that his "bold voice has sparked much-needed debate on important cultural topics." - Campus protests - It's not the first time Yiannopoulos has found himself mired in controversy: he was banned from Twitter for provoking online harassment of black actress Leslie Jones in July. The University of California at Berkeley cancelled a planned speech by Yiannopoulos this month after protests against him turned violent. Trump reacted by threatening to withhold federal funds from the university. Yiannopoulos was to have spoken Friday at the Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual meeting for conservative policymakers. Trump and Vice President Mike Pence are scheduled to speak at this year's confab. But the invitation was withdrawn after his comments on pedophilia became public. The publishing house Simon & Schuster said it was cancelling publication of "Dangerous," a free speech manifesto and memoir by Yiannopoulos. Beirut (AFP) - France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen capped her visit to Lebanon with controversy on Tuesday when she refused to wear a headscarf to meet the country's top Sunni Muslim cleric. On her last day in the Mediterranean country, Le Pen arrived at Sheikh Abdellatif Deryan's office in Beirut and was offered a white shawl to cover her blonde hair. The National Front candidate promptly refused and made a brief statement to journalists before leaving. "The highest Sunni authority in the world had not had this requirement, so I have no reason to," Le Pen said, referring to her 2015 visit to Al-Azhar, the prestigious Egyptian institution of Sunni Islamic learning. She said she had told Deryan's office on Monday that she would not don a headscarf: "They did not cancel the meeting, so I thought they would accept that I will not wear the scarf." "They wanted to impose this on me, to present me with a fait accompli. Well, no one presents me with a fait accompli," the candidate said. Deryan heads Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni authority in Lebanon. In a statement on Tuesday, the body said "its press office had informed the presidential candidate, through one of her assistants, of the need to cover her head when she meets his eminence, according to the protocol assumed by Dar al-Fatwa". "Dar al-Fatwa officials were surprised by her refusal to conform to this well-known rule," it said. Fewer than a dozen protesters gathered near Lebanon's Zaytuna Bay on Tuesday afternoon to protest against Le Pen's visit. - 'Fascists flock together' - "From Beirut to Damascus to Paris to Washington, fascists flock together," one placard read. One banner read "Fascists out!", and demonstrators carried pictures of Le Pen and US President Donald Trump. At a news conference to cap her trip, Le Pen insisted she "has never confused the religion of Islam with fundamentalist Islam". Story continues "I oppose Islam as a political project. I am fighting a war against fundamentalist Islamists," she told gathered reporters. Shunned by European leaders over her party's stance on immigration and its anti-EU message, Le Pen aimed to boost her international credibility with her first visit to a foreign head of state, President Michel Aoun. The FN leader, whose party takes an anti-immigrant stance, also met Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a Sunni Muslim, and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil. Islamic dress is a hot-button issue in France, where the full-face veil is banned in public places. - 'Lesser evil' - Le Pen's deputy Florian Philippot swiftly lauded her controversial move. "A magnificent message of liberty and emancipation sent to the women of France and of the world," Philippot wrote on Twitter. France had mandate power over both Lebanon and Syria during the first half of the 20th century. Le Pen has met few top foreign officials since taking control of the FN in 2011. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has refused to meet with her. After leaving Deryan's office, Le Pen headed to Bkerkeh, north of Beirut, to meet Maronite Catholic Patriarch Beshara Rai. There, she saluted Lebanon's "moderate" culture, "created by Christians and Muslims". The candidate also met Samir Geagea, who heads the Lebanese Forces party and is a fierce opponent of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Geagea, in a statement released by his party, said he had "clarified" to Le Pen that Assad remains "one of the biggest terrorists in Syria and in this region". In an interview with Lebanon's L'Orient-Le Jour, Le Pen had called Assad "the lesser evil" compared with the Islamic State jihadist group in Syria. But she insisted at her news conference Tuesday that she had never met Assad and does not support him. "What I am saying is that in the interest of France, which is my sole perspective, and in the current state of the situation in Syria, there is no alternative to the regime," Le Pen said. She has criticised the EU's calls for Assad to stand down after nearly six years of war that have left more than 310,000 people dead. "Marine Le Pen's statements in Lebanon are an insult to the Lebanese people and the Syrian people," wrote Lebanese Druze chief Walid Jumblatt on Twitter. Bogota (AFP) - FARC rebels need the United Nations to reschedule the dates for Colombia's historic disarmament process, as the country readies to implement a peace deal to end Latin America's last major armed conflict, they said. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are due to demobilize, starting March 1, with UN supervision under a peace deal with the government after 52 years of fighting. FARC members had been planning to surrender 30 percent of their arms on March 1, General Javier Florez -- head of the military operation to demobilize and disarm the guerrillas -- told journalists earlier. Authorities will then collect another 30 percent of weapons on May 1, with the final disarmament date on June 1, he said. But now, "it appears a rescheduling of the demobilization process will be needed," the FARC leadership said in a letter to Jean Arnault, head of the UN mission monitoring the peace process. Members of the FARC, Colombia's largest and oldest guerrilla group, last Saturday finished arriving at the country's 26 zones where they will disarm and eventually live. Rebels, however, are now complaining that the disarmament areas are not completed, in terms of basic infrastructure, water, power and roads. They are concerned that the government appears not to be keeping its word on peace process implementation. If basic infrastructure is not ready at most zones, many say it seems premature to be concerned just about where containers for the weapons be located, to be destroyed later under UN supervision, will be. According to the country's Office of the High Commissioner for Peace there are 6,934 armed guerrillas concentrated in the zones. KERNERSVILLE, N.C. (AP) The FBI says it's looking into reports of death threats made against Muslims during a meeting of conservative activists in North Carolina. Local news outlets report Monday the Council on American-Islamic Relations asked federal authorities to look into a meeting last week in Kernersville where a group listened to a guest speaker talk about the Muslim Brotherhood. In audio posted on alternative newspaper Triad City Beat's website, someone says, "Any recommendations on how we can stop this? Because my only recommendation is to start killing the hell out of them." The comment follows a conversation about Muslims who the speaker suggests are trying to take over the United States. In a statement provided to news outlets, the FBI said it's tracking down the meeting's participants to gauge the severity of potential threats. By Press Trust of India: Bajwa Islamabad, Feb 21 (PTI) Pakistani army will protect its people against forms of "Indian aggression", the countrys army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa today said. "We will continue our solidarity with people of Kashmir who are struggling for their right of self-determination," Bajwa said. Bajwa also said that Pakistan army will protect the people of Pakistan against forms of "Indian aggression". advertisement He also claimed that Pakistans army was fully aware of "the Indian designs and its support to terror in Pakistan and the region". Bajwa also accused India of "commiting ceasefire violations across the Line of Control". PTI SH UZM --- ENDS --- Washington (AFP) - US states that implemented same-sex marriage legislation prior to its legalization at the federal level saw a drop in suicide attempt rates among high school students, new research shows. States that legalized gay marriage saw a 14 percent decrease in suicide attempts among gay, lesbian and bisexual adolescents, with a seven percent decline among students overall, according to the research published Monday in the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics. The researchers compared 32 of the 35 states that legalized same-sex marriage prior to January 2015 with those that had not. The US Supreme Court legalized gay marriage at the national level in June 2015. States that did not implement such policies prior to federal legalization did not see suicide attempt rates drop, the study said. "Permitting same-sex marriage reduces structural stigma associated with sexual orientation," said study leader Julia Raifman of John Hopkins University. "There may be something about having equal rights -- even if they have no immediate plans to take advantage of them -- that makes students feel less stigmatized and more hopeful for the future." After unintentional injury, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 24 in the United States. The rate of suicide attempts among America's youth continues to rise, with those cases requiring medical attention jumping by 47 percent between 2009 and 2015. The study shows that 29 percent of gay, lesbian and bisexual students reported having tried to commit suicide in the past 12 months, compared to six percent of heterosexual students. Researchers used data taken between January 1999 and December 2015, examining trends starting five years before Massachusetts became the first state to legalize gay marriage in 2004. The US Department of Health and Human Services aims to reduce adolescent suicide rates by 10 percent by 2020, as part of its Healthy People 2020 program. Story continues Study authors suggest that legalizing same-sex marriage has helped that effort. "We can all agree that reducing adolescent suicide attempts is a good thing, regardless of our political views," Raifman says. "Policymakers need to be aware that policies on sexual minority rights can have a real effect on the mental health of adolescents. "The policies at the top can dictate in ways both positive and negative what happens further down." (PESHAWAR, Pakistan) A group of suicide bombers struck outside a courthouse in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing five people in an attack claimed by a Taliban splinter group. The attack was the latest in a wave of militant assaults across the troubled country that has killed over 100 people since last week. The brazen suicide bombings have been claimed by various Islamic militant groups, including the breakaway Taliban faction. In Tuesdays attack, three attackers hit the courthouse in the town of in Tangi in the Charsadda district. One of the bombers detonated his suicide vest at the courts main gate while police shot and killed the two other assailants, according to the district police chief, Sohail Khalid. The other two also wore suicide vests but had notr managed to set them off before being gunned down. Khalid said 15 people were wounded in the attack and taken to hospital. The Pakistani Taliban breakaway Jamaat-ul-Ahrar claimed responsibility for Tuesdays attack in a text message sent to an Associated Press reporter. In one of the attacks last week, dozens of worshippers gathered at a famed Sufi shrine were killed when an Islamic State suicide bomber walked into the shrines main hall in the southern Sindh province and detonated his explosives on Thursday. The death toll from that attack has since risen to 90. The shrine bombing prompted a countrywide crackdown by security forces targeting militants and their hideouts. Pakistan has been at war with Islamic militants for more than a decade. In recent years it has launched major offensives against militant strongholds in the tribal regions along the border with Afghanistan, but insurgents have continued to carry out attacks elsewhere in the country. ___ Associated Press Writer Ishtiaq Mahsud in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, and Asif Shahzad in Islamabad contributed to this report. By Estelle Shirbon LONDON (Reuters) - French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron told British Prime Minister Theresa May on Tuesday not to expect any favors from the European Union during Brexit talks, and drew big cheers for his pro-EU message from French nationals in London. Macron visited May at her Downing Street office and later met Britain's finance minister Philip Hammond, a public relations coup for the young ex-banker at a time when his campaign appears to be losing momentum. "Brexit cannot lead to a kind of optimization of Britain's relationship with the rest of Europe. An exit is an exit," he told reporters outside 10 Downing Street after meeting May. "I am very determined that there will be no undue advantages." Macron, 39, a former economy minister in Socialist President Francois Hollande's government, is running as an independent. He is due to unveil his detailed program next week. The latest polls suggest he and right-wing rival Francois Fillon are tied behind far-right leader Marine Le Pen ahead of the first round of the election on April 23. Polls suggest either man would easily beat Le Pen in the May 7 run-off. Macron, who did not obtain a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel during a recent visit to Berlin, was keen to improve his standing on the world stage and court voters in London, which has an estimated 200,000 French residents. FRENCH AND EU FLAGS At his campaign rally, in a packed hall where people waved French and EU flags, Macron drew the biggest cheers when he spoke in favor of the European project. "Our country cannot succeed without Europe," he said. He advocated a "special relationship" between the EU and France on the one hand and Britain on the other. The term is more commonly used in Britain to describe ties with the United States. "Nothing will be the same (after Brexit), but I think we can defend mutual interests over the long term," he said, citing close cooperation between London and Paris on defense and security. He suggested he would seek to partially renegotiate the Le Touquet agreement, which allows France and Britain to have border controls on each other's territory, so that London would contribute more to managing the issue of refugees and migrants who gather in Calais in northern France to seek ways to Britain. Macron said he and May had discussed what would happen to French expatriates in London after Brexit. He said he wanted them to be free to continue their lives in Britain if they so wished. But he also said that he was fed up with hearing about young French entrepreneurs who felt they could not succeed in France and moved to London because it was easier to start a business there. He said his ambition as president was to make France more attractive so such people would stay, or return. (Additional reporting by Emmanuel Jarry and Michel Rose in Paris, William James and Elizabeth Piper in London; Editing by Ralph Boulton) By Simon Carraud BEIRUT (Reuters) - French far-right National Front presidential candidate Marine Le Pen canceled a meeting on Tuesday with Lebanon's grand mufti, its top cleric for Sunni Muslims, after refusing to wear a headscarf for the encounter. Le Pen, among the frontrunners for the presidency, is using a two-day visit to Lebanon to bolster her foreign policy credentials nine weeks from the April 23 first round, and may be partly targeting potential Franco-Lebanese votes. Many Lebanese fled to France, Lebanon's former colonial power, during their country's 1975-1990 civil war and became French citizens. After meeting Christian President Michel Aoun - her first public handshake with a head of state - and Sunni Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri on Monday, she had been scheduled to meet the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian He heads the Dar al-Fatwa, the top religious authority for Sunni Muslims in the multireligious country. "I met the grand mufti of Al-Azhar," she told reporters, referring to a visit in 2015 to Cairo's 1,000-year-old center of Islamic learning. "The highest Sunni authority didn't have this requirement, but it doesn't matter. "You can pass on my respects to the grand mufti, but I will not cover myself up," she said. The cleric's press office said Le Pen's aides had been informed beforehand that a headscarf was required for the meeting and had been "surprised by her refusal". But it was no surprise in the French political context. French law bans headscarves in the public service and for high school pupils, in the name of church-state separation and equal rights for women. Le Pen wants to extend this ban to all public places, a measure that would affect Muslims most of all. HARIRI'S VEILED MESSAGE Buoyed by the election of President Donald Trump in the United States and by Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Le Pen's anti-immigration, anti-EU National Front (FN) hopes for similar populist momentum in France. Like Trump, she has said radical Islamism must be faced head on, although she has toned down her party's rhetoric to attract more mainstream support and possibly even woo some Muslim voters disillusioned with France's traditional parties. After meeting Hariri on Monday, Le Pen went against current French policy in Syria by describing President Bashar al-Assad as the "only viable solution" for preventing Islamic State from taking power in Syria. Lebanon has some 1.5 million Syrian refugees. "I explained clearly that ... Bashar al-Assad was obviously today a much more reassuring solution for France than Islamic State would be if it came to power in Syria," she told reporters. Hariri, whose family has close links to conservative former French President Jacques Chirac and still has a home in France, issued a strongly-worded statement after their meeting. "The most serious error would be to link Islam and Muslims on the one hand and terrorism on the other," Hariri said. "The Lebanese and Arabs, like most of the world, considers that France is the home of human rights and the republican state makes no distinction between citizens on ethnic, religious or class grounds." Speaking after meeting French President Francois Hollande in Paris, Walid Jumblatt, the main political leader of the minority Druze community in Lebanon, said Le Pen had "insulted" the Lebanese and Syrian people. "I hope France will make a better choice than this fascist right. We cannot ask the Lebanese people to forget the crimes of the Syrian regime against it and we cannot return en masse (Syrians) while there is the Syrian regime. It's a double insult," he said. Syria dominated Lebanese government and politics for years and had a military presence in the country until 2005, when it withdrew following the assassination of Saad's father, former Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri, and months of anti-Syria protests. (Additional reporting by Angus McDowall and Elizabeth Pineau in Paris; Writing by John Irish; Editing by Tom Heneghan) By Jean-Baptiste Vey and Geert De Clercq PARIS (Reuters) - A senior Socialist minister said on Tuesday he might back centrist Emmanuel Macron in France's presidential election, a new blow to the left's hopes that could help Macron as he battles to maintain his campaign's momentum. The pronouncement by agriculture minister and government spokesman Stephane Le Foll came as opinion polls pictured a wide multi-candidate race, in which far-right leader Marine Le Pen was holding onto recent gains, keeping debt and foreign exchange markets on edge. Two polls showed ex-banker Macron neck-and-neck with conservative rival Francois Fillon as favourite. A third, from Elabe, had Macron in retreat, and made former prime minister Fillon of The Republicans favourite for the first time since a scandal over alleged fake work rocked his campaign four weeks ago. All recent polls show Le Pen ahead in the April 23 first round, but losing a May 7 run-off to whichever of Macron or Fillon topped round one. They also show, however, that her losing margin has shrunk in to as little as 6 percentage points from more than 10. Le Foll's potential defection is the latest in a slew of bad news for France's divided political left. "I support the man who has been chosen (by the Socialists), but the moment comes for political responsibility with regard to what is at play, with regard to Marine Le Pen and with regard also to the programme of Francois Fillon," he said on BFM TV. Asked whether this meant he would back whoever was best placed to prevent a Le Pen-Fillon runoff, he said: "Exactly!" Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has also said he might back Macron - rather than the ruling Socialists' chosen candidate Benoit Hamon, who is a distant fourth in the polls. Despite the prospect of heavyweight Socialist backing, the polls show Macron's campaign losing momentum. Elabe pollsters reckon he has made a series of mis-steps that explain how they now see Fillon ahead. "He has had 10 difficult days," they said. LEFT DIVIDED Macron angered opponents on the right during a visit to Algeria last week by calling France's colonial past a crime against humanity. He has upset pro-gay marriage supporters by saying their opponents had been humiliated by the government when it pushed through the gay marriage bill in 2013. On Tuesday, Macron took his centrist and pro-European campaign to London, home to a large expatriate French community who get to vote in the elections. The anti-immigration, anti-European Union Le Pen, meanwhile, caused controversy on a trip to Lebanon where her plans to meet a senior Muslim figure were cancelled after her refusal to wear a headscarf. Le Pen's surge has worried investors concerned that her policies will further destabilise fragile European unity, blow apart the euro zone and hurt the value of French debt. The cost of insuring French government debt against default has risen to its highest level in more than three years and sterling rose almost 1 percent against the euro to its highest in two months. Fillon, meanwhile, was tweaking the healthcare policies that caused a campaign wobble earlier this year, having apparently put allegations his wife Penelope was paid hundreds of thousands of euros for work she may not have done behind him. Fillon has said the work was genuine. An official inquiry is under way. Besides the three-way fight, discussions to unite candidates on the left looked to be going nowhere. Hamon is pushing a hard-left programme that divides his party and competes for votes with another leftist, Communist-backed Jean-Luc Melenchon. Melenchon is in fifth place, but a combined Hamon-Melenchon vote could theoretically put them into first or second and therefore into the run-off, instead of Fillon or Macron, against Le Pen. Talks between Melenchon, a veteran campaigner, and Hamon, an ex-education minister, were tentative from the start and both have acknowledged wide policy differences. Hamon gave the latest indication on Tuesday that they were unlikely to be joining forces. "There is a desire on Melenchon's part to go on right to the end," Hamon said on Europe 1 radio. "I respect that...In any case, I will work on right to the end." Political analysts are also eying an imminent decision from veteran centrist Francois Bayrou on whether to stand. If he stands, that could hurt Macron, but backing from Bayrou could be a further boost. (Writing by Andrew Callus; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Alison Williams) By Jean-Baptiste Vey and Geert De Clercq PARIS (Reuters) - A senior Socialist minister said on Tuesday he might back centrist Emmanuel Macron in France's presidential election, a new blow to the left's hopes that could help Macron as he battles to maintain his campaign's momentum. The pronouncement by agriculture minister and government spokesman Stephane Le Foll came as opinion polls pictured a wide multi-candidate race, in which far-right leader Marine Le Pen was holding onto recent gains, keeping debt and foreign exchange markets on edge. Two polls showed ex-banker Macron neck-and-neck with conservative rival Francois Fillon as favorite. A third, from Elabe, had Macron in retreat, and made former prime minister Fillon of The Republicans favorite for the first time since a scandal over alleged fake work rocked his campaign four weeks ago. All recent polls show Le Pen ahead in the April 23 first round, but losing a May 7 run-off to whichever of Macron or Fillon topped round one. They also show, however, that her losing margin has shrunk in to as little as 6 percentage points from more than 10. Le Foll's potential defection is the latest in a slew of bad news for France's divided political left. "I support the man who has been chosen (by the Socialists), but the moment comes for political responsibility with regard to what is at play, with regard to Marine Le Pen and with regard also to the program of Francois Fillon," he said on BFM TV. Asked whether this meant he would back whoever was best placed to prevent a Le Pen-Fillon runoff, he said: "Exactly!" Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault has also said he might back Macron - rather than the ruling Socialists' chosen candidate Benoit Hamon, who is a distant fourth in the polls. Despite the prospect of heavyweight Socialist backing, the polls show Macron's campaign losing momentum. Elabe pollsters reckon he has made a series of mis-steps that explain how they now see Fillon ahead. "He has had 10 difficult days," they said. LEFT DIVIDED Macron angered opponents on the right during a visit to Algeria last week by calling France's colonial past a crime against humanity. He has upset pro-gay marriage supporters by saying their opponents had been humiliated by the government when it pushed through the gay marriage bill in 2013. On Tuesday, Macron took his centrist and pro-European campaign to London, home to a large expatriate French community who get to vote in the elections. The anti-immigration, anti-European Union Le Pen, meanwhile, caused controversy on a trip to Lebanon where her plans to meet a senior Muslim figure were canceled after her refusal to wear a headscarf. Le Pen's surge has worried investors concerned that her policies will further destabilize fragile European unity, blow apart the euro zone and hurt the value of French debt. The cost of insuring French government debt against default has risen to its highest level in more than three years and sterling rose almost 1 percent against the euro to its highest in two months. Fillon, meanwhile, was tweaking the healthcare policies that caused a campaign wobble earlier this year, having apparently put allegations his wife Penelope was paid hundreds of thousands of euros for work she may not have done behind him. Fillon has said the work was genuine. An official inquiry is under way. Besides the three-way fight, discussions to unite candidates on the left looked to be going nowhere. Hamon is pushing a hard-left program that divides his party and competes for votes with another leftist, Communist-backed Jean-Luc Melenchon. Melenchon is in fifth place, but a combined Hamon-Melenchon vote could theoretically put them into first or second and therefore into the run-off, instead of Fillon or Macron, against Le Pen. Talks between Melenchon, a veteran campaigner, and Hamon, an ex-education minister, were tentative from the start and both have acknowledged wide policy differences. Hamon gave the latest indication on Tuesday that they were unlikely to be joining forces. "There is a desire on Melenchon's part to go on right to the end," Hamon said on Europe 1 radio. "I respect that...In any case, I will work on right to the end." Political analysts are also eying an imminent decision from veteran centrist Francois Bayrou on whether to stand. If he stands, that could hurt Macron, but backing from Bayrou could be a further boost. (Writing by Andrew Callus; Editing by Richard Balmforth and Alison Williams) By Marjua Estevez At least 26 people were injured after an explosion near a bullring in the South American city of Bogota, Colombia. Police officers, who were prepping for anti-bullfighting protests in the countrys capital on Sunday (February 19), made up a majority of the victims. No one was killed, reports Reuters. The national police rejects and condemns these acts of barbarism that affect the integrity of our police and other citizens, as well as the tranquility and coexistence of the countrys capital, the police said in statement. Citizens have gathered en masse weekly to protest bullfighting in Bogota, which resumed last month for the first time in four years when the ban was lifted by the constitutional courtprompting weekly clashes with law enforcement and animal rights activists. The cause of the blast is still unknown. This post A Gang Of Police Officers Injured In Bogota Explosion first appeared on Vibe. By Jeff Mason and Patricia Zengerle WEST PALM BEACH, Fla./WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday named Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond McMaster as his new national security adviser, choosing a military officer known for speaking his mind and challenging his superiors. McMaster is a highly regarded military tactician and strategic thinker, but his selection surprised some observers who wondered how the officer, whose Army career stalled at times for his questioning of authority, would deal with a White House that has not welcomed criticism. "He is highly respected by everybody in the military and we're very honored to have him," Trump told reporters in West Palm Beach where he spent the weekend. "He's a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience." One subject on which Trump and McMaster could soon differ is Russia. McMaster shares the consensus view among the U.S. national security establishment that Russia is a threat and an antagonist to the United States, while the man whom McMaster is replacing, retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, appeared to view it more as a potential geopolitical partner. Trump in the past has expressed a willingness to engage with Russia more than his predecessor, Barack Obama. Flynn was fired as national security adviser on Feb. 13 after reports emerged that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about speaking to Russia's ambassador to the United States about U.S. sanctions before Trump's inauguration. The ouster, coming so early in Trump's administration, was another upset for a White House that has been hit by miscues, including the controversial rollout of a travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries, since the Republican president took office on Jan. 20. The national security adviser is an independent aide to the president and does not require confirmation by the U.S. Senate. He has broad influence over foreign policy and attends National Security Council meetings along with the heads of the State Department, the Department of Defense and key security agencies. NOT AFRAID TO QUESTION THE BOSS Republican Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a frequent Trump critic, praised McMaster as an "outstanding" choice. "I give President Trump great credit for this decision," McCain said in a statement. A former U.S. ambassador to Russia under Obama, Michael McFaul, a Democrat, praised McMaster on Twitter as "terrific" and said McMaster "will not be afraid to question his boss." McMaster, who flew back to the Washington area from Florida with Trump on Air Force One, will remain on active military duty, the White House said. Trump also said Keith Kellogg, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who has been serving as the acting national security adviser, as chief of staff to the National Security Council. John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, would be asked to serve the administration in another capacity, Trump said. "He has a good number of ideas that I must tell you I agree very much with," Trump said of Bolton, who served in Republican President George W. Bush's administration. Kellogg and Bolton were among those in contention as Trump spent the long Presidents Day weekend considering his options for replacing Flynn. His first choice, retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward, turned down the job last week. McMaster, 54, is a West Point graduate known as "H.R.," with a Ph.D. in U.S. history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was listed as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2014, partly because of his willingness to buck the system. A combat veteran, he gained renown in the first Gulf War - and was awarded a Silver Star - after he commanded a small troop of the U.S. 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment that destroyed a much larger Iraqi Republican Guard force in 1991 in a place called 73 Easting, for its map coordinates, in what many consider the biggest tank battle since World War Two. As one fellow officer put it, referring to Trump's inner circle of aides and speaking on condition of anonymity, the Trump White House "has its own Republican Guard, which may be harder for him to deal with than the Iraqis were." The Iraqi Republican Guard was the elite military force of ousted dictator Saddam Hussein. Trump relies on a tight, insular group of advisers, who at times appear to have competing political agendas. Senior adviser Steve Bannon has asserted his influence by taking a seat on the National Security Council. McMaster's fame grew after his 1997 book "Dereliction of Duty" criticized the country's military and political leadership for poor leadership during the Vietnam War. Trump's pick was praised by one of the president's strongest backers in the U.S. Congress, Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who called McMaster "one of the finest combat leaders of our generation and also a great strategic mind." "CRITICISM AND FEEDBACK" In a July 14, 2014, interview with the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer in Columbus, Georgia, where Fort Benning is located, McMaster, then the base commander, said: "Some people have a misunderstanding about the Army. "Some people think, hey, youre in the military and everything is super-hierarchical and youre in an environment that is intolerable of criticism and people dont want frank assessments. "I think the opposite is the case. ... And the commanders that Ive worked for, they want frank assessments, they want criticism and feedback." That attitude was not always shared by his superiors, and it led to his being passed over for promotion to brigadier general twice, in 2006 and 2007. On McMaster's third and last try, General David Petraeus who at one point was also on Trump's candidate list for national security adviser returned from Iraq to head the promotion board that finally gave McMaster his first general's star. Then a colonel, McMaster was commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment that in the spring of 2005 captured, held and began to stabilize Tal Afar on the Iraqi-Syrian border. The city was held by Sunni extremists, a crossing point between Syria and Iraq for jihadists who started as al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and morphed into Islamic State after he was killed. McMaster's preparation of the regiment is legendary: He trained his soldiers in Iraqi culture, the differences among Sunnis, Shi'ites and Turkomen, and had them read books on the history of the region and counterinsurgency strategy. It was a sharp change from the "kill and capture" tactics the United States had used in Iraq since the invasion in March 2003, and to which the Obama administration returned in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. The strategy was largely a success, although McMaster's use of it and especially his willingness to acknowledge that Iraqis had some legitimate grievances against one another and the occupying coalition forces, did not endear him to his superiors and helped delay his promotion to brigadier general. The strategy did not survive the departure of McMaster's troops, with Tal Afar falling into the hands of Sunni militants. Along with the west part of Mosul, it is now a key objective in the battle to rid Iraq of Islamic State. (This story corrects Kellogg's rank to retired lieutenant general, in paragraph 14; corrects headline to reflect that McMaster is a lieutenant general.) (Additional reporting by John Walcott and Sarah Lynch in Washington; Writing by Frances Kerry and James Oliphant; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney) He termed India terror sponsor of the region and said that the Pakistan Army is fully geared up to protect Pakistan. By Santosh Chaubey: The Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa today visited the Line of Control (LoC). Like has been the tradition, he used the occasion to spew venom against India. He termed India terror sponsor of the region and said that the Pakistan Army is fully geared up to protect Pakistan. Seeing a pattern in the alleged cease fire violations (CFVs) by India, he repeated Pakistan's favourite Kashmir rant vowing to save people of Kashmir, that Pakistan calls Azad Kashmir and that is in illegal occupation of Pakistan, from the Indian aggression and assured Pakistan's continued solidarity with people of Jammu and Kashmir, the remaining bigger part of the state that is an integral part of India. advertisement Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistan Armed Forces, tweeted a video of Gen Bajwa's LoC visit. #COAS visited LOC.Aware of Indian design, her sp to terrorism in Pak/region. #Kulbhushan an evidence. His case ll be taken to logical concl. pic.twitter.com/ZJrmDFRXiD Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) February 21, 2017 Pakistan is blamed for perpetrating terror in Pak-occupied-Kashmir and running it through a puppet government and pushing terrorists and promoting terrorism and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir. The world recognizes its propaganda and no major power stands with Pakistan when it comes to its absurd claims on Kashmir. In fact, there has been a growing global consensus that Pakistan is the new terror backyard of the world, harbouring and sheltering terrorists who threaten the global peace, be it Taliban and its factions or Al Qaeda or the Haqqani Network or LeT or JeM or countless others. The recent move to ban Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) front Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and its chief Hafiz Saeed is most probably a drama that tells the world community how shameless Pakistan has become on this front. People say the sham crackdown on Hafiz Saeed is under the US pressure but we should not forget that the US bounty of $10 million on Saeed is in place since 2012. And then, Osama bin Laden was also hunted down and killed in Pakistan. But continuing the tradition of Pak doublespeak on Kashmir, Gen Bajwa blamed CFVs by India as 'efforts to divert the world attention from the so-called Indian atrocities against the Kashmiris'. India and Pakistan consistently blame each-other for CFVs and summon each other's High Commissions officials regularly to lodge their official protests. Pakistan's Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) says India committed at least 178 CFVs last year in which 19 civilians lost their lives. Hansraj Ahir, MoS Home, India stated in a written reply in the Lok Sabha that Pakistan violated cease fire some 450 times last year, with around 300 of them after India's successful surgical strike in Pak-occupied-Kashmir in September 2016 to eliminate terror camps. According to the South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP), 28 people including 13 security forces personnel in Jammu and Kashmir lost their lives in CFVs by Pakistan in 2016. Another part of Gen Bajwa's rhetoric today was about Kulbhushan Yadav, the alleged Indian spy in Pakistan's custody. He said that Kulbhushan Yadav is the 'evidence of Indian designs to support terror in Pakistan and the region'. But ever since Yadav's arrest in March 2016, that Indian intelligence agencies say was an act of abduction, Pakistan's has denied every Indian request to provide consular access to him. Instead, Pakistan has been using every sort of propaganda, including Yadav's coerced confessional video statement, to shed crocodile tears that it is a victim of Indian sponsored terror in Pakistan. advertisement India has very clearly said that Kulbhushan Yadav was indeed an Indian Navy officer but after his retirement, the Indian government had no connection with him but Pakistan is hell-bent on proving him a serving Indian Navy officer. But in spite of all its grandstanding before the world, no one in the world community has bought the Pakistani claims. Pakistan's propaganda in this case becomes clear from the fact that even its own Foreign Affairs Advisor, Sartaj Aziz, has accepted that there is no enough proof to convict Yadav and additional evidence needs to be collected. --- ENDS --- Berlin (AFP) - Germany will increase its military to nearly 200,000 troops over the next seven years, the defence ministry said Tuesday, a day after US Vice President Mike Pence urged European allies to boost their defence spending. Berlin had already announced last May its first increase in troop count since the Cold War, but the ministry said it was further revising numbers upwards. The Bundeswehr is now expected to grow by 20,000 soldiers to a total of 198,000 in 2024. Additionally, the number of civilian staff would reach 61,000 over the same period, said the ministry. "The Bundeswehr has rarely been as necessary as it is now," said Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen. "Be it in the fight against IS (Islamic State) terrorism, in the stabilisation of Mali, the ongoing support of Afghanistan and against people smugglers in the Mediterranean and the Aegean or with our increased presence for NATO in the Baltics," she said. Over recent years, the army had seen a significant reduction in troop numbers following Germany's reunification and the end of the Cold War. In 1990, the number of soldiers reached 585,000, before falling to a low of 166,500 last June. Washington has repeatedly pressed Germany to increase its defence spending to reach the NATO agreed level of two percent of economic output. So far, of the 28 NATO members, only the United States, Britain, Poland, Greece and Estonia have met the two percent target. By Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Kwasi Kpodo ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana's President Nana Akufo-Addo said in his first state of the nation address the economy was in a "bad way" but he would press ahead with a plan to create jobs, cut the budget deficit and improve sustainable agriculture. Akufo-Addo told parliament on Tuesday a three-year International Monetary Fund programme to stabilise national finances had failed to meet its objectives, and he placed the blame squarely on the government he defeated in elections in December. The fiscal deficit for 2016 was 9 percent of gross domestic product on a cash basis, rather than the target of 5.25 percent, he said, and estimated growth of 3.6 percent last year was the lowest in 23 years. He said the government will significantly reduce the deficit in 2017 as part of its goal of ensuring that fiscal stability becomes an engine of growth, reasoning that it would lead to lower interest rates. "The economy of our country is in a bad way," he said in a speech to parliament frequently interrupted by cheers from lawmakers from the ruling New Patriotic Party and jeering by the opposition National Democratic Congress. Just a few years ago Ghana's economy was one of Africa's most dynamic, but it was hit hard starting in 2014 by a slump in global prices for its gold and oil exports. A fiscal crisis saw inflation and the deficit rise sharply and the currency fall, forcing the previous government to enter the IMF programme. The speech before parliament was Akufo-Addo's first major address since he was sworn in on Jan. 7, and he outlined a series of priorities in line with his manifesto commitment to cut taxes and stimulate private sector growth. However, he gave few details on how the government would implement its programme, given that it inherited an economy far worse than it expected. The issue is important politically because the government faces sky-high voter expectations. Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta is due to deliver the annual budget in early March. Akufo-Addo said the government would build a dam in every village to enable year-round agriculture, start work this year on a railway line connecting the port city of Takoradi to northern Ghana and tackle the problem of joblessness for young people, which he described as a "time bomb". (Editing by Joe Bavier and Mark Trevelyan) GIFs are inescapable, infiltrating almost every way we communicate in 2017. And now, with a new series from Giphy, the world can choose from a much more inclusive array of options. Timed with Black History Month, Giphy has made a dedicated effort to provide users with GIFs showing the black American experience. From iconic civil rights activists to #BlackGirlMagic, the GIF search engine is honoring black culture by creating and curating GIFs that help fill a gaping hole in representation online this February and beyond. SEE ALSO: Snapchat celebrates Black History Month with 'Young, Black and Proud' story Giphy's culture editor, Jasmyn Lawson who, for the record, pronounces GIF with a hard "g" is one of the driving forces behind the effort. "I knew personally, just being a black woman, that if I'm going to work here and use the product, I want to use GIFs that represent me," Lawson said. She explained that her initial drive to see more diversity came from searching through regular results, like "hello" or "facepalm." The results showed mostly white people. Lawson wanted to offer users more inclusive GIFs that could represent the many facets of being a person of color. Ida B. Wells was a journalist and activist whose writings and activism were centered around anti-lynching in the South. #BHMGIFParty pic.twitter.com/RhiX9jzEmC GIPHY (@GIPHY) February 1, 2017 In the first of several series, Giphy kicked off Black History Month with original, illustrated GIFs highlighting important work by black leaders. The company introduced animated portraits of icons like Toni Morrison, John Lewis, Shirley Chisholm and James Baldwin that quickly spread across Facebook and Twitter. Story continues Since the icon series launched, Giphy has also curated subchannels celebrating black hair, contemporary social activists, black love and black boy joy all of which live under the Black History Month channel for easy access. The Giphy Studios team illustrated some of the GIFs, while others were curated by editors who sort through images and assign tags (like, "awkward" or "shrug"), adding terms specifically for Black History Month. For others, like the original Black Hair series, the company specifically hired black artists to illustrate portrayals of black culture and hair beyond just aesthetics. "We talk a lot about black hair in terms of style and the way we wear our hair, but we don't necessarily talk about the nuanced experiences we have dealing with hair," Lawson said. "It's a big part of our culture." She cited bonnet problems, braid struggles and barber loyalty as a few examples. Black Girl Magic was one of Lawson's first passion projects a collection that launched last year with the Giphy Studios team, featuring about 300 GIFs of different black women of various skin tones, hair textures and body size. This month, just in time for Valentine's Day, Lawson was able to put similar energy behind curating images of black love and they go well beyond straight, non-trans couples. Giphy Culture Editor Jasmyn Lawson Image: Martha Tesema / Mashable Seeing regular representation of various people of color in traditional media can be a slow moving train, so diversity in something as common as a GIF has instant and powerful results. Whether it's through the spectrum of ages, body positivity, body hair, sexual orientation or, as Lawson said, "all those random things that make up who we are and our identities," these curated GIFs attempt to represent as many people as possible. And their effect has definitely been noticed. "I look on the internet and I can visually see the impact those GIFs have I see people using them," Lawson said. For Lawson, the results of the series have been overwhelming, and shed light on the need for projects like this. "People are cringing for this representation of themselves," she explained. "It takes forever to get a series made or things to get green-lit ... For me I can be like, 'Oh you want to see yourself? Let me make that GIF,' and bow it's out there." The work to diversify the GIF archive may be underway, but it's far from over and definitely won't end on Feb. 28. "For me, black history is never ending. Even now we're still making history," she said, mentioning pioneers like Viola Davis, Simone Biles and Chance the Rapper. More history means even more GIFs to share for the culture, and we're not mad about that in the slightest. A new report from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) shows that global arms sales conducted over the last five years have hit their highest point since 1990. India continues to lead the list and remain the worlds largest importer as far as the defense sector is concerned. Other notable importers are the Arab states from the Gulf region, which are engaged in conflicts within Yemen, Syria or inside their own territory. The relationship between some of these states and Iran is far from friendly. India Heads Importers List India contributed 13% of all global arms importers during the period extending from 2012-16. Next up on the list are the likes of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China and Algeria, as per SIPRI. Previously, during the period from 2007-11, around 9.7% of total global arms imports could be attributed to India. The extent of Indias purchases is understandable, given that India faces a hostile geopolitical environment. On one hand it has to deal with its long standing and nuclear armed competitor Pakistan. Also, it has to prepare to deal with Chinas growing military capabilities. In order to reduce the impact of the increasing collaboration between China and Pakistan, India has tried to improve defense ties with the U.S. as well as countries in South East Asia, such as Vietnam. However, the inability to develop indigenous weapons means that India remains largely dependent on imports to satisfy its growing requirements. Trump Win Boosts Defense Stocks Trumps surprise victory sent jitters through the global stock markets. However, defense companies remained largely unaffected and are expected to benefit from the policies of the new administration. Despite the fact that Trump has slammed some sector heavyweights, his approach toward the industry could lead to a marked improvement compared to the last 10 years. In fact, Trump has vehemently criticized Obama administration for imposing budget caps on the U.S. military. The new Presidents promises to raise more troops and plans to ramp up funds for major defense players have largely been supported by the upside in stocks from the sector since the release of election results on Nov 8, 2016. Story continues Also, soon after taking office, Trump outlined a tough stand against ISIS and other Islamic terror groups, clearly stating his stand point of zero tolerance for terrorism. This in turn must have raised hopes of increased demand for defense products, thereby buoying optimism for this sector. (Read: 3 Defense Stocks Set to Beat Q4 Earnings) Stocks to Watch Lockheed Martin Corporation LMT is the largest U.S. defense contractor with a platform-centric focus that guarantees a steady inflow of follow-on orders from a leveraged presence in the Army, Air Force, Navy and IT programs. Additionally, this Zacks Rank #3 stock is likely to gain from its solid presence in the international market. Currently, it is negotiating with the Indian government to set up a facility to produce the F-16 fighter jet within that country. The Boeing Company BA is of the major players in the defense business, which stands out among its peers by virtue of its broadly diversified programs, strong order bookings and order backlog. The companys 2016 defense deliveries stood at 185 units. Internationally, the company is witnessing strong demand for defense products, such as fighter jets, the rotorcraft line-up and 737-based military derivatives. The stock has a Zacks Rank #3. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. HII is the countrys largest military shipbuilder. Huntington Ingalls continues to boast stable financials and regular cash returns to shareholders. In addition, its multi-year stability in shipbuilding is likely to lead to robust cash flow. The stock has a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Northrop Grumman Corporation NOC has developed into one of the largest U.S. defense contractors in terms of revenue, with a major platform-centric focus. The company has a strong presence in Air Force, Space & Cyber Security programs. Foreign military sales provides much needed respite at the time of negative defense budget revisions and acted as a key performance catalyst for the Zacks Rank #3 Northrop. The international market accounted for 13.1% of its business in 2016. Zacks' Top 10 Stocks for 2017 In addition to the stocks discussed above, would you like to know about our 10 finest buy-and-hold tickers for the entirety of 2017? Who wouldn't? Last year's market-beating Top 10 portfolio produced 5 double-digit winners. For example, oil and natural gas giant Pioneer Natural Resources and First Republic Bank racked up stellar gains of +44.9% and +44.3% respectively. Now a brand-new list for 2017 has been hand-picked from 4,400 companies covered by the Zacks Rank. See the 2017 Top 10 right now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Northrop Grumman Corporation (NOC): Free Stock Analysis Report Boeing Company (The) (BA): Free Stock Analysis Report Lockheed Martin Corporation (LMT): Free Stock Analysis Report Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII): Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research With an uptick in the volume of international arms exchange estimated to be at its highest in 201216 for any five-year period since the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War in 1991, the world may be a far more dangerous place now than ever, according to newly released data. The data on arms transfers published Monday by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that with a one-third share during the same period, the United States was the biggest global arms exporter. The U.S. also saw its arms exports climb by 21 percent when matched with data from the 200711 period, almost half of it going to the Middle East. The USA supplies major arms to at least 100 countries around the worldsignificantly more than any other supplier state, Aude Fleurant, director of the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme, said in a statement. The bulk of the U.S. arms exports included the latest-generation air and missile defense systems along with advanced strike aircraft with cruise missiles and other precision-guided weapons. The report noted an increase of 8.4 percent in global arms trade between the periods, 200711 and 201216. During the same time period, the flow of arms increased to Asia and Oceania and the Middle East, but decreased to Europe, the Americas and Africa. With 13 percent of the global total, India was the worlds largest importer of major arms. "With no regional arms control instruments in place, states in Asia continue to expand their arsenals. ... While China is increasingly able to substitute arms imports with indigenous products, India remains dependent on weapons technology from many willing suppliers, including Russia, the USA, European states, Israel and South Korea," Siemon Wezeman, senior researcher with the SIPRI Arms and Military Expenditure Programme, explained in a press release. However, more worrisome than an increase in the volume of the global arms trade is the rapidly expanding international black market trade. An yearlong investigation carried out by a team of reporters from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project published in June last year, for instance, revealed the discreet sale of arms and ammunition amounting to more than 1 billion pounds ($1.2 billion) was responsible in fueling the civil war in Syria. Story continues The investigation found out Eastern European countries have exported weapons to Middle Eastern nations, from where they are dispatched to key arms markets in Syria and Yemen. The report also suggested U.S. involvement. To try and counter the spread of the Islamic State group, Washington reportedly bought and delivered large amounts of military equipment for the Syrian opposition sourced from central and eastern Europe. According to American procurement documents and ship tracking data, three cargo ships commissioned by the U.S. military's Special Operations Command have left Black Sea ports in the Balkans for the Middle East since December 2015. Approximately 4,700 tons of weaponry has been delivered from Bulgaria and Romania to military facilities in Jordan and Turkey. On June 21, the latest U.S.-chartered ship left Bulgaria carrying about 1,700 tons of materiel for an unidentified Red Sea port. Related Articles God wants all Christians dead, an Islamic State group in Egypt declared in a video released over the weekend featuring a suicide bomber who killed nearly 30 people in a Coptic cathedral late last year, Reuters reported Sunday. The suicide bomber identified as Abu Abdallah al-Masri claims in the 20-minute video that jihadists in Egypt will be freed soon when the ISIS group liberates Cairo. The ISIS fighter also known as "The Egyptian" killed 29 people, mostly women and children, at St. Marks Cathedral in Cairo in December in the militant group's deadliest attack in Egypt outside the Sinai Peninsula. Islamic State in Egypt was formerly known as the Sinai Province group and the church attack was seen in Egypt as a sign that the militants were growing stronger. Egypt, with 90 million residents, is home to 9 million Christians, the Middle Easts largest Christian community. Masri calls the Coptic pope and Christian businessmen ISIS' "favorite prey," in the video. Finally, to my brothers in captivity: Rejoice, you believers, do not falter or grieve. I swear to God we will very soon liberate Cairo and free you from captivity, Masri says in the video. We will come bearing explosives, I swear we will, so rejoice, you believers. The narrator explains that Christians were no longer dhimmis, or non-Muslims in Islam who benefit from state protection. Instead, Christians are infidels helping the West wage battle on Muslim nations. God gave orders to kill every infidel, one of the militants carrying an AK-47 assault rifle says in the video. Oh worshippers of the cross the soldiers of the state are watching you, says another masked militant. Christians in Egypt have increasingly been threatened by violence. Coptic Christian teacher Gamal Tawfiq, 50, was shot dead Thursday by two militants on a motorbike, while militants killed Bahgat Zakher, a Christian veterinary surgeon, in el-Arish earlier this month. Story continues ISIS lures new recruits with its tales and videos showcasing brutal violence. Fighters from the Islamic State group have arbitrarily detained, tortured and forcibly married Sunni Arab women and girls in Iraq, Human Rights Watch said in its latest report Monday. Related Articles A Tennessee grandmother was arrested this week after police say her 3-year-old grandson accidentally shot his 4-year-old brother while in her care at a Memphis home. The Memphis Police Department first showed up to the home Sunday night after a report that someone had fired shots at the home at about 8 p.m. Watch: Man Missing From Party Found Stabbed to Death Inside Shallow Grave While investigating, police again heard gunfire that appeared to be coming from inside the house. "At the time they were investigating you heard another pop," neighbor Chris Hill told WREG. "Like I said, all the other police were there and they ran in the house and found a child had been shot." Authorities ran inside to investigate, where they found one boy shot in the arm. Police say Nellums then explained that she came out of the house and fired several shots in the ground to scare off whoever was shooting at their house. Read: Pair Killed Their Landlord, 68, Then Lived With Her Body for 2 Weeks: Cops According to a police affidavit, Nellums later told police she left the gun in plain view in the living room. When the 3-year-old picked it up, he dropped it, accidentally shooting his brother. Officers recovered a handgun from the home, according to the affidavit. Watch: Columbia Grad Found Dead in Panama Was Strangled With Her Own Bathing Suit: Report Related Articles: ATHENS, Ga. (AP) The Celtic cross tattoo on Shannon Martinez's leg gives away her past. A victim of sexual assault at age 14 and never quite able to meet her parents' expectations, Martinez sought out other angry teens. By 16, she was a skinhead spouting white supremacist rhetoric, giving stiff-armed Nazi salutes and tagging public property with swastikas. She favored racist fashion statements like the symbol on her right calf. Fortified by the love of an adopted family, Martinez left the skinheads behind. Today she's helping others do the same as part of an emerging U.S. movement that helps people quit hate organizations. Modeled loosely upon organizations that formed in Europe years ago to combat extremism, groups and individuals are offering counseling, education and understanding to extremists seeking a way out. Now a 42-year-old mom who homeschools her kids at their house in Georgia, Martinez volunteers with Life After Hate, a leading organization dedicated to helping people leave white supremacy. On Facebook, she shares her story with others who've left or are looking to leave extremism. Slideshow: Groups, individuals helping white extremists shed hate >>> "We act as a group of people who understand each other," said former skinhead Christian Picciolini, an old friend of Martinez who founded the Chicago-based Life After Hate. "We understand the motivations of where we came from and why we joined. We understand what keeps people in. And we help each other detach and disengage from that ideology and provide a support system for them as they go through that transformation." Founded in 2009, Life After Hate was awarded a $400,000 Justice Department grant in the closing days of the Obama administration funding that could be endangered if the Trump administration decides to refocus a federal program combatting violent extremism solely on Islamic radicals, as is being considered. While several other grant recipients are dedicated to countering radical Muslim ideology, Life After Hate concentrates specifically on showing white extremists there's another way. Story continues The group operates a website where people who want to explore leaving white extremism can submit contact information. It also conducts educational and counseling programs including the Facebook group where members sometimes chat with extremists trying to change their lives, Picciolini said. "I started the organization ... because it was so difficult to leave that movement," he said. "Even though I'd abandoned the ideology, I wasn't ready to give up my community and my power and my identity, and I knew how hard it would be for other people to leave this type of ideology or this type of movement." Another group, One People's Project, was started by Daryle Lamont Jenkins of Philadelphia. Aside from monitoring racist groups, Jenkins who is black confronts white nationalists at public gatherings and talks one-on-one with willing white supremacists as he can, trying to show them there is a way other than hate. Some have never met a black person, he said. Jenkins' work is similar to that of Daryl Davis, a black musician from Maryland who has gained notice for trying to talk people out of the Ku Klux Klan. Mark Potok, a senior fellow with the liberal Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama, said it's hard to determine exact numbers, but around 100,000 people might be members in hate groups and several hundred thousand could be linked informally. Potok said exit organizations began in Europe in the 1980s to counter the rise right-wing militants there. "I do think that this is a particularly important moment for this kind of exit work to be happening because we have seen in the last year, year and a half, a real legitimization of these views," he said. President Donald Trump's election with the support of neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan has lent a new sense of urgency to opponents of white supremacy. "The Trump election has absolutely lit a fire under the butts of the white nationalists," Martinez said. "It is like, 'Our time is coming.'" Martinez said she grew up in metro Atlanta in a relatively normal family but rebelled after being sexually assaulted at a party. She got involved in the punk scene, which led to the skinhead movement. Martinez said she was on a path to prison or an early death when she moved in with the family of her skinhead boyfriend, who was away for Army training. His mother showed unconditional love that pulled her out of the abyss, Martinez said. Today, she looks at photos of herself from her skinhead days and fights back tears. "I was filled with rage and anger and the skinheads were the angriest people that I knew and I was kind of like, 'Those are my people.' And the ideology was a means of taking something that was ethereal, something that was unnamable, an anger and a rage that I felt, and giving it a focal point," she said. Shane Johnson was born into extremism. His father and many of his father's relatives were part of the Klan, he said, so there was only one real way for him to go as a youth in northern Indiana. "We were known as the Klan family," he said. "I got my first Klan robe when I was 14." Johnson eventually joined a skinhead group in addition to the KKK but finally decided to quit after getting arrested, stopping drinking and meeting the woman who is now his wife. Leaving was a real fight, though, as even relatives jumped him at a gas station one night after learning he wanted to quit. "When I dropped out they beat the holy hell out of me," he said. Since then, Johnson has tried to cover some of his racist tattoos with new ones and wears long sleeves to hide remnants of the past he regrets. Life After Hate is helping him numerous ways, Johnson said, including showing him how to read the Bible without seeing it as a treatise on racial separation, as he had been taught. Johnson, now 25 and living in rural Indiana, isn't ready to begin counseling others about leaving extremism; he still sometimes longs for his racist buddies and their ways. But he said his own story is proof that hate doesn't have to be permanent. "You can get out," he said. ____ Associated Press video journalist Teresa Crawford in Chicago contributed to this report. AP photographer Michael Conroy contributed from Indiana. The bombers opened fire inside the court premises and threw hand grenades, local media reported. By India Today Web Desk: At least six people have been killed and several injured in multiple blasts outside a local court in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Charsadda district. Charsadda is approximately 30km away from Peshawar. The bombers opened fire inside the court premises and threw hand grenades, the Dawn reported. At least one of the explosions was a suicide blast. One attacker exploded when police fired at him, it added. advertisement The terrorists first opened fire and then hurled hand grenades while trying to enter the court premises. "A major tragedy was prevented as terrorists were stopped from entering the court," Geo News quoted Ijaz Khan, DIG Marda, as saying. A similar attack in March, 2016, killed at least 16 and injured more than 20 when a suicide bomber hit the gates of a local court building in Shabqadar district, Charsadda. Pakistan has been hit by a string of militant bombings and suicide attacks over the past 10 days, killing more than 100 people and wounding hundreds. On February 13, suicide bombers targeted Lahore killing 13 people. The attack came just days after over 90 people were killed in suicide bombing at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Pakistani media reported that security forces launched a massive crackdown on terrorist organisations following the sufi shrine blast killing and arresting many militants. However, it was unclear whether the new crackdown targeted terror groups like the Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Critics have accused Pakistan in past crackdowns of sparing militant groups that do not attack on Pakistani soil. WATCH: At least 100 killed in suicide bombing at Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Pakistan ALSO READ: After Musharraf admits using Kashmir militants as tools, Pakistan defence minister calls Hafiz Saeed a threat Sehwan shrine attack effect: Pakistan moving heavy artillery to Afghanistan border? --- ENDS --- WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court has declined to disturb the conviction of former New York City councilman Daniel Halloran on bribery and fraud charges. The justices on Tuesday rejected Halloran's appeal of his 2014 conviction for trying to help another politician buy a spot on the 2013 mayoral ballot. Halloran argued that there was not enough evidence to convict him. A federal appeals court rejected those arguments last year and upheld his 10-year prison sentence. The Queens Republican was found guilty based on evidence that he helped Democratic state Sen. Malcolm Smith bribe GOP leaders for their approval to let Smith run for mayor as a Republican. By Ruthy Munoz HOUSTON (Reuters) - Police swarmed a Houston hospital on Tuesday after reports of a shooting but found no evidence any weapon had been fired and said no one was injured in the incident. Police said they had received multiple calls about a shooter on the second floor of Ben Taub Hospital, a major healthcare center in the city. They then conducted a floor-by-floor sweep. "We have not found any evidence of a shooter yet," Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo told reporters outside the hospital. "We have not found anyone injured. We have not found a suspect." He added there were multiple witnesses who said they heard two large bangs and someone yell "drop the gun." He added: "I cant say that there was no shooting. If there was a threat, that threat is not present here now." The hospital has returned to normal operations, he said, adding SWAT officers will stay for several hours as a precaution. Live aerial coverage from Houston television station KHOU showed officers outside the facility, with several drawing their weapons, and patients on gurneys being wheeled out. James and Alma Delacruz were in the hospital's emergency room when panic set in on reports of the shooter. Staff blocked some doors with furniture and tried to remove patients through others, they said. "I was really scared," Alma Delacruz said. (Reporting by Ruthy Munoz in Houston and Jon Herskovitz in Austin; Editing by James Dalgleish) Impeach President Bannon posters have cropped up across New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco and Baltimore demanding the removal of President Donald Trumps chief political strategist Steve Bannon, according to reports Sunday. The former executive chairman of Breitbart News is accused of influencing Trump, who has rubbished the claim. The posters are courtesy of a campaign that is calling on Bannons removal from the White House. So far the campaign has raised more than $13,500 for the posters, which includes the 63-year-old in the list of U.S. presidents since Ronald Reagan. After Barack Obama, Trump's name was replaced by Bannon's in the so-called list of presidents on the posters. Our goal is to show Trump we know who is really calling the shots. To spark a media firestorm and put another bale of straw on that camels back. Its gotta break. Bannons got to go, the California-based organizers said on the campaign page. No one voted for Steve Bannon, the organizers said in a statement to Yahoo News. Yet he is the de-facto 45th president of the United States. Bannon, who does not hold an elected post, cannot be impeached. However, he can be removed as chief political strategist if Trump resigns or dies during the presidential term and the presidents successor chooses to change Trumps staff. Several reports have said that Bannon has become one of the most powerful voices in the initial days of the Trump administration. He is being criticized for having ties to the alt-right movement. He was also in charge of the drafting of the travel ban on seven Muslim-majority countries that triggered protests across the country. Last month, Bannon told the New York Times that the media should "keep its mouth shut and just listen for awhile." I want you to quote this, Bannon told the Times. The media here is the opposition party. They dont understand this country. They still do not understand why Donald Trump is the president of the United States. Related Articles Indias space agency ISRO shattered world record last week when it launched a flock of 104 satellites into space with one rocket. SEE ALSO: Fumed Indians continue to troll NYT over 2-year-old cartoon mocking their space agency The space agency has since won many hearts, and earned many fans including the billionaire Elon Musk. Amid all of this, it also won itself a lot of free pizzas. Celebrating last weeks milestone, pizzeria chain Pizza Hut offered a free pan pizza treat all ISRO employees across India yesterday. "Its a moment of great pride for us as ISRO created history and this initiative is a small token of our appreciation to put cheerful smiles on the faces who made the nation proud by achieving such an amazing feat." Unnat Varma, Managing Director Pizza Hut was quoted as saying. According to the report, Pizza Hut spent Rs 600,000 ($8,960) to treat over 2,000 ISRO employees, who were invited to visit select Pizza Hut stores. Last week, ISRO surpassed Russias space agencys previous record of launching 37 satellites into orbit with one rocket in 2014. The milestone was widely covered, and praised by other space agencies. @Floydilicious Yeah, awesome achievement by ISRO. Very impressive! Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 16, 2017 Billionaire Elon Musk also found it an "awesome achievement" and "very impressive." In a tweet, he also noted that ISRO is making India proud. Russia was set to send Iran about $1 billion worth of missile defense systems, Russian news agency Tass reported Monday. The deal was the result of a contract Iran signed with Russian defense manufacturer Rostec Corporation in 2007, but it was put on hold by Russia in 2010. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently ended the delay and paved the way for the contractual obligation for the S-300 air defense systems to be met in full starting this past November. "The S-300 cost about one billion dollars," Rostec Corporation CEO Sergey Chemezov said. "We were through with the supplies of S-300. No plans for anything are on the agenda." The timing of the resumption of the contract perhaps could not come at a better time for Iran, which Yemen has accused of trying to incite war with itself and countries in the region, Arab News reported. Iran has indeed been posturing militarily in the region recently. Tehrans Revolutionary Guard launched a series of rockets Monday, though their capabilities and intended destinations were not announced. The apparent test firing, which was touted as a major accomplishment by military officials, came amid a three-day military exercise in the country, according to Sputnik News. "Today, various classes of smart rockets with pinpoint accuracy were successfully test-fired, which showed the power of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Brig. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour said after the launches took place. Iran also conducted a different test-launching of missiles earlier this month, which prompted the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to hit the country with a set of new sanctions. That came just weeks after Iran was one of the seven Muslim-majority countries named on Trump's executive immigration order banning travel from those countries to the U.S. While that executive order was eventually struck down by the courts, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis announced Monday that a new, revamped version of the executive order would be revealed Tuesday. Related Articles BEIRUT (Reuters) - Irans Supreme Leader called on Palestinians on Tuesday to pursue an uprising against Israel, suggesting the Israeli government was a "cancerous tumor" that should be confronted until Palestinians were completely liberated. "... by Allahs permission, we will see that this intifada will begin a very important chapter in the history of fighting and that it will inflict another defeat on that usurping regime," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, according to his website. The Supreme Leaders bellicose comments, made during a two-day conference in Tehran focused on its support for the Palestinians, come at a time of increasingly heated rhetoric between Iran, Israel and the United States. While on a visit to Washington last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel and the United States had a "grand mission" to confront the threat of a nuclear Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has already been highly critical of a deal hammered out between Iran and world powers, including the United States, in 2015 intended to partially lift sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. Iran says its program is for purely peaceful means. When Iran carried out a ballistic missile test in late January, Trumps then national security adviser Mike Flynn said the administration was putting Iran "on notice". Ordinary Iranians have been posting their concerns about a possible military confrontation between Iran and the United States on social media. Khamenei did not mention any Iranian military attack against Israel in his comments on Tuesday and was focused on gains that Palestinians could make in any confrontation with Israel, which he described as tumor developing into "the current disaster". "The Palestinian intifada continues to gallop forward in a thunderous manner so that it can achieve its other goals until the complete liberation of Palestine," he said, according to the transcript of the speech posted on his website. (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh; Editing by Alison Williams) BAGHDAD (Reuters) - U.S.-backed Iraqi forces reached the vicinity of Mosul airport on Monday after dislodging Islamic State fighters from a nearby hill, the Iraqi military said in a statement. The Iraqi forces launched the offensive on Sunday to capture the west side of Mosul that remains under the control of the militants. The militants were dislodged from the eastern part of the city last month. The Iraqi forces aim to take the airport, just south of Mosul, and turn it into a close support base for the offensive into the city itself. (Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Gareth Jones) (SOUTH OF MOSUL, Iraq) Iraqi forces advanced Monday into the southern outskirts of Mosul on the second day of a push to drive Islamic State militants from the citys western half, as the visiting U.S. defense secretary met with officials to discuss the fight against the extremists. With aerial support from the U.S.-led coalition, Iraqi police and army troops launched the offensive Sunday, part of a 100-day-old campaign that has already driven the militants from the eastern half of the city. Iraqi helicopters fired rockets at the village of Abu Saif early Monday, targeting a hill that overlooks the citys airport. By noon, the forces entered the village and gained control over much of the strategic hill as fighting was still raging. Separately, militarized police in armored vehicles were moving toward the sprawling Ghazlani military base on the southwestern outskirts of the city. A U.S.-led coalition has been providing close air support throughout the campaign to retake Iraqs second-largest city. U.S. special operations forces are embedded with some Iraqi units and thousands of U.S. troops are in Iraq providing logistical and other support. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis was holding discussions with U.S. and Iraqi officials, a week before he is expected to present a new strategy to President Donald Trump for defeating the Islamic State group. Were going to make certain that weve got good situational awareness of what we face as we work together and fight alongside each other, Mattis told reporters traveling with him. Trump has repeatedly vowed to eliminate the extremist group but has provided few details about how his approach might differ from that of the Obama administration, which had partnered with Syrian and Iraqi forces to drive IS out of several towns and cities. The battle for western Mosul, the extremist groups last major urban bastion in Iraq, is expected to be the most daunting yet. Story continues The streets are older and narrower in that sector of the city, which stretches west from the Tigris River, forcing Iraqi soldiers to leave the relative safety of their armored vehicles. The presence of up to 750,000 civilians also poses a challenge. Two suicide car bombers struck army and paramilitary forces west of Mosul on Monday, killing and wounding a number of troops, two army officers said, without specifying the number of casualties. A third suicide car bomber was blown up before reaching the troops, they said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media. IS claimed responsibility for two attacks in an online statement, saying the attackers were British and Iraqi. ___ Associated Press writers Lolita C. Baldor and Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad and Maamoun Youssef in Cairo contributed to this report. The panther attacked cattle and people in the nearby villages of Sariska forest. By India Today Web Desk: A 10-year-old leopard, known to have mauled several people, was today caught near Jaipur in Rajasthan. The feline reportedly strayed between Jaitpur and Sila in the past 10 days. Sources said that the panther had lost one of its canine teeth and was unable to hunt. The leopard attacked cattle and people in the nearby villages. According to sources, the animal scavenged in the mountains during the day and attacked villagers in the night. The panther has been sent to Jaipur rescue centre. advertisement A massive search operation was carried out after about six people were killed in the regions near Sariska forest. Several teams of the forest department have been conducting extensive combing in the area since last week. Drone cameras too were deployed to track the beast. Earlier on Saturday, another leopard was caught near Sariska after a search operation was carried out. Also read: Panther dies after being hit by vehicle in Rajasthan --- ENDS --- Tel Aviv (AFP) - An Israeli military court on Tuesday sentenced a soldier to 18 months in prison for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian assailant who lay on the ground, sparking criticism from rights groups. Defence lawyers announced an appeal and right-wing Israeli ministers immediately called for a pardon, while the Palestinian government and the victim's family condemned the sentence as too lenient. Judge Maya Heller handed down the sentence a month after Elor Azaria, 21, was found guilty of manslaughter for killing Abdul Fatah al-Sharif in the southern occupied West Bank in March last year. He also received 18 months in suspended sentences and was demoted from sergeant to private. Heller said the panel of three judges had taken into account mitigating factors including the "harm suffered by his family" and the fact Azaria was in "hostile territory" when the shooting occurred. She added, however, that he had not expressed remorse for his actions. Azaria will begin his sentence on March 5, the court announced. He has already spent more than 10 months confined to an Israeli military base but this is not included as time served, the court ruling said. Azaria and his family didn't react in court as the sentence was passed down. The March 2016 shooting in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron was caught on video by a rights group and spread widely online. It showed Sharif, 21, lying wounded on the ground, shot along with another Palestinian after stabbing and wounding a soldier, according to the army. Azaria then shoots him in the head without any apparent provocation. - Calls for pardon - Azaria says he feared Sharif was wearing an explosive belt and could blow himself up, taking nearby soldiers and onlookers with him, a claim judges rejected. The case, which came against the backdrop of a wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks that erupted in October 2015, has stirred controversy. Some on the right have defended the soldier, a French-Israeli national, but military officials said the trial was important to maintain the institution's reputation. Story continues Azaria entered the packed courtroom to applause from friends. Dressed in military uniform and smiling broadly, he hugged family members and his girlfriend. Outside the court, around 100 right-wing demonstrators protested against the trial. As the verdict was read out the family sat still but afterwards they sang the Israeli national anthem together. Defence attorney Ilan Katz told reporters outside the courtroom they would appeal the manslaughter conviction as it was "more severe than the punishment he got". Right-wing Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Culture Minister Miri Regev led calls for a pardon. "Israel's security demands he be pardoned," Bennett wrote on Twitter. "Elor was sent to protect Israelis at the height of a wave of Palestinian terror attacks. He cannot go to jail or we will all pay the price." Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called on people to respect the ruling. But he said: "You have, on the one hand, an exemplary soldier, and on the other, a terrorist who tried to kill Jews". There was no immediate reaction from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has previously said he too favours a pardon. - Verdict a 'farce' - A source close to President Reuven Rivlin, who could hand down the pardon, said no such request had been made as yet. The reaction from Palestinians and rights groups, however, was anger and disappointment. A spokesman for the Palestinian government told AFP the sentence was a "green light to the occupation army to continue its crimes". Sharif's father Yusri told journalists at the family home near Hebron in the southern West Bank the sentence was a "farce". "What does a year and a half mean? Was he an animal to be killed like this, in this barbaric way?" Magdalena Mughrabi from Amnesty International said Azaria's initial conviction had "offered a glimmer of hope for accountability for unlawful killings by Israeli forces". "(But) the 18-month sentence for Elor Azaria does not reflect the gravity of the offence." Sari Bashi, Israel and Palestine advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, called the conviction an "important message about reining in excessive use of force". She warned, however, that pardoning him would "encourage impunity". The trial opened last May at a military courtroom in Tel Aviv's Jaffa district but later moved inside to a tightly guarded military complex. TOKYO (Reuters) - A Japanese kindergarten that has ties to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's wife, Akie, has apologized over online comments that domestic media described as possible hate speech against Koreans and Chinese people. The private Tsukamoto kindergarten in Osaka, western Japan, has been visited by Akie Abe and is operated by Moritomo Gakuen, an educational institution that plans to open an elementary school in April with the prime minister's wife as honorary principal. Kyodo news agency reported on Friday that the kindergarten had apologized after referring to "irresponsible" South Korean and Chinese parents on its home page. "We apologize for expressions about foreigners that caused misunderstanding," the kindergarten said on its web site. The school, however, denounced "unjust, slanderous and defamatory Internet-based articles about this kindergarten" and it said it would keep fighting against "malicious criticism". Criticism of Korean residents and Chinese people is a common feature of right-wing rhetoric in Japan, where ethnic homogeneity has been a source of pride for many conservatives. Separately, the Osaka prefectural government is considering whether to take action over derogatory expressions about Koreans living in Japan and Chinese used by the kindergarten in a document sent to students' parents last year, an Osaka official said. The Tsukamoto kindergarten aims to instill in its 3- to 5-year-old students a sense of patriotism with a curriculum focused on Japanese traditions and culture. Abe was grilled in parliament last week about possible ties to Moritomo Gakuen, including whether he knew his name had been used to solicit donations for the elementary school. Abe said then he had rejected a request to have the school bear his name because it was not appropriate for an incumbent lawmaker and was unaware his name had been used in seeking donations. An official at the prime minister's office declined comment on any specific remarks by the school because they had not seen them. But the official, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the subject, added: "When it comes to the issue of discrimination based on nationality, ethnicity or race, it cannot be tolerated and it is extremely important to have consideration for others and to have mutual understanding." Yasunori Kagoike, the principal of the kindergarten and president of Moritomo Gakuen, heads the Osaka branch of Nippon Kaigi, or Japan Conference, a nationalist lobby group with close ties to the prime minister and his cabinet. Kindergarten officials were not available for comment. (Reporting by Linda Sieg and Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Robert Birsel) By Brendan O'Brien MILWAUKEE (Reuters) - Several Jewish community centers (JCC) across the United States were evacuated for a time on Monday after receiving bomb threats, the latest wave of threatened attacks against them this year, the national umbrella organization said. Some 11 centers including those in the Houston, Chicago and Milwaukee areas received phoned-in bomb threats that were later determined to be hoaxes, said David Posner, a director at JCC Association of North America who advises centers on security. No arrests were made and no one was injured. All of the centers returned to normal operations, Posner said in a statement. The FBI was investigating the incidents, Posner said. Officials at the FBI were not immediately available for comment. Officials at the Harry and Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin, north of Milwaukee, received a bomb threat at 10:15 a.m. local time, the second such incident at the center over the last three weeks, it said on Twitter. "Taking very cautious measures, we are sheltering in our gym, as has been recommended," the Milwaukee JCC said in a text message sent to parents of children who attend the preschool at the center, according to an NBC affiliate in Milwaukee. The center reopened two hours later, the center said on Twitter. Monday's incidents come after three waves of bomb threats in 2017. In all, 69 incidents at 54 JCCs in 27 states and one Canadian province have been reported, according to the JCC Association of North America. "We are concerned about the anti-Semitism behind these threats, and the repetition of threats intended to interfere with day-to-day life," Posner said. Jewish community centers typically offer after-school activities, fitness programs and various other services. Over the weekend, the headstones at the graves of about 170 Jews were vandalized in the St. Louis area, the Washington Post reported. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Editing by Robert Birsel) CAIRO (AP) Jordan and Egypt are reasserting support for a Palestinian state, days after U.S. President Donald Trump said that peace in the Middle East does not necessarily depend on a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a statement issued Tuesday during a meeting in Cairo with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, King Abdullah II says that the two sides agreed that any proposals not based on a two-state solution would have serious implications for the region. They say the peace process must be relaunched with the two-state solution as the "only solution for ending the conflict." Trump said last week he could accept a two-state solution or a single-state arrangement if it is agreed upon by all sides. Administration officials later said the U.S. absolutely supports a two-state solution. Paris (AFP) - A diamond that "everyone was scared to sell": More than a month after French police arrested the suspected robbers of TV star Kim Kardashian, investigators are piecing together what happened -- they just haven't found the jewels yet. Ten suspects were charged last month in connection with the hold-up of the reality star, who was robbed at gunpoint in October of jewellery worth nine million euros ($9.5 million) while she was staying at a luxury residence for Paris fashion week. Those arrested in Paris and the south of France include Aomar Ait Khedache, known as "Old Omar", thought to be the ringleader of the gang. In questioning, the 60-year-old said the prize of the haul -- a ring with an 18.88-carat, nearly flawless diamond, was too "identifiable" to sell. He told investigators he gave the four-million-euro ring to someone whose identity he refuses to divulge, according to statements from his questioning seen by AFP. Five men, some wearing jackets with police insignia, held Kardashian at gunpoint on the night of October 2, making off with several pieces of gold and diamond jewellery as well as the ring. One of the robbers, Yunis Abbas, fleeing the scene on a bicycle, dropped a diamond-encrusted cross worth 30,000 euros, which was found by a passer-by a few hours later. It remains the only piece to be recovered from the heist. - Melted gold - Khedache told investigators that the other jewellery was dismantled, with the gold melted down into bars. "There must have been 800 or so grams, worth 25,000 or 28,000 euros," he said, in testimony revealed by Le Monde newspaper last month. As for the remaining diamonds, a source close to the inquiry told AFP they had probably been sold. After the robbery the police quickly turned their focus to Antwerp in Belgium, where another suspect, 64-year-old Marceau Baum-Gartner -- known as "Shredded Nose" -- went on eight occasions between October 7 and December 23. Story continues Khedache accompanied him on two of those visits to Antwerp, a jewellery-trading hub. "It seems that Marceau was having trouble getting rid of the loot during his first trips, and the situation with 'Omar' got tense," the source said. Unaware that their phones were tapped, Khedache was heard telling Baum-Gartner in November that the ring's sale "was supposed to be done within eight days... it's been a month." On December 5, Khedache gave three of his accomplices an advance on the sale. Three days later, he went once again to Antwerp with Baum-Gartner. Investigators think most of the pieces were sold during the trip, because several of the suspects started spending freely. Some bought cars, while Baum-Gartner asked a property agent about buying land on a 100,000 euro budget. But most of the gang never saw the colour of the money. On January 9 the police arrested 17 people, most of them with ties to organised crime, and the raids turned up a total of 250,000 euros. Ten suspects have been charged, but only Khedache and Abbas have admitted taking part in the robbery. The eight others deny any involvement. Two Shetland ponies from Devon, UK, were taken on the boat trip of a lifetime to trace their ancestral roots in the Shetland Islands in Scotland. Albert and Ernie went on a Who Do You Think You Are-style trip with their owner Emma Massingale a horse whisperer where they met their distant relatives and ran wild with the local herd. SEE ALSO: A woman is knitting tiny wool jumpers to keep her chickens warm Ernie who was rescued four years ago from Bodmin Moor in Cornwall by Massingale is related to one of the first Shetland ponies on the Shetland islands. Image: Malcolm Snelgrove/SWNS.com "The Shetland ponies are very special as they aren't much bigger than a large family dog, this got me thinking: How come they are so small?" Massingale explained. She was keen to explore the history of Shetland ponies and how they live in the wild. "I took Albert and Ernie on a boat out to a remote island where a wild herd runs free, so that Albert and Ernie could meet some ponies their own size and I could learn more about them," says Massingale. Image: Emma Massingale/SWNS.COM The ponies' boat trip mirrored the historic way Shetland ponies were moved from one island to another by boat. The ponies travelled via motorboat to the islands northeast of mainland Scotland. But, it wasn't easy. They had to battle high winds and large pods of orca. Massingale and the ponies had practiced boating on a local lake beforehand to see what they made of travelling by boat. Image: Emma Massingale/SWNS.COM "The first time we tried, Albert got his front feet on the boat but left his back feet off, but they were really good by the end. Ernie had a little look but then hopped straight on." Image: Emma Massingale/SWNS.COM During the adventure, Massingale and the ponies tried out some of the old traditions that their ancestors would have been involved in. She, flanked by her ponies, collected peat, made fishing lines to catch dinner and learned about the role of Shetlands in crofting, a form of farming. Now, that's a beautiful tail of adventure. President Donald Trump on Monday appointed Lt. Gen. H. R. McMaster to be his new national security adviser, announcing a replacement for Mike Flynn, who was asked to resign last week. Flynn sparked controversy when it was revealed he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about the content of his conversations with the Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Heres what to know about McMaster: He comes from a military background McMaster, 54, is the latest military leader to join Trumps administration, which already includes two retired generals, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. McMaster, who is director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center, will remain on active military duty while serving as national security adviser, the Associated Press reported. He graduated from West Point and earned a doctorate in military history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was critical of the Vietnam War McMaster wrote a well-known book in 1997, titled Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies that Led to Vietnam. He criticized the U.S. government for the Vietnam War and argued that the Joint Chiefs should have pushed back against President Lyndon B. Johnson. We must address the question of responsibility for one of the greatest American foreign policy disasters of the twentieth century, he wrote in the book. McMaster served twice in Iraq He earned a Silver Star after commanding a unit during one of the most significant battles of the Persian Gulf war in 1991, the New York Times reported. He later returned to Iraq from 2005 to 2006, leading an operation to regain control of Tal Afar and serving as special adviser to the top U.S. commander in Iraq, according to the AP. Republicans praised his appointment Arizona Sen. John McCain, who has been critical of other aspects of Trumps administration, called McMaster an outstanding choice and a man of genuine intellect, character, and ability. I could not imagine a better, more capable national security team than the one we have right now, said McCain, a veteran who was held for more than five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. A German court sentenced a South Korean woman to six years in jail for the death of her cousin who was beaten and suffocated during an attempted exorcism in a Frankfurt hotel room. Four other family members accused of taking part in the ritual, including the female victim's now 16-year-old son, were handed suspended sentences ranging from 18 months to two years, national news agency DPA reported. Prosecutors said the victim, 41, named in court as Seonhwa P, was set upon after she began talking to herself and lashing out during a hotel stay in December 2015, leading the accused to attempt the "exorcism". The woman's chest and stomach were beaten while she was gagged first with a towel and then a cloth-covered coat hanger during a two-hour ordeal, they said. The victim suffered "massive chest compression and trauma to the neck" and died of asphyxiation. Judges at the district court in the western city of Frankfurt found the victim's 44-year-old cousin, described as the main perpetrator, guilty of inflicting bodily harm causing death. The guilty woman, named as Doean K., had "taken it upon herself to decide over life and death", prosecutor Nadja Boettinger said during the trial. Also accused were her son, 22, and daughter, 19, as well as a 16-year-old cousin. In delivering his ruling, the presiding judge said the family had acted in the belief that they were chasing away the victim's demons, calling it "a tragic case", according to DPA. After finding the woman's body at the hotel, police at the time also discovered a possible second victim in the garage of a house the group had rented in the town of Sulzbach. The second woman, who was found alive, was badly injured and suffering from hypothermia and dehydration. World and anti-Trumps came together to commemorate the former US President on the President's Day to express their contempt towards the current commander-in-chief. They wished each other a happy Obama Day on the occasion instead. By India Today Web Desk: Every year's third Monday of February is a holiday to celebrate Washington's birthday. This time, people instead celebrated Obama and his legacy. Also in an attempt to publicly criticise the 45th President of the the United Sates of America, people on Twitter commemorated the former US President. On President's Day, thousands protested against Donald Trump across the US, and raised banners which read 'Not My President'. advertisement #FYI || President's Day: Thousands protest against Donald Trump across the US, say 'Not My President' || While Donald Trump wished the country a happy President's Day, people wished the former President Barack Obama a happy one and 'not their president'. HAPPY OBAMA DAY EVERYBODY???? We love you Mr. President!!#ObamaDay pic.twitter.com/YlxIMIoQVU #ObamaDay when your not the president anymore and still get a day. pic.twitter.com/UFLd7euiPs Happy Presidents Day! pic.twitter.com/4mYa8IHjUR Jordan Uhl (@JordanUhl) February 20, 2017 I'm Every Woman (@ebpersons) February 20, 2017 Earlier this month, Illinois legislators even discussed making August 4, which is Obama's birthday, a state holiday. --- ENDS --- NEW YORK (AP) The Latest on the sudden death of the Russian ambassador to the United Nations (all times local): 10:55 a.m. The New York City medical examiner is performing an autopsy on Russia's ambassador to the United Nations after his sudden death. Vitaly Churkin fell ill Monday in his office and was rushed to a New York City hospital, where he died. The hospital referred the case to the medical examiner's office, which was slated to perform the autopsy Tuesday. The agency is tasked with investigating deaths of people in New York City that occur by accident, suddenly or when in apparent good health, or suspiciously. Most of the cases taken on by the medical examiner's office end up being death by natural causes. Churkin died a day before his 65th birthday and was remembered as a tenacious diplomat who passionately argued for his nation's best interests. ___ 12:15 a.m. Russia's ambassador to the United Nations who died suddenly after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission is being remembered by his diplomatic colleagues as a powerful and passionate voice for his nation. Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov, says Vitaly Churkin was taken to a hospital, where he died Monday. Churkin would have turned 65 Tuesday. The cause of his death was not immediately known. Churkin had been Russia's envoy at the United Nations since 2006. He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the U.N.'s most powerful body. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called him "a uniquely skilled diplomat, a powerful orator with great wit, and a man of many talents and interests." Colleagues from around the world mourned Churkin as a master in their field. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) The Latest on four people killed in the rural eastern Mississippi community of Toomsuba (all times local): 3:30 p.m. Authorities say a mother, her two adult daughters and a grandson were killed at a home in eastern Mississippi. Lauderdale County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Ward Calhoun says authorities are questioning people, but have no suspects yet in the shooting deaths. Authorities believe the killings in the Toomsuba community happened sometime Monday night. Calhoun identified the slain as 65-year-old Edna Durr and her daughters, Tomecca Pickett, 42, and Kiearra Durr, 27. Also killed was Pickett's 5-year-old son, Owen Pickett. Kierra Durr's 3-year-old daughter was not shot and survived the attack. Calhoun says the bodies have been taken to Mississippi's state crime lab for autopsies. He says investigators continue to search the property for evidence. The deputy has said there was no sign of forced entry, and authorities don't think the shootings were part of a murder-suicide. Neighbors called police after they got no answer at the house Tuesday. ___ Noon Investigators say a 5-year-old boy and three of his family members were shot to death at a home in eastern Mississippi. Lauderdale County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Ward Calhoun says investigators are pursuing "numerous leads" after the child and the bodies of three women were found in the community of Toomsuba, near the Alabama state line. Authorities have not released a motive or the names of the slain. They say they do not think the shootings were part of a murder-suicide. They haven't identified a suspect. A younger child was found unharmed at the home and taken to a hospital. Neighbors called police after they got no answer at the house Tuesday. Calhoun says a deputy found broken glass and forced his way inside, finding the bodies. ___ 11 a.m. Authorities say three women and a child have died in a shooting at a home in eastern Mississippi. Story continues Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler says the four people were discovered Tuesday morning with gunshot wounds. Cobler says he has yet to examine the bodies, and did not release names or ages. He says another child was found physically unharmed at the home and taken to a local hospital. It's unclear what prompted the shooting. Cobler says neighbors called a sheriff's deputy to the home after they didn't see any activity there Monday. Cobler says the deputy found a shattered screen door with a bullet hole. The home is about 5 miles from the Alabama state line. BERLIN/MOSCOW (Reuters) - The leader of Germany's far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) held talks with Russian officials during a visit to Moscow at the weekend, including with an ultra-nationalist ally of President Vladimir Putin, a spokesman said on Tuesday. Frauke Petry, whose party is expected to enter parliament for the first time after a federal election on Sept. 24, discussed possible cooperation between Russian and German regional assemblies with her hosts. Her spokesman Oliver Lang said the two sides did not discuss possible financial assistance for the AfD and that there will be more meetings. France's far-right National Front (FN) party in 2014 borrowed 9 million euros ($9.48 million) from Moscow-based First Czech-Russian bank. The bank has lost its license to operate and Russia has started legal proceedings to recover the loan. FN leader Marine Le Pen said that, unlike mainstream parties, the FN had not managed to secure any loans from French banks. Potential Russian influence over western elections has become a sensitive issue since U.S. intelligence agencies accused their Russian counterparts of seeking to disrupt the U.S. election through hacking and cyber attacks. Moscow has denied the allegations. Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the ultra-nationalist leader of the pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party of Russia and a fan of U.S. President Donald Trump, was present at the talks with Petry, a statement posted on the Russian parliament website said. Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of the Duma lower house, and his deputy Pyotr Tolstoy were also there. The Duma statement said Volodin and Petry discussed "cooperation of regional parliaments and parties as well as improving contacts between youth organizations". Petry was invited to Russia by local authorities in Moscow, the statement said. The AfD has seats in 10 of Germany's 16 regional parliaments and is expected to become the third-largest party in the Bundestag lower house after the federal election in seven months. Austria's far-right Freedom Party (FPO) in December offered to act as a go-between for Trump and Putin after signing a cooperation agreement with the Russian president's party. (Reporting by Hans-Edzard Busemann in Berlin and Maria Tsvetkova in Moscow; Writing by Joseph Nasr, editing by Ed Osmond) By Garba Muhammed KADUNA, Nigeria (Reuters) - At least 14 people were killed in central Nigeria, a government spokesman said on Tuesday, in fighting over grazing land and water, piling pressure on authorities already facing an Islamist insurgency in its northeast and rebels in the oil-rich south. Semi-nomadic herders shot dead at least 14 villagers and destroyed property in attacks over a 24 hour period in southern Kaduna state, Samuel Aruwan, a spokesman for the governor of Kaduna, said in a statement. Kaduna - a flashpoint for north-south, Muslim-Christian frictions - has in recent months seen the worst violence since 800 people were killed in riots after elections in 2011. Aruwan said a curfew "became necessary to protect life and property and avoid the further breakdown of law and order". "Only essential workers and those on humanitarian services are allowed movement after due clearance by security agencies," he said. The fighting over scarce resources comes at a particularly sensitive time for Kaduna city, which is about to become the main air hub in central and northern Nigeria, as the capital Abuja's airport closes for runway repairs in March. The Kaduna state government said on Monday a garrison commander from the Nigerian Army's First Division had been sent to the southern region to coordinate a response to such attacks. (Writing by Paul Carsten; Editing by Louise Ireland) Lindsay Lohan says she was racially profiled at Londons Heathrow Airport after flying in from Turkey because she was wearing a headscarf. The Mean Girls actress, 30, said she was stopped by a woman who asked her to take her headscarf off. She opened my passport and saw Lindsay Lohan and started immediately apologizing, but then said But please take off your headscarf,' Lohan told U.K. television show Good Morning Britain. She added: And I did, its okay. But what scared me was in that moment how would another woman who doesnt feel comfortable taking off her headscarf feel? Lohan, who has been photographed carrying a Koran and says she finds solace studying the Muslim holy book, said she didnt know why she was asked to take her headscarf off but found the experience really jarring. She told hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid: Im from New York Im born and raised there, but I was a little intimidated. When Reid asked the Parent Trap star why she was wearing the headscarf, she said it was out of respect for the Turkish women she had met with on her trip. I was leaving Turkey and when I see certain people I feel more comfortable acting the same way as the other women thats just a personal respect issue for me that I have, she said. When Morgan asked Lohan about her views on President Donald Trump, Lohan said she thought he should be given a fair chance. I dont agree with his policies and the things he is doing, she said. But at the end of the day he is the president right now. So whats the point of picking on someone instead of seeing what theyre capable or not capable of. However, she added that she did think his Twitter account should be taken away or deleted. Watch the clip below: Lindsay Lohan is turning heads again, but this time its for a reason a lot more serious than her accent. While visiting Good Morning Britain, hosts Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid asked the actress a series of questions about Islam, Trump's presidency and Lohan's experience reading the Quran. But what was particularly interesting was Lohan's claims of being singled out at an airport because she was wearing a headscarf. SEE ALSO: Somali-American teen wears hijab on Kanye West's Yeezy NYFW show She explained that while flying into New York recently, she got stopped because of her headscarf and was double-checked by security. Lohan doesn't always wear one, but said she happened to don one out of "personal respect" while leaving Turkey, where she had met with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The actress explained that she eventually took off the scarf after airport personnel asked her to, but the experience was jarring. "What scared me was, in that moment, how would another woman who does not feel comfortable enough taking off her headscarf, feel? That was really interesting to me," Lohan said. "I was a little intimidated." Whether or not she asked to remove the scarf, Lohan would not have been required to comply according to the British government's airport rights. "If youre wearing headgear for religious or cultural reasons, you can ask for it to be checked using a hand-held scanner so you dont have to remove it," a government website states. Something to keep in mind next time, Lohan. By Press Trust of India: Jodhpur, Feb 20 (PTI) The Indian Air Force today denied permission to a private airline to operate its flight from here to Jaisalmer citing security reasons. Following this the airline threatened to initiating legal action against the IAF for "disrupting" the flight and "causing monetary loss" to it. "A private airline, which had sought permission to operate a non-scheduled flight to Jaisalmer, could not be permitted due to failure on its part to fulfill requisite conditions pertaining to safety of the aircraft and passengers as per the guidelines and non-coordination of ground logistics prior to flight operation," Defence spokesperson Lt Col Manish Ojha said tonight. advertisement He said IAF accords highest priority to the safety and security of passengers travelling on such airlines. Operations of the Jaisalmer airport is under the control of IAF. The airline alleged that the IAF disrupted its operations at Jaisalmer airport. It claimed that it has suffered monetary loss due to non-clearance of the flight by the COO of Jaisalmer Air Force base, and threatened legal measures. PTI SDA NSD --- ENDS --- As numerous restaurant employees were given leave on Thursday to march in "A Day Without Immigrants" protests, others returned to their posts Friday to discover that they were out of a job. Across the U.S. employers fired hundreds of protesters who skipped work to participate in rallies. Eighteen employees at Bradley Coatings, a company specializing in industrial coatings, were let go after not showing up for work, according to an NBC affiliate. The company noted in a statement that the employees were not terminated for attending the protests but for being absent. "This past Wednesday night, certain employees of BCI informed their leadership that they would not be at work the following day," the company said in a statement. "Because of the time-sensitive nature of the jobs these employees were assigned to, all employees were told that they would need to show up for work or they would be terminated. On Thursday, the majority of BCI's employees fulfilled their obligations to our clients, but eighteen employees did not. Regretfully, and consistent with its prior communication to all its employees, BCI had no choice but to terminate these individuals." Twenty-one people were fired for missing work at Encore Boat Builders in Lexington, South Carolina. At least 31 workers were let go from Colorado-based JVS Masonry for not showing up Thursday. A dozen employees at I Don't Care Bar and Grill in Oklahoma were also fired for not notifying their employer that they would be taking the day off. Twenty-five workers at Ben's Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant and Caterers in Long Island, New York were fired, according to Telemundo 47. In a statement to CNBC, the restaurant disputed the claim, noting in a statement that the employers let workers go who were threatening other employees who had opted not to walk out. People took to Twitter in the following days to comment about the series of firings. Also From CNBC Watch The Profit on Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. More From CNBC By Press Trust of India: Allahabad, Feb 21 (PTI) A sea of humanity flooded the streets of the Sangam city on the last day of campaigning for fourth phase of assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh today, with road shows conducted by Rahul Gandhi with ally Akhilesh Yadav and BJP president Amit Shah. Rahul had stayed overnight at the historic Swaraj Bhavan here, the birth place of his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, after holding a rally at Koraon in the districts trans-Yamuna region last evening. advertisement He was joined this noon by the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister for their road show, which commenced at the Balson Chauraha (crossing) facing the historic Anand Bhavan. Perched atop a Mercedes bus, the leaders were greeted by a large number of young supporters of the Congress and the state?s ruling Samajwadi Party who raised slogans like "UP ko ye saath pasand hai" (UP likes this alliance) and "Kaam bolta hai" (Work speaks for itself). As they headed towards the Allahabad University (AU) campus, a palpable enthusiasm was seen among the students. Two candidates in the city fielded by the Congress-SP combine ? two-time MLA Anugrah Narayan Singh from Allahabad (North) and debutant Richa Singh from Allahabad (West)- have formerly been presidents of the AU students union. Besides, the Chief Ministers cousin and Badaun MP Dharmendra Yadav, who stood beside the two leaders during the road show, has been an AU alumnus. Towards the close of the road show on Station Road, the two leaders made very short speeches. The leaders said they will form the next government in the state and claimed the momentum gained by their alliance had made Prime Minister Narendra Modi jittery. A road show was held by BJP president Amit Shah, who started the day with a rally in Soraon ? a predominantly rural assembly segment in the district?s trans-Ganga region, followed by a brief public meeting at Mundera Mandi in the city in support of party national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh, who has been fielded from Allahabad (West). Lively crowds came out on streets to join the road show, raising slogans in support of the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shah was joined by the partys state unit chief Keshav Prasad Maurya whose Phulpur parliamentary constituency covers a major part of the city. Schools across the district were today ordered closed by District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar as traffic snarls were expected. Officials on election duty were also conducting poll-related exercises. Polling for all the 12 assembly constituencies in Allahabad, the largest number for any district in the state, will be held on February 23. PTI NAC RT --- ENDS --- advertisement Frances far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen canceled a meeting with Lebanons grand mufti on Tuesday after refusing to wear a headscarf for the encounter. The media office of Lebanons grand mufti, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian, told Reuters they were surprised by her refusal seeing as Le Pens aides were told beforehand that a headscarf would be required for the meeting. But Le Pen told reporters that she hadnt been required to wear a headscarf when she met Egypts top cleric in 2015. I met the grand mufti of Al-Azhar, she said. The highest Sunni authority didnt have this requirement, but it doesnt matterYou can pass on my respects to the grand mufti, but I will not cover myself up. The National Front leader, who is on a three-day visit to Lebanon, met with Christian President Michel Aoun and Sunni Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri on Monday. French law currently bans headscarves for high school pupils and those in public service. Le Pen wants headscarves banished from all public places. [Reuters] We all know that Mark Zuckerberg's resolution for 2017 is to visit and meet people in every U.S. state by the end of the year. SEE ALSO: 14 best quotes about Facebook's master plan from Mark Zuckerberg's press tour Faithful to his "personal challenge," the Facebook CEO posted a picture of him and his wife Priscilla Chan as they walk along the arcade of a town in Alabama, while reading a local newspaper. Along with the image, he offered a tribute to local newspapers and journalists who "work tirelessly and sometimes put their lives in danger to surface the truth." "Today Priscilla and I stopped by some local newspapers as we drove through Alabama," he wrote. "The folks there were working hard over President's Day weekend to keep their communities informed. It seems like a good time to say thank you to all the journalists around the world who work tirelessly and sometimes put their lives in danger to surface the truth." "I don't always agree with everything you say, but that's how democracy is supposed to work." "I know I join many people in America and across the world in thanking you for your work." However, someone on Twitter found it ironic that the founder of Facebook, which many people credit as being indirectly responsible for the shutdown of many local papers, was praising journalists. So he rewrote the post in a hilarious parody: Wow Mark, is this really the best way to connect with rural America? pic.twitter.com/1kJVlb4aN9 Pixelated Boat (@pixelatedboat) February 21, 2017 The spoof post was SO realistic that many people actually believed it: @pixelatedboat I hope that's a joke. Just because you have money doesn't make it right to treat people in a degrading manner Peter J Pierre (@PJPsych) February 21, 2017 @rjkucia @pixelatedboat then he is a horrible person Peter J Pierre (@PJPsych) February 21, 2017 @pixelatedboat I'm going to go on Facebook to tell my friends to boycott all Mark Zuckerburg products Max Rieper (@maxrieper) February 21, 2017 @pixelatedboat What's sad (and hillarious) is how long it took me to realize this was from this account, because it made sense. WinterinMcLeoud (@Carin_McLeoud) February 21, 2017 @pixelatedboat Is this a real revelation of something Mark Zuckerberg did, or what he does metaphorically? Either way result is the same. Russell S. Day (@Transcendian) February 21, 2017 @pixelatedboat and the fact he may run for prez in 2020, anything goes Kristin (@kronos251) February 21, 2017 After the Mona Lisa, Italy's most beloved and enduring gift to world culture might be the meatball. But talk to any two Italian cooks about which ingredients actually comprise a meatball and you're going to get an argument. Fine. I took this contentiousness as a license to concoct a meatball recipe of my own using the best tips from Italian friends and colleagues. Let's start with the meat in this meatball. Ideally, it should be an equal mix of beef, pork and veal, allowing each one to contribute its own unique flavor and texture. If you can't find ground veal at your supermarket, opt for the meatloaf mix, which contains all three meats. If there's no ground veal and no meatloaf mix, you'll be fine with half pork and half beef. To amp up the flavor to an even higher level, I've prescribed several umami bombs: prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano and tomato paste. And of course, minced garlic. Tradition requires meatballs to be cooked well done, which can make them dry. Accordingly, I've combined the meat mixture with a panade. Panade, a paste made of breadcrumbs soaked in milk, keeps the meat juicy as the meatballs cook. Of course, when you make meatballs, you want them to retain their shape. A raw egg helps to bind the ingredients, but you also want to be sure to mix them rigorously, either in a stand mixer or with your hands. Refrigerating the meatballs for 30 minutes before sauteing them also helps. The finishing touch is to simmer the meatballs in the tomato sauce. This process allows for an exchange of flavors. Indeed, I think of it as a marriage. Both the meatballs and the sauce benefit greatly. This hearty dish is tailor-made for a blustery late-winter dinner. There won't be much argument at the table about its deliciousness. BETTER MEATBALLS Start to finish: 2 hours, 15 minutes (1 hour, 15 minutes active) Servings: 6 3/4 cup fresh bread crumbs 1/2 cup whole milk 1/2 pound ground beef (85 percent lean) Story continues 1/2 pound ground pork 1/2 pound ground veal 2 ounces prosciutto, finely chopped 2 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, plus extra for garnish 1 large egg 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 teaspoons minced garlic 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons vegetable oil plus extra for cooking the little patty 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup red wine Marinara Sauce (recipe below) or 5 cups store-bought marinara 1 pound spaghetti Chopped fresh parsley for garnish In the bowl of a stand mixer, soak the bread crumbs in the milk for 20 minutes. Add the ground beef, pork, veal, prosciutto, Parmigiano-Reggiano, egg, tomato paste, garlic, salt and pepper, and using a paddle attachment, beat the mixture for 1 minute or until it is very well mixed. (Note: If you don't have a stand mixer, just mix all the ingredients well with your hands for about 3 minutes.) Pinch off a little bit of the meat mixture, form it into a patty and in a small skillet saute it until it is cooked through. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if desired. Scoop out the mixture, preferably using a 1-ounce ice cream scoop and roll into balls. (If you don't have an ice cream scoop, roll the meat into walnut-size balls.) Chill for 30 minutes. In a large skillet heat half the oil over medium-high heat. Toss half the meatballs in the flour, shaking off the excess and add them to the hot oil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook the meatballs, shaking the pan and turning them gently until they are browned on several sides. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat the procedure with the remaining flour, oil and meatballs. Add the wine to the skillet and simmer it, scraping up the brown bits, until it is reduced by half. In a large saucepan combine the meatballs with the marinara and the reduced wine. Bring the liquid just up to a boil, turn it down to a simmer and simmer it gently, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes. Speedy Marinara Sauce Makes: About 5 cups 4 large garlic cloves, smashed 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 2 (28-ounce) cans plum tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted), chopped Kosher salt In an unheated medium saucepan combine the garlic and the oil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, turning over the garlic several times, until it is just golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Add the red pepper flakes and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and a hefty pinch of salt, bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cook at a brisk simmer until the sauce is reduced to about 5 cups, 20 to 25 minutes. Discard the garlic. Season with salt to taste. ___ Nutrition information per serving of the meatballs: 739 calories; 223 calories from fat; 25 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 128 mg cholesterol; 874 mg sodium; 78 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 5 g sugar; 43 g protein. Nutrition information per serving of the sauce: 628 calories; 346 calories from fat; 38 g fat (5 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 493 mg sodium; 48 g carbohydrate; 18 g fiber; 27 g sugar; 10 g protein. ______________ EDITOR'S NOTE: Sara Moulton is host of public television's "Sara's Weeknight Meals." She was executive chef at Gourmet magazine for nearly 25 years and spent a decade hosting several Food Network shows, including "Cooking Live." Her latest cookbook is "Home Cooking 101." Max Karlsson (Photo: @Sweden via Twitter) Before President Trumps reference on Saturday to a terror attack in Sweden, the biggest story in Stockholm was this one: a report about the so-called fake news industry published by Dagens Nyheter, a Swedish newspaper. But Trumps remark was met with a collective What did he just say? in Sweden, a country recognized by most Americans as largely peaceful, except in, say, Stieg Larsson novels. You look at whats happening last night in Sweden, the president said to his supporters at a campaign-style rally in Melbourne, Fla., on Saturday. Sweden, who would believe this? Trump later explained he was watching a Fox News segment that featured a documentary filmmaker accusing the Swedish government of covering up an immigration-related crime wave there. Related: Trumps Sweden gaffe gets ridiculed on late night TV In response, Swedish officials from the prime minister on down have taken to social media to debunk those claims. And leading the defense is Swedens official Twitter handle, @Sweden, an unusual account that is curated by a different Swedish citizen each week. This week, that suddenly important job fell to Max Karlsson, a 22-year-old paralegal and trumpet player from Stockholm who found out he would be @Swedens curator earlier this month. Karlsson has spent the past two days firing off tweets correcting the assertions made by Trump and others by dumping facts. Hey Don, this is @Sweden speaking! It's nice of you to care, really, but don't fall for the hype. Facts: We're ok! https://t.co/Vux6IjzOjO https://t.co/rEmO83DN1B @sweden / Max (@sweden) February 20, 2017 We have around 100 murders per year. Thats like two days in the US. Two. Days. @sweden / Max (@sweden) February 20, 2017 During the time Sweden received 250.000 refugees, unemployment has fallen with 1,2%-points.https://t.co/aZkMfoeOUc @sweden / Max (@sweden) February 20, 2017 Claim: "the Swedish border is wide open" Fact: Nope. https://t.co/Qw6O7lfk1s @sweden / Max (@sweden) February 21, 2017 Let's be clear: a lot happened #lastnightinsweden. Things happen all of the time. Just not the things @realdonaldtrump are spreading. @sweden / Max (@sweden) February 20, 2017 Karlsson told Yahoo News that hes had a mostly positive experience conversing with both pro- and anti-Trump Twitter users. Story continues Ive had great conversations with both Trump opponents and Trump voters about how we can have discussions based on facts, and why polarization is hurting the truth, Karlsson said. But I have also learned and relearned that some people are unwilling to face facts, ready to threaten others for their agenda and willing to smear opponents with degrading remarks just to prove a point. I cant believe some adults are allowed online. The @Sweden account has been run by a guest citizen each week since 2011, when the Swedish government decided to allow curators, through their tweets, [to] create interest and arouse curiosity for Sweden and everything the country has to offer. According to the Swedish Institute, curators are free to write whatever they want, provided their tweets dont violate Swedish law, dont promote a commercial brand and are not deemed a security threat. And each curator has the right to block people who interact with the @Sweden account. Karlsson says hes muted quite a few accounts that were extreme but has only blocked two that threatened him. Ive been accused of working for CNN and being a snowflake communist, he said. And that was something I didnt see myself being last week. Karlsson described the experience of maintaining Swedens official Twitter account and interacting with its 115,000-plus followers in the wake of Trumps remarks a heavy one. Not that he needed a reality check. My mom called me today to ask if everyone is behaving properly towards me online, he said. More from Yahoo News: By Marilynn Larkin (Reuters Health) - After a hip fracture, men are more cognitively impaired - and therefore, more at risk of death - than women, researchers in Baltimore say. By 2025, the number of hip fractures in men will be as high as what's currently seen in women, the researchers warn. That makes these fractures "an emerging public health concern for older men, their families, and the healthcare system, according to Dr. Ann Gruber-Baldini of the University of Maryland School of Medicine and her colleagues. Compared to women, men who fracture a hip have an increased risk of mortality . . . despite their younger age at the time of fracture. As reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the researchers compared the impact of a hip fracture on thinking skills and risk of death in 166 men and 168 women over age 80. The men had significantly more other diseases to start with, and more of them had been diagnosed with dementia. Men also were significantly more impaired on most cognitive measures. After taking any pre-fracture dementia and other risk factors into account, men were still at significantly higher risk for poor scores on a variety of tests of thinking skills. Men also had higher mortality rates than women six months after hip fracture - and the men's scores on cognitive tests were significantly associated with their risk of death: those who did poorly on the tests were more likely to die during the study. On one common test - the modified Mini-Mental-State Exam - nearly a third of the men with poor scores died within six months, compared with 15 percent of women with poor scores and 11 percent of men with no cognitive problems. By contrast, only 2 percent of women without cognitive problems on this test died within six months. No significant interaction effects were seen between gender and cognition. Gruber-Baldini told Reuters Health, It may be valuable for clinicians to monitor hip fracture patients after hospital discharge - especially men - to see if they are still experiencing cognitive impairment and effects of delirium. Interventions to reduce delirium - evaluation of medications, nutrition, infections, and comorbidities - may be needed, she said by email. It is also important that those with cognitive impairment get rehabilitation to help improve their mobility. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Tiberi of the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic in Los Angeles, California told Reuters Health, Hip fractures in the elderly are known to have significant risks, even after appropriate treatment. This study highlights the increasing incidence of hip fractures in men as well as the higher rates of some adverse outcomes in men compared to women, he said by email. Knowledge of these findings may better assist health care providers and family members in providing care and support for hip fracture patients during the incredibly important recovery and rehabilitation process. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2lT1pvE Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, online February 8, 2017. BERLIN (AP) German Chancellor Angela Merkel has spoken to Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal on the phone after her planned trip the North African country was canceled at the last minute over the Algerian president's poor health. Spokesman Steffen Seibert said Merkel and Sellal talked Tuesday about further increasing the two countries' good relations, including their cooperation on migration and security issues. Seibert said Merkel also expressed appreciation for Algeria's efforts to help solve the ongoing crisis in neighboring Libya. Algeria's surprise cancellation of Merkel's visit Monday was blamed on an attack of severe bronchitis suffered by the country's long-ailing President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The German government wants better cooperation in limiting migration from Africa to Europe and curbing the Muslim extremist violence that has hit Europe in recent times. HAVANA (Reuters) - The Mississippi ports of Pascagoula and Gulfport signed agreements in Cuba on Monday with an eye to future business and with a Republican U.S. senator from the state looking on, despite concerns President Donald Trump might backtrack on improved relations. Senator Thad Cochran is the only Republican among five U.S. senators and a U.S. representative on a three-day visit to the Communist-run Caribbean island to discuss relations and explore business opportunities. The agreements were signed during a business forum to explore future trade attended by Cochran. There is great potential for business between these ports and Cuba due to the geographical proximity and the excellent fluvial and maritime ways Mississippi has, state-run media quoted Maria de la Luz B'Hamel, director of commercial policy with the United States at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Trade and Investment, as saying. The event was closed to foreign journalists. The congressional delegation arrived on Sunday and is being led by Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont, who was instrumental in efforts to normalize relations under former Democratic President Barack Obama. Cuba watchers are looking closely for signs of how the fragile U.S. detente with Cuba will fare under the new Trump administration. The Republican president has threatened to scrap moves to normalize relations, one of Obama's signature foreign policy initiatives, if he does not get "a better deal." Port authorities along the U.S. southern coast are strong proponents of increased trade and travel with Cuba, and some have expressed interest in using Mariel, located on the northwest coast of Cuba, as a transshipment hub. Similar agreements were signed last month with Virginia, Louisiana and Alabama. The Florida ports of Everglades and Palm Beach had also been planning to sign deals, but balked after Republican state Governor Rick Scott threatened to cancel their funding if they did business with the "Cuban dictatorship." (Reporting by Marc Frank; Editing by Peter Cooney) KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) A Missouri native who said he wanted to participate in a terrorist attack that would cause many deaths and injuries is charged with helping plan a Presidents Day attack on buses, trains and a train station in Kansas City, federal officials said Tuesday. Robert Lorenzo Hester Jr., a Missouri-born U.S. citizen, was charged in federal court in Kansas City with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. The 25-year-old Columbia, Missouri, man was arrested Friday when he arrived at a meeting with what he thought was an Islamic State sympathizer who was an undercover FBI agent. The arrest was made public Tuesday after Hester made his first court appearance, during which a judge ordered him to remain in custody. A detention hearing was scheduled for Friday. Online court records didn't list an attorney for Hester on Tuesday. A criminal complaint said federal officials began investigating Hester in August 2016 after receiving tips about social media posts in which he said he had converted to Islam and expressed hatred for the United States and a tendency toward violence. Undercover FBI agents contacted Hester first online and then in several face-to-face meetings to discuss whether he wanted to participate in a terrorist attack. During those contacts, Hester "expressed his interest in and exhibited his willingness to commit violence in support of a foreign terrorist organization," according to the complaint. Hester, a married father of two children who served less than a year in the U.S. Army, also provided materials such as roofing nails, batteries and other items that he was told would be used to build bombs for the attack, the complaint said. He also was shown weapons and was told several backpacks containing explosives would be placed in different locations in Kansas City. The undercover agent told Hester the supposed terrorist organization was planning on "killing a lot of people" in an attack "10 times more" severe than the Boston Marathon attack, according to the complaint. Hester approved of the plans and rejected the undercover agent's offer to walk away if he didn't want to participate, the complaint said. Story continues Hester communicated five times in early February with an undercover employee via an encrypted messaging app, saying he was "happy to be part" of the plan and predicting the day of the attack would be "a good day for Muslims," according to the complaint. On Feb. 17, Hester met with another undercover employee and provided more nails before they went to a storage facility, where Hester believed the components would be stored, the complaint said. He was arrested shortly thereafter. On Oct. 3, 2016, Hester was arrested in Columbia in an unrelated case after he allegedly threw a knife through a store window and threatened an employee during an argument with his wife. He pleaded guilty to one count of felony property damage and one count of unlawful use of a weapon and was released on his own recognizance awaiting sentencing, which was scheduled for March. The two accused, who lived in Rohini and were allegedly under the influence of alcohol, grabbed the girls when they left their home to relieve themselves out in the open. By Ilma Hasan: Two minor girls, aged five and nine, have been allegedly raped in Rohini area of the national capital. Delhi Police arrested two men, one of them a minor, in connection with the incident. According to the police, the girls didn't have a toilet at home and had gone out to relieve themselves when the incident took place on Sunday evening. advertisement When the girls didn't return for a long time, their families started looking for them and found them bleeding. Police said both minors had suffered injuries to their private parts. Also read | 26-year-old raped in Delhi's Hauz Khas village: What we know so far A case under the POSCO Act and Section 367 of the IPC has been lodged. The two rape survivors are undergoing treatment at Dr Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital. The two accused, who lived in Rohini and were allegedly under the influence of alcohol, grabbed the girls when they left their home. The case was filed with Rohini's KN Katju Marg Police Station. --- ENDS --- PODGORICA, Montenegro (AP) Montenegro's former prime minister has accused Russia of "destructive" politics in the Balkans following what the country says was a thwarted attempt to overthrow its pro-Western government. Milo Djukanovic, who stepped down after the alleged pro-Russian plot in October to prevent the small Balkan country from joining NATO, said that Moscow "harnessed a lot of destructive material toward Montenegro." Montenegro is now "in the line" of Moscow's attempts to expand its influence in the war-torn Balkans, and pro-Russian opposition parties are ready to use "bloodshed and a coup" to install a pro-Kremlin government, Djukanovic said late Monday while addressing his Socialist Democratic Party youth in the country's second-largest town of Niksic, ahead of local elections. "A new, puppet government would only serve the interest of Moscow, which wants to send a message to Europe and NATO that they cannot expand in the Balkans without its consent," said Djukanovic, who brought the country to the threshold of NATO membership. Russian officials have recently named Serbia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Montenegro as Moscow's sphere of interest in the Balkans, saying they should not join NATO. The former Yugoslav republics were never part of the Soviet bloc and officially all of them want to join the European Union. Speaking in neighboring Kosovo, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, Gen. Curtis M. Scaparrotti, voiced his concern "about ways that Russia has influence in the region that is not as helpful at times, particularly in the media with disinformation and political influence." "The stability of the western Balkans is of critical importance for NATO because security and stability in this region is important to the security and stability of Europe, a Europe that's whole, free and at peace," he said. Montenegro's prosecutors have accused Russia and its secret service operatives of plotting the election-day coup attempt that included alleged plans to kill Djukanovic and take over parliament. Some 20 people including two Russians have been accused of taking part. Story continues The Kremlin has repeatedly denied involvement in the plot. But it has openly supported nationalist parties and groups opposed to Montenegro's NATO membership. ___ Associated Press writer Dusan Stojanovic contributed from Belgrade, Serbia. Harare (AFP) - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, the world's oldest national ruler, turns 93 on Tuesday, defiantly vowing to remain in power despite growing signs of frailty and failing health. He will celebrate with his staff in a private ceremony in Harare while supporters use state media to send their annual gushing messages of goodwill and congratulations. The main celebrations will be held Saturday at Matobo National Park outside Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second-largest city, and are expected to attract thousands of officials and ZANU-PF party faithful. Large game animals are often slaughtered for the occasion. In previous years Mugabe has reportedly been offered elephants, buffalo and impala for the feast. Mugabe has ruled out any prospect of retiring soon, saying that ZANU-PF officials believe there is no "acceptable" alternative. "The call to step down must come from my party... In such circumstances I will step down," the state-owned Sunday Mail newspaper quoted Mugabe as saying in an interview aired late Monday. "They want me to stand for elections... If I feel that I can't do it any more, I will say so to my party so that they relieve me. But for now, I think I can't say so," he said. "The majority of the people feel that there is no replacement, a successor who to them is acceptable," Mugabe added. The veteran leader came to power when Zimbabwe won independence in 1980 and his rule has been criticised for ruthless repression of dissent, election rigging, and for causing the country's economic collapse. - Advanced age - Several incidents in recent years have highlighted his advanced age -- including a fall in February 2015 at Harare airport. In September of the same year he read a speech to parliament apparently unaware that he had delivered exactly the same address a month earlier. Despite growing calls to step aside, his party has endorsed him as its candidate for general elections next year, and he remains widely respected as a liberation hero by other African leaders. Story continues On Friday, his wife, Grace, claimed that Mugabe would be the voters' choice even after he dies. She has also vowed to use a wheelchair to transport him to election rallies if needed. Mugabe has avoided naming a successor, and his party is divided between factions hoping to succeed him. Grace, 51, was appointed head of the ruling party's women's wing in a surprise move that could make her a possible successor to Mugabe. Another leading candidate is Mugabe's vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Last year, security forces brutally quelled a series of street protests in Harare, a rare public expression of opposition to Mugabe's regime. According to Bloomberg News, Zimbabwe's economic output has halved since 2000 when many white-owned farms were seized by ZANU-PF supporters, leaving the key agricultural sector in ruins. RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) North Carolina's new Democratic governor and attorney general say they're ending state efforts to persuade the U.S. Supreme Court to revive a GOP-backed voter ID law that was struck down by a lower court, but Republican lawmakers say they will continue pushing for the high court's review. Gov. Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein said Tuesday they're withdrawing from the state's petition for a high court review. The Supreme Court next must decide if it will take up the case anyway. Last year Pat McCrory, then the state's Republican governor, asked the Supreme Court to review a lower appeals court ruling. The July opinion by the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals determined tougher ballot access rules adopted in 2013 were written with "almost surgical precision" to discourage black voters who tended to support Democrats. "We need to make it easier for people to exercise their right to vote, not harder, and I will not continue to waste time and money appealing this unconstitutional law," Cooper said in a prepared statement. The law, passed two years after Republicans took control of the state legislature for the first time in a century, sought to entrench GOP politicians in power "by targeting voters who, based on race, were unlikely to vote for the majority party," the opinion by a three-judge panel of the court stated. "We can only conclude that the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the challenged provisions of the law with discriminatory intent," the judges said. The Supreme Court in August divided 4-4 on overturning the appeals court ruling for last fall's elections. That meant North Carolina's voter identification requirement couldn't be enforced and allowed an extra seven days of early voting and same-day voter registration. The state's Republican legislative leaders decried Tuesday's "desperate and politically-motivated" effort to scuttle Supreme Court review and allow the ruling by the "three-judge panel of partisan Democrats" to stand. Outside attorneys hired by the General Assembly to defend the law will continue on the case, Senate Leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, and House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland, said in a statement. Story continues The state elections board also could opt to press the Supreme Court request, but the panel itself may be revamped as part of the ongoing partisan warfare between entrenched Republican legislative leaders and the newly elected Democratic governor. The elections board meets Wednesday. McCrory and Republican legislative leaders said last year the law's voter ID provision, which came into effect during the 2016 primaries, improved the integrity of elections. Appeals court judges said the state provided no evidence of the kind of in-person voter fraud the ID mandate would address. The law was amended last year to include a method for people unable to get a photo ID to still vote. North Carolina voters last November backed Republican Donald Trump for president, re-elected fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr and expanded the number of statewide GOP office-holders. ___ Follow Emery P. Dalesio at http://twitter.com/emerydalesio. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/emery-p-dalesio Has NASA found evidence of life in space? Some of the world's leading voices on life beyond Earth will gather for a NASA press conference Wednesday where an important announcement on planets outside our solar system was expected to be made, NASA announced Monday. Exoplanets are widely believed to be the best hope of finding life elsewhere in the universe. NASA vowed to broadcast the announcement featuring astronomers and planetary scientists from across the world on NASA Television and the agency's website. The space agency was encouraging the public to ask questions during the briefing on Twitter using the hashtag #askNASA. The announcement comes as NASA has also been working to send a lander to Europa, Jupiters ice moon, to explore the potential for extraterrestrial life. The project includes determining whether life can thrive on Europa. The full press release about Wednesday's major announcement titled "NASA to Host News Conference on Discovery Beyond Our Solar System" can be found below: "NASA will hold a news conference at 1 p.m. EST Wednesday, Feb. 22, to present new findings on planets that orbit stars other than our sun, known as exoplanets. The event will air live on NASA Television and the agency's website. Details of these findings are embargoed by the journal Nature until 1 p.m. Limited seating is available in the NASA TV studio for media who would like to attend in person at the agencys Headquarters at 300 E Street SW in Washington. Media unable to attend in person may ask questions by telephone. To attend in person or participate by phone, media must send an email with their name, affiliation and telephone number to Dwayne Brown at dwayne.c.brown@nasa.gov by noon Feb. 22. Media and the public also may ask questions during the briefing on Twitter using the hashtag #askNASA. The briefing participants are: Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington Story continues Michael Gillon, astronomer at the University of Liege in Belgium Sean Carey, manager of NASA's Spitzer Science Center at Caltech/IPAC, Pasadena, California Nikole Lewis, astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore Sara Seager, professor of planetary science and physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge A Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) about exoplanets will be held following the briefing at 3 p.m. with scientists available to answer questions in English and Spanish." Related Articles The ever-evolving ensemble that is President Donald Trumps national security team evolved again on Monday. Trump announced Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster will be his new national security advisor. He will replace Michael Flynn, who resigned after withholding information on contact with Russian officials from Vice President Michael Pence. Trumps first choice to replace Flynn, retired Adm. Robert Harward, reportedly turned down the job when he couldnt hire his own staff. Trump promised McMaster a freer hand over hiring, but the new national security advisor will have to crack Trumps tight-knit inner circle to gain influence. One other item of note: In a White House seeking rapprochement with Russia, McMaster has been hard at work studying the military threat Russia poses to the United States. Meanwhile, Russia has been left reeling not only from Flynns departure, but from the death of its ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said her department had lost a great diplomat and a loved one. Samantha Power, who, as former U.S. ambassador to the UN, often found herself diplomatically opposed to Churkin, tweeted that she was devastated by the death of Churkin, whom she described as a diplomatic maestro and deeply caring man. Russian media outlet TASS shared a collection of his most memorable quotations on its Facebook page. Russian media is considerably less dedicated these days to covering Trump. A new study shows that, over the past two weeks, Russian television has slashed its Trump coverage to a quarter of what it was during the halcyon days of the courtship. And in France, National Front leader Marine Le Pen is in hot water. On Monday police searched the partys headquarters in connection with allegations that the party misspent European Union funds. The allegation is that the funds were taken to pay for European parliament assistants but in fact went to party aides. Story continues Le Pen is running for president and has said that, if elected, she will hold a referendum over Frances membership in the EU. But her electoral momentum could be checked by any police investigation. Hate crimes continue apace on the homefront: Jewish community centers across the country were evacuated after 11 bomb threats, and a Jewish graveyard in St. Louis was vandalized. While Trump himself refused to address concerns about rising anti-Semitism when asked twice about it last week, his daughter Ivanka did send out a tweet urging tolerance. Photo credit: KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images President Donald Trump has made a fine pick in tapping Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster to replace Mike Flynn as National Security Advisor (NSA). The pick has generated near unanimous support across party lines and so McMaster will start his new assignment with a very large reservoir of a resource that is all too rare in Washington these days: trust and good will. He will need to draw on that reservoir to deal with the geostrategic challenges confronting the country. But he may also need to tap something else that he has in particular abundance a finely tuned sensibility for the norms of proper civil-military relations. From the outset, McMaster will face at least three important civil-military challenges. First, he will need to build a presidential advisory process that develops and debates options in a candid setting where every professional voice is free to speak and where the perceived taint of partisan politics is not believed to have corrupted the process. Former President George W. Bush strove mightily to achieve this and, in my experience, largely succeeded. Many specialists, myself included, criticized former President Barack Obamas team for being sloppier about the way that they blurred the lines between the presidents partisan political interests and the national interest. The Trump administration has set up structures that seem to blur those lines even more. All eyes will be on how McMaster relates to the other political advisors who have overlapping roles on national security, particularly Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon. The Trump White House could take steps to mitigate those concerns. They should ensure that McMaster has direct and independent access to President Trump, and that McMaster is included from the outset on any issue that touches on national security so he can bring inter-agency perspectives to bear before the matter goes to the president for decision. But it bears emphasizing that McMaster will bring a special sensitivity to this issue because the relationship between politics and national security is precisely what his famous dissertation-book, Dereliction of Duty, examined. McMaster narrated how President Lyndon B. Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara dealt with his Joint Chiefs of staff, and vice-versa, on Vietnam War decisions. According to McMaster, too many of President Johnsons war decisions were driven by domestic political considerations. Story continues And here it gets particularly interesting, because many people who read McMasters book believe it goes on to argue that the Joint Chiefs were derelict in their duty by not standing up to Johnson not blocking the president from pursuing a flawed strategy in Vietnam, and not insisting on their own superior approach to the war. I think McMasters true thesis is more subtle. McMaster takes the senior military to task for not providing candid advice to the President and Secretary McNamara for letting their own political considerations shape their advice to their bosses and for not correcting the record when Johnson and McNamara misrepresented their advice to sell Johnsons preferred graduated escalation strategy to Congress and the American public. But the misreading of McMasters argument to mean the military should stand up more to political civilians is so ubiquitous that I have called it (with H.R.s permission, I hasten to add) McMasterism. And McMasterism may well be the approach that some are hoping the author brings into the White House: a pugnacious, insist-that-the-boss-see-it-your-way approach. That is not a recipe for success and it is not how I expect McMaster to function as NSA. But it may be how some Trump critics hope he operates, and navigating the gap between expectations and performance will pose a delicate civil-military challenge. Second, McMaster will need to restore a civil-military balance in the interagency. Trump has made it clear that he feels most comfortable in picking military officers, retired or active duty, to fill civilian posts in national security. Every administration makes liberal use of military officers in such settings, in part because the military is the best resourced part of the government and so is a ready supply of top talent that can be commandeered by the more cash-strapped portions of the bureaucracy. However, Trump has taken this to a new level, and Mike Flynn further doubled down on that by drawing extensively from his own military networks to fill NSC staff roles. I strongly supported the nomination of retired General James Mattis to be secretary of Defense, even though that broke with civil-military precedent. And I strongly support replacing retired retired 3-star General Flynn with active duty 3-star General McMaster as NSA. But an administration can have too many general and flag officers serving in the top echelons of policymaking and policy-advising. Too many senior military will link the uniformed force in undesirable ways to the political fortunes of the administration. Likewise, an administration can have too few people offering non-military perspectives, life experiences, reflexes, blind-spots, and so on. To restore a balance, McMaster will want to reach beyond his immediate military network to ensure that his staff has civilian political appointees representing a broad swathe of expertise and experience. And, crucially, he will want to make sure that the State Department, the Intelligence Community, the Treasury Department, and other departments and agencies are sending their best up-and-comers as detailees to staff the White House. Last and probably least, McMaster will have to navigate the difficulty of serving in this post while on active duty as a general officer whose rank is actually one full level below the position he occupies. This is not unprecedented. Colin Powell served as NSA in Reagans second term while a 3-star, and before him Brent Scowcroft served as Fords NSA while a 3-star. (Scowcroft was retired from the military when he had his more celebrated tour as Bush 41s NSA.) Those are offered as positive examples, though you could get historians to debate how effective Powell was as NSA. On the other hand, Vice-Admiral John Poindexter clearly belongs on the negative side of the ledger, with his checkered experience as Powells predecessor. While the NSA is not in the chain of command and so technically does not outrank the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (the highest ranking 4-star officer in the military), the NSA does typically chair the Principals Committee on which the Chairman sits as a formal advisor. (And the NSA is in protocol terms a 4-star billet and so he will be accorded 4-star treatment if ever he visits a military installation.) In the healthy interagency systems I have observed up close, there is never any doubt that the NSA de facto outranks the Chairman (and other Cabinet principals) as measured with the coin that most matters in the DC realm: access to and trust of the president. In the less healthy interagency systems I have observed up close, there were such doubts, whether because of personalities, individual caliber, or other similar considerations. The confusion of rank for active duty officers is the kind of other consideration that can produce needless distractions. I rank this last because I think McMaster will be sensitive to it he has managed his punch-above-his-weight-maverick profile for two decades now and I think General Joseph Dunford and the other Chiefs will be very keen to make it work. And there are understandable reasons why McMaster might wish to remain on active duty. For starters, he may hope to continue his military career after serving in the White House, as did General Powell. He also may need more time in grade before being able to retire with full 3-star retirement benefits. However, the example that may prove more telling in the long run may not be the other active duty NSAs but rather Doug Lute, who served as the Iraq War Czar for both Presidents Bush and Obama. He initially took the post while on active duty with the understanding that serving in the White House would not derail his bright career prospects. Despite prior understandings with two Presidents, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the JCS, Lute eventually had to retire without getting his 4-star assignment. Most people believe that the thankless tasks he had to do as czar directly affected this story. If McMaster is indeed destined to stop at 3-stars, he may decide that it is better to retire at that rank before very long, given the highly political nature of the NSA. Indeed, other considerations may lead him to retire anyway. To serve in this post at the 3-star rank will require a Senate vote and that could even mean congressional hearings. As a general rule, administrations do not want senior White House staff testifying before congressional committees, and this administration in particular may not want all the questions that are likely to be raised about conflicts between what the President has said vs. what Cabinet officials have said, or why political advisors are sitting on the National Security Council. To avoid all of that, McMaster may be obliged to consider retirement sooner than he might wish. These are civil-military challenges, but they are manageable ones. And with Mattis and now McMaster, these challenges will be managed in the Trump administration by thoughtful leaders who literally wrote the books on civil-military relations. That is a much-welcome cause for optimism, albeit optimism of the prudent and sober variety. Photo credit: NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) A senior NATO commander has assured Kosovo that the military alliance will maintain troops in the Balkan country "for as long as it's necessary." NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, met with local officials and Western ambassadors during a visit Tuesday to Kosovo. Some 4,500 troops from 31 countries have been deployed in Kosovo since June 1999, after NATO's 78-day air campaign to stop a bloody Serbian crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia has not recognized it as a country. "We will keep in place a flexible, determined presence and will make changes only when the security situation allows. KFOR remain a robust and credible force, capable of carrying out its mission for as long as it's necessary," Scaparrotti said. He also expressed concern about Russia's attempted influence in the region "particularly in the media with disinformation, political influence, etc." Earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also visited Kosovo to urge it and Serbia to normalize their ties. Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have been building again after a series of inflammatory incidents. Serbia, backed by Russia, has also sought to maintain influence in Kosovo's north, where most of the country's Serb minority lives. CANBERRA, Australia (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday praised Australia for being "courageously willing to puncture U.N. hypocrisy" on anti-Israel resolutions. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull marked the first visit to Australia by a serving Israeli leader by writing an opinion piece in Wednesday's The Australian newspaper that backed Netanyahu's criticism in 2015 that the United Nations General Assembly had adopted 20 resolutions critical of Israel in the preceding year and only one in response to the Syrian war. "My government will not support one-sided resolutions criticizing Israel of the kind recently adopted by the U.N. Security Council and we deplore the boycott campaigns designed to delegitimize the Jewish state," Turnbull wrote, referring to the Dec. 23 resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem as a "flagrant violation" of international law. The United States abstained from that vote and Australia, while not a member of the security council, was one of the few countries to publicly support Israel's position. Netanyahu said he was delighted to read the article at the start of his four-day Australian visit. "Australia has been courageously willing to puncture U.N. hypocrisy more than once, including this absurd resolution that said the Western wall, the most sacred site for the Jewish people for thousands of years thousands of years even before the rise of Islam that this is occupied Palestinian territory," Netanyahu told reporters. "So the U.N. is capable of many absurdities and I think it's important that you have straightforward and clear-eyed countries like Australia that often bring it back to Earth," he said. Turnbull reiterated his support for a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian conflict and described Australia as a committed and consistent friend of Israel. "I agree with you in that the circumstances of the times ... do appear to create the opportunity where perhaps the moons aligning such that this could be a good time ... for the parties to come back to the table and reach an agreement, but, of course, as with any agreement, it needs two to tango," Turnbull told Netanyahu. Story continues Netanyahu dismissed calls from critics of Israeli West bank settlements, including former Australian Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Bob Hawke, for Australia to formally recognize Palestine as a state. "I ask both former prime ministers to ask a simple question: What kind of state will it be that they are advocating? A state that calls for Israel's destruction? A state whose territory will be used immediately for radical Islam?" Netanyahu said. Netanyahu and Turnbull signed agreements on technology and air services as well as discussed expanding co-operation in areas, including cyber-security, innovation and science. The drownings - at least 74 bodies were found in Zawiya - are the latest tragedy at sea after migrant deaths rose to record levels along the Libya-Italy smuggling route over the past months. Sub-saharan migrants hold on to ropes to keep their balance on the deck of the Golfo Azzurro boat after been rescued from a rubber boat by members of Proactive Open Arms NGO, on the Mediterranean sea, about 24 miles north of Sabratha, Libya By AP: Scores of bodies of African migrants washed ashore in Libya, in the western city of Zawiya on the Mediterranean Sea, a spokesman for the Libyan Red Crescent said on Tuesday. The drownings - at least 74 bodies were found in Zawiya - are the latest tragedy at sea after migrant deaths rose to record levels along the Libya-Italy smuggling route over the past months. advertisement The Rec Crescent's spokesman Mohammed al-Misrati told The Associated Press that the bodies were found on Monday morning and that the Red Crescent workers retrieved them between 1 pm and 7 pm He said that a torn rubber boat was found nearby and that he expected more bodies to surface as such boats usually carry up to 120 people. Earlier, al-Misrati mistakenly told the AP that the bodies surfaced overnight. The aid agency posted on its Twitter account photographs of dozens of bodies in white and black body bags, lined up along the shore. Al-Misrati said the local authorities would take the bodies to a cemetery in the capital of Tripoli that is allocated for unidentified persons. Last week, Fabrice Leggeri, director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, said the Libya-Italy smuggling route across the Mediterranean has seen record numbers of migrant drownings in 2016. According to Leggeri, migrant deaths along the central Mediterranean route stood at 4,579 for last year, which still might be much less than the true loss of life. That's compared to 2,869 deaths in 2015 and 3,161 in 2014. There is little sign of the surge is abating, even during wintertime. There were 228 recorded deaths in January, by far the biggest monthly toll in recent years. Leggeri blamed the very small dinghies and poor vessels used by the smugglers for the high death rate. In Libya, the turmoil engulfing this North African country has become a death trap for thousands of migrants, most of them from sub-Saharan African countries, seeking to escape poverty and find a better life in Europe. Libya is split by competing governments and many militias rule on the ground, many of them profiting from smuggling and human trafficking. Rights groups have documented migrants' horror journeys involving torture, rape, and forced labor inside Libya. The country sank into lawlessness following the 2011 uprising that turned into a full-blown civil war that led to the toppling and killing of longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi. Since then, human trafficking has thrived amid Libya's chaos. --- ENDS --- Who doesn't love the occasional dose of ultra trashy television? Of course, long-running hidden camera series Cheaters is right up there with the finest. Now Netflix have paid tribute with their own parody version: Netflix Cheaterz (with a 'Z' for trademark reasons) in a bid to raise further awareness of the social epidemic that is Netflix cheating. Original Cheaters host Joey Greco is even there to walk us through the tryst between a man and his Stranger Things. And yes, "the confrontation" is still the best bit. Can we get this as a real series, please? ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigeria said there was no cause for concern for President Muhammadu Buhari's health but he had to stay longer on medical leave in Britain than planned, the presidency said on Tuesday. "During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the president staying longer than originally planned," the presidency said in a statement. "President Buhari wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is no cause for worry," it said, without saying when Buhari might return. Buhari, 74, left for Britain for medical leave a month ago, putting Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, 59, in charge during his absence. He had originally planned to stay 10 days. Officials have refused to disclose his illness, triggering fierce speculation in Nigerian media and on social media. That speculation has been fuelled by a previous illness, when he spent nearly two weeks in London last June treating an ear infection. Buhari's predecessor, Goodluck Jonathan, was sworn in after the death in 2010 of President Umaru Yar'Adua. His illness created a power vacuum that was only filled by Jonathan, his vice president, after three months of political infighting. Officials say the situation is different because Buhari has given Osinbajo full powers as acting president. On Monday, the central bank devalued the naira foreign exchange rate for retail customers. Buhari has repeatedly spoken against a devaluation. (Reporting by Feix Onuah; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Alison Williams) By Colleen Jenkins WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (Reuters) - North Carolina's Democratic governor and attorney general on Tuesday withdrew a request for a U.S. Supreme Court review of a state voting law struck down last year by an appeals court that found it intentionally discriminated against African-Americans. In moving to end the state's defense of the Republican-backed 2013 law, Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein said they also discharged outside counsel hired to defend North Carolina. The immediate impact on the case was not clear. The governor's office said the state Board of Elections, its individual members and its executive director remained in the case, which was appealed to the Supreme Court in December. The board's three Republicans and two Democrats are likely to discuss the issue during their meeting on Wednesday, board spokesman Patrick Gannon said. The Supreme Court is due to discuss whether to take the case on March 3. The Democratic state officials and the civil rights groups that challenged the law would be keen to avoid the Supreme Court taking up the case because there is a chance the statute could be revived. The court is currently divided 4-4 on ideological grounds, with four liberals and four conservatives. Republican President Donald Trumps nominee to fill a vacant seat, conservative appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch, could well break a tie if the high court were to hear the case, if he is confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In August, the high court split 4-4 on whether to reinstate key portions of the law prior to last years election, with the four conservative justices voting in favor. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in July overturned the state law, which, among other things, required voters to show photo identification when casting ballots and scaled back early voting. "We need to make it easier for people to exercise their right to vote, not harder, and I will not continue to waste time and money appealing this unconstitutional law, said Cooper, who took office in January after defeating the Republican incumbent. Republican legislative leaders criticized the move and said they expected the courts to reject the Democrats' request. "Roy Coopers and Josh Steins desperate and politically-motivated stunt to derail North Carolinas voter ID law is not only illegal, it also raises serious questions about whether theyve allowed their own personal and political prejudices and conflicts of interest to cloud their professional judgment," Senate leader Phil Berger and House Speaker Tim Moore said in a statement. North Carolina passed the law weeks after the Supreme Court voted 5-4 in June 2013 to eliminate a requirement that states with a history of discrimination receive federal approval before changing election laws. The law's supporters said it was needed to prevent voter fraud. The NAACP civil rights group and individual voters sued to block the law, arguing that it disproportionately burdened African-Americans and Hispanics, who are more likely than whites to lack acceptable forms of identification. (Reporting by Colleen Jenkins. Additional reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Leslie Adler) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's regime faces accusations of human rights violations, including rape, torture and forced labor, after a United Nations group of experts was assigned to scrutinize the reclusive country's actions. The experts submitted their assessments Monday in a report to the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, ahead of the 34th regular session of the Human Rights Council, which is scheduled to begin on Feb. 27. The experts, who worked to identify legal ways to penalize Pyongyang, proposed that the human rights violations be referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC). The experts raised "serious concern" over North Korea's crimes against humanity, adding that these crimes should not go unpunished. The report also proposed the establishment of a special international tribunal to tackle North Korea's human rights violations, for which the country earlier faced several sanctions under the Obama administration. The experts have dismissed the idea of a "mixed court" system a North Korea-appointed judge and a U.N.-appointed justice presiding over the cases together, UPI reported, citing the Voice of America. Human Rights Watch released a statement earlier this month highlighting North Korea's alleged exploitation of school children forcing them to work. The report was submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child. North Koreas common use of forced labor is bad enough, but its wholly inexcusable when children are exploited, Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director, said in a statement. In destroying the lives of children, the ruling Kim family shows just how low its prepared to go to sustain political and economic power. For many children, forced labor is sadly a normal hazard in everyday life. The evaluation comes amid reports that North Korea could begin talks with the U.S. to initiate a deal with the Trump administration amid tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations, the Washington Post reported Sunday, adding that the talks were still in the planning stages. Related Articles The Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago needs $1.5 billion to cover construction and maintenance, much more than the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas raised in what was then considered the most expensive tribute to a former commander-in-chief. The Chicago memorial will honor the lives of the nation's first black president and his wife, Michelle Obama. Architectural team Tod Williams and Billie Tsien said finding that kind of cash could be difficult because Obama refused to raise money for the project while he was still in office to avoid potential conflicts of interest, the New York Post reported Sunday. The construction alone was originally expected to cost $200 million before that price tag soared to $300 million, Williams said. Its not just about preserving the past. Its about the future, Williams said. Williams and Tsien, a husband and wife team, have also designed the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, the Phoenix Art Museum and the Logan Center for the Arts in Chicago. Obama's presidential library will be located at Chicago's Jackson Park, where the 1893 World's Fair was held and where the former first couple lived before moving to Washington. "Michelle and I are thrilled that the Obama Presidential Center will be developed in the heart of Chicago's South Side, a community we call home and that means the world to us," Obama said in a statement when the project was announced in July 2016. "We are proud that the center will help spur development in an urban area and we can't wait to forge new ways to give back to the people of Chicago who have given us so much." A plane loaded with the first of the materials for the Obama presidential library landed in Chicago Thursday, according to the National Archives and Records Administration, the federal agency tasked with overseeing Obamas records. It contains hundreds of millions of textual, electronic and audio-visual materials and tens of thousands of presidential gifts, said Laura Diachenko, a spokeswoman for the archives. Story continues Bush raised more than $500 million toward his presidential library that opened in 2013 at Southern Methodist University in Texas. Obama has stayed busy since leaving the White House in January by speaking out against President Donald Trump's proposed ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations and encouraging protests against the new administration. He and the former first lady also have hired an agency to line up speaking gigs and oversee future book deals. Related Articles By Tom Allard and Liz Lee KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Ri Jong Chol, a North Korean arrested in the probe into last week's murder of the half-brother of the isolated state's leader, lived in Malaysia for more than three years without working at the company registered on his employment permit or receiving a salary. Ri, 47, had a Malaysian work visa that showed he was an employee of Tombo Enterprise. But the owner of the company said he never worked a day there or drew a salary from the small herbal medicine firm. Chong Ah Kow said he facilitated Ri's working visa by stating in supporting documents that he was a product development manager in the company's IT department earning 5,500 ringgit ($1,230) per month. The visa was renewed once, he said, in June 2016. "It was just a formality, just documents, I never paid him," Chong, a Malaysian, said in an interview. "I don't know how he survives here. I dont know how he gets money." Chong, a frequent traveler to North Korea, said he was just trying to "help out" Ri. He has been interviewed by police and told Reuters he was ready to face any consequences from submitting false information to the government. Chong, who has remained friends with Ri, said the North Korean lived with his wife and two children in Kuala Lumpur. Reuters could not ascertain if Ri had any other employment or source of income. Police could not be reached for comment to explain how Ri supported his family in Malaysia. HELP UNIVERSITY Ri has been arrested as a key suspect in the murder of Kim Jong Nam, the half-brother of North Koreas leader Kim Jong Un. Police have not specified what role he may have played in last week's brazen killing at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Reuters was unable to find out whether Ri has a lawyer or to contact his wife or his daughter. Efforts to contact the North Korean embassy in Kuala Lumpur were also unsuccessful. Chong said Ri rented an apartment in Kuchai Lama, a middle-class Kuala Lumpur suburb. Three-bedroom apartments in the neighborhood typically rent for about 1,500-2,000 ringgit ($337-449) per month, according to property websites. Ri's daughter studies at HELP University, a fee-paying private college in a western Kuala Lumpur suburb that bestowed a honorary doctorate in economics on Kim Jong Un in 2013 for his "untiring efforts for the education of the country and the well-being of the people". The university has confirmed she is a student there. Chong said he and Ri met in 2013 when the North Korean came to him in Kuala Lumpur, and said he was related to the inventor of a mushroom extract with anti-cancer effects. Chong said he has visited North Korea about 10 times and admires the country for its culture. "They have great shows," Chong said. "(Ri was a) soft-spoken, courteous, humble man - just like other North Koreans." EASY ENTRY Ri met Chong infrequently, driving with his daughter to Chong's office in Kuala Lumpur. The men discussed business opportunities, such as palm oil importation, with Ri's daughter translating from Korean into English and vice versa. Nothing, however, came from the talks, Chong said. The duo last met in January. Malaysia is about the only foreign country that a North Korean can easily enter, thanks to a visa-free policy for visitors that is largely reciprocated by Pyongyang. Since the 1980s, North Korea has used the Southeast Asian nation as a hub to promote its strategic and business interests, legitimate and otherwise, some analysts say. However ties are under strain following the killing of Kim Jong Nam. Kim died last week after being assaulted at the airport with what police believe was a fast-acting poison. The two women who assaulted him, one who is Indonesian and another who carried a Vietnamese passport, are both in custody. Police have said they are also seeking four other North Koreans who fled the country on the day Kim was murdered. South Korean and U.S. officials believe Kim was killed by agents from the North, possibly on orders from his half-brother because he had spoken out publicly about his family's dynastic control of the nuclear-armed nation. Malaysia has not gone that far, but it has been annoyed by Pyongyang's suggestions that its police are acting at the behest of South Korea. COSY TIES North Korea and Malaysia have had a cosy relationship since former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad embraced the isolated state, in part to rebuff the United States. However, two-way trade between the two nations was worth only 23 million ringgit ($5 million) in 2015. Even so, Malaysia's Proton cars have been sold to North Korea and used as taxis in Pyongyang. North Korean miners work in Malaysia's Sarawak province while Malaysian palm oil and rubber is exported to the communist state. Last year, the chief executive of the Malaysia External Trade Development Corp, Dzulkifli Mahmud, spoke of North Korea "using Malaysia as a gateway to Southeast Asian markets as it finds the country business-friendly with pro-business policies." James Chin, the director of the Asia Institute at Australias University of Tasmania, said the trade figures do not include substantial illicit economic activity, much of it directed through the North Korean embassy and front companies. "Malaysia is the source of a lot of smuggling operations by North Korea to raise money for the motherland," he said. "They also buy a lot of high-end consumer goods in Malaysia for the elite in Pyongyang." (Reporting by Liz Lee and Tom Allard; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Bill Tarrant) A man and woman in Florida have been charged in the murder of a landlord who was shot to death before her body was stashed in a house for weeks. Lawrence Edward Cannon, 42, is facing a first-degree murder charge in the death of Mary Ring, 69, after Clearwater police say he confessed Monday to shooting her hours after the Super Bowl on February 5. Watch: Man Missing From Party Found Stabbed to Death Inside Shallow Grave Police say they arrived Monday morning to conduct a welfare check on Ring when they discovered her body. Under questioning, cops said that Cannon confessed to shooting Ring and spending the ensuing two weeks living in the house with the body, along with 44-year-old Jennifer Elam. Detectives said Cannon and Elam told them they spent those weeks trying to decide how to dispose of the body. Cannon is charged with first degree murder, according to online arrest records. Watch: Mom's Burned Body Found Just After She Posted Pic of Valentine's Day Gift to Kids Elam is facing a charge of accessory after the fact to first-degree murder. Both Cannon and Elam remained held at Pinellas County Jail as of Tuesday afternoon. Cannon has no bond listed. Elam remains held in lieu of $50,000 bond. Watch: Columbia Grad Found Dead in Panama Was Strangled With Her Own Bathing Suit: Report Related Articles: In a meeting with China's top diplomat Jaishankar said he came with "a very strong sense of commitment to maintaining our relationship". By Ananth Krishnan: Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said in Beijing on Tuesday India was "strongly committed" to maintaining ties with China as he met with China's top diplomat in Beijing, ahead of a crucial new strategic dialogue. Jaishankar also delivered a strong message to China on issues that have recently strained ties. In remarks to the Party-run Global Times made in an interview earlier this month and published on Tuesday, the Foreign Secretary called on China to address India's concerns on issues such as the economic corridor China is building through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the sanctioning of Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar. advertisement "For us, there are questions of sovereignty which need to be addressed first," Jaishankar was quoted as saying in an interview given mid-February on China's Silk Road project, which included the PoK corridor. "On terror, China has a very strong, principled position on counter-terrorism. We hope the position China already has will be further implemented," Jaishankar said. In a Tuesday evening meeting with China's top diplomat, State Councillor Yang Jiechi, at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound in central Beijing, Jaishankar, who was India's longest serving ambassador to China until 2013, said he came with "a very strong sense of commitment to maintaining our relationship". On Wednesday, Jaishankar will hold the first meeting of what he described as a "reconstituted" strategic dialogue, where he will hold upgraded talks with China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui. Both sides are likely to discuss prickly issues such as counterterrorism as well as India's bid to enter the Nuclear Suppliers Group. Despite the problems, Yang said in remarks to Jaishankar he believed relations had seen "positive growth" in 2016, with President Pranab Mukherjee visiting China and Prime Minister Modi holding three meetings with President Xi Jinping. "We enjoyed good communication at many levels and continued good cooperation in fields of economy, trade, culture and people to people exchanges," Yang said, adding that both India and China "had been able to maintain sound economic and social development" despite a "fluid and complex" global situation. "We truly hope that in the year ahead our two countries can enhance our exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation so that we can jointly contribute more to the peace, stability and development of our region and the world at large, and deliver more benefits to our two countries and the people of our two countries and the whole world," he said. Yang also thanked Jaishankar for his "important contribution" to relations with China both as envoy to China and Foreign Secretary. The FS said he was returning to Beijing was a sense of "nostalgia and very good feelings" about his time there. --- ENDS --- advertisement Jerusalem (AFP) - A senior Palestinian journalist has been released after 10 months in an Israeli jail without charge, he told AFP on Tuesday. Omar Nazzal, 55, was released on Monday after nearly a year in prison and following 13 hearings in an Israeli military court, he said. Despite that, he added, he never received specific allegations, only a "general accusation" that he was threatening "regional security". "When my lawyer asked for details, he got only rejections from judges and military prosecutors," Nazzal, a member of the general secretariat of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, told AFP. He was arrested on April 23 at the border between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan, from where he had been due to fly to a European Federation of Journalists gathering in Bosnia. Nazzal, a former employee at the Palestine Today newspaper, was detained under Israel's controversial administrative detention laws, which allow suspects to be interned for indefinite periods without charge on evidence often not given to their lawyers. The Palestinians have labelled his arrest an attack on press freedom and several international organisations have called for his release. Israel insists that Nazzal was detained for "his involvement in terror group activities", not "because of his activity as a journalist". He is accused of being in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a leftist party banned by Israel. The United Nations frequently calls on Israel to either charge or release those held under administrative detention, who number 530, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club. According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, around 20 journalists or journalism students are held by Israel, one of them for more than 20 years. Mohammed al-Qiq, a journalist with Saudi television channel Al-Majd, has been on hunger strike for 16 days, his supporters said. Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - French carmaker PSA on Tuesday said its chief executive Carlos Tavares had held a "fruitful discussion" with German Chancellor Angela Merkel over his firm's planned takeover of General Motors subsidiary Opel. Tavares "presented the rationale to create the path for a European champion" by combining Opel with PSA'S Peugeot, Citroen and DS brands, the firm said in a statement. The surprise announcement last week that PSA was eyeing Opel prompted fears in Germany that the prospective new owner could cut non-French jobs if the deal goes ahead. Merkel vowed to do "everything politically possible to secure jobs and sites in Germany. Tavares agreed to uphold existing job, investment and site guarantees and to maintain Opel as an independent company during the exchange Tuesday, Merkel spokesman Steffen Seibert said. Opel workers have secured a jobs guarantee from the current management that runs until the end of 2018 and a pledge to continue investing in German sites until 2020, among other deals. PSA would "respect the existing agreements in the European countries and to continue the dialogue with all parties," the French group said in a joint statement with powerful union IG Metall and the Opel works council earlier on Tuesday. Tavares "communicated convincingly in the talks that he is interested in a sustainable development for Opel/Vauxhall as an independent company," said works council chairman Wolfgang Schaefer-Klug. "PSA's ambition is to make the cooperation and the quality of relations with employee representatives a competitive advantage," Tavares said. Peugeot's commitment to cooperate with employees is "an important signal" and "the basis to shape a possible merger constructively for the workers," said the head of IG Metall's central German branch, Joerg Koehlinger. Opel operates some 10 factories in Europe spread across six countries, and had 35,600 employees at the end of 2015 -- 18,250 of them in Germany. Story continues Founded in 1862, Opel, with its lightning-bolt emblem, has long been a familiar sight on German and European roads. But in recent years the firm has booked repeated losses, costing Detroit-based GM around $15 billion (14 billion euros) since 2000. A sharp fall in the pound since Britain's vote to quit the EU last June sank Opel's hopes of getting back into the black in 2016, and it ended up reporting a loss of $257 million. Britain, where it sells vehicles under the Vauxhall brand, is Opel's largest European market. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is a "serial killer" who should be forced out of office, one of his chief critics said Tuesday, as she faced arrest on drug charges which she insisted were meant to silence her. Senator Leila de Lima invoked the famous "People Power" revolution that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos three decades ago, in her strongest comments yet against Duterte and his war on drugs that has claimed thousands of lives. "There is no more doubt that our president is a murderer and sociopathic serial killer," De Lima told reporters, as she called on Duterte's cabinet to declare him unfit to lead and urged ordinary Filipinos to voice opposition to his rule. De Lima said the constitution allowed for a majority in his cabinet to force him to step down by ruling that he was mentally incapacitated, and urged members to do so. If they did not, she referred to the mass uprising that in 1986 ended the "iron fist" of Marcos's dictatorship. "Now the time has come again for us to be brave and stand up to another criminal dictator and his evil regime," De Lima said. She also compared Duterte to Batman's foe, the Joker, saying the president was also a "psychotic murderer" who led other villains in committing crimes. The government last week charged De Lima, a former national human rights commissioner, with orchestrating a drug trafficking ring when she was justice secretary in the previous administration. - Intimidation - De Lima, 57, her supporters and rights groups have said the charges against her are manufactured to silence her as well as intimidate other people who may want to speak out against the president. "The prosecution of Senator Leila de Lima is an act of political vindictiveness that debases the rule of law in the Philippines, Human Rights Watch deputy Asia director Phelim Kine said this week. "The Duterte administration seems intent on using the courts to punish prominent critics of its murderous 'war on drugs'." Story continues De Lima could be detained anytime, although the courts hearing the cases must issue an arrest warrant. When asked about De Lima's comments on Tuesday, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella simply described them as "colourful language" and pointed out that Duterte would allow public demonstrations against him. Duterte, 71, won the presidential election last year after promising during the campaign to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people. He immediately launched the crackdown after taking office in June and police have reported killing 2,555 drug suspects since then, with about 4,000 other people murdered in unexplained circumstances. Amnesty International has warned that police actions in the drug war may amount to crimes against humanity. Duterte has at times insisted he and his security forces are not breaking any laws in prosecuting the drug war. On other occasions he has boasted of killing people to set an example for police and said he would be "happy to slaughter" three million drug addicts in the Philippines. Late last month Duterte ordered police to halt involvement in the drug war after the media revealed that anti-drugs officers had kidnapped and murdered a South Korean businessman as part of an extortion racket. But he has vowed to continue the drug war with the military's support, while rights groups say extrajudicial killings of drug suspects by unknown attackers are continuing. The powerful Roman Catholic Church, which helped lead the People Power revolution, has in recent months begun speaking out against the drug war and on Saturday held a rally against the killings, attracting thousands of people. But Duterte remains popular with many Filipinos, who see him as the strongman needed to fight drugs and corruption, and there is little expectation of a popular uprising against him in the near future. By Manuel Mogato BORACAY, Philippines (Reuters) - Southeast Asian countries see China's installation of weapons systems in the South China Sea as "very unsettling" and have urged dialogue to stop an escalation of "recent developments", the Philippines said on Tuesday. The region's foreign ministers were unanimous in their concern over China's militarization of its artificial islands, but were confident a framework for a code of maritime conduct could be agreed with Beijing by June, Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said. Yasay did not say what developments provoked the concern, but said the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) hoped China and the United States would ensure peace and stability. He said demilitarisation would be a key component of any ASEAN-China code of conduct, but it was too soon to say whether Beijing's dismantling of its weapons installations would be a prerequisite. "The ASEAN members have been unanimous in their expression of concern about what they see as a militarization of the region," Yasay told reporters after a ministers' retreat on the Philippine island of Boracay. Referring to China's manmade islands in the Spratly archipelago, Yasay said ASEAN countries had "noticed, very unsettlingly, that China has installed weapons systems in these facilities that they have established, and they have expressed strong concern about this." With the Philippines chairing the bloc this year, Yasay's comments signal a rare, firm position by a grouping that often struggles to achieve consensus, due to its contrasting opinions on how to respond to China's assertiveness. ASEAN's statements of concern often avoid mentioning China by name. Much is at stake from upsetting China, as ASEAN members, to varying extents, are under its influence and need its trade, investment and tourists. TRUMP UNCERTAINTY Regional geopolitics has become more uncertain since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, particularly over his administration's role in a region strongly courted by Washington during the "pivot" of predecessor Barack Obama. Friction between the United States and China over trade and territory under Trump has fueled worry that the South China Sea could become a flashpoint. China claims most of the waters, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. China on Friday completed war games with an aircraft carrier that unnerved neighbors. A day later the U.S. navy said its aircraft carrier strike group had started routine patrols in the South China Sea, a step China had warned against. Yasay said ASEAN nations recognized policies under Trump were still evolving, but hoped they could be unveiled within a few months to provide a "more concrete and clearer picture", especially regarding China. "We do not know the complete picture of what this foreign policy might be, insofar as its relationship with China is concerned. We're, however, hopeful that the policy that would come out will be positive." Asked if China was committed to a set of rules on the South China Sea, he said Beijing had shown it was keen. But all parties should ensure that the code, which has made little progress since the idea was agreed in 2002, needed to be legally "binding and enforceable", Yasay added. (Additional reporting by Enrico Dela Cruz and Manolo Serapio Jr; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) BORACAY, Philippines (Reuters) - Southeast Asian countries hope that U.S. President Donald Trump will unveil his policies within the next few months to provide a "more concrete and clearer picture", especially regarding China, the Philippine foreign minister said on Tuesday. "We all recognize the fact that American policy under the Trump administration is still evolving," Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay told a news conference. "We do not know the complete picture of what this foreign policy might be, insofar as its relationship with China is concerned. "We're however, hopeful, that the policy that would come out will be positive...And we would hope that within the next few months we would see a more concrete and clearer picture." (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) Five people were believed killed when a light plane crashed in flames into a shopping mall on Tuesday in the Australian city of Melbourne, officials said. The five were on a twin-engine Beechcraft Super King Air that crashed about 45 minutes before the Direct Factory Outlet mall in suburban Essendon was to open, Police Minister Lisa Neville said. The U.S. Embassy in Canberra would not comment on a report that the passengers were U.S. citizens, but said it was working with local authorities. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who died in today's tragic crash," an embassy statement said. "We are unable to confirm any details about the nationality or identity of any of the victims. The U.S. Embassy in Canberra and the consulate in Melbourne are working closely with local authorities to assist in any way possible," it said. Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane also declined to say whether the four passengers were Americans. The plane had taken off from Melbourne's second-biggest airport at Essendon on a chartered flight to King Island, 255 kilometers (160 miles) to the south, officials said. The mall adjoins the airport. Leane said it appeared that no one aboard the plane had survived. No one on the ground was injured. "Looking at the fireball, it is incredibly lucky that no one was at the back of those stores or in the car park of the stores, that no one was even hurt," Leane said. A pilot reported a "catastrophic engine failure" moments before the plane crashed into a storage area at the rear of the mall, police said. Police and paramedics rushed to the crash site, where firefighters doused the flames. A witness who gave his name as Jason told Australian Broadcasting Corp. he was passing the mall in a taxi when the plane crashed. "I saw this plane coming in really low and fast. I couldn't see the impact but when it hit the building there was a massive fireball," he said. "I could feel the heat through the window of the taxi, and then a wheel it looked like a plane wheel bounced on the road and hit the front of the taxi as we were driving along," he said. By Manoj Kumar NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the United States on Tuesday to keep an open mind on admitting skilled Indian workers, in comments that pushed back against Republican President Donald Trump's "America First" rhetoric on jobs. Modi's comments reflected concern that India's $150 billion IT services industry would suffer if the United States curbs the visas, known as H-1B, it relies on to send its software experts to the United States on project work. "The prime minister referred to the role of skilled Indian talent in enriching the American economy and society," Modi's office said in a statement after he met a bipartisan delegation of 26 members of the U.S. Congress. "He urged developing a reflective, balanced and far-sighted perspective on movement of skilled professionals." Indian nationals are by far the largest group of recipients of the 65,000 H-1B visas issued each year to new applicants under a cap mandated by Congress. Exemptions on the H-1B cap are available to up to 20,000 further applicants who have obtained a U.S. master's degree. The actual number of Indian nationals working in the United States under the H-1B programme is significantly higher, however, because many visas are rolled over. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, who was born in India, also met Modi on Tuesday. He told the Economic Times earlier that his own career had been made possible by "an enlightened immigration policy". Initial confidence that Asia's third-largest economy would benefit from Trump's election victory has given way to concern that his isolationist rhetoric and hostility to free trade would hurt India's hi-tech and outsourcing industry. The sector, led by Tata Consultancy Services, Infosys Ltd and Wipro Ltd, employs 3.5 million people and is lobbying against proposed U.S. visa curbs - including increases on salaries that H-1B visa holders must earn. Part of the delegation led by Congressman Bob Goodlatte, a Republican from Virginia who chairs the House Judiciary Committee, met Ravi Shankar Prasad, India's minister in charge of electronics and IT. Goodlatte, speaking at the meeting with Prasad, declined to answer a question on visa restrictions, saying it was up to the president to reassess his policies on immigration. A senior Indian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said India hoped to resolve the visa issue with the United States but declined to be drawn on the details. The government supported a move by NASSCOM, India's high-tech industry association, to lobby U.S. lawmakers and companies to urge the administration not to crack down on allowing its skilled workers into the United States, the source said. (Writing by Douglas Busvine; Editing by Sankalp Phartiyal, Robert Birsel) Showing off your significant other isn't reserved for Feb. 14 only anymore thanks to the hashtag #PoCInLove. The hashtag, which was started last year by @PoCBeauty, gave people of color an opportunity to celebrate being in relationships with other people of color on the timelineand while it started last Friday, the adorable photos of diverse lovebirds trickled in throughout the weekend. SEE ALSO: 6 gods of love for the modern era I'm bringing back #PoCInLove. I hope to see lots of people participate. pic.twitter.com/sEWSGCglql Beauty in Color (@PoCBeauty) February 8, 2017 "Theres not many stories out there about couples who are Arab and black or Filipino and Mexican or just black and black or Asian couples, @PoCBeauty told Buzzfeed, explaining the reasoning behind the movement. Theres really nothing about poly and LGBTQ+ couples that are people of color either. #POCInLove chingchong kid & melei boi fall 4 each other @ a theatre festival hoho pic.twitter.com/D1QBxog806 ki(tsch)mchi (@doyouwanttokiss) February 19, 2017 It's hard to show affection when we're breaking social norms, but hey, progress never comes if we're stagnant and obedient #PocInLove pic.twitter.com/6OgnPnN0Pc John Jimenez (@jofhqn) February 20, 2017 First time seeing the snow & first time snow boarding. I'd say the 10 hour drive to Salt Lake City was worth it #pocinlove pic.twitter.com/9wQXfj1v3x mariel (@JturnerMariel) February 21, 2017 ~Ethiopian and Palestinian~I saw this and had to show yalls how happy my man makes me, my other half #PocInLove pic.twitter.com/kdkBQsauSQ Habashawdy (@newindigo8) February 19, 2017 Nigerian, Korean & Chinese. Both first gen . Five years this March . #POCinLove pic.twitter.com/e0pUBTjJS3 Paula (@ptang_) February 19, 2017 #pocinlove Mexican + Indian = some beautiful brown love & some bomb ass food pic.twitter.com/a7OVdWufGg Ale (@Whalejandra) February 19, 2017 2 years strong and I've never been happier(ps we're late to the party but we're African so you can't really blame us ) #POCinlove pic.twitter.com/Dk2oqwviqf (@ephrata) February 19, 2017 Sri Lankan and African American He really is the sweetest thing in my life. 7 years and counting #POCinlove pic.twitter.com/npkvGiZ8nL babygirl (@pandatheElefant) February 20, 2017 Did someone chop onions in here? TEXARKANA, Ark. (AP) Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old boy at a home in southwestern Arkansas. Texarkana Police Department spokeswoman Kristi Bennett says officers found the boy suffering from a gunshot wound Saturday afternoon at the home in the city bordering Texas. Bennett tells the Texarkana Gazette (http://bit.ly/2kHmnxg ) that the boy was pronounced dead at a hospital. Bennett says investigators are working to determine what led to the fatal shooting. She says other children and adults were at the home when the shooting occurred. ___ Information from: Texarkana Gazette, http://www.texarkanagazette.com CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Authorities in North Carolina are investigating the death of an 18-year-old high school student shot after an argument at a Charlotte house party. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police say they found Chris Allen outside a home suffering from a gunshot wound about 11 p.m. Sunday. He was taken to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Police are still investigating the death but say Allen and another partygoer got in a fight, and Allen was shot. Allen was a senior at East Mecklenburg High School. Counselors were expected to be at the school Tuesday to help students coping with Allen's death. By Press Trust of India: Shirdi, Feb 21 (PTI)Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam today dubbed the detention of 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed by Pakistan as an act of "hypocrisy". Saeed was placed under house arrest on January 30 in Lahore. "I am doubtful of the action because in his statement before a court in Mumbai, David Headley had said that no action was likely to be taken against Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in Pakistan," Nikam told reporters here. advertisement "Headley had even submitted e-mails which he had received from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which indicated that the action against Lakhvi was an act of hypocrisy," he added. Nikam said Pakistan was not willing to accept that Saeed was a terrorist and the country was being supported by China which had "vested interests" in the region. Saeed was earlier put under house arrest after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, but was freed by a court in Pakistan in 2009. He carries a reward of USD 10 million on his head, announced by the authorities in the US for his role in terror activities. PTI CORR HVJ RMT RC --- ENDS --- LISBON, Portugal (AP) A former CIA agent will be handed over to Italy in the coming days to serve a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of involvement in a U.S. program that kidnapped suspects for interrogation, a lawyer said Tuesday. Sabrina de Sousa spent the night in a women's prison near Lisbon after a Portuguese court ordered police to extradite her, her Portuguese lawyer, Manuel Magalhaes e Silva, told the Associated Press in an interview. He said she was detained Monday after a two-year fight against extradition and would be put on a plane once formalities between Portuguese and Italian police were concluded. De Sousa, 61, was among 26 Americans convicted of kidnapping suspect Osama Moustafa Hassan Nas, also known as Abu Omar, from a Milan street on Feb. 17, 2003. She denied involvement in the abduction. The U.S. rendition program, under which terror suspects were kidnapped and transferred to centers where they were interrogated and tortured, was part of the anti-terrorism strategy of the Bush administration following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Former President Barack Obama ended the program years later. The U.S. government expressed concern with De Sousa's treatment. "We are deeply disappointed in her conviction and sentence," acting State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement. "This is a matter that U.S. officials have been following closely. We have asked our European counterparts what their next steps may be, but we are not in a position to detail those discussions." De Sousa lost several appeals against extradition since her arrest at Lisbon Airport in October 2015 on a European warrant. She had argued she was never officially informed of the Italian court conviction and couldn't use confidential U.S. government information to defend herself. Once in Italy, De Sousa is expected to be taken to a women's prison in Milan, but her Italian lawyer Dario Bolognesi said he would immediately appeal to the Milan court to defer her imprisonment pending a decision on her years-long request for clemency. Other Americans convicted in the case have received clemency from the Italian president. Story continues Bolognesi met Tuesday with Justice Ministry officials who are reviewing the clemency request and emerged optimistic. Regardless, he said he would also request that De Sousa be granted semi-freedom and serve any sentence doing social work. He disputed the written ruling by the Lisbon judges that said that the verdict in Italy that provided the grounds for the European arrest warrant was "not final." He said the Italian case went all the way to the highest court and is final. Magalhaes e Silva, de Sousa's Lisbon lawyer and a human rights expert who said he took her case pro bono, said the European arrest warrant guaranteed de Sousa the possibility of a new trial or an appeal. Those assurances persuaded the Lisbon court to send her to Italy, he said. But last June the Italian authorities retracted that promise in a letter to the court, he said. "It will be interesting to see what the Italian courts do when there's an extradition based on a European arrest warrant in which Italy guaranteed to Portugal that it would respect certain rights, then like a pariah state it turns around and says no," he said. De Sousa, who was born in India and holds both U.S. and Portuguese passports, has said she had been living in Portugal and intended to settle there. She was on her way to visit her elderly mother in India with a roundtrip ticket when she was detained. ___ Associated Press writer Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed to this story. A group of archaeologists has said the tomb of Tutankhamun may hold a hidden chamber containing the tomb of Queen Nefertiti. So far, radar scans have failed to confirm such a chamber. Now, a physicist plans to lead a team conducting another series of ground-penetrating radar (GPR) scans as a last-ditch effort to find Nefertiti's burial site. In this method, high-frequency radio waves bounce off the ground and off of walls, and the reflected signals can reveal hidden treasures, or empty chambers.This is the third time that this method has been used in Tutankhamun's tomb and it is unclear how the new scans will be different than the others. The study leader, physics professor Francesco Porcelli at the University of Turin in Italy, told Live Science that he cannot say anything more about the upcoming scans without the approval of Egypt's antiquities ministry. The ministry did not return a message left by Live Science. [See Photos of King Tut's Burial and Radar Scans] In 2015, Nicholas Reeves, director of the Amarna Royal Tombs Project, proposed the idea that a hidden chamber inside King Tut's tomb contained the tomb of Queen Nefertiti. Ground-penetrating radar scans carried out by radar technologist Hirokatsu Watanabe supposedly showed evidence of two hidden chambers. Reeves published a paper presenting his theory in 2015. He did not return a request for comment from Live Science. Then, in May 2016, a National Geographic team conducted another set of ground-penetrating radar scans.Those scans showed no hidden chambers in King Tut's tomb. However, the National Geographic Society has barred members of that team from talking publicly about their research, said Dean Goodman, one of the leaders of the National Geographic team. The team signed a nondisclosure agreement with the society, which can't be waived unless the Egyptian antiquities ministry approves, a spokesperson for the society explained. Story continues While Goodman cannot speak publicly about his team's results, he expressed confidence in the Turin team, saying he knows several of its members well. The "King Tut research is in good hands," he told Live Science. Lawrence Conyers, an anthropology professor at the University of Denver who is a leading expert in the use of ground-penetrating radar in archaeology, has criticized the decision of Egyptian authorities to withhold data. He told Live Science that he thinks it is a good idea for the Turin team to do additional scans, but that he hopes Egyptian authorities will allow researchers to access the data, which he said they did not do previously. "Perhaps this time they will release the data to the GPR community and do a 'peer review' instead of holding it all secret and just releasing 'results' that have no basis in actual data!" wrote Conyers in an email, noting that the National Geographic team data has never been released to scientists. "I was not privy to the National Geographic dataset, and for some reason they would not let others look at it," he said. Conyers added that there is no way that archaeologists with expertise in ground-penetrating radar, who are not affiliated with the research, will ever support the idea of a hidden chamber or tomb in Tutankhamun's tomb unless the Egyptian authorities allow scientific data to be released for full scrutiny. "There is going to be no consensus by anyone knowledgeable on the subject until they do more than hold press conferences," he said. Other scientists, speaking to Live Science on condition of anonymity, have expressed similar concerns, noting that scientists who have data suggesting no such hidden chamber exists have been barred from speaking publicly. Those who advocate for the hidden tomb's existence have more freedom to talk to the media and write about their findings, these scientists have said. Egypt's tourism numbers plunged after the 2011 Egyptian revolution, leading to a loss of jobs and tourism revenue in the country, archaeologists familiar with the situation have said. This has led to concerns among scientists that Egyptian authorities are more interested in using the publicity surrounding the scans to help the tourism industry and that authorities do not want data to be published, or publicized, which shows that there is no hidden tomb. The Egyptian antiquities ministry did not return requests for comment from Live Science at the time this story was published. Original article on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations During a visit to the National Museum of African American History on Tuesday, President Donald Trump addressed the recent rise in threats against Jewish community in America, calling anti-Semitism horrible. This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms, Trump said. The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil. Trump: "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful" https://t.co/MMdj6co2cJ CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) February 21, 2017 He also told NBC News in an interview after touring the museum with Omarosa Manigault, Ben Carson and daughter Ivanka Trump, Anti-Semitism is horrible. And its gonna stop and it has to stop. Whether its anti-Semitism or racism or any anything you wanna think about having to do with the divide, he added. Anti-Semitism is, likewise, its just terrible. According to Politico, when Trump was asked if he would outrightly denounce anti-Semitism, the president reportedly said, Oh, of course. On Monday, the FBI said they were investigating a series of bomb threats against 10 Jewish community centers, NBC reported. While no one was injured, the Jewish Community Center Association of North America said threats were issued against centers in Alabama, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Florida, New York, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas. RELATED VIDEO: Watch: Natasha Stoynoff Breaks Silence, Accuses Donald Trump of Sexual Attack Also over the weekend, over 150 headstones were toppled at a Jewish cemetery in Missouri, local news outlet KSDK reported. Though the president didnt address the threats until Tuesday, his daughter Ivanka who is Jewish wrote on Twitter, Monday, America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC. Story continues America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 20, 2017 On Tuesday, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also addressed the situation, writing on social media, JCC threats, cemetery desecration & online attacks are so troubling & they need to be stopped. Everyone must speak out, starting w/ @POTUS. JCC threats, cemetery desecration & online attacks are so troubling & they need to be stopped. Everyone must speak out, starting w/ @POTUS. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 21, 2017 In addition to the attacks, Trump addressed his controversial travel ban on Tuesday, which he insisted is about love. We have to have a safe country, he said, according to NBC. We have to let people come in that are going to love the country. This is about love. This building is about love. And we have to have people come in that are going to love the country, not people that are gonna harm the country. President Donald Trump is expected to announce his most significant moves yet to roll back environmental regulations this week as his newly confirmed pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enters office. Trump is readying multiple executive orders to roll back several key EPA regulations including the central Obama-era policy addressing climate change, according to reports in several outlets. The executive orders would not undo the policies immediately but would direct the agency to begin the long process required of undoing federal regulation. The Clean Power Plan, former President Obamas main policy aimed at addressing climate change, ranks high among the likely targets of Trumps actions. The regulation requires states to come up with plans to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, a policy that is widely expected to hasten the transition away from coal-fired power plants. Trump promised repeatedly to undo the Clean Power Plan on the campaign trail, though the process will take require more than a simple stroke of a pen. Many environmental policy experts have speculated on how Trump might try to achieve that goal following his election win in November. The administration could have refused to defend the rule in court or asked Congress to pass a law amending the Clean Air Act, which was used to issue the rule in the first place. But the use of executive order suggests the administration will instead take the most straight-forward option of simply unraveling the rule, a years-long process that will almost certainly result in litigation. Read More: EPA Nominee Scott Pruitt Acknowledges Global Warming But Wants to Restrain the Agency But Trump will have a capable ally implementing his order at the EPA. Administrator Scott Pruitt, who took office last Friday, has gained extensive knowledge and experience with the intricacies of EPA regulation at least in part through his 14 lawsuits against the agency as Oklahomas attorney general. Environmental law experts say that his expertise will help the Trump administration navigate a bureaucracy that might otherwise flummox an agency outsider. Hes got some experience and knows how to get things done in government, said Brendan Collins, an environmental lawyer at the firm Ballard Spahr, prior to Pruitts confirmation. That is something that may distinguish him. Story continues Pruitt has not yet laid out detailed priorities for the agency, but in remarks on Tuesday he cited federalism and the rule of law as guiding principles. Presumably Trumps orders, which could come as soon as Wednesday, will fill in the blanks. Process matters, Pruitt said in address to the agencys career employees. Regulations ought to make things regular. Regulators exist to give certainty to those that they regulate. Read More: Donald Trump Supported Addressing Climate Change Before Calling It a Hoax Other targets of Trumps executive orders could include U.S. participation in the landmark on Paris Agreement climate change. Trump vowed to renegotiate the deal or pull out it altogether last year but softened his tone after winning the election. Because the agreement is not a formal treaty, the president has the right to withdraw. But such a move cannot occur until 2019, three years after the measure took effect. Reports last month suggested that Trump might sign an executive order calling for a reevaluation of a wide range of United Nations measures that could include the Paris Agreement rather than pulling out full stop now. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has said he supports the climate deal. Another executive order is expected to target the Water of the United States rule, a 2015 policy that classifies which bodies of water are under federal protection. Critics have said the government lacks the authority to regulate many of the bodies included in the rule and argued that it impedes economic development. The executive orders will build on a series of actions taken by Republicans in Congress to undo environmental regulations issued by the Obama administration in the final months of his presidency including a measure that protects streams from coal debris. Undoing those measures required only a majority vote in Congress and the approval of the president under the Congressional Review Act. Seville (Spain) (AFP) - Under fire Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has called on his players to show the courage of "matadors" to cause a huge Champions League shock against high-flying Spaniards Sevilla during their last-16 first leg Wednesday. A year on from winning the Premier League title against all the odds, Ranieri's men lie just a point above the relegation zone. However, the Italian hopes that with the pressure lifted on their return to Champions League action, Leicester can summon the spirit of last season. "I want the gladiator, the matadors," said Ranieri when asked if his players would be lambs to the slaughter at the daunting Sanchez Pizjuan. "We know they are better than us, but we know we can fight. "We have to fight with our heads held high and chests out." The contrast in form and European pedigree between the sides couldn't be starker with Sevilla flying high in La Liga and having won the Europa League in each of the past three seasons. "We are serious underdogs. If you look at what Sevilla have achieved in the past 10 years they are used to staying at the top," added Ranieri. However, having saved their best for the Champions League so far this season, Ranieri is hoping a famous European night can turn their campaign around. "Tomorrow could be the turning point. If we lose nothing happens, but if we win something inside could change and we need one match like this." Record signing Islam Slimani hasn't recovered from injury so Jamie Vardy is likely to start on his own up front for the visitors. The England international's dip in form has been a key reason to Leicester's change in fortunes this season, but he too is hoping a relief from the pressures of the Premier League will unleash their best. "It's going to be a big game, we just hope we can make it a memorable one," said Vardy. "It is a game where we can just forget about that for one night and hopefully if we get a good performance we can use that to kick on and pull ourselves away from the relegation zone." Story continues Leicester's disastrous form also saw them dumped out of the FA Cup in embarrassing fashion in a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Millwall of the third tier League One on Saturday. However, Ranieri is set to recall a host of first team regulars after making 10 changes against Millwll as the likes of Vardy and Riyad Mahrez should return. - 'Time waits for no one' - Sevilla boss Jorge Sampaoli highlighted Vardy as Leicester's major threat. "Vardy was decisive last year and his lack of goals explains Leicester's current problems," said the Argentine. "When Vardy starts scoring we will once again see the Leicester that are extremely dangerous." Sampaoli, though, admitted the pressure building on Ranieri is inevitable unless results drastically improve. "Now no one talks about the team that won the league in an incredible and historic way, but of the present when they are not playing well and fighting against relegation," he added. "Common sense would say that someone who achieved so much from a team with so little can turn the situation around, but time waits for no one, not even someone as good as Ranieri who won the Premier League." Sevilla's only absences are at the back with Gabriel Mercado and Nico Pareja missing through suspension and injury respectively. Sampaoli is expected to make just two changes from the side that beat Eibar 2-0 on Saturday to remain third in La Liga, with Brazilian right-back Mariano and Spanish international Vitolo coming into the side. The professor who has correctly predicted every presidential election since 1984 including Donald Trumps unexpected victory is now writing a book on what he says is Trumps imminent impeachment. Allan Lichtman, a professor at American University, has used a set of keys to accurately predict every presidential election for more than 30 years. Now, he focuses on the 45th President of the United States and his next forecast, that it is not a question of if President Trump will be impeached, but a question of when, Shelby Meizlik, a spokesperson for HarperCollins, said in a statement Tuesday. In his book, The Case for Impeachment, Lichtman will argue that Trump is susceptible to impeachment because of questions surrounding his ties to Russia and potential conflicts of interest related to his businesses, the statement said. The book was acquired by Dey Street Books and is scheduled to be released on April 18. Even before Election Day, Lichtman predicted that, if elected, Trump would be impeached. Im going to make another prediction, he told the Washington Post in September. This one is not based on a system; its just my gut. They dont want Trump as president, because they cant control him. Hes unpredictable. Theyd love to have Pence an absolutely down-the-line, conservative, controllable Republican. And Im quite certain Trump will give someone grounds for impeachment, either by doing something that endangers national security or because it helps his pocketbook. WASHINGTON (AP) Prosecutors have dropped felony rioting charges against three more people who were arrested after protesters broke windows and set fire to a limousine in Washington on Inauguration Day. That brings the total number of dropped cases to 16. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia made the announcement in a statement Tuesday. The office did not say why the cases were dismissed but prosecutors have said they're working with police to review evidence related to the Jan. 20 arrests. Some of the dismissed cases have involved journalists arrested while chronicling the actions of a group of self-described anarchists. Police originally arrested 230 people and charged them with felony rioting, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison. A total of 214 people have now been indicted. An Australian woman and her British boyfriend accused of beating to death a policeman on Indonesia's resort island of Bali are facing a jail term of eight years each in line with prosecutor requests on Tuesday. Sara Connor, 46, and David Taylor, 34, are on trial for allegedly killing officer Wayan Sudarsa whose battered body was found on a popular beach in August. The pair were charged with murder over the policeman's death, which carries a maximum jail term of 15 years, but at Tuesday's hearing prosecutors said the accused did not intend to kill Sudarsa. Prosecutor Agung Jayalantara told the court in the Balinese capital Denpasar they should be convicted of a lesser charge they are also facing -- group assault causing death -- and jailed for eight years each. Jayalantara said that Taylor had shown remorse although he criticised Connor for being uncooperative. The pair appeared at separate hearings Tuesday. Judges can impose a greater or lesser sentence than that requested by prosecutors but they often follow the recommendation. Connor's lawyer Erwin Siregar labelled the sentence request "incredible". "It does not make sense, if you see what kind of role David played," he said. Taylor's lawyer Haposan Sihombing added that "eight years is too much". Taylor has admitted hitting the policeman with a pair of binoculars and a beer bottle during a late-night fight on the beach but insists he was acting in self defence as Sudarsa tried to choke him. The fight started after the Briton accused Sudarsa of stealing Connor's handbag. Connor has insisted she is innocent and had simply tried to pull the men apart as they fought. They fled the scene, but were later tracked down after witnesses reported the incident to police. Bali, a pocket of Hinduism in Muslim-majority Indonesia, is a popular tourist destination known for its tropical climate and palm-fringed beaches. Minor crime is common but murders are rare. Sasikala, who is currently lodged at Bengaluru's Parapanna Agrahara Central Jail, in her letter slammed rebel party leader O Panneerselvam for 'betraying the legacy of Jayalalithaa and MGR.' By Pramod Madhav: AIADMK general secretary Sasikala has asked her party cadres to celebrate late Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa's birthday on February 24 on a grand scale conducting public welfare events across the state. Sasikala, who is currently lodged at Bengaluru's Parapanna Agrahara Central Jail, in her letter slammed rebel party leader O Panneerselvam for 'betraying the legacy of Jayalalithaa and MGR.' advertisement MUST READ: Sasikala's enigma: From a video shop-owner to AIADMK boss "We have defeated the treacherous acts and betrayal of those who tried to swindle Jayalalithaa's hard work and MGR's legacy. We have safeguarded Amma's governance while celebrating MGR's centenary year," she stated and requested the cadres to involve themselves into conducting a lot of public welfare events. The statement was released a day after TTV Dhinakaran, the party's deputy general secretary met Sasikala at Bengaluru jail. Another statement from the party also informed that presidium chairman KA Sengottaiyan will garland Jayalalithaa's picture at the party office on her birthday. SASIKALA TO SERVE 13 MORE MONTHS IN JAIL IF RS 10 CRORE FINE NOT PAID Sasikala, who is serving a jail term after her conviction in a disproportionate assets case, will have to serve 13 more months in prison if she fails to pay a fine of Rs 10 crore imposed by the Supreme Court. "Sasikala Natarajan will have to pay Rs 10 crore and if she fails to pay the punitive amount imposed by the Supreme Court, she will have to serve 13 more months in the jail," Prisons Superintendent Krishna Kumar said in a statement. The Supreme Court had on February 14 restored Sasikala's conviction in the disproportionate assets case, awarding four years jail term to her and her relatives, besides imposing a fine of Rs 10 crore each. (With PTI inputs) WATCH: Prisoner VK Sasikala assigned these works on first day in Bengaluru jail ALSO READ: Cyanide Mallika: Sasikala's neighbour in jail, Jayalalithaa's fan and India's first female serial killer VK Sasikala's 'floor' test in Bengaluru jail: Prisoner No 9234 denied VIP treatment --- ENDS --- Russia's love affair with President Donald Trump might be over before it started. Russian coverage of the new White House administration has waned over the past two weeks in a sign that the Kremlin does not expect to have better relations with Trump than it did with his predecessor, former President Barack Obama, the Moscow Times reported Tuesday. The findings are based on a study from the RBC news agency that monitored coverage from major Russian networks, which tend to be controlled by the Kremlin. The study looked at Pervyi Kanal, Rossiya 1, Rossiya 24, TV Tsentr, Pyatyi Kanal, NTV, RBC TV, Life and Zvezda over three Sundays in February and counted all mentions of the president's name. Russian TV, for example, said the name Trump roughly 153 times on Feb. 5. A week later, that fell to about 116 mentions. By the third week of the review, Trump only came up about 38 times. When Trump is mentioned, the conversation tends to be less than glowing, RBC found. He was increasingly being compared to Obama and questions about his ability to repair relations between Washington and Moscow had also become routine. Russian journalist Konstantin Eggert wrote last week in an op-ed published in Deutsche Welle that the Russian media had received orders from the Kremlin to only show Trump in a negative light. The shift appears to mark a sudden turnaround for Russia. During the 2016 presidential election, Trump vowed to maintain a very, very good relationship with Russia, and many Russians interviewed at the time by ABC News said they preferred the New York real estate magnate over Hillary Clinton, his Democratic rival. A YouGov agency in April similarly found Russia was the only major nation to back Trump over Clinton. At the same time, the Obama administration said Russian hackers were leaking emails from Democratic officials to help fuel Trump's campaign. Clinton later won the popular vote in November, while Trump became president after securing the Electoral College vote. Story continues More recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin allegedly ordered a report on Trump's psychology, NBC News reported Monday. The report concluded the president has a naive world view and "doesn't understand fully who is Mr. Putin he is a tough guy," former Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov of Russia told NBC News. Trump's relationship with Putin and Russia has been under scrutiny for months after he repeatedly praised the Russian leader on the campaign trail despite Moscow's history of human rights violations. Last week, Trump's first pick for national security adviser, Michael T. Flynn, resigned after media reports showed he hadn't been upfront about his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States about sanctions. The Justice Department warned that Moscow could use Flynn's misleading statements about that communication to blackmail him. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied Friday that Moscow was done with Trump, the Associated Press reported. "We never wore rose-tinted glasses, never had any illusions, so there is nothing to be disappointed with," he said when asked if Putin's administration was unhappy with the Trump administration. Related Articles An Angus Reid Institute poll Monday of 1,508 Canadians found that a quarter of them would actually support a Donald Trump-style ban on accepting Syrian refugees into the country. Although a majority of Canadians approved of the ways in which the Canadian government had been handling the refugees, there was a notable divide in opinion regarding the refugee targets for 2017. A significant segment among the Canadians said the mark of 40,000 refugees expected to enter the country this year was too high. One in four Canadians said their government should have implemented its own refugee ban policy similar to the U.S. president's executive order. The Canadian government resettled more than 25,000 Syrian refugees between Nov. 4, 2015, and Feb. 29, 2016, according to government data. "Public opinion in this country is onside with its governments approach and response on domestic refugee policy, but is showing signs Ottawa may be testing the limits of how many migrants Canadians are willing to accept," the poll report said. The poll was conducted over a period of three days, from Feb. 6 to Feb. 9. It showed that 41 percent of the respondents think that the number of refugees (of all nationalities) entering Canada this year was too high. In comparison, nearly half of the respondents (47 percent) were in favor of the government's refugee target for 2017. However, one in ten (11 percent) of the total number of respondents noted that Canada should take in more number of refugees than the current figure. After Trump's executive order, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had welcomed refugees to the country. Other key findings in the poll stated that 60 percent of Canadians supported the government's ways of dealing with the Syrian refugee resettlement since Trudeau took office in 2015. However, initially a majority had opposed the Canadian government's plan to accept 25,000 Syrian refugees by the end of 2015. Story continues "The majority are not saying we should close the door, but the majority are almost just putting a bit of a hand up and saying lets take a breath here and lets look at what were doing, and lets make sure that the numbers are right, and that the ability to take people in and set them up for success is also properly arranged for," Shachi Kurl, executive director of the Angus Reid Institute, reportedly said. Related Articles TRUMP: Beautiful morning and what a job theyve done like few others have been able to do. I am very, very proud of Lonnie Bunch, the work and the love that he has in his heart for what hes done is I always talk about you need enthusiasm, you need really love for anything you do to do it successfully. And Lonnie, you are where? Come on. Wheres Lonnie? You should be up here, Lonnie. Come on. And David we have to get David up here, too. David Skorton is tremendous and he was singing Lonnies praises all morning long. So you two should at least be here. So we appreciate it very much. And David Rubenstein, whos here someplace. He is come on, David (inaudible). You certainly deserve it. Hes a very, very successful guy who spends money doing great things and hes been a great help to so many different groups and this one in particular. Thank you. Its a privilege to be here today. This museum is a beautiful tribute to so many American heroes. Heroes like Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Rosa Parks, the Greensboro students and the African-American Medal of Honor recipients, among so many other really incredible heroes. Its amazing to see. I went we did a pretty comprehensive tour, but not comprehensive enough. So Lonnie, Ill be back, I told you that because I could stay here for a lot longer, believe me. Its really incredible. Im deeply proud that we now have a museum that honors the millions of African-American men and women who built our national heritage, especially when it comes to faith, culture and the unbreakable American spirit. My wife was here last week and took a tour, and it was something that shes still talking about. Ivanka is here right now and it really is very, very special. Its something that frankly if you want to know the truth, its doing so well that everybodys talking about it. I know President Obama was here for the museums opening last fall and Im honored to be the second sitting president to visit this great museum. Etched in the hall that we passed today is a quote from Spottswood Rice, a runaway slave who joined the Union Army. He believed his fellow African-Americans always looked to the United States as the promised land of universal freedom. Today and every day of my presidency, I pledge to do everything I can to continue that promise of freedom for African-Americans and for every American. So important, nothing more important. This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms. The anti-semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil. I want to thank a great friend of mine, Dr. Ben Carson, and his beautiful family, Candy and the whole family, for joining us today. It was very special to accompany him and his family for the first time seeing the Carson exhibit. The first time. I love this guy. Hes a great guy, really a great guy. And he can tell you better than me, but Ill tell you what, we really started something with Ben. Were very, very proud of him. Hopefully, next week hell get his approval, about three or four weeks late, and youre doing better than most, right? But the Democrats, theyll come along. I have no doubt theyll come along. But Ben is going to do a fantastic job at HUD. I have absolutely no doubt he will be one of the great ever in that position. He grew up in Detroit and had very little. He defied every statistic. He graduated from Yale and he went on to the University of Michigans medical school. He became a brilliant, totally brilliant neurosurgeon; saved many lives and helped many, many people. Were going to do great things in our African-American communities together. Bens going to work with me very, very closely. And HUD has a meaning far beyond housing. If properly done, its a meaning thats as big as anything there is. And then well be able to find that true meaning, and the true meaning of HUD as its secretary. So, I just look forward to that. I look forward to watching that. Hell do things that nobody ever thought of. I also want to thank Senator Tim Scott for joining us today friend of mine, a great, great senator from South Carolina. I like the state of South Carolina. I like all those states where I won by double, double, double digits. You know, those states. But South Carolina was one, and Tim has been fantastic how he represents the people. And they love him. I also want to profoundly thank Alveda King for being here. And as we saw her uncles wonderful exhibit, and he certainly deserves that. Mrs. King and by the way, Ms. King, I can tell you this personally because I watch her all the time, and she is a tremendous fighter for justice. And so Alveda, thank you very much (inaudible). I have been watching you for so long, and you are so incredible. And I wanted to thank you for all the nice things you say about me. Not everybody says nice things, but shes special. (CROSSTALK) TRUMP: Thank you. (CROSSTALK) TRUMP: Thank you. Appreciate it. So with that, were going to just end this incredible beginning of a morning. But engraved in the wall very nearby, a quote by the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1955, he told the world, We are determined to work and fight until justice runs down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream. And thats what its going to be. Were going to bring this country together. Maybe bring some of the world together, but were going to bring this country together. We have a divided country. Its been divided for many, many years, but were going to bring it together. I hope every day of my presidency, we will be honoring the determination and work towards a very worthy goal, and for Lonnie and David and David and Ben and Alveda and everybody, I just want to I just have to say that what theyve done here is something that can probably not be duplicated. It was done with love and lots of money. Right, Lonnie? Lots of money. We cant avoid that, but it was done with tremendous love and passion, and thats why its so great. So thank you all very much for being here. I appreciate it. And congratulations, this is a truly great museum. Thank you. By Allison Lampert HEMMINGFORD, Quebec (Reuters) - Canadian police said on Monday they had bolstered their presence at the Quebec border and that border authorities had created a temporary refugee center to process a growing number of asylum seekers crossing from the United States. The Canada Border Services Agency, or CBSA, said at a news conference that it had converted an unused basement into a refugee claimant processing center. Both the border agency and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are reassigning staff from other locations in the province, as needed, to accommodate rising demand. The CBSA said the number of people making refugee claims at Quebec-U.S. border crossings more than doubled from 2015 to 2016. Last month, 452 people made claims in Quebec compared with 137 in January 2016, the agency said. The influx is straining police, federal government and community resources from the western prairie province of Manitoba, where people arrive frostbitten from hours walking in freezing conditions, to Quebec, where cabs drop asylum seekers off meters away from the Quebec-U.S.border, the border agency said. Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen's office did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. A Reuters reporter on Monday saw RCMP officers take in for questioning a family of four - two men, a woman and a baby in a car seat - who had walked across the snowy gully dividing Roxham Road in Champlain, New York, from Chemin Roxham in Hemmingford, Quebec. "Please explain to her that she's in Canada," one Canadian officer told another officer. Police take people crossing the border in for questioning at the border agency's office in Lacolle, Quebec, which is the province's biggest and busiest border crossing. Police identify them and ensure they are not a threat or carrying contraband. They are then transferred to the CBSA for fingerprinting and further questions. If people are deemed a threat or flight risk, they are detained. If not, they can file refugee claims and live in Canada while they wait for a decision Story continues "It's touching, and we are not insensitive to that," Bryan Byrne, the RCMP's Champlain Detachment commander, told reporters near the border. "Some of these people had a long journey. Some are not dressed for the climate here." Asylum seekers cross illegally because Canada's policy under the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement is to turn back refugees if they make claims at border crossings. But as U.S. President Donald Trump cracks down on illegal immigrants, Amnesty International and refugee advocacy groups are pressuring the Canadian government to abandon the agreement, arguing the United States is no safe haven. On Monday, Montreal, Canada's second most populous city, voted to declare itself a "sanctuary city," making it the fourth Canadian city to protect illegal immigrants and to provide services to them. (Additional reporting and writing by Anna Mehler Paperny in Toronto; Editing by Diane Craft and Peter Cooney) Istanbul (AFP) - Diplomatic tensions escalated between Turkey and Iran on Tuesday as the regional powers traded accusations over their roles in the Syria conflict and the Middle East. The pair have been rivals for centuries but have sought to forge a pragmatic relationship in recent years, with the Islamic Republic strongly supporting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after last year's failed coup. But mainly Sunni Muslim Turkey and Shiite Iran have been on opposite sides of the conflict in Syria, with Ankara seeking the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad and Tehran, along with Russia, his key backer. The tensions come with UN-backed peace talks for Syria due to restart on Thursday and Turkey engaged in fierce fighting inside Syria to capture the town of Al-Bab from jihadists. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu lashed out at Iran in a speech to the Munich Security Conference at the weekend, saying some of its actions had undermined security in the region and urging Tehran to promote stability. "Iran wants to make Syria and Iraq Shiite," he was quoted as saying by Turkish state media. Erdogan has also in recent weeks accused Iran of promoting a "Persian nationalism" that had damaged the Middle East. The Iranian foreign ministry on Monday summoned the Turkish envoy to issue a protest after Cavusoglu's comments while spokesman Bahram Ghassemi warned that Tehran's patience "has limits". "We hope that such statements are not made again. If our Turkish friends continue with this attitude we will not remain silent," he added. Turkey's foreign ministry spokesman Huseyin Muftuoglu hit back by saying it was "incomprehensible" to receive such accusations from Tehran who he charged with "not hesitating to push into war zones refugees sheltering from regional crises." "Instead of accusing countries that have criticised Iran, it should take constructive steps and review its own regional policies." Story continues - 'Recognise interests' - The angry exchanges have come just after Erdogan returned from a week-long tour to the Arabian peninsula, including talks with the leadership of Iran's arch regional foe and Ankara's Sunni ally Saudi Arabia. Ali Vaez, senior Iran analyst with the International Crisis Group, said Iran and Turkey feared the other was seeking to capture regional hegemony via proxies on the ground. "With each failure to find an accommodation, the context of Turkey's and Iran's rivalry has become more complex and disagreements more intractable," he told AFP. While Turkey has backed rebels in Syria throughout the conflict, Tehran has played a crucial role in aiding Assad. Iran has provided few details over its involvement but has confirmed the deaths of some 1,000 volunteer fighters in Syria. Ankara has meanwhile warned Iran and its allies in the Baghdad government against using Shiite militia in the assault to recapture the jihadist-held Iraqi city of Mosul. "It's very dangerous to send Shiite militia into a 99 percent Sunni Arab city," Cavusoglu said on Tuesday. Harmony between Turkey and Iran is crucial in ensuring the preservation of a fragile ceasefire in Syria -- also backed by Russia -- that came into force at the end of last year as a basis for peace talks. Although Ankara says Assad should go, the government has occasionally softened its stance, indicating the president could have some role in determining the country's future. But Vaez said the Syria talks process was reaching an impasse, while the spheres of influence of Iran and Turkey were colliding in Syria. "Ultimately Turkey and Iran, as neighbours, will have to live with the outcome of the conflicts now burning around them," he said "Any sustainable solution will require a regional power balance tolerable for both," he said calling on both sides to recognise the other's interests. DONT MESS WITH TAXES. President Trump has taken to saying that no one cares about his taxes. And its true that he was able to win office while thumbing his nose at the transparency norm of releasing his tax returns while running for the White House. But the drumbeat of interest in them is not going away, and now the White House petition site registered a new milestone, the pro-transparency Sunlight Foundation noted Monday: The petition to Immediately release Donald Trumps full tax returns, with all information needed to verify emoluments clause compliance passed more than 1 million signatures since it was launched on Inauguration Day. White House petitions need to draw more than 100,000 signatures within 30 days to be considered for an official response from the White House. The previous record holder was a 2012 petition to recognize the Westboro Baptist Church as a hate group, with more than 387,000 signatures, according to a Pew study of the White House petition site. That Trump tax release petition is just one of a number of ongoing efforts to create public and legal pressure on the president to release his tax returns. Sixteen states and the District of Columbia have proposed bills to prevent access to the presidential ballot without disclosing federal tax returns, the AP reported Sunday. These measures are unlikely to succeed in most states where they have been proposed even if they make it through state legislatures, because their Republican governors such as New Jerseys Chris Christie are almost certain not to sign them into law. Only five of the 16 states have Democratic governors. But even if only California and New York adopted the measures, turning what was a campaign norm into a campaign law, that would have some kind of impact in a world where the president needs solid support in those states to have a chance of winning the popular vote. Elsewhere, a coalition of progressive groups has launched plans for a series of protests in more than 60 cities on April 15 to demand that Trump release his tax returns. The main Tax March will be held in Washington, D.C. Story continues ON THE TOWN. Taxes came up at a town hall meeting Monday as well. CNNs Kyung Lah was at Republican Rep. Scott Taylors town hall in Virginia, where attendees grumbled at his answer he threw it back on them to hold Trump accountable for releasing his tax returns. Q: should Trump release taxes?@Scotttaylorva: you should hold him accountable. Crowd not exactly happy w/answer @IndivisibleTeam pic.twitter.com/0i4I7cUtuB Kyung Lah (@KyungLahCNN) February 21, 2017 He was also booed for answering not yet when asked if hed support an investigation into Trumps Russia ties. Biggest response of night, q on whether @Scotttaylorva would support GOP investigation on Russia. His answer: Not yet. pic.twitter.com/brlyCUpwCC Kyung Lah (@KyungLahCNN) February 21, 2017 HOW ITS PLAYING IN PEORIA. Many Republican members of Congress are pulling back from town halls this district work period. But that doesnt mean they are going to be able to avoid protesters, as Illinois GOP Rep. Darin LaHood discovered in Peoria Monday. Reports 25 News Week of East Peoria: Here in Central Illinois a group protested outside the Farm Bureau office in Peoria where Congressman Darin Lahood spoke Monday. Armed with signs and a cardboard look alike of 18th District Congressman Darin Lahood about a dozen protesters stood outside the Farm Bureau building in Peoria. They got there about an hour before Lahood arrived to speak to farmers gathered inside. The protesters claim they have been trying to get a town Hall meeting with Lahood for some time concerning everything from the Republican repeal of the Affordable Care Act, to the travel ban and deregulation of big business. MISSING MEMBERS. In Murfreesboro, Tenn., activists werent able to confront their member of Congress GOP Rep. Scott DesJarlais directly, so they held their meeting without him on Saturday. Reports WKRN: Dozens of people who say Rep. Scott DesJarlais isnt around to listen to their concerns met outside his office in Murfreesboro Saturday. They passed out flyers with his picture on it that read, Missing: Have you seen this man? Members of the groups Rutherford Indivisible and Alliance for Healthcare Security say theyve been trying to convince the representative of Tennessees fourth congressional district to hold a public town hall event, but he hasnt responded. FROM THE YOU CANT WIN IF YOU DONT PLAY FILES. Because the midterm congressional elections arent until 2018 and because the Democratic Party has been so thoroughly decimated up and down the ticket, activists and organizers have vowed to start the process of rebuilding the party at lower levels and with whatever contests do come up. In Virginia, Democrats plan to challenge 45 GOP incumbents in the deep-red House of Delegates this November, including 17 lawmakers whose districts voted for Democrat Hillary Clinton, the Washington Post reports. If they do this, it would be a significant increase over 2015, when only 21 Democrats ran against GOP lawmakers. The Virginia GOP holds 66 of the 100 seats in the House of Delegates. A robust down-ticket effort might also help with the goal of winning the Virginia gubernatorial race in 2017, which along with New Jerseys gubernatorial contest is shaping up to be an early test of whether the resistance can make a difference at the ballot box. NOT MY PRESIDENTS DAY. Thousands turned out for the Not My President Presidents Day protests in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, while a smaller crowd gathered in Dupont Circle in Washington, D.C., before heading off on an impromptu, non-permitted march down 16th Street to the White House. Protests in Portland saw one injury. Slideshow: Not My Presidents Day protests in the U.S. >>> A woman's face was bloodied in the scrum, she was detained and taken away in a police vehicle @DontShootPdx #NOTMYPRESIDENTSDAY pic.twitter.com/ASUpL3cEVx Dave Killen (@killendave) February 20, 2017 And in Chicago, protests began with a rally outside Trump Tower and continued with a march and dance party led by individuals wearing bandanas over half their faces (click through for the whole thread of images). Over one thousand people are protesting outside Trump Tower in Chicago | #NotMyPresidentsday pic.twitter.com/KMzCUJGCUM agitator in chief (@soit_goes) February 20, 2017 DAKOTA ACCESS DEADLINE. The number of Standing Rock campers has dwindled from thousands to hundreds, and those remaining have been given a Feb. 22 deadline to leave the No Dakota Access Pipeline protest camp or risk arrest. While the encampment which has been in place since the summer was at one time the largest gathering of different tribes in a century, as it shrank leaders of two of the larger protesting tribes split on whether or not it should continue, with the chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux saying it is time to seek higher ground in advance of spring flooding and the Cheyenne River Sioux chairman disagreeing. Now a Wednesday confrontation is brewing between campers and authorities, and on Monday night, those remaining released a video calling for help and a media spotlight on how that confrontation is handled. URGENT. My friends in Standing Rock just sent this to me & asked me to share it. They are surrounded by militarized police RIGHT NOW. pic.twitter.com/plR0Tfaagc Shaun King (@ShaunKing) February 21, 2017 (Cover thumbnail photo: Gordon Donovan/Yahoo News) Read more from Yahoo News: London (AFP) - Russia's Rosneft oil giant has paved the way for investment in Libya's oil sector by signing a Cooperation Framework Agreement with the National Oil Corporation of Libya, it was announced Tuesday. The agreement was signed Monday on the sidelines of London's International Petroleum Week by NOC chairman Mustafa Sanalla and Rosneft chairman Igor Sechin, according to the NOC. Under the deal, the two state companies will establish a joint working committee to explore possible cooperation in various fields, including exploration and production. Sanalla last month announced plans to encourage investment by foreign oil companies in an effort to boost Libya's oil production to 2.1 million barrels per day by 2022. "We need the assistance and investment of major international oil companies to reach our production goals and stabilise our economy," he said. "This agreement with Russia's largest oil company lays the foundations for us jointly to identify areas of cooperation." Once a little-known firm, Russia's Rosneft has enjoyed a meteoric rise under President Vladimir Putin. Headed by the ex-KGB agent's powerful ally Sechin, it has scooped up some of the most prized assets in the Russian oil sector in a series of controversial deals. Libya currently produces around 600,000 barrels per day (bpd). Before the fall in 2011 of Moamer Kadhafi, it produced 1.6 million bpd. Since then, the country has been gripped by political and security chaos, unable to exploit or profit fully from its enormous oil resources and pushing the economy to the brink of collapse. As governmental and public support has shifted in favor of same-sex marriage in the U.S., research published Monday in JAMA Pediatrics now links policies legalizing same-sex marriage and lower adolescent suicide attempts. For people between 15 and 24 years old, suicide is the second-leading cause of death, with sexual minorities experiencing an even larger risk possibly due to stigma, according to a news release. Researchers analyzed state-level Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System data for 1999 through January 2015, looking at approximately 763,000 teens before the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage across the U.S. in June 2015, The Washington Post notes. The self-reported data was collected by asking teens if they had attempted suicide one or more times in the last year. The authors juxtaposed changes in public high school student suicide attempts from both before and after 32 states legalized same-sex marriage to those in 15 states that didn't allow same-sex marriage. Prior to same-sex marriage policies, 8.6 percent of all high school students and 28.5 percent of sexual minority-identifying students said they attempted suicide. The results showed that same-sex marriage policies were linked to 0.6 percentage point dip in suicide attempts, or more than 134,000 fewer adolescent suicide attempts. This indicates a 7 percent decrease among high school students claiming to have attempted suicide in the past year. Still, gay, lesbian and bisexual teenagers attempt suicide at a rate four-times higher than straight teenagers, according to the Trevor Project. Another study from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that 30 percent of transgender youth said they attempted suicide at least once. Mark L. Hatzenbuehler of Columbia University notes in an editorial along with the study that there are also other factors at play. "... Numerous laws and policies affecting sexual minorities remain openly contested, including lack of protections related to students' sexual orientation (and gender identity) in harassment and/or bullying laws, which are currently covered in only 19 states and the District of Columbia," Hatzenbuehler wrote in the editorial. "Studying these and other laws in future research will provide important information regarding the generalizability of the results of the study by [author Julia Raifman] and colleagues. Story continues The study's limitations include that the data is self-reported and the authors couldn't account for socioeconomic status nor malleable state characteristics such as religious affiliation or sexual minority acceptance. It also doesn't look at possible causation. "As countries around the world consider enabling or restricting same-sex marriage, we provide evidence that implementing same-sex marriage policies was associated with improved population health," according to the study. "Policymakers should consider the mental health consequences of same-sex marriage policies." The authors also called for more research to study the connection with sexual minority rights, stigma and sexual minority health. How Social Workers Help Your Health 9 Things to Do or Say When a Loved One Talks About Taking Their Life David Oliver is Associate Editor, Social Media at U.S. News & World Report. Follow him on Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, or send him an email at doliver@usnews.com. Whether you see a butterfly, dancing elephants, bloody humans or some other imagery when peering at one of the abstract blobs that makes up the Rorschach inkblot test, your answers can divulge some of the darkest, or just hidden, corners of your mind. And now, scientists have figured out why people see so many images when looking at the inkblots: The number of images elicited by these inkblots is determined by the irregular shapes at the edges of each. The researchers specifically looked at fractals, or repeating patterns that can be seen at all scales (close-up and farther away). When the fractals are more complex, people see fewer images than when such patterns are simpler. "These fractals are inducing these images that aren't there. They're kind of fooling the visual system," said lead study author Richard Taylor, a physicist at the University of Oregon. The brain's visual system is adapted to process patterns, Taylor told Live Science. In nature, fractals are abundant, and can be found in trees, clouds, lightning and coastlines, he said. The visual system's ability to efficiently process such fractals results in what Taylor calls "effortless looking." Taylor and his team decided to use Rorschach inkblots to study this image processing, given the inkblots' inclusion of fractal patterns, he told Live Science. The inkblots were first produced in 1921 by Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach, who published 10 different patterns that were then promoted as a "psychological X-ray," according to the study. The test relies on a phenomenon called pareidolia, in which people see familiar images where none actually exist (seeing a face in the clouds, or on Mars, for example). Rorschach would use his patients' interpretations of each blot to help him evaluate their mental state. [Seeing Things On Mars: A History of Martian Illusions] A psychologist at a mental hospital in 1955 discusses a patient's interpretation of an inkblot in the Rorschach test. Three Lions/Getty Images The researchers had 23 first-year psychology students look at 24 different Rorschach inkblot images and determine how many shapes they could see in each image, from "none" to "seven or more." By using an artificial parameter called fractal dimension, the researchers were able to quantify how complex the fractals were in each inkblot. After analyzing their results, the researchers found that the more complex the fractals were, the fewer images the participants saw in each. Story continues The researchers found similar results when they looked at data sets from two past studies: an analysis conducted in the 1930s by psychologist Marguerite Hertz of responses from 1,050 participants to the Rorschach blots; and a study in 1953 of Rorschach inkblots that involved people with and without schizophrenia. Taylor hopes to apply the findings toward the development of artificial visual systems. "We have to study the natural visual system if we're going to replace it with an artificial system," he told Live Science, adding that to build a robust artificial system, the researchers have to examine how and why the natural visual system gets fooled. Currently, Taylor's research on artificial eyes is in the in vivo stage, meaning his team is about to implant prototypes of the eyes into mice, he said. He and his team have already completed in vitro (petri dish) studies on the concept. Taylor noted that his team still has more research to perform before testing the artificial eyes in human patients, a move that is still about 10 to 15 years out, he said. The study was detailed online Feb. 14 in the open-access journal PLOS ONE. Originally published on Live Science. Editor's Recommendations By Press Trust of India: Raipur, Feb 21 (PTI) Seven naxals were today killed and a huge haul of weapons recovered after a fierce gun-battle between security forces and ultras in Chhattisgarhs insurgency-hit Narayanpur district, police said. "The skirmish took place in the dense forest of Kilam village under Chhottedongar police station limits of the district in which seven ultras, including three women, were gunned down," Inspector General of Police (in-charge) Bastar Range Sundarraj P told PTI. advertisement A joint team of Narayanpur?s District Reserve Group (DRG) and district force had launched a counter-insurgency operation from Barsoor police station of neighbouring Dantewada district this morning, he said. When forces were cordoning off jungles of Kilam, which lies in restive Abhujmad area about 350 kms away from the state capital Raipur, they came under heavy firing from a group of naxalites leading to the encounter, the IG said. However, rebels escaped from the spot on finding security personnel zeroing on them after a prolonged exchange of fire, he added. "During search, security forces recovered body of seven ultras besides firearms, including two Insas rifles, and explosive materials from the spot," the IG said tagging the operation as a major success. Among the killed rebels, four were identified as Area Committee Members (ACM) of the outlawed CPI (Maoist) ? Nasik, Somji, Janvati and Jamni, the IG said, adding, the four were carrying reward of Rs 5 lakh each. The other killed were identified as Baldev, Ram Singh and Raimati. While Raimati was a Jan Militia Section Commander of Bodli, Baldev and Ram Singh were active as Janatana Sarkar head and Janatana Sarkar deputy head respectively of the same Bodli region, the IG added. Moreover, the recovered weapons also include two 12 bore rifle, one 315 bore rifle and one 12 bore pistol, he added. Few other arms, ammunition and explosive materials have been recovered from the spot but the details would be made availableonce the party reaches back to its base camp, the officer added. "The entire operation was planned and executed by Narayanpur SP Abhishek Meena in coordination with Dantewada SP Kamlochan Kashyap. The CRPF troops from Barsoor also provided required assistance in this operation," the IG said. Chief Minister Raman Singh and senior police officials have congratulated the troops for the remarkable achievement, he added. PTI TKP RMT IKA --- ENDS --- By Lin Noueihed and Nidal al-Mughrabi CAIRO/GAZA (Reuters) - After years of strained relations, Egypt is moving closer to Hamas in Gaza, offering concessions on trade and free movement in return for moves to secure the border against Islamic State fighters who have killed hundreds of policemen and soldiers in northern Sinai. Egypt has been at odds with Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, since a crackdown by Cairo on the armed group's Islamist allies. Egypt closed the border, opening it only rarely. But in recent weeks Egypt has eased restrictions, allowing in trucks laden with food and other supplies, and providing relief from an Israeli blockade that has restricted the flow of goods into the coastal territory. The relaxation follows high-level Hamas visits to Cairo, which wants to restore its role as a regional powerbroker and crush Islamic State followers in the Sinai Peninsula, a strategic area bordering Gaza, Israel and the Suez Canal. It builds on what Egyptian and Palestinian sources say are efforts by Hamas to prevent the movement of militants in and out of Sinai, where they have killed hundreds of Egyptian soldiers and police since general-turned-president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi overthrew the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013. Egyptian and Palestinian officials say the changes could signal a new era of closer cooperation after years of tension. "We want cooperation in controlling the borders and tunnels, the handover of perpetrators of armed attacks and a boycott of the Muslim Brotherhood. They want the crossing to be opened and more trade," one senior Egyptian security source said. "This has actually begun, but in a partial way. We hope it will continue." While it doesn't engage directly with Hamas, Israel is working with Egypt on border security and monitoring of Gaza. Military officials have voiced support for any steps that bring greater stability to northern Sinai and Gaza. Hamas has increased security along its side of the border with Sinai over the past year, deploying hundreds of security forces and erecting more watchtowers. The group has also moved to round up Salafi Jihadists, who oppose an Egyptian-brokered 2014 ceasefire with Israel. Hamas, whose charter calls for Israel's destruction but which has no ambitions for global jihad, has not said how many militants it has captured and refuses to call them jihadists. Egypt has given Hamas a list of about 85 fugitives, who it says are implicated in attacks and wants extradited, the Egyptian security source said. Hamas denied links with some of them and sources in the group said extraditions were unlikely though it might make its own inquiries. Hamas has however let Egypt know that it has no interest in stoking unrest in an Arab neighbor that has mediated several truces with Israel and among rival Palestinian factions. "If we compare it with a year ago, the situation or the relationship is better but it is not yet what is needed," Mahmoud al-Zahar, a senior Hamas official, told Reuters. "The needs of our people are great, their need to travel, pursue education or treatment, attend to their businesses and families abroad, and also the need for open trade with Egypt." MUTUAL DISTRUST, COMMON INTERESTS The blossoming ties have been advanced by intense diplomacy, culminating last month in a visit by Ismail Haniyah, a deputy leader of Hamas, to meet Egyptian intelligence officials. A series of conferences on Palestinian affairs have also taken place in Egypt in recent months attended by figures from Palestinian factions. Organizers said the conferences were part of efforts to restore Egypt's regional role following the chaos of the 2011 Arab Spring revolts. "The situation now is returning to normal," said Elazb al-Tayeb Taher, writer on Arab affairs at the state-owned Al-Ahram newspaper, which hosted one of the conferences in November. "Egyptian intelligence is restoring its relationship with Hamas in accordance with certain guidelines, chief amongst them being that Hamas does not become a major gateway for threats from Gaza targeting Egypt's national security." Despite mutual distrust, Hamas and Egypt kept communication channels open, with Hamas officials regularly invited to Egypt. But ties hit a low in 2013, after Sisi overthrew President Mohamed Mursi, banned the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization and jailed many of its supporters. Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis, a militant group that emerged in North Sinai in the chaos of 2011 and initially attacked Egypt's gas pipelines to Israel, turned its guns on Egyptian forces. In 2014, it joined Islamic State and has since attacked in Cairo, killing 28 people in a church in December. 'EARLY TO TALK OF TRADE' Blockaded by Israel and facing the closure of their only other outlet, Gazans dug thousands of tunnels to smuggle in building materials and consumer goods and, according to Egyptian officials, smuggle out arms and fighters. In a bid to crush the militants, Egypt's military razed hundreds of homes and destroyed at least 2,000 tunnels. Curfews, checkpoints and air strikes have devastated an area that once drew holidaymakers to its Mediterranean shore. The desire to secure the area and restore a semblance of normality is as strong for Egypt, which wants to lure back foreign investors who fled after 2011, as it is for Gazans. Egyptians who organized the Palestinian conferences suggested the border might be reopened to trade for 10 or 15 days at a time - rather than a few days every six weeks at present - to build trust. But the ultimate aim is more ambitious; a free trade area and an industrial zone on the Egyptian side to facilitate commerce, allow Gazans to travel abroad, and create jobs for those who might otherwise join the militants. "We've gotten to a point now with Hamas where we're working on a framework on which to build for the coming period, and this will be contingent upon controlling the borders and the crossing will be open routinely," said Tareq Fahmy, of the state-linked National Center for Middle East Studies, which co-organized two Palestinian conferences last year. "We're thinking of direct trade and all this is pivotal for our brothers in Hamas and the Gaza Strip, but ... trust-building processes don't take place overnight." For residents of northern Sinai, who face a gamut of checkpoints each day, open trade seems an outlandish notion. The conflict has rendered the area a wasteland of demolished houses, sand berms and trenches. "It's early to talk of trade. We are still living in a security zone," said one resident. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan in Cairo; editing by Giles Elgood) The Senate Intelligence Committee's chairman Richard Burr (R-N.C.), and Vice Chairman Mark Warner (D-Va.) sent out letters Friday, sending formal requests to the White House and over a dozen organizations, individuals and agencies that all materials concerning the probe into the Russian dealings with the U.S. be preserved, the Associated Press reported Sunday citing a congressional aide. The committee members also received a classified briefing from FBI Director James Comey on Friday. However, the members did not comment on what was discussed at and after the hour-long briefing. "I think they're going to do their job. And they have to do that. Those are things that Richard Burr and that team have to do," White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said Sunday. "That doesn't mean that there's anything there. It just means they need to do some things that satisfy their committee, that they've looked into something. And then they can have meetings behind closed doors that they always do in the Intel Committee, and then they'll issue a report," Priebus told NBC's "Meet the Press." Priebus also denied that members of President Donald Trump's campaign had contact with Russia before Trump's victory. "We don't know of any contacts with Russian agents," Priebus said. The letters that were sent out Friday by the Senate Intelligence Committee asked for confirmation that the White House, the FBI and the Justice Department had directed their employees to maintain all materials and evidences related to any contacts that Trump's administration, transition team, campaign or any other person acting on their behalf have had with Russia or its government officials. Congressional staffers argued that they had not discovered any evidence to show that materials related to the probe are not being preserved. However, Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York said Thursday on the Senate floor: "There is real concern that some in the administration may try to cover up its ties to Russia by deleting emails, texts and other records that could shine a light on those connections. These records are likely to be the subject of executive branch as well as congressional investigations and must be preserved." Story continues Related Articles A Serbian Trap Bilal, 24, from Pakistan, was stabbed in the chest during a fight between different groups of migrants. In the picture, Bilal, is seen at the yard of an abandoned brick factory at the outskirts of Subotica, border town with Hungary in Serbia, Feb. 2017. (Manu Brabo/MeMo) Text and photography by Manu Brabo/MeMo BELGRADE, Serbia A trip along the refugee track within Serbia reveals that the old route through the Balkans is still being used despite strong border control, harsh conditions and frozen temperatures. Near the center of Belgrade, hundreds of migrants and refugees, mainly from Pakistan and Afghanistan, live in tough conditions in abandoned warehouses and old factory buildings. Inside the buildings, the air is dense due to the smoke from the many fires lit to heat the space. Coughing can be heard at every corner like a constant soundtrack. Despite the existence of camps built by the Serbian state, the migrants are here trying to make their way into European Union countries illegally. So they cannot risk being identified and registered for fear that they will be sent back. This winter has been especially cold in the former Yugoslavian republic, and these below-zero temperatures have raised the prominence of this situation in the mainstream media. Once the frozen temperatures are gone, the images and stories of these people will disappear again. More pressing than the freezing conditions, they face the reality that the old Balkan route, the same path as the 2015 refugee wave, is now closed, and that the surveillance and control is stronger than ever. At an abandoned brick factory in Subotica where migrants gather and prepare for the border crossing, refugees talk about the severe beatings and abuses suffered by those who are caught attempting to cross into Hungary and Croatia. Ive tried 35 times in the last three months, and Ive been beat up every single time, a 24-year-old migrant from Pakistan says. A friend of his adds, They throw the dogs on us, and they steal our shoes, so we have to come back here walking barefoot. Still, every week dozens of refugees arrive in Serbia from Bulgaria and try to reach the neighboring EU countries. But very few make it. _____ See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Tumblr. By Jessica Jaganathan and Henning Gloystein SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore's proposed plan to tax greenhouse gas emissions would probably hit oil refiners hard, ramping up costs in an industry that has been central to the city-state's rapid development over the last half-century. Monday's announcement that a carbon tax on direct emitters is to be introduced from 2019 shows that Singapore, Asia's main oil trading hub, could be moving towards a longer-term future dominated by cleaner technology and resources. "It is the first time in the history of Singapore that a budget has placed such a high emphasis on green initiatives linked to tax revenues," said Isabella Loh, chairman of the Singapore Environment Council, an independent non-profit body. "The announcement clearly underpins the priority of a future-ready and greener economy." Countries around the world have been under increasing pressure to crack down on carbon emissions, with Singapore part of the historic Paris climate accord that went into force late last year. In parts of Europe and countries such as Australia, the introduction of carbon taxes or carbon trading schemes has often driven a decline in established refining industries and a parallel surge in investment in clean energy technology. "The proposed carbon tax on emitters would prove a significant drag on industry profit-margins," said Peter Lee, oil and gas analyst at BMI Research in Singapore. The government said the carbon tax would probably cover 30 to 40 "large direct emitters" including power stations, petrochemical facilities and semiconductor makers. But it is Singapore's three refineries, run by ExxonMobil, Royal Dutch Shell and Singapore Refining Company, that would probably need to brace for the hardest blow. The tax proposal comes as those refineries, with a combined fuel generation capacity of around 1.38 million barrels per day (bpd), grapple with rising competition from China, India and the Middle East. Shell said in a statement it supported a strong and stable government-led carbon price, but that any policy "must ensure companies can compete effectively with others in the region who are not subject to the same levels of carbon dioxide costs". Exxon said "effective policies are those that promote global participation (and) let market prices drive the selection of solutions". Singapore Refining Company could not be reached for comment. Looking at a carbon tax rate of S$10 to $20 ($7 to $14) per tonne, the government estimated that would add around $3.50 to $7 to the cost of processing a barrel of crude into fuels like diesel or gasoline. Benchmark crude prices stood around $56 per barrel on Tuesday, translating to a daily surplus cost of $4.8 million to $9.7 million for the three Singapore refineries. On the flip side, the tax would help fire growth in Singapore's nascent renewable energy industries. "Existing green projects, such as solar, will enjoy the much needed premium (as they are not taxed)," said Andrew Koscharsky, energy director at RCMA Group, which trades wholesale power and retail electricity in Singapore. It would be important to adopt the law swiftly to encourage immediate investment in renewables, he added. Singapore's government will next month invite feedback on its proposals from industry and the public. (Reporting by Jessica Jaganathan and Henning Gloystein; Editing by Joseph Radford and Clarence Fernandez) It was 10 a.m. on a bright spring morning in Johannesburg, and just outside my apartment, the zombie horde was growing restless. They shrieked and wailed, clawing at their tattered gray clothes and surging toward the walls around them. As they thrashed against concrete and barbed wire, I heard shots ring out. There was a guttural yell and then, abruptly, silence. Finally. For three days, the undead had been interrupting my workdays to fight pitched, cacophonous battles with their human nemeses on the movie set of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter 30 floors below my kitchen window. A post shared by Ryan (@ryanlenora) on Sep 21, 2015 at 2:20am PDT When I had moved into Africas tallest apartment building a year earlier, I hadnt counted on my work as a journalist being interrupted by a zombie apocalypse. But in many regards, I had to admit, it made sense. For more than four decades, after all, the Ponte City tower, which juts out over downtown Johannesburg like a 54-story toilet-paper tube, has been a vertical warehouse for South Africans greatest hopes and worst fears about their cities and themselves. Recommended: The Case for Shyness Built at the center of a buzzy, international neighborhood, Ponte began life as a posh address for white residents in the 1970s. The buildings unusual architectureits flats all face a gaping open corelent it a distinct, if eerie, appeal from the outset. But as the fall of apartheid transformed the city center, the building was dragged along with it, morphing into an outsized symbol of the violence and decay that gripped parts of Johannesburg during South Africas messy transition to democracy in the 1990s. By the time I arrived there, Ponte was shorthand in local media and the public imagination for a city transformedor, depending on who you asked, destroyedby the warp of history. Now, it seemed that Hollywood had figured out the logical end point of that metaphor. Over the past few years, the building has appeared in several international films (its credits include District 9, Chappie, and a Drake music video, among others), always as a place both desolate and dangerous. But Resident Evil, which opened in late January in the U.S., took it a step further. It picked Ponte up out of downtown Johannesburg, and dropped it down in the middle of a gutted metropolis at the end of human history. The symbolism was hard to miss. Story continues In September 2015, a couple of days before Ponte transformed into Resident Evils zombie wasteland, a notice from the management appeared posted on walls around the building. Recommended: Why Listening to Murder Stories Makes Some People Less Anxious DEAR TENANTS OF PONTE CITY, it read. THERE ARE PEOPLE SHOOTING A MOVIE IN THE BUILDING SO THERE WILL BE GUN SHOTS THAT YOU WILL HEAR, SO PLEASE JUST KEEP CALM DO NOT PANIC. This wasnt much of a surprise. It was hardly the first time that downtown Johannesburg had caught the attention of filmmakers searching for a city whose landscape could quickly telegraph violence and disarray. This was the same city that The Hulk smashed to pieces in 2015s Avengers: Age of Ultron, and the same dystopic irradiated wasteland that Judge Dredd and his crew chased bad guys through in the comic book cum 2012 action movie Dredd. (That film even centers on a 200-story slum tower with a gaping open centera clear Ponte remake.) And Ponte itself has had many a sordid film cameo. Alien space ships hovered above it in District 9, gangsters staged dogfights in its haunting circular core in Chappie, and Navy Seals stormed through the building in search of a team of Congolese warlords in Seal Team 8: Behind Enemy Lines (that film, whose urban scenes are shot in South Africa, ostensibly takes place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). Drake filmed the climactic gangster-showdown scenes in his surreal 20-minute extended music video Please Forgive Me there. And in between, the building has been used to sell everything from beer to McDonalds. With a few exceptions, there are some common motifs among all these takes on Ponte: fire, garbage, garbage on fire, and of course, lots and lots of gunshots. Ponte City (center) as an alien ship looms in District 9. TriStar Pictures While some of the fictional stories Ponte appears in are set in downtown Johannesburg, many are not. But to South Africans, the towers oddball architecture means it is recognizable even if it is supposedly somewhere else. And wherever Ponte is dropped down in the world, what the tower represents tends to be the samea desolate, lawless place where societys rules have little meaning. Recommended: 'Truth Is What You Can Get Away With' For filmmakers, the buildings appeal lies at the intersection of its weird history and weirder aesthetics, says Genevieve Hofmeyr. Her production company, Moonlighting Films, worked on the South African segments of Resident Evil: The Final Chapter, the sixth installment in the video-game-turned-action-movie series about a woman attempting to save humanity after a deadly virus turns most of the species into zombies. From the minute the director [Paul W.S. Anderson] saw Ponte while scouting in Johannesburg, he recognized its unique architecture and immediately visualized a sequence there, she says. The look and character of Ponte personifies urban grit. Its character has morphed over time to fit perfectly into a post-apocalyptic world. By character Hofmeyr likely means Pontes longstanding and fearsome reputation as a tower of babel, a den of iniquity run by drug dealers and thugs, a dirty, dangerous place and a building that wouldnt be lost in a sci-fi horror. For decades, indeed, rumors about the building have taken on a caricatured and almost cinematic quality that makes its recent leap into film in some ways unsurprising. For instance, one particularly tenaciousthough unprovenpiece of local lore holds that during the early 1990s, the buildings core was filled with garbage 10 stories high, chucked by residents from their windows because the city never came to collect. But the story of how Ponte came to fit perfectly into anyones post-apocalyptic world is worthy of a blockbuster in its own right. When it was built in the 1970s, the otherworldly concrete cylinder wasnt meant to represent the end of days, but rather an ambitious new beginning. An ode to the gods of brutalism on par with anything Europe or America might produce, Ponte was a projection of white South Africas desire to be seen as Western and sophisticatedeven as its parochial racial politics said otherwise. A group of tourists visits the 54-story Ponte Tower building in Johannesburg in January 2015. The distinctive circular tower was once a symbol of this city's modernism, then its decay and now its struggle for regeneration. AP I lined the walls of the penthouses with shaggy dog orange carpetit was all very posh, said Rodney Grosskopff, then a young partner in the architectural firm of Manfred Hermer, which designed Ponte, when I interviewed him about the building in 2014. Everyone wanted to say theyd stayed in the tallest apartment building in Africa. Even as the final touches were being put on Pontes top floors, however, the city it was built to represent was falling apart. In 1976, the year the building officially opened, residents with flats facing southwest could see smoke rising from behind the yellow mine dumps that marked the edge of the city. Just beyond it, the black townships of Soweto were on fire. As mass protests against apartheid built in intensity and violence on the citys fringes, many black South Africans who could afford to began illegally migrating into the inner city. There, they found landlords all too willing to look the other way on the legality of the arrangementas long as the new tenants didnt complain about details like massive rent hikes. To make up for the high prices, residents packed in, sometimes two or three families to a single flat. Meanwhile, without care from management, their buildings decayed briskly. Within a decade, most white residents had fled. By the 1990s, as Nelson Mandela walked free from prison and millions of black South Africans lined up to vote for the first time, Ponte hovered above a neighborhood gently described as transitioning. There was always another side to Ponte, however. Even in its darkest days, the place was mostly prosaic, a large apartment building that was home to a decidedly undramatic cast of families, students, and migrants toiling on the edges of South Africas middle class. Although that might have been the dominant experience of residents, its a side of Pontes history that rarely made it into newspapersand it certainly didnt touch the kind of popular imagination that would soon turn Ponte into an international film set. The worlds we invent always convey something about the world we know. Theres a simple reason for that, says Zahira Asmal, a South African researcher who writes frequently about the countrys cities. Throughout Johannesburgs history, its been as if the inner city doesnt exist when white peoplespecifically white menarent looking at it, as though its life and legitimacy depend on people in power paying attention, she says. What outsiders saw when they did turn to look at Ponte and the inner citynow mostly black and increasingly internationalwas their own fears about what Johannesburg had become, she says. That has held for filmmakers too, says Alexandra Parker, the author of Urban Film and Everyday Practice: Bridging Divisions in Johannesburg. Most filmmakers in South Africa are still white, so films do often track white perception of the inner city, not necessarily the personal experiences of people living there, she says. And international filmmakers have largely picked up on that same imagery to cast the city as a seedy underworld. In recent years, meanwhile, Johannesburgs actual inner city has changed rapidly, a combination of intensive efforts at gentrification, old-fashioned clean-ups, and better policing. But the city changes faster than its films, Parker says. Still, the long half-life of perceptionand the way film seems to freeze in amber a version of the city many are trying hard to forgetmeans that Johannesburg still struggles to recast its image. Every time I start a tour I ask people what they know about the inner city, and every time, the answer is the samethis place is full of crime, drugs, prostitution, says Franck Leya, who runs tours of Ponte and the inner city with a company called Dlala Nje. And when I ask how people know that, they tell me its what theyve seen [in movies and television]. Ponte in particular seems to be a mythological site for many of his visitors. And when they recount what they know of the buildings history to him, Leya says their choppy horror stories often seem to blur together real-life details with cinematic fictions. We spend years of our lives trying to change the way people see this place, but it cant match up to the millions of dollars spent on one movie that shows the opposite, he says. Of course, for a zombie movie or a comic-book action flick, having only a glancing affinity to reality is precisely the point. The hollowed out Raccoon City of Resident Evil isnt inner-city Johannesburg, exactlyits not meant to be. But Ponte didnt become the site of the films apocalypse by accident. The worlds we invent always convey something about the world we know. Or in this case, worlds we dont. The problem here, says Leya, is that people are still telling scary stories about a place they actually know nothing about. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Madrid (AFP) - A former doctor will stand trial in Madrid for allegedly stealing a newborn from her mother and giving her to another woman, a practice thought to have affected thousands of families during Spain's dictatorship. In a court document obtained by AFP on Tuesday, a judge gave the green light for the trial of Eduardo Vela to go ahead -- the first in the dock over the "stolen babies" scandal that shook Spain when it eventually came to light in 2010. The practice is thought to have begun after Francisco Franco came to power in 1939 following Spain's civil war pitting Republicans against Nationalists loyal to the general. Doctors and nurses would reportedly steal babies from parents deemed politically dangerous to the dictator or born out of wedlock, and give them to families in favour of the regime. The practice was gradually extended to include the theft of newborns from poor families for adoptive parents in Spain and abroad. Vela is suspected of having taken part in the 1969 theft of Ines Madrigal, now in her late forties, who accuses him of having forged her birth certificate so that her adoptive mother appeared as her biological parent. Her adoptive mother, who has since passed away, had allegedly later confessed to Madrigal that she worked as a volunteer in a convent and a priest had put her in contact with Vela who gave her the baby. A date has yet to be set for the trial of the former gynaecologist, who is now elderly and faces charges of child abduction and falsifying official documents. Angel Casero of the "Onwards Stolen Babies" association that campaigns on the issue welcomed news of the trial. "It's really important as this paves the way for more cases and for people to realise that what we're telling them is the truth," he told AFP. Estimates of the number of children who were allegedly taken from their parents vary from thousands to several hundreds of thousands. New mothers were often told their babies had died within hours of birth and the hospital had taken care of their burials. Victims have filed official complaints, but the judicial process has been slow in a country that has yet to fully come to terms with its civil war and Franco's subsequent dictatorship. Stephen Colbert will never fjorget an attack that didnt happen to one of Americas allies last week. Over the weekend, President Donald Trump puzzled some when he remarked about the events that unfolded last night in Sweden during an event in Florida, so Colbert went in. No one was more baffled by Trumps supposed Swedish incident than the Swedes, Colbert said on The Late Show on Monday, with Swedens former prime minister even suggesting that world leaders use facts correctly. Trump later clarified that his comment was a reference from a Fox News report about immigrants in Sweden. Colbert, though, was ready to stand strong beside a nation in need. Tragically, Sweden is the third not-a-terrorist attack that has not shocked the world in the last month, Colbert said. Just because this attack didnt happen, folks, doesnt mean we dont stand in solidarity with all the people who did not suffer. To stand strong behind Americas allies, Colbert had fun by creating a touching homage to everyone who survived the nonexistent Swedish terror attack with a touching Never Fjorget tribute. Watch below. Ken Kratz says he feels that he was portrayed as the chief villain in Making a Murderer, Netflixs hit 2015 documentary series about the controversial conviction of Steven Avery in the 2005 murder of Teresa Halbach. But Kratz, who was brought in as the special prosecutor in the case, says he knew that hed face intense scrutiny the moment Halbachs car was discovered on Averys Wisconsin property. We knew that this case was going to be under a microscope, because of the celebrity that Steven Avery had attained, Kratz told Yahoo News Bianna Golodryga on Tuesday. We knew it was going to be watched. Two years before Halbachs murder, Avery was exonerated after serving 18 years for the 1985 assault and attempted murder of Penny Beerntsen. DNA testing proved that another man, Gregory Allen, had committed the crime, and Avery subsequently filed a civil lawsuit against Manitowoc County, its former sheriff and former district attorney, seeking $36 million in damages stemming from his wrongful conviction. Kratz, whose new book, Avery: The Case Against Steven Avery and What Making a Murderer Gets Wrong, was released Tuesday, says he wasnt prepared for the backlash that followed the Netflix series. This docudrama really flipped the narrative on his head, he said, making Steven Avery look sympathetic, like a victim. Kratz, though, admits he does regret that the local investigators that Avery had been suing were involved in the Halbach case. Two of the officers who were deposed in Averys lawsuit were present when police found the key to Halbachs vehicle inside his home. Would I have rather now had somebody else? Sure. Obviously, Kratz said. But he stressed that the resources available to him at the time of the investigation were scarce, and that the Manitowoc County police officers assisting in the case were not the only officers involved. We had dozens of officers in all the different places, Kratz said. We didnt know what we were looking for. We didnt know where Teresa Halbach had been killed. Story continues Avery was convicted of Halbachs murder in 2007 and was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole. Neither his attorney nor the filmmakers who made Making a Murderer returned requests for comment. More from Yahoo News: By India Today Web Desk: Shah Rukh Khan and his son AbRam's love story can give any Bollywood romantic film a run for its money. The doting daddy never misses a chance to spend quality time with his three-year-old son. From shootings to promotions to parties, the little munchkin is always seen besides his superstar daddy. ALSO READ: This photo of AbRam sleeping in Shah Rukh's arms is the cutest thing you'll see today advertisement ALSO READ: Shah Rukh Khan is a changed man for AbRam, has become kinder And the charming father-son duo were seen on the streets of Mumbai when SRK took out AbRam for a drive. The pictures of AbRam enjoying a ride with dad SRK soon went viral. AbRam looked thrilled as his dad was seen behind the wheels of an open convertible car. The tiny tot, who has already started loving the limelight, even waved to the people on the streets. In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, SRK had revealed that he is become a kinder man because of his son. "I was never mean, but now I've become more accepting of the fact that people are different and need to do things at their own time, pace, space and way. I've come to understand that they have their happy days and their off-days too," he said, adding, "It's not humility but kindness, with AbRam I've come to enjoy people," he told the daily. ALSO WATCH: Shah Rukh Khan tweets pic of his youngest son AbRam --- ENDS --- Swedens Prime Minister Stefan Loefven had a few words of advice for his fellow world leaders on Monday, in the wake of the whirlwind of confusion that followed President Donald Trumps recent reference to an incident in the Scandinavian country that did not take place. I was, like many others, surprised by the comments made about Sweden this weekend, Loefven said at a press conference in Stockholm, Bloomberg reports. We must all take responsibility for using facts correctly and verifying any information that we spread. Speaking at a rally in Florida on Saturday, Trump baffled observers with the words, Look at whats happening last night in Sweden, while talking to his supporters about national security and immigration. Sweden who would believe this? Sweden. After much head-scratching and Internet mockery, it was later discovered that the President was referring to a segment on Fox News about a filmmaker who claimed there was a link between an uptick in crime and migrant communities in Sweden, a country that accepted about 160,000 asylum seekers during the height of the European migrant crisis in 2015. Trump doubled down after the ensuing criticism, tweeting on Monday: The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT! Read More: Newspaper Reports What Really Happened in Sweden Last Night for President Trump However, according to the online, English-language edition of Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter, the police officers interviewed by the filmmaker Ami Horowitz said they were misrepresented and described Horowitz as a madman. One of the officers said their answers had been edited. It shocked us, said Anders Goeranzon. We were answering completely different questions in the interview. According to Bloomberg, Loefven acknowledged during Mondays press conference that the country faces many challenges but that Sweden was also a place of opportunity. The Nordic nation is generally viewed as progressive with a strong track record on employment, equality, health and social services. Story continues The Swedish Embassy in Washington, D.C., has offered to help the Trump Administration understand the social dynamics in Sweden, saying it would explain the countrys immigration policy to U.S. officials. We look forward to informing the US administration about Swedish immigration and integration policies. https://t.co/x5G3euOWRh Embassy of Sweden US (@SwedeninUSA) February 19, 2017 While there is no reason to believe there was an incident in Sweden last Friday, reports have pointed out that there have, in fact, been a number of recent attacks in the country unrelated to Trumps comments or the Fox News segment on which they were based. Agence France-Presse reported in early February that there was an attack in Sweden last month, during which a group of suspected neo-Nazis bombed a refugee center in the city of Gothenburg, injuring a staff member. The attack was reportedly linked to a string of incidents committed by far-right groups. [Bloomberg] Texas hunters who told authorities they had been shot during an ambush by "illegal aliens" made the whole story up - and actually shot each other, authorities said. Hunting guides Walker Daugherty and Michael Bryant have been indicted on charges of using deadly conduct by discharging firearms in the direction of each other. Read: First-Grade Teacher Suspended Over 'Illegal Aliens' Post Presidio County Sheriff Danny Dominguez said an investigation determined Daugherty and another member of their party were wounded by friendly fire and no one else was involved, reported KOSA-TV. The January 6 shooting generated headlines across the country as the men told investigators of being ambushed as they slept at the Circle Dug Ranch in Texas, just five miles north of the Mexican border. At the time, a statement issued by a rancher friend said the Daugherty family believed "the assailants intended to kill the party. The attackers were strategically placed around the lodge and the men were fired upon from different areas," the Albuquerque Journal reported. Daugherty, 26, who was shot in the stomach, said he had no health insurance and a GoFundMe page established in his name raised more than $26,000. Edwin Roberts, 59, was shot in the arm. Both recovered from their wounds. The story received extra traction when Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller shared the men's account on Facebook, where he has more than 400,000 followers. Story continues "This why we need the wall," Miller wrote in a post that has since been deleted. It was shared more than 600,000 times. Read: After Nude Photos are Released, Melania Trump Fights Accusations She Came to U.S. Illegally But what really happened is that Daugherty and Bryant were "paranoid" about Mexicans crossing the border, amid all the public banter about immigration woes, and they opened fire after hearing noises inside an RV, according to authorities. Daugherty shot Roberts and Bryant shot Daugherty, the sheriff said. It is not clear whether the men have been taken into custody. Phone messages left by InsideEdition.com for Dominquez and the county prosecutor were not immediately returned. Watch: Donald Trump Claims Millions of People Voted Illegally Related Articles: Rights groups on Tuesday urged the Thai army to drop defamation charges against three activists over a report on torture in the conflict-hit south, decrying the prosecution as an effort to silence critics. A state prosecutor was handed the case file on Tuesday and will now decide whether to press on with the controversial charges against Pornpen Khongkachonkiet -- the chair of Amnesty International Thailand -- Anchana Heemmina and Somchai Homlaor. The trio could face up to seven years in jail for defamation and a separate charge filed for publishing the report online. The case is being closely watched in junta-run Thailand where authorities routinely use defamation laws to shut down reporting of allegations of abuse or corruption. The 2016 report, based on interviews with 54 former detainees, catalogued a host of torture tactics allegedly used by soldiers and police across the kingdom's Muslim-majority southernmost provinces. More than 6,700 people -- mostly civilians -- have been killed in a near-13 year insurgency by Malay Muslim locals against the Thai state, which rules the region with emergency laws. Beatings, threats at gunpoint, sensory deprivation and partial suffocation were all routine during detention of suspects, the report alleged. The Thai army denied the allegations and launched proceedings against the report's writers. "This is a glaring example of the Thai military misusing the criminal justice system to intimidate and retaliate against activists for reporting grave abuses," said Sunai Phasuk, a Human Rights Watch representative for Thailand. No member of the Thai security forces has ever been jailed for extrajudicial killings or torture in the restive "Deep South". That is despite frequent allegations of abuses, as well as inquest rulings that have found security forces to have gunned down unarmed Muslim men. The defamation case is an attempt to silence the activists and "the right to complain by victims of torture", said Surapong Kongchantuk of the Cross Cultural Foundation. Story continues The group -- of which Pornpen is a member -- works closely with conflict-hit communities in the south. Rebels want autonomy for the culturally distinct area, which was colonised by Thailand more than a century ago. They have employed brutal tactics including shootings, beheadings and bombings. Thai officials deny human rights abuses are systemic and say they do everything in their power to avoid harming civilians. A spokesman for the southern army command said officers were determined to bring the three activists to trial. "We will not withdraw the charges," Colonel Yutanam Petchmoang told AFP, adding that the rights workers "did not cooperate" when they were summoned by the military and asked to name the soldiers accused of torture in their report. Thousands of demonstrators turned out Monday across the U.S. to challenge Donald Trump in a Presidents Day protest dubbed Not My Presidents Day. The events on the federal holiday didnt draw nearly as many people as the million-plus who thronged the streets following the Republican presidents inauguration a month earlier, but the message was similar. Thousands of flag-waving protesters lined up outside Central Park in Manhattan. Many in the crowd chanted No ban, no wall. The Trump regime has got to fall. They held aloft signs saying Uphold the Constitution Now and Impeach the Liar. A rally in downtown Los Angeles also drew thousands. Demonstrators there called attention to Trumps crackdown on immigration and his partys response to climate change and the environment. Organizers said they chose to rally on the holiday as a way to honor past presidents by exercising their constitutional right to assemble and peacefully protest. In Chicago, several hundred rallied across the river from the Trump Tower, shouting Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go. Rebecca Wolfram of Chicago, whos in her 60s, said concerns about climate change and immigrant rights under Trump prompted her to start attending rallies. Im trying to demonstrate as much as possible until I figure out what else to do, said Wolfram, who held a sign that said Old white ladies are really displeased. Several hundred demonstrated in Washington, D.C. Dozens gathered around the fountain in Dupont Circle chanting Dump Trump and Love, not hate: Thats what makes America great. Dozens marched through midtown Atlanta for a rally named with a Georgia flavor: ImPEACH NOW! (Not My) Presidents Day March. Hundreds of protesters chanting This is what democracy looks like marched through Salt Lake City. Story continues The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the crowd marched to push back against Trump and his administrations stance on such issues as the environment, immigration, free speech and Russia. Some people raised signs that said Not My President, while others held up a large American flag. Protester Reg Brookings warned the crowd that Trump is trying to divide the country by making such groups as immigrants the enemy. A small but unruly group of protesters faced off with police in downtown Portland, Oregon. The Oregonian reports the police confronted the crowd in front of the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building. Police took some people into custody. Hundreds of Trump opponents and supporters turned out in Rapid City, South Dakota. A larger anti-Trump faction stood on a street corner as part of a Not My President protest, similar to other demonstrations being held across the country. A group supporting the president lined up on a different corner at the same intersection. ___ Walker reported from New York City. Associated Press writers Jeff Martin in Atlanta, Tammy Webber in Chicago, Alanna Durkin Richer in Richmond and Martha Bellisle in Seattle, Washington, contributed to this story. KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) The women suspected of fatally poisoning a scion of North Korea's ruling family were trained to coat their hands with toxic chemicals then wipe them on his face, police said Wednesday, announcing they were now seeking a North Korean diplomat in connection with the attack. Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters that authorities are searching for two new North Korean suspects, including the second secretary of North Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur and an employee of North Korea's state-owned airline Air Koryo. "We hope that the Korean embassy will cooperate with us, allow us to interview them and interview them quickly," he said. Malaysia is denying rumors that the son of the slain half brother of North Korea's leader is in the country. The victim, Kim Jong Nam, had three children and had lived in Macau. His son had been rumored to have arrived in Kuala Lumpur this week on a flight from Macau, but Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar told reporters Wednesday that was untrue. Khalid says investigators are seeking Kim's relatives to provide a DNA sample and identify the body, but none has stepped forward. He identified Kim as Kim Chol, the name on the passport the victim was carrying, though Malaysian officials have confirmed that he is the older half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. BEIJING (AP) The investigation into the death of the exiled half-brother of North Korea's ruler is being conducted in an impartial manner, Malaysia's ambassador to Pyongyang said Tuesday, rejecting accusations from the North that the probe was politically tinged. Mohamad Nizan Mohamad spoke in China's capital, Beijing, while in transit to Malaysia to where he had been recalled following the death last week in the Southeast Asian nation of Kim Jong Nam. Kim appeared to have been poisoned at Kuala Lumpur's international airport and police have so far arrested four people carrying identity documents from North Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Story continues HONG KONG (AP) A former leader of Hong Kong was sentenced Wednesday to 20 months in prison for misconduct after failing to disclose plans to rent a luxury apartment for his retirement from a businessman applying for a broadcasting license. It was a stunning downfall for Donald Tsang, 72, who served as Hong Kong's leader, or chief executive, from 2005 to 2012. He becomes the highest-ranking current or former official sent to prison for wrongdoing in the Asian financial hub, which prides itself on a reputation for clean governance. "Never in my judicial career have I seen a man fallen from such a height," Justice Andrew Chan said as he handed down the sentence in Hong Kong's High Court. NUKU'ALOFA, Tonga (AP) The South Pacific island kingdom of Tonga is mourning the death of its queen mother, who dedicated her time to helping the elderly and those with disabilities. Halaevalu Mata'aho died Sunday at the age of 90 in Auckland, New Zealand, after traveling there for health reasons. The cause of her death has not been released by her family. Her funeral procession will be held in Tonga on Feb. 28, when most people in the country of just over 100,000 are expected to turn out wearing black. She will be particularly missed by the Alonga Center and at the Tonga Red Cross, where leaders say she worked tirelessly. PARIS (AP) Amnesty International says "toxic" fear-mongering by anti-establishment politicians, among them President Donald Trump and the leaders of Turkey, Hungary and the Philippines, is contributing to a global pushback against human rights. Releasing its 408-page annual report on rights abuses around the world Wednesday, the watchdog group described 2016 as "the year when the cynical use of 'us vs. them' narratives of blame, hate and fear took on a global prominence to a level not seen since the 1930s," when Adolf Hitler rose to power in Germany. Amnesty named Trump, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte among leaders it said are "wielding a toxic agenda that hounds, scapegoats and dehumanizes entire groups of people." "Poisonous" rhetoric employed by Trump in his election campaign exemplified "the global trend of angrier and more divisive politics," Amnesty said. PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) A group of suicide bombers with grenades and assault rifles struck outside a courthouse in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing six people in an attack claimed by a Taliban splinter group. The attack was the latest in a wave of militant assaults across the troubled country that has killed over 100 people since last week. The brazen suicide bombings have been claimed by mutiple Islamic militant groups. In Tuesday's attack, three attackers hit the courthouse in the town of Tangi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan. The victims included a lawyer, a child and four police officers, according to Ijaz Khan, a senior police officer. DALLAS (AP) A pilot repeatedly yelled out "Mayday" but did not say what the emergency was before his light plane crashed into the roof of an Australian shopping mall, killing himself and four American tourists, an accident investigator said Wednesday. Police blamed "catastrophic engine failure" when a twin-engine Beechcraft B200 Super King Air crashed into the Direct Factory Outlet mall in the Melbourne suburb of Essendon on Tuesday moments after takeoff from a nearby runway. But Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Greg Hood said modern twin-engine aircraft are designed to continue flying if an engine failed. "My understanding is he only used the word 'Mayday' a number of times," Hood told reporters, referring to radio communication from pilot Max Quartermain to air traffic controllers. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Torrential rains in the Indonesian capital have overwhelmed drains and flooded roads and thousands of homes. The disaster mitigation agency said Tuesday that more than 50 areas are flooded in Jakarta, with waters up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) high in East Jakarta. It said the city's drains couldn't accommodate the runoff and rivers also overflowed. Local media reported that a worker for the city government died and one person drowned in Bekasi, a Jakarta satellite city. Floods in 2013 killed more than two dozen people in Jakarta and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes. BORACAY, Philippines (AP) The Philippines' top diplomat said Tuesday it remains to be seen whether China will cooperate fully in ongoing efforts to craft a legally binding pact designed to prevent aggressive behavior in the disputed South China Sea. Despite the likelihood of tough negotiations ahead, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. expressed confidence that the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations and China could at least complete a framework for such a pact, called a code of conduct, as early as June. Efforts to forge such a regional nonaggression pact have dragged on for years without any concrete sign of when it might be completed. Washington (AFP) - US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will meet this week in Mexico with President Enrique Pena Nieto, the State Department announced Tuesday, amid tensions over trade and immigration. In a brief statement, the State Department said they will discuss "border security, law enforcement cooperation, and trade, among other issues" during talks Wednesday and Thursday. Besides Pena Nieto, the two American secretaries will meet with Mexico's ministers of the interior, foreign affairs, finance, defense and the navy, the State Department said. Mexico, which announced the visit last week, said it was aimed at building "a respectful, close and constructive relationship between the two countries." Relations between the neighbors have been rocked by President Donald Trump's vow to build a huge border wall, his disparagement of Mexican immigrants during the US presidential campaign and attacks on the North American Free Trade Agreement. Pena Nieto cancelled a White House meeting with Trump last month after the president tweeted it would be better not to have it if Mexico refused to pay for the border wall. Trump has also vowed to renegotiate or scrap NAFTA, arguing that it was a bad deal that has led to the loss of manufacturing jobs to Mexico. The trip to Mexico would be Tillerson's second foreign foray since taking office in early February. He traveled last week to Europe to meet with foreign ministers at the G20 gathering in Bonn. President Donald Trump's White House will undo an Obama administration policy that allowed transgender students in the nation's public schools to be called by their preferred names and pronouns and use restrooms, locker rooms and other single-sex facilities matching their gender identity. The announcement from the Trump administration was expected to come Tuesday and marks the beginning of his second month in office during which the GOP leader has targeted immigrants, Syrian refugees, abortion access and travelers from some Muslim-majority nations. This is the first day of the presidents second month in office and he is now fully coming after LGBT people, Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, told the Washington Blade. Im angry; Im outraged. This is about kids who just want to go to school who just want to be themselves... its just outrageous that he go after trans kids this way. Meanwhile, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said in a statement to the Washington Blade that the Trump administration's record so far on transgender student rights was deeply disappointing. Former President Barack Obama's Education and Justice Departments approved the non-binding guidelines on transgender student rights in May, warning that schools practicing sex discrimination in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 could lose federal funding. A school may not require transgender students to use facilities inconsistent with their gender identity or to use individual-user facilities when other students are not required to do so, officials from the Education and Justice Departments said in a letter at the time. Several Republican-leaning state governments led by Texas sued the federal government over the policy and U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has signaled that he will not defend the Obama guidelines. Trump had pledged last year to strike down the guidelines on the campaign trail. Story continues The Supreme Court is expected next month to hear the case of Gavin Grimm, a transgender Virginia teenager who was denied access to the boys restroom and later sued his school. Trump's policies have sparked protests across the nation in recent weeks after he quickly announced a ban on travel from some nations in the Middle East and Africa and vowed to deport roughly 8 million people. Related Articles President Trump has broken his days-long silence on a rash of anti-Semitic incidents across the country that had already been condemned by Hillary Clinton, as well as his own daughter, Ivanka. Both Clinton and Ms. Trump called for an end to the threats made recently to 11 Jewish Community Centers nationwide and added to the dozens of others made since January. Read: Pundits, Late Night Comics Rip Trump's Bizarre Presser: 'It's Crazy What We're Watching' "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. # JCC," tweeted Ivanka, who converted to Judaism before marrying Jared Kushner in 2009. Glad to see this. All Jews need to urge @POTUS to step forward & share a plan. His words carry weight. His actions will speak even louder. https://t.co/uAgh1R1pA7 Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) February 21, 2017 In another tweet, Clinton went several steps further, condemning the startling desecration of some 100 gravestones at a Jewish cemetery in Missouri on Monday. "JCC threats, cemetery desecration & online attacks are so troubling & they need to be stopped. Everyone must speak out, starting w/ @POTUS," Clinton wrote Tuesday. Anita Feigenbaum, the Chesed Shel Emeth Society Cemetery executive director, said in a statement posted to Facebook that the cleanup of the monuments will not be an easy task. JCC threats, cemetery desecration & online attacks are so troubling & they need to be stopped. Everyone must speak out, starting w/ @POTUS. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 21, 2017 "Unfortunately, the damage occurred is going to need professional help," she said. "These monuments weigh thousands of pounds. Since the damage occurred in our oldest sections, we are taking donations to help with repairs that will be needed." Story continues Clinton's response came after the White House released a brief statement that appeared to reference the acts of hate. "Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individual freedom. The president has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable," the statement read. Trump dodged questions last week about a rise in anti-Semitism at two press conferences, CBS News reported. On Thursday, for example, a Jewish reporter asked the president how the administration plans to address the issue. Instead of answering it, Mr. Trump told the reporter to sit down and lambasted his query as "not a fair question" before declaring "I am the least anti-Semitic person that youve ever seen in your entire life." America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 20, 2017 The Anti-Defamation League also urged the president to directly address these apparent patterns of anti-Semitism. Glad to see this," ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt tweeted in response to Ivanka Trump's tweet. "All Jews need to urge @POTUS to step forward & share a plan. His words carry weight. His actions will speak even louder." Read: Who is Melania Trump's Older Sister? Inside The Life of The First Lady's Confidante Perhaps bowing to pressure, or just using the occasion of his visit to the African-American museum in Washington, Trump addressed the apparent hate crimes late Tuesday morning. "We have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms," he said. "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and painful." Watch: Trump Uses 'Frozen' Coloring Book to Defend Star of David in Anti-Clinton Ad Related Articles: By Press Trust of India: From Sajjad Hussain Islamabad, Feb 21 (PTI) Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will travel to Turkey tomorrow on a three-day visit to hold wide-ranging consultations with the Turkish leadership on bilateral, regional and international issues. Sharif will co-chair the 5th Session of the Pakistan- Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council with Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim in Ankara on February 23, the Foreign office said today. advertisement The council was established in 2009 as a framework for consultations at the highest political level between the two sides. At the conclusion of the session, a Joint Declaration will be issued. The two sides are also expected to sign a number of agreements/MoUs on the occasion. During his visit from February 22 to February 24, Sharif will also meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior officials. He will hold wide-ranging consultations with the Turkish leadership on bilateral, regional and international issues. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, consisting of ministers and senior officials. Sharif will also visit the Turkish Parliament to reaffirm Pakistans unequivocal support and solidarity against the failed coup attempt in Turkey on July 15, 2016. The parliament was bombed on that night by rebels. He will also pay homage to all those who laid down their lives in defence of the Turkish democracy. The relationship between Pakistan and Turkey is unique in inter-state relations -- marked by exceptional warmth, cordiality and mutual trust, the Foreign Office said. "These fraternal ties are nurtured by common faith, shared history, and cultural and linguistic affinities. The two nations have an abiding tradition of standing by each other and mutually supporting their respective national causes -- including Kashmir and Cyprus," it said. Bilateral ties between Pakistan and Turkey have witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years, ranging from enhanced economic ties to deepening defence collaboration to growing educational and cultural links, it said. Both sides are working to give powerful thrust to bilateral trade, investments, and commercial cooperation as part of the efforts to build a robust economic partnership. The leadership of both the countries is committed to transforming this historic relationship into a strong strategic partnership in line with the realities of the 21st century. This year also marks the 70th year of Pakistan-Turkey diplomatic relations. The two countries envisage special commemorative events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner. PTI SH AJR ZH AJR --- ENDS --- advertisement By Ayesha Rascoe WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump delivered his first public condemnation of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States on Tuesday after a new spate of bomb threats to Jewish community centres around the country and vandalism in a Jewish cemetery. Several of the centres were evacuated for a time on Monday after receiving the threats, the JCC Association of North America said, and another centre was evacuated on Tuesday morning in San Diego, California, according to police. Also, vandals toppled about 170 headstones at the Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, over the weekend. "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centres are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," Trump told reporters. He was speaking at the end of a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, which Trump said showed "why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms." The comments marked a change for Trump, who had not explicitly and publicly condemned the threats against Jews when asked last week. Instead, he spoke more generally about his hopes of making the nation less "divided." The president reacted with anger at a news conference last week when a journalist from a Jewish magazine asked how his government planned to "take care" of a rise in threats. Trump berated the reporter for asking a "very insulting" question, appearing to believe the reporter was accusing him of being anti-Semitic. "Number one, I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life," the president said, adding that he was also the least racist person. Trump has often noted that one of his daughters is a convert to Judaism, he has Jewish grandchildren and he employs many Jews in his business. Trump's daughter Ivanka, a close adviser to her father who practices Orthodox Judaism, responded to the latest threats in a message on her Twitter account on Monday evening. "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance," she said. "We must protect our houses of worship & religious centres." On Tuesday, Trump again declined to answer a question about what action he would take to address the threats to Jewish organizations. Sean Spicer, a White House spokesman, said later that Trump would respond through "deed and action" over the coming months and years. 'BAND-AID' Trump's derogatory campaign rhetoric against Muslims and Mexican immigrants won enthusiastic backing from prominent white supremacists who embrace anti-Jewish, anti-black and anti-Muslim ideologies. It also drew greater media attention to fringe extremist groups. Trump has disavowed their support. His chief strategist, Steve Bannon, is the former publisher of Breitbart, a news website popular among right-wing extremist groups. The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect in New York, which has criticized the Trump administration repeatedly over anti-Semitism, said his comments were too little too late. "The president's sudden acknowledgement is a Band-Aid on the cancer of anti-Semitism that has infected his own administration," Steven Goldstein, the group's executive director, said in a statement. Spicer rejected the characterization. "I wish that they had praised the president for his leadership in this area," he told reporters when asked about Goldstein's comment. "Hopefully as time goes by they'll recognise his commitment to civil rights." Jewish groups criticized the White House for omitting any mention of Jews in its statement marking Holocaust Memorial Day last month. The White House said the omission was deliberate since the Nazis also killed people who were not Jews, if in smaller numbers. The stated goal of the Nazis was the extermination of Jews. One day after speaking at a security summit in Munich, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence spent Sunday morning walking through the grounds of the Dachau concentration camp in Germany with a camp survivor. Over the course of the U.S. Presidents Day holiday on Monday, bomb threats were sent to 11 Jewish community centres, including ones in the Houston, Chicago and Milwaukee areas, according to the JCC association. They were found to be hoaxes, as was another threat that forced the evacuation of a centre in San Diego on Tuesday morning, according to police. No arrests were made. The FBI has said it is investigating recent threats as "possible civil rights violations." The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a prominent Muslim human rights group, has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone behind the threats, saying Muslims felt a duty to support any targeted minority group. The incidents on Monday followed three waves of bomb threats so far this year. In all, at least 69 incidents at 54 Jewish community centres in 27 states and one Canadian province have been reported, according to the JCC association. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington, Tom Gannam in St. Louis and Jonathan Allen in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Frances Kerry and Jeffrey Benkoe) By Ayesha Rascoe WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump delivered his first public condemnation of anti-Semitic incidents in the United States on Tuesday after a new spate of bomb threats to Jewish community centers around the country and vandalism in a Jewish cemetery. Several of the centers were evacuated for a time on Monday after receiving the threats, the JCC Association of North America said, and another center was evacuated on Tuesday morning in San Diego, California, according to police. Also, vandals toppled about 170 headstones at the Chesed Shel Emeth Society cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, over the weekend. "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," Trump told reporters. He was speaking at the end of a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, which Trump said showed "why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms." The comments marked a change for Trump, who had not explicitly and publicly condemned the threats against Jews when asked last week. Instead, he spoke more generally about his hopes of making the nation less "divided." The president reacted with anger at a news conference last week when a journalist from a Jewish magazine asked how his government planned to "take care" of a rise in threats. Trump berated the reporter for asking a "very insulting" question, appearing to believe the reporter was accusing him of being anti-Semitic. "Number one, I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life," the president said, adding that he was also the least racist person. Trump has often noted that one of his daughters is a convert to Judaism, he has Jewish grandchildren and he employs many Jews in his business. Trump's daughter Ivanka, a close adviser to her father who practices Orthodox Judaism, responded to the latest threats in a message on her Twitter account on Monday evening. "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance," she said. "We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers." On Tuesday, Trump again declined to answer a question about what action he would take to address the threats to Jewish organizations. Sean Spicer, a White House spokesman, said later that Trump would respond through "deed and action" over the coming months and years. 'BAND-AID' Trump's derogatory campaign rhetoric against Muslims and Mexican immigrants won enthusiastic backing from prominent white supremacists who embrace anti-Jewish, anti-black and anti-Muslim ideologies. It also drew greater media attention to fringe extremist groups. Trump has disavowed their support. His chief strategist, Steve Bannon, is the former publisher of Breitbart, a news website popular among right-wing extremist groups. The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect in New York, which has criticized the Trump administration repeatedly over anti-Semitism, said his comments were too little too late. "The president's sudden acknowledgement is a Band-Aid on the cancer of anti-Semitism that has infected his own administration," Steven Goldstein, the group's executive director, said in a statement. Spicer rejected the characterization. "I wish that they had praised the president for his leadership in this area," he told reporters when asked about Goldstein's comment. "Hopefully as time goes by they'll recognize his commitment to civil rights." Jewish groups criticized the White House for omitting any mention of Jews in its statement marking Holocaust Memorial Day last month. The White House said the omission was deliberate since the Nazis also killed people who were not Jews, if in smaller numbers. The stated goal of the Nazis was the extermination of Jews. One day after speaking at a security summit in Munich, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence spent Sunday morning walking through the grounds of the Dachau concentration camp in Germany with a camp survivor. Over the course of the U.S. Presidents Day holiday on Monday, bomb threats were sent to 11 Jewish community centers, including ones in the Houston, Chicago and Milwaukee areas, according to the JCC association. They were found to be hoaxes, as was another threat that forced the evacuation of a center in San Diego on Tuesday morning, according to police. No arrests were made. The FBI has said it is investigating recent threats as "possible civil rights violations." The Council on American-Islamic Relations, a prominent Muslim human rights group, has offered a $5,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of anyone behind the threats, saying Muslims felt a duty to support any targeted minority group. The incidents on Monday followed three waves of bomb threats so far this year. In all, at least 69 incidents at 54 Jewish community centers in 27 states and one Canadian province have been reported, according to the JCC association. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu in Washington, Tom Gannam in St. Louis and Jonathan Allen in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Frances Kerry and Jeffrey Benkoe) President Donald Trumps visit to the United Kingdom will cause an embarrassment to Queen Elizabeth II, according to British lawmakers who, on Monday, debated Trumps state visit later this year. The debate came in response to an online petition that has so far garnered over 1.8 million signatures urging Prime Minister Theresa May to cancel her invitation to the American president. Trump, 70, was called a petulant child and racist and sexist during the debate. Labour Party legislator Paul Flynn noted that only two U.S. presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama had ever been invited to state visits to the country. He maintained that it was completely unprecedented that Trump was given this invitation within a week of his presidency and described the U.S. president having a ceaseless incontinence of free speech. In order to stress his point, the 82-year-old Flynn quoted a British journalist, who spoke about pimping out the queen for Trump. The remark triggered an intervention from the Conservative lawmaker Jacob Rees-Mogg, who said: I dont think its in order to talk about pimping out our sovereign. David Lammy of Labour Party questioned why Britain should abandon all its principles and invite Trump, because this country is so desperate for a trade deal that we would throw all our own history out the window? We didnt do this for Kennedy. We didnt do this for Truman. We didnt do this for Reagan. But for this man, after seven days, we say, Please come and we will lay on everything because we are so desperate for your company? He added: I am ashamed that it has come to this. However, Conservative lawmakers maintained that revoking the invitation would do more harm than good, with Member of Parliament Edward Leigh saying the rescinding the state visit would be "catastrophic" to the trans-Atlantic relationship. "He is the duly elected president of the United States. ... It would be a disaster if this invitation is rescinded," Leigh said. Story continues According to Rees-Mogg, opponents of Trump's visit were being hypocritical. "What complaint did the honorable member make when Emperor Hirohito came here?" Rees-Mogg reportedly asked Flynn, referring to the highly controversial 1971 state visit of the Japanese emperor. The three-hour long debate ended without a formal vote. May invited Trump for the state visit when she met the U.S. president in the White House last month. The invitation prompted people to start the petition calling for the government to revoke the invitation, because of Trumps well documented misogyny and vulgarity," which "would cause embarrassment to Her Majesty the Queen. State visits are different from official visits, and leaders of other countries are welcomed with royal and military ceremony. They stay at Buckingham Palace as the monarchs guests. Both Bush and Obama were invited for state visits several years into their presidency. Related Articles United Nations (United States) (AFP) - US Ambassador Nikki Haley on Tuesday said the United States is ready to improve ties with Russia but will not compromise on its support for NATO and the European Union. Haley told a Security Council debate on conflicts in Europe that "Russia's attempts to destabilize Ukraine" were among the most serious challenges facing the continent. "The United States thinks it's possible to have a better relationship with Russia - after all, we confront many of the same threats," Haley said. "But greater cooperation with Russia cannot come at the expense of the security of our European friends and allies." The remarks came as European governments are seeking reassurance after US President Donald Trump applauded Britain's decision to leave the European Union, criticized NATO members over burden-sharing and praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. Haley said the United States was committed to "the institutions that keep Europe safe" and that it "will not waver" in its support for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The United States wants to deepen cooperation within NATO while "keeping the door open to new allies," she said. Enlarging NATO has been a major bone of contention with Russia, which sees any expansion of the military alliance in eastern Europe as a policy of containment directed against Moscow. Haley described US ties with the European Union as "deep and enduring" and said differences with European governments should not be seen as a shift in US support. "No one should misinterpret occasional policy differences and debates as a signal of anything less than total commitment to our alliances in Europe. That commitment is strong," she said. The ambassador stressed that the US and the EU were united in the view that sanctions against Russia would remain in place until Russia returns Crimea to Ukrainian rule. A recent flareup of fighting in east Ukraine "show the consequences of Russia's ongoing interference in Ukraine," said the US ambassador. Haley said Russia's decision to recognize passports issued by separatists in Ukraine's Lugansk and Donetsk regions was "another direct challenge in the efforts to bring peace to eastern Ukraine." By John Walcott WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump has shown little patience for dissent, but that trait is likely to be tested by his new national security adviser, Army Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster. McMaster is joining the White House staff with views on Russia, counterterrorism, strengthening the military and other major security issues that diverge not only from those of the Trump loyalists, but also from those the president himself has expressed. A military intellectual whose ideas have been shaped more by experience than by emotion, more by practice than by politics, and more by intellect than by impulse may also find himself in political terrain that may be as alien, and perhaps as hostile, to him as the sands and cities of Afghanistan and Iraq were. McMaster will not be alone, however. His prominent administration allies include Defense Secretary Jim Mattis; Marine General Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; and Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee; as well as many of the soldiers who have served with him. White House press secretary Sean Spicer said on Tuesday that Trump told McMaster "he's got full authority to structure the national security team the way he wants." Trump, however, already has taken the unusual step of adding Steve Bannon, his chief strategic adviser known for right-wing ideological views, to the White House National Security Council. "The real potential for flashpoints is with some of the people that Steve Bannon has brought into the administration ... people who see things very ideologically," said Andrew Exum, a former Army officer and Defense Department Mideast policy official and McMaster friend for more than a decade. Trump's early missteps on immigration and other issues "have strengthened the leverage available to not only H.R. McMaster, but also Defense Secretary Mattis and Secretary (of State Rex) Tillerson potentially," Exum said. One of the first tests of McMaster's influence will be the administration's review of U.S. policy in Syria, and more broadly against Islamic militancy. The review's results are due early next week, Pentagon officials said on Tuesday. Bannon said last June that the United States and its European allies are fighting a "global existential war" against Islam. McMaster's approach to defeating Sunni Muslim militants has been more nuanced, resting largely on separating extremists from the vast majority of the local population.As commander of the Army's 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, then-Colonel McMaster prepared his troopers for retaking the city of Tal Afar on the Iraqi-Syrian border in 2005 by having some of them dress in traditional Arab dishdashas, recruiting Arab-Americans to play the part of locals, and teaching his troops how to determine if a household was Sunni or Shiite by looking at the pictures hung on the walls.McMaster ordered his soldiers never to call the Iraqis they encountered "hajjis," which many Americans used as a derogatory term for the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Writing in the journal Military Review, he warned that emphasizing force, as Trump has done in his vows to bomb Islamic State into oblivion, could backfire."In Iraq, an inadequate understanding of tribal, ethnic, and religious drivers of conflict ... sometimes led to military operations (such as raids against suspected enemy networks) that exacerbated fears or offended the sense of honor of populations in ways that strengthened the insurgency," he wrote. That is not to say McMaster is a shaved-headed intellectual hesitant to use force. Twenty-one of his troopers were killed in action in Tal Afar, and one unit suffered 40 percent casualties. RUSSIA TEST A second early test for McMaster will be Russia policy. Unlike his predecessor, Michael Flynn, and Trump himself, McMaster regards Moscow as an adversary rather than a potential partner.Last May, at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, McMaster cited Russia's annexation of Crimea and support for rebels in eastern Ukraine as evidence of a broader effort "to collapse the post-World War Two, certainly the post-Cold War, security, economic, and political order in Europe and replace that order with something that is more sympathetic to Russian interests."A third area where McMaster's thinking differs from the president's rhetoric is the size and shape of the U.S. military. Trump has promised to add tens of thousands more soldiers, expand the Navy to 350 ships from 282, and "provide the Air Force with the 1,200 fighter aircraft they need," according to his campaign website.In his scholarly 2015 Military Review article, which has 39 footnotes, including one citing Greek historian Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War, McMaster argued that "promising victory delivered rapidly from stand-off range, based on even better surveillance, intelligence, information, and precision strike capabilities" is a fallacy that "confuses targeting enemy organizations with strategy."The question now is whether McMaster's views will have sufficient force to alter the course of U.S. policy set by the president and his closest aides. "The real challenges he's going to confront, I think, are not the challenges of strategy and the global responsibilities of the world's only superpower," said John Nagl, a retired Army colonel who helped rewrite U.S. counterinsurgency doctrine for the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. "He knows how to deal with those things." Nagl continued. "The challenges he's going to confront are moral, dealing with an administration that has not always been clear in its support for American values." Whatever his odds, McMaster took the job not simply because his commander-in-chief could order him to do it. "Those who ignore history are doomed to repeat it," he once said. "Those who ignore them are doomed to watch." (Reporting by John Walcott and Yeganeh Torbati; Editing by Warren Strobel and Jonathan Oatis) When President Trump picks up his copy of the New York Times on Tuesday morning, hell see something he likes for a change: a photo of himself smiling and shaking hands with his new national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, a pick that has been widely praised. Below the image, though, Trump will see a story that has continued to dog him for the last three days: the fallout over the presidents suggestion during his campaign-style rally in Florida on Saturday that a terror attack had occurred in Sweden the night before. You look at whats happening last night in Sweden, Trump told his supporters on Saturday night. Sweden, who would believe this? No one, it seems. Trumps remarks drew an immediate backlash, with mystified Swedes, like former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, wondering what Trump had been smoking. My statement as to what's happening in Sweden was in reference to a story that was broadcast on @FoxNews concerning immigrants & Sweden. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 19, 2017 On Sunday, Trump explained on Twitter that on Friday night he had been watching a Fox News segment with a documentary filmmaker who claims the Swedish government is covering up a violent crisis stemming from the countrys acceptance of Muslim immigrants. Swedish officials called the report false. At a news conference Monday, Swedens current prime minister, Stefan Lofven, said, We must all take responsibility for using facts correctly and for verifying anything we spread. TV Blares, Trump Repeats And Sweden Gasps, reads the headline on Tuesdays front page of the Times. The front page of Tuesdays New York Times. (NYT) Just like that, without white papers, intelligence reports, an interagency meeting or, presumably, the advice of his secretary of state, the Times noted, the president started a dispute with a longtime American friend that resented his characterization and called it false. Story continues We are used to seeing the president of the U.S. as one of the most well-informed persons in the world, also well aware of the importance of what he says, Bildt told the newspaper. And then, suddenly, we see him engaging in misinformation and slander against a truly friendly country, obviously relying on sources of a quality that at best could be described as dubious. Trump asked people to "look at whats happening in Sweden." Heres whats happening there. https://t.co/LxhE34Fu1D Washington Post (@washingtonpost) February 20, 2017 Hey Don, this is @Sweden speaking! It's nice of you to care, really, but don't fall for the hype. Facts: We're ok! https://t.co/Vux6IjzOjO https://t.co/rEmO83DN1B @sweden / Max (@sweden) February 20, 2017 The countrys official Twitter account, which is operated by a different resident or Swedish citizen every week, has spent the last two days debunking Trumps claims about crime. Related: Meet the 22-year-old fighting Trumps terror talk about Sweden On Monday, a defiant Trump blasted the media for critical reports on his comments. Give the public a break, he tweeted. The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT! Give the public a break The FAKE NEWS media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 20, 2017 Meanwhile, a pair of American late night hosts had a field day with Trumps gaffe on Monday night. Stephen Colbert used his Late Show monologue on CBS with a star-studded montage honoring the victims of the nonexistent terror attack in Sweden. Their message: Never Fjorget. Just because this attack didnt happen, folks, doesnt mean we dont stand in solidarity with all the people who did not suffer, Colbert explained. While Sweden has taken in tens of thousands of refugees, he noted, Swedens crime rates there have actually fallen since 2005. In fact, experts say 90 percent of Swedish crime actually occurs in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Colbert deadpanned. On NBCs Late Night With Seth Meyers, the host devoted part of his 10-minute A Closer Look segment to the fiasco. So Trump literally saw something on Fox News and confused it for reality, Meyers said. Next thing you know, hes gonna lament the terrible treatment of people with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. The former Saturday Night Live star then pointed to a live CNN report from Stockholm citing the widespread mockery of Trumps comments in Sweden itself. Thats how bad things have gotten under Trump; were getting roasted by Swedes now, Meyers added. The Swedish Chef is like, Dude, even I dont understand a word youre saying. More from Yahoo News: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is leaving nothing to chance. Launching his campaign on Feb. 17 to expand the power of his office via a constitutional referendum, the President came out with rhetorical guns blazing. He likened the opponents of the proposed amendments to those who plotted the bloody July 2016 coup attempt that failed to dislodge him from power. He compared potential no voters to terrorists. The presidents public bombast belies the fact that with less than two months to go before the April 16 vote, public support for the proposed constitutional revision is lukewarm at best. Even in a country where the pro-government faction dominates the media and authorities jail some political opponents, Erdogans victory in the referendum does not look assured. A poll released on Feb. 14 showed the no votes beating the yes votes 47.5 to 43.9 percent, with 10 percent still undecided. The extent of opposition sets up a campaign with the highest of stakes. If the constitutional amendments pass, Erdogan stands to fortify his grasp on power. If the proposal loses, it would deal an embarrassing defeat to Erdogan, opening a new chapter of political uncertainty for the country. Theres little question the constitutional overhaul would, if approved, hand enormous new responsibilities to Erdogan. The changes would eliminate the office of prime minister, grant the president the authority to appoint and sack ministers, limit parliaments ability to challenge the executive, and permit the president to formally lead a political party. Erdogan and his faction argue the changes would bring much-needed political stability to shore up the state in the face of terrorist attacks and swirling regional volatility. Opponents say the changes would fatally undermine Turkeys already beleaguered democracy, opening an era of autocracy. Perhaps most worrying for Erdogan and his supporters, the presidents own Justice and Development Party (known by the Turkish acronym AKP) appears to be increasingly divided over the reforms. In one public opinion poll, 35 percent of AKP members said they would not vote yes. Even Turkeys former prime minister under Erdogan, Ahmet Davutoglu, said publicly in January that he had concerns about the planned constitutional overhaul. Story continues Some are confused why the changes are needed, when Erdogan already enjoys sweeping power. In the wake of the failed and deadly coup attempt in July 2016, Erdogans government suspended or detained tens of thousands of civil servants and military officials. Dozens of news organizations were closed. At least 12 opposition members of parliament have been detained. With these kinds of powers already in his possession, why transform the constitution? They have failed to explain to their own people what it actually means to change the constitution and go for a presidential system. Not everyone understands what Erdogan is trying to do, says Burak Kadercan, an expert on Turkish politics at the U.S. Naval War College. But privately, some members are expressing concerns about the potential for a massive centralization of power in the hands of the executive. Obviously it is not a democratic move, and so there is this kind of uneasiness on the part of the [AKP] people, Etyen Mahcupyan, a prominent journalist and former advisor to Davutoglu, tells TIME. Its like the pot boiling. The opposition within the ruling party remains a silent movement. Aside from Davutoglus gentle statement of misgivings, no major AKP figures have come forward to oppose the president. The former prime minister himself felt compelled to resign in May 2016, in a move that analysts said was prompted in part by his failure to lend full-throated support for Erdogans proposed constitutional changes. No one is in a position to come forward and challenge Tayyip Erdogan. So thats the situation: there is discontent. There is this energy of a kind of opposition, but it is not said out loud very much, adds Mahcupyan, in a phone interview. Thats not a big surprise given how Erdogan has sidelined his rivals. The no campaign has been demonized and most of the media fear reprisals if they challenge the president. In addition, the left-wing, pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) is reeling following the arrest of dozens of its top leaders, including members of parliament. The clampdown on the party could depress turnout among minority Kurdish voters, a majority of whom are believed to oppose the constitutional changes. Its going to be tough. We are not well organized now because of all this pressure, but we know that there is a deep dissatisfaction against Erdogan, particularly as the economic crisis is deepening. There is definitely a chance. So, it is not a done deal for President Erdogan, says Hisyar Ozsoy, a lawmaker affiliated with the opposition HDP. In the weeks leading up to the referendum, Erdogan is expected to campaign heavily for a yes vote, traveling the country in a campaign stressing the themes of security and stability. The president remains a popular, if polarizing figure, and he could yet translate his charisma into a win in the referendum. Increasingly, the vote seems less about changes to the constitution, and more on the president himself. He has a lot of stake in this, says Kadercan. He personalized this by putting himself back into the field, and putting his name behind yes. ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Forty-four Islamic State militants were killed by Turkey-backed operations around the Syrian town of al-Bab and in U.S.-led coalition air strikes on Monday, the Turkish military said on Tuesday. One Turkish soldier was killed and two were wounded during work to clear landmines and explosives in the area, the army said, reiterating that it had largely established control in the residential areas of al-Bab. The Islamic State stronghold, 30 km (20 miles) from the Turkish border, has been a prime target since Turkey launched an incursion with Syrian rebels last August to push the jihadists from its frontier and prevent gains by a Kurdish militia. Turkey's army said 15 of the jihadists were killed in clashes, artillery fire and air strikes during operations in al-Bab, while the remaining 29 were killed and four buildings were destroyed in the coalition air strikes. (Reporting by Orhan Coskun; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by David Dolan) By Tom Polansek CHICAGO (Reuters) - Tyson Foods Inc in June will switch its retail line of company-branded chicken products to birds raised without any antibiotics, a top executive said on Tuesday, accelerating the meat sector's shift away from the drugs. The change will make Tyson, which is the largest U.S. chicken processor, into the world's leading producer of chicken raised without antibiotics, said Sally Grimes, the company's president of North American retail, on a webcast of an industry conference. It challenges other chicken companies, such as privately held Perdue Farms, that compete for sales to consumers concerned about the use of antibiotics in meat production. In October, Perdue said it had become the first major poultry company to eliminate the routine use of all antibiotics. "We think that we can be very competitive in that space in the next 12 months," said Noel White, Tyson's chief operations officer, on the webcast. Scientists have warned that the routine use of antibiotics to promote growth and prevent illness in healthy farm animals has contributed to rising numbers of dangerous human infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria dubbed "superbugs." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 2 million people in the United States are infected with drug-resistant bacteria each year and that 23,000 die as a direct result. Tyson previously said it would remove antibiotics that are important to human medicine from its chicken production by autumn 2017. It announced the latest change as new Chief Executive Tom Hayes is finding his footing after taking over for Donnie Smith on Dec. 31. (Reporting by Tom Polansek; Editing by David Gregorio) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Mexico this week along with the Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly to discuss issues including border security with the southern neighbor amid frayed relations under new U.S. President Donald Trump. Tillerson and Kelly will meet with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto and other top Mexican officials during the two-day visit on Wednesday and Thursday, the State Department said in a statement. They will discuss border security, law enforcement and trade, the State Department said. The Feb. 22-23 visit comes amid tensions between the United States and Mexico since Trump took office on Jan. 20. Trump has vowed to build a wall on the U.S. southern border, slap a hefty tax on Mexican-made goods entering the country and pull out of a trade deal with Mexico if he cannot renegotiate it to benefit the United States. Pena Nieto canceled a planned January meeting of the two leaders in Washington after Trump said his counterpart should not attend if he was unwilling to pay for the wall. Despite the tensions, senior Mexican and American military and interior officials spoke this month in a sign that communication remained open between the two countries. (Reporting by Doina Chiacu; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) Author Shobhaa De on Tuesday tweeted an image of an overweight man in uniform and mocked Mumbai police's 'heavy' arrangements on the day of the BMC polls. City police denied that the man worked for them. By Saurabh Vaktania: On a day when Mumbai went to the polls and recorded its highest voting percentage, author Shobhaa De tweeted an image of an overweight man in uniform and mocked the city police's 'heavy' arrangements. When the targets of her pun found out what she'd done, they swiftly denied that the man in the photo worked for them, and said they "expected better" from De. advertisement Here's De's tweet. Heavy police bandobast in Mumbai today! pic.twitter.com/sY0H3xzXl3 Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) February 21, 2017 And here's the message tweeted by the Mumbai Police, and pinned to De. We love puns too Ms De but this one is totally imisplaced. Uniform/official not ours. We expect better from responsible citizens like you. https://t.co/OcKOoHO5bX Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) February 21, 2017 De posted her tweet after voting was in over in Mumbai. It has been re-tweeted over 150 times and received over 400 likes. Some marked the tweet to the Mumbai Police, who took it seriously and responded promptly. Mumbai police sources said the photograph De posted was giving the department a very bad name, and that it was a question of its image. That's why the reply was so speedy. NO OFFENSE INTENDED Since the tide turned against Shobhaa she replied to the accusations. In her tweet she said that she did not intend to offend the police force. In fact, she said that if the image belonged to Madhya Pradesh Police then they should consult a dietician. Mumbai/Maharashtra Police, pranaam. No offence intended. M.P. police, consult a dietician,if it's an asli ,undoctored image doing the rounds Shobhaa De (@DeShobhaa) February 22, 2017 Now we will have to wait and watch if MP police gives reply to De if it is not them in the image. ALSO READ: Who will rule Mumbai? BJP catches up with Shiv Sena on BMC turf, says exit poll --- ENDS --- By Timothy Gardner WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The new head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said on Tuesday that America need not choose between jobs and the environment, in a nod to the energy industry, as the White House prepares executive orders that could come as soon as this week to roll back Obama-era regulation. "I believe that we as an agency, and we as a nation, can be both pro-energy and jobs, and pro-environment," Scott Pruitt said in his first address to staff. "We don't have to choose between the two." Critics of the agency have complained that regulations ushered in by former Democratic President Barack Obama have killed thousands of energy jobs by restricting carbon emissions and limiting areas open to coal mining and oil drilling. Democrats, environmental advocates and many of the EPA's current and former staff worry President Donald Trump's appointment of Pruitt signals a reversal in America's progress towards cleaner air and water and fighting global climate change. Both Trump and Pruitt have expressed doubts about climate change, and Trump vowed during his 2016 presidential campaign to pull the United States out of a global pact to fight it. The Republican president has promised to slash environmental rules to help the drilling and mining industries, but without hurting air and water quality. Pruitt sued the agency he now leads more than a dozen times while attorney general of Oklahoma to stop federal rules. He did not mention climate change in his 12-minute speech at the EPA's headquarters in Washington. He struck a conciliatory tone in the address, saying he would "listen, learn and lead" and that he valued the contributions of career staff. Trump is expected to sign executive orders aimed at reshaping environmental policy as early as this week. Those orders would lift a ban on coal mining leases on federal lands and ease greenhouse gas emissions curbs on electric utilities, according to a report by the Washington Post. They would also require changes to Obama's Waters of the United States rule that details which waterways fall under federal protection, the report said. The White House did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the Washington Post story. ENERGY TIES Pruitt was confirmed by the U.S. Senate last week after contentious hearings that focussed on his record as the top prosecutor of the oil- and gas-producing state of Oklahoma. Democrats had sought to delay Pruitt's confirmation over questions about his ties to the oil industry. Some 800 former EPA staff also signed a letter urging senators to reject him, and about 30 current EPA staff joined a protest set up in Chicago by the Sierra Club environmental group. In Oklahoma, a state judge ruled last week that Pruitt would have to turn over emails between his office and energy companies by Tuesday after a watchdog group, the Center for Media and Democracy, sued for their release. The judge will review and perhaps hold back some of the emails before releasing them, a court clerk said. Nicole Cantello, a representative of the union that represents EPA workers, said that despite Pruitt's record, she was hoping for the best. "One would hope that the administrator would learn about what we do and would then not treat as lightly the EPA's mission and accomplishments, and what it is required to do under the statutes," she said. The American Petroleum Institute, an industry group, said it looked forward to working with Pruitt, the administration and Congress "on policies that will keep energy affordable, create jobs, and strengthen our economy." (Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Writing by Richard Valdmanis; Editing by Alistair Bell and Peter Cooney) The Supreme Court hears arguments on Tuesday in a dispute over a Mexican familys ability to sue a U.S. Border Patrol officer who killed their son in a cross-border incident. Both governments filed briefs in the case, on opposite sides of the dispute. Sergio Adrian Hernandez Guereca, 15, died in 2010 as he stood on Mexican soil by a border officer who fired his gun while on United States soil in Texas. The agent claimed Hernandez and others were throwing rocks at him as he was attempting to detain an illegal immigration suspect; the family says Hernandez was playing a game with his friends at the border location between El Paso and Juarez. Hernandezs family sued the agent for damages, but in 2015 the Fifth Circuit Appeals Court said the family had no standing to sue because the teen was a Mexican citizen and not protected by the Fifth Amendment under its Due Process clause or by the Fourth Amendment. The full appeals court had unanimously ruled in favor of the agent. The Supreme Court took the appeal in October 2016 and it also added a question about determining if the parents had a constitutional right to sue a Border Patrol officer. The controversy will likely get its share of new attention because of the political situation involving the new Trump administration in Washington and its stance on immigration and Mexico. However, the federal government brief in this case was filed by the Obama administration and it supports Jesus Mesa, Jr., the border agent. Among the arguments made by the Justice Department was that courts werent the proper location to settle a dispute that could involve foreign policy considerations, and that allowing such lawsuits would allow U.S. military and intelligence agencies to be sued for injuries incurred abroad. The government of Mexicos brief argues that Mexico has a responsibility to maintain control over its territory and to look after the well-being of its nationals. It is a priority for Mexico to see that the United States has provided adequate means to hold the agents accountable and to compensate the victims. Story continues In 2015, Constitution Daily Supreme Court correspondent Lyle Denniston explained to our readers the core constitutional issue in this case. Overseas, or offshore, application of the rights spelled out in the Constitution was dealt a major setback in 1990, when the Supreme Court ruled that a Mexican national who was being held prisoner inside the United States had no Fourth Amendment right to challenge a search of his home in Mexico by a joint investigative team from the two countries, Denniston said, referring to a case called United States v. Verdugo-Urquidez. Even a quarter-century later, however, just what that decision actually means about extraterritorial reach for the Constitution remains a matter of considerable debate. The main opinion said that constitutional rights do not apply outside the country to an individual who had no voluntary links to the United States. But Justice Anthony M. Kennedy supplied a necessary fifth vote to make a majority in that case, and his separate opinion suggested that he thought that the specific context of each case might actually make the difference in the analysis. Then, Justice Kennedy wrote a major opinion for the Court in Boumediene v. Bush in 2008 extending the constitutional right of habeas corpus to the foreign nationals that the U.S. was then holding (and scores of whom it still holds) at the military prison at Guantanamo Bay. That opinion, if understood to apply beyond the specific factual situation of the detainees at Guantanamo, would appear to stand for the proposition that the extraterritorial application of the Constitutions guarantee of rights depends upon objective factors and practical concerns (as Kennedy put it in the opinion), rather than the nearly categorical approach of the Verdugo-Urquidez decision in 1990, Denniston explained. Recent Constitution Daily Stories The Interactive Constitution: The Presidents constitutional powers Waiting for Gorsuch? Supreme Court finally schedules last major case New version of Trump immigration order coming By Andrew Chung (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday turned away an appeal by Boston Scientific Corp of a Maryland state court jury verdict ordering the medical device company to pay $308 million to a patent licensor for breach of contract concerning implantable cardiac devices. Boston Scientific had asked the justices to hear its appeal in the dispute over its licenses to patented technology on the implantable devices owned by Mirowski Family Ventures, arguing the Maryland court made mistakes applying patent law, a job typically reserved for federal courts. In its lawsuit, Maryland-based Mirowski claimed Massachusetts-based Boston Scientific did not pay all the royalties it owed after acquiring Guidant Corp, which had licensed the patents, and then settling patent infringement litigation involving Guidant. The patents related to devices that can correct irregular heart rhythms, preventing cardiac arrest. In 2014, a state jury awarded Mirowski about $308 million in royalties and damages for breaching a license agreement. The Maryland Court of Appeals refused to hear the appeal last July. Boston Scientific said the judge in the Maryland Circuit Court violated federal precedents by refusing to interpret the meaning of one of the patents, saying the task made him feel "queasy." The case illustrates the hazards of relegating highly technical and complex issues of patent law to state courts, Boston Scientific said. Mirowski had urged the Supreme Court not to hear the appeal, arguing the state court judge merely adopted the meaning of the patent made by a federal judge in a previous case. (Reporting by Andrew Chung in New York; Editing by Will Dunham) Uber has hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to conduct a review of sexual harassment claims at the ride-hailing service made by a former employee. Holder and Tammy Albarran, who are partners at the law firm Covington & Burling, will look into the complaints about a manager at Uber, as well as general questions about diversity and inclusion, Chief Executive Travis Kalanick told his employees in a memo on Monday that was seen by Reuters. Last year, Airbnb hired Holder, who served under former President Barack Obama, to help craft a policy to combat discrimination occurring through the online lodging services platform. Arianna Huffington, who joined Ubers board last year, Liane Hornsey, Ubers chief human resources officer, and Angela Padilla, the companys associate general counsel, will also help conduct the review, Kalanick said in the memo. Read More: UN Labor Chief Guy Ryder Says the Uberification of Work Has Begun Huffington, Kalanick and Hornsey will meet on Tuesday, the memo said. Susan Fowler, the former Uber employee who complained of being the target of sexual harassment by her manager, wrote in a blog post on Sunday that when she reported the offense to human resources officials and management, they declined to punish the alleged offender because he was a high performer and that this was his first offense. Fowler also said, after speaking with other female employees, she realized that both HR and management had been lying about this being the managers first offense. In a statement sent to Reuters on Sunday, Kalanick called Fowlers allegations abhorrent and against everything Uber stands for and believes in. Fowlers tale prompted a backlash, including calls for a revival of the #DeleteUber movement. Some protesters urged a boycott of the ride service over allegations it sought to profit from the chaos at New Yorks John F. Kennedy Airport last month, after President Donald Trumps executive order barring entry to people from seven Muslim majority countries. Story continues Many women working in Silicon Valley, particularly in highly technical roles, say they have experienced misogyny and harassment in the male-dominated field. Technology companies are under mounting pressure to make their workforces more diverse by hiring more women, blacks and Latinos but progress has been slow. There have been many questions about the gender diversity of Ubers technology teams, Kalanick said. Uber will publish a broader diversity report for the company in the coming months, he said. I believe in creating a workplace where a deep sense of justice underpins everything we do, Kalanick said. Every Uber employee should be proud of the culture we have and what we will build together over time. San Francisco (AFP) - Uber has hired former attorney general Eric Holder to review workplace conditions after a ex-employee alleged sexual harassment and sexism at the firm. Susan Fowler, an engineer who worked at the rideshare company until the end of last year, said in a blog post Sunday that her manager made sexual advances shortly after she joined the company at the end of 2015. She said she complained to more senior managers and the company's human resources department, but was told that it was the man's "first offense" and that they wouldn't feel comfortable punishing a "high performer." Uber CEO Travis Kalanick said in an email to staff Monday that Holder and another attorney at the firm Covington & Burling "will conduct an independent review into the specific issues relating to the workplace environment raised by Susan Fowler, as well as diversity and inclusion at Uber more broadly." The case is likely to revive debates over sexism in male-dominated Silicon Valley. Holder was former US president Barack Obama's attorney general between 2009 and 2015. The lawyers will be aided by journalist Arianna Huffington, who is a member of the Uber board, the CEO said. Fowler said she was given the choice of joining another team, or staying in her position with the possibility of receiving a poor performance review from her manager. Fowler said she met other women engineers at the company who said they had experienced similar harassment, including alleged inappropriate behavior from her previous manager. After lodging various complaints, Fowler said she was told by her manager that she was "on thin ice" for reporting the boss to human resources. In 2015, a California jury rejected charges of gender discrimination against a prominent venture capital firm in a case seen as a proxy trial of Silicon Valley sex bias. Ellen Pao had sued Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers (KPCB), saying she was fired after complaining about bias at the firm that notably backed Amazon, Facebook and Google. London (AFP) - Britain announced new powers Tuesday to freeze the assets of foreign officials who abuse anti-corruption and human rights activists, following a campaign in memory of late Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky. "This measure would send a clear statement that the UK will not stand by and allow those who have committed gross abuse or violations around the world to launder their money here," security minister Ben Wallace told the House of Commons. The announcement follows a campaign led by William Browder, a former Moscow financier turned anti-Kremlin campaigner for whom Magnitsky worked when he revealed a massive fraud by state officials. Shortly afterwards Magnitsky himself was charged with tax evasion, and after 11 months in squalid prisons, he died in detention on November 16, 2009. Browder said the new proposals were a "huge triumph" that would "cause perceptible fear for kleptocrats in Russia and other authoritarian regimes". "They all have expensive properties in London and think they are untouchable," he said in a statement. Under a law passed in 2002, British judges already have the power to order the seizure of property and bank accounts that have been obtained unlawfully. The definition of what is unlawful behaviour will now be extended to the torture or abuse by public officials of those seeking to expose official corruption or champion human rights. The measure is expected to pass easily into law after the opposition Labour party offered its support. However, ministers rejected alternative proposals, backed by dozens of MPs from across the political divide, to allow individuals to ask the High Court to make an asset-freezing order. Wallace said this would "open up a whole can of worms". Vienna (AFP) - Austria arrested one of Ukraine's richest men, a fresh twist for the one-time ally of ousted pro-Russian president Viktor Yanukovych. Gas magnate Dmytro Firtash was taken into custody over alleged links to organised crime in Spain, moments after a Vienna court ruled he could be extradited to the US on corruption charges. Firtash, 51, made money through connections with Russian gas giant Gazprom, and was at one time linked to a former campaign aide of US President Donald Trump. He is wanted in the US over charges that he and five others paid $18.5 million in bribes to officials in India to secure titanium mining licences in 2006. The United States argues it has jursidiction because the conspiracy involved using US financial institutions, travel to and from the US, and use of US-based communications -- computers, telephones, and the internet. Firtash was arrested in Vienna in March 2014, but released on a record Austrian bail of 125 million euros ($130 million). He has denied all charges and maintained he was the victim of a smear campaign. His legal team argued that he was caught up in a larger battle over the future of Ukraine, where the government has been engaged in bloody fighting with Russian-backed separatists in the east since 2014. Authorities in Barcelona issued a European arrest warrant in November 2016, with media reports saying Firtash was accused of belonging to a criminal organisation which had laundered 10 million euros ($10.5 million) in Spain. But when the warrant was issued, the tycoon was already under house arrest in Austria over the US allegations. A lower court in Vienna sided with the tycoon in April 2015 and rejected the US request. But the appeals court said Tuesday the US had provided "sufficient" proof that Firtash "may have committed the crimes he is accused of". The prosecutor's office refused to comment on the Spanish case or how Firtash's arrest would affect the extradition ruling. Story continues Austria's Justice Minister Wolfgang Brandstetter told broadcaster ORF the extradition would not be implemented until a court had reviewed the Spanish case. - Vladimir Putin - Firtash owns Group DF, a business empire involved in energy, chemicals, media, banking and property in Ukraine and other countries including Germany, Italy and Austria. He made his fortune importing gas to Ukraine from Russia and Central Asia via his group Rosukrenergo, since disbanded, in collaboration with Russian gas giant Gazprom. Having backed the 2010 election campaign of Yanukovych, Firtash was able to expand his business interests, acquiring chemicals and fertiliser factories as well as TV channel Inter. The Russian-backed Yanukovych was ousted in protests in February 2014, and Firtash's arrest in Austria came soon afterwards, although officials deny any link. Observers say US authorities want to detain Firtash because he holds information on close allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin. "The case against Firtash in the United States will not be limited only to the bribery allegations in India," said Ukrainian MP Sergiy Leshchenko, a former journalist who has investigated Firtash's case. "He is very valuable not only as a defendant but as witness too." Although Tuesday's ruling cannot be appealed, the final extradition decision lies with the justice minister. Firtash's lawyer slammed Tuesday's extradition ruling, saying "appropriate steps" would be taken to overturn it. "Mr Firtash categorically rejects all allegations and maintains that this all relates to US political persecution," said Dieter Bohmdorfer in a statement. "We remain confident that Mr. Firtashs innocence will be proven." With lack of education, poor health facilities, no cremation ground, and only two shrines to pray in, Sikhs in a Pakistan province are going through tough times. By India Today Web Desk: About 10,000 members of the Sikh community in Pakistan's Kyber Pakhtunkhwa province are having a tough time. Good education is missing and poor health facilities are provided, a Sikh leader said in remarks published on Tuesday. Earlier, the region used to brim with gurdwaras, but that's a story before the 1947 partition. Sikhs in Peshawar now use only two shrines, the Pakistan Today reported. advertisement "Plazas have been constructed in place of some gurdwaras. The ones not sold have been taken over by land grabbing mafia," alleged Pakistan Sikh leader Radesh Singh Tony. "The community does not have a cremation ground," he added. When a Sikh dies, he is taken to another district to be cremated. Members of the Sikh community have also pulled their children out of schools due to safety concerns. "We are renting property to create makeshift schools. It is difficult to bear the expenses. We request the government to provide us a building and funds for education," said school headmaster Baba Jugerpaal Singh. Despite the miserable conditions, the community hopes its issues will be resolved by the government. --- ENDS --- PARIS (AP) Child soldiers, underage sex slaves, orphaned adolescent refugees France's president and UNICEF are urging the international community to do more to protect the more than 200 million children of today's conflict zones. "The situation is as urgent as ever," French President Francois Hollande pleaded as he opened a conference in Paris on Tuesday with representatives from 80 countries, decrying "the nightmare that killed these children's innocence." Organizers want coordinated efforts to liberate and re-integrate thousands of child soldiers from Sudan to Somalia, and thousands of girls forced into wedlock by militants from Nigeria to Afghanistan. "Those who harm these children are harming what is most sacred to humankind," Hollande said. "Killing and brutalizing children is negating civilization." The conference is also pushing for tougher prosecution of abusers, and protection for hospitals and schools targeted in war zones, such as in Syrian government airstrikes on Aleppo recently. While 105 countries have signed onto promises made 10 years ago to protect conflict children, problems persist and the conference is aiming at enlisting more governments in the effort. "Children do not belong on the battlefield. They belong in school. They belong in safe places where they are loved and protected from the battles that they had no hand in creating," U.N. Children's Fund director Anthony Lake told the conference. Hollande also called on Britain to take in more unaccompanied child refugees currently in France. "I call on the United Kingdom to shoulder its responsibilities concerning adolescents today in France currently who have families across the Channel. We have made efforts to shelter and welcome them. They want to go to the UK. We have agreements with our friend and neighbor country and these agreements by our friend and neighbor must be fully respected." Hundreds of unaccompanied teens and younger children were among thousands of migrants who converged on a filthy camp in Calais last year before it was dismantled in October. The children were taken to migrant centers around France pending British decisions on whether to accept them. By Luciana Lopez (Reuters) - Package delivery company United Parcel Service Inc said on Tuesday it will consider raising prices across the board in coming years to offset pressure on margins, particularly from the rising costs of delivering packages to e-commerce customers. "We... always have to be diligent about getting the right return," particularly as costs rise, Richard Peretz, the company's chief financial officer, said at an investor event. His comments came a day after the company tested home delivery by drone in Lithia, Florida, the first step in what it hopes will be more automated - and cheaper - deliveries in rural areas. UPS is grappling with lower margins for e-commerce, which have dented earnings. Businesses typically get more packages per stop than residences, making delivery to individual homes more expensive. Drones could be one way to reduce those costs. In Monday's test, a drone launched from the roof of a UPS vehicle flew autonomously toward its destination, dropped a package and then returned to the vehicle as the driver continued on a delivery route. "We see this as an exploration into this new technology," John Dodero, vice president of industrial engineering at UPS, said ahead of the test. The company is also considering how changes in global trade, particularly with Mexico, will impact its business as U.S. President Donald Trump vows to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which took effect in 1994. The U.S.-Mexico supply chain is "critical," said David Abney, the company's chief executive. NAFTA "is a little bit old. It's not reflective of 21st century agreements," he said. But Abney added that the company believes "global trade certainly drives jobs, and we think that southern border is very important to our customers and to the country." UPS has tested drones before and is considering other uses for the technology, such as in inventory control and helping inspect planes and vehicles within hangars and warehouses. But UPS has no timeline for when drones might be put into wider use, Dodero said, partly because federal authorities are still developing regulations on how to use the technology. The company also said it will expand U.S. pickup and delivery to six days for ground shipments and offer Saturday delivery in the largest metropolitan areas. UPS sees revenue growth of 4 percent to 6 percent over 2018 and 2019, Peretz said, with adjusted diluted earnings per share up 5 percent to 10 percent. It is planning $1 billion to $1.8 billion in annual share repurchases over the same time. (Reporting by Luciana Lopez; Editing by Alan Crosby and Dan Grebler) WASHINGTON (AP) The Trump administration is greatly expanding the number of people living in the U.S. illegally who are considered a priority for deportation, including people arrested for traffic violations, according to agency documents released Tuesday. The documents represent a sweeping rewrite of the nation's immigration enforcement priorities. The Homeland Security Department memos, signed by Secretary John Kelly, lay out that any immigrant living in the United States illegally who has been charged or convicted of any crime and even those suspected of a crime will now be an enforcement priority. That could include people arrested for shop lifting or minor traffic offenses. The memos eliminate far more narrow guidance issued under the Obama administration that focused resources strictly on immigrants who had been convicted of serious crimes, threats to national security and recent border crossers. Kelly's memo also describes plans to enforce a long-standing but obscure provision of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act that allows the government to send some people caught illegally crossing the Mexican border back to Mexico, regardless of where they are from. One of the memos says that foreigners sent back to Mexico would wait for their U.S. deportation proceedings to be complete. This would be used for people who aren't considered a threat to cross the border illegally again, the memo said. It's unclear whether the United States has the authority to force Mexico to accept foreigners. That provision is almost certain to face opposition from civil libertarians and officials in Mexico. For more news videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS and Android. Historically, the government has been able to quickly repatriate Mexican nationals caught at the border but would detain and try to formally deport immigrants from other countries, routinely flying them to their home countries. In some cases, those deportations can take years as immigrants ask for asylum or otherwise fight their deportation in court. Story continues The memos do not change U.S. immigration laws, but take a far harder line toward enforcement. The pair of directives do not have any impact on President Barack Obama's program that has protected more than 750,000 young immigrants from deportation. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals remains in place though immigrants in the program will be still be eligible for deportation if they commit a crime or otherwise are deemed to be a threat to public safety or national security, according to the department. ___ Follow Alicia A. Caldwell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/acaldwellap Washington (AFP) - The Trump administration issued tough new orders for a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigrants, putting nearly all of the country's 11 million undocumented foreigners in its crosshairs. The orders sent shivers through US immigrant communities, where millions of people who have spent years building families and livelihoods in the country, most of them from Mexico and Central America, were seriously threatened with deportation for the first time in decades. Rights groups labeled the move a "witch hunt," warning that mass deportations would damage families with deep roots in the United States and hurt the economy. But John Kelly, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who issued the new orders in two memos, said they were necessary to address a problem that has "overwhelmed" government resources. "The surge of illegal immigration at the southern border has overwhelmed federal agencies and resources and has created a significant national security vulnerability to the United States," he said in one of the memos. Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned the new guidelines will "harm national security and public safety." New York Mayor Bill De Blasio said he refused to turn the city's police officers into immigration agents or its jails into "holding pens for deportation policy that will only undermine the inclusiveness that has helped make New York city the safest big city in the nation." - Expedited deportations - The new rules make it easier for border patrol and immigration officers to quickly deport any illegal immigrants they find, with only a few exceptions, principally children. The priority will remain undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes, as well as anyone who has been charged or potentially faces criminal charges. However, people deemed as low priority for deportation by the previous administration of Barack Obama -- generally anyone not tied to a crime -- are no longer protected. Story continues "With extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement," the memos said. "All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceedings, up to and including removal from the United States." The memos followed up on President Donald Trump's order, issued just after his January 20 inauguration, for authorities to crack down on illegal immigration by tightening enforcement and building a wall along the nearly 2,000-mile (3,145-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier. In the memos, Kelly ordered immediate action to begin planning the wall. He also ordered the hiring of 15,000 more officers for the Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies. The move comes ahead of meetings this week between Kelly and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico, in which illegal immigration and border security will be key topics. - Sharp policy shift - The turn in policy follows years in which the Obama and George W. Bush administrations, sought to find a way with Congress to allow most of the long-term illegal immigrants to stay in the country. But Trump campaigned for the White House on a promise to crack down on what he characterized as a source of widespread crime and a drag on the economy. White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump "wanted to take the shackles off" officials enforcing the laws. DHS said there are more than 534,000 pending immigration cases in the courts nationwide, and that agents have apprehended more than 93,000 people trying to sneak into the country in October and November alone. That work "has significantly strained DHS resources," it said. While Spicer said the policy could evolve beyond the DHS memos, there was no indication of what form those changes could take. - 'Mass deportation policy' - Pro-immigrant groups, already nervous after hundreds were arrested in a series of ICE raids on immigrant "sanctuary cities" two weeks ago, expressed shock and outrage. At the Statue of Liberty in New York a banner reading "refugees welcome" was unfurled. "Secretary Kelly has unleashed an unprecedented witch hunt on millions of immigrant families," said Angelica Salas, executive director for the Los Angeles-based Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights. "These guidelines represent an unlawful, expedited process, a dragnet, to remove undocumented immigrants living and working in the US. This is a dastardly approach to a very human issue." Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants' Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, predicted strong legal challenges to the new policy. "These memos confirm that the Trump administration is willing to trample on due process, human decency, the wellbeing of our communities and even protections for vulnerable children, in pursuit of a hyper-aggressive mass deportation policy," he said. Washington (AFP) - US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Tuesday called on the International Monetary Fund to provide "candid analysis" of exchange-rate policies in member countries. Mnuchin spoke by phone with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde in what was among the first contacts between the fund and the administration of President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly accused countries like China of using trade and currency policies to cheat its trading partners. Trump also threatened during the election campaign to slap tariffs on imports from China and declare the country currency manipulator, which would set in motion a process that could allow the United States to take retaliatory action. Mnuchin in his conversation with Lagarde "underscored his expectation that the IMF provide frank and candid analysis of the exchange-rate policies of IMF member countries," according to a Treasury readout of the call. The IMF does monitor currencies and other economic policies in the 189 member countries, and its rules dictate members must "avoid manipulating exchange rates... to gain an unfair competitive advantage over other members." However, in practice the fund can only exert real pressure to change policies on those countries that have IMF loan programs in place. Despite the Trump administration's focus on China, charging it with keeping the renminbi artificially low to make its exports more competitive -- a charge many economists agreed with up until a few years ago -- Beijing in recent years has instead been working to keep the currency's exchange rate from falling too low. In its last annual review of the Chinese economy, in August 2016, the IMF said the renminbi was "broadly in line with fundamentals." But in 2015 it had appreciated by 10 percent and was "moderately stronger" than the state of its economy would dictate, contradicting the Trump administration view of an artificially weak currency. Story continues In a reference to another key focus of the Trump administration -- trade deficits -- Mnuchin told Lagarde he "looked forward to robust IMF economic policy advice on its member countries and tackling global imbalances," given the importance Washington places on "boosting economic growth and jobs in the United States." Asked to comment on the tone and content of the discussion with Mnuchin, IMF spokesman Gerry Rice said in a statement the conversation was "constructive" and covered "a wide range of issues of interest to our membership." "We look forward to continuing our close and productive engagement with the US authorities." More than 100 headstones were reportedly damaged or toppled in a historic Jewish cemetery in University City, Mo., on Monday, in what local media says was likely an act of vandalism carried out by an organized group. According to Fox2 St. Louis, police will not say whether it is being pursued as a hate crime. Its extraordinarily sad, I know people who are buried there, said Karen Aroesty, the regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, speaking to Fox2. Enough already. This is where your loved ones come to be safe in perpetuity, and the level of tension in the Jewish community is pretty high. The Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery was established in the St. Louis suburb of University City in 1893, and is a well-known and sacred memorial ground among the local Jewish population and other members of the community. The incident follows a new round of bomb threats at Jewish community centers across the country. Its the fourth time this year that multiple Jewish institutions have received threats in tandem, causing alarm over what some say is a rise of anti-Semitism in the U.S. The White House denounced the threats on Monday, CNN reported, citing deputy press secretary Lindsay Walters. She said: Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individual freedom. The President has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable. Story continues Trumps son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner is Jewish and his daughter Ivanka is a convert to Judaism. However, some Jewish community leaders have criticized the failure of President Donald Trump or his Administration to explicitly denounce anti-Semitism until now. Racism and anti-Semitism have become more socially acceptable now, Rabbi Barry Leff of Birmingham, Ala., told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. When a Jewish reporter asked Trump last week about a perceived uptick in anti-Semitism, the President criticized the reporter for asking an unfair question. At joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Feb. 15, Trump was asked a question about anti-Semitism but responded by talking about his electoral win. The Administration was also strongly criticized in January because a White House statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day conspicuously failed to mention Jews or anti-Semitism. Vatican City (AFP) - The Vatican and Rome's Jewish community on Monday presented an ambitious exhibition on the menorah which will bring together 130 works featuring the iconic Jewish candelabrum, an ancient symbol of the faith. The show on the seven-candle Hebrew lamp will run simultaneously from May 15 to July 23 at the Vatican museums and the synagogue complex in a city which once housed one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The artifacts are being loaned by nearly 20 museums around the world, including London's National Gallery and the Louvre in Paris. Among them will be one of the earliest known depictions of a menorah, an engraved stone found at the site in Israel where a synagogue from the Second Temple period was discovered by archaeologists in 2009. Christian medieval candlesticks inspired by the menorah, as well as the works of contemporary artists, will also be on display. But history's most precious menorah, made out of solid gold, will be missing. The candlestick, depicted on the Arch of Titus in Rome, was one of the spoils brought back to the city by the Romans after they sacked the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 AD. It was initially placed in the Temple of Peace but later disappeared, possibly looted by the Vandals in the sacking of Rome. Rome's Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni said the unprecedented joint exhibition, more than three years in the making, showed the "evolution in the dialogue between Jews and Catholics". "Times have changed, many positions have softened," he told AFP. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe on Tuesday vetoed a bill that would have blocked funding for Planned Parenthood, which provides abortions and other health services. The bill passed by the Republican-controlled legislature would have barred the state from providing funds to clinics that perform abortions not covered by Medicaid, the federal healthcare program for the poor. McAuliffe, a Democrat, said the measure would harm thousands of Virginians who relied on Planned Parenthood healthcare services and programs. He vetoed a similar measure last year. "Attempts to restrict womens access to health care will impede the goal of making Virginia the best place to live, work, and run a business," he said in a statement. Advocates for the law had said it would underpin organizations that provide the widest range of services. Planned Parenthood draws the ire of many Republicans because it provides abortions. Republican President Donald Trump has pledged to defund the organization. (Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by James Dalgleish) In a letter to employees, Infosys chief executive Vishal Sikka lashed out at detractors for spreading "false and malicious" stories about the company and said they were "designed" to target him to the "point of harassment". By Press Trust of India: Infosys chief Vishal Sikka has said "false and malicious" stories are being spread about the USD 200-million Panaya buyout to target him even as the tech major asserted that no one from the management team benefitted from the deal. In a letter to employees, Infosys chief executive Vishal Sikka lashed out at detractors for spreading "false and malicious" stories about the company and said they were "designed" to target him to the "point of harassment". advertisement In a strongly-worded email to Infosys employees, Sikka said the reports questioning the company's acquisition of Panaya were "orchestrated by people who were hellbent on harming the reputation of the company and its employees". WHAT THE INFOSYS STATEMENT SAID In a late evening statement, Infosys said, "We categorically state that no member of the Infosys management team was involved in any prior investments in Panaya, and insinuations that anyone from the management team at Infosys benefitted from this acquisition are misleading and slanderous." The IT giant added that it would investigate the charges made and "respond to all queries received either directly or from the regulatory authorities" as per its process. Also read | Away from the noise, I'm trying to create a culture of innovation, says Infosys chief In February 2015, Infosys had announced buying the Israeli automation technology company for USD 200 million or Rs 1,250 crore in cash. A section of the media reported about a whistle-blower's letter to market regulator SEBI, alleging irregularities in the acquisition of Panaya. SIKKA RUBBISHES CHARGES Referring to the charges, Sikka said, "They create a false alternate-reality out of events and dates, with embellishments that are calculated to mislead and sensationalise". He added that while these "distractions are expensive, draining and time-consuming", it is the Infosys' burden to ensure that the company's business continues "unflinchingly". "We cannot let these stand unchallenged, and we will take every step and pursue every avenue to strongly defend the company in the face of these unfair and unwarranted attacks," the Infosys CEO said. Also read | Vishal Sikka has the freedom to revive Infosys, says Ramesh S Sikka is pitted against a clutch of co-founders led by N R Narayana Murthy voicing concerns over a spike in his remuneration and hefty severance packages for two former executives. Stating that the company has "far bigger battles ahead", Sikka urged employees to "rise above the distractions, focus on what really matters, and deliver". advertisement "I am, as always, counting on your faith and unwavering attention to what really matters. Change is never easy, and change at the scale that we are undertaking may be unprecedented, and perhaps it is this change that has so inflamed some into trying to drag us all into the mud", he said. Infosys said it had a strong, established internal process to evaluate acquisition targets and make investments. --- ENDS --- By Duncan Miriri NAIROBI (Reuters) - A Kenyan lawmaker proposed breaking up Safaricom, the country's biggest telecoms operator, on Tuesday because of its role in providing mobile financial services. Safaricom, which is 40 percent owned by Britain's Vodafone, not only has Kenya's biggest number of subscribers, it also dominates the country's thriving mobile-based financial services sector with its innovative M-Pesa platform. M-Pesa has been widely hailed as an example of a developing region successfully adapting a new technology ahead of others and then exporting the idea globally, and as a "good news" story for African business. Jakoyo Midiwo, the deputy minority leader in Kenya's national assembly, said he was proposing amendments to laws on banking and communications to force Safaricom to separate M-Pesa, which is regulated by the central bank, from telecoms. Such a move was necessary because Safaricom was offering banking services without the necessary licence, he added. M-Pesa, which allows users to send money and make payments even on the most basic phones, has allowed Safaricom to partner with leading banks in recent years, giving it access to the lucrative small loans and deposit-taking business. Vodafone says on its website that M-Pesa, which means "m-money" in Swahili, was launched in 2007 in Kenya, 2008 in Tanzania and is now present in 10 countries as the global brand for Vodafones Mobile Money service. Safaricom, which is Kenya's most profitable listed company and the biggest by market capitalisation, declined to comment. Smaller telecoms operators such as Bharti Airtel Kenya have complained of Safaricom's market dominance, with 90 percent of revenues in areas such as voice calls and text messages. "My intention is to break it into several companies," Midiwo told Reuters by phone on Tuesday. "I'm doing it through miscellaneous amendment today, this afternoon. I'm amending the banking act, I'm amending the communications act, I'm amending several acts." Midiwo's amendments would have to be cleared by parliament and then signed into law by the president. The passage of the amendments was not guaranteed, Midiwo said, but he pledged to re-introduce them if they fail on this occasion. "It would be wrong for parliament to sit back and just watch," Midiwo said, adding that it was the job of parliamentarians to make sure companies operate efficiently and benefit the local economy. Kenyan firms have expressed alarm over legislative initiatives that could hamper their operations after lawmakers capped commercial lending rates last August. (Editing by Alexander Smith) What comes in, must go out. Especially if it's a massive goanna and it's in a restaurant. Especially in the case of French waitress Samia Lila, who was tasked with evicting a pesky and rather large goanna which had snuck into a winery's restaurant on Sunday. SEE ALSO: Wild koala and dog hang out, proving that we really can all get along According to ABC News, Lila was serving diners at Mimosa Wines on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia, when one of the customers pointed to a goanna on the deck. "I couldn't believe it was a goanna. I thought it was big dog," Lila told the news outlet. She bravely leapt into action, pulling the goanna by its tail out of the venue. The moment was captured and posted on the Mimosa Wines Facebook page. While some commenters on the video have noted that dragging a goanna by its tail is cruel, Lila said she was trying to be gentle in removing the intruder. "I like reptiles, I think he is a really beautiful creature [and] I didn't want to hurt him," she said. Following the encounter, she said was a bit "shaky." Goannas are often timid and aren't really a risk to humans, but they can produce a nasty bite if threatened. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Three of Washington's best-known monuments were defaced with graffiti over the Presidents Day weekend, the third major vandalism of memorials in the U.S. capital since 2013, a National Park Service spokesman said on Tuesday. The Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and World War II Memorial were defaced with a marker pen sometime from Sunday night into Monday morning, spokesman Mike Litterst said. He did not give details of what was scrawled on the buildings. "It doesn't appear to be politically or hate motivated," and the graffiti was not sexual in nature, Litterst said in a telephone interview. He said the markings each roughly covered the area of a hand with fingers outspread. A monument preservation crew has done a first cleaning at the Lincoln Memorial, and the clean-up at the three sites will take a few weeks, Litterst said. The monuments on the National Mall are among the top tourist draws in Washington. Litterst said vandalism of monuments on the Mall occurred occasionally. A woman splashed green paint on the base of the Lincoln Memorial in 2013, and in November last year graffiti was spray-painted on the World War II Memorial in protest against a pipeline project in North Dakota. (Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by Frances Kerry) A Pennsylvania mother who asked an 8-year-old to watch her child allegedly stabbed the young girl over her babysitting skills, according to police. On Friday, Collingdale Police responded to a local home and found a man running while carrying the 8-year-old girl, who was bleeding profusely from her head, according to a police report. Read: Woman Pleads Guilty to Robbing Bank While Babysitting 2 Children Police said they found 21-year-old Majeah Bashir on the second floor of the building, where she lives, with her hands covered in blood. The 8-year-old girl reportedly lives on the first floor of the building. She reportedly suffered a four-inch gash to her head and was taken to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia for treatment. Read:14-Year-Old Boy Arrested for Putting Toddler in Washer and Dryer While Babysitting: Cops While other officers arrived it was determined that the tenant who lives on the second floor had stabbed the child who lives on the 1st floor after an argument over babysitting in the hallway of the apartment building, police said in a report. Bashir was charged with criminal attempt homicide, aggravated assault and reckless endangerment, among other crimes. Her bail has been set at $250,000. Watch: 19-Year-Old Teen Babysitter Driving Four Young Boys Charged With DWI Related Articles: Doing it for the gram was just taken a step or maybe an arm, in this case too far. A video of Viktoria Odintcova dangling off the ledge of a 73-story building in the United Arab Emirates recently went viral. Why did she do it? For a good photo (and attention, of course). The Cayan tower, center the worlds tallest twisted tower at Dubais Marina on June 11, 2013, in the United Arab Emirates. (Photo: Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images) The stunt, which was all captured on camera, features the Russian model in the risky act with a team of people who appear to be stuntmen and photographers. Full video (link in bio)! @a_mavrin #MAVRINmodels #MAVRIN #VikiOdintcova #Dubai A post shared by Viki Odintcova (@viki_odintcova) on Feb 3, 2017 at 7:12am PST The video features the crew practicing on ground, and then arriving at the Cayan Tower in Dubai to do the real thing (without permission). Odintcova grips a blond helpers hand as he confidently encourages her to lean away from the top of the 1,000-foot building. As she leans back, her hair flows and her eyes close, and somehow she gets comfortable enough to look serene in images captured by her team. As if that were not enough of a risk, she then gets down on her knees, while still holding the hand of her spotter and then gracefully flops off the rails, the guys forearm strength the only thing keeping her from plummeting to the ground. Somehow, she still looks beautiful, with her T-shirt falling off her shoulders, and her sneakers (theyre not even fancy suction-cupped shoes or something high-tech!) kicking about as if shes just dangling from the side of a pool. From reality Ph: @a_mavrin #MAVRIN #MAVRINmodels #VikiOdintcova @sashatikhomirov #Dubai A post shared by Viki Odintcova (@viki_odintcova) on Dec 29, 2016 at 7:50am PST She lived to share the tale, and has been retelling it to her 3.3 million Instagram followers. All the stunts performed by professionals, do not try it yourself, she captioned a clip of the video. Story continues The photos, luckily, turned out amazing (because nothing could be worse more than risking your life for a blurry, thumb-covered shot). According to Emirati newspaper The National, Odintcova isnt getting off that easy. An assistant to the chief of police in Dubai said that Odintcova had been summoned to sign an undertaking not to repeat any dangerous moves that could endanger her life in Dubai. ( )???? @a_mavrin @irina_dreyt #MAVRINmodels #MAVRIN #vikiodintcova #sochi A post shared by Viki Odintcova (@viki_odintcova) on Dec 23, 2016 at 1:33am PST However, Odintcova will most like find someplace else. In the past, shes bungee-jumped in Sochi, Russia, with a camera in hand, and prettily posed on the edge of a cliff in Sri Lanka. , ???? , , ???????? ???????? #Vikiodintcova #MAVRIN #MAVRINmodels #SriLanka A post shared by Viki Odintcova (@viki_odintcova) on Nov 17, 2016 at 1:33am PST Odintcova could also join other daredevils like Angela Nikolau, another Russian model who last year stepped off the roof of a ridiculously tall building in Guangzhou, China, (in an adorable dress and heels, no less) and shared it on Instagram, of course. While the latter are amateurs looking to make names for themselves, top model Coco Rocha puled something similar when she balanced in pink heels on a ledge lots of stories up with no strings attached for the cover of Harpers Bazaar Taiwan over the summer. #AdvancedModelMove my behind the scenes video showing how @mattholyoak and I shot the cover of this month's @HarpersBazaar_TW! ????#DontTryThisAtHome #BazaarTW #CocoForBazaarTW A post shared by Coco Rocha (@cocorocha) on Jul 31, 2016 at 11:51am PDT Then she sat on the ledge, saying, So here we are on set, you think its a normal day, until you might be asked to do something like this, and you do it willingly, cuz you love the art of fashion, in her behind-the-scenes video for Instagram. She made sure to add the hashtag #DontTryThisAtHome. But seriously dont. Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Style + Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Credit: Steve Granitz/WireImage The sparks between these two are undeniable. Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum are currently enjoying a romantic vacation in Hawaii, and their energetic vibes are giving us life right now. The lovebirds, who met on the set of Step Up more than 10 years ago, look as smitten as ever on their tropical getaway. They've been relaxing oceanside since Valentine's Day, and yesterday, the pair were spotted goofing around on the beach in their swimsuits. Credit: FameFlynet/AKM-GSI Dewan Tatum, the 36-year-old actress and dancer, wore a strappy red Indah bikini top ($92; revolve.com) and bottom ($97; revolve.com), while her 36-year-old husband opted for plain black trunks. After going for a dip in the ocean, Tatum chased his fit wife around the beach, trying to pick her up and throw her in the water. Oh, Channing, you rascal! VIDEO: Channing and Jenna's Cutest Couple Moments Dewan Tatum also posted a few 'grams from their time in Hawaii, including one of herself sitting on the beach, looking out at the ocean. We can guess who took this shot! RELATED: Channing Tatum Shares Nude "Nap Time" Snap of Wife Jenna Dewan Tatum Between the gorgeous venue and the too-cute couple moments, it looks like these two had the perfect Valentine's Day week. Demi Lovato recently shared a selfie on her Instagram channel in a Yousef Al-Jasmi gown. (Photo: Demi Lovato via Instagram) Pop star Demi Lovato recently shared a glam selfie on her Instagram channel wearing a dazzling, sheer, bejeweled gown from designer Yousef Al-Jasmi. The figure-hugging dress might look oddly familiar to fashion and award show aficionados: actress Ariel Winter wore a similar version just months ago at the 2016 Emmy Awards, in September 2016. Actress Ariel Winter wore a Yousef Al-Jasmi gown to the 68th Emmy Awards on Sept. 18, 2016, in Los Angeles. (Photo: Getty Images) The embellishments on Winters gown, which was also designed by Yousef Al-Jasmi, varied slightly from Lovatos. Her dress featured a nude underlay and an extremely high slit, which helped to show off her silver sandals. Unlike Lovato, who appeared to have teased her hair to complement the look, Winter slicked her tresses back, tying it into a chic, low bun. On her Emmys red carpet look, the Modern Family actress told E!, Its sparkly. I feel really good in it! I saw it, I tried it on and was like, This is what I want to wear. And that was that. Its clear the Kuwait-based designer is a go-to for celebs looking to show off their curves, as reality star Kylie Jenner donned a shorter version of the dress during New York Fashion Week in 2016. Kylie Jenner was spotted in a Yousef Al-Jasmi minidress during New York Fashion Week in 2016. (Photo: Getty Images) Like Winter, Jenner slicked her hair into a tight bun to put all the focus on her glitzy dress. Yeezy sandals and a denim jacket were the social media queens accessories of choice for the outing in New York City. A number of other notable celebrities have also worn Al-Jasmis flashy designs, including Giuliana Rancic, Khloe Kardashian, Victorias Secret model Jasmine Tookes, and Victoria Justice. Read More: Ariel Winter Defends Her Revealing Dress: This Is Who I Am Ariel Winter Brings Kylie Jenners NYFW Street Style to the Emmys Red Carpet Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today alleged that the SIT, constituted by the Narendra Modi government to probe the 1984 anti-Sikh riots cases, was not serious about ensuring justice to the victims. This came a day after the Centre told the Supreme Court that only 22 of the 240 cases had been reopened by the SIT for further investigation. advertisement AAP leader Jarnail Singh said, on February 12, 2015, two days before Arvind Kejriwal took oath as the Delhi Chief Minister for the second time, the Centre had ordered the constitution of the special investigation team (SIT). "But, in two years, the SIT could only order reopening of 22 cases. How long will it take to reopen the remaining 218 cases?" he wondered. In a status report filed before the apex court on the probe conducted by the SIT, the Centre said there was a "considerable progress" and 218 cases were in various stages of scrutiny. It also said a "decision has been taken for re-investigation in respect of 22 cases". AAPs Delhi unit convenor Dilip Pandey said this vindicated the partys stand on the SIT. "The SIT is not serious in ensuring justice to the anti-Sikh riots victims," he said. Singh, who has contested the Punjab Assembly Polls from Lambi against Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and Congress chief ministerial candidate Amarinder Singh, said if the party came to power in the state, it will also probe the alleged irregularities in the disbursement of money meant for the riot victims. "Money sent by the Centre for those who fled to Punjab after the anti-Sikh riots was siphoned off. The Punjab government was supposed to disburse the money, but the full amount never reached the victims. We will investigate all these cases if we come to power in Punjab," he said. PTI PR RC --- ENDS --- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban hasn't been shy about predicting the earlier-than-expected robot revolution -- a time when people will lose their manufacturing jobs to robots. And he's not alone. On Sunday, Cuban tweeted, "Automation is going to cause unemployment and we need to prepare for it." He linked to a Medium article highlighting similar takes from Tesla (ticker: TSLA) CEO Elon Musk, legendary physicist Stephen Hawking and Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) co-founder Bill Gates. Among other information, the article cites statements from these leaders in an effort to alert readers about the future of automation. Automation is going to cause unemployment and we need to prepare for it. https://t.co/YEp5txG9aP -- Mark Cuban (@mcuban) February 20, 2017 Bill Gates suggested that governments could tax robot workers just like human workers. "You cross the threshold of job-replacement of certain activities all sort of at once," he recently told Quartz. "So, you know, warehouse work, driving, room cleanup, there's quite a few things that are meaningful job categories that, certainly in the next 20 years [will go away]." The Medium post cites the 2013 claims of two Oxford economists who predicted that 45 percent of U.S. jobs might face automation in the coming two decades. Musk recently even went so far as to say at the World Government Summit in Dubai that humans and machines have to merge or face irrelevance when the artificial intelligence (AI) age hits. Fortune notes Cuban previously wrote a blog post in December on this subject, imploring then President-elect Donald Trump to spearhead America as a global leader for robotics. He wrote, "if nothing in the States changes, we will find ourselves dependent on other countries for almost everything that can and will be manufactured in a quickly approaching future." "We have to face the fact that countries are going to lose jobs to robotics," he added. The only question that needs to be answered is which country will create and own the best robotic technology and have the infrastructure necessary to enable it." Story continues Artificial Intelligence Stocks: 10 Companies Betting on AI 7 of the Best ETFs to Own in 2017 David Oliver is Associate Editor, Social Media at U.S. News & World Report. Follow him on Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, or send him an email at doliver@usnews.com. By Makiko Yamazaki and Taro Fuse TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Toshiba Corp <6502.T> wants to raise at least 1 trillion yen ($8.8 billion) by selling most of its flash memory chip business, seeking to create a buffer for any fresh financial problems, a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. The beleaguered conglomerate was pressured to abandon an initial plan to sell just under 20 percent by its main creditor banks which are worried about potential writedowns that may come on top of $6.3 billion hit to its U.S. nuclear unit, financial sources also said. Toshiba said last week it is now prepared to sell a majority stake or even all of its chip business, the world's biggest NAND chip producer after Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS>, also rocked by the emergence of fresh problems at its Westinghouse unit that have delayed the release of earnings. The company has not decided on the size of the stake to be sold, preferring to focus on the amount that can be raised but would like to retain a one-third holding as that would give it a degree of control over the business, the source with direct knowledge said. Its willingness to relinquish so much of the unit underscores not only the depths of its financial woes but also resignation on the part of management to becoming a much smaller company. The sale "is the best and the only way Toshiba can raise a large amount of funds and wipe out concerns about its credit risk," said the source, adding that the sale should be completed by the end of March next year. It wants to restart the sale process as soon as possible and may sell to multiple buyers rather than one bidder with interest already received from investment funds, other chipmakers and client companies, he also said. A separate person with knowledge of the matter said Toshiba will outline terms of the sale by the end of February, conduct a first round of bids in March and aim to have chosen a preferred bidder or bidders by the end of May. The person also said Toshiba valued the chips business at around 1.5 trillion yen. A Toshiba spokeswoman said the company cannot comment on the specifics of the sale process. Sources declined to be identified as they were not authorized to speak to the media. RISKS ABOUND Other potential financial risks that Toshiba may have to deal with include Landis+Gyr AG, an unlisted German meter maker it acquired in 2011 and whose earnings have not matched expectations. "Toshiba may have to take a writedown (for Landis) of more than 100 billion yen in the current financial year," an executive at one of Toshiba's main creditor banks said. Toshiba's main banks include lenders such as Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc <8316.T> and Mizuho Financial Group Inc <8411.T>. Asked about the potential for a writedown related to Landis at a news conference last week, Toshiba's Chief Finiancial Officer Masayoshi Hirata said the company currently did not expect to take a charge. Other area of concern is a commitment to buy $7.4 billion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) gas over 20 years - a foray into big gas trading that analysts have questioned the merits of. When Toshiba was offering 19.9 percent of its chip unit, it received bids ranging from 200 billion yen to 400 billion yen ($1.8 billion to $3.5 billion), a source has previously said. Suitors at the time included rivals SK Hynix Inc <000660.KS> and Micron Technology Inc , data storage firm Western Digital Corp as well as Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd <2317.TW> and financial investors such as Bain Capital, sources have said. Western Digital is still interested in buying a stake in Toshiba, two sources said without specifying how big a holding it would be prepared to buy. The California-based firm, which jointly operates a NAND flash memory plant in Japan with Toshiba, is now expected to have a better chance of successfully bidding for a stake as there is more time to clear any antitrust review. Sources also said that Toshiba was expected to come up with a new business plan when it reports its full-year earnings results in May. Toshiba's share ended 1.4 percent higher compared with a 0.7 percent gain in the benchmark Nikkei 225 index. ($1 = 113.5100 yen) (Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki and Taro Fuse; Writing by Tim Kelly; Editing by Edwina Gibbs) Dubai (AFP) - Dubai authorities are grappling with new ways of keeping the emirate's skies safe after drones halted air traffic at one of the world's busiest airports three times last year. The delays were necessary to protect passengers, officials said, but they hit thousands of travellers and cost airlines millions of dollars. Drones pose a "threat to the flying public" and "to an aircraft in operation," said Ismaeil al-Blooshi, deputy head of the air safety department of the United Arab Emirates' civil aviation authority. He compared drones to the threat posed by birds, but said they were less predictable and harder to avoid. "We have means and data to predict when and where is the bird migration... but with drones, you have this object in the air and you don't know the intentions" of the operator, he said. The cost of closing airspace for one hour runs into millions and creates a long backlog, but there is no room to compromise on safety, Blooshi said. "The economic impact is not even on the table" when considering the risks, he said. "The number one priority is avoiding harm to passengers." Drones have become a more common sight in the skies above the emirate as related technology has plunged in price, with professional photographers eager to use them. "The drone has helped us all. Before we needed a plane and a big budget to do aerial shooting. It's much easier and cheaper now," said videographer Murad al-Masri, as he shot footage of a desert festival. After last year's incidents, operator Dubai Airports stressed that flying drones within five kilometres (three miles) of airports was illegal. New regulations introduced last year stipulate up to three years in jail or a fine of 100,000 dirhams ($27,000, 25,000 euros) for flying a drone over a prohibited zone. - Phone app, geo-fencing - But Dubai-owned carrier Emirates, the world's busiest international passenger airline, urged authorities to go further, introducing drone detectors. Story continues "Flight diversions and network disruptions due to unauthorised drone activity... cost Emirates airline millions of dirhams on each occasion, and impacted thousands of passengers," it said after one drone-related delay in November. Authorities have even examined the possibility of hunting down the devices. The International Defence Exhibition and Conference, one of the largest arms fairs in the Middle East, on Monday showcased a private company's drone hunting system. Dubai-based SkyStream said it had crafted a three-phase system that could identify whether the drones were "friendly," jam their signals in case they were not and subsequently bring them down. A security official told AFP Dubai police now have the ability to overpower a drone and bring it down but did not elaborate on how. The aviation authority has introduced a mobile phone application that clearly marks out no-fly zones for drones across the country, telling users immediately where they can and cannot fly. Out-of-bounds areas include those around airports, military zones and other government installations. The authority also wants drone owners to register their devices. Another measure under study is geo-fencing, meaning that drones are pre-programmed to make them unable to enter restricted areas even if users try to send them there. "We are talking to various manufacturers to impose this as an import requirement for the UAE," said Blooshi, although he said this is hard because drones are produced by many different manufacturers. Authorities in Europe have also scrambled to apply rules on flying drones after mishaps at airports. - Sea rescue drones - "The risk of collision is to be taken seriously," said Yves Morier of the European Aviation Safety Agency. "The introduction of drones has to be done in a safe manner," said Morier, whose agency is to work on common regulations for the European Union. "There have been incidents in Europe and their number has risen in the past years." France has forbidden flying drones within 10 kilometres (six miles) of an airport, the French civil aviation authority says, twice the maximum distance in the UAE. But while drones can pose risks to aviation, UAE authorities are keen to make use of them for policing, rescue and security purposes. "We use drones in various aspects, including securing events, detecting explosives and (securing) motorcades" of high profile figures, said Sergeant Abdullah al-Harbi, head of the technical support team at Dubai's General Department of Protective Security and Emergency. He said authorities plan to use drones equipped with face detection software to hunt for suspects. Rescue services in the emirate of Ajman have also deployed drones to help in sea rescue operations, local press has reported. The drones are equipped with thermal sensors and cameras that scan the waters to locate casualties, and carry buoys that can be dropped to them by remote control. And the labour ministry has been using drones since 2014 to inspect construction sites and make sure companies are giving workers their compulsory midday break during hot weather. "Drones are good for us," said Blooshi. "We are eager to accommodate them in a healthy way." Verizon's purchase of Yahoo will end the internet pioneer's run of more than 20 years as an independent company (AFP Photo/JUSTIN SULLIVAN) San Francisco (AFP) - A price cut had Verizon on track Tuesday to go ahead with the purchase of Yahoo's internet business, and share the costs from a pair of epic hacks that threatened to derail the deal. Yahoo slashed the price of its core Internet business by $350 million. The announcement settled concerns that the cyber attacks and how they were handled by the California-based firm might scuttle the acquisition or result in an even deeper cut to the price. "I think at this point Verizon was just too far down the path, and exiting would have been too embarrassing," analyst Rob Enderle of Enderle Group told AFP. But, he said, "I would have walked away. It is kind of a foolish bet." Under revised terms of the delayed deal, Verizon's purchase of Yahoo assets will total $4.48 billion. Yahoo still faces probes and lawsuits related to the cyber attacks, which affected more than 1.5 billion accounts, and the timing of the disclosures. Yahoo announced in September that hackers in 2014 stole personal data from more than 500 million of its user accounts. And in December it admitted to another cyber attack from 2013 affecting more than a billion users. "Enormous hacks, dubious disclosure, bad decisions have all contributed to a decline in value such that Verizon had to renegotiate its bid for Yahoo's assets," Endpoint Technologies Associates analyst Roger Kay said in an emailed comment. But Verizon was eager to expand its reach into digital advertising, even though the transaction faced setbacks due to the hacks. "We have always believed this acquisition makes strategic sense," said Verizon executive vice president Marni Walden. "We look forward to moving ahead expeditiously so that we can quickly welcome Yahoo's tremendous talent and assets into our expanding portfolio in the digital advertising space." Under the terms of the revised sales agreement, Yahoo will continue to cover the cost of a Securities and Exchange Commission probe into the breaches as well as shareholder lawsuits. Story continues However, other government investigations and third-party litigation related to the hacks will be shared by Verizon and Yahoo. The deal with Verizon was expected to close by July, and will end Yahoo's run of more than 20 years as an independent company. Yahoo is selling its main operating business as a way to separate that from its more valuable stake in Chinese internet giant Alibaba, which will become a new entity, to be renamed Altaba, Inc., and will act as an investment company. Prices of Yahoo shares closed the trading day up nearly 0.9 percent to $45.50, while Verizon had gained nearly half a percent to $49.43. - Epic hacks - Yahoo is ramping up security as it grapples with the aftermath of the epic hacks. Mayer said last month that "approximately 90 percent of our daily active users have already taken or do not need to take remedial action to protect their accounts, and we're aggressively continuing to drive this number up." Yahoo boasted having more than a billion users monthly in 2016, with more than 650 million of those people connecting from mobile devices. The SEC reportedly opened an investigation into whether Yahoo should have informed investors sooner about two major data breaches. US law requires companies that fall victim to such hacks to disclose them as soon as they are deemed to affect stock prices. "With a billion email accounts compromised, it's a wonder anyone uses the service at all," analyst Kay said in an online post about personal experience with Yahoo Mail. "Yahoo was never built for the modern era, and its ancient architecture was too clanky to withstand the onslaught of cage rattling besieging the Internet today." The hacks have been a major embarrassment for a former internet leader that has failed to keep up with Google, Facebook and other rising stars. Yahoo's most recent earnings report showed the company swung to profit in the final three months of last year, after a massive $4.4 billion loss in the same period of 2015. Yahoo reported a loss of $214 million for 2016 on revenue that inched up to $5.2 billion from $5 billion in 2015. Mayer will quit the company's board after its merger with Verizon, according to an SEC filing, though she is expected to remain with the core Yahoo business. "We continue to be very excited to join forces with Verizon and AOL," Mayer said in a joint release. "This transaction will accelerate Yahoo's operating business especially on mobile, while effectively separating our Asian asset equity stakes." Brenda Buttner, host of Fox News Channels Bulls and Bears, has died after a battle with cancer. She was 55. The news was confirmed by Your Worlds Neil Cavuto, who shared a special tribute to Buttner during the show. She took stock of life much more than any stock in life, Cavuto said. Its what separated her from everyone else in this business. Not just dollars, you see, Brenda had depth. He continued: Let it be known that Brenda Buttner made us want to watch a business show with heart. Her heart, her spirit. She democratized dollars and just made sense. Business journalism is never going to be the same. I just dont know, now that shes gone, whether well ever be. Brenda Buttner, gone way too soon at 55. Buttner went to Harvard University, where she received a B.A. is social media, then went on to graduate from Oxford University with high honors in politics and economics. She hosted CNBCs The Money Club and was a Washington correspondent for the network. Buttner then joined Fox in 2000. In 1997, she told the Sun Sentinel that being a woman gave her an edge, saying, Women are not afraid simply to admit they dont know about something, which men rarely do. So women realize there is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to understanding an investment. Buttner is survived by her two daughters. Related stories 'Big Little Lies' Opener Draws 2.1 Million Multi-Platform HBO Viewers, Lifts 'Girls' Dick Clark Productions Sale To Wanda Group Slowed By Chinese Deal Limits Demi Moore Set To Recur On 'Empire' I laugh when Im scared, too, said Stephen Colbert recently, after delivering an opening-monologue joke about the latest President Trump gaffe. It was a throwaway line, something said while waiting for the guffaws to die down; I doubt it was written on his cue cards. But the remark gets to the heart of Colberts new surge in the ratings and as a pop-cultural force: Hes benefiting (in some ways doubtless to his regret) from the publics widespread uneasiness about the state of America since Nov. 8, 2016. Ever since he took over David Lettermans old Late Show spot in September 2015, Colbert has kept fine-tuning his new role. Having dropped the mask of the conservative blowhard he played on The Colbert Report, Colbert was constantly being reminded by media pundits that he wasnt on Comedy Central anymore. He was scolded: Youre fronting a huge network franchise now, and you therefore need to broaden your audience and the scope of your comedic attack. While every late-night host at least as far back as Jack Paars days hosting The Tonight Show engaged in jokes about whoever the current president might be, the gags were usually mild and equally apportioned to both Democrats and Republicans. Jay Leno did lots of Bill Clinton-is-a-horndog jokes, but also had plenty of George H.W. Bush and Bob Dole material as well. The idea was that if a host didnt appear to be an impartial jokester, hed lose half his audience. This was the rap Colbert encountered when The Late Show started slipping further and further behind Jimmy Fallons Tonight Show during Colberts first year: Why was he expressing all these opinions-wrapped-up-as-jokes that were perceived as being liberal? Wasnt Fallon apolitical to the point of apparent ignorance; cutting back on monologue time and adding lots of playtime games the true future of late night? The inauguration of Donald Trump has altered the mood of the country, and the late-night genre the real daily newspaper of the TV medium, not bland network nightly news always reflects that mood. Theres a hunger out there for someone with mass-audience outreach to articulate what millions are feeling, and turns out, it may not be Fallon and his beer pong or even his Box of Lies. Story continues For the week of Feb. 13, The Late Show was the No. 1 late-night talk show for all five nights a first for Colbert. The show is up by double-digits versus its own performance last year during this same period. While The Tonight Show still leads The Late Show in the 18-49 demographic prized by advertisers, Colberts achievement is significant, because the dirty little secret about late-night TV is that its audience has long skewed older than is assumed the majority of viewers for both Colbert and Fallon are over 49. Which also means that most are veterans of the voting booth, ripe for the kind of messaging Colbert is delivering. Colbert is taking full advantage of his uptick by working hard: He came into the office on Presidents Day to cook up a fresh show on a night when The Tonight Show was airing a rerun. Next week, when the president delivers his first address to Congress, The Late Show will go live: Colbert not only knows where his sweet spot for comedy is, he also knows its best to hit that spot while the irons hot. (The preceding was a trademarked Tucker Mixed Metaphor). The Ed Sullivan Theater audience is so primed for Colberts commentary that when the comedian recently did a joke about Gen. Michael Flynns communications with Russia, the crowd lifted a line from Trumps anti-Hillary rallies and broke into a cry of Lock him up! Dig it: spontaneous irony. Is any more proof needed that Colbert and his audience are doing a Vulcan mind-meld? In the old days, Johnny Carson used to have to set up a joke about someone in, say, Richard Nixons cabinet by explaining what position that person held. In the Trump era, viewers are so attuned to the daily news well, maybe punished by is a better phrase than attuned that Colbert can make a joke about the incorrect figures Trump cited about his Electoral College win margin and add, That was the DeVos-ification of Donald Trump, and everyone laughs, knowing that he refers to the widely despised new Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos. Meanwhile, what is Jimmy Fallon doing with DeVos? This: Theres always the possibility that The Late Show will overload its hour with Trump japery to the point where the audience says, Enough already, and returns to playing Pictionary with Jimmy. Maybe after the Trump administration unveils its Obamacare repeal-and-replace plan. Then well see whos laughing, and with which host. The Late Show With Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS. Read more: The Bachelor Episode 8 Recap: Impossible Decisions Five Shows to Watch This Week Bates Motel Postmortem: EP Kerry Ehrin on Norman Coming Apart at the Seams Warning: This recap contains spoilers for Episode 7 of The Bachelor. I might be going home tonight, too. Corinnes words uttered at the end of last weeks shocking episode in which Nick randomly showed up at the womens hotel and send Kristina home gave us all a little hope. But then tonight, this happened: Raven gets a rose! Vanessa gets a rose! Corinne gets a rose! Vanessa gets a rose! Everybody gets a rose! Hometown dates all around! Related: Chris Harrison Blogs The Bachelor Hometown Dates Up first: Hoxie, Arkansas, home of Raven and about 2,700 other people. Am I the only one who got a little nervous watching Raven take Nick for a ride on that ATV? (Those damn things almost killed Jamie Lynn Spears daughter!) But the only danger Raven and Nick encounter is a local policeman, who just happens to drive up as theyre climbing the steps to the roof of a grain bin. And whaddya know its Ravens big brother, Officer Weston! After a spirited bout of mudding on ATVs, Raven and Nick do some off-roading. Yikes, is that a leech on Nicks torso? God, I hate nature. Anyhow, after the swamp make out session, the duo get cleaned up and head home to meet Ravens family. And what a happy homecoming it is as Raven learns that her dad, Wesley, has been declared cancer-free. Naturally, Raven is overcome with emotion. Im really thankful for you two, she tearfully tells her parents, and soon everyone is hugging and crying. And honestly, if you didnt tear up a little when Wesley told his daughter Im glad it will be me who walks you down the aisle well, then I applaud your titanium heart. After that sweet moment, Raven sits down with her mom, Tracy, to talk about Nick how she thought he was going to be arrogant, but seeing him with his family back in Waukesha changed her perception of him. Mom says she trusts her little girls judgment and then she presses a little too hard as to whether Raven feels ready to say, I love you. (She has not been putting her heart out there, explains mama in her confessional.) Story continues Meanwhile, Nick and Wesley are chatting out on the porch and the Bachelor gets right down to business, asking if Dad will be comfortable with it if Raven ends up engaged to Nick. Ill be real frank, replies Wesley. Dont take this wrong, but I didnt expect to like you. I dont know why, but I didnt. (Oh dude, you know why, youre just too polite to say it.) Still, Wesley declares Nick a very likable guy, and says he has plenty of faith in Ravens decision-making skills. I just dont want no surprises! he adds with a laugh. Even after this is over. Nick gives his word even though its a promise he cant possibly keep. (Just ask Jason Mesnick.) Raven feels so encouraged by the visit, she decides to tell Nick she loves him but only gets as far as telling Nick something really special could come out of us before she chickens out. I couldnt do it, she admits. I dont like to show my weakness at all Now Im just worried that I may be the only that hasnt said that Im in love with him. Well have to put a pin in this discussion, honey, because its time for us to head to Dallas, where well meet Rachels family (for the first time this year). First up, time to rid Brother Viall of his demons. I know my church will be a new experience for him, notes Rachel. So I am a little nervous. Is he going to be comfortable being in a predominantly black church? Sure! Especially when everyone gives him such a warm welcome. The pastor even takes the time to introduce Nick to the congregation, adding, Rachel is very important to us, man, so we hope you take very good care of her. Does Dumping her on TV so she can turn around and star in The Bachelorette count as taking good care of her? If so, then Nicks your man. But were getting ahead of ourselves. This date may have been rendered moot by Team Bachelors announcement last week, but Im glad it happened if for no other reason than it featured a white Bachelor saying this to a black woman on national television: Im not color blind. I know youre black. But the reason I gave you the first impression rose was because of how easy we connected, my attraction to you physically, that you were just a very beautiful, impressive woman. And let all of Gods children say Amen. Now for the bummer: Rachels dad, the very imposing-sounding federal judge, will not be at home when Nick arrives due to work obligations. Still, he and Rachel are nervous as they make their way to the front door. Nick has never seriously dated a black girl. Ive never seriously dated a white guy, and Ive never brought one home, says Rachel. Someone in her family obviously has, though. Yes, that gentleman on the far right is Alex, husband to Rachels older sister Constance. Also on the welcoming committee: Rachels mom Cathy, her cousin Andrea, her nephew Allister, and her younger sister Heather. And now, for the sound bite of the night: Yes, the teasing comes early and often at the Lindsay family dinner table. Little sister Heather kicks things off by asking Nick if he can identify all the food on his plate. Im not from Mars, he shoots back, mock offended, before properly naming all the food including okra. Things get a little weird when Constances husband refers to Nick as a white, which he follows up with, Is this the first black woman that youve dated? I suppose its not an inappropriate question, given Nicks televised history and the general absurdity of competitive dating but still, something about Alex just seems a little off to me. I suppose thats neither here nor there. Constance, meanwhile, has some real concerns about how being in an interracial relationship might affect her little sister. Right now with this climate that were in, I feel like youve seen more racism come out, she says. So [Nick] does need to be aware You have to know how youre going to navigate that path in a relationship. Rachels no-nonsense mom Cathy is having those same concerns, but she listens politely to Nicks I like her for the woman that she is she just happens to be black speech. Rather than prompting Nick to explain why hes good enough for her daughter, Cathy asks him if he sees any red flags with Rachel which is a clever way for mom to suss out any potential issues with the relationship without putting the Bachelor on the defensive. Either way, Nick gives a diplomatic answer, saying he has no pressing concerns but admitting that he knows Rachel is of course not perfect. Mom seems satisfied enough, and she gives the Bachelor a surprisingly strong endorsement once theyre alone. I like what I see with Nick, she tells Rachel. So far he seems comfortable around us. What attracted me to your dad was he knew who he was, where he was going And thats what I see in Nick. Rachel is blown away by this endorsement. Clearly her mother is not one who hands out approbation willy-nilly. Awww man even though I think Rachels going to be a great Bachelorette, after seeing this hometown date, Im even more disappointed that these two crazy kids dont make it. In keeping with the things that are disappointing theme, lets head down to Miami, where Corinne informs Nick that hes going to spend the day watching her shop? Corinne is on a first-name basis with everyone here, marvels Nick. Every time Corinne walks into a store, its like Christmas morning to the people who are working in the store. He seems more bemused than anything, and even indulges Corinne in a Pretty Woman-style dressing room fashion show. But when she charges over three thousand dollars of merch on her card, its almost too much for the simple Midwestern boy to handle. And its only gonna get worse, because before Corinne takes Nick home, she brings him to a crowded cafe to declare her love. He responds the only way he can by shutting her up with a kiss and then its off to meet the woman of the hour: Raquel! Also on the scene: Corinnes mom Peri, her sister Taylor, and her dad Jim. After the olive course, Corinne and her dad head off to her room for a chat and Jim simply cant believe that Corinne already dropped the l-bomb on Nick. Weve been dating for a month and a half! protests Corinne. Yeah Dad thats, like, a lifetime in reality TV terms. As for Nick, producers must have realized that Bachelor Nation would revolt if we didnt see him get grilled by Raquel. Though Nick doesnt actually provide a real answer to that question (beyond Corinne is amazing), Raquel seems satisfied. If shes happy, Im happy, she says of her charge. Things wont be so easy with Dad, though: He wants to know what Nick actually does for a living. After people stop paying him to get dumped on TV, how, exactly, will Nick provide Corinne with the lifestyle to which shes become accustomed? Im okay with being the breadwinner, retorts Corinne, who nonetheless disputes the idea that Nick will have to be the stay-at-home mom in the relationship. (Dont worry, pop Nick told me during our Facebook Live chat that hes launching a mens grooming business. Thats almost like a job! Everything will be fine.) As Jim and Nick bond over some 15-year-old Scotch, Peri tries to remind Corinne that her current situation is a fantasy and she should guard and protect her heart accordingly. Im in love with Nick, counters her daughter. And if he chooses any of the other three girls, Im going to be heartbroken. Heartbroken or on a plane to Paradise. One of the two. Our last pit stop of the week is in the chic city of Montreal, in the Canadian province of Quebec. (Did I just do a quick Internet search to make sure Quebec was a province, and not a city or territory or whatever? Perhaps.) Anyhow, Vanessa greets Nick in a park and then takes him immediately to meet her students all of whom are thrilled to see their teacher again. Oh for gods sake, the date hasnt even started yet and already Im crying. After the introductions, Nick, Vanessa and her students make a scrapbook of Vanessas Bachelor journey. It doesnt seem like a very educational activity, per se, it reunites the students with their beloved teacher and thats clearly all that matters to them. I hate when this show makes me feel things! When its time to meet Vanessas family, she explains to Nick that hell be doing two family visits one to her moms side and one to her dads since her parents are divorced. Up first is mama Mary and approximately 19 other people, including this little rock star. One of Vanessas friends jumps right in with the question thats on everyones mind: If Vanessa wins, will she have to leave Canada. Weve talked about it briefly, says Nick, a little embarrassed. We havent talked about that quite yet. I love Montreal though. Hearing this, her Aunt Catherine is disappointed and a little surprised. I think I expected more, she explains. I wanted to know, like, Whats your plan? I think there needs to be some more hard questions. Mom agrees, so she pulls Nick aside to press him on why he likes Vanessa and sorry, pal, but saying shes hot isnt enough. We dont get to see Nicks answer, though, because Team Bachelor cuts right to Nicks talk with Vanessas self-described big, overprotective sister Melissa. She, too, is understandably shocked that Nick and Vanessa have only touched on the rather significant question of which country they would live in should they get married. Im just really scared for her, says Melissa, as her eyes fill with tears. Oh for Gods sake, Nick what are you crying about? Get it together, man. Of course, this whole hometown visit is pretty emotional for everyone. Vanessas brother Patrick chokes up as he tells his sister, Honestly, in my heart, youre like the greatest person in my life, and you deserve an amazing person. Wait, how am I just noticing now that Vanessa is wearing black leather (pleather?) pants with zippers?? Thats interesting. But I digress. Melissa is further dismayed to learn that Vanessa doesnt even know what Nick wants to do with his life after filming ends. My sister is always a step ahead. She always likes to think things through. And I dont think shes thinking like that now, sighs Melissa. Mom tells Vanessa that shes sure Nick is a fine young gentleman, but she doesnt seem convinced that hell be able to make her happy. Man, that was a little rough. And theres still one more family to visit! Night has fallen by the time Nick and Vanessa arrive at her dads. Team Bachelor doesnt even bother to tell us his name or the name of the woman hes with I guess because its already been a long day and were never going to see these people again anyway. Nick, just ask for Nameless Fathers blessing, okay? After six full seconds of silence, the Bachelor gets his answer. You have three other women, you went to their home did you ask their blessing also? asks Papa. And Nick doesnt do himself any favors with his weird, dishonest answer (In a way, I ran it by them). Its yes or no, counters pere, and the Bachelor is finally forced to admit that yes, he did ask three other dads for their blessing. And thats when things get really uncomfortable. Dad: So youre telling me you want to get engaged to my daughter. Nick: Um Dad: Youre asking for my blessing. What does that mean? Eventually Nick gets it together enough to assure Papa that even though he and Vanessa are in a unique and weird situation, he would not ask her to get married unless he truly believes its right. We want the exact same thing, he adds. Ultimately, Dad who has a name, it turns out: Pat reluctantly gives Nick his blessing. He sounded honest, he concludes. Perhaps a little too honest: When Vanessa learns that Nick also asked Corinne, Raven, and Rachels dads for their blessing, her disappointment is palpable. It makes it less meaningful, sighs Vanessa. Gurl, what show do you think youre on? None of it is meaningful! The next day, Nick is enjoying the view from a hotel balcony in Brooklyn, and he preps emotionally for the rose ceremony. It almost feels impossible to make a decision tonight, he muses. Perhaps this will help: What in the holy hell is Corinne wearing? Nick, this is not the woman you want dressing you for the rest of your life. By the time the sun sets on Brooklyn, there are only about five minutes left in the episode, so you know were about to be handed some To Be Continued action. And wouldnt you know it, just before the credits roll, Nick gets an unexpected knock at the door. Oh FFS. Really, Team Bachelor? No one cares. No one. But well have to wait until next week to find out how little we care about what Andi Dorfman has to say to her ex. For now, I want to hear from you about tonights episode. Was Vanessas family too hard on Nick or not hard enough? Do we really believe Raquel gets to eat with the family every night or was that just for the cameras? And which family was your favorite? Post your thoughts now! And be sure to check out Chris Harrisons exclusive blog right here. Now if youll excuse me, Im going to go order some Italian take-out. That Sunday lunch looked delicious. The Bachelor airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on ABC. Watch clips and full episodes of The Bachelor for free on Yahoo View. Most important: There is more Jerry to come on this season of The Walking Dead. Actor Cooper Andrews confirmed that Jerrys cobbler delivery to Carol in Sundays New Best Friends will definitely not be the last we see of the character who, in just three episodes and less than a dozen lines of dialogue so far, has become an instant fan favorite. As most fans would likely cite as a reason for all the love, its Andrewss smile that also sparked TWD showrunner Scott Gimple and director/EP Greg Nicotero to see the potential of Jerry as King Ezekiels super enthusiastic and friendly Kingdom right-hand man. Andrews, a stunt man and sound crew guy-turned-actor whos also had roles on Halt and Catch Fire, Hawaii Five-O, and Limitless, broke down Jerrys path to that spot on the stage beside Ezekiel, and also told us what his favorite Jerry quote is (again, so far), how much he loves Jerrys fancy red coat (made from surprising, but appropriate, material), and offered some special insight into the Jerry/King Ezekiel relationship. Related: Catch Up on The Walking Dead With Our Recaps He also previewed his upcoming big-screen project (starring a real-life Gerry), and shared how the reveal of Negans Season 7 premiere victims was spoiled for him. Congratulations on the Jerryness of Season 7. Are you surprised at how quickly Jerry has become a fan favorite? Yes. Very surprised. Very appreciative, but very surprised. Have you had fan interactions, anyone stopping you on the street or anything like that yet? Ive had a few, but it happens a lot at the gym. I think its because when I walk by people, I get looks. Looks that are just a little bit different. They stare at me for longer moments of time. I usually dont notice that people are staring at me, but Ive just been getting these you can see this look that people have. Theyre like, Is that I dont know. At the gym, youll be sitting on the bench for 10 minutes or so and people will just youre just looking at each other. Youre in close contact with these people. Youre trying not to stare at each other, but then you just keep looking. I had this guy, I was doing legs with my buddy. This guy comes up to me and he goes, Oh, hey, man. Loved you on The Walking Dead last night. I was like, Thanks, man. Then he finishes his set and he goes, No, but if you see This was after The Well. He goes, Oh, but if you see last nights episode, you look just like that guy. I go, Oh, yeah. No, thats me. What? Yeah, yeah. That is me. Are you kidding me? I was joking. Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Then he just starts making this huge commotion. Hey. Look, man. Oh my god. I think youre hilarious. Itll be like that. Ill have these moments where I just have fun with it if people recognize me. Its just always been really welcoming and really nice from people, which I was really happy for, because Jerry is a scary character to play with. Story continues Related: The Walking Dead: Jerry Really Wanted Carol to Have That Cobbler Why is that? I was a huge, huge Walking Dead fan. Still am. When I got the audition they give you parts of the script that are not real. They just give you lines that fit in there, but originally I was talking to a crime boss and he had a dog named Santiago that I had to keep telling to chill. I was like, This is The Walking Dead? I was really, really baffled by it. I was like, Oh, because hes talking to the dog oh, its fake. Oh, its a tiger. Oh. Im talking to a tiger, not a dog. As a fan, I was afraid just because I hadnt seen this kind of character on the show. I knew to pull him off in this world I had to fully commit to this guy believing in the king, but also getting super excited that he gets to be onstage like a movie star with the king. Jerrys just always super excited to be there. Hes just really happy to be part of it. I was nervous, but I really started falling in love with the character just because of how happy he got to be, how genuinely happy he got to be. I think people have believed in it, too. I dont know where I was going with that, but thats just the Jerry story. I do this thing where I ramble. I tell this to everybody. I just ramble and I forget where I started, but I know where Im ending. I apologize. Did I answer the question? Cooper Andrews as Jerry (Credit: Gene Page/AMC) You did, and thats great background on Jerry. Walking Dead director and EP Greg Nicotero told me hes a huge fan of Jerry and your performance, and he said you really had a hand in the direction that Jerry took, that the character he became was based on how much everyone on set just loved your smile. Is it something that you talked about with the producers? When I first found out about the character, [showrunner] Scott Gimple sent [the script] and said something along the lines of [Jerry] being a stoic man who can sort of pull off a little bit of danger, but he just seems tough. Just this tough guy. I played it one way, and then I had another request that I try it to be Zen-like, like Biggie Smalls. I gave that a shot. The Biggie Smalls version was the last version, but they still had me do three or four different takes on the character. When I got to the table read, I did the Biggie Smalls version. It wasnt clicking. I just didnt feel it. Scott was on the table read. He was on the conference call. We Skyped that night and he asked me what my opinions were of it. Then he told me, I remembered you from an audition that you had done awhile back. It wasnt right at the time, but the thing that I remembered was that you have this smile that is very approachable, but if youre not smiling, youre very scary looking. How do you feel about that? I was like, Yeah, that sounds like me. I try to keep a smile on. One, because Im usually happy, and two, because I dont want people to be afraid of me. I like talking to people. He then said, How would you feel if we made Jerry someone who, while in the Kingdom, is this super happy guy, but when hes out of the Kingdom, we just make him this scary dude? When hes at these meetings with these Saviors, what if we just toughen him up? I was like, Sure. We had a back and forth of how it would come to that, but yeah, there was a lot of me trying to figure this guy out while we were there, especially when you have again, rambling, sorry especially when you have this dialogue. When it comes to every single thing that comes out of Jerrys mouth, even though its just these few words, I thought about them hard. Theres tons of variations, because theres so many ways that I thought could be funny, other ways that I thought were too funny. We just had to try throwing up Deuces! at the end. You know, the first time Id do it, I just said, Deuces. I was like, No. What I did realize when I was reading these, I have the opportunity to have these awesome one liners. I was just thinking of how I would want this scene from somebody portraying it. I was like, I just want to see this guy happy. This guy needs to be happy. Thats how I decided where to take it. Related: The Walking Dead: Norman Reedus on Daryl and Carols Emotional Reunion Whats your favorite Jerry line so far? The Well said is my favorite line at the moment. What I liked about it was that again, it was just two words, but I tried to show he was so happy to be there, and he saw this opportunity for this pun. When I first was doing that line, I didnt even think of the well part. I just thought, Well said try to sound regal. Then I realized, No, hes trying to be clever and trying to be funny with it. I liked it because he just showed this excitement. Khary [Payton, who portrays Ezekiel] and I, we talked about, what is Jerry like? Khary had a lot of tips on how we should play off of each other, too, which is great. Khary is amazing. He was like, Yeah, man. I feel like you were just supposed to stand there. Youre not supposed to say a word, and you somehow start getting words out. For some reason, I cant do anything about it. Its just how it is. It was more like, Alright, Jerry. We have people coming. Keep your mouth closed, please. Then I just have to sneak it in. Greg Nicotero said it makes him think of George Costanza on Seinfeld every time Ezekiel says Jerry! to him. Does it remind you of that, too? Yeah. Every Jerry, from Jerry Springer to Jerry Seinfeld. Every time I hear the name, I just think of all these things. Even when I walk in somewhere, people will be like, Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! I just crack up. Related: The Walking Dead Postmortem: Scott Gimple on the Junkyard Group, Daryls Deception, and More What is Jerry and Ezekiels relationship really like? Weve had quick conversations with Greg and with Scott [about] how Jerry should be almost like a representation of what the Kingdom is. This happy place, this happy man, who follows the customs, even if theyre not he wouldnt fit in back in Shakespeares day and with the kings of England, but he tries to make it still a kingdom, even if its not this conventional kingdom. Then when hes outside the Kingdom, hes there to help. He has a bag when hes carrying the when theyre walking up to Carols house, you notice that he has this giant ax. Whats in that bag is an oversized thing of cobbler but when hes out on these patrols, hes not there to kill. Hes out there to help. The ax is just a representation of how he is. Its just more to protect than to conquer or to take. I love that the Kingdom is like that, and I think Ezekiel sees that in Jerry and keeps him close. Cooper Andrews, Khary Payton, Lennie James, Logan Miller, and Kerry Cahill as Dianne (Credit: Gene Page/AMC) The idea that Ezekiel sees him as a representation of what the Kingdom is maybe helps explain why Ezekiel is reluctant to join in with Ricks plot against the Saviors. Of course he would want to protect this place that he sees, as represented by Jerry, where you can still be happy in the apocalypse. Yes. I loved his point of view and his reasons for not joining the fight. The fan in me, of course, is like, Come on, man. Dont you know who the Saviors are? Come on! Realistically, [the Kingdom] has tons of food they can provide for guests. Theyre not just getting by. Theyre thriving. But its a delicate balance. Being king is always hard. Whats your favorite Jerry wear? Weve seen him so far in his armor, that turtle-like armor they all wear when they go to the meetings with the Saviors. Then he has that grand red coat that he wears onstage with Ezekiel. Oh, my gambeson. Its a gambeson, which were worn as padding under knights armor. Because armor was hard and metal, they needed this protective padding, which could also in itself be used as an armor. Even though its not a real gambeson, the idea is I would I dont know if they would show it, but if a walker were to try and bite it, in theory, they shouldnt be able to get through the jacket. I think its still a theater gambeson. That theater is so hot. The lights are so hot. This gambeson is pretty much made out of sound blankets or moving blankets. We call it that. I used to be a boom operator. I used to do sound, so the joke is, Oh, so now youre just wearing the sound blanket? Its like, Yes. I loved wearing it, even when it was the summer, and it was 90 degrees, and Id be sweating clean through the thing, because were onstage and they were using actual stage lights. They were just hot as hell. The stage we were on was probably 15, 20 degrees hotter than the rest of the auditorium. Between takes, Khary and I would run to an air conditioning tube. They had these giant tubes for the air conditioning, and we would just stand by it and cool off. He would take off his jacket and leave it on his throne, so that the lights wouldnt cook the wood. The throne got really hot one time, just from the camera lights. But yeah, my favorite outfit is, hands down, that gambeson. I love it. I wish I could just wear it at all times. I think it really says to the world that he is in the Kingdom. This is what Kingdom people wear. Welcome. And I love that color. I loved everything about it. Cooper Andrews (Credit: AMC) It must be extra cool to get to create this character from scratch, since Jerrys not in the comic book. Yes, I love that I got to be a part of creating this guy, and him just doing his thing, not having to be set to a destiny necessarily. Its so much fun because it really is like, Well how would I do it? Not, How was it done? I really like being able to be a part of forging what this guy does. There are some days, if Im having a bad day, Ill just think, Man, youre on The Walking Dead. Youre on your favorite show. What are you complaining about? Then Im just like, Nothing. While you were filming your first episode, The Well, did you know what was going on with the cliffhanger, who Negans victims were? Abraham was one of my favorite characters. All these people were my favorite characters, but at the time, he was my [most] favorite character. I didnt know it was him and Glenn until [filming] last weeks episode [Rock in the Road]. When Morgan [was asked who was killed] filming was on our side. The cameras were looking at us [on the stage]. Im just devastated. Im like, What? On the sides, it just said victim number one and victim number two. In the rehearsal, they still said victim number one, victim number two. Then on the actual shooting day, I find out. They didnt put it in the edit, because it would be like, Why is Jerry upset about hearing these two names? But thats how I found out they died, from that first take. I didnt want to know until the [premiere]. Then during that scene, I was like, No! Related: The Most Romantic and Bromantic Moments on The Walking Dead Youre working on an upcoming heist movie, too, right? Den of Thieves? Yeah. Im horrible at doing these [descriptions], but its a heist movie about this guy who is stuck in between these bad dude sheriffs and these bad dude bank robbers. Im part of the group trying to pull off this heist at a federal reserve. My character, he does a lot of the comm work, trying to get communications going. I get to have fun with this character, as well. Hes a lot tougher than other characters Ive played, but he still has to do things that are comedic, which I am looking forward to. A lot of it is some voice changing and stuff like that, trying to sound like different people. Its going to be cool. And, that cast [which includes Gerard Butler, 50 Cent, OShea Jackson Jr., and Pablo Schreiber] Ive been so lucky with every cast Ive worked with. The cast was so, so nice. Just really cool guys. I watched 300 so many times Gerard Butler. Who is also a Gerry. I think that people named Jerry are just cool. Its the name. My takeaway. Its the name. Yeah. Youve mentioned your background is unique. You describe yourself as being Samoan Jewish? We call it the Samoan Jews. My mom, [Jeanette], was in the Peace Corps. She went to MIT, and didnt know what she wanted to do afterwards, so she joined the Peace Corps. Thats where she met my father I guess she was pregnant with me within that time. Shell kill me. You said what?! No, my mom, she raised me Jewish. I didnt know my dad. She is this awesome person. Shes my best friend. So, yeah, Samoan Jew. Were on the quest to see if there are more in the world. Im hoping to find some. The Walking Dead airs Sundays at 9 p.m. on AMC. Read more: The Bachelor Episode 8 Recap: Impossible Decisions 5 Shows to Watch This Week Bates Motel Postmortem: EP Kerry Ehrin on Norman Coming Apart at the Seams By Press Trust of India: New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Senior IAS officer in Chhattisgarh Government B L Agrawal was today arrested by the CBI for allegedly trying to buy favours in cases against him probed by the agency. Agrawal, now Principal Secretary in the state, was arrested by the CBI along with his brother-in-law Anand Agrawal from Raipur and an alleged middleman Bhagwan Singh from here, CBI sources said. advertisement They said that during the searches the CBI has recovered two kilograms of gold and Rs 39 lakh in cash from the alleged middleman. It is alleged that Agrawal, an IAS officer of 1988 batch, wanted to "settle" CBI probes against him which were registered in 2010 when he was the Health Secretary in the state government. He has been chargesheeted in one while probe is going on in the other case. Agrawal allegedly approached Bhagwan Singh, a resident of Noida, who took him to Syed Burhanuddin. Burhanuddin, who has many aliases, claimed that he was working in Prime Ministers Office and would help him settle the case in his favour. Burhanuddin aka OP Singh aka OP Sharma demanded Rs 1.5 crore as illegal gratification for his services, the CBI FIR has alleged. A meeting was held by the trio on February 11, 2017 where Agrawal agreed to pay the amount to get relief in the cases against him, they said. It is alleged that Agrawal sent Rs 60 lakh in four installments to Bhagwan Singh using hawala channel. He expressed inability to arrange cash for remaining payment after which Burhanuddin and Singh agreed to accept two kilograms of gold as illegal gratification, the FIR alleged. Agrawal asked his brother-in-law Anand Agrawal to deliver two kilograms of gold to Singh, it alleged. The agency has registered a case of criminal conspiracy and under Prevention of Corruption Act against Agrawal, Singh and Burhanuddin. "After registering the case, CBI carried out searches at the premises of accused persons and Hawala operators at Raipur, Hyderabad and New Delhi and Greater Noida. An amount of Rs 39 lakh(approx.) earlier delivered to private person (r/o Greater Noida) at New Delhi, has also been recovered during searches," CBI Spokesperson R K Gaur said here today. PTI ABS RT --- ENDS --- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has written to the Director-Generals of Police of Punjab and Haryana, asking them to maintain the "status quo" and ensure law and order is maintained in their respective states. By Kamaljit Kaur Sandhu: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has shot off a two-page letter to the Director-Generals of Police of Punjab and Haryana, asking them to maintain the "status quo" and ensure law and order is maintained in their respective states. The move comes after Haryana's main opposition party Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) on Monday threatened to start digging the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal on the Punjab-Haryana border on February 23. advertisement On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will resume hearing the SYL canal issue. The Punjab Government is expected to file a response to the Haryana government's allegations that the state violated a court order to maintain the status quo. Punjab had de-notified the area for returning it to farmers, a move put on hold by the apex court. The SYL issue was one of the key issues in the high-octane Punjab elections, which were held earlier this month. The state filed an appeal asking that the court hearing be put off till the results of the state assembly election, but its request was turned down. Punjab DGP Suresh Arora held a meeting at Shambu, and also conducted an aerial survey. Nearly 5,000 policemen from Punjab have been moved to Patiala, and stationed at all entry points. Another 10 companies of Central Armed Police Force are at the disposal of the Punjab Police. Sources in MHA told Mail Today that the Joint Secretary of Centre State division is expected to be in Chandigarh on Wednesday. He's likely to meet the DGPs of both the states. MHA sources also confirmed that the Centre was "willing to offer more CAPF to the states if they so demanded." The apex court declared Punjab's 2004 law to terminate an agreement for sharing SYL canal water with neighbouring states unconstitutional on November 10, 2016. The court ruled that Punjab couldn't take a 'unilateral' decision to terminate the agreement - with Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi and Chandigarh - on the sharing of Ravi-Beas river waters. The apex court had ordered status quo on the land acquired for the construction of the canal's stretch in Punjab and appointed the Union Home secretary, Punjab's chief secretary and the Director General of Police as receivers. ALSO READ: SYL Canal controversy: Captain Amarinder Singh demands Abhay Chautala's arrest --- ENDS --- By Manjeet Sehgal: Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh on Tuesday called for the preventive arrest of Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Chautala, who announced a march to Kapuri village on February 23 to re-dig the controversial Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal. Here's everything you need to know about Amarinder's remarks, and about Dal Khalsa (a radical Sikh organisation) head Harpal Singh Cheema's reaction. advertisement 1. "I demand preventive arrest of INLD leader Abhay Chautala and cancellation of party supremo Om Prakash Chautala's parole to control the situation, which had escalated to dangerous proportions. Abhay's adamant stand on the issue, and his defiant threat to go ahead with the SYL incursion even if the Army is called in, are grounds enough for his preventive detention, " Captain Amarinder Singh said on Tuesday. 2. Amarinder also called for the deployment of armed forces to prevent any untoward incident on February 23, when Chautala's party plans to force its way into Punjab to dig the controversial canal. "The central government should also immediately step in to order large-scale deployment of the armed forces ahead of the threatened move by the INLD. Abhay Chautala's defiant and provocative statements on the issue could have a long-term, explosive impact on Punjab's peace," Amarinder said. 3. The former Punjab CM said the state was sitting on a virtual landmine, with intelligence reports suggesting that many sleeping Khalistan terror cells were preparing to rear their heads again. "Intelligence reports indicate (a) terror revival threat. I have been repeatedly warning that the SYL issue had the potential to trigger the revival of terrorism in Punjab. The intelligence reports have also endorsed my apprehension. Militant organizations would exploit the fragile situation on the ground to further their anti-India agenda if not checked immediately," Amarinder Singh said. 4. Amarinder said the central government's intervention had become imperative to maintain law and order in Punjab. He called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to intercede without further delay to prevent further vitiation of Punjab's troubled environment - which remained fragile in the run-up to the polls, and witnessed a terrorist-triggered bomb blast just a few days before voting took place. 5. "It was evident that the Haryana government was not serious about nipping the threat in the bud. Had it been serious, Abhay Chautala may have been arrested. Only the deployment of armed forces, with preventive action against the INLD leadership, could foil any attempt to violate Punjab's borders, " Amarinder Singh said. advertisement 6. Warning the Centre against inaction in the matter, he added that "the consequences of failure to take preventive action would not only plunge Punjab back into the dark days of terrorism but would also have dangerous repercussions for the nation, which has been grappling with militancy from across the border for the past several decades." 7. Captain Amrinder is not the only Congress leader who has criticized the Badals - of the ruling Shiromani Akali Dal - for remaining tight-lipped on Chautala's call for a march. Former Opposition leader Sunil Jakhar on Monday said the Badals were silent because they share both personal and business interests with the Chautalas. 8. Reacting to Captain Amarinder Singh's demand for the deployment of the army on the Punjab-Haryana border, Amritsar-based radical Sikh organisation Dal Khalsa said the Punjab Congress chief was trying to exaggerate the situation. 9. Party head Harpal Singh Cheema took Amarinder to task for raising the bogey of terror, saying the first practical action to effectively stop the construction of the SYL canal was taken up by Babbar Khalsa militants in 90's. Had it been left to traditional mainstream politicians, the SYL would have been built long back, he said. advertisement He added the digging of the SYL was next to impossible now. 10. "It's not the SYL issue that had the potential to trigger the revival of armed rebellion but the continued injustice being meted out to Punjab by all the organs of the state. If Captain Amarinder was seriously concerned about any possible revival of militancy then he should work to find out (a) respectable resolution to (the) lingering Punjab problem," Harpal Singh Cheema said. READ ALSO: SYL controversy gets new twist: INLD wants to dig up canal again --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Peshawar, Feb 21 (PTI) Seven persons, including a lawyer, were killed and 21 others injured today when heavily-armed Taliban suicide bombers stormed a court in Pakistans restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the latest terror attack in the country. The attackers opened fire and threw grenades as they attempted to enter the sessions court premises in Tangi, some 30 km away from the provincial capital Peshawar, prompting retaliatory fire by the security forces deployed there. advertisement Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack. "Several terrorists attacked the court and resorted to heavy firing at the main gate of the lower court," Sohail Khalid, district police chief, said. "Bomb disposal experts said that each bomber was wearing seven to eight kilogrammes of explosives," he told reporters. One bomber was killed in the firing at the gate and the second was killed as he entered the court. The third bomber died when he detonated his explosives, officials said. "Seven people were killed and 20 others were injured during the attack," Sohail Khalid, district police chief Charsadda, said. Provincial government sources said one lawyer is among the seven persons killed. Khalid said due to tight security the bombers could not enter the court, but had they been successful in entering the premises it "would have been a catastrophe". Director General Inter-Services Public Relations, Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted, "Chief of Army Staff lauds security forces response to Charsada Blast. First tier Police response has saved many lives. Shares grief on loss of lives." A search and rescue operation was underway, he added. District hospitals have been put on high alert. Charsadda has been a target of terror attacks for nearly a decade. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack in a statement issued by his office. "We are a steadfast nation and will not be deterred by such attacks. Our government will continue to fight against terrorists and we will succeed," the statement said. The latest attack came as security has been tightened across Pakistan after a recent wave of terrorist strikes killed more than 100 people. On Thursday, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offesive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. In August last year, more than 70 people, mostly lawyers were killed in a bombing of a hospital in the southwestern city of Quetta. A suicide bomber had struck a local court in Charsaddas Shabqadar area last year in March, killing 17 people. PTI AYZ ABH NSA AKJ AKJ --- ENDS --- advertisement If reports are anything to go by, Bollywood actor Vidya Balan has been roped in to play the leading lady in superstar Rajinikanth's upcoming Tamil film. By India Today Web Desk: Following the blockbuster success of the gangster drama Kabali, superstar Rajinikanth and Pa Ranjith are once again coming together for a Tamil film. On the contrary to reports, the film is not a sequel to Kabali, but a different subject altogether. While the project is currently in pre-production stage, reports suggest that the Bollywood diva Vidya Balan is likely to be paired opposite Thalaivar. advertisement Speaking about the film, a source was quoted by the Times Of India as saying, "The makers of the film met Vidya Balan recently, and have finalised her as the lead. However, they are still working on the dates, and only then the official agreement would be signed." Despite opening to mixed response from audience and critics, the film shattered box-office records and raked in more than Rs 300 crore globally. To be produced by Dhanush, the yet-untitled film is expected to roll from May. Meanwhile, Rajinikanth is wrapping up his much-awaited sci-fi thriller 2.0. Being made on a lavish budget of Rs 400 crore, 2.0 is the first Indian film to be shot using the 3D technology. Directed by Shankar, the film starring Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey and Adil Hussain is slated to released on Diwali. ALSO READ: Malayalam actress abduction- Prime accused and two others seek bail ALSO READ: Rana Daggubati plays a cameo in Dhanush's ENPT ALSO READ: Singam 3 box-office collection- Suriya's film gets steady response in US --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: board exam New Delhi, Feb 21 (PTI) Delhi BJP chief Manoj Tiwari today said the AAP government by seeking a breather for the students of its schools from class X Board exams has revealed the "poor standard" of its education infrastructure. "The ruling AAP had been demanding CBSE to reintroduce board exams for Class X students, but now when it has decided to switch back to it, Manish Sisodia reportedly wants exemption for students of Delhi government schools," he said. advertisement The Delhi government has sought a breather of two years from Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for making mandatory Class X examination saying the students arent prepared for the "tough test". CBSE had recently announced that the Class X exams will be mandatory again from next academic session. The decision was taken after the optional tests and automatic promotion policy came under criticism for "lowering" the level of students knowledge. Deputy Chief Minister Sisodia, who also holds the education portfolio, in his budget speeches had claimed Delhi government has the highest budgetary provision for education, Tiwari said. "Sisodia knows that once the Board exams are brought back the hollowness of Kejriwals claims of having the best educational infrastructure will be revealed. So he is trying to delay introduction of Board exams for two years so that the AAP government completes its term," he claimed. PTI VIT NSD --- ENDS --- Karnataka family blames government hospital for negligence, claims there were no doctors or even ambulance to take the girl. By Asian News International: They say negligence is culpable carelessness as time waits for no one and the value of human life is almost non-existent in today's time. A saddening incident which occurred in Karnataka proves the above statement right. In a shocking event that occurred in Tumkur, Karnataka, a family lost their daughter due to negligent behaviour by the government hospital. Karnataka family loses child due to negligence (PHOTO:ANI) advertisement The 20-year-old Rathnamma was suffering from high fever, breathlessness and cough when she was taken to a government hospital in the Kudugenahalli, but had to return as there was no ambulance and doors of the government hospital were locked. The father of Rathnamma took her to a private doctor in the night time as her body went ice cold, where she was given an injection. Also read: Tribal man in Odisha had to walk 10 km carrying wife's body after being denied govt help Rathnamma's health degraded by the morning, so the family took her to the nearby government hospital only to find the doors of the hospital locked. The family took her to the private doctor as they had no option but the doctor recommended another hospital. The doctor told the family to take her to Madhugiri hospital, which was around 25 kms from Kudigenahalli so they decided to take a taxi. The taxi driver demanded an amount of 3,000 INR taking advantage of the sitution. Being a daily wage worker, Rathnamma's father had to no option but to take her on the moped but she died on the way. Also read: Men carry relative's dead body in plastic bag, allege unavailability of ambulance Karnataka family loses child due to negligence (PHOTO:ANI) Raju, Rathnamma's brother told Deccan Chronicle , "For people like us who are poor, good healthcare is still a distant dream." According to the family, there was no doctor at the hospital and it has been the same ever since the hospital opened up. Karnataka family loses child due to negligence (PHOTO:ANI) The family tried contacting the Health and Family welfare minister, K R Ramesh Kumar to draw his attention towards the hospital's carelessness but was shooed away by his personal secretary. "Many others too have died in the past because they did not receive prompt treatment in the absence of an ambulance. This has been brought to the notice of the government several times but it has taken no action. We don't know how many years more it will take for it to act, " he added. advertisement --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Washington, Feb 20 (PTI) Doctors in the US have successfully completed a near-total face transplant on a 32-year-old man during an extensive, life-changing surgery to improve his ability to chew, speak, breathe and smell. The face of recipient Andrew Sandness was devastated by a gunshot wound at the age of 21. The surgery, which spanned more than 50 hours, was carried last year and involved restoring Sandness nose, upper and lower jaw, palate, teeth, cheeks, facial muscles, oral mucosa, some of the salivary glands and the skin of the face. advertisement A multidisciplinary team of surgeons, physicians and health professionals used virtual surgical planning technology and 3D printing to optimise the aesthetic and functional outcomes of the surgery at Mayo Clinics Rochester campus. Sandness has been recovering in Rochester and likely will return home in eastern Wyoming this month, the team said. "I am absolutely amazed at the outcome so far. I am now able to chew and eat normal food, and the nerve sensation is slowly improving, too," said Sandness. "Andy (Sandness) has been our patient for 10 years. He has worked so hard to prepare for this, and during his entire recovery period, he has been strong, gracious and determined. Andy is an amazing person and so well-deserving of this gift," said Samir Mardini, the surgical director at Mayo Clinic Essam and Dalal Obaid Centre for Reconstructive Transplant Surgery. Facial transplantation is the process of removing part or all of a donors face and attaching it onto a patient who has previously suffered facial injury or deformity. Skin, fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, cartilage and bone may be components of the transplant. Attaching nerves and blood vessels from the donors face to the recipients provides the potential (with extensive rehabilitation) for sensation, function and mobility similar to an uninjured face. In some situations, it may allow the recipient to regain the ability to speak, chew food, avoid ongoing use of feeding tubes and regain their sense of smell. PTI SAR SAR --- ENDS --- The conservation of the species (Equus hemionus Khur), which is found only in Gujarat - having been rendered extinct in south India, Pakistan and Afghanistan - has earned the state plaudits from wildlife experts. By Indo-Asian News Service: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's "Gujarat ke Gadhe (Donkeys of Gujarat)" jibe might have been meant to score points in a bitter electoral battle, but it has inadvertently sharpened focus on the Indian wild ass, promoted in a TV spot by no less than megastar Amitabh Bachchan in his capacity as the state's brand ambassador. In fact, the conservation of the species (Equus hemionus Khur), which is found only in Gujarat - having been rendered extinct in south India, Pakistan and Afghanistan - has earned the state plaudits from wildlife experts. advertisement "The conservation of the Indian wild ass is an exemplary success story for the world to follow. The Gujarat government has, over the years, done a great job," Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Director VB Mathur said. Mathur, along with experts like Nita Shah, also of the WII, have worked on conserving the species for 22 years, back from the time when it was on the verge of extinction. Today, the animal numbers well over 4,500 in the wild. Mathur believed that the change in the farming pattern due to better irrigation has also helped in the conservation. "It's a unique animal... What's commendable is that that the local government managed to balance the conservation of the species and development of the region," Mathur added. Shekhar Niraj, Head of TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network that works in alliance with the WWF, said the species still faces several challenges for its survival. "It's one of those rare examples where both the species and its habitat are troubled. It is still threatened but its population has gone up in Gujarat," Niraj told IANS. THE INDIAN WILD ASS The natural habitat of Indian wild ass is Rann of Kutch, where the animals are also referred to as "Riders and Guardians of the Rann" for their ability to run at speeds of over 60 km per hour. The species, whose body frame matches that of a horse, is a sub-species of the near-threatened Asiatic wild ass (Equus heminous) that is now found only in small patches in India, Iran, Turkmenistan and Mongolia. According to government records, the Indian wild ass was on the verge of extinction around 1970 due to lack of conservation efforts and a prevalent epidemic. Experts said that conservation efforts by the state, central government and IUCN had helped increase the numbers of the species. A census in 2014 counted 4,451 animals spread over 15,000 sq km in Gujarat. This was 454 more than the count of the 2009 census. The present population is estimated at over 4,800. Thus, it's little wonder that experts have objected to the animal being depicted as a pejorative. advertisement "It's not right to drag the endangered species into political feuds because it affects the conservation efforts. We should rather feel proud the species could be saved and now attracts tourists from across the world," V.P Singh, a Uttar Pradesh-based wildlife conservator, said. WHAT THEN IS THE FUSS ALL ABOUT? Akhilesh Yadav, speaking at a rally on Monday, pointed to the TV spot - obliquely referring to Bachchan - to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. "An advertisement is there on donkeys. I urge the biggest actor of the century not to advertise donkeys of Gujarat," Yadav said. The advertisement promotes Gujarat's Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest in the nation. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said Akhilesh Yadav, had insulted the state with his remarks. But then, without perhaps realising he was doing so, Akhilesh was only paying Modi back in his own coin. During the campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi had sneered at the Lion Safari, a dream project of Akhilesh Yadav to introduce the Asiatic lions (native to Gujarat) in his home town of Safai. Modi had then wondered how the state government could take care of lions when "they had not been able to take care of (people of) the state". advertisement Eight Asiatic lions were bought to Safai between April and October 2014 from Gujarat and Hyderabad zoos and more followed later. However, four of those and five newborn cubs had died by June 2016. Que sera, sera? ALSO READ: Gujarat Tourism's 'gadha' ad: A mocking Akhilesh has a request for megastar Amitabh ALSO READ:Akhilesh Yadav in Raibareli: Modi must speak truth, SP provides 24-hour power to Varanasi Modi at Fatehpur: If land is given for kabristan, shamshaan must get it too --- ENDS --- The RSS, like before, is running a campaign under the theme of 'Phele Matdaan, Phir Jalpaan' (first vote, then eat breakfast) to get people to vote in Uttar Pradesh's Assembly polls. By Siddhartha Rai: Though UP prepares to tend to the fourth phase of polling, the struggles of the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) have not ended. While the BJP is engaged in a pitched battle for supremacy with the SP and the BSP, the Sangh is silently, but tenaciously toiling at the grassroot level to convert every cadre and supporter into actual vote at the polling booth. advertisement Rejecting any disconnect between the RSS and the BJP, as the rumour mills have been churning out so far, senior Sangh functionaries from the state as well as the national level asserted that there was perfect unison in the efforts of the two arms of the rightwing. "These are different times for the RSS and the BJP in the regime of Narendra Modi. Unlike in the past, the internal consultation mechanism is so strong that there is no information lag between the two arms and there is no communication lag too. The process is seamless," said a senior BJP functionary who has an extensive RSS background. RSS URGES PEOPLE TO VOTE The Sangh, said top UP RSS sources, was running a campaign called 'Jan Jagran' for getting the people to come to polling booths and use their franchise. The campaign, as the name suggests, is aimed at educating people about the significance of exercising the right to vote and thus to give them a clarion call to do so, the first thing in the morning of the voting day. The RSS, just as in yesteryears and in the past elections across India, is also running a campaign under the theme 'Pehle Matdaan, Phir Jalpaan' (first vote and then breakfast) to encourage voters, especially volunteers and cadre to cast their vote positively. Also read: Uttar Pradesh elections: BJP changes poll narrative, says BSP not SP is our main rival RSS CADRE WORKING AT GRASSROOT LEVEL Sources also said while the RSS volunteers were not assuming any formal roles such as booth heads, they were working silently on the ground to muster votes for its political arm. Also, the RSS is confident that non-Yadav backward castes have had enough of the "goonda raj" of SP and that their "unbridled" support would take the BJP past the magic figure to make the next government. They also said several of their internal reports had indicated that the backwards and Dalits identified with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was seen as a leader of the dispossessed and marginalised, more so after demonetisation. advertisement UP RSS functionaries maintain that Mayawati's Dalit votebank too would be breached by the saffron brigade. Also read: Uttar Pradesh election: After three phases Congress, Samajwadi Party go door-to-door --- ENDS --- Thala Ajith Kumar will be sporting another dashing look in the spy thriller Vivegam, says director Siruthai Siva. By India Today Web Desk: Following the terrific success of Veeram and Vedalam, Ajith Kumar and Siruthai Siva are taming up for Vivegam. Ever since the first look was out, Thala Ajith's mind-blowing physical transformation for the film has been the talk of the town. Needless to say, the pre-buzz for Vivegam is strong among the Tamils. While the team is wrapping up the shoot, Siruthai Siva has shared some interesting details about the film. advertisement He was quoted by Behindwoods as saying, "Vivegam will be an out and out action movie which will satisfy all. It is a high budget movie and I took enough time and paid special attention to the screenplay. There would be another look of Ajith coming soon; this will even be before the release of the teaser and the trailer. There is one more schedule left and we will soon be leaving for Bulgaria." Several Kollywood celebrities took to Twitter and praised Ajith Kumar's for his chiselled look. Also starring Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal and Akshara Haasan, the film has music by Anirudh Ravichander, and is expected to release in the second half of this year. ALSO READ: Thakur Anoop Singh wants to lock horns with Prabhas ALSO READ: Vidya Balan roped in for Rajinikanth's next with Ranjith? ALSO READ: SS Rajamouli's Baahubali 2 to be dubbed in Kannada? --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Kolkata, Feb 21 (PTI) Paying her tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement (Bhasha Shahids) on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, West Bengal Chief Minister West Bengal Chief Minister today said all languages are equal and mother tongue should be used to express ones views. "All languages are equal. Mother tongue must be for expressing views," Banerjee tweeted this morning. advertisement "How can I forget February 21 spattered with my brothers blood. I pay my tribute to the martyrs of 1952 Language Movement," Banerjee tweeted. Heartfelt greetings to all on the occasion of International Mother Language Day," Banerjee added. February 21 corresponds to the day in 1952 when students from the University of Dhaka, Jagannath College and Dhaka Medical College, demonstrating for the recognition of Bengali as one of the two national languages of East Pakistan, were brutally shot dead by police, then under Pakistan government, near the Dhaka High Court in the capital of present-day Bangladesh. PTI SCH MM MM --- ENDS --- By Press Trust of India: Kozhikode, Feb 21 (PTI) A 37-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly performing black magic and injuring another woman near Nadapuram in the district, police said today. The accused Najima was arrested and remanded to judicial custody yesterday, after thevictim Shemina (27) of Vellayil, suffered 60 per cent burns while practising black magic and admitted to a private hospital here, Nadapuram they said. advertisement The victim had approachedNajima, who was staying in Purameri, seeking remedy for some personal problems, they added. Shemina reportedly told the police that a fire broke out in the room as Najima poured petrol into the "Homa Kundam," which the latter prepared as part of the ritual. Based on a complaint, Najima was booked under sections 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons) and 308 (attempt to commit culpable homicide). The accused was produced before the Nadapuram Judicial I ClassMagisrate court and remanded to 14 days judicial custody, police said. PTI KV ROH TRK --- ENDS --- "Bharti Arora is using her clout as a senior IPS officer to harass me since I am pursuing a case against Ajay Bhardwaj, whose sister Chanchal Bhardwaj is a close friend of the lady cop. As soon as she was posted as the IG Vigilance, she started harassing me. She terrorised my gunman through the Sushant Lok SHO who is not on duty since last 10 days. I am without the security cover which was provided to me by the Supreme Court," said Jyotsna. The former model, who had accused her husband Ajay Bhardwaj of exploiting and cheating her, said that the lady cop also pestered the cops who had arrested her husband Ajay Bhardwaj on the basis of her complaint registered under section 420 and 406 of IPC. "Since she has been posted as IG Vigilance Gurugram she has been pressurising police officers to harass those police personnel who did not bow to her and asked for a departmental enquiry against them. She even gave a message to them asking me to beg for forgiveness," Jyotsana told India Today. Jyotsana said Bharti Arora also tried to implicate her in a false case of trespassing by sending a message through a subordinate official on the pretext that she will drop the inquiries going against her cancelled if she visits her office. "I was made to sit in the drawing room. Bharti Arora, however, sent a message through the orderly that she should come another day. However, to my utter dismay, I later learned that a trespassing FIR had been registered against me on December 29, 2016 on directions of the IG. The contents of the FIR were that I had trespassed her official residence and tried to harm her," added Jyotsana. Earlier on Tuesday, Jyotsana also met Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and handed over a memorandum seeking administrative action against Bharti Arora. Jyotsana had also levelled similar allegations against Bharti Arora when she was posted as Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Gurugram. She had accused Bharti of working under the influence of R P Bhardwaj as his daughter was a close friend of her. "The Supreme Court had given 24 hours police protection to me and had ordered Gurugram police to take necessary action but in an evident instance of contempt of court, Bharti had threatened my gunman through SHO Sushant Lok Gurugram. I am without police protection and if something happens to me both the Bhardwaj family, my in-laws and the state will be responsible," said Jyotasana. Jyotsana said that the Punjab and Haryana High Courts on February 16 had ordered the Haryana government to take coercive action against Barti Arora and had also summoned her. She said that the senior lady cop was helping the accused who betrayed her by solemnising a bigamous matrimony without disclosing that he was married and was not divorced. "I call for immediate intervention of Haryana CM to whom I also want to ask why the officer was posted again in Gurugram despite an inquiry indicting her? I demand immediate transfer of Bharti out of Gurugram so that she cannot influence the investigation and arm twist a single lady already wronged by a bigamist. After this, proceedings of her suspension should be initiated as Bharti is not worthy of wearing the uniform," Jyotsana Bhardwaj said. TO BE HOPEFUL in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasize in this complex history will determine our livesIf we remember those times and placeswhere people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we dont have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory. --Howard Zinn I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the "isness" of man's present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal "oughtness" that forever confronts him. --Martin Luther King Jr. True religion consisted in an inward life, wherein the heart does love and reverence God the Creator, and learns to exercise true justice and goodness...I found no narrowness respecting sects and opinions, but believed that sincere, upright-hearted people, in every society, who truly love God, were accepted of him. --John Woolman Love each other as I have loved you.. I call you friends because I have made known to you everything I heard from my Father. --Jesus in John 15: 12-15 ...Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind and your neighbor as yourself. You have answered right, said Jesus, do this and life is yours... Who is my neighbor? Jesus replied with the Parable of the Good Samaritan [heretic, outsider, enemy]. --from Luke 10:27-37 Religion has been emphatically embodied, not in speculative theories, but in practical righteousness, in active virtues, in reverence to God, in benevolence to man- the latter being the only sure test of the former. --Thomas M'Clintock ...It is safer to approach God through the Holy Spirit than through the door of theology. We can identify the Holy Spirit whenever it makes its presence felt. Whenever we see someone who is loving, compassionate, mindful, caring, and understanding, we know that the Holy Spirit is there. --Thich Nhat Hanh Local website Chadegana, on Thursday, February 16, reported the incident happened on Thursday and in the Girls High School of Nehzat Chadegan . Hassan Salmany, director of medical emergency and incidents of Chadegan, announced that in addition to the transfer of 20 students to hospitals, a number of students have been treated as outpatients. Hassan Cheraghy, public relations officer of the Bou Ali hospital of Chadegan told Chadegana that people who had been poisoned had severe nausea and abdominal pain. Ahmad Bayat, Director of Education of Chadegan, confirmed the poisoning of a number of Nehzat girls high school, adding that the required checks on distributed spoiled and non-spoiled milk in the schools are under consideration. This incident occurred while in early January the executive director of Irans Milk Industry said the distribution of free school milk, had long been abandoned. According to Ali Roumy, Since the government has not paid last years debt to these industries, they could not continue to distribute free school milk. According to the executive director of Irans Milk Industry, 12 million Iranian students are deficient in vitamins and calcium. Hassan Hashemi, Minister of Health, announced in January 2014 the shortened stature of Iranians due to ignoring the consumption of milk and dairy products. Mr. Hashemi pointed to the importance of these foods to provide needed protein for strong bones and prevent diseases such as osteoporosis, and called removing of milk from the food basket a cultural problem. President Trumps travel ban, which is currently suspended, included Iran. There are a large number of Iranians in the US many of whom are students who are affected by this. They are also very concerned. They have a wide range of backgrounds LGBT, academics, people visiting family, refugees, etc. and they are effectively trapped either inside or outside of the US. The American public is also concerned. It wants to know if Trump will deliver on his promises regarding scrapping the nuclear deal and tripling sanctions against Iran. Trump called the Iran nuclear deal disastrous and vowed to scrap it. However, it is looking unlikely that the deal will be scrapped as promised. Secretary of Defence James Mattis said last month: I think it is an imperfect arms control agreement. But when America gives her word, we have to live up to it. It is more likely that the deal will be strengthened and reinforced. The former White House Co-ordinator for Arms Control in Obamas administration said: But they will quickly find out any renegotiation of the agreement will require the US to offer additional sanctions relief. Furthermore, if President Trump decides to pull out of the deal, he is letting the other signatories of the deal down the UK, France, Germany, Russia and China. He would also not be able to easily issue further sanctions on Iran. Nader Hashemi from the Centre for Middle East Studies at the University of Denver advises that there are other ways to deal with Iran and the nuclear deal. He said: I suspect Trump will try to strictly enforce the nuclear deal, hoping that Iran will break the agreement and thus be blamed internationally for it. Iran has been relatively quiet regarding the fuss being made in Washington. There have been several public comments made for example, on Twitter last month Khamenei said: We appreciate Trump! Because he largely did the job for us in revealing true face of America. Some of the leaders in Iran also believe that it will be advantageous for the country to be dealing with President Trump they see him as a non-conventional president, but first and foremost a businessman who they will be able to negotiate with. The current President of Iran, Hassan Rouhani, is more concerned about the impact of Trump on the upcoming Iranian elections. Rouhanis two major goals of improving relations with the US and obtaining the nuclear deal are being overshadowed by President Trumps recent rhetoric. His opponents will certainly use this to defeat him. Relations between Iran and the US will also be under scrutiny in the next few months. Both countries are supporting forces from Iraq in its attempt to recapture Mosul from Islamic State. Furthermore, Trump has promised to repair relations with Russia something which could have a major impact on its relationship with Iran and something that Iran is deeply concerned about. The most important move going forward is for the United States to be firm with Iran and keep the upper hand. The situation in Iran is desperate. Reports state that 11 percent of the countrys population is below the absolute poverty line. Thirty percent are below the relative poverty line. This means that the 11 percent below the poverty line around 8.8 million Iranians cannot provide themselves with even the most basic of needs like healthcare, food, housing, and education. These people are often malnourished and suffering from hunger. This 11 percent is also a minimum estimate some experts believe that the number is closer to 30 percent. The relative poverty line includes people whose income is lower than the standard household spending level. This 30 percent, also a minimum estimate, means that at least 24 million people in Iran are affected. Estimates about the amount of Iranian people living under the poverty line go as high as 90 percent, and certainly more than 80 percent. The governments debts to banks is 20 percent more than it was this time last year around 210,000 billion tomans. Ridiculous policies regarding banks are worsening the economy of Iran. Even President Rouhanis economic advisor was fairly negative about the situation. He said: The banking system has been hit more than any other entity by bad policies, particularly over the past ten years, and theres no sign of a turning point, either. Speaking about the financial situation in general in Iran, the economic advisor said: Irans economy is at a historic juncture. The decision makers have no option but to choose between bad decisions and hard decisions. Irans future economic path can only be paved by reviving its lost social capital. The Central Bank reported that the cost of basic commodities in Iran is also on the rise. Costs for rice have gone up by more than 30 percent, 27.5 percent for fresh fruit, 23.9 percent for sugar, 21.7 percent for grains, 12.9 percent for tea and 9.7 percent for dairy items. Her daughters passport was confiscated and she has stayed with her grandparents since Nazanins arrest. Last month her appeal was rejected by the courts. Nazanin was able to see a specialist doctor at the Iranmehr Hospital in Tehran. She is back in prison now, but the doctor had expressed concern about her neck, shoulder, right arm and right hand. The neurologist advised that she be immediately hospitalised to prevent permanent damage. Years ago, Nazanin had an operation on her back and she had intensive physiotherapy on her neck and shoulder after the birth of her daughter. Nazanin is suffering from extreme insomnia which is getting worse. She feels panicky and is having trouble dealing with the inescapable pressure she is under. Physical conditions are difficult too she has to sleep on a stone floor. She also cannot exercise and has only been given poor quality of food. She also has to deal with the torment of being separated from her daughter and the knowledge that there are threats against her family, including interrogations. Her husband, Richard Ratcliffe was able to speak to Nazanin on Saturday the first time in a month. He said that she was crying and in a very fragile state. She cried for the entire call. Nazanins fragile health this weekend has been a reminder that we must continue to campaign, that we cannot allow many more months of this to pass. I am grateful that Nazanin has now been seen by a specialist, and that her health concerns can be addressed as soon as possible. I hope that his concerns are acted upon by the Iranian authorities and that she does indeed not suffer any permanent physical damage from this ordeal. The psychological is already more than enough. He also said that the terrible conditions in the prison are making his wifes health even worse. It is clear that the move to the general cells is much better I am thankful for the support offered to her by her fellow cell mates, for the additional visits Gabriella now has to see her mum, and for the increased medical attention Nazanin receives. However, it also means we have a greater awareness of just what Nazanin is going through, and of the price she is continuing to pay the longer this is unresolved. [February 20, 2017] WSO2 Announces Repositioning of its Open Source Products to Drive Digital Transformation Agility at WSO2Con User Conference Mountain View, CA, Feb. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new generation of digital businesses has emerged with novel products, services, and business models for interacting with consumers, employees and others, which are reshaping the landscape of many industries. Meanwhile established companies are seeking to engage in digital transformations to remain competitive. WSO2 today debuted the repositioning of its open source products to better address the technology demands of digital businesses. The company also announced product developments designed to bring greater agility to enterprises digital transformation initiatives, including: Repackaging WSO2s modular software to align with key technology enablers for digital transformationconsolidating more than twenty products into five-plus comprehensive offerings. Introducing three new public cloud offerings to take advantage of the agility and deployment flexibility enabled by the cloud. Previewing a next-generation programming language for integration, which was created to support the closer alignment of business with IT in digital businesses. The announcements were made at two general sessions held on the first day of the WSO2Con USA 2017 user conference, which runs February 20-22, 2017 in San Francisco. Already organizations worldwide, from digitally native startups to enterprises driving digital transformations, are standardizing on our cloud-enabled, pre-integrated, open source software. And some 2.2 trillion customer transactions per year run through our platform, observed Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana, WSO2 CEO and chief architect. Were now building on that success by re-aligning our current products and creating new technology solutions that empower organizations to rapidly evolve their digital business models by fostering agility, adaptability, and innovation. CEO Keynote Technology Enablers for Digital Transformation In his keynote presentation, Dr. Weerawarana examined the three technology enablers for digital transformation: an evolving business model, a focus on the customer, and operational efficiency. He then unveiled how WSO2 has repackaged its product offerings to align with these enablers. Integration for enabling digital businesses is delivered by WSO2 Enterprise Integrator, debuting today, which builds on and replaces WSO2 Enterprise Service Bus (WSO2 ESB). It consolidates WSO2 ESB and other WSO2 Integration Platform capabilities into one software package for seamlessly integrating legacy systems, software as a service (SaaS) apps, services, and APIs. More details can be found in the WSO2 Enterprise Integrator press release dated February 20, 2017. API management functionality for building internal and external developer ecosystems with API marketplaces is provided by WSO2 API Manager. It combines a consumer-like store where users can find and subscribe to APIs, along with complete API lifecycle governance for publishers and analytics and metrics to support decision-making and enforce service-level agreement (SLA) policies. Identity and access management (IAM) capabilities for managing identity, security and privacy across the digital business is delivered by WSO2 Identity Server. Its federated approach to identity enables organizations to protect users and assets internally and across digital ecosystems. Smart analytics for enabling the data-driven decisions of digital businesses and creation of new data products are provided using WSO2 Data Analytics Server (WSO2 DAS). It offers automated real-time monitoring and analysis followed by automated responses, and it can use location and context to enhance the customer experience. Smart analytics are integrated into all WSO2 products and cloud solutions through the WSO2 DAS functionality. Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile devices become integral to enterprises digital businesses through the capabilities of WSO2 IoT Server, which launched in January 2017. It connects and manages all devices, providing the functionality to build an enterprise-grade solution so companies can focus on adding business value. Cloud solutions from WSO2 empower enterprises with the agility to support their digital business initiatives and rapidly adapt to evolving market conditions. For details, see the WSO2 Cloud press release dated February 20, 2017. The four public cloud solutions include: Enhanced WSO2 API Cloud based on WSO2 API Manager, in production New WSO2 Integration Cloud based on comprehensive functionality from the WSO2 Integration Platform, in production New WSO2 Identity Cloud based on WSO2 Identity Server, in beta New WSO2 Device Cloud based on WSO2 IoT Server, in beta Extending across all of WSO2s offerings, Dr. Weerawarana noted, were a commitment to two forms of agility. First was supporting technology agility with 100% open source software that enables enterprises to control their technical future. Second was adoption agility through the cloud with its pay-as-you-go pricing and ability to outsource technical operations. WSO2 also uniquely offers deployment flexibility, since the same software runs on-premises, in the cloud, and in hybrid environments. Enterprises can, for example, take their WSO2 software running on-premises and migrate it to the cloud for greater scalability. Conversely, they may choose to run WSO2 software in the cloud for a pilot project and then move it onto the organizations on-premises servers when going into production. Preview: Next-Generation Integration Language Working with organizations, the WSO2 team has seen first-hand how the close alignment of IT and business within an enterprise undergoing a digital transformation is driving the need to simplify the ability to reuse, recompose and integrate services. This understanding set the stage for the preview demo of Ballerina that WSO2 provided conference attendees. A new patent-pending programming language, Ballerina brings a Visual Basic level of simplicity to writing programs that integrate with data sources, services, and network-connected APIsbridging the gap between technology experts and business professionals. Significantly, Ballerina will serve as the basis for a new generation of digital transformation technology products that WSO2 will begin rolling out this year. Ballerina features both textual and graphical syntaxes that uniquely offer the exact same expressive capability and are fully reversible. The textual syntax follows the C/Java heritage while also adopting some aspects from Go. The graphical syntax of Ballerina follows a sequence diagram metaphor. There are no weird syntax exceptions, and everything is derived from a few key language concepts. Additionally, Ballerina follows Java and Go to provide a platform-independent programming model that abstracts programmers from machine-specific details. Ballerina supports high-performance implementationsincluding the micro-services and micro-integrations increasingly driving digital productswith low latency, low memory and fast start-up. Notably, common integration capabilities are baked into the Ballerina language. These include deep alignment with HTTP, REST, and Swagger; connectors for both web APIs and non-HTTP APIs; and native support for JSON, XML, data tables, and mapping. Currently in version 0.8, the pre-production Ballerina language is available for developers to start trying out at http://ballerinalang.org. About WSO2 WSO2 uniquely increases the agility of digital businesses and enterprises engaging in a digital transformation. It offers the only completely integrated enterprise platform that enables businesses to build, integrate, manage, secure and analyze their APIs, applications, and Web serviceson-premises, in the cloud, on mobile devices, and across the Internet of Things. Leading enterprise customers worldwide rely on WSO2s award-winning 100% open source platform and its robust performance and governance for their mission-critical applications. Today, these businesses represent nearly every sector: health, financial, retail, logistics, manufacturing, travel, technology, telecom and more. Visit http://wso2.com to learn more, or check out the WSO2 community on the WSO2 Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. Shifali Erasmus Kinetic.PR, LLC for WSO2 [email protected] Mobile: 650-544-6424 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 20, 2017] WSO2 Debuts Three New Public Cloud Offerings for Managing Integration, Identities, and Mobile Devices Mountain View, CA, Feb. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital businesses and enterprises engaging in digital transformation are harnessing the power of the cloud to quickly get to market, easily extend functionality, and ensure high availability and performance. To support their requirements, WSO2 today debuted three new public cloud offerings based on the WSO2 open source software used by organizations worldwide: WSO2 Integration Cloud, WSO2 Identity Cloud, and WSO2 Device Cloud. WSO2 also rolled out enhancements to WSO2 API Cloud, which first launched in 2015. The announcements were made in conjunction with WSO2Con USA 2017, which runs February 20-22, 2017 in San Francisco. Weve placed a priority on democratizing access to our enterprise-class software by making it available as public cloud solutions that organizations of any size can readily use, said Dmitry Sotnikov, vice president of cloud at WSO2. Already our WSO2 API Cloud has seen tremendous success with many government and commercial customers around the globe that have made it their platform of choice for hosting their API programs. Now we are extending our commitment with the introduction of WSO2 Integration Cloud, WSO2 Identity Cloud, and WSO2 Device Cloud. Together, these cloud solutions will empower enterprises with the agility to support their digital business initiatives and rapidly adapt to evolving market conditions. WSO2 Integration Cloud WSO2 Integration Cloud brings together comprehensive functionality from the WSO2 Integration Platform, which manages up to billions of transactions per day at customer sites. With WSO2 Integration Cloud, users can easily provision enterprise service bus (ESB) projects, expose data as services, and host their API backends using a variety of technologies. WSO2 Integration Cloud supports leading open and proprietary integration standards, as well as all integration patterns, enabling interoperability across heterogeneous systems and business applications. As a result, organizations can connect customers, partners and employees across a range of apps running on enterprise systems, the cloud, web, mobile devices, and the Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, it can be used to integrate data stores, create composite data views, host data services, allow easy deployment of business processes and models, and create microservices in Java. Key features of WSO2 Integration Cloud include: Hosting cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-on-premises integration projects. Proxy services with complex orchestrations. Ability to link a VPN cloud environment to on-premises networks. Ability to host API backends developed using a range of popular technologies, including Java API for RESTful Web Services (JAX-RS), Java API for XML Web Services (JAX-WS), Java, WSO2 Microservices Framework for Java (MSF4J), and PHP. MySQL databases. Ability to hide the services from the Internet and limit their visibility to your other services and API gateway. Service monitoring and scaling. WSO2 Identity Cloud WSO2 Identity Cloud features the functionality of WSO2 Identity Server identity and access management (IAM) software, which manages billions of user identities at customer sites. It enables enterprise architects and developers to improve the users experience by reducing identity provisioning time, guaranteeing secure online interactions, and delivering a reduced single sign-on (SSO) environment. It also decreases the burden of identity management and entitlement management by including role-based access control, attribute-based access control, fine-grain policy-based access control, and SSO bridging. In its initial release, WSO2 Identity Cloud provides extensible support for easily configuring SSO and poular software as a service (SaaS) applications. Other key components of WSO2 Identity Cloud include: A small, efficient agent to connect an enterprises on-premises directory based on the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) directly to the cloud, so employees can log in to the user portal and consume the applications. Ability to add SSO to any cloud or SaaS application using industry standards, such as including the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), OpenID Connect (OIDC), and WS-Federation. Preconfigured templates for popular SaaS applications, including Amazon Web Services, Concur, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Office 365, NetSuite, Salesforce, and Zuora. Brandable application catalog page that lets users discover applications and access them using SSO. WSO2 Device Cloud WSO2 Device Cloud incorporates functionality from WSO2 IoT Server, the comprehensive software that provides all the features needed to start building an enterprise-grade solutionbased on IoT, mobile or bothso organizations can focus on adding business value while speeding time to market. The initial version of WSO2 Device Cloud provides out-of-the-box enterprise mobility management. Featuring highly extensible device management capabilities, future releases of WSO2 Device Cloud will: Expose devices as APIs to support integration and application development. Ensure secure device and app access through identity management and authorization. Simplify app management for IT teams and end-users. Tap insights from devices via analytics and visualizations, including analysis of data points, such as speed, proximity and geo-fencing. New in WSO2 API Cloud Since 2015, WSO2 API Cloud has been democratizing API management by providing a public cloud version of the award-winning WSO2 API Manager, which has been implemented by Global 1000 companies and governments around the world. It offers an API Store that lets IT organizations set up their own consumer-like store where developers can easily subscribe to and consume APIs. Meanwhile, it provides API publishers with complete API lifecycle governancefrom creating to publishing, deprecating and retiring APIsas well as analytics and metrics to support decision-making and enforce service-level agreement (SLA) policies. By using WSO2 API Cloud to expose business capabilities as managed APIs, organizations can gain greater agility in developing their own digital products, as well as provide off-the-shelf potential for advertising and selling business APIs. The new release of WSO2 API Cloud now offers: Global API Gateways that allow enterprises to host their APIs in 12 different data centers across North and South America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. API Monetization that enables enterprises to easily create pricing plans for their APIs and start selling them with the help of a pre-integrated Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant billing system. Availability and Support The commercial releases of WSO2 API Cloud (http://wso2.com/api-management/cloud) and WSO2 Integration Cloud (http://wso2.com/integration/cloud) are available today. WSO2 offers five main subscription levels for each of the cloud offerings, which all provide full functionality and range from $129 to $9,980 per month. Users who want to evaluate WSO2 API Cloud or WSO2 Integration Cloud can take advantage of a two-week free trial with full functionality. Enterprises requiring a customized plan can email [email protected] The beta versions of WSO2 Identity Cloud (http://wso2.com/identity-and-access-management/cloud) and WSO2 Device Cloud (http://wso2.com/internet-of-things/cloud) are available today. Developers can use the beta releases of these offerings at no cost until they launch commercially in Q2 2017. About WSO2 WSO2 uniquely increases the agility of digital businesses and enterprises engaging in a digital transformation. It offers the only completely integrated enterprise platform that enables businesses to build, integrate, manage, secure and analyze their APIs, applications, and Web serviceson-premises, in the cloud, on mobile devices, and across the Internet of Things. Leading enterprise customers worldwide rely on WSO2s award-winning 100% open source platform and its robust performance for their mission-critical applications. Today, these businesses represent nearly every sector: health, financial, retail, logistics, manufacturing, travel, technology, telecom and more. Visit http://wso2.com to learn more, or check out the WSO2 community on the WSO2 Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the properties of their respective owners. Shifali Erasmus Kinetic.PR, LLC for WSO2 [email protected] Mobile: 650-544-6424 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Ekinops' 100G Solution Chosen by a Major Operator in West Africa Ekinops (Euronext Paris - FR0011466069 - EKI), a leading supplier of next-generation optical network equipment, has partnered with Orange (News - Alert) Ivory Coast, the number one telecommunications operator in Ivory Coast, for the rollout of a 100 gigabits per second solution. Orange Ivory Coast has nearly 12 million customers. To meet the sustained growth in data traffic demand in the West African nation, Orange Ivory Coast decided to extend the transmission capacity of its network along the country's main strategic routes. To do so, Orange Ivory Coast is deploying the innovative 100G solution from Ekinops (News - Alert). Over the past few months, Orange Ivory Coast and Ekinops carried out intensive field tests. The results of these tests were particularly positive and enabled teams at Orang Ivory Coast to assess the performance and innovative nature of the Ekinops solution. This solution allows for transmission capacity to be increased from 10G to 100G very easily and without changing the network's existing infrastructure. The Ekinops 100G solution also guarantees Orange Ivory Coast perfect interoperability with existing equipment in its network. The efficient and quick to implement solution will meet the capacity needs for Orange Ivory Coast and improve service quality for its customers. Xavier Billy, Vice-President of Strategic Accounts at Ekinops, said, "We are proud to be able to meet the challenges of increased capacity for Orange Ivory Coast with our innovative 100G application. This strategic collaboration will not only give Orange Ivory Coast increased flexibility by massively increasing the bandwidth of its national network, it will also serve its cross-border requirements with neighboring countries, a major challenge across West Africa." About Ekinops Ekinops is a leading supplier of next generation optical transport equipment for telecommunications service providers. The Ekinops 360 addresses Metro, Regional, and Long-Haul applications with a single, highly-integrated platform. Ekinops is a market-leading innovator in 100G transport with a coherent line of products that truly optimizes optical networks and comes in 1RU, 2RU or 7RU chassis. The Ekinops 360 relies on the highly-programmable Ekinops T-Chip (Transport-on-a-Chip) architecture that enables fast, flexible and cost-effective delivery of new services for high-speed, high-capacity transport. Using the Ekinops 360 carrier-grade system, operators can simply increase capacity of their networks - CWDM, DWDM, Ethernet, ESCON, Fibre Channel, SONET/SDH, and uncompressed video (HD-SDI, SD-SDI, ASI). Ekinops is headquartered in Lannion, France, and Ekinops Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary, is incorporated in the USA. For more information, visit www.ekinops.net. Mnemonic code: EKI Number of shares: 7,364,997 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170220005039/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] HyperX Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset Wins Prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD 2017 for Product Design in the Headset Category HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., today announced the Cloud Stinger Gaming Headset is a winner of this year's iF DESIGN AWARD, a world-renowned honor recognizing design excellence. HyperX Cloud Stinger was selected for product design in the headset category for its comfort, audio quality and design detail. The competition was intense: more than 5,500 entries were submitted from 59 countries in hopes of receiving the seal of design excellence. HyperX Cloud Stinger emerged as the winner to take home the global headset award. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005154/en/ HyperX Stinger Gaming Headset wins prestigious iF DESIGN AWARD. (Graphic: Business Wire) "We wanted to design a gaming headset that was affordable for all gamers and could be used on any platform," said Baron Lee, global product manager - audio, HyperX. "We focused on the core design essentials: like HyperX signature comfort, amazing sound, and simple user experience - all for an affordable price and we did just that with the Cloud Stinger headset." Celebrating the best in design since 1953, the iF DESIGN AWARDS are organized each year by Germany's oldest independent design organization, Hannover-based iF International Forum Design GmbH. The 58-member jury of global independent design experts selected Cloud Stinger for its powerful sound, audio precision and ultra-comfort. Designed to make even the most casual gamer feel like a pro, HyperX Cloud Stinger features HyperX signature memory foam and 50mm directional drivers to deliver a comfortable, high-quality sound experience at an affordable price. "The design success is shared by the entire global HyperX Research and Development team working together with a common goal of having the best quality and design, for a gaming headset under $50US," said Peter Chou, research and development team lead, HyperX. More information about HyperX Cloud Stinger can be found in the "Design Excellence" section of the iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE. About the iF DESIGN AWARD Since over 60 years, the iF DESIGN AWARD has been recognized as an arbiter of quality for exceptional design. The iF label is renowned worldwide for outstanding design services, and the iF DESIGN AWARD is one of the most important design prizes in the world. Submissions are awarded in the following disciplines: Product, Packaging, Communication and Service Design, Architecture and Interior Architecture a well as Professional Concepts. All awarded entries are featured on the iF WORLD DESIGN GUIDE, in the iF design app and are displayed at the iF design exhibition Hamburg. #ifdesignaward. About HyperX HyperX is the high-performance product division of Kingston Technology, the independent world leader in memory products. The HyperX product line includes high-speed DDR4 and DDR3 memory, SSDs, USB Flash drives, gaming headsets, gaming keyboards and mouse pads. Designed to meet the needs of gamers, over clockers and enthusiasts, HyperX is known throughout the world for quality, performance and innovation. HyperX is committed to eSports as it sponsors over 30 teams globally and is the main sponsor of Intel Extreme Masters and ELEAGUE. HyperX can be found at shows across the globe including Brasil Game Show, China Joy, DreamHack, PAX and TwitchCon. For more information visit the HyperX home page or #hyperx. HyperX is a division of Kingston Technology Company, Inc., the world's largest independent memory manufacturer. Established in 2002, HyperX is headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, USA. For more information, please call 800-337-8410 or visit www.hyperxgaming.com or connect with HyperX on social channels including: YouTube (News - Alert): http://www.youtube.com/hyperx; Facebook (News - Alert): http://www.facebook.com/hyperxcommunity; Twitter (News - Alert): http://twitter.com/hyperx; Instagram: https://instagram.com/hyperx/; LinkedIn (News - Alert): https://www.linkedin.com/company/hyperx. Editor's Note: For additional information, evaluation units or executive interviews, please contact Mark Tekunoff, Kingston Technology Company, Inc. 17600 Newhope Street, Fountain Valley, CA (News - Alert) USA 92708, 714-438-2791(Voice). Press images can be found in Kingston's press room here. Kingston, the Kingston logo and HyperX are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All other marks may be the property of their respective titleholders. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221005154/en/ [February 21, 2017] General Micro Systems Announces Revolutionary Concept in Rugged Server Design: "Total Rack" in Only 2U AFCEA West 2017 - General Micro Systems, Inc. (GMS (News - Alert)) today announced that the S2U "King Cobra" 2U short rack server can replace up to 15U of equivalent server rack functions. This 'total rack' server system is made possible by King Cobra's revolutionary modular and scalable architecture that is a breakthrough in electro-mechanical design. Everything about King Cobra represents a different way of thinking about rackmount server design: each sub-system is optimized for maximum performance, lowest power, highest efficiency thermal profile and modular replacement in the field. Additionally, each subsystem is scalable and upgradable to lower TCO over the installation life. Starting with the field-removable OpenVPX single-board computer (SBC) motherboard-a mainstay in deployed defense systems-dual 18 core Intel (News - Alert) Xeon E5-2600v4 CPUs mate with up to 1024GB (1TB) of DD4 DRAM and are supported with a completely PCI Express-based storage subsystem with up to 48TB of NVMe SSDs. The 17-inch deep short rack S2U King Cobra includes a 24 port (22x 1GigE; 2x 10GigE) Ethernet switch subsystem, a hardware or enterprise-class Cisco intelligent router, two Power Supply Unit (PSU) options with Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), and scalable add-in modules for algorithm coprocessors, sensor interfaces, additional I/O or legacy system interfaces. S2U is a complete system, and on-board removable smart fan trays finely manage airflow and noise using side-mounted inlet/outlets. "This server is not what everyone else is doing. It's a revolutionary concept in server design," said GMS CEO and Chief Architect Ben Sharfi. "We looked at the entire rack, identified the functions most needed in a rugged system-from the server to the switch, and from backup power in our patent-pending APU to the existing system I/O-and designed a 'total rack' into a 2U, 17-inch deep box. It's a future way of thinking about a server solution to the problem." S2U King Cobra has been awarded or has pending a total of 12 patents. "If it wasn't unique," says Sharfi, "the patents wouldn't have been issued. No server company is even close to this technology, nor will be in the near future." Patented and Designed to be Different, Efficiently S2U is based upon 12 patents and pending patents, from the Intel Xeon CPU sockets and PCIe interconnects, to the distributed airflow that is managed via 12 individual smart fans with tachometers, to the 100 percent only-12VDC internal power buses that eliminate the inefficiencies of typical server power supplies with standard (and often unneeded) multi-voltage power rails and up/down converters. The OpenVPX motherboard is designed by GMS and based upon a proven GMS compute-engine design that is well-fielded in defense applications. The Intel Xeon CPUs are cooled via a patented version of the company's RuggedCool technology; the heatsinks are also custom designed for maximum thermal transfer to the finely managed in-box airflow. Dual hot-swappable fan trays each contain six smart fans which blow air in/out of the system to the side-not the front/rear as in typical servers. The side-facing fans operate based upon real-time cooling needs using input from in-system sensors. The advantage of this system is that it minimizes fan noise to the server environment by keeping the fans at the minimum speed to cool the system. Buses, Data and RAID Internal PCIe buses move data to the subsystems, including the 12-tray drive nework-attached storage array. Here too, S2U is unique. While the system supports traditional SATA and SAS (News - Alert) SSDs (up to 4TB per tray), S2U is best used with PCIe-based NVMe drives. These SSDs provide a direct PCIe path between CPU and storage, eliminating the typical server drive controllers that rob performance by converting from PCIe to another interface and protocol. The advantage of this architecture is that a hardware RAID controller isn't needed. Instead, Intel's CPUs support RSTe and RST2 software RAID, the next-generation in ultimate performance RAID controllers. The Xeon E5 v4 CPUs are designed to directly control NVMe drives and there's no performance penalty; in fact, there is a gain by eliminating a separate hardware RAID controller. With 12 drive trays available, S2U supports up to 48TB of SSD storage with performance of well over 20X better than standard SAS/SATA drives. And the trays are dual-use, another unique feature of S2U. Add-in Capability Traditional servers have minimal ability to add-in specialty I/O or co-processors. While there may be one or two PCIe card slots for off-the-shelf modules, this is rarely sufficient for systems interfacing with multiple legacy I/O interfaces. S2U offers four different ways to add I/O and co-processors: 1) 4x PCIe x16 card slots 2) 3x 3U OpenVPX defense-quality modules 3) GMS's SAM I/O (miniPCIe) on each drive tray and on the 6U VPX modules 4) Defense-quality XMC card can be added to the OpenVPX SBC motherboard This array of add-in I/O options is completely unprecedented in the server industry, and more so in such a compact 2U short rack server. An example of what is possible with this flexible add-in modularity is with GPGPU co-processing. S2U supports up to 24 TFLOPS of arithmetic processing via just two Nvidia Quadro P6000 processor GPGPU compute engine modules. All totaled, S2U King Cobra can provide up to 25 add-in modules, including the five SAM I/O available on the motherboard and COM switch board. This kind of flexibility exemplifies what makes S2U so unique: thoughtful scalability and unprecedented engineering prowess. Power, Switch and Router S2U includes two ways to the power the system: via the three N+1 3U OpenVPX power supplies or via the add-in PSU/APU. The PSU/APU replaces the PCIe card cage and provides battery power to allow orderly suspend-to-disk or shutdown. Regardless of which option the user selects, the power supply is optimized for maximum efficiency. All S2U internal power buses are +12VDC, eliminating the need for multiple in-system power converters. This dramatically differs from traditional servers that use commodity "black box" power supplies with multiple (often unneeded) voltage outputs. S2U's power distribution system gets the energy where it is needed without superfluous power rails. Finally, S2U is designed to be more than a high-performance server with NAS and scalable I/O. There's also a 22-port intelligent managed Layer 2/3 Ethernet switch with POE+ on all ports, plus an additional four 10GigE ports (SBC plus switch). Available Cisco routers include an Embedded Services Router (ESR), optimized for moderate performance, or Cisco's 1000V Series Cloud Services Router (CSR (News - Alert)) that creates a locally hosted, infrastructure-agnostic "single tenant router" capability. Routing is available on all the switch's 1 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit ports. The Future Is S2U King Cobra Everything about S2U is a new way to create server design: it is efficient, scalable, field-replaceable, and at only 2U high and 17-inches deep, S2U can replace up to 15U worth of equivalent server boxes. This "total rack" design is intentional and is truly the future of rack-mount server design. Come See General Micro Systems and the S2U King Cobra at AFCEA West, San Diego, Booth #741 General Micro Systems Is Trusted and Deployed: On the Sea, in the Air and on Land For more information regarding GMS products, please visit: www.gms4sbc.com Additional S2U press materials can be found at: http://www.gms4sbc.com/press/2017/S2U/ High-resolution product photos available here: http://www.gms4sbc.com/press/S2U/ Reader Service Contact: Jonathan Malaney 772-266-4015 ext. 402, [email protected] About General Micro Systems: General Micro Systems (GMS) is the industry expert in highest-density, modular, compute-intensive, and rugged small form-factor embedded computing systems, servers, and switches. These powerful systems are ideal for demanding C4ISR defense, aerospace, medical, industrial, and energy exploration applications. GMS is an IEC (News - Alert), AS9100, and MIL-SPEC supplier with infrastructure and operations for long-life, spec-controlled, and configuration-managed programs. Designed from the ground up to provide the highest performance and functionality in the harshest environments on the planet, the company's highly customizable products include GMS Rugged DNA with patented RuggedCool cooling technology. GMS is also the leader in deployable high-end Intel processors and a proud Intel partner since 1986. For more information, visit www.gms4sbc.com General Micro Systems and the General Micro Systems logo are trademarks of General Micro Systems, Inc. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. 2016 General Micro Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006055/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [February 21, 2017] Siemens Healthineers Establishes Global Digital Ecosystem to Drive Digitalization of Healthcare HIMSS 2017, Orlando, Feb 19 to Feb 23, 2017; Siemens (News - Alert) Healthineers at booth 2323 -- At the 55th Annual Meeting for the Health Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), Siemens Healthineers announces a digital platform for healthcare providers as well as for providers of solutions and services, aimed at covering the entire spectrum of healthcare. The platform is to foster the growth of a digital ecosystem linking healthcare providers and solution providers with one another as well as bringing together their data, applications and services. In the Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem, data from imaging, in-vitro diagnostics and medical documentation is combined and assessed. This data is generated in one of the healthcare industry's largest installed bases, i.e. the Siemens Healthineers customers who have agreed to participate in the ecosystem. Furthermore it will allow its users to exchange data and knowledge with other experts beyond their own institution. With the Digital Ecosystem Siemens Healthineers aims to set new trends in healthcare together with its customers and partners to enable healthcare providers around the world to meet their current challenges and to excel in their respective environments. Digitalization in healthcare is expected to drive the much-needed change towards widespread value-based care and dramatically reduced costs. Deep insights, i.e. into the clinical or operational performance of a healthcare facility, are essential for the digital transformation of healthcare. With its Digital Ecosystem, Siemens Healthineers plans to contribute to value-based healthcare by enabling fast, simple and seamless interaction between providers of data and knowledge. Through the Digital Ecosystem Siemens Healthineers will provide its customers with aggregated data which are usable for different evaluations. For example tools for predictive analysis could enable users to discern new correlations and trends to help improve diagnoses and guide therapy choices. Global knowledge exchange is a very important instrument in medicine to improve patient care. The Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem will allow experts to link and communicate with their peers worldwide, and healthcare providers can benefit from Siemens Healthineers' extensive expertise in nearly all clinical areas, including experience in data security in the healthcare market. Because a digital ecosystem thrives if as many service providers as possible contribute to it, the Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem comes with open API's (Application Programming Interface) to enable application developers and solution providers to efficiently create, market and offer services which are seamlessly integrated into a shared digital healthcare platform. Partner companies will be able to access one of the largest pools of in-vivo and in-vitro data, an share their solutions with healthcare providers in markets all across the world. "We believe that digitalization and the associated networking of healthcare providers is essential for the transformation to value-based healthcare. Big data needs to become smart data. With the Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem, we are providing our customers with much deeper insights than previously possible into the key components that create both clinical and operational value." commented Dr. Arthur Kaindl, Head of Digital Health Services at Siemens Healthineers. "Such a major transformation can only be initiated by working together. Our partners are essential to the success of this platform, and ultimately to the success of transforming healthcare." The Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem is based on the cloud-based network teamplay1, which has been recognized for its handling of data privacy2 and is already in use at hundreds of customer sites. It brings together a number of additional platforms such as LifeNet or the Point of Care (POC) Informatics (News - Alert) solution from Siemens Healthineers. Built on Microsoft Azure cloud platform, it currently contains several million data records, providing, for example, insight into the level of utilization of imaging devices in a clinic or the associated radiation doses. Because data security and privacy are taken very seriously, the cloud-based network offers different privacy levels to support compliance with local regulations2. Opening development of the ecosystem to companies such as application, service and solution providers, device manufacturers, platform developers or data providers, results in a shared digital platform on which Siemens Healthineers and its partners can offer applications and services for healthcare providers to support decision-making and increase productivity. Arterys, Dell (News - Alert) EMC, SecondOpinions.com, Stroll Health, SyntheticMR, 3D Slicer, TMC, USARAD and Viewics already agreed to provide applications and technologies for the Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem, and the platform is open for additional partners. At the conference in Orlando, Siemens Healthineers will present an initial prototype of its digital platform, with single-sign-on access to its partners' applications and services. The platform is planned to be commercially available in the fall of 2017. Information about the solutions from Arterys, Dell EMC, SecondOpinions.com, Stroll Health, SyntheticMR, 3D Slicer, TMC (News - Alert), USARAD and Viewics on the Siemens Healthineers Digital Ecosystem is available at https://usa.healthcare.siemens.com/infrastructure-it/healthineers-digital-ecosystem/digital-ecosystem 1 teamplay is not yet commercially available in some countries. No undertakings can be given as to its future availability due to the special legal provisions pertaining to medical devices. More detailed information can be obtained from the relevant local Siemens organization. 2 teamplay - CORE applications: teamplay Dose, teamplay Usage and teamplay Protocols - has been awarded with the European Privacy Seal and the German "Seal of Privacy for IT products" of the Independent Centre for Privacy Protection in Schleswig-Holstein (ULD). This press release is available at www.siemens.com/press/PR201702180HCEN Siemens Healthineers is the separately managed healthcare business of Siemens AG (News - Alert) enabling healthcare providers worldwide to meet their current challenges and to excel in their respective environments. A leader in medical technology, Siemens Healthineers is constantly innovating its portfolio of products and services in its core areas of diagnostic and therapeutic imaging and in laboratory diagnostics and molecular medicine. Siemens Healthineers is also actively developing its digital health services and enterprise services. To help customers succeed in today's dynamic healthcare marketplace, Siemens Healthineers is championing new business models that maximize opportunity and minimize risk for healthcare providers. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens Healthineers generated revenue of 13.5 billion and profit of over 2.3 billion and has about 46,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available at www.siemens.com/healthineers View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170221006199/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Do you have a tree that needs a little pruning? Pruning young trees help them reach their potential. Pruning decisions involve an evaluation of the trees form while considering when to prune, and what to prune. If you plant a tree this spring or have planted one in the past year or two, the only pruning necessary is the removal of dead branches. Sometimes the young tree may have two central leaders and the removal of one makes sense at planting. Otherwise, wait two or three years after planting for other branch removal as needed. As a young tree grows its branches and leaves provide food for root growth and tree establishment. Therefore, conservative pruning and adequate watering is the rule of thumb for pruning a newly planted tree. So what about established tree pruning? Sometimes, branches grow toward the center of the crown of the tree and cross each other. When this occurs, we can remove one branch to prevent damage from rubbing on the other. At other times, branches may die or become broken, or the form or balance of the tree may need some adjustment through pruning. I often get questions about the best time to prune a tree. My answer frequently begins with it depends. Factors that affect the time of pruning include the kind of tree. For example, prune oaks while the tree is dormant to reduce the risk of disease transfer by insects from a sick tree to your healthy tree as they feed on the sap flow caused by the pruning wound. What type of pruning tools should I use? Where do I cut the branch off? Can I remove too many branches? Can I safely prune my tree with the equipment I own? These are a few of the questions and considerations when deciding how and when to prune your tree. If you would like to learn about tree pruning, a workshop titled, Tree Pruning 101 may be of interest. The University of Illinois Extension is presenting a workshop at the 4-H Center on the Coles County Fairgrounds on March 17. The presentation starts at 2 p.m. indoors and will finish outdoors evaluating trees for pruning, followed by some hands on pruning. The workshop will be finished at 4 p.m. This workshop is free to attend. Are you ready to learn more? Then register for the Tree Pruning 101 workshop at the University of Illinois Extension Unit 19 website http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ccdms/. You can also call the U of I Extension office in Arthur to register at 217-543-3755. Preregistration is required, and the deadline for registration is on March 10. For more information on University of Illinois Extension programming in Coles, Cumberland, Douglas, Moultrie and Shelby counties, visit http://web.extension.illinois.edu/ccdms/index.html or call 217-345-7034. EFFINGHAM -- The Effingham Elks 1016 Lodge, in cooperation with the Illinois Elks Childrens Care Corporation, will sponsor a free childrens orthopedic assessment clinic on Thursday. The clinic starts at 8 a.m. and is by appointment only. To make an appointment, call the Illinois Elks Childrens Care office at 1-800-272-0074 between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. There are no charges for any services at this clinic. The Elks will hold the clinic at the Bonutti Orthopedic Clinic, 1303 West Evergreen Ave. Dr. Timothy Gray will be the clinician in charge. No medical referral is necessary for the clinic but physicians are welcome to refer patients to the clinic for a specific reason or second opinion. School nurses are welcome to refer children and families to the clinic. The Elks Organization has been working with physically challenged children since 1928 and this is one of the 17 clinic locations throughout Illinois. The clinic is an ideal time to have a child reviewed for bone and joint development. If your child has feet pointing out or in, who complains of back, knee, leg, ankle pain or has a back curvature, he or she can be seen at this clinic. There is no charge for any diagnostic services at this clinic. The Elks will provide financial assistance to the best of their ability for children needing further treatment or specialty equipment when the family lacks sufficient resources to do so. In the past, the Elks have purchased therapy services, corrective shoes, braces, wheelchairs and augmentative communication devices to help children overcome a variety of physical challenges. With all the colds and crud that have been going around, I wanted to share an article written by Extension colleague Susan Sloop regarding guidelines for keeping children home from child care and school. Deciding whether a mildly ill child can go to child care or school is difficult. What may have been just a tummy ache in the morning could lead to vomiting and diarrhea later in the day. Parents usually make good decisions. However, work obligations sometimes do get in the way, making it hard for the parent to keep the child home. It can sometimes be a complicated decision. However, child care and school personnel also have the final say on whether the child is too sick to attend child care or school. Here are some things to keep in mind. Colds: On average, a child catches 6-8 colds per year. If he is over 4 months, old, there is no need to keep him home with sniffles or congestion as long as his temperature is lower than 100 degrees and he has no other signs of illness. Vomiting or diarrhea: Keep your child home. Call the doctor if these problems persist or your child seems dehydrated. She can go back to child care when she can drink liquids without problemsat least 24 hours after the last time she vomits, and at least 12 hours after the last time she has diarrhea. Stomachache, headache, earache, toothache: Observe your child. If he is in severe pain, call his doctor immediately. If he doesn't look or act sick, try gentle encouragement (like reminding him of something fun he will be doing that day). Call his doctor if he complains of pain frequently, his pain persists, or you're unsure he is ill. Conjunctivitis ("pinkeye") or strep throat: Your child should stay home until she has been on an antibiotic for 24 hours and has no fever. Red "bloodshot" eyes and yellow or greenish discharge from the eyes are signs that she should see a doctor. If she has a bad sore throat or a sore throat and a fever, she should be tested for strep at the doctor's office. Rash: You don't need to keep your child home for a minor diaper or heat rash. If he has an unusual rash with fever or acts unwell, see a doctor before sending him to child care or school. A child with impetigo (a skin infection characterized by blisters that itch) should stay home for 24 hours after starting to take antibiotics. Cover any remaining blisters or scaling with a bandage or dressing when he returns to child care. Ask about your caregiver's or program's policies on sick children before enrolling your child. By law, Illinois child care providers must screen children for obvious signs of illness each day. State guidelines help these providers determine whether a child should be sent home. Plan ahead. You may need to stay home or find a relative or trusted friend who will stay with the child on short notice. In general, keep your child home if he is not well enough to take part in the usual class activities or might infect others. Nothing in the article should be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your health care provider if you are unsure. MATTOON -- An official who manages the school bus system in Mattoon sees state pushes in support of requiring three-point seat belts on school buses as unnecessary at this point. Soon after the Teutopolis school bus accident south of Sullivan injured several students on board, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White showed support for the idea via a press release, but Mark Nelson, Mattoon school district transportation director, sees this potential measure as premature. Nelson said he does not see the value in adding seat belts to school buses right now because of the lack of evidence he has seen to support that requiring these seat belts would ensure a students safety. He does not see a problem with the measures already in place on a school bus that are designed to keep students safe. He said school buses are essentially built like tanks. Buses are designed to not only avoid accidents with the bright yellow paint and flashing lights, but are also designed to remain intact should a collision occur, with the thick steel used to protect occupants in the bus. Nelson said they are made so that the cabin does not collapse and that, in most cases, it does not roll over. These buses also feature a lot of intentional padding in the cabin to prevent injury should severe collisions happen. Nelson said the padding is designed so that someone can be jostled around in the cabin and will likely be fine. You have a better chance of being hit by lightning than being injured on a school bus, Nelson said. It is so rare. According to a press release, six states California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Louisiana and Texas have passed laws requiring seat belts in school buses and some state lawmakers are pushing for Illinois to be among them. State Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, as well as transportation committee chairman state Sen. Martin Sandoval, D-Cicero, with the support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have been pushing for legislation requiring these seat belts. While school buses are a safe form of transportation, there is no amount of safety which could ever be enough to protect our children, Lang said in a release. It is time to provide that safety by making sure that kids have seat belts on their way to and from school just as if a parent was driving them. Charleston school district Superintendent Jim Littleford said the NHTSA "must have some reason" for now recommending school buses have three-point seat belts. The NHTSA was once neutral on school buses having seat belts but changed its stance in 2015. The most recent accident involving a school bus transporting Charleston district students was in September. One student was slightly injured by broken glass, according to reports on the accident. In that instance, having a seat belt would "probably be irrelevant" to avoiding injuries, Littleford said. Nelson said looking at many of the school bus accidents that involve injuries nationwide, he is not sure how many if any would have gone injury-free with the implementation of three-point seat belts. If we could nail it down and say, Oh gosh if we put a three-point harness on our school buses, our safety would just skyrocket, then I would say OK. Lets do it, Nelson said. But the statistics are not out there. In some scenarios, Nelson said a seat belt might exacerbate the problem such as if a student needs to exit the vehicle quickly in an accident and is unable to unlatch the seat belt. The implementation might prove challenging when it comes to enforcement, Nelson said. How do we know that the kid sitting on the third seat from the back on the right side has his seat belt on? Nelson said. Logistically, he does not see it working out the way some envision it. Currently, Mattoon already has some lap belts in buses, however, because students have just not used them, they have laid either on the seat or on the floor. Littleford said the district would work with First Student Transportation, the bus company the district uses, to ensure compliance with a seat belts requirement if one is put in place. But he also said he wonders about covering the cost, as the state is already behind in reimbursing school districts for transportation expenses. Nelson said it is less about the money to implement the seat belts and more about the necessity of them at all. There is just not a lot of evidence that he has seen providing the purpose for the seat belts. I don't see nationwide where there is a problem, Nelson said. 100 years ago, Feb. 21, 1917 MATTOON -- The Mattoon City Council last night voted to close South 19th Street from Charleston Avenue to Lafayette Avenue and to open a new South 19th Street, 50 feet wide, over what is now the George W. Donnelly property, 1901 Charleston Ave.; the S.G. Auer property, 1900 Wabash; the Johanna Cahill property; 1901 Wabash; and the Illinois Central property, 1900 Lafayette Ave. The new South 19th Street will be paved a width of 40 feet, the width of the current 19th Street being 30 feet. Hulman & Company and the Illinois central Railroad will pay for the paving of the new 19th Street. Hulman & Company sought the change in order to expand its large warehouse... MATTOON -- The Mattoon Board of Local Improvements adopted yesterday a resolution calling for pavement of DeWitt Avenue from 21st Street to 33rd Street. The first hearing probably will be on March 1. The board proposes to build a brick pavement 28 feet wide. By paving DeWitt, adequate fire protection will be given the entire northwest section of Mattoon. Prairie Avenue is the farthest north paved street at present... SPRINGFIELD -- A bill was introduced in the Illinois House today, asking an appropriation of $350,000 for a new gymnasium at the Eastern Illinois State Normal School at Charleston. The bill was offered by Rep. Robert Howard of Mattoon. 50 years ago, 1967 SPRINGFIELD -- A bill to convey ownership of the fish hatchery site at Lake Paradise to the City of Mattoon was introduced in the Illinois House today. The bill is sponsored by Rep. William Cox, R-Charleston. The bill asks that the Illinois Department of Conservation give the site containing approximately 28 acres to the city at no cost to the city. The site was given by the city to the state in 1928 to establish a fish hatchery. It operated as a fish hatchery until a few years ago when it was closed by the state... CHARLESTON -- Vern Richey, former Charleston resident and editorial writer for Lindsay-Schaub Newspapers in Decatur, plans a six- to 10-month car trip through Central and South America at the end of the month. Richey, 29, served in the Peace Corps in Tanzania from 1963 to 1965. He and Dave Mangurian, a friend from Washington, D.C., will travel by car and visit villages and cities at random. They plan to do some free-lance writing about the trip. Richey attended Eastern Illinois University, receiving a bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois and a master's from Columbia University in New York... SHELBYVILLE -- The Shelby County Board of Supervisors has refused to pay the salary of one of Sheriff Glenn (Bill) Wade's three deputies. According to the board, Wade attempted to have his wife paid for three jobs, including deputy. Committee Chairman Marvin Jordan of Moweaqua said Wade's wife Nora was paid $450 a month as deputy during December and January, in addition to $100 each month as county jail cook. Mrs. Wade also claimed $250 as radio operator for December, which was not approved, according to Jordan. Consequently, Wade has had his staff reduced to two. Wade, who called the action "a smear campaign," said he will present his side at the March 8 meeting. 25 years ago, 1992 CHARLESTON -- A 19-year-old Eastern Illinois University student died Thursday morning of a meningitis infection. Sophomore Peter G. Giese of Batavia was found by his roommate about 10 a.m. in Thomas Hall on Seventh Street. Lou Hencken, EIU associate vice president for student affairs, and Dr. Richard Larson, health services director, advised all 60 third-floor Thomas Hall residents to receive medication because of the close contacts they may have had with Giese CHARLESTON -- A group of volunteers is willing to move the World War I veterans memorial from its present location near the Charleston post office. They just dont know where to take it yet. Frank Smith, an organizer of the effort to relocate the statue that bears the names of 21 men who died in The Great War, said the group doesnt want to see the monument torn down. Some have suggested it be moved to Morton Park while others believe the Coles County Courthouse lawn is a fitting spot. County Board members want to study the matter. A decision is expected at the March board meeting MATTOON -- Mattoon school officials hope the school district will come off the state financial watch list at this time next year. Mattoon was one of 155 Illinois school districts listed as financially troubled in December 1988 and one of the first eight districts listed as in financial difficulty. That designation requires a district to submit to the state a three-year financial plan with balanced budgets. Mattoon was one of three area districts on the latest watch list released yesterday. The other two are Cumberland and Findlay. 100 years ago, Feb. 22, 1917 MATTOON -- Robert Howard, Coles County's representative in the Illinois House of Representatives and a former member of the Mattoon City Council, is a candidate for the Democratic nomination for mayor of Mattoon. A petition bearing the name of Mr. Howard was filed this afternoon by George Kizer. Dr. E.E. Richardson, a well-known physician, also desires the Democratic nomination for mayor. He is circulating a petition... MATTOON -- Two young women have decided to run for Mattoon city collector. The names of Miss Ruth Sparks, a stenographer employed in the Sparks furniture store, and Miss Mary Rowe, a bookkeeper employed at the Commercial-Star newspaper, will be printed upon the ballots to be presented to voters at the primary election on March 13... MATTOON -- Owing to the high price of living, certain barbers of Mattoon are prepared to introduce at the next meeting of their union local, a resolution with a view of increasing the price of a haircut from 25 cents to 35 cents. A two-thirds vote is required... MATTOON -- C.A. Parquette, chief electrician for the Big Four Railroad, headquarters at Cincinnati, transacted company business in Mattoon yesterday. His private car was attached to train No. 16 on its departure. A trainload of soldiers passed through Mattoon late Tuesday afternoon, the change of engines and crews made in the Big Four yards. The soldiers were Ohio militiamen enroute home from the Mexico border. 50 years ago, 1967 MATTOON -- One person submitted his resignation yesterday from the Mattoon Memorial Hospital District Board and two other board members announced they will not seek reappointment when their current terms expire March 1. Resigning is O.M. Westrup, who is completing the first year of his second three-year term. Martin T. Garbe and L.L. Cowger, who have served on the board since it was formed in 1950, announced they will not seek reappointment. Recommended to fill the vacancies are William B. Hamel Jr., Donald G. Raymer and Arthur Willaredt Sr. Westrup is an official with Illinois Consolidated Telephone Co. who said business obligations would prevent him from serving... MATTOON -- An annual salary of $20,000 has been established for the president of Lake Land College by the junior college's board of directors. Virgil H. Judge, superintendent of Mattoon schools, will assume his post as president of the college on March 1. Robert Webb of Shelbyville, administrative assistant, will receive $15,000 per year, and Dale Roberts, dean of vocational-technical education, will receive $14,000 a year. 25 years ago, 1992 CHARLESTON -- About 2,000 Eastern Illinois University students sought medicine as of Friday afternoon following the death of a 19-year-old student from a meningitis infection. The university received a shipment of 50,000 capsules of the medicine Rifampin from the Dow Corning Corp. Friday afternoon, according to Richard Larson, EIU health services director. A University of Illinois police officer delivered 1,000 doses to the health center Thursday when EIU ran out of its 1,000-capsule supply EFFINGHAM -- Three area extension educators have joined a team of experts at the new Cooperative Extension Office in Effingham that will serve 11 counties. Tom Stoutenborough of Coles County, Ed Ballard of Shelby County and Beverly Combs of Clark County, plus eight other specialists, will work with local offices to develop programs to meet the needs of the 11 counties. Those counties are Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Clay, Crawford, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland and Shelby. Its a TERRORIST Ban. It is not a Muslim ban, it is not a travel ban it is a TERRORIST ban. We do not care if a person is a Muslim a Christian, Jew for Hindu. We do not care if they are black, white or purple. We do not care if they are male or female. We do not care if they are married or single. We do not care if they are gay or straight. We do not care if they are a doctor, farmer or homeless. What we care about is, ARE THEY A TERRORIST. The congress is yapping that Trump didnt tell us before he put the TERRORIST ban in effect. If he had, the Democrats would have told the first news reporter they ran into, ten feet out the door. Trump consulted with his security advisors and they all said go for it. If he had told congress and the Democrats screamed no no, dont do that, do you think President Trump would have changed his mind. So a few people get inconvenienced. A small price to pay to prevent a few or many people from being killed. It is hard to believe that any American would not want a ban on TERRORISTS. However, by the protests, the riot at Berkley, the left wing new media, many Democrats and left wing judges, we see that there many people who would rather let terrorists in our county than protect themselves, their families or their neighbors. I commend President Trump for the ban on terrorists. Don Searles, Mattoon MATTOON -- Disabled Illinoisans and their families have a relatively new option to save for the future that state Treasurer Michael Frerichs is promoting as he tours the state this week. "We're excited and shouting it from the rooftops," Frerichs said Tuesday morning in an interview with the JG-TC. ABLE, or Achieving a Better Life Experience, is an investment program with tax advantages that allows people with disabilities the option of saving for expenses related to their disability while safeguarding their federal benefits. "We identified a problem," Frerichs said, namely that many disabled people and their families could not earn or save much money without risking their benefits. Many people who are disabled still can work, and many families want to help their disabled loved ones with monetary gifts. Before ABLE, a disabled person receiving government benefits could not have more than $2,000 total in assets, Frerichs said. Now, through the program, they can save up to $100,000 for disability related expenses. While the state didn't have the resources for its own standalone program of this kind, Frerichs said officials reached out to leaders in other states and now Illinois ABLE is part of the National ABLE Alliance, which includes 14 states. According to information on Frerichs' official treasurer's website, the goal of the alliance is to offer the best possible ABLE services at the lowest cost to account owners. The program is similar to college savings efforts run by the state, letting families set aside money for future qualified expenses, invest these funds in professionally designed savings accounts, and avoid some tax penalties on the fund, according to information on the treasurer's site. Those eligible can sign up for ABLE at www.illinoisable.com. Investment growth is tax-free at the federal level and the money can be used for a variety of qualified expenses. It doesn't require a lawyer and the fee is, on average, about 34 cents per $100 invested. Frerichs said he has heard many heart-wrenching stories of people struggling with how to care for a disabled child, for example, before ABLE was available. One mother worried about her son outliving her, knowing that no one else could care for her autistic child and she could not leave him funds for his care without forcing the loss of his disability benefits, Frerichs said. One man with cerebral palsy told the treasurer that he is able to work despite his disability, which in his case primarily affects his lower body. Yet he previously could not earn much money or risk losing his disability benefits. "For a lot of families, this is going to encourage work," Frerichs said. "A lot of people with disabilities can still work." The treasurer believes the program helps people with disabilities not only financially but emotionally, helping boost their sense of self-worth. "We help people invest in themselves," he said. Yes, Simon's Cat is between the covers again The new book is called Simon's Cat vs the World and you can win your own copy, acco... Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Modest Budget Bill Still Provokes Controversy In Divided Santa Fe, Plus: A Bad Idea For Our Small State And NM Oil Jobs May Be Past Peak The proposed budget for the year that starts July 1 and that came out of the Dem controlled House Appropriations Committee led by Lundstrom is flat as a pancake--fixing the budget at about $6.1 billion, about the same as the past year. The The $6.1 billion spending bill would maintain current overall funding levels for public schools, boost resources for the judiciary and restore money for business incentives linked to expansions and job training. That plan hinges on companion legislation that would raise $218 million in new revenues from a long list of taxes and fees. New revenues would come in large part from a tax-deduction overhaul for the health sector designed to raise more than $100 million and steeper charges for cross-state trucking permits. Smaller provisions include taxing online sales by out-of-state retailers and no longer exempting nonprofit groups from taxes on sales. We'll have to peel the onion more,but on first glance--dare we say--this looks like one of the most eminently reasonable budget plans we have seen since the state was plunged into its ongoing budget crisis. What does that mean? It means the Governor will loathe the plan and pick a huge fight over this table scraps budget. So watch your behinds--err--we mean your backs, Reps. Lundstrom and Trujillo. DID YOU KNOW The $6.1 billion BAD IDEA Talk about The Senate has approved legislation adding New Mexico to an interstate compact aimed at guaranteeing the president in future elections would be elected by national popular vote. The measure, Senate Bill 42, passed the chamber on a party-line 26-16 vote, with Democrats in favor and Republicans opposed. It's true that we no longer get the gobs of presidential campaign attention we did since we went deep blue and lost our swing state status. But Trump made two visits here last year and the Dems sent in high-powered surrogates, They did it because our five electoral votes are still significant to the national presidential puzzle. The attention helps in DC. Take it away and you get even less federal power. Not quite what you want to see in a state whose economy is so dependent on federal funding THE PEAK IS PAST People have left the industry, and they are not coming back, said Michael Dynan, vice president at Schramm, a Pennsylvania manufacturer of drilling rigs. If its a repetitive task, it can be automated, and I dont need someone to do that. I can get a computer to do that. Indeed, computers now direct drill bits that were once directed manually. The wireless technology taking hold across the oil patch allows a handful of geoscientists and engineers to monitor the drilling and completion of multiple wells at a time onshore or miles out to sea and supervise immediate fixes when something goes wrong, all without leaving their desks. That means the days of $300 hotel rooms in Lea County during an oil boom are over and the population there will continue to retreat or stagnate. DOWNSIZING NM Former UNM professor Connie Thorson writes of the talk of downsizing the state higher education system: When I was active in university politics at UNM--over 25 years ago--a group of faculty met with legislative aides to discuss the continued expansion of higher education in NM. We all agreed that no more campuses should be developed or funded. Of course, our advice was ignored. And so the pieces of the higher ed pie got smaller and smaller. We saw part of the problem as the politicians or regents who wanted memorials to themselves. For example, how reasonable is the west side campus of UNM? My point is that down-sizing is not a concept readily embraced in NM by the administrators of the universities. Anyway, I cannot imagine the UNM administration giving up one single vice president, associate or assistant vice president or dean or department head, not to mention office managers, secretaries, or student assistants. The possibility of any of the VP's or deans taking a salary cut is minuscule, in my opinion. The proposed budget hearing toward the House floor calls for a 1 percent cut to the higher ed budget. That's on top of previous cuts approved by the Legislature. A GHOST STATION? This is the home of New Mexico politics. Interested in reaching New Mexico's most informed audience? Advertise here. ( c)NM POLITICS WITH JOE MONAHAN 2017 It appears House Committee chairs Patrica Lundstrom and Carl Trujillo have bent over backwards to get a budget deal with the Republican Governor, but without getting obscene, we all know what happens when you bend over in front of this Governor.The proposed budget for the year that starts July 1 and that came out of the Dem controlled House Appropriations Committee led by Lundstrom is flat as a pancake--fixing the budget at about $6.1 billion, about the same as the past year. The critical news is that the budget holds funding steady for the already hard hit public schools:We'll have to peel the onion more,but on first glance--dare we say--this looks like one of the most eminently reasonable budget plans we have seen since the state was plunged into its ongoing budget crisis. What does that mean? It means the Governor will loathe the plan and pick a huge fight over this table scraps budget. So watch your behinds--err--we mean your backs, Reps. Lundstrom and Trujillo.The $6.1 billion budget headed toward the House floor is the same amount as it was nearly ten years ago . The budget is as flatlined as this state's economy and its population growth.Talk about a bad idea for a small state like ours:It's true that we no longer get the gobs of presidential campaign attention we did since we went deep blue and lost our swing state status. But Trump made two visits here last year and the Dems sent in high-powered surrogates, They did it because our five electoral votes are still significant to the national presidential puzzle. The attention helps in DC. Take it away and you get even less federal power. Not quite what you want to see in a state whose economy is so dependent on federal funding We appear to have seen the historic peak in employment in the New Mexico oilfields, no matter how much prices may rebound in the future:That means the days of $300 hotel rooms in Lea County during an oil boom are over and the population there will continue to retreat or stagnate.Former UNM professor Connie Thorson writes of the talk of downsizing the state higher education system:The proposed budget hearing toward the House floor calls for a 1 percent cut to the higher ed budget. That's on top of previous cuts approved by the Legislature. So the city is going to put a new police substation at Kathryn and San Mateo in the crime infested SE Heights. Okay, so who is going to staff it when you are short over 200 officers? It's the cart before the horse problem. ABQ has plenty of police substations but if they stand as empty shells most of the time--as many do--it's like building a bridge to nowhere.This is the home of New Mexico politics. E-mail your news and comments. (jmonahan@ix.netcom.com) Agriculture and education groups joined in line formation Tuesday to urge Nebraska's elected officials to make property tax reform and school funding their top priority this year. Without mentioning them by name, the groups took direct aim at proposed income tax cuts by Gov. Pete Ricketts and state Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion, chairman of the Legislature's Revenue Committee. Lagging income and sales tax receipts have already positioned the state to fall $900 million short on its obligations over the next two years, said John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union. "It's fairly obvious that you can't continue to meet those obligations adequately, much less deal with the inequities in how we fund education, by pursuing an income tax cut," Hansen told reporters in the Capitol Rotunda, flanked by about 50 representatives from 16 groups. "That goes, in our view, clearly in the wrong direction." The coalition calls itself Nebraskans United for Property Tax Reform and Education and brings together such disparate groups as the Nebraska State Education Association and the Nebraska Farm Bureau. They represent 98 percent of the state's schools and a significant share of its farmers and ranchers. Nebraska schools are funded through a combination of local property tax revenue and assistance from state and federal governments. But a vast majority of districts receive very little state aid, leaving property taxpayers to foot much of the bill. Farmers and ranchers provide the most extreme example. They make up about 3 percent of the state population but pay nearly one-third of its property taxes, said Doug Nienhauser, a York-area farmer and leader of the group Nebraska Fair. Ricketts' income tax cut proposal (LB337) is backed by business groups including the Nebraska, Omaha and Lincoln chambers of commerce and the Lincoln Independent Business Association. A spokesman said the governor's proposals include property tax reform as well, noting a second measure (LB338) that would tax agricultural land based on its ability to generate income, not on its sales value. "Getting both bills done this year is key to bridging the urban-rural divide and growing Nebraska," said Ricketts spokesman Taylor Gage. Members of the property tax and education coalition said years of legislative studies and recent public opinion polling show substantial property tax reform should be the top focus of state lawmakers. "This should be priority No. 1 throughout the legislative session," said Mike Lucas, superintendent of York Public Schools and president of a lobbying group that includes 15 midsize school districts. The coalition stopped short of endorsing any specific proposals to fund property tax reform, such as raising sales or income tax rates, or eliminating certain sales tax exemptions. Hansen called those "minor differences" in comparison with their overall goal. On that, he said, "We are joined at the hip." The newest member of the Lincoln Airport Authority might be the most-qualified member in the board's history. Bob Selig, who was approved last month by the Lincoln City Council to fill the term of newly elected state Sen. Anna Wishart, attended his first meeting Tuesday. Selig, who grew up in southeast Nebraska, moved to Lincoln last year with his wife after retiring as president and CEO of the Capital Region Airport in Lansing, Michigan. Prior to that job, he led five different airports in the Midwest, including the Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island in the late 1990s. Selig, an Air Force veteran, applied last October for the seat vacated by Wishart and was appointed by Mayor Chris Beutler. He won't get much time to get his feet wet, as he faces re-election for the seat in this spring's city election. Airport Authority members serve six-year unpaid terms. A public hearing is set for March 21 to consider applicants for a county court judgeship for Lancaster County, left vacant when Thomas Fox declined to seek retention at the end of the year. Fox's resignation was effective Jan. 5. The 3rd Judicial District's Judicial Nominating Commission for County Judge will meet in the Supreme Court Courtroom at the Capitol at 9:30 a.m. March 21 to receive information on the qualifications of candidates to fill the vacancy. The public is welcome to attend and present information on the candidates. People interested in applying can get a judicial vacancy application package on the Nebraska Judicial Branch's website at supremecourt.nebraska.gov. The application deadline is 4 p.m. Feb. 28. Nominating commissions also will meet March 23 at the Sarpy County Courthouse and April 4 at the Gage County Courthouse to consider open district court judgeships there. The vacancy in the 2nd Judicial District, which includes Cass, Otoe and Sarpy counties, is due to Judge David K. Arterburn's appointment to the Nebraska Court of Appeals. The vacancy in the 1st Judicial District, which includes Clay, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Pawnee, Richardson, Saline and Thayer counties, is due to the retirement of Judge Daniel E. Bryan Jr. Two hundred people are sold for sex every month in Lincoln and another 700 are sold in other parts of the state, according to a new report from Creighton University. Lincoln Police Sgt. Ben Miller said researchers spent several years analyzing the website Backpage.com, where ads for escorts often led police nationwide to sex trafficking victims. The researchers, Crysta Price and Terry Clark, cross-referenced the ads to make sure they werent counting one potential victim multiple times, he said. Miller said there are a number of ways to determine if an ad was made by a trafficker or by someone selling him or herself -- including if the picture was taken by someone else, the verbiage used in the post and if the pictures were taken in a hotel room. The report, "Nebraskas Commercial Sex Market," is the first look at empirical data of what the commercial sex trade looks like in Nebraska, said Meghan Malik, trafficking project manager at the Womens Fund of Omaha. "It clearly illustrates that this is in all of our backyards," she said. "No ZIP code or neighborhood is immune -- sex trafficking is happening in our communities. Twenty-five to 30 percent of the ads researchers studied were posted by adults working independently and not being trafficked. About 70 percent showed some sign of advertised individuals being underage or controlled by a third party, the report says. Prostitution is defined as a person willingly exchanging sex for money. Sex trafficking happens when a commercial sex act takes place through force, fraud or coercion by a trafficker. Backpage.com shut down its escort section in January, but until then, it accounted for 80 percent of online commercial sex advertising. This shutdown will not affect either the supply or demand for individuals sold for sex," Malik said. "Its not about how the market size will change, but rather where these individuals will be sold next and what online hub will be used. In fact, the shutdown of Backpage increases the vulnerability of those sold for sex making an already tough situation even worse. The report also found that people from 27 states were sold for sex throughout Nebraska and 24 percent of the victims came from out of state to be sold. The report made these recommendations. * Create meaningful alternatives to employment opportunities that provide the most viable path out of the commercial sex industry. * Public and private agencies should collaborate and share information with other states and across jurisdictions. * Increase penalties for buyers of sex. A woman who said she was being held hostage and trying to get to the West Coast to help others was arrested Saturday after a pursuit that began in Iowa ended in Waverly, according to court documents. The Nebraska State Patrol had been told that Council Bluffs police were chasing a shuttle van stolen from the Renaissance Marriott Hotel in Elizabeth, New Jersey. They stopped their chase on Interstate 80 about 2:30 Saturday afternoon, and the patrol, along with Omaha police, picked it up near Gretna, according to a court document. The driver, later identified as Heidi Rene Ford, had earphones in and appeared to be singing along to music, the document said. She failed to stop, and a trooper pulled up next to her to make sure she knew he was trying to stop her, but she wouldn't look at him, the document says. Meanwhile, an Omaha police dog unit and the patrol's airplane were heading toward the scene to help, the document says. After the Greenwood interchange, the patrol set up road spikes but Ford managed to avoid them. They set them up again a few miles to the west, and one of her tires was punctured. Ford, 40, pulled off at the Waverly exit and parked at a McDonald's, the document says. She told authorities she had been held hostage and was running away from people who were after her. She said she had to get to the West Coast to help other people, according to a probable cause affidavit for her arrest. She is in jail in Lincoln on suspicion of a possessing a stolen vehicle and felony flight to avoid arrest. Cindy Lange-Kubick Columnist Cindy Lange-Kubick has loved writing columns about life in her hometown since 1994. She had hoped to become a people person by now, nonetheless she would love to hear your tales of fascinating neighbors and interesting places. Follow Cindy Lange-Kubick Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today I wrote some fake news last week. It ran on Sunday -- the story of a high school student intrigued by all things presidential for most of his 17 years. That part was true. The fake part came toward the end of the column, when I wrote that Zach Hoke would be in class at Northeast High on Feb. 20 BECAUSE HE DIDNT HAVE PRESIDENTS DAY OFF. Which seemed SAD to me at the time, and was also entirely untrue. I discovered this when an email from a teacher greeted me Monday morning: Presidents Day is Monday. Zach will not be in school finishing things up; there is no school ... in honor of Presidents Day. And I felt like an idiot, which is how a journalist should feel when she doesnt double-check each and every fact in her story. Theres been a lot of talk of fake news lately, and of the untrustworthy and failing journalists who inhabit Americas newsrooms -- particularly those at the New York Times, The Washington Post and CNN, at least according to our commander in chief, who recently tweeted that the fake news media was the enemy of the American people. If I can presume to speak for the president here -- and Im no Kellyanne Conway -- I hope hes talking about unflattering news, news from unnamed sources in the White House that makes him look less than presidential. Or news that he sees as politically biased or politically motivated. Because that feeling seems reasonable, but calling the press the enemy of the people sounds like Intro to Russian Propaganda. Throughout our history, presidents have found themselves less than happy with leaks that call into question their policy decisions or the inner workings of their administrations. That doesnt make the leaks fake news. President John F. Kennedy spoke of the importance of an abrasive press; Barack Obama worked hard to limit its access. We would be fools to believe every piece of information we come across is the George Washington Cherry Tree-Chopping Gospel Truth. Birthers and 9/11 Truthers and Sandy Hook Deniers can have their space; the internet is open to all. Point of view is what the editorial page and talk radio are all about. Its the calling card of cable pundits whose political stripes range from the bow-tied condescension of Tucker Carlson to the liberal outrage of Keith Olbermann. And there is bias in straight news. From the wording of a headline to word count in a story to placement on a page (or a website). But it doesnt make that news fake, it doesnt make a fact a lie. Indeed, bias is often in the eye of the beholder. Case in point, this newspaper is alternately maligned for being a liberal rag and then taken to task for printing conservative claptrap. The media should report context. Piling on for the sake of piling on is a cheap shot, an epidemic in the age of Twitter. When President Trump spoke at the Black History Month breakfast, much was made of his bungled attempt to praise Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist and renowned scholar, long dead. What didnt get much ink was the context, at least according to one attendee, who said Trump was referring to the bust of Douglass at the newly opened Museum of African American History on the National Mall. We dont believe everything we read. But there is such a thing as objective truth. And verifiable facts. The sun does not revolve around the Earth. And a terrorist attack did not take place in Sweden on Friday. The media make mistakes. We are guilty of gaffes. (Like our 45th president, who declared something unpresidented instead of unprecedented, or this columnist mistaking annunciation for enunciation in a story about a waiter who spoke very clearly.) Almost as long as Ive been in this business, my profession has ranked right down there with dog catcher in the eyes of the public, who seem to view the mainstream media with suspicion and scorn in equal measure. But heres the deal: We endeavor to tell the truth. We are not dishonest. We are not the enemy. We are not in the business of reporting fake news. We own up when we get it wrong. So youll see a correction on Page A2 of the paper today, along with this confessional in column form. Perhaps, one day there will be an admission of the same from our president, who made a number of questionable claims in the past week ranging from a historic Electoral College victory to the vetting process for refugees to Hillary Clinton selling uranium to the Russians. These claims were fact-checked by any number of credible news sources and found to be false -- or mostly false. Believe it or not. The meeting last week was about more than standing on O Street with candles and signs in support of Lincolns refugee community, though that was part of it. Sara Gilliam knew people wanted to help -- because she'd spent time in Greece helping Syrian refugees and so people had been calling her, wondering what they could do following the presidents executive order that temporarily banned travel to the U.S. for citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries and indefinitely for those from Syria. Because despite a court stay, there is still lots of uncertainty. That's why Lutheran Family Services helped promote Monday's Light the Way for Refugees candlelight event to show Lincoln's refugee families they're welcome. It's why Cecilia Rossiter made a sign that said "Immigrants for Strength" and joined hundreds that stretched along three blocks of O Street Monday night waving at motorists honking in support. "Half of my loved ones are currently immigrants, and technically we're all immigrants," she said. "This is actually what enhances our society, our country -- the energy and contributions of immigrants." It's why Gilliam posted a Facebook invitation for a meeting -- thinking it would be a few friends who could gather in a living room and make plans. Before long, it was clear the number planning to attend would not fit in a living room. I realized it was a good problem to have, she said. Last week more than 80 people met at First Lutheran Church instead to get an overview of policy issues and resettlement challenges facing immigrants and refugees -- and advice about what they could do. They learned about the candlelight vigil and representatives of several agencies talked about the challenges they face. Lacey Studnicka, program development officer for Lutheran Family Services, told attendees shed never seen such chaos within the resettlement community -- not even after the World Trade Center attacks in 2001. This has been a really hard time for our agency; this has been a really hard time for our refugees, she said. As the states largest resettlement agency, Lutheran Family Services had to lay off 15 people from its resettlement division, including six in Lincoln, because the presidents executive order reduced by more than half the number of refugees allowed in the country during the current fiscal year. Some of those employees were reassigned to other areas of the organization. Its a big deal. How we prioritize refugee resettlement in the U.S. is based on family reunification, Studnicka said. That means family members will continue to be separated. Max Graves, with the Center for Legal Immigration Assistance, told attendees his agency has been unable to meet demand for their services for some time -- and it's gotten worse since the election and executive order. His agency helps immigrants and refugees with myriad immigration legal issues -- everything from naturalization processes to green cards to visas. He said he's hoping to hire one additional full-time lawyer and one part-time lawyer to meet the demand, which has grown because of the fear of what might happen, and what Graves worries could happen if more people are detained by immigration officials. One of the agencys big concerns now, Graves said, is making sure if parents are detained they can get get bonded out quickly so their children arent left alone for extended periods. "That's one of my biggest worries," he said. More than 680 immigrants in various cities around the country were arrested in one recent week as part of what immigration officials have called targeted enforcement operations that are no different than actions over the past few years. Critics have characterized the arrests as raids they fear are the first step of the new administrations promise to deport millions. ACLU of Nebraska Executive Director Danielle Conrad also spoke at the meeting last week, asking attendees to support two legislative resolutions opposing federal action to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and to support the states refugees. Its a dark political time we find ourselves in, but optimism is a political act, she said. After decades of political organizing in the trenches Ive never seen crowds like this. Renae Ninneman, who got a grant to begin Girl Scouts troops for refugees, told meeting attendees she needed volunteers -- and she got them. Gilliam asked all those at the meeting to leave with "homework" and since then, plans for action have been posted on the Facebook group Gilliam started called Refugee Support LNK. In addition to volunteering to be Girl Scout leaders, some are organizing fundraisers for Lutheran Family Services. Another promised to recruit work and church groups to furnish apartments for new refugees and another has begun compiling a list of volunteer agencies. Churches have offered to find ways to help find places for children if parents are detained, Graves said. And on Monday, an estimated 600 people lined nearly three blocks along O Street between 24th and 22nd streets, a visual show of support for Lincoln's immigrants and refugees. Heidi Burkland held an American flag and donned a statue of liberty visor. "I just want to come out and show solidarity for refugees and let them know they are very welcome in Lincoln." The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry has been awarded a $4 million, 10-year contract from the Nebraska Oral Health Training and Services fund to address a shortage of dentists in the state. The Dental College will work with existing and new partners to: * Address oral health disparities created by the shortage of dentists in rural areas. * Increase access and dental services to underserved, uninsured and at-risk populations in the state including those on Medicaid or Medicare. * Expand the use of telehealth to deliver dental services. The funding focuses on three key areas: scholarships for rural graduates, an increase in patient services and access and telehealth, said Dr. Janet Guthmiller, dean of the College of Dentistry and principal investigator of the contract. Through the contract, UNMC graduating dentists who commit to practice for at least five years in areas with a shortage of dentists will be eligible for shortage-area scholarships to lower or even eliminate the cost of dental college. The funding also will increase the number of patients treated by the UNMC College of Dentistry with new or expanded services at its clinics in Lincoln, Durham Outpatient Center and Children's Hospital & Medical Center as well as through partnerships with the Charles Drew Health Center (Douglas County), One-World Community Health Center (Douglas, Sarpy and Cass counties), Good Neighbor Community Health Center (Platte County), Peoples Health Center (Lancaster County), Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (Scotts Bluff and Dawes counties), and Omaha Public Schools (Douglas and Sarpy counties). The work will include telehealth training and patient consultation, educational programming and use of new technologies offered at UNMCs Center for Advanced Interprofessional Learning. Yet more bad news for Obamacare last week: Molina Healthcare lost $110 million on the exchanges last year, and the CEO told investors, "There are simply too many unknowns with the marketplace program to commit to our participation beyond 2017." At first glance, it's hard to see why this piece of news is worth worrying about. UnitedHealth recently projected several times those losses, and it's a bigger player on the exchanges. Why spend so much time looking at one modest-size insurer? Because Molina is one of the companies that has been repeatedly pointed to, by virtually every health-care-policy wonk in the business, as one of the "bright spots" on the exchanges. Molina is a company that specializes in covering poor people. Before Obamacare, they were a sizable player in the "Medicaid managed care" model, and it seemed like the expertise they'd thusly acquired was allowing them to design the sort of plans that actually made money on the exchanges. Which is to say bare bones plans, not fancy but adequate. Apparently, that's no longer a money-maker, at least for Molina. This isn't necessarily the pattern we've seen with other insurers. Molina seems to have made money until it was forced to pay into a fund designed to transfer money from insurers that ended up with an unusually healthy patient pool, to those who got stuck with the sicker patients. Those losses were partially offset by lower medical costs than they expected, which is certainly good news. But it's not great news. Lower-than-expected costs can be from the system working well, or they can simply come from the fact that you happened to get a healthier insurance pool. If the government makes you give the latter gains back, and more, then you're still not going to be profitable. And insurers that aren't profitable over the long term aren't going to stick around. Nor can you fix the problem by adjusting the transfer fund. Those losses are occurring somewhere in the market; someone has to pay for the care. If you got rid of Obamacare's risk transfer provisions, those insurers would lose more money, and exit the market, and the patients would end up with some other insurer. Who would then lose a bunch of money on them. Unless the insurance market is profitable in aggregate, the exchanges are not going to stabilize. Molina's losses suggest that instead of stabilizing, the exchanges are getting worse. There is no way to fix Obamacare without fixing the pool so that younger, healthier people buy insurance. Democrats had six years to come up with a way to do that (or perhaps I should say, a way to do that that could actually get through Congress without hordes of angry voters burning their representatives in effigy). They failed. Now Republicans are taking their shot, and so far at least, they don't seem any more on target than Democrats were. The life expectancy of the individual market for health insurance is not looking good. Lancaster County has provided a warm welcome to many refugees and immigrants, but it is not a sanctuary for immigrants who are in the country illegally, regardless of what a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy organization claims. That statement deserves emphasis in the wake of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump intended to shut off federal funding for sanctuary jurisdictions. The federal government has no list of such sanctuary jurisdictions. In the absence of any official designation, some have turned to a list compiled by the Center for Immigration Studies. The organization includes Lancaster, Douglas, Sarpy and Hall counties among 300 communities that it has dubbed sanctuaries. Lancaster County Attorney Joe Kelly, in an interview with Journal Star reporter Nancy Hicks, stressed that officials here cooperate with federal immigration officials in every way except one: Local officials will not keep someone in jail simply on the basis of a detainer request from Immigration and Customs Enforcement. If ICE wants a person held in jail, local officials require a court order or warrant. The issue is no idle matter in Nebraska. Sarpy County officials mistakenly held a U.S. citizen in jail for four days in 2010 when officials confused him with another man with a similar name. Fortunately for taxpayers, a federal judge concluded that "regrettable" mistakes were "rectified at the earliest opportunity" and dismissed a lawsuit filed by ACLU Nebraska. Kelly believes Lancaster County cannot be considered a sanctuary community under the language of Trumps Jan. 25 executive order, titled Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States. Locally, police, sheriff and jail officials are in regular contact with ICE, and regularly give notice when a suspected foreign-born person is placed in custody. They also give notice when those suspects are near to finishing a jail sentence or posting bond. In fact, jail officials have notified federal immigration officials 77 times since Sept. 4, 2015, when someone was about to be released from jail. Confusion persists on how Trumps order can be carried out. When San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman asked Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly for a definition of a sanctuary city earlier this month, John Kelly replied, "I don't have a clue." Nebraskans should ignore the aspersions being cast by a poorly researched list published by an advocacy organization with its own agenda. Its important to remember that protection against unreasonable searches and seizures is a fundamental American right guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Prosecutor Joe Kelly is doing his job responsibly. I recently upgraded to a daily subscription to the Journal Star, and Im glad I did. Im learning a lot about politics, both national and local, that I had neglected to pay attention to before. In a section of Don Waltons Feb. 13 column ("Filibuster lockdown at state Capitol"), I read that Sen. Ben Sasse is expanding his national visibility and reach. Apparently, Sasse is able to climb a taller career ladder since abandoning his seat on the Agriculture Committee where Nebraskans assumed he would represent their interest. Now that he has climbed up to the Armed Services and Judiciary Committees, I wonder whose interest he intends to represent? They say you are known by the company you keep. Last month, Ben Sasse was keeping company with billionaire Charles Koch at a Palm Springs resort, where Koch hosted his largest summit ever, with over 550 donors attending. This was written about in a Washington Post article dated Jan. 28 entitled Koch network to spend $300 million to $400 million on politics, policy in 2018 cycle. It appears that Sasse is being groomed to serve the the billionaire elite so they can pay even fewer taxes, make even more money and further compromise our democracy. After this election, they probably smell blood and Im afraid it's ours. I plan to keep a close eye on Sasses activities and hold him accountable to Nebraskans. Doris Pleskac, Lincoln Michael McHale of the Nebraska Catholic Conference states ("Vouchers hearing draws a crowd," Feb. 14) vouchers will put parents in charge of their students education. My parents were always in charge of my education and that of my two brothers. My parents sent us to Catholic elementary and high schools. It was very important to my parents for us to have a Catholic education. They could have sent us to Denver Public Schools but they valued the instruction in Catholic beliefs and values we would receive in parochial schools. It was a choice they were in charge of. They realized it was their choice and they never expected the taxpayers of Colorado to pay for their choice. They told us we had to make sacrifices -- fewer vacations and smaller birthday presents -- to accommodate their choice. My parents were in charge of our education and accepted the cost of their decision. Skip forward a number of years. I began a career as an educator in public schools that lasted 41 years. Many aspects of public schools were very important to me. The most important was the fact that we accepted any child who showed up at the door and did the best job we could to educate them. I doubt the private schools receiving money from vouchers will do the same. I encourage the Legislature to reject LB608. Paul Canny, Lincoln The Journal Star story on Feb. 10 ("Consumers stay with Obamacare") notes that, More than 12.2 million people have signed up for coverage nationwide this year under the Obama-era health care law even with the uncertainty created by President Donald Trumps vow to repeal and replace it. This shows strong support for the Affordable Care Act despite its imperfections. My understanding is that suggestions for replacement thus far include health savings accounts and high risk pools, among others, and these will not meet the health care needs of middle- and lower-income people. Our nationwide uninsured rate has fallen to 9 percent under the Affordable Care Act, which is literally a lifeline for millions. Any replacement of the ACA needs to address those needs fully. I ask Sens. Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse and Rep. Jeff Fortenberry to be responsive to the needs of their constituents, the ordinary people of Nebraska, and not give in to the pressures of the various components of the medical industry. Any changes to the ACA need to address good medical care of the people of Nebraska rather than increase the tax savings of the wealthy. Medicare for all would be great. Every one of us counts! Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside the Grand Manse in downtown Lincoln Tuesday to protest Sen. Deb Fischer's decision not to hold town hall meetings during the current congressional recess. Meanwhile, inside the building, the news media was barred by the Lincoln Independent Business Association from covering Fischer's address to a luncheon meeting. LIBA luncheon appearances by public officials traditionally have been open to the media. "We decided to have members-only at this luncheon," LIBA President Coby Mach said over and over again as he was asked why the luncheon was closed and whether Fischer or her staff wanted it closed. "The call for no press was a decision on LIBA's behalf," Fischer spokesperson Chanse Jones said. Toward the end of Fischer's appearance, demonstrators entered the building, gathered outside the meeting room and chanted loudly, turning heads toward the windows inside the room. "Do your job!" they chanted. "We want a town hall!" Law enforcement officers separated the crowd from the meeting room entrance, but there was no shoving and no disturbance. Later, officers would gently and patiently talk the crowd into slowly moving outside the building. No arrests were made. Fischer left through another exit, avoiding the crowd and the media. The senator talked about the prospect of business creation and job expansion under the Trump administration and expressed hope that the new administration will negotiate bilateral trade agreements that will be good for Nebraska, according to a tape recording of the meeting later provided to the Journal Star by a participant. "I am disappointed that (he) withdrew from the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement, but certainly not surprised," Fischer said, because that is what Trump said he would do. Answering questions about immigration and the accompanying challenge of meeting workforce needs if immigrants who are living and working here no longer are secure, Fischer said border security must come first. Secure borders are an issue of national security, she said. After that, she said, immigration reform will be "a step-by-step process." Fischer told another questioner she voted to confirm the nomination of Betsy DeVos as U.S. secretary of education only after she received written assurances that protect public education. "I do not want to see a federal role," she said. Fischer appeared reluctant to support Trump's trillion-dollar infrastructure proposal. Pointing to the cost, she said: "I don't know that's the way to go." Fischer told the audience that the election of a Republican president has given her an opening to " (have a) conversation and dialogue with people in the White House and the agencies that help me and Nebraska." After seven questions and with the loud chanting of demonstrators making it difficult to hear, Mach called an end to the dialogue. "Senator Fischer always welcomes respectful conversations with Nebraskans," her office declared in a later statement. "She intends to continue her longstanding tradition of listening sessions across the state like she has always done. As you recall, she held 26 of these sessions last year." LIBA's decision to close the meeting ran contrary to its usual model of welcoming, and sometimes even inviting, the media to cover luncheon appearances by public officials and political candidates. The demonstration outside the building followed a national pattern of protests greeting Republican members of Congress during the February recess. "Start listening to all of us," one sign said. "Vote her out!" another sign declared. Other signs called the senator "Trump's puppet" and "Trump's lap dog." Several protesters said they they felt Fischer ignored their concerns when she voted to confirm DeVos. Rachel Black, 31, said DeVos confirmation hearings showed she was woefully unqualified to direct the countrys education policy. Just because a majority of voters in Nebraska elected Trump doesnt mean the states U.S. senators need to rubber-stamp his Cabinet nominees and policies, she said. They represent Nebraska, the nonprofit worker said. They dont represent the (Trump) administration. Donna Jarka, 60, held a missing person sign with Fischers photo as she stood on the Grand Manses north entrance steps. Theyre afraid to stand up to Trump, the Lincoln woman said. Jarka said she and others need answers from Fischer. The least the senator can do, she and others said, is hold a town hall meeting. Maybe a town hall wont bring total agreement, Jarka said, but at least Fischer would hear her constituents. DiAnn White agreed. The 67-year-old retired teacher doesnt believe Fischer needs to vote no on everything, but she ought to act on concerns of Nebraskans. DeVos is a done deal we cant change that, said White, who is concerned the new education secretary's policies may harm public school funding. Fischer needs to get feedback from more than just Republicans, she said. What about the rest of the state? Fischer is Nebraska's senior senator. She was elected in 2012, and presumably will seek re-election in 2018. The states birthday celebration includes celebratory stops in seven communities as part of the Nebraska150 Express Tour. The Union Pacific Streamliner locomotive's three-day Whistle Stop Tour will mark Nebraskas 150th year of statehood. Gov. Pete Ricketts, First Lady Susanne Shore and Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz announced the tour earlier this month. The Nebraska150 Express will provide the opportunity for communities across Nebraska to celebrate in our states sesquicentennial, Ricketts said in a news release. I appreciate Union Pacific, a company that has had such an important and positive impact on Nebraska, taking such a vested interest in our states celebration of its great history. After departing from Omaha, the train will travel to Columbus, North Platte, Ogallala, Sidney, Gering, Kearney and Grand Island. Each community will host a rally or festival to welcome the passengers in August. Festivities in Columbus are still being planned, according to K.C. Belitz, president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce. Belitz said he was pleased to learn Columbus is one of the stops. The event gives the city a chance to celebrate the state and railroad, which has a long history there and helped the community grow, he said. Shore said the railroad and Nebraska are melded together. We have, in many ways, grown up together," Shore said in the release. "I cant think of a more fitting way to celebrate this historic occasion than with a fun train tour that harkens back to the days gone by. Invitations were sent to a select group of Nebraska celebrities and notable figures to be part of the tour in hopes that they will give speeches, take photos and sign autographs at each stop. Public train tours and tickets are not available. The preliminary schedule for the tour has the train departing Omaha on Aug. 4 and arriving in Columbus at noon. The train will be in North Platte that afternoon. On Aug. 5, the communities of Ogallala, Sidney and Gering are on the schedule. The tour will wrap up Aug. 6 with stops in Kearney and Grand Island before returning to Omaha. RACINE After being closed for months, the George Bray Neighborhood YMCA (formerly the Bray Center) is set to open its doors again. From 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, the YMCA will host a soft opening of the facility at 924 Center St. Jeff Collen, chief executive officer for the YMCA, said he believes this facility will help the surrounding neighborhood. Its about providing great opportunities and initiatives for people and kids in that area, Collen said, adding that programs at the Bray Y will touch on a number of subjects from homework to fatherhood a variety of things that I hope we can do. In September, the Bray Center closed due to financial issues. On Feb. 3, the Racine Family YMCA board voted unanimously to approve plans to buy the Bray Center. Collen said prior to the approval, several donors approached the YMCA asking them to be involved with the center. Local board Collen said liability insurance, which was an issue in the past, has been paid for and a board for the center will be put in place to help guide it. All the ideas that we have will be tempered by the advisory group that exists from that area, Collen said. The community is getting the opportunities that it wants and that it needs. After-school activities are expected to begin soon. Collen said the YMCA is working on agreements with the Racine Unified School District, the Racine Police Department and Racine County. We want to get it open, (and) get kids in there doing activities and providing homework assistance, Collen said. We really have a good, solid experienced staff there that really meet the needs of that area. There still remain several building issues that need to be addressed that the YMCA staff is looking into. We know there are going to be issues with the building moving forward, Collen said, adding that the heating and ventilation need to be replaced, there are some electrical issues and the emergency exits need to be fixed. Eventually, a center director will be hired to run the facility, but until then, Collen said, the YMCAs chief operations officer will help fill the position. As things get moving, we will hire a center director that will interact with the community, Collen said. Retaining the George Bray name of the center was important to the YMCA, Collen said, adding this is an opportunity to maintain the centers legacy while helping the neighborhood. The board is really excited about this, Collen said. The community has really embraced the Y stepping in and getting this new neighborhood Y open and providing services. RACINE In a presentation Monday, City Development Director Amy Connolly outlined the most defined vision for the proposed Downtown arena project to date. Monday marked the first time city staff publicly presented details about the proposed arena project to the City Council. Connolly and representatives of development advisory firm SB Friedman laid out a proposal that most immediately would see the city hire a firm to serve as an owners representative and spend $500,000 to $600,000 to develop a more accurate cost estimate and more deeply determine the projects financial and environmental feasibility. Connolly, along with Steve Friedman and Geoff Dickinson of SB Friedman, presented an updated cost estimate for the convention center/arena part of the project between $43 million and $49 million, with the hotel being privately financed by its parent company. Previous estimates from early in the project put the price tag at both $40 million and $46 million. Crucially, the updated number includes no funding sources from outside the city. Originally, Racine County and other private financing options were suggested to be a significant portion of the funding package equation. Our financial partners that we had been discussing this development with had become noncommittal, Connolly said. Connolly later confirmed that no funding outside of city revenue streams has been secured at this time. Dickinson said the funding will come from tax increment financing as well as intergovernmental funds. Connolly added that once the city develops a design plan and gets a more accurate financial estimate, more outside funding could be sought. After that, we could get those other partners to offset the cost of construction, she said. Timeline developed with SB Friedman Dickinson said SB Friedman began working with the city in November. Mayor John Dickert said the companys intervention has helped the project refocus. We determined at that time that we needed to take a 5,000-foot view and get a neutral look at this, and the only way we could do that is bringing someone in from the outside, Dickert said. SB Friedman has helped the city interview firms for the role of owners representative, which will help the city select and supervise project teams, negotiate with anchor tenants and vendors and oversee design and construction. The three finalists are: International Coliseums Company, run by early project consultant Rick Kozuback; Hammes Company, which has worked on the Kohl Center in Madison and on Lambeau Field; and International Facilities Group, a Chicago company that worked on the United Center. Connolly said that city staff will recommend a choice to the City Council and Redevelopment Authority (RDA) at another joint meeting on Feb. 27. If both groups affirm the citys firm choice, that group will use $500,000 to $600,000 in intergovernmental funds to fully evaluate financial and environmental concerns and present an updated cost estimate by June. The City Council will then decide whether to spend an additional $2.5 million to $3.2 million on the design process and a final cost estimate. The bulk of the money for the project will go into the construction of the actual building, which will cost between $40 million and $45 million. That process is estimated to run from February 2018 to fall 2019, when the building would open. The inflection point for the project appears to be June, when the council would make a go/no-go decision on the project, as Connolly put it. That could potentially put the city at risk of spending the initial $500,000 to $600,000 only to not approve the owners representatives updated cost estimate. The biggest risk piece is the 500 to 600 (thousand), Friedman said. Everybody will know an awful lot more about what this all requires at the end of that phase. Public weighs in After aldermen and members of the RDA questioned Connolly, Dickinson and Friedman, Sixth District Alderman Sandy Weidner made a successful motion to suspend committee rules to allow the public to comment on the project proposal. Of the roughly 50 citizens who attended the meeting, nearly a dozen spoke, with most expressing the need for Racine to do something to upgrade its Downtown. We owe it to every single person in our community to see this through, Missie Mauldin said. Denis Navratil, who owns Dimples Fine Imports, 416 Main St., was in the minority of citizens who questioned the need for and cost of the project. He also took issue with the favorable comparison of Racine to Allentown, Pa., emphasized in a video that highlighted Dickinsons presentation. Is this actually the best use of that money that Racine can come up with? Navratil asked. Lets not confuse Allentown with Utopia. Dickert was encouraged by the publics show of support. I was glad to have the public comment tonight, he said. A lot of people say we should do nothing. We know what happens when we do nothing. The city goes nowhere. RACINE The entire student body at Horlick High School gathered at the fieldhouse for an afternoon assembly on Feb. 1. Jostens Renaissance education speaker Mike Smith was in town and he had a message for every student. Your life isnt ordinary. You matter. What you do with your life will boil down to one question: What do you want to be remembered for? Smith told the group. Growing up in Nebraska, Smith travels the country talking to teenagers about their future. Hes influenced hundreds of students in schools nationwide with his professional teenager attitude that doubles as a motivational speaker. I stay current by talking about what Im doing, not what Ive done, Smith said. During the assembly, Smith encouraged students to pursue their passions and live out their dreams. RACINE It can be difficult for parents to talk with their kids about issues like terrorism, violent crime and cybercrime. But 30 students at Gilmore Middle School will learn about those topics when the Federal Bureau of Investigation talks with them over the next few months. For the past three years, the FBI in Wisconsin has been broaching sensitive topics with students through the adopt-a-school program. We have focused on junior high school and thats a pivotal time for a lot of teenagers, said Leonard Peace, public affairs specialist for the FBI. We want to get to them before they are influenced by other things. In the previous two years the FBI has operated the program in Milwaukee schools, and now, until April, theyll be conducting the program every other week in Racine. Gilmore will be the only school in the state going through the program. Our students have a huge interest in law enforcement careers, said Principal Amanda Jordan. I think its a great way for students to learn about careers that typically they wouldnt know about. During the first session on Feb. 1, students learned about different careers in the FBI and also in the Racine Police Department. We had Deputy Chief Al Days come in and give his personal story about being a young man, growing up here in the Racine community, and now hes a police executive here in the Racine Police Department, Peace said. Being safe online On Wednesday, the students learned about cybercrime and being safe on the internet something that many students learn the hard way. The cybercrime (session) is scary relevant right now, Jordan said. A lot of young people are having a hard time navigating life with social media. For that session, a cybercrime agent and analyst spoke in front of the 30 students in the program about how they should conduct themselves online and how the FBI investigates cybercrime. Cybercrime is our No. 3 top priority in the FBI, as far as what we investigate, Peace said. A lot of kids dont realize that once you put something inappropriate out there, it has an expansive universe to go into. Jordan said she chose cybercrime as the first topic session because its most relevant, but the next important topic is violent crime, particularly with gangs. Unfortunately its a topic our kids have to deal with on a regular basis, Jordan said. Having the ability to bring in some of our Gang Unit people and having them pair up with the FBI. Its important for students to be aware of what theyre looking at. The other topics to be covered include terrorism, crisis management, learning conflict resolution and evidence response, where kids can act like real crime scene investigators. At the end of the program theyll tour the FBI facility in St. Francis. Aside from learning about how to deal with serious issues, the program also is trying to create positive relationships with law enforcement. Were trying to put the kids in contact with law enforcement officials in a non-enforcement environment, and build up that level of trust, Peace said. Were not the agents that you see that are portrayed in TV and movies. RACINE COUNTY Residents in Racine County will have the opportunity to weigh-in on candidates and school spending when they go to the polls Tuesday. There are three candidates vying for the post of state superintendent of public instruction, a race in which all county voters can cast ballots. Two-term incumbent Tony Evers, a former Verona School District superintendent, will be facing off against challengers John Humphries, a former Dodegeville school administrator and Department of Public Instruction consultant, and Lowell Holtz, a former Beloit and Whitnall School District (Greenfiled/Hales Corners) administrator. Racine Park High School math teacher Rick Melcher also is running as an officially-registered write-in candidate, which means votes cast for him have to be tallied by his name. The top two vote-getters will face off in the April 4 election. In Racine, there is a single primary contest for the the citys 15th District alderman post. Incumbent Melissa Lemke, who works in medical education and public health program evaluation, is facing two challengers: Dennis Shaw, a former operations manager for contract security company Allied Universal; and Jerry Hooyman, who is retired from a career in sales and management. The top two vote-getters will face off in the April 4 election. Western Racine County Voters in two western Racine County school districts will be deciding the fates of school referendums on Tuesday. The Waterford Union High School District is asking for $12.21 million referendum to build a new fieldhouse, fitness center and related building remodeling at the high school, 100 Field Drive. A similar referendum was rejected by voters last April. The school district includes the Village and Town of Waterford, portions of the Village of Rochester and parts of the towns of Dover, Norway and Raymond. The Kansasville Elementary School District (Dover District No. 1) is asking for $4.2 million to fund new classrooms and a new gym, along with renovations and remodeling of facilities. Kansasville is one of the smallest districts in the county with 110 students enrolled and the school building at 4101 S. Beaumont Ave. (Highway 75) has not had a major expansion since 1958. Also in Waterford, there is a primary for the Waterford Graded School District Board. Four candidates are vying for a single seat on the board; they are: Ryan Ross, an antique store owner from the Town of Dover; Dean Schrader, a mail carrier from Rochester; Mike Mabert, a supply chain manager for Nestle in Burlington, of Rochester; and Doug Schwartz of the Town of Waterford, who is retired from a career with Generac Power Systems. The top two vote-getters will meet again in the April 4 election. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters will need a current and valid Wisconsin drivers license or Wisconsin state ID card. Voters must be registered to vote before casting a ballot, however, the state does allow for same-day voter registration. SOMERS A proposed renovation of the University of Wisconsin-Parkside's Wyllie Hall will likely be denied again after Gov. Scott Walker recommended against funding it. Parkside has pushed for a $35.8 million renovation of the multipurpose building that includes classrooms, computer labs, administrative offices, study areas and access to the library. Walker's recommendations, which were released Tuesday, still must be approved by the state Building Commission and the state Legislature, though legislative aides say changes to the capital budget are rare. If approved, it would be the second straight state budget in which the Parkside project was rejected. Denying the renovation last time meant about $5.9 million in increased costs, according to a report from the nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau released last year. Chancellor Debbie Ford said Parkside will continue to lobby state legislators to include the project in the final version of the state budget, noting the UW System ranked it as a top priority. "We are certainly disappointed to learn that much-needed infrastructure repairs to Wyllie Hall are not included in Governor Walkers initial capital budget plan for the 2017-2019 biennium," Ford said in a statement. We believe that addressing infrastructure needs in advance of an emergency repair is far more cost effective and less disruptive to the educational experience. A state Department of Administration spokesman did not return a message. Overall, the proposed capital budget recommends $803 million in total projects and about $250 million in new bonding, according to a news release. The budget "prioritizes investment in current facilities and limits new construction," the release states. Officials say the Parkside project is aimed at improving infrastructure such as mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. The building is 44 years old and has been plagued by maintenance issues such as leaky pipes. Plans also call for modernizing technology and making the building more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Officials are also eyeing cosmetic and programming changes to make better use of the space. State Sen. Bob Wirch, D-Somers, said he was "very disappointed" Walker rejected the project. "We have a great thing going at Parkside and they just keep working against our best interests in Madison," he said. Veterans cemetery Also in the capital budget, Walker recommended against a proposed $2.2 million expansion of the administration building at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Dover. The project would have also added a fire alarm and suppression system to the building. The governor recommended approving a $3.7 million project to raise, realign, clean and reset granite headstones at the cemetery. UNION GROVE The honors arent done for Frank Lamping. A week after he was selected for the Packers Fan Hall of Fame, Assembly Speaker Robin Vos announced Lamping will receive the Wisconsin Hometown Hero Award, the state Assemblys highest citizen recognition. In a news release Monday, Vos, R-Rochester, noted Lamping is a former Citizen of the Year in Union Grove who is heavily involved in the community, including as president of the Union Grove Lions Club. Lamping, 60, is also fighting prostate cancer. The impact that hes had on the greater Union Grove community is simply amazing; the citizens of the state should stop and take notice, Vos said in the release. Heres a man who is battling cancer and yet he continues to share his time, talents and passion with others. Hes been a role model and continues to bring the community closer together. Frank dedicates himself not only to his beloved team, but also to his community, Vos added. He represents all that is good in Wisconsin; you could say this is his George Bailey moment. Vos was referring to the main character in the classic film Its a Wonderful Life, about a man who forsakes his goals and dreams to help his family and community. Lamping, who was named Feb. 15 to the Fan Hall of Fame after a huge get-out-the-vote effort, will receive the Hometown Hero Award at about 1 p.m. March 7, at the beginning of the next Assembly floor session. Welcome to KARMABrooklyn! We hope that the news and other information we post on this b log will be useful to residents and merchants in Kensington and Windsor Terrace. If you'd like to contact us, write to us at karmabrooklyn [at] gmail [dot] com. Banks post 41pc jump in H1 profits The combined first-half net profits of the 28 commercial banks in the country stood at Rs20.84 billion, a whopping 41 percent jump year-on-year. Six commercial banks have posted net profits totalling more than Rs1 billion for the first six months of the current fiscal year. Boarding student at Kavre school dies; parents claim negligence Tension ran high at Gyankunj Shaikshik Pratishthan, a Banepa based-school, on Monday following a students death. BP Highway resumes operation from Tuesday morning Vehicular movement along BP Highway has resumed from Tuesday morning after two days obstruction. Tika R Pradhan is a senior political correspondent for the Post, covering politics, parliament, judiciary and social affairs. Pradhan joined the Post in 2016 after working at The Himalayan Times for more than a decade. China and France pledge further help in rebuilding efforts The governments of China and France have expressed interest to support the post-earthquake reconstruction works on areas including education, health and archaeological sites. Chinese envoy calls on NC Prez Deuba Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong called on Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba at the latter's residence in Budhanilkantha on Tuesday. Dhangadi struck with shortage of blood Dhangadi is facing acute shortage of blood with inexplicable reluctance on part of the local residents to donate blood. Anup Ojha is a reporter for The Kathmandu Post primarily covering social issues and human interest stories. Before moving to the social beat, Ojha covered arts and culture for the Post for four years. Experts urge higher investment in infra Two-day Nepal Infrastructure Summit 2017, which saw participation from around 400 business personalities from different parts of the globe, concluded here on Monday. Govt picks 14 envoys The government has recommended 14 names for 13 vacant posts of ambassadors and the proposed embassy in Spain. Govt struggling to hire specialist doctors The Health Ministry is struggling to hire specialist doctors because of low government pay and rural deputation. House meet deferred for Wednesday The Legislature-Parliament meeting summoned for Tuesday afternoon has been postponed for Wednesday. Indian side proposes March-end, early-April meeting on air routes India has proposed March-end or early-April for Nepal-India Joint Technical Committee meeting on air routes after the meeting failed to convene in the first week of February, Israeli soldier gets 18 months for killing wounded Palestinian attacker An Israeli soldier who killed a wounded Palestinian attacker in a high-profile case that split opinion across the country has been jailed for 18 months. Kin of Nepali victims yet to receive compensation The families of Nepali workers who were killed in the landslide in Dehradun, India are yet to get compensation from Uttarakhand government even after 10 months of the tragic incident. Leopard on tree terrifies people (with photo and video) A leopard entered into a dense human settlement in Gothatar-1, Kathmandu early on Tuesday and spent the entire day on a tree. The locals were terrified after they spotted the leopard on the tree. Life returns to normal in Rupandehis Marchawar Life is gradually returning to normalcy in Marchawar, Rupandehi that had remained tense due to sporadic clashes between the supporters of CK Raut, coordinator of the Independent Madhes campaign, and security personnel for the past two days. Madhesi Morcha boycotts all-party meeting Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, boycotted the all-party meeting summoned by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Tuesday afternoon. Madhesi Morcha organise torch rally to protest election date Cadres of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) organised a torch rally in Saptari district headquarters Rajbiraj on Tuesday in protest against the government decision to hold the local level elections on May 14. Morcha announces stir The Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, unveiled a month-long protest programme including Tarai banda, denouncing the governments announcement of local level election date. Musical concert and fireworks to mark Mahashivaratri and Army Day The Nepal Army will be hosting musical concert and pyrotechnics display during the Mahashivaratri and Army Day which falls on February 24 this year. Pick-up plunges into Trishuli; one dead, another missing An elderly woman died and her grandson went missing when a Bolero pick-up truck swerved off the road and plunged into Trishuli River in Kabilas VDC-4 along the Narayangadh-Muglin road section in Chitwan district on early Monday morning. Pledge vs disbursement On Sunday, India agreed to extend a soft loan of $340 million to Nepal for the construction of 15 road projects and a bridge. PM Dahal calls all-party meeting A day after the government announced the date for local bodies elections, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal called an all-party meeting at 3 pm on Tuesday. Racing against the clock On February 10, the mandates of Nepals two truth commissions were extended for one year, the maximum time extension allowed under the law that created them, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act. Re-measuring Mount Everest Survey of India is re-measuring the height of Mount Everest according to an announcement in Hyderabad during the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the institution. Shortage eases after fuel supply doubled Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) on Monday increased petrol deliveries in the Kathmandu Valley by almost double to 725 kilolitres to ease a shortage caused by a strike by oil tanker operators. Taskforce asked to up local units in Province 2 The government has directed the three-member government taskforce formed to address the agitating Madhes-based parties concerns over the Local Level Restructuring Commission (LLRC) report to increase the number of local bodies and revise the boundaries within a week. Thapa secures united RPP chair with a landslide Kamal Thapa was elected as chairman of the united Rastriya Prajatantra Party on Monday, securing a landslide victory over his competitor Pradip Bikram Rana at its first General Convention. UML turns down PMs request to support statute amendment The CPN-UML has turned down the request of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to assist in the passage of constitution amendment bill registered at the Legislature-Parliament. UML welcomes poll date announcement The CPN-UML has welcomed the Cabinet decision to announce the poll date, hinting that the main opposition would allow the government to forward the constitution amendment bill for the parliamentary process. Zonta hands over toilets to Pashupati dev trust Zonta Club of Kathmandu handed over five toilets built unsung Sulabh technology to PashupatiArea Development Trust on Monday. What It Is KauaiEclectic is a collection of observations, images and writings about Kauai Kamawaelualanimoku and the world as seen, felt, experienced and interpreted by me. 1. Yes. Taxpayers are funding its operation; they should have a voice in the naming process. 2. Yes. The city should operate with a spirit of inclusivity. Residents will be responsive. 3. No. Public input can be problematic; rejection of suggestions can be divisive for residents. 4. No. Residents elect council members to make decisions on their behalf. No input is needed. 5. Unsure. Its hard to say whether public input would be more of a benefit or a hindrance. Vote View Results Last year a troop of West Salem Middle School drama students turned their class production of The Lion King Jr. on its head to raise money for a well in Uganda. A little more than a year later, work has begun on the well which, when complete, will provide hundreds of Ugandan families with safe drinking water. Last week, Sister Salome Nnambi of Bethany, Uganda, and Jenny Parker of the Tomah-based nonprofit Remembering Jesse Parker visited social studies teacher Jenny Morgans classroom where the idea for the project was first conceived. During her hour-long presentation, Salome told Morgans students about the scarcity of water in her country and the need for new wells. Salome described how many of her people had to travel as far three miles to get water and that children their age were often tasked with carrying 40 or more pounds of water home with them. Morgan said it was an eye-opening experience for many of her students to learn. The kids were really excited, she said. Students also received an update on the well they help to fund. Morgan said the well would be located near a primary school in Bbira north-east of the capital city of Kampala. She said students who attended the school should be able to carry clean water home to their families after class. I hope they are inspired to help others, Morgan said. Morgan said the well fundraiser began last year during one of her enrichment courses on global water issues. I have a soft spot in my heart for helping others, She said. Ive seen the water conditions; they are horrible. Morgan said her students suggested using the upcoming musical The Lion King to raise money to dig a well. She said she thought this was perfect, but was skeptical of how much the students would be able to raise. I was thinking two maybe three years, Morgan said. She said it quickly became clear that shed underestimated her students ability to raise money. With high school drama teacher Amy Hansons help, students collected nearly $11,000, far more than the $8,000 to $10,000 they needed to dig the well. The majority of this money was donated to the Remembering Jesse Parker Foundation to go toward digging a well, but smaller donations were made to local nonprofits including the Hunger Task Force of La Crosse, Wafer and the West Salem Food Pantry. Each of us gave a little and it turned into a huge success, Morgan said. She said shes already thinking of ways for her students to help. I am always thinking of ideas of what we can do, she said and after the success of the last fundraiser she is thinking a little bigger. Morgan said after Salomes presentation, she is now considering holding a book drive for the students in Bbira. She said Salome described as many as 130 students sharing as few as 10 textbooks. An Onalaska father admitted Tuesday to inflicting serious injuries to his infant son. Chad Parker, 30, pleaded guilty Tuesday in La Crosse County Circuit Court to physical abuse of a child, a felony punishable by up to 25 years in prison. Three counts of felony bail jumping and possessing narcotic drugs and prescription pills were dismissed but will be considered during his April 19 sentencing. Parker told police he passed out with the 3-month-old on the couch after drinking and woke early May 21 to find his son beneath his chest. He denied shaking the child, according to the complaint. But Parker told a judge Tuesday he also was high on Adderall and described his violent conduct against his son after the child woke. Right away I woke up and I just snapped and I just grabbed him by the neck and started choking him and then threw him on the couch and then picked him up and started spanking him, Parker said. All he wanted was the bottle. The childs doctor discovered multiple skull fractures, swelling in three areas of his scalp, bleeding outside his brain and bruising to 14 parts of his body, the complaint stated. An update on the childs condition will be provided during Parkers sentencing. Todays spring primary election features a single statewide race, for the top K-12 education job in Wisconsin, but further down the ballot things are pretty thin. Trempealeau County voters will weigh in on one of just three circuit court primaries in Wisconsin. Judge Charles Feltes, appointed by Gov. Scott Walker to replace Judge John Damon when he retired last year, faces Rian Radtke, Trempealeau Countys corporation counsel, and longtime Osseo lawyer Rick Schaumberg. The race for superintendent of public instruction pits a two-term incumbent backed by public school advocates and Democrats, against two more conservative opponents who want to expand the private voucher program and undo Common Core curriculum. Incumbent Tony Evers faces John Humphries, a school administrator turned consultant in Dodgeville, and Lowell Holtz, a retired teacher, principal and superintendent. Racine math teacher Rick Melcher is running as a write-in. Turnout is expected to be low: The past three such primaries have averaged about 6 percent. A four-way race to represent the 7th District on the La Crosse Common Council will be narrowed to two candidates after voters choose from among incumbent Gary Padesky, and challengers Jim Bagniewski, Bryan Boland and Nicholas Dutton. The only city council race with a primary includes city wards 19 and 21, running from 16th Street between Johnson and Madison streets across Losey Boulevard near the bluffs. The polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. DE SOTO Matt Boardman was pleasantly surprised when he was nominated for the Luther College Dorian Festival Band. To be nominated to the 625-member group as a junior or senior is a high honor for a high school student, he said. To be nominated and accepted as a freshman at De Soto High School is rare. I was really surprised I got in, he said in between blowing his trumpet during rehearsal on Tuesday, let along being named one of the first trumpets. That honor means a lot to me. Boardman is one of four students, two freshmen and two seniors, De Soto will send to the festival on Sunday and Monday. There they will join other students from high schools in the region including Cashton, Holmen, La Farge, Aquinas, La Crosse Logan, Onalaska, Viroqua and Westby. Its a nice challenge for the kids, De Soto band director Mark Arneson said. They get the opportunity to play with other talented students in a bigger venue. Luther College faculty member Weston Noble first invited directors from 20 schools in the region to bring their top band students to campus for a two-day honors band festival in 1949. A vocal festival was added in 1950, and since then the variety of festivals and camps has grown, with more than 90,000 students participating during the past six decades. De Soto senior Lauren Voelker attended the Dorian festival last year and said she was looking forward to experiencing it again. The difference between the sound of a small school band and a large concert band is huge, she said, and it was nice to experience the difference. The 625 students were divided into two bands that will perform at the festival, and her group will perform four pieces, including her favorite, St. Florian Choral by Thomas Doss. She said she enjoyed the way the piece moved between different melodies and how they all come together with the different instruments. Im looking forward to being able to meet new people, she said. In a bigger band, the sound is just so much better. Connor Ernst, a freshman playing the euphonium, will be in the second band, whose performance will include Sabre and Spurs by John Phillip Sousa. He also plays the piano and saxophone, but said he likes the euphonium, a smaller cousin to the tuba, due to its rich sound that is between the deep notes of the larger instrument and the more strident notes of a trumpet. Unlike his three classmates, Ernst said he wasnt nervous about the concert. He said he can get lost in the feeling of the music, and he has practiced more than three hours a day to be ready for the concert. Im just proud of all of them, Arneson said of his students. It is such a good experience for kids to play in this kind of setting. Its more than we can give them in the small schools. BRUSSELS After President Donald Trumps raucous first month in office, Europeans have reacted with demonstrations, counter-barbs and sheer angst that a century of trans-Atlantic friendship may be sinking. Too much has happened, European Union leader Donald Tusk said Monday, for us to pretend that everything is as it used to be. The governments of some traditional allies have gone a step further, uniting with fundraising plans and a special conference to balance the new U.S. administrations reverse tack from Barack Obamas presidency on abortion policies. Beyond Trumps orders on immigration, few of the administrations policies have unsettled many European nations as much as his ban on funding for international groups that perform abortions or provide information about abortions to women in developing nations. Belgian Vice Premier Alexander De Croo was so shocked that words were not enough. He said European nations, fearful that thousands of women and girls will die without family planning information, already are cooperating to make up as much of funding gap as possible. What we are doing is rolling up our sleeves and saying instead of complaining we are going to take action, De Croo said in an interview with The Associated Press. Ten EU nations wrote to the European Unions foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, telling her that Europe cannot let down women in developing nations whatever the U.S. policy. Collectively we have a responsibility not to allow this to happen, the nations said in a common call against Trumps order, which massively expanded previous Republican bans on providing federal money to international family planning groups that perform abortions or provide abortion information. Even if European nations were alarmed when past Republican administrations restricted international funding over abortion, the reaction against the Trump order was much more vociferous. Within five days of Trumps action, Dutch Foreign Development Cooperation Minister Lilianne Ploumen said she received thousands of messages from over 150 countries, with many seeking information how to donate funds. Belgium, Denmark and the Netherlands already have committed 10 million euros ($10.5 million) each and will host an international pledging conference March 2 to help cover the financial hole Trump left. The Swedes showed their scorn toward Trump in a different way. Trump signed the anti-abortion order two days after taking office as seven men looked on in the Oval Office. Soon after, Swedens Deputy Prime Minister Isabella Lovin posted on Facebook a photo that showed her signing a government document, surrounded by an all-woman cast. Lovin said she left it to the observer to interpret the photo. From the quirky to the fundamental, covering anything from abortion to trade, defense and relations with Russia, the doubts about Trump made it a tall order for U.S. Vice President Mike Pence during Mondays talks with Mogherini and other EU leaders on Monday. Pence said that Trump sent him to Europe to express the strong commitment of the United States to continued cooperation and partnership with the European Union. The Europeans will take some convincing. With intimidating language and caustic one-liners, Trump has called NATO, the old military bond between Europe and North America, obsolete, described Britains decision to leave the EU a tremendous asset and suggested the EU itself could soon well disintegrate. Pence sought to assuage European allies who are constantly wondering what Trumps next quip or Twitter bomb will bring. Too many new, and sometimes surprising, opinions have been voiced, Tusk told reporters, with Pence standing by his side. On Saturday, Trump alluded to past terror attacks in the EU and said: Look whats happening last night in Sweden. The presidents comment left Swedes confused since nothing remotely linked to extremist action had troubled the country on Friday night. Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? Questions abound, former Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt tweeted. Trump said in tweet on Sunday: My statement as to whats happening in Sweden was in reference to a story that was broadcast on @FoxNews concerning immigrants & Sweden. In Munich last week, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker described the United States in terms of our American friends, if they should and want to remain our friends. And Tusk had put the United States in a threat category two weeks ago, insisting that Trump is contributing to the highly unpredictable outlook. Pence sought to build bridges on Monday, not walls. Whatever our differences, our two continents share the same heritage, the same values and above all the same purpose, Pence said. Whatever our differences, our two continents share the same heritage, the same values and above all the same purpose. Vice President Mike Pence PALM BEACH, Fla. President Donald Trump has tapped Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, a prominent military strategist known as a creative thinker, as his new national security adviser, replacing the ousted Michael Flynn. Trump announced the pick Monday at his Palm Beach, Florida, club and said McMaster is a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience. The presidents choice further elevated the influence of military officers in the new administration. Trump, who has no military or foreign policy experience, has shown a strong preference for putting generals in top roles. In this case, he tapped an active-duty officer for a post thats sometimes used as a counterweight to the Pentagon. McMaster, who wore his uniform for the announcement , joins Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, both retired generals, in Trumps inner circle of national security advisers. , The White House said Monday McMaster plans to remain on active military duty. He will take on the challenge of leading a National Security Council that has not adjusted smoothly to Trumps leadership. The president suggested he does not trust holdovers from the Obama administration and complained about leaks to reporters. His decision to put his top political adviser on the senior committee of the National Security Council drew sharp criticism. On Friday, the head of the councils Western Hemisphere division was fired after he criticized Trumps policies and his inner circle of advisers. McMaster is viewed as soldier-scholar and creative thinker. He has a doctoral degree in history from the University of North Carolina and has been heavily involved in the Armys efforts to shape its future force and its way of preparing for war. He is currently the director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center, a sort of military think tank, at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Outside of the Army, he may be best known for his 1997 book, Dereliction of Duty, a searing indictment of the U.S. governments mishandling of the Vietnam War and an analysis of what he called the lies that led to Vietnam. The book earned him a reputation for being willing to speak truth to power. McMaster was Trumps second choice to replace Flynn, who has been under FBI investigation for his contacts with Russian officials. Trump dismissed Flynn last week after revelations that the adviser had misled Vice President Mike Pence about the nature of his discussion with Russias ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential transition. Trump said in a news conference Thursday that he was disappointed by how Flynn had treated Pence, but did not believe Flynn had done anything wrong by having the conversations. Trumps first choice to replace Flynn, retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward, turned down the offer. WASHINGTON (AP) Sixty feet and the U.S-Mexico border separated the unarmed, 15-year-old Mexican boy and the U.S. Border Patrol agent who killed him with a gunshot to the head early on a June evening in 2010. U.S. officials chose not to prosecute Agent Jesus Mesa Jr. and the Obama administration refused a request to extradite him so that he could face criminal charges in Mexico. When the parents of Sergio Adrian Hernandez Guereca tried to sue Mesa in an American court for violating their sons rights, federal judges dismissed their claims. The Supreme Court on Tuesday is hearing the parents appeal, which their lawyers say is their last hope for some measure of justice. The legal issues are different, but the Supreme Court case resembles the court battle over President Donald Trumps ban on travelers from seven majority Muslim nations in at least one sense. Courts examining both issues are weighing whether foreigners can have their day in U.S. courts. Privacy experts also are watching the case because it could affect how courts treat global internet surveillance, particularly when foreigners are involved. Its there that the Fourth Amendment question in Hernandez seems to matter most, George Washington University law professor Orin Kerr wrote on the Volokh Conspiracy blog. The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches and seizures. David Paul Baumgardner, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2017, in Viroqua, of complications of coronary disease. He was born in Camden, N.J., March 21, 1963, to Pat and Paul Baumgardner. He was one of three children and has one surviving sibling, Kathleen Baumgardner Chase in Cherry Hill, N.J. He spent his early years in New Jersey. He joined the army after graduating from Mount St. Marys college in Maryland, with a bachelors in political science. He went on to work for the IRS and the Department of Defense in Philadelphia. He married Paige Huber in October 1987 in Cape May, N.J., and they have two beautiful sons, Nathaniel and Benjamin. They moved to Wisconsin in 1996 and established Silver Birch Farms on Newburn Ridge in La Farge. David loved to grow his own food and thought of himself as a Gentleman Farmer. He and his family raised many farm animals and enjoyed being self sufficient. He became a Mason in 1992, while in New Jersey. He went to join the LaBelle Lodge in Viroqua, in 1996. He worked hard to live up to his masonic values and provided education and service to the community. He was involved with the La Farge and Viroqua Boy Scouts, helping to establish the La Farge Troop in 1999, which he ran until he left for law school in 2006. Of the seven boy scouts in the troop, four achieved the highest honor of Eagle Scout, which was in part due to his guidance and love of scouting. David graduated from the Appalachian School of Law in 2007, with his Juris Doctorate and passed the bar the following year. At the time of his death he was in private practice in Vernon County. His service and celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Masonic Lodge in Viroqua, with a visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. and service starting at 3 p.m. All are welcome to attend. Blessed be the memory of David Paul Baumgardner. New ports and new itineraries in Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean take center stage CELEBRATION, Fla. (Feb. 21, 2017) In summer 2018, Disney Cruise Line will sail on new itineraries and to new ports, including first-time visits to destinations in Italy and Ireland. Disney Cruise Line takes guests on a grand tour of Europe with visits to the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Norway and Iceland. Plus, adventures continue with sailings to Alaska, the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Bookings open to the public on Feb. 23, 2017. More details on 2018 itineraries can be found at disneycruise.com. New sailings from Rome and Barcelona For the first time, Disney Cruise Line guests can experience the rich culture of Barcelona and inspiring history of Rome as bookend experiences in a single cruise. In Rome, guests can explore the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Vatican, and sample authentic local cuisine. Barcelona offers beautiful beaches, the market streets of Las Ramblas, the artistic architecture of Gaudi and the famed Sagrada FamAlia church. On June 16, 2018, the Disney Magic will sail a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome). Ports of call include Marseilles and Villefranche, France; and Genoa (Milan), Livorno (Florence, Pisa) and Naples, Italy. On June 23, 2018, the Disney Magic will sail a seven-night itinerary from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona. Ports visited on this cruise are Naples, Livorno (Florence, Pisa) and Genoa (Milan), Italy; and Cannes and Marseilles, France. First-time visits to Milan, Italy Disney Cruise Line will call on Genoa, Italy for the first time in 2018, as part of three special sailings from Barcelona and Civitavecchia (Rome). The historic port town of Genoa, located on the Italian Riviera, is a gateway to the beautiful metropolis of Milan and the picturesque locale of Portofino. Milan is a global capital of fashion and design, featuring top-name designer stores, boutiques, open-air markets and art galleries. A 10-night Mediterranean itinerary sailing from Barcelona on July 7, 2018, calls on Genoa, as well as other popular ports in Italy, France and Spain. First-time visit to Cork, Ireland and first seven-night British Isles The Disney Magic will call on Cork, Ireland for the first time as part of Disney Cruise Lines first-ever seven-night British Isles cruise, departing on Sept. 2, 2018. Additional ports visited on this sailing include Dublin, Ireland; Greenock, Scotland; and Liverpool, England. Cork is home to a vibrant culinary scene and a plethora of pubs, shops and cafes. It invites visitors to connect with Irelands ancient past, with historic sites like Blarney Castle, where visitors can kiss the famed Blarney Stone. Throughout the summer, the Disney Magics tour of Europe continues with engagements in the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, British Isles and the Mediterranean. Return to Alaska In 2018, the newly re-imagined Disney Wonder will return to Alaska for the summer season, opening up a world of breathtaking natural vistas, magnificent glaciers and awe-inspiring wildlife. A variety of five-, seven- and nine-night itineraries will depart from Vancouver, Canada, with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Tracy Arm Fjord. Southern Caribbean special sailing The Disney Fantasy will embark on a special 11-night southern Caribbean itinerary departing June 30, 2018, visiting tropical destinations, renowned for beautiful sun-kissed beaches, including Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, Puerto Rico and the Disney private island, Castaway Cay. Castaway Cay: More opportunities to explore Disneys exclusive private island Castaway Cay, Disneys private island in the Bahamas, is consistently a top-rated destination. In 2018, the Disney Dream will sail a series of cruises that include two stops at Castaway Cay so guests can have twice the fun in the sun and enjoy even more of the pristine island paradise. On June 6, 20, and July 4, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., on four-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, plus two stops at Castaway Cay. On June 1, 10, 15, 24, 29, and July 8, the Disney Dream will sail from Port Canaveral, Fla., on five-night cruises to Nassau, Bahamas, plus two stops at Castaway Cay. To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, AllEars.net recommends MouseFanTravel! Post a Comment Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Dan Trevas summarizes a bar discipline case decided today by the Ohio Supreme Court The Ohio Supreme Court today indefinitely suspended a Strongsville attorney convicted of felonies for his role in a bribery scheme involving prominent Cleveland attorney Anthony Calabrese III, who was disbarred and is serving a nine-year federal prison sentence for bribery. The Court voted 4-3 to indefinitely suspend Marc G. Doumbas with the majority agreeing to credit him with time served under an interim suspension issued by the Court in January 2014. The per curiam opinion stated the suspension was issued based on Doumbass conviction for two felony bribery accounts, which he unsuccessfully appealed in state court and has informed the Court he intends to contest in federal court. Conviction Based on Bribery Complicity Ohio Disciplinary Counsel charged Doumbas with two violations of the rules governing Ohio attorneys that prohibit lawyers from committing illegal acts and engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the administration of justice. Doumbas and G. Timothy Marshall represented Thomas Castro in a criminal proceeding in which Castro was charged with rape. Calabrese was Castros business attorney. Castro agreed to plead guilty to two counts of sexual battery, and before his sentencing, Doumbas and Marshall discussed the need to assemble information to request a sentence that would include no prison time for Castro. Marshall and Calabrese offered substantial payments to Castros two sexual-assault victims as civil settlements in an attempt to show the court Castro had made restitution for his criminal conduct. In exchange, the men asked the victims to make requests that the sentencing judge not impose jail time on Castro. Although there was no evidence that Doumbas had directly promised, offered, or given anything of value to the witnesses, the state alleged that he had been aware that Marshall and Calabrese had made or intended to make the settlement proposals and he had shared Castro, Marshall, and Calabreses criminal intents, and therefore, the state alleged, he was complicit in bribery, the opinion stated. Doumbas was convicted of two third-degree felony counts, sentenced to two concurrent one-year prison terms, and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine and court costs. He completed his prison sentence, but as of his June 2016 Board of Professional Conduct hearing, he had not paid any of the $12,500 total in fines and costs. The Eighth District Court of Appeals affirmed his conviction in 2015 and refused his requests to reopen his appeal. Attorneys Post-Conviction Behavior Impacts Sanction In developing a recommended sanction the board considers aggravating circumstances and mitigating factors. The board noted Doumbas desire to demonstrate to the judge that Castro compensated his victims for the harm they suffered. However, the board concluded that any reasonable lawyer would have recognized the risk that making such a settlement offer could be interpreted as an attempt to influence the victims statements at the perpetrators sentencing hearing. While Doumbas might not have directly engaged the victims, the board found as Castros trial attorney, Doumbas must be held accountable for the negotiations he left to the discretion of Marshall and Calabrese and the harm they produced, the opinion stated. The board also noted that Doumbas denied any criminal wrongdoing at his trial and in the disciplinary hearings, and that he has offered no justification for the failure to pay his criminal fine or court costs other than stating his intent to further fight his conviction in federal court. The board also recognized that Doumbas had no prior discipline, served his prison time, and demonstrated a cooperative attitude toward the disciplinary proceedings. He also produced six letters of good character, including two from judges, and one of his clients testified that Doumbas satisfactorily handled 25 cases for him and his family over the years, and that he would employ him again should Doumbas be reinstated. The board also found Doumbas to be contrite and remorseful and unlikely to engage in similar conduct in the future. The Court agreed with the boards recommendation to indefinitely suspend Doumbas and grant him credit for time served. If Doumbas files for reinstatement, the Court required that he must submit proof he has fully paid his criminal fine and court costs as well as the costs for his disciplinary proceedings. Justices Judith L. French, William M. ONeill, Patrick F. Fischer, and R. Patrick DeWine joined the opinion. Chief Justice Maureen OConnor and Justices Terrence ODonnell and Sharon L. Kennedy dissented, indicating they would not grant Doumbas time served under suspension. 2016-1149. Disciplinary Counsel v. Doumbas, Slip Opinion No. 2017-Ohio-550. (Mike Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/02/convicted-attorney-gets-credit-for-time-served.html Tuesday, February 21, 2017 The North Carolina Court of Appeals granted ineffective assistance of counsel relief to a defendant convicted of murder in a 2001 shooting outside a nightclub. Two witnesses (Speller and Wilson) testified that he did it; two others (L. Pugh and D. Pugh) testified that he did not. One of his attorneys (now disbarred) had previously represented and spoken to one of the two adverse witnesses. Her notes of that conversation indicted that the witness told her that someone else was the likely shooter. When the matter was raised at trial, the notes were not admitted and the attorney continued to represent the defendant. It is undisputed that, at the time of defendants trial, [attorney] Smallwood possessed evidence tending to show that Speller made a prior inconsistent statement concerning the identity of the shooter. The exculpatory witness claim raised in defendants MAR was whether Smallwoods failure to withdraw and testify as to that alleged prior inconsistent statement constitutes ineffective assistance of counsel. Evidence that Smallwood was privy to a conversation in which Speller identified the shooter as someone other than defendant would have been both relevant and material had it been offered at trial... If otherwise competent...Smallwoods testimony would have been admissible and within the purview of the jury to assign weight and credibility thereto. Thus the "exculpatory witness" contention was not meritless. As to ineffective assistance Defendant maintains that he received ineffective assistance of counsel due to Smallwoods failure to withdraw as counsel and testify as to Spellers alleged prior inconsistent statement regarding the identity of the shooter. In her role as counsel, Smallwoods questions on cross-examination could not be considered evidence by the jury. Therefore, defendant argues, when Speller denied the prior inconsistent statement during cross-examination, Smallwood had an actual conflict of interest between continuing as counsel or withdrawing to testify as a necessary witness. Defendant contends that because Smallwoods actual conflict of interest adversely affected her performance as counsel, he is entitled to relief... Guided if not bound by Phillips, we believe Strickland provides an adequate framework to review defendants exculpatory witness claim. Despite Smallwoods prior representation of Speller, the record shows that the purported conversation between Smallwood and Speller took place from an investigatory standpoint in preparation for defendants trial. Because that conversation was outside the scope of her representation, Smallwood would not have bound by a duty of confidentiality. By the same token, Smallwood was not effectively silenced from testifying about the conversation and the information she learned from Speller. As the facts of this case do not make it impractical to determine whether defendant suffered prejudice, Phillips, 365 N.C. at 122, 711 S.E.2d at 137, we apply Stricklands framework to evaluate defendants exculpatory witness claim. The trial court erred It cannot seriously be disputed that the identity of the shooter was a material issue in defendants murder trial. Smallwood, who possessed evidence of Spellers prior inconsistent statement regarding the shooters identity, was not bound to accept Spellers answers on cross-examination. Smallwoods testimony, had it been offered, would have been admissible to impeach Speller by showing that he had previously identified Jordan as the shooter. And contrary to the trial courts conclusion, we do not believe such exculpatory evidence would have been inconsequential so as to justify Smallwoods failure to withdraw. Smallwoods testimony would have also been admissible to show Spellers bias or interest in the trial. Jordan was initially charged with Bennetts murder and spent two years in jail before he was released. Speller testified that he and Jordan work[ed] the same job. After the charges against Jordan were dropped, he sent Speller to the district attorney to offer a statement implicating defendant in the murder... While the admissibility of Smallwoods testimony does not in and of itself establish deficient performance, the circumstances surrounding her decision to remain as counsel leads us to that conclusion. Smallwood was the only witness to Spellers prior inconsistent statement. Her questions to Speller could not be considered as evidence and, after her ineffective cross-examination, she became a necessary witness at trial with a duty to withdraw. See N.C. St. B. Rev. R. Prof. Conduct 3.7(a) (A lawyer shall not act as an advocate at a trial in which the lawyer is likely to be a necessary witness . . . .), 2017 Ann. R. N.C. 1242. Her testimony undoubtedly related to a contested issue in the case and tended to discredit one of the States two key witnesses. High could have remained as defendants counsel and the court could have appointed a second attorney even if it meant declaring a mistrial. By failing to withdraw and testify, Smallwoods conduct fell below an objective standard of reasonableness and was deficient under Strickland. Prejudice The trial court concluded that defendant could not establish prejudice in light of Smallwoods effective cross-examination of Speller, Wilsons testimony, and the States cross-examination of D. Pugh based upon his prior inconsistent statement to law enforcement. We disagree. If Smallwood had properly withdrawn, she could have testified that Speller, one of only two key witnesses for the State, had previously told her that it was Jordannot defendantwho shot Bennett. She could have attacked Spellers credibility through his prior inconsistent statement and evidence of his interest in the trial. Her testimony tended to discredit nearly half the States case and, in conjunction with the testimony of L. Pugh and D. Pugh, would have provided an evidentiary advantage to the defense. Wilson, the only other witness to identity defendant as the shooter, had his own credibility issues. He had testified as a States witness in the past and, during defendants trial, revealed that he had been convicted of breaking and entering, two counts of second-degree burglary, larceny of a firearm, larceny of a motor vehicle, four counts of driving while license revoked, four counts of driving while impaired, two counts of injury to property, communicating threats, assault with a deadly weapon, and forgery and utteringall within the last ten years. Judge Grant even remarked at the MAR hearing: We all know Robert Wilson. . . . And a record like that, right, we know him. Thus We conclude that defendant was denied his right to effective assistance of counsel based upon Smallwoods failure to withdraw and testify as a necessary witness at trial. Because defendant is entitled to relief under Strickland on his exculpatory witness claim, we need not address his remaining arguments to this Court. The trial courts order denying his MAR is reversed. Judge Dillon dissented and would find the claims procedurally barred and deficient on the merits To establish reasonable probability, it was Defendants burden at the MAR hearing to show exactly what the substance of Ms. Smallwoods testimony would have been. Otherwise, it is impossible on review to determine whether Ms. Smallwoods testimony would have been admissible and what impact it might have had. But as Judge Grant points out in his Order, Defendant did not present Ms. Smallwood as a witness at the MAR hearing. No one else testified at the MAR hearing with any detail as to what Ms. Smallwood would have stated had she been allowed to take the stand. There is no competent evidence in the record to demonstrate that Ms. Smallwood had any independent recollection that the State witness told her that he saw someone other than Defendant kill the victim or whether her notes from the alleged conversation would have refreshed her memory. It may be that Ms. Smallwood would have offered admissible, persuasive testimony to impeach the State witness. However, Defendant simply failed to meet his burden of proof to show as much at the MAR hearing. At the MAR hearing, Defendant did offer a copy of the notes which Ms. Smallwood attempted to show the State witness at trial. However, these notes are not admissible to show how Ms. Smallwood might have testified. The notes do not suggest that the State witness told Ms. Smallwood that he saw Demetrius Jordan fire the fatal shot. Rather, the notes suggest, at best, that the State witness told Ms. Smallwood that he did not see who fired the fatal shot, after Demetrius Jordan had fled the scene. The majority notes that disbarred attorney Smallwood left the area and could not be called as a witness. (MIke Frisch) https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/02/the-north-carolina-court-of-appeals-granted-ineffective-assistance-relief-to-a-defendant-convicted-of-murder-in-a-shooting-ou.html The United States remains a popular destination for immigrants from Africa, according to the U.S.-based Pew Research Center. The number of African immigrants coming to the U.S. has more than doubled since 2000, Pew said in a new report. The organization said that as of 2015, 2.1 million African-born people were living in the United States. That number is up from 880,000 in 2000. Back in 1970, there were just 80,000. Monica Anderson is a research associate at Pew and the author of the study. She said one reason for the large increase is that many immigrants are refugees from Africa. She noted that in 1980, only 1 percent of refugees admitted to the United States were from Africa. Today, that share is about 37 percent. That is one major factor that is driving the growth of African immigrants, but it doesn't tell the entire story," Anderson told VOA in an interview. She said that over the years, certain U.S. areas have developed large, established populations for African immigrants. One of those is the Midwestern state of Minnesota. The state is home to about 25,000 people of Somali origin. This is about one-fifth of the whole foreign-born population of the state. In different clusters in the U.S., African immigrants are really reshaping the immigrant population there, Anderson said. Another example is the neighboring state of South Dakota, which has large refugee communities from Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia. Overall, Africans make up about 15 percent of South Dakotas foreign-born population, according to Pew. The top states where African immigrants live are Texas, New York, California and Maryland. African immigrants in the U.S. include tens of thousands of refugees from Somalia, Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Eritrea, Pew said. But it also includes highly-educated doctors, engineers and others seeking a better life in America. Randy Capps is the director of research for U.S. programs at the Migration Policy Institute. He said that as of 2013, 38 percent of sub-Saharan African immigrants had a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to 28 percent of all U.S. immigrants. But despite the increases, Africans still make up a relatively small amount of the total U.S. immigrant population. Capps said there are both historical and geographic reasons for this. It's a long distance from Africa, and the number of people in Africa with sufficient incomes to migrate that far has been relatively small, he said. He added that the path for legal African migration to the U.S. was not fully opened until the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act. The act, signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson, removed immigration quota systems based on national identity. This allowed for immigrants of all nationalities to be accepted equally. The act also made it easier for skilled immigrants to migrate to the United States. Im Bryan Lynn. Salem Solomon wrote this story for VOA News. Bryan Lynn adapted it for VOA Learning English. Hai Do was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story factor n. something that affects a particular situation, event, etc. cluster n. group of things or people that are close to each other quota n. official limit on the amount of people allowed Women are under-represented in the technology industry around the world. At colleges and universities in the United States, women represent only one in six students of computer science. That number is changing at some schools, like Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California. The school is a leader in getting women interested in technological professions. At its robotics laboratory, a small robot performs the movements of tai chi, an ancient Chinese meditation exercise. Student Jane Wu writes commands from a nearby computer. With these commands, she is demonstrating a simple form of robotics and artificial intelligence. Wu is a third-year student in mathematics and computer science at the college. She says she decided on a career in computer science after taking a robotics class called Autonomous Vehicles. In the class, she and other students built robots that can act on their own, without any human control. And, in that class, we got to make our own autonomous robots from scratch. Harvey Mudd College has just 800 students. It was named after a mining engineer who helped set up the school. It is part of a group of schools called The Claremont Colleges in the eastern part of Los Angeles. Ten years ago, the college re-created its computer science program to make it less difficult for students without much experience with computers. The effort has produced noticeable results: last year, more than half of the students who completed the program were women. Students are first placed in groups based on their knowledge of computers to reduce their fear of technology. Many of the students later find that computer science is a beautiful intellectual discipline, says professor Ran Libeskind-Hadas, but also a useful one. Taste of coding All Harvey Mudd students are required to take an introductory computer class. That class fueled the interest of Veronica Rivera, who is studying computer science and mathematics. It was a very balanced class and I think the professors also do a very good job of making sure everyone feels welcome, regardless of their coding ability. Rivera hopes to develop computer programs to help people who have difficulty moving parts of their bodies. Women were well-known coders in the early days of computers when Grace Hopper helped invent programming languages. She later became a top official in the United States Navy. Jim Boerkoel is an assistant professor who supervises the robotics lab. He spoke to VOA about Grace Hopper. So she [Hopper] is the original coder. It was only in later decades, the 1980s and 90s, that computer games and the idea of computer programming got heavily marketed toward boys rather than girls. Women technologists At Harvey Mudd, some women who come to study engineering rediscover programming. Each year, many attend what is said to be the worlds largest conference of women technologists. It is called the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. Emilia Reed is a computer science student at Harvey Mudd. With coding, I can just have my computer, have some programming language Im working in, and I can make almost whatever I want. Reed is helping create computer apps to increase the productivity of workers and students. Internship programs are part of the training. Samantha Andow, a third-year student, is making plans to serve as an intern at Microsoft Corporation in the state of Washington. Im really excited to see all the problems that computer science is working on right now. Maria Klawe is president of Harvey Mudd College. She says computers are important to all areas of life, and the technology industry needs the best and the smartest. If we dont manage to get a more diverse community into technology, she said, were not going to get as good solutions, as much progress as we need on the problems facing the world, whether it is climate change or education, health care. Klawe says todays issues need the creativity that diversity brings, and that the field needs more women and minorities as future programmers. Both groups do not have enough representation in the technology industry, she says. Im Bryan Lynn. And Im Alice Bryant. Mike OSullivan reported this story for VOA News. Alice Bryant adapted his report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. ________________________________________________________________ Words in This Story meditation - n. the act or process of spending time in quiet thought; the act or process of meditating artificial intelligence - n. an area of computer science that deals with giving machines the ability to seem like they have human intelligence regardless - adv. without being stopped by difficulty or trouble coder - n. a computer programmer app - n. a computer program that performs a special function internship - n. a job for a student or recent graduate who works for a period of time at a company or organization to gain experience diverse - adj. different from each other discipline - n. a field of study; a subject that is taught introductory - adj. of or related to the beginning of something scholarship, news and new ideas in legal history NOTE: THIS BLOG IS NO LONGER BEING UPDATED. You can leave comments but no new posts will appear. Please visit my other blog lewstringercomics.blogspot.com which will continue. Running from 2006 to 2019, BLIMEY! was dedicated to British comics past and present. The images of old comics on my blog are copyright their respective publishers and are only used here for review purposes. They have been scanned from my own personal comics collection, in over 50 years of collecting.The prose articles, with the exception of press releases, are Copyright Lew Stringer and must not be reproduced without permission. The Madeira Beach Fire Department is pioneering the use of new technology in Pinellas County. Specifically, they're developing a program utilizing drones. Department received two drones last November through a grant Each drone worth about $5,000 Drones deployed for situation, resource assessment Fire Chief Derryl O'Neal said the Madeira Beach Fire Department is the first agency in the county to develop a drone program. Weve had some other departments that have used them on a limited basis, ONeal said. I think were the first ones to actually start developing a program. O'Neal suspects that may also be true for all fire departments across Florida. O'Neal said the Madeira Beach Fire Department received two drones last November -- worth about $5,000 -- through a grant. Weve been training with them since then, he said. Weve actually had three incidents so far that weve had to deploy the drones, for people who have been lost or missing in the water. Madeira Beach Fire Chief Derryl O'Neal with one of his department's two drones. (Josh Rojas, staff) ONeal said the drones have searched for a missing kayaker in the intracoastal that turned out to be a false alarm, and in a separate incident located a missing paddle boarder. We had a person fall off of their paddleboard and was actually rescued by another boat, but the paddleboard had drifted away, said ONeal. We were able to confirm that the paddle boarder was not in distress and locate the paddleboard for the owner. The chief said the third incident was on Monday, when a call came in for a suspicious object in the water that turned out to be a buoy. Rather than having a multitude of resources coming in -- multiple boats, engines, etcetera and having firefighters put themselves in harms way -- were able to deploy the drone out there to do a quick evaluation of the process and cancel resources if theyre not needed, said O'Neal. The standard operating procedures for the drone program are still being written. There are, however, already some strict rules in place. Not flying over 400 feet high. Youre not supposed to fly them over buildings, said ONeal. You cant fly them at night and it cant be used as surveillance operations. Currently, ONeal himself is the only drone operator because he has a pilots license, which is an FAA requirement. Eventually, the chief hopes to have an authorized drone operator on every fire shift. Its the very beginning stages of this operation but it provides a higher level of safety to our community, he said. Makes it more cost effective and efficient for our city and a lot safer for our firefighters who are responding to water rescue emergencies. ONeal said Pinellas County Fire and Rescue is also looking into developing a drone program. Photo: Josh Rojas, staff GET OUR APP Our Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. A Swedish think tank says that the global arms trade has steadily increased in volume the past five years, propelled by an almost doubling of arms imports in the Middle East and strong growth in demand in Asia. Five countries United States, Russia, China, France, Germany accounted for 74 percent of the total arms exports. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute said that Asia and Oceania accounted for 43 percent of global arms imports in 2012-16, with India being the largest importer accounting for 43 percent of all imports. It was followed by Saudi Arabia with an increase of 212 percent compared to the previous five years. The largest exporter, USA, increased arms exports by 21 percent, with almost half going to the Middle East. Chinese companies are big winners in the competition among foreign bidders for stakes in Abu Dhabis largest oil concession, snatching a combined 12 percent of the venture as the Middle Eastern emirate looks increasingly to Asia, its biggest market, for investment. Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. awarded a 4 percent stake in the onshore venture the last share of the project that was still up for grabs to Shanghai-based CEFC China Energy Co., Adnoc said yesterday in an e-mailed statement. CEFC is paying an USD888 million signing bonus, Adnoc said. The announcement came one day after China National Petroleum Corp. agreed to buy 8 percent of the same concession for $1.8 billion. The dual awards mark Chinas debut as a major shareholder in the biggest oilfield operator in the United Arab Emirates, OPECs fourth-largest member. Together, the stakes held by state-run CNPC and energy investor CEFC exceed the 10 percent shares that both BP Plc and Total SA own. BP signed on to the project in December, and Total in January 2015. Asia will show the fastest growth in energy demand over the next two decades, according to the International Energy Agency. Abu Dhabi is among Persian Gulf oil producers including Saudi Arabia and Iraq that are tapping Asia for energy investments. While European and U.S. companies have pumped oil in the Middle East for more than a century, their Asian counterparts are relative newcomers. Japanese and Korean companies are also investors with Adnoc in the deposits. If youre Abu Dhabi and looking for demand growth, China is the future and its demand is going to continue to grow, Chris Gunson, a Dubai-based lawyer at Amereller Legal Consultants, said Sunday. For the big buyers in Asia, the logical source of that future supply is the Gulf. CNPC and CEFC are joining the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations, or ADCO. Japans Inpex Corp. owns 5 percent of the venture, while GS Energy Corp. of South Korea holds 3 percent. No companies from Asia were involved in the previous concession for the onshore fields. Abu Dhabi plans to retain a 60 percent stake in ADCO. Japanese companies are partners in at least four other oil-production ventures in Abu Dhabi, the largest sheikhdom in the United Arab Emirates. Korean and Chinese companies are exploring at smaller concessions in the emirate. CNPCs engineering arm also helped build an export pipeline in Abu Dhabi. Elsewhere in the region, CNPC is developing Iraqs biggest oil field, together with BP. China Petroleum and Chemical Corp. is a partner in a refinery in Saudi Arabia, and Chinese firms are developing crude deposits in Iran. With the two deals announced this week, Chinese buyers secure more supplies of Abu Dhabis main Murban crude grade. CNPC agreed in 2011 to increase purchases of crude from the emirate under long-term contracts. ADCOs international partners are responsible for funding their shares of investment in the deposits as well as paying signing bonuses. Abu Dhabi, with 6 percent of global crude reserves, is seeking to boost production capacity to 3.5 million barrels a day by 2018. ADCO pumps about half of Abu Dhabis roughly 3 million barrels of daily crude output. The emirate is expanding capacity amid a global oil glut that cut prices to an average of about $50 a barrel over the last two years. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed in November to cut production to trim crude stockpiles and boost prices. Benchmark Brent crude has gained about 11 percent since the day OPEC announced that agreement and was up 0.6 percent at $56.13 a barrel at 12:33 p.m. in London. The 40-year ADCO concession replaces an earlier agreement under which Western oil majors pumped the emirates crude. Exxon Mobil Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell Plc took part in the previous venture, also called ADCO, along with BP, Total and Portugals Partex Oil & Gas Group. That deal expired in January 2014. Adnoc ran the concession on its own for a year, then backdated the new deal to Jan. 1, 2015. Anthony DiPaola and Mahmoud Habboush, Bloomberg Yesterdays trial of the citys former top prosecutor, Ho Chio Meng, was halted after only approximately 20 minutes. As usual, the session started at 9.30 a.m., but soon after its commencement, Ho told the judges about his physical condition, stating he was feeling tired and dizzy. Ho then requested he be excused from the hearing under the condition that it will not affect the trial. The collegial panel then retired for 15 minutes to confer. Upon their return, presiding judge Sam Hou Fai announced the cancellation of the trial. Hos lawyer, Leong Weng Pun, stated that his clients absence would not affect the trial and it need not be cancelled. However, Sam turned down the appeal on the basis that the court needed to consider Hos overall condition. As the court emptied, Ho was escorted by the Correctional Services Bureaus officers to the Centro Hospitalar Conde de Sao Januario (CHCSJ) for a health checkup. The Hospital was required to inform the court before 4 p.m. yesterday if Ho could be present at the trial today. If yesterday had gone according to schedule, there would have been one witness called in the morning to provide testimony. While Hos trial was adjourned, at the Court of First Instance, defendant Wong Kuok Wai, who is accused of opening shelf companies along with Ho and other defendants, answered questions regarding Hos case. Five other defendants, who were absent from the first session, were still absent from yesterdays proceedings. Wong said that he is a friend of Mak Im Tai (one of the defendants). The prosecutors expressed doubt over how their companies could be awarded service contracts by the Prosecution Office, since the companies had no experience in related services. Wong suggested that it might have been because the MP was confident in their skills as a consequence of the previous projects their companies had completed. According to a report by TDM, Wong, at the court, said that he maintains a casual friendship with Ho Chio Shun (Hos brother), who is also accused of having participated in the establishment of said shelf companies. JZ A man was the victim of a violent robbery committed by three other men on Saturday evening, the police revealed yesterday during a press conference. One of the robbers, and so far the only one detained by the authorities, is a 20-year-old permanent resident who was acting in the company of a friend. The victim and his wife, who, are owners of a small shop in the area of San Kio in the proximities of Kiang Wu Hospital, had just closed their shop and were preparing to head home around 10 p.m. on Saturday. The victims wife waited at the cross section of Rua da Entena and Rua de Coelho do Amaral while the victim went to get their car which was parked nearby. In the following minutes, the wife heard her husbands call for help. The man, who was bleeding from the head, said he had been beaten by three men who also stole his backpack. The man told the police that two of the robbers were wearing facemasks. The police searched the area around 11 p.m. and approached two men seated at a staircase at Largo de Santo Antonio reviewing the contents of a backpack. The suspects tried to escape with one of them being caught and detained by the PSP. Upon searching the bag, the police found an identification card, credit cards and a mobile phone. The victims wife reported that an iPhone 6 and the sum of HKD30,000 were missing. Questioned by the police, the detainee said he had been invited by a friend to participate in the robbery from which he would receive a share. The detainee mentioned that he only found out about the third person at the location where the crime was carried out and does not know his identity as they had only met then. An expandable baton which was used to beat the victim, was found in the possession of the detainee. The police are still investigating the case and searching for the two other men involved. The School of the Nations (SON) held its annual arts event The Art of House last week, showcasing a variety of artwork and performances, along with art exhibitions of two local universities. The event featured a range of artwork, music, dance and drama from students and community members. Performances included a Chinese folk dance from the Association of Chinese National Culture and Arts, a Capoeira demonstration and Naxi Tribal Dances from Lijiangs Jinhong Middle School. Artworks from University of Macau and University of Saint Joseph students were also showcased in the schools library. SON Arts Administrator Mark Campbell told the Times that the school, with the aim of promoting the arts among the local community, also showcased eight paintings by their staff members and made them available for auction. The works of art from staff members of the school [were] donated for the auction [and it will contribute] to the development of the arts within the school, said Campbell. Campbell added that while the school has a strong academic focus, it emphasizes the need for its students to be aware of and appreciate art. SON Director Vivek Nair echoed Campbells sentiments, and remarked on the significance of including arts in humanities. One of the things we see that is central in education is to move away the focus from simply science and mathematics and very traditional field of learning to include arts in the humanities, he said. While the school held The Art of House internally in previous years, Nair remarked this year that there is a great value in exploring the expression in art from the wider community. Linda Chen, an eleventh grade International Baccalaureate (IB) student whose artwork was exhibited, commended the school for giving her peers the opportunity to showcase their artworks, which she believed had helped increase their exposure. It showcases different art pieces with their [students] own art styles, she said. One of my pieces [] shows that art doesnt just come from imagination, it also comes from the inspiration of the things around you. Along with the masterpiece she created, which she named bi-faces, she also performed a piano recital. I always seek for new and different experiences, especially others artworks, to inspire ourselves to create new piece, Chen said. Aaliyah Riofrio, a student who participated in a drama piece that tackles racism and sexism, said that the play aimed to portray how such issues are prevalent in Macau, particularly with Filipino groups in the region. I think Filipinos are treated differently, theyre treated like the lower class just because [there is a large group] of house-helpers here, he said. Chi Lo, a fellow drama student acting in the same play, added, We want people to know the effect of injustice, racism and sexism. We want them to take action against them because were all equal and we should act that way. Meanwhile, Communication and Media students from the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) presented their short films and photography. Jose Simoes, coordinator for the Department of Communication and Media at USJ, believed that it is fundamental for high school students to be aware of art produced by university students. He also said that art events would further enhance the skills and imagination of the students. Learning by doing is very important for them, because just theory doesnt work anymore, he said. The two- or three-way relationship between China and the Portuguese-Speaking Countries (PSC) will be in focus today, at an international conference due to be held in Lisbon where Macaus role as a contact platform will be a central theme. The conference called, Macau, a bridge in the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries economic relationship, for which the Macauhub is media partner, will enhance the role of Forum Macau, which is considered by a number of players in relations between China, Portugal and Portuguese-speaking countries as an opportunity for businesses, particularly to fund projects. The event also has a partnership with Portugals Investment and Foreign Trade Agency (AICEP), whose most recent edition of Portugal Global magazine focuses on Macau, with an interview with General Garcia Leandro, current president of the Jorge Alvares Foundation and former governor of the region, who says that Macau can have a privileged role for companies that do not directly enter the Chinese market. This, he says, thanks to all the initiatives that Forum Macau has developed, allowing meetings between Chinese entrepreneurs and those from Portuguese-speaking countries which have opened up possibilities for two- or three-way relations between companies from various countries that on their own would have no chance of success. This capacity of Macau should be taken to the maximum. China itself, as seen last October at the Ministerial Conference [of Forum Macau], clearly showed the purpose of giving Macau a greater role in this area by proposing 18 concrete measures that will build the capacity of the Forum, even as a financial cooperation platform focused on Macau, added Garcia Leandro. Some PALOP [Portuguese- speaking African countries] and Timor-Leste [East Timor] have felt greater need to get the most out of Forum Macaus resources, for the opportunities created there, and through the training sessions offered at its training centre and higher education institutions, he said. The President of AICEP, Miguel Frasquilho, also challenges Portuguese entrepreneurs to look with interest at the possibilities that Forum Macau opens up in terms of three-way cooperation, that is, to support investment and development projects between Portuguese-speaking companies and countries. Also in an interview with Portugal Global magazine, Whu Zhiwei, chief executive of Companhia de Desenvolvimento Cidade Moderna (Modern City Development Macau) and of Tin Min Jade says, the internationalization of Portuguese companies is very important for China, for Macau and for Portugal, and that many Chinese companies have come to realize the potential of the Portuguese-speaking country markets. Portugal is decidedly a new potential and privileged partner for the Chinese government and companies. This internationalization is necessary to get interaction and cooperation between different countries. The increasing existence of internationalized companies between China and Portugal will extend the scope, scale and success of cooperation, said Zhiwei. The Macau, a bridge in the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries economic relationship, conference will take place at the Institute of Social and Political Sciences (ISCSP) in Lisbon, and will be attended by the Portuguese President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and the Chinese ambassador to Portugal, Cai Run. The event will also be attended by managers of Portuguese companies with Chinese investors, such as Antonio Mexia, CEO of the Energias de Portugal (EDP) group and Joao Faria Conceicao, executive director of the national grid Redes Energeticas Nacionais (REN), and businesses with developing relations with China such as Duarte Lynce de Faria, the director of the port of Sines. MDT/Macauhub In a bid to boost growth and productivity amid global economic and geopolitical uncertainties, Singapore Finance Minister Heng Swee Keat announced measures to support infrastructure projects and industries like marine and processes. The 2017 budget comes less than two weeks after a government- appointed panel, led by Heng, outlined initiatives to propel the economy into its next phase of growth. The range of measures aim to help spur growth to 2 percent to 3 percent a year over the next decade. Here are some of the biggest winners and losers of the Singapore budget. WINNERS Jobs Skills training support will be provided to aid in improving workforce productivity. More than SGD600 million will be paid out to help companies cope with rising wages. The Ministry of Manpower will extend employment age to 67 from 65. Enhanced corporate tax rebate cap would be raised to SGD25,000 at 50 percent of tax payable. The tax rebate would be extended by another year, capped at SGD10,000, 20 percent of tax payable. National Research Fund will be topped up by SGD500 million and National Productivity Fund will be increased by SGD1 billion. Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Programs to support digitalization and innovation will be rolled out to aid SMEs. Public Infrastructure Investment The government will bring forward SGD700 million in infrastructure projects to support the construction sector. A total of SGD150 million will be spent to procure innovative construction solutions for public sector projects. Marine & Processes Foreign worker levy increases will be deferred for one more year to aid employers in these sectors. Sembcorp Industries Ltd. gained as much as 1.6 percent after the measures were announced. Sembcorps businesses include utilities as well as water and land development. Healthcare Including existing initiatives, the government will spend SGD400 million per year to provide support to persons with disabilities and their caregivers in areas of early intervention and education, employment, care services, assistive technologies and improving healthcare accessibility. Additional SGD160 million to be spent on supporting those with mental health conditions over the next five years. Cyber security Government will spend more than SGD80 million on programs to strengthen capabilities in data and cyber-security. Singapore-based firms SGD600 million in government capital will be allocated for a new International Partnership Fund to help Singapore-based firms in scaling up and internationalization. LOSERS Power Stations, Utilities Government plans to implement a carbon tax between SGD10-SGD20/ton of greenhouse gas emission from 2019 on power stations, large direct emitters instead of electricity consumers. Consumers Water prices will increase by 30 percent in two phases, starting July 1. Prices havent been raised in 20 years and costs need to be reflected. Bloomberg The U.S. Navy is planning a fresh freedom of navigation operation around Chinas man-made islands, the first under President Donald Trump, the Navy Times reported yesterday, citing defense officials. The operation would most likely be carried out by the San Diego-based USS Carl Vinson carrier strike group, which began patrolling the South China Sea on the weekend. It would involve sailing within 12-mile territorial waters of the island features China claims as its own, the report said. According to newspaper, the plans are awaiting Trumps approval. Chinas Foreign Affairs spokesman Geng Shuang said he was aware of the reports. He said that while China respects freedom of navigation under international law, we have firm objections to any country that impairs Chinas sovereignty and security interests in the name of freedom of navigation and overflight. We urge the U.S. side not to take any actions that challenge Chinas sovereignty and security, and respect the effort made by regional countries in safeguarding peace and stability in the South China Sea, he told reporters. Navy warships have deliberately sailed close to Chinese-occupied features four times since October 2015, ignoring Beijings sovereignty claims. The first three missions challenged Chinas requirement for ships to obtain permission prior to transit, while the last one challenged Chinas sovereignty over waters encompassing the Paracels. Some criticized the Obama administration for curtailing freedom of navigation operations and allowing China to build military installations on seven artificial islands in the disputed waters. Trumps Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said recently that such operations will continue while also ruling out any military escalation. Any miscalculation from either side may escalate tensions, which could spin out of control, Zhiqun Zhu, who heads The China Institute at Bucknell University in Pennsylvania, told the Navy Times. China is unlikely to cave in no matter what the U.S. military does in the South China Sea. Cooler heads are needed from both sides, not moves to unnecessarily provoke the other side. Just as the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier strike group begins its deployment in the South China Sea and the Western Pacific, China dispatched its own fleet for scheduled drills. The missile destroyers Changsha and Haikou and the supply ship Luomahu wrapped up weeklong exercises on Friday. The fleet includes three helicopters and marines on board. According to the official Xinhua News Agency, the drills involved naval aviation forces and military garrisons from both the Spratlys and the Paracels, as well as elements of the Beihai and Donghai fleets. They practiced air defense, escorting, anti-terror, anti-piracy and defensive operations under real combat conditions, Xinhua said. China is considering revisions in its 1984 maritime law that could bar foreign ships from passing through what it considers Chinese waters and require submersibles to travel on the surface, display national flags and report to Chinese authorities. According to a draft that was published to solicit public opinion, foreign ships that violate Chinese laws would be expelled, state-run media reported. The proposed changes are in line with international maritime law, Beijing media said, but they could also set China up for conflict with Washington, which insists on freedom of navigation. The draft doesnt mention the South China Sea specifically, but China claims the area almost in its entirety. Late last year, China seized an underwater glider that was launched by the USS Bowditch in international waters off the Philippines and returned it after the U.S. protested. Beijing is seeking to improve its management of maritime security by adding new operational details into law, especially details related to growing threats from foreign close-in surveillance, Lin Yongxin, a senior researcher from the government- affiliated National Institute on South China Sea Studies, told the South China Morning Post. Meanwhile, some 1,000 military and civilian residents of the Chinese-controlled Paracels used to get their tomatoes and spinach delivered by ship. State-run media reported theyve now started growing their own vegetables in a greenhouse, ending reliance on the mainland. Peoples Daily reported a greenhouse covering 567 square meters was built on Drummond Island, known in Chinese as Jinqing Dao. The goal for a weekly yield: 200 kilograms. Recent satellite images of the islands suggest China has upgraded its military facilities in the Paracels, which are also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan. MDT/AP Taiwans foreign ministry has protested Spains decision to deport more than 200 Taiwanese telecom fraud suspects to China, in the latest instance of a government moving to deport citizens of the self-governing island to its rival. Scores of Taiwanese have been arrested around the world in the past year in connection with vast telecoms fraud scams targeting Chinese nationals. Countries including Malaysia, Cambodia and Kenya have deported Taiwanese suspects to China, in deference to Beijing which views Taiwan as its own territory without sovereign legal status and has long tried to diplomatically isolate it. The Taiwanese ministry said in a statement that it deeply regrets a decision by the Spanish government to agree to a request by Beijing to extradite 269 Taiwanese and Chinese nationals arrested in December in Spain. Taiwans Mainland Affairs Office said in a separate statement that it had lodged a protest with Beijing over its request that more than 200 Taiwanese nationals be deported to the mainland. Chinese authorities say they are authorized to try the cases because their citizens are the primary victims and have been swindled out of millions of dollars. BOISE A recent scam is targeting Idaho schools, restaurants, hospitals, tribal groups and other organizations. Attorney General Lawrence Wasden warns Idahoans of the particularly dangerous phishing scam that could compromise sensitive employee data. The IRS notified Wasdens office. Cybercriminals continue to seek to plunder confidential information from Idaho businesses and employees, Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said. This is a particularly nefarious scam and a reminder that we should all remain vigilant when it comes to protecting sensitive data. According to the IRS,cybercriminals use various spoofing techniques to make an email look like its from an organization executive. The email is sent to someone in the payroll or human resources department and requests a list of all employees and their W-2 forms. The cybercriminal then follows up with an executive email to the payroll or comptroller and asks that a wire transfer also be made to a certain account. Although not tax related, the wire transfer scam is being coupled with the W-2 scam email, and some companies have lost both employees W-2s and thousands of dollars due to wire transfers. The scam is not new, but reappeared earlier this year. Businesses and organizations are asked to alert their payroll, finance and human resource employees about this scam as soon as possible. Those who dont have internal policies for releasing employee W-2s or conducting wire transfers should consider creating them. BOISE The Idaho Bankers Association has named La Dawn Anderst as its new executive vice president beginning March 1. Prior to joining IBA, Anderst was CEO for the Idaho Realtors, having also assumed the roles of education director, membership services director, policy coordinator, convention coordinator, Idaho Realtor Leadership Academy coordinator and director of operations. She has 26 years of experience in association management and leadership. "La Dawn is an accomplished executive whose knowledge and experience will add value for our members and staff in todays rapidly changing financial services industry," Trent Wright, IBA president and CEO, said in a statement. "We look forward to the many contributions she will bring to our team." La Dawn is a transplant from the state of Washington but lived in the Treasure Valley after attending Northwest Nazarene University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in business administration. She lives in Nampa with her husband, State Representative Robert Anderst and their two children. I am honored for the opportunity to serve as executive vice president of the Idaho Bankers Association, La Dawn said. Im looking forward to working with the IBA board of directors, members and the wonderful staff. Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Build your health & fitness knowledge Sign up here to get the latest health & fitness updates in your inbox every week! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy TWIN FALLS A Twin Falls man rammed his mother with his pickup truck, crashed while attempting to hit her a second time and then sped off before he was arrested, police said. Scott James Ridinger, 24, was arraigned Friday in Twin Falls County Magistrate Court on a felony count of aggravated battery with use of a deadly weapon. Robin Ridinger, Scott Ridingers mother, told police she and her son were arguing Thursday insider her home on Washington Street South when the argument spilled into the alley, court documents said. She later spoke with an officer from the St. Lukes Magic Valley Medical Center emergency room. She said she thought that he was going to leave, but put the truck in reverse and drove toward her, an officer wrote in a sworn affidavit. Mrs. Ridinger said that she believes that Scott hit her with the truck intentionally. At the time of her interview, the extent of Robin Ridingers injuries was unknown. Ridinger told officers that he indeed argued with his mother but that he hit her on accident, court documents said. He told police he was driving away, but when he saw his mother in his mirror yelling, he put the truck in reverse and backed up to confront her again. He stated that he hit the clutch and not the brake, the officer wrote, Which resulted in him striking her with the rear bumper. Ridinger said he panicked and tried to speed away, resulting in him crashing into another vehicle, court documents said. Several witnesses to the incident told police they believe he tried to hit her a second time but ran into a parked vehicle before leaving the scene. Ridingers wife, seated in the trucks passenger seat, said she couldnt remember what happened. Ridinger is in jail in lieu of $5,000 bond. He faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted 15 for aggravated battery and 15 for the use of a deadly weapon. Hes scheduled for a preliminary hearing Friday. TWIN FALLS T-r-i-c-h-i-n-o-s-i-s infestation with or disease caused by trichinae and marked especially by muscular pain, dyspnea, fever, weakness, and edema. E-x-a-s-p-e-r-a-t-e to excite the anger of. Declo teenager Zachary Hunsaker spelled those two words correctly last year at the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Now, its time for another south-central Idaho student to shine. The third annual Times-News regional spelling bee sponsored by the Times News and presented by Xtreme RV is 6:30 p.m. Monday. Fifty-three students in first through eighth-grades from 24 south-central Idaho schools will compete for top honors. The winner will receive an all-expenses paid trip to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee May 28-June 3 in National Harbor, Md. Across south-central Idaho, spelling is often incorporated into school lessons every day. Plus, being a good speller helps students build their vocabulary and become better readers. Its not just about spelling, but learning about the words, said Aleathea Gingell, a second-grade teacher at Morningside Elementary School and spelling bee coordinator for the Twin Falls School District. If you can spell the word correctly, you more than likely can read the word correctly, she said. And spelling is incorporated into a variety of subject areas even math. During Mondays regional spelling bee, College of Southern Idaho President Jeff Fox will be the pronouncer. Hell read each word, which will be selected at random. Students will be able to ask a few questions, such as for a words definition. Each participating south-central Idaho school, depending on its size, is sending its top two or three spellers to regionals. They do their own school spelling bee and determine their own winners, said Michelle Campbell, events director for the Times-News. Twin Falls schools began preparing for spelling bees in September. And the Times-News printed 18,000 spelling bee guides in November to distribute to students across south-central Idaho. Most Twin Falls schools had classroom-level and grade-level spelling bees. Then, the top finishers continued on to school spelling bees in January, Gingell said. That gave the kids and the teachers time to do some activities in the classroom and to practice. TWIN FALLS Whats a supplemental levy and how is the money used? Find out Tuesday night at a Twin Falls School District meeting. The community meeting is 7 p.m. at Pillar Falls Elementary School, 3105 Stadium Blvd. in Twin Falls. Theyll be a chance to ask questions about the upcoming supplemental levy election. Voters will decide during the March 14 election whether to approve a two-year measure totaling $8.5 million. In December, school trustees decided to ask for $500,000 less in levy money, citing concerns about voter fatigue. The current levy expires June 30. If approved, the new levy would replace it. KETCHUM Interested in protecting public lands? Theres a meeting in Ketchum in early March to find out how to help. The Environmental Resource Center and Idaho Conservation League will hold a meeting from 6-7 p.m. March 2 at the conservation leagues office, 110 W. Fifth St. No. 201 in Ketchum. Community members are welcome. Attendees will spend 30 minutes learning about legislation at the local, state and national levels about public lands. The second half of the program will focus on how they can take action. Theyll also be given information about a public lands rally Saturday, March 4 in Boise. The Idaho Conservation League will provide a free shuttle to and from Boise for those who want to participate. For more information, contact Hadley DeBree at 208-726-4333 or hadley@ercsv.org or Betsy Mizell at 208-726-7485 or bmizell@idahoconservation.org. PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte spent more than P277 million in taxpayers money in visiting 12 countries six months into the presidency, Malacanang said Tuesday. Despite this huge sum of money, however, the President brought home at least US$5.85 billion in foreign investments and at least 350,000 job opportunities, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said. The President made a total of seven foreign trips, visiting a total of 12 countries since he took office. These visits incurred about P277 million in expenses which included airfare, charter lease, and others, Dutertes spokesperson told a news briefing. These official trips are part of the Presidents obligation to maintain and strengthen diplomatic ties with neighboring countries and has clinched numerous economic investments and commitments amounting to billions of dollarsto billions of pesos and generate thousands of jobs in the following years, he added. Duterte visited Laos, Indonesia, Vietnam, Brunei, China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Peru, New Zealand, Cambodia, and Singapore as part of his obligation as Head of State to maintain and strengthen the countrys diplomatic ties with other nations. ADVERTISEMENT From these foreign trips, China and Japan were the most fruitful, Abella said, with investment pledges in the billions of dollars and estimated hundreds of thousands of jobs to be generated in the next few years. The visit to China resulted in more than 20 agreements with an estimated value, total value of US$4-billion and will generate over 100,000 jobs, the Palace spokesperson continued. Included in the agreements, were a 50-million renminbi each for the construction of drug rehabilitation facilities and supply of equipment for law enforcement activities. The visit to Japan likewise produced investment commitments estimated at US$1.85-billion and will generate about 250,000 jobs in the next few years, Abella said, adding five government-to-government agreements were signed that included Exchange of Notes Agreements of up to US$184-million. Moreover, Abella mentioned 15 pipeline loans entered into by various national government agencies for various projects during the Presidents visit to Japan, which include the constructions of North Avenue to FTI Taguig subway and the Manila to Clark high-speed railway. Duterte is set to visit Myanmar on March 19 to 20 and Thailand on March 20 to 22. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Here is the latest, which is in the media but not being plastered all over my Twitter feed: Just two days after President Trump provoked widespread consternation by seeming to imply, incorrectly, that immigrants had perpetrated a recent spate of violence in Sweden, riots broke out in a predominantly immigrant neighborhood in the northern suburbs of Swedens capital, Stockholm. The neighborhood, Rinkeby, was the scene of riots in 2010 and 2013, too. And in most ways, what happened late Monday night was reminiscent of those earlier bouts of anger. Swedish police apparently made an arrest around 8 p.m. near the Rinkeby station. For reasons not yet disclosed by the police, word of the arrest prompted a crowd of youths to gather. Over four hours, the crowd burned about half a dozen cars, vandalized several shopfronts and threw rocks at police. Police spokesman Lars Bystrom confirmed to Swedens Dagens Nyheter newspaper that an officer fired shots with intention to hit a rioter, but did not strike his target. A photographer for the newspaper was attacked by more than a dozen men and his camera was stolen, but ultimately no one was hurt or even arrested. It remains correct that an American city such as Orlando typically will have more murders than all of Sweden in a year. But it is also important to process the distinction between objective and subjective metrics of disorder. A jaywalker in Germany disrupts public order and flouts norms more than is the case for a single jaywalker in New Jersey, for instance. Sweden is relatively orderly, in part, because the public and psychological reactions to acts of disorder are relatively severe and traumatic, even if those same acts might be perceived as less significant in other contexts. It is quite possible that Swedish norms are being threatened by the level of disorder currently in the country, even if to a Nigerian it all might seem absurdly neat and tidy. There is also reasonable evidence that immigrants to Sweden are a major reason for the decline in the average quality of Swedish schooling and also Swedish PISA scores. In other contexts, we will be told that such variables are incredibly significant, but in this context the result ends up largely ignored. The simplest metric, however, would simply be to poll citizens of Nordic and European countries who are familiar with Sweden, but dont have direct self-interest at stake, and ask them if they want the immigration history of their country to go the Swedish route. I havent seen the data, but I believe the rate of yes on that one would be quite low. You could not say the same about Canada or Australia, I suspect, or for that matter the United States. On this whole matter, I would not say that Trumps remarks have been correct and for sure they have been irresponsible on the diplomatic front. Still, the overall presentation of his critics arguably has been further yet from the reality, and that is part of the reason why Trump finds such an audience. Head of the Libyan Government of National Accord (GNA) and Presidency Council (PC) Faiez Serraj Monday escaped assassination attempt as his motorcade underwent gun fires in capital Tripoli. Serraj, according to local media reports, was travelling with Head of the State Council (SC) Abdulrahman Sewehli and the head of the Presidential Guard Najmi Nakoa. It has been unclear who fired at the convoy. One press report said a black Toyota Cruiser with two passengers drew near the motorcade and opened fire. Another report emanating from the State Council media office indicated that the firing came from the armed groups based in the (Rixos) Palaces area of Tripoli, Libya Herald reported. The SC media said two guards have been injured in the attack. The GNA media office has debunked the claim. The Rixos Palaces were the headquarters of the Salvation government led by Khalifa Ghwell, the former Tripoli strong man. Serrajs PC installed in Tripoli since March but has been unable to hammer home its authority. While the PC is struggling to cooperate with rival east-based government supported by Field Marshall Khalifa Haftar, it is facing resistance from Khalifa Ghwell who still controls a group of militiamen in Tripoli. Ghwell, still opposed to the PC, has already tried to topple the GNA and seize government buildings, but his two attempts failed. Head of the State Council Abdulrahman Sewehli later on Monday issued a statement accusing Ghwell for directing the failed assassination attempt, Libya Herald further notes. The motorcade was reportedly attacked on Serrajs way back from the inauguration of the Central Investigation Department in Drebi. Chicken will be the best-positioned protein due to its low price position in times of pressure on consumer spending power but rises in production costs and the long-term impact of COVID-19 threaten to disrupt the sector, according to Rabobank. Shenoy grew up thinking about a traditional engineering career, but changed that plan in college when he learned about the nascent field of computational neuroscience. For the first time, researchers were trying to figure out how the brain processes information, and Shenoy then an undergraduate at the University of California-Irvine knew he wanted to be part of that herculean effort. I had that light bulb turn on, he said. Small things, transistors, put together create computers. The brain is spectacular how is it built from all its component neurons that are wired together? After completing his PhD in electrical engineering and computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Shenoy headed to the California Institute of Technology to do a postdoctoral fellowship in neuroscience, an experience he likens to another PhD. As he used electrodes to record signals from monkeys brains, he toyed with the prospect of tapping into the brains of people with paralysis in order to give them entirely new prosthetic devices. Existing methods of helping such people interact, like eye-blink systems or pointers strapped to their heads to let them move a cursor on a computer screen, were slow and cumbersome and they didnt work at all for people who didnt have enough muscle control to operate them. A device that translated thoughts into actions a true brain-computer interface would be far more efficient and intuitive, Shenoy figured. He kept returning to the same question: How do we design systems capable of listening in on those neurons and interpreting their language? After becoming an assistant professor at Stanford in 2001, Shenoy devoted his research to answering that question. He recorded neural activity from hundreds of neurons at the same time while monkeys, whose brains are quite similar to human brains, performed a variety of arm and hand movement tasks. Generations of students, postdoctoral scholars and research staff in Shenoys lab used the electrode-array recordings to explore how ensembles of neurons in the motor cortex prepare and guide hand and arm movements. Their goal was to understand the fundamental ways that these neural circuits control arm movements, and to then use this scientific knowledge to design mathematical algorithms for converting, or decoding, this language of the brain into electronic signals for controlling prosthetic devices such as keyboards or robotic limbs. Better and better As Shenoy and his colleagues added detail and depth to their understanding of the brain, their decode algorithms kept performing better and better. That success encouraged them to start thinking about bringing this preclinical research to people. They got a major assist in 2004 when Henderson, then interviewing for a neurosurgery position at Stanford, arrived on campus for a round of meetings. Among other skills, Henderson was an expert at using medically approved electronic devices to stimulate the nervous system for therapeutic purposes. To treat Parkinsons disease, for instance, surgeons often use deep-brain stimulation, a procedure in which they deliver tiny jolts of electricity to relieve the tremors that characterize the condition. Shenoy had the opposite goal: He wanted to read the brains faint biochemical signals and translate these into electronic data. Neurotechnologies such as this will alter how we think about treating nervous system disorders. But Gary Steinberg, MD, PhD, professor and chair of neurosurgery, had a hunch Shenoy and Henderson would get along. Steinberg made sure the electrical engineer got penciled into Hendersons interview schedule. During their first meeting at the Clark Center, the two hit it off. It was chemistry, Shenoy said. Two people who just clicked. When he told Henderson about his dream of creating a brain-controlled prosthetic system, Henderson responded, Yeah, thats exactly the kind of thing Id like to do. Hendersons interest in surgical treatment of Parkinsons disease, coupled with Shenoys expertise in recording from large numbers of brain cells simultaneously, led them to propose a joint project investigating brain activity during deep-brain stimulation surgery, using the sensor that Shenoy had been using in his laboratory. Those sessions marked the projects first tentative forays into human research and cemented the team, Shenoy recalled. It started getting us thinking more deeply about how these [implants] could really work, if implanted for years, Shenoy said. Hendersons medical expertise helped the engineers figure out what approaches might work in a clinical setting. In turn, Henderson, who holds the John and Jene Blume-Robert and Ruth Halperin Professorship, learned about the finer points of computer control systems how detailed algorithms allow for swift interpretation of messages coming from the brain. Steinberg, the Bernard and Ronni LacrouteWilliam Randolph Hearst Professor of Neurosurgery and Neurosciences, was impressed by Shenoy and Hendersons teamwork. Theyre not ego-driven, he said. That allows them to build these collaborative programs, rather than feeling that as an individual they have to be the shining light. As he watched them make necessarily slow but fundamental and systematic progress in those early years of their collaboration, Steinberg told the researchers that when they were ready to start a clinical trial to bring this to people with paralysis, the university would provide the initial resources they needed. With Steinbergs financial backing and moral support, along with support from Stanfords interdisciplinary biosciences institute Bio-X, Shenoy and Henderson formed the Neural Prosthetics Translational Laboratory in 2009. Improving system performance But before the team felt that their technology would provide people with a nearly natural and enjoyable experience, they needed to improve overall system performance by refining their knowledge of movement intent embedded in brain signals. Much of that pioneering work fell to graduate students Paul Nuyujukian and Jonathan Kao. They trained monkeys to think about moving a cursor toward targets on a computer screen and kept track of how the neurons in the monkeys brains formed this intention. That allowed them to develop new mathematical algorithms that continuously processed a monkeys brain signals into the movement commands that controlled the cursor. In essence, they were decoding how the brain forms an intention and then carries out a movement. Over many such experiments carried out over several years, they steadily improved the algorithm. At first, the monkeys managed to hit one target every two to three seconds. By 2012, they were hitting a target a second because the algorithm was enabling them to make faster, straighter and more controlled movements. It was one of the biggest operations Ive ever done in my life. As Nuyujukian recalls, those kinds of results signaled that it was time to take those techniques, try them in people with paralysis and ask the fundamental question, Does this actually work in the real world? That same year, Henderson surgically implanted the first electrode array in a clinical trial participant at Stanford. The 50-year-old individual had suffered for years with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrigs disease, a degenerative condition that causes the loss of motor neurons and can ultimately make movement impossible. As part of the clinical trial process it was explained that there would be no personal benefit from participation. The individual chose to proceed to help advance the research. Henderson, a seasoned neurosurgeon, typically approached the operating room with calm and composure. Less so this time. I was definitely hyped up, Henderson recalled. It was one of the biggest operations Ive ever done in my life. After the four-hour procedure, the team went out for burritos. Henderson slumped in his chair, exhausted. Even then the researchers couldnt relax. They wouldnt know whether they had been successful for another month or so, when they brought the first participant back into the lab to see whether the implant could pick up electrical signals from the persons brain and correctly decode them into movement controls. During that first lab session, the data was a bit difficult to interpret the team had to make some computing tweaks to ensure the participants brain signals came through reliably. But it soon became clear that the surgery had been a success: The participant moved a cursor to an on-screen target just by thinking about it. We definitely, as a lab, opened a bottle of Dom Perignon, Henderson said. The celebration was, of course, preliminary. Years more work lay ahead. Another participant was implanted at Stanford, and another at Massachusetts General Hospital as part of the multi-institutional BrainGate consortium, bringing to three the participants contributing to the present round of results. Testing the results required some creative on-the-spot adjustments. Nuyujukian, by then a postdoctoral scholar at Stanford, recalls visiting the participants homes after the surgery with fellow postdoctoral scholar Chethan Pandarinath, now an assistant professor at Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology. They would arrive with a cart filled with computers and electronic recording equipment. For a few minutes at a time, they would tell each participant to look at a cursor moving back and forth on a screen and pretend they were controlling it with their mind. This process was meant to calibrate the algorithms responsible for converting patterns of neural activity into computer cursor movements. Nuyujukian recalls watching, awestruck, as study participants became proficient at moving the cursor from one letter to the next, tapping out words, then whole sentences, using only their brains. To see that actually happen is unbelievable. It was hard to not display emotion on the spot, he said. From time to time, he and the participants would chat about how incredible all this was. Now, 15 years into the effort and with many more years of development and testing ahead, team members think that collaborative problem solving remains the key to success. This group was so careful and just laid out every step along the way, Nuyujukian said. Next, the team plans to test the implant in even more participants and expand the types of devices people can operate. The follow-on to this is allowing a person to use an off-the-shelf tablet device, Henderson said. And to do so 24/7, so that the participant has access to assistive devices at any time. For all of the success in getting to this point, Shenoy remains cautious, yet deeply optimistic. Neurotechnologies such as this will alter how we think about treating nervous system disorders, he said. And perhaps even how we think about what it means to be human. Shenoy, Henderson and Steinberg are members of Bio-X and the Stanford Neuroscience Institute. The Gambias new president Adama Barrow this weekend ordered the release of 171 inmates in the tiny West African nations notorious 2 Mile Prison. They were all detained without trial some time during former President Yahya Jammehs 22-year rule. Orders have already been given for all those detained without trial to be released, Adama Barrow said during his official inauguration ceremony at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, a town 20km from the capital Banjul, on Saturday. Gambias President Adama Barrow vowed to revive the countrys faltering economy with sweeping reforms as he sought to draw a line under the erratic 22-year rule of his predecessor. We have inherited an economy in decline, Barrow said. He pledged to introduce free primary education, which is guaranteed by the constitution but was not implemented during Jammehs rule. Gambias economy depends on exports of groundnuts from small-scale farming and on the hard currency brought in by thousands of tourists drawn to its sun, white sandy beaches and lively resorts. Barrow said his government would start work immediately to encourage investment in other sectors such as technology. Pope Francis on Sunday urged leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo to act quickly to resolve the political crisis and curb violence in the Central African mineral-rich nation. During the Angelus prayer, the sovereign pontiff condemned the clashes in the opposing camps, which have been going on in the South and Kasai Central region of the country. He prayed for those affected by the violence. I strongly share the pain of the victims especially those of many of our children taken away from their families and schools to be used as child soldiers. It is a tragedy for children to be used as child soldiers, Pope Francis said. The Holy Father renewed his heartfelt appeal to the consciences and the responsibility of the national authorities and the international community, that they might take adequate and timely decisions to assist these brothers and sisters. Hundreds have died in central Congo in recent months and tens of thousands have been forced to flee as battles rage between security forces and militias. The country faced a political impasse after it was clear that presidential elections originally scheduled for November 2016 would not take place, a move critics said was an attempt by President Joseph Kabila to try to hold on to power in Africas largest copper producer. Congolese political leaders, however, reached the eleventh-hour agreement a deal that initially reduced tension between the government and the opposition. Next Georgian product bound for EU: Seamless pipes to be exported to five EU countries Georgias largest industrial enterprise, Rustavi Metallurgical Plant, will soon begin exporting seamless pipes to the European Union (EU) for the first time in its history.Italy, Germany, Poland, Bulgaria and Hungary are the new export markets for Rustavi Metallurgical Plant, where 2,000 tonnes of seamless pipes will be exported later this year.Rustavi Metallurgical Plant authorities plan to increase export volume and to widen export markets this year and sell 25,000 tonnes of seamless pipes to the EU, the United States and Russia.Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are other traditional export markets for the plant.Founded in 1948, Rustavi Metallurgical Plant was the first, fully-integrated metallurgical complex in the South Caucasus to produce steel, hot-rolled seamless pipes and various products made of pig iron, aluminium and iron.The plant produced seamless pipes to meet the requirements of the oil fields of Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and several countries of the Middle East. Azerbaijan urges WB not to work with Armenian banks in occupied lands Involving Armenian banks and companies operating in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, in the World Bank projects is inadmissible, said Azerbaijans Economics Minister Shahin Mustafayev.He was addressing a meeting with WB Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Cyril Muller in Baku Feb. 10.The minister once again reminded Muller about Azerbaijan's 'fair position' in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 the Armenian Armed Forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on the withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.Speaking about the Azerbaijan-WB cooperation, Mustafayev noted that the bank has implemented 40 projects in Azerbaijan, as of now, and 11 more projects are now being carried out.Mustafayev noted the significance of the World Banks continuing financing the projects in Azerbaijans private sector.At the same time, Azerbaijan is interested in cooperation in agriculture and training of employees of industrial parks, the Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park as well, he added.Azerbaijan joined the WB Group in 1992. Tskhinvali separatists postpone joining Russia By Messenger Staff The de facto government of Georgias eastern breakaway region of South Ossetia (Tskhinvali) has stated that formally joining the Russian Federation has been postponed due to the presidential elections planned this year in April."Last year, we agreed on a scheme that would allow us to make a proposal to the Russian leadership on the accession of the president," the de-facto president of Tskhinvali, Leonid Tibilov, told the TASS news agency."This is an internal process. I put forward a proposal on amending Article 10 of our Constitution, but then various conflicting views about the procedures emerged and as the president, I came to the conclusion that the issue should be discussed in detail by a political council, Tibilov added.He said at the political council meeting the government made a decision to reconsider this issue after the 2017 elections.We have time for work with our Russian colleagues, and Moscow knows our views, Tibilov stated,Tibilov stressed that all citizens of South Ossetia seek rapprochement with Moscow.Today we can say that we are in a single economic, political and media space with Russia.Tskhinvali also knows that there are serious issues on the path towards joining Russia that need to be considered. We should not create any difficulties for our Russian colleagues, Tibilov said.In his earlier comments, Tibilov also stated that the region was thinking about changing its name, a move that was strongly condemned by Tbilisi as one more illegality voiced by the de facto leadership and the Russian occupiers.Of Georgias two de facto regions which are now occupied by Russia, Tskhinvali always follows Russias demands more keenly than their Abkhaz counterparts.Russia generally uses the regions and their occupation to blackmail Georgia, and statements such as joining Russia or changing the region's name are very likely to serve the aim of provoking Georgia.In reality, however, It is unlikely that Russia is seriously considering allowing Tskhinvali to join the Federation... or even that Moscow cares much for the fact to take place. The News in Brief Parliament Endorses Credentials of New MP On February 10, the Parliament of Georgia endorsed the credentials of Anri Okhanashvili, a new MP from the ruling Georgian Dream Democratic Georgias party-list. Anri Okhanashvili will replace Manana Kobakhidze, who was elected as the as a Constitutional Court judge on February 8. Okhanashvili, who was number 49 on the ruling GDDG party list of candidates, served as Parliaments head of administration since December, 2016. (civil.ge) 51 people jailed for entering Georgias breakaway territories the wrong way Georgia has jailed 51 people over the last nine years for entering Abkhazia or South Ossetia from the wrong direction. The ombudsman now calls for a review of the law. Georgias Law on the Occupied Territories makes it a crime to enter the two regions through crossing points that are controlled by the separatists. It is only legal to enter the two breakaway territories from the Georgian-controlled checkpoints. When it comes to Abkhazia, a former Soviet holiday destination with palms and sand beaches, its also illegal to arrive by sea without permission from Tbilisi. The only legal way to enter, is across the bridge over the river Inguri. There are two smaller crossing points further upstream, but they were recently closed by the Abkhaz side. Violating the law carries the risk of a fine or up to five years in prison. Although not everyone taken in violation of the ban are held to account, nearly four hundred people have so far been charged with entering one of these disputed regions the wrong way since the law on occupied territories was passed in 2009. The law was a way for Georgia to toughen its policy of non-recognition after the 2008 war, which led to Russia recognizing the regions as independent countries and placing military bases there. A new report from the Georgian ombudsmans office shows that 395 persons have been held in violation and faced criminal charges between 2009 and 2016, which typically happens the next time the person enters Georgia proper and his or her passport contains stamps from the breakaway territories. 51 of the violators were sent to prison; the rest were issued a fine. Based on information from the Venice Commission under the Council of Europe, a large share of the detained persons are foreign sailors, who, apparently, were not aware of the situation in Georgia and of the existence of this law. In addition, the Law is often violated due to force majeure (bad weather), the report reads. The ombudsman now calls on the government to review the law. It contains problematic issues and needs to be liberalized, he argues in the report. In 2013, the government proposed a draft , which does away with criminal liability for persons entering the breakaway territories from prohibited directions for the first time. However, the law passed only the first hearing and never made it onto the books. Violating the procedures for entering the breakaway territories should not be a criminal but administrative offense, the ombudsman argues. The document also recommends making exceptions for situations in which entry into the breakaway regions should not be regarded as illegal. It says that a special entry permit should be issued if this trip serves Georgias state interests, is part of work toward peaceful resolution of the conflict or for de-occupation or humanitarian purposes. In autumn of 2016, parliament resumed its review of the bill. According to the amendments, punishment for violation of the law will be an administrative offense, instead of criminal liability. The same action committed repeatedly will be deemed a criminal offense, which, unlike confinement, will be punishable by a 400 lari (USD 150) fine. The report says one of the reasons people end up violating the law and crossing the border the wrong way is limited access to information. Documentation providing application form and the list of required documentations are not available either on the Foreign Ministry website, or on the website of the State Security Service. Since August 2015, only two entrance permits have been issued by the agency out of ten applications, based on information from the State Security Service. Information about the procedure and application form for a special permit, as well as about the documents to be submitted as provided by law should be easily available to every person wishing to enter the occupied territories with a special permit, or to obtain a special permit after entry, the report says. In his report, the Public Defender expresses concern about identity documents illegally issued by the secessionist authorities to people living in the conflict zone, especially those who were born since the wars in the early 1990s. The Law of Georgia On occupied Territories does not recognize the de facto government in the occupied territories, and, therefore, it does not consider documents issued by them as legally valid. The ombudsman, or public defender, also calls on the government to make it easier for residents in the breakaway territories to get Georgian citizenship. Most of them have Russian citizenship today. The Public Defender believes that the government should work out an effective mechanism, so that residents of the occupied territory can obtain the Georgian citizenship IDs and legally valid documents in a relatively simple way, thus they would be able to make use of the services offered by the state reports says. Three of Georgias regions two of which remain as unsolved conflicts broke out and declared independence in the wake of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Disputed borders are also a fact of life in other parts of the Caucasus, such as Nagorno-Karabakh, which last year had the most violent flareup of violence in two decades. The sides in each conflict engage in a strategic games of recognition and non-recognition, changing the words of the language and exploiting international attention for their own perceived benefit and against the other side. When the European Parliament recently voted in favor of offering a visa-waiver system for Georgian citizens, the government of Georgia seized on this by saying that also inhabitants of the breakaway regions could benefit from visa-free travel to Europe, but only if they acquired Georgian passports first. The de facto authorities of Abkhazia and South Ossetia where the population are predominantly Russian passport holders rejected the offer as an attempt to manipulate them. (DF watch) The News in Brief President Initiates Security Strategy Update The National Security Councils Secretariat announced on February 13 the launch of nationwide discussions for developing the countrys unified National Security Strategy. President Giorgi Margvelashvili first spoke on the matter in his opening speech at the inaugural session of the newly-elected Parliament on November 18. The global political context, the challenges facing the country and the transformig security environment in the Black Sea region require an update of the national security policy, President Margvelashvili told parliamentarians. Responding to these challenges, Margvelashvili outlined, necessitated updating the national and agency-level strategic documents and developing the unified security document based on them, and with the participation of civil society representatives and the countrys senior officials. NSC Secretary Davit Rakviashvili, who voiced the initiative again in a conversation with Rustavi 2 on February 11, stated that new approaches need to be elaborated, citing changes in the global security architecture and the diversification of threats. Rakviashvili explained that broad public participation is necessary in the process. Without unified national approach, it will be difficult to generate the resolve, that the nation will need to cope with these hybrid threats, Rakviashvili added. He also expressed hope that Georgias security-related agencies would support and participate in the process, which, in the words of Rakviashvili, will start in the second half of February. The NSC released a statement on February 13 saying that the NSC Secretariat and the Presidents administration will launch the process of strategic discussions and dialogue, the purpose of which, is to develop Georgias National Security Strategy through consultations with Georgian citizens. Here again, the NSC spoke on the changes in the global security environment, as well as the diversity of threats, and argued for updating approaches, so that adequate responses are given to existing challenges. The strategy should respond to security-related challenges and define the implementation mechanisms of common national priorities national sovereignty, territorial integrity, freedom, stability and Euro-Atlantic integration, the statement clarified. The NSC emphasized that the involvement and awareness of the public strengthens one of the core pillars of contemporary security system national willpower and resolve, which it considers crucial in countering contemporary threats. The NSC expressed hope that an open and non-bureaucratic process will be pursued with the participation of security-related state institutions, the security community, national and particularly, regional media and other societal groups. The role of the NSC, which is chaired by the President - whose authority has been significantly downsized by amends made to the constitution in November 2013 - was sidelined by the security and crisis management council, which was established late 2013 and is chaired by the Prime Minister. (Civil.ge) Moscows Patriarchate member says attempt to poison Georgias Patriarch is politically motivated As the head of Moscows Patriarchate Social Relations Department Vsevold Chaplin has declared, the attempt to poison Georgias Patriarch is politically motivated. Im afraid this is all part of a game of Georgian politicians games. Some of them may be related to the attempt of getting rid of the patriarch. This story has been used to affect the church, he has remarked. Patriarch Ilia II is a respected person. He represents a symbol of Orthodox conservatism in the world. No politicians are comfortable with a man having such influence, so it may be a matter of jealousy or fear. This news is very concerning. In my point of view, all this has been politically motivated, Chaplin has said. (IPN) Meteorologists say snow in forecast till Febuary 17 in western Georgia National Environment Agency has reported on the weather forecast. As IPN has been informed by Georgias Environment Protection Ministry, the western part of Georgia will see snow from the evening of February 14 till February 17. Several locations will experience heavy snowfall, with a threat of avalanches in high mountainous regions also being expected. There will be black ice on roads, and a strong westerly wind will blow. In addition, coastal regions may see 4-5 magnitude storms. (ipn) THE TRUE COST OF ALL THAT 'CHEAP' LAOR THAT DESTROYED AMERICA THE BIG SECRET DEMOCRATS DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW: Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute has testified before a Congressional committee that in 2004, 95% of all outstanding warrants for murder in Los Angeles were for illegal aliens; in 2000, 23% of all Los Angeles County jail inmates were illegal aliens and that in 1995, 60% of Los Angeless largest street gang, the 18th Street gang, were illegal aliens. @ByKristenMClark Steve Frappier was one of the lucky ones in baggage claim at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Jan. 6. As a gunman abruptly opened fire that afternoon, killing five and wounding six, Frappier escaped injury when a bullet miraculously struck the laptop in his backpack instead of him. Frappier, a former Coconut Grove resident who moved to Atlanta last summer, is taking that life-changing experience and turning it into advocacy. He has joined Everytown for Gun Safety and other national gun-control organizations in calling on Florida lawmakers to oppose a slew of NRA-backed measures this spring that would make it easier for conceal-carry permit-holders to have guns in public places. Among those measures is one that now hits close to home for Frappier: Allowing concealed guns in airport terminals. Some conservative lawmakers argue the Fort Lauderdale airport tragedy might have had a different outcome or might have ended sooner with fewer casualties had concealed-weapons permit-holders been legally allowed to carry their guns in baggage claim. The shooting lasted less than 90 seconds. That type of legislation actually feels like the survivors are being blamed as if we should have been able to have been armed and done something about it, Frappier said. Frappiers story is one of many that advocates from Everytown and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America hope will resonate with lawmakers as the two groups host a lobby day at the Florida Capitol on Tuesday. Full story here. Photo credit: A bullet was lodged in Steve Frappiers laptop after suspected shooter Esteban Santiago opened fire in baggage claim at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on Jan. 6. Frappier has become a gun-safety advocate and is speaking out against proposals in the Florida Legislature that would allow the open-carrying of guns and allow guns in airports and other areas that are currently gun-free zones. (c/o Facebook) Voters across Florida would be asked to decide if Miami Dade County should have an elected sheriff under a proposed 2018 constitutional amendment that passed the Senate Community Affairs on Tuesday. The bill, SJR 134 by Sen. Frank Artiles, R-Miami, would ask voters to require Miami-Dade to convert the county's appointed sheriff to an elected post. In 1996, Miami-Dade voters updated the county charter to provide for an executive mayor system that included giving the mayor the ability to appoint a county manager who hired department heads, including the police director, making Miami-Dade the only one of the states 67 counties not to have a sheriff on the ballot. In January 2007, Miami-Dade changed to a strong mayor system, giving the mayor direct oversight over county operations including the appointment of a police director and other department heads. For Artiles, a Miami Republican who has considered seeking county office in the past, the current arrangement is devoid of the proper checks and balances needed for a local government. He noted that the Florida Sheriffs Association supports the proposal. For Artiles, a Miami Republican who has considered seeking county office in the past, the current arrangement is devoid of the proper checks and balances needed for a local government. He noted that the Florida Sheriffs Association supports the proposal. This is a no-brainer, he said. The sheriffs association was very clear: 66 out of 67 counties have an elected sheriff. This is the most viable alternative to get this passed. But the proposal is opposed by Miami-Dade County, which argues that if county voters want an elected sheriff, they should be able to make the decision themselves, not get permission from voters from Pensacola to Key West. We oppose the entire state deciding for Miami-Dade County, said Jess McCarty, Miami-Dade County lobbyist, noting that if Miami-Dade voters voted against it, the rest of the state could impose something on it. I would ask you to see if you would want this for your community? Artilles countered that while McCarty was a great guy. He works for the mayor. John Rivera, president of both the Miami-Dade and Florida Police Benevolent Association, said his organization also supports the bill. The police union has been a long-time foe of Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez and supported his opponent in the 2016 election, Raquel Regalado. After narrowly missing an outright win in the August primary, Gimenez became the first incumbent mayor forced into a November runoff since the strong mayor system was implemented. Sometimes there are bills that hit the hornets nest, Rivera told the committee. He said the current system violates the principle of separation of powers, noting that in 2012 the former mayor dismantled the office of public corruption to interfere with an investigation into fraudulent absentee ballots. We need some separation of power, otherwise you have absolute power, absolute corruption, he said. He noted that Gimenez submitted a qualifying check that was dated 2015 instead of 2016 and the supervisor of elections, whom Gimenez also appoints, allowed the Gimenez campaign to replace the check. Regalado filed suit just days before the election but failed to disqualify Gimenezs candidacy. Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, who voted against the bill, said that asking 66 counties to decide the fate of another county was neither a good solution nor a good precedent. Whether we need an elective sheriff or not should be up to Miami-Dade, he said. I dont think a very, very blunt instrument going statewide is the way to resolve this. @PatriciaMazzei No reporter asked Miami Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen on Tuesday morning about President Donald Trump's tweet last week blasting the news media as "the enemy of the American people." But Ros-Lehtinen chose to kick off her first public appearance of the congressional recess by addressing the president's comments anyway. "To the members of the press, I want to say thank you," Ros-Lehtinen said. "You are not the enemy of the American people." The row of reporters lined in the wall in front of her at downtown Miami's Venture Hive, an entrepreneurship accelerator, remained silent. Ros-Lehtinen continued. "You have a central role in our republic," said the congresswoman, who was born in Cuba. "We thank you for it -- even when you criticize public officials." At the White House later, Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked if the president would consider revising his characterization of democracy's Fourth Estate. "Certain outlets have gone out of their way to not be completely accurate and fair in their coverage," Spicer said. "He has a deep respect for the First Amendment, for the role of the press." Photo credit: Jose I. 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These links are provided solely as a convenience and are not endorsements of any products or services in such sites, and no information or content in such site has been endorsed or approved by this blog. President Donald Trump Since the election, however, Trump has clearly ignored the territories and started to break many of the same promises he made back in March. One could argue that he has four years to make good on his campaign promises. Still, he is already making global changes which are alarming and contrary to his commitment to the territories on matters regarding immigration, labor and how territorial matters will be handled in a Trump White House. Empty promises So now is as good a time as any to start keeping track to see if any of his promises are kept. The most striking promise Trump made in writing last March was his pledge that As part of my administration, I will appoint a Territory and Commonwealth Advisory Committee, or TCAC, consisting of representatives from American Samoa, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The TCAC will be integrated into my presidential transition team, and be tasked with performing a holistic review of all federal regulations affecting the territories and commonwealths. Republicans in the territories were very taken with Trumps promise and were ecstatic when this commitment was enshrined in the platform of the national Republican Party. However, you may have noticed, Trumps presidential transition has come and gone without any mention of a Territory and Commonwealth Advisory Committee. The latest word from Washington is that this is officially an empty promise and as such will not happen. Instead, what this so-called TCAC was supposed to do will be folded into the responsibility of the White House staffer who historically has handled Puerto Rico issues. It remains to be seen whether this will materialize or not. Trump also made this promise to the people of the territories: "We will negotiate trade arrangements with their input, enact labor policies that help not hurt their unique economies and we will initiate immigration protocols that will build their communities, not tear them apart. Indeed, that is a vague statement, but Trump framed it in his written pitch as a commitment that would meet the needs of people in the territories. So far on the immigration front, the only thing Trump has done is to grandly announce construction of his wall that he continues to claim Mexico will pay for when they repeatedly have said they will not, and to push a ban on Muslims that the courts have ruled is unconstitutional. Labor restrictions In further examining Trumps executive action, or inaction on labor and immigration policies, one of the most serious concerns of communities throughout Micronesia is the tightening of restrictions on the import of skilled labor from countries like the Philippines. Regional leaders that I met with a few weeks ago at the inauguration of Palau President Tommy Remengesau Jr. consider these restrictions a threat to economic growth in our region. And for us living here in Guam, we believe that this will slow down the planned military buildup, hurt our local economy and further reduce jobs. Its not at all clear if Trumps idea of appropriate immigration protocols would lead to progress on this concern, but so far there is no indication that it will. As I have mentioned in a previous column, Trumps attitude on immigration may give Gov. Eddie Calvo an opportunity to move federal agencies to be respons ive, and do its job when it comes to the deportation of habitual foreign criminals. Impression of indifference Trumps record , since his election and his inauguration as president , gives the impression of indifference to promises he made to the people of the territories. Even though the jury is still out on how Guam or the territories will fare in our nations capital, our efforts must focus toward a strong "One Guam" approach, so that the people of Guam will be able to advance a fair and just agenda through the Trump administration and in the new Congress. It is intriguing how quickly things that were once seized upon as exciting and drenched in exciting new possibilities can be forgotten or disavowed. Part of the way this happens in terms of Guam is tied to our colonial position and how we interpret minute gestures that might be faint to others, as being clear indications of our colonizer caring about us and wanting to finally recognize us and take care of us. A perfect example of this came last year when Donald Trump was running for President of the United States. His campaign was barely coherent and very narrowly focused, and the territories of the US, with the exception of Puerto Rico barely factored into his rhetoric. At the time of the Republican primary Trump sent a letter to the people of Guam which wouldn't even count as pandering, since it was so lazily written it could have been sent to any number on constituencies. Hillary Clinton's pandering letter by comparison during the Democratic primary showed a least a modicum of effort. But several one promise that caught the ears and eyes of local leaders was to create a territorial/commonwealth advisory committee that would have a direct line of communication to the president and be situated in the White House. Local leaders, especially those of the Republican persuasion quickly latched onto this claiming it a big victory, evidence that Trump might be different. Even though everything about Trump's campaign indicated that he cared little for the plight of those who are demonstrably disenfranchised or forgotten and instead was built primarily on stoking feelings of white anger over their loss of various forms of privilege in the US, these leaders still someone tried to argue that Trump truly cared about those of us in the territories.Several months later, Trump is in the White House and nothing has happened and it looks like nothing will happen on this front. I'll leave it to former Senator Rory Respicio to provide you more updates from his Guam Daily Post column a few weeks ago.***************************Trumps' Promises to the Territoriesby Rory RespicioThe Guam Daily PostFebruary 8, 2017made campaign promises to the territories pledging that No more will those who reside in the territories or commonwealths be ignored. In that same op-ed piece, which was published in our local media last March, he made several very specific promises. Coming soon Red Cross blood drives The American Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give blood to help ensure a readily available blood supply for emergencies. Donors of all blood types are needed. To make an appointment to give blood, download the Red Cross Blood Donor app, visit redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767. Donors are encouraged to make appointments and complete the RapidPass online health history questionnaire at redcrossblood.org/rapidpass to help reduce wait times. Fitness, dance classes Call 549-8765 or visit missoula.classes.com for information on classes offered by the Lifelong Learning Center. Red Willow Center For more information on the following classes at the learning center, 825 W. Kent, call 406-721-0033 or visit redwillowlearning.org: Ongoing classes include "Yoga for Wellness" at noon Mondays, $12 or $40 for four weeks; "Mindfulness Meditation" at 12:10 p.m. Tuesdays, $12 or $40 for four weeks; "Yoga Beyond Cancer" at 4 p.m. Tuesdays, $40 for four weeks; "Yoga for Wellness" at 10 a.m. Wednesdays, $12 or $40 for four weeks; "Yoga for Chronic Pain" at 5 p.m. Wednesdays, $40 for four weeks plus $50 for prerequisite screening' "Meditation for Veterans" at 1:15 p.m. Thursdays at Missoula Vet Center, 910 Brooks, free. Ongoing programs AA and Al-Anon For the latest Alcoholics Anonymous meetings list, visit aa-montana.org or call the Missoula hotline at 406-543-0011. For more information on Al-Anon and Alateen, which are 12-step recovery programs for relatives and friends whose lives have been affected by alcoholism, visit mt.al-anon.alateen.org. Acupuncture for cancer caregivers Missoula Community Acupuncture, located in the Radio Central Building, 127 E Main St., Suite 314, offers free acupuncture treatments for friends, family, nurses, doctors or anyone who takes care of cancer patients 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays. No appointment is necessary. For more information, call Michael Peluso at 406-926-1611. Adult Asperger's support group An open meeting for those with Asperger's as well as their family and friends is held 6-7:30 p.m. every Thursday at the University Center, Room 215, on campus. Contact Monique Casbeer at 406-721-3947 or Cindy Bacon Janego at cjanego@communitymed.org for more information. Alzheimers support Meets the second Wednesday of each month at noon at the Summit Independent Living conference room, 700 S.W. Higgins Ave. Another group meets the fourth Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Missoula Senior Center, 705 S. Higgins Ave. For more information, contact Jackie Johnson at 406-549-3433 or jackiej45@yahoo.com. Alzheimers caregivers support group Meets the fourth Monday at 6:30 p.m. of each month at the Missoula Senior Center, 705 S. Higgins Ave. For more information, call Jackie Johnson at 406-549-3433. Arthritis programs The Montana Arthritis Program offers physical activity and self-management education programs, such as the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program, Walk with Ease and Stanfords Chronic Disease Self-Management Program. Classes are available in several communities including Florence, Hamilton, Kalispell, Libby, Missoula, Plains and Polson. To find a class or for more information, visit dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/arthritis. Bereavement support groups Frontier Hospice offers open door meetings 6-7 p.m. Thursdays at the following locations: The Springs at Whitefish on the first Thursday; Rising Mountains Assisted Living Community in Bigfork on the third Thursday; and Frontier Hospice in Kalispell on the second and fourth Thursdays. Call 406-755-4923 for more information. Breast cancer support group Meets the first and third Wednesday of the month from 11 a.m. to noon at the Montana Cancer Center, St. Patrick Hospital Broadway Building, second floor. Call 406-329-5656. Cancer Center support group Meets noon-1:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at the Montana Cancer Center, 500 W. Broadway. For more information, call Bonnie at 406-240-0996. Cancer Resource Guide The online guide covers resources including support groups, treatment centers, camps and retreats, in Missoula, Mineral and Ravalli counties. It is available at cancerresourcesMT.org. Cancer support group A support group for anyone affected by cancer meets noon-1 p.m. on the second and fourth Mondays at the Polson United Methodist Church, 301 16th Ave. For more information, call Tammy at 406-883-7284 or 406-824-2868. Celebrate Recovery The Christian-based 12-step recovery program meets 6-9:30 p.m. every Friday at Christian Assembly Foursquare Church, 1001 Cleveland St. Dinner is available from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and child care is provided for ages birth to 11. For more information, call 406-721-6884 or email cafc@4bible.com. Cheerful Heart Lake County cancer patients in treatment can receive a massage and help with hair and skin problems, free of charge, from local therapists and cosmetologists. Other non-medical services include transportation to treatment and doctor appointments, running errands, yard work and meal preparation. Appointments may be scheduled by calling 406-883-3070. Colorectal Cancer Support Group Meets 1-2 p.m. the third Friday of every month through March 20, Community Cancer Care Conference Room, 2827 Fort Missoula Road. "Coping, Education & Support for Women with All Cancer Types" The support group for women in all stages of cancer treatment or survivorship will be held noon-1:30 p.m. the second Monday of every month through March 14, 2016, at the Community Cancer Care Conference Room, 2837 Fort Missoula Road. For more information, call Deb Rivey at 327-3912, Terri Paxinos at 406-327-3957 or Kimberly Hardwick at 406-327-3906. Diabetes program At 6:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month, there will be a short presentation on a topic related to the management of Type 1 diabetes at the YMCA, 3000 S. Russell St. It will be followed by the option for socializing in the foyer or being active together at the Y. A fee of $5 per person will be collected at the door for those choosing to use the facility. Designed for ages 14 and older, children are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent/caregiver. Double Trouble in Recovery The 12-step program for people with mental health and addiction issues meets 3-4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Winds of Change Recovery Mall, 2685 Palmer St., No. C (second floor). Coffee is provided. For more information, call Veronica at 406-721-2038. Epilepsy support group Meets the first Monday of the month from 2-3:30 p.m. at the Summit Independent Living Center, 700 S.W. Higgins Ave., Suite 101. Patients, friends, family and caregivers welcome. Call Debbie at 406-721-0707 for more information. Free health exams Women ages 30 to 64 who meet necessary income guidelines and either have no health insurance or have insurance that will not pay for breast and cervical health exams can receive free exams through Partnership Health Centers Montana Cancer Screening Program. Call 406-258-4162 for more information. Gentle yoga class The Missoula Senior Citizen Center, 705 S. Higgins Ave., offers a class that focuses on balance training, back strength and core conditioning through gentle yoga matwork every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 9 a.m. Fee is $4 per class. All ages welcome. For more information, call 406-543-7154. Health Insurance Assistance Service Montana cancer patients can call the American Cancer Societys 24-hour toll-free number to be connected to a health insurance specialist to ask about coverage and insurance programs specific to the state. The number is 800-227-2345. Mens cancer support group Open to men in all phases of testing, treatment and followup, the group meets the fourth Tuesday of the month from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Montana Cancer Center, 500 W. Broadway. It is facilitated by Gary Weisbrich and Tom King. Call 406-329-5628 or email gary.weisbrich@providence.org for more information. Narcotics Anonymous Meets at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Alano Club, 8 Third Ave. W., Polson. Call 406-883-4135. National Alliance on Mental Illness NAMI Missoula meets every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon in the lower level (behind the cafeteria) of the Providence Center. It is open to anyone affected by mental illness or interested in learning more about the group. The NAMI Connection group for adults living with mental illness meets 1:30-3 p.m. Thursdays at the NAMI offices, 202 Brooks St., Room 210. Call 406-880-1013 with questions. NAMI Family Support Group National Alliance on Mental Illness Missoula meets Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 202 Brooks St., in Room 210. The peer-led support for adult family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals with mental illness is free. For more information, call 406-880-1013 or email namimissoula@gmail.com. My No-Nonsense Nutrition Program A seven-week webinar course to improve your nutrition and fitness. Faith-based approach to better health. Free initial consult with Judy Gilman, registered nurse, diabetes and wellness educator. mynononsensenutrition.com or 406-546-7819. Overeaters Anonymous Local meetings include 7 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 202 Brooks St. A meeting for newcomers is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday followed by a "Back to Basics" meeting at 7 p.m. at St. Paul's. Everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively is welcome. There are no dues, weigh-ins or lectures. For more meeting information, visit oa.org. SAA For the latest Sex Addicts Anonymous meeting list visit saa-recovery.org, call the Missoula hotline at 406-241-4005 or email MissoulaBetterway@yahoo.com. SAA is a 12-step fellowship of men and women who share experience, strength and hope for the purpose of finding freedom from addictive sexual behavior and helping others recover from sex addiction. S-Anon Local meetings are held weekly for this recovery program for people affected by another persons sexual behavior. Visit sanonmontana.org or call 406-544-1271 to learn more. Stroke and Brain Injury Support Group Meets the second Thursday of each month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Providence Center, 902 N. Orange St., in the dining area on the fourth floor. For details, call 406-329-5784. Tai Chi for Arthritis Class offered 9:15 a.m. Mondays at the Missoula Senior Citizens Center, 705 S. Higgins Ave. $4 per class. All ages welcome. Tai Chi Chih Classes are offered at the following locations: Missoula Senior Citizens Center, 705 S. Higgins Ave., 9:15 a.m. Wednesdays, $4 per class; PEAK Health & Wellness Center, 5000 Blue Mountain Road, 11 a.m. Tuesdays, call 251-3344; and The Womens Club, 2105 Bow St., 9 a.m. Fridays, call 406-728-4410. TOPS Take Off Pounds Sensibly, an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness organization, meets at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the First Christian Church, 2701 S. Russell St. Another TOPS meeting is 6:30 p.m. Monday at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2512 Sunset Lane. For additional meetings, go to tops.org, click on "Find a Meeting" and enter your ZIP code or call 800-932-8677. CHICAGO Sitting on a bed at Lurie Childrens Hospital, Levi Krystosek, 10, rubbed a sore spot on his foot. Levi was born with a rare disease that causes abnormal bone development, often resulting in pain as well as unusually short arms and legs. He was at the Chicago hospital that morning to see Dr. Craig Langman, an expert in the genetic disorder and head of kidney diseases at Lurie. Levi visits Langman every six months, even though the boy lives in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. He flies to get to his Chicago appointments something his parents struggled to afford before finding an organization called Miracle Flights. The Las Vegas-based nonprofit provides free flights for families whose children need to see specialists far from where they live. We were, like, how are we going to continue to do this? said Levis mother, Dona Krystosek, adding that the cost of airline tickets was taking a big toll on the familys savings. She and her husband also have two older daughters. One night while searching online, Krystosek stumbled upon Miracle Flights, where she now works as a family advocate. In recent years, the 32-year-old nonprofit had come under fire in the Las Vegas Review-Journal newspaper for questionable spending practices. CEO Mark Brown took over the reins a little more than a year ago, promising better transparency and more outreach. Browns goal is to provide 100,000 flights in the next decade about the same number the organization has made possible since its inception in 1985. Many of the children we fly have rare diseases or illnesses, and there may be one doctor in the country that treats that, Brown said. Well fly them one time or 100 times, whatever it takes. Levi, or Little Levi as hes known, has become a key player in Miracle Flights recent publicity campaign. He starred in a Miracle Flights commercial to spread the word about the organization. Last year, he was chosen to take Miracle Flights 100,000th trip. Levis rare form of dwarfism has him standing at 38 inches tall, about a foot and a half shorter than most kids his age. He was born with Jansen type metaphyseal chondrodysplasia, a progressive skeletal disorder that leads to wonky bones, as Levi and Krystosek call them. At the time he was diagnosed, Levi was one of only 17 known cases worldwide, said Krystosek, whos also a nurse. Langman is one of the few doctors to have treated patients with the highly uncommon disorder. When Levi was just 18 months old, he started flying to Chicago sometimes as frequently as every six weeks to see Langman. This doctors our needle in our haystack, Krystosek said. During his most recent visit in January, Levi arrived at Lurie snappily dressed in a red tie and gray vest over a checked shirt. Fastidious about his sleeves, he kept asking his mother to button and roll them just so. Theyve been to Lurie so many times, he and his mom have developed a routine. First, they get biscuits and gravy his favorite in the Lurie cafeteria. He buzzes around the waiting room like a local and knows which buttons in the elevator honk like a horn. Before stretching out on the exam room bed, Levi had his height and weight checked by a nurse. Pure muscle! he said, lightly beating his chest. Medical visits are part of life for Levi. Along with his visits to Lurie, the family drives five hours to Birmingham, Alabama, to see an eye doctor and a craniofacial surgeon. And with the help of Miracle Flights, they fly to Delaware to see an orthopedic surgeon. To qualify for Miracle Flights assistance, families must provide a letter from both a referring and accepting physician. Because the children are passengers on commercial flights, they have to meet airline regulations by being medically stable enough to fly. (To request flight assistance, call 800-359-1711 or go to miracleflights.org.) For Levis recent foot problem, Langman recommended a patch they could buy at the pharmacy. When Levis mom told the doctor her son complains of pain in his thigh, Levi quickly piped up, I dont complain! Langman estimates that worldwide, there are fewer than 75 cases of Jansen type metaphyseal chondrodysplasia. Even among that small subset, Levi is special, Langman said. Hes the only patient Ive ever had thats been out of a wheelchair at this age, he said. HELENA It will continue to be legal to text and drive in most of Montana after the House Judiciary Committee voted Monday to reject a statewide ban. Rep. Virginia Court, D-Billings, argued House Bill 380 was needed to slow the growing number of fatal wrecks involving a texting driver. The number of traffic deaths rose 7 percent between 2014 and 2015, the largest single-year increase in decades, according to the latest federal figures. Many experts point to an 8.8 percent increase in distracted driving incidents over the same period, much of which is attributed to handheld cellphone use that takes drivers eyes, hands and attention off the road. You are really completely blindfolded, Court said. Last week, testimony in support of Courts bill came from surviving family members of people killed because of texting and driving, doctors including pediatricians auto manufacturers, AAA, AT&T, commercial truck drivers, the Montana League of Cities and Towns, the Montana Highway Patrol and Montana Department of Transportation. No one spoke in opposition to the bill. After removing an exemption for school bus drivers, the measure failed Monday on 8-11 vote, with Democrats supporting the bill and Republicans opposing it. The bill was tabled and is unlikely to be revived. I 100 percent agree that texting and driving is absolutely wrong, Rep. Barry Usher, R-Billings, said. My issue with this bill is its not enforceable. Theres no way for a police officer to tell the difference on whether theyre entering their password or calling a number on their phone. Rep. Dale Mortensen, R-Billings, argued that law enforcement officers should be ticketing people under the states careless and reckless driving laws. Under this bill, its still allowable to drive down the road at 80 miles per hour and write a letter or type on a mechanical typewriter, he said. Court had introduced a broader bill last session that would have barred any use of a cellphone while driving, but that measure also died. There's now a rap about Montana that includes the line, "People are outnumbered by cows." About 30 kids headed to Missoula Children's Theatre on Monday for a camp during their day off school for Presidents Day. It was the sixth of eight "Play in a Day" camps MCT is hosting this school year, which align with some of Missoula County Public Schools' days off. "We've been looking at giving more opportunities to children in theater," said MCT education director Matt Loehrke. "This building is very busy, with MCT, this week with the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and with DDC (Downtown Dance Collective). "We pride ourselves on being a community center, but we saw a need in the community on off days for child care and something to do for families." It's the first year for Play in a Day, and MCT has seen a steady stream of kids over each session, as well as several kids who have been to many if not all of these day camps. Two of those are siblings Branden and Nevaeh Roach, second- and first-graders at Paxson Elementary, respectively. Monday was their fifth Play in a Day camp. The best part, Nevaeh said, is "getting to act in front of our parents." Another bonus: During the "Tarzan" play put on at one of the camps this year, Branden got to be a hippo and Nevaeh a piranha. "We'd be at another camp, or at home," Branden said of what he'd be doing if he wasn't at MCT. *** Each camp has a different theme, and is set up in a way that kids coming multiple times won't get bored with the same routine. On Monday, they worked on "Hamil-tune," a kid-friendly version of the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton." Because Hamilton is somewhat "R-rated," Loehrke said, they modified it and made Monday's musical about states. They steered away from singing or rapping about specific presidents, Loehrke said, in order to avoid politics. Music is a fun way to teach kids history, he said. While the adults with MCT usually come to day camps prepared with a script or outline, on Monday the kids created most of the content themselves. This time, they ranged in age from 5 to 14. Depending on the theme, the kids write a really short play or sketch. On Monday, they made up songs and raps. During the Halloween-themed camp last fall, it was about dance. The kids channeled Michael Jackson and danced to "Thriller." It's "not a full-blown play," said Anna Lewing, a volunteer MCT teacher who's helped lead every Play in a Day camp. "They only have eight hours with us, but rehearsing the entire time would be exhausting," she said. *** Because the kids are at MCT all day, the camp is spread out. They played warm-up games and exercises Monday morning "Tall as a giraffe! Small as a flea!" Lewing said as the kids jumped up and down and eventually started working on their script and raps. In the afternoon, they rehearsed and did arts and crafts this time, something red, white and blue, obviously. The kids learned a Montana rap written by another MCT camp leader, which started, "Our sky's the biggest and brightest of all ..." "It's showing how rap is basically a poem that means something to you," Lewing said. "We're talking to them this time about how (Alexander) Hamilton was not a president, but he was still incredibly influential." Makeup, costumes and the set are minimal, Loehrke said, as it's an informal performance. Parents would start showing up after work around 5:20 p.m., and the show was set to begin at 5:30. "We thought, if we can put on a play in a week, why not plan one in a day?" he said. The final Play in a Day sessions are scheduled Friday, March 17, and Monday, April 24. For more information on MCT day camps, go online to mctinc.org/childrens-theatre-in-missoula-2/day-camps-mct-center-performing-arts/. A bill introduced on Monday at the state House of Representatives by a Democrat and a Republican from Missoula would have immense ramifications for the state's craft beer breweries. It would allow breweries in Montana to increase their production from the current limit of 10,000 barrels a year to 60,000 barrels and still sell beer to customers on the premises. Rep. Adam Hertz, a Republican from House District 96, and Rep. Ellie Hill Smith, a Democrat from House District 94, are co-sponsoring HB541, which was introduced Monday afternoon. The bill would upend a tenuous alliance between The Montana Brewers Association, The Montana Tavern Association and The Montana Beer and Wine Distributors Association. Back in 1999, they agreed to a compromise that would allow breweries to sell up to 48 ounces of beer in taprooms as long as they werent producing more than 10,000 barrels per year. The compromise has been refined a number of times over the years. For many years, the only brewery in the state that produced more than 10,000 was Big Sky Brewery in Missoula, which gives away samples for free in its taproom. Recently, a new Kettlehouse location in Bonner started production of what the owner has said would be about 20,000 barrels annually. That location does not have a taproom. However, breweries like Bayern in Missoula are pushing right up against that 10,000-barrel limit and pressure has been mounting for a change in the law. I was part of a coalition that worked together last session to try and get something done, Hill Smith explained. There are three legs to the stool the distributors, the tavern owners and the breweries and we could never get anything over the finish line. So this bill is not a product of any of them telling us what to do. Hill said she joined with her friend Hertz to talk about revising a law so that it makes sense for Montanans, not just for special interest groups. We are coming at this from a pure tax revenue perspective, she said. Breweries in Montana generate $36 million in tax revenue every year. From my perspective, this isnt about everyone on the three legs of the stool getting what they want. This is about our ability to get our state more money, and Republicans and Democrats are coming together to do this on our own. Hill Smith said that she believes that government regulation is stopping breweries ability to make more money. The demand for craft beer is one of the true economic drivers in our state, Hill Smith said. We are limiting them for some arcane reason because of backroom deals. That train has left the station. Breweries are driving the economy now. This is not a partisan issue for us. We are listening to constituents that want to drink Big Sky beer and want to drink Kettlehouse beer. Why are we holding them back? Its not good business. Hill Smith said the 60,000-barrel limit was the number recommended by the coalition she worked with last year. *** John Iverson, the government affairs director for the Montana Tavern Association, said his organization would oppose the bill. We want to see changes happen as part of a broader compromise, he said. Ideally, the people that have participated under the current rules are treated fairly. If you sell the same product to the same people, you need to play by the same rules. Iverson said his organization is going to continue working with the Montana Brewers Association on finding an industry-wide compromise that creates a system that makes sense for everyone. Under the current rules, taverns arent allowed to open brewpubs unless they use a complicated third-party system to purchase a brewers license. Breweries arent allowed to be open past 8 p.m., cannot serve more than 48 ounces, and cannot own a beer and wine license unless they find a third-party workaround. I really believe the groundwork has been laid for a successful compromise to come, Iverson said. Matt Leow, a spokesperson for the Montana Brewers Association, said his organization would support the bill. He said breweries in Montana provide a total economic output of $103 million, including 704 direct jobs and 1,044 indirect jobs. This is an important piece of legislation for economic development, Leow said. The current policy is just bad policy. The 10,000-barrel limit punishes success, limits growth and puts Montana breweries at a competitive disadvantage. Leow said breweries that increase their capacity to near the 10,000-barrel limit are faced with two less-than-appealing options. The first is 'dont brew more beer' in spite of public demand for their product, which is obviously not a decision that a business owner wants to make, Leow said. The other option is to stop selling beer through the taproom. These are the loyal patrons that helped you to grow your business and who often relied on the taproom as a community center that took the place of a traditional public house. And now you are eliminating revenue provided through the taproom that is important for capital investments like a new canning line. Leow said that all breweries in his organization, both large and small, would support the bill. Hayley Smith has seen the global refugee crisis up close in Greece, and shell be in Missoula on Thursday to talk about it. In a week when President Donald Trump is expected to roll out a revised immigrant order and Missoula schools celebrate Diversity Week, the founding director of the Phoenix-based Lifting Hands International will present a program and discussion called The Refugee Crisis: A Discussion of Global Importance at 7 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel Ballroom. Lifting Hands International has a team of long-term volunteers working at a refugee camp in northern Greece, where the military has cracked down on independent volunteers and nonprofits. Shes dealing with all the various issues, political and social, from corruption to graciousness, said Bob Seidenschwarz, president emeritus of the Montana World Affairs Council. These are refugees who are literally coming off the boat, and the last thing they want to do is be on a boat across the Mediterranean Sea going to a foreign country. All the deep-rooted connections these people have had in many ways disappear, sometimes overnight. Smith founded Lifting Hands after spending December 2015 in a Greek camp. The nonprofit organization is a volunteer effort that provides humanitarian and relief services to refugees in camps overseas, and assists refugees in the Phoenix area with resettlement. Smith has a minor in Arabic from Brigham Young University and a master's in Middle Eastern studies and Arabic from the University of Londons school of Oriental studies. She taught Arabic language and culture for three years as part of a Qatar Foundation International program at the Boston Latin Academy. The Qatar Foundation and the Montana World Affairs Council teamed up to invite Smith to Missoula. Shell share the stage Thursday night with Christina Atwood, who'll discuss the refugee vetting and resettlement process overseas and on U.S. soil. Smith will be making radio and school appearances in Missoula on Wednesday and Thursday, and on Wednesday shes scheduled to meet with Mayor John Engen to discuss Missoulas support of refugees and efforts to make it a sanctuary city. With the help of refugee support group Soft Landing Missoula and the International Rescue Committee, some 70 refugees from half a dozen countries have arrived in Missoula since last August. Ticket prices for Thursday nights presentation at the DoubleTree are $10 for the general public; $5 for Montana World Affairs Council members and free for students. University of Montana Foundation CEO and President Shane Giese is retiring, according to a joint statement issued Tuesday from the foundation and Giese. "It has been a privilege serving the University of Montana community," Giese said in a statement. "I have truly enjoyed working with this campus, the leaders, and so many committed donors." Mary Olson, chair of the Board of Trustees, also issued a statement thanking Giese for his service to UM. "Oh behalf of the entire board, I would like to recognize Shane's leadership in growing support for the University of Montana's students and programs," Olson said. "Shane took our fundraising efforts to the next level while building a culture of philanthropy on campus." The foundation is the fundraising nonprofit affiliated with UM with a mission to increase philanthropic support for the campus. Giese had worked at the foundation since May 2013, according to the nonprofit. The CEO had been absent for several weeks before he and the board chair announced his departure. "He just took some time off," Olson said in a brief telephone interview. She said Giese informed the foundation Friday that he would retire. "It was his decision," she said. The foundation announced it will conduct a national search to fill the position. Cindy Williams, current vice president of development, is serving as interim president and CEO, Olson said; Williams was considered "officer in charge" while Giese was absent. A national search is also underway for a UM president after Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian in December requested former president Royce Engstrom's departure; a national search for provost was subsequently suspended pending the search for president. In the meantime, former Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns is serving as interim UM president, and Beverly Edmond is serving as interim provost and vice president of academic affairs. *** The Missoulian first contacted the UM Foundation about Giese's apparent absence in January. The foundation did not respond to inquiries until last week, after the Missoulian submitted questions about the status of the CEO to the office of UM President Stearns and her communications director. Stearns requested the foundation address the matter, and a foundation representative arranged an interview this week with Olson. The departure of the CEO and president appears to come after a period of financial success at the UM Foundation. Donations appear to have flourished in recent years, according to reports from the foundation. In August 2016, the foundation announced that giving had topped $50 million for the third year in a row, and it had exceeded its goal to raise money for student scholarships and fellowships. Then in November, UM secured its single largest donation in history, a $24 million naming gift from the W.A. Franke family to support conservation and global initiatives at UM. However, the UM Foundation also has come under increasing pressure to pull its investments from fossil fuels. Last week, a climate change advocacy group called Reinvest Montana built "snow people for climate justice" outside the foundation's offices, one of several student-led demonstrations over the past year. And last February, Professor Steven Running, who was among the authors who contributed to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, said he believes the UM Foundation should pull its investments from fossil fuels, starting with coal. In 2007, the Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to two recipients, Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. "I would absolutely tell our foundation that they should be on a strategic path to pulling out of coal investments as soon as they can," Running said at the time. "And then, over a little longer term, oil and gas investments." In September 2015, the foundation released a position statement on fossil fuel divestment, noting it had a fiduciary responsibility to ensure maximum returns on its investments. Olson said the foundation's stance has remained the same. In January, the National Association of College and University Business Officers announced higher education endowments had experienced a negative 1.9 percent rate of return in the 2016 fiscal year, the lowest performance since the financial crisis in 2008 and 2009. Olson declined to address how the UM Foundation's endowment had fared over the same period: "I don't have any comment on that. We have an investment committee that takes care of our endowment." In early November, state officials announced the first documented presence of zebra and quagga mussels in Montana, after positive tests at sites in the Missouri River system. The Flathead Basin lies just a few hours from Tiber Reservoir. These devastating invasive species are now at our doorstep. In coming days, protection of Montana's remaining non-infested waters will be determined by the aquatic invasive species (AIS) legislation and rule-making now being finalized in Helena. What is emerging appears to be a far more robust AIS program. But the devil is in the details. Experts point to a number of deficiencies that must be fixed now. First, it is important to understand that if invasive mussels do become established here, they would ravage both the aquatic environment and the economy. Tiny, razor-sharp shells would coat and clog every hard surfacerocks, boats, pipes, docks, dams. They could ultimately cause the collapse of native fisheries, a vital cultural resource and linchpin of the recreation industry. They would wreak havoc with irrigation systems, power facilities, and municipal water supply and treatment. Once established, invasive mussels are virtually impossible to remove. The whole game is prevention. Our situation is even more dire because an urgent deadline is upon us. Starting in March in just a few days people begin moving large numbers of boats around the country. By that time, therefore, a comprehensive system of protection must become operational. We can still save the Flathead, and by extension the whole Columbia River system. But the permanent fate of these priceless waters may well depend on what we do right now. We've applauded Gov. Steve Bullock for establishing, in November, an incident command (IC) team to address the crisis. The administration's AIS bill would substantially increase funding and establish a new AIS Bureau within Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Let me be clear: the Flathead Basin Commission (FBC) urges legislators to vote for this important measure even as we are gravely concerned that it is not enough. Since 2008, the FBC has helped lead the fight against invasive mussels. We've advocated for stronger perimeter defense of Montana, helped shepherd AIS bills through the legislature, and raised millions in grant funds for boat inspection stations and dog detection teams. Thanks to legislative improvements and the good work of many people, statewide efforts also improved but still didn't meet the standard many experts deem necessary. Today, as Montana is pursuing a dramatic expansion of its program, there are a number of areas of concern, but four are of greatest importance. To protect the Flathead adequately, all must be in place by next month: Vigorous perimeter defense of Montana. Comprehensive containment and decontamination of boats coming off the Missouri. A Continental Divide firewall, ensuring inspection of all boats heading west from the infested Missouri. A Flathead Basin pilot program of inspection-prior-to-launch. State agencies will carry out elements of the first three items. Actual effectiveness will be determined not only by funding and early opening, but also by quality of planning and implementation. We've expressed many concerns directly to the IC. We hope the legislation and rule-making is improved to reflect our concerns. Moreover, the experience of other states proves that multiple layers of protection are essential. The FBC therefore wants to undertake the fourth item: a Flathead pilot program requiring all watercraft to be inspected prior to launch. We have gotten by on blind luck for far too long. Until a comprehensive system is in place, I urge state, tribal and other authorities to close or severely restrict Flathead waters. That may sound draconian. But at this point, anything less would be reckless and irresponsible. The FBC will continue working to help protect the Flathead, both through our own programs and by coordinating with and respectfully assisting other entities, including Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Lake County, the Blackfeet Nation, Glacier National Park, and other governmental agencies and non-profit organizations. Future generations may look back on late February 2017 as a critical moment in our history. We urge you to raise your voice in support of the steps we've outlined here. For the Flathead, the time is now in a way that it never has been before. The Louvre Museum in France houses some of the most famous artworks in the world, including Leonardo da Vincis Mona Lisa and paintings by such famous artists as Rembrandt. What would you think if you heard the famous Louvre Museum began to throw out and burn in the streets these priceless masterpieces, saying they needed to make room for the remaining artwork? How do you think the art world would respond if they suggested that a way to save the art was for the museum to build another wing to house the paintings or even give the paintings to other museums who would gladly accept them? But instead of following such sensible advice, the French government prohibited expansion of the museum or even the transport of the worlds heritage to other museums and argued the only solution they would consider was to burn paintings? Im certain it would be an international scandal. But this is exactly what the Montana government is doing by the senseless slaughter of our national mammal Yellowstones genetically unique and wild bison. These bison are a global heritage that the state of Montana is treating as if they are expendable and valueless asset. The Department of Livestock proposes to capture and kill more than 1,000 bison this winter. Even the paintings by art masters are not as priceless as the genetically pure Yellowstone bison that are a consequence of a long line of evolution, yet Montana is treating these magnificent beasts as if they were vermin. Worse, the justification for this butchery is flawed. One excuse is that the livestock industry is threatened by brucellosis, a disease that can cause abortions in livestock. The other major reason given for rounding up bison and slaughtering them is some assert there are too many animals for the park. Both are questionable assertions, but even if they were valid arguments, there are viable solutions that do not require the destruction of these animals. Fact: there is no documented transmission of brucellosis from wild bison to livestock. The only examples of wildlife transmission to cattle is the result of elk, not bison. Fact: Yellowstones bison are genetically unique. Most bison herds in the United States have cattle genes mixed into their genome, but Yellowstones bison are one of the few genetically pure populations. Fact: There is an abundance of public land on the Custer-Gallatin National Forest and other state and federal lands outside of Yellowstone National Park where bison could winter or even live year-round. Fact: There are other large blocks of public land within the historic range of bison that could support herds such as Montanas Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, Wyomings Red Desert and the Vermillion Basin of Colorado. Fact: There are numerous Indian tribes that wish to start or augment their own bison herds, if only Montana would allow them to be transported. Fact: Montanas livestock industry will not lose its brucellosis-free status simply because one or two herds are infected. Fact: There are brucellosis vaccines that are available free of charge to ranchers that can reduce the chances of infection. Fact: The only way that cattle can become infected with brucellosis is if they consume or lick an aborted bison fetus. This must occur before the bacteria dies or the fetus is consumed by scavengers like ravens, coyotes and magpies. Fact: Even if in theory bison cows could abort and transmit the disease to livestock, bison bulls and calves cannot transmit the disease, yet they make up a high percentage of the animals being slaughtered. Fact: There is simply no scientific or even legitimate rationale for the continued slaughter of this priceless wildlife legacy. The real reason our collective patrimony is being destroyed due to the intransigence of the livestock industry. Please call or write to Gov. Steve Bullock and Montanas congressional delegation and ask them to work for a solution that treats Yellowstones wild bison as the priceless and precious global inheritance they represent. The Donald Trump appointee for secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, promoted charter schools in Michigan. Therefore it is possible she may propose the same for the entire nation. I, as a taxpayer, do not want any of my tax dollars supporting private schools, whether by vouchers, tax credits or any other method. If our public schools are not measuring up then determine why. Is federal government regulation a cause? Are we not graduating qualified teachers? Do teachers' union contracts contain terms preventing the justified termination of teachers? School administrators and school boards should be allowed to terminate poor performing teachers. Teddy Roosevelt said that immigrants are welcome and when you come you are to accept being governed by our Constitution and laws and learn English. This means that sharia law or any other foreign laws have no place in our courts. Any judge in our country who allows the use of foreign law in his court should be removed from the bench. This is the United States! Russian leader Vladimir Putin shows his true colors when he sends military support for the civilian murdering ruler of Syria, Bashar Assad and allies with terrorist-backing Iran. He is suspected of being behind opposition leaders' murders, in true Russian dictator fashion. Dale C. Smith, Cut Bank I am writing in regard to the University of Montana's proposed research facility using live pigs to test spinal cord injuries. I suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder, and how dare you use my disability as an excuse to cause severe trauma to these pigs! Especially knowing this is a completely unnecessary and outdated research method. All 202 accredited osteopathic and allopathic medical schools in the U.S. and Canada terminated the use of live animals to teach medical students. This includes the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (the U.S. military medical school). In addition, 47 hospitals and colleges teaching first responders crucial life-saving methods are using human-based methods after abandoning outdated live animal use. Under the Animal Welfare Act, no experiments including those that inflict pain without relief are outlawed. The Animal Welfare Act is the only federal law that applies to animals used for research. Each species has a unique spinal orientation, movement kinetics and neural anatomy. Non-invasive imaging techniques such as PET, SPECT and fMRI can be used to visualize neural pathology at various timepoints after injury. In Miami, researchers are collaborating on the Human Spinal Cord Injury Model project. You can read more about ethical research and education using non-animal testing methods at pcrm.org. You can also find grants for non-animals testing research at drhadwentrust.org. Montanans do not want this facility, as proven by the failure of Initiative 181. This was due, in part, to the possibility of live animals being used as test subjects. Bringing this lab to UM, would be taking the university backward, in addition to tarnishing the image of Missoula. UM can be joining other universities and medical schools in rejecting outdated live animal labs and using more advanced, humane and superior methods for doing research. Jennifer Nitz, Missoula George Wuerthner encourages people to call or write Gov. Steve Bullock and encourage him to treat Yellowstones wild bison as the priceless and precious global inheritance they represent. As Wuerthner makes clear, this is almost purely a political issue. Even former Gov. Brian Schweitzer admitted the issue with bison is about access to grass on public lands. Heres what I dont understand. Polls consistently show that more than 70 percent of Montanans want bison to roam free on public wildlands. To appease a small sector of the population that wields disproportionately large power - cattle ranchers representing less than 3 percent of Montanas economy but most of its legislature - Montanas image takes a big hit because of its continuing senseless slaughter of wild bison. Why is Governor Bullock blind to the economic boon that would result from welcoming bison migration from Yellowstone to Yukon? Hunting and angling accounts for approximately $1 billion of Montanas economy. Wildlife watching accounts for another $400 million, and more than half of the nearly half-million public lands users. Montana is the fourth-largest state by area in the U.S., with the eighth-smallest population. Big Sky country! But there is no room for wild bison? Currently, Montana ranks 40th among U.S. states in popularity with tourists, in spite of Yellowstone National Park drawing nearly 4 million annually. Try to imagine what a wildlife mecca Montana would be with bison grazing along the Yellowstone River, on the banks of the Missouri or scattered in the Gravelly Range. Remember, youll find wild bison and cattle mixing on public lands in Wyoming, and Jackson Hole is just a little more popular than Bozeman these days. Bison are a keystone species, and if allowed to return to their home range in Montana, fisheries would benefit tremendously. Isnt it time to let buffalo roam, governor? Tom Woodbury, program director, WildLands Defense, Boise, Idaho Dillon voters will go to the polls Tuesday to decide on a $9.85-million bond issue to pay for new and renovated Beaverhead County High School buildings. Polls at the county courthouse, 125 N. Idaho St., are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. By Feb. 14, the county clerk and recorder had received 1,900 mail-in ballots, said school district Superintendent Gary Haverfield. About 5,300 ballots were mailed on Feb. 3, he said. County offices were closed on Monday due to the Presidents Day holiday. Registered voters who did not drop their ballots in the mail can swing by the courthouse and drop them off any time on Tuesday, he added. If passed, the bond issue would pay for: Improvements to the 79-year-old main high school building, 104 N. Pacific St. A new science and vocational agriculture education and industrial arts center. A remodel and new construction of B.W. Lodge Gym and music facility, built in 1968. If property owners give the thumbs up, those with a home valued at about $143,000 would pay $7 more per month or $84 per year in property taxes. School board Chairman Gary Love said the district has been faithful in maintaining the buildings. But it is time to upgrade, he added. The main two-story classroom building, built in 1938, is not in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. How do you feed 1,000 people all at the same time? Organizers of Empty Bowls an annual soup fundraiser for the Butte Emergency Food Bank Backpack program stare down and overcome such a logistical dilemma every year. They fill all the bellies who first line up to pick out an original, handmade bowl that students and local citizens create in the Butte High School pottery room. The Butte High Art Club has made about 1,000 bowls to contribute. The fourth annual event will be held 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 5. This year, the event expands from the main floor of the Butte Civic Center to the adjacent annex. Were hoping to just have more space, said Roisin Violette, one of the organizers. Its going to flow better. It will be much better than the hiccup last year. Upon walking in, people can get a seat first, get their soup or get their bowls, either way. Proceeds go to the backpack program, which provides an estimated 400 bags of food for hungry school students on the weekends and holidays. We just want to remind everyone that its a fabulous event, but we do this to keep the kids in the forefront, she added. The event raised an estimated $45,000 last year, but Kathy Griffith, director of the Butte Emergency Food Bank, said organizers aim to raise $62,000 this year. Tickets, $20 apiece, sell quickly, she said. Call the Butte Emergency Food Bank, 406-782-6230 and the Butte Civic Center, 406-497-6400. Were going to be sold out quickly, said Violette. Organizers seek more volunteers, also. Call the same numbers above for more information. When kids arrive at school, many take their problems with them. Butte public school kids had the day off on Presidents Day Monday, but their teachers were hard at work learning what makes their charges tick. Featured speaker Stacy G. York, of Evergreen, Colorado, who has children of her own and has worked 16 years as a licensed clinical social worker, shared strategies with about 150 teachers in the Butte High auditorium as part of a trauma-informed initiative to create a healthier community. Teachers dealing with students who have suffered some sort of trauma in their lives should "regulate, relate, and reason" in that order as a way to calm the student and better prepare them to study, she said. "Sometimes all you can do is be a loving, caring adult," said York. Establishing healthy patterns for students who shut down in a random environment is key to helping students overcome complex emotions. First thing, at the start of the school day, York suggests teachers regulate students' behavior by using simple strategies: greet them, check in with how their evening or morning went, and then maybe give them a task to distract them temporarily from a bad home or peer experience, for example. A young person's brain cortex isn't fully developed until age 25, so teachers must avoid taking a reverse reason-first, relate-second, regulate-third approach, she said. The point is to help the student shift unhealthy thought patterns to something positive before taking on the "reason" part say math or science. "Repeating patterns help kids cope," said curriculum director Jim O'Neill, listening to the training from the back of the auditorium. Ninety percent of a child's brain is already formed before age 5, so if he or she has suffered neglect or abuse, a teenager may only be developed at a toddler level, for instance. He or she may not know how to problem-solve or handle everyday tasks, causing behavior problems. Tressa Johnson, a licensed Altacare therapist at East Middle School, said her team teaches "a lot of coping skills," like deep breathing or using a tactile stress ball. "We always do a check-in with students and to make them feel safe if they had a bad night at home," said Johnson, who carries a caseload of 18 students. "Maybe if they didn't get breakfast, we give them breakfast." School personnel juggle individual discrepancies all day, every day often within a group setting. York prefers to call such arrested development "physiological" instead of a mental health issue. Prevention not intervention is vital, York said. "What are you doing to regulate those kids before they even start their day?" York asked. Students must feel safe and welcome in the classroom as opposed to the extreme opposite an in-school suspension punishment room with white walls, no clocks, and no talking allowed, for example. Butte school nurses, who may monitor a student's heart rate and maybe even oxygen level, have insight into how taking such vital measurements can affect a child's behavior. Barb Brown, elementary school nurse, noticed her own 25-year-old daughter overreacts over the smallest problem say having a flat tire because the reason part of her brain, the cortex isn't yet fully developed. But for some school-aged kids, if their heart rate and oxygen levels are high, they may shut down if they are emotionally overwhelmed about anything home-, peer-, or academic-related. Ultimately, a child's mental health can worsen and potentially lead to depression, which has been linked to the high suicide rate in Silver Bow County and statewide. Special education teacher Terry Faulkner said he plans to shorten lessons by a minute or two to better deal with myriad student developmental and behavioral problems. "If kids are healthier, it will reduce the stress on them," said Faulkner. Basically, students of all abilities and grade levels can suffer from any cognitive delays, which can affect academics. York told the story of a girl with a 140 IQ who had trouble reasoning because she had been neglected as a baby. Teachers and paraprofessionals are often expected to be social workers, parents, and confidants which can be overwhelming on top of teaching groups and individuals. York said if teachers keep their own heart rates down, students reflect the serenity and learn better. "Are you someone your kids enjoy or not?" York asked teachers. "It's kind of that simple." HELENA - The attorneys for Montanas fifth- and 11th-smallest counties came to the Capitol on Tuesday to speak against a piece of legislation they say is targeted at one of them and is the result of small-town gossip from people unhappy that an elected official owns the local watering hole. A drama thats played out in Meagher County over the last couple years made its way to the Legislature on Tuesday in the form of House Bill 472, carried by Rep. Wylie Galt, R-Martinsdale, whose district includes White Sulphur Springs, the county seat. The legislation would not allow county attorneys to own bars. I think this bill is just aimed directly at me by a very small group of people who think its wrong and have no basis for that feeling, Meagher County Attorney Kimberly Deschene told the House Judiciary Committee, which heard the bill. A dispute between Deschene and John Lopp, the Meagher County sheriff, has been simmering for years. Lopp had reported violations at Bar 47 to the Department of Revenue. Deschene has owned the bar on Main Street since 2014 and says she has been singled out by Lopp, who was elected sheriff in 2009, because the community just didn't like a county attorney owning a bar. Lopp told The Billings Gazette last year has said he was concerned about Deschene's prosecution of DUIs, saying Meagher County had a fifth of the amount of DUI cases filed as Judith Basin County, which is roughly the same population. One of those DUIs was Deschene's former employee at the bar, where she was accused of drinking before being pulled over by a highway patrol trooper. Katherine Walter, who lives in Meagher County, spoke in support of the bill Tuesday. Last year she tried to circulate a recall petition against Deschene, which was eventually dismissed. Im overly concerned about conflict of interest with our county attorney owning a bar, Walter said. It just makes sense to me that we cant have somebody prosecute DUI crime if they are possibly serving the alcohol that assists in committing the crimes. Deschene told legislators that she has followed all ethical rules. There has been one conflict of interest in three years. We have been extremely responsible, Deschene said. If there has been a conflict of interest very careful protocols have been followed. The bar was for sale for two years and the owners of two other local restaurants had died, meaning a hit to the community during hunting season, which Deschene called by far the most important time of the year in White Sulphur. Although the county attorney position is very important, what Bar 47 has done for the town is at least as important as the job of county attorney. Dan Rice, the county attorney in Montana's 11th smallest county, Prairie, lives in Terry and owns a bar in Miles City, which is in Custer County. He echoed Deschene in saying that in small communities sometimes people have to fill multiple roles, in this case to fill hard-to-recruit government jobs and keep towns economically viable by running businesses. To say being a bar owner and a county attorney is irreconcilably unethical is demonstrably false, he said. This is legislation targeting one individual, who should be dealt with directly. The committee took no action Tuesday. HELENA Hundreds of protesters who were upset that U.S. Sen. Steve Daines wasn't planning a town hall this week decided to bring one to him instead outside of the Montana Capitol, where Daines was scheduled to address the state Legislature on Tuesday. Daines canceled his appearance at the last minute, prompting boos and jeers from the crowd that spilled from the Capitol steps onto the lawn. The demonstration went on, anyway. "What a coward!" said Katherine Haque-Hausrath, one of the organizers. "If he doesn't listen to us now, he can listen to us in 2020 in the election." Daines rescheduled his appearance before the state Legislature for Wednesday, when he also plans to visit a school and hold a news conference on Neil Gorsuch's U.S. Supreme Court nomination. His office released a statement saying the senator "welcomes the opinions of everyone from the Treasure State." Protesters across the nation are greeting members of Congress who are home this week for a recess. Many of the demonstrators in Helena reflected the concerns of other groups, particularly about President Donald Trump's order to restrict refugee and immigration arrivals, his plans to roll back President Barack Obama's health care reforms and his cabinet selections. Many there also objected to Daines gaveling down Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren as the presiding officer during the debate on Attorney General Jeff Sessions' nomination. "I'm here with my daughter, and I want her to know that real men are not afraid to listen to women and they can't tell her to sit down," said Camas Sturm Kakuk, standing next to her 5-year-old daughter. Others said they objected to Daines' vote for Betsy DeVos as education secretary after she gave him tens of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions. Daines held a constituent teleconference last week. Participants in Tuesday's demonstration accused Daines of ducking them and said a phone conference was insufficient. "People need to be able to see their senators face to face, ask questions and have a conversation," said Al Beaver, a protester from Helena. HELENA Doctors traveled from across the state to ask the education appropriations subcommittee for funds to expand Montanas Graduate Medical Education program, a measure they say would address a statewide physician shortage preventing patients from receiving adequate care. But after executive action, the Joint Appropriations Subcommittee on Education didnt approve the extra $400,000 requested. The Legislature funds a fraction of what it costs to operate Montanas three residency programs, but those initial state dollars keep the program eligible for large federal grants, mostly funded by Medicare. The money would expand training in rural areas and establish a psychiatry residency to combat a statewide suicide epidemic. The budget proposal now moves on to House Appropriations and eventually to Senate Finance and Claims where it could see additions or reductions. Sen. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, and vice chair of the committee, said tough decisions were made to ensure the already functioning programs were protected before adding something new, like additional residency positions. However, he recognized the residency program was important in addressing the state's doctor shortage, and said there's a good chance the program could be funded later in the session with a special revenue account. But in executive action he said the committee struggled to do the least harm with limited resources. "There's a short-term hole that's enormous," Jones said. "None of the subcommittees are having a better time." Research shows Montana will require an additional 197 primary care physicians by 2030. There are 686 practicing primary care doctors in Montana, but the shortage is already evident. Of Montanas 56 counties, 17 have zero primary care physicians, six counties have one physician and eight counties have two physicians. Dr. Ned Vasquez, program director for the Family Medicine Residency of Western Montana, said residents are likely to stay in the community they complete their residency in. "One of the most important mechanisms to ensure you have more doctors in your state is to train them in your state," he said. When doctors surpass the number of patients a practice can sustain, residents have to travel or go without health care. Vasquez said most full-time physicians will care for 1,800 to 2,500 patients. In Jefferson County, there are two primary care doctors and 11,500 residents. Youre less likely to go have a mammogram or a colonoscopy if you have to drive three hours to have that service, he said. Theres an increased risk of health being compromised because you cant access care. Vasquez said the shortage of doctors can be attributed to a rapidly aging population, doctors who are preparing to retire, an increase in the state population and people accessing care with the expansion of Medicaid. While Vasquez said there arent enough residencies in Montana to fulfill the demand, state dollars would primarily expand training in rural communities. The majority of the graduate medical education program is funded by Medicare, which doesnt permit training in rural locations. Without federal assistance, getting doctors to rural communities for even a few months stresses the programs resources. The Graduate Medical Education program receives $519,336 in state funds each year, which is allocated to Montanas three residency programs: Montana Family Residency, Western Montana Family Medicine Residency and Billings Clinic Internal Medicine Residency. In total, there are 78 residents in the program, with each doctor costing $250,000 to $300,000 a year to teach. The actual cost of the program is $20.8 million per year with $10.3 million paid in multiple matching federal grants from Medicare. The states teaching hospitals foot the rest of the bill. If the state chipped in another $400,000, the program would leverage $5.83 million in Medicaid funding eligible to be used in rural hospitals. Vasquez said residents struggle to adequately prepare to practice in rural areas, which can be detrimental to patients. If youre taking care of a patient who comes in with a heart attack at St. Pats, you call up the cardiologist and they come and take care of the patient, he said. If youre in Plains, theres not a cardiologist. You might talk to one in Missoula, but you have to do the initial care of that person there. Right now the program requires residents to spend two months in rural communities. Vasquez said he would like to see resources for residents to spend four to six months in rural communities. Theres pretty good evidence if you spend more time there youre more likely to go and practice there. Dr. Eric Arzubi, a psychiatrist at the Billings Clinic, told the committee some of the funds would go toward establishing a psychiatry residency in the state. While mental health treatment is lacking overall, Arzubi said Montana needs psychiatrists to reduce suicides. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Montana had the highest rate of suicide in the country in 2016 with 23.8 deaths per 100,000 people. Montana, Alaska and Wyoming are the three states with the highest rates of suicide in the country. They also happen to be the only three states without psychiatry residency programs. Arzubi said hes supportive of multiple suicide prevention measures going through the Legislature this session, but he worries the shortage of psychiatrists could hamper implementation of those programs. You can roll out the best programs in the world but if we dont have a workforce, were going to have a big problem, he said. Were going to need some well-trained clinicians to roll out these programs. When there are suicide attempts we need well-trained psychiatrists. The Montana Healthcare Foundation surveyed 35 hospitals, treatment centers and tribal health facilities to find out if a shortage of psychiatrists was inhibiting patient care. Approximately 70 percent of respondents said it was nearly impossible to hire a psychiatrist. Instead, treatment centers have to spend money out of state to hire psychiatrists to serve patients in Montana. They found organizations spent $2 million a year on temporary psychiatrists, $400,000 in telepsychiatry and $400,000 trying to recruit psychiatrists. Arzubi said psychologists cant substitute the work a psychiatrist does. A clinical psychologist is not able to prescribe medicine or perform medical tests while a psychiatrist goes to medical school for four years and completes a residency program, working in a hospital and doing outpatient work. If a person came in with new psychotic symptoms, a psychiatrist would be able to perform the necessary medical tests to assess a patients overall well-being, Arzubi said. A lack of rural training isnt just a challenge for primary care providers. Hospitals and clinics have struggled to recruit physicians from out of state, who often dont have training relative to Montana. When somebody gets trained in an urban setting, theyre not right out of the gate going to practice effectively in Montana, he said. Its a different animal. Establishing a psychiatry residency program, which would be either two or four years based on available funding, would provide necessary rural training and bring good doctors to the state. Arzubi said a resident who learns in Montana is more likely to establish a practice in the state, and existing psychiatrists who are interested in teaching would be willing to come to Montana and train residents while also practicing. I can say come to Montana and help us launch this training program and a lot of people will find that attractive, he said. West Park Street from Uptown to the Montana Tech campus would become one travel lane in each direction with a two-way center lane for turning left under a revised plan by state and local officials. Construction is likely at least two years away. The new $6 million proposal also entails one parking lane and one bike lane on each side of that 12-block stretch of West Park Street, new overhead lighting and making all sidewalk corners handicapped accessible. New asphalt would be laid down on that corridor and along a stretch of Excelsior Avenue from Platinum Street on the south to Caledonia Street on the north. The sections would be milled before that is done. In a news release Tuesday, the Montana Department of Transportation said the project is in a preliminary design stage with construction anticipated in 2019 if theres money. But the agency still wants public input and has set a forum for 5 p.m. on Feb. 28 at the Butte-Silver Bow Archives, 17 W. Quartz St. Jeff Ebert, the MDTs Butte district administrator, said funding for the project could depend on whether state lawmakers provide more state dollars to the agency this legislative session so it can match federal funds. Lower tax revenues have put much of state government in a money crunch. MDT says the project would extend the life of the asphalt, update existing sidewalk corners and improve aesthetics and safety for pedestrians and the traveling public through updated overhead lighting, traffic signalization, signing and pavement markings. Local officials were supporting a different plan a year ago that would have reduced West Park from four travel lanes to two one in each direction with a tree-filled median down the middle and a few places to turn left. That plan, touted by county Planning Director Jon Sesso and then-Chief Executive Matt Vincent, also envisioned more room for pedestrians and bicyclists and extended sidewalks so restaurants and bars could have cafe-like patios for dining and drinking. It was months in the making, too, and designed in part to turn West Park Street into a campus-like corridor leading to Tech and hopefully spur more private development and student housing. But that plan got pushback by residents who said, among other things, that a median would make it difficult to clear streets of snow and ice. And some residents along Excelsior said talked-about improvements for their street had been pushed aside. During a debate with Commissioner Dave Palmer in the race for chief executive last fall, Vincent acknowledged the plan was off the table. He cited public feedback and cost concerns raised by MDT. Palmer won the election and is now chief executive. Officials had hoped some work on Park Street would start this year, but the MDT says construction is now anticipated in 2019 depending on completion of design and availability of funds. The MDT will pay for most of the project. Although the timetable had been pushed back, Ebert said the plan now is to do virtually all of the work in 2019 instead of tearing up separate areas over two or three years. The one-and-done approach would also cut project costs. The idea would be to start in March or April (of 2019) and get of there by the middle of November, he said. Lori Casey, Butte-Silver Bows assistant planning director, said Tuesday that local and state officials have met several times to talk about revised plans and cost constraints. The project would cost about $6 million, she and Ebert said, most of it federal money passed through the MDT. The previous plan would have cost about $7 million, Sesso said last February. We have been working with them and coming up with a lot of different costs and options and this is the plan we came up with, Casey said. Under the new plan: - West Park Street from Montana Street to the Tech campus at Western Street would be milled and paved with new asphalt. Same for the 12-block stretch of Excelsior Avenue. - Updating all concrete sidewalk corners with ramps and other features to meet standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act. - West Park will have one travel lane in each direction, a center lane for turning left and parking lanes and bike lanes on each side of the street. - Pavement markings on Excelsior from Platinum to Galena will be changed to remove parking along the west side but have dedicated parking on the east side. - Overhead lighting along West Park will be replaced with a new layout and LED lighting. - Existing traffic signals on Park at the intersections with Washington and Idaho streets will be removed, as will one at Excelsior and Platinum. Casey said traffic counts and analyses showed they are not needed. - The signal at Park and Excelsior will be replaced with one that meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards. That usually means buttons to push for pedestrian crossings can be reached by those in wheelchairs, Casey said. - Spot replacement of concrete sidewalks and upgrades to all existing traffic signage also is included. Besides the public meeting next week, opinions, comments or concerns can be submitted in writing by mail to Jeff Ebert, Butte District Administrator, at MDTs district office at P.O. Box 3068, Butte, MT 59702-3068 or online at www.mdt.mt.gov/mdt/comment_form.shtml. Please encourage your legislator to support a mail ballot election (Senate Bill 305) to replace Congressman Zinke. The 2016 Federal General Election cycle was an intensive process for both voters and election offices. After two and a half years of social media, news and campaign ads, voters were ready to cast their ballot on November 8. The November 8 Federal General Election was unprecedented in many ways: historic turnout, the sudden death of a statewide candidate, late reporting times due to multiple page ballots, and now the appointment of elected Representative Zinke for Department of Interior. Election Administrators worked diligently and endlessly to provide voters of the state of Montana a successful election. While we overcame the challenges presented to us, it came at a cost. Historically, Montanas federal general elections cost $2 million. For the November 8 Federal General, the costs exceeded $3 million; a new record. Not only was the increase due to the historic turnout of the election (increased personnel and materials), but the tragic and untimely death of candidate required every county to reprint ballots at a cost of $500,000. Because state law requires a voter to receive a corrected ballot every county had to have their ballots reprinted. Where does this money come from? Many voters and taxpayers do not realize that elections are funded at the county level. Election offices do not receive any revenue from federal or state government. Local taxpayers pick up the bill. In an effort to minimize costs for the upcoming special election for Ryan Zinkes House of Representative seat, Election Administrators across the state see holding a mail ballot election as a solution. Mail ballot elections are safe, secure, cost effective, and work just as an absentee ballot would. The mail ballot bill still provides local governing bodies the option of conducting the election by mail or by polling place. This bill is for this election only and would not apply to any other federal elections. If you have any concerns regarding a mail ballot election, please contact your local Election Administrator. They can walk you through security and accessibility procedures in place to ensure a mail ballot election is successful. Election Administrators juggle many elements, such as integrity of the process, accessibility, and even fiscal responsibility. For the instance of this rare special election for one race, the Association of Clerk & Recorders and Election Administrators urge voters to contact their legislators to pass a mail ballot bill. To locate your legislator, please visit www.leg.mt.gov. To read the proposed Senate Bill 305, go to http://leg.mt.gov/bills/2017/ Children with disabilities often learn at a slower pace than their nondisabled classmates. However, Montana law doesnt take this longer learning curve into account when distributing school funding. Usually, they must leave school at 19, ready or not. Montana is the only state that stops funding students when they turn 19, regardless of why they need to continue their public education. Forty-eight states pay to educate disabled students till their 22nd birthday; one state pays till age 20. Rep. Kathy Kelker, D-Billings, a former school trustee and special education instructor at Montana State University Billings, has proposed to right a longstanding wrong by starting to count severely disabled students in the state funding formula till they graduate or turn 22. The more students with disabilities learn in school, the less help they will need as adults, Kelker said at the House Education Committee hearing on House Bill 274. Parents and teachers from Bozeman told of a local vo-tech program that has helped students with severe disabilities get jobs in the community. Parents of children with Down syndrome and autism appealed to lawmakers for the extra time their kids need to master skills that are harder than average for them. Shelly Dowdle, the mother of two boys with disabilities, said she is praying that my youngest son doesnt lose ground like his older brother who graduated and had to wait years for services while losing ground. Despite having medical issues and a developmental disability, her oldest son had to graduate at 19. He then waited five years for vocational rehab. House Bill 274 was endorsed by Parents, Lets Unite for Kids; the School Administrators of Montana, Disability Rights Montana and the Montana School Boards Association. HB274 wouldnt keep most special ed students in school past their 19th birthdays only those with a significant disability who havent graduated, who are likely to need developmental disability services as adults and have an individual education plan with goals for living and working in the community. Montana needs to make the changes proposed in HB274, for the sake of children with disabilities and for the sake of taxpayers who will pay more for their care if they cant complete their education. On Friday, the House Education Committee tabled HB274. Three other bills Kelker introduced to provide more adequate funding for special needs children, including one for gifted children, all have been tabled. Montana needs HB274 to do right by its young citizens with disabilities. The Legislature must fund severely disabled students education through age 21. Montana needs a system to adequately fund special education. House Resolution 1 would study funding alternatives and make recommendations to the 2019 Legislature. Requested by the School Funding Commission that met over the past two years and sponsored by Kelker, HR1 received unanimous support in House and Senate Education Committees and passed both chambers. The study would cover needs of children with disabilities, at-risk students, students with limited English proficiency, and gifted and talented children. Students and families deserve action now, but a study is probably all they will get this session. -- The Billings Gazette MUSCATINE, Iowa A Muscatine man has been arrested after allegedly firing two rounds from a .22 caliber handgun, one of which struck a home on Washington Street on Feb. 13. Marco Martinez, 18, has been charged with reckless use of a firearm, an aggravated misdemeanor and second-degree criminal mischief, a class D felony, according to the criminal complaint. Martinez allegedly shot the two rounds around 11:40 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13, and one round entered the home in the 1400 block of Washington Street. According to the complaint, the bullet went through a window and entered a leather recliner, where it was recovered. It caused more than $1,001 but less than $10,000 damage. Two spent .22 caliber casings were allegedly found at the house across the street, the complaint said. Martinez faces other charges as well. According to court documents, Martinez was the passenger in a vehicle pulled over during a traffic stop Feb. 16, during which police found 2.8 grams of marijuana and the AR-15 rifle in the vehicle. The rifle had been reported stolen Feb. 13. From that incident, Martinez also faces one count of second-degree theft, a class D felony; trafficking in stolen weapons, first offense, a class D felony; and possession of a controlled substance, first offense, a serious misdemeanor. A preliminary hearing was set for 9 a.m. March 6, in Muscatine County District Court. Martinez already faced pending charges of third-degree burglary, a class D felony, and fourth-degree theft, a serious misdemeanor, in connection with a break-in at Pearl City Tobacco and Liquor in November 2016, where merchandise valued at $207.92 was taken. MUSCATINE, Iowa Last year, Jeff Benton did something he never thought hed do: He started his own business. It began when he came across a Facebook post about etched glasses and thought, I could do that. But Benton needed to know more before he committed, so he joined a Facebook group for glass etchers and started asking questions. What equipment would he need? What techniques would he use? Little by little, he got the equipment he needed, and he was ready for his first project. So he embarked on his first project, an etched mirror of an eagle, which he made for himself. I made one just for my purpose only, for fun, he said So I took it down to the We Can Frame It shop to get a frame for it and (the owner) wanted me to do one for him. Flynn Collier, the shop's owner, said he helped Benton find the right frame that would showcase the mirror. After I saw the end result, I thought it was cool, I want one with my logo on it in my store, Collier said. Benton made the logo and Collier put it on display in the store. Customers, Collier said, would ask about the logo, and how to get a design of their own and Collier referred them to Benton. Its not something that you see anywhere else, Collier said. I really like diversity in the store when it comes to the artists. I want people to have a real choice. The orders started flowing in: etched shot glasses for a wedding, a large mirror with a logo for a trucking company, smaller etchings to commemorate loved ones. Once a month, Benton shows his pieces at local flea markets. He estimates hes made about 100 pieces so far, and orders continue to flow in. Each piece, Benton said, starts its life as a computer file. Benton designs a vinyl decal, which he prints using a special printer. He transfers the decal to the back of a blank mirror and using a sand blastera chamber with a gun that shoots fine sand he etches the design onto the glass. Depending on what his clients want, he can add an analog or digital clock to the piece, a frame and some lighting. I just like the way it looks, and not a lot of people do it here in Muscatine, Benton said. Benton, who works full-time at Bakery Feeds, works on his pieces on weekends. But he has a bigger dream. I want to actually do it full-time. I want to open my own shop downtown, he said. In the meantime, Benton will continue to sell his pieces in local flea markets and through word-of-mouth advertising. MUSCATINE, Iowa The Old Barn has a 30-day reprieve. A standing-room only crowd turned out to Monday's Muscatine County Board of Supervisors meeting to defend the Old Barn and cottage near Discovery Park, which the county is considering tearing down. A bid for the demolition of the buildings was on the agenda, but the board agreed to give the Friends of the Old Barn, the group that has worked to restore and protect the historic building, 30 days to develop alternative plans. Jeff Sorensen, chairman of the Muscatine County Board of Supervisors, said the problem is that the former Department of Human Services Building, 3210 Harmony Lane, will be demolished, and after it is gone, there will no longer be water, sewer or electricity access for the cottage, which serves as a restroom facility for the barn. "So we have a bit of a mess out there and the board is trying to work through how we move forward," Sorensen said. The sewer lift station near the former DHS building also needs to be removed, Sorensen said, which means the cottage would need a lift station or pump to connect to the city sewer system, Eric Furnas, the planning and zoning administrator for Muscatine County, had advised. "If there's city sewer within so many hundred feet to the frontage of the property city code requires we hook onto the sanitary system," Furnas said. As residents whispered quietly to each other, John Haskins, the president of the Friends of the Old Barn, asked for a "fair shot" to find an alternative to the barn's demolition. "There are alternate plans and possibilities that can be done on that project without destroying the barn, the cottage and all the rest of that infrastructure," he said. Some suggestions were discussed, and were either met with nods, cheers or snorts of derision from residents in attendance. One challenge for the board, Sorensen said, is demolition of the barn and cottage would be an unbudgeted expense, and would be cheaper if it could be done while contractor Valley Construction is demolishing the DHS building. "During these discussions would you keep in mind that maybe if you work with the Friends of the Barn, and historical preservation, and we all work together, we maybe can come up with a way for it to not come out of your budget," Haskins said. Supervisor Matt Bonebrake said he was concerned the Friends of the Old Barn has not raised enough money, or done enough to care for the building. Several residents assured him they had. Friends of the Old Barn Secretary/Treasurer Paul Carroll said the group could repeat a presentation outlining what they have done, adding he hopes the Muscatine community and businesses will support whatever project moves forward. "We've always been able to meet our needs by going to the community," Carroll said. Carroll pledged to bring other possibilities to the board within the next 30 days. The board voted to table the demolition of the Old Barn, cottage and the lift station. They approved extending a water line to the Muscatine Environmental Learning Center on Harmony Lane, because old systems could not be used to circumvent the building. "You can't start knocking down a building that's got live water lines without at least isolation," Furnas said. The Muscatine County Conservation Board has a shop near the Old Barn, which will be without power after the demolition, but Director Curt Weiss said water was a more pressing issue than power. Team Oxygen Gym Introduction | by Bader Boodai Written by Bader Boodai 21 February 2017 Team Oxygen Gym Introduction Hello MD readers! Many of you have heard about Oxygen Gym by now, and you might know me as the owner of the four locations in Kuwait, with a fifth one opening up very soon. Oxygen Gym has quickly earned a reputation as one of the very best bodybuilding gyms in the world, so please allow me to tell you how it all started. The best known location is our gym in Jabriya, which opened in 2004. From the start, I wanted it to have absolutely everything anyone could ever want or need to reach all their physical fitness and physique goals. I handpicked the very best equipment, selecting pieces from many different manufacturers. Also, I did not limit the selection to new equipment. As any serious trainer knows, some of the best pieces were made two or more decades ago. These were all refurbished and made good as new. But I wanted to do even more for my members. I had visited Golds Gym in Venice Beach, and one thing I always found tremendously motivating was to be able to train side by side with some of the best pro bodybuilders in the world. So in 2006, I brought 8-Time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman over to train at Oxygen Gym. I had the idea that instead of just having the pro do an appearance or a seminar, why not invite them to stay and train for anywhere from a week to a month, with all expenses paid? I began bringing top athletes over to do just that, and soon we had stars like Dennis James, Dennis Wolf, Branch Warren, Melvin Anthony, Hide Yamagishi, Toney Freeman, Troy Alves, and Johnnie Jackson coming over to stay and prepare for contests. Later on, Phil Heath and Kai Greene also made the journey out to Kuwait. The members loved having the Pros around to inspire them, and the Pros enjoyed being able to focus 100% on bodybuilding. Just this year, we have had a truly amazing group of Pros training at Oxygen Gym. New Pro Nathan DeAsha actually spends more time here than he does back home in the UK now, and Roelly Winklaar has been out for two different stays of six weeks each. Jonathan Delarosa was with us for six weeks, and after three weeks at Oxygen, Victor Martinez won his first contest in two years. Of course, our most famous member is Mamdouh Elssbiay, better known as Big Ramy. He had come from his native Egypt to be a fisherman in Kuwait, but he also was very interested in training. Ramy started working at the Jabriya location in 2010 as a trainer. I didnt even meet him until late 2011, when he was just 200 pounds. Even at that size, his potential was very obvious. He was also making truly incredible progress. The next year, he won the amateur Mr. Olympia, and six months later, won his IFBB debut at the 2013 New York Pro. Its been a privilege to watch him working so hard and improving all the time. Now he is one of the top favorites to win the Mr. Olympia contest! Next month, more about Oxygen Gym and some of the top champions who train here. Facebook: Oxygen Gym Jabriya Instagram: o2_gyms DISCUSS THIS ARTICLE ON THE MD FORUM READ MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS IN BODYBUILDING NEWS FOLLOW MUSCULAR DEVELOPMENT ON: FACEBOOK: MuscularDevelopment Magazine TWITTER: @MuscularDevelop INSTAGRAM: @MuscularDevelopment YOUTUBE: http://bit.ly/2fvHgnZ Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes [] A 13-Year-Old Standard Six pupil who was attacked by a buffalo in Lamu County has died due to a lack of medical attention in public hospitals as a result of the ongoing doctors strike. Hassan Muzamil Ali, who was a pupil at Vipingoni Primary School in Lamu County was attacked by the wild animal while returning from school on Tuesday last week. He succumbed to the injuries on Sunday due to lack of treatment. His father, Abdulrahman Ali, unsuccessfully sought X-ray services from two counties while his sons health deteriorated as there was no doctor to attend to him. We rushed my son to Mpeketoni Sub-County Hospital. However, we were referred to Malindi Sub-District Hospital for an X-ray to ascertain the extent of the injuries. On reaching the hospital, we were told it was full so we had to come to Mombasa for the X-ray. Jackline Mwende, the 28-year-old lady from Machakos County whose hands were last year chopped off by her husband has received a new house and a minisupermarket. Ms Mwendes turn of events after the horrific ordeal started last year after she was fitted with prosthetic hands in South Korea. Read: Jackline Mwende Gets New Sh10 Million Prosthetic Hands in South Korea (PHOTOS) Over the weekend, Ms Mwende had more reasons to smile after she received keys to a four-room house at Kathama village and a stocked shopping unit in Masii town to cater for her upkeep. Taita-Taveta Women Representative Joyce Lay handed over the house. The house, installed with solar power and a water tank, was built on her fathers farm by German organization, Merck More Than a Mother. Ms Mwende thanked the organization for their compassionate help and urged them to continue their service to humanity. I am very happy for your help. Now I will be able to at least support myself financially, said Ms Mwende. Her father Mr Samuel Munywoki said on Monday that the county government had employed a helper for Ms Mwende at a cost of Sh10,000 per month. The County government has also promised a monthly stipend of Sh30,000 which is yet to be honored. Ms Mwendes husband Stephen Ngila was released on a bond of Sh200,000 and is facing charges of attempted murder. The case will continue on February 27. Cord leader Raila Odingas daughter Rosemary Odinga has reportedly been moved back to Aga Khan hospital from the Nairobi hospital. The Kibra MP aspirant had been admitted at Agha Khan Hospital on Friday with a headache and later moved to Nairobi Hospital on Sunday. According to a source within the hospital, Rosemary had been in the hospitals Intensive Care Unit before she was moved yesterday morning. A doctor at the Aga Khan hospital told The Star that Rosemary has meningioma, a brain tumor that is usually harmless but which applies pressure to the brain. The tumor is not life-threatening. The Star reports that Rosemary, who is Railas second born, is being examined by two surgeons who will decide if she should undergo surgery. Other sources close to Rosemary said her hospital records were untraceable and that only family members were allowed to visit. PORTLAND, Maine A disagreement over the right to fish for scallops off New England is pitting small boats against big ones in one of the most lucrative fisheries in the U.S. The federal government maintains different rules for the small- and big-boat scallop fisheries, though they work some of the same areas. Small boat fishermen say the conflict has arisen in the northern Gulf of Maine, a critically important fishing area stretching roughly from Boston to the border of Maine and Canada. At issue is the fact that the northern Gulf of Maine is fertile ground for scallops right now, and rules allow the bigger boats to harvest more of them. The smaller boats have a possession limit of 200 pounds, while the largest boats have no such limit, because they are regulated instead by a limited number of days at sea. Smaller boat fishermen said the bigger boats have been gobbling up the scallops in one of the most important areas where they fish. Without changes, the current arrangement could wipe out a resource that would sustain a small boat fishery for years and years and years, said Kristan Porter, a small-boat fisherman in the area who sits on a federal scallop advisory panel. Federal regulators have identified solving the problem as a key goal in the U.S. sea scallop fishery, which has been worth more than $400 million every year since 2010. Scallops are also one of the priciest kinds of seafood that is familiar to many consumers, who often pay more than $20 per pound for them. Mary Beth Tooley, the chair of a federal scallop committee, also works in government affairs for OHara Corp., a major player in the big-boat fishery. The big and small boats can coexist, she said, and regulators will work to make it happen. Theres a perspective that this is a battle we need to go to war with these big boats, she said, adding, I dont think thats necessary. The scuffle has attracted the attention of Conservation Law Foundation, an environmental advocacy group based in New England. The group is advocating for the playing field to be leveled for both groups of boats, said Peter Shelley, an attorney with the foundation. Its an inequity that could be corrected very easily and no one wants to do it, Shelley said. I just find that to be offensive with a public resource. The U.S. scallop fisherys most important state is Massachusetts, with New Bedford serving as the home base. Theyre also brought to shore in other states from Maine to Virginia, with the second-largest amount of shellfish coming ashore in New Jersey. PALM BEACH, Fla. President Donald Trump has tapped Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, a prominent military strategist known as a creative thinker, as his new national security adviser, replacing the ousted Michael Flynn. Trump announced the pick Monday at his Palm Beach, Florida, club and said McMaster is "a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience." The president's choice further elevated the influence of military officers in the new administration. Trump, who has no military or foreign policy experience, has shown a strong preference for putting generals in top roles. In this case, he tapped an active-duty officer for a post that's sometimes used as a counterweight to the Pentagon. McMaster, who wore his uniform for the announcement , joins Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, both retired generals, in Trump's inner circle of national security advisers. , The White House said Monday McMaster plans to remain on active military duty. He will take on the challenge of leading a National Security Council that has not adjusted smoothly to Trump's leadership. The president suggested he does not trust holdovers from the Obama administration and complained about leaks to reporters. His decision to put his top political adviser on the senior committee of the National Security Council drew sharp criticism. On Friday, the head of the council's Western Hemisphere division was fired after he criticized Trump's policies and his inner circle of advisers. Trump said Monday that retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who had been his acting adviser, will now serve as the National Security Council chief of staff. He also said he would be asking John Bolton, a former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, to work with them in a "somewhat different capacity." McMaster is viewed as soldier-scholar and creative thinker. He has a doctoral degree in history from the University of North Carolina and has been heavily involved in the Army's efforts to shape its future force and its way of preparing for war. He is currently the director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center, a sort of military think tank, at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Outside of the Army, he may be best known for his 1997 book, "Dereliction of Duty," a searing indictment of the U.S. government's mishandling of the Vietnam War and an analysis of what he called the "lies that led to Vietnam." The book earned him a reputation for being willing to speak truth to power. McMaster commanded troops in both American wars in Iraq in 1991, when he fought in a storied tank battle known as the Battle for 73 Easting, and again in 2005-2006 in one of the most violent periods of the insurgency that developed after the U.S.-led invasion in 2003. He is credited with using innovative approaches to countering the insurgency in the northern Iraqi city of Tal Afar when he commanded the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment. He later served as a special adviser to the top U.S. commander in Iraq. McMaster was Trump's second choice to replace Flynn, who has been under FBI investigation for his contacts with Russian officials. Trump dismissed Flynn last week after revelations that the adviser had misled Vice President Mike Pence about the nature of his discussion with Russia's ambassador to the U.S. during the presidential transition. Trump said in a news conference Thursday that he was disappointed by how Flynn had treated Pence, but did not believe Flynn had done anything wrong by having the conversations. Trump's first choice to replace Flynn, retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward, turned down the offer. Trump announced his choice sitting between McMaster and Kellogg in a luxurious living room at the resort property. The president told reporters that Vice President Mike Pence had been involved in the process, but he did not elaborate. Trump brought four candidates for the position to Mar-a-Lago over the weekend for in-person interviews, McMaster among them. McMaster called the appointment a "privilege." It was not clear how closely McMaster's and Trump's views align. On Russia, McMaster appears to hold a much dimmer view than Trump of Moscow's military and political objectives in Europe. In remarks at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in May 2016, McMaster said Russia managed to annex Crimea and intervene militarily in eastern Ukraine "at zero cost" from the international community. McMaster said Moscow's broader goal is to "collapse the post-Cold War security, economic and political order in Europe and replace that order with something that is more sympathetic to Russian interests." In his current role, McMaster has been studying the way Russia developed and executed its campaigns in Crimea and Ukraine, where it used what some call "hybrid warfare" part political, part disinformation, part military. Sen. John McCain, an increasingly vocal Trump critic, called McMaster an "outstanding" choice. "He is a man of genuine intellect, character, and ability. He knows how to succeed," he said in a statement. "I give President Trump great credit for this decision, as well as his national security cabinet choices." The position of national security adviser does not require Senate confirmation. The majority of Americans have no clear idea what "sell by" labels are trying to tell them. But after 40 years of letting us guess, the grocery industry has made moves to clear up the confusion. On Wednesday, the Food Marketing Institute and the Grocery Manufacturers Association, the two largest trade groups for the grocery industry, announced that they've adopted standardized, voluntary regulations to clear up what product date labels mean. Where manufacturers now use any of 10 separate label phrases, ranging from "expires on" to "better if used by," they'll now be encouraged to use only two: "Use By" and "Best if Used By." The former is a safety designation, meant to indicate when perishable foods are no longer good. "Best if Used By" is a quality descriptor -- a subjective guess of when the manufacturer thinks the product should be consumed for peak flavor. That's what most "use-by" dates indicate now, though studies have shown that many consumers believe they signal whether a product is okay to eat. In fact, it's totally fine to eat a product even well after its so-called expiration date. These dates typically indicate one of two things: a message from the manufacturer to the grocery store, telling the store when the product will look best on shelves, or a subjective measure -- often little more than a guess -- of when consumers will most "enjoy" the product. Methods for setting those dates have been left to manufacturers, rather like the phrasing of the labels themselves. But when consumers see a date labeled "use by" (or, even worse, not labeled at all) they often tend to assume that it's a food-safety claim, regulated by some objective standard. Both the Department of Agriculture and a coalition of environmental groups have been urging the industry to clear this up. In addition to costing average Americans, in the form of prematurely tossed groceries, the waste represents a significant use of landfill space and source of greenhouse gas emissions. "I think it's huge. It's just an enormous step," said Emily Broad-Leib, the director of Harvard's Food Law and Policy Clinic. "It's still a first step -- but it's very significant." Advocates and environmentalists have been warning for years that many people interpret date labels as a sign that food is no longer good to eat. As a result, one industry survey found, 91 percent of consumers have mistakenly thrown away past-date food, when the label only signals the manufacturer's guess at its peak quality. Shoppers shouldn't expect to see the new labels the next time they buy groceries; the change won't be immediate. While FMI and GMA are urging manufacturers and retailers to make it now, they have until July 2018. Even then, the standards are voluntary, so there's no guarantee that they'll be adopted by every single company. Some states also have labeling regulations that preempt the industry standards. In Montana, for instance, milk must come with a "sell by" label. That means milk in the state will still say "sell by," even if every other product gets the new labels. Still, a number of major manufacturers have already signaled their enthusiasm, including Walmart, the largest seller of American groceries. And both FMI and GMA are expecting to see widespread adoption, in part because the standards were written by a working group comprised of representatives from large food companies. The voluntary standards are also a way to influence, or preempt, pending federal regulation; there has been growing interest in a federal standard for label dates, which would both align the contradictory patchwork of state rules and guarantee corporate compliance. Last May, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) introduced legislation that would standardize both date labels and food donation laws. They're expected to reintroduce the bill in the coming weeks. In mid-December, the USDA also published non-binding guidance that encouraged manufacturers to switch to the "Best if Used By" phrasing. This all delights Broad-Leib, who made similar policy recommendations in a 2013 report with the Natural Resources Defense Council. According to NRDC, Americans throw $218 billion worth of food away each year. The anti-food-waste coalition ReFED estimates that 398,000 tons, or $1.8 billion, could be saved through standardized date labels. Of course, that is just a drop in the waste bucket: To make a real dent in America's food waste problem, Broad-Leib said, more will have to be done. The Food Law and Policy Clinic is arguing for several federal interventions, including policy changes that make it easier for companies and farms to donate food and incentives to encourage them to do so. (Some of this appears in the Food Donation Act of 2017, which Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, introduced a week ago.) Broad-Leib would also like to see the Department of Agriculture designate more funds for local composting and anaerobic facilities, as well as education campaigns for consumers. NRDC and the Ad Council are currently running one such campaign, called "Save the Food." After all, Broad-Leib points out, if Americans don't understand food waste the new labels won't help. And ultimately, neither will anything else. Applications for Leadership Napa Valley Class 31 are now being accepted. The program offers aspiring leaders in Napa Valley an opportunity to develop leadership skills, be exposed to a broad range of community programs and issues, network with other leaders, and have fun. Class 31 will meet a total of 14 days from September to June 2018 to learn about tourism, agriculture, criminal justice, business, government, human services, education, the arts and more. To learn more about the program, attend one of the following informational get-togethers: -- Napa March 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Bank Cafe, Westin Hotel, 1314 McKinstry St. -- St. Helena March 29, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Napa Valley Vintners, 1475 Library Lane. Applications and more information on the program are available at LeadershipNapaValley.com. Applications for Class 31 are due by April 30. RUTHERFORD A viable solution to the countys traffic congestion on Highway 29 remains elusive following a winerys recent attempt to launch a commuter shuttle for its employees. Cakebread Cellars ended its shuttle service for employees on Feb. 3 following a two-week trial run. The program encountered what has become a familiar pitfall too few riders for like-minded initiatives throughout the county in recent months. We had an all-employee meeting that same day and actually said, Its ending because we dont have enough ridership to support the cost, said Cakebread Cellars Human Resources Manager Nicole Cummings. Having solely funded the program for the two weeks of the trial run at a cost of $440 per day, the winery had sought to gauge its employees long-term interest in the program by initially offering the service for free. Partnering with Napa Valley Tours & Transportation, the shuttle ran twice daily from two locations in Napa and was available to employees hailing from the southern end of the county where the bulk of the winerys workforce lives, Cummings said. Available to a pool of more than 50 Cakebread employees, the shuttle was also offered to employees of neighboring wineries. By the end of the two-week test run, a total of 15 employees, all from Cakebread, had ridden at least once. And really thats all I wanted was, Come try it, ride it once, tell us what you think. Would you do this? Cummings said. The projects suspension mirrors the outcome of the Employee Shuttle Program in Calistoga, which ended six months prior. That initiative, which ferried employees between Santa Rosa and Calistoga, folded in early August after two months of operation, with only a handful of riders having made use of the shuttle. Initially offered at a cost of $7.50 per trip to riders, the Calistoga program ultimately was offered for free, but that did little to boost ridership. In designing Cakebreads program, Cummings said the goal was to eventually offer the shuttle for roughly $3 a day, but noted that for that price to be sustainable, a ridership of at least 50 was needed. Early discussions of establishing a shuttle program began in September 2015 between Cakebread and neighboring wineries St. Supery and Opus One. All three CEOs tasked us with the concept of the Google bus idea, explained Annie Waterson, human resources director at St. Supery, in a phone interview. Surveys were conducted to assess employee interest and around 40 percent of each winerys employees expressed interest in a shuttle, she said. The surveys also offered some insight as to why employees would not ride a shuttle if it were offered. Among the given reasons, Cummings said, were that employees didnt want to be dependent on somebody else, they want to have their car available to run errands, they go places after work so its this behavior change that we have to impact. As the groups research continued for more than a year, eventually St. Supery and Opus One withdrew from the project. The decision, Waterson said, was less influenced by the failure of the shuttle program in Calistoga and was more about the change in the commute time over the eight, 10 months wed been researching. Also, is it a benefit for our employees? said St. Supery CEO Emma Swain by phone last week. The cost is very high for a very small number of people who actually take it. In a nutshell, employer cost is high and the employee would have a daily cost in addition to maintaining their own vehicle, Swain said. Despite the programs suspension, Cummings said she is currently investigating other ways Cakebread might offer commuter services for its employees. Potential alternatives may include vanpooling or the winery owning and operating its own shuttle. Each option poses considerable drawbacks, however, as the estimated cost of a vanpool would fall between $130-$180 a month, Cummings said, and would ultimately result in a more costly ride for employees. Owning and operating its own shuttle would burden the winery with hefty liability and, Cummings said, the insurance side would be enormous. Despite the numerous hurdles to a feasible program, Cummings stressed her intent to press on. To me, this isnt just a Cakebread problem or a St. Supery problem. This is an industry problem. I mean Highway 29 is not going to get bigger. The greater issue of mitigating commuter traffic continues to garner the attention of the countys wine industry and various suggestions have been publicly aired, including recent speculation that the new owners of the Napa Valley Wine Train may consider offering a commuter service. Swain noted the appeal of collaborating with the county to craft a commuter service geared toward winery employees. In particular, the VINE bus system, with its multiple stops and various running times, would be a worthwhile option to explore, she said. Wed love a solution, but I think that solution requires more participation with county transit and county employers. Napa Valley Transportation Authority spokesman Mike Blasky said that while there are no forthcoming plans to partner specifically with wineries, the county is currently seeking ways to improve its express bus service, with the shared interest of keeping more cars off the main highways. Though a solution has yet to materialize, a number of wineries including St. Supery, neighboring Rutherford winery Nickel & Nickel, and more recently, Castello di Amorosa each currently offer benefits for employees who carpool to work. But for Cummings, a longer-term solution to employee commutes remains the highest prize. When you talk about recruiting, when you talk about the cost of gas, when you talk about economic challenges our county is facing with its roadways, with its mass transit, we have to do something different. We have to think outside of the box of just paying employees to get in cars and come together. This is not a problem thats going away. So how do we fix it? Napa County has identified 42 possible carbon-cutting steps to beat predicted climate-change heat, from seeking commuter rail to reducing agricultural burning. The draft county climate action plan is available for public review and comment. Its ideas apply to Napas world-famous wine country and other parts of the unincorporated county, with cities coming up with their own strategies. Climate change is a global problem, but one that must be addressed on a local level through partnerships and individual activities, the draft plan says. What would Napa County life be like in a decade or two if suggestions from what amounts to a county carbon-cutting recipe book become a reality? New buildings, be they wineries or homes, would be up to the latest energy-efficient standards. So would major alterations to existing buildings. Most rural customers would not only be using Marin Clean Energy for electricity, they would be choosing the more expensive, 100-percent renewable energy option. If a water heater at a rural home wore out, the replacement wouldnt be powered by natural gas. Rather, it would use some of that Marin Clean Energy electricity or an alternative energy source, such as solar. Such steps would address building energy use, the sector identified by the draft plan as the single-biggest generator of greenhouse gases at 31 percent. Travelers would do their carbon-cutting share. Vehicles on roads and highways are the second-biggest greenhouse gas contributor at an estimated 26 percent. More visitors to wineries and other destinations would take carpools or shuttles, given more parking spaces would be reserved for such transportation. Employees at wineries and hotels might travel to work on the Napa Commute Rail Special running on the Napa Valley Wine Train tracks. Fewer local workers would be driving to Napa from other counties. More would be living in new affordable housing in local cities. Meanwhile, most boaters on Lake Berryessa and the Napa River would use boats powered by alternative fuels. The countys agricultural industry would do its share, given that it accounts for an estimated 11 percent of the rural countys greenhouse gas emissions. Farmers would stop burning agricultural waste, such as old vineyards cleared away for replanting. They might haul this debris and other materials to a possible wood-burning energy plant that the county helps build. Farmers would also use low-polluting tractors and other equipment and pump water with irrigation pumps powered not by gas, but by Marin Clean Energy electricity or solar power. They might have bought this equipment at below-market prices using financial incentives. Napa County tried to pass a climate action plan in 2012. The wine industry objected, saying the plan singled it out for a disproportional share of the carbon-cutting. The county Board of Supervisors in December 2012 asked for revisions, among them a greater focus on transportation. Rex Stults of Napa Valley Vintners said Monday that the group supports creating a scientifically based climate action plan for Napa County. Napa Valley Vintners has more than 500 members. We didnt think the last one was up to par, Stults said. It wasnt that we didnt want a climate action plan. Napa Valley Vintners is working on comments to submit to the county on the latest proposed plan, he said. Napa Sierra Club has also been tracking the evolution of the proposed climate action plan. We are very glad the city is moving ahead with a climate action plan and that one of the measures talks about the county working with the municipalities of the county to create an overall plan, said Christina Benz of the group. That will be really important for the ultimate effectiveness of the plan. But the countys draft plan doesnt address black carbon, methane and hydrofluorocarbons, all of which are coming under state and regional air board attention, Benz said. The Sierra Club fears the county might miss out on getting state money to reduce these types of emissions. The proposed plan gives little credence to climate change skeptics. Rather, it cites a scientific consensus that humans must cut greenhouse gas emissions significantly by mid-century to stave off the most catastrophic effects of climate change. For Napa County, catastrophic includes threats to its wine industry in coming decades. The county has 475 wineries, the plan says. Increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation and soil moisture could impact the growing of wine grapes by causing late or irregular blooming and affecting yields, the plan says. Napa usually has no more than two heat waves annually of at least five days with temperatures 92 degrees and hotter, the plan says. That could increase to three-to-five heat waves annually by mid-century and as many as 16 annually by centurys end. Fire and water could both be threat. The plan envisions more wildfires and a sea level rise that by centurys end could increase the acreage at risk from storm-driven flooding from 36 acres to 13,000 acres, including parts of downtown Napa. In 2014, unincorporated Napa County emitted an estimated 484,283 metric tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Thats the equivalent to combusting 54.5 billion gallons of gasoline, according to the plan. Based on state targets, the county could decide to cut 2 percent by 2020, 40 percent by 2030 and 77 percent by 2050. State and federal legislation, combined with the countys recent switch to Marin Clean Energy as the default rural electricity provider, should allow the county to make that 2020 goal and then some. These steps should also provide a 28-percent boost toward the 2030 goal, the draft study predicts. Beyond that, the draft plan suggests those 42 possible local steps. People can submit written comments on the draft plan to the county through Friday. They can also comment on the plan when it goes before the county Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors at dates yet to be announced. Go to www.countyofnapa.org/CAP to see a copy of the draft plan. If federal immigration authorities want to deport somebody, they wont get any help from Howell Mountain Elementary School. The board of the K-8 Howell Mountain Elementary School District in Angwin approved a resolution Feb. 8 declaring itself a safe haven that will not cooperate with Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Its a largely symbolic gesture, since ICE in 2011 adopted a policy of not conducting enforcement actions at sensitive locations such as schools and churches. It doesnt significantly change anything that we do, said Howell Mountain Superintendent Cindy Toews, who was previously assistant superintendent of the St. Helena Unified School District. It maintains the confidentiality that were required to maintain. It maintains past policy practices of the federal government. It basically says that schools are safe havens for all of our children. As they always have been, added Board President Stephanie Parry. This reaffirms that commitment. Parry said she hasnt heard of any public opposition to the resolution yet. Nobody spoke against it at the Feb. 8 board meeting, and trustees approved it 4-0. Toews said she was working in a Central Valley school district in the 1990s, when immigration authorities were stopping school buses, which resulted in a public outcry and an informal understanding that immigration authorities would not get involved in the schools. Toews said she doesnt expect that to change. However, last years presidential election made immigration a hot topic again, including among kids at Howell Mountain. About 45 percent of the schools 87 students are Latino, although not all of them are immigrants. Amongst some of the kids, after the election, there were things said, Toews said. Parry described comments along the lines of Donald Trump is sending all the Mexicans back. We kept saying, Not here. This school is safe for kids, Toews said. Kids dont always understand, and sometimes they just say mean things to each other. Parry said she works with community organizations around the Napa Valley, including on school campuses. Overall you feel this very palpable fear, she said. Some of it is justified and some of it is just fear of the unknown. But that makes it really hard for kids to learn and focus on their studies. The resolution came at the suggestion of Tom Torlakson, state superintendent of public instruction, who in December urged California school districts to declare themselves safe havens. Howell Mountain is the first district in the Napa Valley to do so, although the Calistoga Joint Unified School District board discussed the matter on Feb. 6 and could adopt a resolution similar to Howell Mountains on March 6. There has been talk about the federal government taking action against states and cities that declare sanctuary status. But because of ICEs policy of not interfering in schools, the safe haven policy wont endanger the small amount of federal funding Howell Mountain Elementary School receives, Toews and Parry said. After 45 years, Howell Mountains Summit Lake Vineyards owner Bob Brakesman is passing the torch to the next generation, as his son Brian takes over as winemaker. With more than 20 years of diverse winemaking experience, Brian Brakesman takes the helm, allowing his father more time to focus on vineyard management and future growth of the property. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be working on such an amazing piece of property that my family has been farming for over 45 years, said Brian Brakesman. We as a family and a business are excited to have this opportunity to grow and continuously strive to make better and better wines, year after year. Brakesman studied Agricultural Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he discovered his passion and aptitude for winemaking. After furthering his education and training abroad, he returned home to the Napa Valley, where he worked alongside acclaimed consulting winemaker John Gibson, then as the assistant winemaker at Duckhorn Wine Companys Paraduxx Winery and finally as head winemaker at Ledson Winery in Sonoma. Now back at home at Summit Lake Vineyards, Brakesman has come full circle. His first steps are to focus on improving the quality of the wines by phasing out older equipment and preparing for future growth, so that the winery can eventually be passed down to the third generation. He also plans to plant new grape varietals in order to diversify their experimentation with blending, including cabernet franc, petite verdot and barbera. Additionally, he will be making wines at Summit Lake Vineyards for a new family project, Red Thread Wines, which he started with his wife Gretchen Brakesman along with their consulting company, Red Thread Wine Company. All Red Thread wines are estate made from the familys Howell Mountain property and will also be available for tastings at Summit Lake Vineyards. Red Threads first release was the 2014 Red Blend, and later this year, they will release the 2015 vintage and also a white zinfandel, made from 100 percent zinfandel grapes in order to embody a true rose. On May 6, the family will host a Red Thread release party and crawfish boil. Tickets can be purchased at redthreadwinewines.com/wines. NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, H.H. Sheikh Abdulla bin Zayed al Nahyan, at NATO Headquarters on Wednesday, 22 February 2017. There will be no media opportunity. Still imagery of the meeting will be available after the event on the NATO website. Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg) (Natural News) It seems that Barack Obama is no longer officially president, but he is the mastermind behind a large, well-funded effort to operate a shadow government whose primary goals are a) undermining President Donald Trump, and b) preserving Obamas awful, job-killing, freedom-smothering Alt-Left agenda. There are many fronts in this war to delegitimize Trump, and that includes battles to silence the alternative media networks and outlets that have consistently come to the presidents defense with truthful, honest reporting that the discredited establishment media is incapable of. (RELATED: Sleeper Cell Obama Running Shadow Government Op To Discredit Natural News And Other Pro-Trump Independent Media) And these battles will begin with several organizations that were part of that Obama legacy, built over the final years he spent in office, with the singular goal of ensuring Trump fails and his Marxist far-Left agenda survives and moves forward. As The National Sentinel reported last week, the operation was exposed by Hoover Institute media fellow, author and investigative journalist Paul Sperry, who said Obama has issued orders to his troops to swing into action: When former President Barack Obama said he was heartened by anti-Trump protests, he was sending a message of approval to his troops. Troops? Yes, Obama has an army of agitators numbering more than 30,000 who will fight his Republican successor at every turn of his historic presidency. And Obama will command them from a bunker less than two miles from the White House. Sperry, writing in the New York Post, said that Obama was working to establish what will essentially be a shadow government to ensure that Trumps American First agenda is thwarted (and this guy was an American president?). Hes doing it through a network of leftist nonprofits led by Organizing for Action. Normally youd expect an organization set up to support a politician and his agenda to close up shop after that candidate leaves office, but not Obamas OFA. Rather, its gearing up for battle, with a growing war chest and more than 250 offices across the country. One of these groups is Media Matters, an out-there far-Left media watchdog organization run by David Brock that is gearing up to spend millions to wage war on the truth, the American people who believe in Trump and support him, and the system of government that has held our country together for more than two centuries. Revealed in this confidential memo, Media Matters master plan is called, Democracy Matters, Strategic Plan for Action, and it involves: Attack the alternative media (including Natural News founder/editor Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, who was threatened with reputation destruction just last week) in a relentless attempt to discredit us as right-wing propagandists Specifically, the Alt-Left group pledges to weaponize our research products to understand and take action against the changing media ecosystem and the extremists seeking to manipulate it. Key alt-right figures will lose credibility and influence in response to our research and pressure Use social media to assault conservative voices and reputations while defending and promoting big government, authoritarianism pushed by the Democratic Party In order to pull this off, Media Matters has assembled a budget of $13.4 million to hire 34 people to research Trump supporters in the media and elsewhere and attack them. (RELATED: Trump Calls Out Press For Sabotaging His Efforts To Improve Relations With Russia) Liberty-minded independent media are already well aware of what were up against. Several intelligence insiders have come forward over the past few days to describe a shadow government of Obama holdovers leaking information to derail the Trump presidency, with National Security Adviser Mike Flynns resignation their first great success, reports Breitbart News. There are even allegations that former President Barack Obama himself is actively involved, citing his establishment of a command center in Washington and continuing involvement with activist organizations. Never prone to conspiracy theories, even talk radio giant Rush Limbaugh has begun to discuss the plotting and scheming of the deep state the embedded federal bureaucracy that is pro-Obama, pro-big government and pro-globalism, but anti-America-first and definitely anti-Trump. However, discrediting us wont be as easy as Media Matters or the Obama machine think. After all, despite Hillary Clinton winning a majority of votes (thanks solely to the state of California), Trump won the vast majority of the country. Also, most Americans dont trust the mainstream media that Media Matters will have to rely on to get its message out. And using social media is no guarantee of success, either, as conservatives also use it. Nevertheless, the battle lines have been drawn. Trumps election has brought together what remains of the Alt-Left. They wont give up and theyre not going away. Neither, it seems, is the 44th president. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: TheNationalSentinel.com Breitbart.com Gallup.com NaturalNews.com Sunday, February 19, 2017 by: Vicki Batts Tags: Canada , medical marijuana , pesticides This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author (Natural News) If theres one thing you want to be sure of when youre smoking cannabis for medicinal uses, its that the plant youre using hasnt been treated with chemicals that can make you even sicker. While this concept may seem like an obvious statement, Health Canada has recently admitted that they do not know how widespread the use of banned pesticides is in the medical cannabis growing industry. Apparently, the regulatory agency has been allowing growers to police themselves when it comes to the use of potentially hazardous chemicals, like myclobutanil. During a briefing with The Globe And Mail, a senior Health Canada official confessed that the department had not been testing cannabis growers to ensure they were not, in fact, using myclobutanil which is prohibited and known to create hydrogen cyanide when heated. Myclobutanil is often used in the cannabis industry to save plants that have become wrought with mold or mildew. Often seen as Eagle 20 or Nova 40 on store shelves, the pesticide is approved for use on some fruits and vegetables. Due to its toxic nature when heated, it is not approved for use on plants that are smoked. In California, it is considered a carcinogen, and other U.S. states like Colorado and Oregon have banned it. The senior official stated, Up until this point, we have not required licensed producers [LPs] to test for any unauthorized pesticides, nor have we been testing all LPs, and it is because we expect their companies to be pro-actively watching and taking the appropriate measures to ensure non-authorized products arent used. Can you imagine the effects this laissez-faire attitude would have in other industries? Wed all be green with radiation by now. Dangerous pesticide found in cannabis Considering Health Canadas recent admission, it comes as no surprise that in the last few weeks, three of the 38 federally licensed marijuana growing companies have had to recall their products due to the presence of myclobutanil. Customers battling with cancer and other conditions that lead to compromised immune systems were among those angered by the dangerous find. In December, The Globe revealed that the presence of myclobutanil was the real reason behind the cannabis recall something manufacturers and Health Canada alike had neglected to report to the public when it was first announced. Apparently, another banned pesticide was found in Mettrums products initially, and it prompted further investigation. It was the subsequent testing that revealed the presence of myclobutanil. Shortly thereafter, more pesticide problems began to emerge. OrganiGram and Aurora Cannabis also announced their own recalls again because of myclobutanil. Aurora Cannabis discovered the presence of the hazardous chemical after conducting testing on a shipment of product received from OrganiGram. Even several jurisdictions within the United States have banned the use of myclobutanil for cannabis crops. And the U.S. has been lagging behind its peers when it comes to pesticide regulation, we all know that for sure. At least one woman, Dawn Rae Downton, has come forward to speak out about the harm tainted cannabis has caused her. She is one of several people to have reported an adverse reaction to OrganiGrams cannabis. I am living proof there have been very adverse effects. I lost eight months of my life, she said. Im living proof that Health Canada is not protecting medical marijuana patients. Will Canada take sufficient action? In an effort to quell the growing issue of banned pesticides being used by cannabis growers, Health Canada has announced that they are now preparing to begin random testing on licensed producers. Letters will reportedly be sent to each of the 38 approved cannabis growers, to inform them of the new system that will be in place. Random testing is not mandatory, regular chemical testing. Government officials say that while producers are required to test for mold, bacteria, and heavy metals, testing for pesticides regularly will still be optional. When asked how patients could be confident that the cannabis they buy is safe, Health Canada stated that they believe the system works. Right. Thats why myclobutanil was literally just found in cannabis because the system works. Health Canada has said that it is open to possibly looking into regular, mandatory testing in the future, but only if additional problems persist. Rodger Voelker, the lab director at OG Analytical in Oregon and the man credited with making the discovery of myclobutanil in U.S. cannabis, says that random testing simply isnt enough to put a stop to the problem. Voekler explains that cannabis crops can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and it is often worth it to the grower to try to save the crop in any way they can even if it means using banned chemicals. He believes leaving cannabis companies to simply police themselves is not a good idea. Sources: TheGlobeAndMail.com CBC.ca (Natural News) Beating or preventing cancer is a war of attrition. By continually and systematically reducing and eliminating chemicals from your food, water, personal care products, supplements, medicine, and the air you breathe daily, your good cells defeat the bad cells and you live cancer free. Its no easy task, and it certainly cant be accomplished overnight, but for the health enthusiasts who know what to eat and especially what not to eat, cancer isnt really much of a concern at all. Ultimately, the worst thing you can do that opens the floodgates for cancer to invade and take over your body is to weaken or destroy your immune system. Good gut bacteria is the seat of your biological defense against cancer, and to wipe out your gut flora with soda, vaccines, flu shots, fast food, GMOs, and chemotherapy is just inviting cancer cells to divide, multiply, and invade your cleansing organs. Why are lung, liver, kidney, and pancreatic cancers so lethal, with such low human survival rates? The first thing to note is that no doctor has ever cured anyone of cancer. Only the human immune system has to power to heal you of any disease. Therefore, if you have survived cancer, please realize that it wasnt the doctor, the medicine, the chemotherapy, or the radiation that saved your life. Your immune system is what healed you of cancer. Similarly, when you get a cold, flu, pneumonia, virus, or bacterial infection, your immune system mounts an attack using fever, mucus, inflammation, and other natural tools to defeat it. The immune system is the first line of defense against cancer cells, so when you take antibiotics that wipe out good gut bacteria, youre empowering cancer cells. When you go through chemotherapy, even the stuff that targets cancer cells specifically, youre crippling your immune system and flooding the blood with chemicals, and thats why chemotherapy leads to other cancers in the body. When someone gets cancer of the lungs, liver, kidneys, or pancreas, its because those cleansing organs have been overwhelmed with chemicals for years on end, unable to do their job, which ironically is to filter chemicals from the body. Once the main body filters are filthy, clogged and infected, a good dose of chemotherapy could be the end of you. Then, if cancer reaches the lymph nodes, they function like a catapult, and many doctors will simply send their patients home to die. No matter your stage of cancer, organic food may save you, and be your best odds of survival and permanent remission What strengthens the immune system better than anything else on planet earth? Whole, raw, organic produce provides the minerals, vitamins, nutrients, enzymes, and thus fosters good gut bacteria. Alkalizing the body is of vital importance to beating cancer, as most people suffering from cancer have acidic systems that have been that way for extended periods of time. Hospital food and prescription medications are a formula for more cancer and a mostly acidic, low pH system. An acidic body means a compromised immune system, which cant do its job properly to beat back cancer and kill free radicals in the body. People need to supplement with probiotics and amino acids. Every cancer patient has a compromised immune system. Patients will not survive if their immune system is not stimulated. Ben Johnson, MD, NMD, DO, Truth About Cancer The problem with chemo is that it only targets the non-stem cells, not cancer stem cells Radiation and chemo only target non-stem cells that form the bulk of typical cancer tumors, which can reduce tumor size, but does nothing to eradicate cancer stem cells. This is when oncologists send you home and say we got it! The problem is that the immune system is incapacitated by the chemical based drugs that are continually prescribed to the patient, and the cancer stem cells go on living, often becoming even more active and more aggressive. Eventually, the patient goes back to the oncologist for follow up exams just to make sure we got everything, and thats when the doctors often find a recurrence or metastases. Will those doctors ever blame the chemotherapy and pharmaceuticals for killing your good gut bacteria and crippling your immune system? Hell no. Theyd lose their license to practice medicine. The AMA, FDA and CDC would come in and shut them down faster that you can say seek natural remedies. Enhancing the immune system naturally gives any human the very best odds of beating cancer and preventing relapses There are many ways to enhance the human immune system and eradicate cancer stem cells. There are nutritional programs that have been proven to attack cancer stem cells and bolster the immune system at the same time. Red berries and green tea extract are great examples. High doses of vitamin C and D are other great examples. Without proper nutrition, its like your body is going to war without any weapons against an enemy whos heavily armed with biological and chemical weapons of mass destructionlike chemotherapy, artificial sweeteners, MSG, flu shots, prescription medications, tap water, soda, hydrogenated oils, GMOs and chemical-laden gluten, just to name a few. If you or a loved one is diagnosed with cancer, your first order of business is to do no harm and consult with a Naturopathic Physician who can closely examine everything youve been eating, drinking and putting on your skin. Remember, your immune system is your best defense against cancer, so you better check with doctors who have degrees in nutrition! Sources: Hope4Cancer.com Hope4Cancer.com BurzynskiClinic.com CDC.news Vaccines.news Sunday, February 19, 2017 by: JD Heyes Tags: native advertising , Russian Propaganda , Washington Post This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author (Natural News) Within days after Donald J. Trump took the country (and the world) by storm and won the Nov. 8 election, the Washington establishment media, suddenly shaken to its core by the realization it could not must enough power and influence to push Hillary Clinton into the White House, began a smear campaign against the president-elect. Launching the first in what would become a series of fake news salvos, the Washington Post published a story full of baseless, unsubstantiated allegations made by a shady organization no one had ever heard of that Russian intelligence fed information to hundreds of alt-right web sites aimed at hurting Clinton and helping Trump. Among the named sites: Natural News, which prompted founder/editor Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, to demand a retraction. (RELATED: Trump calls out press for sabotaging his efforts to improve relations with Russia) The Post, within a day, essentially did that, all but admitting that its fake news story about fake Russian newswas fake. But the die had been cast and the Post put the narrative in play: Without proof or any evidence, the paper claimed (and others followed) that Russia unduly influenced the election outcome for Trump because Moscow hated Clinton and anyway, thats the only way she could possibly have lost to a former reality TV host and billionaire real estate mogul non-politician. Now, we find out that the real recipient of Russian largess isthe Washington Post. As reported by Liberty Blitzkrieg, a recent interview between Fox News Tucker Carlson and Eric Wemple of the Post, who covers the media, was forced to answer why his paper accepted so-called native advertising from Russia, which is essentially the Post receiving money from Moscow to publish propaganda. While that may be news to most Americans, it certainly is a poorly-kept secret within the world of the Washington media. In fact, in 2007, Slate lampooned Russias Washington Post propaganda effort, Russia: Beyond the Headlines. Soviet propaganda hit the skids during the Gorbachev era, and as the empire broke up, its propaganda essentially vanished. But the heavy-handed purveyors of party-line orthodoxy and nationalist cant have returned with the rise of President Vladimir Putin, Slate reported, not mentioning that the return of propaganda was largely thanks to Putin, a former KGB agent himself who is familiar with the intelligence tactic. The Daily Caller also reported on this and in fact, its not just Russia, but China also pays homage to the Post to run its propaganda: Chinese and Russian propaganda supplements are regularly included in The Washington Post, but the widely read newspaper wont say how much money it gets on the deals. Fast forward to the 2016 election coverage by the Post in particular, Washingtons quasi-official paper of record. Reporting on alleged Trump-Russia ties without a modicum of evidence or proof is the equivalent of journalistic malpractice; doing that while actually taking money from the Russian government and then trying to defend it is just reprehensible. (RELATED: The Top 10 Fake News Stories Of The Last Two Years That Were Relentlessly Pushed By The Fakestream Media) During his interview with Carlson, Wemples initial excuse for allowing the propaganda to be placed in his paper was that he believes readers of the Post fully understand that such inserts are propaganda though its not how they would know since, while they are marked as an advertisement, they are not clearly marked. Thats really your answer? Carlson responded, noting that Wemple once attacked Politico co-founder Mike Allen for running native advertising, saying he was all spun up about it. He also took Wemple to task for as a media reporter pointing out that his own paper takes native advertising designed to fool people into thinking a certain way about Russia that isnt accurate. Watch the full exchange below, but the main point here is this: The Post has been merciless in its effort to push the unsubstantiated and unproven narrative that Russia used fake news to help Trump, all the while padding its bottom line with money from the Russian government Heres the clip: J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: DailyCaller.com LibertyBlitzkrieg.com Freedom.news NaturalNews.com (Natural News) The evidence is clear that mercury is still being added to some vaccines, in the form of thimerosal, and yet the mainstream media, along with the establishment medical community, continue to cover it up despite what damage is being done to certain ethnic groups. Vaccine truth activist Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro, noted in a recent press conference hosted by investigative reporter Sharyl Attkisson that black communities, in particular, are being targeted in a sort of medical genocide aimed at harming black babies with mercury-filled vaccines. It is the black neighborhoods that are getting the thimerosal vaccines, Kennedy said at the press conference, held Feb. 15 at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. And it appears to be that African-Americans are much more susceptible to vaccine injury than other Americans. (RELATED: Americans Wake Up To The Dangers Of Vaccines And Begin Rejecting Dangerous Medicine) Continuing, he said that poor Americans who have to use publicly-funded clinics will get the cheapest vaccines, and those are the ones that contain thimerosal. In August 2014, Natural News reported not only that MMR vaccines do lead to an increase in autism, but that black babies are 340 percent more likely to develop autism after receiving the shot. And it turns out that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention knew about it long before the truth came out: As it turns out, the CDC fudged some numbers in a 2003 study it conducted on the MMR vaccine that, if honestly reported, would have revealed a 340 percent increased risk of autism among male African American infants. Kennedy, chairman of the World Mercury Project, noted as well that it was virtually impossible for anyone within the traditional medical establishment to discuss or expose the horrific nature of mercury-laced vaccines, mostly because of the outsized influence of Big Pharma, which makes billions a year off of selling them. As for De Niro, he was actually threatened by the pro-vaccine medical establishment to censor a film, VAXXED: From Cover-up to Catastrophe, at his Tribeca Film Festival, an annual event featuring indy films. As Natural News founder/editor Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, reported at the time: There has never been an assault against a documentary film in the history of America like the one weve just witnessed over the last 48 hours. The entire mainstream media waged a coordinated, simultaneous attack against the Tribeca Film Festival to censor a film none of them had even seen. In this video published Feb. 15, Adams featured prior audio of CDC whistleblower Dr. William Thompson, who was the first to disclose his agencys fake science regarding vaccines and mercury content and how they related to a rise in autism. Adams challenged detractors to actually drink mercury if its really so safe. He calls them mercury vaccine pushers. If you really think mercury is safe, I challenge you to drink a liter, he says in the video. Prove to the world its safe to inject into children. (RELATED: The Unvarnished Truth About Mercury In Vaccines: Not One Modern Safety Test Has Ever Been Done) De Niro said his autistic son changed overnight following an MMR vaccine. Theres a lot of things that are not said. Nobody seems to want to address that, or they say theyve addressed it and its a closed issue, he said during an interview after the VAXXED film was pulled from his festival. But it doesnt seem to be because there are many people who say they saw their kid change overnight, he said, as reported by the UKs Daily Mail. My wife says that (is what happened to my son). I dont remember. But my child is autistic. De Niro said hes not convinced the issue is settled. Lets find out the truth. Check out additional information at the World Mercury Project. The organization has offered $100,000 to the first person who finds a scientific study proving that injecting thimerosal into children is safe. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources: NaturalNews.com YouTube.com Medicine.news 21:57 A 15-member delegation of China's People's Liberation Army held wide-ranging talks with their Indian counterparts in New Delhi and both sides agreed that peace and tranquility on the border was an important guarantor for expansion of ties. The visit of the delegation from PLA's Western Theatre Command from February 21- 26 coincides with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar's trip to Beijing for the strategic dialogue. The PLA delegation, being led by Major General Zhao Jin Song, Vice Chief of Staff of Headquarter Western Theatre Command in Chengdu, met senior Indian Army officers dealing with border issues at the Army Headquarters on Tuesday and discussed a variety of issues. "The two sides exchanged views on wide-ranging issues and agreed that peace and tranquility on the border is an important guarantor for development and continued growth of bilateral relations. "The leaders of two delegations discussed the importance of having regular bilateral exchanges and additional Border Personnel Meeting points," the defence ministry said in a statement. It said the visit is continuation of the enhanced engagement between the two armies which also saw Western Theatre Commander General Zhao Zongqi visit India in December. The delegation will also visit Agra and Kolkata. Sources said the issue of setting up a hotline between New Delhi and Beijing was also discussed in the meeting. The Indian and Chinese armies had conducted a joint training exercise in Pune in November. The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Second annual Day of Percussion is March 4 by Andrea Hahn CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Beat a drum, bang a gong, the second annual Day of Percussion at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is March 4 in Altgeld Hall. Christopher Butler, percussion faculty member, said Day of Percussion is a common format used at various music schools for a series of clinics, presentations and performances, all centered on percussion. The SIU event is student-oriented, and should appeal to college and high school students involved in any form of percussion. The schedule this year is: 2 p.m. -- Quey Percussion Duo clinic 3 p.m. -- John David -- drum set 4 p.m. -- Doug Perkins -- multi-percussion 5 p.m. -- Quey Percussion Duo concert 7:30 p.m. -- Evening concert Students attend all events for free. Non-students whod like to attend the workshops pay $5. The evening concert is free. Several schools, including those in Carbondale, Carterville and Murphysboro, have expressed interest in the Day of Percussion. Interested school music personnel or others can contact him at cbutler@siu.edu or 618/536-8742. The Quey Percussion Duo is Gene Koshinski and Tom Broscious, a pair of musicians who combine classical training with global and popular music to develop a distinct musical voice. They are artists-in-residence at the University of Minnesota Duluth. John David is artist-in-residence and director of jazz and percussion studies at Berry College in Georgia. Hes a two-time award winner from Downbeat Magazine and a recording and touring drummer. Doug Perkins is on the faculty of the Boston Conservatory, and is an active recording musician, conductor and producer, as well as a member of a number of music ensembles. Conference will explore fair school funding CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University Carbondales Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is hosting a one-day conference on March 10 to examine fair school funding in Illinois. A recent report of the Illinois School Funding Reform Commission, appointed by Gov. Bruce Rauner, will be examined during the conference, which is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Student Center. Speakers will include lawmakers who have been part of the commissions deliberations, along with state and national experts on the subject. Paul Simon called attention to problems caused by the states over-reliance on property taxes to fund its K-12 schools when he was first elected to the Illinois General Assembly in the 1950s, Jak Tichenor, interim institute director, said. Sixty years later, per pupil spending still varies wildly between the states poorer and wealthier districts as a result. We welcome all residents, parents, teachers, school administrators, and students to learn about the Commissions roadmap to finally fix the way we fund our schools. This conference is free and the public is invited. A complimentary continental breakfast and coffee will be available. A catered lunch and an all-day parking pass are available for $23 at the time of registration, but are not required. Other lunch options are available in the Student Center. The conference will feature the following sessions: 8:45 a.m. -- Illinois K-12 Funding in Comparison to Other States -- Daniel Thatcher, program principal for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Thatcher tracks statewide education finance developments and Common Core State Standards implementation and legislation. Daniel Thatcher, program principal for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Thatcher tracks statewide education finance developments and Common Core State Standards implementation and legislation. 9:45 a.m. -- Evidence-based Model Presentation Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Budget and Tax Accountability. Martire will outline his organizations analysis of the potential benefits of the Evidence-Based Model (EBM) of school funding under consideration by the Illinois Commission on School Funding Reform. EBM is designed to identify the level of funding needed to deliver an adequate education to ever student in a state. 11 a.m. -- Illinois Commission on School Funding Reform Panel Discussion -- An in-depth discussion by members of the bi-partisan commission tasked by Gov. Rauner to make recommendations to the General Assembly to revise the states school funding formula. Featured panelists include: Illinois Secretary of Education Beth Purvis, state Sens. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill, and Jason Barickman, R-Bloomington, Kimberly Lightford, D-Maywood, and Brent Clark, executive director, Illinois Association of School Administrators. 1:30 p.m. -- A Users Guide for Budget Development Utilizing the Evidence-Based Model of Education Funding -- Features a panel discussion of school superintendents led by Brent Clark, executive director, Illinois Association of School Administrators. The discussion will provide those attending with information they will need to develop their first years budget if the state adopts the Evidence-Based Model to fund K-12 schools. Panelists include: Gary Kelly, Du Quoin Community Unit School District; Steve Murphy, Carbondale Community High School District, and Steve Webb, Goreville Community Unit School District. A total of 5.0 professional Development hours will be available for school administrators and teachers, sponsored by the universitys Department of Continuing Education and Professional Development. A total of 5.0 continuing education credits will be available for social workers and licensed counselors (LSW, LCSW, LPC, LCPC), sponsored by the Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development and the SIU School of Medicine. For more information and to register online, visit http://paulsimoninstitute.siu.edu/event-information/illinois-school-funding-fairness.php or call Leslie Brock, SIU Conference and Scheduling Services, at 618/536-7751 to complete registration by phone. Known for its diverse publishing programmes across different disciplines, Oxford University Press (OUP) introduced its medical publishing programme to India. OUP's Medicine and Health publishing programme strives to provide excellent content, authored by experts across the globe and mapped to the requirements of the medical fraternity in the region. The content made available to readers is a blend of thoroughly researched and developed concepts that have undergone in-depth peer reviews for ensuring quality scholarship. Offering academic and clinical content in the form of books, journals, and online platforms, the programme is targeted at medical and healthcare professionals. The programme also extends to cover topics such as popular medicine, the history of medicine, public health, and so on. OUP India will now cater to the healthcare and medical segment with the release of the following: Handbook of Nutrition in Kidney Disease by Dr Anita Saxena: In this handbook, Dr Saxena, who is associated with the Department of Nephrology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow as an additional professor, brings together theoretical and practical approaches to managing malnutrition in kidney diseases. Handbook of Benign Proctological Disorders by Dr Pravin Jaipraksh Gupta: This handbook by Dr Gupta, a proctologist, would serve as a reference for family physicians that are usually the first consult for hemorrhoids, anal fissure, anal abscess, fistula, pruritus ani, constipation, and other anal complaints. Complications after Gastrointestinal Surgery edited by Dr Samiran Nundy and Dr Dirk J. Gouma: In this reference work, Dr Nundy and Dr Gouma, world-renowned gastrosurgeons from India and the Netherlands respectively, along with other contributors present the various complications that may arise from gastrointestinal surgeries along with their management based on resource-sufficient or resource-limited settings. Healers or Predators: Healthcare Corruption in India edited by Dr Samiran Nundy, Dr Sanjay Nagral, and Keshav Desiraju: Renowned gastro surgeons Dr Nundy and Dr Nagral come together with India's former Health Secretary Desiraju and other contributors to look at healthcare corruption in India from the grass-roots level. They analyse the causes, development, and progress and recommend various ways to annihilate the issue. A participant at prominent medical conferences like APICON (official conference of Association of Physicians in India), World Health Congress and ESICON (official conference of Endocrinological Society of India) in the years 2015-16, OUP aims to collaborate with premium medical institutions, academies, and societies as it works towards imparting valuable insights into medicine and healthcare in India. (ANI) Louis Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance (UKEF), is visiting India from 20-23 February. UKEF, the UK's Export Credit Agency, has up to 1 billion in capacity to provide finance to support Indian buyers of British goods, services and intangibles, with support available in Indian Rupees. While in India, Louis Taylor will travel to Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai to engage with Indian buyers from the government and private sector. During these meetings, Mr. Taylor will promote the attractive financial support available from UKEF to Indian buyers when they source from the UK. He will also affirm the UK Government's appetite to support India's major infrastructure development projects, including in the areas of transport, energy infrastructure, urban development and smart cities. Louis Taylor said:"The UK Government is committed to building strong and lasting economic ties between the UK and our trading partners in India, the world's fastest growing major economy. And through UK Export Finance, we are ensuring that no trade between the UK and India fails for lack of finance or insurance." He further said, "I am delighted to be meeting Indian banks, businesses and public sector units to understand more about how we can work together and identify opportunities to support increased bilateral trade." In Chennai, Mr. Taylor will attend a conference of international Export Credit Agencies and will meet with prominent businesses from the south. In New Delhi, Mr. Taylor will be meeting senior officials from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited. He will also be meeting officials at Ministry of Urban Development to discuss how UKEF can support India on wider urban development projects and the smart cities programme. He will attend a roundtable with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and key Indian businesses looking to import from the UK. He will wrap up the Delhi leg with meetings with a number of Indian companies, including a UK success story in India, JCB. In Mumbai, Mr. Taylor, will hold meetings with senior officials at several Indian companies, including Reliance Industries Limited, for which UKEF has recently provided support for a petrochemicals project. (ANI) Palaniswami said in a statement that he ordered the compensation towards the cost of inputs incurred by the farmers. He said the bank accounts of the farmers will be credited with their eligible amount. Palaniswami said crop insurers have been asked to settle the crop loss claims from the farmers at the earliest. --IANS vj/mr ( 86 Words) 2017-02-21-19:14:07 (IANS) Underlining the contribution of the Indian talent to the US economy and society, the Prime Minister asked the United States to develop a reflective, balanced and farsighted perspective on movement of skilled professionals, a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said. "The Prime Minister shared his perspective on areas where both countries can work even more closely, including in facilitating greater people-to-people linkages that have over the years helped in contributing to each other's prosperity," it said. India, in January, had expressed its concern over a bill to change rules on H-1B visas that will impact the IT industry and Indian techies working in America. The High-Skilled Integrity and Fairness Act of 2017, introduced in the House of Representatives by California Congressman Zoe Lofgren, calls for doubling the minimum salary of H-1B visa holders to $130,000 from the current minimum of $60,000 -- a move that could impact Indian techies. Calling the visit as a good start to bilateral exchanges following a new US administration, Modi recalled his "positive conversation with President Donald Trump and the shared commitment to further strengthening of ties that have grown deeper in the last two-and-a-half years". "In this regard, he recognised Congress's strong bipartisan support for the India-US partnership," the statement added. --IANS rs/lok/dg ( 258 Words) 2017-02-21-19:22:07 (IANS) India is to donate eight water bowsers or large tanks and 100 metric tons of rice to Sri Lanka, as part of drought relief for the island country which is headed for one of its worst droughts in 30 years. The assistance was conveyed by India's Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar who visited Sri Lanka from February 18-20, for bilateral discussions with Sri Lankan leaders. Reservoirs in Sri Lanka are reported to be running at 30 per cent or less capacity. According to a recent survey by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the government, the rains last year were 23 per cent less than the 30-year average. The poor rains has also hit sowing. Of 800,000 acres, only a little above 300,000 was planted with the staple rice crop during the last harvesting season. "This is the lowest cultivation level experienced in Sri Lanka during the last thirty years," the WFP-government joint survey said. Water bowsers are large water-filled tanks that can also be fitted on wheels. During his visit, Jaishankar called on President Maithripala Sirisena, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. He also met Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, Minister of Development Strategies and International Trade, Malik Samarawickrama, and other senior Ministers as well as Secretary to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esala Weerakoon. His visit is part of the continued high level engagement between the two countries and comes ahead of the likely visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the country in May for the Vesak Day celebrations. Jaishankar also interacted with a Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation led by Leader of Opposition, R. Sampanthan, a delegation from Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) comprising Minister of National Co-existence Dialogue and Official Languages Mano Ganesan, Minister of Hill Country New Villages, Infrastructure and Community Development P. Digambaram, State Minister of Education V. Radhakrishnan, and a delegation from Ceylon Workers Congress (CWC) led by A. Thondaman. Jaishankar met with the leader of Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC), Minister of City Planning and Water Supply, Rauff Hakeem and leader of All Ceylon Makkal Congress (ACMC), Minister of Industry and Commerce, Rishad Bathiudeen. Jaishankar reviewed the entire gamut of our bilateral relations, particularly Indian assisted economic projects and development particularly with Sri Lanka. Earlier this month, Pakistan airlifted 25 tonnes of rice as relief to Sri Lanka as part of drought relief. --IANS rn ( 406 Words) 2017-02-21-20:38:07 (IANS) Everybody knows about the terrifying ordeal Kim Kardashian had to face in Paris. The incident took a toll on her in such a way, that she has not come out with a proper response till date. But, her mother Kris Jenner now believes that Kim is ready to talk about Paris robbery in detail and moment by moment, reports E! Online. The 61 year-old, in a recent interview with Ellen DeGeneres told how talking about the incident was therapeutic for Kim. "When we started filming again and started getting up and running, obviously Kim was around because we all practically lived together on the same street. And we started filming and what was coming out of that was very therapeutic for her I think, just to explain to us and walk us through," she said. Kris also shared how the incident makes her uncomfortable by just thinking of it, "I get choked up just thinking about it and talking about it. But it's remarkable to listen to her tell the story." She looked emotional while talking about such terrible moment felt by someone she loves so much and how the moment has changed their lifestyle completely. "It's changed the way we live our lives and just the way we take care of our kids and my grandchildren and so it's been a process. It was such an upsetting time and something so awful happened to somebody that you love so much and it just, it chokes me up every time to think about it." This comes after photos from the crime scene where Kim was robbed in October have reportedly been released on French media. (ANI) "My name has unfortunately not shown up in the list. It's very bizarre because I voted last year," Varun said as he stepped out of the polling booth. The 29-year-old, who was upset because of the incident, said, "I'm going to find out where my name is from the Election Commission." The 'Dishoom' star even urged people to go and vote "as it is very important." On the work front, the actor is currently busy promoting his upcoming flick 'Badrinath Ki Dulhania' opposite Alia Bhatt. (ANI) "It is always nice to work with good actors but it's fun to work with best actors like Murli Sharma. Thank you for everything sir," Harish posted on his Twitter page. The film, currently being shot in the interiors of Karnataka, stars Allu Arjun and Pooja Hegde in the lead. Going by the film's first poster released over the weekend, it is believed Arjun plays a Brahmin cook in the film. Dil Raju is bankrolling the project. --IANS hp/rb/vt ( 118 Words) 2017-02-21-13:38:06 (IANS) "After intense investigation, the accused has been positively identified. Various teams are raiding his probable hideouts and results are expected soon," the Police said. Earlier, the Police launched a search for the accused, after a case was registered against unknown people for allegedly assaulting the woman. The incident took place on February 18, when a woman, hailing from Manipur, was returning from a party in Hauz Khas village, along with her friends and cousins. The woman told police that the incident took place around 11.30 p.m, when the accused offered to drop her home. According to the victim, the accused told her that his car was parked at some distance and led her to the adjoining Deer Park, where he allegedly raped her. (ANI) On February 17, a case of attempted rape was filed, after the actress was allegedly abducted and molested last Thursday night. Earlier, one of the prime accused, her one-day driver Martin was arrested and sent to custody. The incident, reportedly, took place while the victim was returning from a shoot, when the accused forcefully entered the car and tried to take her pictures. According to police, the actress was held in the car for an hour, after which, she was dropped near her residence at around 10.30 pm. (ANI) Foreign Secretary of India S. Jaishankar, visited Sri Lanka from February 18 to 20, for bilateral discussions with their leaders, as part of the continued high level engagement between the two countries. During his visit, Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Foreign Secretary reviewed the entire gamut of our bilateral relations, particularly Indian assisted economic projects and development particularly with Sri Lanka. In response to the drought situation in Sri Lanka, Jaishankar conveyed on behalf of Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, that India would donate eight water bowsers and 100 metric tonnes of rice as immediate assistance, and was ready to provide further assistance as required. (ANI) The BSF 163 Battalion gunned down the terrorist in Keri Sector of Rajouri in the gunbattle that ensued between both sides. However, two terrorists managed to flee the spot amid the hail of gunfire. Earlier this month, a 20-metre tunnel dug from Pakistan to help terrorists infiltrate into India was found by the BSF near the International Border. The tunnel was discovered during searches at the Ramgarh sector in Sambha. (ANI) Tripura Law Minister Tapan Chakraborty today stated in the assembly that the state government has been assessing to open at least five Fast Track Courts in the state besides, existing three in Agartala to dispose pending cases related to crime on women. Replying to Congress legislator Ratan Lal Nath, he said, altogether 1,51,193 cases have been pending for disposal in different courts of the state and of them as many as 3185 cases have been pending for more than 10 years and a few cases were pending more than 25 years. According to Mr Nath, there were three Fast Track Courts in the state at Sonamura, Khowai and Kailashahar but without any notification the state government made them dysfunctional when the conviction rate were not satisfactory rather almost half of the national average. He argued as the number of these courts is less and women atrocities cases have been increasing every day, more fast track court becomes essential for the handling the situation and punish the criminals but the state government moving in reverse direction. However, Mr Chakraborty informed that at present 2227 cases were pending in the family courts while altogether 1626 cases had been registered in 2014, 1871 cases in 2015 and 1976 cases were in 2016 but the pendency was on raise due to shortage of judges. The government asked for required information from high court regarding pendency and nature of cases pending and afterward would take the decision to announce five more courts as fast track court, Chakraborty added.UNI BB BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1159083.Xml The Special Investigation Team (SIT) for investigation constituted by High Court of Tripura has been investigating as many as 78 cases of fraud by Non Banking Financial Companies (NBFC), said Chief Minister Manik Sarkar here today. Replying to questions raised by opposition MLAs Ratan Lal Nath and Asish Kumar Saha in the assembly, Mr Sarkar said among the 78 cases, the SIT has so far submitted the charge-sheet of 18 cases in the court. The chief minister also informed the house that the investigations of five cases among 78 registered cases were handed over to CBI. Replying to other cases on the forgery by chit fund companies, Mr Sarkar said all the assets of chit fund companies have been confiscated by the state government and process are going on for the assessment of total value of assets of chit fund which were confiscated.UNI BB BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1159122.Xml In the wake of the reported stagnation in the implementation of the ambitious Chabahar project, Iran has said India should be quick to execute its part of development of the strategic port so as not to miss a ''great opportunity.'' ''In the coming months we are inaugurating the first phase of Chabahar, and want India to increase its cooperation in the project,'' Iranian Ambassador to India Gholam Reza Ansari told UNI, hinting that desired pace from the Indian side was lacking. Ansari's remark come amid speculations that newly elected US President's sanctions against Iran for its missile and nuclear programme might affect India's involvement in the project. However, the Indian side denies that any delay on its part was taking place and any development related to the project had anything to do Donald Trump. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs told UNI that it would be wrong to say that any slow down in the work at all had taken place. ''The work on the project is going on in full steam. There should be no doubt about our commitment to Chabahar,'' they said. India and Iran had last summer inked the agreement for joint development of the Chabahar port, some 1800 km south of Tehran, which will enable India to bypass Pakistan to reach energy rich Iran, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. The agreement was signed during Mr Modi's visit to Iran. However, after the initial euphoria over the achievement, the work on the project was reported to be not progressing, and the Iranian sides had more than once minced no words to press for the urgency of its completion. Conceived in 2003, the Chabahar port besides giving India access to the energy rich regions was also seen as a counterbalance to China's influence in the region. China has built a deepwater port in Pakistan's Gwadar,which is already operational.More UNI NAZ SB 111239 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-1159174.Xml However, no one was injured in the incident. According to police, additional forces have been rushed in the area. Police said the armed persons resorted to heavy firing on the moving convoy. The personnel escorting the Deputy Chief Minister returned fire. Mr Gaikhangam will be contesting from Nungba Assembly constituency.UNI NS BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1159215.Xml The issue of black listing of Pakistan based terrorist Maulana Masood Azhar and India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), both being blocked by Beijing, are likely to top the agenda of the first 1st meeting of the India China Strategic Dialogue which is to take place tomorrow in Beijing. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar, who is on a three-nation tour, including Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, will be co-chairing the dialogue with his Chinese counterpart Zhang Yesui, who is Executive Vice Foreign Minister of China. "China and India will hold the first meeting of the India China Strategic Dialogue co-Chaired by Foreign Secretary and the Executive Vice Foreign Minister of China on 22 February, 2017 in Beijing," the MEA said. "The two sides are expected to discuss all issues of mutual interest in the bilateral, regional and international domain," said the official spokesperson. China had been persistently blocking India's bid to get the UN to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist, provoking an angry reaction from New Delhi. Last time, when the US with support of three other nations pushed the same proposal at the UN, that also hit the China Wall. China is the only country among the UN's 15-member security council to hold out on Resolution 1267, which allows for freezing assets and ban travel for those on the list. Moreover, China is the only country in the NSG, a 48-member strong nuclear cartel that control the nuclear trade, which is blocking India's entry into the elite club citing the NPT clause, a treaty which New Delhi refuses to sign. The Indian side has been in talks with the Chinese on both these issues with no break through in sight. UNI MK SB 1336 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-1159245.Xml Delhi police has arrested one suspect in connection with the alleged rape of a 26-year-old woman by a stranger on pretext of giving her a lift in the Hauz Khas village area of the city on Saturday. "One suspect identified as Raja has been arrested. He works at a restaurant near the village area. We have enough evidence against the suspect to link him to the case," police said today. Police have also recovered the i-phone of the woman from his possession, which he snatched after committing the crime and fled from the spot on the intervening night. The arrest came after police got some important clues during examination on the basis on which further action was taken. Further details are awaited.UNI DS SB 1350 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-1159273.Xml Dreaded Maoists shot dead the husband of deputy Mukhiya on the charge of being a police informer at Champanagar village under Kajra police station area in the district late last night. Police said here today that extremists of outlawed CPI (Maoist) sprayed bullets from their firearms on deputy Mukhiya of Budhauli Panchayat Geeta Devi`s husband Sunil Yadav when he was fast asleep at his residence, killing him on the spot. Maoists also left a pamphlet on the spot, claiming that they shot dead Mr Yadav as he was a police informer. Infuriated over the incident, local people were demonstrating with the body of the deceased. A large number of CRPF and district police jawans had reached the spot in view of the tensed situation.UNI XC DH BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1159218.Xml A 10th class student was gang-raped under Mufassil police station area in this district last night. Police said here today that outlaws waylaid the 15-year old victim when she was returning from a farewell function of her seniors at her school and forced her to accompany them. Later, they took the girl to an isolated placed and raped her. Criminals had thrown her away from an auto rickshaw near Bhadeja roundabout here yesterday and made good their escape. The student had been admitted to Anugraha Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital where her condition was serious. She is a resident of Chand Chaura locality in Vishnupad police station area here, police added. An FIR had been lodged at Mufassil police station against one Mantu Yadav, a native of Hemja village under Wazirganj police station area in this district. A massive manhunt is on to nab criminals.UNI XC DH BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1159278.Xml The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has reiterated its demand for President's Rule (PR) and early elections in Nagaland. In a statement NPCC through its media cell said that though PR was the last resort, the present situation forced the Congress to prefer PR rather than be ruled by traitors and vultures. It asserted that the Cabinet decision of January 31, 2017 would go down in history as the "greatest betrayal document", saying the state government has lost moral support of the people and had no moral right to rule. NPCC maintained that no DAN coalition member was free and clean from the betrayal of the tripartite agreement on ULB election signed on January 30, 2017. The Congress said rather than singling out T R Zeliang and abandoning him, the NPF government should collectively own moral responsibility and gracefully step down for "betraying the people of Nagaland." The NPCC also stated that the way NPF legislators shifted their loyalty by abandoning T R Zeliang to Shurhozelie Liezietsu and rushing to Kaziranga and back to Kohima proved that there was no MLA who stood by ideology, principle or ethics. "They are same as vultures hovering around carcass," NPCC said, adding that there was huge trust deficit among themselves with nobody above suspicion. In the whole ULB election episode, the congress party said NPF-DAN has proven to be "senseless and numb" by completely failing to understand the feelings and sentiments of the people. "In their mad rush driven by greed and fear, they had exhibited their instability," NPCC said. UNI AS BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1159284.Xml The face-off between the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration and the agitating students continued on Tuesday, with the university expressing shock at the "misinformation" being spread by the students community. The university has implored the students, who are protesting its notification on an upper cap on the number of M.Phil. and Ph.D. students a faculty member can guide, to end their "siege" of the administrative block. "...The university's website and media reports have plenty of appeals and requests made by the administration to these students to refrain from unlawful and harmful methods... and come forward for peaceful discussion and dialogue," the premier university of the country said in a statement. It also accused the students of misleading the public by showing their "illogical demands as genuine concerns". It is the 12th day since a hundred-odd students started their occupation of the building, blocking all entries to it and throwing, as the administration alleged, "the entire bureaucratic apparatus out of gear". "The agitators do not care at all when thousand plus contractual labourers suffer because of their agitation, and yet shed crocodile tears by invoking 'social justice' arguments," the statement said. "Do they worry at all when the university has lost huge sums of money, that are actually the country's taxpayers' money, due to their occupation and blockade of the administrative building?" "Do they respect academics, when official papers of faculty and students related to their academic engagements in India and abroad are not processed due to their illegal siege of the office building?" the university said. It also reprimanded the JNU Teachers Association (JNUTA) for supporting the students and taking the matter out of campus instead of approaching the administration. "The JNUTA has not even once given a call for ending the siege of the administration building...," it said. "Some students have resorted to confining top JNU officials for above 20 hours, breaking open the doors and disrupting meetings, putting locks in various School Buildings to prevent classes,... All these incidents ironically are not considered law and order problems by JNUTA!" said the administration. The students decided to "occupy" the administrative block on February 9, following the adoption of a 2016 University Grants Commission (UGC) notification which recommended an upper cap on the number of M.Phil. and Ph.D. students a faculty member can guide. They alleged that the cap would mean a massive seat-cut in the admissions, although the university said it will not happen. --IANS vn/in/vt ( 419 Words) 2017-02-21-14:14:09 (IANS) Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee paid tribute to the 1952 martyrs said all languages are equal and mother tongue should be used to express one's views. "All languages are equal. Mother tongue must be for expressing views," Ms Banerjee tweeted. "How can I forget February 21 spattered with my brothers' blood. I pay my tribute to the martyrs of 1952 Language Movement," she added. In the city, St Xavier's College (Calcutta) Alumni Association along with Bengai Literary Society celebrated the International Mother Language Day.. Several programmes were organised across the state to mark the day. International Mother Language Day is observed on February 21 every year since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The date represents the day in 1952 when students demonstrating for recognition of their language, Bangla, as one of the two national languages of the then Pakistan, were shot and killed by police in Dhaka, the capital, is now Bangladesh. On November 17, 1999, UNESCO proclaimed February 21 to be International Mother Language Day and it was first observed on February 21, 2000. Each year the celebrations around International Mother Language Day concentrate on a particular theme. The day is now celebrated as International Mother Language Day the world over. This year the United Nations has added the theme of "Towards Sustainable Futures through Multilingual Education." The United Nations' (UN) International Mother Language Day annually celebrates language diversity and variety worldwide on February 21.UNI BM -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0214-1159344.Xml Kerala government will take stern action against the culprits involved in the abduction of a leading Malayalam actress in Kochi recently. Talking to reporters here, Minister for SC/ST, Law and Cultural Affairs A K Balan said all those involved in the crime would be brought to book regardless of their status soon. ''Even if it is God, action would be taken,'' he said, adding the government has the potential for it. Admitting that there were certain bad tendencies prevailing in the film industry here, he said all out efforts would be taken to end such practices. The help of the members of film industry would be solicited for the purpose, he said. Mr Balan said he believed that attack on the actress was also part of such tendencies and efforts were also on to bring out conspiracy behind the incident. Stating police department was on their toes on a complaint by the actress, he said many assailants involved in the crime have already been arrested. Meanwhile, former state Minister and actor K B Ganesh Kumar, MLA today said presence of mafia in the film industry in the state was strong. Stating many actresses had similar experience in the past, he said they were threatened and fleeced money by the mafia but they had not lodged complaint against the miscreants.UNI PCH CS 1458 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0328-1159368.Xml Hindustan Sanitaryware & Industries Limited (HSIL), promoters of brand hindware, the leader in sanitary ware market in India, today launched their latest line of air coolers with changeable colorful front panels under their brand Hindware Snowcrest. Talking to newsmen after the launch, HSIL Vice Chairman and Managing Director Sandip Somany said that the overall market of aircoolers size was Rs 3650 crore for both organised (Rs 1400 crore) and unorganized (Rs 2250 crore) with a growth rate of 16 per cent in the country. The organised sector was contributing to only one third of the market, the range of air coolers would help HSIL propel its presence, he said. He said that the company has targetted to achieve 10 per cent market share during the next three years and reach 15 per cent over next five years with the earning revenue of Rs 400 crore to Rs 500 crore. Mr Sandip said a sanitary ware manufacturing unit constructed at a cost of Rs 150 crore will be ready by end of March. Another unit manufacturing of plastic pipes, constructed at a cost of Rs 147 crore will be ready by April this year, he said. While explaining Hindware Snowcrest Air coolers, Mr Sandip said the new range of air coolers launched under desert, personal and window categories were available in fourteen models ranging from 18 liters to 100 liters. The changeable color panels available in select models come in three colours as of now premium purple, brick red & icy grey. With a high air delivery rate of up to 3800 m3/hr, the series was engineered to consume less power and produce exceptional cooling comfort. The trendy coolers range starts from Rs 7,990 and goes up to Rs 17,990, he added. HSIL President (Consumber Business) Rakesh Kaul, said, "We did a soft launch of air coolers in March 2016 which gave us encouraging results. With the launch of the state-oftheart air coolers range today, we expect even better results. These unique and stylish air coolers with changeable color panels, interpret a new benchmark in air coolers segment and its contemporary design idiom showcases the passion we have towards providing our customers with the best in class products."UNI VV CS 1542 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1159483.Xml Several Tamil organisations today urged the Pondy Government to shut all the liquor shops situated along the National and State Highways here.A resolution to close the liquor shops was adopted at a review meeting held by the Federation for People's Rights, which was attended by over 20 Tamil organisations.Secretary of the Federation, G Sugumaran in a statement said that the Supreme Court had directed to close down all liquor shops across the National Highways, but no initiatives in this regard was taken by the Puducherry Administration, even though, the Chief Minister V Narayanasmay had supported the judgement.Meanwhile, the liquor shop owners have filed a review petition in the SC in which they sought exemption for Puducherry. Mr Sugumaran said in the meantime, CM Narayanasamy was taking the steps to change the status of the roads in Puducherry from National and State Highways to District Highways, so that the liquor shops could continue functioning. "This is a clear indication that the government was functioning in support of the liquor baron's here," he alleged."If the Government failed, the organisations would mobilise strength and agitate against the Government," Mr Sugumaran said adding that the memoranda in this regard was being forwarded to the Lt Governor Kiran Bedi, Chief Minister V Narayanasmay, PWD minister A Namassivayam and Excise commissioner U Niranjan.UNI PAB PS SNU 1545 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1159471.Xml With the polling for 227 municipal wards in the Brihannmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) underway, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari hoped for a hike in percentage of voters as compared to last year. Gadkari cast his vote for Nagpur Municipal Corporation poll at a booth located at the Town Hall. "Every person must vote in the elections as it is a responsibility and a duty. One should vote for the betterment and welfare of the society and for the country, not on the basis of religion, caste, language, sex, etc.," said Gadkari. Local body polls are set to witness a high pitch battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena, the Congress, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). (ANI) Kaspersky Lab researchers have examined the security of applications for the remote control of cars from several famous car manufacturers. As a result, the company's experts have discovered that all of the applications contain a number of security issues that can potentially allow criminals to cause significant damage for connected car owners. During the last few years, cars have started actively connecting to the Internet. Connectivity includes not only their infotainment systems but also critical vehicle systems, such as door locks and ignition, which are now accessible online. With the help of mobile applications, it is now possible to obtain the location coordinates of the vehicle as well as its route, and to open doors, start the engine and control additional in-car devices. On the one hand, these are extremely useful functions. On the other hand, how do manufacturers secure these apps from the risk of cyberattacks? In order to find this out, Kaspersky Lab researchers have tested seven remote car control applications developed by major car manufacturers, and which, according to Google Play statistics, have been downloaded tens of thousands, and in some cases, up to five million times. The research discovered that each of the examined apps contained several security issues. The list of the security issues discovered includes: No defense against application reverse engineering. As a result, malicious users can understand how the app works and find a vulnerability that would allow them to obtain access to server-side infrastructure or to the car's multimedia system No code integrity check, which is important because it enables criminals to incorporate their own code in the app and replace the original program with a fake one No rooting detection techniques. Root rights provide Trojans with almost endless capabilities and leave the app defenseless Lack of protection against app overlaying techniques. This helps malicious apps to show phishing windows and steal users' credentials Storage of logins and passwords in plain text. Using this weakness, a criminal can steal users' data relatively easily. Upon successful exploitation, an attacker can gain control over the car, unlock the doors, turn off the security alarm and, theoretically, steal the vehicle. In each case the attack vector would require some additional preparations, like luring owners of applications to install specially-crafted malicious apps that would then root the device and get access to the car application. However, as Kaspersky Lab experts have concluded from research into multiple other malicious applications which target online banking credentials and other important information, this is unlikely to be a problem for criminals experienced in social engineering techniques, should they decide to hunt for owners of connected cars. "The main conclusion of our research is that, in their current state, applications for connected cars are not ready to withstand malware attacks. Thinking about the security of the connected car, one should not only consider the security of server-side infrastructure. We expect that car manufacturers will have to go down the same road that banks have already gone down with their applications. Initially, apps for online banking did not have all the security features listed in our research. Now, after multiple cases of attacks against banking apps, many banks have improved the security of their products. Luckily, we have not yet detected any cases of attacks against car applications, which means that car vendors still have time to do things right. How much time they have exactly is unknown. Modern Trojans are very flexible - one day they can act like normal adware, and the next day they can easily download a new configuration making it possible to target new apps. The attack surface is really vast here," said Victor Chebyshev, security expert at Kaspersky Lab. Kaspersky Lab researchers advise users of connected car apps to follow these measures in order to protect their cars and private data from possible cyberattacks: Don't root your Android device as this will open almost unlimited capabilities to malicious apps Disable the ability to install applications from sources other than official app stores Keep the OS version of your device up to date in order to reduce vulnerabilities in the software and lower the risk of attack Install a proven security solution in order to protect your device from cyberattacks. To learn more about the connected ?ar threat, please read the blog post available at Securelist.com. (ANI) Farmers continue to face the brunt of proceduralhiccups in Bihar as a little over 13 per cent of total subsidy amount has beenpaid to them against purchase of various agriculture equipment during the current financial year. State Agriculture Department Principal Secretary Sudhir Kumar toldnewspersons here today that a sum of Rs. 175 crore was to be paid tofarmers against purchase of agriculture equipment like tractors, powertillers and others but only Rs. 23 crore had been disbursed so far. Mr Kumar said out of total 25,028 farmers, only 4,868 farmers received subsidies during the current fiscal. He said even if best efforts were made, only 60 to 70 per cent farmers could be covered by the end of current fiscal. To a related query he admitted that his department would be left with no option other than surrendering the remaining subsidy amount.MORE UNI DH-IS KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-1159712.Xml Keeping in view of its rich Buddhist Heritage and need of the hour to preserve for the future, Telangana State Tourism Development Corporation (TSTDC) will conduct a two-day global celebrations in the city on February 23 and 24. While elaborating the celebration details during a press conference here today, Tourism and Culture Minister Azmeera Chandu Lal along with TSTDC Chairman Pervaram Ramulu said that Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao will inaugurate the global conference in Paryataka Bhavan here on February 23. Before the inauguration of the event, a chanting by a sang will be held at Buddha Statue, Tank Bund at 0900 hours, he said. Mr Lal said more than 250 delegates including 62-70 foreign delegates from 16 countries including Taiwan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Vietnam, Loas, Camboida, Bhutan, Tibet,USA, Canada, Bulgaria are expected to participate in the conference. While explaining about Buddhist Heritage in the state, Mr Ramulu said, the Buddhist sources said that, a Brahmin from Badanakurti in Khanapur Mandal of Adilabad District sent his 16 disciples to all the way to north India to learn Buddhism and spread the message in this region. Megasthenes, who visited India in the 4th century BC, wrote that there were 30 fortified towns of Andhras and a majority of them were in Telangana. In the historical age, Telangana had given rise to mighty empires and kingdoms like the Sathavahanas, Vakatakas, Ikshavakus, Vishnukunins, Chalukyas, kakatiyas, Qutb Shahis and Asif Jahis. Telangana has been a vibrant social entity by the time of the Buddha and continued to be so for the next two and a half millennia, he said. Mr Ramulu said the conference also included a two-day field visits for exposure of Buddhist sites in Telangana including Buddhavanam Project constructed at a cost of Rs 25 crore and spread in eight acres and Nagrjunakkonda on February 25 and 26.UNI VV CS 1641 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1159578.Xml Minister for Communication and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad today met Microsoft Chief Satya Nadella and discussed ways to use innovative technology in the proposed Digigaon initiative, which will enable delivery services that include health and education through free Wi-Fi.After meeting, Mr Prasad told the mediapersons that the meeting was productive and he has requested Nadella to consider the use of their innovative technology in the Digital village initiative. "He particularly appreciated the initiative for digital inclusion in village, and discussed the Harisal pilot project in Maharashtra where they've (Microsoft) brought a lot of technology connectivity for digital health, digital education. It is something which I am considering to replicate it in our larger vision of Digital Village announced as Digi Gaon," the minister said. Along with them, the meeting was also attended by IT Secretary Arun Sundararajan, Additional Secretary Ajay Kumar and UIDAI CEO AB Pandey. UNI ASH SNU 1725 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0388-1159671.Xml Slamming Minister Akhilesh Yadav for his 'donkeys of Gujarat' jibe, Union Minister for Information and broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday advised the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister of using peoples' language. Addressing the media here, Naidu said while addressing people, one should use proper language. "We are addressing the people and we should speak in peoples' language, he should understand it is not peoples language," said Naidu. Further expressing confidence over the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) forming a government in Uttar Pradesh, Naidu said that he is sure that it will be a saffron swipe in the state. "I am confident of the fact that the BJP will form the government in Uttar Pradesh. Rest the fight to bag the place of opposition is on between the SP and the BSP," Naidu said. Naidu also took the occasion to lambast the opposition parties over unwarranted criticism of demonetisation and said that people of Uttar Pradesh will not support the immoral alliance of Samajwadi Party and Congress. "The opposition says that people will not forgive BJP for demonetisation. I will ask them that will the people forgive them for corruption they did? The Congress did corruption and you joined hands with it? This alliance is immoral and the people of the state will not accept this alliance. The country is moving ahead under the leadership of Narendra Modi ji and we don't want Uttar Pradesh to lag behind. The fact is that Uttar Pradesh is still a BIMARU state," said Naidu. Earlier on Monday, Akhilesh Yadav appealed 'Sadi ke Mahanayak' (without actually naming Amitabh Bachchan) not to campaign for Gujarat 'donkeys.' "I would like to request the 'mahanayak' of the century (Amitabh Bachchan) not to campaign for donkeys of Gujarat. Those who have seen the advertisement will understand whom we are talking about," said Akhilesh while addressing a rally here. "Have you ever heard of campaigning for donkeys? Gujarat's people are doing campaigns for donkeys...then they accuse me of working only for kabristan (graveyard...)," he said in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'shamshan ghat-kabristan' comment. Apparently, Yadav was referring to Gujarat Tourism's advertisement featuring Amitabh Bachchan, popularly referred to as 'Sadi ka mahanayak', with the state's famed wild asses. (ANI) The vitals of Cheeta are said to be stable. He will be undergoing tracheotomy. A Ryle's tube will also be placed. Chetan Cheeta got injured in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora earlier this month. The Commandant of the 45 Battalion of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) sustained multiple gunshots during the gun battle. He was later airlifted to AIIMS trauma centre. As many as three army personnel were killed and seven others injured in an encounter that took place between militants and security forces in the Hajin area of Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora. (ANI) With an objective to acceleration farm mechanisation in Bihar, the state agriculture department would organise four day Agriculture Mechanisation Fair styled as 'Agro Bihar 2017' at Gandhi Maidan here from tomorrow. State Agriculture Minister Ram Vichar Rai told newspersons here that'Agro Bihar 2017', tipped as the biggest agriculture mechanisationfair of Eastern India, would be organised in association withConfederation of Indian Industry (CII). He said the fair would spread over an area of nearly 3 lakh square feet and more than 100 stalls would be set up. Farm fair mechanisation was being organised in the state since 2011 as farmers could increase crop production and improve productivity oftheir land by adopting scientific methods and using agriculture equipment, he added. Mr Rai said the challenge before farmers was more when the climate change had already started showing its impact. The farmers could sow their crops for the next season on time and get better yields by saving their time on harvesting and threshing of their crops grown in previous season with the use of modern and best agriculture equipment.MORE UNI DH KK -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0212-1159930.Xml YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) MLA R K Roja today filed a private case in a court against the police for confining her at the Gannavaram Airport on February 11, when she came to attend National Women's Parliament. The MLA complained in her petition that the police personnel wrongfully confined her at the airport without any provocation from her. She said she was invited for the convention, organized by the AP government, as a public representative she had right to move around in any place. She appealed the court to take action against the police officials, who confined her and sent back to Hyderabad forcibly. The court admitted the petition and adjourned further hearing to March 3. Earlier, talking to media, Ms Roja alleged that the atrocities on women have been increased in the state. The crime rate in the state had gone up by 11 per cent, she claimed.UNI DP CS 1750 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1159743.Xml Mr Rao and his wife Shobha accompanied by some of his Cabinet Ministers, left for Tirupati from Begumpet airport by a special flight here this evening. After staying night halt at Tirumala hills , the Chief Minister will worship Lord venkateswara during morning VIP break and later he will present 14.20 kg Saligram Haram golden necklace costing about Rs 3.70 crore and 4.65 kg Kanta Abharanam costing Rs 1.20 crore to Lord Venkateswara. Before leaving for Hyderabad on February 22 , the CM will also offer gold ornament to Goddess Padmavathi temple in Tiruchanur near Tirupati. This is the maiden visit to Tirumala temple by Mr Rao after assuming as Chief Minister of Telangana. In October 2016, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao presented Rs 3.5 crore worth golden crown weighing 11.7 kg to Goddess Bhadrakali in Warangal. Massive security arrangements have been made for Mr Rao's visit to Tirupati and Tirumala . TRS supporters also made preparations for a grand welcome to Chief Minister at Tirupati. Among those who left for Tirupati along with the CM are Telangana Assembly Speaker Madhusudanachary, Ministers Harish Rao, Eetala Rajendra, Indrakaran Reddy, Padmarao and Pocharam Srinivasreddy, Chief Secretary SP Singh, Special Adviser to Government, Rajeev Sharma and others.UNI KNR CS 1805 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1159792.Xml Telugu Desam Party (TDP) MLC Boddu Bhaskara Rama Rao had a miraculous escape when his car collided with a lorry at Navab Palem village near Tadepalli Gudem town in West Godavari district today. Police said that the MLC was going to Kakinada from Vijayawada in the car when the accident took place. The MLA sustained minor injuries and he was treated at a private hospital in Rajahmundry.UNI DP CS 1754 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1159801.Xml The Chief Minister said the budget session would begin on March 6. Governor E S L Narasimhan would address both the houses on March 6. This will be the first Assembly session in the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh. The assembly sessions was held hitherto in Hyderabad.UNI DP CS 1837 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1159891.Xml Delhi Environment Minister Imran Hussain today chaired a meeting with senior officers of the Forest and Wildlife Department, and Public Works Department to review the status of proposed Wildlife Bird Rescue Centre at Rajokri and directed that the construction of the Centre should be completed at the earliest. During the meeting, the Officers informed Mr Hussian that the Centre is being developed with technical support from PWD. The proposed Centre will have rescue facilities for baby birds, small and medium size birds, besides, big birds like peacock, eagle etc, a statement issued by Delhi Government said. Delhi being the alleged grey market of Wild Life Birds, the Government has expressed serious concerns on smuggling of wild birds like Owl and other endangered species. The proposed Centre shall provide veterinary facilities for medical improvement and health rejuvenation of injured and captured birds before they are released into wild again, it said. The Minister observed that the area housing the Bird Rescue Centre should have dense tree cover to ensure that temperature variations between day and night times does not affect the health of rescued birds. Mr Hussain also desired that the Rescue Centre should also take care of rescued snakes, wild life, tortoise etc for ensuring better well being of rescued birds and animals. He further directed that the construction of the Centre should be completed at the earliest. It is estimated that project shall cost around Rs nine crore. UNI DS SHK 1912 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0177-1159990.Xml Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President N Raghuveera Reddy alleged that the state government is threatening the farmers, who had not parted with their lands voluntarily for the construction of Amaravathi and 24/7 Police Section is being implemented in the capital area. Addressing a press conference here today, Mr Reddy also alleged that the government acquired thousands of acres of rich fertile land from farmers in Tulluru region for the construction of capital city. Now the government is giving the lands to Multi-nationals, National and International institutions and Yoga centres at cheaper price. He said that the government had assured to provide free medical treatment and education to 1.40 lakh people in the capital region as reciprocation for giving lands but the assurances were not being implemented and added that he would write a letter to the Chief Minister on the issue on February 23. The APCC President demanded the government to lift Police Act and Section 144 and 30 in the capital area as they were preventing the leaders from interacting with the farmers to ascertain their problems. Earlier, addressing the farmers and agriculture labourers of the capital area, the senior Congress leader assured to fight for their cause and announced to take their issue to the Centre, if required.UNI DP CS 1910 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-1159971.Xml "Nationalism and patriotism is unbelievablyhigh in the hearts of Arunachalees," said Chief Minister Pema Khanduwhile attending a reception programme of students from various statesof the country visiting the state at Dera Natung Government College,here today.At least 60 students from various states like Telangana, MadhyaPradesh, Maharashtra, Uttaranchal, etc are on a three-day visit toArunachal Pradesh under the 'Students Experience in Inter-stateLiving' (SEIL) organised by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)since 1966. The uniqueness of the programme is that these visitingstudents live with local families called as 'hosts' during theirentire stay. The 60 students were hosted by 15 families of the statecapital giving them the experience of local cuisine, traditions andculture. They also had the opportunity to join the 31st Statehood Daycelebrations and gain knowledge about Arunachal Pradesh."Majority of the people in mainland India do not have much knowledgeabout the North East and Arunachal Pradesh. Now that you have gained firsthand experience and lived the Arunachalee life for three days, you are ambassadors of Arunachal Pradesh in your respective states anduniversities," Mr Khandu said.Explaining about the diverse culture and traditions of the communitiesinhabiting Arunachal Pradesh, he however pointed that 'three days' isnot enough to know Arunachal Pradesh."We are such a big state with so many tribes and communities, eachdistinctly different from the other, I think it will take more days ofstay to know us better," he said.Hailing the uniqueness of the programme, wherein students from acrossthe country visit the North East and vice versa, Khandu opined thatvisiting students need to be taken to districts for their stay so thatthey get the real 'feel' of Arunachalee culture.He appealed ABVP to continue the programme which is a silentrevolution working as a catalyst in national integration by bridgingthe gap between the North East and mainland India.Urging the visiting students to take back good messages of ArunachalPradesh and its people, the CM assured them that whenever they feltlike coming back, a family and a home will be waiting for them.Explaining the objective of the programme, ABVP National JointOrganizing Secretary G Laxman said SEIL was conceived in the year1965 to motivate 'emotional integration' in the 'distant regions' ofthe country. UNI PB RN 2006 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1160149.Xml T R Zeliang, who stepped down as the Chief Minister of Nagaland, was unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) Coordination Committee. According to sources Mr Zeliang's name was proposed by the new leader of the DAN Legislature Party Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu at the DAN Legislature Party meeting today and was unanimously accepted by the legislators through a show of raising hands. The post was occupied by Dr Shurhozelie and the post is of the status of a Cabinet Minister as Dr Shurhozelie was elected to Chief Minister designate, he relieved himself from the post and gave the post to Zeliang, sources said. UNI AS RN 2046 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1160218.Xml A new round of dialogue on matters related to extradition and mutual legal assistance was held between the officials of India and the UK in New Delhi on February 20 and 21. In the meeting, both sides held detailed and fruitful deliberations on the legal processes and procedures in either country and reviewed the requests for extradition and mutual legal assistance pending on either side. The countries also reiterated their determination to strengthen legal cooperation and expedite the pending requests. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary, Consular, Passport and Visa, Ministry of External Affairs and had representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice and investigating agencies, including CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and the state authorities concerned. The UK delegation was led by the Head of the UK Central Authority for Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance, the UK Home Office and representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service, and the UK High Commission in New Delhi. The meeting was held pursuant to the decision taken during the visit of the UK Prime Minister to India in November 2016 wherein the two leaders had directed that the officials dealing with extradition matters from both sides should meet at the earliest to develop better understanding of each countries' legal processes and requirements; share best practices, and identify the causes of delays and expedite pending requests so that fugitives and criminals should not be allowed to escape the law. It was agreed that the Central Authorities of both the countries would review further progress in these cases every six month through Video Conference.(ANI) Kerala Assembly speaker P Sree Rama Krishnan today said the Kannur district panchayat mission for providing social status to trans-genders through the 'Janakeeyasuthranam' is a sign of developmental democracy.The speaker, while inaugurating the workshop on "Transgender status" organized by District panchayat here, said that the trans-genders have equal rights as compared to others and the mission by district Panchayat sets an example for the nation. He also said the mission would be an important mile stone in the history of Kerala. District Panchayat president K V Sumesh said in his presidential address that the aim of the workshop was to bring the attention of the people about the distress of the transgender community. Over ten trans-genders attended the workshop and also took mobile selfie with the speaker after the inaugural function. One of the transgender Nisha Kishore while presenting the paper in the workshop said the transgenders needs self employment. "The Government and the society should provide job opportunities to us so that we can live respectfully and peacefully," she said. She said there were more number of trans-genders in North Malabar, however, the stigma related to it while identifying themselves was preventing them to come out openly.She said that neither the boys nor the girls accept them during the school or college days, which stops their education. "They are bullied in the school premises and lose their self confidence. Not only in school, they are not given the due respect at their home and fearing the stigma of the society, the parents and family members asked them to leave the house. This forces them to reach the street and live as beggars and sex workers. She said that unlike Kerala, the acceptance for the transgenders in other state is high due to the recognition to them traditionally. The hospital staffs are not ready to treat them and police also look at them as suspicion and disrespect. To create awareness among the new generation, district panchayat ensure the presence of school students during the programme along with the various NGOs.UNI AK PS RJ PR2205 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1160140.Xml The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court (HC) today dismissed two petitions filed by the expelled AIADMK Rajya Sabha Member L Sasikala Pushpa and family challenging cases registered against them by police at Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts.The All Women Police in Thoothukudi district filed cases against Ms Pushpa, her husband T Lingeswara Thilagan and their son L Pradeep Raja on August 10, 2016 on the alleged charges of sexually harassing two domestic maids under various Sections of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and also under the POCSO Act. The Thisayanvilai police in Tirunelveli district had also registered cases against Pushpa's family and their three associates on charges of ransacking the house of a woman advocate J Suganthi, who represented the domestic maids in the sexual harassment case.Pushpa and her family members filed petitions in the Madurai Bench seeking to quash both the cases.When the petitions came up for hearing before Justice G Chockalingam, the counsel for the petitioners' stated that a senior lawyer would argue in the case and prayed the court to adjourn the hearing.The Additional Advocate General (AAG) Pugazhendi argued that their petitions were not maintainable, as the petitioners' did not cooperate with the police investigation, by which they violated the Supreme Court's (SC) direction. The petitioners' had already approached the SC regarding the two cases. But, however, the SC directed them to cooperate with police inquiry. Though the police issued four summons, the accused, who received the same, did not turn up for inquiry. Their petitioners' seeking to quash cases were nothing, but an effort to circumvent the summons and appearing before the police. The investigation is at crucial stage, he contended.Following this, the Judge refused to accept the petitioners' plea. Hence, the petitioners' side expressed its willingness to withdraw the petitions. The Judge accepted their request and dismissed the petitions as withdrawn. UNI GSM SHS RJ BL2242 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1160296.Xml A local court in Meghalaya today granted bail to Champion R Sangma, the Chairman of the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), a terrorist outfit. Sangma, who was lodged in Shillong district jail, was granted bail by the Court of District and Sessions, Shillong under two surety bond of Rs one lakh each, Sangma's legal counsel Sujit Dey told UNI. Mr Dey, however, said that the Court directed Sangma not to leave the court's jurisdiction until further notice. Sangma was arrested from Umkrem Pyrwdiwah axis on the edge of the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills district on July 30, 2012.In fact, he was first arrested by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) commandos on November 23, 2011 from his hideout at Haluaghat in Bangladesh's Mymensingh district.Sangma, a former deputy superintendent of police, deserted the Meghalaya Police and floated the outlawed GNLA Nov 2009 for a separate Garoland in western part of Meghalaya. Sohan D Shira, who is the co-founder of militant outfit, which was declared a "terrorist organisation" under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, by the Union government, is still at large. Meghalaya police are making attempts to arrest Shira. UNI RRK SHS RJ BL2305 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1160301.Xml A militant of the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) was killed in a shootout with the Meghalaya's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) commandos in state's West Khasi Hills district, police said today. The incident took place in Riangdim village area after the militants opened indiscriminate fire at the commandos, police said, adding that the militant killed was identified as Walamdaria M Sangma, Police said one 22 Rifle, 70 rounds of AK 47 ammunition, one 7.65 pistol, two 7.65 pistol magazine, 3 pistol magazine, 5 round of .22 ammunition, 5 round 7.65 ammunition, 2 mobile phones, incriminating documents and one GNLA identity card in the name of Walamdaria M Sangma army no.797 were recovered from body of the slain militant. UNI RRK SHS RJ BL2306 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1160302.Xml US President Donald Trump has named Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his new national security adviser, succeeding Michael Flynn, who left last week amid criticism of his pre-inauguration contacts with the Russian ambassador. "General H.R. McMaster will become the national security adviser. He's a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience," Trump, who was accompanied by the general, said in a surprise announcement at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, Efe news reported on Monday. "I watched and read a lot over the last two days. He is highly respected by everyone in the military and we're very honored to have him," the President added. McMaster, who holds a PhD in military history and is the author of a book - "Dereliction of Duty" - that criticizes the "lies" that led to the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, had not been regarded as one of the frontrunners for the post. Retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward had been offered the post last week, but he turned it down due to a staffing dispute. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who also was present for the announcement, was named McMaster's chief of staff. Neither post requires Senate confirmation. Flynn stepped down last week after a leaked transcript showed he discussed sanctions on Russia with that country's ambassador to the US prior to Trump's inauguration. Trump said retired Lt. Gen. Flynn was asked to resign because he had lied to Vice President Mike Pence when he told him that the topic of sanctions had not been addressed during the phone call. Flynn's exit has been one of the biggest crises of Trump's first month in office. Trump spent the weekend in Florida, where he announced that he would meet with possible candidates for the post of national security adviser, and is scheduled to return to Washington on Monday night. --IANS pgh/ ( 317 Words) 2017-02-21-03:30:06 (IANS) As the politicians on Monday discussed the proposed state visit, shouts and noise from a "Stop Trump" rally taking place in London's in Parliament Square could be heard inside the Houses of Parliament, Xinhua news agency reported. It followed a petition to parliament signed by 1.85 million people calling for Prime Minister Theresa May's invitation to Trump to be withdrawn. A second petition, signed by more than 300,000 people supported a state visit to Trump during which Queen Elizabeth would host a state banquet. MP Paul Flynn said only two US presidents have been granted a state visit since 1952, but within seven days of Trump becoming president he had been invited to a state visit. Flynn described this as extraordinary and completely unprecedented. Emotions ran high among MPs who supported the visit and those backing opposition to the red carpet being rolled out for Trump. A number of MPs said Trump should have been invited to an official visit, a step down from a state visit. Conservative James Cartlidge said removing the invitation for a state visit will make Britain a "laughing stock" and would damage Britain's national interests. Labour MP Liam Byrne predicted that the level of protests "taking place in Parliament Square tonight" will look like a tea-party compared to the likely protests when Trump arrives in London. But the Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan said a state visit was part of plans for strengthening bilateral relations with the United States. Despite the petition, the second biggest since parliamentary petitions were introduced, there is no obligation on the government to act. --IANS pgh/ ( 297 Words) 2017-02-21-04:38:06 (IANS) New York on Monday, a day before his 65th birthday. "The Russian Foreign Ministry deeply regrets to announce that Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin has died suddenly in New York on February 20, a day ahead of his 65th birthday," TASS news agency quoted the ministry as saying. "The outstanding Russian diplomat died in harness. We offer sincere condolences to the family of Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin," it added. No further details are available at the moment. Churkin served as Russia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations since 2006. (ANI) Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other leasers also placed a wreath at the altar after the President. They stood in silence for some time as a mark of respect to the memories of the language heroes, reports the Daily Star. Humming "Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February...", thousands of people thronged the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital and elsewhere in the early hours today to pay homage to the language heroes. With Bangladesh, International Mother Language Day will today be celebrated across the globe, as the Unesco declared it the in 1999. On this day in 1952, students and people took to the streets in Dhaka to protest the then Pakistan government's refusal to recognise Bangla as one of the state languages and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan. Following the movement, the Pakistani government was compelled to include an article in the country's constitution on February 29, 1956 that declared, "The state languages of Pakistan shall be Urdu and Bengali." (ANI) Trump made the announcement from Mar-a-lago on Monday afternoon, alongside the general and acting National Security Adviser Keith Kellogg, reports the New York Post. Trump also asked Kellogg to continue as chief of staff to the National Security Council. "I think that combination is something very, very special," Trump said of the pair. McMaster is currently Director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center and Deputy Commanding General, Futures, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. (ANI) North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia, on Monday, denied identifying the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) man, killed here last week, as Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. According to Chinese state owned Xinhua News Agency, ambassador Kang Chol, at a news conference in the front of the DPRK embassy, said an official document has been submitted to the Malaysian side, pointing out that "we did not know any other name except Kim Chol as written in the passport" of the deceased. The press conference was called after Kang was earlier summoned by the Malaysian Foreign Ministry. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry defended its investigation on the deceased man in a statement, that said the investigation has been conducted in the manner prescribed by Malaysian law. Malaysia has also recalled its ambassador in Pyongyang for consultation. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Thursday that the deceased DPRK man was Kim Jong Nam. At a press conference, when asked if the man was confirmed to be Kim Jong Nam, Zahid replied, "yes, certainly yes." He said he was briefed by the police that the DPRK embassy had confirmed Kim's identity. Malaysian police had earlier also identified the deceased man as Kim Chol, according to his passport. For the unversed, Kim Jong-nam was allegedly poisoned last week at an airport in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur. Two women, one Indonesian and one Vietnamese, were among the first to be arrested. The Indonesian, named as Siti Aisyah, is said to have told Malaysian police that she had been paid to perform what she thought was a prank. According to reports, the Malaysian Police has also detained one North Korean suspect, Ri Jong-chol, and said they are looking for four more men, who may have already left the country. (ANI) Citing Refinery29.com, an American-based fashion webloid, Fox News said in a report that Ivanka's namesake eau de parfum spray is currently a #1 top-seller on Amazon.com. The "spicy floral" fragrance holds two top spots in the women's category: one for the full-sized bottle, the other a roll-on, which is out of stock. However, the reviews show that customers are specifically purchasing the fragrance, not for the scent but in support of the 35-year-old mother of three. "I bought this perfume in support of Ivanka Trump. I had no idea how it smelled. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and I LOVE it!!," wrote one verified purchaser, as reported by the beauty news site. "I love this scent and happily showed my support by purchasing this perfume. Just wish I can fit into her gorgeous clothing line," wrote another buyer. No recent negative reviews were shown on the e-commerce site. Even Amazon has not commented on the recent demand for the scent. Ivanka was caught up in a row earlier this month, when Nordstrom, a Seattle-based luxury department store chain, said it would stop selling the her brand of products explaining that the decision was based on the sales performance. The surge in sales comes despite the "Grab Your Wallet" campaign, which has been calling for a boycott of retailers that carry Ivanka Trump or Donald Trump merchandise. Ivanka's business has also drawn criticism for blurring the lines between brand promotion and politics, as her company sent a style alert to journalists in November, promoting a gold bracelet that she wore during an interview to a TV channel. (ANI) According to CNN, protesters in cities across the country took to the streets on Monday for "Not My President's Day" rallies with a anti-Trump messages. Olga Lexell, one of about 20 people who helped organize the events in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, said the protests were intended to show Trump there was widespread opposition to his policies and "ridiculous" executive orders. In New York's Columbus Circle, protesters held placards with the word "No!" in different languages. In addition, merchants sold T-shirts reading "Not My President" above smaller text reading "Elected but not chosen." "In the name of humanity, fascist America -- No! No! No! No! No!," they chanted. In Los Angeles, protesters gathered and held signs at City Hall, chanting "No ban, no wall!" (ANI) India and Rwanda have signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), including a Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) as a step towards building better relationship between the two nations. During India-Rwanda Business Forum last night, both the nations signed the MoUs, which also included the establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre (EDC) and an agreement for the exemption of Visa requirements for diplomatic and service passport holders. The agreement was inked by Amar Sinha, Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs, India, and three Rwandan ministers in the presence of Vice-President of India Hamid Ansari, who also launched India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme. On the occasion, Mr Ansari said the direct air service will benefit not only the business community but also the Rwandan people, who visit India for the health and education purposes also."India issues at least 500 students Visa to Rwandan students, who visit the country for higher education under scholarship programmes," he said. He said, "Several Rwandans, who have travelled to India for medical treatment, have returned satisfied. India is also increasingly becoming a preferred destination for quality and affordable education for Rwandan students." The Vice-President said India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme is being launched to expand ties in Science, Technology and Innovation, and the programme aims at creating an ecosystem wherein Indian innovations and technology enterprises will thrive and encourage business ventures from both sides. The India-Rwanda Business Forum was organised jointly by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda. The Prime Minister of Rwanda Anastase Murekezi and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. Mr Ansari said Rwanda has put behind it the unfortunate genocide of 1994 and the efficient and clean city of Kigali captures the great strides that this country is taking on its path of growth and prosperity. He further said Rwanda today offers a range of prospects to investors, including in renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mining, tourism, and Information and Communications Technology. Trade between India and Rwanda has been gradually increasing over the last few years, he added. "The translation of ideas and innovations into practical applications will require the three Ds of Discovery, Development and Delivery. We are now ready to work with our partners in Rwanda and other partners of Africa in transferring our experience in building an innovation driven economy," he added. After signing the MoUs, Mr Murekezi informed the gathering that the flight connecting Mumbai and Kigali will start April this year. It was a long pending demand from the Indian business community and Rwandan citizens. Mr Murekezi hoped that the three MoUs would boost the bilateral relations in several sectors including Science and Technology, health and education. He said the Rwandan government was committed to making the bilateral ties grow stronger.UNI SKT PY SB 1040 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0298-1159041.Xml Israel's BrainStorm Cell Therapeutics is seeking early approval in Canada for its adult stem cell treatment for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a neuro-degenerative disease, even before it completes late-stage clinical trials.BrainStorm said today that it had signed an agreement with CCRM, a Canadian not-for-profit organisation that supports development of regenerative medicine, to support a market authorisation request for its ALS treatment, called NurOwn.CCRM is helping BrainStorm meet requirements for the Canadian health regulator's early access pathway, which provides rapid review for drugs to treat serious or life-threatening conditions.If NurOwn qualifies, it could be authorised in Canada for distribution by the start of 2018, the company said."We seemingly fit the criteria," BrainStorm Chief Executive Chaim Lebovits told Reuters.At the same time, BrainStorm will conduct a Phase 3 clinical trial for NurOwn at multiple sites in the United States and Israel. The company in December said the advanced clinical trial is expected to begin enrolling patients in the second quarter of 2017.BrainStorm also plans to submit an application in Israel that will allow patient access to NurOwn as a treatment that has been granted "Hospital Exemption". This recently approved pathway would permit BrainStorm to partner with a medical centre in Israel and be allowed to treat patients with NurOwn for a fee.Lebovits foresees possible treatments under this pathway as early as the second half of 2017.BrainStorm is also examining whether it may be eligible for early approval in the United States under new legislation passed in December that supporters say will speed access to new drugs.According to the ALS Association, 5,600 people in the United States are diagnosed each year with the disease, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease, which has severely disabled British physicist Stephen Hawking. REUTERS JW PM1040 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1159057.Xml Chinese authorities have ordered all motor vehicles in Bayingol prefecture in far-western Xinjiang to be installed with mandatory satellite tracking devices, the latest tough anti-terror measure targeting the ethnically divided region.China has been stepping up already tight security in restive Xinjiang after a rise in violence in recent months.Hundreds have been killed in Xinjiang in the past few years, mostly in unrest between the Muslim Uighur people, who call the region home, and the ethnic majority Han Chinese. Beijing blames the unrest on Islamist militants."Cars are the main transportation means for terrorists, and are also a frequently chosen tool to carry out terrorist attacks," the Bayingol traffic police said in a post on its official Weibo microblog account on February 4.All vehicles will be required by June 30 to install GPS-style tracking devices connected to China's proprietary Beidou navigation satellite, "so they can be tracked wherever they go", the state-run Global Times reported today.It would also help car owners to find their vehicles quickly if they are stolen by terrorists, the report said.Cars not fitted with the devices will be unable to buy petrol at service stations in Bayingol, nor be resold on the second-hand market.Remote and sparsely populated Bayingol occupies a huge part of southeast Xinjiang, although much of the violence has been concentrated further away near Kashgar and Hotan in the southern Uighur heartland.The government has blamed much of the unrest on separatist Islamist militants, although rights groups and exiles say anger at tightening Chinese controls on the religion and culture of Muslim Uighurs is more to blame.China routinely denies any repression in Xinjiang.Violence has continued to flare particularly in the more remote southern regions of Xinjiang, although accounts are difficult to verify independently and exiles and rights groups suspect incidents are underreported.Last week, Chinese security forces in the regional capital of Urumqi and the Uighur hub of Hotan staged large-scale anti-terror rallies, parading thousands of armed police and paramilitary, as well as dozens of armoured vehicles, through city streets.Last week, three knife-wielding attackers were shot dead after killing five people in Pishan County, in Hotan prefecture.In December, five people were killed when attackers drove a vehicle into a government building, with police shooting dead the three perpetrators. REUTERS JW PM1110 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1159091.Xml US President Donald Trump named Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond McMaster as his new national security adviser, choosing a military officer known for speaking his mind and challenging his superiors.McMaster is a highly regarded military tactician and strategic thinker, but his selection surprised some observers who wondered how the officer, whose Army career stalled at times for his questioning of authority, would deal with a White House that has not welcomed criticism."He is highly respected by everybody in the military and we're very honored to have him," Trump told reporters yesterday in West Palm Beach where he spent the weekend. "He's a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience."One subject on which Trump and McMaster could soon differ is Russia. McMaster shares the consensus view among the US national security establishment that Russia is a threat and an antagonist to the United States, while the man whom McMaster is replacing, retired Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, appeared to view it more as a potential geopolitical partner.Trump in the past has expressed a willingness to engage with Russia more than his predecessor, Barack Obama.Flynn was fired as national security adviser on February 13 after reports emerged he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about speaking to Russia's ambassador to the United States about US sanctions before Trump's inauguration.The ouster, coming so early in Trump's administration, was another upset for a White House that has been hit by miscues, including the controversial rollout of a travel ban on people from seven Muslim-majority countries, since the Republican president took office on January 20.The national security adviser is an independent aide to the president and does not require confirmation by the US Senate. The role has varied from administration to administration, but the adviser attends National Security Council meetings along with the heads of the State Department, the Department of Defense and key security agencies.Republican Senator John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a frequent Trump critic, praised McMaster as an "outstanding" choice."I give President Trump great credit for this decision," McCain said in a statement.A former U.S. ambassador to Russia under Obama, Michael McFaul, a Democrat, praised McMaster on Twitter as "terrific" and said McMaster "will not be afraid to question his boss."Trump also named Keith Kellogg, a retired US Army general who has been serving as the acting national security adviser, as chief of staff to the National Security Council. John Bolton, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, will serve the administration in another capacity, Trump said.Kellogg and Bolton were among those in contention as Trump spent the long Presidents Day weekend considering his options for replacing Flynn. His first choice, retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward, turned down the job last week.McMaster, 54, is a West Point graduate known as "H.R.," with a PhD in US history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was listed as one of Time magazine's 100 most influential people in 2014, partly because of his willingness to buck the system.A combat veteran, he gained renown in the first Gulf War - and was awarded a Silver Star - after he commanded a small troop of the US 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment that destroyed a much larger Iraqi Republican Guard force in 1991 in a place called 73 Easting, for its map coordinates, in what many consider the biggest tank battle since World War Two.As one fellow officer put it, referring to Trump's inner circle of aides and speaking on condition of anonymity, the Trump White House "has its own Republican Guard, which may be harder for him to deal with than the Iraqis were." The Iraqi Republican Guard was the elite military force of ousted dictator Saddam Hussein.Trump relies on a tight, insular group of advisers, many of whom zealously guard access to the president, and at times appear to have competing political agendas. Senior adviser Steve Bannon has asserted his influence by taking a seat on the National Security Council.McMaster's fame grew after his 1997 book "Dereliction of Duty" criticized the country's military and political leadership for poor leadership during the Vietnam War.Trump's pick was praised by one of the president's strongest backers in the US Congress, Republican Senator Tom Cotton, who called McMaster "one of the finest combat leaders of our generation and also a great strategic mind. He is a true warrior scholar, and I'm confident he will serve both the president and the country well."In a July 14, 2014, interview with the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer in Columbus, Georgia, where Fort Benning is located, McMaster, then the base commander, said: "Some people have a misunderstanding about the Army."Some people think, hey, you're in the military and everything is super-hierarchical and you're in an environment that is intolerable of criticism and people don't want frank assessments."I think the opposite is the case. ... And the commanders that I've worked for, they want frank assessments, they want criticism and feedback."That attitude was not always shared by his superiors, and it led to his being passed over for promotion to brigadier general twice, in 2006 and 2007.On McMaster's third and last try, General David Petraeus who took himself off the list last week for Trump's national security adviser returned from Iraq to head the promotion board that finally gave McMaster his first general's star.Then a colonel, McMaster was commander of the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment that in the spring of 2005 captured, held and began to stabilize Tal Afar on the Iraqi-Syrian border.The city was held by Sunni extremists, a crossing point between Syria and Iraq for jihadists who started as al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia under Abu Musab al-Zarqawi and morphed into Islamic State after he was killed.McMaster's preparation of the regiment is legendary: He trained his soldiers in Iraqi culture, the differences among Sunnis, Shiites and Turkomen, and had them read books on the history of the region and counterinsurgency strategy.It was a sharp change from the "kill and capture" tactics the United States had used in Iraq since the invasion in March 2003, and to which the Obama administration returned in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria.The strategy was largely a success, although McMaster's use of it and especially his willingness to acknowledge that Iraqis had some legitimate grievances against one another and the occupying coalition forces, did not endear him to his superiors and helped delay his promotion to brigadier general.The strategy did not survive the departure of McMaster's troops, with Tal Afar falling into the hands of Sunni militants. Along with the west part of Mosul, it is now a key objective in the battle to rid Iraq of Islamic State.REUTERS SDR 0625 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0431-1158969.Xml Sales witnessed a major dip though traders are offering big discounts after the recent terror attacks that left about 100 people, including women and children, dead and hundreds injured. Alarming 'alert' messages from unknown sources spread fear, depress sales across Pakistan. Sealing of border with Afghanistan has also added to the difficulties of traders who were exporting goods to the neighbouring country. The recent terrorist attack have cast a pall of gloom in markets across Pakistan, local media reports said today. The reports said that major markets and shopping malls in all major cities including Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta wore a deserted look Saturday onwards, with unknown SMS and WhatsApp alert messages, some wrongly attributed to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), warning citizens to stay away from crowded places. Traders in various markets of Karachi complained of depressed sales since the fresh wave of firing, cracker blasts and suicide attacks. Chairman All Karachi Tajir Itehad (AKTI) Atiq Mir said that viral SMS and WhatsApp alert messages attributed to the ISPR are scaring people and affecting sales, The Dawn reported today.More UNI XC RP1557 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1159446.Xml Leila de Lima's call comes after former police officer Arturo Lascanas accused Duterte of activating death squads and hiring contract killers to kill off detractors during his tenure as the Mayor of Davao, Efe news reported. The Senator, among the staunchest critics of the Duterte-led government, called upon the Cabinet to save the country from a "criminal" President, who she claimed was incapable of running the country. The Senator said that following Lascanas' confessions, there was no more doubt that Duterte is a "sociopath" and "serial killer", and urged the public to voice their outrage and hold him accountable. She attacked Duterte over the large number of people killed by the Davao death squad, and the more than 7,000 extra-judicial executions that have taken place during the first seven months of the President's anti-drug war. De Lima also criticised the anti-drug campaign for causing more deaths than during the 1972-81 period when dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law. She claimed that Duterte was the "biggest criminal" in the country, if not the entire world. --IANS ksk/dg ( 209 Words) 2017-02-21-16:10:07 (IANS) It contended that law does not permit such operations during which over 100 terrorists were killed and a large number arrested since February 16 when a suicide attack on Sufi shrine Lal Shahbaz Qalander in Sehwan town of Sindh province left 88 dead and hundreds injured. The NGO 'Shuhada Foundation Trust' (SFT) also requested the court to direct the respondent authorities to provide a list of those killed and apprehended during the operations launched after the recent wave of terrorist onslaughts in the country. The SFT filed the petition in the Islamabad High Court (HC) and challenged the legality of the ongoing operation launched by law enforcement agencies against terrorism suspects. The petition, filed by Advocate Tariq Asad, on behalf of SFT, associated with Lal Masjid, where the Pakistani army conducted an operation in July 2007 and killed more than 40 suspected militants, submitted that the law does not permit such offensives and made the secretaries of defence and interior ministries as respondents. It said the respondent authorities should also be restrained from arresting citizens in violation of the law. The petition said that on February 13, 2017, a terrorist attack in front of the Punjab Assembly in Lahore left 15 people, including top police officials, dead and Jamaatul Ahrar, a faction of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed the responsibility. On February 16, terrorists targeted the shrine at Sehwan in Sindh in which 88 devotees were killed. The victims, included women and children, while hundreds were wounded. However, as per Pakistani authorities, the attack was orchestrated from Afghanistan where the militant group operated its sanctuaries, the petition said.More UNI XC RP1615 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0421-1159443.Xml China on Tuesday said it hoped the US will contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea as an American aircraft carrier strike group began patrolling the region. "China always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight of all countries in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, but we oppose those who threaten and harm the sovereignty and security of coastal countries under the pretext of freedom of navigation and overflight," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang at a daily press briefing. Geng made the remarks while responding to reports that the US aircraft carrier strike group, including Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, began routine operations in the South China Sea on February 19, Xinhua news agency reported. The situation in the South China Sea is becoming more stable under the joint efforts of both China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), Geng said. "We hope relevant countries, especially those outside the region, can respect the efforts made by China and the Asean, maintain the good situation, and do more things that are helpful for peace and stability in the South China Sea," Geng said. The patrolling came after China's Foreign Ministry on February 16 warned the US against challenging Beijing's sovereignty in the region. --IANS ksk/dg ( 227 Words) 2017-02-21-17:42:07 (IANS) European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Tuesday warned that Britain would pay a "very hefty" bill for its leaving out of the bloc. Juncker said the EU will seek payment from Theresa May's government to cover existing spending commitments made by Britain, the Independent reported. "The British should know this, they know this already, that it will not be at a discount or at zero cost. The British must respect commitments they were involved in making," he told the Belgian Parliament. "So the bill will be, to put it a bit crudely, very hefty." Juncker said Britain would need years to negotiate any future trade deals with the EU after quitting the bloc. "To agree on the future architecture of relations between the United Kingdom and the European Union, we will need years," he added. Discussions are underway in Brussels on the size of the bill to be presented to the British Prime Minister when she launches withdrawal talks, with several reports suggesting the demand may be as high as 51 billion pounds ($63 billion) over the next six years. Brussels' position is that withdrawal arrangements - including the "exit bill" - must be agreed before moving on to potentially lengthy negotiations over future trade relations. The European Commission had told Britain there can be no membership of the European single market without freedom of movement for workers - a key issue for many people who voted for Brexit, the Independent said. "We need to settle our affairs not with our hearts full of a feeling of hostility, but with the knowledge that the continent owes a lot to the UK," Juncker added. His comments came during the second day of the House of Lords debate on the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill. The legislation, which would allow May to trigger the formal two-year Brexit process, already cleared the House of Commons unamended with big majorities. --IANS soni/dg ( 327 Words) 2017-02-21-19:18:08 (IANS) The government wants an end to sporadic attacks in the province, which it blames on Islamist militants. According to BBC, a police statement said cars are the main means of transport for terrorists. Drivers in the Bayingol area who refuse to install the system will not be allowed to buy fuel. Xinjiang has seen a series of bombings and knife attacks over recent years, which the government blames on separatist elements of the region's large Muslim Uighur population. Rights groups say the violence is due to the tight controls by the government on Uighurs' religion and culture. The government denies any repression. The vehicle-tracking programme will use China's homegrown Beidou satellite navigation system, which was launched to reduce reliance on the US's global positioning system (GPS). It would also help car owners to find their vehicles quickly if they are stolen by terrorists, the state-run Global Times newspaper said. Security in the region has been further increased after five people were killed by three assailants in a knife attack last week. --IANS gsh/vm ( 215 Words) 2017-02-21-20:58:18 (IANS) In a meeting with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, the country's top diplomat, Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar said India attached great importance to its relationship with China and will strengthen dialogue and cooperation with China to further the bilateral ties. Yang called for stronger ties between the two neighbours, Xinhua news agency reported. Yang said China is willing to work with India to implement the consensus reached by the two countries' leaders, maintain high-level exchanges and enhance strategic communication and practical cooperation, according to a press release. Jaishankar is in Beijing to co-chair the China-India strategic dialogue with China's Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui Wednesday. India is likely to raise the issue of China blocking the ban on Pakistani terrorist Masood Azhar, among other issues. China's opposition to India's bid for Nuclear Suppliers' Group membership is also expected to figure in the meet when Jaishankar meets Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui in Beijing on Wednesday. New Delhi is expected to try and persuade Beijing not to roadblock its bid for the NSG membership and as well as its proposal to have Jaish-e Mohamed chief Masood Azhar branded as an international terrorist. On the other hand, China is likely to raise the issue of the Dalai Lama and India inviting Taiwanese lawmakers, among others. --IANS gsh/vm ( 258 Words) 2017-02-21-21:32:07 (IANS) Syrian government warplanes carried out several air strikes against towns in mostly rebel-held Idlib today after insurgents fired on two besieged Shi'ite villages in the province, a pro-Damascus media outlet and war monitors said.The air strikes killed at least six people and wounded 21 others in Maarat Misreen, and left several injured in nearby Binnish, just a few kilometres (miles) from Idlib city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.A military media outlet run by Syrian government ally Hezbollah said the jets had targeted the two towns in response to rebels repeatedly targeting civilians in the two neighbouring Shi'ite-majority villages, al-Foua and Kefraya.The British-based Observatory said insurgent sniper fire had killed at least three people around al-Foua and Kefraya in the last two days.The violence came ahead of planned peace talks this week in Geneva. The run-up to the talks, which are to take place nearly two months into a shaky ceasefire, has been tarnished by intensifying violence in the west of the country.Each side has accused the other of violations of the truce, which was brokered on December 30 by Damascus ally Russia and rebel backer Turkey.Al-Foua and Kefraya, most of whose residents are Shi'ite, have long been a flashpoint area. They are under government control but surrounded by insurgents.Rebels accused Damascus's Shi'ite ally Iran of holding up a deal to evacuate the last rebel-held areas of northern city Aleppo last year by insisting people in turn be allowed to leave the two villages. REUTERS SHS RJ BL2329 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0329-1160343.Xml BEIJING, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday called for the improving of the supply-side structure to boost the quality of the Chinese economy. Xi made the remarks during the 38th collective study held by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. He said that pressing ahead with supply-side structural reform was an inevitable choice for developing the Chinese economy, which had entered the "new normal," and was a strategy that had to be established for China's macroeconomic management. Xi said that China had to improve the supply-side structure, starting with production to boost the quality and efficiency of the supply system, expand effective and medium-to-high-end supply, and increase the supply-side structure's adaptability to changes in demand, so the Chinese economy could move forward with improved quality, efficiency, equality and sustainability. He said that currently constraints on China's economic development were mainly structural problems, existing in both supply and demand, adding that the main problem was on the supply side. "To advance supply-side structural reform, China had to handle well the relationship between government and market," Xi said. "A major principle in promoting the reform is to let market play the decisive role in resource allocation and better play the role of government." He said that the relationship between short term and long term also had to be well handled, stressing the importance of resolving existing prominent problems and building a long-term system and nurturing medium-to-long-term engines for economic growth. "The relationship between addition and subtraction should also be well handled," Xi said. He highlighed the need to cut low-end and non-effective supply, which includes cutting production capacity, destocking, and deleveraging. Expanding effective and medium-to-high-end supply was also important, he said, including improving weak links, boosting the people's living standards, accelerating the development of new technologies, industries and products, Xi also stressed the importance of handling the relationship between supply and demand, the two basic aspects of the market economy. Chen Dongqi, a researcher with the Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission, delivered a lecture at the collective study and offered policy suggestions. Enditem NAIROBI, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudanese army (SPLA) on Monday dismissed allegations of tribalism leveled against it by former top officials who resigned last week. SPLA spokesman Brigadier Lul Ruai Koang told journalists in Juba that the army courts were not applying double standards in prosecuting those believed to have committed rapes, killings and looting of property during especially the renewed July clash, last year. "There are no sacred cows in SPLA when it comes to application of punitive measures and in fact, before and July 2016, 72 out of 82 SPLA officers, noncommissioned officers and men punished for war crimes were from Dinka ethnic group," he revealed. This came after two high ranking military officers overseeing the army's military courts quit and authored a critical dossier exposing the ethnic favouritism afforded to President Salva Kiir and Army chief Paul Malong's Dinka tribe officers where the former allegedly exempted them from prosecution. Brigadier General Henry Oyai Ngago, former Director for military justice and Colonel Khalid Ono Loki, the former head of military courts, became the latest officers to quit after the elite Lt. General Thomas Cirilo Swaka, the former Deputy Head of logistics resigned from the SPLA over similar allegations of tribalism and abating of crimes committed against non-Dinka tribes. "SPLA is not a tribal army. In fact, those officers who had defected are going to be part and parcel of purely tribal outfits that is Agullek, SPLA-IO. To the contrary SPLA has more national composition and outlook," Koang added in a statement. The renegade officers also accused the army of deliberating fanning ethnic killings in mostly Equatoria and Upper Nile regions where fighting is still ongoing between SPLA-in opposition (SPLA-IO) and SPLA forces. They added that the SPLA was illegally arresting civilians and subjecting them to torture in detention cells, hence reinforcing various human rights reports by the UN documenting heinous atrocities committed in Yei South West of the capital and in northern towns of Malakal and Bentiu. "On arrest of civilians, let them provide us with lists of civilians currently in military detention facilities and the leadership will not hesitate to look into circumstances under which they were arrested," Koang said. Koang also denied allegations of deliberate recruitment of child soldiers in the rank and file of the SPLA. "We challenge concerned bodies/institutions to go on fact finding mission to SPLA divisions in order to confirm for themselves that we have no child soldiers in our rank and files," he added. South Sudan has been shattered by civil war that broke out in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. Machar denied the accusation but then mobilized a rebel force. A peace deal signed in August 2015 led to the formation of a transitional unity government in April, but was again devastated by fresh violence in July 2016. Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have been killed, with over 2 million displaced and another 4.6 million left severely food insecure, since December 2013. Enditem LONDON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- MPs (members of the Parliament) in Britain's House of Commons debated Monday the proposed state visit by U.S. President Donald Trump. As politicians discussed the proposed state visit, shouts and noise from a "Stop Trump" rally taking place in London's in Parliament Square could be heard inside the Houses of Parliament. It followed a petition to parliament signed by 1.85 million people calling for Prime Minister Theresa May's invitation to Trump to be withdrawn. A second petition, signed by more than 300,000 people supported a state visit to Trump during which Queen Elizabeth would host a state banquet. MP Paul Flynn said only two U.S. presidents have been granted a state visit since 1952, but within seven days of Trump becoming president he had been invited to a state visit. Flynn described this as extraordinary and completely unprecedented. Emotions ran high among MPs who supported the visit and those backing opposition to the red carpet being rolled out for Trump. A number of MPs said Trump should have been invited to an official visit, a step down from a state visit. Conservative James Cartlidge said removing the invitation for a state visit will make Britain a "laughing stock" and would damage Britain's national interests. Labour MP Liam Byrne predicted that the level of protests "taking place in Parliament Square tonight" will look like a tea-party compared to the likely protests when Trump arrives in London. But the Foreign Office Minister Sir Alan Duncan said a state visit was part of plans for strengthening bilateral relations with the United States. Despite the petition, the second biggest since parliamentary petitions were introduced, there is no obligation on the government to act. U.S. President Donald Trump (C) gestures to media before boarding Marine One departing for Andrews Air Force Base en route to West Palm Beach, Florida, at White House in Washington D.C.,the United States, Feb. 3, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) By Xinhua Writer Xu Jianmei WASHINGTON, Feb.20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump now has been in White House for a whole month since he was inaugurated on Jan. 20, and it seems like an almost daily tug-of-war between Magic Realism and Hallucinatory Realism in the country. Magic Realism means using magic ways to describe the reality, while Hallucinatory Realism means using realistic ways to describe an illusion. Both terms are fiction genres. From views of most U.S. mainstream media and Trump's protesters, the past 30 days were full of protests, chaos, scandals, disarrays, division, confusion and frustration from inside and outside America. But from views of Trump, his White House aides and his supporters, the newly-inaugurated president is loyal to his campaign pledges, very effective and has done a "wonderful job". Monday is a federal holiday called President's Day, memorizing first U.S. Persident George Washington's birthday. On this ocassion, tens of thousands of protesters held "Not my President's Day" demonstrations in Washington D.C., New York, Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles and some other U.S. cities. The new outcry follows Women's March on Jan. 21, nationwide protests over his court-frozen travel ban on global refugees and certain immigrants after his first week in presidency, as well as "Day without Immigrants" closing down by many schools, shops and restaurants across the country days ago. Meanwhile, Trump tries to show his popularity among Republican supporters. Over the weekend, estimated 9,000 people attended his first campaign-style rally since inauguration at a hangar in southeastern state of Florida, hailing Trump when he announced his first month in presidency has already made "incredible progress". A Gallup poll over the weekend finds Trump's 40 percent job approval is 21 points below the historic average for elected presidents around mid-February, while Rasmussen's latest Daily Presidential Tracking Poll gives Trump a 55 percent approval number. However, Trump's job approval ratings are low largely because few Democrats -- currently eight percent, evaluate the job he is doing positively. Among Republicans, he wins 87 percent approval rating, higher than the 83 percent historical average approval presidents have got from their party backers at this point, the Gallup poll shows. The Pew Research Center's latest survey suggests similar results -- only eight percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents approve Trump's job performance, the lowest rating for any new president from the opposing party in more than three decades, but 84 percent of Republicans and Republican leaners nod the way Trump is handling his job as president. The intensity of the public's views of Trump is also striking: fully 75 percent either approve or disapprove of Trump strongly, compared with just 17 percent who feel less strongly, the Pew poll finds. "In first month, views of Trump are already strongly felt, deeply polarized," the Pew report concluded. In the past month, the pro-or-against Trump tug of war has also rolled out in another magic or hallucinatory style, featuring the fierce fighting between the White House and most major media over fake news or "alternative facts". These news outlets say the size of Trump's inauguration crowd is much smaller than Barack Obama's in 2009, but White House spokesman Sean Spicer rebuked by calling it "the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration - period - both in person and around the globe." Numerous reports from U.S. media say the Trump administration was often in chaos and suffered from inside fights and classified information leakage, citing the forced resignation of Trump's National Security Adviser Michael Flynn partly as a result. And Trump, though slamming the leakers as "criminal", defended last week at his first White House press conference that his team was running like "a fine-tuned machine", blaming "fake media" for bringing down a loyal Flynn. Approaching the end of his first month in White House, Trump further blasted on Twitter that five U.S. major media organizations are "the enemy of the American people", which includes New York Times, NBC News, ABC, CBS and CNN. Again, Americans are found deeply divided over which side is honest. According to a new Fox News poll, 45 percent of U.S. voters trust the White House while 42 percent believed in news media. Trump backers praise the president for the embarking of Obamacare repeal, the official TPP withdrawal, the travel ban on refugees and certain immigrants, the crackdown on undocumented immigrants, the talk about building a wall along the Mexican border, Trump's pick of a new Supreme Court Justice nominee, and so on. In the eyes of those against Trump, the new president's administration is dysfunctional, crowded by billionaires and full of conflicts of interests, while most of his pledges are brags or lies. Many experts say that they can't see a pragmatic way leading to the fulfilment of many Trump's key campaign pledges. "Reality collides with Trump's promises," analyst Eli Stokols claimed in a report released by the Politico magazine. There occurs a serious question: Has the U.S. politics been plunged into somewhat magic realism or somewhat hallucinatory realism, or trapped at a point in between? If Americans can't agree with facts, what does it mean to the whole world? In this puzzled world, maybe what we can do is just "wait and see". BRASILIA, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's federal police submitted to the Supreme Court (STF) Monday a report that shows how former presidents Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and Dilma Rousseff had obstructed the anti-corruption Operation Lava Jato. The Operation Lava Jato, which unveiled the gigantic corruption ring within state oil company Petrobras, was investigating the former presidents for crimes of influence trafficking. Marlon Cajado, author of the report, recommended that both former presidents and former education minister, Aloizio Mercadante, be charged. For Rousseff, the charge relates to her appointment of Lula in March 2016 as her government's chief of staff, a position granting him immunity from all investigations except by the STF. The police report comes the same week that the STF is to sign off on the nomination of of Moreira Franco as secretary-general of the presidency, a position that provides the same protection from investigation. However, Franco has been mentioned 43 times by people already arrested within Operation Lava Jato as having benefited from corruption. Lula's defense team has stated there is no legal basis for the accusations and that Cajado had used "political communications media" to further the case and that Lula was a victim of political persecution by public officials. by Eric J. Lyman ROME, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Italy's most important political party moved closer to fracturing after former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi stepped down Sunday as the Democratic Party's general secretary, setting up a showdown between his allies and the party's old guard. The polarizing Renzi, who was prime minister for nearly three years ending in December, is looking to once again wear the prime minster's sash. But opposition to him is growing within the party, including key figures such as former Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema and Pier Luigi Bersani, who preceded Renzi as the party's general secretary. D'Alema, Bersani and other long-time party leaders have threatened to break away and form their own party, something some expert commentators said may be inevitable. "It's very difficult to imagine a scenario where the Democratic Party remains intact," Sergio Fabbrini, director of the School of Government at Rome's LUISS University, told Xinhua. Fabbrini said he expected the breakaway party to stay within the current government coalition under Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni, a Renzi supporter, until the end of the year so that the country's 2018 budget can be finalized. "Once the budget is finalized in October or November, the new party will withdraw, Gentiloni will have to step down, and then new elections will follow," Fabbrini said. If Renzi manages to secure the leadership of the Democratic Party as expected -- his resignation from that post on Sunday was a necessary precondition to his candidacy -- D'Alema, Bersani, and their allies would risk being left off the party's parliamentary list if they remained in the party. The general secretary -- Renzi in that scenario -- picks the party's candidates. But with their own party, those figures would be almost assured to return to parliament. And once they had a few parliamentary seats, they could enter into a coalition with whichever party won, meaning they would be in a position to take control of one or more government ministries and help dictate the government's priorities. "From the perspective of the Renzi critics, they have more options by creating their own party even if the party ends up winning only 2 or 3 percent of the vote," Arianna Montanari, an expert on the sociology of political phenomena with Rome's Sapienza University, said in an interview. There is still no consensus on whether the elections will ultimately happen this year or early in 2018, as scheduled. But the real question is who will come out ahead when the vote takes place. Pollsters report that the beleaguered Democratic Party has slightly more support than the anti-European Union Five-Star Movement, founded by comedian-turned-activist Beppe Grillo. But the Five-Star Movement would be favored if the Democratic Party splinters before the vote takes place. Regarding what would happen if the Five-Star Movement finished first but fell short of the 40-percent threshold that would give it bonus seats in the new parliament, Fabbrini said that party would get the first shot at forming a coalition. But Montanari said other parties would likely band together to make sure Grillo's allies would not be able to take power. "There are fears over what a Five-Star Movement government would mean for Italy and for the European Union," she said. WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- International Monetary Fund agreed to send back a mission to Greece to complete a review of Greece's economic reforms, an IMF spokesperson said on Monday. The announcement came after the Eurogroup meeting in Brussels, where Greece's international creditors agreed on the bailout review. "We welcome the Greek authorities progress to meet the requirements of the institutions in key areas," said the spokesperson. The review -- carried out by the European Commission, the European Central Bank, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) and the IMF -- has been on hold since last December when IMF's requirement of a substantial debt relief to Greece was refused by the European creditors. "More progress will be needed to bridge differences on other important issues, and it is too early to speculate about the prospect for reaching staff level agreement during this mission," said the IMF. A staff-level agreement on policy reform is a necessary condition for the successful conclusion of reviews and therefore for Greece to receive financial support consisting of 86 billion euros (91 billion U.S. dollars) in bailout funds. In its latest annual assessment of the Greek economy, the IMF said that Greece should deepen and accelerate reforms, which, together with further debt relief, are needed to allow the economy to return to a sustainable growth path. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Monday condemned "in the strongest terms" a terrorist attack at a market in Somalia's capital city of Mogadishu. On Sunday, a car bomb blasted at a busy market in Mogadishu, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 40 others. In a press statement, the 15-nation council called on all states to combat by all means threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts. "The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to support peace, stability and development in Somalia," said the statement. "They underlined that neither this nor any other terrorist attack would weaken that determination," it added. The attack came several days after Somalia elected its new president on Feb. 8. No group has yet claimed responsibility for it. U.S. President Donald Trump (C) gestures to media before boarding Marine One departing for Andrews Air Force Base en route to West Palm Beach, Florida, at White House in Washington D.C.,the United States, Feb. 3, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) By Xinhua Writer Xu Jianmei WASHINGTON, Feb.20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump now has been in White House for a whole month since he was inaugurated on Jan. 20, and it seems like an almost daily tug-of-war between Magic Realism and Hallucinatory Realism in the country. Magic Realism means using magic ways to describe the reality, while Hallucinatory Realism means using realistic ways to describe an illusion. Both terms are fiction genres. From views of most U.S. mainstream media and Trump's protesters, the past 30 days were full of protests, chaos, scandals, disarrays, division, confusion and frustration from inside and outside America. But from views of Trump, his White House aides and his supporters, the newly-inaugurated president is loyal to his campaign pledges, very effective and has done a "wonderful job". People take part in the "Not My Presidents Day" rally on Presidents Day in New York, the United States, on Feb. 20, 2017. Tens of thousands of people attended the rally to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) Monday is a federal holiday called President's Day, memorizing first U.S. Persident George Washington's birthday. On this ocassion, tens of thousands of protesters held "Not my President's Day" demonstrations in Washington D.C., New York, Baltimore, Chicago, Los Angeles and some other U.S. cities. The new outcry follows Women's March on Jan. 21, nationwide protests over his court-frozen travel ban on global refugees and certain immigrants after his first week in presidency, as well as "Day without Immigrants" closing down by many schools, shops and restaurants across the country days ago. Meanwhile, Trump tries to show his popularity among Republican supporters. Over the weekend, estimated 9,000 people attended his first campaign-style rally since inauguration at a hangar in southeastern state of Florida, hailing Trump when he announced his first month in presidency has already made "incredible progress". A Gallup poll over the weekend finds Trump's 40 percent job approval is 21 points below the historic average for elected presidents around mid-February, while Rasmussen's latest Daily Presidential Tracking Poll gives Trump a 55 percent approval number. However, Trump's job approval ratings are low largely because few Democrats -- currently eight percent, evaluate the job he is doing positively. Among Republicans, he wins 87 percent approval rating, higher than the 83 percent historical average approval presidents have got from their party backers at this point, the Gallup poll shows. The Pew Research Center's latest survey suggests similar results -- only eight percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents approve Trump's job performance, the lowest rating for any new president from the opposing party in more than three decades, but 84 percent of Republicans and Republican leaners nod the way Trump is handling his job as president. The intensity of the public's views of Trump is also striking: fully 75 percent either approve or disapprove of Trump strongly, compared with just 17 percent who feel less strongly, the Pew poll finds. Supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump shout slogans outside the site of "Not My Presidents Day" rally on Presidents Day in New York, the United States, on Feb. 20, 2017. Tens of thousands of people attended the rally to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) "In first month, views of Trump are already strongly felt, deeply polarized," the Pew report concluded. In the past month, the pro-or-against Trump tug of war has also rolled out in another magic or hallucinatory style, featuring the fierce fighting between the White House and most major media over fake news or "alternative facts". These news outlets say the size of Trump's inauguration crowd is much smaller than Barack Obama's in 2009, but White House spokesman Sean Spicer rebuked by calling it "the largest audience to ever witness an inauguration - period - both in person and around the globe." Numerous reports from U.S. media say the Trump administration was often in chaos and suffered from inside fights and classified information leakage, citing the forced resignation of Trump's National Security Adviser Michael Flynn partly as a result. And Trump, though slamming the leakers as "criminal", defended last week at his first White House press conference that his team was running like "a fine-tuned machine", blaming "fake media" for bringing down a loyal Flynn. Approaching the end of his first month in White House, Trump further blasted on Twitter that five U.S. major media organizations are "the enemy of the American people", which includes New York Times, NBC News, ABC, CBS and CNN. Again, Americans are found deeply divided over which side is honest. According to a new Fox News poll, 45 percent of U.S. voters trust the White House while 42 percent believed in news media. Trump backers praise the president for the embarking of Obamacare repeal, the official TPP withdrawal, the travel ban on refugees and certain immigrants, the crackdown on undocumented immigrants, the talk about building a wall along the Mexican border, Trump's pick of a new Supreme Court Justice nominee, and so on. In the eyes of those against Trump, the new president's administration is dysfunctional, crowded by billionaires and full of conflicts of interests, while most of his pledges are brags or lies. Many experts say that they can't see a pragmatic way leading to the fulfilment of many Trump's key campaign pledges. "Reality collides with Trump's promises," analyst Eli Stokols claimed in a report released by the Politico magazine. There occurs a serious question: Has the U.S. politics been plunged into somewhat magic realism or somewhat hallucinatory realism, or trapped at a point in between? If Americans can't agree with facts, what does it mean to the whole world? In this puzzled world, maybe what we can do is just "wait and see". People take part in the "Not My President's Day" rally on Presidents Day in New York, the United States, on Feb. 20, 2017. Tens of thousands of people attended the rally to protest against U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. (Xinhua/Wang Ying) By Xinhua writers Yang Shilong, Yuan Yue, NEW YORK, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Thousands of Americans took to the streets Monday across the country to protest the policies of President Donald Trump, turning this year's Presidents Day into "Not My President's Day". The federal holiday, celebrated on the third Monday of February, is originally in honor of the first president George Washington, and now serves as an occasion to honor all the presidents who have served the country. "HAPPY PRESIDENTS DAY - MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!" is what Trump, who has been in White House for just a month, tweeted at 6:33 AM Monday. Yet the new president might not be that happy in the day as a series of "Not My Presidents Day" rallies were held in major cities like Washington D.C., New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta. According to organizers of the rally, some 13,000 demonstrators who filled Central Park West in New York, chanted "This is what Democracy looks like," "Hey hey, ho ho, Donald Trump has got to go," and "No ban, no wall, the Trump regime has got to fall." "While we acknowledge that Donald Trump holds the current title, the policies he's trying to put in place are not the beliefs shared by the majority of the people," said Nova Calise, a television production manager and one of the organizers of New York event, "He (Trump) is not my president, the people did not elect him, he lost the popular vote by almost 3 million votes," college student Eliza told Xinhua. Most protestors shared Eliza's view by waving signs including "Worst President Ever", "Hate does not make America great", "What actually makes America great? immigrants, women...". They say Trump has attacked everything they stand for, from his crack down on immigration to his party's response to climate change and the environment. This made Olga Mangual, in her 60s, appeared very lonely in the crowds. Wearing a sign reading "I am a Trumpist", Mangual shouted pro-Trump slogans at her most. "I voted for him (Trump). I want him to put Americans first." Mangual told Xinhua. "I am not saying these people are wrong, but he is not a politician, he's made mistakes, let us give him a chance." Historically, protests against new presidents are not unusual, said David Meyer, a sociology professor at the University of California, Irvine, and author of "The Politics of Protest," in an interview with CNN. "What is unusual is the vigor, speed, size, and number of issues that they're challenging Trump on," Meyer said. "To have a sustained (protest), every weekend, every couple of days, and it's a different issue -- I've never seen anything like this before." Just a day earlier, about 1,000 people gathered in Times Square for the "I Am Muslim Too" rally in solidarity with the Muslim community in the city. SYDNEY, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Australian dollar creeped up slightly against the U.S. dollar on Tuesday, with political uncertainty still being pegged as the likely culprit. At the Asian open, one Australian dollar was buying 76.82 U.S. cents, a touch up from the 76.78 cents it was sitting at on Monday. Analysts remain sceptical on the currency market as the U.S. dollar dipped against many of the major currencies, with uncertainty in upcoming European elections in France, Germany and the Netherlands weighing on the markets. At 0809 local time AEDT, one Australian dollar was buying 76.84 U.S. cents. ISLAMABAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Afghanistan ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal has called for reduction of tension with Pakistan, after a series of recent terrorist attacks here killed over 100 people in just five days. Pakistan said that militants who claimed the attacks operated from the Afghan side of the border. Troops of the two countries also involved in cross-border rocketing in the past few days. Zakhilwal said he had a "very good meeting" with Pakistan Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and also had a "constrictive and positive talk" in the army headquarters from his return from Kabul on Monday. "I expect de-escalation of the current tension and the creation of a more positive environment for responding to each other's concerns in a cooperative manner," the ambassador said in a statement. He handed over a list of 32 "terrorist centers" which the terrorist groups use against Afghanistan to the Pakistani authorities. A statement said the list includes the names of 85 senior members and leaders of the Taliban and other terrorist groups who are responsible for "crimes against the Afghan people." "The initial response of the Pakistani authorities was positive this morning and we hope that the government of Pakistan takes practical steps in this regard," it said. Pakistan also handed over a list of most wanted terrorists to Afghan embassy officials after a deadly suicide attack in a shrine in Sehwan area in Sindh Province last week. Photo taken on Feb. 21, 2017 shows workers installing the first train of Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway project in Hanoi, Vietnam. First carriage of the train used for Vietnam's first urban railway Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line was hoisted in Vietnam's capital Hanoi at the dawn on Tuesday. (Xinhua/Le Yanna) HANOI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- First carriage of the train used for Vietnam's first urban railway Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line was hoisted in Vietnam's capital Hanoi at the dawn on Tuesday. The 13-km Cat Linh-Ha dong Line is constructed by the 6th bureau of China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC). The first train, which contains four carriages, started its travel from Beijing on Jan. 20 and arrived Hanoi on Feb. 19, said Tang Hong, the general manager of Overseas Company of CREC told Xinhua, adding that the Chinese-made train applied with Chinese standards and technology. Although it was raining, the process of hoisting and installing the train attracted more than a hundred Vietnamese journalists and Hanoi citizens. With the announcement of the successful installment of the first carriage, a chorus of claps began. "The construction of the urban railway, as a symbol of Sino-Vietnam friendship, will ease up the traffic jam obsessed by Hanoi citizens", claimed Tang. According to Tang, the other three carriages of the train will be hoisted and installed later this week, waiting to be tried when the electricity is connected later this year. The remaining 12 trains purchased by the project will arrive in Hanoi following the appropriate conditions. by Zheng Jianghua BRUSSELS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence in his first diplomatic foray to Brussels tried to allay the doubts of the European Union over the new U.S. administration's stance toward it. However, whether the EU would buy it remains unclear. European Council President Donald Tusk said he raised "three key matters," namely international order, security and the attitude of the new U.S. administration toward the EU, during his meeting with Pence, and got all positive answers. However, as new U.S. President Donald Trump has dubbed the EU as a "vehicle for Germany," hailed Brexit as a great thing and branded NATO as "obsolete," the EU is not 100 percent sure that Pence could be really "on behalf of President Trump," as he claimed. In addition, the Trump administration's demand for defense burden-sharing ran into a heavy flak from the EU leadership. Although Pence in his speech at the Munich Security Conference last week reaffirmed an unwavering U.S. support to NATO, he stood the new U.S. administration's ground that NATO members should rachet up their spending on defense to 2 percent of gross domestic product. Otherwise the United States would modulate its commitment to its allies' security, he warned. This "carrot and stick" approach ruffled the EU's feathers. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has reportedly said on the sidelines of the Munich conference that the EU should not cave in to U.S. pressure, arguing that EU's investment in development and humanitarian aid should be also seen as an investment in security. Echoing Juncker's views, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini questioned whether increasing military capabilities is the only way to enhance security. Stressing a "European way," Mogherini argued in Munich that "when you invest in development, when you invest in the fight against climate change, you also invest in our own security." Moreover, Mogherini threatened that the EU would go its own way."This means that the European Union is working to do more on its defense as European Union -- not to mix with the NATO one," she said, adding that the EU is putting in place a European defense fund that will support member states' cooperative defense spending. It's obvious that the U.S. assertiveness on NATO's burden-sharing has triggered such a strong backlash that the EU is mulling an independent defense, ditching its longstanding American ally. Adding fuel to fire, Trump's "America first" policies would embroil the EU into a possible trade conflict. After taking office, Trump vowed to put in place "America first" policies and adopt tough measures against those countries who have large trade surpluses with the United States. As a result, Germany, which has a goods trade surplus of 64.8 billion U.S dollars with America, became a major target of Trump. Given Trump's attack on Germany over "manipulating the euro" and German Chancellor Angela Merkel's tit-for-tat attitude, a trade conflict, if not a trade war, is likely. A brawl between Berlin and Germany, the EU's bellwether, will certainly affect other EU countries. There is a danger that the Trump administration is ditching the 70-year-old tradition of transatlantic relations based on common values. The EU would be definitely keen on Trump's deeds than Pence's words. SYDNEY, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Australian petroleum giant Caltex reported their full year results on Tuesday, with a full year historic profit after tax of 610 million Australian dollars (468.82 U.S. million), up from 522 million Australian dollars in the previous year. Caltex was, however, down on replacement cost operating profit, or the profits after replacing inventory sold, which was 524 million Australian dollars, down from the 2015 full year result of 628 million Australian dollars. The petrol giant also had its struggles with supply volume, with the company posting a 2 percent decrease in total petrol volume to 5.9 billion litres, which it attributes to general market decline and a renewed focus on premium fuel options, while their diesel volumes were also flat at 7.2 billion litres. There were bright spots in the results, with the company improving its net debt position over the year to 454 million Australian dollars, down from 693 million Australian dollars in June. But Caltex reiterated that two transactions which will be debt-reliant, their purchases of Milemaker and Gull New Zealand, will be funded through the accruance of debt. Caltex will pay a fully franked dividend of 1.02 Australian dollars per share, down from the 1.17 Australian dollars paid last year. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said that he "learned with shock and sadness" of the news of the sudden passing Vitaly Churkin, the Russian permanent representative to the United Nations. SEOUL, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's exports continued to recover in the first 20 days of February due mainly to strong demand for locally-made semiconductors, customs data showed on Tuesday. Exports reached 27.7 billion U.S. dollars in the Feb. 1-20 period, up 26.2 percent from the same period of last year, according to the Korea Customs Service. The exports, which account for about half of the economy, kept its recovery trend after rebounding 2.5 percent in November last year. The growth rate rose from 6.4 percent in December to 11.2 percent in January. Robust demand for chips led the rapid exports growth. Shipments of semiconductors surged 51.5 percent, with those for oil products and automobiles posting a double-digit increase. More business days this month compared with a year earlier also contributed to the export expansion. The lunar New Year holidays move to January this year from February last year. Daily exports averaged 1.79 billion dollars during the Feb. 1-20 period, up 9.9 percent from a year ago. Exports to China, South Korea's biggest trading partner, surged 36.7 percent, with those to Vietnam, the European Union and Japan also recording a double-digit increase. Shipments to the United States rose 4.7 percent. WELLINGTON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand and Australian troops have trained their first group of Iraqi police officers at their joint training base in Iraq, the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) said Tuesday. About 1,900 members of the Iraqi Federal Police had completed five weeks of basic combat training at Camp Taji, north of Baghdad, bringing to more than 20,000 the total number of Iraqi security forces trained by the joint training task group. The graduates comprised the first batch of police trained by Task Group Taji in the fight against Islamic State (Daesh) insurgents. "This is not just a training milestone," Major General Tim Gall, the Commander Joint Forces New Zealand, said in a statement. "The latest batch of trainees to march out now form part of stabilization forces who are working to ensure that the gains made against Daesh -- in Ramadi, Fallujah, east Mosul and other parts of Iraq -- are sustained," said Gall. The task force of about 100 New Zealand and 300 Australian troops was ensuring a steady flow of capable fighters to sustain the Iraqi military's counter-offensive against Daesh and keep the militants from regaining footholds in areas that had been cleared. New Zealand had been contributing troops to train Iraqi forces May 2015. The New Zealand government announced in June 2016 that it had extended the NZDF contribution to the training mission until November 2018. Small groups of the NZDF training and force protection teams were travelling for short periods to other secure training locations in Iraq. Since last November New Zealand soldiers had been training stabilization forces such as the Iraqi Border Guards in addition to the Iraqi Army. RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Brazilian federal police said former Presidents Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff, as well as former Education Minister Aloizio Mercadante, obstructed corruption investigations against them, O Estado de Sao Paulo daily reported Monday. The three officials were involved in the scandal revealed by the Carwash Operation, a federal police investigation that initially dealt with a corruption scheme at state-owned oil company Petrobras, but later grew to include corruption in other governmental contracts with private companies. According to the daily, federal police chief Marlon Oliveira Cajado dos Santos sent the report to Supreme Court Minister Edson Fachin, the rapporteur of the Carwash Operation cases in the court. In his report, Santos suggested that Lula, Rousseff and Mercadante be formally denounced for their alleged obstruction of justice. It is unclear whether the three politicians, if indicted, would enjoy the privilege of being tried by the Supreme Court. According to news outlet G1, Lula's defense team said the federal police's conclusion lacks legal basis, accusing Santos of persecuting the former president. Rousseff denied all the accusations against her, and her lawyer said the report only shows the chief's personal opinion on the case. China's icebreaker Xuelong harbours at McMurdo Sound which connects the Ross Sea to the north, Feb. 11, 2017. (Aerial photo provided to Xinhua by Zhu Lizhong and Li Wenjun) ANTARCTICA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- One week ago at dusk on research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong, Chinese researchers with the country's 33rd Antarctic expedition bid farewell to the Ross Sea, where they have surveyed over the past weeks for a new base that will be built in the coming years. After boarding a helicopter from the Inexpressible Island back to the deck of Xuelong at 9 p.m. Feb 13 local time, Chinese researchers finished the preliminary site selection for the country's 5th Antarctic research station near the Ross Sea. The Ross Sea, a deep bay in the Southern Ocean, is regarded as the least altered marine ecosystem on Earth, or a living laboratory that could possibly tell the life history of the Antarctica. Zhu Lizhong, researcher with China's 33rd Antarctic expedition, is conducting measurement with the help of a drone, Feb. 13, 2017. (Xinhua/Rong Qihan) Chinese scientists chose the Inexpressible Island, a small and rocky place in the Antarctica's Victoria Land, as the primary alternative for the new base during the 29th Antarctic expedition, and conducted comprehensive research and planning during the 30th and 32rd expeditions. This time, nine researchers selected five areas - the Inexpressible Island, the Cape Bird, the Marble Point, the Brown Peninsula and New Port Point - for further comparison in terms of their geology, flora and fauna, atmosphere and environmental conditions. The natural bay that has been found by Chinese researchers in southern Inexpressible Island, Feb. 13, 2017. (Aerial photo provided to Xinhua by Zhu Lizhong and Li Wenjun) A natural bay that is suitable for harbour building has been found in southern Inexpressible Island. Scientists also walked to the western part of the island to find out the possibility of building a blue ice runway. Meanwhile, scientists quantitatively estimated the number of penguins in the northern part of the island for the first time. Bird nests and habitats of seals have been marked, and the possible environmental impact has been assessed. Mount Erebus, located on Ross Island, is the second highest volcano in Antarctica, Feb. 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Rong Qihan) As a living laboratory, the Ross Sea is already home to five research stations belonging to the United States, New Zealand, Italy, the Republic of Korea and Germany respectively. China has built four research stations during its over 30 years of research on this land of snow and ice, with Changcheng and Zhongshan being the two perennial stations, and Taishan and Kunlun being the two summer stations. Scientists say a new perennial station in the area of the Ross Sea will provide a solid guarantee for China's research in the promising southwestern part. Icebreaker Xuelong at the southernmost point where a scientific research vessel has ever reached, Feb. 3, 2017. (Xinhua/Rong Qihan) Another breakthrough has been made during the expedition. On February 1 Beijing Time, Xuelong arrived at 7841'S, the southernmost point where a scientific research vessel has ever reached. There used to be no document or information about the hydrologic characteristics, the depth of water, or the submarine topography of this point in the Bay of Whales in the Ross Sea. That means every step here indicates a breakthrough. After gaining more than 20 samples from the east Ross Sea and the Ross Ice Shelf, researcher Chen Zhihua said that they hoped to find out the evolution of the environment, glacier, climate and ocean here in ancient times. Research vessel Xuelong is heading to Terra Nova Bay in Antarctica's Victoria Land, Feb. 3, 2017. (Xinhua/Rong Qihan) China's 33rd Antarctic expedition departed four months ago on Nov 2, and is scheduled to return to Shanghai on April 11. The expedition has a list of 72 tasks to perform including preliminary site selection for China's new base near the Ross Sea. Xuelong arrived at the Zhongshan station in eastern Antarctica in early December. After unloading at Zhongshan, Kunlun, and Taishan stations, the ship headed to Chile to resupply and then went to the Ross Sea to conduct site selection research. It will return to the Zhongshan station late February before departing home early March. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday that he "learned with shock and sadness" the news of the sudden death of Vitaly Churkin, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations. "Ambassador Churkin was a uniquely skilled diplomat, a powerful orator with great wit, and a man of many talents and interests," said Guterres in a statement issued Monday night. "Although we served together for a short time, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with him and will deeply miss his insights, skills and friendship." Guterres paid tribute to Churkin's contributions to the United Nations and offered condolences to his family, and to the Russian government and people. Describing the late Russian ambassador as an outstanding diplomat, the secretary-general noted that Churkin served his country "with distinction through some of the most challenging and momentous periods of recent history." For more than a decade, Churkin was "a forceful presence on the Security Council," said the statement. Peter Thomson, president of the UN General Assembly, and the UN Security Council respectively issued statements to mourn Churkin's death. Churkin died of an apparent heart attack in New York on Monday morning at the age of 64, just a day before his 65th birthday. Born on Feb. 21, 1952 in Moscow, Churkin served as ambassador-at-large at the Russian Foreign Ministry from 2003 to 2006, before his appointment as ambassador to the United Nations. He was Russian ambassador to Canada from 1998 to 2003, and to Belgium from 1994 to 1998. File photo taken on Sept. 25, 2016 shows Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin (Front) addressing United Nations Security Council during an emergency meeting on the situation in Syria, at the UN headquarters in New York. Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin has died in New York, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Feb. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- The sudden death of Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin Monday stunned the diplomatic community, staff of the UN secretariat and reporters. The 64-year-old veteran diplomat was the longest-serving ambassador on the 15-member UN Security Council, where he was known for his quick-witted debating skills and good humor. Churkin has been Russian permanent representative since 2006, who succumbed after an apparent heart attack in New York on the eve of his 65th birthday. President of the 71st session of the UN General Assembly Peter Thomson said that he was "greatly saddened" at the news of the passing of the Russian ambassador. Thomson, who described the late Russian envoy as a "dear friend," said in a statement by his spokesman that "the Russian Federation and the United Nations have lost a true son and a great international intellect." Members of the General Assembly stood for a moment of silence in memory of Churkin before an informal briefing on Sustainable Development Goals held in the Trusteeship Council Chamber. "The members of the Security Council were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ambassador Vitaly Churkin," an official statement issued late Monday said. "The members of the Security Council expressed their deep condolences to the family of the Ambassador, the Government and the people of the Russian Federation," it concluded. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was traveling in the Middle East and Europe so there was no immediate formal response, but, Farhan Haq, the deputy UN spokesman, was visibly and audibly surprised by an initial report of Churkin's death. "He has been such a regular presence here that I am actually quite stunned," Haq said. "Our thoughts go to his family, to his friends and to his government." The Russian foreign ministry said in a formal statement issued in Moscow, "A prominent Russian diplomat has passed away while at work. We'd like to express our sincere condolences to Vitaly Churkin's family." Meanwhile, most reactions to the sudden death of Moscow's envoy to the world organization came in a modern-day style of Twitter messages. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, Churkin's traditional rival, issued a brief statement. "In my short time at the United Nations, Ambassador Vitaly Churkin showed himself to be a gracious colleague," she tweeted. "We did not always see things the same way, but he unquestionably advocated his country's positions with great skill." "Devastated by passing of Russian UN Amb Vitaly Churkin. Diplomatic maestro & deeply caring man who did all he cld to bridge US-RUS differences," tweeted Samantha Power, former U.S. Ambassador to the world organization. "Absolutely devastated to hear that my friend & colleague Vitaly Churkin has died," tweeted British Ambassador Matthew Ryrcroft. Ambassador Gerard Araud of France to the United States and former French permanent representative to the United Nations, tweeted of Churkin, "An extraordinary colleague during my 5y in the UNSC. Abrasive, funny and technically impeccable. Sincere condolences." Born on Feb. 21, 1952 in Moscow, Churkin was ambassador-at-large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation from 2003 to 2006. He was his country's ambassador to Canada from 1998 to 2003, and to Belgium from 1994 to 1998 before he represented Russia at the United Nations in 2006. Enditem Photo shows the first carriage of the train arriving at Cat Linh - Ha Dong urban railway project in Vietnam's capital Hanoi on Feb.21, 2017. (Xinhua/Le Yanna) HANOI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- First carriage of the train used for Vietnam's first urban railway Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line was hoisted in Vietnam's capital Hanoi at the dawn on Tuesday. The 13-km Cat Linh-Ha dong Line is constructed by the 6th bureau of China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC). The first train, which contains four carriages, started its travel from Beijing on Jan. 20 and arrived Hanoi on Feb. 19, said Tang Hong, the general manager of Overseas Company of CREC told Xinhua, adding that the Chinese-made train applied with Chinese standards and technology. Although it was raining, the process of hoisting and installing the train attracted more than a hundred Vietnamese journalists and Hanoi citizens. With the announcement of the successful installment of the first carriage, a chorus of claps began. "The construction of the urban railway, as a symbol of Sino-Vietnam friendship, will ease up the traffic jam obsessed by Hanoi citizens", claimed Tang. According to Tang, the other three carriages of the train will be hoisted and installed later this week, waiting to be tried when the electricity is connected later this year. The remaining 12 trains purchased by the project will arrive in Hanoi following the appropriate conditions. SYDNEY, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- New research released on Tuesday, suggest that Australian online daters lower their standards when looking for a prospective mate, with many picking people who aren't even close to their listed desired traits. The research conducted by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) assessed 41,000 Australians between the ages of 18 and 80, and found major differences in what people said they wanted, and what they were willing to accept. QUT behavioural economist Stephen Whyte said people don't contact those who match what they say their "ideal partner" is, rather, the preferences they give are often being ignored. "Disclosure of ideal partner preferences is a widely offered and commonly used option for people creating a profile on online dating websites, but whether it's effective or useful in helping people find that special someone is unclear." Whyte said. "This study provides quite unique findings in that people may state a preference for an ideal partner but they are more than happy to initiate contact with potential love interests that bear no resemblance whatsoever to that 'Mr or Mrs Perfect'they initially think they prefer over all others," Whyte added. The study is the largest ever analysis of Australia's online dating scene, with 219,013 interactions of the 41,936 members of the dating website RSVP assessed. SYDNEY, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- It is bad news for Australian rabbits as the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries are set to release a killer virus on the state's population in March. Originating in China during the 1980's, Calicivirus will target the introduced species which have plagued farmers and caused great damage to much of Australia's native flora. With over 1, 000 sites to be baited, "all they need to do is put carrots out in places where rabbits feed, then the rabbits will come and eat the carrots and then trigger an outbreak," Department of Primary Industries project leader Tanya Cox said. This is not the first time an idea like this has been trialled. In the 1990's, authorities tested the validity of controlling rabbits by infecting the population on a small island off the coast of South Australia. As a result, the virus managed to escape its quarantine on the island and kill around 10 million rabbits in under 8 weeks, about 98 percent of the country's population. But since then the rabbits have returned, but authorities believe a new Korean strain of the Calicivirus called RHDV-K5, will have more targeted success. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries have urged rabbit owners to get their pets vaccinated before the virus is released. by Xinhua writer Liu Chen BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Forty-five years ago, then U.S. President Richard Nixon touched down in Beijing for a milestone visit to China, opening what he called a "week that changed the world." Forty-five years on, China-U.S. interaction has gone through its share of ups and downs, growing into one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world. What's more important, such an engagement has proved capable of navigating rough waters and keeping moving forward. Nixon's visit, starting Feb. 21, 1972, was one of the first steps -- and a decisive one -- in the budding rapprochement between China and the United States after more than two decades of estrangement in their history. Following the ice-breaking tour, Beijing and Washington officially established their diplomatic ties in 1979. Since then the two sides have become increasingly interdependent with ever deepening cooperation in such fields as economy, trade, investment, security, people-to-people exchanges and global battles against common threats. China is now America's largest trading partner and the third largest export market of U.S. goods after Canada and Mexico, according to a report from the U.S.-China Business Council. China's direct investments in the United States hit a record high of 45 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, marking a threefold increase from 2015. Robust bilateral trade and investment have supported some 2.6 million jobs in the United States. On every single day, more than 13,000 people travel across the Pacific, along with 1.6 billion dollars' worth of goods and services. Meanwhile, the two countries have unprecedented opportunities to work together in dealing with non-conventional global security challenges, such as terrorism, climate change and cyber security. Common interests and mutual benefits have long been the cornerstone for the steady and healthy development of the bilateral relations. In a phone conversation earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump told his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, that his country is ready to work with China to take bilateral ties to new historic heights. The call, the first of its kind between the two leaders since Trump's inauguration, helped ease tensions that the new U.S. leader had triggered by accepting a call from Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen and claiming that the one China policy was open for negotiation. In the "extremely cordial" conversation with Xi, Trump returned to the right track and stressed that Washington will honor the one China policy, the bedrock of the bilateral ties ever since the signing of the Shanghai Communique in 1972, a key outcome of Nixon's visit. Before leaving Washington for his China trip that year, Nixon told reporters at the airport that the United States and China "had great differences" and "will have differences in the future." Forty-five years later, differences remain, but with their cooperation reaching unprecedented levels and their ties enjoying ever higher levels of maturity, the United States and China are now better experienced and equipped to manage their divergence. What's more, in face of climate change, terrorism and a raft of other challenges threatening mankind as a whole, more and more nations around the globe are looking to the United States and China -- the world's top two economies and two heavyweight players on international affairs -- for solutions. Given that, the two countries need to carefully steer their relationship through the break-in period following the inauguration of the Trump administration and back into the smooth running mode as soon as possible. It is the expectation of both nations and the world at large that they build on the forward momentum they have gathered in bilateral interaction over the past 45 years and lift the China-U.S. ties onto higher levels. PHNOM PENH, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of 14 leading U.S. companies visited Cambodia to engage with government officials and other stakeholders on expanding U.S.-Cambodia trade and investment ties, said a U.S.-ASEAN Business Council press release on Tuesday. Led by Michael Michalak, regional managing director of the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council, the delegation is comprised of representatives of U.S. companies such as 3M, Chevron, Citi, Coca-Cola, ConocoPhillips, Dow, Ford, GE (General Electric), Herbalife, Elanco, MasterCard, Microsoft, RMA Group, and Visa, the press release said. It added that the delegation met with Health Minister Mam Bunheng, Mines and Energy Minister Suy Sem, Labor Minister Ith Samheng, Post and Telecommunications Minister Tram Iv Tak, Secretary General of the Council for the Development of Cambodia Sok Chenda Sophea, and Commerce Ministry Secretary of State Ok Boung, among others. "We have held productive discussions with our Cambodian counterparts and sought ways for U.S. companies to support Cambodia's economic development," said Michael Michalak. "Cambodia is among the fastest growing markets in the region and we see high potential of growth in the country, especially with regards to healthcare and power development," said Dararith Lim, director of market development at GE-Cambodia. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday that he "learned with shock and sadness" the news of the sudden death of Vitaly Churkin, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations. "Ambassador Churkin was a uniquely skilled diplomat, a powerful orator with great wit, and a man of many talents and interests," said Guterres in a statement issued Monday night. "Although we served together for a short time, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with him and will deeply miss his insights, skills and friendship." Guterres paid tribute to Churkin's contributions to the United Nations and offered condolences to his family, and to the Russian government and people. Describing the late Russian ambassador as an outstanding diplomat, the secretary-general noted that Churkin served his country "with distinction through some of the most challenging and momentous periods of recent history." For more than a decade, Churkin was "a forceful presence on the Security Council," said the statement. Also on Monday, former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said in a statement issued in Seoul, capital of South Korea, that he was "shocked and truly saddened" to learn of the passing of Churkin. "During my 10 years as secretary-general, it was a privilege to work with him and watch him represent the Russian Federation with such passion and dedication. He was an outstanding diplomat and an intellectual star," said Ban, who was succeeded by Guterres on Jan. 1 after his two five-year terms as the UN chief. "His diplomatic skills, quick wit, and ready sense of humor will long be remembered by those who knew him and by those who will study the history of the United Nations in the years to come," said Ban, adding that he extended his "deepest condolences" to the Russian government and, in particular, to Churkin's wife Irina and the rest of his family. Earlier Monday, Peter Thomson, president of the UN General Assembly, and the UN Security Council respectively issued statements to mourn Churkin's death. Churkin has been Russian permanent representative since 2006, who succumbed after an apparent heart attack in New York on the eve of his 65th birthday.` Born on Feb. 21, 1952 in Moscow, Churkin served as ambassador-at-large at the Russian Foreign Ministry from 2003 to 2006, before his appointment as ambassador to the United Nations. He was Russian ambassador to Canada from 1998 to 2003, and to Belgium from 1994 to 1998. Protesters take part in a rally in Los Angeles, the United States, Feb. 20, 2017. Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the City Hall here on Monday, also the Presidents' Day, as part of the nation-wide "Not My President's Day" rally to voice opposition against U.S. President Donald Trump. (Xinhua/Yang Lei) LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the City Hall here on Monday, also the President Day, as part of the nation-wide "Not My President's Day" rally to voice opposition against U.S. President Donald Trump. "We are here just to show the rest of the world that what made America great originally is still here and even if he (Trump) wants to change it, he can't," Scott Silver, a young protestor, told Xinhua at the rally. Holding signs with slogans such as "Love Trumps Hate" and "NO!," protesters chanted under drizzly skies "Not My President" "No Trump, No KKK" "No Ban, No Wall" and "This is what democracy looks like." "We are here to mourn the death of the presidency," Don Overland, another protester said to Xinhua, holding a sign reading "Taking America Backwards." The third Monday of February marks U.S. Presidents Day, a federal holiday that honors the country's famed statesmen like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. By protesting on this day, the participants hoped to send a message that they are not happy with Trump. "It is President's Day, and I am not a big fan of our current president," said a demonstrator calling himself Scott Silver. "I'm here to support the country, to support my fellow citizenship from traitor, fakeness, and lies, and possible Fascism," Beettina, a senior female protestor, told Xinhua. "We need to be out here support what we believe, democracy, facts, sciences and on and on and on." Despite the widespread dismay, Trump's supporters also had a saying as for the day. Robin Allweiss, a 56-year-old attorney from Tampa, Florida, was quoted by media as saying that Trump "relates to us. He gives us a feeling that he could be our father, our brother, he could be our cousin or our best friend, and that's what makes him so different." "He doesn't care what anybody thinks. What he wants to do is make America great again," said Allweiss. "Donald Trump cares about us. And no other president in the history of the United States, or even any foreign leader, has cared about his country as much as Donald Trump." Anti-Trump protests also erupted in nearby Pasadena region and Disneyland in Anaheim on Monday. Other U.S. major cities also witnessed "Not My President's Day" rallies on the same day, including New York, Chicago, Atlanta and Philadelphia. SEOUL, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Hyundai Motor Group, South Korea's biggest car manufacturer, on Tuesday broke away from the country's largest business lobby composed of conglomerates called chaebol here over the presidential scandal that fueled calls for the break-up of the lobby group. A Hyundai official told Xinhua that the company officially offered to abandon its membership of the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), a business community that speaks for over 600 big corporations. The official said other Hyundai affiliates, including Kia Motors, planned to leave the chaebol interest group. With Hyundai's withdrawal, all of top four South Korean conglomerates seceded from the FKI, which was set up in 1961. LG Group was the first to leave the FKI on Dec. 27, followed by Samsung Group and SK Group. The departures will put the survival of the FKI at risk as the top four chaebols accounted for around 77 percent of total membership dues as of 2015, according to local media reports. The FKI is suspected of brokering the donations by dozens of conglomerates to two nonprofit foundations, which President Park Geun-hye's longtime friend Choi Soon-sil used for personal gains. The corruption scandal led to President Park's impeachment. Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong is now in custody for multiple charges including bribery. The chaebol lobby is also accused of having offered money to conservative advocacy groups, which paid, in turn, elderly protesters attending the pro-government rallies at the request of the presidential Blue House. BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Nobel laureate Chen Ning Yang and Turing Award-winning computer scientist Andrew Chi-Chih Yao have given up their foreign citizenship and become Chinese citizens, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) announce Tuesday. The two scientists were formally hired as foreign academicians in accordance with the academy's regulations. BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Italian President Sergio Mattarella is scheduled to pay a state visit to China from Feb. 21 to Feb. 26 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The following is a brief profile of Mattarella. Mattarella, 76, was born in Palermo, the capital city of Sicily, an Italian island region. He got a Bachelor's degree in law at the University of Rome. His main area of expertise was in Constitutional laws. Mattarella has been a lawyer and a lecturer at a university before starting his political career. In 1983, Mattarella was elected a member of the House of Deputies, or the lower chamber, for the first time. He has served as the minister for parliamentary affairs, minister of education, vice premier, defense minister, and a judge on the Constitutional Court, respectively. He was elected president of Italy on Jan. 31, 2015. South Korean President Park Geun-hye bows during her speech to the nation at the presidential Blue House in Seoul, South Korea, Nov. 29, 2016. South Korean President Park Geun-hye said Tuesday that she will follow parliamentary decision including her shortened presidency. (Xinhua file photo/Blue House) SEOUL, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Korean special prosecutors on Monday said acting President Hwang Kyo-ahn has yet to respond to their calls over extending investigation into a corruption scandal that led to the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. South Korea's opposition parties urged Hwang to approve the extension while the ruling party said "it cannot be extended indefinitely." Also on Monday, the Constitutional Court urged Park to decide whether she will attend her final impeachment hearing. EXTENSION Lee Kyu-chul, spokesman of the independent counsel team, which kicked off their investigation on Dec. 21, told a press briefing that it had yet to get a response from Hwang, who is serving as acting president following Park's impeachment in early December. The independent counsel team sent a letter to Hwang, who is also prime minister, last Thursday to ask for the extension. Under a special law, the independent investigation is scheduled to close by the end of this month. However, with the acceptance of Hwang, the probe can be extended for up to 30 days. The spokesman said that if Hwang gives a reply as rapidly as possible, the investigators can conduct an effective probe for the rest of the days allowed. South Korea's opposition parties on Monday urged Hwang to approve the extension, Yonhap news agency reported. "Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn must remember if he does not approve the extension, he will face criticism that he blindly shields his companion," head of the Democratic Party Representative Choo Mi-ae said, urging him to make a decision by Tuesday. The four opposition parties agreed Sunday to seek a revision in the law to extend the deadline of the independent counsel team if Hwang refuses to approve an extension. The ruling Liberty Korea Party, on the other hand, said that the opposition bloc is seeking to extend the probe for political reasons. "The independent counsel should fulfill its duty within the time designated by the law," Representative Chung Woo-taik, the floor leader of the Liberty Korea Party, said. "It cannot be extended indefinitely." Chung said the opposition bloc is only seeking to extend the probe to utilize it for the next presidential election. FINAL HEARING Acting Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court Lee Jung-mi on Monday issued a call during the 15th hearing that was held in Park's absence, saying her lawyers should stop stalling and should respond by Wednesday whether the president will attend the final session or not. Depending on her decision, the court will determine whether to hold the final hearing Friday as planned, or postpone it to March 2 or 3 which was requested by the lawyers, Lee said. Park's lawyers made the request in a written statement to the court Saturday, citing their need for more time to prepare for the final defense and to consider Park's own attendance at the hearing, Yonhap news agency reported. Park's ouster requires the approval of at least six of the court's nine justices, but their number will be reduced to seven after the retirement of Lee Jung-mi on March 13. Chief Justice Park Han-chul retired at the end of last month after completing his six-year term. For Park, chances of her reinstatement are higher after March 13 considering only two justices will have to reject her impeachment instead of three. If Park is ousted, South Korea is required to hold a presidential by-election within 60 days. If she is reinstated, an election will be held in December as scheduled. NEW YORK, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Dozens of workers in the United States lost their jobs after showing support for last Thursday's "Day Without Immigrants" protests. The nationwide protests are against U.S. President Donald Trump's crackdown on undocumented immigrants, plans to build a border wall between the United States and Mexico, as well as closing the nation's door to many travelers. "We are the team leaders directly under the supervisors and they informed us last night that we could not go back to work and the boss said we were fired," one employee told local media. Meanwhile, many immigrants, including legal residents and some undocumented, went on a strike and stayed at home as part of the boycott. Some of them were also fired after the protest day. Some Latino employees in the State of Oklahoma lost their jobs. They said that they didn't show up for their shift and failed to let their employers know about their absence, as local media reported. The new wave of protests came after hundreds of undocumented immigrants mainly from Latin American countries were arrested across the country last week, many of them netted at home or workplace. Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 25, ending the previous "catch and release" policy. Immigration officials have acknowledged that as a result of Trump's executive order, authorities had cast a wider net than they would have. There are estimated over 11 million undocumented immigrants living across the United States. HANOI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Over 50 representatives of customs offices from member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathered in Vietnam's south central coastal Khanh Hoa province's Nha Trang city on Tuesday to discuss custom procedures. The meeting of APEC Sub-Committee on Customs Procedures (SCCP) was in the agenda of the APEC 2017 first Senior Officials' Meeting and related meetings (SOM 1) which will last till March 3. Under the theme "creating new dynamism, fostering a shared future," the session debated current prioritized issues in the Asia-Pacific like boosting sustainable, innovative and inclusive growth, bolstering extensive regional economic connectivity, increasing competitiveness of microenterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises in digital age, improving food security and sustainable agriculture, and adaptation to climate change. The SCCP session focused its discussion on the implementation of Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), boosting connectivity of one-stop-shop (OSS) mechanism, application of information technology and risk management in customs, trans-border management of Intellectual Property rights, and boosting trans-border e-commerce, reported Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA. STOCKHOLM, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- In a speech on Saturday, Trump suggested that something had happened "last night in Sweden," prompting Swedes to take to Twitter and other social media wondering what on earth the U.S. president might refer to. "We've got to keep our country safe. You look at what's happening in Germany. You look at what's happening last night in Sweden. Sweden, who would believe this? Sweden. They took in large numbers. They're having problems like they never thought possible," Trump said at a rally in Florida on Saturday, according to a CNN report. The comment appeared to refer to recent terror attacks happened in Germany, but no such attack has actually occurred in Sweden. "No. Nothing has happened here in Sweden. There has not been any terrorist attack here. At all," the national account of Sweden on Twitter posted. Carl Bildt, the former prime minister of Sweden, tweeted: "Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? Questions abound." But Trump was unwilling to admit he may have made a mistake, clarifying on Monday in a Twitter post that the statement "was in reference to a story that was broadcast on Fox News concerning immigrants & Sweden." Within two hours of Trump's Twitter post, the official account of the Embassy of Sweden in the United States responded: "We look forward to informing the U.S. administration about Swedish immigration and integration policies." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Sweden also responded, saying that it is good to receive clarification of what Trump meant when he mentioned Sweden in a speech. "We maintain continuous diplomatic contacts with U.S. representatives, and in these contacts we keep them informed of the situation in Sweden in various areas," the ministry said on Monday. "The Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Sweden's embassies work continuously to disseminate an accurate and fair image of Sweden. Unfortunately, we are seeing a general upward trend in inaccurate information," the ministry added. But Trump did not want to let the incident pass. In another tweet posted on Monday, Trumps said: "Give the public a break -- The fake news media is trying to say that large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully. NOT!" "It's nice of you to care, really, but don't fall for the hype. Facts: We're ok!" the country's official twitter account posted in response. In recent years, Sweden has taken in more refugees per capita than any other European country with more than 160,000 people arriving in Sweden to seek asylum in 2015 alone, said a CNN report. Although Trump and many other people may have connected the crimes in Sweden with the refugees, a crime expert has denied the connection. "Sweden definitely, like other countries, faces challenges when it comes to integration of immigration of immigrants into Swedish society," Henrik Selin, director of intercultural dialogue at the Swedish Institute told the CNN. "There is little evidence, however, that Sweden has turned into the lawless country it is at times being described as broad," Selin added. Enditem ISLAMABAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will pay a three-day visit to Turkey from Feb. 22 for the fifth session of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) to be held in Ankara on Feb. 23, according to the Foreign Ministry here Tuesday. A high-level delegation, consisting of ministers and senior officials, will accompany the prime minister during the visit. Sharif is expected to have wide-ranging consultations with the Turkish leadership on bilateral, regional and international issues, the ministry said in a statement. Together with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim, Sharif would co-chair the HLSCC, a framework for consultations at the highest political level between the two sides with focuses on trade, energy, banking and finance, Communications and railways, education, and culture and tourism. The bilateral HLSCC was established in 2009 and the last session was held in Islamabad in 2015. During the visit, Sharif also plans to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. JALALABAD, Afghanistan, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- About 19 militants of the Islamic State (IS) group were killed and two others wounded after security forces struck their positions in eastern province of Nangarhar, local authorities said Tuesday. In an airstrike, 12 IS militants were killed after a drone of NATO-led coalition forces fired a missile on a moving pickup vehicle in Bandar area of Achin district on Monday evening, the provincial government said in a statement. "In addition, Afghan security forces killed seven Daesh (Arabic acronym for IS) fighters and wounded two others during an ongoing cleanup operation in Chongai area of Haska Mina district over the past 24 hours," the statement added. Several IS bunkers have been destroyed by security forces within the past couple of days in both districts, said the statement, adding that the elimination of targeted militants would further improve security in the eastern province. The mountainous province with Jalalabad city as its capital, 120 km east of Kabul, has been the scene of clashes between the security forces and IS militants since the emergence of the extremist group there in early 2015. U.S. President Donald Trump (C) gestures to media before boarding Marine One departing for Andrews Air Force Base en route to West Palm Beach, Florida, at White House in Washington D.C.,the United States, Feb. 3, 2017. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) by Matthew Rusling WASHINGTON, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Donald Trump's first month as U.S. president has seen more controversy than that of any other commander-in-chief in recent memory. While many blast him for several missteps, others argue that he has got a number of things right. Others still contend that it's too early to fully assess the billionaire-turned-president. FULFILLING CAMPAIGN PROMISES ON DOMESTIC ISSUES Trump's outspoken manner has put him in the media spotlight for over a year now, and the controversy continued in his first month in office. In the past month, Trump has been fighting an unprecedented war of words with the mainstream U.S. media. He repeatedly slammed some U.S. journalists and major news outlets as "the most dishonest human beings on earth," "fake media" and "fake news" for their largely negative news coverage of his administration. But the past 30 days witnessed Trump's rapid fulfilling of his campaign promises on domestic issues with a number of executive orders, including some that have caused controversy and criticism. "I would say that Trump has had a challenging first month as he has sought to execute an ambitious agenda," said Dan Mahaffee, an analyst with the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress. In terms of what he has done right, Trump has continued to pursue his policy goals and foster support from his very strident base by holding to his campaign promises, Mahaffee told Xinhua. Meanwhile, Mahaffee noted the Trump team's "poor planning of some measures, the challenges posed by an incomplete roster of officials and difficulties in working with the Washington establishment." Darrell West, vice president and director of governance studies of the Brookings Institution, said that the Trump administration had a slow first month, as many of his top appointments have not been confirmed and most top positions don't even have a nominee. "It could be months before there is a fully functioning government," West told Xinhua. This has prevented Trump from doing anything other than issuing some executive orders, and Republicans have not passed any major legislation yet, he said. West added that Trump's best move has been nominating a Supreme Court Justice who has received a positive reaction in general. "This may be his most impactful move," he said. A major setback in Trump's domestic moves was the controversial travel ban rolled out in a bid to keep terrorists from sneaking into the country. The ban, which bars citizens from seven predominantly Islamic nations from entering the United States, was rejected by a federal judge in Washington state, whose ruling was later upheld by a federal appeals court. Some have blasted the ban as anti-Muslim and un-American, while others said the problem was mainly with the rollout, as it came as a surprise to many airport customs agents and government agencies. It led to the detention of innocent travelers with no ties to terrorism. The ban, as well as Trump's order to build a long wall along the border with Mexico, triggered widespread protests at home and abroad. MIXED FEELINGS ON TRUMP'S ANTI-TRADE MOVES One of Trump's first orders of business was scrapping the longstanding North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) signed by the United States, Canada and Mexico. He also ordered to quit the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), an Asia-Pacific free trade deal strongly promoted by former U.S. President Barack Obama. Labor economists said the NAFTA has indeed, as Trump said, been a bad deal for Americans as it has led to massive job losses over the last two decades. However, some economists said that simply taking an ax to it could disrupt trade, as U.S.-Mexico supply chains are now tightly intertwined and the scrapping of NAFTA could lead to price hikes. On jobs, there are also mixed feelings on Trump's recent threat for a border tax. A couple of companies have already scrapped plans to set up factories in Mexico and opted to keep some operations in the United States. Supporters said that finally someone in Washington is standing up for blue-collar folks after decades of job losses, wage stagnation and a bleak economic picture for America's rural areas. But on the flip side, critics have called the move anti-capitalist and dangerous populism that could ultimately lead to price increases for certain products and have a negative impact on trade. TRUMP'S FINE-TUNING OF FOREIGN POLICY When it came to foreign policy, Trump in his first month has "fine-tuned" his positions on certain important issues. Notably, Trump has backed down from his tough stance on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) by reaffirming his support despite his previous criticism of the alliance as "obsolete." During recent visits to a European security conference in Munich, Germany, both U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and Defense Secretary James Mattis reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the NATO, though urging its members to share more of the financial burden of protecting European security by increasing defense spending. The biggest setback for Trump's foreign policy initiatives was perhaps the strong resistance he has encountered in his attempt to reset the tense U.S. ties with Russia, which was regarded by many Americans as the top strategic rival. Michael Flynn, Trump's former national security adviser, was forced to resign last week amid criticism over his phone call with Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak in late December. Flynn reportedly indicated in the call that the Trump administration would review the U.S. sanctions imposed on Russia by the Obama administration. On China, Trump initially irritated Beijing by claiming that the one-China policy was open for negotiation. But earlier this month he moved to smooth things over in a phone call with Chinese President Xi Jinping, promising to honor the one-China policy. Trump's change of stance "suggests that he is willing to listen to his top advisers and change his mind, and that is reassuring," Bonnie Glaser, a China expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Xinhua. But experts cautioned that it is still too early to evaluate Trump's foreign policy as he has been in office for only a month. "We have glimpsed only discrete aspects of the policy, but have not been presented with a coherent and articulated strategy," said Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. As political appointees from the prior administration are leaving their jobs and it takes months for those jobs to be filled, "outside observers need to be patient," said Glaser. Related: Feature: "Not My President's Day" protestors rally in LA to oppose Donald Trump LOS ANGELES, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the City Hall here on Monday, also the President Day, as part of the nation-wide "Not My President's Day" rally to voice opposition against U.S. President Donald Trump. Full Story Commentary: Stable, win-win foreign policy important to Trump administration's credibility BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- A month into his presidency, Donald Trump has made some unexpected moves with foreign leaders and caused some disputes and concerns, but he seemed to be gradually finding his rhythm in foreign affairs and hopefully will stick to a win-win path. Full Story Spotlight: New Yorkers rally in Times Square against Trump's immigration policy ABU DHABI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Emirates Airline, the Dubai-based international carrier of the United Arab Emirates, said on Tuesday in an e-mailed statement that it will start flying to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, from July 1. The indirect flight from Dubai via Yangon to Phnom Penh will be done with a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a two class configuration, said the government-controlled carrier. Emirates Airline said the rise of tourism in Cambodia triggered its decision to add the capital to its networks. "There were more than 4.7 million foreign tourist arrivals to Cambodia in 2015, with a forecast to rise to 8 million by 2020," said the airline. The carrier will also introduce a direct, non-stop route between Dubai and Vietnam's capital Hanoi on the same day, it added. As a geographical focal point, Dubai International Airport has become the busiest civil aviation hub in the world, connecting major destinations between the east and west, such as the flight from Dubai to Beijing, Johannesburg and London. "Emirates has to expand where the growth opportunities are, and these opportunities we see in Asia," said Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum. ISLAMABAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Three suicide bombers who tried to attack a local court in Pakistan's northwest Charsadda district were killed by police on Tuesday morning, local media and officials said. District police officer Sohail Khalid confirmed that the suicide bombers tried to storm the court by opening fire at police who, however, took the situation under control soon and killed all the three attackers at the main gate. Contradicting the police officer's statement, the deputy mayor of the district said that two terrorists were gunned down while the third one was at large. Local Urdu TV channel ARY said that 13 people including several policemen were injured in the attack. All the injured have been shifted to hospitals. Some of injured were in critical condition. Tahir Zafar, deputy commissioner of Charsadda, confirmed that the incident took place at a local court in Tangi area of the district located in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Police have cordoned off the area for investigations. No group has claimed the attack yet. ISLAMABAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least four people were killed and 17 others injured after a local court was attacked by suicide bombers in Pakistan's northwest Charsadda district on Tuesday morning, local media and officials said. The killed people included a lawyer and all three attackers who tried to storm the court but were gunned down by police at the main gate of the court. Local Urdu TV channel Abb Takk said the injured people included five policemen. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals. District police officer Sohail Khalid confirmed that one of the suicide bombers blew himself up at the main gate of the local court located in Tangi area of the Charsadda district in the country's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. The officer added that two attackers managed to enter the court but were gunned down by police. He said that an extra police contingent and paramilitary troops have rushed to the court, bringing the situation under control. No group has claimed the attack yet. Photo shows Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe arrived for the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU -PF) Politburo meeting in Harare, Zimbabwe, Feb. 15, 2017. Mugabe rallied ZANU-PF members to put aside their differences and focus on work, to ensure another resounding victory for the ruling party in the 2018 elections. (Xinhua) HARARE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe turns 93 Tuesday and has declared that he is ready to soldier on as head of state and government. Mugabe, who is Africa's third longest serving after Jose Eduardo dos Santos of Angola and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, is the only head of government Zimbabweans have ever known since the country attained independence from Britain in 1980. In an interview with state television to be aired this week, Mugabe said he would only step down if the call came from his party, but that would not be any time soon because the party wanted him to stand as its candidate in the 2018 elections when his current tenure ends. "They want me to stand for elections everywhere in the party," Mugabe said, adding that in any case party members did not consider anyone good enough to replace him at the moment. His sentiments echoed those of his wife Grace who said on Friday that even if Mugabe was to contest the election as a corpse, the people would still vote for him. Mugabe introduced universal education and a robust social program which saw previously marginalized communities benefiting while international aid organizations poured in millions in support of the fledgling government. However, relations with Western powers started getting frosty over perceived mis-governance issues and alleged violation of human rights in the 1990s and eventually broke down in 2000 when the government expropriated land from white commercial farmers and re-allocated it to formerly landless blacks. This led to serious economic decline with Mugabe attributing most of the failures to economic sanctions imposed on him by the European Union, the United States and their Western allies since the early 2000s over the land issue. The government also blames persistent droughts for the decline. The World Bank said the country's economy grew by 0.4 percent in 2016 weighed down by a drought and low commodity prices, the lowest growth since the country adopted a multi-currency regime in 2009. The country recorded a trade deficit of 2.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2016 because of low activity in the manufacturing sector, while Foreign Direct Investment was curtailed by the government's hazy indigenization policy which favors blacks. Zimbabwe has also been hit by cash shortages since 2014, with the U.S. dollar - the major currency in the multi-currency basket adopted in 2009 - becoming elusive. As a result, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has introduced bond notes at par with the U.S. dollar to plug the deficit, but while many people have grudgingly accepted them, prices of some commodities continue to rise as the black market operators come into play. Civil servants have endured the effects of a harsh economy with payments of their salaries being done late. In the meantime, Mugabe's ruling Zanu-PF party has remained divided along factional lines over the years. Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is the perceived leader of one going by the name Lacoste, while Mugabe's wife is fighting in her own corner with mainly younger leaders calling themselves Generation 40. Both factions will converge in southern Zimbabwe on Saturday to celebrate Mugabe's birthday at a lavish party organized by the party's youth league. Former Vice President Joice Mujuru was expelled from the party following the party's congress in 2014 for allegedly harboring ambitions to topple Mugabe and has since formed her own political outfit. TEHRAN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday denounced the reconciliation plans with Israel and urged resistance to liberate the Palestinian occupied territories. The earlier "reconciliation" plans for the cause of Palestine have proved "wrong" and the recent efforts to show friendship with the Palestinians is aimed to divert the course of resistance through the secret deals with the enemies, Khamenei made the remarks in the opening ceremony of a conference on Palestine in the Iranian capital Tehran. "The resistance will never be the subject of prey (to the plots) and the third Intifada will be another defeat for the Zionist regime (of Israel)," he said according to the supreme leader's official website. DHAKA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua ) -- Hundreds of thousands of Bangladesh people Tuesday thronged to the Central Shaheed Minar, a solemn and iconic monument in capital Dhaka, to lay wreaths and bouquets of flowers to show their deep respect to the sons of Bangladesh who sacrificed their lives on this day in 1952 to promote Bangla as a state language of the then East Pakistan. Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid homage to the language martyrs by laying floral wreaths at the altar of the Central Shaheed Minar one minute after zero hour Tuesday marking the language martyrs' day, Feb. 21. Norwegian Foreign Minister Borge Brende, among many foreign dignitaries, laid wreaths and bouquets of flowers to show their deep respect to the Bangladesh 1952 language movement heroes. After ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, also chairperson of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) along with her party leaders placed wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar at around 1:30 a.m. local time it was opened to the public. Even kids in black and white traditional dresses came with their parents covering their heads and foreheads in the national flag amid festive look. The whole Shaheed Minar area has been decorated with festoons, banners, walls and roads painted with Bangla alphabets. Many walls on the Dhaka University campus in front of the Shaheed Minar have been inscribed with quotations from Bangla literature befitting the occasion, and poets were heard reciting poems as they sat on street islands. Women wore black and white sharees, Bangladesh's national dress for females, in their own traditional style while men in Panjabi and Payjama, long white tunic-like shirt worn over close-fitting or baggy white pants as they gathered at the central monument here to pay tribute to the country's martyred language heroes. By afternoon on Tuesday, the entire Shaheed Minar turned into a veritable sea of flowers. A very sad and touching song, Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano (My Brothers Blood Spattered), was to be played repeatedly in electronic media and cultural gatherings throughout the month, and especially on Feb. 21, which is now also being observed across the world as International Mother Language Day. As part of the commemoration activities, Bangladesh people, not just in the capital city but also elsewhere in the country, which became independent in 1971, also placed floral wreaths at thousands of monuments across the country. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared on Nov. 17, l999 Feb. 21 as International Mother Language Day. Since then the date has been observed throughout the world every year to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. International Mother Language Day originated as the international recognition of Language Movement Day, which has been commemorated in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) since 1952 when a number of people, including many varsity students, were killed in a police firing in Dhaka during a Bengali language movement protests. Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, Safiur and other brave sons of now Bangladesh sacrificed their lives on that day in 1952 as they marched in the streets calling for the use of Bangla as the official language of the then East Pakistan. However, Bangladesh President Hamid in a message highlighted the observance of the day across the world. "We feel proud that the spirit of Amar Ekushey (Immortal 21st February) is now inspiring the people of different languages around the globe to protect and preserve their own languages and cultures transcending the boundary of our country." In a separate message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina urged all for getting rid of petty differences with the spirit of the Immortal 21st February and for development of the country and upholding democratic values. Immortal 21st February is the symbol of grief, strength and glory in the life of every Bengali, she said. JAKARTA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia trade ministry held back the issuance of export license for the United States-based mining firm Freeport McMoran following the latter's disagreement with the nation's mineral and energy ministry (ESDM) upon operation license. Indonesian Trade Minister Engartiasto Lukita said that his ministry has yet to process the official export license request submitted by Freeport related to the ongoing Freeport's operation license dispute. "We would issue the export license for Freeport after receiving recommendation from the mineral and energy ministry," the trade minister told a press conference here on Tuesday. Freeport and ESDM have yet to reach an agreement upon Indonesian government's obligation for foreign mining firms operating in the country to alter their operation licenses into the latest scheme of IUPK. The IUPK, drafted by the present government, obliges those firms to abide by new legal and tax aspects demanded by government. Indonesia would only issue export licenses for those firms after they altered their contracts into IUPK. Freeport, which processes gold, copper and bronze ores from its mills located in Indonesia's mineral-rich province of Papua, demands the continuance of the existing working contract (KK) it established with previous government that requires annual tax at the same amount until the expiration of the contract. Freeport has planned to bring the dispute to international arbitration should an agreement is not reached within 120 days after the meeting of its executives with Indonesian senior officials last Friday. NEW DELHI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Indian police have arrested three people in connection with the alleged kidnapping and gang rape of a popular film actress in the southern state of Kerala last week. "We have so far nabbed three persons, the driver of the actress and two others in the case. However, the main accused is still on the run," a senior police official said Tuesday. He added: "We have identified the main accused as the former driver of the actress and raids are being conducted to nab him." The incident took place late Friday night. The film actress has alleged that three persons took turns to rape her inside her own car that they had waylaid while she was on her way to dub a film. The crime has shocked the film fraternity in Kerala and sparked massive outrage in India, with many taking to social media to vent out their anger. The Kerala government has assured that all the perpetrators of the heinous crime will be brought to justice at the earliest. The 2012 brutal and fatal gangrape of a 23-year-old medical student by six men on a moving bus in Delhi had forced the Indian government to introduce stricter laws to deal with crimes against women. MOLLY RILEY/AFP/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump is set to visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture Tuesday. The president was initially scheduled to visit the museum in observance of Martin Luther King Day but ABC News later learned that the visit was removed from his calendar due to scheduling issues and was not fully planned out. Last week, following the joint Trump-Netanyahu press conference at the White House, First Lady Melania Trump hosted Sara Netanyahu on a visit to the museum. The wives were accompanied by museum director Lonnie Bunch and Smithsonian Secretary David Skorton. "Mrs Sara Netanyahu met at the White House with @FLOTUS Melania Trump, who surprised her with a visit to @NMAAHC," read a tweet from Netanyahu's office, along with a trio of photos of the leaders' wives at the museum and the White House. Mrs Sara Netanyahu met at the White House with @FLOTUS Melania Trump, who surprised her with a visit to @NMAAHC pic.twitter.com/c607mj9SBa PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) February 15, 2017 The first lady reportedly said in a statement afterwards of the visit, "As we remember, with deep humility and reverence, the historic plight of slavery which the Jewish and African-American people have known all too well, we rededicate ourselves to those powerful words that both our nations hold dear: "NEVER AGAIN!" Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Photo shows the train prototype for the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway project at the Giang Vo Exhibition Center in Hanoi, Vietnam. (Xinhua/Le Yanna) Hi, here is what you need to know about China: BEIJING -- China's leading bicycle-sharing service provider Mobike Technology has secured more than 300 million U.S. dollars in the latest round of funding since January this year, the company's CEO Wang Xiaofeng said Monday. Mobike received equity investment from Singapore's Temasek and add-on investment from Hillhouse Capital, which led Mobike's last round of funding. xhne.ws/Y3VB8 ---- BEIJING -- China will continue to reduce access restrictions to facilitate the inflow of foreign investment, Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng said Tuesday. He made the remarks at a press conference when answering a question about concerns of "a rush of capital flight" from the country. The minister dismissed the concerns as biased, saying the year-on-year drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Chinese mainland last month is not reflective of China's appeal to foreign investors. xhne.ws/3wHVt ---- CAPE TOWN -- China remained the leading growth market for South Africa's tourism industry, with year-on-year growth recorded at 38 percent last year, figures released on Monday showed. The growth in tourist arrivals from China has been consistent over the year, following improvements in the visa application processes in those countries, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said. xhne.ws/wR8aH ---- HANOI -- First carriage of the train used for Vietnam's first urban railway Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line was hoisted in Vietnam's capital Hanoi at the dawn on Tuesday. The 13-km Cat Linh-Ha dong Line is constructed by the 6th bureau of China Railway Engineering Corporation (CREC). The first train, which contains four carriages, started its travel from Beijing on Jan. 20 and arrived Hanoi on Feb. 19, said Tang Hong, the general manager of Overseas Company of CREC told Xinhua, adding that the Chinese-made train applied with Chinese standards and technology. xhne.ws/RTkSb ---- PHNOM PENH -- Cambodia and China's Beihai City on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral cooperation in technical and vocational training. The agreement was inked here between Ith Samheng, Cambodian minister of labor and vocational training, and Chen Wei, vice mayor of Beihai City in southwestern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Under the agreement, which is valid for five years, the Chinese side will accept Cambodian workers and students to train various skills in China. xhne.ws/9K0hI Pakistani rescuers work at the attack site in Pakistan's northwest Charsadda district, on Feb. 21, 2017. At least six civilians were killed and 30 others, including five policemen, were injured after three suicide bombers tried to storm a local court in Pakistan's northwest Charsadda district Tuesday morning, hospital sources said. (Xinhua/Ahmad Sidique) ISLAMABAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least six civilians were killed and 30 others, including five policemen, were injured after three suicide bombers tried to storm a local court in Pakistan's northwest Charsadda district Tuesday morning, hospital sources said. Mukhtar, medical superintendent of a local hospital, where all the injured people were shifted to, said that initially they received four bodies and over 30 injured at the hospital. Mukhtar added that two of the injured people later succumbed to injuries at the hospital, bringing the death toll to six. A member of a local bar said that the killed people also included a lawyer. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a splinter group of Pakistani Taliban, in a phone call to local media claimed the attack. Mushtaq Ghani, information minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province where Charsadda is under jurisdiction, confirmed that all three suicide bombers were killed in the attack. He said that one of the attackers blew himself up at the main gate of the court while the two others were gunned down during exchange of fire with the police. Ghani said that the police took quick action to counter the attack and stopped the suicide bombers from entering the premises of the court. "Had the bombers entered the crowded court, they could have wrecked havoc by killing a large number of people," Ghani said. Bomb disposal squad said that an estimated 9 kg of explosives were used in the attack. Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack and praised the police for successfully minimizing the casualties of the attack. BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Yang Dongliang, former head of the State Administration of Work Safety, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes and embezzlement on Tuesday by a court in Beijing. The verdict was made by the Second Intermediate People's Court of Beijing. Yang accepted the verdict and decided not to appeal. BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday chaired a meeting on the draft government work report. The meeting, attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, discussed the draft report, which is scheduled to be submitted to the upcoming fifth session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC). Tuesday's meeting also reviewed a special report on inspections of central Party and governmental authorities, and another document on a Party education campaign. At the meeting, China's top leadership pledged to stick to the basic tone of "seeking progress while maintaining stability" in 2017, aiming for more progress from supply-side structural reform. The meeting highlighted the significance of 2017 as the 19th CPC National Congress will convene. Acknowledging that China has scored a strong start for the 2016-2020 period, the meeting called for further efforts to balance multiple economic tasks in 2017, including stabilizing growth, advancing reforms, pushing restructuring, improving people's livelihood and preventing risks. At the macro level, China will continue to implement proactive fiscal policies and prudent monetary policies, according to a document released after the meeting. Reforms in key areas will be deepened, while the role of innovation will be boosted to facilitate economic upgrading, said the document. China will also intensify efforts to tap the potential of domestic demand and strengthen internal growth momentum. Other tasks include pushing supply-side structural reform in the agriculture sector, widening opening-up, promoting green development and improving government services for people's well-being. The meeting came ahead of China's annual two sessions in March, during which lawmakers and political advisors will gather in Beijing to discuss the social and economic policies for the year. Since the CPC's 18th National Congress, anti-graft teams have carried out 11 rounds of inspections across all provincial-level governments, central authorities, key state-owned enterprises and central financial institutions, according to the document. The inspections, which focused on the adherence to the Party's leadership, comprehensive and strict governance of the Party and observation of the Party's Constitution and rules, have been effective political "microscopes" and "searchlights," the document stated. The document said that central Party and governmental authorities play an important role in the Party and the state and they must uphold the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized and unified leadership. It stressed that all problems detected in the inspections should be properly addressed. The document said that the Party education campaign -- which focuses on the study of the Party Constitution and rules, as well as the speeches made by Xi, and calls for being qualified Party members -- plays an important role in Party building and governance. Deeming it an effective tool in Party building, the document said the education campaign had helped shape the approach to governance of the Party under a new situation. It said the education campaign should be regular and institutionalized, as this would help members understand the essence of Xi's speeches, ensure Party members unite closer around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, and scoring new achievements in socialism with Chinese characteristics. The document called on Party organizations at all levels to make the education campaign a strategic and basic project. It stressed that ideological education must be prioritized and efforts should be made to educate and guide Party members, especially leading officials. Leading officials should set a good example in the campaign, the document said, adding that evaluations of the education campaign should be carried out annually. CHENGDU, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Two human H7N9 avian flu cases were reported Tuesday in southwest China's Sichuan Province, bringing the number of infections in the province this year to eight, including two fatalities. Both patients had contact with live poultry and no symptoms have been observed among those in close contact with them, according to the provincial health and family planning commission. Local authorities have taken measures to prevent H7N9 avian flu infection. Authorities have closed 280 live poultry trading and slaughtering venues in Suining city after five human H7N9 cases this year in the city. Inspections were also enhanced to crack down on unlicensed poultry businesses. China reported as many as 79 fatalities from H7N9 bird flu in January, far surpassing the number of deaths in recent years. H7N9 is a bird flu strain first reported to have infected humans in China in March 2013. Infections most likely occur in winter and spring. TEHRAN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday denounced the reconciliation plans with Israel and urged resistance to liberate the Palestinian occupied territories. The earlier "reconciliation" plans for the cause of Palestine have proved "wrong" and the recent efforts to show friendship with the Palestinians is aimed to divert the course of resistance through the secret deals with the enemies, Khamenei made the remarks in the opening ceremony of a conference on Palestine in the Iranian capital Tehran. "The resistance will never be the subject of prey (to the plots), and the third Intifada will be another defeat for the Zionist regime (of Israel)," he said according to the supreme leader's official website. Khamenei said the creation of Israel has been the plot hatched by extra-regional powers, and "this has caused the fake being (Israel) to replace the real being (Palestine)" in the region. He advised the Islamic states to avoid getting engaged in "useless" crises and differences among themselves and, instead, to concentrate on the issue of Palestine as the core issue of Islam. "Otherwise, the potentials and capabilities of the nations will go waste in the face of vain struggles, which would provide opportunities for the Zionist regime to become even stronger," he was quoted as saying. The efforts to liberate Palestine should be the touchstone for unity among all the Muslim and freethinking nations, he said. The Iranian top leader also urged "all the Islamic and national movements to serve the cause of Palestine" and stressed that "the degrees to which the Islamic republic will maintain relationships with the resistant groups depend on their adherence to the principles of resistance." The two-day Tehran conference on Palestine, dubbed the 6th International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada, seeks to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the face of Israeli occupation and expansion of Jewish settlement in their lands. According to Press TV, around 700 foreign guests and representatives of the pro-Palestinian organizations will take part in the event. Among other participants in the conference on Tuesday were senior Iranian officials, including President Hassan Rouhani, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani. PARIS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A French thief nicknamed "Spiderman" has been sentenced to eight years on Monday for stealing five masterpieces worth over 100 million euros (about 106 million U.S. dollars) from a top Paris museum. Vjeran Tomic, a 49-year-old seasoned burlgar of Croatian origin, told investigators that he broke into the National Museum of Modern Art at the night of May 20, 2010, hoping to steal a work by French cubist painter Ferdinand Leger. But after realizing the security surveillance system failed to work, he decided to take the other four paintings by Pable Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, Henri Matisse and Georges Braque. Inaugurated in 1961, the museum is home to more than 10,000 works from art movements of the 20th century. Tomic, who already had 14 convictions for jewelry and arts, earned the nickname from some media due to his agility in scaling walls to break into apartments. He and two accomplices were ordered to collectively pay an indemnification of 104 million euros (110 million dollars), which corresponds to the estimated value of the stolen artworks, to the City of Paris. Jean-Michel Corvez, a 61-year-old antique dealer who admitted to ordering the theft of Leger on behalf of an anonymous buyer, and Yonathan Birn, a 40-year-old dealer of luxury watches who admitted to storing the paintings for a time, respectively got seven and six years in jail. Besides the collective fine, the three criminals were also fined between 150,000 euros (159,000 dollars) and 200,000 euros (212,000 dollars) each. Corvez also was banned from dealing in antiques or artworks for five years. The paintings were still missing. Investigators said they have probably been smuggled out of France. MOGADISHU, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) said on Tuesday that it has kicked off a three-day training of gender focal persons to help bring the soldiers into line with UN laws on human rights and gender equality. AMISOM Gender Officer Major Bupe Chanda said the course was aimed at orienting the new officers on their roles as well as coordinating all gender issues in the sectors. "This is part of capacity building for AMISOM officers and also for the Somali National Army (SNA). We have started with this one, then eventually we will train focal persons for SNA," Chanda said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. The offices from the new battalions that were recently deployed in all the five sectors of Somalia are taking part in the orientation course. Chanda said the officers being trained would be instrumental in preventing sexual exploitation and abuses in the sectors as well as being ambassadors for AMISOM in their respective areas of operation. "The main aim of our training is to acquaint the newly nominated gender focal persons in sectors on gender issues and their roles as focal point persons. All sectors are required to have gender focal point persons," Chanda said. AMISOM Deputy Chief of Staff, Col. Charles Byaruhanga who spoke on behalf of the Force Commander Lt. Gen. Osman Noor Soubagleh said the main aim of this course is to achieve the call of gender equality which is set in the charter of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325(2000) that is one of the primary and enduring responsibilities of the member states. "I assure you that all training of gender will be supported by our office," said Byaruhanga. The training involves newly deployed officers in the five sectors of the country to train them on mainstreaming gender issues. The officers will act as the link between AMISOM headquarters and the sectors. HO CHI MINH CITY, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Two new terminals at Tan Son Nhat international airport in Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City will be built soon, including one slated for operation this year, the country's Transport Ministry said Tuesday. A minute on handing 21 hectares of land previously managed by the Defense Ministry to the Transport Ministry was signed on Tuesday. The area, previously reserved for military training of flight taking-off and landing, will be used to mainly build more taxiways and parking zones. The Vietnamese government has asked Ho Chi Minh City authorities to increase the airport's serving capacity to 40-50 million passengers a year from the current 25 million. The airport is now overloaded, serving 28 million passengers annually. OSLO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Norway has pledged to donate around 10 million U.S. dollars to assist women with abortion initiatives. The announcement, made by Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg over the weekend, will make Norway the ninth country to join the global "She Decides" campaign aiming to counter U.S. President Donald Trump's anti-abortion rule. Last month, Trump signed an executive order -- the global gag rule, banning funding for American non-governmental organizations which support abortion initiatives worldwide. According to estimations, the ban would cause a funding shortfall of about 600 million dollars. In response, the Dutch government in January launched the She Decides campaign, calling on countries to donate money to replace the shortfall. "We need to compensate for this financial blow as much as possible with a broad-based funding, where governments, businesses and civil society organizations donate so that women can remain in control of their own bodies," said Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Lilianne Ploumen in a January statement. So far, the She Decides campaign has gained support from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Luxembourg, Finland, Canada and Cape Verde, and has raised 40 million dollars. BUDAPEST, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- An Iraqi man suspected of having raped a 13-year-old girl in Hamburg, Germany in November 2016, has been caught and held by Hungarian police, Hungary's National Police Headquarters (ORFK) said on Tuesday. "The German police sent a request to the Hungarian authorities in January to help identify an Iraqi suspect and its location," the ORFK said in a statement released on its official website. German authorities have issued a European and an International warrant on the suspect. Following an exchange of information, the Hungarian investigators concluded that the suspect used an alias in Germany, but his pictures and fingerprints matched those of a man called C. Ali D, registered in Hungary on Nov. 18, 2016. After having committed the crime, the man took a train to Hungary on Nov. 17, 2016, the ORFK added. ( As his identity and conditions were unclear, Hungary's Immigration and Asylum Office ordered him to be put into custody in Kiskunhalas, a city in southern Hungary, where he was arrested by police on Feb. 17. His extradition to Germany will be decided later, ORFK said. HANOI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met Russia's Council of the Federal Assembly chairperson Valentina Ivanovna Matviyenko here Tuesday, voicing wishes to enhance bilateral relations, Vietnam's government e-portal reported. Matviyenko is visiting Vietnam from Monday to Wednesday. In addition to existing cooperation in oil and gas, Vietnam will support Russia participating in energy and infrastructure projects in Vietnam, Phuc said, adding that the country wishes to enhance ties with Russia in defense and security. Matviyenko said her country wants to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in trade and agriculture products and food, as well as areas that Russia has strengths, such as oil filtration, petrochemicals, liquefied petroleum. The visiting Russian official showed respect to Vietnam's decision to end nuclear projects and said Russia wants to boost implementation of their bilateral agreement on a nuclear science and technology center in Vietnam. This year Russian government will grant around 1,000 scholarships to Vietnamese students, Matviyenko said, affirming Russia's willingness to support teaching Russian language in Vietnam. JINJA, Uganda, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Tucked at the back of Uganda's biggest sugar factory in the eastern Ugandan district of Jinja is east Africa's largest ethanol plant. Production has started and Rogers Mulamba, a Supervisor at the plant, carefully assesses the process through a couple of monitors in the control room. The 36 million U.S. dollar plant is owned by Madhvani Group, a local company that plans to produce 20 million liters of ethanol annually. Ethanol is distilled from the fermentation of materials containing carbohydrates or sugar. Ingredients for making ethanol include sugarcane molasses, grain, sorghum, maize and sugar beet among others. At this plant, the ethanol is extracted from sugarcane molasses through a meticulous process. Government says it plans to enact a law that will allow the blending of ethanol with petrol, a move that will save the east African country millions of dollars in foreign exchange. Mayur Madhvani, Joint Managing Director Madhvani Group, said if the ethanol-petrol fusion is accepted, the country would be saving 20 million dollars annually. He also said the ethanol could be fused into the country's crude oil to ease its viscosity while it is being transported by pipeline from western Uganda to the Tanzanian seaport of Tanga. Uganda's oil is waxy, according to experts, a factor that makes it hard to transport. Uganda has over 1.6 billion barrels of oil in the western part of the country. It plans to start commercial production by 2020, according to government. KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A Taliban mine planter was killed and another injured as their explosive device went off prematurely in the northern Kunduz province on Tuesday, a security official Abdul Khalil said. Two Taliban insurgents were planting a mine on a road outside Kunduz provincial capital the Kunduz city Tuesday noon when the device exploded accidentally, killing one militant on the spot and injuring another, the official asserted. Taliban militants who are largely relying on suicide and roadside bombings haven't commented on the report. NAIROBI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Integration of mobile money services in East Africa has gone a notch higher after Kenya's leading telecom Safaricom partnered with its counterparts in Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania. The partnership allows citizens in the four countries to send and receive money easily and affordably as Safaricom seeks to deepen use of its flagship mobile money service M-Pesa across the region. The move means that Kenyans, Rwandese, Ugandans and Tanzanians can send money or receive money from their kin easily and, more importantly, transact business amongst each other. "East Africa just got closer than you ever imagined. You can now send and receive cash fast and conveniently across the region through M-Pesa," said Safaricom in a statement Tuesday. "Whether it's sending cash to your business partners in Rwanda, sending pocket money to your college-going children in Uganda, sending money to family in Tanzania or suppliers in Kenya, you can do it all through your phone," the statement said. Unlike previously, all citizens now need to carry out mobile money transactions is a three digit code or a pay bill number. And more interestingly, the money will be delivered in the currency of the country where the recipient is based, saving users the hustle of withdrawing the cash and seeking for conversion services. "In Uganda, the funds will be delivered as Ugandan shillings, in Rwanda Rwandan Francs and in Tanzania, the funds will be provided in Tanzanian shillings," said Safaricom. Transaction charges range from 0.02 U.S. dollars to 2.2 dollars depending on amount to be sent in all the countries, with the amounts on some of the transaction bands even being lower than those charged within in Kenya. Analysts noted that Safaricom is spreading its wings across the region as it seeks to beat competition expected from commercial banks, which have partnered to launch their own money transfer services. Kenyans transact up to 8.5 million dollars on mobile money in the past three months, according to the data from the Central Bank of Kenya. by Jamil Bhatti ISLAMABAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Despite stepped-up anti-terror efforts by the Pakistani government and security departments, the country is still menaced by terrorism as militants are continuously attacking different targets since last week. On Tuesday, a suicide attack at a court compound in the countrys northwest district of Charsadda is the latest of the recent wave, which killed at least six civilians, including a lawyer, and left over 25 others injured as well as five policemen, local police said. District police officer Sohail Khalid said that three suicide attackers hurled hand grenades and opened fire at police guards attempting to enter into the sub-district court in Tangi area of Charsadda, but policemen foiled the attempt by killing two of them, while the third one exploded his jacket. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a breakaway fraction of Pakistani Taliban, claimed the attack, marking the fourth suicide strike by the terrorist outfit since Feb. 13, 2017. During last week, seven bomb attacks killed at least 119 people and injured nearly 400 others in different areas of Pakistan. On Feb. 16, a suicide bomber attacked around 800 people when they were performing ritual of Sufi dancing inside a shrine in Sehwan area in southern Sindh Province. The blast, which was claimed by Islamic State, killed 90 people and left over 350 others injured. On Monday last week, a suicide blast hit a police party near a rally closed to Punjab province assembly building in Lahore city and killed 14 people and injured 87 others. Following the last week carnage, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed to take the war on terror to a logical end and authorized the security forces to launch operations to crush the terrorism. Pakistani security forces took a number of steps against the terror networks across the country. The Pakistani Army closed Pakistan-Afghanistan border for security reasons and it also summoned an Afghan embassy official to the army headquarters and handed over a list of 76 most wanted terrorists hiding in Afghanistan. Pakistani law enforcement agencies backed by intelligence agencies started countrywide operations and killed over 150 terrorists and arrested over 500 others, including dozens of Afghan nationals. Pakistan armys artillery troops supported by Pakistan Air Force shelled over a dozen terrorist camps at Pak-Afghan border since Thursday night and claimed to have killed 37 terrorists of Jamaat-ul-Ahrar. On Sunday, Pakistani security forces reportedly killed at least 11 Afghan militants when they were attempting to enter into Pakistani territory. The federal government led by Sharif has also started lobbying to win a unanimous support from both treasury and opposition benches in the parliament to give an extension to military courts, whose tenure has already expired in January after working for two years. Secondly, the government is reportedly inspiring the countrys judiciary to quickly decide on the review petitions filed by 149 convicted terrorists who were sentenced to death by military courts. Pakistani security and intelligence agencies are taking special crackdown on Afghan nationals across the country as Pakistans Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said that Afghan refugees living in Pakistan were used as facilitators to conduct the terrorist attacks. During a meeting between Pakistani Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan Omar Zakhilwal on Monday, Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to work for betterment of relations between the two countries. Following the Mondays meeting, Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that Pakistan and Afghanistan will fight their common enemy of terrorism together, adding that enhanced security arrangements along the Pak-Afghan border were to fight their common enemy -- terrorists of all hue and color. Security analysts in Pakistan said that it would be an ideal situation if both Pakistan and Afghanistan cooperated with each other to fight against terrorism, otherwise both countries will suffer more brutal attacks in the future. Cars run along a road during a snowfall at Taiyuan, capital of north China's Shanxi Province, Feb. 21, 2017. Local meteorological center issued yellow alert for heavy snow. (Xinhua/Cao Yang) BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Snow across north China on Tuesday caused road closures and delayed flights. Light to moderate snow fell in Beijing, alleviating the winter drought. This winter, Beijing has only seen 0.9 millimeters of rain, nearly 90 percent less than average, according to the Beijing Meteorological Center. Qiao Lin, head of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei meteorological center, said snow was forecast across a vast area of north China from Monday to Wednesday and parts of Inner Mongolia, Shanxi and Hebei were hit by heavy snow. "Icy roads and low visibility could affect traffic in urban cities in the rush hours Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning," said Qiao. In Zhangjiakou, Hebei, the snow was up to 9cm deep. Many highways in Inner Mongolia, Shanxi and Hebei were closed, as was an airport in Taiyuan, the provincial capital of Shanxi. "It is safer to take public transportation than to drive," said a woman surnamed Zhang in Taiyuan. "But the bus is more crowded today." Snow also fell in Henan, Shandong, Shaanxi, Ningxia and Gansu. "The snow is good for winter wheat, but could affect crops in greenhouses," said Mao Fengwu, an agricultural technician in Henan. BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday expressed deep condolences over the sudden death of Vitaly Churkin, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations. "We were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Ambassador Churkin," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a daily news briefing. Churkin died on Monday in New York, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. "Ambassador Churkin is a respected and outstanding diplomat," Geng said, adding that Churkin's death was not only a loss for Russia, but also the UN. Geng hailed the close communication between China and Russia in international and regional issues as well as mutual support in the UN and other international organizations. Geng said China is willing to work with Russia to play constructive roles in maintaining peace and promoting development in the world. Churkin has been Russian permanent representative since 2006. He appears to have suffered an apparent heart attack in New York on the eve of his 65th birthday. Born Feb. 21, 1952 in Moscow, Churkin served as ambassador-at-large at the Russian Foreign Ministry from 2003 to 2006, before his appointment as ambassador to the United Nations. He was Russian ambassador to Canada from 1998 to 2003, and to Belgium from 1994 to 1998. GENEVA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, is finalising preparations ahead of intra-Syrian negotiations scheduled to start on Feb. 23, his chief of staff said Tuesday. "The Special Envoy is ready to receive, and looking forward to engaging Syrian parties who are arriving in Geneva this week for the intra-Syrian negotiations," Michael Contet told press here. "He is putting final touches on arrangements, continuing his consultations with Syrian parties and international actors," he added. Participants are expected to kick off talks in Geneva's UN headquarters on Feb. 23, 10 months after the last round of negotiations were put on hold amid a humanitarian meltdown and violence. No indication on whether delegations have already arrived in the Swiss city was given. The UN-mediated talks are seeking to broker a political end to a conflict which has killed as many as 400,000 people and displaced millions of others since March 2011. Contet confirmed that upcoming negotiations will be guided by UN Security Council Resolution 2254. KUALA LUMPUR, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Doctors found no sign of puncture on the body of a Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) man, who died at the Kuala Lumpur airport last week, as the cause of death is yet to be determined by results from a lab, a Malaysian health official said on Tuesday. Medicolegal specimen taken from the DPRK man, which include fingerprints and dental ones, have been sent to a lab for further analysis to determine the cause of his death, Noor Hisham bin Abdullah, director of health in the health ministry, told a press conference. Hisham did not elaborate on what they found in the postmortem, which was completed on Feb. 15, but said the whole process was "conducted professionally." He denied media reports, which said a second autopsy was conducted on the deceased man. Until now, no next-of-kin of the deceased man has showed up to help authorities carry out DNA identification, a key step in determining the identity, he said. Bypassing a question from a reporter on what kind of toxin they found on the body, Hisham said they had to wait for the lab results. Following the killing on Feb. 13, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had told reporters that the man was Kim Jong Nam, the elder half-brother of DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un. It is not known when the postmortem results could be released, but an investigation already saw Malaysia in a row with the DPRK. DPRK Ambassador Kang Chol said on Monday that he did not trust the investigation launched by Malaysian police and accused the Malaysian government of colluding with "hostile forces" and pinning suspicion on Pyongyang. When asked about about Kang's remarks, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Tuesday the envoy's comments were "totally uncalled for" and "diplomatically rude," according to the state news agency Bernama. Malaysia has been having good ties with the DPRK and has no reason to paint a negative image of the country, said Najib, adding "We are very objective." "They (the DPRK) should help us to find out the truth. That is more important than (making) sweeping and baseless statements," Najib said. The Malaysian police have detained two female suspects - an Indonesian and a Vietnamese. A DPRK man, working in Kuala Lumpur as an IT engineer, was also arrested. Relatives of Palestinian Abdel al-Fattah Yusri al-Sharif, who was shot dead as he lay on the ground by Israeli soldier Elor Azaria, watch on television the verdict of the trial of the soldier, at their house in the West Bank city of Hebron, on Feb. 21, 2017. An Israeli military court sentenced on Tuesday Sgt. Elor Azaria to 18 months in prison after he was convicted of manslaughter for shooting dead the wounded Palestinian assailant Abdel al-Fattah Yusri al-Sharif last March. (Xinhua/Mamoun Wazwaz) JERUSALEM, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli military court sentenced on Tuesday Sgt. Elor Azaria to 18 months in prison after he was convicted of manslaughter for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian assailant last March. A three-judge panel said the incident was "a one-time failure" for Azaria and therefore he deserves a relatively light punishment. During the hearing, the military prosecution asked for an "appropriate sentence" of 3-5 years in jail. The maximum punishment for manslaughter is 20 years. Azaria was also given 12 months' probation, and his military rank will be demoted from sergeant to private. Azaria's legal team did not immediately say if they will appeal against the sentence although the lawyers said earlier that they would struggle against any prison sentence. On Jan. 4, the court convicted Azaria of shooting and unlawful killing of Palestinian Abdel al-Fattah Yusri al-Sharif, 21, in the neighborhood of Tel Rumeida in the West Bank city of Hebron on March 24, 2016. "There was no reason for shooting the terrorist, certainly not at his head," the judges said. Azaria was a 19-year-old army medic at the time of the shooting. According to the verdict, the incident took place after al-Sharif and another Palestinian, Ramzi Aziz al-Qasarwi, stabbed a soldier, wounding him lightly. Troops opened fire at them, killing al-Qasarwi and seriously injuring Al-Sharif. Al-Sharif was lying on the ground, immobilized, for about 30 minutes, before Azaria approached him and shot to his head. After the shooting, a video footage of the incident surfaced on the internet and went viral, prompting a military police investigation into the case. At the courtroom in Hakirya military base in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Azaria was greeted with applause by his family and supporters, while hundreds of other supporters rallied outside the court, waving flags of Israel. "We will wreak havoc throughout the country if Elor is sent to jail," they chanted. Following the announcement of the sentence, Naftali Bennet, education minister and leader of the ultra-nationalist faction of the Jewish Home, called for Azaria's release. "The security of the citizens of Israel requires an immediate clemency to Azaria," he said in a statement. The trial, which began in last May, has deeply divided the Israeli society, with many Israelis hailing Azaria as a "hero." Lawmakers and ministers came to his defense, saying the army should stand by its soldiers even if they were wrong. The case also divided the country's leadership, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and right-wing ministers call for pardoning the soldier, and the army's commanders stress the importance of punishment to keep the military's "code of ethics." The incident occurred at a tense time between Israelis and Palestinians, amid a spate of violence in the West Bank and Israel, which has claimed the lives of at least 240 Palestinians and 34 Israelis since Sept. 2015. The court's ruling was a rare case of convicting a soldier for killing a Palestinian. According to figures released by Human Rights Watch on Wednesday, since Oct. 2015, there have been at least 150 clashes in which Israeli security forces shot Palestinians suspected of carrying out attacks. BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The output of China's information technology industry expanded 10 percent year on year in 2016, thanks to strong performance of smart phones, routers and LCD panels, an official said Tuesday. The growth rate was 4 percentage points higher than the rate of overall industrial expansion last year, according to Zhou Zixue, deputy head of China Information Technology Industry Federation. China's industrial output expanded 6 percent year on year in 2016, the National Bureau of Statistics data showed. Industrial output, officially called industrial value added, is used to measure the activity of designated large enterprises with annual turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about 2.9 million U.S. dollars). Gross profit of the information technology industry surged 16.1 percent year on year in 2016, Zhou said at a meeting, without providing further details. But Vice Minister of Industry and Information Technology Chen Zhaoxiong said China will put more strength behind artificial intelligence, Internet of vehicles quantum computing. KABUL, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A visiting delegation of U.S. Senate held meeting with President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani here on Tuesday and exchanged views on matters pertaining mutual interests, said a statement released by the Presidential Palace. "Matters pertaining mutual interests including security situation in Afghanistan, economic development, investment and education came under discussion and the visiting senators praised the achievements of Afghan government in the said fields," said the statement. President Ghani thanked the U.S. senators and the U.S. administration for its support to Afghanistan. Afghan officials, including chief executive Abdullah Abdullah and advisor to president on National Security Mohammad Hanif Atmar, accompanied the president in the meeting, the statement added. AMSTERDAM, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Mexico City has the worst daily traffic condition in the world for the second consecutive year, according to new research released on Tuesday. TomTom, a Dutch company manufacturing traffic and mapping products, said in the study that the Mexican capital once again took the top spot with drivers expecting to spend an average of 66 percent extra time stuck in traffic everyday. "Mexico City has an extensive subway system but it doesn't extend out to where all the population growth is happening," the company's senior traffic expert Nick Cohn said. "People don't have a lot of options for getting to work." Besides ranking the worst for full-day traffic congestion, Mexico City also has the second worst evening rush hour traffic in the world, with drivers spending an additional 101 percent of extra time in traffic compared to an uncongested situation. By analyzing the traffic congestion situation in 390 cities in 48 countries, the research has listed other cities, including Thailand's capital city of Bangkok, Indonesia's capital Jakarta, and Romanian capital Bucharest as the most congested cities in the world. BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Seven Chinese provincial-level regions, including Beijing and Shanghai, have started entrusting their pension funds to the National Council for Social Security Fund (NCSSF) for investment. A total of 360 billion yuan (52.33 billion U.S. dollars) is being transferred from scattered bank accounts operated by local authorities to the NCSSF for centralized asset management, the Economic Information Daily reported on Tuesday. The move is the latest effort by China to improve returns of its vast locally managed pension funds, which have traditionally been parked in banks or used to purchase treasury bills. Unlike governments, the NCSSF is allowed to invest in a variety of financial products, including bonds and equities. The fund saw a 15-percent investment return in 2015, with total entrusted assets worth 1.9 trillion yuan. Brokerage GF Securities estimates around 2 trillion yuan in pension funds nationwide could be used for investment, about half of the total balance of the country's pension fund accounts as of the end of last year. Wang Zhongmin, vice chairman of the NCSSF, said the specific amount of available funds still cannot be determined due to uncertainties from local authorities. The State Council issued guidelines to loosen investment rules on pension funds in the summer of 2015, greenlighting their entry into the stock market, which had been suffering from plunges. The move has been closely watched by the capital market, which calls for more long-term institutional investors to stabilize the market. The government's priority remains stable asset growth, avoiding bold investments as the proportion of pension funds in stock-related investments is limited to 30 percent. "Liquidity and safety should still be first," said Dong Dengxin, a financial researcher with Wuhan University, who advised a cap of 10 to 15 percent for equity investment during the preliminary stage. Rather than giving an immediate boost, analysts believe pension funds will bring long-term benefits to China's A-share market, optimizing the structure of investors and curbing market volatility. KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Personnel of law enforcing agencies have arrested eight suspected insurgents in the southern Kandahar province, said a statement of National Directorate of Security (NDS) or the country's spy agency released here Tuesday. "An eight-member group of armed insurgents have been arrested and the arrested persons have confessed to their involvement in subversive activities including targeting security checkpoints and supplying caravans," the statement said. Taliban militants who are active in parts of the southern Kandahar province over the past more than a decade are yet to make comment on the subject. TOKYO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Japan's education ministry said Tuesday it had uncovered 17 more fresh instances of its personnel illegally finding post-retirement positions for bureaucrats as the scope of the scandal continues to widen. According to an interim report conducted by the ministry, as part of a deeper probe into its jobs placement racket, the number of "amakudari" cases now stands at 27. Known colloquially here as "amakudari" and meaning a "decent from heaven" where bureaucrats are re-employed into comfortable jobs they once oversaw, the rising figures reveals the problem is endemic in at least the education ministry and possibly in other public sectors. "This serves as evidence that the ministry has been systematically involved in violating regulations on re-employment," education minister Hirokazu Matsuno was quoted as telling a news conference Tuesday. "There was a lack of awareness about legal compliance at the ministry," said Matsuno, who vowed to "rigorously punish those newly implicated." "The scandal indicates the ministry deliberately circumvented the law and is serious enough to prompt a rebuilding of the ministry from scratch," another top ministry official was quoted as saying of the deeply-entrenched practice of "amakudari". The illegal practice, it would seem, has not just remained specific to a single ministry or agency as Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Tuesday that he had launched an investigation into one of his ministry's former diplomats being given a cushy post-retirement position by the education ministry. The practice of "amakudari" was effectively banned in 2007 when legislation was changed regarding the re-employment of civil servants, in part due to the potential for corruption. But those under investigation may have dodged the law by using retired civil servants to deal with the illegal job placements. According to local media sources, the ministry's report identifies 16 ministry officials who had been engaged in the employment placement racket, and among the names were former vice minister Kihei Maekawa, who stepped down last month from the top bureaucratic spot over the scandal. A list of prestigious universities has also been made available that have employed former ministry bureaucrats through the illegal scheme. The ministry said it will, as part of its ongoing investigation, continue to investigate some 3,000 of those it still actively employs and 500 who have already retired. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered a government-wide investigation to find out how deeply-entrenched the illegal practice is within the public sector. Abe ordered the investigation after an initial probe into the ministry was made public in January. Abe's top government spokesperson said the government has been ordered to "flush out" the issue from scratch. "The government has been instructed by the prime minister to flush out the issue from scratch at all ministries and agencies, and we will completely explain the results of the full investigation to the public," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference Tuesday. Suga added "it is unallowable and highly problematic for the authority in charge of education to have been entangled in the practice." Israeli soldier Elor Azaria is embraced by his mother at the start of the sentencing hearing at a military court in Tel Aviv, Israel February 21, 2017. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) JERUSALEM, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli military court sentenced on Tuesday Sgt. Elor Azaria to 18 months in prison after he was convicted of manslaughter for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian assailant last March. A three-judge panel said the incident was "a one-time failure" for Azaria and therefore he deserves a relatively light punishment. During the hearing, the military prosecution asked for an "appropriate sentence" of 3-5 years in jail. The maximum punishment for manslaughter is 20 years. Azaria was also given 12 months' probation, and his military rank will be demoted from sergeant to private. Azaria's legal team did not immediately say if they will appeal against the sentence although the lawyers said earlier that they would struggle against any prison sentence. On Jan. 4, the court convicted Azaria of shooting and unlawful killing of Palestinian Abdel al-Fattah Yusri al-Sharif, 21, in the neighborhood of Tel Rumeida in the West Bank city of Hebron on March 24, 2016. "There was no reason for shooting the terrorist, certainly not at his head," the judges said. Azaria was a 19-year-old army medic at the time of the shooting. According to the verdict, the incident took place after al-Sharif and another Palestinian, Ramzi Aziz al-Qasarwi, stabbed a soldier, wounding him lightly. Troops opened fire at them, killing al-Qasarwi and seriously injuring Al-Sharif. Al-Sharif was lying on the ground, immobilized, for about 30 minutes, before Azaria approached him and shot to his head. After the shooting, a video footage of the incident surfaced on the internet and went viral, prompting a military police investigation into the case. At the courtroom in Hakirya military base in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Azaria was greeted with applause by his family and supporters, while hundreds of other supporters rallied outside the court, waving flags of Israel. "We will wreak havoc throughout the country if Elor is sent to jail," they chanted. Following the announcement of the sentence, Naftali Bennet, education minister and leader of the ultra-nationalist faction of the Jewish Home, called for Azaria's release. "The security of the citizens of Israel requires an immediate clemency to Azaria," he said in a statement. The trial, which began in last May, has deeply divided the Israeli society, with many Israelis hailing Azaria as a "hero." Lawmakers and ministers came to his defense, saying the army should stand by its soldiers even if they were wrong. The case also divided the country's leadership, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and right-wing ministers call for pardoning the soldier, and the army's commanders stress the importance of punishment to keep the military's "code of ethics." The incident occurred at a tense time between Israelis and Palestinians, amid a spate of violence in the West Bank and Israel, which has claimed the lives of at least 240 Palestinians and 34 Israelis since Sept. 2015. The court's ruling was a rare case of convicting a soldier for killing a Palestinian. According to figures released by Human Rights Watch on Wednesday, since Oct. 2015, there have been at least 150 clashes in which Israeli security forces shot Palestinians suspected of carrying out attacks. BORACAY, Philippines, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay said on Tuesday that the South China Sea issue is not the "sum-total" of relations between the Philippines and China, and the two countries should focus on economy and investment. At a news conference after the ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting, he said the Philippines has set an arbitral ruling over the South China Sea dispute aside for now and decided to pursue the bigger aspects of the Philippine relations with China, such as trade and investments. He said the two countries should pursue the areas where they have the convergence of national interests to make sure that all parties concerned would benefit. "That is also part of the confidence-building measure that we (the Philippines) contribute towards a peaceful (resolution of the dispute)," Yasay added. The foreign secretary said the Philippine side is confident that in June or July the Philippines and other countries from ASEAN will work out the framework of a code of conduct in the South China Sea with China and he hopes this will lead to a peaceful resolution. Meanwhile, Yasay said the ASEAN ministers discussed "the way forward for ASEAN community building" and exchanged views of regional and international issues of common interest and concern, and discussed ways to promote peace, stability and prosperity in the region and beyond. These issues include non-traditional security challenges such as terrorism, piracy and armed robbery at sea, cyber-security, natural disasters, climate change, irregular migration, trafficking in persons and illicit drugs, maritime security and cooperation, and developments in crisis-hit regions, including the Middle East and the Korean Peninsula. ASEAN groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. RAMALLAH, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Tuesday the car bombing at a Mogadishu market last Sunday and described it as "criminal." According to the official Palestinian news agency (WAFA), Abbas paid condolences to his Somalian counterpart Mohammad Abdullah Mohammad and the families of the victims of the car bombing. Abbas described the bombing as a "criminal act, that is against all faiths, beliefs, morality and international and humanitarian laws." He also wished for the Somalian people to enjoy peace and security and a speedy recovery for those injured in the attack. Last Sunday a car bomb exploded in a market in Somalian capital Mogadishu, killing 39 people and injuring at least 50 others. BRUSSELS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker has chosen a French term to tell Britain it can expect to pay a "salty" price for quitting the European Union. The phrase "salty" roughly translates as meaning "hefty or pricey." Speaking on Tuesday, Juncker said, "Our British friends need to know -- and they know it already -- that it will not be cut-price or zero-cost. The British will have to respect the commitments which they played a part in agreeing." Juncker's comments, in a speech to the Flemish parliament in Brussels, come with the Brexit talks expected to be launched next month. It is expected to be two years before Britain actually withdraws from the 28-strong bloc. In view of this, Juncker added, "Therefore the bill will be -- to use a rather vulgar term -- very salty. It will be necessary for the British to respect commitments which they freely entered into." In his address to Belgian parliamentarians, he also maintained Brussels' position that withdrawal arrangements -- including the "exit bill" -- must be agreed before moving on to potentially drawn out negotiations over future trade relations. The Commission chief said, "This will be a difficult negotiation, which will take two years to reach agreement on the exit arrangements. To agree on the future architecture of the relations between the UK and EU, it will need years." He restated the Commission's position that there will be no membership of the single market for Britain unless it signs up to freedom of movement for workers. "Those who want to benefit from the advantages of the single market must respect the four fundamental freedoms, including the one which relates to the movement of workers," he said. Brexit was a "crisis for us all," he said, adding that it made him personally "sad" to see a major European actor leave the EU. "We need to settle our affairs not with our hearts full of a feeling of hostility, but with the knowledge that the continent owes a lot to the UK," he said. "Without Churchill, we would not be here -- we mustn't forget that, but we mustn't be naive." Juncker, a former Luxembourg Prime Minister, said, "Our British friends will need to understand that we want to continue to develop European integration." Juncker's comments came as the British House of Lords began a second day of discussion of the government's European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, which, if passed, will allow British Prime Minister Theresa May to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, allowing formal talks with the EU to start. RAMALLAH, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Hawkish strongman Mahmoud Aloul, who was elected as vice chairman of Palestinian ruling Fatah Party, stresses popular resistance and diplomatic endeavor as two complementary strategies to pressure Israel. "The more the Israeli aggressions, pressures and the crimes of the occupation, the more there will be resistance in confronting it," the 67-year-old Fatah strongman said. On the relations between popular resistance and international diplomacy, Aloul said they are complementary. "It is not a duality, it should be viewed as two complementary things, as it is also a form of resistance in political and diplomatic field when you go to UN agencies, the Security Council or the International Criminal Court," he said. He said he is deeply affected by the power of the people in raising awareness and pushing for more demonstrations. After years in exile, Aloul returned to Palestine against Israel's objection in the wake of the Oslo Accords signed between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel in 1993. The man's elder son was shot by Israeli forces during a demonstration in the second intifada in Sept. 2000, when he served as the governor of northern West Bank city Nablus. Following the death of his son, Aloul launched local networks of rehabilitation of destroyed buildings and providing aid to families of victims during confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli forces. Aloul joined Fatah movement in the 1960s and was imprisoned by Israel in 1968 for three years, and then he was exiled to Jordan. He had a significant role in financial and military areas during the first Palestinian popular intifada (1987-1993) as an aide to Fatah party's then top military leader Jihad Al-Wazir. In 2007, he was appointed as Minister of Labor during the short lived national unity government formed by the Islamic Hamas movement, shortly before the internal rift took a deeper cut. Speaking about international efforts to resume peace talks, Aloul criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for not offering concrete vision for peace and derailing the peace proposals by former U.S. leaders. Trump's statement last week in a joint press conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aroused outcry among Palestinians. "I'm looking at two states and one state, and I like the one both parties like," he told reporters. The statement was interpreted as United States' intention to drop the two-state solution, a long-standing bedrock of the Middle East policy embraced by successive U.S. administrations and the international community. "We are surely very cautious about anything proposed, because sometimes they refer to one state with very different interpretations, not one state where people live in a democracy with equal rights for all, but a state with two systems that would lead to apartheid," warned Aloul. "The only option is the two states, and now we are not questioning our faith in the two-state solution, but whether it is possible or not due to the humongous obstacles Netanyahu has put in its way," he added. Aoul, however, also stressed that the two states is actually not the ceiling of what the Palestinians demand. The ultimate goal the Palestinians are seeking "is independence and liberty for the people, sovereignty for the people, achieving by establishing a Palestinian state on the borders of 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital," he noted. BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- China will make careful evaluations and respond accordingly if the United States unveils a detailed plan on the proposed border-adjustment tax, Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng said Tuesday. China is aware of a recent proposal within the U.S. administration concerning a border tax on imports, said Gao at a press conference when answering a question on U.S. President Donald Trump's posts on Twitter. All countries should abide by international trade rules when formulating trade policies, the minister said. He said China does not want to comment on remarks made by U.S. presidential candidates during the election campaign, instead it would rather focus on the new administration's attitude toward trade ties with China. Speaking of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Gao said there has been substantial progress in negotiation, but there were still some difficulties to be solved. China will continue to play a constructive and positive role in the negotiation and make joint efforts with all parties to reach agreements on the remaining issues and conclude the RCEP talks at an early date, he said. Launched in November 2012, the RCEP talks involve ASEAN and its six major trading partners -- China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia -- with an aim of facilitating expansion of regional trade and investment. MOSCOW, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Tuesday awarding the Order of Courage to the country's late ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Vitaly Churkin. The posthumous honor was given for Churkin's "dedication, perseverance and professionalism shown at the post of Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN," said a Kremlin statement. Churkin suddenly passed away on Monday in New York, a day before his 65th birthday. The senior diplomat had served as the Russian envoy to the UN since 2006. Born on Feb. 21, 1952 in Moscow, Churkin served as ambassador-at-large at the Russian Foreign Ministry from 2003 to 2006, before his appointment as ambassador to the United Nations. He was Russian ambassador to Canada from 1998 to 2003, and to Belgium from 1994 to 1998. The UN, China and some other countries have expressed condolences over Churkin's death. JINAN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- A court in east China's Shandong Province decided on Tuesday to uphold a ruling ordering the revocation of a fine against a private car owner who carried passengers without a license. The Intermediate People's Court of Jinan, capital of Shandong, ruled that the Jinan public passenger transport administration center should revoke a 20,000 yuan (2,900 U.S. dollars) fine it issued to Chen Chao, a private car owner, in January 2015. The ruling brought China's first case involving a cab-hailing app to a close. In January 2015, Chen was fined for carrying paying passengers, who found him via Didi, without a license. Private car owners are not allowed to carry passengers for profit in China under the current law. Due to the complexity of the case, the trial was postponed four times. The Shizhong District People's Court of Jinan decided on December 30 that although Chen did transport passengers without a license, his behavior posed little threat to society and the punishment was too severe. The Jinan public passenger transport administration center later appealed. DAMASCUS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 24 rebels were killed in the past 24 hours as a result of intense fighting between various rebel groups in Syria's southern province of Daraa, a monitor group reported on Tuesday. As many as 10 rebel groups, including the well-known Turkey-backed Ahrar al-Sham and the Saudi-backed Jaish al-Islam, engaged in violent battles with the Khaled Bin al-Walid rebel group as well as other factions pledging allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) in the western countryside of Daraa, the birthplace of the Syrian war, near the Jordanian borders, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The 10 groups unleashed an attack on Monday afternoon against areas taken recently by Khaled Bin al-Walid rebels in western Daraa, according to the Observatory. Khaled Bin al-Walid group pledged allegiance to the IS last May, saying in a statement that the move aims to put an end to the "treason" of other rebel groups. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) holds a welcome ceremony for French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, Feb. 21, 2017. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- China and France on Tuesday signed agreements on nuclear energy and science during French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve's Beijing visit. During talks with Cazeneuve, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said China is willing to work with France to deepen cooperation in the whole industrial chain of nuclear energy. He hoped that the two sides would ensure a smooth implementation of the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant program and discuss joint development of the third-party nuclear power market. Li suggested the two sides explore cooperation in civil aviation and space industries, deepen cooperation in coping with climate change, and speed up the eco-city project in Wuhan, capital city of central China's Hubei Province. He also hoped the two countries to explore cooperation in whole industrial chain of agriculture, medicine and health, as well as coping with an aging society. Li urged the two sides to facilitate bilateral people-to-people exchanges, effectively implement the Sino-French "1000 Interns" program and the mutual recognition agreement of driving license just signed between the two sides. He called on the two nations to push the social security agreement signed last October into effect as soon as possible, which exempts company employees assigned to work in each other's countries from the mandatory social security contributions. The premier hoped that the French side would provide Chinese tourists with better services. On bilateral relations, Li said China and France both serve as the permanent members of the UN Security Council, and the Sino-French ties have been at the forefront of China's links with western countries. He said the two countries should always uphold the principle of mutual respect, equality, cooperation, mutual benefit and win-win and strengthen communication and coordination in international affairs. He called on the two sides, against the backdrop of the complicated and volatile international situation, jointly send out strong signals of safeguarding world peace and stability and promoting development, so as to respond to uncertainty with stability. China firmly supports European integration, and hopes to see a united, prosperous and stable European Union(EU), which is not only conducive to China-France and China-Europe relations, but also in the interests of multilateralism and the development of globalization, said Li. Li urged the EU to comprehensively and thoroughly fulfill its obligations under the Protocol on China's Accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), so as to create conditions for sound and healthy development of China-Europe pragmatic cooperation. Under Article 15 of the Protocol on China's Accession to the WTO, the EU should have ended its "surrogate country system" by Dec. 11, 2016. For his part, Cazeneuve praised the fruitful cooperation with China in civilian nuclear energy sector, adding bilateral cooperation in agriculture and environmental protection is exemplary. France is ready to work with China to enhance cooperation in such areas of politics, economic and trade, investment, science, agriculture, nuclear energy, environmental protection and education, he said. France is willing to make efforts with China to maintain trade liberalization and defuse protectionism, he added. Noting Europe and China share broad common interests, Cazeneuve said the two sides will find proper solution to the implementation of the Article 15 of the Protocol on China's Accession to the WTO and France is willing to make efforts in this regard. When jointly meeting the press with Cazeneuve, Li reaffirmed that China upholds to the principle of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, opposes to all kinds of protectionism, and safeguards an open international trade system as well as the multilateral framework. Cazeneuve said France is ready to work with China to oppose trade protectionism and promote the development and prosperity of the two countries. Cazeneuve is paying an official visit to China on Feb. 21-23. Besides Beijing, Cazeneuve will also visit Wuhan. by Zhang Miao, Christopher Woodburn GENEVA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) reaffirmed that there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of the H7N9 avian influenza virus. "Since the first outbreak of H7N9 avian influenza virus in humans was identified in 2013, there have been five seasonal epidemics observed in China," WHO's China Country Office told Xinhua in a written interview, China reported 79 fatalities from H7N9 avian flu in January, the Chinese health authorities has said. Since the beginning of the year, 16 provincial regions have reported human H7N9 avian flu cases, with 192 cases in January, according to the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China. Given that most human cases were exposed to the H7N9 virus through contact with infected poultry or contaminated environments, China's health authorities implemented various measures to prevent and control the virus as well as shut down related live poultry markets. WHO hailed China's strong surveillance system which identifies and reports new cases of emerging and infectious diseases such as H7N9, as well as its capacity to screen the virus for potential changes. "The closure of live bird markets, and other measures to keep the markets hygienic and safe appear to have been a key factor in the control of previous outbreaks," WHO highlighted. WHO said based on the reported information, there is no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission, and there are no significant changes of the virus' properties or of the epidemiology of human infections. The UN health agency explained that whenever influenza viruses are circulating in poultry, sporadic infections or small clusters of human cases are possible, especially in people exposed to infected poultry or contaminated environments. WHO said that it is important for the general public to take precautionary measures to reduce exposure to avian influenza viruses from infected poultry. As it is often difficult to tell whether poultry are infected with certain types of avian influenza, it is vital to promote good hygiene practices while handling, slaughtering and preparing poultry for consumption. Due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, WHO continued to stress the importance of global surveillance to detect virological, epidemiological and clinical changes associated with circulating influenza A (H7N9) viruses. WHO warned that nearly 40 world economies have reported fresh outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza in poultry or wild birds since November last year. JAKARTA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia is tapping opportunities from India's lucrative outbound tour market, which recorded significant growth in the last few years, by taking part in an India's major travel event in Mumbai. Tourism Deputy Minister for Foreign Marketing Affairs I Gde Pitana said on Tuesday that Indonesia's presence in India's Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) in Mumbai was a proof of Indonesia's willingness to attract visitors from India. Pitana said India has a tremendous outbound market with 20,380,000 recorded in 2015, up 11.1 percent from that of a year earlier. "Around 45 percent of India's outbound travellers came from Mumbai, India's second largest business city after New Delhi. So, Mumbai is also a very potential city to promote our 10 new tourist destinations," Pitana said. Some 1,150 exhibitors from 50 nations attempted to attract potential visitors from India during the event, which is expected to be visited by more than 13,000 people. For the same purpose to lure more Indian visitors, Indonesia took part in India's largest tourism event of 2017 South Asia Travel Tourism and Expo (SATTE) in New Delhi last week. India has been among Indonesia's top 10 market for source of visitors with 293,415 recorded in 2015, a 23-percent increase from 2014. "The significant growth of Indian visitors to Indonesia was due to government's expanding visa-free program and more direct flights operated by (flag carrier airline) Garuda Indonesia from Mumbai to Indonesia's big cities of Jakarta, Medan, Denpasar and Surabaya," Pitana's deputy for Asia Pacific market Vincensius Jemadu said. Indonesia welcomed more than 12 million foreign visitors last year, and is expected to see 15 million ones this year. With a target to welcome 20 million foreign tourists by 2019, Indonesia is striving to build 10 new tourist destinations across the country, which are expected to be on a par with the resort island of Bali. by Olatunji Saliu ABUJA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday allayed fears of the country's citizens over his prolonged vacation in the United Kingdom, saying "there is no cause for worry." An official statement made available to Xinhua did not say exactly when the vacation embarked on by the Nigerian leader would be over. "During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the President staying longer than originally planned," said the statement signed by presidential spokesman Femi Adesina. Buhari jetted out of the west African country on Jan. 19, proceeding on a 10-day vacation as part of his 2017 annual leave and had planned to resume official duties on Feb. 6. The president was scheduled to return to Abuja, the Nigerian capital, on the evening of Feb. 5 but was advised to complete and receive the results of a series of medical tests recommended by his doctors before returning, he personally wrote in a notice dispatched to the Senate President and Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives. Buhari's prolonged absence still continues to cause tongues wagging in the country, with opposition groups insisting on the official disclosure of his real health status. Ahead of his vacation, Buhari had transmitted a letter to the Senate, requesting that his Vice-President, Yemi Osinbajo, be empowered to act as President until his return and in accordance with the provision of the country's constitution. Early this month, a rumor of the president's death had spread like a wildfire, causing Panic among citizens. Many did not take the rumor of Buhari's death funny. A police investigation is underway to uncover and prosecute the masterminds of the rumor. Some citizens even offered special prayers in their respective worship places for the president's good health. In the statement issued Tuesday, Buhari thanked millions of Nigerians "who have been sending good wishes and praying for his health and well-being in mosques and churches throughout the country." "The President is immensely grateful for the prayers, show of love and concern," the statement added. Buhari's media aides insist he is not ill amid the controversy in which speculations had also risen that the president was battling a terminal illness. On June 6, 2016, Buhari had traveled to London to have a short rest and see an Ear, Nose, and Throat (E.N.T) specialist for a persistent ear infection after being examined by his personal physician, according to Adesina. Nigeria's main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had urged the president to address the nation, particularly on the sudden extension of his vacation and his present health status, to douse tension in the country. The opposition group, noting the president is not a private citizen, demanded a full disclosure of the reason the president is still holding back in the UK. "Imagine the president talking about a leave extension but not saying about when he would resume. Medical tests have dates of collection of results. It can't be open-ended without dates," the Nigerian opposition party said in a statement made available to Xinhua. Adesina said so long as there was no vacuum in government, the president can take the time he desired until his doctors give him a clean bill of health before returning home. "There's no lacuna because power has been transferred to the vice-president who is acting president," he added. ROME, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Italian taxi drivers staged an angry demonstration before the parliament on Tuesday to protest against a draft legislation perceived as favoring Uber and other similar car-sharing and car-hiring services. Meanwhile, taxi wildcat strikes entered their sixth day in the Italian capital, Milan, Naples, Turin and Genoa. Several hundreds cab drivers from across the country gathered in the main square before the lower house since early morning. The protest was unauthorized, and anti-riot police officers were deployed around all of the major buildings in the area. Minor scuffles between protesters and police took place near the headquarters of the ruling Democratic Party in the morning, according to the local media. The protest was sparked by an amendment contained in a government's wide decree that was currently under discussion in parliament. The provision, if definitively approved, would postpone the introduction of new norms to control car-sharing and car-hiring services from the next month to the end of this year. Taxi drivers believe such prolonged lack of norms would damage the taxi industry, helping de-regulating the sector, and favoring app-based car transport solutions overall. Supporters of the decree, however, think customers in Italy deserve to be offered a greater choice in terms of city transport services. On Monday, major taxi unions had called on their members to put an end to the wildcat strikes, at least until a scheduled meeting with Italy's Transport Minister Graziano Delrio which would take place on Tuesday. Their call, however, was not heard. The sit-in and rally around the parliament, which lies in Rome historic center, caused disruption in the Italian capital on Tuesday. The halt of services to and from the major airports of Rome and Milan badly affected travelers as well in these days. However, taxi services to and from hospitals and for disabled people is guaranteed in all cities throughout the strike. The protest began on Feb. 15 when the Italian upper house started discussing the decree and widened in the following days. The package was passed by senators with 153 votes in favor and 99 against, and would now wait for the lower house's green light. Talks between taxi driver unions and minister Delrio are scheduled later on Tuesday. SINGAPORE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Singapore and Britain renewed their Economic and Business Partnership (EBP) on Tuesday, paving the way for greater economic cooperation and new business opportunities in both countries, Singapore's Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said. The renewed EBP were signed by Singapore's trade minister Lim Hng Kiang and Britain's Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox, who is on a three-day visit to the city state. The MTI said both parties affirmed the robust and multi-faceted bilateral relations, and discussed the strengthening of economic cooperation and trade links. Lim noted that against a backdrop of rising protectionist sentiments, Singapore and Britain will stay the course on free and open trade as like-minded and forward-looking partners. "We will work together to promote the development of an open global trading environment," he said. The renewed EBP builds on the original agreement, which was signed in October 2011, to facilitate regular and strategic dialogue at the senior officials' level, said the ministry. Under the renewed EBP, new areas of cooperation include collaborating on trade policy capacity-building initiatives and establishing a working group to deepen strong trade and investment ties. According to the MTI, Britain is Singapore's fourth largest European trading partner, with total bilateral trade valued at 11.4 billion Singapore dollars (8.01 billion U.S. dollars). Singapore is the UK's largest trading and investment partner in ASEAN and also the gateway to the region for many British businesses. OSLO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Norway said on Tuesday that it wants to be included in any possible internal market arrangements between the European Union (EU) and Britain. "Brexit will be a concern for all of us. Trade with both Britain as well as the EU is of enormous importance to Norway," Norwegian Minister of the European Economic Area (EEA) and EU Affairs Frank Bakke-Jensen told a meeting with EU ambassador. "We would like to have the possibility to be included in EU-UK arrangements concerning the internal market -- permanent as well as transitional," he said. The Norwegian minister noted that it is in his country's interests to maintain the closest possible trade policy cooperation with both sides. "I am pleased with the willingness to consult closely with us on coming negotiations about the internal market," Bakke-Jensen said. "We also have an ongoing political dialogue with the UK and are ready to discuss our future co-operation in specific terms as soon as the situation permits," he said. Norway is not a member of the EU but is part of the EEA and the European Free Trade Area (EFTA). It remains subject to the same single market regulations and the fundamental principles of the free movement of goods, services, people and capital as the 28 EU member states. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker (R) talks with British Prime Minister Theresa May during their meeting in Brussels, Belgium, Oct. 21, 2016. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan) BRUSSELS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Tuesday warned that Britain would pay a "hefty" bill for its leaving out of the bloc. Juncker made the remarks when delivering a speech at the Belgian parliament. He pointed out that it would take years to reach an agreement on the future architecture of the relations between Britain and the European Union, according to reports. The debate over Brexit in Britain's Houses of Parliament has moved to the House of Lords. British Prime Minister Theresa May made a rare appearance on Monday as she sat in the historic chamber to listen to the start of the debate over her parliamentary bill to trigger the process of Britain leaving the European Union. CAPE TOWN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- South Africa will continue its mediation efforts and peacekeeping operations in Africa, President Jacob Zuma said on Tuesday. In a speech marking the Armed Forces Day in the eastern coastal city of Durban, Zuma said South Africa is committed to its peace-making initiatives in Lesotho, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Burundi, Mozambique, South Sudan, Somalia and Libya. South African troops play a key role in the country's foreign policy, anchored on the promotion of peace and security in the continent in order to create conducive conditions for economic development, Zuma said. South Africa plays its role in the fulfilment of the goal of silencing guns in Africa by 2020, he said. This goal is set by the African Union (AU). South Africa has deployed more than 3,000 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the interest of contributing to peace and stability in Africa. Zuma paid tribute to the hard work of the SANDF in the DRC. "Together with our friends and allies they are standing under the United Nations -- Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) against armed rebels in the eastern DRC," he said. In other parts of the DRC, where tensions continue to simmer, the SANDF is responding to ensure that peace is maintained so that people and citizens of that country can live in a safe and secure environment, said Zuma. "We have lost soldiers in some of the peacekeeping missions in the DRC, Central African Republic or the Sudan," he said. Zuma also pledged that the SANDF will continue to support and roll out the "Maritime Security Strategy" along the Eastern Seaboard, in the Mozambican channel in order to counter piracy. "The presence of our troops along the border also helps to curb crime. Members of the SANDF recover illegal weapons, stop illegal migrant crossings and have recovered stolen vehicles, stock and contraband goods and dagga among others," the president said. Five years ago, the South African government decided to use the 21st of February each year as Armed Forces Day to celebrate the contribution of the defence force to the consolidation of democracy and peace in the country. U.S. Vice President Mike Pence (L) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker attend a press conference in Brussels, Belgium, Feb. 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Gong Bing) BRUSSELS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- In his first trip abroad, United States Vice President came to Europe this weekend to talk with European leaders and NATO, with interested parties on both sides of the Atlantic hoping to see growing tensions between the U.S. and Europe soothed. U.S. President Donald Trump has ruffled feathers in the European Union (EU) both before and after his election, creating concerns on several fronts. Regarding security, Trump put many Europeans ill-at-ease when he called NATO "obsolete" for having been "designed many, many years ago," for not adequately adapting to the threat of terrorism, and for countries not paying "what they should." Concerns around Trump's NATO position have only been compounded by what seems to have been a complementary softening of U.S. positions toward Russia. The U.S. president has frequently praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "strong leader" and indicated that a better relationship with the Kremlin might be welcome. American commitment to a unified Europe has been further called into doubt by Trump's repeated statements praising the outcomes of the Brexit vote. It has also been reported that the U.S. president's top pick for Ambassador to the EU is Ted Malloch, a professor who angered Europe by predicting in January that the single-currency bloc could collapse within 18 months, and saying he would "short the Euro" as an investor. These issues and more have rattled Europe, with leaders looking for answers about future U.S. policy toward European unity and security. Mike Pence's visit, it appears, has been designed to allay fears. "Today is my privilege to be on behalf of President (Donald) Trump, to express strong commitment of the United States to continued cooperation and partnership with the EU," the vice president said at a joint press conference with European Council President Donald Tusk after their meeting in Brussels on Monday. "Whatever our differences, our two continents share the same heritage, the same values and above all, the same purpose to promote peace and prosperity through freedom, democracy and the rule of law," he continued. The message of direct support for the EU will have been a relief to some European observers, after a Saturday speech at the Munich Security Conference in which Pence managed to avoid any mention of the Union. It will be difficult for others, however, to ignore signals that U.S.-European relations have been cooling. European Council President Donald Tusk, who previously described Donald Trump as a potential "threat" to Europe, spoke positively of his meeting with Mike Pence in a statement after the talks, but with a show of reserve. "Too much has happened over the past months in your country, and in the EU; too many new, and sometimes surprising opinions have been voiced over this time about our relations -- and our common security -- for us to pretend that everything is as it used to be," said Tusk before thanking the American vice president for his frankness and honesty. "Today I heard words which are promising for the future, words which explain a lot about the approach of the new administration in Washington," the European Council president admitted, before enumerating Pence's confirmation of American commitment to rules-based international governance, shared transatlantic security through NATO, and European unity. President Tusk, though, made certain to demonstrate that he wanted action that matched Mike Pence's "promising words." "After such a positive declaration, both Europeans and Americans must simply practice what they preach," he said. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker also appeared positive about his meeting with Pence, making it clear in a speech before the talks that he would be seeking to mend relations. "I do not think that the moment has come to divide the U.S. and the European Union. We are partners for so many decades in the world," Juncker said. "The global stability is heavily depending on the good relations between the United States of America and the European Union." Similarly, the office of EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said in a press release that in her meeting with the American vice president, she had discussed the importance of a strong partnership between the EU and the U.S. in an "open and warm conversation." With all the positive spin on events, it is almost possible to forget that this round of U.S. diplomacy began with American Defence Secretary James Mattis telling fellow NATO allies on Wednesday that they needed to foot more of the security bill, claiming that it was no longer acceptable for American taxpayers to carry a "disproportionate share of the defence of Western values." He warned that unless fellow members -- of which only five current reach a target 2 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) defence spending, including Estonia, Greece, Poland, Britain and the United States -- moved towards more equal burden-sharing, the U.S. could "moderate its commitment" to NATO. Mike Pence himself made it clear on Monday at NATO that while U.S. support for the security alliance was "unwavering," equal burden-sharing was necessary. The question that remains is whether Mike Pence's round of talks in Europe will be enough to calm nerves and return U.S.-EU relations to traditional warmth. While Mike Pence is certainly addressing some worries, European leaders are likely to remain wary about the future of U.S.-EU relations. Many Europeans will be waiting, like Donald Tusk, to see if American diplomacy will be realized in practice. VIENTIANE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Asia-Pacific Satellite signed an agreement with the AEK Group on Tuesday to start providing HD satellite TV programs to customers in Laos. There are 60 TV channels, including six Lao channels and others from foreign countries. It is the first time that Lao people receive the Laosat HD satellite TV signals through the Lao Sat-1 satellite, the first satellite of the country. The deal will also encourage people to comply with the regulations and purchase only legal satellite dishes. Currently there are a number of illegal satellite dishes for sale in local markets. Lao Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) issued a request letter calling for the Customs Department of the Ministry of Finance to block any imports of illegal satellite receivers whose importers have not been granted permission from the MPT. However, the ministry does not plan to collect or remove those satellite receivers that are being sold from local markets, saying that the latest move is just to block further unlawful imports. After the Lao Sat-1 was launched in November 2015, its operations were trialed for about two months and began commercial services in mid-March 2016. Enditem UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 65,000 children have been released from armed forces and armed groups in the past 10 years, the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) said here Tuesday. The UN agency made the statement in a press release as leaders from around the world gather in Paris on the anniversary of the Paris Commitments to end the use of children in conflict. "Ten years ago the world made a commitment to the children of war and matched it with action -- action that has helped give 65,000 children a new chance for a better life," said UNICEF Executive Director Anthony Lake. "But today's meeting is not only about looking back at what has been accomplished -- but looking forward to the work that remains to be done to support the children of war," Lake said. Exact data on the number of children used and recruited in armed conflict are difficult to confirm because of the unlawful nature of child recruitment. However, UNICEF estimates that tens of thousands of boys and girls under the age of 18 are used in conflicts worldwide: Since 2013, an estimated 17,000 children have been recruited in South Sudan and up to 10,000 have been recruited in the Central African Republic. In Nigeria and neighboring countries, data verified by the United Nations and its partners indicate that nearly 2,000 children were recruited by Boko Haram in 2016 alone. In Yemen, the UN has documented nearly 1,500 cases of child recruitment since the conflict escalated in March 2015. The number of countries that have endorsed the Paris Commitments nearly doubled in 10 years, from 58 countries in 2007 to 105 at present, signaling an increasing global commitment to end the use of children in conflict. Estimates show that of the 65,000 children who have been released in the past 10 years, more than 20,000 were in the Democratic Republic of Congo, nearly 9,000 in the Central African Republic, and more than 1,600 children in Chad. The Paris International Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Children in Armed Conflicts will look at ways to build on this momentum. These include calling for the unconditional release of all children, without exception, and putting an end to child recruitment, increased resources to help reintegrate and educate children who have been released, and urgent action to protect internally displaced children, child refugees and migrants. "As long as children are still affected by the fighting, we cannot give up the fight for the children," Lake said. WARSAW, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Poland and the Czech Republic both want the central European region to be stronger and believe the EU will be strengthened out of the current crisis, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said on Tuesday. During his meeting with Milan Stech, president of the Senate of the Czech Republic, Waszczykowski discussed the EU's future and cooperation within the Visegrad group (V4). Waszczykowski underlined that a common V4 attitude during the upcoming EU 27 summit in Rome was of a vital importance. Both sides expressed hope for finalizing some key infrastructural projects, and talked about the future of the European Union in the context of Brexit. The day before, Stech discussed similar issues with Stanislaw Karczewski, Marshall of Polish Senate. Commenting on the possible reforms of the EU, Stech underlined that in the Czech Republic's point of view, the EU should first deal with current matters such as Brexit and the migration problem. Stech commenced his two-day visit in Warsaw on Monday. The visit included meeting with marshalls of Sejm and Senate (both houses of the Polish parliament). VIENTIANE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said Tuesday that it will continue to provide around 2 million U.S. dollars in assistance to Laos each fiscal year from 2017 to 2021. Laos can also submit proposals to request increased support in case of a disease outbreak such as dengue and other diseases, according to an agreement signed Tuesday in Vientiane between WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Shin Young-soo and Lao Minister of Health Bounkong Syhavong. "I believe that this Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS ) will guide us well over the next five years as we work together to improve the health of the people in the Laos," Shin was quoted by Lao state-run media Vientiane Times as saying. The extended support will launch the new WHO and Laos CCS for 2017 to 2021, aiming to sustain the Lao government's health improvements and support the government to address emerging health challenges in the country. The Lao minister, for his part, said the aid affirms the constructive partnership between WHO and Lao Health Ministry to support health sector reform and its quest to achieve University Health Sciences coverage. They will improve service delivery of public health programs to reach the vulnerable groups and protect the public from vaccine preventable diseases, like polio, measles and rubella, Bounkong said. TIRANA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Based on the positive performance of Albanian economy, Finance Minister Arben Ahmetaj told a press conference Tuesday that Albania's economic growth in 2017 would be 3.5 percent. In the first quarters of 2016, the country's economic growth reached 3.3 percent, which is very significant. The growth will continue this year and is expected to reach 5 percent in next two years, Ahmetaj told reporters while speaking about the latest developments and forecasts for the future. Ahmetaj said that in 2016, revenues were estimated at 275.8 billion lek (2.16 billion U.S. dollars) or 18.1 billion lek (141 million U.S. dollars) more than that in 2015. He stressed that the growth of revenues did not come as a result of tax hike but the formalization of the economy and good management. As for Albania's agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which is about to end on Feb. 24, Ahmetaj said, "Although the agreement will end on its scheduled deadline, the cooperation will continue as the IMF will continue to monitor Albania's finances on a quarterly basis." Enditem TEHRAN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri suggested that the Islamic states shut their embassies in Washington if the U.S. decides to relocate its embassy to al-Quds, or Jerusalem in Israel, Tasnim news agency reported Tuesday. The embassy relocate plan is a scheme to disrupt peace, Berri said, criticizing the U.S. government for backing Israel policies, including the expansion of Jewish settlements in the Palestinian lands. He made the remarks in an address to a conference on Palestine in Iran's capital Tehran on Tuesday. Also, the visiting head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, Ramadan Abdullah Shalah, said here in the event that the Palestinian people have firm determination to resist the Zionist regime of Israel and will never give in. The two-day Tehran conference on Palestine, dubbed the 6th International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada, seeks to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the face of Israeli occupation and expansion of Jewish settlement in their lands. According to Press TV, around 700 foreign guests and representatives of the pro-Palestinian organizations will take part in the event. by Chrispinus Omar NAIROBI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's electoral body on Tuesday announced it had registered 3.78 million new voters in the just concluded voter listing exercise. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati said a target of 62 percent has been achieved since the final phase of mass voter registration exercise kicked off in mid January. He said the electoral body has so far registered 135 diaspora voters in five African countries of Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Africa. He added that registration of voters in prisons would begin on Wednesday in 118 prison facilities, targeting 5,952 convicts and 2,246 suspects in remand. Kenya's major political parties are mobilizing their supporters to participate in the final voter registration exercise ahead of August polls. Both President Uhuru Kenyatta and his rivals in the opposition crisscrossed the country as they led nationwide campaigns to encourage supporters to acquire to register. Pundits say the latest voter registration exercise will be the new battle ground for major parties as they prepare for the high octane campaigns ahead of the August 8 general election. Enditem Palestinian chief negotiator and Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO), Saeb Erekat, speaks during a pressconference in the West Bank city of Jericho on February 15, 2017. (Xinhua/AFP Photo) TEHRAN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri suggested that the Islamic states shut their embassies in Washington if the U.S. decides to relocate its embassy to al-Quds, or Jerusalem in Israel, Tasnim news agency reported Tuesday. The embassy relocate plan is a scheme to disrupt peace, Berri said, criticizing the U.S. government for backing Israel policies, including the expansion of Jewish settlements in the Palestinian lands. He made the remarks in an address to a conference on Palestine in Iran's capital Tehran on Tuesday. Also, the visiting head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, Ramadan Abdullah Shalah, said here in the event that the Palestinian people have firm determination to resist the Zionist regime of Israel and will never give in. The two-day Tehran conference on Palestine, dubbed the 6th International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada, seeks to show solidarity with the Palestinians in the face of Israeli occupation and expansion of Jewish settlement in their lands. According to Press TV, around 700 foreign guests and representatives of the pro-Palestinian organizations will take part in the event. BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi on Tuesday urged China and the United States to strengthen pragmatic cooperation in a bid to push forward bilateral relations. Yang made the remarks during a phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. In a phone conversation earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his U.S. counterpart Donald Trump reached consensus on safeguarding the foundations of China-U.S. relations and promoting bilateral exchanges, paving the way for the next stage of development in China-U.S. relations, Yang noted. China hopes the two countries, following through on the spirit of the phone conversation, could uphold the principles of non-conflict, non-confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation as well as enhance high-level exchanges, Yang said. He also urged the two countries to properly manage sensitive issues. The United States and China are important countries in the world, Tillerson said, adding that strong bilateral cooperation not only benefits both countries but also does good for regional and global peace, stability and prosperity. Noting that not long ago leaders from the two countries held important talks, Tillerson said the United States is willing to work with China to enhance mutual trust and develop ties. The two sides also exchanged some views on a number of international issues. The dead body of migrant is seen as other surviving migrants, who were on a boat which capsized on Wednesday, sit on a beach after policemen arrested them in Tripoli, Libya, January 4, 2017. Picture taken January 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) TRIPOLI, Libya, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Libyan Red Crescent said that the bodies of 74 migrant refugees washed ashore off the coast of Zawiya city in western Libya, 45 km west of the capital Tripoli. "Based on a humanitarian call from locals to our branch, a group of volunteers headed to Al-Zawiya beach and recovered 74 bodies," The Libyan Red Crescent posted on its Facebook page. Spokesperson Mohamed Al-Misrati said that the migrants likely drowned in the last two days. Al-Mistari added that the migrants are predominantly women the majority of whom are from Sub-Saharan African countries. Libya is a preferred departure point for illegal immigrants wanting to cross the Mediterranean towards European shores. Smugglers abuse Libya's chaotic and insecure state and traffic thousands of migrants in rickety boats, most of whom drown along the way. Over 181 thousand migrants crossed the Mediterranean into Italian shores from Libya in 2016, with over 4,500 presumed to have drowned. by Eric J. Lyman ROME, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Taxis in major Italian cities stayed in their garages for the sixth consecutive day Tuesday, in protest that a 25-year-old statute they say is not being applied to limit car-sharing services like Uber. The protests started Feb. 16 in Rome, Milan, and Turin, and have since spread to other cities including Bologna, Genoa, and Naples, dramatically slowing transportation in those cities. Officials representing the drivers were set to start negotiations with government officials Tuesday, but there was still no end in sight. Daniele Saulli, president of the Rome-based taxi driver industry group Urutaxi Lazio, told Xinhua it is unclear who first organized the work stoppages, and he said only a few taxi drivers are pushing the agenda. "I'd estimate that 90 percent of taxi drivers would rather be working, but the other 10 percent threatens them so they stay off the streets," Saulli said. Several commentators expressed doubts about that take on events. But regardless of the origins of the protests, economists say the taxi drivers are limiting their own prospects by declining to engage and adapt as the transport sector changes. "In the medium-term, it's inevitable that the sharing economy will become more relevant," economist Andrea Giuricin, a fellow with the Bruno Leoni Institute, a Milan think-tank, said in an interview. "We're only a few years away from driverless cars. What will the taxis do then?" Officially, the protests are to require non-taxi commercial vehicles to abide by the terms of a 1992 law, amended in 2008, that requires a driver to return to its office after each fare. But even though protesters do not mention any companies by name, the protests have been cast in the Italian press and among commentators as one designed to strike a clear blow against Uber and other car-sharing services. The new competition from car sharing services and other transport options is siphoning off business, keeping fares low, and dramatically reducing the value of a taxi permit, which drivers used to sell for hefty sums before retiring. Drivers say the permits now fetch only around a tenth of the more-than 100,000-euro price tag (105,000 U.S. dollars) they commanded a few years ago. One of the unintended consequences of the events, however, is that they are pushing people toward Uber and similar services. The Italian media reported that fares for Uber services rose as much as 400 percent after Feb. 16, a reflection of the company's algorithm that increases fares when demand is high, in order to entice more drivers to enter into service. Social media in Italy was flush with reports of people trying out Uber and other services for the first time because taxis were unavailable. Uber's Alessio Cimmino told Xinhua the company does not release ridership data. But Francesco Rellini, one of the founders of Scooterino, a Rome-based service that provides rides on two-wheel motor scooters, said in an interview that when taxis are off the roads, it is a boon for his company. "Each time the taxis stop working, we see demand rise 20 percent or more," Rellini said. "Once things go back to normal, some of the new clients stick around. They end up getting introduced to our service because they can't take a taxi, and they continue to use it when it is a good fit for them." According to Giuricin, the economist, the strategy being employed by the taxi drivers is a typical one in Italy. "The first response in this country is always to make things more difficult for the new competition rather than to innovate and adapt," Giuricin said. Scooterino's Rellini agreed: "The taxis are confronting what is happening as if it was 40 or 50 years ago," he said. "There's no reason why we can't all co-exist. But they have to acknowledge the world is changing." BEIJING, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Mission in Liberia on Tuesday local time honored a team of Chinese peacekeepers for their outstanding performance, according to China's Ministry of Public Security. A total of 140 Chinese policemen, the fourth Chinese police riot squad sent to Liberia since Sept. 2013, were awarded UN Peace Medals in a ceremony held in the Liberian capital Monrovia. The squad left China in March 2016 for a one-year mission, and was tasked with maintaining security and order in Monrovia. ABUJA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Members of the terror group Boko Haram who fled their former base in Nigeria's northeast region due to mop up operations by the country's security forces are relocating to the central region, governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello said Tuesday. Bello, while addressing a national security seminar in Abuja, the nation's capital, said some high-profile members of Boko Haram had been identified in Kogi. "I want to tell them that they have chosen a wrong place to relocate because we will never allow them," the official said. The Boko Haram insurgency has been blamed for more than 20,000 deaths and displacement of 2.3 million people since 2009. Nigeria has made a considerable gain on the Boko Haram front, with its security forces operating in the restive region dislodging Boko Haram fighters from the Sambisa Forest, the group's largest training camp in the country, last December. The security forces are intensifying aerial and ground patrol in the country's northeast, extending their offensive mission around the Green Belt Region near Niger and Chad. Bello said the Kogi State government will work together with the Nigerian armed forces to consolidate on the victory and gains recorded in the northeast. GENEVA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Drought has displaced more than 135,000 people inside Somalia since last November, and there have been reports of at least 38 deaths due to drought-linked reasons in just the Bakool region of south central Somalia, the UN refugee agency UNHCR said on Tuesday. A UNHCR spokesperson told a press briefing that more people are leaving their homes because of the drought, rising food prices, dry weather forecasts, and ongoing insecurity and are heading for urban areas. "Swift and substantial action and adequate funding are becoming urgently needed to avoid famine and a repeat of 2011, when some 250,000 people died, more than half of them aged below five," the spokesperson noted. According to the UNHCR, drought is also pushing some to flee the country. Since the start of the year, more than 3,770 Somali new arrivals have been recorded at Melkadida in Ethiopia, and acute malnutrition has been reported in around 75 percent of arriving child refugees. UNHCR estimated that in order to help the needy, an urgent funding of 825 million U.S. dollars will be needed before June, but until now only 100 million U.S. dollars has been pledged. BAGHDAD, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least seven people were killed and 12 wounded on Tuesday in a car bomb explosion at a crowded street in western Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, a police source told Xinhua. The attack occurred in the evening when a booby-trapped car detonated at the Amal-Shaabi thoroughfare in the predominantly Sunni neighborhood of Ameriyah in western Baghdad, the source said on condition of anonymity. The massive explosion destroyed several nearby shops and many stalls, along with damaging several nearby civilian cars and buildings, the source said. The toll could rise as ambulances, police and civilian vehicles were evacuating the victims to the city's hospitals and medical centers, the source added. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the Islamic State (IS) militant group, in most cases, is responsible for such attacks targeting crowded areas, including markets, cafes and mosques across Iraq. Terrorist acts, violence and armed conflicts killed 382 Iraqis and wounded 908 others in January across Iraq, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq said. The attacks came as the Iraqi security forces backed by anti-IS international coalition are carrying out a major offensive to drive out the IS militants from its last major stronghold in Iraq's northern city of Mosul. BANGKOK, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha Tuesday said on Tuesday that the order to put Thailand's controversial Buddhist temple under military control will not be revoked until the fugitive ex-abbot surrenders. "I confirm that I won't cancel the order because this case is not yet end and the alleged wrongdoer has yet been brought to justice," said Prayut, who has endorsed an order to arrest the temple's ex-abbot Pra Dhammachayo. Soldiers and police have surrounded the scandal-hit temple in suburban Bangkok since last Thursday. The special decree, known as section 44, allows officials to arrest the monk, who is wanted for alleged money laundering, land encroachment and accepting embezzled funds worth 33 million dollars. The 72-year-old monk, who always claims to be in bad health, has never been brought to court. He has reportedly been fleeing from the temple before the police's besiege. Attempts to raid the temple's 1,000-acre compound were thwarted after thousands of its devotees defended their spiritual leader. Scuffles broke out on the fifth day of the operation as the temple's supporters and monks erected barriers, and stopped police from entering its compound, which left several people injured. ABUJA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian government forces in central Kogi State nabbed four high-profile members of the terror group Boko Haram following intelligence report, a senior state official said Tuesday. The four Boko Haram commanders were arrested late Monday, said Yahaya Bello, governor of Kogi State. Boko Haram is suspected of regrouping in the state due to ongoing military operations in the country's northeast region. "I want to tell them that they have chosen a wrong place to relocate because we will never allow them," Bello said in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. According to him, the Kogi state government will, together with the armed forces, explore all means possible to rout the terrorists from their hideout. This, the official noted, would consolidate on the victory and gains recorded by the armed forces in Nigeria's northeast region. The Boko Haram insurgency has been blamed for more than 20,000 deaths and displacement of 2.3 million people since 2009. Nigeria has made a considerable gain on the Boko Haram front, with its security forces operating in the restive region dislodging the Boko Haram fighters from the Sambisa Forest, the group's largest training camp in the country, last December. The security forces are intensifying aerial and ground patrol in the country's northeast, extending their offensive mission around the Green Belt Region near Niger and Chad. Enditem DAMASCUS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 11 civilians were killed by shelling from Turkish forces against Syria's northern city of al-Bab, reported the state news agency SANA on Tuesday. Women and children were among the victims of the Turkish shelling, which also caused property losses, according to SANA. For months, Turkish forces have been engaged in intense battles with the Islamic State (IS) group militants, with assistance from the Ankara-backed rebels fighting to reclaim al-Bab, the last largest city still under IS control near the Turkish borders. According to opposition activists, Turkish forces and allied Syrian rebels managed to take parts of the western side of the city. Activists said on Tuesday that the rebels' Free Syrian Army captured new areas inside al-Bab. Noteworthy, the Syrian army advanced toward the city from the south, while Turkish-backed forces closed in on IS from the city's northern and western regions. The Syrian army is fighting to capture al-Bab's southern rim, a step which would additionally shield the northern city of Aleppo from IS attacks. As for Turks, capturing the city's northern region paved the way into predominantly Kurdish growing influence and presence in northern Syria - a red line delineated by Turkey. However, during their advance into the city, Turkish forces killed tens of civilians, according to activists. KIEV, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday has called on the European Union (EU) to consider fresh sanctions against Russia over Moscow's decision to recognize identification documents issued by the authorities of pro-independence insurgents in eastern Ukraine. "We think it is an extremely alarming phenomenon that requires decisive action up to the enhancement of sanctions," Poroshenko was quoted by his press service as saying during the meeting with the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides. The recognition of the documents issued by the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics is incompatible with the implementation of the Minsk agreements, Poroshenko said. Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order on temporarily recognizing identification documents issued by eastern Ukrainian authorities to permanent residents. Kremlin said the order, which will stay in force until the Minsk deal on Ukrainian settlement is implemented, is aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals. The EU slapped the sanctions on Russia in 2014 over Moscow's alleged role in the conflict in east Ukraine. Russia, who has denied the involvement in the confrontation, imposed an embargo on food imports from Western countries in response. KHARTOUM, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's army announced on Tuesday that it repelled an attack by rebels against the Al-Mashayesh region, which killed a government soldier and injured 10 others. "A force belonging the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM)/northern sector attacked one of our posts in Al-Mashayesh region, and our forces managed to repel them," Sudanese army spokesman Ahmed Khalifa Al-Shami told Xinhua. "One of our soldiers was martyred and 10 others were injured," Al-Shami said, adding " there is definitely a substantial loss of human lives among the perpetrators, but we have no exact figures yet." He deemed the attack a violation of the ceasefire declared by the Sudanese government, saying "rebels of the SPLM/northern sector are attempting to pressure the State to launch a widescale attack against them in order to condemn the government and accuse it of violating the cease-fire." "We are committed to the declared cease-fire, but the SPLM/northern sector has continued to violate it," added Al-Shami. Last January Sudanese authorities decided to extend the cease-fire in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile regions. In October 2016, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir declared a cease-fire in all conflict areas in the country until the end of 2016 before extending it for another month by the end of last December. The Sudanese government has been fighting the SPLM/northern sector in South Kordofan and the Blue Nile state since 2011, and armed groups in Darfur since 2003. Azerbaijan's First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva speaks at the 7th Global Forum in Baku, Azerbaijan, April 27, 2016. (Xinhua/Tofik Babayev) BAKU, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree Tuesday to appoint his wife Mehriban Aliyeva as first vice president of the country, the presidential website said. The posts of first vice president and vice president were created last September after a constitutional referendum, which also extended the presidential term from five to seven years. Under the amendments to the country's constitution, the occupants of both vice presidential posts will be appointed and dismissed by the president. Presidential powers in Azerbaijan will devolve to the first vice president -- rather than to the prime minister, who needs to be approved by the parliament, in the event that the president becomes incapable of discharging his duties. Aliyeva, 52, became a designated UNESCO goodwill ambassador in 2004 due to her work in the field of preservation and development of folk literature and music heritage in Azerbaijan. She is also a member of the parliament and president of the country's gymnastics federation. DAMASCUS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Around 250 rebels and their families reached the outskirts of Syria's northern city of Idlib on Tuesday, a day after evacuating the town of Serghaya near the capital Damascus, under a deal with the government, activists said. The busses transporting the rebels and their families reached the al-Madiq citadel at the outskirts of Idlib, waiting for the rebels in Idilb to transport them to the city, a day after evacuating Serghaya, northwest of Damascus, close to the Lebanese borders, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The evacuation is the latest in a string of deals the government has recently struck with rebels in areas around Damascus, which includes allowing the rebels and their families as well as any other civilian wanting to leave with them, to evacuate toward the rebel-held city of Idlib in the north. The moves are part of the government effort to clear the vicinity of the capital from any presence of the rebels, particularly those close to the Lebanese borders in northwestern Damascus. Last month, at least 2,100 rebels and their families evacuated the Wadi Barada region northwest of Damascus, after a bumpy road leading to a deal with the government forces, which heavily bombarded the area to push the rebel to accept a deal for their evacuation as the area includes the Ain Fijeh spring, the main water source feeding Damascus with water. Activists, including the Observatory, call these instances as forced displacement practiced on the rebels and their families, while the government names it as deals, or sometimes reconciliations. CAIRO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian president and Jordanian king held talks in Cairo on Tuesday where they reiterated the two-state solution as a "fixed national principle" to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Egyptian presidential spokesman said in a statement. The meeting came a few days after U.S. President Donald Trump said in a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington that the two-state solution is not the only way to settle the dispute, which backs off U.S. commitment to sponsor it for Mideast peace. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan King Abdullah II discussed methods of joint coordination "to realize the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state" as one of the fixed national principles that cannot be relinquished, said the statement. The two leaders expressed keenness on preserving the rights of the Palestinian people, stressing the necessity of ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to restore stability to the Middle East region. Israel has always been blamed by the international community for the deadlock of the Middle East peace process due to its settlement expansion policy that is rejected even by its strongest ally, the United States. Still, confident in Trump's support, the Israeli government recently announced plans to build about 6,000 Jewish settlement housing units in the West Bank. The announcement was preceded by an Israeli parliamentary approval of the so-called "Regulation Bill" that retroactively legalizes about 3,850 housing units in dozens of outposts built illegally on privately owned Palestinian lands. Earlier in mid-February, Cairo hosted separate meetings of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres with President Sisi and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul-Gheit where the world's top diplomat underscored that "there is not plan B for the two-state solution." KIEV, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian army and pro-independence insurgents on Tuesday accused each other of disrupting the withdrawal of heavy weapons from the contact line in eastern Ukraine. "Today, the pullout of heavy weapons again was derailed by the Ukrainian side. Ukraine reaffirmed unwillingness to fulfill its obligations," an unnamed official from the rebel operational command was quoted as saying by the insurgent-run DAN news agency. Commenting on the statements, Ukrainian military spokesman Leonid Matyukhin described it as a "provocation". He accused the insurgents of breaching the ceasefire, which is a key condition for the weapon withdrawal. "Today, the illegal armed groups used heavy weapons of 120-millimeter caliber in Donetsk and Mariupol directions," Matyukhin told local media. On midnight Monday, the Ukrainian army and insurgents started a new round of ceasefire. The pullback of their heavy weapons was due to begin 24 hours after the complete truce. The withdrawal of heavy weapons is a part of the Minsk agreement, which is designed to put an end to the almost three-year-old conflict in east Ukraine that has killed about 10,000 people. MINSK, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Belarus has lost 1.5 percent of its GDP in January due to the undersupply of crude oil from Russia, Belarusian Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov said on Tuesday. The premier noted that in January Belarus GDP declined by 0.5 percent compared to January 2016, while the forecast for the quarter reduction was to be not more than 0.4 percent. According to him, the main reason that GDP was lower than in January 2016 is due to undersupply of oil from Russia. A year ago Belarus refined 0.8 million tonnes of oil more than in January 2017. This resulted in a 3.3-percent decline in industry and 4.5 percent in wholesale trade. As a result, 1.5 percent of GDP was lost, Kobyakov said at a meeting of the Cabinet presidium in Minsk. Differing interpretations of the formula for pricing supplies of Russian gas to Belarus gave rise to a non-payment dispute that resulted in Russia reducing crude oil supplies to Belarusian refineries nearly 20 percent to 18.6 million tonnes in 2016. The UN Security Council observes a minute of silence in memory of the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 21, 2017. The UN Security Council on Tuesday paid tribute to the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, mourning the veteran diplomat with a series of condolences. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Tuesday paid tribute to the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, mourning the veteran diplomat with a series of condolences. Ahead of a meeting held here, diplomats stood for a minute of silence in memory of Churkin. Ambassadors of the 15 council members paid tribute to Churkin with short speeches. Churkin, who became the Russian permanent representative to the United Nations since 2006, reportedly died of an apparent heart attack in New York on Monday morning at the age of 64. He would have turned 65 on Tuesday. Peter Iliichev, Russia's first deputy permanent representative to the UN, expressed gratefulness for the "warm words and condolences." He said Russia has lost "a striking diplomat" who is a high professional with deep knowledge and talent working at one of the most crucial positions to defend his country. Chinese Ambassador to the UN Liu Jieyi said China is "deeply saddened" by the passing of Churkin, and he expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the government of Russia as well as the Russian mission to the UN. Liu praised Churkin as "an able, experienced and senior diplomat" who has made a huge contribution to the UN and multilateralism. "He worked till the last minute of his life, illustrating what it's meant by dedication and professionalism, and is thus an outstanding representative of diplomats," said Liu. Ambassador of United Kingdom Matthew Rycroft described Churkin as "a diplomatic giant." "We disagree on many issues, but I always find him an honest and descent colleague no matter the issues, no matter the positions," said Rycroft. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed his regret at Churkin's passing which "represents a deep loss for all of us in the United Nations, including in this Council, where his distinctive voice was ever-present for the past decade." Born on Feb. 21, 1952 in Moscow, Churkin was ambassador-at-large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation from 2003 to 2006. He was his country's ambassador to Canada from 1998 to 2003, and to Belgium from 1994 to 1998 before he represented Russia at the United Nations since 2006. His sudden death stunned the diplomatic community, staff of the UN secretariat and reporters here. by Maria Spiliopoulou ATHENS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- More than 30,000 children of refugees and migrants stranded in Greece have been inoculated within the year against ten illnesses, the Greek health ministry said on Tuesday. About 62,500 refugees and migrants are currently accommodated in camps across Greece after the closure of northern borders last winter, according to the latest data provided by the Greek migration policy ministry this week. Half of them are minors. Greece will continue to provide health care to all refugee and migrant children, the General Secretary of Public Health Ioannis Baskozos stressed. The education ministry, which launched the schooling program in October, repeatedly stressed that all refugee children are vaccinated before they attend classes. Currently, 2,500 refugee children are attending afternoon classes in public schools nationwide and the aim is to increase the number to 10,000 in the coming months. The health ministry statement was released as Greek police announced the arrest of a 25-year-old man for a racist attack on refugee children on Monday evening at an elementary school at Oreokastro, a suburb of Thessaloniki city in northern Greece. On Tuesday, there were no incidents due to increased security measures to prevent anyone unrelated to the school from approaching its grounds. WINDHOEK, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's minister of environment and tourism on Tuesday proposed tougher penalties for those convicted of rhino and elephant poaching in the country. Pohamba Shifeta lamented the losses of the animals despite massive investments by the government and conservation partners towards combating illegal hunting of rhinos and elephants. The southern African country that is home to 2,700 rhinos, the second largest population of the animal in the world, and 22,000 elephants, has seen a spike in poaching activities in recent years. Government statistics show that Namibia lost 63 rhinos and 101 elephants last year, mostly inside the Etosha National Park and the Bwabwata National Park. A total of 222 suspects have been arrested for rhino and elephant poaching, but the minister argued in Parliament that the arrests and convictions failed to be deterrent enough with lenient penalties. Shifeta then introduced the Nature Conservation Amendment Bill, which seeks to increase the penalties related to wildlife crimes. The bill, if approved, will see those found guilty of rhino and elephant poaching be liable to a fine not exceeding 25 million Namibia dollars (1.9 million U.S. dollars), up from the current maximum of 200,000 Namibia dollars. The maximum jail sentence will also be increased from the current 20 years to 25 years. Enditem ALGIERS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of Algeria and Germany talked about economic and security cooperation over the phone on Tuesday, Algerian news agency APS reported. Algerian Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed to strengthen cooperation in fighting terrorism and illegal migration, APS said, citing a statement from the Algerian prime minister's office. Merkel "expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations and reaffirmed the will of Germany to further strengthen them, notably in the economic field," the statement added. The German chancellor pledged to reschedule a visit to the North African nation as soon as possible, the report said. She was due to visit Algeria on Monday and Tuesday, but the trip was postponed over "acute bronchitis" of Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, a statement from the president's office said on Monday. Despite the postponement of Merkel's visit, a German business delegation came to Algiers to take part in a session of the Algerian-German Joint Committee earlier on Tuesday in Algiers. ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) has expressed deep concern over the recent fighting in South Sudan. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, the outgoing Chairperson of the AU Commission, has expressed deep concern over the deterioration of the security situation in South Sudan in recent weeks, according to an AU statement on Tuesday. The chairperson is alarmed by reports regarding the rising violations of the ceasefire, heightened hostilities in the Greater Upper Nile and Greater Equatoria regions, which has caused more refugees to flee into neighboring states, and an increase in internally displaced persons in the country, the statement said. The recent fighting has exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation, it noted. Dlamini-Zuma called on the various parties to the peace agreement to restrain from further hostile activities and uphold the ceasefire to the letter and spirit. The AU High Representative for South Sudan, former Mali President Alpha Omar Konare, will shortly begin consultations in South Sudan and in the region to help address these growing challenges, according to the statement. Enditem RIGA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The status of Latvian and other European Union (EU) citizens currently residing in Britain was among the main topics in Tuesday's talks between Latvian officials and visiting British Secretary of State for Existing the EU, David Davis. After his meeting with Latvian Foreign Minister Edgars Rinkevics, Davis told reporters that Britain had moral responsibility towards the Latvian citizens residing in Britain and the British citizens living in foreign countries. Davis had arrived in Latvia just after his visit to Estonia. In Riga, he met with Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis and Foreign Minister Rinkevics. After last summer's referendum in which most British voters supported their country's departure from the EU, British Prime Minister Theresa May has promised to submit the official application on the UK's exit from the bloc already in March. The Brexit minister is therefore touring the Baltic states to discuss the future of Britain's relations with the EU members. In addition to economic and political cooperation, the status of the thousands of Latvians living and working in Britain is an especially important question, which Davis and Rinkevics have been discussing at their earlier meetings in Brussels and also in Riga on Tuesday. "We are interested in the upcoming talks between Great Britain and the EU taking place as constructively and rationally as possible, without emotions," Rinkevics said, adding that Latvia would participate in these negotiations as one of the EU's 27 member states, although it also has its special interests, as Latvia wants the status of its citizens in Britain to remain unchanged after Brexit. Davis noted that EU citizens' status in Britain and vice versa would be among the first issues to be tackled in the Brexit talks. "We want to see the most civilized and responsible solution possible," Davis said. The Brexit minister said Britain would be very careful about its immigration policy, being aware of the immigrants' considerable contribution to the British economy. Latvian Prime Minister Maris Kucinskis said during his meeting with Davis that, notwithstanding Britain's forthcoming departure from the EU, Latvia wants to develop good bilateral ties with Britain also in the future and cooperate with Britain in various formats, including multilateral ones. Latvia wants close cooperation among the Baltic states, Nordic countries and Britain to continue, including in the Northern Future Format, the Latvian governmental press service said. Kucinskis emphasized that Latvia certainly does not want to make Brexit more complicated as Latvia's position on the process is pragmatic and rational. Latvia is interested in trade with Britain, which is its seventh largest trade partner, to continue unimpeded. "We see an opportunity for our companies and organizations to use Brexit for creating new synergies," the Latvian prime minister said. LISBON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Portugal's foreign ministry agreed on Tuesday to withdraw a complaint regarding Spain's nuclear waste deposit plan, but said that didn't mean a new complaint wouldn't be presented to Europe in the future. "Spain has committed to not issue any license or authorization regarding the operations of the warehouse," Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva said. "Portugal is committed to withdrawing the complaint but will not abdicate from presenting another complaint if joint work in the next two months leads to inconclusive results." Santos Silvas' comments came after the European Commission revealed on Tuesday that the governments of Spain and Portugal had reached an "amicable settlement" over the Almaraz nuclear waste deposit. Portugal sent a complaint to the European Commission on Jan. 16 regarding Spain's decision to build a nuclear waste deposit in Almaraz, about 100 km east of Portugal's border, with the Portuguese authorities pointing out that an assessment on the impact the waste facility would have on Portugal should have been carried out. MANAMA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Bahrain said on Tuesday that it has foiled a major terrorist plot and arrested 20 fugitives who were trying to escape to Iran by sea. Four of those arrested were women, the Interior Ministry said, referring to counter-terror operations conducted in mid-February. "A number of terrorist cells which were about to carry out terrorist attacks were dismantled," the ministry said in a statement. "Proactive operations were successfully conducted and 20 individuals wanted for security issues were arrested," it said. "Four women were among those arrested and were charged with aiding and abetting fugitives." One of those arrested admitted to killing a police officer on Jan. 29. Among the arrested, two were involved in establishing secret bomb-manufacturing warehouses and eight had received military training in Iran and Iraq and participated in the Jan. 1 jailbreak at Jaw prison, the statement added. The ministry released names and photographs of the fugitives, including members of the outlawed Al Dair terrorist group, and a 34-year-old, whom the ministry said received military training in Iran. Bahrain's security forces shot dead three terrorist fugitives and wounded two others while pursuing a boat heading for Iran on Feb. 9, authorities said. A total of 18 policemen have been killed since the 2011 unrest, and over 3,200 others were wounded in terrorist attacks in Bahrain. LONDON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Britain's largest ever global tourism trade event is to be staged next month at the English seaside resort of Brighton. VisitBritain said Tuesday more than 400 international buyers from 40 countries and regions would head to the two-day event on March 2. There they will meet with travel industry suppliers from across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Buyers from Britain's largest and most valuable inbound visitor markets are expected to attend, said a spokeswoman for VisitBritain. The latest figures from VisitBritain show there were 37.3 million visits to Britain last year, up 3.0 percent on 2015 with visitors spending 22.2 billion pounds (28 billion U.S. dollars), matching 2015's record spend. The figures showed growth in 2016 from North America with 4.3 million visits, up 7.0 percent on 2015. There were a record 25.3 million visits from people from the European Union (EU) in 2016, up 4.0 percent on 2015. KIGALI, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Indian Vice President Shri Hamid Ansari on Tuesday said more could be done to enhance trade with Rwanda while encouraging Indian companies to seize opportunities that Rwanda presents. "Rwanda has a dynamic economy and ranks highly in the ease of doing business, providing many incentives for investors. We share with Rwanda this strong desire to provide stable democratic governance and opportunities for growth and prosperity of our people," Ansari said. He made the comments while addressing Rwandan students at the University of Rwanda's College of Science and Technology on Tuesday. Over the last six years, a total of 66 Indian-owned projects were registered in Rwanda valued at about 317.5 million U.S. dollars, according to Rwanda Development Board. India has also pledged 50,000 scholarships for Africans in the next five years. Ansari arrived in Kigali on Sunday, heading a delegation of 27 people. Rwanda and India signed three agreements on Monday, the second day of Ansari's visit to the east African nation. The agreements include a bilateral air service agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Rwanda as well as one on the exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic and service passport holders. TEHRAN, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Iran will sign a deal with Russia to sell 100,000 barrels per day of oil to its northern neighbor, Press TV reported quoting Iranian minister of petroleum as saying on Tuesday. The deal, to be signed in the following weeks, would provide Iran with an opportunity to find new customers, minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh said, briefing his meeting with visiting Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak. "During the meeting, we agreed to hold a workshop in Moscow over the next few weeks on the new model of Iranian oil contracts," he said. Russia has expressed willingness to cooperate with Iran for long-term regulation of the country's oil market. People holding postcards participate in a protest to demonstrate how important immigrants are to America's economy on the Day Without Immigrants at Union Park of Chicago, the United States, Feb. 16, 2017.(Xinhua/Wang Ping) WASHINGTON, Feb.21 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday released detailed policies on crack downs of illegal immigrants, which included bolstering border protection agencies and closing policy loopholes. The new policies were designed "to stem illegal immigration and facilitate the detection, apprehension, detention and removal of aliens who have no lawful basis to enter or remain in the United States," said a document titled "Implementing the President's Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements Policies." The paper, along with the Memorandum for the Enforcement of the Immigration Laws to Serve the National Interest, were signed Monday by John Kelly, the secretary of the DHS. Major steps outlined in the papers include hiring more Customs and Border Protection agents, expanding a program that gives Kelly more power in directing field operations, initiating a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border, and stepping up the effort to "return aliens to contiguous countries." The border security memo stated that it "constitutes guidance to all department personnel, and supercedes all existing conflicting policy, directives, memoranda, and other guidance regarding this subject matter." The memos came in the wake of two executive orders signed by U.S. President Donald Trump in late January aimed at enhancing border security and restricting illegal immigrants across the country. Another related executive order from Trump, which imposed a temporary ban on immigrants and citizens of seven Middle Eastern countries, was scrapped after federal judges ruled against it. The status of illegal immigrants in the United States have become a contested subject especially among many of the liberal-leaning coastal states, in which many cities and counties have declared to be sanctuaries for illegal immigrants. Federal agents have conducted raids across the country and arrests hundreds of illegal immigrants in recent weeks, according to media reports. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres (2nd R, front) joins the UN Security Council to observe a minute of silence in memory of the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 21, 2017. The UN Security Council on Tuesday paid tribute to the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, mourning the veteran diplomat with a series of condolences. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Tuesday paid tribute to the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, mourning the veteran diplomat with a series of condolences. Ahead of a meeting held here, diplomats stood for a minute of silence in memory of Churkin. Ambassadors of the 15 council members paid tribute to Churkin with short speeches. Churkin, who became the Russian permanent representative to the United Nations since 2006, reportedly died of an apparent heart attack in New York on Monday morning at the age of 64. He would have turned 65 on Tuesday. Peter Iliichev, Russia's first deputy permanent representative to the UN, expressed gratefulness for the "warm words and condolences." He said Russia has lost "a striking diplomat" who is a high professional with deep knowledge and talent working at one of the most crucial positions to defend his country. The UN Security Council observes a minute of silence in memory of the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 21, 2017. The UN Security Council on Tuesday paid tribute to the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, mourning the veteran diplomat with a series of condolences. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) Chinese Ambassador to the UN Liu Jieyi said China is "deeply saddened" by the passing of Churkin, and he expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the government of Russia as well as the Russian mission to the UN. Liu praised Churkin as "an able, experienced and senior diplomat" who has made a huge contribution to the UN and multilateralism. "He worked till the last minute of his life, illustrating what it's meant by dedication and professionalism, and is thus an outstanding representative of diplomats," said Liu. The UN Security Council observes a minute of silence in memory of the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 21, 2017. The UN Security Council on Tuesday paid tribute to the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, mourning the veteran diplomat with a series of condolences. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) Ambassador of United Kingdom Matthew Rycroft described Churkin as "a diplomatic giant." "We disagree on many issues, but I always find him an honest and descent colleague no matter the issues, no matter the positions," said Rycroft. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also expressed his regret at Churkin's passing which "represents a deep loss for all of us in the United Nations, including in this Council, where his distinctive voice was ever-present for the past decade." Born on Feb. 21, 1952 in Moscow, Churkin was ambassador-at-large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation from 2003 to 2006. He was his country's ambassador to Canada from 1998 to 2003, and to Belgium from 1994 to 1998 before he represented Russia at the United Nations since 2006. His sudden death stunned the diplomatic community, staff of the UN secretariat and reporters here. An interpreter (R) wipes her tears as the UN Security Council mourns the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin at the UN headquarters in New York, on Feb. 21, 2017. The UN Security Council on Tuesday paid tribute to the late Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, mourning the veteran diplomat with a series of condolences. MEXICO CITY, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The head of the Central Bank of Mexico (Banxico), Agustin Carstens, announced on Tuesday he has postponed leaving his current job, as his country wades into delicate trade negotiations with the United States. Carstens, who was set to take over as general manager of the Swiss-based Bank for International Settlements (BIS) starting Oct. 1, 2017, said he will remain as central bank chief for another two months, thus joining the BIS on Dec. 1. According to Mexican media reports, President Enrique Pena Nieto asked Carstens to remain through supposed tough negotiations with the Trump administration, which wants to renegotiate a two-decade free-trade agreement with Mexico. A Banxico statement said Carstens' decision to postpone the move resulted from "a meeting to assess the situation and outlook of the Mexican economy," which was also attended by Finance Minister Jose Antonio Meade. In December, Carstens notified Banxico, where he has been chief since 2009, of his move to the BIS, a financial institution owned by some 60 central banks from countries representing nearly 95 percent of global GDP. Jaime Caruana, the current general manager at BIS, has agreed to stay on until Nov. 30, 2017, the BIS said. LONDON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- At an international conference which opened in Manchester on Tuesday, Northern England demanded a voice at the Brexit negotiating table. The message from a key session at the British Northern Powerhouse International Conference and Exhibition on Tuesday was that the Northern Powerhouse needed to have a seat at the table to help shape new trade deals following Britain's exit from the European Union (EU), according to a statement from the conference organisers. The two-day conference is taking place to discuss how the region can influence the economic and political landscape in the near future. Pat Ritchie, CEO of Newcastle-upon-Tyne City Council, said the North East of England was the only region with a positive balance of trade based on exports, with 60 percent of that trade going to the EU. "We need to think about our international relationships differently in light of Brexit and we have to think about inward investment differently. The Northern Powerhouse is a very important brand which encompasses all of the places in the North, bringing together their economic strengths will increase our ability to trade with different parts of the world." Earlier Lord Kerslake, the former head of the British civil service said in an opening speech that more devolution and great leadership were vital to the future economic success of the North of England. In a keynote speech, Kerslake said that fiscal devolution was key to the North's future, adding there was a need for a major shift of power away from Westminster and Whitehall. HAVANA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from over 50 countries will participate in the 19th Habanos Cigar Festival, the event organizer said on Tuesday. This year's festival, to be held in Havana from Feb. 27 to March 3, will see a number of star presentations, with the H. Upmann house which received its first Gran Reserva award for its Cosecha 2011 product, the organizer Habanos S.A. said in a statement. The emblematic Montecristo and Quai d'Orsay and other brands will see their new lines unveiled, said Habanos S.A., the state-owned organ responsible for promoting and exporting Cuban cigars worldwide, except in the United States due to the ongoing economic embargo. During the five-day event, cigar aficionados will have the opportunity to witness and taste the novelties of the Cuban tobacco industry first-hand. It has become a tradition that the program of the festival offers visits to the best tobacco plantations in the region of Vuelta Abajo, Pinar del Rio and to historical cigar factories. There will also be lectures, blind tastings, a cigar rolling master class, special marriages of beverages and cigars, and the XVI International Habano Sommelier Competition, allowing experts to show their knowledge about Cuban cigars paired with wine and fine dining. The festival will conclude with the delivery of the Habanos 2016 Awards and the traditional Humidor Auction, the proceeds of which will all go to the Cuban public health system. The annual Habanos Cigar Festival in Cuba is considered one of the world's largest international meeting on fine cigars. VIENNA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Austria deported 10,677 migrants whose asylum applications were denied in 2016 in line with the interior ministry's plans to enforce the process more strictly, local newspaper the Krone reported on Tuesday. The number is a significant increase over the 8,355 deportations the year before. "Those who do not receive asylum in Austria will have to make the trip back home," Minister of the Interior Wolfgang Sobotka was quoted as having stated. The report says 5,797 of the denied applicants made the trip home voluntarily, while the remaining 4,880 deportations were carried out forcibly, often via charter flights. Increases in deportations were particularly evident for asylum seekers from countries and regions such as Algeria, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Russia' Chechnya. The costs for the forcibly-imposed deportations have also increased significantly, it was noted, up from 1.4 million euros (1.48 million U.S. dollars) in 2015, to 3.8 million euros (4 million dollars). ALGIERS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Algeria on Tuesday said it is willing to make Germany its economic ally, as the two nations held their 6th Joint Committee in Algiers. "Germany remains a longstanding partner for Algeria, particularly in the fields of industry, engineering and petrochemicals," Algerian Industry Minister Abdesslam Bouchouareb told a press conference with visiting German Parliamentary State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy Uwe Karl Beckmeyer. He said the North African nation is working on diversifying its economy in a bid to curb its dependence on oil revenues, saying "Algeria is keen to make Germany its economic ally, not only in the region, but in all Africa." The Algerian minister added that 6th Algerian-German Joint Committee was an opportunity to review bilateral relations and discuss potential investment projects, as well as examine obstacles impeding the development of joint projects. For his part, Uwe Karl Beckmeyer urged German operators to enter the Algerian market, reaffirming the commitment of firms already present in the North African nation to assisting local enterprises, particularly those activating in infrastructures and energy. "We have submitted to the Algerian government a proposal to broaden the services provided by Germany to other areas, especially in infrastructure and energy projects... which would be beneficial for both countries," the German minister said. The oil-rich North African nation is working on diversifying its economy, as part of the government plan to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons revenues. Over 200 German companies are already established in Algeria, while trade exchange between the two nations hit 3.07 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, according to official figures. Mecical personnels evacuate a patient from Ben Taub Hospital in Houston, the United States, Feb. 21, 2017. The police of Houston, a city in south America, rushed to a downtown hospital Tuesday afternoon after reports of shots fired inside the building. (Xinhua/Zhong Jia) HOSUTON, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The police of Houston, a city in south America, rushed to a downtown hospital Tuesday afternoon after reports of shots fired inside the building. Both Houston police and the Ben Taul Hospital confirmed the reports of an active shooter who fired shots about 2 p.m. local time. But after a preliminary investigation, police said they hadn't found any suspect and there were no victims of the possible shooting. More than 200 police officers, some with assault rifles, responded to the scene where patients have been evacuated. Witnesses said that they heard people screaming and running inside the hospital. Doctors told them that there had been shots fired on the second floor of the hospital building. ANKARA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's opposition Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Selahattin Demirtas was sentenced on Tuesday to five months in prison on charges of "insulting the state and its institutions," while another co-chair, Figen Yuksekdag, was removed from her seat in the parliament. The court in northeastern Agri province accused Demirtas of "insulting Turkish nation, the state of Turkish Republic and public organs and institutions," local Hurriyet reported. Earlier on Tuesday, parliament stripped HDP co-chair Figen Yuksekdag of her status as a member of parliament over a terror sentence. The country's top appeals court has sought a jail term of up to 83 years for Yuksekdag on charges of inciting violence and propaganda in support of a terrorist organization. Meanwhile, Idris Baluken, a parliamentary group leader of the party, was arrested after he was released on Jan. 30 as part of a terror investigation. He faces aggravated life imprisonment on charges of disrupting the unity of the state's territorial integrity, membership of an armed terrorist group, spreading terrorist propaganda and taking part in unauthorized meetings and marches. In November 2016, 13 HDP lawmakers were arrested, and 10 of them, including HDP co-leaders Demirtas and Yuksekdag, have remained in custody pending trials on terrorism-related charges. The lawmakers began facing prosecution under an anti-terrorism legislation after their parliamentary immunity was lifted in March 2016. Turkey's government accuses the HDP of having links to the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the U.S. and EU. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The international community should not take peace and prosperity in Europe for granted, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said here Tuesday, warning that recent crises in Europe show that the continent remains at risk from new outbreaks of conflict. The secretary-general, while speaking at an open debate of the UN Security Council on conflict in Europe, said that such conflicts are not only a tragedy for those directly involved, but they are also reversing development gains and preventing communities and societies from achieving their full potential and contributing to regional and global prosperity. The international community should not take European peace and prosperity for granted, the secretary-general warned, stressing that the transition towards a multipolar world is creating greater unpredictability and risk. Referencing the situations in Cyprus, the Balkans, Ukraine as well as other areas, the secretary-general highlighted that no single factor can be blamed for the emergence and continuation of conflicts in Europe. He noted that in many cases, peace agreements are simply not being implemented. "Whatever the causes may be, the inability of regional and international institutions, including our own, to prevent and resolve conflicts is seriously undermining their credibility and making it more difficult for them to succeed in future," Guterres said. Speaking specifically on the conflict in Ukraine, Guterres said the UN remains committed to supporting a peaceful resolution, in a manner that fully upholds the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine, and in accordance with relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. He also noted that the UN fully supported the efforts within the Normandy Four, the Trilateral Contact Group, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Special Monitoring Mission, which repeatedly called for the full implementation by all sides of all the commitments under the Minsk Process, both in letter and in spirit. "I urge all stakeholders to avoid unilateral steps or attempts to create facts on the ground, which further complicates and endangers efforts to find negotiated settlements," he said. "This is especially relevant in view of the latest actions taken in relation to the conflicts in eastern Ukraine and the South Caucasus." He also urged all sides to give the highest priority to protecting civilians. Meanwhile, the secretary-general also noted new challenges and threats such as the phenomenon of populism, nationalism, xenophobia and violent extremism were both causes and effects of the conflicts. "I encourage member states, this Council, regional mechanisms and all stakeholders to intensify their efforts to define a peace and security agenda to address today's complex challenges," he said. "The status quo is not sustainable." QUITO, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The presidential candidate of the ruling PAIS Alliance Lenin Moreno called Tuesday for Ecuador to remain calm as votes are being counted since Sunday's first-round election. "I make a direct call for peace and for the popular will to be respected, whoever it favors. Violence cannot decide the result," Moreno wrote on his Twitter account. "We are calm and thank everyone. Yesterday, we begun our work beyond what is decided by the CNE (National Electoral Council). There is so much to do," added Moreno, who was vice president from 2007 to 2013. He issued this call in a context of political protests and uncertainty in the country. While the preliminary results give Moreno a clear lead, it is not clear whether he will avoid a run-off second round. On Tuesday, with 93.6 percent of the votes counted by the CNE, Moreno led on 39.1 percent, with the opposition right-wing candidate, Guillermo Lasso, on 28.38 percent. To avoid a second round, Moreno would need at least 40 percent of the vote and a 10-point lead on his rival. If not, the two men will face off in a second round on Apr. 2. The CNE has stated the full results may not be known until Thursday. However, Moreno has seemed to accept the possibility, posting on Monday that if he did not win outright, "We will go to a second round and the Ecuadorian people will take the final decision." BRASILIA, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Attacks and threats against journalists in Brazil jumped by a whopping 60 percent in 2016, compared to the year before, a report released on Tuesday said. The figure puts Brazil among the 10 most dangerous countries in the world for reporters, warned the Brazilian Association of Radio and Television Networks (Abert) in a study titled "Violations against Freedom of Expression." At least 174 journalists denounced having been the target of a physical attack or threat last year, compared to 116 in 2015, news agency O Globo reported, citing the study. 2016 was a year of political turmoil in Brazil, where left-leaning president Dilma Rousseff was impeached by a conservative legislature for alleged fiscal wrongdoing. Most of the violent incidents targeting reporters occurred during clashes between pro-Rousseff supporters and those in favor of impeachment. UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations refugee agency is focusing efforts on camp construction in and around the Iraqi city of Mosul, where renewed fighting could displace up to 250,000 people, UN officials said here Tuesday. With the predicted exodus of up to a quarter of a million people, it will be impossible to accommodate such large numbers on existing land, the officials said, quoting information from the UN Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). About 217,000 people have fled from the eastern sections of Mosul since the military offensive to oust Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL or Da'esh) terrorists began on Oct. 17, 2016. About 160,000 remained displaced while others have returned to their homes in the now government-controlled areas. The UNHCR has eight camps open or completed at present, and one under construction, and it is planning for the start of work at another site in Hamam Al Alil, south of Mosul. The Iraqi government has decided, initially, to transport people displaced from western Mosul to camps in the east while new capacity is being added in the south. The UNHCR has been asked to support a new site at Hamam Al-Alil, 20 km south of Mosul. It is expected that many of those fleeing western Mosul will reach there on foot. This site will provide shelter for up to 60,000 people. According to reports and testimonies, conditions in the densely-populated west of the city are worsening, and hence concerns are mounting for the well-being of civilians. There are shortages of food, water, fuel and medicine. Half of all food shops have closed and most people can only access untreated water. Food prices are skyrocketing and there are reports of families burning furniture, clothing and plastic to stay warm. The UNHCR said that during the battle for eastern Mosul, the protection of civilians was prioritized in military planning and activities, and UNHCR hopes this principle will continue to be upheld. However, the new battle will be different as the city's west is densely populated, with many narrow streets, and fighting will be street by street. Armed groups have built a network of tunnels. Insecurity and recent suicide attacks in eastern Mosul have resulted in some families, who had opted to return to their homes, coming back to the camps in search of safety, the officials added. The Iraqi security forces on Sunday announced the commencement of a new phase of offensive to drive out the extremist militants of Islamic State (IS) group from its major stronghold in the western side of Mosul, the Iraqi military said. The Iraqi army, federal police and some paramilitary units of the Hashd Shaabi have started their advance in the early morning from south and west of the Mosul. The troops, so far, have managed to retake control of a total of 17 villages as they were marching closer to the fringes of the western side of the city, according to a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command. The troops' advance toward Mosul came after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced the start of an offensive to drive the extremist militants out of the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of Tigris River which bisects the city. Late in January, al-Abadi declared the liberation of the eastern side of Mosul, or the left bank of Tigris, after more than 100 days of fighting against the extremist IS militants. However, the western side of Mosul appears to be a bigger challenge to the Iraqi forces with its narrow streets and heavy population of between 750,000 and 800,000 people, according to the United Nations estimates. Mosul, 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions. Alex Scott/ABC News(NEW YORK) -- On this Presidents' Day, which celebrates the achievements of America's past leaders, thousands of protesters rallied to send a message of defiance to the current president. "Not My President's Day" protests took place in dozens of cities across the country. Demonstrators gathered to oppose President Donald Trump's agenda on a number of issues ranging from immigration to LGBTQ rights to the environment. "Donald Trump does not represent our values, and therefore we refuse to honor him on President's Day," organizers of the Chicago rally wrote in their event description. "Instead, we will honor the principles of democracy for which our previous Presidents fought valiantly: the right to assemble, and the right to fight for those of our brothers and sisters who have not yet been included in the word 'equal.'" In New York City, thousands took to the streets in front of Trump International Hotel, according to ABC station WABC-TV. "I'm not Muslim, I'm not an immigrant, I'm not undocumented," one speaker said. "But I am heartbroken when I see the fear in friends who are those things, and it's empathy. I came out to say that I'm with you." Hundreds more reportedly gathered in cities like Chicago and Los Angeles. The rally in the nations capital drew several hundred protesters to Dupont Circle. "I am here to stand up for what's right, to stand up against what's wrong," one protester, Miriam Bowden, said. "And whats wrong is Donald Trump and all of his cronies who are infecting Washington, D.C." Following the rally, the protesters took their message directly to the White House, marching through the streets with chants of "This is what democracy looks like!" and "No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here!" The protests were largely peaceful. However, protesters and police reportedly clashed in Portland, Oregon, and several arrests were made. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Two Trinis caught in US raids A 25-year-old woman, convicted of robbery in Roosevelt, NY, and a 57-year-old man convicted of driving under the influence in Richmond Hill, NY were arrested by ICE officials during the raid. It is not known whether or not the two Trinis will face deportation, but Ministry of National Security officials told Newsday yesterday that if they are deported, they should have no fear of being mistreated. We will treat with them to ensure that they do not slip back into a life of crime while here, said Marcia Hope, Director of Corporate Communications at the Ministry of National Security. Once they continue on the right track, they do not need to fear, we will not discriminate against them. She added that when a person is being deported, he or she would be treated differently from the regular traveller. You would be under heavy guard, and when you are in the country, you would be handed over to Trinidad security forces. Hope said. Last week, over 680 persons were arrested in raids across the United States. Of those arrested, 75 percent are criminal aliens, convicted of crimes including homicide, aggravated sexual abuse, sexual assault of a minor, lewd acts with a child, indecent liberties with a minor, drug trafficking, battery, assault, driving under the influence and weapons charges. Soldier shot while liming At about 6.30 pm, a gunman approached the group and opened fire. After the man escaped residents found Carter on the ground bleeding from gunshot wounds to the chest, shoulder, left leg and both hands. He was taken to the Arima District Hospital, where he was treated and then transferred to the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex (EW MSC) in Mt Hope where he remains warded in serious but stable condition. Police believe the gunman attempted to rob Carter and his friends, but when they resisted, he shot at them. No arrest has been made and Northern Division detectives are investigating. Accused gets $200,000 bail Lewis of Arima Old Road and Block 22, Upper Laventille, is charged with perverting the course of justice by doing a deliberate act to conceal King with the intent to assist him to evade arrest and or lawful apprehension in connection with the unlawful killing of de Revenaux. Also charged with this offence is Christopher OConnor who was denied bail when he appeared in court last week Thursday. King has been charged with de Revenauxs murder on February 5, at the MovieTowne cineplex at Invaders Bay, Port-of-Spain, where she worked at one of the restaurants. Two Fridays ago, police apprehended a suspect in Chaguaramas shortly after midday while he was attempting to flee the country by boat. Both King and OConnor will also return to court on March 16. Man to stand trial Eric Stephens, 61, was committed to stand trial by Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar shortly after the prosecution closed its case. Stephens chose not to testify in his defence but reserved his right to call witnesses and provide alibi evidence. Lara of Don Miguel Road, San Juan, was liming with a small group when on November 6, 2012, she was stabbed to death. Her body was found on the ground, lying in a pool of blood, with a knife in her back. Charged with gun, ammunition, weed possession Ackimo Penniston, of Plaisance Park, St Margarets Village, near Claxton Bay, appeared before Magistrate Brambhanan Dubay in the San Fernando Magistrates Court. Dubay read the charge that on Friday at Southern Main Road, Marabella, Penniston had in his possession the gun, ammunition and the marijuana. However, police prosecutor Sergeant Parasan Ramsumair, told Dubay that the charges were laid indictably and there was not yet advice on whether the police should proceed summarily. Attorney Ainsley Lucky who represented Penniston, submitted that he found it rather unusual that even charge involving the marijuana, which weighed a mere 1.5 grammes, was so laid. Dubay said he had no powers to change the charge from indictable to summary and must proceed to conduct the case in accordance with how it was laid. Indictable cases require the magistrate to conduct a preliminary inquiry and make a finding on whether a prima facie case is made out to determine whether an accused should be tried before a judge and jury in the High Court. In a summary matter, the accused either pleads guilty or, a trial is held. In the High Court, the sentence is more severe when one is found guilty even for charges that are conducted summarily. $11,100 in fines for gun possession, resisting arrest Kyron Joseph, 24, of Mon Repos, also pleaded guilty before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John in the San Fernando Magistrates Court to escaping police custody, resisting arrest and malicious damage to property. The magistrate heard from police prosecutor Cleyon Seedan that on February 3, at about 3 pm, police officers dressed in civilian clothing went to Building Seven of the Housing Development Corporations buildings at Mon Repos, Naparima Mayaro Road, San Fernando, where they saw Joseph seated on a couch in a bamboo patch. The prosecutor told the magistrate that Joseph had a gun tucked in his waist. He was arrested and taken to Church Street, Mon Repos, however, he broke loose from police officers while handcuffed. Seedan told Forde-John that on Friday at about 5 pm, police officers were on foot patrol at La Pique Plaza, Coffee Street, San Fernando, when they spotted Joseph and they attempted to arrest him, but he pulled away. He then shouted, You see the four ah allyuh, ah go kill allyuh boy. Joseph, the magistrate was told, then smashed one of the glass doors at La Pique Plaza and attempted to escape but was apprehended. He pleaded guilty to all of the charges, except the one relating to assaulting PC Williams of the San Fernando CID. Attorney Analee Girwar mitigated on Josephs behalf, saying that he had no previous convictions for any criminal offence. Joseph was fined $5,000 for possession of the gun, $2,500 for the ammunition, $750 for escaping lawful custody, $750 for resisting arrest, $500 for malicious damage to the glass, $1,250 as compensation for the glass and $350 as compensation for the handcuffs. The magistrate reprimanded and discharged Joseph on the charge of larceny of the handcuffs. He was ordered to pay $1,000 forthwith and allowed 90 days to pay the remaining sum. WPC, son survive bandit attack The Woman Police Constable (WPC) and her four-year-old son escaped when the bandits car crashed into a light pole in Cunaripo late on Sunday night. According to reports, WPC Natasha Coyah, 26, of Sangre Grande left home with her son to visit a male friend in Tunapuna. In the evening, mother and son left Tunapuna en route to their home, when it is believed, the bandits followed her. When WPC Coyah arrived outside her house at 10 pm, three armed men pounced on her and forced her into the house. The men ransacked the house and seized a quantity of items before forcing the frightened officer and her son into their (the bandits) Nissan Tiida car which then sped off to an unknown destination. In the Cunaripo district, the driver lost control of the vehicle which veered off the road and crashed into a light pole. The bandits abandoned the car and ran off in different directions. WPC Coyah sought assistance from a resident and a call was made to the police. A combined party of officers from both Eastern and Northern Divisions, under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Surujdeen Persad swung into action and a 29-year-old man from San Juan was arrested. During intense interrogation, Newsday was told, investigators received key information regarding the other two suspects and arrests warrants are expected to be taken out for them soon. Mother and son were taken to a health facility shortly after the ordeal for treatment. WPC Coyah told investigators that she prayed for herself and her son while in the bandits car as she did not know what was to become of them. She is expected to receive counselling from the Victims and Witness Support Unit of the TT Police Service. The suspect is expected to be placed on an Identification Parade this week. Fingerprint experts have since dusted the crashed getaway car and WPC Coyahs house for evidence. Investigations are continuing. Williams: Interfaith services intended to motivate officers We are targeting the police so that we can lift their motivation further to inspire them to do even more for the country than they are already doing knowing for a fact the majority of citizens believe in a supreme being, Williams said. He was speaking at a special media conference at the Police Administration Building, at the corner of Edward and Sackville Streets, Port-of-Spain. Williams sought to clarify statements he made at one the recent services. He said the TTPS has recognised, over the years, that TT has been challenged with violent crime and they have seen an upward trend from 2000 hitting an all-time high in murders with 547. Williams said, While in 2011 we saw a dip with the State of Emergency where the country had recorded 302 murders, we have had what we would call a consistency in the area of 400 and upward. He said it is critical for the police as an organisation to do everything possible to ensure that they can impact the state of violent crime. And that is why every time I speak, I reach out to the citizens of this land with the message that we all have a part to play, no matter how small. All the small contributions can add up to that big positive contribution that we are seeking. Williams said the TTPS has set about in 2017 to take the lead in a form of engagement because they have clearly recognised that there is more that is needed in causing that change that the citizens of the nation are seeking. While single-handedly we may not be able to effectively bring the change that the citizens do in fact want, we believe with the support of the citizens of this land acting in a positive manner, we can achieve that change. He continued, It is in that context at this point in time we are engaging in a series of inter-faith services in all nine police divisions and it is well intended to make sure that we can bring on board the support of the various religious groupings and representatives to pray with us, seeking to have a level of intervention in the business of policing and policing this country ensuring that we can achieve finally that drop in violent crimes. Presbyterians called to action We pat ourselves on the back, counting schools and their scholarships every year whilst our membership is dwindling in our congregations, Teelucksingh said. He made the comments yesterday at the auditorium of the Chaguanas Borough Corporation at an event titled Conversations. It was the second in a series hosted by the Synod to commemorate the 150th anniversary celebrations (2018) of the PCTT. The theme of the event is Proud to be Presbyterian. Providing a historical perspective of PCTT, Teelucksingh noted that its five high (secondary) schools and 72 primary schools have powerful impacts on this countrys educational system. He questioned whether the work of the Church has become stagnant as PCTT has neither an educational institution nor a physical church building in Tobago. He added: The years of talking and dreaming about building a secondary school in central Trinidad and a hospital, never materialised. Should we be thinking about Presbyterian radio and television stations? Hindus and Muslims now have their own. What about a Presbyterian university? Others have done it already. What legacy have we left for the next generation? He charged that based on the teachings of the faith, PCTT always set high standards for life in TT. Its strict ethical and moral code, preserved over the years, the lecturer said, prohibited the use of alcohol, to presiding elders, lay pastors and deaconess, Teelucksingh added that as a Church, it has not attracted more full-time pastors. They have provided yeoman services to our church but too many of our pulpits are not occupied by ordained Ministers on a Sunday. Presbyterian culture in Trinidad and Tobago and elsewhere prefer ordained Ministers to oversee worship, Teelucksingh said. While all auxiliary ministries are useful, they could never replace a Reverend on a Sunday, not at prayer meetings, at wakes and at funerals. Solving this problem is a priority if the church is to survive. Maintaining the status quo keeps us in a failed comfort zone. For us in the Presbyterian Church, let us not stay any longer in the comfort of a proud history, he added. Among those in attendance were Anthony Rampersad, Justice Vasheist Kokaram and Chaguanas Mayor Gopaul Boodhan. President of India calls upon Shri Ram College of Commerce to set itself higher benchmarks of excellence New Delhi, Tue, 21 Feb 2017 NI Wire The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee addressed the inaugural Ceremony of the 90th Anniversary of Shri Ram College of Commerce (February 20, 2017) in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, the President said global rankings of Indian higher educational institutions remain poor. After several years of efforts, he is satisfied that at least three institutions of higher learning in the country have secured top places. Shri Ram College of Commerce, New Delhi has been doing well. It should now set itself higher benchmarks of excellence. Pointing out the importance of research and innovation, the President said Germany was only the country unaffected by 2008 financial crisis and Euro zone crisis. This was because of the solid foundation for research and development within the country as well as the world class institutions it has established. The President said for decades Shri Ram College of Commerce has met the essential requirements of connecting education to the needs of an emerging nation, as also developed livelihood and professional skills in the field of business and economics. It is heartening to note that the vision of its founder, Sir Shri Ram to create an institution that would train young minds to manage the needs of industry, business and economic administration has been fulfilled comprehensively. Today we talk of industry-academia interface. It goes to the credit of the founders of Shri Ram College of Commerce that almost a century back they insisted on real life industry exposure to teachers as well as students. The President said a class room is meant to complement the realities and complexities of the real world. Application of theoretical learning to real life situations and finding workable solutions to such situations is the real test of success in academic postulates. He was happy that having stood the test of time, the Shri Ram College of Commerce has not only maintained excellence in academics but also produced students who have gone on to excel professionally. Source: PIB Health Secretary launches 'SAATHIYA' Resource Kit and 'SAATHIYA SALAH' Mobile App for Adolescents New Delhi, Tue, 21 Feb 2017 NI Wire null 'This Resource Kit and Mobile App connect the RKSK with the adolescents': C.K Mishra C K Mishra, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare launched the SAATHIYA Resource Kit including 'Saathiya Salah' Mobile App for adolescents, here, as part of the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) program. One of the key interventions under the programme is introduction of the Peer Educators (Saathiyas) who act as a catalyst for generating demand for the adolescent health services and imparting age appropriate knowledge on key adolescent health issues to their peer groups. In order to equip the Saathiyas in doing so, the Health Ministry has launched the Saathiya Resource Kit (including 'Saathiya Salah' Mobile App). Introducing the Resource Kit and the Mobile App, C K Mishra said that 'our country is home to 253 million adolescents which is largest in the world in terms of absolute numbers and when RMNCH programs were launched globally, India was the first country to add the '+A' i.e. adolescent component to the RMNCH, making it today's RMNCH+A program'. He emphasized that 'adolescents are the critical mass of asset which in future would be the biggest dividends to the country's economy; thereby their health and wellness are of utmost priority'. To address and cater to the health and development needs of the country's adolescents, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) in January 2014. RKSK identifies six strategic priorities for adolescents i.e. nutrition, sexual and reproductive health (SRH), non-communicable diseases (NCDs), substance misuse, injuries and violence (including gender-based violence) and mental health. The most important component and driving force of RKSK program are its Peer Educators and this resource kit has been launched to enable them to communicate with the adolescents of their community, Mishra stated. He specified that the 'kit is being launched to enable the 1.6 lakhs Peer Educators towards taking their job forward and answering all the queries in the minds of an adolescent in-spite of the plethora of media (Magazines, TV, internet etc.) available'. The Peer Educators will be trained across the country in a phased manner, ensuring optimum use of the resource kit, which is a ready source of a range of communication material specially designed to help the Peer Educator to be recognized and respected as 'saathiya', a good friend for the adolescents. This Resource Kit comprises i) Activity Book, ii) Bhranti-Kranti Game iii) Question-Answer Book and iv) Peer Educator Diary. In addition to the kit is the mobile app 'Saathiya Salah' (downloadable from Google play-store) which acts as a ready information source for the adolescents in case they are unable to interact with the Peer Educators. The mobile app is also linked to another important piece of cost-effective information platform of a toll-free Saathiya Helpline (1800-233-1250) which will act as an e-counselor. While the short films will be played by the Peer Educators at their group meetings, the activity book and games will bring about discussion and resolve adolescent queries. Encashing on mobile technology, the shy adolescents or those unable to interact with the peer educators due to family reasons, can access the information through the free mobile app as well the toll free helpline. Among senior officials of the Ministry at the launch, also present were the representatives of Development Partners (UNFPA, PFI) who contributed to development of the Resource Kit. Mr. Diega Polacios, Country Director,UNFPA stated that 'the Resource Kit has being designed to present the Peer Educators with key information on adolescent health, which would then enable them to communicate the same and help the adolescents at the grass root/village level'. Further at the launch, demo of the Mobile App was conducted wherein a mock call was made to the Saathiya Helpline by Secretary (HFW). Source: PIB null Hamid Ansari launched the India- Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme Kigali, Tue, 21 Feb 2017 NI Wire Vice President Hamid Ansari launches India - Rwanda Innovation Growth Program during his visit to Africa Kigali (Rwanda), 21th February 2017: Vice President of India, Shri Hamid Ansari, launched the India- Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme as one of the major Science and Technology initiatives between India and Rwanda. The Program was launched in presence of the Prime Minister of Rwanda, Anastase Murekezi and is a key announcement made during the high level visit of the Indian Vice President. India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Program is a first of its kind initiative to be launched and piloted between India and Rwanda to strengthen the bilateral relationship purely based on Science, Technology and Innovation. The objective of the Program is to match the socio-economic needs of Rwanda by linking the Rwandan industry with leading edge Indian technologies and innovations. The Program will deploy 20 demonstrated and validated Indian technologies and innovations over a period of two years. The joint programs/ventures created with Rwandan partners will deliver at least 20 sustainable social enterprises that will stimulate economic impact development in Rwanda. As a prelude to the Program, fifteen Indian techno-entrepreneurs also showcased their innovative solutions at the prestigious Kigali Convention Centre, Kigali. The Showcase and Business to Business interaction were inaugurated by the Vice President of India and the Prime Minister of Rwanda. More than 100 interested private and public sector attendees from Rwanda attended and interacted with Indian innovators and business delegates. The showcased Indian Innovations included CassavaTech, a patented technology that brings down capital cost of processing Cassava from USD 15,000 to USD 200 and reduces operating cost from USD 20 to USD 2 for 200 kg processing capacity. The technology further reduces drying time for Cassava from 10 days to 10 hours producing high quality Cassava flour. Another technology showcased was a ~100% compostable menstrual hygiene solution providing affordable pads to adolescent girls and women. This is done using a unique low cost, low electricity consuming machine that produces 1200-2400pads/8-10 hrs through community participation from 12-16 women (no specific skills required) as production workforce. The India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Program is a joint initiative of the Department of Science and Technology and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. Shri Hamid Ansari, Vice President of India stated I am happy to learn of the initiative jointly taken by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and the Ministry of Science and Technology for organizing the India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Program and a Technology & Innovation Showcase at Kigali. Science and Technology are powerful drivers of growth and development all over the world. The solution of our myriad problems lies in a deeper understanding of science and more judicious use of technology. I am sure the joint programs/ventures foreseen with Rwandan partners will play an important role in fostering sustainable development and progress in both the countries. Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Minister of Science and Technology stated Indio-Rwanda joint initiative in field of Science and Technology and its commercial exploration is indeed a welcome step and goes a long way in further cementing Indio-Africa relationship. Visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Africa and India hosting 40 head of states/government during indo-Africa Forum Summit III speaks of our mutual desire for engagement in diversified fields for benefit of people of two region. I wish this initiative will go a long way in establishing everlasting mutually beneficial partnership leading to inclusive growth of people of two region. Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary, Department of Science & Technology shared We are proud to carry forward the vision and announcement of our Honble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to share our validated technologies and innovations with Rwanda soon to start India Rwanda Innovation Growth Program. This Program has been conceived to bridge Rwandas assessed needs for impact development by bringing together Rwandan entrepreneurs and public sector with Indian innovators. India is proud to partner with Rwanda in this first pilot to establish a technology transfer and enterprise creation which can then be replicated in East African nations and across the African continent. On the launch of the program, Dr. A. Didar Singh, Secretary General, FICCI said India and Africa share a common historical background and have been long term partners in their journey of growth and development. FICCI has been working with the Department of Science and Technology over the last decade to identify, nurture and scale innovative solutions that address global development challenges. We now look forward to sharing and transferring such technological solutions to our friends in Africa and deeply engage with the entrepreneurial fraternity in Africa. Most of the big news about landmarked sites comes from Brooklyn and Manhattan. There isnt much in Queens that makes headlines; for example, only two of the 26 sites designated from the Landmarks Preservation Commissions 95-item backlog were in Queens County. Today, however, we have news about a landmarked park in Jamaica. The park in question is Rufus King Park, which encircles the Rufus King House, an individual and interior landmark at 150-05 Jamaica Avenue. The houses construction dates to 1730, with an addition built in about 1806. The house and grounds were acquired by the Village of Jamaica in 1897 and then fell under the jurisdiction of the new unified city Parks Department the following year. It has been a public park ever since. Rufus King was an abolitionist born in 1755. He represented New York in the U.S. Senate from 1813 to 1825 and twice served as Minister to Great Britain. He died in Jamaica in 1827. Individual designation, including the full area bound by Jamaica Avenue, 150th Street, 89th Avenue and 153rd Street, took place in 1966. Interior designation for the house took place in 1976. The house is now known as the King Manor Museum and is open five days a week. The Parks Department wants to make changes to the parks paths, which have changed over the decades. Two new entrances will be added, one along 150th Street about halfway between Jamaica and 90th avenues and the other at the corner of Jamaica Avenue and 153rd Street. The corner entrance at Jamaica and 153rd will lead to two paths that eventually make their way to the comfort station. The point where those two paths split will have accent planting and social seating. The other entrance will also have accent planting and social seating. Other planned changes to the park include the widening of street corners, reconstruction of the south lawn as well as all fences and gates, signage replacement, and the addition of new lighting and two drinking fountains. At the LPC session on February 7, LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan wasnt happy with how many new paths would lead from the new corner entrance. Commissioner Frederick Bland said this application highlighted the vital role of house museums. Nadezhda Williams, the museums executive director, testified that previous paving works had resulted in cracks in the houses plaster and she was worried about the new works impact on the historic structure. Overall, however, she was happy to see upgrades come to the park, including the new trash receptacles, signs, and fences. Bad fences make bad neighbors, she said. HDC understands that the genesis for the several new, paved paths is that these trails already exist as desire paths. To minimize the impact of so much paving in this quadrant of the park, we recommend that Parks consider a more permeable, green material such as Grasscrete, which could mitigate the extensive paving, testified the Historic Districts Councils Kelly Carroll. HDC understands that manor house experienced some cracking due to vibrations the previous time paving was installed. We ask that monitors be placed in the house to ensure no further damage is done, regardless of what work is approved today. The commissioners approved the plan, though Chair Srinivasans suggestion to remove some of the new paths might be followed. We should expect monitoring of the sites stability, but as Commissioner Michael Devonshire pointed out, once the work is severe enough to cause damage, it will be too late. View the full presentation slides here: Subscribe to YIMBYs daily e-mail Follow YIMBYgram for real-time photo updates Like YIMBY on Facebook Follow YIMBYs Twitter for the latest in YIMBYnews The Loud House revolves around the middle child and only son in a large family Gazzolo describes SpongeBob SquarePants as an evergreen hit Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) The Americas' Pierluigi Gazzolo has revealed to C21Media what the firms recent acquisition of Telefe means for its Latin American ambitions.Viacom made headlines in November 2016 when news broke that it was paying US$345m to acquire Latin American broadcaster Telefe.The deal gives the US giant control of Argentinas dominant national broadcaster, along with 12 production studios, a news operation, an international pay TV service that operates in 17 countries, and a library of some 33,000 hours of content.Viacom is a big supporter of the notion that content is king, explains Pierluigi Gazzolo, President of Viacom International Media Networks Americas and Executive Vice President (EVP) of Nickelodeon International. Telefe is not just a big broadcaster, its a studio as well, and one that produces and owns a lot of content. Having assets that can give us more content to own and exploit around the world is a key part of our strategy.The acquisition also gives Viacom a significant step-up in scale in the region. Viacom is very niche in Latin America, we have these niche brands Nickelodeon, MTV and Comedy Central, Gazzolo adds. We were looking for an expansion of our demographic and portfolio to be able to exploit the market better, and Telefe is a great example of that.Not only because of its size and magnitude, in terms of reach and share, but also because it caters to a more general audience. Having a more complete portfolio will allow us to grow our overall pay and free TV businesses in Latin America.Argentina is not the only Latin American country Viacom sees as having potential Brazil, Colombia and Mexico could also be future targets for takeovers. Latin America is a region we want to bet on internationally because of the growth it still has and the scale we still need, says Gazzolo. Mexico and Brazil are evolving quickly, offering bigger opportunities above and beyond linear pay TV. There are a lot of OTT opportunities within those markets.As for Colombia, pay TV penetration is high, but the ratio of investment in ad companies, broadcast and pay TV is significantly under-indexed, so theres a great opportunity there to grow.And despite Novembers deal, there could be further scope for Argentinian growth. Argentina is one of the most advanced production markets and content markets, because it is highly competitive, Gazzolo says. Its the only market in Latin America where pay TV penetration is almost 90%, just like the US. Its not a competition there between the telco broadcasters, its a competition between the 250 channels, pay TV and broadcast. And the competition creates a lot of good talent, development and production capabilities. They have a good future in terms of IP development.The Telefe takeover marked the first major acquisition deal to be struck under Bob Bakish, who became president and CEO of Viacom in December , having spent just over a month as acting president and CEO after replacing interim CEO Tom Dooley.Bob understands international, Gazzolo says. He understands the complexities of international; as such, his support and continual investment in international growth will only strengthen. Second, hes the type of manager who empowers and then supports. Hes a risk taker, and Latin America requires risk taking.Outside of acquisition potential, Gazzolo also feels positive about the future opportunities for Nickelodeon International, particularly with the growth of new shows such asand. Not that Gazzolo is prepared to acceptas a old show just yet. is not old, its an evergreen, he argues. Finding an evergreen is the hardest thing in the world. In the development world, of every 10 properties you pick up, one becomes a hit. Out of 50 properties you pick up, only one becomes an evergreen. bobby and spongebob #spongebobgold @nickelodeonuk Viacom A post shared by bobby abley (@bobbyabley) on Feb 17, 2017 at 3:56am PST I love you bob esponja #spongebobgold @nickelodeonuk Viacom A post shared by bobby abley (@bobbyabley) on Feb 18, 2017 at 9:09am PST Getty Getty LONDON, ENGLAND FEB. 18: A general view at Nickelodeons SpongeBob Gold 18th Anniversary at LFW in collaboration with the LFW Design collective on Feb. 18, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Nickelodeon) LONDON, ENGLAND FEB. 18: Peter Jensen attends Nickelodeons SpongeBob Gold 18th Anniversary at LFW in collaboration with the LFW Design collective on Feb. 18, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Nickelodeon) LONDON, ENGLAND FEB. 18: Lyza Jane attends Nickelodeons SpongeBob Gold 18th Anniversary at LFW in collaboration with the LFW Design collective on Feb. 18, 2017 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Nickelodeon) *** Local Caption *** Lyza Jane --Ends-- Ahhhh, SpongeBob. Hes everyones fave pineapple-dwelling yellow square and now hes gone high fashion for London Fashion Week! In honour ofs 18th birthday, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) has tapped a host of designers to create a collection of mens and womens apparel, footwear and accessories for the tSpongeBob Gold campaign. Six fashion designers created-themed clothing and hosted the SpongeBob Gold fashion collection at London Fashion Week.Including 27 items, the collection includes amazing designs from some of the coolest names in fashion:*Unisex sweatshirts by Peter Jensen*T-shirts by Bobby Abley*Vintage embroidered pieces by Bad Denim*Patchwork sneakers by Suecomma Bonnie*Accessories by Salar*Charm-adorned jewellery by Maria Francesca PepeSpongeBob Gold will be available at retail exclusively outside of the U.S. from May 2017, with retail partnerships to be announced in the coming weeks.I'm ready, I'm ready, I'm ready (to wear!)!Among the famous faces at the launch of Nickelodeon's SpongeBob Gold capsule collection was Louis Tomlinsons big sis Lottie! And she even got a piccie with the yellow sponge himself!Lottie also grabbed a photo with One Directions stylist, Lou Teasdale!Ahhhhh looks like celebs loveas much as we do! What do you think aboutbeing a fashion icon? What items from the SpongeBob Gold collection are you hoping to pick up when they hit shops? Chat within the comments below!Tune into the brand-newepisode "Goodbye, Krabby Patty?", guest starring Emmy Award-winning actor Jon Hamm () as the charismatic, sharp-witted and devastatingly charming advertising agency executive Don Grouper, who has a big plan for the Krabby Patty that may prove irresistible, even to the impervious Mr. Krabs, premiering Tuesday 28th February 2017 at 5:30pm , only on Nicktoons UK & Ireland! In the episode, Mr. Krabs manufactures Krabby Patties on an industrial scale, but it drives a wedge between SpongeBob and Patrick. "Goodbye, Krabby Patty?" also marks the 200th episode ofAlso, via Blog.Viacom Top fashion bloggers, designers, celebs and SpongeBob himself were in attendance at the SpongeBob Gold fashion collection launch party at London Fashion Week on Saturday Feb. 18.To kick off a year-long SpongeBob Gold international campaign, Nickelodeon and Viacom Consumer Products have collaborated with six international designers on an innovative fashion collection. Featuring designs from Peter Jensen, Bobby Abley, Salar, Maria Francesca Pepe, Suecomma Bonnie and Bad Denim, the SpongeBob Gold fashion collection includes clothing for men and women as well as footwear, accessories and jewelry. SpongeBob Gold will be available at retail exclusively outside of the U.S. beginning in May.Designer Maria Francesca Pepe, who designed a range of charm-adorned SpongeBob jewelry, said of her involvement in the collection, Ive always felt the concept of pop defined the core of my creations. Developing an exclusive capsule collection of jewelry featuring the pop sensation SpongeBob felt such a match.The launch party saw most of the designers in attendance along with invited fashion press and bloggers, as well as UK celebrities including Lottie Tomlinson, Sam and Lou Teasdale, Carl Barat and Poppy Jamie. Guests could admire the pieces in the collection, each item incorporating SpongeBob iconography embellished with a golden twist. Guests were treated to catering by top celebrity chef Tom Wolfe, with a menu that included Crab Cakes, Sea Kale and Yogurt Dip, SpongeBob and Patrick cookies, mixed fruit kebabs and yellow cotton candy with gold flakes. SpongeBob was of course in attendance and kept busy posing for photos with the party guests.The SpongeBob Gold fashion collection forms part of Nickelodeons year-long SpongeBob SquarePants Gold international campaign. Over the next 12 months, Nickelodeon will celebrate everything that makes SpongeBob one of the most iconic animated characters in the world: his humor, optimism and heart of gold. The campaign will include activations on-air, online, and on social media, as well as additional product and retail launches.Kudos if you got through this post without singing Spandau Ballet's "Gold" ! :P I used to be one of those parents who took a second look at their kids bags of candy theyd gotten Halloween night and think, Wait a minute. Is that a full-size Butterfingers bar? Why would a kid need that much candy in one serving? Id either then ask if they really wanted that item or I We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. "If it rains today, Alpaca the cart, and you push it." Kevin Wehrer was this week's winner. The winner's name will be put into a drawing for a free month subscription or extension. Look for a new photo Monday. Morocco and Zambia on Monday gave a strong signal that their relationship has entered a new era as King Mohammed VI and President Edgar Chagwa Lungu co-chaired over the signing ceremony of 19 agreements, including 11 between the two countries private sectors. Before the ceremony, King Mohammed VI, the first Moroccan Monarch to pay a visit to Zambia, and President Lungu held private talks that dealt with bilateral relations as well as with regional and international issues of shared interest. In a statement to the media after the talks, President Lungu expressed his countrys delight to see Morocco back within its African family. We have missed Morocco for a long time and we are glad to find him again within its African family, said the Zambian head of state. Although Morocco and Zambia are bound by centuries-old warm relations, the royal visit and the accords sealed will upgrade economic cooperation and trade partnerships in key areas of development to higher levels for the mutual benefit of the two countries. Moroccan foreign Minister Salaheddine Mezouar told the media that the Kings visit to Zambia is of paramount importance and translates a reorientation in ties between Rabat and Lusaka. It also mirrors the Kingdoms resolve to build a win-win partnership with this English-speaking country and to promote bilateral relations according to the new approach Morocco has adopted in its relationship with the continent, he said. By joining words to action, Morocco led steady efforts in favor of African development that earned it credibility and respect in the continent leading to its triumphant return to the African Union with the support of an overwhelming majority of AU members. In keeping with a south-south cooperation policy in Africa underpinned by co-development and solidarity, Morocco endeavors to strengthen ties with all African countries, including those that formerly espoused the Polisario separatists thesis, including Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Nigeria. And the Kings visit to Zambia is part of this momentum to extend Moroccos cooperation model to English-speaking African countries. The accords concluded Monday include a general economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation agreement, a memorandum of understanding on the establishment of a mechanism for political consultations and an agreement on investment promotion and reciprocal protection. Zambias Zesco Limited and the Moroccan energy giant Masen agreed to cooperate to develop renewable energy Projects in Zambia. The Zambian mining ministry and Moroccos office for hydrocarbons and mining (ONHYM) also signed a memorandum of understanding. Other areas covered by the cooperation accords include tourism, education and training, and agriculture, in addition to an accord on air services providing for the opening up of the airspace between the two countries. The Kings visit to Zambia comes after a successful visit to Ghana during which the King conferred with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on cooperation prospects as well as on regional and international issues of common interest. The visit was crowned by the signing of 25 cooperation agreements. Two weeks earlier, he visited South Sudan where he conferred with President Salva Kiir Mayardit. After Zambia, King Mohammed VI is expected to pay visits to other African countries, including Kenya, Cote dIvoire and Mali. German Chancellor Angela Merkels visit to Algeria has been postponed due to the falling health of Algerias President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. The two day trip was part of efforts by the German Chancellor to stem the flow of Algerian migrants and speed up the repatriation process of the Algerian nationals who failed to receive refugee status. Local media outlets say that the visit was called off due to Bouteflikas severe bronchitis. Steffen Seibert, Merkels government spokesman, wrote on Twitter that the Algerian government requested the postponement and that the chancellor complied with the request. Algerias 79-year-old leader rarely appears in public since a 2013 stroke left him confined to a wheelchair. He has since traveled several times to France for medical treatment. Weakened by her open-door migrant policy, Merkel is pressured to push for ways to encourage rejected North African asylum seekers living in Germany to depart the country and return home after she received harsh criticism on the backdrop of the Berlin market attack. Last year the success rates for asylum requests was 3.5 percent for Moroccans, 2.7 percent for Algerians and just 0.8 percent for Tunisians. Algerias prospects seem bleak in light of Bouteflikas incapacity to govern coupled with the opacity characterizing a regime dominated by a security apparatus where power is generally presumed to reside among groups of military leaders, intelligence officials, businessmen, and politicians collectively known as le pouvoir. Morocco seems poised to build on its recent diplomatic and economic success in Africa in order to champion an African model of economic integration based on south-south cooperation, solidarity and win-win partnerships. Led by the Monarch himself, Moroccos African foreign policy has been given priority. Since his ascending to the throne, King Mohammed VI paid 46 visits to 25 African countries and chaired the signing of nearly a thousand bilateral and multilateral agreements. Moroccos engagement in favor of Africas development has been steady for years making the kingdom the second largest African investor in the continent. This is evidenced by the willingness and dynamism of the Moroccan private sector in Africa where Moroccans banks, insurance companies, the Moroccan carrier and telecommunications company have been well established. At least two loans in the continent are processed by a Moroccan bank. Moroccos commitment towards Africa has also a humanitarian approach at home and aboard. The kingdom has joined words into action launching a second legalization campaign benefiting mainly sub-Saharan migrants in the country. The legalization campaign will help sub-Saharans lead a dignified life in Morocco by offering them access to basic services. At the continents level, Morocco conducted several humanitarian operations, establishing field hospitals, carrying out projects to the benefit of the underprivileged, or sending emergency assistance to countries challenged by disasters, diseases or famine. The actions led by the Kingdom in Africa are also meant to pool efforts and favor regional integration. As is the case with the large scale fertilizers factories to be built as part of a joint venture between Moroccos phosphates company and local partners in Ethiopia and Nigeria. These factories will help achieve food security in two of the most populous African countries as well as their neighbors. The gas-pipeline that will help channel Nigerias gas to the Mediterranean through West Africa is also a project that has a potential to foster regional cooperation through creating shared interests. Moroccos helping hand has extended to countries that were formerly ardent supporters of the Algerian-sponsored separatist thesis targeting the Kingdoms territorial integrity. With countries such as Rwanda, Nigeria, Ethiopia and recently Ghana and Zambia, Morocco has made inroads in securing support for its territorial integrity through credible diplomatic efforts. Zambia, one of the countries that used to show support for the Algerian-funded separatists, is on course to strengthening ties with Morocco following the current visit by King Mohammed VI to the southern African country. The Kings visit to Zambia, as part of a new African tour, enabled the opening of a new era in bilateral ties marked by the signing of 19 agreements covering political consultation and cooperation in the fields of education, industry, agriculture, airlines, renewable energies, water management, tourism, finance, banking, insurance and scientific research. The signing of these agreements came after a successful Moroccan-Zambian business forum during which the business community in the two countries discussed opportunities for future cooperation. Prior to the signing ceremony of the 19 agreements, King Mohammed VI held talks with Zambias President Edgar Chagwa Lungu who welcomed Moroccos triumphal return to its African Institutional family. We missed Morocco for long and we are happy for its new comeback within its African family, said Zambias president in a statement to the press. And African leaders are right to be happy because Moroccos return to its African family is a good omen for all Africans as it renews Moroccos commitment to serve African citizens, to share and transfer its know-how, and to build a safe, solidarity-based future. We enthusiastically invite African nations to join our countrys dynamism and to give new impetus to the whole of our continentIt is time for Africa to benefit from Africas wealth, King Mohammed VI had said in the landmark speech he delivered before his African peers after the African Union enacted Moroccos return to the continental organization. 1. The comment section is for discussion. Opinions are welcome. Personal attacks, trolling, name-calling and/ or bigotry will not be tolerated. 2. Posts containing links may be moderated. This blog does not accept paid advertisements and will not entertain free ones either. 3. Kindly stay on topic. Say what you think and refrain from telling others what they think. 4. Violators will be warned, deleted, and/ or banned at sole discretion of the moderator. Scenes like these of deported immigrants could multiply rapidly if the Trump administration is serious about going after nearly all undocumented people. Photo: John Moore/Getty Images Now that the Trump travel ban is at least temporarily out of the news headlines, attention is shifting to the broader issue of the new administrations overall immigration policies. And with todays guidance memos from Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, it is becoming clearer than ever that Team Trump is signaling a major new wave of deportations. The memos are meant to explain the earlier presidential executive order on immigration policy that was overshadowed by the brouhaha over the travel ban and the Trump-induced preoccupation with border-wall construction. The most important thing to understand about the initial shift in policy is that it is replacing the Obama administrations carefully calibrated deportation strategy with one that treats all undocumented immigrants with the perhaps-temporary exception of the dreamers given protection by Obama in the the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive order as potential targets. Thus all that is missing for a massive new wave of deportations is the infrastructure. And Kellys memos are focused on building up the resources necessary to round em up and move em out. An earlier draft of Kellys guidance discussed the federalization of up to 100,000 National Guard personnel for deportation duty. That alarming idea did not make it into the actual memos. But heres what did: In the so-called guidance documents released on Tuesday, the department is directed to begin the process of hiring 10,000 new immigration and customs agents, expanding the number of detention facilities and creating an office within Immigration and Customs Enforcement to help families of those killed by undocumented immigrants The directives would also instruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as Customs and Border Protection, the parent agency of the Border Patrol, to begin reviving a program that recruits local police officers and sheriffs deputies to help with deportation, effectively making them de facto immigration agents. You will notice a lot of the guidance is prospective: The administration is beginning to do this or that. That could indicate an element of caution, or perhaps the need for more funding from Congress, not to mention pledges of cooperation from the local governments who would have to make their law-enforcement personnel available to become part-time ICE agents. But these signals also most likely have an ulterior motive: [DHS] officials also made clear that the department intended to aggressively follow Mr. Trumps promise that immigration laws be enforced to the maximum extent possible, marking a significant departure from the procedures in place under President Barack Obama. That promise has generated fear and anger in the immigrant community, and advocates for immigrants have warned that the new approach is a threat to many undocumented immigrants who had previously been in little danger of being deported. Fear in the immigrant community is itself a crucial tool for this administration given the signs that it would prefer that as many as possible of the 11 million undocumented immigrants in the country decide to self-deport. It is certainly less expensive and visible than running down huge numbers of people, holding them in detention facilities, and then shipping them out of the country. All the saber rattling, moreover, will thrill the nativists in Trumps electoral base nearly as much as actually deporting those pesky people who may be hard-working, taxpaying people doing jobs Americans dont want, but who broke the law, thus earning whatever ill treatment they receive. If the self-deportation strategy doesnt work substantively or politically, then we will find out whether Kelly and Trump have the stomach for the police-state tactics that would be necessary to deport many millions of people by force. Donald Trump. Photo: Olivier Douliery/Bloomberg via Getty Images Donald Trump is an authoritarian by instinct. He displays the classic traits of an authoritarian personality a man obsessed with domination and humiliation, and unable to tolerate cognitive dissonance. (Guidance for Trumps presidential daily brief directs that his memos not only be short but, Ashley Dejean reports, should only include facts that support their analyses.) For years he has lavished praise upon authoritarian regimes in China, Russia, North Korea, and Iraq for having the strength to crush their opponents. And the first month of his presidency has seen Trump metamorphose from a reality-television-populist-outsider candidate into an actual president who sounds but, so far, at least, only sounds like the strongman leaders he has always admired. The prospect that President Trump will degrade or destroy American democracy is the most important question of the new political era. It has received important scholarly attention from two basic sources, which have approached it in importantly different fashions. Scholars of authoritarian regimes (principally Russia) have used their knowledge of authoritarian history to paint a road map by which Trump could Putinize this country. Timothy Snyder, Masha Gessen, and other students of Putins methods have essentially treated Putinization as the likely future, and worked backward to the present. A second category of knowledge has come from scholars of democracy and authoritarianism, who have compared the strengths and weaknesses of the American system of government both to countries elsewhere that have succumbed to authoritarianism and those that have not. Their approach has, more appropriately, treated Trumps authoritarian designs as an open question. Trump might launch an assault on the foundations of the republic. On the other hand, he might not. What are the signs of impending authoritarianism? Trump has rhetorically hyped violence, real or imaginary, committed by enemy groups, while downplaying or ignoring violence or threats from friendlier sources. He said nothing about a white-supremacist terror attack in Canada that killed six people before denouncing a knife attack a few days later by an Islamist radical in France that killed nobody. He quickly directed a government program on countering violent extremism to focus exclusively on Muslim radicalism and stop work halting white-supremacist terrorism. Just as he urged his campaign crowds to rough up protesters, he treated news that pro-Trump bikers would patrol his inauguration not as a threat to create chaos but as a welcome paramilitary force. Thats like additional security with those guys, and theyre rough, he gleefully told reporters. Trumps rhetoric follows a pattern of politicizing violence, simultaneously justifying stringent government action against enemies he has designated while tacitly justifying vigilantism by extremists sympathetic to his cause. Since his election, Trump has obsessively fabricated a narrative in which he is the incarnate of the will of the people. According to his own concocted history, he won a historically large Electoral College victory, and would have also won the popular vote if not for millions of illegal votes. He has dismissed protesters against him as paid agents, denied the legitimacy of courts to overrule his actions, and, most recently, called mainstream media enemies of the people. This is an especially chilling phrase to hear from an American president. Totalitarian dictators like Stalin and Mao used designation of a political figure or a social class as an enemy of the people as a prelude to mass murder. At this point, just a month into Trumps presidency, this pattern of authoritarian discourse is only that discourse. A threat as dire as the potential disintegration of American democracy hardly requires certainty before justifying a response. The question is, what response is necessary? It is worth noting that, so far, normal political countermobilization seems to be working quite well. The Resistance, as anti-Trump activists have come to be known, has already rattled the once-complacent Republican majorities in Congress, which Trump needs to quash investigations of his corruption and opaque ties to Russia. Whatever pressure Trump has tried to apply to the news media has backfired spectacularly. His sneering contempt has inspired a wave of subscriptions that have driven new revenue to national media, which have blanketed the administration with independent coverage. Popular culture outlets, rather than responding to Trumps election by tempering their mockery, have instead stepped it up, enraging the president. The most plausible (to me) mechanism by which Trump might ensconce himself in power was laid out by Matthew Yglesias three months ago. The scenario Yglesias described would be one in which Trump used the authority of the federal government to compel large firms to give him political support. Companies that opposed him, or who even refused to offer support, might be punished with selectively punitive regulation, while those that played ball might be rewarded with lax enforcement of labor, antitrust, or other regulation. So far there is no evidence such a scenario is playing out. To be sure, Trump is attempting, sporadically, to bully the private sector. But the effort has backfired. Firms whose leaders make favorable statements about the president have seen their stock get hammered. A long list of prominent CEOs has openly criticized Trump. The reason for this is obvious. Trumps supporters may have disproportionate power in the Electoral College, but his opponents have disproportionate power in the marketplace. Firms cater in their advertising to the young, who overwhelming oppose Trump, rather than to the old, who strongly support him. If Trump has a plan to crush his adversaries, he has not yet revealed it. His authoritarian rage thus far is mostly impotent, the president as angry Fox-News-watching grandfather screaming threats at his television that he never carries out. The danger to the republic may come later, or never. In the first month of Trumps presidency, the resistance has the upper hand. A protester in New York City. Photo: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty Images Thousands of protesters gathered across the nation Monday to rally against President Trump in a demonstration organizers called Not My Presidents Day. In New York, protesters came together at noon near Columbus Circle where they chanted things like Hey, hey! Ho, ho! Donald Trump has go to to go! and at one point joined a brass band for a rendition of America the Beautiful. America the Beautiful at Columbus circle #NOTMYPRESIDENTSDAY rally pic.twitter.com/7ZTWxgGNkj Scott Heins (@scottheins) February 20, 2017 The idea for the rally began in Los Angeles and quickly spread across the nation, organizer Olga Lexell told the Huffington Post. Part of the idea was to keep the momentum that started on the day after Trumps inauguration with the D.C. Womens March. This is what the scene looked in some of the countrys biggest cities. New York City Los Angeles Photo: MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images Chicago Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images In Chicago this is what democracy looks like #NotMyPresidentsDay pic.twitter.com/YwEG7bLn9h Hannah Hayes (@Hannah2060) February 20, 2017 Washington, D.C. Photo: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images President Trump was asked about the threats during his press conference with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Win McNamee/Getty Images The Anti-Defamation League has renewed its call for President Trump to explain what his administration intends to do to address the recent uptick in anti-Semitic incidents following another wave of threats against Jewish community centers across the country. On Monday, bomb threats were called in to Jewish centers in 11 cities Albuquerque; Birmingham, Alabama; Buffalo; Chicago; Cleveland; Houston; Milwaukee; Nashville; St. Paul; Tampa, Florida; and Tulsa, Oklahoma. It appears that all of the threats were hoaxes, but several centers were evacuated as a precaution. The FBI and the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division are investigating, according to NBC News. Similar threats were made on January 9, January 18, and January 31. Including Mondays threats, there have been 69 incidents at 54 JCCs in 27 states and one Canadian province in 2017, according to the JCC Association of North America. Last year, only one JCC reported a similar threat. Over the weekend, dozens of headstones were also knocked over at a Jewish cemetery in University City, Missouri. Police are investigating whether the vandalism was motivated by anti-Semitism. The ADL said in a statement that while no bombs have been found at any of the centers, Threats themselves are alarming, disruptive, and must always been taken seriously. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt added, We look to our political leaders at all levels to speak out against such threats directed against Jewish institutions, to make it clear that such actions are unacceptable, and to pledge that they will work with law enforcement officials to ensure that those responsible will be apprehended and punished to the full extent of the law. On Twitter the ADL called out the Trump administration more directly: We are still waiting to hear what administration will do to address ongoing threats to Jewish communities #answerthequestion https://t.co/eBSPz6krb4 ADL (@ADL) February 20, 2017 The White House did release a brief statement about the incidents on Monday. Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individual freedom, said Lindsay Walters, the White House deputy press secretary. The president has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable. But President Trump has not condemned the threats specifically. During his press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday, Trump was asked about the sharp rise in anti-Semitic incidents across the United States since the campaign. Trump said, We are going to do everything within our power to stop long-simmering racism and every other thing thats going on, but his answer mainly focused on the size of his election win. He also noted that in addition to so many friends, his daughter Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, are Jewish. The next day, Trump lashed out at Jake Turx of the Jewish publication Ami Magazine for asking about the bomb threats, accusing him of posing a very insulting question. Though Turx noted that he wasnt suggesting the president or anyone on his staff is anti-Semitic, Trump declared that hes the least anti-Semitic person that youve ever seen in your entire life, and said nothing about the bomb threats. While Ivanka Trump has tried to steer clear of political controversy since her father took office, she tweeted out a call for religious tolerance on Monday with the hashtag #JCC. The New York Times reported that the comment was made over an issue her allies say she feels personally. America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 20, 2017 The ACLs Jonathan Greenblatt said the First Daughters tweet was encouraging and reiterated the groups call for her father to do more about the threats. These Trump fans in Florida love the 45th president, but his national standing, and its significance, is harder to figure. Photo: Joe Raedle/Getty Images Do you wonder why Donald Trump thinks hes wildly popular beyond the nefarious precincts of those enemies of the people, the liberal news media? The president himself offered a succinct talking point on that subject near the beginning of his very non-succinct February 16 press conference. A new Rasmussen poll, in fact because the people get it much of the media doesnt get it. They actually get it, but they dont write it. Lets put it that way. But a new Rasmussen poll just came out just a very short while ago, and it has our approval rating at 55 percent and going up. True to form, Trump cherry-picked the most favorable polling data available, and ignored the rest. But he could not do that short of just, well, making stuff up, which is always an option for him if it were not for an unusually wide range of findings in the polling universe about public attitudes toward the 45th presidents job performance so far. As Nate Silver notes, Trumps recent approval ratings vary from a high of 55 percent (with 45 percent disapproval) in the aforementioned Rasmussen poll to a low of 39 percent (with 56 percent disapproval) in a survey from Pew Research. The differences are most likely the result of a combination of sampling and survey techniques. Trump consistently does better with narrower samples. Rasmussen claims to be measuring likely voters, even though we are more than a year and a half away from the next national election. Pew is sampling all adults, a significantly larger universe than those who will ultimately vote in that next election. Rasmussen is also famously a robo-pollster, which means hes only reaching the half of the electorate that has land lines. Pew utilizes a traditional live-interview methodology, which is generally thought to be more accurate, but that some theorize can be misleading with respect to highly controversial politicians like Trump. (This is the shy Trump voter theory.) While polls like Rasmussens have a poor reputation and polls like Pews are considered closer to the gold standard (FiveThirtyEights pollster ratings give Raz a C+ and Pew a B+), we are in a period of great uncertainty about polling quality. And as it happens, the final 2016 national poll from Rasmussen pretty much nailed Clintons popular-vote margin over Trump, while the final Pew poll (conducted two weeks out, to be fair) showed Clinton up by six points. So with all this confusion, is Trump justified in just citing whichever polling results he wants? No, not really. Most observers who are interested in approximating the truth go with polling averages. At the moment, RealClearPolitics average of recent polls places Trumps job approval ratio at 45/51. Its also important to pay attention to trends. As it happens, since Trump bragged about his Rasmussen numbers, his approval ratio in that tracking poll has deteriorated from 55/45 to 50/50, the worst ratio of his brief administration. It is an entirely different question how much these numbers matter as a predictor of the next election. While the party of the president almost always loses House seats and more often than not loses Senate and gubernatorial seats in midterms, and less popular presidents usually lose more than popular presidents, variations in the landscape can make it very tricky to lay odds. The Senate landscape in 2018 is insanely pro-Republican. GOP control of the upper chamber could very well survive even a Democratic electoral tsunami. Since all House seats are up in 2018, GOP control there is significantly more vulnerable, but thanks to gerrymandering and superior efficiency in the distribution of voters, Democrats will have an uphill battle to win the net 24 seats necessary for a flip in control and with it the ability to thwart the Trump/GOP agenda. Nate Cohn appears to think its too much of a reach even if Trumps approval ratings stay roughly where they are today. Democrats might not take the chamber with a victory on the scale of their huge win in 2006, when they gained 30 seats, or on the scale of the Republican sweep in 2010, which garnered 63 seats. With so many Republican seats safely out of play, a similarly impressive win might still leave the Democrats short of House control. In 2006 and 2010, Mr. Bush and Mr. Obama had approval ratings near or above 40 percent on Election Day. So if you had to make a rough guess, you would probably say that Mr. Trumps approval rating would probably need to be even lower for House control to become a true tossup. So while it is hard to deny that Trump is amazingly unpopular for a new president, unless his approval ratings trend farther down the way even those of popular presidents typically do, his party may not suffer the kind of humiliation Democrats experienced in 2010. For all the shock Trump has consistently inspired with his behavior as president, theres not much objective reason for Republican politicians to panic and begin abandoning him based on his current public standing. But in this as in so many other respects, we are talking about an unprecedented chief executive, so the collapse some in the media and the Democratic Party perceive as already underway could yet arrive. BERTRAND GUAY/AFP/Getty Images(PARIS) -- A Paris art thief known as "Spider-Man" has been sentenced to eight years in prison after stealing five paintings worth about $110 million. Vjeran Tomic, a 49-year-old with acrobatic skills, admitted to taking the five masterpieces from the Musee d'Art Moderne in 2010, according to BBC. The works of art-- which include an Henri Mattisse, a Pablo Picasso and an Amedeo Modigliani-- are still missing Tomic said he originally broke into the museum to steal a work of art by Ferdinand Leger, but he decided to steal four additional paintings when an alarm did not go off, according to BBC. Antique dealer Jean-Michel Corvez and Yonathan Birn, both accomplices, were also handed prison sentences. All three men were ordered to pay the city $110 million in compensation, plus additional fines, BBC reports. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Congress sure could use some detailed guidance from the president. But its unclear hes got any. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images Even after the presidents rally this weekend in Florida came and went, it was difficult to grasp the fact that after just a month in the most powerful position in the world, Donald Trump was eager to get back on the campaign trail. Of all the possible explanations for this odd development, the most plausible and alarming is that the lack of interest in policy details that was so apparent in Candidate Trump has carried over to President Trump. We will know for sure on February 28, when Trump addresses a joint session of Congress. As conservative policy wonk James Capretta reminds us, these first-year presidential addresses are usually the occasion for highly detailed and polished presentations of the new administrations agenda. Bill Clinton and Barack Obama released policy tomes of more than 140 pages laying out their plans; George W. Bushs document was 207 pages. For a politician who normally communicates in 140 characters rather than pages, that would be an astonishing feat. And its not like he has a large army of underlings in place who know the presidents mind and have nothing else to do but to bring order to his vague wishes. As John Nichols points out, Trump has only made nominations for 34 of the 549 positions requiring Senate confirmation. And it certainly seems the White House staff itself is juggling too much dynamite to do any deep thinking or extensive writing. Chief speechwriter Stephen Miller, for example, has been busy telling diplomats and airlines what to do with refugees and other immigrants. He probably doesnt have time to write up an agenda, and he works for a boss who doesnt much like to read, either. Unfortunately, the congressional Republicans who have a lot more interest than Trump in governing the country could really use some extremely detailed executive guidance. Their plans for the year require precision timing, and nobody wants to run even the slightest risk that Trump will suddenly tweet out objections to an appropriations bill, much less one of the two giant budget-reconciliation bills designed to repeal Obamacare and cut taxes, among other big priorities. As Capretta explains, the time when rhetoric could be substituted for decisions is long past: Trump has no choice at this point but to begin showing some cards if he wants to get anything done. The drift and paralysis that is now settling in over Washington is palpable, and it is due entirely to the lack of a clear plan. On complex issues, leadership from the executive branch has been critical in recent decades, and that is unlikely to change even with a very different kind of chief executive. Maybe he will somehow rise to the occasion on February 28. But Trump has certainly shown no inclination to follow the usual templates up until now, judging by his belligerent Inaugural Address and his bizarre first presidential press conference. It may perhaps miss the point to talk about the man returning to the campaign trail. He may never have left it. Before he took office, there was some speculation Trump might just focus on the ceremonial aspects of the presidency, or stick to a few big thematic topics, and let Paul Ryan and Mitch McConnell basically run the country. But the trouble with a narcissist in this job is that even if he refuses to use his power, hes not about to let anybody usurp it. And if that means Congress grinds to a halt and America doesnt get made great again in the next four years well, thats what a second term is for! No wonder Trump keeps campaigning! Photo: Harris A Ewing/Saturday Evening Post Medical science advanced at an astonishing pace in the twentieth century. On the whole, that is wonderful. That is a great boon for humanity. But there can be a downside to new medical science, as when it is wielded by a charismatic demagogue who cares more about his own reputation than the wellbeing of his patients. Now, there have always been charlatans who claimed to have cures for dangerous diseases despite having no such thing. Their outrageous conduct meant that patients often dieda good indication that their treatment didnt work. However, with scientific advances, quacks could offer more than just charms to ward off disease. By the twentieth century medical science had advanced to a point where unscrupulous individuals could cause irreversible damage to patients without actually killing them. And then they could call their procedures successes. And people were not vigilant enough, or not sufficiently aware, to say, No, that is not what success means. Which brings us to lobotomies,one of the scariest procedures modern medicine has produced. When I began writing my book, Get Well Soon: Historys Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them, I originally intended to focus on plagues induced by disease, not by human stupidity. This one falls squarely into the latter camp, but still, I couldnt write a book on deadly medical horrors without talking about the terror wreaked by Walter Jackson Freeman II. * * * The first leucotomy or lobotomy was performed on a human by the Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz in 1935. This operation involved drilling holes into a patients skull and then making cuts into the brains frontal lobes to sever their connections to the rest of the brain. He was inspired by a similar surgery that had been performed on a pair of chimpanzees at Yale University. The chimps, named Becky and Lucy, lost their problem-solving abilities after researchers removed the frontal lobes of their brains, according to a 2010 episode of the PBS series American Experience. But scientists also noticed that Becky was no longer frustrated when she was unable to solve problems. She was not bothered in the way a puzzle-solving chimpanzee should be at all. The takeaway from the chimp experiment should have been, Well, that was interesting. But lets not mess around with anyones frontal lobes. But Beckys response to the procedure stood out. A reduction in anxiety and negative emotion is striking and, at first glance, seems like a very good result. Dr. Moniz believed that such an operation would make life far better for the insane. And if better life just constitutes being less worried and agitated, he was correct. There is one problem, though: worrying about stuff serves a purpose. It means you are capable of caring and solving problems. Which means you are qualified to be an empathetic, adult human being. Dr. Moniz was not considering the disadvantages of a life without worry. The first lobotomies involved drilling two holes about three centimeters deep directly into a patients skull over the frontal lobes. Then alcohol was injected into the frontal lobes in an attempt to disrupt neural pathways. When the ethyl alcohol proved less than entirely effective, Moniz and his team began cutting the lobe with wire, using an instrument called the leucotome. They didnt actually remove the frontal lobes, they just severed the connections between the frontal lobes and the rest of the brain. Thats a delicate bit of neurosurgery. Unlike Moniz, Walter Jackson Freeman II, while a physician, was not a surgeon, let alone a neurosurgeon. That did not stop him. He and his partner James Watts performed the first version of this surgery in the United States in 1936. Their patient was a 63-year-old woman named Alice Hammatt. She suffered from severe depressionperhaps aggravated by the fact that one of her children had died, as had her sister and brother- in-law in a murder-suicide pact. After the operation Hammatt was free from anxiety. That said, after the operation she was also only able to flip through magazines and draw pictures. She wasnt able to have a coherent conversation. She ultimately regained her ability to speak, although her husband and maid did most of the work around her home, according to Freeman. But she was very happy with the procedure and felt that she spent a lot less time worrying. Freeman thought the result was spectacular. Perhaps the most famous example of a lobotomy gone very wrong was Rosemary Kennedy, the daughter of Rose and Joseph P. Kennedy and one of the sisters of President John F. Kennedy. Rosemarys IQ was estimated to be low, likely from brain damage caused by a shortage of oxygen during her birth. Rosemary was hardworking, affectionate, and fiercely devoted to her family. She grew older, however, and while her other siblings moved on to their own seemingly more exciting lives, Rosemary became increasingly prone to temper tantrums. Her father, Joseph, was terrified that shed have premarital sex, possibly get pregnant, and embarrass the family at a time when he was mapping out his sons political careers. In 1941, when Rosemary was age 23, he decided a lobotomy might be a cure for her unpredictable behavior, engaging Freeman and Watts to perform it. After the operation she was unable to walk or talk. Even with years of rehabilitative efforts, she was only ever able to speak a few words. However, at the time the public never learned about what happened to Rosemary or cases like hers. It was in neither the Kennedy familys nor Freeman and Wattss interest to let people know about the horrifying effects of her operation. Results like these werent enough to deter Freeman. Remarkably, he came to think that Monizs technique was not efficient enough to lobotomize all the people who he believed could benefit from the procedure. He and his partner thought that the drilling was the most bothersome part for patients. They claimed: Apprehension becomes a little more marked when the holes are drilled, probably because of the actual pressure on the skull and the grinding sound that is as distressing, or more so, than the drilling of a tooth. So they developed the transorbital lobotomy, which involved inserting an ice pick into a patients skull through the bone known as the orbit at the back of the eye socket. Patients were generally subdued with electroshock therapy beforehand. Then the ice pick was driven through the back of the eye with a hammer. There, it would be moved back and forth in the same motion as an eggbeater, severing connections between the thalamus (which controls the motor systems of the brain, extending to basic functions like movement and consciousness) and frontal lobes (which regulate higher intellect). The operation itself could be performed in less than ten minutes, and as soon as the bleeding stopped, patients were sent home, generally in a taxi, just as if they had been to the dentisteven though lot of the patients could barely remember who they were when they were being herded into the car. In 1946 Freeman performed his new transorbital operation on Sallie Ellen Ionesco. She was severely depressed, and had previously tried to commit suicide and to smother one of her children. After the lobotomy she was never violent again. When she was interviewed about it later, she claimed, [Freeman] was a great man, thats all I can say I dont remember nothing else, and Im very tired. Her daughter, however, did say that she wished Freeman hadnt gotten quite so out of hand. Many of the people who were lobotomized were untroubled by the results. According to John B. Dynes and James L. Poppen in their 1949 American Medical Journal article Lobotomy for Intractable Pain, after patients were operated on, they never admitted they were mentally depressed and at no time did they show grief or shed tears. However, all of the patients that Dynes and Poppen surveyed who before their lobotomies had been classified as normal or in some cases in an anxiety state were afterward classified as retarded or euphoric. In addition to feeling no depression: They were indifferent to sorrow or grief, and seemed incapable of sensing or appreciating the feelings of others. Often Freeman was inclined to see his operations as successful, while those closer to the patients saw them as anything but. Regarding the success of the operation on a 24-year-old schizophrenic, Freeman reported: It apparently requires some imagination, as well as some emotional driving force, to bring about misbehavior at the legally reprehensible level and this the patient is incapable of. That patient also probably did not have time to misbehave, given his brothers statement that he had lost all sense of time, spending four to six hours a day washing his hands but nevertheless going around with dirty clothes. The more lobotomies Freeman performed, the more obvious the disadvantages of the operation became. Even Freeman admitted, Every patient probably loses something by this operation, some spontaneity, some sparkle, some flavor of the personality. What is that elusive sparkle? Is it a certain panache that accompanies the telling of ones stories? An almost Fitzgeraldian gleam in someones eye as they exclaim, To the wine cellar, Maurice! Were going to fill this bathtub with champagne! Nope. That sparkle was adult intellect. Excerpted from Get Well Soon: Historys Worst Plagues and the Heroes Who Fought Them by Jennifer Wright, published by HENRY HOLT AND COMPANY. Copyright 2017 by Jennifer Wright. All rights reserved. Lohan. Photo: Chance Yeh/Getty Images Amid speculation that Lindsay Lohan may be converting to Islam, the actress now says she was recently a victim of Islamophobia. While traveling from London to New York after meeting with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey to discuss the global refugee crisis, Lohan claims she was racially profiled for the first time in my life at Heathrow Airport for wearing a headscarf. She told Piers Morgan on Good Morning Britain, [British Airport Security] opened my passport and saw Lindsay Lohan and started immediately apologizing, but then said please take off your headscarf. And I did, its okay. (She says she was wearing a headscarf out of personal respect for Turkish culture.) However, the incident forced Lohan to consider how she benefited from her privilege as both a celebrity and non-Muslim: What scared me in that moment [is] how would another woman who doesnt feel comfortable taking off her headscarf feel? That was really interesting to me. I was kind of in shock. It was jarring. As for her religion, Lohan said it wouldnt be right to talk about converting until shes finished studying the Koran, but that its a consideration. Photo: Getty Images New Yorks Sex Diaries series asks anonymous city dwellers to record a week in their sex lives with comic, tragic, often sexy, and always revealing results. This week, a 40-year-old man who works in the food industry and finally feels mature enough for a serious relationship: straight, Cobble Hill, single. DAY ONE 9 a.m. I wake up whenever I want to because, well, I dont have kids. I dont take that for granted! Im the only guy I know without kids by now. Id love to have some soon, by the way. I have a date with a nice lady tonight so I decide to hit the gym. I dont know what one has to do with the other, but it seems like a good idea. 10 a.m. Im at Equinox. There are some attractive women here. Theyre all married. Why do women wear huge diamond rings to run on a treadmill? Ass sweat and Tiffanys odd combo! Noon Now is a good time to explain that Im between jobs. I ran a restaurant that recently closed. I was the GM; a lame title for the guy who did fucking everything. After that closed, I spent a few months cleaning my life up. As in, quitting drinking, quitting fucking (as much as Id been), quitting treating myself like shit. Lately Im feeling great and ready to find a new job, possibly a girlfriend. One day at a time. 2 p.m. I am neither a chef nor a foodie, but I know how to make a motherfucker of a turkey sandwich. Its all about the aioli. 4 p.m. Some light flirtatious texting with tonights date, Melissa. I dont know much about her at this point. She could Google me and find out a lot about me, and Im sure she has. Doesnt everyone Google dates these days? Well, unfortunately for me and my romantic life, someone wrote about my failed restaurant and my drinking problem, calling me a mean drunk. I cant get it off the internet so I just have to live with it. My mom is not proud. Anyway, I met Melissa at a yoga class in Williamsburg. Shes a lawyer covered in tats. Cool mix. I pick a little bar/cafe I like in Cobble Hill. 7:30 p.m. Beat one out in the shower, just before a date. Standard. 8 p.m. Melissa is there before me, looking beautiful. I think she has a luminous aura. 8:15 p.m. I order a tea. Turns out she doesnt drink either. Nice. We talk about everything right away. She broke up with a serious boyfriend about two months ago. I havent had a serious girlfriend in almost five years, not since I was 35. 11 p.m. We had a great time. The only thing was that she got weird when we were kissing after the date at another romantic bar (more tea!). I asked if she wanted to come back to my place and she seemed offended by that, or offended by something. Then she kind of shut down and hopped on the subway. I hope she liked me. I liked her. DAY TWO 10 a.m. Boom, another late start. 10:30 a.m. I get my coffee and eggs ready while listening to podcasts. Today it is that Death, Sex, and Money one, or is it Money, Sex, and Death? Its an older one, and theyre interviewing one of the girls on Veep. Which is better than one of the girls on Girls that show makes my soul hurt. I hate that show so much. They are all the worst. 11:30 a.m. Melissa texts. This one is for the books: She says she had a great time but next time no splitting the bill! WHAT? Mind you, I dont even remember splitting the bill. Maybe the final bar, we did. But honestly, I thought I paid? And if we did split, I am almost positive its because she insisted. I admire the balls on her, and by balls I mean honesty. Quickly, though, I start to feel turned off about the whole thing and dont text back. I am not a cheap bastard. I might be unemployed, but I made a lot of money consulting for a corporate brand last year and saved a lot of money. 5 p.m. I miss happy hour. I might drink again. Just not today. DAY THREE 9 a.m. Im already at the gym. Swiping left and right while speed-walking on the treadmill. Got some old-school hip-hop Spotify playing. I match with someone on Tinder who is exactly my type. Paula. Shes black, sassy, artsy. I send her a note and turn up the music. 10 a.m. Chatting it up with Paula. Shes been separated from her husband for about a year. Three kids, all under 10. Interesting. Im down. We make a date for tomorrow. She lives near me; we both love the same places. 9 p.m. I took a couple meetings this afternoon. Its all shit. The future is bleak. I went to Cornell for this stuff but that doesnt help much and my lousy attitude doesnt help at all. Trying to snap out of it. I have therapy tomorrow. 11 p.m. Watched Loving. Super-beautiful film. Feel melancholic as I fall asleep. DAY FOUR 8 a.m. Early therapy sesh in city. Grab a strong coffee at Everyman Espresso first. 10 a.m. I like my therapist. Been seeing her for a few months. Quitting drinking wasnt that hard. Its managing my grumpy attitude that I struggle with. Being happy and sunny doesnt come easy to me. We talk a lot about my upbringing which was pretty good, actually. Its hard to pinpoint the culprit. I dont believe in antidepressants. Plus, I dont think a limp dick would make life more cheerful. 7:30 p.m. Paula and I are playing the most epic version of Would you rather!? I ask: Would you rather blow Trump or get eaten out by Pence? Im a classy man. But hey, she is laughing uncontrollably. Shes a high-school teacher, which I find incredibly sexy. 10:30 p.m. I PAY THE BILL. Kiss on the cheek good night. I walk home, as does she different directions. I kind of want to pretend Im in the movies and turn back around to kiss her dramatically but I dont. DAY FIVE 11 a.m. Helping a buddy out on a film set today. Its an indie film and he needs me to be a hot guy standing at the bar brooding. Um, I can maybe do that. I dont have to speak, thank goodness. I ask another fake actor to take a picture of me at my post. Paula told me to do that for her. I send the picture and put my phone away. 4 p.m. When I look at my phone again Paulas texted back twice. One time with those red kissy lips and then the fist-pump emoji. The second time with a selfie of her and her youngest one. IT IS ADORABLE. 8 p.m. Im pretty tired. I text Paula to ask when I can take her out to dinner. Kids are invited too, I let her know. She says thats cool of me to offer but that shed prefer some kid-free time and can meet up two nights from now. Excellent. DAY SIX Noon I get a job offer. Its for a new restaurant in Greenpoint. The chef has a great reputation. Hours are rough but pay is good. I accept right away. 4 p.m. I cant say Im doing cartwheels over the job. Im pretty much over the restaurant industry. But being unemployed makes me feel so bad about myself, at least this can transition me out of that. I start tomorrow. But Ill be done in time for dinner with Paula. 7 p.m. My ex works in the food industry too and suddenly I have a weird pit in my stomach, thinking about her and all our overlap. We broke up because things just got crazy. We both partied too hard. We both fucked around on each other. It was either so good or so bad. Extreme highs and lows. Then she left me for a successful chef in Atlanta. Last I heard, they were engaged but I honestly have no idea. I just hope she isnt anywhere near me, certainly not at my new job tomorrow. I would like to be with someone again. I feel ready and willing. Mostly, I feel mature enough to handle a solid relationship with the care it deserves. DAY SEVEN 7 a.m. Good morning, working world! I have not missed you. 9 a.m. Today is an introduction to everyone and everything. No issues yet. Cool place. The chef seems warm and normal. He has a wife and kids, which is always a good sign (he has a life). 5 p.m. Short day because the resto isnt officially open and wont be for a few more days. Some of the servers gave me dinner ideas for tonight. Grateful for that. I text Paula the place I decided on great pasta, nice pours of wine. 8 p.m. When she shows up, its obvious that were both pretty tired. I really try to rally. I dont want my low energy to come off as disinterested. I am the opposite of that. To tell the truth, I havent been able to stop thinking about her. 10:30 p.m. Dinner was really sweet she made a big deal about my new job and had the waiter bring over two glasses of Champagne. After dinner, she invites me to her place. (Kids are with their dad.) I happily go. Not tired anymore! Midnight We made love! Dont laugh. Thats what it was and it was incredible. I feel a real connection to her. Tonight, I am a very grateful man. Want to submit a sex diary? Email sexdiaries@nymag.com and tell us a little about yourself. President Donald Trump. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images President Donald Trump will issue further guidance on an Obama administrative policy aimed at protecting transgender students in public schools, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said during a Tuesday news briefing. As Politico reports, advocates expect President Barack Obamas directive to be rescinded soon. The policy was designed to protect transgender students from harassment discrimination, maintaining that Title IX guarantees their rights to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identities. During the press briefing, Spicer told reporters that President Trump believes the matter should be decided by the states. That is an issue that the Department of Justice and the Department of Education are addressing, Spicer said, per BuzzFeed News. I think that there will be further guidance coming from DOJ in particular with respect not just to the executive order but also the case that is in front of the Supreme Court. Spicer continued, The president has maintained for a long time that this is a states-rights issue and not one for the federal government. So will there be further guidance coming out on this? I think all you have to do is look at what the presidents view has been for a long time. That this is not something that the federal government should be involved in. This is a states-rights issue. Politico notes that close to half of U.S. states have filed suit over Obamas guidelines, and the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments over the matter next month. Top Row: Melania Trump in British GQ in 2000 and in the Oval Office on February 15, 2017; Bottom Row: Ivanka Trump in Arena magazine in 2007 and at the Inauguration on January 20, 2017. Photo: Andrew Harrer-Pool/Getty Images/Anthony Behar/SIPA USA via AP Images Its been a rough month for the Trump women and their ability to, as Melanias representatives put it, launch a broad-based commercial brand that could garner multimillion-dollar business relationships. The news that Nordstrom would be walking away from Ivanka Trumps clothing brand after it said sales have steadily declined, was, at the very least, a public-relations blow to Ivankas brand, which insists that business is booming. And in Melania Trumps lawsuit against the Daily Mail for suggesting that she worked as an elite escort in the sex business, she emphasizes the potential damage to her ability to cash in on a situation (being First Lady) she sometimes appears to only barely endure. Despite their similar physical presentations (long legs, long hair, big chests, fitted clothing), Melania and Ivanka have sought to establish incredibly different brands, particularly in the years since Ivankas conversion to Orthodox Judaism. At present, theyve got a Betty-and-Veronica thing going on: Melania is the mysterious brunette whose pre-politics work as a model centered on bikinis and lingerie, private jets, and what might happen when one gets naked on top of a large fur throw. Once she posed in sunglasses, underwear, and boots with a handgun on the wing of an airplane; in another shot she was in a swimsuit on a white leather banquette inside the same jet with a briefcase full of jewels. The message was always sex dangerous sex, and not-traditional-matrimonial sex. After Melania got married in 2005, she was photographed inside her gilded penthouse pushing a gilded pram. If her brand to this point has been about the relationship between sex and money (bathing suits plus jets plus golden rooms plus fur), the new turn was suggesting that the right marriage (or, perhaps, high-stakes, in-your-underpants jewel heist) would enable you to cover your apartment in gold leaf and spend afternoons in nothing but your husbands big tuxedo shirt. Her husbands stated positions on gender support this notion Theres a lot of women out there that demand that the husband act like the wife Its just not me and once upon a time it was an idea the Trumps seemed proud of. Back when the family exhibited a sort of in-on-the-joke, gleeful knowingness about themselves, Melania is said to have answered the question Would you have married Donald Trump if he wasnt rich? with If I werent beautiful, do you think hed be with me? So little has been seen or heard from Melania, both during the campaign and since the inauguration, that there hasnt been much to indicate a new direction as First Lady, apart from one halfhearted mention about the problem of cyberbullying. By contrast, the current version of Ivanka the Brand is based, oddly, on chastity. Todays Ivanka seeks to present herself as pure. Her social-media posts frequently include her children, always bathed in conspicuous markers of Good Taste. And she has consistently pushed the idea of herself as a passionate advocate for the education and empowerment of women and girls, though there hasnt been much meat in that sandwich as of yet, just cutting a campaign commercial in which she described motherhood as the most important job a woman can have, then quitting the company she founded in order to move to Washington to support her husband and father in their official capacities, but nevertheless turning up in the Oval Office for photo ops despite having no official White House role. Before her marriage, things were different. Back then, much photography of Ivanka focused on her body, her chest heaving out of dresses and over the boardroom table, or with a businesslike suit hiked up to reveal the top of her stockings, and, once, with a leather riding crop in hand. She posed oiled up in a swimsuit on a construction site for Harpers Bazaar, a pneumatic drill placed suggestively between her legs. In another photograph, she lounged on that same site in a ballgown beside topless men in hard hats. It all read like an ad for an office-based porno Would you like to inspect my documents, sir? But since Jared, Judaism, and motherhood, she has sought something else something about being a modern-day working mother who has no problem raising three children on a series of white couches. She publishes odes to her husband and delights in her young son crawling for the first time inside the White House while she wears a black turtleneck and pants. Her signature Eau de Parfum recently hit No. 1 on Amazons best-seller list, with the roll-on version not far behind. From left: Ivanka with husband, Jared Kushner, in New York City in 2011, Melania at Trump Tower in 2006. Photo: Elder Ordonez/INFPhoto Ivanka has had a certain amount of success marketing herself, particularly when the price point is low (her fine-jewelry line was recently dropped by Neiman Marcus, which cited poor sales). But even ardent fans of the brand itself would be hard-pressed to describe its offerings as original (she is currently being sued by Italian shoe brand Aquazzura for copyright infringement involving the claim that her namesake company has produced direct copies of at least three Aquazzura designs in Chinese factories). Her successes have always been a matter of branding as opposed to a reflection of good design. The Ivanka customer could certainly do just as well at Reiss. Before the election, Melanias attempts to monetize herself had been rocky. Her first foray was Melania Timepieces & Jewelry, a line that launched exclusively on QVC in 2010, which she described as affordable versions of her own expensive stuff (it was all manufactured in China). It was widely reported that the line sold out in 45 minutes. In 2012 came the foray intocaviar-based anti-aging skin care, which she described testing on her young son, Barron, and also hawked to Dennis Rodman on Celebrity Apprentice. This line began as a venture in tandem with New Sunshine LLC, a beauty company in Indianapolis that also manufactures bronzer for the Kardashian brands and JWoww from Jersey Shore. The owners of that company (friends of Donald Trumps) became involved in a lawsuit against one another its complicated and sordid and involves treacherous threesomes and Melanias face cream faded away. But the idea that Melania is newly concerned with her ability to make some money in the future raises another possibility, particularly for members of the Free Melania movement: that she might, in fact, be looking ahead to a future where shes consigned to a life dictated by the terms of whatever prenuptial agreement she signed as the third wife of a man who was not yet president. A post-Donald Melania brand, a sister-actually-doing-it-for-herself kind of thing, fronted by an independent Melania, a hardworking immigrant who got mixed up with the wrong guy before seeing the error of her ways. Now, thats a brand with potential. *This article appears in the February 20, 2017, issue of New York Magazine. Portugal: Off the beaten track Wine-producing countries that fall outside of the top 10 might be out of the limelight but they can be ideal for independent wine merchants seeking value-for-money wines that are unlikely to be found in supermarkets. Portugal, which sits at number 11 in the UK off-trade, is a perfect example. Portuguese wine, excluding fortified, is worth 34.7 million in the off-trade, down 1.5% compared with a year ago (Nielsen, year to December 3). Its average bottle price tends to be on the low side at 5.01 but this is up slightly from 4.87 a year ago. It does mean, of course, that pushing up prices is one of the challenges for retailers, but there is also the opportunity to introduce consumers to new wines which are increasingly being praised for their quality at reasonable prices. QUALITY MESSAGE Nuno Vale, Vini Portugals marketing director, says the quality message is already starting to get out. As a nation we have always been extremely proud of the quality of the wines coming out of our country, he says. Traditionally, weve been given less shelf space in the UK, which makes it a little more challenging to capture attention. However, with more of our wines winning awards and gaining more credibility, consumers are starting to sit up and take notice. In the longer term we hope to see this growing interest in our wines translate into even more increased retail space. Chris Appleby, brand manager for Casa Ferreirinha and other Portuguese wines in the Sogrape portfolio, agrees the quality message is getting out but admits it is a slow process. We would say that Portugal has been an undoubted source of quality wine for a long time. Retailers have confidence in Portuguese wines but for the most part this is confined to the independent and on-trade sectors where quality and choice are excellent but lacking in continuity that allows consumer confidence in the quality to build. Most retailers are in search of, and often only list exclusives. Appleby says that, while this works well for established and strong-performing wine categories, Portugal would benefit from some larger brands with a good value-to-quality ratio, to help drive more appeal to a wider audience. WHICH WINES SHOULD RETAILERS KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR? Portugal is, of course, famous for port and this has helped direct consumers to its fuller-bodied red wines, such as those from the Douro and Alentejo. Meanwhile, the lighter, softer blends of the Tejo and Lisboa regions also have good consumer appeal and, as Vale from Vini Portugal notes, production and interest in Portugals white wines is growing. The quality of Portuguese white wines has improved tremendously in the past decade and the wines now show a great deal of versatility and authenticity, he says. The white wines of Vinho Verde are especially popular with todays consumer and, as a result, we are seeing increased shelf space in UK retailers, particularly for wines made from Alvarinho and Loureiro grapes. It is also worth keeping your eyes open for sparkling wines from Bairrada, created using the Baga grape. Appleby adds that Vinho Verde has true diversity. He says: It was a refreshing change in 2016 to see an increasing number of retailers stocking a variety of Vinho Verdes and not just the traditional offering of one. WHAT ELSE MIGHT RETAILERS PROMOTE FROM PORTUGAL? Vale notes there is a good mix of tradition and innovation in Portuguese winemaking culture and there is a wealth of extremely talented young winemakers doing some really interesting things. For the year ahead retailers should expect to see greater links between Portuguese wines and tourism, and food, says Appleby. Adrian Bridge, chief executive of the Fladgate Partnership, also highlights the strength of port, which may help drive more interest in Portuguese wines in general. Port is still the major export of quality wines from Portugal, accounting for over 40% of sales, he says. It is well distributed and understood by consumers it is the fortified wine that has been in growth in the UK for 20 years when other fortified wines have been in decline. ONE TO WATCH: WINES OF TEJO Wines of Tejo has just launched a UK campaign to raise awareness of its wines, with a focus on independent wine merchants and the on-trade. This central region, a short drive from Lisbon, houses 80 wineries which account for 10% of Portugals vineyard area. Its brand ambassador, Sarah Abbott MW, says there are few small regions of Portugal that have such a good mix of red and white wines. It also has a mix of climate zones and the price of land is really accessible, so there are younger, experimental winemakers appearing as well as some more established ones. Tejo has an opportunity to show some of the more premium wines Portugal can produce. No one has really heard of Tejo so it is the underdog and its identity is still there to be rewritten. Related articles: While the Permian field has enjoyed a continued boom, with a rising rig count and an increase in investment activity, other U.S. onshore shale and tight oil fields havent been so lucky. Higher costs, declining investment and tougher competition have hit the Bakken field harder than the Permian. A slight recovery might be in progress, coming in the wake of OPEC production cuts and rising industry confidence, despite the on-going presence of bearish fundamentals and an evident supply glut. New pipelines could also lower Bakken costs and allow a faster recovery. But prospects for the region to compete with the surging Permian seem dim, at least in the short term. For the last few years, the news out of North Dakota wasnt pretty. The Bakken, once the center of a regional energy boom, saw a major slump in activity. Since hitting a peak of 1.23 million bpd in December 2014, Bakken crude production has declined, falling below 900 thousand bpd in late 2016, while the rig count has declined to less than fifty, according to monthly EIA data, from a high of 183 in 2014. North Dakota, which holds the bulk of the Bakken field, has seen its production swing back and forth since October, chiefly due to the vicissitudes of the winter weather. The state sees an economic decline every year when the bitter winter kicks in, but this year oil and gas production was hit particularly hard. In December, total production fell by 10 percent to record lows, as three major storms interfered with activity and forced a number of rigs to shut down. A recovery in January brought those rigs back on-line, but the long-term trends have some wondering if the Bakken play is a bust. Related: Russia Gains Upper Hand In Asian Oil War The EIA is now predicting total Bakken production to fall in March 2017 from 994 to 976 thousand bpd, while gas production holds steady at around 1.7 billion cfd. This is the biggest anticipated decline of any U.S. field and pales in comparison to the Permian forecast, where oil production is expected to surge another 70 thousand bpd. The reason for the Bakken bust? Tight competition last year drove investors from the field and pulled more money south to the Permian, where conditions are more favorable and interest more concentrated. A boost in prices thanks to the OPEC deal has brought relief to U.S. shale, but recovery seems to be concentrated in the Permian, where around half of US rigs are located. There is some good news for the Bakken, however. Support for the Dakota Access Pipeline from the Trump Administration, which may allow the controversial pipeline to be completed, would make transportation from the Bakken more economical and drive down the breakeven price. Of the 1 million bpd produced by the Bakken, only about half can be transported by pipeline, with the rest going out by rail. The Dakota Access will open up about 450,000 bpd of capacity, obviating the need to move oil by rail, a much more expensive proposition. Yet with resistance to the project high, and the likelihood of continued protests in the area a certainty, there are no guarantees quite yet that the pipeline will be completed as originally planned. The pipeline is currently about 90 percent completed, and with approval would be finished in three to four months. Related: The Shift Towards Renewables Is Picking Up Pace Some energy firms are confident that the Bakkens future looks bright. Hess Corporation, which is already heavily involved in North Dakota, has earmarked $2.25 billion exploration and production in the Bakken in 2017, and the company plans to increase Bakken rigs from two to six by years end. Should the Dakota Access, along with the long-awaited Keystone XL pipeline, be completed and prices in the Bakken drop, it could bring about a renaissance for the region and increase its competitiveness with the Permian field. The Trump Administration, which has long vowed to work to bring more jobs and prosperity to the U.S. energy sector, believes constructing these pipelines will accomplish those goals. But as a recent New York Times story made quite clear, automation and changing technology has allowed production in the Permian and elsewhere to pick up without bringing a recovery in jobs. So, even if the Bakken comes roaring back to life, theres no guarantee the boom towns of North Dakota will enjoy a similar resurgence. By Gregory Brew for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil prices gained on Monday and Tuesday as both traders and analysts see crude markets tightening as a result of OPEC output cuts. Chart of the Week (Click to enlarge) The collapse of oil prices in 2014 provided a windfall for the airline industry, with industry-wide profits rising to $25.6 billion in 2015, up from $7.5 billion in 2014. Fuel costs fell by $16.5 billion over that timeframe. The profits and fuel savings have allowed airlines to upgrade their fleets, procuring new aircraft in the past few years. Market Movers Statoils (NYSE: STO) Troll field will be added to calculations for the Brent crude benchmark. The Brent benchmark is priced based on physical oil from the Brent field, plus three other fields Forties, Oseberg and Ekofisk. However, with those fields depleting, S&P Global Platts said it will include the Troll field in the mix. Gastar Exploration (NYSEMKT: GST) saw its share price shoot up more than 10 percent after it secured $425 million in new financing. Gastar is a small shale player in the STACK play in Oklahoma. Enbridge (NYSE: ENB) announced in its quarterly results that it was spending $1.7 billion to take a 50 percent stake in an offshore wind farm in the North Sea with nearly 500 MW of capacity. Tuesday February 21, 2017 Oil prices moved up on Tuesday on hopes that the market is tightening. OPEC says its cuts are working and hedge funds are still bullish on crude, but pitfalls remain. Hedge funds take record bullish position to new heights. Hedge funds and money managers have been on a buying spree since OPEC announced its deal in late November. Bullish bets on crude oil futures have climbed at a rapid pace in the past few months, setting new records nearly every week. Now, hedge funds and other money managers have surpassed 1 billion barrels of bullish bets, a new record high. As we have noted many times, the record buildup leaves the market exposed to a backsliding in prices if the mood of traders turns sour. Related: Oil Leaps Higher As OPEC Pushes For 100% Compliance $30 oil possible if OPEC doesnt extend deal. The OPEC deal called for cuts of 1.2 mb/d over the course of six months. If the deal is not extended until at least the end of the year, oil prices could fall back into the $30s, according to ABN Amro Bank NV. The downside risk has become much bigger than previously, Hans van Cleef, ABN Amros senior energy economist, told Bloomberg. Saudi Aramco prefers western stock exchange. The Wall Street Journal reported that Saudi Arabia is leaning towards a western stock exchange when it lists its state-owned oil company. The plan is a partial IPO of about 5 percent of the company, which could allow the kingdom to take in more than $100 billion. Saudi officials looked at exchanges around the world but decided against one in Asia. Now officials are looking at New York, London and Toronto, with New York as the leading candidate. The IPO could be the largest ever. However, because the company is state-owned, it will be difficult to disentangle its finances from the Saudi government. Roughly 90 percent of Aramcos profits go into government coffers and the royal family certainly takes its share as well. Only about 10 percent of the profits are reinvested in the company. The complexity of this situation is likely to push the IPO off until late 2018 at the earliest, or more likely 2019, the WSJ says. ExxonMobil set to write off oil sands. ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) is days away from writing off 3.6 billion barrels of Canadian oil sands assets. Exxon has been notorious for refusing to take write downs, a practice that attracted the attention of the SEC and the NY attorney general. But now the oil major is acknowledging that the oil sands are no longer profitable to produce and the company could issue a disclosure next week. But Exxon will likely emphasize the fact that the oil sands could be profitable again if oil prices rise. Longer-term, however, the chances are rising that oil sands will be left in the ground because of stricter environmental rules. For a lot of reasons the oil sands look like a prime candidate for eventual abandonment, Jim Krane, an energy fellow at Rice Universitys Baker Institute, told the WSJ. One problem is that costs are persistently higher. The high carbon content only makes it worse. On top of that, suddenly the market is talking about peak demand, the notion that the world will see consumption top off in the near- to medium-term, which could keep oil prices low enough that oil sands, and many other assets, are no longer profitable. Shell says no glut in LNG market. The largest LNG exporter in the world is not concerned about the state of oversupply in the global market. Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS.A) made a massive bet on LNG when it spent more than $50 billion to acquire BG Group. But because a wave of LNG export terminals have come online, particularly in Australia, prices have crashed. But Shell is sanguine. Theres been a perception and quite a few headlines of the LNG market being oversupplied, Maarten Wetselaar, Shells head of integrated gas, said this week. In 2016 you didnt find any proof of that. Related: Can Canadas Gas City' Replicate Qatars Success? Saudi cuts make Russia largest oil producer. Russia produced 10.49 million barrels of oil per day in December, and Saudi Arabia produced just under that amount at 10.46 mb/d as it started to throttle back on output. That makes Russia the largest oil producer in the world right now. In January, Saudi Arabia took production below 10 mb/d in order to meet its obligations under the OPEC deal. Trump administration to assault environmental rules. With his EPA chief in place, the Trump administration is gearing up for an attack on federal environmental regulations. One of the top priorities will be the EPAs limits on greenhouse gas emissions, a core part of the Obama administrations climate campaign. However, the regulations cannot be undone by a simple executive order, they must be taken apart by an official rule, which takes time to formulate. Still, the EPA is set to signal a coming wave of deregulation in an effort to prioritize fossil fuel production. It is important to note that scrapping climate regulations is not a clear win for natural gas producers, who were set to benefit from the displacement of coal. In fact, President Obamas climate campaign hinged quite a bit on natural gas as the largest source of electricity in the U.S. How this shakes out is unclear at the moment, but gas and renewables are still expected to win in the marketplace. By Evan Kelly for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Oil prices are stuck in a holding pattern, waiting for more definitive data on what comes next. OPEC compliance is helping keep prices afloat, but rising U.S. oil production is acting as a counterweight. A new problem that has suddenly emerged is the record levels of gasoline sitting in storage. The market has already had to digest the fact that U.S. crude oil stocks were rising, and investors have done their best to explain away the trend. But now gasoline inventories are climbing to unexpected heights. It would be one thing if crude stocks were rising, perhaps because refiners were going offline for maintenance. But if that were the case, then gasoline stocks would draw down on lower refining runs. But if both crude and refined product inventories are going up at the same time, then there should be some reasons for worry. In fact, the glut of gasoline is now the worst in 27 years. At 259 million barrels, U.S. gasoline storage levels are now at their highest level since the EIA began tracking the data back in 1990. (Click to enlarge) Part of the reason for the glut, of course, are high levels of production. Although gasoline production ebbs and flows seasonally, U.S. production has been on an upward trend in recent years. Instead of bouncing around in a range of 8.5 to 9.5 million barrels per day before 2014, U.S. production since the collapse of oil prices has steadily climbed to a range of 9 to 10 mb/d. Related: Something Has Got To Give In Oil Markets (Click to enlarge) But that increase came in order to satisfy rising demand (which, of course, was stoked by lower prices). More demand should have soaked up that excess supply. However, that is where the problem gets worse. Lately, U.S. demand has faltered. (Click to enlarge) U.S. gasoline demand plunged to just 8.2 million barrels per day in January, and sales were down 4 percent from a year earlier. It was also the lowest level in four years. Weak demand is raising some red flags for the market. Related: This Oil Nation Aims To Colonize Mars Demand is seasonal, with softer demand in winter months, but this winters valley is lower than any other since 2012. The problem becomes particularly acute when you take into account the fact that refiners have actually cut back on gasoline production in recent weeks. Even with lower refining runs, gasoline storage levels continued to rise. The data is worrying, especially since broader economic data does not point to deep problems with the U.S. economy. Some, including the EIA, speculate that higher prices are cutting into demand. That would be surprising given that prices at the pump are still a fraction of what they were a few years ago. The drop off in demand could be temporary, with consumption rebounding in a few months. Warmer temperatures tend to lead to more driving, and if demand rises it will halt the climb in gasoline inventories. But even a small hiatus in demand has led to a buildup in storage levels to such a degree that it will take time to bring down. It kind of ruins your whole year potentially, Sam Margolin, an analyst at Cowen, told the WSJ. Demand growth appears to be the riskiest element of the oil equation in 2017, and the rally could pause until driving season. The glut of gasoline has led to tankers being turned away at New York Harbor in recent weeks, diverted to ports in the Caribbean. However, even that did not resolve the glut on the U.S. east coast. Record-high inventories in the region are now pushing prices low enough to turn the typical trade flow on its head, Bloomberg reports. The east coast typically imports a lot of crude oil and refined products. But refined products are instead heading in the other direction because of the buildup in supply. If demand does not rebound, then gasoline inventories will rise further. At that point, refiners will be forced to cut back on production, which means a reduction of their purchases of crude oil. Less oil sales means higher crude oil inventories, pushing down prices. Ultimately, that could force drillers to reduce supply. In short, if U.S. demand and by extension, global demand does not come through for the oil market, then oil prices could decline this year. By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: The South Sudanese government and three humanitarian agencies have declared a famine in some parts of the country as the newly independent nation struggle to bring oil back online. This man-made human tragedy is a result of three-year civil war and has created an economic crisis of massive proportions, leaving nearly five million hungry. The UN Mission in South Sudan says that 100,000 people in two counties of the northern Unity state are experiencing a famine and more than 30 percent of the population are suffering acute malnutrition. There are fears that the famine will spread as an additional 1 million South Sudanese are on the brink of starvation. Unity state is South Sudan key oil-producing region, but production is hampered by civil war. Earlier this month, the authorities deployed more troops to secure the area for a resumption of production, which has been halted since December 2013. Some part of the northern Greater Unity region are classified in famine, or risk of famine, chairman of South Sudans National Bureau of Statistics Isaiah Chol Aruai said. They also warned that, unless there is a rapid increase in humanitarian aid, 275,000 children are malnourished and their lives are at risk. "A formal famine declaration means people have already started dying of hunger. The situation is the worst hunger catastrophe since fighting erupted more than three years ago," said a statement by the World Food Program (WFP), UN children's agency UNICEF and the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Related: Who Will Win The Race In Russias Emerging Oil Frontier? Our worst fears have been realized, said Serge Tissot, head of the Food and Agriculture Organization in South Sudan. He said the war has disrupted the otherwise fertile country, causing civilians to rely on whatever plants they can find and fish they can catch. This is not the first time South Sudan has faced starvation. Fighting for independence from Sudan in 1998, South Sudanese suffered famine and 70,000 to several hundred thousand people died. UN officials blame South Sudans politicians for the current humanitarian crisis. According to UN officials, President Salva Kiirs government is blocking food aid to some areas. This famine is man-made, said Joyce Luma, head of the World Food Program in South Sudan. There is only so much that humanitarian assistance can achieve in the absence of meaningful peace and security. Somalia is the first African country to declare famine since 2011. Estimates shows that more than 250,000 people died between October 2010 and April 2012. This proclamation came after international aid agencies are affected by catastrophes spreading in four countries. The UN warned that three other countries, Yemen, Somalia and Nigeria, are also at risk of famine. By Damir Kaletovic for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Russia pumped the most crude oil in the world in December, dethroning Saudi Arabia as the worlds biggest oil producer. The difference in the two countries daily averages stood at 30,000 barrels. According to data from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative, Russia produced some 10.49 million barrels daily in December, while Saudi Arabias output averaged 10.46 million bpd a substantial decline from November, when the Kingdom pumped 10.72 million bpd. The U.S came in third, with a daily average of 8.8 million bpd. Saudi Arabia has gone out of its way to convince the market that it is serious about the production-cutting effort, reducing its output more than it had agreed to: in January, the Kingdom reported a daily average of 9.75 million barrels, down by 700,000 bpd from December. This strategy has helped to increase the overall production cut deal compliance rate among OPEC members and has earned it praise from the IEA, but has not been enough to boost prices closer to US$60 a barrel. Russia, meanwhile, has been cutting its 300,000 bpd gradually, reporting a 100,000-bpd reduction in its January output. It will cut another 100,000 bpd by the end of next month, and the rest of the agreed amount in the second quarter. Early this month, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak announced that global oil output was cut by 1.4 million From Brian. As most of you already know my wife Lorine has passed away. It was a great shock to myself, her family and many of you in the... By Taxpayer Association of Oregon and Taxpayer Association Foundation, Oregon has the 12th highest pay in the U.S. for state public employees. Across the states, the average state employee wage and salary income is about 5.5 percent higher than the average pay for all wage and salary employees in the state. This is in line with academic research that finds, when worker characteristics and job attributes are controlled for, public sector pay is approximately six percent higher than private sector pay in the United States. In Oregon, however, state public employee wages are 8.2 percent higher. In addition to the wages received by employees (average of $53,100 in 2015), other payroll expenses such as PERS and health insurance benefits increase the costs to the state by an average of $36,000 per employee, bringing the average cost of a full-time state employee to $89,100 a year. Academic research also finds that job attributes have so little impact on pay differentials. In other words, the higher pay in the public sector is not because of any difference in job characteristics or demanded skills. Instead, the research finds that much of the public sector pay premium can be explained by the activities of unions in the public sector workforce. Governor Kate Browns budget proposes increasing the state government workforce by 675 full-time equivalent employees. Using the cost information from the Legislative Fiscal Office, this 1.7 percent increase would cost the state more than $120 million in compensation costs for the 2017-19 biennium. Help us educate the public on where YOUR tax dollars are going? You can support the Taxpayer Association or Foundation here. A military officer has been detained at a guardroom at Burma Camp for allegedly leaking a CCTV tape which captured persons suspected to be members of the Invincible Forces, a private security wing of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP), beating up a senior police officer at the Flagstaff House in Accra. The 45-year-old military officer, name withheld, was on duty at the Flagstaff House when the alleged assault on the senior police officer took place on 9 January, two days after Nana Akufo-Addos investiture, and is suspected to have leaked the CCTV clip which has gone viral on social media. Narrating her husbands ordeal on Class FM on Monday, 20 February, Abena (pseudonym) said her husband had been detained without food and water since Friday, 17 February. He has been detained for 72 hours now with no food or water, she told show host Moro Awudu. He called me on Friday that he had been called to report to the Flagstaff House but he didnt knowwhy he had been called. So he left home in the afternoon and around 3:00pm, he called me that they were taking him to the office of the BNI with a couple of other soldiers. After that call, I didnt hear anything from him again. His phone went off At about 11:00pm, I had a call from someone that they had released some of the soldiers taken to BNI to report today (Monday February 20) and that my husband was one of those who were being detained. So I started getting worried because if you have not charged him with any offence why do you keep him there? Abena narrated that she had an anonymous call from a Good Samaritan that her husband had been taken to Burma Camp where he was detained. According to her, she visited Burma Camp to give him food on Saturday evening after he had gone the whole of Friday and Saturday morning and afternoon without food or water. Asked what the husband had told her when she visited him at Burma Camp, Abena replied: He said he was questioned about how that video got out and he was accused of being on duty on that day, so he was a suspect for leaking the video, adding: But they dont have any proof, so I dont see why they should keep him there. He was on duty on that day and he wasnt even aware something like that was going on. He has nothing to do with this issue. She said her husband was devastated and down and did not understand why he was being treated that way when she spoke to him. He was, however, not tortured or manhandled. When the EBS team contacted the Director of Operations at the Flagstaff House, Lord Commey, for governments side of the story, he replied via text: I dont think Im the right person to talk to. From your narrative, I think its a purely security matter which I dont think Im competent enough to speak on. I may be of help in some other way or form. video below- Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Last week we examined one of the changes Americans are looking for, and we focused on Russia. This week lets look at a remarkably similar situation, namely: Israel As with Russia, when Barack Obama left office Americas relations with Israel had hit rock bottom, as bad as they had been since the State of Israel was formed in 1948. And as with Russia, this was hardly all Americas fault. Benjamin Netanyahus irredentist government seemed to go out of its way to annoy and embarrass the Obama Administration and to spit in the face of international opinion on the subject of the settlements in the West Bank. All this came to a sordid end when, at the very end of Obamas Presidency, America declined to veto a UN Security Council resolution condemning Israelthe first time that had happened in 22 years. This was followed by a bizarre, hour-long rant by the usually-more-sensible John Kerry. Kerrys speech was bizarre not so much for its content, which was the usual criticism of Israel for not committing to a two-state solution, but for the fact that it happened at all. It all smelled badly of the actions of a lame duck Administration indulging its own frustrations while knowing it wouldnt have to deal with the consequences. As is the case with Russia, Israel has been surrounded by enemies since it was founded as a nation, and as with Russia this has made numerous Israeli governments paranoid including, especially, the Netanyahu government. The two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian deadlock seems, from afar, to offer an ideal way to end the gridlockand possibly the killing. But since US Presidential Administrations began pressing for the adoption of the two-state solution back in the dinosauric days of Lyndon Johnson, it has become ever more unpopular in both Israel and Palestine. (Fatah still clings faintly to the two-state solution, but the more popular Hamas rejects it. Indeed, Hamas rejects the very idea of Israels existence as a state.) However ideal a solution might seem theoretically, after fifty years of zero progress on it you might suppose that a light would dawn. So far it hasnt. In recent years the Palestinian question has been moved not just to the back burner, but all the way off the stove as a result of far more pressing issues in the Middle East: the Syrian Civil War, the rise of ISIS, the European refugee crisis, and the increasingly violent schism between Sunni and Shia Islam. Thats one reason why the UN resolution was the wrong place for America to make a stand. But there are two other reasons, both of which seem to be ill-understood by American policymakers and both of which cry out for change in Americas relations with Israel. The first of these has to do with the revolution in Israeli politics that has occurred over the past four decades and that has been blithely ignored by one US Administration after another. Israels founders were committed socialistsand that was hardly a surprise. Immediately after World War II virtually the entire world was socialist in one form or another: China and the USSR, of course, but also Central Europe, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, India, most of Latin America, large parts of Arab and non-Arab Africa. The socialist party of Israels foundersthe Labor Partycontrolled Israel from its founding until 1977, and because most senior Labor Party politicians had worked directly with David Ben-Gurion, the Labor Party remained committed to its socialist ideology long after socialism had gone into (one hopes) terminal decline elsewhere, and long after the Israeli public had grown fatigued with socialist dogma. The Israeli Labor Party would have continued to weaken no matter what, but its demise as a political force was significantly hastened by the emigration into Israel of more than 1.5 million refugees from the Soviet Union and it satellites. For these Jews, socialism wasnt a glorious idea that simply had a few real-world glitches. They had lived under socialism and they knew all too well where the ghastly socialist end game wound up. Thus, while elite Israelis, mainly well-educated, affluent Ashkenazim, continued to support Labor, the new immigrants flocked to conservative and religious parties that had no interest in returning the West Bank. Labor managed to elect the military hero, Ehud Barak, as its last prime minister in 1999, but even including Barak, Labor has been out of power for all but eight of the last forty years. As a result, despite intense international pressure the West Bank has effectively been part of Israel for nearly half a century, since the end of the Six Day War in 1967. Fifty years is a virtual Biblical eternity in a country not yet seventy years old. Instead of harping on a West Bank solution that has no chance of happeningmore than 400,000 Israelis live there todayAmerican policy might, instead, refocus itself on the existential problem inside Israel. The Arab population of Israel is, today, about 21% of the total. But that population is reproducing much faster than Israels Jewish population, and if Israel formally annexes the West Bank, two million more Arabs (Palestinians) would reside in Israel. You dont have to be a demographic genius to see that Israels future is as an Arab-majority nation. How will the Israelis deal with that future? Expulsion of the Arab population? Apartheid? Giving up Israels identity as a Jewish state and accepting Arab dominance? The future of the West Bank certainly plays into this problem, but its a side issue compared to the cultural, religious and demographic cluster bomb facing the Israeli state. Will a Trump Administration be able to depart from fifty years of American focus on the West Bank and a two-state solution? I have no idea. But, as with Russia, this is an area where US policy reached a dead end long ago and where change is fervently to be desired. Fortunately, the conclusion by Sunni nations, especially powerful ones like Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, that Israel is far less a threat than Iran, opens up whole new possibilities for dialogue. Next up: Loose Change, Part VI Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the American Authors Association Douglas V. Gibbs is a proud member of the Military Writers Society of America. QUEENSBURY Henssgen Hardware has named George Waterman as sales manager. Henssgen Hardware, which has been open since 1978, is located at 43 Everts Ave. and distributes rigging hardware manufactured from steel, stainless steel, malleable iron, die cast zinc alloy and solid brass that can be used with all types of rope, wire rope, chain, cable, leather and nylon straps. Henssgen Hardware owner Rachel Novak said she has known Waterman for 15 years and had been impressed with his work ethic and experience. Born and raised in Rhode Island, Waterman attended high school in East Providence and earned his degree in kinesiology from the University of New Hampshire. He has worked as an EMT on the ski patrol at Stowe Mountain, in sales for Aaron's Rental, as a store manager for Dollar General, and most recently as purchasing director at the Basin Harbor Club in Vergennes, Vermont. HUDSON FALLS A Washington County grand jury has indicted a Hudson Falls man on a charge that accuses him of forcibly raping a woman, a crime that came to the attention of police when he told staff at Glens Falls Hospital that he had sexually assaulted the woman, authorities said. David E. Bailey Jr., 27, of Beech Street, has been charged with first-degree rape, a felony, for an alleged sexual assault Nov. 8 at a home in Hudson Falls, court records show. Hudson Falls Police Detective Scott Gillis said Baileys arrest occurred after he had been taken to Glens Falls Hospital for an unspecified issue, and while there he told a staff member that he had sexually assaulted a woman. Hospital staff notified police, who questioned Bailey when he was released from the hospital, Gillis said. She didnt report it to us. He did, Gillis said. When our guys reached her, they were told it did happen. In a statement to Hudson Falls Police, the woman said she was acquainted with Bailey and that she was sleeping when she awoke to him having contact with her. He indicated he wanted to have sex, but she said she told him no. He took her clothes off, held her down and forcibly raped her, according to a statement the woman gave to Hudson Falls Police, which was filed in Washington County Court. I kept grabbing at his arm and kicking him, telling him no, she is quoted as saying. I started crying and screaming. She said that she hit him in the face, which made him more agitated. He eventually stopped and left the home, telling her he planned to tell police himself. Bailey pleaded not guilty during arraignment before Washington County Judge Kelly McKeighan, and was sent to Washington County Jail for lack of bail. First-degree rape is punishable by up to 25 years in state prison. Hudson Falls Police patrol officers Anthony Casimano, Brandon Burkhardt and Sgt. Steve Bunio handled the case. LAKE LUZERNE Joe Hanlon of Lake Luzerne did a double take when he spotted a photograph in The Post-Star of town Justice Rodney Johnson holding a bullhorn and leading a chant at a demonstration where U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, was being urged to hold a town hall forum. We saw the paper in the local market and somebody I know said, Rod Johnson made the front page, Hanlon said. Johnson, one of the speakers at the rally Feb. 14 outside Stefaniks Glens Falls district office, repeatedly asked demonstrators, Where is Elise? to which the crowd responded, I dont know. Hanlon said Johnsons actions appeared to violate the spirit of, if not the letter of, state judicial ethics rules. Its just very concerning to me as a citizen, he said. Its a slippery slope, I believe. Johnson said he has a First Amendment right to speak publicly, and when he does so, he is careful not to violate state rules of judicial conduct. He does not speak about U.S. Supreme Court rulings or any other court proceedings, he said, and he does not raise money for political or nonprofit organizations. What weve been told very clearly is that we can participate as a citizen. Being a town justice doesnt take away our rights as a citizen, said Johnson, who is midway through a third four-year term as town justice. Johnson was elected as a Republican. He said he changed his party enrollment to Democrat last year so he could vote for Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential primary. State rules on judicial conduct prohibit judges from leading political organizations, endorsing or speaking against political candidates, speaking on behalf of a political organization or attending a political gathering. Johnson said the demonstration, which MoveOn.org, a political advocacy organized, was an issue event, not a political event. I do not believe the rules say because you are a town justice, you cant go to a rally, or you cant hold up a sign. Or you cant be concerned about the Environmental Protection Agency, he said. Thats what Im doing. I am concerned about issues. The part that Miss Stefanik plays in this is that she is the representative for the 21st Congressional District that I live in, and I would like her to hear my concerns. State rules of judicial conduct also stipulate a judges activities outside the courtroom should not cast reasonable doubt on the judges capacity to act as a judge. Hanlon said Johnsons participation in the rally could make people with conservative views worried they will not get a fair hearing in town court. Why should anybody try to respect him in court? he said. Johnson said his political views have no bearing on his court decisions. It doesnt make any difference. Everybody gets treated exactly the same in the town court, he said. There is a presumption that everybody is innocent until proven otherwise. Town justices are employees of the towns they serve, said Lucian Chafen, a spokesman for the New York United Court System. Remember, hes not directly an employee of New York state. Hes works for the town of Lake Luzerne, although the court system, in and of itself, is administered by the state, he said. Lake Luzerne Supervisor Eugene Merlino said he has received a few complaints about Johnson speaking at the demonstration. I really dont know what to do, truthfully, right now, he said. I am contemplating what to do. I havent spoken to the gentleman. Joe Seeman, a MoveOn.org volunteer organizer, said Johnsons critics are motivated by partisanship. If it was a Republican who was praising Trump, they would love it, he said. Rodney was simply speaking out for justice. Thats our job as citizens. LAKE GEORGE The Lake George Village Board will meet Wednesday to discuss appointing a committee to study dissolution. The special meeting will take place at 5 p.m. Town officials have reached out to the village to appoint a group that would analyze the benefits and drawbacks of dissolving the village. The trustees originally were scheduled to discuss the issue last week. Mayor Robert Blais was not able to attend the regular meeting because he was in Albany lobbying for sewer funding. GLENS FALLS A woman who worked as a nurse at Glens Falls Hospital was arrested Monday for allegedly choking a 78-year-old patient at the hospital, police said. Stephanie L. Maybury-Caruso, 39, of Johnstown, was charged with endangering the welfare of an incompetent person, a felony, after an investigation by Glens Falls Police and the New York State Justice Center, an agency that was created to protect people with special needs. That investigation began earlier this month when Glens Falls Police were contacted by a representative of the Justice Centers office in Glens Falls, who had been contacted by hospital staff reporting an incident between a staff member and a patient, Glens Falls Police Detective Lt. Peter Casertino said. The patient is mentally disabled and was in the hospitals Behavorial Health Unit at the time she was victimized, police said. Maybury-Caruso was trying to administer medication to the woman when she allegedly put her hands around her throat and squeezed it, Casertino said. The patient was not injured, but at least one other staff member witnessed the incident and it was captured on surveillance video that did not have audio, Casertino said. We were contacted on February 6 and the hospital staff cooperated fully, he said. Maybury-Caruso did not offer an explanation when police charged her Monday, Casertino noted. Maybury-Caruso will also be charged with criminal obstruction of breathing, a misdemeanor, police said. She was released pending prosecution in Glens Falls City Court on March 9. Maybury-Caruso resigned her position with the hospital after the facilitys administration was made aware of the allegations. Hospital staff would not release details about how long she had worked there, instead issuing a written statement about the incident. Tracy Mills, the hospitals vice president, said the hospital was informed of an alleged act of physical abuse by a registered nurse on Jan. 17, and notified the state Office of Mental Health as required by law. Maybury-Caruso resigned two days later. A second nurse who was involved in the incident was terminated, but authorities did not say how this person was involved or whether they were charged. Casertino said there was only one person who had illegal contact with the patient, and no one else was going to be charged. He said the second person was a witness, but it was unclear why they were fired. Glens Falls Hospital is cooperating fully with this investigation, the statement reads. Our foremost responsibility is to provide safe, high-quality care to our patients, while ensuring the well-being and safety of our visitors and employees. We have zero tolerance for actions or behaviors that put anyone, especially our patients, at risk. The state Office of Professions online database shows Maybury-Carusos state nursing license remained in effect until February 2019. She has been a licensed registered nurse in New York since December 2004. SOUTH GLENS FALLS Sherry Granger wasnt home a few weeks ago when her husband started having chest pains. He called 911 around 1 p.m. and the Moreau Emergency Squad responded. Within 45 minutes of the phone call, her husband Charles was on the operating table, where his heart stopped, but he was revived. He was sitting up eating a turkey sandwich at 5:30 in the afternoon, said Granger, who credits the Moreau Emergency Squad and a device called the LIFENET System, a cloud-based platform that shares critical patient data with hospitals, reducing the time it takes to treat patients. In Grangers case, the squad members were able to take an electrocardiogram of his heart and transmit the pictures to Glens Falls Hospital, so doctors were ready to treat Grangers blockage as soon as he arrived. There was a heart doctor there that told my husband he was in the middle of a major heart attack, Granger said. They were ready for him. Andre Delvaux, the chief operations officer for the Moreau Emergency Squad, said the system helps reduce the door to balloon time the time it takes to get from the hospital door to the catheterization lab. Time is muscle, Delvaux said. The squad obtained the device through grant funding and pays a monthly fee for service. The amount of money it costs pales in comparison to outcomes we see, Delvaux said. The technology has been around for years, but last year, a coalition from the Hudson Mohawk EMS region bought modems and receiving stations for area hospitals, said Michael Dailey, the regional EMS medical director at Albany Medical Center. Its actually a really cool concept, Dailey said. The technology reduces the time taken between diagnosing a heart attack and fixing it, he said. Now my husband has a second lease on life, Granger said, adding that a doctor told her she should buy a lottery ticket because she and her husband were very lucky. Its amazing, she added. The doctor said he would not have survived. Granger said her husband of 26 years is doing well now. She joked about the line in their wedding vows of Till death do us part. He says his obligation is filled, she laughed. Jim Serowski's employees told him they'd planned to skip work Thursday to participate in "A Day Without Immigrants," the nationwide day of protest. Serowski, founder of JVS Masonry in Commerce City, Colorado, said his position to them was clear: "If you're going to stand up for what you believe in, you have to be willing to pay the price." As promised, when Serowski's foreman and some 30 bricklayers failed to show up for work, he fired them all with no regrets, he said. People who skipped work -- and businesses that closed -- on Thursday aimed to demonstrate immigrants' combined contribution to the nation's economy in the face of President Donald Trump's tough stance on immigration. Many simply went back to work Friday. But several business owners and managers told CNN that their decision to fire people who joined the protest wasn't about politics or immigration but about running their businesses responsibly. 'A slap in the face' Serowski insisted he wasn't motivated by politics. "I stand by what I believe in. I didn't do anything wrong," he said by phone Sunday. "They were warned: 'If you do this, you're hurting the company, and if you go against the team, you're not a member of the team.'" His foreman told CNN affiliate KDVR that it was important for him and his co-workers to join the protest. Some of his masonry workers have relatives who are afraid to leave their homes out of fear they may get arrested or deported, he said. But Serowski said it was a slap in the face to people like himself, who have long supported immigrant labor. He said he's known many of his employees for nearly two decades and has ensured they were paid, even when he did not have work for them. "I've gone above and beyond for these people," he said, seemingly distraught. "No one is going to dictate how my company is run." 'We don't make money' Steve Deese, owner of Encore Boat Builders in Lexington, South Carolina, confirmed firing 21 employees who didn't show up Thursday. Deese said they broke company policy by not giving notice and not calling in to say they would be away from work. The employees were given an opportunity to provide a doctor's note, but failed to do so, he added. The company does not tolerate violations, no matter who the employees are, he said. Deese's company builds boats "to make money, so when we can't build boats, we don't make money," Deese said. "We run an assembly line, and when 21 people call out, that seriously affects our operation." Those 21 employees were replaced by new workers who are now being trained. Warned of the consequences Robert Peal, attorney for Bradley Coatings, Inc., based in Nashville, confirmed to CNN that 18 employees were terminated for failing to show up Thursday. Peal said one of the line supervisors, an immigrant, was alerted to the possibility of the no-shows and spoke to each employee individually, warning them of consequences. Bradley Coatings is a commercial painting company that works on tight deadlines and depends on employee attendance to meet its obligations, he said. The company owner is a longtime supporter of immigrant causes and makes mission trips to Central America, Peal said. The company previously had donated materials and labor to one of the employees who was terminated Thursday after that worker lost his home to a fire. Peal says this was a business decision and had nothing to do with the nature of the protests. At the I Don't Care Bar and Grill Bill McNally, owner of I Don't Care Bar and Grill in Catoosa, Oklahoma, said his 12 line cooks gave him no heads-up that they planned to participate in the day of action. They didn't even call to say they were not coming in. So they were fired, just like anyone else who's a no-show for work, he said. "I'm on their side, but we have rules at I Don't Care Bar and Grill. If you're going to be late, call in. If you're not coming to work, call us. That's the American way," he said. Six of the fired Hispanic immigrant workers told CNN affiliate KTUL they felt they had been unfairly terminated. They wanted to stand in solidarity with other immigrants and didn't think it would cost them their jobs, they said through a translator. Under US labor law, at-will workers can be fired with no warning and without a stated reason. McNally also insisted his action had nothing to do with politics. Had he known about the protests, he said he would have closed the restaurant in solidarity. Why fire them, then? "They just forgot about the 50 other people who work here," he said. "If the cooks don't show up, then servers don't have jobs, and customers can't eat." Not so fast in New York A restaurant owner in New York disputed local media reports that he similarly had fired a group of protest participants. The owner of Ben's Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers, disputed the story and said he is a longtime supporter of minority rights. Ronnie Dragoon, of Ben's Kosher Delicatessen, said he fired just one employee -- and only because that worker pressured others to walk out and physically threatened two of them. "All other employees involved with the walkout were, and still are, invited to return to their positions with the company," the local restaurant chain said in a statement. Added Dragoon, "And yes, I am the grandchild of immigrants, and I have been a progressive my entire life and will continue to be a progressive." Community forum held on drug addiction problem Bravos to the Hometown vs. Heroin group for continuing its crusade against drug addiction in the region. About 75 members turned out for a forum in Hudson Falls this week where the audience again heard the horror stories about what local people have gone through. Some progress has been made, but there is still a ways to go. What we all need to remember is that the problem is still significant in our communities. Stefanik agrees to meet with constituents Bravos to Rep. Elise Stefanik for agreeing to meet with small groups of constituents in the coming weeks. After posting a long statement on Facebook Tuesday that said she would not hold any town hall meetings, her office began scheduling meetings Friday with small groups who have concerns. That type of interaction with citizens is an important first step and we hope it can lead to a broader interaction with the electorate at a town hall gathering. Big crowd turns out for political forum Bravos to the approximately 100 people who braved single-digit temperatures and a snowstorm to attend a community forum at Crandall Public Library on the State of the Nation. It was discouraging that the discussion was very one-sided politically, but it did show the amount of concern among the citizenry. Hopefully, there can be more balance in the views of those in attendance in the future. Graduation rates increase at 10 schools Bravos to the 10 local school districts that saw their graduation rates rise in 2016. They included Cambridge, Corinth, Fort Edward, Glens Falls, Hudson Falls, Salem, Saratoga Springs, Schuylerville, South Glens Falls and Warrensburg. Unfortunately, even with some of the increases, some of the school districts are still graduating only three of four students. And 15 other school districts saw their graduation rates go down. We need to do better. Police consolidation to be reviewed Bravos to village leaders in Cambridge and Greenwich for plans to explore further options to save taxpayer money by consolidating their village police departments. The departments currently share an administration, but still operate with separate budgets while also buying equipment and liability insurance separately. The two departments have also shared part-time patrol officers. A total consolidation seems like the next logical step. Hyde declines to answer questions Boos to Thurmans new town supervisor, Cynthia Hyde, for refusing to answer any questions after the Town Board meeting last week. Hyde was appointed the town supervisor at the meeting after serving just over a month on the Town Board. It was a great opportunity for her to lay out an agenda of where she plans to take the town in the coming months. Im not answering any questions, she said to a Post-Star reporter. Considering Thurmans recent past, it was an unfortunate response for the people she represents in Thurman. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- In his first overseas trip as vice president, Mike Pence is re-assuring European allies that America will honor its security commitments and has "strong support" for NATO. As recently as January, in an interview with The Times of London, then-President-elect Donald Trump repeated his view that NATO is "obsolete," raising doubts about whether the United States, under his leadership, would jump to the defense of its NATO allies in Europe if Russia attacked them. I said a long time ago that NATO had problems. Number one it was obsolete, because it was designed many, many years ago. Number two the countries arent paying what theyre supposed to pay," Trump said. "I took such heat, when I said NATO was obsolete. Its obsolete because it wasnt taking care of terror. I took a lot of heat for two days. And then they started saying Trump is right." In July, when specifically asked in an interview with The New York Times about his views of Russia, Trump said that if it attacked some of the small Baltic states, which are the most recent members of NATO, he would decide whether to come to their aid only after reviewing whether those nations "have fulfilled their obligations to us." Now, the vice president is assuaging European fears with a new message, saying Monday in Brussels, "It is my privilege here at NATO headquarters to express the strong support of President Trump and the United States of America to NATO and our transatlantic alliance." "This alliance plays a crucial role in promoting peace and prosperity in the north Atlantic and frankly in the entire world," he added. Pence's reassuring words come after Defense Secretary James Mattis also affirmed "the full U.S. commitment to NATO" during his meetings in Brussels last week. One European official isn't letting the new administration forget President Trump's criticisms of NATO. European Union Council President Donald Turk said Monday that "too many new and sometimes surprising opinions have been voiced over this time about our relations -- and our common security -- for us to pretend that everything is as it used to be." "We are counting as always in the past on the United States' wholehearted and unequivocal -- let me repeat, unequivocal -- support for the idea of a united Europe," Tusk said. "The world would be a decidedly worse place if Europe were not united." "The idea of NATO is not obsolete, just like the values which lie at its foundation are not obsolete," he added. So, what exactly is NATO? ABC News breaks down the organizations history, importance and criticisms below: What is NATO? NATO stands for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, a security alliance established in 1949 during the early days of the Cold War to counter Soviet aggression in Europe. Now numbering 28 countries in Europe and North America, the alliances goal is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means, NATOs website reads. The organization promotes democratic values and encourages member nations to work together on issues of defense and security to prevent long-term conflict. When security disputes occur, NATO advocates peaceful resolutions. But there are guidelines for how military force can be used, outlined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, the founding treaty of NATO. NATO adheres to a policy of collective defense, meaning an attack on one member is considered "an attack against all." The policy is outlined in Article 5 and has only been invoked once, after the Twin Towers in New York City were attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, and NATO members sent troops to Afghanistan. After the Taliban fell, a United Nations Security Council resolution established the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), under NATOs control, to stabilize the country. There were 1,044 non-U.S. NATO service members killed fighting in Afghanistan. How does NATO work? Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, each member nation is represented by an ambassador that sits on the North Atlantic Council (NAC), the alliances political decision-making body. The NAC meets at least once a week and is chaired by Secretary General Stoltenberg, the former prime minister of Norway. When political decisions require the military, NATOs Military Committee is involved in the planning and resourcing of military elements needed for an operation. While NATO has few permanent military forces, member nations can voluntarily contribute forces when the need arises. The Military Committee is made up of the Chiefs of Defense of NATO-member countries; the International Military Staff, the Military Committees executive body; and the military command structure, composed of Allied Command Operations and Allied Command Transformation. Where is NATO operating right now? Currently, NATOs website lists five active operations and missions: Afghanistan, Kosovo, counter-piracy off of East Africa, monitoring the Mediterranean, and supporting the African Union. Who pays for NATO? NATO recommends that member countries spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defense. Currently, only five members meet that goal: the United States, Great Britain, Greece, Estonia and Poland. In January's interview with The Times, Trump mentioned the five, saying, "Theres five countries that are paying what theyre supposed to. Five. Its not much. Latvia and Lithuania are two Baltic states that don't meet the target, but those countries are likely to raise their defense spending in the face of growing Russian aggression. On Monday, Vice President Pence repeated Trump's desire for all NATO members to pay their fair share, telling nations who don't have a plan to increase their defense spending to "get one." Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's Secretary General, emphasized in his remarks on Monday that, in 2016, defense spending increased in Europe and Canada by 3.8 percent in real terms, or 10 billion U.S. dollars. "We still have a long way to go," Stoltenberg admitted. What is the history behind its origin? The North Atlantic Treaty was signed April 4, 1949, in the aftermath of World War II and rising geopolitical tension with the Soviet Union. NATOs website lists three purposes for its creation: deterring Soviet expansionism, forbidding the revival of nationalist militarism in Europe through a strong North American presence on the continent, and encouraging European political integration. As the Cold War settled in, NATO stood in opposition to the Soviet bloc, communist nations that allied with the Soviet Union. In 1991, after the Soviet Union dissolved, NATO developed partnerships with former adversaries. NATO responded to its first major crisis response operation in 1995 in Bosnia and Herzegovina after the Bosnian civil war. More recently, NATO responded to the Libyan crisis in 2011 by carrying out airstrikes to protect civilians under attack by the Gaddafi regime. Is Trump alone in his criticism of NATO? No. Trump isnt the first to criticize other NATO members for contributing less than the United States. In 2011, Defense Secretary Robert Gates called the future of NATO dim if other nations didnt increase their participation in allied activities. The blunt reality is that there will be dwindling appetite and patience in the U.S. Congress -- and in the American body politic writ large -- to expend increasingly precious funds on behalf of nations that are apparently unwilling to devote the necessary resources or make the necessary changes to be serious and capable partners in their own defense, he said. It should be noted that Gates made these comments prior to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and escalating regional tension there. NATOs history is fraught with waves of criticism, often in moments of relative peace. After the fall of the Soviet Union, critics alleged that a European alliance was no longer necessary to counter communist governments. But militant nationalism was still occurring and soon NATO was put to the test with the Balkan Wars. Indeed, changing security threats have consistently pushed NATO to evolve over the past 60 years. But NATOs website perhaps provides the best defense of itself: Since its founding in 1949, the transatlantic Alliances flexibility, embedded in its original Treaty, has allowed it to suit the different requirements of different times. In the 1950s, the Alliance was a purely defensive organization. In the 1960s, NATO became a political instrument for detente. In the 1990s, the Alliance was a tool for the stabilization of Eastern Europe and Central Asia through the incorporation of new Partners and Allies. Now NATO has a new mission: extending peace through the strategic projection of security." This is not a mission of choice, but of necessity. The Allies neither invented nor desired it. Events themselves have forced this mission upon them. Nation-state failure and violent extremism may well be the defining threats of the first half of the 21st century. Only a vigorously coordinated international response can address them. This is our common challenge. As the foundation stone of transatlantic peace, NATO must be ready to meet it. Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Though Michael Flynn, whom McMaster is replacing, was rather controversial the retired general peddled conspiracy theories and ultimately resigned amid accusations he misled Vice President Mike Pence about a phone call with Russia's ambassador to the US I don't suspect anything other than professionalism and solid advice being given to the president by McMaster. Here's why. He commands a great deal of respect from his troops Much like Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who was revered by his troops while serving as a general in the Marine Corps, McMaster has earned a great deal of respect from soldiers. That's because his career has been marked by personal heroism, excellent leadership, and his tendency to buck traditional ways of thinking. As a captain during the Gulf War in 1991, McMaster made a name for himself during the Battle of 73 Easting. Though his tank unit was vastly outnumbered by the Iraqi Republican Guard, he didn't lose a single tank in the engagement, while the Iraqis lost nearly 80. His valor and leadership that day earned him the Silver Star, the third-highest award for bravery. Then there was his leadership during the Iraq War, during which he was one of the first commanders to use counterinsurgency tactics. Before President George W. Bush authorized a troop "surge" that pushed US forces to protect the population and win over Iraqi civilians, it was McMaster who demonstrated it could work in the city of Tal Afar. Hes far from a being a yes man McMaster is the kind of guy who says what's on his mind and will call out a wrongheaded approach when he sees one. That tendency is something that junior officers love, but those maverick ways are not well-received by some of his fellow generals. Put simply: McMaster isn't a political guy, unlike other officers who are trying to jockey for position and move up in their careers. In 2003, for example, McMaster criticized then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's Iraq War plan that placed too much of an emphasis on technology. McMaster also pushed back on his boss' refusal to admit an insurgency was starting to take hold in 2004. He has been held back in his career because of it he was passed over two times for his first star but it wasn't because of incompetence. Instead, his fight to be promoted from colonel to brigadier general was seen as pure politics, and McMaster doesn't like to play. He was eventually promoted in 2008, but that hasn't made him any less outspoken. Hes a strategic thinker with a Ph.D. McMaster has a lot in common with another well-known general: David Petraeus. In fact, he was one of a select few officers who were in the Petraeus "brain trust" during the Iraq War. McMaster is an expert on military strategy, counterinsurgency, and history. And he, like Petraeus, stands out among military officers, since both earned advanced degrees. McMaster holds a Ph.D. in history from the University of North Carolina, where his dissertation went far beyond the readership of just a few professors. Titled "Dereliction of Duty," McMaster's dissertation became an authoritative book on how the US became involved in the Vietnam War. Much of the book's focus is on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, whom McMaster criticized for failing to push back against President Lyndon B. Johnson. "McMaster stresses two elements in his discussion of America's failure in Vietnam: the hubris of Johnson and his advisors and the weakness of the Joint Chiefs of Staff," a review on Amazon says. Whether McMaster can transition well from the Army to the White House is the big question now, but he's one of the best people Trump could have picked. And like Mattis, he seems unafraid to challenge the president's views. "He's not just a great fighter and not just a conscientious leader," one Army officer told me of McMaster. "He's also an intellectual, a historian, and a forward-thinking planner who can see future trends without getting caught up in bandwagon strategic fads." The agency, which went public in 1999, was ranked the sixth biggest digital agency in Germany last year by the advertising news website Horizont. SinnerSchrader has 448 employees and generated 47 million in revenue in 2016. Accenture's offer of 9 a share values SinnerSchrader at just over 100 million. Accenture plans to offer the remaining shareholders the same share price to complete a full takeover. In a statement emailed to Business Insider, Accenture said the acquisition would help it deepen and scale its capabilities in creating customer experiences. Brian Whipple, head of Accenture Interactive, said in the statement:"With SinnerSchrader, we continue to build out Accenture Interactives position as a leading digital customer experience agency." This is Accenture Interactive's tenth acquisition since 2013 as it increasingly competes with advertising agencies. Its biggest move last year was the acquisition of UK-based creative shop Karmarama. The three-year-old chat app maker boasts 5 million daily users, from employees at media companies like Business Insider, to workers at companies like IBM, who use it to coordinate code-building. The San Francisco-based company has raised $539 million dollars from investors including Accel Partners, GV (formerly Google Ventures), and Thrive Capital. Business Insider was recently invited to tour the company's new East Coast headquarters in New York City. According to Slack, this is where its search and East Coast sales teams will be based. Check out the highlights below: Welcome to Slack's New York headquarters in the city's East Village neighborhood. The newly opened 15,000-square-foot office was designed by Snohetta, an architecture firm, who wanted to the space to mirror the city it's in. Renovations were handled by SPK Lewis. The office faces Lafayette street and large windows let light stream in. Slack's logo was worked into the decor, too. When you first arrive, you sign in on an iPad. But the building was first constructed in the 1880s. There's also a common area for talks and other public gatherings. This is where Slack CEO Stewart Butterfield addressed the crowd at the office's opening in January. Every Slack office has good coffee. CEO Butterfield is a big coffee buff. Slack offices also always have an espresso maker. Slack says they bring someone in to teach the employees how to pull a decent shot. More coffee cold brew from West Coast favorite Stumptown. The bamboo in this conference room is alive. When it finishes growing it will cover the back wall. Every conference room at Slack can display a clock made of of emojis on its TVs when they're not in use. Slack's new office has lots of private phone booths for quick phone calls important, because a lot of its sales will take place in this office. Here's where the engineers sit. They'll be working on search and language interpretation basically, AI stuff. The entire office feels surprisingly bright and airy, thanks to 6 different skylights. Most of the furniture is custom from Gala Architectural Woodworking. There's a large amount of plant life scattered around the office. Even the phone booths have Slack's clock running. There is also a nap room for tired workers and mothers, if they need a private space. A peek inside the nap room. He said his government has begun to develop a national electricity master plan, which will also explore the benefits of listing VRA and GRIDCO on the Stock Exchange. The president added that The attempts by the previous government to resolve the dumsor crisis have led to a gargantuan debt overhang in the sector. We have inherited a heavily indebted energy sector, with the net debt reaching $2.4 billion as of December 2016, the president said, adding: I have to point out the alarming fact that $800 million of this debt is owed to local banks, which threatens their stability. Huge indebtedness of the energy sector constitutes the single major hurdle to Ghanaians enjoying reliable and affordable electricity supply The cost of energy destroys businesses large and small. It destroys jobs. It compounds poverty. The current state of the energy situation in our country is unsatisfactory, he said. The service launched on Tuesday in Kenyas capital Nairobi, will now allow shippers and receivers globally to select from a range of standardised delivery options, the company has said. Already the service currently has a presence in six markets including South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mauritius and Tanzania, with plans to roll out to further sub-Sahara countries throughout 2017. On-Demand-Delivery offers shippers the choice to activate specific delivery options and have DHL Express proactively notify their customers via email or SMS about a shipments progress. Customers can then select the delivery option that best suits their requirements via the On Demand Delivery website. Globally, we have seen the share of e-commerce deliveries grow from about 10 per cent in 2013 to more than 20 per cent of the international volumes of DHL Express in 2016, Hennie Heymans, CEO of DHL Express sub-Saharan Africa told the press in Nairobi. The service is specifically tailored to the demands of international e-commerce deliveries, where the majority of shipments are addressed to residential addresses and customers place considerable emphasis on flexibility and convenience. On Demand Delivery isnt just a new customer interface it also represents an enhancement of our worldwide network, as we have tailored our last-mile operations to meet the specific demands of cross-border e-commerce deliveries. Thanks to On Demand Delivery, we can support the service offering of online shippers and improve the delivery experience for their customers, while improving our own efficiency, particularly for last-mile deliveries, Heymans added. Usage The company said the site/platform can be accessed on smartphones, tablets, PC and any other related device with internet connections, offering receivers up to six delivery options, and further notes that the platform is very easy to use with no worries and on the other hand benefits both shippers and receivers. Receivers can as well schedule a delivery; arrange delivery to a nearby DHL service point or their own alternate address, and even request that a shipment is put on hold during a vacation. The firm plans to deploy the service to more than 100 countries across the globe in 2017, accounting for the majority of global trade and online retail activity, and is available in over 45 languages. Shippers can incorporate their own branding into customer notifications. Mark Okraku Manteys topmost priority as Head of the Council is to see to the revision, ratification and implementation of the Creative Arts Bill and its passage into Law. Former Tourism and Creative Arts Minister, Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, inaugurated an interim Creative Arts Council to regulate the industry before she exited office. The Ministry made some key creative arts policy interventions and strategies including coordination among key MDAs in the development of the creative industry, facilitation of access to finance and the export market for products of Ghanaian creative industry and facilitation of the establishment of a council for the creative industry. The Council is expected to help the Ministry to fashion out appropriate policies and administrative structures that can propel the growth of the industry as a major pillar for socio-economic advancement. Moments of Glory Prayer Army headed by Rev. O.B Junior has helped to amass wealth to live a life of luxurious that she constantly flaunts on social media. READ ALSO: Killer Moves Becca winds her waist in lovely video Mrs. Abrowah disclosed, I was in a rented single room when I joined MOGPA, but I can testify to the Glory of the Lord of MOGPA that, I now possess a luxurious 7-bedroom house with cars. Aligning myself with MOGPA has been the greatest thing that has ever happened to me. I would admonish the public to join MOGPA for dumbfounding testimonies . READ ALSO: Pulse Style Afia Schwarzenegger born Valentina Nana Agyeiwaa Abrokwah added that Due to the enormous blessings and uncommon favor God has conferred on me since my alignment with this Formidable Prayer Army having. In addition to this, Egbule was also accused of collecting a fee from members of the church who required special prayer. Some of these women also came to testify and confessed of their encounter with Egbule and how he had also tricked them to part with money as prayer fees. He was sacked and his dismissal was announced to the entire congregation during last Sunday service, the General Overseer, Pastor Mrs. Mary- Sherry Osakwe told the PM Express. The church head did not give the pastor an opportunity to correct his way as harboring him within the ministry will lead to a bad representation. Egbule did not only have issues with those female members of the church, we were not happy that he had been tricking them to part with money for prayer. Keeping such character in the church will not be in the interest of the members and the entire church. The case of sexual assault has been reported to the police, the G.O added. ALSO READ:Pastor gives disinfectant to member for miracles in South Africa The news concerning the incident came to light following a fight between him and one of his flings, Ada, who also worships at the church. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! The accused appeared on a two-count charge of stealing and negligence. The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. The prosecutor, Insp. Chinalu Nwadione said that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 30, 2016 at No. 5, Siyanbola Close, off Akora Estate, Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja. He alleged that the accused had been negligent in his duties and had not been quick to detect the death of one Joshua Bello, 29, who had drowned in the pool in the residence where he was guarding. Nwadione also said that the accused stole the following items: Infinix dual sim, Apple I-pad, grilling machine, a wrist watch, a pair of ray ban glasses, a bunch of keys and N3, 000 from the deceased. He said the offence contravened Sections 216 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Obend, who resides at No. 9, Ajegunle Close, Isheri, Lagos State, is facing a charge of defilement. He, however, denied the charge. According to the State Prosecutor, Mr T.M. Ashafa, Obend, who is partially blind, committed the offence at about 9 a.m., on Aug. 7, 2015 at his residence. Obend who is a neighbour to the complainant (name withheld) lured her into his apartment where he had forceful sexual intercourse with her. He allegedly kept her in his room against her will for two days until she was discovered there by her family, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Obend had to be assisted before he could enter into the dock due to his disability. Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye on noticing his disability made inquiries about his state of health. According to his defence counsel, Mr Emmanuel Umsu, his health deteriorated after he was remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons by a magistrates court for the alleged offence. My Lord, my client had excellent sight before he was remanded in prison by the magistrates court. After his remand, his eyesight deteriorated badly, he said. Umsu also told the court that there was an intention from the complainant to drop the case against the defendant. A member of a non-governmental organisation (NGO) told me that the complainant wanted to drop the case against the defendant, he said. But an official from the Ikoyi Prisons, however, disputed Umsus claims. He said that the accused had always been partially sighted. Ipaye told the defence counsel that the case was now between the state and the accused. The victim is no longer the complainant; rather the state is now the complainant. There has not been enough effort by the respondent Adeyemi told the court in a report compiled by the Daily Post News. Moredayo was also accused of philandering with other women despite his impotent condition, ignoring medical advice on ways to overcome his sexual performance issues. Instead, he flirts around. He can spend weeks outside, abandoning me in the guise that he is engaged. I pray the court to separate us so that I can try my luck elsewhere in a bid to get pregnant and have a child. I cannot allow another man to sleep with me as long as I am still married to him, the complainant told the court. The husband however appealed to the court, stating his disapproval of a divorce between him and Adeyemi. The awards, which were established in 2012, seek to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to the Ghanaian society; from the artistic and technical legends of the past to the musical breakthroughs of future generations of music professionals. Organised by the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), the ceremony sees awards in 20 categories given by an academy of peers and one category voted by the public. There is also an award handed by the president of the union to an artist considered to have contributed immensely to the development of MUSIGA and Ghanaian music in general. Nominees in the categories Traditional Music Honour, Music Industry Development Honour, Evergreen Highlife Artist Honour, Evergreen Hiplife Artist Honour, Evergreen Gospel Artist Honour and the Presidents Choice Honours are yet to be announced. The date of the event has not been made public. Full list of nominees below: Best Band Honour Afro Harmony Big Heels Band OBY Band Patch Bay Band Shabbo Crew Best DJ Honour DJ Black DJ Mic Smith DJ Slim DJ Vision DJ Vyrusky Afro Pop Artist Honour Adina Efya Joey B R2Bees Ruff and Smooth Hiplife Artist Honour EL Guru Kofi Kinaata Sarkodie VVIP Highlife Artist Honour Akwaboah Becca Bisa K.Dei Kwabena Kwabena Ofori Amponsah Reggae/Dancehall Artist Honour MzVee Raz Kuuku Samini Shatta Wale Stonebwoy Gospel Artist Honour Joe Mettle Nacy Nicholas Omane Achaempong Ohemaa Mercy SP Kofi Sarpong Music Producer Honour B2 Beatz Dakay Julz Kaywa Kuvee Best Music Video Honour Becca ft Bisa K Dei Beshiwo Edem ft Reekado Banks Nyedzilo Guru Samba Okyeame Kwame ft MzVee Small Small R2bees ft Wizkid Tonight Most Promising Act Honour Article Wan Cina Soul Ebony Fancy Gadam Medikal Best Male Artist Honour EL Kofi Kinaata Sarkodie Shatta Wale Stonebwoy Best Female Artist Honour Adina Becca Efya MzVee Wiyaala Best Group Honour 44 Galaxy R2Bees Ruff and Smooth VVIP Best Group Honour 44 Galaxy R2Bees Ruff and Smooth VVIP Peoples Choice Artist Honour Bisa K.Dei Efya EL Joey B Kofi Kinaata MzVee Sarkodie Shatta Wale Stonebwoy A source close to the rapper said the song is aimed at the Ghana government for taking citizens for granted. The cry of the ordinary Ghanaian has always been for the government to perform duties that they were voted for but they hardly fulfil their promises. "The song will spark a whole controversy for the rapper as he went all out in his lyrics to Ghanaians. It is over a year now since Strongman recorded the song but management has always delayed on releasing the song as they feared it might draw negative cloud towards the artiste in a politically motivated country as Ghana," the source stated. Strongman is noted to be a good wordsmith and his creativity has always been one-factor music lovers have applauded him for. The rapper who has been on the pre-hype for the visuals for his single "Oh Joo" which featured Uptown Energy frontman, Yaa Pono, has decided to release this tune before the visuals set in. They are Emmanuel Aidoo aka Kojo Aidoo, the Boat owner, Kwabena Sekou, Paul Eshun aka Nana Yaw and Francis Binney aka Kweku Mensah, all of Axim in the Nzema East Municipality. According to report by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), prosecuting, Police Detective Sergeant Richard Amoah, told the court presided over by Mr Abdul Majid Illiasu that at about 1000 hours on January 2, Robert Nyame Quansah, deceased, one Osaam now at large, and the four accused persons left Axim on-board "God Is King" fishing boat for a fishing expedition in Cote D' Ivoire, via the Gulf of Guinea. He said the next day, the body of Quansah, with marks of assaults on the head, left ear and elbow, was found ashore at Bonyere near Half-Assini in the Jomoro District and a report was made to the Police who conveyed and deposited the body at the Half-Assini Government Hospital morgue. READ ALSO: Court remands pool clerk for killing his client The Prosecutor said about 1145 hours on February 7 the accused were seen at Axim and were arrested by the police and handed over to the Half-Assini Police for further investigation. He said the accused said in the course of their voyage, at Ezinlibo waters near Bonyere, the deceased decided that he would not continue with the trip to Cote D' Ivoire to avoid being arrested over there. Sergeant Amoah said the accused told him that when the deceased decided not to continue with the trip he picked a piece of Wawa board in the Boat and swam ashore while they continued with the voyage. READ MORE: Man jailed 15 years for stealing phone The Prosecutor said Aidoo the Boat Owner claimed he gave the deceased GHc 50.00 to use as transportation fare back to Axim but the other crew members said they did not know anything about the money. They were arrested for allegedly attempting to traffic 11 girls to Saudi Arabia and other Arab states. Police Chief Inspector Philip Arthur, Head of Agona Swedru Divisional Domestic Violence Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, who disclosed this to the media, said the suspects were arrested upon a tipoff. The suspects are Alhaji Ibrahim Imoro 60, Hajia Sward Zakari and Hajia Zaratu Ibrahim both wives of the suspect and resident at Yarlewa Zongo, a suburb of Agona Swedru. Chief Inspector Arthur said the Immigration Service Personnel at Agona West Municipal Office had informed that Alhaji Imoro had kept the females in his house. READ ALSO: Court remands four fishermen for murder According to Head of DOVVU, the suspect son (name withheld) for security reasons, initially brought 12 females to Swedru and took one of them to an unknown place in Kumasi and left the rest in Agona Swedru. He said this was not the first time the suspects son had brought a group of females to Agona Swedru to be traffic to Saudi Arabia and other Arab states for inconsequential jobs. Chief Inspector Arthur said the suspect told the security personnel during interrogation that his son brought the ladies for safe keeping at Agona Swedru. He said the suspect confessed that his son was in Accra to prepare Ghanaian passports to enable the ladies to travel to their various destinations. He said two of the girls revealed during the interrogation that their parents were not aware of their supposed traveling abroad to work, which each could earn them huge dollars as salaries at the end of every month. READ ALSO:Court arraigns 3 men for intentionally setting vehicle ablaze Chief Inspector Arthur said nine Togolese females involved in the trafficking could not identify their hometowns where they were picked from by the suspect. The attempts by the previous government to resolve the dumsor crisis have led to a gargantuan debt overhang in the sector, Nana Akufo-Addo told parliament on Tuesday, 21 February, 2017 in his maiden State of the Nation Address. We have inherited a heavily indebted energy sector, with the net debt reaching $2.4 billion as of December 2016. He explained that:I have to point out the alarming fact that $800 million of this debt is owed to local banks, which threatens their stability. "Huge indebtedness of the energy sector constitutes the single major hurdle to Ghanaians enjoying reliable and affordable electricity supply The cost of energy destroys businesses large and small. It destroys jobs. It compounds poverty. The current state of the energy situation in our country is unsatisfactory, he said. READ ALSO: Soldier detained for leaking Flagstaff House brutality video He added that his government has begun to develop a national electricity master plan, which will also explore the benefits of listing VRA and GRIDCO on the Stock Exchange, as part of fixing the problem. The Management of the National Service Scheme (NSS) wishes to announce that eligible Ghanaians who missed the opportunity to do their national service in previous years and now wish to enroll to do the service, have up to Friday, March 17, 2017 to do so, the statement indicated. Ahead of his presentation, some analysts in the business environment say they would want the president to lay out a detailed plan to stabilise the economy. "We expect that the state of the nation address will make clearer the vision for the first 2017 and particularly for the business environment. And also essentially the strategy in terms of stabilising the currency which is a major worry now. It appears that it is difficult to begin to budget very well in the country now because you cannot predict the behaviour of the currency in a next week or so. So we are expecting that a vision will be laid down clearly and an outline of what measures they will take to stabilise basically the economy, the Corporate Affairs Manager of the Finatrade Group, Mr John Awuni has told Pulse.com.gh. Ghanas education, particularly, the Free senior High School policy which is expected to begin in September this year has been a major topic in the country, especially with the source of funding for the policy. For Dr Prince Armah, the Executive Director for the Institute for Education Studies, the president must clarify how the free SHS policy will be funded. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo complimented the Tamale South MP. He said he is one with a bright political future. I commend also the Majority Leader, my contemporary in this House who can now put his extensive experience of parliament to use as leader of the house and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs. He gratified him during his maiden state of nation address in Parliament on Tuesday, February 21, 2017. READ ALSO: The NPP has inherited an indebted energy sector- Nana Addo My compliment goes to the new Minority Leader Honourable Haruna Iddrisu, who announced himself on the national stage when he came here in my last term in the House. It is clear that he has an important future in Ghanaian politics. I want to assure him and the leadership of the House on both sides that I will cooperate fully with parliament to enhance the governance of our nation to be able to do the business of Ghana effectively. On Monday January 9, 2017, some young men believed to be NPP supporters attempted to take over the Passport Office in Accra, the office of the National Disaster and Management Organization (NADMO), and some other state institutions. READ MORE: However, presenting his maiden State of the Nation Address, President Akufo-Addo condemned the behaviour describing it as unfortunate. He said, "Mr Speaker, certain incidents occurred during the transition period that are matters of concern to me and should be of concern to every Ghanaian as they marred an otherwise dignified and successful transition. "Wrongdoing has no political colour and I do not subscribe to the lawlessness of political party supporters simply because their party has been elected into office. "Mr Speaker, when those incidents began, I instructed the then Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor to apply the law irrespective of political affiliation to all lawbreakers. This instruction was also carried onto his successor, Davin Asante-Apeatu, both of them acted upon it which helped to bring the situation under control. READ MORE:Soldier detained for leaking Flagstaff House brutality video The cameraman was trying to capture President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo when he was singing the National anthem. In the video, the policeman after getting closer to the cameraman tried pulling him away. The cameraman however signalled him to be patient since he possibly thought he had perfectly positioned himself to capture the president singing the anthem before he enters parliament to present his first State of the Nation Address. The policeman continued to pull the cameraman who had also taken a firm stand not to move. READ ALSO: William Atuguba is acting Chief Justice The cameraman wrestled the police officer in front of the President, who was stiff, while the national anthem was being played. The event will be attended by Justices of the Supreme Court, members of the diplomatic corps and traditional leaders among others. The President is expected to touch on how he is going to bring into fruition the various promises he made during the electioneering period. READ ALSO: What Ghanaians are expecting to hear from President Nana Akufo-Addo Ahead of his presentation, some analysts in the business environment say they would want the president to lay out a detailed plan to stabilise the economy. His speech will mainly center on the economy, health, education and other sectors. Ghanas education, particularly, the Free senior High School policy which is expected to begin in September this year has been a major topic in the country, especially with the source of funding for the policy. For Dr Prince Armah, the Executive Director for the Institute for Education Studies, the president must clarify how the free SHS policy will be funded. The Corporate Affairs Manager of the Finatrade Group, Mr John Awuni has told Pulse.com.gh,"We expect that the state of the nation address will make clearer the vision for the first 2017 and particularly for the business environment. And also essentially the strategy in terms of stabilising the currency which is a major worry now. It appears that it is difficult to begin to budget very well in the country now because you cannot predict the behaviour of the currency in a next week or so. So we are expecting that a vision will be laid down clearly and an outline of what measures they will take to stabilise basically the economy". READ MORE: What Mahama Ayariga told bribery committee President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has extolled the democratic virtues of former President John Mahama saying his contribution to the country's democracy will forever be cherished. I dont believe in what he is saying with regards to the State of the Nation. People have suffered with regards to hooliganism and youre now saying that there should be a truce on your terms so that next time when somebody takes over it shouldnt happen. Is that what he wants us to believe he quipped. According to the chief scribe of the NDC, the President was making a good statement at the wrong time especially with regards to the violence that has taken place after the election. A good statement made at the wrong time is not good enough. I mean part of his government is seen to be legalizing hooliganism. Aburony3 and his invisible forces are still attacking people. Whom should we believe??" he asked. In his reaction to the general statement, he said even though some parts were reconciliatory, his statements on the economy were not new. READ ALSO: Nana Addo condemns unlawful seizure by NPP supporters Its been said that there are three types of lies...Lies that lies on statistics so if you want to tell a particular story with statistics you pick the figures that you are interested in and theyll that story. If another person may pick another set of figures to tell a better story of the economy that person will also succeed. He warned the President not to use the problems of the economy to run away from the promises he made on the campaign trail. I am not interested in whatever description hell put to the state of the economy. I am happy he said he was elected to fix the economy. Let him fix it but he should not use any state of the economy to run away from the promises he made. "We are expecting to see the 1 million, 1 constituency promise. We are waiting for the 1 district, 1 factory. 1 village and 1 dam. Its not about repeating what he has said because the sweetness of the pudding is in the eating he told Accra-based Joy FM. President Nana Akufo-Addo on Tuesday, February 21, delivered his first State of the Nation Address. Snap Inc., Snapchat's parent company, is looking to raise as much as $3.2 billion in a much-anticipated initial public offering. The executives are traveling from London to San Francisco as they try to drum up interest in the sale. Tuesday's meeting, on the 36th floor of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in New York City's Columbus Circle, drew a standing-room-only crowd of nearly 500 people that one investor said included "the entire hedge fund mafia." Inside the hotel ballroom, guests bearing the bright yellow IPO pitchbooks distributed at the event were treated to a light, if uninspired, lunch paired with heady prognostications by Snap's management. While attendees nibbled on turkey sandwiches and caesar salad wraps, Snap's 26-year-old CEO Evan Spiegel, chief strategy officer Imran Khan, and CFO Drew Vollero answered questions from the crowd, according to people who attended the event. The meeting lasted less than an hour and consisted entirely of a question-and-answer session. The company had already released an introductory video online on Friday. Respectful but skeptical mood Snap, which aims to begin trading on March 2, is seeking a valuation of between $19.5 billion and $22 billion. The offering is one of the largest tech IPOs in years and is being compared to past high-profile internet IPOs such as Facebook, Alibaba, and Twitter. But while Facebook's stock has soared since its offering, Twitter has languished. And guests at Tuesday's roadshow in New York did their best to get a read on which trajectory Snap would take after its Wall Street debut. Snap's sudden slowdown in user growth, which could echo the trouble that has plagued Twitter, appears to be among the top concerns on the minds of prospective investors. One investor at the event told Business Insider the mood in the room was "respectful but somewhat skeptical." The investor said they did not plan to buy Snap shares unless the company lowers the price. The questions were tough, according to investors at the meeting that Business Insider spoke to. Here are the main takeaways from a handful of money managers who attended the roadshow. They all asked not to be identified. Snap's leadership team said they're confident Facebook won't affect its business. They also attributed slow growth in the fourth quarter to problems accessing the app from Android phones. They said Snap will develop on Android at the same time as on Apple's iOS platform to help alleviate issues with the app on Android phones. not Still, attendance at the event illustrated the buzz and interest surrounding the company. Roughly two-thirds of attendees were seated at round tables in the front of the ballroom, while others filled narrow rows of seats, packed tightly, in the back of the room. One hedge fund investor told Business Insider that despite concerns raised, he is still looking to buy Snap shares. This investor said the valuation is a fair price. "It's not that crazy when you think about the total ... market they're trying to go after," this person said, referring to the digital-advertising market taking share from traditional broadcasters. The plan which The Times said was pushed by Cohen, businessman Felix Sater, and Ukrainian lawmaker Andrii Artemenko involved lifting sanctions on Russia in return for Moscow withdrawing its support for pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine, according to the report. It would also allow Russia to maintain control over Crimea, which it annexed in 2014. Hours after the Times story was published, however, Cohen told The Washington Post that he hadn't delivered the peace plan to Flynn nor discussed it with anyone in the White House. In an interview with The Post, Cohen corroborated The Times' reporting that he had met with Sater and Artemenko in a hotel lobby on Park Avenue in Manhattan in late January to discuss the proposal. He said that the meeting lasted less than 15 minutes and that he left with the plan in hand. However, he "emphatically" denied "discussing this topic or delivering any documents to the White House and/or General Flynn," adding that he told Artemenko that he could "send the proposal to Flynn by writing him at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.," The Post reported. Cohen shifted his story again on Monday, telling Business Insider in a series of text messages that he denies "even knowing what the plan is." But he said in a later message that he met with Artemenko in New York for "under 10 minutes" to discuss a proposal that Artemenko said "was acknowledged by Russian authorities that would create world peace." "My response was, 'Who doesn't want world peace?'" Cohen said. One of the Times reporters who broke the peace-plan story, Scott Shane, pointed Business Insider to a statement the newspaper's deputy managing editor gave on Sunday: "Mr. Cohen told The Times in no uncertain terms that he delivered the Ukraine proposal to Michael Flynn's office at the White House. Mr. Sater told the Times that Mr. Cohen had told him the same thing." Cohen then appeared to alter his story again, telling NBC News that even if he had taken an envelope with a peace plan to the White House, "So what? What's wrong with that?" Sater, a businessman of Russian descent who has boasted of his relationship with President Donald Trump, told The Post in May that he "handled all of the negotiations" for the Trump Organization's dealings in Russia in the mid-2000s. Trump has distanced himself from Sater, saying in sworn testimony as part of a 2013 lawsuit that "if he were sitting in the room right now, I really wouldn't know what he looked like." Sater told The Post that he thought Cohen was going to deliver the plan to Flynn but that Cohen had to wait because Flynn was in the middle of a Russia-related firestorm. Cohen was named as a "liaison" between Trump and the Kremlin in the explosive, unsubstantiated dossier that surfaced last month, a summary of which had been presented by top US intelligence officials to Trump. Sater was "not practicing diplomacy" in pushing the plan, which he entertained only because he "wanted to promote peace," he told Fox News on Monday. He did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Artemenko, who met with Trump's campaign during the election, was also involved in drafting the proposal. Artemenko told The Times he had evidence of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko's corruption that could lead to his ouster. Poroshenko has been locked in a war with pro-Russia separatists in eastern Ukraine since he took power in 2014. He is considered friendlier to the West than his ousted predecessor, Viktor Yanukovych. Yanukovych's political rise was heavily aided by former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort, who worked as an adviser on Yanukovych's presidential campaign. Cohen called the reporting surrounding the meeting "#fakenews." He said he stands by his story that he didn't do anything with the plan. "What happens at this bed and breakfast doesn't happen anywhere else," Joel Schneider, owner of Colorado's Bud+Breakfast hotel, told Business Insider. In 2016, Schneider brought in over $1 million managing the nation's first unabashedly pot-friendly hotel (and two locations no longer in operation). Guests ages 21 to 80 have traveled across the country, coming from mostly prohibition states, to toke legally and among like-minded enthusiasts. After his children graduated college in 2014, Schneider, a former attorney, came to Colorado with the intention of opening a marijuana business that didn't involve growing or selling the plant. He visited radio stations, a glass-blowing factory, and tourism groups for inspiration. At night, Schneider would stand in his hotel bathroom and blow weed smoke into the toilet bowl to hide the smell. It was an aha moment for the budding entrepreneur, who wondered why he had to be so discreet in a state where recreational marijuana had been legal since 2012. State law prohibits public use of marijuana, and most hotels ban the Schedule I drug. Later in 2014, opened the first Bud+Breakfast in a six-bedroom Victorian home. The suites range from $299 to $399 a night, and a reservation includes complimentary "wake and bake" breakfasts, in which bacon, eggs, and waffles are served with a side of ganja. There's a strict BYOC bring your own cannabis policy. While Schneider doesn't have a license to sell or distribute weed, he offers private spaces to consume it. Located in Denver's Capital Hill neighborhood, the inn is within walking distance of several dispensaries. A drug paraphernalia bar makes expensive vaporizers and roughly 200 pieces of glass, which can be pipes or bongs, accessible for people coming from states where such products are illegal. With business going well, Schneider grew Bud+Breakfast from one location to three in 2016 but the expansion did not go as planned. Later that year, he shuttered the newer inns when one property he leased was sold and the other saw only seasonal business. Revenues averaged $110,000 a month, according to an interview with CNBC. Schneider expects to make up the difference in 2017 by licensing the Bud+Breakfast name to other proprietors. He can also count on repeat business, which makes up a significant chunk of revenue. Texas, a state where having a small amount of bud is illegal and can mean jail time, brings in more guests than any other state. Punch reports that Bello, in a bid to hide what he did, buried the different parts of his murdered wife in different uncompleted buildings in Lagos before fleeing to Ibadan, Oyo State. However, he was arrested after a police team from the Ijora Badia Division, led by the Operations Officer, ASP Talabi Segun, recovered Sherifats head and neck in Morocco, Yaba, while other parts of her body were recovered in another uncompleted building on Moshalashi Street, Somolu, which led to Bello's arrest. It was gathered that the Bello and Sherifat were married for over nine years and had kids together, but separated in July 2016. The victim who was said to be living on Daramola Street in the Ijora Badia area, had, on Monday, February 13, 2017, reportedly demanded money from Bello for the upkeep of their three children and he allegedly invited her to a location where they allegedly met but she never returned home. It was the victim's father, Akeem Atanda, who made a report of a missing person the following day, leading to a search for the suspect. Atanda had reported to the police that an unidentified number called him and reported that his daughter fell into a lagoon. The police tracked the number and discovered that the caller was in Ibadan. He (Shakiru) was arrested and brought down to Lagos around 1 am on Saturday, a police source said. The suspect allegedly confessed to the murder of his estranged wife and led police to where he dumped some other body parts. In his confession, Bello said he cut Sherifat's body parts into pieces and disposed of them because he was afraid of being prosecuted. "After we separated, I secretly reconciled with her and we started meeting. On the average, I gave her N15,000 in a week. On that Monday, she called me that she needed money and we agreed to meet. I gave her N10,000 that evening. She later begged me to accompany her to Lagos Island where her niece was admitted to a hospital. We took a motorcycle and were on the Third Mainland Bridge when a truck hit us from behind. I took her to my house on Olaleye Street, Somolu, around 12 am. I went out to get her balm and some drugs. Unfortunately, she died. I was afraid of her father, who didnt want to see us together. Also, I couldnt report to the police, so I decided to put her body in a sack and dispose of it. When it was not going into the sack, I cut off her arms, head, legs and other parts, Bello said. But a police source dispelled the confession as lies as the private parts of the victim were missing, adding that the suspect might not have acted alone, suspecting rituals connotation to the murder. The State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dolapo Badmos, has confirmed the incident and the arrest of the suspect. The police spokesperson in the state, Mr Moses Nkombe, who confirmed the incident, said the security guards were apparently killed by the suspected armed robbers who were in the area to steal. According to him, the police have commenced investigation into the killings, assuring that the perpetrators will be apprehended. Eyewitnesses told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the lifeless bodies of the guards were found by workers at a petrol station on Monday morning. The accused, whose address is unknown, is facing a charge of stealing a child. She, however, entered a plea of not guilty. The Magistrate, Mr A. T. Elias, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and subsequently adjourned the case to Feb. 27. Earlier, Sgt. Kehinde Omisakin, the Prosecutor, told the court that the accused was caught with the baby boy on Feb. 17 at about 10.24 a.m. at Oke-Afa, Ori-Oke in Ejigbo area of Lagos. When questioned, the accused could not give a satisfactory explanation how she got the three-day-old baby. The offence, she noted, contravened Section 275(a) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. The accused, unemployed, who resides at Alarape Street, Bariga area of Lagos is being tried for rape. The prosecutor, Sgt. Raphael Donny, told the court that the offence was committed on Feb.12 where the accused was residing. The accused shut the door and raped her, he told the court. The accused pleaded not guilty. The offence contravened Section 259 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 259 prescribes life imprisonment for the offender if found guilty. The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Davies Abegunde, admitted the accused to a bail of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum. The accused persons were Mwarga Philip and Godwin Akortsaha of Dambuwa Area of Sokoto. The Prosecutor, Sgt. Ngumut Philemon, told the court that the accused persons on Dec. 19, 2016, conspired and broke into the office of the accountant of the church and stole the money. The accused were arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking and theft, contrary to sections 97, 356 and 287 of the Penal Code. The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. The Magistrate, Abubakar Adamu, granted bail to them in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties in like sum. Sometime ago, soldiers who were sent to Gbaramatu Kingdom seized a sword reportedly belonging to the one ex-Niger Delta warlord (I no mention name oh). According to sources who know the Ijaw nation well, the sword is a symbol of authority used by the custodian of the Egbesu shrine . In other words, the ex-militant warlord, who is said to be the chief custodian of the shrine is the Chief priest of the kingdom or the senior babalawo. Una know say the guy first beg government say make them return the sword so him go fit perform him duties and worship Egbesu, abi? Knowing Ijaw winsh well, they do not leave you untii their mission is accomplished and you pay the price for daring them. Ask me how I take know. Check out Ijaw gehs. If any Ijaw geh cash you, she will never let you go until she drain your blood or finish your gin (ogogoro) and empty your bowl of fish pepper soup. They don't need your money, and it is advisable in this period wey eye dey red, to consider the Ijaw alternative. Anyway, back to the matter. President Buhari has written to the Senate to ask for an extension of his already extended vacation. According to reports, his aides revealed that tests have shown that the President needs to stay back in London until he recovers. Really? Who was it that was singing the fit as a fiddle tune, while the other was chorusing from the script that there is no cause for alarm. My brother open your eye and see the alarm by your side. There is nothing wrong in accepting that our Presido is ill and is responding to treatment. Anyway, Buhari has ordered the Soldiers who seized Tompolo's golden sword of horror, sorry, honour to return it with immediate effect, make we know where the thing wey dey do am come from. Bros ex-militant, abeg as baba don return the sword just sorry for am. I no talk say na you swear for am oh! Just use the sword pray for am. Like I always say, I do not know Sambo Dasuki, neither have I met the underground billionaire, Andrew Yakubu. There is no statement here about Southern Kaduna, so El-the-referee will not order for me like Chocolate City bars. Aunty Diezani who I prayed and fasted so hard to adopt me has still not responded. Weh! I still believe in miracles. My prayer for Mr. President is that he gets well soon. No weapon, whether na sword oh or na apple oh, fashioned against President Buhari shall prosper. We need to jail many corrupt politicians. Even Femi Adesina does not know when our dear President will return. How will he know, when he only speaks to those around the President and not to the President himself? Eh! ALSO READ: Nigerians outraged as packaged Indian Garri floods market The Director Media and Public Relation in the ministry, Mrs Boade Akinola, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja. She said the minister disclosed this while visiting Yangoji Leprosy Community, Kwali Area Council, Abuja, as part of activities to mark the 2017 World Leprosy Day. The minister said government would collaborate with FCT Administration to increase support to the people affected by leprosy in FCT and would also liaise with stakeholders to support people affected by leprosy in Nigeria. I know there are other leprosy communities that are in serious state of disrepair. I will certainly get in touch with the Minister of FCT so that together we can visit Dakwa community in FCT to access how we can support them. I want to assure you that the real message we want to let the whole world know is that leprosy does not kill, leprosy is preventable, it is treatable and it is curable, he said. Adewole explained that the theme of this year is World Leprosy Day Zero Disability among children affected by Leprosy. He said the theme was borne out of the need to prevent children from being infected with leprosy. He said that leprosy was preventable and treatable, if anybody noticed any child with such symptoms should quickly report to the relevant authority for treatment. The minister commended the Board of Trustees of Leprosy Mission, Nigeria; World Health Organisation; the Damian Foundation of Belgium, German Leprosy and TB Relief Association for their support to people affected by leprosy. She also quoted Mr Ahmed Nasir, the Chairman of Persons Affected by Leprosy, urging government to support people affected by leprosy with basic health and social amenities. We hereby call on government and other partners at Federal, State and Local Levels to come to our aid. We also call on all Nigerians to see us as equal and part of the society. The funds Media Adviser in Nigeria, Hajiya Kori Habib, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. According to her, KOICA has released the grant and further requested UNFPA Nigeria to submit a multi-year proposal of five million dollars to scale-up humanitarian work in Borno. Habib said UNFPA Country Representative, Mrs Beatrice Mutali and KOICA experts mission were in Borno to better understand the context and assess the feasibility of UNFPAs proposal, noting Mr Kyu-Duk Noh, Koreas Ambassador to Nigeria led the Korean agency team. The media adviser added that Kyu-Duk wanted to have first-hand assessment of UNFPAs humanitarian response programme in Maiduguri. She stated that the delegations visited the Muna Garage displaced persons camp and met with Borno government officials and key humanitarian stakeholders in the state. She added that the visit was designed to seek for more and sustainable support to speed-up reconstruction and rehabilitation, as well as resettlement of displaced persons in Borno. She added that the delegation also met with Gov. Kashim Shettima, where the governor commended the Korean Republic for its support to the state. Habib quoted Shettima as requesting that the fund be invested in providing infrastructure, schools, health facilities and shelter for internally displaced persons and the host communities. She noted that the governor also urged for quick intervention to meet life-saving needs of affected communities, early recovery and resilience in building infrastructure and livelihood support programmes. The UNFPA media adviser stated that the Korean ambassador had pledged his governments resolve to partner with UNFPA to work in Borno. The ambassador, however, said even though KOICA had been working in Nigeria, it was an opportunity for the government to choose to be in at least three selected local government areas of Borno. He added that being in three local government areas would ensure that KOICAs assistance positively affected the lives of the people. Habib quoted Kyu-Duk as saying we in the Republic of Korea know and understand what the people of Borno are going through. The witness, Goji Mohammed, told the Federal High Court, Abuja that he was part of the EFCC team, led by Mr Isyaku Sharu, that conducted the search in Badehs house in Asokoro, Abuja. Mohammed is the 15th witness to testify in Badehs trial. Badeh is standing trial on money laundering offence he allegedly committed while serving as Chief of Air Staff. The witness also said the team recovered some bank documents, land documents, tax documents and few other instruments. Mohammed further said the commission received intelligence report on another property located at No. 6 Ogun River Street Maitama, which was found to be Badehs property. He said they accessed the building through the balcony by climbing, adding that they invited the security man of the neighbouring house to witness the search. He said: "When we climbed in, we were in the living area upstairs so we used the stairs and went to the living area downstairs and started our search from there. "When we got to the biggest room in the house, we saw a wardrobe, on opening it, we saw a bag and on opening it contained foreign currency. "We saw 16 bundles of 50 US dollars notes and two sealed bundles containing 100,000 US dollars which we estimated to amount one million US dollars. "On further counting the money in our office we discovered it was exactly one million dollars." He said they also found a red box which he could not precisely remember what was inside, adding that they also found two way bills of furniture supplied to the building. When the prosecution sought to tender the search warrant, the red box and the way bill as evidence, the move was objected to by the defence team. ALSO READ: Witness testifying against Badeh admits to making conflicting statements Mr Lasun Sanusi (SAN), counsel for the defendant objected to the admissibility of the items, saying they were purportedly obtained from an illegal search. Sanusi cited Section 115 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, which states that the occupant of a place searched or a relation shall be at the house and see the items seized. He said no provisions of law permitted state security agents to conduct search by looking for strangers on the street to witness it. Sanusi said the law gave the owner of the property the impetus to nominate a representative to witness such search if he or she could not be present. On his part, the Prosecution Counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), argued that Section 149 and 150 of ACJA which deals with house search warrant permitted the presence of two witnesses. "This permission covers the person to whom the warrant is addressed and a neighbour within the neighbourhood the property is located," he said. According to him, the provision allows the person to whom warrant is addressed to look for a witness in the neighbourhood. He, therefore, argued that no provision of the law compelled the property owner to be present before a search warrant can be executed. Civilians have often been collateral damage in the conflict that has raged in remote northeast Nigeria for nearly eight years, leaving at least 20,000 dead and more than 2.6 million homeless. The women wait for their wounds to heal in the suffocating heat. "Boko Haram fighters would come to their village to steal food and hide," a nurse explained. "The army went there and put the women in a truck to evacuate them. "The military set the village on fire, so the insurgents couldn't hide anymore. But the fire 'jumped' in the truck." The women, with their heads covered and gold nose rings in the tradition of the ethnic Kanuri group, still look terrified. They stare at the walls and ignore visitors, afraid that questions will focus too much on the circumstances of the "liberation" of their village. Fighters easily blend in The nurse says there are no more men left. They were either killed in the fighting, drafted into the civilian militia or forced to join the ranks of Boko Haram. Some may even be at so-called "screening" centres, where soldiers pass judgement on whether local men have been involved in the insurgency. Such checks, free from any oversight, can take weeks or months, especially if the men are Kanuri like the majority of Boko Haram. James Adewunmi Falode, a security analyst at the University of Lagos who tracks the conflict, said Boko Haram's resemblance to "ordinary citizens" was making the fight against them harder. "They are not a military adversary that can be easily identified and destroyed on the battlefield. These people can easily blend into the general population when the situation demands," he said. Even women and children, who have been repeatedly used by the group as as human bombs, are a potential threat, explaining the tensions between the military and the public. 'Just criminals' Around Dikwa and a dozen or so other secured major towns, villages have been emptied to prevent them being used by the jihadists as hideouts or resupply points. The military also wants to stop the mass kidnapping of their inhabitants. "Before, they (Boko Haram) would read the Koran and try to change us," said Bulama Goni, a former village chief with a white beard in long, flowing robes. "Now, they are just criminals, asking for money, looking rough and disgusting." Boko Haram fighters are also starving: Nigerian army tactics have been to slowly choke the rebels, cutting off their supplies of arms and food. The strategy appears to be working. Boko Haram used to attack major towns and cities in northeast Nigeria and in 2014 controlled territory as big as Belgium. But now it is limited to sporadic suicide bomb attacks and ambushes of military convoys and check-points. The military's isolation strategy, however, has not seen everywhere secured and has had an effect on the daily life of civilians. More than five million people are in desperate need of food, according to the United Nations. "In liberated areas there is no fuel, no communication, no public transport... even the food it's all controlled by the army," said one security operative for a major international aid agency. "This is a classical counter-insurgency strategy left over from the Vietnam war. It hasn't changed but it's not sustainable," he added. Suspicious activity Monguno, in the north of Borno state, is a former trading hub near the edge of Lake Chad, the watery border between Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon. There are currently about 100,000 people in the town's camps. But some 27,000 people are waiting for food distribution. According to Ibrahim Maina, the coordinator for the Borno state emergency management agency, the last handouts were in November last year. Everyone's face is etched with hunger. The road linking Monguno to the state capital Maiduguri, 137 kilometres (86 miles) away, has been reopened. Muhammadu Sanni, goes to the shores of Lake Chad once a week to catch catfish to feed his family. But he says he can't catch a lot. "If (the military) stop me with a lot of fish, they will think I'm smuggling for Boko Haram," he said, as he fixed his nylon net. What we have just said is what I will want us to believe. The President said he needs to rest further. The same President that communicated that to us, when it is time for him to come, he will also communicate to us, Adesina said. He (the President) is the one who owns his body and there is nobody who will know his body more than him and he says no cause to worry. It makes sense to say that maybe from the results of the tests, further rests had been recommended. The statement did not say how long the rest will last. I speak for somebody, I do not speak for myself. So it is what he tells me to say that I say and the statement transmitted to me is that the President needs to rest for some further time, he added. Adesina had earlier issued a statement in which he quoted Buhari as saying that theres no cause for worry over his health. Buhari has been away from Nigeria since January 19, when he left the country for a 10-day medical vacation in London. The president was due to resume on February 6, but he wrote the Senate on February 5 to extend his vacation indefinitely. In the letter, he told the Senate that he would not return to Nigeria until his doctors ruled out "certain factors." However, various government officials have assured Nigerians that the president is hale and hearty. Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who visited Buhari twice in London, said that the president is in good spirits and is his usual witty self. Jeff Okoroafor, the groups president, made the comments via a petition titled: A call for President Muhammadu Buharis resignation without further ado. Although there seem to be a general assumption that the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is acting in the place of the president as such no vacuum is created in the system. But, we are quite aware that there are so many pending issues on the desk of Mr. President that awaits his return, Okoroafor said. We cannot be operating in secrecy at the presidential level expecting the information hungry Nigerians to keep mute. We have the right to know what is happening and we are committed to a functional and operational Nigeria which is not halted for any political gains or satisfaction. Based on this, we call for the immediate resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari quoting his health as the reason to fully function as the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, followed swiftly with the immediate confirmation of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as a substantive President of the country. We hope that this petition will reach deserving authorities in good faith, understanding that the urgency of this request is born out of the desire to salvage the country from total collapse. We pray and urge that this letter will be treated without prejudice or sentiment from whatever sphere of reasoning. As the days on vacation recede, Nigerians yearn insistently to know the circumstances surrounding the presidents seemingly emergency exit from the country. It is ponderous to put on record that this so-called all important vacation was coming at a point when the countrys economy was demanding the innovation or yet still budgetary intervention to ameliorate the sufferings of many Nigerians, he added. President Buhari has been out of Nigeria since January 19 when he left the country for a 10-day medical vacation in London. The president subsequently wrote the Senate on February 5 to extend his vacation indefinitely. President Buhari also thanked Nigerians for wishing him well and praying for him. The president made the comments via a series of tweets posted by his spokesman, Garba Shehu on Tuesday, February 21. President @MBuhari thanks millions of Nigerians who have been sending good wishes and praying for his health and well-being, Shehu wrote. During his normal annual checkup, tests showed he needed a longer period of rest, necessitating the President staying longer than planned. President Buhari wishes to reassure Nigerians that there is no cause for worry. The President is immensely grateful for the prayers, show of love and concern, he added. The president was due to resume on February 6, but he wrote the Senate on February 5 to extend his vacation indefinitely. In the letter, he told the Senate that he would not return to Nigeria until his doctors ruled out "certain factors." However, various government officials have assured Nigerians that the president is hale and hearty. Senate President, Bukola Saraki, who visited Buhari twice in London, said that the president is in good spirits and is his usual witty self. Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, confirmed this development on his Facebook page on Monday, in Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the presidential aide was quoted at the weekend as saying that Nigeria was the second largest producer of rice in the world. Shehu, quoting an investigative media reports, revealed that 48,000 new millionaires had emerged in Kebbi State alone last year, for growing rice According to him, Nigeria has just achieved the record of the second largest producer of rice in the world, following a rice revolution started just a year ago. He said A newspaper did an investigation in Kebbi and found out that there were 48,000 new millionaires in Kebbi State alone last year for growing rice. This over reliance on oil has killed this country and we cannot continue like this. So, the diversification of the economy means more money will be in the hands of ordinary Nigerians. And there will be widespread prosperity all over the country. Shehu however stated that officials of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture would soon come up with the latest development on rice production in the country. The statement on the Facebook page read: We are not the first to say that Nigeria has grown to the second position in rice production worldwide. The CNN, which is not a frivolous news source, said this. We have reason to believe them because of their global reach. While we wait the numbers from the Food and Agricultural Organisation, FAO, we are collating our own figures and in the coming weeks, the officials in the Ministry of Agriculture will be coming up with our own position on rice production. Dont forget that since October last year, Nigeria has been feeding many parts of West, North and Central Africa. Many of these countries have been shopping in Nigeria for rice, sorghum, sesame and millet. To support the growing rice industry, the Federal Government just acquired 110 rice milling machines which will be installed in different parts of the country between now and July. The board has mapped out stringent measures to scrutinise intending pilgrims to avoid abscondment being experienced amongst pilgrims." There is no need for any pilgrim to abscond in the holy land on the premise of searching for greener pastures outside Nigeria." Economic recession is not peculiar to Nigeria, the whole world is hit by the phenomenon, he said. He urged intending pilgrims to understand that pilgrimage was a platform for Christians to uplift their spiritual lives and increase their faith in God. Ezuoke admonished them to use the solemn opportunity to pray for their spiritual growth and the nations political and economic transformation. The holy pilgrimage as we know, provides good opportunity for Christians to fulfil a very important desire." The desire to visit Israel is to see the place where Jesus Christ was born, where he grew up, died and resurrected from the dead and from where he ascended into heaven, he added. Ezuoke advised Christians, interested in travelling to Israel on pilgrimage, to apply to the board to obtain the form. Mr Alexander Iya, chairman of the local governments interim management committee, who briefed newsmen on the incident, said that the gunmen stormed the village around 6 a.m. and launched a massive attack. He said that most of the victims were women and children, whose corpses had been deposited at the Kafanchan General Hospital. Those injured are being treated at the Kaura General Hospital, he said. He said that the attackers also burnt many houses and destroyed crops. Iya, however, disclosed that one of the invaders was killed by security personnel deployed to contain the situation. The chairman appealed to the people to remain calm and avoid the temptation to take the law into their hands. He assured them that government had deployed enough personnel to secure the communities. Efforts to reach the Divisional Police Officer of the area were not successful, but a military personnel deployed to contain the situation, described the attack as very serious. Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has announced the relocation of the Garrison Commander of Division 1 of the Nigerian Army, and the states Commissioner of Police to southern Kaduna. A statement by Mr Samuel Aruwan, spokesman to Gov. Nasir El-rufai, said on Monday that the two officers, Brig-Gen Ismaila Isa and Mr Agyole Abeh, would coordinate a determined response to renewed attacks by armed bandits on communities in Kaura and Jemaa Local Government Areas. THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER CBN moves to end forex scarcity at airports The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday ordered all banks to open foreign exchange (forex) kiosks at major airports and approved outlets.The order was issued barely 24 hours after The Guardian exclusively reported that passengers were stranded at the international airports on account of dollar scarcity Buhari's family still evades the Guardian's reporter in London Members of President Muhammadu Buharis household continued to evade The Guardians reporter in London yesterday.They were forced to enter the Abuja House in London through the back door so as not to be seen by the reporter when a Mercedes Jeep bringing them back to the premises arrived around 4:09 p.m. 21 killed as fresh crisis erupts in Southern Kaduna Afresh crisis has erupted in Southern Kaduna, despite the presence of security agents as armed Fulani herdsmen launched attacks on four communities killing no less than 21 people. VANGUARD NEWSPAPER Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians: FG warns S/Africa of dire consequences AS fear of further attacks against Nigerians in South Africa spreads, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, has called on the South African government to take decisive measures to protect Nigerian citizens and other Africans in the country. Sheriff is PDP leader - Jonathan Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, yesterday, continued his appeal for acceptance as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, with a high level interaction with former President Goodluck Jonathan, who affirmed him a leader of the party. CBN orders major Forex overhaul as Naira depreciates further The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has rolled out a new foreign exchange window to stem the tide of demand pressures which had battered the Naira in the unofficial foreign exchange market. THE NATION NEWSPAPER Auditor-General plans weekly audit of companies Accounts of government agencies are now to be audited weekly to improve compliance with the provision of reports, Auditor-General of the Federation Anthony Ayine said yesterday. Jonathan backs Sheriff as Markarfi vows to fight on Former President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday endorsed Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as the National Chairman of the troubled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). President to South Africa: End attacks on Nigerians The Presidency yesterday condemned the killing of Nigerians in xenophobic attacks in South Africa. THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER PDP Crisis: Sheriff meets Jonathan, Markarfi appeals judgement The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, met with former President Goodluck Jonathan at the ex-Presidents residence in Abuja on Monday. Money Laundering: Go after CBN, NNPC, Senate panel tells EFCC The Senate, on Monday, asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to investigate officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation over alleged racketeering in foreign exchange transactions. Suspected herdsmen kill 22 in fresh Kaduna attacks While signing the bill before the Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi in Lafia, Al-Makura thanked the legislators for the speed and diligence with which they worked on the budget. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Governor Al-Makura assented to the bill shortly after the speaker presented it to him. You have been patriotic and supportive of this administration, which is a testimony of your commitment and interest in the development of Nasarawa State. I call on you for continued partnership in order to provide the much-needed dividend of democracy to our people, he said. The governor said the speedy passage of the bill would guide against stagnation in the aspiration and vision of his administration to discharge constitutional obligations to the citizens of the state. The state now has the leverage to implement the 2017 budget through vibrant functional activities which will commence immediately as approved by the Assembly. We will abide absolutely by what has been prescribed in the budget and I hope our dreams and aspirations as enshrined in this budget will take the state forward, he said. Al-Makura said his administration would continue to key into good policies and programmes that had direct bearing on the lives of the people. Earlier, the speaker said the Assembly was thorough in its scrutiny so as to ensure the smooth implementation of the budget by government, in the overall interest of the citizens of the state. Balarabe-Abdullahi said the Assembly would continue to support the state government in the discharge of its responsibilities. The speaker said the legislature was determined to discharge its oversight functions to ensure the budget was implemented as provided by the Appropriation law. NAN reports that Gov. Al-Makura presented the 2017 budget proposal of N67.1billion to the House of Assembly for consideration on Dec.15, 2016. A statement by the Ministry, made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), stated that the South African High Commissioner to Nigeria had been summoned by the ministry over the matter. The High Commissioner of South Africa to Nigeria is being summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during which governments concerns on this matter will be brought to his attention, the statement said. The Ministry urged the South African government to take the strongest measures to protect the lives and property of foreigners living in South Africa. It also urged South Africa to bring to justice the perpetrators of the `heinous crimes against other nationals in the country. It noted that the latest incident happened on Feb. 5, 2017 in the suburb of Rosettenville, Johannesburg and involved attacks against foreigners including Pakistanis, Nigerians, and other Africans. Domestic grievances over ownership of homes and default in payment of mortgages were used as justification to attack foreigners not in any way involved in the repossession and subsequent resale of these properties. It would be recalled that in 2015, domestic grievances over unemployment and other challenges faced by South Africans were also used as justification to attack and kill, the ministry stated. The ministry deplored these acts of mindless violence and unwarranted attacks against other nationals in South Africa on the basis of their nationality or status. International law and the age-old written law of hospitality amongst nations and societies, recognise the sanctity of the lives and property of foreigners everywhere, the statement said. The Ministry also observed that incidents of xenophobic attacks had continued unabated in South Africa since 2015 It expressed concern that Nigerians were among the groups mainly targeted for attack and looting of their property. The Ministry urged Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and law abiding but vigilant, adding that it had intensified contacts with South African authorities at highest level to address the situation. According to Punch, GEJ continually referred to Sheriff as his chairman during the course of the meeting. The former President, who said there is no faction in PDP, admitted that the party is sorting out some issues. He said We are solving our problems. There are bound to be differences in politics. It is the way we resolve these differences that makes us human beings and that is what makes us leaders. We are not factionalised; we are one. I have met with Sheriff and I have met with others. I will meet with others (again) so that we will be able to do what is expected of us as a political party. Speaking to newsmen after the meeting, Sheriff said I will not respond to the name-calling because if I do, there would be no difference between them and me. Very soon, you will hear from me when I finish my consultation as I will roll out my programmes that will lead to the holding of a national convention. Also, the PDP Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Cairo Ojougboh; Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Bernard Mikko; and the National Youth Leader, Mr. Demis Alonge-Niyi attended the meeting. The Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led faction had accused the APC of influencing the action. In a statement issued on Tuesday, February 21, and signed by the ruling party's spokesman, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the APC said the police does not take instructions from the party. The APC also refuted the claim by the PDP faction that it also influenced the recent Appeal Court judgment which affirmed that Ali Modu Sheriff remains the authentic National Chairman of the opposition party. Abdullahi said the APC is not in any way interested in the affairs of the PDP, adding that the party is being consumed by its internal crisis. The statement said: "Neither of these allegations is true in any respect. The Police themselves have explained why they stopped the Markarfi group from meeting at the ICC. If the factional PDP is dissatisfied with the Police explanation, they could seek further clarifications from the Police or pursue alternative means of redress. "So far, the Makarfi group has not faulted the Police or provided any proof for its allegations against the APC, which we find quite surprising, considering that Makarfi and his group have in their ranks, individuals who are sufficiently experienced to know that without any evidence, such allegations could easily be dismissed as baseless and therefore be ignored by all right-thinking members of the public, including our party. "The reason we have not simply ignored the wild allegations is because we are imperiled by utterances and conducts that attack the integrity and independence of our judicial system. Every Nigerians should be worried by the behaviour of the various PDPs which is capable of eroding the confidence Nigerians in our judicial system. Even as they battle themselves for survival, we urge restraint in the interest of our democracy." The APC, however, said it 'prays' that the PDP puts its house in order soon, acknowledging that democracy is better served when the opposition is alive. Uba made the announcement on Tuesday, February 21, during the plenary session of the Senate. BREAKING: Senator Andy Uba formerly of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), officially defects to the All Progressive Congress (APC), the Senate Twitter handle wrote on Tuesday. Uba, who represents the Anambra South Senatorial zone, had earlier announced his defection on Wednesday, February 1, during a news briefing in the Aguata Local Government Area of the state. The senator said, at the time, that the APC has ideology and focus which he needs to tap into to provide quality representation to his constituents. Uba further said that he joined the APC because of other personalities in the party with sound ideas and whom he looks up to in politics. He listed some of the personalities to include the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, and APC National Auditor, Chief George Muoghalu. Shortly after Sherriff's confirmation as the authentic PDP leader by an Appeal court sitting in Port Harcourt, he paid a visit to Jonathan, fueling speculations that the ex-president approves of the court judgment. According to a statement by Jonathan's media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, the former president never endorsed Sheriff. It said the two politicians did not discuss anything like endorsement during the visit, adding that, "not at the closed door meeting with Sheriff nor during the former Presidents interview with newsmen." ALSO READ: Ali Modu Sheriff meets with Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja The statement said a few reporters who were not present during the visit "chose to infuse mischief in their report." It added that Jonathan "welcomed Sheriff and some of his supporters to his house, in line with a mediation role he is playing towards unifying and strengthening the PDP." The statement reads in part: "Indeed, it may interest you to know that after meeting with Sheriff, the former President also met with Senator Ahmed Makarfi, leader of the PDP Caretaker Committee, and the partys Board of Trustees chairman, Senator Walid Jubril, later in the evening. "As a peace-loving leader of the party, the former Presidents interest is to help reposition PDP to enable it play a constructive role in the affairs of the nation, in view of the imperative of deepening the nations democracy. "I wish to let those spinning this falsehood know that it just doesnt add up to fly a contrived banner of endorsement in one breath, and in another, concede that the former President explained his commitment in meeting with different interest groups, towards resolving the differences in the party. "For the avoidance of doubt, the following are the former Presidents exact words during the interview with newsmen, as had accurately been reported by most online and major national newspapers, as well as broadcast organisations: "We (PDP) are not factionalised. We are one. We are solving our problems. There are bound to be differences in politics. It is the way we resolve these differences that make us human beings and that is what makes us leaders. I have met with Sheriff. And I have met with others. I will still meet with others, so that we will be able to do what is expected of us as a political party." Sheriff was declared the lawful chairman of the PDP by an Appeal court sitting in Rivers state on Friday, February 17, 2017. The declaration, apparently has not gone down well with most members of the party who have vowed not to support Sheriffs leadership. In a meeting held at Governor Ayo Fayoses residence, members of the Makarfi faction said they will wait for the Supreme Court to rule on the matter. Some of the prominent PDP members who attended the meeting are: Prof. Jerry Gana, Governors of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel; Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; Rivers State, Nyesom Wike; and the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu. After the meeting, the group released a communique saying ...We fully endorse the prompt and proactive decision of the National Caretaker Committee to lodge an appeal at the Supreme Court of Nigeria against the decision of the Court of Appeal as well as filing an application for injunction pending an appeal, all of which were done in the morning of Monday, February 20, 2017. Having duly filed both an appeal at the Supreme Court and an application for injunction pending appeal in the morning of Monday, February 20, 2017, we pass a resounding and unqualified vote of confidence in the leadership of the Senator Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee of the PDP and pledge our unalloyed support to it as it pilots the affairs of the party in this critical transitional period of the partys life. ALSO READ:Ali Modu Sheriff holds closed door meeting with GEJ To this end, we are not at all deceived by the supposed olive branch being offered by Senator Ali Modu Sherrif, knowing that the only thing that can come from traitors of his ilk is nothing but a poisoned chalice and a Greek gift. The party said this in a communique issued at the end of its stakeholders and party organs meeting organised by the Sen. Ahmed Makarfi-led National Caretaker Committee on Monday in Abuja. The party stated that a PDP-led Federal Government would remove hunger in the land and restore confidence in the Nigerian economy. It stated that the reaffirmation was necessary in view of current experiences in the country. This, according to the party, include the decline in investor confidence and massive capital flight leading to the Nigerian currency being the worst performing on the African continent and persecution of political opponents. The meeting agreed to appeal to all Nigerians to fully support the PDP, a genuinely democratic party that is people oriented and a great defender of equity, justice and fairness to all." Nigerians should support PDP in its commitment to eradicating poverty, hunger and under-development from our country. The stakeholders and leaders of the party however firmed that they were united, strong, resolute, steadfast and solid under the leadership of the national caretaker committee. They said that their affirmation came in view of the fact that the Court of Appeal in Port Harcourt, affirming Sen. Ali Modu-Sheriff as PDP national chairman was not the final court. The stakeholders also fully endorsed the prompt and proactive decision of the national caretaker committee to lodge an appeal to the Supreme Court against the decision of the Court of Appeal. We support filing an application for injunction pending appeal all of which was done in the morning of Monday 20th February 2017. It stated that the meeting also reiterated that the partys constitution stipulates the process of democratically electing officers of the party. We therefore emphatically reject any imposition such as those being illegally paraded as officers of the party by Sen. Ali Modu-Sheriff. It however enjoined stakeholders and leaders of PDP to return to their geopolitical zones, states, LGAs and wards to convene meetings of the party and disseminate the foregoing to members. True Party men are urged to remain calm, steadfast and loyal, even in the face of wanton provocation of sealing off the venue of a peaceful assembly of stakeholders." The PDP senators made the call after Ubas official defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday, February 21. Minority Leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who spoke on behalf of the PDP caucus, also urged Saraki to remove Uba from the position of Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Accounts by Wednesday. Uba, who represents the Anambra South Senatorial zone, had earlier announced his defection on Wednesday, February 1, during a news briefing in the Aguata Local Government Area of the state. The senator said, at the time, that the APC has ideology and focus which he needs to tap into to provide quality representation to his constituents. Uba further said that he joined the APC because of other personalities in the party with sound ideas and whom he looks up to in politics. He listed some of the personalities to include the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, and APC National Auditor, Chief George Muoghalu. The clip was reportedly captured by a motorist who was driving past the pair as they engaged in their strange behaviour. Paraguay's state police have launched an investigation into the dangerous act exhibited by the daredevils. If successfully apprehended by the law enforcement authority, the couple may face a fine of $540 as punishment, Elite Daily News stated this in a report. Dos Santos will step back from frontline politics following the transition and is set to become the party's honorary chief. "We cannot accept impunity in the face of corruption," Lourenco said Monday as he opened a student event in the country's northeast. He condemned "bribes which have to be paid by entrepreneurs wanting to invest in the country". Lourenco had earlier railed against "the great sickness" of corruption during a visit to Huila state in the country's southwest on Saturday. He has also promised improvements to Angola's ailing agricultural sector and health infrastructure. As the incoming leader of the MPLA, Lourenco will become president of the oil-rich country in August elections if the party wins the vote as expected. Dos Santos has often been criticised for protecting a corrupt elite and handing his family key roles in state firms. His daughter Isabelle, who is considered the richest woman in Africa, was last year made the head of the national oil company. The main opposition party called Lourenco's crusade against graft a facade. "There won't be any change while the MPLA are in charge. The current president will continue to steer from the backseat even if he has employed a new driver," the Unita party said in a statement. Unidentified assailants attacked a police station and demonstrators clashed with gendarmes in several districts of Conakry, witnesses said. By midday, these demonstrations had unfortunately caused the deaths of at least five people, the government said in a statement, calling the protest illegal and forbidden. Government said that 30 people had been injured, including members of the security forces, and 12 arrested. Witnesses said that three of the dead had been shot but it was not possible to verify that information. General strikes about 10 years ago caused major disruptions in Guinea, which has around a third of the worlds reserves of bauxite, used to make aluminium. The subsequent crackdown led by security forces led to the deaths of 135 people. Government spokesperson Damantang Camara later said that a deal to end the strike was signed with Guineas main teachers unions. "His army rank has been withdrawn and his royal decorations have been rescinded," the statement said, adding that he had "behaved in a way that brought about distrust and caused severe damage to the royal family". Thailand's enormously wealthy royal family is an opaque institution that releases little information. It is also shielded by a draconian defamation law that makes scrutiny of its inner workings, or debate over its role, almost impossible inside the kingdom. Media inside Thailand must heavily self-censor when reporting on the royal family. Vajiralongkorn took the throne following the October death of his widely revered father King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who reigned for seven decades. He has yet to attain his father's massive popularity and earlier spent much of his time outside the kingdom. Chitpong is the latest in a string of people close to Vajiralongkorn to have been publicly stripped of their titles or seen legal cases brought against them. Last week police announced that one of the palace's most senior officials, Grand Chamberlain Jumpol Manmai, was being investigated for allegedly building a property on parkland. Jumpol was a former deputy national police chief before he rose up through the palace ranks. Other close aides and even family members have been purged under the charge of improperly claiming connections to the king to make money. In 2015 three people -- including a celebrity soothsayer -- were arrested under the lese majeste law over such allegations. The soothsayer and one other suspect died in military custody soon after their arrests. The year before Vajiralongkorn announced that his then wife Princess Srirasmi Suwadee, with whom he has a son, had been stripped of her titles. That move came after half a dozen members of Srirasmi's family were arrested and later jailed on lese majeste charges for allegedly improperly using their connections to him. Since Srirasmi's fall, Vajiralongkorn has been seen in the presence of a member of his personal security retinue who has been given the official name of Suthida Vajiralongkorn na Ayudhya. The impoverished Himalayan nation emerged from a brutal decade-long civil war in 2006, which brought the end of the 240-year-old Hindu monarchy and transformed it into a secular republic. But deep political divides have prevented it from implementing a new constitution that paves the way for elections, but which the minority Madhesi community says leaves them politically marginalised. "The government has taken a historic decision. The election will be held in a single phase across the country," Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said following a late night cabinet meeting on Monday. "Election is compulsory for safeguarding all agendas and implementing the constitution for the functioning of democracy." The Madhesis, who live in the densely populated Terai plains bordering India, want the constitution to be amended first and have pledged to protest against the polls. "We will not take part in the local level election without our demands being addressed,"Mahindra Yadav, the chairman of a Madhesi political party, told AFP on Tuesday. "The election cannot be a success unless we take part in it." The Madhesis have long complained that the internal borders laid out in the constitution leave them under-represented at the ballot box and in the national parliament. After the constitution was adopted in September 2015, Madhesi protesters kicked off a months-long blockade of the India-Nepal border that led to a crippling shortage of goods across the country. An amendment to the constitution currently in parliament proposes to redraw some of provincial borders to address some of the Madhesi parties' demands. "This is an achievement in a way but the problem is whether the Madhesi parties will be on board. If the Madhesi go for protest it will be impossible (to hold the polls)," Nishchal Pandey, director of the Kathmandu-based Centre for South Asian Studies, told AFP. Local government representatives were last elected in 1997. Their five-year terms expired in 2002, at the height of the civil war, and their mandate was allowed to lapse. Corruption has flourished since, hampering the delivery of basic services -- from healthcare to the appointment of teachers at government schools. He said that the ban on North Korean coal imports will be effective until the end of the year and represents the enactment of a Security Council decision from November 2016. Coal is North Koreas main export item. In 2016, the country sold 22.5 million tonnes of non-lignite coal to China, up 14.5 per cent from 2015. Chinas decision, which came soon after North Korea announced a new ballistic missile launch, shows China is determined to take a stand against its neighbours actions and prevent further instability in the region." Such a [quick response] doesnt happen very often." China knows it is a critical moment to take a stand and alert North Korea that it is serious this time,Cheng Xiaohe, Professor of International Relations at Renmin University said. The Chinese government understands that once North Korea conducts a continental missile test, it could trigger military action from the U.S., Cheng said. The coal import ban is likely unrelated to the recent alleged murder of Kim Jong Nam, the estranged brother of North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un," Yang Xiyu said. Xiyu is the former director of the Korean Peninsula Office within Chinas Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the Foreign Ministry has said it is closely following the investigation into the death of a person China had hosted and protected. NAN recalls that on Dec. 1, 2016, the UN Security Council imposed new sanctions on North Korea aimed at cutting its annual export revenue by a quarter, after Pyongyang carried out its fifth and largest nuclear test so far in September. The 15-member council unanimously adopted a resolution to slash North Koreas exports of coal, its biggest export item, by about 60 percent with an annual sales cap of 400.9 million dollars, or 7.5 million metric tonnes, whichever is lower. The U.S.-drafted resolution also bans North Korean copper, nickel, silver and zinc exports and the sale of statues. Pyongyang is famous for building huge, socialist-style statues which it exports mainly to African countries. "Otherwise, it will not be possible to make progress in the negotiations" aimed at reunifying the island, Aknc said in a statement. The Turkish Cypriot leader said he would "evaluate all the developments step by step" and decide on whether to resume the talks as scheduled on Thursday "once he "understands the intentions" of Anastasiades. Aknc said Monday that the Greek Cypriot parliamentary vote on the 1950 referendum on union with Greece, or Enosis, had "caused public indignation among the Turkish Cypriot people". UN envoy Espen Barth Eide last week voiced confidence that the meeting would go ahead after the rival leaders engaged in a war of words over a walkout last Thursday sparked by acrimony over the church-organised referendum. Eide said it was Akinci who stormed off but the Turkish Cypriot leader has accused the UN diplomat of "hiding half of the truth". "Eide should not come to the situation of having the trust towards him questioned by saying one half of the truth and hiding the other," Akinci told reporters. He insists that Anastasiades left the room first, slamming the door behind him. Anastasiades has denied this and his spokesman squarely blamed Akinci. Tensions have soared over the February 10 approval by the Greek Cypriot parliament for schools in the south to mark the referendum which overwhelmingly approved Enosis but had no legal value. The amendment was sponsored by the far-right ELAM party, a fierce opponent of the peace talks. The Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been engaged in fragile peace talks since May 2015 that observers have seen as the best chance in years to reunify the island. Much of the progress until now has been based on the strong personal rapport between Anastasiades and Akinci, leader of the breakaway Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. His son Chief Ebrima Manneh, a journalist for a pro-government newspaper, went missing in 2006 during a summit held in the tiny west African country. Agents of the feared National Intelligence Agency (NIA), which reported directly to Jammeh, appeared at the offices of the Daily Observer and took him away. His colleagues and family have never seen him again. In 2009 The Gambia's then attorney-general Marie Saine-Firdaus told parliament that Manneh was not in state custody, while others including the current chief of police claimed he was living in the United States. Jammeh's stunning electoral defeat in December -- after 22 years in power -- triggered the release of many political prisoners -- but not the journalist. "My hope is shattered," his father told AFP. 'Criminal action in court' Despite the crushing sorrow he feels, Manneh is shaking off the fear that kept him from fighting a symbiotic system of secret police and trained killers that took an unknown number of lives. "I want to institute criminal action in court against Yahya Jammeh and those responsible for the disappearance of my son," Manneh said. Gambian diaspora media regularly published lists of the unsolved crimes concerning the missing, appealing for details and circulating years' worth of rumours about the most high-profile cases. And there are nascent signs the new government of President Adama Barrow is determined to bring closure for families like the Mannehs, even while mired in a financial crisis and faced with reforming a state that Jammeh's critics say catered to the interests of one man. Interior Minister Mai Fatty, one of the most vocal Jammeh opponents within the new administration, has said a body will be set up to look into forced disappearances and to investigate "black sites" that may still be holding victims. "The responsibility lies on us to give an explanation to our people," he told AFP. Pro-regime figures may still be holding Gambians incommunicado. "Some people may still be held and are not known because the previous government has so many detention centres that were not disclosed to the public," Fatty said. Jammeh's 'death squad' Barrow has promised to reform the NIA, changing its name, replacing its chief and promising training for staff whose work would be limited to "intelligence gathering, analysis and advice to the relevant arms of government". "An appropriate commission will be established to conduct inquiries into disappearances," he said. Almost every sector of society was targeted by the NIA and the "Junglers", a group of around 40 men described as Jammeh's death squad. Tumani Jallow, a 24-year-old soldier with the elite State Guards battalion that personally protected Jammeh, had an elevated status in Gambian society, but when the NIA came this suddenly meant nothing. After he was arrested in September 2016, taken to NIA headquarters in Banjul, and then whisked to an unknown location, Jallow's family are painfully aware he may never return. "He and two of his colleagues in the Gambia Armed Forces were arrested by state security agents shortly after the arson attack on the ruling party's headquarters," said his brother Buba Sawo. "We have searched for him everywhere, but the NIA said he is not in their custody," Sawo told AFP. "We are pleading with the current administration." Fredy Peccerelli, a world-renowned forensic anthropologist who has helped nations as varied as Guatemala and Sri Lanka identify scores of victims, told AFP the process would probably take several years. Work on genealogy, forensics, testimony and any documentation from the prison system would be required, along with the funds -- potentially from international donors -- to pay for it. 'Large scale torture' The Gambia would have to decide whether to have open hearings, amnesties for those who provided information, or other incentives for whistleblowing like lesser sentences, Peccerelli said, referring to the truth commission Barrow has promised. Such testimony could also be key in any future prosecutions. Since Jammeh left for exile last month, arrests of high and low profile regime targets have begun. Suwandi Camara, a former fighter for Liberian warlord Charles Taylor, and accomplice Bubacarr Jarju have been charged with abducting a Gambian lawmaker and a businessman in Senegal with intent to murder them. General Bora Colley, former head of the country's notorious prison system, was arrested in Senegal last month, though later released without charge. The biggest fish so far, former interior minister Ousman Sonko, was arrested in Switzerland in late January. Under investigation for crimes against humanity, Sonko could face prosecution in Switzerland where authorities are under pressure from rights group TRIAL to prove he authorised what they called "large-scale torture that political opponents, journalists and human rights defenders suffered". For Adama Kujabie, a relative of Jammeh's whose father nonetheless fell into the hands of the NIA in 2006, a day in court cannot come soon enough. Turning the ship before it hits the iceberg Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Stay up-to-date on what's happening Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly! Sign up! Already a Subscriber? Already a Subscriber? Sign in Terms of Service Privacy Policy Extensive ongoing publicity surrounding the case of Stanley Liggins will make it impossible to find a fair and impartial jury to hear the case in Scott County, his attorneys argued Tuesday. During a nearly hourlong hearing, attorneys Miguel Puentes and Derek Jones argued that Liggins May 22 trial should be moved out of Scott County or jurors from a different county should be selected and brought to Scott County for the trial. District Court Judge Marlita Greve, who is presiding over the case, has not yet ruled on the motion. Prosecutors say Liggins, 55, strangled Jennifer Ann Lewis, 9, of Rock Island, and burned her remains on a Davenport school playground on Sept. 17, 1990. She also was sexually abused, according to prosecutors. He was tried twice in the girl's death in the 1990s, once in Scott County and the second in Dubuque after he was granted a change of venue. He was convicted in both trials and sentenced to life in prison. The Iowa Supreme Court overturned the first conviction, and on Nov. 6, 2013, the Iowa Court of Appeals reversed the second conviction. Liggins attorneys filed a motion for a change of venue in June 2014. According to case law, a defendant can seek to a change of venue upon a showing of an inability to obtain a fair trial in a county where he or she is charged or because of local prejudice. To support their motion, the defense hired Personal Marketing Research, which conducts surveys for change-of-venue motions, among other services. Company President Patricia Duffy testified during Tuesdays hearing that the company contacted by phone a sample of 400 Scott County residents who were randomly selected from voter records. The company did similar surveys for prosecutors before Liggins trials in 1993 and 1995. According to Duffy, the survey found that: 31.5 percent of the people surveyed were aware of the name Stanley Liggins, while 21 percent were aware of Jennifer Lewis name. 55 percent of people were familiar with Lewis' death and the burning of her body behind the elementary school in 1990. The number is slightly lower than the people surveyed in the 1990s. 27.3 percent of people surveyed said they have formed an opinion of the guilt of innocence of Liggins. That number was 32 percent before the trial in 1993. The margin of error in 1993 and 2017 was 4.9 percentage points. Under questioning by Assistant Scott County Attorney Julie Walton, Duffy testified that 291 out of 400 or nearly 73 percent of people surveyed said they had not formed an opinion about the case. Puentes argued that the Liggins case is unique in its procedural history and perhaps the most high-profile case to ever come through the Quad-Cities and that there will be more interest as the retrial approaches. The local area to some degree is invested in the results of this case and is more inclined to then seek out additional materials regarding this case, many of which are littered with prejudicial commentary, he said. Puentes pointed to multiple news articles and Suspect Convictions, a podcast about the case that was developed by former Quad-City Times reporter Scott Reeder and WVIK, which he said have given detailed accounts of the case and contained materials that have been ruled inadmissible. That information will make it difficult to find a fair and impartial jury, he argued. Jones suggested during the hearing that the trial could be moved to Blackhawk, Linn or Polk counties if Greve grants the change of venue. Walton argued against the change of venue motion and said that there is no evidence to support a finding that an unbiased jury can't be selected in Scott County. She said the survey failed to ask respondents who said they had an opinion about Liggins guilt or innocence if they had a fixed opinion and, if yes, they could set that opinion aside and keep an open mind if instructed by the court. These are the questions that would be asked at voir dire, Walton said. She also argued that the news accounts referenced by the defense are quite old, quite remote and that some of them give only brief details about the allegations. Attorneys will be back in court Wednesday morning for a hearing on more pretrial motions. Scott County prosecutors who will try Stanley Liggins a third time in the strangulation death of a 9-year-old Rock Island girl in 1990 want a jury to hear evidence that he sexually abused another girl. The 55-year-old Liggins appeared Monday in Scott County District Court for a nearly daylong hearing on a series of motions in preparation for his May 22 trial. Prosecutors say Liggins strangled Jennifer Ann Lewis and burned her remains on a Davenport school playground on Sept. 17, 1990. She also was sexually abused, according to prosecutors. He was tried twice in the girl's death in the 1990s, once in Scott County and the second in Dubuque after he was granted a change of venue. He was convicted in both trials and sentenced to life in prison. The Iowa Supreme Court overturned the first conviction, and on Nov. 6, 2013, the Iowa Court of Appeals reversed the second conviction. Among the 10 motions heard Monday was an effort to allow evidence of the sexual abuse of a 9-year-old Rock Island County girl that occurred more than a month before Jennifer was killed. Liggins was arrested and convicted in May 1991 in Rock Island County and sentenced to seven years in prison, according to online court records. He already had been charged in Jennifers death at the time of that trial. The mother of the girl in the Rock Island County case testified during Mondays hearing that she and her daughter both testified at the sex abuse trial. As she was leading her daughter out of the courtroom, Stanley Liggins threatened to kill my daughter, the woman testified. Assistant County Attorney Julie Walton argued that jurors should hear evidence about the assault on the girl because it speaks to identity, motive and intent in Jennifers murder. She said the girl in the Rock Island County case screamed, ran for help and was able to identify Liggins to police, leading to his arrest. On Sept. 17, 1990, Mr. Liggins wasnt going to let that happen again, she said. So, rather than choose to attack the little girl near her own home and around her friends, he lured her away in his vehicle and murdered her so that this little girl couldn't talk." She argued that the facts of both cases, such as their age and appearance of the girls, are remarkably similar. Defense attorney Derek Jones disagreed and said there was no evidence that the assaults on the girls were done by the same person or by Stanley Liggins. He also argued that the probative value of the evidence does not outweigh the danger of unfair prejudice. Attorneys on Monday also argued prosecutors' motion to read transcripts of prior trial testimony of several witnesses who have since died or are otherwise unavailable at the retrial. One witness testimony that the defense has objected to is that of the late Donna Adkins, who testified she saw Liggins maroon Peugeot in the parking lot of the Hillside Apartments in Rock Island the morning after Jennifer was killed. She testified that she noticed a strong smell of gas coming from the car and saw a gas can in the backseat. Liggins was staying at a nearby motel, which has a parking lot that connected to Hillsides parking lot. Jones argued Monday that Adkins statements contradicted those of her then-boyfriend who said he did not recall seeing the Peugeot in the parking lot that morning but did recall seeing a brown Mustang. Police talked to the owner of the Mustang, who said it was commonly parked in the lot but did not have a gas can in it. Another neighbor said he could not remember seeing the Peugeot and denied that the Mustang had a gas can inside it. Defense attorneys at Liggins trials in 1993 and 1995 were not given reports of their statements, as well as more than 70 other police reports, Jones said. Allowing Adkins testimony to be read into the record violated Liggins right to confront witnesses, he argued. Adkins former boyfriend also has since died and cannot be called upon to tell jurors his recollection of what he saw that day, he said. Our ability to cross-examine has been crippled by suppression of the evidence, Jones said. Scott County Attorney Mike Walton said Monday that 24 of the police reports that the defense claimed are suppressed were created after both trials. He pointed to decisions by the district and appellate courts that ruled that the statements from the three witnesses did not substantially discredit or refute Adkins testimony. At best, its just different testimony, slightly, he said and stressed that the witnesses did not say that Adkins was lying or that she didnt see Liggins' car. Motion hearings will resume Tuesday and could last through Wednesday. Attorneys on Tuesday are expected to argue a defense motion to move the trial out of Scott County. DES MOINES An Iowa senator introduced legislation Monday to address school funding inequities as students from Davenport swarmed meeting rooms and Capitol hallways to lobby for changes. The "Worth-Less" student campaign, which originated with North High School's Anthony DeSalvo, took a "Get on the Bus" trip to the Capitol in Des Moines on Monday to press legislators on the Davenport district's top agenda item: reworking the state's per-pupil spending formula, first drawn up more than 40 years ago. As the students were talking to legislators, Sen. Amy Sinclair, R-Allerton, who chairs the Senate Education Committee, introduced Senate File 1124. Her proposal would use $25 million a year for 10 years to support school districts that fall below the per-pupil state ceiling level, which is as much as $175 per student. Those funds also would be used to support transportation costs in districts where that is an issue. Sinclair described the bill as a phased-in effort that will help solve equity issues in the state. "I've always said that it shouldn't matter what a child's ZIP code is, the education should be the same," she said. Sinclair described the legislation as historic. "This is worth fighting for," she said. Sen. Roby Smith, R-Davenport, is co-sponsoring the bill. He spent the most time with the Davenport contingent on Monday and said he is "cautiously optimistic" about the bill's chances. Madison Cousins, a junior from Davenport West, said she was pleased with how much better the legislators seemed to understand the problem. The new Senate bill gives her encouragement, she said. "My great hope is that this is not a problem for us next year," she said. Students also met with Gov. Terry Branstad, who touted several programs that he said improve education in Iowa, including the teacher leadership policy, now in effect across the state. Legislators this year passed K-12 funding early, he said. DeSalvo pressed the governor on the funding equity issue, and Branstad called the Iowa School Aid formula "lots more equitable than before" when it included more funds from property taxes. The governor also called on Smith to explain his ideas. Smith discussed plans that would reduce what a district must hold in cash reserves from 20 percent to 15 percent, with the option of using the difference for the gap. Smith also agrees with a plan that would allow districts to use interest on their reserve funds to address the gap, which in Davenport would be about $250,000. That is not enough, however, to fund the budget and the special programs the Davenport district offers, said Richard Clewell, a Davenport School Board member who accompanied students on the trip. Members of the Iowa House and Senate spoke to the Davenport entourage over box lunches provided by the Urban Education Network. Rep. Norlin Mommsen, R-DeWitt, said the equity legislation needs to include transportation disparities, which are important in other parts of Iowa. Rep. Ross Paustian, R-Walcott, said there are several bills in the Senate that he can support, noting that most fixes will occur over a period of years. Several Davenport students said came away in an upbeat mood. The legislative session was interactive, with more back-and-forth than Davenport Central senior A.J. Smith expected. Smith, who also is a student member of the school board, enjoyed the passion for education he saw in both Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds. "You can tell how invested they are in it," he said. It was evident to Mickey Sloat, a senior at Central, that state legislators were tuned into Davenport's top issue. "We have their attention and vice versa," she said. According to Callow, the group has not followed through on the threat and has not yet released any installments of Davenport's data on its multiple platforms. A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest for Monday: CIVICS EXAM: A House Education subcommittee has postponed indefinitely further action to require high school students score 60 percent on the U.S. citizenship test to graduate. Rep. Skyler Wheeler, R-Orange City, a co-sponsor of HF 220, wants to see a Legislative Services Agency fiscal analysis of the bill because he doesnt want to impose an unfunded mandate on local schools. When he was running for office last year, Wheeler said, he had to explain to voters the difference between the U.S. House and the Iowa House. Some people thought I was running against (U.S. Rep. Steve) King, he said. Rep. Art Staed, D-Cedar Rapids, a social studies teacher, called the bill a joke. Requiring the test wont improve proficiency in social studies, he said. If students lack proficiency in social studies, Staed suggested it might be because too few teachers have a background in the subject matter. FOREIGN LAWS: A House Judiciary subcommittee moved forward a bill, HF 223, which would make it state policy to protect Iowans from the application of foreign laws that would result in violating rights guaranteed by the state and federal constitutions, including but not limited to those applying to due process, freedom of religion, speech or press, and any right of privacy or marriage. Civil liberties advocates advised that U.S. courts have long held international law is a part of U.S. law. That it could put Americans at risk and cast uncertainty on multinational agreements. Another lobbyist warned the language is so broad as to require civil courts to ignore 1,000 years of the Catholic Churchs canon law in handling disputes such as those involving church property or health care directives. The bill says a court cannot enforce a law if religious or foreign laws does not match the U.S. Constitution. Canon law, Tom Chapman of the Iowa Catholic Conference, does not recognize the right to an abortion, for example. Sponsor Rep. Ralph Watts, R-Adel, said the bill is in response to comments by U.S. Supreme Court justices suggesting that international law should be considered in deciding constitutional questions. In the current environment, with people of many cultures coming to America Watts said it is important to preserve constitutional freedoms. Some culture, he said, permit child marriages. Some dont recognize the rights of women. HIGHER SPEED LIMIT: A Republican senator would like to see Iowa raise its interstate highway speed limit to 75 mph. Sen. Brad Zaun, R-Urbandale, who filed Senate File 289, said transportation officials say the interstate system was designed to handle traffic speeds of up to 85 mph. I travel a lot and I thought it was just worthy of having a conversation, Zaun said Monday. He noted the bill stalled in recent sessions but theres been a change in command with Republicans now in control of the Iowa Senate so I thought Id give it another shot. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Tim Kapucian, R-Keystone, said he expected a subcommittee would meet on the bill but he did not give it much of a chance of getting very far in the process. EXPANDING FIREARM LAW: The Senate Transportation Committee agreed Monday to modify a firearm law they passed last year to expand its provisions to renters and hired hands. Iowa landowners now are allowed to carry a loaded firearm while operating a snowmobile or an ATV on their property. Off-road vehicle operators on someone elses property are required to place unloaded shotguns or rifles in a case. In addition, Iowans with a permit to carry a handgun would be allowed to possess a pistol if it is secured in a holster similar to those used by law enforcement officers. Current law also requires snowmobilers and ATV riders to get off the vehicle to shoot. Senate File 227 would extend the provisions to Iowans who rent property or who work as a laborer as part of an animal agriculture operation. The bill now goes to the Senate debate calendar for consideration. BABY DRUG TESTING: Lawmakers and lobbyist questioned the need for universal drug testing for babies born in Iowa hospitals. While they agreed there is a problems with infants being born with exposure to illegal substances, HF 259 was indefinitely postponed while similar legislation is considered. Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Dave Heaton, R-Mount Pleasant, called for the universal testing to address drug problems of both newborns and their mothers. Hes interested in the childs welfare, but added, dont write off the mother. However, Janee Harvey of the Department of Human Services Child Welfare and Community Services Bureau, wasnt convinced that testing was needed for e very newborn or that involving the DHS by filing Child in Need of Assistance papers in every case was the best way to address the problem. Given rising incidences of heroin and opioid abuse, We need to take a strong stance, Heaton said. QUOTE OF THE DAY: Youve not only derailed bipartisanship, you seem to have driven it off the cliff in some Thelma and Louise fashion, Rep. Bruce Hunter, D-Des Moines, referring to majority Republicans passage of HF 291, which significantly altered public employee collective bargaining rights. MAQUOKETA, Iowa It was billed as a veterans roundtable, but U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst heard about more than just problems with the VA here Tuesday. A large sign-waving crowd overflowed the council chambers at City Hall, urging that the Iowa Republican do your job and that an investigation be launched against President Donald Trump. Even as she entered the event, the leanings of many in the crowd were evident as they chanted, Your last term, before Ernst convened a panel of veterans who described their difficulties with the Veterans Administration, particularly with a program that allows vets to get care from private health care providers. When Ernst left the meeting, some in the crowd booed and trailed her back to a waiting car, chanting, Do your job and Shame on you." With Congress in a recess, lawmakers in many states and districts are returning to some constituents increasingly critical of the first weeks of the Trump administration and the Republican-led Congress. Here, much of the approximately 50-minute meeting was centered on veterans issues, but it was punctuated at times with people in the crowd shouting at Ernst or criticizing her. Some held signs, one of which read: You work for us + we are not happy." At one point, Trinity Ray, a veteran from Iowa City, asked about foreign countries meddling in U.S. elections to which Ernst responded that she was glad to get the question because she already had expressed her belief that the president needs to stand up to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ernst and other Republican senators recently sent a letter to the White House pushing the president to take a stronger stand against Putin, whom they have accused of greater belligerence. Russia is not our friend, Ernst said Tuesday. One person, however, demanded that Ernst directly address allegations regarding Russian involvement in the elections. And the crowd chanted, Investigate Trump. The meeting drew probably close to 300 people, with the council chambers full and many overflowing into the lobby of City Hall. Some members of Congress are shying away from public meetings, according to national news reports. But Ernst, speaking to reporters afterward, said she and Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, are holding meetings around the state and have each begun their annual tours of all 99 counties. Were still holding public forums, Ernst said. Ernst also made stops Tuesday that weren't publicized, in Clinton and in Davenport at Gilda's Club of the Quad-Cities, where she spent an hour hearing from cancer patients and others. Among the topics, reporters were told, were concerns about repeal of the Affordable Care Act and its protections against being denied insurance for having a pre-existing condition. As for the senator's accessibility, her office pointed to three public meetings that Ernst held last month in southwest Iowa. One was described as a town meeting, another as an economic development roundtable and the other a coffee. There also was a coffee scheduled in Wayne County last week that was canceled because of Senate votes. Some in the audience at the veterans roundtable Tuesday, however, urged that Ernst hold town hall meetings in larger communities like Iowa City. One woman waiting to see her didnt think she was accessible enough. We want our voices to be heard, said Gayle Hartwig of Mount Vernon. Asked about the tenor of the meeting afterward, Ernst responded: Everybody has the right to free speech. You can holler all you want at me. Im the elected representative. Still, she said Tuesdays event was scheduled to be a veterans roundtable. And while she said that most in the crowd were respectful, she added she is determined to continue focusing on veterans issues. The audience cheered veterans in the crowd on several occasions and at one point chanted, Thank you, vets. Some pointed questions also came from veterans, one of whom asked her whether she had ever voted to reduce veterans benefits. Ernst responded, "I don't believe so," which brought shouts from some in the crowd that she should be certain. Ernst responded that, at times, money can be shifted from one program to another. "Certainly, I am here to protect the veterans," said Ernst, a veteran herself. Some veterans who attended weren't happy with how the meeting transpired. Ed Gaudet, a veteran and service representative from Clinton County, expressed some frustration. He said that although there were valid concerns expressed by the audience, the meeting was supposed to be about veterans issues. DES MOINES Iowa Board of Regent member Michael Richards got caught in a political crossfire at the Capitol on Monday, dodging questions about fetal tissue research, tuition policy and the political affiliation of university faculty members during a hearing on his pending Senate confirmation. Richards, a retired Des Moines physician and Mitchell County native who is a longtime friend and political ally of Gov. Terry Branstad, has served on the panel that oversees Iowa's three state universities and two special schools for nearly a year, replacing Mary Andringa after she stepped down in April 2016. Richards met for nearly an hour with senators who will decide later this session whether to give him the 34 affirmative votes needed to meet the two-thirds majority needed for confirmation by the 50-member Senate. The interim regent was asked about a GOP proposal to ban Iowa university researchers from using fetal tissue. He did not address the issue directly but told committee members "I haven't opposed the current research that's at the University of Iowa." On another GOP proposal to allow Iowans who possess a permit to carry a firearm at the state's regent universities, Richards said he thought the decision was best up to the institutions subject to review by the Board of Regents. "The primary concern is keeping our students and faculty and staff safe," he said. "We do currently have the safety officers armed. I think that's working and I'd like to keep it that way." Another issue of interest for Democratic senators was a bill introduced earlier Monday by Sen. Mark Chelgren, R-Ottumwa, that would require political diversity among university professors and institute a hiring freeze if the number of registered Republicans and Democrats among faculty on the three state university campuses was not within 10 percent of each other. Chelgren said in an interview the intent of the bill was to bring partisan balance to university faculty similar to the political balance requirements for the regents nominated by the governor and to make students aware of "the political slant" that might be coming their way during classroom instruction. "This extends that same concept to the professors at the regent universities asking them to identify their political affiliation and, if the political affiliation of one party over the other is in excess of 10 percent, there's effectively a hiring freeze until those disparities are reconciled. "We want diversity of thought and diversity of opinion and diversity of political expression, this would balance the regents universities that receive taxpayer dollars so that students who attend those regents universities to hear from both sides of the political spectrum," he added. During Monday's committee hearing, Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, asked Richards if he agreed the universities should be "keeping tabs" on political affiliations or restricting hiring based upon faculty political affiliations. "I think it's virtually impossible for the universities to interview people and find out exactly what their political affiliation is," Richards said, adding that the universities should hire a diverse group of professors who are academically best suited in their areas and political affiliation was "none of their business." Regent spokesman Josh Lehman said the board "expects that our public universities will hire the most qualified faculty to teach our students." The universities currently do not have political-party requirements for faculty members, but the Board of Regents is required by Iowa code to have no more than five members in the same political party. Critics say the board right now is violating the spirit of that law, in that its nine members include five Republicans, three independents, and one Democrat. Quirmbach called Chelgren's bill "very disturbing" and "a great interference of academic freedom." "I think it would be an ominous intrusion," he added. "That would be a great way to destroy our fine public universities and I'm glad to hear that you are not happy with that idea," Quirmbach told Richards. MUSCATINE, Iowa A Grandview man died after sustaining injuries in a motorcycle crash Saturday night on Eisley's Hill, on U.S. 61, south of Muscatine. Charlie Chelf, 58, was transported by Louisa County Ambulance and flown to the University of Iowa Hospitals by AirCare, where he later died of his injuries from the crash, according to a news release from the Muscatine County Sheriff's Office. The National Alliance on Mental Illness and St. Paul Lutheran Churchs Mental Health Awareness Team will host In Our Own Voice, a presentation that offers hope for those struggling with mental illness. Two trained presenters will share personal stories of dark days, acceptance, treatment, coping strategies, successes, hopes and dreams. The one-hour event will be 7-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at St. Paul Lutheran, 2136 Brady St., Davenport. In Our Own Voice adds a critical perspective to the popular understanding of what people living with mental health conditions are like. It is recommended for peers, family members, providers, the general public, elected officials, law enforcement, students and veteran organizations. The evening will include: A first-hand account of what its like to live with a mental-health condition. Presenters humanize this misunderstood topic by demonstrating that its possible and common to live well with a mental-health condition. A chance to ask the presenters questions, which allows for a deeper understanding of mental health conditions and dispels stereotypes and misconceptions. The understanding that every person with a mental-health condition can hope for a bright future. To learn more about the alliance in the Quad-City region, visit www.namigmy.org. For more information, contact Ann McGlynn, 563-326-3547 or ann@stpaulqc.org. Casting his line last fall from the bank of a private Lee County farm pond in southeast Iowa, Glenn Nichols of Davenport ignored a nearby cluster of whistling blackbirds until he reeled in a fish. Using a spinning reel, 8-pound test line and an artificial lure, the 69-year-old Nichols landed a 4.96-pound, 22-inch largemouth bass. Although he caught and released a slightly heavier bass earlier that day, Nichols' second catch made the outing a memorable one. When he went to retrieve his hook, a shocked Nichols spotted leftovers from lunch in the fish's throat and discovered part of a blackbird. "Next thing I know, out comes two little legs," he recalled recently. "We didn't see its head or body, but both its legs and tail were sticking out." Nichols shouted across the pond to his fishing buddy, Joe Menke, who quickly snapped a couple photos of the evidence before they released the bass back into the water. "Thats the first time we'd ever seen that," said Menke, who also lives in Davenport. "It's something you can talk about for the rest of your life." Nichols said he was not surprised the fish bit on his bait with a bird already in its mouth. "Fish will eat anything they think is food," he said. "And if it's in the water, to them, it's food." Above water, largemouth bass have been known to eat birds, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. "Bass are opportunistic foragers which prey on the most abundant and vulnerable food," the agency reports. "Fish, crayfish, large aquatic and terrestrial insects, frogs, worms and even small mammals and birds have been found in bass stomachs." Nichols and Menke, who began fishing together in 2013, said they have noticed that red-winged blackbirds tend to nest in cattails that grow along the shorelines of ponds. Menke, who grew up in southeast Iowa, said he has access to about 30 farm ponds. If they haul in a fish that stretches at least 18 inches, they weigh it, and Menke, a retired chemist who worked at the Rock Island Arsenal for 50-plus years, logs it in a notebook. The duo first met when Nichols owned a bait shop, Nick's Rod and Reel Service Center on West Locust Street in Davenport. "He would tell me his stories, and I would tell him mine," Menke, 73, said. Nichols closed the shop in 2013 but later reopened a smaller operation in his garage on Locust Street, which he still runs. Last week, Nichols and Menke reconvened and reminisced about the blackbird bass and other tales at the QCCA Outdoor Show in Rock Island. They referenced Patricia Zaerr of Davenport, who owns the state record for a largemouth bass she caught in 1984 at Lake Fisher in Davis County. The 10-pound, 12-ounce fish measured 23.5 inches. Flipping through pages of his fishing notes, which contain data dating back to 2002, Menke pointed to his personal best, a 7.3-pound bass. Nichols called the farm ponds they fish a "gold mine" for bass "because they're not hammered by the public." "You can go to the same pond and fish it 10 times, and all of a sudden you go there one day, boom boom boom, nothing but big fish," he said. "It's just a blast." NORMAL, Ill. Terry Wayne Greenlee, 55, of Normal, formerly of Norfolk, Virginia, went home to Jesus at 4:45 p.m., Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, after a short battle with advanced Parkinsons disease with Lewy Body Dementia and recent complications of influenza. Due to sudden onset of PD with LBD, Terrys twin brother, Tony, and sister-in-law, Theresa, nephew Matt Greenlee and niece Jenna (Greenlee) Phillips of Normal helped move him from Norfolk to Normal in August 2016, so he would not have to be alone far away from family and friends and so they could help manage his health care needs. Terry was born Dec. 29, 1961, in Moline. He grew up in the Quad-City area, living mostly in and around Davenport. He graduated from West High School, Davenport, and then earned an associate of science degree in electronic engineering technology from Scott Community College, Bettendorf. Terry began his career as a digital operator at WHBF, Channel 4 in Rock Island. He then went to WQAD, Channel 8 in Moline and worked several years there until moving to Norfolk in 2000 and working for WGNT, Channel 3 for 17 years. Terry earned his digital broadcasters license and received several Chairmans Team Awards for outstanding performance from The New York Times Broadcast Media Group. Terrys career spanned a total of 31-plus years. Terry really enjoyed studying the Bible, especially the Book of Revelations and End Time prophecies. Terry loved the mountains, hiking, camping and enjoyed Gods creation. He enjoyed science fiction and was a fan of "Battlestar Galactica." Several years ago, Terry had a black Lab named Tyco, whom he loved very much and missed terribly. Terry was a runner and ran several road races including the Bix7 a few times. In high school, Terry was on the chess team and continued to play chess in his adult life. He was an adventurist and engaged in white water rafting on some of his trips to Colorado and he swam with sharks in Hawaii. Terry loved visiting his brother Mike, in Hawaii, and went there several times. The most recent trip he took to Hawaii was late spring 2016. Terry also loved visiting friends and family in Illinois and Iowa, and he loved pizza. Terry is survived by his mother, Joyce Joanne (Greenlee) Feeney and her husband Jack, of Davenport; his brother, Rick (Jeanine) Greenlee of Rosemount, Minnesota; twin brother, Tony (Theresa) of Normal; his brother, Mike Greenlee of Honolulu, Hawaii; several nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. Terry was preceded in death by his father, William Red Marshall Greenlee, his brother, Robert (Bob) Rusty Greenlee, paternal grandparents, maternal grandparents, several aunts and uncles. Visitation and a Celebration of Terrys Life will take place 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Adventure Christian Community Church, 6509 Northwest Blvd. Davenport, with Pastor Sara Thompson officiating. Visitation to greet family and friends of Terry will be for one hour prior to the Celebration of Terrys Life. Please be comfortable in your attire and come as you are. Jeans are absolutely fine. Terry would have wanted it this way. Terrys family would like to extend a special thank you to all the hospice nurses, aides and technicians of VITAS Healthcare as well as all the staff at Sugar Creek Alzheimers Special Care Center. You made Terry comfortable and there are no words that suffice enough to express our gratitude to you. Terry will be greatly missed by his family and friends. Tony and Theresa are very thankful that they were able to show Christs love to Terry and serve him during his last few months. They shared many sweet, tender, intimate moments with him during the last week of his journey on his earth, but especially cherish those moments during his last 24 hours. We know Terry is safely home and is resting in the presence of Jesus, the God and King, whom he served throughout his life. Terry, Live long and prosper!" We love you very much and we thank God for loaning you to us. Memorial donations may be made to a Christ-focused ministry or charity of your choice, or your local humane society. Online condolences may be shared with the family at eastlawn-bloomington.com. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. STREATOR, Ill. Police are still searching for a Streator, Ill. woman and her ex-boyfriend following an apparent abduction in Streator over the weekend, but her son, who was with her at the time, was found safe about a day later outside a Streator home. Streator is about 100 miles southeast of Iowa in LaSalle, County. The Bloomington Pantagraph reports that the Illinois State Police issued an endangered missing person advisory early Sunday for Kayla Stratton, 24, and initially included her 11-month-old son, Paul. An arrest warrant was issued for 33-year-old Clarence Merritte, who is wanted on numerous charges, including domestic battery and aggravated assault. LaSalle County authorities think Merritte rear-ended Kayla Strattons car late Saturday night in Streator, causing it to crash into a utility pole. Based on a report from a witness at the scene, police said Merritte apparently then forced her and the child into his vehicle, which later was found abandoned several blocks from the crash scene. Merritte is the childs father, police said. Streator police were notified about 10 p.m. Sunday that a friend of the mother found the baby outside her home, sheriff's police said. The baby was taken to OSF Center for Health in Streator to be checked and then released to the mother's parents. Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of Stratton or Merritte are asked to call the LaSalle County sheriff's office at 815-433-2161. St. Ambrose University will host the 2017 Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois Veterans Conference beginning at noon Wednesday at the Rogalski Center, 518 W. Locust St., Davenport. Registration opens at noon and the program begins at 12:45 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged at eicc.edu/VETSConference. The event will include a resources fair, a panel discussion on the transition from military service to civilian life featuring veterans and spouses, as well as a keynote address by Brad Snyder, a Navy veteran who lost his vision in combat in Afghanistan and has since earned seven medals as a Paralympic swimmer. A panel discussion, Service and Sacrifice on Two Fronts Reflections of Veterans and Spouses will begin at 1 p.m. Brian Hilton, a history instructor at Scott Community College, will moderate the discussion. The panel will consist of Robert Fitts, a Korean War veteran; David Woods, a Vietnam War veteran; Stephen Henson, a veteran of both Vietnam and Iraq; Allison Hemmert, the spouse of a career military member; and Jennifer Watkins-Schoenig, OIF/OEF, Veterans Affairs director for Muscatine County. For more information, call 563-244-7006 or email mmommsen@eicc.edu. Volunteers are invited to support Special Olympics athletes by jumping into Wicks on Lake on Sunday, March 19, at Jumers Casino, Rock Island. Check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. Plungers can register at www.plungeillinois.com or contact Jennifer Davis, 309-734-5903. Last-minute plungers are welcome to register on-site the morning of the event. Plungers are encouraged to come in costume and to form teams. Each team member must raise a minimum of $100 in donations; all team members individual fundraising totals will be merged to form a combined team total. Statewide, teams are placed into divisions based on size and are awarded prizes for the most money raised. Each plunger receives an official Polar Plunge sweatshirt. Incentives for raising more money include a seven-night trip for two adults to Riu Palace Peninsula in Cancun, Mexico. For every $500 a plunger raises, he/she will have an entry into the drawing for the grand prize. Money from the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge will benefit Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities in Fulton, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Rock Island and Warren counties in Illinois. Sponsors include Jumer's Casino & Hotel, WLLR 103.7, Green Family Auto, Green Family Hyundai, Green Buick GMC, Green Chevrolet Chrysler, and WHBF-TV IOWA FALLS A raucous town hall meeting frequently interrupted by shouted questions, insults and do your job chants was a great example of making the process of representative government work, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley said Tuesday. What youve just seen is the best way to do it, Grassley, R-Iowa, said about communicating with constituents. His early morning meeting at a volunteer fire department station in the north central Iowa town of Iowa Falls drew a couple of hundred people. Judging from the comments and questions during the hour-long forum, most did not support his re-election last fall to a seventh term. Its just part of the job, Grassley said about his visits to all 99 counties every year for the past 36 years. We have a responsibility to have dialogue with our constituents, Grassley told reporters later. What I just did is the best way to do it. Over the course of an hour, Grassley fielded about 15 questions, many hostile toward him, President Donald Trump and Republicans, in general. Unlike his more typical town hall meetings, the questions speeches, often were longer, Grassleys answers shorter, and there was less discussion. That, he said, was unfortunate but an accommodation he was willing to make. I dont think people had a chance to hear me as much as they normally would because there were long speeches and some applause and some interference, so they didnt get my point of view, Grassley said. But if they want me to listen to them, Im willing to listen to them. What he heard told him weve got issues that people feel very strongly about. He appreciated the input on the Affordable Care Act, which congressional Republicans and the president say they will repeal and replace. He hasnt had many opportunities to discuss that at town hall meetings, so I think that was a good thing to hear from people. As confrontational as the meeting was, Grassley said it was nowhere near as intense as meetings on President Barack Obamas proposed health care overhaul in the summer of 2009. Its nothing compared to 2009, he said. I went through this in 2009. If you get through it in 2009, this is not a problem. In that spirit, Clear Lake farmer and Democratic activist Chris Peterson offered Grassley a gift. I got a present for you, if you want them," he said before giving Grassley an earful on family farms, the EPA, health care and more. Theyre called Tums, and youre going to need them in the next few years. Grassley appreciated the offer but told reporters it wasnt necessary. The only time I need Tums is when I have chocolate ice cream before I go to bed, Grassley said. D uring the past three years, it seems as if time has slowed down. I know thats not scientifically possible, but still something has change... Despite a shortfall of revenue at the state level and a downturn in the agricultural economy, officials in Chadron are cautiously optimistic about the citys prospects. Thats how Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation Director Deb Cottier described her outlook for Chadron Monday based on the number of inquiries shes had about the city and the activity with NNDCs revolving loan fund. The city is also on target to reach its projections for sales tax receipts for this fiscal year, said Councilman Mark Werner after reviewing a report on current collections of sales tax. The council also approved a re-plat that will make it possible for a developer to move forward with the construction of a new retail business on the east end of the city. The re-plat was approved on a 4-0 vote with Mayor John Coates abstaining, as he has an interest in the property that was sub-divided. Coates owns the property in Block 8 of the Ridgeview Subdivision First Addition with three other individuals. The lot, which is near Wahlstrom Ford, Health and Human Services and College Heights Academy, is currently vacant. A buyer for the lot is in place, and the citys building and zoning administrator, Janet Johnson, told the council Monday she has viewed architectural drawings for the new construction slated to begin this spring. Coates declined to comment on the plans for the lot, saying the developer will release those details in the future. The city has collected more than $489,000 in general sales tax funds since the beginning of the fiscal year in October and another $163,000 in sales tax allocated for the aquatic center. Sales tax is received by the city roughly two months after it is collected. Monies for the general sales tax received in October totaled more than $125,000, an increase from the year prior. Novembers figures dropped by more than $11,000 from the year prior, but receipts in December and January combined for an increase of approximately $31,000 over the previous fiscal year. The city is budgeted to receive nearly $1.4 million in general sales tax revenue this fiscal year and another $457,000 in sales tax targeted specifically for the pool project. At NNDC, Cottier said the agency has two loan applications pending and a third applicant possibly seeking funding through the revolving loan fund. The agency has only enough funds left to take care of one application, and will be helping the other applicants find assistance elsewhere through the citys LB840 or CDBG revolving fund or the Panhandle Area Development District revolving fund. In other business, the council approved the one-and-six-year street plan and asked for estimates on how much it would cost to widen North Main Street to 38 feet. The council is interested in possibly widening that street to enhance safety and access to the citys industrial area on East Niobrara Street. The council also approved the agreement with Chadron State College to provide a college resource officer to the campus. CSC pays for 10 months of the officers salary as part of the agreement. Bids were awarded to Fuller Construction for a water main loop project on Pine Crest Drive and to R&J Industries for the 10th Street parking project. Nebraska Public Power District has updated the Chadron Community Guide, which serves as a tool to recruit new industry, businesses and professionals to the area. The guide includes information on geography, economic development, labor, market access, infrastructure, communications, tax structure, local government, education, quality of life, community services, agriculture and raw materials and climate. It is available at econdev.nppd.com. ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. | The command chief of an installation leads its enlisted force and serves as the primary advisor to the commander on matters concerning morale, welfare, war-fighting effectiveness, operational utilization and professional development. So, it takes a certain kind of Airman to lead more than 2,500 Ellsworth Raiders. Chief Master Sgt. Adam Vizi and his wife, Gina, arrived at Ellsworth Dec. 10, 2016, with Vizi assuming command chief duties right away. Before arriving, he served as the chief enlisted manager for the 607th Air Support Operations Group at Osan Air Base, South Korea. Vizi previously served as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller weapons officer and an instructor and evaluator at the unit and major command levels. Col. Gentry Boswell, 28th Bomb Wing commander, introduced Vizi at a commanders call in January; however, we wanted to delve a little deeper into who the new 28th Bomb Wing command chief really is. Sergeant Staker: Tell me a little about yourself where are you from, how did you grow up, how long have you been in the Air Force? Chief Vizi: I am one of four kids, I have three sisters and am originally from Youngstown, Ohio. My sisters used to pick on me a lot but I think thats where I get my toughness from being beat up by girls. I spent two years in college and struggled with classes. And after I finished my English 101 class, I was tired of wasting my parents money, so I went into the recruiters office and asked how soon can you get me out of here? A month later, in 1994, I was in basic training. I wanted to do something different with my life, I needed some discipline, direction not that I wasnt getting it from my folks, but I thought I knew everything and then realized quickly that I didnt, so I wanted some structure. SS: How was the recruiting process for you? CV: Initially I tried to be a combat controller and spent about two months going through the pararescue pipeline. After an unsuccessful attempt at that, I realized that something else was in store for me. I went to talk with the Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) recruiter at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas, and went to Hurlburt Field, Florida, in January 1995. SS: Did you intend on making the Air Force a career? CV: At first I did not, to be honest. I was in Germany weighing my options, kind of like our informed decision class here at Ellsworth, and thought Im going to take the Montgomery GI Bill, go back to my home town, and try to finish my college degree. But life happens. Like I tell everybody, have a plan. I put in an application to do special duty technical school instructor and I eventually got hired to be an instructor down at Hurlburt Field, so that prompted me to reenlist. And after that experience down at the tech school I was all in, plus 9/11 happened and we got to go and do bad things to bad people. Also, another event that happened was I met my wife. We became a team at that point, and Ive been moving her around the world. Weve been doing awesome things in both the TACP community and now as a command chief. I also have to commend her on her service, and even though shes not wearing the uniform she still serves. But she was one of the deciding factors on why we continue to serve. She supports me in doing what I do, and its awesome to have a good support team. SS: Tell me a little more about being a TACP and what that entailed CV: One of my main missions was to advise ground force commanders on the capability the Air Force brings, both kinetically and non-kinetically. Its taken me all over the world. My first assignment was to Fort Drum, New York, and while I was there I had the opportunity to go to multiple training exercises, I also got to go to the jungle operations training course in Panama, which was an amazing opportunity to go and learn how to survive and operate under triple canopy in jungle-dense terrain. (Editors note: The chief has also been to South Korea three times, Germany, Hawaii, Florida, Colorado and Nevada.) While stationed in Hawaii, I went to Headquarters Pacific Command where I got to do some staff work, which was very eye opening when youre organizing, training and equipping forces assigned to a Major Command. That was very rewarding to me. (Editors note: Vizi was also selected to become one of seven initial cadre members to develop the curriculum at the U.S. Air Force Weapons School. He was the first superintendent to go through the course and to push the first enlisted weapons officers through the school.) Just to take it a step further, as a TACP controlling air strikes is a very detailed, finite procedure where you work with any asset that drops bombs in a kinetic environment bombers, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, F-16s, A-10s, F-15s, AC-130s. Anything that puts bombs into close proximity to friendly forces, thats where the JTACs come into play. Ive gotten to do it in multiple training environments, but have also gotten to do it in combat. SS: Why did you become a command chief? CV: I wanted to become a command chief because I feel that every Airman has a story, and mines kind of different. Through my passings with people, theyve asked me tell me about TACP. I feel as a command chief, I have a good starting point to get through to Airmen, coming from a battlefield Airman perspective. I think it fosters good two-way communication. As a command chief, you get exposure to First Term Airman Center, Airman Leadership School, and other professional military education environments thats one of the things Im passionate about is developing people and just making people better at what they do. SS: Whenever you found out you were coming to Ellsworth to be our command chief, what did you think about that? Were you excited, nervous? CV: Colonel Boswell called and hired me after interviewing me. I was kind of shocked at first. It was the first interview I had taken to be a command chief, and gratefully Colonel Boswell asked if I would be his command chief. I was absolutely honored and said 100 percent yes. I was excited for the opportunity, and then started looking up the things that this wing does and the B-1. Its a good fit for me because Ive controlled B-1s in both training and combat. My learning curve has been steep coming from a TACP background, we dont have Maintenance Groups and Mission Support Groups that support us because were normally on Army forts. Its been amazing getting to see our folks and hearing how passionate they are about what it is that they do. (Editors note: A feature story detailing the chiefs first-hand, battlefield experience with the B-1 bomber will be posted to www.ellsworth.af.mil.) SS: What are your priorities as a command chief? CV: My main priorities are to advise the wing commander on morale, welfare and proper utilization of the enlisted force, and also to foster and develop successful teams. Im a big fan of joint professional military education, and Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, who is now the senior enlisted advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has a program thats called Backbone University. One of my initiatives for approval is to take this two-day event based off the NCO and petty officer handbook, which is called the backbone, and focus on our senior airmen through technical sergeants. Thats going to my primary target audience for this PME environment, which is our backbone. Thats where we develop our replacements. Its also aligning with Gen. David Goldfeins, Air Force Chief of Staff, priority of creating a more joint-minded force. SS: What are you most looking forward to doing or learning as our command chief? CV: One of the things Im most looking forward to is developing a culture of trust where Airmen can feel wholeheartedly like they will be able to talk to any NCO, senior enlisted leader, or officer and know that our team trusts each other. I am going to do that through teamwork, face-to-face interaction, and getting out to hear our Airmens stories. Every Airman has a story and I want to hear it. I really do. You dont get change or buy-in unless you have the voice of the majority, which is our junior enlisted. The enlisted force on this base is the predominant of our folks, so I want to hear whats on our Airmens minds. SS: If you could give them any advice what would it be? CV: First I would tell all of our people Airman, officer, civilian, spouse be good to each other. Also, be the best that you can be where you are. If youre not proactive in your job, then I challenge each and every one of our people when you come here to Team Ellsworth, I want you to be better at something. Go out of here better at something than when you came in. I know a lot of folks focus on the social aspect; if youre going to be social, do things that are going to positively impact your career. Dont drink and drive, have a plan, hold each other accountable, utilize safe ride. It should be part of your going in plan but it shouldnt be your only. I just want to alleviate our DUIs and alcohol related incidents. If we start treating each other with respect and dignity and start holding each other accountable, those things will go away. SS: Anything else to add? CV: Invest in yourself, thrift savings plan, 401 have a little bit of coin in your pocket. I understand 10 percent of our enlisted force go on to do 20 years. So to our junior members, the mass population of our base, I would challenge you to invest in yourself. Education, money, family, whatever its going to be. (Editors note: The chief recently attended a basic military training graduation, where he saw 800 new Airmen who were fired up and ready to move forward with their careers.) Dont forget that feeling you had when you graduated basic training. Then you go to tech school, and then you come to your base and you kind of lose that fire. I dont want folks to lose that fire. Im going to challenge them to remember that theyre part of a profession of arms, that theyre in the military, and we wear this uniform for a reason to defend our constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic. We all take the same oath. Also, to reinvigorate what it means to be an NCO and lead airmen, and have good, professional relationships with people. I want to foster that and get people back to the basics, and to remember why we serve. When we graduated basic training, that fire in our gut. I want to be part of something bigger than me. Thats the other thing we need to hurdle as a team, is it isnt about you, especially as an NCO or senior NCO. Its not about you. Its about Airmen. Its about the team. HOT SPRINGS - Better Choices, Better Health SD (BCBH) is a collaborative partnership between the South Dakota Department of Health, SDSU Extension and South Dakota Department of Social Services to teach South Dakotans with chronic health conditions ways to manage the impact of their diseases on their lives. A Better Choices, Better Health workshop in Hot Springs will begin on Wednesday March 1 from 12:00 Noon to 2:30 PM at Fall River Health Services, 1201 Highway 71 South, Hot Springs. The BCBH program is offered as six weekly two-and-a-half-hour workshop sessions with interactive group discussion. It is not a support group but rather a workshop on how to make small steps toward positive changes and a healthier life. BCBH, an extension of Stanford Universitys Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, is not disease specific, and is designed for those with any chronic condition(s). This may include, but is not limited to: arthritis, heart problems, diabetes, depression, cancer, chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety and weight issues. BCBH workshops benefit caregivers and support people for those living with a chronic condition as well. Living with a chronic condition can be difficult. In the workshops, participants learn skills and techniques to manage the impact of their chronic condition and gain the self-confidence they need to take charge of their health, said Lori Oster, Better Choices, Better Health Program Coordinator. We welcome all interested adults to attend a workshop and learn how they can take charge and live healthier lives. Stanford University research demonstrates that participants who complete the BCBH program experience better overall health, have more energy and less fatigue, have fewer visits to the doctor, and enjoy an improved quality of life. As one workshop participant said, As someone who has lived with chronic illness for more than 40 years, the tools I learned in the workshop took me from surviving to thriving! I thought the course would be just a lecture, but everyone participated and helped each other. It was comforting to find out that I am not alone. The BCBH program has trained nearly 500 South Dakotans in chronic disease self-management since October 2014. Workshops and trainings are offered across the state. For more information please visit www.betterchoicesbetterhealthsd.org or email us at sdsu.betterchoicesbetterhealth@sdstate.edu. For questions or to register for this workshop, contact Ebun Adelona at 605-745-4265 or by e-mail at eade1008@hotmail.com. A toll-free number is also available: call 1-888-484-3800 or register online at www.goodandhealthysd.org/bcbhregister. New Business Manager hired HOT SPRINGS A review of the FY16 Independent Auditors Report at the regular meeting of the Hot Springs School Board on Monday, Feb. 13, revealed to board members that the district is on a financially precarious path. Deidre Budahl, a CPA with the Rapid City-based Casey Peterson & Associates, presented the findings of her firms recently conducted audit of the schools FY2016 financials (July 2015-June 2016) which found a total of four items related to Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Three of the four were termed Material Weaknesses with the other termed a Significant Deficiency which is considered less severe than a Material Weakness. While two of the three Material Weaknesses are something Budahl said the District will always have due to the size of the business staff and not being able to segregate certain duties, including the preparation of their own financial reporting, the most noteworthy and relevant finding was labeled 2016-003. This weakness cited that there is a lack of oversight and monitoring of the Districts finances. The audit stated, Several funds of the District are reporting negative fund balances as of June 30, 2016. In relation to this weakness, the published audit report went on to say that, The District should be monitoring the budget and adjusting spending where appropriate if revenues are not being received as anticipated. In addition, the District should consider reducing expenditures in order to recover the deficit in some funds. Some of the discoveries due to this weakness were that the Special Education, Pension and Food Service funds are all reporting negative fund balances as of June 30, 2016. In addition, the General and Capital Outlay funds will report negative fund balances in the future if changes in budgeting and spending are not made immediately. These negative fund balances contributed to the school district needing to draw significant money from their reserves to make up for the deficits in 2016. That fact was emphasized in the reports Financial Highlights where it stated, the Districts revenues generated from taxes and other revenues of the governmental and business-type programs were $346,891 less than the $8,272,488 of governmental and business-type expenses. This dollar amount represented a 4.56 percent decrease in the net financial position of the district during FY2016. During discussion of the audit at the board meeting, Superintendent Kevin Coles asked Budahl what the future impact on the district would be should enrollment decrease? Youre in big trouble, Budahl answered, adding that she did not see any West River schools benefitting from South Dakotas new state aid formula, which has been modified for FY2017 from being based on a two-year enrollment average to now based on a schools actual enrollment each year on the last Friday of September. One of the primary sources of revenue to school districts is based on a per student allocation received from the State of South Dakota. This state aid formula is designed to ensure that property taxes plus state aid equal $4,876.76 per student. The Hot Springs School Districts enrollment numbers have been mostly stable over the past six years, topping out at 814 students in 2011 and dropping down as low as 798 in 2013. For the past three years however, the school has been at 802 to 803 students each year. While the impact of the new formula is currently unknown, the Auditors Report said other factors involved with this funding source may impair the Districts ability to fund future projects. A pie chart within the audit report showed the Hot Springs School District receiving 50 percent of its funding through taxes, along with 31 percent from State Sources and 13 percent from Operating Grants and Contributions, with only about 2 percent from sources which the District had any direct control over (for example food service rates). The fact that 98 percent of the schools funding comes from sources beyond its direct control, puts the District like most public schools in a position of high exposure to financial difficulties. A similar pie chart showed how the schools expenses are allocated with 53 percent toward Instruction, 38 percent to Support Services, with only 5 percent to Cocurricular Activities and 4 percent to Food Service. Board member Mark Walton asked Budahl how the Hot Springs School Districts teacher pay compared to other area school districts? Budahl said, that based on the amount of the schools budgeted payroll of approximately $670,000 and the number of FTEs (full time equivalent) employees, Hot Springs had an average salary of $46,000, while most schools of similar size in the area have an average salary of $39,000 to $40,000. Coles noted that these audited numbers are also based on FY2016, which was prior to the FY2017 statewide bump in teacher pay due to the half percent sales tax increase. Coles also pointed out, that while a review of FY2016 highlighted some troubling concerns, a number of budgetary initiatives in FY2017 have already started to show favorable returns, including a savings of approximately $15,000 thus far this year due to changing the districts food service provider, and an additional $12,500 in electrical savings due to the conversion to LED lighting throughout the district. During Budahls presentation, she also shared a number graphs which helped paint a picture of the Districts financial situation. Included in that presentation was a pair of bar graphs one showing a Quick Ratio comparing the total cash to current liabilities, and another showing Interperiod Equity which is achieved when the cost of current services are paid by current year taxpayers. According to the graph, a Quick Ratio of 1.0 to 1 indicates adequate current liquidity and an ability to meet short-term obligations with cash. In 2013, the District had a Quick Ratio of 1.55 to 1, meaning there was more than enough short-term cash available. That ratio however has been steadily going down to where the District now shows a Quick Ratio of .75 to 1, which indicates that the District does not have sufficient cash to pay short-term liabilities. The Interperiod Equity graph for the district showed that in FY2016 the General Fund (96%), the Special Education Fund (82%) and the Capital Outlay Fund (76%) all came up short of being 100 percent equitable. This indicates the districts total costs were not fully funded by current year revenues, so reserves were used to cover those costs meaning either past or future taxpayers helped fund the cost of current year services. The fourth and final finding the one termed a Significant Deficiency as part of the Auditors Report was related to how the District had been paying all personnel (exempt and non-exempt) as if they were salaried throughout the year. It was noted during that board meeting that this was at one time an acceptable way to pay school staff, but most school districts changed that method several years ago. The audit noted that it was discovered in FY2016 than an employee was overpaid $100 due to the now improper method, which is also cumbersome and prone to error. The District has since changed this method of determining payroll for non-exempt staff, so it will not be an issue moving forward. When contacted by the Hot Springs Star later in the week, after the board meeting, regarding the Audit Report, Supt. Coles said the Districts first order of business was to schedule a session to meet with Budahl so they could better understand the specifics of the findings. Coles said the biggest thing he took away from the initial Audit Report was that the district needs to do a better job of getting accurate information. As noted during the audit discussion, many of the financial issues that arose during the audit period were due to revenues not meeting their budgeted projections. One of the Financial Highlights of the report stated, County reports on outstanding taxes due to the district have proven to be unreliable. The District needs to start tracking this on a monthly basis. It should also be noted that the Hot Springs School District includes portions of both Custer and Fall River Counties. When questioned as to how the District plans to address the disparity in revenues falling short of costs, Coles noted how the vast majority of the Districts costs fall under Instruction and that the best opportunity to reduce costs was to address that area of the budget. He said its going to take some creative thinking to find the solution, and similar to how most downtown businesses address financial struggles, he hopes staff reduction through attrition resignation, retirement, or other voluntary means will help provide a less painful alternative. In other business: - Supt. Coles recognized and thanked the school board members for their commitment to the District as part of School Board Recognition Week. See photo and story page ???? - Board members thanked outgoing Business Manager Lori Libra for her hard work and dedication as part of the administrative business staff. Libra recently stepped down as Business Manager and accepted the position of Data & Technology Coordinator a position vacated by Deana Castro in September. Since that time, the District has been recruiting for a new Business Manager. Coles said Deb Ollerich will start on Monday, Feb. 20 as the Districts new Business Manager. She comes to Hot Springs from eastern South Dakota, where she was at one time the Business Manager at the Harrisburg School District. Coles said she has been on hiatus for a short time, but is anxious to make the move to the Black Hills and once again serve students. On one corner, people held signs saying, Make America think again and Build bridges, not walls. Across the street, the signs said, God bless our presidents and Veterans for Trump. Both sides waved flags to celebrate a nation where the First Amendment guarantees not only the right to freedom of speech, but also "the right of the people peaceably to assemble." You can love your country and still disagree. So whether you love President Trump or hate him, there was a group at the corner of Omaha Street and Mount Rushmore Road for you Monday afternoon. A Not My President Presidents Day rally held at the northwest corner of Omaha Street and Mount Rushmore Road was joined by a separate demonstration in support of Trump at the northeast corner, organized by Pennington County Republicans. Both groups of demonstrators vied for the attention of passing motorists at the busy intersection. Police officers were present and the event remained peaceful. Les Pilgrim traveled from Custer with neighbors to join the pro-Trump demonstration of about 75 other people. He said the message is clear. I wanted my voice to be heard, Pilgrim said. We were supporters from the start, and were tired of being silent. The message is Its about time. Weve waited for a long time for a true patriot to come along, and we have one. Steve Gates, a 25-year-old real estate agent, said he was considering attending the pro-Trump event and ultimately decided to come after he heard about the Not My President event. I think a lot of people in America, especially a lot of people in our good city, support Donald Trump, and sometimes its hard to tell that by the way social media looks or even the way the news looks, Gates said. Sometimes people just want to see people they agree with. The approximately 150 people in the Not My President demonstration seemed to share the same motivation. Lily Crooks couldnt vote in Novembers election; shes just 17. Nonetheless, she decided to spend her day off from school to let people know that despite the results of the election in South Dakota, a deep red state, there are still pockets of blue. Im just trying to come out here because I didnt see a lot of people my age out here, and I wanted to make sure that people knew that it was represented by people of all ages, Crooks said, noting that most of the people in her U.S. government class supported Trump. I dont care which political group you affiliate yourself with as long as you have an answer as to why, Crooks said. Because a lot of people dont. Jo, a retired environmental engineer for 23 years who didn't want to give her last name, said environmental concerns were just one reason she opposed President Trump and his administration. I believe in truth, facts, science, she said. I wanted to be here to be a part of the head count and let people know that there is an alternative side in Rapid City. I feel like were going backwards. He (Trump) said, Drain the swamp. I think he just filled it up and let in a bunch of alligators." Suzanne Martley was the chief organizer of the Not My President rally and said the day provided a perfect opportunity to express the expectations people have for the presidency. On Presidents Day we should be thinking about the kinds of qualities we want to see in a president, the kind of qualities that we valued through history, Martley said at the end of the event. Honesty, integrity, humility, public service, stewardship, kindness, dialogue those kinds of things. The Rapid City rally was far from the only one. Similar protests challenging the Trump administrations policies were held in cities across the United States including New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Washington, D.C., Salt Lake City and Portland, Ore. Though the chants of supporters from both rallies were occasionally in opposition, people from both sides of Mount Rushmore Road said they were here for unity, not division. We dont hate the folks across the street, said Rapid City resident Bruce Bedard. A broad smile across his face and a Trump T-shirt covering his torso, Bedard waved an American flag to passers-by as he preached love over hatred. I sure wish the guy with the gay pride flag would have come over here because we love them, Bedard said. Theres no hate here. Gates agreed. I wouldnt say its oppositional because I dont want to create a divide or further the divide thats already there, he said. As the Not My President demonstrators packed away signs and rolled their American and rainbow flags up for another day, organizer Martley motioned to the demonstrators across the street. They have a right to be there," she said. "We have a right to be here. UGLY: On the same day the state Senate voted 66-0 to limit gifts that lawmakers can receive from lobbyists (food and beverages exempted naturally), two lobbyists thought it would be funny to give lawmakers candy-filled gold watches to make an apparent statement about the legislation. Four lawmakers, including Sens. Jeff Partridge and Terri Haverly of Rapid City, joined in the fun by flashing their toy watches for a reporter who then took a picture that was published in Wednesdays Rapid City Journal. One of the lobbyists, Linda Schauer of Leola, explained to the reporter that the gifts were a joke. Supporters of Initiated Measure 22, or the Anti-Corruption Act, that the Legislature repealed earlier in the session didnt see the humor, however. It was a bit disconcerting to see lawmakers openly proclaim their relationship with lobbyists while putting their sense of humor on display for all to see. BAD: While lawmakers have considered such important bills as when to turn your vehicles headlights on or whether liquor can be delivered to our homes, theyve done precious little to boost the states economic development efforts even as sales tax collections dwindle and the agriculture industry struggles with declining cattle and grain prices. Lawmakers, however, can take a small step in the right direction by approving Senate Bill 135, which would allow country of origin labeling, a bill strongly backed by the states cattle industry. While you might think a bill like this would be a slam dunk in South Dakota, the measure was only approved on a 5-3 vote in a Senate committee. Among those who opposed the measure was Sen. Blake Curd of Sioux Falls, the Senate Republican leader. GOOD: Rick and Chris VanNess are helping shine a light on Hill City. The couple has been showing recent release and classic movies since November in the upper level of the Chute Rooster restaurant in the southern Black Hills community. The theater can seat between 80 and 100 movie fans. The couple, who are the founders of the annual Black Hills Film Festival, only charge $5 to see a movie. For those who want something to eat, pizza can be ordered from the nearby Silver Dollar Saloon. Movies are shown on Saturdays and Sundays. Later this month, the theater will be featuring 2016 films Arrival and Hacksaw Ridge. By bringing the movies to Hill City, the couple is adding another attraction to a community that is devoted to the arts. Preliminary investigation into new case against Browder complete - lawyer MOSCOW, February 21 (RAPSI, Oleg Sivozhelezov) Preliminary investigation into separate criminal case against Hermitage Capital Management CEO William Browder has been completed, RAPSI learnt from his lawyer Alexander Antipov on Tuesday. He noted that Browder is charged with several economic crimes, including deliberate bankruptcy and tax evasion. Antipov added that investigation into Browder was completed within the shortest possible time, from February 8 to 17, 2017. However, neither defendant nor his legal team were notified about investigation. According to Antipov, this fact exemplifies secret justice and violates law. The lawyer said that Browder is not on the international wanted list despite contrary claims by law enforcement representatives. On Monday, press-secretary of the Moscows Tverskoy District Court, Anastasia Dzyurko told RAPSI that the court had issued an arrest warrant for Browder in absentia. Browders defense lawyers have already filed an appeal against the ruling. The hearing date has not been scheduled yet. Earlier, the Tverskoy District Court arrested Browder in absentia on charges of embezzling stock of Russias oil giant Gazprom. However, the United Kingdom refused to extradite its national. According to Russian authorities, Browder illegally bought over 130 million Gazprom shares worth at least 2 billion rubles ($32.6 million at the current exchange rate) at a lower, intra-market price through a Russian company he controlled, Kameya LLC, which amounts to large financial loss for Russia. Earlier, a Russian court sentenced Browder in absentia to nine years in a penal colony. The court found that in 1997-2002, Hermitage Capital auditor Sergei Magnitsky created and applied an illegal tax evasion scheme in the interests of Browder. Magnitsky worked for Firestone Duncan and represented Hermitage Capital, which the Russian authorities accused of tax evasion. Magnitsky was arrested on fraud charges in November 2008 and found dead in a Moscow detention center in November 2009. The lawyers death provoked an international outcry. In July 2013, Moscows Tverskoy District Court found Magnitsky guilty of tax evasion and closed the case due to his death. According to the case materials, Magnitskys and Hermitage Capital director William Browders actions cost Russia over 500 million rubles (over $8 million). Lawyers ask Committee of Ministers to take measures after Navalnys Kirovles retrial MOSCOW, February 21 (RAPSI) Lawyers representing Russian opposition politician Alexey Navalny, who has earlier been sentenced in Kirovles embezzlement case for the second time, asked the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to exercise any and all available options to assist in the execution of the judgment, according to documents available to RAPSI. On February 8, Navalny was found guilty of organizing embezzlement at the Kirovles timber company for the second time and received a 5-year suspended sentence, while another defendant in the case, Pyotr Ofitserov, received a 4-year suspended sentence. Additionally, they were fined 500,000 rubles ($8,500) each. Practicing lawyers Karinna Moskalenko and Olga Mikhaylova note that new sentence issued after retrial is almost identical to previous one, found to be in violation of the European Convention of Human Rights by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). Lawyers believe that Russian court disregarded findings of the ECHR, notably its refusal to pass any motions and requests filed by Navalnys defense. In addition, according to lawyers, Navalny has already served his time after first trial. Lawyers note that Russian state is unwilling to exercise judgement of the ECHR in this case preventing Navalny from participating in political activities and violates his civil and political rights. As such they request the Committee of Ministers to examine this case under the enhanced procedure. In November, the Supreme Court overturned sentences against Navalny and Ofitserov in Kirovles embezzlement case and sent it for retrial. The court delivered the ruling taking into consideration the judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). In February 2016, ECHR held that the applicants right to a fair trial had been violated and ordered Russian authorities to compensate Navalny with 48,000 of legal costs and Ofitserov with 22,000. Additionally, Russia was obliged by court to pay 8,000 euro each in damages. Russias Justice Ministry filed a request seeking referral of the case to the Grand Chamber of the Strasbourg Court, but it was dismissed. Navalny was given a five-year suspended sentence for embezzlement at the Kirovles timber company in July 2013. Later, Moscow's Lyublinsky District Court increased a probation period for him to 5.5 years. Ofitserov received a four-year suspended sentence. According to investigators, while serving on a voluntary basis as an adviser to the Kirov Region governor Navalny organized the theft of over 10,000 cubic meters of timber from Kirovles company between May and September 2009. Investigators claimed that Pyotr Ofitserov, then Director of Vyatka Timber Company, and Kirovles CEO Vyacheslav Opalyov were involved in the scheme. Proceedings against Opalyov were treated as a separated criminal case after he had admitted his guilt. Stephen D. Bryen and Shoshana Bryen The president is being asked by the Pentagon to provide U.S. ground troops to fight ISIS in Syria. If the president is wise, he will run as fast as he can the other way. There are four potential traps here: The cost in American lives; The nature of the Syrian civil war that encompasses the fight against ISIS, which means we may find ourselves on the battlefield with Russia, Iran, and the genocidal government of Syria; Finding ourselves with the Turks against the Kurds; and Finding ourselves with the Kurds against the Turks. Syria is a quagmire ask the Russians. The late 2016 battle for Aleppo required heavy bombing; massive artillery; and even, allegedly, chemical weapons. In Aleppo overall, there were 31,000 casualties 22,633 men, 2, 849 women, and 4,548 children. Overall, 76% of the casualties were civilian. Most were caused by Russian bombing and Syrian government and allied troops Hezb'allah and Iran on the ground. Daily operations in Syria are under Russian-Syrian cognizance. The Russians supply air power, combat intelligence, and special operations, targeting anti-regime forces and leaders they want to liquidate. Syrian army forces, Iranian-backed forces (many of them irregular and imported from Pakistan and Afghanistan), and Hezb'allah do the dirty work on the ground. The Russians are determined to minimize their own casualties. After the Afghan debacle 13,310 dead, 35,478 wounded, and more than 300 missing the Russian public has a low tolerance for battlefield casualties, and in today's world where the internet reigns supreme, keeping news about deadly encounters from the Russian people is a losing battle, and the authorities know it. Some, including Russian president Vladimir Putin, have proposed that the U.S. team up with Russia. But Defense Secretary James Mattis has said that while we might find ways to cooperate politically, direct military collaboration with the Russians is not in the cards, most importantly because the U.S. arms and trains some Syrian rebels the Russians call "terrorists" and against whom they and the Syrian government are fighting. It is inconceivable that the U.S. would fight in coordination with Russia's allies, Iran and Hezb'allah who pose a grave threat to Israel, threaten American sailors in the Persian Gulf, and support Saudi Arabia's enemy, the Houthi rebels in Yemen. In addition to their battle standards being anathema to Americans, the potential for U.S. casualties in Syria is high. The Second Battle of Fallujah was the most costly engagement for American forces since Hue, Vietnam in 1968. In Fallujah in 2004-05, U.S. Marines and coalition forces committed more than 13,000 troops and lost 95 men with 560 wounded. In the town, some 35,000 of the total 50,000 homes were destroyed by artillery, bombing, and street fighting. While the U.S. eventually forced al-Qaeda out, victory secured Fallujah not for long. Fighting ISIS in Syria would produce casualties on the same order of magnitude. H.R. McMaster, newly appointed NSC advisor to President Trump, knows this better than almost anyone he commanded the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Tel Afar, Iraq, ousting al-Qaeda from the city in 2004, and worked with Gen. Petraeus to rewrite the Army's Counterinsurgency Field Manual during his command of the Combined Arms Center in 2007-08. Then there is the question of Turkey, which claims that its agenda is to knock off ISIS but is really looking to knock off Kurds whom the Turks consider terrorists. Turkey wants to import a replacement population to Kurdish territory, beginning with the placement of "safe zones" for Syrian Sunnis in the Kurdish areas and demanding control of ISIS-held Raqqa after its liberation. Turkey is a NATO ally, so the U.S. should be inclined to work with it despite the increasing authoritarianism of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. But to the fourth point, the U.S. arms and trains Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria because they are the most effective fighters on the ground and have the best strategy against ISIS. The Kurds are absolutely vital to the fight in Mosul, Iraq. Without Kurdish forces, the Mosul offensive probably would collapse, and with it, the Iraqi government itself might fall. While the U.S. agrees with Turkey that the PKK (Turkish Workers' Party) is a terror organization, the YPG, the fighting arm, is part of the U.S. fighting alliance. The Russians are also courting the Kurds, believing they can exert pressure on the Turkish position. While there is a rapprochement between Turkey and Russia, it is suspect and unstable. The Russians have given the Kurds a semi-official office in Moscow, permitted them to hold large political meetings, and built Kurdish autonomy into Russian proposals for a future Syrian constitution. This is tricky turf, so at Astana, Kazakhstan, where the political reconciliation talks between Syria and the opposition are being managed by the Russians, the Kurds as political parties were not represented. Kurdish interests are handled by the Syrian government delegation, ostensibly because the Kurdish territories are part of Syria. So, after dealing with the potential for American military casualties on the scale of the Iraq war; Syrian/Hezb'allah/Iranian/Russian political objectives and military tactics; and the conundrum of our relations with Turkey and the Kurds and their divergent objectives, there remains the question of the size of any operation, the cost in equipment and manpower, and whether ground operations against ISIS can be sustained without a massive investment. If the U.S. were to launch any serious ground operation to defeat ISIS, the U.S. could not at the same time keep sufficient forces in Europe to defend NATO. In fact, the entire strategy to rebuild NATO would be in abeyance or dead. This would hand Putin an exceptional victory in the West. In sum, the Pentagon recommendation lacks credibility. It is a trap, a killer, and damaging to America. President Trump should send it back where it came from with a big red X scrawled on the paper. Kathmandu, Nepal: Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Yu Hong called on Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba at latter's residence in Budhanilkantha on Tuesday. During the meeting the duo had discussed on ranges of issues including the recent political development of the country and the ways to strengthen the bilateral relation between the two neighboring countries. According to the source, Chinese Ambassador Hong welcomed the government decision to hold local level election. Clearing about the looming confusion the government had on Monday announced the date for local level elections. The welcoming note from the northern neighbor China to the government decision to announce the date for the local level elections is taken meaningfully in the political and diplomatic level as another southern neighbor India has not spoken about the government decision to hold local level elections on May 14. MORANG, Feb 21: More than 100 pairs of gays and lesbians from Morang are deprived of their right to marriage in the absence of the law legalizing their marriage, said Blue Diamond Society. More than 100 couples of gays and lesbians from Morang are waiting to tie the knot legally, informed Madhav Dulal, Morang branch information officer of the Society at a press conference organized today by the Society and the Paribartansil Samaj. He said they want to get married publically. "Although the Supreme Court has allowed marriageable-age gays and lesbians to live together, marriage between them is yet to be accepted legally," he said. Likewise on the occasion, Chairman of Samaj Biratnagar branch Muskan Shrestha said marked progress could not be made in terms of empowering gays and lesbians in the district through various income-generating program and training for want of adequate budget. There are approximately 11,000 gays, lesbians and third genders in the district, according to available data. RSS Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has called an all-party meeting at 3:00 pm on Tuesday to discuss about the future course of the politics after declaring the date for the local level elections. In the meeting called at the Parliament building in New Baneshwar, all the leaders of the party represent in the parliament including the agitating Madhes based parties are invited, an official at the parliament secretariat said preferring anonymity. The government has decided to hold the local level elections on May 14. Following the government decision to announce the polls date, the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front announced protest program against the polls date. Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal urged the media persons to play constructive role to make success the local election. Unveiling the journalist- shrine constructed in the premises of Press Council Nepal on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Dahal made such an urge to the media to institutionalize the federal democratic system by implementing the constitution. The media, which had played a positive role to make success the popular movement and to bring the recent changes, need play a supportive role again to make success the local level elections; Prime Minister Dahal said. The government has declared the date for local level elections but necessary help to make success the election is must from different quarters, Prime Minister Dahal said highlighting the role of the media. During the function, Prime Minister Dahal also made commitment for necessary assistance from the government side for the development and institutionalize the media and the Press council. Minister for information and communication Ram Karki also urged the media to play a constructive role to make transparent the society and the political parties. During the function, chairman of the Press council Borna Bahadur Karki, Chairman of the Federation of Nepali Journalists Dr. Mahendra Bista and Press Council Nepals member and senior journalist Kishowr Shrestha also highlighted the role of the media. Kathmandu , Nepal the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) has boycotted the meeting called by the prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on tuesday afternoon . The UDMF leaders did not present in the meeting saying that they are away to Kathmandu . The UDMF leaders had already announced their protest program against the government decision to announce the date for the local level election . prime minister Dahal had called the meeting to discuss about the situation after fixing the date for the local level elections . Kathmandu, Nepal: Renowned comedian couple Sitaram Kattel, who is branded with nick name Dhurmus, and Kunjana Ghimire, who is also known as Suntali, have been appointed as National Reconstruction Authority (NRA) goodwill ambassadors. The NRA, the only government authority responsible for the reconstruction of the settlements destroyed by the devastating earthquake of April 25, 2015, made the decision to appoint Dhurmus and Suntali as the goodwill ambassadors with the aim to encourage integrated settlement development. A meeting of the NRA held on Tuesday also decided to provide the second tranche of the reconstruction grant by March 28. New Orleans' GOATWHORE will return to the road later this month as part of Metal Blade Records' 35th Anniversary Tour alongside labelmates Whitechapel, Cattle Decapitation, Allegaeon, and Necromancing The Stone. The band's latest trek will stretch from February 21st through March 15thwith various headlining dates scattered throughout. From there, the band will take a short break before joining Amon Amarth for two weeks' worth of shows from May 1st to May 21st. Due to scheduling conflicts between the two tours, GOATWHORE will not appear on six of the Metal Blade Records' 35th Anniversary Tour stops. See a full listing of dates below. GOATWHORE recently completed tracking the follow-to their globally adored Constricting Rage Of The Merciless full-length. Titled Vengeful Ascension, the band's latest studio offering was captured at Earth Analog near Champaign, Illinois. Fans will be able to preorder Vengeful Ascension as part of an exclusive bundle only available directly from the band's merch booth on both tours. The bundle will come with a T-shirt and laminate exclusive to this preorder bundle only. The laminate will contain a special code to input online to have the physical copy of the album ship when released. GOATWHORE w/ Whitechapel, Cattle Decapitation, Allegaeon, Necromancing The Stone: 2/21/2017 Spirit Hall - Pittsburgh, PA *no Whitechapel, Necromancing The Stone 2/22/2017 Brighton Music Hall - Boston, MA 2/23/2017 Lost Horizon - Syracuse, NY * GOATWHORE only 2/24/2017 The Fillmore - Silver Spring, MD 2/26/2017 House Of Blues - Cleveland, OH 2/27/2017 The Frequency - Madison, WI * GOATWHORE only 2/28/2017 St. Andrew's Hall - Detroit, MI 3/01/2017 Deluxe @ Old National Centre - Indianapolis, IN 3/02/2017 Bogart's - Cincinnati, OH 3/03/2017 Montage Music Hall - Rochester, NY * GOATWHORE only 3/04/2017 House Of Blues - Chicago, IL 3/05/2017 Riot Room - Kansas City, MO 3/07/2017 Divebar - Las Vegas, NV * no Whitechapel 3/08/2017 Belasco Theater - Los Angeles, CA 3/09/2017 House Of Blues - San Diego, CA 3/10/2017 The Fillmore - San Francisco, CA 3/11/2017 Ace Of Spades - Sacramento, CA 3/12/2017 The Rock - Tucson, AZ * no Whitechapel 3/14/2017 House Of Blues - Houston, TX 3/15/2017 House Of Blues - Dallas, TX End Tour w/ Amon Amarth: 5/01/2017 Vinyl - Pensacola, FL 5/02/2017 Varsity Theatre - Baton Rouge, LA 5/04/2017 New Daisy Theatre - Memphis, TN 5/06/2017 The National - Richmond, VA 5/08/2017 TLA - Philadelphia, PA 5/09/2017 College Street Music Hall - New Haven, CT 5/10/2017 The Paramount - Huntington, NY 5/11/2017 The Garrison - Toronto, ON * GOATWHORE only 5/12/2017 20 Monroe Live - Grand Rapids, MI 5/13/2017 Three Floyds Brewing - Munster, IN 5/16/2017 The Cotillion - Wichita, KS 5/17/2017 Boulder Theatre - Boulder, CO 5/19/2017 Lookout - Omaha, NE * GOATWHORE only 5/19/2017 The Blue Note - Columbia, MO 5/20/2017 Mercury Ballroom - Louisville, KY Issued in 2014 via Metal Blade Records, Constricting Rage Of The Merciless debuted at #81 on Billboard's Top 200 chart, topping their last entry position of #171 with Blood For The Master. Crowned their most, "varied record to date, as well as their strongest," by Pitchfork and, "unrelentingly pummeling and brutally oppressive," by PopMatters. Constricting Rage Of The Merciless can be previewed and purchased at: metalblade.com/goatwhore Algerian rulers and the Polisario leaders are caught short by the diplomatic and economic offensive Morocco is staging on the African chessboard, at the initiative of King Mohammed VI. After he consolidated the standing of his Kingdom in French-speaking Africa and after his countrys triumphant readmission within the African Union (AU), Mohammed VI adopted a very subtle approach of unprecedented rapprochement with English-speaking African countries. Through this large-scale approach, the Moroccan sovereign seems determined to tackle the problem at its roots, since the pseudo Sahrawi republic RASD was created on African soil, in Algeria, and since it is in Africa that the Polisario has most of its supporters. It is in this context that King Mohammed VI began on Sunday (Feb.19) an official visit to Zambia, which was preceded by similar visits to South Sudan and Ghana. Trips to at least three other African countries are on the Kings schedule. It is worth mentioning that Ghana and Zambia, both from Anglophone Africa, have long shown hostility to Moroccos sovereignty, but were among the 28 countries that signed a motion, addressed to the African Union President on 18 July 2016, calling for the suspension of SADR from the continental organization. It is also worth recalling that the somewhat dubious relationships between the regimes of Algiers and Pretoria have for a long time transformed Anglophone Africa into a preserve of Algeria, that it used in its fierce diplomatic battle against its Moroccan neighbor over Western Sahara. By ending the policy of the empty chair within the pan-African organization, Mohammed VI showed determination to cast a wide net in Africa, without excluding the few pro-Polisario countries. No need to say that Morocco has generously extended its hand to African countries for a solidarity-based cooperation and a win-win partnership, while Algeria, with the hydrocarbon sector providing 90% of public revenues, has nothing to offer to the continent, now that it was brought to its knees by the collapse of oil & gas prices. Where to see giant pandas in the US Photos: Thousand across US take part in 'Not My President's Day' protests You have permission to edit this html. Edit Close Are you prepared to gaze deep into The Void? When directors Steven Kostanski and Jeremy Gillespie boldly declared that theirs was a vision worse than hell in their original pitch material they were, to a certain degree, throwing down the gauntlet to themselves. Have they delivered? Now's your chance to find out with a pair of wildly NSFW trailers for the film having recently arrived to support the upcoming UK and US releases. When police officer Carter (Aaron Poole) discovers a blood-soaked man limping down a deserted road, he rushes him to a local hospital with a barebones, night shift staff. As cloaked, cult-like figures surround the building, the patients and staff inside start to turn ravenously insane. Trying to protect the survivors, Carter leads them into the depths of the hospital where they discover a gateway to immense evil. The press on this one has been slinging around comparisons to Fulci and Carpenter, which is music to the ears of classic horror fans so strap in and get your first tastes below. [Full disclosure: I am a credited executive producer on this one so, yep, I'm biased as hell.] If you are currently a print subscriber but don't have an online account, select this option. You will need to use your 7 digit subscriber account number (with leading zeros) and your last name (in UPPERCASE). Awakening to a sleepy sentencing debate: do tired federal judges sentence more harshly? | Main | US Sentencing Commission releases big new report on "Recidivism Among Federal Drug Trafficking Offenders" February 21, 2017 Justice Sotomayor (joined by Justice Breyer) authors lengthy dissent to denial of cert in Alabama lethal injection protocol challenge This morning, the US Supreme Court got back to work through the issuance of this lengthy order list. The one cert grant was involves a federal criminal case, Class v. US, concerning whether a defendant who pleads guilty can still challenge the constitutionality his statute of conviction (SCOTUSblog case page here). But the part of the order list likely to get the most attention is this lengthy dissent from the denial of certiorari authored by Justice Sotomayor in a Alabama capital case concern lethal injection protocols. Here is the start, heart and end of the extended opinion (which Justice Breyer joined in full): Nearly two years ago in Glossip v. Gross, 576 U. S. ___ (2015), the Court issued a macabre challenge. In order to successfully attack a States method of execution as cruel and unusual under the Eighth Amendment, a condemned prisoner must not only prove that the States chosen method risks severe pain, but must also propose a known and available alternative method for his own execution. Id., at ___, ___ (slip op., at 13, 15). Petitioner Thomas Arthur, a prisoner on Alabamas death row, has met this challenge. He has amassed significant evidence that Alabamas current lethal-injection protocol will result in intolerable and needless agony, and he has proposed an alternative death by firing squad. The Court of Appeals, without considering any of the evidence regarding the risk posed by the current protocol, denied Arthurs claim because Alabama law does not expressly permit execution by firing squad, and so it cannot be a known and available alternative under Glossip. Because this decision permits States to immunize their methods of execution no matter how cruel or how unusual from judicial review and thus permits state law to subvert the Federal Constitution, I would grant certiorari and reverse. I dissent from my colleagues decision not to do so.... The decision below permits a State, by statute, to bar a death-row inmate from vindicating a right guaranteed by the Eighth Amendment. Under this view, even if a prisoner can prove that the State plans to kill him in an intolerably cruel manner, and even if he can prove that there is a feasible alternative, all a State has to do to execute him through an unconstitutional method is to pass a statute declining to authorize any alternative method. This cannot be right.... The decision below is all the more troubling because it would put an end to an ongoing national conversation between the legislatures and the courts around the methods of execution the Constitution tolerates. The meaning of the Eighth Amendments prohibition on cruel and unusual punishments is determined not by the standards that prevailed when the Eighth Amendment was adopted in 1791 but instead derives from the evolving standards of decency that mark the progress of a maturing society. Kennedy v. Louisiana, 554 U. S. 407, 419 (2008) (quoting Trop v. Dulles, 356 U. S. 86, 101 (1958) (plurality opinion)). Evolving standards have yielded a familiar cycle: States develop a method of execution, which is generally accepted for a time. Science then reveals that unknown to the previous generation the States chosen method of execution causes unconstitutional levels of suffering. A new method of execution is devised, and the dialogue continues. The Eighth Amendment requires this conversation. States should not be permitted to silence it by statute.... Twice in recent years, this Court has observed that it has never invalidated a States chosen procedure for carrying out a sentence of death as the infliction of cruel and unusual punishment. Baze, 553 U. S., at 48 (plurality opinion); Glossip, 576 U. S., at ___ (slip op., at 3) (same). In Glossip, the majority opinion remarked that the Court did not retreat from this nonintervention strategy even after Louisiana strapped a 17-year-old boy to its electric chair and, having failed to kill him the first time, argued for a second try which this Court permitted. Id., at ___ ___ (slip op., at 34). We should not be proud of this history. Nor should we rely on it to excuse our current inaction. February 21, 2017 at 10:12 AM | Permalink Comments Reading the opinion, the guy put out the firing squad as the alternative if lethal injection isn't used. Sotomayor flagged that as an alternative some might want in her Glossip v. Gross dissent. Judge Kozinski had some support for that method for somewhat different reasons. The inert gas alternative was not raised from what I can tell in either opinion. With Oklahoma passing a law using it as a back-up, the case with a defendant raising it as an alternative is probably just a matter of time. http://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2015/04/oklahoma-death-penalty-gas-chamber-117156 Posted by: Joe | Feb 21, 2017 10:32:20 AM Sotomayor's dissent might be more persuasive if it weren't based upon a proposition that she would reject: that the firing squad is a constitutional method of execution. This is the hole in every abolitionist argument, that they only want to confront the method being challenged at the moment without explaining how a constitutional execution can be carried out. Look no further than litigation posture of Ohio's death row inmates, where they readily claim pentobarbital as readily available alternative in one brief, while arguing it fails to comport with the 8th Amendment in the very next. Whatever flaws the available, alternative method standard may contain (and I'd concede there are some), it is standard that is necessary based on the fundamental dishonesty of those who litigate in this space. Look no further than Sotomayor's own words, from the end of the introduction paragraph of Section IV: "Evolving standards have yielded a familiar cycle: States develop a method of execution, which is generally accepted for a time. Science then reveals thatunknown to the previous generationthe States chosen method of execution causes unconstitutional levels of suffering. A new method of execution is devised, and the dialogue continues. The Eighth Amendment requires this conversation. States should not be permitted to silence it by statute." How can this statement, and the firing squad being a constitutional method of execution both be true? Posted by: Public Servant | Feb 21, 2017 11:05:10 AM I am reading the petition in Class. "Instead, the government argued that all government property is inherently a sensitive place where there is no right to armed self defense. J.A.112." Oh come on man. There is no right to self-defense in the middle of the Alaska wilderness?! It is exactly this type of argument that brings the government into such disrepute. What's worse is that we now have a SCOTUS case who real basis is not anything meaningful but the direct result of government attorneys making outlandish claims. Poison on door handles and tiny fish. Why do those spring to mind.... Posted by: Daniel | Feb 21, 2017 11:33:43 AM "she would reject: that the firing squad is a constitutional method of execution" Not shown. She didn't join Breyer/Ginsburg's dissent last time arguing that the death penalty is probably unconstitutional. Also, the law isn't a matter of all or nothing. Even if given her druthers, she thinks the death penalty is unconstitutional, or rather some "abolitionist," she or they can argue that granting -- given the state of the law -- that it is, something lesser is unconstitutional. The same principle raises in other contexts; it isn't just something those against the death penalty use and they aren't unprincipled either. There has been arguments put forth that IF we are stuck with the death penalty that the firing squad is for the defendant the best way to go. I think the major issue here isn't concern for the person being executed as much that the people authorizing the killing don't like the blunt way being used. This to Judge Kozinski is a feature, not a bug of using the firing squad. Finally, as to the last part, it can be true. The current generation is lethal injection. The problem seems to be that the firing squad is not "new," but the overall idea shouldn't be taken that literally. The cycle of history expressed there doesn't compel no repeats, so to speak. And, in fact, the firing squad has barely been used in this country from my understanding -- some usage in the military and states like Utah. IF the firing squad becomes "the" method, it would be somewhat novel, especially depending on how its used. Posted by: Joe | Feb 21, 2017 11:48:36 AM The petition says "sensitive places such as schools and government buildings," not ANY government property. An example given is a parking lot at a national park an example of a claim "like" the petitioner's. This would apply to the Capitol grounds as well. The "outlandish" claim inferred is unclear to me. Posted by: Joe | Feb 21, 2017 11:54:57 AM And Ginsburg didn't join this dissent.... Posted by: Public Servant | Feb 21, 2017 12:35:19 PM Let's face it--Sotomayor isn't the sharpest Member of the Supreme Court. First of all, the idea that Arthur has strong evidence that "Alabamas current lethal-injection protocol will result in intolerable and needless agony" is up there with Ginsburg's ridiculous praising of the Judge Bye "high-school science experiment" opinion. Second of all, Sotomayor's opinion has a Pollyanna-ish feel to it. A dialogue? Hardly. More like a dumb game of "Mother, may I?" which is profoundly demeaning to the state criminal justice process. Third, the firing squad isn't available and wouldn't be even if it weren't illegal under state law--we live in a world where the wattage of a light bulb has constitutional moment and where a bunch of nitwit 11th Circuit judges insisted on a stay even though the drugs were tested for purity (the test, of course, obviating the "who made the drugs" issue, but try telling that to those 'rat judges). The state would have to come up with a procedure, which may be subject to its APA, and so on and so on. Fourth, as a matter of logic, Sotomayor has a point (of course, logic is generally something that eludes her, see, e.g., her nonsense opinion with respect to a speedy trial issue), but logic isn't the end all-be all here. The federal courts, under the guise of the 8th Amendment, micromanage the execution process--so the Glossip/Baze limitations have an artificial feel to them and are better explained in terms of whether a stay is available. Sotomayor knows this, and presents the logic as if it were applicable when a date has been set. Posted by: federalist | Feb 21, 2017 2:21:50 PM Johnson v. Kelley presented the same issue and received the same dissents by reference. It's pretty stunning that this is not a just a per curiam case. Can it really be that inmates are limited to methods listed in the statute? What if the only alternative listed was being drawn and quartered? Posted by: John | Feb 21, 2017 4:08:21 PM John, I believe that drawing and quartering is one of the few things the cruel and unusual punishments clause of the 8th amendment does cover, that it says nothing at all about what offenses can draw any particular sentence. Other prohibited punishments include burning at the stake, evisceration and breaking on the wheel. There are probably others but they all have the common thread of having been used by the time of ratification. Posted by: Soronel Haetir | Feb 22, 2017 12:57:18 AM The problems with her dissent are more fundamental. It is irresponsible of her to accept the inmates claims about Midazolam, which does not allow the inmate to regain consciousness, in the overdoses administered, as the medical literature makes clear. Coughing, wheezing, snoring and snorting are well known effects of drugs that cause respiratory distress. Obvious. Jerking, straining and spams are common with overdoses. A lot of the nonsense started with these two cases, which, actually had, zero evidence of consciousness. No "Botched" Execution - Arizona (or Ohio) http://prodpinnc.blogspot.com/2014/08/no-botched-execution-arizona-or-ohio.html Posted by: Dudley Sharp | Feb 22, 2017 9:35:48 AM How to solve these problems: Make state/fed corrections dept in charge of the methods and protocols for all executions, just as they, currently, are for all other prison punishments, with language such as "executions will be carried out, by whatever methods and protocols, determined by the head of corrections to be constitutionally sound." While subject to the same legal challenges as any other execution protocols, it avoids the massive amount of delay cause by legislative changes. It is a mystery why states do not use their own, internal compounding pharmacists within their ocrrection depts. to make the LI drugs. Nitrogen gas seems the obvious solution to this mess, which we have known for years. Posted by: Dudley Sharp | Feb 22, 2017 9:48:05 AM "it says nothing at all about what offenses can draw any particular sentence" You can argue this but besides not being how the Supreme Court understands it (going back over 100 years), but it is not to me a very sound approach. The words are "cruel and unusual." The 'unusual' part doesn't sound like it requires that. So, we have the "cruel" part. It is hard to see how it says "nothing at all" about let's say giving someone (extreme example to make the point) ten years for jaywalking. It is "cruel" by most usages of the term to do that. One can cite historical and other grounds for this too. This isn't exactly a "soft" way of doing things, especially if only really extreme sentences would be held to violate the amendment. As to the other comment, it is not like the dissent merely rested on the say-so of the defendant. Actual medical experts are cited. This then goes down to a debate over facts, which is a basic thing for the courts to handle. "Zero evidence" also doesn't mean "not enough for me," which isn't clarified by a few comments about what one or the other case "seems" to show either. Posted by: Joe | Feb 22, 2017 9:56:08 AM "determined by the head of corrections to be constitutionally sound" We don't rely on "head of corrections" to determine this in this country though such individuals are given a lot of discretion. We have independent courts and there will continue to be findings by them that such and such protocol or whatever doesn't meet constitutional muster. Killing people isn't easy, it seems, especially when it is against general human inclinations to kill other people, even horrible people. It also seems like legislators and the people of each state don't want to use their own pharmacies to make the drugs. The compounding process also seems to be complicated in various respects -- things aren't done generally for a reason. Sometimes, not, but usually a logical reason for it. Seems "we" also didn't know nitrogen gas is the solution, since again if it was, it would logically have been in place already. Like other "solutions," like the link above suggests, I have my doubts this one will be the "one" too. Who knows. Posted by: Joe | Feb 22, 2017 10:04:58 AM As for being drawn and quartered being unconstitutional, that's precisely my point. An inmate facing an unconstitutional method of execution could only choose between two unconstitutional punishments (lethal injection and being drawn and quartered). What then should he propose? Posted by: John | Feb 22, 2017 1:59:08 PM The problem -- which the dissent glosses over -- is the very concept of cruel and unusual. There are certain punishments (e.g. being drawn and quartered) which we find to be inherently cruel and unusual because there very purpose is the infliction of unnecessary pain. There are other punishments (e.g. lethal injection) which are cruel and unusual only in comparison to other alternatives. For punishments in the second category (not per se cruel and unusual), Glossip restricts the comparison to what alternatives the State actually has available. I am not sure Glossip would bar a declaratory judgment action alleging that a statute requiring the State to only use lethal injection was itself unconstitutional. However, in an action challenging a specific protocol to implement that statute rather than the statute itself, Glossip seems to require the alternative to comply with the State statutes. Posted by: tmm | Feb 22, 2017 2:14:01 PM There is a basic debate in the Glossip opinions on the room between the "first" and the "second" categories. Justice Alito briefly denies it is leaving open (even if there is no alternative present) really horrible things but Sotomayor et. al. argues the point. Here, Sotomayor at one point argues the statute DOES leave open the firing squad. It then to me basically argues that "available" should include possibly being available if the law changes. A drug might be impossible to get because of those darn abolitionists in Europe etc., but a bullet is readily available. As noted in a separate thread involving today's opinions opinions in another, there seems to be some "different wavelengths" problems here. Posted by: Joe | Feb 22, 2017 7:53:05 PM Post a comment I hope everybody peed and pooped outside, Dog Film Festival founder Tracie Hotchner announced humorously but earnestly, kicking off a Sunday afternoon show featuring this year's finest short films from the canine canon. The Dog Film Festival is a traveling show thats playing in a total of 15 cities nationwide, and SFist was on hand this weekend at the Roxie Theatre to catch the proceedings as the festival came through San Francisco. A post shared by Jody Hackerott Gibney (@jodyhackerott) on Feb 19, 2017 at 4:25pm PST The festival is the pet project of Tracie Hotchner, better known as the Radio Pet Lady and host of NPRs Dog Talk (and Kitties Too!). Dogs were actually allowed inside the Roxie for the show a request most theaters balk at when she tries to book festival venues. But Hotchner insists dogs should be the least of the theaters worries. They serve food and they say its against the health rules, or theyve recently renovated and theyre fearful of their carpet being stained, she told SFist. Dogs havent done anything in theaters. Its more likely that people would drop their Coca-Cola than a dog would pee. A post shared by Buttercup (@butter_sf) on Feb 19, 2017 at 3:40pm PST Festival attendee and Instagram enthusiast belindacherie observes that Taking Oona to the movies was very much like taking my 4-year old niece to the movies, only with different snacks. Instead of goldfish crackers and M&Ms, dried beef esophagus and bully sticks. Image: Joe Kukura, SFist Though it was raining cats and dogs, you might say on Sunday, pets and their people still posed Hollywood-style with a movie premiere backdrop outside the Roxie. The films themselves, all shorts about dogs, ran the gamut. Some of the films are dog-umentaries, others were doggie parodies with names like Game of Bones, and others tackled complex social issues to examine dogs roles in rehabilitating prisoners or the pups tragic plights in the home foreclosure crisis. Image: Joe Kukura, SFist The festival benefited dogs and other animals: Half the proceeds from the show went to San Francisco Animal Care & Control. We have a new shelter thats being constructed, so were looking for more funds, SF Animal Care and Control Sgt. Eleanor Sadler told SFist. SF Animal Control isn't dogmatic, either, Were an open-door shelter, which means we take in every animal that we find and we help it however we can. Image: Joe Kukura, SFist For it's next stop, the Dog Film Festival travels to Marin today, marking the first time ever that dogs will be allowed into Larkspurs historic Lark Theater. Related: World Dog Surfing Championship Wraps Up In Pacifica The hubbub surrounding a proposal to limit the number of tech shuttle stops, which have proliferated to more than 100 and whose maximum allowed number is 125 , to a system of 17 or fewer "hubs" about town, can die down completely. The Examiner reports that the still provisional Commuter Shuttle Permit Program will be reviewed at the SFMTA's Board of Directors meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, and the hub model is off the table. The Commuter Shuttle program was in a pilot phase from 2014 to 2016 and is still in a one-year evaluation phase that extends to March 31. Commuter shuttles weren't regulated at all before 2014. Evaluating a switch to a hub system, the SFMTA solicited survey responses which ran the gamut but pointed to a clear resistance from those who currently avail themselves of the commuter shuttles. In a report issued in November, a major concern was that that group would abandon the shuttles and start driving, putting more cars on crowded roads. They predicted a 24 percent to 54 percent decrease in shuttle ridership, depending on how hubs were implemented. Now, SFMTA staff write that the alternative hub system "was not pursued for several reasons," citing that survey and ridership concerns. In our view, the proposed ongoing Commuter Shuttle Program thoughtfully incorporates lessons learned over the past 2.5 years to ensure the continued mobility of San Franciscans, Jim Lazarus, senior vice president at the SF Chamber of Commerce writes, celebrating the program. But at least one member of the SFMTA Citizen Advisory Committee, Sue Vaughan, disagrees, pointing to serious deficiencies into the SFMTA's consideration of the hub model. No city agency "conducted the agreed upon plan to study housing impacts of the availability of the shuttle buses the impacts to evictions, displacement, increased suburban sprawl, and associated decreased air quality and exacerbated greenhouse gas emissions, she claims. Related: 34,000 Passengers Per Day: Bay Area Shuttle Buses, By The Numbers In former Uber engineer Susan Fowler's widely-circulated blog post "Reflecting On One Very, Very Strange Year At Uber," what was "strange" was repeated alleged sexual harassment, and what was "very" was the company's alleged failure to address that harassment and instead to punish her for bringing it up. In short, Fowler details a horrorshow of systemic failure at Uber that made it a seemingly unfair and unsafe place to work as a woman. As a result, Fowler claims that at Uber, women site reliability engineers like her dropped from 25% to 3% of the work force. In response, Uber CEO Travis Kalanick ordered an "urgent investigation" into the allegations, calling the behavior they described as "abhorrent [and] against everything we believe in" at Uber. According to New York Times tech reporter Mike Isaac, Kalanick also sent out an email to employees in which he says that Arianna Huffington, a board member of the company, would be at an "All-Hands Meeting" at Uber in San Francisco today. Huffington will review the investigation, Kalanick says, as will former Attorney General Eric Holder, who has worked with tech companies like Airbnb on their discrimination policies. Travis Kalanick just sent out a company wide email regarding the last 24 hours. _ (@MikeIsaac) February 20, 2017 here is Travis Kalanick's company wide email to Uber employees, sent Monday afternoon, regarding Fowler's claims and HR investigation. pic.twitter.com/39PYrKr6SR _ (@MikeIsaac) February 20, 2017 Recode also received the memo to employees, which is as follows: Team, Its been a tough 24 hours. I know the company is hurting, and understand everyone has been waiting for more information on where things stand and what actions we are going to take. First, Eric Holder, former US Attorney General under President Obama, and Tammy Albarran -- both partners at the leading law firm Covington & Burling-- will conduct an independent review into the specific issues relating to the work place environment raised by Susan Fowler, as well as diversity and inclusion at Uber more broadly. Joining them will be Arianna Huffington, who sits on Ubers board, Liane Hornsey, our recently hired Chief Human Resources Officer, and Angela Padilla, our Associate General Counsel. I expect them to conduct this review in short order. Second, Arianna is flying out to join me and Liane at our all hands meeting tomorrow to discuss whats happened and next steps. Arianna and Liane will also be doing smaller group and one-on-one listening sessions to get your feedback directly. Third, there have been many questions about the gender diversity of Ubers technology teams. If you look across our engineering, product management, and scientist roles, 15.1% of employees are women and this has not changed substantively in the last year. As points of reference, Facebook is at 17%, Google at 18% and Twitter is at 10%. Liane and I will be working to publish a broader diversity report for the company in the coming months. It is my number one priority that we come through this a better organization, where we live our values and fight for and support those who experience injustice. Thanks, Travis In the past, Uber has declined to publish its diversity numbers, a practice adopted by much of its cohort of tech companies, so the company decision to do so is notable. Observers of Uber might also notice a trend in that, when Kalanick last faced internal and external pressure, to terminate a working relationship with President Trump, he did so, stepping down from his role on the President's Economic Advisory Council. Related: Uber CEO To Step Down From Trump Advisory Council By appearances, she is a successful professional entering late middle age with every expectation of a happy next few years. Packing the contents of her Architectural Digest-to-die-for Madrid apartment, she tells her lover Lorenzo that shell probably never return to Spain once they depart for Portugal. Thank you for not letting me grow old alone, he tells her, the first of many touching moments about the passing of time in Pedro Almodovars Julieta. But a chance encounter on the street next morning upsets their plans when Julieta runs into Beatriz, the once close friend of the daughter she hasnt seen in a dozen years. Her face registers horror, even torment at the news that her daughter, Antia, is now a mother with three children. Julieta knew none of this. Time and recriminations have separated them, with the distance becoming an abyss of loss. Julieta is composed as if in tribute to director Douglas Sirks 1950s melodramas, perhaps even Alfred Hitchcocks Vertigo. Already in the films opening frame, the orchestral score portends tragedy in the making with its silky, dreamy, dark textures. Two colors are prominent throughout the film, the red of passion and the blue of sadness. Almodovar is able to show things forbidden by the Hollywood Production Code of the 50s but does so with beautiful discretion. Passionate sex between young Julieta and her future husband, Xoan, passes in reflection on the windows of their compartment in a fast-moving train. Antia was conceived in that encounter. But always evident is the sadness and disappointments that are inseparable from the happiness and promise of life. The book Julieta reads on the train is, in Spanish translation, The Greek Tragedies. A series of flashbacks, triggered as she composes a lengthy tell-all letter to her missing daughter, fills much of the films running time. Its a journey through Julietas pastand Almodovars as well. The young Julieta who meets Xoan, crowned by spiky new wave hair and earrings, embodies an aesthetic that has passed into the history books along with the era when Almodovar emerged as a brash young filmmaker. The transition from 80s through 90s and into the new millennium is handled with the subtle finesse of changing clothes, cars and phones. If the narrative, which Almodovar adapted from a trio of short stories by Canadian writer Alice Munro, has a few creaky links, the details are less important than the emotional symphony he orchestrates. Resonant notes allude to the dreams of classic cinema and the reality of times gone bystrangers who meet on a train, the thrill of receiving a letter and recognizing the handwritten address, romance by the gently murmuring ocean and loss when rough waves claim the one Julieta loves. Guilt and jealousy suffuse the story, along with debilitation and death. Julieta inches deeper and deeper into melodrama as the story moves from past toward present, but then, melodrama is often nothing more than reality on stage and singing an aria. In the hands of an incapable cast it could all start to look foolish, but Emma Suarez as the older Julieta, Adriana Ugarte as her young self and Dario Grandinetti as Lorenzo deliver deeply felt performances. The actors help transmute their characters into living people worth caring about. February 5, 1954. The drinks were flowing, the room was packed, and the performers were steeling themselves for one of the most daring live shows that Milwaukee had ever seen. It was Friday night at the Hayloft Tavern, a hulking old barn-turned-dance-hall located at 9355 N. Port Washington Road. It had been billed as the party of the year a show promised to be unlike anything the men had ever seen in person. And as the rowdy gathering hooted and hollered for the festivities to begin, a few dozen lawmen both locals and feds waited patiently for the signal to swoop in and execute the biggest raid the area in Milwaukee history. It was only because of the troubles in securing the talent by the partys organizers that the cops had been able to get the jump on them. The event had already been delayed twice, and the cops caught wind just a week before it finally happened. In early February, the partys organizers had found a traveling stripteaser named Jane Eaton to perform at the show. They also enlisted a trio of people living in a West Clarke Street boarding house a 21-year-old stripper named Jean Hicks, a 30-year-old man named William Tisdell, and a 32-year-old woman named Marie Johnson. The peelers were promised $50 for the nights work, as was Tisdell. Johnson was told she would get $100 for her act. Tickets were peddled all over town, at factories and barrooms, from men in the know to other men in the know. The tickets read, Veterans Benefit Party, donation $5. Stay on top of the news of the day Subscribe to our free, daily e-newsletter to get Milwaukee's latest local news, restaurants, music, arts and entertainment and events delivered right to your inbox every weekday, plus a bonus Week in Review email on Saturdays. SIGN UP On Friday night, the crowd began to gather at 8 p.m., sopping up beer and whiskey in the Haylofts downstairs bar. As the hour neared 9, the crowd drifted upstairs, where tables covered in blue-checked cloths had been arranged. The mass of men, however, was too great for this nightclub style of seating. By show time, every chair was filled and men crowded along the walls and stuffed the Haylofts tiny balconies. In a small space in the corner of the room, organizers cleared the way for a makeshift stage, outfit with a rickety piano and a worn movie screen and projector. As the anticipation built, the crowd began to clap and stomp their feet. The three undercover Milwaukee Police detectives hidden among them remained quiet and vigilant. Finally, a man appeared on the stage. I know you didnt come here to see me, he told the room of over 250 men. You aint kiddin! Someone yelled from the darkness. Bring on the women! The host obliged and signaled for the projector. With a simple piano accompaniment, two short, soundless stag pictures were shown. The first was mostly plotless, featuring a man who kept his socks on and a woman with dirty feet. The second depicted a couple cast away on a Pacific island. Both depicted hardcore sex, and the crowd hooted their approval. Five years in the Navy and I never seen anything like that on an island! remarked one of the rooms many wiseacres. After the films, the redheaded Eaton did a striptease, going down to what the papers later called a few small items of clothing. Next up was the 21-year-old Hicks, who ended up in nothing more than a pair of hoop earnings. It is worth noting here that, while the men in the room varied in age and social class (some where in suits, others in overalls, the papers noted), they were all white. Hicks, as well as Tisdell and Johnson, were African American. As segregated as Milwaukee was in the 1950s, and as heavily as white supremacy tinged its day-to-day life, commoditized sexual contact between white men and black women was, and had been for some time, acceptable in the proper circumstances. The crowd cheered even louder for Hicks than they had Eaton and tossed coins at her feet, even as she stumbled through her act, visibly intoxicated. What happened next was never fully described in the papers or by the police. Tisdell and Johnson came out and each fully stripped, eventually performing an act that truly set the crowd into a frenzy. After men in the back of the room complained that they couldnt see, a pair of tables were pushed together for the couple to use. The clear implication is that they performed a series of sexual acts. At one point, they asked for a volunteer from the audience and a young man darted forward, disrobed and joined in. One man was so desperate to get a better look, he climbed up to the buildings rafters and attempted to get a high-wire view before he drunkenly tumbled off the beam and hit the floor with a loud crack. After Tisdell and Johnson finished their show, the host announced a 15-minute intermission so that the crowd could retreat downstairs for more drinks. During the break, one of the undercover men went outside for a smoke and signaled to an officer in a hidden radio car. A minute later, the cavalry was on its way. After securing the exits and windows, two dozen officers burst through the front doors of the Hayloft, sending a screaming wave of panic over the houses well-oiled guests. When the crowd was finally brought under control, the men were lined up and made to show their ID to the officers. Addresses, occupations, birthplaces, and other personal details were all collected before the men were sent home. If the man had no ID, he was taken into custody. In total, the police counted 268 people as offenders in the raid. The organizers and the performers were hauled off to jail. Friends of the Shepherd Help support Milwaukee's locally owned free weekly newspaper. LEARN MORE More harrowing than the threat of a fine or even jail time to most of the men swept up that night was the prospect of their name appearing in the newspaper. Many of them were married, church-going professionals with reputations to protect. In the days after the raid, as the details of the Hayloft party made front-page news, the county covertly called each of the men cited and told them that they either needed to put up $50 bail at the county jail or be due in court that Thursday and face the humiliation of a letter of summons being mailed to their home address. By Thursday, all but 31 had paid their bail. Only 19 men mostly those unable to raise the cash showed up for the trial. Each was fined $25 and court costs. The judge decided not to issue warrants for 200-plus that were now technically guilty of bail jumping. A few weeks later, each of the performers and the events organizers were fined $100 for participating in an obscene show. The raid also scuttled plans to sell the Hayloft building to the local American Legion chapter. Citing the negative publicity from the raid, the legionnaires backed out of the deal. Efforts to reopen the hall were similarly scuttled by the bad press. It remained vacant until January 1956, when it burned to the ground. DES MOINES | Iowa Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady made a personal pitch to state legislators Tuesday for adequate funding in the coming fiscal year to restore cuts and allow the state's court system to operate at peak efficiency. Cady acknowledged that Iowa's courts are stressed due to continued underfunding coupled with a recent $3 million cut in operations that has meant vacant full-time positions and judgeships have gone unfilled and all judicial branch employees except judges and magistrates are slated to take an unpaid furlough day May 26. "That's difficult for us," the chief justice told reporters after Tuesday's justice systems budget subcommittee meeting. "Iowans deserve and want a full service court and we want to provide it." State Court Administrator David Boyd told legislators the judicial branch was operating at $5.4 million below it requested fiscal 2017 funding level before the Legislature approved and Gov. Terry Branstad signed another cut of $3 million to the court system by June 30. He warned another year of status-quo funding would be devastating to a system with 111 vacant positions due to a hiring freeze and 60 of 99 counties sharing clerks. He said the hiring freeze has been particularly troublesome for rural Iowa where 32 counties have two or fewer employees and where 29 clerks supervise 68 counties - meaning reduced hours if an employee is sick to takes a vacation. Boyd presented four different budget "decision" packages that ranged up to a maximum of $15.5 million in new money that would re-establish the judicial branch's fiscal 2016 service level, cover needed technology advances, preserve labor-intensive specialty services like drug, human services and family courts, and provide a 5 percent salary increases to all judges and magistrates - the second pay boost since 2008. "I realize this will be a heavy lift," said Boyd, who was making his last budget presentation pending his announced retirement later this year. "You can choose to invest in the judicial branch now, or you can choose to invest in the Department of Corrections, the Department of Human Services and the other stakeholders later because there will be a cost," he added. Budget subcommittee co-chairman Gary Worthan, R-Storm Lake, said he hoped the Legislature could find more money in fiscal 2018 to operate the court system, telling Boyd and Cady "we'll do our damnedest to get you where you need to be." However, subcommittee member Bob Dvorsky, D-Coralville, said lawmakers are looking at another tough budget cycle, adding "I would hope the courts would come close to what they're receiving this fiscal year but even that will be tough." KINGSLEY, Iowa | The body of a Kingsley woman missing since Sunday was found early Tuesday in a creek near Kingsley. The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office said that the body of Lisa Derby, 57, was discovered at about 8 a.m. Tuesday by a man living at 43755 County Road C-66. The man had called authorities to report that he had been checking the unnamed creek, which is near his home, when he found an unresponsive woman in the creek. Police, rescue and sheriff's personnel responded to the scene and determined that the woman was dead. She was taken to Floyd Valley Hospital in Le Mars, where she was identified. Family members had notified Kingsley police at 10:30 p.m. Sunday that Derby has been missing from her home since approximately 5 p.m. Sunday and that family and friends had been unable to find her. Authorities continue to investigate her disappearance. SOUTH SIOUX CITY | Many officials in Dakota County applauded one another's achievements at a joint meeting Monday. "I'm told that this is the oldest joint meeting of its kind in the country," South Sioux City Mayor Rod Koch told the crowd at the 40th annual function at the high school. The ceremony brought together representatives from the Dakota County Commissioners; the mayors of Dakota City and South Sioux City; the superintendents of South Sioux City and Homer school districts; and various other public officials. Each entity gave updates on improvements within their jurisdiction. Dakota County board chairman Scott Love -- in a red "Make Dakota County Great Again" hat -- gave the crowd updates on roadway work in the county. He also announced an agreement they have made with Dakota City to create a new road out to their new wastewater treatment plant in exchange for the city's old fire station, which will be used for storage. "Contrary to popular belief, we actually have other issues going on in South Sioux City other than the obvious," Koch during his state of the city address. He was referring to the ongoing odor issues that have displaced dozens of residents in South Sioux City. On top of trying to garner an agreement with the upset residents -- many of whom have sought legal counsel -- Koch said the city has been working on electric rates by placing solar panels near the Roth Industrial Park. These panels feed Beef Products Inc. to take the load off taxpayers, he said. He added the city is currently working to lure a $100 million private sector expansion project. "Our goal isn't to create low-paying jobs with this," he said. "We can get those anytime we want. Our goal with this is to create high-paying jobs with benefits, and that benefits the county, schools and all of us." Koch added the city is trying to reduce utility rates and trying to increase the number of trees in town that were lost during the 2011 flood. Koch said another goal for the town was to create more homes, and it is doing so after Ho-Chunk Inc. invested millions of dollars near the riverfront. The purchase of over 200 acres of land is an effort by the company to build properties with a "New Urbanism" feel, said Alexcia Boggs, development director for Ho-Chunk, at the meeting. Budgets for each entity were also discussed and updates were given on the fire stations in the county. Dakota City broke ground in August for their new station, and construction on South Sioux City's new Dakota Avenue facility is underway and is set to be complete on a specific date later this year. "In April, the brick and sod will be put on and the building will start to grow," South Sioux City Fire Chief Clint Merithew said. "... the grand opening, as mentioned, is tied to late summer -- September 11, 2017." The Plymouth County Sheriff's Office received a call at 6:40 p.m. Monday that a dog had fallen through the ice at a pond about one-fourth of a mile south of Oyens. When the Oyens Fire and Amubulance and the Plymouth County Dive Team arrived, they discovered that the dog's owner had been in the water for about five minutes before he was able to get out. Using a flat-bottom boat, rescuers were able to get the dog out of the water. DES MOINES | Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller on Monday filed lawsuits in two Northwest Iowa counties against people who struck gas lines because they did not have the underground utilities located before digging. The lawsuits are among seven filed Monday in five Iowa counties alleging violations of Iowa's One Call law, which requires people to call 811 prior to excavation work to have underground utilities located. A lawsuit filed in Sioux County says that Steve Doorenboos, of Boyden, Iowa, was excavating land on May 5 as part of a drainage tile project in Boyden when he struck and damaged an underground natural gas line. The incident left the city of Boyden without natural gas service. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages against Doorenboos. A lawsuit filed in Dickinson County accuses Lynde Construction Inc., of Sioux Falls, with hitting and damaging an underground natural gas line on April 4 while excavating a drainage tiling project in Arnolds Park. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages. SIOUX CITY | The Light of Hope event will be held Friday to benefit the Friends of Iowa Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) system. The hourlong event will be at 7:30 a.m. at the Crave banquet facility, 1132 Larsen Park Road, in Sioux City. The keynote speaker will be Gary Kroeger, a former "Saturday Night Live" performer from the 1980s. Special advocates are assigned to children who are removed from homes because of abuse or neglect, as they are placed into a temporary foster care arrangement. The Court Appointed Special Advocate workers are to be the stability and voice for children in an uncertain time. There are about 400 CASAs in Iowa and the organization is looking to add more volunteer advocates. Light of Hope fundraising will be used in the mission of expanding public awareness of CASA activities. There is no charge to attend, but people can give a donation. For more information, contact Tim Pearson at (515) 321-8588 or at Tim.pearson@mchsi.com. DAKOTA DUNES | A bank is readying a summer move into a building under construction in Dakota Dunes that can house other business tenants. NAI United official Nathan Connelly said the Gold Circle 400 Building will be completed shortly and the first business in the facility will be Central Bank, which has many locations throughout Siouxland. The building has three floors and the bank will fill a good chunk of the first floor. The full-service bank will include a reception and waiting area, eight offices, a drive-up lane, two client service centers, a conference room, safe deposit boxes and more. "The bank will open later this summer, and we are very pleased with the progress of the construction," assistant Vice President/Marketing Officer Janelle Holter said. Connelly said the building is modern and will be attractive to businesses. "We shouldn't have any problems leasing the space out," Connelly said. "It is a nice Class A office complex. Hopefully, we will get tenants in there by July 1." Central Bank's move makes a fourth metro location and first in South Dakota. Holter said bank officials have been considering Dakota Dunes for several years, but the right opportunity only recently became present. "When the developer first introduced bank officials to the plan for the business park, in particular the (Gold Circle 400) building, they were all in. The development is very impressive and includes a water feature that will serve as a focal point for the park," Holter said. Holter said bank officials decided to build in the bustling planned community in southeast South Dakota to serve existing metro Sioux City metro customers and to expand the business. "The Sioux City residential and business communities have always been very supportive of the bank. Because of those strong relationships, our customer-base continues to grow throughout the region and the Dakota Dunes community," Holter said. "The Dunes is a thriving community and we looking forward to serving those who live and work in the area." Central Bank has assets exceeding $650 million and has three locations in Sioux City and others in Cherokee, Storm Lake and Spirit Lake. There are also banks in central Iowa. There are more than 210 employees combined in the banks, which focus on home loans, trusts and insurance services. The bank dates to 1887, and a growth phase began in 1990 when brothers John, of Spirit Lake, and Tim Brown, of Storm Lake, purchased the bank. About 12 employees will work in Dakota Dunes. Jeff Lapke, senior vice president and Sioux City Market president, will oversee all four Sioux City metro locations. Holter said the bank is compiling a strong, well-experienced group of employees who will provide exceptional banking services to customers. SPENCER, Iowa | Three Spencer residents are in custody after at least one of them threw drugs out the second-story window of their home as police officers entered the house. Anthony Paulson, 25, Kenneth Block, 29, and Jamie Christenson, 29, all were arrested and charged with felony possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, failure to affix a drug tax stamp and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Each was booked into the Clay County Jail on a $25,000 bond. At 6:36 p.m. Monday, Spencer police officers executed a search warrant at the home in the 200 block of Grand Avenue. When officers entered the home, at least one of the suspects began throwing drugs and drug paraphernalia from a window. Methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and cash were found inside the home, police said in a news release. SIOUX CITY | Even while visiting Scandinavia earlier this month, Woodbury County Auditor Pat Gill's watchdog instincts were still strong. Many time zones away, Gill pulled up a Journal news story and saw something amiss, with the recommendation of raises for Woodbury County elected officials from Feb. 6. "I was up on the Arctic Circle and read the article," Gill recounted Monday for the second meeting of the month of the Woodbury County Compensation Board. Gill had noticed that the first recommendation of raises for fiscal year 2017-18 didn't have the necessary majority to be official. Therefore, the comp board had a second meeting Monday to recommend raises. The Woodbury County Compensation Board voted, 3-2-1, on Feb. 6 to freeze the pay of county supervisors and recommend raises between 3 percent and 6 percent for elected county department heads. For a recommendation to be official, however, it must be approved by at least four of the six compensation board members, county Attorney P.J. Jennings advised, after being notified by Gill. Each Iowa county has a compensation board to recommend the level of pay to prevent the elected officials from approving it directly. In Woodbury County, two members are appointed by the supervisors and one each is named by the county attorney, auditor, sheriff and treasurer. At the Feb. 6 meeting, Frank Baron, the treasurer representative, Brian Buckmeier, the county attorney's representative, and Doug Phillips, the sheriff's pick, recommended no raise for the five supervisors, 6 percent for Treasurer Mike Clayton, 5 percent for Sheriff Dave Drew, 4 percent for Jennings, and 3 percent for Gill. Casting dissenting votes were Tim Bottaro and Katie Colling, who both represent the supervisors. Al Sturgeon, who represented the auditor, abstained. "I, we, made a mistake, so that is why we are here," Sturgeon said Monday. The same percentage proposal from two weeks ago was aired again Monday, but failed to get an approved motion to be put to a vote. A second motion by Bottaro to give all elected officials a 3 percent raise for FY 2018 failed on a 2-4 vote. Finally, the comp board members voted 5-1, with Bottaro voting no, to approve a recommendation to give Drew and Clayton a 5 percent raise, Gill and Jennings a 4 percent raise and no raise to the county supervisors. Buckmeier and Bottaro said some of the five Woodbury County supervisors told them they preferred to get no raise. Under state law, county supervisors can approve or reject the recommendations, or reduce the increases by the same percentage. The board of supervisors must act on the compensation board recommendations by March 15, which is the deadline for the supervisors to finalize their fiscal 2018 budget. The current annual pay is $39,461 for the county board chairman, $33,151 each for the four other supervisors, $120,805 for the attorney, $100,033 for the sheriff, $84,624 for the auditor and $82,115 for the treasurer. Todays top picks from our online calendar. Find more events at siouxcityjournal.com/calendar. Chicago: The Musical Set amid the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, "Chicago" is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Tonight's show at the Orpheum Theatre begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $32.50-$67.50. Techniques for Extending the Season Learn little tricks that you can employ that will extend your season in the spring and in the fall. Today from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the South Sioux City Public Library, 2121 Dakota Ave. Visit southsiouxcity.org for additional information. Cloth as Community: Hmong Textiles The works illustrate the profound relevance of textiles as infrastructure in the Hmong culture. The exhibition features 28 textiles, flower cloths and embroidered story clothes by those in the Hmong community. The Sioux City Public Museum exhibit is open until March 5. SIOUX CITY | A Dakota Dunes woman was sentenced to three days in jail Tuesday for writing bad checks. Jennifer Mozak-Wubbena, 48, also was placed on probation for using her grandmother's name to take out a $12,300 loan. Mozak-Wubbena pleaded guilty in Woodbury County District Court to identity theft and fourth-degree theft. As part of a plea agreement, charges of first-degree theft and forgery were dismissed. Mozak-Wubbena admitted that on June 2 she took out the loan in her grandmother's name. She also pretended to be her grandmother during phone and email contacts with the online loan company, court documents said. On May 16 she wrote two bad checks to Hobby Lobby. District Judge Steven Andreasen gave Mozak-Wubbena a deferred judgment on the identity theft charge and placed her on three years probation. If Mozak-Wubbena successfully completes her probation, the charge will be removed from her criminal history. Andreasen then suspended all but three days of a one-year jail sentence on the fourth-degree theft charge. He also ordered her to pay $530 in restitution to Hobby Lobby, plus a $315 fine. Lindsay Lohan claimed on Good Morning Britain that she was "racially profiled" when arriving in London from Turkey. She told Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid about the incident that occurred while she was wearing a headscarf. The actress refused to confirm reports she has converted to Islam but said it was a "consideration". Lohan said: "I got stopped recently and was racially profiled... She opened my passport, saw 'Lindsay Lohan' and immediately started apologising. "But then said take off your headscarf." S he said the incident left her "kind of shocked" but didn't know what the "purpose" of it was. The actress was asked whether she was converting to Islam. Remaining coy, she said she was studying the Quran and it is something she is interested in. - Telegraph DES MOINES -- Iowa Board of Regents member Michael Richards got caught in a political crossfire at the Capitol Monday, dodging questions about fetal tissue research, tuition policy and the political affiliation of university faculty members during a hearing on his pending Senate confirmation. Richards, a retired Des Moines physician and Mitchell County native who is a longtime friend and political ally of Gov. Terry Branstad, has served on the panel that oversees Iowa's three state universities and two special schools for nearly a year - replacing Mary Andringa after she stepped down in April 2016. Richards met for nearly an hour with senators who will decide later this session whether to give him the 34 affirmative votes needed to meet the two-thirds majority needed for confirmation by the 50-member Senate. The interim regent was asked about a GOP proposal to ban Iowa university researchers from using fetal tissue. He did not address the issue directly but told committee members "I haven't opposed the current research that's at the University of Iowa." On another GOP proposal to allow Iowans who possess a permit to carry a firearm at regent universities in Iowa, Richards said he thought the decision was best up to the institutions subject to review by the Board of Regents. "The primary concern is keeping our students and faculty and staff safe," he said. "We do currently have the safety officers armed. I think that's working and I'd like to keep it that way." Another issue of interest for Democratic senators was a bill introduced earlier Monday by Sen. Mark Chelgren, R-Ottumwa, that would require political diversity among university professors and institute a hiring freeze if the number of registered Republicans and Democrats among faculty on the three state university campuses was not within 10 percent of each other. Chelgren said in an interview the intent of the bill was to bring partisan balance to university faculty similar to the political balance requirements for the regents nominated by the governor and to make students aware of "the political slant" that might be coming their way during classroom instruction. "This extends that same concept to the professors at the regent universities asking them to identify their political affiliation and, if the political affiliation of one party over the other is in excess of 10 percent, there's effectively a hiring freeze until those disparities are reconciled. "We want diversity of thought and diversity of opinion and diversity of political expression, this would balance the regents universities that receive taxpayer dollars so that students who attend those regents universities to hear from both sides of the political spectrum," he added. During Monday's committee hearing, Sen. Herman Quirmbach, D-Ames, asked Richards if he agreed the universities should be "keeping tabs" on political affiliations or restricting hiring based upon faculty political affiliations. "I think it's virtually impossible for the universities to interview people and find out exactly what their political affiliation is," Richards said, adding that the universities' should hire a diverse group of professors who are academically best suited in their areas and political affiliation was "none of their business." Regent spokesman Josh Lehman said the board "expects that our public universities will hire the most qualified faculty to teach our students." The universities currently do not have political-party requirements for faculty members, but the Board of Regents is required by Iowa code to have no more than five members in the same political party. Critics say the board right now is violating the spirit of that law, in that its nine members include five Republicans, three independents, and one Democrat. Quirmbach called Chelgren's bill "very disturbing" and "a great interference of academic freedom." "I think it would be an ominous intrusion," he added. "That would be a great way to destroy our fine public universities and I'm glad to hear that you are not happy with that idea," Quirmbach told Richards. BAE Systems plc provides defense, aerospace, and security solutions worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Electronic Systems, Cyber & Intelligence, Platforms & Services (US), Air, and Maritime. The Electronic Systems segment offers electronic warfare systems, navigation systems, electro-optical sensors, military and commercial digital engine and flight controls, precision guidance and seeker solutions, military communication systems and data links, persistent surveillance systems, space electronics, and electric drive propulsion systems. The Cyber & Intelligence segment provides solutions to modernize, maintain, and test cyber-harden aircraft, radars, missile systems, and mission applications that detect and deter threats to national security; systems engineering, integration, and sustainment services for critical weapons systems, C5ISR, and cyber security; and solutions and services to intelligence and federal/civilian agencies. It also offers data intelligence solutions to defend against national-scale threats, protect their networks, and data against attacks; security and intelligence solutions to the United Kingdom government and allied international governments; anti-fraud and regulatory compliance solutions; and enterprise-level data and digital services. The Platforms & Services (US) segment manufactures combat vehicles, weapons, and munitions, as well as provides ship repair services and the management of government-owned munitions facilities. The Air segment develops, manufactures, upgrades, and supports combat and jet trainer aircraft. The Maritime segment designs, manufactures, and supports surface ships, submarines, torpedoes, radars, and command and combat systems; and supplies naval gun systems. It also supplies naval weapon systems, missile launchers, and precision munitions. The company was founded in 1970 and is based in Farnborough, the United Kingdom. Hologic, Inc. develops, manufactures, and supplies diagnostics products, medical imaging systems, and surgical products for women's health through early detection and treatment in the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Diagnostics, Breast Health, GYN Surgical, and Skeletal Health. The company provides Aptima molecular diagnostic assays to detect the infectious microorganisms; Aptima viral load tests for HIV, Hepatitis C, and Hepatitis B; Aptima SARS-CoV-2 and Panther Fusion SARS-CoV-2 assays for the detection of SARS-CoV-2; ThinPrep System for use in cytology applications; Rapid Fetal Fibronectin Test that assists physicians in assessing the risk of pre-term birth; and various diagnostic tests for the detection of Group B Streptococcus. It also offers breast imaging and analytics, such as 2D and 3D digital mammography systems and reading workstations, minimally invasive breast biopsy guidance systems and devices, breast biopsy site markers and localization, specimen radiology, and ultrasound and connectivity solutions; and breast conserving surgery products. In addition, the company provides NovaSure Endometrial Ablation System for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding; MyoSure Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal System for the removal of fibroids, polyps, and other pathology within the uterus; and Fluent Fluid Management System that provides liquid distention during diagnostic and operative hysteroscopic procedures. Further, it offers Horizon DXA, a dual energy X-ray system; and the Fluoroscan Insight FD mini C-arm to perform minimally invasive orthopedic surgical procedures. The company sells its products through direct sales and service forces, and independent distributors and sales representatives. Hologic, Inc. was incorporated in 1985 and is headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts. MercadoLibre, Inc. operates online commerce platforms in Latin America. It operates Mercado Libre Marketplace, an automated online commerce platform that enables businesses, merchants, and individuals to list merchandise and conduct sales and purchases online; and Mercado Pago FinTech platform, a financial technology solution platform, which facilitates transactions on and off its marketplaces by providing a mechanism that allows its users to send and receive payments online, as well as allows users to transfer money through their websites or on the apps. The company also offers Mercado Fondo that allows users to invest funds deposited in their Mercado Pago accounts; Mercado Credito, which extends loans to certain merchants and consumers; and Mercado Envios logistics solution that enables sellers on its platform to utilize third-party carriers and other logistics service providers, as well as fulfillment and warehousing services for sellers. In addition, it provides Mercado Libre Classifieds, an online classified listing service, where users can list and purchase motor vehicles, real estate, and services; Mercado Libre Ads, an advertising platform, which enables large retailers and brands to promote their products and services on the Internet; and Mercado Shops, an online storefronts solution that enables users to set-up, manage, and promote their own digital stores. MercadoLibre, Inc. was incorporated in 1999 and is headquartered in Montevideo, Uruguay. A group blog to promote discussion, debate and insight into the history, particularly religious, of America's founding. Any observations, questions, or comments relating to the blog's theme are welcomed. Under Armour, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the developing, marketing, and distributing performance apparel, footwear, and accessories for men, women, and youth. The company offers its apparel in compression, fitted, and loose fit types. It also provides footwear products for running, training, basketball, cleated sports, recovery, and outdoor applications. In addition, the company offers accessories, which include gloves, bags, headwear, and sports masks; and digital subscription and advertising services under the MapMyRun and MapMyRide platforms. It primarily offers its products under the UNDER ARMOUR, UA, HEATGEAR, COLDGEAR, HOVR, PROTECT THIS HOUSE, I WILL, UA Logo, ARMOUR FLEECE, and ARMOUR BRA brands. The company sells its products through wholesale channels, including national and regional sporting goods chains, independent and specialty retailers, department store chains, mono-branded Under Armour retail stores, institutional athletic departments, and leagues and teams, as well as independent distributors; and directly to consumers through a network of 422 brand and factory house stores, as well as through e-commerce websites. It operates in the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia-Pacific, and Latin America. Under Armour, Inc. was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. About Me Sandpoint, Idaho, United States Visit wwww.mariannelove.com to learn more about my three books "Pocket Girdles," "Postcards from Potato Land" and "Lessons with Love." visit www.mariannelove.com. For autographed copies, contact me at potatohead89@hotmail.com. Books are also available at www.amazon.com. I'm old, married, mother of two, retired English/journalism teacher and freelance writer. Besides writing, I enjoy gardening, photography, geocaching, horses and traveling. My quirky, sometimes irreverent sense of humor comes naturally through family genes. So, bear with me. View my complete profile Blog Archive Blog Archive November (5) October (31) September (30) August (31) July (29) June (29) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (28) January (31) December (31) November (30) October (31) September (29) August (31) July (31) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (28) January (31) December (31) November (29) October (31) September (30) August (31) July (31) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (29) January (31) December (31) November (30) October (30) September (29) August (31) July (31) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (28) January (31) December (31) November (30) October (30) September (31) August (31) July (31) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (28) January (31) December (31) November (30) October (31) September (30) August (31) July (30) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (28) January (31) December (31) November (30) October (31) September (30) August (31) July (31) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (29) January (31) December (31) November (31) October (31) September (30) August (31) July (31) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (28) January (31) December (31) November (30) October (31) September (30) August (30) July (31) June (31) May (31) April (29) March (30) February (28) January (31) December (31) November (30) October (31) September (30) August (31) July (31) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (28) January (31) December (31) November (30) October (31) September (30) August (31) July (31) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (31) February (29) January (31) December (31) November (30) October (30) September (30) August (31) July (32) June (30) May (31) April (30) March (50) February (72) January (63) December (64) November (47) October (71) September (48) August (70) July (104) June (91) May (85) April (80) March (80) February (52) January (92) December (187) November (63) October (96) September (117) August (92) July (103) June (160) May (141) April (69) March (81) February (71) January (106) December (81) November (67) October (107) September (74) August (114) July (117) June (92) May (103) April (66) March (43) February (38) January (83) December (76) November (77) October (66) September (87) August (68) July (74) June (66) May (90) April (60) March (49) February (54) January (70) December (64) November (30) October (45) September (32) August (39) July (48) June (34) May (40) April (40) March (38) February (47) January (35) December (40) November (47) October (48) September (37) August (35) July (34) June (31) May (33) April (33) March (33) February (31) January (30) December (32) The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. Speeding cyclist driving on suspended license hits pickup truck; dead on scene On Saturday, February 18, at approximately 4:19 p.m., troopers from the La Plata Barrack responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on U.S. Route 301 at Sadie Lane. A preliminary investigation conducted by troopers indicates that a 2007 Ford Sport Trac, operated by Sandra Kay Goldsmith, was turning left from northbound U.S. Route 301 onto Sadie Lane when it was struck by a 2001 Suzuki GSX-R 750 motorcycle, operated by Joseph Warren Bryant, 2nd, which was traveling southbound on U.S. Route 301 at what witness described as an excessive rate of speed. As a result of injuries sustained during the collision, Bryant was pronounced dead on the scene. Goldsmith was injured and transported by ambulance to the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center. Both Goldsmith and Bryant were licensed; however, at the time of the collision, Bryant's license was found to be suspended. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in this collision. Troopers were assisted on scene by deputies from the Charles County Sheriff's Office as well as personnel from the Bel Alton Volunteer Fire Department, the La Plata Volunteer Fire Department, the Charles County Rescue Squad, and the Charles County Department of Emergency Services EMS Division. Anyone who may have witnessed or who has information regarding this collision is asked to contact the La Plata Barrack Duty Officer at (301) 392-1200 and reference case number 17-MSP-007287. This investigation is being continued by Corporal M. Galgan, a Collision Reconstruction Specialist assigned to the La Plata Barrack. Upon conclusion of the investigation, the findings will be submitted to the Charles County State's Attorney's Office for review. Cyclist witnessed driving recklessly fails to negotiate turn, wrecks, dead on scene On Sunday, February 19, at approximately 7:20 p.m., troopers from the La Plata Barrack responded to a motor vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Leonardtown Road at Webbs Place. A preliminary investigation conducted by troopers indicates that a 2009 Kawasaki EX500 motorcycle, operated by Nathan William Guterry, was traveling southbound on Leonardtown Road at Webbs Place when it failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway and subsequently struck a guardrail, ejecting Guterry. As a result of injuries sustained in the collision, Guterry was pronounced dead on the scene. Witnesses reported that Guterry's motorcycle as well as several others, which remained on the scene after the collision, had been traveling at a high rate of speed in and out of traffic several miles north of the collision. Driver error and speed are believed to be the causes of this collision. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor. Troopers were assisted on scene by deputies from the Charles County Sheriff's Office as well as personnel from the Hughesville Volunteer Fire Department, the Charles County Department of Emergency Services EMS Division and the State Highway Administration. Anyone who may have witnessed or who has information regarding this collision is asked to contact the La Plata Barrack Duty Officer at (301) 392-1200 and reference case number 17-MSP-007453. This investigation is being continued by Trooper First Class T. Hooten, a Collision Reconstruction Specialist assigned to the La Plata Barrack. (WB) A new anti-transgender hate crime was reported in the country on the night of Feb. 18, but the National Civil Police (NCP) described it as the murder of two men who were wearing womens clothes in the center of San Luis Talpa in the La Paz Department. The victims who have been identified as Yasuri, 29, and her friend Daniela, 22, had attended a dance that took place in the municipality of San Luis Talpa. According to the victims friends, a group of young men approached them with the intent of overpowering them and took them from the area. They were found dead a short time later with gunshot wounds to their faces, according to witnesses who said they were shot from a gray vehicle. I urge all of the appropriate institutions to provide individual and collective justice, to classify all these hate crimes and to provide protection and reparation to family members and the rest of the victims of our LGBTI community, said Tatiana Molina, a trans woman and independent activist. An amendment to Article 129 of the penal code that increased the penalty for aggravated murder that is motivated by a victims racial, ethnic or religious identity, political affiliation, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression to 60 years in prison took effect more than a year ago. Article 155 of the penal code considers threats based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity as an aggravated threat and punishes those who commit them with 3-6 years in prison. Ambar Alfaro, coordinator of the Permanent Table for a Gender Identity Law in El Salvador, said that the country finds itself in a situation of extreme violence where death is unfortunately no longer a matter of if. She told the Washington Blade that trans people are three times more likely to become victims of this violence because of the heteronormative and patriarchal system. Another factor that concerns LGBTI activists is the lack of respect in the Salvadoran media when it covers or broadcasts the news. Xavier, a volunteer for the Generation of Trans Men of El Salvador, told the Blade that this has a negative impact. He said coverage that refers to the victims as men dressed as women and not trans women misinforms the population. Xavier and other activists said it remains to be seen if the NCP will continue investigating whether to classify this case as a hate crime, even though it has a legal basis to apply the full weight of the law. They also said they hope the authorities will find the perpetrators and prosecute them. Editors note: LGBTI activists and organizations said on social media that another hate crime has taken place in San Luis Talpa. The victims name is Elizabeth and she was a trans woman from the area. The Washington Blade will provide additional updates as they become available. - Ernesto Valle, Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza. Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres. Making Mount Rushmore It began in 1923, when South Dakota historian Doane Robinson had the idea to carve larger-than-life figures into the state's Black Hills. Robinson wanted to honor Western heroes both Native Americans and pioneers but it was his sculptor, Gutzon Borglum, who suggested the monument go national, spotlighting George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Robinson appealed to Congress for funds and permission, but only permission was granted. Amid outspoken opposition to the project, planning and fundraising began in 1925. But it wouldn't have gotten very far without President Calvin Coolidge who, in one of his last executive acts, signed a bill approving funding. Borglum broke ground in 1927. The workers were paid $8 an hour, which is more than $100 an hour by today's standards. But the work was brutal and dangerous. They had to endure blazing hot summers and bitter cold winters. Just to clock in each morning, they had to climb more than 500 stairs and maneuver over 45 ramps to the top of the mountain. Drillers and carvers strapped into leather harnesses dangled on the side of the mountain, hundreds of feet off the ground. Anytime they needed to change position or come up for the day, a worker hand-cranked the cable. Incredibly, not a single person died in the process, thanks to the intricate, and stringent, infrastructure Borglum designed. --- More at The Week When Paul Hibler debuted Superba Food and Bread in Venice, California, back in 2014, one of the all-day restaurants most acclaimedthough now discontinueditems wasnt served on a plate. Instead, it was a hazelnut cappuccino developed by opening barman Tyler Wells that immediately earned the place praise, composed of two espresso shots and house-made hazelnut milk sweetened with maple syrup. Over the last few years, and due in no small part to this citys interest in nutritional wellness and environmental sustainability, Los Angeles area cafes and specialty coffee shops have upped their alternative dairy milk game beyond the usual soy. While Superba Food and Bread may have thrust hazelnut milk coffee drinks into the spotlight, one of the citys earliest adapters of house-made nut milk was Culver Citys three-year-old caffeine hub Bar Nine, which has also served its myriad coffee drinks with a proprietary hazelnut milk since inception. According to owner Zayde Naquib, It is our only non-dairy alternative to whole milk, and we make it every morning. After three months of research and development, testing out various nut combinations, Naquib decided on a simple blend of water, hazelnuts, dates, and sea salt, and now that combination is ordered almost as frequently in drinks as traditional cows milk. I find that hazelnuts are a little less bitter than other nuts, and the flavor pairs really well with the bright and vibrant coffees we like to roast and serve, Naquib tells Sprudge. Similar sentiments are echoed at Gjelina co-owner Travis Letts Gjusta bakery in Venice, where the breezy, rustic eatery offers a hazelnut-almond milk blend in traditional coffee beverages, from lattes to cappuccinos. For those keen on caffeine but looking to avoid dairy, no trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a Business & Pleasure at Charles Babinski and Kyle Glanvilles Go Get Em Tiger, a minimalist Larchmont Avenue coffee bar known for its excellent coffee, sure, but also an addictive blend of almond and macadamia milk. While customers can order the rich, creamy nut milk as a dairy replacement in a variety of hot and cold drinks, the Business & Pleasure itself is, in fact, a three part beverage. It consists of an espresso shot, a palate cleanser of sparkling tea, and finally a mix of espresso, simple syrup, and the house-made almond-macadamia milk thats dusted with ground espresso beans. Explains Babinski, We have made an effort to not treat the almond-macadamia milk simply as a dairy-alternative, but as a completely separate ingredient in our menu. Its not something you suffer from when you cant have [or] dont want to drink milk. Almond-macadamia milk drinks now account for nearly half of their business at Go Get Em Tiger. But its not just cafes and coffee shops looking to supply quality vegan milk alternatives. Hollywood fine dining restaurant Republique, which serves from breakfast through dinner, added almond milkmade once or twice a day depending on demand to its coffee mixer roster as of last March. Next up, chef and owner Walter Manzke is working on a peanut milk recipe. Meanwhile, buzzy Fairfax Italian eatery Jon & Vinnys also offers a house-made almond milk, perfect for your cappuccino apres-meatballs. Yet, one of Los Angeles most delicious almond milks hails from the unlikely locale of a Santa Monica ice cream shop. While Josh Loeb and Zoe Nathan of Rustic Canyon Restaurant Group first made house-made almond milks at their casual Santa Monica bakery and pizzeria cafe, Huckleberry and Milo & Olive, respectively, it was a tweaked version for sale at Sweet Rose Creamery on Pico which really took off, especially when paired with quality local roaster Caffe Luxxe brews. That recipe is now the standard at many of the groups venues. Last spring, Santa Barbaras popular wellness-focused fruit bowl haunt Backyard Bowls landed on Beverly Boulevard, planting its acai and porridge bowls on new turf. While the cafes initial alt-milk on offer was a house-made coconut-cashew blend, co-owner Dan Goddard is currently providing either straight cashew or hemp milk mixed into bowls, coffee, or sold in jars to go. However, in the next few months hes planning to launch an alt-milk line, which will include the original coconut-cashew, plus lavender cashew, and matcha cashew. No matter your milk preference, try one of these alternatives the next time youre in LA. In this health-minded citys newly ascendant food and beverage scene, baristas and restaurant operators will take any opportunity to make their menus stand outand the results are some truly delicious and singular house-made nut milks. Kat Odell (@kat_odell) is a freelance writer based in New York and Los Angeles. Odells forthcoming book, Day Drinking, comes out in 2017 from Workman Publishing. Read more Kat Odell on Sprudge. Top photo courtesy of Michelle Park. Trot Insider has learmed that Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee Doug Brown will be headed to Prince Edward Island this spring. The Prince County Horsemen's Club is pleased to confirm Brown as the guest speaker for their annual Dinner and Awards Banquet. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006, Brown has captured an unprecedented seven O'Brien Awards as Canada's Driver of the Year. He boasts more than 8,400 driving wins and has banked nearly $90 million in purses over his career. The banquet will take place at the Credit Union Place Center in Summerside, P.E.I. on April 15, 2017. A reception will start at 6:00, the dinner and awards ceremony at 7:00 with music and dancing to follow. Tickets are $25 each and there are a limited number of reserved tables of eight available. Tickets are available at the Charlottetown Vet Clinic, the Kensington Vet Clinic or from any of the banquet committee members; Brenda MacInnis, Lynn Whitlock, Clair Sudsbury, Garth Cole, Donnie Milligan or Kingsley Walsh. Horseman George Teague recently provided Trot Insider with an update on his star pacer, Wiggle It Jiggleit. At that time, Teague did not mention that hed be making a trip north of the border in just a few short weeks. Officials from the Truro Harness Horse Owners Association have provided Trot Insider with some of the details surrounding the organizations upcoming awards banquet, which honours the top performers from the local 2016 season of live racing. The association is happy to announce that Teague, the longtime horse owner and trainer, will be this years guest speaker. The awards banquet will be held on Saturday, March 25 at the Best Western Glangarry, located in Truro, Nova Scotia. The banquet will start at 6:00 p.m. with a meet and greet. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and will be followed with the award presentations and a dance. Tickets for the event are now on sale at a cost of $30 and can be purchased from Chantel Gillis, Pam Moore, Tammy Mackay or Penny Wesley. As well, on Friday, March 24 the day before the banquet there will be a meet and greet with Teague at the Truro Raceway grandstand, which everyone is welcome to attend. The meet and greet will start at 7:00 p.m. Concerns that not all of the unions will agree to ratify their labor agreements have caused rail shippers and other transportation industry stakeholders to push President Joe Biden to act. More than 60 businesses have benefitted from the program, which was extended through May 1 while a permanent program is in the works. Federal law currently states that convicted child abusers are exempt from paying restitution to victims if they are military retirees. A new Congressional bill introduced last week sponsored by U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Washington, and co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler would eliminate the loophole in federal law that states convicted child abusers who are receiving their income from military retirement are exempt from paying restitution. There is absolutely no reason for the existence of a loophole that puts the rights of convicted child abusers ahead of the survivors theyve harmed, Herrera Beutler said in a statement. Im proud to work alongside Congresswoman DelBene to eliminate this loophole and ensure survivors can seek this important measure of justice. DelBene said she spoke to survivor Pennie Saum, whose father was sentenced to 17 years in prison for abusing her and her brother as a child. The victims were awarded a civil judgment for $5 million in damages. But because he was an Army retiree, he didnt have to pay any restitution. Military retirees shouldnt be exempt from having to pay restitution for something as horrific as child sexual, emotional and physical abuse, Saum said in a statement. The bill has 19 original co-sponsors, including Washington representatives Rick Larsen, Dave Reichert and Pramila Jayapal. More than 58,000 children in the U.S. are sexually abused and 120,000 children physically abused every year, according to the Department of Health and Human Services National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System. VANCOUVER At a Tuesday morning rally in the pouring rain, more than 150 people gathered outside the Vancouver office of Southwest Washington Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler to demand that she hold more town hall meetings with voters. The demonstration was a response to reports that many Republican congressional representatives across the country are skipping the legislative recess tradition of holding in-person town hall meetings for constituents to ask questions. Citizens including about 10 Cowlitz County residents stood in the muddy grass in raincoats or shielded themselves with colorful umbrellas. Many held signs supporting the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) and opposed repealing it without a replacement; others held signs condemning recent executive orders barring immigration. Herrera Beutler hosted a Vancouver town hall meeting on Jan. 17, but she has no town hall scheduled during this legislative recess. Critics say she has hosted few such meetings since she took office in 2011. Teresa Holloway-Nunn, 64, of Vancouver said for four years, she has tried to meet with Herrera Beutler, a Camas Republican, and was flatly refused a meeting twice. Im very outraged that Jaime does not have the spine to meet her constituents, Holloway-Nunn shouted into a megaphone, drawing applause. Justin Allen, 31, grew up in Kelso and moved to Vancouver six years ago. As a Navy veteran, he said he got involved in politics during the Occupy Movement but at first didnt consider himself a Democrat. Allen criticized Herrera Beutler for not being approachable. She seems to coast by, he said. She votes along party lines very, very consistently. In an email Tuesday, Herrera Beutler spokeswoman Amy Pennington said the congresswoman plans to have a telephone town hall in order to have as many constituents attend as possible. Herrera Beutler was not at the Vancouver office Tuesday morning. Pennington said the fourth term congresswoman will give a speech on economic development in Skamania County, meet with oyster growers and crab fishermen, and has scheduled other tours to meet with constituents. Town halls are one tool for Jaime to get feedback from residents in addition to telephone town halls, email, social media and phone calls, and she will continue to utilize all of them going forward, Pennington said by email. Carla Tolle, a 51-year-old Kelso resident, attended the demonstration with her 16-year-old granddaughter. Shes a member of the newly formed Lower Columbia Indivisible group, an organization dedicated to fighting President Donald Trumps policies. Tolle said shes most concerned about the future of health care and the environment. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in danger of being eliminated, Tolle said it would directly affect people living in the Pacific Northwest. It was important to attend to bring awareness to the fact that her constituents are paying attention to her and her voting record that aligns with Trump, Tolle said. We can vote her out of office if she doesnt do her job. ... Its time for her to listen to us. Herrera Beutler easily won the re-election in November with 61.8 percent of the vote across the 3rd District; she won 63.6 percent of the vote in Cowlitz County. Rebecca Farvour, 63, of Kelso carpooled to Vancouver with other Indivisible group members. She said this is the first time in her life shes been political. But she said she believes Trump has fueled more hatred. She said shes especially troubled by Russias involvement in the election, his tax returns, immigration policies and the message he sends to other countries. She wants Herrera Beutler to hear those concerns, she said. Im unhappy with the direction the country seems to be going since the election, she said. I feel like Jaime has been dodging our phone calls. ... We have things that wed like to say and wed like to hear. Gabina VOA is designed to be an infotainment youth radio show broadcasting to Ethiopia and Eritrea in the Amharic language. The show brings varied perspectives on issues concerning young people in the Horn of Africa region. Gabina in the Amharic language is a front row taxi ridesymbolic of the shows content as a fun ride that takes audiences from point A to point B. Gabina VOAs main goal is Enlightening young people, introducing them to cutting-edge technological innovations, exposing them to new processes and ideas so they can be productive, informed and self-governing citizens. hidden BharatQR code, the world's first interoperable payment acceptance solution, was launched as part of efforts to move towards less-cash economy at an "insignificant cost", according to industry members. Over the past few months, the government has been aggressively pushing for higher usage of digital payment mechanisms, including launching Bhim app and increasing penetration of PoS machines. Developed by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), Mastercard, and Visa, BharatQR code would require merchants to only display one QR code instead of multiple ones. Devised on the direction set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in September last year, it will make payments seamless for buyers as they just have to "scan to pay" for transactions instead of swiping their credit/debit cards. NPCI Managing Director and CEO AP Hota said RuPay has emerged as one of the most successful "home grown card networks in the world" and BharatQR code initiative is yet another "transformational step towards building a less-cash economy at an insignificant cost." QR code or Quick Response code is a two-dimensional machine-readable code made up of black and white squares and are used for storing URLs or other information. These can be read by the camera of a smartphone. Mastercard Country Corporate Officer (India) and Division President (South Asia) Porush Singh said the company has developed 'Masterpass QR', which was developed and created at its technology centre in Vadodara. "It is completely 'Made in India'... We look forward to leveraging our technology backbone and partnering with the government and the industry to create a robust, safe and secure digital payments ecosystem," he added. A number of leading banks are already operationally ready to deploy BharatQR, including SBI, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Citi Union Bank, Development Credit Bank, Karur Vysya Bank, HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, IDBI Bank, RBL Bank, Union Bank of India, Vijaya Bank and Yes Bank.Many other banks are at various stages of implementation. Mobile wallet companies like Paytm have already been working with QR codes for some time.The Alibaba-backed firm has said it plans to invest Rs 600 crore in the next 10 months to further enhance its QR code-based payments solution. MobiKwik Chief Business Officer Vineet Singh saod the BharatQR initiative will help in further advancing the digital payments ecosystem in India. "With one code access, India will achieve its target of being a digital economy sooner... Going forward, we are confident that the government will consider including wallets in Bharat QR," he added. PTI tech2 News Staff Apple, which was recently slapped with a $14 bn tax bill for its activities in Ireland has now filed a 14-point appeal against the ruling. The EC had filed a case accusing Ireland of giving state aid to Apple. The European Commission (EC) charged Apple on various grounds, including tax evasion, and won a ruling in the ECs favour. As Apple Insider reports, Apple has submitted its appeal of the ruling and primarily contests that the Cork, Ireland, headquarters of Apple's European wing was properly set up, in accordance with all regulations and laws. The appeal also points out various procedural shortcomings, improper attribution of income to Apple, the treatment of its status as a non-resident Irish company and more. The iPhone giant also alleges that the EC failed to conduct a diligent and impartial investigation and accused the EC of breaching articles of the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. The company has demanded that the ruling be dropped and that the EC pay the legal fees that Apple has racked up so far. The 14-point appeal can be found here. Many US companies operate out of Ireland because of the alleged tax benefits the country provides. The EC and US Government has been going after these companies, including Apple, Google and Microsoft, and accusing them of tax evasion. While the matter is far more complicated than it would appear. For example, the current so-called state-aid given allegedly by Ireland applies to money that Apple is holding in Ireland. While Apple is holding a lot of money in Ireland, a massive chunk of it is to be repatriated to the US and then subjected to US tax laws. Irish law allows for this. Ireland will only tax Apple on income generated from activities within Ireland, not on money held in Ireland. The US is also furious at the ECs actions since it believes that the EC is trying to fleece the US Government out of taxes owed to the US Government since the money is meant to be repatriated to it. And this is only one of many other such issues. Whether Apple and other such companies are evading tax by doing this is a matter of debate. Measures are already being taken in European countries and the US to prevent this sort of tax evasion from happening in the future. The form of tax evasion being targeted by these new laws is called a Double Irish, or, in its expanded from, a Double Irish with a Dutch Sandwich. Companies that use this structure have until 2020 to abolish it or face severe penalties. hidden Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) chairman AS Kiran Kumar on Monday said the country has the capability to develop a space station, but it needed a long-term approach and an ambitious planning. His comment follows Isro display of technological prowess last week by launching 104 satellites in a single mission. "We have all the capabilities to set up a space station. The day the country takes the decision, we will 'ok' the project. Just draw a policy and provide us necessary funds and time," Kumar said here. He was in Indore to attend the foundation day ceremony of Raja Ramanna Center for Advanced Technology (RRCAT). "We still talk about what would be the immediate benefits of a manned space mission. That is why the country hasn't made up its mind about when to invest in a space station," he said. A long-term thinking was needed for setting up a space station, he said, adding "the sooner the better." Kumar said Isro was also mulling tying up with the industry to enhance the country's satellite launching capability. Many more satellites were needed to keep a tab on the land and weather conditions and to enhance the communication network, he said. This would be possible with increase in the number of satellite launches, for which the country needed to enhance the basic infrastructure and reduce the cost of equipment, he added. The number of companies manufacturing small satellites has gone up across the world, but these companies could not launch them, therefore this area had immense commercial potential and India could tap it by enhancing the launch facilities, the Isro chief said. PTI tech2 News Staff Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently spoke about his views on artificial intelligence (AI), American values, Indias Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and more in an interview with The Economic Times (ET). Nadella, who himself is, technically, an immigrant in America, spoke about how Americas enlightened immigration policies helped him to live the dream in the interview. He stated that the things he would always advocate for are the American dream and the American enlightened immigration policy. ET adds that despite these statements, Nadella also emphasised that governments had the right to determine immigration and trade policies. Speaking on labour mobility, Nadella reportedly said that labour mobility depends on immigration policy, and that whatever the country, that countrys citizens will always come first. Microsoft aims to work with in such countries with these principals of local opportunity creation, he tells ET. He was also all praise for India Stack, which he believes will bring down transactional costs in the economy and will eventually benefit everyone. Interestingly, Nadella doesnt believe that AI will have much of an impact on Indias job market. Speaking from the human angle, he pointed out that AI will never be able to show empathy, which is more important in a services-led economy like Indias. While AI has its place, Microsoft is pushing for greater adoption of its Cortana Intelligence Suite and Azure Cloud services after all, Nadella claims that jobs can be built around the attributes of real common sense, real empathy and real intelligence. tech2 News Staff Planetary Scientists, including those working on the New Horizons mission by Nasa to explore Pluto want to redefine the definition of a planet. The current definition by the International Astronomical Union (IAU) has stopped considering Pluto as a planet, and recognises that the solar system has eight planets. Pluto, and other objects like it in the outer solar system, have been designated a class of their own, known as dwarf-planets. The IAU definition is not enforceable by international law, and as such is a scientific convention. There are a number of shortcomings with the definition, as pointed out by researchers who specialise in studying planets, as against astronomers who study planets as well as other celestial objects. A planet can only be in orbit around the Sun, and so extra solar planets in orbit around other stars are not technically qualified to be called planets. The planets are expected to clear all the other objects in their orbit, which no planet in the solar system does, as new objects constantly cross the orbits of planets. The farther away a planet is from the sun, the bigger it has to be to clear the orbit, which means that an Earth sized object in the asteroid belt would not be considered as a planet under the current definition. Additionally, the definition is inconsistent as giant planets are considered as planets, but dwarf planets are not considered as planets. The scientists have proposed to redefine what is a planet according to the inherent characteristics of the object, instead of external factors. The suggested definition is "A planet is a sub-stellar mass body that has never undergone nuclear fusion and that has sufficient self-gravitation to assume a spheroidal shape adequately described by a triaxial ellipsoid regardless of its orbital parameters." The proposed redefinition excludes stellar objects such as stars, white dwarfs, black holes and neutron stars. Brown dwarfs, which are on the larger end of the planetary scale and on the smaller end of the stellar scale is excluded from the definition, and left for the future when the contentious issue of the planetary status of brown dwarfs is resolved. The suggestion given for a simple definition suitable for use in school textbooks is "round objects in space that are smaller than stars". Alan Stern, the lead scientist on the New Horizon mission by Nasa has told Tech Insider that the definition of a planet currently used by the IAU is "Bull****". Stern points out the complex geography on Pluto, including an atmosphere thicker than mercury, water ice mountains that are bigger than the Rocky mountains on Earth, and ridges on frozen plains that are signs of geological activity. "You really should listen to planetary scientists that know something about this subject. When we look at an object like Pluto, we dont know what else to call it." If the proposed definition becomes the accepted scientific convention, then that could mean that there are over 110 planets in the solar system, with new ones being constantly discovered. The many moons in the solar system, including that of the Earth, will all be considered as planets according to the new definition. In scientific literature, there are instances in scientific literature where large spherical asteroids are described as "planets of the Kuiper belt" and the phrase "planet-wide" is used to report conditions across the entire surface of a moon. For schoolchildren, this does not mean that they will have to learn the names of all the 110 planets in the solar system. It is sufficient to learn the names of only the 12-25 most important objects, similar to how students typically focus on only a few elements of the periodic table, and a handful of the 88 official constellations. A better approach would be to classify the solar system into zones, and describe the objects typical in those zones. The inner solar system has rocky planets (Mercury, Venus, Earth), the middle zone has gaseous (Saturn, Jupiter), rocky (Mars) and Icy (Europa) planets, whereas the outer solar system has icy (Pluto) planets. tech2 News Staff Everyone is excited about the rumoured launch of Nokia in the upcoming Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona later this week. Weeks prior to MWC 2017, we have been treated with a number of leaks, tips and rumours about what the future holds for smartphones. The latest does not seem to be a leak but instead, it looks more like an honest error while posting a listing online about an unreleased product. The website in question is the Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com. It has posted Nokia 8 as a product that will be available soon for sale on the website. There is not much detail available on the website or the page listing in terms of specs or the launch date at the time of writing. The information provided on JD.com should be taken with a pinch of salt, as nothing is official yet. According to previous reports, the Nokia 8 is expected to come with Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset, 6GB RAM, either 64GB or 128GB storage with the option to expand the storage using a microSD card slot. It will sport a 24MP OIS + EIS sporting rear camera and a 12MP front-facing camera along with dual-front speakers. HMD Global, the company with the license to make Nokia branded smartphones has already announced its event at MWC 2017. hidden Union IT and Electronics Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday met Indian-born CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella and urged him to consider the use of Microsoft's innovative technology in the upcoming DigiGaon (Digital Village) initiative. "Had a good &productive meeting with @satyanadella. He deeply appreciated the success of ongoing #DigitalIndia program, which is transformative," the minister tweeted after talks with Nadella here. "Requested @satyanadella to consider the use of their innovative technology in the proposed DigiGaon (Digital Village) initiative," Prasad added. In the Union Budget for the 2017-18 Fiscal, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that a DigiGaon initiative will be launched for the provision of telemedicine, education and skills with the help of digital technology. "It was fantastic to spend time with Minister Prasad, talking about the great progress India is making with IndiaStack and Digital India," Nadella said. IndiaStack is a set of application programming interface (APIs) that allows governments, businesses, startups and developers to utilise an unique digital infrastructure to solve India's problems towards "presence-less, paperless, and cashless service delivery". "For us at Microsoft, our mission is to empower every Indian and every Indian organisation to be able to achieve more and with the policies of the Government of India. We are excited to contribute to help take advantage of Digital India," Nadella said in a video posted by Prasad on his Twitter account. On Wednesday, Nadella will address "Future Decoded" - Microsoft's two-day flagship technology and business conference that started off in Mumbai on Tuesday. The conference is a platform that brings together 1,500 business and government decision-makers to engage in conversations on how technology will transform all aspects of our work and life. Earlier on Monday, leading e-commerce major Flipkart tied up with the global software major Microsoft to use its Azure Cloud platform for boosting its e-tail sales. The strategic partnership was announced by Satya Nadella on his maiden visit to Bengaluru after he took over the reins of the world's largest software product firm in February 2014. "At Microsoft, we aim to empower every Indian and every Indian organisation with technology through strategic partnerships with innovative firms like Flipkart," said Nadella on the occasion. As a public cloud computing platform, Azure provides a range of services, including analytics, storage and networking on network of computers (cloud). "By combining our public cloud platform and AI (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities with Flipkart's services and data assets, we will enable the e-tailor to accelerate its digital transformation and deliver new customer experiences," said Nadella. IANS tech2 News Staff Reliance Industries Limited is holding a press conference at 1:30 PM today. The company Chairman and Managing Director Mukesh Ambani will be addressing the audience to deliver a statement. The nature of the statement or any announcement related to any launch is not known at the time of writing. The press conference will be live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook along with the live tweets on Twitter. You can check the embedded live stream down below or by following Flame of Truth and Jio Digital Life channels on YouTube. In addition to YouTube, you can also watch the live stream on Facebook pages of Reliance Industries Limited and Jio. In addition to Facebook pages, you can follow Flame of Truth and Reliance Jio handles on Twitter. This comes right after a recent address by Mukesh Ambai at Nasscom India Leadership Forum 2017 in Mumbai. Jio stands for affordability. Jio is conceived at a time when the world was in the phase of digitising. Data is the new oil, Ambani said. Reliance Jio has disrupted the Indian telecom industry with its free data offer till March. Ambani said Aadhaar has enabled Reliance Jio to have millions of customers within few months. Talking about digital payments, he said: After the Aadhaar, you consider the digital payments system that is fast developing. Earlier, loans and financial resources were only available to a few people at high value. Now, I see that changing on the basis of technology. Now based on data, you can get a loan on your mobile phone. With inputs from PTI Disclaimer: Reliance Jio is owned by Reliance Industries, who also own Network18, the publisher of Firstpost and tech2. hidden German carmaker Volkswagen has fixed 470,000 cars out of 1.2 million affected by the diesel emissions scandal in Britain, the firm's UK managing director told lawmakers on Monday. Paul Willis faced difficult questions from lawmakers, some of whom are angry that the firm has not been fined in Britain and that motorists have not received compensation, unlike VW owners in the United States, where the company admitted it had used software to cheat tests on diesel emission levels. "Out of 1.2 million technical measures which have to be applied, as of today, we have applied 470,000 and at the current rate we are applying these measures to 20,000 cars a week," Willis told parliament's transport committee. Britain's junior transport minister John Hayes said he and his boss, transport minister Chris Grayling, would be travelling to Germany next month to meet their counterparts and seek more information which could lead to an investigation into VW in Britain. "(We) will go to Berlin next month to meet the minister ... to request that we're provided the detailed technical information that will allow us then, if we chose to, to take further steps," Hayes said. Hayes also told lawmakers he will soon meet legal representatives of consumers seeking to take legal action against Volkswagen to see what help the government could give them. In January a British law firm launched legal action seeking thousands of pounds of compensation each for UK drivers affected by the carmaker's emissions scandal, and other firms have since sought to join the move. Reuters tech2 News Staff Work on Indias first, high-speed, bullet train project has finally started. The project aims to connect Mumbai and Ahmedabad via an undersea bullet train. The proposed high-speed corridor measures at around 508 km in length. 21 km of this will be an underground stretch between Virar and Thane district. 7 km of the stretch, set in an area around Thane creek, will be under the sea. The undersea stretch will be around 70 metres deep and drilling has started on the section. The aim of the drilling right now is only to determine if the soil and rock at that depth is stable and ascertain its load bearing capacity. The rest of the track will be elevated. The project is estimated to cost Rs 97,636 crores and 81 per cent of the funding for the project will come by way of a loan from Japan. The project cost includes possible cost escalation, interest during construction and import duties, reports PTI. The funding will be offered at a nominal interest fee of just 1 percent. Much of the technology and support will be provided by Japan. This is seen by some as a move by Japan to stem Chinas growing investments in the Asia region. China has already won a contract to assess the feasibility of operating a high-speed train between Delhi and Mumbai, reports Reuters. The Mumbai-Ahmedabad project is expected to field trains running at around 350 km/h. This will cut down the travel time from 7 hours to just 2 hours. The average speed of trains on Indias rail network is just 54 km/h. Construction work is expected to commence in 2018 and is estimated to take 5 years to construct. Lenovo has been offering a good variety of smartphones in India ranging from Rs 6,000 to Rs 20,000. The company has smartphones that offer value for money and to be honest some of them are quite worth buying. Lenovo's 'P' series saw an update last year, the Vibe P1, with a large 4,900mAh battery. This year, the smartphone sees a successor which drops the Vibe moniker and gets a larger battery. Here is an in-depth look at the Lenovo P2. Build and Design: 7/10 Like its predecessor, the P2 features a uni-body metal design. But the P2 looks and feels way better than the Vibe P1. The design is more refined. While the Lenovo P1 measured 9.9mm in thickness, the P2 offers 8.3mm thickness. Despite having a larger battery, the P2 is slimmer and even offers less weight. Having said that, the design is quite conventional. It looks very similar to most of the smartphones selling in the market today. The metal casing at the back has plastic strips on top and bottom while the front is covered by a 2.5D curved glass. I was surprised to see a toggle switch on the phone, almost reminding me of the the OnePlus handsets, but this actually turns on an ultimate power saver mode. More on this later. On the right side you will find the usual set of volume and power buttons while the hybrid SIM card tray is placed on the left side. At the bottom there is microUSB port for charging and data transfer along with two grills on either sides. The right one actually houses the loudspeaker and the left is well just for a bit of symmetry. The 3.5mm audio jack sit on the top and the microphone for recording videos. The 5.5-inch display sits under the protective glass and has the front facing camera, earpiece and some sensors sitting above it. Right below the display is the fingerprint sensor embedded in a hardware key. This does act like the home button but there are no capacitive buttons on its sides leaving you to use the onscreen navigation buttons. Overall the construction is solid and the design feels right. Even the hardware buttons offer a good tactile feedback and are responsive. Lenovo is offering the P2 in two colour variants, Champagne Gold and Graphite Grey. Features: 7.5/10 The Lenovo P2 comes with a good set of features considering its price range. It features a 5.5-inch Full HD, Super AMOLED display with 2.5D Gorilla Glass on top. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 processor clocked at 2GHz which is paired 3GB or 4GB of RAM. The one I am reviewing here is the 4GB variant. You get 32GB of storage, which is expandable to up to 128GB via a microSD card. The cameras come in the form of a 13MP Sony IMX258 rear sensor and the front is a 5MP unit. The smartphone supports dual nano SIMs and it offers a hybrid SIM tray. Connectivity features include LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, microUSB 2.0, FM Radio, GPS/A-GPS/GLONASS. There is a front mounted fingerprint scanner as well. The USP of the device is the 5,100mAh battery which can be charged quickly thanks to quick charge and the bundled 24W charger. The smartphone runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow and supports Lenovos TheatreMax technology, which transforms your screen into a VR display when hooked up with Lenovo's ANT-VR headset. Display: 8/10 The market is filled with 5.5-inch display equipped smartphones and the P2 is no different. However, Lenovo has used a Super AMOLED display with a Full-HD resolution. There is also a 2.5D Gorilla Glass on top giving it a nice curved finish. The display quality is great. I have to admit, I prefer AMOLED displays over any other display panel because of the higher contrast and excellent viewing angles. Brightness levels are great even under sunlight. Text looks sharp and color saturation is slightly on the higher side. The protective Gorilla Glass has some sort coating making the glass quite smooth. Using the smartphone you get a sense of high-quality as your fingers just glide over the display. Touch response is also good, although I noticed the corners were not as responsive as the rest of the panel. Probably a unit issue. Software: 7/10 The P2 runs on Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow with its custom UI and should get the new Nougat update. The Vibe Pure UI is pretty much stock with options to customise the homescreen style (with or without app drawer) and the multitasking screen. The handset comes with some pre-installed apps such as McAfee Security, Skype, Evernote, UC Browser and Truecaller. Some of these apps can be uninstalled. It also comes with U-Touch which was seen on the ZUK Z1 and Lenovo Z2 Plus. It offers some gestures that can be used by tapping and swiping on the fingerprint scanner. A single tap triggers the back button, a single press takes to the home screen and a long tap opens the multitasking window. You can use them or just turn it off and use the onscreen navigation buttons. Like most Lenovo smartphones, the quick toggle shade offers up to 13 quick setting rather than the traditional nine or six. It also offers a 'Secure Zone' feature which lets you use two accounts on one app for instance two WhatsApp accounts. You can also lock certain apps using a PIN, pattern, or your fingerprint. There is a theme store as well with some options for changing wallpapers and icons. The UI also offers a floating settings button which can be configured with apps and settings. Something similar to what you get on iOS and Xiaomi's MIUI. The UI is quite stable and runs smooth. I didn't face any issues. Even animations seemed to be working well. For everyday usage, I think the software is pretty stable and reliable. Performance: 7.5/10 The P2 offers similar hardware as the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 so I had my hopes high. You get the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 625 SoC which has a 2GHz octa-core processor with Cortex-A53 cores and an Android 506 GPU. There is an option for 3GB or 4GB RAM (I got to review the 4GB variant). This is a healthy package and for everyday usage seems to offer enough power. Casual gaming, sending emails, texting are all handled smoothly. Gaming is fairly good although not as good as flagship smartphones. Resource intensive games such as Asphalt 8, Dead Trigger 2 run smooth but not perfectly. There is the minor lag here and there. As for the thermals, temperatures are well maintained, but you will notice heating when you are stressing the phone with long gaming sessions. It gets slightly warm but I didn't notice any unbearable conditions. Running the standard benchmarks we got very similar results as the Redmi Note 4 and it was surprising considering they have identical hardware. While the Redmi Note 4 scored 63073 in AnTuTu, the P2 got 60868. Similarly other benchmarks showed that the overall performance capability of the Lenovo P2 is as good as the Redmi Note 4. For some reason the PC Mark Work Benchmark shutdown three times without giving any errors, but that doesn't make a huge difference. Moving to other performance areas, the call quality and data connectivity works flawless. I was really impressed with the loudspeaker as not only is it actually loud, it also is as good as a portable speaker. The fingerprint scanner also responds well, though it isn't the fastest but it maintains the standards. Camera: 6.5/10 The P2 features a 13 MP camera with an f/2.0 aperture 21mm lens, phase detection autofocus and dual-LED (dual tone) flash. On the front there is a 5MP camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The rear camera can take 2160p videos at 30fps and 1080p at 30fps while the front camera can record 1080p videos. The camera is pretty decent for a device at its price. Brightly lit objects come out good although there is a bit of softness to the pictures. Colours are balanced and pretty accurate. Pictures start losing details when you shoot indoors, in low light the image quality is just acceptable. I thought that HDR could help in certain situations but honestly it didn't make a huge difference. Landscape pictures somehow felt very flat while macros were pretty decent. Focusing is quick thanks to the phase detection auto-focus system, but of course I've seen faster phone cameras. Moving to the camera app itself, it is responsive and offers some modes and settings to play around with. There is a smart mode which is basically an auto mode that can adjust according to the situation. Then there are some modes like Pro (manual), panorama, art nightscape, Aristic HDR, fast-motion and slow motion. There are a bunch of settings as well which are pretty much seen on most smartphone cameras today. Battery life: 9/10 This is probably the reason why you should buy this phone. The handset offers excellent battery life. the 5,100mAh battery easily offers up to two days of battery on nominal usage. I fully charged the smartphone to 100 percent and was left with 40-50 percent at the end of the day. This included Wi-Fi tethering over 4G, a bit of Pokemon Go, checking mails and frequent social media surfing. The handset also comes with an Ultimate power saver mode. This basically turns all the main functions of the smartphone off and you get a black and white mode where you can only make calls, send and receive SMS, access contacts, FM Radio, etc. At 23 percent, the remaining battery time is 36 hours and 20 mins on the Ultimate power saver mode. The PC Mark battery benchmark scored a whooping 16 hours and 56 minutes, which is second only to the Asus Zenfone 3s Max which managed a couple of hours more with a slightly smaller battery. Verdict and Price in India There are many smartphones in the market today with large battery packs, but the Lenovo P2 is probably the best of the lot, from what we have tested. The company has done well to provide a value for money package to the end consumer. The one thing that disappointed me was the camera, but besides that I was quite satisfied with the experience. If you are looking for a big battery smartphone, this is the one to go for. The 3GB variant of the Lenovo P2 is priced at Rs 16,999 while the 4GB variant, which I recommend, is selling at Rs 17,999. I think that's a fair price point and knowing Lenovo, it should shed some bucks in the coming months. Yes if you compare it with the Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 (4GB RAM + 64GB ROM), it may seem priced higher for the same set of specs, but the Lenovo P2 has a much larger battery. Other alternatives to the Lenovo P2 are the Lenovo K6 Power and the Asus Zenfone 3S Max. If you are looking for a better performance package, then do check out the Lenovo Z2 Plus (currently on discount) or the LeEco Le 2. Find latest and upcoming tech gadgets online on Tech2 Gadgets. Get technology news, gadgets reviews & ratings. Popular gadgets including laptop, tablet and mobile specifications, features, prices, comparison. Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive Democracy This Page has moved to a new address: Sorry for the inconvenience Redirection provided by Blogger to WordPress Migration Service As'ad's Bio As'ad AbuKhalil, born March 16, 1960. From Tyre, Lebanon, grew up in Beirut. Received his BA and MA from American University of Beirut in pol sc. Came to US in 1983 and received his PhD in comparative government from Georgetown University. Taught at Tufts University, Georgetown University, George Washington University, Colorado College, and Randolph-Macon Woman's College. Served as a Scholar-in-Residence at Middle East Institute in Washington DC. He served as free-lance Middle East consultant for NBC News and ABC News, an experience that only served to increase his disdain for maintream US media. He is now professor of political science at California State University, Stanislaus. His favorite food is fried eggplants. China is willing to enhance strategic communication with India and expand practical cooperation to further develop bilateral ties, State Councilor Yang Jiechi said on Tuesday. Yang made the remarks while meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar at the Zhongnanhai compound in Beijing. Jaishankar is visiting China to attend the China-India Strategic Dialogue, a mechanism set up last year to create greater engagement between the nations. China is willing to make joint efforts with India to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and to maintain high-level exchanges, he said. Jaishankar said India would like to enhance dialogue and communication with China in all areas, expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and push forward progress in bilateral ties. The two sides also exchanged views on issues of joint concern, including international relations. According to a report in the Hindustan Times, trade and the economy will top Jaishankar's discussions with Chinese officials. China is India's biggest trading partner outside the European Union. Chinese investment in India grew by 7.5 percent in 2016, to $1.06 billion. India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group was also likely on the discussion list during the strategic dialogue, according to Indian media reports. The 45-member NSG, founded in 1975, controls global trade in nuclear technology. On Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular news conference that China deems India's application for NSG membership as a "multilateral issue". The NSG members need first to reach consensus on the criteria for entry into the group by countries that have not signed the non-proliferation treaty, and then move forward with discussions of specific cases, he said. "Apart from India, other non-NPT state parties are also making applications. Our position on those applications is consistent," he added. Jiang Jingkui, director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Peking University, said some Indian media outlets have accused China of intentionally blocking India's entry into the NSG, which "is wrong". "Signing the NPT is a must for countries that apply for entry of NSG, but India has not signed the NPT yet,"he said, adding that China is just sticking to the principle, not targeting India. The best bang for your buck! This option enables you to purchase online 24/7 access and receive the Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday print edition at no additional cost * Print edition only available in our carrier delivery area. 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Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market. In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender. India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex. Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted. But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted? Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner. If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems. I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now. I want more variation in masturbation I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own. If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end. What is sex toys for Indian? Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation. It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms. They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable. Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner. The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner. It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past. In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping. Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order. In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing. Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome. Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own. But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance. More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around. Sextoy situation in India Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years. In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India. Mumbai Kolkata Bangalore Delhi Chennai Hyderabad These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India. In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well. If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too. If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it. What are Sextoys for beginner? Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms. Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy. I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion. I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy. If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma. Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it. Advantages of using sextoy for Indians There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways. Can have stimulating sex Can develop new sexual zones If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern. However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways. You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation. Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever. There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure. This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it. When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems. It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms). For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles [Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou... Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India. Sextoy for beginner men in India So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners. For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men! The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men Masturbator Cock rings Love Doll Sex Lubricants Toys for the prostate Lets check each one in detail. Masturbator The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products. It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands. Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands. They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.) Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much. Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! ! Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa SEXToys India PR (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018 Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood. If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ... [For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien... Cock Ring A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis. It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow. It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber. In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection. Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction. It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it. Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time. Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function. Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy. You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect. [Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat... Love Doll Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex. There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women. Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price. The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true. You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste. There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice. You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls. If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to... Sex lubricants Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules. It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution. Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse. There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent. Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent. If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here. What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many... Toys for the Prostate Another sextoy for men is prostate toys. The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line. Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men. Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men. What is the prostate? The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm. You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus. By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms. Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.) The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation. Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure. sextoy for beinner women in India The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy. The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy. Vibrator. Dildo Electric Masserger Lets check out what each one is in detail. If you want to check out womens toys, click here. [BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm... Vibrators A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator. Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy. It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy. Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women. For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators. Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex. Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself. This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual. Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men. When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons. Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most... Dildo A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis. It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass. A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it. They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well. It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device. A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo. Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands. For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis. This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one. To learn more about dildo, please click here. What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th... Electric Masserger A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores. It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low. Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels. Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation. It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure. For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm. It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out. If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager? To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here. What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th... How to choose a sextoy for Indian Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one. Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points: Does the size fit you (the partner)? Does the size fit you (your partner)? Is the environment able to produce sound without problems? Price range First of all, the choice of size is quite important. Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women. For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage. Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems. Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise. If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level. Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it. Finally, there is the price range. The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest. Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy. Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy? I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance. For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics. If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out. How to buy sextoys in India The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping. For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below. Sextoy is one of them. Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping. SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India. They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry. Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card. To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy. ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal. Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on. Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture. Cautions for Indians using sextoy When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind Keep sex toys clean Watch out for electrical leakage Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone. Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there. It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case. In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness. Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful. If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it. You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly. Summary What did you think? In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India. The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future. As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values. However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health. If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try? Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women. I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it. The Stage Co. of Jackson County is holding auditions for its next production, "The Importance of Being Earnest," a classic written by the infamous Oscar Wilde. The play is a farcical comedy that revolves around the main characters' attempts to maintain false personas to avoid the burdens of social interaction. Auditions will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 27, Tuesday, Feb. 28 and Wednesday, March 1 at The Varsity Center in downtown Carbondale. The show will be performed April 21-23 and April 27-30. Rehearsals will be 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, beginning March 7. Nearer to the date of the performance, the rehearsal schedule will expand to Monday through Friday. Director Lee Brackett is looking to fill the following roles: Two female actors, ages 20-30 (could be a little younger depending on maturity levels). Two female actors, ages 50 or older. Two male actors, ages 20-30. Two male actors, age 30 or older. One male actor, age 50 or older. The younger males and females, along with one of the older females, are the lead roles. The rest of the cast will occupy smaller parts, with two of the male parts being fairly simple "walk-on" roles, according to a news release from The Stage Co. A copy of the script is available to read ahead of time at Carbondale Public Library. Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, so it is not necessary to prepare in advance. Anyone who can use a British accent during the audition will receive extra consideration. For more information, contact Brackett at lee.brackett@gmail.com. The Varsity Center is located at 418 S. Illinois Ave. The SIU Jazz Festival returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Feb. 25 and brings a Saluki home for a visit. The annual event is an educational and competitive opportunity for junior high and high school musicians from the region. Its also a chance for jazz lovers in the area to hear a high-quality performance from a specially selected guest artist. This years guest is Tim Pitchford, formerly a faculty member at the SIU School of Music and now director of the jazz program at the Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia. Pitchford, a trombonist, will be the featured player in a performance of the SIU Studio Jazz Orchestra at 12:30 p.m., and hell teach a masterclass at 1 p.m. His performance credentials include Maureen McGovern, Arturo Sandoval, Gloria Gaynor, Glenn Miller Orchestra, Gladys Knight, Aretha Franklin, K.C. and the Sunshine Band and others, and he appears on several Grammy-nominated recordings. Many factors go into selecting the guest first and foremost their instrument, Dick Kelley, director of jazz studies at SIU and assistant professor of saxophone, said. I try to rotate prominent jazz instruments from year to year that way we dont have five years in a row of trumpet players for example. Its been a while since we had a trombone guest. Participating schools perform a short set during the day, and then have a chance to hear a professional critique of their collective performance in an approach that emphasizes performance and professionalism. The day ends with an awards ceremony at 5:10 p.m. Here is the schedule of school performances. All events take place in Altgeld Hall. Paducah Junior High School: 10: 25 a.m. T.S. Hill Middle School (Dudley, Missouri): 10:50 a.m. Northwest High School (Hughesville, Missouri): 11:15 a.m. Cape Central Junior High School (Cape Girardeau): 3 p.m. Dexter High School (Dexter, Missouri): 3:25 p.m. North County High School (Bonne Terre, Missouri): 3:50 p.m. Carterville High School: 4:15 p.m. VIENNA Perhaps only divine intervention can break the logjam and bring Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan to common ground. So far, nothing else has worked. The same could be said for Rauner and the states largest labor union in contract negotiations. To that end, a group of state workers are planning to gather on Saturday for a prayer rally as the budget impasse drags on, wreaking havoc across Southern Illinois. My Brothers Keeper is hosting the event at 10 a.m. at the Vienna City Park, not far from Shawnee Correctional Center, Vienna Correctional Center and its satellite facility Dixon Springs Boot Camp. Meanwhile, by the end of the week, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), is expected to announce the results of a first-ever statewide strike authorization vote as talks have been at a standstill for more than a year. An affirmative vote would not mean a strike is imminent, but would give the bargaining committee the ability to call for one if AFSCME leaders deem it necessary, said union spokesman Anders Lindall. Just because a majority might vote to strike doesnt mean there will be a strike and doesnt mean there must be a strike, Lindall said. Gov. Rauner has ample opportunity to come to his senses, to drop his unreasonable demands, and to return to the bargaining table. But an affirmative vote on the tally would undoubtedly move Illinois into unprecedented territory and up the stakes in the ongoing feud between Rauner and the labor union. Marsha Griffin, in a written statement she provided to The Southern, said she organized the faith-based rally in Vienna because I wanted to provide workers throughout our state a time to gather in solidarity and provide them with a day of hope as we gather to pray for our state, Southern Illinois workers and a resolution to the budget crisis. Griffin did not specifically mention the strike authorization vote as a reason for gathering, but said it was more generally to show support for IDOC employees in dangerous jobs at a difficult time as it relates to Illinois government. Griffin, a Democrat, ran an unsuccessful bid for the state House this past year against Republican Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro. AFSCME was among Griffin's biggest organizational supporters in the campaign. It is vital that the budget impasse is ended, so we can attract industry and experience job creation, Griffin wrote. Never before in our states history has the budget been held hostage for over two years while critical services and programs that the most vulnerable rely on have been slashed. This crisis has crippled our state. A strike authorization vote could lead to chaos at some of the largest facilities in Southern Illinois that provide critical services for vulnerable people, including Choate Mental Health and Development Center and the Illinois Veterans Home of Anna, Chester Mental Health, and the Warren G. Murray Developmental Center in Centralia. DHS employees who help people sign up for food benefits and Medicaid also could walk off the job, if a strike were to be called. The law prohibits correctional officers and lieutenants at state prisons, boot camps and juvenile justice facilities from striking, and instead would lead to binding arbitration as it relates to those specific job classifications. But prisons also could be affected by a walkout, as non-security support services personnel are not prohibited from striking. And Lindall said all union workers at mental health facilities would have the legal ability to walk off the job in the event of a strike, even though people in these facilities have been court ordered for treatment following involvement with the criminal justice system or through the civil commitment process because it has been determined they could be a danger to themselves or others. The administration would have the legal right to hire temporary workers willing to cross a picket line. And the Daily Heralds Kerry Lester reported this past month that Dennis Murashko, the governors general counsel, said Rauner could fill spots by mobilizing the Illinois National Guard. Minnesota did that in 2001, according to Lesters Jan. 26 column. AFSCME has been highly critical of this comment, though the governor's office has not released any type of specific plan of the administration as to how it might respond to a strike. In an emailed comment to The Southern, Catherine Kelly, the governors spokeswoman, said, We continue to hope AFSCME chooses not to strike over the administrations contract that includes a 40-hour work week, merit pay and the use of volunteers, and therefore remain committed on working with the union to implement the terms of the contract that is similar to contracts ratified by 20 other unions. One of the main financial sticking points between the union and administration is about the employee cost of health care, though other issues are also being debated. The governor declared an impasse a year ago, and this was upheld by the Illinois Labor Relations Board against the advice of an administrative law judge. This impasse declaration is the subject of a pending legal battle. Lindall said that AFSCME has never before organized a vote of this magnitude. Voting began Jan. 30 and concluded this past weekend. Most voting sites were located away from places of employment but in the same communities. For example, there were voting locations set up in Chester, Anna, Vienna and Marion, among other Southern Illinois locations. The statewide tally will take place sometime this week in an undisclosed location. Lindall said the voting was private and secure, and that the counting will take place in front of impartial observers. He was not specific about the release date of the results, except to say it is expected by the end of the week. Ty Petersen, a Southern Illinois-based staff representative for AFCME Council 31, said the rally offers a way for state employees to educate the public about exactly how dangerous some of the jobs they perform are on a regular basis. Marsha Griffin and My Brothers Keeper have been there in the forefront fight to enlighten not just citizens, but legislators and governors, of the struggles state employees face performing their jobs at the Illinois Department of Corrections, Petersen said. Petersen said that local members also hope to know the results of the strike authorization vote by Friday, and this will give people a chance to gather and unify regardless of the outcome during the weekend. The Jackson County League of Women Voters is holding three candidate forums in preparation for the upcoming election. Members of the League are asking residents to send them questions to ask at each of these forums. Election Day is April 4. The forums are March 7, 8 and 27. They are: The John A. Logan College Board of Trustees forum, 5:30 p.m. March 7, at John A. Logan College, Room F117 (Conference Center area). Send issues to kathyfatz@sbcglobal.net by Feb. 24. The JALC Trustee candidates are (three to be elected): Becky Borgsmiller Bob "Hawk"Ellis William L. Orrill Mandy Little Glenn Poshard (incumbent) Carbondale Elementary School Board Forum, 7 p.m. March 8, Carbondale Civic Center. Send issues to sphillips1024@gmail.com by Feb. 28. The Carbondale Elementary School board candidates are (four to be elected): Stephen L. Compton Catherine Field Grant R. Miller Christopher C. Payne Gary K. Shepherd Carlton Smith Lisa Marie Smith Natasha Zaretsky Carbondale City Council Forum, 7 p.m. March 27, Carbondale Civic Center. Send issues to marypohlmann@gmail.com by March 15. The Carbondale City council candidates are (three to be elected): Jessica Bradshaw (incumbent) Lee Fronabarger (incumbent) Carolin Harvey (incumbent) Jeff Doherty Five incumbents on the Carbondale High School No. 165 board all filed for re-election to the five open seats; those candidates are Kathy Kelley Booziotis, Joe Hudgins, Francis Tsung, Julie E. Womack Van Winkle and Brian E. Woodard. For additional information on the LWV forums, contact Mary OHara via email at maryohara@mchsi.com or phone at 618-713-0920. Answers Africa is one of a kind platform created for Africans both locally and in the diaspora and those seeking for more in-depth information about Africa. We have always focused on creating the highest quality informational contents right from the beginning. We share the most relevant information on the latest and trending news, events, people, and places in Africa. We produce contents across various categories including Politics, People, Love and Romance, Nature, Entertainment, Technology and pretty much everything else that Africans may find relevant. 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Eye-Popping Facts About The Personal Life And Career Success Of Sportscaster Heidi Watney Heidi Watney is a media personality who has created a niche for herself as a sportscaster. Starting out as a radio presenter, the brilliant young lady has gone on to work for several prominent sports networks, and currently, she is with the MLB. The sportscaster is also known to have been an avid sports lady right ... Marty Lagina Bio Siblings (Martina and Rick Lagina), Net Worth and Wife Marty Lagina is an American engineer and businessman who has risen to fame as a reality TV star. This is thanks to his involvement in the adventure TV series, The Curse of Oak Island. The Curse of Oak Island is a long-running TV series which airs on the history channel. The show aims to solve ... Is Jordan Schlansky Just A Character or a Real Life Person and What Does He Do? The world of late-night television is an interesting one. 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Nikki Mudarris Bio and Net Worth: 5 Interesting Facts You Need to Know Nikki Mudarris, also known as Miss Nikki Baby, is a reality television star, model and fashionista. Shes best known for VH1s reality TV series Love & Hip-Hop: Hollywood. Her entrepreneurial skills enable her to create and run a successful lingerie line Nude by Nikki. Not only that, but Nikki has also successfully run the Las ... 5 Interesting Things You Need To Know About Kelly Nash Ever heard of the lady who gained national prominence for taking a selfie with a dangerous ball just a few inches away from hitting her? Its no other person than Kelly Nash, an American sports broadcaster currently working as host of The Rundown show which airs on MLB Network every weekday at 2 pm ET. ... Understanding The Height of Fame John Oliver Achieved With The Daily Show and How He Met His Wife Without knowledge of who he is and his exemplary career, John Oliver cuts an unassuming figure of a regular man but he is one of the most influential personalities in America, especially on television. Since he began his career in 1998, he has been a loud and unapologetic agent of change, using his wit and ... Why Did Big Chief Leave Street Outlaws, Where Is He Now And Why Did He Divorce His Wife? Justin Shearer, otherwise known by his professional name Big Chief is a famous street racer and television personality. He is famously known for being one of the main characters on the racing reality television series, Street Outlaws. Justin, who had been a significant part of the show since its premiere in 2013, appeared in a ... Who is Josina Anderson of ESPN? Her Husband and Family Facts There has been a gradual paradigm shift in the world of sports which has today produced the likes of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and other female athletes that are pulling great feats in different sporting fields. Their achievements have also been followed by the emergence of female sports journalists such as Jillian Mele, Eboni Williams, ... Is Brittany Wagner Married, Who Is The Husband, How Old Is She? Brittany Wagner has been an inspiration to a lot of sports youngster. She has won the hearts of many athletic students with her role as a life coach and an academic counselor. She is well groomed in her career and has worked over a decade for The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and The National ... Tati Westbrook Bio Age, Husband & Net Worth With five videos dished out every week, alongside running her own brand, beauty guru, and YouTube superstar Tati Westbrook has proved to the world that theres utterly no impossibility or limit to whatever one is passionate about. Tati is best known for being the owner and manager of the worlds most-viewed beauty and lifestyle YouTube channel, ... Cathy Areus Long Road to Becoming a Freelance Journalist and What to Know About Her Kids An American freelance journalist, news analyst, and author, Cathy Areu has built a lasting reputation for herself on cable television. Popular for her skillful and sassy presentation of professional views on varying topics including cultural and feminist issues, Cathy is an inspiration to many women across the globe. In addition to being a journalist, she ... Tucker Carlsons Love Story With Wife Susan Andrews, their Children and Net Worth Today On the TV screens, Tucker Carlson is that fiery fellow who passionately dishes out his conservative and often controversial views on issues of national importance. Such brazenness has fetched him many enemies, especially on the left-wing, but it has also helped him cement a reputation as one of the foremost broadcast journalists in America. His ... Paige Wyatts Net Worth, Boyfriend and Where She Is Now Paige Wyatt became popular after the Wyatt family began running the reality television show, American Guns. The Wyatt family comprises Rich Wyatt (father), Renee Wyatt (mother), Paige and Kurt Wyatt (children). Rich Wyatt originally ran a gun shop, the Gunsmoke Guns in Wheat Ridge, Colorado which is outside of Denver. The business which he ran together ... The Progression of Howard Sterns Career As A Media Personality And Why He Divorced His First Wife Howard Stern is a legendary American radio host, who has also done some notable work as an actor, producer, author, as well as photographer. The radio personality achieved worldwide fame as a result of his self-titled radio program, The Howard Stern Show. As a professional radio personality, he has worked in different radio stations. Since 2006, ... Lisa Joyners Biography Ethnicity, Net Worth and Other Key Facts Lisa Joyner is an American Journalist, TV talk show host, and actress. Some of her well-known works are her correspondences for the Los Angeles based TV KCBS, inFANity show, Find My Family Show including her film and television appearances in Brimstone, American Sweetheart, The Bold and The Beautiful among others. Lisas passion for reconnecting people with their biological families ... Amanda Balionis Rise Through the Ranks of Sportscasting and the Identity of Her Boyfriend Amanda Balionis is an American sportscaster currently working as a golf broadcaster for CBS Sports. Among so many of her works in the field of sports reporting, Amandas PGA Tour coverage seems to be the most popular so far. She covered the Super Bowl working with CBS Sports social media team in Atlanta, where she ... Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ... Erik Asla And Tryra Banks Split: Everything You Need To Know Tyra Banks and Erik Asla have called it quits! 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Nayyera Haqs Bio What To Know About Her Husband, Parents And Family Nayyera Haq can take anyone on political debates as well as discussions on social issues affecting many. Her ability to masterfully deliver her stance on every issue or political debate has made her a regular face in morning and evening news media platforms. This is not a common feat especially for someone from her kind ... Inside Guy Fieris Family With Wife, Kids and Sister Who Died of Cancer Over the years we have seen men dominate the kitchen and churn out amazing delicacies from it. Some do it way better than their female counterparts and one of such men is Guy Ramsay Fieri an American TV host, celebrity chef, restaurant owner, bestselling author of four culinary books, and game show host. His ... Meet Phil Mudd of CNN The Former CIA and FBI Exec, Is He Married, Who Is The Wife? 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This Is Everything You Should Know About Caroline Heldman, Her Career Portfolio and Other Facts Love it or hate it, there is no escaping the fact that feminism has come to stay in our world. The movement has continued to garner momentum over the years and this is due to the sustained push by several women, and even men, including the likes of Caroline Heldman. A Professor of Politics at ... Understanding The Enigma That Is Gavin McInnes, The Controversies He Has Stirred and All About His Wife Gavin McInnes is a polemical English-born writer and TV personality, who is best known for his racist and fascist ideologies, as well as his co-ownership of Vice Media and Vice Magazine. He is also an actor a Claflin University hosted 78 high school seniors at its "Become a Visionary Leader" open house. "We designed this event for students with strong academic records who also aspire to become visionary leaders," said Antonio McFarland, Claflins assistant director of admissions. "The selections were largely based on grade-point averages and test scores." The Jan. 28 event included brief presentations which provided the students and their parents with a general overview of Claflin's campus admissions, financial aid, scholarships and campus services. Students also had an opportunity to talk with current Claflin students and members of university's faculty. They also toured the campus. Among the guests attending the program was Dr. Hector Flores, president of the South Carolina Governors School for Science and Mathematics. "I am extremely impressed with the quality of students, staff, faculty and facilities at Claflin, Flores said. We look forward to further conversation and a path to send more GSSM graduates to Claflin in the coming years." Claflin enrolled its first student from GSSM last fall and a second student has been accepted for the fall 2017 semester. "This speaks to the growing reputation Claflin has earned for producing graduates from STEM programs," Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale said. We are one of the regions leading liberal arts universities but our emphasis on STEM aligns with career opportunities in todays workplace. Of the 78 students who attended the program, 17 were out-of-state students who hailed from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, New Jersey and North Carolina. The highlight of the program was a presentation of scholarships as students received awards ranging from $3,000 to Presidential Scholarships. Presidential Scholars receive full academic scholarships, free books and a monthly stipend. A Bowman man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following an assault. James Allen Green, 33, of 503 Foliage St., Bowman, pleaded guilty last week to second-degree violent burglary and first-degree assault and battery. Circuit Judge Maite Murphy sentenced him to 15 years in prison. He was given credit for having already served 263 days at the Orangeburg County Detention Center. She also ordered him to obtain his GED, complete anger management therapy, complete a spousal batterers treatment program and not to have any contact with the victim. According to his indictment, Green kicked in the front door of the victims house and then physically punched, slapped and choked the victim on May 28, 2016. In other pleas: A Bowman woman who admitted that she committed food stamp fraud has been ordered to pay $15,000 to the S.C. Department of Social Services. Michelle Evelyn Jones, 28, of 621 Landsdowne Road, pleaded guilty to one count of food stamp fraud/acquisition valued more than $10,000. According to court records, she committed the fraud between Nov. 9, 2009 and April 30, 2015. In addition to ordering Jones to pay restitution to DSS, Murphy ordered her to complete 80 hours of public service employment and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Alvin Nathaniel Tayler III, 36, of 5668 Freedom Road, Branchville, pleaded guilty to third-degree domestic violence. Murphy sentenced him to 30 days at the OCDC, suspending the balance to one year of probation. Montarious Jamaal Sharperson, 26, of 317 Lawton Street, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to forgery valued less than $10,000. Murphy sentenced him to prison for two years, suspending the balance of the sentence to probation for nine months. Murphy also ordered Sharperson to complete 30 hours of public service employment. Freddie Deamonte Dixon Jr., 18, of 843 Byron Drive, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to unlawful carrying of a handgun. Murphy sentenced him to 30 days at the OCDC or a $300 fine. Chris Tyrik Argrow Jr., 19, of 565 Maple St., Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to breaking into motor vehicles. Murphy sentenced Argrow under the Youthful Offender Act to five years in prison, suspended to two years of probation. She also ordered him to complete 80 hours of public service employment, receive substance abuse counseling and undergo random drug/alcohol testing. Stacy Alana Wiggins, 44, of 635 Rivers Road, Lamar, pleaded guilty to breach of trust with fraudulent intent valued at more than $2,000 but less than $10,000. Murphy sentenced him to prison for five years, suspending the sentence to three years of probation. She credited him for having served time at the OCDC since Oct. 30, 2016. Murphy ordered him to complete 80 hours of public service employment, undergo random drug/alcohol testing and pay $15,500 in restitution. Rodnequawa Shantel Riley, 23, of 413 Langley Road, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to forgery, valued at $10,000 or less. Murphy sentenced Riley to five years in prison, suspending the sentence to probation for three years. Riley must also pay $1,400 in restitution, work 80 hours in public service employment, undergo random drug/alcohol testing and not to have any contact with the victim or the facility where she lives. Barry Olando Pettus, 48, of 724 Hayden Road, Wofford, pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree assault and battery. Murphy sentenced him to three concurrent terms of 10 years in prison, suspending the sentence to three years of probation. She credited him for having served 320 days at the OCDC and ordered him to continue mental health counseling. Joseph Dayquan Colter, 23, of 1120 Wolfe Trail, Apt. 289, Orangeburg, pleaded guilty to possession of Xanax, unlawful carrying of a handgun and possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Murphy sentenced him under the Youthful Offender Act not to exceed five years. Colter also faced the following charges, but they were dismissed: possession with intent to distribute marijuana within close proximity to a school and possession with intent to distribute Xanax within close proximity to a school. As a part of the Voorhees College Black History Month speaker series, Lincoln University President Dr. Kevin D. Rome Sr. will be the featured guest speaker at 11 a.m. Feb. 23 in Massachusetts Hall. Rome became president of Lincoln University in 2013 after serving as the vice chancellor for student affairs and enrollment management at North Carolina Central University for five years. He served as the assistant dean of students at the University of Texas at Austin, assistant vice chancellor at Indiana University, vice president of campus life at Clayton State University and vice president for student services at his alma mater, Morehouse. He earned a bachelors degree in English from Morehouse College and a masters degree in college student personnel with an emphasis in counseling from the University of Georgia. Rome earned a doctorate degree in higher education administration from the University of Texas at Austin. Voorhees President Dr. W. Franklin Evans said he is confident that Rome will captivate the students through his message. Dr. Rome has served in multiple student-oriented capacities over the span of his career. His training has given him the tools to communicate and relate to students. It is my hope that our students will be motivated and inspired from his speech to strive for higher academic greatness, Evans said. A key component to President Donald Trumps pledge to make America great again is to make our infrastructure stronger than ever. While weve spent about a trillion dollars on infrastructure during the last seven years, America is ranked No. 11 among the nations of the world. Trump is right: This is an abomination, and it needs to be fixed immediately. After eight years of federal stimulus programs and claims of shovel-ready jobs, many understandably view federal spending projects with suspicion. Trumps plan, however, appears to be vastly different from the various federal spending projects passed during the presidencies of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Rather than rely on federal taxpayer outlays, the Trump plan will rely mostly on private investment to rebuild Americas crumbling infrastructure. Libertarian economist Robert Poole of the Reason Foundation says Trump wants to treat infrastructure like a public utility. Poole has mentioned three infrastructure plans proposed by advisers to Trump, including a $1 trillion plan for an investor-funded P3 infrastructure contained in a 10-page report written by Wilbur Ross and Peter Navarro. The plan derives much of the funding from user fees, rather than tax revenues, and would quite effectively fund infrastructure projects such as toll-based bridges and highways, airports, seaports, electricity transmission lines, as well as water and wastewater systems. Trumps transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, a critic of the Obama stimulus spending approach, agrees with the infrastructure building ideas proposed by Trump advisers. During her confirmation hearings, Chao expressed skepticism about the traditional big government approach of rebuilding infrastructure via large spending bills, and supporting ideas involving private funding and public-private partnerships for infrastructure rebuilding. Many ideas likely to become part of the Trump administrations infrastructure policy are highlighted in a recent article by Michael Sargent of the Heritage Foundation. Reducing red tape and delays in permitting as well as reforming environmental review policies will speed the process of gaining approval for major infrastructure projects. Additionally, reforming cost and discriminatory labor rules will save a lot of money on projects. Under federal policy enacted by an Obama executive order, federal contractors must operate under Project Labor Agreements on federally funded projects. This drives up costs by nearly 20 percent because it requires contractors to hire union-only labor. This, along with the Davis-Bacon Act, which mandates that contractors pay 22 percent higher wages than market average, forces much higher labor costs for infrastructure projects. Infrastructure policy will be just one of many areas where Donald Trump brings an entirely different approach to the federal government. Knowing that we have nearly $20 trillion in national debt, and that it is important to seriously address out-of-control federal spending, Trump will rebuild our nations infrastructure in an innovative way that will rake in $167 billion from the private sector. The president knows that strongly rebuilt infrastructure is needed to make America great again, but that reducing federal spending is also imperative. His infrastructure plan will accomplish both and help to bring about the strong economic prosperity that we need and deserve. Donald Trump wants to move forward on a big increase in infrastructure spending. But in typical Washington fashion the spending debate may soon overshadow the original purpose of that spending: making it easy for Americans to get from point A to point B, and thus to make a better living. Surprisingly, the most effective, economical solution isnt always more roads (and the short-term economic bounce they bring). Its the unpopular, yet highly effective, variable toll system. Politicians, including Trump, often tout the job-creating aspects of transportation infrastructure spending. While it is certainly true that building a highway or a bridge generates construction and engineering jobs in the short-term, the long-term benefit of transportation infrastructure investment can be attributed to the greater mobility the highways and bridges provide. Greater mobility results in better job matches, lower business costs and faster product deliveries to customers. This increases productivity, an essential driver of business expansion and economic growth. Greater mobility allows workers to cast a broader job-search net. Workers are no longer constrained to look for jobs near their residence. Not only do they have more jobs to choose from, but employers have a larger pool of prospective employees to pick from. The result is better job matches. Better job matches lead to more productive employees, resulting in higher wages, greater employee job satisfaction, and more profitable businesses. More productive job matches promote business expansion and faster economic growth. Furthermore, since many jobs have moved from the central city to suburbs, increased mobility makes it easier for residents in the inner city to find jobs, expanding opportunities for lower-income residents. Higher levels of mobility can also improve business profitability by reducing the need to maintain high levels of inventories. Businesses hold inventories so that they can meet unexpected increases in customer demand. However, funds tied up in inventories have alternative uses that could earn a positive return. Greater mobility allows firms to take advantage of just-in-time deliveries. Firms save money by maintaining lower inventories yet are still able to satisfy customer demand, raising profitability. In addition, greater mobility reduces the time and dollar costs of getting final products to retailers. Consumers benefit from the increase in available product variety. In urban areas, congestion is often the biggest impediment to maintaining transportation mobility. Adding more lanes to congested highways is the most common policy directed at this problem. Unfortunately, while new investment expands the capacity of the system, it may fail to keep a lid on congestion as more drivers use the highway over time. Another problem with the costly building approach is that decision-making is highly political, so funds are often spent in areas where the return is low, rather than directing funds to the fastest-growing communities. Every state wants its share, whether it makes sense or not. The only way to control congestion and maintain mobility is to change the way we price highways and bridges. While unpopular, variable tolls have proven to be effective. These can be charged during peak usage times, providing an incentive to shift less essential car trips to off-peak hours, car pools or mass transit. To appease voters who do not want yet another tax, variable tolls can be substituted for fuel taxes, which take a significant (and often unnoticed) bite out of commuters budgets. In order to achieve widespread use of tolls, federal regulations need to be modified to allow tolling on all highways. This means, in order to begin making use of the superior highway technology at our disposal, Congress would need to remove all remaining restrictions on tolling federally funded highways and bridges. The real value of transportation systems is in promoting mobility and, therefore, economic activity. There is a proven, cost-effective way to do this, but it requires political willpower and an ability to sell people on ideas that may not initially be popular. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. SINGAPORE Thomson Reuters today announced the official opening of Thomson Reuters Labs Singapore. The Lab will collaborate with the government, customers, tech startups and universities to build partnerships and create innovative products and solutions for professional markets throughout the Asia Pacific region. The Singapore Lab is the first branch in Asia to open as part of Thomson Reuters Labs growing global network, joining locations in Boston, Cape Town, London, Waterloo (Canada) and Zurich. Located in Singapores central business district at One Raffles Quay, the Lab opening was officiated by Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer, Monetary Authority Singapore (MAS) and will support Thomson Reuters financial & risk, tax & accounting and legal businesses across Asia Pacific. Thomson Reuters Labs enable lean experimentation with advanced data analytics and machine intelligence to solve global challenges for customers. Specifically, the Labs provide capabilities across the many disciplines that constitute data science, delivering data exploration tools, dashboards, visualizations and proof-of-concept applications. Mona Vernon, Vice President, Thomson Reuters Labs, commented, Located in global innovation ecosystems, we engage with our clients, entrepreneurs and academics to invent and test emerging technologies that will define the future of knowledge work. Building a Lab in Singapore was a critical next step due to the governments commitment to the innovation economy. Sanjeev Chatrath, Managing Director, Financial & Risk, Asia Pacific at Thomson Reuters, added, Singapore is one of the worlds most innovative cities thanks to its focus on collaboration between corporations, government, financial institutions, regulators, and academia. With our established footprint across Asia and a strong presence in Singapore, the new Lab will serve as a hub for growing our innovation efforts and fostering co-innovation with our customers and partners within the region. Thomson Reuters remains focused on helping our customers in Asia navigate current global uncertainties and an increasingly complex business world through agile prototyping, leveraging our market leading assets, and deep, proven content. Kiren Kumar, Assistant Managing Director, Infocomms and Media, Singapore Economic Development Board, said, We welcome Thomson Reuters into our fast-growing digital innovation ecosystem, and are glad that the Singapore Data and Innovation Lab is collaborating with various partners to create new products for the region and beyond. We are also pleased that the Lab presents exciting career opportunities in data science, software development and user experience design. To learn more about Thomson Reuters Labs, and data innovation at the company, visit labs.thomsonreuters.com. Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters is the worlds leading source of news and information for professional markets. Our customers rely on us to deliver the intelligence, technology and expertise they need to find trusted answers. The business has operated in more than 100 countries for more than 100 years. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com. CONTACT Silke Marsh Thomson Reuters Head of PR, Financial & Risk, Asia Pacific Tel: +61 404 763 797 Email: silke.marsh@thomsonreuters.com By Azernews By Nigar Abbasova Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF) has so far paid compensations worth over 725.53 million manats ($418.13 million) to depositors of the recently closed Dekabank, Kredobank, Zaminbank, Parabank, Caucasus Development Bank, AtraBank, Bank of Azerbaijan, Ganjabank, Texnikabank and Bank Standard. Banks Volume of paid compensations (million manats/ million USD) Volume of the insured deposits (million manats/ million USD) Bank Standard 435.313 ($250.872) 460 ($265.1) Zaminbank 54.356 ($31.325) 60 ($34.57) Dekabank 3.086 ($1.778) 5.59 ($3.22) Kredobank 27.771 ($16.05) 30.21 ($ 17.41) Caucasus Development Bank 1.974 ($1.137) 2 ($1.15) Atrabank 14.280 ($ 8.229) 14.55 ($8.38) Bank of Azerbaijan 24.161 ($13.924) 24.2 ($13.94) Gandjabank 0.976 ($ 0.562) 1 ($0.57) Texnikabank 120.433 ($69.405) 122.6 ($70.65) Parabank 43.175 ($24.881) 43.79 ($25.23) The licenses of all the banks were revoked in 2016, as their assets were not classified in line with the law, and they didnt create adequate reserves and their aggregate capital did not meet the minimum requirements. Some 32 banks are currently implementing their activities in the country. By Azernews By Amina Nazarli Novruz Bayram, the most anticipated and favorite holiday solemnly celebrated in Azerbaijan with the arrival of spring, is just around the corner. Novruz is celebrated each year on March 21, when the sun enters the sign of Aries on the astrological calendar. In the northern hemisphere, this date frequently coincides with the spring equinox, the day on which the number of daylight hours equals the number of nighttime hours. On our modern Gregorian calendar, the spring equinox varies from March 19 to March 21. Being the oldest festival of spring its celebrated for more than 3,000 years in the Caucasus, the Balkans, the Black Sea basin, Central Asia and Near East. Azerbaijanis and many other peoples throughout the world are happy to meet the warm spring and forget all about the gloom of winter. Preparation for the holiday begins with Water Tuesday, or as it is known here, Su Chershenbesi, which will be celebrated on February 21 this year. It is one of the four Tuesdays, each of which is dedicated to the awakening of one of the natural elements called Su Chershenbesi (Water Tuesday), Od Chershenbesi (Fire Tuesday) Hava Chershenbesi (Wind Tuesday) and Torpaq Chershenbesi (Earth or Last Tuesday). Each of Chershenbe has its own rites. Since ancient times, on Water Tuesday young girls go to the river and other sources to bring some water. With approaching Water Tuesday water renews. Snow on the slopes begins to melt and rush to rivers. People clean their houses with water on this day. There is also a tradition to jump over streams, which still exists in different regions of the country. It is no coincidence that the first Tuesday prior to Novruz is associated with water, as water is the main source of life. Water awakens the nature and life on earth is impossible without water. Rich with different traditions, Novruz has many symbols including lighting bonfires on all of the four Tuesdays, placing hats at the door in anticipation of nuts and Novruz sweets - such as shekerbura, pakhlava and gogal, as well as colored eggs and cultivated Semeni, sprouted wheat in a bowl, which is considering an essential feature of the festival. The joyful, merry holiday of Novruz, having a lot of customs, ceremonies, performances, games and songs, also traditionally mark a large tourist flow to Azerbaijan from the neighboring countries. By Azernews Azerbaijan is proud to become one of the worlds centers of multiculturalism, said President Ilham Aliyev at The Fault Lines of Eurasia panel discussion at the Munich Security Conference. Azerbaijan for centuries was a country, area, where civilizations met and today we preserve our historical heritage, and we are proud to become one of the worlds centers of multiculturalism, noted the president. Geographical location, at the same time, good relations with the neighbors allowed us to become a very reliable partner in the region, which introduces initiatives which serve the best benefit of the peoples who live in our region, said President Aliyev. Our policy is aimed at strengthening the cooperation first of all with our neighbors, at the same time, with Muslim world, we are part of the Muslim world, and with Europe, added the head of state. We are one of the very few countries, which are members of Islamic Cooperation Organization and Council of Europe at the same time. In 2015, we organized the first, inaugural European Games, this year we will host Islamic Solidarity Games. So this actually shows our intentions, noted the president. And we contribute a lot to the dialogue of civilizations and cultures. By Trend Mehriban Aliyeva, who has been appointed the First Vice President of Azerbaijan, thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the high confidence in her, Azerbaijans AzTV channel reported. Addressing a meeting of the Security Council, held under the chairmanship of President Aliyev on February 21, Mrs. Aliyeva stressed that she realizes the seriousness of the responsibility she was entrusted being appointed to this position. Mr. President, I express my deep gratitude to you for this high confidence in me, she said. I believe that I will be able to justify this confidence shown by you, Mr. President, and all the people who believe in me, said Mehriban Aliyeva. I thank you for your remarks and appreciation of my activity. It is a great honor to deserve such an appreciation, she added. Your assistance and your support stand behind each success and each achievement you have mentioned. Over the past years, your statehood ideas, your patriotism, your faithful, volitional and bold protection of interests of the Azerbaijani state, and your unity with people and with the Azerbaijani nation have been an example for me and for all the people working with me, have been a model directing our activity, she said. We are proud that we have been able to make our contribution, even the smallest one, to the recent years positive trends, changes, development in our country, to elevation of Azerbaijans authority on international arena, added Mrs. Aliyeva. I am sure that a person, irrespective of the position, when choosing a path and a profession, a person should approach work, labor with conscience, should set clear goals and try to achieve them. A persons words and deeds should be in line with each other, she said. Azerbaijans First Vice President noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, headed by her, has for 13 years based its activity on the principles of humanism. Over the recent years, we have implemented a number of large scale projects. We actively participate in Azerbaijans social and political life, we realize infrastructure projects. In the meantime, we have never been indifferent to problems of individuals over these 13 years, said Mehriban Aliyeva. To communicate with people, to listen to them, to help those in need, and to provide moral support is the direct responsibility of each employee of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and, I believe, the main duty and responsibility of all the people working in state bodies. Humanity, compassion, mutual respect and kindness should not be forgotten in our everyday activity. By holding these moral values high, it is possible to achieve the grand victories and to reach the heights, Mr. President, members of the Security Council, I assure you that I will try to build my future activity based on these principles, I will hold the interests of our country and nation above everything else, she said. I will worthily serve for Azerbaijan. Once again, I express my deep gratitude to you for the confidence in me, added Mehriban Aliyeva. By Azernews By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijans capital city Baku and Belorussian Bobruisk can become twin cities in the near future, as the issue was discussed during Azerbaijani Ambassador Latif Gandilovs visit to the city. Our countries enjoy trusted relations. The positions of Belarus and Azerbaijan coincide on many issues. You are one of those who were able to retain, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, what you had and reach a whole new level of development," said Gandilov during meeting with the city officials. Gandilov added that he, as Ambassador, will make every effort for the development of relations between two countries. In turn, Chairman of Bobruisk City Council of Deputies Mikhail Jeludev stressed that Azerbaijan and Belarus will have new possibilities. "It is very important to find more common points. The formation of twinning relations is a serious step. We have big plans", he added. The city's leadership also invited Azerbaijani side to take part in the international festival of folk arts "Wreath of Friendship" and in celebration of the anniversary of Bobruisk. The parties also discussed prospects of cooperation in industry, mechanical engineering and agriculture. Baku is a wonderful city on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Centuries-long history is reflected in its medieval landmarks, where the special place is given to the Old city called Icherisheher. On the other hand, it is a fast-growing megapolis with glittering skyscrapers and unusual architectural monuments of the 21st century. Oriental past and hi tech future is entwined in the way that it gives an impression of taking a journey through time. The biggest attraction of Baku is Boulevard that stretches many kilometers along the shores of the Caspian Sea. There are different kinds of attractions in the surroundings of Baku as well. The most ancient one is the Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs not far from another landmark mud volcanoes. Another interesting touristy spots are fire monuments, flaming hill of Yanardag, temple of fire worshippers Ateshgah and the historical-ethnographic museum of Gala. Bobruisk is very developing and prosperous town of Belarus. A monument to the Beaver is a symbol of the city of Bobruisk (in ancient times beaver hunting was the main activity of local people). Besides, the Bobruisk Fortress is an outstanding defense installation, one of the best surviving specimens of fortification architecture of the first half of the 19th century. In the early 1840s the Bobruisk citadel the elder sister of the Brest Fortress was the most inaccessible fortress in the Russian Empire and one of the best-equipped defense installations in Europe. The fortress witnessed the War of 1812, the Decembrist revolt, the Great Patriotic War. By Azernews By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijans state communication operator Aztelekom is testing a new Secure Internet Service, stipulating provision of filtering service for users to secure from undesirable Internet content. This content filtering service allows to protect children from the influence of inappropriate sites by limiting their access to certain content, namely, web pages containing adult content, gambling, profanity, information promoting violence, etc, the Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technology reported on February 20. The service is not limited to ensuring the safety of children and the younger generation from the negative impact of the global network, but also provides security against viruses, phishing, and etc. Users are given access only to trusted Internet sites, which were filtered and have only useful information. The user may at any time activate and deactivate the filtering of Internet content. In addition, there is also possibility to create "white" and "black" lists and include appropriate content in them, which also allows to restrict access to unwanted information. Currently, the Secure Internet Service is launched in test mode in the telecommunication nodes of nine Azerbaijani regions Absheron peninsula, Imishli, Naftalan, Goychay, Shirvan, Lankaran, Gabala, Oghuz and Hajigabul. In the near future, the service will be extended to other parts of the country as well. As for Baku, the Secure Internet service is carried out here by Baku Telephone Communications Production Union and is available for users of BakinterNet Internet service provider. In Azerbaijan, with over 9.6 million people, about 77 percent of the population has an internet connection. Earlier, the Teaching and Innovation Center of the Institute of Information Technologies of ANAS reported it will create a center of child safety on the Internet. The Center will be engaged in an intellectual analysis of the obtained information, thus playing an important role in solving this problem. This post is prompted by a number of things that have left me pondering how as Christians we are to bring about change in our churches. When we strongly b... 7 years ago Dubai Financial Market Company has launched its investor relations application, which allows users to easily access the companys financial information and various updates through their hand-held devices. Available in both Arabic and English, the application features key information about the company, updated and historical data of share price, annual and quarterly reports, IR Calendar and Press releases. Investors can also set the Push notifications function to instantly receive updates as soon company news, disclosures and any other new content are posted. The app will further enhance investor communication; further reinforce transparency level and provides investors with instant access to necessary information to take well-informed investment decisions. Investors can download the application by searching for DFM IR APP on Apple Store as well as android application stores. TradeArabia News Service Swisslog Warehouse & Distribution Solutions, a leading automation expert for robot-based and data driven intralogistics solutions, is introducing SynQ, the next generation of its proven warehouse management software platform. As the next generation of software beyond Swisslogs WM 6, SynQ short for Synchronized Intelligence is a flexible and adaptable cloud-enabled software that intelligently connects and synchronizes automation equipment, robotics, people and processes. The softwares ability to adapt to future technology will see users benefit from a future-proof operation, where additional functionality can be securely added, helping businesses capitalize on the opportunities emerging as Industry 4.0 evolves. SynQ provides the software platform that future hardware will rely on, says Swisslogs Tim Eick, VP Software and Controls Development. To get the most out of automation and robotics we are increasingly reliant on data and interconnectivity. Its what is driving Industry 4.0 forward and allows users to deliver on promises to customers in the smartest way possible. As a best-in-class intralogistics software platform, SynQ enables insights, optimization and agility in storage and distribution operations. It represents a new approach that advances Swisslogs proven warehouse management software without leaving current users behind. SynQ not only encompasses warehouse management, material flow and automation control systems functionality, it also provides an array of business intelligence tools that allow smart forecasting through real-time data analysis, in a modular platform. While SynQ represents a new approach to warehouse management software, it retains the core technology and functionality of our WM 6 warehouse management software, says Tim Eick. Were upgrading deployment options such as cloud and fog capabilities while ensuring field-proven performance and upgradability / semi-automated upgrade paths for our existing WM 6 customers. We as well have created migration tools for our older legacy customers. SynQ functionality, services and crucial supporting processes are organized around three pillars: Collaboration Platform, Operational Services and Intelligence Services, explains Tim Eick. Collaboration Platform modules provide continuity no matter the level of automation the business has installed, while Operational Services deliver industry-standard processes and high-speed automation for maximum performance. Finally, Intelligent Services allow smart growth in a dynamically changing market. Extendable Directors as well as independent or integrated extendable Managers allow SynQs integration with ERP or third party WMS software as well as new or existing material handling equipment. Directors and managers expose networked interfaces which facilitate embedding intelligence throughout the entire operation. The result is a synchronized flow of products and information across people, processes and equipment to enable new levels of material handling performance. The capabilities of SynQ directly correspond with the direction Swisslog is headed as digitization and Industry 4.0 advances, said Dr. Christian Baur, CEO of Swisslogs Warehouse and Distribution Solutions division. Together with the common functionality for warehousing and material flow control, the SynQ platform offers operational processes specific to our focus segments E-commerce/Retail, Automotive, Food & Beverage and Pharmaceutical. "In todays competitive world, companies must be able to deliver the right orders to the right customers at the right time. As a full-service provider of automated intralogistics systems, Swisslog provides everything companies need to optimize logistics from planning through implementation and acting as a lifetime partner," stated Dr Baur. "We are looking forward to shaping the future of intralogistics through a new era of flexible, robotic and data-driven automated solutions that create exceptional customer value," he added.-TradeArabia News Service MBDA, a leading European developer and manufacturer of missiles, has been awarded a contract by the UAE Navy to supply additional Marte MK2/N anti-ship missiles. UK-based MBDA was formed in 2011 through a merger of French Aerospatiale-Matra Missiles, Italian Alenia Marconi Systems and British Matra BAe Dynamics. A major global player, it works with over 90 armed forces worldwide. The UAE project win is a follow on to the initial contract signed in February 2009 for the supply of Marte missiles, said a top official from the company. "I am delighted that the UAE has confirmed the trust placed in us for its defence requirements," remarked Antoine Bouvier, the chief executive of MBDA. "MBDA is one of the countrys leading defence suppliers and will continue to show our long-standing commitment and support for the UAE Armed Forces," he stated. Available with a variety of launcher configurations, Marte MK 2/N are able to strike targets at ranges in excess of 30 km, flying a fire-and-forget sea-skimming profile using mid-course inertial guidance and active radar homing, explained Bouvier. Pasquale Di Bartolomeo, MBDAs executive group director strategy and managing director of MBDA Italia, said this new contract win reaffirms MBDA's pre-eminence in the anti-ship sector. "It is a clear proof of the technology leadership of the Marte missile family that, over the years, has continued to be competitive and able to respond to increasing customer requirements, thanks to its modular design," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Android are being exposed to a new malicious app imitating Adobe Flash Player that serves as a potential entrance for many types of dangerous malware, said Eset, a leader in the antivirus industry. The application, detected by Eset security software as Android/TrojanDownloader.Agent.JI, tricks its victims into granting it special permissions in the Android accessibility menu and uses these to download and execute additional malware of the attackers choice. According to Esets analysis, the Trojan targets devices running Android, including the latest versions. It is distributed via compromised websites, including social media sites. Under the pretense of safety measures, the websites lure users into downloading a fake Adobe Flash Player update. If the victim falls for the legitimate-looking update screen and runs the installation, they have more deceptive screens to look forward to. How does it work? The next phony screen pops up following successful installation, claiming too much consumption of energy and urging the user to turn on a fake Saving Battery mode. Like most malicious pop ups, the message wont stop appearing until the victim gives in and agrees to enable the service. This opens the Android Accessibility menu, showing a list of services with accessibility functions. Among the legitimate ones, a new service (created by the malware during installation) named Saving battery appears. The service then requests permissions to monitor users actions, Retrieve window content and Turn on Explore by Touch all crucial for future malicious activity, enabling the attacker to mimic the users clicks and select anything displayed on users screen. Once the service is enabled, the fake Flash Player icon hides from the user. However, in the background, the malware is busy contacting its C&C server and providing it with information about the attacked device. The server responds with a URL leading to a malicious app of the cybercriminals choice in the detected case, a banking malware (though it could be any malware ranging from adware through spyware, and on to ransomware). After acquiring the malicious link, the compromised device displays a bogus lock screen with no option to close it, covering the ongoing malicious activity beneath it. This is when the permission to mimic the users clicks comes in handy the malware is now free to download, install, execute and activate device administrator rights for additional malware without the users consent, all while remaining unseen under the fake lock screen. After the apps secret shenanigans are done, the overlay screen disappears and the user is able to resume using their mobile device now compromised by the downloaded malware. Has my device been infected? How do I clean it? If users think that they might have installed this fake Flash Player update in the past, they can easily verify by checking for Saving Battery under Services in the Accessibility menu. If listed under the services, their device may very well be infected. Denying the service its permissions will only bring users back to the first pop up screen and will not get rid of Android/TrojanDownloader.Agent.JI. To remove the downloader, try manually uninstalling the app from Settings -> Application Manager -> Flash-Player. In some instances, the downloader also requests the user to activate Device administrator rights. If that turns out to be the case and user cant uninstall the app, deactivate the administrator rights by going to Settings -> Security -> Flash-Player and then proceed with uninstalling. Even after doing so, the device might still be infected by countless malicious apps installed by the downloader. To make sure the device is clean, ESET recommends using a reputable mobile security app, such as ESET Mobile Security & Antivirus, as a hassle-free way to detect and remove threats. How to stay safe To avoid dealing with the consequences of nasty mobile malware, prevention is always the key. Apart from sticking to trustworthy websites, there are a couple more things users can do to stay safe. If downloading apps or updates on browser, always check the URL address to make sure its installing from the intended source. In this particular case, the only safe place to get Adobe Flash Player update is from the official Adobe website. After running anything installed on a mobile device, pay attention to what permissions and rights it requests. If an app asks for permissions that dont seem adequate to its function, dont enable these without double checking. Last but not least, even if all else fails, a reputable mobile security solution will protect your device from active threats. TradeArabia News Service Giffin Graphics, Heidelberg, Kodak and Xerox are the latest print industry heavyweights to sign up to exhibit at 2017, the regions leading business-to-business event in Dubai, UAE. Already set to be 10 percent larger than 2015s show, Gulf Print & Pack will be held at Dubais World Trade Centre from March 26 - 29. Other confirmed exhibitors already announced include AFRA, Ali Alhashemi Trading Co, Bobst, Canon, Heliozid and Prestige Graphics. First-time exhibitors debuting at the show include Barberan, Holoprint Security Solutions, Imaging Care, Konica Minolta, PACFORT Packaging and Sun Papers & Labels. The upcoming edition of Gulf Print & Pack will again focus on the latest technologies and solutions for the commercial and package printing sector and will highlight new advances and trends in presses, ink systems, 3D printing, smart labels and packaging, web-to-print software, product decoration, security and transactional materials. Michael Hodge, sales director of Gulf Print & Pack said: Trade shows are a great barometer for business confidence and we are extremely pleased to announce yet more industry leaders will be returning to exhibit this March. The economic outlook for the Middle Easts print industry is very positive with data from Smithers Pira forecasting the markets value to reach $24 billion this year. With a bigger show floor and wealth of new product launches due to be unveiled, we expect print buyers to again have access to the best print technology in the country and for exhibitors order books to be full with quality leads.- TradeArabia News Service Russia has signed a large contact on the delivery of T-90MS main battle tanks to a Middle East country and plans to close a deal with another foreign customer soon, Russian news agency Tass reported, citing a senior government official. "A large-scale contract was signed with a Middle East country in December. Another contract on this type of military output is expected to be signed soon," Russias Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said at the Idex 2017 international defence exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE without specifying the country. The T-90MS tank was tested over two years in several Mideast countries, the minister added. Deputy director of Russias Federal Service for Military and Technical Cooperation Alexei Frolkin told Tass earlier on Monday that Russia was holding talks with some Mideast states on the sale of T-90MS tanks. Russias defence manufacturer Uralvagonzavod CEO Oleg Siyenko has said the T-90MS has large prospects on the Mideast arms market, said the Tass report. The armoured vehicle has successfully passed tests in Kuwait, he added. Harris Corporation, a leading US defence contractor and technology innovator, has secured a two-year contract to provide an integrated battle management system (BMS) to the UAE Armed Forces. The $189 million contract was received during the first quarter of Harris' fiscal 2017. As per the deal, the Harris system will provide the UAE with initial operational capabilities as the country implements enhanced battlefield management solutions. The contract was issued under the Emirates Command & Control System (ECCS) Land Tactical System (ELTS) program, a major C4ISR program that will integrate, coordinate and maximize the combined efficiency of UAE Armed Forces assets. This Land Tactical System project represents a major milestone in the advancement of battlefield management and staff function capabilities for the UAE Armed Forces, remarked Ed Zoiss, president, Harris Electronic Systems. "It will help ensure that the UAE Land Forces brigades are equipped to succeed on the modern battlefield," he stated. According to him, Harris Battlefield Management Systems offer military customers a cutting-edge, continuous operations platform for situational awareness and staff functions. "Through a combination of sophisticated technology and high-value systems integration services, military users can effectively track hostile and blue forces, develop and execute tactical operations and integrate personnel, intelligence, local weather, planning, and other data into battlefield operations," he added. A major player in the global defence sector, Harris works in three business segments: communication systems, space and intelligence systems and electronic systems. It supports government and commercial customers in more than 100 countries and has approximately $6 billion in annual revenue.-TradeArabia News Service Tripbam, the hotel rate shopping service innovator, and TrustYou, the worlds largest guest feedback platform, have announced a strategic partnership between the companies. The agreement will allow Tripbam to provide summarised review content from TrustYou, via both TrustScore Widgets and Meta-Reviews, to clients and their travelers. In addition, the partnership will support Tripbam in furthering its mission of providing corporations, hotels, travel agencies, and travellers with a hotel shopping service that helps keep hotel costs low, increase traveller compliance, and improve negotiated hotel programs. TrustYous review data will supplement the content that companies and travellers receive through Tripbams email notifications. TrustYous TrustScore an independent, trusted rating calculated from all verified online reviews worldwide will be incorporated into the emails. An embedded link will lead the traveller to TrustYous full Meta-Review of the respective hotel, showing the ratings for different categories and traveller types, including business travellers. Tripbam email notifications alert clients of lower rates, alternative hotel offerings at a better price among preferred properties, or better offers within predefined hotel clusters. Email notification type and frequency are set up depending on client defined parameters. TrustYous easy to use, yet detailed, hotel review data will greatly benefit our clients, particularly those that utilize our cluster technology, said Steve Reynolds, Tripbam CEO. When asking a traveller to switch between properties, whether within the preferred program or the predefined cluster, accurate reviews are essential to ensure a positive traveller experience. The depth of TrustYous data will allow travelers and travel arrangers to make better informed decisions. Michael Menzel, vice president Strategic Partnership added: We are very excited to cooperate with TRIPBAM, a very promising company in the business travel sector with a unique technology behind it. This is an important step for TrustYou towards the further establishment of review data integration in the business travel sector. The selective options of Meta-Review data outline the preferences, needs and demands for different travel types, one of them being business travellers. This is not only relevant to hotels to meet the expectations of business travellers, but also for companies to make the right choices of accommodations for their employees. - TradeArabia News Service Airbus and Al Bayt Mitwahid, the initiative founded by the employees of the Crown Prince Court of Abu Dhabi, today unveiled a joint initiative to encourage bright Emirati students to discover, explore and choose a career path within the aerospace industry. The programme, called Future Scientists, aims to inspire and ignite a passion for Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) innovation among young Emiratis. It seeks to build a world-class UAE talent pool that the global aerospace industry can ultimately attract, nurture and retain. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), underlining the programme objectives, was signed today at IDEX, between Saif Al Qubaisi, chairman of Al Bayt Mitwahid Associations; and Mikail Houari, president, Airbus Africa and Middle East. Future Scientists will provide up to 21 Emirati high-school students the opportunity to discover the aeronautics industry over a period of three years. Through engaging and hands-on sessions, participants will have the chance to learn about best industry practices, get exposed to real-life aerospace challenges and receive mentorship and advice on a career path within the industry. The programme also includes activities such as industrial site visits in Europe and the UAE, regular classroom sessions with industry experts and access to regional and global aerospace events. At the end of the programme, the students will receive an internship at Airbus or its industry partners facilities in the UAE and an opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals. The Future Scientists initiative firmly asserts the importance of investing in our youth who are our future, said Al Qubaisi. "It supports the nations Vision 2021 and UAE innovation strategy, and aims to build a leading Emirati workforce that is capable of taking the UAEs aerospace industry to greater heights. We value our collaboration with Airbus and are confident that this initiative will empower and provide the right foundation for the young Emirati to dream big and turn it into reality, added Al Qubaisi. Airbus portfolio of talent and capacity building global and regional initiatives such as the Fly Your Ideas, The Airbus Little Engineer and Entaliq with Airbus, demonstrates its commitment to the future of aviation. These programmes aim to stretch students imagination and apply their classroom learning and research into real-life practice. Mikail Houari, president, Airbus Africa and Middle East, said: The aerospace industry thrives on innovation and it is our privilege to work closely with the local governments and inspire young minds to embrace Stem subjects for a better tomorrow. The Future Scientists programme will offer a creative learning environment, but more importantly, it will instil a pioneering spirit and prepare the Emirati youth to disrupt and transform the global aerospace sector in the near future. - TradeArabia News Service Help Yourself St. Mark's hosts Financial Peace St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 7th and Wolcott, will have classes on money management, using the Financial Peace plan, starting Feb. 28. The classes will run from to April 25, 2017 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., on Tuesdays at the church. To register, please contact Dorothy Brown at 377-3508 or via e-mail Wyo_nana@yahoo.com, or call the church at 234-0831. Better Breathers meet Ammar Hussieno, M.D., will be the first guest presenter at the new Better Breathers Club support group at the Nerd Health and Wellness Center. The first meeting will be 3:30 to 5 p.m., Thursday at the Nerd Health and Wellness Center at Wyoming Medical Center, 1233 E. Second St. Dr. Hussieno, a pulmonologist with Casper Pulmonary and medical director of WMC's Pulmonary Rehab program, will talk about Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), followed by a question-and-answer session. Designed by the American Lung Association, the Better Breathers Club is a support group for patients with chronic lung diseases and their caregivers. It offers tools and encouragement for managing COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, lung cancer and other chronic lung disorders. It is locally facilitated by the Nerd Health and Wellness Center. The club meets on the fourth Thursday of every month and offers presentations on exercise, breathing techniques, supplemental oxygen, general medication education, among other topics. For questions or to sign up for the Better Breathers Club, call 577-2929. Teen Challenge spring groups Smart Step Families: Putting two families together is never easy. Challenges arise with parenting, working with co-parents, resistance to the new marriage and having the time and energy to deal with all the challenges that may arise. The Smart Step Families, led by a Christian couple, will give answers and encouragement. Thursday evenings starting in March. Call Pastor Mark or Linda at 259-1081. Insight: Discovering the path to Christian character, especially in the midst of stress. For more information, call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397. There are nine sessions to the class. Professionals in Recovery: An ongoing Christian recovery group. For more information, call Gary at 267-7777. Free to Grow: Helping people overcome disappointments and setbacks that have arrested or are presently hindering their emotional and spiritual development. Starts in February and meets on Thursdays. For more information, call Jane at 797-7271 or Judy at 251-5644. There are 12 sessions to the class. Peacemaking: In this world of division and conflict, its important for Christians to stay grounded in what the bible teaches about resolving differences with others in a God- honoring way. Sunday at 4 p.m. For more information, call Teen Challenge Wyoming at 258-5397. There are 12 sessions to the class. Stepping into Freedom: A Christ-centered 12-step program that offers support for anyone struggling with a life controlling problem like drug addiction, alcoholism, sexual addiction, gambling or workaholism. There are 12 sessions to the class. New ministry at HPCC Family Life Ministry (FLM) at Highland Park Community Church is offering premarital, marriage enrichment, and parenting workshops, seminars, retreats and conferences, empowering families to thrive through Gods love. Please visit the website for more information or to register, http://hpcc.church/FLM. Win a new instrument The Wyoming Symphony Orchestra and The Hill Music Company are joining forces to help young Wyoming musicians further their musical ability with the opportunity to win a new string or wind instrument. Wyoming music students in grades 9 through 12, who may have outgrown or outplayed a wind or string instrument, are invited to apply for a new instrument. To apply, download an application form and instruction packet from the WSO website, www.wyomingsymphony.org/outreach. Applicants will need to write a short essay about the importance of music and their particular instrument to their lives, and include references from music teachers, family, and friends. The deadline to apply is Feb. 24, 2017. A certificate will be awarded to the winner at the Wyoming Symphony Orchestra concert on March 18, 2017. The Hill Music Company will provide the winning instrument, and assist the winner in selecting the instrument of his or her choice. For questions please contact Erin Helms, 266-1478 or erin@wyomingsymphony.org. Saturday watercolor classes ART321/Casper Artists Guild holds Saturday Morning Watercolor Sessions under the direction of Ellen Black. Sessions are Saturday mornings, 10 a.m. to noon. $10 per session. Feb. 25: Mountain Landscapes. Instructed by Jennifer Morss. Please contact Ellen Black at 265-6783 for any questions. Hope to see you all again this season. Self-help class set Living from the Heart: The Key to Peace, Freedom & Creative Empowerment, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., offered in person at the Agricultural Learning Resources building on Fairgrounds Rd. and also via live webinar.In the new four-hour class/playshop, learn what the field of the heart really is, practice easy, practical ways to go into heart field, and learn how to live every day from this place of peace, love, well-being and personal empowerment. No prerequisite. Class taught by Cathy Hazel Adams, practitioner, Intuitive Multidimensional Transformation & Healing, and certified Matrix Energetics practitioner. For a full class description and registration information, visit: www.cathyhazeladams.com/pp/classes-webinars-event/. Learn beginning programming The Natrona County Library will offer a Beginning Programming class from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 23. In this extended three-hour class, participants learn all about Python, including how to get started, what advantages and disadvantages Python provides as a programming language, the essentials of programming in Python, and what tools are available to build applications in Python. No prior Python experience necessary. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information. Free tax help The Natrona County VITA Program, a United Way of Natrona County initiative, is open through April 12, for free tax return assistance. This is a first come, first serve program, no appointments will be scheduled. Individuals must bring their Social Security card, photo identification and the appropriate paperwork with them. For a complete listing of required paperwork, please visit the website www.wyomingfreetaxservice.org Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Aspen Creek Building, 800 Werner Ct., Ste. 206. Closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call (307) 333-5588 during hours of operation or look on Facebook. The initiative is supported by funding from the Wyoming Free Tax Service and local United Way. Parenting class available Mercer Family Resource Center offers a class in March designed to help parents become more effective. Make Parenting a Pleasure is for parents and caregivers with children ages 0 to 8. Class meets March 1, 8, 15, and 22 and April 5, 12, and 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Onsite childcare available, meets once a week for seven weeks. Cost is $35 individuals and $50 a couple. For more information or to enroll, call Lisa Brown at 233-4276. Job, career fair March 14 The Department of Workforce Services will be hosting a Job and Career Fair at the Casper Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center on Tuesday, March 14. The event will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. to veterans seeking employment, then open from 10 a.m. to noon for all general public job seekers. There will be many different businesses and career opportunities including representatives from the energy, construction, transportation, medical and government fields. Don't miss this chance to talk with many local businesses about their job openings or get information about other career opportunities. Questions? Please call the Casper Workforce Center at 234-4591 for more information. ARTCORE music deadline March 15 The deadline for the ARTCORE New Music Competition is March 15. Entrants must be Wyoming residents. The purpose of the competition is to find serious composers in the state; to provide an ongoing program for encouraging new music by these same composers; to give exposure to musical works of merit and to stimulate an interest in contemporary music in Wyoming audiences. Performance time shall be limited to 20 minutes. Compositions shall not have been performed previously. Compositions shall be limited to no more than eight performers. Compositions may be for any combination of voice and/or instrument. Three copies of the manuscript must be submitted. Manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Submit manuscripts to ARTCORE, P.O. Box 874, Casper, WY 82602. Entry fee is $15. Manuscripts must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2017. Seedling trees, shrubs and perennials on sale Premium quality seedling trees, shrubs and perennials are available for windbreaks and wildlife habitat enhancement from the UW/Natrona County Extension. Order forms are available at the Ag Resource and Learning Center, 2011 Fairgrounds Rd. There are 41 species available. Order now for best selection with May 2017 delivery. For more information, call Rose Jones at 235-9400. Dementia caregiver support Wyoming Dementia Care offers five Alzheimers Caregiver Support groups each month. Caregivers of those with dementia-related illnesses and the loved ones they care for are welcome at any of the group sessions. Professional staff from Intermountain Home Companions will be on hand to offer separate activities and snacks for those who need care. There is no charge for Wyoming Dementia Cares support groups or for the respite care provided during the approximately one hour long sessions. The morning support group sessions meet on the first and third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at Central Wyoming Senior Services, 1831 E. 4th St. The afternoon support groups meet at 1 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Life Care Center of Casper, 4041 S. Poplar. The evening groups meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Meadow Wind Assisted Living, 3955 E. 12th St. For information, email wyodementia@casperseniorcenter.com or call Dani Guerttman at 265-4678. Family continues suicide support Good Grief, Support will continue at 5:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the 12-24 Club, 500 S. Wolcott, by request of attendees. Anyone who is grieving a suicide, death, or considering suicide is encouraged to attend. Attendance at the meeting, as well as the content, will be strictly confidential. The Fresh Start Cafe will be open, and you can eat during the meetings. This meeting place was offered by Dan Cantine of the 12-24 Club. You need not be a member to attend. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. New depression group begins J.R.s Hunt for Life is offering See it Clearly, a free peer support group for persons suffering from depression and other mental conditions that lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The group is led by like-minded peers wishing to offer support in these struggles. Anonymity and confidentiality is offered to all attending. Meetings are at 6:45 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 500 South Wolcott in the conference room on the second floor, (12-24 Club). Those who have considered or attempted taking their life or are struggling are welcome. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. Family offers faith-based groups The family of J.R. Hunter, who committed suicide, now has two additional support groups, these faith-based, in addition to the groups they run on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at the 12-24 Club. Those continue. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. "J.R.s Hunt; for life" presents two faith-based grief and depression peer to peer support groups at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at Restoration Church, 411 S. Walsh. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. Grief Support Group, "Good Grief:" A faith-based grief support group that the family hosts on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 5:30 p.m. at Restoration Church. The family's loss has moved them to offer this to anyone grieving. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. Depression Support Group, "See It Clearly:" A faith-based free peer to peer support group for persons suffering from depression and other mental conditions that may lead to suicidal thoughts and actions. The group is led by like-minded peers wishing to offer support in these struggles. Anonymity and confidentiality is offered to all attending. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at Restoration Church. Those who have considered or attempted taking their life or are struggling are welcome. For more information, email jlh35@hotmailcom. Parkinson's exercise Rocky Mountain Therapy is offering a Parkinson's exercise program. Join us from noon to 1 p.m. Thursdays at Rocky Mountain Therapy, 2546 E. Second St., Building 500. These classes are open to anyone with Parkinson's or caring for someone with Parkinson's. Thursday's class is tailored for the individual with more advanced Parkinson's and focuses on improving endurance, safety and managing symptoms. We are open to all ages and can tailor the class to meet varying exercise needs. The cost of the class is $5. To RSVP, call 577-5204 and ask for Jerri or Shannon. Celebrate Recovery every Friday Celebrate Recovery meets at 5:30 p.m. every Friday at Highland Park Community Church, just south of Elkhorn Valley Rehabilitation Hospital on East Second Street. We start with a family meal, followed by praise and worship. At 7 p.m., there's either a lesson from Celebrate Recovery's planned curriculum or a testimony by a person who has found recovery through Christ. Then, people go to gender-specific small groups until 8:30 p.m., when dessert and fellowship conclude the evening. Child care is available at no cost. For more information, contact Chris at 265-4073. Here and Now: Dementia-focused monthly art class Classes are every third Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no charge. Here and Now is a program made possible through a collaboration between Wyoming Dementia Care and the Nicolaysen Art Museum. It is designed to provide a supportive environment for people with dementia and Alzheimers and their loved ones. To register, contact Dani with Wyoming Dementia Care 265-4678, ext. 106, or at wyodementia@casperseniorcenter.com or Zhanna Gallegos at 235-5247 or at zgallegos@thenic.org. Latin Club meets Latin Study Club language enthusiasts welcome anyone who wishes they had taken Latin in school or paid better attention when they did. The group meets at 7 p.m., on Tuesday nights at Mount Hope Lutheran School, 2300 Hickory. There is no charge. The textbook used is Wheelocks Latin, 7th edition. Noli timere! Tuesdays Highlights&h1> Tuesday support meetings Alcoholics Anonymous: 6:30 a.m., 917 N. Beech; 8:30 a.m., 500 S. Wolcott; 10 a.m., 328 E. A; noon, 500 S. Wolcott; 2 p.m., 917 N. Beech; 5:30 p.m., 1124 Elma, Imitate the Image Church; 5:30 p.m., 328 E. A; 7 p.m., 520 CY; 8 p.m., 328-1/2 E. A; 8 p.m., 328 E. A; 8 p.m., 917 N. Beech. Douglas: 7:30 p.m., 628 E. Richards (upstairs in back). Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are open. Casper info: 266-9578; Douglas info: (307) 351-1688. Narcotics Anonymous: Noon, 500 S. Wolcott, 12-24 Club; 7 p.m., 15th and Melrose, at the church. Web site: http://www.urmrna.org. Free tax help The Natrona County VITA Program, a United Way of Natrona County initiative, is open through April 12, for free tax return assistance. This is a first come, first serve program, no appointments will be scheduled. Individuals must bring their Social Security card, photo identification and the appropriate paperwork with them. For a complete listing of required paperwork, please visit the website www.wyomingfreetaxservice.org Hours are Tuesday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Aspen Creek Building, 800 Werner Ct., Ste. 206. Closed Sunday and Monday. For more information, call (307) 333-5588 during hours of operation or look on Facebook. The initiative is supported by funding from the Wyoming Free Tax Service and local United Way. Virtual learning info session Students living in Natrona County who are receiving their full-time education online through a virtual school or Natrona County homeschool students may wish to consider a different opportunity for next school year. More information is available at informational sessions from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club main club, 1701 E. K St. The Natrona County School District offers children in kindergarten through eighth grade the chance to continue to learn from home full-time yet earn a NCSD high school diploma. Natrona Virtual Learning offers a full-time online K-8 certified teacher each day to students learning at home. NVL students are taught by certified NCSD teachers with research-based Fuel Ed Curriculum which meets local and state standards. Families may also visit the NVL website at http://www.k12.com/natrona or find Natrona Virtual Learning on Facebook. Learn about Facebook security The Natrona County Library will offer a Facebook Security class from 2 to 4 p.m. The class will explain Facebooks basic and advanced security features. In addition, learn how to recover a hacked Facebook account and how to avoid scammers. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information. Independent film at library The Natrona County Librarys Independent Film Series will feature Wondrous Boccaccio, at 6:30 p.m. Ten young adults flee plague-stricken Florence, sharing bawdy tales of love and destiny in this evocative take on The Decameron. From the legendary Taviani brothers, this story about storytelling is a paean to Italian history, art, and imagination. Call 577-READ ext. 2 or email reference@natronacountylibrary.org for more information. Never Too Old Book Club A book discussion of young adult novel, All American Boys, by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely, will be held at 6:30 p.m., at Metro Coffee Co. The Never Too Old Book Club, sponsored by the Natrona County Library, discusses young adult literature with adult appeal. The group is open to both teens and adults, with parent-teen pairs especially encouraged. Call 577-READ ext. 101 for more information. Needle Guild meets The Casper Needle Guild meets at 7:15 p.m. at the Central Wyoming Senior Center, 1831 East 4th Street. The project is stitching a heart-shaped scissor fob, as well as practicing several stitches. For further information, please contact Ann Hudson at 265-5510, or email CasperNeedleGuildEGA@gmail.com. EAST OF LOVELL The rhythmic wop, wop, wop of the rotors in the distance signaled the doorless blue helicopter was on its way, four attached canvas bags swaying gently below. Once the aircraft arrived at the staging area, the pilot slowly decreased the birds altitude and gently deposited the four bundles on the ground. A team of nearly 60 people rushed into action. Crews of three to four people jogged over to remove the sedated bighorn sheep from the bags and carefully carry the animals to one of four inspection tables. The animals were blindfolded and hobbled before the flight for their own safety. Then, like clockwork, teams quickly and quietly checked each ewe or ram or lamb in preparation for its journey to a new home. Afterward the animals were placed in horse trailers for transport to the release site, all restraints removed, to allow them to rest and move around. The activity was part of Saturdays bighorn sheep capture east of Lovell coordinated by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. The goal of the net-gunning operation is to transplant as many as 40 bighorn sheep from the Devils Canyon herd in northern Wyoming to the Ferris-Seminoe herd in the south. Altogether 20 ewes, three rams and one male lamb were rounded up Saturday. A second sheep capture is planned for Wednesday. The day began with a helicopter crew from Native Ranger Capture Services of Elko, Nevada, capturing the sheep about five miles north of the staging area, said Leslie Schreiber, Game & Fish wildlife biologist who works out of Greybull. The company owners and the pilot are all from New Zealand, even though the outfit is based in the U.S., Schreiber said. They work across the country and around the world. The pilot works with two others, called muggers. The muggers shoot the net out the side of the helicopter to catch one of the animals. And then they drop a mugger off to hobble and blindfold the sheep and put it in a bag so it can be ferried back here, the staging location, she said. Schreiber spent months coordinating the bighorn sheep capture. We try to make sure that everythings in order for this morning because it happens quick when it does, she said. Saturdays crew included the helicopter crew, Game & Fish veterinarians, wildlife biologists and rangers. Also on hand were volunteers from the Bureau of Land Management, the Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation and the community. This is the third year in a row Schreiber has coordinated a helicopter capture involving the Devils Canyon herd. Twenty-five animals were gathered each of the last two years. The Devils Canyon herd is doing very well, she said. At our last count in July, we counted 263 sheep and we try to keep it around 200. The goal for the Ferris-Seminoe herd is 300 bighorn sheep and the population now is estimated between 130-150 animals. So the transfer helps the herds reach their optimum size. Wildlife biologist Greg Hiatt, from the Rawlins area, works with the Ferris-Seminoe herd. This is just the latest transplant, he said. Since 2009, two groups of bighorn sheep from Oregon and two from the Devils Canyon herd have been transported to the Seminoe Mountains. And then last year we took 24 from here and put them into the Ferris Mountains, which is where this group is going, Hiatt said, while waiting for the helicopter to return with more animals. Before these most recent efforts, attempts to transplant bighorn sheep to the area were not successful because the animals came from higher elevations, Hiatt said. The ewes lambed in June, too late to take advantage of the lush vegetation, which kept them from nursing their lambs. The sheep from Oregon and from the Devils Canyon herd come from an elevation similar to their new home, he said. They lamb a month to six weeks earlier, when vegetation is green and high in protein, which helps with milk production and lamb growth. I think our ratio was about three lambs for about every five years this year and it was a little better than that last year and thats remarkably good for bighorn sheep, Hiatt said. The health of the animals is always a concern, and one reason the Devils Canyon herd has been used for transplant is the good health of the animals. Hank Edwards, Game and Fish wildlife disease specialist out of Laramie, was on hand for Saturdays operation. Samples are taken from all of the animals, he said. Teams at each of the tables quickly take multiple swabs and a blood sample from most of the sheep to be tested back at the lab. In a nutshell were checking the health of the herd, and we have checked almost all of the herds in the state, Edwards said. Its been a five-year effort and we have checked all but two. Tonsil and nasal swabs help detect respiratory disease in the bighorn sheep. The fecal sample uncovers internal parasites and lung worms. A blood sample helps with a mineral analysis, testing for exposure to respiratory viruses and to confirm pregnancy. Mary Wood, state wildlife veterinarian, also used a portable ultrasound machine on Saturday to discover which of the ewes were pregnant, and nearly all of them were. This is a very productive herd, she said. Wood also provided assistance when needed during the operation, to keep the animals stress to a minimum. Also on hand Saturday was volunteer Dean Dijenno, secretary of the 700-member Wyoming Wild Sheep Foundation. The nonprofits goal is to raise money to help boost the population of indigenous sheep in the state. It contributed $20,000 to Saturdays operation, Dijenno said. What a blessing to be able to come out and see the fruits of our labor, he said. Its exciting that we have an expanding range of wild sheep in Wyoming. JACKSON There may be too many elk gathered at the National Elk Refuge in northwest Wyoming. Potentially twice the desired number of elk are believed to be gathered right now, wolfing down alfalfa pellets. Managers were expected to conduct the official count Tuesday for the 24,700-acre U.S. Fish and Wildlife property north of Jackson. Staff biologist Eric Cole estimates that the number right now is about 85 percent above the 5,000-elk goal. Its obvious to me that were well above the 5,000 objective, Cole said. Given trends from recent years, the high refuge numbers were expected. In winter 2014-15, 8,390 elk the most in 17 years were tallied during the refuge classification. Last winter the number dipped by about 1,100. But nearly 1,400 elk were nearby, wintering out on the northern refuge and just to the east on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is in the process of counting elk elsewhere in Jackson Hole. On Saturday, the state surveyed feed grounds up the Gros Ventre River drainage. As of Friday, feeders estimated 1,000 elk receiving hay rations in the Gros Ventre drainage. Managers goal for the Gros Ventre is 3,500 elk. If the official Gros Ventre tally comes in at less than a third of that number, it will mark the continuation of a distribution problem that in recent years has resulted in proportionately way too many refuge elk. A decade-old interagency federal plan setting the 5,000-elk goal calls for just 45 percent of the Jackson Elk Herd on the National Elk Refuge. The number was devised to allow managers to forego supplemental alfalfa feeding during normal winter conditions, and in doing so reduce the spread of disease and bring the historic winter range closer to the natural condition. But in recent years, three-quarters of the herd, or more, has been gathered on or around the refuge. CHEYENNE A medical marijuana initiative that had been in the works since 2015 wont be on the ballot in 2018 after the Wyoming Secretary of States Office did not receive petitions by the deadline. Nonetheless, medical marijuana supporters said they will continue to push for legalization of medical marijuana in Wyoming. The deadline for the petition was 18 months after the petition began in 2015. While the Wyoming chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) helped with the signature drive, the organization was not the official sponsor of the petition. Wyoming NORML had issued a statement saying that the organization had turned in its signatures to the original sponsors, though Wyoming NORML Director Frank Latta told the Gillette News Record he thought the petition would be short signatures. However, those never made it to the Secretary of States office. Secretary of States Office spokesman Will Dinneen confirmed that signatures had not been received. The original organizers of the medical marijuana petition, known formally as the Peggy A. Kelley Wyoming Cannabis Act, were hoping to get the initiative on the 2016 ballot. When there werent enough signatures for the 2016 ballot, the effort continued with the goal of 2018. In the meantime, there was infighting among other marijuana groups, which may have hurt the potential success of the petition. Going forward Since the petition began, Wyoming NORML has new leadership and has had a presence at the Legislature this session. The group is now focused on legalizing medical marijuana. Carrie Satterwhite, a spokeswoman for Wyoming NORML, said the group will continue its efforts in the Legislature and potential ballot initiatives. We feel very confident in how things should go from here, she said. Satterwhite said she thinks infighting among other groups was a factor in public perception of the initiative. People saw the infighting as being us, she said. Theres been no fighting in our group. Weve all been on the same page. Disagreement in other groups also negatively affected the number of signatures that were actually collected, she said. But Satterwhite said the support is there for medical marijuana, giving the group reason to continue its efforts. A few years ago, nobody was even talking about it, she said. Were making strides. Latta said Wyoming NORML will have a board meeting next week to talk about the next steps. A University of Wyoming poll in October found that more Wyoming residents support legalizing marijuana now than in 2014. Support for medical marijuana (with a doctors prescription) increased from 74 percent in 2014 to 81 percent in 2016. Marijuana for personal use also saw increased support, from 37 percent in 2014 to 41 percent in 2016 though the majority of respondents are still against it. Additionally, 72 percent of Wyoming residents feel possession of small amounts of marijuana should not result in jail time, compared to 66 percent in 2014. CHEYENNE A 27-year-old man charged with stealing dozens of checks from the Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities' payment drop box has pleaded not guilty. Nicholas Hill pleaded not guilty Friday to three counts of forgery. He denied a fourth forgery charge in the case last month. Court documents say Hill broke into the drop box in October and stole roughly 60 payments. Four public utilities customers reported their payment checks being forged and cashed the following month. Police used surveillance video from a bank where Hill tried to cash one of the checks to identify him. The bank teller had reported that a man came in to cash a personal check but became agitated and left after his name wasn't found in the bank's database. I remember my first cigarette vividly. I was sprawled on the steps of a federal building on a swampy summer night in Washington, D.C. The air was thick and honey-sweet around me and my older sister. The streets were empty and silent. We were two teenagers with a car and nowhere to go. I inhaled and fell back against the marble steps. My head was spinning and my muscles went slack. I had a moment of total panic. I thought, I cant move. I never experienced that first high again, but the damage was done. For the next 14 years, at a total cost of more than $40,000, I smoked a pack of cigarettes every day. A glitch in my brain pulses constantly, demanding that I take a drag and stimulate the reward pathways of my brain with another dose of the oily, yellow liquid that naturally occurs in tobacco: nicotine. Last year, I dropped the cigarettes and I started vaping. I cant recommend it for everyone, and I understand the disdain smokers have for the practice, but I havent looked back. Vaping hasnt taken off like smoking, the real deal. There is no Marlboro man puffing away on a little metal box, no sexy Virginia Slims, no toasted Luckys in the vaping world. I dont think Id have picked up the habit if Id seen Audrey Hepburn holding a bulky, shiny gadget in one hand and a martini in the other. However, the vaping craze is growing, especially among young people. Between 2013 and 2014, the number of middle- and high- school kids vaping went from 4.5 percent to 13.4 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Doctors have their doubts about vaping. A puff from a cigarette introduces thousands of chemicals to the sensitive tissue of your lungs, and so does vaping. There is decades worth of data on what smoking cigarettes does to the body, and the expectation from doctors is that vaping statistics will tell a similar tale: lung disease, cancer, terminal bronchitis. It might be a little bit safer than cigarettes, but it is not very safe, said Ammar Hussieno, a pulmonologist at Wyoming Medical Center. The chemicals released to the lungs; some of them are known to be carcinogenic. In his own practice, Hussieno has already seen vaping patients with increased irritation in the lungs, symptoms similar to pneumonia and the need for oxygen treatment. The one positive thing about the growth of vaping is that it can be a stepping-stone to kicking the smoking habit, he said as long as its temporary. Vaping has certainly has helped me, taking care of the addiction while I weaned myself off the illusion that I loved smoking. And though I havent stopped smoking not really Im glad I put the emotional attachment where it belongs: in the past. Most smokers dont smoke because they want to. They smoke because they are addicted. The National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that 35 million people want to quit every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control about 36.5 million American adults smoke regularly. Pretty simple math. For most of the years I smoked, I wanted to quit every time I lit up. Its not surprising. Nicotine is fast-acting. It hits your brain in seconds and satiates the demand, leaving only regret in its wake. The reward dissipates as fast as it hits. I cant count the times when I would automatically light a cigarette forgetting that I already had one in my mouth. It sounds horrific to be trapped in that cycle. But it doesnt start that way. Every bad marriage starts with some degree of love, the sensation of butterflies in your stomach, romantic evenings that lasted until dawn. At one time, I smoked because I loved it. It was a reason to step out of a party when the music got too loud. Or take a walk after an argument. I smoked as the sun went down over the beach in San Diego, in a dingy pub in Northern Ireland and on a rooftop of Manhattan. It was a relaxant in the evening and a stimulant in the morning. It made mundane moments feel purposeful. It takes ages, despite evidence, experience and advice, to accept that it doesnt actually feel good to smoke anymore. It stops being satisfying. It doesnt taste good. And though any smoker will tell you how good it feels to light up after a heavy meal, what they dont mention is that food doesnt taste the same. Smoking kills your taste buds. Most of us didnt even notice theyd died. When smokers talk about loving smoking, they are not talking about getting winded on a short flight of stairs. They are accepting the morning clogged sinuses and phlegmy trachea that would make a nonsmoker call in sick, expecting an onslaught of bronchitis or strep throat. Maybe the moment of change is when you stop choosing to smoke, or maybe the lie is there all along. I really cant say. I just know that I loved it once. Being a smoker is part of who you are. Its part of your sweetest and most painful memories. And then, its just a drag. I started really wanting to quit about 7 years ago, and it felt like carving out a part of my identity. My older sister had kicked the habit by reading a book, Allen Carrs The Easy Way to Quit Smoking. I tried it out. The writer builds a formidable case against smoking. He doesnt talk about the dangers to your health or others health. He talks about why smoking feels good, and why people feel like they cant possibly function without a pack in their pocket. He talks about emotional addiction and fear. Really, the book is mind-bending. It even encourages you to smoke more while you read it. And you listen, because a smoker never turns down a chance to smoke. Never. I burned through one cigarette after another, reading how it was affecting my brain, how it was affecting my lungs and worst of all, how it had tricked me into loving it. I started to hate smoking. So I quit, and I was cocky about it. I bragged about how easy it was. I shouldve known better, but an addicts brain is a lying brain. A year after reading the book, I bummed a cigarette for nostalgias sake and was back to a pack a day by the end of the week. My 20s turned into my early 30s. I started to worry about my health. I hated smoking more than ever. I tried the book again, but the magic didnt work the second time. I already knew that the addiction was driving me. Then I met a little kid, my boyfriends son. A lifesaver. It really takes any leftover glory from the ritual of lighting up if there is a little kid sprawled out with video games and comic books in the next room. I always hated when adults smoked near kids. It was the one thing that could never be romanticized. And knowing what all smokers know that its a terrible habit I didnt want him to see me do it, on the off chance that he would romanticize it, too. So I bought a vaper, one of those cheap little sticks from the gas station, and I tried it out. For the first few weeks, I smoked both. I didnt cut the cigarettes except when the boy was around. But Id smoke double later just to make up for it. I started to smell the smoke again and taste the tobacco. It wasnt pleasant. One day, I just didnt buy a pack. Id break down occasionally and smoke through 20 cigarettes in an afternoon. Cheating is OK, said my boyfriend. And it was. I just came back to the vaper every time. A metal stick in your mouth doesnt look cool or feel cool. Addiction shouldnt. I know why I vape, and there is nothing romantic about it. Im still an addict, and I know that my lungs dont feel as well as they should. I know Im putting my health in danger. But Im glad I have it. If I light up at a bar or buy a pack after a rough day at work, it doesnt conjure up that old feeling. The ritual has lost its power. Sometimes I remember how it felt a long time ago, when Id drink cold beer on warm, muggy nights, watch sunsets and sunrises or hear Bob Dylan croon the words to Tambourine Man. Instead of chasing that feeling, I puff on my vaper and remember the good old days. BEND, Ore. (AP) An Oregon dam is at risk from badger tunnels and other passages created by burrowing animals. The Bulletin reports (http://bit.ly/2mc1BCy) Johnson Creek Dam owner Debaca Land & Cattle LLC can kill the animals or trap and move them. Repairs are expected in the coming months. State engineer Keith Mills told the dam owner in a January letter that the tunnels could cause leaks. A high winter snowpack is predicted to fill the dam's reservoir for the first time in five years. The dam made the Oregon Water Resources Department's list of the state's seven unsatisfactory dams. The department says the dam's failure would likely cause fatalities and impact seven homes. Safety concerns were raised after the Oroville Dam prompted the evacuation of 200,000 California residents. ___ Information from: The Bulletin, http://www.bendbulletin.com Age: 6 years old Niki is a pretty red fawn greyhound who moved here from Kansas to retire. She ran in 87 races and after that went to the farm to raise puppies. Nikki is currently living in a foster home with lots of other dogs and is having soooo much FUN! She just loves to play! She is also house-trained and is not destructive when you are away from home. So if you are looking for a happy and very friendly hound, Niki would love to be that special someone for you! Special needs: Niki needs to be in a home with no cats. Fee: $300 Contact: Southern Arizona Greyhound Adoption Telephone: (520) 955-7421 website: sagreyhoundadoption.org email: adoption@sagreyhoundadoption.org We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some Feb. 21 papers in history. With a subscription to newspapers.com you can search the Arizona Daily Star and many other newspapers using keywords or dates, and download articles or pages. A child holds a sign as people denounce policies of President Trump on Presidents Day at the Not My President's Day Rally in Los Angeles, California February 20, 2017. [Photo/Agencies] Thousands of demonstrators turned out Monday across the US to challenge Donald Trump in a Presidents' Day protest dubbed Not My President's Day. The numbers weren't close to the million-plus who thronged the streets following Trump's inauguration a month earlier, but the message was similar. Thousands of flag-waving protesters lined up outside Central Park in Manhattan. Many in the crowd chanted "No ban, no wall. The Trump regime has got to fall." They held aloft signs saying "Uphold the Constitution Now" and "Impeach the Liar." In Chicago, several hundred rallied across the river from the Trump Tower, shouting "Hey, hey, ho, ho, Donald Trump has got to go." Rebecca Wolfram of Chicago, who's in her 60s, said concerns about climate change and immigrant rights under Trump prompted her to start attending rallies. "I'm trying to demonstrate as much as possible until I figure out what else to do," said Wolfram, who held a sign that said "Old white ladies are really displeased." Several hundred demonstrated in Washington, D.C. Dozens gathered around the fountain in Dupont Circle chanting "Dump Trump" and "Love, not hate: That's what makes America great." Dozens marched through midtown Atlanta for a rally named with a Georgia flavor: "ImPEACH NOW! (Not My) President's Day March." Hundreds of protesters chanting "This is what democracy looks like" marched through Salt Lake City. The Salt Lake Tribune reports that the crowd marched to push back against Trump and his administration's stance on such issues as the environment, immigration, free speech and Russia. Some people raised signs that said "Not My President," while others held up a large American flag. Protester Reg Brookings warned the crowd that Trump is trying to divide the country by making such groups as immigrants the enemy. Why: For conducting art activities for people with Alzheimers and/or dementia. She does this twice a month at a local community center. With help from a group of volunteers, Hamann conducts these activities for two to eight attendees each session. While the activities are going on, the attendees caregivers are able to attend another meeting with representatives from Alzheimers associations. This program is much loved and appreciated, Gray wrote in her nomination letter. Sheilas planning and teaching of this class is a shining example of what volunteerism and caring are all about, Gray wrote. Before being submerged in scalding water, allegedly by the woman who recently adopted her, a Tucson 5-year-old lived with a foster father now imprisoned for sex crimes against children. The girl, who is in critical condition, had been shuttled from one troubled home life to another before 911 responders found her severely burned on Dec. 29. State authorities had removed her from her biological parents and placed her, as a toddler, in the Sierra Vista home of David Frodsham, where she lived with other foster children from 2013 until January 2015. Frodsham was arrested in 2016 after federal authorities accused him of sexual misconduct with children and of providing at least one child to an alleged child pornographer, Randall Bischak, for sexual contact. The foster father eventually pleaded guilty to counts involving a child over age 15, in return for prosecutors dropping other charges. The names of child sex victims are not public record and would not be published by the Arizona Daily Star. Previous reports on his case quote a federal criminal complaint as saying Bischak and Frodsham allegedly met for consensual sex with children present. The biological mother of the Tucson child says she raised concerns with state workers that while living in Frodshams home, her toddler daughter had repeated urinary-tract infections, which can be a sign of sexual abuse in children, but says those concerns went unanswered. From Frodshams home, the little girl had to commute nearly 90 minutes each way to see her biological parents in Tucson. She initially would cry until she fell asleep after she left her parents, said Beth Breen, a former taxi driver for children in state custody. Breen took the child back and forth for nearly a year, ending in March 2014. The little girl would scream in fear around strange men, Breen said, making it nearly impossible for male drivers to take her, and so Breen said she became her regular driver. Breen would sing to her and the girl would watch movies on a DVD player Breen bought for the drive. Breen has had trouble sleeping since she realized, about a week ago, that the little girl in the news was the toddler shed transported. After the recent news reports, Breen looked up the childs adoptive parents on social media and saw family photographs that confirmed her fears: This was the same girl she had known. We spent a lot of time together. We would sing songs and play I spy, Breen said. I would know that child anywhere. I have always had a special place in my heart for her. Arizona Department of Child Safety records show that the girls biological mother, Michelle Tremor-Calderon, was nearly reunified with the child before her parental rights were terminated in 2015. What Calderon desperately wants now and she has asked Tucson attorney Lynne Cadigan to help her is to see her hospitalized daughter and, if the little girl is not going to survive, to say goodbye. The child was adopted last summer by Samantha and Justin Osteraas and given a new name, law enforcement records and accounts on social media show. Samantha Osteraas, 28, was arrested Jan. 5 after the girl suffered third-degree burns over 80 percent of her body, from the upper chest down, sheriffs records show. Osteraas might have waited up to six hours to seek medical treatment, court records say. She told 911 dispatchers she didnt realize she was bathing her daughter in scalding water. Deputies also noted bruises to the childs neck and left arm, and saw blood and signs of trauma on her upper lip. Hours after the incident, the 5-year-old was reported to be in respiratory and organ failure. She remains at Banner-University Medical Center in a medically induced coma. DCS spokesman Darren DaRonco said Samantha Osteraas did not have a history as a perpetrator with the child-welfare agency before this case. After the arrest, the DCS removed the Osteraas three young biological children from the familys home near North Shannon Road and West Lambert Lane. It is unclear whether they have been reunified with their father. Samantha Osteraas, charged with two counts of child abuse, was released Thursday from the Pima County jail on a bond of $25,000. Calderon learned a little more than a week ago that the hospitalized girl was the child shed lost. Calderon has not seen her daughter since July 2015, but, like Breen, looked up the adoptive parents on social media and saw her daughter in their family photos. The girl was taken from her in April 2013 following a domestic fight between Calderon and the childs father, Jonathan Hileman. She remained in foster care while her parents, who struggled with cocaine addiction, worked toward reunification. The girls father, who is a registered sex offender from a 1999 crime involving an adult victim, had failed to notify police about his new address, and that was another factor in their case, at least initially. Throughout the dependency case, Hileman continued to relapse while Calderon began to sustain her sobriety, reports show. As of May 2014, Calderon was moving toward reunification with her daughter when she violated a court order by letting the father, who was not allowed unsupervised visitation, to be at home with them. The couple tried to remedy that significant error by later separating, records show. In February 2015, Hileman relinquished his parental rights. Calderon said he did this primarily to help her regain custody of their daughter. A couple of months later, in April 2015, court records showed Calderon to be in full compliance with her case plan. But the behavior of their then-3-year-old child was deteriorating around this time, DCS records show. She had prolonged temper tantrums, urinated on herself and cried for prolonged periods after her visits. The childs caseworker and a DCS-appointed family therapist testified this was because the child was having difficulty relating to her mother, that the mother had inappropriate conversations in front of the child and didnt know how to meet her daughters emotional needs. In the end, a judge severed Calderons parental rights based on her violating the courts orders related to Hileman, the length of time the child had been in out-of-home care without successful reunification well beyond the nine months required by law and the serious negative behaviors the child would exhibit around her mother but reportedly would not display when away from her. Calderon tried to appeal the termination, but was not successful. They took her away, she said last week, and look what theyve done to her. Calderon repeatedly told Breen, the driver, that she thought something was wrong while her daughter lived in Sierra Vista. Calderon said she was always on the watch, fearful her daughter was being mistreated so much so that it was brought up as a problem in her trial to sever her parental rights. At one point, Calderon called Sierra Vista police to have a welfare check done at the house, and this was not well-received by the DCS, according to both the mother and DCS records. I did address my concerns to the case manager and she had no concerns, Calderon said. She told me the (Frodsham) home was a good home and nothing like that was going on there. The repeated urinary-tract infections, which records show were treated following medical visits, were blamed mostly on the child consuming too many sugary drinks. Records show the caseworker thought it was Calderon who was teaching her daughter to fear men and told her to stop more than once. Breen, who also thought the Frodsham home seemed like a safe placement, said she feels guilty she didnt take Calderons fears more seriously. When I was transporting her, her mom kept saying, Somethings not right, somethings not right, Breen said. I kept reassuring her that it seemed like a good home. Frodsham was licensed to have up to five foster children at a time, male and female, with the ages ranging from birth to 11, the DCS reported. DCS officials said they could not comment further on the case. Breen said several foster children of various ages were living in the home when Calderons child was there, including one other toddler. Frodsham was licensed as a foster parent in Arizona from 2002 until January 2015, when he was arrested on charges of aggravated drunk driving. His license was then suspended due to suspension of his fingerprint clearance card. Frodsham was later charged with sex crimes after federal authorities, in 2016, alerted Sierra Vista police about his alleged involvement with Bischak, a former U.S. Army specialist. The Department of Homeland Security was investigating Bischak for allegedly producing and distributing child pornography. Frodsham, who was indicted on seven counts related to sex crimes against children, pleaded guilty in June 2016 to three counts, including two counts of sexual conduct with a minor and attempted sexual conduct with a minor, said Cochise County Attorney Brian McIntyre. Frodsham is now serving a 17-year prison sentence with the Arizona Department of Corrections and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. There is an investigation pending on Bischak in Cochise County, but thats on hold until his federal case is done. Bischak was indicted on multiple counts of child pornography in a case pending in U.S. District Court in Tucson. Calderon has a small collection of photographs from her visits with her daughter, along with photos she collected of bruises and scratched feet she feared indicated her daughter was being mistreated in foster care. Months after her rights to her daughter had been severed, she learned about Frodshams arrest. She agonized over that, thinking until now it was the worst news she could ever hear. U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva doesnt want to talk about the 2016 elections any more. The time for picking apart what Democrats could have done differently to help Hillary Clinton win is over. Talking to about 120 people at the Democrats of Greater Tucson meeting on Monday, the seven-term Democrat sought to energize locals frustrated with national politics. In the last 30 days, (President) Trump has attempted to steer our nation and subvert our democracy by a perverse definition of nationalism. That is us versus them. That is their fault. We wouldnt be in this shape as a country and that we could be greater if we deal with them, he said. And the definition of them can be up to Trump. The 69-year-old Democrat, who represents Congressional District 3, immediately clarified who is them listing Planned Parenthood, Muslims, journalists and immigrants as enemies in Trumps eyes. He tells one horrific lie after another, Grijalva said of Trump. Grijalva also weighed in on Trumps attacks on the press, echoing comments made by Arizona Sen. John McCain over the weekend. As an elected official for as long as I want to remember, Ive had this interesting love-hate relationship with the press, he said. I hate it when they report on something I dont want to be reported or a position I took that I dont want repeated over and over again. But I love em when I get to know about everybody else. That is an essential check and balance of our government. The Fourth Estate is there for a purpose, to make sure the publics right to know is satisfied and the abuses that can occur and have occurred are both exposed and are dealt with, Grijalva said. That is the most vital check and balance right now. While Trump dominates the headlines, Grijalva warned the audience to keep their eyes on Congress and state legislatures. The president can act but only with help from like-minded members of the GOP. Donald Trump was nursed and now is being nurtured by the Republican Party, Grijalva said. Those comments extended further, with Grijalva specifically mentioning Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. Medicare cannot go away without Duceys compliance. The National Guard cannot be called to the board in Arizona without Duceys compliance. The privatization and dismantling of public education in Arizona cannot happen without Ducey and the Legislatures compliance, he said. Plus, he argues, many of the big policy changes wont happen with sweeping presidential actions or policy changes. They will occur incrementally. He also offered some advice to Republican U.S. Rep. Martha McSally, who represents District 2, after an audience member asked if he had ever tried to enlighten her. Grijalva was quick to praise his congressional colleague, but his reading of the political tea leaves suggests she has important decisions ahead of her. (Republicans) are facing some consequential political decisions that they have to make, he said. I am not in her shoes ... but the decisions you are going to make in the next two or three months are really going to write the script on how the election goes. Near the end of his speech, Grijalva had some advice for his party. He said he believes that Democrats have the ability to reset the countrys moral compass through various forms of political action. And he asked that any protests be done peacefully, no matter how heated political passions become. He also vowed to help take back Congress in the next mid-term election. President Donald Trump pledged Tuesday to combat bigotry and unite what he called a "divided country" after wrapping up his first visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. "Today and every day of my presidency I pledge to do everything I can to continue that promise of freedom for African-Americans and for every American," Trump said, calling his tour "a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry and hatred and intolerance." "We're going to bring this country together. We have a divided country that's been divided for many, many years, but we're going to bring it together," he added. Trump also took the opportunity to address the recent spate of anti-Semitic incidents, heeding calls from Jewish leaders and Democrats to speak out. He called the recent threats against Jewish community centers "horrible and painful and a very sad reminder of the work that must still be one to root out hate and prejudice." He was joined at the museum by daughter, Ivanka Trump, Housing and Urban Development nominee Ben Carson and his wife, Candy Carson, Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, and presidential aide and former "Apprentice" contestant Omarosa Manigault, among others. The visit was arranged by Manigault, a source familiar with the visit said. The source added that the visit was originally penciled in for mid-January but was effectively nixed at that time by the Secret Service, citing security concerns. Trump's visit to the museum, which opened last September, coincides with Black History Month. Trump first marked the event at the beginning of the month hosting a listening session with what the White House described as African-American leaders. The attendees did not include leaders from top African-American advocacy groups such as the NAACP or the National Urban League, but instead featured Trump sitting alongside several of his campaign's top black supporters and members of his administration, including Carson and Manigault. Last week, Trump again drew questions as he touted his outreach efforts, claiming that Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Democratic member of the Congressional Black Caucus, canceled a meeting with Trump because it would be "bad politics." Cummings said the story was completely false and that the Congressional Black Caucus had tried to set up a meeting with Trump through the White House without success. Trump also drew criticism when during his news conference last week asked April Ryan, a veteran White House reporter who is black, if she would help set up a meeting with the black caucus, which Ryan is not affiliated with. Trump is the second member of the first family to attend the months-old museum in just a week. First lady Melania Trump visited the museum last week with Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump made a concerted effort to reach out to African-American voters during the campaign, including through events hosted by his National Diversity Coalition and alongside Carson, the prominent black neurosurgeon who endorsed Trump after dropping out of the GOP primary race. But Trump's black outreach often came under fierce criticism during the campaign. With the exception of two visits to predominantly black churches -- one in Michigan and one in Ohio -- Trump largely delivered his message of outreach to African-Americans before overwhelmingly white audiences at political rallies around the country. His description of African-American life was also often exceedingly dark and broad-brushed, as he equated the lives of poor African-Americans living in inner cities with those of all African-Americans, most of whom do not live in dire straits. In a frequent refrain, Trump argued that African-Americans lived in conditions worse than those in many foreign war zones and pointedly called on those in the typically Democratic voting bloc to take a risk and support him. "What the hell do you have to lose?" Trump often asked. CNN's Joe Johns and Noah Gray contributed to this report. OPINION: "Im sure you will see, as I have, that for all the 'God talk' that Christian nationalists throw around, their attitudes and actions are starkly antithetical to the gospel of love and inclusion for all advocated by the Jesus they claim to believe in," writes Rev. Gary Nelson, a form CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) Misrepresenting a pet as a service animal may become a crime in Wyoming under a bill being considered in the state Legislature. The bill passed the Senate Travel Committee unanimously Thursday. It has already passed the House. The issue stems from people claiming their pet is a service animal in order to bring it into a place like a restaurant, store or rental property that doesn't allow pets, The Wyoming Tribune Eagle (http://bit.ly/2l0RUq3 ) reported. "For someone to bring a pet dog into a place is a slap in the face to someone who has worked hours and hours to make sure their dog is trained," said Michelle Woerner, the CEO of K-9s 4 Mobility. Woerner said in one case, a client who uses a dog for balance took it to a grocery store. Another person's pet dog ran up and startled the service animal, causing the client to fall. "This person almost lost her independence because someone had to bring their pet dog in there," Woerner said. Jill Jensen, who uses a wheelchair and has had a service dog since 2001, has limited use of her hands and legs. She pointed to the distinction between service dogs and pets. "This bill is very important to me evidently a lot of businesses are allowing pets in, other dogs, where the person is stating their dog is a service dog," she said. "It's very disruptive." Businesses have also been concerned about being forced to accommodate animals that aren't actually service dogs. "The word has gotten out that if you present your dog as a service dog, there's not much recourse," said Barbara Stafford of the Wyoming Restaurant and Lodging Association. Under the bill, those who misrepresent their animal as a service animal would be guilty of a misdemeanor and could be fined up to $750. Other states have enacted similar laws. ___ Information from: Wyoming Tribune Eagle, http://www.wyomingnews.com Help India! By Afroz Alam Sahil, Twocircles.net As you step out of Lucknow and move towards Malihabad, the mango capital of the state, commercial activities slow down and concrete structures give way to mango orchards (although many orchards are being chopped down to pave way for resorts for the rich). After travelling for about 35 kilometers, you reach the Gram Panchayat of Mall in Malihabad tehsil. Support TwoCircles Mall is like any other village in Uttar Pradesh with mixed population and people dependent largely on agriculture and sundry activities. But this Gram Panchayat has a claim to fame: it was adopted by BSP president Mayawati under Saansad Adarsh Gram Vikas Yojana. In UP politics, any link to Mayawati makes for a detailed story but Mall villages adoption by the BSP supremo was confined to three lines mentioned in local newspapers. But the perception that adoption by Mayawati would have changed its picture is proven wrong the moment you step inside the village. Amanullah, 55, a resident of Mall village claimed, Behenji never adopted us; it was only an announcement. She left us like a step mother on the ground to die. Why was there so much drama over being adopted when the results are otherwise? Amanullah Ansari has a family of seven which includes five girls. His son works in Delhi, leaving Amanullah to feed all his family members in the village. The Gram Panchayat Mall has four hamlets: Veerpur, Mall, Gangan Barauli and Bidhi Shyama. In Mall village, there is a total of 1,513 families of which 629 belong to the Schedule Caste (SC) category. In terms of population, 3,147 of the 7,981 people belong to the SC category. On first impressions, one may wonder what the fuss is all about: after all, this Gram Panchayat has eight primary schools, two private college, one hospital and several bank branches. But it is only when you see how they are distributed that you realise why the residents believe the adoption by Mayawati has failed to reach the various localities within the Gram Panchayat. Village Committee member Sidhu Tiwa says, We did not get any benefit after being adopted by Mayawati. Even the old street lights were removed on the assurance that new ones will be installed. But the transition never happened. He adds that the little work which has been done in the region has largely remained confined to the Bheem Tola locality. Even Bheem Tola, which is a locality of Dalits and was originally named Ambedkar Nagar, is far from developed. As you enter the village, you are welcomed by overflowing drains and unpaved roads. Most of the people in Bheem Tola continue to defecate in the open, thus shattering the claims of Swachch Bharat Abhiyan and campaigns of celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Vidya Balan. The only sign of progress in this area is the 154-metre long interlocking tiles road at the cost of 6.87 lakhs. The work has reduced the sufferings and has made movement possible in the rainy season. Also, nearly 1,100 electric poles have been erected including 700 poles in their area. The area also has one electric transformer which is part of 7-8 transfers in the whole village, all done by Mayawati. It would also be wrong to put the entire blame on Mayawati. Dharmendra, 45, another resident in Bheem Tola is quite angry with local representatives. He claims that local MLA Indal Rawat has never visited the village. MP Kaushal Kishore also never turned up and neither Behenji nor her representative has ever visited the village. Surprisingly, even the village pradhan never cared to visit Bheem Tola. His views are shared by Sarju Devi 70 and Chandrakali, 45, claiming that there are no takes for problems faced by poor. Rajesh Kumar, a postgraduate in social sciences, claims that total population of Bheem Tola is 1,100 which includes 500 females. There is a junior high school for girls and the nearest hospital is two kilometers away. He also says that a community centre was to be constructed by Pradhan got it shifted. Shrawan, 28, MBA and working in Ludhiana, is visiting his village for casting his vote claims that the biggest problem of Bheem Tola is that there is no place for holding marriages. Shrawans claim is, however, far fetched as hardly any village can boast of marriage hall in UP. Beyond developmental issues, the other factors that have contributed to peoples anger have been the lack of implementation of various government schemes. Take, for example, the issues of senior citizens in the area. Tulsa is a 70-year-old who has been shown dead in official records and therefore, she is unable to receive her old-age pension for the past three years. Due to her eye sight problem, she has also not been able to get Aadhar card. Similarly, Rukana Devi, 60, claims that she has not received her pension for the past six years. She does not have a ration card, toilet or even a gas connection under Ujjawala Scheme. People claim that most of them have Job Cards but there is no work under MNREGA. Most of them are BPL card holders but have not benefitted under Ujjawala Gas Connection. In 2013, only three girls received a laptop from Akhilesh Yadav scheme. Even the 100 people who receive the Samajwadi Pension say that it is irregular. Although Bheem Tola has some roads, areas like Chikwan Tola cannot even claim that much. The area, which is predominantly Muslim, is in a pathetic condition. Haseen Bano, 55, claims that no politician comes here but sycophants of these leaders visit the area. Due to elections, they are however getting uninterrupted power supply. Haseen Bano refuses to be photographed. In Pashchim Tola, Mohammad Arif, however, claims that due to Mayawatis adoption of the village, a new transformer has been installed, water over head tank has been constructed. However, they remain out of use and running water supply remains a distant dream. The Imam of Purani Masjid Mohd. Sharafatullah claims that lights were installed at 2-4 places but they are now defunct. People also claimed that there is not a single school in their locality and 70 percent of them go for defecation in open. Village Pradhan Rani Gayatri Singhs son Madhvendra Singh, who is also her representative, claims that they were expected an overnight change after Mall was adopted by Mayawati but it is clear that nothing like that has happened. Village Development Officer Dinesh Sharma claims that no fund has been allocated to the village from Mayawatis MPLAD. But 10 halogen lights were installed through power corporation and 500-600 meter cemented road was laid and some work has been done in Bheem Tola. He also added that it was the efforts of the Gram Panchayat along with contributions from locals that helped them build the Arya Samaj temple and a Satsang Bhawan in the village. Mall may be disenchanted by the efforts of Mayawati, but not for long. According to reports, the BSP Supremo has now adopted a village called Fareta in the district of Mohanlal Ganj. One hopes that Fareta has a better experience than Mall. *This story was made possible in partnership with Indian American Muslim Council* Help India! By Kushagra Dixit New Delhi, (IANS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadavs Gujarat ke Gadhe (Donkeys of Gujarat) jibe might have been meant to score points in a bitter electoral battle, but it has inadvertently sharpened focus on the Indian wild ass, promoted in a TV spot by no less than megastar Amitabh Bachchan in his capacity as the states brand ambassador. Support TwoCircles In fact, the conservation of the species (Equus hemionus Khur), which is found only in Gujarat having been rendered extinct in south India, Pakistan and Afghanistan has earned the state plaudits from wildlife experts. The conservation of the Indian wild ass is an exemplary success story for the world to follow. The Gujarat government has, over the years, done a great job, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Director V.B. Mathur told IANS. Mathur, along with experts like Nita Shah, also of the WII, have worked on conserving the species for 22 years, back from the time when it was on the verge of extinction. Today, the animal numbers well over 4,500 in the wild. Mathur believed that the change in the farming pattern due to better irrigation has also helped in the conservation. Its a unique animal Whats commendable is that that the local government managed to balance the conservation of the species and development of the region, Mathur added. Shekhar Niraj, Head of TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network that works in alliance with the WWF, said the species still faces several challenges for its survival. Its one of those rare examples where both the species and its habitat are troubled. It is still threatened but its population has gone up in Gujarat, Niraj told IANS. The natural habitat of Indian wild ass is Rann of Kutch, where the animals are also referred to as Riders and Guardians of the Rann for their ability to run at speeds of over 60 km per hour. The species, whose body frame matches that of a horse, is a sub-species of the near-threatened Asiatic wild ass (Equus heminous) that is now found only in small patches in India, Iran, Turkmenistan and Mongolia. According to government records, the Indian wild ass was on the verge of extinction around 1970 due to lack of conservation efforts and a prevalent epidemic. Experts said that conservation efforts by the state, central government and IUCN had helped increase the numbers of the species. A census in 2014 counted 4,451 animals spread over 15,000 sq km in Gujarat. This was 454 more than the count of the 2009 census. The present population is estimated at over 4,800. Thus, its little wonder that experts have objected to the animal being depicted as a pejorative. Its not right to drag the endangered species into political feuds because it affects the conservation efforts. We should rather feel proud the species could be saved and now attracts tourists from across the world, V.P Singh, a Uttar Pradesh-based wildlife conservator, told IANS. What then is the fuss all about? Akhilesh Yadav, speaking at a rally on Monday, pointed to the TV spot obliquely referring to Bachchan to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. An advertisement is there on donkeys. I urge the biggest actor of the century not to advertise donkeys of Gujarat, Yadav said. The advertisement promotes Gujarats Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest in the nation. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said Akhilesh Yadav, had insulted the state with his remarks. But then, without perhaps realising he was doing so, Akhilesh was only paying Modi back in his own coin. During the campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi had sneered at the Lion Safari, a dream project of Akhilesh Yadav to introduce the Asiatic lions (native to Gujarat) in his home town of Safai. Modi had then wondered how the state government could take care of lions when they had not been able to take care of (people of) the state. Eight Asiatic lions were bought to Safai between April and October 2014 from Gujarat and Hyderabad zoos and more followed later. However, four of those and five newborn cubs had died by June 2016. Que sera, sera? An innovative research conducted recently has found that Salmonella could one day be used to wipe out cancer after experiments on mice showed the bacteria was extremely effective at eliminating tumours. The research was carried out by scientists at Chonnam National University in South Korea. The Food Poisoning bug salmonella was genetically modified to make it innocuous, then injected into 20 mice with colon cancer and the disease disappeared in half of them after 12 days. They believe this could sooner or later be used to treat a range of tumours in humans. Professor Joon Haeng Rhee of Chonnam said: We believe this is a groundbreaking trial. We have a tangible plan to start preclinical and clinical trials in humans. This is not the first time that research has indicated that bacteria such as salmonella could be useful in the battle against cancer. However, this is the first to prove it can eradicate the disease. The Institute of Cancer Research in London has welcomed the research. Professor Kevin Harrington from the department of Biological therapies said: This is a fascinating new approach to using bacteria. Instead of asking bacteria to kill cancer cells directly, researchers have genetically engineered salmonella so it expresses a gene that triggers the immune system to mount an attack on the tumour. The results show that this approach is effective against a range of tumour types with little or no toxicity in mice. he also said, "However, until now, attempts to use bacteria as anti-cancer therapies have had limited success, both in the laboratory and in the clinic." The discovery has also been revealed in the Science Translational Medicine journal published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. How does this bacteria actually work? The discovery stems from another study when scientists discovered that bacteria attacking shellfish produced a protein that induced a strong immune response. The modified salmonella releases the same protein to prod the immune system into action, causing them to release molecules that can kill cancer. Next steps Going forward, scientists will see if this gene-editing discovery is safe and whether it could be used to treat humans. The Swedish attack is not the first fake news Trump has previously used Fake News to further his own agenda with the bowling green massacre. He claimed that after the bowling green massacre Obama restricted immigration to the US from middle eastern countries and rounded up Syrian Migrants. It should be noted that no such event as the bowling green massacre took place and no restrictions were put in place under the Obama administration. There was, however, an arrest made on two middle eastern suspects over potential attack plans. Many swedes were baffled by the news of an attack The announcement from Trump caused much social media storm from Swedish nationals. Many announced there confusion and outrage on twitter including on the official Swedish nationals twitter account. It was, of course, Iraqi refugees which Trump blamed for the attack showing his determination to turn the western world against refugees. Swedish crime rates have been increasingly stable within recent years and Sweden is well renowned for its neutrality in many international conflicts. However, Trump could have picked Sweden due to its neutrality and fairly open immigration policy. It is not clear where Trump received his own sources on the attack and it is slightly shocking since he often accuses the media of creating fake news. Is Trump using the fake Swedish attack to turn the western world on refugees? It is clear from Trumps foreign and immigration policy so far that he does not want middle eastern or Muslim refugees in the US. After a small rise in reported terrorist attacks in Europe in recent years, Trump has always come out and criticised many European nations for their less restricted immigration policies. If you also count the rise of fake news from outlets such as Breibart and Trump's continued attacks on the media, using a fake attack to justify his agenda and possibly implement more stringent measures with little opposition. This is however hardly the sort of thing a president should be doing in a time of crisis. Most notable about the anti Trump demonstrations was not just the numbers, which were incredibly larger than anything in Washington yesterday for the inauguration, but that in general they actually were not anti-trump or anti-anything but instead about the same peace, love, and understanding that was the rallying cry of the peace movement of the 60s in the US. Crowd size The Boston police and emergency management officials were prepared for a crowd of approximately 25,000; the number that actually gathered was five or six times larger, with an official Boston Police estimate of 130,000 or more. This reporter was in Boston as a student during the late 60s at the time of anti-war riots so bad that the physical gates at Harvard were closed and chained for the first time in living memory; todays crowds were incomparably larger than any anti-war demonstration all those years ago but they were entirely peaceful and not, for the most part anti-Trump. Many of the people in the crowd told reporters both in interviews and with their signs that they were demonstrating to promote a better America and that many still had hopes that their new president would help them. Peaceful crowds of women and men filled the Boston Commons today as well as cities across the nation, as the womens pink march and Protest gathered people of every race to tell President Trump not so much that they are against him but rather oppose some of the policies he appears to support. There were such gigantic crowds that many of the marches were simply impossible because there were simply physically too many people to hold a march after such a gigantic demonstration. The womens march in Washington that was supposed to end at the White House couldnt be held, not because of government intervention but simply because Lafayette Park and the entire area around the Trump White House were already so crowded that no march could physically be held. Madonna Giving way to the emotion of the moment, Madonna spoke so passionately that CNN felt it had to stop broadcasting her talk to pink supporters after the third live F bomb she included in her electrifying address to a massive crowd. Film maker Michael Moore reminded CNN that this was the first giant protest rally in Washington which actually had the majority of Americans on the same side. What will Trump do? The unanswered question at this time is, how will the new president react to these massive rallies? Will he begin yet another tweet storm, or will his better nature humble him enough to recall that peaceful protest is the hallmark of any democracy? He certainly didnt understand or at least he didnt publicly respect the fact that journalists are the fourth branch of American democracy, but seeing massive crowds of people supporting womens issues such as equal pay and reproductive rights should influence some members of the Republican Congress as well as presidential advisors, including First Daughter Ivanka. The question remains whether President Trump will continue his growth and change as he has recently shown in changes to his stand on many republican standard positions. A number of Jewish centres across America have been receiving bomb threats recently, and President Donald Trump has finally responded. Hes spoken out against anti-Semitism, which is a refreshing change after a month of banning Muslims and calling the press Americas enemies. Trump was speaking at the National Museum of African American History In an appearance on MSNBC, President Trump said, Anti-Semitism is horrible, and its going to stop. He said that the persecution and prejudice against Jewish people is age-old and that something exists in the world that doesnt fully allow it to heal. It might be the conservative nut thats running the country and making bigotry commonplace, but hes the one speaking out against it, so thats good. Trump concluded that in order to eradicate anti-Semitism completely, we as a society need to get unified and stay together. Given the history of anti-Semitism, coming to a head during World War II , its interesting to see Trump speak out against it, since his family is originally from Germany and had a much more German-sounding name, and then Hitler rose to power and everyone in America gained a passionate hatred for all things German, so they changed their name to Trump and young Donald was born. Over the past few days, Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour Party more broadly have come under significant pressure from former Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and former first secretary of the state, Peter Mandelson, over their lack of opposition to Brexit. However, allies of Corbyn have insisted that he will continue as leader of the Labour party regardless of Labour's performance in upcoming byelections in Stoke-on-Trent and Copeland. A crucial couple of weeks for Labour and Corbyn Labour is optimistic that they can cling to both seats following the resignations of Tristam Hunt and Jamie Reed. Recent polls have shown that Labour faces two tough contests, though: In Stoke, Ukip have placed leader Paul Nuttall on the ballot in an attempt to capitalise on anti-immigration sentiment and the Conservative Party have taken advantage of Corbyn's opposition to nuclear power to gain ground in Copeland. One of Corbyn's closest allies, Diane Abbott, has reiterated that she believes that Corbyn will lead Labour into the 2020 general election, stating that there is no need for a contingency plan for Corbyn's successor. 'Over the coming weeks, we have some difficult byelections. They're going to be close. We are optimistic that we can retain these seats but it is crucial that every Labour supporter comes out and supports the party,' Abbott said. Corbyn criticism not going away When asked about Corbyn's future as leader of the party if Labour lose both seats, Abbott said: 'There are people that have been in opposition of Corbyn from the beginning. That won't change if we lose both seats. We have to move forward as a united party'. One anonymous Labour MP who has been a regular critic of Corbyn, stated: 'MPs will continue to refrain from public criticism of Corbyn as he would have to leave on his own terms if he wishes to give up the leadership. There is no appetite for another drawn out leadership contest. Besides, there is no clear candidate to run against Corbyn'. Polling has indicated that Labour is in a weak position nationally-recent polls have shown that support for Labour is at the lowest since 2009 when Gordon Brown was Prime Minister. As we already know, president Trump was recently elected as the 45th President of the United States. however, since he has been elected he has turn heads, caused friction across the American nation and even accused the media of being 'dishonest' by reporting 'fake news'. Donald Trump does not have many supporters on a global scale. but one who is a surprising supporter of his is the Zimbabwean leader, that is Robert Mugabe. Mugabe backs President Trump Like Mugabe himself, President Trump supports and puts first his own country before any other. Mugabe seemed as though he was backing the American President when he said "America for Americans and Zimbabwe for Zimbabweans". However, the reasons for Mugabe backing Donald Trump remains unclear. It wasn't so long ago when back in 2001, Mugabe and his allies were sanctioned by the US. These sanctions included travel bans which were imposed amid allegations of human right abuses and election rigging. Because of this, the Zimbabwean government accused the US of their countries economic struggle. But the two have some things in common. They are both controversial politicians who stand for what they say and are two of the oldest rulers of state to have ever lived. Mugabe unfazed by Trumps policies Since his recent reign into power, Donald Trump has set some of the most ludicrous, absurd policies. One of which was overturned by the judge, which Trump was infuriated by. The policy was to ban Muslims from several Muslim countries from entering the country temporarily due to terrorism threats. Obviously, this did not go down well with fellow American who support immigration and anti-discrimination. The policy also led to a global backlash and numerous protests around the world in an effort to dismiss it. This then led to the policy being examined by the high courts who later dismissed it. Mugabe seems unfazed by Trump's policies as he shares his nationalistic, political views which many feel are unfair and discriminatory of others, especially non-Americans. I don't know how many young women come to this blog or how many are parents of teenage or young adult women, but here are some safety tips from Kelsey's Army: T I P S 1. Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong then something probably is wrong.2. Know your surroundings - know who and what is around you.3. Always have a plan for where you would go and what you would do if a situation arises.4. Be willing to make a scene in order to be noticed.5. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.Remember the acronym TIPS:ake Chargenform others of your whereaboutsrepare for any situationurvival Mentality (role play situations so you will respond should they happen)For more information, go to Kelsey's Army The Queen invited Donald Trump over for a state visit where he could meet her, joking that she could legally kill the guy. Since then, a petition has done the rounds in the UK and drummed up a whopping 1.85 million signatures to make sure the visit gets cancelled. Thats more than enough to get the attention of Parliament (not to mention Commons Speaker John Bercows backlash against the Presidents state visit that sent shockwaves around the country, or at least the media), and now MPs are debating whether or not the visit should go ahead. Two in particular (Tulip Siddiq, whose name should give away her position on Trump immediately, and Glyn Davies) have voiced their opinions very strongly in a Guardian column. Siddiq is strongly opposed to Trumps state visit Siddiqs opinion is that the Queens invitation to Trump to have him over on our side of the water for a state visit was premature, and said Trump does not deserve a state visit and that his politics and allowing him to come over here in an official capacity is not in keeping with British values. She said that world leaders have to earn the right to a state visit, and that the President of the United States should not be offered one purely because he is the President of the United States, as par for the course. Siddiq said that though it may seem like an eternity, Trump has been the President for barely a month. She summed up his actions taken during that time as moving towards economic protectionism (restricting trade between countries; America first!), having a series of rants at the press and most recently calling them the enemy of the American people, a failed attempt to ban millions of Muslims from stepping foot on US soil, and little else. Siddiq addressed the right-wing view on it The right-wing view of Trumps state visit, the guys who are saying he should be allowed to come over and also said that Brexit was a great idea, is that cancelling the visit could disrupt the relationship between the US and the UK that has been successful and friendly for a very long time. Lucky for us, Trump likes Britain, but thatll all change if the state visit gets canned now. Siddiq says she is more than supportive of the special relationship between the United States and Britain. However, shes worried how this snap visit looks, describing its facade as one-sided, and like were pandering to him, desperate for him to like us, and she even used the word subservient, drawing comparisons with Trump as Christian Grey and us as Ana. She also said that usually PMs give each President time to prove their worth before rolling out the red carpet and offering them a state visit. She noted that John F. Kennedy, who was recently ranked the eighth best President by C-SPAN, George Bush Sr., and Richard Nixon (who can be very closely compared with Trump) were never offered a state visit during their Presidencies. She also noted that Barack Obama and George W. Bush werent offered state visits until over two years after being elected. Siddiq added in a bit about the sure-fire way to voters hearts: taxes. Trumps state visit will be paid for with our tax money, which is a point that is sure to sway some of the public who are currently on the fence or not bothered about it. She said future generations will judge us for this meek show of support for Trump, accusing him of bigotry, racism and sexism. She believes that is a Trump state visit would be Britain remaining silent in the face of injustice, and concluded, quite simply: He must not receive a state visit. Glyn Davies has different ideas Glyn Davies supports Trumps state visit. He said that due to UK/US relations, whereby America is a dependable partner and ally of Britain, he believes it is crucial for our security and economic interest to show Trump were on his side. He says that Trump won in a free and fair election (although he didnt, because of Russia) and that we have to respect democracy. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh told that the Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime over 75 times by firing various caliber weapons across the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Ministry issued a statement which says: On February 20 and overnight February 21 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime over 75 times by firing more than 900 shots from various caliber weapons, as well as sniper rifles at the Armenian positions in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. In the eastern and north-eastern directions of the line of contact, the Azerbaijani forces intensively fired 39 shots from sniper rifles. Just as in the context of resource extractions, divisions are created in the boundaries of social groupings; there is disaggregation of social groups into supporters of candidates. Whilst Dr Moutus dialectic focused on the corporatisation of tribal groups to attain legal visibility, I was fascinated by how his discourse could be applied in the context of PNGs 2017 general elections. Dr Moutus lecture centred around the rules that set the boundaries of insiders and outsiders in terms of how tribal people present themselves to companies and the government. I RECENTLY attended a lecture on social mapping by Dr Andrew Moutu, an eminent scholar of Papua New Guineas identity narratives. The proliferation of incorporated land groups ILGs) - which, according to geographer Prof John Burton, could number over 70,000 - illustrates the level of disaggregation already in existence. Much of the election violence and rivalry occurs when men from the same tribal boundary cause internal division in their bid to demonstrate tribal leadership. The same applies in the struggles for legitimacy and recognition through ILGs. Growing up at Kamusie logging camp in Western Province, I saw how the logging company kept landowner grievance in check by exploiting this quest for recognition. Papua New Guineas tribes are heterogeneous, being comprised of rival groups each vying for pole position. Leadership is attained through conquest, by spiritual, political, economic or social means. To some extent, PNGs opposition parties exemplify these internal divisions. Dr Moutus other interesting insight was that whilst divisions and disaggregation of groups may in theory continue for infinity, social norms are replicated. Thus the social norms of the original group can be found in a new group. This makes the rules of engagement are much the same. Companies do social mapping to understand the whole and parts of particular groups in order to appropriately engage them. Candidates in the 2017 general elections could benefit from similar voter profiling. How does one leverage the internal divisions of a tribe to control electoral behaviour? Candidates vying for general elections would be foolish to assume that one couldnt disrupt tribal lines and exploit rivalries in order to gain broader support. Donald Trump ignites strong emotions. The UK having opted for Brexit needs a new orientation and partners. Keeping that in mind the British Pm Theresa May became the first leader to meet Trump and immediately invited him for a state visit. Earlier presidents have been invited but Bush and Obama got the invitations after almost 800 days. No US president received an invitation in so short a time. The visit has however generated a lot of controversies and a petition signed by 1.8 million was presented to the government asking that the invitation is withdrawn. A counter-petition asking for the visit to go on was signed only by about 300,000. The stage was thus set for parliament to discuss the state visit of Donald to the UK. Parliament can not cancel the visit but it serves as an irritant to Theresa May who has invited Donald. Opposition to Visit President Obama who made a state visit in 2011 also addressed the Britsh parliament. This is unlikely to happen as many MP's are opposed to the state visit of Donald. They are not against his coming but would like the pomp and glamor of a state visit to be canceled. Many feel it may compromise the queen. But people forget that the queen has played hostess to President Ceausescu of Romania and Robert Mugabe. So a visit by Trump should not ruffle too many feathers. The visit A ceremonial visit is a big occasion and Trump would love it. He would also like to address both houses of parliament, but this looks remote. The mayor of London also does not want to give any importance to a Trump. The dates are not yet worked out, but Donald won't be happy at all this news about his visit. Donald had actively supported Brexit and had mentioned that he would more than welcome a Britain once it is out of the EU. Future Visits by US presidents do generate controversy and when Bush came for in 2003, thousands protested against him for starting the Iraq war. This time also, the magnitude of the signatures against his state visit there could be demonstrations against him on a host of issues like the Muslim ban. In the four weeks that he's been in office, Donald Trump has experienced the most backlash over his "Muslim ban" executive order. After the ban was blocked by a federal judge and later an appeals court, the president is ready to go back to the drawing board. Travel ban deva ju Closing out his first week in the White House, President Donald Trump issued several executive orders, but none more controversial than the aforementioned "Muslim ban." The order in question filed a temporary travel ban on seven different countries in the Middle East, in addition to a permanent ban on the Syrian refugee program. Within hours, protests took place across the country as Muslim travelers were being detained in various airports. The order was first blocked by a judge, and then finally denied in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month. As reported by Associated Press, and later The Hill, on February 20, Trump is ready to try again. Trump's revised travel ban will target same seven Muslim-majority countries: report https://t.co/Xj2WXllIdH pic.twitter.com/l2UgSEdxPC The Hill (@thehill) February 21, 2017 According to the report by the AP, Donald Trump's revised "Muslim ban" is nearly identical to his original executive order, at least in some aspects. The seven countries originally listed, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, Libya, and the Sudan, will all return to the list in the new order. The big difference, however, is that the updated ban will not include those who have a proper visa, a green card, or hold duel citizenship, which was one of the major criticisms the first time around. Revised immigration order expected to target 7 Muslim-majority countries, exclude automatic ban on Syrian refugees. https://t.co/oeBW6FiSzN pic.twitter.com/RmqQvfpxYq ABC News (@ABC) February 20, 2017 Another change during Trump's second go-round has to deal with the Syrian refugee program. If accepted, the revised ban will not instruct law enforcement to "single out and reject" refugees from Syria. The civil war in Syria has become one of the most talked about international issues, with many on the left advocating for an increase in refugees from the region, while more right-wing Americans want to close the borders to the Middle East due to the rise and spread of Islamic extremism into the West. During his campaign for president, Donald Trump was an outspoken critic of allowing refugees into the United States. Moving forward In the report released by the Associated Press, it's expected that the White House will officially roll-out the new executive order at some point next week. Considering only subtle changes were made to the original draft, it's likely that a new round of backlash will follow, resulting in increased protests and demonstrations against Donald Trump and his agenda, which critics label "racist" and "Islamophobic." The Sudanese Government announced on Monday that famine was raging in several parts of the country, while food security for half of the population could be threatened by July 2017. For the first time, starvation has affected several areas of South Sudan, which have been independent since 2011 and have been ravaged by war for over three years, while nearly half of the country's population requires food assistance. Economic crisis: Several areas in the Unity region (north) are now "classified as starving ... or running the risk of starvation," Isaiah Chol Aruai, chairman of the National Bureau of Statistics Sud-Sudan, at a press conference. Its figures are based on the IPC scale, the most used standard, notably by the United Nations, to classify food security. "The long-term effects of the conflict, coupled with high food prices, the economic crisis, reduced agricultural production and reduced access to livelihoods" mean that 4.9 million South Sudanese ( Out of a total population of 11 million) are now classified in the top three levels of the CPI scale, with the highest famine. This number is expected to increase to 5.5 million by July. 100,000 people are at risk of starvation In recent years, several reports have indicated that tens of thousands of South Sudanese may be classified as "disaster/famine", but this proportion of the population was too low to declare a region to be in a state of famine. On Monday, three UN organizations, the Children's Fund (UNICEF), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Program (WFP), said that 100,000 people in the region May starve to death without emergency assistance. "The biggest tragedy of the report released today is that the problem was caused by man," said Eugene Owusu, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan. Independent since 2011, South Sudan has plunged into civil war in December 2013, killing tens of thousands and displacing more than 3 million people, despite the deployment of some 12,000 peacekeepers. Gov. Andrew Cuomo unveiled a plan late last week to keep racing at Finger Lakes Racetrack in Farmington for at least the next two years. Under the proposal, Delaware North the track operator would commit between $600,000 and $1 million. The total would depend on the performance of video lottery terminals at the facility. Del Lago Resort & Casino in Tyre, Seneca County, would provide approximately $440,000 to support the track's purses. That funding would've been provided to Tioga Downs if it didn't expand and become a larger gaming facility. The New York Thoroughbred Breeding & Development Fund would vote to provide purse enrichment funds to the race track. The track would agree to discuss racing surfaces with the breeders and the state, which may provide funding. The two-year plan would have an option for a third year. Racing at the track would be maintained at 2016 per-race purse levels with a 145-day season. The average race purse for 2017 and 2018 would be $13,690, up from $13,224 last year. "All parties would reconvene in August 2017 and 2018 in the governor's office to evaluate any actual impact of del Lago's operation on the race track's operation," said Lee Park, a spokesman for the state Gaming Commission. "For 2019 and beyond, officials would then have two years' worth of data to help identify a longer term solution for the track." Last year, the Finger Lakes Horsemen Benevolent Protective Association urged the Cuomo administration to provide purse protection for the track to ensure its continued operation. The group's concern about the future of racing at the track stemmed from the del Lago casino project in Seneca County, which is expected to impact gaming revenues at the Farmington facility. The Finger Lakes Horsemen said del Lago could reduce Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack's VLT revenue by up to 40 percent. David Brown, president of the Finger Lakes Horsemen Benevolent and Protective Association, said Cuomo's proposal could preserve racing at the track. "The Finger Lakes HBPA is very grateful to Governor Cuomo and his staff for all the time and effort put into searching for a solution to our ongoing crisis," Brown said. "We feel that the proposal just released goes a long way towards a solution that will ultimately save the many jobs, farms and businesses that rely on the race track for their financial well-being." There wasnt a more conservative law-and-order county in the US than Maricopa County, Arizona until Sheriff Joe Arpaio lost his 7th election campaign mostly because the number of legal Latino residents in the Phoenix area voted him out. New administration balks at ICE requests Paul Penzone is the new Maricopa County sheriff and he has just made his first major change in the way things are done in his jurisdiction when he announced that his jails would no longer detain people for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) beyond the time when they would normally be released for whatever infraction they had committed that landed them in jail. One thing left out of the complaints about such sanctuary regions is that if the ICE offices acted more quickly there would be no need at all for the extra 48 hours detention which they always ask for and got, until last Friday, because of Sheriff Arpaio's rule that this hold be routinely granted by the previous administration. If ICE simply kept better track of arrests and acted more quickly to pick up the offenders there would be no need for the burden placed on local police to do the job of the Federal government, a job which costs money and police time. This dramatic switch changed Maricopa county from the most strict adherence to anti-immigrant policies to the most lenient in the state of Arizona. An ICE statement the next day said the policy change represented an "immediate, dangerous change." Colorful career of Arpaio The sheriff, who was a staunch supporter of then-candidate Donald Trump, instituted the policy of only feeding inmates twice a day and using food rescue (garbage normally collected as pig feed) as a source of much of the jails daily menu. In a move to humiliate prisoners Sheriff Arpaio, who came down heavily on drug violations, not just illegal immigrants, changed the prison uniform to pink, pink jumpsuits and pink underwear. In 1993 Sheriff Arpaio expanded his jail facilities to accommodate the increased number of inmates by building a tent city he himself referred to as a concentration camp. There is no air conditioning in "tent city" which is located in the Arizona Desert where summer daytime temperatures reach 118 Degrees and the heat levels inside the tents are so high that the inmate's shoes began melting. The US Department of Justice found Sheriff Arpaio guilty of the worse racial profiling record not just in the country, but in US history. Sheriff Arpaio's policies cost taxpayers of his County more than $142 million in legal costs, fines, and settlements, in addition to whatever additional costs were involved in the loss of inexpensive immigrant labor and the loss of conventions and other events. Western countries supporting the Syrian opposition met Friday with the new US Secretary of State in Bonn, on the sidelines of a G20.They are reassured by Washington's position on the Syrian conflict. For the first time since the start of the Trump administration, a dozen Western and Arab countries, as well as Turkey and the European Union, supporting the Syrian opposition met on Friday (February 17th) US state Rex Tillerson, in Bonn, on the sidelines of a G20. No negotiations with Russia without distancing from Damascus: Berlin and Paris expressed their relief: At the end of the meeting, Berlin and Paris expressed their relief: "It has become clear that we want in all cases a political solution [to the Syrian conflict] within the framework of the UN", said the head of The German diplomacy Sigmar Gabriel, host of the G20 meeting. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault reiterated that it was "important and necessary for there to be a close dialogue with the United States on this Syrian issue." The political transition: The peace talks between the regime of Damascus and the opposition must resume next Thursday in Geneva. But three negotiating sessions were never able to move forward because of the huge gap between the belligerents over the contours of the political transition in the country and the fate of President Bashar al-Assad Bashar al-Assad regime: According to a Western source, Rex Tillerson was very clear on the need to send messages to the Russians who support the Bashar al-Assad regime: "He explained to us that there would be no military cooperation with the Russians As long as they do not distance themselves from Damascus's position about the opposition. " The peace agreement of Ukraine: In addition to Syria, the US Secretary of State had held firm statements on Russia the day before, notably on maintaining sanctions as long as the peace accords were not implemented in Ukraine. Statements that reassured his partners while the White House in Washington is immersed in the cacophony following the revelations of New York on contacts between the campaign team of Donald Trump and the Russian intelligence services last year. Vitaly Churkin, the longest standing serving member of the UN Security Council has died. It is reported that Churkin was in the Russian embassy in New York City when he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to the the New York Presbyterian Hospital. He was pronounced dead at around 9:30 am EST. He is the third in a series of Russian diplomats that have passed away recently. Russia's UN Ambassador would have been 65 tomorrow Churkin's untimely death came as a shock to many, as he was set to celebrate his 65th birthday just the next day. Churkin has been Russia's envoy since 2006, having previously served a number of different diplomatic roles. He is considered one of Moscow's greatest champions, and a skilled diplomat. President Vladimir Putin has been made aware of the death, and according to a spokesman the president is "grieved to learn about the death of Vitaly Churkin," and that the president had held Churkin's "professionalism and diplomatic talents" in high esteem. UN colleagues react to Churkin's death While Churkin's actions didn't always sit well with the UN or his diplomatic colleagues, it is evident by the reaction of his colleagues that Churkin was well-respected amongst his peers. On February 20, the UN held a minute of silence in memory of the Russian ambassador. The Russian embassy in the US also called his death a "tremendous loss for Russian diplomacy" on their Twitter page. #RIP Vitaly Churkin, @RussiaUN envoy, died at the age of 64 in New York https://t.co/XIgKRh20q0 Tremendous loss for Russian diplomacy pic.twitter.com/7yXRcgQ5L3 Russia in USA (@RusEmbUSA) February 20, 2017 Churkin was known for his personality, passion, wit and knowledge. US Ambassador to UN, Nikki Haley said of him, "We did not always see things the same way, but he unquestionably advocated his country's positions with great skill." Former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Samantha Power referred to him as a "diplomatic maestro and deeply caring man". Other countries' ambassadors also chimed in. France's ambassador to the UN, Francois Delattre, revealed that despite their differences, they had "always worked together in a spirit of mutual respect and personal friendship," while his predecessor, Gerard Araud, recalls that he was "abrasive, funny and technically impeccable." Churkin is survived by his wife and two children. John McCain warned on Friday that the President of the US was starting to sound an awful lot like an up-and-coming dictator. Talking with NBCs Chuck Todd, McCain had a lot to say about the role of the press in a free and liberal society. Referring to the presidents provocative tweet that labeled several media outlets as enemy of the American people', McCain said we need a #free press. "It's vital." Six-year term and newfound power After just being newly re-elected to another six-year term, Senator McCain was emphatic about the need for a free and adversarial press in an effort to preserve free democracy. Thats how #dictators get started, he said. They get started by suppressing a free press. In other words, a consolidation of power." Interestingly, trump's remarks about libel law point to his desire to restrict the press even though his new judge seems unwilling to carry these initiatives through. With senator john mccain's newly commissioned chairmanship of the powerful #Armed Services Committee comes great power and influence. Fittingly, McCain has been careful to capitalize on his standpoint to critique Trump, apparently pushing back on the new administration's national security policies for the past few weeks, according to the New York Times. Long seen as a #political maverick, McCain has emerged as a defender of traditional Republican attitudes toward foreign policy and as a piercing critic of the new president. He said that these were dangerous times, and asked European allies to try and count on America. An international security conference in Munich McCain delivered his fiery critique of Trump at a security conference in Munch on Friday, surrounded by other high-powered world leaders and European politicos who fear the oncoming winds of change in the global order. They are trying to maintain a sense of stability in the seven-decade old alliance between European nations, and they are worried about Russia's position and apparent regard For Trump. McCain's critique of President Trumps 'America First' vision was celebrated by experts and allied officials worried about America's drift from the old alliance. He told of the disarray of the new administration and described the amount of work that needed to be done. He conveyed his deep suspicions of Russia and his preference for free trade, something he has long championed. McCain's fractious relationship with Trump goes back to the election cycle in 2016 when McCain remarked that Trump's immigration policies had garnered the support of 'crazies'. Trump responded by saying that 'I like people that werent captured,' referring to how McCain has been held and tortured for five years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. McCain never actually mentioned Trump's name during the Munich conference, but by talking about the shift in universal values, the drifting of the NATO alliance and the lies brewing in Washington politics, his message was loud and clear. McCain also said the 'growing inability, and even unwillingness, to separate truth from lies' and the harsh resentment and mistreatment of immigrants and minority groups would shock the founders of the United States. The Good News is that Venezuela has solved the obesity problem and could, conceivably, cite that feat as a triumph of socialism over free market capitalism. The bad news is that the once prosperous country has done so in the same manner as Dachau and Andersonville Prison, but starving their people close to death. According to the Blaze, a new study suggests that 75 percent of the population have lost an average 19 pounds over the past year. That is what happens when literally no food is available to eat. The world has not seen this kind of famine since Ethiopia in the 1980s or Biafra in the early 1970s. In past famines, the world banded together and sent shipments of food on a massive scale to feed the starving people until they could be back on their feet. Rock musicians would perform relief concerts and politicians would proclaim the worlds duty to save the starving children. Those same kids would show up crying on cable news with the distended bellies of malnutrition, One reason that a relief effort has not yet been mounted for Venezuela is that it would have to shoot its way into the country. What relief supplies make it to that unhappy South American government is seized by the government and handed out to cronies and supporters. Venezuelans are too weak and malnourished to revolt against this slow motion genocide, which must suit the mad cap socialist government of President Nicolas Maduro quite well. Political control through starvation is a well-known practice by socialist governments. North Korea does the same thing as did the Soviet Union in its early days. Hungry people may, at some point, become desperate enough to take to the streets and fight with the police and army, the theory being that death by bullets is to be preferred to death by hunger. But the Venezuelans are not quite at that point yet. Nor is the international community disposed to form an expeditionary force to overthrow the Maduro tyranny and bring food to help the people from the brink of mass starvation. Instead we are seeing the end game of socialism, the death of a nation with barely a whimper. Trump selects Gen. H.R. McMaster to replace Flynn as NSA: Donald Trump on Monday announced the appointment of General Hr Mcmaster as a new national security advisor, replacing Michael Flynn, after a difficult search. A new head in the Donald Trump team. The US president announced on Monday, February 20, the appointment of Herbert Raymond McMaster, a 54-year-old general in office, as a new national security advisor. The billionaire made the announcement in front of reporters at his residence in Mar-a-Lago, Florida, calling General McMaster "a man of formidable talent and tremendous experience." HR McMaster replaces Michael Flynn Michael Flynn under fire: HR McMaster is a specialist in counterinsurgency, especially in Iraq where he was deployed during the 1991 war and twice after the US invasion of 2003. He also served in Afghanistan. "I look forward to joining the national security team and doing everything in my power to advance and protect the interests of the American people," General McMaster said in a brief introduction to the press, Alongside the US president in Mar-a-Lago. Michael Flynn was forced to resign His predecessor, Michael Flynn, a retired general, was forced to resign last week after revelations about discussions he had with the Russian ambassador in Washington while Barack Obama was still president. He had hidden the exact wording, including in his reports to Vice President Mike Pence. The US press reported tensions in the White House over the replacement of Michael Flynn, notably because of the influence attributed to the controversial head of the presidency Stephen Bannon, a far-right associate, National Security Council (NSC). Robert Harward had declined the position Donald Trump had at least one refusal to run his NSC, a highly strategic position. Retired Admiral Robert Harward had declined the position, according to the US media, not having sufficient guarantees on the role of Donald Trump's political advisers in the National Security Council policy. He saw a "shit stick," said one of his friends to CNN. Marine Le Pen, the National Front candidate for president of the French Republic, is not expected to win the upcoming election. Of course, considering recent history with Donald Trump, one should be careful about pronouncing what can or cannot ever happen in politics. In any case, Le Pen was recently in Lebanon, a former French colony, burnishing her foreign policy street cred. She was invited to meet with that countrys Grand Mufti when she was informed she would be required to wear a head scarf. Her reaction was, along the lines, of thanks but no thanks, according to Hot Air. To understand why Le Pen made this gesture, the gentle reader has to know how different the French (and most other Europeans) view national identity than Americans. Americans have a relatively lax attitude toward what it takes to be a citizen. An immigrant in encouraged to speak English and believe in the Constitution. Immigrants are also invited to assimilate to a certain extent to the prevailing culture, but also add his or her own to the mix, hence the concept of the melting pot. French national identity is a bit different. One is not only expected to speak French and adhere to French culture but to do so to such a degree that is unheard of in America. That fact is one reason why many French people find the appearance of a great many unassimilated Muslims in their midst to be disturbing. The terrorist outrages that took place in Paris and Nice in the past year or so added the hard edge of fear to the mix. By refusing to cover up, Le Pen asserted her identity as a Frenchwoman in the face of a foreign demand that many of her followers find uncivilized, part of a shame culture that they find repugnant. Americans are taught to respect other cultures and so an American female politician would have put on the headscarf without a second thought, at least out of fear of being called racist or islamophobic. Le Pen, on the other hand, will likely pad her poll numbers with the gesture that would have been considered impolite on the other side of the Atlantic. With his latest #press conference a wipeout and widely panned by the global media and with Sweden virtually putting him in his place many are looking to see if Trump's next few weeks in the #White House will take on a firmer footing. Or is this the scattered timbre of the new presidency of the United States of America? Many have been left gasping for answers in a month that has seen a lot of firsts for the nation. It's the first time a president has passed a bill that fundamentally changes the country's #immigration policy in the first few days of his office. It's the first time the national security adviser has been fired with a month of gaining the position. Trump and the new age of 'trutherism' Some have called it a new era of 'trutherism', as Damon Winter did in the New York Times on Saturday. Quoting French theorist Guy Debords book #The Society of The Spectacle, Winter postulated that we are living in a time of unanswerable lies, when truth has ceased existing or has been reduced to mere opinion. Troublingly, the spectacle itself trump and Trumpism warrants it own justifications by going around in circles, repeating and reaffirming without answer or confirmation of a fact, so that the spectacle becomes the only known thing. After the inauguration crowd size became such a spectacle, the technicalities of headcount was then presented as an unnecessary burden. The truth, for #Kelly Anne Conway in many highly charged media appearances, became an encumbrance that was spun in many different directions. As each successive new day brings a new lie, indignity or indignation, many have felt that they no longer know what the truth actually is. There were many mistruths told be #Trump in his campaigns, and many promises not fulfilled. There has also been a belligerent denial of the actual question itself, this by Trump himself in press conferences where he has insisted that the media are liars and to blame. Is this the kind of president we can expect for the next three years? A reactive and suspicious leader who doesnt seek justification for his #mendacities but rather continues to pummel his detractors with yet more lies? Whilst a poll carried out by Fox News last week shows that 90 percent of Republicans are happy with how Trump is handling various issues, many in the mainstream media are fighting for answers. #Republican supporters might like the populist style of his latest press conference, with its lack of concern for truth and an attack on elites and news gatherers, but the media and those on the left are irate. Foreign policy and America's global standing is highlighted Others are criticizing the president's chaotic and destabilizing attitude to foreign policy, with some commentators suggesting that his cavalier approach to global issues and diplomacy are a new area of weakness for the US. Detractors say that a vulnerable world is looking to a #United States that has clarity of thought and a solid and trustworthy leadership, no matter what side of congress they stand on. Whatever the truth of the matter, Trump will most probably continue to elicit opinion and outrage in the coming months. That is, unless he takes a tip from traditional political advisers and starts behaving more like a #president. And not a salesman in presidential clothing. On the national holiday of President's Day, protesters decided to resist their current president. According to USA Today and NBC, thousands of citizens gathered in rallies across the country to chant "Not My President," "The people united will never be divided," and many more anti-trump, pro-inclusion statements. They were referred to as the "Not My President's Day" protests. I could not be more excited and inspired to see such mass political activism and freedom. I could not be more proud to be American to see my peers standing up for what they believe in for their country. The resistance persists Trump protests began and grew rapidly throughout the presidential election as it became more apparent that he was being seriously considered for the president. Public opinion fluctuated as the rallies got criticism about being ineffective, entitled and even childish. Some protests devolved into riots. Articles, such as one from US News, questioned whether it could survive in such a quickly-changing era. Would people lose interest when the next thing came along? Many Trump supporters do use the few riots there have been to say the movement is unproductive and negative. However, there have been many more inclusive and peaceful events. Though there is still doubt, protests on President's Day send a message: we're here, we're serious and we will fight. Determination seems to be ever-rising for protesters to challenge the Trump administration. Having attended many of these rallies, the power and energy are tangible. An engaged generation Being part of the generation myself, I could see some validity to the criticism that Millennials were not involved enough in politics. In general, young people have often been absent from polling places and political events. However, I believe this past election has dramatically changed that. It started with the inspiring and uplifting rhetoric of Bernie Sanders. The fervor continued when Clinton won the DNC nomination and many felt cheated by the Democratic Party. It reached a climax when Trump began to gain popularity and exploded when he won. Suddenly, it seemed, Millennials were more politically active than ever. Many, myself included, joined many nonprofits, started donating, writing emails and calling representatives, signing and sharing petitions and exercising rights to peaceful protest. We started paying attention because we know we are the future. And we don't like what we're seeing of it. Trump plays it cool, Spicer claims paid protesters When the Women's March across the United States drew over a million citizens together against him the day after inauguration, and those in other countries as well, Trump wrote it off. He denied that there were as many protesters as there were. However, White House contacts reported that he was distraught over the resistance. For someone as concerned with reputation and crowd sizes as Trump is, it's not surprising. He does not seem to be able to take criticism. Spicer, alternatively, has made several public statements that he believes the protesters are paid and planted, echoing a sentiment within the White House. If that's true, I wonder where my money is. Protesters it for the long haul Through the criticism from the White House and the "snowflake" comments from Trump supporters, the Resistance has thrived. Looking at photos and videos of these rallies, I see the drive, the signs and the sheer human power to make a statement. The events themselves may not seem very effective, particularly in areas that voted blue, but they receive news coverage, are spread through social media like Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat and collaborate with calls to representatives, politicians, petitions and donations. It appears that this movement will not simply fade into irrelevance. Every day that Trump shows he does not have the interests of Americans above his own and that he will not stand by women, Muslims, minorities and immigrants give reason to fight harder. Just one day after Donald Trump was sworn into office as the new president, over one million people protested around the country. As expected, Trump decided to voice his opposition using his number one form of communication; Twitter. Trump on Women's March Heading into Inauguration Day, Donald Trump vowed to bring out an all-time record crowd for his inauguration. However, after the estimates came in, only about 250,000 people came out to the nation's capital to see Trump become the commander in chief. Only 24 hours later, the historic Women's March took place, with over 500,000 demonstrators taking to the streets in Washington, D.C. with an equal amount protesting in various cities across the country. Before sending out his tweets, Trump, along with White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer, spent much of the day on Saturday pushing back against the reports of low attendance at the inauguration. As seen on Twitter on January 22, Trump was not happy. Watched protests yesterday but was under the impression that we just had an election! Why didn't these people vote? Celebs hurt cause badly. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2017 "Watched protests yesterday but was under the impression that we just had an election!" Donald Trump wrote on Twitter Sunday morning, before adding, "Why didn't these people vote? Celebs hurt cause badly." In a follow-up tweet, Trump went on to brag about the high TV rating for his inauguration. "Wow, television ratings just out: 31 million people watched the Inauguration," Trump tweeted, while noting, "11 million more than the very good ratings from 4 years ago!" Wow, television ratings just out: 31 million people watched the Inauguration, 11 million more than the very good ratings from 4 years ago! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2017 Not long after he sent out his first two tweets on the Women's March, the former host of "The Apprentice" appeared to walk-back his original remarks with another message on Twitter. "Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy," Donald Trump pointed out, stating, "Even if I don't always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views." Peaceful protests are a hallmark of our democracy. Even if I don't always agree, I recognize the rights of people to express their views. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 22, 2017 Next up Despite the record number of protesters that voiced their opposition to the new administration, Donald Trump is still the current president, and will be for the next four years. Only time will tell what the future holds, but as Trump and his critics continue to butt heads, the hope of a unified America continues to remain in the distance. A former maintenance supervisor at a Buffalo-area university entered a guilty plea Tuesday to charges he received up to $100,000 in bribes. Dean Yerry, 63, of Henderson, Nevada, pleaded guilty to second-degree bribe receiving, a felony, during an appearance in state Supreme Court in Buffalo. An investigation conducted by the state inspector general's office revealed Yerry, a maintenance supervisor at the University at Buffalo in western New York, solicited and received payments from a painting contractor from the end of 2013 through 2014. According to the inspector general's office, Yerry collected the payments in exchange for helping the contractor secure painting contracts for student living facilities at UB. In exchange for more than $1 million in contracts, Yerry received as much as $100,000 in bribes, the inspector general's office said. State Inspector General Catherine Leahy Scott said Yerry violated the public trust. "This defendant abused his position to subvert the government procurement process to greedily and brazenly enrich himself while giving his favored contractor an unfair advantage," Scott said in a statement. Yerry retired during the inspector general's investigation. After living in Sloan, a suburb of Buffalo, he moved to Henderson, Nevada. Following his guilty plea Tuesday, Yerry remains out on bail. He will be sentenced May 2. Anna Devane's health is in jeopardy on ABC's "General Hospital." She is scared as Dr. Finn and Dr. Munro are both scrambling to figure out how to help save her. But first they need a diagnosis and on Monday's show, they will get the results of her test and it is not looking good at all. Spoilers say that Anna also gets a visit from her daughter, Robin Scorpio, and that has her really worried that something is terribly wrong with her. Robin comes back to town Last week we saw Valentin Cassadine rush Anna to "General Hospital" after she collapsed in his home. She had broken in to find some evidence to use against him. He came back to grab the ring for Nina that he forgot and he caught the WSB agent wandering about. She passed out and he carried her to get help. Now she is alone and worried that something bad is happening to her. On Monday, Robin is expected to show up. Griffin Munro called her to let her know what is going on with her mother. There is a sneak peek clip that "General Hospital" posted on Twitter that shows the two women having an emotional moment. Actresses Finola Hughes and Kimberly McCullough have been working together on the soap since McCullough was a little girl and their mother-daughter chemistry is always magical. The clip shows Anna telling Robin that something must be seriously wrong because she was called back to town and she could also tell by how the doctors are acting. What is really wrong with Anna? The word cancer was mentioned on Friday's episode of "General Hospital," so it looks like maybe the writers have decided to tackle this important issue. Of course, there could always be something else going on with her, despite the fact that she may need a bone marrow transplant. Some previous spoilers have said that Anna is actually being poisoned by Olivia Jerome, but that may not be at all. Now that it looks like she may have cancer, they will be searching for a bone marrow donor to save her life. This will bring about some kind of revelation when it comes to Anna Devane's personal life. There are speculations that Griffin Munro will be a perfect match and it will be revealed that he is Anna's son that she thought she lost many years ago. Does Robin really have a half-brother? Griffin has become a beloved member of the family as he is Duke's son, so this reveal would be a good thing. There are other rumors swirling that Valentin Cassadine will come into play as well. He could also be a match. This would give him an even deeper connection with Anna than he already has. What do you think, "General Hospital" fans? Are you hoping that Griffin is really Anna's son? The solar power market in the United States has grown to 95 percent. In the residential and commercial utility sector, approximately 14,625MW has been installed. The average number of household electricity that is needed is .01MW (10kW) to generate enough power. Studies show that installations have increased to 100MW or more in at least 20 U.S. states because solar panel electricity is becoming a popular trend. Now, about 1.3 million households in the country are using 40GW Solar Power. 2010 Earthquake in Haiti and Solar Power When the Earthquake In Haiti hit on January 12, 2010, the infrastructure in Port Au Prince crumbled. At the Marche En Fer-Iron Market, a company by the name of Coronado Solar installed an off-grid PV solar panel electrical system at the 58,000 SQ. Ft. Open-Air market. The project at The Iron Market in Haiti is the largest stand-alone solar project on the island and supplies 108,000 watts of power to the market. It is one example of how efficient solar panel electricity can help a nation of people that are experiencing a natural disaster. New Hampshire's Bill of Green House Gas Initiative The Conservative party is working to limit clean energy efforts in the state of New Hampshire. The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative has helped the region save billions in energy savings to local consumers. On the contrary, there is a push back from local government to end the initiative. Donald Trump can potentially nullify The Clean Power Plan and Paris Agreement which will impact solar panel electricity in the country, and Conservatives believe that the bill might not progress. The Goal of The Clean Energy Bill In New Hampshire, the state of Massachusetts is working towards a 100% renewable gain for a clean energy bill to be implemented. It is estimated that it will open 105,000 jobs in the clean energy sector and potentially increase the economy by $11.8 Billion. Furthermore, Paul LePage, the Governor of Maine is expecting regulators to move forward with solar power electricity. Once solar panel electricity achieves penetration of 10%, a low number of upgrades will be needed. Also, once demand is at 20%, only then will the cost of the service increase. BEIJING - The annual investment yield for the national social security fund averaged 8.4 percent in the 16 years since it was established, according to an official from the National Council for Social Security Fund. Wang Zhongmin, vice chairman of the NCSSF, disclosed the information at a seminar on Monday. Established in 2000, the national social security fund was designed to aid the country's aging population and be a strategic reserve to support future social security expenditure. The funding sources include fiscal allocation from the central government, allocation from the lottery public welfare proceeds, individual contributions and capital raised by other methods approved by the State Council. By the end of 2015, the fund's managed assets totalled 1.9 trillion yuan ($276.6 billion), according to a report from the NCSSF. About 54 percent of its assets were invested via entrusted bodies, while 6 percent were invested overseas, according to the report. Chinese automotive industry witnessed nearly 9.2 million sport utility vehicles sold last year, up 45.7 percent compared to 2015, according to China Passenger Car Association's statistic. Great Wall Motors' Haval series topped the rank for a six consecutive year since 2011, and with two models listed among the 10 best selling SUVs in 2016. Let's take a look at the most popular SUVs in China: No 10, Dongfeng Nissan Passenger Vehicle Co's Nissan X-Trail Sales: 180,202 Foreign direct investment from the United States to China amounted to $80 billion in 67,000 projects by the end of 2016, data from the Ministry of Commerce show. FDI from the US accounted for 7.8 percent and 4.5 percent of China's approved foreign-funded enterprises and the actual use of foreign investment. They had been important to China's job market, financial revenue and economy. In terms of goods trade, China is the fastest growing export market to the US except Northern America. Over the past decade, the average growth rate of the US exports to China has reached 11 percent annually. China is the largest export market for products of aircraft manufacturing, soybeans and agriculture in the US. China purchased 26 percent of Boeing aircraft, 56 percent of soybeans, 16 percent of vehicles and 15 percent of agricultural products over the past decade. Shi Yu/China Daily Initiative aims to achieve industrial breakthroughs and increase nation's competitiveness China is to further promote the manufacturing sector after recently releasing 11 guidelines to implement the "Made in China 2025" strategy, with a focus on areas such as smart manufacturing, high-end equipment, new materials and branding. An initiative, known as "1+X", was finished earlier this month with 11 guidelines published, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. The "1" stands for "Made in China 2025" and "X" refers to guidelines for 11 subsectors, including smart and green manufacturing and innovation of high-end equipment. More than 20 State Council departments participated in the initiative, which aims to achieve breakthroughs in the manufacturing sector and boost the country's competitiveness from a "world factory" to a true manufacturing power, encompassing design to production. These guidelines aim to be suggestions instead of administrative requirements, endowing the market a bigger role in resource allocation, and calling for joint efforts by the government, enterprises, research institutes and universities as well as financial institutions. "Made in China 2025" was first proposed by Premier Li Keqiang in his Government Work Report in March 2015. The premier has reiterated the plan on many occasions and promoted the upgrading of China's manufacturing sector to be environmentally-friendly, cost-effective and high-end. In a written instruction last year, the premier called for the lowering of the threshold for market access, the better allocation of resources and reduced costs for the development of advanced manufacturing industries. He also encouraged the integration of "Made in China 2025" with initiatives such as Internet Plus, mass entrepreneurship and innovation, with an emphasis on craftsmanship. At a State Council executive meeting on April 6, the premier said efforts should be made to boost consumer confidence in domestically-made products and promote the international competitiveness of manufacturing industries by improving quality and efficiency. The premier also had manufacturing enterprises at the top of his schedule during each of his inspection tours to regions such as Shanghai, Tianjin and Shenzhen last year. On a visit to a new automobile plant of the Dongfeng Commercial Vehicle Company in Shiyan, Central China's Hubei province in May, the premier encouraged workers to carry forward a revolution in quality with a spirit of craftsmanship, and promote the overall upgrading of Chinese products. "Quality revolution depends on the craftsman's spirit and innovation, and the key is consumer-oriented development," he told the workers. "The strategy of 'Made in China 2025' and Internet Plus are inseparable, as we must upgrade the manufacturing industry and boost smart manufacturing," the premier said at a session during the World Economic Forum in June in Tianjin. Also in Tianjin, the premier lifted a smart bicycle made from carbon fiber and took it for a test ride at a Flying Pigeon experience store, which features 100-year-old brands. "I would like to tell Chinese bicycle companies that I support the smart upgrading of the 'Made in China' strategy," he said. Zhang Jun, chief economist at China Fortune Securities, said China's aging population will lead to a rise in the price of labor and shrinking demand, meaning smart manufacturing is a good way to boost production efficiency and trim costs. China became the world's biggest manufacturer two years ago but still lags in branding recognition and innovation compared to developed economies, said Xin Guobin, vice-minister of Industry and Information Technology, at an earlier news conference. Smart manufacturing can help tackle challenges when the country faces downward pressure on economic growth and slowing private investment, he added. Xin's views were echoed by Huang Qunhui, director of the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Huang said the nation should deplete all high-polluting and high-emission production capacity while promoting smart manufacturing and other subsectors mentioned in the guidelines. In fact, the strategy has achieved major results as the nation's equipment manufacturing such as machine tools is surging. Guan Xiyou, former chairman of the board of directors of Shenyang Machine Tools Group in Liaoning province, said in July that the company received 20,000 orders for smart machine tools last year, double that of its annual production capacity. He resigned last month. The company has decided to invest more on the production of new machine tools, which are now the most popular product, said Guan. US President Donald Trump and his new administration apparently are delivering on bold or specific campaign promises, such as curbing immigration, creating jobs for Americans, repealing and replacing Obamacare and rebuilding American infrastructures. Meanwhile, we should not be oblivious to Trump's many China-related assertions during his campaign: China is stealing American jobs, manipulating its currency and engaging in unfair trade practices, among others. America's relationship with China is undoubtedly more complicated and would probably take Trump more than one or two executive orders to, first of all, accurately depict the nature of such a deeply intertwined relationship; and then roll out a reliable and consistent road map to deepen the relationship, which will not only benefit the world's two largest economies but the rest of the globe. In their analysis and recommendations titled President Trump's Asia Inbox, which was released in early February, eight scholars at Stanford University's Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) utilized their collective expertise in order to "offer fresh insights about key issues of US-Asia relations, including how to address a rising China, alliance management, the South China Sea, and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, to name a few areas of interest", said Gi-Wook Shin, director of the center, in the preface of the publication. Thomas Fingar, one of the Shorenstein fellows with his research focused on the US-China relationship, said managing America's multifaceted relationship with China is arguably the most consequential foreign policy challenge facing the new administration. "The stakes include stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region, more than $500 billion in bilateral trade, constraining nuclear weapons in North Korea, and the ability of the United States to work transnational issues in/through the United Nations. Campaign rhetoric complicates matters by raising fears and expectations at home and abroad," he continued. The Obama administration made a big mistake in the way it responded to China's establishment of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), said Fingar. "Declaring US willingness to join would demonstrate willingness to correct this Obama mistake, signal desire to cooperate with China when it is in US interest to do so, and help restore regional confidence in Washington's ability to manage relations with China in a way that helps states in the region to counterbalance Chinese influence while taking advantage of Beijing's willingness to invest in infrastructure," said Fingar. "If China agrees to US membership (highly likely), we gain insight into and a voice in the bank's operations and score points with others in the region. If China demurs, it will be pressed by other members (including our allies in Europe) to accept the US. With all countries, the new administration wins credit for trying." In a recently concluded seminar held at the University of San Francisco on China's Belt and Road Initiative, former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia (1989-1992) Chas Freeman said it has been a "foolish forfeiture of US influence" for the US not having agreed to join any of the new banks or funds led or heavily involved by China - AIIB, the New Development Bank, the South-South Cooperation Fund, the Maritime Silk Road Management Fund and the Maritime Silk Road Bank which boast a combined capital of $300 billion and will add $60 billion to $75 billion to annual lending for infrastructure projects in Asia and its periphery. "We must hope that the Trump administration - with its emphasis on manufacturing jobs - will find a way to work with China to the advantage of American business. This will be hard if the US has started a trade war with China," warned Freeman, who served as the main interpreter for President Richard Nixon during his historic China visit in 1972. Stanford scholars also suggested that the US should respond to Chinese actions in Asia "inimical to American interests in ways that protect our interests, achieve US goals shared by others in the region, and avoid both the reality and the appearance of being 'anti-China'", and reaffirm American commitments to allies and partners including the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. International relations observer George Koo believes that Trump must collaborate with China in order to "make America great again". It will be crucial for the Trump administration to see the essential value of collaborating with China and continue to build on the economic cooperation, said Koo. He cited Fuyao Glass, China's largest auto glass supplier, and its continuous investment in Ohio as an illuminating example. Fuyao bought an old GM plant in Ohio for $15 million and will have invested $450 million and created 2,500 local jobs. It's expected to generate $25 million to $30 million monthly revenue for the Ohio economy and bring technical innovations, such as sun-blocking, energy saving glasses, embedded wire, heating glass and solar glass, to the US market. "Many other Chinese companies are looking to invest in the US for the same reasons" such as being close to assembly plants, saving the shipping cost and maintaining satisfying customer relations, said Koo, adding such decision was driven by sensible business considerations instead of the desire to just pleasing President Trump. Contact the writer at junechang@chinadailyusa.com US Vice-President Mike Pence assured the European Union in Brussels on Monday that the Trump administration will develop their cooperation in trade and security and backs the EU as a partner in its own right. A month after Donald Trump caused alarm by renewing his endorsement of Brexit and suggesting others may follow Britain out of the EU, Pence told reporters that he had come to "the home of the European Union" with a message from the president. Speaking of a "strong commitment ... to continue cooperation and partnership with the European Union", Pence added: "Whatever our differences, our two continents share the same heritage, the same values and above all, the same purpose to promote peace and prosperity through freedom, democracy and the rule of law." At a later meeting at NATO across town, he made clear that US support for the Transatlantic defence alliance had a price, though; Trump, he said, "expects real progress" from European governments by the end of the year in increasing their spending on military budgets closer to a NATO target of 2 percent of GDP. Donald Tusk, who chairs the European Council of EU leaders, told reporters that Pence had given him affirmative answers to three questions on Trump's support for: the current system of international law, NATO and "the idea of a united Europe". "Reports of the death of the West have been greatly exaggerated," Tusk said, in a nod to American writer Mark Twain. EU officials said they were encouraged by what they called Pence's clear assurances, including on US backing for holding the European Union together after Brexit, though they will watch closely to see how far Trump's actions match his deputy's words. "We got everything we were looking for," one official said. Pence noted the building of common European institutions after World War II and said: "With this union and in cooperation with the United States, history will attest that when the United States and Europe are peaceful and prosperous, we do advance the peace and prosperity of all the world." Echoing comments he made over the weekend in Germany, Pence also addressed worries in Europe over Trump's suggestion that the NATO defence pact was "obsolete"; Washington, he said, was committed to defending the sovereignty and territory of European states and holding Russia to account for its actions in Ukraine. Pence also repeated Trump's belief that "common ground" could be established with Russia after years of confrontation. Europeans are concerned that Trump may prefer bilateral ties with European powers rather than working with the Union. Pence spoke of cooperation, including against Islamist violence: "The safety and security of your union and our people depends on that increased collaboration on the global fight against terrorism." Envoy's sudden death occurred on the eve of his 65th birthday UNITED NATIONS China offers deep condolences to Russia over the death of its ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday. Calling Churkin an excellent diplomat who deserved great respect, ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the ambassador's death is a loss not only for Russia, but also for the UN's work. "We feel shocked and sad about Ambassador Churkin's sudden death and express deep condolence," Geng said in Beijing. Churkin died in New York on Monday after becoming ill at work, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. His sudden death, apparently from a heart attack, occurred on the eve of his 65th birthday. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday that he "learned with shock and sadness" of the death of Churkin, who had been Russia's permanent representative to the UN since 2006 and was the longest-serving ambassador on the 15-member UN Security Council. "Ambassador Churkin was a uniquely skilled diplomat, a powerful orator with great wit, and a man of many talents and interests," Guterres said in a statement issued on Monday night. Describing him as an outstanding diplomat, the secretary-general noted that Churkin served his country "with distinction through some of the most challenging and momentous periods of recent history". For more than a decade, Churkin was "a forceful presence on the Security Council," he said. 'Outstanding diplomat' Also on Monday, former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said in a statement issued in Seoul, South Korea, that he was "shocked and truly saddened" to learn of Churkin's death. "During my 10 years as secretary-general, it was a privilege to work with him and watch him represent the Russian Federation with such passion and dedication. He was an outstanding diplomat and an intellectual star," said Ban, who was succeeded by Guterres on Jan 1 after two five-year terms as the UN chief. The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued in Moscow: "A prominent Russian diplomat has passed away while at work. We'd like to express our sincere condolences to Vitaly Churkin's family." Churkin, who was born on Feb 21, 1952, in Moscow, served as ambassador-at-large at the Russian Foreign Ministry from 2003 to 2006, before his appointment to the UN. He was Russian ambassador to Canada from 1998 to 2003, and to Belgium from 1994 to 1998. The number of Chinese visitors to Dubai hit a record high in 2016 after the United Arab Emirates government began granting visas on arrival to Chinese citizens last November. Figures recently released by the official Dubai Tourism body show the emirate attracted 540,000 Chinese visitors in 2016, a 20 percent increase year on year. Though the Gulf states are still the major tourism sources for the UAE, China is one of the fastest growing markets. In 2015, there were 450,000 Chinese visitors, up 29 percent year on year. The relaxed visa rules and expanding flight networks between China and Dubai have fueled continuous growth. Last May, the UAE's main airline, Emirates, launched direct flights from Dubai to Yinchuan and Zhengzhou in western and central China as its fourth and fifth destinations in the country. According to Dubai Tourism, Dubai welcomed 14.9 million overnight visitors in 2016. By 2020, the emirate, known for its openness to foreigners and its dense network of luxury hotels and shopping malls, expects up to 25 million visitors, most of them visiting the six-month World Expo 2020. Contact the writer at lijing2009@chinadaily.com.cn More than 370 students from 22 State University of New York and City University of New York institutions have entered a coding competition launched by Gov. Andrew Cuomo to promote his free college tuition proposal. Cuomo announced Tuesday that more than 70 teams will participate in the Making College Possible Coding Challenge. Entrants will create a prototype of a mobile app or website that provides more information about Cuomo's plan. Teams were told to begin designing their prototypes Feb. 14. The first draft of the design is due Monday, Feb. 27. The initial round of judging will be held in late February. The top five entries will move on to the final round of judging and a pitch session, which will be held in early March in New York City. Experts from New York's technology sector will assist the finalists with their pitch. One winner will be selected. The winning app or website will used to promote the Excelsior Scholarship the name Cuomo has given to the free tuition proposal. Each team that advances to the finals will be awarded $2,000 through the SUNY and CUNY systems. "The impressive number of submissions displays the breadth of talent and spirit of innovation embodied by our SUNY and CUNY students," Cuomo said in a statement. Free tuition to SUNY and CUNY institutions is one Cuomo's signature proposals in 2017. He announced the plan during an event in January with U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, who made college affordability a top issue during his campaign for president last year. Under the Excelsior Scholarship Program, students whose families earn no more than $125,000 a year would be eligible to receive free tuition to SUNY and CUNY schools. Cuomo's office projects that 940,000 households in New York have college-aged children who would be eligible to participate in the aid program. The cost of the program will be an estimated $163 million a year once it's phased in, according to the governor's office. To promote the plan, Cuomo launched the coding contest in early February. SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher said students in the university network have "seized on the opportunity" to participate in the initiative. "The competition provides an opportunity for students to showcase their talent and creativity while also producing a new platform where the value of college affordability can be shared with their peers, in their own voice," Zimpher said. "I look forward to seeing what our students come up with." Here is the list of schools that are represented in the coding competition: Alfred State College Baruch College Binghamton University Borough of Manhattan Community College Broome Community College Buffalo State College City College Finger Lakes Community College Hunter College John Jay College LaGuardia Community College Lehman College New York City College of Technology Onondaga Community College Queens College Stony Brook University SUNY Fredonia SUNY Plattsburgh SUNY Sullivan University at Albany Westchester Community College York College The CNY Solidarity Coalition launched its first major campaign by asking a question. "Where's Katko?" The group, which formed to "resist the ever-evolving Trump-Pence-Bannon-Ryan agenda," says it launched in the aftermath of the presidential election. And while they focus on national issues, central New York's congressional representative has been a frequent target. In late January, the CNY Solidarity Coalition used the hashtag #whereskatko to question why U.S. Rep. John Katko, who's in his second term as a member of Congress, hasn't held an in-person town hall meeting. Dana Balter, of Syracuse, is a member of the coalition. She said they've heard from many constituents in the 24th Congressional District who aren't happy with Katko's responsiveness. "We're frustrated. We can't seem to find him so we just started asking, '#WheresKatko?' We want Congressman Katko to be available, be responsive, be here," Balter said. "We want in-person town hall meetings. The people who put him in office have the right to know where he stands on the issues and the right to be heard. He doesn't seem to be getting that message from all the phone calls, emails and letters flooding his offices. Maybe this social media campaign will do the trick." The group is focused on urging Katko to hold a town hall meeting not only because he hasn't held one, but because it's part of a national strategy targeting congressional Republicans. Indivisible, a national organization launched by former Democratic congressional staffers, has inspired similar actions targeting Republican members of Congress in other parts of New York and across the country. The group's website features a guide for activists to target their members of Congress. At the top of the guide's website is a link to a "Missing Member Action Plan" a long list of suggested tactics if members of Congress don't hold town hall meetings. CNY Solidarity Coalition is following at least some of the recommendations outlined in the five-step plan. The guide advises activists to "go public" if their member of Congress isn't responding. With Katko not yet announcing an in-person town hall meeting, the group has turned to social media and events of their own, including a rally in the Syracuse building that houses Katko's main district office. Eric Van der Vort, an organizer with the CNY Solidarity Coalition and a Syracuse resident, said Katko should be listening. "Congressman Katko represents a district that leans Democratic and which has been one of the few actual swing districts in the country," Van der Vort said. "He pulled off a feat that no one had for a decade when he won a second term. "Many of his constituents are concerned about the direction of public policy and he ran on a campaign to represent all central New Yorkers. How can he represent them when he is phoning it in and not connecting with many of his concerned constituents?" Erin O'Connor, Katko's spokesperson, disputed that claim. "Our office is always willing to engage with constituents," she said. "We take and respond to thousands of constituent calls, letters, emails and office visits. John has spoken directly with some of the individuals you mentioned and appreciates their concerns and their passion. "With a busy legislative calendar to start the 115th Congress, one of the best ways for John to communicate with folks across all four counties of the 24th District is by telephone town hall meetings. These meetings allow him to speak directly with thousands of constituents and discuss a wide array of issues." WILL A TOWN HALL MEETING HAPPEN? The coalition is showing no signs of slowing down as it urges Katko to hold an in-person town hall meeting. And it's clear they have the congressman's attention. Last week, Katko issued a lengthy statement responding to calls for a town hall meeting. He touted his constituent service record his office responded to nearly 64,000 calls, emails and letters since January 2015, he said and the millions in federal grant funding that has flowed into the district. "When my constituents contact me or my office, we listen, and we focus on getting results and representing you in the most effective way possible," he said. Katko's statement then shifted to the local Indivisible movement, which includes the CNY Solidarity Coalition, and his interactions with members of the group. He acknowledged that most want a constructive conversation with their representatives. Others, he said, "have made very clear that their foremost goal is to cause disruptions." He accused these activists of harassing his staff and claimed that the behavior has led to security concerns. "I have and will continue to engage in an ongoing dialogue with the constituents that I represent across Onondaga, Cayuga, Wayne and Oswego counties," he said. "But I will not allow a small, yet vocal, group dictate the terms on which I do so." The CNY Solidarity Coalition responded with an open letter asking, "If you cannot stand in front of us, how can you stand up for us?" The letter noted that in 2014, when Katko campaigned against then-U.S. Rep. Dan Maffei, he criticized the Democratic incumbent for refusing to participate in town hall-style debates. Katko held town hall meetings on the campaign trail, including one in Moravia. After winning the 2014 election, he pledged to hold town hall meetings in the district. Since taking office in 2015, he's held six listening sessions, many of which have focused on specific issues, such as the heroin epidemic. But he hasn't held a general town hall meeting that would allow attendees to ask him questions on a range of issues. For Maureen Curtin, an Onondaga resident who joined the CNY Solidarity Coalition, a town hall meeting would allow Katko to hear their concerns and better represent their interests. "He needs to listen to workers who can't make ends meet in two jobs," she said. "He needs to hear from constituents who will be bankrupted by skyrocketing health care costs in the post-Affordable Care Act era. He needs to meet with teachers who are better informed about what students need than multi-billionaire, Betsy DeVos. He needs to remember that the interests of the people are not represented by the billionaire in the White House or his buddies on Wall Street, nor the ones in his Cabinet." Katko hasn't ruled out holding a town hall meeting. In his statement, he recognized that it's a "politically charged time." Some of his Republican colleagues have held town hall meetings. U.S. Rep. Tom Reed, a Republican who represents a neighboring district, held four town hall meetings Saturday. Large crowds greeted Reed, including several attendees who challenged him on his support for repealing the Affordable Care Act. Katko, who is back in central New York this week, said he's focused on bringing the community and country together. "I have a record of working across the aisle and getting things done for my district," he said. "I will always make myself available to my constituents. All 708,000 of them. I will also represent them equally. A farmer in Wayne County or steel worker in Auburn matter just as much to me as an enraged 'Indivisible' member." Unity House of Cayuga County marks its 40th anniversary in 2017, and has scheduled several events to celebrate it. Starting in 1972 as a 21-bed housing service for veterans with emotional disabilities, the agency today serves 700 people with developmental, psychiatric and substance abuse disabilities daily in six central New York counties. The agency will throw a 40th birthday party from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, March 23, in the building where it got its start: The Case Mansion, 108 South St., Auburn. The party is free and open to the public. The agency will then host a Gala Board & Award Dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 24, in the Emerson Park Pavilion in Owasco. There will be a silent auction, awards presentations, a fundraiser and a talk about mental wellness by special guest speaker Kathy Cronkite. From noon to 10 p.m. Sunday, July 2, the agency will hold a Cuddy Law Summer Bash at 1485 Turnpike Road, Auburn. The summer party with lawn games, a swimming pool, barbecue, live music by Generation Gap and more will cost $20 for adults and be free for children younger than 16. Last, the agency will mark 20 years in Tompkins County with a birthday party from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, at the Argos Inn, 408 E. State St., Ithaca. It is free and open to the public. For more information, call (315) 253-6227 or visit unityhouse.com/40thanniversary. AUBURN Keith Cuttler graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in psychology in 1988. He never thought that, years later, he would be the CEO and president of a federally qualified health care center. Cuttler, who grew up in Albany and now lives in the town of Onondaga, became the new leader of East Hill Family Medical in September. Though he's never worked with this kind of federally regulated provider before, Cuttler comes from a diverse background of patient work, public relations, contract negotiations, insurance and even entrepreneurship, having sprung out on his own for a few years. But he's excited to tackle his new position, working for a cause he's passionate about. "To me, the federally qualified health center is really the ground zero for health care reform," Cuttler said. "This is where the work happens in reforming the health care system, and to me, that was really an exciting challenge, to make a solid impact on a population that really has been on the fringe and marginalized in terms of access to care, and quite frankly, deserves the best health care that anybody can offer." It was a little trickier, too, when Cuttler began his new position last year after longtime CEO Josephine M. Rose was fired in October 2015 for undisclosed reasons. Rose had served for about 30 years in that position, and a wrongful termination lawsuit between her and East Hill Family Medical is pending. Cuttler said that due to her termination, the atmosphere at work was "a bit unsettled" when he was first starting out. "Stability was important, kind of settling everything down, making sure that we almost really pushed the reset button on the organization and said, 'OK, here's where we stand,'" Cuttler said. "I think the CEO who left in October of 2015 was here since the company's inception. That's a long time to be in one place, and I think there comes a time in just about every organization where it's valuable for an organization to pull someone in from the outside for a fresh set of eyes, who has a different experience, a different skill set, and who can really look at things in a different way and chart a new course for the organization." That's what Cuttler is setting out to do with his background of varied health care roles. He started out working for the Benjamin Rush Center in Syracuse in 1989, working with patients part-time before moving into a new public relations position. He would travel throughout central New York to sell employers on a new inpatient alcohol and drug rehabilitation center called the Rush Recovery Center. Cuttler said that's really what started his career in health care administration. Cuttler, too, was working in the health care field at an opportune time. He said in the early 1990s, managed care began today's system where patients visit certain doctors and hospitals under their health care plan, while a management company monitors the cost of treatment. Suddenly, hospitals and insurance companies could negotiate contracts, so in a new position at St. Joseph's Hospital in Syracuse, Cuttler took charge of that. After working at St. Joseph's, Cuttler worked at Community General Hospital for a while, right after a merger between it and Crouse Hospital ended and Crouse declared bankruptcy. Because of that dissolution, Cuttler was again in charge of negotiating all-new contracts. He was also part of an effort to attract doctors and specialists back to Community General, which, he said, was successful. But, wanting to try something new, Cuttler branched off on his own in 2012 as a strategy, marketing and business development consultant. "That didn't work out so well," he said, laughing. "It was a tough time. Central New York had not recovered from the 2008 recession at all." Cuttler said he enjoyed being his own boss, but after a few years of trying to make it work, he said it was time to get back into the workforce. That's when he found the opening at East Hill Family Medical. Cuttler said he's working on two phases for the Auburn organization. The first is to finish stabilizing, using what the center has currently to maximize its operations. He expects that phase to be complete by the end of the year. The second phase, growth, is happening now, too, though a bit more slowly. A couple of projects he has in the works include partnering with the Waterloo School District to bring health care services to students. "In this rural community, folks don't drive, and there's no public transportation system, so how do you get all these children to appointments?" he said. "So, if there's an opportunity for us to talk with school districts and say, 'How can we work together to be able to provide better access to care?' Then that's the way we go." East Hill Family Medical is also partnering with Cayuga County's mental health department to provide services to its patients. That's a new contract that Cuttler helped negotiate in January, he said. There's many other things in the works, and even more Cuttler hopes to tackle next year. "I think it's got a lot of opportunity and promise, the way that folks come together to tackle those problems," he said about the city of Auburn and the community. "It's really encouraging." AUBURN A Jordan man has admitted to driving drunk just weeks after he was convicted of driving while intoxicated in the town of Sennett. David J. Sass, 23, of 32 S. Hamilton St., pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony driving while intoxicated and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, an unclassified misdemeanor. According to New York State Police, at around 1 a.m. on Nov. 30, 2016, troopers spotted a vehicle parked on the shoulder of Grant Avenue Road with its engine running and only one headlight working. Upon investigating, police said troopers found Sass sitting in the driver's seat, and smelled alcohol on his breath. In court Tuesday, Cayuga County Assistant District Attorney Diane Adsit said Sass failed several field sobriety tests and registered a blood alcohol content of .11 percent at the time. He was arrested and charged with felony DWI just four weeks after being convicted of misdemeanor DWI in Sennett. "Mr. Sass is very ill," Sass' attorney Rome Canzano told the court. "This is his only chance." Judge Thomas Leone agreed to sentence Sass to five years probation, provided he successfully completes felony drug court. In addition, Sass will pay $1,500 in fines and have his license revoked for one year. Should Sass fail felony drug court or get into any further trouble, he could face up to four years in prison. He was remanded to Cayuga County Jail without bail pending sentencing April 18. If youve driven on any portion of the New York State Thruway or major roadways across the state, youve seen them. Promotional I Love NY road signs have popped up like a case of blue measles along the states most-traveled highways and byways. There are 514 signs in all, located in every region of the state. The intent is commendable to promote the states unique tourism opportunities. To that end, the governor has accomplished part of his goal, the signs are drawing attention. Unfortunately, the attention isnt positive and is coming for all the wrong reasons. Road signs should not be one of the top-10,000 issues being discussed in Albany. But, a questionable project (the necessity of which was curious from the start) has turned into a feud with federal regulators that puts infrastructure funding at risk and once again raises questions of this administrations ability to be honest with the public. SIGN STRATEGY SHOULD BE SECOND-GUESSED Federal regulators set specific guidelines for what states can and cant do in regards to highway signage. The rules are there for a reason, and most of them are in the name of safety. In 2013, the state sought approval to install the signs, but ultimately the Federal Highway Administration denied the request. The governors team went ahead anyway, and the approach used was even more questionable than the decision to proceed. Some of the signs were installed using emergency contracts to ensure they were in place before last years July 4 holiday weekend. This increased overtime costs and is a method generally used to conduct critical, immediate road repairs. How does installing a roadside tourism sign qualify as an emergency? Despite promoting state tourism and the well-known I Love NY theme, some of the road signs were actually made in Arkansas. While awarding sub-contracts to out-of-state companies was permitted, it is unacceptable that tax dollars were spent outside New York on a measure to promote attractions within the Empire State. That brings us to the cost, which has changed dramatically in recent days. In November, the state Department of Transportation (DOT) reported that the cost of materials for the signs was $1.7 million. But this week, DOT Commissioner Matthew Driscoll and Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Bill Finch admitted the total price tag of the project was actually $8.1 million over $15,000 per sign and more than four times what was originally stated. WATCHING WHAT HAPPENS NEXT How many families and small businesses would like to simply ignore certain state regulations the way the Cuomo administration ignored federal highway rules? The fate of the signs remains in limbo. Whether or not they stay put or are removed depends on which official you ask. Should federal administrators cut funding to New York State, hard questions will need to be answered. The governor referenced these road signs in his 2014 State of the State Address, but by no means was this ever a major state initiative. Unfortunately, the molehill turned into a mountain, and now these signs represent something entirely different from their intended purpose: government waste and Albany dysfunction. What do you think? I want to hear from you. Send me your feedback, suggestions and ideas regarding this or any other issue facing New York State. You can always contact my district office at (315) 781-2030, email me at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us, find me by searching for Assemblyman Brian Kolb on Facebook, and follow me on Twitter. PHOENIX Republican lawmakers are teeing up yet another measure designed to throw hurdles in the path of Arizonans who want to craft their own laws. The latest plan, set for debate Wednesday in the House Appropriations Committee, would require initiative backers to gather signatures in each of the state's 30 legislative districts. More to the point, the number from each area would have to be in proportion to the number of votes cast there for governor at the last election. And if residents from any one of those areas balked, the measure would never get to the ballot. Rep. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, the driving force behind HCR 2029, said that's precisely the purpose of the measure. He said right now it's too easy for people with money to put issue up for a vote. If George Soros writes a check for $2.5 million, it's on the ballot, he said Monday of the billionaire who has supported liberal ballot measures in some states like requiring background checks when guns are bought and sold. That's a problem to me. But what Shooter touts as an advantage, Rep. Ken Clark, D-Phoenix, sees as a hit to the democratic process of majority rule. You could put yourself in a situation where the vast majority of Arizonans want something to happen but one district can hold everything up, he said. What HCR would do is make the process of gathering signatures more difficult and more expensive for groups that need to hire paid circulators. Under the current constitutional requirements it takes the signatures of 10 percent of people who voted in the last gubernatorial election to put a change in law before voters. Based on the 2014 vote total of 1,506,416, that threshold is now 150,642. Shooter's point is that all those signatures could be gathered in just one county most likely Maricopa where 60 percent of the state's more than 3.6 million registered voters are located. Under his plan, if 50,000 of the people who voted for governor came from his legislative district, then 5,000 of the 150,642 signatures would need to come from that district. And the same scenario would play out 29 more times across the state. It gives the people more say-so, Shooter said. And he said it ensures that anything that gets on the ballot has a certain buy-in statewide. If Maricopa County decided the wanted to put a referral (to voters) to steal everybody else in the state's water, the rural counties have something to say about it, he said. They can have an organized resistance in their county. The same change in where petitions have to be circulated would apply to constitutional amendments which require the signatures of 15 percent of those who voted in the gubernatorial race to get on the ballot. And it also would affect the referendum process where people opposed to something the legislature enacted can put it on hold until the next general election by gathering the signatures of 5 percent of voters. Clark questioned whether the measure would survive a legal challenge. In 2014 the secretary of state's office agreed to stop enforcing a similar requirement which until then required candidates for statewide office to get signatures on nominating petitions from voters in at least three counties. Assistant Attorney General Michele Forney admitted in legal papers filed in federal court that the statute runs afoul of constitutional requirements to treat all people equally. So rather than contesting the lawsuit, Forney said the state will simply ignore the requirement for all future elections. But Kory Langhofer, the attorney for the Public Integrity Alliance which brought that lawsuit, said Monday that Shooter's measure might not befall the same fate. Langhofer said the issue in his case was that counties are not equal in population, making the signatures from one county potentially worth more than other counties. In the case of HCR 2029, he said, all the legislative districts have roughly the same population. Shooter conceded that same requirement for statewide buy-in would not apply to the legislative process itself. Lawmakers would remain free to enact new statutes with a majority of votes, even without the support of lawmakers from each district. But Shooter said there are many, many more checks and balances on the legislative process. The proposal is the latest in a series of Republican-crafted measures that are working their way through the legislative process in the wake of voter approval in November of an initiative to hike the state minimum wage. Other changes include bans on paid circulators, new rules that initiative circulators would need to follow and giving state lawmakers more power to overrule what voters have enacted. Julie Erfle of AZ Schools Now, which is fighting these measures, said this is no better. The people who are upset at the fact that some folks have been successful in getting initiatives on the ballot and are looking for any way possible to do whatever they can, right up to the line of legal, to make the initiative process more difficult, she said. Shooter conceded that if initiative organizers do manage to get the signatures and put an issue on the ballot, his proposal still would allow measures to be enacted even if voters in a majority of the counties disagree. That's precisely what happened in 2010 with Proposition 203 which legalized marijuana for medical use. It failed in 13 of the state's 15 counties but got enacted anyway based on strong support from Pima and Coconino counties. As you look for ways to diversify your investments and hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty, there are several lesser-known (or at least lesser-utilized) strategies that are certainly worth your consideration. One of them is something called a gold IRA. What is a Gold IRA? In the simplest terms, a gold IRA is a special type of self-directed individual retirement account (IRA) that allows you to own gold bullion and still receive the preferential tax treatment youre looking for. You can also use it to invest in other assets that offer exposure to precious metals without actually owning the physical asset, including stocks in gold mining companies and gold ETFs. Setting up a gold IRA is very easy. And while your gold IRA company can walk you through the exact steps, it typically looks something like this: 1. Open a self-directed IRA with a gold IRA company (or use an existing IRA and roll it over to the gold IRA company). 2. Select a precious metals dealer to make gold purchases for your IRA. 3. Fund your account with contributions (up to the limit) and make regular purchases. If that all sounds a little confusing, dont worry. Part of selecting a good gold IRA company is choosing a company that will hold your hands and walk you through each individual step in the process. The 5 Best Gold IRA Companies There are a number of gold IRA companies in the marketplace, but here are the five best for 2022: 1. Regal Assets Best Overall Gold IRA Company Founded: 2009 Website: www.regalassets.com Office Location(s): Los Angeles (LA), Waco (TX), Toronto (CA), and Dubai (UAE) Phone Number: 1-877-205-1104 Regal Assets is widely considered to be the leader in the clubhouse. While they can handle anything related to gold IRAs, theyre known for performing IRA rollovers. In fact, they might perform more IRA rollovers than any other company on this list (which means customers can rest assured the rules are being followed). In addition to having an extensive IRA rollover track record, Regal Assets has no fees for rollovers or transfers. And when it comes to managing the IRA, there are flat annual service and storage fees. 2. JM Bullion Best for Purchasing Precious Metals Direct Founded: 2000 Website: www.jmbullion.com Office Location(s): Dallas, (TX) Phone Number: 1-800-276-6508 JM Bullion has been in the industry for over a decade now. In that time, theyve become known for amazing customer service and the ability to purchase almost any kind of precious metal direct to your home or IRA. They even offer free shipping on all orders over $199. 3. Kitco Best for Up-to-Date Market News Founded: 1977 Website: www.kitco.com Office Location(s): Montreal (CAN) Phone Number: 1-877-775-4826 Kitco has more than 45 years of experience in the industry and has established itself as one of the most trustworthy options in the market. Not only do they have an extensive product lineup, but their website is an absolute library of content. This includes interactive charts, latest news, and other in-depth resources. 4. APMEX Best Source for IRA and Non-IRA Bullion Founded: 2000 Website: www.apmex.com Office Location(s): Oklahoma City (OK) Phone Number: 1-877-775-4826 The American Precious Metals Exchange, better known as APMEX, has been around for a little less than 20 years. However, what they lack in an extensive track record they more than make up for with a huge selection of bullion. They even have a dedicated section for IRA-approved bars and coins. 5. GoldSilver.com Best for Low-Premium IRA and Non-IRA Bullion Founded: 2005 Website : www.goldsilver.com Office Location(s): Santa Monica (CA) Phone Number: 1-888-319-8166 GoldSilver.com offers a lot of the same benefits as APMEX; however, its much more focused. They dont carry collectible or high mark-up/subjective products that other gold retailers typically sell. Everything is highly-recognized and widely-traded bullion coins and bars. And because they work with several IRA custodian partners, its easy to purchase bullion and transfer into your gold IRA. Do You Have a Gold IRA? A gold IRA can be used as your primary IRA, or you can simply open one as a way of diversifying your retirement savings (putting some of your investments in a standard IRA each year and some in your gold IRA). Either way, its a great option for taking a more balanced approach to wealth building. We highly recommend starting at the top of this list and working your way down until you find the company thats best for you. More than 80 mortgage-related jobs at Bank of America will be cut in North Texas by April, Dallas Business Journal reported. The layoffs are the latest in a series of cuts in the mortgage industry amid declining mortgage and refinance activity. Tens of thousands of jobs were cut in the industry in 2013.Three layoffs will be effective April 13, according to the notice sent to the Texas Workforce Commission, and affect Dallas, Collin, and Tarrant counties. There will be an additional layoff in Richardson effective April 23. 40 workers will be laid off in the Home Loan Fulfillment unit in Richardson, 36 jobs will be cut in the Legacy Asset Servicing unit in Fort Worth, and 6 will be laid off in the Legacy Asset Servicing unit in Addison. The Legacy Asset Servicing unit handles delinquent and high-risk loans from Countrywide Financial Corp, which Bank of America acquired in 2008. In a statement, Bank of America said the number of delinquent loans has dropped by 75% from its peak, while there has been a drastically reduced demand for refinancing. This news comes one month after layoffs in the technology and operations division were announced. Its at least the third round of cuts in three months. Periodic layoffs have become common at Bank of America over the last two years, with most of the cuts targeting its mortgage industry in the last year. Since 2011, Bank of America has cut nearly 40,000 job, which have targeted back office and support operations in particular. Bank of America joins Chase and Wells Fargo with this news. Both have also announced job cuts in North Texas and elsewhere in the country. Combined, the three lenders have laid off more than 200 employees in North Texas and 11,000 across the country. In February, Wells Fargo cut more than 700 mortgage-related jobs, while JPMorgan Chase said it plans to cut 8,000 jobs by the end of the year as the mortgage business shrinks and it aims to control costs. This trend is seen not just at large lenders but also smaller banks. Six months ago, Bank of America closed its Beachwood and Independence facilities in Ohio, laying off 1,050 people in refinance and customer service. The Department of Homeland Security released a pair of memos on Tuesday, laying out how it intends to implement President Donald Trumps executive orders on the enforcement of domestic immigration. In addition to calling for a massive increase in the number of immigration agents and the deputizing of local and state law enforcement across the country described in the documents as a force multiplier the memos dramatically expand the range of people who can be deported without going before a judge. I see now what the plan is, Greg Siskind, a Tennessee-based immigration attorney and member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association board of governors, told The Intercept. Their plan is basically to have everybody thrown out of the country without ever going to court. This is the broadest, most widespread change I have seen in doing this work for more than two decades, said Lee Gelernt, a veteran immigration attorney and deputy director of the ACLUs national Immigrants Rights Project. After 9/11 we saw some extreme policies, but they were largely confined to particular areas around the relationship between immigration and national security. Here what were seeing are those types of policies but also much broader policies just dealing with immigration generally. In a statement, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson, ranking member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, said that the memos show the Trump administration is more concerned with attempting to fulfill misguided campaign promises than doing what is best for the safety and security of the country and dead set on creating a massive deportation force and labeling anyone undocumented for expedited removal just to boost deportation numbers. A number of the measures called for in the memos will not happen immediately it will take time, money, and congressional approval to appropriate the billions of dollars needed to build a network of immigrant detention centers along the southern border with Mexico, for example, and to hire 5,000 new Border Patrol agents and 10,000 more ICE agents. One of the only ways to legally defend against expedited removal is to claim asylum. Individuals who claim asylum are entitled to a so-called credible fear interview before an asylum official. If they pass the low threshold necessary to demonstrate a credible fear of being returned to their country, they are then entitled to make their case before a judge. If the judge approves their case, asylum can be granted if not, the removal proceedings continue. In order to save costs and the strain on detention facilities in the US, DHS and the Trump administration have also called for individuals who cross the border but are deemed unlikely to do so again to be deported back to the territory from which they came, where they will be given the opportunity to adjudicate their cases via video teleconference. In practice, this could mean people would be deported Mexico even if they are citizens of other countries. Please turn JavaScript on and reload the page. Loading... Checking your browser before accessing the website. This process is automatic. Your browser will redirect to your requested content shortly. Please wait a few seconds. WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. Teachers from elementary school through college are telling students how to distinguish between factual and fictional news and why they should care that there's a difference. As Facebook works with The Associated Press, FactCheck.org and other organizations to curb the spread of fake and misleading news on its influential network, teachers say classroom instruction can play a role in deflating the kind of "Pope endorses Trump " headlines that muddied the waters during the 2016 presidential campaign. "I think only education can solve this problem," said Pat Winters Lauro, a professor at Kean University in New Jersey who began teaching a course on news literacy this semester. Like others, Lauro has found discussions of fake news can lead to politically sensitive territory. Some critics believe fake stories targeting Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton helped Donald Trump overcome a deficit in public opinion polls, and President Trump himself has attached the label to various media outlets and unfavorable reports and polls in the first weeks of his presidency. "It hasn't been a difficult topic to teach in terms of material because there's so much going on out there," Lauro said, "but it's difficult in terms of politics because we have such a divided country and the students are divided, too, on their beliefs. I'm afraid sometimes that they think I'm being political when really I'm just talking about journalistic standards for facts and verification, and they look at it like 'Oh, you're anti-this or -that.'" Judging what to trust was easier when the sources were clearer magazines, newspapers or something else, said Kean senior Mike Roche, who is taking Lauro's class. Now "it all comes through the same medium of your cellphone or your computer, so it's very easy to blur the lines and not have a clear distinction of what's real and what's fake," he said. A California lawmaker last month introduced a bill to require the state to add lessons on how to distinguish between real and fake news to the grade 7-12 curriculum. High school government and politics teacher Lesley Battaglia added fake news to the usual election-season lessons on primaries and presidential debates, discussing credible sites and sources and running stories through fact-checking sites like Snopes. There were also lessons about anonymous sources and satire. (They got a kick out of China's dissemination of a 2012 satirical story from The Onion naming Kim Jong Un as the sexiest man alive.) "I'm making you guys do the hard stuff that not everybody always does. They see it in a tweet and that's enough for them," Battaglia told her students at Williamsville South High School in suburban Buffalo. "It's kind of crazy," 17-year-old student Hannah Mercer said, "to think about how much it's affecting people and swaying their opinions." Stony Brook University's Center for News Literacy pioneered the idea of educating future news consumers, and not just journalists, a decade ago with the rise of online news. About four in 10 Americans often get news online, a 2016 Pew Research Center report found. Stony Brook last month partnered with the University of Hong Kong to launch a free online course. "To me, it's the new civics course," said Tom Boll, after wrapping up his own course on real and fake news at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University. With everyone now able to post and share, gone are the days of the network news and newspaper editors serving as the primary gatekeepers of information, Boll, an adjunct professor, said. "The gates are wide open," he said, "and it's up to us to figure out what to believe." That's not easy, said Raleigh, North Carolina-area teacher Bill Ferriter, who encourages students to first use common sense to question whether a story could be true, to look at web addresses and authors for hints, and to be skeptical of articles that seem aimed at riling them up. He pointed to an authentic-looking site reporting that President Barack Obama signed an order in December banning the Pledge of Allegiance in schools. A ".co" at the end of an impostor news site web address should have been a red flag, he said. "The biggest challenge that I have whenever I try to teach kids about questionable content on the web," said Ferriter, who teaches sixth grade, "is convincing them that there is such a thing as questionable content on the web." Some of Battaglia's students fear fake news will chip away at the trust of even credible news sources and give public figures license to dismiss as fake news anything unfavorable. "When people start to distrust all news sources is when people in power are just allowed to do whatever they want, said Katie Peter, "and that's very scary." PHOENIX Arizona elementary school students are a step closer to getting time each day to pretty much do what they want. Without dissent the state House on Monday gave preliminary approval to a requirement that students in kindergarten through fifth grade be given at least 50 minutes of unstructured recess. HB 2082 needs a final roll-call vote before going to the Senate. Rep. Jesus Rebalcava, D-Gila Bend, who has taught hyperactive students, is pushing the measure based on his belief that giving students a break during the day will help them focus better when they come back to class. For Rep. Pamela Powers Hanley, D-Tucson, the issue comes down to physical health. Back in December I was shopping for clothes for my granddaughter, she told colleagues. It was so sad to see plus sizes in the little girls' department, Powers Hanley continued. We need to get our children up and moving. The measure could still run into trouble over the issue of a state mandate. Rep. David Stringer, R-Prescott, said if the idea of recess is so great schools would be doing it already. And he questioned whether it's a good idea for the state to be dictating the policy. Rubalcava, however, said sometimes it's necessary for lawmakers to intercede. I want them to recognize that recess is just as important as reading and math and writing, he said. Until we have it mandated, it will never take that precedence, Rubalcava continued. Therefore, there are school districts that won't take the option of offering the recess. Rep. Don Shooter, R-Yuma, said he's not disturbed by the mandate, seeing it as an antidote to a host of other directives about what schools need to teach. This bill tries to compensate for us telling them to teach to the test and do this and do that, he said. So if we're going to tell them what to do, let's do it in a balanced way. Lawmakers did tinker with the measure a bit before the vote. They specifically added a definition of unstructured recess to mean a period during which adults do not define the activities or social interaction of students except for setting reasonable health and safety restrictions. And it permits schools to include the lunch recess in that 50-minute mandate. The measure also was altered so that schools which offer only half-day kindergarten need offer only 25 minutes of recess daily. Catching wife? Be careful, or youll be caught yourself The practice of wife catching is a longstanding tradition. However, the tradition has a new obstacle: camera phones. A video clip featuring an ethnic girl trying to escape from the practice in central Nghe An Province has gone viral. The poor girl was seen taking desperate efforts when forced onto a motorbike and driven away by a group of young men. Finally, she managed to get herself free after some brilliant martial arts moves and loud screams for help. Although the young men seemed to be enjoying themselves, the video clip quickly caught the eyes of local police, who did not find it funny at all. Lieutenant Colonel inh Anh Dung, head of Quy Hop Districts Police Department, said that police were investigating the mens wife-catching tactics. Initial investigations showed that the girl and a boy in the group had a dating affair when she came back from the south for Tet holiday. The girl later decided to turn back to her job after the holiday was over. Afraid that the romantic relationship could end, the boy, together with his friends, organised to catch the girl when she waiting for the bus to the south, with dreams of a happy ending. Ironically, the boy might be the one be caught. Luong Thi Phuong, vice office chief of the districts Peoples Committee, said the practice of wife catching was a ceremonial event for ethnic minorities. The tradition requires consensual agreement between the couple and their two families. Dung said the boy could face up to two years in prison if found guilty illegal arrest, and his friends could be prosecuted for being partners in crime. In case his behavior is deemed not enough for criminal prosecution, the group will be given administrative fines. So, remember to ask for the brides permission before taking her away, or youll pay more than a dowrys worth of ong. Rats! Nghe An Province farmers have faced a famously familiar headache: corn fields ravaged by rats. Tens of hectares of corn fields have been left nothing but corn pulps. To save their corn, farmers bought mouse poison from a local shop. Oddly, after ten days of spreading the chemical around the corn field, the only change was that the rats were chubbier. Farmer Ho Trong Mao in Dien Truong Commune said he caught five rats for a test and surprisingly found out that they were alive, despite being pumped with the toxic. Local farmers have immediately reported the incident to the local Plant Protection Station. The station has taken samples for test. While scientists labour away with their lab coats, the farmers took a more old school tactic. Using shovels and buckets to kill the rats, they killed as many as 4,000 rats in a few days. VNS Four Vietnamese steelmakers continue to demand new measures to prevent coated steel sheets shipped from mainland China and South Korea from being sold at cheap prices in the market. PHoto dantri.com.vn HA NOI Four Vietnamese steelmakers--including China Steel Sumikin Vietnam JSC, Phuong Nam Co. Ltd., Nam Kim Steel JSC, and Dong A Steel JSC-- continued to demand new measures to prevent coated steel sheets shipped from mainland China and South Korea from being sold at cheap prices in the market. Plaintiff representative Mayer Brown JSM law firm asked the Vietnam Competition Authority (VCA)--under the Ministry of Industry and Trade--to consider applying anti-dumping taxes, document review and a data investigation of the suspected companies. The measures would aim to ensure the exact calculation on the anti-dumping amplitude and to consider the application in a 90-day period before preliminary anti-dumping imposing. Nguyen Van Sua, vice chairman of Vietnam Steel Association (VSA) said the suitable calculation of anti-dumping duty levels aimed to prevent such imported products from being dumped in the Vietnamese market is necessary to protect local production. On December 24, 2015, the VCA received appeals from the four steel firms to start a probe into the issue. The probe is applicable to the period from October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015. The ministry promulgated the Decision No 818/Q-BCT on March 3, 2016 on initiating an investigation on anti-dumping tax on imported coated steels from China and South Korea into Viet Nam. On September 1st, 2016, the ministry issued temporary anti-dumping duties on the products. Accordingly, eight Chinese companies have been applied an anti-dumping duties of 4.02 to 38.34 per cent while those imposed for South Korean firms were 12.4 to 19 per cent. A representative from South Korean Posco Company told the au tu (Investment) Newspaper that the dumping has not had significant damage to the domestic businesses. The company has been imposed an anti-dumping tax of 12.4 per cent for the coated steel product. He said the imported steel from South Korea accounted for a small portion of 4.57 per cent in the investigation period in comparison with other imported products including coated steel for high-end markets of automobile and electronic. In addition, the average of coated steel imported from South Korea was US$85 per tonne higher than that of locally produced steel in Viet Nam. A representative from the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) also asked Vietnamese authorities to clarify some issues related to steel product differentiation. CCOIC said local coated steel has a width of over 900mm, serving for shipbuilding industry, while those imported from China have a width of 600 to 820mm, serving for civil construction. The products therefore have not competed with each other. Under the current laws and regulations, all ideas of related parties will be analyzed and reported in the final report. However, the VCA has not provided the final report. VNS HA NOI Viet Nams export value for leather and footwear gained stable growth every year during the 2011-16 period to reach US$57.5 billion in total. Under statistics from the General Department of Customs, export value reached $6.5 billion in 2011, $7.3 billion in 2012, $8.4 billion in 2013, $10.3 billion in 2014, $12 billion in 2015 and $13 billion in 2016. The statistics revealed that during these year, the cycle of footwear exports usually witnessed growth in the second quarter and reached the highest level in the third quarter. In 2016, average export value of the products reached $1.08 billion per month. The US has been the leading footwear export market of Viet Nam, accounting for 30 per cent of the industrys total export value. Footwear export value made up 11 per cent of Viet Nams total export value to the US. In 2016, the US was the largest footwear export market of Viet Nam with turnover of $4.48 billion, up by 10 per cent against the previous year. The second place went to the Chinese market with export value of $904.9 million, followed by Belgium with a value of $825.4 million, Germany with $764.7 million and Japan with $674.9 million. In terms of region, the EU was the largest footwear export market of Viet Nam. Footwear exports from Viet Nam to the EU are expected to increase further after the signing of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement. Viet Nams footwear industry has a long development history and is one of the industries with export advantages, contributing significantly to the national economy. In 1992, the industry began to export footwear products, earning $5 million. So far, the industrys exports have contributed 10 per cent to the national gross domestic product, vneconomy.vn reported. The Viet Nam Leather and Footwear Association said in terms of export volume, Viet Nam is one of the top four countries exporting footwear in the world, following China, India and Brazil. The nation has had the second largest export value of footwear in the world, after China. Viet Nams footwear products were shipped to 50 countries and territories. However, Viet Nams export footwear products have almost been processed under foreign fashion brands orders and the domestic footwear industry has weaknesses in design and material supply, the association said. Despite contributing tens of billions of dollars to the national export value, the industry has not received enough investment for development to match its potential in exports, it said. VNS Nearly 90 years ago, a young Clyde Tombaugh arrived at Lowell Observatory and was given a laborious task. For hours each day, he was to use a special microscope called a Zeiss Blink Comparator to search glass plates for a single specific object to stand out among thousands of stars. The instrument held pairs of photographic glass plates side by side, then used a mechanical shutter to rapidly switch between the two. As he blinked between plates that showed the same slice of sky, Tombaugh scrutinized constellations of tiny dots to spot one that moved differently from the rest. His search, of course, was for the object the observatorys founder, Percival Lowell, had dubbed Planet X. In February of 1930, just a few months after he began the tedious comparison process, Tombaugh made the discovery that would jolt Lowell to worldwide fame. Comparing plates taken on the 23rd and 29th of January, Lowell found what at the time was the ninth planet, Pluto. Now, after Pluto was demoted to dwarf planet status, the hunt for a new Planet 9 is back on. NASA is hoping to replicate Tombaughs success by enlisting citizen scientists to help spot undiscovered objects in the far reaches of the solar system -- everything from balls of gas called brown dwarfs to what scientists hypothesize could be a distant ninth planet. "There are just over four light-years between Neptune and Proxima Centauri, the nearest star, and much of this vast territory is unexplored," lead researcher Marc Kuchner, an astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in a press release. The project is based on images captured by NASAs Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer mission, which researchers believe may have imaged objects that havent been spotted before because they are so far from the sun that they barely shine in visible light. NASA has packaged that data into colored, animated images that show a certain segment of sky over several years. Users are asked to scan through the images, which look a bit like TV static, and use a marking tool to highlight points of interest, or things that appear to move between the images. Those points will then be prioritized by scientists for follow up. So far, nearly 18,000 volunteers have participated. Instructions on the website for the project, called Backyard Worlds: Planet 9, say a ninth planet is expected to look like a blue dot, hopping and jumping all the way across the images. Though it hasnt been spotted, scientists discovered indirect evidence of the existence of a ninth planet last year. A University of California Berkeley article states the planet could be as large or larger than Neptune but up to 1,000 times farther from the sun than Earth. NASA said it needs the power of human eyes for this task because its computers get confused by images that are too crowded with stars and can get thrown off by brightness spikes sometimes caused by the instruments themselves. If participants do spot something, NASA made clear that they will get credit for their discoveries in any scientific publications that come out of the project. Jeff Hall, director of Lowell Observatory, applauded NASAs turn to citizen scientists. To spot something moving across a field of view, something that might be really obvious to a human eye, can be really tough to program a computer to do, Hall said. Human eyes have the advantage of two million years of evolution, he said. Computers, high speed internet and advancements in telescope technology have helped make citizen science viable and valuable in the astronomy field, he said. The observatory has its own amateur research initiative that brings in citizens to help astronomers do additional observations or follow up analysis for projects like asteroid studies or small galaxy imaging, Hall said. Directly engaging the broader public with real discovery is a wonderful thing, he said. And does he see the potential discovery of a ninth planet as a threat to Lowells status after Pluto got booted from that position in 2006? Not at all, Hall said. HA NOI The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Sai Gon-Ha Noi Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SHB) on Tuesday signed a Revolving Credit Agreement (RCA). Under the agreement, ADBs Trade Finance Programme (TFP) will provide a US$20 million direct loan to SHB to support pre-shipment and post-shipment trade transactions. The revolving credit facility will enhance SHBs capacity to provide trade-related loans to its clients, including for pre-export finance of agriculture products, garments and electronics, for export to markets such as China, Japan and Singapore. We are pleased to work with SHB to increase support to companies, including small- and medium-sized businesses. More support for trade means more economic growth and more job creation, Eric Sidgwick, ADB country director for Viet Nam, said. SHB became a partner bank in ADBs TFP in early 2016. In less than 12 months, TFP has supported a total of 25 SHB transactions worth over $160 million. The revolving credit facility is TFPs second agreement with SHB. SHB has total assets of more than VN215 trillion, some 7,000 employees and an extensive network of nearly 500 outlets in Viet Nam, Laos and Cambodia. SHB serves nearly four million individual customers and businesses. Participating in TFP under RCA helps diversify our trade finance products and services. We strongly believe the partnership with ADB in this programme will lead to more future opportunities of cooperation between the two institutions," SHB CEO Nguyen Van Le said. The TFP has been operating in Viet Nam since 2009 and currently works with 11 local partner banks. To date, the programme has conducted 5,262 transactions, supporting $7.8 billion in trade in Viet Nam -- mostly benefitting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The ADB TFP, backed by ADBs AAA credit rating, provides guarantees and loans to over 200 partner banks to support trade, enabling more companies throughout Asia to engage in import and export activities. TFP complements its financial support with a regular series of workshops and seminars to increase knowledge and expertise in trade finance products and operations, risk management and fraud prevention. Since 2009, TFP has supported more than 9,200 SMEs across developing Asia - through over 13,000 transactions valued at over $25.5 billion - in sectors ranging from commodities and capital goods to medical supplies and consumer goods. VNS HA NOI The Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam, one of the countrys four largest State-owned commercial banks, plans to open subsidiaries in Laos and Cambodia this year, a bank official has said. The information was released by Nghiem Xuan Thanh, chairman of the bank, on the sidelines of the meeting between officials of the State Bank of Viet Nam (SBV) and their Lao and Cambodian counterparts late lask week. He said that in accordance with the Governments direction, the bank had worked on a strategy and roadmap to expand its presence in the region and integrate globally. Currently, the bank, commonly known as Vietcombank, accounts for 20 per cent of the shares of import-export payment market between Laos and Viet Nam and is technically cooperating with leading Laos and Cambodian banks. Through market research, the bank recognised there was great potential for banking operations in the two markets, therefore it proposed to the SBV a plan to set up subsidiaries. During the conference between SBV and its counterparts, SBV Governor Le Minh Hung signed memoranda of understanding on bilateral collaboration with his Lao counterpart Somphao Phaysith and Cambodian counterpart Chea Chanto. The bankers vowed to encourage and facilitate partnerships between Vietnamese and Lao and Cambodian commercial banks, contributing to stimulating investment and trade ties between Viet Nam and the neighbouring countries. The State banks agreed to continue implementing joint projects in cross-border trade payment, banking inspection, anti-money laundering and personnel training. They also committed to boosting partnership among the four countries Viet Nam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia. VNS HA NOI The Huawei Technologies Co Ltd announced that it would spend US$2 million for corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes in Viet Nam, which mainly focuses on training and developing ICT human resources of the country between 2017 and 2019. The programmes include four main activities, which are training courses on new technologies; scholarship for telecom seeds to help develop local talents and promote ICT knowledge transfer; annual mobile application innovation contest for Vietnamese students and other social sponsors to narrow digital gap and improve working environment. Huawei said that in a meeting with Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last week, its chairwoman, Sun Yafang, lauded Viet Nams strategy for IT growth and noted her hope to contribute more to IT and telecommunication area in the country. She also added that the group was also keen on infrastructure development and products for information safety in Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI - Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines) plans to develop a large-scale logistics centre in the capital as part of its development strategy for 2020, thoibaotaichinhvietnam.vn reports. The centre, which will connect major seaports such as Hai Phong, Dinh Vu and Lach Huyen through the Dinh Vu inland waterway system, is expected to meet rising demand for container transport in the north while helping reduce transportation costs and environmental pollution. It is slated to be built at Phu Dong Port in Gia Lam District. Logistical development is a key service industry goal for Viet Nam. The target is to meet domestic demand and extend reach to the regional and global markets, under the Ministry of Industry and Trades draft action plan for enhancing competitiveness and developing logistics services. The logistics services industry hopes to contribute 5 per cent of the GDP and have a growth rate of 15 to 20 per cent per year by 2020, according to the draft. Improving logistics infrastructure and the capacity of logistics firms is essential, the ministry said. -VNS HA NOI Singaporean firms are eyeing the province of Thua Thien-Hue as a potential investment destination in central Viet Nam, especially in the fields of tourism, sea ports and industry, the Singapore Business Federation (SBF) told provincial leaders in their meeting on Monday. Attending the event were representatives of the International Enterprise Singapore (IE Singapore) and 26 Singaporean construction, sea port, fisheries, education, travel and tourism firms. The companies expressed their hope that Thua ThienHue would clarify its policy and investment orientation, especially in areas such as the Chan May seaport and Chan MayLang Co economic zone (EZ). The chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, Nguyen Van Cao, said Thua Thien-Hue considered Singapore as a key partner and potential investor, with many Singaporean investors already running effective projects there. He cited as an example the Banyan Tree Group and its Laguna Lang Co resort. In recent years, Thua Thien-Hue has sought to create favourable conditions for investors as it strives to become a centre of culture, tourism, healthcare and education, as well as of science and technology, Cao added. There are plenty of effective projects financed by many domestic and overseas enterprises in the province now, including the Carlsberg Beer Group, US-based Hanesbrands Inc, the Royal Caribbean International Group (RCI), Thailand-based Banpu Public Company Limited and Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited, Viet Nam-based Vingroup, Bitexco Group and Nguyen Kim Trading Joint Stock Company. Nguyen Van Cam, Director of Planning and Business Development of the C.P. Viet Nam Livestock Breeding Joint-Stock Company (CPV), funded by a Thai business, said the company was very pleased with the environment investment in Thua ThienHue and appreciated the special support of the provincial authorities. He said CPV also wanted to expand co-operation with Singaporean businesses to be able to export its products to the partner country. VNS KON TUM A seven-year-old male Bos Gaurus bull, an endangered species listed in Group IB in Viet Nams Red Book, was killed in a protected area in Chu Mom Ray National Park last Friday. ao Xuan Thuy, deputy director of the parks management board, said the bull, weighing 800 kilos, was discovered around 5pm on Friday by forest rangers patrolling the parks sector 677 in Sa Thay Districts Mo Rai Commune. They found a damaged truck not far from the dead bull at the 22-km section of Provincial Road No 674, he said. The driver Nguyen Thanh Hung, who was still at the scene, had been carrying rocks for construction of Provincial Road No 674. Local authorities who conducted an investigation were not able to find any sign of hunters or trappers in the area. They confirmed that the bull was hit by the truck. Authorities plan to give the dead bull to scientists for research purposes. The park and the construction managers for Provincial Road No 674 have taken necessary measures to ensure the safe movement of bulls, according to Bui Van Quang, director of the park management board. After the incident, the management board also strengthened patrols to ensure a safe environment for the animals living there. The managers of the park, which protects a group of 10 bulls, is now looking for a better living environment for the bulls. Chu Mom Ray National Park, located about 30km from Kon Tum City, has the highest level of biodiversity of any national park in Viet Nam. The park covers an area of 56,000 hectares and features over 1,500 species of flora and about 620 species of animals. It includes more than 100 endangered species listed in Viet Nams Red Book and the World Red Book. VNS LONDON Draw close to a Henry Moore sculpture and the seemingly smooth surface is scratched with tool marks, a marriage of contrasts that inspired Burberrys new collection unveiled on Monday in London. The score marks took on new life in the laces and delicate finishes on shirts and sweatshirts, which were showcased alongside some of Moores large bronzes at London Fashion Week. There were sculptural cuffs and sleeves, while traditional English knits were deconstructed to play with the shape, as designer Christopher Bailey explored the silhouettes and processes of the 20th-century Yorkshire artist. Tinie Tempah and Naomi Campbell looked on from the front row, but this was far from the A-list dresses and variations on the classic trench coat that once characterised Burberry. Mostly black and white, the collection had flashes of colour in indigo blue coats or trousers, or a sweatshirt print derived from the sculptors sketches. In an extraordinary finale, the models emerged in dozens of cropped couture capes made of everything from white feathers to black jewels, glass crystals, clear plastic, tassels, pearls and beads. "They were a study in the shoulder -- the trenchcoat is all about the shoulder, with the gun flaps, and the shoulder was also a big thing for Moore," Bailey told reporters backstage. He described how he spent many hours as a child in Moores sculpture park, and relished the chance to collaborate with the foundation that protects his works. "I put my heart into this collection," said Bailey, Burberrys creative director and chief executive. The clothes went on sale immediately, after Burberry adopted the "see now buy now" model last year, but the capes will be displayed as part of a new Moore exhibition in central London. AFP HA NOI The first-ever Ha Noi Mardi Gras Festival, which aims to highlight and celebrate the citys LGBT community, will hold its main celebration March 24 at the Australian Embassy. The Australian Embassy in Viet Nam officially announced on Monday a series of events aiming to bring the spirit of the famous Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Festival to Ha Noi. To start the event, candidates living in Viet Nam are invited to take part in two competitions Road to Mardi Gras, an online story-telling contest and Colours of Mardi Gras, a costume contest for members of LGBT communities in Viet Nam. The contests have been run from February 18 to March 24. Two lucky entrants will win tickets to the 2018 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival. The best stories and costumes will be on display at the main event. The March 24 main celebration will be a feast for the senses: as well as the story exhibition and fashion show, the event will showcase memorable moments of the 2017 Sydney Mardi Gras Festival, with lively musical performances by both Vietnamese and Australian artists. Promoting gender equality is a top priority for both the Vietnamese and Australian governments, and we are proud to support Viet Nams efforts, including through our development co-operation programme here. Through this event, we hope to bring the spirit of Sydneys famous Mardi Gras to Viet Nam, helping to raise awareness about the rights of LGBT people, said Craig Chittick, Australian Ambassador to Viet Nam. This is a wonderful opportunity for my organisation and other NGOs to co-operate with the Australian Embassy on gender equality. Hanoi Mardi Gras Festival is not simply a fun celebration but also a very meaningful event of diversity and self-expression for the LGBT community, said Vu Kieu Oanh, founder of LGBT Community Development Center 6+ and a representative of LGBT community in Viet Nam. Sydneys Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is a famous and well-loved annual celebration of LGBT communities across the globe. Since its founding in 1978, it has achieved an iconic status as a statement of pride and a platform to promote the broad message of diversity and acceptance. With this years theme of Creating Equality, the Mardi Gras promises to bring not only colourful and dazzling performances, but also to promote a world where everyone is treated fairly regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, race, belief, age, ability and social status. VNS Linh Van HA NOI - Around 8am last Saturday, my son and I were taking a break on the banks of Ho Tay (West Lake) after riding around it on our bicycles. The sun was shining and we were enjoying the moment when it was rudely disrupted by a young couple. The couple threw a bag of trash on the pavement, and its smell spread quickly, annoying many people who were doing their morning exercises. There was a trash bin not so far away, but they could not be bothered. Littering is a very common occurrence in Viet Nam, including the capital city. Public spaces, including parks, are often a free-for-all space for throwing ice-cream sticks, wrappers, cans or water bottles. The habit cuts across all sections of society. People going around in expensive cars, often lower their windows and throw rubbish out. Bus and train stations are trashed all the time. I decided to talk to the couple whod just littered on the banks of the West Lake. Nguyen Thi Huyen ,21, said theyd not known that there was a dustbin nearby. Besides, she said, there were sanitation workers responsible for keeping the streets clean and what they dumped was a small pack. It was nothing. Huyen and many others do not realize that sanitation workers in Ha Noi alone have to deal with nearly 5,400 tonnes of household waste per day. The littering habit is not only polluting the environment; it has also polluted the countrys image in the eyes of foreign friends. Jonathan Meaney, from Canada, said the littering was disgusting. In my country, littering in public places is frowned upon. We think of cleanliness of cities and public places as the responsibility of the people. In a city like Ha Noi, which can be very beautiful, its shocking that people litter so carelessly and so often, he said. To deal with this worsening problem, the Government has issued a decree, which, starting this month imposes punishments for littering, throwing cigarette butts and ash in non-smoking areas, urinating in public places, and so on. The decree has been welcomed by many people who say dealing with the smaller offenses can have a big impact, with violations attracting bigger fines, of up to VN7 million (US$308). In the latest case, last week, three taxi drivers were fined a total of VN6 million by Ha Nois Hoang Mai District police for urinating on pavements. Lawyer inh Anh Tuyet, Managing Partner of IDVN Lawyers and Vietnam International Arbitration Centre Arbitrator Lawyer inh Anh Tuyet, Managing Partner of IDVN Lawyers and Arbitrator of Vietnam International Arbitration Centre, said the fastest and most effective way to weaken bad habits and behaviours of people is to have strong laws with punishment that can serve as a deterrent. Singapore is well known for the severe punishment it has for littering and graffiti, and this has proved effective in the island nation, which is famous for how clean it is. In Viet Nam, too, strict fines for riders without helmets and drunk driving have reduced violations in a very short time, she said. However, nearly a month since the new Decree took effect, there seems to be no difference, in littering or other practices. On many streets in Ha Noi, like Tay Son, Nguyen Luong Bang in ong a District and Tran ai Nghia, Tran Khat Chan in Hai Ba Trung District, trash is still dumped outside on the pavement by local residents. Hoang Ngoc Dung, a sanitation worker on Tran ai Nghia Street, said people continued to throw rubbish on streets despite having dustbins nearby. It makes our job harder, she said. Huyen, who dumped the bag of trash on the banks of the West Lake, said she did not know that littering is a punishable offence. Toilets, dustbins Many people have criticised the Government for not ensuring enough resources, including infrastructure and human resources, necessary for stricter laws to be enforced. Vu Thi Vinh, former General Secretary of the Association of Cities of Viet Nam, said a shortage of dustbins and public toilets was partly to blame for peoples littering and urinating in public places. For example, there were just 340 public toilets in a capital city of up to six million people, she said. The 1.5-km long Thanh Nhan Street in Hai Ba Trung District does not have a dustbin, so people end up throwing trash on the street, she said. Head of the Hoang Mai District Police, Nguyen Hong Thai, said the lack of human resources and necessary tools and equipment to record violations made it difficult for police to punish violators. Other officials also welcomed the new law with stricter punishments, but said it would take time for it to be fully enforced. Head of the Viet Nam Environment Administration Nguyen Van Tai Head of the Viet Nam Environment Administration Nguyen Van Tai, said waste discharge had become an urgent problem and it required stricter laws to gradually change the bad habits of many people, he said. Local authorities should be creative in finding ways to detect and punish violators, he said. "Apart from authorised agencies like the police, public participation and co-operation is necessary for disseminating and detecting violations," he said. Money collected via fines can be reinvested in improving infrastructure, including building more public toilets and installing more dustbins along streets. Residents who identify violators should be rewarded, he added. In tandem Other people said several things have to happen together over a period of time for laws to become effective and cities to stay clean. Administrative punishments should go along with peoples awareness and discipline, which should start from kindergarten onwards. In Australia, for example, dusbins are located in many corners of schools, from kindergartens to universities, so students learn to deposit trash in the right places. Dustbins carry detailed information and images on the kind of waste that should be dumped in them. Around ten years ago, Ha Noi implemented a plan to have dustbins for two kinds of waste, recyclable and non-recyclable. The plan failed because many people did not know how to classify the rubbish, which resulted from a lack of education on different kinds of rubbish and children not being taught about the importance of not littering. James Joseph Kendall, Founder of Keep Hanoi Clean James Joseph Kendall, Founder of Keep Hanoi Clean, which carries out clean-up activities every weekend, said he was glad to see the Government taking big steps to solve the problem of littering in the city. I think the new law will help, but I dont think it alone will solve the problem, he said. I think education is the most important part of the solution. Starting a program in schools to make sure all children know the importance of being responsible when they throw trash would be a good start, he said. Meaney said the care of public spaces required a cultural and educational change. If Viet Nam wants to clean up its cities and the countryside, they need to encourage public participation, he said. Lawyer Tuyet said strict implementation of the law could have a strong impact. I think adequate human resources to impose penalties on violators is not the main feasibility factor for the law. If the punishment is meted out strictly, right from the start, without any concession or exception, the regulations will certainly take effect. People will become more self-conscious and careful about their behavior, and this will gradually minimise actions polluting the environment, she said. In addition, the responsibilities of agencies and individuals in handling violations should be clearly stipulated to ensure its effectiveness. Obviously, the implementation of the new decree should be thorough and carried for a long time to be able to alter peoples behavior, she said. Vinh, former General Secretary of the Association of Cities of Viet Nam, also said participation of the community in keeping its surroundings clean would be a key factor alongside strong determination of the administration and improved infrastructure. Once the attitude of people changes, it would help reduce environmental pollution on a larger scale, as factories and industrial zones. VNS Decree 155/2016/N-CP on administrative penalties in the environmental protection sector: Types of fines: - Between VN500,000 ($22) and VN1 million ($44) for throwing cigarette butts and ash in no-smoking areas, including shopping malls and residential areas. - Between VN1 million ($44) and VN3 million ($133) for urinating in public spaces, including shopping malls, pavements and parks. - Between VN3 million ($133) and VN5 million ($313) for littering in apartment buildings, commercial buildings or public places. - Between VN5 million ($313) to VN7 million ($308) for littering on streets, pavements or sewage systems in residential areas. - Other fines of between VN10 million ($440) to VN25 million ($1,100) to be imposed on violations such as trucks spilling building materials like sand on streets, failing to classify solid waste as regulated, and failing to transfer solid waste to functional units. Who can impose fines: - Chairman of the communal and districts authority. - Head of the communal, district police and head of provincial police. - Police on duty - Special inspectors, border and coast guards, customs officials and rangers. Who can the fines be imposed on: - Those aged 14-16 years old for intentional violations. - Those aged over 16 years old for all violations. The decree took effect on February 1, 2017. HA NOI The National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) disagreed with a congressional vote which would mean juveniles are fully subject to criminal charges for rape, deliberately injuring people or kidnapping. During a regular monthly meeting that began yesterday, the NASC debated amendments to the Penal Code 2015 which last year was suspended from going into effect days before implementation due to 90 technical errors. Article 12 of the Penal Code 2015, passed by the 13th NA, regulated that any person from 14 to 16, while still legally a child, would be held responsible for criminal charges for some crimes, including rape, deliberately injuring people or kidnapping. The Supreme Peoples Procuracy Chief Justice Le Minh Tri said that the Government wanted to narrow down the crime level to which juveniles are subject to criminal charges, making it so they only face prison terms if their crimes are very serious, Tri said. This option is to ensure a humane policy towards those individuals, he said. NA Committee for Culture, Education, Youth, Adolescents and Children Chairman Phan Thanh Binh said that those under 16 were considered children according to the Child Law. We have to consider the future of those children in prison and post-prison, he said. If they cant manage their lives outside jail, can they possibly do that inside? I acknowledge that there has been an increase in juvenile crime of late, yet we dont have any official statistics on how many 14-16-year-old children were engaged in serious crimes. NA Committee for Legal Affairs member Nguyen Khac inh said that the juvenile regulation of the Penal Code 2015 was discussed and voted through by 266 out of 397 deputies of the 13th NA for a reason. Many believed that we should only be humane to a group on the condition that no one is hurt from that decision, he said. inh suggested that the issue should be brought to the 14th NA again for another vote. VNS The following editorial appeared in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on Thursday, Feb. 16: Try as we might, we cant find a way to justify Rosa Maria Ortegas voting in two elections when, as a legal U.S. resident but not a citizen, she did not have that right. Like many others, we consider Ortegas eight-year prison sentence handed down by a jury in a Texas courtroom last week to be harsh. We wish the 37-year-old mother of four children ages 12 to 16 didnt have to go to prison, but we cant think of the right way to fix the predicament she has put herself in. She is guilty of voter fraud. Under Texas law, her sentence could have been 40 years. State legislators, who set that sentence for illegal voting in 2011, apparently wanted to be harsh. If Ortega is the type of offender they had in mind, they overshot the mark. She doesnt seem to be a threat to society. Brought to the U.S. as an infant, she says she just wanted to vote, to be a part of the world going on around her. But we dont have enough history with clear-cut voter fraud cases to say what Ortegas sentence should be. A jury heard the evidence in Ortegas case and decided on eight years. If you respect the jury system, you have to bow to their verdict. Ortega earlier had turned down a plea bargain for a two-year probated sentence, for fear that it would lead to her deportation. Her attorney says he is working on an appeal. The legal process, it appears, is going by the book. Yet even if Ortega were to somehow escape the jurys sentence, in todays anti-immigrant environment she still faces the likelihood of deportation. Thats a shame, but the legal system is full of tragedies. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose office assisted Tarrant County District Attorney Sharen Wilsons office in prosecuting Ortega, seemed happy. The case sends a message that violators of the states election law will be prosecuted to the fullest, Paxton said about the conviction and sentence. The lingering question is how many people are inclined to violate that law and thus need to hear that message. President Donald Trump, without proof, says its in the millions. Paxton must believe its a lot. So far, its one. Rosa Maria Ortega. She doesnt need to hear it any louder. The real voter fraud is the falsehood that its common The following editorial appeared in The News & Observer on Monday, Feb. 13: President Trump, who refuses to believe he lost the popular vote to Hillary Clinton in November by 3 million votes, must be overjoyed at an outrageous sentence imposed on a Texas woman, Rosa Maria Ortega, 37, for voter fraud. Ortega, a mother of four brought to the United States as an infant, was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined $5,000 for voting illegally in elections in 2012 and 2014. Shell also likely be deported. Ortega, who has a sixth-grade education, insisted through her attorney that she didnt know it was illegal for her to vote. The lawyer noted, She can own property; she can serve in the military; she can get a job; she can pay taxes. But she cant vote, and she didnt know that. Texas officials were blunt about making an example of Ortega. No less than the state attorney general said the sentence shows how serious Texas is about keeping its elections secure. In other words, it was Ortegas misfortune to be used as an example an example that doesnt come up very often because there is very little voter fraud in the United States. But Republican legislatures around the country have used the fraud excuse for laws making it more difficult for the elderly, the young and minorities to vote. They have reduced early voting days and eliminated polling sites popular with students while pressing for strict Voter ID laws. The Texas sentence can in part be laid at Trumps feet, because hes promised an investigation of fraud involving millions of votes in the presidential contest, something which has no basis in fact. The danger elsewhere is that the presidents ego-driven crusade will inspire Republican leaders in legislatures to ramp up more voter suppression laws based on claims of voter fraud, even though little fraud has ever been found. Thats not going to matter to GOP leaders, who have drawn outrageous district lines for Congress and the state legislatures, and whod love to do more to hold down the vote of those who might vote against them. Its horribly irresponsible of the president to give aid and comfort to such efforts and to imply the American election system is somehow rigged. Trump even began hedging at the end of a presidential debate when asked if he would support the outcome of the election. But for now, a Texas mother of four is headed to prison for voting, and not with a vote that changed an election or was part of some larger conspiracy. No, she should not have voted. But eight years in prison? The penalty is more about fear mongering than it is protecting the integrity of elections. Dreamers need protection, not mere words The following editorial appeared in The San Diego Union-Tribune on Saturday, Feb. 18: President Trump and his top aides dont seem to be on the same page when it comes to his promised immigration crackdown. To wit, Trumps now-suspended travel ban on incoming residents of seven majority Muslim nations appears to have been implemented, as CNN reported, at the behest of White House advisers Steve Bannon and Stephen Miller, without input from Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly. This led to two days of infighting over whether it should apply to the legal U.S. residents from those seven nations who hold green cards, as Bannon and Miller wanted. Kelly won that fight. Now theres another public fight over how far the crackdown should go, this time over whether to end President Obamas executive order giving some legal protections to more than 1 million young immigrants known colloquially as Dreamers, who have clean or relatively clean legal records and are currently in school, have a GED or high school degree, or have served in the military. The president has repeatedly sounded sympathetic to them, including calling them these incredible kids last week. Less than a day later, however, the Associated Press revealed it had obtained a copy of a draft of a shocking but quickly disavowed Homeland Security memo calling for the use of up to 100,000 National Guard troops to round up unauthorized immigrants. Was this leaked to remind Trump of how tough he talked on the campaign trail? Or was it leaked to discredit the proposal? No one can be sure in our chaotic capital. But the leak cant help but inspire fear in immigrant communities, including among the Dreamers Trump admires. Thats unfortunate. When Trump finally decides on Obamas order, heres hoping his humane instincts come to the fore. Gun-rights debate going further in the wrong direction The following editorial appeared in Newsday on Friday, Feb. 17: Just as with operating cars, people who want guns should have to become educated on their safe use and prove that knowledge. And they should be required to be responsible in their gun ownership and storage. That would be a sensible standard for all of us, not just 75,000 people on a government list. The whole argument over Congress restoring gun rights to mentally ill people last week was surreal, but thats in keeping with the way the entire gun-control conversation has descended into madness. Last week, the Senate joined the House of Representatives in striking down a rule from President Barack Obama that kept about 75,000 people, all mentally ill enough that they cannot manage their own affairs, from buying guns. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the reversal, supported mostly by Republicans in both chambers, as well as the American Civil Liberties Union. Lets face it, the Social Security Administration list of people on disability whose affairs must be managed by others isnt a perfect tool for restricting gun ownership. Mental-health advocates say the rule reinforces stereotypes, and they argue that mentally ill people are not particularly likely to cause carnage that inspired the rule, like the mass shooting at a school in Newtown, Conn. This is likely true, though it doesnt mean its a good idea to put guns in the hands of people with mental illnesses. But something is very wrong when gun-rights groups like the National Rifle Association arent willing to consider any restrictions, no matter how obviously reasonable. Gun ownership is a right, but possessing something so lethal is also a responsibility. Just as with operating cars, people who want guns should have to become educated on their safe use and prove that knowledge. And they should be required to be responsible in their gun ownership and storage. That would be a sensible standard for all of us, not just 75,000 people on a government list. But it would also require real action to control a dangerous problem while protecting an important right, something this nation cannot seem to undertake. Canada remains a vital American ally The following editorial appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday, Feb. 16: The visit to Washington Monday of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau seems to have gone relatively smoothly, in spite of the general fireworks underway surrounding Michael Flynn, the White House national security adviser who was forced to resign that evening. Trudeau could easily have found the storm involving President Donald Trump, Flynn and Russia of considerable concern. Canada shares closely the defense of the north of North America with the United States, is a fellow NATO member, and is as close geographically to Russia as the United States is. He might also have looked uneasily at Trumps falling out with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto, which led to his cancellation or we can hope postponement of his scheduled visit to the United States to meet with Trump. The problems between Mexico and the United States, turning in part on immigration, are different from those between Canada and the United States, although Trump should not forget that renegotiation of the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement would involve Canada to the north as well as Mexico to the south. If part of Trumps concern over immigration, reflected in his attempted ban on travel to the United States by citizens of the seven Muslim-majority countries, currently tied up in U.S. courts, is security, Canadas more open door approach to immigrants, especially from war-torn nations including Syria, is decidedly different and potentially riskier than the one Trump is attempting to pursue. Trump and Trudeau certainly had much to discuss. Apart from the travel that takes place across the long, largely undefended border, the two nations are important trading partners. Trudeaus governments approach to climate change is also different from Trumps so-far stated position, notwithstanding the fact that North American air is shared air. The effort at cordiality on the part of both leaders, in spite of their policy and age differences, is welcome to Americans and Canadians. Perhaps the next step should be a three-part meeting, to draw in Mexicos president. Trudeau would want to see that; Trump should want to see it. Good, bad and fake news on vaccines The following editorial appeared in The Sacramento Bee on Friday, Feb. 17: Childhood deaths have been falling worldwide since 1990. In their foundations annual letter last week, Bill and Melinda Gates estimated that science had saved 122 million children in the last quarter-century. Thats a population larger than three Californias. What saved them? Vaccines, mostly. The percentage of children receiving basic immunization is now at a historic high, internationally speaking. Its incredible progress, the Gates Foundation report said, a triumph of foreign aid, charitable giving and bootstrap determination on the part of developing nations. By any measure, its something to celebrate. So why on earth, amid that good news, would other famous Americans want to undermine childhood immunization? In Washington, D.C., Robert Kennedy Jr. and Robert De Niro spoke on a panel stoking conspiracy theories about the safety of vaccines. Their stance was based on widely discredited research that purports to link vaccines and autism. There is no such link, and claims to the contrary are not only fake science, but irresponsible and pernicious. Though vaccines have eradicated many lethal childhood diseases, those diseases can come roaring back if we dont maintain an immunization rate of about 90 percent or higher. And anti-vaxxers both the hardcore kind and the easily led worriers who simply delay or resist vaccinations have managed in some communities to lower herd immunity to dangerous levels. Thats how the Disneyland measles outbreak happened, and why vaccine laws were tightened in California. But most states still allow exemptions for religious and philosophical reasons. And in recent years, vaccination has become almost as politicized as climate science. In Texas, for example, anti-vax political action committees are trying to prevent that states vaccine laws from being tightened, the better to resist alleged government intrusion. As a result, public health experts fear the next major measles outbreak will be in the Lone Star State. De Niro, the famed actor, has a child with autism. Kennedy, of the political dynasty, has said that President Donald Trump wants him to chair a national commission on vaccines. Trump said they were just tossing around ideas, but during the 2016 campaign, the president publicly questioned vaccine safety. It is appalling that such willed ignorance should be threatening Americans just as the rest of the planet is making so much progress. First World problems, indeed. Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong delivers speech at a working session with key local officials of the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Tri Dung BAC LIEU Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong has asked the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu to focus on developing hi-tech agriculture and a sea-based economy. During a working session with key local officials yesterday, which came as part of his ongoing three-day visit to Bac Lieu to examine its Party building and socio-economic development, the Party chief highlighted the provinces great potential for developing wind and solar energy, tourism and off-shore fishing, urging local authorities to give priority to those sectors. He requested that the region protect the environment and natural resources, work to mobilise all social resources for development, promote regional links and create a favourable business climate to attract investment. To effectively implement socio-economic and cultural development and defence-security tasks, Bac Lieu needs to build Party strength and strictly implement the 12th National Party Congresss Resolution on building and revamping the Party. He emphasised the need for better criticism and self-criticism to discover limitations and shortcomings for timely solutions. The Party leader expressed his hope that Bac Lieu will continue to fully tap its potential and strengths to achieve strong future development. Last year, Bac Lieus gross regional domestic product increased 5.38 per cent from the previous year. The locality recorded positive development in agricultural production, with food productivity hitting over 1 million tonnes per ha. It welcomed 1.24 million visitors, earning VN1 trillion (around US$44.5 million) in revenue. The rate of poor and near-poor households fell 3.31 per cent and 1 per cent respectively, surpassing set targets. The day before, Party Secretary Trong visited a super-intensive shrimp farming glass house model in the Vinh Thinh commune, Hoa Binh district, which applies environmentally friendly technologies to production. He also made a tour of the Bac Lieu wind-power plant in Vinh Trach ong commune, which includes 62 turbines with a combined capacity of 99.2 MW. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his hope that Morocco would expand multifaceted cooperation with ASEAN, including Viet Nam. Receiving newly appointed Moroccan Ambassador to Viet Nam Azzeddiine Farhane in Ha Noi on February 20, the Government leader spoke highly of Moroccos socio-economic development achievements, especially in tourism and renewable energy. He suggested the two countries boost economic cooperation to improve their trade, increase exchanges of all-level delegations and maintain close coordination at regional and international forums. Viet Nam wants Morocco to continue providing scholarships for Vietnamese students to pursue their study in the African country. For his part, Ambassador Azzediine Farhane stressed that Morocco treasured its ties with Viet Nam - a gateway for the country to promote collaboration with Southeast Asia, adding that Morocco was willing to act as a bridge for boosting the relations between Viet Nam and African countries. He agreed with the PM that the two countries would need to enhance cooperation in tourism and education and aquatic farming. Timor Leste firms welcomed Viet Nam would create the best possible conditions for enterprises from Timor Leste to operate in the country, affirmed Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc when receiving newly appointed Timor Leste Ambassador to Vietnam Pascoela Barreto dos Santos on the same day. He said he expected the country to speed up the groundwork for its free trade agreement with Viet Nam to soon come into effect. Phuc also welcomed the ambassador to begin her duties in Viet Nam, saying he believes she would contribute to boosting all-round bilateral cooperation, which currently falls short of potential. For her part, the Timor Leste diplomat stressed the traditional relations between her country and Viet Nam, as well as her good impression about a friendly and peaceful Viet Nam. She hailed Vietnamese investments in Timor Leste, particularly those made by the telecommunication group Viettel. She expected the Vietnamese Government to create more favourable conditions for businesses to invest in Timor Leste, especially in training and information technology. She pledged to spare no effort to enhance bilateral ties.VNS HA NOI Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Perfecto Yasay agreed to hasten the approval of the Viet Nam-Philippines action programme for 2017-2022 to forge stronger bilateral cooperation. The agreement was reached during their meeting in Boracay, the Philippines on February 20 on the sidelines of the ongoing ASEAN Foreign Ministers Retreat. The two sides pledged to urge agencies of each country to implement agreements and enhance the efficiency of existing partnership mechanisms such as the bilateral cooperation committee, defence policy dialogue, Joint-Committee on maritime and ocean issues, and Sub-Committee for trade collaboration. Yasay committed to holding the third Foreign Ministerial Meeting on Committee for Bilateral Cooperation and the ninth Deputy Foreign Ministerial Meeting on maritime and ocean issues in the Philippines this year. He also vowed to consider creating favourable conditions for Viet Nams vegetable, fruit and poultry meat to be sold in his country. Additionally, both sides agreed to strengthen the exchange of information and experience and to boost cooperation in combating crime, terrorism, high technology crimes, and drug and human trafficking, while negotiating to sign an agreement on extradition and another on transfer of convicts. In the context of piracy in the region, Deputy PM Minh asked the Philippines Foreign Ministry to coordinate closely, share information and cooperate with ASEAN countries to tackle the problem to ensure maritime security and safety. The two sides expressed delight at the strong growth of the bilateral strategic partnership, which has been fostered through exchanges of high-ranking delegations, including the Viet Nam visit by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in September last year. Along with bilateral cooperation, the two sides discussed international and regional issues of shared concern. They agreed to work closely in presiding over multilateral meetings in 2017, with the Philippines being ASEAN Chair and Viet Nam hosting APEC. They would cooperate to strengthen solidarity and the central role of ASEAN in major matters related to security and the interests of each country and the region, while reaffirming the need to ensure peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea as well as the settlement of maritime disputes based on international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The two sides also pledged to coordinate with other ASEAN countries to implement the Declaration on Conduct of Parties in the East Sea and hasten the signing of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea.VNS HCM Citys Traffic Safety Committee and Transport Department has said it plans a series of strong measures in order to reduce traffic jams. Photo thanhnien.vn HCM City HCM Citys Traffic Safety Committee and Transport Department has said it plans a series of strong measures in order to reduce traffic jams. Nguyen Ngoc Tuong, deputy head of the citys Traffic Safety Committee, has admitted that the city is facing big problems related to traffic jams, especially during peak hours at the citys entrances, around Tan Son Nhat Airport and near seaports, a total of 37 traffic congestion hotspots in all. A significant increase in immigration and newly-registered motorbikes and automobiles are the main reasons for the situation, Tuong was quoted as saying in the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper last week. Every day, the city has over 1,000 newly-registered vehicles, but land for traffic infrastructure remains unchanged, the official said at a traffic conference on Friday. Pavement encroachment by businesses is another reason for serious traffic jams, he added. Over 100 pedestrians died in 2016 because of pavement encroachment. To cope with the situation, Tran Quang Lam, deputy director of the Transport Department announced seven groups of solution with 160 missions. 48 urgent traffic works will be built to tackle traffic congestion while fee collection for automobiles on downtown streets will be implemented, Lam said. In addition, the development of an automatic fee collection system will be accelerated while a digital online traffic map will be promoted. However, Lam confirmed that the city would be able to settle 18 of the 37 current traffic congestion spots soon and those remaining would be handled in the near future. The citys Traffic Police Forces announced that they would increase penalties for those who have violated traffic laws. We will carefully study 37 serious traffic congestion hotspots and arrange for traffic policemen to manage the flow of vehicles, Huynh Trung Phong, head of the HCM Citys Police Departments Road and Railway Traffic Police Sub-department said. According to the chairman of Cu Chi district Peoples Committee Nguyen Huu Hoai Phu, pavement encroachment is a very complicated problem. In the district, total length of encroachment is around 600 km and relevant authorities have faced many challenges in the clearing of encroachments, even from commune authorities. Cu Chi District has fired one commune chairman and disciplined two commune deputy chairmen in charge of urban order, Phu announced. One household went to court suing local authorities, he added. Nguyen Thanh Phong, chairman of the city Peoples Committee, asked leaders of localities and departments to increase their determination in settling traffic congestion. Leaders of districts and departments should be directly involved in coping with traffic jams, he said. At the meeting, Le Van Khoa, deputy chairman of the city Peoples Committee, suggested State staff should walk to work if they live less than 3 km from their offices. He also required the Transport Department and district 1 to consider using barriers to stop vehicles from travelling on sidewalks. Authorities should consider the impact on disabled people, he said. This year, the Transport Department set a goal of 600 million people using public transport, a ratio of water leakage under 27.5 per cent, 16 of 40 flooding spots fixed, 62,540 sq.m of green space added and 25 km of road and 10 bridges built. The municipal Traffic Safety Committee will focus on building a traffic culture for young people with the goal of reducing the number of deaths and injuries from traffic accidents by 5 percent. VNS The agriculture and rural development sector has called for a nationwide reduction in the number of pigs and animal feed factories after their overgrowth in the last few years. Photo channuoivietnam.com HA NOI Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Nguyen Xuan Cuong has called for a nationwide reduction in the number of pigs and animal feed factories after their overgrowth in the last few years. Cheap live weight prices and relatively high prices of feed have caused pig farmers to suffer losses worth VN1 million (US$43) per pig, local media reported. According to the ministry, the country has over 29 million pigs, including more than 4.2 million sows. In 2016, big- and medium-sized pig farms increased production by 23 per cent compared with 2015. Total capacity of animal feed factories across the country reached over 31 million tonnes per year, about 6 million tonnes higher than that the country planned to have by 2020. Last year, Viet Nams animal feed production was 23.5 million tonnes, making it the biggest animal feed producer in ASEAN and the tenth biggest in the world. Localities were asked to review their pig farming plans to better match of market demand and their potential. Localities should not increase their quantity of pigs especially sows, Cuong said, calling them to raise pigs that generate high yield or special ones to suit to certain groups of consumers. The ministry also asked peoples committees in provinces to instruct pig farmers to apply diversified models such as semi-industrial hog production, conventional or organic farming in stead of solely develop industrial hog production. Processing industry needs to be promoted to diversify meats, increase value added of the products. To animal feed, minister Cuong asked localities to limit the expansion of factories, particular those in Red River Delta, Southeastern region and Mekong Delta. Animal feed producers are encouraged to apply biotechnology and other high technologies in production and processing so that they could offer better products that replace imported ones. The current price now is VN35,000 (US$ 1.54) per kg live weight- which is said the lowest rate in the last ten years - causing most producers to lose money. Deputy director of Agriculture Ministrys Husbandry Department Nguyen Xuan Duong told chinhphu.vn that abandoned supply and lower purchasing power of markets resulted in decrease of pig prices. Pig farmers have ignored warnings from Agriculture Ministry as soon as the live weight reached VN55,000 - VN58,000 per kilo. Duong said that there was a paradox that consumers bought meat at quite high prices - about VN70,000 - VN80,000 per kilo while the live weight prices were too low. The pig farmers are suffering losses, he said, adding that Viet Nams broader agricultural field faces major problems relating to market and prices, not just pig farming. VNS HCM CITY Binh Dan Hospital this week began free health examinations and consultations for patients with urethral stricture, a condition caused by infections or accidents. The free examinations and consultations will end on March 3. Patients with the condition have difficulty urinating or have pain when urinating. If the condition, which is more common among males than females, is not treated in a timely fashion, it could easily re-occur and become more difficult to treat later. Each week, the hospital performs surgery on four or five patients with the condition. If left untreated, it can cause sudden retention of urine, a dangerous condition because it could affect the function of the patients kidney and bladder. The consequences of the condition can be kidney and urologic stones or male infertility. The hospital will also provide free services every Monday from late February to March 27 for patients with overactive bladders, a condition which affects bladder-storage function, causing a sudden urge to urinate. Patients with the condition can wake up two or more times at night to urinate. The free health programme was organised to improve public awareness of the disorders. VNS HA NOI The first train of the Cat Linh-Ha ong urban railway has been installed safely on the track, the Railway Projects Management Unit (under the Ministry of Transport) announced early Tuesday. The site that received the first train was from JR02 to JR06 pillar, La Khe station, on Quang Trung Street, Ha ong District. The whole maneuver, using a 250-tonne crane to set the train on the elevated rail track, was done from 10:30pm Monday to 5am Tuesday. According to Vu Hong Phuong, deputy director of the Railway Projects Management Unit, this is the first train of the batch of 13 that will arrive in Ha Noi. The train features four locomotives and carriages and was transported from China to Hai Phong City on February 12. During the time when the carriers are being prepared to get installed and during installation, traffic near La Khe station and the Quang Trung-Le Trong Tan intersection will be temporarily halted. People in the neighbourhood gathered to watch the installation of the first train onto the rail track. VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hung Minister of Transport Truong Quang Nghia on Monday morning personally inspected transport of the first batch of locomotives and carriages for the urban railway, which were for the time being placed on the extended Le Trong Tan Street in Ha ong District. He also praised the efforts of the project personnel involved in ensuring the train got to Ha Noi safely. The trains were manufactured by the Beijing Subway Rolling Stock Equipment Co. Ltd. Each train is 79m in length, 3.8m in height and 3.8m in maximum width. The designed maximum speed of the train is expected to reach 80km/h and the operating speed is some 35km/h. The rest of the fleet will be transported from China to Hai Phong Port then to Ha Noi in three rounds in the coming months, and test runs are scheduled to be conducted in October. VNS QUANG NINH Police in northern coastal Quang Ninh Province have decided to impose fines amounting to VN16 million (US$700) in total on four Chinese nationals for illegally entering Viet Nam from China. A Vietnamese citizen was also fined VN7.5 million ($328) for driving the vehicle that transported the foreigners who had illegally entered Viet Nam. On February 19, an immigration management team under the provincial police department inspected a hotel in Ha Long Citys Bai Chay Ward and found four Chinese citizens staying there without passports or equivalent papers . Li Siyuan, 44; Luo Qiaowu, 45; Guo Wei, 38; and Yan You Ping, 34; confessed they had entered Mong Cai City by crossing Ka Long River in a ferry at 3pm on the same day. They later hired a car driven by Vu Van Thanh, 23, in Mong Cai City to travel to Ha Long City. They planned to return to China the following day. The police have ordered the Chinese citizens to leave Viet Nam. VNS HA NOI The Peoples Committee of Cau Giay District decided to dismiss Ta Thi Bich Ngoc, principal of Nam Trung Yen Primary School, and vice principal Nguyen Thi Huong on Tuesday morning. The decision, based on serious violations of the teachers code of ethics by the accused, was finally signed by the chairman of the district committee, Duong Cao Thanh, after a meeting with Chairman of the Peoples Committee of Ha Noi Nguyen uc Chung and the citys police department on Monday. According to the police investigation, on December 1, 2016, a taxi carrying Ngoc and Huong ran into second grader Tran Chi Kien while he was playing in the schools yard. Kiens right leg was broken in the accident. Ngoc reportedly got out of the taxi and went to her room without saying a word to anyone. Huong took Kien to the schools health clinic to check his injuries. The student was then taken to the Viet Nam National Hospital of Pediatrics for treatment. The taxi driver also left the scene at this time. Later that morning, Tran Chi Dung, Kiens father, received a phone call from a teacher telling him his son had broken his leg while playing in the schoolyard. The teacher did not mention the accident to Dung. Dung rushed to the hospital, where doctors told him his sons right femur was broken. The doctors had failed to properly treat the broken bone, so Dung decided to transfer his son to the Viet NamGermany Hospital for further treatment. Kien then told his father he had been hit by a car, noting he had seen Ngoc and another teacher sitting in the vehicle. On December 12, Dung arrived at the school seeking clarity on the case, but Ngoc denied that any car had entered the schoolyard that morning. Dung remained suspicious and sent a string of letters to authorised agencies requesting an investigation into the case. Two days later, Ngoc and Huong presented a fake survey of the schools teachers and students, claiming that all had unanimously agreed that no car had entered the schoolyard on the morning in question. On December 21, the districts Education and Training Office intervened, working with the school and Kiens family. The office then handed the matter over to the police for further investigation. The district police launched an investigation into the case on December 30. Chairman Nguyen uc Chung suspended Ngoc for the duration of the police investigation on February 6. Some 18 teachers issued a letter on February 18, denouncing Ngoc as a liar. Finally, a meeting was held on Monday to give the conclusion about the case with attendance of Chung, the citys education sector and the police. Nguyen Thanh Tinh, deputy head of the Cau Giay Districts Education and Training Office, took charge of the school after Ngoc and Huong were fired. Speaking at the meeting on Monday, Chung said Ngoc and Huong had not only violated the schools regulations, which barred cars from entering the schoolyard, but had also lied about the accident. Ngoc had, in fact, asked the security guard to open the school gates that morning to allow the car to enter. For the parents of students, this incident creates a sense of deep distrust of the school and the citys and nations education sector, he said. Additionally, the actions of the accused had physically and mentally affected Kien, he said. Ngoc and Huong do not deserve their positions, Chung said. Chung urged the education sector of the city to draw lessons from the case and directed relevant parties to hold a meeting to make any necessary corrections to education and training activities city-wide. VNS MALAGA European countries that vote populists into power will experience a fall in jobs, investment and exports as they pull out of the EU, French President Francois Hollande warned on Monday. Speaking at a summit in the southern Spanish city of Malaga with his counterpart Mariano Rajoy, Hollande said that nationalists not only threatened Europe but also "the interests of the nations they claim to represent." His comments come as Frances far-right leader Marine Le Pen and Geert Wilders in the Netherlands ride high in polls ahead of upcoming elections in their respective countries. Hollande, who will not be standing again in the French elections in April and May, said there would be "fewer exports, fewer investment and therefore fewer jobs" if eurosceptic populists took power. Pulling out of the EU, as Le Pen and Wilders advocate, would mean "the end of trade, fake sovereignty which would translate into fewer jobs, lower growth and fewer freedoms." The Spanish government also announced Monday that Hollande had invited Rajoy for a summit on March 6 in the city of Versailles near Paris, along with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italys Paolo Gentiloni. Merkel herself is running for re-election in September and faces strong competition from the hard-right populist party Alternative for Germany. Without naming him, Hollande also criticised US President Donald Trump and his pledge to loosen up capital market regulations. Trump argues that less regulation means fewer costs for companies and consumers. He has for instance ordered a review of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform that aims to curb the actions of the finance sector that led to the 2008 recession. "Crises dont come from nowhere, they are due to various conducts, laxity, and the very deregulation that the United States wants to re-implement," Hollande said. AFP WASHINGTON US Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly leaves for Guatemala and Mexico on Wednesday to discuss border security and trade with the countries presidents and other top officials. Kelly is well acquainted with the region, having served as head of US Southern Command under former president Barack Obama until he took up his latest post in January after being tapped by President Donald Trump. The Department of Homeland Security said that during his first stop, in Guatemala, Kelly would meet with President Jimmy Morales, as well as the ministers of government and foreign affairs. He will also observe the arrival of a DHS repatriation flight in Guatemala City filled with undocumented migrants to the United States who were sent back to their home country. In Mexico, Kelly will join Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. The pair will meet with President Enrique Pena Nieto, as well as his ministers of interior, foreign relations, finance, national defence and navy. "The group will discuss border security, law enforcement cooperation and trade, among other issues," a Department of Homeland Security statement read. Mexico-US ties are at their most strained point in years. On Friday, thousands of Mexicans linked arms in Ciudad Juarez to form a "human wall" on their countrys border with the United States, protesting Trumps plan to build a massive barrier between the countries. AFP KUALA LUMPUR Malaysian armed guards on Tuesday stood watch at the hospital holding the body of Kim Jong-Nam, the assassinated half-brother of North Koreas leader, amid reports his son had come to Kuala Lumpur to claim the remains. A convoy of four unmarked vehicles entered the hospital compound in the early hours of the morning, with around 30 Malaysian special forces securing the area before all of them left by mid-morning. A white police van was seen leaving at 4:00 am (2000 GMT Monday), an AFP journalist said. The body of Kim Jong-Nam -- assassinated last Monday at Kuala Lumpur airport -- has been at the centre of a diplomatic row between Pyongyang and Malaysia, after North Korea insisted it be returned and objected to an autopsy being performed. But Malaysia rejected the request, saying the remains must stay in the morgue until a family member comes forward to identify them with a DNA sample. On Monday night Jong-Nams son Kim Han-Sol was due to arrive in Kuala Lumpur from Macau, local media and intelligence sources said, but AFP was not immediately able to verify his presence. Pyongyangs envoy to Kuala Lumpur on Monday dismissed the request for a DNA sample as "preposterous" and said the embassy had the right to reclaim the body of a diplomatic passport holder. Ambassador Kang Chol also savaged the police investigation into the killing, saying it was politically motivated and that Malaysia had conspired with South Korea from the beginning to frame the North. Malaysias Foreign Minister Anifah Aman said the "deeply insulting" accusations were based on "delusions, lies and half-truths". Malaysia had earlier recalled its ambassador to Pyongyang and summoned Kang for a dressing down at the foreign ministry over the ongoing spat. The drama erupted last Monday as Kim Jong-Nam waited at the budget terminal of Kuala Lumpurs main airport for a flight to Macau. He was approached by two women, one of whom grabbed him from behind and sprayed his face with an apparently poisonous liquid, according to police and leaked CCTV footage. He had a seizure and died before arriving at hospital, with news emerging the next day of his identity. Malaysias probe has put five North Koreans in the frame for the killing, four of whom fled Malaysia the day it happened and are believed to have returned to Pyongyang. Officers have also arrested a 25-year-old Indonesian and her Malaysian boyfriend. AFP LONDON Thousands of protesters rallied outside parliament on Monday as MPs debated a petition to cancel a state visit by US President Donald Trump which gained more than 1.8 million signatures. Placards reading "No to Trump" and "Dump Trump" were held by demonstrators in Parliament Square, in the latest rally against the US president who came to power a month ago. British Prime Minister Theresa May became the first foreign leader to meet Trump in the White House in January, when she invited him to the UK on a state visit to be hosted by Queen Elizabeth II later this year. The invitation came hours ahead of Trump imposing tough entry restrictions on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries and within days an online petition to prevent the presidents state visit attracted more than 1.8 million signatures. The British government has said it will not support the petition and stressed that the invitation still stands, but parliament went ahead and debated the issue due to the popularity of the petition. Lawmakers also discussed a counter-petition to uphold the state visit invite, which attracted over 300,000 signatures. During the debate, opposition Labour MP David Lammy said the government offered the state visit because it is "desperate" for a trade deal with the US. "I think my children deserve better than that... Im ashamed that its come to this," he said. Fellow Labour lawmaker Paul Flynn said the invitation should be downgraded from the regal affair to a regular visit. "There are great dangers in attempting to give him the best accolade we can give anyone," he said. While Trump was offered a state visit after just seven days in office, his predecessor Barack Obama had to wait 758 days before receiving the same invitation. Outside parliament on Monday, protester Benjamin Kari said people needed to stand up against Trumps policies and avoid becoming complacent. "Hes promoting racist policies, hes normalising racism and misogyny and Islamophobia," he said. Bryan Richardson, a member of the Stand up to Racism group, said May "humiliated herself by rushing over to Washington to be the first leader to meet Donald Trump". A Stop Trump Coalition website named February 20 a "day of action" against the US president, listing events planned across Britain. Around 300 people gathered in Glasgow waving sometimes comical banners aimed at Trump, one describing him as a "Feckin Plonker". AFP Garcia Meets Northern Ireland Secretary of State The Deputy Chief Minister Dr Joseph Garcia is in London for a number of meetings related to the proposed departure of the United Kingdom and Gibraltar from the European Union. One of the questions that is being examined in some detail is future post-Brexit transit through land borders which the United Kingdom is responsible for. In that context, Dr Garcia this afternoon met with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire MP. Mr Brokenshire, who was promoted to Secretary of State after serving as a Home Office Minister, is already familiar with the details of the frontier at Gibraltar and has discussed this with both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister in the past. There is concern in Northern Ireland as to what the future transit to and from the Irish Republic will look like. It will be recalled that Dr Garcia attended a meeting of the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly in Cardiff at the end of last year and was able to address delegates on the specific challenges that Gibraltar faced. The meeting with the Secretary of State was very useful and informative and will provide the Government with a better understanding of the situation going forward. Waterloo Fire Alarms Feb. 6 Ambulance runs: 29 7:37 a.m., West Ninth Street and Ridgeway Avenue, automobile accident. 9:12 a.m., 105 Madison St., assist resident. 11:25 a.m., 421 Oak Ave., assist resident. 3:11 p.m., 1820 E. Ridgeway Ave., automobile accident. 4:55 p.m., 126 Brookeridge Drive, automobile accident. 6:44 p.m., 117 E. San Marnan Drive, fluid spill. 10:40 p.m., 2815 WCF&N Drive, Hydrite, false alarm. Fire Alarms Feb. 7 Ambulance runs: 14 11:35 a.m., 1820 E. Ridgeway Ave., assist resident. 5:34 p.m., 1425 Oleson Road, vehicle fire. Fire Alarms Feb. 8 Ambulance runs: 15 12:55 p.m., 2715 Crossroads Blvd., natural gas leak. 4:39 p.m., Hammond and Ridgeway avenues, fluid spill Fire Alarms Feb. 10 Ambulance runs: 18 11:07 a.m., 624 Sycamore St., false alarm. 2 p.m., 305 E. Fourth St., false alarm. 5:26 p.m., 302 Clay St., building fire. 8:04 p.m., 105 Madison St., assist resident. 8:18 p.m., 401 Argyle St., smoke removal. 8:22 p.m., 233 Gable St., assist resident. 11:10 p.m., 627 E. Fourth St., cooking fire. 11:22 p.m., 3704 Pheasant Lane, automobile accident. Fire Alarms Feb. 11 Ambulance runs: 26 12:53 a.m., 341 Archer Ave., investigate smoke. 2:42 p.m., 623 Courtland St., unauthorized burning. 3:40 p.m., 522 Blowers Ave., false alarm. 5:21 p.m., Birmingham and Regal avenues, vehicle fire. Fire Alarms Feb. 12 Ambulance runs: 28 9:19 a.m., 2411 Idaho St., power line down. 9:49 a.m., 327 W. Third St., assist resident. 12:24 p.m., Boston Avenue and Ester Street, automobile accident. 2:11 p.m., 722 Water St., false alarm. 5:51 p.m., 3362 University Ave., false alarm. 6:23 p.m., Highway 218 and San Marnan Drive, automobile accident. 6:38 p.m., West Ridgeway Avenue and Sheridan Road, automobile accident. Fire Alarms Feb. 13 Ambulance runs: 21 10:08 p.m., 412 Bratnober St., assist resident. 1:35 p.m., 1326 Newell St., carbon monoxide alarm. 3:13 p.m., 1302 Hammond Ave., unauthorized burning. 3:47 p.m., 433 Center St., unauthorized burning. 7:07 p.m., 215 E. Fifth St., smoke alarm. Fire Alarms Feb. 14 Ambulance runs: 24 6:29 a.m., 2757 Burton Ave., false alarm. 2:06 p.m., West Fourth and Washington streets, automobile accident. 3:02 p.m., East 11th and Lafayette streets, automobile accident. Fire Alarms Feb. 15 Ambulance runs: 22 1:34 p.m., 500 Sycamore St., Hotel President, false alarm. 3:47 p.m., 425 W. Ridgeway Ave., West High School, cooking fire. 4:30 p.m., 154 Morgan Road, cooking fire. 6:44 p.m., 2950 W. Shaulis Road, dryer fire. Fire Alarms Feb. 16 Ambulance runs: 24 12:45 a.m., 6035 Donegal Circle, electrical problem. 8:41 a.m., 300 Jefferson St., investigate smoke. 10:45 a.m., 1407 Independence Ave., smoke alarm. 5:07 p.m., 209 W. Fifth St., false alarm. 5:16 p.m., 1304 Oregon St., Kittrel Elementary School, investigation. 7:09 p.m., 3630 W. Fourth St., automobile accident. 7:31 p.m., 1400 Aspen Drive, carbon monoxide alarm. 8:33 p.m., Hawkeye Road and East San Marnan Drive, fluid spill. Fire Alarms Feb. 17 Ambulance runs: 33 4:41 a.m., 184 Sabrina Circle, assist resident. 9:02 a.m., 2056 La Porte Road, false alarm. 9:02 a.m., 1656 Sycamore St., false alarm. 9:07 a.m., 1945 La Porte Road, false alarm. 10:35 a.m., 4025 Hammond Ave., false alarm. 12:04 p.m., 222 Boston Ave., false alarm. 12:48 p.m., 825 Hawthorne Ave., unauthorized burning. 3:08 p.m., 323 Polk St., false alarm. 3:13 p.m., 250 Polk St., false alarm. 4:51 p.m., 165 Montrose Road, unauthorized burning. 6:27 p.m., West Fourth and Washington streets, automobile accident. 10:55 p.m., 1051 Wisconsin St., assist resident. Police Log Jamarious Deunte Ensley, 26, of 417 Reed St., was arrested Feb. 18 on Quincy Street for second-offense operating while intoxicated, interference and driving while suspended following a traffic stop. Taylor Alyce Price, 21, of 2623 Lafayette St., was arrested Feb. 18 on Lafayette Street for first-offense operating while intoxicated following a traffic stop. Laquanisha Tiara Louise Stovall, 25, of 520 Adams St., was arrested Feb. 17 at 622 Grant Ave. for simple domestic assault. She allegedly assaulted Dazarris Wilkerson, 25. Nayla Jo Lachin, 20, of 1211 Langley Road, was arrested Feb. 15 at 2060 Crossroads Blvd. for second-degree theft. She allegedly took $2,600 from Sears, where she worked, by activating and using Visa gift cards. Marlesha Jannett Nieland, 21, of 121 W. Wellington St., was arrested Feb. 11 at her home for carrying weapons, aggravated domestic assault and possession of marijuana. She allegedly assaulted Japeria Jones, 23. Norris Windell McFarland Jr., 28, of 153 Dawson St., was arrested Feb. 10 on Courtland Street for possession with intent to deliver cocaine and marijuana. Police found drugs during a traffic stop. Kelli Lynn Shannon, 54, of 1515 Lafayette St., was arrested Jan. 25 at her home for third-degree theft. She alllegedly took items from CVS pharmacy, 205 Franklin St. Arlando Rayshawn Anderson Jr., 20, of 3411 Kingswood Place, was arrested Jan. 24 on Byron Avenue for third-degree theft. He allegedly took a phone. Kevin Louis Thurman, 32, of 663 W. Parker St., was arrested Feb. 1 for simple domestic assault. He allegedly assaulted Sarah Straube, 30. Andrew Spates Jr., 41, of 520 Elm St., was arrested Feb. 1 at 115 Rhey St. for serious domestic assault. He allegedly assaulted Toni Bailey. Jamaal Leshon Henry, 29, of Decatur, Ill., was arrested Feb. 1 at 147 Sherman Ave. for domestic assault and public intoxication. He allegedly assaulted Raven Wright, 33. Tracey Lynn Lee, 30, of 5503 Rochelle Drive, was arrested Jan. 8 for assault and assault on a peace officer. She allegedly assaulted her mothers boyfriend and then kicked and attempted to bite a police officer. Cody James Darland Heinrichs, 27, of 109 Hubbard Ave., was arrested Jan. 6 at his home for aggravated domestic assault and obstruction of emergency communications. He allegedly assaulted Kaylea Reinboldt. Tyrisha Lashay Weekley, 23, of 236 Sherman Ave., was arrested Jan. 6 at the police station for assault. Details werent available. Joseph Ammon Helms, 32, of Waterloo, was arrested Jan. 5 at 1652 Hawthorne Ave. for domestic assault. He allegedly assaulted Wendy Hackett on Jan. 3. Edgar Carter Gafford, 33, of 1014 W. Fourth St., was arrested Feb. 13 at the jail for second-degree theft. He allegedly took silver coins and jewelry valued at $1,360 from a display case at Cedar Valley Coins and Collectibles, 1100 Ansborough Ave., on Jan. 11. Denise Susanna Obrien, 40, of 403 Sunnyside Ave., was arrested Feb. 6 at her home for serious domestic assault. She allegedly assaulted Kevin Henderson, 52. Tashieyana Loretta Oneal, 20, of 504 Lipton St., was arrested Feb. 6 at 504 Riehl St. for first-offense operating while intoxicated following a traffic accident. Esad Begic, 50, of Waterloo, was arrested Feb. 5 at the police station for second-degree burglary, aggravated domestic assault and violation of a no contact order. He allegedly assaulted Jasna Covic, 48. Christopher Lee Scott, 37, of 815 Grant Ave., was arrested Feb. 5 at 1422 Flammang Drive for third-degree theft. He allegedly took $308 in items from Hy-Vee on Flammang Drive. Trudi Ann Mathes, 34, and Willis Wade Wrase-Lasley, 37, of Tama, were arrested Feb. 5 at 1501 E. San Marnan Drive for third-degree theft. They allegedly took $306 worth of items from Target. Wrase-Lasley was also arrested for possession of a theft detection removal tool, removal of a theft detection device and possession of marijuana. Bruce Lawrence Grant Jr., 55, of Waterloo, was arrested Feb. 4 at the police station for second-degree theft and burglary to a vehicle. He allegedly took a laptop computer, phone and other items from a vehicle parked at 2181 Logan Ave. on Jan. 18. Jordan Cane Castro, 19, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested Feb. 3 at 1155 Lantern Square for serious domestic assault and child endangerment. He allegedly assaulted Brianna Owens, 18. Roy Anthony Baker, 33, of 227 Oliver St., was arrested Jan. 2 on Oliver Street for first-offense operating while intoxicated, driving while suspended and misdemeanor eluding following a traffic stop. Abraham Garz, 23, of 212 Lafayette St., was arrested Jan. 1 at 506 W. Ninth St. for first-offense operating while intoxicated. Joseph Jagger Hageman, 21, of 619 Marsh St., was arrested Jan. 1 on Kimball Avenue for first-offense operating while intoxicated and possession of marijuana following a traffic stop. Daryl Jetnil, 32, of 803 Sonya Drive, was arrested Jan. 1 at her home for third-offense operating while intoxicated and driving while barred following an accident at West Ninth Street and Ridgeway Avenue. Burglary: Joyce Wilder reported the theft of tools and a bike during a burglary to 2645 E. Fourth St. on Feb. 8. Counterfeit: A counterfeit $20 bill was discovered at Veridian Credit Union, 1827 Ansborough Ave., on Feb. 13 Black Hawk County Sheriffs Office William Clay Carrol Holman, 49, of Waterloo, was arrested Feb. 7 at the jail for second-degree theft and two counts of third-degree theft. He allegedly passed $1,578 worth of checks in September. Trevon Michael Good, 21, of Waterloo, was arrested Feb. 7 at the jail for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Officers with the Tri-County Drug Enforcement Task Force found 16 grams of marijuana during a search at 317 N. Francis Drive, Cedar Falls, on June 2. Jeffrey Paul Meyer, 29, of Evansdale, was arrested Feb. 5 on River Forest Road for first-offense operating while intoxicated. Dano Rodney Phillips, 60, of Cedar Rapids, was arrested Feb. 5 for two counts of forgery. He allegedly passed stolen checks in September 2014. John Joseph Sanford Jr., 41, of 314 Allen St., Waterloo, was arrested Feb. 7 on West Third Street for possession of amphetamines with intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop. Patrica Lynn Virginia Miles, 32, of Waterloo, was arrested for third-degree theft and fifth-degree fraudulent practices. She allegedly used a stolen vehicle validation tag on her car. Dustin Keith Runyon, 26, of 1521 Iowa St., Cedar Falls, was arrested Feb. 1 at Covenant Medical Center for serious domestic assault. He allegedly assaulted Katie Kolar. C.J. Stark, 25, of 7046 La Porte Road, Washburn, was arrested Jan. 31 at the jail for second-degree burglary and trespassing. He allegedly entered 822 Fairview Ave., Waterloo. Cedar Falls Police Log Nicholas Holmes Williams, 21, of Cedar Falls, was arrested Feb. 7 on 12th Street for first-offense operating while intoxicated in connection with a Jan. 2 accident with a tree. Clarence Ray Hovenga, 27, of Dike, was arrested Feb. 7 for second-offense operating while intoxicated and child endangerment following a traffic stop where a 1-year-old child was a passenger. Dorondis Davaris Cooper, 30, of 412 Archer Ave., Waterloo, was arrested Feb. 5 on University Avenue for first-offense operating while intoxicated following a traffic stop. Bryce Robert Hinders, 18, of 4301 Stewart Lane, was arrested Feb. 5 on Center Street for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. Police found marijuana and scales during a traffic stop. David Alan Habenicht, 47, of 921 Maple St., was arrested Feb. 5 at 2425 Center St. for third-offense operating while intoxicated and third-degree theft. He allegedly took beer from Caseys General Store. WATERLOO --- A woman who live streamed herself berating Cedar Rapids police in November has been arrested after she allegedly led authorities on a chase Tuesday afternoon. Melyssa Jo Kelly, 65, was detained after another motorist blocked her path on a Cedar Falls highway, said Capt. David Mohlis with the Waterloo Police Department. She was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail, and charges are pending. Police were called after a woman allegedly took a cap from a mans head at CVS pharmacy in Waterloo and then drove off in a Toyota Prius, Mohlis said. A patrol officer spotted the vehicle in downtown Waterloo, and the ensuing chase took off on U.S. Highway 218 into Cedar Falls with speeds of up to 80 mph. Troopers with the Iowa State Patrol and Cedar Falls police officers joined the pursuit. Another driver blocked the Prius on southbound Iowa Highway 58 just south of the Cedar River bridge, and the Prius driver was taken into custody, Mohlis said. Kelly caught the publics attention in November when she live streamed herself berated police officers in a downtown Cedar Rapids coffee shop, calling them vicious thugs and pigs until the shops management asked her to leave. In the video, Kelly commented on a black band over a Cedar Rapids officers badge, which was in memorial to two police officers from Des Moines and Urbandale who had been killed earlier that month. Kelly talked about a man who had been shot and wounded by a Cedar Rapids officer, also in November. On Monday morning, Miller shared his background on growing up in the Cedar Valley in Independence and how he got into politics. He also went into his reasons for running against incumbent Paul Pate. In particular, he expressed that the ability to vote especially early and mail-in voting had become more difficult during Pates tenure. WATERLOO The Black Hawk County Gaming Association on Monday unanimously awarded a $1 million grant to Hawkeye Community College for its planned new adult learning center. Hawkeye received one of six grants approved by the associations board as part of its quarterly disbursement of funds from the Isle Casino and Hotel in Waterloo. The association holds the casinos gaming license and receives 5.75 percent of the casinos gross receipts to disburse in grants to nonprofit and public projects. The $13 million, 45,000-square-foot adult learning center will be built between West Mullan Avenue and West First Street on the south side of Jefferson Street. About $8 million of the cost will come from a $25 million bond issue passed in February 2015. Remaining funding sources will include other grants and a capital campaign. Board members noted in the motion to approve the Hawkeye grant that if the scope of the project is reduced because the needed funds arent raised, college officials would need to return to them for a review of the grants size. The funds will be disbursed over three years. A hub for educational and assistance services, the center will house nursing and computer numerical control machining programs, English language learner and adult basic education programs, a childcare center, a medical clinic, and a third-floor event center and art gallery. Construction is expected to begin this spring. Hawkeyes Metro Center, 844 W. Fourth St., and Martin Luther King Jr. Center, 515 Beech St., will close when the new center opens. Other grants awarded Monday included: $500,000 to the Waterloo Leisure Services for boat house enhancements. $400,000 to Christian Community Development/House of Hope to renovate transitional housing on West Fourth Street, creating 15 apartments for homeless single women and their children. $61,750 to the American Red Cross for a next generation emergency response vehicle. $20,550 to the city of Shell Rock Emergency Services for a compressor and self-contained breathing apparatus. $1,997 to Comprehensive Systems, Inc. for a multi-sensory environment project at a group home in Waterloo. Requested projects that didnt get funded were for $57,500 for the the Aspire Therapy Riding Program and $2,500 for Bel Canto Cedar Valley. In other business, the board approved an extension for the Cedar Bend Humane Society until Dec. 31 to use a $10,000 grant awarded in August 2015. The agency was supposed to use the grant, which is to build an outreach facility for volunteers, by this past September. The board also heard a report that adjusted gross revenues for casinos across the state were down 4 percent in January compared to a year earlier. Admissions were down 5 percent. At the Isle, revenues were down 4 percent and admissions were down 14 percent. WATERLOO Of the 33 firearms that the Waterloo Police Departments Violent Crime Apprehension Team seized last year, at least 18 were the result of tips received by Officer Jamie Sullivan, according to police. Police Chief Daniel Trelka cited that statistic Monday as Sullivan was named the Waterloo Exchange Clubs Officer of the Year for 2016. Over the years, Sullivan has provided valuable information to others that has resulted in numerous arrests and solved numerous crimes, including homicides, Trelka said. Thats just how Jamie is. Hes always on the go. Trelka said Sullivan frequently fields tips from members of the public, often taking phone calls during his days off. The chief also cited Sullivans skills at interviewing and building a rapport with people he encounters. A Wapsi Valley High graduate, Sullivan earned a degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette in 2002, and he served with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office before he joined the Waterloo Police Department in 2006. Since that time, he has been assigned to third-shift patrol and VCAT. Also receiving kudos Monday was James G. Scott, who was named the departments Reserve Officer of the Year. Every year, Jim puts in a tremendous amount of time and effort into keeping the (reserve) unit intact and performing at a very high standard, Trelka said. He said Scott has written grants to provide the reserve officers with new radio equipment and often fills in for other reserves officers. Scott has been a reserve officer since 1991. He is a Cedar Rapids native who graduated from the former Hawkeye Tech. He works at Harrison Truck Center as an information technology manager. Reserves earn $2 a year for their work and often provide their own equipment for the job, Trelka said. The two received their awards Monday during a Waterloo Exchange Club luncheon at the Elks Club. WATERLOO It was called the war to end all wars. But it wasnt. The United States entered it to make the world safe for democracy, only to have to fight totalitarianism again a quarter century later. It was called the Great War, the World War, but finally became known as World War I. For America, it started 100 years ago this year, and the Grout Museum District is preparing for a centennial exhibition of the many uniforms and artifacts it has collected over the past several decades from families of local residents. While there are no living veterans of that war, the Grout amassed a considerable collection from families of those veterans and will have much of it on display for six months, beginning in June, in an exhiblt titled From the Prairie to the Trenches: Iowans in the Great War. Museum staff are already preparing items for exhibition. The advantage of World War I is that we have such a large collection, said Chris Shackelford, the Grout districts exhibits and programs assistant. Some is in archives and a smaller amount is on permanent display in the Grouts Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. For how much we already have in our permanent exhibit, its going to be really nice to get out so much of what we have. Like World War II some 20-25 years later, America initially delayed entering the European conflict by two to three years, until April 1917. By the time the war ended 19 months later, in November 1918, four million Americans served, half of them overseas, and 116,000 lost their lives and another 200,000 were wounded. About 115,000 Iowans served and 3,000 were killed or wounded, according to the National Archives. Waterloos Fairview Cemetery contains a circle of World War I soldiers graves around a machine gun of that era. Some of the items at the Grout include uniforms of: Pvt. Leonard Walters of Tipton, who served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps as an orderly or ambulance driver. Lt. Col. C.C. Bronson of Waterloo, a member of Iowa Gov. William Hardings personal honor guard during the war. The uniform is rare in that the sleeves bear red stars which soon became impossible to wear when they became the emblem of the Red Army following the birth of the Soviet Union in October 1917. A uniform of a U.S. Army Air Service mechanic, Private John H. Rohrssen of Barclay Township in Black Hawk County, who was stationed at Kelly Air Field in San Antonio, where he served on border patrol against the forces of Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa, who raided Columbus, N.M., and locations in Texas in 1916. Haddys Hixson, a U.S. Marine who served in a supply unit, and the father of Dale Hixson, active for years with Becker-Chapman Americal Legion Post 138. A complete horse cavalry saddle and stirrup set. Various boots and munitions. A Marlin potato digger light machine gun. And theres so many complete sets of personal belongings, said Nick Erickson, museum collections registrar at the Grout, who is writing and researching a University of Northern Iowa graduate paper on the war. The peak donation time for World War I veterans was the 1970s and 80s, because thats when most of the First World War veterans were dying. Weve seen a little uptick lately, as people clean out attics of the next generation, children of World War I veterans who kept their parents artifacts. Some older individuals who kept their parents artifacts, aging themselves, are simply looking for a rightful place for those artifacts. This is a privilege to be able to do this exhibit, Erickson said. A part of this project is actually getting us organized and finding out what we have available to us for World War I, said Erin Dawson, the Grouts exhibits curator. Were going through our collections, picking out whats World War I and then narrowing down, depending on what we see the exhibit becoming. In addition to marking the 100th anniversary of Americas entry into the war, were trying to place special interest on minority populations and womens involvement in the war, Shackelford said. More than 200,000 African-Americans served in World War I. Therell be a large section devoted to the training of African-Americans at Fort Des Moines, Camp Dodge, Shackelford said, as well as some very particular stories, anecdotal stories about womens service, not only just in the armed services but the Red Cross and other service organizations affiliated with the military. They served alongside, not quite in yet, Dawson said of womens service. But that service was important. Another portion of the exhibit will be the reactions to the war on the home front. Tentative start date for the exhibit is June 27, Dawson said. It will run concurrent with a year-long Korean War exhibit to begin in July. One historic figure connecting the two exhibits, and conflicts, is Gen. Douglas MacArthur, and Grout staff said that will be acknowledged. MacArthur, best known as commander of U.S. ground forces in the Pacific in World War II, was a commander in the Armys 42nd Rainbow Division during World War I which included Iowa units, and he also was United Nations forces commander in Korea until dismissed by President Harry Truman, a fellow World War I veteran. According to a Black Hawk County historic website maintained by the University of Northern Iowa, Rainbow Drive, a main road in Waterloo-Cedar Falls, was so named in 1918 to honor Earl King, one of Black Hawk Countys first volunteers in World War I. He was a member of Company B Infantry, 42nd Rainbow Division Republicans last week completed a massive rewrite of Iowas laws that govern how public employees collectively bargain for wages and benefits. The legislation was dramatic in its scope, significantly weakening employees bargaining posture moving forward. The bill was 46 pages long and essentially re-wrote a law that was first authored in 1974. And it was signed into law a mere 10 days after it was introduced. Thats a relatively quick shelf life for any piece of legislation, much less one this significant. And that drew the ire of many of the bills opponents. Statehouse Democrats, union leaders and many other people who opposed the bill were sharply critical of Republicans for fast-tracking it through the legislative process. Republicans defended the process, saying they followed all procedural rules and gave the bill ample time for debate in the Iowa Capitol. As with anything there are two sides to this debate, and both have some merit. Republicans are accurate when they say they followed all legislative rules that govern how a bill moves through the Iowa Capitol from being introduced to being passed by committees and then the full chambers before going to the governors office for his signature. They also held a public hearing on the bill, giving Iowans a chance to voice their concerns directly to lawmakers at the Capitol. That said, the bill moved through the Capitol just about as quickly as is allowed. A typical bill will take weeks, even months, to move through the legislative process. Not that there are no exceptions, even regarding significant legislation: Earlier this year the K-12 public school funding bill was signed into law nine days after it was first introduced, and in 2015 a contentious bill that increased the state gas tax by 10 cents per gallon was signed into law just 14 days after it was introduced. Legislators can move quickly when so motivated. But the argument went something like the collective bargaining bill deserved more time in the sun before it was signed into law. Democrats were similarly upset over the length of time spent debating the bill, especially when Republicans in the majority Thursday implemented a seldom-used deadline to cut off debate over the bill and force final votes. Debate spanned three days at the Capitol exceedingly long for the vast majority of legislation that passes through the chamber. Very few are debated even over the span of two days much less three. And by my unofficial count, debate lasted 27 hours in the Senate (including one overnight session) and 14 hours in the House. Those figures, too, are exceptionally high. And Republicans spent very little time speaking during debate in either chamber, so Democrats had plenty of time at the microphone. The other argument made was the public did not have sufficient time to weigh in. Legislators were face-to-face with their constituents for only one 90-minute public hearing and one weekend back home in their districts. Shortly after the bill passed the House, I asked Republican Speaker Linda Upmeyer if she felt the public was given sufficient time to provide feedback on the bill to legislators. Weve had, as weve talked about here, phone calls, emails. I cant tell you the number of members that have come back and said, Hey, Ive got a school teacher, superintendent, board member, a county supervisor that wants to know how this will work. We went and found out, got the answer to them, Upmeyer said. So during this whole time and weve been talking about this since we started session and before this conversation was going on. We were reaching out to people and getting feedback from people. The bill changed based on what we heard. We listened. ... So I think its not a number of days that youre in the district doing forums as long as you have opportunities, phone calls, emails, that kind of thing. Its a combination of all of that. The election REX JOHNSON WATERLOO We have to elect people as we have in the past. Listen to a politician tell us what he is going to do, and we know its not going to happen. We cant elect someone who tells us what he or she is going to do and then does it; that is not the American way. An Old West saying is we want to keep snake oil on the market. Long memories BRIAN PETERS CEDAR FALLS As a longtime resident and homeowner in Cedar Falls, I want to express my appreciation to the city of Cedar Falls and its union employees for agreeing to a contract before the Republicans in Des Moines had a chance to destroy collective bargaining for public employees. As a taxpayer I believe a long-term agreement like this will promote a stable city work force that will be a big benefit for the community. When the next city council elections are held, I will remember the support shown for this agreement. On the other hand, when November 2018 rolls around, the citizens of this state will remember the people who voted to gut Chapter 20 and upend the relationship between public employees and the school boards, city councils, county supervisors, state government, etc., they work for a relationship that has served the citizens of the state well for 40 years. I thought bipartisanship might still be possible in Des Moines, but this bill was fast tracked through without any input from people directly affected by it and which a vast majority of people contacting their legislator during the short debate opposed. The voters in this state will remember. Tax dollars KIE MAAS WATERLOO Last week, America spoke out and asked the 115th Congress to reroute taxpayer dollars from Planned Parenthood, including here in Cedar Falls to comprehensive health care centers. More than 225 #DefundPP events took place in 43 states and the nations capital, drawing tens of thousands of people rallying to protest tax dollar support of Planned Parenthood. Each year Planned Parenthood performs more than 320,000 abortions, 34 percent of the annual total. They provide less than 2 percent of manual breast exams, less than 1 percent of pap smear tests and zero mammograms for women in America. Thats not addressing womens health, reproductive or otherwise. Why not redirect our tax money to federally qualified health centers that provide a wider range of health care services and a higher standard of care? Reallocating tax dollars to supporting legitimate providers of comprehensive womens health care frees us from having to deal with Planned Parenthoods increasingly negative image. Congress has investigated Planned Parenthoods involvement in harvesting and selling fetal tissue. Do we really want that kind of business in our neighborhood? I urge Cedar Valley residents to contact your Iowa congressmen and U.S. senators and representatives and urge them to defund Planned Parenthood now. Minimum wages BRIAN McMILLAN TRAER Currently, the state government of Iowa wishes not only to set a mandatory minimum wage across the state, but also they are using dictatorial terms in doing so and taking away yet another power from local government in the process. This actually is a remarkably bad idea for a number of reasons fundamental to our system of government. Our society is complex: We have people of many ages, races, ideologies, etc., so in order to govern and represent them all we need a government which is equally complex. And since our society lives in communities we need a patchwork governmental system which reflects our society. Rather than expanding state powers, we need to do just the opposite help empower and organize local governments so they are more autonomous and efficient. The Courier says Iowa has a nonsensical number of county governments, but how many people work in each of these and what size of job is expected of them? Can so few county representatives possibly represent all of the views of people at the local level, and why are county governments so poorly organized in comparison with states and feds in the first place? It only aids special interests. Bridge canopy ROMAN FRACKIEWIECZ WATERLOO Let me share a novel concept to city leaders anguishing over the bridge canopy; its called preventive maintenance. I have walked the Waterloo bridges countless times over the years and watched the obvious deterioration and wondered whos in charge? Maybe city leaders need to get out and walk the bridges and other city assets and mitigate the little manageable issues before they need major capital investments. Q. What are the dates of the Iowa State Fair this year? A. Aug. 10-20. Q. Will the new SingleSpeed pub have an open house in the future? A. SingleSpeed owner Dave Morgan said he doesn't believe he'll have any more open houses -- the building was last open during the Tour de 'Loo. The pub is slated to open to the public in April, at which point you can presumably hold your own informal open house anytime. Q. While watching the Waterloo budget session, Michele Weidner, the chief financial officer, said we are now funding animal control out of the sewer funds. Why are they using these funds for something other than the sewer? How much was in the budget for animal control last year and how much is in the budget this year? A. Weidner noted the city moved animal control funding to the sanitation fund, which is covered by garbage fees, not the sewer fund. The decision was made by the City Council last year to help lower property taxes. The adopted Waterloo Animal Control budget for the current fiscal year shows $101,250 in revenue and $271,114 in expenses, with the difference covered by sanitation funds. Q. The Courier had an article about Chris Schwartz, a paid supervisor, organizing a protest. Is it illegal for someone in his capacity to do this? How much will it cost the city to control the protest? A. There is nothing illegal about a county supervisor organizing or participating in a political rally or protest. You don't lose your constitutional right to free speech by winning elected office. Cedar Falls Director of Public Safety Services Jeff Olson said police had communicated with the organizers of the rally before and during the event to provide for a safe environment for the rally. The Police Division scheduled on-duty officers and reserve officers to provide security for the event. Some officers worked overtime before and after their regularly scheduled hours, which accumulated to about $350. Q. Can you print why they moved the light on Ridgeway Avenue to the middle of the block between Oregon and West 11th streets? Also, why didnt they put in any sidewalks? A. We published a very lengthy explanation of this situation last April. In short, a signalized pedestrian crossing needs to be at least 100-feet from an intersection controlled by stop signs for safety reasons, especially given the speeds on Ridgeway. Sidewalks were not required as part of the city's subdivision ordinances when that area developed years ago. The city requires sidewalks for all new residential developments now but does not retroactively force residents to install them. Q. If they redo the canopy on Fourth Street will they have security cameras and also security there to eliminate the robbing and violence that occurred when it was first built? A. The proposed bridge project does not include security cameras. There have not been many reports of violence on the bridge in recent years. Questions are taken on a special Courier phone line at 234-3566. Questions are answered by Courier staff and staff at the Waterloo Public Library. Around Midland and around the world, loving and leading all people to deeper life in Jesus Christ. 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29 (1) May 11 (1) Jul 11 (1) Middle East Eye IS video threatens to increase its attacks on Christians and labels Muslim Brotherhood, Salafists, and Azharis as 'apostates' Egyptians hold vigil for victims of attack on Coptic church on 11 December, 2016 (AFP) The Islamic State group has threatened Coptic Christians, the Muslim Brotherhood, Salafists, and al-Azhar clerics in wide-ranging video promising more attacks in Egypt similar to a church bombing in December. The group said there was a need for more attacks on wealthy Copts, singling out the Sawiris family, Egypts most famous billionaire Christian family. IS also attacked the Muslim Brotherhood, as well as the Salafi, pro-government Nour Party, labelling them both apostates due to their public stands of solidarity with Copts following IS attacks. The militant group also labelled as apostates leading Egyptian clerics following their strong criticism of IS attacks on Christians. Those named as apostates in the video include the grand imam of al-Azhar mosque, Ahmed el-Tayeb, and Salafi sheikh Mohammed Hassan. IS named the Coptic Cathedral attacker as Abu Abdullah el-Masry, an Egyptian citizen from the mainland, as opposed to the Sinai Peninsula where the group has its main base. They threatened to carry out similar attacks, adding: To my brothers in prison, we swear we will free Cairo soon, and free you, and come with explosions. According to IS, Egypts Coptic Christians have broken their "contracts" with the Muslims, and now constitute a tool of the crusaders against the Islamic faith. For this reason, the militant group said Egypts Christian community would be the target of further attacks similar to the Coptic Cathedral bombing that killed and injured dozens in December. IS said that the generally estimated number of Copts in Egypt, up to 18 million, is incorrect, and that their real number is not more than four million. Despite this, IS also said that Coptic investment made up 40 percent of Egypts economy. IS is most active in Egypts Sinai province, and aims to expand from there into Egypts other more populous provinces. This website is all about The Beatles and the individual members of The Beatles. It is kept by Roger Stormo, who has been associated with the Norwegian Beatles fan club, "Norwegian Wood", since 1980. Feel free to quote from the site, but please give me credit and a link back to the original item. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This is not a news site per se, but if we hear about something that has yet to be reported by other Beatles news services, we tend to write about it. Apart from that, we will write stuff about the Beatles on an irregular basis at the whim of the author. A lot of our readers arrive at specific articles from internet searches or references to this site from forums and other Beatles sites. If you did, we encourage you to click here to access the main page, and also to indulge in our archives - you may find other posts that are interesting. You may also subscribe to news from the site and have each new issue delivered to your rss feed reader. This is not a begging letter... but feel free to support me by donating money! It'll keep me in business... Or just buy a t-shirt! Or take a look at my Amazon wish list ...If you have Beatles related product to push, feel free to send us a copy, the address is:Roger StormoBaglergata 21BNO-2004 LillestrmNORWAYemail: roger.stormo@gmail.com We can't promise that your product will be featured on the site, but it stands a better chance than the ones we don't get... US consortium calls for public-private SMR support 20 February 2017 Share A consortium of small modular reactor (SMR) developers and customers has issued a policy statement setting out the benefits of public-private partnerships to facilitate the commercialisation and export of US-designed SMRs. The SMR Start consortium, which was launched in January 2016, said SMRs were a "strategic option" for the US to meet the need for new generation capacity from the mid-2020s onwards. Commercialisation of new nuclear technologies involves large upfront first-of-a-kind costs and a relatively long timeframe to complete licensing and design activities, the consortium said. Investment of such amounts, over the timeframes required and without contractual commitments, presented a "unique challenge" to companies, the consortium said. Public-private partnerships - similar to those that provide support for the introduction of other new energy technologies - would help ensure the successful commercialisation of SMRs, the consortium said, stimulating the private investments required to ensure that the technology continues to advance and is capable of competing in overseas markets without additional direct support once the technology matures. "Such partnerships are an appropriate policy due to the public benefits derived from SMRs that are not valued in the energy markets, such as carbon-free generation and improved electricity grid reliability", it said. The policy document called on the US government to establish public-private partnerships to support the development of two or more SMR designs, the deployment of four or more commercial SMR facilities domestically, and the development of a domestic supply chain to support the SMR market, including the export of SMRs. It said the US Department of Energy's (DoE's) SMR Licensing Technical Support (LTS) program, providing initial funding of up to $452 million on a cost share basis, was "much appreciated but not sufficient in the current business environment to achieve large-scale SMR commercialisation." It called for the LTS program, scheduled to end in fiscal 2017, to be expanded to cover design finalisation as well as licensing and to be extended to fiscal 2025, "with a commensurate increase in funding". Public-private partnerships could support the deployment of SMRs through a combination of production tax credits, power purchase agreements and loan guarantees, the consortium said. Technology development could be supported through grid security and reliability programs and accelerated through access to and support from national laboratories. Investment tax credits (ITC) could support investments in SMR design and construction, and "kick-start" a supply chain and the manufacturing of components for both domestic and international SMR markets. "One SMR designer has invested in excess of $300 million in a state-of-the-art purpose-built SMR manufacturing facility in the US", it noted. "An SMR ITC should be established to incentivise investments in US SMR manufacturing facilities. This is similar in amount to the ITC for renewable energy sources", it said. "Private companies and DoE have invested over $1 billion in the development of SMRs. However, more investment, through public-private partnerships is needed in order to assure that SMRs are a viable option in the mid-2020s. In addition to accomplishing the public benefit from SMR deployment, the federal government would receive a return on investment through taxes associated with investment, job creation and economic output over the lifetime of the SMR facilities that would otherwise not exist without the US government's investment," the consortium said. SMRs can generally be described as nuclear reactors with a typical capacity of 300 MWe equivalent or less, designed with modular technology using module factory fabrication, allowing economies of series production and short construction times. The DoE has supported their development through several initiatives. Earlier this year NuScale Power submitted the first-ever SMR design certification application to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, with a preferred site identified at the Idaho National Laboratory for a potential first-of-a-kind reactor. The regulator has also accepted for review from the Tennessee Valley Authority an application for an early site permit for a potential SMR at Clinch River in Tennessee. The application was developed with the support of the DoE's LTS program. SMR Start was established by SMR vendors and potential customers to advocate for SMRs in the USA. Its members are Areva, Bechtel, BWXT, Dominion, Duke Energy, Energy Northwest, Fluor, Holtec International, NuScale Power, Ontario Power Generation, PSEG Nuclear, Southern Nuclear, the Tennessee Valley Authority and Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems. The US Nuclear Energy Institute collaborates with the consortium on policies and priorities relating to SMR technology. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Restructuring allows Paladin to grow, says CEO 21 February 2017 Share A restructuring of Paladin Energy's balance sheet, announced in January, will position the Australia-based uranium company to increase production rather than service its debt in response to a 'normalising' uranium market, its CEO said yesterday. Langer Heinrich (Image: Paladin) In an interview broadcast by Australian stockbroking firm CommSec, Alexander Molyneux said the restructuring, which would see the conversion of $362 million in existing bonds into other forms of bonds and shares, was "the most important" thing for the company. "We have had a problem with our balance sheet over the last couple of years," Molyneux said. "We've been very successful in cutting costs; we've been very successful in having a very consistent production. But our share price and our whole business have been dragged down by our debt burden." Paladin announced in August last year plans to sell 24% of its flagship Langer Heinrich uranium mine in Namibia and up to 75% of its Manyingee project in Western Australia. The transactions had been expected to raise over $200 million, but in December the company notified the Australian Securities Exchange the sale of the Langer Heinrich stake to CNNC Overseas Uranium Holdings was not expected to close by the end of the year as planned. In January, in the absence of further progress on the sale, Paladin announced the balance sheet restructuring to enable it to meet a $212 million debt obligation due in April. Molyneux said yesterday the restructuring would, on completion, immediately reduce the company's debt from $380 million to $150 million, and extend its earliest debt maturity from 2017 to 2022. This, he said, would give it a sustainable balance sheet and a position in which to grow as the uranium market continues to "normalise". It would then be able to invest in restarting the Kayelekera mine and expanding Langer Heinrich, rather than dealing with its debt. Kayelekera, in Malawi, has been under care and maintenance since 2014. In September last year, he said it would take take 18-24 months to bring the mine back into production. Supplier action Uranium suppliers are taking action in response to declining uranium demand over recent years, Molyneux said. So-called 'demand disappointment', meaning the withdrawal of Japanese utilities from the uranium market after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident, while many European and North American utilities ran down uranium stockpiles, was the "big reason" for uranium price decline. There have, however, been no major adjustments on the supply side to the decline in demand, with higher-cost producers able to continue operating thanks to long-term contracts. With the average term uranium contract being about six to seven years long, those contracts are starting to "roll off", Molyneux said. This had provided a "catalyst" to supplier action. "It's crunch time now, and we're seeing suppliers react," he said. Kazakhstan's announcement in January of plans to cut supply by 10% is a key development, Molyneux said, since that country accounts for 40% of global uranium supply. Paladin used to be more exposed to spot uranium pricing and did not have the "protection" of term uranium contracts, but it is now "uniquely positioned" for the changing market, Molyneux said. "On the downside we were hurt more than others Now though, we have had to address our cost structure in a more urgent way than our peers. Our costs have come down ... so when the uranium prices turn around, as they will continue to do so, we have the maximum leverage to the upside. We can expand our production by 60% to 70% in volume terms as uranium prices increase." The restructuring is expected to conclude in late March or early April. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Here are the 1961 projections side by side with the actual 1976 population numbers for Ontario, downloaded from Statistics Canada's CANSIM table 051-0001. (An image taken from the Ontario Economic Survey can be found at the end of the post): Back in the 1960s, the Ontario government's Department of Economics dutifully cranked out annual population forecasts. What is remarkable about these forecasts is how far wrong they were. The economists completely failed to predict the demographic changes that were about to hit Ontario. The Ontario Department of Economics projections were most spectacularly wrong for children under 10. The economists failed to anticipate the end of the baby boom. They also, it seems, underestimated the improvements in life expectancy that would be enjoyed by older Canadians, and the amount of migration into Ontario. Now one could argue that the early 1960s collapse in birth rates was triggered by something completely outside the economists' demographic models - a unforeseen and unforeseeable technological change. Yet the fall in birth rates was predictable, even in 1961. With the brief exception of the 1950s, Canadian birth rates had been falling for most of the previous century - see the picture below borrowed from here: Indeed, by 1961 the number of births in Canada had already declined from its 1959 peak. The birth control pill had been in the market since 1957 - although not marketed as such - and had already been approved for contraceptive use in the US. Second-wave feminism was beginning. For example, US President John F Kennedy signed an Executive Order calling for a Presidential Commission on the Status of Women in 1961. If the forecasters in the Department of Economics had talked to historians, medical researchers, or even their wives, they might have come across some information that would have caused them to question their forecast of continuing high birth rates. Now one might say - so what? Why does it matter that the Ontario Department of Economics got the demographic forecasts spectacularly wrong? It matters because governments, firms, and other economic actors rely on demographic forecasts to make investment decisions. If the demographic forecasts are wrong, schools get built unnecessarily. Medical students train as obstetricians, when they would be better off becoming orthopaedic surgeons. Real estate developers build homes for large families, not small ones. Inaccurate demographic forecasts are unlikely to be good economic ones. This historical incident matters because it says something about why long-term economic forecasting is hard and how forecasts could be improved. What I take from this story is that sometimes questioning the parameters of a model, and bringing in additional information from novel sources, may be of greater value than refining and tweaking a business-as-usual model. For those who are interested, here is an image showing the 1961 Ontario population forecasts: Doncaster-based The Topping Pie Company has shipped its first orders to New Zealand. The Topping Pie Company has partnered with UK food exporter Smylie Ltd. This has enabled it to ship its first export orders to Union Jacks, which operates a chain of UK food stores in Auckland, New Zealand (NZ), targeting the expat community and domestic consumers. A range of award-winning handcrafted pies have been listed by the retailer, all made with British Red Tractor pork meat and ingredients including Dinky Topped Cranberry, Cheese & Pickle, and Stilton. Smylie Ltd, a north west-based family-run food exporter, specialises in sourcing and distributing British food and drink for the export market, supplying supermarkets, distributors, embassies and foodservice companies internationally. Roger Topping, managing director of The Topping Pie Company, said: We are excited to secure another export order after our recent success with The Co-operative Society in the Channel Islands. New Zealand is a popular destination for British expats and we know they crave a little taste of home, so we are delighted to be able to deliver a slice of Britain with the support of Smylies dedicated team of experts. The FDF recently announced that total food and drink exports grew by 10.5% to a record figure of more than 20bn. Feb 21, 2017 | By Tess 3D printed prosthetic hand maker Open Bionics has taken home the International UAE Robotics for Good Award, a recognition that includes $1 million in funding. The award, which was presented to the UK-based startup this past Saturday, was given out as part of the UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good competition. Photo: Open Bionics Facebook The competition, as the official award website says, intends to support innovation in the key area of artificial intelligence and robotics as part of the UAEs commitment towards the National Innovation Strategy. It is no wonder then that Open Bionics, an organization that has, since 2014, dedicated itself to developing and providing affordable 3D printed bionic hands to those in need, would take home the International Robotics prize. Open Bionics was selected out of a pool of over a thousand applicants from all over the globe, each of which submitted their own innovative technology for consideration. Other notable applicants included Unmanned Rover System (URS) in the category of social services/relief; Marsi-Bionics Gait Exoskeleton, a wearable device that helps children with neurological diseases to move more easily; the DOME Project; the Fathom One underwater drone; and more. We can only imagine how excited the team from Open Bionics is to have not only received recognition from the UAE but also to have received a sizeable monetary prize. Open Bionics expressed its excitement on Facebook, saying: Team OB just won the Robotics for Good Award in Dubai. Over 1,600 technologies for good applied and after competing against the top 10 best assistive technologies the judges chose our bionic hands! Now we have the funding to push our hands through the final stages of medical testing and finally get them to everyone who needs one. Here at 3Ders, weve covered Open Bionics innovative and humanitarian work closely, from its 3D printed superhero prosthetics for kids, to its expertly designed Deus Ex inspired prosthetic arm, to its easily assembled 500 3D printed robotic hand. And we have to say we are happy to see the Bristol-based startup achieve such success. Photo: Open Bionics Twitter Winners in the national categories are also worth mentioning here, as they each took home a prize of Dhs1 million for their projects. Daniel Waleeds team, from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) took home the national prize for the UAE AI/Robotic for Good Awards for their innovative In-Pipe Inspection Robot, a device capable of detecting gas leaks in pipes. In the national drone category, a team from the Sanad Academy in Dubai took home Dh1 million for their 3D printed Smart Ring drone. The idea behind the Smart Ring was to enhance traditional life-saving flotation rings with drone power. The Smart Ring, made up of only a few 3D printed parts, is designed to be deployed by life guards in order to help save drowning victims in a timely manner. The UAE AI & Robotics Award for Good competition was organized by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Fund. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: craigslist: thailand jobs, apartments, for sale, services, community, and events craigslist provides local classifieds and forums for jobs, housing, for sale, services, local community, and events Feb 21, 2017 | By Benedict 3D4Makers, a Netherlands-based developer of 3D printing materials, has devised a new way to extrude filament that does not require water. The companys multiple jet air cooling system can cool extruded 3D printing filament as effectively as water while reducing overall production time. 3D4Makers' Ardy Struijk with a prototype of the company's filament extruder In the highly competitive 3D printing industry, you would expect the odds to be stacked against a father-and-son business attempting to produce no less than 10 kinds of 3D printing filament, all from a small production facility in the Dutch city of Haarlem and with a total staff of just five people. Surprisingly, 3D4Makers seems to be doing just fine: the company makes high-performance engineering filaments such as PEEK, as well as more standard 3D printing materials, and has even become the first manufacturer in the world to create a filament made from polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polyester with a low melting point that is used in various medical devices. So just how is 3D4Makers managing to do all this? The secret, recently revealed by the Dutch 3D printing specialist, lies in its unique and innovative filament extrusion technique. Typically, filament producers use water to precisely cool lengths of newly extruded plastic to ensure an even shape and diameter. This is generally a very effective practice for creating a usable 3D printing material, but it has its drawbacks: all water absorbed by the plastic needs to be removed again, usually by baking it for several hours, or printing performance will be affected. Again, this is all well and good for producing good 3D printing filament, but with such fine margins for success in the industry, those hours of waiting for water to evaporate begin to add up. PLLA test print with an Ultimaker 3D printer 3D4Makers was faced with a dilemma: how could it continue to produce such a wide range of 3D printing materials at its small production facility when production of each spool of filament took such a long time? Would it have to reduce its wide portfolio of products to remain competitive, thereby destroying one of its biggest selling points? No. Instead, the Dutch filament manufacturer did something radical: it changed the way it cooled its filament, by eliminating the water phase altogether. Its alternative? High-pressure air jets. After two years of hard work developing a new production system, 3D4Makers eventually perfected a setup that uses multiple cooling air jets that replace water entirely. This means that plastic can be cooled down evenly and precisely, but without the need for hours of baking to remove absorbed water. This means that the small company can produce its wide range of 3D printing materials without losing precious time. Ardy Struijk, 3D4Makers head of marketing and sales, commented that he was proud of the team and [himself] for coming this far against all odds. Printing with 3D4Makers' PEEK 3D printing filament In addition to increasing production speed, 3D4Makers air jet extrusion system has brought other advantages. For example, the company has reported better layer adhesion in materials produced with its new extrusion system, resulting in better and stronger 3D printed parts. The team also found that impact resistance was increased in their waterless filament when compared with standard 3D printing materials made by other companies. The system even allows 3D4Makers to produce 100% pure filaments with no additives. 3D4Makers was started by father and son team Jan-Peter and Jasper Wille. Its portfolio of 3D printing filaments includes ABS, ASA, PLA, PLLA, PCL, PET-G, Hemp, PEEK, PEI, and PPSU. Posted in 3D Printing Materials Maybe you also like: Feb 21, 2017 | By Tess In terms of additive manufacturing, it has been a busy month for Swiss industrial tech company Oerlikon. Not only did it announce the upcoming establishment of an industrial 3D printing facility in Charlotte, North Carolina, but it has more recently signed two research partnershipswith the Technical University of Munich (TU Munich) in Germany, and the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech) in Russiato advance additive manufacturing technologies and surface solutions. According to the Swiss company, its letters of intent with both TU Munich and Skolkovo will seek to address and overcome existing challenges in industrial additive manufacturing, especially as the technology becomes increasingly in demand for the production of advanced and complex components. In other words, Oerlikon and both educational institutions will use their expertise in 3D printing to advance the manufacturing technology, making it more viable for mass production in such industries as aerospace, automotive, medical, and energy. Innovative technology is key to our growth strategy and a distinct advantage of Oerlikon, said Dr. Roland Fischer, CEO of Oerlikon. These partnerships mark important milestones in our efforts to take a leading position in additive manufacturing, as we are seeing a growing demand for advanced components that are lighter, with embedded functionality and can benefit from the increased design freedom of AM. Additive Manufacturing has the potential to meet these requirements. With our leading expertise in advanced materials and surface technologies, we are ideally positioned to drive this technology forward. TU Munich has been the home of many innovative 3D printing research projects, including the optimization of 3D printed infill structures, 3D printing bio-INK, and others. Within an academic context, it has been a key player in driving forward additive manufacturing technologies. The letter of intent between Oerlikon and TU Munich was signed by Dr. Fischer and Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Wolfgang Herrmann, President of the TU Munich. The agreement marks yet another partnership between academia and industry for the advancement of 3D printing. In conducting research, it is integral for us to work hand-in-hand with technology companies to develop solutions for practical industrial challenges and applications, commented Professor Herrmann. Partnering with Oerlikon exactly adds that perspective for us to drive forward our additive manufacturing research projects and opens up opportunities for exciting future research together. The Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, for its part, has also demonstrated expertise in advanced manufacturing, with a speciality in simulation processes and dedicated materials for additive manufacturing. Prof. Dr. Alexander Kuleshov, President of he Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, signed the research agreement with Oerlikon. Notably, both of Oerlikons research partnership agreements were signed in Munich, largely because the German state of Bavaria will be supporting the partnerships in a significant way. The region is known for its lucrative industrial and technology sectors, and importantly, its early adoption of 3D printing tech. Prof. Dr. Michael Suss, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Oerlikon, commented: In the name of the Board, we are proud to provide our expertise in materials and surface technologies to help advance the industrialization of additive manufacturing with two leading academic partners. Additive manufacturing is opening up new possibilities for the designing and manufacturing of industrial products. We need to exploit this potential to sustain the competitiveness of innovation-driven industrial regions such as Germany. Posted in 3D Printer Company Maybe you also like: Shehryar Fazli in the Los Angeles Review of Books: Timothy B. Tyson has written a concise and urgent book about Emmett Tills 1955 murder in a small Mississippi town, a crime that ignited civil rights defenders into a long, hard struggle against the Jim Crow regime in the South, and inspired an outraged Rosa Parks to defy segregation laws on a Montgomery city bus. Its a macabre story of inhumanity and injustice, but also of resistance and unity across a divided nation. The facts may be known, but bear repeating. Fourteen-year-old Emmett, during a visit from Chicago to his familys hometown of Money, Mississippi, allegedly whistled at a white woman, Carolyn Bryant, in a grocery store. After Bryant claimed, untruthfully, that the black boy had also grabbed her, her husband Roy Bryant and his half-brother J. W. Milam abducted Emmett from his grand uncles house, beat, mutilated and shot him, then dumped his body into the Tallahatchie River, from where it was recovered three days later. Just another lynching in the Jim Crow South until it wasnt. If it werent for the specific time and place, its unlikely to have become arguably the United Statess most consequential hate crime, the first act in a drama of reckoning that tested a nations moral fiber. Expertly, Tyson demarcates and mines the territory of Tills murder, including why the killers assumed it would go ignored; of the trial, which indeed concluded with a not-guilty verdict; and of the countrywide reaction to both. Yet his analysis of the big national moment does not upstage his attention to the Till familys unimaginable personal loss. More here. Tim Stanley in The Telegraph: Can a white person ever really understand how a black person sees the world? Back in 1959, six years before Martin Luther King marched for civil rights in Selma, one man tried. A white Texan writer called John Howard Griffin walked into a doctors office in New Orleans and asked him to turn his skin colour black. Griffin took oral medication and was bombarded with ultraviolet rays; he cut off his hair to hide an absence of curls and shaved the back of his hands. Then he went on a tour of the Deep South. The result was a bestselling book called Black Like Me, which is still regarded as an American classic. Griffin wanted to test the claim that although the southern United States was segregated it was essentially peaceful and just that the two races were separate but equal. What he discovered tells us a lot about the subtleties of racism. In 1959, unlike today, it was legally instituted. But, like today, it also flourished at the personal level in hostility, suspicion, fear and even self-loathing. Griffin was an extraordinary man. Born in Dallas in 1920, he went to school in France and joined the French Resistance after Hitler invaded. Griffin helped Jewish children escape to England before fleeing to America. While serving in the US army, he was blinded by shrapnel. Griffin took it all in his stride he married, had children and converted to Catholicism. Griffins strong personal faith reminds us that much of the civil rights movement was in fact a Christian mission made possible, in this instance, by what seemed like a miracle. Walking around his yard one afternoon, Griffin suddenly saw red swirls where hitherto there was only darkness. Within months his sight had returned. And it was a man determined to make the most of his second chance who hit upon the novel idea of crossing the colour line. Those reading the book today might regard Griffins attempt to change his colour as akin to blacking up. Certainly, the transformation was awkward. Griffin may well have had dark skin but he retained his classically Caucasian features, and one suspects that the awkwardness of his encounters with some black people was down to them wondering if he was one of them or just horribly sunburnt. More here. (Note: At least one post throughout February will be in honor of Black History Month) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Texas election officials have acknowledged that hundreds of people were allowed to bypass the state's toughest-in-the-nation voter ID law and improperly cast ballots in the November presidential election by signing a sworn statement instead of showing a photo ID. The chief election officers in two of the state's largest counties are now considering whether to refer cases to local prosecutors for potential perjury charges or violations of election law. Officials in many other areas say they will simply let the mistakes go, citing widespread confusion among poll workers and voters. The Texas law requires voters to show one of seven approved forms of identification to cast ballots. It was softened in August to allow people without a driver's license or other photo ID to sign an affidavit declaring that they have an impediment to obtaining required identification. Even after the affidavits were introduced, voters who possess an acceptable photo ID were still required to show it at the polls. The revelations come as President Donald Trump makes frequent claims that the nation's voting systems are vulnerable to fraud. The president has repeatedly said, without citing any evidence, that he would have won the popular vote if not for 3 million to 5 million immigrants in the country illegally who voted for his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton. An Associated Press analysis of roughly 13,500 affidavits submitted in Texas ' largest counties found at least 500 instances in which voters were allowed to get around the law by signing an affidavit and never showing a photo ID, despite indicating that they possessed one. Others used the sworn declarations to lodge protest statements against the law. One affidavit from Hidalgo County, along the Texas-Mexico border, read: "Did not want to 'pander' to government requirement." In Tarrant County, an election judge noted on an affidavit: "Had photo ID but refused to show it." "If we see that somebody blatantly says 'I have ID' and refused to show it, we're going to turn that over to the D.A.," said Stephen Vickers, chief deputy elections administrator for Tarrant County, which includes Fort Worth . "If they tried to use the affidavit to get around the system, yeah, I see that as a violation." The disclosures came as top Texas Republicans cheered the case of a Mexican national who was sentenced to eight years in prison for illegal voting. Rosa Maria Ortega was convicted earlier this month on two felony counts of illegal voting over allegations she improperly cast a ballot five times between 2005 and 2014 in Tarrant County. Her attorney has said Ortega was a permanent U.S. resident who mistakenly thought she was eligible to vote. Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton, both Republicans, cited the case as proof that voter fraud is real and requires preventative measures. Abbott crowed via Twitter: "In Texas you will pay a price for Voter Fraud." His office did not return a request for comment from the AP. Questionable affidavits were identified in more than 20 counties around the state. Tarrant County alone had at least two dozen. In Bexar County, home to San Antonio, the top election official estimated that a large chunk of the nearly 600 affidavits submitted should have been declined and voters instructed to cast provisional ballots instead. Travis County, which includes Austin, identified 70 such cases out of roughly 2,300 affidavits. In Fort Bend County, a suburb of Houston, more than 15 percent of voters who submitted 313 affidavits said they possessed a photo ID, but they were not required to show it. Under a court order issued last year, election officials were not allowed to question a voter's reason for signing an affidavit. The cases do not amount to voter fraud because people still had to be registered to vote to qualify for an affidavit, said John Oldham, Fort Bend County's elections chief. Poll workers were trained to "err on the side of letting people use the affidavit instead of denying them the chance to vote," Oldham said. "We don't consider it something that we want to go out and prosecute people over," Oldham said. "But I wish we didn't have this affidavit process. It makes the whole photo ID law entirely meaningless." The affidavit process was adopted after an appeals court ruled that the voter ID law discriminated against minorities. The change was intended to help voters who could not obtain identification for a variety of reasons, including disability or illness, lack of transportation or conflicts with work schedules. Nearly 9 million Texans cast ballots in the presidential election, according to state data, and Donald Trump defeated Hillary Clinton by more than 800, 000 votes statewide. That means the hundreds of disputed ballots could never have made a difference in the outcome at the top of the ticket. New York University's Brennan Center for Justice estimated that more than 16 ,000 affidavits were submitted statewide in Texas. The director of the center's voting rights and elections project said it would be difficult to prove voters intentionally tried to thwart the system by using an affidavit. "As far as I'm concerned, these are the better part of almost 20,000 voters that would not have been able to participate in this election," Myrna Perez said. "This is just a scratch on the surface." In August, Paxton warned that voters could be criminally prosecuted for signing an affidavit during the election if they had been issued driver's licenses or other IDs in the past. But a Paxton spokesman was far less harsh this week, saying "only local prosecutors can pursue those who perjured themselves by wrongfully voting with the reasonable impediment declaration." There will probably be some cases forwarded to prosecutors in Texas' largest county, which includes Houston. Stan Stanart, who oversees Harris County elections, said he believes some people who signed affidavits committed perjury and lied about forgetting their photo ID. "I suspect there were a number of people purposely breaking the law," he said. "Can you prove it in a court? Probably not without a serious investigation or a lot of legwork." https://apnews.com/b7b57fc61c5b462d871a942864c0afad/AP-Exclusive:-Hundreds- of-Texans-may-have-voted-improperly In a world where a blog is created every second does the world really need another blog? Well, it's got one. An irregular set of postings, weaving an intricate pattern around a diverse set of subjects. Comment on culture, technology, politics and the occasional rant about life. Alan ... in Belfast, Northern Ireland A new naval future fleet architecture study from the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments (CSBA) suggests that the United States Navy will need to develop a dedicated air superiority fighter to counter Russian and Chinese advances. Counter-air operations will require low observable manned fighters with an unrefueled combat radius of more than 500 nm, the CSBA report states . These characteristics will keep refueling aircraft out of range of enemy air defenses while enabling the fighters to reach and engage bombers in a dynamic environment inside the enemys air defense envelope. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the Lockheed Martin F-35C Joint Strike Fighterwhich are not dedicated air superiority fighterswould not be suitable to defeat advanced adversary air defenses or enemy aircraft such as the Chengdu J-20 or other Chinese fifth-generation warplanes. In contrast to todays multimission strike-fighters, such as the F-35C, the design of these aircraft would need to focus mostly on the fighter mission rather than strike, so that they would have the speed, endurance, maneuverability, and air-to-air sensor capability needed for counter-air operations, the report states. The new fighter would not only have to engage other fighters, like the Cold War-era Grumman F-14 Tomcat , the new aircraft would have to intercept Russian and Chinese strategic bombers before they could launch their payload of anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCM) at a carrier strike group. But unlike the F-14, the new interceptor would have to eliminate enemy bombers inside the range of hostile air defenses. With the ranges of air-launched ASCMs increasing to 1000 nm, ships may not be able to use long-range surface-to-air interceptors such as SM-6s to engage enemy bombers before they can launch their ASCMs, the report states. CVW aircraft will need to conduct this counter-air mission. Long range ASCMs also enable an adversarys bombers to launch attacks on the incoming Maneuver Force while the bombers are still protected by shore-based air defenses: defenses that can reach out to about 500 nm, depending on the targets altitude. The CSBA reportwhich was commissioned by the U.S. Navycalls for each carrier air wing to be equipped with one squadron of the notional new stealth fighters. However, the CSBA concept calls for a pair of carriers and air wings to operate together an integrated maneuver force rather than as part of a single strike group. Within the Maneuver Force, aircraft could be shifted between the two CSGs, so one CSG supports ongoing operations, while the other rearms and makes repairs or modifications on both carriers aircraft. And with multiple CVW aircraft available, the Maneuver and Deterrence Force could provide aircraft to the joint force, such as fighters and UCAVs to support land-based bombers, and have enough strike-fighters remaining for CAP, SUW, or CAS operations closer to the CVN, the report states. To fully exploit approaches like these, the proposed fleet architecture combines the Maneuver Forces two CVWs into one large CVW. This model would require a larger air wing staff, but would be better suited for large-scale multi-dimensional war at sea. In addition to a new stealth fighterwhich the Navy is already studying as part of its Next Generation Air Dominance or F/A-XX analysis of alternativesthe study also calls for the development of a long-range unmanned strike aircraft. The Navy is taking the report very seriously as it studies how to rebuild its fleet after more than a decade of neglect. "The Navy is at an inflection point where we are back in competition, chief of naval operations Adm. John Richardson told The National Interest in an emailed statement. Many of the ideas from these studies will help us win that competition. To win, our thinking must sharp and these studies help us - they give us exactly what we want...some fresh ideas. Each study provided ideas that in some cases validated and advanced the Navy's current thinking. Some of the recommendations from the studies are so sound that we will act on them quickly. Other ideas show promise and we'll study those hard. The studies will be rolled into our program of analysis, war games, experiments, technology demonstrations, and prototyping." AsianDate recommends its top five excursions that are a must-see experience for visitors to Chiang Mai in Thailand. AsianDate, the leading online dating service for singles seeking Asian matches, has named five of the best daytrip excursions to take while on a visit to Chiang Mai in Thailand. Thailands northern capital was named AsianDates city of the month for February, and the top-ranked dating service is hoping to provide plenty of interesting recommendations for visitors. Chiang Mai is one of Thailands most impressive cities and a popular tourist attraction. It also acts as a convenient base for exploring the key regions around the country. AsianDate recommends a visit to Patara Elephant Farm as the finest daytime adventure at Chiang Mai. Visitors can have a truly unique experience while riding, feeding, and even bathing an elephant. The second place in AsianDates top five excursions is the Doi Inthanon National Park, famous for being the highest point in Thailand. Located at a height of 8,415ft, Doi Inthanon offers stunning views and is also famous for the Royal Chedis, towers built in honor of the king and queen of Thailand. Doi Suthep Mountain is the third place recommended by AsianDate on a daytrip to Thailand. This ancient destination has a history that goes back to 1383. The attractions include the 306-step staircase creatively designed to resemble a snake, and a golden pagoda. For visitors looking to combine fun and adventure, the fourth daytrip destination offered by AsianDate fits the bill perfectly. Tiger Kingdom is a great place to visit for those who love wildlife, and feeding a tiger cub will be a very memorable experience. This leg of the tour can be combined with a visit to the Baan Tong Luang Village, where visitors can view some authentic traditional Thai living from close quarters. AsianDate has named White Temple as the last destination on its top five excursions while on a visit to Thailand. Known locally as Wat Rong Kuhn, this place is part of the Golden Triangle trip and can offer many fascinating moments. AsianDate urges members looking to connect with Thai singles to use the range of features available on AsianDate such as Live Chat and CamShare for a truly exciting online dating experience. For more information, visit AsianDate. About AsianDate AsianDate is part of the Anastasia Family of sites, founded in 1993, which offers premium international dating to facilitate exciting and romantic companionship online between men and women all over the world. The Anastasia Family includes AsianDate.com, AnastasiaDate.com, AmoLatina.com, ArabianDate.com, and AfricanDate.com, which bring together over 20 million international users and more than 150 million online visitors annually. Additionally, over 2.5 million conversations are exchanged onsite daily. AsianDate is committed to member safety, customer satisfaction and the ongoing pursuit of innovation. Headquartered in New York, the Anastasia Family has additional representation in every country it touches providing a high level of customer service to a worldwide clientele. All members are able to communicate across a variety of top-notch multimedia platforms, including video chat and a mobile app for Android devices available in Google Play. Media Contact Company Name: AsianDate Contact Person: Media Relations Email: pr@asiandate.com Phone: +1 (212) 609-0533 Country: United States Website: http://www.asiandate.com The market in North America is expected to hold the largest market share. The APAC region is projected to have great opportunities in this market and to grow at the highest CAGR by 2021. This is due to the massive growth of data through IoT and other conn Data governance market categorizes the global market by component as solution and service, by application as incident adjustment management, risk management, sales & marketing optimization, by deployment, by vertical, by business function & by region. According to report Data Governance Market by Component (Solution and Service), Application (Incident Adjustment Management, Risk Management, Sales & Marketing Optimization), Deployment, Vertical, Business Function & Region Global Forecast to 2021, the data governance market size is estimated to grow from USD 863.2 Million in 2016 to USD 2234.7 Million by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 21.0% during the forecast period. The key forces driving the data governance market include the need to meet regulations & compliance deadlines and improve & sustain strategic risk management Browse 72 market data tables and 53 figures spread through 153 pages and in-depth TOC on Data Governance Market Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. Request Sample Pages http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/requestsample.asp?id=108243043 The managed services segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period Among services, the managed services segment is expected to grow at a rapid pace during the forecast period. The demand for consulting services is witnessing exponential growth, mainly because almost every technological domain requires well-delivered managed services. The services being offered must fit perfectly into the clients environment. Technical expertise, service consistency, and flexibility must be provided by the vendors, regardless of the geographical location of the client. Managed services are considered crucial, as they are directly related to customer experience. These services help organizations sustain their positions in the market. Moreover, it has become difficult for companies to focus on core business processes and support various other functions, which can be resolved by implementing managed services. Data governance solutions component is expected to contribute the largest market share in 2016 Among components, the solutions segment is expected to hold the largest market share in the data governance market in 2016. Data governance solutions ensure that the data fits a particular user- specific task and is accurate & timely. Data governance solutions consist of data masking, data archiving, data catalog, data dictionary, access control, data collaboration, and compliance & policy management. The data governance vendors also provide standalone solutions, which are complete solutions for analyzing and acting on real-time business events. Based on the data, organizations could implement governance policies and plan the next steps accordingly in case a fault occurs. North America is expected to contribute the largest market share; Asia-Pacific (APAC) to grow at the highest CAGR North America is expected to hold the largest market share and dominate the data governance market from 2016 to 2021, owing to large investments in cloud-based solutions, early adoption of new & emerging technologies, and a large number of players present in this region. The APAC region is in the initial growth phase; however, it is expected to be the fastest-growing region for the global data governance market. The key reason for the high growth rate in APAC is the growing demand for cost-effective data governance platforms and tools among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in this region. The major vendors providing data governance are Collibra, Inc. (Brussels, Belgium), Informatica Corporation (California, U.S.), SAS Institute Inc. (North Carolina, U.S.), IBM Corporation (New York, U.S.), Oracle Corporation (California, U.S.), SAP SE (Walldorf, Germany), TIBCO Software Inc. (California, U.S.), Talend Inc. (California, U.S.), Information Builders (New York, U.S.), Varonis Systems Inc. (New York, U.S.), and Orchestra Networks (Paris, France). Make an Inquiry http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=108243043 The key Innovators considered in Data Governance Market report are Global Data Excellence (Geneva, Switzerland) Data3Sixty, Inc., (Massachusetts, U.S.) Alation Inc. (California, U.S.) Magnitude Software, Inc., (Texas, U.S.) and Reltio, Inc. (California, U.S.) for their unique offerings and applications catering across all the major industrial verticals. About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets is the largest market research firm worldwide in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the Growth Engagement Model GEM. The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write Attack, avoid and defend strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. 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Media Contact Company Name: MarketsandMarkets Contact Person: Rohan Email: news-letter@marketsandmarkets.com, sales@marketsandmarkets.com Phone: 1-888-600-6441 Address:701 Pike Street, Suite 2175 City: Seattle State: WA Country: United States Website: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/data-governance-market-108243043.html FY 2016 Results - Teleconference Call Details London, Feb 21, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - SpeedCast International Limited ( ASX:SDA ) ("SpeedCast"), a leading global communications and network service provider offering high-quality managed network services in over 90 countries and a global maritime network serving customers worldwide, will announce its financial results for the year ended 31 December 2016 on Tuesday 28th February 2017 at 10am Sydney time. Investors and analysts are invited to join a teleconference call hosted by CEO, PJ Beylier & CFO, Ian Baldwin. The call will be a presentation of the 2016 Full Year results followed by Q&A. Dial in details are as follows: - Time: 10.00am (Sydney time), Tuesday 28th February 2017 - Hosts: CEO, PJ Beylier & CFO, Ian Baldwin Dial-In Details: Australia: +61-1800-123-296 / +61-2-8038-5221 HK: +852-800-908-865 UK: +44-0808-234-0757 Singapore: +65-800-616-2288 India: +91-1800-3010-6141 USA: +1-855-293-1544 New Zealand: +64-0800-452-782 Canada: +1-855-5616-766 China: +86-4001-203-085 Japan: +81-0120-477-087 Participant passcode: 69739532# About Speedcast International Ltd Speedcast International Ltd (ASX:SDA) is the world's most trusted communications and IT services provider, delivering critical communications solutions to the Maritime, Energy, Mining, Media, Telecom, Cruise, NGO, Government, and Enterprise sectors. With more satellite capacity than any other provider, Speedcast enables faster, seamless pole-to-pole coverage from a global hybrid satellite, fiber, cellular, microwave, MPLS, and IP transport network with direct access to public cloud platforms. The company also integrates differentiated technology offerings that provide smarter ways to communicate and distribute content, manage network and remote operations, protect and secure investments, and improve the crew and guest experience. With a passionate customer focus and a strong safety culture, Speedcast serves more than 3,200 customers in over 140 countries. Learn more at www.speedcast.com. NMDD062 Intersects Mineralisation Down-Dip Perth, Feb 21, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Cardinal Resources Limited ( ASX:CDV ) ( CRDNF:OTCMKTS ) ("Cardinal" or "the Company") is pleased to report drill assay results for hole NMDD062, which is a west step-out down-dip extension drill hole. HIGHLIGHTS - NMDD062 has intersected the Namdini mineralised corridor down dip, within which the following highlighted intersections have been returned: o 25m at 2.16g/t o 30m at 4.27g/t o 37m at 2.88 g/t - A total of 150m of mineralised intersections, at a 0.5g/t cut off and a weighted average grade of 2.3g/t have been returned in NMDD062. Cardinal's CEO, Archie Koimtsidis said: "Drill hole NMDD062 continues to confirm that the mineralised corridor at Namdini extends to depth. With four diamond drill rigs currently active at Namdini we are looking forward to further drill results as we continue to define the depth and strike extensions of the project." Resource Extension Drilling Programme Figure 1 (see the link below) shows the location of planned drilling for the four drill rigs on site at Namdini which are currently focused on continuing the western extension, down-dip drilling and the southern strike extension programmes. Figure 2 (see the link below) shows NMDD062 and its mineralised intersections along with highlighted intersections in other drill holes which demonstrate that the Namdini mineralised corridor continues to depth. Additional drilling is planned to explore for further mineralisation along strike and at depth. Drill hole intersections in NMDD062 are based on a reporting rule of a minimum 3 metres down hole mineralised length, a maximum of 3 metres contiguous 'sub-grade' and a lower cutoff grade of 0.5 g/t Au (refer to Cardinal website for detailed assay results http://www.cardinalresources.com.au). To view tables and figures, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/8L7Q3818 About Cardinal Resources Ltd Cardinal Resources Ltd (ASX:CDV) (TSE:CDV) (OTCMKTS:CRDNF) is a West African gold exploration and development Company that holds interests in tenements within Ghana, West Africa. The Company is focused on the development of the Namdini Project with a gold Ore Reserve of 5.1Moz (0.4 Moz Proved and 4.7 Moz Probable) and a soon to be completed Feasibility Study. Exploration programmes are also underway at the Company's Bolgatanga (Northern Ghana) and Subranum (Southern Ghana) Projects. Cardinal confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in its announcement of the Ore Reserve of 3 April 2019. All material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning this estimate continue to apply and have not materially changed. Half Year Consolidated Financial Statement Brisbane, Feb 22, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - National Storage REIT ( ASX:NSR ) is pleased to provide the Company's Consolidated Financial Statement for the half-year ended 31 December, 2016. REVIEW AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The Financial Statements are prepared in compliance with Australian accounting standards. Users of the financial information should familiarise themselves with the "Corporate Information" and "Basis of Preparation" in Notes 1 and 2 in the Financial Statements. Operating results For the half-year ended 31 December 2016, total revenue increased by 46% to $54,359,000 (2015: $37,324,000) through a combination of revenue growth achieved via an increase in centre occupancy and the addition of new revenue streams with the completion of the acquisition of the Southern Cross Storage Group and additional new storage centres. Profit after tax increased by 15% to $23,682,000 (2015: $20,620,000) and was favourably impacted by fair value adjustments associated with the carrying value of investment properties and acquisition of the Southern Cross joint venture assets in August 2016. Underlying earnings increased 40% to $20.1 million (2015: $14.3 million) through the contribution from acquisitions and improved centre operating performance. SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFTER BALANCE SHEET DATE ACQUISTION OF STORAGE CENTRES On 18 January 2017, NSR announced that it had entered into arrangements to acquire a third freehold self- storage centre in Wellington, New Zealand for NZD $9.75 million (AUD: $9.4 million). The transaction settled on 1 February 2017. On 30 January 2017, NSR announced that it had acquired the freehold interests of two existing self-storage assets at Guildford and Rockingham in Perth, Western Australia. The transaction also involved the acquisition of two freehold land parcels adjacent to the Rockingham centre. Total consideration for the transaction is $30 million. As part of the overall transaction, NSR also negotiated improved lease terms for the Subiaco centre, securing the underlying business and long term leasehold interest. To view the full report, please visit: http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/GDYUNI4L About National Storage REIT National Storage (ASX:NSR) is one of the largest self-storage providers in Australia and New Zealand, with 123 centres providing tailored storage solutions to over 40,000 residential and commercial customers. NSR is the first independent, internally managed and fully integrated owner and operator of self-storage centres to be listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). (This feature is part of the "" series. These stories focus on individual Airmen, highlighting their Air Force story.)Following the unexpected death of her youngest son, Jeremiah, she became reckless. She was drinking daily and didnt care whether she lived or died.It took a failed suicide attempt and court-ordered therapy for her life to change.When Tech. Sgt. Amee Espinoza decided to end her feelings of hopelessness, she put her older son Isaiah to bed, kissed him, and then swallowed a handful of valium. At the moment before sliding into unconsciousness, she felt something other than helplessness regret. The last thing she remembers is screaming.When the survivor and now mother of two awoke, she was in a hospital bed. Espinoza told the nurses of her experience and was admitted into a mental institution. She spent two weeks in inpatient care and was court-ordered to seek outpatient therapy upon her release.The court order saved her life and unearthed a calling in her to serve others through therapy.I was depressed, hurt, and didn't want to be around anyone, especially a therapist, Espinoza said. At that time, I was unsure if I was going to attempt suicide again. But, I knew deep down that I didn't want to die. I didn't want my son's last memory of me to be his mom being carried away in a stretcher.According to Espinoza, it took several sessions for her to begin to believe in her therapy. After a couple months she started to look forward to her sessions and eventually her thoughts shifted to the positive. Once she was successfully discharged from the court-ordered therapy, Espinoza started attending support group meetings for bereaved parents. A year later, she was facilitating the group sessions and acting as a victim advocate.She realized she had a greater purpose in life.I knew that my purpose was to use my experience to help others overcome trauma, she said. I didn't feel lonely when I was surrounded by group members. It was an amazing experience, so I decided to enroll in a master's degree program for Mental Health Counseling.During her time in graduate school, Espinoza was required to perform 600 hours of direct and indirect counseling services. She worked with individual and group counselling services focused on driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated cases, addiction, domestic violence, conflict resolution, and anger management, alongside her continued bereavement counseling and victim advocacy. She also provided individual special needs behavior therapy for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.When I started working with clients, I started to grasp my own counseling style and I loved it. I consider myself to be a trauma-informed counselor who just wants to assist and help people grow the strength to have a valuable quality of life, Espinoza said. This work is so special to me because it gives me a greater purpose. I enjoy doing it and I enjoy serving others.Espinoza is an Air National Guard member assigned to the Air Reserve Personnel Center at Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado. Her leadership took notice of her work helping others and decided to nominate her for the GEICO Military Service Awards Program. The annual award spotlights contributions made by enlisted military members in specific areas: drug and alcohol prevention, fire safety and prevention, as well as traffic safety and prevention.Espinoza was notified by the Air Force Reserve Command in November of 2016 that she was selected as the AFRC nominee to represent the ANG.Throughout this entire process of working, going to school full time, and taking care of my family, there were so many times that I wanted to give up. Working more than 15 hours a day at times, all while trying to maintain my own family became stressful, she said. The recognition and support of my leaders, subordinates, family and friends gave me the drive to keep pushing. When I was nominated for the award, I was proud and honored.Friends and co-workers of Espinoza know her for her positivity and kind nature. Master Sgt. Veronica Gomez, the Air Force Total Force Service Center senior enlisted leader, says Espinozas attitude is a benefit in the work center.Amee exudes positivity, no matter the circumstances or obstacles. She utilizes her personal experiences to relate to others going through difficult situations, which aides those individuals in trusting her and her commitment to see them through, Gomez said. Dealing with people can be a challenge, considering our various backgrounds, cultures and values. Amee manages to blend those differences into positive outcomes in both personal and professional environments.As a mother herself, Gomez said Espinozas outlook on life is the pure definition of resiliency.After what Amee has gone through, she is still standing. If thats not resiliency, I dont know what is, Gomez said.Espinoza uses her work and training in the civilian sector to benefit the Air Force as a Master Resiliency Trainer. She enjoys using the skills she has learned through personal experience with trauma and higher education to help her fellow Airmen.I believe that resiliency training is so important, not only in the military, but in life in general. People will face trauma, tragedy, personal crisis and other life problems, but we arent necessarily meant to understand why these things happen to us, Espinoza said. It is important to understand that we can bounce back from adversity. It is amazing what people go through, but having the right tools, the unparalleled support, and knowing how to use those tools and support is what makes us resilient.Espinoza continues to serve the Air Force as a MRT and pursue counseling opportunities in the civilian sector. Her personal journey of resiliency continues to inspire those she interacts with on a daily basis, as she spreads a message of optimism and hope to her wingmen. USAF. (U.S. Air Force Graphic by Rosario "Charo" Gutierrez) The 55th Wing marked another historic milestone when a Royal Air Force RC-135 Airseeker aircraft diverted to Offutt Air Force Base after experiencing landing gear problems during a joint exercise at Nellis AFB, Nevada.The RAF aircrew requested field-level maintenance assistance from the 55th Maintenance Group, which is the largest stateside request for assistance from the 55th Wing to date. It also facilitated the inaugural test of a newly adopted co-manning arrangement designed to help bridge the gap in maintenance capabilities between the RAF and the U.S. Air Force.We had a really productive deployment right until the last two missions, said RAF Warrant Officer Ray Sowersby, the 51 Squadron maintenance superintendent. We had an undercarriage fault indication and the only jacks available were at Offutt so I reached out to our cousins in the 55th and said Hey guys, can we have some help?According to Sowersby, the RAF would normally fly in equipment from home station to make repairs. However, Offutt AFB offered a better alternative due to its distance from Nellis AFB and the availability of maintenance personnel familiar with the RC-135 platform.Since 2011, the two nations have been working together to help train and equip maintenance and aircrew members on the newly acquired RC-135. Sowersby said this was the first time an RAF RC-135 has landed at Offutt AFB and the first time maintainers have worked side-by-side to repair one of their jets.The two nations have swapped aircrew members in both training and real-world missions before, but the maintenance side had not been tested.This was a great opportunity to test the co-manning initiative that has been in the works over the past two years, said U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Dustin Bagnall, the 55th Maintenance Squadron assistant operations officer.This opportunity validated all of the time and effort expended by both nations to train RAF maintenance personnel and make it possible for maintainers from both countries to work together, said U. S. Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Robert Wege, the 55th MXG superintendent who has been heading the co-manning initiative. The synergy created will greatly enhance the capabilities of the overall intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance effort world-wide.The RAF jet arrived at Offutt Feb. 11. Joint maintenance crews immediately towed the aircraft into a hangar and jacked it up off the ground so they could begin troubleshooting the landing gear.It was great seeing British and American maintainers working hand and hand as if they had been doing it forever, Bagnall said. The integration was seamless.A number of 55th MXS repair and reclamation shop personnel already knew some of the RAF maintainers from previous training opportunities, so the RAFs return to Offutt AFB was also a reunion of friends.We were here to provide expert help for them, said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Russel Orr, a 55th MXS aero repair technician. Their landing gear was retracting into place. However, it continued to bounce around and would not lock. At Offutt, we have capabilities and equipment that the RAF does not have, and we can provide help with some of the more extensive aspects of troubleshooting.Together, maintenance personnel from the 51 Squadron and 55th MXS raised and lowered the landing gear of the suspended RC-135, and quickly isolated the problem - a faulty main landing gear sequence valve.The parts identified for replacement were ordered by 55th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron supply personnel on a Sunday and the jet was fully mission capable by Tuesday. The quick actions from everyone involved in the supply process helped make the joint effort a success.The logistic support that was there over the weekend gave the co-manning another capability to show off, Bagnall said.This joint maintenance effort was a first for Offutt AFB and the 51 Squadron. The 55th MXG hopes to continue the relationship into the future.Sowersby expressed his gratitude for the support provided by the 55th MXG.The guys heretheyre bending over backwards to make it all work for us, he said. CMSAF: Airmen say goodbye to Cody, welcome Wright An American flag, the symbol of freedom, served as the backdrop in a vast aircraft hangar. The bleachers were filled to the brim with Airmen, families and well-wishers from all around the Air Force who came to bid farewell to the 17th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody and welcome the 18th CMSAF Kaleth O. Wright during a transition and retirement ceremony Feb. 17, 2017 at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. The position of CMSAF has been in effect for 50 years now; a position that shapes how Airmen growa position of honor. Chief Cody not only upheld the standards demanded of the position, he did it with grace, adopting the entire Total Force as members of his family, said Chief of Staff of the Air Force Gen. David L. Goldfein. He epitomized the servant leader, choosing to lead his Airmen personally, face-to-face, shoulder-to-shoulder. Goldfein listed a number of accomplishments by Cody during his tenure as the highest enlisted Airman saying he is passionate about ensuring Airmen are prepared for the fight and that he excelled in his duties in the care of Airmen. What we are going to miss about our Air Force is you. Were going to miss the Airmen, were going to miss their families, said Cody, addressing the crowd. We have served our entire adult lives together, we have grown up with you, (and) we have been through all of it with you. Cody said the legacy of the 17th CMSAF isnt about him, its about all the men and women all around the world, along with their families, doing what they do every day for the nation. During a formal reading of orders, Cody, after 32 years of service to our country, was officially retired, effective April 1, 2017. The attention shifted to Wright as he stood on the stage. His service jacket, with chief stripes and a command chief star in the center was exchanged for the CMSAF stripes which stand out as a highly distinguished symbol, representing all Airmen. The exchange of the coat and service cap symbolizes the weight and consequence of assuming the responsibilities of the Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force position. Chief Wright held a variety of senior enlisted positionseach time, providing his signature wisdom and a steady calm for a host of Air Force leaders, Goldfein said. The mantle of leadership of Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force will test you and will tire youbut when its all said and done, and our Airmen have you to thank for supporting what matters most. You will look back and know it was worth every moment and effort. Wright is no stranger to guiding Airmen, serving in leadership positions throughout the Air Force, he is able to bring his experience to the new position. Chief Wright has been leading our enlisted force and advising commanders at every echelon, from squadron to major commands, said acting Secretary of the Air Force Lisa Disbrow. He has been the voice of Airmen at home and down range. Chief Wright is competent, poised, and intensely motivated and tremendously humble. Standing before the crowd as the new Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, Wright was overcome with joy, saying if he wasnt so tough he may have shed a tiny, baby tear. Expressing some of the areas he wishes to focus on during his time as CMSAF, Wright mentioned that training, leadership and resilience are at the center of the enlisted force. Our Airmen need to be well trained, they need to be well led and they need to be resilient, Wright said. We will have a deliberate focus on training to make sure they are ready to fight. We will have a focus on effective talent management to ensure that they are ready to lead and we will have a deliberate focus on total Airmen and family wellness to make sure that they are ready for life. These focus areas will ensure that we are there in every mission, in every domain, in every location. Ready Airmen are essential to our success. Wright accepted he has big shoes to fill, but said he is ready to lead today's Airmen into tomorrow's Air Force. Partha De, the 47-year-old software engineer who was found living with the skeletons of his sister and two pet dogs at their ancestral Robinson Street house for over six months, was found dead with his body in a charred state, on Tuesday. According to police, his body was found in burning condition inside a bathroom half a bottle of petrol and matchsticks. The preliminary investigation suggests that he allegedly committed suicide. The body was recovered from a residential apartment. In 2015, police had reached Des house in South Kolkatas Shakespeare Sarini following a call from locals about a fire in the house. Des father, 77-year-old Arabinda De, had locked himself up in a bathroom and set himself on fire. While searching the house, the cops stumbled upon some skeletons, which De later confessed were of his deceased sister Debjani. It was reported that De could not come to terms with his sisters death and therefore did not cremate her. De used to stay isolated in the flat. He did not talk to anyone in the complex, neighbours said. He used to come down for a brisk walk in the morning every day, but he was not seen for the past few days, said a neighbour. Police are yet to ascertain when he died. The body has been sent for autopsy. In the charge sheet filed by the police in December 2015, Partha De was charged with trying to tamper with evidence and keeping dead bodies without informing the police. He was charged under IPC Sections 268 (public nuisance) 269 (negligent act likely to spread infectious disease), along with other sections. It is now suspected that this depression and schizophrenia which experts believe were hereditary in Parthas case drove him to suicide. What has added to the suicide theory is the presence of a matchbox and a can of petrol nearby, and the absence of any sign of forced entry. Nevertheless, the police are continuing their investigation in the case. At least six persons were killed and 14 injured in a suicide blast and firing by terrorists outside a court in Pakistans Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province today. Security forces killed three suicide attackers outside the court in Khyber Pakhtunkhwas Charsadda district, police said. The three attackers attempted to enter the court premises in Tangi town through the main gate. They opened fire and threw grenades, prompting retaliatory fire by security forces deployed there. One bomber was killed in the firing at the gate and the second was killed as he entered the court. The third bomber died when he detonated his explosives, officials said. Deputy Commissioner of Charsadda said judges and lawyers were safe. He said due to tight security the bombers could not enter the court, but had they been successful in entering the premises it would have been a catastrophe. A search and rescue operation was underway, he added. Ambulances have been rushed to Charsadda from Peshawar, approximately 30 kilometres away, where the Lady Reading Hospital has been put on high alert. The latest attack came as security has been tightened across Pakistan after a recent wave of terrorist strikes killed more than 100 people. On Thursday, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offesive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. A suicide bomber had struck a local court in Charsaddas Shabqadar area last year in March, killing 17 people. Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam dubbed the detention of 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed by Pakistan as an act of hypocrisy. Saeed was placed under house arrest on January 30 in Lahore. I am doubtful of the action because in his statement before a court in Mumbai, David Headley had said that no action was likely to be taken against Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in Pakistan, Nikam said. Headley had even submitted e-mails which he had received from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which indicated that the action against Lakhvi was an act of hypocrisy, he added. Nikam said Pakistan was not willing to accept that Saeed was a terrorist and the country was being supported by China which had vested interests in the region. Saeed was earlier put under house arrest after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, but was freed by a court in Pakistan in 2009. He carries a reward of USD 10 million on his head, announced by the authorities in the US for his role in terror activities. The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned the source of money in the bank accounts of social activist Teesta Setalvad and others which were frozen by Ahmedabad police in 2015 after allegations of misappropriation. Whose money is this? From where did the money in these bank accounts have come, a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra asked the counsel for Setalvad. There are multiple donors who have donated the money for various purposes. Our personal bank accounts and the bank accounts of NGOs have been frozen by them, which also include fixed deposits. At least the court should direct them that personal bank accounts should be defreezed as lot of time has passed, advocate Aparna Bhat appearing for Setalvad said. She said they have submitted the details of source of money to the Gujarat government but till now no action has been taken on defreezing the accounts. Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Gujarat, told the bench, also comprising Justices AM Khanwilkar and MM Shantanagoudar, that some time was needed to file detailed reply on the issue. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on April 18. On November 9 last year, the apex court had fixed the pleas of Setalvad, her husband Javed Anand and her two controversial NGOs challenging the freezing of their accounts for final hearing. Setalvad had objected to repeated adjournments taken by Gujarat government after the apex court issued notice saying their accounts have remained frozen for nearly three years. Teesta, her husband and two NGOs Sabrang Trust and Citizens for Justice and Peace had approached the apex court challenging the October 7, 2015 verdict of the Gujarat High Court rejecting their pleas for defreezing their personal bank accounts. One of the residents of Gulberg Society, Firoz Khan Pathan, had filed a complaint against Setalvad and others alleging that money was raised to make a museum at Gulberg Society in the memory of 69 people killed in the 2002 Gujarat riots, but it had not been utilised for the purpose. Aiken, SC (29801) Today An isolated thunderstorm possible during the morning, then occasional showers this afternoon. High 78F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low 61F. Winds light and variable. Students from USC Aiken and Suffolk University in Boston, Mass., pose for a group picture during a visit to Schofield Middle School. The Suffolk students traveled south as part of a leadership exchange program with USCA. The USCA students will go to Boston in March during spring break. The history of Beatrice was shaped along the curving shores of the Big Blue River. A Beatrice group wants to celebrate that history by making the Big Blue accessible to all residents of Beatrice. At the moment, there arent many places in Beatrice that allow disabled people to get out to fish and take in the scenic beauty of our natural resources. Big Blue River Access, wants to change that by building a handicap-accessible area in Chautauqua Park with wheelchair-accessible fishing platforms, a path to the water with hand rails and a kayak and canoe launch slide. The access area would be the first of its kind in Beatrice and along the Big Blue river and, Steve Tart of Big Blue River Access said, it would make fishing along the river easy for everyone to access. The group is trying to raise money now to hire an engineer to draw up the plans for the city of Beatrice to approve. Getting to the shore at Chautauqua Park is an ordeal for anyone, Tart said, but for those in wheelchairs or with walking difficulties, it can be nearly impossible. After the access road along the river was removed years ago, a thicket of branches, leaves and brambles that winds down a fairly steep incline filled in the area between the park and the river. Combine that with the thick, soupy mud that lasts for weeks after a rainfall and its nearly impassable for anyone. And it opens up a new avenue for people who like taking a ride in oar-powered boats as well. Other than the boat ramp near River Side Park, theres nowhere to launch watercraft in Beatrice, Tart said, and that ramp is no good for boats without an engine. There's some misconceptions about that ramp on the west side close to the park, Tart said. People think kayaks and canoes can get in there, but with what's left of the dam, you can't cross it, and it's too shallow through that area. Thats kind of ironic, considering the rivers history, Tart said. In the late 1800s, Chautauqua Parkor Interstate Chautauqua as it was known thenwas a hotbed of activity. Speakers like President Rutherford B. Hayes, Susan B. Anthony and William Jennings Bryan took the stage, the railroad ran excursion trains to bring in sightseers and canoe races and parades packed visitors in. Canoes were a summertime specialty along the Big Blue in Beatrice, and, Tart said, its time they make a comeback. The location of the proposed site may also have been home to an old steamboat. We believe that the same place the launch is going to be is the very same place that the Belle of the Blue in 1893 loaded and unloaded her passengers, Tart said, so it's kind of a historic thing. The city of Beatrice likes the idea and is working with Big Blue River Access to get the project into the hands of an engineer. Its a project the city is interested in, said city administrator Tobias Tempelmeyer. If his group can raise some of the funds, Tempelmeyer said, there might be an opportunity there where the city can apply for a grant or apply for other funding sources to help get that project at least to the design phase, so then we know what its going to cost to build it. The next goal of Big Blue River Access is to raise $15,000, the amount Tart estimates their share of the engineering costs to be. Fundraising, he expects, will include a raffle for a kayak, gift certificates and a hand-carved hiking stick, made by Tart himself. Big Blue River Access will meet on March 25 at Aunt Marys on Court Street in Beatrice and the public are invited to attend and participate. Drinks and snacks will be provided, Tart said. I got involved because I'm a true river rat, Tart said. There's a lot of unutilized possibilities there. We can learn new ways to use our river. Merleen A. Miller, 81, of Tecumseh. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 at the St. Johns Lutheran Church in Tecumseh, with Rev. Jason Wolter officiating. Visitation will be at the Wherry Mortuary in Tecumseh, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Marilyn Elizabeth (Obrist) Neukirch, 83, of Beatrice. Mass of Christian Burial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Robert Barnhill officiating. Interment will be at the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The body will lie in state at the church one hour preceding the services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial to the family's choice with the funeral home in charge. Berneice E. Overbeck, 92, of Lincoln. Private graveside services at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Southwood Lutheran Church of Lincoln with Pastor Greg Olson officiating. The body will lie in state at the Fox Funeral Home of Beatrice until 9 p.m. on Wednesday and not at the church on Thursday. Louis Paul, 89, of Beatrice. Funeral services at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Beatrice, with Pastor Kathee Forrest officiating. Burial will be in the Evergreen Home Cemetery of Beatrice. A family prayer service at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday at the church. The body will lie in state at the church one hour preceding the services on Wednesday. A memorial to the familys choice with Burley and Genell Copas in charge. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Bitting-Norman Post #27 of the American Legion of Beatrice. Carl O. Peckman, 85, of Beatrice. Services will be held Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at 1p.m. at Immanuel State Line Lutheran, 4696 E. State Line Road, Wymore. Fred Wittrock, 92, of Humboldt. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at the St. James (Long Branch) Lutheran Church in rural Humboldt, with Pastors Eric and Amalia Spruth-Janssen officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at The Wherry Mortuary in Humboldt, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary. Manchester Airport has revealed the latest phase of the UK northern gateways 1bn Transformation Programme, unveiling a number of new images showing what it might look like following the massive investment. Manchester Airports Transformation Programme represents the largest single private sector investment in the north of England. Airport chief executive Ken OToole asserted that the airport one of the gateways owned and operated by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which also has London Stansted, Bournemouth and East Midlands under its wing is pressing ahead with its wide-ranging rapid expansion project. Infrastructure expansion is expected to support the growing number of customers using Manchester Airport and the continued development of its international especially long-haul connectivity. It is, for example, hoping to continue to inaugurate direct flights to key markets, building on those already established to Beijing, Houston, Los Angeles and Boston. OToole observed: We know we are among the best airports in the world when it comes to the number of different destinations on offer, whether that be Boston, Beijing or Barcelona; Houston, Hong Kong or Hamburg. Our 1bn Transformation Programme is all about investing in the future, so we can continue to grow by securing more direct flight services in our role as the Norths global gateway. It is also about investing in our facilities and in the latest technology. Northern Powerhouse OToole, speaking at a conference in Manchester, also took the opportunity to call for the UK Government to back its words on the creation of a Northern Powerhouse. He pointed to the fact that public and private sector leaders from across the region have this year maintained momentum on implementing the Northern Powerhouse concept, but that he is looking to Westminster for the government to do more including committing to the HS3 railway development project (also known as Northern Powerhouse Rail, or NPR) that would see a high-speed line built across the Pennine Hills to link Manchester with Leeds (and possibly other cities in the north of England). OToole insisted: If the Northern Powerhouse is to be truly competitive on the global stage, it should be as easy as possible to travel from Hull to Hong Kong; Liverpool to Los Angeles and Sheffield to Singapore. Slashing journey times through investment in NPR could lead to the North securing direct flights to 20-30 key global markets. It is connectivity like that that will maximise growth in sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, technology and energy. It is connectivity like that that is key to delivering an Industrial Strategy that rebalances the UK economy. OToole told delegates that the UK government must seize the opportunity presented by the creation of a new national aviation policy this year to ensure that airports across the UK maximise their potential to link the UK to the worlds most important markets. That will not be achieved unless road, rail and aviation policies are joined-up, he said. Moreover, OToole said that unlocking the potential of airports like Manchester was key to creating a truly global Britain, especially in the 10 to 15 years that it might take to build a new runway at Heathrow. Weve made a massive private investment commitment, which clearly shows our ambition for the Northern Powerhouse to succeed, and now we call upon government to match that through delivering on key infrastructure schemes, he concluded. Through its four airports, MAG serves handles almost half a million tonnes of air freight a year, as well as more than 55 million passengers. Share this story Lincoln The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, has issued an emergency order closing a child care provider earlier today. Michelle Wilcox, doing business as Little Bits Daycare, LLC, 609 East 12th Street, Falls City, cant provide care for any children other than her own. Wilcox may request a hearing within 15 days of the receipt of the emergency order and will be afforded a hearing within 10 days of the request, unless a continuance is granted. DHHS has notified parents of the children enrolled in this child care program of the situation. An emergency order is issued whenever the Department finds that an emergency exists requiring immediate action to protect the physical well-being and safety of a child in a child care program. February 21, 2017 The Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service's star is rising as it battles the Islamic State (IS). The unit's success is fueling its influence, which is only expected to grow now that Iraq has launched what it hopes will be the final stage of liberating western Mosul. Iraq has given the most important task of that operation to the counterterrorism force and its elite unit, the Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF), also known as the Golden Division. ISOF commander Lt. Gen. Sami Arda said Feb. 17, "Anti-terrorism forces will be responsible for undertaking the street battles in the [western half] of Mosul." They also have prepared the plan for the operation, according to the commander of counterterrorism forces Lt. Gen. Abdul Ghani al-Asadi. Now, they are moving toward the western heart of the city from the south. Al-Monitor learned from a senior source at the counterterrorism bureau, who declined to be named, that after the liberation is completed, bureau officers could serve in high posts, including the premierships military secretary, army general staff, military attache in Washington, the Mosul operations command and even the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) presidency. The counterterrorism bureau has already received increasing attention recently in both security and political spheres. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has been recommending bureau members for positions in both areas, including the new defense minister, Maj. Gen. Irfan Hayali. Hayali previously served as the head of the bureau's training and development unit for 10 years. Abadi has also assigned other bureau leaders to security and political positions. In July, Abadi instructed Maj. Gen. Jalil Jabbar al-Rubaie to lead the Baghdad operations, replacing Lt. Gen. Abdul Amir al-Shammari. Rubaie served as the head of intelligence in the counterterrorism bureau. After protesters stormed Baghdad's Green Zone in April, Abadi removed Lt. Gen. Mohammed Rida from duty and appointed Maj. Gen. Karim Abboud al-Tamimi in his place to head Green Zone security. Tamimi had been a leader in the counterterrorism bureau, serving in different positions there since 2007. This indicates that officers within the counterterrorism bureau are gradually taking up top security and military positions in the state, especially following the bureaus achievements against IS. The most recent battles in eastern Mosul produced a field leadership that was accepted by both Shiite and Sunni Muslims. Pictures of counterterrorism bureau leaders were everywhere on social media. They have major support from the people, who recognize that these leaders are an extension of the former Iraqi army, which was disbanded in 2003. At the same time, some members of the PMU see these leaders as potential competitors. I fear the ambitions of these leaders, amid the military support and flow of weapons from the United States," a PMU leader who spoke on condition of anonymity told Al-Monitor. After the liberation of eastern Mosul, the bureau, army brigades, the Special Weapons and Tactics team, and the federal and local police were charged with preserving security there, according to Lt. Gen. Abdullah Yarallah, a commander of one of the liberation operations. Concerning the liberation of western Mosul, the counterterrorism bureau is in charge of securing the floating bridges from one side of the Tigris River to the other. The bureau, alongside its two brigades, is responsible for breaking IS defense lines along the Tigris, which runs through the city. In an exclusive statement to Al-Monitor, one of the prominent leaders in the bureau, Maj. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saidi, said bureau units neutralized large numbers of IS fighters and leaders in the battles for eastern Mosul, dealing a severe blow to IS morale. He expects the operation to retake western Mosul to be easier, given that IS has been hit hard already and given that the western part of Mosul is smaller. The counterterrorism bureau also has strong support from parliament. In August, parliament passed a bill defining the bureau as being part of the security and intelligence apparatuses and a legal entity linked to the general commander of the armed forces. The law gave the bureau broad powers, including the ability to establish a department for intelligence, military and combat pilot training. The bureau is also allowed to arrest terror suspects and can request telephone taps, monitor social networking sites and seek to have bank accounts frozen. This bill has allowed the bureau to be completely independent from the Ministry of Defense, after having been associated with it administratively and in terms of salaries and appointments. This bill boosted the morale of the bureaus fighters, as now they feel their rights are preserved and protected," Saidi said. Also, the 2017 budget allows for a $2.5 billion contract with a Chinese company for arms and ammunition supplies to the ministries of Interior and Defense, the PMU and the counterterrorism bureau. The bureau also receives direct support and training from the United States and other coalition members. A TV report on France 24 in November showed French special forces officers accompanying the counterterrorism units for advisory and training purposes in operations to liberate Mosul. All of this mounting influence indicates that the counterterrorism bureau will assume a major role in the post-IS era not only at the military level, but also at the political and security levels. February 20, 2017 Early Start, Grow Smart, goes the motto of Al-Murshid al-Saghir (Arabic for "Young Guide") program that educates children about the value of Egypts archaeological and historical wealth and trains them to guide tours for museum visitors. The program, launched by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities at the end of January, is now running at a number of archaeological sites under the direction of the Department of Archaeological Awareness in Cairos Gamaliya district. The general director of the Cultural Development and Museum Education Department at the Ministry of Antiquities, Rasha Kamal, told Al-Monitor, The Young Guide program was inspired by the Childrens Museum at the Egyptian Museum launched in 2002. The museum educates children about their countrys archaeological history by organizing plays and artistic activities for children about Egypts history and archaeological wealth. She said, The idea was revived by the Departments of Archaeological Awareness [and] the Young Guide program has begun operating in several archaeological sites such as Alexandrias Marina town, the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Muizz Street and Khedivial Cairo. There are 30 9-year-olds enrolled in the program. Children wishing to participate are required to register through the programs Facebook page or at the Archaeological Awareness Departments in Egyptian museums, she continued. The ministry is working to consolidate the program between the three sectors and implement it at all the archaeological sites so that the largest number possible of children benefit from it, understand the value of antiquities and preserve them. She explained, The Young Guide program was able to train a group of children who are now guiding some visitors. We are also trying to teach a number of children to carry out guided tours in foreign languages. Asked how the children are trained, Kamal said, The program relies on volunteers from antiquities faculties and others from the ministry who undergo training. In turn, they train the children and guide them on giving archaeological tours. Information must be delivered in an exciting and simple way so that children do not get bored by the end of the program. Once the program ends, child participants receive a gift and extensive follow-up. The department also launched a number of initiatives aimed at children, such as the Archaeological Passport program, which gives children a special passport. It lists a number of archaeological sites, and each time a child visits one, the Department of Archaeological Awareness stamps the document. When all the listed archaeological sites have been visited, the child is rewarded with a certificate of appreciation. Theres also a proposal to introduce a puppet show to all museums to educate children about the history of antiquities in a simple and exciting way. The puppet will be designed according the museums history and the historical period it represents. Asked the program goals, Kamal said, The Young Guide program aims to counter the phenomenon of antiquities theft and introduce the children to the value and history of antiquities. The child will then share what he or she learned with his or her family and entourage and show interest in preserving antiquities. Furthermore, thanks to the program, the children now feel proud of what they learned about the importance of their culture and history. The head of Gamaliyas Department of Archaeological Awareness, Mohammad Khalil, told Al-Monitor, The programs concept was applied a few months ago at Cairos Muizz Street, although it was scheduled for last year, as security approvals hindered the process. Three primary schools participated in the program and we targeted the most difficult age that is, 9-year-old children to inculcate the value of antiquities in them. Khalil added, The idea of the program consists in training the children on tour guiding and explaining the history of their antiquities. Instead of the actual tour guide, children take over the task of guiding others. It is a weeklong, three-hour per day program in which 32 children have taken part. No budget was allocated for the Young Guide program. We provided funding through the participation of private schools that sent their students and bore some of the programs financial costs. The Young Guide program will continue, covering more age groups up until university level. We will be focusing on high school students to encourage them to join antiquities faculties by introducing them to the value of antiquities and showing them how exciting it is to teach other people about it. Thanks to the program, many child participants now dream of becoming tour guides. Iman Abdul-Khaliq, the head of the Archaeological Awareness Department in the archaeological area of Marina, told Al-Monitor, The Young Guide program is an extension of the special tours program Descendants at the Home of Ancestors, launched by Marinas Department of Archaeological Awareness. Targeting schools and universities, the program aims to educate students about the history of antiquities. The Young Guide program introduces children to the role of tour guides at archaeological sites. Its organizers hope the Young Guide program's continuation will produce a generation that is aware of the value of antiquities and capable of preserving them. They hope this group will spread archaeological awareness in society and help counter antiquities theft and smuggling. February 20, 2017 Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has raised controversy once again by calling for new legislation to annul verbal divorce in Egypt. During a Jan. 24 ceremony marking National Police Day, Sisi said, I have asked the head of the Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics (CAPMAS) about marriages in Egypt. He said 40% of the 900,000 marriage unions this year [will] end up in divorce within five years. In July 2016, Sisi had raised the ire of Egyptian citizens and clergy when he issued a decision to introduce a unified written Friday sermon. But with his latest comments, the president crossed a red line by discussing a doctrinal issue. Directing his Jan. 24 speech to Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Ahmed al-Tayeb, Sisi said, "We need a law to deal with divorce issues before the maazoun [a government-authorized cleric who administers marriage and divorce] instead of verbal divorces, so that people will have the time to consider their decision of divorce. This would mean that divorce could only occur in the presence of a legal maazoun, which many Egyptian religious authorities see as contrary to Islam. Some saw that with this call, Sisi was turning a blind eye to Egypt's severe economic crisis and was instead addressing a religious issue that had been dealt with the previous year by Al-Azhar's Council of Senior Scholars. In March 2016, when Saad al-Din al-Hilali, a professor of comparative jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, called for legislation to annul verbal divorce, it was considered controversial and not implemented by the council, which, as Al-Azhar's highest religious authority, is in charge of issuing fatwas and legislation on such matters. Sisi's comments provoked anger among young Egyptians, as many continue to suffer from rampant poverty and widespread unemployment. One young Egyptian posted to Twitter: People are committing suicide because of the financial crises and dying because of medical negligence, lack of medicine and all the president is interested in is marriage and divorce. A July 2016 study by CAPMAS showed Egypt's divorce rate is on the rise. The rate increased by 50% from 1996 to 2008 in both urban and rural areas. The average age for divorce is 38 for men and 32 for women. In 2015, for every 1,000 marriages in cities, three ended in divorce, whereas the rate for the countryside was 1.7 for every 1,000. In January, the National Council for Women welcomed Sisis call for a bill to annul verbal divorce. The chairwoman of the council, Maya Morsi, said in a press statement, The presidents call is a new victory for women and the best proof that he is keen on preserving Egyptian family ties and keeping up with the renewed religious discourse. She continued, Sharia calls for the unity and stability of families. Having a maazoun official administer the divorce would give couples a chance to reconsider a decision they might have made out of anger. This would reduce the number of divorces, preserving family unity and cohesion and protecting children against the pain they might suffer as a result of their parents split." Following Sisi's comments, Grand Mufti of Egypt Shawki Allam said in a televised statement, The marriage contract is established in the presence of parents, the maazoun and witnesses. The annulment of the contract must be ascertained. This means that proof must be provided [to] establish that the husband pronounced the divorce with the explicit intention to end the marital relationship. Dar al-Ifta only tackles divorce matters when the husband appears before Dar al-Ifta to make sure he really wants a divorce. Allam, who is also chair of the state-run educational body Dar al-Ifta, added, According to Dar al-Ifta statistics, about 3,200 divorce cases are examined by Dar al-Ifta each month. After thorough and careful investigations, divorce is granted in about three cases only. He added, According to the personal status law, verbal divorce is not legal. However, [sheikhs] pronounce the divorce if it occurs as per Sharia, and then we ask the maazoun to carry out the divorce. However, after investigation and inquiry, if we see that the divorce was inevitable, we would request its authentication by the maazoun. He pointed out that Egyptian law requires the husband to authenticate the divorce within 30 days or else face a penalty. To change this we need a legislative amendment," Allam said. "The parliament must examine the pros and cons. This requires the contribution of sociologists, research centers and Sharia scholars. Allam noted that Dar al-Ifta organizes premarital courses to prepare couples to assume their marital responsibilities. Sameh Abdel-Hamid, a Salafi leader, told Vetogate online newspaper in January, The verbal pronunciation is taken into consideration in cases of marriage, divorce, conversion to Islam, apostasy, etc. The authentication by virtue of written documents is a new phenomenon and was not applied at the time of the Prophet [Muhammad]. There is no verse or hadith limiting the occurrence of divorce to those authenticated by the maazoun or before witnesses. He added, Those who argue that a divorce cannot occur if only verbally pronounced have no proof to substantiate their argument. On the contrary, their allegation is contrary to the provided evidence and to the opinions of imams and scholars. Undoubtedly, authentication by the maazoun is important but this is just an act to put down in words a divorce that had already occurred by being verbally pronounced. On Jan. 27, Ahmed Karima, a professor of law at Al-Azhar University, told Al-Ghad TV that divorce verbally pronounced is the rule in Sharia. It is admitted by Islamic scholars that legitimate contracts are verbal contracts whereby parties express their consent and will. Documentation is an administrative procedure to preserve rights. Divorce occurs whether [expressed] orally, in writing or through gestures. It is unacceptable in Sharia for an authenticated divorce contract to replace the verbally pronounced divorce. This threatens the rules of Islamic legislation. Divorce has occurred when pronounced verbally since the time of the Prophet and this will be the case until the day of resurrection. Authenticating a divorce contract by the maazoun only aims to preserve marital rights. Ahmed Khalifa Cherkaoui, a professor of Islamic law at Al-Azhar University, told Al-Monitor, The intention is the main condition that must be met for a divorce contract to be fulfilled. Even if a man does not pronounce the phrase I divorce you, but has the intention to divorce his wife, divorce would be deemed to have occurred. On the contrary, when a man does pronounce this phrase but has no intention to divorce his wife, divorce would not be deemed to have occurred. Mohamed al-Shahat al-Jundi, a professor of comparative jurisprudence at Al-Azhar University, told Al-Monitor, Verbally pronounced divorce is valid as long as the man pronounces the phrase I divorce you to his wife while being fully conscious and having the intention to divorce her. This has been admitted by the majority of scholars. Authentication of the divorce is a routine matter. Seeking to solve a problem does not mean we should depart from what has been prescribed by Islam. There should be a distinction between a divorce by virtue of a written document and a divorce pronounced verbally. It is necessary to raise the awareness of men and women so as to curb the rate of divorce. Men who misuse their right to divorce their wives, and women who anger their husbands and ask for divorce, must be sanctioned. Al-Azhar's Council of Senior Scholars issued an official statement Feb. 5 stressing the legitimacy of verbal divorce and the illegitimacy of any law that would ban this type of divorce. People now do not need divorce legislation to be changed; rather, they are in need of measures that would ensure a decent livelihood, the council stated. February 20, 2017 It is no secret that the Palestinian Authority's (PA) financial crisis is mounting with declining foreign support. This has prompted Mohammad Shtayyeh, a member of Fatah's Central Committee and former minister of public works and housing, to confirm Feb. 13 that donors' funding is decreasing and the PA's financial crisis is ongoing. Shadi Othman, the communication and information officer at the European Commission in Jerusalem, said Feb. 3 that a new financial support policy for 2017 was adopted by the European Union, and that the EU contribution of 30 million euros ($32 million) that had gone to pay the salaries of PA civil servants in the Gaza Strip will be used to support families in need, provide job opportunities and fund development and infrastructure projects. On Feb. 7, the PA government replied in a statement that the new EU approach will further increase the budget deficit. It said that last year, Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah launched efforts to prevent the EU decision, but to no avail. According to the statement, this means that the PAs financial burden will grow and the $39 million monthly budget deficit will increase. A European diplomat in the Palestinian territories, who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, said, The new EU approach came to implement the recommendations of the European Monitoring Committees report of 2013, which rejected that civil servants who do not punch the clock be paid their paychecks by the EU, in the absence of any valid justification for the European taxpayers explaining why their money is channeled to these civil servants. Thus, the EU did not cut the funding, but rechanneled these funds to another sector, namely the families in need, instead. In December 2013, the European Court of Auditors recommended that the EU stop paying the salaries of PA civil servants in Gaza because the employees do not show up for work at the ministries. The EU financial support for the PA amounted to 5.6 billion euros ($6 billion) from 1993 until 2013 Mohammed Abu Jyab, the editor-in-chief of the Palestinian weekly magazine Al-Eqtisadia, told Al-Monitor, The EU move which came without PA approval is designed to pressure the PA to end the split between the West Bank and Gaza Strip that has been ongoing since 2007. The Palestinian governments possible commitment to bridge the financial gap caused by the EU move will further burden the general budget and cause the government to reschedule its expenditures to reduce the financial deficit and look for new financial resources. He said, A few days ago, Palestinian Finance Minister Shukri Bishara responded to the EU move by examining the dossiers of 16,000 Palestinian beneficiaries of the EU-funded financial assistance program for the provision of additional funds. This will probably cause thousands to be removed from the list, which would provide the PA with millions of dollars and reduce the new EU moves impact on the general budget. On Aug. 12, the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics reported that the unemployment rate in Gaza had reached 42%. Also, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East said in August that 80% of Gazans depend on humanitarian aid. In addition, Palestinian Minister of Labor Mamoun Abu Shahla said in January that there are 320,000 families in need in the Gaza Strip. A Palestinian finance official in Ramallah, who declined to be named, told Al-Monitor, There are up to 175,000 civil servants to which the PA pays $170 million per month, including 55,000 civil servants in Gaza receiving $41 million per month. The PA had demanded that its civil servants in Gaza not punch the clock in the summer of 2007, after Hamas took over Gaza. Since then, they have been paid although they do not work. We still don't know so far how this new 30 million euro deficit will be covered, despite the austerity measures, suspension of bonuses and government expenditure reduction. Omar Shaban, the director of Pal-Think for Strategic Studies, told Al-Monitor, The EU decision could encourage other countries to take similar steps. This is because paying salaries to civil servants who do work is against their principles. It is the PA's responsibility to pay the salaries from other sources, such as taxes and custom duties from Israel. The civil servants would rather resume work and serve their community. In case the PA fails to give Gazan civil servants their paychecks, they will join the people in need who stand in the queues, which would further escalate the economic crisis and worsen living conditions in the Gaza Strip. Jamal Nassar, the chairman of the budget committee in the Palestinian Legislative Council, told Al-Monitor that the EU decision is just and logical. It does not make sense to pay civil servants who do not punch the clock. The right decision is to channel these funds to the poor who are a time bomb that could go off anytime, in conjunction with the widespread unemployment and poverty. The Palestinian government is able to cover the 30 million euro deficit by increasing taxes in the Gaza Strip, and cannot refrain from paying the Gaza civil servants, as it would be harmful for Fatah and would result in financial and organizational problems within the PA. The new EU approach is probably a sign pointing at the pressure placed on the PA to refrain from paying civil servants who do not show up for work, or to force the PA to reconcile with Hamas. At the same time, the new EU approach, which would increase the number of unemployed, may be designed to pressure Hamas, which could fear an implosion with thousands of civil servants being denied their salaries. February 21, 2017 A new and powerful figure has joined the list of candidates among Iranian conservatives for the May presidential election: Ebrahim Raisi, a senior cleric who has gradually risen through the ranks to assume powerful positions. Born in the holy city of Mashhad in northeast Iran home to the shrine of the eighth Shiite imam Raisi started his career as the prosecutor general of Karaj a city just west of the capital city, Tehran two years after the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In 2004, Raisi was appointed as the first deputy of judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi Shahroudi. When incumbent Ayatollah Sadegh Amoli Larijani took over the judiciary in 2009, Raisi remained as the first deputy. In 2016, following the death of Ayatollah Abbas Vaez Tabasi, Raisi was appointed by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as custodian of the shrine of the eighth Shiite imam. The manager of the shrine in Mashhad is one of the most powerful people in Iran, as he oversees the holiest site in Iran which also engages in major economic activities. Following the naming of Raisi as custodian of the shrine, Western media speculated that Raisi is likely to become the next supreme leader of Iran. One op-ed in The Washington Post on Sept. 26, 2016, stated, This appointment not only enhances Raisis national profile but also puts at his disposal enormous funds that he can use to nurture his own network of supporters and constituents. In this vein, Ayatollah Khamenei notably served as president from 1981 to 1989, when he became supreme leader. While there has been speculation in Western media regarding Raisi as the next supreme leader, only now is Raisi being raised in Iranian media as the likely candidate of the conservative camp in the upcoming presidential election. The conservatives are at present making great efforts to agree on a single candidate as they assume that the nomination of more than one conservative candidate will repeat the same scenario of the 2013 presidential election, when moderate Hassan Rouhani defeated his three conservative rivals. On Feb. 18, Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh, a member of the hard-line Endurance Front, criticized the conservatives plan, saying, [Achieving] unity is not an issue unity doesnt come to exist by force. The figures who work in favor of [a single conservative] candidate [by force] at most they will vote for him, but they wont sacrifice themselves for him. On Feb. 21, Ghazizadeh clarified the Endurance Fronts position on the presidential election and the issue of conservative unity: In my opinion, the most fit [person] at the current juncture is Mr. Raisi. I dont know a second person. Every one of our friends across the country, when they come to Raisis name, they say Yes, this is right.' Moreover, it seems that Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi, the spiritual head of the Endurance Front who wields enormous influence among the conservatives and hard-liners, backs Raisi. Of note, Mesbah Yazdi left Tehran for Mashhad on Jan. 7 and paid a visit to Raisi. At the time, the details of the meeting were not published. It is noteworthy that in the 2013 presidential election, Mesbah Yazdi didnt come to agreement with other conservatives and decided to support former nuclear negotiator Saeed Jalili as the fittest candidate who is loyal to the values of the Islamic Revolution. However, according to Entekhab news site, Raisi, who has a softer tone and approach than the hard-liners, will only agree to come forth as a candidate if the whole conservative camp and not just the Endurance Front reach a consensus on him. February 21, 2017 Since the election of President Hassan Rouhani in 2013, Irans tourism industry has witnessed its biggest growth since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. The growth saw an even more significant boost following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in January 2016. Indeed, in recent years, Iran has been among the most frequently suggested travel destinations worldwide. Business Insider and Bloomberg have both named Iran to be among the "Top 50" and "Top 20" destinations to visit in 2017. Official figures show the number of foreign tourists visiting Iran in 2015 topped 5.2 million up from nearly 3.5 million in 2012 and the booming industry has brought the country billions of dollars in revenue and created badly needed jobs. Reihaneh Ahsanizadeh, an English-speaking tour guide in Tehran, said there has been a surge in the number of foreign tourists during the past year. Cities such as Tehran, Esfahan, Kashan, Yazd, Kerman and Shiraz are the top destinations for foreign visitors, she told Al-Monitor. Of these cities, Esfahan has been one of the most consistently popular choices for both local and foreign travelers due to its rich and impressive architectural sites, ranging from royal palaces to magnificent bridges. Located in Irans interior, Esfahan was once one of the largest and most important cities in West and Central Asia. Its position at the crossroads of the main overland trade routes contributed to its becoming the Iranian capital during the Safavid era (1502-1736). The rule of Shah Abbas (1588-1629) was a particularly prosperous time for Esfahan, and many monuments and buildings for which the city is renowned today were constructed during this time. Esfahans Jame Mosque is considered the oldest and largest of its kind in Iran and a must-see for any visitor. The origins of the mosque are said to go back to the eighth century, and although it burned down in the 11th century, it was rebuilt. Since then, the mosque has been remodeled, enhanced and expanded many times, turning it into a living museum of Islamic and Iranian architecture. The mosque is commonly considered to be the first Islamic building to adapt the four-courtyard (Iwan) layout of Sassanid palaces to Islamic religious architecture. It is also considered the prototype of later mosque designs throughout Central Asia. Jame Mosque is one of 21 Iranian cultural and natural sites to have been registered on UNESCOs World Heritage List; it was inscribed as such in 2012. Historic and fascinating bazaars near the mosque's doors link it to the magnificent Naghshe Jahan Square, which became a World Heritage site in 1979. The square, which used to be a polo field, is one of the largest city squares in the world. It features a number of Islamic buildings including the Masjed-e Shah and the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, both of which are decorated with the famous blue-tiled mosaic designs, considered by many to be masterpieces of Safavid architecture. The square also includes the fascinating Ali Qapu Palace, a six-story building with an elevated terrace, and the beautiful gateway to the old Gheisariyeh bazaar. Martina Bisaz, a Swiss photographer who visited Iran last year, told Al-Monitor, Esfahan was a wonderful experience with so much history. Ali Qapu Palace and Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque impressed me the most. The Masjed e-Shah is pictured at night in Isfahan, Iran, Feb. 5, 2017. (photo by Bahar Khodami) These are just a few examples of the historical landmarks Esfahan has to offer. Kakh-e Chehel Sotun (the "40 Pillars Palace") was also constructed during the Safavid era to serve as a pavilion for entertaining and a reception hall. Though less famous, the Hasht Behesht Palace ("Eight Heavens") has no less splendid ceilings, this time decorated with mirrors and the finest Iranian paintings. But Esfahan is not just about mosques and palaces. The city is also famous for the many bridges running over the Zayanderud (Zayande River). The Sio-Se-Pol is the longest and most famous of the 11 bridges in the city; it has a length of nearly 300 meters (roughly 0.2 miles). I was very lucky to see the famous bridges with water running in the riverbed. The kindness and hospitality of the Iranian people in Esfahan was incredibly great, like nowhere else in this world, Bisaz said. The inside of Kakh-e Chehel Sotun is pictured in Isfahan, Iran, October 28, 2016. (photo by Bahar Khodami) Despite being one of the most important centers of the Islamic world, Esfahan is also known for its religious tolerance. The city is home to a great population of Armenians and Jews. The Vank Cathedral, built during the reign of Shah Abbas II in 1663, is the most famous of the three churches in the city. Although it has a modest exterior, the church has a lavishly decorated interior with a central dome painted with a delicate blue and gold. Ehsan, a 38-year-old local tour guide who frequently travels to Esfahan, said he has never seen this many foreign tourists in Esfahan or other major cities before. Nowadays, there are places where the number of foreign visitors is much higher than locals [tourists]. Its good for our economy, he told Al-Monitor. Fereydoun Allahyari, the director general of the Esfahan Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts and Tourism Department, told Al-Monitor that the number of foreign tourists visiting Esfahan has increased by 400% over the past four years, giving Esfahan the first rank in terms of annual increase of tourists from abroad. Last year 250,000 foreign travelers visited Esfahan, and we expect the figure to reach 350,000 by the end of this year, Allahyari added. Noting that the average age of foreign tourists visiting Esfahan has dropped from a previous average of 50 to between 20 and 30 Allahyari stressed that our plan is to attract 1 million foreign tourists annually by 2021. As the citys versatility has earned it the nickname Nesfe Jahan ("Half of the World"), it appears that Esfahan is on track to tower as one of Irans top travel destinations for years to come. February 21, 2017 Its hard to overstate the value of a personal friendship between an Israeli prime minister and an American president to the relationship between the small state and the strongest power in the world. An open door at the White House is of even greater worth when Congress is controlled by the presidents own party. Nowadays, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will find it more difficult to work against an American president, the way he did in March 2015, when he tried to hinder the Iran nuke deal championed by President Barack Obama by speaking at the US Congress without coordinating it beforehand with the White House. The importance of the chemistry between the two leaders goes beyond the bilateral arena. When a US president looks out for an Israeli prime minister, Israel is accorded a special status in the international community. Having the ear of an American president is a priceless boon for any small country, and even more so for an occupying power under constant international censure. But this is not the case when the new resident of the White House is perceived by the world as a bumbling greenhorn. The honeymoons of President Bill Clinton with Israeli Prime Ministers Yitzhak Rabin and Ehud Barak, and George W. Bush with Ariel Sharon and Ehud Olmert, were the golden years of Israeli diplomacy. Israeli envoys around the world were honored guests in the homes of the leaders of their host states. Senior Israeli officials were often asked to help out other countries such as Turkey, Egypt, Jordan and even the former Soviet states, and to advocate for them at the White House. The pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee was mobilized quite a few times to help countries that Israel wanted to support. Rarely, if ever, did American presidents push Israeli premiers into situations in which US global interests or policy in conflict zones contradicted those of Israel. The crisis in Israels ties with Mexico following Netanyahus tweet on Jan. 28 enthusiastically endorsing Trumps plan to build a wall on its border with the United States showed that walking hand-in-hand with Trump is like strolling through a minefield. That crisis is officially over after President Reuven Rivlin apologized to Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto. Nonetheless, embracing Trump on such a controversial issue for the American public and in the media did not do much for Israels standing in the United States and the world. Luckily, Netanyahu did not rush into lockstep with Trump when Trump veered toward Taiwan, incurring the wrath of Beijing and several days later had to promise Chinese President Xi Jinping that he would honor the traditional American one China policy. Trumps policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is also tremendously wobbly. First, he floats the idea of one state for Israelis and Palestinians at a Feb. 15 White House news conference with Netanyahu, and the next day his ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, makes it clear that the administration is adhering to the two-state solution. The intelligence assessments of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the Mossad and the National Security Council arent worth the paper they are printed on to Israeli decision-makers. Analysts of US policy in other countries are probably faring no better. Normally, Arab and Western leaders formulate their approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in accordance with the position of the United States, and usually in coordination with Washington. Thats the way it was with the vote on UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which rejected any Israeli construction beyond the Green Line and urged negotiations on the two-state solution. Reactions in the world to the superficial approach of the American president So I'm looking at two states and one state, and I like the one that both parties like ran the gamut from ridicule to a sense of insult. France, Germany, Russia, China, Australia and even Britain are unwilling to dance to the tune of an American president who changes his diplomatic repertoire like he changes socks. Western states have consistently supported the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. Israels closest friends in world capitals believe that this is the only way to ensure Israels existence as a democratic, secure and Jewish state. This is the way it was before Trump moved into the White House, and thats how it remains after Trump welcomed the Israeli prime minister there earlier this month. The first visit by an Israeli prime minister to Australia started Feb. 21. How it goes will show just how constricting Trumps embrace of Netanyahu in Washington is. The first Israeli prime minister to trouble himself to visit the distant continent will doubtless be accorded a spectacular welcome. Nonetheless, a survey conducted by an Australian public research institute owned by Frank Lowy, a Zionist Jew, revealed that Australians dont regard kinship with Trump as an advantage, despite the two countries' close relations. Though public support in Australia for the ANZUS treaty with the United States has never fallen below 90%, almost half the respondents (45%) polled on the eve of the US elections said that if Trump were elected, Australia would be better off distancing itself from the United States. Trumps vulgar attitude toward Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in their Jan. 28 telephone conversation regarding the resettlement of refugees and Trumps freeze on negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership both confirm that the concerns of those polled were well founded. The idea that one's friends define them will dog Netanyahu in Australia. World Jewry, including the Jews of Australia, are anxiously following the rise of anti-Semitic incidents since Trump emerged in American politics. Jewish communities are increasingly concerned that the tight ties between Trump and Israel will damage the delicate fabric of their relationships with Muslim minorities, the main targets of the new presidents incitement. The Israeli right believed that Israel was in for a treat at the White House. It is gradually coming to realize that something else entirely is in store for Israel there. February 21, 2017 Earlier this month, the Ministerial Committee on Legislation was slated to discuss a new law proposed by Knesset member Meirav Michaeli (Zionist Camp) that would have banned the sale of fur in Israel. Ostensibly, the law, which included articles of clothing, should have passed without opposition. Animal furs are hardly a feature of the local fashion industry. The Mediterranean climate affords very few opportunities to really enjoy the advantages of natural fur, and there is no powerful furrier lobby to impede the passing of such legislation. It turned out, however, that Israel is an important importer of furs for reasons of tradition. The shtreimel, a traditional hat worn by Hasidic Jews in Israel and around the world, is made from the tails of the sable, a small mammal that lives in the far reaches of the northern hemisphere. The tails come from many different subspecies of the animal and vary in quality and cost. The Canadian sable, for example, is the most expensive, followed by the Russian sable, but there are also shtreimels made of cheaper fur. A single tail from a Russian sable sells for about $30, while Canadian tails can go as high as $70 apiece. In the past, a single shtreimel was made of anywhere from 10-20 tails, but today, some are made from as many as 60. Even without any local fur lobby associated with the fashion industry, the ultra-Orthodox attachment to the tradition translates into a significant powerful force. What this means in practice is that the chances of the legislature banning the sale of furs is negligible. Even discussions about the proposed law were postponed for several months due to pressure from the Knesset's ultra-Orthodox parties. "People continue to wear shtreimels, even though the cost starts at $1,600 per hat. A law banning the sale of fur is the last thing that will stop us," Menachem Farkash told Al-Monitor. Farkash works for a company that manufactures shtreimels for sale at (relatively) affordable prices. It seems that Michaeli has recognized the obstacle. She amended her proposed legislation so that the ban on the sale of fur would not cover "furs and fur products used for religious or traditional purposes." The source of the shtreimel is frigid 17th-century Poland, where fur hats were popular among Jews and non-Jews alike. In his story "The Shtreimel Decree," author S.Y. Agnon wrote that the shtreimel came about as a result of a decree by a Polish king, who ordered Jews to wear tails on their heads in order to embarrass them. It was only later that these tails became a legitimate item of clothing, and a prestigious one at that. Regardless of its origins, however, the shtreimel is hardly appropriate headgear for the scorching Israeli summer. Nevertheless, it became an integral part of the traditional garb of Hasidic Jews around the world (including this author). They wear it on the Sabbath, holidays and other joyous occasions. The shtreimel has had an evolution all its own and a fascinating fashion life that is changing rapidly. Comparing a shtreimel sold 20 years ago with one sold in 2017 is like comparing a rotary telephone with the most sophisticated smart phone. Over the past few years, shtreimels have become more elegant, much taller and more colorful, with rich golden-brown hues that move ever further away from the black-on-black once characteristic of traditional Hasidic dress. "The most expensive shtreimel now sells for $8,000," said Yosef Glick, a manager of the Bnei Brak branch of Miller's, a manufacturer of premium shtreimels, based in the United States. The height of fashion is the "Bomharten," made from Canadian sable tails, each 12-25 centimeters (roughly 5-10 inches) long (compared to a normal tail's about 6 centimeters). Their natural colors range from dark brown to blond. Glick added that shtreimels are getting taller, too. In the past, the maximum height was 18 centimeters, but he is now selling shtreimels that are 22 centimeters tall. If the international fashion capital is Paris, then the international shtreimel fashion capital is the Borough Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, populated by many ultra-Orthodox families. "In the United States, no one would buy a shtreimel for less than $4,000. They also developed the open, tall shtreimels. What we are seeing is that it takes about a year for innovations from there to make their way here," Glick said. Over the past few years, shtreimels made of synthetic fur have started to enter the market as part of efforts to reduce costs. At first, animal rights activists believed that their introduction would lead to a revolution in shtreimel habits, but manufacturer Menachem Farkash ridicules the synthetic products. He believes that a real shtreimel must be made of real fur. "It all began around 2003, when the ultra-Orthodox sector was caught in a serious financial crisis. People started looking for cheaper alternatives and the synthetic shtreimel began appearing. But just as quickly, the whole initiative died. The synthetic shtreimel looks like a costume. It is in no way comparable to the beauty of a traditional shtreimel, made of real fur," Farkash said. "I'm not too worried about causing suffering to animals, because we only take tails after the rest of the fur has been removed for sale to the international fashion world," said one of Israel's largest importers of sable tails, speaking to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity. "In the past, [the tail] was considered garbage, but now they realize that there is a market for it, and the price has gone up accordingly." Nevertheless, he claimed, as soon as alternatives of the same quality and appearance as natural animal tails do appear, most people will switch to them. "We are talking about a custom, rather than a religious obligation per se," he concluded. "There is no religious reason for the shtreimel to be made out of real fur, so I have no doubt that once a synthetic replacement for the real thing of the same quality is developed, the entire market will switch to that, except for a few nouveau riche customers." February 21, 2017 Former Jordanian member of parliament Wasfi al-Rawashdeh didn't know that the letter he addressed via Facebook Jan. 5 to Jordan's King Abdullah II would lead him to appear the following day before the State Security Court (a military court) on charges of undermining the system of governance under the Jordanian Penal Code. In the letter, which he titled The last call, Rawashdeh criticized the unprecedented corruption in Jordan and wondered, Is the king aware of what is going on? Rawashdeh is one out of a long list of activists who were arrested by the Jordanian intelligence service in January and were referred to the prosecutor of the State Security Court. These include retired intelligence service Gen. Mohammed Abdul Karim Otoum who was arrested Jan. 12 after he called for a political reform conference. Among those arrested were also citizens who launched social networking campaigns aimed at boycotting goods in protest against the economic approach of the government. Political activists have accused the Jordanian authorities of widely using loose charges in their legislation in order to muzzle the peaceful opposition calling for political reform, anti-corruption measures and solutions to the economic crisis. The arrests came after the government adopted in December a set of economic measures aimed at raising consumer prices and imposing taxes so as to provide the 450 million Jordanian dinars (about $635 million) needed to fill part of the 2017 budget deficit, which amount to about $1.1 billion. Hisham al-Hisa, an activist taking part in the protests, was accused three times of repeated verbal insult and unlawful assembly after he took part in the peaceful protests against the Jordanian regime in 2011-2013, before the Arab Spring came to a halt in Syria and transformed into a fierce war that had repercussions on Jordan. Hisa told Al-Monitor, The State Security Court is holding a gun to the head of advocates of reform in Jordan." Two years after the declaration of the martial law in 1957, the Jordanian authorities established the State Security Court as a special court under a special law called the State Security Court law. And while the popular pressure in 2013 forced the Jordanian regime to make constitutional amendments to limit the functions of the court to five competencies, including the fight against terrorism, the authorities enacted an Anti-Terrorism Act in 2006. The law was amended in 2014 and broadened the powers of the court again. The other competencies of the State Security Court include dealing with cases of treason, espionage, drugs and counterfeit currency. In this context, political analyst Labib Kamhawi told Al-Monitor, The arrest of political activists is an extension of previous periods when the authorities would make loose accusations against opposition activists. Such accusations include undermining the system of governance, leveling criticism against [the government] and assembling illegally. Kamhawi said that the authorities resorted to these charges in an attempt to scare those who dare oppose the government, especially considering that these charges were subject to severe sanctions under the law. The Jordanian authorities wide referral of activists to the State Security Court raised the ire of politicians and jurists who launched a campaign in 2013 titled I deserve a civil trial to call for an end to the military trials. President of the Jordan Bar Association and former member of parliament Saleh Armouti told Al-Monitor, Giving further powers to the State Security Court is unconstitutional as this is a special court that encroaches upon the judiciary. Armouti said, It is the prime minister who appoints civilian and military judges in the State Security Court. Consequently, this court is not recognized by Interpol. The powers of the court have been expanded through the Anti-Terrorism Act so that the freedom of opinion and expression fall within the concept of terrorism. This would deal a blow to the freedom of opinion and expression and prevent any human being from giving their opinion, especially in regard to political issues. According to Armouti, the second constitutional violation related to the State Security Court lies in the fact that the court prosecutor is based in the General Intelligence Department, which morally, psychologically and financially affects the course of the investigation. The trial of civilians should be moved to the public prosecutor. For its part, the Jordanian government repeatedly confirmed its respect for the freedom of opinion and expression. In response to parliamentary inquiries about the reasons behind the arrest of 20 political activists, Prime Minister Hani Mulki said at a Jan. 15 parliamentary regular session, The government guarantees the freedom of expression and constructive criticism so long as homeland security is not affected and the law is not encroached upon. He added, Those who have been arrested by the Jordanian judiciary carried out provocative acts that provoke the public opinion and change the basic conditions of society. Al-Monitor contacted Musa Maaytah, the minister of political development and parliamentary affairs, and Mohammad al-Momani, the minister of state for media affairs and communications and government spokesman, to ask them about the arrest of activists, but they refused to comment on the issue. The recent arrests carried out by the authorities against teachers, retirees and politicians received criticism from human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch Middle East Director Sarah Leah Whitson told Al-Monitor, The Jordanian authorities have been using the charge of undermining the political system of governance mentioned in the terrorism section of the Penal Code for many years now against militants, and the authorities should stop muzzling the peaceful opposition. The Jordanian authorities used Article 149 of the Penal Code for the first time in the history of the judiciary on April 1, 2011, when the prosecutor general of the State Security Court used it against teachers who protested at the Fourth Circle, near the prime minister's building, demanding the establishment of a teacher syndicate. The court used the article once again in January against 20 detainees before releasing them Feb. 7. Article 149 states that temporary hard labor is imposed on whoever undermines the political system of governance in the kingdom, incites opposition to the regime or attempts to change the economic or social entity of the state or the basic conditions of society. Local human rights associations said that freedom of expression has degenerated due to the enactment of a number of laws that restrict freedom of expression, including the Information Systems and Cyber Crime law, the Public Gatherings law and the Press and Publications law. For his part, head of the Jozoor Center for Human Rights Fawzi Samhouri told Al-Monitor, The government is contradicting the obligations it ratified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Jordanian Constitution, all of which stipulate the right to freedom of peaceful expression. Jordanian activists fear the government and general intelligence services continued use of loose charges under the pretext of the fight against extremism. On June 20, the authorities revealed their intention to enact a new law on social networking sites to monitor the Jordanian pages across these networks in order to combat extremism. February 20, 2017 BETHLEHEM, West Bank Rosette Qaabar, a woman in her 50s from Beit Jala in northern Bethlehem, just attended her first of many courses that will allow her to get a diploma in iconography, which she had always been a fan of. This course is accredited by the British university of the Princes School of Traditional Arts, and it is one of many educational courses provided by the Bethlehem Icon Center. Qaabar, along with four other women, have taken up the art of iconography after having learned the basic principles of this art. By the end of the course, Qaabar wants to be able to paint her own icon, as well as one for each of her five children. She told Al-Monitor, Years ago, all my children immigrated to the United States but I could never leave my city. So I enrolled in the center for fun. I would spend my spare time here learning a beautiful, mystical art. The Bethlehem Icon Center on Star Street is a local center specialized in painting religious icons. On Feb. 7, the center kick-started its first iconography course for 2017, as part of its mission to revive Palestinian art. Head of the center Nicolas Geha told Al-Monitor how the idea was born, saying, In 2009, icon photographer Ian Knowles came to Bethlehem after he was invited by a friend to participate in the restoration of St. Nicholas Church in the town of Beit Jala. As he was repainting some icons and restoring others, the residents of the city asked him to teach them how to paint icons. This is where the idea of organizing courses came from. He kept going back and forth between England and Bethlehem to teach iconography in a small room provided by the monastery of the Coptic nuns. After a while, iconography received broad acclaim and the number of students increased. Knowles then moved into two rooms in Manger Square, where he started giving courses on a regular basis. Finally in 2014, the center was officially registered, with Hosh Abu Jarour as its headquarters. Geha noted that the centers officials seek to turn it into a specialized school for iconography, to be the first of its kind in the Middle East. It currently offers a number of courses to get a diploma in iconography accredited by the Princes School of Traditional Arts, which Qaabar attends. Speaking about this arts religious and national importance, Geha said, Icons are part of our Palestinian Christian history. It is a Byzantine art born in Palestine and spread around the world. The first identified icon was that of St. Lukes Jesus and Mary icon. He added, In religion, painting icons is a fundamental art adopted by all churches. Such an art requires deep faith. Before painting an icon, which could be of Jesus, Mary or a saint, the person needs to carefully examine their life, history and the miracles they performed, and thus be well-acquainted with religion. Knowles told Al-Monitor that he is trying to bring this important art back to its rightful owners before his stay in Palestine ends and he returns to England in five years, by teaching a group of locals how to paint top-notch icons. He noted, My job is to reinstate this religious and artistic heritage where it belongs. This art is of Palestinian Christian origins and it is part of the hidden Palestinian history. Many people around the world, and even in Palestine itself, do not realize that this art first originated from Palestine. Most people mistakenly think it is an ancient Greek art. During the years he spent in Bethlehem, Knowles taught over a hundred students. He explained that this art requires a certain type of student who has mastered this specific kind of painting, noting that many students were able to paint icons on their own as a graduation project. According to Knowles, these courses included locals as well as foreigners who heard about the center and started attending courses. While at the center, Al-Monitor met with Sister Marlena Kaczanowsk from Poland, who is taking advantage of her period of service at a Jerusalem church to learn iconography. She said she works in Jerusalem with people with special needs and in her spare time comes to the center to attend the course. Although foreigners are allowed to attend these courses, Knowles believes the icons painted by Palestinian students are quite special, saying, When people create something of their own heritage, it adds a distinctive quality to the icon. Proof is three of Knowles students, Noura Salibi, Chris Matar and Nicolas Geha, who participated in painting the Annunciation Icon at the British Lichfield church last year. They worked for two months straight and added Palestinian embroidery to their icon. Geha noted that the centers officials hope to expand their work and to be able to paint icons for the entire Christian world as a message of love and peace from Christs home area to all believers around the world. The icons painted by Palestinians at the center carry a national religious message and reveal the Palestinian Christian heritage that many people are still unaware of. The Bethlehem Icon Centers sole objective is to relaunch this art from its birthplace for the entire world to see and feel the spirit of Christ and his message. NORFOLK When Deana Schreck and Bethanie Miller tell people they're family and consumer science teachers, they're typically met with a question. What is family and consumer science? "You say family and consumer science and they're like, 'What the heck is that?' "said Schreck, who teaches the subject at Norfolk High School. "But if you say home-ec., they say, 'Oh, so you teach sewing.' " Not quite. That might have been a focus of home economic classes of the past, but the classes have evolved to become much more. Hence its updated name family and consumer science. "I think there's more options for students," said Miller, who splits her time teaching the subject between the high school and junior high. "It used to just be that home-ec was sewing and cooking. That was it." Now, between Miller, Schreck, and Lisa Kowalski another family and consumer science teacher at the high school classes in child development, food and nutrition, fashion, relationships, financial literacy, human sciences and health sciences are among the options available to students. All the classes, except one for sophomores, are taken as electives. What's more is that the department is a part of Norfolk High School's new career academies. The department will be rolling out academies in culinary and early childhood education in the 2017-2018 school year. Plus, the health sciences academy, which was made available already this school year, starts with Kowalski's Intro to Health Sciences class. "Even before the career academies, (our classes) have gotten more career-oriented because we are career and technical education classes anyways," Schreck said. In fact, most of the family and consumer science classes taught at the high school include a unit on careers, and a lot of them include instruction on how to build a resume, the Norfolk Daily News (http://bit.ly/2lIcegE ) reported. But with the addition of the career academies, students interested in careers covered by family and consumer science will be that much more prepared for their next step after graduation. Students in the early childhood education academy could graduate and get a job at a daycare, or pursue further education to become a teacher though they could also just as likely go on to a non-education-related career that happens to deal with children, Schreck said. Students in the culinary academy will take courses that include culinary safety and entrepreneurship, which could allow them to pursue jobs in restaurants or test kitchens. "They're going to know how to use knives properly, they're going to know how to use all your equipment properly," Schreck said. An additional bonus with family and consumer science classes is that they can serve as a dose of reality for students as they prepare for life after school. For example, a recent project in Schreck's Child Development I class focused on the cost of raising a child. Students were assigned careers, income and insurance levels, a relationship status and a number of children. Then they were asked to create a budget. They were also dealt a scenario from "a good day" bucket and "a bad day" bucket and required to financially deal with that situation. When asked by students if they could "re-pick," Schreck offered up a lesson "Do you get to redo life? Do you get to rewind on a bad day?" "That's also one of the reasons our classes are so important," she said. "They teach life skills." Students can attest to that as plenty of the costs associated with raising children were a surprise. "If you don't have insurance for delivery or postnatal care or prenatal care, it's a lot of money," student Alex Sotelo said. "It's like $4,000 for prenatal care. " It's this kind of information that made student Graciela Villarreal wish she had taken a class like this when she lived in Texas. "Now I have a kid, so if I would have known all this information it would have been easier for me to calm down because I was so stressed out about how am I going to do this?" she said. "How am I going to pay for child care? How am I going to handle if my daughter's sick?" That project in Child Development I is only one of many examples of valuable life lessons offered across Norfolk High's family and consumer science classes. Plus, ultimately, Schreck and Miller said they see family and consumer science classes as a way to show students how what's taught in other subject areas can be applicable to the real world. February 21, 2017 When US President-elect Donald Trump tweeted that things would be different for Israel at the United Nations after his inauguration Jan. 20, no one expected that it would include vetoing a personnel decision by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, but that is exactly what happened with the appointment of former Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad as Guterres' personal envoy to Libya. Fayyad had undergone a rigorous selection process at the end of which all parties appeared to be onboard. The secretary-generals office even sent a draft press release on the appointment for Fayyad to review, Al-Monitor has learned. Then came the shocker: Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, announced Feb. 10 that the United States opposed Fayyad's appointment, calling it biased and detrimental to our allies in Israel. Former US peace envoy and ambassador to Israel Martin Indyk suggested that Haley's statement rejecting the appointment might have been triggered the night before during a private dinner in New York that included the president and his biggest donor, Sheldon Adelson. Adelson is a strong supporter of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had made it clear that his government was unhappy about Israel's treatment at the United Nations and had opposed Fayyads appointment. The reaction to the US veto was swift and crossed partisan lines. Former US ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro slammed the move as stunningly dumb and a farce. The Times of Israel quoted Shapiro as saying, If you know Fayyad decent, smart, honest, ethical, hardworking its much more outrageous. Even the right-wing Jerusalem Post rejected the Trump administrations position on Fayyads appointment. In a Feb. 12 editorial, Support Fayyad, the daily criticized Israeli officials for endorsing the US position, calling Fayyad an exceptional Palestinian leader. Fayyad, who resigned in April 2013 and had not talked to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas for more than two years, was invited by Abbas to the Muqata, the presidential headquarters in Ramallah, for a private meeting Feb. 13. The official Palestinian news agency, WAFA, issued a brief on the meeting that was also published on Abbas Facebook page, noting that the two men had discussed the destructive Israeli moves against qualified Palestinian talents. Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the PLOs Executive Committee and a political ally of Fayyad during the 2006 Palestinian legislative elections, described the US decision as unconscionable and racist. She was quoted in various press reports from Feb. 11 as saying, Blocking the appointment of Fayyad is a case of blatant discrimination on the basis of national identity. Guterres himself, of course, had something to say about the US move. Speaking at the World Government Summit in Dubai on Feb. 13, Guterres stood by Fayyad, calling him the right person for the right job at the right moment. He has qualities that are recognized everywhere, the secretary-general said. He has a competence that nobody denies. And it is very important to underline that nobody in the UN represents a government or a country. People in the UN have just one area of loyalty they need to respect its the UN Charter. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, told Al-Monitor that the US move is unacceptable and said, I have repeatedly stated that there is no reason to object to Fayyads nomination from the secretary-general to be his representative in Libya. Mansour said he was angry about the criteria for rejecting Fayyad. Objecting to a qualified person just because of his nationality is unacceptable, he said. Mansour added, however, that the decision against Fayyad will not change much in the way UN agencies deal with Palestinians. There are three kinds of UN appointments, he explained. Career international appointments, and there are Palestinians there; and sectoral appointments by the secretary-general, and we had Nasser Kidwa appointed as the deputy to the secretary-generals envoy [to Syria]. However, the personal representatives of the secretary-general need the approval of the Security Council. What happened to Fayyad was because the issue of the personal representative of the secretary-general has to be approved the Security Council, where five permanent members, including the United States, have veto power. Previous US administrations had vetoed Security Council decisions, but as Mansour noted, None have done so for a qualified appointment that went thorough consultation, and everyone was aware of it. Al-Monitor contacted Fayyad, who was restrained in his responses, saying only that he was gratified by the reaction from around the world and from bipartisan officials, and that he had been looking forward to doing something useful. I am not used to sitting idly around doing very little with my time, Fayyad said. The strong reaction to blocking the secretary-general from appointing a qualified Palestinian has left a mark on the Trump administration and has inadvertently resurrected the profile of a Palestinian leader the world had forgotten. It even brought about agreement within Palestinian society and its leadership. Fayyad and Palestinians are not the real losers in this case. Rather, that distinction belongs, unfortunately, to the people of Libya, who have been denied a competent, Arabic-speaking world class talent to help bring their splintered society together. February 20, 2017 The major political slogan of the Bolshevik Party leading up to the 1917 Great October Socialist Revolution and the uprising itself, All Power to the Soviets! is now relevant to Syria. The long-lasting civil war in Syria killed centralized government stone dead and caused a de facto territorial fragmentation. Although international players are currently voicing commitment to Syrias sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, it also is a fact that alternative forms of civic self-government, namely local councils, have held sway in rebel-controlled districts for some time now. According to Al-Monitors sources close to the National Coalition for Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces, the countrys local councils numbered 404 after the fall of eastern Aleppo to the forces of President Bashar al-Assad. Self-government is in the offing in Turkeys buffer zone in northern Aleppo. Thus, one can argue that the self-organizing revolutionary movement suggested by Syrian activist Omar Aziz at the onset of the uprising in 2011 has materialized. Until recently, the Kremlin refused to acknowledge the civil war in Syria, portraying the conflict only as Damascus fight against terrorists. Such a policy prevented Russian officials from objectively assessing local councils performance. Moreover, the issue is a real blind spot among many Russian politicians and pundits. Indeed, on Nov. 8, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova labeled councils in eastern Aleppo self-proclaimed authorities doing what their external sponsors or backers told them and playing into the hands of the most radical illegal armed groups. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Dec. 13 that what eastern Aleppo had experienced was indiscriminate terror, rather than an opposition movement and local councils. Though Russia described self-government in formerly rebel-held areas of eastern Aleppo with broad strokes, one should note that despite random terror, Russias Defense Ministry was able to evacuate virtually all besieged fighters and their families to Idlib. At the same time, it is clear that notorious jihadis should have been detained and vetted. However, the recapture of eastern Aleppo and the Defense Ministry's subsequent recognition of Syrias moderate opposition appear to have reset Moscows attitude toward both rebels and local power brokers. In the end, Article 15 regarding the separation of power between local councils and central government was incorporated into Syrias much-talked-about draft constitution produced by Russian experts and presented to the armed opposition at negotiations last month in Astana, Kazakhstan. On the one hand, such a step signals Moscows willingness to make concessions and to consent to Syrias division into zones of influence within its existing boundaries. On the other hand, the move once again signifies the Kremlins inconsistency characterized by the pretense of stability, the absence of a long-term Syria strategy and the influence of domestic policies on foreign ones. Moscows analysts are united in stating that the draft constitution, including such controversial points as Kurdish autonomy and a seven-year presidential term, is merely an attempt to promote dialogue between all the parties concerned. Yet it is evident that a focus on legalization of local councils and their integration into the political conflict settlement represents an appropriate way to do that. Wholesale reforms require much time and effort. The time vacuum and lack of visible achievements play into the hands of hard-line and terrorist groups. In this respect, supporting local government is the most effective and pragmatic way to restore peace for the locals, to address social needs and to create jobs after a lasting truce. However, problems also arise. On the one hand, the councils are trying to distance themselves from any armed groups. On the other hand, they need the assistance of outer forces. Ma'arrat al-Numan, a city in Idlib province, illustrates successful coordination between the local council, local coordination committees and the Free Syrian Army's Division 13, which is closely affiliated with the local administration. They jointly managed to force Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly Jabhat al-Nusra) to withdraw from the region. Commanders of the armed groups and activists of local councils are quite close and the distinction between them is somewhat symbolic, even though the latter is charged with addressing pressing social issues rather than sustaining control over the areas. Given this, an important question logically arises: How will Damascus take Moscows suggestion to decentralize power? As of now, the reaction is still unclear, as no one has publicly commented on the situation on the ground. However, the pro-government Syrian media tend to be quite skeptical about the performance of local councils. They stress that the councils fail to meet even the basic needs of the population, despite the assistance of nongovernmental organizations and funding provided by the West and the Persian Gulf states. Meanwhile, the regime has long been playing its own game with local councils. Damascus maintains leverage in opposition-held areas, first and foremost, by demonstrating its sustained, indispensable role in providing essential public services paying wages to teachers and money to pensioners who have not been reported as involved in opposition. At the same time, the regime has openly opposed any challenge to its monopolized areas such as providing public services and an alternative educational and health-care system. Damascus launched deliberate airstrikes in the cities where local councils had been most successful and thereby had posed a substantial challenge to the regime. That was the case, for example, in Ma'arrat al-Numan, Douma and Darayya. However, in some areas, the administration has sought reconciliation with local councils for its own benefit as it did, for instance, in Quneitra and Daraa provinces. At the same time, since the emergence of the first local councils five years ago, the opposition has failed to agree on a model of local administration and self-government, or to vest them with political functions. As a result, with the rare exceptions of the Kabbun and Ma'arrat al-Numan assemblies, councils provide only some public services, and they do not have any administrative duties or executive or administrative powers. The idea of holding elections to provincial councils that represent various administrative layers, interact with the United Nations and other bodies and can directly conduct political reform in the long run has not been fully implemented. As of now, only eight councils of the kind have been formed in Syria. Local councils can possibly initiate cooperation with the regime and with the Russian officers at the Center for National Reconciliation, based at the Khmeimim military base. Some sources on the ground told Al-Monitor that there are Christians in the groups who cooperate directly with the councils and among activists. After some indoctrination, it may prove valuable to have local councils recognized by the regime as civil structures. Remarkably, Syrian Kurdistans positive experience with local councils may well be studied and used across Syria. The Kurdish Democratic Society Movement headed by the nationalist Democratic Union Party is of particular interest to those who want to establish fully autonomous, civil-military self-government structures; consider the Manbij Military Council, for example. To streamline the work of local councils and understand their role in the transition to peace, it is important to make good use of the experience being gained during the civil war. February 20, 2017 The US administration has tasked the Department of Defense with preparing, by Feb. 28, a comprehensive plan to defeat the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria. With only eight days left, it's clear we are entering the final phase of preparations for retaking Raqqa, the strategic heart of IS in Syria. Turkey has been involved in many conversations with the United States this month. Following the Feb. 17 visit of CIA Director Mike Pompeo to Ankara, Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, met at Incirlik Air Base with Turkeys Chief of General Staff Hulusi Akar. On Feb. 18-19, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim discussed Raqqa and developments in northern Syria with US Vice President Mike Pence at the International Munich Security Conference. Ankara is clearly delighted with US President Donald Trumps rapid tackling of Syria and Washington's high-level cooperation. Obviously, Moscow is not all that pleased with the resurgence of diplomatic activity between Ankara and Washington regarding northern Syria. But we also have to note that Ankara is concurrently working to fortify field cooperation with Russia west of the Euphrates River. Russia, Turkey and Iran which organized the peace talks last month and again last week in Astana, Kazakhstan are forming a task force to monitor and implement the cease-fire in Syria. As a first step, Russia and Turkey could field a joint cease-fire monitoring force west of the Euphrates. While Ankara is discussing with Washington a Raqqa operation to knock out IS, it is also trying to preserve its improved diplomatic ties with Moscow to maintain Turkeys gains in Operation Euphrates Shield. Washington and Moscow are vying for leverage in northern Syria. Russia sees all of northern Syria as its area of influence, whereas the United States seems to concede the west while considering the eastern side to be its sphere of influence. Until the United States and Russia agree on their "territories," it will be difficult for Turkey to please both parties simultaneously. Perhaps this is why, in recent days when Ankara moved closer to Washington, Moscow began playing its "Kurdish card" more openly. The Feb. 15 timing of the Regional Kurdish Conference organized by Russia in Moscow is significant. By inviting not only Syrian Kurds but Kurdish representatives from Turkey, Iran and Iraq, Moscow signaled it has a regional perspective for the Kurdish issue. Also, Moscows close contacts with officials from the Kurdish nationalist Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Syria on drafting a new constitution for Syria is another reaction to warming relations between the United States and Turkey in northern Syria. The perplexing question is how long Turkey will be able to manage the divergent interests of the United States and Russia. Whether Turkey will opt for close cooperation with Russia or the United States in northern Syria is not a routine foreign policy decision, but a major one that will certainly determine the route Turkey will be following in years to come. Many people are puzzled about why the United States imposes conditions that Turkey detests, but still insists on having Turkey participate in the Raqqa operation. At the moment, there are two main causes of friction between the United States and Turkey over Raqqa. The first is Manbij, which is controlled by the People's Protection Units (YPG), immediately west of the Euphrates, south of Jarablus. The message Ankara is sending to Washington is: We will assist you at Raqqa but as a sign of your goodwill, give us Manbij, while Washington says, Lets start at Raqqa. Let us see your commitment and field performance at Raqqa. We will then talk about Manbij. The other key friction point involves the launching point for the Raqqa operation. To prevent harm to Kobani, the United States favors launching the operation from al-Bab, 110 miles from Raqqa. But Turkey favors launching the operation from Tell Abyad, adjacent to the Turkish border, 60 miles north of Raqqa. If Turkeys views prevail, its armored forces would overrun and control the Kurdish canton of Kobani. There are three main reasons why the United States needs Turkey at Raqqa: military, demographic and symbolic. Militarily, Raqqa will be a conventional front, with 8,000 to 10,000 IS militants now in Raqqa mixed in with about 220,000 civilians, just as IS mixes in with the population in al-Bab and Mosul. IS appears determined to defend Raqqa to the very end with a system based on tunnel warfare, anti-tank missiles, drones and suicide attacks with armored vehicles. That is why a Raqqa operation will need tanks, armored vehicles, indirect artillery and rocket support as much as infantry. The United States badly needs Turkey's armored and artillery support in what promises to be a tough operation. What are Turkeys options for giving military support to a Raqqa operation? Turkey refrains from giving any form of military support on the ground but assists with logistical support primarily from Incirlik Air Base. Turkey also promises it will not undertake any cross-border operations against the Kobani and Jazeera Kurdish cantons during the operation. In this option, the question will be who will be supplying the armor and long-distance artillery support. One possibility that comes to mind is the Syrian army. But that army has been having a difficult time at Deir ez-Zor and Palmyra against IS. If Syria is forced to reach agreements with the United States and Russia, the Syrian army can deploy armored units and artillery to Raqqa without directly participating in clashes. Turkey participates in Raqqa with a special forces detachment of 250-300 troops: This will indicate that Turkey wishes to follow Raqqa developments closely and that the United States isnt against it. If this option is chosen, we can presume Turkey still hopes to have a role in reconstructing Raqqa after its capture. In addition to special forces, Turkey sends one or two each of armored and mechanized infantry brigades, plus two or three 155-meter howitzer battalions and one or two 122 mm rocketry battalions with a total of 3,000-4,000 soldiers. By choosing this option (which is actually the US' pick) Turkey would confirm that Ankara has agreed to a joint operation with a Kurdistan Workers Party affiliate, the YPG. This option would also mean that Turkey would want a role in running and reconstructing Raqqa. In addition to the special forces and armored artillery units, Turkey sends four to five commando battalions, bringing Turkeys participation to 7,000-8,000 soldiers. This option signifies the highest level of Turkish commitment to the Raqqa operation. It would mean Ankara had persuaded Washington that Turkey could make up for the infantry gap that would arise from excluding the Kurdish YPG from Raqqa. Ankara would do so by using its own commandos in addition to the Arab elements of the Syrian Democratic Forces and the Free Syrian Army. To compensate for such generous participation, Turkey would expect maximum input into the future of Raqqa and northern Syria. The second reason why the United States insists on having Turkey join the Raqqa operation is the human terrain. Nearly all of the more than 200,000 people in Raqqa are Sunni Arabs. There is a small Christian minority and an even smaller Kurdish presence in the town and its periphery. The United States must win the hearts and minds of Sunni Arab tribes in Raqqa, which are most concerned with whether the Kurdish YPG will stay in Raqqa in the post-IS era. The United States strongly feels the need to have Turkey's support in winning over the Arab tribes. The last reason the United States needs Turkey in Raqqa is symbolic. An operation against Raqqa is crucial for the Sunni psyche in the Middle East, and having Sunni elements in the field alongside the United States is vital for the legitimacy of the operation in Sunni eyes. The Raqqa operation is taking shape, but amid multifaceted, tangled issues. Commanding and managing this operation is likely to be more complicated than the one at Mosul. No doubt IS is monitoring discussions between Ankara and Washington, probably even more so than are Moscow, Tehran and Damascus. February 21, 2017 Turkeys beleaguered pro-Kurdish bloc was dealt a further blow Feb. 21 when the parliament stripped its imprisoned co-leader of her seat. An appeals court upheld Figen Yuksekdag's conviction of spreading terrorist propaganda. Yuksekdag and fellow co-leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas remain in jail together with at least nine other HDP deputies their numbers keep fluctuating on a wide array of often sketchily constructed terror charges. Yuksekdag lost her seat because she attended the funeral of a left-wing militant deemed to be a terrorist. Idris Baluken, another HDP member of parliament who was intimately involved in now scrapped peace talks between the government and imprisoned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) leader Abdullah Ocalan, was rearrested today after an appeals court's objection to his release three weeks ago was sustained. Another court in the eastern province of Dogubayazit, meanwhile, slapped Demirtas with a five-month jail sentence for insulting the Turkish people, the Turkish state and its institutions. The all-out legal assault on the HDP is widely seen as an attempt by the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to win over nationalist voters in the run-up to the April 16 referendum on boosting the powers of the presidency. The HDP is fiercely opposed to the measures that would essentially result in one-man rule. With his boyish charm, biting wit and oratory flair, Demirtas helped carry the HDP into the parliament for the first time in June 2015 with the campaign slogan, We will not make you an executive president. The platform made him the bete noire of Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the Turkish president bent on formalizing the sweeping powers he already wields. Erdogan, who became the first Turkish politician to sanction direct peace talks with Ocalan, is credited with granting Turkeys estimated 16 million Kurds greater rights than any of his predecessors combined. But these rights are being steadily rolled back in ways that appear to criminalize any overt expressions of Kurdishness, just as happened during decades of military tutelage that Erdogan helped crush. A sad example played out in the western province of Aydin last week: A group of Kurdish high school students were taken in and grilled by police after fellow students complained that they had been listening to Kurdish music and dancing Kurdish folk dances. The local prosecutor who ordered their interrogation deemed their materials terrorist propaganda. The students were nonetheless set free for lack of evidence, the Turkish-language Hurriyet Daily News reported. Pressure on the Kurds may well scare many in the battle-scarred southeast of the country away from the ballot box on April 16. Erdogan and other AKP leaders have openly labeled potential naysayers as terrorists and traitors and are touting the referendum as a test of patriotism. The government is bent on keeping the Kurds at home because their votes could well tip the balance, claimed Sezgin Tanrikulu, a member of parliament for the main opposition Republican Peoples Party. Tanrikulu, who is also a globally acclaimed human rights lawyer, told Al-Monitor, The rights violations that we are currently witnessing in Turkey are on an unparalleled scale. Tanrikulu had just petitioned the parliament to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings and torture in the village of Korukoy near the Syrian border. A curfew was slapped on the village on Feb. 11 as part of an operation to hunt down PKK militants said to be in the area. All access to Korukoy has been blocked, leaving residents trapped inside with dwindling food supplies and allegedly subjected to sustained abuse by security forces. Feleknas Uca, an HDP member of parliament who was prevented from entering the village over the weekend, asked, What is the state seeking to conceal in Korukoy? Uca told the independent ArtiGercek news portal that 65 families live in the village and that there were unconfirmed reports that at least 40 villagers had been detained so far. She also brought up claims that two teenage girls were being held hostage by the security forces. Graphic images said to be shot in Korukoy of the bloodied corpses of men, presumably PKK militants, circulated via social media accounts that were swiftly suspended. The governorate of Mardin province, under whose jurisdiction Korukoy falls, dismissed the allegations of ill-treament. Contrary to media reports, the operations against the PKK were carried out in keeping with the rules of the state of law and the protection of civilian lives and property is a priority, the governors office said in a statement. Meanwhile, the authorities have detained 26 people said to be linked to a car bomb attack that killed an 11-year-old boy and a guard in the southeastern province of Urfa on Feb. 17. Turkish officials say the PKK, which has escalated urban attacks in recent months, killing security personnel and civilians alike, is the key suspect in the bombing. Whole Foods remains committed to Alabama after announcing plans to shutter nine stores this year in the U.S. Betsy Harden, a spokeswoman for the Austin supermarket chain, said the stores that will close or have already closed are in Georgia, Colorado, California, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona and Illinois. The retailer has also closed one commissary kitchen and will shut down two others in the coming weeks. Whole Foods, which has 93 stores in development, also recently terminated two leases and signed four new ones. Harden said the company is renewing its portfolio and being "more thoughtful" about future expansion. "As a company, we are looking forward to continue to grow," she told AL.com. The company's most recent earnings report shows comparable store sales dropped for the sixth straight quarter to 2.4 percent in the 16 weeks ending Jan. 15. Total sales were up 1.9 percent, while net income was $95 million overall. Whole Foods launched 13 stores, including two relocations, during the first quarter. In the current second quarter, the grocer has already opened three stores and expects to open three more soon. Whole Foods has been in expansion mode in Alabama since 2014, opening stores in Mountain Brook, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery over a two-year period. John Mackey, CEO of Whole Foods, co-founded the organic and natural foods store in 1980 with Rene Lawson Hardy, Craig Weller and Mark Skiles. The business now employs 87,000 team members and has more than 465 stores in the U.S., Canada and United Kingdom. Mackey said they are "committed to taking every step necessary to improve comps and deliver higher returns for our shareholders." "To this end, we are refining our growth strategy, refocusing our efforts on best serving our core customers, and moving faster to fully implement category management," he said in a statement. After a long day of traveling through Alabama, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla Chan, just wanted a quiet, relaxing dinner after they got to Birmingham Monday night. So they went to OvenBird, the live-fire restaurant owned by James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Hastings and his wife, Idie. "They just wanted some privacy," Chris Hastings told AL.com this afternoon. "They had chosen our restaurant in advance, and they just wanted to come and have a nice meal together - no fuss, no picture-taking. They just wanted a nice dinner after a long day." Zuckerberg and his wife have embarked on a tour of all 50 states, starting with Alabama. They were in Mobile and Bayou La Batre over the weekend and traveled through Selma and Camden on Monday before arriving in Birmingham, where they toured the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and visited with former death row inmate Anthony Ray Hinton. Hastings said he received word from Zuckerberg's team that the Facebook CEO and his wife were planning to dine at OvenBird, which is in the Pepper Place complex in Birmingham's Lakeview District. The couple requested a private dining spot, and they were seated in a separate room near the restaurant's wood-burning hearth. "We got an advance notice from his team, and they gave us some clear parameters about what to do, what not to do," Hastings said. "Our instructions were to take no pictures, just say hello to them and let them be and have a nice, quiet meal. And that's what we did." Hastings said guests at the restaurant recognized Zuckerberg but were respectful and did not take pictures or interrupt his meal. Zuckerberg and his wife enjoyed a dinner that included spit-roasted duck, shaved Brussels sprouts, oven-roasted broccoli, tuna and avocado toast, shishito peppers, sunchoke paella, octopus salad and OvenBird's famous beef fat candle, Hastings said. Zuckerberg had OvenBird's signature cocktail, the Rufus Horneros, and his wife had a non-alcoholic mocktail. "They had a big ol' meal," Hastings said. "They crushed it." Hastings and his wife gave Zuckerberg and his wife signed copies of their "Hot and Hot Fish Club" cookbook, as well as the "Reel Masters" cookbook and the nonfiction book "Seeds of Reprisal: Monsanto vs. Michael White." "It was a very exciting night for us," Hastings said. "When Mark Zuckerberg picks you for anything -- I don't care who you are or whatever you do -- you know he has done his homework. "It was very flattering for us to be chosen to be the restaurant where they ate. We took that very seriously and with a great deal of pride. We just wanted to respect their wishes and make sure the food and service were spectacular and that they could just enjoy a date night." The Rev. Al Sharpton will serve as the keynote speaker of Wenonah High School's 14th annual Unity Breakfast set for Friday Sharpton, a Civil Rights activist, will speak on this year's theme: "Facing the Future and Cherishing the Milestones." The breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. The event, spearheaded by Wenonah High School Principal Regina Carr-Hope and other staff, is held every year during Black History Month. It attracts hundreds of attendees. The breakfast will feature a culinary breakfast prepared by the award-winning Wenonah High School Culinary Arts Team, according to the city of Birmingham. Wenonah High School Choir and Fine Arts team and others will perform and pay tribute to the life and legacies of Civil Rights activists. Birmingham City Councilor Sheila Tyson, whose district includes students who attend Wenonah High School, said she couldn't be more excited for the event. "It's important that our students really understand what struggles our ancestors fought for and faced so that they can enjoy the freedoms of today," she said in a prepared statement. "We must help them stay focused on doing their absolute best and also encourage them set the pace for the next generation. We are all benefitting from Black History and the journey of Civil Rights can't be told enough." Wenonah High School is located at 2800 Wilson Road Southwest in Birmingham. Shuttles are available to the school. For information on tickets, call 205-231-1700 or 205-231-1704. Sharpton's speech will be livestreamed, according to Birmingham City Schools. A link for the livestream will be added to this post when it becomes available. Click here for more information on Birmingham City Schools Black History Month events. Updated at 5:07 p.m: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated the unity breakfast is on Thursday. It is set for Friday, Feb. 24. The impeachment investigation of Gov. Robert Bentley was a subject of renewed interest in the Alabama House of Representatives last week, but lawmakers generally say the overlapping investigation by the attorney general's office rightly takes precedence for now. Some legislators say recent developments in the almost year-long scandal involving the governor raise the distraction level as they grapple with issues like Bentley's plan to borrow $800 million to build four new prisons. Others say not much has changed. Those recent developments include the appointment of Attorney General Luther Strange by Bentley to the U.S. Senate and the announcement by Strange's successor, Bentley appointee Steve Marshall, that the AG's office is investigating the governor. "It is, in my opinion, a cloud over the process right now," said Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden. "It's something we can't help but think about when we're trying to make big decisions. "There is a problem with trust in the governor's proposals. That is causing problems in my opinion. You feel like you have to check and double check because confidence has been shaken." Standridge, who chairs the House Rural Caucus, said House members heard concerns in their districts after Bentley took former adviser Rebekah Mason on the state plane to the Trump inauguration. (Mason went with her husband, Jon Mason, a Bentley cabinet member who had official business on the trip, according to the governor.) "I think obviously a lot of people had a problem with that," Standridge said. "I'm talking about the citizens of Alabama. Then the appointment of Luther Strange under the circumstances raises a lot of eyebrows. "I think the House sentiment is just a reflection of what they're hearing in their districts." Legislators return to Montgomery on Tuesday to begin the third week of the session. The governor has denied doing anything illegal or anything to warrant impeachment, which would not necessarily require illegal conduct. In November, the House Judiciary Committee paused its impeachment investigation of the governor at the request of Strange, who said his office was investigating related matters. Strange's successor, Marshall, confirmed last week that the AG's office is investigating Bentley, recused himself and appointed former Montgomery County District Attorney Ellen Brooks to oversee the probe. House Judiciary Chairman Mike Jones said last week he would consult with Brooks about clearance to resume the committee's investigation. Jones said he expects that to happen in time for a vote on impeachment before the end of the legislative session, which will be in late May. Ross Garber, who represents the governor's office in the impeachment investigation, said today that Bentley is focused on governing and the legislative session. "The governor has great respect for Chairman Jones and the members of the Judiciary Committee," Garber said in a statement. "He is confident that they recognize that any governor is afforded all due process protections at every stage of an impeachment. This is crucial because an impeachment would immediately overturn the votes of the citizens of Alabama and remove the elected governor, even before any trial in the Senate." If the Judiciary Committee recommends impeachment to the full House, it would take a vote of 63 representatives, three-fifths of the House, to bring that recommendation up for a vote. It would then take a vote of 53 members, a majority of the House membership, to send the charges to the Senate for a trial. Under Section 127 of the state Constitution, the lieutenant governor would assume the duties of the governor's office upon impeachment, even before the trial. Only acquittal in the Senate could return Bentley to office. Last week, Reps. Corey Harbison and Randall Shedd, both Republicans from Cullman County, circulated a new impeachment resolution against the governor in the House, but it did not come up for a vote. Harbison and Shedd, who did not sign the impeachment resolution against Bentley last year, said they were concerned about what they see as the erosion of public trust in state government caused by the lingering scandal. Some other legislators said today the Bentley investigations are not keeping them from doing their work and can be resolved in due time. Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston, said the appointment of Strange upset some people but he has not seen a great change in attitude of most House members. "I don't think it's affecting our work," Wood said. "Not in the State House. I can't see where it is." Rep. Reed Ingram, R-Montgomery, said he sees no sudden surge in urgency on the impeachment issue. "I don't think the fire is lit any hotter," said Ingram, one of 23 House members who signed the resolution to send the impeachment charges to the Judiciary Committee last year. Ingram said only a few House members talked to him about impeachment last week. He said lawmakers are more concerned about other issues, such as the prison plan and a possible proposal to raise gasoline taxes to pay for road projects and maintenance. "I don't think it's a distraction," Ingram said. "It's still the big elephant in the room, but I think everybody is trying to get everything else done and then we'll look at it if there's enough time." Rep. Tim Wadsworth, R-Arley, said he thinks House members are concentrating on issues like funding Medicaid and the state budgets until the Judiciary Committee issues a report. Wadsworth said the investigations are not affecting his work. "I represent my district and what he does in the executive branch really has very little impact on what we do," Wadsworth said. Two Democrats on the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Merika Coleman of Birmingham and Marcel Black of Tuscumbia, said there is a growing sense of urgency among some House members to complete the investigation. "(There is) if I'm not reading fake news," Black joked. Black said Bentley's appointment of Strange to the U.S. Senate concerned some lawmakers. "Not that I'm saying that there's anything there, but they did kind of dance around the investigation and related work," Black said. Judiciary Chairman Jones has said he believed Strange made the request to suspend the investigation "in good faith" and Strange, when asked about a possible conflict caused by his appointment, noted that he made the request on Nov. 1, a week before Trump's election, which eventually created the vacancy that he now fills. When the Judiciary Committee does resume its work, an unresolved question is whether it has the power to enforce subpoenas for witnesses and documents. Lawyers for the governor's office say it does not. Black said it would be difficult for the committee to gather information necessary for the investigation without subpoena power. Black said he believes Jones did the right thing in suspending the investigation at Strange's request. Rep. Jim Hill, R-Moody, a retired circuit judge, said there does appear to be "some level of angst among some members of the House" about the status of impeachment investigation. "However, it is important to note that the work of the Judiciary committee was delayed at the request of then Attorney General Luther Strange in November 2016," Hill said in an email. "General Strange never reported that the work of the AG's office was completed. I don't believe it would be prudent to take an action that could interfere with the work of the AG's office. "Steve Marshall has only recently been appointed Attorney General and I believe he deserves a reasonable period of time to assess the situation." Rep. Ed Henry, R-Hartselle, initiated the impeachment resolution last April after allegations that Bentley had an affair with Mason and questions about whether he used state resources to facilitate it. Bentley admitted to inappropriate behavior with Mason after recordings of phone calls on which he is heard making comments of a sexual nature became public. Bentley and Mason denied they had an affair. In January, the governor's annual campaign finance report showed his campaign paid about $9,000 in legal fees for Rebekah Mason in January 2016. Secretary of State John Merrill said he believed that was an illegal use of campaign funds and notified the Ethics Commission. Bentley attorney William Athanas wrote a letter to the Ethics Commission explaining why they believed the payment was legal. A local company that will offer pedal tours of the Magic City is closer to becoming a reality. Claire Kobza of Birmingham Pedal Tours said while a launch date has not been set, the company is closer to finalizing the concept. "We have been working diligently with the City of Birmingham to put together a municipal ordinance that will allow us to bring pedal tours to the Magic City. There is still a good amount of work to be done before making this a reality. Our number one goal right now is to find a way to make this concept possible while keeping our passengers safe," she said. The company started a Facebook page last week to see how interested people would be, and Kobza called the reaction "overwhelming." "It's easy to recognize our city is booming and we think this concept will be a perfect compliment to all the new restaurants, breweries, and bars." The pedal-powered bike is designed as an alternate method of transportation for those who want to drink alcohol, but not drive. The bike can accommodate 14 passengers. According to Kobza, the bike is equipped with an electric-assist motor, a sound system, and a vinyl rain cover. Birmingham Pedal Tours plans to offer private and public tours, and will have routes that travel to bars or breweries downtown, in Avondale, or in Lakeview. "As residents of Birmingham we know our city is incredibly passionate about keeping things local... We live downtown, we patron the bars and breweries, we listen to what people want. This will set us apart from the franchises and large chain pedal companies in other cities," she said. Initially, the company is not planning to offer alcohol on the bike. Launch dates and news can be found on the company's Facebook page or website. JCC.jpg Birmingham police and firefighters responded Monday morning to the Levite Jewish Community Center on Montclair Road. The hoax threat was one of nearly a dozen throughout the U.S. Monday. A bomb threat at Birmingham's Levite Jewish Community Center Monday morning was one of almost a dozen across the U.S. The threat was received via phone around 10 a.m. The building, including the daycare, was briefly evacuated before Birmingham police gave the all-clear. According to The Hill, the JCC Association of North America reported similar threats at 10 other Jewish community centers Monday, including facilities in Chicago, Buffalo, Houston and Tampa. All of the threats were determined to be hoaxes. "Our JCCs are strongly rooted in communities across the country," David Posner, director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America, said in a statement to thehill.com. "We will not be cowed by threats intended to disrupt people's lives or the vital role Jewish community centers play as gathering places, schools, camps, and fitness and recreation centers." The JCC Association of North America reported that 11 Jewish community centers received bomb threats Monday, including centers in Chicago, Buffalo, Houston and Tampa. The threats "were determined to be hoaxes." "Our JCCs are strongly rooted in communities across the country," David Posner, director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America, said in a statement. "We will not be cowed by threats intended to disrupt people's lives or the vital role Jewish community centers play as gathering places, schools, camps, and fitness and recreation centers." According to the website, the White House issued a statement denouncing hate-motivated violence. President Trump's daughter, Ivanka, and her husband, senior Trump adviser Jared Kushner, are Jewish. Ivanka Trump responded to the threats on Twitter by saying, "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers." The JCC Association of North America reported that since the beginning of the year, there have been 69 incidents at 54 JCCs in 27 states and one Canadian province. On Jan. 18, Birmingham police and other lawmen responded to the facility on Montclair Road in the eastern part of the city. After the building was evacuated, bomb-sniffing dogs checked out the complex and the parking lot, and the all-clear was given. The JCC Association of North America said that 28 centers were threatened that same day in the following states: Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Massachussets, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Kansas, New York, Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, Minnesota, Delaware, Maine, Missouri and Texas. The FBI has previously said the investigation into the threats is ongoing. NORFOLK The historic Grand Theatre in downtown Norfolk is up for sale, bringing disappointment to many who tried to restore the landmark for the past 12 years. The former theater building was built in 1920, and had then-luxury amenities like air conditioning. It became the Rialto in 1940, then the smaller divided Cinema theaters in the 1970s before it eventually closed. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. Businessman J. Paul McIntosh donated the property in 2005 to the Norfolk Community Theater, which tried to obtain money to renovate the structure. The group was able to restore the front of the building and some roof repairs, but was unable to raise the $6 million to $8 million needed for improvements to the interior. "It's very disappointing," theater board President Brad Krivohlavek told the Norfolk Daily News (http://bit.ly/2kRyy6U). "We've had various people helping us out ... but the project just isn't doable. We had to come up with plan B." The community theater has been based for many years at Northeast Community College, but the board's vision was that the Grand Theatre would become the group's permanent home. The hope was that the building could be used to stage the community theater's productions and host recitals, business meetings and even church services that needed a facility that could seat around 300 people. The community theater will operate at the college until it can make other arrangements. "We're looking at all options ... but we don't have a plan," Krivohlavek said. "We want to have a facility, but we need to see what happens with the building." The property is listed for $200,000. "I feel bad because I'm the board president, and I couldn't get this accomplished," Krivohlavek said. A former U.S. Department of Justice attorney, who led the prosecution of whistleblower claims against hospice giant AseraCare at a Birmingham trial, faces a federal charge in California after allegedly trying to sell information to a company under federal investigation. He tried to make the sale under an assumed name, wearing a wig, and using a signal with a folded newspaper. Jeffrey Wertkin was arrested Jan. 31 and charged with contempt of court as he tried to meet an official at a technology security company in Sunnyvale, Calif., to hand over a copy of a whistleblower lawsuit in exchange for $310,000 in bitcoin. The charge was unsealed and made publicly available in the online court system a week later. A company violates the federal False Claims Act if it bills or overcharges the government for work. Employees of that company can file whistleblower lawsuits under the False Claims Act if they have information about the potential violations. In the end whistleblowers can collect a portion of any money the government recovers. Such lawsuits, however, are supposed to be under seal while the government investigates to see if they will join the civil lawsuit and prosecute under the False Claims Act. Many times the company being investigated is unaware of the lawsuit or whistleblower allegations until the lawsuit is unsealed by a judge. The lawsuit Wertkin tried to sell was filed under seal in January 2016, according to the information document charging Wertkin. The employee worked with the FBI to arrange a meeting with the person trying to sell the information. During a recorded telephone conversation Wertkin, going under the name of "Dan" at the time, told the unnamed company official that it was in the interest of the tech company to buy a copy of the lawsuit so that the company could get out ahead of the investigation. Wertin would not negotiate on the $310,000 price and asked to be paid in Bitcoin, a digital currency, so it could not be traced, according to the information document. A meeting was arranged where Wertkin would meet with another employee to make the exchange. The other employee was to go inside a hotel in Cupertino, Calif., and sit down in a chair with a newspaper on the seat. Wertkin was wearing a wig when he approached the other employee and handed over a copy of the whistleblower lawsuit. The other employee was an FBI agent and Wertkin was immediately arrested. Once under arrest Wertkin said out loud "my life is over," according to the charging document. Wertkin was a former trial attorney for the DOJ's Civil Division who left in April 2016 to join the large Washington D.C. based law firm Akin Gump, according to the charging information. According to a biography of Wertkin on that firm's website Wertkin had led 20 major fraud investigations, according to the charging information. He also was an adjunct professor at Georgetown University's McCourt School of Public Policy. One fraud investigation in which Wertkin was involved is the whistleblower False Claims Act allegations against AseraCare. A trial was held in Birmingham in 2015 in the AseraCare lawsuit at the federal courthouse. The claims were that the company fraudulently billed Medicare millions of dollars for patients who were not really on the verge of dying. The DOJ said AseraCare should be on the hook for more than $200 million for overbilling reimbursement, fines and fees. Chief U.S. District Court Judge Karon Bowdre divided the trial into two phases. A jury in 2015 in the first phase found AseraCare had filed false claims in 104 of 121 patient cases. Bowdre, however, tossed out the verdict and ordered a new trial. Bowdre then on March 31, 2016 tossed out the entire lawsuit against AseraCare, finding that the government's claims that AseraCare had filed false claims to Medicare were based on the opinion of one doctor. In May 2016 the DOJ filed an appeal to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals of Bowdre's orders in the case. Oral arguments before that court are scheduled for March 16. A DOJ spokeswoman declined comment about Wertkin's arrest. Efforts to reach his attorney for comment were unsuccessful. Mobile County Metro Jail on July 14, 2016 The interior of a local jail in Alabama. Women incarcerated in jail for drug use during pregnancy may not receive services to stabilize their pregnancies. (Sharon Steinmann/ssteinmann@al.com) (Sharon Steinmann) Raven West's first child was almost 10 months old when authorities arrested the 23-year-old Pleasant Grove woman for using drugs during her pregnancy with the girl. West and her newborn tested positive for opiates at birth in July 2015, results a social worker reported to police, according to court records. Authorities issued a warrant in October, but didn't make an arrest for more than six months. By the time she was booked, West was pregnant again, due in less than six months and still consumed by addiction to prescription drugs and heroin. As her pregnancy became more obvious, so did her legal problems. After she missed a hearing in August 2016, a judge sent her back to the Bessemer jail - which offers little in the way of drug treatment - even for pregnant opioid addicts who typically require medication and close observation. Heroin use during pregnancy carries many risks for babies, but quitting cold turkey can be just as dangerous. The physical shock of drug withdrawal, and the violent sickness it causes, can trigger miscarriage in the early months and preterm labor later on. For this reason, addiction specialists treat opioid abuse in pregnancy as an urgent medical condition and move moms-to-be to the front of the line for scarce treatment spots. Alabama gives pregnant moms priority placement in drug treatment centers, but the state also has the nation's harshest laws punishing those who use drugs during pregnancy. At least 500 women have been charged with felony chemical endangerment of a child since prosecutors began applying the 2006 meth lab law to women who use drugs during pregnancy. Addiction experts argue that putting women in jail can also put therapy out of reach - and West's case shows just how hard it can be to treat women during criminal punishment. At issue, particularly for pregnant women, is access to medication such as buprenorphine and methadone, which stabilize cravings and withdrawal but aren't usually available in jail. Some sheriffs and district attorneys say they can use chemical endangerment charges as leverage to get women into treatment, but that didn't happen for West or Alexandra Laird, another Pleasant Grove woman charged twice for chemical endangerment after using heroin. A judge ordered Laird back to jail in September after she admitted using heroin during pregnancy, but her treatment team at UAB refused to release her due to concerns about the adequacy of care at the Bessemer jail. In a letter submitted on behalf of Laird's defense team, Sarah Harkless, director of substance abuse treatment and development for the Alabama Department of Mental Health, wrote that jails aren't designed for drug treatment, especially for pregnant women. "This is especially relevant to pregnant women with opioid addictions who require ongoing medical evaluation, monitoring and maintenance on appropriate medication" Harkless wrote. "Jails are not equipped to provide this level of medical care." West, who has been incarcerated in the Bessemer jail since November, granted an interview during visiting hours in January. Despite spending much of her pregnancy behind bars, she said no one suggested treatment until a judge noticed her bulging stomach just a few weeks before her due date. "Nobody ever said anything about treatment until I was eight months pregnant," West said. Suzanne Muir, associate director for UAB Substance Abuse Programs, said drug treatment resources are scarce for people without private insurance and the system is difficult to navigate without assistance. Alabama spends a minimal amount on public drug treatment programs - just enough to qualify for federal funds and not nearly enough to provide treatment to a growing number of opioid addicts. Although there are services available, Alabama is not one of 19 states that have created publicly-funded substance abuse programs specifically geared toward pregnant women, according to the Guttmacher Institute. "It can be very difficult to find out where to go for help," Muir said. Despite Alabama's crackdown on drug use during pregnancy, the number of babies born dependent on drugs keeps rising. An analysis of claims submitted to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama showed the number of claims more than doubled from 63 to 132 between 2014 and 2016, according to spokeswoman Koko Mackin. Babies dependent on opioids must be weaned over weeks or months and can cost as much as five times more than a normal newborn to treat in the hospital, Mackin wrote in an email. Many medical and civil liberties groups oppose Alabama's punitive approach to drug use during pregnancy. In 2011, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists urged its members to fight such laws. "Incarceration and the threat of incarceration have proved to be ineffective in reducing the incidence of alcohol and drug abuse," the opinion read. Tennessee passed a law against fetal assault aimed at pregnant women who use opioids in 2014. But the law was allowed to expire two years later following reports of women avoiding hospitals during labor for fear of arrest. Pleasant Grove sits in a pocket of post-industrial Jefferson County that has been hit particularly hard by heroin and prescription drug addiction. Pleasant Grove Police Lt. Danny Reid said law enforcement agencies all over the area have noticed sharp increases in heroin-related crime, including chemical endangerment. Rates of heroin use have sharply increased among young women between the ages of 18 and 25, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Whether it's the women using during pregnancy or the number of overdoses, yeah, we're seeing more of it," Reid said. West said her drug use started with marijuana and prescription pills, before she got hooked on cheap heroin flooding the Birmingham area. West finally received a release to treatment in October, but said she felt uncomfortable at the rehab facility, which is located near burned out houses in a high-crime area. She walked out less than a day after she arrived. "Maybe it would have been better if they sent me earlier," she said. According to court records, she consumed Xanax and Lortab less than 24 hours later. She used heroin the day after that, and went into labor on her third day out of jail, according to court records. Her unborn son was still kicking when she used, according to documents, but stopped before West delivered. He came into the world stillborn at Princeton Baptist Medical Center, a 7-pound infant who never took a breath. Authorities filed more felony charges against West, contending that heroin use killed her baby - a charge that carries up to 99 years in prison. West said her doctor found blood clots on her placenta, a common cause of stillbirth that could be unrelated to drug use. The district attorney's office in Bessemer did not return calls seeking comment and would not release the autopsy report, citing the ongoing investigation. Unable to make $30,000 bond, West returned to jail in November, grieving her baby's loss and suffering withdrawal. Nancy Rosenbloom, director of legal advocacy for National Advocates for Pregnant Women, said the number of arrests in Alabama, and the length of prison sentences, far outpaces any other state. "We see more cases every week from Alabama," she said. "It really is extraordinary even in the US today the fervor with which they are going after pregnant women." Rosenbloom said research shows that incarceration is less effective than treatment - which women won't receive if they avoid doctors and hospitals for fear of arrest. The opioid epidemic - which has struck many white rural communities - has improved understanding about the disease of addiction, Rosenbloom said, but increasing sympathy doesn't extend to pregnant women. "Again and again, addiction medicine specialists and neonatologists all say that affordable and confidential and effective health care is the answer," she said. "Our concern of course is that as this law in Alabama is used more and more, it's harming women and their families." West wouldn't be the first woman in Alabama sentenced to prison after a stillbirth. The first woman to challenge her conviction for chemical endangerment at the Alabama Supreme Court spent three years behind bars after the death of her son, born several months premature in 2008. West could face decades in prison, a prospect unthinkable to the young woman who said she is still grieving for her son. "Are they really going to send a woman who just lost her baby to prison?" West asked. As legalized marijuana spreads across the United States, most observers remain skeptical that recreational marijuana will be legal anytime soon in Alabama. "We're the Bible Belt," said Gary Hetzel, a retired warden at Donaldson and Holman prisons and now executive director of the Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility. "We're too conservative." This is an occasional series looking at marijuana use in Alabama, from colleges to courtrooms. Most of the nation has approved some legal uses. And this year medical marijuana arrives next door in Florida. Marijuana activists are hopeful, but realistic. "It will be legal here when the people force their elected officials to stop enforcing an obviously failed and disastrous policy," said Loretta Nall, executive director of Alabamians for Compassionate Care and founder of the U.S. Marijuana Party, which began as the Alabama Marijuana Party. "Having been an activist here and knowing how difficult it is to motivate enough people to make a difference, I'll say that I don't see that happening any time soon." Alabama's reputation for conservatism and lagging social trends make it an unlikely candidate. Yet everyone agrees the idea becomes less farfetched each time another state votes to legalize it and as popular opinion continues to shift in favor of legalization. "No, I do not think there will be any legalization of marijuana in Alabama," said Ralph Hendrix, former program manager for UAB Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities. But he sees the conversation shifting. "Marijuana is prolific now; it's just a failed strategy and policy," he said. "The tax revenue could be going toward schools. The medical uses are becoming front and center. There is a lot of evidence marijuana helps veterans with PTSD. " The University of Alabama at Birmingham has been a focal point for research on medicinal uses of marijuana. As medical research delves into the potential benefits of marijuana for treatment of pain and diseases such as cancer, that could shift the discussion even more. "I think there's going to be an increasing sympathy," said Dr. Bisakha Sen, a professor of healthcare organization and policy at UAB. "It would first get legalized for medicinal purposes. I would expect that in the next five years. Full legalization could come a few years later." Former prison warden Gary Hetzel, now executive director of the Alabama Therapeutic Education Facility, thinks it's unlikely that Alabama will legalize marijuana: "We're the Bible Belt." (Greg Garrison/AL.com) Hendrix noted that research at UAB has been the impetus for drafting legislation about cannabis treatments as early as 1982. That came to fruition most recently with Alabama's two cannabinoid oil laws known as Leni's Law and Carly's Law. In 2016, Alabama passed Leni's Law, allowing patients who suffer seizure disorders or other debilitating medical conditions to use a product that comes from the marijuana plant. The law decriminalized cannabidiol, derived from cannabis, for those with certain medical conditions in Alabama. That law expanded on Carly's Law, passed in 2014, that authorized a UAB study on using cannabidiol to treat seizure disorders. Medical marijuana laws have now been passed in 18 states, including some in the Southern region: Arkansas, Florida and Louisiana. More than half of the 50 states now have laws legalizing marijuana for recreational or medicinal uses. Since the November election, marijuana has now been legalized for adult recreational use in eight states plus the District of Columbia. "I think we're headed in that direction," said Jonah Tobin, founder of the Alabama Mother Earth Sustainability Alliance, or MESA. "Half the country now has medical marijuana. I think it's inevitable." Opponents see the trend and worry. "I'm concerned about our children," said Susan Short, a children's advocate in South Alabama. "We don't know even know what the science is of the effects on an unborn baby." Many supporters of legalized marijuana worry about the effect new U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions will have on drug policy. Sessions, the former U.S. senator from Alabama and longtime opponent of marijuana legalization, could even reverse the trend of marijuana legalization by cracking down on enforcement of federal laws against marijuana in states that have legalized it. That would also likely squelch talk of legalization in Alabama. "I don't think there's a chance with Jeff Sessions," Hendrix said. The Drug Enforcement Agency could shut down the legal marijuana trade in other states, although it has become big business in many of those states. "The DEA still considers marijuana a Schedule A Drug, more dangerous than fentanyl," Hendrix said. "A federal crackdown could be problematic for those 24 states. It's still against the law." Marijuana is not a lethal drug in terms of medical effects; legalization could allow focus on fatal addictive drugs, he said. "The benefit is we could concentrate on the killing drugs," Hendrix said. "The mortality rates are horrible in Alabama because of the opiate epidemic. Marijuana has its disadvantages, like all drugs do. In terms of harm, it's not as harmful as others. The positive far outweighs the negative." About 47 percent of all adults age 18 and over have used marijuana, according to the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an agency of the the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. "It's everywhere in terms of volume," Hendrix said. "We can't arrest our way out of marijuana." Support for legalized marijuana is up to 57 percent, a sign of a dramatic shift in public attitudes over the past decade, according to a survey released in October by Pew Research Center. Loretta Nall, executive director of Alabamians for Compassionate Care and founder of the U.S. Marijuana Party, helping roll seven pounds of marijuana to throw to the crowd at the 4/20 event at the Vancouver Art Gallery in British Columbia, Canada in 2008. That's flipped from a decade ago, when opinion on legalizing marijuana was nearly the reverse - just 32 percent favored legalization, while 60 percent were opposed. Younger adults are driving the change. About 71 percent of millennials, age 18 to 35, support legalization of marijuana, compared to only 34 percent in 2006, the poll shows. About 69 percent of police officers say marijuana should be legal for either personal or medical use, according to a Pew Research Center survey of about 8,000 law enforcement officials. About 32 percent said it should be legal for both medical and recreational use; about 37 percent said they favor legalization for medical use only. About 30 percent say marijuana should not be legalized. Southern Baptists, the largest religious group in Alabama with more than a million members, and other evangelicals have traditionally opposed the legalization of marijuana. "I don't think they've got the votes to get it in the Legislature," said the Rev. Joe Godfrey, former president of the Alabama Baptist Convention and now executive director of the Baptist-affiliated Alabama Citizens Action Program, which lobbies against alcohol, drugs and gambling. "I'm sure they'll keep pushing until the polls move in their favor. I think what's going to be interesting is to see how Jeff Sessions will handle this. He may crack down on it. In the past he's taken a strong stance against it. That may be what state leaders are waiting for." AL.com reporter Kent Faulk contributed to this story. Pat Turner, Anthony Ray Hinton FILE - In this April 3, 2015 file photo, Pat Turner, left, hugs Anthony Ray Hinton as he leaves the Jefferson County jail in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Hal Yeager, File) (Hal Yeager) Mark Zuckerberg in Birmingham (Facebook) Facebook co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg continued his trip through Alabama yesterday and met with former death row inmate Anthony Ray Hinton. Zuckerberg and his wife, Priscilla, arrived in Birmingham Monday night, according to a post on his Facebook page. They met with Hinton, who spent 30 years on death row after being convicted of two capital murders in 1985. He was released on April 3, 2015. In his Facebook post, Zuckerberg told Hinton's story and explained how Hinton was exonerated. "Years later, Bryan Stevenson at the Equal Justice Initiative started researching his case. He hired experts who proved that the bullets in the crime couldn't possibly have come from Anthony's mother's gun... Finally Bryan took the case to the Supreme Court, and they ruled that the evidence had to be considered. The state court immediately dropped the case..." Hinton won a re-trial after the U.S. Supreme Court and a Jefferson County judge determined that his original trial attorney should have hired a better gun expert, after the one used was blind in one eye and was discredited as a witness. Prosecutors dropped the charges after the new testing was revealed. Hinton described to AL.com after being exonerated that his prosecution and incarceration was a "state-sanctioned kidnapping." He said that prosecutors could have known the truth with bullet testing when the crime was committed. "I knew all along that it was going to come back in my favor because I never killed anyone. I never used a gun in my life," Hinton said. Zuckerberg said Hinton told the social media mogul and his wife that no court or state officials ever apologized for his wrongful conviction. " When I heard this, I apologized to him -- not because I could have helped in his case, but because it is all of our responsibility to make our society one of justice for all," Zuckerberg said. Zuckerberg stopped on Saturday in Mobile and Bayou La Batre, where the couple attended church and watched a Mardi Gras parade before stopping in a local bar. Zuckerberg said he is planning to visit every state in the U.S., and Alabama was first on his list. He posted, "As a parting thought, [Hinton] told us: "I believe that when bad things happen, good people need to stand up and make sure it doesn't happen again." Hinton and Gary Drinkard, who was released after 5 years on Alabama death row, will be speaking about their exonerations and wrongful convictions during a conference at the University of North Alabama on Thursday and Friday. The events are open to the public. According to a post by President and CEO of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute Andrea Taylor, Zuckerberg stopped by for a visit of the institute. He did not reveal what else he and his wife would be doing during their visit in Birmingham. One of the largest residential projects in the history of downtown Lincoln is planned for the block that is now home to the Lincoln Journal Star. Newman Development Group of Vestal, New York, wants to build a 10- to 12-story building on the western two-thirds of the block bounded by P, Q, Ninth and 10th streets -- considered by many the gateway to downtown and the doorstep to the burgeoning Haymarket. The $90 million to $100 million project, dubbed City Centre, would include 245 market-rate apartments, two or three floors of office space, parking and first-floor storefronts. Newman Development has a deal in place to buy the building at 926 P St. and plans to demolish it. The newspaper itself is not for sale, and will continue publishing from new offices. The Journal Star would retain ownership of its production building across Q Street, where the newspaper is printed. David Newman, one of the development company's executives, on Friday revealed plans for an upscale project with amenities that will include a rooftop pool and gathering space, fitness center and a commercial-grade kitchen. The apartments will be a combination of studio, one- and two-bedroom units. Newman said the retail component a number of tenants have signed letters of intent would include businesses to serve apartment residents and workers in the building. Uses could include a bank and restaurants. Newman said no office tenants have signed up yet, but there has been a lot of interest. The company is still deciding whether to have two or three floors of office space. The building will feature underground parking with 100 spaces and a parking deck with about 130 spaces on the second floor. Newman said the company also plans to negotiate with the city for a certain number of parking spots in the city-owned Market Place Garage at 10th and Q streets. Parties on both sides declined to disclose the sales price of the 78,000-square-foot Journal Star building, saying there is a confidentiality agreement in place. Craig Forman, a broker with Home Real Estate in Lincoln, said the price is higher than the building's $4.5 million assessed value. He and Todd Lorenz are representing Newman Development. Newman said he would like to have the deal finalized by July so demolition can start in the fall. Construction is projected to take 20 months, and Newman hopes to have the project completed early in 2020. That timeline is largely dependent on two factors. One is the relocation of the Journal Star's newsroom and business offices, which have been at 926 P St. since 1951. Newspapers have operated on the corner in one form or another for 135 years. Publisher Ava Thomas said she is evaluating potential sites. "We've narrowed our search to a few great options," she said. "We take our role as the leading provider of news and information in this community very seriously, and we'll land in a place where we can continue to serve readers, users and customers the best." Both Thomas and Newman said the sale agreement does not require the deal to close until the end of 2017. The other factor involved is city tax incentives. Newman Development plans to utilize tax-increment financing, which allows the additional property taxes generated by new development to be used to pay for portions of the development that provide public benefits. As proposed, Newman said the project would generate several million dollars worth of TIF. PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Lincoln Television celebrity and entertainer Dick Cavett received a check today for $682.70 from the Unclaimed Property Division of the Nebraska State Treasurers Office for dividends and stock proceeds from his parents estate. Cavett is one of 1,689 Nebraskans, former Nebraskans, and heirs to receive money from the Unclaimed Property program so far in 2017. More than $1.8 million has been paid to owners so far this year after a record $16.3 million was paid to owners in 2016. A total of 16,984 claims were paid in 2016 Cavett was presented the check at a news conference at The Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln. Presenting the check was Meaghan Aguirre, director of the Unclaimed Property Division of the Nebraska State Treasurers Office. Cavett was in Nebraska for appearances in Lincoln, Wayne, and Hastings. Cavetts father, Alva Cavett, died in 1994, and his stepmother, Dorcas Cavett, died in 2007. Both were well-known Nebraska educators. Cavett Elementary School in Lincoln is named in honor of the couple. - When we receive news coverage of these types of presentations, it substantially increases the number of claims that are filed with our office, which would not otherwise have been filed, State Treasurer Don Stenberg wrote in a letter read to Cavett at the news conference. Stenberg was unable to attend. It is fair to say that your participation in this event will likely lead to the return of tens of thousands of dollars of unclaimed property to hundreds of our fellow Nebraskans (you will always be a Nebraskan). In some cases, this money is desperately needed by those who are receiving it, Stenberg wrote. Mr. Cavett, thank you for working with our office to claim your unclaimed property and helping bring awareness to our program, Aguirre said. In 2016, our office returned more than $16.3 million in unclaimed property to Nebraskans and former Nebraskans, which is a record amount of unclaimed property returned in a single year in the State of Nebraska. Altogether, the Treasurers Office is holding more than $170 million in unclaimed funds for more than 350,000 owners. Common forms of unclaimed property are uncashed paychecks, refunds, rental deposits, utility deposits, stocks, dividends, insurance payments, savings bonds, matured CDs, and lost IRAs. Aguirre said owners may search for unclaimed property anytime at treasurer.nebraska.gov. In instances in which property is $500 or less, owners may file claims online through the Treasurers website. Aguirre offered these tips when searching for unclaimed property: For an amount greater than $500, an owner may complete the claim form found on the website and mail to the State Treasurers Office, Unclaimed Property Division, 809 P St., Lincoln, NE 68508-1390. The form must be notarized. Call the Unclaimed Property Division at 1-877-572-9688 toll free outside of Lincoln or 402-471-8497 in Lincoln. Calls are taken between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., CT, weekdays, except state holidays. Visit the Unclaimed Property office at 809 P Street in Lincoln or in the Treasurers Office in Suite 2005 of the State Capitol. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays. An owner should bring a drivers license and Social Security card. If filing on behalf of a deceased family member for an amount greater than $500, the owner will be asked for documentation to establish legal authority to file the claim, such a will, death certificate, obituary notice, and personal representative documents. While the media focuses on rise of far-right, anti-fascist organisations are growing in response across the US. Images of a light fixture swallowed by flames, smashed windows, battered ATMs and black-masked demonstrators throwing firecrackers at police officers were broadcast on TV screens across the US earlier this month when protests erupted at the University of California, Berkeley. Become ungovernable read a banner carried by the anti-fascist demonstrators. This is war was scrawled across another. Thousands of people protested that night against the university providing a platform for a far-right speaker known for his anti-immigrant rhetoric, but about 150 black-clad demonstrators decided to use force, tearing down rows of police barricades. As fires burned outside the university, Milo Yiannopoulos, an Alt-Right provocateur and editor at the far-right Breitbart news blog, was evacuated from the campus before he could deliver his lecture A day before the incident, Breitbart announced that Yiannopoulos and the far-right David Horowitz Freedom Centre were using his talk at the university to launch a campaign against sanctuary campuses that protect undocumented students. In a statement before the talk, university officials expressed concern that he would use the platform to publicly name undocumented students. Yiannopoulos called the statement a total fabrication. A week earlier, a Yiannopoulos supporter shot an anti-fascist activist protesting against a lecture by the Breitbart editor at the University of Washington campus in Seattle. By Any Means Necessary (BAMN), a left-wing civil rights organisation, was one of the militant anti-fascist groups involved in the protest. The movement effectively shut down Yiannopoulos because it was a mass action with thousands of people who were united in the immediate goal of preventing fascists from gaining a foothold at UC Berkeley, Yvette Felarca, BAMNs northern California coordinator, told Al Jazeera by email. BAMN, Black Bloc [protesters] and thousands of others found a way to protect each other and unite together because we shared the same political and tactical goal, she said. Black bloc is a tactic in which protesters often anarchists dress all in black and conceal their identities with hoodies, ski masks, sunglasses or scarves. Making it difficult to identify protesters serves to protect them from legal consequences. Felarca added: Our success at Berkeley, with thousands united together to shut him [Yiannopoulos] down by any means necessary, was a rebellion against Trumps attempt to build a fascist movement in America and destroy the hard fought democratic gains that have been won here. What is Antifa? The violence at Berkeley was just the latest in a series of events involving anti-fascist protesters and others who advocate the use of force against the far right. Based on principles of anti-racism, anti-capitalism and anti-authoritarianism, anti-fascist groups often known as Antifa are loosely knit and generally made up of semi-autonomous individuals dedicated to preventing the spread of fascism. On the day of President Donald Trumps inauguration, Antifa protesters also used black bloc tactics. During those protests, a limousine was set on fire, and a masked Antifa activist punched white supremacist Richard Spencer as he was being interviewed on camera. READ MORE: White Lives Matter A new US hate group shows its face More than 200 protesters were charged over their involvement. Earlier this month, about 100 anti-fascists protested at New York University, disrupting a lecture by far-right public figure Gavin McInnes. Local media reported that at least 11 people were arrested, and McInnes was pepper-sprayed by a protester during the tussle. McInnes, who co-founded Vice Media and left the company in 2008, is a Trump supporter who has boasted of his anti-feminist views and defended racism, transphobia and other forms of discrimination. He also founded the Proud Boys, an online group whose motto is West is best. A debate within the US left In a statement released after the UC Berkeley protests, the universitys administration condemned the violence and argued that it violated the principles of free speech. Writing on Twitter, Trump threatened to revoke federal funding for the university. But experts say the president is not legally permitted to withdraw funds from a university for prohibiting someone from speaking on campus. Yet the violence also sparked a debate between factions of the US left. In the Socialist Worker, a newspaper affiliated with the International Socialist Organisation, Mukund Rathi defended the protests against Yiannopoulos but condemned the use of black bloc tactics. These tactics endangered several thousand people who were not given an opportunity to say if they should be used or not, wrote Rathi, who participated in the protest. Later in the night, anarchists tagged and smashed the windows of several off-campus banks and other businesses, a pointless exercise in property destruction that doesnt politicise anyone. But BAMNs Felarca argues that the rise in the number of racist attacks in the US demonstrates the need for a mass and militant movement that is capable of defending ourselves. Our side is growing and also prepared to be more politically militant and support more militant struggle, she said. Mass, militant, direct action is essential to stopping neo-fascists and defeating their whole movement. Immigrant communities and all who are targeted by fascists are stronger for having a movement that is prepared to defend against the physical and political attacks of white supremacists, Felarca added. If the movement continues building as large and as powerfully in this direction, we can defeat Trump, his entire racist agenda, and get him out without waiting for the next election. The rise of the far-right The growth in the number and membership of anti-fascist groups comes as far-right organisations have been energised by Trumps campaign and election. Since the November 8 elections, the Southern Poverty Law Centre (SPLC) has recorded 1,372 incidents of harassment and intimidation, more than 25 percent of which were motivated by anti-immigrant sentiments. Nearly 19 percent of those incidents targeted African Americans, while another nine percent targeted Muslims. The SPLC estimates that there are at least 917 US-based hate groups, including 130 Ku Klux Klan chapters, 100 white nationalist organisations and 99 neo Nazi groups. McMaster Universitys Henry Giroux, author of America at War with Itself and Dangerous Thinking in the Age of New Authoritarianism, describes the ideological worldview of Trump and his allies as neo fascism. Fascist ideologies and practices of the past can reappear in new forms, he told Al Jazeera. These forms take on a very specific distinction wrapped in new kinds of symbolism, practices and spectacles, but basically reinforce fascist ideologies, policies and practices. Giroux pointed to the appeal to the past, the claim that the nation is in decline, the notion that you have to be xenophobic in order to support a new kind of nationalism, the call for walls and barriers white supremacy and the racial privileging that informs Trumps discourse. READ MORE: Know your history Understanding racism in the US These all have echoes of a Nazi past, he said. Instead of talking about Jews, hes talking about Muslims What you have in the United States is the death of democracy, even in its most fragile forms. Against the backdrop of increased vigilante violence towards groups already enduring state oppression or neglect people of colour, undocumented immigrants, refugees and members of the LGBTQ community, among others anti-fascist tactics have assumed a renewed relevance. Viewing the state as part of the oppressive apparatus that maintains white supremacy, anti-fascists reject a reliance on law enforcement to curb or hinder far-right violence and incitement. The long history of anti-fascism Anti-fascist movements date back to the emergence of European fascism in the 1920s. From their inception, these movements included a broad range of left-wing individuals: anarchists, socialists, communists and others ideologically opposed to fascism. In 1924, the Red Front Fighters League, tied to the Communist Party of Germany, was one of the first organisations to engage in fights with Nazis in the streets. Its membership is estimated to have reached 130,000 within five years. After the Nazis took full control, many of its leaders were arrested, jailed, banished to camps and executed. Others fled and joined the fight against fascism in Spain and elsewhere. The logic of direct confrontation persisted, however, through the writings of prominent leftists and in practice on the ground in the form of resistance to fascists. READ MORE: Remembering the Battle of Cable Street In his 1934 book Whither France?, exiled Soviet revolutionary and Marxist ideologue Leon Trotsky tackled the question of how to confront the rise of fascism. Arguing for the creation of workers militias, he wrote: But how to disarm the Fascists? Naturally, it is impossible to do so with newspaper articles alone. Fighting squads must be created. Two years later, Lithuanian anarchist activist and philosopher Emma Goldman visited the international anarchists fighting on the front line against General Francisco Francos fascist death squads during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). In October 1936, a broad umbrella of communists, anarchists, Jewish and Irish groups clashed with British fascist Oswald Mosleys Blackshirts to block thousands of them from marching through Jewish and Irish communities in East London. Tens of thousands resisted the Blackshirts and the police protecting them with barricades, bottles, rocks, pipes and other improvised weapons. The events of that day are commemorated as the Battle of Cable Street and remembered as a peoples victory against fascism. In the United States, a more recent manifestation of anti-fascism dates back to the explosive growth of racist groups, among them neo-Nazis, in the punk rock scene in the 1980s. Largely made up of anarchists and, to a lesser extent, activists ascribing to various strands of Marxism, anti-fascist activists decided to adopt the tactic of physical confrontations against white supremacists from across the spectrum: from neo-Nazi punks to the resurgent Ku Klux Klan. The Anti-Racist Action (ARA) was established in 1988 in Minneapolis as one of the first organised anti-fascist networks. The ARAs stated goal is eliminating racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination against disabled people, the oldest, the youngest, and the most oppressed people and the creation of a free [and] classless society. The Torch Antifa Network, a successor to the ARA, is active across the country and advocates direct confrontation and the disruption of far-right events. As happened at UC Berkeley, one of the primary tasks of Antifa groups is no platforming far-right speakers or blocking them from being provided a venue to espouse racist or xenophobic views. Eschewing the dominant liberal understanding of free speech, Torch argues that the right to freedom of expression shouldnt translate into a guaranteed platform and does not stop the public from opposing hateful ideas. Liberation that includes everyone Anti-fascists say media depictions of their tactics rest on several flawed premises, chief among them that Antifa groups and fascists are two sides of the same coin, as well as the assumption that property destruction is tantamount to physical violence against people. Antifa DFW, a group based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas, argues that media depictions of anti-fascists as merely engaging in property destruction reflects the class position and function of the media in upholding a power structure that is patriarchal, heteronormative and white supremacist. The tunnel-vision focus on broken windows and smashed ATMs, the group says, is a tactic used to de-legitimise militant struggle and gloss over the violence inherent to these [far-fight] ideologies and the structural violence of capitalism and the state. READ MORE: More Americans joining socialist groups under Trump New York City-based Antifa activist Miguel Angel, who spoke to Al Jazeera using a nom de guerre, explained that anti-fascist activities are much broader than no platforming and direct confrontation. We make sure that [the far-right] cant hide their organsing in the shadows, so that their community, publishers and event venues know who nearby is planting the seeds of racist violence, he said. He said Antifa groups conduct research, try to educate their own communities, train for self-defence, disrupt far-right meetings and recruitment drives, carry out counter-recruitment drives and publicly expose police officers and people in power who have connections to white supremacist groups. They also work with grassroots collectives and NGOs that organise to block immigration raids and offer sanctuary spaces for undocumented people in places of worship and peoples homes, as well as monitor police and advocate for prisoners rights. It also means organising our communities both for their own liberation and a more general liberation that includes everyone and that includes poor white people who do, in fact, need an alternative to the politics of white reaction led by Trump, Angel added. We are faced with the challenge of continuing to let them expand that space of exclusion and violence, or organising the outrage at the regimes racist and authoritarian policies to make racists afraid again in more and more parts of the country. Follow Patrick Strickland on Twitter: @P_Strickland_ The Rise of Trump Fault Lines Soldier who executed a wounded Palestinian has been sentenced to 18 months in jail and a demotion. Nazareth Human rights groups and Palestinian leaders have condemned what they called the extremely lenient punishment of Elor Azaria, the Israeli army medic who was filmed executing a severely wounded Palestinian in Hebron last year. On Tuesday, a military tribunal sentenced the soldier to 18 months in jail and a demotion, nearly a year after he shot a bullet from close range into the head of 21-year-old Abdel al-Fattah al-Sharif. There has rarely been a trial in Israel where the judges have been under such relentless and mostly hostile scrutiny. That appeared to be reflected in their sentencing, more than a month after they found Azaria guilty of manslaughter. The sentence was much lower than the three to five years demanded by the prosecution, and far below the maximum tariff of 20 years. One of the three judges dissented, recommending two and a half to five years. Azaria should have received a life sentence. This will not act as a deterrence to other trigger-happy soldiers, Jamal Zahalka, a Palestinian member of the Israeli parliament, told Al Jazeera. There are thousands of other soldiers who have killed Palestinians, but are not on trial. Israeli pilots dropped bombs on schools and hospitals in Gaza [in the 2014 war]. Why are they not on trial, too? READ MORE: Elor Azaria case No hope of equality before the law He called Israel a democracy of guns, adding: The real author of the crimes against Palestinians is the Israeli state. By putting one individual on trial, Israel hopes to confer legitimacy on the whole apparatus of state-sanctioned killing. Even before the sentencing, Azarias lawyers had said they would appeal the verdict. If that fails, they have vowed to seek a pardon. Education Minister Naftali Bennett immediately backed a pardon for Azaria. For Palestinians, the trial was viewed as little more than a farce. The family of Sharif said that Azaria had carried out a cold-blooded execution, not manslaughter. They added: The sentence he received is less than a Palestinian child gets for throwing stones. Azaria shot Sharif more than 10 minutes after the Palestinian had been severely wounded by other soldiers at a checkpoint and was lying helpless on the ground. Samir Zaqout, a spokesman for the al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights, based in Gaza, said the lenient sentence came as no surprise. Palestinians dont expect any kind of justice from the Israeli legal system, he told Al Jazeera. The lives of Palestinians are judged as worthless. Addameer, a group defending Palestinian prisoners rights, also condemned the sentence, noting that it was less than many Palestinians received for belonging to an organisation proscribed by Israel. The message this sends to other soldiers and police officers who extrajudicially execute Palestinians is that their actions will not be seriously accounted for and that impunity will persist, it said in a statement sent to Al Jazeera. Despite the clear-cut evidence, military prosecutors last year rejected a murder charge and settled on the lesser manslaughter indictment, amid a wave of support for Azaria from Israeli politicians and the public alike. Palestinians don't expect any kind of justice from the Israeli legal system. The lives of Palestinians are judged as worthless. by Samir Zaqout, spokesman for the al-Mezan Centre for Human Rights Polls showed most Israeli Jews agreed with Azarias refusal to show remorse: They believed he acted appropriately and had been unfairly singled out for prosecution. During the trial, it emerged that Azaria, 20, held extreme anti-Arab views, which he expressed regularly on social media. In one Facebook post during the 2014 war on Gaza, he called for the massacre of every Palestinian in the small coastal enclave. He also admitted to spending a great deal of time in Hebron with the followers of the late Meir Kahane, a rabbi whose virulently anti-Arab Kach party was outlawed in 1994 after a supporter, Baruch Goldstein, shot 29 Palestinians in Hebrons Ibrahimi mosque. None of that damaged Azarias popularity with a large swath of the Israeli Jewish public. The Israeli media designated him as everyones son. Despite prosecuting Azaria, the army was reported to be worried about the damage the case was doing to morale. Local media revealed that, after Azarias conviction last month, a senior commander approached his father to persuade the family not to appeal, reportedly offering them an 18-month jail term in return. In the end, that was what the judges imposed, even without a deal. READ MORE: Report slams Israels military law enforcement system The army is reportedly concerned about research showing a recent sharp drop in the proportion of combat soldiers who believe their service is more important than non-combat roles. There is a similar fall among those who believe their commander will back them if they get into trouble. Riots erupted outside the courtroom early last month when Azaria was found guilty. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was among the senior politicians who called for a pardon for Azaria even before the conviction, implying that the trial itself was a miscarriage of justice. Sari Bashi, the Israel-Palestine director of Human Rights Watch, said that her organisations research showed that too often, soldiers adopted a shoot-to-kill policy towards Palestinians, including when their lives were not in danger or when less force could be used. It is important that Israels political and security leaders repudiate the shoot-to-kill rhetoric, she told Al Jazeera. Delivering the verdict last month, the court dismissed Azarias claim that he acted in self-defence. They concluded that he sought revenge on Sharif for a knife attack on a checkpoint in the occupied Palestinian city a short time before. The three judges, who received a flood of death threats afterwards, had to be issued with bodyguards. But while sentencing was expected a few days later, the panel seemed in no hurry to conclude the case. It emerged that the extra time had been exploited by the army to try to reach a settlement with Azaria behind the scenes. Azarias battalion commander, Guy Hazot, secretly approached his father, Charlie Azaria, to offer lenient treatment if his son expressed regret for his actions and promised not to appeal the conviction. Charlie Azaria recorded the conversation. According to the Jerusalem Post newspaper, the move by Hazot was designed to end the public relations headaches and social divisions the case has created in the army and throughout the country. Hazots actions raised serious questions about the military courts independence, said Nadeem Shehadeh, a lawyer with Adalah, a legal rights group in Israel. I have never heard of a case where army commanders went over the courts head to offer a sentencing deal, he told Al Jazeera. It is highly irregular. READ MORE: How can Palestinians legally fight occupation? Azaria now has various options to avert or minimise prison time. He could request the head of the armys central command reduce his sentence. But more likely, he will launch an appeal. His lawyers have said they will argue that the guilty verdict was influenced by statements last year from former Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon and army commanders that there was clear evidence Azaria shot Sharif. If that fails, Azaria can ask for a pardon from the army chief of staff, Gadi Eisenkot. And if he refuses, Azarias final option is to submit a request for a presidential pardon. According to polls, some 70 percent of Israeli Jews support a full and immediate pardon. There will be nothing exceptional if Azaria is reprieved. He will simply be the latest in a long line of security officials who demonstrably killed Palestinians, but were exonerated by a system that treats such murders with impunity, noted Zahalka. In perhaps the most notorious such case, known as the Bus 300 affair, several security officials were pardoned after they were convicted of killing two Palestinians in 1984. The officers smashed the pairs skulls with rocks after they had been arrested for hijacking a bus. Following their pardons, one, Ehud Yatom, went on to serve in the Israeli parliament. In 2001, the then-prime minister, Ariel Sharon, appointed him as his anti-terror adviser, until the courts overruled the decision. More often, however, soldiers face no trials at all, even where there is overwhelming evidence that they committed crimes, said Shehadeh. We see lots of cases like Azarias, where soldiers injure or kill Palestinians at checkpoints, but usually nothing happens. In Azarias case, it was filmed and there was no choice but to prosecute him. In fact, Azaria is the first soldier to be tried for manslaughter since 2004, when Taysir Hayb, a Bedouin sniper, killed British solidarity activist Tom Hurndall in Gaza. Hayb was sentenced to eight years and served six and a half. INTERACTIVE: Building the occupation Usually, when the army is forced to prosecute, human rights groups have noted, the proceedings are dragged out and plea deals arranged to spare soldiers trials for more serious crimes. Last month, Ben Dery, a border police commander, had his original charge of manslaughter reduced to negligent use of a firearm in a deal with prosecutors. Dery was filmed shooting dead 17-year-old Nadim Nuwara during a protest at a West Bank checkpoint in May 2014, even though the youth posed no danger. Three other Palestinians were hit with live rounds, one of whom also died from his wounds. The prosecution accepted Derys claim that he had mistakenly loaded a live round into his rifle when he intended to shoot a rubber bullet. Nuwaras family called the deal a trick and shame on the Israeli justice system. Zahalka said: There will never be real justice for Palestinians from the Israeli courts. The proper address is the International Criminal Court, where Israelis must be put on trial for war crimes. Amman Protests are erupting across Jordan in response to rising prices and the governments decision to raise taxes on food items and services that was enacted last week. On Saturday, protests that broke out in the southern city of Karak sparked similar protests in the southern city of Tafilah, Salt, and Madaba. Several hundred people gathered in Karak, 90km south of Amman, calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister Hani Mulki and an end to what they called a government of taxes. We are suffocated by the governments continuous approach to solving [dire] economic conditions by turning to peoples pockets, Muath Batoush, a protester from Karak, told Al Jazeera, referring to increasing prices and taxes. Protesters chanted slogans such as Leave Mulki, Shame on you, you have sold the country for a dollar, and We cannot pay the bills for the corrupt. On January 23, the Jordanian parliament approved the 2017 budget, which seeks to raise $643m in additional taxes and tariffs. READ MORE Jordan: We are tired of living like the dead We by Muath economic conditions by turning to peoples pockets.] Earlier this month, the government decided to raise fuel prices raised sales tax on several commodities and telecom services ranging from eight to 16 percent. The governments move comes as Jordan tries to reduce its budget deficit of 827 million Jordanian dinars ($1.2bn) as part of its economic reform agreement with the International Monetary Fund. In July 2016, Jordan signed a 36-month IMF programme providing it with access to $700m in loans. During a recent interview with state TV, Mulki said that only 30 percent of basic commodities will be affected by the tax increase so as not to touch middle and poor Jordanians. But activists disagree. They argue that the increased sales tax has affected poor and middle-class families, calling on the government to instead fight corruption and hold those accountable to reclaim what they believe are embezzled state funds. Jordans budget deficit could be paid by returning embezzled state funds from just a couple of corrupt people if their cases are properly investigated, said Omar al-Masri, a protester from Tafilah. Jordans economy has been affected by the deteriorating regional security situation, following a wave of popular uprisings that swept across neighbouring countries and resulted in an influx of more than a million refugees into the country. Jordan is reliant on aid money from Gulf countries. In 2011, Gulf states pledged $5bn to Jordan in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. But the aid package expired at the end of 2016 and there are no signs that the GCC is planning to renew it. According to official figures, unemployment rates have risen to 15.8 percent and even higher outside Amman, where job opportunities are limited. A recent study by the National Society for Consumer Protection, a Jordanian watchdog, indicates that 61.2 percent of Jordanians feel pessimistic about the countrys economic situation and that 58.8 percent reported a decline in their living conditions. Previous unrest in Jordan has originated in the south, such as the 1996 bread riots following the economic woes stemming from the 1991 Gulf War. Karak and Maan were also home to the April Uprising in 1989 when riots broke out in response to rising prices. Batoush, who holds a masters degree and has been working as a school teacher for 20 years, said his salary does not exceed 500 dinar (roughly $700). His monthly rent has drastically risen to 200 dinar ($280). Most people spend their salaries in two days and just try to get by for the rest of the month, the 42-year-old told Al Jazeera. He considers himself luckier than many educated Jordanians who remain unemployed: Every home in Karak has at least two to three university degree holders who are unemployed, Batoush said. Jordanian commentator Majid Toubeh says protesters anger is the accumulation of years of frustration with governments economic policies a series of austerity measures and tax increases that have failed to revive the economy. It is a sign that people are fed up. The living conditions of poor Jordanians and what is left of the shrinking middle class has become unbearable, Toubeh told Al Jazeera, warning that it could lead people to a breaking point. On Tuesday, Jordans Retied Military Veteran Association backed the protests in a statement and called on the current government to resign. We demand the formation of a new government that empowers Jordanians as the source of legitimacy in the country in accordance with the constitution, said the statement. It called for an immediate legal action against corruption cases. Batoush, who participated in the Hirak, Jordans Arab Spring-inspired street protests in 2011, warns that frustration among protesters is higher than in previous years. Once agitated people go to the streets, they will never come back, he warned. A previous version of this article incorrectly referred to Emory College. It is Emory University. It took four attempts for eight-year-old Miguel Gutierrez, his mother and two-year-old brother to make it to Arizona from Sonora, Mexico. Each time we walked through the desert. The first time was probably the hardest; it was about eight to 10 hours. We stayed out through the night and camped out there, said Gutierrez, now 21. The unsuccessful journeys often ended at deportation centres, he said. Gutierrez is a computer science major at Swarthmore College. It is one of about a dozen US colleges that have declared themselves sanctuary campuses. A sanctuary, though commonly known as a place of refuge, has no legal definition in the US. Sanctuary cities became a term used to describe jurisdictions that employ varying policies of lawful non-cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials. Some declared themselves sanctuaries, but not all did. After the 2016 elections, a small number of colleges, including Swarthmore, also declared themselves sanctuaries in opposition to US President Donald Trumps stance on immigration. Like sanctuary cities, these schools employ differing policies of noncompliance with ICE, experts say. READ MORE: What happens during a deportation raid in the US? Sanctuary label Swarthmore really came forward. The whole community really came forward, said Gutierrez, who dreams of a job in Silicon Valley. He is one of thousands of undocumented students granted temporary reprieve from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme. I feel like if Trump repeals DACA tomorrow, Ill be safe for the rest of my time at school. Students, faculty, alumni and activists have petitioned around 250 institutions to declare themselves sanctuaries. The sanctuary label, however, which many say has been politicised by both liberals and conservatives in the US, has some school administrations reluctant to openly adopt it. Trumps executive order denying federal funding to sanctuary jurisdictions also did not clearly define a sanctuary, which has led to further confusion and fear, says immigration expert Phil Torrey, of Harvard Law School. Theres a wide range of different sorts of immigrant-friendly policies, and none of those are laid out in the executive order, said Torrey. [Localities] are just not really sure whos under attack and who is not. About 115 schools have pledged to support undocumented students, but avoid using the sanctuary label. Petitions have been submitted to around 120 other institutions, but have gone unanswered, according to crImmigration.com, a website run by Cesar Cuauhtemoc Garcia Hernandez, adjunct professor at the University of Denvers Sturm College of Law. Advocates of the sanctuary movement say colleges should embrace the label. I think schools should be making a strong statement to set an example for others, Gutierrez said. READ MORE: Voices from the border Opposing Trumps wall Legislative backlash School administrations hesitancy to embrace the sanctuary movement is compounded by a legislative backlash in several states. Conservative state politicians have proposed legislation to pressure schools to both cooperate with ICE officials and not declare themselves sanctuaries. About 740,000 people have been granted DACA since the programme was created in 2012 by the Obama administration, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The US Department of Education estimates that about 65,000 (p3) undocumented students graduate from high schools in the US every year. Swarthmore College is in Pennsylvania, where Republican Jerry Knowles introduced legislation in January to withhold state funds from colleges that adopt sanctuary policies, making specific mention of those universities requiring arrest warrants from ICE officials before allowing them on campus, as Swarthmore does. The bill has been co-sponsored by 30 other legislators. It is my belief that the schools declaring themselves sanctuary campuses are blatantly disregarding federal law and thumbing their noses at the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, stated Knowles on his website. He did not respond to a request for an interview. Truly terrified of deportation In Indiana, a bill proposed by two state senators, Republicans Mike Delph and R Michael Young, would expand the already strict ban on cities enacting policies of noncooperation with immigration authorities in the state. The proposed law has a wide-ranging definition of sanctuary policies, and identifies any college or university that restricts personnel from sending, receiving, maintaining, or exchanging information regarding the citizenship or immigration status of any individual with a federal, state, or local government entity as subject to the ban. Undocumented students in Indiana have an uncertain future, said Pamela, a 19-year-old DACA student at Indiana University Bloomington. She asked that her full name not be used. Intuitively I feel Trump is inching towards DACA. I dont know if hes already there, or if he just hasnt publicly said anything against it, but its going to be a trying few years, said Pamela, who was two years old when she was brought to the US from Mexico. The biochemistry major is anxious about DACAs future, especially because she has to apply again before she graduates as the status is granted in two-year installments. Trump vowed to end DACA during his election campaign, but has since stayed away from specifics, calling it a very, very difficult subject for him. Indiana University Bloomington has promised not to share student information with federal authorities without a subpoena a policy protected by federal law according to the school. It has not declared itself a sanctuary campus. Before Donald Trump got elected, I had never really known what it was like to be truly terrified of deportation, said Pamela, who works with the UndocuHoosiers Alliance, which petitioned the university to adopt sanctuary policies. On Sunday, Reuters reported that two memos being reviewed by the Trump administration would greatly expand the undocumented individuals prioritised for deportation to include people who have been charged but not convicted of crimes. The memos also suggest that wide discretion will be given to ICE agents to decide whom to deport, and considers anyone living in the US without papers to be subject to deportation, the news agency reported. OPINION: Trumps Muslim ban is a dangerous distraction Visible Support Willy Palomo, a graduate student at Indiana University Bloomington who co-founded the UndocuHoosiers Alliance, which also raises funds for scholarships for undocumented students, wants the school to fully declare itself a sanctuary. One of the big things about sanctuary campuses is that it is a visible support, Palomo said. Practically, theres only so much a school can do to support undocumented students. But this shows the school will stand with its students. In the American deep south, with its traditionally strict immigration laws, activists say universities have the opportunity to make a statement that will resonate across the country. In Alabama, a bill prohibiting colleges and universities from declaring themselves sanctuaries passed in the State House a pivotal step in becoming state law. In December, the governor of Texas threatened to cut funding to any state college that declared itself a sanctuary campus. In Georgia, where undocumented students are banned from attending some top public institutions, a bill stripping funds from sanctuary campuses proposed by Republican Earl Erhart recently passed the Houses Higher Education Committee. Al Jazeera English reached out to all the above politicians for comment, but none responded. Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia a prestigious institution with a history of leading civil rights movements highlights the complex nature of visible support, as Palomo is advocating for in Indiana. The school doesnt call itself a sanctuary, which it noted in a statement has no legal definition. Emory is exploring sustainable solutions to support undocumented students, said the statement provided to Al Jazeera English. It went on to say the school would not turn over student information unless presented with a subpoena. The schools president said the decision not to declare itself a sanctuary was influenced by a discussion she had with undocumented students who were afraid it would bring increased scrutiny, according to the student newspaper, the Emory Wheel. It also reported that students from Emorys Undocumented Students Association, which represents some DACA students on campus, opposed the sanctuary designation. But Laura Emiko Soltis, an Emory alumna who runs Freedom University, a non-profit organisation that offers education for undocumented students, compared the situation to 1962, when Emory stood up to state politicians threatening to revoke its tax-exempt status if it admitted black students. Soltis is one of 1,500 students, faculty, and alumni who have signed a petition urging the school to declare itself a sanctuary. The movement is different, but the tactics of the state legislators are the same, Soltis said. Emory is trying to grant equal access to marginalised groups, and the state responds with threats. She added: Emory has taken a stand against injustice in the past. Back in Pennsylvania, Gutierrez said he feels the challenges he has faced, like thousands of other undocumented students, have made him stronger. Despite the anxiety about his future, he feels a sense of hope. [The election] has brought some of these problems to light, and people are starting to fight against it more now, Gutierrez said. I just hope it continues. I just hope people continue the process of being active, because we have to continue this for four more years. Follow Joseph Stepansky on Twitter: @Joe_Stepansky It is unlikely that Brazil will be able to pursue a prominent role in the international arena before 2019. In a world inevitably multilateral such as ours, regional powers are supposed to have their share of responsibilities in order to build more plural paths towards a fairer and more peaceful international political environment. Therefore, Brazil is expected to have a significant role in international politics. However, the crisis that the country is currently going through structurally prevents it from fulfilling this expectation. Brazil is melting down, to put it softly. A euphemistic image is that the country is waking up after a huge party, with a terrible hangover, and now has to face a very hard reality. In fact, looking at Rio de Janeiro, the former host of the Olympic Games, the metaphor is indeed reality. Unsurprisingly, Rio is the epitome of the Brazilian tragedy. Until recently, both Brazil and Rio were in the spotlight of the international stage, receiving a lot of attention and investments. However, turning this promising situation into a sustainable reality was simply crushed when the real party that the country was enjoying ended. Brazil was enjoying a boom in its exports of commodities thanks to the high demand in China. As soon as the Chinese demand decreased, the impact was rapidly felt. State of calamity The situation in Rio is tragic. Since the states economy is highly dependent on oil sales, the decrease of oil prices internationally, and alleged cases of corruption, have led to a precarious financial situation. This resulted in a negative outlook in several areas ranging from the states struggle to pay the wages and pensions of its public employees, to its crumbling health and security sectors. It is not a coincidence that Rios acting Governor Francisco Dornelles declared a state of calamity in June 2016. In the political sphere, the picture is not any better. Last November, for example, Rio observed two of its major politicians, Sergio Cabral and Anthony Garotinho, both former governors, being arrested. This is definitely a microcosm of the crisis in Brazil. The country is in a dire economic situation. During the commodities boom, Brazil missed the opportunity to make structural modifications in its economy and become less dependent on commodities price fluctuation. OPINION: The fight for Brazils future Inversely, the country experienced, for instance, the deterioration of its manufacturing sector. Now, it struggles to produce a sustainable economic growth and generate enough jobs, which consequently stresses its public deficit. In this situation, following Rio de Janeiro, two other states of the federation also declared a state of financial public calamity Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul. Therefore, three of the four largest state economies of Brazil are unequivocally broke. Even Espirito Santo, a state often praised as a financial example, is under a significant security crisis, owing to a strike of police officers demanding better salaries. The consequences of the strike claimed at least 144 lives. Political turmoil Notwithstanding, a pivotal dimension of the Brazilian crisis is the political sphere, which is in severe turmoil. In recent months, for instance, the country witnessed the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff and the arrest of the former Lower House Speaker in Congress, Eduardo Cunha. Moreover, Brazils biggest-ever corruption investigation, known as Operation Carwash, is touching every major political party and profoundly shaking up the entire political establishment. On the top of all this, once more Brazil is under a neoliberal restructuring in order to overcome the crisis, which is the equivalent of stepping forward when reaching the edge of a cliff. A country that was once able to pursue a very proactive foreign policy is now unable to deal effectively with pressing crises in its neighbourhood, such as the one in Venezuela or in Haiti. by Consequently, with its core pillars collapsed, it is illusory to expect Brazil to have a major influence on the international stage. In fact, for quite some time already, one can observe precisely the opposite the retreat of Brazils global ambitions. This is clearly noticeable by simply observing the financial structure of its diplomacy-making. For instance, the country has been decreasing its budget allocated to its Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Hence, Brazil is not only recruiting fewer diplomats, but also discussing the closure of several embassies and consulates around the world, mainly in Africa and in the Caribbean. The recent constitutional amendment, blocking federal state budget increases for two decades, undoubtedly ensures that this trend is not ephemeral. Cumbersome presidency Most importantly, it should be noted that a fundamental drive of Brazils diplomacy is its president. Therefore, any turbulence in the presidents office or merely having someone that simply has no inclination to pursue proactive international policy-making, such as former President Rousseff directly affects Brazils positioning in the world. Therefore, it is not difficult to understand that a president who takes office through an impeachment process like President Michel Temer did is far from being in a solid position to perform presidential diplomacy with a global perspective. On the contrary, the constant necessity of simply managing his political position domestically as a consequence of a very disputed and polarising impeachment process apprehends much more of his attention and concerns than any international aspiration. This situation structurally suppresses Brazils ability to pursue a more relevant political objective in its international relations. OPINION: The hidden force of current international uneasiness Consequently, a country that was once able to pursue a very proactive foreign policy for instance, brokering, alongside Turkey, a nuclear deal with Iran, or fostering a polycentric world with BRICS countries, engaged in the conception of an alternative international financial architecture with the creation of the New Development Bank is now unable to deal effectively with pressing crises in its neighbourhood, such as the one in Venezuela or in Haiti. It is hardly believable that Brazil is going to recreate the necessary circumstances to pursue a prominent role in the international arena before having a new president in 2019. Only someone assuming the presidential office directly through the popular vote can possibly ease political tensions in Brasilia, bring some predictability to the economy and, by its turn, set the conditions to project Brazils international influence. Until then, unfortunately for the whole world, Brazil will simply remain adrift in the turbulent waters that are in the horizon of international politics. Ramon Blanco is a researcher and professor of international relations at the Federal University of Latin-American Integration (Brazil). The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. This is the moment to take action for establishing meaningful connections among communities and issues. Lena Afridi is an independent writer who specialises in income inequality and racial and economic justice. At noon on February 2, New York Citys streets were quieter than usual. On Manhattan and Brooklyn corners and down commercial corridors in Queens, corner store security grates were rolled down. There was no sound of lunch meat sizzling on grill tops, no lines of customers waiting to purchase lottery tickets or cigarettes or toilet paper. One of New York Citys most recognisable institutions, the bodega, had shut its collective door. A large portion of these businesses are run by the citys Yemeni immigrants. Yemenis account for only a tiny fraction of the New York City population, but more than 1,000 corner stores closed during the Bodega Strike of 2017. On that day, the Yemeni community banded together in response to President Donald Trumps executive order, which aimed to effectively ban immigration from seven Muslim majority countries, including Yemen. They shut down their businesses for the day in protest against the Muslim ban, with thousands of bodega owners and allies rallying at Brooklyn Borough Hall in a women-led action at 5pm. Crucially to the political importance of the day, this action not only protested against the Muslim ban but also expressed resistance to Trumps promised wall along the US-Mexico border. This solidarity was coined with the phrase No Ban, No Wall, a slogan plastered across shuttered bodega gates citywide. This moment presented the largest explicit show of solidarity between Muslim and Latinx immigrants yet seen in the United States. Re-imagining old tactics Across the US, powerful actions such as the bodega strike are re-imagining old tactics to resist the intersection of racist and anti-working class positions that characterise the Trump phenomenon. Though sometimes small in size, these actions are quietly building up to a larger possibility: what could be achieved if all Americans stopped work at offices, factories, restaurants, skipped class, and ceased household tasks? General strikes have been proposed several times in the past decade, with little interest or outright dismissal from those outside unions or leftist circles, and even from many within. A general strike is not a simple protest. It is a complete shutdown of labour across all sectors, across schools, and as feminists have insisted also within homes. It is, as Frances Fox Piven puts it, throwing sand into the gears of the machine . A general strike brings collective power to the forefront. It has been met with trepidation by many Americans, in particular those people who have the most to gain from such a show of power, and also the most to lose by participating in such a broad scale labour action. Repression is swift and consequential. Already, some participants of February 16s Day Without Immigrants protest, where restaurant workers across the nation skipped work, have lost their jobs. The rise of the Trump administration is a boiling point for immigrants, women, black people, Muslims, indigenous people, queer and trans people, poor and working people, and all people of colour in this country. by However, since the rise of Trump, the buzz around the prospect of a general strike has grown exponentially. Americans, unaccustomed to large-scale labour shut downs, are now entertaining the notion of such an action. The Bodega Strike, the Day Without Immigrants actions of February 16, and February 17s nationwide protests against the Trump administration portent both a willingness for action and the capacity to organise for action. Most successful general strike in US history The March 8, A Day Without a Woman general strike, proposed by the organisers of the January 21 Womens March, is poised to be the most successful general strike in recent American history but only if it continues to carry the momentum of cross-issue organising and solidarity that has begun to develop over the past two months. It has the potential to be historic not only in size but, like the signs that forged working class Yemeni-Muslim and undocumented Latinx solidarity, it can be historic in its message: it can be a feminist and womens struggle with issues of racial and economic justice to the front. Recent years have seen nationwide mass mobilisations that connect labour unions with non-union affiliated movements. The Great American Boycott of 2006 saw millions of people mobilising against HR 4437, the immigration policy that funnelled funds to increased security at the US-Mexico border and made living in the US without documentation a felony reforms similar to Trumps recent proposals. In 2012, the Chicago Teachers Unions strike led to a 17.5 percent raise for Chicago public school teachers and a reduction in the role of standardised testing as a performance measure. This past January, as protests erupted in airports across the nation in response to the Muslim ban, New York City taxi drivers went out on strike in solidarity with protesters in organised labours first action against the Trump administration. IN PICTURES: US immigrants stay at home to demonstrate their value Boycotts and civil disobedience are ingrained into this countrys history of collective struggle. The marches from Selma to Montgomery, lunch-counter sit-ins, and the Montgomery bus boycott were all effective and strategic organising tactics that created a precedent for grassroots mobilisation in the US and worldwide. The tradition of boycotting, striking, and civil disobedience was utilised during the Vietnam War, during the gay liberation movement, during the womens rights movements of the 1970s, during the current Black Lives Matter movement, during the movement against the Dakota Access Pipeline, and countless other examples of historically consequential fights for rights and dignity. A fractured labour movement Despite the precedence of labour actions in the US, effective general strikes have not happened in this country since the 1930s. The US working class has largely removed itself from the tradition of general strikes. Though these actions have very recently proved to be effective worldwide, including in Western Europe, in India, where only last year the largest general strike in history took place, and across Latin America, the US labour movement has generally shied away from the general strike as a tactic. This might be because of the fractured nature of the American labour movement and the weakening of unions nationwide. Such an action does not need to be called by a union; it can be called by a community, an issue-based group, or just a group of people, such as the Italian Womens movement of the 1970s. Although general strikes have been called many times by American leftists, they have ultimately failed in size and scope because they have done little to actually organise with and for those who ultimately have the most to gain, but also more immediately the most to lose, from such actions. OPINION: The working class Trump will suppress Strikes and boycotts in general have concentrated on pressing and important single issues whether immigration, womens rights, labour disputes, or racial justice. However, this particular moment requires an intersectional approach not only in how we talk and write, but also how we organise (PDF). The rise of the Trump administration is a boiling point for immigrants, women, black people, Muslims, indigenous people, queer and trans people, poor and working people, and all people of colour in this country. Trumps policies, on policing, immigration, womens rights, and foreign policy are frightening, but in each case they are just an extension of past concessions and repressive policies. These are not new issues and they are not new problems. OPINION: How Trump will fix the inner cities Injustices against marginalised people are very much ingrained in American history. However, this is a political moment where meaningful connections among communities and issues are not only necessary, but actually possible. In order for a national general strike to be truly meaningful and effective, it must speak to all those that have routinely been silenced. The March 8 Day Without a Woman strike has the potential to be such an action, or act as a stepping stone to a day where a true American general strike is possible. Lena P Afridi is an independent writer who specialises in income inequality and racial and economic justice. She holds a Masters in Regional Planning from Cornell University. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Elor Azaria shot and killed Abed al-Fattah al-Sharif as he lay on the ground incapacitated after being gunned down. An Israeli soldier who shot and killed a wounded Palestinian, who was incapacitated having already been shot, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for manslaughter. Judge Maya Heller of the military court in Tel Aviv delivered the sentencing on Tuesday in a case that has stoked passions, debate and protest. Analysts had expected Elor Azaria, who was convicted of manslaughter one month earlier, to be jailed for fewer than the maximum sentence of 20 years for killing Abed al-Fattah al-Sharif. This was at the lower end of what the prosecution had asked for when they requested that Azaria would serve between three and five years, said Al Jazeeras Bernard Smith, reporting from Tel Aviv. In her statement, Heller claimed that there were mitigating factors to the killing, which she said took place in hostile territory. READ MORE: Elor Azaria case No hope of equality before the law While she said that Azarias family suffered as a result of the trial, she noted that Azaria has not expressed remorse. The March 24 shooting, in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, was filmed by activists from the Israeli BTselem human rights group. That video shows Sharif, 21, lying on the ground, shot along with another Palestinian. Azaria, a 20-year-old combat medic, then delivers the fatal blow, shooting him again in the head without any provocation. According to the army, Sharif had stabbed and wounded another soldier. It was unclear whether Azarias family would follow up on a promise to appeal against a decision to imprison the soldier for more than 10 months. Issa Amro, director of the Hebron-based Youth Against Settlements activist group, told Al Jazeera that a sentence of 18 months in jail is not proportionate with what [Azaria] did. We are talking about a war criminal, according to international law, he said, adding that it was likely Azaria would receive a pardon from the government. I believe Azaria was following orders to execute Palestinians, and leave them bleeding until they pass away, he said. This is what [Israeli soldiers] did in many cases in Hebron, in Jerusalem, in Ramallah. Israeli soldiers are not held to account. Ive just seen soldiers celebrating Azaria getting 18 months. Extrajudicial killings The case raised questions about how Israeli soldiers deal with perceived threats by Palestinians. Shortly after the shooting, the Palestinian leadership demanded the United Nations investigate what rights groups have called Israels extrajudicial killings. Sharifs father, Yusri, has previously said Azaria deserves a life sentence. According to a survey in August by the Israel Democracy Institute, 65 percent of the Jewish public supported Azaria and his claim of self-defence. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other prominent Israeli politicians had thrown their weight behind Azaria, calling for the soldier to be pardoned. Since October 2015, Israeli soldiers and settlers have been responsible for the killing of at least 244 Palestinians, including unarmed demonstrators, bystanders and alleged attackers in an upsurge in violence. Thirty-six Israelis have also been killed in mostly stabbing and shooting incidents carried out by Palestinians. At least six killed in blasts in town of Charsadda as suicide bombers attempt to enter court premises. Suicide bombers attacked a court complex in northwestern Pakistan, killing at least six people, police said. A spokesperson for the Pakistan Taliban Jamaat-ur-Ahrar faction claimed responsibility for the attack in town of Tangi in the district of Charsadda. At least six people were killed and 15 wounded in Tuesdays attack, according to police and hospital officials at the Tangi government hospital where the wounded are being treated. Three suicide attackers attempted to attack the court, but as they exploded their vests, they were shot dead at the gate, another police official, Sabz Ali, told Al Jazeera. Police sources said a search operation was launched in the area following the blast. That search has now been completed and the area was deemed clear. A wave of recent attacks has gripped Pakistan. Over the past 10 days, a string of bombings has killed more than 100 people. In one of the attacks last week, dozens of worshippers gathered at a famed Sufi shrine were killed when an Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) groups suicide bomber walked into the shrines main hall in the southern Sindh province and detonated his explosives. The death toll from that attack has since risen to 90. The shrine bombing prompted a countrywide crackdown by security forces targeting armed groups and their hideouts. Pro-Kurdish HDP files application at European Court of Human Rights over arrest of its leaders, Demirtas and Yuksekdag. Turkeys pro-Kurdish Peoples Democratic Party (HDP) has filed an application at the European Court of Human Rights regarding the continued arrest of its co-leaders , Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag. The application was filed in Strasbourg on Monday by a delegation including the partys deputy leader Saruhan Oluc, group deputy chairman Filiz Kerestecioglu and MPs Mithat Sancar, Ertugrul Kurkcu and Osman Baydemir. READ MORE: How could failed coup affect Kurdish peace process? In a statement published on Monday, party officials said that the failure of Turkeys Constitutional Court to carry out an investigation into its Yuksekdag and Demirtas imprisonment has necessitated an application to the European court, the ECHR. A total of 13 HDP politicians were arrested in November 2016 on terrorism-related charges after their parliamentary immunity was lifted last March . 10 of these MPs, including the partys co-leaders, remain in custody pending trial. Referendum In its application to the ECHR, the party argued that the continuing imprisonment of their co-leaders constituted a violation of the right to freedom and security, freedom of speech and the right to free elections as protected by both the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights. The HDP, the Turkish parliaments third-biggest party, said in its application that since the failed coup attempt in July 2016, 5,471 people have been taken into custody and 1,482 people have been arrested within the scope of operations targeting the HDP and its supporters. The HDP said that the situation is particularly critical as Turkey is now heading for a referendum. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has approved a constitutional reform bill earlier this month, in a move paving the way for the referendum on an amendments package that seeks to extend his powers. The referendum is planned to take place on April 16. READ MORE: Turkeys constitutional reform All you need to know The HDP claimed that the continued detention of its co-leaders and MPs aimed to target and punish the opposition working to organise an effective No campaign during the referendum. The process has become increasingly arbitrary and systematic and politically motivated, the party said. The first hearing of Demirtas will be held on April 28, 12 days after the constitutional referendum. He faces trial in more than 100 different cases that include charges of managing a terrorist organisation, and faces over 100 years in jail. Turkeys government has long been accusing the HDP of being the the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Partys (PKK) political wing. The United States and the European Union designate the PKK, an armed group that has been fighting for Kurdish autonomy since 1984, as a terrorist organisation. The HDP denies direct links with the PKK and promotes a negotiated end to the Kurdish conflict, which has claimed hundreds of lives since a peace process, once led by Erdogan and the AK party, collapsed in 2015. Adoption agency accused of selling at least 17 children to foreign couples in eastern state and sending them abroad. Indian police say they have arrested the heads of an adoption centre suspected of selling at least 17 children to foreign couples, the latest trafficking scandal to hit the country. Investigators said children aged between six months and 14 years old were sold to couples from Europe, the United States and Asia for between $12,000 and $23,000 and taken out of the country. Police in the eastern state of West Bengal arrested Chandana Chakraborty, head of the Bimala Sishu Griha centre, and her deputy Sonali Mondal at the weekend after a tip-off from the federal adoption agency. In the last two to three years, they have sold at least 17 children, a police officer told the AFP news agency on condition of anonymity on Tuesday. We will try to contact the couples and are expecting more arrests in coming days. READ MORE: Cradles in Rajasthan for Indias unwanted babies One French couple paid $23,000 for a child in 2015, he said. The arrested women were involved in running two other homes in the area. Two people were arrested after raids in three charitable homes on Saturday night, Sashi Panja, state women and child development minister, told AFP. It is not clear how the alleged sales escaped official notice. Investigators said they had been monitoring the charity since June when child welfare authorities found discrepancies in their records and relocated all the children from one of the homes. India has an estimated 30 million orphans, but the rules governing international adoptions are strict and domestic adoptions remain relatively rare. READ MORE: Inside the world of Indias booming fertility industry Only 4,362 children were legally adopted in 2014 and 3,677 in 2015, according to the Central Adoption Resource Authority. Experts say couples wanting to adopt in India are often frustrated by lengthy bureaucratic delays and complex rules, pushing them towards the thriving illegal adoption market. The latest scandal comes four months after police arrested 18 people over the sale of newborn babies in the same state. The criminals stole babies from nursing homes, smuggling them out in biscuit boxes and keeping them at adoption centres before selling them to Indian and foreign couples. The scale of the operation is still being uncovered, and the remains of five newborn girls were recovered from one of the homes in November. Iran summons Turkish ambassador and hits back at Ankara, after officials blame Tehran of destabilising the Middle East. Diplomatic tensions have intensified between Turkey and Iran as the two countries traded accusations over their roles in the Syria conflict and the Middle East. Iran summoned the Turkish ambassador in Tehran on Monday over comments made by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and President Tayyip Erdogan, accusing the Islamic Republic of destabilising the region. Turkey and Iran have been regional rivals for centuries, but have sought to forge a pragmatic relationship in recent years, with Iran strongly supporting President Erdogan after last years failed coup. Turkey, a country with a Sunni majority, and Shia Iran have been on opposite sides of the conflict in Syria, with Ankara seeking to overthrow President Bashar al-Assad and Tehran being, along with Russia, his key backer. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu lashed out at Iran in a speech to the Munich Security Conference at the weekend, saying some of its actions had undermined security in the region and urging Tehran to promote stability. Iran wants to make Syria and Iraq Shia, he said, quoted by Turkish state media. Turkey is very much against any kind of division, religious or sectarian, he said. Erdogan also accused Iran of promoting a Persian nationalism that had damaged the Middle East. There is Persian nationalism here, we have to prevent this. We cannot just watch this oppression, Erdogan said on a visit to Bahrain on February 14. Irans warning The Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi warned on Monday that Tehrans patience had limits after Tehran summoned the Turkish ambassador over Turkish remarks. We hope that such statements are not made again. If our Turkish friends continue with this attitude we will not remain silent, he added. Turkeys foreign ministry spokesman Huseyin Muftuoglu hit back by saying it was incomprehensible to receive such accusations from Tehran, whom he charged with not hesitating to push into warzones refugees sheltering from regional crises. READ MORE: Russia, Turkey, Iran agree plan to support Syria truce Instead of accusing countries that have criticised Iran, it should take constructive steps and review its own regional policies. The angry exchanges have come just after Erdogan returned from a week-long tour of the Arabian peninsula, including talks with the leadership of Irans arch regional foe and Ankaras Sunni ally Saudi Arabia. Harmony between Turkey and Iran is crucial in ensuring the preservation of a fragile ceasefire in Syria, which is also backed by Russia. The ceasefire came into force at the end of last year as a basis for peace talks. Ecuadors electoral council says presidential election will go to an April runoff after a nail-biter first round. Leftist government candidate Lenin Moreno and ex-banker Guillermo Lasso will contest an April runoff to become the new Ecuadorian president, according to electoral officials. With just over 95 percent of ballots counted from Sundays presidential election, Moreno was the clear leader with 39.21 percent of the vote, according to the National Electoral Council. That was just short of the 40 percent needed to avoid a runoff on April 2 against his conservative rival Guillermo Lasso, who was at 28.35 percent. With the country anxiously awaiting the final results and the opposition pressuring for clarity, the electoral body on Tuesday said the results could not change, although it was waiting for all ballots to be counted before officially proclaiming a second round. No, its not possible, electoral council president Juan Pablo Pozo told reporters, when asked if a runoff could be avoided. But, we have to wait for official results to be 100 percent. Key vote Opinion polls indicate Moreno may well lose a runoff in which supporters of other conservative opposition groups are likely to rally behind Lasso amid anger over an economic downturn in OPECs smallest oil producer and a series of corruption scandals, potentially ending a decade of leftist rule in Ecuador. Should Ecuador move to the right with a second-round victory for Lasso, it would follow on the heels of Argentina, Brazil and Peru which have all swerved away from the left. Sundays election was a test of the legacy of outgoing president and Moreno ally, Rafael Correa, who is an outspoken critic of the United States. Correa is leaving office at the end of his term after 10 years in power. Some Correa supporters see Lasso as an elitist who might slash social programmes, and the ruling Country Alliance remains popular with many of the countrys rural poor. Were going to win the elections just like we won the first round, said Moreno in a press conference earlier on Tuesday. Frances far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has sparked controversy on the last day of her Lebanon visit, walking away from a meeting with the countrys top Sunni Muslim religious leader after refusing to wear a headscarf. The leader of National Front (FN) party on Tuesday arrived at Sheikh Abdellatif Deryans office in the capital, Beirut, and was offered a white shawl to cover her hair. Le Pen promptly refused, walked towards her car and left. Al Jazeeras Natasha Ghoneim, reporting from the Beirut, said that critics accused Le Pen, whose party takes an anti-immigrant stance, of staging the incident as a kind of stunt. Observers, pundits and voters here say that they believe that this was planned on her part because it would play very well to her far-right base at home, and also because they say it might detract from a growing scandal she is facing, Ghoneim said. The presidential candidate is facing a corruption scandal as French police searched on Monday the Paris-based headquarters of FN in relation to a probe into alleged misuse of EU funds allocated to her as a member of the European Parliament. Everybody expected her to spark a new controversy, and right now Le Pen is embroiled in a new scandal, so people will perceive that as an attempt to divert attention from the legal consequences of her actions over the past few years, Yasser Louati, a human rights and civil liberties activist in Paris, told Al Jazeera. This was a trap and a set-up because she wanted to send a message to her own voters and supporters that she somehow refused to respect the local customs in a Muslim-majority country. Le Pen was informed Speaking to journalists as she walked away from the meeting, Le Pen said she had met in the past with the Grand Mufti of Egypts Al Azhar, one of the worlds leading Sunni scholars, without having to wear a veil. So, I have no reason to, she said, adding that she had told the grand offices office on Monday that she would not wear a headscarf. They did not cancel the meeting, so I thought they would accept that I will not wear the scarf, Le Pen said. They wanted to impose this on me, to present me with a fait accompli. Well, no one presents me with a fait accompli. In a statement on Tuesday, the press office for the Grand Mufti said it had informed the presidential candidate, through one of her assistants, of the need to cover her head when she meets his eminence, according to the protocol assumed by Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni authority in Lebanon. Dar al-Fatwa officials were surprised by her refusal to conform to this well-known rule, the statement added. OPINION: Elections in France: Its all about security Tuesday is Le Pens last day in Lebanon, where she met a foreign head of state for the first time, President Michel Aoun. The FN leader also met Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a Sunni Muslim, and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil. Shunned by European leaders over her partys stance on immigration and its anti-EU message, Le Pens meeting with Lebanese top officials aimed to boost her international credibility. This visit was viewed as an opportunity for her to enhance her stature, build her foreign policy credentials, and gain a better understanding of the Middle East, Al Jazeeras Ghoneim said. Zimbabwe spends $2.5m on birthday party for worlds oldest leader, while opposition slams events as waste of money. Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe turned 93 on Tuesday amid growing concerns over his frailty and failing health. The ruling ZANU-PF party is to spend about $2.5 million on the birthday celebration, local media reports said. Opposition parties condemned the events as a waste of money while 93 percent of Zimbabweans are wallowing in poverty caused by his incompetence and misrule, NewZimbabwe.com reported. Celebrations for the worlds oldest national ruler, who has vowed to remain in power, will be held on Saturday at Matobo National Park outside Bulawayo, Zimbabwes second-largest city. Thousands of officials and supporters of Mugabes ZANU-PF party are expected to attend. READ MORE: Mugabe, 92, says Zimbabweans see no replacement for him Large game animals are often slaughtered for the occasion. In previous years, Mugabe has reportedly been offered elephants, buffalo and impala for the feast. Call to resign must come from party Mugabe has ruled out retiring soon, saying that ZANU-PF officials believe there is no acceptable alternative. The call to step down must come from my party In such circumstances, I will step down, the state-owned Sunday Mail newspaper quoted Mugabe as saying in an interview aired late Monday. They want me to stand for elections If I feel that I cant do it any more, I will say so to my party so that they relieve me. But for now, I think I cant say so, he said. The majority of the people feel that there is no replacement, a successor who to them is acceptable. READ MORE: Zimbabwe Unfit to rule case against Mugabe dismissed Mugabe came to power when Zimbabwe won independence in 1980 and his rule has been criticised for repression of dissent, election rigging, and for causing the countrys economic collapse. Health fears Several incidents in recent years have highlighted his advanced age including a fall in February 2015 at Harare airport. In September of the same year, he read a speech to parliament apparently unaware that he had delivered exactly the same address a month earlier. Despite growing calls to step aside, his party has endorsed him as its candidate for general elections next year, and he remains widely respected as a liberation hero by other African leaders. On Friday, his 51-year-old wife Grace claimed that Mugabe would be the voters choice even after he dies. She has promised to use a wheelchair to transport him to election rallies if needed. Mugabe has avoided naming a successor, and his party is divided between factions hoping to succeed him. READ MORE: Under Trump, Zimbabwe might be off the radar Grace was appointed head of the ruling partys womens wing in a surprise move that could make her a possible successor. Another leading candidate is Mugabes vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa. Last year, security forces brutally quelled a series of street protests in Harare, a rare public expression of opposition to Mugabes regime. According to Bloomberg News, Zimbabwes economic output has halved since 2000 when many white-owned farms were seized by ZANU-PF supporters, leaving the key agricultural sector in ruins. Nigerian community in South Africa calls for protection after reports of renewed xenophobic violence in Pretoria West. Members of Nigerias community in South Africa have raised concerns over renewed anti-immigrant violence, appealing to authorities to intervene before the situation gets out of control. Nigerias presidency on Monday called the South African government to step in to stop what it said were xenophobic attacks following recent reports of violence against Nigerians and other nationals in the capital, Pretoria. The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) on Tuesday confirmed that Nigerian homes and businesses in Pretoria West had been attacked in several late-night incidents in recent days. Homes and shops of Nigerians were targeted and looted in the events of past few days, Emeka Ezinteje Collins, national public relations officer of NUSA, told Al Jazeera, citing at least 10 such attacks. He added: Our people and other foreigners are apparently living in fear of the unknown as the hoodlums have promised more attacks from Friday, when a group called the Mamelodi concerned residents is reportedly planning to hold a march against foreign nationals. NUSA also said that some of its members had received threatening phone calls asking for payment to protect their houses and businesses. We have also received reports from our members of receiving threatening anonymous calls requesting that money be paid to avert destruction of their properties, Collins said. We implore the South African and Nigerian authorities to intervene early and save the situation before it spills out of hand. Angry residents South African police said on Tuesday at least 20 shops possibly belonging to immigrants were looted in Pretoria overnight, but they could not confirm if the attacks had deliberately targeted foreigners. There are allegations that these shops belong to foreign nationals, police spokeswoman Brigadier Mathapelo Peters told the Reuters news agency. It is alleged that the community members are saying that these shops were used for drug dealing, but that is unconfirmed. We will only be able to start a formal investigation once the shop owners come forward. INTERACTIVE: Xenophobia in South Africa Causes, attacks and history Anti-immigrant violence has flared sporadically in South Africa against a background of near-record unemployment, with foreigners being accused of taking jobs from locals and getting involved in crime. We are sick and tired of foreigners who are coming to sell drugs and kill our people, we cant let the community go down like this, an unemployed man in his mid-twenties, who declined to be named, told Reuters. The attacks in Pretoria West come a few weeks after residents in Rosetenville, a suburb in Johannesburg, reportedly torched properties belonging to Nigerians and other foreigners which allegedly were being used for drug dealing and human trafficking. The Rosetenville unrest is replicating in Pretoria West, the African Diaspora Forum said in a statement last week. Those who are living in the area are advised to be careful. Cars and houses are set alight by angry residents claiming to get rid of drugs and prostitution. No one has been arrested after two houses were set alight, various homes raided by Pretoria West community members. Dire consequences Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Nigerian presidents adviser on foreign affairs and the diaspora, said on Monday the South African government must take decisive and definitive measures to protect Nigerians and other African nationals within its borders. She also called on the African Union to weigh in on the violence, adding: Further attacks without any reprimand may have dire consequences. Dabiri-Erewa said there was a need for the continental body to intervene urgently, claiming that in the last two years about 116 Nigerians had been killed, including 20 last year. This is unacceptable to the people and government of Nigeria. There was no independent verification of the claimed number of deaths. According to NUSA, there are about 800,000 Nigerians in South Africa, many of them living in Johannesburg. The community was hit badly by the wave of xenophobic violence that hit the country in April 2015, but South African police said only seven Nigerians died. An independent watchdog has said 640 people died from police brutality or in custody in South Africa. In April 2015, Nigeria recalled its top diplomat in South Africa to discuss the anti-immigrant attacks that sent hundreds of foreigners fleeing to safety camps, as authorities sent in soldiers to quell unrest in Johannesburg and Durban. Move follows constitutional changes made after a tightly managed referendum last year that introduced vice presidency. Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev has appointed his wife as first vice president, the latest move seen as tightening the familys grip on the oil-rich Caspian nation. Tuesdays appointment of Mehriban Aliyeva follows constitutional changes made after a tightly managed referendum last year which introduced the powerful position of first vice president, the second most senior official in the country. Aliyeva, 52, has been an MP for the ruling Yeni Azerbaijan party since 2005 and head of the influential Heydar Aliyev Foundation named after her father-in-law and former president. Born into the powerful Pashayev family, Aliyeva has sometimes been seen as a possible successor to her husband, who took over in 2003 after the death of his father Heydar, a former KGB officer and Communist-era boss. Cementing dynastic rule Azerbaijans embattled opposition angrily criticised Aliyevas elevation as undemocratic and called it a ploy to cement the Aliyev familys dynastic rule. The move throws Azerbaijan back to medieval, feudal times, opposition leader Isa Gambar of the Musavat party told the AFP news agency . Family rule has no place in the 21st century, he added. The president, 55, cruised to a third five-year term against limited opposition in 2013, extending his familys rule into a third decade. Supporters have praised the Aliyevs for turning a republic once considered a Soviet backwater into a flourishing energy supplier to Europe. But critics argue they have crushed all opposition and used their power to amass a fortune for the president and his family. Activists have raised concerns over Azerbaijans poor rights record, with Human Rights Watch in May blasting the country for a ruthless crackdown that has seen political activists and critical journalists jailed. Lavish lifestyle Known for her love of luxury, Aliyeva featured prominently in US diplomatic cables published by Wikileaks, one of which dubbed her a first lady, too, in fashion. First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva appears to have had substantial cosmetic surgery, presumably overseas, and wears dresses that would be considered provocative even in the Western world, the leaked 2010 cable said. An eye doctor by training, she has also authored a dissertation on the ethical aspects of mercy killing. In 2004, she was appointed a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations culture agency, UNESCO. The US administration has issued tough new orders to begin a sweeping crackdown on undocumented immigrants, putting nearly all of the countrys 11 million undocumented foreigners in target for deportation. Two memos signed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) secretary, John Kelly, on Tuesday make it easier for officials to automatically expel undocumented immigrants. They order border patrol and immigration officers to deport as quickly as possible any undocumented immigrants they find, with only a few exceptions, principally children. Although the priority for deportation will remain undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes, it will also include anyone who has been charged or potentially faces criminal charges. In addition, categories of undocumented immigrants deemed as low priority by the previous Barack Obama administration, generally anyone not tied to a crime, are no longer protected. With extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement, the department said. All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceedings, up to and including removal from the United States. Kelly said the mass detentions of the past, requiring judicial review, have overburdened the government. RELATED: Mexico needs to stop accommodating Trump The surge of illegal immigration at the southern border has overwhelmed federal agencies and resources and has created a significant national security vulnerability to the United States, he said in one of the memos. Thousands of aliens apprehended at the border, placed in removal proceedings, and released from custody have absconded and failed to appear at their removal hearings. Immigration courts are experiencing a historic backlog of removal cases. The wall Kelly ordered immediate action to begin planning and building a wall along the US southern border with Mexico. He also ordered the hiring of another 5,000 officers for the Customs and Border Protection agency and 10,000 for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Soon after being inaugurated president on January 20, President Donald Trump ordered action to begin construction of a wall along the nearly 2,000-mile-long (3,145km) US-Mexico border, a tightening of border security, and tougher enforcement against undocumented immigrants inside the country. The memos come before meetings this week between Kelly and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico. Besides Pena Nieto, the two American officials will meet Mexicos ministers of the interior, foreign affairs, finance, defence and the navy, the Department of State said. Key topics include border security, law enforcement operation and trade, according to a state department statement. At least 74 bodies recovered from beach in western city of Zawiya on the Mediterranean Sea, Red Crescent says. Libyas Red Crescent has said that 74 bodies of refugees have washed ashore in the western city of Zawiya on the Mediterranean Sea. The aid organisations spokesman Mohammed al-Misrati told the AP news agency that the bodies washed ashore on Tuesday morning. He said the circumstances involving the drownings were not clear yet. The agency posted on its Twitter account photographs of dozens of bodies in white and black body bags, lined up along the shore. #Libya: Tragedy again today as #RedCrescent recover bodies of 74 people from a boat washed ashore near #Zawiya#StopIndifference #migration pic.twitter.com/YarPI5mYEG IFRC Middle East and North Africa (@IFRC_MENA) February 20, 2017 Misrati also said that local authorities will take the bodies to a cemetery in the capital, Tripoli, that is allocated for unidentified persons. Controversial new plan Earlier this month, European Union leaders agreed on a controversial new plan to help stem the flow of refugees from the North African country. Under the new plan, the bloc would provide Libyas government with funds to increase efforts to stop refugee boats from crossing territorial waters, and to break the business model of traffickers who helped 181,000 refugees enter the EU through Libya and Italy last year. READ MORE: EU looks to fund camps in Africa to cut immigration The announcement received a backlash from human rights groups who said such plans exposed refugees to further risks and abuses. Migrant deaths have risen to record levels along the Libya-Italy smuggling route across the Mediterranean Sea. An estimated 230 people, not including the 74 found on Tuesday, have died en route to Europe since the start of 2017, according to the United Nations. More than 4,500 people died attempting the crossing last year. Russias ambassador to the UN, a veteran diplomat, dies suddenly after falling ill in his office at Russias UN mission. Russias ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, who for years fended off western criticism and defended Moscows actions in Ukraine and Syria, has died in New York, aged 64. Life of a career diplomat Churkin had served as foreign ministry spokesman in the early 1990s and as special envoy to the former Yugoslavia. Growing up in Moscow, he dabbled in acting in his early teens, notably in two films about Soviet founding father Vladimir Lenin. He graduated from the prestigious Moscow Institute of International Relations and began his career at the foreign ministry as a translator before working at the Soviet embassy in Washington in the 1980s. Given his long posting at the UN previously held for a decade by Russias current Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov Churkin joked in a recent interview that his stint was surpassed only by the envoy from Turkmenistan. He is survived by his wife Irina, son Maxim and daughter Anastasiya. Churkin collapsed while at work at the Russian mission to the UN on Monday morning and was taken to a Manhattan hospital, apparently suffering from heart problems, diplomatic sources told AFP news agency. In a statement announcing his death, the foreign ministry in Moscow described him as an outstanding diplomat. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said President Vladimir Putin highly valued the professionalism and diplomatic talent of Vitaly Churkin and offered condolences, Interfax reported Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova paid tribute, writing on Facebook: A great diplomat. An extraordinary personality. An outstanding individual. We have lost someone very dear. News of his death was met with shock at UN headquarters where Churkin, who would have turned 65 on Tuesday, had been a towering presence for a decade. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Churkin had served with distinction through some of the most challenging and momentous periods of recent history. Guterres described him as a forceful presence on the Security Council, a uniquely skilled diplomat, a powerful orator with great wit and a man of many talents and interests. Diplomats at a UN meeting observed a moment of silence and a tribute to him was planned at the Security Council on Tuesday. Petr Iliichev, Russias deputy UN ambassador, said Churkin was worked until his last moments. His whole life was dedicated to defending the interests of Russia, Iliichev said. He was on the frontline Weve lost a prominent diplomat, a strong negotiator, a wonderful individual, a teacher. V.Churkin passes away Great loss for Russia. His memory will live on in our hearts forever https://t.co/pj4UdxmWUM pic.twitter.com/j2AS8AIT0W Russian Mission UN (@RussiaUN) February 20, 2017 UN spokesman Farhan Haq, who was informed of Churkins death during a daily briefing, offered his condolences. He has been such a regular presence here that Im actually quite stunned, Haq said. Western rift A career diplomat born in Moscow who studied English from a young age, Churkin had been UN ambassador since April 2006, after serving as Russian ambassador to Canada and to Belgium. Recently, relations between Russia and the West have soured, culminating with a major rift over Moscows support for separatists in east Ukraine and its military intervention in Syria. In his final months, Churkin clashed repeatedly with then-US ambassador Samantha Power over the bloodshed in Syrias Aleppo, staunchly defending Moscows view that the Syrian government was waging all-out war against terrorists. Russia resorted to its veto six times to block action on Syria. Power tweeted that she was devastated and described Churkin as a diplomatic maestro who did all he could to bridge US-Russian differences. Devastated by passing of Russian UN Amb Vitaly Churkin.Diplomatic maestro &deeply caring man who did all he cld to bridge US-RUS differences Samantha Power (@SamanthaJPower) February 20, 2017 Powers successor, Nikki Haley, who arrived less than a month ago, said Churkin had showed himself to be a gracious colleague. We did not always see things the same way, but he unquestionably advocated his countrys positions with great skill, said Haley in a statement. Francois Delattre, Churkins French counterpart, said he was one of the most talented diplomats and an exceptional representative of Russia. Matthew Rycroft, Britains ambassador to the UN, tweeted that he was absolutely devastated, describing Churkin as a diplomatic giant & wonderful character. Yoselyn Paulino doesnt need an abortion, but she still wants to learn about available resources in Gainesville. About 15 students gathered in Matherly Hall on Monday night for Planned Parenthood: Generation Actions first meeting of the semester, which focused on abortions and reproductive health. Paulino, 21, just moved to town from Miami and wanted to familiarize herself with the different options in town in case a friend needed to know. Its something Ive been very interested in because Im a woman, and I want to know what it is like out there right now, the UF reading education graduate student said. Paulino said she considers herself a political person and tries to volunteer her time to causes she cares about, like reproductive rights. I think no one should ever tell you what to do with your body, she said. At the meeting, Kristin Davy, the director of Bread and Roses Womens Health Center, located at 1233 NW 10th Ave., talked about common misconceptions about abortion. She said many women who come into the procedure are surprised at how drained it leaves them. The color often leaves their faces, and women often experience a metallic taste, she said. She also talked about the emotional impact of having an abortion. Its this mix of emotion thats going on, and what we tell the patient is any of that is fine, Davy said. Whatever youre feeling afterward, its good to feel, its OK. At the meeting, members of Generation Action talked about two clinics in Gainesville: Bread and Roses and All Womens Health Center of Gainesville. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Crisis pregnancy centers were also mentioned because they tend to veer women away from abortions and limit the options presented, said Tessa Walters, the publicity chair for Generation Action. Typical side effects from abortion, like cramping, were also discussed, as well as things to avoid after the procedure like penetrative sex and heavy lifting, the 19-year-old UF international studies freshman said. A lot of women are very scared about abortion and that right getting taken away, so we wanted to work to inform women on campus about abortions in Gainesville and what laws are being passed to try to prevent them, she said. Contact Romy Ellenbogen at rellenbogen@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @romyellenbogen Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that the criminal charges against Joey N. Friedman were dismissed and the case closed. In light of its president being arrested on a charge of sexual battery, local event company Uber Promotions Inc. now faces uncertainty among its prime clientele: UF sororities and fraternities. On Feb. 10, Joey Friedman, was arrested on a charge of sexual battery after allegedly spiking the drink of a woman he met at Grog House Bar & Grill, a Midtown bar, according to a police report. The criminal charge was later dropped and the case dismissed. He was released after posting a $50,000 bond. The company provides party buses and organizes social events at different bars around town and often works with different UF sororities and fraternities to host events. It was registered in Florida in 2006, according to the Florida Division of Corporations. On the night of the assault, Dec. 14, Friedmans company hosted an event at Grog House Bar & Grill, according to its Facebook page. Friedmans lawyer declined to comment for this article. His business partner Mike Farzad also declined to comment. Devon Leasure, the president of UFs Panhellenic Council, said some chapters have used Uber Promotions for local events, but it all depends on the chapter. She said there have not been incidents with the company before. However, Leasure said the council will take the sexual battery allegations into account when deciding on future bookings. We formally stand by the notion as a Panhellenic community, that there is never a time or place where rape culture is acceptable, she said. We would not ever make any sort of exception for inappropriate behavior. Leasure said she hopes the company takes care of the allegation and said people need to have meaningful discussions about consent. It is certainly our hope that Uber Promotions will deal with the allegations accordingly and take the appropriate measures to ensure upstanding behavior on behalf of all the employees, she said. Hailey Robles-Holmes, a Delta Delta Delta sister, has been on Uber Promotion buses in the past. Even before the allegations, Robles-Holmes said she is always prepared for the worst case scenario when going out. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now During her freshman year, there were several sexual assault alerts, which made her cautious. While the owners actions were bad, she said she doesnt think it reflects on the entire business. Its definitely good to know and have your guard up, she said. Former Alpha Epsilon Pi President Jared Cohen said his fraternity used Uber Promotions to organize a social event in January. Cohen, a 21-year-old UF management junior, said the company had been a common vendor for other fraternities, and he has heard positive reviews from others. They give you the best rates and stuff, so that was why we went ahead and used them, he said. Thats also probably the only one we had even heard of. He said the event ran smoothly and professionally. They were very helpful, and nothing sketchy happened, Cohen said. Im sure if you called like 10 other frats, they would all say the same stuff, too. Contact Romy Ellenbogen at rellenbogen@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @romyellenbogen A Florida man pulled out a gun and aimed it at an officer Sunday, Gainesville Police said. The officer fired at him twice but missed. James Vincent Barber, 18, was driving a white Nissan in Woodland Park Apartments, located at 1900 SE 4th St., at about 6:48 p.m. when he saw five police cars at the entrance of the complex, said Officer Ben Tobias, GPD spokesperson. He sped past the officers toward the back of the complex while a chase began. Police sirens wailed as Barber fled for about a quarter of a mile, he said. Earlier in the day, officers received a 911 call that Barber would be going to T.B. McPherson Park in retaliation for a previous shooting, according to an arrest report. Officers attempted to intercept him. Barbers car came to a stop, according to the report. A GPD officer, in fear of his life, shot twice at Barber missing him both times, according to the report. A passenger in the car ran away, and police have not located him or her, although Tobias said police know the passenger's identity. After being shot at, Barber ran from police, and a .40-caliber handgun magazine, loaded with bullets, was found in the area he ran through, according to the report. Courtesy to The Alligator The gun recovered from the suspect. For an hour, police searched for Barber using a helicopter unit, police dogs and multiple patrol cars, according to the press release. Another 911 call reported Barber was at the park, and police spotted him in the parking lot at about 7:45 p.m., according to the report. He saw an approaching officer, got into an SUV and left the scene. Police pulled over the SUV and arrested Barber, according to the report. After his arrest, Barber told police he fled officers because he didnt have a valid driver's license, according to the report. He also said the gun he pointed at police was a water gun that had an orange tip. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Police took him to the scene and he pointed to an area where he discarded the gun but it was not there, according to the report. He said the loaded magazine found was not his. On Monday, police found a black handgun in Evergreen Cemetery, which is on the path police believe Barber took to get to the park, according to a GPD press release. Police believe this handgun was the gun Barber was holding before the shooting. The officer who shot at Barber was placed on administrative duty pending an investigation, according to the press release. Officers have to prepare for the worst in situations like this, Tobias said. We are very happy that no one, including our officer, was hurt. Alachua County Sheriffs Office is still investigating the shooting that Barber was allegedly reacting to, said Art Forgey, an ACSO spokesperson. Later, a local emergency room reported a gunshot victim with a bullet in his or her back, Forgey said. The bullet was recovered and deputies are continuing to investigate the shooting, separate from GPD detectives. James Vincent Barber At this time, because we have no cooperating witnesses or participants, we dont know a lot about what went on, he said. Police arrested Barber on charges of aggravated assault on a police officer, tampering with evidence, resisting arrest, fleeing officers and driving without a license. Authorities took him to Alachua County Jail where he remains, as of press time, in lieu of a $15,000 bond. Contact Meryl Kornfield at mkornfield@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @MerylKornfield On a holiday when American presidents are celebrated, protesters in Gainesville carried handmade signs and stood in opposition to President Donald Trump. About 50 protesters gathered on Bo Diddley Community Plaza on Monday afternoon in a peaceful demonstration against the presidents policies, one of many that took place across the country. Guest speakers excited the crowd with chants like No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA and included calls to protect the press and public lands. The What Makes a President rally was purposefully held on Presidents Day and was created to demonstrate the qualities of good leadership while resisting current leaders in office, said Genevieve Murphy, the events host. Patriotism means to stand by your country, not necessarily to stand by your president, Murphy said. The event was held in solidarity with sanctuary cities and states, Murphy said. Standing between two large black banners that read, Resist, Murphy urged the crowd to not tolerate hate. I think our kids need good role models, Murphy said. The president and first lady are not representative of Americans. In the crowd was Chris Monahan, who hoisted a sign that read, We can be so much better on one side and Trump represents the worst of us on the other. My biggest fear is that Trump will deliver on his campaign promises, the 54-year-old said. This is racism, and this is xenophobia. Monahan said he is upset with Trumps administrative nominations and the lies he has told to the American people. Hes doing away with the Environmental Protection Agency and clearly not set for the office, he said. Diana Castine took to the stage at about 5:15 p.m. to announce an upcoming town hall meeting on March 4 with Congressman Ted Yoho, a Republican representing District 3. Were not happy with his voting record, the local protester said. Basically, hes against everyone whos not a billionaire. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now While a venue for the meeting has not been set, they plan to ask the congressman questions to hold him accountable, she said. Well hold his feet to the fire, Castine said. As Gainesvilles downtown clock tower chimed at 6 p.m., protesters sang the national anthem and then marched to the side of West University Avenue to hoist their signs in front of oncoming traffic. The display garnered honks and shouts of F--- Donald Trump from passing drivers. Protestors cheered for about 30 minutes before going their separate ways. The reason why I resist constantly is that I refuse to sit idly by, Castine said. This administration is stripping us of our rights. Contact Max Chesnes at mchesnes@alligator.org and follow him on Twitter at @chesnesmax A line of people sit while listening to the speaker at the What Makes a President rally at Bo Diddley Plaza on Monday. The total crowd topped out at around 50, and there were chants such as "protect the press" and "release your taxes." Amendment 1: Should the Student Body constitution be updated and amended to reflect UFs anti-discrimination policy and read in part, Article I, Section 4, Student Government and any organization that receives funds shall be in full compliance with all federal and state nondis- crimination and equal opportunity laws, orders, and regulations and shall adhere to University of Florida nondiscrimination policies? Amendment 2: Should the Student Body constitution be updated and amended to decrease the maximum com- position of the Fall or Spring class of Student Senate from 60 members to 50 members and change the relevant parts of Article III, Section 2 to read: FALL CLASS.40 to 50 members elected in the Fall general election as apportioned by law from on- campus area governments as defined by law and from off-campus areas as defined by law. SPRING CLASS.40 to 50 members elected in the Spring general election from the colleges and independent schools recognized by the student senate as defined by law? Amendment 3: Should the Student Body constitution be updated and amended to allow summer replacement Senators to be appointed at the last meeting of the Spring semester and amend Article III, Section 4 to read in part, The Student Senate during the summer term shall have the same authority as it does during the fall and spring terms. A Student Senator who will not attend the summer academic term, or any portion of the term may nominate a Summer Replacement Senator, subject to confirmation by the Student Senate on the last meeting of spring term. The summer replacement senator shall serve only during the sum- mer academic term, or designated portion of the term. The student senator resumes office upon return to the university? Amendment 5: Should the Student Body constitution be updated and amended to set executive department terms to serve concurrently with the elected Student Body executive officers and read in part: Article IV, Section 5: Executive departments may be established by Student Body law, with the head of each department to be appointed by the Student Body president and confirmed with at least a concurrence of a majority of the Student Senate. Officers of the executive departments shall be responsible to the Student Body president for the execution of their duties and shall be subject to removal by the Student Body president. The terms of the heads of the executive departments shall expire concurrently with the expiration of the regular terms of the elected executive officials. The heads of the executive departments may appoint subordinate aides or other officials not provided for by Student Body law, if deemed necessary? Amendment 6: Should the Student Body constitution Article VI be updated and amended as follows, Section 2: The Fall general election shall occur on the Tuesday of the sixth week of the Fall term, Section 3: The Spring general election shall occur on the Tuesday of the sixth week of the Spring term and Section 9: The executive branch shall guarantee verified and secured real-time online remote voting on election day in Student Government elections to all members of the electorate? Amendment 8: Should the Student Body constitution Article VIII, Section 2 be updated to add the following clause: The Elections Commission shall have the authority to determine if the petition has an accurate summary, and if it determines it is not, to modify the summary so as to be accurate, and after making such determination, shall in all cases forward the petition to the Supervisor of Elections for inclusion on the ballot. Such determinations shall be subject to the Review of the Supreme Court? Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Amendment 11: Should the Student Body constitution Article III, Section 4 be amended to change the method in selecting Summer replacement senators to the following: The Student Senate during the Summer term shall have the same authority as it does during the Fall and Spring terms. A student senator who will not attend the Summer academic term, or any portion of the term may vacate their seat for Summer. The vacant seat will then be decided by the Replacement and Agenda Committee and be subject to confirmation by the Student Senate. The Summer replacement senator shall serve only during the Sum- mer academic term, or designated portion of the term. The student senator resumes office upon return to the university. See the full list of 11 amendments here. Tyler James normally avoids Turlington Plaza, but on Monday he stopped to talk to a Student Government party hes never heard of. James, 22, was one of more than 100 students who received a small orange flier that had information about Progress Party. He talked to one of its seven members. It was the partys first day asking students for ideas for its platform. Ive seen everything from Student and Swamp Party to now, the UF doctoral health education and behavior student said. Progress Party President Casey Witte said the response from students to his newly created party has been positive. Everyone we talked to has resonated with our message of transparency but didnt know the elections were coming up, he said. Not a single person. Impact Party also released its official platform Monday, Impact spokesperson Janae Moodie said. After talking with students and determining what other large public universities have done, Impact wanted to push for a large building that would include amenities like a new recreation center, counseling and wellness center and infirmary, she said. Also on Impacts platform is a proposed online marketplace, which would be similar to Facebook pages UF students create to advertise and sell items. But it would be more secure and require students to login with their Gator 1 Card, she said. Moodie said all of the platform ideas came from student suggestions and party leadership discussing which suggestions were achievable. We are not limited to the platform we have, Moodie said. Well always be talking to the Student Body to see what else they want done. Contact Paige Fry at pfry@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @paigexfry Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Despite about 54 percent of UF degree-seeking students being female in Fall 2015, according to the most recent UF data, students will vote today and Wednesday for an all-male Student Government executive ticket. This is the rst time an executive ticket hasnt included women since 2011s Unite Partys executive candidates, according to Alligator archives. Impact Partys candidates are running unopposed: Smith Meyers for UF Student Body president, Mario Agosto, for vice president and Revel Lubin, for treasurer. Party opponents argue the ticket shows hypocrisy in Impacts past arguments about diversity, while party members said the connection is misinterpreted. Impacts new party president, Donald Mercado, and the new party treasurer, Johnny Townsend, are also male. The party is running 18 female senate candidates out of 49 for this Spring election. Progress Party has seven male candidates, and one of the three independent candidates is female. Within Senate, three female Impact senators chair the six legislative committees. Impact spokesperson Janae Moodie said the next Senate president will probably be female, but Senate will vote on that. On April 5, 2016, Impact senators argued and ultimately didnt approve two male students nominated for UF Supreme Court positions by former Student Body President Joselin Padron-Rasines, partly because the court would have been all male if they were selected. Kylie Werk, Senate majority leader during Spring 2016, said during the debate that because there has been fewer than 10 elected female UF Student Body presidents, theres an issue with gender diversity at UF, according to an audio recording of the meeting obtained by the Alligator. To not diversify one of the most important bodies of UF Student Government could possibly be problematic, she said, referring to the court nominees. Who knows what a body full of males are going to do when there is an issue relating to womens rights on this campus? Susan Webster said she remembered a conversation with Kalyani Hawaldar, of Access Party, last Spring about how they might have been UFs first two female presidential candidates. When Webster won the presidency, she became the second female Student Body president in a row after UFs first Latina president, Access Joselin Padron-Rasines to take the position. She said the current executive ticket isnt an issue because the men were the best candidates. Even without gender diversity, theres diversity in background and race. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Its not about checking boxes, she said. Its about the people in the roles. Praveen Varanasi, a former Access District D senator, said diversity was only a tagline for Impact, never an issue it actually cared about. In Spring 2016, Varanasi said he argued for Padron-Rasines Supreme Court nominees: Adam Trumbly, the only Native American law student in his year at the time, and Kenneth Cunningham, an openly gay 15-year U.S. Army veteran in his 50s. Varanasi, 21, said Padron-Rasines picked two qualified, impartial individuals who were denied because they werent loyal to Impact. The lack of diversity arguments that have been made by Impact in the past was made deliberately as a way to legitimize their political agenda, he said. Impact senators also argued that Padron-Rasines didnt efficiently advertise the positions to law students, according to the audio recording. Padron-Rasines wrote in an Alligator letter to the editor that she emailed students about the nominations eight times through an email list. Varanasi said she also reached out on social media. When Webster nominated agency heads, nine out of 13 were male, according to the meetings agenda. Varanasi said this showed Impact only uses diversity to further its own plans. He said the all-male ticket proves this again. It just goes to show that these individuals will do whatever they can to further their agenda, he said. Janae Moodie said Impact selected those most qualified for executive candidates. She said the party doesnt lack female leaders, including herself, a woman of color. She added that Impact senators arguments against Padron-Rasines nominees cant be used against the executive ticket because the situations arent similar. She said women were in the running for the positions, but the three men were the best fit. In the Supreme Court, there were nine out of nine positions that were filled by men compared to our 53-person slate of candidates, she said. Its not analogous. Kenneth Cunningham, 53, stood silently in the back of Senates chamber watching the majority of senators stand and vote no on his nomination April 5, 2016. After, he approached senators and asked why some voted against him and Trumby. He said they didnt understand the nominees qualifications or how well the position was advertised. They promised Cunningham they would vote for him if there was a second hearing. There wasnt. He said some senators believed the candidate pool included all UF law students. But to be considered, law students must have a 2.0 GPA and completed the class, evidence, making the number of potential applicants about 200, he said. Cunningham, a third-year UF law student, said he realized Impact senators voted against him because they wanted their own people in the court. When Senate voted, that procedure wasnt followed correctly for a second hearing. Cunningham was there again, waiting to speak to senators. He said they told him party leadership had dictated how they should vote. The leadership of the Senate had yelled at them to vote the way that they wanted them to vote, which was basically against us, he said. Cunningham said he knew then that all arguments Impact made only lasted long enough to benefit the party. The proof is in the pudding, he said. And there was the pudding. Elections will be held today and Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Students will be able to vote for: Student Body president Vice president Treasurer 50 Student Senate seats based on college or academic year 11 amendments to the UF Student Government constitution 2 referendums POLLING LOCATIONS: Broward Hall library Health Science Center C2-041C Heavener, Room 202 Jennings first- floor library Levin College of Law (Bruton-Geer Hall) - side hallways by the cafeteria Marston Science Library, main room Murphree Area Commons, Conference Room 106 Norman Hall Education Library Reitz Union computer lab Southwest Recreation Center - cafe near entrance on left side Springs Area Office, Room C202 Contact Paige Fry at pfry@alligator.org and follow her on Twitter at @paigexfry Growing up, I was taught to fear student debt even when I didnt truly understand what it was. This lesson didnt really come from my parents, who worked full time to pay their way through school, but from the horror stories of twenty-something-year-olds haunted by six-figure debt that so often appeared in the news. As Ive continued my education, these stories have appeared to increase in both frequency and urgency. I often manage to convince myself that this is probably due to my own hyperawareness, but it does seem as though the coverage surrounding the student-debt epidemic is at an all-time high. The majority of this coverage paints a grim picture, detailing the growing amount of students defaulting on their loans and a record-high number of adults over 60 co-signing on these loans and struggling to repay their own portion. Its easy to breeze over the statistics, financial jargon and clinical tone, leaving you with little indication of what it all means for you. Leading up to college, no one in my high school really talked about debt, as it was assumed that the few kids attending pricey out-of-state schools would be funded entirely by their parents. It was still an abstract concept when an admissions slideshow for one of those out-of-state schools presented the $60,000 annual price tag, surrounded by seemingly arbitrary breakdowns of additional living expenses. I knew it was a lot of money and breathed a sigh of relief when I realized I could essentially attend UF for free through a combination of Florida Bright Futures and Florida Prepaid. In retrospect, attending UF was the smartest financial decision I couldve made, even though I merely stumbled into that decision by chance. I knew attending graduate school would be expensive. But again, it remained an abstract concept even as I researched and compared tuition and cost-of-living expenses. Now, as seat deposit deadlines loom closer, the reality of taking on debt before I even enter the professional world is, well, terrifying. That terror is blatantly apparent on the law school admissions forums (also known as Dantes 10th circle of hell), as clueless college students seek counsel from equally clueless college students on how much debt they can and should incur. The answer is almost invariably that no one knows for sure, its merely a matter of how much risk one wants to take. Last semester, I wrote a column about the shift in discourse surrounding education that increasingly characterizes it as a capitalist endeavor. Continuing with that school of thought, one can choose to see student loans as an investment in your own earning potential. Like all investments, it carries a certain amount of risk, risk that law school graduates five years ago were forced to reckon with through declining job prospects. A few weeks ago, I sat in on a law class at a school I was visiting and eventually began to discuss my admissions process with the professor. When I mentioned how scholarship offers would play a pivotal role in my decision, he stated, It used to be that students would just go to the highest ranked school, now all they seem to care about is money. Whether this is a sign of heightened financial sensibility or just rising costs of education remains uncertain, its obvious that many of us are simply aware of the risk and trying to mitigate it. Marisa Papenfuss is a UF English senior. Her column appears on Tuesdays. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Weve done the hard part for you. With Student Government elections taking place today and Wednesday, heres how we think you should vote on the amendments listed on the ballot and why. Yes on 1 In a gist: Amendment 1 asks whether UFs Student Government should be in full compliance with all federal and state nondiscrimination and equal opportunity laws, orders and regulations and shall adhere to UF nondiscrimination policies. Why we support it: We at the Alligator believe that all methods of preserving this will only benefit UF. As a governing body overseeing a $20 million budget, SG should be held to the same equal opportunity. No on 2 In a gist: Student Senate currently has 100 senators, and Amendment 2 would keep it at that versus the original 120. If struck down, students will be able to vote for 10 more senators for both Fall and Spring elections. Why we dont support it: We dont know much about the history of the other 20 seats, but more seats mean more representation. Yes on 3 In a gist: Amendment 3 asks whether Summer replacement senators should be appointed at the last meeting of the Spring semester. Currently, the SG constitution requires replacement senators be confirmed by the Student Senate by May 1. Why we support it: With Student Senate not holding meetings during the time between Spring semester and Summer A, this can leave a lot of empty seats and a lot of students unrepresented. Having senators chosen before the end of Spring would ensure students are more continuously represented. Yes on 5 In a gist: Amendment 5 establishes term limits for the heads of executive departments in SG. This would set that the terms of the persons expire with the regular terms of the elected executive ticket, meaning the Student Body president, vice president and treasurer serve about one year. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Why we support it: Term limits incentivize those in executive positions to get their agenda done in a year, and it creates more cohesion for the president to carry out his or her policies. Yes on 6 In a gist: Amendment 6 concerns whether remote online voting should be allowed. Why we support it: Online voting would the voting Student Body. About a week ago, 2,420 students were admitted to PaCE, where students take their first 60 credits online. Innovation Academy, where students arent on campus in Fall, admitted 979. If youre lucky enough to be on campus and cast a vote, theres no reason students who work just as hard as you shouldnt. No on 8 In a gist: Amendment 8 would allow for the SG Elections Commission to determine if petitions made by students have accurate summaries before going on the ballot. If not, the Commission would be able to modify the summary before sending it to be on the ballot. Why we dont support it: It is the concern of the Alligator that by making petition summaries reviewable solely by the Elections Commision and the Supervisor of Elections that this could exclude the makers of the petition and jeopardize the language students petition for. No on 11 In a gist: Amendment 11 asks whether the Replacement and Agenda Committee should have authority to choose Summer replacements for senators who wont be there during Summer. Currently, senators choose their own replacements. Why we dont support it: We believe senators should choose who replaces them. By giving the committee the power, which is typically controlled by the majority party, it renders independent and minority senators voiceless. The Alligator chose not to endorse amendments 4, 7, 9 and 10 due to not knowing the possible effects of the amendments if passed or failed. See the full list of 11 amendments here. Donald J. Trump is not easy to define with exact unadorned precision. Like Shakespeares Cassius, he is fresh of spirit and resolve, to meet all perils very constantly. His universe is not a paradise of inner tranquility, but one of active decision-making. Lacking a fixed ideological point of view, he is neither the most determined conservative nor a confounded liberal. Some critics have suggested he may be eccentric and aggressive, and fond of flags and loyalty parades. A majority of the enlightened, elite classes who oppose him still doubt that he has the requisite qualifications to hold the highest office in the country and wonder who put him in the presidents chair. But one thing he is not and that is a Zionist racist. This label and characterization was recently bestowed on him by Jibtil Rajoub, deputy secretary of the Palestinian Fatah Central Committee who was repeating similar previous comments. In the same week a writer in Al-Hayat Al-Jadida, the official Palestinian Authority paper, on November 12, 2016 wrote that his election revealed the depths of the racist trend in the U.S. President Trump, like people of good will, is eager to see or help bring about a peaceful solution to the Palestinian-Israeli dispute. Yet, while he clearly has good feelings towards the State of Israel, and his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to have been cordial and perhaps productive, it is premature to call him a Zionist, in any case an honorable term. Though moving the U.S. Embassy from Tel-Aviv to the Israeli capital Jerusalem is eminently desirable there are legitimate differences, and Trump, in spite of his favorable attitude, remains, at the moment, undecided if not ambivalent. What is most troubling about the Palestinian slander of Trump being a racist, is that it is a reminder of the constant battering of Israel for almost 40 years as a racist or apartheid state. This charge against Trump, as well as against the State of Israel, should be refuted by all objective commentators, whether they agree or not with Trumps policies or intention, as well as those of Israel. The concept of race was crucial to Nazis ideology and policy in carrying out the persecution of Jews and the Holocaust. After World War II, UNESCO, founded on November 16, 1945 in London, asserted that the Nazi atrocities had been made possible by propagating, through ignorance and prejudice, the doctrine of the inequality of men and races particularly concerning Jews. Using race is one way of categorizing human diversity. The initial problem in dealing with the issue was the lack of unanimity in defining the nature of race. A number of formulas were discussed and asserted by UNESCO, at that time a more serious and objective body than it has since become, starting with the document, "The Race Question" on July 18, 1950 to clarify the meaning of race. The core of the disputed issue is whether race, is a biological fact, or a social myth. One argument is that there is a biological basis to racial categories, certain anatomical and physiological characteristics, skin color, hair texture, facial makeup and stature, qualities assumed to be essential to or innate to a specific group. These distinct physical traits, different from other groups, are transmitted by hereditary. From the beginning, individuals such as Julian Huxley, objecting to the political use by Nazis of racial classifications, and because of possible misunderstanding of racial groups, substituted "ethnic group" for race. They wanted to avoid the use of the word because it appeared to deny or be critical of the concept of equality of the human species. Even the July, 1950 UNESCO declaration on race itself contained contradictions in definition. Part of it was expressed in biological scientific terms, of frequent distribution of genes or physical characteristics, but more frequently the emphasis was on race as a social construction or phenomenon, even a social myth, not a biological concept. This does not deny biological factors or distinct physical characteristics of a given group of people, but more emphasis would be put on social groups with a shared history, sense of identity, geographical links, and cultural affinities. This criticism of the biological view is based on two reasons, one scientific, the other political. The first argues there is no indisputable biological evidence to support the view that the human species consists of different races. The other, political and social one, is that the myth of race has led to slavery, apartheid, and the Holocaust. According to the 2013 U.S. Census Bureau Report, race and ethnicity are not quantifiable values, and indeed the intended 2020 Census asking people to identify themselves plans to omit race or origin. It is a recognition that racial categories change over time. The U.S. was anticipated by France. In May 2013, the French National Assembly approved a bill to remove the words race and racial from the French penal code. Francois Hollande in his presidential electoral campaign ran on a platform calling for race to be removed from the French Constitution. Whether one regards race as a social myth, racism is real. It is a falsehood that has taken a heavy toll in life and suffering. Its basis is that there is a hierarchy of races, some are superior to others, with the Aryan or Nordic race at the peak, and justified in dominating the inferior races, Slavs (Russians, Serbs, Poles), Gypsies. and Jews. Racism implies discrimination on the basis of ancestry, or physical characteristics, such as skin color or certain facial features, or cultural or religious beliefs. associated with a certain group of people. According to the UNESCO formula racism includes racist ideologies, prejudiced attitudes, discriminatory behavior, structural arrangements and institutional practices resulting in inequality, as well as the fallacious notion that discriminatory relations between groups are morally and scientifically justifiable. It is reflected in discriminatory provisions in legislation or regulations and practices as well as in prejudicial beliefs and acts. The U.S. was confronted with the issue in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka in May 1954 when the U.S. Supreme Court by 9-0 overruled Plessey v. Ferguson 1896 that upheld state racial separation laws under the doctrine of separate but equal. The Court in Brown held that state laws for separate public schools for white and black students were unconstitutional. Separate educational facilities were inherently unequal and a violation of the 14th amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The lowest point in the history of the United Nations was reached on November 10, 1975 when the UN General Assembly Resolution 3379 by 72-35 and 32 abstentions determined that Zionism is a form of Racism and Racial Discrimination. Though the Resolution was revoked in 1991 by UND GA RES 46/86, it was a reminder of antisemitism and anti-Jewish hatred in a considerable part of the world. As Daniel Patrick Moynihan said at the time, a great evil had been loosed on the world. Race is not a fiction. Its use is one way to characterize human diversity, and it can be objectively discussed regarding physical and generic factors. But racism is a sociological and political ordering that some races are inferior to others. It is not a scientific term but one that is concerned with discrimination, hatred, and malice. One expects strong differences of opinion over the policies and actions of President Trump but he is no racist. The Palestinian organizations and personnel who keep using this malicious idiotic falsehood, this great evil, should be ashamed of themselves. Slanderous remarks are no way to peace. The yearly ritual of submitting tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may not be something most of us look forward to doing, but do we really want the federal government to do it for us? Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has proposed legislation that would require the IRS to offer you the convenience of doing your taxes for you. The actual bill would require the IRS to create programs that help taxpayers process and file their federal taxes for free. Sen. Warren says taxpayers spend, on average, 13 hours and about $200 for tax preparation services to file their tax returns. Of course, this is unnecessary (if not misleading), as there are plenty of free services available to most Americans. Having the IRS take over the process of filing our tax returns is not an idea that will make America great again. Our tax system is based on the concept of voluntary compliance, and hollowing this out by replacing it with a government-run tax preparation system moves the IRS from a tax administration, collection, and enforcement agency on to giving advice to the people its taking money from -- a clear conflict of interest. How long before such "advice" becomes mandatory? Can American taxpayers trust the same government agency that wants as much of their money as possible to also decide which benefits and deductions they will receive? Even if such a system were convenient and free, would we really want it? Sen. Warren's office claims that the IRS's Free File program is available to 70 percent of taxpayers, yet only three percent of those eligible actually use the program. Leave it to the government to figure out a way to offer something for free that hardly anyone thinks is worth using. Perhaps that is because the private tax software companies, who offer free electronic filing service to lower-income taxpayers, have figured out how to offer low cost and free services that are more user friendly for taxpayers. Voluntary tax compliance is an important principle. Its intellectual roots trace back to the founding of our Republic. A government-administered system of tax preparation, which would target low income and lower middle income Americans, should not be added to any comprehensive tax reform that might pass Congress. Such a system would clearly undermine any notion of delivering fairness in implementing our federal income tax. Our current system gives taxpayers many choices as consumers, and allows for the implementation of federal income taxes in a voluntary manner. Legislation such as that proposed by Sen. Warren would eliminate consumer choices in tax preparation. Consumers expect a lot of things from tax preparation software and websites, including accuracy. They want to know that the program they use advises them of all available deductions and tax breaks and that they get those deductions and tax credits. Taxpayers also expect the programs to be very user friendly and secure in handling their personal financial information. Should consumers trust the same IRS, that discriminated against some political groups because of the views they espoused, to also be fair and judicious in the handling of their personal financial information? Consumers also expect quality help and customer service from the provider of their electronic tax filing products and services. Good luck getting that from the IRS. The same federal government that will appear to be helping you by doing your tax returns for you is the same federal government that will soon take over the process entirely doing your taxes in a way that benefits the government. When it's too late, you will realize this is help from the government you will regret accepting. The free government tax processing service will lack the convenience, security, features, and accuracy you've come to enjoy from the private services currently available. Congress should reject the Warren bill, co-sponsored by Bernie Sander (D-VT) and six other Democratic senators, because there are better alternatives currently available. Market-based solutions are always better than giving the government even more power and competing with private tax software and service providers that help Americans file their taxes easily, securely, and without violating a conflict of interest. Private tax return services are vital parts of the marketplace and they have been innovators as opposed to the stale federal bureaucracy that will be motivated to collect more in taxes, not protect the taxpayers from being over taxed. Dean Chambers is a former pollster. His articles have been featured on the Drudge Report and The Rush Limbaugh Program. Organized protesters are disrupting the public events of Republican congressmen, and media commentators have widely proclaimed them the new TEA Party. Are these protest groups truly similar to the TEA parties? Will they become a lasting movement that revitalizes the Democratic Party, or is this wishful thinking? Taxed Enough Already (TEA) was a reality felt by people who had long seen their tax dollars wasted, squandered or embezzled by government. Examples include public schools that spend twice that of private schools, but produce the worst students in the country; city executives of small towns making ten times the median income while doing one-fourth the work; and public employees making three to five times private industry while doing half the work. They saw nepotism and patronage in expensive and unproductive local and state government, and bureaucratic waste, incompetence and frustration in an expensive and counterproductive federal government. The watchdog groups that seeded the TEA parties existed long before 2009. They would occasionally bend the ears of politicians, but the ones profiting from government would never listen. Strangely enough, the press that proclaimed itself "the watchdog of government" never gave these watchdog groups much attention, except when the most scandalous activity was exposed, and maybe not even then. These groups were largely ignored. Perhaps they failed to connect the government excesses to the peoples' pain, or perhaps the people failed to realize they were suffering under government that cost far more than its worth, but in 2009, that changed. Contrary to the media narrative, Obama had little to do with it, other than dragging a coattail full of tax-and-spend, nepotic, and patronizing Democrats. Rising tax bills with declining incomes and property values formed a cattle prod. Everyone experienced the pain of excessive taxation, and when people sought answers and became wise to the causes, their blood didn't boil, it exploded. These groups became known as TEA parties. Their meetings routinely involved presentations by policy experts and reports on government activities. The name of Jesus was often invoked, and many palms slapped into faces, yet everything they heard was sourced, cited, and real. Government was a nightmare, and they had discovered that the hard way. When Speaker Pelosi proclaimed, "we have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it", the TEA parties already knew what was in it, from where and why it originated, what it would do and was intended to do, and they were horrified and outraged. History was repeating itself, in a bad way. The TEA parties organized rallies, for which people took time off and paid their own way to attend. In general, about two-thirds of Republicans heeded the TEA parties, while only 15% of Democrats gave them some consideration. The other third of Republicans made excuses for maintaining the establishment, while the vast majority of Democrats openly laughed at the TEA parties' concerns. The response of the Democrats was particularly confounding. They simultaneously proclaimed the TEA parties "Republican AstroTurf", while they expressed concern that these anti-establishment outsiders were taking over the Republican Party. Which was it? Considering that the Republican establishment made the same complaint, it was most definitely the latter. About 20% of TEA party attendees had routinely voted Democrat, and many had been politically inactive for decades. The TEA parties protested Republicans and Democrats, but the Democrats gave the wrong answer. Democrats implicitly or explicitly embraced everything that people saw as wrong in government, mocked their concerns, and lost. By 2016, the TEA parties had secured management of many local and state Republican organizations, and the local governments they influenced were addressing their concerns; however, this was more the ideal than the norm. Their righteous struggles had been met with opposition from establishment Republicans, the vast majority of Democrats, and strangely enough, a news media that had become propagandists for establishment and Democrat-controlled governments. In most places, the cattle prod was still the reality, and the cause of the TEA parties was still strong; and so Donald Trump was elected president. No sooner was Trump inaugurated than the organized protests began. First came marches for women's rights, where the protesters expressed their concerns by repeatedly chanting, "Hey, hey! Ho, ho! Donald Trump has got to go!" The pattern repeated itself. Not a single one of these groups, among their leadership or their members, has expressed any substantive policy position. On the occasions that they have attempted to do so, their statements are based more on slander and debunked fallacies than knowledge and reason. Unlike the TEA parties, whose participants addressed substantive issues from positions of knowledge and reason, these new protesters do nothing but decry Republicans and disrupt communication. You might say that they are a Tantrum at Every Action of Republicans (TEAR) party. Pronounce it whichever way you want, for they exist to cry and divide. Who are these TEAR parties? A group of about 170 protesters gathered outside a meeting of the Palatine Township Republican Organization, at which Congressman Peter Roskam was the invited speaker. A week earlier, the leaders of the group had attempted to blindside Roskam with a media stunt, but failed. This protest was ostensibly about Roskam "hiding" from pro-ACA groups, except that Roskam had already met with two real pro-ACA lobbying groups that same week. This TEAR Party was a stunt, and at its head was the Democratic committeeman for Palatine Township. Other connected Democrats were also in the crowd. The protesters brought juvenile and teenage children to inflate their ranks, and the media cameramen used optical illusions that increased their apparent numbers. Not all of the protesters were Democratic partisans, but this was, without question, an event orchestrated by the Democratic Party and enhanced by the media. Likewise, Representative Nancy Pelosi and Senator Charles Schumer forgot to bring the "real people" to their TEAR Party event outside the Supreme Court. Examples of paid protesters and hired actors abound. The TEAR parties bear little resemblance to the TEA parties. The TEA parties grew as people experienced the pain of excessive government, informed themselves and addressed their concerns to both political parties. The TEA parties will be long-lived, as the sword of bad government perpetually hangs above our heads. The TEAR parties are organized by Democrats, and consist of partisans and misinformed masses whose grievances are based mostly on slander and deception, and are aimed at Republicans alone. Those who honestly care about policy are acting separately from and more productively than the TEAR parties. The pool of gimmes and misinformed is also perpetual, but always in flux. Lacking any substance, the TEAR parties cry and disrupt. The Republican committeeman for Palatine made an interesting observation: the Illinois municipal elections are fast approaching, but rather than creating a slate of candidates, the Palatine Democrats have chosen to throw a tantrum. The president is being asked by the Pentagon to provide U.S. ground troops to fight ISIS in Syria. If the president is wise, he will run as fast as he can the other way. There are four potential traps here: The cost in American lives; The nature of the Syrian civil war that encompasses the fight against ISIS, which means we may find ourselves on the battlefield with Russia, Iran, and the genocidal government of Syria; Finding ourselves with the Turks against the Kurds; and Finding ourselves with the Kurds against the Turks. Syria is a quagmire ask the Russians. The late 2016 battle for Aleppo required heavy bombing; massive artillery; and even, allegedly, chemical weapons. In Aleppo overall, there were 31,000 casualties 22,633 men, 2, 849 women, and 4,548 children. Overall, 76% of the casualties were civilian. Most were caused by Russian bombing and Syrian government and allied troops Hezb'allah and Iran on the ground. Daily operations in Syria are under Russian-Syrian cognizance. The Russians supply air power, combat intelligence, and special operations, targeting anti-regime forces and leaders they want to liquidate. Syrian army forces, Iranian-backed forces (many of them irregular and imported from Pakistan and Afghanistan), and Hezb'allah do the dirty work on the ground. The Russians are determined to minimize their own casualties. After the Afghan debacle 13,310 dead, 35,478 wounded, and more than 300 missing the Russian public has a low tolerance for battlefield casualties, and in today's world where the internet reigns supreme, keeping news about deadly encounters from the Russian people is a losing battle, and the authorities know it. Some, including Russian president Vladimir Putin, have proposed that the U.S. team up with Russia. But Defense Secretary James Mattis has said that while we might find ways to cooperate politically, direct military collaboration with the Russians is not in the cards, most importantly because the U.S. arms and trains some Syrian rebels the Russians call "terrorists" and against whom they and the Syrian government are fighting. It is inconceivable that the U.S. would fight in coordination with Russia's allies, Iran and Hezb'allah who pose a grave threat to Israel, threaten American sailors in the Persian Gulf, and support Saudi Arabia's enemy, the Houthi rebels in Yemen. In addition to their battle standards being anathema to Americans, the potential for U.S. casualties in Syria is high. The Second Battle of Fallujah was the most costly engagement for American forces since Hue, Vietnam in 1968. In Fallujah in 2004-05, U.S. Marines and coalition forces committed more than 13,000 troops and lost 95 men with 560 wounded. In the town, some 35,000 of the total 50,000 homes were destroyed by artillery, bombing, and street fighting. While the U.S. eventually forced al-Qaeda out, victory secured Fallujah not for long. Fighting ISIS in Syria would produce casualties on the same order of magnitude. H.R. McMaster, newly appointed NSC advisor to President Trump, knows this better than almost anyone he commanded the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Tel Afar, Iraq, ousting al-Qaeda from the city in 2004, and worked with Gen. Petraeus to rewrite the Army's Counterinsurgency Field Manual during his command of the Combined Arms Center in 2007-08. Then there is the question of Turkey, which claims that its agenda is to knock off ISIS but is really looking to knock off Kurds whom the Turks consider terrorists. Turkey wants to import a replacement population to Kurdish territory, beginning with the placement of "safe zones" for Syrian Sunnis in the Kurdish areas and demanding control of ISIS-held Raqqa after its liberation. Turkey is a NATO ally, so the U.S. should be inclined to work with it despite the increasing authoritarianism of Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. But to the fourth point, the U.S. arms and trains Kurdish forces in Iraq and Syria because they are the most effective fighters on the ground and have the best strategy against ISIS. The Kurds are absolutely vital to the fight in Mosul, Iraq. Without Kurdish forces, the Mosul offensive probably would collapse, and with it, the Iraqi government itself might fall. While the U.S. agrees with Turkey that the PKK (Turkish Workers' Party) is a terror organization, the YPG, the fighting arm, is part of the U.S. fighting alliance. The Russians are also courting the Kurds, believing they can exert pressure on the Turkish position. While there is a rapprochement between Turkey and Russia, it is suspect and unstable. The Russians have given the Kurds a semi-official office in Moscow, permitted them to hold large political meetings, and built Kurdish autonomy into Russian proposals for a future Syrian constitution. This is tricky turf, so at Astana, Kazakhstan, where the political reconciliation talks between Syria and the opposition are being managed by the Russians, the Kurds as political parties were not represented. Kurdish interests are handled by the Syrian government delegation, ostensibly because the Kurdish territories are part of Syria. So, after dealing with the potential for American military casualties on the scale of the Iraq war; Syrian/Hezb'allah/Iranian/Russian political objectives and military tactics; and the conundrum of our relations with Turkey and the Kurds and their divergent objectives, there remains the question of the size of any operation, the cost in equipment and manpower, and whether ground operations against ISIS can be sustained without a massive investment. If the U.S. were to launch any serious ground operation to defeat ISIS, the U.S. could not at the same time keep sufficient forces in Europe to defend NATO. In fact, the entire strategy to rebuild NATO would be in abeyance or dead. This would hand Putin an exceptional victory in the West. In sum, the Pentagon recommendation lacks credibility. It is a trap, a killer, and damaging to America. President Trump should send it back where it came from with a big red X scrawled on the paper. Even in Israel, Treating Terrorism As A Police Matter An Israeli Defense Forces military court has convicted a young Israeli soldier of voluntary manslaughter after shooting dead a subdued terrorist, captured in the act of trying to kill Israelis. The Palestinian was caught taking part in a string of knife attacks that terrorized the country. The soldier said he feared a bomb belt and believed his life was still in danger. However, the court ruled that it was vengeance and said the 'legitimacy' of the Israel military was at stake. In a surprisingly even-handed report, CNN said the verdict had triggered protests in Israel and sharply divided society. According to Reuters and RT News: Chief Judge Maya Heller said that Azaria "took upon himself to be both judge and executioner," Reuters reported. "One cannot use this type of force, even if we're talking about an enemy's life," the court said. Sounds like a fine nod to civilized society out there, a splendid adherence to the rule of law, a continuation of the broad institutionality that sets Israel apart from its neighbors. Eveerything kapiche, right? The strong reaction against this in Israel suggests no. For one thing, the claim of needing legitimacy seems to be a polite fiction. Legitimate to whom? Whom does Israel need to appear legitimate to? The Palestinians are never going to accept legitimacy, especially not from this verdict, and right now they haven't. Two, the incident is being covered with prurient interest by the European press, a place well known for seeking to excuse Palestinian terror and expose Israel as 'the real Nazis' or whatever. Anything to assuage their own historic guilt by saying 'everybody does it.' Their heavy coverage isn't to change any minds about Israel, and ought to be an indicator of something just a little malevolent. The other problem is that treating this incident as terrorist act and the soldier's hairtrigger reaction as a routine civilian murder no different from any other pretty well denies that the soldier, Elor Azaria, was in a wartime situation and under considerable stress. As someone right there in the heat of the action, he was less likely to have all the information presented on the news report, and more likely to have just seen something dangerous. He was, after all, a 19-year-old draftee at the time. A verdict like this seems to deny that there is a war. It merely legitimizes a 'narrative' that Palestinians just have a few bad apples like anyone else and therefore are entitled to basic civilian protections and life will go on there as normal once this 'justice' is achieved. What is submersed is that Israel is at war for survival from an implacable enemy tht won't stop and bad things happen during war. How long has this terrorism been going on in Israel? Is treating a shooting like this as a police matter going to stop it? It already hasn't. Showing the civilian society rule of law niceties to terrorists only seems to trigger more terrorism. Errors and rough actions happen in wartime. That is the reality. The enemy doesn't respond to Marquis of Queensbury rules. With that the case, the kid should be pardoned, not punished. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu seemed to recognize the problematic verdict and reportedly favors giving the kid the benefit of the doubt. If he can do something, it would be a greater justice. Something isn't working about this current response. The leader of France's National Front Party, Marine Le Pen, canceled a meeting with Lebanon's grand mufti because she refused to cover her head in the presence of the Muslim cleric. Reuters: Le Pen, among the frontrunners for the presidency, is using a two-day visit to Lebanon to bolster her foreign policy credentials nine weeks from the April 23 first round, and may be partly targeting potential Franco-Lebanese votes. Many Lebanese fled to France, Lebanon's former colonial power, during their country's 1975-1990 civil war and became French citizens. After meeting Christian President Michel Aoun - her first public handshake with a head of state - and Sunni Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri on Monday, she had been scheduled to meet the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian He heads the Dar al-Fatwa, the top religious authority for Sunni Muslims in the multireligious country. "I met the grand mufti of Al-Azhar," she told reporters, referring to a visit in 2015 to Cairo's 1,000-year-old center of Islamic learning. "The highest Sunni authority didn't have this requirement, but it doesn't matter. "You can pass on my respects to the grand mufti, but I will not cover myself up," she said. The cleric's press office said Le Pen's aides had been informed beforehand that a headscarf was required for the meeting and had been "surprised by her refusal". But it was no surprise in the French political context. French law bans headscarves in the public service and for high school pupils, in the name of church-state separation and equal rights for women. Le Pen wants to extend this ban to all public places, a measure that would affect Muslims most of all. Buoyed by the election of President Donald Trump in the United States and by Britain's vote to leave the European Union, Le Pen's anti-immigration, anti-EU National Front (FN) hopes for similar populist momentum in France. Like Trump, she has said radical Islamism must be faced head on, although she has toned down her party's rhetoric to attract more mainstream support and possibly even woo some Muslim voters disillusioned with France's traditional parties. After meeting Hariri on Monday, Le Pen went against current French policy in Syria by describing President Bashar al-Assad as the "only viable solution" for preventing Islamic State from taking power in Syria. Lebanon has some 1.5 million Syrian refugees. In "Trump pulls back from two-state plan" (02/16/17), the Washington Post reporters state that Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu's reason for caution of a two-state solution "stems partly from his skepticism about a peace deal and partly from political pressure at home." This is not because of anything Netanyahu said. He identified a need for security for his people and his country. And with a recent wave of knife attacks, he is not making this up. On the other hand, The Washington Post continues to make up stuff based on their opinions and interviews of people that agree with them not facts. In continuing their fact-free news (so damaging in a time where media distrust is soaring), The Washington Post mimics the Palestinian narrative that "settlements have become one of the main obstacles to a comprehensive peace agreement." They provide no data to prove this assertion and don't even attribute that view to a person or group. It's all Washington Post opinion yes, in the news section. Of course those who have done a modicum of research know that Palestinian attacks against Israel began long before settlements ever existed. Moreover, a classic test case of removing all the settlements from Gaza didn't yield peace; rather, it earned tens of thousands of mortars and rockets fired against Israeli men, women, and children. The political and economic alliance of open borders leftists and establishment cheap labor profiteers have laid a guilt trip on America and Europe to surrender our sovereignty to refugees who want only to eat away at the structure of the host nation to divide and conquer. So-called Dreamers don't really have the American dream; if they did, they might be able to contribute a smidgen of what an immigrant like Harry Pawlik gave to the USA. Via the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association comes the obituary of this remarkable immigrant, who passed away last August. Harry Pawlik was born in 1929 in the province of Lower Silesia, Poland. When German forces invaded Poland, Harry was captured and separated from his family. He never saw his family again, and it turned out he was the only survivor. Harry was sent to multiple concentration camps, eventually ending up at the Mauthausen and Gusen II slave labor camps. After that he was shipped to the Western Front near France and Luxembourg. Then (emphasis added): [in] December of 1944, he was liberated by a Polish detachment with General Patton's 3rd Army and 11th Armored Division and was later adopted by the Military Police, Combat Command A, 11th Armored Division, 3rd Army. Fighting alongside U.S. military forces at the age of 14, during the Battle of the Bulge, he was struck by shrapnel near his left eye but continued to travel until the end of the war. At the time he couldn't speak English, but learned within 3 months and aided as an Allied Forces interpreter. After the war, he wanted to go to America, but getting it done was not easy, since there were 2.5 million applicants with the same idea. Thankfully, Harry's military connections and well deserved recommendations enabled him to move his visa to the head of the list. Harry arrived in New York Harbor on September 22, 1947. He set foot on Ellis Island with 2 suitcases and $120 in his pocket ($1 for each pound that he weighed). But the story doesn't end there. Read the entire article, but here is a brief summary showing his dedication to his new country: He graduated in 1954 with a bachelor's of arts in science degree from the University of North Carolina. After graduation, Harry attended Air Force ROTC summer camp at Tyndall AFB and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Force. He went back to UNC to work toward his master's degree in education. He held down four jobs to finance this degree. While in the USAF, he piloted seven different aircraft, including the B-52 and the F-105 Thunderchief. He flew 101 missions in Vietnam, and on one of those missions, his aircraft was hit by enemy fire 130 times. He later commanded the 79th Fighter Squadron at Upper Heyford, England. His awards and commendations include the Silver Star, seven Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts, a Meritorious Service Medal, 15 Air Medals, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palms, and 28 other awards. If only a fraction of the current wave of immigrants had the courage and determination of Lt. Col. Pawlik, maybe they wouldn't even be migrating, but instead fighting to make their own countries safe for their people. John Smith is the pen name of a former U.S. intelligence officer. Mean girls and callous boys are nothing new. They've stalked school hallways and commandeered cafeterias for years. Yet bullies' arsenal of pain-inflicting tools has never been more relentless; smartphones and social media platforms have erased boundaries of time and space. Anytime, anywhere: So go the slings and arrows of the virtual schoolyard. Fortunately, awareness of bullying's harmful effects on mental health is widespread. But what about the ways bullying jeopardizes school performance? About this, we've known far less.Until now.A new longitudinal study from a trio of Arizona State University researchers, published in the Journal of Educational Psychology , reveals a powerful, persistent link between bullying and diminished math achievement. Bullying was tied to lower reading scores, too, but performance rebounded after the early school years. Compared to other students, bullied kids were less engaged in school and felt less competent.It's hard to focus on fractions when the lunchroom looms as a place of rejection. What if stress never stops? Researchers found that 24 percent of students experienced "high-chronic" levels of peer victimization; bullying remainedThink about that: For one in four kids, school was a consistently painful place.What's the takeaway for educators? Take findings seriously and act on them. This study's scope and focus are unprecedented. Researchers tracked the same kids from kindergarten through 12th grade. Families eventually dispersed to 24 states but, remarkably, more than three-fourths of the original 383 students stayed in the study.noted lead author, Gary Ladd, in an American Psychological Association news release announcing findings.Schools have even greater incentive to stamp out bullying early - and quickly. Students for whom bullying declined dramatically showed evidence of academic "recovery." Life improved; so did their test scores. This is heartening news. Intervention has power.How are schools tackling bullying? Todd Pipkin, Head of School at Rocky Mount Prep , a K-12 charter school in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, employs a strategy he describes as "more proactive than reactive." He focuses on educating parents through "parent universities," defining bullying clearly for the school community, and creating a safe climate that encourages open dialogue.Student support is critical; this year Pipkin added two school counselors, for a total of three. And when bullying does occur, Pipkin looks for the teachable moment -Complicating matters today are the tools of technology. A boon to learning, they're also conduits for cyberbullying. Arizona State University researchers studied traditional school-based bullying, but cyberbullying is pervasive among tweens and teens. According to 2016 Cyberbullying Research Center data, 34 percent of middle and high school students have been cyberbullied.In 2009, state lawmakers passed legislation requiring local school boards to adopt policies prohibiting bullying; language covers cyberbullying. Policies must define bullying, outline reporting procedures, set consequences, and more. Such guidance is meaningful, but schools need help from home, too. Parents have a profound effect on a child's behavior, offline and online.Pipkin works to keep parents informed about cyberbullying and lets them know supervision is essential.he says. A constantly changing landscape of apps and social platforms makes this difficult -Pipkin says - but he and school leaders try to stay a step ahead.It's important work. And its power for good, to heart and mind, endures. President Trump's choice for his national security adviser is winning bipartisan support. Unfortunately for the Democrats, he also vitiates one of their fantasy talking points against the president he serves. In April of last year, Bryan Bender of Politico laid out the general's role in assessing and responding to threats from Russia: [A] decade ago, McMaster fought a pitched battle inside the Pentagon for a new concept of warfare to address the threat from Islamist terrorists and insurgents in Afghanistan, Iraq and other trouble spots. Now, his new mission is more focused. Target: Moscow. POLITICO has learned that, following the stunning success of Russia's quasi-secret incursion into Ukraine, McMaster is quietly overseeing a high-level government panel intended to figure out how the Army should adapt to this Russian wake-up call. Partly, it is a tacit admission of failure on the part of the Army and the U.S. government more broadly. "It is clear that while our Army was engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq, Russia studied U.S. capabilities and vulnerabilities and embarked on an ambitious and largely successful modernization effort," McMaster told the Senate Armed Services Committee last week. "In Ukraine, for example, the combination of unmanned aerial systems and offensive cyber and advanced electronic warfare capabilities depict a high degree of technological sophistication." In Ukraine, a rapidly mobilized Russian-supplied rebel army with surprisingly lethal tanks, artillery and anti-tank weapons has unleashed swarms of unmanned aerial vehicles and cyberattacks that shut down battlefield communications and even GPS. The discussions of what has been gleaned so far on visits to Ukraine and from various other studies conducted by experts in and out of government in the U.S. and Europe have highlighted a series of early takeaways, according to a copy of a briefing that was delivered in recent weeks to the top leadership in the Pentagon and in allied capitals. U.S. military and intelligence officials worry that Moscow now has the advantage in key areas. Lighter armored vehicles like those the Army relied on heavily in Iraq and Afghanistan are highly vulnerable to its new weapons. And main battle tanks like Russia's T-90 thought to be an anachronism in recent conflicts are still decisive. McMaster added that "Russia possesses a variety of rocket, missile and cannon artillery systems that outrange and are more lethal than U.S. Army artillery systems and munitions." Its tanks, meanwhile, are so improved that they are "largely invulnerable to anti-tank missiles," says retired General Wesley Clark, who served as NATO commander from 1997 to 2000 and has been sounding the alarm about what the Ukraine conflict means for the U.S. military. Also on display in Ukraine to an alarming degree: Moscow's widespread political subversion of Ukrainian institutions, part of what experts are now calling "hybrid warfare" that combines military power with covert efforts to undermine an enemy government. Russia has since then also intervened with ground forces and airstrikes in Syria apparently somewhat successfully and flexed its muscles in other ways. This week, two Russian fighter jets and a military helicopter repeatedly buzzed a U.S. Navy warship in the Baltic Sea, despite radio warnings. President Trump has taken some lumps over his comment in Melbourne, Fla. about Sweden's problems assimilating Muslim immigrants. Few nations do righteous indignation more intensely than Sweden, which parlayed its neutral status in World War II into national wealth (the Nazis were happy to pay for high-grade iron among other war materiel supplies by the Swedes) and, as a bonus, a postwar attitude of superiority over those who confronted the evils of communism. So when President Trump referred to a documentary he had seen the night before, the Swedes rushed to put him down, claiming there was no massacre the night before. The battle was taken to the next level, as Swedes rushed to claim that their crime statistics show a peaceful nation benefitting from diversity the official party line. Tucker Carlson last night interviewed both a Swedish journalist in denial and Ami Horowitz, the filmmaker whose interview and excerpts sparked Trump's Florida remark, and Carlson revealed basic disagreement on and ignoring of crime stats for rape in particular. Trumping this dispute (forgive me the pun!), actual Muslim immigrants in an area of Stockholm thoughtfully provided a riot to validate Horowitz's and Trump's position. Zerohedge reports: Rinkeby is a known problem area in Stockholm. It was here NRK journalist Anders Magnus was attacked with stones last spring, and here the police never go in the evenings without reinforcements from other patrols according to Dabladet. A freelancer the newspaper spoke to, described the situation as serious. BREAKING: Massive riots happening now in Sweden. Stockholm in flames. Trump was right again!https://t.co/ZQa9Res2tu pic.twitter.com/9Qm3idTS9O Tennessee (@TEN_GOP) February 21, 2017 "I've been in some turmoil, but this is something extra. It looks like a war zone here", he was quoted as saying. Freelance Photographer Janne Akesson has also been at the site Monday night and early Tuesday. "They threw stones at police and police fired warning shots. I got out when it was at its worst" he said to Dagbladet. He added that there were many youths with hoods and hats on. "It was very chaotic. I have seen much in Rinkeby: they burn cars all the time - unfortunately this was beyond the ordinary." Here is a report from Sweden's Expressen TV: The Supreme Court will hear arguments involving a case of a border agent firing his gun at an unarmed teenager who was standing on the Mexican side of the border. A cell phone video shows the agent taking aim and firing at the teen who was about 60 feet away. NPR: Between 2005 and 2013, there were 42 such cross-border shootings, a dramatic increase over earlier times. The shooting took place on the border between El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico. The area is about 180 feet across. Eighty feet one way leads to a steep incline and an 18-foot fence on the U.S. side part of the so-called border wall that has already been built. An almost equal distance the other way is another steep incline leading to a wall topped by a guardrail on the Mexican side. In between is a the dry bed of the Rio Grande with an invisible line in the middle that separates the U.S. and Mexico. Overhead is a railroad bridge with huge columns supporting it, connecting the two countries. In June 2010, Sergio Hernandez and his friends were playing chicken, daring each other to run up the incline on the U.S. side and touch the fence, according briefs filed by lawyers for the Hernandez family. At some point U.S. border agent Jesus Mesa, patrolling the culvert, arrived on a bicycle, grabbed one of the kids at the fence on the U.S. side, and the others scampered away. Fifteen-year-old Sergio ran past Mesa and hid behind a pillar beneath the bridge on the Mexican side. As the boy peeked out, Agent Mesa, 60 feet or so away on the U.S. side, drew his gun, aimed it at the boy, and fired three times, the last shot hitting the boy in the head. Although agents quickly swarmed the scene, they are forbidden to cross the border. They did not offer medical aid, and soon left on their bikes, according to lawyers for the family. A day after the shooting, the FBI's El Paso office issued a press release asserting that agent Mesa fired his gun after being "surrounded" by suspected illegal aliens who "continued to throw rocks at him." Two days later, cell phone videos surfaced contradicting that account. In one video the boy's small figure can be seen edging out from behind the column; Mesa fires, and the boy falls to the ground. "The statement literally says he was surrounded by these boys, which is just objectively false," says Bob Hilliard, who represents the family. Pointing to the cell phone video, he says it is "clear that nobody was near" agent Mesa. It may be that President Trump is off to a busy start, but calling it chaotic is silly and highly partisan. The real chaos is on the other side, and my good friend Barry Casselman has an interesting view: The real chaos in the capital is in minds of those who oppose him the same folks who determined he would fail even before he began. The establishment media is in a fury because he won't recognize them at press conferences, even though they blithely ignored the fact that his predecessor ignored the conservative media for eight years. You want to report about chaos? Check out the Democrats and their campaign to nominate a new DNC chairman. In the next couple of weeks, we will see the party that gave us JFK, FDR, and Truman nominate a chairman who couldn't win a general election outside San Francisco. The Democrats are still fighting the reality of election day. They didn't just lose the presidency. They lost everything else as well. They have two choices: they can continue to fight, resist, and make noise. Or they can act like adults and negotiate with President Trump, as Doug Schoen recommends: Many Democratic disagreements with Trump's executive orders are valid and there is a clear opportunity for opposition to Trump on the basis of their faults and flaws. However, if Democrats want to win back power they cannot do so by moving further left, resisting Trump at every move, and taking to the streets. Put simply, the Democratic Party is on life support and there is a quiet, but ruthless, war being fought over its future. While the Democratic Party is driven left by anti-Trump activists, protestors, and Senators such as Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, America itself remains a fundamentally center-right nation. In other words, grow up, Democrats. Nevertheless, the media is all focused on President Trump's rough start. Frankly, President Trump's administration looks like an orderly bunch compared to the other side. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Postman's Park in central London, easily overlooked, lies a remarkable memorial. Under a wooden canopy, stands a short stretch of brick wall upon which are affixed over fifty ceramic plaques, each bearing the name of an ordinary person who performed a final, extraordinary act of bravery and self-sacrifice in their life. Some plaques bear two or more names. Altogether some sixty-two people are commemorated here. All of them died while trying to save the lives of others. The Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice was created by artist George Frederic Watts, who put forward the idea for a memorial in a letter to The Times in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria's golden jubilee. Watts had been colleting stories of heroic sacrifice from newspaper clippings for many years. One story that struck a special chord was that of Alice Ayres, a servant who saved the lives of her employers three children by throwing a mattress out of the window to cushion the fall and dropping them to safety. Alice herself was overcome by fumes and stumbled out of the window to her death. Photo credit: Cheesyfeet/Flickr George Frederic Watts wrote in his letter to The Times: The character of a nation as a people of great deeds is one, it appears to me, that should not be lost sight of. It must surely be a matter of regret when names worthy to be remembered and stories stimulating and instructive are allowed to be forgotten. It is not too much to say that the history of Her Majesty's reign would gain a lustre were the nation to erect a monument, say, here in London, to record the names of these likely to be forgotten heroes. I cannot but believe a general response would be made to such a suggestion, and intelligent consideration and artistic power might combine to make London richer by a work that is beautiful, and our nation richer by a record that is infinitely honourable. Sadly, nobody paid attention to this beautiful idea. So Watts decided to fund the memorial himself. Ten years later, he was able to raise 3,000 for its construction he himself bore 700 (about 71,000 as of 2017). The memorial opened in 1900 with just four plaques, with a further nine tablets added during Watts's lifetime. After his death in 1904, Watts's wife, Mary Watts, took over the management of the project. But as Mary became more and more preoccupied with the management of the Watts Gallery and Watts Mortuary Chapel in Compton, Surrey, she began to lose interest in the project. Work ceased altogether in 1931 with only 53 of the planned 120 tiles in place. The memorial came into public notice in 2004 when it appeared in the movie Closer, where the memorial was used as a key element in the movies plot. Three years later, Leigh Pitt, a print technician from Surrey, died rescuing a nine-year-old boy drowning in a canal. Following his death, his colleague, Jane Michele, approached the Diocese of London to suggest a new addition to the memorial, in the name of Leigh. Despite opposition from the Watts Gallery to proposals that the memorial be completed, a new plaque commemorating Pitts heroic actions was added on 11 June 2009 78 years after Mary Watts installed the last plaque. The Memorial to Heroic Self-Sacrifice, today, remains an obscure destination drawing only a handful of visitors. Photo credit: Sarflondondunc/Flickr Photo credit: Jez Nicholson/Flickr Photo credit: Jez Nicholson/Flickr Photo credit: Paul Robertson/Flickr Sources: Wikipedia / www.postmanspark.org.uk / Wikipedia With the Midterm Elections less than one week away: What do you consider the top issues that you will be voting on to be corrected by your better representation? Education Crime Big Government getting Bigger Biden /Democrat controlled Spike in Energy Cost Inflation created by Legislation of Majority in Power Gender Reassignment Corrupted Bureaucratic /Service (DOJ, FBI, etc.) Institutions Abortion Discredited Legacy Media Ending the Corruption of Dishonest Politicians Corruptive Influence of Social Media Wide Open Southern Border First Time Ever! Our Federal Government Has Been Petitioned From Beyond The Grave General George Washington has petitioned the Congress to change the name of Washington D.C. to, "Anything else ye damn well please". He went on to say... "I spent my life in service to this once great country and I no longer consider it an honor to have our capital named after me. Besides, my cohorts up here in heaven have begun to laugh at me every time the word "Washington" is mentioned on the news shows down there. Since ye now have the 24 Hour News Cycle, the guffaws are never ending. Sadly sleep is not needed up here. If we did sleep, I could get away from the ridicule for a wee bit. This being the case, the laughing and finger pointing never stops. Benjamin Franklin is the worst!" Authorities are baffled at how Ole George went about communicating with our 2017 11% Approval Rated Congress. A Senate Committee will begin holding hearings next week to get to the root of this strange phenomenon. Committee Hearings are a sure way to get to the bottom of any issue of importance...Or are they? Would I kid u? Smartfella You love the blog, so subscribe to the Beervana Podcast on iTunes or Soundcloud today! Paul Gilbert Olsen a remarkable son of Butte, America passed on from this world on Feb. 17, 2017. His family now celebrates the life of a truly exceptional man. Paul was born on Sept. 25, 1925, the youngest child of Albert Olsen and Anna Vennes Olsen, both Norwegian immigrants who met and married in Butte. The Olsen family lived on the 700 block of Quartz Street in Butte. Paul grew up a scrapper in a household of big, tough men. His father was rope gang foreman on the Butte Hill. The three Olsen brothers Ralph, Arnold, and Paul worked early in their lives as newsboys. Paul started selling newspapers at age 7. The brothers held the corner of Broadway and Main in front of the Texaco Petroleum building for 14 years, passing it down from one brother to the next. Paul had a passion for working with draft horse teams. At the age of 6, he watched his father and the rope gang freight the Metals Bank vault up the hill from the railroad tracks using draft teams, and he loved telling how he watched in awe as the men and the horses worked. In 1936, at the age 10, Paul began working summers for Louis and Laura Dahl at the Cottonwood Ranch in Harlowton, where he learned to farm with draft horses, delivered supplies to sheepherders and built reservoirs. He continued working summers for the Dahls until 1943, but his love of working draft horse teams continued throughout his life. Paul had his own paper route at 16 and also worked in his brother Ralphs gas station. He graduated from Butte High School in 1943, and joined the Navy in late August of that year at the age of 17. He did his basic training in Farragut, Idaho, and then served at an ammo depot in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Paul was a hard worker, and his commanding officer recommended him for the torpedoman school in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii. He served out the remainder of World War II as a submarine torpedoman in the Pacific. Paul attended the University of Montana in Missoula on the GI Bill beginning in 1947, and it was there he met his sweetheart Jacqueline Jackie Williams at a freshmen mixer dance. The two were married in Billings in 1948. Paul began to split time between his education and driving truck in the Butte mines in that same year. He graduated from UMs law school in early 1952, and the couple moved their young family to Helena that year, where Paul worked for the Veterans Compensation Division. In 1953, Billings attorney Willis Jones asked Paul to partner with him, and the two formed the Jones & Olsen law firm. They added Gerry Christensen in 1961, and the Jones, Olsen, & Christensen partnership remained a fixture in Billings through the end of the century. Paul Olsens law practice was dedicated to the needs of the working class and the poor. In the 1960s, Paul Olsen gained admission to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States on the recommendation of Senator Lee Metcalf. For a time, he was the only Montana attorney able to argue cases before the Supreme Court. He won all five cases he argued there, including a decision that granted adoption rights to grandparents. Paul and Jackie raised four children together: Lona (1950), Peter (1952), Rebekah (1957) and Polly (1959). He is remembered as a kind, joyful and happy father. He could be hard on his children when they disappointed him, but he was always quick to forgive. Life around Paul Olsen was often an ongoing civics lesson. He taught his children that they had rights, and he loved to challenge their thinking with heated and often playful banter. He taught his children about Jesus and how to pray. Everyone was welcome at his table, and he treated everyone as an honored guest. Paul put his family above all other interests, activities and pursuits. He was the type of man that his son wanted to be, and he was the type of man that his daughters looked for in a husband. He was a lover of the Good Lord, his family, good horses, good dogs and fun. Paul owned land near 88th Street outside of Billings, where he and Jackie eventually built a home. There, he enjoyed driving his draft horse team, Rosie and Josie. He was always busy with a welding or woodworking project in his shop. He enjoyed building his hay wagon and his sleigh there with his son Pete and his son-in-law Rod. Papas place was an open landscape for adventure. He kept a loaded BB gun propped by the back door for whichever grandkid that came to visit that day, and he seemed to know that time spent running through grass and sage kept kids out of trouble. He gave frequent lessons in shooting, riding and driving. He was known for saying goodbye with a game he called last tags, and hed tell you to ride your brakes to the bottom of the hill. When you returned, he would greet you with a Hey Tiger or an Old West quick-draw contest with his finger. He played the loser of a quick-draw contest better than any Hollywood actor ever tried. His grandchildren called him Papa Washcloth because of his impeccably tidy habits. After a meal or a snack, he would be waiting to snag every grandkid, one at a time, with one of his big hands on the back of the head and wipe their entire face with a hot, soapy washcloth in the other hand. He washed the dishes after every meal, and he would playfully howl in pain when his grandkids would sneak up behind him and snap his flashy rainbow suspenders on his back. His arrival home was announced by his profound whistling and yodeling abilities, the air pushed out from the strong lungs inside his barrel chest. He encouraged his grandchildren to always do their best, and he always had a funny, rough-and-tumble story from his childhood in Butte to emphasize why. He kept lengths of rope on the coffee table to teach his grandchildren the knots that his father and the Navy taught him. He made simple errands seem like adventurous and special outings that he had waited for until you arrived, and he made you feel like you were his favorite. He could make a trip to the mailbox feel like the world. Paul and Jackie were married for 68 years. They loved to travel and were known to drive for dinner in Butte at a moments notice. They were lifetime members of the Billings Saddle Club and were founding members of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Billings. Paul served as president of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, president of the Yellowstone Democrats Club, president of Valley Federal Credit Union, and twice as Billings Saddle Club president. Paul helped found St. Johns Lutheran Home in Billings and served as its counsel. He was particularly proud of his work as counsel for the Yellowstone Valley Electric Cooperative and the St. Labre Indian Mission. Paul was appointed to the Housing Authority Board for Retired Persons, the Cemetery Commission & Planning Board, and was a board member for St. Vincent Hospitals Senior Services. Governor Thomas Judge appointed Paul to the Montana Banking Commission. Paul also took part in the first Montana Honor Flight, visiting the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. with other Montana veterans. Paul was a member of the Butte Clerks Union; the International Union of Mine, Mill, and Smelter Workers; the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades; and the Teamsters Union. He was also a member of the Montana Trial Lawyers Association, the Montana Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Paul G. Olsen was a giant of a man in his size, in his spirit, and in his contributions to the communities in which he worked. He leaves us all wondering how we deserved him. He was a world-class gentleman. Paul was preceded in death by his wife Jackie on Jan. 9 of this year; by his brothers Orville, Ralph and Arnold; by his sister, Agnes Webb; and by best friends Melvin Rayfish and Willis Jones. He is survived by his daughters, Lona (Wayne) Olsen, Rebekah (Rod) Propp and Polly (Troy) Namen; and son Peter (Linda) Olsen; as well as 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by best friend Gerry Christensen. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Shriners Childrens Hospital. Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1108 N. 24th St. West in Billings. Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary is assisting with arrangements. Condolences may be made online at www.michelottisawyers.com. Out of 1,600 photos, the best one is simple: a red-winged blackbird calling out over a reflective pool of water. But its that simplicity that drew professional photographer Brian Harrington to the image. You will see a ton of photos of the Tetons or things like that, Harrington said. But to me, the things that stood out most remarkably, is a photo that gives you exactly what you need to see and something else. That particular image, by Pinedale photographer Elizabeth Boehm, won the grand prize in Wyoming Wildlife magazines annual photo contest. Boehm often sits on the edge of a pond, covered with a blind, waiting for wildlife. When the blackbird landed she focused on him, waiting patiently for him to turn toward her and call. Then he did. I was not expecting that that morning, but it happened, she said. I was thrilled that it happened. Harrington described the photo as dynamic with a great use of color but most importantly, it was a unique situation that couldnt be duplicated. Boehm was at the right place at the right time with the skills to make a beautiful picture. Photographers from 26 states submitted to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department contest this year, said magazine editor Amy Bulger. Images fell into four categories: scenic, wildlife, flora and recreation. All had to be from Wyoming. Its a good way for people to show us the things that they love most about the state and wildlife and landscapes, Bulger said. The way we recreate here and the reasons we hold the state dear to our hearts. ... I also think photography in general creates a relationship with nature thats a little different than the usual aspect we cover in the magazine. A photo can really open the door to another world. How did the judges narrow down the top contenders? The professional photographers and Game and Fish employees looked at everything from composition to color to rarity of the image. The Star-Tribune asked Boehm as well as two judges, Harrington, owner of BHP Imaging in Laramie, and Matthew Idler of Matthew Idler Photography in Cheyenne for their top tips for budding nature photographers. Respect the golden hour: Not many people like to be out in the dark, especially when its cold. But if you want to capture the best photo, sometimes waking up before the sun rises or going home after it sets is a necessary discomfort. Not only is the early morning and late evening the best time to take nature photos, Idler said, but it is also generally when wildlife is out and most active. Its called the golden hour, and both Idler and Harrington said the soft light of a low sun will guarantee the best photos. Keep it simple: Nature photos are notoriously hard to keep simple. Branches creep in the edges, trees fill the background. But crisp, compelling images are often the most basic, Harrington said. If the background is busy, use a smaller f-stop or long lens. Use f2.8 or f4 will start to blur a lot of those things or a long lens will have the same effect. Some photos in the contest rose to the top, but were ultimately pushed down the list because they didnt have the simplicity Harrington and the other judges sought. Remember the rule of thirds: Maybe youve heard this one before, maybe you havent, but Harrington said it is a good reminder. When composing a photo, dont put the subject in the center. Mentally divide the image into thirds and place the subject in one of those thirds. It will make the image more appealing. Stay natural: Be careful to prevent your images from straying too far to one color. While an image with blue or yellow hues can be interesting, it isnt natural, Harrington said. One image that was initially appealing was of a man walking in the snow, but it was so yellow it seemed as if the man was on Mars, he said. Know your gear: Photographers can easily spend thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars on equipment, but in the end, knowing how to use what you have is the most important, Idler said. Its more important to know how to compose a good photo, how to know what makes an appealing photo, than having the newest, fanciest camera. So if youre struggling with your pictures, think about reading your cameras manual and spending more time shooting before you invest in an upgrade. Learn your subject: Whatever it is you want to photograph red-winged blackbirds, foxes or bears know how the animal will behave, Boehm said. Knowing your subject will help you predict what it may do. And most importantly, be patient. A lot of times you go out and get skunked, you dont see anything or it gets up and runs, she said. But keep going back. MISSOULA A bill to add civil rights protections for LGBT people to the Montana Human Rights Act died on Monday, following debate between Democrats and Republicans about the need for such legislation. A few days earlier, dozens had traveled to Helena to testify before the House Judiciary Committee on House Bill 417. Supporters from Great Falls to Billings shared personal stories of being denied housing, jobs and services due to their sexual orientation or gender identity without any options for legal recourse, sometimes leaving them unable to provide for their families. This is a fundamental American value to protect people from discrimination. People should be able to be who they were born to be, House Minority Leader Jenny Eck, D-Helena, said before Mondays vote. Its long past time we get it passed. Opponents argued the bill would fix a nonexistent problem, encourage immoral lifestyle choices, allow sexual predators into bathrooms and would become a weapon against conservative Christians, citing cases in other states where bakers or florists were fined for refusing to provide wedding services to gay couples. Pointing to studies of 23 other states with similar legislation, experts on the law and sexual violence contradicted claims it would create a public danger or weaken existing protections for religious freedom, noting that the Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that commerce is not a religious practice. On Monday, 11 Republicans voted against HB417, and eight Democrats supported it. The committee then tabled the measure, almost certainly killing it. Rep. Bill Harris, R-Winnett, said he would have supported the measure if it would have provided additional protections for religious expression. I would agree the folks in this community deserve the same rights as all the rest of us. In fact I dont see them different than the rest of us. There are some people in this community that have taken it to an extreme and theyre angry people probably, he said, arguing for extra language so the religious community isnt discriminated against without protection no different than the community were visiting about there. Rep. Laurie Bishop, D-Livingston, said those fears ignore the reality of discrimination faced by some Montanans. Rather than step in and provide what seem like the obvious protections for those people, we instead reserve those protections for the imaginary among us, she said. Rep. Lola Sheldon-Galloway, R-Great Falls, fought back tears as she explained her vote against the bill, referencing a history of discrimination and violence against Jews. In 1930, a state governor extended an extermination order for a religious sect. You could shoot these people on the spot and not get accused of anything. Im part of that group. This extermination order wasnt even relinquished until 1976, she said, noting that the Montana Human Rights Act protected her under the broad term of religion rather than by identifying particular belief systems. She argued, We are not fragmenting as a group and next were going to have another group here that wants their name in here. And another group and another group, but we already have a word in here that covers this, she said, pointing to sex as an existing protection that should already cover LGBT Montanans. Im not trying to divide you. Im trying to include you in and Im offended that I could be told that because Im going to say no to this bill that Im not wrapping my arms around this group and defending them and wanting to stand with them. The stories we heard were wrong. Absolutely wrong. But youre already protected and I will stand with you in that protection. Attorneys and LGBT citizens who had experienced discrimination had testified that, in fact, they are not covered by the existing list of protected classes, in part, because plain language definitions are different from legal ones. If it were enough, we wouldnt even need to have this conversation, Eck said. The fact of the matter is people are being discriminated against and the language in the law as it currently stands is not enough. CODY, Wyo. On Sunday, Sam Mihara lead a discussion in Washington, D.C., about how a presidential order wreaked havoc for him and thousands of other people, making travel impossible, splitting up families, upending lives and sowing chaos amid the careful plans and long-held dreams of a select group of people. But Mihara wasn't talking about President Trumps Jan. 27 executive order that suspended travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. Mihara and others who were confined at the Heart Mountain internment center during World War II were talking about Executive Order 9066, signed 75 years ago by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Feb. 19, 1942. That order resulted in the imprisonment of more than 120,000 people of Japanese descent living along the West Coast, most of whom were American citizens, including Mihara. He lived with his family in a one-room shack from ages 9 to 12 at a camp located between Cody and Powell, Wyoming, where a museum now commemorates that era. Its an awful stain on the history of this country, Mihara said in a telephone interview before Sundays program at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. The event was cosponsored by the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation. My family suffered some very difficult times, said Mihara, 84, a retired Boeing Co. rocket scientist now living in Huntington Beach, California. Mihara speaks frequently at public events about his experience at Heart Mountain because its important for us to do whatever we can to make sure it never happens again to anyone else. A 1944 U.S. Supreme Court decision upheld Roosevelts internment order, which never referenced a specific race or ethnicity, although only those of Japanese ancestry were imprisoned in such large numbers. A wide range of Constitutional scholars, including the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, have condemned the 1944 decision, which has never formally been overturned. President Ronald Reagan signed the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, which provided an apology and modest restitution payments to internees. Mihara said Roosevelts order was flawed because it lacked any kind of proof that we were likely to become spies or conduct sabotage, something he sees paralleled in Trumps travel ban. The Trump order was blocked by a federal judge, and later a three-person appeals court. The administration has defended the travel ban, saying it was based partly on terrorism risk criteria developed by the Obama administration. But the Justice Department announced Thursday that it will not further defend the travel ban in court, and Trump will instead release a new order tailored to comply with recent court rulings. Mihara said he would oppose any such executive order if it primarily applies to a specific race or religion, or fails to provide hard evidence detailing specific threats. Shirley Ann Higuchi, a Washington, D.C., attorney and chair of the Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation, said it might be logistically difficult to secure the borders without treading on civil rights, but its not impossible. George W. Bush managed to strike a reasonable balance in the days following 9/11, Higuchi said. The Bush administration took appropriate measures to safeguard us with a security system that screens everyone without discriminating against Muslims or Arabs or people that simply may appear suspicious without probable cause, said Higuchi, whose mother and father first met when both were 11-year-old internees at Heart Mountain. Higuchi pointed out that Norman Mineta was that same age while an internee at Heart Mountain, which housed more than 14,000 Japanese-Americans during its three years of operation. Mineta served as Transportation Secretary under President George W. Bush, and recalled a cabinet meeting shortly after 9/11 for a 2006 interview with the San Jose Mercury News. We know what happened to Norm Mineta in the 1940s, and were not going to let that happen again, Mineta recalled Bush saying during that meeting. What the president said that day had a tremendous impact on me. It gave me a great feeling, he said. The financial storm cloud of CHS Refinery tax protests is still ever-present for the Laurel school district, but it at least has an umbrella now. Gov. Steve Bullock signed a bill, SB 5, on Feb. 8 that lets school districts borrow money to help pay off tax protest repayments. While school districts generally avoid spending money caught up in tax protests, the CHS refinery makes up more than 50 percent of Laurel's K-8 tax base. Weve had to access the protested taxes just to operate, said Laurel Superintendent Linda Filpula. Several districts access protested taxes, but Laurel is likely the most dramatic example. Should tax appeals favor CHS, Laurel would have been on the hook to potentially pay back millions of dollars, which would have been done through a one-year levy under the old law. Now, schools still have to pay back money in one year, but they can spread out the hit by borrowing from a state loan program. CHS protested tax bills in 2009 and again in 2014 and 2015. The 2009 dispute was settled in 2013, cutting about 15 percent from the refinerys taxes from 2009 to 2012. The underlying dispute over the assessment method wasnt addressed. The state Department of Revenue says the plants market value for 2014 is $848 million and for 2015 is $820 million. CHS says the value is $345 million for 2014 and $352 million for 2015. The proposal was a major priority for Laurel, which is in the midst of a facilities planning process and is likely to hold a bond election this fall to raise money for extensive renovations and perhaps a new school aimed at alleviating overcrowding and a deferred maintenance backlog. The threat of having to pay back tax protest repayment money in one year deterred officials from pursuing bond projects in the past, district officials previously said. Under the new law, schools would be able to borrow from Montana Board of Investments through the INTERCAP loan program to pay tax protest refund money in one year as required, but the loan could be paid back over several years, spreading out the impact on taxpayers. The Montana Board of Investments is authorized to have about $190 million loaned out. Currently, the board has loaned out less than $100 million, said Sen. Tom Facey, a Missoula Democrat who is sponsoring the bill. This is about flexibility for schools, he said during the bill's introduction. The law also lets schools use the loan program to purchase modular housing for short-term use. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester rolled out a proposal to bolster higher education opportunities for veterans and plugged a pair of bills targeting rural teacher shortages at Montana State University Billings on Monday. The Rural Educator Support and Training Act and the Native Educator Support and Training Act were first introduced by Tester in 2015. Both acts provide targeted scholarships and loan forgiveness for teachers. Montana has more schools that the federal government classifies as "remote" than any other state. As talk of a national teacher shortage revved up last year, small schools that have struggled to recruit and retain teachers for years say it's become even more difficult. Reservation schools struggle more than most other rural schools. "I've seen the problems they have from every level, especially in rural communities," said Tester, who previously was a teacher and school board member in Big Sandy. The financial incentives would likely have a disproportionately large effect in Montana, where new teachers are paid worse than any other state, especially in rural areas. However, the proposals have failed to gain traction. Tester said he would try to attach them to larger bills and pitch them to Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander, the chairman of the Senate education committee. "The key is floor time," he said. He was optimistic that the veterans proposal the Education Development for Troops and Veterans Act could get tacked on to a likely revision of veterans health care programs. The bill aims to tweak GI Bill benefits to make them more accessible and increase with tuition costs; lets service members defer student loans during pre-deployment training; and creates a grant program to help colleges start veterans education centers. "It's our duty to make sure they maximize the benefits they earned while serving our country," Tester said. "This legislation will help service members reach their full potential." Tester is the highest-ranking Democrat on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, but the Republican Party's congressional majority extends to committees as well. Ted Heath becomes Ed, the Fred West of child murder and celebrity police appeal for calm Time for another look at Ted Healths corpse. A high-ranking policeman reportedly said that the former Prime Minister was a paedophile. A source told the Mail on Sunday that Wiltshire Chief Constable Mike Veale, for it is he, is 120% certain the dead man was a child rapist. You can either believe it and think, Yeah, always knew he was a wrong un. Or you can wonder about the evidence, the messenger, the timing and if the hunt for the morally reprehensible can ever be satiated? Pick your prejudice and read on In the Salisbury Journal, dead Teds local paper, we read Veales response to the Mail on Sundays story. This is it in full: On Friday 2 December 2016, I prepared and distributed an unequivocal open letter outlining the Wiltshire Police position in relation to the ongoing investigation into allegations made against Sir Edward Heath. This letter was written as a direct consequence further to unhelpful and inappropriate speculation about this case. However, this speculation continues and is of huge concern to me as I believe it will undermine trust and confidence in the police, have a potential prejudicial impact upon a live ongoing investigation, not to mention an impact upon the confidence of persons who have come forward with information. In my letter I made a number of points to provide absolute clarity about why Wiltshire Police is conducting this investigation. To reiterate, there is a clear legal requirement and supporting national policy from the College of Policing that I am required to undertake an investigation where allegations have been made, regardless of whether the alleged offender is living or deceased. In relation to the recent unhelpful speculation regarding the veracity of the allegations made, let me once again be clear, it is not the role of the police to judge the guilt or innocence of people in our Criminal Justice System. Our role is to objectively and proportionately go where the evidence takes us. Further, those who choose to continue to make comment on this case whilst not in possession of the facts ultimately may serve to unfairly damage both the reputation of Sir Edward Heath and / or those who have disclosed abuse. At the end of my open letter I stated that I would not be making further comment about the investigation unless it was for operational policing purposes. Other than to provide clarity around a number of key points, my position remains unchanged. The operational security of this investigation and the anonymity of the people who have come forward remains of paramount importance to Wiltshire Police. Thats a very long no comment. And he doesnt specifically say if the Mail on Sundays story is false or true. Pity. Mindful of the coppers words, the Sun dutifully bows its head and reports with circumspection: HEATHS SEX CULT LINK Edward Heath linked to a murderous paedophile ring that killed 16 kids Ted Heath was in cahoots with serial killers?! The story begins: BIZARRE claims that former Prime Minister Ted Heath was part of a satanic paedophile ring which murdered 16 children have been dismissed as wild allegations by a close family friend. Sensational claims make for sensational headlines. Who are making the outlandish claims? A group of women allege the Tory PM abused them as children as part of a sex cult run by their own parents which burnt babies in satanic orgies. Wiltshire Police have spent more than a year investigating the allegations as part of an inquiry that has cost taxpayers over 883,431, the Daily Mail reports. But Sir Edwards godson Lincoln Seligman said: I understand that these claims from the 1980s were at the time dismissed as complete fantasy by police. It is disappointing that these wild allegations have been reheated and randomly attached to Edward Heaths name. Oh, and: There is reportedly no suggestion that Sir Edward killed any children in the womens accounts. Only reportedly? But gerraload of that headline! After a few lines on tortured babies, Devil worship and murder, the paper delivers a selection of facts: Sir Edward, who was Prime Minister from 1970-1974, was never married and died in 2005 aged 89. The lurid claims were dismissed by police in 1989, and Sir Edwards name was never mentioned to police at the time. Over in the Mail, the Suns source, we read more. Group of women who say they were abused by Sir Edward Heath also claim their parents ran a satanic sex cult that was involved in SIXTEEN child murders Like the Sun, the Mail delivers the claim in a big, bold headline before noting at the very start of the story: The farce came as police probe incredible claims that the former prime minister was linked to a paedophile ring that killed as many as 16 children which would make them the worst child murderers in British history. Its hard not to feel sympathy for Ted Heath, the subject of a bizarre farce. The paper adds: The seemingly far-fetched allegations have been made by a family who allege that the politician was part of a satanic sex cult run by their own parents. The paper delivers more on the allegations of terrible acts that only seem to be far-fetched: They say that the cult regularly slaughtered children as ritual sacrifices in churches and forests around southern England and also participated in similar ceremonies in Africa. They claim their mother and father who is said to have known the former Conservative leader were responsible for slaughtering children ranging from babies to teenagers yet they evaded justice. The paedophile ring which they say Sir Edward was part of stabbed, tortured and maimed youngsters in churches and burnt babies in satanic orgies before men, women and children gorged themselves on blood and body parts, police have been told. Can we take some small relief that no sex was involved in this alleged orgy of depravity? What wed like, of course, are some facts. But instead of them we get news that, If the bizarre allegations were to be proved, the parents who allegedly led the killings would be responsible for murdering more children than Fred and Rose West. Did Fred and Rose West meet Ted? Sorry, Ed? If wild claims are newsworthy, look out for tales of MPs at the Wests? Reading on, were told: The womens lurid claims were dismissed by police in 1989 when they came forward. Sir Edwards name was never mentioned to police at the time. It was only last year that he was named for the first time after one of the claimants said she had remembered a man called Ed was a prime mover in a network of paedophile abusers. The story is so weak, a cynic might wonder if its put up to create a smokescreen to derail the whole search for so-called VIP paedophiles? Maybe the Times can be more helpful? Beneath the headline We can link Ted Heath to alleged victims of abuse, police claim, the paper tells us: The police investigating claims that Sir Edward Heath was a paedophile believe that they have evidence linking the former prime minister to a series of alleged victims. Believe? More than 30 alleged victims have contacted Wiltshire police with claims of abuse involving Sir Edward from the 1960s to the 1990s. A source close to the investigation said that strikingly similar allegations made against Sir Edward include the names used for the former politician, the type of abuse and the locations. Detectives were reported to be initially sceptical about the allegations but now believe them. And? Wiltshire police said it did not know if the investigation report would be published. Two men have been arrested on suspicion of child abuse, although not linked directly to Sir Edward. The investigation is also considering claims that the abuse was reported to the police years ago but was covered up. The paper then mentions Mr Veales aforementioned letter, noting: The chief constable had previously apologised for launching the investigation in 2015 with a public appeal outside Sir Edwards former home beside Salisbury Cathedral. And what of the alleged Satanic murders? An expert called in by the force to assess the claims by three women who alleged that Sir Edward was involved in occult abuse said that the police inquiry was the result of on an over-active imagination. Is any of this going to be tested in court? The Times revealed last week that three prominent victims of false abuse claims are suing the Metropolitan Police over their treatment in a separate inquiry. The legal actions by the former Tory MP Harvey Proctor, the former chief of the defence staff Lord Bramall and the broadcaster Paul Gambaccini could cost Scotland Yard an estimated 3 million. The widow of the former home secretary Leon Brittan was reported yesterday to have sent a letter before action to the force as a result of raids on their homes in London and North Yorkshire after her husbands death. Having read what the police believe and what women imagine, David Mellor, the former Tory minister, takes to his blog on LBC radio, where he hosts a phone-in show: In an interesting scoop yesterday, the Mail on Sunday claimed that the Chef Constable of Wiltshire, Mike Veale, believes that Ted Heath was a serial paedophile, whose crimes were covered up by the establishment. The MOS report that thirty complainants have allegedly been identified, and Mr Veale believes them 120%, and thinks they are totally convincing. Scoop or utter balls? He is not directly quoted in the piece, so it could all be made up. But I doubt it. So much for facts. Its all about belief. Its worth taking a look at the original Statement from Wiltshire Police following the IPCC announcement re. Sir Edward Heath investigation. A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: Following the announcement today regarding an independent investigation by the IPCC into allegations concerning how Wiltshire Police handled an alleged claim of child sex abuse made in the 1990s, we are carrying out enquiries to identify if there are any witnesses or victims who support the allegations of child sex abuse. On becoming aware of the information, Wiltshire Police informed the IPCC and later made a mandatory referral. The IPCC investigation will specifically consider how the Force responded to allegations when they were received in the 1990s. [sic] Sir Edward Heath has been named in relation to offences concerning children. He lived in Salisbury for many years and we would like to hear from anyone who has any relevant information that may assist us in our enquiries or anyone who believes they may have been a victim. Sir Edward Heath has been named. By whom? Dunno. Whats the dead man been accused of? Dunno. The statement kickstarts the hunt. We dont know what Sir Teds been accused of but we know any victims will be believed. They are not alleged victims of They police are at pains to paint them as victims: We are working closely with the NSPCC to ensure that any victims are appropriately supported. They provide trained helpline counsellors to listen and provide assistance Victims will receive support throughout any investigation and associated judicial process Please call the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk as they have dedicated staff in place to deal with victims or if you have information that may help police please call us via 101. Ends But its not all bad for Ted Heath. In the Telegraph, an article on a hot London property spot name-checks Ted as a stalwart of good taste: Jermyn Streets distinctive shops, some of which are still owned by the descendants of the original families that established them, have been frequented by Diana, Princess of Wales, Ted Heath and Joanna Lumley. And you know who Diana was mates with, dont you. Such are the facts. Paul Sorene Posted: 21st, February 2017 | In: Broadsheets, Key Posts, Politicians, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink 1,500 migrants arriving with humanitarian corridors in Italy Two protocols signed with Community of Sant'Egidio,CEI -Minister (ANSAmed) - ROME, FEBRUARY 21 - Italian Interior Minister Marco Minniti on Tuesday said ''the theme of humanitarian corridors is important''. ''We have developed two protocols of agreement: one with the Community of Sant'Egidio for 1,000 people from Lebanon and Morocco (522 have already arrived in Italy) and another with (Italian Bishops' Conference) CEI for 500 refugees from Eritrea'', Minniti said during an audition of the human rights commission. ''The idea is that, if we are able to push the breaks on illegal flows, humanitarian corridors that respect fundamental principles of humanity could be strengthened'', explained Minniti. (ANSAmed). Multiple Montana fire chiefs and firefighter associations back a bill that would move a long-stalled state firefighters' memorial from Laurel to the Capitol grounds in Helena. The Senate State Administration Committee heard first comments on SB267, a bill that would move the state memorial from the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department lawn to the Capitol complex in Helena. Laurel was unable to complete the memorial for quite some time, so we want to move it somewhere thats more centrally located, said the bill's sponsor, state Sen. Jill Cohenour, D-Helena. Officials broke ground on the memorial in 2004 with approval from the Legislature and then-Gov. Judy Martz. Estimates put the full project cost at around $500,000 for a Maltese cross with a podium and plaque, as well as a 120-foot-long, 6-foot-high granite wall that would bear firefighters' names. The names would memorialize Montana firefighters who died in the line of duty or gave more than 20 years of service. Little happened in the intervening 13 years. In 2013, trees were planted at the site with a $1,000 grant from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. By that time, the overall design was adjusted to reduce cost. Testimony at Monday's committee hearing indicated the project was funded through private donations. A concrete platform was poured last fall, said Brian Dennis, a Laurel firefighter and treasurer for the memorial project. Three flagpoles and some lights have also been installed, though nothing currently at the spot indicates a memorial. "We had to reorganize a couple times," he said. "We're near completion. We expect to be done this spring with a ribbon cutting." But he said that fundraising and other logistical problems have slowed the project. Those concerns prompted the bill to move the memorial. That spurred nine people to speak in favor of the bill at Monday's committee hearing. They commented that the lack of action in Laurel prompted firefighter organizations in Montana to take over the process. They included representatives from groups like the Montana County Fire Wardens Association, Montana Fire Trustees Association and the Montana State Fire Chiefs Association. Our patience just ran out. We need a memorial, said Leonard Lundby, representing the Montana Volunteer Firefighters Association. Fire chiefs from Columbus, Tri-Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, Hamilton and Sun Prairie spoke in favor of the move. Two people spoke against moving the memorial, including state Rep. Vince Ricci, a Republican who represents Laurel. He asked that the committee give his town two more years to complete the project. Cohenour noted that even if it were moved to the Capitol grounds, no state funds would go toward it. Despite the introduction of SB267, Dennis said the plan is to see the memorial plan through in Laurel. Were hopeful that well have an opp to have that finished here," he said. "Thats our intent. Migrants: Libya, 74 bodies found on west coast Red Crescent spokesman says death toll could rise (ANSA) - CAIRO, FEBRUARY 21 - Libyan Red Crescent spokesman, Mohamed Misrati, on Tuesday told ANSA that the ''bodies of 74 illegal migrants'', including ''three women'', were found on the western coast of Libya, in the area of Al Harsha and Zawiya'' between Monday and Tuesday. The spokesman said a boat able to carry over 100 people was also found and did not rule out more victims of this new shipwreck could be found. ''A boat was found'', the spokesman said, adding that ''there is a possibility'' that there ''are other bodies'' in the sea as the boat ''could accommodate between 100 and 120 migrants''. The victims appear to be of ''different African nationalities'', he also said. Misrati said the bodies washed ashore on the city's coast, referring to a place whose transliterated name is also referred to as ''ez-Zauia'', located some 50 km west of Tripoli. Residents first saw the bodies and a police precinct in the area alerted the Red Crescent, the Muslim version of the Red cross. (ANSAmed) - MOSCOW - The Russian center for the reconciliation of opposing sides in Syria - a defense ministry agency - has announced that it carried out six humanitarian missions in Syria over the past 24 hours, distributing aid to nearly 3,000 people. A statement quoted by news agency Tass said that ''over the last 24 hours, the Russian center for the reconciliation of opposing sides has carried out six humanitarian missions in the city of Aleppo, providing a total of four tons of bread to residents in the districts of Hamdaniyah 3, Benezid and Sheikh Maqsood, as well as the schools Abdal Aziz Fares (in the area of al-Jazmati), Zaki Juma (in the district of al-Suqari) and Radyan Sweit (in the center)''. Russian aircraft reportedly distributed 20.6 tons of food provided to the Syrian government by the United Nations in the area of the city of Deit ez-Zor, which is besieged by ISIS militants. The Russian army has distributed over 200 tons of humanitarian aid to Syrians since the start of the year, according to Russian official news agency Tass. Migrants: Tunisia, 1,100 illegal migrants arrested in 2016 Prison terms for those who leave,no asylum rights for foreigners (ANSAmed) - TUNIS, FEBRUARY 21 - Tunisian authorities in 2016 stopped 113 illegal attempts to leave and enter the country - the latter mostly from Libya - and carried out some 1,100 arrests, 80% of which regarded sub-Saharan migrants, according to data released by the National Guard. The number includes migrants from other African countries and from Libya, in transit through Tunisia. Current legislation, which dates back to 2004 and does not provide for asylum rights, is very harsh on Tunisians leaving the country illegally (providing for jail terms of several months) as well as those organizing or sponsoring such trips - a charge which can also befall passengers - who risk up to 15 years in jail. As far as foreigners residing in Tunisia illegally are concerned, given the lack of official data, several human rights NGOs report that they are arrested and taken to centers of ''reception and orientation for migrants'' - about a dozen in total. They are then reportedly forced to go back to their countries even if their rights and safety are at risk, paying for the trip and a fine. They otherwise risk being deported to Algeria through the land border (in the desert) of the governorate of Kasserine, according to unofficial sources. Tunisians leave for Europe, even risking their lives, driven by high unemployment rates (over 30% and even more in poor areas) and the young average age of the population: almost 30% of the population is aged between 15 and 30. Leaving the country legally is very difficult as nationals need a visa to travel almost everywhere, including most Arab countries. According to a report by the Tunisian forum for economic and social rights (Ftds) - drafted in cooperation with the Rose Luxemburg Stiftung Foundation (Rls) - ''45% of young Tunisians looking for work said they were ready to emigrate, even illegally''. (ANSAmed). If you missed hearing U.S. Sen. John McCain on NBCs Meet the Press Sunday morning, please read his defense of free speech: When NBC journalist Chuck Todd asked about President Donald Trumps condemnations of several media outlets as fake news and an enemy of the American people, McCain responded with a strong defense of a free press. I hate the press. I hate you especially, McCain said jokingly to Todd. But the fact is we need you. We need a free press. We must have it. Its vital. If you want to preserve Im very serious now if you want to preserve democracy as we know it, you have to have a free and many times adversarial press. And without it, I am afraid that we would lose so much of our individual liberties over time. Thats how dictators get started. They get started by suppressing free press. In other words, a consolidation of power when you look at history, the first thing that dictators to is shut down the press. And Im not saying that President Trump is trying to be a dictator. Im just saying we need to learn the lessons of history. On the campaign trail, Trump told his supporters to taunt U.S. journalists who were literally penned in press areas to report on his rallies. After his election, he tweeted the false information that media organizations were paying protesters to demonstrate against his election. This outrageous behavior didnt change when Trump took office. Last week, the president held what has been described as a bizarre and chaotic news conference. The next day, the president tweeted: "The FAKENEWS media ... is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!" He singled out The New York Times and TV networks. No. American journalists are Americans, working and paying taxes every day while trying to uphold the First Amendment guarantees of free speech and free press. When the president of the United States, the most powerful person in world, uses his office to bash journalists for doing their job and to call them names, journalists responsibility is to withstand the barrage of criticism and keep reporting the truth. Meg Jacobs, a presidential historian at Columbia University, summed up journalists role well in a comment to Media Matters: They have to continue to call him out when they see him fabricating and straying from the truth, Jacobs said. They have to cover his efforts to transform his relationship with the press as a story as well as the substance of what the administration is doing. In other words, even as President Trump bashes the press, our duty is to hold him accountable to the public. Thats what a free press does. If youre considering a subscription to the Disney Plus streaming service, you may be wondering how much it costs. The service is available on both The Crazy Mountain Stockgrowers Association is a nonprofit, grassroots membership organization in Sweet Grass County that works on behalf of our cattle ranching families. Were deeply committed to caring for the land, livestock and rural lifestyle that makes Montana a great place for all of us. Were also school board members, volunteer firefighters, community business owners, sportsman, cowboys, professionals, volunteers, recreationists and parents to the next generation of Montanans who love this land. Were firmly rooted and committed to the future of our rural communities and these beautiful landscapes. Because of that, we are very concerned with some of the tactics the US Forest Service is currently promoting to increase access to public land in the Crazy Mountains. If the Forest Service feels they have claim to a public easement, and the public is being denied that access, then we encourage the USFS to go through proper legal channels to settle that claim. If an easement is proven to exist, we encourage our members to respect and honor that easement. However, if an easement does not exist or is not proven in court, we firmly support the choice of a landowner in exercising his or her private property rights. CMSGA finds it disappointing that the USFS, in order to gain more access, is encouraging its employees and the public to compromise their own integrity by trespassing on private property. This only further divides the non-landowner and landowner citizens the Forest Service is supposed to be serving. Furthermore, this has the prospect of leading to hostile encounters between landowners and the public and is contrary to prior agency advice, as well as the Montana Access Guide. The clashing of personalities and strife between public land users, government agencies and private landowners jeopardizes the future of our state and communities. CMSGA believes that being respectful, courteous and law-abiding is imperative when dealing with these issues. We encourage the Forest Service to adopt the same approach. The company, that has offices in Dubai, has been shortlisted for the Best Avionics and Instruments Repair, Best Electro-Mechanical Repair, Best Fuel Systems and Fuel Accessories Repair, Best Galley Components Repair, and Best Hydraulics Repair awards. AJW Technique's maintenance, repair and overhaul centre is renowned for using one of the best industry-specific engineering skill bases in the world. It works directly with leading airline customers to improve component reliability, maximise time on-wing, and reduce direct maintenance costs. It has enabled AJW Group to deliver reliable and first class turnaround times and a superior service for its customers. Gavin Simmonds, general manager of AJW Technique, said: With a focus on quality and customer experience across every aspect of the business, AJW Technique is extremely proud of the reputation and MRO services it provides for its customers. "We are pleased to be shortlisted for so many categories and believe it is testament to our expertise and service, which supports some of the world's largest airlines. With the extension of the CAR145 approval, DCAF is now able to provide B1 (airframe) and B2 (avionics) maintenance services for the Falcon 7X at its hangar located at Dubai South. With this approval from the GCAA, we are in a position to offer our expertise and services to other clients in the region that operate the Falcon 7X, said Michael Lindgren, director maintenance at DC Aviation Al-Futtaim. We are extremely proud to successfully complete all the regulatory procedures to receive our CAR145 extension and this approval is further proof of our commitment to provide our VVIP customers with the highest levels of services and maintenance support. In addition to the Falcon 7X, DCAF is able to provide line maintenance support for customers operating the Bombardier Global Express, Challenger 604/605, Airbus 320 family, and the Global 6000 and Global 5000 Vision Flight Deck aircraft types. DCAF will further expand its maintenance services on completion of a new 6,800sqm hangar which is scheduled to come online before the end of this year. The expansion will more than double the hangar capacity as well as enable DCAF to add two single-aisle aircraft maintenance bays and provide enough space for an additional workshop and equipment storage. It will also significantly increase the number and size of aircraft which can be accommodated at the facility. The four-day event will become the focus of business networking opportunities, insightful seminar sessions, ministerial discussions and the recognition of twelve months of the tourism industrys achievements. More than 250 exhibitors will be present representing more than 50 countries. Over 50 national and regional pavilions will have a prominent presence with the show floor space also increased by 10% compared to the 2016 event. Last year the Riyadh Travel Fair featured 246 exhibitors with visitor attendance at 25,724. That was an increase of 30% compared to the 2016 edition. This year will continue our year-on-year growth as exhibitors hit over 250 and expected visitors numbers over 30,000, said Bander' Al Gryni general manager ASAS Exhibitions organizer of Riyadh Travel Fair Al Gryni continued: Year after year, we have seen a consistent positive growth on the number of participants, exhibitors and attendees at RTF. With Saudi nationals increasingly travelling both domestically and overseas, the opportunities that the Riyadh Travel Fair provides for domestic and overseas destinations, hospitality service providers and other tourism related businesses, to directly meet with the kingdoms leading travel professionals and travellers has never been more significant. The Arabian Gulf region will have a strong presence at the fair including pavilions sponsored by; Abu Dhabi Tourism & Cultural Authority (Strategic Partner), Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (Diamond Sponsor), Indonesia Tourism as Platinum Partner, Al-Riyadh Travel & Tourism (Gold Sponsors), Alia Travel (Silver Sponsor) and Careem (Transportation Sponsor). National pavilions confirmed to attend include those of: Austria, Kyoto Japan, Philippines, Doka, Orange County California, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Slovenia, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Bursa ,Taiwan, Mexico ,Holland ,Maldives and Korea, to name just a few. Exhibitors from Asia, Oceania, Europe and North Africa will also be present, along with hotels, airlines, travel agencies, online booking sites, and car rental companies. As the administrator at Eagle Cliff Healthcare Community in Billings, I have the privilege of working with some of Montanas very finest. Our residents are not clients, but they are our family. Thats why I was shocked that the Montana Legislature is looking at balancing the state budget on the backs of our seniors and most vulnerable neighbors. I certainly understand the difficulty in making ends meet, but we look to our leaders to make wise choices that will not throw those who live on the edge, over the edge. Skilled nursing facilities are about 60 percent Medicaid, and that number is rising according to the Montana Department of Health and Human Services. This means that six out of 10 beds are filled with Medicaid patients. The actual cost of providing 24-hour care in a nursing home is about $34 a day higher than the daily rates paid by the state of Montana. That means someone else pays more or nursing homes operate in the red. What happens when nursing homes operate in the red? Staff numbers are reduced and we have to start turning away those who need us most. From 2009-2013, Medicaid rates were cut and frozen and the funding situation has not recovered. New federal government guidelines published in November 2016 are estimated to cost each facility $62,500 the first year and $55,000 for each subsequent year. This will cost Montanas nursing homes a total of $5 million in the first year and $4.4 million every year after. We hear a lot about good paying jobs these days. Skilled nursing jobs could be good paying jobs. They are skilled workers required to know about trauma and human behaviors. They do difficult work that is physically and emotionally draining. They have qualifications and training but they are paid less than fast food restaurants. Why? Because they work for Medicaid facilities and the state does not pay its fair share. All this goes to say that 2017 is not the year to cut funding for nursing homes. Please join me in letting our lawmakers in the Billings area know that we shouldnt be balancing the budget by hurting those who need us most. A pared-down bill to add two district court judges in Yellowstone County and one in Missoula County was approved unanimously by the House Appropriations Committee Monday and will face a third House reading before heading to the Senate. The committee vote was 22-0. House Bill 44, introduced by Rep. Jeff Essmann, R-Billings, at the request of the Montana Supreme Court, will cost about $843,000 during the second half of the 2018-19 fiscal year, about $1.37 million the second year and $1.39 million the third. The cost includes three new district court judges, three court reporters, three judicial assistants and two law clerks. Initially, the two new judges elected to the bench in Yellowstone County will share a law clerk. The bill is designed in part to ease the caseloads of the six judges in the Billings-based 13th Judicial District, Mike McGrath, chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court, told the committee Monday. Nearly 20 percent of the 55,000 or so Montana cases filed annually in district court are in the 13th district, he said. The judges caseload means that civil and commercial litigation cases in Yellowstone County can be delayed up to two years, McGrath said. "It's fair to characterize that courthouse as a zoo," he said. Cases involving the abuse or neglect of young children are cases that need to be resolved quickly, McGrath said, so that decisions can be made about where and who they are going to live with. Ed Bartlett, representing the Montana Judges Association, the State Bar of Montana and the Montana Chamber of Commerce, said that while the committee is most interested in cost need and cost go together. We hope youll determine this is not a substantial cost. Its a reasonable cost for judges and their staff. Yellowstone County Commissioners have assured judicial officials they will have space for the two new judges in time for the beginning of their terms on Jan. 2, 2019. The Missoula County Courthouse already has space for its additional judge. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. Ashot Ghulyan, Speaker of Parliament of Nagorno Karabakh Republic, held a meeting on February 20 with representatives of the Basque Country: former MEP Inaki Irazabalbeitia Fernandez, former MP of Spain and Basque Country Rafa Larreina, Secretary of the foreign relations committee of the Basque Nationalist Party Jose Maria Etxeberria and member of the European Free Alliance Lorena Lopez de Lacalle, the Press Service of the NKR Parliament told ARMENPRESS. Ashot Ghulyan expressed gratitude for accepting the invitation of carrying out observer mission in Nagorno Karabakh and mentioned that any such event, be it election or referendum, are political tests for the young state. Thanking for the reception, Inaki Irazabalbeitia stressed that Nagorno Karabakh and Basque Country share the same values peace and democracy. Here we see true democracy and freedom of expression, the former MEP said. Lorena Lopez de Lacalle, member of the European Free Alliance bureau, presented her observations during the referendum and said she was present in 14 polling stations during the day and witnesses a functioning democracy. There are democratic elements and values here which we dont have. I am delighted especially with the 36th article of the Constitutional draft, which says if the child is able, he/she is obliged to care for his parents. These are high values, which, unfortunately, have completely disappeared in our system, Lopez said. Secretary of the foreign relations committee of the Basque Nationalist Party Jose Maria Etxeberria, who visited Nagorno Karabakh for the first time, highlighted the experience which he gained during these days in the country. Today I understood, doesnt matter if you have natural resources or not, if you are rich or not, the important thing is stability in values and convictions, which you have. Despite all the deprivations and losses, you havent lost your identity and you are in charge of your destiny. We are willing to help you in protecting your right to self-determination, Etxeberria said. Ashot Ghulyan assessed the further cooperation with the Basque Country as promising. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh told Armenpress the Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire regime over 75 times by firing various caliber weapons across the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. The Ministry issued a statement which says: On February 20 and overnight February 21 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime over 75 times by firing more than 900 shots from various caliber weapons, as well as sniper rifles at the Armenian positions in the Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact. In the eastern and north-eastern directions of the line of contact, the Azerbaijani forces intensively fired 39 shots from sniper rifles. The NKR Defense Army forces are in full control of the situation in the frontline and continue conducting the reliable protection of the military posts. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extended condolences on the death of Russias Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin, reports RIA Novosti. Despite the fact that we served together a short period of time, I highly appreciated the chance to work with him, and it will be difficult for me to not have his understanding of the situation, skills and friendship, the UN chief said. I extend my deepest condolences to his family, relatives, Russias government and people, he said. Earlier the UN Security Council issued a statement over the death of Vitaly Churkin. The Security Council members expressed deepest condolences to his family, the Russian government and people. Vitaly Churkin died suddenly in New York on February 20 at the age of 64. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. As in the mid-20th century a number of harassments were made against the mother language rights in various countries, UNESCO declared February 21 as an International Mother Language Day in 1999 by this contributing to the recognition of the language rights and supporting the use of languages, reports Armenpress. Today the future of languages in the world is in a state of uncertainty, since a number of international languages force people to refuse using their own mother tongue. According to UNESCO estimates, 6.000 languages of the world are on the verge of disappearing. According to the Constitution of the Republic of Armenia, Armenian is the official language. On the occasion of this day, events are being held in Yerevan and some provinces. Numerous writers, linguists and other scholars will visit Oshakan and will lay flowers at the grave of Mesrop Mashtots. STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Republic of Nagorno Karabakh can and must have independence, members of the Russian observer delegation Vladimir Yevsen, Valery Korovin and Alexander Skakov told reporters on February 21. We havent noticed any violations during the referendum. The level of legal consciousness of the people of Nagorno Karabakh is quite high, and here we saw an established democratic country, political scientist and delegation member Alexander Skakov said, and added that the April events will never be repeated. The Russian delegation members also said the fact that Nagorno Karabakh is unrecognized doesnt mean anything, history cannot be erased. The Central Referendum Commission of Nagorno Karabakh said the Constitutional changes draft is adopted. 87,6% of the voters cast their ballots in favor of the Constitutional changes. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The observation mission of the Armenian National Committee of Europe considers the Constitutional referendum held in Karabakh as exemplary and in accordance with the international standards, reports Armenpress. Gaspar Karapetyan head of the observation mission of the Armenian National Committee of Europe, told a press conference in Stepanakert that the referendum was held in a professional and transparent way. The Central Electoral Commission informed us that the conclusions and ideas of international observers were taken into account while holding the referendum. All observers of our mission concluded that the electoral officers managed to organize good and legal referendum, in a professional and transparent way, Karapetyan said. The observers of the Armenian National Committee of Europe have been in 48 polling stations of 11 electoral districts and informed that the referendum was held transparent, calm and legitimate. The observers recorded the high percentage of the voter turnout, they have realized small shortcomings which, of course, didnt impact the referendum results. In general, an exemplary referendum was held, he said. The Central Commission of the NKR referendum considered the Constitutional changes draft adopted. 69.540 citizens, overall, 87.6% of the voters, voted in favor of the constitutional referendum, and 7686 citizens voted against. 2202 ballots (2.8%) were declared invalid. 79.428 (76.5% of the total number of voters) out of 103.766 citizens took part in the voting. STEPANAKERT, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The Constitutional referendum in Nagorno Karabakh proceeded transparent and free, former MP of the Basque Country Rafa Larreina told reporters. We didnt notice any violation. Everything was organized very accurately. We had the chance to talk to the citizens and we are sure that everyone realized their mission in the referendum. It was fully in line with international democratic standards. The example of Nagorno Karabakh must be contagious for other countries lacking democracy, Larreina said. Lorena Lopez de Lacalle, member of the European Free Alliance bureau, said the referendum was held on a rather high level and without complaints. There are issues in the region which are gradually being solved, which is noticeable. The people of Nagorno Karabakh seek to preserve and develop its language, culture and Fatherland. You are even able to maintain calm in difficult times. We will speak about the democracy of Nagorno Karabakh everywhere. We will present a report in March in Poland, where we will also present the issues of Nagorno Karabakh, Lorena Lopez de Lacalle said. The Central Referendum Commission of Nagorno Karabakh said the Constitutional changes draft is adopted. 87,6% of the voters cast their ballots in favor of the Constitutional changes. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. European Friends of Armenia international organization published an interim conclusion on the referendum over the new draft constitution held in Nagorno Karabakh / Artsakh Republic, press service of EuFoA told Armenpress. The referendum on 20 February 2017 changes the local constitution to a strongly presidential system, and changes the name from formerly "Nagorno Karabakh Republic (Artsakh)" to "Artsakh Republic (Nagorno Karabakh)". From all we have seen and the data we collected across Artsakh, the referendum was well administered and seen by most citizens as an obligation to respond to the threat from Azerbaijan, especially in the light of the large-scale attack in April 2016. The result clearly represents the democratic choice of the people, while some improvements remain necessary to further increase local and international trust in future votes, Michael Kambeck, Acting Director of EuFoA, summarized. A full report will follow in a few weeks. YEREVAN, FEBRUARY 21, ARMENPRESS. The defense ministry of Nagorno Karabakh denied Azerbaijani media reports on the Defense Army (NKR) opening fire on shepherds of the Ayagh Kervend village, Akna region, the defense ministry of Nagorno Karabakh told ARMENPRESS. The ministry released a statement, saying: The Azerbaijani media reports on NKR forces firing at shepherds of the Ayagh Kervend village, Akna region yesterday night is another disinformation. The Defense Army never targets civilian objects and peaceful population. Moreover, The Defense Army forces are never in the role of the attacker, and open fire on Azerbaijani military positions only in case of strict necessity. HELENA Multiple lawyers on Tuesday spoke against a proposed anti-discrimination rule that they say would infringe on the religious liberty of attorneys. If adopted by the Montana Supreme Court, Rule 8.4(g) would prohibit attorneys from engaging in harassment on the basis of race, religion, sex, ethnicity, disability, origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or socioeconomic status in conduct related to practicing law. The rule would not limit the ability of a lawyer to accept, decline, or withdraw from representation and would not preclude legitimate advice or advocacy consistent with the rules. The rule is supported by the American Bar Association. Sen. David Howard, R-Park City, who said the rule would prevent attorneys from adhering to their religion, is sponsoring a resolution that would prevent the Montana Supreme Court from adopting it. Proponents of Senate Resolution 15 say the anti-discrimination rule would violate the First Amendment rights of attorneys. James Rigby, an attorney from Billings, said the rule would prevent lawyers from disclosing certain positions, such as disagreeing with transgender people using the bathrooms of their choice. This is a gag rule, he said. Its a way to control what people say. The Montana Supreme Court announced in October it was considering adopting rule 8.4(g). Rep. Matthew Monforton, R-Bozeman, and Sen. Nels Swandal, R-Wilsall, filed an objection, saying the rule would affect Christian attorneys with strong beliefs. The objection says Justice Dirk Sandefur should not be allowed to participate in deliberations regarding the rule after leading a campaign based on religious bigotry, Monforton said. During her 2016 campaign for Montana Supreme Court justice, candidate Kirsten Juras shared her belief that Catholic pharmacists should not be required to sell birth control and ministers shouldnt have to perform same-sex marriages. During his campaign, Sandefur pointed out those statements made by Juras. Monforton said Sandefurs comments demonstrate a clear religious bias and should prevent him from being involved in proceedings related to rule 8.4(g). The Supreme Court has not responded to the objection filed by Monforton and Swandal. In the objection, Monforton and Swandal said teaching law school classes, speaking at public events or serving in a religious congregations would fall under the scope of rule 8.4(g), and lawyers would not be allowed to speak freely at such events. In short, rule 8.4(g) is an existential threat to attorneys who take faith seriously, the objection says. SK Rossi of ACLU Montana opposed Howard's resolution and said a 1974 decision In the Matter of Senate Bill 630 determined the Legislature could not regulate lawyers. Rossi said religious liberty is not threatened by the bill. If someone in a same-sex marriage were seeking representation for a divorce, the attorney could disclose their beliefs and the person could go on to find a different attorney. Time and time again the courts that have heard those arguments have said these protections do not violate your religious liberty, Rossi said. Other opponents of Howard's resolution included the Pride Foundation, the Montana Human Rights Network and the Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence. No one on the committee asked any questions. An Iraqi archaeologist who was recently given emergency training by the British Museum is leading a rescue operation in Nimrud, the Assyrian site which was almost totally destroyed by [ISIS] extremists. The archaeologist has been appointed by Iraqs State Board of Antiquities and Heritage to investigate the damage and stablise what can be saved. A manhunt in Sweet Grass County ended Monday when a rancher saw two men emerge from under a pile of brush southwest off Big Timber. The search, which spanned two days, ended in the arrest of Ronald Andrew Smith, 35, and Jairo Sebastian Veladiaz, 31. Both men lived in California, said Sweet Grass County Sheriff Dan Tronrud. They face charges including possession of drugs with intent to distribute and assault on a peace officer. A Montana Highway Patrol trooper pulled over the two men in an SUV Sunday night in Park County, Tronrud said. There was a scuffle at the side of the interstate. They'd gotten into a fight," Tronrud said. "He was hit in the face. His glasses were broke. The individual was tased and they took off in the vehicle. The high-speed chase went into Sweet Grass County, through fields and back onto Interstate 90. They eventually pulled off at the DeHart Trail interchange and went through another field before abandoning the vehicle in the nearby hills, Tronrud said. The search began that evening but was called off around midnight. By the following morning, about 30 people from the Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Office, its search and rescue team and its reserve unit joined the search. A canine team came from Park County and the MHP provided a helicopter. They'd identified the men from the traffic stop and got a cellphone number for one of them, Tronrud said. The phone called a number in California. We had by that time pinged his phone, so we had some idea where they were at, Tronrud said. Search teams found an abandoned cottage where the men stayed overnight. After another five hours, the active search effort was reduced and some stayed as spotters in the area. By late afternoon, Tronrud said a rancher spotted the men coming out from under a brush pile. Law enforcement arrested them shortly after. Five pounds of suspected methamphetamine were found in the vehicle and scattered nearby, Tronrud said. Initial field tests were positive for the drug, but a task force is providing more testing. The men are being held in Park County, where the county attorney is expected to file formal charges. Tronrud said that criminal history for Veladiaz shows that he'd been deported from the United States once in the past. 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27 (4) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (6) Dec 24 (1) Dec 23 (9) Dec 22 (2) Dec 21 (7) Dec 20 (3) Dec 19 (7) Dec 18 (6) Dec 17 (6) Dec 16 (7) Dec 15 (7) Dec 14 (6) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (5) Dec 11 (4) Dec 10 (5) Dec 09 (4) Dec 08 (5) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (3) Dec 05 (5) Dec 04 (6) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (2) Nov 30 (3) Nov 29 (6) Nov 28 (11) Nov 27 (5) Nov 26 (3) Nov 25 (4) Nov 24 (1) Nov 23 (4) Nov 22 (5) Nov 21 (6) Nov 20 (8) Nov 19 (4) Nov 18 (5) Nov 17 (3) Nov 16 (5) Nov 15 (6) Nov 14 (10) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (5) Nov 11 (8) Nov 10 (10) Nov 09 (6) Nov 08 (8) Nov 07 (10) Nov 06 (6) Nov 05 (7) Nov 04 (2) Nov 03 (6) Nov 02 (7) Nov 01 (10) Oct 31 (3) Oct 30 (7) Oct 29 (6) Oct 28 (6) Oct 27 (11) Oct 26 (5) Oct 25 (12) Oct 24 (6) Oct 23 (10) Oct 22 (6) Oct 21 (5) Oct 20 (4) Oct 19 (4) Oct 18 (6) Oct 17 (8) Oct 16 (3) Oct 15 (7) Oct 14 (4) Oct 13 (4) Oct 12 (5) Oct 11 (1) Oct 10 (3) Oct 09 (2) Oct 08 (3) Oct 07 (2) Oct 06 (4) Oct 04 (8) Oct 03 (5) Oct 02 (4) Oct 01 (4) Sep 30 (4) Sep 29 (2) Sep 28 (3) Sep 27 (4) Sep 26 (5) Sep 25 (7) Sep 24 (3) Sep 23 (3) Sep 22 (3) Sep 21 (2) Sep 20 (1) Sep 19 (1) Sep 18 (2) Sep 15 (1) Sep 13 (2) Sep 11 (1) Sep 06 (2) Sep 05 (1) Sep 04 (1) Aug 31 (1) Aug 30 (2) Aug 28 (1) Aug 23 (1) Aug 21 (1) Aug 17 (1) Aug 16 (2) Aug 14 (1) Aug 10 (1) Aug 07 (1) Aug 02 (2) Jul 25 (1) Feb 14 (1) By: Dezan Shira & Associates The Philippines Finance Secretary, Carlo Dominguez, has recommended a corporate income tax rate of 25 percent, reduced from the current 32 percent. The proposal would be implemented as part of the Governments Comprehensive Tax Reform Program (CTRP). Dominguez made the announcement at the 5th Manila Times Business Forum in Davao last Friday. RELATED: Pre-Investment and Market Entry Advisory from Dezan Shira & Associates Dominguezs language was bullish: We are going to do that not only because it was a campaign promise, but more importantly, because it makes good economic sense. Several other measures are included in the CTRP bill, which is pending in congress, including the adjustment of excise duties on fuel and automobiles as well as the expansion of the VAT base. Dominguez was also critical of the size of the current tax net, saying that the country only had a large taxpayer base of about 3,000 individuals and corporate companies in a population of about 100 million, and that tax collection remained one of the lowest in Asia. Dominguez pointed out that the massive investment program planned by the government requires serious tax reform to fund it. The minister estimated this program would require US$18 billion over the mid- term, equivalent to about three years of the countrys GDP revenues. Dominguez expects the government to raise these funds by widening the tax base, as well as the VAT base. RELATED: Investing in The Philippines What To Expect in 2017 Aside from tax reform, the countrys economy is set for between 6.5 to 7.5 percent GDP growth during 2017. This growth is mainly a result of infrastructure projects. The Philippines economy achieved a 7 percent GDP growth rate in the first three quarters of 2016, hitting the upper end of the governments official target of 6 percent to 7 percent. This was faster than growth rates inChina, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition to infrastructure spending, foreign investment in the BPO services sector has been on a high upward growth curve, in addition to textiles and furniture manufacturing. About Us Asia Briefing Ltd. is a subsidiary of Dezan Shira & Associates. Dezan Shira is a specialist foreign direct investment practice, providing corporate establishment, business advisory, tax advisory and compliance, accounting, payroll, due diligence and financial review services to multinationals investing in China, Hong Kong, India, Vietnam, Singapore and the rest of ASEAN. For further information, please email asean@dezshira.com or visit www.dezshira.com. Stay up to date with the latest business and investment trends in Asia by subscribing to our complimentary update service featuring news, commentary and regulatory insight. Dezan Shira & Associates Brochure Dezan Shira & Associates is a pan-Asia, multi-disciplinary professional services firm, providing legal, tax and operational advisory to international corporate investors. Operational throughout China, ASEAN and India, our mission is to guide foreign companies through Asias complex regulatory environment and assist them with all aspects of establishing, maintaining and growing their business operations in the region. This brochure provides an overview of the services and expertise Dezan Shira & Associates can provide. An Introduction to Doing Business in ASEAN 2016 An Introduction to Doing Business in ASEAN 2016 introduces the fundamentals of investing in the 10-nation ASEAN bloc, concentrating on economics, trade, corporate establishment and taxation. We also include the latest development news in our Important Updates section for each country, with the intent to provide an executive assessment of the varying component parts of ASEAN, assessing each member state and providing the most up-to-date economic and demographic data on each. Human Resources in ASEAN In this issue of ASEAN Briefing, we discuss the prevailing structure of ASEANs labor markets and outline key considerations regarding wages and compliance at all levels of the value chain. We highlight comparative sentiment on labor markets within the region, showcase differences in cost and compliance between markets, and provide insight on the state of statutory social insurance obligations throughout the bloc. Nadella aims to empower entrepreneurship in India by building partnerships with companies such as Flipkart. The Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal said that Flipkarts strategic partnership with Microsoft will help his company to scale up in the coming days. Bengaluru: Binny and I have an exciting announcement to make. Flipkart has chosen Microsoft Azure as its exclusive public cloud platform, said the India-born CEO of Microsoft, Satya Nadella, at the Microsoft AI event on Monday. Mr Nadella aims to empower entrepreneurship in India by building partnerships with companies such as Flipkart. The Flipkart co-founder Binny Bansal said that Flipkarts strategic partnership with Microsoft will help his company to scale up in the coming days. Microsoft Azure and Artificial Intelligence as a platform can help us scale up our e-commerce business, said Mr Bansal. This partnership allows us to leverage our combined strength and knowledge of technology, e-commerce and markets to make online shopping more relevant and enriching for customers. Mr Nadella, who is in India to attend Microsofts technology and business conference, shared the stage with Nandan Nilekani and spoke about the importance of technology in the public sector. He also spoke about IndiaStack, a set of APIs that provide unique digital infrastructure aimed at eliminating problems related to presence-less, paper-less and cash less service delivery. While talking highly of IndiaStack, Mr Nadella said that it was truly fascinating and the art form of knowing where the government needs to participate. It is ramping up as good as any technology platform. He also commended the inclusion of e-KYC (Know Your Customer) and said that the process was brilliantly done. Mr Nadella further said that hes excited about three platformscloud, Artificial Intelligence (AP) and Augmented Reality (AR)offered by Microsoft and emphasised the importance of Microsoft Azure, Cortana and Microsoft HoloLens. Mr Nadella believes in building platforms in a network model to help every entrepreneur in the ecosystem to leverage it. It is short-sighted to think about just one platform, he said. You need to have an architectural world view of building a platform that acts as an ingredient for someone to build a platform. Commenting on the entrepreneurial energy in the country, Mr Nadella said In the past 12 months we have had over 2,000 startup accelerators, adding that he looks forward to partnering with Indian startups in the coming days. The new charges, as per the RBI draft would come into effect from April 1. The existing MDR is capped at 0.75 per cent for transactions up to Rs 2,000 and 1 per cent for over Rs 2,000. New Delhi: The government is working to reduce Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges to encourage digital payments, Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant said today. "We are pushing digital transactions. Our aim is to bring down MDR charges. Also if volume of transactions increase, MDR charges will come down," Kant said. Referring to RBI's recent draft circular on rationalisation of MDR for debit card transactions, the Niti Aayog CEO said, "We are examining RBI's draft circular on MDR. There are challenges to see MDR rates come dowm...We will meet those challenges." Last week, RBI had proposed to drastically cut MDR charges on debit card payments from April 1 with a view to maintain momentum of digital transactions post note ban, especially among small merchants. For small merchants with annual turnover of Rs 20 lakh and special category merchants, like utilities, insurance, mutual funds, educational institutions and government hospitals, the MDR charge has been proposed at 0.40 per cent of the transaction value. Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charge, which is levied on debit card transaction, would be even less at 0.3 per cent if transaction is through digital PoS (QR Code), the RBI had said in a draft circular on rationalisation of MDR for debit card transactions. The existing MDR is capped at 0.75 per cent for transactions up to Rs 2,000 and 1 per cent for over Rs 2,000. However, there is no RBI cap on MDR on credit card payments. Post demonetisation, the RBI has reduced the charge till March 31. The new charges, as per the RBI draft would come into effect from April 1. MDR for debit cards for petrol/fuel shall be decided subsequently after the industry consultation process with Oil Ministry is completed, the Reserve Bank had proposed. As per an official document, the allocation for making payment to RBI towards reimbursement of Merchant Discount Rates (MDR) charges for 2017-18 is Rs 200 crore. It is estimated at Rs 50 crore this fiscal. Post demonetisation, the Finance Ministry had announced that MDR charges will be absorbed by the government for payments of tax, non-tax and other payments to the government by citizens using debit cards. SRK had boarded the train from Mumbai Central for Delhi as part of his promotional campaign 'Raees by Rail'. Mumbai: A city-based man today approached a court here seeking its direction to Railway Police to file a case against actor Shah Rukh Khan in connection with the death of a person during promotion of the film Raees. Farid Khan Pathan had died of cardiac arrest as crowd went berserk after Shah Rukh arrived by August Kranti Rajdhani Express at the Vadodara railway station on January 23 night. Solanki approached the court of Judicial Magistrate First Class here seeking its direction to Railway Police at Vadodara to register a case against actor Shah Rukh Khan. Talking to PTI today, Solanki's lawyer Juned L Saiyed said his client has demanded registration of cases against actor and others under IPC 304 (a) (causing death by negligence), 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees), 336 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 147 (punishment for rioting). SRK had boarded the train from Mumbai Central for Delhi as part of his promotional campaign 'Raees by Rail'. BUTTE An off-duty law enforcement officer escaped injury after he was almost hit by a bullet while wrestling a suspect in an attempted robbery at the Safeway pharmacy in Dillon Sunday around 10:30 a.m., authorities said. Terry Watson of Dillon is facing an attempted deliberate homicide charge, with more charges expected, Dillon Chief of Police Don Guiberson said Monday. Watson remains in the Beaverhead County jail. Guiberson said the officer, from Utah, whose name hasnt been released, was in the store when the situation unraveled. Watson apparently jumped over the pharmacy counter and brandished a .45-caliber weapon to get drugs, Guiberson said. The off-duty officers wife saw what happened, then ran to another part of the store to tell her husband. The unarmed officer approached the suspect, who pointed the gun at him. The officer then backed away, and positioned himself in a way that enabled him to tackle the suspect. As they wrestled to the floor, the gun discharged, but the officer was able to take it away. The officer with the pistol in hand then held the suspect at bay. Officer Nikki Cowperthwait arrived and determined an off-duty Utah law enforcement officer had struggled with and subdued an armed suspect. The investigation shows a shot was fired from the suspect's gun during the struggle, Guiberson said. Luckily, no injuries were sustained by anyone. Several Dillon Police officers responded to the scene, as well as a deputy and detention officer. Customers and Safeway staff immediately evacuated the building. There are no other suspects and there is no remaining threat to the community, Guiberson said. I cannot express in words the professionalism, dedication and expertise shown by law enforcement in handling the situation. I would like to express deep gratitude to the off-duty officer who put his life on the line to save people he did not even know. He went to the store to get Tylenol, and ended up wrestling with an armed suspect. This is a shining example of what law enforcement does on a daily basis, even when not in their jurisdiction or on the clock. Ranbir definitely bears an uncanny resemblance to Sanjay Dutt from his earlier days in the film industry. Ranbir Kapoor snapped in his new look in Mumbai while shooting for the film. Mumbai: Several reports had claimed that Ranbir Kapoor would be bulking up and sporting long locks to look like Sanjay Dutt for the upcoming biopic on him. He had recently visited Sanjay Dutt at his house and his weight gain to look like the latter in a biopic on him was evident. The actor had started shooting for the Rajkumar Hirani directorial in January this year and first pictures from the sets are out now. As we have reported before, Ranbir is seen sporting long locks. Several pictures of Sanjay Dutt sporting long hair recently surfaced when Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan recreated his song Tamma Tamma for their film Badrinath ki Dulhania and with these new pictures, Ranbir definitely bears an uncanny resemblance to Sanjay Dutt from his earlier days in the film industry. Ranbir also reportedly has been watching a lot of videos of Sanjay Dutt, 250 hours to be exact, to prep for the biopic. The biopic is reportedly slated for a release during Christmas this year and Dia Mirza, Manisha Koirala, Paresh Rawal, Sonam Kapoor and Anushka Sharma have been signed on to play characters close to Sanjay Dutt. The movie was well received & was highly appreciated by the film fraternity, who spoke well about the well-crafted characters by Garth Davis Lion has managed to snag six nominations in the race for the Oscars, including one for Best Picture and one for Best Supporting Actor. Recently, the movie was specially screened in Mumbai, and many Bollywood personalities and dignitaries attended the do. The movie was well received and was highly appreciated by the film fraternity, who spoke well about the well-crafted characters by Garth Davis. However, one person who missed out on this special screening was Irrfan Khan. The actor could not make it to the event since hes busy shooting in Rajasthan for his untitled movie with Tanuja Chandra. However, word is that Garth will have a special screening for the actor. Garth will hold a special screening of Lion, only for Irrfan in Rajasthan, where the actor is to continue shooting for a couple of weeks more. Amidst the shoot, Irrfan will be part of this special screening, for which preparations are on. During his visit, the Indian Foreign Secretary called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. New Delhi: Foreign Secretary of India S Jaishankar, visited Sri Lanka from February 18 to 20, for bilateral discussions with their leaders, as part of the continued high level engagement between the two countries. During his visit, Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Foreign Secretary reviewed the entire gamut of our bilateral relations, particularly Indian assisted economic projects and development particularly with Sri Lanka. In response to the drought situation in Sri Lanka, Jaishankar conveyed on behalf of Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, that India would donate eight water bowsers and 100 metric tonnes of rice as immediate assistance, and was ready to provide further assistance as required. State says construction impossible due to political unrest. New Delhi: Punjab informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that it was impossible to implement the January 15, 2002, decree on the construction of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link canal project. In its reply to Haryanas application for the implementation of the project, Punjab said the construction of the canal for transferring Ravi-Beas water to the western Yamuna canal for utilisation in the southern part of Haryana is impossible in the given circumstances of political unrest in Punjab. Last week, the court had refused to adjourn the hearing till the new government is formed after the polls and listed the matter for Wednesday. Ahead of the hearing on Wednesday, Punjab said it could not be compelled to construct a canal in its territory and operate the same without any obstruction or hindrance in view of the public opposition. It said the only permissible method for execution of the decree by Haryana was to apply for compensation to the Union of India or to seek direction to the Union of India to provide an alternative supply of water to satisfy the fruits of the decree. Punjab said one such alternative way to supply water was to construct reservoirs in Haryana across the river Yamuna and its tributary, or to transfer the surplus water of Sharda to Yamuna. The National Water Development Agency has identified Sharda Yamuna Link for transfer of 4.5 million acre feet (MAF) of Sarda water to Yamuna. Expressing its difficulty, Punjab said the total availability of water in rivers Ravi and Beas has reduced from 17.17 MAF (assumed under the Agreement dated 31.12.1981) to 13.38 MAF as per the flow series of 1981-2013, as determined by the Bhakra Beas Management Board. The focus would primarily be on targeting militants that are hiding in forest or buildings which are away from residential localities. Top government sources confirmed to this newspaper that the move was currently being discussed among the ministries of home and defence and office of the national security adviser. (Representational image) New Delhi: In what may well mark a major tactical shift in its fight against terror, the government is considering using drones in targeting militants, particularly in the Kashmir Valley and Northeast. Top government sources confirmed to this newspaper that the move was currently being discussed among the ministries of home and defence and office of the national security adviser. Sources said the security agencies operating in these militancy infested areas are of the opinion that based on specific intelligence inputs, limited use of drones can prove to be extremely effective in flushing out militants, particularly from hideouts where possibility of loss of human life is much higher. The issue is still being thoroughly debated at the highest level as the Centre wants to ensure that no innocent lives are lost when drones are pressed into service during an anti-terror operation. There is a possibility, sources said, that the government may give the go ahead on use of drones in a phased manner to assess its impact. There is a view that first security forces like BSF, CRPF and Army could be allowed to use drones in the Valley but with stringent guidelines as to protect civilians and residential areas. The focus would primarily be on targeting militants that are hiding in forest or buildings which are away from residential localities. If the experiment in Valley proves successful, it would also be extended to hit at militant hideouts in the northeast, a senior security official said. Recently, the Centre had allowed the elite National Security Guards to use drones in their counter terror operations. But unlike other security forces, NSG conducts only specific operations as was witnessed during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and storming of the Pathankot Air Force base. At present, security forces are using drones in Naxal-infested areas but these are primarily to track movements. The project involves the setting up of 38 additional radar stations and four mobile surveillance stations at the cost of Rs 800 core. The surveillance system also aims at keeping an eye on the movement of vessels of foreign navies venturing close to and inside Indian waters. (Representational image) New Delhi: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), the defence ministrys apex procurement body, on Tuesday gave its go-ahead to the second phase of a seamless electronic surveillance along Indias coastlines. The project will buttress surveillance along the countrys western, southern and eastern seaboards, and integrate its coastlines under a single radar system. The project involves the setting up of 38 additional radar stations and four mobile surveillance stations at the cost of Rs 800 core. It will ensure seamless surveillance of vessels up to 25 nautical miles. The first phase of the surveillance project comprising 46 radar stations 36 along the mainland coasts and 10 on the islands was undertaken soon after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008 which exposed the vulnerability of Indias coastlines to forces inimical to the countrys interests. The surveillance system also aims at keeping an eye on the movement of vessels of foreign navies venturing close to and inside Indian waters. The radar system would enable detection and widespread dissemination of information leading to a far more coordinated action. Besides the Navy and the Indian Coast Guard, the stakeholders of coastal security at present include the marine police, state police forces, customs, CISF, IB, R&AW and various ports. A defence ministry source said that state-owned PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is expected to be the lead integrator for the project that will be taken up under the Buy Indian category. For the first phase, BEL had a raft of joint ventures with foreign defence majors such as Saab (Sweden) and Thales Systems (France). The DAC meeting, which lasted for more than two hours, was attended by defence minister Manohar Parrikar, the three defence chiefs, besides a few top officials from the military and the defence ministry. The DAC also okayed a much-needed on-shore engine repair facility for the MiG 29 K at an aircraft yard in Goa. The Russian-made MiG 29 K, is deployed on the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya. At present, 65,000 H1-B visas are issued by the US every year, and Indians account for a major chunk in it. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the US to have a balanced and farsighted perspective on admitting skilled Indian workers, in comments that pushed back against President Donald Trumps America First rhetoric on jobs. Mr Modi, who met a 26-member bipartisan US Congressional delegation in Delhi on Tuesday, also spoke about the role of skilled Indian talent in enriching the American economy and society. PM Modis comments reflected concern that Indias $150 billion IT services industry would suffer if the US curbs H-1B visas it relies on to send software experts to the US on project work. Welcoming the Congressional representatives to India, he said their visit augurs a good start to bilateral exchanges following the change in the US administration and the Congress. Mr Modi recalled his positive conversation with President Trump and the shared commitment to further strengthen ties. The PM recognised the Congress strong bipartisan support for the India-US partnership, shared his perspective on areas where both countries can work even more closely, a PMO statement said. The PM referred to the role of skilled Indian talent in enriching the American economy and society, and urged developing a reflective, balanced and farsighted perspective on movement of skilled professionals, the statement said. Soon after taking over last month, Mr Trump decided to overhaul the work visa programmes like the H-1B and L-1, a move that will adversely hit the lifeline of Indian tech firms and professionals in the US. At present, 65,000 H1-B visas are issued by the US every year, and Indians account for a major chunk in it. The proposed H-1B overhaul will result in higher operational costs and shortage of skilled workers for the $110-billion Indian outsourcing industry. Indian IT sector, which contributes 9.3 per cent to the countrys GDP, is also one of the largest private sector employers with 3.7 million employees. The US accounts for nearly 62 per cent of the exports, while EU is the second largest market for the Indian IT services exports. Recently, a US legislation was introduced to double the minimum wages of H-1B visa holders, a protectionist stance that could spell trouble for IT firms. the contents can be removed if there is a nodal agency to receive complaints. It is not possible to prevent sexual content from being uploaded to the Internet, but it is possible to remove them within few days of uploading, search engines informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday. (Representational image) New Delhi: It is not possible to prevent sexual content from being uploaded to the Internet, but it is possible to remove them within few days of uploading, search engines informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday. On February 1, the court had asked search engines like Google, Microsoft and Yahoo, as well as social media networks like Facebook and Whatsapp to come out with a firewall similar to the one developed in China to automatically prevent the uploading of any explicit sexual content online. During the resumed hearing on Tuesday before a bench of Justices Madan B. Lokur and Uday Lalit, it was pointed out that in Youtube alone four-and-a-half hours of videos are uploaded every minute, and it would require lakhs of employees to scrutinise everything to prevent them from being uploaded. It was submitted that since uploading takes place across the country, it will be impossible to prevent them. However, the contents can be removed if there is a nodal agency to receive complaints and direct search engines to remove the objectionable contents. Earlier, counsel Aparna Bhat for the petitioner, the NGO Prajwala, pointed out that China had evolved successfully a firewall to prevent any offensive material on the Internet. On behalf of the Centre, additional solicitor general Maninder Singh informed the court that the Central government had decided to allocate Rs 195.83 cr towards the setting up of a dedicated Cyber Crime Prevention Against Women and Children (CCPAWC) cell to combat the menace of such horrendous crimes against women and children. The amount has been earmarked for three years and the nodal agency will be put in place soon. Parents alleged that the principal did not initiate action against the accused and tried to defend him. Bengaluru: A day after a three-year-old girl was found dead near Chennai with her mouth stuffed with cloth rags, another horrific incident involving a girl of the same age has emerged. A three-year-old girl in Bengaluru has been allegedly sexually assaulted at her pre-school. The child was allegedly assaulted by a non-teaching staff member of a pre-school near Bengaluru, police said on Monday. The incident, which occurred last Friday, emerged when the child complained to her parents. She told her parents that the man, who is a supervisor at her school, assaulted her, police said. On consulting doctors, who suspected a sexual assault on the child, the minor's parents lodged a complaint with the police. Police said they registered a case on Saturday and arrested the accused. Some parents gathered near the school on Monday, demanding an answer from the management about the incident. Based on the complaints from the parents, police took the principal of the school into custody for questioning. Parents alleged that the principal did not initiate action against the accused and tried to defend him. They also claimed that CCTV footage would not be available as the accused was in-charge of CCTV operations at the school. Meanwhile, in Chennai, the three-year-old girl had gone missing on Saturday while playing near her home in a colony for the tsunami-affected. Her body was found in a dump yard. The police suspect a woman in her neighbourhood killed her for jewellery. The woman has been arrested. A week ago, again in Chennai, a Class 3 student was sexually assaulted, burnt and dumped in a bag on the highway. The incident took place on February 18, when a woman, hailing from Manipur, was returning from a party in Hauz Khas village. New Delhi: The Delhi Police, on Tuesday, arrested one person in connection with the alleged rape of a 24-year-old woman from northeast, in Delhi's Hauz Khas area. Earlier on Monday, the police had claimed that they had identified the main accused in the case. "After intense investigation, the accused has been positively identified. Various teams are raiding his probable hideouts and results are expected soon," the Police said. The Police had launched a search for the accused, after a case was registered against unknown people for allegedly assaulting the woman. The incident took place on February 18, when a woman, hailing from Manipur, was returning from a party in Hauz Khas village, along with her friends and cousins. The woman told police that the incident took place around 11:30 pm, when the accused offered to drop her home. According to the victim, the accused told her that his car was parked at some distance and led her to the adjoining Deer Park, where he allegedly raped her. Sweet Grass County authorities apprehended two suspects around 4:50 p.m. Monday after the men had run from an attempted traffic stop earlier, according to the county's Facebook page. The sheriff's office did not immediately return a call for comment Monday evening. The sheriff's office first posted on the county Facebook page on Sunday night that the two men one white and one Hispanic escaped a Montana Highway Patrol trooper in the Dehart area southwest of Big Timber. The men have criminal histories and are wanted for assault on a peace officer, as well as other crimes, according to posts made by the Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Office. The Sweet Grass County Sheriff's Office confirmed that it was producing the Facebook posts. By Monday morning, a Montana Highway Patrol helicopter and multiple troopers joined the search effort. Law enforcement had advised area residents to lock their homes and vehicle doors during the search. Anyone with information can contact the Sweet Grass County Sheriffs Office at 406-932-5143. The special investigation team received a reliable tip-off in this regard and posted police personnel in plainclothes near the courts. Pulsar Suni, the gangster allegedly involved in molesting a top Malayalam actor, is likely to surrender soon at a court here along with his absconding aide Vijesh.(Representational Image) Kochi: Pulsar Suni, the gangster allegedly involved in molesting a top Malayalam actor, is likely to surrender soon at a court here along with his absconding aide Vijesh. Suni had twice given cops the slip. The high court has postponed his anticipatory bail plea to March. The special investigation team received a reliable tip-off in this regard and posted police personnel in plainclothes near the courts. Our effort is to nab them before they reach the court premises, a senior officer of the SIT said. The two are believed to have fled to Coimbatore after escaping from the cops on Saturday evening. Various teams have been asked to camp at Coimbatore and other places within the state based on the information elicited during the interrogation of Manikandan, his key accomplice arrested from a hide-out in Palakkad. Weve tightened the screws and he is running from one hideout to another. He is fast running out of money and our combing network has been expanded, he said. While abducting the actor, Suni had told her he was carrying out a quotation, a crime conducted on behalf of someone else. The focus is now on to find out the third party and whether he/she is from the cine industry, the official said. The poll focus is on BMC, retaining control of which is vital for Sena as the city has remained vital since the party's formation in 1966. A total of 3.77 crore voters will determine the fate of 17,331 candidates for 3210 seats up for grabs in 10 municipal corporations, 11 zilla parishads and 118 panchayat samitis. (Photo: AP) Mumbai: Polling for the cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and 9 other civic bodies across Maharashtra ended at 5.30 pm on Tuesday. Estranged allies BJP and Shiv Sena were at the forefront of this battle of might and Mumbai registered a record voter turnout of 55 per cent, according to state Election Commission officers. Maharashtra Chief Minister leader was all smiles and thanked Mumbai for voting in large numbers. "Thank you #Mumbai for the record voting percentage & people from all Municipal Corporations & ZP for participating in festival of democracy!," he tweeted. Polling had began at 7.30 am at 43,160 polling stations across the state. In Mumbai, as the day progressed, voting picked up with several politicians and film celebrities and industry figures stepping out to exercise the franchise. NCP president Sharad Pawar was among early voters in Mumbai, while Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his family voted at a booth near Thackeray residence in Bandra. BJP leaders, who cast their votes in the city included party's Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar, MP Poonam Mahajan and Shaina NC. Former Lok Sabha Speaker and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi and MNS chief Raj Thackeray also cast their vote in the megapolis. In Nagpur, early voters included RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cast his vote along with wife Amruta and mother in city's Dharampeth area at around 11.45 am. Eminent personalities including former Mumbai Police Commissioner Julio Ribeiro, Joint Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Election Commissioner K S Saharia, BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta also cast their votes in Mumbai. He also added that if electricity is being ensured in the month of Ramzan, then it should also be made available during Diwali. New Delhi: The Congress and the CPM on Monday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of vitiating the atmosphere to polarise the society in the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. The Prime Minister, in his election rally in Fatehpur on Sunday, had demanded that if graveyards are being built, crematoriums should also be built. He also added that if electricity is being ensured in the month of Ramzan, then it should also be made available during Diwali. The statement made by the Prime Minister in the election fervor has not gone down well with the opposition parties. Congress Spokesperson Anand Sharma said Our Constitution does not allow anyone to divide the nation, be it on caste or religion basis. The Prime Minister is not above the Constitution or the law. We expect the Election Commission to take appropriate action on this. He further added that the Election Commission has given strict directions not to evoke passion and divide the society on the basis of religion or caste, and it is expected of the EC that it issues a notice to the Prime Minister and the BJP. While CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury said It is a straightforward appeal, an effort for communal polarisation. The talk about kabristan (graveyard) and cremation, Holi and Eid, Diwali and Ramzan...The counter- posing (of these words) itself is an appeal to communal sentiments. He went on to add that on one hand these fork tongued speeches are being made on the other there is talk of development. Both Congress and CPM accused BJP of polarising the society to reap political benefits as it was staring at defeat in the UP Assembly polls, voting in the fourth phase of which is scheduled for Thursday. Allahabad has 12 Assembly constituencies, the largest number for any district in the state. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi during an election campaign in Allahabad on Tuesday. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: It seemed as if all the political stars had descended on Allahabad to woo voters on the last day of campaigning before the fourth phase of polling on February 23. While BJP President Amit Shah blew a conch shell and promised to liberate people from candidates with criminal cases like Mukhtar Ansari, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav held joint road shows. Mr Gandhi said in Rae Bareli that the aim of the Congress-SP alliance is to win 250 seats and send PM Narendra Modi packing to Gujarat in 2019. Allahabad has 12 Assembly constituencies, the largest number for any district in the state. The BJP president began the day with a rally in Soraon a predominantly rural Assembly segment in the districts trans-Ganga region, followed by a brief public meeting in Mundera Mandi in support of party national secretary Siddharth Nath Singh, who has been fielded from Allahabad (West). Mr Shah was accompanied by the partys state unit chief Keshav Prasad Maurya, whose Phulpur parliamentary constituency covers a major part of the city. Mr Shah addressed a public meeting in support of Mr Singh before embarking on a road show criss-crossing major parts of the city. Siddharth is my dear friend who has been doing a great job in Delhi. We asked him to fight elections from Allahabad as this is the land of his maternal grandfather Lal Bahadur Shastri and the ongoing Assembly polls are going to be historic and path-breaking, he said. Mr Singhs candidature had surprised many local BJP leaders and the Delhi-based leader has been working hard to cast aside the outsider tag. Despite allegations of polarising the electorate, Mr Shah said that the BJP will shut down all the mechanical slaughter houses across the state so that UP is known not for shedding the blood of hapless animals but as a land where streams of milk and butter flow. Opposition parties have charged that the BJP was trying to raise the communal pitch after Mr Modi, at a Fatehpur rally on Sunday, said each village needs to have a graveyard and a cremation ground and that people should get power on Diwali as well as Eid, without discrimination. They say that the issue of mechanical slaughter houses is being raised for similar reasons. Crowds also thronged the road show by young duo Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav. Mr Gandhi, who had stayed overnight at Allahbads Swaraj Bhawan the birth place of former Prime minister and his grandmother, Indira Gandhi was joined in the afternoon by the UP chief minister for the road show, which commenced at the Balson Chauraha, facing the historic Anand Bhavan. Standing atop a Mercedes bus, the leaders were greeted by a large number of young supporters who raised slogans like UP ko ye saath pasand hai (UP likes this alliance) and Kaam bolta hai (Work speaks for itself). Both the leaders also addressed students at the Allahabad University (AU) campus where they said they will form the next government in the state and claimed that the momentum gained by their alliance had made the Prime Minister jittery. The two candidates fielded by the Congress-SP combine in the city are two-time MLA Anugrah Narayan Singh from Allahabad (North) and debutant Richa Singh from Allahabad (West). Both are former presidents of the AU students union. Addressing a rally in Gonda, BSP supremo Mayawati said demonetisation as a diversionary tactic, a unilateral move that was implemented without the adequate preparations or groundwork. The impact of demonetisation was so intense that people are yet to recover from its shock. The government is clueless as to how much black money it got and against how many persons penal action was initiated, she said. A total of 630 candidates, including 50 women, are in the fray for this phase of the election. Lucknow/New Delhi: With Bundelkhand region going to polls on Thursday, the BJP, which had pressed its top leadership from home minister Rajnath Singh to Uma Bharati and star campaigner Prime Minister Narendra Modi to score in this belt, is hoping to wrest a sizeable chunk of this stronghold of the Samajwadis, and to some extent the Congress. The Bundelkhand region is dominated by OBCs who constitute 53 per cent of the population, followed by dalits who add up to 25 per cent of the population. The upper castes constitute 12 per cent, 7 per cent are Muslims and 3 per cent schedule tribes. In the 2014 general elections, the BJP had won all four Lok Sabha seats from the Bundelkhand region. That gain came two years after the Samajwadi Party had won 24 Assembly berths and the Congress six in the 2012 Assembly polls. The BSP had won 15, and the BJP only five of the 53 seats. During the Lok Sabha polls, despite the Congress and SPs attempts, the entire region had swung towards the BJP for its promise of achche din. The BJP, which seemed upbeat after the third phase of polling, has been pressing on its advantage in the fourth phase. Reacting to the needs of the people in this water-scarce region, the Prime Minister on Monday promised to transform this belt like Kutch in Gujarat. Besides being an arid region, Bundelkhand also thirsts for jobs as unemployment remains a major issue in the region. The Prime Minister also blamed the Congress, SP and BSP for the poor plight of Bundelkhand. Home minister Rajnath Singh exhorted people to vote for the BJP, while the saffron sanyasin and Union minister Uma Bharati, who won from Jhansi, had been crisscrossing the region. Ms Bharati went on compare the Prime Minister with Marx and Lenin for his pro-poor demonetisation move. Besides the top party leadership, the RSS also spread out across the region to canvass for votes. For SP, too, has gone out all out to defend its turf. There have been huge rallies by UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress scion Rahul Gandhi over the past few days. The problem for the SP is that it is battling strong anti-incumbency sentiment in this region, and the BSP, which hadnt fared badly in the last round of Assembly elections, has been giving it a tough fight, a Congress leader said. Thats why the SP has given more seats to the Congress in the Bundelkhand belt. Another major battle will be fought in Rae Bareli, the home turf of Congress president Sonia Gandhi. Owning to her ill health, Mrs Gandhi has been unable to campaign in her own constituency Rae Bareli. On Tuesday it was the RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav who held the fort for her. Known for his rustic humour and acerbic tongue, Mr Yadav, while speaking to the media in Rae Bareli, described the Prime Minister as Donald Trumps twin brother. The Congress did not win even a single seat of the five Assemby segments in Rae Bareli in 2012 Assembly polls. Four seats were won by the SP, and one by an Independent candidate. The 53 Assembly seats going to polls are in the region on Thursday are spread across 12 districts that include Rae Bareli, Allahabad, Pratapgarh, Kaushambhi, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Mahoba, Banda, Hamirpur, Chitrakoot and Fatehpur. BSP turncoat Swami Prasad Mauryas son, Utkarsh Maurya, is contesting on a BJP ticket from Rae Bareli. Utkarsh had earlier contested thrice on BSP ticket and lost. Other prominent contestants in the fray include Independent minister Raghuraj Pratap Singh a.k.a. Raja Bhaiyya, senior Congress leader Anugrah Narain Singh and Vivek Singh, Aradhana Misra, daughter of Congress MP Pramod Tiwari, and former minister Ujjawal Raman Singh. A total of 630 candidates, including 50 women, are in the fray for this phase of the election. Meanwhile, according to a report of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), at least 17 per cent of the candidates in the fourth phase of elections have criminal cases against them. The BJP tops the list with 19 candidates, followed by Samajwadi Party with 13 candidates, BSP with 12 candidates and the Congress with 8. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had registered a case against the three accused on January 28 last year. New Delhi: A special court on Tuesday framed charges against three persons for allegedly hatching a criminal conspiracy to raise funds for the ISIS and recruiting people for the terror outfit. District Judge Amar Nath put on trial Sheikh Azhar-ul- Islam (24), Adnan Hassan (36) and Mohammed Farhan Shaikh (25), for alleged offences of criminal conspiracy (section 120B of IPC) and under provisions of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). The court listed the matter further hearing on March 29. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had registered a case against the three accused on January 28 last year. They were arrested the next day on arrival here from Abu Dhabi. According to the probe agency, Hassan and Shaikh had been frequently visiting the UAE in connection with job since 2008 and 2012 respectively, while Islam had gone to join them in the UAE in July, 2015. Hassan was earlier allegedly affiliated to the Indian Mujahideen and later got inclined towards ISIS, it alleged. The charge sheet filed by NIA had claimed that the accused persons, in connivance with other known and unknown associates, had hatched a criminal conspiracy to propagate ideology, recruit persons, raise funds and facilitate the travel of the recruited persons to Syria to join the ISIS and further its activities. Spread over an area of over 10 acres, the park has a host of recreational facilities and a specially designed 'rain forest'. Aerial view of the Prakriti Metro Park, a unique park created by the DMRC from waste materials at Shastri Park in New Delhi. The park was unveiled by Justice Swatanter Kumar, Chairperson, National Green Tribunal on Monday. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Delhi Metro has put to use huge amount of junk, mainly construction waste, to create art installations that have been displayed in a park, which was inaugurated on Tuesday. Located in east Delhi's Shastri Park, 'Prakriti - Metro Park', described as "one of a kind", was inaugurated by National Green Tribunal Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar in the presence of DMRC chief Mangu Singh. Spread over an area of over 10 acres, the park has a host of recreational facilities and a specially designed "rain forest" apart from the art installations. "Artists from across the country have come together to create these beautiful installations, all of which carry pertinent messages on a range of issues. Almost one third of the materials used in the park are salvaged materials," a Delhi Metro statement said. "Utilisation of top soil from various underground station sites, plantation of nature, medicinal and pollution absorbing plants, bird attracting plant species and creation of a 'Rain forest' are some of the other attractions," it said. This was one of the rare occasion when such a large number of rebels surrendered in the state. Kolkata: In a major success to the police in its crackdown against the Left wing extremists in Jangalmahal, seven Maoists, including two couples, surrendered themselves with arms and ammunitions to superintendent of police (West Midnapore) Bharati Ghosh at her office in Midnapore on Monday. This was one of the rare occasion when such a large number of rebels surrendered in the state. The rebels are identified as Saheb Murmu alias Jayanta, his wife Manasi Mahato, Dilip Singh, Dilips wife Malati Singh, Samir Mahato, Baidyanath Mahato and Banamali Mahato. Jayanta was the commander of three squads. Ms Ghosh said there were several cases, including abduction of officer-on-charge of the Sankrail police station, Atindranath Dutta, and the brazen attack on the Eastern Frontier Rifles personnel, pending against them. Appreciating them for shunning violence, she said they would be provided a rehabilitation package. We are calling upon those, who are yet to return to the mainstream, to leave the path of violence. The surrendered Maoists handed over an AK-47 rifle and seven country-made guns to the authorities. Sources in the state secretariat said that the finance department has also given the nod to the proposal of trifurcation. Kolkata: For better law and order, the Mamata Banerjee government has decide to create three new police districts by trifurcating the existing area of South 24 Parganas police. The development is significant as in the past few days; the law and order problem has rocked Bhangar and Bishnupur areas in South 24 Parganas, where public and private properties, including police vehicles have faced vandalism. The home and hill affairs department, which is headed by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, has proposed the creation of three new police districts. It will be placed in the next Cabinet meeting. The three police districts will be South Industrial Police district, Baruipur police district and Diamond Harbour police district, a senior official of the home department said. Sources in the state secretariat said that the finance department has also given the nod to the proposal of trifurcation. Two posts of superintendent of police (SP) and one post of deputy inspector general (DIG) will also be created for this purpose. Jhargram in West Midnapore was made a separate police district by Ms Banerjee during her first tenure as chief minister. Now South 24 Parganas will follow suit. The South Industrial Police District will have its headquarters at Alipore and will have as many as nine police stations Rabindranagar, Maheshtala, Budge Budge, Nodakhali, Bishnupur, Kolkata Leather Complex, Kashipore, Bhangore and Sonarpur police stations. The Baruipur police district with its headquarter in Baruipur will have as many as 10 police stations under its jurisdiction Baruipur, Joynagar, Kultali, Maipith Coastal, Canning, Jibantala, Basanti, Gosaba, Haldibari Coastal and Jharkhali Coastal. The Diamond Harbour Police District will have its headquarter in Diamond Harbour and will have as many as 19 police stations that include Diamond Harbour, Parulia Coastal, Mandirbazar, Kulpi, Raidighi, Mathurapur, Usthi, Falta, Ramnagar, Magrahat, Kakdwip, Dholahat, Namkhana, Frasergunj Coastal, Pathar Pratima, Gobardhanpur Coastal, Sagar, Gangasagar Coastal and Harwood Point Coastal. An SP-rank officer will oversee the functioning of each of the three police districts. After coming to power for the first time in 2011, chief minister Mamata Banerjee has excluded as many as nine police stations from South 24 Parganas police and brought them under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Police. The police stations are Behala, Thakurpukur, Kasba, Purba Jadavpur, Jadavpur, Tiljala, Regent Park, Nadial and Metiaburuz. BMC elections are referendum on the two netas leadership. Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar along with wife Anjali Tendulkar displays the indelible ink mark on their fingers after casting the vote for the municipal corporation election in Mumbai on Tuesday. (Photo: PTI) Mumbai: Mumbai on Tuesday decided who would rule Indias richest municipal corporation, which dwarfs many states in terms of its astronomical budget. This election, however, differed from all previous ones, with alliances being broken and a bitter exchange of allegations ensuing among former allies. Above all of this, the high voting percentage has left political parties wondering what exactly was on the voters minds. The outcome of Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections will decide the fate of two leaders Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who were leading their respective parties from the front and who are seen in ubiquitously displayed posters and banners. If Mr Thackeray wins, he will tower every other leader in the city; and if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) falters, Mr Fadnavis grip on the state BJP will be undermined. This election is a referendum on the chief minister and the leadership of Mr Thackeray. Also, all parties depend heavily on Mumbai for its funds and with a budget of Rs 37,000 crore yearly, the BMC is a golden egg-laying goose, which all wish to covet. The CM is being cautious, as he has trained his guns on local leaders, telling them that their position would be precarious if the pro-BJP voter turnout is bad. This highlights recent developments of internal rebellion within the BJP. However, BJP MP Poonam Mahajan, after exercising her franchise, said the partys decision to break ties with Sena has given an opportunity to young candidates, who otherwise would have not got a chance despite doing good work. During the Assembly polls, we observed that the percentage of BJP votes had increased. We have really good youth candidates who have done good work but never got a shot at contesting polls. Until people come out and exercise their franchise, they will not get the change they seek, she said. Optimistic about his partys performance, BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said, whether or not we get an absolute majority will be clear in two days, when the actual results are out. For the last 25 years, the Shiv Sena has been dominating Mumbai, irrespective of who ruled the state; the citys mayor has always been a Shiv Sainik. However, all these years, the Sena had been allied with the BJP, whom it considered as a younger brother. This time, things were different, and complex. The political dynamics in Mumbai have changed: The state for the first time has a BJP chief minister and the Sena is being forced to play second fiddle. In Mumbai too, the number of BJP MLAs exceeds the Senas by one, giving the former party reason to demand more seats from the Sena for the BMC elections. Shiv Sena MLC Neelam Gorhe said every election varies as per the context at the local and national level, and the social and political fabric is changing towards tolerance and local development issues. Senas strength is its 24X7 services for the people and its a strong organisation that has the dynamic leadership of Uddhavji Thackeray. We are confident of a grand victory in Mumbai, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik and a roaring performance all over the state, Ms Gorhe said. Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) appear to have lost the battle even before it started. While the formers chances were marred by internal strife, the NCP which has with no MLA in the city decided to keep its focus on rural Maharashtra. There are chances of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen emerging as a shocker for Congress with it winning more seats than the Samajwadi Party, NCP and, some say, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena. Tuesdays polls also saw several film personalities, including veteran actress Rekha, noted lyricist Gulzar, actors Paresh Rawal, Ranveer Singh, Sonam Kapoor, Anushka Sharma, Varun Dhawan, Shraddha Kapoor, John Abraham, Vivek Oberoi and director Zoya Akhtar, stepping out to vote. Zoya expressed hope that whoever gets elected this year works towards improving infrastructure and the environment. Overall, the battle in Mumbai appeared to be that of the Sena and BJP, with Congress coming into the picture only once or twice, and that too because of the internal bickering. Meanwhile, Axis-India Today exit poll predicted close contest between the Shiv Sena and BJP with both the parties winning more than 80 seats while falling short of absolute majority. The last time, both the parties contested the BMC election in alliance. The BJP had won 32 out of 63 seats it contested while Shiv Sena won 75 out of the 135 seats it contested. However, the exit poll has predicted that BJP will make huge gains this time by winning 80-86 seats, while the Sena will also increase its tally to 86-90 seats. The MNS, Congress and NCP will be losing the election badly, the exit poll said. CASPER John Wold, a renowned Wyoming oilman and philanthropist who also served in Congress, died Sunday night. He was 100 years old. Wold was best known in Casper as both an oil and gas man and a philanthropist who donated to educational causes. Those who knew him said he left an indelible impression on Wyomings industries and its politics. U.S. Sen. John Barrasso called Wold a "legend." "John did it all. He truly exemplified our Wyoming values and Western spirit," the senator said in a statement Monday. "I will miss John's friendship and his love for all things Wyoming." In his businesses, Wold was known for his vigor and curiosity. "John was probably the most hands-on, enthusiastic, optimistic explorer of things to do with energy that has been in the state of Wyoming," said George Bryce of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a family friend who worked with Wold's companies over the years. Wold first moved to Wyoming in 1949 with his wife, Jane, to work for Barnsdall Oil Company. The geologist and industry man started his own outfit, Wold Oil and Gas, the following year. He ran the company until the 1970s, when he passed leadership over to his sons, Peter and Jack, who still run the family business. Wold continued to be active in the oil and gas industry and community. He was an early developer of new technologies, and had particular faith in the underground gasification of coal in the Powder River Basin. Wold hoped to capture the vast reserves of coal too far beneath the surface to be obtained economically. With that in mind, he obtained the rights to 20 million tons of deep coal, but the technology never took hold. Over the years, Wold explored business ventures in virtually every extractive industry in the state, from coal, oil and gas to soda ash and uranium. "He thought large," explained friend and colleague, geologist Jimmy Goolsby. "He got a lot of things going that probably would never had been started if not for John Wold." He was also a lawmaker in the Cowboy State and later Washington D.C. First elected to the Wyoming Legislature in 1956, he became the youngest committee chairman in Wyoming history. He worked tirelessly to advance the Republican Party in Wyoming and went on to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives. Elected in 1968, he was the first geologist to serve in Congress. On hearing of Wold's death, members of the Wyoming's congressional delegations offered condolences to the family while celebrating the businessman's unique vitality. Barrasso noted the kindness and generosity of both Wold and his late wife Jane. Wold gave generously to Casper College, the University of Wyomings College of Engineering and Applied Science and his alma mater, Union College. He contributed $2 million to Cornell University, where he received his master's in geology, for the Wold Chair of Environmental Balance. Speaking to the Star Tribune in 2011, Wold said there needed to be a deeper understanding between environmental concerns and extractive industries like oil and gas. There should be a balance between responsible development of our minerals and desire to leave the country we work in more desirable in terms of agriculture and hunting and fishing, he said. Wolds wife passed away in 2015. They are survived by three children, Peter, Jack and Priscilla Longfield. Keep checking trib.com for more on his life and impact on Wyoming. Mr Navale headed for his wedding to be held in Ghatkopar only after he first cast his ballot at about 8.30am at a polling booth. Mumbai: So determined was Mahesh Navale, 24, a Parel resident employed as an executive with a private firm, to exercise his right to vote that not even his wedding came in the way. Mr Navale headed for his wedding to be held in Ghatkopar only after he first cast his ballot at about 8.30am at a polling booth in Navbharat School near Bhoiwada court. He was accompanied by his neighbours at Deep Residency Society where they all stay, and the wedding band all but waited outside the school compound for the groom and his guests to finish the task at hand before heading to the wedding venue. Mr Navale said that his wife, who hails from a village near Nagar, insisted that as she could not cast her vote, at least he should fulfill his duty as a citizen before tying the knot. Mr Navale said that the marriage had been fixed even before announcement of polling dates and hence, there was a huge debate in the family whether to go for voting or not. The family, relatives, friends and neighbours had a meeting on how to tackle the issue as the mahurat for marriage was 12.55 pm. While some were of the view that voting should be done after the marriage, others felt that the option would result in no one voting at all. As a result, it was decided to first vote and then head for the marriage, said Mr Navale. A neighbour and close friend of the Navale family, Jay, was instrumental in getting the entire programme charted out and in the morning on Tuesday, everyone gathered in the building before heading to the polling station. More than 100 people were present in the wedding procession that included a music band. We reached the venue and all eligible persons voted, after which we left for Ghatkopar, said Mr Jay. Mr Navale was happy that his wife insisted he vote and hoped that others too would vote in large numbers to ensure that the right candidate was elected. The guests will be chosen through a lottery system to dine with the King on 27th April A special website has been set up at www.WA50.nl for those hoping to win an invitation for the dinner on 27th April. (Photo: AFP) The Hague: Is your birthday on April 27? Do you celebrate a special birthday this year? Do you live in The Netherlands? If so, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander would like to invite you to dinner. The royal palace announced on Monday that to celebrate his 50th birthday this year, the popular king will invite 150 people to dine with him and his wife, Queen Maxima, at their palace in Amsterdam.A special website has been set up at www.WA50.nl for those hoping to win an invitation, and the lucky 150 guests will be chosen in a lottery on March 3. The draw is open only to those who share the king's birthday, live in The Netherlands, are over 20 and who are celebrating a "jubilee year" -- a birthday which is divisible by five, the palace said in a statement.In a specially filmed message, the king, seated at a beautifully laid table laden with cut-glass and vases brimming with tulips, says "one of these 150 seats could be for you. My wife and I are looking forward to it." The regal dinner will be held on April 28 -- so you can still celebrate your special day with family and friends.After the dinner, the palace on Dam Square, Amsterdam, will be open to the public for free for 50 hours.April 27 is an official holiday in The Netherlands to mark the king's birthday, and hundreds of thousands of Dutch don orange clothes and turn out for street festivities. The first King's Day was held in April 2014, after Willem-Alexander ascended to the throne when queen Beatrix abdicated in favour of her son. He became the first Dutch king in more than 120 years. He has infuriated liberals with provocative comments on race, religion and sex and appears to delight in his ability to offend. New York: A leading US conservative conference rescinded its invitation to provocative commentator Milo Yiannopoulos and a publisher canceled his book deal on Monday after old internet videos of him recirculated in which he discusses pedophilia. Yiannopoulos, in a Facebook video post, denied he ever condoned pedophilia and said one video of him was edited to give a misleading impression. Yiannopoulos, a Briton who is celebrated by some arch conservatives, was banned from Twitter last year after making highly controversial statements. He has infuriated liberals with provocative comments on race, religion and sex and appears to delight in his ability to offend. The chairman of the American Conservative Union, which sponsors the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, said on Sunday the group rescinded an invitation to this years Wednesday-Saturday event due to the revelation of an offensive video in the past 24 hours condoning pedophilia. We realize that Mr. Yiannopoulos has responded on Facebook, but it is insufficient, Matt Schlapp, chairman of the union, said in the Twitter post. CPAC is a high-profile annual gathering of conservative activists. President Donald Trump is among the scheduled speakers this year along with vice-president Mike Pence, White House chief of staff Reince Priebus and senior Trump adviser Stephen Bannon. Yiannopoulos is also an editor for the right-wing Breitbart News, which Bannon once headed. Earlier this month, the University of California canceled Yiannopoulos speaking engagement on the Berkeley campus when violent protests against his appearance broke out. Mr Trump, in response, threatened on Twitter to cut off federal funding for the university. The latest controversy stems from a video in which Yiannopoulos seems to suggest the standard for pedophilia is whether the younger partner has gone through puberty. At another point in the video, however, Yiannopoulos says the established age of consent, which is 16 to 18 years old in the United States, is about right. In his Facebook statement on Monday, Yiannopoulos denied condoning pedophilia. I find those crimes to be absolutely disgusting. I find those people to be disgusting, he said, while expressing regret he used the word boys instead of young men while discussing the benefits of relationships between men with large age differences. Book publisher Simon & Schuster said it canceled the publication of Dangerous, which was due out in June Reuters After careful consideration @simonschuster and its @threshold_books have cancelled publication of Dangerous by Milo Yiannopoulos, spokesman Adam Rothberg said on Twitter. Yiannopoulos acknowledged in a separate Facebook post: They canceled my book. Mr Trump interviewed four finalists on Sunday and may meet with some of them again on Monday, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. West Palm Beach: President Donald Trump may do another round of interviews for the position of national security adviser with new or existing candidates on Monday as he scrambles to fill the post following the ouster of Michael Flynn. Mr Trump interviewed four finalists on Sunday and may meet with some of them again on Monday, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said. White House officials made clear on Sunday that the new adviser would have autonomy over staffing decisions, an issue that has been reported to have thwarted some other candidates. The President interviewed acting adviser Keith Kellogg, former US Ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton, Lieutenant General H.R. McMaster and Lieutenant General Robert Caslen at his Mar-a-Lago resort. We may have some additional meetings and names tomorrow, Ms Sanders said in Florida. The NSA is one of the most senior jobs, holding influence over US foreign policy across the globe. Mr Trump has added Steve Bannon, his chief White House strategist, as a regular attendee of NSC meetings. Strategists have not typically been among NSC participants and Mr Bannons addition has drawn criticism because of his previous role heading website Breitbart News. Security forces had been on high alert in Pakistan after a wave of attacks killed more than 100 people last week. Security forces killed three suicide attackers outside the court in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Charsadda district, police said. (Representational Image) Peshawar: At least six persons were killed and 14 injured in a suicide blast and firing by terrorists outside a court in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Tuesday. Security forces killed three suicide attackers outside the court in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Charsadda district, police said. The three attackers attempted to enter the court premises in Tangi town through the main gate. They opened fire and threw grenades, prompting retaliatory fire by security forces deployed there. One bomber was killed in the firing at the gate and the second was killed as he entered the court. The third bomber died when he detonated his explosives, officials said. Deputy Commissioner of Charsadda said judges and lawyers were safe. He said due to tight security the bombers could not enter the court, but had they been successful in entering the premises it "would have been a catastrophe". A search and rescue operation was underway, he added. Ambulances have been rushed to Charsadda from Peshawar, approximately 30 kilometres away, where the Lady Reading Hospital has been put on high alert. The latest attack came as security has been tightened across Pakistan after a recent wave of terrorist strikes killed more than 100 people. On Thursday, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offesive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. A suicide bomber had struck a local court in Charsadda's Shabqadar area last year in March, killing 17 people. Musharraf said a holistic approach and planning was crucial at the moment to curb terrorism in the country. Islamabad: Pakistans former dictator General Pervez Musharraf has said his administration managed freedom fighters in Kashmir but later realised a political process was needed to negotiate the issue with India, a media report on Monday said. Mr Musharraf, who served as Pakistans President from 2001 to 2008 after he threw out the elected government in a coup in 1999, said his government was able to force India to discuss issues that New Delhi was unwilling to negotiate. In my tenure as a military chief and President, we were succeeding. We were able to bring India to the negotiating table and to sort out issues that India was not ready to discuss, he told Dunya News in an interview. He said his government was managing freedom fighters in Kashmir, and later they realised that a political process was required to negotiate further with India. Musharraf said a holistic approach and planning was crucial at the moment to curb terrorism in the country, in a possible reference to a series of deadly terrorist attack in Pakistan. Key startegic dialogue to improve bilateral ties today. Foreign secretary S. Jaishankar with top Chinese state councillor Yang Jiechi in Beijing on Tuesday ahead of Wednesdays India-China strategic dialogue. (Photo: PTI) Beijing: Foreign secretary S. Jaishankar held talks with Chinas top diplomat Yang Jiechi on Tuesday, ahead of a key strategic dialogue on Wednesday to improve bilateral ties hit by Chinese reluctance to support Indias admission into the NSG and back a United Nations ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader Masood Azhar. Mr Jaishankar, who arrived in China from Sri Lanka, met Mr Yang, who besides being the state councillor, is Beijings special representative for border talks between India and China. In Chinese official hierarchy, state councillor of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) is regarded as the top diplomat functioning directly under the countrys leadership. Mr Jaishankar is expected to meet Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi, besides attending an upgraded strategic dialogue with Chinas executive vice-foreign minister Zhang Yesui on Wednesday. Underlining the significance of the strategic dialogue, which was upgraded during Mr Wangs visit to New Delhi in 2016, China has deputed Zhang Yesui, also the head of the influential CPC committee of the Chinese foreign ministry for the parleys. Ahead of the talks, China has appeared unrelenting in its opposition to impose the United Nations ban on JeM chief Massod Azhar and ambivalent on Indias membership to the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group. India and Russia signed an agreement in October to jointly manufacture 200 of the KA-226T helicopters for the Indian Armed Forces. Abu Dhabi: Russia will start initial deliveries of military helicopters to India in 2019, with assembly and manufacturing to follow in Asia's fastest growing economy, the chief executive of state-owned manufacturer Russian Helicopters said on Monday. India and Russia signed an agreement in October to jointly manufacture 200 of the KA-226T helicopters for the Indian Armed Forces. Both countries have agreed to cooperate in energy and defense as India seeks to modernize its armed forces and build a nuclear industry and sanctions-hit Russia looks for investment and new markets. "The joint venture is in process and the first delivery will start in 2019. After-sales service will also be provided in India," said Andrey Boginsky, who took over as CEO in January. Some 60 helicopters will be delivered to India and the remaining 140 will be assembled or manufactured in India, he said at the International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. The company has started production of the advanced medium multirole Mi-171A2 helicopter, with four deliveries set for Russia this year, he said. China has shown an interest in the Mi-171A2, he added, without elaborating. Overall sales in 2017 are expected to grow at least 15 percent as demand for civil helicopters increases. "We expect to sell 220 helicopters this year," he said compared to 190 sold in 2016. Military helicopters account for two thirds of sales. "There is demand for civil helicopters and we plan to increase volumes," he said, adding that a key market is Iran, where there is demand from the oil and gas sector. Judges and public prosecutors removed. The number of laid off magistrates rises to 3886. They are accused of alleged links with Islamic leader Fethullah Gulen. 47 army officers on trial among them 37 members of a strike team that was supposed to kill Erdogan. Istanbul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Turkish authorities have dismissed 227 more judges and prosecutors. The Turkish news agency Anadolu reports that the move is part of the punitive measures taken by Ankara against the alleged perpetrators or supporters of the (failed) July state coup. The Higher Judicial Council estimates that there are more than 3886 judges now out of work. In the aftermath of the failed coup dEtat in Turkey last July, President Erdogan and the Turkish government have launched a campaign of repression against its alleged perpetrators. These include supporters of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen, believed to have masterminded the coup that left 270 people dead, and thousands wounded. In response to the failed coup, in recent months the Turkish authorities have arrested more than 41 thousand people, including teachers, soldiers, intellectuals, opposition politicians, businessmen, journalists, activists and ordinary citizens. About 100 thousand public sector officials have been suspended or laid off. Behind the new expulsion of hundreds of judges is the accusation of ties with the Gulen movement. Commenting on the decision, the vice-president of the High Judicial Council, Mehmet Yilmaz, added that another 200 judges and prosecutors - suspended in recent months for the same reasons - were reinstated. Also yesterday, in Mugla, the southern Turkish city, has opened the trial of 47 army officers accused of involvement in the coup of July State. Forty-four people, mostly soldiers, are in custody, while three more remain at large and will be judged in absentia. The defendants (pictured), many in suits, were conducted into the courtroom by security forces in front of cameras, between boos and the derisive shouts from those present. Prosecutors have asked several life sentences for each of the accused according to the charges of attempted murder of the president, violation of the constitution and membership of a terrorist organization. Those in the dock also included an assault team of 37 soldiers who were to have to carried out the plan. On the night of July 15 last Erdogan was spending a family holiday in an exclusive resort of Marmaris, on the Aegean. He reported that he escaped death by accident; two of the escort policemen died in the attack. Responding to questions from the judge, one of the accused said that the "mission" was to "withdraw" the president and bring him in Akinci Air Base [headquarters of the coup] "safe and sound." West and pro human rights activists groups renew the alert for the purges taking place in the country, in violation of human rights of citizens. The widespread opinion is that the authorities exploit the state of emergency - and the recent wave of attacks - to eliminate any voice of dissent and opposition to the president. In this context, the country is going through an institutional change that will transform the nation from the presidential parliamentary republic, with further expansion of Erdogan's powers and the ability to stay in office beyond 2019, actual natural expiry of the mandate. The constitutional referendum will be held on April 16 and it is likely that until the vote, the government and the president will continue the campaign of repression against dissidents and opponents. by Sumon Corraya The Commission for Dialogue and Ecumenism organized a workshop, attended by Catholics, Hindus and Muslims. "Politicians often work only for their own benefit." "Christians must create more interfaith seminars to reduce religious fanaticism in Bangladesh" Khulna (AsiaNews) - "I invite everyone to consult me at all times, if they hear news of persecution against Christians and Hindus. I will go on the site and will stop it": This is the promise uttered by Alhaj Nazrul Islam Molla, Chairman dell'Ulama League Dakop, sub-district of Khulna (south-western Bangladesh). The Islamic leader spoke at a seminar for Interreligious Dialogue at St. Michael's Church, Chalna parish. The event brought together 65 representatives: Catholics, Hindus and Muslims, all engaged in the creation of a society of peace and harmony. The seminar was organized by the Khulna Diocesan Commission for Dialogue and Ecumenism. Opening the meeting the bishop, Msgr. James Romen Boiragi, explained the reasons for such an initiative. "We want to promote the understanding between members of different religious groups- he said - we all need to know each other in depth. " This is because, he stressed, "the lack of mutual understanding brings misunderstanding and conflict between the various confessions." According to Msgr. Boiragi, often "political leaders are working only for their own benefit, and not to build peace. If the religious leaders work together, they could achieve peace in the easiest way through discussions and proposals ". For its part, Alhaj Molla Nazrul Islam said that "Islam is a religion of peace. Our Prophet Muhammad has suffered much in his lifetime to establish peace. We must do the same. " Then the Muslim leader, who is very influential in his community, invited everyone to report episodes of violence or discrimination committed against minorities. "If you see that someone - he asked - is trying to create problems in your groups in the name of Islam, inform me. I will address the problem and help you to solve it. " The Hindu leader Madon Mohon Roy said that the Hindu tradition maintains peace: "The god Krishna came to earth to establish peace. Respect for the religion of others is the only way to create a peaceful world ". Fr. Pietanza Dominico Mimmo, director of the Center for Interreligious Dialogue of Khulna and one of the organizers, believes that "these kind of seminars bring very positive results, with friendly relations between the members of various confessions." "Given that we Christians are a minority - he said - we should organize more similar opportunities to reduce religious fanaticism in Bangladesh". In Bangladesh, Christians are about 0.6% of a total of over 160 million inhabitants. Among Christians, the largest community is Roman Catholic, with almost 600 thousand faithful. CASPER One of the two victims of a shooting Thursday in north Casper has died. The male victim died Friday after being shot late Thursday night in his home on the 900 block of North Jackson Street, police said Monday afternoon. The second victim of the shooting, a woman who also lived in the home, remains hospitalized, authorities said. Casper police responded to the home about 10:30 p.m. Thursday and found the man and the woman with gunshot wounds after a third person called 911. No arrests were made in the shooting and nobody was in custody for questioning, Lt. Chris Hadlock said Friday morning. He said investigators had identified all the people involved in the shooting and that there was no danger to the community. Police have yet to release the victims' names, the nature of the shooting or any other details. "Sometimes we say it with shame we priests, we priests: 'I wish for that parish ...' - 'But the Lord is here ...' - 'But I would like that ...'. The same. Not the way of the Lord, but that road of vanity, worldliness. Even among us bishops the same happens: worldliness becomes as temptation. " Vatican City (AsiaNews) - May the Lord give us the grace of "holy shame" faced with the temptation of ambition that involves everyone, even in the ecclesial community, including priests and bishops, who are tempted by high society said Pope Francis at Mass this morning in Santa Marta, taking a cue from Jesus invitation to be servants to all. "We will all be tempted." He drew inspiration from the First Reading, which recalls that whoever wishes to serve the Lord must prepare for temptations, and the Gospel reading, in which Jesus tells his disciples of his impending death. The disciples do not understand why Jesus has told them of his coming death but are too afraid to ask what he means. This, the Pope said, is the temptation to not complete the mission. He said even Jesus suffered this temptation. The days Gospel also mentioned another temptation, that of ambition. The disciples argue along the way about who among them was the greatest, but remain silent when Jesus asks them what they are discussing. The Holy Father said they do not respond because they are ashamed of their words: These were good people, who wanted to follow and serve the Lord. But they did not realize that the path of service to the Lord was not an easy one. It wasnt like becoming part of a group, some charitable group doing good: No, it was something else. They were afraid of this. It happened, happens, and will happen. Let us think about infighting in a parish: I want to be the president of this association, in order to climb the ladder. Who is the greatest here? Who is the greatest in this parish? No, I am the most important here; not that person there because he did something And that is the chain of sin. Pope Francis also gave other examples of this temptation which brings one to speak poorly of another and to climb the ladder. Sometimes we priests say ashamedly within our presbyteries: I want that parish But the Lord is here But I want that one It is the same. It isnt the way of the Lord but the path of vanity, of worldliness. The same occurs even among us bishops: worldliness comes as a temptation. Many times [it is said]: I am in this diocese but look at how important that one is and I try to influence someone, or put pressure, to get somewhere Therefore, Pope Francis exhorted his audience to always ask the Lord for the grace to be ashamed when we find ourselves in these situations. Jesus, he said, overturns this logic. Sitting among his disciples he reminds them that if someone wishes to be first, they shall be last and the servant of all. Jesus then takes a child and places it in their midst, telling them Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me; and whoever receives me, receives not me but the One who sent me. The Pope asked his audience to pray for the Church, for all of us so that the Lord may defend us from ambitions and from the worldliness of wishing to be greater than others. May the Lord give us the grace of shame, of holy shame, when we find ourselves in that situation of temptation and to be ashamed: But am I able to think such a thing? When I see my Lord on the cross and I would want to use the Lord to climb the ladder? And may God give us the grace of the simplicity of a child. I imagine a final question: Lord, I have served you all my life. I have been the last all my life. And now what? What does the Lord say? Tell yourself: I am an unworthy servant. by Santosh Digal Sister Lizzy Chakkalakal heads Our Lady's Convent Girls Higher Secondary School in Kochi. In 2012 she provided the first house to a needy family. For her, the birth of a culture of sharing and mutual care among local people" is more important than just providing housing. Kochi (AsiaNews) "The Passion of Jesus drove me to open homes for the poor, said Sister Lizzy Chakkalakal, a member the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (FMM), an order present India since the early 1900s. The nun, 47, heads Our Lady's Convent Girls Higher Secondary School in Kochi, Kerala. In 2012, she provided the first House Challenge, a house for the citys poor. Since then, she has provided a total of 54. "My source of life and work is Jesus, who loved the poor, she told AsiaNews. This is my way of showing love, concern and solidarity to the poor. The Church is here to give hope and a better life to those in need. We are doing all we can for the poor out of love." In Kochi, a city on the southwestern coast of India, the nun has become a point of reference. Thanks to the co-operation of students, teachers, lay Catholics, as well as also ordinary people "of good will", she offers a roof to those in need. Her houses are available to everyone, regardless of faith or cultural tradition. Sister Lizzy noted that the cornerstones of the Franciscan Order are social justice, human rights, and the nourishment of the spirit. For this reason, her congregation has made the promotion of justice, human dignity, harmony and communion between people and communities the basic principles of its socio-pastoral ministry. For her, "The values of the Gospel and Jesus' actions are not abstract things. They are living and life-giving expressions They are to be lived and expressed in concrete actions. In actual terms, Our work of building houses for the poor and other missionary activities are meant to communicate love, justice, peace, care, concern and compassion for others, human rights, and dignity," she noted. The "House Challenge" is one way in which she can achieve something concrete for the families of students who live in miserable conditions. "I was assigned to be a teacher even though I wished to be a full-time social worker. So, one of her habits, after school hours, has been to visit the families of her students. During such meetings she realised that many of them were living in unsafe and undignified housing, and most of the parents suffered from some form of addiction like alcoholism. Children and women were the most vulnerable. This led her to the idea of the first house. At first it was just about people sharing materials and tools, following by the actual construction of a house. Donations from private individuals, public bodies and churches provide the funding for the construction of housing for the poor with the authorities choosing the needy family who can benefit. However, the most important thing for the nun "is the birth of a culture of sharing and mutual care among local people. No state is really safe for non-believers. You find creationist ideas in schools from Louisiana to New Jersey. You find efforts to send secular tax dollars to religious schools in Indiana and Florida. And, finally, you find polls done of all Americans demonstrating that plenty of families don't want their sons or daughters marrying atheists. There are many sad states of affairs. - Rev., executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State I am an atheist living in Mississippi, a state which consistently ranks #1 or #2 on every list of the most religious states in the U.S. Many atheists do not hesitate to suggest that no self-respecting atheist should live here or in any of the other ultra-religious states. They have a point. After all, there are many other states where atheists would find it far easier to make a home. While we are likely to face bigotry nearly everywhere one encounters high concentrations of Christians, some places are going to be better than others. And so, I certainly understand why many atheists have advised me to move.Of course, I don't particularly like being told what to do. That's one of my many flaws. It matters little whether it is the local Christians telling me to leave because "you don't belong here" or atheists in other states telling me to leave because "you'd be happier elsewhere." I'm not sure where I belong or even if there is anywhere I belong. I also don't know whether I'd be happier elsewhere. In any case, I recognize that the decision of whether to move or stay and fight is mine.If I was to adopt the position of someone giving advice to a young atheist nearing the completion of a college degree, it would be easy to suggest leaving a place like Mississippi. I can certainly understand why others would do so. Wouldn't most of us rather be in a place where our presence was tolerated vs. one where we were truly hated?At the same time, I think there is something to be said for standing one's ground and refusing to flee. Why should someone who grew up in Louisiana, Alabama, or Mississippi and still considers it home have to leave it behind due to the bigotry of the local Christians? And what about those who - for a variety of reasons -move. Isn't there something to be said for staying and working to make a difference for the benefit of everyone? I suppose that is something we each have to decide that for ourselves.I was eager to leave the state where I grew up because it seemed oppressively conservative, intolerant, and backward. I left it behind as soon as I turned 18, and I have not lived there since. Today, it has a reputation for being one of the more progressive states. I've had the opportunity to see this for myself when I have returned to visit. Funny how that worked out.I don't have any real attachment to Mississippi. I didn't grow up here, and I will never consider it home. I'll admit that it is tempting at times to flee for saner parts; however, I really like my job and most of the people I work with. So far, that has been good enough. I don't plan to retire here, but I could imagine staying here until I do. And if, while I'm here, I can help to improve the lives of others in whatever small way I can, then that is what I am going to do.I don't doubt that the day will come when the toll of Mississippi is finally too much for me. And yet, I also have the feeling that there is something I haven't finished here. There's at least some fight left in me still. With marijuana being legalised in more states in the US, an increasing number of large law firms in the country are also launching cannabis practices. The latest of those law firms, Boston-headquartered Foley Hoag, has created a team of six lawyers to deal with the booming industry, according to a report from The Boston Globe.The team was formed when an associate approached Kevin Conroy, administrative law partner and a former deputy attorney general, shortly after the legalisation of marijuana for recreational use in a Massachusetts ballot measure last year. Conroy, who is leading the practice group, said that the firm then investigated whether this is a practice group worth establishing. Three among the practice group specialise in regulatory law while the other three are specialists in corporate, labour and employment, and trademark law, respectively.Massachusetts legalised recreational marijuana in a ballot measure last year. Other US jurisdictions which have legalised marijuana for recreational use are Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Washington D.C.Based on that suggestion, we did about two-to-three months of due diligence, where we spoke to a number of firms that are our size in the state of Washington, Oregon and Colorado to determine whether there was a market for large firms to represent this industry on regulatory issues on the state level. And we determined that there is, Conroy told The American Lawyer.Its highly technical regulatory work that requires attorneys who know both politics and the law. We see some similarities to the [2012] gambling initiative, which we worked on, he told The Boston Globe.According to the publication, the recreational marijuana industry in Massachusetts is estimated to be worth more than US$1bn annually. The large projected market for states which have legalised the substance for recreational use has driven firms such as 891-lawyer Orrick to get involved with the industry. Greenspoon Marder; Kronick Moskovitz Tiedemann & Girard; and Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick have also launched marijuana practice groups.Foley Hoag is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts with offices in New York; Paris, France; and Washington D.C. It has 229 lawyers and had more than $173m in gross revenue in 2015, according to The American Lawyer. Free newsletter Subscribe to our FREE newsletter service and well keep you up-to-date with the latest breaking news, cutting edge opinion, and expert analysis affecting both your business and the industry as whole. Please enter your email address below and click on Sign Up for daily newsletters from Australasian Lawyer. Norton Rose Fulbright has confirmed that it will combine with US firm Chadbourne & Parke.The two firms will merge in the second quarter of 2017, creating a global law firm with more than 4,000 lawyers in 58 offices in 32 countries; significantly increasing the capacity of both firms.Crucially for Norton Rose Fulbright, it means an enlarged presence in the US with 1,000 lawyers.Joining forces with our new colleagues, we can offer our clients significant new capabilities in New York and Washington, DC., said NRF global CEO Peter Martyr, who also highlighted the increased capabilities in other key markets.We will benefit from new offices in Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Istanbul, and we will be able to offer our clients expanded capabilities in London, Dubai, Latin America and other key markets, Martyr said.The combined firm will operate under the existing Norton Rose Fulbright brand.Nine member firms of the Lex Mundi law firms network have worked together on advising a global manufacturer of consumer products on multijurisdictional compliance.The clients main point of contact with the network was New Zealand firm Simpson Grier, while Australias Clayton Utz was also involved along with firms in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, UK, South Africa and the US.The client has not been named but requested information on product distribution, sales and marketing compliance in key global markets.The next generation of lawyers will be supported by a new initiative from global law firm Baker McKenzie.The firm is giving its support to the Legal Innovation Centre based at Ulster University in Northern Ireland. It is the first of its kind in the UK and will have a global reach with the aim of advancing the use of technology-driven innovation in legal services and legal education globally.Baker McKenzie will work with the centre on research projects and on supporting students education. Australia is continuing to expand the number of visas that can be accessed online with China the latest country to be added to the facilities available on the web.More people than ever before are visiting Australia from China and the latest figures how that more than 840,000 visitor visa applications were received from Chinese nationals in 2015/2016.Indeed, the latest projections suggest that at current growth rates the number of visa applications from Chinese visitors will reach over a million by 2018.The continued expansion of online visas globally means that Chinese nationals are now able to apply online for a visitor visa with the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) making the whole process faster and easier.China is the largest citizenship country for visitor visa applications to Australia and the expansion will offer convenient 24/7 lodgement as well as the ability to check the status of applications online.This capability complements other visa initiatives introduced for Chinese visitors during 2016, including the trial of a fast track visa service for visitor visa applicants in China which started last March.Australia also started a trial of a 10-year validity frequent traveller visa for Chinese nationals in December and a trial of an online visitor visa lodgement service in Mandarin through the Department's service delivery partner in China.'It is another boost to tourism while at the same time reducing unnecessary red tape and ensuring we maintain the integrity of our visa programme,' said Immigration Minister Peter Dutton.This year has also been named as the China Australia Year of Tourism which has been launched in Beijing by Australian Trade and Tourism Minister Steven Ciobo who was accompanied by a delegation of chief executives of seven Australian airports to explore opportunities arising from a landmark open aviation market air services secured in December 2016.The arrangement removes all capacity restrictions between Australia and China for airlines of both countries and allows airlines of Australia and China to offer unlimited flights to and from any points in Australia and China, including international airports in regional Australia.'This is the first time China has signed such an agreement with any country. Capitalising on this historic agreement will drive more Chinese tourists to Australia. The more tourists we can get to Australia, the more jobs will be created. China is Australia's most valuable tourism export market, with the potential to be worth more than $13 billion by 2020,' said Ciobo. Hi! I dont think you have reasons to worry about.My partner and I were living together for almost 2 years but not constantly. At the moment of the application, we only had 10 continuos months. However, after some research, we found out that we only needed to prove that our relationship was a real one and prove that we were separate only temporally.Our Partner Temporary Visa was granted last week, after 14 months and 15 days.We didnt use an agent but only because I am a lawyer and pretty organized with documents. However, this process can be really tricky, so if you dont feel confident on doing it by yourself, the best option is going through an agent.I'm more than happy to give you any more tips at any time Hi Guys, I just got my 820 a few weeks ago after 15 months! Exciting yet another long wait till I get 801... Before I applied for 820, I was a visa 485 holder (Temporary Graduate) and was required to have private health insurance. However, I could only go for the ones for overseas people, which are generally more expensive than the local ones (I think) I did applied for Medicare 6 months ago (because I didn't know that you could apply as soon as your 820 application is lodged), but also I wonder if I could go for the local private health insurance now? Or is there some for visa 820 holder? I tried to google and could not find much in regards to this... Is Nissan taking the right decision by not bringing the all-new Micra to India? Dear Carlos (or should I say Ghosn San), First up, heartiest congratulations on the success of your baby, the Kwid. Sure, there were a few hiccups along the way and, by your own admission, some false starts too. But, boy oh boy, have you stuck it to Suzuki. All that crock about no one being able to make a car cheaper and deliver better value; 98 percent localisation sure blew a big hole in that myth. Heres hoping you drowned the father of the Kwid, Gerard Detourbet (of the French Foreign Legion) in some nice bubbly. An average of 9,600 cars a month; thats unreal. But now lets go from champagne to sake, from grapes to rice, from Boulogne-Billancourt to Yokohama. Clearly, things dont seem to be as tickety-boo, pardon my French, with Nissan India. And whats worse is that there seems to be something seriously amiss with the decision-making process. Take, for example, the curious case of the Micra. Why, it seems like only yesterday that we were being given a sneak peek of the all-new design, which at the time was known only as the K13. I still remember being hushed into a closed room at the Taj and being shown a large-sized model of the car. The retro headlights were sort of alright, but that was it. The two-part grille, I thought, gave it the look of a startled polecat, and then there was the rear, that resembled an Ambassador gone horribly wrong. This is final? I enquired, hoping it wasnt. But it was, and then someone from Nissan said car buyers cliniced said they loved it. Really? Well, thats the problem with clinics, I guess, you always seem to get the answers youre looking for. But the Micra didnt really have a hope in hell. Retro designs have almost no appeal here; Indian car buyers just see them as old, and thats a huge no-no. Little surprise then that the Micra took off like a lead Zeppelin. Now comes part two; which, truth be told, is even more baffling. Unveiled at the Paris motor show, the all-new Micra (K14) set the tongues a wagging. Clearly this was an all-new direction, a huge step forward, with nothing carried over. The retro looks were gone, in place of the cheap interiors were some seriously well-crafted bits and the car felt much larger on the inside and much better built. Yeah, Nissan had finally nailed it. Indian car buyers would love this car. I said as much to Nissans design head, Shiro Nakamura, standing close by, who clearly seemed very pleased with the results. Sure, it would be a bit more expensive and that would mean it would face some stiff competition here, but this car sort of has the appeal of a Hyundai i20, and Indian car buyers just love that car. The crazy thing is Nissan has no plans of getting the new Micra here ever. Yes, I know, localising a car here is a big task and getting it down to a competitive price, with global production now shifted out of India is like climbing Everest in stilettos. But betting the bank on the wrong car and then not getting the right one; is this the twilight zone? As the Kwid has proved, good cars sell, bad cars dont; it really is as simple as that. Yours, Still Baffled As the Samsung Tizen was underdeveloped, reports indicated that the most popular operating system in the world prevented the unwanted competition from developing faster. As a result, the Korean company got Google sued and is currently under investigation by South Korea's Fair Trade Commission. Initially, Samsung and Google signed an agreement when both decided to engage in smartphone software development. The agreement was initiated las 2011 which forced Samsung to be the first party for apps such as YouTube, Google Maps, and Gmail on all standard Android devices. However, South Korea's FTC suggested that the latter may have infringed the contract. In fact, an official of the FTC revealed that they are currently checking whether or not Google did prevent the Samsung Tizen TV from developing faster, reported Techno Buffalo. Before it ends as Google sued, the company remained adamant regarding the issue and claimed that other companies also use Android's source code in creating their operating system. However, they did not address whether or not they had anything to do with deferring the Samsung Tizen's development. In other news, Digital Trends reported that the law infringed, if allegations would be proven true, is South Korea's Antitrust Law. In fact, the Google's Korean firm was initially cleared of the allegations way back 2013. However, a reinvestigation was launched into AFA last year wherein issues were found. The said issues purported to the company interfering with the device in- question's development. Although the company found discrepancies, the spokesperson of FTC raised that they are still looking for possibilities to get Google sued. On the other hand, Google raised that Android is an open-source platform and that their partner agreements were all voluntary. Will that free the company from being sued despite the possibility of the issues being found true? At present, the FTC investigation is still ongoing. Although the case has been cleared last 2013, would the reinvestigation shed light on matters that will get Google sued? Will the allegations prove to be true and actionable? It may sound like a beginning of a science fiction movie, but BMW and LEGO were able to defy some fundamental laws of physics and design a flying motorcycle. Dubbed as the Hover Ride Design Concept, the flying motorcycle looks it was snatched right out of a futuristic film. The flying motorcycle is based on the LEGO Technic BMW R 1200 GS Adventure model kit. It is a model kit composed of 603 parts which allow LEGO enthusiasts to construct a miniature version of the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure best-selling bike, according to Financial Express. It appears that BMW was so impressed with LEGO's miniature take on the company's best-selling car that it has decided to create a full-sized replica. BMW's replica is equipped with front wheel propellers and its design simply screams futuristic. The design of the bike also makes it look like it is part of a "Transformers" movie. BMW Builds Life-Size Flying Motorcycle Based on a LEGO Kit - https://t.co/J8CCDY2gFz #motorcycle pic.twitter.com/EGCJ2ZdIl8 Joel D. Moses (@1800motorcycle) February 17, 2017 In a statement acquired by Daily Mail, BMW Motorrad head of sales and marketing Heiner Faust said, "BMW Motorrad approached Lego Group with the idea of a collaboration because the two companies have much in common: they both successfully combine innovation and tradition in their brands and products, providing unforgettable experiences for young and old alike all over the world." The Hover Ride Design Concept made its first official debut at the Lego World in Copenhagen, Denmark. BMW confirmed that the bike will be moved to various locations in order for other people to get a glimpse of what future bikes might look like. The Hover Ride Design Concept will not hit the market soon, as it is just a concept idea. However, BMW said that the company is optimistic about the bike's futuristic concept. BMW will most likely play with the idea behind this concept bike in order to create a realistic one that really works. Five occupants of a King Air, including four Americans on a golf holiday, were killed when the aircraft crashed into the roof of a large shopping mall in Melbourne, Australia, Tuesday. No one was hurt on the ground, likely because the accident occurred about 9 a.m., just before the mall opened for the day. Most of the aircraft ended going through the storeroom roof of a store in the mall. Staff of the store were not in that area. The pilot was identified asMax Quatermain, a professional pilot with 38 years of experience, who operated the King Air as a charter business. He reported catastrophic engine failure in two radio calls after takeoff. The Americans on board have been identified as Greg De Haven, 70, Russell Munsch, Glenn Garland, and John Washburn, 67, all from Texas. Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane, of the Victoria (State) Police, said the charter aircraft had taken off from Essendon Airport, a GA airport next to the mall, about eight miles from Melbournes city center.The aircraft was on its way to King Island, which is between Melbourne and Tasmania and is a popular vacation spot in the southern summer. Daniel Andrews, the premier of Victoria, said the mishap was the worst civil aviation accident that our state has seen for 30 years. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is expected to release more details as the investigation continues. 21 February 2017 18:18 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov Armenias aggression against neighboring Azerbaijan resulted not only in the occupation of 20 percent of its internationally recognized territories, but also caused great economic and moral damage to the Azerbaijani population. The damage inflicted to Azerbaijan by the occupation of its lands was calculated in the amount of $819.15 billion, the working group on the assessment of damage in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan told Trend on February 21. Armenia occupied over 20 percent of Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territory, including Nagorno-Karabakh and seven adjacent regions, after laying territorial claims against its South Caucasus neighbor that had caused a lengthy war in the early 1990s. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and nearly one million were displaced as a result of the war. The occupied cities such as Shusha, Agdam, Fizuli, Jabrayil, Zangilan, Gubadli were completely ruined and plundered by the Armenian armed forces. Today, not a single historic and cultural monument or tombstone belonging to Azerbaijani nation can be found in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. In total, Armenians plundered and set alight 464 historical monuments and museums and nine palaces of historical importance. 152 sacred places and temples, including 62 mosques remaining in the occupied territories have fallen victim to Armenian aggression. The working group collected hundreds of thousands of documents and facts confirming the damage caused by the occupation and the Khojaly genocide, as well as other terrorist acts carried out by the Armenian aggressors. In the course of work, the group collaborated with various international organizations and attracted international experts for assessment of the damage. As a result, the working group determined the final amount of damage Armenia inflicted to Azerbaijan. Thus, the damage caused to the population of Azerbaijan made up $147.8 billion. A total of $140.4 billion of this damage consisted in humanitarian and moral losses due to the destruction of the population and deprivation of health and standard of living, while the rest $7.4 billion lied in material damage to the population because of the destruction of property. The damage caused to the state amounted to $126.46 billion, including the damage in the social ($33.93 billion) and economic ($92.53 billion) spheres. The damage caused to the environment and natural resources hit $244.42 billion, while the damage to historical and cultural monuments made up $177 billion. As for excessive military expenditures, restrictions and losses in connection with the Armenian occupation of the Azerbaijani lands, the volume of the damage is $124.47 billion. The final report will be submitted to the relevant authorities. The working group was established in October 2013 according to the Cabinet of Ministers' decree. It operates under the state commission for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the occupied Azerbaijani territories. The Presidential Administration, as well as Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of the State Committee on Refugees and IDPs Ali Hasanov, and a number of ministries and committees assist in the activity of the group. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 10:51 (UTC+04:00) By Javier Solana The world needs the European Union now more than ever. Despite recent crises and the hard blow dealt by the Brexit vote, the EU may well be the worlds best line of defense against todays most serious threats: isolationism, protectionism, nationalism, and extremism in all forms, all of which are once again growing in Europe and beyond. The key to enabling the EU to meet this potential to save itself and the world from catastrophe is for member states urgently to adopt a European Union first mantra. Unlike the America first credo embraced by US President Donald Trump, such a mantra would not be an exercise in damaging unilateralism. On the contrary, it would compel member states governments to look beyond narrow national interest, defend openness and multilateralism, and confront head-on the exclusionary political forces that have lately been gaining ground. It would drive member states to consolidate the EU, thereby enabling it to overcome the challenges it faces and help preserve the international order. That order is neither an inessential accessory nor a post-war relic. It has supported global prosperity and stability for 70 years. We need it together with the multilateralism on which it is built to confront many of the economic, environmental, and strategic challenges we now face, challenges that cannot be addressed at the national level. A cornerstone of the existing international order is the recognition that maintaining peace and human welfare requires an understanding of and respect for the needs and interests of others needs and interests that are no less legitimate than our own. Multilateralism is not a product of unsustainable solidarity, as some like to claim; it is the result of an enlightened interpretation of ones own interests. With a constructive attitude, even a large number of disparate actors can reach agreements in which everyone wins by yielding a little; without it, prospects for sustained peace and widely shared prosperity become far bleaker. If all countries put their own interests first, paying no heed to others, competition will quickly overwhelm common interests. If nobody is ever willing to yield, we will all lose. If we depend solely on bilateral deals, the shared spaces and synergies that facilitate agreement on difficult but vital topics from climate change to security will narrow until they disappear. This is why Trumps embrace of an American first mantra is so worrying. As the worlds leading power, the US sets the tone of cooperation and often provides the incentives for other countries to participate. If the US maintains a unilateral and isolationist stance, other countries are almost certain to follow suit, endangering everyone including the US. Recently, the Trump administration has begun to moderate some of its foreign-policy positions. In particular, Trump has finally agreed to honor the One China policy. He also seems to have rectified his approach to Japan, after having raised doubts about his willingness to follow through on Americas security commitments. These developments imply that the administration is beginning to recognize the need for a more constructive approach. That recognition may arise partly out of an understanding of history. Experience has shown that the most effective way to prevent conflicts is through inclusion and cooperation. Exclusionary rhetoric plays into the hands of those who reduce identity to nativist definitions. When such figures nationalists and populists have been left to guide policy in the past, the result has been large-scale conflict. At a time when global power dynamics are in flux, as is true today, the risk of such an outcome is even greater. Today, an effort is being made to incorporate emerging powers particularly China more deeply into the existing structures of global governance. Casting doubt on these structures, which have sustained stability over the last seven decades, would merely fuel more nationalism and competition, opening the way for volatility and conflict. If the US cannot be counted on to support global stability, the EUs model and experience will become even more important. The EU is the embodiment of inclusion, cooperation, and democratic values. Despite its flaws, the EU has proved time and again how differences can be resolved peacefully and constructively. Its member states are uniquely committed to multilateralism; indeed, we practice it daily. The results speak for themselves. No one can doubt that the EU has been a guarantor of peace, democracy, modernity, and progress for all of its members. Its community model which requires cooperation, negotiation, and compromise to reach any consequential decision amounts to a check on extremism, because no member country can push radical policies forward without other members pushing back. This is not to say that EU countries face no risk of falling victim to simplistic populist rhetoric. On the contrary, the point is to highlight why EU member states must dedicate themselves to the continued construction of a stronger and deeper union. For the sake of Europe and the world, it is time to put the EU first. No one knows better than Europe the consequences of extremism and nationalism or how to overcome them. With an enlightened and supranational spirit, the EU has achieved a sustained peace that would have seemed impossible a century ago. It must not lose sight of that achievement. Instead, it must continue to advance the union, and show the world what multilateralism can do. Copyright: Project Syndicate: The European Union First --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 12:33 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli A realization of the energy corridor among Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia will be discussed in March. This project was discussed today [February 21] with the Energy Minister of Iran. We agreed that in mid-March, our specialists will meet and discuss the implementation of the project and requirements specification of the Feasibility study, Ria Novosti quoted Alexander Novak, Russian Energy Minister as saying. The export of electricity from Russia to Azerbaijan and further to Iran will be carried out on North-South energy corridor. The combining of power systems of the three countries will create an opportunity for the expansion of export-import operations. Azerbaijan will strengthen its position as an exporter and transit of electricity. A Memorandum of Understanding on the exchange of electricity between Iran and Azerbaijan was signed in December 2015. In early 2016, Iran expressed interest in linking the electricity networks with Azerbaijan and Russia. Islamic Republic's Energy Minister Hamid Chitchian earlier said that all three countries will benefit from linking the electricity networks. In response, Azerbaijan confirmed the interest and readiness for resuming the meetings as part of the tripartite working group. Azerbaijan has already turned from a country importing electricity to the country exporting it. The export potential is growing, while the country enjoys the relevant infrastructure for transmission of electricity. This corridor can provide the energy exchange between the three countries and entry to the new markets. The countrys power plants generated 2.19 billion kilowatt hours of electricity in January 2017, which is by 5.6 percent more than in the same period of 2016. Thermal power plants generated 1.98 billion kilowatt hours of the total commercial electricity generated in January 2016, while hydro-power plants generated 116.6 million kilowatt hours. Wind farms produced 1.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity and solar power plants 2.7 million kilowatt hours of electricity in the reporting period. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 11:59 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova Turkey is ready to exempt importers of products manufactured in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan from paying customs duties. Turkeys Minister of Food, Agriculture and Livestock Faruk Celik in an exclusive interview with Trend said that to meet the needs of Turkeys eastern provinces in food products, certain goods can be imported from neighboring countries as part of the border trade. "At the same time, Turkey must act in accordance with the rules of the World Trade Organization," the minister noted. Turkey imposes high tariffs on imported production, namely on the import of agricultural production, to secure its domestic market. For a certain period of time, Baku and Ankara has been in talks on giving customs privileges to the exporters of goods, produced in Nakhchivan to expand export of Azerbaijani production to Turkey. Back in 2016, the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkey adopted a resolution on regulation of border trade. Under the document goods from Nakhchivan will be imported within the set limit. "In line with this resolution, zero rate of customs duty will be introduced for goods imported from Nakhchivan, the minister clarified. He further emphasized that Nakhchivan is a nexus between Turkey and Azerbaijan mentioning that the Autonomous Republic has strategic importance due to its location. Turkeys Customs and Trade Minister Bulent Tufenkci earlier voiced his countrys intention to simplify customs procedures with Azerbaijan, and establish a green corridor, similar to the one existing between Russia and Turkey. Green Corridor mode, which implies simpler customs clearance, may provide smooth transit of goods. One of the advantages of the regime is that goods transported by entrepreneurs do not have to undergo customs inspection and examination when crossing the border. Moreover, the mechanism also applies to documents, minimizing certain bureaucratic issues. Besides, Baku and Ankara continue technical discussions on the draft of the preferential trade agreement. Turkey actively pushes trade in local currencies with a number of countries and offers Azerbaijan to use the manat and the lira for mutual payments in bilateral trade. The two countries signed a protocol on creation of the Joint Committee on Customs Issues in 2015 during the visit of a Turkish delegation to Baku. Though mutual trade between Turkey and Azerbaijan has been growing steadily over the last 15 years, the top officials of both countries have been repeatedly saying that the current level of trade turnover is far below the real potential of the economic ties of the countries. Turkey became the main trade partner of Azerbaijan in 2016, while trade turnover between the countries amounted to $2.3 billion, with some $1.13 billion of the sum accounting for export and $1.18 billion falling to a share of import operations. The countries plan to bring the volume of trade turnover to the level of $15 billion in the coming years. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 11:03 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijani artist Ashraf Heybatov will display his works in Berlin on February 25, Azertac reported. Entitled "Justice for Khojaly", the exhibition is dedicated to the Khojaly genocide committed by the Armenian armed forces in early 1990s. In 1992, the town of Khojaly, the second largest town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, came under intense fire by the Armenian armed forces. Some 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, and the fate of 150 people remains unknown. Civilians were shot at close range, scalped, and burned alive. Ashraf Heybatov is the only Azerbaijan artist whose solo exhibitions were organized at President`s Palace in Bucharest, art galleries in Malta, Vatican, Royal cultural center in Jordan, the UN headquarters in Geneva, NATO and CoE headquarters in Brussels. He is a member of UNESCO International Association of Art, and chairman of the Association of Azerbaijani cultural figures in Europe. Heybatov is well-known for his thought-provoking work which reflects the Azerbaijani spirit in terms of history, culture, customs and traditions. The Azerbaijani artist has been awarded the title Honored Artist of Azerbaijan in recognition of his contribution to the development of Azerbaijani art. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 14:00 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Russian holiday "Maslenitsa" was celebrated in Baku, Trend Life reported. Colorful events were held in "Modern" Educational complex and Azerbaijans National Art Museum. A theatrical presentation took place at Baku`s "Modern" Educational complex. The programme featured musical and dance performance, various games and others. A similar celebration was held in Azerbaijans National Art Museum as part of the Museums as bridges between cultures project. Maslenitsa welcomed its guests with performance of the folklore ensemble. Visitors cooked pancakes and made talisman that protect its bearer. The events were organized with the support of the Russian Information and Cultural Center in Baku. Maslenitsa, also known as Pancake Week, is the last week before Lent. It celebrates the end of winter, symbolized by the burning of effigies. The celebration has been getting more popular in recent years! In Slavic mythology, Maslenitsa is a sun-festival, personified by the ancient god Volos, and a celebration of the imminent end of the winter. In the Christian tradition, Maslenitsa is the last week before the onset of Great Lent. Everyday there is a special activity. For example, on Tuesday different games are held in the open air. Everyone can take part in them. On Wednesday you have to visit your mother-in-law and eat pancakes at her place. On Thursday you can go sled-riding. On Sunday a straw effigy symbolizing winter is burnt. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 17:51 (UTC+04:00) The annual Munich Security Conference has traditionally been a venue for discussions on pressing security matters on the geopolitical agenda, and this years event promised to be no different. The discussions at the Conference, which brought together world leaders, diplomats, and defense and security experts, have once again showed that Europe's growing vulnerability due to long-lasting conflicts in its territory. The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is the very conflict threatening the security of not only the South Caucasus region, but also the entire Europe. This was the message conveyed, if not confirmed, by President Ilham Aliyev, who attended the Munich Security Conference, sometimes referred to as the "Davos of Defense" or the "Munich Davos". The conflict emerged three decades ago. This is not long in terms of history, but it is a considerable period for generations, which was forced to pass through the occupation of lands, ethnic cleansing and a number of other consequences of the war. The conflict has brimmed and simmered for many years, but, the international community overstated it. Maybe the assessments of the conflict were pessimistic, due to which the situation is now even worse than one feared, as graver escalation could draw in powerful neighboring countries. The policy of blindness and double standards pursued by the international community for years did not ease but only fan the conflict, while Armenia relying on its non-punishment staged political and military provocation each time there rose a hope for the peaceful resolution. The Armenian side resorts to provocative actions, strongly violates the ceasefire regime on the contact line of troops, violates certain agreements reached in the settlement of the conflict, thus hampering peace talks. That targets provoking Baku and keeping the status-quo, which promise nothing good. The fragile peace in the region carries unpredictable consequences in the South Caucasus, as well as Europe, not least because oil and gas pipelines important to Europes energy security lie close to the Karabakh front line. The renewed military actions have the potential to shatter the whole established security complex, particularly that of the Caucasus and that of Eastern Europe in general. The Caucasus region has a population of more than 30 million and is very diverse politically, ethnically and religiously. Besides, apart from Nagorno-Karabakh, there are still zones of potential conflict in South Ossetia, Abkhazia and the threat of extremism in the North Caucasus. Possible consequences include the involvement of regional powers - Russia, the EU, Turkey and Iran - and the escalation of conflicts from both the South and North Caucasus to Eastern Ukraine and Transnistria. Europe should have long realize that the term frozen conflict used in regard to Nagorno-Karabakh is now more embracing that it used to be. This is a road to nowhere, resumption of the military escalation promises even larger causalities. Bringing the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to the forefront of the discussion in Munich, President Aliyev once again drew the attention of the international community to the existence of double standards in the approach of some global players in this matter. These superpowers show proper respect to the objectivism of a problem in some cases, while in the Nagorno-Karabakh issue somehow demonstrate a subjective approach. For example, although the UN Security Council resolutions, which stated the necessity of withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the occupied Azerbaijani territories, have not been fulfilled, no sanctions have so far been imposed on Armenia. The country-aggressor did not face any pressure despite the fact that it seized the territory of another state. President Aliyev emphasized that all the conflicts must be solved on the same principle, on the same approach, territorial integrity of every country must be respected, cannot be violated, and internationally recognized boundaries cannot be changed by force. Highlighting all these important facts, the president stated that Azerbaijan will not allow the establishment of a second Armenian state on its territory, calling on the international community to act in accordance with the resolutions and norms of international law, instead pursuing a policy of double approach. To find a peaceful solution to a generation-old conflict, it is vitally important to unify forces to solve this issue and work effectively, not just watch as events unfold there. The UNSC resolutions must be implemented in full and this is Bakus stance on the issue. Being open to discussing various ideas, Baku, exclude any discussion on territorial integrity as it will bring chaos. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 15:34 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijan Hotels and Restaurants Association, DAIR, held a meeting of experts of the Ministry of Taxes and representatives of the hospitality and local tourism sector. Held in JW Marriott Absheron Hotel, the meeting discussed such important issues as innovations in the tax system and its implementation, as well as issues relating to tax policy in tourism sector. Azerbaijan` s Taxes Ministry was represented by Nijat Imanov, the head of department on tax policy and strategic research and Namig Dargahov, the head of department on strategic studies. The ministry's experts shared the details of changes in the tax code, including the calculation of VAT, introduction of e- invoices, the ban on cash transactions, etc. The meeting also discussed the issues related to the development the tourism and hospitality industry, including creation of 2-3 star hotels, regulation of tax burden and etc. Chairman of the DAIR Board, Samir Dubendi noted that in order to increase the number of 2-3 star hotels it is necessary to motivate entrepreneurs by means of tax relief that will attract the segment of small and medium-sized businesses. Due to lack of room stock in the economy segment, the sector of individual services increased, providing tourists with private apartments and houses. Some of them offer services like a private apartment, others function as hostels, and this leads to unfair competition with hotels. The use of apartments or private homes for tourism purposes is quite normal and accepted. However, such property must meet certain standards and the owner must be registered as a taxpayer. In this case we will achieve a fair tax burden and compliance with standards. We need to be more attentive to the functioning and protection of the business interests of hotels. Necessary steps will be taken in this direction, he said. The meeting also presented 11 companies and individuals that recently entered DAIR. Among them are the Hyatt Regency Baku, JW Marriott Absheron Baku Hotel, Baku Airport Hotel Sheraton, Bosfor Hotel, New Baku Hotel, City Mansion Hotel, as well as service and distribution companies Ayg Surucu, Rama Service, individual members of the Association are teacher at the Azerbaijani University of Tourism and management Flora Karimova and the service manager of AF Hotel Ibrahim Gafarov. Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 13:22 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The referendum held in the temporarily occupied territories of Azerbaijan violates not only the Constitution of Azerbaijan, but also the norms and principles of international law, and, accordingly, cannot have legal force. Georgian political scientist Guram Markhulia made the remarks in an interview with Day.az. The so-called constitutional referendum was held on February 20 in Azerbaijans occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region, which is now ruled by a puppet regime controlled by Armenia. Markhulia said that all these attempts show that Armenia is not interested in a political solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Obviously, the illegal regime, established by Armenia in the occupied Azerbaijani territories, demonstrates a policy of aggression and capture, the expert said. He reminded that Nagorno-Karabakh is an Azerbaijani territory, which is recognized by all international organizations and states. Four UN resolutions were adopted supporting this fact and demanding the withdrawal of occupying forces of Armenia from the Azerbaijani territories. Therefore, undertaking of this "action", regardless of its results, has no legal force, Murgulia said. The expert further noted that Armenia through its political insinuations tries to show the international community that Nagorno-Karabakh is allegedly a separate "country" and "Karabakh people" are supposedly trying to amend at "referendum" the allegedly existing in the occupied territories "constitution." Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry, as well as the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair states, namely Russia, the U.S. and France, and a number of other countries, including Georgia, confirmed that they do not recognize the referendum in Nagorno-Karabakh. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia still controls fifth part of Azerbaijan's territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding districts. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz DEVILS LAKE -- A Devils Lake angler has caught what likely will be the new world line-class record white bass on Devils Lake as recognized by the International Game Fish Association. Blake LaFleur caught the white bass Feb. 13 in 40 feet of water in the main basin of Devils Lake using 2-pound test line. The big fish weighed 4.27 and 4.32 pounds on separate scales and measured 18 inches long with a 16-inch girth. LaFleur caught the fish on Asson Micron 3, an Italian monofilament line that was rated at 1.5 pounds with a breaking strength of 1.6 pounds. He used a palomar knot and a 4-pound fluorocarbon leader to complete the rig. LaFleur says he studied the rules, which included 15 pages of specific requirements, to pursue the record and contacted the IGFA by phone and email to assemble the appropriate tackle. Both scales, along with 50 feet of the line he used, are being sent to the IGFA. The existing line-class record white bass for 2-pound test line is 3.5 pounds. I broke the first six knots I tried to tie, he said. Longtime pursuit In an interview with Devils Lake Tourism, LaFleur said he has been targeting the big lakes white bass about six years, a quest that began while he was fishing perch through the ice. Not many people catch bass under the ice, and after battling a few on light tackle, I became intrigued, LaFleur said. Friends Clayton and Kurt Davis of Belcourt, N.D., joined him in the pursuit. Together, we hunt to find them, and the tactics have evolved to the point where only the biggest bass are targeted, LaFleur said. LaFleur used a 43-inch custom Thorne Brothers perch rod to catch the white bass, which hit a 1/16th-ounce Northland Tackle Buckshot Rattle Spoon. With line that light in 40 feet of water, there wasnt any room for error. These big bass go crazy at the hole, and to turn one and bring it up, the leader was necessary, he said. The 6-inch hole was another problem. When his head finally pointed up, he became wedged in the hole. I plunged my hand into the ice-cold water all the way to my armpit and grabbed it. LaFleur said he moved 25 times, hunting by drilling hundreds of holes until stumbling into the school and hooking the fish. I had never fished that spot before, he said. White bass in wintertime feed on larvae in the bottom of the lake, and getting them to bite requires annoying them to bring out their natural aggression, LaFleur said. This passion might seem odd to many, but we have fun and enjoy what we consider the finer side of fishing, LaFleur said. White bass in winter act much like lake trout. Its a cat and mouse game. Lures must be kept close, but not so close to the fish that they ignore it, and not so far away they lose interest. Electronics are crucial, and when the flasher screen shows 10 to 12 feet of bass, thats when action really picks up. We call this the mob, and when the rapidly moving school arrives, it is game-on, LaFleur said. Playing cat and mouse with the jigging spoon, LaFleur fishes the top of the mob. These monster white bass bulldog for 20 seconds or more, screaming through the rest of the mob, and that triggers the entire school, he said. He alternates the Buckshot with another favorite, a Clam Corp. blade-spoon, to find the optimum presentation. Deep water When the sonar screen shows fish, the key is recognizing they are white bass, not perch. Another factor is that every white bass yanked from their comfort zone 40 feet under will kill them. Catch and release is not an option, LaFleur said. What my friends and I do is limit the number of fish we catch and limit the number of trips. That is our catch and release system. So far this winter, LaFleur has only fished five times for white bass. His job with I.F. LaFleur and Sons, a coin-operated amusement business in North Dakota and northern Minnesota, demands his full attention, as do two young LaFleurs, ages 1 and 4. Once he has submitted everything to the IGFA, LaFleur said it will take several months for the likely world record fish to be certified. Devils Lake has a longtime reputation for producing big white bass. North Dakotas state record white bass -- a designation that has nothing to do with the IGFA record -- measured 19 inches and weighed 4 pounds, 10 ounces. Charlie Vang of Brooklyn Park, Minn., caught the state record white bass June 10, 2012, while fishing Six-Mile Bay. 21 February 2017 15:24 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The Khojaly Genocide is the greatest injustice against humanity, said Vladimir Fekete, the Ordinary of the Roman Catholic Church's Apostolic Prefecture in Azerbaijan. Fekete, addressing an event at the Caucasus Muslims Office on February 21, said that people in Khojaly were subjected to genocide, and added that he will always pray for them. The perpetrators of the Khojaly genocide will be punished. God will punish them, he stressed. The town of Khojaly was situated within the administrative borders of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Its population constituted over 7,000 people. Late into the night of February 25, 1992, Khojaly came under intensive fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by Armenian armed forces. The Armenian forces, supported by the ex-Soviet 366th regiment, completed the surrounding of the town already isolated due to ethnic cleansing of the Azerbaijani population of the neighboring regions. The joint forces occupied the town, which was ruined by heavy artillery shelling. Thousands of fleeing civilians were ambushed by the Armenian forces. Punitive teams of the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh defense army reached the unprotected civilians to slaughter them, mutilating and scalping some of the bodies. 613 people were killed, including 106 women, 70 elderly and 83 children. A total of 1,000 civilians were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, and 25 children lost both parents, while 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 remains unknown. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 16:40 (UTC+04:00) By Rashid Shirinov The events in Khojaly are the most terrible act committed by Armenians against Azerbaijani people, said Mubariz Gurbanli, the Head of Azerbaijans State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations. Gurbanli announced about this at an event dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the Khojaly genocide at the Caucasus Muslims Office on February 21. He stressed that those involved in this crime will be punished for their actions, and noted that the Armenians committed several genocides against Azerbaijanis. The world recognizes the Khojaly genocide. Our work in this direction continues. Christians, Jews and other communities stand in solidarity with the people of Azerbaijan, he said. Highlighting the strength of the Azerbaijani army, Gurbanli said that if not patrons of the Armenians, Azerbaijan would have already liberated its lands. Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Public Associations and Religious Organizations Siyavush Novruzov, in turn, said that there are serious documents related to the Khojaly tragedy and noted that international organizations and the European Court of Human Rights should pay attention to the issue. Those who committed the Khojaly genocide, sooner or later will be punished, standing before the international court, Novruzov said. Besides, the Caucasus Muslims Office have sent an appeal to religious leaders, parliaments, international organizations and the European Court of Human Rights, urging them to give a principled political and legal assessment to acts of aggression and atrocities committed by Armenian extremists against the Azerbaijani people and to recognize the crimes committed in Khojaly as an act of genocide. Khojaly, the second largest town in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan, came under intense fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by the Armenian armed forces in 1992. 613 civilians mostly women and children were killed in the massacre, and a total of 1,000 people were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, 25 children lost both parents, and 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, and the fate of 150 of them remains unknown. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 10:30 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has met outgoing Japanese Ambassador Tsuguo Takahashi, Azertac reported. The sides exchanged their views on the favorable potential for the development of cooperation between the two countries in various fields, especially economic and trade areas. Ambassador Tsuguo Takahashi expressed his gratitude for the assistance to him during his tenure. FM Mammadyarov wished Ambassador Tsuguo Takahashi every success in his future endeavors. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 13:32 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova Azerbaijans capital city Baku and Belorussian Bobruisk can become twin cities in the near future, as the issue was discussed during Azerbaijani Ambassador Latif Gandilovs visit to the city. Our countries enjoy trusted relations. The positions of Belarus and Azerbaijan coincide on many issues. You are one of those who were able to retain, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, what you had and reach a whole new level of development," said Gandilov during meeting with the city officials. Gandilov added that he, as Ambassador, will make every effort for the development of relations between two countries. In turn, Chairman of Bobruisk City Council of Deputies Mikhail Jeludev stressed that Azerbaijan and Belarus will have new possibilities. "It is very important to find more common points. The formation of twinning relations is a serious step. We have big plans", he added. The city's leadership also invited Azerbaijani side to take part in the international festival of folk arts "Wreath of Friendship" and in celebration of the anniversary of Bobruisk. The parties also discussed prospects of cooperation in industry, mechanical engineering and agriculture. Baku is a wonderful city on the shores of the Caspian Sea. Centuries-long history is reflected in its medieval landmarks, where the special place is given to the Old city called Icherisheher. On the other hand, it is a fast-growing megapolis with glittering skyscrapers and unusual architectural monuments of the 21st century. Oriental past and hi tech future is entwined in the way that it gives an impression of taking a journey through time. The biggest attraction of Baku is Boulevard that stretches many kilometers along the shores of the Caspian Sea. There are different kinds of attractions in the surroundings of Baku as well. The most ancient one is the Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs not far from another landmark mud volcanoes. Another interesting touristy spots are fire monuments, flaming hill of Yanardag, temple of fire worshippers Ateshgah and the historical-ethnographic museum of Gala. Bobruisk is very developing and prosperous town of Belarus. A monument to the Beaver is a symbol of the city of Bobruisk (in ancient times beaver hunting was the main activity of local people). Besides, the Bobruisk Fortress is an outstanding defense installation, one of the best surviving specimens of fortification architecture of the first half of the 19th century. In the early 1840s the Bobruisk citadel the elder sister of the Brest Fortress was the most inaccessible fortress in the Russian Empire and one of the best-equipped defense installations in Europe. The fortress witnessed the War of 1812, the Decembrist revolt, the Great Patriotic War --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 15:07 (UTC+04:00) The Belgian Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation Ministry has issued statement on celebration of the 25th anniversary of its relations with Azerbaijan. Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister Didier Reynders welcomed this celebration, confirming a bilateral relationship that has diversified over the years, Azertac reported. He also saluted the friendship between two peoples and conveyed the Azerbaijani people all his wishes for concord and prosperity. Between 1992 and 1993, Belgium established bilateral relations with several countries following the breakup of the Soviet Union. Azerbaijan, having gained its independence, was the first among these countries to establish diplomatic ties with our country on 20 February 1992., the message reads. Since then, bilateral relationship has been enhanced with high-level political contacts such as the visits to Baku of Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene in 1998, of Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht in 2006 and of Didier Reynders in 2015. President Aliyev paid an official visit to Belgium in 2004 and 2006 and met Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy in Brussels in 2009 and King Philippe in 2017. Regular meetings also took place at parliamentary level as well as various cultural exchanges. Economic exchanges between two countries have been particularly reinforced since 1992. Many missions, led by the Belgian Agency for Foreign Trade (BDBH / OBCE) and afterwards by the regional authorities helped to better display the commercial strengths of both parties, particularly in the field of chemicals and machinery and equipment. The nomination of itinerant Ambassadors in charge of the Caucasus from 2004, then the opening of a Belgian Embassy in Baku in 2007 have increased this potential and allowed Belgian companies to settle in Azerbaijan. The latter have contributed to the implementation of projects such as the construction of a solar plant in Nakhichivan or the SOFAZ tower in Baku, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline or the New International Port in Baku. In recent years, economic exchanges were on average EUR 90 million per year. Belgium voiced readiness to deepen its relations with Azerbaijan, with respect for values such as the rule of law and the free market, and to strengthen the multilateral cooperation on peace and security. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 18:38 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov has left Baku for Ankara to take part in an international conference titled Khojaly genocide, crimes against humanity and terrorism. The event to be organized by the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council) and Ahmet Yesevi University will see speeches by Turkic Council Secretary General Ramil Hasanov, FM Elmar Mamamdyarov, Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu, and Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Tugrul Turkes. The town of Khojaly was situated within the administrative borders of the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Its population constituted over 7,000 people. Late into the night of February 25, 1992, Khojaly came under intensive fire from the towns of Khankendi and Askeran already occupied by Armenian armed forces. The Armenian forces, supported by the ex-Soviet 366th regiment, completed the surrounding of the town already isolated due to ethnic cleansing of the Azerbaijani population of the neighboring regions. The joint forces occupied the town, which was ruined by heavy artillery shelling. Thousands of fleeing civilians were ambushed by the Armenian forces. Punitive teams of the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh defense army reached the unprotected civilians to slaughter them, mutilating and scalping some of the bodies. 613 people were killed, including 106 women, 70 elderly and 83 children. A total of 1,000 civilians were disabled. Eight families were exterminated, and 25 children lost both parents, while 130 children lost one parent. Moreover, 1,275 innocent people were taken hostage, while the fate of 150 remains unknown. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 12:09 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova South Stream Transport B.V., 100-percent subsidiary of Russias Gazprom Company, has signed a contract with Swiss Allseas Group on constructing the second line of the Turkish Stream gas pipelines offshore segment. The signing of the contract became an additional indication that the project can be realized. The Turkish Stream project envisages construction of a natural gas pipeline via the Black Sea to the European part of Turkey to be further extended to the border with Greece. The first line means to supply gas directly to the Turkish market and the other for the supply of gas by transit through Turkey to Europe. These two offshore branches are planned to be built by December 2019, while the capacity of each section stands at 15.75 bcm of gas. However, the opinions on the possibility of the implementation of the second branch are controversial due a to a number of uncertainties including the position of the European Commission, as well as doubts over the ability of the sides to reach consent over gas price. On December 8, 2016, the Company signed an agreement with Allseas Group S.A. on construction of the first line of Turkish Stream pipelines offshore section. Under the contract, Allseas should lay over 900 kilometers of pipes along the seabed. The work is scheduled to start in the second half of 2017. Moscow and Ankara signed an intergovernmental agreement in October 2016 envisioning the construction of two underwater legs of the gas pipeline in the Black Sea. Both sides have already ratified the deal. The project, with an estimated total cost of $13 billion, was announced in December 2014 during Putins visit to Turkey as an alternative to the canceled South Stream gas pipeline through Bulgaria. Being the second biggest consumer of Russian gas after Germany, Turkey currently imports around 30 billion cubic meters gas from Russia annually via two pipelines - the Blue Stream, which passes under the eastern Black Sea, and the Western Line through the Balkans. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 13:05 (UTC+04:00) By Nigar Abbasova SOCAR Energy Ukraine Trading House, a subsidiary of Azerbaijans state energy company SOCAR has launched trade operations in blue fuel in the Ukrainian market. The company has a deal with the operator of gas-transport system Ukrtransgas (on transshipment of natural gas), as well as a number of purchase and sale contracts, published on ProZorro public e-procurement system, Ukrainian media reported. The contract with Ukrtransgas was signed on December 14, 2016. The deal envisages the transshipment of some 180 million cubic meters of natural gas in January December 2017 period. Besides, on December 30, 2016 SOCAR Ukraine signed a contract with ERU Trading (one of the largest private Ukrainian gas traders) on the purchase of 131 mcm of gas and its deliveries in 2017. The company also has a contract with EuroEnergoTrade on the sale of 220 mcm of gas. SOCAR delivered some 136,000 tons of fuel to Ukraine in 2016, recording an increase of 7 percent compared to 2015. SOCAR Energy Ukraine, runs a network of 60 refueling stations. The company launched the first filling chain in Ukraine in 2011. The main activity of SOCAR Energy Ukraine is to improve the network of petrol filling stations and organize wholesale of petrol and oil products in the territory of Ukraine. The company opened its representation in Ukraine in 2008. So far, it has invested over $200 million in the development of business in Ukraine. -- Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 11:14 (UTC+04:00) By Trend The value of Russias contract with Iran for the supply of S-300 air defense systems was nearly $1 billion, Sergey Chemezov, the chief of Russias Rostec state corporation, said, TASS reported. We were through with the supplies of S-300 air defense systems to Iran last year, he said, adding that no more supplies of Russian weapons to Iran are currently planned. Russia signed a contract with Iran for the supply of S-300 air defense systems to the country back in 2007. However, the contract was put on hold in 2010 due to the UN imposing sanctions on Iran after the country refused to suspend its uranium enrichment program. Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the ban for the supply of S-300 air defense systems to Iran in April 2015. Iran and the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, the UK, the US plus Germany) inked the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) on July 14, 2015 and started implementing it on Jan. 16, 2016. Under the nuclear agreement, Iran undertook to put limitations on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of nuclear-related sanctions imposed against Tehran. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 12:25 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Iraqi Oil Minister Jabbar Allibi and his Iranian counterpart Bijan Zanganeh signed a memorandum of understanding to study the possibility of building a pipeline to export oil from Iraqi oil fields, the Oil Ministry of Iraq reported. Iraq and Iran signed a MoU on February 21 to consider the construction of a pipeline for oil exports from Northern Iraqi field of Kirkuk through Iran, the report says. The agreement also calls for a commission to solve the conflict about joint oil fields and the possible transportation of Iraqi crude oil to Irans Abadan refinery. The Iraqi Oil Minister also agreed to visit his Iranian counterpart to cooperate on the policies of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). The MOU came after both countries previously signed an agreement of construction gas pipelines. The two countries decided on a plan for developing a pipeline to carry 40 mcm of gas to Iraq in September 2015. The plan was delayed over security concerns resulting from the war the IS group has waged in Iraq. Iraqs vast reserves of oil and natural gas make it one of the most promising, still largely undeveloped, sources of hydrocarbon reserves in the world. After decades of underinvestment due to conflict and sanctions, Iraq is actively seeking international investment and expertise to help in the development of its oil and gas sector, where output remains below potential. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Iraqs proven natural gas reserves are 111.5 trillion cubic feet (Tcf), the twelfth largest in the world. An estimated 70 percent of these lie in Basra governorate (province) in the south of Iraq. Iran has natural gas reserves of 34 billion cubic meters, almost 40 percent more than Qatar, the worlds biggest exporter of liquefied natural gas, according to BP Plc. Iran is producing about 700 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d) of gas, while the country has planned to increase this volume to 1,300 mcm/d by 2020. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz FARGO -- A new analysis is shedding some light on the growing economic impact of immigrants who live and work in North Dakota and Minnesota as questions of immigration policy, especially for refugees, continue to split opinions locally and nationally. Newly compiled data released Tuesday, Feb. 21, morning by national organization New American Economy crunched the number of foreign-born residents in each of the countrys 435 congressional districts and added up their purchasing power, paid taxes and more. In North Dakota, more than 27,000 immigrants paid $124.6 million in taxes in 2014, while Minnesotas 437,000 immigrants paid $3.3 billion in taxes. The data puts the economic power of Americas immigrants in stark relief, said Chairman John Feinblatt in a written statement. Across the map, and in every industry, immigrants strengthen the economies of big cities and small towns alike. While Rachel Hoffman said its important to humanize the immigrants and refugees who live and work here, the chairwoman of Fargos Human Relations Commission said statistics like these can also help locals understand just how important foreign-born people have become. Right now, were hearing that refugees are a burden on the community cost-wise, she said. Were not hearing about the benefits, and I think seeing these numbers and the contributions theyre making is important. Economic power While immigrants make up just 3.7 percent of North Dakotas population, they had a 2014 spending power of $435 million. About 67 percent of the states foreign-born residents are working age between 25 and 64, a figure thats well above the roughly 50 percent of native-born residents in that demographic. Theyre also more likely to hold a graduate degree -- 9.1 percent of North Dakotas immigrants have one, compared to 6.6 percent of native-born residents. Minnesota, meanwhile, saw an increase of almost 60,000 immigrant residents between 2010 and 2014 to a total of 437,544, making up 8 percent of the states population. They had a 2014 spending power of $8.9 billion and paid $3.3 billion in taxes, and immigrant-owned firms in the state employed roughly 53,000 workers. Nearly 72 percent of Minnesotas foreign-born residents are working age, between 25 and 64, compared to about 52 percent of native-born residents. In Minnesotas rural 7th Congressional District, which includes Clay County and nearly all of the western side of the state, 18,493 immigrants made up 2.8 percent of the overall population and paid about $105.9 million in taxes. Nationally, immigrants earned about $1.3 trillion in 2014 and paid more than $328 billion in taxes. New American Economys research comes at a time when immigration, especially for refugees from certain countries, remains a major focus both locally and nationally. President Donald Trump issued an executive order late last month to suspend the admission of Syrian and other refugees, though that ban has been stalled by court decisions. Locally, City Commissioner Dave Piepkorn has raised questions for months about the costs of Fargos resettled refugees and the role of Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota. Piepkorn didnt return several requests for comment Monday, Feb. 20. While the Fargo Human Relations Commission works to fully study the costs of refugees in the community, something Hoffman said could be detailed in a report to city leaders this spring, she said its also important to be aware of the positive impacts of the citys immigrant population. That includes increased diversity, cultural contributions and the arrival of working-age people who can help businesses deal with a local workforce shortage, she said. I think we need to remain a welcoming community to be able to grow, she said. In a news release from the Human Relations Commission earlier this month, Jim Gartin, president of the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corp., said the inability to fill jobs has contributed to a local slowdown that is partially answered by the arrival of new refugees. Cutting back on the refugee resettlement program will not benefit the Fargo-Moorhead economy, Gartin said in a written statement. It will do the opposite. 21 February 2017 17:03 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Energy-rich Turkmenistan continues studying and considering the perspectives of the countrys potential joining the World Trade Organization (WTO), President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said at the enlarged meeting of the Cabinet, Neutral Turkmenistan reported. The Head of State outlined the top priorities of Turkmenistan's foreign policy for the next seven years. The cooperation with the international financial and economic structures are now of great importance to the successful involvement of Turkmenistan in the global economy. "In this aspect, we will continue to maintain a fruitful cooperation with the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank and other major financial institutions," the Turkmen President said. Work has been underway on Turkmenistan's accession to the WTO since early 2013. A working group to study and analyze the economic implications of the countrys potential accession to the organization was set up. The Commission examines such issues as the study of multilateral agreements on the trade of goods, which include the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing, Agreement on investment measures related to trade, the Agreement on Import Licensing Procedures. Also, the Safeguards Agreement, the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement, regulations in respect of the rules and procedures for dispute resolution are studied. The European Union (EU) has offered Turkmenistan's accession to the WTO in January 2011. The energy industry, high-tech industries, transport, communications, banking and financial sectors are among the promising areas of cooperation. WTO membership will open up broad opportunities for strengthening the competitiveness of Turkmenistan in international markets, the development of foreign economic relations and an increase of foreign demand for Turkmen products and services. Some experts believe it would be uneasy for Turkmenistan to become a member of the WTO given the barriers for foreign investments in some fields of the economy, in particular, the natural gas sector. It is considered that the main problem which stands in the way of Turkmenistan's membership is the absence of a market economy. It can take years or even decades before Turkmenistan's membership would be approved. At present, Ashgabat is negotiating with the EU and Azerbaijan on the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline construction project which may become a part of the transnational Southern Gas Corridor project. Brussels hopes to diversify the sources of gas consumption through Caspian resources, most of which is ensured by Russia. The advantages of joining the WTO for Turkmenistan include improvement of legislation and formation of stable trade and investment climate, a greater access to world markets, as well as creation of favorable conditions for improved quality of domestic goods and services. Currently, the organization has 162 members, more than 20 countries have observer status as well as some 60 international organizations including UNO, IMF, and The World Bank. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 17:14 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva The United Nations and other parties to Syrian peace efforts lowered their expectations of a major breakthrough at UN-sponsored talks in Geneva, as U.S. policy on the Syrian crisis and its ties with Russia remains unclear. The final list of participating delegations in the next round of Intra-Syrian talks in Geneva has not been formed yet, the spokesperson for UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura said, RIA Novosti reported. "Consultations on the final list of participants are underway," Sharif said. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that under UN Resolution 2254, the delegation of the Syrian government and all opposition groups, including the Moscow, Cairo, Riyadh and Astana groups, should be invited by the UN for this weeks talks in Switzerlands Geneva. Lavrov also underlined the importance of U.S. participation in the common efforts to establish peace and stability in the Syrian Arab Republic and expressed his hope that the new team of the U.S. State Department will actively join the Syria peace effort as soon as it is formed. The lack of a clear U.S. position made resolving the complex issues of the six-year civil war far more complicated. It remains unclear if Trump will keep his promise to build closer ties with Russia, especially in the fight against Islamic State. Moscow was also displeased with the fact that Moscow group of Syrias opposition has not been invited to the Geneva talks. "The fact that representatives of the Moscow group, namely Qadri Jamil (leader of the Popular Front for Change and Liberation) have not received invitation is regrettable," Lavrov stressed, thus sending a signal to De Mistura to draw his attention to the unacceptability of such discriminatory approach to forming the oppositions delegation. Meanwhile, Sharif refuses to comment on reports that the opposition in the negotiations can be represented only by a delegation formed by the High Negotiations Committee (HNC). Riyadh platform or HNC previously formed a delegation, presenting it as a unified opposition, which caused the criticism of other platforms. Syrian opposition Front for Change and Liberation said on Sunday that it refused to participate in the Geneva talks protesting against the work of the UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura. The Front for Change and Liberation considers that de Mistura is trying to forcibly attach the number of the platforms to HNC, while the others are ignored. The upcoming talks will focus on a new constitution, free and fair elections administered under the supervision of the United Nations, and transparent and accountable governance. Earlier, in an interview with The Associated Press, Sharif stated that the UN special envoy began sending invitations to the peace talks in Geneva on Monday. Previously, De Mistura said that the delegations of the opposition and the government will begin arriving in Geneva on February 20. The UN-led intra-Syrian talks will resume in Geneva on Thursday after de Mistura broke them off almost nine months ago following several rounds that led ultimately to an escalation of violence. De Mistura earlier said the crisis in Syria may be settled this year. He explained his optimism by the fact that the ceasefire in the country, announced in December, is being observed in general. Armed conflict continues in Syria since March 2011. Government troops are confronted by militants of different armed groups. Russia has begun airstrikes on terrorist facilities in Syria since 30 September 2015. The Russian military involvement follows an official request from President Bashar Assad to President Vladimir Putin. The UN has repeatedly tried and failed to end the Syrian conflict, which has killed 300,000 and displaced 11 million since its beginning six years ago. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 16:54 (UTC+04:00) By Kamila Aliyeva Turkmenistan will continue to actively cooperate on the Caspian Sea on the five-party basis, said President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov at the enlarged meeting of the Cabinet on February 21. The newly re-elected for the third term, President Berdimuhamedov outlined the top priorities for the foreign policy of Turkmenistan for the next seven years. The president mentioned that significant progresses have been reached in addressing some of the major issues on the Caspian Sea, including an agreement on approaches to its legal status. Agreements on protection and rational use of the Caspian Sea water and biological resources, prevention and elimination of emergency situations in the Caspian Sea have been put forward by Turkmenistan and signed and approved by all the Caspian littoral states. We also put forward an initiative to study the documents on trade-economic and transport cooperation on the Caspian Sea, Berdimuhamedov said, stressing the importance of systematic work with the Caspian countries to maintain the initiative, establish regular and target-oriented relationships in these promising areas of the cooperation. The Caspian Sea is surrounded by the five coastal countries of Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. The Sea has a total surface area of 371,000 km, holding 78,200 cubic km of water. The legal status of the Caspian Sea has remained unsolved during the past two decades, preventing development and exploitation of its disputable oil and gas fields and creating obstacles to the realization of major projects. Russia, Kazakhstan, and Azerbaijan hold to the principle of dividing into national sectors based on the median line principles since it is an international boundary lake, and leaving the sea surface for general use, i.e. they are for demarcation of mineral resources and the Caspian Sea shelf, but against dividing up its waters. Iran seeks an equal division of the Caspian into 5 even sectors, mainly because most of the offshore energy resources are located away from the Iranian coastline. Turkmenistan also demands the division of the Sea into equal parts between the pre-Caspian countries so that each country has 20 percent of the sea. The Caspian littoral states signed a Framework Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Caspian Sea in November 2003. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 21 February 2017 17:37 (UTC+04:00) By Trend Ahead of Iranian President Hassan Rouhanis impending visit to Moscow, Tehran has called for finalizing preparations for inking an agreement between the Islamic Republic and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) on the creation of a free-trade zone. Speaking at a meeting with Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, Iranian First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri expressed his countrys interest in expansion of economic cooperation with the member states of the EEU, Tasnim news agency reported. Saying that the ties between Tehran and Moscow are expanding, the Iranian official further urged for finalizing the deal on the creation of the free-trade zone with the EEU. The official did not provide further information on the President Rouhanis plan to visit Moscow. Iranian sources earlier in January reported that plans were afoot to arrange President Hassan Rouhanis visit to Moscow. Trade turnover between Iran and Russia witnessed a surge by 60 percent over the last year climbing to about $2 billon. However, the observers believe that the surge in trade between the two countries which came after the nuclear sanctions on Iran were removed, has not satisfied the expectations. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. The North Dakota House easily passed legislation calling for a study of refugee resettlement in the state Monday, but not before a testy exchange on the floor. Rep. Pamela Anderson, D-Fargo, said she didnt want to see state resources spent on a mean-spirited study. Rep. Mary Schneider, D-Fargo, read an email asking her to vote against the legislation because it tries to hide racism and religious discrimination behind a guise of rationalism and data. Rep. Christopher Olson, R-West Fargo, the bills primary sponsor, said the Democrats comments impugned his motives and he hoped for an apology. Bills like this always seem to get emotional, said House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo. But I think its always important on the floor of this House that we remember to keep our comments to not be impugning someone elses integrity. Schneider said after the floor session that she would never attack the personal motivations of a member of the House, but she argued the bills language is inappropriate. I didnt say he was mean-spirited; I said the study was mean-spirited, Anderson said after the floor vote. As introduced, House Bill 1427 would have allowed for a suspension of refugee resettlement if a community lacked sufficient absorptive capacity, which included the ability of various community and government services to meet residents needs. Proponents, which included a Fargo city commissioner and the chairman of the Cass County Commission, said they were merely seeking more input on the program. The House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee heard lengthy opposition testimony earlier this month from new Americans who told stories of finding opportunity in United States. The study was amended into a study of various aspects of refugee resettlement, which Schneider worries would only seek negative features of the program and scrutinize one group of people. But Olson said the refugee resettlement program has largely become an unfunded mandate from the federal government on state and local services. If this was anything else, wed ask what the cost was, Carlson said. It could show a very positive effect instead of a negative effect. The study bill passed the House 86-5. The Coastal city governor Hon Hassan Joho is enjoying the best welcome scene in Washington DC. The Governor who is expected to taste the feeling of Whitehouse and as the first African leader in the Soil of America in the reign of POTUS Donald Trump will hit the last nail on the head of the Coast region Coordinator Nelson Marwa.The Regional coordinator worshiped his heads and published a list of drug baron who are wanted by the US government. Now the shame is still on him because the governor got a warm welcome from the same government allegedly wanted to arrest. The Jubilee government, in other words, has failed to fight the illegal substance distribution.The Governor told the Government if they are sure that he is among the top Barons then he is in Mombasa so they can arrest him. Nothing has happened update. The Coast region coordinator deceived the Nation by publicizing that the Governor was among the Top officials wanted by US government, but as of today, the governor is almost finishing a week in the US with good care from the POTUS DONALD TRUMP state.Today the governor also had a chance to talk with people in the US through Radio interview. He was hosted by Kilimanjaro Radio in Washington where he interacted with the majority of Kenyans and African living in the US through one on one MIC Radio show. This is what he said immediately after the show,"I had the chance to engage with Kenyans in the diaspora on issues related to their lives in the US and their take on current affairs at home on The One Mic Radio Show. It was an honor to hear their thoughts and insights on how to create a Kenya that is inclusive of all tribes, the nations and creed that delivers for generations."The governor is expected to address other congregation related to activism, extremism and youth affairs in the Washington DC. Thereafter he will be meeting other heads of departments following the presidential special invite yesterday. GRAND FORKS North Dakotas first-of-its-kind drone academy open to the public is ready to accept potential unmanned aircraft system pilots. SkySkopes, a Grand Forks-based aerial inspection and photography company that specializes in unmanned aircraft, announced in December it would launch a training academy that would allow the public -- from hobbyists to business people who want to expand their horizons to learn the ins and outs of flying drones. The first set of online classes are set to produce some of the academys first graduates in March, said Brandi Jewett, the companys director of marketing and media relations. As a service company, SkySkopes got into the niche of training prospective pilots, including University of North Dakota students through a for-credit program, according to the company. Several members of the public came to SkySkopes in hopes of being trained as UAS pilots, chief instructor pilot Cory Vinger said. After that, the open-to-the-public training, dubbed SkySkopes Academy, was born. Its open to anyone who enjoys flying or wants to learn to fly the aircraft we have, Vinger said. Though classes have been offered by other groups, SkySkopes is the first academy of its kind offered in North Dakota, Jewett said. A big lift The industry of unmanned aircraft, also known as drones, has expanded in recent years and has helped put Grand Forks on the map. Grand Sky, the first UAS business and technology park built in the U.S., has attracted drone giants General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. and Northrop Grumman Corp., as well as interest from other potential tenants. The two companies will build large unmanned aircraft at the 217-acre business park located at Grand Forks Air Force Base. SkySkopes also has played an instrumental part in the drone industry taking off in the Red River Valley, becoming the first North Dakota startup that was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to fly unmanned aircraft for business purposes. Vinger also attributed UNDs aeronautics curriculum to the success the drone industry has seen in Grand Forks. The academy isnt meant to compete with UNDs drone program but instead complement it, SkySkopes President and CEO Matt Dunlevy said in a news release. It has developed into something that I dont think anyone really saw coming to Grand Forks, Vinger said of the industrys growth. Were trying to develop that small unmanned aircraft culture here in Grand Forks and explore what the potential is. The drones that will be flown in the academy are considered small -- similar to the ones SkySkopes uses to survey objects and land for its clients. Some people don't really realize that flying these small UAS can be challenging in different kinds of environments, and different rule sets apply to each environment that they fly in so the classroom is important as is the hands-on flying, Rick Thomas, interim dean of the academy, said in a news release. Class choices There are two options: the online classes for this spring and the in-person flight training set to begin during the summer. Upon completion, academy students will be given a certificate to show they have completed training. Were not here to just teach someone how to run a drone business, SkySkopes Director of Flight Operations Mike Johnson said in the release. We want people to have a better understanding of the national airspace and be able to navigate it safely. The goal is to eventually open more academies in other cities where SkySkopes operates, such as Minot, Jewett said. Its possible the classes could grow into topic-specific offerings, such as night classes and courses geared toward teenagers, according to the news release. Those interested in signing up for the academy or finding out costs should visit www.skyskopesacademy.com or call (701) 738-4825. GRAND FORKS -- The University of North Dakota is preparing to sell its long-held radio station licenses to Prairie Public Radio as it readies plans to tear down the building which houses the local studio. Bill Thomas, director of Prairie Public Radio, said the public radio service is currently in talks with the university about transferring the licensing for its two stations, KFJM and KUND-FM, to the main network. Thomas said local production would relocate from Grand Forks to the main Prairie Public offices in Fargo, though he said viewers wont be able to tell any difference on the air. Thomas said the transition away from the university license has been in the making for some time. UND has been a partner in the network, Thomas said. Theyve helped oversee it but havent had a real active role for a while. I think they finally decided that it was time to pass on the license. An early hub Grand Forks is noteworthy as an early radio hub. The original KUND station hit the AM airwaves in the 1920s as part of the nations first wave of college radio stations and was one of the oldest stations to operate in North Dakota. The AM channel was sold off in 2004. UND spokesman Peter Johnson said the university has owned the licenses for at least the past few decades. A general lack of use coupled with changing curricula, particularly in broadcasting, reduced the need to maintain the licenses to the point where it doesnt make much sense to retain them, Johnson said. He said keeping the licenses comes with obligations to the Federal Communications Commission in terms of actual usage of the airspace and other compliance measures. About 1999, UND entered into an agreement wherein Prairie Public gained the right to use the licenses. Johnson believed that agreement included a transfer of the actual broadcast towers and infrastructure to the radio entity. He said Prairie Public also took up management of the licenses about that time, a task for which they were paid in some budgetary bienniums. Johnson believed it had been more than two years since the public radio network had been paid. With the ongoing commitments paired against low usage, Johnson said the university saw little rationale to keep its ownership of the licenses. The idea here is the licenses would continue, the programs would continue through Prairie Public, which is already managing the programming, he said. University leadership began discussions of selling off the licenses last spring, he said, with talks gaining momentum through late fall. Johnson couldnt put a definitive timeline on the remainder of the process but said UND is continuing to move ahead with the sale. On demo list Though the full studio in 314 Cambridge would shut down -- the building itself was marked by the university in January for potential demolition -- Johnson said the university now is looking to modify some space in its television station to make room for a small studioette for the purpose of conducting local interviews. Johnson said such a space might also be used for some functions of the philosophy-steeped Why? program hosted by UND professor Jack Russell Weinstein. I think itll play out quite well, Johnson said. Weve had a very good relationship with Prairie Public Radio, and I think well continue to have that. Though Why? will be subject to change, the move mainly will affect longtime radio host Mike Olson, who has broadcast from Grand Forks since 1984. Olson started his radio presence in the former UND building known as Old Science, which was demolished in 1999. He is now the sole occupant of 314 Cambridge. Olsons program, Into the Music, airs weekdays and explores various musical genres through the ages. He wrote in an email that his family has lived in their Grand Forks home for the past 26 years, so it goes without saying we have lots of feelings about our move. But at the same time, Olson wrote, I really dont feel like Im leaving at all. So much of my world has been over the airwaves with my friends, our listeners. And I don't think that is going to change at all, he wrote. You'll still be able to find us at the same place on the dial. And I'm very thankful for that. So we accept the change and look forward to the future. N. Oregon Coast's Manzanita Boasts Film Fest, Estuary Cleanup, Science Talk Published 02/21/2017 at 3:49 AM PDT - Updated 02/21/2017 at 4:49 AM PDT By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff (Manzanita, Oregon) The north Oregon coast hotspot of Manzanita features three fascinating events coming up in the next three weeks. One is an engaging and small film festival, the other covers the wonderful world of Oregon coast estuaries, and the third is an actual cleanup of estuaries along the Nehalem Bay. (Above: Nehalem Bay). The first comes up this Friday, February 24, with the Manzanita Film Series hosting Fresh Film Northwest. The Hoffman Center for the Arts will screen a selection of films created by teens from throughout the Pacific Northwest for the program, starting at 7:30 p.m. Admission will be $5. The dozen short films were drawn by the Northwest Film Center of Portland from its competitions in 2014, 2015, and 2016. Entries were judged on Freshness & Originality, Persuasive Point of View, Emotional Impact, Technical Proficiency, and successful Risk-Taking. Submissions came from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Alaska, and Vancouver, BC. Total running time will be 60 minutes. Each of the individual films are usually around 3 minutes long. Some of those screened include: Words Of Wisdom from Portland. A grandmother's advice spurs a granddaughter into action. Leo & Clark from Portland; young men compare notes on the pursuit of happiness running at five minutes. Home from Vancouver, BC; Abbys strange powers help her find a world to call home. Toccata from Vancouver, BC; this three-minute piece centers around piano practicing that turns to obsession The Hoffman Center is at 594 Laneda Ave. Manzanita, Oregon. 503-368-3846. hoffmanblog.org. The next Lower Nehalem Watershed Council Speaker Series event on March 9 will welcome Paul Atwood, Assistant District Wildlife Biologist with Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. He comes to town for a presentation exploring some of the common wildlife species that use Oregon coast estuaries, including Nehalem Bay and the habitats that each species relies on. Many species utilize a variety of different habitats, while others require very specific habitats to meet their needs. The event will be held on Thursday, March 9 at the Pine Grove Community House (225 Laneda Ave) in Manzanita. Doors open at 6:30 pm for refreshments. The presentation will start at 7:20 pm following an update from Lower Nehalem Watershed Council at 7:00 pm. Atwoods presentation is scheduled just two days before the 10th Biennial Nehalem Estuary Cleanup and will highlight why a debris-free estuary is important for salmon, wildlife and people. On March 11, over 100 volunteers will descend on the Nehalem Estuary to remove trash and recyclables from around the bay. The all-day event culminates in an evening celebration with food, live music, and socializing. The Nehalem Estuary Cleanup is organized by community partners Lower Nehalem Community Trust, Lower Nehalem Watershed Council, CARTM, Nehalem Bay State Park, North Coast Land Conservancy, and Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, with additional support from local businesses and community members. To learn more about the Cleanup or to register as a volunteer, visit www.nehalemtrust.org/events or see https://www.facebook.com/lnwc1. - Manzanita Hotels for these events - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour . More on this area below: More About Manzanita, Rockaway, Wheeler Lodging..... More About Oregon Coast Restaurants, Dining..... Coastal Spotlight LATEST Related Oregon Coast Articles Back to Oregon Coast Contact Advertise on BeachConnection.net All Content, unless otherwise attributed, copyright BeachConnection.net Unauthorized use or publication is not permitted The state Senate will consider a bill this week that would put a two-year moratorium on new wind development in North Dakota, a proposal that critics say unfairly targets one industry. The bill, which the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee voted to amend with the moratorium Friday prevents the Public Service Commission from approving an application for a wind farm thats submitted in the two years after Aug. 1. It also asks for a Legislative Management study of the long-term energy plan for the state, taking into consideration factors like the sustainability and reliability of various energy sources and an assessment of how taxes affect the energy availability from different sources. Sen. Dwight Cook, R-Mandan, said the amended bill is intended to guarantee that North Dakota has a reliable and affordable source of electricity in the future and to save coal. He argued its not an attack on the industry, but lawmakers should find out what effect additional wind energy projects will have. The thing we need is a firm plan of what the future landscape of North Dakotas electrical generation is going to look like, Cook said. Cook noted Great River Energys July 2016 announcement that it would end operations at is Stanton Station power plant in Mercer County because of low energy prices in the region. Great River Energy spokesman Lyndon Anderson said Monday the additional generation in this part of the market, a lot of it coming from wind, has put a downward pressure on prices. Anderson said the Stanton Station is still on track to close in May, 51 years after it began generating power. The Senate proposal comes during a time of rapid growth in wind energy. North Dakota will add about 1,000 megawatts of wind power in the 10 month-period from May 2016 through March of this year, said Randy Christmann, chairman of the Public Service Commission. Prior to that, the state added about 2,000 megawatts over the course of 10 years. Christmann said he didnt know enough about the proposed moratorium to have a position on it, but said commissioners would work with what they come up with. Christmann said he is concerned that federal subsidies on wind will cause the market to be out of check. The Production Tax Credit, an incentive that has boosted wind projects, is being phased out over the next few years. The wind industry experienced near-record growth that has propelled it ahead of hydropower dams as the largest source of renewable electric capacity in the U.S., the American Wind Energy Association announced this month. Sen. Erin Oban, D-Bismarck, said if somebody would have proposed a moratorium on coal, oil or gas development, they would have been shunned out of the room. She said its possible to have a discussion on reasonable regulations that protect landowners from energy development without a moratorium. I dont think its our place to protect one industry over another, said Oban, who voted against the amendment. Sen. Jessica Unruh, R-Beulah, Senate Bill 2314s primary sponsor who supported the amendment, said she believes in an all-of-the-above energy policy, but the wind energy industry is heavily subsidized by the federal government. If everybody is paying taxes fairly and being regulated fairly, I think the market will work itself out, said Unruh, who works as an environmental specialist for a coal mine. Cook said the bill is expected to come to the floor Wednesday. Carlee McLeod, president of the Utility Shareholders of North Dakota, said she hopes the full Senate rejects the moratorium. McLeod, who represents utility companies that have coal as well as wind in their portfolios, said its important for the companies to have flexibility. Its not really the North Dakota way to shut down a whole industry, she said. McLeod pointed out that utility companies operate regionally, not just within one state, so a moratorium on North Dakota wind would not eliminate that competition. They will build that wind. It will be in a different state, McLeod said. Bob Harms, a lobbyist for Tradewind, which is constructing the Lindahl Wind Project in Tioga, said a moratorium would cost the state an enormous amount of economic opportunity, including jobs, payments to landowners and property tax revenue. Robert Noble, a member of the Laborers International Union of North America, said a wind project in North Dakota provided him with a good-paying job last year. He said he hopes to see continued wind development in the state. I want to see the world get better at clean energy, Noble said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate The solution to a West Texas problem could be breakfast for someone in Houston. Trappers in Lubbock and the surrounding area are catching wild hogs - a scourge to the land in the state - and selling them to buying stations. The buying stations then sell the animals to processors. From there, feral pigs become tame and tasty breakfast. NEW NEIGHBORS: Feral hogs appearing in Kingwood, other Houston neighborhoods I would say if its prepared properly, the taste is almost exactly the same, rancher Jason Bond told The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. There are an estimated 8 million wild hogs roaming the U.S. countryside. About 2.6 million are in the Lone Star State. Theyre known to devour corn and sorghum and AgriLife at Texas A&M estimates they cost Texas agriculture $52 million a year. The crops, they just wipe em out, Bond, who runs a buying station in Snyder, told the newspaper. HUNTING SEASON: Later winter can be hog heaven for hunters There are also dangers of feral hogs running into vehicles and the damage to the ecosystem caused by the animals. While bacon may not be the healthiest solution to the problem - or even a long-term fix - it certainly is the tastiest idea to tackle the issue. The following hospital and health system rating and outlook changes and affirmations took place in the last week, beginning with the most recent. 1. Moody's affirms 'A1' rating on CaroMont Health's bonds Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "A1" rating on Gastonia, N.C.-based CaroMont Health's $186.9 million of outstanding bonds. 2. Moody's affirms 'Baa2' rating on Holy Name Medical Center's bonds Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "Baa2" rating on Teaneck, N.J.-based Holy Name Medical Center's approximately $40 million of revenue bonds. 3. Moody's affirms 'Aa3' rating on WellSpan Health's bonds Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "Aa3" rating on York, Pa.-based WellSpan Health's bonds, affecting approximately $274 million of debt. 4. Moody's affirms 'A2' rating on WakeMed Health's bonds Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "Aa2" rating on Raleigh, N.C.-based WakeMed Health's bonds, affecting $400 million of rated debt. 5. S&P revises Good Shepherd Health System's rating to 'A' on bonds S&P Global Ratings revised the rating on Longview, Texas-based Good Shepherd Health System's series 2010, series 2012C and series 2015 bonds to "A" from "B-" and removed the ratings from CreditWatch developing. 6. S&P revises University Medical Center of El Paso's outlook to negative S&P Global Ratings revised University Medical Center of El Paso (Texas)'s outlook to negative from stable. 7. Moody's affirms 'A1' rating on Jackson-Madison County General Hospital's outstanding debt Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "A1" rating on Jackson (Tenn.)-Madison County General Hospital's $277 million of outstanding debt. 8. Moody's assigns 'Caa1' rating to Good Shepherd Health System's bonds Moody's Investors Service assigned a "Caa1" rating to Longview, Texas-based Good Shepherd Health System's $69.2 million of series 2017A proposed hospital revenue refunding bonds. 9. Moody's assigns 'A1' rating to Children's Hospital & Medical Center's bonds Moody's Investors Service assigned an "A1" rating to Omaha, Neb.-based Children's Hospital & Medical Center's $100 million of proposed series 2017 fixed-rate revenue bonds. 10. Fitch upgrades New York City Health + Hospitals' rating to 'AA-' Fitch Ratings upgraded New York City (N.Y.) Health + Hospitals' rating to "AA-" from "A+" on $814 million of its bonds. 11. Moody's assigns 'MIG1' rating to South Central Regional Medical Center's notes Moody's Investors Service assigned a "MIG1" rating to Laurel, Miss.-based South Central Regional Medical Center's proposed $58 million of series 2017 hospital revenue notes. 12. Moody's adjusts rating for Medstar Health's line of credit-back bonds Moody's Investors Service downgraded the rating on Columbia, Md.-based MedStar Health's series 1998A multimodal revenue bonds to "Aa2" from "Aa1." 13. S&P revises Massachusetts Ear and Eye's outlook to negative S&P Global Ratings revised Boston-based Massachusetts Ear and Eye's outlook to negative from stable. 14. S&P downgrades Reading Health System's rating to 'A+' S&P Global Ratings downgraded Reading (Pa.) Health System's rating to "A+" from "AA-" on the health system's long-term revenue refunding bonds. 15. Fitch affirms 'AA-' rating on Children's Hospital & Medical Center's bonds Fitch Ratings affirmed the "AA-" rating on Omaha, Neb.-based Children's Hospital & Medical Center's $100 million of series 2017 revenue bonds. 16. Fitch affirms 'BBB+' rating on Silver Cross Health System's bonds Fitch Ratings affirmed the "BBB+" rating on New Lenox, Ill.-based Silver Cross Health System's $282 million of series 2015C revenue refunding bonds and $81 million of series 2008A revenue refunding bonds. 17. Fitch affirms 'BB+' rating on Marshall Medical Center's bonds Fitch Ratings affirmed the "BB+" rating on Placerville, Calif.-based Marshall Medical Center's $20 million of series 2004B auction rate bonds. 18. Moody's affirms 'A1' rating on Children's National Medical Center's bonds Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "A1" rating on Washington, D.C.-based Children's National Medical Center's series 2015 refunding revenue bonds. 19. S&P withdraws 'BBB' rating on South Central Regional Medical Center's bonds S&P Global Ratings withdrew the "BBB" long-term rating on Laurel, Miss.-based South Central Regional Medical Center's $21 million of series 2016 bonds. When Tzvetan Todorov died on Feb. 7, the Bulgarian/French philosopher and literary critic was lamented only in certain intellectual ghettoes. To the men and women eulogizing Todorov in these circles, he was feted properly if not stingily, which is most unfortunate. Finite word counts are a harsh mistress when a fellow writer endeavors to create a fully realized portrait of his or her subject. Todorov leaves behind a body of historical and moral philosophy that connects the dots between the great European humanist writers prior to the Marxist experiments of the 20th century Comte, Montaigne, Montesquieu, for example and such documentarians of Nazi and Soviet evils as Elie Wiesel, Primo Levi and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. Unlike the listed documentarians, Todorov never suffered the deprivations of the Soviet gulags or Nazi concentration camps. He did, however, endure the suppression of individual freedom until he was 24 years old, the age he emigrated from Soviet-satellite Bulgaria to France more than 50 years ago. Why then should we celebrate Todorovs accomplishments? What distinguishes Todorovs works on the totalitarian experiments of the past 100 years is his focus on the moral witness by those denied fundamental dignities in the Soviet camps and German lagers. Some of these men and women silently and not so silently protested the yoke of oppression for the benefit of those other than themselves and immediate family and close friends. As Todorov noted in Facing the Extreme: Moral Life in the Concentration Camps (1996): There are various perspectives from which the accounts of life in the camps can be read. One can ponder the precise chain of events that led to the creation of the camps and then to their extinction; one can debate the political significance of the camps; on can extract sociological or psychological lessons from them. Yet even though I cannot ignore those perspectives altogether, I would like to take a different approach. I want to look at the camps from the perspective of moral life and concern myself with individual destinies rather than numbers and dates. But already I hear an objection: Wasnt that question settled a long time ago? Havent we learned only too well the sad and simple truth the camps revealed, namely, that in extreme situations all traces of moral life evaporate as men become beasts locked in a merciless struggle for survival? Todorov quotes Tadeusz Borowskis takeaway from Auschwitz: [M]orality, national solidarity, patriotism and the ideals of freedom, justice and human dignity had all slid off man like a rotten rag. There is no crime that a man will not commit in order to save himself. Todorov finds similar themes in Varlam Shalamovs Kolyma Tales, which recounts stories inspired by the authors 17 years of incarceration in the infamous Soviet gulag. When the survival instinct totally dominates moral life, one loses a sense of compassion for the suffering of others and no longer offers the help one normally would, writes Todorov. Rather than aid the next person, one might instead further his decline if it meant relief from ones own suffering. Certainly, Todorov admits, theres enough evidence to support this thesis. But, he adds: If an individuals every action is determined by the orders of those above him and the need to survive, then he has no freedom left at all; no longer can he truly exercise his will and choose one behavior over another. And where there is no choice, there is also no place for any kind of moral life whatsoever. However, Todorovs research details a kings ransom of choices among prisoners often refuting those prisoners own claims. Dr. Ena Weiss was an Austrian confined at Auschwitz who told another inmate she placed her own needs first, second, and third. Then nothing. Then myself again and then all the others. Like Humphrey Bogarts Rick Blaine in Casablanca I stick my neck out for nobody Weiss overstated her self-preservation dramatically. Just as Bogarts anti-hero eventually reveals himself as a champion of the World War II underground freedom fighters, Weiss assisted tens, indeed hundreds of other prisoners. Other examples abound to support Todorovs conclusion. Father Maximilian Kolbe was canonized after he gave his own life in return for the life of a father and husband while imprisoned in Auschwitz. In Voices from the Gulag (1999), Todorov adopts the first-person narrative style of Studs Terkel, transcribing stories told by Bulgarian gulag survivors. Had Terkel read these reminiscences, however, he might have loosened his fondness for socialism significantly. In her own words, Lilyana Princheva recounts some of her experiences as a prisoner for nearly six years in Belene and Bosna: When I think about all that can be said regarding the truly awful conditions at these camps. At Bosna, we actually lived in a stable. We worked like beasts of burden in the fields. We were constantly humiliated, and the clothes we were given were no less humiliating: they were old, tattered army fatigues. We worked from morning to night, under the blazing sun of summer and in the paralyzing cold of winter. Despite these conditions, Princheva explained: We survived, however, because we kept our humanity and did so despite their best effort to persuade us, day in, day out, and around the clock, that we were useless, that we were vermin and a danger to society. They humiliated us and tried to sap our ability to think for ourselves. In our ranks were anarchists, Trotskyites, Agrarians, and those who refused all labels and Party affiliations. In this intolerable atmosphere of daily hardship and hard and pointless labor, we were saved by that aspiration shared by all human beings namely, the desire for dignity, humanity, and goodness. [Another] example of the power of the human spirit For example, we all agreed that whenever a package arrived, we would give it to whomever was ill. Though starving, we wouldnt allow ourselves to eat a single thing from the package. It was for our sick comrade. Unfortunately, Princheva goes on to relate that the camps often succeeded in dehumanizing many other prisoners. Many, but not all and perhaps not even the majority of the incarcerated as Todorov reminds his readers again and again. Its true that Podorov in his later years made lamentable comments drawing false equivalencies between the activities of Islamic terrorists and Western military actions deployed against them. While unfortunate, considering the breadth of his knowledge concerning the evils of totalitarianism, such statements are only footnotes to Todorovs greater accomplishments. One thing is for certain and that is Communism and Fascism werent defeated by the scolding of Western politicians. It was undermined when it collapsed of its own weight, expedited by such voices as Weisel, Levi and Solzhenitsyn who witnessed its crimes and everyday horrors. Perhaps as well it was commonplace displays of the moral qualities of kindness, caring and recognition of each others dignity by the inmates in the gulags and concentration camps that helped doom such lamentable locations of human misery to the dustbin of recent history. Much of Todorovs body of work makes a pretty compelling argument that morality is a powerful weapon against the enemies of human freedom. Medical City Plano (Texas) hired Patrick Rohan to serve as COO. Here are four things to know: 1. Mr. Rohan previously worked at Hospital Corporation of America's Plantation (Fla.) General Hospital, where he served as COO and then interim CEO. 2. Prior to joining Planation General, he worked at several other Florida-based hospitals, including Kendall Regional Medical Center in Miami. 3. He completed his MBA degree at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. 4. Medical City Plano is a 547-bed, acute care facility with more than 1,600 employees. Anthony Armada, the CEO of Seattle-based Swedish Health Services, resigned Monday, just days after a Seattle Times report prompted state regulators to investigate the Swedish Neuroscience Institute on the Cherry Hill campus in Seattle. According to Swedish, Mr. Armada's decision to step down was a personal one, and he told the board he felt it was in the best interest of the organization. Swedish was in hot water with state regulators after a Seattle Times report, published Feb. 10, uncovered patient care concerns at the neuroscience institute stemming from what the paper called an "aggressive pursuit" for increased patient volumes. The report found the drive to increase volume left nurses with high caseloads and led to surgeons using a concurrent surgery model. The paper also said many physicians had problems with Johnny Delashaw, MD, being chairman of neurosurgery at SNI because he had allegations against him of high complication rates. State regulators launched an investigation into practices at NSI following the Seattle Times report. Mr. Armada had issued a statement Feb. 10 disputing the Seattle Times report, saying in part,"It was implied our priorities are misplaced. Our number one priority is quality care and patient safety, and caring for all patients who need us." In an open letter to Swedish patients issued by Mr. Armada Feb. 17, he wrote, "We recognize that there is a loss of trust, and appreciate your patience and partnership as we work to repair that trust through as much transparency as possible." The system's board of trustees named R. Guy Hudson, MD, as interim CEO on Tuesday. Dr. Hudson, a pediatric urologic surgeon with an MBA, most recently served as chief of physician services for western Washington with Swedish. "We believe this is an important time to return to physician leadership," Teresa Bigelow, the chairwoman of the board, said in a statement. Mr. Armada had led Swedish since 2013. Scott Becker, publisher of Becker's Healthcare, says of Mr. Armada, "While not familiar with the situation at Swedish, Tony Armada is a smart, gifted leader and we personally hope he resurfaces soon in healthcare leadership." President Donald Trump said on Saturday that Republican lawmakers will unveil a plan to replace the ACA "in a couple of weeks," according to The Hill. "We are going to be submitting in a couple of weeks a great healthcare plan that's going to take the place of the disaster known as ObamaCare," President Trump told the crowd at a campaign rally in Melbourne, Fla., according to the report. "It will be repealed and replaced Just so you understand, our plan will be much better healthcare at a much lower cost," he added. "OK? Nothing to complain about." While he was campaigning, President Trump vowed to cut down President Barack Obama's signature healthcare reform law. Upon his election, President Trump said he planned to repeal and replace the ACA right "out of the gate," but in early February he said a replacement plan may not be ready until 2018. House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., on Feb. 7 said replacement legislation will be developed this year, but that it might take longer to implement, according to the report. On Feb. 16, House Republicans convened to discuss a policy memo that outlines their ACA replacement plan. The brief serves as more of a roadmap than a concrete plan, and does not include information on how an ACA replacement will be passed into law, according to The Washington Post. Click here to read about four key features of the ACA replacement included in the policy memo. Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health and CEO of UCLA Hospital System, discusses the system's outpatient services expansion and strategic vision in 2017. "Over the past year at UCLA Health, we've been focusing in on continued expansion of our primary and secondary care network. Our goal is to place UCLA healthcare conveniently throughout the greater Los Angeles area to provide high quality, cost-effective care. In some areas, we have been adding select specialty care to clinics with the same mindset. Our goal is to provide care in the most efficient setting. Our hospitals are focused on the more complex inpatient tertiary and quaternary care our patients need. Because Los Angeles is a large metropolitan area with issues like heavy traffic, it's important for us to go where the patients are. As part of that strategy, we operate about 160 clinics in about 70 different locations throughout Los Angeles that include primary care, urgent care and select specialty care as well. Since 2010, UCLA Health has opened or will soon open outpatient facilities in about 50 new locations throughout the Los Angeles region. The clinics are a combination of properties we own and lease. We staff them with UCLA physicians and staff, as we've found our draw from the patients is the UCLA brand. We also have select partnerships with community hospitals near our clinic locations that can provide a secondary level of care. The community hospitals are staffed with UCLA hospitalists to provide that care. In some areas, we have outpatient surgery and procedure centers as well. Some of these centers we own and operate ourselves and a few are joint ventures. We see these centers becoming a bigger part of our outpatient strategy in the future because patients like the convenience and it helps us reduce the total costs of care while demonstrating a value-added service. Right now, we are concerned about what will happen with the ACA. In California, the ACA expansion provides coverage to 4 million people and we're looking at how new health policies will impact our strategic plan going forward." View the full article titled "8 hospital executives share outpatient strategy ASCs, retail clinics, key partnerships & more" Physicians who experience more burnout are less likely to find their work meaningful or view medicine as a calling, according to a new study in Mayo Clinic Preceedings. Researchers polled 2,263 physicians from across all specialties between Oct. 24, 2014, and May 29, 2015. The survey asked physicians to rate their level of burnout on a scale of 1 to 5, with scores of 1 and 2 indicating little to no symptoms of burnout. Physicians also answered six true or false questions on whether they viewed medicine as their calling. Here are four study findings. 1. More than 93 percent of physicians found their work rewarding, although only 44 percent said they would continue their work without pay if they didn't need the money. 2. Of the 2,263 respondents, 639 (28.5 percent) reported some degree of burnout. 3. Physicians reporting high burnout symptoms were less likely to: call their work rewarding, say it was one of the most important things in their lives or agree it was making the world a better place. 4. Among physicians with no burnout symptoms who enjoyed their work, 93 percent said they would choose their career again, compared to less than one-third of physicians displaying the most burnout symptoms who said the same. "If physicians only view their occupation as a job, that has implications over time in terms of their commitment to their patients," senior author Audiey Kao, MD, PhD, vice president of ethics at the American Medical Association, told Reuters. "Having physicians who view their work as a sense of calling is not only important for physicians but as important if not more important for the patients they care for." More articles on physician issues: Most patients report high satisfaction with radiologists, study finds Court overturns Florida law on physician gun talks with patients: 4 things to know Granville Health System, Duke medical school partner to train physicians Former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch, MD, PhD, was sentenced Monday to life in prison for injury to an elderly person, which is a first-degree felony, according to The Dallas Morning News. Dr. Duntsch, who practiced as several Dallas hospitals, was accused of crippling four patients, causing the deaths of two others and leaving several more with surgical waste sewn up inside of them between July 2012 and June 2013. In 2015, he was arrested on five aggravated assault charges. His 13-day trial this month focused on only one victim, 74-year-old Mary Efurd. She lost full use of her legs after Dr. Duntsch performed a spinal surgery on her in 2012. Robert Henderson, MD, who treated Ms. Efurd following the surgery, said he found Dr. Duntsch had amputated a nerve root, drilled a screw into her spinal cavity and put implants in muscle instead of on bone, according to the report. At trial, Dr. Duntsch's lawyers argued he was distracted in the operating room when he performed Ms. Efurd's surgery. They also said he was "not a skilled surgeon," according to the report. Prosecutors argued Dr. Duntsch knew what he was doing and chose to keep injuring patients. "He obviously knew at some point that what he was doing was criminal," Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson said at a press conference, according to the Dallas Observer. Ms. Johnson said Dr. Duntsch's case was elevated from malpractice to criminal assault because he kept performing surgeries after causing so many injuries. Dr. Duntsch was stripped of his medical license in 2013. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: 15 things to know about Stark Law 11 latest healthcare industry lawsuits, settlements Co-founder of Forest Park Medical Center pleads guilty in kickback case House Republicans recently unveiled guidelines for their ACA replacement plan via a policy brief. One Republican idea for lowering monthly health insurance premiums for the individuals who must purchase insurance on their own is to reinstate state-based high-risk pools, according to an NPR report. Here are three arguments for and against the idea, as reported by NPR. 1. Opponents of high-risk pools argue such pools that operated prior to the ACA were too costly for patients, state taxpayers, people with employer-based health insurance and others who subsidized health plans, according to the report. 2. Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan (Wis.) is a proponent of high-risk pools, which would move people with serious and expensive medical conditions from the average pools into publicly funded insurance pools. "By having taxpayers, I think, step up and focus on, through risk pools, subsidizing care for people with catastrophic illnesses, those losses don't have to be covered by everybody else [buying insurance], and we stabilize their plans," House Speaker Ryan said on public television's Charlie Rose show in January, according to NPR. 3. Stefan Gildemeister, an economist with Minnesota's health department, spoke out against high-risk pools. According to the report, he said: "It's not cheap coverage to the individual, and it's not cheap coverage to the system." For more on this story, read Mark Zdechlik's full report here. Healthgrades, an online resource for information on physicians and hospitals, named its list of America's 50 and 100 Best Hospitals for 2017 on Tuesday. Below are five things to know about the award and the hospitals that received it this year. 1. To determine Best Hospitals Award winners, Healthgrades examined Medicare inpatient data from the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review database from 2013 through 2015 for the 32 most common inpatient conditions and procedures, among other data points. Find more information here. Healthgrades' 100 Best Hospitals have all received the Healthgrades Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence consecutively for at least the last three years, while Healthgrades' 50 Best Hospitals have all received the award consecutively for at least the last six years. 2. Healthgrades' 100 Best Hospitals are not spread evenly throughout the United States: 22 states and the District of Columbia don't have a top 100 hospital. 3. Patients treated in the top 100 hospitals have, on average, a 27.1 percent lower risk of dyingthan if they were cared for in hospitals that did not receive the designation, according to Healthgrades. If all hospitals, as a group, performed similarly to the 100 Best Hospitals, on average, 179,438 lives could potentially have been saved, Healthgrades said. 4. The 100 Best Hospitals also out-perform their peers in emergency care for conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart attack, stroke, pneumonia and sepsis. These hospitals are five times more likely than other facilities to have received a Healthgrades five-star rating for treatment of those conditions, according to Healthgrades. 5. In addition to clinical outcomes, Healthgrades' top hospitals also excel at patient engagement, according to a Healthgrades whitepaper. Healthgrades cited various examples, such as Virginia Mason Medical Center in Seattle, which implemented the Orthopedic Patient-Peer Partner program, an idea that came from the medical center's orthopedic patients. Through the program, patients who had joint replacement surgery at the hospital can return as volunteers to support other patients who are preparing to undergo joint replacement surgery. "Hospitals that have achieved America's Best Hospitals distinction have sustained high quality outcomes for their patients over many years and often, offer programs that engage consumers and their overall communities in their care," said Brad Bowman, MD, Healthgrades' CMO. "Healthcare consumerism is requiring hospitals and health systems to innovate in a variety of areas, including quality, to meet growing expectations about the level of care, personalization and convenience." A coyote followed Steven Poletti, MD, into his Mount Pleasant, S.C.-based Southeastern Spine Institute office, but didn't cause trouble while in the facility, according to a report from The Post and Courier. A security camera caught the coyote's escapades on tape, following Dr. Poletti into the office around 7:30 am on a Wednesday morning last week. Dr. Poletti didn't realize the coyote was following him until the animal brushed up against his legs after entering the building. The coyote growled at Dr. Poletti, according to the report, and the surgeon chased his unwelcomed guest outside. There have been other reports of coyotes in Southeastern Spine's corner of South Carolina and the town usually refers residents to trappers when an urban coyote is spotted. Dr. Poletti expressed concern in the report that the animal could follow patients into the office. A new study published in Spine compares the short-term outcomes for primary and revision anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. The study authors examined 20,383 ACDF procedures, with 1,219 being revision surgeries. The researchers gathered data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program on procedures performed from 2005 to 2014. The researchers found: 1. The revision procedures were associated with increased risk of adverse events. Those events could include: Thromboembolic events Surgical Site infections Minor adverse events 2. The patients who underwent revision procedures were more likely to return to the operating room and receive blood transfusions. 3. Thirty days after surgery, the revision patients had an increased risk of readmissions. 4. The primary spine surgery patients' operative time was seven minutes less on average and they stayed at the hospital for half a day less than patients in the revision group. 5. The study authors advised the results could be used for risk stratification and patient counseling. BIRMINGHAM, Ala.-History enthusiasts and map lovers, the Birmingham Public Library's downtown location is preparing to host a new exhibit that will whet your appetite. "Sweet Home: Alabama's History in Maps" opens in the Fourth Floor Gallery of the Central Library, 2100 Park Place, on Wednesday, March 1 and runs through Sunday, April 30, 2017. The public is invited to attend the opening reception on Sunday, March 5 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Fourth Floor Gallery. The entire exhibit is also available online at www.bplonline.org/ALmaps. Timed to coincide with Alabama's upcoming bicentennial, this exhibit tells the history of our state by introducing patrons to maps that depict Alabama's development from the earliest days of exploration through the present day. Partially funded by a grant from the Alabama Humanities Foundation, the exhibit explores 450 years of Alabama history. It includes over 50 maps which have been carefully selected from the library's world class cartography collection. Jay Lamar, head of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission, called "Sweet Home: Alabama's History in Maps," "one of the most exciting, beautiful, and stimulating exhibitions I have ever seen. People will discover things about Alabama that they never knew or imagined by experiencing these lovely, remarkable maps." The library has been the grateful recipient of several large collections of rare, valuable, and exquisitely drawn maps. These donations were made by Rucker Agee, Dr. Charles Ochs, John C. Henley III, and Joseph H. Woodward II. "Birmingham is incredibly fortunate to have such a large collection of beautiful maps," said Mary Beth Newbill, head of BPL's Southern History Department, which houses the map collection. Newbill hopes the exhibit will be exciting to "map lovers, genealogists, and anyone interested in Alabama history." BPL will host two lectures from visiting scholars during the course of the exhibit, Newbill said. Dr. Martin Olliff of Troy University, Dothan will be speaking on the development of Alabama roads and highways. His lecture, "Roads That Start Somewhere and End Somewhere: How Alabama and the Nation Got its First Highways," will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 25. Professor and author Dr. Melinda Kashuba will be speaking at 10 a.m. on April 8. Her program, "Making Your Sweet Home among Maps: How to Read and Interpret Maps of the Southeastern United States for Genealogists, Historians, Teachers, and Map Lovers", will be a hands-on workshop that explores the symbols and mapping conventions used on 19th and early 20th century maps to tell the story of the development of the Southeast. Students will learn how to interpret and analyze information contained on old maps. Both lectures are in the Central Library's Arrington Auditorium. For more information, call the Birmingham Public Library's Southern History Department at 205-226-3665 or email askgenlocal@bham.lib.al.us. For additional information about the programs and services of the Birmingham Public Library, visit our website at www.bplonline.org and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter @BPL. The mission of Birmingham Public Library is to provide the highest quality library service to our citizens for life-long learning, cultural enrichment, and enjoyment. This system--with 19 locations and serving the community for 130 years--is one of the largest library systems in the southeast. To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below Gertjan Vlieghe gives evidence to the Treasury Select Committee in the House of Commons The Bank of England is unlikely to be able to predict the next financial crisis, despite having learned from its "Michael Fish" moment, key staff have told MPs. Gertjan Vlieghe - a rate-setting member of the Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) - warned that there were "unrealistic expectations" being placed on economics and forecasting models. While the Bank will always try to make improvements in light of any forecasting errors, no projection can be perfect, he said. "It is always going to be the case ... that there are going to be large forecast errors, that we are not going to forecast the next financial crisis, nor are we going to forecast the next recession. "Models are just not that good," Mr Vlieghe said during a Treasury Select Committee hearing on Tuesday, also attended by the Bank's governor Mark Carney. The Bank's chief economist Andy Haldane made headlines last month after saying that economists had become embroiled in a forecasting crisis following the 2008 market crash, dubbing it the profession's "Michael Fish" moment. He compared failures to predict the financial crisis of 2008 to an October 1987 weather forecast by BBC meteorologist Michael Fish, who wrongly denied claims a hurricane was going to hit Britain. "The reason I mentioned actually that Michael Fish moment was because that story had a happy ending," Mr Haldane told MPs on Tuesday. " After the 1987 hurricane, meteorologists put a huge amount of effort into their models, into their data, and that effort has now borne fruit." But Governor Carney acknowledged that factors like consumer behaviour could still confound the Bank's projections. "Do we have a perfect model of the British household? No," he told MPs. "We might understand that no forecast as a prediction is perfect, that there's probabilities around that, but that's not what people hear, and we need to do a better job of explaining." Consumer spending has held up in recent months, despite initial expectations that economic uncertainty following the EU referendum would spook shoppers. However, the Bank is expecting consumer spending to slow, as inflation - triggered by the collapse of the pound - starts to feed into retail prices. The Bank expects inflation to hit 2% this month, peaking at 2.8% in the first half of next year, before falling back to 2.4% in three years' time. But some MPC members believe they are edging closer to the Bank's limit in tolerating above-target inflation of 2%. Voting member Ian McCafferty said that the Bank was "closer to those limits" than six months ago, and that it would be key to monitor how inflation impacts business and consumer behaviour. It raises the possibility that the MPC will raise interest rates from its historic low of 0.25% in order to bring inflation back to target. Financial markets are factoring in two interest rate hikes over the next three years, though a broader "normalisation" could depend on the outcome of Brexit talks. "It is clear that interest rates are going to remain lower than the sorts of rates that one got used to before the crisis," Mr McCafferty said. "Whether we can start to see a gradual normalisation of policy I think is going to very much rely on how the economy responds to negotiations with the rest of the European Union about Brexit over the course of the next few years." UK law firms are now looking for an Irish presence after Brexit The Brexit vote has seen London 'Magic Circle' law firm Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer almost crack the top 10 list of Irish law firms by number of practising solicitors. The Law Society of Ireland, the ruling body for solicitors, has experienced a surge in UK lawyers seeking to register in the Republic in the aftermath of the June referendum. London-based multinational law firm DLA Piper has "fairly advanced" plans to launch a Dublin office, according to a senior partner at the firm. Juan Picon told trade publication Legal Week that the move would be a "natural expansion from the UK". "Post-Brexit, there will be more institutions looking to have a presence in Ireland," he is quoted as saying. Writing in Ireland's Law Society Gazette this month, director general Ken Murphy said the Freshfields numbers will be a major talking point. He said: "This results from the Brexit-related decision of 87 of their England-and-Wales-qualified solicitors not just to enter on the roll in Ireland (as a total of 806 England and Wales solicitors did last year) but to take out practising certificates in this jurisdiction. "They chose to take out practising certificates even though the firm has no office in Ireland nor any plans to open one," he added. A&L Goodbody tied Arthur Cox as the largest Irish law firm by number of practising solicitors at the end of last year - the first time there had ever been a tie at the top of the annually compiled list. Both firms have major operations in Belfast. A&L drew level after adding 15 solicitors in 2016, while Arthur Cox shed 14. The Law Society figures, which rank the firms as of December 31 last year, show the number of practising solicitors exceeded 10,000 for the first time ever last year, with 10,098 holding practising certificates (PCs). Matheson remained the third largest firm in the Republic, followed by McCann Fitzgerald. Mr Murphy said last month that the number of British solicitors coming to Ireland should not cause alarm. He said there was a distinct difference between someone joining the roll of solicitors, and those who take out practising certificates and actually practise in this country. "At the moment it's a technical exercise," he added. A small proportion of those who have joined the roll of solicitors have thus far taken out practising certificates. Latest figures show 806 solicitors from England and Wales were added to the Irish roll last year, as lawyers scramble to ensure professional 'right of audience' in European courts. A further 27 solicitors from Northern Ireland were also added to the roll in 2016. Before the Brexit vote, typically the Law Society would admit 50 to 100 solicitors from the UK in an average year. Northern Ireland food will reach another 1,000 supermarkets in Great Britain as two firms announce mega-deals worth around 1m each for their gluten-free lines. The contracts for Mash Direct in Comber and Scott's Bakery in Fivemiletown, which employ around 160 people each, are a demonstration of the continued prowess of the food industry in the province. Vegetable giant Mash Direct and Scott's Bakery have announced deals worth 1m and 0.85m a year with 380 Morrisons and 600 Tesco stores respectively. The deals come as Tourism NI continues to promote the legacy of the 2016 Year of Food and Drink. Mash Direct last month won the award for innovation in the Year of Food and Drink Awards in association with the Belfast Telegraph for its crispy vegetable bakes. The company has received support of 37,000 from economic development agency Invest NI to market its gluten-free range of southern-fried potatoes, carrot and parsnip fries, potato rostis and vegetable burgers. The entire range will now be on sale at 380 Morrisons supermarkets all over Great Britain - the first nationwide multiple deal for the Co Down family company. John Hood, Invest NI's director of food and drink, said: "Investment in innovation has enabled Mash Direct and Scott's Bakery to capitalise on the increasing market demand for 'free-from' products. "These valuable contracts with UK multiples are significant wins for both food manufacturers." Tesco, meanwhile, has sold Scott's Bakery's range since 1997 - but as part of the new deal, will almost double its business with the multiple. Andrew Little, product manager of Scott's Bakery, said: "We recently invested 1.5m in the business and hired 30 new staff to increase capacity for new customers. "This allowed us to supply Tesco GB and bring our gluten-free cakes to a wider Great Britain-based audience." Mash Direct was set up by Martin and Tracy Hamilton in 2004 at their farm in Comber, and is still run by the couple, along with their sons Lance and Jack. The company recently said that the business "was as well-positioned for Brexit as possible" as pre-tax profits grew more than fivefold to 1.1m. Martin Hamilton had spoken out against Brexit in advance of the vote. The firm, which makes vegetable and potato side dishes, reported a 5.7% increase in sales from 14.2m to 14.96m. It employs 163 people. The Scott family bakery started in the late 1960s and specialises in baking small cakes. Traditional fairy cakes were its original product, with muffins, mini muffins, butterfly cakes and cupcakes added to the product range as new product developments. Its cakes are supplied to supermarkets all over the UK and Ireland but the latest deal is expected to double its sales. In its accounts for the year ending March 31, 2016, the company announced turnover of 16.24m, up from 14.8m. Pre-tax profits were up from 0.89m to 1.5m. Employee numbers had also expanded from 146 to 157, with the firm taking on another eight production staff, and three more administrative staff. And the firm - which is run by brothers Robert and George Elliott, said maintaining and growing market share was one of the key challenges it faced. Sandra Weir, buying manager for Tesco Northern Ireland, said: "Scott's Bakery is a well-loved, family-run Northern Irish company and its gluten-free range will capitalise on the increasing free-from trend, making this an exciting new listing for Tesco. "This listing was progressed following a Great Britain buyer visit to the Tesco Taste Festival, which was supported by Invest NI, and we are confident that it will be a huge hit with consumers in GB. "Tesco NI will be proud to see Scott's Bakery in the shopping baskets of GB shoppers this year and, in particular, the role Tesco NI played in this important new development for a much-loved family business." The new products - gluten-free chocolate chip mini muffins, and assorted fairy cakes - have been made for Tesco. A range of other Northern Ireland firms have also succeeded in meeting the growing market need for gluten-free bakery and food products, including the Co Antrim businesses Rule of Crumb and Moditions. Both firms have won supermarket deals in the UK and further afield. Solicitors are seen by many as an integral part of the local community I began my presidency of the Law Society of Northern Ireland in November 2016 in what seems like a year of seismic change. Brexit and the impact of the US elections has fed into a sense of uncertainty about the future. Unfortunately this sense of uncertainty is locally pervasive in its implications for the Northern Ireland economy and heightened by the uncertainty which exists surrounding the future of our political institutions. The solicitor profession in Northern Ireland is certainly not immune from the sense of uncertainty which prevails both for our clients and for our own businesses. As president of the Law Society of Northern Ireland I am all too aware of the challenges and threats which face our members on a daily basis. Solicitor practices have always operated in a changing social, economic and legal environment which by necessity requires them to be responsive and adaptable. While acknowledging the challenges and threats which exist the Law Society continues to be positive about the future of the solicitor profession and their ability to steer clients through these uncertain times. Independent research commissioned by the Law Society in 2016 indicated that 78% of those sampled valued their local solicitor and regarded them as an integral part of their local community. This research reflects the ongoing commitment and work of solicitors throughout Northern Ireland who continue to provide legal services, advice and support to clients, businesses and the most vulnerable within the local community. By its nature this type of work is often unseen, unheard or publicised but it is vital to both the economy and society more generally. Few will talk of the contribution of solicitor firms to the Northern Ireland economy, much less try to quantify it, yet as local businesses, service providers and employers their contribution is substantial. The ongoing commitment of the legal profession to seeking new business opportunities was apparent internationally with an economic trade mission to Washington in September 2016 organised by Invest NI and supported by the Law Society, which showcased Northern Ireland legal services to potential investors. As a result of the Law Society's ongoing international connections the International Bar Association (IBA) will be hosting its mid-year meeting in Belfast in May 2017. Over 300 international leaders of the legal profession will attend the four-day conference which will provide an opportunity to present Northern Ireland to a global legal audience. This conference and other international engagement underscores the commitment of the solicitor community to actively supporting the Northern Ireland economy and the work done to establish global links and securing foreign direct investment. The society's ongoing outreach and engagement strategy is manifest in the translation of 36 information leaflets into foreign languages an acknowledgement of the changing nature of our community. Recently at Stormont the Dispute Resolution Service (DRS), which is administered by the Law Society, was publicised to a variety of business organisations and consumer groups. The DRS offers local businesses and consumers access to professionally trained lawyer mediators who can assist in achieving a meditated solution to legal problems in a way which can save the time, expense and stress of going to court. What has been described is but a small snapshot of some of the positive and ongoing work of the Law Society of Northern Ireland. It reflects and underscores the commitment of solicitors to our community, to the rights of our clients and to meeting the legal needs of business and individuals. News and more about African American entrepreneurs and Black-owned businesses. Also features a directory of events, publications, organizations, and more. It is not the first time Piers Morgan has sworn on the show Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan has taken a swipe at Hollywood stars but was forced to apologise after swearing on live TV. The former newspaper editor was introducing actress Lindsay Lohan just after 8am when he said most big-name stars "can't be arsed" to appear on the breakfast show. He was ticked off by co-presenter Susanna Reid and one viewer slammed him as "rude". As he prepared to interview Lohan, Morgan said: " It's very exciting because we don't often get Hollywood stars sitting on this sofa at this time in the morning because they can't be arsed to get out of bed", before correcting himself and adding: "Can't be bothered to get out of bed." Reid told him to "excuse your language" before Morgan said "s orry" for the mishap. In January last year, Morgan also had to apologise after using the word "bollocking" on the programme. Although one viewer was offended by the remark on Tuesday morning, others saw the funny side. Jason Whittenham posted on Twitter: "@piersmorgan you do make us laugh.. brilliant", while Tommie Jo wrote: "this guy makes me laugh hollywood stars that cant be #arsed to get outta bed. I spat my coffee out". Tony Taban said: "@piersmorgan love da (sic) way ya just swear live on telly and not batter an eyelid." Although Daniel Bunn wrote: "Just been watching gmb and how rude is piers Morgan, saying celebrities can't be arsed to get up", adding: "what is a celebrity these days anyway?" Alliance leader Naomi Long called two long-serving party members who resigned last month amidst allegations of ageism and racism "balloons" on a secret party Facebook group. In an exchange with supporters in the 'Alliance Party Activists and Volunteers' group about councillors Geraldine Rice and Vasundhara Kamble, Mrs Long wrote: "These two are complete balloons. They staged a sitdown protest when Anna Lo got a standing ovation because she said in an interview the week before she was in favour of a united Ireland." Read More When a party colleague asked if their protest had not stemmed from the fact Alliance president Ms Lo had been picked ahead of Ms Rice for an Assembly seat, Mrs Long answered: "Lol... That was supposedly their reason. Gerri would never be so petty as to take umbrage about a selection surely..." However, Mrs Long's post did not go unchallenged, with one group member writing: "Two complete balloons? Really Party Leader?? surely some mistake?!!!" Veteran politician Ms Rice (70), the Alliance Party's longest-serving councillor, told the Belfast Telegraph last month the decision to nominate a colleague as the next mayor of Castlereagh was the "straw that broke the camel's back". Ms Kamble, who came to Northern Ireland from India in 1995, said that, even after six years as an elected representative, she "never felt welcome in the party". She said colleagues were "condescending" and tried to make her feel like she was stupid. At the time Mrs Long denied the allegations, insisting that Alliance was committed to equality and diversity. The former party councillors said they were backing the SDLP's Pat Catney in the Assembly election, who will be battling for a seat in Lagan Valley with Alliance's Trevor Lunn. BY CLAIRE O'BOYLE Mike Nesbitt's plan to transfer his second preference vote to the SDLP could cost unionists the Assembly election, DUP leader Arlene Foster has claimed. The former First Minister also sounded alarm bells that the British Government could give concessions to Sinn Fein during negotiations to restore the Executive. But she insisted if republicans increased their demands in the aftermath of the March 2 poll, the DUP would stack up its list of issues "in proportion". Launching the party's manifesto, an add-on paper to the document it unveiled last May, Mrs Foster labelled the call by the Ulster Unionist leader to vote SDLP "inexplicable, sad and shameful". She warned there will be constituencies where DUP and Sinn Fein candidates would be slugging it out for the last seat after each constituency was cut from six MLAs to five. She argued: "The transfers of eliminated Ulster Unionist candidates will be the crucial and deciding factor. "So, even if the DUP were to have a small first preference vote lead over Sinn Fein, it could well be that Mike Nesbitt's transfer advice could cost unionism the election." The DUP Manifesto 2017 document also warned of the "danger" the Government could be prepared to compromise with Sinn Fein on the basis of its election mandate. "This must not be allowed to happen," it said. Mrs Foster said the SDLP "will do well" to win 10 seats in the Assembly. And even if the UUP wins every seat where it has a chance, it would not have a higher total of MLAs than the republican party, she added. "They are not running to win - the UUP are now running to stop the DUP from winning," she claimed. Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams came in for no less than 12 mentions in a less than 3,000-word address. However, the DUP leader has denied using the Louth TD as a "bogeyman figure". But Mrs Foster believes Mr Adams is back in control of Sinn Fein now that Michelle O'Neill is the party's Northern leader, and she warned that all recent polling shows the election will be "neck and neck" between the DUP and Sinn Fein. "The reality is that every vote for another unionist party is a vote which is lost in the battle to make sure that Sinn Fein does not win this election," she said. She also stressed she will lead the DUP team in the negotiations after this "unnecessary and, frankly, damaging election". Apart from taking the First Minister's post, she said a Sinn Fein surge would mean the "persecution" of security force members, demands for a new border poll, a possible republican Justice Minister and a "hugely significant worldwide propaganda boost". Ulster Unionist Upper Bann candidate Doug Beattie accused her of scaremongering. "The DUP are clearly desperate and are attempting to whip the unionist electorate into a state of perpetual fear," he said. "That's why they refused to answer any questions at their manifesto launch." The Alliance Party plotted to "hijack" a BBC radio phone-in show with fake callers, explosive posts from a secret social media group have revealed. The party's top Press man sent a series of directives to an inner circle of members - including Naomi Long, David Ford, Paula Bradshaw, Stephen Farry and Chris Lyttle - encouraging grassroots supporters to field "tricky" on-air questions to political opponents and "softballs" to their leader. Scott Jamison added if people were "stuck" for ideas, "we can email you a few". Read More: Read More Mr Jamison, head of communications for the party, sent the messages on a 'secret' Facebook group, and said Alliance was once again targeting BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback after it had done so successfully in last year's election while David Ford was leader. A post by Mr Jamison, dated February 2, said: "Talkback are once again doing a series of phone-in interviews with party leaders ahead of the election. We were pretty successful last year with hijacking the show with a series of callers and texters, so I'm looking to do the same again." The shock admission, seen by 148 people on the site, went on to tell elected representatives and candidates not to bother, and to leave the calls up to everyone else. He also told the group, which has 195 members, that callers should "feel free to use a fake name and location if you're so inclined" and be sure there was "no saying you're an Alliance member etc". Expand Close Alliance FB document. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alliance FB document. Mr Jamison pointed out that Alliance leader Mrs Long would be on the show "in two weeks, so a few supportive callers and texters on that day wouldn't be the worst thing in the world". He went on to provide contact details for William Crawley's Talkback programme, as well as a schedule detailing when leaders from every party were due to appear. Not all the group's members were in support of Mr Jamison's instructions, with one commenting: "Have to say I find that deceitful and unethical. Is that not what's wrong with our country at the moment?" Expand Close Alliance FB document. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alliance FB document. Another added: "I am disappointed that we as a party think it is okay to do this." Party veteran Mr Ford engaged in this exchange, but did not appear to condemn the practice. Keeping on top of members, former journalist Mr Jamison sent a follow-up message on February 13 as a reminder that Mrs Long was due to be on the radio show the next day - stressing that a helpful call would be "much appreciated" by the leader. Expand Close Alliance FB document. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alliance FB document. "We could do with some supportive callers/tweeters/texters," he wrote. "It doesn't have to be 'Why are you so amazing?' questions but by the same token, some softballs wouldn't go amiss. "It should only take a few minutes, so if you would take five out of your working day to give the programme a call, it would be much appreciated by her." The post, seen by 136 people and 'liked' by 10, received replies including one from former party employee Ian James Parsley - the husband of Alliance Assembly candidate for South Belfast Paula Bradshaw - that said: "Probably best not spouse of candidate either. But just by the way Naomi, why are you so amazing?" The party leader was tagged in the original post and also in Mr Parsley's response. In an embarrassing turn, the first of Mr Jamison's messages came just five days after he directed an extensive and tough-talking note at election candidates on January 28, warning them to take care on social media. He told them anything they did, especially online, had "ramifications". He wrote: "Journalists will pick up anything you say, particularly when it's written permanently online, and attempt to make a story with it. I know because I've been that journalist and I've done that very thing." The post went on: "It also goes for this group itself. I've been concerned about a number of comments made over the past number of days in relation to several stories. To the point I'm going to go through and delete those I see fit." The 'Alliance Party Activists and Volunteers' Facebook group works at the top level of secrecy on the social media site. In a public group anyone can see the group, its members and their posts. In a closed group anyone can find the group and see who's in it. But in a so-called 'secret', invite-only group like this one, just members can find the group and see its members. Today's revelations also raise questions for the BBC, whose Monday-Friday Talkback show receives calls from members of the public on politics and the biggest news stories of the day. On February 2 Mr Jamison told members of the secret Alliance Facebook group: "You don't have to identify yourself with anything other than your name and location." He added: "The show is on at 12, but you'd probably need to call in 10/15 minutes beforehand to speak to the producers before you go on air." Yesterday BBC Northern Ireland said: "Our radio phone-in programmes regularly attract a high volume of callers who want to ask questions or share their views live on air. In line with our editorial and elections guidelines, our production teams do their best to assess and identify each caller to ensure they contribute to a fair and balanced discussion which our presenters chair live." The corporation's editorial Election Guidelines 2017 warn producers to "be alert to organised campaigns or lobbying by parties, pressure groups, candidates or people acting on their behalf". The advice goes on to say that if "organised lobbying is suspected during the election period, contributors may be asked to provide contact details for verification purposes". Last night the TUV's Jim Allister said having the "fake calls" practice exposed would cause problems for Alliance. "Alliance like to paint themselves as whiter than white," he said. "But here they are perfecting subterfuge in organising fake calls to media outlets. That is disreputable in itself, but it is an indication of the panic they are feeling in this election if they have to jam the phonelines with favourable callers as if they're worried about real people. "The fact this is now being exposed will cause the party more damage than they (would) ever (have) gained from it. "I have never heard of this being done on such magnitude, in such an orchestrated fashion. They like to be the party of openness and transparency, and here they are conniving to rig phone-ins." What the party said in response... In a statement, a spokesperson for Alliance said: The Alliance Activists group is an informal, private forum run by activists and occasionally contributed to by elected representatives and others. Its style is often light-hearted and tongue-in-cheek, which is well understood by everyone involved. Any reference to phone-in shows were very obviously made in that tongue-in-cheek style. Encouraging, not instructing, party members and supporters, who are members of the public themselves, to call in to public phone-ins is standard practice in all political parties. The selection of questions is down to the host and listening to the show, it is clear few Alliance calls were taken. Our elected representatives are tagged in hundreds of posts a day and obviously dont see them all. It is also clear when any serious questions were brought to their attention in the forum, including recent resignations, serious and respectful answers were given. We would be surprised if every other party does not have a similar outlet, where conversations of an equally candid and tongue-in-cheek manner take place. We would, however, be surprised if all were as tame. Alliance leader Naomi Long described her party's manifesto as a "vision for all the people of Northern Ireland". The party is fielding 21 candidates in the March 2 vote. Mrs Long, who is standing for East Belfast, launched the party's manifesto - 'How to Change Northern Ireland for Good' - at an event at the Park Avenue Hotel on Tuesday. She said the manifesto showcased the need for change and to make politics work better. "This manifesto highlights Alliance's desire for good Government, good relations, good prospects, good services and good leadership, steps which we believe need to happen to help move Northern Ireland forward," she said. "There is evidence of a change in mood for many people. The public are sick and tired of corruption, cronyism and incompetence, and want the reforms necessary to create a health service that delivers, an education service that works and an economy that benefits everyone. "But a vote for Alliance is not simply a protest vote. As this manifesto shows, instead it is a vote for a party offering something positive, with a proven track record of leadership. For a party who has shown competence for Government, diligence in opposition and with a vision for all in Northern Ireland, not just some. "This is the chance to change things and change them for good. If people take the opportunity, they can make a difference." More: Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long at the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long with Deputy Leader Stephen Farry during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long with Deputy Leader Stephen Farry during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance leader Naomi Long has responded to the Belfast Telegraph over revelations senior figures in her party were involved in a plot to "hijack" a BBC programme. This newspaper exclusively revealed a secret Alliance Facebook group and messages sent out by the party's director of communications urging supporters to call into Radio Ulster's TalkBack show. Read More Tuesday, saw the Alliance leader take to the stage for her party's manifesto launch at a Belfast hotel. Responding to a question from journalist Claire O'Boyle whose exclusive Belfast Telegraph report caused shockwaves through the election campaign, Mrs Long said the messages may have been of more concern to her 'had they been serious'. She said: "The comments made were tongue in cheek precisely because we often struggle to even get our people invited places on audience debates. "So the tongue in cheek was quite clear." She added: "I hope that you will include on your front page tomorrow the fact that I was able - despite having flu - that I was able to take questions. "I noticed that the paper buried on half a page inside the paper today the fact our former first minister didn't take any questions at her manifesto launch. "And so I think in the spirit of journalism, it will be interesting to see what prominence our willingness to answer questions and be open and accountable will be given in the paper tomorrow." Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long at the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long with Deputy Leader Stephen Farry during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long with Deputy Leader Stephen Farry during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long at the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Yesterday the DUP leader Arlene Foster refused to take questions from the media at her party's manifesto launch. She told supporters and Press she had "man flu". The story and updates to it, were the lead articles on the Belfast Telegraph website for most of the day. The lead article on Mrs Foster's man flu was the most read story of Monday. More: Naomi Long at the launch of the Alliance Party's manifesto at the Park Avenue Hotel in east Belfast (Alliance Party/PA) The 800 million annual cost of a segregated society is the "real scandal" of Northern Ireland's government, the Alliance Party leader has said. Naomi Long said the botched Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme - which is approximately 490m over budget - is a "scandal", but added that the "real scandal" is the cost of division within the region. She said: "RHI is a scandal not to be sniffed at, but 800 million a year on the cost of division, serving a segregated society, is the real scandal which any executive post this election needs to be able to challenge." Mrs Long was referring to a report produced last year by Ulster University's Economic Policy Centre for the Department of Finance which said public services incur additional annual costs of up to 833 million in which division may be a factor. Speaking at the launch of the party's manifesto - How To Change Northern Ireland For Good - the East Belfast Assembly candidate said that Alliance celebrates "diversity as a strength, rather than exploit differences as a weakness". "That is in stark contrast to the fear-filled rhetoric we have heard from many others in this campaign," she added. Referring to "the scourge of paramilitarism" in Northern Ireland, Mrs Long said that a "cohesive, coherent plan" is needed from the executive to tackle the threat. She also raised concern over the lack of clarity from the DUP in relation to a major donation received by the party for its Brexit campaign. More than a quarter of a million pounds is believed to have been donated to the party to promote its Leave Europe message. Currently donations to political parties in Northern Ireland are kept confidential for fear of identifying donors. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long at the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long with a young supporter during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long with Deputy Leader Stephen Farry and Paula Bradshaw during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long with Deputy Leader Stephen Farry during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long with Deputy Leader Stephen Farry during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press PACEMAKER BELFAST 20/02/2017 Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long with Deputy Leader Stephen Farry during the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. The Election takes place on the 2nd of March. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long launches Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alliance Party Leader Naomi Long at the Alliance Assembly Election 2017 Manifesto Launch at the Park Avenue Hotel in East Belfast on Tuesday. Photo Colm Lenaghan/Pacemaker Press However, Mrs Long insisted that clarity is needed around political donations. She added that "250,000 of a donation was made to a party, possibly the largest (donation) in Northern Ireland's political history, and yet no one in Northern Ireland can know from whom that donation was received". Making a joke in reference to DUP leader Arlene Foster, Mrs Long said that she had "the lurgy" but would still be taking questions. On Monday Mrs Foster did not take questions from the media after the launch of the DUP manifesto. She said she had "man flu" and a DUP spokesman said she was "too ill" to take questions. Belfast has been named the UK's worst city for traffic congestion Belfast has been named the UK's worst city for traffic congestion. Drivers spend up to 200 hours a year stuck in jams - and the problem is getting worse, a survey has revealed. Overall congestion in Belfast is up 3% on last year and is at the highest level since satnav company TomTom began its ranking in 2008. Belfast now outstrips UK cities such as London and Birmingham for traffic chaos - and is the 18th most congested city in the world. Today's report shows: The most congested road was the M2/Nelson Street/York Link junction. Drivers in Belfast spend an extra 87% of their time stuck in traffic at peak morning and evening times compared to a free flow situation. Congestion in Belfast adds up to 200 hours of extra travel time per year - an average of 8.3 days a year. The most congested day in Belfast last year was Tuesday, November 15 when a lorry lost its load, causing gridlock across the city and delaying a Northern Ireland football match. Roads expert Wesley Johnston said it was clear Belfast was a very car-dependent city. "This is in keeping with all UK cities, but the effect is more pronounced in Belfast due to the Troubles," he said. "The violence tended to create a greater decrease in the use of public transport, as buses were routinely being hijacked, and encouraged a greater degree of movement to suburbs and satellite towns to escape the city, leading to an increase in commuting. "Until around the millennium, it was still official Government policy here to try to meet demand with road building. "It has since been accepted that the only way to accommodate all the cars that want to use the city streets would be road widening and demolition on a scale that would destroy much of the city centre. "The resultant decision not to keep up with demand leads inevitably to increasing congestion." Mr Johnston said total journey time was more important to people than the percentage congestion level, which is how TomTom measures journeys. "It is relevant that Belfast is a small city - there is open countryside less than two miles from City Hall," he added. "For example, a journey in Belfast that takes 30 minutes off-peak might take an hour in the rush hour, whereas a commute in London that takes two hours off-peak might take three hours in the rush hour. "Although the former is technically more congested, it is still a shorter commute time-wise." The TomTom Traffic Index 2016 details the cities around the world with the worst congestion. Nationally, the UK's traffic congestion level has increased by 5% since last year. Drivers are now spending an average extra five days a year in jams. Ten other UK cities are in the top 100, including Edinburgh, London, Manchester, Bristol and Newcastle. The only other country to have more cities in the top 100 was China. Although London is the third most congested city in the UK, when looking at the global picture of cities with a population of more than 800,000, it becomes the first UK city to be referenced - coming in at number 25. In Europe, Bucharest (50%) knocked Moscow (44%) off last year's top spot for most congested large city. Mexico City is the most congested city in the world, with drivers facing an average of 66% extra travel time. Police and ATO at the scene of a security alert in the Conway Street area of West Belfast on 21st February 2017 . (Photo - Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Police and ATO at the scene of a security alert in the Conway Street area of West Belfast on 21st February 2017 . (Photo - Kevin Scott / Belfast Telegraph) Pipe bombs and ammunition, thought to be linked to the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), have been found at house in the Conway Street area of west Belfast. Army technical officers examined a number of suspicious objects discovered during the search of the house and declared them to be pipe bomb-type devices. All of the items have now been removed for further examination. Conway Street, which was earlier closed due to the alert, has now reopened to traffic and evacuated residents allowed to return to their homes. Detective Chief Inspector Pete Mullan said: "The search, which was part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminality associated to INLA by detectives from PSNIs Reactive and Organised Crime Branch, uncovered 5 pipe bombs and a quantity of ammunition. "These are for one purpose only - to kill and injure people. Todays operation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to keep people safe in our communities. "Information from the community is vital and I would continue to ask for the public to report any suspicious activity to police on 101 or if you wish to remain anonymous, through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111." The UUP's Fred Rodgers said: "The news that Police have managed to recover five pipe bombs and a quantity of ammunition during an operation in the Conway Street area of west Belfast will be welcomed by everyone who cares about public safety and supports the rule of law. "I understand that the Police are linking the find to the INLA. There is no place in our society for any group that seeks to impose its will on communities by the threat of, or use of force. "Criminal gangs are causing misery to too many people in too many communities and it is essential that people give the Police every assistance by providing them with information so that the Police can root out these gangs and put them out of business." The SDLP's Alex Attwood said the INLA represent a "serious threat to people's welfare". He said: "Today's arms find is a welcome intervention against terror and criminality. It is the type of firm policing that is needed. We need it month in and month out, year in and year out. "That is what I have been saying to the police. That is what gives people confidence. That is what will encourage people to further help the police in their efforts. "The INLA represent a serious threat to the welfare of people and the community. All must face it down." The family of solicitor Pat Finucane are considering fresh legal options after losing a court challenge against the Government's refusal to hold a public inquiry into his murder. An application to the Supreme Court or a civil claim for damages against the authorities are two of the avenues that will be explored in the wake of the latest setback, Mr Finucane's son John said. "This is very much unfinished business," he said after the Appeal Court ruling in Belfast. His pledge followed a judgment that also revealed detectives are in the final stages of an investigation linked to the 1989 murder. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) subsequently confirmed an initial report has been sent to the region's Public Prosecution Service (PPS) for assessment. The murdered solicitor's widow Geraldine, who witnessed his shooting in 1989, had appealed against a judgment that found the 2011 decision by then Prime Minister David Cameron to reject a public inquiry was lawful. Three Court of Appeal judges in Belfast rejected her challenge on Tuesday. Mr Finucane, 38, who represented a number of high-profile republicans, was shot dead by loyalist paramilitaries in front of his wife and three children at their north Belfast home in February 1989. Expand Close Geraldine Finucane fought to overturn ex-PM David Cameron's decision / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Geraldine Finucane fought to overturn ex-PM David Cameron's decision The killing, one of the most notorious of The Troubles, is shrouded in controversy amid allegations that the security forces colluded with the gunmen from the outlawed Ulster Defence Association (UDA). Lawyers for the Finucane family have repeatedly argued that the Government made a commitment to hold an inquiry during peace process negotiations at Weston Park in 2001. In their ruling, the Court of Appeal judges acknowledged that a pledge to hold an inquiry had been made. But they upheld the Government's right to balance public interest factors, such as costs, when, years later, it opted to commission a review of case papers by QC Sir Desmond de Silva rather than instigate an inquiry. In publishing his findings in 2012, Sir Desmond said he had uncovered "new and significant" material. The Appeal Court was told that a PSNI investigation into that evidence was nearing completion. In 2015, Mr Justice Stephens ruled that Mr Cameron's actions had been lawful and that a full-blown public inquiry would be costly, protracted and could not be confined to narrow issues surrounding the loyalist shooting nearly 30 years ago. The three Appeal Court judges backed his findings. Delivering their judgment, Lord Justice Gillen said the Government had been transparent in its deliberations on whether the public interest would be served by holding a potentially lengthy inquiry. "We conclude that not only was this reasoning transparent but, based on all the range of public interest factors under consideration, it was a lawful decision by the Government, within its discretion, that it should not be held bound to maintain a policy of instituting a public inquiry in this instance," he said. In his scathing report, Sir Desmond detailed shocking levels of state involvement in the case. That included spreading malicious propaganda suggesting Mr Finucane was sympathetic to the IRA; one or possibly more police officers proposing him as a target to loyalists; and the mishandling of state agents inside the UDA who were involved in the murder. While he found no evidence of an overarching conspiracy by the authorities to target the solicitor, Sir Desmond said the actions of a number of state employees had "furthered and facilitated'' the shooting. He also said there had been efforts to thwart the subsequent criminal investigation. While he was prime minister, Mr Cameron apologised to the Finucane family in the House of Commons. Outside court on Tuesday, Mrs Finucane said she was disappointed but not angered by the judgment. "One thing we will have to follow up on is the fact that the police are now investigating all the new evidence that de Silva uncovered," she said. "Nobody knows what that is. Nobody knows at what level it's happened. So we will await that with much interest." Asked if she would consider an appeal to the UK Supreme Court, Mrs Finucane said: "We will be looking at it most seriously." John Finucane said the family would also be considering a potential civil action. "That would be an option, yes," he said, before again highlighting the option of a Supreme Court bid. Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy, from the PSNI's Legacy Investigation Branch, said detectives had sought to identify the new and significant material to consider "whether it presents any credible opportunity to progress the investigation into the murder of Pat Finucane". He added: "An initial report relating to that material has been submitted to the Public Prosecution Service but further consideration of the de Silva material is required before the PSNI's conclusions can be fully considered by the PPS." A Free Presbyterian minister has branded a book which promotes humanism in primary schools as "exploitation" of young minds. Rev David McIlveen said there should be a "clear barrier" between the message of humanism and young children. His comments come after Northern Ireland Humanists revealed it has been sending out free copies of the book, What is Humanism? to primary and secondary schools across the province. The non-fiction children's book by authors Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young explores humanist views of morality and ethics and the relationship between religion and the state. The books are being delivered to upper primary and lower secondary pupils following a crowdfunding campaign. Northern Ireland Humanists, part of the British Humanist Association (BHA) charity, represent non-religious people in Northern Ireland. The book also features content provided by broadcaster Stephen Fry, writer and broadcaster Natalie Haynes, and best-selling author Philip Pullman, who are all patrons of the BHA. Rev McIlveen, who has retired from Sandown Free Presbyterian Church in east Belfast, said that while it's important not to censor literature, there is also a right to challenge the contents of the book. "We know that humanism is basically anti-God and therefore anti-Christian," he said. "I think to advocate humanism can't go unchallenged and I think it is important that people do have the opportunity to challenge that and I would appeal to Christian parents particularly to express a very strong and vocal opposition to the message of humanism. "I feel that for a child of primary school age, humanism is not something that should be put into their mind. Expand Close What is Humanism? Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp What is Humanism? Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young "I think that they are far too young to even make that decision as to the rights and wrongs of humanism and I think this is an exploitation of young people to try and indoctrinate them into a view that many people in Northern Ireland would reject. "I would feel very strongly about the fact there should be a clear barrier between the message of humanism and impressionable minds." Northern Ireland Humanists trains and accredits celebrants here who non-religious humanist weddings, funerals, and naming ceremonies. It also provides trained pastoral carers in hospitals and prisons, alongside school speakers who can help teachers with delivering lessons on humanism. Northern Ireland Humanists coordinator Boyd Sleator said the local religious curriculum is "dominated" by the Christian religions. "It's important that schoolchildren also have the opportunity to reflect widely on the different beliefs and values that make up our society and the world we live in today," he said. "Michael Rosen and Annemarie Young have created an excellent introduction to humanism, which is the name given to those rational, non-religious, ethical values which thousands of people across Northern Ireland rely on every day. "Children across Northern Ireland now have a resource designed with them in mind so they can improve their understanding of humanism." Ammunition and pipe bombs thought to be linked to the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA) have been seized in Belfast. The republican paramilitary splinter group said it destroyed its arms in 2010 as part of the Northern Ireland peace process. It declared a ceasefire in 1998 but was suspected of involvement in a number of murders since then. Among its most high-profile Troubles victims was Conservative Northern Ireland spokesman Airey Neave. Police revealed they are conducting an ongoing probe into continued criminality by the group. Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) detective chief inspector Pete Mullan said: "The search, which was part of an ongoing investigation into organised criminality associated to INLA by detectives from PSNI's Reactive and Organised Crime Branch, uncovered five pipe bombs and a quantity of ammunition. "These are for one purpose only - to kill and injure people. "Today's operation demonstrates our ongoing commitment to keep people safe in our communities." The cache of explosives was found at a house in Conway Street in west Belfast. The INLA was a much smaller group than the Provisional IRA but was capable of ruthless slaughter. It was believed to have been responsible for more than 120 murders from its formation in 1975 until its ceasefire in 1998. A report on paramilitarism was ordered following a 2015 killing by members of the Provisionals which jeopardised the powersharing institutions at Stormont. It said the structures of the INLA remained in existence but there was little evidence of centralised control. There were indications the INLA was attempting to recruit new members. It continued to have access to some arms and was heavily involved in criminality, the report said. Ulster Unionist Stormont Assembly candidate for next month's poll Fred Rodgers said: "There is no place in our society for any group that seeks to impose its will on communities by the threat of, or use of force." Conan Anderson, 22, died after suffering a head injury during a night out in Belfast A man has been charged with the manslaughter of another man who died two weeks after sustaining a head injury on a night out. Conan Anderson, 22, from the Short Strand in east Belfast, died in hospital at the weekend. A 27-year-old-man arrested on Tuesday morning in Belfast has been charged with manslaughter. He is due to appear in court in the city on Wednesday morning. Detectives have established that the fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Monday February 6 in the Arthur Lane area of Belfast. Mr Anderson was admitted to hospital later that day. A coalition of business leaders in Northern Ireland has voiced support for the North South Interconnector ahead of the resumption of a public inquiry into the controversial electricity project. The NI Chamber, CBI NI, Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Businesses, Centre for Competitiveness, and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association are among those backing the stalled 200 million-plus scheme. While advocates claim the link between the electricity grids on both sides of the border is vital for the island's energy market, opponents insist it will have negative environmental and health impacts. Planning permission for the southern section through counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan has been approved, though that decision is set to face a number of legal challenges. The planning decision on the section through counties Armagh and Tyrone in Northern Ireland will only be made at the conclusion of the public inquiry, which resumes hearings in Armagh on Wednesday. In total, the interconnector would involve 85 miles of overhead lines and pylons. Kirsty McManus, from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the project was significant for Northern Ireland businesses. "Businesses and employers need access to electricity in the most cost efficient manner possible, and the proposed interconnector is key to achieving this," she said. "It is an essential piece of infrastructure which will allow the all-island electricity market to do what it was designed to do - achieve savings for all consumers north and south." SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) is overseeing the northern half of the project. Robin McCormick, general manager of SONI, said: "The North South Interconnector is without doubt the single most important infrastructure project on the island today. "It is urgently required and will reduce costs for consumers north and south, by allowing the single electricity market to work as efficiently as possible, which is particularly good news for business. "The public inquiry is an opportunity for everyone with an interest in the project to participate in an independent planning process and we are pleased that this project, so critical to the Northern Ireland economy, has reached this stage." A Northern Ireland man has been charged with being drunk onboard a flight to Ibiza. Ruairi McNally (24) of Kilrea Road, Upperlands, Co Londonderry, is alleged to have committed the offence on September 1 last year. His case was mentioned at Antrim Magistrates Court on Tuesday. He was not present in the courtroom. No facts surrounding the alleged incident were outlined to the court. Defence solicitor Sean McQuaid said representations will be made to the Public Prosecution Service and asked for the case to be put back. The case has been adjourned until March. The man claimed he had been left with no feelings in his thumbs or first fingers after the officer from the PSNI "squeezed as tightly as he could" while closing the handcuffs A police officer has been cleared of causing "possible lifelong injuries" to a man by closing handcuffs so tightly that he suffered "suspected nerve damage". The man claimed he had been left with no feelings in his thumbs or first fingers after the officer from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) "squeezed as tightly as he could" while closing the handcuffs. However, an investigation by the Police Ombudsman has found there was insufficient evidence to suggest any wrongdoing by the officer. The man was arrested in Larne in August 2016. He claimed that he had "begged and begged" for the handcuffs to be loosened while being transported in a police cell van to a custody suite in Belfast, but his pleas were ignored. He said his hands went numb and that he heard the two officers in the van laughing. He also alleged that an officer refused him permission to use the toilet before he was placed in the van. A Police Ombudsman investigator obtained accounts from the officers involved, as well as an independent witness who had seen the arrest. The witness said the man had been struggling with police as he was being taken to the police van, and said he then heard banging from inside the van and an officer asking the man to stop. The witness added that none of the officers had acted inappropriately during the arrest. The officer who applied the handcuffs said he had complied with police procedures, checking them for tightness and double locking them. A report by a police doctor who examined the man noted that there were marks on a number of places on his arms. The Police Ombudsman investigator said this suggested that the handcuffs had had a degree of movement, rather than having been locked tightly in one place. Other medical evidence suggested that the man may have sustained injuries to his wrists months previously. Witnesses also recalled that the man had been offered the use of a nearby bathroom, but had refused and asked to use one upstairs. The investigator also noted that the man did not specifically allege that the officers had been laughing at him, simply that they had been laughing. She concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support disciplinary action against any officer and closed the man's complaint as unsubstantiated. Police had to be called to Belfast International Airport to assist with a would-be passenger who was being aggressive toward staff whilst he was drunk in the early morning Krzysztof Swierzko (25), of Cushendall Road in Ballyvoy near Ballycastle, was intending to fly to Poland to visit his ill-father, but was ejected from the airport on Monday morning because of his behaviour. He was arrested and after spending the night in custody appeared at Antrim Magistrates' Court on Tuesday where he pleaded guilty to a charge of disorderly behaviour. A prosecutor told the court police were called at 6.05am to assist with the removal of a passenger who was at the departure gate wanting to catch an outbound flight to Poland. The prosecutor said the defendant had consumed too much alcohol and was "aggressive" to airport staff and police. He was shouting and waving his arms about as he was escorted from the terminal. When arrested he continued to act in an aggressive manner at a police custody suite, the prosecutor added. Defence solicitor Steven Ewing said his client was travelling back to Poland to visit his ill father. He said the defendant, who has a job in Northern Ireland with a solar panel firm, had taken drink the night before and had continued drinking at the airport. He said his client did not have much memory of what happened but wished to apologise for his actions. The lawyer said the defendant had to spend the night in custody but that he had entered a guilty plea at an early stage. Deputy District Judge Peter Prenter said the type of incident "seems to be more common-type behaviour" and said passengers and staff were inconvenienced. He said the defendant was in "severe danger" of being jailed but took into account his limited criminal record and the guilty plea. He told Swierzko he was facing "quite serious matters" but he suspended a three month jail term for a year. The judge warned the defendant: "Stay out of trouble". Tributes have been paid to a seven-year-old girl from Cushendall who died following a short illness. It's believed Bronagh Kinney died at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast just days after becoming ill with meningitis. She was a primary four pupil at Glena Primary School in Cushendall. Bronagh was part of many sporting groups - all of which paid tribute to her. Parish priest Fr Luke McWilliams told the Belfast Telegraph that her family are getting a lot of support from the community. He said: "Bronagh was a lovely wee girl and she was really looking forward to her First Communion this year. "She was very popular in her school, and she would be very much missed by the community. "They are getting a lot of support from the community and they are coping remarkably well considering the tragic nature of the little girl's death. He added: "It's every parent's nightmare." Cushendall Camogie Club of which Bronagh was one of their Under 8 players said they were "saddened" to hear of her passing. It said: "We would like to extend our sympathy to the entire Kinney family at this sad time." The Glens Youth Club said: "The committee, staff and members of The Glens Youth Club are saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our junior member Bronagh Kinney RIP. "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at The Glens Youth Club are with Shane, Gina, Michael, Clodagh, Liam, Niall and the entire Kinney family at this sad time." Ruairi OG CLG camogie club said it was "tragic news" and that the thoughts and prayers of the club were with the Kinney family. The young girl's funeral will take place on Wednesday at St Mary's Church in Cushendall. A 2.5 million retail development at Belfast International Airport is expected to create 35 jobs Work has begun on a 2.5 million retail, food and fuel forecourt at Belfast International Airport. A total of 35 full and part-time jobs will be created, generating about 500,000 in wages. The contract to build on the 1.6-acre site was awarded to building and civil engineering contractors, RJ McKelvey Ltd of Castlederg, County Tyrone. Robert McKelvey from RJ McKelvey Ltd said: "We're delighted to have won this important contract. "This is a home-grown company awarding a contract to another local firm, and that means it's a win-win for the local economy." Developer Moorefield Contracts said RJ McKelvey Ltd had the right level of know-how and experience to complete the privately-financed construction project. Canice Mallaghan, of Moorefield Contracts, said: "A proven track record in construction, combined with an ability to stick to budget, were important factors in awarding the contract to RJ McKelvey Ltd. "We're pleased that the work is going to be carried out by a local firm that has earned an enviable reputation over its 31 years in operation. "We have some top high street names lined up to take space in our development." A darts fan from Northern Ireland spent two nights behind bars in Scotland for trapping a policeman in his car and then attacking another officer who was trying to arrest him. Drunken John Moorehead missed his flight back to Northern Ireland, leaving his mother to look after his children for longer than arranged. And Moorehead, of Newtownards, Co Down, was warned he faces being locked up again if he fails to return to face justice following his conduct towards Police Scotland officers. The details emerged yesterday when Moorehead (40) appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court over his weekend antics. He struck a deal with prosecutors which saw him pleading guilty to three of the four charges he faced. He admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner which was likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm by shouting, swearing, threatening violence and trapping PC Fraser Murray in his police car. The first charge he admitted stated that he did "lean against the front offside door of the police vehicle there, which was stationary in the roadway, whereby Fraser Murray PC was unable to open the door from said vehicle." And he also admitted assaulting PC Euan McMillan by grabbing him by the body armour and trying to punch him during the melee in New Street, Paisley, Renfrewshire, on Saturday, February 18. Moorehead also pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing and hurling more threats of violence when he was taken to Helen Street police station, in the Govan area of Glasgow, to be processed for the offences. In exchange for those guilty pleas, prosecutors dropped a fourth charge that Moorhead had struggled with four police officers - PCs McMillan and Murray and officers Douglas McGlynn and Michael MacAuley. The exact details of Moorehead's rampage were not revealed in court and defence solicitor Waqqas Ashraf asked for him to be released on bail adding: "He is from Northern Ireland. "He is fully aware he will have to return for sentencing. "This is in relation to drink and a separation. "He was here in Scotland for a darts event. "His mother was looking after the children and, clearly, he was to go back to look after them." As Sheriff David Pender deferred sentence until next month and called for background reports, he said: "I have two options here - grant you bail until the date given or remand you in custody for a period of up to 28 days. "I'm going to give you bail, it seems you have young kids to look after. "If you do not attend on the next occasion, a warrant will be granted for your arrest, you will be brought back over here and you will not get bail. "If you care for your kids and hope to keep caring for them, you'll be here on the next occasion." US President Donald Trump shakes hands with H.R. McMaster (L) as his national security adviser at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on February 20, 2017. AFP/Getty Images US President Donald Trump has chosen army Lt Gen HR McMaster as his new national security adviser. Mr Trump announced the choice on Monday at his Palm Beach club, Mar-a-Lago. He said Lt Gen McMaster is "a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience". Mr Trump said retired army Lt Gen Keith Kellogg, who had been his acting adviser, will now serve as the National Security Council chief of staff. The president had been looking for a replacement for retired general Michael Flynn, who was ousted last week. Mr Trump pushed out Mr Flynn last Monday after revelations he misled Vice President Mike Pence about discussing sanctions with Russia's ambassador to the US during the presidential transition. Mr Trump said in a news conference on Thursday that he was disappointed by how Mr Flynn had treated Mr Pence, but did not believe Mr Flynn had done anything wrong by having the conversations. Retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward, Mr Trump's first choice to replace Mr Flynn, turned down the offer. An Israeli military court has sentenced a soldier to 18 months in prison for his fatal shooting of a Palestinian attacker who lay wounded on the ground, capping a legal saga that has deeply divided the country. The sentence for Sergeant Elor Azaria, which included a year's probation and a demotion in rank, was lighter than expected. Prosecutors had asked for three to five years, and Palestinians dismissed the term as a "joke". Several hundred protesters had gathered outside the Tel Aviv court hoping to see the soldier walk free. Azaria is to start serving his term on March 5, and politicians immediately called for him to be pardoned. "Even if he erred, Elor should not sit in prison. We will all pay the price," said education minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the nationalist Jewish Home Party and an early supporter of the soldier. The Palestinians said the sentence would encourage Israeli soldiers to use excessive force. "This sentence is a joke, and it shows how much discrimination Israeli courts practise against Palestinians," said Issa Karaka, the Palestinian government minister for prisoners. Azaria was convicted of manslaughter last month in a rare case of a military court ruling against a combat soldier for lethal action in the field. The verdict marked a victory for commanders who said Azaria had violated the army's code of ethics, but the soldier generated great support among the public, many of whom see him as a scapegoat for a misguided elite punishing a soldier who they say responded to an armed attacker trying to kill other soldiers. Azaria, an army medic, was caught in a video last March as he fatally shot the wounded Palestinian, just after the man stabbed a soldier in the West Bank city of Hebron. The Palestinian, Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, was lying on the ground badly wounded and unarmed when Azaria shot him in the head. The dead Palestinian's father, Yousri al-Sharif, said the sentence made a mockery of justice. "If one of us killed an animal they would have put him in jail for God knows how long. They are only making fun of us," he said. Fathi al-Sharif, an uncle of the Palestinian, said: "It's not a punishment. This will encourage other soldiers to do the same." The shooting occurred at the height of a wave of Israeli-Palestinian violence. Since September 2015, Palestinian attackers have carried out numerous stabbing and shooting attacks that have killing 41 Israelis and two visiting Americans. During the same time, Israeli forces have killed 235 Palestinians, most of them attackers. Palestinians and human rights groups have accused Israeli forces of using excessive force in some of the cases and even harming innocent people mistaken as attackers. But in the absence of concrete evidence, they have been unable to prove these claims. The video of the Azaria shooting, taken by a Palestinian human rights activist, was the strongest evidence to date to support the Palestinian claims. Azaria's defenders said he shot the assailant in self-defence, and hardline politicians said he should be either cleared or released with a light penalty. "The prosecution was thirsty for Elor's blood and the sentencing proves that," Yoram Sheftel, one of the soldier's lawyers, said outside the court. But his detractors, including senior military commanders, said his actions violated military procedures. The uproar has put the army in a delicate position. Military service is compulsory for Israel's Jewish majority, and there is widespread sympathy for soldiers, since virtually every family has a member who is serving or has served in the past. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who initially defended the military, later softened his position and called Azaria's parents to console them. After the verdict last month, he called for Azaria to be pardoned. The dispute helped fuel the resignation of defence minister Moshe Yaalon, a former military chief who sided with the army. His successor, Avigdor Lieberman, visited Azaria in court during the trial. But since taking up the defence post, he has lined up behind the army. On Tuesday, he asked the public to respect the sentencing and urged "all sides to do what is necessary to put an end to this affair". Dozens of the soldier's supporters outside the court chanted words of encouragement and waved banners reading: "Death to terrorists." Azaria, 20, entered the court smiling and was greeted by applause from friends and relatives. He then had a long embrace with his mother and other family members. Last month's verdict was accompanied by angry outbursts in the courtroom and protesters outside who briefly blocked streets and scuffled with police. But reactions were more muted on Tuesday as Azaria's father Charlie took a more calming approach, asking supporters ahead of the sentencing not to disrupt the proceedings. "None of us have any expectations, we shall accept the sentence whatever it may be," he said. AP Marine Le Pen is leading polls for the first round of the French presidential election France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen has refused to don a headscarf for a meeting with Lebanon's top Sunni Muslim cleric and walked away from the scheduled appointment after a brief squabble at the entrance. The debacle topped Ms Le Pen's three-day visit to Lebanon, where she held her first campaign meeting with a head of state. It put a spotlight on her strong support for secularism and a proposal in her presidential platform that promotes banishing headscarves and other obvious religious symbols in all public spaces. "I consider the headscarf a symbol of a woman's submission," she told reporters at the end of her visit. "I will not put on the veil." She compared her refusal to wear the headscarf to the decision by Michelle Obama to decline wearing one during her state visit to Saudi Arabia. "I note that when Marine Le Pen refuses to don the headscarf, it is criticised, but when Michelle Obama refused to do it in Saudi Arabia, it was considered admirable," she said. Journalists shouted back that the two situations were not comparable because one was a state visit while the other was to a religious body. French law bans headscarves in all classrooms except universities. She has proposed extending the 2004 law banning headscarves and other "ostentatious" religious symbols in classrooms to all public spaces. While the law covers all religions, it is widely viewed as aimed at Muslims. Asked if she fears her proposal may ignite the anger of the Muslim community, she said: "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." The incident occurred ahead of a scheduled meeting with Lebanon's grand mufti, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian. Shortly after Ms Le Pen arrived at his office, one of his aides handed her a white headscarf to put on. Following a discussion with his aides that lasted a few minutes, she refused and returned to her car. She said she had informed her host the night before that she would not wear the scarf but they did not cancel the meeting, adding: "They tried to impose it upon me." She said the Grand Sheik of Al-Azhar, the head of the Sunni world's most prestigious learning institute, did not require her to don a headscarf. Photos of Ms Le Pen with Ahmed al-Tayeb in 2015 in Cairo show her with her hair uncovered. The officials at the mufti's office "kept the meeting and consequently put me before a fait accompli", she said. "I stuck to my position, because when I take a position it corresponds to a conviction. If (you don't like it) never mind." The office of Lebanon's mufti issued a statement saying Ms Le Pen was told in advance through one of her aides that she would have to put on a headscarf during the meeting. "This is the protocol" at the mufti's office, the statement said. It said the aides tried to give her the headscarf and Ms Le Pen refused. "The mufti's office regrets this inappropriate behavior in such meetings," the statement said. Ms Le Pen has tried to raise her international profile and press her pro-Christian stance with her visit to Lebanon, a former French protectorate. On Monday, she met President Michel Aoun, a Christian, and prime minister Saad Hariri, a Sunni Muslim. She said Syrian President Bashar Assad was "the most reassuring solution for France", adding that the best way to protect minority Christians is to "eradicate" Islamic State. AP Ukraine's president has called for new sanctions against Russia over its decision to recognise passports issued by separatist authorities in the east. Petro Poroshenko denounced Moscow's action as contradicting the 2015 peace agreement. Speaking at a meeting with EU humanitarian aid and crisis management commissioner Christos Stylianides, Mr Poroshenko called for "resolute action, up to strengthening sanctions". The Kremlin accused Ukrainian authorities of denying vital documents to people in the rebel regions. Officials said the decision was a "humanitarian" move to help residents of the east suffering from Ukraine's blockade, and does not amount to recognising rebel regions. Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since April 2014 in a conflict that has killed more than 9,800 people. The US and the European Union have hit Russia with sanctions for its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean peninsula and support for pro-Russian insurgents in eastern Ukraine. The February 2015 peace agreement brokered by France and Germany has helped reduce fighting in the east, but clashes have continued and provisions for a political settlement have stalled. Russia and Ukraine have blamed each other for the lack of progress. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said the decision to recognise passports and other documents issued by separatist authorities in the east was intended to protect the rights of local residents, who have found it impossible to receive documents from Ukraine because of its blockade. "The Ukrainian authorities are doing all they can to make life as difficult as possible for the residents of those territories and make it as hard as possible for them to enjoy the most basic rights and freedoms," Mr Lavrov said. "It's hard and often impossible to exercise those rights without documents." Meanwhile, Montenegro's former prime minister has accused Russia of "destructive" politics in the Balkans following what the country says was a thwarted attempt to overthrow its pro-Western government. Milo Djukanovic, who stepped down after the alleged pro-Russian plot in October to prevent the country from joining Nato, said Moscow "harnessed a lot of destructive material toward Montenegro". Montenegro is now "in the line" of Moscow's attempts to expand its influence in the war-torn Balkans, and pro-Russian opposition parties are ready to use "bloodshed and a coup" to install a pro-Kremlin government, Mr Djukanovic said while addressing his Socialist Democratic Party youth in the second-largest town of Niksic ahead of local elections. "A new puppet government would only serve Moscow's interests, which wants to send a message to Europe and Nato that they cannot expand in the Balkans without their (Moscow's) consent," said Mr Djukanovic. Russian officials have recently named Serbia, Bosnia, Macedonia and Montenegro as Moscow's sphere of interest in the Balkans, saying they should not join Nato. The former Yugoslav republics were never part of the Soviet bloc and officially all of them want to join the European Union. Montenegro's prosecutors have accused Russia and its secret service of plotting the election day coup attempt that included alleged plans to kill Mr Djukanovic and take over parliament. Twenty people, including two Russians, have been accused of taking part. The Kremlin has repeatedly denied involvement in the plot, but it has openly supported nationalist parties and groups opposed to Montenegro's Nato membership. AP Vitaly Churkin died after falling ill at his New York City office (AP) The cause and manner of death of Russia's ambassador to the United Nations needs to be studied further, New York's medical examiner said. It comes a day after diplomat Vitaly Churkin fell ill at his office at Russia's UN mission in the city and died in hospital. Further study usually includes toxicology and other screenings, which can take weeks. The case was referred to the medical examiner's office by the hospital, spokeswoman Julie Bolcer said. Mr Churkin, who died a day before his 65th birthday, had been Russia's envoy at the UN since 2006. He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the UN's most powerful body. The medical examiner is responsible for investigating deaths that occur by criminal violence, accident, suicide, suddenly or when the person seemed healthy, or if someone died in any unusual or suspicious manner. Most of the deaths investigated by the office are not suspicious. The Security Council held a moment of silence on Tuesday in memory of Mr Churkin, whom UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called "not only an outstanding diplomat but an extraordinary human being". Russian President Vladimir Putin esteemed Mr Churkin's "professionalism and diplomatic talents", spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to state news agency TASS. Moscow has not yet given a date for the funeral. Diplomatic colleagues from around the world mourned Mr Churkin as a master in their field, saying he had both a deep knowledge of diplomacy and a large and colourful personality. US ambassador Nikki Haley said that while she and Mr Churkin did not always agree, "he unquestionably advocated his country's positions with great skill". Her predecessor, Samantha Power, described him on Twitter as a "diplomatic maestro and deeply caring man" who had done all he could to bridge differences between the US and Russia. Those differences were evident when Ms Power and Mr Churkin spoke at the Security Council last month, and Ms Power lashed out at Russia for annexing Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and for carrying out "a merciless military assault" in Syria. Mr Churkin countered that Democratic former president Barack Obama's administration, which Ms Power served in, was "desperately" searching for scapegoats for its failures in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Mr Churkin died weeks into some major adjustments for Russia, the UN and the international community, with a new secretary-general at the world body and a new administration in Washington. Meanwhile, the Security Council is due this week to discuss Ukraine and Syria. From Moscow's vantage point, "Churkin was like a rock against which were broken the attempts by our enemies to undermine what constitutes the glory of Russia", TASS quoted deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying. Mr Churkin's UN counterparts "experienced and respected the pride that he took in serving his country and the passion and, at times, very stern resolution that he brought to his job", said General Assembly president Peter Thomson, of Fiji. But colleagues also respected Mr Churkin's intellect, diplomatic skills, good humour and consideration for others, said Mr Thomson, who called for a moment of silence at the start of an unrelated meeting on Monday. Mr Churkin emerged as the face of a new approach to foreign affairs by the Soviet Union in 1986, when he testified before the US congress about the Chernobyl nuclear plant disaster. It was rare for any Soviet official to appear before congress. In fluent English, Mr Churkin provided little new information about Chernobyl but engaged in a friendly, sometimes humorous, exchange with politicians who were not accustomed to such a tone - or to a representative in a fashionably well-fitting suit with a stylish haircut - from the Soviet Union. After he returned to the foreign ministry in Moscow, he ably dodged questions and parried with Western correspondents, often with a smile, at briefings in the early 1990s. Within the government, he proved himself an able and flexible presence who survived numerous course changes after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He held ambassadorships in Canada and Belgium, among other posts. Mr Churkin told Russia Today in an interview this month that diplomacy had become "much more hectic", with political tensions rising and stability elusive in various hotspots. At the time, he looked in good health, reporter Alexey Yaroshevsky tweeted. AP There are few more satisfying sights than that of self-righteous paragons of virtue being hoist by their own petard. So do feel free to revel in the delicious spectacle of the Alliance Party's plaster saints wriggling on the hook after being caught out trying to hijack Radio Ulster's Talkback show in the run-up to next month's Assembly election by urging members to phone in en masse and pitch the softest of soft questions to the party's representatives whenever they're on air. Surely there must be some mistake? Read More: Read More This can't be the same Alliance that has loitered on the political sidelines for years, arms crossed prissily, shaking heads and tut-tutting disapprovingly at those awful people in the other parties who don't have the same gloriously, upstanding moral principles? Yes, the very same one; and it's not just a few over-enthusiastic grassroots activists either. The supposedly secret Facebook group where these messages originated includes some of the party's biggest names, among them leader Naomi Long and her predecessor David Ford. This is a man who was once highly critical of former First Minister Peter Robinson's assertion that Alliance is "holier than thou", declaring bluntly: "We're not." You can say that again, David, and the party must allow others who've spent their lives failing to live up to Alliance's high standards a small chuckle at how the high and mighty have fallen. Everything Alliance does is normally so bland that it might as well change the party's colours from yellow to beige. Now it's been caught red-handedly trying to manage the media with a brazen indecency that would have shamed Tony Blair's former spin doctor Alastair Campbell. It's like seeing one of those headlines in the old News Of The World about a crossdressing vicar. It's shocking for a moment, then you can't help but laugh. The whited sepulchres in politics are invariably undone by the very thing they profess to be fighting against. The Tory "family values" man will be uncovered with his pants down in a seaside hotel with his secretary. The scrupulous socialist who rails against greed will be nabbed with his hand in the till. For Alliance, its big crusade has always been for probity, transparency, openness - so obviously it was going to be found out doing the exact opposite one day. The only eye-opener is that it took so long for the mask to slip. The party's head of communications, Scott Jamison, even told members to "feel free to use a fake name and location if you're so inclined" and be sure not to mention that they're Alliance supporters. That will be worth remembering next time politicians complain about fake news. No wonder they know so much about it, when they're the ones doing the faking. It certainly doesn't suggest that the party's movers and shakers have much confidence in their own candidates' ability to field hard questions, either from journalists or ordinary voters, if they think they should only be allowed out in public behind a human shield of the party faithful, all lobbing tame questions to their heroes along the lines of: "Why can't everyone be as nice as us... er, I mean you... in the Alliance Party?" But if you're going to do it, at least obey the golden rule of politics - don't be stupid enough to get caught. And definitely don't get caught by blabbing about it online. How many times must it be repeated? Social media is not a private place however secret you imagine your interactions to be. The internet has more holes than Alliance's plan to boost the local economy by planting more trees, or whatever the heck it happens to be. Jamison admitted as much himself only days ago, warning candidates of the dangers of blurting out something foolish on social media. And if that isn't the icing on an already delicious cake, I really don't know what is. Wikicommons The year is 1630, and a bearded man in dark clothing sits aboard the Arbella, a vessel bound for the shores of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He is studiously penning a sermon which he has entitled A Model of Christian Charity. This man and his sermon will go on to define the United States as we know it today, shaping the very soul of the nation for centuries to come. The author, however, will go on to fade into relative obscurity. His name is John Winthrop. And he is Americas forgotten founding father. This is an excerpt from his sermon. We shall find that the God of Israel is among us, when ten of us shall be able to resist a thousand of our enemies; when He shall make us a praise and glory that men shall say of succeeding plantations, "may the Lord make it like that of New England." For we must consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us. So that if we shall deal falsely with our God in this work we have undertaken, and so cause Him to withdraw His present help from us, we shall be made a story and a by-word through the world. The City Upon a Hill section of Winthrops speech is familiar to most Americansit was famously quoted by John F. Kennedy in 1961, and again by Ronald Reagan in 1980, and was continually alluded to, in various ways, by American presidents thereafter. This founding image of America as a shining example, as a lighthouse for a world wracked by storm, is deeply embedded into the American psyche. It gave rise to American exceptionalismthe belief that America is inherently different from other nations, and that it has a unique mission to transform the world. It is a mindset that can be seen at work throughout American history, including through today. But who was this man who founded not only the Massachusetts Bay Colony, but also the soul of a nation? The Puritan John Winthrop was born in 1588, the same year that the British Royal Navy devastated the Spanish Armada, effectively ending the reign of Catholic Spain and raising Protestant Britain up as the ruling European power. Winthrop grew up in prosperous times as the son of a well-to-do land owner, and as a young man, he began to feel that England was in spiritual troubleits inhabitants were pursuing wealth at the cost of their holiness, the church was corrupt, and Puritans, like the intensely religious Winthrop, were being persecuted. The Puritanswho called themselves the Godly at the timewere a group of religious reformers who intended to purify the Church of England of its Catholic practices. One of the biggest differences between Puritans and the Church of England was that Puritans believed that everyone should be literate and able to read scripture for themselves. The Church of England used intermediaries, usually priests, between man and God. Puritans also felt that the Church of England was far too ostentatious. The rich decorations, art, elaborate ceremonies, and music were all distractions that the Puritans felt encouraged materialism and worldliness. But the Puritans were violently blocked from changing the Church of England from within, and were increasingly restricted by English law controlling the practice of religion. Because of all this, they sought to establish new religious settlements elsewhere where they could practice their own vision of Christianity in peace. And in 1629, John Winthrop, now an attorney, agreed to lead them to America. The Governor On April 8th of 1630, 11 ships left the English Isle of Wight, carrying Winthrop, around a thousand Puritans, and provisions for all. It was during this voyage that Winthrop wrote and presented his all-important A Model of Christian Charity. "He had begun to create his 'City on a Hill,' quickly becoming a father figure for the burgeoning colony." Soon after landing in Salem, then-governor John Endicott handed over the governance of the Massachusetts Bay Colony to Winthrop. From this point on, Winthrop was the shaping force of the colony, and despite an initially difficult winter that took the lives of over 200 colonists, he successfully laid the foundations for a flourishing colony. He had begun to create his City on a Hill," quickly becoming a father figure for the burgeoning colony. Much of the success of the colony rested on Winthrops temperate attitudehe understood that some disagreement amongst the colonists was inevitable, especially in religious matters. His inclination toward compromise helped to maintain social order in the colony. But his influence didnt stop there. Because of Winthrops Puritan belief in literacy, the Massachusetts Bay Colony enjoyed unprecedented educational opportunities, and because of his religious belief in the sanctity of discipline and hard work, the colony had no shortage of helping hands. In fact, Winthrops idea that everything a person does, including business, is to be done for God, and to the best of ones ability, largely created what we know as the modern American work ethic. Winthrop would go on to be elected governor several times between the years 1630 and 1648, each time striving toward what he saw as a better world, and a better way of lifeone radically different than that of Englands. But even with this grand vision with its radical goal, Winthrop worked within traditional means in order to protect his colony from the dangers of extremism. His was a vision that reached the heavens, but that was grounded in the earthjust what was needed for a successful colony in a harsh land. The Legacy Winthrops Christian Charity messageone that encouraged the colonists to love one another with a pure heart, fervently so that they could delight in each other, mourn together, and suffer togethercreated an utterly unique sense of community that persists unto today. That, together with Winthrops idea of America as a chosen nation, bound by God to be excellent in all of its doings, made the nation what it is today. Although his influence has now been largely secularized, you can still see his fingerprints wherever you turn, and his enduring metaphor for America continues to guide and shape our nation. I think I can see the whole destiny of America contained in the first Puritan who landed on those shores. -Alexis de Tocqueville Wesley Baines is a graduate student at Regent University's School of Divinity, and a freelance writer working in the fields of spirituality, self-help, and religion. He is also a former editor at Beliefnet.com. You can catch more of his work at www.wesleybaines.com. Were revisiting the important and entirely self-referential issue of defamation liability for blogging about judicial opinions. As Ive discussed before (this post is perhaps my most heartfelt), blogging about judicial opinions is automatically risky because at least one side has already demonstrated their litigiousness. A wide range of legal doctrines insulate blogging about legal opinions, including the First Amendment, especially the fact/opinion line; courts treatment of online discussions as inherently rough-and-tumble; courts treatment of hyperlinks as supporting citations; the fair reporting privilege; and anti-SLAPP laws. Unfortunately for us legal bloggers, these legal doctrines have exceptions and limitations that leave us potentially exposed, as illustrated by todays case. The defendant is McGuireWoods, one of the 30 largest law firms in the country. In 2011, one of their attorneys, Andrew Trask, blogged at the McGuireWoods-operated Class Action Countermeasures blog about a case in which the law firm Bock & Hatch represented the class-action plaintiffs. The 2011 post said, among other things, that The trial court ruled that, while the firms actions displayed a lack of integrity, the proper remedy was discipline by the Illinois bar. In 2013, Trask blogged a related case, saying the court stated that in Ashford Gear, one of the plaintiffs firms, Bock & Hatch, had lied to a witness about keeping a list of possible faxes and recipients confidential.' Bock & Hatch sued for defamation and violations of Illinois unfair competition law. McGuireWoods defended on Illinois anti-SLAPP law, which protects the rights of petition, speech, association, or to otherwise participate in government. Unfortunately, because of the narrow coverage of this old-school anti-SLAPP law, it does not apply to this dispute: plaintiffs lawsuit does not resemble a strategic lawsuit intended to chill McGuireWoods participation in government or to stifle its political expression. It appears that the goal of plaintiffs lawsuit was not to interfere with and burden McGuireWoods free speech and petition rights, but rather to seek injunctive relief for the personal harm to their reputation from McGuireWoods alleged acts. As a result, McGuireWoods anti-SLAPP motion failed and the case will proceed. Would a more modern anti-SLAPP law lead to a different outcome? I believe it would. Although McGuireWoods posts werent about petitioning the government, the posts help track and report on official government proceedings. That is exactly the kind of socially beneficial speech that anti-SLAPP laws should protect. Thus, this ruling reinforces how a federal anti-SLAPP law would upgrade states like Illinois to more modern anti-SLAPP coverage. The court doesnt discuss whether McGuireWoods blog posts constitute commercial speech, a common exception to anti-SLAPP laws. Law firms are important and knowledgeable sources of public commentary about court proceedings and the law, but they arent non-profit journalists. Their posts usually help build a commercially valuable reputation and demonstrate expertise that can draw new clients or retain existing ones. Our legal system doesnt handle the classification of such dual-purpose communications very well, especially when characterizing law firm blog posts under lawyer advertising rules. Depending on where this case goes, the commercial speech angle could be important. There is an extra irony about McGuireWoods posts leading to a law suit. Many law firm blogsespecially Biglaw blogstend to be fairly straight-laced, i.e., they tend to summarize court rulings and leave it to the reader to infer the implications (in contrast, editorializing and rhetorical hyperbole are common and expected at blogs like mine). This conservative approach to blogging reflects the law firms concerns about criticizing judges that the firms lawyers might appear before or that any opinions expressed in the blog post will be cited against the law firm in future filings by litigation opponents. Ironically, McGuireWoods posts tried to be conservative reports of the court rulings, but they got sued anyway. Thus, I fear this ruling might be interpreted as another reason for law firms to stop blogging altogether. Case citation: Bock & Hatch LLC v. McGuireWoods, LLP, 2017 IL App (1st) 160294-U (Ill. App. Ct. Feb 14, 2017) Related posts: * Bashing Your Litigation Opponent in an Online Message Board? Go For It! * Law Professor Blogger Wins Anti-SLAPP Ruling, But Its Hard To Celebrate The WinWelch v. USD * Legal Blog Faces Defamation Liability for Mischaracterizing Prior Legal ProceedingsHuon v. Above the Law (and see Now the Seventh Circuit Is Shitting On Section 230Huon v. Denton) * Tweeted Article About Law Grads Suit Over Stalking Investigation Isnt Defamatory (and what a sad denouement to the plaintiffs story) * Want To Avoid Defaming Someone Online? Link To Your Sources * Are the Days of Independent Legal Blogging Over? * Another Court Finds Online Statements With Links Are Not Defamatory Seldon v. Compass Restaurant * Business School Professors May Be Liable for Defamatory Blog PostZAGG v. Catanach * Using Links as Citations Helps Gizmodo Defeat a Defamation ClaimRedmond v. Gawker Media Also: LA Times, Blogger beware: Postings can lead to lawsuits MOSS POINT, Miss. - The first suspect who was arrested in the cat scalding video that went viral on social media was sentenced to jail time on Tuesday. Karmen Coleman, 23, was sentenced to serve 30 days in the Jackson County Adult Detention Center by Judge Keith Miller after pleading guilty to rendering criminal assistance. Coleman was also assessed a $549 fine and as part of her sentence, must serve 200 hours of community service. Coleman testified against accomplices Larry and Laderrick Rostchild, who were both sentenced on Feb. 7. Laderrick was sentenced to serve six months in jail, assessed a $2,500 fine, along with having to serve 200 hours of community service at the Jackson County animal shelter. Larry was sentenced to serve 30 days in jail, five months of probation, assessed a $1,000 fine and was ordered to also perform 200 hours of community service also at the animal shelter. Moss Point police were notified by Pascagoula police after the video went viral on the social media platform, Snapchat. Residents alerted police when an address in the video's comments yielded a Moss Point address. Coleman was the first suspect arrested by Moss Point police where she was charged with filming the act, while the Roschilds trapped the cat and doused scalding hot water onto the cat. An autopsy performed on the cat showed it suffered severe burns to its body and was deemed the cause of death. Residents gather on a street as others gesture to hold them back during a protest by Jats in Rohtak, Haryana, Feb. 20, 2016. A socially disadvantaged Hindu group that has blocked roads in Haryana state since mid-January on Tuesday threatened to intensify protests if a demand for 10 percent of quotas for government jobs and admission to state-run colleges is not accepted. The Jat community, which is concentrated mostly in Haryana, has been staging rallies in 20 districts of the northern state as well as the neighboring regions of Delhi and Uttar Pradesh since Jan. 17, the groups leader said. We are protesting the governments attempt to suppress voices in the Jat community. In the coming days we will intensify our agitation against the ruling coalition, Yashpal Malik, president of the All India Jat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS), told BenarNews, referring to Indias ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). A similar Jat agitation that kicked off in February 2016 left more than 30 dead and 300 others injured in Haryana, Malik said, adding that he hoped the groups latest agitation would remain peaceful. On Feb. 26, we will observe a black day against the government of Haryana. Then on March 1, we will launch a non-cooperation movement against both the state and the central government, following which we will march toward the parliament with the intention of blockading New Delhi, Malik said. On Monday, Jat leaders urged community members to not pay their utility bills and bank loans as part of the non-cooperation movement. They also asked dairy farmers in Haryana to stop the supply of milk to the national capital to mount pressure on the government. The government has been bluffing us for too long. We cannot let this happen. Our people would raise every kind of resentment and protest. We are only asking for jobs for our children, Malik said. Seeking larger quotas The government and the protesting Jats were unable to reach a consensus when they attempted to resolve the issue Monday, Malik said, adding the government did agree to form a four-member panel to examine the groups demand of withdrawing criminal cases against Jats during last years violence. The scheme of caste-based quotas in Indian educational institutions, government jobs and promotions was implemented in 1990 following a recommendation from the Mandal Commission, which the government appointed to assess the situation of socially and educationally disadvantaged groups. According to the current quota system, 15 percent of seats in government jobs and colleges are reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC) and 7.5 percent for Scheduled Tribes (ST), besides 27 percent for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and 3 percent for people with disabilities, totaling 52.5 percent. The Jats want to be included in the OBC category. Although the Supreme Court has capped the caste-based quota at 50 percent, several states exceed this limit and are under litigation before the apex court. Protester slapped with sedition On Monday, the police brought sedition charges against one of the protesters who allegedly threatened to behead Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If you say, we will behead Modi but wont let you down, the accused, Som Bir, reportedly said while addressing protesters in Rohtak district on Sunday. The sedition charge has further enraged the community, Satpal Malik, an Uttar Pradesh-based Jat reservation activist, told BenarNews. The BJP governments attitude is very sick toward our demands. They are practicing suppression on us, he said. Our demands and agitation are within the scope of the Indian constitution. We are not doing anything unconstitutional. The government is trying to suppress us. But it should dare not hope to get away with it, he added. The BJP, however, said it was not its responsibility to accept or reject demands of quotas for any particular community. The BJP has always supported the inclusion of Jats in the OBC category. But there is a general parameter for all castes, and it has to be carefully studied for each one of them differently, BJP spokesman Bizay Sonkar Shastri told BenarNews. The government cannot do anything in this matter. The job has been assigned to the OBC Commission which normally seeks a report from the RGI (Registrar General of India) and the state government on the historical background of a particular community and their present social, economic and educational status. The commission has to authorize [this] before any action of any kind could be taken, he said. Three leaders of an Indonesian spiritual movement known as Gerakan Fajar Nusantara or the Gafatar community are standing trial in East Jakarta on charges of blasphemy and treason. Leader Ahmad Musadeq, his son Andry Cahya, and Mahful Muis Tumanurung appeared in court most recently on Monday, the 24th session in their ongoing trial. Prosecutors are seeking 12-year prison sentences for Musadeq and Tumanurung and a 10-year sentence for Cahya. The longer terms are sought for two of the defendants because they were convicted of blasphemy in 2006 for establishing the Al-Qiyadah al-Islamiyah movement. Musadeq claimed to be a prophet in the movement that combined tenets of Islam, Christianity and Judaism. The Indonesian Ulema Council previously described Gafatar as a reincarnation of Al-Qiyadah al-Islamiyah. Investigators have gathered all the required pieces of evidence to constitute the blasphemy and treason allegations against the defendants, prosecutor Abdul Rauf said. Through testimony from 50 witnesses throughout the court sessions, prosecutors found evidence that Gafatar had established a state-like structure which consisted of president, vice president or governor, he said. Prosecutors presented an organizational chart for Gafatar where Cahya was listed as president, Tumanurung as vice president and Musadeq as spiritual leader. They all had been sworn in so that constitutes treason, while Gafatars synchronization of three religions constitutes blasphemy, Rauf said. Gafatar was founded in 2011 but never received the necessary permit from Indonesias Home Ministry to register as a formal organization. Its mission was to strengthen solidarity, and unity among elements of Indonesian society and to foster mutual understanding and cooperation among those concerned with peace and prosperity in the world, according to one of the few documents produced by the group that was viewable online in January 2016. We love this country The trio challenged Raufs claim that they were blasphemers, taking turns presenting their plea, titled Millah Abrahams consistency as the true path of God almighty. It was clear that The Prophet Muhammad was the inheritor and upholder of Millah Abrahams verses, which lead to the righteous path of God almighty, Cahya told the court on Feb. 16. Musadeq denied allegations that their actions were treasonous. He said the swearing-in of committee members was not an effort to overthrow President Joko Jokowi Widodos government. In fact, we love this country. We recognize the existing administration and we want to take part in developing this country by assuring food security, which is part of President Widodos Nawacita, he said, referring to the presidents nine goals for his administration. Mahfud questioned why the government had not prosecuted groups who attacked Gafatars members. About 1,000 Gafatar followers were evicted from their compound in Mempawah district in West Kalimantan province after a mob attacked and burned their settlement in January 2016. The resistance against Gafatar movement started when a woman and her child were reported missing in Yogyakarta on Dec. 31, 2015, and resurfaced 11 days later, alleging they had gone to live with former Gafatar members. Why is it that none of the people who evicted us by force, committed arson and looted our assets have been prosecuted? Mahfud said. It was very clear that those who evicted us and burned our houses down have been organized. About 100 Gafatar members clad in white shirts showed up for a recent court session to show their support for the defendants. This is to show our resistance, Gafatar member Yudi told BenarNews. Malaysian Health Director-General Noor Hisham Abdullah (second from left) talks to journalists about an autopsy on Kim Jong-Nams body at Kuala Lumpur Hospital, Feb. 21, 2017. The half-brother of Kim Jong-Un did not die of a heart attack and his body showed no puncture wounds, but laboratory test results are needed to establish a cause of death, Malaysian health officials said Tuesday in announcing preliminary autopsy results. Malaysian officials have identified the man who died in an alleged assassination last week at a Kuala Lumpur area airport as Kim Jong-Nam, the estranged older sibling of the North Korean leader. South Korean news reports suggested then that assassins had used needles to poison him. No evidence of a heart attack. There was also nothing obvious to suggest any puncture marks, Noor Hisham Abdullah, Malaysias director-general of health, told a news conference in Kuala Lumpur. Meanwhile, Malaysian officials did not confirm reports that Kim Jong-Nams son, Kim Han-Sol, had arrived in the country from Macau to claim his fathers remains. In other developments, Malaysian police Tuesday deployed commandos to guard the morgue at Kuala Lumpur Hospital where Kims body is being kept, according to reports. Since the Feb. 13 death, Malaysias government has rejected requests by the North Korean embassy to hand over the dead mans body to Pyongyang without performing an autopsy. Kuala Lumpur has insisted that next-of-kin first come forward to identify the body and give DNA samples, saying it would release the remains to next-of-kin in accordance with Malaysian laws and procedures. The autopsy on Kims body was done on Feb. 16 but, so far, health officials have not been able to determine the cause of death, Noor Hisham said. Results of a full post-mortem report are due out later this week, after laboratories send back analyses of tests, according to Noor Hisham, who denied reports that a second autopsy had been done because a first one was inconclusive. Until we have that report we cant say what it is, he said. Authorities will pursue other ways to positively identify the body if next-of-kin fail to show up within 14 days, Noor Hisham added. Other ways of identifying the body include dental records to match the victim and external examination [of distinctive marks] like scars, moles and previous surgeries, he said. Mounting dispute Kim Jong-Nam died while being rushed to a local hospital, after complaining to medical personnel at Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) that he felt ill after a woman attacked him with a chemical spray as he prepared to board a flight to Macau. He was pronounced dead on arrival at Putrajaya Hospital on Feb. 13. Police have arrested four suspects, including a North Korean national, and said four North Koreans wanted in connection with the case had fled the country on the day Kim died. Malaysias refusal to hand over the body to North Korea has led to a diplomatic row, with Pyongyangs ambassador publicly questioning the integrity of the Malaysian investigation and accusing Kuala Lumpur of colluding with South Korea in politicizing the case. Malaysia on Monday recalled its ambassador to Pyongyang, who was due to fly home the next day. On Tuesday, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak described the comments made by North Korean envoy Kang Chol as diplomatically rude. ein Google-Unternehmen Google-Dienste anzubieten und zu betreiben Ausfalle zu prufen und Manahmen gegen Spam, Betrug und Missbrauch zu ergreifen Daten zu Zielgruppeninteraktionen und Websitestatistiken zu erheben. 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Sofern relevant, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auerdem, um Inhalte und Werbung altersgerecht zu gestalten. Wir verwenden Cookies und Daten, umWenn Sie Alle akzeptieren auswahlen, verwenden wir Cookies und Daten auch, umWahlen Sie Weitere Optionen aus, um sich zusatzliche Informationen anzusehen, einschlielich Details zum Verwalten Ihrer Datenschutzeinstellungen. Sie konnen auch jederzeit g.co/privacytools besuchen. OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- The story of John Miner is, at its core, a love story. It began 80 years ago when he first met Maryalice Fairbank when the two were in the 7th grade. Nine years later, they were married and remained at each other's side for the next 71 years. It ended Friday night when John Miner, an Ocean Springs businessman and philanthropist, died peacefully at his home at the age of 91. "It was the most beautiful love story," said their daughter, Merileigh Miner Furr. Furr was at her father's bedside when he passed. She said her father had been in declining health in recent months and they knew the end was likely near. Friday, he spent much of the day sleeping, but awoke later and called for "Bubs" -- his pet name for Maryalice -- who recently suffered a stroke. "She was wheeled over to the side of the bed and he told her goodbye," Furr said, "that he loved her forever and then he asked her to come with him. She said 'I'm not ready yet. Can you give me a few days?' "Then my mother said 'I love you forever' and dad said 'I love you forever.' Then mom said 'I've loved you since I was a little girl' and told him he was her 'OAO'. I didn't know what that meant. I asked if it was Hawaiian, because they had lived in Hawaii. Mom said 'No, that means One And Only.'' "Then dad said 'I'll see you tomorrow,'" Furr continued. "It was more beautiful than anything a Hollywood script writer could have written." Through his service in the U.S. Coast Guard, 35 years as an engineer at Ingalls Shipbuilding, 30 years as a local business owner, and his community involvement and philanthropy, John Miner has left an indelible mark. But beyond his accomplishments, John Miner may best be remembered for his gentlemanly nature, as a kind, generous man who was always quick with a smile or a kind word. "One of his greatest characteristics was he always came across as a friendly, kind, compassionate man," said his son, Dr. Steve Miner. "He never had a cross word to say about anybody. I never heard him say anything negative about anybody in his life. "He also had a work ethic that was just phenomenal. He felt sure enough about himself that there wasn't anything he couldn't do -- whether it was plumbing, laying bricks, fixing a washing machine -- that was the engineer in him coming out." As the lone daughter among the four Miner children, Merileigh Furr said her father never stopped doting on her. "He was the most tender, loyal, optimistic, intelligent person I have ever known," she said. "He never, ever tired of showing me how much he adored me. He had so much honor and integrity and devotion. It didn't have an off switch. "I can still remember him giving me ice cream money when I was a little girl. He had such big, strong hands, but he always had such a gentle touch. It was those same hands I held during his final moments. It was tender and beautiful." John Miner was native of Connecticut and was raised in Arlington, Va. He and Maryalice met while both in school in Washington, D.C. John was accepted to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, where he studied Marine and Nuclear Engineering, and he and Maryalice were married on his graduation day in June 1945. A dedicated military wife, Maryalice followed John to tours of duty in Hawaii, Guam and San Francisco. In 1952, John left the USCG and took an engineering job at Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, where he was part of the team which designed nuclear submarines. They originally located in Pascagoula upon their arrival in Mississippi, but relocated to Ocean Springs in 1969. It was during their first year in Pascagoula the Miners witnessed a child drown and participated in the search and recovery. Maryalice, a passionate swimmer, determined after the incident to begin swimming classes for children. With John's support, they established the Aquatic Club in Pascagoula and another swim program in the St. Andrews community after moving to Ocean Springs. In 1972, Maryalice sold a diamond ring her father had given her to acquire the money needed to buy a piece of property on Government Street in Ocean Springs where a community swimming pool could be built. The Marmin (derived from the first three letters of Maryalice's first and last names) Aquatic Center opened as the first eight-lane, competition class, indoor facility in Mississippi. John did all the design and engineering for the natatorium. In 1975, with the support of businessman Woody Blossman, the Miners contacted the national YMCA, donated their equity in the aquatic center, and what is now the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA was born. "Literally, the Y wouldn't have that facility if it weren't for them," said YMCA Fitness Director Joey Conwill. "If they hadn't built the natatorium, if they hadn't seen the need in the community, the YMCA may not even exist. It was their vision which allowed it to happen." The YMCA natatorium is named for John and Maryalice Miner. In the late 1980s, the Miners were in New York City, where John was interviewing for a possible position with the U.S. Navy. Accepting the job, however, would have required the Miners to relocate. Furr said the two visited the famed FAO Schwarz toy store in New York and that visit prompted an idea. "My mother had always worked with kids and my dad had an MBA, so they thought 'Why not go back to Ocean Springs and open a toy store and stay in the community we love and near our family?'" From that idea, Miner's Toy Store was founded in 1987 and the store has become one of the iconic businesses in downtown Ocean Springs. For nearly 30 years, John and Maryalice could be found there, six days a week, and the two became ambassadors of sorts for the Ocean Springs business community. "Mr. Miner was a vital part of the community of Ocean Springs," said Cynthia Sutton, Executive Director of the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce. "He was a cheerleader for downtown Ocean Springs and was a really important part of what makes Ocean Springs what it is. We will definitely miss him as a community." John Miner was devoted to his country and his community, but those who knew him best say his greatest love was Maryalice and his family. "Even with all their pursuits, home and family were his most important priorities," son John Miner wrote in a Facebook tribute to his father. "Dad was very clear he would spend his final days at this house and no other, watching the sunset and sitting with his sweetie. In addition to Maryalice, John Miner leaves behind four children: Steve, Merileigh, John and David. Visitation is set for 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ocean Springs, with a service and reception to follow. "He woke up happy, lived happy and died happy, with his loved ones and in his beloved home," son John wrote. "He was loved by many and will be missed by many." Check out the top stories from BGSU and beyond in our newscast and online edition of our newspaper every Wednesday. You can also view past papers by clicking the e-edition header above. The stateside partners in the Sister Shelter Project will visit shelters in Puerto Rico to lift them up and professionalize their operations. Above, a rescued cat at Canita Sanctuary in Guayama, Puerto Rico. Photo by Dennis M. Rivera Pichardo/AP Images for The HSUS 1.1K shares We launched our Humane Puerto Rico program two years ago because animals are in crisis in this long-neglected, populous part of the United States. One fact, among all others, stared us in the face: some shelters in the Commonwealth had a euthanasia rate of 95 percent. There was a broad recognition that if an animal found its way into one of these facilities, it probably wasnt coming out alive. There are caring people at the shelters underpaid, overworked people with heart and a commitment to helping animals. But they do not have sufficient financial, human capital, or community support, and often dont have the equipment, training, and other essentials to care for homeless animals and connect them with people who can provide a loving home. Whats more, theyre placed within a setting that is rife with challenges, with 300,000 street dogs and more than a million cats roaming in the Commonwealth. Many shelter workers suffer from compassion fatigue, and when we conducted workshops to help them cope with their work struggles, they told us that our workshops amounted to a life-saving intervention. Rather than continue to confront misery and tragedy all around them, they felt like they couldnt continue and wanted to escape a world filled with so much pain. As we work to unwind the set of animal problems in Puerto Rico, we are receiving remarkable support from the people of Puerto Rico and the political and corporate leaders on the island from politicians helping rewrite animal welfare laws, to school administrators allowing us to conduct humane education programs in all public schools, to law enforcement leadership who support our training programs for every cop in the Commonwealth, to veterinarians who are helping us conduct spay-and-neuter programs in 61 of 78 municipalities. The people want us there, they are desperate for this help, and welcoming in every way. Several weeks ago, I announced our horse contraception program, to deal with 2,000 free-roaming horses, on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques. This week, we launch another facet of our larger Humane Puerto program principally to help municipal shelters by allowing them to be adopted by top shelters across the United States mainland. With an incredible assist from Maddies Fund which does life-saving work to advance the goal of a No Kill Nation leaders from 11 shelters are traveling to Puerto Rico this week to launch our Sister Shelter Project. These shelters include Bakersfield SPCA in California, Dumb Friends League in Denver, Colorado, Larimer Humane Society in Fort Collins, Colorado, Humane Rescue Alliance in Washington, D.C., Humane Society of Central Oregon, Mohawk Hudson Humane Society in Menands, New York, Monmouth County SPCA in New Jersey, Operation Kindness in Carrollton, Texas, Second Chance Animal Shelter in Massachusetts, and Norfolk SPCA and Virginia Beach SPCA in Virginia. These shelter leaders will visit shelters in Puerto Rico to lift them up and professionalize their operations in the months and years ahead. All of us imagine a complete makeover of animal sheltering in Puerto Rico. These are A-list shelters, allied with us as Emergency Placement Partners, and known entities to all of us at The HSUS, and we have supreme confidence that they can help us achieve our goal. The stateside partners in the Sister Shelter Project have experts in disease management, volunteer programs, community outreach, customer service, and lifesaving adoption programs, all items desperately needed in Puerto Rico. Tackling euthanasia and promoting adopting and sterilization and animal health takes an extraordinary set of approaches to be successful, but these shelters know the formula for success. What a wonderful, giving instinct they have to stretch beyond their communities and to help animals in such desperate need. It is profoundly sad to see dogs with mange and other maladies roaming the streets of Puerto Rico. To know that animals in shelters are likely to be euthanized. But it doesnt have to be this way. We can choose to stand aside and let that persist. Or we can put our shoulder to this situation and solve the problems to the greatest extent possible. Thats what were doing. But it will take an extraordinary cast of players to be successful. Today, we add to the ranks our team of Sister Shelters. Hope swells. Wouldnt you love to know how to say no to sin instead of yes? Isnt there at least one area of struggle where you know that you arent where you ought to be and wish to God that you could make more spiritual progress? According to Scripture, there is something that teaches us to say no to sinsomething that trains us to renounce ungodliness and teaches us instead to live righteous and godly lives. In a moment, I will tell you what it is. But first I want to tell you what its not, because you might be surprised to see what the Bible says has the power to teach us to say no to ungodliness. Its not what most people think. Its not the fear of getting caught, for example. We might think that one of the best motivations for saying no to sin is that we will get in trouble if we do. The problem is that sometimes we go ahead and sin anyway. A close friend once asked me to pray for him because he was going on a trip and knew that when he went to the airport he would be tempted to buy gay pornography. I said, Arent you afraid that someone will see you? Thats part of the excitement, he said. Instead of producing holiness in the heart, sometimes the fear of getting caught actually adds to the enticement of sin. Here is something else that wont teach us to say no to ungodliness: the law of God. This claim would surprise many people. They would expect to read a Bible verse that goes something like this: The law of God trains us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live upright, and godly lives. After all, isnt that what the law of God is for? Isnt it supposed to teach us to be godly? Yet the law cannot change the human heart. As Paul explained to the Romans, the law cannot bring salvation because it is made powerless by our sinful nature (Romans 8:3). Living in a Christian community wont do it for us, eithereven a community that is bound together by a covenant with God. Wheaton College is blessed to have a community covenant. In signing this covenant, every member of the campus community makes an annual promise to live according to biblical standards. The community covenant is a helpful description of what God requires in the Christian life and also of some things that may or may not be requiredmoral and spiritual judgment calls that we believe are wise for our community, even if they are not mandatory for all Christians. But in and of itself, no creed or covenant can train us to say no to ungodliness, because even if we want to keep it, there are times when our hearts will lead us far astray. What Grace Can Do So I ask the question again: What has the power to teach us to say no to sin? Not the law of God, or the fear of getting caught, or living in the right community. All of these things have their place in the process of sanctification. To a certain extent they may help us in our struggle against sin. But the Bible says there is something else that we need. We see the answer in Titus, which is a letter Paul wrote to the pastor of the first church on the island of Crete. There the apostle writes: For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age (Titus 2:11-12). It is graceonly gracethat has the power to teach us to say no to ungodliness and to renounce the sinful desires of this world, and to live instead a life that is pleasing to God. This is the sanctifying power of the grace of God. When Paul says that this grace has appeared, he is talking about the manifestation of salvation in the person and the work of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for appearance (epephane) means to reveal or to make known. Paul is talking about an epiphanysomething that has suddenly come to light. The biblical word for appearance reminds of the way that a college sophomore rescued me one summer up at leadership camp. We were staying in the Northwoods of Wisconsin at a camp where I have been going since childhood. I know my around there pretty well, even in the dark, so I dont always carry a flashlight. But as I was walking back to my cabin on a black and moonless light, a college student with a headlamp rode by on a bicycle, skidded to a stop, and said, Is that you, President Ryken? Then he asked me if I needed any help and I said, Actually, I do. The student had suddenly appeared to lead me home. This is similar to what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. When the Son of God left behind the glories of heaven to become a man, his grace appeared like a bright and shining light to lead us out of spiritual darkness and bring us home to God. This has already happened. It has appeared, Paul says, referring to a real event in human history. When Paul says this, he is talking not only about the incarnation but also about the totality of Christs saving work. He is talking about everything that Jesus has done for our salvation: his birth in Bethlehem, his exile to Egypt, his upbringing in Galilee, his teaching and miracle working in Israel, and his going up to Jerusalem to be crucified, buried, and raised again before ascending to heaven. The grace of God has appeared in the divine person and in the saving work of Jesus Christ. It has appeared for everyonefor all the kinds of people that Paul was writing to in this letter: free people and slaves, Jews and Gentiles. Gods grace is for everyone. So I want to ask you: Has this grace appeared in your life? For me it appeared when I was a little boy. As soon as I was old enough to know anything, people were telling me that Jesus died for my sins on the cross. Maybe Gods grace appeared to you a little later, when you were in high school and werent even interested in spiritual things, or after college, when you were going the wrong way in life. Maybe God is showing himself to you right now. What I know for sure is that his grace has appeared to bring salvation to anyone and everyone who receives it by faith in Jesus Christ. Why Grace Can Do It When Gods grace does appear, it will change your entire life. This was true for the people who first received these words from the apostle Paul. As I mentioned, Titus was the first pastor on the island of Crete. The Cretans were known for their ungodliness. In fact, the poet Epimenides famously said All Cretans are liars (see Titus 1:12). Epimenides came from the island himself, so he should know. The Cretans werent just liars, either. Based on what Paul says to them in this letter, we infer that they were lazy, gluttonous, rebellious, loveless, argumentative sinners. In other words, they were more like us than we want to admit. Yet the grace of Jesus Christ was doing something amazing in the lives of the Christians on Crete. It was teaching them to renounce ungodliness. Formerly they were practical atheists, living as if God did not even exist. They had been consumed by worldly desires and fleshly passions. But now they were starting to live righteously. Right now, in this present age, with all its evil temptations, they were learning to exercise self-control. Here Paul speaks about an ongoing work of gracenot just a once-and-for-all decision to follow Christ, but the continuing power to say no to sin. How is grace is able to have this sanctifying influence? What is it about Gods grace that has the power to do what knowing Gods law and living in Christian community do not have the power to do? These are deep questions that will repay further reflection, but here a few answers to get us started. Grace teaches us to say no to sin because it always gives us another chance. If there were no grace, then as soon as we sinned we would be condemned. But grace is the favor of an undeserved mercy that comes to us again and again. Sometimes we are tempted to think that every time we sinespecially if its something weve done beforeGod gets a little bit more disappointed with us, until finally he gives up on us altogether. We forget that God has enough grace to forgive us again by the power of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross. So when we sin, we do not need to give up. God will give us another chance to grow in godliness. Perhaps there is an area of morality where we have really messed up in recent days. Or maybe we sinned in some major way a while ago, and deep down we know that were still not where we ought to be spiritually. Sometimes when we sin its all we can do to drag ourselves back to the cross. What we really ought to do instead is run to the cross for mercy and then get busy serving the Lord again. One of the ways that grace teaches us to say no to ungodliness is by giving us a place to go with our sin and then offering us another chance to grow. Here is another reason why grace has the power to sanctify: it makes us grateful, which is the best motivator for godliness. If we go through life trying to earn something from God, it will wear us out. If somehow we manage to succeed in measuring up to what we think are Gods standards, we will be proud of what we accomplish spiritually and look down on other people. If we fail, we will fall into despair. But if we know what God has done for us in Jesus Christthe grace that forgives all our sinthen we will live for him out of gratitude for his grace. Holiness is not a prerequisite for salvation, as if God only planned to save people who were good enough for him already. Rather, it is the grateful response of people who have been forgiven. Shortly after becoming president of Wheaton College, I told the Chicago Tribune that I wanted the school to be a community of grace. Immediately the interviewer wanted to know if I planned to get rid of Wheatons grading system. They assumed that if youre living by grace, then there arent any standards. In fact, just the opposite is true, at least when it comes to sanctification. The more we know the grace that God has for us in Jesus Christ, the more we want to serve him. Grace makes us grateful in a way that leads to godliness. Finally, grace teaches us to say no to sin because it brings us into a personal relationship with a living Savior. When Paul talks about the appearance of grace, he is talking about Jesus, the Sanctifier. Sanctification does not come by trying a little harder to do a little better in the Christian life. It comes by having more of Jesus in your life. In your struggle with sin, stop depending on what you can do and start depending on what only Jesus can do. By the truth of his Word, by the power of answered prayer, by the nourishment of the sacraments, through the work of his Spiritin short, by his sanctifying gracehe will enable you to live a godly and righteous life. Taken from Grace Transforming by Philip Graham Ryken. Used by permission of Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, Il 60187, www.crossway.org. Helping us to understand that we are not defined by what we do, but rather by who Jesus is and what he has done, Grace Transforming powerfully addresses the transforming power of grace that is essential for every Christian. It can be tough to be a vegetarian. You have to work harder than everyone else to make sure youre getting all the nutrients your body needs. So, when its time to take a Following the resignation of Representative Vic Gilliam from the Oregon House of Representatives, Clackamas County and Marion County commissioners will hold a joint session tomorrow, Wednesday, Feb. 22, to interview candidates and select a replacement for the open position. Oregon law requires that a legislative vacancy be filled by county commissioners representing the district in which the vacancy exists. House District 18 includes voters in Clackamas and Marion counties. The three finalists, which were selected by the Republican Party (as deemed by state law), are: Glenn Holum (City of Hubbard Planning Commission) Rick Lewis (Mayor of Silverton) Jerome Rosa (Oregon Cattlemen's Association Executive Director) The meeting will be held from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Mt. Angel Fire District located at 300 Monroe St. in Mt. Angel. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Time has been set aside at the beginning of the meeting for public comment. Written comments may be submitted until 4 p.m. later today (Tuesday, Feb. 21). To be included in the record, comments must include the commenter's full name and address. Please submit comments to: Clackamas County: bcc@clackamas.us or Marion County: commissioners@co.marion.or.us The session will be videotaped and archived on Clackamas County's YouTube Channel and broadcast on the Clackamas County Government Channel and Capital Community Television in Marion County. For more information, members of the media or public may contact Clackamas County Public Information Officer Tim Heider at 503-742-5911 or Marion County Public Information Officer Jolene Kelley at 503-566-3937. Following the success of the sold-out workshop in 2016, AMASA Jhb is happy to announce that bookings are now open for the 2017 AMASA Workshop. This year we will be building on the new and exciting format launched last year. The jam-packed workshop will begin on 23 March and will be made up of two days of intensive learning around the nuts and bolts of media planning, strategy and a snapshot view of the media landscape. Delegates will then be put into groups and a selected client will present a live brief. The groups of delegates would then be required to present a full circle strategy with tangible solutions back to the client. Judging and feedback would take place on the third day, followed by a celebratory graduation dinner and party. This workshop will allow new and experienced media practitioners to fully understand the briefing process from an agency side, as well as learning how to collaborate with suppliers to improve brief responses, networking and relationships. If you are in the media and advertising industry, as an agency, media owner or marketer, then this workshop will inspire you and set a strong foundation of media and leadership skills keeping you in touch with the ever-changing media landscape. As tickets to the workshop are in high demand and limited, we recommend securing your booking for your staff as soon as possible. Costs: R6000pp sharing Please note: All bookings and confirmations need to be finalised by the 10 March 2017. The cost for the four-day workshop includes accommodation, all meals, and all lecture notes and stationery. Costs do not include transport to venue, beverages (cool drinks), alcohol, telephone calls, room service or additional leisure activities outside of the curriculum. These are deemed extra and will be charged to the delegate personally. To make your booking, please contact Natalie Heyns, az.oc.noitavenic@eilatan For general enquiries about the Workshop and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Parmeshan Moodliar, az.oc.aidemkraps@mp SEOUL: Alibaba's payment affiliate Ant Financial will invest $200 million in a unit of South Korean messaging giant Kakao, the companies said on Tuesday, the Chinese firm's latest step to expand its global reach. The investment in Kakao Pay comes less than a month after Ant bought US-based payments operator MoneyGram for around $880 million and struck a partnership deal with Thailand's Ascend Money in November. Ant is behind Alipay, which accounts for 80 percent of electronic payments in China where it is used for e-commerce at Alibaba online venues and a large number of mobile applications. Ant is also involved in investment services and online banking. "South Korea is an important market for Ant Financial in its global expansion," said Douglas Feagin, president of Ant Financial International, in a joint statement with Kakao. The companies said the investment was part of a larger strategic partnership to connect Ant's 450 million users worldwide with Kakao Pay, which currently has more than 14 million subscribers. Kakao, best known for its mobile messaging service Kakao Talk, has more than 48 million users globally. It decided in January to spin off its mobile payment service Kakao Pay into a separate entity which offers services such as bill payment and remittance. Shares in Kakao soared 4.25 percent to 88400 won in afternoon Seoul trading Tuesday. The major provider of cookware globally, Groupe SEB, has entered into an agreement with South African cookware manufacturer, Hendler & Hart, which will see the local company spearheading the sales and distribution of the premium range of Tefal/T-fal and Krups brands into Southern Africa. Hendler & Hart, which celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2017, currently manufactures a broad range of aluminium and stainless steel products under its core brands - Hart, Aloe, CaterPride, Impala and Pointerware. Hendler & Hart CEO Nash Soni says, Our new association with SEB is of significant strategic value in light of our goal to grow our presence in previously untapped South African market segments. To date, our primary target market has been the lower to middle-income consumer base but as this market undergoes rapid socio-economic advancement, we have realised that there is a gap in our current offering for a premium range of products that will better serve the burgeoning middle to upper-income consumer base in South Africa. Perfect partnership Groupe SEB VP for Africa, Eugene de Parscau comments, South Africa has always been a key market for Groupe SEB in terms of its size and attractiveness, however, it is also a very competitive market. That is why we have chosen to go through a partnership with a local distributor and we strongly believe Hendler & Hart is the best partner in South Africa for cookware. He cites the companys knowledge of the local market and consumer mindsets stemming from 125 years of operation, its experienced team, strong relationships with retailers and a wide distribution network extending into neighbouring countries (Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Swaziland) as key factors which make it the best partner for Groupe SEB in South Africa. From a product portfolio perspective, the agreement with SEB will also allow Hendler & Hart to add a range of innovative new products to its current offering, incorporating features such as resistant non-stick coatings and Tefals patented Thermo-Spot technology. Full steam ahead Hendler & Hart says it is committed to staying relevant through innovation and it plans to implement a substantial two-year re-engineering process at its Boksburg manufacturing plant, based on the concept of constant improvement. A key focus will be the enhancement of the stainless steel line producing the Aloe range of products benchmarked against the best in the world. This will allow the plant to manufacture in line with modern processes and adapt to new technological improvements in products that the market demands, for example, induction cookware. The overall aim is to increase productivity by at least 20% and create a far more agile production process, resulting in it being able to meet the ever-changing market needs and sectoral demand. We continue on a strong growth path despite tough market conditions and we believe this new venture will not only be beneficial to both our companies but also to our trading partners, concludes Soni. The South African blueberry industry is in a period of robust growth, due to high demand from the UK and the EU for blueberries, in particular, as well as nascent domestic interest. It has been bolstered by a similar (if earlier) growth spurt in Australia, where many of the new cultivars used in the South African blueberry industry were developed. elizadean via pixabay Three companies dominate blueberry production in South Africa: Berryworld South Africa, United Exports and Haygrove SA, an affiliate of UK-based Haygrove. Each company provides its growers with its own line of licensed blueberry plants, mostly focusing on low chill unit blueberries. Berryworld South Africa has the licensing rights to plants developed by the University of Florida, like Snowchaser and Jewel, as well as new Australian varieties. United Exports has invested in the Australian Early Blue breeding programme which is responsible for the OzBlu series. These plants are based on the Southern Highbush blueberry, an evergreen blueberry. The company produces blueberries worldwide (Chile, Peru, the USA, Morocco) and in South Africa, United Exports has about 20 producers, roughly equally divided between traditional berry-producing regions in the south and newer regions like Gauteng, Limpopo, and Northwest Province. United Exports has been involved in stonefruit, citrus and table grape production for 15 years and new blueberry producers for the company in South Africa come from this pool of growers. Spreading its production geographically and growing the berries out of the rainy season in each area, United Exports is able to produce blueberries in South Africa 52 weeks of the year, says Roger Horak, managing director of United Exports. Production is increasing dramatically, driven by demand. There has been phenomenal growth domestically; we hope to develop the local market through our Ozblu brand. Our varieties are very similar throughout the year, therefore, we provide the consumer with a similar product and a consistent experience. Read the full article on Agri Africa. News24 has had an innovative start to the year. Here, editor Adriaan Basson lets us in on their new app Edge, as well as their Project Rise initiative and how they provide more than just the standard packaged news. Basson. Back in January, News24 announced they had good news for news junkies with the introduction of their Edge app, which lets you select specific interests from a list of topics, and the more you read, the more youll receive the news you prefer down the line. On the appeal of letting readers personalise the news they receive, Basson says: We live in a personalised world. When you open Facebook, it knows what you were shopping for a few minutes ago and thats okay. We are no longer freaked out by machine learning. It removes clutter and noise. If I am really not interested in rugby or food, why should I see articles on it in my content stream? Now, News24 Edge makes it possible for the first time in South Africa to choose the news you want to read about. In the style of those old-school TV infomercials, Basson says, But wait, theres more. Because earlier this year, even before the launch of News24 Edge, they announced they were challenging the status quo with the launch of Project Rise, an online platform that exists to facilitate a solution-focused nationwide debate on what South Africa should look like post-#FeesMustFall. This is in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and came about after former Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela posed a question to us all at the annual Ahmed Kathrada Foundation lecture last year: What must rise? What will rise after fees have fallen? Is free higher education a possibility and at what cost? What does the university of the future look like? News24 Edge. Here, Basson explains that the time has come for a different discourse and how News24 will help shape the future with these two innovations. Tell us about the importance of offering readers more than just news in todays connected age. Tell us about the importance of offering readers more than just news in todays connected age. Basson: Social media has to a large extent replaced daily reporting. Twitter has become the medium of record. Whether its an accident, veld fire or protest, the first reportage of news events take place on social media by citizen journalists. We can no longer just report the news; we have to interpret, explain, analyse and interrogate. This will lead to deeper, more meaningful journalism. Linked to that, talk us through Project Rise and how the platform facilitates debate. Linked to that, talk us through Project Rise and how the platform facilitates debate. Basson: Project Rise was born in the aftermath of #FeesMustFall, when we realised the national discourse was stuck in a violence narrative. Every story was about police action or court appearances of teargas. With Project Rise, we wanted to elevate the conversation to future thinking. What should the future of decolonised, free education look like? The response was overwhelming. Not only from authors, including academics and students, but also the Nelson Mandela Foundation, which came on board as a partner. Why is future-based discussion so important? Why is future-based discussion so important? Basson: Without it, we get stuck in obsessing about the present, not thinking where we want to go. The media should increasingly create opportunities and space for future thinking to be expressed. The media is the ideal platform for a country to debate, think and innovate about what and who we want to be. A $100m paediatric haematology-oncology treatment network has been created in public-private partnerships between American institutions and the governments of Botswana, Uganda and Malawi. Source: BIPAI The comprehensive initiative called Global HOPE (Haematology-Oncology Paediatric Excellence) will build long-term capacity to treat and dramatically improve the prognosis of thousands of children with cancer and blood disorders in southern and eastern Africa. In the United States, 80% of children with cancer survive. In sub-Saharan Africa, the overwhelming majority of pediatric patients do not survive. The mortality rate is estimated to be as high as 90%, meaning that thousands of children die from cancer across Africa each year. This is in large part due to an inadequate healthcare infrastructure and a significant lack of expert physicians and other healthcare workers trained to treat children with cancer. The most common types of childhood cancers are blood-related, including leukemia and lymphoma. Clinical, educational and research capabilities Global HOPE will partner with local governments and ministries of health to build medical capacity to diagnose and treat paediatric blood disorders and cancer in Botswana, Malawi and Uganda. The initiative will also create significant clinical, educational and research capabilities. Doctors, nurses and ancillary professionals will be recruited from around the world to provide training to local healthcare professionals and to begin treating children with blood disorders and cancer immediately. This project is building on a solid foundation for paediatric cancer treatment in Botswana that began with oncologists from Texas Childrens Cancer and Haematology Centres, said Botswanan president, Ian Khama. The Global HOPE programme will bring to Botswana the latest bio-medical technologies and the potential to work with local institutions such as the Botswana Innovation Hub and University of Botswana to quickly increase the survival of children with cancer and life-threatening blood disorders in Botswana and the region. The Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation is committing $50m over five years to fund the training of healthcare providers as well as clinical infrastructure and operations. Baylor College of Medicine International Paediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Childrens Hospital (BIPAI) will raise an additional $50m for the initiative. Sustainable health systems We are eager to get started on this critical initiative to help children with blood disorders and cancer. Working with our partners and drawing on our expertise of building sustainable health systems in underserved countries, we will help make a significant difference in the outcomes for children while creating a blueprint for other countries to follow, said Giovanni Caforio, chief executive officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company. The Global HOPE initiative will train an estimated 4,800 healthcare professionals from Botswana, Uganda, Malawi and other African countries, including doctors and nurses specialising in paediatric haematology-oncology and social workers. The programme estimates that over 5,000 children will receive care in the first five years. With only five paediatric oncologists currently in the countries of Botswana, Malawi and Uganda combined, there are simply not enough expert doctors to treat all the children diagnosed with blood disorders and cancer. The annual RICS Africa Summit, taking place in Sandton, Johannesburg, 22-23 February, will place a stronger focus on the empowerment of women in the built environment. Amanda Clack, president of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) is one of the speakers at the RICS Africa Summit. As part of an expanded event, this years summit is holding a joint mentoring workshop with the Womens Property Network (WPN) on the first day. RICS president Amanda Clack will host the workshop luncheon together with WPN leaders and women working in various levels of the broader property industry. This is an exciting initiative for us as the workshop is part of a pilot womens mentorship and empowerment programme that RICS has started under the presidency of Amanda Clack. It provides a valuable opportunity for female property professionals in South Africa to share experiences and learn from their counterparts in the UK, says TC Chetty, RICS country manager for South Africa. Through this mentorship programme, RICS aims to provide support to women surveyors and property professionals in South Africa, and to develop a pipeline of talent for women surveyors to remain and prosper in the profession. Both mentors and mentees will gain new skills, networks and benefit from a culture of support and sharing best practice within RICS internationally, explains Chetty. Programme gaining momentum Clack comments: As president of RICS, I am particularly pleased that our womens mentorship and empowerment programme is gaining momentum. I am looking forward to the womens workshop luncheon at the upcoming RICS Africa Summit in Johannesburg. Mentoring and empowering women is on the agenda of RICS through this pilot programme, which we hope to extend worldwide in the future. In the increasing war for talent we need to attract, retain and support more women in the profession. Mentorship is a key support mechanism with both mentee and mentor gaining much from this special relationship. For me, it is important as you climb the ladder you bring someone with you. Thus, the RICS programme speaks to this agenda, she adds. Cross-border collaboration Lee-Anne Bac, a WPN Gauteng committee member and director of Real Estate and Construction at Grant Thornton, has been leading the effort from WPNs side on the joint womens mentorship initiative with RICS in South Africa. It all started as a conversation between WPN and RICS last year at the RICS Africa Summit on the need to empower women in the industry through mentorship. Im glad it has become an official pilot programme between RICS in the UK and WPN in South Africa aimed for the benefit of women in the sector, says Bac. I am passionate about womens empowerment and this is a great cross-border collaboration between WPN and RICS. Its an association that we are proud of, with this mentorship initiative having the potential to grow so that it is accessible to more women, she adds. Click here for more information on the RICS Africa Summit 2017. Yolandi Schoeman of Baoberry and Martin Ackermann of Thevia were recently honoured at the Global Forum during the 2017 Cleantech Week in San Francisco. 2016 GCIP-SA runner-up Martin Ackermann of Thevia Schoeman, the winner of the 2016 South African Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMEs (GCIP-SA), was named one of two overall runner-up teams, while 2016 GCIP-SA runner-up Ackermann was the winner in the Green Buildings category. Schoeman and Ackermann competed with clean technology innovators and entrepreneurs from India, Malaysia, Morocco, Pakistan and Turkey for top honours at the forum. Schoemans aWetbox a wetland in a box is a nature-based ecologically engineered water-purifying solution suitable for use in rural communities facing water security challenges, as well as for residential, holiday and corporate developments. It is also available as a do-it-yourself package. Being part of the GCIP-SA programme has been an important learning experience in my entrepreneurial career. Besides the honour of being selected a global runner-up, this acknowledgement also confirms that ecological engineering has been placed on the global map, Schoeman says. Thevia receives award for roof tiles Ackermann is delighted with the recognition. This award is our first step in convincing the world that this is the way all roof tiles should be made. We are extremely excited about the future of our product, he says. Thevia received the award for its roof tiles, which are manufactured from 99% waste materials (crusher discard and recycled HDPE). The tiles are 75% lighter than conventional concrete roof tiles but double the strength with less than 0,1% breakage, translating into cost savings of 8% to 15% on total roof installation. This years Cleantech Open Global Forum winner was Green India Building Systems and Services Private Limited (GIBBS). The company developed a geothermal heat-exchange air-conditioning system that achieves up to 60% energy savings and 100% water savings compared to conventional building cooling systems. The achievements of the GCIP-SA participants at the Global Forum illustrates the level and quality of cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship in the country, says Gerswynn McKuur, national project manager of the GCIP in South Africa. We are grateful to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) and the Global Environment Facility for their vision and support of this programme. As part of this year's Leap Day for Frogs, on Friday, 24 February, the Endangered Wildlife Trust (EWT) aims to raise awareness of the plight of frogs by breaking the Guinness World Record for the largest game of leapfrog. The event will be held on the Durban beachfront promenade (near uShaka Marine World). The record is currently held by New Zealand with 1,348 participants, so EWT are aiming for 1,500 participants. The event will be strictly adhering to Guinness World Record rules, including crowd management, counting systems, and health and safety. Event partners include eThekwini Parks and Recreation, and uShaka Marine World. Participants will receive a sponsored educational pack (per school class) as well as a refreshment. Spot prizes will also be awarded. South Africas most threatened amphibian species There are 125 frog species in South Africa, of which a third are threatened by habitat destruction, increasing levels of pollution in freshwater systems, disease and climate change. The EWTs Threatened Amphibian Programme is working hard to secure populations of some of South Africas most threatened amphibian species (including the critically endangered Amathole Toad, the endangered Pickersgills Reed Frog, and the endangered Western Leopard Toad); protect key habitats for threatened amphibians; and raise awareness about frogs and their importance, making Leap Day for Frogs a very important day. Agenda 9.30am Participants arrive. 9.30-10am Participants are allocated positions. 10-10.10am Participants take part in the leapfrog game. 10.15-10.45am Refreshments, spot prizes and educational packs (per school class attending) are handed out. 11am Departure In keeping with Guinness World Record requirements, the event will be marshalled for safety and independently verified. Newly appointed National Security Advisor LTG H. R. McMaster first rose to prominence in the Army as a Captain in command of a Cavalry Troop during Desert Storm. Eagle Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment was the part of the screening force for the hail Mary wide sweep of the VII Corps main effort.* Captain McMasters troop stumbled upon a Republican Guard defense, and in 23 minutes, destroyed the enemy, with no friendly losses. It was the first time the Army encountered the Iraqi Republican Guard. Here is is his own account of the engagement. The Battle of 73 Easting (a north-south grid line on the map) was one of many fights in Desert Storm. Each of those battles was different. Individual and unit experiences in the same battle often vary widely. The tactics that Army units use to fight future battles will vary considerably from those employed in Desert Storm. Harbingers of future armed conflict such as Russias invasion of Ukraine, ISISs establishment of a terrorist proto-state and growing transnational reach, Irans pursuit of long range ballistic missiles, Syrias use of chemical weapons and barrel bombs to commit mass murder against its citizens, the Talibans evolving insurgency in Afghanistan and Pakistan, North Koreas growing nuclear arsenal and that regimes erratic behavior all indicate that Army forces must be prepared to fight and win against a wide range of enemies, in complex environments, and under a broad range of conditions. There are, however, general lessons and observations from combat experiences that apply at the tactical level across a range of enemies and battlefield conditions. The purpose of this essay is to reflect on the experience of Eagle Troop, Second Squadron, Second Armored Cavalry Regiment twenty-five years ago during Operation Desert Storm to identify enduring keys to success in battle. *Your Humble Scribe was a minor participant as part of the 1st Armored Division. The processes related to workplace discipline often confound employees. Whether this is the result of lapping up Suits or Law & Order is an open question, but we frequently see employees misconceiving their rights and obligations when faced with allegations of wrongdoing in the workplace. Employees do their cause more harm than good when labouring under misapprehensions on the nature of workplace discipline. Many jurisdictions require employers to have just cause for terminating employment and to follow a fair preceding procedure. The prescribed local procedure varies from merely allowing the employee an informal opportunity to state a case, on the one extreme, and a quasi-judicial processes involving presiding officers, employer-prosecutors, extensive leading of evidence and cross-examination on the other end of the spectrum. However, critical in most disciplinary inquiries are the fundamental questions of (1) did the employee do something wrong and, if so (2) what sanction should be imposed? Did the employee do something wrong? In respect of the first question, we often see or read in the law reports of employees adopting an attitude of "Well, prove it". The difficulty with this approach is that employees fail to appreciate the difference in proving matters using the civil onus versus the criminal onus. Internal disciplinary matters are considered on a balance or preponderance of probabilities. This essentially means "which of the various versions is more probable?" An employer is not required to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that an employee committed misconduct (the criminal law onus used by the state in prosecuting criminals). A presiding officer or manager considering whether an employee broke workplace rules has to evaluate the evidence and argument available, then determine which version is more probable. There may still be reasonable doubt as to whether the employee committed the misconduct, but based on the probabilities, the manager or PO should be comfortable that the employee probably committed the offense. Employees folding their arms, waiting for the employer to prove the case against them are regularly surprised when the chairperson of the inquiry rules against the employees. Where the employer puts up a plausible case, the employees are obliged to present a version that is more probable if they wish to escape a finding that they committed misconduct. What is the appropriate sanction? The next common mistake made by many employees in internal hearings is an unwillingness to acknowledge their mistakes or wrongdoing. Dismissing employees is the final act in managing risk posed by errant employees to the business. Where an employee is found to have committed misconduct, the presiding officer has to consider the risk posed to the organisation of the employee repeating the misconduct. If employees are unwilling to acknowledge wrongdoing and recommit themselves to the values of the company, the lingering doubt will be whether the employee will contravene the rule again in future. In practice, it is difficult to convince an employer to take a chance on the employee and extend a lifeline where the employee remains steadfast that he or she did nothing wrong, even after the hearing's finding to the contrary. Showing true remorse and pledging full support to ensure that such behaviour is not repeated can go a long way in comforting an employer that retaining the employee in service will not result in undue risk. Perhaps when we hear Harvey Spectre advising his clients to say "Sorry, I made a mistake and will never do that again," we will see employees changing their approach during internal disciplinary matters. Clever tactical defences may look spectacular on the big screen or television, but does little to strengthen the relationship between employer and employee. The Competition Commission has filed with the Competition Tribunal a settlement agreement reached with Citibank N.A. for being part of the forex trading cartel. The Commission found that from at least 2007, Citibank N.A. and its competitors had a general agreement to collude on prices for bids, offers and bid-offer spreads for the spot trades in relation to currency trading involving US Dollar/ Rand currency pair, the Competition Commission said in a statement. Furthermore, the Commission found that Citibank N.A. and its competitors manipulated the price of bids and offers through agreements to refrain from trading and creating fictitious bids and offers at particular times. Citibank N.A. will pay an administrative penalty of R69,500,860. This figure does not exceed 10% of Citibank N.A.s annual turnover in the Republic of South Africa. Citibank N.A. undertook to cooperate with the Commission and avail witnesses to assist the prosecution of the other banks that colluded in this matter, the Competition Commission said. On 15 February 2017, the Competition Commission referred a collusion case to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution against Bank of America Merrill Lynch International Limited, BNP Paribas, JP Morgan Chase & Co, JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A, Investec Ltd, Standard New York Securities Inc., HSBC Bank Plc, Standard Chartered Bank, Credit Suisse Group; Standard Bank of South Africa Ltd, Commerzbank AG; Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, Nomura International Plc., Macquarie Bank Limited, Citibank N.A., ABSA Bank Limited (ABSA), Barclays Capital Inc, Barclays Bank plc (Respondents). This settlement was done to encourage speedy settlement and full disclosure to strengthen the evidence for prosecution of the other banks, said Commissioner Tembinkosi Bonakele. A trust is a legal entity created by a trust founder that can be used to purchase and own property. Once a trust is created, all assets are placed into the trust by either the trust founder donating the assets to the trust or the trust buying the assets. If the assets are donated to the trust, then a donation tax will need to be paid based on the value of the assets. If the trust purchases the assets, a transfer duty will be applicable. With the costs involved in setting up a trust, why do some people still use this entity to purchase property? While the cost of starting a trust can be significant, purchasing a property through a trust has certain advantages that many feel outweigh the cost. A trust is often used to protect the assets and ensure that the appointed beneficiaries, which are more often than not the trust founders children, get the benefit of using the assets if something happens to the trust founder. Excellent way to protect assets As soon as the trust is formed and the assets are transferred out of the trust founders name, the trust founder is no longer the owner of those assets. What this means is that if the trust founder passes away, the assets in the trust will not form a part of the deceased estate and will therefore not be used in the calculation of estate duty. The assets within the trust can also not be attached should the trust founder go into insolvency, provided the stipulated period has lapsed. A period of six months must elapse if the trust founder was solvent at the time of transfer of assets, or up to two years in the case of insolvency. A trust is, therefore, an excellent way to protect the assets by ensuring the beneficiaries get future use out of them while avoiding paying estate duty on the value of the assets. If the trustees wish to purchase additional property, the property will be registered in the name of the trust and not the trustees. If the purchase of the property needs to be financed by a bank, the trustees must have the authority to purchase property in the name of the trust, borrow money for the purpose of buying property, and the authority to encumber trust assets as security for the duty of the trust. Disadvantages While there are advantages to using a trust to purchase and own property, there are also disadvantages. In that, because the trust founder is no longer the owner of the assets, he or she does not have sole control over them. The trust founder appoints trustees to manage the trust and its assets in a trust deed or document. The trustees are often the trust founders attorney or their accountant. However, there are instances where the trust founder also appoints themselves, along with their spouse as the trustees. The duty of the trustees is to manage the assets in accordance with the terms and provisions of the trust deed. It is important to understand the tax implications of forming a trust, and how it differs from those of an individual. In most cases, a trust will pay a higher tax rate than an individual taxpayer. Any income received by the trust will be taxed at 41% per annum, and no rebates apply to trusts. A trust will also incur Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on any capital profit that it makes, which will be charged at a higher rate than that of an individual. On the plus side, the rate a trust pays on CGT is lower than the rate of estate duty. Those who are considering forming a trust should ideally consult with a professional financial adviser before they proceed. While a trust can be a highly effective vehicle to manage assets, it will not suit everybody's needs. A financial adviser will be able to explain all the implications and assess whether it is the preferable route based on the individuals personal criteria. South Africa saw the arrival of more than 10 million international tourists last year - up 13% from 2015 and well over the global average growth rate for the period. In 2016, it is estimated that about 1.2 billion international tourists travelled the world, representing a growth rate of 3.9%. Peter Titmuss via 123RF Tourism - a significant economic sector around the world making a substantial contribution in both developed and developing countries - now comprises 30% of all global service exports. A major stabilising force In South Africa, the role of tourism in the balance of payments has become increasingly important. In 2015, tourisms trade balance with the rest of the world was R36 billion, according to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). This is a major stabilising force for the national current account. A total of 10,044,163 international tourist arrivals were recorded in South Africa in 2016, according to the latest Stats SA statistical release, representing an additional 1.1 million international tourists. Overseas and regional markets fared well. Overseas markets are typically associated with leisure tourism and business tourism events. Regional markets, particularly cross-border land tourist arrivals, make an enormous contribution to the economies of many border towns, as well as major cities and popular tourist regions. Together, the differing travel patterns and behaviours of the various travel markets sustain a large and diverse sector of businesses across South Africa. Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom commended all the people who are working hard in the private and public sector to develop and promote tourism, and to provide visitors with excellent service and memorable experiences. The spectacular growth in tourist arrivals indicates that the close collaboration between various government departments, between the Department of Tourism and industry, and between suppliers and service providers on the ground has paid off, said Minister Hanekom. We have done well to capitalise on our status as a value for money destination, offering an array of experiences for all tourist markets. Growth in tourist arrivals The latest Stats SA report indicates an increase in tourist arrivals in all months of 2016, compared to the previous year. The United Kingdom remained the leading source market for overseas arrivals to South Africa in 2016 (447,,840 arrivals) followed by the USA (345,013) and Germany (311,832). China remained the leading growth market, with year-on-year growth recorded at 38%. Arrivals from India grew by 22%. The growth in tourist arrivals from China and India has been consistent over the year, following improvements in the visa application processes in those countries. We can build on this and attract even more tourists from these markets in the future, said Minister Hanekom. The highest number of tourist arrivals from African markets came from Zimbabwe (2,028,881), followed by Lesotho (1,757,058) and Mozambique (1,268,258). Lesotho was the fastest growing African source market in 2016, recording an increase of 26% over the previous year. The monthly distribution pattern of African tourist arrivals indicates a peak in March 2016, due mainly to the Easter holiday falling in March last year. Tourism touches the lives of all South Africans Minister Hanekom said the robust performance of the tourism sector indicates its resilience and its enduring capacity to support jobs, a characteristic of the sector that is especially important for South Africa. The latest Tourism Satellite Account indicates that tourism supported 711,746 jobs directly in 2015. The total number of jobs from tourism in 2015 (including direct, indirect and induced jobs) was estimated at 1.55 million, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council. Tourism touches the lives of all South Africans, said Minister Hanekom. Given its importance to our economy, we must continue to nurture the sector and drive increasingly impactful and collaborative strategies and programmes for sustained, inclusive growth. The Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services believes it has won widespread support from the information and communications technology (ICT) sector for its wholesale open-access network proposal for radio spectrum and that the emphasis has shifted to how the policy will be implemented. arcoss via 123RF This was the conclusion drawn from a consultation in Pretoria on Friday organised by the National ICT Forum to discuss the implementation of the national integrated ICT policy white paper. It was attended by more than 300 government officials, business leaders, industry associations, labour representatives and the National Consumer Commission. Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Siyabonga Cwele led the discussions. Single wireless open-access network In terms of the white paper, a single wireless open-access network will be created that will offer broadband to all players and give the control and management of radio frequency spectrum to the minister. It will also create a new regulatory body. In the past, the industry criticised aspects of the policy, especially the radio frequency spectrum management, as well as the open-access model for wireless networks. "We are making progress towards implementing the new ICT policy. Our preference for consultation is yielding the desired results because we are edging closer to an agreement on how best we speedily implement this very important policy," Cwele said. One of the results of the consultation was the commitment by cellphone network operators to purchase a significant amount of capacity from the wholesale open-access network. Committed to consultations "We are committed to consultations but we must speedily implement the policy because the sector is dynamic," the minister added. The consultations were meant to ensure the policy was implemented in as least disruptive manner possible. The department will process all the inputs as it develops the implementation plan for the white paper, which will be submitted to Cabinet. It aims to finalise the plan by the end of March and to start implementing soon thereafter those aspects of the policy that do not require legislative changes. In terms of the policy, the wholesale open-access network should be majority black- and female-owned and controlled "in line with the call for radical economic transformation". The state's aim, Cwele noted, was to encourage competition in services and reduce competition in infrastructure because it was when companies competed on services that consumer prices fell. Facilitating transformation "The meeting also discussed facilitating transformation and [small business] development through procurement," department spokesman Siya Qoza said. "The delegates proposed that a minimum of 30% of government ICT spend should be set aside for broad-based black economic empowerment level one companies in year one, increasing to 40% in year two and 51% in year three. "The proposal is for these procurement targets to be applicable to state-owned companies as well." Discussions also focused on empowering the regulator to oversee the sector. Source: Business Day Gauteng premier David Makhura on Monday assured citizens that any new roads built in the province would not have e-tolls. He said the provincial government would not make the same mistakes as before. "We are mobilising resources for public transport infrastructure in ways that will ensure we do not commit the same mistakes. We can't build roads and only later inform citizens that they must pay. In fact, there will be no e-tolls on our new roads," he announced during his state of the province address in Randfontein. "Only solution from national level" Makhura admitted that the advisory panel into the socioeconomic effect of e-tolls provided no solution. "We tried our best. The ultimate solution can only come from national level," he said. Gauteng motorists owe about R9.4bn in unpaid e-toll bills. Recently, the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) said it was seeking clarity from the South African National Roads Agency Limited (Sanral) on whether it intended to go ahead with civil and criminal cases against motorists. The organisation said it understood Sanral was preparing to pursue judgments against some of the estimated 2.9-million Gauteng motorists who were not paying e-tolls. Legal clarity Sanral has said it is important to get legal clarity given the conflicting information regarding the legality of tolling. Outa was engaging with Sanral over a "test case" that could provide clarity regarding the liability of Gauteng motorists who owe the agency money for tolls. On Monday, Makhura said the Gauteng government would continue to engage the government at national level to ensure residents' interests were represented. Source: BDpro An extra week has been added to the Blue Man Group run in Johannesburg due to high demand. The show commenced at the Teatro at Montecasino in Johannesburg on 7 February and will now run until 18 March. It will then head to Cape Town from 21 March - 26 March. An award-winning global smash hit phenomenon, Blue Man Group creates experiences that defy categorisation, taking the audience on a journey that is funny, intelligent and visually stunning. All this culminates in the trademark Blue Man Group finale - a blissful party atmosphere. Blue Man Group is accompanied by a live band whose tribal rhythms help drive the show to its unforgettable climax. The groups origins Blue Man Group was founded by three close friends Chris Wink, Matt Goldman and Phil Stanton in New York in 1991. Since the groups inception it has grown to include permanent shows in Las Vegas, New York, Orlando, Boston, Chicago and Berlin, as well as a North American Tour and a World Tour. Beyond the stage show, Blue Man Group has toured the globe with the Megastar World Tour rock concert parody, produced multiple albums, including the Grammy-nominated Audio, and the recently released THREE. They have also published their first ever book, Blue Man World, in October 2016. South African rave press reviews comment on the shows unique offering: They say seeing is believing and observing them in action at the Teatro, Montecasino, is a rare treat, an extraordinary journey where music, movement and striking examples of modern technology are brought to the boil and spilling over into an audience ready to accept something completely different Artslink Peter Feldmen I enjoyed how interactive the show is as several members of the audience, which included musician Danny K, got to join in the fun on stage Cape Times CEO of Big Concerts, Justin Van Wyk said We are extremely pleased with the reaction to Blue Man Group in Johannesburg. It is a different kind of experience to most tours we bring to South Africa, but needless to say the crowd reaction is exceptional. We urge fans to go see this global phenomenon in the next four weeks before tickets sell out. Blue Man Group is brought to South Africa by Big Concerts International A Live Nation Company. How to book tickets Tickets can be purchased from www.bigconcerts.co.za and Computicket. Johannesburg Ticket Discount: Receive a 25% family discount when you book four or more tickets for an off-peak performance (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evening). www.blueman.com Datsun Go+ 1.2 Lux (R139,900) When the Go launched in 2014, it was slammed for not having any airbags and ABS. The 210mm longer and 5mm higher Go+ now provides seven seats for seven bottoms, and one side airbag for the driver. The question is, will you be able to drive the Go+ at highway speeds when you know full well that theres no ABS? Under severe braking, the lack thereof will mean that the Gos wheels will lock, skid, and loss of control is probable. Doesnt instil much confidence when youre driving your little darlings to school 20km away. Inside, youll find the same hard plastics and flimsy seat material as the original Go. At least you get air-con, electric windows, power steering, a trip computer and follow-me-home headlamps as standard. Space in the third row is cramped and is only equipped with lap belts. At R139,900, this is what you can expect. On the plus side, the rev-happy 1.2-litre engine proves to be very competent. FAW Sirius S80 1.3 Comfort (R179,995) Built on the previous Toyota Avanza platform, the Sirius S80 offers the most spec for the least dosh. Its not too ungainly either, looking like the real deal with its outdoorsy scuff plates. Agreed, FAW isnt very well-known or particularly popular, being a Chinese brand, and come re-sale time youll probably regret your choice. But it does offer air-con, remote central locking, USB/MP3 audio player, an alarm, dual front airbags, ABS and alloy wheels. While the gearbox feels a little notchy, the ride is a comfortable one. But Id rather spend a few bucks more if I could, and look a little further. Suzuki Ertiga 1.4 GA (R193,900) The fun-to-drive Ertiga is the perfect school runabout, offering solid handling, good build quality, and a frugal, peppy 1.4-litre engine. The only pain is the lightly coloured seat material - it doesnt mix well with messy children. The Suzuki will certainly hold its value better than the cheaper Chinese alternative. As for safety and convenience features, the Ertiga is equipped with air-con and power steering, and ABS with EBD and two airbags. When the Ertiga received a facelift a year ago, its audio system was improved to offer Bluetooth functionality, but only on the more expensive GL-variants. Toyota Avanza 1.3 S (R219,100) South Africas staple people-mover, the Toyota Avanza, has benefited from a facelift in October 2016. Now looking slightly less like a breadbin, and a little more Chinese than Japanese from the front, the Avanza always had ABS but sees a significant amount of safety kit added to its latest model: Vehicle Stability Control, Brake Assist, as well as traction control. The interior layout is functional but sorely needs a designer with some pizazz to make things look a little more current. However, that Toyota badge is a valuable thing, and those who are loyal to the brand will probably look no further. And with good reason: it won silver in the 2016 Kinsey report, meaning that its not just priced right, but also one of the most cost-effective cars to service, maintain and repair (see kinseyreport.co.za). Honda BR-V 1.5 Trend (R238,900) Now heres a seven-seater that looks much more upmarket than the rest of the club. The BR-Vs dapper stance and athletic exterior styling belie its humble price tag. Its also the only other budget-orientated seven-seater here with Bluetooth connectivity. The layout is typically Honda - the buttons and dials are all large and easy to use and the stylish, minimalist dashboard are angled towards the driver. The six-speed manual gearbox is a delight, and the naturally aspirated 1.5-litre engine is keen to get going. The second row of seats can recline. But best of all - the front seats recline to 180 degrees, ie. as flat as a business class bed, enabling you to have a nice long nap if sleeping upright doesnt work for you. It has ABS, EBD and Brake Assist, with two airbags. At this price point the BR-V truly stands out, so if your budget can stretch to R238 900, youll be buying a real winner. The BR-V also won Car Magazines Top 12 Best Buys 2017 in the Light SUV/Crossover department, beating both the Kia Soul as well as the Mazda CX-3. The Trend-variant doesnt come standard with a service plan, while the other contenders have 4- year/60,000km plans. However, the Honda boasts a 5-year/200,000km warranty, while the above-mentioned MPVs only have 3-year/100,000km warranties. The Southern African operation of Zurich Insurance, which used to be listed on the JSE, rebranded itself Bryte Insurance on Thursday. Its Swiss parent recently sold the company to Canada-based Fairfax Financial Holdings. Image by 123RF "We are delighted to introduce our new brand to the Southern Africa market. Our ambition is to be the premier, proactive business risk specialist in Southern Africa," Bryte CEO Edwyn O'Neill said. The new brand was launched in Botswana on Friday morning. Under its new owner, the group intends expanding into other African countries. O'Neill would not be drawn on which other African countries Bryte was considering entering, but said it would first bed down its transformation before pursuing growth plans. About 80% of Bryte's business comprises commercial and specialist lines of insurance written through independent brokers. O'Neill said it would continue to focus on these lines through in-house specialist underwriting managers. In the next three years, Bryte would target a combined ratio (the sum of incurred losses and other claims expenses as a percentage of premium income) of 95%, with the intention of reducing this to 90% in the longer term, O'Neill said. A combined ratio below 100% indicates that an insurer has made underwriting profits - that is, it has paid out less in claims and claims-related expenses than it has collected in premiums. The rebrand to Bryte follows Zurich's Swiss parent's decision to sell its African insurance assets as part of a strategic review. The sale was concluded in December 2016 to Fairfax, an investment holdings company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and with insurance assets around the world. It recently acquired a small stake in SA-based reinsurer, Africa Re, as well as a 50% stake in domestic specialist liability underwriter, Camargue, through another of its subsidiaries, Brit Insurance. Fairfax was optimistic about SA and would consider further acquisitions here, said Bryte chairman and executive chairman of Brit, Mark Cloutier. Bryte's history in SA effectively dates back to 1849, when Star Life sold its first policy. A series of mergers led to the creation of SA Eagle, which debuted on the JSE in 1968. SA Eagle was acquired by Zurich Insurance Group in 1984 and started operating under the Zurich brand in 2007. It was de-listed in 2015. Source: BDpro. As part of The British Library in China Project, the Library recently set up a series of Knowledge Exchange programmes with partners across mainland China and Hong Kong. Gemma Renshaw, Loans Coordinator at the Library, and Robert Davies, Editorial and Rights Manager of the Librarys Publishing team, were the two colleagues selected to visit the National Library of China (NLC) in Beijing in December. The aim of the trip was to learn from the host institution and to explore new terrain for future skills-sharing activities and collaboration. Robert Davies and Gemma Renshaw on the first day of their visit to the National Museum of Classical Books at the National Library of China. British Library in China The British Library in China Project is a UK government-funded, three-year project designed to strengthen cultural ties between the two countries. The first of a series of exhibitions will be held at the NLC from April 2017 and will feature 11 iconic items from the British Library collections, including an early edition of the works of Shakespeare and Arthur Conan Doyles manuscripts. As part of this project, the Library is also developing a Chinese-language website based on the successful Discovering Literature platform, to introduce English literature authors and themes to the Chinese public. Ms Guo Ni from the NLC International Office welcomed the Library colleagues. From left to right: Robert Davies, Gemma Renshaw, Guo Ni and Tan Wang-Ward. British Library in China While working closely together to develop a large-scale, joint exhibition, the Library and the NLC are now collaborating in new and exciting ways. The preparation of the joint exhibition has involved several months of fruitful interactions, including video conference calls between teams in London and Beijing. These regular conversations have increased mutual understanding, which helps tremendously when two organisations have different working methods and operating languages. For Gemma, one of the important objectives of this trip was directly related to the upcoming exhibition. She hoped to find out more details about the exhibition hall facilities and conditions, as well as to finally meet the colleagues in Beijing with whom she had remotely worked for so many months! Gemma writes: (On the first day of visit) we arrived early at the NLC and were introduced to the Exhibitions and Property Management teams. They showed us around the gallery that well be displaying our objects in and we talked about the display cases, the types of objects they usually show, how the exhibition hall can be laid out for our joint exhibition and how practical work is divided between the two teams. It was really helpful for me to talk to both teams because they split the work that is done by my department at the Library between them. Also, seeing for myself what the gallery and the store room were like allowed me to get answers to important questions regarding security and exhibition hall environment, which otherwise would require a lot of email exchanges and translation help from my Chinese-speaking colleagues at the Library. Robert paid a visit to the National Library of China Press. This trip provided a valuable opportunity for Robert to build direct contact with the NLC Press. As Robert says: The visit to the National Library of China Press was a fascinating glimpse into the very different context of museum and library publishing in China. Our counterparts at the NLC Press have a large staff (over 100!) and publish many deeply scholarly books, curating and preserving Chinas traditional literary culture for a highly specialist audience. Compared to the BL press, the NLC press focuses much more strictly on its own collection and on Chinese books. The British Library has longstanding relationships with NLC Press for key projects works about the Diamond Sutra, for example but we have never had direct publisher-to-publisher contact in the past. There are clear opportunities for strengthening our partnership in future years for example, facsimiles of ancient Chinese books and manuscripts as well as the on-going project on the retro-conversion in electronic format of the catalogues of our exceptional holdings of Chinese material from the early republican period. This visit gave me a unique chance to see these projects from the other side and to build direct contact with editors and publishers who were generous with their time in showing me their neighbourhood near the beautiful lakes of Beihai Park in central Beijing and provided an extremely delicious Peking duck lunch. In addition to the NLC press, Robert also visited one of the most popular local bookstores San Lian Bookstore, which is open 24/7 and is so vast that it spreads over three floors in the central area of Beijing: Visiting a flagship Chinese bookshop was a great opportunity to find out more about the market for books in China how they are priced, what cover designs and binding styles are used, and how translated Western books are categorised and sold among Chinese original works. It was also surprising (and inspiring) to see a very traditional bookshop no cafe, and no gift products busy with customers, late into the evening. Gemma Renshaw and Robert Davies with Mr Lei Qiang from the Exhibition Department of the NLC. British Library in China A corner for audience participation at an NLC exhibition dedicated to the guqin, a traditional Chinese musical instrument that was often associated with scholarly life. British Library in China The exhibitions on display at the National Museum of Classical Books of the NLC were particularly interesting and informative: new media and interactive technologies have found their way into the NLC exhibition displays and narratives. For Robert, the highlight of visiting the exhibitions was a guided tour of the oracle bones gallery, which has an immersive set-up supported by multi-media projection and ambient sound effect. The way that the exhibition curator had made a complex and specialist subject into an accessible, interesting and hands-on gallery was very impressive. Other activities of the Knowledge Exchange visit to the NLC included a tour of the book conservation studio and of the Ancient Rubbings and Epigraphy department. In the conservation studio, the traditional Chinese way of master-apprentice knowledge transmission is still very prominent, demonstrated by the way the room is arranged: the master conservators desks are positioned in the central area of the room while apprentices desks are on the right side of the room by the windows. While we were there a conservator was working on her research on paper colouration. She was using Chinese brush and mineral paints and experimented combining the paint with a wide range of materials to see which combination would better match with that of an aged page from an old book. This type of approach to paper is rooted in the long history of bookbinding and book conservation in China. The NLC conservation studio is equipped with very advanced technology machinery, including two labs for paper testing and analysis and a newly established Western Books conservation lab, which the studio manager very kindly introduced to us. This new lab is led by Xiao Yu, a young conservator who studied at the Camberwell College of Arts and has a remarkable knowledge base of both Chinese and Western book bindings and materials. Visit to the conservation studio at the NLC. British Library in China At the Department of Ancient Rubbings and Epigraphy we were given a fascinating insight into the large collection of Chinese rubbings. Chinese rubbings are paper copies of the surface of engraved items or reliefs. As a technique, rubbings enjoy a long history of more than 1,500 years in China and East Asian countries. As objects, rubbings represent an invaluable medium for preserving the history and culture contained within important stone stele, bronze vessels and objects in other material such as brick and jade. We were shown how to make rubbings out of a beautiful ink-stone engraved with plum blossoms: a piece of traditional Chinese rice paper was laid flat on the ink-stone and carefully moistened with sprayed water. After the paper dried but remained stuck to the ink-stone, an inkpad with some ink was carefully and lightly pressed on the paper, leaving an ink impression of the plum blossoms image as the carved parts of the engravings were left white on the paper. An expert at the NLC showing how to make a rubbing out of the ink-stone engraved with a plum blossom pattern. British Library in China Creating a Chinese rubbing is a delicate task: it requires extensive experience to balance the level of the moisture in the paper, the quantity of ink and the correct pressure. The British Librarys Chinese collection hosts a collection of Chinese rubbings, and the Curators of the Chinese section hope to work together with the NLC in future to gain specialist knowledge on how to better conserve, catalogue, store and digitise them. Experts of the Department of Ancient Rubbings and Epigraphy at the NLC welcomed Library staff Gemma Renshaw and Tan Wang-Ward. British Library in China The Knowledge Exchange programme will continue alongside the three-year exhibitions project in China and will consist of a series of reciprocal visits between staff members of different areas and departments of the British Library and the Chinese partner institutions, including Shanghai Library and Mu Xin Art Museum in Wuzhen. Main rivals Savanna Sunrise and HotelOga have signed an agreement to merge, creating an African giant in hospitality marketing technology. Image by 123RF HotelOga was founded by Marek Zmysowski and Maciej Prostak with an initial backing from Polish VC SpeedUP and a prominent Indian Garg family. In less than a year HotelOga contracted more than 500 hotels, taking a lead in the Nigerian market. Their customer portfolio features reputable brands as: Lagos Oriental Hotel, Protea Hotels or Golden Tulip. HotelOgas technology was recognised by global players like Google and awarded by Expedia. Savanna Sunrise is a travel and hospitality marketing group, launched in Kenya in 2014 by experienced hoteliers and managers Endre Opdal and Havar Bauck. The company grew organically to become a market leader in Eastern and Central Africa, with more than 400 hotel partners across 14 African countries. The merger will create the biggest hospitality marketing technology group in online travel in Africa. HotelOga and Savanna Sunrise are changing the way hotels utilise technology and online marketing in their operations. With already inked partnerships with Expedia, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, HotelBeds, CTrip and many more, the group will be also the most preferred business partner for any new online travel company with Africa on their agenda. Both companies are in agreement to merge at similar valuations. Marek Zmysowski will take the role of the CEO of newly established entity, and Havar Bauck will be the executive chairman. The group will retain both brands initially, until a unified marketing strategy is rolled out in the near future. Zmysowski commented: We are so happy to join forces with Savanna Sunrise. This merger will enable us to become the leading company in our sector. Our next goals include: unifying operations within the group and strengthening our dominant position in Africa. We are also preparing our expansion to certain markets in Asia and Eastern Europe, where we can implement our learnings from Africa. Bauck added: With this merger, we are writing a new chapter in the evolution of the hospitality sector in Africa. From the position we are building, we are now well poised to expand our footprint to frontier and emerging markets globally. The challenges facing the hospitality sector across these markets are very similar, and we are eagerly preparing to tap into the immense opportunities that exist. Drought throughout East Africa has sharply curbed harvests and pushed the prices of cereals and other staple foods to unusually high levels, posing a heavy burden to households and special risks for pastoralists in the region. Image by 123RF Local prices of maize, sorghum and other cereals are near or at record levels in swathes of Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania, according to the latest Food Price Monitoring and Analysis Bulletin (FPMA). Inadequate rainfall in most areas of the sub-region has put enormous strain on livestock and their keepers. Poor livestock body conditions due to pasture and water shortages and forcible culls mean animals command lower prices, leaving pastoralists with even less income to purchase basic foodstuffs. "Sharply increasing prices are severely constraining food access for large numbers of households with alarming consequences in terms of food insecurity," said Mario Zappacosta, FAO senior economist and coordinator of the Global Information and Early Warning System. The trends in East Africa, where prices of staple cereals have doubled in some town markets, stand in marked contrast to the stable trend of FAO's Food Price Index, which measures the monthly change in international prices of a basket of traded food commodities. The difference is due to the drought that is hammering the sub-region, where food stocks were already depleted by the strong El Nino weather event that ended only last year. Poor and erratic rainfall in recent months, crucial for local growing seasons, are denting farm output. Somalia's maize and sorghum harvests are estimated to be 75% down from their usual level, and some 6.2 million people, more than half of the country's total population, now face acute food insecurity, with the majority of those most affected living in rural areas. Soaring prices The FPMA Bulletin tracks food price trends on a granular level and in local terms, with an eye to flagging instances where the prices of essential food commodities increase sharply or are abnormally high. In Mogadishu, prices of maize increased by 23% in January, and the increase was even sharper in the main maize producing region of Lower Shabelle. Overall, in key market towns of central and southern Somalia, coarse grain prices in January have doubled from a year earlier. With an earlier than usual depletion of household stocks during the coming lean season and preliminary weather forecasts raising concerns for the performance of the next rainy season, prices are likely to further escalate in the coming months. Maize prices in Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania, have almost doubled since early 2016, while they are 25% higher than 12 months earlier in the country's largest city, Dar Es Salaam. In South Sudan, food prices are now two to four times above their levels of a year earlier, exacerbated by ongoing insecurity and the significant depreciation of the local currency. In Kenya, where eastern and coastal lowlands as well as some western areas of the Rift Valley all suffered below-average rainfall, maize prices are up by around 30%, with the increase somewhat contained somewhat thanks to sustained imports from Uganda. Cereal prices aren't the only ones rising. Beans now cost 40% more in Kenya than a year earlier, while in Uganda - where maize prices are now up to 75% higher than a year earlier - and increasing around the key border trading hub of Busia, the prices of beans and cassava flour are both about 25% higher than a year ago in the capital city, Kampala. Double jeopardy for pastoralists Drought-affected pastoral areas in the region face even harsher conditions. In Somalia, goat prices are up to 60% lower than a year ago, while in pastoralist areas of Kenya the prices of goats declined by up to 30% over the last 12 months. Shortages of pasture and water caused livestock deaths and reduced body mass, prompting herders to sell animals while they can, as is also occurring in drought-wracked southern Ethiopia. This also pushes up the prices of milk, which is, for instance, up 40% on the year in Somalia's Gedo region. Lower income from livestock collides with higher prices for cereals and other staple foods in a wrenching shock to terms of trade for pastoralist households. A medium-sized goat in Somalia's Buale market was worth 114 kilograms of maize in January 2016, but at today's prices can be traded for only 30 kilograms of the grain. FAO uses its proprietary FPMA Tool, accessible to the public online, to monitor local markets and gather data for more than 1350 domestic price series in 91 countries around the globe in order to produce its Indicator of Food Price Anomalies. Subscribe to daily business and company news across 19 industries SUBSCRIBE Cape Town, Stellenbosch Maties Gymnasium Sales and marketing consultant Ref: MG/261/0922 Reporting to the Sales and Marketing Manager, the incumbent will work... Radio stations broadcasting to rural areas in the Eastern Cape and Kwazulu-Natal will be producing children's stories in both home languages and English as part of their regular programming as of March 2017. These radio stations include Inkonjane FM, Good News Community Radio, Ugu Youth Radio, Radio Sunny South, Radio Khwezi and Link FM. The broadcasts will be in support of the Nal'ibali campaign's new Story Powered Schools project, which was launched at the start of the new school year by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to bring literacy development to rural schools. The project will be working with a total of 720 schools over a three-year period in the Ugu and Uthukela districts in KwaZulu-Natal and the Maluti and Bizana districts in the Eastern Cape. For more information on the Story Powered Schools project, visit www.storypoweredschools.org. President Donald Trump believes that decisions around which restrooms and locker rooms transgender students use in schools are best left to the states, and his administration will soon issue new guidance on the issue, Press Secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday. That guidance will roll back a rule issued by the Obama administration that required schools to grant transgender students access to bathrooms and locker rooms that matched their gender identity, even if it did not align with their biological sex at birth. Under that rule, schools that did not comply may have been found in violation of the sex-discrimination protections of Title IX, which Obamas Departments of Justice and Education argued applied to gender identity as well as biological sex. The Trump administration had signaled a rollback of that rule , which had triggered multi-state lawsuits from conservative state leaders who labeled it federal overreach. A federal judge put the guidance on hold last year while he considered one of those cases, and the federal interpretation of Title IX is also at the center of a case due before the Supreme Court in March. A reporter asked about rumors that the Trump administration would rescind that rule in the White House briefing. Heres Spicers answer: Right now that's an issue that the Department of Justice and the Department of Education are addressing. I would tell you thatand I think there will be further guidance coming from DOJ in particular with respect to not just the executive order but also the case that's in front of the Supreme Courtthe president has maintained for a long time that this is a states' rights issue and not one for the federal government. So while there will be further guidance coming out on this, I think all you have to do is look at what the president's view has been for a long time: that this is not something that the federal government should be involved in. This is a states' rights issue." As I wrote previously, the federal interpretation that Title IX applies to gender identity has been at the core of court wins by transgender students whove sued their schools for restroom and locker room access. To date, transgender students have had the most success with the argument that, where Title IX could logically be interpreted multiple ways, courts have the obligation to defer to the federal agencies' interpretation that it applies to gender identity. But, if the federal agencies change that interpretation, such legal challenges will lose their grounding. Virginia student Gavin Grimm, who sued to use the boys bathroom at his school, has succeeded so far in federal courts with that argument. But the U.S. Supreme Court has put a lower court's order allowing him boys' bathroom access on hold until it considers his school district's appeal in March 28 oral arguments. Even if the Trump administration withdraws the federal guidance, school districts can still adopt their own polices to accomodate transgender students according to their gender identities. And some states, like California, have state-level anti-discrimination laws that include transgender students. But, without the federal guidance, there would be less legal ground for transgender students to challenge school rules or state-level laws that restrict restroom and locker room access according to biological sex. To this point, only North Carolina has such a law, but state legislatures, including Texas', have proposed similar measures this year." LGBT rights groups responded to rumors of a change Monday night. .@HRC calls on the Trump Admin to immediately & permanently affirm guidance to protect #transgender students. //t.co/gd8nOA1Jnm -- HumanRightsCampaign (@HRC) February 21, 2017 This guidance, critical for protecting #trans students, is likely to be rescinded tomorrow. We cannot back down. //t.co/yrFnyszvzQ -- GLSEN (@GLSEN) February 21, 2017 An ACLU attorney who represents transgender issues said the organization still plans to assert that Title IX protects Grimm before the Supreme Court. Education Week video has previously explored this issue in a piece about one high schools efforts to accommodate transgender students and one students experience with her own gender identity. You can view those videos below. Photo: Chris Carlson/AP Related reading on transgender students: Follow @evieblad on Twitter or subscribe to Rules for Engagement to get blog posts delivered directly to your inbox. As the first deadline under the Every Student Succeeds Act looms, some final drafts of state accountability plans are getting pushback from some local superintendents. The first deadline to submit plans to the federal government comes April 3. But governors get 30 days to review the plans before theyre sent off, so many departments, state board members, and state legislators have been putting their final touches on the plans in the last several weeks. Theres a lot at stake, and thats not lost on advocacy associations that have crowded state board meetings in recent weeks. Take Louisiana, for example. On Thursday, Feb. 16, the states influential Superintendents Advisory Council, which advises the states school board, met with the state school board and state superintendent John White. Members of the council told board members that the plan doesnt break away enough from the current state plan under the states waiver from provisions of ESSAs predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act. Specifically, the group wants to, among other things, make changes to the states letter grade system, how standardized testing is conducted, and the design of the states report card, according to the Louisiana Advocate . The group brought along with it a letter signed by nine advocacy organizations in the state that are pushing for similar changes. Louisianas governor, John Bel Edwards, a Democrat, has appointed a panel that has designed an ESSA plan with entirely different proposals than the state boards. During the meeting, Michael Faulk, the superintendent of Central Schools Parish, proposed to slow the timeline down, but responded Superintendent White: White to superintendents on delay:"If you want to own that vote then own it.#LaEd Will Sentell (@WillSentell) February 16, 2017 The superintendents decided against holding a vote on whether to delay the plan. Meanwhile, in Ohio, a group of 10 district superintendents say the states ESSA plan, in its final draft, keeps too closely to provisions of ESSAs predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act and will continue to push teachers to focus too much on state tests. Theyve dubbed the plan, No Child Left Behind 2.0. Specifically, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer , the superintendents want the state to make changes to the states letter grade system and reduce the amount of testing required. Some superintendents have suggested that the state wait until the U.S. Department of Education issues new guidance in March. One of the state board members said at the meeting that she will propose at the states next board meeting to delay turning in the ESSA plan until September. The superintendents will have a forum later this month to debate the contents of the plan and gather more community feedback. Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics. What Are the Consequences of Lying to the FBI? While you might have the right to remain silent, you certainly don't have a right to lie to the police. State laws can vary when it comes to false statements, but lying during federal investigation is a felony carrying a potential five year prison sentence. And that's just your standard, run-of-the-mill federal obstruction of justice charge. What about misleading the FBI regarding your alleged contact with the Russian ambassador? Inadvertent Information Michael T. Flynn went from President Trump's national security advisor to unemployed and potentially criminally charged in just 24 days. At issue are contacts Flynn allegedly had with Sergey I. Kislyak, the Russian ambassador to the United States last December, before Trump took office: Around the same time, Obama advisers heard separately from the F.B.I. about Mr. Flynn's conversation with Mr. Kislyak, whose calls were routinely monitored by American intelligence agencies that track Russian diplomats. The Obama advisers grew suspicious that perhaps there had been a secret deal between the incoming team and Moscow, which could violate the rarely enforced, two-century-old Logan Act barring private citizens from negotiating with foreign powers in disputes with the United States. The Obama officials asked the F.B.I. if a quid pro quo had been discussed on the call, and the answer came back no, according to one of the officials, who like others asked not to be named discussing delicate communications. The topic of sanctions came up, they were told, but there was no deal. The FBI later questioned Flynn about the calls during the first few days of Trump's administration. Regarding the conversations with Kislyak and the questions from the FBI, Flynn asserted he had not violated the law. "If I did," he told conservative news site the Daily Caller, "believe me, the F.B.I. would be down my throat, my clearances would be pulled. There were no lines crossed." That was early Monday morning on February 13. Later that day he admitted he had "inadvertently" passed along "incomplete information" and resigned. Federal False Statements Flynn's resignation, however, doesn't quite put the matter to rest. As Just Security points out: Sometimes the cover up is worse than the crime. On all these counts, administration and former campaign associates may need to consider the False Statements Crime, that is, if they spoke directly with investigators who have been handling these cases. 18 U.S.C. 1001 makes it a federal crime for anyone who "in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative, or judicial branch of the Government of the United States, knowingly and willfully ... makes any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation." The same statute has been used to convict and imprison Rod Blagojevich, Scooter Libby, Bernard Madoff, Martha Stewart, and Jeffrey Skilling. Flynn could face at least five years in jail, or he could be offered a plea bargain to provide information on other Trump campaign and administration associates. Related Resources: Young Lawyer Wants to Be the ACLU for Campus Rape Survivors When you've got an environmental lawsuit, you call Earthjustice. Civil rights? The ACLU. And if you've experienced sexual assault in high school or college, you go to SurvJustice. At least that's how 31-year-old attorney Laura Dunn wants it to be. An activist, lawyer, and survivor of campus sexual assault herself, Dunn founded SurvJustice to represent the rights of campus rape survivors. In just a few years, and on a tiny budget, Dunn and SurvJustice have been "credited with ushering in at least 120 federal investigations of schools around the country," according to a recent profile of the young lawyer by Buzzfeed. A Sexual Assault Survivor Fighting for Other Survivors Dunn founded SurvJustice in 2014, the same year she earned her J.D. from the University of Maryland Carey School of Law, but her advocacy for campus rape survivors began well before that. As a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dunn was sexually assaulted by two men from her crew team, she says. When she told her parents about it, they threatened to cut her off if she didn't change schools or become a missionary. When she reported the sexual assault to the school, she received little support and the school eventually dropped the case. That experience led Dunn to speak out against campus sexual assault, to file a Title IX complaint against the university, and to quickly become involved in shaping campus sexual assault policy over the next decade. Within a few years, she was meeting with Vice President Biden and influencing changes in federal law and policy. A victim turned victim's advocate, Dunn has now offers assistance to dozens of campus sexual assault survivors through SurvJustice. Operating a Nonprofit on a Shoestring Budget Despite SurvJustice's impact, the nonprofit gets by on a shoestring budget -- just $160,000 annually, according to Buzzfeed, for a staff of three. Still, the organization has received over 500 requests for assistance since its founding. How does Dunn handle so many requests for help? According to Buzzfeed's Tyler Kingkade: She had to lay down some rules to deal with the caseload. Dunn won't take a case with less than a week's notice, because the one time she did, she had to cram overnight to prep for a hearing, drove to Virginia, got a flat tire, and then the hearing ended at midnight without a break for dinner. "A lot of attorneys I know wouldn't do a campus hearing but would see the results and do a lawsuit at the end; I get down in the mud," Dunn says. "I'm always mad that we're not bigger," Dunn says -- though our guess is they will be soon. Related Resources: e() e()1988826ee 15875009668 The Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) from townships across the state met at the Arr-thit teashop in Sittwe on February 16. The meeting was held in order to introduce the groups to each other. Many representatives of CSOs from various areas in Rakhine State took part in the meeting, which was sponsored by the Municipality Department of Rakhine State. They were invited to the introductory meeting together with some ethnic organizations leaders who live in the state, U Thar Pwint, a leading member of the CSO representation committee, told Narinjara News. In cases of national concern, Rakhine people should have common ground. He added that at the meeting the local CSOs discussed previous joint campaign efforts, such as lobbying against the implementation of the so-called white card system, a form of temporary identification for people who otherwise lacked documents. The cards were revoked in early 2015 in favor of a light green alternative. The Sittwe CSO meeting also aimed to organize township-level representation committees. There is a CSO representation committee in Sittwe. Other townships should form similar representation committees, U Thar Pwint said. A total of 74 civil society organizations participated in the recent Sittwe meeting. Translated by Zin Linn Edited by by Laignee Barron for BNI Myanmar police patrol near Koe Tan Kauk Border Guard Police post around the villages near the Maungdaw town of Bangladesh-Myanmar border, Rakhine State, western Myanmar, 22 December 2016. Photo: Nyein Chan Naing/EPA Two members of Myanmars security forces were injured in a clash with militants on the troubled Rakhine State border with Bangladesh, VOA reported on 19 February quoting the Myanmar state counsellors office. The government last week said the situation in northern Rakhine had stabilized and that it had ended a four-month security crackdown on Rohingya Muslims. The security operation had been under way since nine policemen were killed in attacks on security posts near the Bangladesh border October 9. Almost 69,000 Rohingyas have since fled to Bangladesh, according to U.N. estimates, the report said. Liberty Life Botswana and Orange Botswana this week launched a strategic partnership; where Liberty clients will be able to pay their policies through Orange Botswanas mobile money payment platform - Orange Money. Liberty policyholders, particularly the unbanked will not have to travel to Liberty Life service points to make premium payments, but will do so from the convenience of their phones wherever they are. Speaking at the launch, Liberty Life Botswana Managing Director Lulu Rasebotsa said the partnership between Liberty and Orange will enhance the current offerings that Liberty has for its clients. Among the key reasons Liberty has partnered with Orange is that it saw it as its responsibility to empower its clients, individuals, small businesses and large corporate institutions in offering the best suitable solutions. Rasebotsa indicated that, When we interacted with our clients outside Gaborone we noticed that there was a gap in the market for the unbanked members of society. There were clients who wanted some of our funeral policies such as Boago, Critical Illness Plan and others, but lived far from banks and sometimes developments and from that we thought it necessary to create a solution that would ensure that our clients get convenience and have easy access to pay their policies. Rasebotsa also highlighted that when looking for solutions they immediately thought of Orange Botswana whose main aim is also to give excellent customer experience and fortunately the mobile network company was receptive to the idea of working together. The Orange mobile network covers nearly the entire population of Botswana, including 53 for 3G services. In the past year Orange has had growth in mobile data usages and content and continued excellence in the customer experience so we have no doubt that we have partnered with the right mobile network, she said. She hoped that users of Orange Money will benefit from the partnership as they will have an opportunity to access a diverse mix of Liberty Life products to better manage their future and leave a lasting legacy for their families and dependents, while mitigating against the everyday risk of Life. Orange Botswana CEO, Dr Patrick Benon said the Insurance sector is one such a stakeholder, because it contributes to give our customers a better quality of life. We recognise the zeal in the insurance space as they continue to make their mark. Standard Chartered Chief Executive Officer Moatlhodi Lekaukau has resigned, ending a five-year stay at the high office of the listed lender. The company board, which is chaired by Prof Bojosi Otlhogile broke the news to the market on Wednesday. He is expected to leave the bank which has a market value of P2, 3 billion, at the end of March 2017. The board acknowledges and thanks Mr Lekaukau for his dedication and contribution as Chief Executive Officer since joining the company in February 2012, said the company. Mr Lekaukau has successfully guided the company through the difficult business environment of recent years, maintaining a strong balance sheet and ensuring a balance between investment and returns to shareholders The challenges the board was referring include the two-year moratorium on non-interest related products within the banking sector, which was effected on the 1st of January 2014. There was also the liquidity squeeze which nearly brought the whole industry, half the size of the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP), to its knees. The central bank was forced to release P2, 3 billion to bailout the industry which is tightly controlled by British and South African banks. However, Lekaukau managed to keep the bank stable despite external challenges which affected profitability. It was under his leadership that the bank launched 100 percent mortgage funding, a first for the Botswana market. The bank also expanded its branches and ATMs network to cement its top four position in the sector. At an impromptu press conference on Wednesday afternoon, Otlhogile told inquisitive business journalists that, the outgoing CEO also managed to ensure the company reaches an operating income of P1billion, a first for the bank which is a unit of Standard Chartered plc. Bojosi also added that, the soft-spoken Lekaukau has also strived to ensure the local executive committee was localized. Late last year, the bank opened a branch at Sir Seretse Khamas International Airport, another first for the countrys oldest bank. The bank also has considerable exposure in the countrys mining sector. This include BCL, government owned copper producer which has since been placed under voluntary liquidation. This week the company announced it has considerable exposure to BCL mine and its liquidation could adversely impact the 2016 performance.The company made a profit of P47 million during the 12 months to December 2015, down from P319 million made the year before. At the close of markets on Wednesday, shares of the company remained unchanged at 760thebe. The board is not wasting time to look for Lekaukaus replacement. The process of identifying an appropriate replacement for Mr Lekaukau is underway and an announcement shall be made in due course, said the board in a statement. The person (to replace Lekaukau) must be fit and proper, stressed Otlhogile, who is a veteran law Professor at the University of Botswana. Recently, a local newspaper, Gazette has been writing articles to the effect that, Standard Chartered breached rules when dealing with one of its clients, OSEG group, a local company. Is Lekaukau jumping ship? He is not stepping down because of OSEG accusations, said the Chairman. It was speculated this week that the University of Cape Town alumni is leaving to concentrate on his personal and family businesses. At the same conference, he told the media that he is taking a sabbatical leave. I dont have any major plans at this point, he stated. Lekaukau, who has worked for Deloitte in South Africa said he is leaving an industry which is mature. There are a lot of opportunities in the high end market as well as in the lower market, he added. The SMMEs is also fast developing, calling for more innovative products and services from players. This blog is looking for wisdom, to have and to share. It is also looking for other rare character traits like good humor, courage, and honor. It is not an easy road, because all of us fall short. But God is love, forgiveness and grace. Those who believe in Him and repent of their sins have the promise of His Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the Way. Cartoonist Daniel Clowes (Ghost World) says he has forgiven Shia LaBeouf for plagiarizing him because LaBeouf has created an anti-Trump installation. From Daily Beast: The political landscape in the U.S. has so reshaped the vision of the world that he's not harboring any anger for anyone on the same political side in these incredibly divisive timesnot even against Shia LaBeouf, who in 2013 was accused of plagiarizing Clowes's 2008 comic "Justin M. Damiano." Although Clowes hasn't seen LaBeouf's anti-Trump installation, being anti-Trump is in and of itself enough to bond people together, he thinks. At least for now. "I look forward to the day we can go back to hating Shia LeBeouf," Clowes deadpans. Located along the Kentucky River on the western side of the Appalachian Mountains, Owsley County had one of the highest percentage increases of cancer mortality per capita in the U.S. from 1980 to 2014, according to a recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Deaths per 100,000 people went up 45.6 percent. But this small, rural county provides just a snapshot of the larger cancer epidemic in Appalachia. According to new research out of the University of Virginia, cancer incidence has declined in much of the country since 1969 but not in rural Appalachia. In rural Appalachian Kentucky, the cancer mortality rate is 36 percent higher than it is for urban, non-Appalachian people in the rest of the country; in rural Appalachian Virginia it is 15 percent higher; in those areas of West Virginia, 19 percent. People in much of rural Appalachia are more likely to die within three to five years of their diagnoses than those in both urban Appalachian areas and urban areas across the U.S. The Appalachian region technically comprises all or part of 13 states, according to the Appalachian Regional Commission: Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. However, cancer clusters are often concentrated in the center, or the heart of Appalachia: southwestern Virginia, eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia. Researchers say the extraordinarily high cancer rates are the result of a perfect storm of unfortunate circumstances. On the surface, its lifestyle factors, said Nengliang Yao, who led the Virginia study. But there are also economic, social and environmental factors, he said. There are layers of risk for people to die early from cancer. Although people outside of Appalachia may not know about the regions cancer crisis, researchers and community organizations in the region have been studying and fighting cancer for decades, focusing efforts on four cancers with the highest incidence and mortality rates: lung, colorectal, cervical and breast. Unhealthy lifestyle factors undoubtedly contribute to these numbers. About 42 percent of Owsley County adults smoke, compared with about 26 percent of adults in Kentucky and 15 percent in the U.S. overall. More than 34 percent of adults in Kentucky are obese, and nearly 70 percent are overweight. Another risk factor is pollution from strip mining and underground coal mining, though the link between environmental contaminants and cancer is less clear. Owsley County ceased commercial coal production in 2012, but according to the county, there is still funding for some smaller-scale coal production. In addition, some residents travel to nearby counties for jobs; there are still mines in operation in Breathitt County, as well as Harlan and Pike counties, which are farther east. All three of these counties are hot spots for cancer as well, according to the JAMA study. Research out of West Virginia University has shown that mortality rates and chronic illnesses were higher in coal-producing counties, and a study comparing two West Virginia counties showed that cancer rates were 5 percentage points higher in a county with surface mining than in one without. The risk for lung cancer among coal miners who spend time underground or on strip mining operations in Appalachia is also higher. Carcinogens such as asbestos, radon, chromium and arsenic have been discovered at mining sites, in waterways and in soil in parts of Appalachia, but the source of these trace elements in people living in the area is still unknown. Environmental exposure coupled with the regions unhealthy habits exacerbates the problem, said Thomas Tucker, associate director for cancer prevention and control at the Markey Cancer Center at the University of Kentucky. For instance, Tucker said that people who smoke are 11 to 14 times more likely to develop lung cancer compared with nonsmokers. But if they smoke and are also exposed to asbestos, their risk of developing lung cancer can be as high as 300 times that of a nonsmoker. However, the biggest issue, experts said, is lack of access to care whether its preventive screenings or cancer treatment. If one of Owsley Countys 4,600 residents needs to visit the doctor, they have three choices: the health department or two clinics. But doctors are not always available or working, and opportunities for screening vary. For instance, mammograms are only offered once a month at the clinics, and colon cancer screenings are referred out of the county, and cervical cancer screenings are done weekly at the health department and daily at the clinic, Lucas said. The three regional hospitals are at least a 30-minute drive away on narrow, curvy mountain roads. The Markey Cancer Center in Lexington is a far drive for people in rural Appalachia. According to Yao, 15 percent to 20 percent of women who have abnormal mammograms dont go back for any follow-up tests, partly because of reasons such as these. There are a lot of barriers, he said. Susan West Marmagas, a public health associate professor at Virginia Tech, has studied cancer in Appalachian Virginia since 2009. She said that the majority of people who are diagnosed with cancer dont get diagnosed in the state and go to hospitals such as Duke or Wake Forest in North Carolina for treatment. In Appalachia, there often arent options involving advanced technology or clinical trials that can result in higher survival rates. The other issue is late diagnosis, and so the prognosis is much worse, and survivorship is much less, Marmagas said. Widespread poverty and lack of education make it difficult to overcome these barriers, which Appalachian counties have been battling for decades. By late 2016, there were only 3,600 coal mining jobs left in eastern Kentucky and just over 6,200 statewide, numbers not seen since the late 1800s. The tobacco industry, once thriving in Kentucky, is also gone. Theres nothing to replace these industries, so unemployment rates are some of the highest in the country. For instance, in Owsley, the rate is 9.6 percent, and median income is less than $21,000. People dont think a lot about their health, especially right now, with our economy, said Ashley Teague, a regional cancer control specialist for the Kentucky Cancer Program. Theyre more worried about finding a job or cant take time off work to get screened. It falls down on the list of priorities. Some of these services are now covered by health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Kentucky leads the nation in the steepest decline of uninsured working-age adults, dropping from 21 percent in 2013 to 8 percent by 2015. In 2016, about 67 percent of people in Owsley County got health coverage through Medicaid, which covers preventive cancer screenings and helps cover rides to necessary treatment for people who cant travel, Lucas said. Medicaid coverage also boosted rates of breast cancer screenings. But still, cancer in Appalachia is an overwhelming, multi-pronged problem, researchers say, and communities know it. In a region that has been battling poverty for decades, studies and statistics dont mean much when no real solutions are offered. Theres a fatalism in Appalachia since everybody has family that has had cancer or died, Marmagas said. Theres a certain amount of this is going to happen to me too, and they dont get good answers from the health system around them. But that doesnt keep people from trying. Dozens of groups in nearly every Appalachian county are working to raise awareness, traveling door to door, handing out take-home colon cancer screenings and driving women to get mammograms. Within the last two years, more than 6,000 people participated in these types of events for colon cancer awareness, hosted by the Kentucky Cancer Program, clinics, hospitals and health departments. According to the Kentucky Cancer Program, 92 percent of these partner organizations said events and materials increased screenings from 2015 to 2016. Its small victories such as those that keep Lucas and Teague going. Theyve both lived in Appalachia their entire lives and have watched neighbors, friends and family die of cancer. We truly try hard to get the word out and work together to accomplish these goals, because our manpower and financial resources are low, Lucas said. Hopefully, the importance of prevention will resonate with the younger generation. Texas and Chile have remarkably similar flags (though Chile got theirs first, by a matter of decades) and Texas doesn't have a Unicode-defined emoji for its flag (just a sprinkling of proprietary ones that do not cross platforms gracefully), so Texans have taken to using the Chilean flag emoji as a shorthand for the longhorn state. This has outraged state rep Tom Oliverson (R-Austin) so thoroughly that he has introduced a bill telling Texans to knock it off, because "the Chilean flag, although it is a nice flag, can in any way compare to or be substituted for the official state flag of Texas." The resolution was filed on Feb 16, and the Texas legislature has not taken further action on it. Yet. According to HCR 75, "most major electronic messaging applications" include an emoji for Chile's flag but not Texas's. "All too often," it claims, the Chilean flag is used as a substitute, which will not do. The colors and symbols stand for different things, the resolution says, and so on and so forth. Therefore, by adopting the resolution, the legislature would " reject the notion that the Chilean flag, although it is a nice flag, can in any way compare to or be substituted for the official state flag of Texas and [would] urge all Texans not to use the Republic of Chile flag emoji in digital forums when referring to the Lone Star Flag of the great State of Texas." Urging Texans not to use the flag emoji of the Republic of Chile when referring to the Texas flag. [Tom Oliverson/Texas House of Reps] Bill Urges Texans to Use Correct Flag Emoji [Kevin Underhill/Lowering the Bar] Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. To the uninitiated, last weekends Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club Dog Shows and Trials at the Keystone Centre must have been an odd sight. Purebred canines were bathed, blow-dried, trimmed and coddled, while some even found hairspray spritzed on their coats to make them appear as trim as possible. While the obedience and rally trials found canines demonstrate their abilities, the twice-daily conformation shows found dogs judged against their Canadian Kennel Club breed descriptions. Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun Handler Cindy Kowalchuk prepares little Ruby, a Cairn Terrier, for showing during the Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club Dog Shows and Trials at the Keystone Centre on Sunday. Many of the dogs on display for judges at the local show were among the nations best, including little Ruby, a Cairn Terrier. The best-known Cairn Terrier is perhaps Terry, the dog that played Toto in the 1939 screen adaptation of The Wizard of Oz. Ruby was named after title character Dorothy Gales magical ruby slippers. Recently named Canadian champion, a recent showing in Minneapolis has put Ruby on track to receiving the same recognition in the United States. Ruby was seen grooving happily into the brush as Winnipeg-based handler Cindy Kowalchuk prepared her for a showing in Brandon on Sunday. She loves it, Kowalchuk said while pushing the comb through Rubys neat fur. Shes got great attitude she loves it; its fun for her, she added. They have to like it. You cant force them to do it. Its in their heart. She loves to go out to strut her stuff. Elsewhere, at the Keystone Centres Canada Room, Winnipegs Sandy Orford tended to her 11-month-old Shih Tzu, Donte. The long-haired little fellow loves getting the attention, Orford said, noting that hes also adept at playing fetch, which serves a double purpose, with his little body mopping the floor as he goes. But Sunday wasnt about mopping floors. Donte couldnt have any debris from the ground on his fine coat, which Orford worked diligently to tidy up prior to having him face judgment a process that takes a couple of hours of preparation. Key organizer Gail Carroll said that the weekend event the Crocus Obedience and Kennel Clubs biggest of the year finds hundreds of dogs judged throughout the three days. Tyler Clarke/The Brandon Sun Shih Tzu Donte is brushed by Sandy Orford during the Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club Dog Shows and Trials at the Keystone Centre on Sunday. Throughout these days, 200 dogs are shown in each of two shows held per day, during which about 80 breeds are accounted for. Its a labour of love for all involved, Carroll said, noting that she fell into the hobby like many others do, by getting their dog trained for basic obedience reasons and then wanting to take it a step further. Carroll now has two retired Siberian huskies, 13-year-old Daisy, who at one time was the nations top Siberian husky, and Daisys daughter, nine-year-old Ruby. While the main event at last weekends shows were purebreds, Carroll clarified that one doesnt need to own a fancy show dog to join the approximately 60-member Crocus Obedience and Kennel Club. Obedience and trails efforts, wherein dogs run through tracks with tricks along the way, are open to any dog, be they purebred or mutt. For those who missed last weekends show, Carroll points those interested in local canine culture to their organizations website, crocusdogs.com, or to call 204-725-2009 for more information. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Intended to keep Manitobas mobile services market competitive, Xplornet Communications Inc. is entering the Manitoba marketplace. Its more an expansion into Manitoba than an introduction, company representative James Maunder explained over the weekend, clarifying that theyve already been providing Manitoba clients with rural Internet service for the past decade. Last week, the Woodstock, N.B., company was given the go-ahead by the Competition Bureau to extend its Manitoba services to mobile services an effort that comes off the hells of Bell Canadas acquisition of MTS. Further to that, Bell has been required by the Competition Bureau to sell six retail stores, 24,700 subscribers and 40 MHz of spectrum to Xplornet. Central to Xplornets plans in Manitoba will be improving service in the provinces more rural areas, which Maunder said the company already knows the ins and outs of thanks to its current market penetration via Internet service. Maunder said that they hope to expand their services to include mobile services within a year an admittedly ambitious effort that will see them install the required infrastructure over the next several months. Theyve already started looking at what they need to do and plan on being everywhere MTS presently is. This infrastructure includes adding fixed wireless towers to the mix as well as building off of existing infrastructure. The net goal is to expand services using LTE technology, which will allow rural users faster service, Maunder said. As for the efforts economic impact, Maunder said that its too early to provide any numbers at this stage, but he can confirm that at least one permanent retail space would be set up in Brandon. Other private outlets are also likely to spring up in Westman as a result of the organizations dealer network program, he said, adding that more details are expected in the coming months. For now, theyre just giving area residents a heads up that despite Bell Canadas takeover of MTS, there should still be ample competition in Manitoba to help keep prices down and innovation firing on all cylinders. Thats why their licence was approved, Maunder noted. Itching to provide greater insight on Sunday, Maunder held back, explaining that in a competitive market such as this he didnt want to preview their plans only to have competitors beat them to the punch. While announcing Xplornets increased presence in Manitoba last week, commissioner of competition John Pecman offered that the organization would continue to keep a close watch on competition in Manitoba and across Canada in the mobile wireless services market. He also noted: Given the findings of our review, any future potential mergers by Canadas three largest mobile wireless providers, Bell, Rogers and Telus, can expect to receive a close examination by the Bureau. tclarke@brandonsun.com Twitter: @TylerClarkeMB Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Treasury Board of Canada announced on Monday it is doubling the number of indigenous post-secondary students accepted into the Public Service Commissions federal student work experience program. There will be 60 summer jobs available this year, compared to last years 30 positions. All the positions are in Ottawa, but are open to students from across Canada. Support for travel and housing accommodations during the work placement are available to make sure no one who qualifies is excluded. This is a great opportunity for indigenous students to get work experience, earn money for their education and learn the ropes of working in the federal government, but it is definitely a two-way street, Kildonan-St. Paul MP MaryAnn Mihychuk, chair of the standing committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs (INAN), said in a statement. Its also a real benefit to the federal government to have young indigenous people who can bring the reality of their lived experience to Ottawa and share that understanding with departments and agencies. The expanded indigenous program is a pilot project that is part of the existing Public Service Work Experience Program and Federal Student Work Experience Program. Full-time and part-time positions are both available, with hourly wages ranging from $10.34 to $24.59 an hour, depending on education and experience. Students must be full-time in a recognized high school, college or university, and be returning to full-time studies in the next academic term. The Brandon Sun Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Illegal crossings are unsafe and a burden on local communities. Our laws should be enforced. Conservative MP and Public Safety critic Tony Clement There are proper channel(s) through which people can cross into Canada. Illegal crossings are unsafe, place a burden on our law enforcement. Manitoba Conservative MP Michelle Rempel The above two Twitter comments made by Opposition Tory MPs on Sunday followed an announcement by Manitoba RCMP that another 22 people had been intercepted crossing the border near Emerson on Saturday night. The MPs are quite correct in stating that illegal crossings into Canada are unsafe, and that the rise in illegal cross-border traffic has put a strain on local law enforcement. Last year, according to numbers reported by the Toronto Star, 430 asylum seekers walked across the U.S. border into Manitoba. And in Quebec, the Canada Border Services Agency states that the number of migrants from the U.S. intercepted by the RCMP in 2016 tripled to 1,280 from 424 the year before. These numbers will continue to rise, thanks largely to undocumented migrants residing in the United States who fear they will be deported if they attempt to claim refugee status there. And so they make their way into Canada. However, claims that Canadian laws are not being enforced, and that there are proper channels through which migrants can cross, are misleading. In reality, current Canadian laws are being enforced, and have contributed to the problem. Refugees have crossed the border in these locations for decades. Overall, there has been a spike in people seeking refugee status in Canada at land border crossings. A CBC report last week noted that claims had nearly doubled over the past two years, surging to 7,023 in 2016, compared to 4,316 in 2015 and 3,747 in 2014. But Canadian Council of Refugees executive director Janet Dench says the recent spike represents a return to the volume of refugees Canada previously received. Dench recently told the CBC that there were more than 8,000 land border claims made annually between 1999 and 2004. In 2004, the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, which requires refugee claimants to request refugee protection in the first safe country in which they arrive, came into effect. It was created to better manage the flow of refugee claimants at the shared land border, but it hasnt quite worked out that way. Those coming from the U.S. are already deemed to be living in a safe place, and are turned away at official border crossings because of that agreement. This has prompted those seeking refugee status to cross illegally into Canada, where they are arrested and generally granted a hearing. Earlier this month, in response to a question regarding the agreement, Brandon-Souris Conservative MP Larry Maguire seemed to express concern over the background of those illegal migrants seeking asylum: Why werent they accepted in the United States to start with? The Canadian Council of Refugees offers this explanation: The CCR believes that the U.S. is not safe for all refugees, it states on the organizations website. Because of U.S. laws and how they are implemented, some refugees who receive protection in Canada are denied refugee status in the U.S. In 2007, the Federal Court agreed with the CCR, ruling that the U.S. does not always protect refugees as required under international law. There is concern that in future the U.S. may adopt refugee policies that make it even less safe for refugees. So what, then, are the solutions? The cost of further increasing the number of RCMP patrols and personnel along the border would be considerable. There are already daily patrols along the border, and police and immigration agencies on both sides work together to stop smuggling and breaches along our shared border and have been doing so for many decades. At the same time, turning refugees around at the border in the dead of winter is hardly humane and largely ineffectual, as they would just try some other, perhaps more dangerous location. One outlandish suggestion is to build a wall of our own. Its the longest international border in the world, and along large portions of that border the only thing separating the U.S. from Canada is a water-filled ditch beside a service road. A wall is just not feasible our taxes would skyrocket. Immigration lawyers suggest altering the Safe Third Country Agreement so that potential refugee claimants would once again be able to properly enter the system in an orderly manner at an official border crossing. This is an option it might lessen the need for increased patrols along these border points. But politicians like Maguire express concerns that these border jumpers are also jumping the queue ahead of other claimants. Its at least a relevant critique. However this Liberal government approaches the situation, it will be problematic. We suggest that Rempel and Clement two MPs who were formerly part of a Conservative government that could also have addressed the issue offer up some real solutions. Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 21/02/2017 (2084 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Trudeau taking the spotlight again! Once again we see our infamous prime minister in the spotlight while over in Washington. Justin Trudeau never misses an opportunity to have his face captured at a prime time. Dont know why the news goes on about Donald Trumps daughter sitting in the presidents chair with Trump and Trudeau on either side of her. I am surprised Trudeau wasnt sitting in the chair. What a joke and Canada is falling along. Brandon school board no longer effective Manitoba has some of the highest teacher salaries in Canada, yet the least educated students with lowest test results compared to all other provinces? Obviously more money is not improving education of Manitoba students. The curriculum is set by the province, not a local school board. I have lost faith in what purpose the Brandon School Division board serves. School board trustees, who are paid, have proven year after year they are not responsible with the taxpayers dollars. The days of tax and spend are over. Its obvious the Brandon School Division board is not effective and needs to be disbanded. Shedding a tear not! I got tears in my eyes when I read about the teacher, who teaches by the way, but wants us citizens of Brandon to contribute to her salary by tax increases for the Brandon School Division because this government is not supporting her. The poor soul. This province is the worst in Canada, as a report shows in December 2016. You teachers are well paid and should tighten your belt, too, once in a while before you bark out that us citizens should pay more education taxes other sectors have. You know what my CPP increase was this year? Not even enough to pay my hydro bill for this month. Teacher salaries are continuing to compound with percentage increases every year. They are also increased with extra degrees. How many months a year do you work? Your union should get rid of some dead wood that is still hanging around and give a younger teacher a change to start. Yes, I am complaining about teacher salaries because I see no results in the gross of them. And to the teacher who wants to make the big bucks is only to retire early with a fat pension we are getting sick and tired about you whiners not being paid enough. I dont mind paying taxes to education, but not to go to waste for fancy salaries. No help for Hydro We all hope that its a joke that our government in Manitoba is even talking about helping out Manitoba Hydro. There are some of us who are already paying way too much to them now some of us pay up to $500 a month in wintertime. How ridiculous the amount of money they are wasting for building that dam. So many dollars wasted having people in and out. What a waste of our money. Top chief executives have a "narcissistic obsession" with how much they are paid, a former UK business secretary has claimed. Rocketing pay and perks for company bosses in the face of widespread austerity has fuelled public anger. But Vince Cable said even at the height of the 2008 financial crash, enormous amounts of time were spent debating with bank chiefs about their salaries. The Liberal Democrat former UK cabinet minister called for a requirement on companies to consult their workers on executive pay. Speaking at a ResPublica event on corporate governance, he said: "The other thing that struck me, and I found actually quite offensive in many ways, was the utter narcissistic obsession with pay among the top chief executives. "At the height of the banking crisis we devoted enormous amounts of time to debating with the chief executives of some of our banks how much they could be paid. "They were obsessed by the subject. "You would get reports back from the chairman that all of their conversations with their chief execs were about their pay. "It is very, very debilitating this obsession with benchmarking." Cable also called for a "fresh look" at reforms to curb short-termism in the business world. He said the British coalition government had made a decision that "in retrospect might not have been very helpful" to reform capital gains tax. He added: "The other issue which we looked at and dismissed and is probably worth having fresh look at is whether we should have different classes for shareholders, in that long-term investors can have greater voting rights." Tributes have been paid following the death of one of Corks most popular businessmen and charity campaigners after a long and brave battle against cancer, writes Eoin English. James OSullivan, a director of the family business M&P OSullivan Ltd and a long-serving director of Cork Business Association (CBA), died today surrounded by his family in Marymount Hospice, just weeks after his 58th birthday. He is survived by his wife Cathy and their children, Emma and Eoin. Almost one in three pregnant women in Ireland have cesarean sections. A new study from Trinity College and NUI Galway shows that this rate has increased dramatically in the past few years and it is now more than double the figure recommended by the WHO. A coalition of business leaders in the North has voiced support for the North South Interconnector ahead of the resumption of a public inquiry into the controversial electricity project. The NI Chamber, CBI NI, Institute of Directors, Federation of Small Businesses, Centre for Competitiveness, and the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association are among those backing the stalled 200 million-plus scheme. While advocates claim the link between the electricity grids on both sides of the border is vital for the island's energy market, opponents insist it will have negative environmental and health impacts. Planning permission for the southern section through counties Meath, Cavan and Monaghan has been approved, though that decision is set to face a number of legal challenges. The planning decision on the section through counties Armagh and Tyrone in the North will only be made at the conclusion of the public inquiry, which resumes hearings in Armagh on Wednesday. In total, the interconnector would involve 85 miles of overhead lines and pylons. Kirsty McManus, from the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the project was significant for Northern Ireland businesses. "Businesses and employers need access to electricity in the most cost efficient manner possible, and the proposed interconnector is key to achieving this," she said. "It is an essential piece of infrastructure which will allow the all-island electricity market to do what it was designed to do - achieve savings for all consumers north and south." SONI (System Operator for Northern Ireland) is overseeing the northern half of the project. Robin McCormick, general manager of SONI, said: "The North South Interconnector is without doubt the single most important infrastructure project on the island today. "It is urgently required and will reduce costs for consumers north and south, by allowing the single electricity market to work as efficiently as possible, which is particularly good news for business. "The public inquiry is an opportunity for everyone with an interest in the project to participate in an independent planning process and we are pleased that this project, so critical to the Northern Ireland economy, has reached this stage." A Cork man has been found guilty of raping his former partner two months after he sexually assaulted her and then beat her up in front of their crying toddler. The 30-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty to raping his former partner at their Cork city home on September 8, 2013. He pleaded guilty in the Central Criminal Court to one count of sexually assaulting her by forcing her to give him oral sex and to assault causing harm at the same address on July 10, 2013. Following a week-long trial, the jury returned a guilty verdict on the rape count after nearly four-and-a-half hours of deliberating. After the guilty verdict was handed down, they were told the man has 16 previous convictions, including several convictions for rape, aggravated sexual assault and sexual assault. He is currently serving a 12-year sentence. Mr Justice Paul Coffey will sentence him for these offences on May 8. At the start of the trial, Thomas Creed SC, prosecuting, told the jury of 10 men and 2 women that the man and woman met in 2010 and had a son together a couple of years later. The 26-year-old woman told the court that on the night of July 10, 2013, she and her partner went to bed as usual, with their 15-month-old son sleeping in the next room. She said she was drifting off to sleep when, without warning, he grabbed her by her hair and forced her head between his legs shouting, Suck my c**k b***h repeatedly. I was terrified, the woman said. I had gone from sleeping in my own bed to being completely attacked. I didn't know what was going on. The man then forced the woman to perform oral sex, before she managed to escape to the bathroom. However, after hearing her son crying, she ran into his bedroom. The man followed her in and assaulted her, hitting her head off a bed in the room while their son cried in his cot. Afterwards, the woman said she struggled to comfort her crying child. I was so scared and so terrified. I couldn't even sing 'Twinkle Twinkle' to calm him down, the woman said through her tears. I couldn't get the words out. Some time later, the man knocked on the door and asked why it was locked, the court heard. He told me he didn't know what happened, she said. The woman agreed with defence barrister, Ciaran O'Loughlin SC, that prior to this, they had a harmonious relationship. The couple eventually broke up and on the morning of September 8, 2013, the woman and their son went to the man's home so they could work out a maintenance and visitation agreement. The woman told the court the the toddler had fallen asleep in his buggy and they were discussing the agreement when the man suddenly said: Can we just f**k and I'll sign whatever agreement you want? The woman said she immediately became uneasy and said she wanted to leave. But the man told her, You're going to go upstairs, you're going to strip off and we're going to f**k. The woman said she begged him not to do it and asked him: Are you actually going to rape me? Some part of me thought if I said that to him, it would shock him out of doing anything, she told the court. But he didn't even flinch. During the attack, the woman said she vomited twice, but each time the man led her back into the bedroom and continued to rape her. Afterwards, she said he made her a cup of coffee before walking her and their child outside to meet her parents. The woman rang a helpline that night, went to the Rape Crisis Centre the next day and then reported the incident to gardai. The man told gardai the woman asked him to have sex with him to help her get over the July incident. Taoiseach Enda Kennys controversial St Patricks Day meeting with US president Donald Trump will take place during an expanded trade mission, writes political correspondent Fiachra O Cionnaith. The trip will also include visits to New York and at least one other US city The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the expected eight to 10 day trip, which is likely to be one of his final official duties as Taoiseach, alongside a series of other St Patricks Day journeys for senior Government ministers. As part of a long-standing tradition which is regularly criticised as the endorsement of costly and unnecessary junkets, Irelands cabinet members will travel around the globe on a series of trade missions to promote this country. In all, 27 countries will be visited with a particular focus on the need to shore up trade from North America and Europe in light of the dual US presidential election and Brexit fallout, and separate plans to promote tourism, the agri-sector and Irelands bid to host the 2020 rugby world cup. The visits will notably see specific trips by eight separate ministers to the US, individual journeys to Britain, Scotland, France, Germany and Italy, and far-flung visits to Brazil, Indonesia, South Korea, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. However, Mr Kennys meeting with US president Donald Trump as part of an extended trade mission to the US has gained most attention, due to the fact it is likely to be one of his final formal acts as Taoiseach. As part of the St Patricks Day events, Mr Kenny will travel to the US early next month to hold a series of meetings in as yet unspecified cities. He will then meet with Mr Trump in the White House in Washington DC on March 16, before travelling to New York on March 17-18, meaning he is likely to attend the St Patricks Day parade in the city. Other ministerial trips will include: Justice Minister and Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald (San Francisco, San Diego and LA in the US) Childrens Minister Katherine Zappone (Boston in the US) Jobs Minister Mary Mitchell O Connor (Chicago and New York in the US) Education Minister Richard Bruton (Britain) Agriculture Minister Michael Creed (Munich, Stuttgart, Cologne and Berlin in Germany) Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar (France) Housing Minister Simon Coveney (Toronto in Canada) Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe (Japan and South Korea) Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan (Milan and Rome in Italy) Arts Minister Heather Humphreys (Stockholm and Copenhagen in Sweden and Denmark) Finance Minister Michael Noonan (Malaysia and Singapore) Disabilities Minister Finian McGrath (Edinburgh in Scotland) Sports Minister Patrick O Donovan (east coast Australia and New Zealand) European Affairs Minister Dara Murphy (Spain) chief whip Regina Doherty (UAE) minister of state Paul Kehoe (Lebanon) minister of state David Stanton (Perth and Jakarta in Australia and Indonesia) minister of state Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Budapest and Prague in Hungary and the Czech Republic) minister of state Damien English (Poland) minister of state Andrew Doyle (Belgium and the Netherlands) minister of state Joe McHugh (New York, Philadelphia and the Tri-state area in the US) minister of state Sean Canney (Beijing and Shanghai in China, and Hong Kong) minister of state Michael Ring (Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Atlanta and Savannah in the US) minister of state Helen McEntee (Argentina) minister of state Pat Breen (Austin in the US) minister of state Sean Kyne (Cleveland, Dublin and Columbus in the US) minister of state John Halligan (Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo in Brazil) Despite Government repeatedly emphasising the value of the St Patricks Day events, the ministerial trips have repeatedly been the subject of criticism in recent years amid concern over the travel costs and claims they are junkets. However, while Government has spent close to 1m on the journeys since 2011, they have directly and indirectly led to millions of euro worth of investment into Ireland. The Advertising Standards Authority of Ireland found sixteen cases to be in breach of the ASAI advertising code during its latest review. Lidl, Meteor, Irish Cancer Society, eir and Phone Watch were among the companies found in breach of the ASAI Code. Seventeen cases were investigated and 16 were found to be in breach of the ASAI Code. Lidl, eir, Phone Watch and Meteor were found to be using misleading advertisements while the Irish Cancer Society was found to be instilling fear and distress. The Irish Cancer Society advertising campaign featured a 92 complaints were received about the advertisement, many saying the wording used in the advertisement was offensive, insensitive, disrespectful and upsetting to cancer survivors. The advertisers said their campaign had been created as a public awareness campaign, designed to save lives. The Committee noted the level of complaint in this case and the distress that had been caused to complainants. They considered that the Teaser element of the campaign was in breach of Sections 3.3, 3.20 and 3.23 of the Code. A Lidl advertisement was also found to be misleading. The ad, refering to a selection of frozen fish stated: 'Same Great Taste, Same Great Value Fresh New look!' The complaint said the leaflet advertised the fish to be "fresh" while the products had been frozen and defrosted. The advertisers said that while the labelling attached to the products had indicated that they were defrosted, they had included the word "fresh" in their advertising as it was their understanding that it was permissible to do so. When it was brought to their attention that their fish products should not be advertised as "fresh" if they had been defrosted they had taken the necessary steps to remove the word fresh from their defrosted fish products. The Committee noted that the advertising had been amended to remove the description "fresh". They considered, however, that as the products had been frozen and defrosted the description "fresh" was likely to mislead and to be in breach of Sections 4.1 and 4.4 of the Code. Commenting on the latest ASAI rulings, Orla Twomey, Chief Executive of the ASAI, stated: The first ASAI complaints bulletin for 2017 highlights the ASAIs broad remit in relation to the number of advertising platforms covered. Social Media, Print, SMS, Online and more, all featured advertisements which have been found in breach of the ASAI Code. Given the rise in the number of complaints within some sectors, the ASAI has also begun actively engaging with advertisers to promote improved engagement and compliance with the ASAI Code. The ASAI have done this in the past to address emerging trends across various sectors. Let Me Tell You is a new bespoke podcast series from Hosts Daniel McConnell and Paul Hosford take a look back at some of the most dramatic moments in recent Irish political history from the unique perspective of one of the key players involved. Fine Gael TD Noel Rock has launched legal proceedings to appeal the severity of a 3,150 fine for breaking litter laws with his keep the recovery going posters. The 29-year-old Dublin North West TD and Public Accounts Committee member was fined in October at Dublin District Court on nine counts under the 1997 Litter Pollution Act in relation to his posters. Today his barrister successfully applied to Judge John Brennan at the district court for a two-week extension to allow Deputy Rock lodge an appeal against the severity of the fine. The appeal will go before the circuit court on a later date. The charges were brought by Dublin City Council. During the district court hearing on Oct. 4 last, evidence was given by three litter wardens and the court was given photos of the posters including ones with the TD's picture and a slogan saying keep the recovery going and other information about his availability at his clinic on January 14 last year. The court heard that two posters were unlawfully put up at Prospect Road on February 3 last. Litter wardens spotted four more of the posters on January 28 at: Iona Road, Griffith Avenue and Drumcondra Road. They found another one of his posters at Collins Avenue on January 26 last. The general election was not called until February 3. Council litter wardens also found one of his election posters that was left up too long after the February 26 vote. The offence can result in a fine of up to 4,000 per offence. Nine fines each worth 350 were imposed along with an order that Rock would have to pay 221 in legal costs. Mr Rock, who was elected to the Dail in the 2016 General Election, is the youngest Fine Gael Dublin TD, representing the Ballymun Electoral Area, which includes Drumcondra, Glasnevin, Whitehall, Beaumont, Santry, Finglas and Ballymun. In 2006, the DCU graduate, with an address at Hardiman Road, Drumcondra, Dublin 9, was selected to take part in an intern ship with US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Tesco is calling on Mandate to re-think its strike after six stores voted against industrial action. The union began balloting members from another 23 stores last night after the company rejected the proposals put forward by the union on Friday. The ballot will continue for the next two evenings - four stores out of the ten that voted last night opted to join the picket. Tesco says there is an onus on workers to accept a Labour Court recommendation and is accusing the union of trying to undermine the court. Mandate general secretary John Douglas says they've already rejected that recommendation and they're not going to be forced back to work. "Our members are rock solid on the picket line, so it's only going to go one way and unfortunately, not of our making, there'll be more stores joining the strike over the next week or so until it's resolved," he said. "There's actually no need for this at all. If the company just accepted the position that we put to them last Friday the pickets could have been lifted." Friends of a Wicklow native, who died in a car crash in Canada, are raising money for his family to bring his body home to Ireland. Sean Maher, 39, passed away on Sunday following a car crash. Originally from Ballinglen, Co. Wicklow, he had emigrated to Calgary. Family friend Eimear O Neill set up a GoFundMe page to support Sean's partner Leane and their four-year-old twin sons in the wake of his "devastating passing". "Sean was a loving partner and father of twin boys," she says. "The money will go directly to the family and will help them cover costs such as flights to and from Ireland, wage loss and funeral costs, etc." Family and friends have been "overwhelmed" by the donations they have received. So far over $37k (26k) has been raised for Sean's family. Sean has been fondly remembered in a tribute by his local GAA club, Annacurra GAA. "We remember today a wonderful Annacurra GAA man who passed away in Canada. Sean 'Slinger' Maher, partner, father, son, brother, friend, gentleman, footballer. Farewell Sean. "Thoughts and sincerest sympathies are with his family, friends and community. Ar dheis De go raibh a ainm." To donate to the GoFundMe click here Renowned naturalist Sir David Attenborough is set to return to television for a new series of BBC's award-winning Blue Planet. The seven-part series will mark 20 years since the channel's natural history unit first set out to explore never-before-seen wildlife in the deepest and darkest realms of the world's oceans. Now Blue Planet II will see the team follow a fresh cast of aquatic animals with even more ambitious filming techniques. Sir David said: "I am truly thrilled to be joining this new exploration of the underwater worlds which cover most of our planet, yet are still its least known." Set to broadcast later this year, the BBC team spent four years creating the programme, filming off every continent and investigating all the planet's oceans. Viewers will witness the very latest in discoveries from the icy polar seas, the stormy green Atlantic and the black, alien deep as the crew use manned submersibles to delve 1,000m below the surface. They will be introduced to creatures filmed for the very first time, including the hairy-chested Hoff crab, snub fin dolphins and tool-using tusk fish, as well as underwater volcanoes. Following the first series' famous footage of a brutal attack by a group of killer whales on a calf, the new programme documents a mother sperm whale's hunting dive with her baby. New specially developed camera technology allowed the crew to film predators front-on, and even "travel" on the backs of whales, sharks and orcas. Executive Producer James Honeyborne said: "The oceans are the most exciting place to be right now, because new scientific discoveries have given us a new perspective of life beneath the waves. Surfing Bottlenose dolphins in South Africa, from Blue Planet II. "It will provide a timely reminder that this is a critical moment for the health of the world's oceans." Blue Planet II is being officially launched to buyers at BBC Worldwide Showcase this week. Good news for Pippa OConnor fans! The fashionista is set to open a POCO store in Dundrum Shopping Center and unlike her other pop-ups in Limerick and Dublin, this will stay open for six weeks instead of a single weekend. For those of you not in the know, POCO is the name of Pippa's fashion line - currently specialising in denim jeans. The shop is set to open from March 10 and will have trained Pippa style advisors to help you pick the perfect pair of POCOs for you. The price of the jeans range from 85 to 110 and include everything from The Mama to Be to The Saturday Night. On her website, PocobyPipa.com the mother-of-two explains that a fashion line has always been a dream of her but it wasnt until she was pregnant with her second child that she decided to go for it. Thousands of Italian taxi drivers protesting against legislation they say will favour Uber have clashed with riot police during a week-long strike that has crippled transportation in Rome, Milan and Turin. The cabbies marched through the capital and protested in front of parliament, at the headquarters of the ruling Democratic Party and at the infrastructure ministry, where officials were meeting union representatives to try to work out a settlement. A group of suicide bombers armed with grenades and assault rifles have attacked a courthouse in north-western Pakistan, killing six people. The attack, claimed by a Taliban splinter group, was the latest in a wave of militant assaults across the country which have killed more than 100 people since last week. The suicide bombings have been claimed by mutiple Islamic militant groups. In today's assault, three attackers hit the courthouse in the town of Tangi, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan. The victims included a lawyer, a child and four police officers, according to Ijaz Khan, a senior police officer. He said police were on maximum alert after receiving intelligence that terrorists could target the courts in Charsadda. One of the bombers threw grenades and detonated his suicide vest at the court's main gate while police shot and killed the other two, according to district police chief Sohail Khalid. The other two attackers also wore suicide vests but did not set them off before being gunned down. Mr Khalid said 15 people were wounded in the attack and taken to hospital. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed the attack. In one of the attacks last week, dozens of worshippers were killed at a Sufi shrine when an Islamic State suicide bomber detonated his device inside the shrine's main hall in the southern province of Sindh. The death toll from that attack has reached 90. The shrine bombing prompted a countrywide crackdown by security forces targeting militants and their hideouts. Pakistan's army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa praised police for foiling the latest attack and "saving many lives", according to the military statement. Mian Saqib Nisar, the chief justice of Pakistan, strongly condemned the attack in a statement and expressed his condolences for families who lost loved ones. Meanwhile, Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, told reporters that fresh talks with the militants cannot be ruled out. "Talks can be held with everyone, including the Taliban," he said. But he maintained: "We will not bow before the terrorists." Croatian police have filed disorderly conduct charges against two people who allegedly used a racial slur to insult Hollywood actor Jamie Foxx in a restaurant. Police said they acted after receiving reports of "particularly arrogant and rude" insults made against restaurant guests in Dubrovnik, including "one of the guests on racial grounds". The Homeland Security Department is greatly expanding the number of people living in the US illegally who are considered a deportation priority. The new guidelines under President Donald Trump call for the deportation of any individuals in the country illegally if they are convicted, charged or suspected of a crime, which could include traffic infractions. A deep fryer caught fire in the main kitchen of Canberra Hospital on Tuesday. The ACT Emergency Services Agency said no one was hurt and hospital services were not affected. Fire crews were called about 9.30am and arrived to find a deep fryer alight in the main kitchen. "Kitchen staff had covered the appliance with a fire blanket and evacuated the area," it said in a statement. Firefighters had to wait for the fryer to cool down before extinguishing the fire about 11am. Canberra law firms have confirmed up to 26 people are now considering legal action in relation to a recent salmonella outbreak as one of the cafes allegedly affected by the infection reopened on Monday to huge community support after a forced closure by ACT Health. Meanwhile, Lauren Kish, who has multiple-sclerosis, was being released from Calvary Hospital on Tuesday, spending nine days being treated for salmonella poisoning after eating at Ricardo's. Ms Kish said the poisoning bout had exacerbated her existing condition. Lauren Kish and her husband David MacDonald both ended up in hospital with salmonella after eating at Ricardo's Cafe. Photo: Jamila Toderas Credit:Jamila Toderas Slater and Gordon senior associate Liam Casey said his firm has had 14 claim inquiries in relation to the salmonella outbreak, while Maliganis Edwards Johnson partner Deborah Rolfe confirmed 12 claim inquires. Reaction to Ricardo's reopening from locals, shop owners and social media was overwhelmingly positive as many promised to return despite the owner's admission salmonella had been found on a dish cloth and tea towel in the cafe. Australians need 4113 reasons to start worrying about credit card debt. A finder.com.au poll of more than 2000 people has found that the panic only sets in when they rack up $4113 in debt. The average credit card balance is just under $3150. People born between the mid-1960s and 70s are the most comfortable with credit card debt, saying $4357 was their tipping point. Restaurants affiliated with the online booking site Dimmi have blacklisted 38,000 diners for failing to show up at a reservation in the past year. From, "I've just been called into a last-minute meeting," to "I broke my kneecap on the way to our reservation," restaurant owners have heard it all. Dimmi is Australia's largest online reservation service, hosting 4000 bookable Australian restaurants on its platform, making up about 40 per cent of Australia's restaurant market. The blacklist figure, from Dimmi's annual No Show Report, revealed a sharp jump from the 3159 diners that had a mark against their name in March last year after the program commenced the previous month. Oil importer, refiner and marketer Caltex has benefited from the continued swing towards premium fuel purchases, which has helped offset a decline in refiner margins and adverse currency swings over the past 12 months. It earned a net profit of $610 million in 2016, up from $522 million a year earlier, with earnings a share rising to 232 from 193, comfortably exceeding the earnings forecast which was released in December. That beat helped push the shares ahead 2.6 per cent to $30.43 in early trading. On a replacement cost basis, which is the company's preferred measure, the net profit fell to $524 million from $628 million, resulting in earnings a share of 199 down from 233 in 2015. A booming jobs market in China has helped job classifieds portal Seek offset weak results in Brazil, Mexico and elsewhere in Asia. The company's underlying profit, excluding one-off costs, was up 11 per cent $113.6 million for the six months to December 31, compared with $102.4 million the previous year and better than analyst forecasts of $107 million. However it is still counting the costs of the federal government's decision to stop subsidising vocational training loans last October. Seek had a $1 million loss on its education products and incurred a $10 million restructuring charge and $6 million writeoff within the education division. Seek, the world's biggest stand-alone listed jobs website, earns most of its revenue outside Australia, mainly from subsidiaries in China, Brazil and Mexico. However, the strong Australian dollar impacted revenue from that offshore empire. Fairfax Media is set to reveal its long-anticipated plans for its real estate business Domain at its interim results on Wednesday. Fairfax shares were placed in a trading halt until Thursday morning pending an announcement about its online real estate classifieds business Domain. Australia's competitive real estate market has helped boost earnings for online listings sites Domain and REA Group. Credit:Dan Soderstrom Chief executive Greg Hywood is expected to release more details on Wednesday morning at the result announcement with the board believed to have met on Tuesday to discuss Domain's future. The company's shares last traded at 87, the lowest price since January 31. The surging east coast property market means Stockland, one of the country's largest home developers, is holding more deposits for its developments than ever before. The group, which owns offices, shopping centres, logisitic centres and retirement living dwellings, on Wednesday reported a statutory profit of $702 million and generated funds from operations (FFO) of $369 million, an increase of 7.8 per cent on the previous corresponding period. With Sydney, Melbourne and now Brisbane, markets all heading upwards the group enjoyed a 3 per cent rise in sales volumes in the first half, with 2853 lots settled, compared to the corresponding period. Contracts on hand at the start of January 2017 totalled 5807, a new record for Stockland and an increase of 1698 on the prior corresponding period. A childcare provider, whose owner has previously been rebuked as a remorseless offender of wage violations, is embroiled in fresh claims of exploiting low-paid staff. The Academy for Kids childcare centre in Melbourne's south-east will face court later this month after an investigation by the national workplace watchdog. In documents filed in the Federal Circuit Court, inspectors from the Fair Work Ombudsman allege company director Vivien Mahomet has underpaid two childcare workers by nearly $13,000 over two years. She did not respond to Fairfax Media's requests for comment on Tuesday. Imagine, for a second, that the top 20 per cent of Australian income earners had their own government. Say this government had the power to levy taxes. Only its constituents the wealthy would pay. In return, they would receive exclusive access to certain government services. This new government would fund schools, childcare and roads, but only for high earners. Sure, the rich might still grumble about paying taxes. But you would expect that taxation would face a lot less resistance if redistribution wasn't involved. You would also expect the beneficiaries of this arrangement to fight fiercely to protect it. The controversy surrounding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Australia has intensified, with Jewish leaders accusing his critics of "staggering" hypocrisy and a Labor MP breaking ranks to openly criticise prominent pro-Palestinian figures in his own party. Mr Netanyahu will arrive with a business delegation on Wednesday for a four-day visit - the first ever by a serving Israeli Prime Minister - that will include talks with Malcolm Turnbull and Bill Shorten. Trade, cyber-security, intelligence, the war in Syria and the Middle East peace process will be discussed, with the two countries set to sign agreements on technological research and air services. But the controversial leader will also be met with protests and criticism. The highest income earners in Australia would be forced to pay a mandated minimum rate of tax under a policy proposal being pushed inside the Labor Party to counter the populist appeal of One Nation and potentially add $2.5 billion a year to the budget bottom line. The push by the Left could mean Opposition Leader Bill Shorten goes to the next election promising a so-called "Buffett rule" requiring people earning more than $300,000 a year, for example, to pay no less than 35 per cent of their taxable income. That would mean the richest 30,000 households would be forced to contribute an average $79,000 a year more in tax than they currently do, according to research by the National Centre for Social and Economic Modelling. The idea has been dismissed as "class warfare" by advocates for corporate Australia but senior figures in the union movement believe Labor must respond to the rise of right-wing populism and its focus on inequality with policy positions that until recently were considered "outside the political orthodoxy". Premier Gladys Berejiklian has followed in the footsteps of former Prime Minister Julia Gillard and posed for a fashion spread in The Australian Women's Weekly. Unlike Gillard and that infamous knitted kangaroo cover, the Premier ensured the props were kept to a minimum and, like her federal Liberal colleague Julie Bishop, provided creative and styling assistance on the shoot. Berejiklian chose to wear a black dress by her close friend Carla Zampatti in the shot obtained by Fairfax Media. She also turned down a Giorgio Armani ensemble that had been borrowed for the shoot, instead preferring to be photographed in her own pink jacket bought from fast-fashion chain Zara. The new Premier arrived on set with "a swag of clothes", including a yellow Country Road dress. Out of the two women accused of engaging in a shouting match on Q&A last week, the one who is more deserving of a petition calling for her sacking is certainly not Abdel-Magied. "So you can be a Sharia law supporter and be half-pregnant at the same time, C'mon," Senator Lambie said. Credit:ABC I cut Lambie some slack last week because, however crude and ignorant her language when discussing Islam, there is a small kernel of truth to her words: Islamic law in many Muslim-majority countries is draconian and unjustly implemented, and it is spreading rather than retreating as we would hope. Until Lambie is willing to educate herself on Islam a little more, she needs to refrain from disseminating misinformation in an already tense climate that is approaching near-hysteria. It is both embarrassing and grossly irresponsible of elected representatives to stoke fear through easily disprovable and dangerous lies such as: "Sharia law denies the right of the Jewish people to live in peace in Israel." Fact Check: Israel was created was 1948. Sharia dates back to the early 7th century. Ross Cameron speaks at the Q Society fundraiser. Credit:Wolter Peeters 2. Ross Cameron This former Liberal minister and current co-host of Sky News' Outsiders recently made something of a nincompoop of himself (to put it rather mildly) when, speaking at a fundraiser for the far-right Q Society, he not only inexplicably called bigoted political cartoonists Paul Zanetti and Larry Pickering "geniuses", he also "jokingly" referred to the Sydney Morning Herald as "The Sydney Morning Homosexual", went on an indecipherable rant about the history of that most oppressed of all groups, heterosexuals, before setting the tone for the entire evening by naturally landing on and vilifying Islam. How does he still have a job, again? 3. Bill Leak Repeat offender extraordinaire, I am tempted to say Leak has outdone himself with his cartoon depicting a monkey-like Abdel-Magied taking a selfie with what appears to be a female victim of stoning. One of Bill Leak's abhorrent cartoons. Credit:Bill Leak But really, his record of punching down and reducing the most marginalised and discriminated against sectors of society to punchlines and vapid, ugly stereotypes, with no regard to historical, political, and social context whatsoever, is so long, deep, and murky, his nadir must surely lie somewhere far below whatever this creature is, at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. 4. Miranda Devine My favourite pundit of the surely-this-person-doesn't-mean-this-and-is only-trolling-us-to-see-what-she-can-get-away-with variety really hit it out of the park this week when she claimed cigarettes are "not that bad" because, wait for it, "they might shorten a couple of years off the end of your life, but that's a good thing. That actually saves money in the long run for the health system." Malcolm Roberts and Cory Bernardi: both highly deserving of a petition calling for them to be sacked. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen But then again, this is the columnist who blamed domestic violence on "unsuitable women who keep having children with feckless men," so maybe she's just completely deluded. 5. Luke Foley When the NSW Labor opposition leader isn't busy making us forget that a NSW Opposition even exists, his one claim to getting something done was attacking and helping to overturn the only good thing Casino Mike Baird did in his entire tenure as NSW Premier, and that was his oh so brief but oh so thrilling ban on greyhound racing. Shame, Luke Foley, shame. 6. Steve Price I really am unsure of how I can live in a world in which a 25-year-old woman can say on live TV, "my religion tells me to obey the laws of the land I am in," and be hounded for days on end, as if she is personally responsible for the laws in foreign countries, when a 60-something year old man can repeatedly utter such nonsense as: Telling a woman she is "being hysterical" because she was speaking forcefully about violence against women Suggesting all people seeking asylum be held in detention permanently Deriding an asexual guest on The Project as "ridiculous" and "madness." 7. Sam Dastyari Now, I have had a soft spot for permanent adolescent Shanghai Sam ever since he was blindsided by Pauline Hanson's ridiculous line of questioning regarding his Iranian Muslim heritage on Q&A last year. But while I can forgive his love of the Halal Snack Pack even though it turns my vegan stomach, I can't forgive his inexplicable stance on Palestine. Even as Labor recognition of Palestine looks a certainty, and as Israel continues to make a two state solution impossible, our boy Sam has taken the curious stance of berating his colleagues (and former Labor luminaries Bob Carr, Gareth Evans, and Bob Hawke), who are pushing for an immediate recognition of Palestine, saying, "the Labor Party can't afford to focus on the Palestinian question at the expense of the other humanitarian challenges." Say what? We don't want to focus on Palestinians at the expense of other disasters? There is not enough space in this entire website to list all the things wrong with that statement. But suffice it to say, Palestinians have been stateless since 1948 and Occupied since 1967. Indeed, many of those suffering as a result of the Syrian war, which Sam lists as a "more pressing" humanitarian disaster, are Palestinian refugees. In Lebanon last year, I met Palestinians from Syria's Yarmouk refugee camp, which they had fled after the civil war intensified, after having fled the West Bank when Israel assumed its formal military Occupation in 1967, after having fled what is now "Israel proper" when they were forced out of their homes and out of their own country. Intersectionality Sam, I N T E R S E C T I O N A L I T Y. 8. The entire One Nation Party This is pretty self-explanatory, really. But in case you needed a reminder, here are some things members of this party have said, and done, and stand for. Pauline Hanson thinks men are the forgotten victims of domestic violence and reckons women are making false claims. She wants the Family Law Act, which established no-fault divorce, scrapped, and for all newlyweds to sign pre-nuptial agreements determining who gets the assets and custody of children. Malcolm Roberts went on Q&A and said NASA is making up climate change data. I mean, really? He also said abortion is part of an "anti-life agenda" being run by the United Nations. Again, really? A Royal Commission into Islam. Muslim immigration ban Yet not only have we rewarded them with jobs in the Senate, they've now got themselves an unprecedented preference deal with the Liberals in WA and look set to clean up at the upcoming state election. Hello? A survey of renters released last week by consumer group Choice, National Shelter and an alliance of tenant unions unearthed widespread fear of eviction. The Reserve Bank's new assistant governor economic, Luci Ellis, also weighed into the debate last week. According to Ellis, almost one in five renters moved more than five times in the past decade that's once every two years. "I question whether all those moves by renters were desired by those households. Many renters are happy with their current home, but are required to move because the lease expired or the landlord sold the property." "If we are concerned about inequality of housing outcomes, perhaps we should focus less on the type of tenure, and more on security of tenure." Amen Ellis. So here it is, my simple four-point manifesto to help improve the lives of Generation Rent: 1. Abolish "no grounds" evictions Simply advocating longer leases than the standard six or 12-month period is not the answer, risking trapping renters in bad living situations. A better solution, according to tenants unions, is to remove the "no grounds" provision that allows landlords to evict tenants for no reason albeit only when the fixed lease has expired and with standard notice periods applying. To protect owners, the allowable grounds for eviction should be widened and made more explicit, including if the property is sold, or if an owner is moving back in. But landlords should not have the power to evict for no reason, as this is often the way problematic tenants including those who ask for repairs or those with complex needs are dealt with. 2. Wind back property tax breaks Of course, the main structural problem creating headaches for tenants is the cottage industry nature of rental housing service providers, aka landlords. While there are many considerate landlords, there are also many owners who are far more interested in the capital gain they will get for their retirement than providing a professional service for their tenants. Our current tax system treats rental houses more as tax shelters than as providing dignified shelter for humans. There are many options for reform, but two of my favourite include limiting negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions to just one investment property per Australian and increasing the period you must hold the property before qualifying for the concessions to five years, up from 12 months currently, which would provide more stability for tenants of those properties. 3. More transparency on 'bad tenants lists' According to Choice, half of renters fear being reported to one of the many privately run databases of "bad tenants". And with good reason. Operators of these databases make money by selling this information to real estate agents. They have a vested interest in having as large a database as possible. It is all too easy for landlords to make spurious listings. Premier Gladys Berejiklian has asked the NSW Liberal party to investigate allegations that Multicultural Affairs Minister Ray Williams accepted thousands of dollars in illegal political donations from property developers before the last election. Mr Williams, the member for Castle Hill, has denied the allegations, published in the Daily Telegraph on Wednesday. In a statement on Wednesday morning, Mr Williams said the allegations were "completely false and I refute them entirely". "I state for the record, I have never received an illegal donation," Mr Williams said. Queensland MPs should pass laws which would overturn the "gay panic" defence, a parliamentary committee has recommended. The homosexual advance defence, to use the legal term, has been used by people accused of murder to claim they were provoked due to an unwanted sexual advance. A parliamentary committee has recommended the gay panic reform bill be passed. Credit:Getty Images The successful application of section 304 of the Criminal Code, killing on provocation, reduced the criminal responsibility to manslaughter, meaning the defendant avoided life in jail. The Criminal Code does not contain a specific defence for murders that are provoked by unwanted gay advances, but it has been developed by judges in case law. Federal Police have seized 24 kilograms of cannabis at Brisbane Airport thanks to an anonymous tip-off from a member of the public. A 24-year-old Brisbane man has also been charged with possession over the cannabis haul, worth an estimated $550,000. Federal Police have seized 24 kilograms of cannabis and arrested a man after an anonymous tip-off. Credit:AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE Australian Federal Police were informed on Monday that two black duffle bags on a flight from Adelaide to Brisbane contained a large amount of cannabis. Officers went to the baggage carousel, where they found the man collecting the duffle bags. After questioning him the police searched the bags and found them filled with cannabis inside plastic bags. While the opening of a new Coles supermarket in Alderley may be convenient news for locals, the centre comes with serious parking restrictions. Customers can park free for two hours at the Alderley Coles and Liquorland, but any stay over that time limit will cost shoppers a whopping $77, according to signage at the centre. Coles Alderley store manager James Felsman said the parking limit and $77 fee was put in place to deter commuters from parking there and catching the train to the city, as the parking is for Coles customers. The Coles centre has about 220 parking spaces and is directly across the road from the Alderley train station, which has 86 parking spaces. The man accused of murdering drug dealer James Russouw allegedly created an alibi by paying a friend to see the movie Rambo with him and swapping clothes in the cinema, a court has heard. Christopher John Lavery, who is charged with murder, is also alleged to have later admitted killing Mr Russouw to the friend, before threatening to kill him too if he ever told anyone what he knew. James Russouw. Mr Russouw, 24, had his throat slashed while in his car in the Burwood East reserve where he did drug deals, late on the night of March 7, 2008. His car was then set alight. An Australian model and his skateboarding friend have been hailed as heroes in New York after they risked their lives to save seven teenagers who fell through ice in Central Park. The children, aged 15 and 16, were playing, dancing and taking selfies on a frozen pond on Monday night but their laughter turned to a fight for survival when the ice fractured and they fell into frigid waters. Luckily for the teens, Australian model Ethan Turnbull, 24, and his friend Bennett Jonas, 23, were skateboarding past just at the right time in the iconic Manhattan park and saw the ice collapse. "I think they all just panicked a little bit," Mr Turnbull told local television station NY1. Nairobi: War and a collapsing economy have set off a famine in South Sudan, the United Nations announced Monday, and millions of people are in urgent need of food. An ethnic conflict erupted three years ago in South Sudan, killing tens of thousands, driving millions from their homes and hindering delivery of lifesaving aid. Malnutrition rates have soared above emergency levels, and countless people have died of hunger, UN officials said. "Our worst fears have been realised," said Serge Tissot of the Food and Agriculture Organisation, part of the UN. So far, the famine has affected a relatively small area in the northern part of the country, where the conflict between the government and rebel groups has been most intense. Thousands of people in that area have fled their homes, and many are living deep in the swamps or sweltering bush and surviving off wild plants and filthy water. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our daily newsletter for the latest local and breaking news in Bristol. It took six hours but Bristol's councillors finally settled next year's council budget which will see council tax charges go up while council services go down. The size of the cuts next year will be 33million, which will see people in every corner of our communities affected. In the meantime, council tax charges will go up by 4.99 per cent which means the average householder will have to pay nearly an extra 80 a year. A Band D householder will have to pay 1,799.75 next year which includes extra payments to run the police force of 181.81 and the fire authority, 69.28. Next year's cuts will affect 112 council services that hit the young, the old and the infirm as well as council staff jobs, libraries, lollipop patrols, community police officers and many, many more. But next year's budget is only part of the story because during the next five years, the council must save a total of 104million. Council officers have managed to save about 67million including next year's 33million which leaves about 37million to find. The cuts are on top of about 170 million which have already been made during the past six years. As far as this year's budget is concerned which ends on March 31, the council will have to use 11 million from reserves to balance the books. Among the measures taken this year has been a spending freeze which is still in force. Now that next year's budget has been sorted out, the council's finance officers will draw up proposals how to make further savings in the years ahead. This further wave of cuts are expected to be announced in the autumn. Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees kicked off the debate by saying that the council faced a tough road ahead but they were getting a grip on the finances and were determined to protect services as far as possible. But he soon came under fire from hecklers in the public gallery who accused Mr Rees of lying down and failing to fight the Government against the cuts. At one stage, Mr Rees responded by saying that he sympathised with what the anti-cuts protestors were saying. But they shouted: "We don't want sympathy!" The Lord Mayor Geoff Lovell warned the protestors that they would be ejected from the council chamber if they continued to disrupt the meeting. The heckling continued and at one stage, one of the campaigners started playing opera music. The Lord Mayor eventually called in security staff, the meeting was adjourned and the public gallery was cleared. There was no violence and the protestors left peacefully. Mr Rees spoke to some of the campaigners in the foyer as they filed out of City Hall. Protestors later held a vocal demo outside which could be heard in the council chamber. Another disruption followed when the fire alarms went off and City Hall had to be evacuated including the council chamber. For a second time during one meeting, councillors adjourned and left the chamber. During the debate, councillors from all parties put forward a total of eight amendments which were all lost including one to scrap free car parking permits for councillors which would have saved an estimated 30,000 a year. Councillors from all parties acknowledged that the council faces tough times and whatever decisions were taken, it was inevitable that thousands of people from all walks of life, including the most needy in our society, would be affected. Something went wrong, please try again later. Invalid email Something went wrong, please try again later. Sign up to our daily newsletter for the latest local and breaking news in Bristol. A council care manager in charge during the Winterborne View scandal has been banned from nursing. Kevin Christopher Haigh worked for South Gloucestershire Council as a district manager, with responsibilities for the authority's adult social care team. He was dismissed by the authority after a BBC Panorama documentary used secret filming to uncover horrendous abuse of adults at Winterbourne View, care home. The documentary which aired in 2011 exposed physical abuse and humiliation of residents at the private hospital. Following a hearing by a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel, he has now been struck off the nursing register. Twenty-four patients were transferred from the hospital following the BBC investigation and it was closed in June 2011. Read more: Cruel' nurse struck off for bullying patients at Winterbourne View Mr Haigh, who had been employed by the council since 2003, was responsible for safeguarding vulnerable adults in the area at the time. He admitted a number of charges of misconduct - all relating to failings in procedures designed to ensure patients' protection. One incident involved a staff member punching a patient to "release himself from a bite", which was described by another worker during a safeguarding meeting as "understandable". Mr Haigh accepted that he failed to challenge the worker's assertion, or to ask for an explanation, during the meeting. After his dismissal, in 2013, he completed a "back to nursing" course and worked for the Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Trust. However, he resigned the following year to work for a property firm and told the NMC he no longer wanted to be a nurse. Following a hearing in London earlier this month, the watchdog's panel decided the only suitable course of action was to remove his name from the nursing register. Announcing the decision, the panel ruled: "Mr Haigh failed in his role as district manager to effectively safeguard the patients at Winterbourne View. "By failing to ensure adequate and timely investigation of incidents, failing to submit safeguarding minutes and investigation reports, and failing to challenge poor decision making in other agencies and individuals, he allowed the status quo to prevail. "In the case of Winterbourne View, this meant that residents were left in an environment where they were exposed to mistreatment and emotional and physical abuse. "Whilst he did not bring about this state of affairs, his failings whilst in post meant that opportunities to properly identify the full extent of the institutional abuse at the hospital were missed, resulting in patients being subjected to abuse and placed at unwarranted risk of harm. "His admitted failures do not relate directly to the provision of clinical care, however he was employed in a senior role in which a high degree of reliance was placed on his carrying out his role to the required standards to ensure that vulnerable patients were protected." Yardley Friends Meeting at 65 N. Main Street in Yardley will host the documentary Organic Roots on Friday, November 18 at 7 p.m. Join director Al Johnson for a showing of this film followed by a discussion of the last 50 years of this movement. Organic foods are part of our life today and a tool in our concern for... Around 6,000 left India in 2016, mostly for countries like United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, Australia and New Zealand. This figure stood at 4,000 in 2015 and around 6,000 in 2014. Since 2000, about 69,000 high net worth individuals in India have changed their domicile status, according to New World Wealths latest report on global wealth and wealth migration trends in 2016, titled The 2017 Global Wealth Review. Dr Reddys Laboratories on Tuesday informed the stock exchanges the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) had made three adverse observations with a Form 483, after completing an audit of its active ingredients (APIs) manufacturing facility at Miryalaguda in Telangana. Microsoft chief executive has warned that embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) without reskilling people will have an impact on jobs, even as it has displayed efficiency in delivery of government services. Japanese auto giant India Ltd, which was in talks with Gujarat government since mid-2014 for setting up a plant in this upcoming auto hub, is now actively acquiring land for its third plant in the country in Vithalapur, near Ahmedabad. The company, however, maintained that this is part of its long-term India plan and nothing immediate. On a month-on-month (MoM) basis, prices rose by 2-3% in the East and South, and about one per cent in the West; while ... It will be a historic moment when Natarajan Chandrasekaran takes over as Chairman, Tata Sons, being the first non-Parsi to take over reigns of the country's most diversified business group. Unlock 30+ premium stories daily hand-picked by our editors, across devices on browser and app. Full access to our intuitive epaper - clip, save, share articles from any device; newspaper archives from 2006. Curated newsletters on markets, personal finance, policy & politics, start-ups, technology, and more. Pick your 5 favourite companies, get a daily email with all news updates on them. 26 years of website archives. N Chandrasekaran, new chairman of Tata Sons, walks into the corner room in Bombay House on Tuesday. Amid uncertainties at almost all group due to global challenges, litigation and legacy issues. Infosys will investigate a whistle-blowers charges on the acquisition of Panaya, an Israeli company, even as the information technology majors Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vishal Sikka hit out at detractors for making false and malicious charges against him. He said they were designed to target him to the point of harassment. Uber users in India, who until now had Chinese Internet giant Alibaba-backed PayTM as the only payment wallet option available to book a ride, will now be able to pay through Infocomm's Jio Money. American luxury department store chain may have to alter its merchandise and store size according to Indian market, say retail experts. The retailer owned by the oldest commercial corporation in North America, Hudsons Bay Company, is in talks with the Aditya Birla group for opening stores in India, according to media reports. These stores are expected to come up at Aerocity in Delhi and the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. Though this kind of format has not been tested in the Indian market so far, it may open up a new segment in the country. Pricing will be a challenge in the Indian market, (so) they may come out with affordable brands first and then luxury brands, said Rajat Wahi, partner and head (consumer markets) at consultancy and audit firm KPMG. Saks sells luxury brands such as Jimmy Choo, Giorgio Armani, and Tods, besides premium brands such as Fila and Puma. Mails sent to Aditya Birla and did not elicit any response. Devangshu Dutta, chief executive of Third Eyesight agreed with Wahi. Earlier, brands used to have fixed strategy in terms of store opening and merchandise mix and so on. Today they are willing to change in terms of size, merchandise mix, pricing to suit the market, Dutta said. But Technopak Advisors chairman Arvind Singhal said Saks is nothing but the upgraded version of Kishore Biyani-owned Central, which sells Indian and global brands. While KPMGs Wahi said procuring large retail properties is going to be a challenge, others say its not. Technopaks Singhal said large properties are available in Aerocity in Delhi and Reliances upcoming luxury mall in BKC in Mumbai. Real estate is not an issue..it all depends on how big a store they want to open. Saks will be attempting to tap the rich with family wealth of over Rs 25 crore or annual income in the range of Rs 3-4 crore, reports said. According to the Top of the Pyramid survey by Kotak Wealth Management published in July, 59% of wealthy Indians now purchase luxury apparel and accessories locally as luxury brands are more widely available in India. Many of them still prefer to shop for clothes and luxury items abroad. The scaling up depends on the potential of the market. Its not 1.3 billion population but a portion of it, said Dutta of Third Eyesight. With the adverse effect of demonetisation slowly wearing off, the fast-growing smartphone market in the country is set to regain its vigour. Infosys chief executive Vishal Sikka today hit out at detractors for "false and malicious" stories about the company saying they were "designed" to target him to the point of harassment. In a strongly worded email to Infosys employees, Sikka said reports questioning the company's acquisition of US-based Panaya are "orchestrated by people who are hell-bent on harming the reputation of the company and its employees." "We have categorically denied the allegations in these stories, but they still get published," he wrote. In February 2015, Infosys had announced buying New Jersey-based automation technology company Panaya -- its second largest acquisition deal -- for $200 million or Rs 1,250 crore in cash. Sikka termed the reports as "false and malicious" and said the "speculations and fabrications are clearly designed to tarnish our reputation, and they specifically target our employees, including myself, to the point of harassment." "We cannot let these stand unchallenged, and we will take every step and pursue every avenue to strongly defend the company in the face of these unfair and unwarranted attacks," he said. Sikka -- who is pitted against a clutch of co-founders led by N R Narayana Murthy voicing concerns over a spike in his remuneration and hefty severance packages for two former executives -- said fresh allegations on Panaya acquisition were distractions that are "expensive, draining and time-consuming. Stating that the company has "far bigger battles ahead", Sikka urged employees to "rise above the distractions, focus on what really matters, and deliver". "I am, as always, counting on your faith and unwavering attention to what really matters. Change is never easy, and change at the scale that we are undertaking may be unprecedented, and perhaps it is this change that has so inflamed some into trying to drag us all into the mud," he said. Sikka reiterated that the company takes every whistleblower complaint very seriously and that there is due process to investigate any complaint that comes to it. A section of media reported about a whistleblower's letter to market regulator SEBI, alleging irregularities in the acquisition of Panaya. "They create a false alternate-reality out of events and dates, with embellishments that are calculated to mislead and sensationalise," he added. Sikka said though these "distractions are expensive, draining and time-consuming", it is Infosys' burden to ensure that the company's business continues "unflinchingly". Emphasising that the year ahead will decisively separate the "has-beens" in the industry from the "to-bes", Sikka said, "Our success will be a success for all of us, including those whose ample shoulders we stand on. Our failure will be more than a failure of a company - it will be a failure of an industry, and a dream. We cannot let that happen." Mentioning about his visit to a very old Buddhist temple, Sikka said, "It was a fleeting peaceful moment in an unnecessarily difficult week. But the row of Buddhas there, in a moment of clarity, indicated to me that with compassion and unflinching resolve, we will get there. We must, and we will." Over the last few weeks, Infosys has come under fire from some of the co-founders who have alleged corporate governance lapses. Some former employees also called for re-constitution of the Board and demanded that Chairman R Seshasayee step down taking moral responsibility over issues like steep compensation hike of Sikka and hefty severance packages to ex-CFO Rajiv Bansal and David Kennedy, its former General Counsel. Infosys Board and management have, however, stood their ground denying these charges. On an investor call, Sikka had also stated that the company's large clients have come out in its support. Setting an ambitious target of earning Rs 500 crore revenue in the coming five years, Kolkata-based QSR (quick service restaurant) start-up Wow Momo, which aims to become a global brand, is readying plans for an international foray. The has upheld the conviction of a man accused of raping his differently- abled minor cousin, but reduced his jail term from life to 10 years so that he gets an opportunity to reform himself. A bench of justices Gita Mittal and Anu Malhotra observed that the convict was 23-year-old at the time of crime in 1999 and if the appeal would have been heard expeditiously, even if the order of life sentence had been maintained, the appellant would have long ago been able to seek executive pardon. "On a consideration of the entirety of circumstances, given the serious nature of the offence committed by the appellant, so that he is given an opportunity to reform and make useful contribution to society and not waste his existence, we consider it appropriate to reduce the sentence imposed by the trial court of life imprisonment, to a sentence of rigorous imprisonment for a period of ten (10) years...," the bench said. It, however, upheld the Rs 5,000 fine imposed on convict Sanjay. Besides modifying the jail term, the bench directed the Superintendent at the Tihar Jail, where the convict shall be incarcerated, to consider an appropriate programme like correctional courses through meditational therapy for 40-year -old Sanjay. The order came on an appeal filed by the convict against the trial court's September 2000 verdict by which he was held guilty of raping a 16-year-old girl. As per the prosecution, the convict had raped the girl on March 22, 1999 after confining her in his room. Soon after the incident, he was arrested. He was released on bail by the high court in December 2006 when his appeal came up for hearing before it. The convict had undergone a period of seven years, seven months and 27 days of incarceration, before he was released on bail. Taking a lenient view, the high court said if it was feasible for jail authorities, the man should be given educational opportunity, vocational training and skill development programme to enable a livelihood option and an occupational status. It suggested post release rehabilitation programme for the convict well in advance before the date of his release to make him self-dependent. "Furthermore, it is directed that a bi-annual report is submitted by the Superintendent, Tihar Jail, to this court till the date of release, of the measures being adopted for reformation and rehabilitation of the appellant," the court said in its 26-page judgement. Pakistan detained Hafiz Saeed, the 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind and a US-designated terrorist, after pressure from India, his brother and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader Hafiz Masood has said. Masood also said that Saeed's house arrest at his Lahore residence and subsequent ban on the LeT front Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) has not affected the proscribed charity that continued to function under the "supervision" of Punjab government in Pakistan. "My brother is under house arrest and he will be kept under observation by the Pakistan government," Masood was quoted by CNN-News18 news channel as saying. "All this has been done under pressure from India and the Pakistan government has given in to the pressure. They (the Indian government) want to send a message to the world, to distract attention from problems in Kashmir, to focus on and Pakistan, so that India's misdeeds are kept hidden. India wants to create a terrorism narrative," Masood added. Saeed was put under house arrest on January 30, days after the Donald Trump administration took charge in the US. Last weekend, Pakistan listed him under the country's Anti-Terrorism Act a tacit acknowledgement of his links to militancy. Masood said that the JuD had nothing to do with militant activities in Kashmir as the charity was a humanitarian organisation running schools and hospitals. "We have nothing to do with Laskhar that is (operating in) Kashmir. It is indigenous and it is working there," he said in a telephonic interview with the news channel. Despite his criticism of the Pakistan government for bowing down to Indian pressure, Masood said Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was "a peaceful man who is a friend of Kashmiris". "Sharif has his own priorities. He has reached out to India in the hope of friendship. It is his strategy. He thinks issues will be solved through peace and friendship. But India has shown arrogance. India has seen Pakistan's gesture of peace as a sign of weakness," he said. Masood said his organisation has been under pressure for a long time but there were no restrictions as such on the activities of the JuD. "See, even then the United Nations has put sanctions against us. In Muridke (JuD headquarters near Lahore), the Punjab government is running it under its control. So the JuD has been under observation for long. So, we don't know what the next step is. We have not been told of any restrictions on our activities. But Hafiz has been put under house arrest to curb his support to the Kashmir issue," Masood said. In the backdrop of India pressing Britain to extradite Vijay Mallya, the two countries Tuesday decided to expedite the requests for extradition and mutual legal assistance pending on either side. The External Affairs Ministry said both sides resolved to strengthen legal cooperation in pursuing the pending requests, without mentioning any specific case. A special court in Mumbai last week had allowed the Enforcement Directorate to invoke the India-UK Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) to bring back liquor baron Mallya to India to face money laundering probe. The issue of Mallya's extradition is understood to have figured in the dialogue though there was no official confirmation. Mallya has been probed on money laundering charges in a case of alleged default of bank loans worth around Rs 9,000 crore. "Both sides held detailed and fruitful deliberations on the legal processes and procedures in either country and reviewed the requests for extradition and mutual legal assistance pending on either side," the MEA said in a statement after the two-day talks. It said the two sides reiterated their determination to strengthen legal cooperation and expedite the pending requests. "It was agreed that the central authorities of both the countries would review further progress in these cases every six month through video conference," the MEA said. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary, Consular, Passport and Visa, in the MEA and had representatives from the Ministries of Home Affairs and Law and Justice and investigating agencies, including CBI, Enforcement Directorate, and the state authorities concerned. The UK delegation was led by the Head of the UK Central Authority for Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance, the UK Home Office and representatives from the Crown Prosecution Service. The MEA said the meeting was held pursuant to the decision taken during the visit of British Prime Minister Theresa May to India in November. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and May had then directed the officials dealing with extradition matters to meet at the earliest to develop better understanding of each country's legal processes, identify the causes of delays and expedite pending requests to ensure that fugitives and criminals cannot escape the law. The ED has been wanting Mallya to join the probe in the case "in person" and had issued multiple summonses to him but could not get success as the businessman, who is in the UK, never deposed before it. The order by Mumbai court had come as a fresh blow to Mallya as India, through the Ministry of External Affairs, has recently handed over to the UK an extradition request against him based on a CBI case in the same offence. Britain on Tuesday said there is no cap on visa for Indian students and they are free to access world-class education in top notch UK universities. British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said the UK had announced 600 scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in the UK. "UK has no cap on visas for students from India or anywhere else. All are treated same. Whoever comes will join almost half a million international students who come in the UK to access word-class education in the world-class universities," he said in New Delhi. Asquith was speaking at the India launch of the report of the UN Secretary General's High-Level Panel on Women's Economic Empowerment. India has time and again asked Britain to relax student visa rules for greater mobility of students. UK's visa policy requires students to return home after their courses end -- a move that has led to fall of Indian students enrolling in British universities by 50 per cent. As per estimates, the number of study visas issued to Indian nationals have fallen drastically. Asquith also said that the UK is participating in several initiatives of the Indian government to promote skilling. He said the UK is already investing and supporting about 75 start-up businesses and they provided access to financial services to women in India. British companies, on an average, are spending 7 per cent of their revenues on training and skilling employees in India and are also creating more opportunities for women, Asquith said. A high-powered delegation led by a US Congressman is to meet Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Tuesday to discuss issues such as movement of skilled manpower and intellectual property rights. The eight-member team is being led by Bob Goodlatte. The meeting comes at a time when the new administration in the US, under President Donald Trump, is proposing an overhaul of the popular regime, raising concerns among Indian IT firms. Industry association Nasscom met the delegation on Monday. We have shared our views with them that the Indian IT industry is a large contributor to job creation in the US and we bring skills in areas where there is a huge skill deficit, Nasscom President R Chandrashekhar told PTI. Microsofts chief Satya Nadella is also scheduled to meet Prasad separately on Tuesday. Indian IT companies are heavily dependent on the US market, which accounts for more than 60 per cent of the sectors exports, and any clampdown in the visa regime could result in higher operational costs and shortage of skilled workers for the $110-billion Indian outsourcing industry. Goodlatte, as chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, and other members play an important role in crafting policies around high-skilled immigration and intellectual property in the US Congress. The Indian side is expected to highlight and share information on direct jobs being created by Indian IT firms in the US, and their contribution in making the American economy competitive. Growth in the Indian IT sector has been slowing amid multiple headwinds such as changing technology landscape (automation and digitisation) and global events like Brexit, apart from the proposed tightening of regime by the Trump administration. The more than a decade old group captive model is attracting attention as power producers in the country continue to struggle with idle capacities, lack of long-term power purchase agreements (PPA), low merchant rates and pending dues from the state-run distribution companies. Cracking the whip on stent manufacturers, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) on Tuesday asked them to provide weekly reports on the production and distribution of the medical device. The US is keen on striking deals with India that are in the interest of both the nations as it reassesses Indo-US policies to create jobs for Americans, according an American Congressional delegation. "United States has brand new President who is a different kind of President in our country. This is the first President who has no previous government, political experience. He is a businessman. He would like to do deals. He wants to do deals with India and other countries around the world," House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte said today. He was speaking to reporters after the meeting of 22-member US delegation, which included both Republican and Democrat members, with Law and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad. The issue of H1B visa was also discussed during the meeting. "He (Trump) is also assessing what deals US has done in the past are good and what may not be so good. He wants to make sure that as he does that, and as Congress works to advance the interest of constituents and create jobs in US, we want that it is done right so that it can benefit both US and India and other countries," Goodlatte said. He said that at this point of time they are not in position to say what all those policies would be. "... We completely acknowledge right of US Congress and political leadership to reassess and reappraise but also keep the fact in the mind the kind of value the Indian minds, the Indian talents has contributed in making American companies more competitive and creating jobs and also creating revenue," Prasad said. The proposed overhaul of popular H-1B visa regime by the Trump administration has raised concerns among Indian IT firms, as any change in the visa regime may result in higher operational costs and shortage of skilled workers for the $110-billion Indian outsourcing industry. "We are both concerned about the importance of training our young people and creating opportunities for them and that is why we work together to create those opportunities. Certainly technology is a method of doing so. "I will also say that as a great large democracy that India is and as we are the oldest democracy, I want to reinforce that partnerships of believing in democratic values," Sheila Jackson Lee, a Democrat from Texas's 18th Congressional District, said. Indian IT sector provides employment to around 3.7 million people and is one of the largest private sector employers. It contributes 9.3 per cent to the country's GDP. An official source said that government has asked IT industry body Nasscom to lobby in the US to highlight the contribution of IT companies to the US economy. According to sources, the US delegation raised issue of copyright, Intellectual property rights and difference in pay between US and Indian IT professionals. On the salary issue, the minister said that it is a business model which has been working for years and does not depend on governments. India is a big market and going to be $1 trillion digital economy in next 5-7 years, from which the US firms can benefit a lot, according to a source. Prasad also told the delegation that IT companies in India having high market share are all US based, and the US government should consider all these points when they reassess policies, the source added. The US accounts for nearly 62 per cent of the exports, while EU is the second largest market for the Indian IT services exporters with around 28 per cent contribution. Recently, a US legislation (Lofgren Bill) has been introduced that proposes doubling of the minimum wages of H-1B visa holders to $130,000. The current H-1B minimum wage of $60,000 was fixed in 1989 and has since remained unchanged. Such protectionist stance by the US could also spell more trouble for IT firms that are already facing strong headwinds from currency fluctuation and cautious client spending. The bad debt woes of public sector (PSBs) are not limited to gloomy numbers on books now. PSBs have started facing the music as the government is summoning them to explain why the mess occurred in the first place. Slippages have moderated in the December quarter but delays in resolution of bad loans are making life difficult for five public sector . Indian Overseas Bank (IOB), UCO Bank, United Bank of India (UBI), IDBI Bank and Bank of Maharashtra have the highest gross non-performing assets (GNPAs) as a percentage of their gross advances. Reserve Bank of Indias (RBI) Deputy Governor Viral V Acharya, in his maiden speech as a central banker on Tuesday, proposed the creation of two asset management companies, one private and another a quasi-government, to solve the banking systems bad debt problems for good. The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of St. Lucia on the eve of their Independence Day (February 22, 2017). . . In a message to Her Excellency Ms. Dame Pearlette Louisy, the Governor General of Saint Lucia, the President has said, On behalf of the Government and people of India and on my own behalf, it gives me great pleasure to extend warm greetings and felicitations to you and to the people of Saint Lucia on the occasion of your Independence Day. . . Our nations have enjoyed a long standing relationship reinforced by warm friendship and cooperation. The convergence of our views on a number of global issues has contributed to our excellent coordination in international fora. The recent visit of our Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to Saint Lucia has enhanced our mutual understanding. Our ties have been further reinforced by our joint efforts in the Commonwealth and CARICOM. I am confident that our bilateral relations will be further strengthened for our mutual benefit in the years to come. . . I avail this opportunity to convey to Your Excellency, my best wishes for your good health and personal well-being, as well as for the progress and continued prosperity of the friendly people of Saint Lucia". . . The successful outcome of the WHO conducted assessment of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India is a big boost to the Governments efforts towards quality healthcare, for which the Government is committed to". This was stated by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri J P Nadda, here today, as WHO congratulated him and the Ministry for successful assessment of the countrys National Regulatory Authority (NRA). He stated that the Ministry under the dynamic guidance and leadership of the Hon. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modiji is poised for more such laurels in the healthcare sector. . . WHO, in its letter to the Minister, has applauded the countrys NRA being declared functional with a maturity level of 4, i.e., the highest level as per currently evolved definitions in respect of 5 functions, and maturity level 3 in respect of 4 functions. While, maturity level 4 indicates good results and sustained improvement trends, maturity level 3 reflects systematic process based approach, early stage of systematic improvements, data availability regarding conformance to objectives and existence of improvement trends. Shri Nadda has termed this as the result of hard work of all the health functionaries who have collaborated with the Ministry in its efforts. . . The Minister informed that WHO has termed the 100% compliance in the WHO assessment (benchmarking) of the Indian vaccine regulatory system as another landmark achievement. The previous WHO assessment (benchmarking) of the Indian vaccine regulatory system was conducted in 2012 during which institutional development plan (IDP) and the road map for strengthening the NRA were developed. Pointing out to the introduction of newer vaccines in the countrys full immunisation basket through the nationwide introduction of pentavalent vaccine, and the phased roll-out of Rotavirus vaccine and Measles Rubella vaccine, Shri Nadda stated that the Ministry is confident that India shall meet all its global commitments in the healthcare sector as a result of these focussed endeavours. In addition, Mission Indradhanush has strengthened the full immunisation drive of the Government, the Health Minister stated. . . WHO accords high importance to equitable access to quality, safe, efficacious, and affordable medical and health products. In view of India being one of the main global suppliers of drug and biological medicinal products including vaccines, medical devices, and traditional medicines, and as it is supplying several vaccines to UN agencies, the successful assessment will go a long way in strengthening global confidence in medical products from India. WHO also notes that this shall give an impetus to the Make in India" mantra of the Honble Prime Minister of India. . . A fully functional NRA is a pre-requisite for WHO prequalification of vaccines. One of the requirements to become eligible and retain prequalification status is to have the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) assessed as functional against the WHO published NRA indicators. WHO Prequalification Programme, as such, facilitates access to vaccines that meet the unified standards of quality, safety and efficacy as well as programme needs. The vaccine manufacturers can only apply for WHO vaccine prequalification if the NRA meets the standards of the WHO NRA published indicators i.e. WHO Global benchmarking Tool on functional regulatory system for vaccines. . . Recently, WHO has completed the assessment of the status of the Indian vaccine regulatory system against WHO NRA Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) for benchmarking and measured the maturity of the system. The assessment has been carried out by a WHO team comprising lead experts in different areas from WHO Headquarters Geneva, WHO India Country Office, experts drawn from the regulators of USA, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Indonesia, Thailand and Egypt. The assessment has been done in respect of nine different functionalities. . . World Health Organisation has, based on a robust benchmarking tool developed over years of consultation with various experts drawn from across the globe, carried out assessment of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India comprising the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), State Drug Regulatory Authorities, Pharmaco-vigilance Programme of India (PvPI) and Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) structures at the Central and States levels. The nine functions included in the tool are National Regulatory System; Registration and Marketing Authorization; Vigilance; Laboratory Access and Testing; Regulatory Inspection; Clinical Trial Oversight; NRA Lot Release; Licensing Premises; and Market Surveillance and Control. The Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) so developed has 63 indicators and 288 sub-indicators, out of which 150 are critical. Earlier in 2012, NRA was assessed against 7 functions and 181 indicators. . . Secretary (HFW), Shri C K Mishra also congratulated the entire teams which have really put in very hard work to achieve this for the country. . . Another day, another tweet, another incident. This time Donald Trump, the prolific and seemingly indiscriminate tweeter who just happens to be leader of the free world has damaged diplomatic relations with Australia by raging against a refugee resettlement deal that had been struck in the dying days of the Obama administration. US President on Tuesday decried anti-Semitic threats against Jewish community centers "horrible" and "painful," promising to work to bridge divisions in the country. "This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms," Trump said in remarks after visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington. "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible, and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil." Nearly a dozen Jewish community centers received bomb threats that prompted evacuations on Monday. At the weekend, more than 100 headstones were damaged at a Jewish cemetery in St Louis, Missouri, the facility's director said. The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday released a set of documents translating President Trumps executive orders on immigration and border security into policy, bringing a major shift in the way the agency enforces the nations immigration laws. Ivanka Trump, US President Donald Trump's oldest daughter and a Jewish convert, has issued a statement on Twitter calling for "religious tolerance" after a wave of threats against the community, a media report said. Her tweet on Monday was by far the most vocal foray into a public discussion and was made over an issue her allies said she feels personally, New York Times reported. "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship and religious centres. #JCC," the tweet said that was posted after she wrote, and then deleted, an earlier one moments beforehand. converted to Judaism before marrying her husband Jared Kushner, an Orthodox Jew, putting her in a position to be a prominent voice at a moment when several anti-Semitic episodes have taken place around the country. Her previous substantive effort in the White House involved convening a women's business council, an event she helped create when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada visited the president. On Monday, 11 separate bomb scares were called into Jewish community centres around the country. They were the latest in a string of such threats since the beginning of the year. A spokesman for Trump did not respond to an email seeking comment about whether the president would condemn them as well. Trump, a prolific user of Twitter, had not weighed in by late Monday. But he was criticised in the past as slow to condemn anti-Semitic comments, and his candidacy was hailed by White nationalists and White supremacists throughout 2016. On Thursday, at his first lengthy news conference alone as president, Trump was asked by a reporter for a Jewish magazine how the government plans to respond to the increase in such anti-Semitic incidents. The president responded angrily, saying the question was "insulting" and that he was the "least anti-Semitic person in the world". US President on Monday named Lieutenant General Herbert Raymond McMaster as his new national security adviser, choosing a military officer known for speaking his mind and challenging his superiors. Thousands of Americans took to the streets on the occassion of Presidents Day on Monday to denounce incumbent US President . According to CNN, protesters in cities across the country took to the streets on Monday for "Not My President's Day" rallies with anti-Trump messages. Olga Lexell, one of about 20 people who helped organise the events in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, said the protests were intended to show Trump there was widespread opposition to his policies and "ridiculous" executive orders. In New York's Columbus Circle, protesters held placards with the word "No!" in different languages. In addition, merchants sold T-shirts reading "Not My President" above smaller text reading "Elected but not chosen". "In the name of humanity, fascist America -- No! No! No! No! No!," they chanted. Jeff Immelt gives no public signs hes ready to end his 15-year tenure as chief executive of Co., but investors are increasingly preparing for the inevitable. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) will soon decide action against five brokerages, whose clients lost significant amounts of money in the Rs 5,574-crore National Spot Exchange Ltd (NSEL) scam. Slamming Minister Akhilesh Yadav for his 'donkeys of Gujarat' jibe, Union Minister for Information and broadcasting M. Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday advised the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister of using peoples' language. Addressing the media here, Naidu said while addressing people, one should use proper language. "We are addressing the people and we should speak in peoples' language, he should understand it is not peoples language," said Naidu. Further expressing confidence over the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP) forming a government in Uttar Pradesh, Naidu said that he is sure that it will be a saffron swipe in the state. "I am confident of the fact that the BJP will form the government in Uttar Pradesh. Rest the fight to bag the place of opposition is on between the SP and the BSP," Naidu said. Naidu also took the occasion to lambast the opposition parties over unwarranted criticism of demonetisation and said that people of Uttar Pradesh will not support the immoral alliance of Samajwadi Party and Congress. "The opposition says that people will not forgive BJP for demonetisation. I will ask them that will the people forgive them for corruption they did? The Congress did corruption and you joined hands with it? This alliance is immoral and the people of the state will not accept this alliance. The country is moving ahead under the leadership of Narendra Modi ji and we don't want Uttar Pradesh to lag behind. The fact is that Uttar Pradesh is still a BIMARU state," said Naidu. Earlier on Monday, Akhilesh Yadav appealed 'Sadi ke Mahanayak' (without actually naming Amitabh Bachchan) not to campaign for Gujarat 'donkeys.' "I would like to request the 'mahanayak' of the century (Amitabh Bachchan) not to campaign for donkeys of Gujarat. Those who have seen the advertisement will understand whom we are talking about," said Akhilesh while addressing a rally here. "Have you ever heard of campaigning for donkeys? Gujarat's people are doing campaigns for donkeys...then they accuse me of working only for kabristan (graveyard...)," he said in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'shamshan ghat-kabristan' comment. Apparently, Yadav was referring to Gujarat Tourism's advertisement featuring Amitabh Bachchan, popularly referred to as 'Sadi ka mahanayak', with the state's famed wild asses. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the celebrates International Mother Language Day it would be right to say that this day holds much more significance to Bangladesh, which will today pay homage to its language movement heroes. When Pakistan was formed by the partition of India in 1947, it was composed of various ethnic and linguistic groups, with the geographically non-contiguous East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) having a mainly Bengali population. In 1948, the Pakistani Government declared Urdu as the sole national language, sparking extensive protests among the Bengali-speaking majority of East Pakistan. On February 21 in 1952, students and people took to the streets in Dhaka to protest government's refusal to recognise Bangla as one of the state languages and imposition of Urdu as the only official language. Following the movement, the Pakistani government was ultimately compelled to include an article in the country's constitution on February 29, 1956 that declared, "The state languages of Pakistan shall be Urdu and Bengali." On this day every year thousands gather at the Central Shaheed Minar to pay their respect to the language martyrs and lay wreaths. An article in the Dhaka Tribune states that this day was the writing on the wall that Pakistan missed as the events of February 21 in 1952 galvanised an entire nation to demand Bangla as one of the state languages and that movement eventually gave birth to Bangladesh from the ashes of East Pakistan. The movement over the demand gained momentum after the government forces opened fire on the February 21 rally in 1952, killing many demonstrators and, spreading the agitation across the East Pakistan. The article adds that at a time when the country was in flux, Abul Fazal became the voice of calm rebellion and his quote that says: "The meaning of 21st is to never bow your head down" is drawn up on the walls near the Shaheed Minar to remind people the kind of courage it took during those days to stand up against autocratic rule. There are of others who guided the country with their leadership such as Bangabandu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Dhirendranath Dutta whose words adorn the wall with their political speeches about how Bangla should be our state language. These words were recited to inspire people during the long road to freedom - a movement that Pakistan had deemed as a peasant uprising. Meanwhile, in the early hours of Tuesday, Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led the nation in paying tributes by placing wreaths at Central Shaheed Minar to pay homage to the language movement heroes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The resistance against the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) reached London, when Baloch and Sindhi activists staged a protest outside the Chinese embassy. Organised by the Baloch Organisation, and led by Javed Mengal, the protesters shouted slogans against both China and Pakistan. The Baloch were joined by Sindhi activists from the Sindhi Congress. The protesters were carrying banners saying "China Hands-off Balochistan", "Stop Baloch Genocide" and "No to CPEC". People across Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are raising concerns over 51.5 billion dollar China-led, multi-layered infrastructure project, which aims to connect Kashgar, in China's western province of Xinjiang, with the port of Gwadar in the Pakistani province of Balochistan. The road and rail network under the project traverses through Gilgit Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, Sindh, before terminating in Balochictan. Though touted by the Pakistan government as a 'game changer' there has been a relentless wave of opposition to the project from the local population in many parts of the country. Some of the key project of the CPEC are being undertaken in Balochistan. Chief among them is the development of the Gwadar Port. However, as China accelerates work on the port project and other aspects of the CPEC, opposition among the local people against them is mounting. Baloch nationalist groups in the province, who have for years been demanding independence and have frequently clashed with the Pakistani army and establishment, have also called the opposition of the project. People in the resource-rich province strongly believe that the CPEC will only result in the economic exploitation of Balochistan, with the people being reduced to a minority in their own land. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh paid tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement on the occasion of Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day today. The Language Movement martyrs had laid down their lives on this day, while advocating the recognition of the Bengali language as an official language in order to allow its use in government affairs, the continuation of its use as a medium of education, its use in media, currency and stamps and to maintain its writing in the Bengali script. "Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February...," The Daily Star quoted thousands of people as saying, while thronging the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka and elsewhere to pay homage to the language heroes. The Shaheed Minar and its adjacent areas in the Dhaka University campus marked the occasion by giving a colourful look to the premises of the university with street paintings and graffiti depicting Bangla alphabets and verses about mother languages. The national flag of Bangladesh will be hoisted at half-mast in the country to show respect to the language movement martyrs. Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid their tribute to the language movement martyrs by placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar and stood in solemn silence as a mark of respect to them. Hundreds of people walked barefoot to the Shaheed Minar, later, when it was opened for the public to pay tribute to the martyrs. With Bangladesh, 193 countries across the globe will observe this day, as the Unesco declared it the International Mother Language Day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Madhya Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) on Tuesday arrested one more in connection with the Bhopal ISI espionage case. The accused, identified as Manoj Mandal from Bihar's Jamui, was produced before the Bhopal court. Earlier on Sunday, Hawala operator Jabbar, who was arrested by the MP ATS from Delhi in connection with the same, was sent to police remand till February 23. Jabbar was working closely with mastermind Balram Singh, who was arrested earlier in the same case. This came a day after the ATS made its 12th arrest Sahyog Singh in connection with the case. Earlier on February 9, the ATS busted an international call racket that allegedly helped ISI agents to spy on India's military operations. ATS chief Sanjeev Shami said that the accused were arrested in November 2016 in Jammu for collecting and using information of strategic interests for espionage. "They were being funded by a person in Satna. Five persons from Gwalior, three from Bhopal, two from Jabalpur and one from Satna were arrested," he said. Shami further said the accused converted internet calls to cellular network and acted as medium for overseas handlers to contact people in India. "The arrested men are accused of supplying information regarding army and Air Force in Madhya Pradesh. Complicity of some employees of telecom companies also surfaced," he said. In January, the Uttar Pradesh ATS had arrested 11 people who were running a similar exchange. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the polling commencing for 227 municipal wards in the Brihannmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Tuesday, residents of 3 out of 19 buildings of MIG Colony in Mumbai's East Bandra, summing up to at least 100 voters, did not find their names in the list. They, reportedly, voted in the previous elections, but, this year their names were missing from the list. The Polling Officer told the voters they need to lodge a complaint in this regard. Meanwhile, the police have tightened the security across the city and are maintaining a strong vigil to avert any untoward incident across the 7,304 polling centres. Polling for 227 seats of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai will go on till 5:30 pm where a total of 17,331 candidates are in the fray for 3,210 seats in 10 municipal corporations. In order to prevent last minute luring of voters, Mumbai Police also conducted combing operations and checked vehicles with the help of flying squads of the state Election Commission. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With the polling for 227 municipal wards in the Brihannmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) underway, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari hoped for a hike in percentage of voters as compared to last year. Gadkari cast his vote for Nagpur Municipal Corporation poll at a booth located at the Town Hall. "Every person must vote in the elections as it is a responsibility and a duty. One should vote for the betterment and welfare of the society and for the country, not on the basis of religion, caste, language, sex, etc.," said Gadkari. Local body polls are set to witness a high pitch battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Shiv Sena, the Congress, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S President Donald Trump was accused of behaving "like a petulant child," during a British Parliament debate on his state visit. As the British Parliament debated the state visit of the U.S. President Donald Trump, he was accused of behaving "like a petulant child". According to CNN, the comment came to pass, as members of Parliament were discussing a petition calling against the trip because of his "well-documented misogyny and vulgarity." Opening the debate in Westminster Hall, Labour MP Paul Flynn said that to grant the honour of a state visit to a president, who had acted "like a petulant child," would send the message that Britain approved of his behaviour and comments. Labour MP David Lammy said it was to be expected that the US President would be invited to the UK, but that offering Trump a full state visit after only seven days in power was not acceptable and suggested that the move came because the government was desperate to make trade deals. However, Conservative MP Simon Burns argued that the visit should go ahead because of the close links between the US and the UK. Another Conservative MP Crispin Blunt said withdrawing the invitation risked embarrassing the Queen, but that the trip could simply be postponed. MPs held the session after the petition attracted more than 1.8 million signatures, easily crossing the 100,000 threshold qualifying it for a parliamentary debate. A rival 310,000-strong petition in support of the state visit was also being discussed. The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, faced calls for his resignation from some MPs after he said he was "strongly opposed" to letting Trump address lawmakers during his visit because of Parliament's "opposition to racism and sexism." Bercow is one of three parliamentary officials who must approve any invitation for someone to speak in Westminster Hall. The British government has already formally rejected the petition to downgrade or withdraw the invitation. President Barack Obama was afforded the honor 28 months into his tenure, while George W. Bush was extended the invite after 32 months at the White House. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Tuesday arrested former Enforcement Directorate (ED) JP Singh, Assistant Director Sanjay Agarwal and two other officials in a case of corruption. The CBI has registered a case against a Joint Director (an IRS officer) posted at the office of ED in Ahmedabad, and other unknown public servants and private persons on a complaint from the Ministry of Finance. It has been alleged that certain officers of ED, while investigating the cases of money laundering in betting and other such activities, have allegedly demanded and accepted huge illegal gratification from the accused and suspect persons in the said cases. Huge bribe amount was allegedly taken by these officers as quid pro quo for various acts of omission and commission. Earlier, the investigation agency also arrested IAS officer from Chhattisgarh B L Agarwal and two others, who are facing corruption charges. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court on Tuesday sent the accused in the Hauz Khas Rape case to 14-day judicial custody. Earlir today, the Delhi Police apprehended one of the accused in connection with the rape of a 24-year-old woman from Nagaland, in Delhi's Hauz Khas area. He, later, admitted to raping the victim twice and stealing her iPhone. The 20-year-old culprit, who goes by the name Raja, worked at Hauz Khas village and was a resident of the Arjun Nagar area. R.P. Upadhyay, Joint CP, South Easter Range, said, "The accused, who was nabbed from his Jhuggi at Arjun Nagar, Safdarjung Enclave has admitted his crime and revealed that he had committed rape on victim twice on the night of the incident and robbed her iPhone and Rs. 600 cash from the handbag of the victim." "After the intense investigation, nothing has come out against the juvenile accomplice of Raja who dropped the victim's cousin on that fateful night," added Upadhyay. The accused further revealed that he had attended school at his native village in Rajasthan and studied till Std. V. After that, his family migrated to Delhi and he started taking alcohol in his early years due to bad company and on that night also he had consumed liquor. The incident took place on February 18, when a woman was returning from a party in Hauz Khas village, along with her cousin. The culprit told the victim that his car was parked at some distance and led her to the adjoining Deer Park, where he allegedly raped her. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam, an Indian doctor who was kidnapped in Libya 18 months ago, has been rescued announced External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, on Tuesday night. Swaraj further said that Dr Kosanam, who has suffered a bullet injury, will be brought back to India shortly. "We have rescued Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam in Libya. Dr Kosanam has suffered a bullet injury and we are bringing him back to India shortly," she said. Lauding the mission, Swaraj took to her Twitter handle to share that with the rescue of Dr Kosanam, they have found out all the six Indian abducted. "With this, we have rescued all the six Indians abducted there. I appreciate the good work done by our mission there," she wrote. For the unversed, Dr Ramamurthy Kosanam was abducted by Islamic State militants in Libya, 18 months back. The doctor hails from a village of Krishna District, in Andhra Pradesh. He was working as a physician in the Lbn-e-Sina Hospital, at Sirte, Libya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, has a line fragrance under her name and it is currently a top seller on Amazon, despite the calls for boycotts. Citing Refinery29.com, an American-based fashion webloid, Fox News said in a report that Ivanka's namesake eau de parfum spray is currently a #1 top-seller on Amazon.com. The "spicy floral" fragrance holds two top spots in the women's category: one for the full-sized bottle, the other a roll-on, which is out of stock. However, the reviews show that customers are specifically purchasing the fragrance, not for the scent but in support of the 35-year-old mother of three. "I bought this perfume in support of . I had no idea how it smelled. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and I LOVE it!!," wrote one verified purchaser, as reported by the beauty news site. "I love this scent and happily showed my support by purchasing this perfume. Just wish I can fit into her gorgeous clothing line," wrote another buyer. No recent negative reviews were shown on the e-commerce site. Even Amazon has not commented on the recent demand for the scent. Ivanka was caught up in a row earlier this month, when Nordstrom, a Seattle-based luxury department store chain, said it would stop selling the her brand of products explaining that the decision was based on the sales performance. The surge in sales comes despite the "Grab Your Wallet" campaign, which has been calling for a boycott of retailers that carry or Donald Trump merchandise. Ivanka's business has also drawn criticism for blurring the lines between brand promotion and politics, as her company sent a style alert to journalists in November, promoting a gold bracelet that she wore during an interview to a TV channel. In yet another shocking case of apathy, a distraught father carried the body of his dead daughter to the hospital in in Karnataka's Tumkur district, as there were no ambulances available. Rathnamma, a 20-year-old girl from Karnataka's Kodigenahalli village died on Monday morning, allegedly due to the government hospital as she was admitted with lack of basic medical facilities. The girl's father and her uncle took her to the Kodigenahalli Government Hospital as she was suffering from high fever on Saturday night, but no doctors were present there at that time to treat her. The family of the girl claimed that she died in the hospital due to the negligence of doctors and unavailability of ambulances. "We then took her to a private practitioner, Dr.Gopal Rao, in our village and he gave her a few medicines. Her condition got worse in the morning and she was facing trouble in breathing. We took her to Dr. Rao again in the morning and he said that she has to be hospitalized. At around 6.45 a.m., we took her back to the government hospital and the doctors were not there," said the girl's uncle Rajanna. "It was around 8.30 a.m. when my brother went to the doctor's house. The doctor told him that he would come to the hospital after breakfast. She was struggling to breathe and when the doctor arrived, he said that she needed to be taken to the Madhugiri Taluk Hospital, which is 20km away. There was no ambulance at the hospital and we were in the process of arranging a vehicle. It was too late and she passed away," he added. Rajanna further informed that it took them too long to arrange a vehicle as they did not have enough money to rent one, adding that the hospital authorities did not even help them in arranging a vehicle to carry the body. However, Kodigenahalli Zilla Panchayat member, Manjula, said that the doctors were present and that the family refused to accept help offered by several local leaders. She accepted the fact that the hospital lacks ambulance service and there is no round-the-clock medical service there. Meanwhile, the Kodigenahalli Councillor has claimed that the hospital did have an ambulance and the girl's family was 'stubborn' and did not accept any help. Several shockers like this cropped up last year, like the case of Dana Majhi from Odisha's Kalahandi, who carried his wife's dead body on his shoulders when hospital authorities denied him an ambulance. Another incident was reported from Kanpur, when an ailing son died on his father's shoulders as the hospital authorities denied him of admitting in their hospital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump has named Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, a career Army officer and strategist, as his new national security advisor as a replacement of Michael Flynn. Trump made the announcement from Mar-a-lago on Monday afternoon, alongside the general and acting National Security Adviser Keith Kellogg, reports the New York Post. Trump also asked Kellogg to continue as chief of staff to the National Security Council. "I think that combination is something very, very special," Trump said of the pair. McMaster is currently Director of the Army Capabilities Integration Center and Deputy Commanding General, Futures, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kerala High Court on Tuesday postponed the hearing over the anticipatory bail application, moved by Sunil Kumar one of the three arrested accused, in connection with the Malayalam actress' abduction and molestation case, till March 3. Meanwhile, the car in which the Malayalam actor was abducted and molested, is being examined by forensic department in Aluva's SP Office Earlier on Monday, 'Pulsar Sunil' the main accused had filed an anticipatory bail plea before the Kerala High Court pleading for an opportunity to be given a fair and just hearing. The Aluva court had sent Sunil and one other accused arrested to a 14-day judicial custody yesterday. On February 17, a case of attempted rape was filed, after the actress was allegedly abducted and molested last Thursday night. Earlier, one of the prime accused, who was her one-day driver Martin was arrested and sent to custody. The incident reportedly took place while the victim was returning from a shoot, when the accused forcefully entered the car and tried to take her pictures. According to police, the actress was held in the car for an hour, after which, she was dropped near her residence at around 10.30 pm. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kurar Police seized two cars full of liquor last night ahead of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) polls here. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) flag was also visible in the cars carrying the liquor. The liquor was seized after a tip-off to police by a person that the liquor were being transported for distributing it ahead of the BMC polls. Mumbai Police has tightened security across the city ahead of Mumbai Municipal Corporations elections today. Deputy Commissioner of Police Ashok Dudhe has informed that police are maintaining a strong vigil to avert any untoward incident across 7,304 polling centres. Polling for 227 seats of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai has started in the morning. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Known for its diverse publishing programmes across different disciplines, Oxford University Press (OUP) introduced its medical publishing programme to India. OUP's Medicine and Health publishing programme strives to provide excellent content, authored by experts across the globe and mapped to the requirements of the medical fraternity in the region. The content made available to readers is a blend of thoroughly researched and developed concepts that have undergone in-depth peer reviews for ensuring quality scholarship. Offering academic and clinical content in the form of books, journals, and online platforms, the programme is targeted at medical and healthcare professionals. The programme also extends to cover topics such as popular medicine, the history of medicine, public health, and so on. OUP India will now cater to the healthcare and medical segment with the release of the following: Handbook of Nutrition in Kidney Disease by Dr Anita Saxena: In this handbook, Dr Saxena, who is associated with the Department of Nephrology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow as an additional professor, brings together theoretical and practical approaches to managing malnutrition in kidney diseases. Handbook of Benign Proctological Disorders by Dr Pravin Jaipraksh Gupta: This handbook by Dr Gupta, a proctologist, would serve as a reference for family physicians that are usually the first consult for hemorrhoids, anal fissure, anal abscess, fistula, pruritus ani, constipation, and other anal complaints. Complications after Gastrointestinal Surgery edited by Dr Samiran Nundy and Dr Dirk J. Gouma: In this reference work, Dr Nundy and Dr Gouma, world-renowned gastrosurgeons from India and the Netherlands respectively, along with other contributors present the various complications that may arise from gastrointestinal surgeries along with their management based on resource-sufficient or resource-limited settings. Healers or Predators: Healthcare Corruption in India edited by Dr Samiran Nundy, Dr Sanjay Nagral, and Keshav Desiraju: Renowned gastro surgeons Dr Nundy and Dr Nagral come together with India's former Health Secretary Desiraju and other contributors to look at healthcare corruption in India from the grass-roots level. They analyse the causes, development, and progress and recommend various ways to annihilate the issue. A participant at prominent medical conferences like APICON (official conference of Association of Physicians in India), World Health Congress and ESICON (official conference of Endocrinological Society of India) in the years 2015-16, OUP aims to collaborate with premium medical institutions, academies, and societies as it works towards imparting valuable insights into medicine and healthcare in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday visited troops along the Line of Control (LOC) at Mattewala, Munaawar sector and alleged that Indian ceasefire violations are an attempt to divert the world's attention from the Kashmir issue. Branding Kulbhushan Yadav as an example of India supporting terrorism, the COAS said, "Indian Ceasefire violations have a design. On one side it is an effort to divert world's attention from its atrocities against innocent Kashmiris, on the other; it is an attempt to dilute our response against terrorism and militancy. The targeting of civilians along the LOC is deliberate and highly reprehensible. We are fully aware of Indian design and her support to terrorism in Pakistan and the region. Indian spy Kulbhushan Yadav is one such evidence of these efforts and his case will be taken to the logical conclusion." At the occasion, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) also briefed the COAS about operational situation. He said the Pakistani soldiers are known for their professional competence, motivation and selfless devotion for defence of their motherland. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. Vice President Mike Pence for the first time while publicly commenting on Michael Flynn said that he was "disappointed" that former the national security adviser misled him about his conversation with the Russian ambassador. "I was disappointed to learn that ... the facts that had been conveyed to me by Gen. Flynn were inaccurate. But we honor Gen. Flynn's long service to the United States of America, and I fully support the President's decision to ask for his resignation," the CNN quoted Pence as saying at a news conference on Monday in Brussels. Flynn misled Pence over his conversations with the Russian ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the transition, in which the two discussed election-related sanctions imposed on Russia. Flynn had initially denied discussing sanctions and even Pence, defended him in subsequent TV interviews. Pence's comments came as he completed a multi-day security-focused trip to Europe, where he met with key US allies in Munich, Germany, and in Brussels. The vice president also sought to reassure US allies that the premature dismissal of the President's top foreign policy adviser had not affected the strength of the US administration's national security team. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A plane with five people on board has crashed into the side of a shopping centre near Essendon Airport, in Melbourne's north, sparking a fire at the centre. A State Government spokesperson said that a Beechcraft five-person charter flight to King Island crashed soon after take-off at 9:00am, reports the ABC online It is not known if there are any fatalities or injuries as of now. Witnesses told ABC News 24 the aircraft was flying precariously close to houses before the incident, which happened under cloudless skies in seemingly good conditions. The Guardian also reported that a plane has crashed into a shopping centre near Essendon airport in Melbourne. The light aircraft crashed into the DFO shopping centre at Essendon and exploded about 9am on Tuesday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The terrorist which was neutralised by the Border Security Force (BSF) deployed at the Line of Control (LoC) in Keri Sector, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir has been recognised as a Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let) militant. Earlier, the BSF personnel foiled an infiltration bid after they observed a suspicious movement. The BSF organised effective and calibrated fire, in which one terrorist was neutralised. The terrorists also fired on the BSF troops on duty, which continued for half-an-hour. During a detailed search of the area in the morning, one black bag was recovered containing one night vision monocular, an AK Magazine filled along with edible items. Earlier this month, a 20-metre tunnel dug from Pakistan to help terrorists infiltrate into India was found by the BSF near the International Border. The tunnel was discovered during searches at the Ramgarh sector in Sambha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Calling for stronger ties between India and Rwanda in regard with addressing peace and security related issues, Vice President Hamid Ansari on Tuesday asserted that terrorism has emerged as a major impediment amid the quest for peace and prosperity. While delivering a lecture at the University of Rwanda on Rwanda, India and Africa: Imperatives for Cooperation', Vice President Ansari said India and Rwanda share similar views and positions on a variety of global concerns, ranging from combating terrorism and piracy to coordinating our positions in global forums over issues such as reforms at the United Nations, world trade and climate change. "The threat of terrorism has emerged as a major impediment in our quest for peace and prosperity for our people. The spreading tide of terrorism and extremism is a threat that all civilised societies face today. In India we face the threat from across our borders. Terrorist action and violence cannot be justified on any grounds. We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and call for strong and concerted international efforts to deal with this menace in a comprehensive manner," said the Vice President. "The reform of political, security and economic institutions of global governance has been a key area of such cooperation, with both Africa and India underlining the urgency of undertaking such reforms, including a meaningful expansion of the United Nations Security Council," he added. Vice President Ansari also took the opportunity to underline New Delhi's effort to combat terrorism in Africa. "India remains committed to ensuring stability and peace in Africa under a genuine multilateral effort led by United Nations. In pursuance of this commitment, India has over 6000 personnel committed to UN peacekeeping duties in Africa. In addition, we have worked bilaterally with our African partners to enhance defence training and capacity building in security domains," said Vice President Ansari. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi sparked a controversy by comparing the number of cremation grounds with that of the graveyards in Uttar Pradesh, Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati on Tuesday fired fresh salvos at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging them to resorting to 'anti-secular' politics in order to win the polls. The Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh have become a battle of wits and one-liners rather than action-oriented schemes for the development of the state, as a day after re-christening Prime Minister Modi as 'Negative Dalit Man', Mayawati instituted another strike at the BJP-led Central Government, citing the saffron party has brought the politics in India to the lowest levels possible. She even questioned the BJP if there was enough count of burial grounds in the states where they are in power. "Uttar Pradesh borders Madhya Pradesh in the south and Haryana in the north. These states have the BJP in power. So, they should tell us if every village of every state where the BJP is in power, has a cremation ground. The BJP should first go and establish a cremation ground in every village of every state where they rule, and then talk of Uttar Pradesh," she said. "The BSP has been in power in the state four times, and every time we have ensured that every religion, every caste in the state is respected. We also ensured that on every festival, irrespective of which religion or caste celebrates it," she added. Continuing her tirade, she reiterated what the Congress and the Samajwadi Party have already said many times -- that it's unbecoming of Prime Minister's post to issue such controversial statements, adding Prime Minister Modi was trying to give the whole polling process a communal spin. "The BJP has brought politics to its lowest level possible in the country and I don't think it is correct. It is the most communal party in the whole country. Had it not been so casteist, the Rohit Vemulla case would not have happened in Hyderabad. Why don't the other communities face the same issue? Why do only the Dalits have to suffer? Not only is the BJP communal, it is anti-secular too," she said. "Narendra Modi should respect the dignity of the post he is at. It's so unbecoming of a Prime Minister to spew venom over this issues. The BJP is now resorting to dirty politics in order to win the polls, a politics which is based on lies and false facts," she added. Mayawati also remarked that since she was sure that the BSP was going to establish majority in the assembly, the BJP and the SP-Congress alliance have relegated themselves to fight each other in order to secure the second spot in the polls. "The BJP and the Congress are fighting each other, primarily for the second spot in the elections. Today, when the campaigning for the fourth phase ends in the state, Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav are holding a road show. So is BJP president Amit Shah. They are trying to battle out just each other," she said. Prime Minister Modi had lambasted the Akhilesh Yadav-led government by drawing a parallel between Hindu and Muslim festivals, accusing the local administration of discrimination on the basis of religion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Foreign Secretary of India S. Jaishankar, visited Sri Lanka from February 18 to 20, for bilateral discussions with their leaders, as part of the continued high level engagement between the two countries. During his visit, Jaishankar called on Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. The Foreign Secretary reviewed the entire gamut of our bilateral relations, particularly Indian assisted economic projects and development particularly with Sri Lanka. In response to the drought situation in Sri Lanka, Jaishankar conveyed on behalf of Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to Minister of Foreign Affairs Mangala Samaraweera, that India would donate eight water bowsers and 100 metric tonnes of rice as immediate assistance, and was ready to provide further assistance as required. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sri Lanka opener Niroshan Dickwella has been suspended for two limited-over matches after he was found guilty of 'showing dissent at an umpire's decision' during Sunday's second T20I of the three-match series against Australia in Geelong. Dickwella was found guilty of breaching article 2.1.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Player and Player Support Personnel, which relates to "showing dissent at an umpire's decision during an international match". The incident took place when Dickwella, after being given out caught behind, paused to view the replay, kicked the turf and looked at his shoulder for a prolonged period of time. Dickwella's accumulated demerit points have reached five within a 24-month period following his latest breach of the ICC Code of Conduct for which he received a 30 per cent fine and two demerit points. As Dickwella had received a 50 per cent fine and three demerit points in the fourth One-Day International against South Africa in Cape Town on February 8, with the addition of these two demerit points, he has reached the minimum threshold of four demerit points, which, pursuant to article 7.6 of the Code, have now been converted into two suspension points. Two suspension points equate to a ban from one Test or two ODIs or two T20Is, whatever comes first for the player. As such, Dickwella has been suspended from his side's third Twenty20 International against Australia to be played in Adelaide on February 22 as well as the next limited overs match he is likely to play, which is currently scheduled to be the first One-Day International against Bangladesh on March 25. The five demerit points will remain on Dickwella's disciplinary record for a period of twenty-four months from their imposition and if he reaches eight or more demerit points within a 24-month period, then they will be converted into four suspension points. Four suspension points equate to a ban from two Tests or four ODIs or four T20Is, whatever comes first for the player. In a related incident, Australia wicketkeeper, Tim Paine, has been fined 15 per cent of his match fee and received one demerit point for breaching Article 2.1.7 of the Code, which relates to "using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an International Match." The incident happened when Paine used inappropriate words after Dickwella had been given caught behind. The charges were leveled by on-field umpires Simon Fry and Sam Nogajski, third umpire Joel Wilson and fourth official Michael Graham-Smith. For all first offences, Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player's match fee, and one or two demerit points. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday condemned the recent spate of threats targeting the Jewish community in the country as "horrible and painful". "The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful, and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," said Trump while visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture. "This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms," the President added. His remarks come after pressure to speak out against anti-Semitism amid several recent episodes, including bomb threats made on Monday against 11 Jewish community centers. Recently, vandals also toppled and damaged about 100 headstones at the historic Jewish cemetery of St. Louis area's Chesed Shel Emeth Society last week, reports the CNN. On Tuesday, Hillary Clinton also called on Trump and others to "speak out" against the attacks. "JCC threats, cemetery desecration & online attacks are so troubling & they need to be stopped. Everyone must speak out, starting w/ @POTUS," she tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Louis Taylor, Chief Executive Officer of UK Export Finance (UKEF), is visiting India from 20-23 February. UKEF, the UK's Export Credit Agency, has up to 1 billion in capacity to provide finance to support Indian buyers of British goods, services and intangibles, with support available in Indian Rupees. While in India, Louis Taylor will travel to Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai to engage with Indian buyers from the government and private sector. During these meetings, Mr. Taylor will promote the attractive financial support available from UKEF to Indian buyers when they source from the UK. He will also affirm the UK Government's appetite to support India's major infrastructure development projects, including in the areas of transport, energy infrastructure, urban development and smart cities. Louis Taylor said:"The UK Government is committed to building strong and lasting economic ties between the UK and our trading partners in India, the world's fastest growing major economy. And through UK Export Finance, we are ensuring that no trade between the UK and India fails for lack of finance or insurance." He further said, "I am delighted to be meeting Indian banks, businesses and public sector units to understand more about how we can work together and identify opportunities to support increased bilateral trade." In Chennai, Mr. Taylor will attend a conference of international Export Credit Agencies and will meet with prominent businesses from the south. In New Delhi, Mr. Taylor will be meeting senior officials from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited. He will also be meeting officials at Ministry of Urban Development to discuss how UKEF can support India on wider urban development projects and the smart cities programme. He will attend a roundtable with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and key Indian businesses looking to import from the UK. He will wrap up the Delhi leg with meetings with a number of Indian companies, including a UK success story in India, JCB. In Mumbai, Mr. Taylor, will hold meetings with senior officials at several Indian companies, including Reliance Industries Limited, for which UKEF has recently provided support for a petrochemicals project. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A delegation from the United States will meet Union Information Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in the capital today, to discuss issues like movement of skilled manpower and IP rights. The eight-member delegation led by Congressman Bod Goodlatte will meet the Union Minister around 3 p.m. The meeting comes at a time when the new administration in the U.S. under President Donald Trump, is proposing an overhaul of the H-1B visa regime, raising concerns among Indian IT firms. Goodlatte, as Chairman of House Judiciary Committee, along with other members, pslay an important role in crafting policies around high-skilled immigration and intellectual property in the US Congress. The Indian side is expected to highlight and share information on direct jobs being created by Indian IT firms in the US, and their contribution in making the American economy competitive. Apart from the delegation, Microsoft's India-born Chief Satya Nadella is also scheduled to meet Prasad today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) At least 44 members of the Islamic State terror organisation and a Turkish soldier were killed on Tuesday in clashes in northern Syria, according to a Turkish army statement. The statement, published by the semi-official Anadolu news agency, did not specify where the Turkish soldier was killed, but indicated that it occurred during an operation against IS in northern Syria, when a mine detonated during a de-mining operation, in which two other soldiers were wounded. Turkey's artillery and ground forces attacked 109 IS targets on Tuesday, while the air force pounded four IS-controlled buildings on the outskirts of the city of al-Bab, Efe news reported. Since December, the city has been under siege by the Turkish army, which managed to conquer most of it. Anadolu reported that 44 IS fighters were killed, 15 in battles with Turkish forces, and 29 in air strikes carried out by the US-led international coalition, also joined by Turkey. Turkish authorities announced that after it takes full control of al-Bab, operations will continue to drive IS from the city of al-Raqqa, the terror organisation's main stronghold in Syria. --IANS vgu/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Featured Post Human Rights Tribunals: Excessive force and murder -- San Diego Border, Standing Rock and Tohono O'odham Nation Maria Puga and twins Daniela and Daniel near where Anastacio Hernandez Rojas was murdered by U.S. Border Patrol. He was beaten and tasered a... White Mesa Ute Spiritual March to Shut Down Uranium Mill Mohawk Warrior Society Book Launch Lakota Jean Roach: The True Story of Leonard Peltier Justice for Dad: Taylor Dewey Shares the Harsh Road to Justice Justice Dept Files Lawsuit Against Rapid City Hotel Western Shoshone Ian Zabarte Speaks on Radiation Archive Search This Blog About Censored News Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell. Since 2006, Censored News has received more than 20 million pageviews. As a collective of writers, photographers and broadcasters, we publish news of Indigenous Peoples and human rights. Contact publisher Brenda Norrell: brendanorrell@gmail.com From the publisher Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell, a journalist in Indian country for 40 years. Norrell created Censored News after she was censored and terminated as a staff reporter at Indian Country Today in 2006. She began as a reporter at Navajo Times during the 18 years that she lived on the Navajo Nation. She was a stringer for AP and USA Today and later traveled with the Zapatistas through Mexico. She has been blacklisted by all the mainstream media for 14 years. Contact brendanorrell@gmail.com Translate At least five people, including four US tourists, were killed on Tuesday when a small chartered plane crashed into a shopping centre in Australia's Melbourne city, the city police said. "It was a catastrophic plane crash that has taken a number of lives. But certainly if we look at the circumstances, we've been very lucky depending on the time of day and who was around," said Stephen Leane, Assistant Commissioner of Victoria Police. The fifth victim was the pilot, an Australian national. No one was inside the still-closed DFO shopping centre when the plane went down around 9 am, officials said, but some nearby witnesses were being treated for shock. The complex will remain closed for another day, the police officer said. Lisa Neville, Victoria's Minister for Police, said details regarding the cause of the crash "are still being confirmed by police and fire services". The US Embassy has confirmed that four passengers on the plane were bound for Tasmania's King Island, the BBC said. In a post on Twitter, Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said he was "deeply saddened" by the accident. "Our hearts and prayers are with the victims and their families," he said. --IANS ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's "Gujarat ke Gadhe (Asses of Gujarat)" jibe might have been meant to score points in a bitter electoral battle, but it has inadvertently sharpened focus on the Indian wild ass, promoted in a TV spot by no less than megastar Amitabh Bachchan in his capacity as the state's brand ambassador. In fact, the conservation of the species (Equus hemionus Khur), which is found only in Gujarat -- having been rendered extinct in south India, Pakistan and Afghanistan -- has earned the state plaudits from wildlife experts. "The conservation of the Indian wild ass is an exemplary success story for the world to follow. The Gujarat government has, over the years, done a great job," Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Director V.B. Mathur told IANS. Mathur, along with experts like Nita Shah, also of the WII, have worked on conserving the species for 22 years, back from the time when it was on the verge of extinction. Today, the animal numbers well over 4,500 in the wild. Mathur believed that the change in the farming pattern due to better irrigation has also helped in the conservation. "It's a unique animal... What's commendable is that that the local government managed to balance the conservation of the species and development of the region," Mathur added. Shekhar Niraj, Head of TRAFFIC, a wildlife trade monitoring network that works in alliance with the WWF, said the species still faces several challenges for its survival. "It's one of those rare examples where both the species and its habitat are troubled. It is still threatened but its population has gone up in Gujarat," Niraj told IANS. The natural habitat of Indian wild ass is Rann of Kutch, where the animals are also referred to as "Riders and Guardians of the Rann" for their ability to run at speeds of over 60 km per hour. The species, whose body frame matches that of a horse, is a sub-species of the near-threatened Asiatic wild ass (Equus heminous) that is now found only in small patches in India, Iran, Turkmenistan and Mongolia. According to government records, the Indian wild ass was on the verge of extinction around 1970 due to lack of conservation efforts and a prevalent epidemic. Experts said that conservation efforts by the state, central government and IUCN had helped increase the numbers of the species. A census in 2014 counted 4,451 animals spread over 15,000 sq km in Gujarat. This was 454 more than the count of the 2009 census. The present population is estimated at over 4,800. Thus, it's little wonder that experts have objected to the animal being depicted as a pejorative. "It's not right to drag the endangered species into political feuds because it affects the conservation efforts. We should rather feel proud the species could be saved and now attracts tourists from across the world," V.P Singh, a Uttar Pradesh-based wildlife conservator, told IANS. What then is the fuss all about? Akhilesh Yadav, speaking at a rally on Monday, pointed to the TV spot -- obliquely referring to Bachchan -- to target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah. "An advertisement is there on asses. I urge the biggest actor of the century not to advertise asses of Gujarat," Yadav said. This is what said The advertisement promotes Gujarat's Wild Ass Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the largest in the nation. Here is the Gujarat Tourism ad featuring Amitabh Bachchan that is at the heart of the controversy: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said Akhilesh Yadav, had insulted the state with his remarks. But then, without perhaps realising he was doing so, Akhilesh was only paying Modi back in his own coin. During the campaign for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Modi had sneered at the Lion Safari, a dream project of to introduce the Asiatic lions (native to Gujarat) in his home town of Safai. Modi had then wondered how the state government could take care of lions when "they had not been able to take care of (people of) the state". Eight Asiatic lions were bought to Safai between April and October 2014 from Gujarat and Hyderabad zoos and more followed later. However, four of those and five newborn cubs had died by June 2016. Processions, lighting of torches, cultural programmes marked Language Martyrs' Day (now celebrated as International Mother Language Day), as West Bengal paid homage to those who laid down their lives for the cause of the Bengali language in Dhaka (of then East Pakistan) in 1952. Taking the lead in remembering the martyrs, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said one must respect and love all languages. "Today is Bhasha Dibas, when people were martyred in Dhaka for demanding that Bengali be made the official language. My highest respect to the 'language martyrs' of Ekushe February (Febru ary 21). We must respect and love all languages," she tweeted. The programmes began from midnight, with various parts of Kolkata lit brightly, and a torchlight procession started from near the Academy of Fine Arts. Bengali plays, kirtans and Sufi songs continued through the night, as students from Bangladesh also joined in. Students from West Bengal and Bangladesh decorated the B.T. Road in the vicinity of the Rabindrabharati University with multicolor geometric floor patterns, called alpana. Employees of the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission here organised 'Probhat Feri' (morning procession), offering floral tributes to the pictures of the martyrs. Schools across the state took out rallies and several showcased marching band parades that trooped though alleys playing out loud "Ekusher Gaan". Local television channels and FM radio stations aired special programmes on the occasion recollecting the history associated with the momentous struggle. In 1948, Pakistan declared that only Urdu would be the official language for both West and East Pakistan. The people of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh whose main language is Bengali, protested against the declaration. On Feb 21, 1952, students and political activists took out a procession protesting against Urdu being made the official language. The police opened fire killing several protesters. This lead to the protest spreading over all of East Pakistan which finally lead the Pakistan government relent and give equal status to Bengali. Since then the day is celebrated as the 'Language Martyrs' Day'. In 1999 the UNESCO declared Feb 21 as International Mother Language Day, a day intended to promote free language choice everywhere in the world. --IANS ssp/vd (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Border Security Force (BSF) personnel seized ten weighing around 1.16 kg, valued at Rs 35.38 lakh, in West Bengal's Nadia district on Tuesday, an official said. Acting on a tip-off, the BSF personnel raided the village of Fulbari under the Banpur border outpost and confronted some people trying to collect a packet thrown from the other side of the India-Bangladesh border. However, the criminal elements managed to escape, taking the advantage of bamboo thickets, a BSF spokesperson said. On a thorough search of the area, the para-military personnel recovered one plastic packet which contained the ten . The seized gold has been handed over to the customs officials at Banpur. The BSF frontier headquarters of south Bengal this year has seized 1.775 kg gold having an approximate market value of Rs 53.35 lakh and apprehended one smuggler. Cambodia's Parliament has approved an amendment to a law governing political parties with provisions for barring candidates with criminal records and dissolving parties with convicted leaders, a local media report said on Tuesday. The move was approved during a session boycotted by lawmakers belonging to the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, whose leaders were facing trials in several criminal cases, the report said. In early February, Prime Minister Hun Sen -- in power since 1985 -- had announced plans to carry out this legal reform, whose approval comes a year before the country goes to general elections, Efe news reported. In the last elections of 2013, the ruling Cambodian People's Party managed to secure a tight win against the opposition, which alleged the polls were rigged. Before the Parliament vote, rival parties had denounced the changes as being aimed at undermining the pluralist democracy set up after the 1991 peace agreements, and that the government intended to intimidate and crush the opposition. During 2016, the Hun Sen-led administration is said to have stepped up harassment of opponents through the courts, which are subject to meddling and manipulation by the ruling party, according to critics and observers. Last week, main opposition leader Sam Rainsy, who was convicted of defamation in the past, resigned from his party (CNRP) from Paris, where he was living in self-exile since 2015 after several lawsuits were filed against him. Phil Robertson, Deputy Director of Asia for non-profit Human Rights Watch, remarked the latest amendments culminate the concentration of absolute power in the hands of Hun Sen and his party. "The triumph of dictatorship over dream of Paris Peace Accords for rights respecting, multi-party democracy," tweeted Robertson. Meanwhile, National Assembly spokesperson Leng Peng Long argued in favour of the changes, claiming they will help create an appropriate political climate. --IANS in/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CBI has arrested Chhattisgarh IAS officer B.L. Agrawal and two other private persons for helping him in paying Rs 1.5 crore bribe to settle a case being investigated by the agency against him, an official said on Tuesday. The arrested persons were on Tuesday produced before Patiala House court in Delhi that sent them to five-day Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) custody. The CBI on Monday arrested Agrawal, a 1988-batch IAS officer currently posted as the Principal Secretary (Higher Education) in Chhattisgarh government, his brother-in-law Anand Agrawal and a private person Bhagwan Singh, a resident of Greater Noida in Uttar Pradesh. The agency on February 18 registered an FIR against Agrawal, Singh, a Hyderabad-based private person Syed Burhanuddin and others under relevant sections of criminal conspiracy and Prevention of Corruption Act. The CBI said that the IAS officer had agreed to pay Rs 1.5 crore to Burhanuddin as gratification for helping him in a case being investigated by the agency. "B.L. Agrawal first approached Singh over the issue, who arranged his meeting with Burhanuddin on February 11 in Delhi. Burhanuddin told the Chhattisgarh officer that he works in the Prime Minister's Office and would easily settle the matter in his favour in lieu of Rs 1.5 crore gratification," a CBI officer said. The officer said that Burhanuddin also assured Agrawal that he would get the case transferred from the CBI to the Chhattisgarh Economic Offences Wing. "The public servant sent an amount of Rs 45 lakh on different dates between February 12 and 16 for its onward transmission through hawala. One Raipur-based hawala operator Sanjay Taparia and others were used as channels for the movement of the amount," said the officer. The CBI earlier conducted searches on the premises of the accused and hawala operators at Raipur, Hyderabad, Delhi and Greater Noida and recovered Rs 20 lakh. --IANS rak/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China has discovered a new mutation of the H7N9 bird flu virus, which is being considered the deadliest till now, a media report said on Tuesday. The new strain is more dangerous to poultry but poses no new threats to humans, according to the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. It "does not make the virus more infectious to humans at the moment". The centre alerted the World Health Organization about the new development, after it confirmed the new strain that was found in four poultry samples from the southern region, Efe news reported. It added that Chinese health and agricultural authorities will continue studying the new strain's source and impact. The authorities, so far this year, have reported 271 cases in humans, of which 88 have proven to be fatal, surpassing 2016's figure of 22. Various measures were taken to control the spread of the virus, including closure of markets and slaughterhouses, crackdown on illegal poultry vendors and setting up centres for prevention and control of the virus in humans. The infection spreads through contact with live, infected poultry, especially in rural areas. --IANS ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China said on Tuesday that it supports relevant parties in conducting dialogue and contact to solve the North Korean nuclear crisis. Beijing said the main contention was between the US and North Korea. "The root of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue lies in the differences between the DPRK and the United States," China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said. He said China always supported relevant parties, including North Korea and the US in strengthening communication to enhance mutual understanding and in finding a solution through dialogue and consultation. Under the current circumstances, China hopes that relevant parties can make more efforts in this regard and play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and properly resolving the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, said Geng --IANS gsh/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China is close to completing construction of its second aircraft carrier, which will begin service by 2020, a media report said on Tuesday. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy's Type 001A class aircraft carrier's scaffold has been removed and red undercoat has been painted below the ship's waterline in Dalian, Liaoning province, according to experts. A launching ceremony will soon be held. "Unlike the Liaoning (Type 001), China's first aircraft carrier, a refitted ship built by Ukraine (under the former Soviet Union), the 001A is China-built, and its design, combat capability and technologies will be much more advanced," Song Zhongping, a military expert, told the Global Times. "One key difference is the design will be more 'humanised,' which means all personnel on the carrier will enjoy a more comfortable and modern environment," Song said. It means all weapons and equipment, including the radar system, air defence system and communications system will be outfitted on the carrier. After this, the carrier and aircraft on it will be tested, and then the carrier will be ready to serve, Song said. A large amount of work remains to be done on the carrier's outfitting stage after it is launched, presumably sometime this year, said Li Jie, a naval military expert. "It will take about one to two years to carry out functional debugging of its devices, weapons and equipment. The new aircraft carrier can begin sea trials by early 2019." On December 31, 2015, the Chinese Defence Ministry formally announced the construction of the 001A. --IANS ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Tuesday demanded that a sitting judge under the supervision of the High Court must investigate the Naliya gang rape case, allegedly involving BJP leaders from Kutch, and also questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue. "The BJP, which came into power with the weapon of 'Nirbhaya case', is in the dock about the safety of women. The Modi government has completed half its term but women's security situation in Gujarat has become so unfortunate that women there need to be saved from the BJP leaders themselves," said Shobha Oza, chairperson, All India Mahila Congress. "While talking about zero tolerance, the Prime Minister has awarded a ministerial berth to a rape accused, Nihal Chand," she said. A 24-year-old woman from Kutch had filed an FIR in Naliya town last month, alleging she had been raped repeatedly by nine persons, including four local BJP office-bearers, since last year. The Gujarat assembly budget session on Monday saw pandemonium by opposition members over the alleged gang-rape, forcing Governor O.P. Kohli to cut short his customary opening address. "Why has the Prime Minister maintained a stoic silence on the issue of 'Naliya BJP sex scandal' of Kutch? The slogan of 'Beti Bachao' is simply a hollow one and BJP and RSS leaders have become exploiters of women in the country," said Oza. "The sex scandal of Naliya has unmasked the real 'chaal, charitra and chehra' (character) of BJP," she added. Oza said the Naliya incident of "women molestation was not only limited to BJP and RSS workers but also linked to other top leaders, which include leaders of Gujarat and also other BJP-ruled states". "They are trying their best to threaten, blackmail and even lure the victim's family. They are also trying to malign the victim's character," she said. "The past record of Gujarat government has proved that SIT investigation is a mere lip-service to save the real culprits. In this context, we want to ask why this shameful incident is not being investigated by a sitting judge under the supervision of High Court?" Oza added. --IANS sid/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Entertainment / Music by Staff reporter AFTER a brutal attack by unknown assailants at a popular nightclub in Harare last Friday, rapper Stunner has come out in defence of his estranged wife Olinda following reports that she was behind the attack.In another episode of "Keeping up with the Chidemes" on social media, Stunner last week shared pictures of him heavily bandaged around his abdomen with his face visibly in pain after the alleged assault.According to an online publication, Zimeye, Olinda has been exposed in a shocking live video she shot of herself plotting to deal with Stunner. She was also heard talking to a man conniving to actually hurt her ex-hubby.The video was allegedly shot on Friday night and a man she claims is her brother is heard saying as per instruction, "I am now killing him."However, Stunner yesterday poured water over the alleged plot saying it was a case of him being in the wrong place at the wrong time."Please Zimbabwe, in all fairness I refuse to think that Olinda sent people after me. I walked at night in a bad neighbourhood after a few drinks and I got roughed up by unknown people."Let's not try to get views, ratings or get paid by Facebook nenyaya dzisidzo," posted Stunner on his own Facebook page.He said he was in good books with Olinda as the two have made peace over what has been happening on social media."Even Olinda herself has apologised to me over a few things she exaggerated on her live feeds on Facebook. I've also apologised over other things."We might not be together anymore, but we do not wish ill things for the next person. Out of anger, words might have been said between us but that was just it. She's focusing on her life and I'm doing the same, we're talking and settling our differences."He went on to apologise to his fans for making them choose sides on who to sympathise with throughout the fall out with Olinda."All is well. Let's build, is it not a better way of life than destroying? To my fans, I'm sorry for your emotions that have been tossed back and forth and you were forced to choose a side. I'm sorry," said Stunner. The Congress on Tuesday demanded that a sitting judge under the supervision of the high court investigate the Naliya gang rape case, allegedly involving BJP leaders from Kutch, and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the issue. "The BJP, which used 'Nirbhaya case' as a plank to come to power, is in the dock over women's safety. The Modi government has completed half its term but women's security situation in Gujarat has become so bad that women there need to be saved from the BJP leaders only," said Shobha Oza, Chairperson, All India Mahila Congress. "While talking about zero tolerance, the Prime Minister has awarded a ministerial berth to rape accused Nihal Chand," she alleged. A 24-year-old woman from Kutch had filed an FIR in Naliya town last month, alleging she had been raped repeatedly by nine persons, including four local BJP office-bearers, since last year. The Gujarat assembly budget session on Monday saw pandemonium by opposition members over the alleged gang-rape, forcing Governor O.P. Kohli to cut short his customary opening address. Oza also led the protest in front of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters here against the party leaders' alleged involvement in the sex scandal in Gujarat. "Why has the Prime Minister maintained a stoic silence on the issue of 'Naliya BJP sex scandal' of Kutch? The slogan of 'Beti Bachao' is simply a hollow one and the BJP and the RSS leaders have become exploiters of women in the country," said Oza. "The sex scandal of Naliya has unmasked the real 'chaal, charitra and chehra' (character) of BJP," she added. Oza maintained that the Naliya incident of "women molestation was not limited to just BJP and RSS workers but also linked to other top leaders, which include leaders of Gujarat and also other BJP-ruled states". "They are trying their best to threaten, blackmail and even lure the victim's family. They are also trying to malign the victim's character," she said. She also said that the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data reveals that the BJP-ruled states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra have high rates of violence against women. "The past record of Gujarat government has proved that SIT investigation is a mere lip-service to save the real culprits. In this context, we want to ask why this shameful incident is not being investigated by a sitting judge under the supervision of high court?" Oza added. "Why is Modiji not ready for investigation of such incidents which took place in Gujarat, Assam and other BJP-ruled states? Will Modiji take responsibility of the safety and security of the victim and her family?" she said. On the question of rape charges against some Congress leaders in Bihar and Jammu and Kashmir, including current state PCC chief Ghulam Ahmad Mir, who was later acquitted, Oza said: "The law should take its own course. If he (Mir) was later set free, then it must have been on the basis of law." "The guilty should not be protected or go scot-free. We are saying that probe should be done taking into account what the victim wants. A person is found guilty only after probe. Once they are found guilty, then they are expelled from the party as well. Our party doesn't want to protect anyone," she added. Meanwhile, Congress spokesperson and MP Sushmita Dev put the onus on the Prime Minister to investigate such matters across the country. "We are not going to protect anyone. The question is whether PM Modi will probe in such matters in all the states. We can promise that there will be no political interference from our side," said Dev "In Jammu and Kashmir too they (BJP) have got their government. Even if there were some mistakes from our side, then they should investigate the matter as they are in the government. Congress will not condone any kind of criminal activity. The onus of good governance is now on the PM of the country," she added. --IANS sid/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A kingpin behind the illegal currencies racket in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh has been arrested, the Delhi Police said on Tuesday. The accused, identified as Akhujam Khan, was arrested on Monday night from Rajeev Nagar in Patna following a joint operation of Delhi Police and Patna police, a senior police officer here said. "Police had on February 17 arrested his accomplices Sanjeev and Arvin, both from western Uttar Pradesh's Shamli district, and recovered fake currency notes of Rs 100 denomination of Rs 6 lakh in face value," the officer said. "Akhujam Khan was focused on printing lower denomination notes as he knew that fake Rs 100 notes are in the trend these days and supplied Rs 6 lakh in these notes to Sanjeev. He is being interrogated," he added. --IANS sp/sm/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government has given over Rs 153.5 crore reward money to nearly 10 lakh citizens under its scheme to incentivise digital payments and make India a less cash economy, NITI Aayog head Amitabh Kant said on Tuesday. The winners include over 9.2 lakh consumers and 56,000 merchants, Kant said, citing the figures by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), which has been executing the schemes -- launched on December 25 last year in the aftermath of the government's November 8 demonetisation move. The scrapping of the large currency notes of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes created an unprecedented crash crunch with people across the country queuing up outside banks and ATMs to withdraw their own money. The government then encouraged people to go for digital transactions and launched the Lucky GrahakYojna (LGY) for consumers and Digi-DhanVyaparYojna (DVY) for merchants to incentivise them and promote digital payments. The schemes will remain open until April 14. There are 15,000 daily winners qualifying for total prize money of Rs 1.5 crore, as per the schemes. In additional to this there are over 14,000 weekly winners qualifying for total prize money of over Rs 8.3 crore every week. Customers and merchants who use RuPay Card, BHIM/UPI, USSD based *99# service and Aadhaar Enabled Payment Service are eligible for wining daily and weekly lucky draw prizes. According to the data available until February 20, some 120 consumers have won prize money worth Rs 1 lakh each, Kant said, adding that nearly 4,000 merchants have also won price money of Rs 50,000 each. "It has been 58 days since the launch of NITI Aayog's two incentive schemes ?and the public response has been quite encouraging," the NITI Ayog chairman said. "The initiative to make digital payments a mass movement in India through the two schemes has made headway across the country with more and more people adopting digital transactions." According to the NCPI data, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi have emerged as the top five places with a maximum number of winners. The winners, according to a NITI press statement, belong to diverse socio-economic backgrounds - farmers, merchants, small entrepreneurs, professionals, housewives, students and retired persons. The majority of the winners are in the age group of 21 to 30. The statement said the winners include Delhi's 22-year-old cab driver, Sabir, who won Rs 100,000 under the scheme for consumers. "Digital payments are a blessing in disguise for him because he has to take care of his mother and differently-abled sister and doesn't have time to stand in" queues for cash, the NITI statement said. Another winner Bhim Singh, 29, is a wheat farmer from Hissar in Haryana who uses digital payments for buying supplies from wholesalers. Among the merchants, Damodar Prasad Khandelwal, a 42-year-old grocery store owner from Alwar in Rajasthan, has won Rs 50,000. Manju R. Gowda, a 32-year-old fast-food restaurant owner in Mumbai, is another winner of Rs 50,000 under the scheme for merchants. --IANS sar/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In an effort to learn from the Indian education system and to gather prevailing best practices, a delegation from ministry of education, Government of Ethiopia is currently visiting India. The focus of their visit is on adapting best practices like mid-day meal programs, teacher training and mother tongue instructions from India. The delegation also participated in a select media round tableon Tuesday. Dr. Jordene Hale, Chief of Party led the discussion along with Ato Tayachew Ayalew, Director, Mother tongue and English Language education development and Mr. Birhanu Moreda, Advisor to State Minister of General Education, Government of Ethiopia. They were accompanied by Mr. Himanshu Sikka, Chief Strategy and Diversification Officer, IPE Global Ltd. and Shalender Sharma, Vice-President, Education and Skills Development, IPE Global Ltd. Led by Dr Hale, the delegation also interacted with government officials from the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), NCERT, Mid-Day Meal Programme, as well as the recipients of the Gandhi Fellowship. IPE Global, an international development consulting group, organised the visit and stakeholder engagements for the delegation. Ethiopia's growing youth population -- the second largest in Africa -- presents a huge challenge to the education system. An estimated three million primary school-aged children and more than 20 million youth are currently outside of the formal school system. Of out-of-school youth, a large proportion have had no education at all (84 percent in rural areas and 33 percent in urban areas). Urban youth unemployment is 50 percent and this figure is even higher in rural areas. The Ethiopian education system has been implemented under a mother tongue language policy, the goals of which are to improve literacy rates and academic achievement, as well as to enhance appreciation of local languages and cultures. The delegation is visiting as part of United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Reading for Ethiopia's Achievement Developed Monitoring and Evaluation (READ M&E) project, supported activity implemented by the American Institutes for Research (AIR). --IANS ss/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hong Kong's former chief executive Donald Tsang was admitted to a hospital here hours after a court ordered his remand in custody over misconduct, a media report said on Tuesday. Tsang, 72, was taken away on a stretcher, still handcuffed, to Queen Elizabeth Hospital after complaining he was feeling unwell, a local public broadcasting service said, Efe news reported. He is the highest-ranking former government official in the history of Hong Kong to face criminal trial in connection with the use of a luxury three-storey penthouse apartment in Shenzhen, China. He was Hong Kong's Chief Executive between 2005 and 2012, and faced a one-and-half-month long trial over three charges of bribery and misconduct. On February 17, a city court declared Tsang guilty in one of the two counts of misconduct and abstained from ruling on the bribery charge due to a lack of agreement among the jury. The jury considered Tsang guilty of negotiating the approval of license applications for Digital Broadcasting Corporation with one of its leading shareholders, Bill Wong Cho-bau, for his company between 2010 and 2012 when Tsang was the head of the Hong Kong government. The businessman had apparently rented out a luxury apartment in Shenzhen to Tsang at a lower price and remodelled and decorated the apartment for free in exchange for the licences. The Independent Commission Against Corruption started the investigation against Tsang in 2012. --IANS in/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former US attorney general Eric Holder and Tammy Albarran -- both partners at law firm Covington and Burling -- will lead the probe into claims of sexual harassment by a former Uber employee. Uber boss Travis Kalanick on Monday sent an email to his employees with more information about the investigation, and further plans the company has to address the issue, BBC reported. "It's been a tough 24 hours," Kalanick said in the mail, adding the company was "hurting". Uber on Sunday announced to conduct the investigation following a scathing blog post by Susan Fowler, who made public allegations of sexism and harassment at the company. Holder served under former President Barack Obama between 2009 and 2015. Arianna Huffington, the founder of the Huffington Post, will also help conduct the review. Huffington has been on Uber's board since April last year. Also conducting the review will be Uber's new head of human resources, Liane Hornsey, and Angela Padilla, the company's associate general counsel. After coming into widespread criticism for never having published statistics on diversity at the company, Kalanick said he would deliver figures in the "coming months". He said that of the employees working as engineers, product managers or data scientists, 15.1 per cent were women -- a number which he said had not changed significantly in the past year. "As points of reference, Facebook is at 17 per cent, Google at 18 per cent and Twitter at 10 per cent," the Uber boss said. Until now, Uber had been standing firm on not publishing its diversity figures. Most major technology companies make public their EEO-1 -- a government filing that breaks down employees by race, religion, gender and other factors. Uber has not specified if it will publish its entire EEO-1 or just post select figures from the company. Fowler in her blog post cited anecdotal figures of women leaving the company in droves. Speaking specifically about the site reliability engineering team, which she worked on for a year, Fowler said that by the time she left, "out of over 150 engineers in the SRE teams, only three per cent were women". She now works at San Francisco-based payment firm Stripe. Uber said it would hold an "all hands" meeting on Tuesday to tell its employees what its "next steps" will be. --IANS py/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen cancelled a meeting with Lebanon's Grand Mufti on Tuesday after refusing to wear a headscarf. "You can pass on my respects to the Grand Mufti, but I will not cover myself up," Le Pen told reporters. "I have met before with Grand Imam Sheikh al-Azhar in Egypt without wearing a veil," the 48-year-old leader of the National Front (FN) party. Le Pen was told by Lebanese officials that she would have to wear a veil for her audience with Grand Sunni Muslim Mufti, Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian, the Independent reported. Video footage showed Le Pen at the entrance to his office shaking her head. Le Pen said she had met in the past with the grand mufti of Egypt's Al-Azhar, one of the world's top Sunni clerics, without wearing a veil. "He did not have this demand," said Le Pen. "But it's not a problem, you can pass on to the Grand Mufti my considerations, but I am not putting the veil on." Once told that customs were different in Lebanon, Le Pen walked out of the building and left in her car, according to the report. Her aides had reportedly been informed before her visit that she would be required to wear a headscarf. Praising the "political gesture", Florian Philippot, one Le Pen's closest aides, said it was "a beautiful message of emancipation and freedom sent to the women of France and the world", reported the Daily Mail. The anti-immigration politician made a three-day visit to Lebanon this week to meet officials in an effort to bolster her presidential credentials two months before the first round of voting in the French presidential election. Polls suggest that Le Pen is expected to win the first round of voting in presidential elections in April. The latest poll on Monday, according to reports, showed support for the far-right candidate had risen by one per cent to 27 per cent. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Ghaziabad police on Tuesday seized scrapped currency notes worth Rs 15.30 lakh and took four persons into custody for questioning. Acting on a tip off, the police intercepted a Santro car bearing Delhi registration number near Kaushambi here and recovered old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes wrapped in a plastic bag from the car. The police also detained four persons. After recording their statements, the police informed the income tax officials. "We have detained them and the arrests will be made after the income tax officials ascertain why the notes were not exchanged before December 31, 2016," said Superintendent of Police (City) Salman Taj Patil. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government banned Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes on November 8 and gave 50 days till December 31, 2016 to the people to exchange the old notes. --IANS sps/lok/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government is looking to reduce Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) charges to encourage digital payments, Niti Aayog Chief Executive Amitabh Kant said on Tuesday. "We are pushing digital transactions. Our aim is to bring down MDR charges. Also, if volume of transactions increase, MDR charges will come down," Kant told reporters here while briefing about the Lucky Grahak Yojna (LGY) for consumers and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojna (DVY) for merchants launched post demonetisation to incentivise and promote digital payments. "We are examining RBI's draft circular on MDR. There are challenges to bring MDR rates down... We will meet those challenges," he added, referring to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) circular last week on rationalisation of MDR for debit card transactions. Proposing to cut MDR charges on debit card payments from April 1, the RBI proposed an MDR charge on debit card transaction at 0.40 per cent of the transaction value for small merchants with annual turnover of Rs 20 lakh and special category merchants like utilities, insurance, mutual funds, educational institutions and government hospitals. The central bank said MDR charges would be even less at 0.3 per cent if the transaction is through digital mode using the QR Code. The scrapping of high value currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 on November 8 created an unprecedented crash crunch, with people across the country queuing up outside banks and ATMs to withdraw money. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told Parliament earlier this month that the RBI is working to reduce the MDR for debit card transactions above Rs 2,000. "The RBI is deciding on this...the work is in progress. I am sure as volumes (of digital transactions) are increasing, the charges will come down," Jaitley told the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour. Jaitley said that under the Payments and Settlements Act, the RBI has recently fixed the MDR rate at 0.25 per cent for transactions up to Rs 1,000, while for transactions up to Rs 2,000 it has been fixed at 0.50 per cent. These charges have been introduced for the period from January 1, 2017, and will be applicable till March 31, 2017. As per the RBI's rate structure announced in 2012, the MDR for transactions valued above Rs 2,000 has been capped at 1 per cent. The RBI also announced last week that it will start reimbursing MDR charges to banks for payments made through debit cards of tax and non-tax dues to the central government since January 1. The Centre had, in December, decided to reimburse banks' MDR charges on taxes and receipts paid through debit and credit cards. --IANS bc/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nobel laureate and renowned economist said on Tuesday, that if the government wants to set up world-class universities it should not try to "execute autocratic power on the universities as freedom and autonomy of institutions is vital for the country". The 83-year-old economist said any threat to the autonomy of the universities is detrimental to the future of the country. "The state dispenses the money to universities, it does not own the money. The government should not try to execute autocratic power on the universities because freedom and autonomy of institutions is vital for the country," he said. "The government promises to make world-class universities but this is not the way to do it," said Sen, who was here in the capital to launch an expanded edition of his 1970 book "Collective Choice and Social Welfare". Sen also spoke about the growing climate of intolerance in the country as he said that some sections of "people live in constant fear of being labeled anti-nationals". "Our quality of public debate has shrunken. The tendency to threaten and ban is enormously greater today than in the past," he contended. The economist, however, maintained that these are not the problems that only India is facing and cited the examples of Donald Trump's victory in the US and the Brexit to build the larger narrative. He also said that the space for liberty and fraternity in most parts of the world has diminished today and is even lower than it was in 1960s. "But India is definitely in it," he said. has, since 1972, taught and worked in the United Kingdom and the United States. Sen has made contributions to welfare economics, social choice theory, economic and social justice, economic theories of famines, and indexes of the measure of well-being of citizens of developing countries. He stressed that democracy demands the greatest and the longest loyalty of people, adding "there are few things as important as this today". Sen, who was miffed that the Democratic Alliance government was in no mood to extend his tenure, quit as Chancellor of Nalanda University (NU), in 2015. He has been critical of the Modi government's handling of the educational institutions. "Teachers are being targeted and even the organisations that are inviting them are being targeted. These can not be seen as cultivation of fraternity but are dangers posed to liberty and fraternity of India," he quipped. The book "Collective Choice and Social Welfare" is concerned with the study of collective preference, in particular with the relationship between the objectives of social action and the preferences and aspirations of society's members. The original 1970 book has been republished with a chunky new section. The additional chapters extend the original and present in a more rigorous manner some of the material in Sen's "The Idea of Justice". There's a timely chapter on democracy, which mentions: "Given the mixed bag of results that we can actually get from majoritarian democracy, its defence, important as it is, needs to be seriously supplemented by probing scrutiny of its limits and conditionality." was awarded the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences in 1998 and Bharat Ratna in 1999 for his work in welfare economics. News / Local by Moyo Roy Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has been accused of ignoring a blocked sewerage system which has affected ten houses in Cowdray Park fly-over.Sibonekuhle Nkala from house number 5384 Cowdray Park told Bulawayo24.com that they had had blockages for two weeks.Nkala said: "We can't use the toilets, we have been reporting to the city council but we haven't got any help.""For us to go to the toilet we have to go to other people. The situation is so bad that we are afraid to get Typhoid."The residents complained that they had tried to inform the councillor of Cowdray Park but to no avail. An administrative botch-up has deprived hundreds of Delhi University (DU) retirees of their pension since 2014, with the varsity telling a court here that it cannot abide by an August 2016 order to pay as it doesn't have the money to do so. The case will now be taken up on April 17. In the decade from 1989 to 1999, Delhi University (DU) gave its employees the option through circulars to choose between Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) or pension upon retirement. It gave this option not once or twice but 11 times in total. However, the University Grants Commission (UGC), which funds central universities like DU, asked that the option be stopped in 1999 saying it did not have the power to do so. By this time several employees had exercised their choice in choosing for either pension or CPF through these circulars, while there were many who did not choose either. The DU circulars had come following a central government order dated May 1, 1987. The order stated that "all CPF beneficiaries... will be deemed to have come over to the Pension Scheme" from the date mentioned before, unless they explicitly request to remain in CPF by informing this to their offices on or before September 30 of the same year. Almost two decades later, in an unrelated case, a court here ruled in 2006 that a similar option given by the Bureau Of Indian Standards (BIS) was not in order as it was applicable only until September 30, 1987. Those who did not make a choice till that date would be treated as pensioners when they retired. The court, then, ruled that the September 30, 1987, date was sacrosanct and all central government employees, as per the recommendation of the Fourth Central Pay Commission, will be deemed to have come into pension without their having specifically expressed so. The BIS case galvanised into action scores of DU employees who either had expressed their desire to come into pension after the cut-off date of September 30, 1987, or had refrained from explicitly choosing either. Many of these employees started approaching the Delhi High Court which consolidated all such pleas into three categories - category 1 and category 3 for employees cited above, and category 2 comprising those who chose CPF before the cut-off date -- and delivered a combined judgement on April 30, 2014. In a single bench judgement the court ruled that two categories (1 and 3) were eligible for pension and directed the DU to proceed accordingly. The court based its judgement on the ground laid during the BIS judgement in 2006, which upheld the indisputability of cut-off date as the final date before which an option to remain in CPF could be made, and which was irreversible. However, DU decided to challenge this verdict. Also in an open letter to teachers, unwittingly or wittingly, Dinesh Singh, the then Vice Chancellor, acknowledged that the university was not entitled to extend the option of choosing between the CPF and pension. "During the period 1988 to 1999, the University had granted extensions to employees to move over from CPF to GPF-cum-pension scheme. The University and its EC (Executive Council) believed that they had the power to do so on their own and thus thousands of employees in all sincerity had exercised the above options and were drawing, or now expect to draw pension upon retirement," Singh wrote in his letter dated August 21, 2014, just days before the court judgement came. But "unfortunately" in approaching the court, the employees, Singh continued, "ended up challenging the validity of the options granted by the University and the legitimate exercise of these options by all University employees between 1988 and 1999". "It seems that the V C either wasn't aware of the BIS case which had, in effect, already rendered those circulars illegal, or, he didn't understand its implications," Amarnath Gupta, a retired Associate Professor from the university and an active member of Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) Pension Committee, told IANS. "The DU staff moved the court after the very BIS case thinking that the option chosen by them for pension will not stand since the cut-off for doing was already pronounced to be long over on September 30, 1987... but they rightly got the succour from the court, since they didn't explicitly have to choose pension at any time, it was automatically done on October 1, 1987, if they hadn't explicitly selected for CPF," he said. The DU then received another blow when a division bench of the High Court upheld the 2014 judgement on its ruling dated August 24, 2016, giving the university three months time to start paying the retirees which it had stopped after the 2014 judgement. "In spite of being directed by the Delhi High Court to start disbursing pension, which ruled it in its August judgement last year, the university has not budged," Gupta complained. After almost five months of the verdict, the university is yet to resume the pensions of the employees. It also seeks to challenge the verdict, as directed by the HRD ministry. On the other hand, "a contempt of court notice was slapped on the university for not adhering to the court order," Gupta said. He also added that during its first hearing on January 19 this year, the DU cited lack of funds for not being able to disburse pensions and the court reprimanded it for not fulfilling its responsibility as an employer. The case is next due to be heard on April 17. A total of 636 (teaching and non-teaching) DU employees stand to be affected by how things play out in the future. Of them, 518 are retired and have had their pension on hold and 118 are yet to retire. (Vishal Narayan can be contacted at vishal.n@ians.in) --IANS vn/vm/tb (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The temporary travel ban imposed by the Trump administration on seven Muslim-majority countries can impact the reputation of the US as a global travel destination and any impediment to legitimate inbound travel will take away jobs from Americans, a top official of New York City (NYC) has said. Noting that the temporary travel ban had implications for about 55,000 visitors to the US, including about 25,000 to New York, Fred Dixon, the President and CEO of NYC & Company, told IANS in an interview: "It is not a large number of travellers that are specifically affected by the ban. It is more (about) symbolism. The ripple effect that it would have on all markets of the world that can potentially show that the United States is no longer welcoming. And that is a major concern." Overall, Dixon, who heads New York City's official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation, said that they were looking to welcome a record 61 million visitors to the city this year, including over 13 million international visitors. He said 375,000 people were employed in travel and tourism-related jobs across all five boroughs of New York City in 2016; it was an increase of 15,000 over the previous year. Dixon said tourism generates jobs, brings new money to the market and is a tax generator. He said 500 international travellers help generate one job on an average and if the number of visitors goes down by that margin, a job is lost. "So it is important to us as an economic engine for New York City that we maintain the growth in tourism and there isn't a downturn. We want to protect those jobs," he said. Dixon, who was here in connection with the joint launch of the US-India Travel and Tourism Partnership Year, said that the image of the US was important in promoting various destinations, including New York. He said NYC had spoken against the travel ban order that temporarily barred citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries -- Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Yemen -- and refugees from entering the US. With the travel ban having faced legal challenges, President Donald Trump has said he will issue a new executive order on immigration. "Travellers around the world know that we were welcoming of them. In New York they are going to be warmly received... That is of paramount importance to us. So we have come out. We will continue to speak out against any impediments to legitimate travel to the United State," Dixon said. He said his organisation waited for some days after the order and spoke out after it was clear that the travel ban was going to create "a perception problem" for the US and for New York. Asked if such decisions have "reputation consequences", Dixon said, "Yes. Absolutely." He said the US was built on immigration and any ban is a bad idea. "The global exchange of ideas and values is the lifeblood of any modern city. And so for New York (City), as a global centre of commerce and trade and tourism, it is essential that we have a welcome mat to the world for legitimate travellers," he said. Dixon said they were making their feelings known and had spoken to elected officials to try to reach out to Trump. "And we know he reads newspapers and things. He is from New York. This is probably not lost on him," he said. Asked about concerns in India against the perceived protectionism of the Trump regime, Dixon said he looked at the issue in the same way as tourism, and sharing of global ideas and intellect is important to the growth of any economy. "I can't see that turning away a certain percentage of the population can be healthy. A lot of investments and improvements that we have made, the growth we have had in our economy are based on the work of immigrants, children of immigrants," he said. He said India was the 11th largest market for inbound travel to New York City (excluding Canada and Mexico) and had seen steady growth. "It is one of longest-staying markets and has significant economic impact," he said. (Prashant Sood can be contacted at prashant.s@ians.in) --IANS ps/vm/ky (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Gujarat ke gadhe" (donkeys of Gujarat), "Loktantra ke aatankwaadi" (terrorists of democracy), "Behenji Sampatti Party", "Negative Dalit Man"... Political discourse amid ongoing assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh has touched a new low. With three phases to elect 403 MLAs over and four rounds still to go, the lung power of the politicians, cutting across party lines, appears to have overcome propriety. Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav's jibe on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan for an advertisement campaign on the wild ass from Gujarat has set the tone for an all-out battle of words. The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is desperate to take power in the country's most populous state, was outraged. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has asked the Congress, the Samajwadi Party's ally, to apologize for the Akhilesh Yadav statement. The Chief Minister's aide, Udayveer Singh, defended the statement, saying "It was only to suggest that in Gujarat even donkeys are glorified." On the same day the Chief Minister went on the offensive, his close aide and Samajwadi Party spokesman Rajendra Chowdhary called BJP President Amit Shah and Modi as "terrorists of democracy". This predictably angered the saffron brigade. Bharatiya Janata Party General Secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak alleged that the Samajwadi Party leadership was skirting major issues and indulging in verbal slang. Stung by the continuous barbs of the Prime Minister on its supremo Mayawati, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has begun to respond. To Modi's jibe in Orai when he called the BSP a 'Behenji Sampatti Party', alluding to allegations of ill-gotten money by the four-time Chief Minister, the BSP hit back. Mayawati coined a new acronym for Narendra Damodardas Modi -- Negative Dalit Man. Modi earlier told campaign rallies that the four letters in the word 'Scam' stood for Samajwadi Party (S), Congress (C), Akhilesh (A) and Mayawati (M). Congress leaders and senior Uttar Pradesh ministers like Mohd Azam Khan have in the past called the Prime Minister a demon, a beggar, a terrorist and what not. Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi recently told an election rally in Fatehpur that Modi was a 'Gabbar' -- the infamous villain of Bollywood hit "Sholay". It looks the atmosphere will only get more murkier. --IANS md/mr/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Hamid Ansari on Tuesday said India was Rwanda's strong development partner. "We in India see ourselves as a strong development partner to Rwanda. We are already cooperating in sectors such as solar electrification, food processing, skill development and hydropower projects," Vice President Hamid Ansari said in an address at the University of Rwanda here. "India's engagement with Africa has its own unique script, based on what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called 'strong emotional link' defined by our shared history of struggle against colonialism and our aspiration to bring prosperity to our people," Ansari said. Ansari is on a visit to Rwanda from February 19-21. Speaking on the outcome of the visit of the Rwandan President Paul Kagame to India, Ansari said: "During President Kagame's recent visit, an understanding has been reached for a new line of credit worth $80 million for a road project. We are also committed to continuing and enhancing the provision of scholarship for training of Rwanda civilians and defence personnel under various technical cooperation and cultural cooperation programmes." Kagame was on his maiden official visit to India from January 9-11. During his visit, both sides agreed to raise the level of bilateral cooperation to a strategic partnership and India extended a $120 million credit to bring over 41,190 hectares of cultivable land under irrigation in the African country. On the bilateral trade between the two nations, Ansari said: "Our bilateral trade has doubled over the last five years, but as $106 million, remains modest and much below its potential. Rwanda has a dynamic economy and ranks highly in the ease of doing business, providing many incentives for inventors." On Indian investments in the African agriculture sector and its market potential in India, he said: "The growing middle-class in urban India can become a dependable consumer for African food processing Industry." "India provides a long-term, stable and profitable market to the goods and services that Africa generates. For India, Africa has the potential to become a major contributor to our energy security and food security requirements. This is a 'win-win' situation." "The quantum of Indian investment in Africa has increased in recent years and is presently estimated to be about $35 billion, with a large part of it concentrated in Southern and Eastern Africa," he added. India has announced concessional credit of over $10 billion for Africa, over a period of next five years. --IANS rs/gsh/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Iraq Museum of Baghdad is to display 40 ancient artefacts at the Venice Biennale art exhibition this year, including several that were recently returned after they were looted in 2003, a media report said on Tuesday. The National Pavilion of Iraq's exhibition, titled "Archaic", staged at the 57th Venice Biennale in May, will be the first time all the objects have been legally allowed out of the country, the Guardian daily reported. Ancient clay pots, medical objects, musical instruments and figurines of deities and animals will be among the items on display, some of which date back to 6,100 B.C. It will be the first time since 1988 that permission has been granted for anything from the museum's collection to leave Iraq. The museum reopened in 2015 after being closed for 12 years while the stolen and smuggled objects taken during the invasion of Iraq were recovered. The display in the National Pavilion of Iraq at the Venice biennale will be in direct response to what co-curator Tamara Chalabi describes as the "cultural genocide" at the hands of Islamic State (IS) terror group across Iraq and Syria. "It is more important than ever that people outside of Iraq see these objects and understand their cultural significance, at a time when they are being nihilistically destroyed in Palmyra, in Nimrud, in Mosul," the daily quoted Chalabi as saying. "These objects do have a universality that transcends geography...It fights a cultural prejudice people have and the perception that there is no art now left in Iraq or nothing left worth saving." For Chalabi, it was important to include a few of the 15,000 objects which were looted from the museum's collection in the aftermath of the fall of late President Saddam Hussein, a third of which have subsequently been returned. Among the recovered objects to go on display in Venice are a small weight measure shaped like a dove and a clay figurine of a fertility goddess. Both were returned to the museum from the Netherlands in 2010. --IANS ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Israeli military court on Tuesday sentenced a soldier to 18 months in jail for killing an injured Palestinian attacker in March 2015. As part of the sentencing, Elor Azaria was also demoted from the military rank of Sergeant to Private, The Jerusalem Post reported. The defence has vowed to appeal the ruling, and asked the court to delay the beginning of the sentence until an appeal is submitted. Azaria's representation requested 15 days to submit the main claims of an appeal. Meanwhile, the Israel Defence Forces prosecution said it wanted Azaria's prison term to start by February 26. Azaria's shooting of the victim, Abdel Fatah al-Sharif, on March 24, 2015, around 10 minutes after the Palestinian was wounded while attacking an IDF checkpoint, was filmed. The video went viral and led countries around the world and the International Criminal Court to follow the criminal proceedings, The Jerusalem Post said. Ahead of Tuesday's decision, the IDF prosecution had requested a three-to-five-year sentence based on past cases of manslaughter. Dozens of right-wing protestors had gathered outside the Tel Aviv Defence Ministry headquarters, where the hearing took place, reports the BBC. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he would support any decision to pardon Azaria. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A juvenile arrested in Delhi on charge of kidnapping his employer's son for ransom said he was inspired by a Bollywood film for the crime, police said on Tuesday. Police said the abducted boy -- kidnapped on Monday from his Kalyan Puri residence in east Delhi -- has since been rescued from Badaun in Uttar Pradesh. "During investigation, police came to know from local residents that the juvenile, who worked for the boy's father last year, was last seen walking along with the boy. The accused had left the job and gone to his native place Badaun after the death of his mother," Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Omvir Singh said. "The juvenile had sent multiple messages to his former employer to demand Rs 3 lakh as ransom to free his son," the police officer said. "After the juvenile was traced to and caught from Badaun, he said he was kicked out of his house by his sister-in-law. He was on his own after his mother's death," Singh said. He returned to Delhi in search of a job and watched a movie wherein four persons kidnap a boy for ransom, which gave him the idea of kidnapping his former employer's son, the DCP said. --IANS sp/tsb/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Within days of the Pakistan Army summoning Afghan diplomats to demand action against militants sheltering in Afghanistan and involved in attacks in Pakistan, Kabul has handed over a list of Afghan Taliban militants and 32 terrorist hideouts on Pakistani territory. According to a statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry on Monday, the list was handed over to Pakistani authorities through Kabul's envoy to Pakistan Omar Zakhiwal, seeking action against militants operating on Pakistani soil. "The ministry gave a list of militants and 32 terrorist-training centres operating in Pakistan against Afghanistan, and asked for immediate action against them," said the statement. The statement warned that continued violence would push Kabul to seek international sanctions against "terrorist groups and their supporters". In a separate development, Zakhiwal on Monday said he had a "very positive" meeting with Pakistan Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz. Zakhiwal also said that he had a "constructive" talk with Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Bajwa and expected quick de-escalation of tension between the two neighbours. Talking to the media later, Aziz confirmed that a list was handed over to Bajwa by the Afghan envoy, adding that the overall security situation in the region and border issues were discussed during his meeting with Zakhiwal. The demand from Kabul comes after the Pakistani military targeted militant hideouts near the Afghan border, killing dozens of terrorists and destroying their hideouts, Dawn online reported. Bajwa on Monday also said that Pakistan and Afghanistan would jointly target their common enemy -- terrorists of all hue and colour. The comments clearly contrasted with the earlier tone which bordered on unilateralism. The Pakistan Army had, soon after the suicide attack at the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan town of Sindh province, closed border crossings with Afghanistan and the troops pounded "terrorist targets" across the border. Bajwa had told the US commander in Afghanistan that the Afghan government's inaction against terrorists was testing Pakistan's policy of cross-border restraint. Pakistan had also sent reinforcements to the border and deployed heavy armament. --IANS py/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 23-year-old jilted lover, described as an "over-smart engineer", has been arrested from here for allegedly harassing and sending obscene messages to a Delhi University student. The accused, Aman Singh, a resident of west Delhi's Paschim Vihar area, made the best of his technological skills to create multiple fake accounts to send messages and make calls to the victim from fake international numbers using various mobile applications, Deputy Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar said. "The over-smart engineer displayed his all technical skills to mislead police, but Cyber Crime Cell succeeded" in tracking him down from his residence on Monday night, Kumar said. Singh, who was working with a reputed IT-company and drew a "good package" in salary, had befriended the victim during a college fest in 2015 where they became friends but broke up after a couple of months, according to Kumar. The police officer said Singh was unable to come up with the terms and started harassing the girl in social media networking sites, including Facebook and WhatsApp. The victim did not respond to his messages. In frustration, the accused started sending "unwarranted messages" to her family members. "He also threatened them. He created a fake account of the victim on 'Facebook' and sent friend requests to her friends and family members with obscene comments," Kumar said. During investigation, police found that the accused used a Jio SIM of his college friend to send messages as an unknown person. Kumar said the accused confessed the crime. Police have seized his mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets that he used to send messages. --IANS sp/sar/nir/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / Local by Moyo Roy Bulawayo City Council has finally rescued about ten families in Cowdray Park who had gone for over a week without using their toilets due to a blocked sewerage system.In one of the affected houses, a family was stuck inside. They could not come out as the whole house was surrounded by sewerage.A resident has thanked Bulawayo24.com for publishing their plight as the council responded swiftly after seeing the story."Thank you for publishing the story.. they have fixed the sewer.. due to seeing the publications," said Sibonekuhle Nkala via WhatsApp. Washington must acknowledge that the US has profited from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) before Mexico will agree to renegotiate the pact, Mexican Economy Secretary Ildefonso Guajardo said. Guajardo, who is in Toronto for a conference on the future of relations in North America along with Foreign Relations Secretary Luis Videgaray, said on Tuesday that without such an acknowledgment by the US government, talks on revising would get off to a bad start. The Mexican Economy Secretary said he did not expect talks on renegotiating to begin "before the summer", Efe news reported Guajardo admitted that the negotiations would "not be easy" and would definitely not include quotas or tariffs. Trump threatened during the campaign to walk away from NAFTA, saying it was a destroyer of American manufacturing jobs and benefited Mexico, although he later said he would seek to renegotiate the trade agreement. NAFTA, whose members are the US, Mexico and Canada, took effect on January 1, 1994. Millions voted on Tuesday in Maharashtra to elect 10 major civic bodies, including the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), India's largest and richest civic body. The election, which will also pick 11 Zilla Parishads and 118 Panchayat Samitis, is widely seen as a referendum on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. By close of balloting, an estimated 50 per cent of Mumbai's 9.2 million (92 lakh) electorate had voted. Early voters included political leaders as well as Bollywood actors. The country's commercial capital and the richest civic body has generally recorded a dismal voter turnout. But the encouraging turnout prompted Fadnavis to tweet: "Thank you Mumbai for the record voting percentage and ... for participating in festival of democracy!" Controlled by the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for four terms, the BMC has a budget of Rs 37,052 crore for the current year (2016-17) catering to a population of around 18.30 million. In comparison, neighbouring Goa's budget last year was around Rs 14,700 crore. Voting was also conducted in other nine civic bodies (besides Mumbai) -- Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Amravati, Akola and Nagpur. This is the first time the fate of a state government could rest on the outcome of a municipal election, given the bitterness between the BJP and Shiv Sena in the run up to the polls. An aggressive Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray has put the BJP government "on notice period" and said he would decide whether to continue the state-level alliance after the results on Thursday. Since Nationalist Congress Party President Sharad Pawar has ruled out support in such an eventuality and predicted mid-term assembly polls, the Fadnavis government will be reduced to a minority. For the BJP, the election is a virtual mid-term report-card on its much-bandied issue of transparency and clean governance. A generous dose of glamour, glitz and power play was visible in Mumbai at the 7,304 booths to elect 227 BMC corporators from among 2,275 candidates. Early voters included Sharad Pawar, his daughter Supriya Pawar, Uddhav and wife Rashmi Thackeray and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj and wife Sharmila Thackeray. Chief Minister Fadnavis and his wife Amruta voted in Nagpur. So did union minister Nitin Gadkari and RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat. Among the Bollywood personalities who voted -- and asked everyone to vote too -- were Rekha, Hema Malini, Prem Chopra, Kamini Kaushal, Shah Rukh Khan, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Shraddha Kapoor, John Abraham, Vivek Oberoi, Arshad Warsi and Shreyas Talpade, renowned poet Gulzar and filmmaker Subhash Ghai. Several teleserial actors and Marathi film stars too exercised their franchise. Some like BJP state spokesperson Shania N.C. and actor Varun Dhawan could not vote as their names were missing from the voters list. An electorate of 3.77 crore has put the seal on the fate of 17,331 candidates for 5,512 seats, including 1,268 in 10 municipal corporations, 2,956 in 11 Zilla Parishads and 1,288 seats in 118 Panchayat Samitis in the second and final phase of the polling. The results shall be declared on Thursday. --IANS qn/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt has responded to US President Donald Trump's remarks on crime rates in Sweden, saying Florida saw more murder than the whole of Sweden. Bildt on Monday hit the US President for his remarks at a rally in Florida, this time with statistics on the country's crime rates, The Hill magazine reported. "Last year there were 50 per cent more murders only in Orlando/Orange in Florida, than in all of Sweden. Bad," Bildt tweeted. Bildt was referring to the largest mass shooting in US history at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in June last year when Omar Mateen killed 49 people. Mateen, who pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, was shot dead by police at the nightclub. Bildt tweeted the statistics after already responding to Trump's comments on Friday. "Sweden? Terror attack? What has he been smoking? Questions abound," Bildt tweeted on Sunday. Trump clarified: "My statement as to what's happening in Sweden was in reference to a story that was broadcast on Fox News concerning immigrants and Sweden." The Fox News segment featured a documentary filmmaker who linked Sweden's immigration policies to rising crime rates. However, crime rates in Sweden have decreased since 2005 even as hundreds of thousands of refugees have entered the country. --IANS py/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 11th edition of multi-genre music festival Holi Moo! is set to take place here on March 13. The fest, which expanded to Hyderabad last year, will also return for another edition. While details for the Hyderabad edition will be announced soon, Holi Moo Barn at Asiad Tower Lawns here will once again host the day-long festival. Organised by Trifecta Pvt. Ltd., Holi Moo! has grown from a modest, informal, jamming session at a farmhouse among a few musicians in 2006 to a multi-genre, multi-stage music festival. "Right from its inception, the dream of this festival has been to create a creative eco-system that is inclusive and an experience that is ultra-vibrant. This year's Holi Moo! festival marks another successful peg in the evolution of the festival as we seed collaborations not just with artists but with leading tastemakers of our scene," the organisers of Holi Moo! said in a statement. Inspired by Holi, Holi Moo! combines the traditional revelry of the festival of colours with a mix of music, art and culture. For Holi Moo! Delhi, like every year, there will be multiple stages showcasing different genres -- world music, indie, electronica and hip-hop. Each stage has been curated by industry tastemakers, ensuring names and sounds that are exciting and established. This time, the world music stage will be an all-women one with some of the country's leading artists performing. The indie stage, which over the years has showcased new sounds and collaborations, has been curated by cultural hub and Hauz Khas Village venue Roost. Alternative culture specialists and online music magazine Wild City will assemble the line-up for the electronica stage. The fourth stage, for the first time, will introduce the sounds of hip-hop, reggae, dancehall and trap. --IANS nn/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Tuesday said all Muslim countries have a responsibility to support Palestinian resistance, which should be a source of unity in the Islamic world. Khamenei made the remarks at the 6th International Conference in Support of the Palestinian Intifada (Uprising) in Tehran on Tuesday, Press TV reported. "Despite the differences that exist among Islamic countries -- some of these differences are natural, some originate from the enemy's plot and the rest are because of negligence -- the issue of Palestine can and should be the pivot of unity for all Islamic countries," he said. Palestine has been the site of increased tensions since last August, when Israel imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinians into the al-Aqsa Mosque's compound in East Jerusalem al-Quds, according to the report. Protests against the restrictions have been met with a deadly Israeli crackdown, which has in turn prompted strengthened Palestinian resistance, known as the third Palestinian intifada. Khamenei pointed to the phased development of the Israeli occupation and said the cure for the disaster should also come in stages. "From the beginning, this cancerous tumour has been developing in several phases until it turned into the current disaster. The cure for this tumour should be developed in phases as well," Khamenei said. He said that as long as the name and memory of Palestine and resistance are preserved, it will be impossible for the Israeli regime to strengthen its foundations. "The creation of Israel has been the plot hatched by extra-regional powers, and 'this has caused the fake being (Israel) to replace the real being (Palestine)' in the region," Khamenei said. He added that the "dangers originating from the presence of the Zionist regime should never be ignored" neither should the needs of resistance in the West Bank, "because the West Bank shoulders the main burden" of intifada. "Supporting the resistance is the responsibility of all of us," Khamenei said, adding, "No one has the right to have special expectations of them in return for assistance." Around 700 foreign guests and representatives of pro-Palestinian organisations participated in the conference in Tehran. Among other participants in the conference were senior Iranian officials, including President Hassan Rouhani, Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NASA has hinted at discovery of something exciting related to planets that orbit stars other than our sun, known as exoplanets. The US space agency said it will hold a news conference to present the findings at the agency's headquarters in Washington on Wednesday. Prominent NASA scientists, astronomers and a professor of planetary science and physics at Massachusetts Institute of Technology will participate at the briefing. NASA has also invited media and the public to ask questions during the briefing on Twitter using the hashtag #askNASA. Following the briefing, a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything) about exoplanets will be held with scientists available to answer questions in English and Spanish, NASA said. Details of these findings will also be published in the journal Nature on the same day NASA hosts the briefing. --IANS gb/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Odisha government is planning to formulate a policy to promote tour packages to Southeast Asia in collaboration with airlines operator AirAsia. The issue was discussed at the Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary A.P. Padhi. Recently, the state government signed a memorandum of agreement with AirAsia to start direct international flight operation to Kuala Lumpur. "A specific policy will be formulated for promoting tour packages to Southeast Asia in collaboration with AirAsia. This apart, new tour packages like Jagannath Trail, Coastal Trek, Coastal Cruise, Cycle Tours, Food Festivals and Weekend Gateways will be organised under the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation," said Tourism Secretary Arti Ahuja. Reviewing the progress made so far, Chief Secretary Padhi said the policy would boost the tourism sector in the state. Branding of Odisha Tourism would be done at strategic places like airports in Delhi and other important cities, Mumbai Metro and international convention centres, said Tourism director Nitin Jawale. He said it would also be linked to upcoming major events in Paris, Singapore and Madrid. The chief secretary directed to expedite the process for setting up a sand art museum at Puri. It was discussed in the meeting that sand art at Puri has started drawing increasing international attention in recent days and as such, the museum be set up at the earliest. The state government claimed there has been a steady growth in tourist inflow to the state. --IANS cd/rn (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Around one million bankers will go on strike on February 28 following the failure of conciliation talks between the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and the management, a union leader said on Tuesday. The UFBU is an umbrella body of nine unions in the banking sector. All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) General Secretary C.H. Venkatachalam said the Chief Labour Commissioner of the Ministry of Labour had called for a conciliation meeting in Delhi on Tuesday morning. Representatives of the Indian Banks Association (IBA) and UFBU were present. "All attempts to find solutions to the demands raised by the unions yielded no result. So the United Forum of Bank Unions decided to proceed with the proposed strike on February 28," Venkatachalam said. He said one million employees and officers of public sector banks, private banks, foreign banks, co-operative banks and regional rural banks will strike work on that day. --IANS vj/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will pay a three-day visit to Turkey starting February 22 for the fifth session of the Pakistan-Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC) meeting in the capital Ankara. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that the meeting will be held on February 23 and a high-level delegation, comprising ministers and senior officials, will accompany Sharif during the visit. Sharif is expected to have wide-ranging consultations with the Turkish leadership on bilateral, regional and international issues, Xinhua reported. Together with his Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim, Sharif would co-chair the HLSCC, a framework for consultations at the highest political level between the two sides with focus on trade, energy, banking and finance, communications and railways, education, culture and tourism. The bilateral HLSCC was established in 2009 and its last session was held in Islamabad in 2015. During the visit, Sharif also plans to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. --IANS soni/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Vice President Mike Pence defended President Donald Trump's latest attacks on the and vowed to continue to "call out the when they play fast and loose with the facts". At a news conference at the NATO headquarters here on Monday, Pence insisted that both he and the President "support a free and independent press", CNN reported. It came as Trump last week called the the "enemy of the American people". "But you can anticipate that the President and all of us will continue to call out the media when they play fast and loose with the facts," CNN quoted Pence as saying. "And the truth is that we have in Trump someone who has a unique ability to speak directly to the American people. And when the media gets it wrong, I promise you, the President will take his case straight to the American people to set the record straight." Speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the Vice President said the US was "fully committed" to the alliance's mission, despite Trump's repeated criticism of NATO. But he also echoed Trump's concerns that many NATO member states were not sharing the full financial burden of the alliance and said the Trump "expects real progress" from allies on that front by the end of the year. NATO requires member states to spend 2 per cent of their GDP on defence spending, a target many of the alliance's members have not met in recent years. Pence said he was disappointed that former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn misled him about his conversation with the Russian ambassador to the US. Even as he worked to assure European leaders that the Trump administration was not looking to scrap longstanding transatlantic ties, Pence was met with outward skepticism from the bloc's top leaders. European Council President Donald Tusk was blunt. Even while expressing an optimistic outlook, he acknowledged the bilateral ties had entered new, uncertain territory. "Too much has happened over the past months in your country and the EU. Too many new and sometimes surprising opinions have been voiced over this time about our relations and our common security, for us to pretend that everything is as it used to be." --IANS py/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / Local by Alice Dube Entumbane dystrophy "The condition I have started when I was nine years old. I do not walk in a normal way as by bones are weak to carry my full body weight. "I once underwent an operation to have it rectified but i could not undergo physiotherapy which resulted in the problem persisting. "I am now walking in a semi squatting position which is very painful. "However, am appealing for donations amounting to $8000 for surgery in Malawi which is now critical. "The amount exclude transport and food. So doctors in Malawi said i would be safe with $10 000. "A quotation i got here in Zimbabwe was $20 000 for the same operation. " I would be great full if anyone could assist me," said Bishop. A 30 year oldman - Brian Bishop who has lived with muscularsyndrome since the age of nine is seeking $10 000 to undergo a critical operation in Malawi.Bishop told Bulawayo24.com today that he is confined to walking in a semi squatting position which is taking a toll on his health.He said Zimbabwean doctors gave him a quotation of $20 000 for the operation which he cannot afford.However, he traveled to Malawi on a referral and doctors who assessed him said the condition can be treated and it cost $8000.Below is his full account :Bishop can be contacted on 0772 416 739 British writer Milo Yiannopoulos' book "Dangerous" was axed after Republican conservatives released video clips which seemed to condone sex between men and boys. "After careful consideration, Simon & Schuster and its Threshold Editions imprint have cancelled publication of 'Dangerous'," USA Today quoted the publisher as saying. Confirming this, Milo said: "They cancelled my book." The gay British writer, who has collected kudos as a self-described "dangerous" provocateur, teetered on the edge of disaster on Monday after the videos of the book got released. The author is heard talking about his own past as a teenager who had sex with men and suggested that some boys might be old enough to give consent to such sexual relationships, USA Today said. --IANS ruwa/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A dossier on US President Donald Trump's psychological makeup is being prepared for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Among its preliminary conclusions is that the new American leader is a risk-taker who can be naive, according to a senior Kremlin adviser, NBC News reported on Monday. Trump "doesn't understand fully who is Putin -- he is a tough guy," former Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Fedorov told NBC News. The file is being compiled by retired diplomats and some of Putin's staff, he added. The attempt to get inside the U.S. president's mind is aimed at helping Putin plan for his first meeting with America's new leader, the date for which is yet to be decided. Very serious preparatory work is going on in the Kremlin, including a paper -- seven pages -- describing a psychological portrait of Trump, especially based on this last two to three months, and the last weeks," added Fedorov, who said he has known Trump since 2000. The dossier was being revised regularly, he said, adding that many in the Kremlin believed that Trump viewed the presidency as a business. Fedorov added: "Trump is not living in a box, he is living in a crowd. He should listen to the people around him especially in the areas where he is weak." Putin's government is growing increasingly concerned about Trump's battles in Washington, according to Fedorov and former lawmaker Sergei Markov, who remains well-connected at the Kremlin. It is worried the president will not have the political power to improve relations with Russia, as he has indicated he might try to do, and even, perhaps, lift some U.S. sanctions. US intelligence agencies concluded that Russia conducted a covert hacking operation to undermine the US election process, which evolved into an attempt to help Trump win the White House. They also believe with "a high level of confidence" that Putin became personally involved in the campaign to interfere in the election. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian-born Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on Tuesday met Union IT and Electronics Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad here. The details of the meeting and the talks were yet to emerge but Nadella, after visiting Bengaluru on Monday, was scheduled to call on the minister before heading to address "Future Decoded" --Microsoft's two-day flagship technology and business conference in Mumbai that kicked off on Tuesday. The conference is a platform that brings together 1,500 business and government decision-makers to engage in conversations on how technology will transform all aspects of our work and life. Earlier, leading e-commerce major Flipkart on Monday tied up with global software major Microsoft to use its Azure Cloud platform for boosting its e-tail sales. The strategic partnership was announced by Satya Nadella on his maiden visit to Bengaluru after he took over the reins of the world's largest software product firm in February 2014. "At Microsoft, we aim to empower every Indian and every Indian organisation with technology through strategic partnerships with innovative firms like Flipkart," said Nadella on the occasion. As a public cloud computing platform, Azure provides a range of services, including analytics, storage and networking on network of computers (cloud). "By combining our public cloud platform and AI (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities with Flipkart's services and data assets, we will enable the e-tailor to accelerate its digital transformation and deliver new customer experiences," said Nadella. --IANS na/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of houses in Jakarta were inundated by floodwaters on Tuesday following torrential rains overnight, forcing hundreds of people to flee their homes, Indonesian authorities said. Floodwaters as high as 150 cm inundated homes and roads in 54 areas across the south, east and north areas of the city, Efe news reported. Indonesian Air Force personnel were seen helping residents in an east Jakarta neighbourhood to evacuate their homes, with hundreds forced to take shelter at a nearby mosque. The flooding had occurred mainly due to the inability of the urban drainage system to cope with the overflowing waters, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, head of data information and public relations at the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB), said. Public transport was affected by the floods, although rail authorities said normal services would resume shortly, according to the Jakarta Post daily. --IANS ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three suicide bombers who tried to enter a court in Pakistan's Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province were killed on Tuesday, authorities said. About 10 others were injured in the ghastly incident in Charsadda district, The News International quoted police as saying. Police officer Sohail Khalid told the daily that the three suicide bombers were killed when they tried to enter the court. "One suicide bomber blew himself at the gate," Khalid said. "All three terrorists have been killed." He said three or four people have been injured in the attack. But others at the site put the number of injuries at about 10. Gunfire was heard after one of the blasts near the gate of a sessions court located at Tangi Bazaar, Pakistani media reported. Hospitals in Peshawar and Charsadda were put on high alert. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf member Shaukat Yousufzai said the militants came from Mohmand Agency. In the past 10 days, over 100 people have been killed in terror attacks across Pakistan. --IANS ruwa-py/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tibetan Prime Minister-in-exile Lobsang Sangay on Tuesday said March 12 would formally be observed every year as Tibetan Women's Day. "The observance of Tibetan Women's Day on March 12 will reflect the collective will of the Tibetan leadership and people to accelerate the women's empowerment policy agenda," Sangay said here while opening a three-day first-ever Tibetan women's empowerment conference. He said Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) departments would continue to prioritise Tibetan women's empowerment initiatives as its flagship agenda. The conference, being organised by the CTA, is seeing more than 340 participants, including Tibetan nuns. Sangay said the conference is a step in the right direction to carry forward the shared vision of His Holiness the Dalai Lama and the CTA to promote leadership and compassionate qualities of women. "Tibetan women parliamentarians were elected as early as 1964 when even some advanced economies still did not have women parliamentarians. In fact, today women constitute over 20 per cent of the elected representatives in the Tibetan Parliament. Women now make up 45 per cent of the overall workforce of the CTA," he said. Lauding women's role in safeguarding Tibet's rich religious and cultural tradition beginning from the non-violent Tibetan women's uprising against the repressive policies of the Chinese government on March 12, 1959, he said the vision of the conference is aimed beyond gender equality and on furthering women's role in all socio-economic and political activities. The Dalai Lama has lived in India since fleeing his homeland in 1959. The Tibetan exile administration is based here. --IANS vg/lok/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Defying prohibitory orders imposed by the police, the Telangana Joint Action Committee has decided to go ahead with its rally of the unemployed youth in Hyderabad on Wednesday. TJAC chairman M. Kodandaram said the rally to demand the state government to fulfil its promise of one lakh jobs will be held as planned in the heart of the city even as the police made it clear that there is no permission for the rally. He appealed to youth and students to stage a silent protest wherever they were stopped by the police. Kodandaram alleged that police started arrests in various parts of the state from Monday and over 600 people had been taken into custody. Police have warned the youth that if they violate the prohibitory orders, criminal cases will be booked against them. TJAC plans to conduct the rally from Sundaraiah Vignana Kendram to Indra Park. He recalled that the permission for the rally was sought on February 1. Earlier in the day, the matter came for hearing in Hyderabad High Court, which suggested to the TJAC to postpone the rally to Sunday or hold it at Nagole on the outskirts. It, however, did not agree to the same on the ground that preparations had already been made and the event can't be postponed in view of competitive exams and Mahashivratri. TJAC informed the court that it is ready to change the venue to Osmania University. However, the police refused to give the permission in view of the disturbances witnessed on the campus in the past. Stating that protest is their democratic right, Kodandaram said they would go ahead with their plans. He alleged that the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) government trying to suppress a democratic and peaceful protest in the same manner in which the rulers of united Andhra Pradesh suppressed the movement for separate Telangana state. "If this is a crime, the present Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao figured in all the cases booked during Telangana movement," said Kodandaram, who had actively participated in the movement for separate state. TJAC is demanding that the Chief Minister should fulfil his election promise to provide jobs to one lakh unemployed. It is seeking immediate steps for filling all vacancies in government departments and public sector undertakings. The ruling party, however, has accused Kodandaram of provoking unemployed youth and students. It denied permission for the rally because it suspects that extremist elements have infiltrated into the group and might resort to violence. --IANS ms/ksk/dg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has named Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster as his national security adviser, replacing Gen. Michael Flynn, who was last week asked to resign from the position. McMaster is a highly regarded military officer and soldier who is known for his roles in the Gulf War, the Iraq War and the war in Afghanistan. He also served as a special assistant to Gen. David Petraeus when he was commander of the US-led coalition forces in Iraq during the 2007 troop surge, CNN reported on Tuesday. Trump called McMaster "a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience" as he introduced his selection on Monday to reporters at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, where he has spent the holiday weekend interviewing candidates for the post. "I watched and read a lot over the last two days," Trump said. "He is highly respected by everyone in the military and we're very honoured to have him," he added. McMaster is the first active-duty military officer in the post since Gen. Colin Powell. McMaster -- who called the appointment a "privilege" -- takes over the position left by Flynn, who was asked to resign by Trump amid revelations that he misled Vice President Mike Pence on the nature of his contacts with the Russian Ambassador to the US. Trump's first choice for the job, Robert Harward, also turned down the position last week after a dispute over staffing decisions on the National Security Council, Time magazine reported. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, who served as interim National Security Adviser for the week, will return to his post as Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary of the NSC, the White House said. McMaster has a Ph.D. in military history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was tapped for National Security Adviser over several other finalists for the position, including John Bolton, the hawkish Ambassador to the UN under George W. Bush who also served in senior positions in the administrations of George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. McMaster, one of the military's top strategic minds, most recently served as Director of the Army Capabilities Integration Centre in Virginia, which is tasked with preparing for future threats. As a younger officer, McMaster attained cult-like status within the military after the publication of his 1997 book "Dereliction of Duty: Lyndon Johnson, Robert McNamara, The Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Lies that Led to Vietnam". The book examined the failure of military leaders to challenge civilian policymakers' about the direction of the war. Trump's pick earned quick praise from a contingent of Republican foreign policy leaders in Congress, Time reported. California Rep. Devin Nunes, Chairman of the House Select Committee on Intelligence, called McMaster "a fine addition" to Trump's national security team. Sen. John McCain, the Armed Services Committee chairman who has been among Trump's chief Republican critics on Capitol Hill, called McMaster "an outstanding choice". --IANS soni/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN General Assembly has mourned the sudden death of Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin. Ahead of a General Assembly meeting held here on Monday, diplomats rose and stood in a moment of silence to pay a tribute to Churkin, Xinhua news agency reported. Churkin, who has been the Russian permanent representative to the United Nations since 2006, died of an apparent heart attack in New York on Monday morning at the age of 64, just a day before his 65th birthday. General Assembly President Peter Thomson said that the assembly is shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Churkin, while expressing the heartfelt condolences to Churkin's family as well as staff at the Russian mission to the UN. Thomson spoke highly of Churkin's "great intellect," sense of humor and his considerations for others. "We've all experienced and respected the pride that he took in serving his country and the passion at times of very stern resolution that he brought to his job," said Thomson. "Not only has Russia lost one of its truest sons, here at the United Nations, we've lost one of our truest," he added. The General Assembly will hold a formal meeting to pay a tribute in memory of the late Russian Ambassador Churkin at an appropriate time, according to Thomson. "The Russian Foreign Ministry is saddened to announce the death of Vitaly Churkin, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, on Monday in New York, a day before his 65th birthday," said a brief statement, without disclosing the cause of his death. The ministry expressed its condolences and hailed Churkin as an "outstanding diplomat," who has served as Russian envoy to the UN since 2006. --IANS pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi by asking Amitabh Bachchan to stop promoting "donkeys of Gujarat" a sarcastic reference to a tourism promo on wild asses that features the superstar. The remarks amid the hotly contested and bitterly fought Uttar Pradesh elections came a day after Modi told a rally that the ruling Samajwadi Party in the state was appeasing Muslims and said "if a village has a qabristan (graveyard), it should also have a shamshaan ghat (cremation ground)". Yadav responded to the prime minister at a rally in Rae Bareli, urging Modi to stop promoting donkeys and "focus on more important things". "There's an ad which shows donkeys. I appeal to the century's biggest star that he should stop promoting donkeys of Gujarat," the chief minister said, without naming Amitabh. "Have you ever heard of campaigning for donkeys? Gujarat's people are doing campaigns for donkeys. Then they accuse me of working only for qabristan," the 44-year-old Samajwadi Party chief said. Bollywood megastar and brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism, Bachchan, was once close to the Yadavs in Uttar Pradesh. Bachchan has been campaigning for the wild ass sanctuary in Gujarat for years. The remarks are the latest in the caustic campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh polls seen as the semi-final before the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Modi told a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district that "no discrimination" should be made on the basis of caste or religion. "There must be bijli (electricity) both on Eid and Holi," said the prime minister. Yadav retorted by asking Modi to swear on the Ganga if his government had not ensured uninterrupted power supply in Varanasi the Hindu holy city and the prime minister's parliamentary constituency in Uttar Pradesh. "You revere Ganga maiyya. Why don't you swear on the Ganga and tell us if the Samajwadi Party government is giving 24-hour electricity in Varanasi or not?" Akhilesh asked the prime minister. Modi also continued with his no-holds-barred criticism at a poll rally in Jalaun of the Bundelkhand region, which he said had suffered from the years of neglect by the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) governments. He said that the BJP's fight was against SCAM, which stood for the Samajwadi Party, the Congress, Akhilesh (Yadav) and Mayawati of the BSP. "You have an opportunity in this election to throw SCAM out from Bundelkhand," he said. He also mocked at Mayawati's opposition to the November 8 note ban and said that the BSP was actually the 'Behenji Sampatti Party' calling it a personal asset of the former chief minister. "Where has Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) reached today... When I announced note ban on November 8, rivals SP and BSP, who never see eye-to-eye, came together? I was amazed when I launched the war against corruption and asked for the details of black money. They came together and all, including the Congress, started speaking the same language," Modi said. He said that Mayawati had alleged that the government was ill-prepared with its demonetisation move but "was it the government or it was you who was not prepared". "Money started being deposited in banks all of a sudden and Mayawati started shouting as to why is it only at election time that the account of her brother has been made public," the prime minister asked. "You have deposited Rs 100 crore after note ban. Those who deposit wealth for themselves, can they solve your problem?" he asked. News / National by Staff reporter PRESIDENT Mugabe turns 93 today with the ruling Zanu-PF party describing him as a visionary leader, liberator and champion of education and empowerment.Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Dr Ignatius Chombo said President Mugabe is among a rare breed of politicians and the party views him as a gift from God."We as a party are very privileged to have President Mugabe as our President and First Secretary," he said."We see his long life as a gift from God. God has been kind to us as a country and also kind to him that he has given him a long life, wisdom, integrity and strong principles. He does not change his views simply because he wants to please every Jack and Jill, no, he has dedicated his entire life to the service of this country."Such men are rare and we are very proud that such an icon is the President and First Secretary of Zanu-PF and we really wish him a happy birthday and hope that God will continue to bless him and that he continues to be with us."Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth Affairs, Kudzai Chipanga, said they regard President Mugabe's birthday as an event of paramount importance."We as young people regard these celebrations of the President's birthday as of paramount importance given the fact that we view our President as a role model for young Zimbabweans and Africans at large," said Chipanga.The Zanu-PF Women's League paid tribute to President Mugabe for his people-driven policies aimed at uplifting and empowering the majority black people.The organ's Secretary for Information and Publicity, Thokozile Mathuthu, said they were fully behind President Mugabe's candidature in the 2018 elections."As the Women's League national executive and Zimbabwean women in general, we say congratulations President Mugabe for turning 93 and we wish God could continue blessing you with good health and many more years," she said.Mathuthu, who is also the deputy Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, said the organ was fully behind President Mugabe whom she described as a wise leader with a deep understanding of issues."We will be fully behind him again in 2018 when he stands as our presidential candidate in the national elections," she said."We would also like to pay tribute to the late Bona Mugabe who gave birth to this brilliant and highly intelligent child. We are certain that she is smiling from heaven at the strides made by her son to uplift his people."This year's celebrations will be held at the Rhodes Preparatory School (Reps) in Matobo district, Matabeleland South on Saturday under the theme, "Honouring our icon, unlocking value in youth."Below is a timeline of the President's history and some of his numerous achievements thus far:21 February 1924Robert Grabriel Mugabe is born at Kutama Village in Zvimba district. He is the third of six children born to Gabriel Matibili Mugabe and Bona Mugabe.He grows up herding his father's cattle in Zvimba and takes charge of the family at an early age after the death of his siblings Michael and Raphael and the relocation of their father to Bulawayo. For his early education, he goes to Kutama College where he excels in school under the Jesuits priests and guidance of Father Jerome O'Hea.1941Mugabe is offered a place in teacher training at Kutama, where he attains a diploma.1949He wins a scholarship to study at the University of Fort Hare in South Africa's Eastern Cape. There, he joins the African National Congress, and attends African nationalist meetings, where he meets a number of Jewish South African communists who introduce him to Marxist ideas.In later years he describes his time at Fort Hare as the "turning-point" in his life.1951Mugabe attains a Bachelor of Arts (History and English) degree from the University of Fort Hare.1955He moves to Northern Rhodesia, there, he teaches for four years at Chalimbana Training College while also working towards his Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Economics through correspondence courses with the University of London.1958Mugabe moves to Ghana where he becomes interested in Marxism and nationalism. He meets his first wife Sarah (Sally) Hayfron while teaching at St Mary's Teacher Training College.In tandem with his teaching, from 1958 to 1960 Mugabe attends the Kwame Nkrumah Ideological Institute in Winneba. He says it was during his time in Ghana that he finally embraced belief in Marxism.1960He returns home to Southern Rhodesia to an oppressive colonial system and he easily finds himself involved with nationalists' politics.He chairs the inaugural congress of the National Democratic Party in October and is chosen Secretary for Information and Publicity.1961Mugabe marries his first wife, Sarah Francesca Hayfron, a Ghanaian teacher.1963He, together with Ndabaningi Sithole and other nationalists like Leopold Takawira, Edgar Tekere, Morton Malianga, Enos Nkala and Maurice Nyagumbo, form the Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu) after differences emerged within Zapu about how the struggle against the white settler regime would be prosecuted.August 1964 to December 1975He is arrested and spends the next 11 years in prison, a period he uses to improve his education. He gains several further degrees from London University: an MSc in economics, a Bachelor of Administration, and two law degrees.His first and only child with Sally Hayfron, Nhamodzenyika, dies at age three from cerebral malaria in 1966. He was denied permission to bury his son by the regime of Ian Smith.1975After being released from prison, Mugabe moves to Mozambique, accompanied by Tekere and Chief Rekayi Tangwena and assumes leadership of Zanu after the famous Mgagao Declaration signed by guerrillas at Mgagao camp in Tanzania.1976He leads a delegation to the abortive independence talks in Malta. By mid-1976, Mugabe gains the allegiance of commanders of Zanla, the military wing of Zanu, and achieves dominance over Zanu, establishing himself as the most prominent black guerrilla leader battling Smith's regime.1977He is elected the president of Zanu during the party's congress in exile at Chimoio, Mozambique.1979Mugabe leads Zanu to the Lancaster House conference in London that ended the 15-year liberation war.1980British rule ends and Mugabe becomes Prime Minister of the new Republic of Zimbabwe. He pronounces the policy of national reconciliation thus restoring confidence and peace enabling national reconstruction.1981As the country's first black Prime Minister on January 1, he calls for free primary education for all pupils and guarantees admission to secondary schools for all those who qualified.He is one of the most educated presidents in the world as he holds seven academic degrees and 11 honorary awards from different universities.1982-1986He leads the country and makes great strides in education, health care and provisions of social services are achieved under his watch.December 22, 1987Mugabe signs the Unity Accord with-PF-Zapu leader Dr Joshua Nkomo, which ends disturbances in Matabeleland and the Midlands regions which had been experienced since the early 1980s. This results in a united Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF).December, 30, 1987Mugabe becomes Executive President of Zimbabwe. Cdes Joshua Nkomo and Simon Muzenda become Vice Presidents.1988The President implements a five-year development plan, which eases price restrictions for farmers, allowing them to designate their own prices for their produce. This greatly improves the economy.1989He is awarded the Africa Prize for leadership for the sustainable end of hunger by US-Based Hunger Project. He uses the $100 000 prize money to launch the National Agricultural Scholarship Fund.1991Zimbabwe hosts the 1991 Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting (CHOGM) Summit and President Mugabe assumes chairmanship of CHOGM for the next three years.1992President Mugabe's first wife Sarah Hayfron, popularly known as Sally, dies from a kidney ailment.He assumes chairmanship of the World Frontline States in March and leads the OAU ad hoc committee in Angola.1994The end of the five-year development plan period, the economy reflects some growth in the farming, mining and manufacturing industries. President Mugabe additionally manages to build clinics and schools for the black population.1995He is conferred chairmanship of the World Solar Commission in March and he assumes chairmanship of the G15 in November. President Mugabe is also awarded the Olympic Order of Gold for his eminent contribution to the Olympic ideals.1996He hosts and is elected chairman of 101 strong Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in September.The President is awarded the Order of Jamaica and hosts the World Solar Summit and he is elected first chairman of the Sadc Organ on Defence, Politics and Security.He marries his second wife, First Lady Dr Grace Mugabe in August.1997In June, Zimbabwe hosts the Organisation of African Unity Summit and President Mugabe assumes chairmanship of the continental body.February 2000War veterans occupy white-owned commercial farms after voters rejected a draft constitution which had the clause aimed at addressing the colonial imbalances in the ownership of land. The newly-formed opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change, had mobilised voters to reject the draft, and was supported by the white commercial farmers. President Mugabe declines to send police or the army to remove the war veterans from the farms arguing that the land question was the reason why they took up arms against the Smith regime and thus needed to be addressed. This marks the beginning of the fast-track land redistribution programme which saw more than 300 000 households being resettled.2002President Mugabe is re-elected as President.September 2008As a result of the June 2008 vote, there is tension between political parties, resulting in talks aimed at bringing them together. The talks brokered by then South African President Thabo Mbeki result in a power-sharing Government of National Unity comprising representatives from Zanu-PF, the MDC-T led by Mr Morgan Tsvangirai and the MDC led by Professor Arthur Mutambara. President Mugabe retains his position as President while Mr Tsvangirai becomes Prime Minister. Prof Mutambara comes in as Deputy Prime Minister.February 2009The GNU is sworn into office.July 31, 2013The five year-tenure of the GNU ends, leading to fresh elections. President Mugabe and his Zanu-PF party win overwhelmingly, resulting in the abandoning of the GNU. President Mugabe and Zanu-PF form the new government.October 2013President Mugabe launches the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-Economic Transformation (ZimAsset). The blueprint is aimed at attaining sustainable socio-economic transformation in the four key clusters which are: Food security and nutrition; Social services and poverty reduction; Infrastructure and utilities; and Value addition and beneficiation.2014President Mugabe is elected as Sadc chairperson.2015He is elected chairman of the Africa Union. He helps the continent to become more assertive and continues to protect the continent's resources. He leads the discourse on the industrialisation of the continent and resource nationalism.2016President Mugabe is re-elected as Zanu-PF's sole candidate for the 2018 presidential elections at the Zanu-PF people's congress.He is the current President and First Secretary of Zanu-PF. Jewish community centres (JCC) in many cities across the US received bomb threats, a media report said. The JCC Association of North America reported that 11 centres received the threats on Monday, The Hill magazine reported. "Our JCCs are strongly rooted in communities across the country," David Posner, Director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America, said in a statement. Posner said the association is in "regular communication with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, which is investigating these threats." The White House responded to the latest wave of bomb threats, saying hatred has "no place in the country". "Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individual freedom," the White House said. "The President (Donald Trump) has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable." Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka responded on Twitter by saying, "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship and religious centres." She and her husband, senior adviser Jared Kushner, are Jewish, the magazine reported. The JCC Association of North America reported that since the beginning of the year, there have been 69 incidents at 54 JCCs in 27 states and one Canadian province. However, all threats were determined to be hoaxes. --IANS ksk/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cyber intelligence company Vital Intelligence Group on Tuesday rolled out "Virtual Intelligence Collection System" (VICAS) for better protection against cyber threats. "VICAS" is a suite of predictive "Open Source Intelligence Solutions" that garners critical information from a website, social media platform or any other source, including the deep dark web and analyses any internal database. "It is the only system currently in the intelligence space that offers 360 degree constant collection of intelligence on groups, places, persons of interest," said Marc Kahlberg, group CEO and MD, Vital Intelligence Group in a statement. "VICAS" also has the capability to furnish proactive analysis tools. "In fact, it is a solution to counter any threat which is against the interest of a nation or mission critical organisations," Kahlberg added. --IANS vc/na/vt (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With reference to the Chinese Whispers item, Focus is key (February 21), its an irony that Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi (pictured) is nowadays invoking Arjuna, the legendary archer in Mahabharata, for himself. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been fodder for social media memes, thanks to her humour-streaked public speeches. Banerjee is now trending on social media for her inadvertent remarks on the benchmark weight of newborns. Addressing an event in Kolkata she said: Kids who are born 500-600 grams are immature. Remember, a newborn should weigh at least 1,500 kg. Doctors present here would know this. She then went on to speak about what the state government was doing for the welfare of mothers and children. Indias richest municipal corporation has more female corporators than men: The women are better educated, younger, and 3.3% have criminal records compared to 31.8% of menbut they ask fewer questions than the men, according to an IndiaSpend analysis of female corporators of the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) as municipal elections are held today. Our main findings: There are 119 female corporators over the current term (2012-17), compared to 110 male corporators. Only four female corporators have criminal records, compared to 35 male corporators. Women attended 72.5% of MCGM meetings, compared to 73.3% of men who did. On average, each female corporator asked 10 questions per year between 2012 and 2016, compared to 13 for each male corporator. As many as 34.4% of women are graduates or above, compared to 28.1% of men We also found that female corporators spent an average of Rs 53 lakh from their constituency funds, primarily on roads, followed by recreation, sewage, water and sanitation. It was not very different for men, who spent an average of Rs 54 lakh on the same areas. A new scam is unfolding in the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh as the Ministry of Women and Child Development has received lakhs of application forms, filled up and signed by parents of girl children from the state seeking cash benefits under the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme of the Centre. Three alleged narcotics smugglers were arrested and cannabis was seized from their possession in Badalpur area here, police said today. During checking of vehicles last night, a swift car was intercepted and 100 KG ganja with a market value of Rs 5 lakh was found in it, they said, adding three persons - Udhanshu Singh, Dheeraj Choudhary and Kailash - travelling in the car were arrested, DSP Rakesh Kumar said. During interrogation, they revealed that they used to bring cannabis from Nepal via Bihar and take it to Delhi for distribution in NCR areas, police added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A light aircraft today crashed into a shopping centre near the Australian city of Melbourne apparently following a "catastrophic engine failure", killing all five people on board. The twin-engine aircraft - heading to King Island - came in "low and fast" and hit the Direct Factory Outlet (DFO) in Essendon in the state of Victoria this morning. State Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the number of deaths and described it as the state's worst air accident in three decades. The DFO was not open at the time and authorities do not believe staff members were killed in the incident. Police and paramedics rushed to the crash site, where firefighters doused the flames. Victorian Police Assistant commissioner Stephen Leane said it was fortunate more people did not lose their lives in this "catastrophic" event. "It was a catastrophic plane crash that I think has taken a number of lives," he said. "But certainly if we look at the circumstances, we have been very lucky today, depending on the time of day and who was around." Victoria police superintendent Mick Frewen said investigations centred on a "catastrophic engine failure". Craig Lapsley, Emergency Management Commissioner, said witnesses had been treated for shock and trauma but not physical injuries. Essendon airport close to the shopping area has been closed until further notice. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Scotland Yard have arrested five teenagers aged between 15 and 19 on suspicion of planning to join the Islamic State terrorist group. "The arrests relate to plans to travel to join a proscribed organisation," the Metropolitan Police said in a statement. "Officers from the Scotland Yard Counter Terrorism Command have today, yesterday arrested five males from separate addresses in south, east and west London on suspicion of Preparation of Terrorist Acts, Contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006, the statement said. A further residential address was searched in Lambeth area of London in connection with the investigation, the Met said. All five are being questioned at a central London police station. Some youngsters from London have been at risk of fleeing to Syria and other war zones to join the Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist group. In 2015, three teenage girls from east London went missing and were believed to have joined ISIS. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) About 56 per cent voters today exercised franchise across ten municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the all-important Mumbai civic body BMC which recorded a 55 per cent turn-out. BJP and its bickering ally in the state government Shiv Sena, who could not form an alliance for the civic poll in the megapolis or elsewhere this time, fought keenly, lashing out freely at each other during the bitter campaign. "56 per cent voters exercised franchise across ten municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation which recorded a 55 per cent turn-out," state election commission officials said. The turn-out for 11 Zilla Parishads and 118 panchayat samiti polls was better than in the cities, at 69 per cent, state election officials said this evening. The polling was peaceful across the state. A total of 17,331 candidates are in the fray for 3,210 seats up for grabs in this second phase of civic/local body polls in Maharashtra, being seen as "mini general election". The stakes are high for Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray, who led their respective parties from the front and were involved in a no-holds-barred campaign, relegating the opposition Congress, NCP and other players like MNS and AIMIM to the background. Apart from Mumbai, the municipal corporations which went to the polls included Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Akola, Amravati and Nagpur. As many as 43,160 polling booths were set up and around 2.76 lakh election staff and equal number of police personnel were deployed for the conduct of the elections. More than 1.80 crore electorate were eligible to exercise their franchise in the zilla parishads and panchayat samitis while the total number of urban voters stood at 1.95 crore. In Mumbai, there are 2,275 candidates and 92 lakh voters. The outcome in Asia's largest civic body, run by the Shiv Sena with the BJP's support for the last two decades, will decide the fate of the Devendra Fadnavis government. Retaining the 227-member BMC is vital for Shiv Sena as the city has been its political heartland since its formation in 1966. The campaign turned into a slugfest between the two parties, throwing up the question if there would be a parting of ways post-election. The counting will take place on February 23. BJP, which had been a junior partner of Sena before it gained the upper hand through the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, declined to accept the number of seats offered by the Sena in this poll, setting the stage for a high-voltage electioneering that saw charges and counter-charges flying thick. The BJP has its eyes set on gaining power in BMC, one of world's largest city bodies with an annual budget of over Rs 37,000 crore, undeterred by Sena's threat of pulling the plug on the state government, which its chief put on "notice period" shortly after the campaign took off. The BJP flagged "transparency" in civic administration as the central slogan while the Sena campaigned on its performance in BMC over the last two decades. Larger civic amenities like better roads, water supply and measures to contain pollution were drowned in the political cacophony of the campaign. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Chief Minister Fadnavis and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari cast their votes in Nagpur. NCP supremo Sharad Pawar voted in Mumbai. Though it was a very busy and eventful day for N Chandrasekaran who took over as Tata Sons chairman, casting ballot took precedence over his professional engagements. Bollywood celebrities like Rekha, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, Zoya Akhtar, Gulzar and others were also seen in the queue to cast their votes for the BMC, some of them voicing concern over the civic amenities in the megapolis. For 1,268 seats of the ten municipal corporations, there are 9,208 candidates; for 11 zilla parishads there are 2,956 candidates for 654 seats, and 5,167 candidates for 1,288 seats in 118 panchayat samitis. The first phase of 15 zilla parishads and 165 panchayat samitis polling was held on February 16 where 69 per cent voters exercised their franchise. News / National by Staff reporter A FAMILY of Christ Church pastor has been dragged to the maintenance court by his wife seeking $788 for the upkeep of their two children and spousal maintenance.Rodwell Marumahoko told Bulawayo magistrate Mr Tinashe Tashaya that he could only afford to give his wife Beatrice $100 per month.The pastor said he had stopped maintaining his wife because they were in the process of getting a divorce and she was a businesswoman."I cannot maintain her because she is a businesswoman who owns mines and has a lot of money. She deserted me and bought a house in Burnside suburb.She took our children and l heard that they are paying school fees of $1 500 per term each," said Mr Marumahoko.He said he has a lot of responsibilities including clearing a water bill which has accumulated to $2 360.Mrs Marumahoko rejected the $100 maintenance offer saying it was too little."Man of God why are you lying in court? You know that these days l am broke and l am not working. You need deliverance, maybe you will know what you are supposed to do as a man," she said."I wonder what you tell your congregants if you are failing to tell this court the truth. The reason why you don`t want to pay spousal maintenance is because last Christmas we left you when we were flying to Durban with my children for an outing."Mrs Marumahoko told the court that she left the pastor because he was an abusive man who used to assault her in the presence of their children.She said she needed $788 a month to start a business and pay school fees for her children."Your Worship, l swear if l get back on my feet l will come and discharge maintenance. If l do not do that, may this court send me to prison for six months as punishment," Mrs Marumahoko said.Mr Tashaya ordered the pastor to pay $388 per month for the upkeep of his wife and children. About 56 per cent voters today exercised their franchise in the polling for 10 municipal corporations across Maharashtra, including the all-important Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in Mumbai. 55 per cent voting was recorded for BMC polls, eclipsing the last poll percentage by almost 10 per cent. The turn-out for 11 Zilla Parishads and 118 Panchayat Samiti polls in the state was 69 per cent, election officials said. Polling began at 7.30 AM at 43,160 polling stations across the state. In Mumbai, voting picked up as the day progressed with several politicians and film celebrities and industry figures stepping out to exercise their franchise. The impressive polling in Mumbai -- compared to 2012-- has brought cheer to leaders of BJP as the party is seeking to wrest control of India's richest civic body from its bickering alliance partner in the state government, the Shiv Sena. The Maharashtra state election commission released the primary figures of polling across nine municipal corporations (besides Mumbai) in the state late in the evening. These are as follows: Thane (58 per cent), Ulhasnagar (48 per cent), Pune (54 per cent), Pimpri Chinchwad (67 per cent), Solapur (60 per cent), Nashik (60 per cent), Akola (56 per cent), Amravati (55 per cent) and Nagpur (53 per cent). The rural areas where Zilla Parishad elections were held fared better than the cities. The district-wise percentage for ZP elections is as follows: Raigad (71), Ratnagiri (64), Sindhudurg (70), Nashik (68), Pune (70), Satara (70), Sangli (65), Solapur (68), Kolhapur (70), Amravati (67) and Gadchiroli (68). The average percentage of turn-out for ZP polls was at 69.43 per cent. NCP president Sharad Pawar was among early voters in Mumbai, while Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray and his family voted at a booth near Thackeray residence in Bandra. BJP leaders who cast their votes in the city included party's Mumbai unit chief Ashish Shelar, MP Poonam Mahajan and Shaina NC. Former Lok Sabha Speaker and Shiv Sena leader Manohar Joshi and MNS chief Raj Thackeray also cast their vote in the megapolis. In Nagpur, early voters included RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, while Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis cast his vote along with wife Amruta and mother in city's Dharampeth area around 11.45 AM. Eminent personalities including former Mumbai Police Commissioner Julio Ribeiro, Joint Police Commissioner Deven Bharti, Election Commissioner K S Saharia, BMC Commissioner Ajoy Mehta also cast their votes in Mumbai. Chief Minister Fadnavis greeted people of Mumbai for the "record" turn-out. "Thank you Mumbai for the record voting percentage & people from all Municipal Corporations & ZP for participating in festival of democracy!" Fadnavis tweeted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Suicide bombers on Tuesday tried to storm a court in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing at least seven persons and injuring 14 in the latest terrorist attack in the country. The attackers opened fire and threw grenades as they attempted to enter the sessions court premises in Tangi, prompting retaliatory fire by the security forces deployed there. Three attackers were killed in the police action. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack. "Several terrorists attacked the court and resorted to heavy firing at the main gate of the lower courts," police said. One bomber was killed in the firing at the gate and the second was killed as he entered the court. The third bomber died when he detonated his explosives, officials said. "Seven people were killed and 14 were injured during the attack," Sohail Khalid, district police chief Charsadda, said, adding judges and lawyers were safe. Khalid said due to tight security the bombers could not enter the court, but had they been successful in entering the premises it "would have been a catastrophe". A search and rescue operation was underway, he added. Ambulances have been rushed to Charsadda from Peshawar, approximately 30 kilometres away, where the Lady Reading Hospital has been put on high alert. District hospitals have been put on high alert. The latest attack came as security has been tightened across Pakistan after a recent wave of terrorist strikes killed more than 100 people. On Thursday, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offesive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. A suicide bomber had struck a local court in Charsadda's Shabqadar area last year in March, killing 17 people. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is making a desperate bid to resurrect his stature but the absence of credibility is haunting him, chief co-ordinator of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee Ashok Gehlot said. "Indira Gandhi's aura was different, while the aura of Modi is diminishing. Gandhi was ousted in a poll primarily due to the anger of voters but she was again accepted by them," he told PTI refusing to draw any comparison between Modi and the late prime minister. "Modi had got a chance but he lost it. Senior party leaders like Murli Manohar Joshi and L K Advani have been marginalised. BJP workers are feeling suffocated," the former Rajasthan chief minister said here. Gehlot said a sense of frustration has penetrated deep in his mind and added that "Modi is making a desperate bid to resurrect his stature but the absence of credibility is haunting him". Sharpening his attack, he said, "Congress never bothered for power. But I think BJP is going to meet the same fate in Uttar Pradesh as in the Assembly elections of Delhi and Bihar." He said BIMARU states was only a new jumla (rhetoric) coined by Modi. "BIMARU is simply a jumla and nothing else. What is the definition of BIMARU, can you tell me? In fact, Modi is an expert in telling lies," Gehlot said, adding that Modi is busy creating a rift between the rich and the poor. Claiming that "dictatorship" has raised its ugly head in the BJP, Gehlot said Modi's current image resembles that of US President Donald Trump. "After 30 years, a particular party got a clear mandate. When Modi came to power, the writing on the wall was that this government would last for 10 years and this view emanated across different political parties," Gehlot said, adding that in two-and-half years, Modi's image has taken a beating. Criticising the body language of the Prime Minister, Gehlot alleged that Modi is a pro-corporate man and he is hell bent on realising his vested political and electoral interests. "Have you seen any PM make such speeches, repeatedly clapping to emphasise on a particular point?" he asked. On demonetisation, Gehlot said following the note ban, there was an atmosphere of uncertainty in the entire country. "The credibility of the banks and currency notes have taken a beating. Note ban has yielded no positive results. There was no logic behind replacing the old Rs 1,000 currency notes with the new Rs 2,000 notes. There has been an increase in the quantum of corruption in Income Tax department and banks," he claimed. The chief coordinator of UPCC admitted that the decision to have the SP-Congress alliance was a sudden development for the party workers. "But, in the larger interest of the nation and UP, and to stop fascist and communal forces of the BJP from storming to power, the alliance was eventually approved by both the parties," he said. He said party workers after being confused over the alliance, gradually understood its need and importance. "And, subsequently, they reconciled," he said. On whether the nascent alliance would continue in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he said, "All options are open." He went on to claim that when UPA-1 had formed government in 2004, very few people had thought that it would rule the country for close to a decade. Vice President Hamid Ansari today arrived in Uganda after wrapping up a three-day visit of Rwanda during which he held bilateral talks with the leadership and attended a business forum during which both the countries signed agreements. Ansari was received at the Entebbe International Airport by his Ugandan counterpart Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi. He was also given a guard of honour at the VIP reception area. This is the first high-level bilateral visit from the country to Uganda since 1997, Ministry of External Affairs officials said. The Vice President arrived in Kampala this evening after bidding farewell to Rwanda, where he spent three days in its capital Kigali. Uganda is the last leg of his five-day two-nation visit to these East African countries. During his visit here from February 21-23 he will meet and hold bilateral talks with President Yoweri Museveni, attend a banquet hosted by him and pay floral tributes to the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Jinja. Besides, meeting the top leadership, Ansari will also attend India-Uganda Business Forum tomorrow. On February 23, he will also interact with the Indian community here. The Vice President along with wife Salma, is traveling with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla, four MPs -- Kanimozhi, Ranvijay Singh Judev, Ranee Narah and P K Biju, and senior officials. Ansari embarked on the trip on February 19. He arrived in Rwandan capital Kigali the same evening and attended a banquet hosted there by the Indian High Commission of Uganda. The Vice President had said that this visit is part of a "conscious effort" by the Indian government to "intensify interactions" with Africa. In Kigali, Ansari paid tributes at the Kigali Genocide Memorial and called it a symbol of an "indomitable spirit" of the people of Rwanda in finding reconciliation with its turbulent past. He also launched India-Rwanda innovation Growth Programme yesterday after which the two sides signed three MoUs for setting up an entrepreneurship development centre in Rwanda, starting flight service from Kigali to Mumbai from April 3, and for working on mutual exemption of visa requirements for holders of diplomatic and official passports. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP, which is a coalition partner in Mehbooba Mufti led government in Jammu and Kashmir, today accused the state government of rewarding "stone-pelters and terrorists". "It is shocking to know that anti-national and anti-social elements are preferred over the martyrs by the (state) government", BJP State Spokesperson Virender Gupta said today. "It is indeed very unfortunate that the stone pelters and the terrorists are being rewarded," he alleged. "Soft and friendly approach towards those staging proxy war against the nation at the behest of enemy or those who indulge in anti-social or anti-national activities on their instigation is really hurting," he said. He said that it was distressing that no announcement has been made for the compensation to any of the families of the soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defending the sovereignty of the country. Gupta said that it was "shocking to know that anti-national and anti-social elements are preferred over the martyrs by the government." He claimed that the BJP has always been at the forefront in providing financial assistance recently it gave Rs 5 lakh each to the two families of soldiers killed in Uri attack. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A retired High Court judge will conduct an inquiry into the alleged leak of question papers in two subjects during the ongoing class X Assam board examination. State Education Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, "We will conduct a probe into the entire matter by a former High Court Judge once the examinations are over." He also said he would request Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to relieve him from the education portfolio. Question papers of social studies and modern indian languages (Assamese) subjects, examinations for which are due on February 24 and March 7 respectively, were wrongly distributed among students in a couple of examination centres yesterday, in place of mathematics. The Board of Secondary Education, Assam (SEBA), which conducts the class X matric examination, has today announced that new question papers would be set for the social studies and MIL (Assamese) examinations. SEBA also rescheduled the social studies examination to March 11 next. Sarma claimed that the question papers were not distributed among any student or leaked. He said SEBA has decided to hold the examinations with new set of papers in order to dispel any doubt in the minds of the examinees. "We have received official reports that only the question paper bundles of these two subjects were wrongly opened by the headmasters (of schools where examination centres were set up) who had immediately sealed them again," he said. "Since media reports had led to doubts in the minds of people, we are going for a new set of question papers," he added. Blaming the media for creating the question paper leak story, the minister alleged that "personal vendetta of a proprietor of a leading media house in the state" against him had led to the situation. "The innocent students are being held hostage in this personal feud. I will request the chief minister to relieve me of the education department since I do not want students to suffer because of a personal clash," Sarma added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Austrian court today approved a US extradition request for a Ukrainian oligarch suspected of paying millions of dollars in bribes to Indian officials. The court decision overturns a lower court ruling nearly two years ago against extraditing Dymitro Firtash. The judge then said that the US move was at least partially politically motivated through links to political events in Ukraine, and not supported by sufficient evidence. Extradition, however, is still not a certainty. Leo Levnaic-Iwanski, who headed the judges' panel of the Upper State Court, said the final decision will be made by Justice Minister Wolfgang Brandstetter. Firtash was indicted in Chicago by a US grand jury in 2012 for allegedly paying off officials through US banks in a failed attempt to secure titanium mining rights in India. Arrested a year later in Vienna, Firtash posted bail of 125 million euros (more than USD 130 million) shortly afterward, leaving him free but unable to leave Austria. One of Ukraine's most influential businessmen, Firtash, 51, is well connected both in Moscow and with Ukrainian politicians opposed to the Kremlin. He earned millions of dollars in the natural gas trading sector under deposed pro-Russian Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The city medical examiner was expected to perform an autopsy today on Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, who died a day earlier after falling ill at his office at Russia's UN mission. Spokeswoman Julie Bolcer said the case was referred to the office by the hospital. The medical examiner is responsible for investigating deaths that occur by criminal violence, accident, suicide, suddenly or when the person seemed healthy, or if someone died in any unusual or suspicious manner. Most of the deaths investigated by the office are not suspicious. Vitaly Churkin, who died a day before his 65th birthday, had been Russia's envoy at the United Nations since 2006. He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the UN's most powerful body. The Security Council held a moment of silence today in memory of Churkin, whom UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called "not only an outstanding diplomat but an extraordinary human being." Russian President Vladimir Putin esteemed Churkin's "professionalism and diplomatic talents," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the state agency TASS. Moscow has not yet given a date for the funeral. Diplomatic colleagues from around the world mourned Churkin as a master in their field, saying he had both a deep knowledge of diplomacy and a large and colorful personality. US Ambassador Nikki Haley said that while she and Churkin did not always agree, "he unquestionably advocated his country's positions with great skill." Her predecessor, Samantha Power, described him on Twitter as a "diplomatic maestro and deeply caring man" who had done all he could to bridge differences between the US and Russia. Those differences were evident when Power and Churkin spoke at the Security Council last month, and Power lashed out at Russia for annexing Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and for carrying out "a merciless military assault" in Syria. Churkin countered that Democratic former President Barack Obama's administration, which Power served in, was "desperately" searching for scapegoats for its failures in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Churkin died weeks into some major adjustments for Russia, the UN and the international community, with a new secretary-general at the world body and a new administration in Washington. Meanwhile, the Security Council is due this week to discuss Ukraine and Syria. From Moscow's vantage point, "Churkin was like a rock against which were broken the attempts by our enemies to undermine what constitutes the glory of Russia," TASS quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh today assured India that its soil will not be allowed to be used by anti-India elements and denied existence of any camp of Northeast insurgent groups. This was conveyed to the Director General (DG) of the Border Security Force (BSF) K K Sharma by chief of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) Major General Abul Hossain during the 44th border coordination conference held here. According to a joint statement, "DG BGB stated that there are no Indian Insurgent Groups camp/ hideout inside Bangladesh. DG BGB further mentioned that Bangladesh does not allow her soil to be used by any entity or element hostile to any country which stems from the principle position of the highest leadership of the country". DG BSF sought further cooperation from BGB for destruction of reported hideouts of (Indian Insurgent Groups) in Bangladesh and safe release of Indian nationals whenever abducted by them, it said. The five-day meet highlighted the importance of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) in curbing the menace of trans-border crimes like smuggling of arms, ammunition, explosives, drugs and narcotics including Yaba (Amphetamine), fake currency notes, gold and cattle, breaching of IBB (Indo-Bangladesh Border) fence, dacoities, theft, abductions etc and both sides agreed to implement CBMP in letter and spirit. Both sides agreed to take effective steps to prevent human trafficking and illegal crossing. Both the delegation agreed to enhance joint capacity building of personnel from either side, sharing of information regarding organised criminal activities, increased surveillance in areas vulnerable to crimes of the border. In this regard, mapping of vulnerable areas to trans- border criminal activities will be updated as and when required and before each DG-level talk, the statement said. The chief of Border Guard Bangladesh expressed grave concern on the incidents of firing and killing of Bangladeshi nationals and emphasised the need for bringing the death toll to zero through exercising extreme caution by BSF and sensitising Indian nationals. Highlighting the fact that though the non-lethal strategy has proved extremely successful in reducing deaths in the border, DG BSF said that it has also resulted in an alarming increase in incidents of attacks by the criminals on BSF personnel. He also conveyed that BSF personnel fire with non-lethal weapon only in self-defense. DG BSF sought cooperation of BGB in stopping Bangladeshi nationals from crossing the IB, the joint statement said. (Reopens FGN 41) Joint efforts by BGB and BSF will be undertaken to bring down the killing incidence to zero by increasing coordinated patrols in areas vulnerable to cattle and drug smuggling, educating border population about the sanctity of IB and preventing criminals from crossing the IB. Both sides agreed to conduct joint spot verification and appraisal on major incident/ killing in the bordering areas of Bangladesh and India which will go a long way to reduce the differences of opinion or understanding regarding any major incidents. DG BGB expressed gratitude to Government of India and BSF for approving plans to use Indian border roads for constructing new BGB BOPs in remote areas of Chittagong Hill Tracts. DG BSF requested to expedite verification of nationality for early repatriation of BD nationals found staying in Indian Jails/ Correction homes. DG BSF informed the house that, Indian Government has authorized BSF for repair and maintenance of border pillars except in the state of Meghalaya. Both sides agreed to formulate common modalities for repair and maintenance of border pillars. Both the DGs decided to approach their concerned ministries to increase the number of 'border haats' and promote 'border tourism' which will help improving socio-economic condition of the bordering people. In a bank robbery, miscreants looted Rs 6.60 lakh from Mahichala branch of Utkal Gramya Bank in Odisha's Kalahandi district, police said. The miscreants broke open a window to enter the bank and looted the cash last night, the police said. A gas cutter was used by them to cut the window and an iron chest which contained cash. They, however, failed to open the other chest containing gold, the police said. An FIR has been lodged by the bank manager at Junagarh police station, a police officer said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / National by Staff reporter THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has given building societies up to March 31, 2017 to submit detailed plans on housing development projects they intend to embark on between now and next year.In the 2017 Monetary Policy statement presented last week, RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya said housing and infrastructure development were critical for sustainable growth of the economy."There is currently a gap in the provision of housing and the banking sector plays a central role in bridging this gap."In this regard, building societies are required to submit detailed plans by March 31, 2017, on the housing development projects and units they will be undertaking in 2017 and 2018," said the Governor.He said in 2016, building societies funded a total of 1 531 new units valued at $75,02 million. Under Zim-Asset, the Government targets developing 300 000 housing units by 2018."It is encouraging to note that the highest number of housing units funded during 2016 was targeted at low income households in the high density areas," said Dr Mangudya.The Governor said there was further scope for building societies to re-engineer their business models, mobilise funding and forge partnerships with relevant partners to offer affordable housing units.One of the building societies, the National Building Society (NBS), has already set a target to deliver 10 000 residential units this year and 100 000 by 2021.The National Social Security Authority (NSSA) owned-building society, which was launched last year, has so far managed to deliver 1 000 housing units.As part of efforts to improve the country housing development initiative in line with Zim-Asset, NBS has also made further investment into housing projects setting aside an additional funding ranging between $30 million and $35 million.The building society was launched with an initial capital investment amounting to $25 million. Zimbabwe's housing backlog is estimated at 1,25 million.Dr Mangudya has also challenged microfinance institutions to develop innovative housing micro-finance in line with developments in other countries."Microfinance for housing is believed to progressively upgrade poor families' homes."Such upgrades will entail building a home in incremental steps by improving existing infrastructure rooms including adding a room, or installing water or electricity."As at 31 December 2016, the portfolio in mortgage business by building societies ranged between 40 percent and 73 percent signifying the need to align to the recommended thresholds of 80 percent previously announced by the Reserve Bank," he said.According to the RBZ boss, 796 high density housing units were funded to the tune of $16,1 million in 2016 while during the same period 116 medium density houses were funded at a cost of $6,3 million.During the same period, 564 low density housing units were funded to the tune of $35 million. Popular comedian Bharti Singh says she is excited to get married by the end of this year and is looking forward to all the ceremonies which will happen during her marriage. Bharti says she wants to enjoy her wedding with all the hustle bustle along with her would be husband, Haarsh Limbhachiyaa. "I am very excited for the wedding but more so for all the ceremonies, like 'mehandi' and 'sangeet'. I want to do it all because all throughout the year we work hard and don't get to do these things," Bharti told PTI. "Haarsh is so simple that he doesn't like all this 'shor-sharaba' but I am opposite, I like all these things. He had to agree with me because I am his would be wife," she quipped. The 32-year-old comedian says, while a date has not yet been fixed, the couple will get married by the end of the year. "By November-December we will get married. We haven't decided a date yet because there are a lot of shows we are working on. When I want to get married, I wouldn't like to do anything for one month before that. "I want to just get busy with pre-wedding preparations. Shootings will keep happening but marriage happens only once." Bharti is currently busy shooting for Sony Max's show "Bittu Bak Bak" along with Krushna Abhishek. The show is a comic relief filler, formulated as spoofs on iconic scenes from Bollywood. On the show, Bharti is seen as a mischievous student 'Bittu' while Krushna features as a teacher. Bharti says working with Krushna, with whom she has collaborated several times in the past, makes things absolutely at ease. "I get so comfortable when Krushna is around. There are certain things which if I can't do, he will handle. He doesn't have any ego that 'I am the star so don't give any lines to Bittu where he takes my case'." Bharti says she realised the reach of the show when she was approached by a fan in Maldives who called out her name as 'Bittu' and credits the entire team, including Haarsh who has written the gags. "We shoot all the gags together and the experience on set is lively. Right from the light 'dada' to actors, we have a ball shooting it. There is a lot of improvisation and comfort zone. I am friends with all the unit and on top of it, Haarsh is writing it. So it is very peaceful. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A case has been lodged against a senior Congress leader in Bihar for allegedly sexually exploiting a minor girl who is daughter of a former state minister hailing from the same party. Bihar Congress Vice-President Brajesh Kumar alias Brajesh Pandey has been booked under POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences). Inspector General of Police (Weaker Section) Anil Kishore Yadav confirmed the lodging of case under POCSO against Kumar on the basis of supervision note submitted by CID Women's cell Deputy Superintendent of Police Mamta Kalyani. Refusing to divulge more details the IGP told PTI today that investigation is on in the matter. The Congress leader's name has been included in the case along with main accused Nikhil Priyadarshi. The girl alleged Priyadarshi duping her in the name of marriage and blackmailed her with his brother, another co-accused and the Congress leader. An FIR has been registered in this connection with SC/ST police station in Patna. Priyadarshi and other co-accused are absconding after a lower court here had recently rejected his anticipatory bail application. When contacted the state Congress chief spokesman H K Verma refused any comment on the issue. Bihar Congress President and minister Ashok Choudhary is out of state campaigning for the party in Uttar Pradesh. Brajesh Pandey had unsuccessfully contested from Govindganj constituency in East Champaran in 2015. The girl appeared on local TV channels today and narrated her woes. She alleged that Brajesh Pandey was introduced to her as a big leader and used to threaten her with dire consequences. She also alleged Pandey of being involved in a sex racket. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP leader Vishwajit Krishnarao Rane, who has been accused by his former driver of killing a man over 10 years ago, today said allegations levelled against him were "politically motivated". Pandurang Adarkar, a former driver of Rane, has claimed he had witnessed the killing of one Shanu Gaonkar in 2006 by the BJP leader, who contested the February 4 Goa Assembly election from Poriem constituency. "The allegations are baseless. I had removed the driver from his job two months before election as he used to pick up quarrels with people," Rane told PTI, breaking his silence over the allegations which surfaced on Sunday. "The conduct of the driver would have worked against me during the elections so I relieved him of his duty and sent back home. "During election campaigning, he often called me and requested to take him back in service, but I did not entertain him as I was busy in the campaigning," he said. The BJP leader said he was shocked after a video surfaced on social media in which Adarkar purportedly claimed he was a witness to Rane "shooting" Gaonkar dead in Sattari tehsil. "He has been used by my political opponents for their gains. The allegations are politically motivated," Rane maintained. The driver, currently detained by Valpoi police, had claimed Rane shot Gaonkar in a bar to avenge the killing of his brother Prithviraj who was lynched by a mob in 2005. Police have started a preliminary inquiry into the allegations and are recording statements of people named by Adarkar in the video. Inspector Dipak Pednekar has said he would not summon Rane till preliminary inquiry is over. Meanwhile, Congress today demanded immediate arrest of Rane. "Rane should be immediately arrested. Only his custodial interrogation would reveal the truth," All India Congress Committee Secretary Girish Chodankar told reporters here. (Reopens BOM15) The Congress leader said police were under pressure from some of their seniors due to which there is no fair inquiry into the claims made by Adarkar, a native of Kolhapur in adjoining Maharashtra. In a related development, social activist Aires Rodrigues today moved a petition before Goa State Human Rights Commission seeking directives to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to conduct an impartial inquiry in the case. Rane contested the Assembly election from Poriem constituency against Congress leader Pratapsinh Rane. Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu today exuded confidence of BJP winning the Uttar Pradesh assembly election with majority and said SP and BSP are only fighting for the role of main opposition party. Naidu, who holds the portfolios of Information and Broadcasting and Urban Development, also criticised Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav for his "donkeys of Gujarat" comment, saying language used was not "people's language". "We have full confidence that BJP will win with majority in Uttar Pradesh and form the government. Both SP and BSP are fighting for the role of opposition. People will decide who will be the opposition party between SP and BSP," he told reporters here. Naidu was speaking on the sidelines of a conference 'Real Estate Sector Post Remonetisation and RERA', organised by PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. On Yadav's comment about "donkeys of Gujarat", he said, "When we address the people, we should speak the people's language. We understand that this (Yadav's comment) is not people's language". Yesterday while addressing a rally at Rae Bareli, Yadav advised Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan not to endorse the "donkeys of Gujarat". Without taking names, he referred to an advertisement in which Bachchan, the brand ambassador of Gujarat Tourism, is seen inviting tourists to visit the Wild Ass Sanctuary located in Little Rann of Kutch in the state. "There's an advertisement on TV which shows donkeys. I appeal to the century's biggest star, please stop endorsing the donkeys of Gujarat," Yadav had said. Hitting out at SP-Congress coalition, Naidu said the SP has aligned with Congress which he alleged was responsible for black money and corruption. He dubbed the coalition as "immoral and unrealistic" and claimed that people on the ground are "not accepting" it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An advertisement published in newspapers today sparked off another controversy with the Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP rushing to the State Election Commission with complaints of violation of the model code. The Sena objected to the full page advertisement featuring Bollywood actor Aamir Khan which was released by NGO Mumbai First. Yuva Sena officer-bearer Dharmendra Mishra has lodged a complaint this afternoon with the SEC objecting to the advertisement. In his complaint Mishra said, "The words and images used in the newspaper clearly say about change of government (refers to the change of power in BMC) which is nothing but an act of their corrupt practices which they are using for the purpose of influencing voters." The parties argued that the use of words 'transparency' and 'transformation', the key words in BJP's election campaign for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) election amounted to influencing voters. The advertisement also urged Mumbai's electorate to exercise their franchise and stated, among other things, that people must vote for accountability and transparency. The SEC had banned any political advertisement after 5.30 PM on February 19, the deadline of campaigning. About 56 per cent voters today exercised franchise across ten municipal corporations in Maharashtra, including the all-important Mumbai civic body BMC which recorded a 55 per cent turn-out. According to state Congress spokesperson Sachin Sawant, "The advertisement in English and Marathi newspapers clearly highlights the issues of transparency and change promoted by the BJP." "Although it has been issued by an organisation, everybody knows its close association to Devendra Fadnavis. This is a blatant violation of code of conduct and we have a meeting with the State Election Commissioner to lodge a complaint tomorrow," he said. NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik has pointed out that as per the new notification of Election Commission, no advertisement can be published 48 hours prior to the polling day. "BJP has a role to play in this advertisement. The NCP will take up the issue with the SEC and ensure an FIR is filed against those involved," he said. State Election Commissioner J S Saharia said, "The commission will take cognizance once the complaint is registered." "Raising the issues faced by citizens for awareness in the election is the right of any organisation. We will take action if a nexus is proved by the complainant," Saharia said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bihar Congress Vice-President Brajesh Kumar alias Brajesh Pandey has been booked in a case of sexual exploitation of a minor girl, following which he tendered resignation from his post. Pandey has been booked under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on the basis of a supervision note submitted by CID Women's cell DSP Mamta Kalyani, IGP (Weaker Section) Anil Kishore Yadav told PTI today. Refusing to divulge more details, the IGP told PTI that investigation is on in the matter. Pandey's name has been included in the case along with main accused Nikhil Priyadarshi. The victim girl, daughter of a former state minister also from Congress, alleged that Priyadarshi duped her in the name of marriage and blackmailed her with his brother, another co-accused and the Congress leader. An FIR has been registered in this connection with SC/ST police station in Patna. Priyadarshi and the other co-accused are absconding after a local court recently rejected their anticipatory bail. The girl appeared on local TV channels today and narrated her woes. Alleging that Pandey, who was introduced to her as a big leader, used to threaten her with dire consequences, she accused him of being involved in a sex racket. As the matter hogged media limelight, Pandey resigned from his post saying, "I do not want that the party suffer in any manner because of me". He faxed his resignation letter to state party president Ashok Choudhary. State party spokesman Harkhu Jha said in a statement that the state president, who is now campaigning for Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, accepted the resignation. Pandey, who had unsuccessfully contested from Govindganj constituency in East Champaran in 2015, pleaded innocence in his resignation letter. The victim girl has been accusing Nikhil Priyadarshi and his family but "I do not know how come she is now naming me... I am deliberately victimised on behalf of somebody," he said in the letter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The city police on Tuesday arrested six youths for allegedly vandalising the regional office of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in Hyderabad for not giving clearance to the Telugu film "Sharanam Gachchami". Six protesters, belonging to various student organisations, barged into the office in Kavadiguda area and damaged the furniture while shouting slogans, said an officer from Gandhi Nagar police station. A employee suffered minor injuries during the incident, he added. The students were protesting non-issuance of censor certificate to "Sharanam Gachchami", the police officer said. A official lodged a complaint with the police and the students were arrested under The Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and IPC offences of trespass, criminal intimidation, etc. "Sharanam Gachchami", which touches on the issue of reservations, was sent to the CBFC regional office in the first week of January but was refused clearance, the film's director Enumula Prem Raj had said earlier. China is building a third aircraft carrier based on American models as it seeks to fortify its claims in the disputed South China Sea and dominate the larger Indian Ocean region to realise its blue water aspirations. Chinese experts said China is on course to build 5-6 aircraft carriers. While the first aircraft carrier, Liaoning, is a refitted Soviet-era ship, the second is being built on the same model with more advanced facilities and is likely to enter service in 2020. The latest carrier, under construction at Shanghai, is based on US models, state-run Global Times reported today. Based on information released by Chinese defence ministry, the second Type 001A carrier being built at the northeast Dalian port uses the ski-jump technology for aircraft to take off, like the first carrier Liaoning rather than a more advanced catapult technology used by American carriers. The second aircraft carrier is expected to have a displacement of 50,000 tonnes. China is looking into catapult technology for the third Type 002 carrier being built in Shanghai, the daily quoted Li Jie, a naval military expert, as saying. "In other words, 002 is entirely different from Liaoning (001) and 001A, and it will look like a US aircraft carrier rather than a Russian one," Li added. Official Chinese media have earlier reported about the possibility of a third carrier but it is the first time they have announced that it was being built. Most advanced carriers use the Electromagnetic Catapult System, or Electromagnetic launcher (EML), to launch fighter jets, but China is also testing steam catapults, Li said. "In order to protect China's territories and overseas interests, China needs two carrier strike groups in the West Pacific Ocean and two in the Indian Ocean. So we need at least five to six aircraft carriers," Yin Zhuo, a senior researcher at the PLA Navy Equipment Research Centre, said. Chinese media has often highlighted the construction of aircraft carriers as the US deployed aircraft carriers in the disputed South China Sea challenging Beijing's claims. The US Navy on Sunday announced that an aircraft carrier strike group has begun "routine operations" in the South China Sea. The announcement came despite a warning from China not to interfere with Chinese sovereignty in the region. China has a long history of maritime disputes with its South China Sea neighbours. It claims almost all of the South China Sea, despite objections from the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam. China has also created artificial islands in the area, outfitting some of them with military features. (REOPENS FGN 8) Meanwhile, the Liaoning carried extensive exercises in the South China Sea and Taiwan straits. China is ramping up plans to produce J-15 fighter jets to be deployed on the carriers. Some of them are seen exercising on the Liaoning. China Central Television has reported that the second carrier's scaffold has been removed and a red undercoat has been painted below its waterline. A launch ceremony will soon be held. "Unlike the Liaoning, the 001A is China-built, and its design, combat capability and technologies will be much more advanced," said Song Zhongping, a military expert. "One key difference is the design will be more 'humanised,' which means all personnel on the carrier will enjoy a more comfortable and modern environment," Song said. However, "there's still a long way to go from its launch to enlistment, which normally takes two years," Yin said. "Its status can be compared to a house whose paint job has been completed but requires decorating, which, in military terms, is called the 'outfitting stage'," Song said. It means all weapons and equipment, including the radar, air-defence and communications system will be outfitted on the carrier. After this, the carrier and aircraft on it will be tested and then the carrier will be ready to serve, Song said. A large amount of work remains to be done on the carrier's outfitting stage after it's launched, presumably sometime this year, Li said. "It will take about one to two years to carry out functional debugging of its devices, weapons and equipment. The new aircraft carrier can begin sea trials by early 2019," he said. The Supreme Court today said a constitution bench would in May hear the question whether the children of illegal migrants born here can avail the benefit of citizenship under the existing law. A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that four constitution benches would sit during the summer vacations, scheduled from May 11 to July 1, to hear contentious issues, including triple talaq, constitutional validity of Aadhaar and status of children of illegal Bangladeshi migrants to Assam. Besides, the larger bench would also deal with the issue of constitutional validity of section 6A of the Citizenship Act with regard to the cut-off date for awarding citizenship to the Bangladeshi migrants. "We will have four constitution bench (during summer vacations). This matter will be one of them," the bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul, said. At the outset, the bench told the petitioners, "You do not seem to be serious. You are taking it very casually". The parties in the case contended before the bench that they were ready to argue the matter during the vacation. "Counsel for the parties agrees that this matter be posted for hearing in the vacations. Let it be fixed for May 11," the bench said. In July 1025, another bench of the apex court had referred the question for adjudication by a constitutional bench. "We are referring to the Constitution bench the question as to the whether the children of illegal migrants would get the benefit of Section 3 of the Citizenship Act, as amended," the bench headed by Justice Ranjan Gogoi had said. The bench, which was hearing various pleas arising out of its verdict on PILs on influx of illegal Bangladeshi migrants to Assam, had decided to keep monitoring the implementation of its directions. It had earlier passed a slew of directions, including an order to the Centre to complete the fencing work along the India-Bangladesh border within three months to check cross-border influx of illegal Bangladesh nationals into Assam and streamline the process to deport them back. The apex court had also laid down a time-table for updating of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam so that the entire updated register is published by the end of January, 2016. It had earlier appointed a panel of three former High Court judges, headed by Justice Aftab H Saikia, to monitor the NRC updation. The apex court had also asked NRC to consider the request for registration by persons in Assam who were not residents of the state till March 24, 1971, if they provide proof of their citizenship of other Indian states. In December 2014, the apex court had referred to a larger bench the issue of constitutional validity of section 6A of the Citizenship Act with regard to the cut-off date for awarding citizenship to the migrants. It had asked the Centre to detect and deport all illegal migrants who have come to Assam after March 25, 1971 and hold discussions with the Bangladesh government to ensure that illegal migrants are sent back. It had ruled that the foreigners, who came to India between January 1, 1966 to March 24, 1971, be awarded citizenship as per law. The apex court's verdict had come on the pleas of Assam Sanmilita Mahasangha, Assam Public Works and All Assam Ahom Association filed in the aftermath of large-scale riots in 2012 and 2014 resulting in the death of a large number of persons. In their writ petition, the petitioners have said the sovereignty and integrity of India is itself at stake as a massive influx of illegal migrants from a neighbouring country has affected the core constitutional value. Rajya Sabha MP K T S Tulsi, BJP leader Subramaniam Swamy and AAP today joined Union minister Venkaiah Naidu in demanding a thorough probe into allegations that former CBI chief Amar Pratap Singh favoured controversial meat exporter Moin Qureshi. "The allegations have to be throughly enquired into. It is a real shame for all of us that director of a premier investigative agency has now been charged," Naidu said earlier. "This shows the level of corruption that has crept into the system. It should be taken to its logical conclusion and whatever links are there should be throughly investigated," he said. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy said the development has sent a message that anybody, irrespective of his position, could be brought to book. "In the first time in history, a CBI director has been brought to book," he said. Senior lawyer and Rajya Sabha MP K T S Tulsi, who was nominated to the Upper House during the UPA regime, said it was a serious blow to the reputation of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). "One after the other the directors seem to be compromising the integrity of law and an institution which is the premier investigating agency in the country. If people lose faith in the institution, how are we going to have inquires against terrorists and those committing most heinous crimes? "It is very important to have faith in the impartiality of the institution. It is a sad state of affairs," he said. Demanding unearthing of the conspiracy in the case, senior AAP leader Ashutosh said the incident reflected the corruption in India's premier investigating agency and the way appointment of its directors was done. The CBI had named Singh along with Qureshi and others in an FIR registered last week for allegedly favouring the meat exporter after receiving a complaint from the Enforcement Directorate. The agency had carried out searches at the residence of Singh yesterday. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / National by YAfm More than hundred dams in the country are now spilling over due to heavy rains still pounding the whole country. Zimbabwe National Water Authority, spokesperson Majorie Munyonga told yafm news that people living near water bodies should be on high alert.ZINWA says there is high probability of flooding in downstream communities, with the traditionally flood prone areas such as Muzarabani, Middle and Lower Sabi, Tsholotsho, Chikwalakwala, Malipati, Gokwe and Chiredzi being at risk.Meanwhile, areas such as Masvingo and parts of Midlands yesterday received some rainfall caused by Tropical Cyclone Dineo. A communal clash was averted near an economic weaker section colony in Giaspura locality here today when two groups of people clashed with each other on a minor pretext, police said. Brickbats and rods were used in the clash in which some persons received minor injuries. According to police, members of both the communities sat together and settled the issue amicably. They also demanded setting up of a permanent police post in the locality so that no such incident took place in future, police added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court has put on trial a lawyer for allegedly sexually assaulting his minor daughter after rejecting the cancellation report of the police giving him a clean chit. Additional Sessions Judge Vinod Yadav pulled up the Delhi Police for "not showing any sensitivity towards the plight of the child" and deliberately delaying recording the statement of the 13-year-old girl before a magistrate. The court refused to accept the cancellation report filed by the police, summoned the accused lawyer after taking cognisance of the offences and framed charges of sexual assault, sexual harassment and threatening his daughter under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and IPC. "I find enough material on record not to accept the cancellation report filed in the matter as the child victim has levelled serious allegation of commission of sexual assault upon her by the accused, who is none other than her father. She had reiterated similar allegations against the accused at the time of her medical examination," the judge said. "For the reasons best known to the investigating officer (IO) the statement of the child under section 164 CrPC was delayed for about six days. It appears that during those six days the accused could win over the child. Neither the IO, nor concerned SHO or ACP have shown the sensitivity towards the plight of the victim in the cancellation report filed in the matter," the court said. The court framed charges against the man, a practicing lawyer, after he pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. He was granted bail after he appeared in the court in pursuance to summons. The girl had told the police that in July 2016, her mother away at her relative's place and she was living in her house along with her father and siblings. She alleged that her father had sexually harassed her by asking for sexual favours and established physical relations with her for several days. She had said her father had sexually assaulted her and used criminal force by twisting her arm with an intention to outrage her modesty. Later, she said in her statement before a magistrate that her father had not committed any crime with her and police officials had come to her house following a quarrel between her parents and took her signatures on a blank paper. The police in its cancellation report said in view of the girl's statement to the magistrate, no cognizable offence was made out against the man. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dal Khalsa today strongly criticised Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh who predicted "terror" revival threat in the state over the Sutlej Yamuna Link (SYL) canal issue, and blamed him for exaggerating the situation. Taking Amarinder to task for allegedly raising the bogey of terror, Dal Khalsa party head Harpal Singh Cheema reminded the former chief minister that the first practical action to effectively stop the construction of the SYL canal was taken up by Babbar Khalsa militants in 1990s. Had it been left to traditional mainstream politicians, the SYL would have been a reality long back, he said. He said the digging of SYL was next to impossible now adding it is not the SYL issue that had the potential to trigger the revival of armed rebellion but the continued "injustice" being meted out to Punjab by all organs of the state. He said if Amarinder was seriously concerned about any possible revival of militancy then he should work to find out respectable resolution to lingering Punjab problem. Cheema said Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader Abhay Chautala was creating chaos only to revive his political moorings, adding the Badal family have abandoned Punjab in this hour of crisis to felicitate their Haryana friend Om Parkash Chautala to play misadventure. He said given the chance, the people of Punjab were enough to deal with the likes of Chautala and protect its water resources from any outside aggression. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das will lead a high level delegation comprising political leaders to China as part of bilateral exchange programme to be held this year. In a letter written to the Chief Minister, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has asked to fix the dates before August 15 and inform the foreign ministry so that the programme could be scheduled after talking to the Chinese authorities, according to an official release. "It is a part of exchange programme of high-level delegations from the both countries with the chief minister as the head of the delegation," it said. The main objective of the programme is to make both the sides understand each other's country to strengthen bilateral relations, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The cause and manner of death of Russia's ambassador to the United Nations needs to be studied further, the city medical examiner has said, a day after the diplomat fell ill at his office at Russia's UN mission and died at a hospital. Further study usually includes toxicology and other screenings, which can take weeks. The case was referred to the medical examiner's office by the hospital, spokeswoman Julie Bolcer said. Vitaly Churkin, who died a day before his 65th birthday, had been Russia's envoy at the United Nations since 2006. He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the UN's most powerful body. The medical examiner is responsible for investigating deaths that occur by criminal violence, accident, suicide, suddenly or when the person seemed healthy, or if someone died in any unusual or suspicious manner. Most of the deaths investigated by the office are not suspicious. Russian President Vladimir Putin esteemed Churkin's "professionalism and diplomatic talents," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the state agency TASS. Moscow has not yet given a date for Churkin's funeral. Diplomatic colleagues from around the world mourned Churkin as a master in their field, saying he had both a deep knowledge of diplomacy and a large and colorful personality. US Ambassador Nikki Haley said that while she and Churkin did not always agree, "he unquestionably advocated his country's positions with great skill." Her predecessor, Samantha Power, described him on Twitter as a "diplomatic maestro and deeply caring man" who had done all he could to bridge differences between the U.S. And Russia. Those differences were evident when Power and Churkin spoke at the Security Council last month, and Power lashed out at Russia for annexing Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and for carrying out "a merciless military assault" in Syria. Churkin countered that Democratic former President Barack Obama's administration, in which Power served, was "desperately" searching for scapegoats for its failures in Iraq, Syria and Libya. Churkin died weeks into some major adjustments for Russia, the UN and the international community, with a new secretary-general at the world body and a new administration in Washington. Meanwhile, the Security Council discussed Ukraine yesterday and is set to discuss Syria later in the week. Ukraine is currently holding the Security Council's rotating presidency, and Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko led members Tuesday in a moment of silence in Churkin's memory. Yelchenko didn't add his own words to the tributes that followed, though Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin gave condolences when reporters asked afterward. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The opposition on Tuesday submitted a letter to Tamil Nadu Assembly Secretary AMP Jamaludeen for a No-Confidence Motion against Speaker P Dhanapal. The DMK's move came a day after party Working President and Leader of Opposition in the Assembly M K Stalin said his party will move a No-Confidence Motion against the Speaker in the backdrop of the February 18 trust vote which Chief Minister E K Palaniswami won with a 122-11 margin. "We have given a letter to the Assembly Secretary for bringing a No-Confidence Motion against Speaker Dhanapal," Stalin told reporters at the Secretariat here. A copy of the letter has been submitted to the Speaker as well, he said. "During the session on February 18, the Speaker acted with ulterior motives. On that basis, given that there is no confidence on him, we have submitted the letter seeking a No-Confidence Motion against him," he said. Stalin on Monday had said would move a No-Confidence Motion against Dhanapal, accusing him of "deliberately harping on his community to malign" the opposition party. His statement had come in response to Dhanapal's charge on Saturday after the confidence vote faced by Palanisamy that he was perhaps targeted by the during the ruckus for hailing from a particular community. "When we see that the Speaker is deliberately harping on his community to maligns us, it is very regrettable. It is a matter of shame, according to us, for Tamil Nadu," Stalin had said. "Therefore, we will move a No-Confidence Motion (against Dhanapal). Signatures of 34 of our MLAs are enough for that and the (Assembly) rules mandate that it (motion) should be taken up within 15 days," he had said. The DMK has 89 MLAs in the 234-member Tamil Nadu Assembly. On Saturday, amidst chaotic scenes involving the DMK which eventually led to eviction of its members enmasse, the Palaniswami government won the trust vote by the huge margin. Political parties of Manipur today met the full bench of Election Commission here and urged it to ensure free and fair elections in the state which will be held in two phases early next month. The ruling Congress also requested the EC to provide more forces in the Naga infested areas of the Hills, so that people can cast their votes without fear. "We have requested them to provide more forces for the hills so that people can vote without fear," state Congress general secretary Vidyapati Sejam told PTI. The opposition BJP expressed satisfaction with the preparations of polls and urged the EC to conduct the elections in a free and fair manner. Another opposition party Trinamool Congress, which is contesting in 24 seats, accused the ruling Congress of letting loose a reign of terror and charged a section of the police officers with working partially. "We have told the EC how our candidates are being threatened by Congress in various places. We want our candidates in hills to be given protection. The police are hand in gloves with Congress and are not taking any action," TMC leader in charge of Manipur, Samrat Tapadar said. Most of the police officers are working in such a way as if they are activists of Congress, Tapadar alleged. Other political outfits also met the EC officials. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ecuadoran officials denied claims of fraud in a tightly-fought election as the last votes were counted today to determine whether the ruling socialists will have to fight a runoff vote. With just under 94 percent of ballots counted from Sunday's election, leftist ruling party candidate Lenin Moreno had just over 39 percent of the vote, according to the National Electoral Council. That was just short of the 40 percent needed to avoid a runoff against his conservative rival Guillermo Lasso, who was on 28.4 percent. The president of the National Electoral Council, Juan Pablo Pozo, said it could take until Thursday for the full results to be confirmed. Lasso said he was confident there would be a second round runoff. "That it should take three days to publish final results is an attempt at fraud and we are not going to allow that," he wrote on Twitter. The electoral council has denied any fraud took place. It insisted in a statement that it would "guarantee that the people's will is respected." "Never in the history of the country have results come out less than 48 hours after the end of voting," it said on Twitter. Supporters of Lasso earlier scuffled with police as they gathered outside the electoral council, impatient at the delay. Lasso called on people "not to give in to provocation." Political analyst Santiago Basabe of the social science institute FLACSO said it was "difficult for the current trend (towards a runoff vote) to be reversed." Opinion polls indicate Moreno may well lose a runoff in which supporters of other conservative opposition groups are likely to rally behind Lasso. Sunday's election was a test of the legacy of outgoing President Rafael Correa, Moreno's more hardline ally, who is an outspoken critic of the United States. Ecuadorans voted on whether to continue Correa's tax-and-spend policies or give Lasso a mandate to cut spending and taxes. If ex-banker Lasso wins the presidency, another pillar of the Latin American left will swing to the right after Argentina, Brazil and Peru did so in recent months. Lasso has also said he will consider ending WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange's asylum in Ecuador's London embassy. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana E S L Narasimhan today emphasised the need to provide quality education from school-level onward and rued thousands of graduates are coming out of colleges every year with "zero skills". Speaking after inaugurating TalentSprint's 'SmartCampus' here, he said the education sector is not producing the desired results and needs to be restructured. Students coming out of colleges are turning into machines instead of human beings, an official release quoted the Governor as saying at the event. He lamented engineering graduates are unable face interviews due to lack of desired skills. "Thousands of graduates are coming out of colleges every year with zero skills." Narasimhan said, "Today what we require is skill development. I would also like to appeal that this is the time for all of us to sit down and think what is wrong with our education system. "Something has gone wrong with our education system, the capacity to think, innovate, ask questions or the intuitive system has collapsed, our educational system has just become a mechanical process, that's where the skill talent will provide a platform which will take us forward." He felt that with increasing digitisation in all aspects of life, memory power is decreasing in students, forcing them to rely more on virtual world. He said changes are necessary in methods of teaching to ensure students are fully equipped with required skills and are ready to face the real time world. "It is time for Government to reinvent education and there is no purpose in opening IITs, IIMs all over the place unless I have the right quality of faculty and right quality of education," the Governor added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A city court today awarded life imprisonment till death to a 22-year-old man for raping and killing an 81-year-old widow at her South Delhi residence two years ago, saying it was a "brutal and diabolic" act. "Keeping in view facts and circumstances of the case, I sentence the convict to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life which shall mean imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life or death," Additional Sessions Judge Sanjiv Jain said while handing down the jail term to Neeraj Safi, the victim's servant who raped and killed her in her Greater Kailash-II house on July 7, 2014. "In the instant case, the convict not only committed the vile act upon the victim, an old lady aged 81 years, but also strangled her to death. He was her full-time servant and was engaged to take care of her. He set the victim on fire after cutting pieces of mattress and using kerosene oil. The act of the convict was brutal and diabolic," the judge said. The court, which said he committed a heinous offence and betrayed the trust of his master who was an aged lady, refused to award death sentence, considering Safi's age and clean antecedents. "It is also true that the convict is a young man aged 22, and does not have previous record of conviction and his parents are old and poor, but it is still noted that he committed rape and murder of his master aged 81 years who used to live alone. He betrayed her trust and did heinous offence. "On considering the facts and circumstances of the case, balancing the interest of the society at large and the rights of the convict, I am of the view that this case does not fall under the category of rarest of rare case warranting death sentence," it said. The court also observed that "brutality in taking away the life of the victim is only one of the factors which is required to be taken into consideration for coming to the conclusion that the case in hand is one of the rarest of rare ones," adding that it has to strike a balance between aggravating and mitigating circusmtances. Besides the jail term, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 18,000 on him considering his poor background. Special Public Prosecutor A T Ansari, who was also the prosecutor in the December 16, 2012 gangrape case, had termed the incident as "more gruesome" than the Nirbhaya case which had triggered a public outcry across the country. The SPP hailed the judgement, saying "I am satisfied that the accused has been held guilty on all counts of charge. This is one of the few cases I have dealt with in recent past including Nirbhaya case where accused demonstrated exceptional depravity and extreme brutality." The victim's family, however, expected harsher punishment for the convict. "Justice has been delivered. However, we were expecting a harsher punishment. Till now, we have not gone through the verdict. The moment we go through it, we will take our call accordingly," said the victim's daughter. The court had on January 31 this year, convicted Saifi of offences under sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape) and 201 (destruction of evidence) of IPC. The police, in its charge sheet, had said that on July 7, 2014, the convict raped Rekha Duggal, who used to stay alone since her husband died in 2005, and then strangled her with her 'chunni'. The convict, who hails from Madhubani in Bihar, had then set the body of the victim on fire using kerosene and dragged it to an adjacent room, the police had said. After killing her, Safi tried to mislead neighbours and the police about her whereabouts stating that she had not returned from her evening walk in a nearby park, the police had said. The trial began on November 8, 2014 and was conducted on a daily basis for some time. However, due to pendency of forensic reports, it was discontinued. The judgement in the case was reserved in July 2016, after the hearing of the final arguments. News / National by Ndou Paul Yes 543 people or 110 families rescued by 11pm yesterday with some 100 or so people expected to be rescued today! https://t.co/5KxMyMUfrm Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) February 21, 2017 Professor Jonathan Moyo, the Higher Education Minister and MP for Tsholotsho, has risen to the challenge of saving his constituency, savaged by floods.Moyo yesterday summoned the Zimbabwe National Army to a serious humanitarian assistance operation not experienced in Zimbabwe to date which roped in Moyo's close ally Saviour Kasukuwere.543 people or 110 families were rescued by 11pm yesterday with some 100 or so people expected to be rescued today.Last night, the local CPU led by Tsholotsho District Ms Gladys Zhou said the rescue mission was still on course.She said people were being airlifted to Sipepa Secondary School and Sipepa Health Centre."The helicopter has so far done eight trips and it's still continuing. We hope by the end of the night to have moved everyone to safety," she is quoted in some sections of the media.Ms Zhou appealed for clothing and food for the affected villagers.Chief Mathuphula described the situation as dire, but said he was happy with the swift CPU response. Taking over the reins of USD 103 billion Tata Group, Natarajan Chandrasekaran today called for more rigour in capital allocation so as to enhance shareholder value as also individual businesses of the conglomerate topping in their sectors. The 30-year company veteran, Chandrasekaran, or Chandra as he's known, listed "enabling higher shareholder value" and making a significant and lasting social impact as his priorities as the Chairman of Tata Sons. Taking over after a very public 4-month long boardroom battle involving ousted chairman Cyrus Mistry, he said the 'Tata Code of Conduct' has always been the bedrock of his personal commitment to value system and will always remain at the core of his leadership. "We need to work together to excel, and to be ranked among the top performers in our respective industries," Chandra, 53, wrote to the group employees on his first day in office. "We will also bring more rigour to our capital allocation in order to consistently enhance stakeholder value." Saying that it was humbling to lead the 150-year old Group, he said the Tata brand occupies a special place in people's hearts and minds as the flag bearers for trust and social responsibility. "I have taken pride in our achievements as a group, in our ability to innovate and take risks in order to create pioneering and global businesses, and in our ongoing contribution to the communities that we work in," he wrote. Credited with creating India's largest IT company TCS, Chandra said a key part of entrepreneurial DNA in Tata Group has always been its pioneering spirit and "ability to lead and not follow". He said: "As a group, we have enormous collective strengths. Working together, our companies, Tata Sons and the Tata Trusts have been very successful in the past, and have created great value for all our stakeholders. "Now, as we face the future, we have a huge opportunity to do so once again - in terms of our business performance, by enabling higher shareholder value, as well as by making a significant and lasting social impact with a view to make a sustainable difference in communities." To achieve this, he said, a relentless focus on the customer, gaining a deeper understanding of their aspirations, and by designing products and services to meet their needs is needed. (Reopens DEL 29) "In today's context, where technology is playing a key role in business success, the need for innovation is vital to help reimagine and reinvent our businesses for the future," Chandra said. Stating that Tata Group employees bring passion into everything they do, he said, "We need to work together to excel, and to be ranked among the top performers in our respective industries. We will also bring more rigour to our capital allocation in order to consistently enhance stakeholder value." He said he has had the opportunity of working and interacting with several "legendary leaders" at the group and was fortunate to work closely with Ratan Tata, "who relentlessly challenged us at TCS to be the leader. He is an inspiration for all of us in the group and I look forward to taking the group forward in the same spirit". "I have always believed that living these values every day has contributed significantly to our sustained business success and to the reputation of the Tata brand globally. The Tata Code of Conduct has always been the bedrock of my personal commitment to our value system. It will always remain at the core of my leadership of our group," he said. He expressed his deep appreciation for commitment of the employees to the ideals of the Tata group. "We will strengthen and enhance all our employee engagement platforms and create new ones so that we can share ideas, collaborate and shape the future of the Tata Group together. It will be my endeavour to work with all of you to bring the power of 'One Tata' to bear upon our business, our employees and the community at large. The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management in Tamil Nadu has been tasked with mapping the environmental impact of the oil spill following a collision between two ships last month in Chennai. Environment Secretary A N Jha said that the enquiry on the shipping company involved in the accident is ongoing and action will be taken based on the report. "The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management in Tamil Nadu has been assigned the task to map the impact of the oil spill. The Environment Ministry has taken a lot of measures," Jha said. He said soon after the accident, the Environment Ministry had issued guidelines to the Ministry of Shipping to take all urgent measures under the Environment Protection Act. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) too had issued directions and guidelines under powers vested in them, he said. "Our regional office in Chennai and regional experts have gone and been in touch with Tamil Nadu government and coastal authorities. They have been sending us reports on a day-to-day basis," he said. The Environment Ministry had earlier said that it is likely to issue a show cause notice to the Kamarajar Port (Ennore port) in Chennai for "mishandling" the oil spill following a collision between the two ships. "That enquiry is going on and as soon as we get the report from the Ministry of Shipping, they will take action," Jha said when asked whether any action will be taken against the company. On January 28, two shipping vessels had collided outside the Kamarajar Port at Ennore, resulting in rupture of a ship and oil spill. The mishap had occurred at around 4 AM on January 28 when 'M T BW Maple', with a flag of Isle of Man, was leaving the port after emptying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and 'M T Dawn Kanchipuram', loaded with petroleum oil lubricant (POL) was on its way to the berth at the Kamarajar Port at Ennore. The seawater had blackened and some turtles were found dead near the north Chennai shoreline following the incident. BSP supremo Mayawati today warned the Muslim electors in Uttar Pradesh against voting for the Samajwadi Party as there votes will not only go "waste" but directly benefit BJP. "If you vote for Samajwadi Party, not only your vote will go waste but may directly benefit the BJP. You should vote en masse for BSP and not SP," Mayawati told election rallies in the poll-bound state, in remarks that fly in the face of the Supreme Court verdict on use of religion during elections. The Supreme Court had last month ruled that any appeal for votes on the ground of "religion, race, caste, community or language" amounted to "corrupt practice" under the electoral law. Mayawati, while appealing to the Muslims to vote for her party, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of trying to give "casteist and communal tinge" to the poll campaign in Uttar Pradesh. "In the past couple of days, BJP and its top leaders, including the PM, have been issuing wrong statements after assessing that the party has fared badly in the first three phases of polling," she said in a statement in Lucknow. Referring to Modi's "graveyard-cremation ground" and "Diwali-Eid" comments, Mayawati said such a view was aimed at giving casteist and communal colour to polls. At his Fatehpur rally on Sunday, the PM has said each village needs to have a graveyard and a cremation ground and the people should get power on Diwali as well as Eid without discrimination. "He (Modi) seems to be giving polls casteist and communal hue...Before saying this, he should see whether every village in BJP-ruled states like Haryana and MP have the same facility," Mayawati said. She said the Prime Minister should get cremation ground in each village in BJP-ruled states first and then talk about it in Uttar Pradesh. "Such kind of wrong statements prove that they have stooped to politics of lies," she said, adding BJP has "lowered" the level of politics which is not good for democracy. "PM says BJP does not indulge in caste and communal politics, but this is wrong," Mayawati said, also citing the Rohith Vemula case. Rohith Vemula was a research scholar at University of Hyderabad who had committed suicide last year alleging discrimination on the basis of caste. She said BJP has not given ticket to even a single Muslim candidate in UP which has some 18 to 20 per cent population of the community. Mayawati's party has fielded nearly a 100 Muslim candidates in the state which has a 403-member assembly. Addressing an election rally in Gonda, Mayawati warned," "If BJP wins, it would not hesitate in implementing the agenda of the RSS. This means that either the system of reservation would be brought to an end or it would be rendered virtually ineffective." The BSP chief also criticised the Centre for taking steps to end the minority status of institutes like Aligarh Muslim University and Jamia Millia Islamia. In the aftermath of the firing on the Kar Sevaks at Ayodhya in October, 1990, when Mulayam Singh Yadav was the Chief Minister, and the demolition of the Babri Masjid, Muslims, traditionally the vote bank of the Congress, have backed Samajwadi Party. Some in the community have also been voting for BSP, with a minuscule percentage going to Congress. Seeking to engineer a Dalit-Muslim combination, Mayawati decided to field nearly 100 Muslims. However, with Samajwadi Party and Congress forming an alliance, the lion's share of Muslim votes are expected to go to the new combine. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four members of a family, including a woman, were injured in a fire that broke out in a house in Kapashera area this morning, an official said. A call was received at 7.05 AM about the fire and a fire tender was rushed to the spot, an officer of Delhi Fire Services said. It is suspected that the fire started from an LPG cylinder and engulfed the entire house. The blaze was doused by 9 AM and the injured were taken to a hospital, he said. The injured have been identified as Lallan (45), his wife Anjali (40) and their sons Ashish (15) and Aditya (10). Anjali's condition is critical as she has sustained 90 per cent burns, the officer said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron said today he wants London bankers and academics to move to France after Brexit, following a meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May. "I want banks, talents, academics, researchers and so on. It will be part of my programme to be attractive for these kinds of people," the centrist former economy minister said. Macron was speaking ahead of a campaign speech to drum up support among London's large community of French voters, as a new poll showed him losing ground ahead of April's first round presidential election. Addressing reporters outside Downing Street, the former investment banker said he wanted to tell expats living in Britain that "France is changing". "In the coming years, they'll have a lot of opportunities to come back to France and succeed in France," Macron said. The centrist candidate, who created his own En Marche! (On the Move!) party, also slammed his far-right rival, National Front leader Marine Le Pen. He accused her of wanting to "divide France into non-Muslim people and Muslim people", and said her "programme is one to push France into the 19th century". Opinion polls suggest Le Pen would win the first round of France's presidential election on April 23, but would lose in the run-off vote on May 7. Macron had been the favourite to take her on, but a new Elabe survey published Tuesday suggests conservative Francois Fillon has now overtaken him. Despite a damaging investigation into claims that his wife had held a fake parliamentary job, Fillon was up three points to 21 percent, while Macron was down five to 18.5 percent. Le Pen polled at 28 percent, up two points on the same poll in early February. As he arrived for talks with May, Macron said he wanted to discuss "the relationship between France and the UK, Brexit and some very important bilateral issues". It is unusual for a British prime minister to host a foreign candidate for elected office, although Downing Street noted that former prime minister Tony Blair had hosted Nicolas Sarkozy months before he became French president in 2007. "Monsieur Macron was in already in London, he asked for a meeting and we were able to accommodate," May's spokesman told reporters, adding they would have a "broad range of discussions". Asked if May would be prepared to meet Le Pen, he said: "There's a long-standing policy that we don't engage with the Front National. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Federal Republic of Germany today opened an Honorary Consulate office at Madhapur here. Achim Fabig, German Consul General for Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and BVR Mohan Reddy, the Honorary Consul of Germany for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh opened Honorary Consulate office, a release said. The office of the Honorary Consul will also provide limited consular assistance in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana and support the German citizens within the two states. BVR Mohan Reddy, founder and executive chairman Cyient Ltd, was appointed as the Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in October last year. As Honorary Consul, Reddy will work towards further strengthening the collaboration between the two nations; promoting culture, industry and commerce, facilitating investments, educational exchange and enhancing goodwill, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Telangana Tourism Department would hold a two-day 'Global Celebrations on Buddhist Heritage in Telangana' from February 23. Chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao would inaugurate the celebrations, a government release said here today. Telangana has a glorious history, including Buddhism, the release said adding that the conference would be followed by familiarisation tours to some of the Buddhist sites in the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Defence Ministry today cleared a project to set up 38 radar stations to significantly ramp up surveillance of the country's over 7,500 km long coastline. The Defence Acquisition Council, chaired by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, gave in-principle approval for the Rs 800-crore project. Four mobile surveillance stations will also be set up and they will be integrated with the Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS) in Gulf of Kutch and Khambatt, Defence Ministry sources said. A total of 46 radar stations have already been set up under the first-phase of the 'static sensor chain' project for gap-less electronic surveillance along the coastline. The lead integrator of the crucial project would be Bharat Electronics Limited, Bengaluru. India had decided to significantly strengthen its coastal surveillance following the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008. The DAC also cleared a proposal to set up an integrated engine repair facility for Naval Mig-29K fighter jets at naval aircraft yard in Goa, the sources said. The meeting is also understood to have deliberated on a number of other initiatives including procurements. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Private Member's Bill, which seeks to declare a country sponsoring terrorism, will be opposed by the government in Parliament. 'The Declaration of Countries as Sponsor of Terrorism Bill, 2016', moved by Independent member Rajeev Chandrasekhar in Rajya Sabha, "seeks to call out states like that continue to associate, promote, patronise and sponsor terrorism against our nation" and provides for snapping all economic and trade relations with that country. "India can't declare any country a 'Terror State' as it has to maintain diplomatic relations with all countries. Besides, in principle it is very rare that government supports any Private Member's Bill," a home ministry official said. The home ministry has conveyed to the Rajya Sabha Secretariat about its opposition to the Bill, saying such a move may "jeopardise" international relations. While moving the Bill on February 3, Chandrasekhar had stated that for decades, India and other countries in the region have been victims of terror attacks from organisations and individuals based in and with the support of elements in . "Yet for decades we have remained engaged with Pakistan in an attempt to draw it into the mainstream. This Bill is to finally put into motion the process of calling terror sponsors to account," Chandrasekhar said. He also quoted data to say that from 1998 to 29, January 2017 14,741 civilians have been killed in terror attacks in this country, 6,274 security force personnel lost their lives and we have 23,146 terrorists. He also referred to the terror attack on Parliament, the Indian 'temple of democracy', on December 13, 2001, to press his point. Stating that "Pakistan's history and track record of fostering terrorism and terrorists is long and indeed distinguishable and incontrovertible," he added, "It is time that we stop running to other countries to declare Pakistan a terror state and stood up and did this job ourselves." Asserting that the world is getting tired and has lost patience with "rogue nations", he said as the global opinion consolidates around the conduct of some countries like Pakistan, the focus will naturally come on what India and the Indian Parliament's approach to that threat is. Chandrasekhar said the Bill can apply in the future also to other countries that directly or indirectly aid terror attacks against India. The government's top brass, led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, will brainstorm on Thursday on how best it can push large-scale adoption of electric vehicles in the country, ahead of the rollout of FAME India. At the meeting schedule on February 23, Power, Coal, Mines and New & Renewable Energy Minister Piyush Goyal will make a presentation explaining the various aspects related to increased use of electric vehicles like rise in power consumption, impact on the environment and how economies of scale can make it viable for India, sources told PTI. According to experts, several factors including higher cost of vehicles, power outages, lack of charging infrastructure and dearth of facilities for eco-friendly disposal of batteries to curb pollution are among the factors inhibiting consumers from buying electric vehicles in India. To promote eco-friendly vehicles, the government has been offering incentives on electric and hybrid vehicles of up to Rs 29,000 for bikes and Rs 1.38 lakh for cars under the FAME India scheme launched last year. The scheme has since been in a pilot phase, and a nation-wide rollout is scheduled from April 1. Apart from Goyal, NITI Aayog Vice-Chairman Arvind Panagariya and representatives from Ministries like Railways, Defence, Heavy Industries and Road Transport & Highways will also be present in the meeting to provide inputs on ways to increase the adoption of electric vehicles, sources said. At present, the Department of Heavy Industries is the nodal agency for implementing the FAME India scheme. However, other wings of the government, especially the one headed by Goyal, would also play a key role in facilitating promotion of clean energy. FAME India - Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric vehicles in India - is a part of the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan. In Budget 2017-18, Rs 175 crore has been earmarked for the FAME India scheme as against the revised and budget estimates of Rs 122.90 crore for the current financial year. However, experts believe that the provision of funds is insufficient to incentivise the use of electric vehicles. The Heavy Industries Ministry had estimated a total requirement of about Rs 14,000 crore for the programme. In 2013, the then UPA Government had also launched the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP) 2020. It aimed to achieve national fuel security by promoting hybrid and electric vehicles in the country. It had set an ambitious target to achieve sales of 6-7 million hybrid and electric vehicles year-on-year from 2020 onwards. The government has been keen to provide fiscal and monetary incentives to kickstart this nascent technology and boost sales of electric and hybrid vehicles. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / National by Mary Charamba libuthakatha Ayitatwa enenge Bulawayo residents have expressed concern over continued distortions of the Ndebele language by corporates, saying it was a violation of the people's identity and language. Surprisingly the shona translation is perfect.The residents expressed displeasure at the trend of misspelt isiNdebele words with the latest typographic error coming from a Harare based healthcare company, Crown Health Care which produces Camphor cream.On its camphor cream containers, the company wrote 'Ithobisa ijwabu iligcine libutshelezi njalo. Iyanceda iminkenke.ngumoya ilanga lonke. Ile glycerineThe words that have raise the ire of Ndebele speakers are libuthakatha instead of libuthakathaka, libuthakatha sounds as if Crown is saying something on witchcraft. Ayitatwa has been spelt wrongly. The other point of pain for the speakers is the word 'enenge' which has no meaning in the language. For famed British explorer Levison Wood, it is a great kick to see people globe-trot and he is particularly impressed with how Indians are taking off to foreign locations besides exploring their own country. "Indians are travelling. They are seeing not only the world but their own country which I think is great. I was in Haridwar and I saw people who had come for pilgrimage. I saw something which was amazing. There were 2 million people and all in orange shirts," Wood told PTI over phone from London. Wood, 34, has visited India seven times and he says every time he is amazed to see how swiftly the country changes. "What strikes me during my visits to India is how fast the country is moving. Everything is changing. I remember going to Dharmshala in 2004. It was a small sleepy village full of western hippies then. I went back again last year and it was filled with Punjabi tourists," says Wood, who trekked 1700 miles across the Himalayas in a series called "Walking the Himalayas". In his new show "Walking The Nile", Wood took the daunting journey of covering the length of the world's longest river - The Nile. The former British Army paratrooper took a 4250-mile trek over the course of 9-months to become the first person to go on this journey on foot. On the way, Wood travelled through deserts, jungles and war zones in the African continent. "I have always been interested in East Africa. Nile is the river that goes through diverse cultures and landscapes. The idea occurred to me seven years ago when I was doing charity in Africa. I thought it would be a great experience if I walk. Walking gives you a chance to see a lot more places that you otherwise wouldn't see." On his journey, Wood says he dodged minefields and headed into a 120-degree desert, besides coming face-to-face with a violent civil war in South Sudan. "Walking The Nile" will premiere on February 22 on Discovery Channel. Wood says the job of a traveller is not as glamourous as one thinks it to be and he has often faced life-threatening situations. "A lot of planning and preparation goes into my job. Travelling by foot is physically draining and it takes a toll on your body. I have had plenty of close calls with dangers. I take my job very seriously. But on the whole it is very enjoyable as I get to see fantastic places." Wood also has a few tips to offer to all the aspiring travellers. He says young explorers have to leave aside all inhibitions, ignore all logistics, financial matters and just set out on their journey like he did. "The hardest part is starting. When I was 22, I always wanted to travel to India. I had just 750 dollars. I hitchhiked all the way to India. It took me five months but I reached. I want to tell young travellers that you don't need a lot of money to travel. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan has said Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed, who has been listed under an anti-terrorism law, can pose a "serious threat" to the nation, and was thus placed under house arrest in the country's "larger interest". The acknowledgement of the danger the Mumbai attacks mastermind poses came from Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif during an international security conference in Munich, Germany. "Saeed can pose a serious threat to the society," Asif told the audience at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, The Nation reported. Saeed was "arrested in the larger interest of the country", he added, according to the report. Saeed was placed under house arrest under the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on January 30 in Lahore, provoking an uproar from his party and allies. Saeed's inclusion in the list shows he is linked with militancy in some way. Saeed was earlier this month put on the Exit Control List, barring him from leaving the country. During a panel discussion on countering extremism and terrorism, Asif said: "Terrorism is not synonymous to any religion. Terrorists aren't Christians or Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus. They are terrorists, they are criminals." The action against Saeed was taken after Pakistan was hit by at least eight terror attacks this month in which more than 100 people died, the latest being a suicide bombing on a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province that claimed 88 lives. Saeed was also put under house arrest after the Mumbai terror attacks in November 2008 in which 166 people died, but he was freed by a court in 2009. He carries a reward of USD 10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities. In a statement critical of the American policies, Asif said Pakistan is determined to fight terrorism: "Let me assure the world community that Pakistan is a frontline state in this war and it will continue to fulfil its obligations to its own people and the international community but if the West's policies are going to be isolationist it won't help the fight against terrorism, only fuel it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jamaat-ud-Dawah chief and four today challenged their house arrest in the Lahore High Court. LHC Justice Sardar Muhammad Shamim Khan will hear their petition tomorrow. Hafiz Saeed, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdur Rehman Abid, Qazi Kashif Hussain and Abdullah Ubaid challenged their detention through senior advocate A K Dogar. Earlier, the LHC had dismissed a petition filed by a senior advocate Erum Sajjad Gull on 'technical' ground observing the petitioner had not furnished the impugned notification of Saeed's detention. The government on January 30 had put Saeed and four other leaders of JuD and Falah-e-Insaniat (FIF) under house arrest in Lahore under the country's anti-terrorism act. In their petition, Saeed and four said the government in light of Interior Ministry's order detained them for a period of 90 days (with effect from January 30) in exercise of powers under section 11-EEE(1) of Anti Terrorism Act 1997. They said Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had claimed that the government was fulfilling its obligations under United Nations Security Council's resolutions. "The government has proved that the Pakistan is a servile and a dependent nation. We have been serving the country like iconic social worker Abdul Sattar Edhi for the last many years," they said. The petitioners said the US had clearly told Islamabad that in case of not following the advice to take action against JuD it (Pakistan) may face sanctions. Previously, the petitioners said the government had used the same UNSC resolution for detain and a full bench of LHC had set him free. "The government has no evidence that we are a 'risk' to security of Pakistan and merely on the basis of the UNSC resolutions our liberty cannot be curtailed," the petitioners said and prayed to the court to declare the government order being mala fides without jurisdiction and void the fundamental right to their life and liberty and ordered for their liberty. Saeed, who is carrying a $10 million bounty on his head, was also put under house arrest after the 2008 Mumbai terror attack but he was freed by Lahore High Court in 2009. Hafiz Saeed's house arrest was in Pakistan's "larger interest" as he can pose a "serious threat" to the country, Defence Minister Khawaza Asif has said in the first public admission of the JuD chief's terrorism links. Asif's remarks about the danger posed by the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks - in which 166 people died - came at an international security conference in Munich, Germany. "Saeed can pose a serious threat to the society," Asif told the audience at the Munich Security Conference on Sunday, The Nation reported. Saeed was "arrested in the larger interest of the country", he added. Saeed was placed under house arrest under the fourth schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) on January 30 in Lahore, provoking an uproar from his party and allies. Saeed's inclusion in the list shows he is linked with militancy in some way. Saeed was earlier this month put on the Exit Control List, barring him from leaving the country. Saeed was also put under house arrest after the Mumbai attacks in November 2008, but he was freed by a court in 2009. He carries a reward of USD 10 million announced by the US for his role in terror activities. During a panel discussion on countering extremism and terrorism, Asif said: "Terrorism is not synonymous to any religion. Terrorists aren't Christians or Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus. They are terrorists, they are criminals." Pakistan was hit by at least eight terror attacks this month in which more than 100 people died, the latest being a suicide bombing on a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province that claimed 88 lives. In a statement critical of the American policies, Asif said Pakistan is determined to fight terrorism: "Let me assure the world community that Pakistan is a frontline state in this war and it will continue to fulfil its obligations to its own people and the international community but if the West's policies are going to be isolationist it won't help the fight against terrorism, only fuel it. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sanitaryware company HSIL Ltd expects to commission two plants - for manufacturing plastic pipes, and security caps and closures - in April in Telangana, where it is likely set up a production unit for water heaters, a senior company official said today. "...They (the two plants in Medak district of Telangana) will be commissioned in April," the company's President, Consumer Business, Rakesh Kaul told PTI. "...And there could be likelihood of water heaters also coming up (production unit) in Telangana which is in association with our European partner (Groupe) Atlantic International which is a French MNC of USD 2 billion," he said. The company has kitchen appliances, water-heaters, water and air purifiers and air cooler products under the consumer division, which is on course to clock a business of about Rs 150 crore in the current fiscal, a 140 per cent growth compared to the previous financial year, he said. The company's consumer business faced "slight impact" following demonetisation of high-value currency last November but the sales "rebounded" in December, Kaul said. "The objective is to be among the top three in each of the category (under consumer business) where we work. As we go up the ladder and get higher market share, we will obviously look at own manufacturing set up for these categories as well," Kaul said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Swiss government today said Sebastien Hug has been appointed as the Consul General of Switzerland in Bengaluru. He would also be the head of swissnex India -- an initiative of Swiss government to facilitate exchanges between the two countries in the areas of science, education, art and innovation. Hug will take up the post in November this year, Swiss government said in a release. Swissnex India is a part of the Consulate General of Switzerland in Bangalore. Hug began his career as attache for higher education, science and technology at the Swiss embassy in Canada in 2007. Since 2013, he has been working in the International Relations Division of the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation at the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, the release said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State-owned on Tuesday said it has proposed to dilute stake in some non-core businesses to shore up capital base. The board of the bank has approved in-principle proposal to divest some of its non-core investments, subject to compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and final approval obtained for each transaction, said in a regulatory filing to the stock exchanges. The decision was taken at the board meeting held on Tuesday. Minister Arun Jaitley in 2015 had hinted at a change in wherein the government would continue to hold a majority stake, yet keep it at arms length. Citing the example of Axis Bank, he had wondered if IDBI Bank could follow that model. But since then, there has not been much progress on the plans due to one reason or another. IDBI Bank has a large portfolio of real estate, which was not taken into consideration during the valuation exercise. The bank is looking at this aspect and trying to find a way out so that its valuation gets better. As far as the stake sale of IDBI Bank is concerned, both the government and the banks board have already given nod for qualified institutional placement (QIP). The governments holding in IDBI Bank stood at 73.98 per cent as on December 2016. Public sector banks, including IDBI Bank, have been allowed to raise capital from public through follow on public offer (FPO) or QIP by diluting the government of Indias holding up to 52 per cent in a phased manner based on their capital requirement, their stock performance, liquidity, market conditions... the government had informed Parliament in 2015. Meanwhile, in a separate filing, the bank said it has deferred the agenda on issue of capital. Regarding tentatively considering the agenda on issue of capital at the board meeting scheduled on February 21, IDBI Bank has now informed BSE that the said agenda could not be submitted for discussion at the board meeting held on February 21, it said. The same may tentatively be submitted in a subsequent board meeting for which a separate disclosure will be made under Sebi regulation, it said. Renowned Kannada novelist S L Bhyrappa today said the emphasis on learning English at the cost of one's mother tongue is killing children's "thinking and feeling" power. The author, though not in favour of a complete ban on English in the educational process, suggested that children should be taught in their regional languages "through stories, songs, poems and simple prose" in the beginning. "Kannada was the medium of instruction in 90 per cent of the schools till 1970. But now in every city and town of Karnataka parents prefer to send their children to English medium schools because they dream of their children becoming doctors or engineers," Bhyrappa said during the inaugural session of "Festival of Letters" here. Organised by Sahitya Akademi, the festival is focusing on "Protecting the mother tongue and folk literature" this year. Citing educationists, the author said one's mother tongue is the "most suitable" language for mental and emotional development of a child. "Imposing a foreign or unknown language simply kills the child's thinking and feeling power. But the parents do not pay heed to this wise counsel," he said. Asserting the importance of regional language as a reflection of country's rich culture, Bhyrappa said, "The language that creative writers use is formed, shaped, used and nourished for centuries by our ancestor authors. It was given life by our folk culture. Every word we use even in ordinary life has a cultural history." He said though English is used for science, technology and administration, it is "culturally lifeless". "... Therefore Indian writers writing in English are deprived of the cultural soul of this country," he said, warning that if the trend of English medium schools continued, there would be no readers or writers of regional books. The 85-year-old author, who has penned more than two dozen books in a career spanning over five decades, also rued the lack of good translations of regional literature to English. "It is easy to translate from one regional language to other. Most of my books have been translated to several regional languages, but it has always been difficult to find good translations of our literary works in English. English translations of my books have always created problem," Bhyrappa said. The author blamed politicians of treating education as a "personal profiteering business" which has aggravated the problem. "So far no government has deep-dived into the complexity of the problem and given continuity to action through an act in the Parliament," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India has conveyed to WTO the reason for imposition of minimum import price (MIP) on steel products and is ready to discuss the issue further if required, Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh has said. Japan has dragged India to the World Trade Organization against certain measures taken by New Delhi on imports of iron and steel products. "The rationale for imposition of MIP had also been communicated to WTO through our Indian Ambassador. So, if there is any further clarification required, Ministry is ready to discuss the same," Singh told PTI. India has moved from MIP to the regime of anti-dumping and safeguards, he said, adding that the MIP mechanism was an exigency measure that was taken to curb the unabated surge in imports at predatory pricing. He said MIP was notified as an emergency measure as other trade remedial measures such as anti-dumping rules and safeguard rules are process oriented and time consuming in terms of implementation and impact. "However, MIP was gradually phased out as and when suitable trade remedial measures were put in place," he added. The Government of India, he said, has provided extensive support to the domestic steel industry by way of various trade remedial measures in recent times, such as MIP, anti-dumping and safeguard measures and quality control. "The current scenario in the steel sector is well known, and hence the government will take all necessary measures as and when required to support the industry," Singh said. As on date, 124 out of 173 tariff lines initially notified as MIP, are covered under anti-dumping duties in addition to the safeguard duties on Hot Rolled Coils and Plates. MIP has also been withdrawn on February 4, he added. "On December 20, Japan notified the WTO Secretariat that it had requested dispute consultations with India in the dispute 'India-Certain Measures on Imports of Iron and Steel Products'," the WTO had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With an annual growth rate of 19 per cent, India is expected to be self-sufficient in silk production by 2020, Central Silk Board (CSB) Chairman K M Hanumantharayappa has said. "Our output is 28,000 MTs (metric tonne) to 30,000 MTs at present. Our production is growing year to year. We are aiming to stop imports from China and produce that much in three-four years," Hanumantharayappa told PTI here. China produces 80 per cent of global silk output, while India's share is 13 per cent, he said. The production in other countries account for the remaining 7 per cent. However, there is a 19 per cent growth in production and the aim is to produce around 34,000 MTs to make the country self-sufficient, he said. "We have come closer. If we can continue this momentum, we can do it in the next three-four years," he said. Silk imports have come down to 3500 MTs now from about 6,500 MTs, he said. China produces only mulberry, but India produces other varieties, including Tasar and Muga, he said. The CSB, a statutory body established in 1948 by an Act of Parliament, functions under the control of Union Ministry of Textiles. Its mandated activities include, research and development, maintenance of silkworm production seed production network, leadership role in commercial silkworm seed production and standardising quality parameters in various production. The CSB chairman said the Board is offering a number of services like technological support to farmers, subsidies on machines and free training to the farmers. The state governments can pitch in to increase silk production by supporting farmers through monetary benefits and through other means, he said, adding that the Board would also help the cause. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / National by Stephen Jakes The National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA has made submissions to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission over the proposed government take over of the Biometric Voters' registration kits procurement process. Below are the demands made.Dear Justice MakarauRe: Proposed Government Take-over of the BVR Kits Procurement ProcessWe refer to the recent statements from the media attributed to the Minister of Finance to the effect that the government has decided to take over the BVR kits procurement process from the UNDP. We also learnt from the press that the government has advised you that it has secured money to fund the procurement.The same reports quote you as saying you were surprised that the government had decided to come in at this stage. However, more fundamental to us is that you were quoted as supporting the government take-over of the procurement process.As you are no doubt aware, NERA has been actively participating in the ZEC-Political Parties Platform ever since the platform was established. This platform provides a forum for interaction between ZEC and the political parties on ways to improve Zimbabwe's electoral system.We are happy that so far the platform has yielded very positive results. Notable among these is the commitment to interaction and dialogue between ZEC and political parties and other stakeholders, the establishment of political party sub-committees to oversee the work of the ZEC sub-committees, the agreement that political parties should make an input into the political parties' election code of conduct.Part of the notable achievements of this interactive platform is the agreement that there should be a transparent and inclusive Biometric Voter Registration system. This system would then result in the construction of a new voters roll. The voter registration system would be polling station based and will take place with the active participation of the political parties without compromising the independence of the ZEC.We are happy to note that in an effort to improve our electoral system, ZEC engaged experts from the UNPD who immediately identified four areas critical to electoral reforms.a. Constant engagement between ZEC and political parties and other stakeholders.b. Inclusive voter education process.c. Biometric Voter Registration system that is polling station based.d. The construction of a completely new voter's roll.To that end it was agreed that through the UNDP, ZEC would undertake the procurement of Biometric Voter Registration kits. Consequently, a joint advertisement for potential vendors was done by ZEC and UNDP in the press.Subsequently, you did invite five representatives of political parties to witness the opening of the bids which was being done in Copenhagen. Together with the UNDP Country Director you advised the political parties and the nation on the remaining steps to be taken in the procurement of the kits.We should state at the onset that as political parties we were satisfied with the level of transparency at that stage of the procurement of the BVR kits.In preparation to the Biometric Voter Registration process, a polling station mapping exercise is already underway in the country and political parties are participating actively through the Mapping subcommittee which is providing oversight to the ZEC Mapping Subcommittee. As chairperson of ZEC, you have already given a green light to political parties to start voter education programs for their members.It is against this background that we were taken aback by the government announcement that it is taking over the procurement process. More shocking was the decision by government to elbow out the UNPD in this process. We were however even more flabbergasted by the decision by ZEC to endorse this illegal move by the government.We therefore formally advise of our total opposition to this move by the government and ZEC. Our opposition is based on the following legal and factual grounds;a. An agreed process of procurement is already underway. As political parties and stakeholders we now have a legitimate expectation of Biometric Voter Registration Kits procured without government interference. The new developments affect our legitimate expectation.b. The current process being carried by ZEC through the UNDP has so far been objectively transparent and satisfactory to all stake holders. There is no reason to interfere with same.c. In terms of the constitution, ZEC is an independent institution. The current move by the government to stop a transparent procurement system by ZEC through the UNDP is a serious assault on the independence of ZEC.d. With all due respect your apparent readiness to embrace a clearly unconstitutional move by the government to take over the process that is supposed to be yours is an unacceptable surrender of the independence of ZEC so guaranteed by the constitution of Zimbabwe.e. A lot of disquiet has accompanied the government's move and the motivation behind it. May it be because the government's preferred bidders may not have made it and have to be accommodated by the government take-over of the process hitherto going on smoothly? Or is it not an attempt by the government to manipulate the biometric voter registration process?The final question to be addressed is whether a UNDP procurement process undermines the sovereignty of Zimbabwe. We hold that it in fact enhances the sovereignty of the Zimbabwean people rather than inhibit it. We say so for the following reasons:a. Zimbabwe is part of the United Nations by choice. Ipso facto it is a member of the UN institutions like the UNDP for example. A process involving the UNDP acting in partnership with a state institution like ZEC does not at all undermine the sovereignty of Zimbabwe.b. The constitution of Zimbabwe now recognizes the sovereignty of the people. The procurement of BVR kits through a transparent process enhances rather than inhibits the sovereignty of the people.c. The true independence of ZEC enhances the people's ability to elect leaders of their choice. This is the hallmark of the whole concept of the sovereignty of the people.d. In the constitution-making process, the UNDP assisted government by mobilizing donor funds for the process and administering the basket fund for the same. Zimbabwe's sovereignty was never affected.We therefore demand that the current UNPD procurement process must proceed undisturbed. We would appreciate your response as soon as possible. We should make it clear that we will resist (through lawful means of course) any move by the government and ZEC to change goal posts at this stage.Yours FaithfullyDouglas Togaraseyi Mwonzora India has a lot to learn from Rwanda on governance models like sanitation and smart city and efforts are being made to give more content to bilateral strategic relationship, a top government official said today. "Vice President Hamid Ansari had a very fruitful visit to Rwanda and during bilateral talks both sides endeavoured to give our strategic relationship more content. We think its a great governance model and the Vice President has stated that he hasn't seen a better capital city. And, now we wish to further enhance our ties in several sectors," Amar Sinha, Secretary, Economic Relations in the MEA, said. "One of course is 'Swachh Bharat' and then 'Smart City', two of our great initiatives and we would like to engage with Rwanda more in these areas. In fact, we will try to send delegates from some of our states, like Andra Pradesh, which is building a new capital," Sinha said. He was interacting with reporters during a briefing as Ansari wound up his trip to Rwanda, the first leg of his two-nation tour. "Besides, cleanliness and smart city initiatives, we have so much to learn from Rwanda, on governance models. It has zero-corruption for tolerance, and and one of the best places to do business. India certainly can take home a lot from this visit, and we certainly will," he said. Another area where they have sought cooperation is production and shooting of Bollywood films. "After a Hritik Roshan-starrer film was shot in New Zealand, it pushed tourism in a big way in that country. We hope we can find models to replicate it in Rwanda," he said. "Rwanda's greatest achievement is its reconciliation with its turbulent past. From signs of great conflict, it has become a shining star of Africa. This is truly remarkable and worthy of emulation," he said. Ansari during his three-day visit to Rwanda held bilateral talks with President of the Senate Bernard Makuza and President Paul Kagame. India and Rwanda also signed three MoUs innovation, aviation and visa requirement. A joint communique on the visit said the Vice President and Kagame committed to further promote bilateral trade and investment and increase people-to-people interactions. The Vice President expressed admiration for remarkable growth and transformation of Rwanda under the able leadership of President Kagame and expressed an interest in exploring the untapped enormous methane reserves in Lake Kivu for energy production. The Vice president reiterated India's decision to open a resident Indian Mission in Rwanda highlighting that this will further cement the strategic partnership. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India said it has lost a friend with the sudden death of Russia's UN envoy Vitaly Churkin as the United Nations expressed shock at the demise of the veteran diplomat who fiercely defended Moscow against the West's criticism. Churkin died yesterday, a day before his 65th birthday. "Farewell Friend. Russia loses a stalwart diplomat; the world of diplomacy a consummate practitioner; India a friend. RIP Amb. Vitaly Churkin," India's Permanent Representative to the UN Syed Akbaruddin said in a post on Twitter. Akbaruddin's message was accompanied with his picture with Churkin taken at an event at India's Permanent Mission here. Churkin's death shocked the world body and its leaders. The Russian Permanent Mission in a statement said Churkin was in his office "fulfilling his duties" when the tragedy occurred. It did not give details about the cause of his death but it is understood Churkin was rushed to hospital after a cardiac arrest. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he "learned with shock and sadness" about the Russian Ambassador's death. Guterres said Churkin was an outstanding, uniquely-skilled diplomat, a powerful orator with great wit, and a man of many talents and interests. "Although we served together for a short time, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with him and will deeply miss his insights, skills and friendship," he said. It was Churkin, as President of the UN Security Council in October, who had announced the selection of Guterres as the next UN chief. Guterres's predecessor Ban Ki-moon, in a statement from Seoul, said during his 10 years as Secretary-General it was a "privilege" to work with Churkin and watch him represent Russia with passion and dedication. "His diplomatic skills, quick wit, and ready sense of humour will long be remembered by those who knew him and by those who will study the history of the United Nations in the years to come," Ban said. The 15-nation Security Council "mourned" for the Ambassador, who spent more than 40 years at the Russian Diplomatic Service and headed the Russian Mission to the UN for over a decade. (Reopens FGN 12) The came around the time of the daily noon briefing at the UN and deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq was visibly shocked when a journalist mentioned that Churkin has died. "Oh! Oh, no. This just happened? He's been such a regular presence here that it's... That I'm actually quite stunned. And our thoughts go to his family, to his friends, and to his Government," Haq said. UN General Assembly President Peter Thomson said: "His name will live on in the annals of UN history. We will remember him for his intellect and diplomatic skill, his good humour and consideration for others. We all experienced and respected the pride he took in serving his country and the passion and resolution he brought to his job." Appointed the Permanent Representative to the UN in 2006, Churkin was one of Russia's longest-serving ambassadors to the UN. Churkin often clashed with American colleagues in the Security Council and fiercely defended Russia's policies, including Moscow's actions in Ukraine and its bombing of the Syrian city Aleppo to oust rebels opposed to President Bashar Al-Assad. In December, when the Council argued on actions in Syria, former US envoy Samantha Power asked Syria and its allies Russia and Iran whether they are "truly incapable of shame?" Retorting Power's remarks, Churkin said she was speaking "as if she was Mother Teresa". Yesterday, Power tweeted, "Devastated by passing of Russian UN Amb Vitaly Churkin. Diplomatic maestro &deeply caring man who did all he cld to bridge US-RUS differences". India and Rwanda have signed three agreements to boost bilateral cooperation in areas like science and technology, that includes setting up of an entrepreneurship development centre here, and starting of direct flights to Mumbai. The two sides signed three Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) late last evening in the presence of Vice President Hamid Ansari and Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi at the India-Rwanda Business Forum here. Ansari is visiting the East African country as part of his five-day visit to Rwanda and Uganda. The first agreement envisages setting up of an entrepreneurship development centre in Rwanda to further cement ties between the two countries in the field of science and technology as well as sharing of India's expertise in the field. "The centre would be funded by India and we will also guide them and do hand-holding to establish it for them. This will further boost our cooperation with this East African country," a senior MEA official said. The other two MoUs entail starting of flight operations to India by state-run RwandAir and easing of visa regime from both sides for travellers holding diplomatic and official passports. "The agreement seeks to facilitate mutual exemption of visa requirement for travelers holding diplomatic and official passports," the official said. The direct flight from Kigali to Mumbai is expected to begin operations by early April. Ansari, during a function hosted here by the Indian High Commission of Uganda had said that a direct flight would soon become a reality. Though, officials have not given any date yet, the website of the Rwandan carrier says it will commence from April 3 and will make four flights in a week. "With the signing of these MoUs our relationship from here forth is going to grow stronger," Murekezi said while addressing the business forum, attended by top industry leaders and innovators from both countries. "We have 54 years of fruitful bilateral relationship. Rwanda and India share important ties and we are committed to make this relationship grow stronger. Rwanda is a safe country and a recent report has ranked the country as one of the best places to do business. "We are also third least corrupt country in Sub-Saharan Africa region and we definitely are ready for business and greater cooperation," he said. The Rwandan Prime Minister also pitched for Indian companies to "look beyond" the traditional sectors while engaging with Rwanda. Incidentally, Ansari at the forum, hosted by FICCI and Rwanda Development Board, also launched India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme to boost ties in areas of science, technology and innovation, and said Rwanda offers a "wonderful platform" to Indian partners to enhance their presence and capacities in other parts of Africa. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Rwanda have signed three agreements during the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari to boost bilateral relations that include establishment of an entrepreneurship developement centre in Kigali. According to the Memorandum of Understandings signed between Rwanda and India, Rwanda Air will soon begin services to India, and the two countries will mutually exempt visa requirements for diplomatic and official passport holders. Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi said the MoUs will boost economic and business ties with India. "We have 54 years of fruitful bilateral relationship. Rwanda and India share important ties and we are committed to make this relationship grow stronger," Murekezi said. Ansari, who is on a five-day tour to Rwanda and Uganda, earlier yesterday launched an innovation growth programme and addressed business leaders and experts from the two countries. He said Rwanda offers a "wonderful platform" to Indian partners to enhance their presence in other parts of Africa and emphasised India was "ready to work" with partners in Rwanda and the larger African continent in "transferring our experience" in building an innovation-driven economy. "India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Program is being launched to expand ties in science, Technology and Innovation. After this pilot project, the programme is proposed to be implemented in the East African community in seven countries and will then be scaled up to seven other economic zones across Africa," he said. Under the programme, 20 Indian technologies and innovations are to be adopted over a period of two years. "The programme aims at creating an ecosystem wherein Indian innovations and technology enterprises will thrive and encourage business ventures from both sides," Ansari said. The vice president said it was an "exciting prospect" to see the captains of trade and industry from Rwanda stand alongside the Indian business community and innovators. "This portends well for the future of Rwanda-India commercial and economic relations," he said. Prime Minister Murekezi attended the event organised by Rwanda Development Board, the Private Sector Federation of Rwanda and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two IndiGo and SilkAir planes almost collided over Kolkata airspace last December, it has emerged, prompting the government to launch a probe. The IndiGo plane from Kolkata to Hyderabad (VT-IEM) and the Kolkata-bound SilkAir aircraft from Singapore (9VMGH) were involved in the incident that happened on December 11. Together, there were more than 200 people in the two planes. Both the airlines did not provide the number of passengers who were on board their respective flights when the incident happened. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has started a formal inquiry into the "serious incident", according to a recent notification issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry. Citing preliminary data from Indian authorities, French aviation watchdog BEA said vertical separation between the two aircraft "was zero feet" while the least horizontal separation between the two planes was reduced to just 0.6 NM. About the incident, an IndiGo spokesperson said there was a reduction in horizontal separation between the two aircraft but "no error has been found on part of the IndiGo flight crew". The airline also said the situation could have been avoided had the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) not cleared its plane for take-off and made SilkAir discontinue the approach. When contacted, a SilkAir spokesperson said the airline has provided AAIB with all the information and reports for the flight to aid them in their investigation. In a statement sent to PTI, the spokesperson said as the SilkAir aircraft was on approach and preparing to land, it was alerted about the Indigo plane taking off from the same runway. As the pilots could not clearly identify the location of the IndiGo aircraft on the runway, they decided to discontinue the approach and circle the airport for another approach to land, the statement said. The SilkAir plane landed safely, it added. IndiGo was flying Airbus 320 plane while SilkAir was operating Boeing 737 aircraft. The seating capacity is around 180 seats and 162 seats for the IndiGo and SilkAir planes, respectively. A senior official at aviation regulator DGCA said it has received information about the incident and AAIB probe is on. BEA said "IndiGo flight IGO6619 sector Kolkata-Hyderabad departed runway 19L at 1525 UTC while the SilkAir flight MI488 commenced go around at the same time." "The least horizontal separation between MI488 and IGO6619 was 0.6 NM during the entire event and the least vertical separation was zero feet," as per information available on BEA website. BEA has also mentioned that it is "preliminary data based on the notification from the authorities of India". An official, who earlier served at aviation regulator DGCA, said considering the facts available the incident is like a near collision since the vertical and horizontal separation of the two aircraft were well below the stipulated requirements. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei called today for the "complete liberation" of Palestine from the "tumour" of Israel, renewing his regime's refusal to recognise Israel's right to exist. Khamenei was speaking at the sixth international conference in support of Palestinian intifada (uprising), one of a number of showcase events the Tehran authorities organise in solidarity with the Palestinians. "This cancerous tumour, since its start, has grown incrementally and its treatment must be incremental too," Khamenei said in a speech broadcast live on state television. "Multiple intifadas and continuous resistance have succeeded in achieving very important incremental goals. "It continues to advance towards its other objectives, ultimately the complete liberation of Palestine," he added. He listed Israel's withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000 and from Gaza in 2005 as two major achievements so far. Moderate President Hassan Rouhani, and the conservative brothers who head parliament and the judiciary -- Ali Larijani and Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani -- flanked the supreme leader as he spoke. Among the guests from the 80 countries taking part in the conference were the parliament speakers of Algeria, Mali, North Korea, Lebanon and Syria, and the leader of the hardline Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, Ramadan Shalah. Ever since the Islamic revolution of 1979, Iran has been implacable in its opposition to Israel and has provided extensive support to Palestinian militant groups. It expressed strong backing for the two Palestinian intifadas of 1987-1993 and 2000-05. Khamenei said the most important achievement of the Palestinian "resistance" movement had been "creating a fundamental obstacle against the Zionist project... By imposing a war of attrition on the enemy". It had prevented Israel from implementing its "master plan of... Dominating the entire region," he said. "If the resistance had not blocked the Zionist regime, now we would be witnessing them violating other territories from Egypt to Jordan, Iraq and the Persian Gulf, etc." Hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who served as president from 2005 to 2013, famously called for Israel to be "wiped off the map", a comment that sparked an international outcry. Iranian officials have said the call refers to the state not the people, and underline that the Islamic republic has its own Jewish community. But Khamenei's renewed reference to Israel as a "tumour" comes as new US President Donald Trump fills his administration with appointees with hawkishly pro-Israel and anti-Iran views. Trump's pick for ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, has gone on the record calling on Sunni Arab states to ally with the Jewish state against Shiite Iran. Rouhani is set to close the two-day event with a speech tomorrow. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An Israeli military court will today sentence a soldier convicted of the manslaughter of a Palestinian attacker in a case which has stoked passions, debate and protest. The court last month delivered a guilty verdict against Elor Azaria, 21, for killing Abdul Fatah al-Sharif as he lay wounded. The three-judge panel ruled there was no reason for Azaria to open fire since Sharif was posing no threat. The March 2016 shooting in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron was caught on video and spread widely online. It showed Sharif, 21, lying on the ground, shot along with another Palestinian after stabbing and wounding a soldier, according to the army. Azaria then shoots him again in the head without any apparent provocation. Azaria says he feared Sharif was wearing an explosive belt and could blow himself up, taking nearby soldiers and onlookers with him. The claim was rejected by the judges. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 20 years but in sentencing arguments prosecutor Nadav Weisman requested he be jailed for between three and five years. The trial opened last May at a military courtroom in Tel Aviv's Jaffa district but later moved inside the tightly-guarded military headquarters complex in central Tel Aviv. Police have made arrests over online death threats against a judge and other officials and the army has assigned bodyguards to the three judges who convicted Azaria. Another man was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence against armed forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Gadi Eisenkot, who ordered the prosecution of Azaria, during a rowdy protest immediately following the verdict. Police are prepared for fresh protests following the sentencing, spokeswoman Luba Samri told AFP yesterday night. "Police are ready for any exceptional incident," she said. "Police are prepared for any scenario, anywhere in the country." The case has stirred controversy and rocked Israeli politics, with some on the right defending the soldier, a French-Israeli national. The shooting came against the backdrop of a wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks that erupted in October 2015. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Italy's coast guard has rescued about 630 off the coast of Libya who were trying to cross the Mediterranean. The two rescue operations came as the bodies of 74 who drowned trying to reach Europe washed up on a beach west of the Libyan capital, the Red Crescent said today. The Italian coast guard said it mounted operations to rescue two drifting vessels, a large boat and a rubber raft. In the absence of an army or a regular police force in Libya, several militias act as coast guards but are often accused themselves of complicity or even involvement in the people-smuggling business. The number of attempted crossings has surged this year, with most departures taking place from the west of Libya, from where Italy is just 300 kilometres (190 miles) away. Europeans are considering measures aimed at blocking the arrival of thousands of migrants, alarming NGOs which fear that those stranded in Libya may suffer mistreatment. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar today held talks with China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi ahead of a key strategic dialogue tomorrow to improve bilateral ties hit by Chinese reluctance to support India's admission into the NSG and back a United Nations ban on JeM leader Masood Azhar. Jaishankar, who arrived in China from Sri Lanka, met Yang, who besides being the State Councillor is Beijing's Special Representative for border talks between India and China. In Chinese official hierarchy, State Councillor of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) is regarded as the top diplomat functioning directly under the country's leadership. Jaishankar is expected to meet Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, besides attending an upgraded strategic dialogue with China's Executive Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui tomorrow. Underlining the significance of the strategic dialogue, which was upgraded during Wang's visit to New Delhi last year, China has deputed Zhang Yesui, also the head of the influential CPC committee of the Chinese Foreign Ministry for the parleys. Ahead of the talks, China has appeared unrelenting in its opposition to impose the UN ban on Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Azhar and ambivalent on India's membership to the 48-member Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Putting the onus on India to prove Azhar's involvement in the Pathankot terrorist attack, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters on February 17 that China will back the move to list him only if there was solid evidence. Last year, China twice put a technical hold on India's application to 1267 sanctions committee of the UNSC and again blocked a resolution moved by the US - and backed by France and the UK - in January. "Whether last year's application by India or this year's by relevant country our position is consistent. Our criteria is only one, we need solid evidence. If there is solid evidence the application can be approved. If there is no solid evidence there is hardly consensus," Geng said. On India's admission into the NSG, again blocked by China, he reiterated China's stand, "We stick to two-step approach namely, first NSG members need to arrive at a set of principles for the entry of NSG by non-NPT state parties, and then move forward discussions of specific cases," he said. Also, bilateral ties have strained over the USD 46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), over which India has protested as it goes through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. China defends the ambitious project, saying it is development project and made no difference to its stand that Kashmir issue should be resolve by India and Pakistan. Officials say the strategic dialogue will cover the whole gamut of bilateral ties. Two sides have been stressing that both sides are holding talks at various levels to iron out differences stressing that dialogue is the best way forward. Commenting "friction points" including Azhar and NSG, Geng said "differences between China and India are inevitable, but through various forms of in-depth exchanges, including the upcoming Strategic Dialogue, differences can be minimised and new agreement can be reached on further cooperation". Officials say Jaishankar's talks here in the next two days were expected to set the tone for bilateral ties this year. A Japanese kindergarten known for its nationalist curriculum has apologised after coming under fire for hostile comments about Korean and Chinese parents. The operator of Tsukamoto Kindergarten in the western city of Osaka was questioned by local education authorities last month after complaints from parents in December. Kyodo agency reported last week that the school had handed parents copies of a statement which described the parents of Chinese and Korean children as having "evil thoughts." The private pre-school had also posted a statement on its home page referring to "delinquent" South Korean and Chinese parents. But it has now deleted that from its website and replaced it with another expressing remorse. "We apologise for our expression about foreigners that led to misunderstanding," it said. The kindergarten previously had said the insults were provoked by criticism it had received from Chinese and South Korean parents. The kindergarten has drawn attention for introducing a curriculum that includes the memorisation of an 1890 imperial edict which was widely used to promote militaristic education during World War II. A number of incidents of hate speech against specific ethnic groups on the streets or online have been reported in Japan in recent years. They are most commonly directed at Koreans who came to Japan when the Korean peninsula was under Japanese colonial rule between 1910-1945, and at their descendants who stayed in the country. China's rising economic and military profile, as well as a simmering territorial dispute with Japan over uninhabited islands in the East China Sea, have also raised tensions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) News / National by Staff reporter Senior Reporter Staff in the Office of the President and Cabinet this morning threw a birthday party for President Mugabe who turned 93 today. President Mugabe attended the party at his Munuhumutapa Offices before proceeding to Cabinet.President Mugabe is shown a picture book carrying artistic images by Zimbabwean artists by Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda while Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa looks on at Munhumutapa Building. Picture by John ManzongoThe Head of State and Government and Commander in Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces thanked God for giving him a long life.President Mugabe cuts his birthday cake together with his son in law Simba Chikore his offices in Harare this morning. Picture by John ManzongoChief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Misheck Sibanda presented three presents to the President.The party was also attended by the two Vice Presidents, Emmerson Mnangagwa and Phelekezela Mphoko and Cabinet ministers.President Mugabe listens to his daughter Bona Chikore during his 93rd birthday at his offices in Harare this morning. Picture by John Manzongo Jamaat-ud-Dawah supporters today held rallies in different parts of Pakistan to protest against Defence Minister Khawaja Asif's statement against the outlawed group's chief Hafiz Saeed and demanded his resignation. The major demonstration was held at JuD headquarters in Chauburhi Lahore in which a large number of JuD and Falah-e-Insaniat activists participated. Holding banners and placards inscribed with 'Hafiz Saeed - Pakistan's Defender - Mian-Modi friendship - unacceptable' they demanded immediate release of Saeed and resignation of Asif. Addressing the demonstration in Lahore, JuD leader Hafiz Abdul Rehman Makki threatened to hold a 'long march' towards Islamabad if Saeed was not released. He said the controversial statements of some ministers against Saeed and Jud are part of a 'well-designed agenda'. Asif had told the audience at the Munich Security Conference last Sunday that "Saeed can pose a serious threat to society." He had said Saeed has been placed under house arrest in the country's "larger interest". Other demonstrations were held in Islamabad, Faislabad, Gujranwala, Multan, Bahawalnagar, Quetta, Peshawar, Muzaffarabad and Kotli. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Portuguese court has ordered police to extradite a former CIA agent to Italy, where she will serve a prison sentence after being convicted of involvement in a US program that kidnapped suspects for interrogation, her lawyer said today. Police took Sabrina de Sousa, who was born in India, to a Portuguese jail where she is awaiting extradition, her Portuguese lawyer, Manuel Magalhaes e Silva, told the Associated Press. He said in an email that she was detained Monday and is expected to be sent to Italy within days. De Sousa was among 26 Americans convicted for kidnapping suspect Osama Moustafa Hassan Nas, also known as Abu Omar, from a Milan street on February 17, 2003. She denied involvement in the abduction. The US rendition program, under which terror suspects were kidnapped and transferred to centers where they were interrogated and tortured, was part of the anti-terrorism strategy of the Bush administration following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Former President Barack Obama ended the program years later. De Sousa lost several appeals against extradition since her arrest at Lisbon Airport in October 2015 on a European warrant. She had argued that she was never officially informed of the Italian court conviction and couldn't use confidential US government information to defend herself. De Sousa holds both US and Portuguese passports, has said she had been living in Portugal and intended to settle there. She was on her way to visit her elderly mother in India with a roundtrip ticket when she was detained. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen sparked controversy today during her brief visit to Lebanon when she refused to wear a veil to meet the country's top Sunni Muslim cleric. On her last day in the small Mediterranean country, Le Pen arrived at Sheikh Abdellatif Deryan's office in Beirut and was offered a white shawl to cover her blonde hair. The National Front candidate promptly refused and made a brief statement to journalists before leaving. "The highest Sunni authority in the world had not had this requirement, so I have no reason to," Le Pen said, referring to her 2015 visit to Al-Azhar, the prestigious Egyptian institution of Sunni Islamic learning. She said she had told Deryan's office on Monday that she would not don a veil: "They did not cancel the meeting, so I thought they would accept that I will not wear the scarf." "They wanted to impose this on me, to present me with a fait accompli. Well, no one presents me with a fait accompli," the candidate said. Deryan heads Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni authority in Lebanon. In a statement on Tuesday, the body said "its press office had informed the presidential candidate, through one of her assistants, of the need to cover her head when she meets his eminence, according to the protocol assumed by Dar al-Fatwa". "Dar al-Fatwa officials were surprised by her refusal to conform to this well-known rule," the statement said. Fewer than a dozen protesters gathered near Lebanon's Zaytuna Bay on Tuesday afternoon to protest against Le Pen's visit. "From Beirut to Damascus to Paris to Washington, fascists flock together," one placard read. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British telecom operator Vodafone today said that its mobile wallet M-Pesa registered 614 million transactions in December. "As Vodafone marks the 10th anniversary of M-Pesa, the world's leading mobile money service, it was revealed that a record 614 million M-Pesa transactions were processed during December 2016," the company said in a statement. Vodafone now offers M-Pesa services in 10 countries including India, Kenya, Albania, Egypt, Ghana and Tanzania. As of the end of December 2016, M-Pesa claims to have almost 29.5 million active customers through a network of more than 287,400 agents, the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mahindra & Mahindra today said it will foray into the intermediate commercial vehicles segment by the end of 2017-18 as part of its plans to triple market share in the CV market in next five years. The company is in the process of investing Rs 700 crore to develop new intermediate commercial vehicles (ICVs) and light commercial vehicles (LCVs). It is expecting to launch 15-16 models of ICVs and LCVs altogether as it seeks to become a full range CV player by in the next two and half years. "We will be entering into the ICV segment by the end of FY18. It is a part of our plans to become a full range CV player," Mahindra Trucks and Buses Ltd Managing Director and CEO Nalin Mehta told PTI here. The ICV ranging from 8-16 tonnes vehicles will be supplemented by new products from LCVs, he added. "Currently an investment of Rs 700 crore is ongoing. This investment is for both ICV and new LCV. We already have prototypes which are being tested," Mehta said. Elaborating on the company's plans, he said:"Our target is to double our market share in the CV space in two years. Once we become a full range player we are looking a triple it. "M&M currently has 3.5 per cent share in the heavy commercial vehicles segment while in LCV it has around 9 per cent share. It is not present in the ICV category. Tata Motors and Ashok Leyland are the major players in the segments. "So, as we go ahead we will be launching a new product every two-three months starting from the end of FY18. We have great expectations from our CV division," Mehta said. When asked by when the truck and bus division is expected to be a profit centre, Mehta didn't share an exact time line but said it could happen in the next five years or even before that. "Once we become a full range player, our production capacity utilisation will increase, our ability to leverage on suppliers will increase. So we should be able to achieve profitable growth," he added. He said the engines for the ICV are being developed by its engineers at Chennai and will be assembled at the Pune facility. "These ICV engines can also find their way to our tractors. Since the products are being launched close to 2020 most of them will be BS VI emission norm complaint," Mehta added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The cause of death has not yet been determined for the exiled member of North Korea's ruling family who died last week after apparently being poisoned in a Kuala Lumpur airport, officials said today. The autopsy showed no evidence of a heart attack in Kim Jong Nam's death, or sign of puncture wounds on his body, Noor Hisham Abdullah, the director general of health, told reporters. Asked if there was any indication that he had been poisoned, Noor Hisham said medical specimens had been forwarded to experts who can determine the cause of death. "We have to confirm with the lab report before we can make any conclusive remark," he said. No family members have come forward to claim the body, he said. The older half brother of North Korea's ruler, Kim had spent most of the past 15 years living in China and Southeast Asia. The attack spiraled into diplomatic fury when Malaysia refused to hand over Kim's corpse to North Korean diplomats and proceeded with at least one autopsy over the diplomats' objections. The two nations have made a series of increasingly angry statements since then, with Malaysia saying it was following its legal protocols, and North Korea insisting Malaysia is working in collusion with its enemy South Korea. Police have so far arrested four people carrying identity documents from North Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Those arrested include two women who were allegedly seen approaching Kim on February 13 as he stood at a ticketing kiosk at the budget terminal of the Kuala Lumpur airport. Surveillance video, obtained by Japan's Fuji TV and often grainy and blurred, seems to show the two women approaching Kim Jong Nam from different directions that morning. One comes up behind him and appears to hold something over his mouth for a few seconds. Then the women turn and calmly walk off in different directions. More video shows Kim, a long-estranged half brother of North Korea's ruler, walking up to airport workers and security officials, gesturing at his eyes and seemingly asking for help. He then walks alongside as they lead him to the airport clinic. Fuji TV has not revealed how it acquired the video, which was taken by a series of security cameras as Kim arrived for a flight to Macau, where he had a home. Kim, who was in his mid-40s, died shortly after the attack, en route to a hospital after suffering a seizure, Malaysian officials say. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Mehbooba Mufti today made a special gesture to win the hearts and minds of displaced Pandits as she visited several of their camps here to extend "personal greetings" for the upcoming Shivratri, becoming the first Chief Minister to do so. She visited Purkhoo, Muthi, Nagrota and Buta Nagar camps besides the Jagti township and extended her greetings to the inhabitants for the festival which will be celebrated on February 24. Touched by the Chief Minister's gesture, the inhabitants received her in the traditional Kashmiri style. While interacting with the inhabitants, Mehbooba said, "Kashmiri Pandits are an inseparable part of the Kashmiri society, and the inclusive ethos, for which Kashmir has been known for ages, is incomplete without them." She said the Muslims in the Valley are eagerly waiting for return of Pandits to their ancestral place. The Chief Minister assured the community that government would consider their demand for participating in panchayat and municipal elections. On the occasion, Mehbooba took stock of the facilities being provided to the displaced people at these places. She said her government would take all possible steps for the welfare of the community. Revenue and Relief Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri, Divisional Commissioner of Jammu Pawan Kotwal, Relief Commissioner and other senior officers of Relief Organisation accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit. Some KPs demanded ouster of the Relief Commissioner for his alleged "bad behaviour" with the migrant community. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The resignation of Mizoram's Labour Minister Lalrinmawia Ralte, who has been blamed for sending 32 students from the state to a fake institute in Kolkata and misusing money, has been accepted by Governor Nirbhay Sharma, Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla said today. Ralte's resignation, which had been submitted on February 15, was accepted as he had pleaded that there should be fair and impartial inquiry into the allegations against his department, the chief minister told newsmen here. Ralte and Mizoram Youth Commission(MYC) chairman T. Sangkunga were "compelled" to resign as some government officials had misguided them, he said. The minister's portfolios - employment and industrial training, environment, forests and climate change, soil and water conservation and cooperation besides labour, would now be held by him, Thanhawla added. The minister had tendered his resignation over controversy surrounding sending of 32 Mizo students to Nalanda Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) in Kolkata, which was reportedly declared a fake institution. Thanhawla haD already accepted the resignation of Sangkunga as chairman of the MYC. Ralte had said in his letter that the opposition parties were "gunning" for his resignation and were also trying to blame the chief minister in the fiasco. Opposition parties held Ralte, who was also chairman of Mizoram Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (MBOCWWB) and T Sangkunga, Mizoram Youth Commission (MYC) chairman responsible for the plight of the Mizo students who had been sent by the state government to the eastern metropolis to study Bachelor of Hotel Management. They alleged that the two were responsible for sending the students to a fake institution and misusing over Rs 128 lakh provided by MBOCWWB. The state government had recently suspended two officials - Rotlunga, the former director of labour and employment and information technology and former superintendent of MYC recently. But the opposition parties stuck to their demand for resignation of the two Congress legislators. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The fourth round of peace talks between Mizoram government and Hmar People's Convention (Democratic), which was scheduled to be held in mid February has been deferred and is now likely to be held in March. State home department officials today said efforts were being made to speed-up the peace process and two other government departments were to be involved. Earlier, additional secretary to the state home department, Lalbiakzama had said the peace talks had made tremendous progress and were nearing conclusion with both sides optimistic about finding an amicable solution to the Hmar imbroglio. Implementation of the proposed framework agreement would necessiate a legislation by the state assembly for establishment of a revamped council called 'Singlung Hills Council' by replacing 'Sinlung Hills Development Council', he had said. Provisions for the proposed legislation would have to be vetted by the state law and judicial department which would take time, he said. The finance department's approval also was being sought as expenses for rehabilitation of the HPC(D) cadres would have to be worked out before they come overground after signing the proposed peace agreement, he added. The Hmar community who are concentrated in the north eastern part of Mizoram adjoining Manipur have been demanding autonomy along the lines of the autonomous district councils of the Maras, Lais and Chakmas in the southern part of the state. HPC went underground in 1989 demanding a separate autonomous district council and signed an agreement with the state government in 1994 which resulted in the formation of the Sinlung Hills Development Council (SHDC). HPC(D) was formed by former HPC cadres who were unhappy with the agreement and launched armed insurrection for a separate autonomous district council for the Hmars. However, they agreed to abandon the claim and give more power to SHDC during the peace talks in August last year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Chief Minister West Bengal Chief Minister today said all languages were equal and mother tongue should be used to express one's views. "All languages are equal. Mother tongue must be for expressing views," Banerjee tweeted on the occasion of International Mother Language Day. "How can I forget February 21 spattered with my brothers' blood? I pay my tribute to the martyrs of 1952 Language Movement," Banerjee tweeted. Heartfelt greetings to all on the occasion of International Mother Language Day," Banerjee added. Some Dhaka University students who were demonstrating for the recognition of Bengali as their national language along with Urdu were shot dead on February 21, 1952 by the police in the then East Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opinion / Book Reviews Another Potential Zimbabwean Amazon BestsellerTwo-time Amazon Bestselling author, Kwapi Vengesayi, is a skilled and gifted writer who keeps you enthralled through his captivating musings, motivating stories and thought-provoking conversations about those nagging and eternal topics concerning love, relationships, life and our human experiences. Accompanied by guest writers, Men Cheat More, Women Cheat Better: Stories and Conversations About Love, Life and Everything in Between makes for an engaging read that is as witty, candid and enlightening as the books before it, albeit with more diverse voices and unique perspectives.A Seattle resident, but born and raised in Zimbabwe, African oral tradition has left a deep-rooted impression on the author. Both his writing and storytelling style exhibit and paint a picture of an in-depth understanding and appreciation of one of the most important tenets of African oral tradition: every story should have a moral."Love intrigues us, life consumes us, and everything in between just adds to the chaos," Kwapi once wrote: a moment that captures the recurring themes in his books as well as the essence of his writing and this new collection of stories and conversations.Vengesayi's former two releases: Hashtags: The Dumbest, Smartest, Funniest, Deepest Things I've Ever (and never) Said About Love, Politics, and Everything in Between (2013) and Love is Work: Hashtags About Love, Life and Everything in Between (2014) became Amazon bestsellers and were applauded by his readership. Men Cheat More, Women Cheat Better: Stories and Conversations About Love, Life and Everything in Between is yet another installation that undoubtedly has the potential to become another bestseller.Men Cheat More, Women Cheat Better will be available worldwide January 31, 2017 (pre-sale January 17) on Amazon, Amazon Europe and Amazon Kindle in both paperback (US$11.99) and Kindle eBook (US$2.99) format (eBook available for pre-order on January 17).To keep up to date with the author's work, visit visit: www.kwapiv.com , connect with him on Facebook @kwapivengesayi, or follow him on Twitter @kwapiv and Instagram @kwapiv Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well as the IT Minister and discussed the company's digital inclusion programme that leverages technology for improving rural healthcare and education. The India born CEO also participated in a round table at NITI Aayog on tapping into cloud computing for good governance in the country. In a tweet, NITI Aayog said: "@Microsoft CEO @satyanadella answers queries of senior govt officials on secure use big data and cloud computing for good governance." It also shared a photograph of NITI Vice Chairman Arvind Panagariya presenting Nadella a book titled 'State Forward' about best practices in governance from States. Nadella and IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad talked about the software giant's rural digital initiatives and leveraging its professional networking platform, LinkedIn, for creating employment opportunities. The high profile executive, who is on a multi-city tour, is scheduled to address a conference on 'Future Decoded' in Mumbai. He was in India's tech hub Bengaluru yesterday speaking on a slew of topics including Artificial Intelligence and re-skilling, meeting the startup community and unveiling a cloud partnership with e-tailer Flipkart. Terming his meeting with Nadella as "fruitful", Prasad said India would look at applying the experiences of Microsoft's pilot project in Harisal for its newly-announced Digi Gaon initiative. "Microsoft is doing good work in India. In particular, we have appreciated their initiative for digital inclusion in village...The Harisal pilot project in Maharashtra where they brought in a lot of technology and connectivity for digital health and digital education...," Prasad said after the 30-minute meeting. "This is something I am considering for replication... given our larger vision of digital village announced in the Budget by the FM under Digi Gaon initiative," he added. Prasad said other issues that were discussed in detail included "LinkedIn involvement in skilling professionals to be exposed to good job opportunities". "In particular, LinkedIn exposure for creating more employment opportunities and Digi Gaon becoming a success with application of the experience of pilot project in Harisal, is something we eagerly look forward to," Prasad said. The issue of H-1B visas did not figure in the meeting with the Microsoft CEO, he said. Nadella and Google CEO Sundar Pichai, he said, represented a "powerful statement of extraordinary contribution" of India's talent, and accomplishments in the field of technology. On the issue of cloud, the Minister noted that India has a cloud first policy, and added, "we have empanelled Microsoft also". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two IndiGo and SilkAir planes were involved in a near-miss over Kolkata airspace last December, it has emerged, prompting the government to launch a probe. The IndiGo plane from Kolkata to Hyderabad (VT-IEM) and the Kolkata-bound SilkAir aircraft from Singapore (9VMGH) were involved in the incident that happened on December 11. Together, there were more than 200 people in the two planes. Both the airlines did not provide the number of passengers who were on board their respective flights when the incident happened. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has started a formal inquiry into the "serious incident", according to a recent notification issued by the Civil Aviation Ministry. Citing preliminary data from Indian authorities, French aviation watchdog BEA said vertical separation between the two aircraft "was zero feet" while the least horizontal separation between the two planes was reduced to just 0.6 NM. About the incident, an IndiGo spokesperson said there was a reduction in horizontal separation between the two aircraft but "no error has been found on part of the IndiGo flight crew". The airline also said the situation could have been avoided had the Air Traffic Controller (ATC) not cleared its plane for take-off and made SilkAir discontinue the approach. When contacted, a SilkAir spokesperson said the airline has provided AAIB with all the information and reports for the flight to aid them in their investigation. In a statement sent to PTI, the spokesperson said as the SilkAir aircraft was on approach and preparing to land, it was alerted about the Indigo plane taking off from the same runway. As the pilots could not clearly identify the location of the IndiGo aircraft on the runway, they decided to discontinue the approach and circle the airport for another approach to land, the statement said. The SilkAir plane landed safely, it added. IndiGo was flying Airbus 320 plane while SilkAir was operating Boeing 737 aircraft. The seating capacity is around 180 seats and 162 seats for the IndiGo and SilkAir planes, respectively. A senior official at aviation regulator DGCA said it has received information about the incident and AAIB probe is on. BEA said "IndiGo flight IGO6619 sector Kolkata-Hyderabad departed runway 19L at 1525 UTC while the SilkAir flight MI488 commenced go around at the same time." "The least horizontal separation between MI488 and IGO6619 was 0.6 NM during the entire event and the least vertical separation was zero feet," as per information available on BEA website. BEA has also mentioned that it is "preliminary data based on the notification from the authorities of India". An official, who earlier served at aviation regulator DGCA, said considering the facts available the incident is like a near collision since the vertical and horizontal separation of the two aircraft were well below the stipulated requirements. IndiGo said the incident occurred when its flight was given backtrack on runway 19L at Kolkata, and at the same time Emirates 777 was given line up from taxiway K and cleared for take off. During this time, the SilkAir aircraft was around 5-6 miles from touchdown and as the Emirates plane delayed its take-off that led to a situation wherein IndiGo airplane's departure was also delayed, it added. "By the time Emirates took off and IndiGo commenced take off roll after cleared by Kolkata ATC, SilkAir aircraft was around 2 miles to touchdown. "IndiGo aircraft took off and followed all instruction of ATC. SilkAir aircraft carried out a go around. This led to a situation of reduction in horizontal separation between the two aircraft," IndiGo said. Further, the airline noted that no TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) caution or warning triggered in either aircraft but this reduction in horizontal separation was a breach of ATC norms. Generally, TCAS warning is triggered when an aircraft is in proximity of another one. "Last known information, the said controller was put off duty. No error has been found on part of the IndiGo flight crew. This situation could have been avoided in case the ATC controller would have not cleared IndiGo aircraft for take off and made Silk Air discontinue the approach," it said. Ordering AAIB probe, the ministry said, "It appears to the central government that it is expedient to investigate and determine the causes and contributory factors leading to the said serious incident and make recommendations to avoid recurrence of such serious incidents in future." The committee, headed by AAIB Assistant Director Jitender Loura, has Assistant Director Raje Bhatnagar and Air Safety Officer Dinesh Kumar as members is probing the incident. Whenever required, the panel can take the assistance of other experts and agencies. Meanwhile, IndiGo said most events of breach of separation is due to implementation of "High Intensity Runway Operation" wherein the ATC controllers are having difficulty coping up with the increase in air traffic due to lack of sophisticated radars. SilkAir -- part of Singapore Airlines group -- also said it always takes the safety of passengers and crew seriously, and ensured that all relevant procedures are reinforced. Has your mind been preoccupied with negative thoughts lately? Do you feel irritated time and again? A new study suggests that you might be suffering from stress. Conducted by YourDost, an online counselling and emotional wellness portal, the study notes "negative thinking is one of the major symptoms of stress". While highlighting that psychological issues like stress are often neglected and ignored, it reveals that in 50 per cent cases "irritability" and "pessimistic thoughts" are indicative of the onset of stress, along with other manifestations in mannerisms like irregular eating and sleeping habits. "41 per cent of the participants felt their sleeping and eating habits changed when they were stressed. 39 per cent of people showed temperament changes. "Reduction of productivity was observed in 36 per cent, while overwhelming feelings and self-criticism increased in about 35 per cent of the participants," says the study. Attributing the rising levels of stress to changing lifestyles, psychologist Shruti Singhal says an incompatibility between personalities and environments also contributes towards increased stress levels. "Stress levels are rising in every walk of life. We encounter daily cases of people breaking down under the pressures of highly competitive and demanding academic, professional and lifestyle stressors. "In addition to that, the emotional and social fabric of the society has become very fragile. Issues like break ups, family/marital discord, loneliness have only added to the emotional breakdowns. Introversion and shyness in a social set up where extroverted characteristics are sought after," she says. The study also points out that "14 per cent of India's total population are in high-stress zone and needed expert intervention" and 58 per cent of these people are inclined to consult a counsellor. "While only 6 per cent of these stress-affected individuals actually talked to a psychologist, the rest 52 per cent resorted to listening to music and sleeping to de-stress themselves," it says. In another interesting finding, the study says that more number of women were stressed in the country compared to men, adding that "singles and unmarried people" find it easier to cope with stress than married couples. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) NCP chief Sharad Pawar today exercised his franchise in a municipal ward where nine candidates are contesting and none of them belongs to NCP. Pawar, along with son-in-law Sadanand Sule and grand daughter Revati, voted here at a polling booth in ward no. 214, which comprises landmarks like the Mahalaxmi Mandir, Jaslok Hospital and the historic Gowalia Tank ground. There are nine candidates contesting from ward 214 in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation elections, including those from Congress, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena and Shiv Sena. Arvind Bane of Shiv Sena, Dhanraj Sahadev Naik of MNS, Kaushik Jasubhai Shah of Congress and Sarita Ajay Patil of BJP are some prominent candidates in the ward, where the number of eligible voters is 60,236. Meanwhile, a 108-year-old woman voted at a polling booth in Fansavle village of Maharashtra's Ratnagiri district for the zilla parishad polls. The woman, who came to the booth with the help of a 'walker', along with three generations of her family, also appealed people to vote. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Odisha government will soon formulate a policy to promote tour packages to South East Asia in collaboration with airlines operator Air Asia. The issue was discussed at the Tourism Advisory Committee Meeting held here under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary A P Padhi. "It was decided in the meeting that a specific policy will be made for promoting tour packages to South East Asia in collaboration with Air Asia. "This apart, new tour packages like Jagannath Trail, Coastal Trek, Coastal Cruise, Cycle Tours, Food Festivals and Weekend Gateways will be organised under the Odisha Tourism Development Corporation," said state Tourism Secretary Arati Ahuja. During the meeting, Padhi said a special tour package to South East Asian countries would help boost tourism in the state. He also directed to expedite the processes for setting up a sand art museum at Puri. Tourism department officials said branding of Odisha Tourism would be done at the strategic places like airports in Delhi and other important cities, Mumbai Metro and international convention centres. It would also be linked to upcoming major events in Paris, Singapore and Madrid, Director Tourism, Nitin Jawale said adding, three trips would be organised for senior citizens during 2017-18 under the Baristha Nagarika Tirthayatra Yojana like previous years. The official said there has been steady growth in tourist footfall in Odisha over the last seven years. In 2010 the total tourist footfall was around 76.41 lakh with 50,432 foreign tourists and it has been steadily increasing since then, they said. By 2013, the total tourist footfall increased to 98.66 lakh with 66,675 foreign tourists and by 2016 (till November), the figure reached 110.62 lakh with 67,108 foreign tourists, the officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Concerned over mounting bad loans, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has called the heads of public sector banks to explain issues relating to NPAs, including the loans given to Vijay Mallya-led firms. "To begin with, the panel has called CEOs of Indian Bank and Indian Overseas Bank at its meeting in Chennai on February 27," its Chairman and senior Congress leader K V Thomas told PTI. Besides, representatives of the Finance Ministry will also be present at the discussion over issue of bad debts in the public institutions. The PAC will be holding such meeting separately with other lenders on the rising NPAs, which has become a major source of concern for the public sector banks, Thomas said. The PAC is learnt to have already dispatched a questionnaire to the heads of banks to seek details about bad debts and major defaulters. The questions asked are on quantum of the bad debts, the reasons for increase in such loans, steps taken to recover them and also the factors delaying the recovery. As on September 30, 2016 gross NPAs of public sector banks rose to Rs 6.3 lakh crore as against Rs 5.5 lakh crore at the end of the June quarter. This works out to an increase of Rs 79,977 crore on quarter on quarter basis. A consortium of 17 lenders to Kingfisher, including the State Bank, have struggled to recover close to Rs 6,000 crore loan given to the defunct Kingfisher Airlines. The liquor baron quietly flew to London in March last year, chased by banks as well as investigating agencies over allegations of financial fraud. To recover some of the money, the SBI has tried to auction Mallya's property. Among the assets pledged as collateral is the flamboyant businessman's luxurious Kingfisher villa in Goa, which the bank has yet to find a buyer for. Recently, former top officials of IDBI Bank were arrested by CBI in connection with Kingfisher Airlines case, putting bankers to become extra cautious resulting in slowdown in processing of loan proposals. During the meeting on February 27, the PAC will also undertake performance review of import and export trade facilitation through Customs Port and Special Economic Zones where representatives of Revenue Department will also be present. Besides, it will also discuss performance audit on assessment of assessees in pharmaceuticals sector for the year ended March 2014. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Asking displaced Kashmir Pandits (KPs) to pray for peace on Mahashivratri, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today said the peace will remain elusive unless and until Pandits do not feel that they will be able to live in Kashmir Valley "again". "Even after we hold talks (with Pakistan), reopen roads between two sides, Kashmir will remain incomplete and peace in Kashmir is incomplete, unless and until KPs do not feel that they will able to live in Kashmir again," Mehbooba said. "That is real test to us," the Chief Minister told KPs at Jagti camp today. "Please pray on holy night of Shivrati to God to create peace in Kashmir so that all migrants could return to their homes and hearths with respect and dignity," she said. "It is big need of the time that you return back to your roots with respect", Mehbooba said. "Kashmir has lagged behind due to your migration from the Valley. You were our assets. Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs --all are big treasure of brotherhood and composite culture," she said. "We lost it in Kashmir, it has come up in Jammu. People of different religions live here (in Jammu). People speaking Dogri, Kashmiri, Gojri, Punjabi and Ladakhi live here. But we lost this composite culture in Kashmir", he said. Mehbooba said "one of my KP brother was saying that Government of India should be pressed to commence dialogue with Pakistan. Even after we hold talks with Pakistan, reopen roads between two sides, Kashmir will remain incomplete and peace in Kashmir is incomplete, unless and until KPs do not feel that he will able able to live in Kashmir again. That is real test to us." "I know you have lot of problems. I would have come earlier, but situation became worst last year --four to five months passed off very badly," she said. The Chief Minister said, "You may have many problems but there is huge mental stress among people in Kashmir. You may be feeling the difficulty due to this barbed wire, but Kashmir is laid with such wires. It is we Kashmiris who are responsible for that. We are responsible for this." "When we cross Jawahir tunnel towards Jammu, the mind opens and we become free but in Kashmir, people are under huge stress. We have created the situation ourselves," the CM said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who spearheaded BJP's campaign for the civic polls, today exuded confidence that people will support the party on basis of the work it has done. Fadnavis, along with his wife Amruta and mother, voted in the Nagpur Municipal Corporation election at a booth near their residence in Dharampeth here at around 11.45 AM. The Chief Minister, who is facing a battle of prestige in the election to 10 Municipal Corporation, including cash-rich Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, told reporters, "I have full faith that on the basis of work we (BJP) have done, people will back us." He appealed to voters acrossthe state to exercise their voting right in order to strengthen democracy. Fadnavis said voting is the responsibility of citizens and they should participate in the democratic process. Polling for Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and nine other civic bodies across Maharashtra got underway this morning with estranged allies BJP and Shiv Sena locked in an intense battle. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Certain personality traits considered permanent undergo major changes during the course of a human's lifetime, according to new study. In the longest study of its kind, researchers from the University of Edinburgh in UK found that character traits like self-confidence and desire to learn altered greatly between the ages of 14 and 77. "We hypothesised that we would find evidence of personality stability over 63 years but our correlations did not support this hypothesis," said the team led by Mathew Harris, research associate in brain imaging at the university. Only two of the traits analysed, stability of mood and conscientiousness, showed signs of lasting a lifetime in a significant way but even then there was no guarantee. The basis of the study, reported in 'The Times', was a mental health survey conducted in Scotland in 1950 when the personalities of more than 1,200 children were assessed. Their teachers filled in six questionnaires, in which they assessed pupils' levels of self-confidence, perseverance, stability of mood, conscientiousness, originality and desire to learn. The six qualities were amalgamated into a single score that researchers said was similar to dependability. The children also took intelligence tests. In 2012 researchers tracked down 635 of those who participated in the original study and again tested all who were willing. Now aged 77, the participants rated themselves and nominated a close friend or relative to do the same. They also completed a new round of intelligence tests and answered questions on their general wellbeing. "A wide range of genetic and environmental factors likely contribute to change in personality traits over time and it is not yet clear why some traits might be more affected by these factors than others," the researchers said. "Personality changes gradually throughout life. There may be only subtle changes over relatively short periods, but these changes accumulate, leading to bigger differences over more time. It may change more rapidly throughout certain times of life, such as adolescent development, but whether specific life events have substantial, lasting effects on personality is less clear," they added. Previous personality studies, conducted over shorter periods, have appeared to show more consistency in character traits. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opinion / Columnist Kudakwashe Chikwanda is Political Analyst and Social Commentator with Khuluma Africa. The coalition of the willing has failed to exterminate the regime and Tsvangirai and Mujuru's alliance is accelerating into its own political Waterloo. In reality ZANU-PF has survived the implosion engineered from without. For perspective, history has it that by ditching ESAP, undertaking FTLRP and nationalization of critical areas of the country's economy ZANU-PF by default became a sworn enemy of capitalist church.To thwart the domino-effects of such policy shift by Zimbabwe the west banked on the civilian pain = political gain through sanctions to prop up MDC-T into power but thanked be the sons of the soil for their intellectual vigilance; Zimbabweans managed to see through the curtains of semantic obfuscation.The grand coalition of the west, NGOs and MDCs dismally failed. From last year to date Tsvangirai and Mujuru had mooted to join hands in their quest to overthrow the regime but a spirit of confusion has engulfed the two centers which they represent; Brains behind Mujuru are no more so she is destined to fail and on the other end Khupe is questioning the relevance of the marriage. She like many in her corner have concerns on who will be the VPs if it happens that they will win the fast approaching harmonized elections in 2018.The bowl has Chamisa, Mudzuri, Khupe, Ncube, Mujuru, Makoni,Biti and who knows maybe another Professor Mutambara eyeing the two VP posts and with this in mind it's dog eat dog and the coalition against the people's party is good as dead. Even if the self professed coalition husband avoids polygamy and choose Mujuru for a coalition will that add value on the background that she is now brainless after firing those who hired her.If the two draft a political marriage it will be a coalition of the losers ; MDC-T failed to dislodge ZANU-PF since inception and has been disintegrating and on the other hand Mujuru jailed to get at least 49 percent of the votes in Bikita-West by-elections and became more statistical about the battering. ZANU-PF will organize a celebratory extravaganza if the opposition coalesces.Why? It survived an annihilative and combative international coalition from 2000 and NERA or CODE is but a chick which will experience a baptism of fire from the will be 94 years old ZANU-PF's presidential candidate come 2018. In reality the revolutionary party will without much strain survive in 2018 harmonized elections.After all this celebration ZANU-PF has to be wary of one man, it's the Professor. I have no qualms about it, he is learned and as a political science intellectual he knows quite well that the revolutionary party is very strong ideologically, combative in approach, vigilant in character and united as a force. In early 2000s he once professed that to destroy ZANU-PF you have to do it from within and to his credit Jonathan Moyo is a principled chap he has lived to his word; he is destroying ZANU-PF from within.The party has a spokesperson but the professor has anointed self as the party's mouthpiece maybe by virtue of his professorship. The First Secretary countless read the riot act and ordered the Central Committee members to desist using social media to score trivial political vendettas but to every cadre's surprise Prof Moyo is twitter addicted more than Trump.The Prof have guts to disappoint his appointer and this had a bad precedence and personalities like Chimene, Shoko and Chipanga have followed suit by denigrating senior party members including the part of the presidium's trinity. It is the professor who created and gave names to factions, it's him who saw ambitions to overthrow on a mug, it's the Minister who sees evilness in the powers vested on his excellence to appoint his VPs yet he once propagated clandestinely for the one-centre of power.It is Moyo who can challenge ZACC's composition and powers to bring Robin Wood before the wheels of justice; maybe it is because you can't question the rationality of actions by a professor because he is learned and if you challenge his conduct it is tribalism.The professor is sowing the seeds of disharmony and disloyalty among comrades. The revolution has survived the coalitions of the willing but will it survive the capture by the professor? Can comrades sell the professor a political dummy and let his experiment of destroying the people's party from within strangle him? Be wary when dealing with the unrepentant professor and pass my word to him that those who sow wind will definitely reap whirlwind. Animal rights group PETA today claimed an "investigation" showed that some prominent poultry companies in the country adopt cruel methods in dealing with "unwanted" male chicks. In its findings, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), India, names companies including Venky's, Suguna Foods who allegedly indulge in such practices. The two companies have denied the charges. PETA termed the practices "criminal" and urged the government to probe the issue. Refuting the charges, Suguna Foods said it was not in the egg-business and therefore "there was no question of culling of male chicks". "We are into the broiler-business where male and female chicks are reared together so it is a completely wrong allegation," a senior Suguna official told PTI. On the other hand, Venky's said there was demand for male chicks in rural areas where they are sold for meat. "Why will they be killed when there is a demand?" it said. Nikunj Sharma, a PETA India official, screened a video in Hyderabad showing purported cruelty to animals allegedly at different hatcheries. Poultry Federation of India President Ramesh Chander Khatri shared the companies' views saying while he could not comment on the videos, such practices were unheard of. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, PETA India CEO Poorva Joshipura said shortly after birth, male chicks are separated from female ones via a process known as 'sexing' which is extremely distressing as they hare handled roughly by workers. PETA based its claims on an investigation conducted by Anonymous for Animal Rights between February and April 2016 in several hatcheries in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. "Hatcheries consider male (chicks) useless as only female (ones) can lay eggs. They are stored and killed in horrific ways," she said. Male chicks- and others that are sick or considered unprofitable otherwise for meat or egg production- are killed in disturbing ways- "by grinding, drowning, burning, crushing and suffocation, or feeding them live to fish", she said. Venky's DGM (sales and marketing) Omkar Verma questioned the authenticity of the videos shared by PETA and said male chicks are treated as byproducts for the companies in the layer sector, where egg laying poultries are raised. "They are sold in rural areas. Why will they be killed when there is a demand? They are treated like desi birds in rural areas and reared likewise and later sold for meat," Verma said. PETA has written to the governments of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on the issue, Sharma said, adding the animal rights group would also be writing to the companies concerned soon, he said. "In response to these atrocities, PETA is calling on the public to go vegan and the government to consider new 'in ovo' sexing technology, in which chicks' gender is determined before they hatch, potentially preventing large scale deaths of male chicks," Nikunj Sharma of PETA told reporters in Hyderabad. The outfit also requested the government "to establish and implement a written standard for painless euthanasia for unhealthy chicks and take stern action against companies that kill chicks in cruel ways. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is a "serial killer" who should be forced out of office, one of his chief critics said today, as she faced arrest on drug charges she insisted were meant to silence her. Senator Leila de Lima invoked a famous "People Power" revolution that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos three decades ago, in her strongest comments yet against Duterte and his drug war that has claimed thousands of lives. "There is no more doubt that our president is a murderer and sociopathic serial killer," De Lima told reporters, as she called on cabinet to declare him unfit to lead, and asked ordinary Filipinos to voice their opposition to his rule. De Lima said the constitution allowed for a majority in his cabinet to force him to step down by ruling that he was mentally incapacitated, and urged it to do so. If the cabinet members did not, De Lima referred to the mass uprising that ended the "iron fist" of Marcos's dictatorship in 1986. "Now the time has come again for us to be brave and stand up to another criminal dictator and his evil regime," De Lima said. The government last week charged De Lima, a former national human rights commissioner, with orchestrating a drug trafficking ring when she was justice secretary in the previous administration. De Lima, 57, her supporters and rights groups have said the charges against her are manufactured to silence her as well as intimidate other people who may want to speak out against him. She could be detained anytime, although the courts hearing the cases must issue an arrest warrant. When asked about De Lima's comments, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella simply described them as "colourful language" and pointed out that Duterte would allow public demonstrations against him. Duterte, 71, won presidential elections last year after promising during the campaign to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people. He immediately launched the crackdown after taking office in June and police have reported killing 2,555 drug suspects since then, with about 4,000 other people murdered in unexplained circumstances. Amnesty International has warned police actions in the drug war may amount to crimes against humanity. The powerful Roman Catholic Church, which helped lead the People Power revolution, has in recent months begun speaking out against the drug war and on Saturday held a rally against the killings, attracting thousands of people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A political crisis or a failed love story have been the perennial favourites of playwrights. Director Mohit Takalkar combines both the plots to narrate two parallel stories in his captivating play 'Main Huun Yusuf Aur Ye Hai Mera Bhai' that was staged recently as part of National School of Drama's 19th Bharat Rang Mahotsav here. Set in the backdrop of 1948 Palestine, when the British mandate was ending and the United Nations was voting for dividing the country into two, the play tells the story of a small village straddling between an 'imminent war resulting in a refugee status' and an 'unlikely love story'. Narrated in the voice of a mentally challenged Yusuf, the play is the story of how the boy's handicap as "Gaon ka sabse bewakoof ladka" (the most stupid boy of the village) came in the way of his brother Ali's marriage with the love of his life Nada. As the war plays out in the backdrop and 'land owners' in the village turn refugees, the production captures the anguished existence of the villagers through nuanced performances by the actors. One of the most striking scenes in the narrative where a villager carrying an uprooted tree fearing that it will forget him once the new ocupants arrive, evokes a heart wrenching sense of loss and uprootedness. "Hopefully I will plant it again," says the villager, holding the tree over his head. Peeling off deep layers of 'guilt' and 'forgiveness', the play ends with Ali's purgation as he confesses of throwing Yusuf in a well during their childhood that resulted in his handicap. "I am the one responsible for your condition. I threw you in the well when we were children out of jealousy. I didn't want, but then my hands pushed you. Please forgive me," Ali tells Yusuf, as the latter helplessly pleads with his brother not to leave him. What follows is Ali's hopeless pursuit of Nada accompanied by the doggedly loyal Yusuf, that culminates in Ali's death. Takalkar's production is an adaptation of the Hindi-Urdu translation of the original play by Palestinian playwright Amir Nizar Zuabi. "Zuabi's play was powerful, elegiac, exploration of history, memory and different forms of love. "I rehearsed everyday with a certain zeal and enthusiasm to unearth multiple layers and narratives of this fascinating play and left everyday with moist eyes and a parched throat," says Takalkar. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Suspected militants today fired at a police party deployed for the visit of Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam in Tamenglong district of Manipur, a senior police official said. Police returned the fire, triggering a gunbattle. "About 8.30 AM, suspected militants fired at a police advance party which was deployed there in view of Deputy Chief Minister's visit in the area. Our forces fired back. There are no reports of casualties so far," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The central government today quoted data collected by an NGO and cited media reports to counter the contention of UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav about 24-hour availability of power in Varanasi, the Lok Sabha constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Amid a war of words between Modi and Akhilesh over supply of electricity in UP where polls are underway, the central government said it had created an URJA App to provide urban power data for the consumers but the state government had stopped giving data in it. Modi on Sunday alleged discimination in power supply in the state on the basis of religion. In his counter, Akhilesh yesterday asked Modi to swear by 'Ganga Maiyya' (mother Ganga) if his constituency Varanasi had not been getting 24-hour power supply. "The UP government was providing data in it till August 2016 but due to very bad ranking particularly in power cuts (in terms of times and duration), the state government has stopped giving data," it said in a statement. "As per the data provided in August 2016, UP had more than 2 times the number of power cuts and 7 times the hours of power cuts as compared to (rest of) India," the Centre said. It added that, "If Varanasi is getting 24-hour power, then why is UP government trying to hide power supply data from the world? Independent third party shows poor power supply position in Varanasi." Citing some media reports, the Centre said parts of Varanasi suffer long power cuts, including on last Sunday when the Prime Minister said there should be no discrimination in supply of electricity. It also quoted the statistics prepared by NGO 'Prayas' which collects power supply data from specific towns across the country. "As per the data collected by them (Prayas), in four parts of Varanasi (Sundarpur, Pandeypur, Sarang Talab and Shivpur), in Shivpur (in Varanasi District), the situation is very bad where the area has been experiencing almost 8-10 hours of power cuts per day for the last 3 months. "Situation in other areas in Varanasi like Sundarpur, Pandeypur and Sarang Talab is also poor and have been experiencing power cuts of 1-2 hours per day," it added. Citing a reporty by 'Prayas', the Union government said, "UP is the only state which has not signed 'Power for all' document. All other states in the country have signed the 'Power for all' document which creates a roadmap for providing power to all consumers in the states." The statement added that, "Despite, repeated follow ups, UP has not shown interest in providing power for all of its citizens. Despite 5 letters to UP Government in 13 months, the document was not signed. "Also, 7 meetings and video conferencing notices were issued on this subject to UP, but the UP government has not shown any initiative to sign this document." The statement said, "1.6 of 3 crore rural households in UP don't have electricity connections, but the present government is not interested in resolving electricity crisis." Alleging discrimination on religious grounds in implementation of the DDUGJY (Deen Dayal Ujwal Gram Jyoti Yojana) Scheme, the Centre said the Samajwadi Party government had "selective focus" on "few areas". It claimed that "large scale discrimination on the basis of religion has been unearthed in Moradabad". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Jaipur police today uneartheed a huge cache of explosives from the possession of a villager on the outskirt of the city and arrested him for keeping the contraband. The cache of explosives seized from the man included 300kg of ammonium nitrate, 400 gelatin rods and 3,200 meters of fuse wire said the police today. The city police arrested Nandram Raigar of Deeppur village on a tip off that he has been keeping the explosive material illegally. The accused had kept the explosives in six gunny sacks weighing 50 kg each, police said. Raigar had kept the explosives under a temporary shelter near to a hillock few meters away from his residence. We had received a tip-off following which we arrested him, SHO, Harmada police station, Lakhan Singh told PTI. Police booked the accused under various sections of the Explosives Act 1884. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The resignation letter of Mizoram minister Lalrinmawia Ralte has been sent to Governor Nirbhay Sharma by the Chief Minister's office today. The resignation letter was submitted by Ralte, who holds the portfolios of labour, employment and industrial training, to Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla on Wednesday last, said Lalram Thanga, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. Ralte was embroiled in a controversy over sending 32 Mizo students to a fake institution - Nalanda Institute of Advanced Studies (NIAS) - in Kolkata to study Bachelor of Hotel Management. In his resignation letter, he alleged the opposition parties to be the reason behind his resignation and that they were also trying to involve the chief minister in the controversy. Besides charging Ralte for the fiasco, the opposition parties also alleged the misuse of Rs 128 lakh, provided by MBOCWWB (Mizoram Bru Displaced Peoples Fourm) for the purpose. The state government has so far suspended two officials in this regard. Lal Thanhawla has already accepted the resignation of Sangkunga, chairman of the MYC (Mizoram Youth Commission) in this connection. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said PSU oil majors ONGC and OIL will release Rs 6,320 crore pending royalty to the state for 2008-2014 within the next two years. "Out of Rs 6,320 crore due to us, the Centre will release 15 per cent or Rs 948 crore within the next month. Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan will himself visit Assam to give us the amount," Sarma told a press conference. Another Rs 2,844 crore will be released in 2017-18, while the remaining Rs 2,528 crore will be given in 2018-19 financial year, he added. Sarma said Rs 6,320 crore will be in addition to Rs 1,450 crore that the state has already received from the oil companies in August last year for the difference in royalty payable at pre-discounted price from 2014 to 2016. With Assam receiving Rs 3,792 crore of oil royalty during 2017-18, which was not considered while tabling the state's budget for the next fiscal earlier this month, the deficit of Rs 2,349.79 crore will be taken care of. "In fact, we will have a surplus budget of over Rs 1,000 crore. People can now be reassured that the government will implement all the promises made in the budget," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Special Public Prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam today dubbed the detention of 2008 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed by Pakistan as an act of "hypocrisy". Saeed was placed under house arrest on January 30 in Lahore. "I am doubtful of the action because in his statement before a court in Mumbai, David Headley had said that no action was likely to be taken against Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi in Pakistan," Nikam told reporters here. "Headley had even submitted e-mails which he had received from Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which indicated that the action against Lakhvi was an act of hypocrisy," he added. Nikam said Pakistan was not willing to accept that Saeed was a terrorist and the country was being supported by China which had "vested interests" in the region. Saeed was earlier put under house arrest after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, but was freed by a court in Pakistan in 2009. He carries a reward of USD 10 million on his head, announced by the authorities in the US for his role in terror activities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court today directed a trial court of Jammu and Kashmir to proceed with a matter against NGO 'Transparency International India (TII)' relating to a media report on alleged corruption in lower judiciary. A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar asked the judicial magistrate-first class to proceed in "accordance with law" in the matter in which the lower court had sought the presence of officials of TII, Centre for Media Studies (CMS) and others to respond to the show cause notices issued against them earlier. The matter relates to a report of a survey conducted by the global anti-corruption NGO and on the basis of which a Jammu and Kashmir-based newspaper had published an article on alleged corruption in lower judiciary in the state. "In view of the above, while disposing of the writ petition, we direct the officer holding the charge of judicial magistrate first class to proceed with the matter in furtherance of the original show cause notice dated May 4, 2006," the bench, also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul, said. The bench agreed with the contention of senior counsel Jayant Bhushan, representing TII and CMS, and said the judicial magistrate had "absolutely no jurisdiction" to pass the order to ensure presence of the petitioners before it. "We, however, are satisfied in accepting the arguments that the judicial magistrate has absolutely no jurisdiction to pass the impugned order whereby it attempted to enforce presence of the petitioners...In order to respond to the first order dated May 4, 2006," the bench said. The apex court had in September 2006 stayed the execution of warrant of arrest issued by the magistrate against the petitioners and had also stayed the proceedings pending there. During the hearing, Bhushan argued that the magistrate was not competent to initiate contempt proceedings against them as he only had the power to refer it to the high court. He said the order initiating contempt proceeding was beyond the jurisdiction of judicial magistrate and "at best he could have made a reference to the high court". Bhushan said that both TII and CMS had responded to the show cause notices but they had not appeared before the court. He also argued that TII as well as CMS were not at all connected with the newspaper or its publisher and they had not even seen the article on the basis of which the lower court had initiated action against them. The apex court, in its order, noted that assertions in the report were made against the lower judiciary of Jammu and Kashmir and "it was clearly open to any member of the lower judiciary" to take note and subsequent action as per the law. "We may clarify that the term 'of a subordinate court' used in section 15(2) of the 1997 Act could well contemplate a situation where simultaneously contempt is committed for more than one count and in such an eventuality, any such court can take action and make reference to the high court," the bench said. The judicial magistrate had passed order under provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1997 and under various provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code, including 499 and 500 (criminal defamation), against TII, CMS and others. The lower court had thereafter in July 2006 issued notices asking them to appear through authorised representatives to answer the material questions. Opinion / Columnist Matthew 7 verse 11 "If you then, being evil are able to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your father in heaven give good things to those who make request to him?God wants us to know that he is not a father who takes pleasure in seing us in pain, defeated or distressed. He is a father that gives us exactly what we ask in his name. His love for us is long suffering.God gave us the gift of children inorder for us to understand what a father-heart or infact a parent heart is like. If we being sinners and evil doers are able to give good things to our children, how much more will God give us what we ask in his name. His love is unconditional, he demonstrates it to everyone be it sinners or saints. This is what a father does to his children however good or bad they are.1John 3:1 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.This is the pure love we ought to have, to love even they that appear to be unlovable. One thing that comes to my mind is, we are all God's children and not servants. That is why we are given this special privilege of a father to child relationship with God. Then that means you and me are brothers and sisters thus we ought to love one another.Now here is something that disturbs me. If were brothers and all of us as Christians acknowledge this, would it be proper for us to send our children to expensive private schools while our brothers as beggars and destitute children at the street corners?Isn't it more of a neglect of duty and or partly acceptance of the Christian religion rather that wholly embracing it? Is there equality among the children of God and equal distribution of blessings or some vessels are consuming that which they should have transported to others too. We have an obligation to care for one another. You are a brother's keeper, so am l?Iwe neni tinebasa. Mina lawe silomlandu.Donate to the numbers below for their education and welfare.Word Powered by; TROVOCO a newly registered Christian oriented charity Trust wholly devoted to alleviate the plight of the underprivileged (destitute children, the orphans and the disabled amongst others).Make your donations to these kids via our Treasurer on +263 772 937 477( cash range from as little as $2 to as much as you can afford).Contact; (Chairperson) Mthulisi Ndlovu +263 778 481 481/ +267763 50865. To get more information or to join us.TROVOCO 'A closer walk with them'. The Supreme Court today questioned the source of money in the bank accounts of social activist Teesta Setalvad and others which were frozen by Ahmedabad police in 2015 after allegations of misappropriation. "Whose money is this? From where did the money in these bank accounts have come," a bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra asked the counsel for Setalvad. "There are multiple donors who have donated the money for various purposes. Our personal bank accounts and the bank accounts of NGOs have been frozen by them, which also include fixed deposits. At least the court should direct them that personal bank accounts should be defreezed as lot of time has passed," advocate Aparna Bhat appearing for Setalvad said. She said they have submitted the details of source of money to the Gujarat government but till now no action has been taken on defreezing the accounts. Additional Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for Gujarat, told the bench, also comprising Justices A M Khanwilkar and M M Shantanagoudar, that some time was needed to file detailed reply on the issue. The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on April 18. On November 9 last year, the apex court had fixed the pleas of Setalvad, her husband Javed Anand and her two controversial NGOs challenging the freezing of their accounts for final hearing. Setalvad had objected to repeated adjournments taken by Gujarat government after the apex court issued notice saying their accounts have remained frozen for nearly three years. Teesta, her husband and two NGOs -- Sabrang Trust and Citizens for Justice and Peace -- had approached the apex court challenging the October 7, 2015 verdict of the Gujarat High Court rejecting their pleas for defreezing their personal bank accounts. One of the residents of Gulberg Society, Firoz Khan Pathan, had filed a complaint against Setalvad and others alleging that money was raised to make a museum at Gulberg Society in the memory of 69 people killed in the 2002 Gujarat riots, but it had not been utilised for the purpose. The freezing of the accounts by Ahmedabad Police had come soon after its Crime Branch had started probing a case in which Setalvad and others were accused of embezzling Rs 1.51 crore collected to convert Gulberg Society into a museum. The high court had upheld the verdict of a lower court in this regard observing that the probe was at a serious point in the alleged case of Gulberg society fund embezzlement. In their plea before the apex court, the petitioners had alleged that their accounts were "illegally" frozen without following the due process of law. "The accounts of the petitioner have been frozen by the respondents without any prior notice and this act of freezing her personal accounts is not pursuant to the discovery of any offence but is in terms of a fishing expedition as an attempt to find out if any offence has been committed," the plea has said. The petitioners had claimed there was no nexus between the alleged offence and their accounts which were frozen. "The freezing of the accounts of the petitioner has led to personal hardship and humiliation. It is also a violation of the fundamental rights of life, association and assembly. "The aim of the respondents was and is to humiliate and defame the Petitioner in every way possible as also to financially cripple the Trusts and even block her personal finances so that legitimate activities come to a standstill," it alleged. In the embezzlement case lodged by the Gujarat Police, the couple had challenged the cancellation of bail in the apex court, while in the alleged FCRA violation case, CBI has challenged the anticipatory bail granted to them by the Bombay High Court. Both matters are pending before the apex court. Gujarat Police has filed an affidavit in the apex court alleging that the funds collected by them for setting up of a museum in memory of the riots victims of Gulberg Society was spent on personal use. The Rachakonda Police today claimed to have busted an alleged nexus between ex-servicemen and civilians involved in diverting subsidised goods meant for defence personnel to the open market. Police arrested seven persons, including four ex-servicemen in connection with the case, said a release issued by the Rachakonda Police Commissionerate. Sleuths of the Special Operation Team (Malkajgiri Zone) raided a godown in Neredmet Police Station limits here where the accused used to store groceries purchased from CSD canteens to be later sold to traders at higher rates, said the release. S Srinivas, who is running a grocery store in Old Alwal was arrested along with A Kantha Rao, E Laxmaiah, B Varuganti, M Srinivasulu (all ex-servicemen) besides two others G Veera Basker Reddy (who is also into grocery business) and a driver of an auto-trolley B Devidas, it said. Police seized 129 cartons of CSD canteen groceries worth Rs 5 lakhs, 15 CSD Canteen Smart Cards, from the possession of the arrested accused, said the release. Explaining the modus-operandi of the racket, police claimed that Srinivas knows some ex-servicemen residing in the nearby localities. These former defence personnel used to purchase groceries and other electronic items from the CSD canteens and sell them to him. Srinivas paid them 22 per cent extra on the canteen bill, said the release. "These former officials even used canteen cards of men who are presently in service to procure goods for Srinivas," police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will travel to Turkey tomorrow on a three-day visit to hold wide-ranging consultations with the Turkish leadership on bilateral, regional and international issues. Sharif will co-chair the 5th Session of the Pakistan- Turkey High Level Strategic Cooperation Council with Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim in Ankara on February 23, the Foreign office said today. The council was established in 2009 as a framework for consultations at the highest political level between the two sides. At the conclusion of the session, a Joint Declaration will be issued. The two sides are also expected to sign a number of agreements/MoUs on the occasion. During his visit from February 22 to February 24, Sharif will also meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other senior officials. He will hold wide-ranging consultations with the Turkish leadership on bilateral, regional and international issues. The Prime Minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, consisting of ministers and senior officials. Sharif will also visit the Turkish Parliament to reaffirm Pakistan's unequivocal support and solidarity against the failed coup attempt in Turkey on July 15, 2016. The parliament was bombed on that night by rebels. He will also pay homage to all those who laid down their lives in defence of the Turkish democracy. The relationship between Pakistan and Turkey is unique in inter-state relations -- marked by exceptional warmth, cordiality and mutual trust, the Foreign Office said. "These fraternal ties are nurtured by common faith, shared history, and cultural and linguistic affinities. The two nations have an abiding tradition of standing by each other and mutually supporting their respective national causes -- including Kashmir and Cyprus," it said. Bilateral ties between Pakistan and Turkey have witnessed remarkable growth and dynamism in recent years, ranging from enhanced economic ties to deepening defence collaboration to growing educational and cultural links, it said. Both sides are working to give powerful thrust to bilateral trade, investments, and commercial cooperation as part of the efforts to build a robust economic partnership. The leadership of both the countries is committed to transforming this historic relationship into a strong strategic partnership in line with the realities of the 21st century. This year also marks the 70th year of Pakistan-Turkey diplomatic relations. The two countries envisage special commemorative events throughout the year to celebrate this milestone in a befitting manner. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sikhs and Kashmiris are among new categories being considered for additional ethnicity tick-boxes on the 2021 census form by the UK's Office of National Statistics (ONS). "We are a long way off as there is still a lot of research that needs to be done to ensure that the census held every 10 years collects all the right information. Ethnicity is just one aspect of this research and Sikhs and Kashmiris are among a number of requests we received," an ONS spokesperson said. Sikhs are already recognised as a separate religion in the optional religious question introduced in the 2001 Census. The UK's Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 placed an obligatory and specific duty on the country's public authorities to monitor and positively promote race equality in the provision of public services. Sikh groups based in the UK have been campaigning for a separate category for British Sikhs for years and are hopeful that research launched this week to inform the census questionnaire will lead to such a change. "If the Census 2021 ethnicity question does not include a Sikh tick box question, the impact from a service user perspective will continue to grow and result in Sikhs being invisible to those who develop policies and deliver public services," Sikh Federation UK and Sikh Network said as part of their representations to the ONS. "This will span across the inequalities observed by Sikhs in health, education, employment etc," it said. For Kashmiris, Manchester City Council expressed the view that adding such a category would help them benchmark their services for the community. "Including Kashmiri in the Census will allow us to benchmark our practice and the outcomes of Manchester's Kashmiri population with the rest of the UK," the council said. Gypsy, Jewish, Latin American, Somali and Turkish are among some of the other ethnicities that are being considered as part of a UK-wide survey of nearly 40,000 households which began yesterday. The results of the survey will be analysed and published later this year before a 'Census White Paper' is prepared for Parliament by 2018. According to British Sikh groups, public bodies tend to only reference the ethnic groups used in the census and demand a separate Sikh ethnic tick box to ensure Sikhs have fair access to all public services. "We have started our awareness campaign to ensure as many Sikh households as possible, probably around 2,000 each in Hounslow and Wolverhampton, take part in the survey. We are in the process of liaising with MPs, local councilors and Gurdwaras to provide any assistance necessary with those who require help in completing the online survey as we would during the Census itself," said Bhai Amrik Singh, chair of Sikh Federation UK. "We have also told ONS legal action will be taken on the basis of unlawful racial discrimination by ONS under the Equality Act 2010 if a separate Sikh ethnic tick box for the Census 2021 is not recommended when proposals are presented to Parliament in the Census White Paper in 2018," he said. The UK has been collating ethnic group data since the census of 1991 and the data is used for resource allocation by central and local government, to inform policy development and to help organisations meet and monitor their statutory obligations. The ONS explained that questions used for the census have evolved to remain relevant to contemporary British society and phraseology of the census questionnaire is targeted to ensure the public and data users have complete clarity. Spanish police said today they fired on a truck loaded with butane gas bottles which was driving the wrong way down a road in Barcelona, managing to stop it and detain the Swedish driver. "We detained a person who was of Swedish nationality," a spokesman for police in the popular Spanish Mediterranean resort city told AFP. Barcelona's city hall said the small white truck -- which had dozens of orange gas bottles stacked on the back in plain view -- had been stolen. There was no indication as yet whether this was an attempted attack or just a plain robbery. Mireia Ruiz, a woman who saw the truck from her home nearby, said the driver ignored people screaming at him to stop as he sped down the wrong side of a ring road. "When people shouted at him, he would laugh and make offensive gestures with his hand," she told AFP. Police did not say whether there were any injuries. Around 20 police officers and at least six police cars were on site, and several gas bottles were lying on the ground, an AFP correspondent reported. The trace of at least one gunshot was visible on the windscreen of the truck. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Polyurethane Association (IPUA) wants the government to take steps to promote domestic industry and address issues such as inverted duty structures. The association, which will host the 5th PU Tech exhibition next month with an aim to promote polyurethane, also wants the government to impose only a 'reasonable' duty on the sector under the new GST regime. "At the moment, the domestic industry faces inverse rate of duty because of which local companies face pressure," IPUA President Mukesh Bhuta told PTI. Seeking government support, Bhuta, who is also the Chairman and MD of Expanded Polymer Systems, said steps must be taken to create more research centres and provide more grants to the polyurethane industry. On the much-awaited GST, he said IPUA would request the government "to be reasonable on the duty imposed in the new GST regime". Polyurethane is used in the manufacturing of foam seating, durable elastomeric wheels and tires such as roller coaster, escalator, elevator and carpet underlay, among others. Commenting on the impact of demonetisation, he said it "disrupted the industry growth as sale of refrigerators, shoes and automotives went down in which the raw materials of polyurethane are used". The association is organising the 5th PU Tech exhibition from March 8 to March 10 to create more awareness about the polyurethane. It will be held at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida. The three-day exhibition would feature over 250 exhibitors that will bring together raw material producers, equipment suppliers, end users and industry at large. The Indian Polyurethane Association is a non-profit organisation created to promote growth of the polyurethane industry in India. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven persons, including a lawyer, were killed and 20 others injured today when Taliban suicide bombers stormed a court in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the latest terror attack in the country. The attackers opened fire and threw grenades as they attempted to enter the sessions court premises in Tangi, prompting retaliatory fire by the security forces deployed there. Three attackers were killed in the police action. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack. "Several terrorists attacked the court and resorted to heavy firing at the main gate of the lower court," police said. One bomber was killed in the firing at the gate and the second was killed as he entered the court. The third bomber died when he detonated his explosives, officials said. "Seven people were killed and 20 others were injured during the attack," Sohail Khalid, district police chief Charsadda, said. Provincial government sources said one lawyer is among those killed. Khalid said due to tight security the bombers could not enter the court, but had they been successful in entering the premises it "would have been a catastrophe". Director General Inter-Services Public Relations, Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted, "Chief of Army Staff lauds security forces' response to Charsada Blast. First tier Police response has saved many lives. Shares grief on loss of lives." A search and rescue operation was underway, he added. District hospitals have been put on high alert. Charsadda is a nearly 40 minute drive from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's provincial capital Peshawar, and has been a target of terror attacks for nearly a decade. The latest attack came as security has been tightened across Pakistan after a recent wave of terrorist strikes killed more than 100 people. On Thursday, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offesive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. In August last year, more than 70 people, mostly lawyers were killed in a bombing of a hospital in the southwestern city of Quetta. A suicide bomber had struck a local court in Charsadda's Shabqadar area last year in March, killing 17 people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Seven persons, including a lawyer, were killed and 21 others injured today when heavily-armed Taliban suicide bombers stormed a court in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the latest terror attack in the country. The attackers opened fire and threw grenades as they attempted to enter the sessions court premises in Tangi, some 30 km away from the provincial capital Peshawar, prompting retaliatory fire by the security forces deployed there. Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JuA), a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility for the attack. "Several terrorists attacked the court and resorted to heavy firing at the main gate of the lower court," Sohail Khalid, district police chief, said. "Bomb disposal experts said that each bomber was wearing seven to eight kilogrammes of explosives," he told reporters. One bomber was killed in the firing at the gate and the second was killed as he entered the court. The third bomber died when he detonated his explosives, officials said. "Seven people were killed and 20 others were injured during the attack," Sohail Khalid, district police chief Charsadda, said. Provincial government sources said one lawyer is among the seven persons killed. Khalid said due to tight security the bombers could not enter the court, but had they been successful in entering the premises it "would have been a catastrophe". Director General Inter-Services Public Relations, Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted, "Chief of Army Staff lauds security forces' response to Charsada Blast. First tier Police response has saved many lives. Shares grief on loss of lives." A search and rescue operation was underway, he added. District hospitals have been put on high alert. Charsadda has been a target of terror attacks for nearly a decade. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif condemned the attack in a statement issued by his office. "We are a steadfast nation and will not be deterred by such attacks. Our government will continue to fight against terrorists and we will succeed," the statement said. The latest attack came as security has been tightened across Pakistan after a recent wave of terrorist strikes killed more than 100 people. On Thursday, a suicide bomber killed 88 people at a famed Sufi shrine in Sindh province. Following the attack, the army launched an offesive against militants and claimed to have killed more than 130 terrorists across the country. In August last year, more than 70 people, mostly lawyers were killed in a bombing of a hospital in the southwestern city of Quetta. A suicide bomber had struck a local court in Charsadda's Shabqadar area last year in March, killing 17 people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Thousands of protesters rallied outside parliament today as MPs debated a petition to cancel a state visit by US President Donald Trump which gained more than 1.8 million signatures. Placards reading "No to Trump" and "Dump Trump" were held by demonstrators in Parliament Square, in the latest rally against the US president who came to power a month ago. British Prime Minister Theresa May became the first foreign leader to meet Trump in the White House in January, when she invited him to the UK on a state visit to be hosted by Queen Elizabeth II later this year. The invitation came hours ahead of Trump imposing tough entry restrictions on travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries and within days an online petition to prevent the president's state visit attracted more than 1.8 million signatures. The British government has said it will not support the petition and stressed that the invitation still stands, but parliament went ahead and debated the issue due to the popularity of the petition. Lawmakers also discussed a counter-petition to uphold the state visit invite, which attracted over 300,000 signatures. During the debate, opposition Labour MP David Lammy said the government offered the state visit because it is "desperate" for a trade deal with the US. "I think my children deserve better than that... I'm ashamed that it's come to this," he said. Fellow Labour lawmaker Paul Flynn said the invitation should be downgraded from the regal affair to a regular visit. "There are great dangers in attempting to give him the best accolade we can give anyone," he said. While Trump was offered a state visit after just seven days in office, his predecessor Barack Obama had to wait 758 days before receiving the same invitation. Outside parliament yesterday, protester Benjamin Kari said people needed to stand up against Trump's policies and avoid becoming complacent. "He's promoting racist policies, he's normalising racism and misogyny and Islamophobia," he told AFP. Bryan Richardson, a member of the Stand up to Racism group, said May "humiliated herself by rushing over to Washington to be the first leader to meet Donald Trump". A Stop Trump Coalition website named February 20 a "day of action" against the US president, listing events planned across Britain. Around 300 people gathered in Glasgow waving sometimes comical banners aimed at Trump, one describing him as a "Feckin Plonker". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Donald Trump has tapped Herbert Raymond McMaster, a decorated and outspoken US Army lieutenant general to be his new national security adviser, days after he fired his first pick and his second turned down the crucial post. 54-year-old McMaster, the head of the Army Capabilities Integration Center, will become one of Trump's top national security and foreign policy advisers, taking the helm of the White House's National Security Council, which was left rudderless after Lt Gen Michael Flynn was forced to resign after just 24 days on the job. "I just wanted to announce that Gen H R McMaster will become the national security advisor. He's a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience," Trump said while making the announcement at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida yesterday. "I watched and read a lot over the last two days. He is highly respected by everyone in the military and we're very honored to have him," Trump said. In his brief remarks, McMaster said he looks forward to joining the national security team and doing everything he can to advance and protect the interests of the American people. McMaster will take on the new role after having served several tours of duty in Germany, Southwest Asia and Iraq, including a stint as special assistant to Gen. David Petraeus when he was commander of the US-led coalition forces in Iraq during the 2007 troop surge. McMaster's predecessor, Lt Gen Michael Flynn was forced out by Trump after revelations that he misled Vice President Mike Pence about discussing sanctions with Russia's ambassador to the US during the presidential transition. Trump then offered the job to retired Vice Admiral Robert Harward, who turned down the role, citing "personal reasons". The acting national security advisor, Gen (retd) Keith Kellogg, will now serve as Trump's national security council chief of staff. The President also said John Bolton, a former US ambassador to the United Nations, would serve the administration in another capacity. "I met with many other people. I have tremendous respect for the people I met with. I know John Bolton, we'll be asking him to work with us in a somewhat different capacity. We had some really good meetings with him," he said. "He had a good number of ideas that I must tell you I agree very much with. So we'll be talking with John Bolton in a different capacity. And we'll be talking to some of the other generals that I've met," Trump said. Top Republican Senator John McCain, who is Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and a fierce critic of Trump, welcomed McMaster's appointment. "Lt General H R McMaster is an outstanding choice for national security advisor. I have had the honor of knowing him for many years, and he is a man of genuine intellect, character, and ability. He knows how to succeed," he said. "I give President Trump great credit for this decision, as well as his national security cabinet choices. I could not imagine a better, more capable national security team than the one we have right now," McCain said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Opinion / Columnist In the evening of 27th February 1978, a detachment of 35 BDF soldiers, 2 teenagers from Lesoma village and 2 or 3 ZIPRA combatants were ambushed by Smith's Rhodesian Soldiers at Lesoma sand ridge. 15 BDF soldiers, 1 teenager from Lesoma and a ZIPRA combatant lost their lives from the ensuring fire fight and it is to them that this short story is dedicated.Retired Captain Gukhwa Bangai pulled over his pride-a battered 2006 Pajero at Northgate filling station in Nata village. The time was just shy of ten o'clock in the morning. He had driven without a break for the past four hours from Xhumo and his body flashed warning signs of creeping fatigue and the need to dash to the gents. A smiling petrol attendant dutifully directed him to the bathrooms behind the restaurant.The bathrooms were invitingly clean and he silently awarded the facility two stars. There were five urinary booths in the bathrooms and were all occupied except one. He proceeded to it and in a deep voice said, "Barena dumelang". The four men at the urinals simultaneously shifted their attention to him and acknowledged his greeting differently."Re teng boss." The first one to reply said with a pleasant smile on his face."Go tsogilwe ntates, wena?" The second to acknowledge the greeting said.The third to respond was a grey haired man and he said, "Re tsogile morwa rra, ga go na molato."The last one who appeared to be in his late teens said, "Sharpest, go jwang?""Marapo ke one a barena bame," Gukhwa said and took a minute to complete his call at the booth.After finishing his duty he went to the nearest hand basin to wash his hands, or more precisely his right hand. What used to be his left hand was now a stump that was aided by an artificial limb. He looked in the mirror that was above the basin and his scarred face starred back at him. The scars were generously spread all over his face and looked like a product of a novice artist. The scars had become part of him and he had long come to accept them.A phalanx of what he suspected to be passengers from one of the numerous buses which serviced the two tourist areas of Okavango and Chobe invaded the bathrooms when he was about to exit. He politely yielded for the whole group to enter. Besides the common purpose of answering the call of nature, the group was what some Batswana would call a mixed-masala.The crowd was made of the young and the elderly, the dapperly dressed and the shabbily clothed. Various languages spoken in Botswana intermingled in the confined space as the different passengers conversed animatedly. Tjikohane, Shiyei, Ikalanga, Otjiherero, Shuakhwe and Tjinandzwa escaped and reverberated from the different learned lips. Batswana and their beautiful languages, Gukhwa soliloquized as he finally exited the bathrooms.Gukhwa found an unoccupied table on the veranda of the restaurant and ordered coffee. The place was packed with customers on transit and the coffee nevertheless took a short time to be brought to him. He drank two cups at a leisurely pace then signalled to the waiter. He settled the bill and gave the waiter a ten Pula tip. He felt rejuvenated as he went to his car to continue with his journey to Lesoma.Travelling to Lesoma was a pilgrimage that he always made on the 27th of every February. Coincidentally the 27th of February was his birth date as well as that of the President of the Republic of Botswana, His Excellency Lieutenant General Doctor Seretse Khama Ian Khama. The journey however had less to do with birthdays but more with the missing left hand and the bold scars that decorated his face.Driving from Nata to Lesoma junction was always an adventure for Gukhwa. He loved wildlife and the open plains which the Nata-Kazungula road offered in abundance. The road although littered with potholes, was wide and comfortable to drive on. Traffic on the way was light which gave him the pleasure of watching the various animals that grazed along the road. He saw elephants, giraffes, kudos and impalas all the way starting from Ngwasha gate and up to the Lesoma junction. The beauty that he saw somehow made his journey miraculously shorter. He took under three hours to reach the Lesoma junction.After turning at the junction he stopped his car and went to a sign board that read, 'Lesoma Disaster Monument'. He inspected it thoughtfully for a moment and then went to sit under a nearby mukwa tree. Lesoma village and the Lesoma disaster monument were just below the sand ridge that could be seen from the turn-off. As he sat under the mukwa tree his thoughts wandered to what happened thirty eight years back on the evening of the 27th February 1978 just below the ridge.On that day, Gukhwa had been a newly graduated Private of No. 2 Platoon with the similarly new Botswana Defence Force on a trip at Kazungula base. The day had taken a different course when two teenagers from Lesoma had been sent by the Chief to report disturbing activities by Rhodesian soldiers in the vicinity of Lesoma. The Platoon Commander had immediately summoned No.4 Platoon to be the one to go. Members of No. 2 Platoon had been shattered as everyone had been eager to go on that mission. Gukhwa and four of his squad mates from No. 2 Platoon had literally prayed to be part of the team.Thirty five young men armed with AK 47 and FN rifles and the two teenagers had boarded three land rovers under the command of Platoon leader Sennanyana. At Lesoma, the platoon with rifles at the ready had searched the dense bush meticulously for two hours. They had come across two heavily armed ZIPRA combatants who had been hiding in the bush and the Platoon had apprehended them without firing a shot.The two freedom fighters had informed the Platoon that they had engaged the Rhodesian security forces at dawn on the Rhodesian side and the Rhodesians had suffered heavy losses. It had been strictly a hit and run operation and the freedom fighters had disengaged after they had achieved their objective and had crossed into Botswana. Having taken refuge in the February-green Lesoma bush, the two freedom fighters had closely followed the activities across the border.Reconnaissance planes of the Rhodesian soldiers had flown across the border at tree top level while spotter planes had glided at a higher altitude above the Lesoma bushes. The two combatants had also seen members of the Selous Scouts numbering not less than one hundred entering Botswana in hot pursuit. The two combatants had gone deeper into the Lesoma bush, camouflaged themselves and with AK 47s at ready had waited for any eventuality. The two combatants had therefore been relieved to see members of the Botswana Defence Force and had readily surrendered to them.With no evidence of the Rhodesian soldiers on the Botswana side of the border, the platoon had concluded that the Rhodesians had returned to their country. The thirty five BDF soldiers, two ZIPRA combatants and the two civilian emissaries had boarded the three dirty green BDF land rovers to return to the Kazungula base. At that time the platoon had relaxed and had become less attentive. Returning to the base had been taken as mere routine. Fingers had been taken away from the trigger guards and friendly conversations had been struck.It had been below the Lesoma sand elevation after the platoon had driven hardly a kilometre when all hell had broken loose. The still evening had been shattered by thunderous rumblings of heavy machine gun fire. The air had been punctuated with screaming bullets from automatic weapons firing relentlessly at full auto. The three land rovers had been hit by bullets after bullets and in the process had suddenly caught fire.Caught unprepared and in the midst of raining bullets, shrapnel and flames it had been a question of every man for himself in the packed land rovers. Some had been killed instantly while in the land rovers, while others, wounded and confused had managed to jump from the burning vehicles. Some of the wounded had been unable to crawl to the nearby mophane cover due to the extent of their injuries and had thus remained easy pickings for the Rhodesians. Unbelievably there had been those who had escaped unscathed.The then Private Gukhwa Bangai had been one of those who had escaped the mayhem albeit with a severed left arm from the elbow. At that time he had felt no pain as the rush of adrenaline in his body had acted as an anaesthesia. He had staggered into the thick forest bleeding and confused until recovered at midnight by a platoon that had come to investigate after hearing the gunfire.The following morning, bodies of 15 BDF soldiers, 1 ZIPRA combatant and 1 civilian had been recovered from the scene. On account of Botswana's policy, the ZIPRA guerrilla was classified as civilian. The incident which became known variously as the Lesoma Massacre or the Lesoma Ambush or the Lesoma Disaster became the turning point which defined the active engagement of Rhodesian soldiers by BDF at any opportunity.This active engagement however had not been sanctioned by the political leadership but had been a tacit resolve by the BDF to avenge its fallen comrades. Following the ambush, whenever the guerrillas engaged the Rhodesians along the border, the BDF would surface to defend its territory as well as guerrillas that inevitably would enter Botswana after every skirmish that took place along the border.Retired Captain Gukhwa Bangai rose from the mukwa tree shade and solemnly drove to the monument. From the entrance he marched slowly until he was a metre away from the inscribed marble monument where he came to attention and expertly saluted. With a heavy yet proud heart, his eyes went through the names of the fifteen comrades who fell at the hands of Ian Smith's notorious regime.The fallen heroes were two Sergeants and thirteen Privates. They were listed as Sgt Moremi Mothudi (Shoshong), Sgt Daniel Setlhogile (Tshane),Pvt Moliti Lesole (Tshimoyapula), Pvt Mathe Mathe (Serowe), Pvt Lesitamang Mponyo (Mponyo),Pvt Olaotse Ikobeng (Serowe), Pvt Sejo Katung (Serowe), Pvt Anton Mlandu (Jackalas), Pvt Olaotse Oefile (Molepolole), Pvt Oabile Modiko (Molepolole), Pvt Mokgadi Rasekedi (Molepolole), Pvt Monyoi Mosweunyane (Tobane), Pvt Bathusi Nteta (Molalatau), Pvt Stanley Thebele (Tati Siding) and Pvt Mbakile Butale (Butale).For Bangai, the incident that claimed the fifteen seemed as fresh as if it had happened the previous day not thirty eight years back. He saluted again, made an about turn and exited the monument. Dubai authorities are grappling with new ways of keeping the emirate's skies safe after drones halted air traffic at one of the world's busiest airports three times last year. The delays were necessary to protect passengers, officials said, but they hit thousands of travellers and cost airlines millions of dollars. Drones pose a "threat to the flying public" and "to an aircraft in operation," said Ismaeil al-Blooshi, deputy head of the air safety department of the United Arab Emirates' civil aviation authority. He compared drones to the threat posed by birds, but said they were less predictable and harder to avoid. "We have means and data to predict when and where is the bird migration... But with drones, you have this object in the air and you don't know the intentions" of the operator, he said. The cost of closing airspace for one hour runs into millions and creates a long backlog, but there is no room to compromise on safety, Blooshi said. "The economic impact is not even on the table" when considering the risks, he said. "The number one priority is avoiding harm to passengers." Drones have become a more common sight in the skies above the emirate as related technology has plunged in price, with professional photographers eager to use them. "The drone has helped us all. Before we needed a plane and a big budget to do aerial shooting. It's much easier and cheaper now," said videographer Murad al-Masri, as he shot footage of a desert festival. After last year's incidents, operator Dubai Airports stressed that flying drones within five kilometres (three miles) of airports was illegal. New regulations introduced last year stipulate up to three years in jail or a fine of 100,000 dirhams (USD 27,000, 25,000 euros) for flying a drone over a prohibited zone. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) UN-brokered Syria peace talks restart in Geneva after a 10-month hiatus that has seen the opposition weakened and political upheaval in the foreign powers shaping the conflict. Since April 2016, when rival delegations were last in the Swiss city, government forces have recaptured territory including the former rebel bastion of eastern Aleppo. Main opposition ally Turkey has forged a partnership with government-backer Russia while the United States, long the most powerful voice demanding Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's departure, is under new and uncertain leadership. Hopes for a breakthrough remain dim with the sides still deadlocked over Assad's fate and violence on the ground persisting. United Nations envoy Staffan de Mistura has moderated three failed previous rounds of talks and said he was not "deluded" about the prospects for a deal this time. But he told a weekend security conference in Munich, "it is time to try again." De Mistura has said the agenda remains consistent with the last round, meaning rivals will discuss governance, drafting a new constitution and organising UN-monitored elections, in keeping the framework laid out by the Security Council in 2015. But unlike 10 months ago, the rebels "have pretty much lost all leverage", said Karim Bitar at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs. Turkey, Russia and fellow regime-backer Iran have organised separate negotiations in Kazakhstan's capital Astana, viewed as prelude to the UN talks. After a ferocious falling out in 2015, Moscow and Ankara have mended ties and begun cooperation over Syria, including a joint campaign against the Islamic State group (IS). In Munich, de Mistura said the fact that Russia and Turkey were now "talking business" on Syria was a "game-changer." Moscow's military support for Assad has been decisive, notably in the regime's Aleppo victory, but observers said Russia's renewed diplomatic push could help the Geneva meet. "The Russians have an interest in leaving this situation of endless conflict," a European diplomatic source who requested anonymity told AFP, drawing a contrast with Iran's "blind support" for Assad. While the UN envoy may see bright spots in the new Ankara-Moscow partnership, the situation in Washington is another matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Africa's complementary strengths to become a major contributor to India's energy and food security requirements make the resource-rich continent a "natural economic partner" of the country, Vice President Hamid Ansari today said. The imperatives that drive Africa-India engagement are based on "shared challenges, common interests, and perceptions of mutual benefit" and come from "our complementary strengths and capacities that make us natural economic and commercial partners," Ansari said. "India provides a long-term, stable and profitable market to the goods and services that Africa generates. For India, Africa has the potential to become a major contributor to our energy security and food security requirements. This is a 'win-win' situation," he said. Addressing a gathering at the University of Rwanda here, he emphasised that India's 328 million youth, who constitute 28 per cent of its population, like young people everywhere, are "anxious to build a better world." "The upsurge in India-Africa relations comes at a time when the world has acknowledged India's growth story. The rapid growth of our economy over the last 25 years has provided India with additional resources, not only to augment its own developmental efforts, but also to collaborate with our partners in their developmental efforts across the world, and particularly in Africa," Ansari said. Ansari said the upsurge takes place also at a time when Africa has "cast-off its image of deprivation and hopelessness and taken control of its own resources and destiny, as winds of progress, peace and participation sweep across this great continent." "This new-found confidence and developmental zeal is best demonstrated by your own country (Rwanda) whose economic performance has been termed 'remarkable' by the International Monetary Fund," he said. Minister of Education of Rwanda Musafiri Papias Malimba and Chancellor of University of Rwanda Mike O'Neal were also present during Ansari's address, which was his last formal engagement in Rwanda before he departs for Uganda. He arrived in the east African country on February 19 and has launched a India-Rwanda Innovation Growth Programme that seeks to cement the "strong ties" between the two countries. During Rwandan President Paul Kagame's visit to India in January an understanding was reached for a new Line of Credit worth USD 80 million for a road project. "We are also committed to continuing and enhancing the provision of scholarships for training of Rwandan civilians and defence personnel under various technical cooperation and cultural cooperation programmes," Ansari said. "Our bilateral trade has doubled over the last five years, but at USD 106 million, remains modest and much below its potential." The quantum of Indian investments in Africa has increased in recent years and is presently estimated at USD 35 billion. (Reopens FGN 19) Ansari yesterday visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial here and lauded the "resilience and courage" of Rwandans in putting behind hatred and moving ahead on the path of reconciliation. "I say this in the confidence that your generation would have the wisdom to avoid the follies and limitations of the past and look forward instead to a future for our world in which the operative principle would be cooperation rather than contention and the objective would be mutual benefit rather than selfish greed," he said. Ansari said India shares with Rwanda, this strong desire to provide stable democratic governance and opportunities for growth and prosperity of people. "We in India see ourselves as a strong development partner to Rwanda. We are already cooperating in sectors such as solar electrification, food processing, skill development and hydropower projects," he said. The vice president has described his two-nation visit a "conscious effort" by India to "intensify interactions" with Africa. "India is increasingly an important source of investment for projects in Africa, which span diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals, information technology and telecom, engineering, education, health and agriculture. Indian private sector has been a pioneer in making investments in Africa, contributing to generation of employment and growth in the countries receiving such investments," he said. "Our present choices are informed by our shared experience of anti-colonial struggle against exploitation and racial discrimination. India, despite the constraints of its growing economy, was a forerunner in championing the interests of developing countries, including those from Africa, through initiatives such as the Bandung declaration of 1955, the Group of 77 and the Non-Aligned Movement," Ansari said. Amidst simmering tension between the US and Mexico over the issue of the border wall, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly would be visiting the southern neighbor this week. "During their visit, the two Secretaries will meet with President of Mexico Enrique Pena Nieto and the Mexican ministers of Interior, Foreign Relations, Finance, National Defense, and Navy," Acting Spokesperson of the State Department Mark Toner said. "The group will discuss border security, law enforcement cooperation, and trade, among other issues," Toner said. Kelly would also travel to Guatemala to meet with its President Jimmy Morales. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The special operation group (SOG) of Uttarakhand police with support of forest department today arrested an alleged wildlife smuggler and recovered three leopard skins from his possession. Acting on a tip-off, the SOG team of Champawat police nabbed Hoshiyar Singh from Chalthi village in Champawat police station area. Police said that Singh had confessed to shooting one of the leopards six months ago and said he was selling leopard skins from last two years and has sold several such wildlife organs in Delhi market. The three skins are 7 to 9 feet long, which belonged to the leopards aged from 3.5 to 5 years of age, said Ramchandra Rajguru, Superintendent of Police (SP) Champawat. He said that the police team has been awarded with Rs 12,500 by DIG Kumaon Ajay Rautela. The accused is a resident of Satpuli village in Tamli region at Indo-Nepal border in Champawat district. A case has been registered in Champawat police station and the accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A woman was killed and her brother was injured when their bike collided with a truck on Meerut-Karnal highway in Shamli district, police said today. The incident took place last evening when the woman, who was unwell, was being taken to the hospital by her brother, Circle Officer Upender Kumar said. The brother Akram was shifted to the hospital in a serious condition, he said, adding the truck driver fled from the spot. Irate people blocked the road for some time following the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India is a hotbed for battles between the worlds leading providers of cloud computing Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. The fast-growing mobile internet, coupled with the boom in startups, makes this one of the most hotly contested markets. In an interaction with Nandan Nilekani at an event in Bengaluru, Microsoft's India-born chief executive officer on Monday praised Aadhaar - the ambitious, biometrics-based citizen identification program. He also spoke about augmented reality, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, US President Donald Trump's immigration order and robots. Lucep co-founder Zal Dasturs the one whos sent the room into stitches. Hes joined by Shekar Sahu, co-founder of HealthcareMagic (he sold the company for $18.5 million to Ebix in May 2014), and global marketing head Puneet Chhahira, who works with Infosys subsidiary EdgeVerve. Together, they point out eight tips for startups struggling to sell well. Opinion / Columnist Tererai Obey Sithole - Youth Leader and a Development Scholar. He writes in his own capacity and can be contacted via email: igwetetso@gmail.com The month of February is that time of the year were we as Zimbabweans are subjected to the endless praising and worshiping of Mr. Robert Mugabe ahead, on and after his birthday. Likewise, members of his party ZANU-PF are running around tirelessly planning for this year's celebrations as the man turns 93 years.As this happens my heart bleeds profusely, not because I am opposed to the celebration of birthdays but it is because of the manner and circumstances in which this birthday is celebrated. It is totally irresponsible for a man called a president to celebrate lavishly at a time when the generality of citizenry is facing unprecedented suffering.I read that this year's birthday bash is budgeted at not less than US$ 2,5 million. Considering the overabundance of challenges currently prevalent in our nation, splashing such huge amounts on one man's birthday is both a misguided and misplaced priority which is deplorable and should be condemned in all terms. It is more horrendous to channel such amounts of money for the purposes of lavishly celebrating a birthday of Robert Mugabe, the same man who is presiding over the demise of the economy.While ZANU-PF decides to spend the tax payers' money on this event, it is shocking on how they have become so blind to the fact that genuine civil servants remain victims inconsistent pay dates. The pay dates have of late become an issue of guess work with words such as either today or tomorrow backed by excuses such as the government has no money. In some parastatals, employees have been reduced to slaves, going for years without salaries with the government remaining mum in addressing such regrettable circumstances.On the other hand, we continue to witness countless students dropping out of school with each day as they cannot afford the exorbitant tuition fees which have shockingly become an unwanted hallmark of our education sector. The government sadly remain adamant in reintroducing students grants and loans albeit several loud calls from the students. Our Constitution guarantees the right to education but the government remains reluctant in investing in this fundamental right, instead they choose to massively invest in Mugabe's birthday bash.We continue to lose our beloved ones due to road carnages because our roads have turned into death traps due to potholes with the same government choosing not to invest in the repairs of our roads. Our hospitals are in a sorry state and again lives continue to be lost even on the simplest conditions that can be cured had it been the government is seriously investing in the health sector. Unemployment levels remain faithful in skyrocketing to alarming levels as companies are shutting down daily attributing to the harsh operational environment that the same government created through their investor unfriendly policies.I do not understand how a sober thinking person with a conscience can celebrate a birthday while knowing that they sent guiltless Yvonne Musarurwa, Tungamirai Madzokere and Last Maingehama to prison on a politically motivated sentence. I still do not understand why they carry on to party while an innocent Pastor Mugadza is unjustly languishing behind bars, a manifestation of a compromised justice system. I still do not understand how Mr. Mugabe is going ahead to happily share a cake with his ZANU-PF family while the Dzamara family cannot be happy for almost 3 years following Itai Dzamara's state sponsored abduction.It is mind perplexing having these and other many challenges as unadulterated evidence that we are in a deep crisis yet Robert Mugabe and his cabal unashamedly go ahead to wine and dine instead of addressing pertinent issues confronting us as a nation. This ostracized decision by Robert Mugabe and his ZANU-PF to continue with their lavish bash amid deep national crisis is a clear indication of an irresponsible and callous government. As we approach 2018, I take this as a wakeup call to the nation to stand firm in voting out this kind of a government which disregards genuine issues yet prioritizing selfish interests. Behind the massive public rallies and roadshows of key leaders, a world of war rooms of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Samajwadi Party (SP)-Congress alliance exists, which revels in outsmarting the other but also exchanges notes and even gives rivals a pat on the back for a job well done. Even as Uttar Pradesh, Indias most populous state, is in the midst of electing a new government, a survey has found that there is huge support for solar energy among the majority of voters. IT giant Microsoft on Monday announced a strategic partnership with India's leading e-tailer Flipkart in which, as a first step, the online retailer will adopt Microsoft Azure as its exclusive public cloud platform. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and Flipkart Group CEO Binny Bansal said the strategic partnership was aimed at providing consumers in the country the best online shopping service. "We are launching our strategic partnership together. I have always been an admirer of what Flipkart has done, in not only starting e-commerce, but now in payments and logistics. It is really getting India on the map... I'm pleased to announce that Flipkart has chosen Microsoft Azure as its exclusive public cloud platform," said Nadella. "Of course this is just a start, because ultimately for us as well it is all about being able to support entrepreneurs of India to be able to create global scale businesses, and when we think about our mission that's at the centre of it," he said. "Starting with computing infrastructure, Microsoft Azure will ultimately add a layer of advanced cloud technologies and analytics to Flipkart's existing data centres. Microsoft's strong presence in India along with its global scale allows for continued growth and expansion, setting the stage for the long-term partnership," Microsoft said. ALSO READ: Sometimes you are assigned what people think is sexy: N. Chandrasekaran This partnership allows us to leverage our combined strength and knowledge of technology, e-commerce and markets to make online shopping more relevant and enriching for customers, Bansal said. He said Flipkart in its tenth year of operations had taken ecommece to about 50 million customers and the question now was how to take this to 500 million people in the next ten years. Microsoft said Flipkart plans to leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning and analytics capabilities in Azure, such as Cortana Intelligence Suite and Power BI, to optimise its data for innovative merchandising, advertising, marketing and customer service. With 'powerful insights' about its business and new, intelligent services, Flipkart can deliver increasingly relevant and personalised experiences to its customers, it added. The partnership has come at a time when Flipkart firm Flipkart is looking to raise a fresh round of funding but has faced a valuation markdown by one of its mutual fund investors. In December, a muttual fund managed by Morgan Stanley drastically marked down the value of its holdings in Flipkart by about 38% to $52.13 a share, down from $84.29 a share in the June quarter. The mutual fund currently holds 1,969 shares in Flipkart that are collectively valued at $102,644. This effectively pegs Flipkart's valuation at $5.54 billion, compared to $9 billion in the previous quarter and $15.2 billion when it last raised capital in July 2015. Prior to this, Flipkart has also witnessed a series of markdowns. Infosys chief Vishal Sikka today said "false and malicious" stories are being spread about the USD 200-million Panaya buyout to target him even as the tech major asserted that no one from the management team benefitted from the deal. In a letter to employees, Infosys chief executive Vishal Sikka lashed out at detractors for spreading "false and malicious" stories about the company and said they were "designed" to target him to the "point of harassment". In a strongly worded email to Infosys employees, Sikka said the reports questioning the company's acquisition of Panaya are "orchestrated by people who are hell-bent on harming the reputation of the company and its employees". In a late evening statement, Infosys said, "We categorically state that no member of the Infosys management team was involved in any prior investments in Panaya, and insinuations that anyone from the management team at Infosys benefitted from this acquisition are misleading and slanderous." The IT giant added that it will investigate the charges made and "will respond to all queries received either directly or from the regulatory authorities" as per its process. In February 2015, Infosys had announced buying the Israeli automation technology company for USD 200 million or Rs 1,250 crore in cash. A section of media reported about a whistleblower's letter to market regulator SEBI, alleging irregularities in the acquisition of Panaya. Referring to the charges, Sikka said "they create a false alternate-reality out of events and dates, with embellishments that are calculated to mislead and sensationalise". He added that while these "distractions are expensive, draining and time-consuming", it is Infosys' burden to ensure that the company's business continues "unflinchingly". "We cannot let these stand unchallenged, and we will take every step and pursue every avenue to strongly defend the company in the face of these unfair and unwarranted attacks," the Infosys CEO said. Sikka is pitted against a clutch of co-founders led by N R Narayana Murthy voicing concerns over a spike in his remuneration and hefty severance packages for two former executives. Stating that the company has "far bigger battles ahead", Sikka urged employees to "rise above the distractions, focus on what really matters, and deliver". "I am, as always, counting on your faith and unwavering attention to what really matters. Change is never easy, and change at the scale that we are undertaking may be unprecedented, and perhaps it is this change that has so inflamed some into trying to drag us all into the mud," he said. Infosys said it has a strong, established internal process to evaluate acquisition targets and make investments. "In the case of Panaya, all the requisite steps in this process were followed. The valuation was done by Deutsche Bank, the financial and tax due diligence was done by one of the Big four firms and legal diligence was done by a leading law firm Kirkland & Ellis," it said. "The management presented the rationale behind the acquisition - including synergies and business potential to the Board, along with necessary reports and findings." The board deliberated the acquisition, and unanimously approved the investment, which was well within the valuation range determined by the evaluator, it added. Infosys emphasised that Panaya was looked at as an acquisition candidate based on its "strategic fit". Over the last few weeks, Infosys has come under fire from some of the co-founders who have alleged corporate governance lapses. Some former employees also called for re-constitution of the board and demanded that Chairman R Seshasayee step down taking moral responsibility over issues like steep compensation hike of Sikka and hefty severance packages to ex-CFO Rajiv Bansal and David Kennedy, its former General Counsel. Infosys board and management have, however, stood their ground denying these charges. On an investor call, Sikka had recently stated that the company's large clients have come out in its support. Jammu and Kashmir government today announced a number of restrictions to curb the wastage at social, government and private gatherings, especially weddings to prevent wastage of food. "There shall be complete ban on sending dry fruits, sweet packets extra with invitation card by any person to relatives, friends, guests, invitees etc," reads an order, issued on Tuesday. "The number of guests to be invited on marriage of daughter (barat), marriage of son and small functions like engagement of son or daughter and other small functions should be restricted to a maximum of 500, 400 and 100 respectively," the order said. Even though there's a practice of serving a number of Wazwan dishes during wedding ceremonies in the state, the government order restricts the number of non-veg, veg dishes to be cooked in such functions to a maximum of seven each and two stalls of sweets and fruits at social gatherings. There order also puts a complete ban on use of amplifiers, loudspeakers and firecrackers during functions. The new guidelines put in place by the government would be effective from April 1. Britain said on Tuesday there is no cap on visa for Indian students and they are free to access world-class education in top notch UK universities. British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith said that the UK had announced 600 scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in the UK. "UK has no cap on visas for students from India or anywhere else. All are treated same. Whoever comes will join almost half a million international students who come in the UK to access word-class education in the world-class universities," he said here. Asquith was speaking at the India launch of the report of the UN Secretary General's High Level Panel on Women's Economic Empowerment. India has time and again asked Britain to relax student visa rules for greater mobility of students. UK's visa policy requires students to return home after their courses end -- a move that has led to fall of Indian students enrolling in British universities by 50 per cent. As per estimates, the number of study visas issued to Indian nationals have fallen drastically. Asquith also said that the UK is participating in several initiatives of the Indian government to promote skilling. He said the UK is already investing and supporting about 75 start-up businesses and they provided access to financial services to women in India. British companies, on an average, are spending 7 per cent of their revenues on training and skilling employees in India and are also creating more opportunities for women, Asquith said. Last week's breach of foreign portfolio investor (FPI) limits in HDFC Bank stock conveys two strong messages. It demonstrated the massive demand for quality Indian company stocks in the international markets. It also demonstrated that Indian regulators can be naive. On February 16, 2017, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) removed HDFC Bank from its foreign investment ban list. It meant that the next day -- on Friday, February 17 -- foreign investors could buy the HDFC Bank stock from the open market. While the market had clearly anticipated that the demand would be high for the HDFC Bank stock, the regulators didn't anticipate the kind of rush seen. On February 17, the stock of HDFC Bank opened nearly 9 per cent higher and by afternoon had touched a high of Rs 1,450. Within hours of the market opening the foreign investment cap had hit its upper limit. At 1:40 pm, RBI put HDFC Bank back into the ban list for hitting the investment cap of 74 per cent. It is evident that the regulators didn't anticipate the surge in demand because the foreign investment cap limit in the HDFC Bank stock was breached even before the notification was released. There was a lag in the notification which led to the development. It wouldn't be difficult to find the trades which were executed after the breach in FII limits. The settlement for the HDFC Bank stock is still on hold and some sections of the market feel that the regulators may not annul any trades that have taken place on Friday. Still, there is a high chance that the trades executed by foreign investors after the breach would be annulled. "The quick fill up of the limits and the 66 per cent delivery volume last Friday against 5-10 per cent on a normal day highlight that quality remains in demand despite pricing being moderate and not cheap," says Gurunath Mudlapur, Managing Director at Atherstone Capital Markets, a Mumbai-based investment bank. The regulator is yet to take a decision on Friday trades in HDFC Bank's stock. It is also considering who should be held responsible for the breach. But it again proves that market is willing to pay premium for quality and also highlights that the regulators should be vigilant and be able to anticipate the future to avoid mishaps that can give wrong signal to the market players. It can bring a bad name to the Indian market and regulators. Opinion / Columnist Political Fatigue How do we reenergise the opposition's political base? Coalition with the view of reenergising the electoral base. Bringing young and new leaders to the fore. Reframing our message In a nutshell I was lucky to be among 23 student leaders who got scholarships to come and study in the Netherlands after having been expelled from Great Zimbabwe University and banned from attending any other state owned tertiary institution in Zimbabwe. It was a privilege that was not afforded to every victimised student leader of my generation. Other expelled leaders had to finish their studies through correspondence with the University of South Africa.When we came to the Netherlands we regarded ourselves as exiled revolutionaries, it was as if we had no other interests. We discussed nothing but Zimbabwe. I am sure our friends outside our little Zimbabwean community found us very monotonous and boring.For us, those days during the Government of National Unity were so exciting; there was so much drama going on in the body politic. Not only were those days exciting but they were also very promising. Change was within grasp, you could feel it in the air, thick and so dense you could almost touch it with your fingertips. As they say, so near yet so far. 2013 came and proved our feelings to be nothing but an illusion, empty emotions if I may say.We too became disenchanted. How could we not, week in week out, year in year out, we spoke about the same things and saw no meaningful progress. Let's face it, Zimbabwe has been stuck in the same place for the past 17 years. We have had the same conversations about Zanu PF corruption and incompetence for almost two decades.It therefore comes as no surprise at all when people become more interested in discussing Olinda and Stunner than the political crises engulfing our country. Exciting as it might have been, whilst Olinda and Stunner's drama was unfolding, civil servants were promising to go on strike and doctors were downing tools.These are nothing but signs of political fatigue. People would rather entertain themselves with this marital drama unfolding live on Facebook than discuss about the impending Zanu PF manufactured crisis.When political fatigue sets in, things need to shift. It cannot be business as usual. The opposition cannot afford to have the same actors doing exactly the same actions they have done in the past, speaking exactly the same message they have spoken in the past 17 years.Even for us political junkies, we are worn out. So, before the opposition tries to win over support from Zanu PF strongholds in the rural areas it must start by reenergising and revitalising its support base.In primary school, we were taught that 1+1=2; the logic being nothing can be created from non-existing materials. Interestingly, at university we were taught that synergies from mergers produce added value that is by combining two entities the result should sum up to an outcome larger than the separate entities, i.e. 1+1=3.This is the logic behind the formation of a coalition. We hope by joining hands the coalition will have a larger value than its separate parts. By joining hands the opposition will send a clear and unambiguous message that they seriously want change and are prepared to do everything within their power to realise it. This is one message that can reenergise and revitalise the opposition's political base.There are some new and some not so new, young exciting players like pastor Evan Mawarire, Maureen Madeumanga, Linda Masarira, Promise Mkwananzi, Silvanos Mudzvova whom the opposition or rather the coalition must court in order to help mobilise the younger generation.According to a 2013 report done by the Research and Advocacy Unit after the 2013 elections there were about roughly two million unregistered young voters under the age of 30. This is a significant chunk of the adult population. They constituted roughly about 40% of the total registered voters in 2013, knowing young voters want change its possible they could have won the election for the opposition.The drive to get everyone registered to vote should start now, as Mr Jumbe my former headmaster at Mazowe Boys High would say, why do tomorrow what you can do today. We must launch a vigorous campaign targeting the young generation, those aged below 35, to register as voters using all available mediums to get our message across.Times are changing, we must embrace new forms of media in order to communicate effectively with the potential young voters. Even Yoweri Museveni in 2010 had to go outside his comfort zone, rapping a song trying to entice the young generation to register and eventually vote for him.Do not be distracted by my example of Museveni, the import of my message is that we have to adapt our methods of communication in order to effectively communicate with the young generation.For too long we have hammered Zanu PF's faults. I think going forward we must emphasise what we stand for. Companies are closing, loads of young people are unemployed and a majority of our people underemployed, we therefore must articulate our economic policies unequivocally and sell our economic vision for the new Zimbabwe. Farai and Farisai must be able to understand our economic policies and explain them to their friends.As the opposition, we must be in the business of selling hope, not fear. The people already know that Mugabe is the commander in thief, corrupt and incompetent. However, our key constituency is concerned not only with a functioning economy, but also service delivery, which is at the core of improving their everyday lives.We must be ashamed with the way we have run the urban councils for the past 16 years, for we have not reflected the excellence we associate ourselves with. Of course, the government has been putting spanners in the running of our urban councils, but we have not articulated well enough how that challenge must be addressed in the future.To me, devolution and decentralisation must be at the centre of our campaign for a new Zimbabwe. Not merely as a slogan but as a clear policy articulating how we want the devolution to work and how it can be used as a tool to address the marginalisation problem confronting many regions in our country.We can fault Zanu PF for many things, lack of good implementation included, but we cannot fault them for not coming up with clear and articulate policies. This is one vital lesson the opposition must learn from their rivals.In a nutshell, negative campaigning can discredit one's opponents but it does not reenergise and revitalise the electoral base. That can only be done through positive campaigning. We must not be afraid to promise, for the opposition must be in the business of selling hope.I know this article is insufficient to provide adequate methods to counter political apathy but at least it should spark some conversation around the issue, hopefully together we can reengage the young voter.Change is possible in Mugabe's lifetime! An eight-member high-powered delegation led by US Congressman Bob Goodlatte will meet IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tomorrow to discuss issues like movement of skilled manpower and IP rights. The meeting comes at a time when the new administration in the US, under President Donald Trump, is proposing an overhaul of the popular H-1B visa regime, raising concerns among Indian IT firms. Industry association Nasscom met the delegation this afternoon. "We have shared our views with them that Indian IT industry is a large contributor to job creation in the US and we bring skills in areas where there is a huge skill deficit," Nasscom President, R Chandrashekhar told PTI. Indian IT companies are heavily dependent on the US market that accounts for over 60 per cent of the sector's exports, and any clampdown in the visa regime may result in higher operational costs and shortage of skilled workers for the USD 110 billion Indian outsourcing industry. Goodlatte as Chairman of House Judiciary Committee, along with other members, play an important role in crafting policies around high-skilled immigration and intellectual property in the US Congress. The Indian side is expected to highlight and share information on direct jobs being created by Indian IT firms in the US, and their contribution in making the American economy competitive. The meeting is also of significant given that growth in the Indian IT sector has been slowing down amid multiple headwinds like changing technology landscape (automation and digitisation) and global events like Brexit, apart from proposed tightening of H-1B visa regime by the Trump administration in the US. Industry body Nasscom, along with top industry leaders, are scheduled to meet lawmakers in the US later this week on concerns around clampdown on visas and flow of skilled manpower between the two nations. Apart from the delegation, Microsoft's India-born chief Satya Nadella is also scheduled to meet Prasad in separately tomorrow. In a letter to J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, the WHO applauded the country's NRA, declaring it "functional' with a maturity level of 4 -- the highest level as per currently evolved definitions in respect of 5 functions -- and maturity level 3 in respect of 4 functions. While, maturity level 4 indicates good results and sustained improvement trends, maturity level 3 reflects systematic process based approach, early stage of systematic improvements, data availability regarding conformance to objectives and existence of improvement trends. The WHO appreciation for India's drug regulatory system could not have come at a more appropriate time as there have been concerted efforts from several quarters to show India's drug regulatory mechanism in poor light. The objective of undermining India's regulatory capabilities was to undermine the strengths and competitiveness of India's thriving generic medicine manufacturing industry. In a world where there are growing concerns over high medicine prices, India's ability to manufacture low cost, high quality generic medicines is seen as huge business opportunity by the domestic industry. A weak drug regulatory administration would thus have strengthened the lobbying against Indian drugs by the competition. "The successful outcome of the WHO conducted assessment of the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India is a big boost to the Government's efforts towards quality healthcare, for which the Government is committed to, says" Nadda. A fully functional NRA is a pre-requisite for WHO prequalification of vaccines. One of the requirements to become eligible and retain prequalification status is to have the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) assessed as functional against the WHO published NRA indicators. WHO Prequalification Programme, as such, facilitates access to vaccines that meet the unified standards of quality, safety and efficacy as well as programme needs. The vaccine manufacturers can only apply for WHO vaccine prequalification if the NRA meets the standards of the WHO NRA published indicators i.e. WHO Global benchmarking Tool on functional regulatory system for vaccines. Recently, WHO has completed the assessment of the status of the Indian vaccine regulatory system against WHO NRA Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) for benchmarking and measured the maturity of the system. The assessment has been carried out by a WHO team comprising lead experts in different areas from WHO Headquarters Geneva, WHO India Country Office, experts drawn from the regulators of USA, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Indonesia, Thailand and Egypt. The assessment has been done in respect of nine different functionalities. In view of India being one of the main global suppliers of drug and biological medicinal products including vaccines, medical devices, and traditional medicines, and as it is supplying several vaccines to UN agencies, the 'successful assessment will go a long way in strengthening global confidence in medical products from India', the minister states. The review is based on a robust benchmarking tool developed over years of consultation with various experts drawn from across the globe. The National Regulatory Authority (NRA) of India includes the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), State Drug Regulatory Authorities, Pharmaco-vigilance Programme of India (PvPI) and Adverse Events Following Immunization (AEFI) structures at the Central and state levels. The Global Benchmarking Tool (GBT) has 63 indicators and 288 sub-indicators, out of which 150 are critical. Earlier, in 2012, NRA was assessed against 7 functions and 181 indicators. It seems that Reliance Jio is not stepping off the throttle. Last September, the telecom operator launched its mobile services with free data and voice calls. The free offer concluded in December upon which it extended the free offer - under a new name, Happy New Year Offer - for three more months. Today, Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) chairman and managing director Mukesh Ambani introduced a subsidised version of the initial tariff plan submitted by Jio with telecom authorities. He launched Prime membership programme, a one-time scheme priced at Rs 99, where users get free unlimited voice calls, 30 GB data (1 GB per day), and a bouquet of Jio services until March 2018 at a monthly tariff of Rs 303. The users can buy Prime membership throughout next month. The dole out shows that Jio is making the lives of its rivals tougher. The older telcos are already facing the heat of Jio which has so far kept its services free. Airtel, Vodafone and Idea Cellular are already finding it difficult to survive. Market leader Bharti Airtel, for instance, has registered 54.9 per cent drop in net profits in third quarter of 2016/17 as compared to corresponding period last year. Idea Cellular is even worse. It reported a loss of Rs 383 crore in the same quarter. The older telcos are particularly hit by free voice services of Jio. The older telcos have asked telecom dispute tribunal TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal) to look into telecom regulator TRAI's (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India) decision to allow Jio to continue free promotional offer beyond stipulated 90 days. TRAI has said that Jio's promotional offer is valid as per the current rules. However, TRAI has recently floated a consultation paper on tariff regulations. While the Jio offer is beneficial for its 100-million subscribers, it raises serious doubts on its ability to charge customers. The telco is currently riding on the back of the financial strength of its parent company - RIL. It has invested some Rs 1.7 lakh crore. Last month, Jio said that an additional Rs 30,000 crore - to be raised via rights issue - will be invested to boost networks. Analysts say that Jio's focus will shift from being a price disruptor to being a preferred telco (for its users) when it transitions from free to a totally-paid service at some point in time. Several analyst reports say that it's going to be the biggest challenge for Jio going forward. Securities firm J.P. Morgan, in a January report, said that "a lot would depend on how many of the current subscriber base migrates into paying subscriber base and at what level of ARPUs (average revenue per user) they come in. Given RIL's financial strength to back Jio, that they could likely play the pricing game for longer, but given that most incumbents are comfortably based on financial metrics, any pricing strategy will likely be matched and thus the market share gains would be limited for Jio." A recent study by TRAI shows that Jio's average download speed (8.34 Mbps) has decreased by 50 per cent in January, whereas Airtel has almost doubled its speed (8.42 Mbps) in the same month. For Jio, it's equally important to maintain decent data speeds and calling experience to woo customers and retain existing subscribers beyond offering subsidised tariffs. European Union finance ministers hope to move closer to devising common rules to counter multinationals' tax avoidance and drawing up a common list of tax havens at a regular meeting in Brussels on Tuesday. The meeting will aim to overcome different positions on how to tax the dividends of multinational corporations and on how to define a tax haven, part of an EU push to recoup revenues from wealthy individuals and companies that unfairly reduce their tax bills by shifting profits to countries with low or no taxation. "We hope we will manage to clinch a deal," Maltese Finance Minister Edward Scicluna told reporters before the meeting. Malta holds the current six-month rotating EU presidency. Ministers were upbeat about a deal on dividends taxation, known in EU jargon as hybrid mismatches. "I expect we will have an agreement," Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem said. The target was to stop multinationals from exploiting different rules on taxes and tax deductions in the countries where they operate, which have allowed them to drastically reduce their tax bills. Last December, ministers failed to reach a deal on the issue, after a proposal put on the table by the then Slovak presidency and backed by Britain, was seen as a watering down of the plan by other ministers. Scicluna said that the deal may hinge on more coordinated rules to prevent multinationals from skipping dividends taxation altogether, but with a commitment to make sure that corporations will not pay double taxes under the new system. Ministers are also expected to agree on the criteria to define a tax haven. Attempts to have a common EU list of "non-cooperative jurisdictions" have so far failed as several EU countries preferred to maintain their own, often empty, listing. But the idea of setting up a common list has gained traction after several revelations of massive tax avoidance in countries, such as Panama or the Bahamas. Countries that apply zero tax rates will not automatically be considered a tax haven. But they may be put under pressure, and even threatened with sanctions, if they do not cooperate with the EU on tax matters or if they encourage off-shore structures. The list should be finalised by the end of this year. So far letters have been sent to 92 countries, including the United States, to start a screening of practices that could be seen as facilitating tax avoidance. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Irelands largest fuel and convenience retailer, Topaz announced yesterday that it will be creating a total of 230 jobs in conjunction with McDonalds across two Motorway Service Areas located on the M8 Cork/Dublin Road in Fermoy and the M9 Dublin/Waterford Road at Rathcrogue, Co. Carlow. Additionally, during the construction phase of both developments a total of 100 jobs will be created across both sites. The Fermoy development will be in direct conjunction with local developer JR Oronco and is due to open in Autumn 2017. Topaz Junction 5, M9, Co. Carlow is due to open in March 2017. The overall Topaz investment in the construction of both of the new state-of-the-art Service Stations will be 14 million which will both feature McDonalds restaurants, representing a 2 million investment by the restaurant chain and bringing the total investment to 16 million. The service area will be in well-positioned Motorway locations on the Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Waterford routes. This latest investment announcement by Topaz follows a 1.2million investment in a major site redevelopment at Dublin Port in partnership with Dublin Port Company late last year. In the past 24 months, Topaz has invested 36.1million in its retail network with investment going towards the development of its Re.Store brand, the upgrade and rebrand of the recently acquired Esso network and the development of major Topaz sites at City Avenue in Dublin and Ballysimon in Limerick. Commenting on the new deal, MD of Topaz, Niall Anderton commented, "The Dublin to Cork and Dublin to Waterford routes are two of the busiest routes in Ireland, and we are excited to announce this development of two new full-service stations to serve Irish motorists. The development represents a very significant investment by Topaz, and we are also delighted to be able to bring a large number of jobs to both Cork and Carlow." Source: www.businessworld.ie Up to 900 delegates are expected to attend the inaugural Cork University Business School (CUBS) Conference, Shaping Irelands Future, on Monday, March 6th in Cork Opera House. The conference will feature leading international experts from the spheres of finance, business, technology and politics who will speak on a diverse range of topics. It will be Irelands largest student led, student-focused conference and is organised by students in Cork University Business Schools Accounting and Finance Society, Business Information Systems Society, Commerce Society and Entrepreneurship and Social Society at UCC. Speakers at the event will include: Marissa Carter (Award-winning Creator of Cocoa Brown) Willie Slattery (Executive Vice President of State Street Corporation) Jim Norris (Managing Director of Vanguard International) Joe Guinan (Founder of Advantage Futures, Chicago) Eugene O'Callaghan (Director of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund) Colm Lyon (Founder and CEO of Realex Payments and Fire Financial Services) Chris Kennedy (CTO and founder of Trustev) The conference will also feature younger entrepreneurs making waves in their specialist areas including 18 year old Leaving Cert student Harry McCann, founder of Kid Tech/ Digital Youth Council and 18 year old Conor O'Flaherty, Founder and CEO of Pursue, an influencer management agency that works with video platforms delivering bespoke experiences and opportunities for influencers and brands alike. Speaking about the upcoming conference, Dean of Cork University Business School, Professor Ciaran Murphy said, "We want to produce graduates wholl be thinkers, shapers, designers and developers of the future essentially movers and shakers in the business sphere like many of the great speakers the student organisers have lined up for March 6th." He added, "This conference will further emphasise the need for students to be inventive and entrepreneurial in their approach to business, and will provide delegates with insights and ideas which will help them to develop their careers and become leaders within their industries shaping Irelands future." Source: www.businessworld.ie Uber Technologies Inc has hired former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to conduct a review of sexual harassment claims at the ride-hailing service made by a former employee. Holder and Tammy Albarran, who are partners at the law firm Covington & Burling, will look into the complaints about a manager at Uber, as well as general questions about diversity and inclusion, Chief Executive Travis Kalanick told his employees in a memo on Monday that was seen by Reuters. Last year, Airbnb hired Holder, who served under former President Barack Obama, to help craft a policy to combat discrimination occurring through the online lodging service's platform. Arianna Huffington, who joined Uber's board last year, Liane Hornsey, Uber's chief human resources officer, and Angela Padilla, the company's associate general counsel, will also help conduct the review, Kalanick said in the memo. Huffington, Kalanick and Hornsey will meet on Tuesday, the memo said. Susan Fowler, the former Uber employee who complained of being the target of sexual harassment by her manager, wrote in a blog post on Sunday that when she reported the offense to human resources officials and management, they declined to punish the alleged offender because he "was a high performer" and that this was his first offense." Fowler also said, after speaking with other female employees, she realized that both HR and management had been lying about this being the manager's "first offense." In a statement sent to Reuters on Sunday, Kalanick called Fowler's allegations "abhorrent and against everything Uber stands for and believes in." Fowler's tale prompted a backlash, including calls for a revival of the #DeleteUber movement. Some protesters urged a boycott of the ride service over allegations it sought to profit from the chaos at New York's John F. Kennedy Airport last month, after President Donald Trumps executive order barring entry to people from seven Muslim majority countries. Many women working in Silicon Valley, particularly in highly technical roles, say they have experienced misogyny and harassment in the male-dominated field. Technology companies are under mounting pressure to make their workforces more diverse by hiring more women, blacks and Latinos - but progress has been slow. "There have been many questions about the gender diversity of Uber's technology teams," Kalanick said. Uber will publish a broader diversity report for the company in the coming months, he said. "I believe in creating a workplace where a deep sense of justice underpins everything we do," Kalanick said. "Every Uber employee should be proud of the culture we have and what we will build together over time." (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Flooding continues to be a concern in Northern Utah and Southeastern Idaho. Over the weekend, Cache County posted on their Facebook page some photos of some flood rescue efforts that took place in the Mount Sterling area. In the video and some of the photos, you can see a wide area of land under a lot of water. Also some of the crews are seen preparing their rescue efforts and some of the finished work as they dug trenches, in one case, directly through the road to alleviate flood waters and save homes. On KVNUs For the People program on Monday, Cache County development services director Josh Runhaar said the county has tried to stay ahead of major troubles. We try to monitor it the best we can but typically were getting phone calls from residents through dispatch, and theyll call out to one or two of our crew members who are on call. And then when we know flooding is coming, well typically have as many as four or five individuals driving the valley and looking at our potential problem spots, watching for these issues, he explained. Runhaar said the fact is they cant be everywhere so calls into County Dispatch direct them to the right locations. He said in talking with residents there, they had not seen this type of water in many decades. It was cutting new paths and going in locations where they had not seen it go before. Home at 67 S. 200 W. in Preston, Idaho where police found four dead, Sunday afternoon. PRESTON, Idaho Police believe that four people found dead Sunday night were from a murder-suicide, after a father killed his three sleeping children, before shooting himself. Preston City Police Chief Ken Geddes said officers were called to the home at 67 W 200 S., after a family member found the family deceased around 5 p.m. Police have released the identities of the victims as six-year-old Jessica Spillett, seven-year-old Tate McKoy Spillett, and 15-year-old Corbin A. Hillaker. Geddes said officers believe the children were all shot while asleep in their beds by 37-year-old Tate Spillett, who was the father of Jessica and McCoy, and the step-father of Corbin. Tate was also found dead inside the home from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officers along with others from the Franklin County Sheriffs office, Idaho State Police Forensic lab, Idaho State Police and the Franklin County Coroners Office, spent most of the night and early Monday morning gathering evidence inside the home. Geddes said Spillett, who was in the process of divorcing the childrens mother, used a semi-automatic rifle to kill the children and himself. Police had postponed officially releasing the victims identities, while the childrens mother, Summer Layton-Spillett returned to Preston. She was currently living in Chicago, Illinois. Friends and family have created an online support page for the family at YouCaring.com and a GoFundMe account. Funeral services are being arranged.
will@cvradio.com LOGAN Authorities say a 14-year-old girl found early Friday morning, in a dry canal in Smithfield, was shot in the head. The information was released during a joint press conference, Tuesday morning at the Cache County Courthouse. Smithfield City Police Chief Travis Allen said the victim, Deserae Turner, was found lying in the canal bed, east of Sky View High School, after authorities and family members tracked the location of her cell phone. She had been missing since Thursday afternoon, when she didnt return home from school. She was semi-unconscious and transported by ambulance to a Logan area hospital and later, flown to a Salt Lake area hospital. Further medical evaluation revealed that Deserae had suffered a gunshot wound to the head, said Allen. This information started a large scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding Deseraes condition. Investigators sealed off the area where Turner was found. They determined that there appeared to be at least one other person in the same area, around the same time frame. Allen explained that investigators interviewed Turners friends and acquaintances on Friday. They were able to determine where she had been during the day and who she had been with. Investigators have served multiple search warrants and recovered key evidence. Items that have been seized include the handgun believed to be involved in the shooting, much of Deseraes personal belongings, including her cell phone and other collaborating evidence. All the facts obtained through the investigation have led to the arrest of two male suspects. Both boys are 16-years-old and are being held in the Juvenile Detention Center. Their identities have not been released, due to their ages. Allen also wouldnt release details of a possible motive or the relationships between the suspects and Turner. Cache County Attorney James Swink said prosecutors have already received enough evidence to file charges against the two suspects. We have charges against two 16-year-old juveniles, said Swink. Those charges include one count of aggravated attempted murder, a count of aggravated robbery and four counts of obstructing justice. Swink explained that prosecutors hope to try the boys as adults in 1st District Court, under the Serious Youth Offender Act of Utah state law. Both suspects are expected to be arraigned in Juvenile Court Wednesday morning. A spokeswoman for the victims family, Jill Parker, read a prepared statement from Turners parents, expressing gratitude to law enforcement, medical staff and the communitys support. We know that our Father in Heaven is watching over her and all of us have been touched by her, read Parker. We know that He hears and answers prayers, and we can see His hand at work as Deserae continues to make progress. We ask that you continue to respect our privacy at this time. Turner is still hospitalized in critical condition. Doctors have placed her in a medically induced coma. Parker said, she is in the fight for her life right now.
will@cvradio.com
LOGAN An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that was designed entirely by Utah State University students is ready for flight.
The Utah Water Research Laboratory at USU recently unveiled the BluJay. Capable of flying more than 200 miles in a single trip, the battery-powered plane weighs less than 30 pounds with a full load that includes equipment and software designed to capture aerial images for data research.
Laboratory Director Mac McKee said with all its capabilities combined, no other UAV comes close to the BluJay.
BluJay can probably cover, Im guessing at least three times the geographic area of its closest competitor in a single flight and with the payload that we carry, he said. The quality of data and the imagery we bring back is the equivalent of the best of NASAs satellites.
Because of their distance to the earth, McKee said top satellites will produce an image with a resolution of a pixel for every 30 by 30 meter square. Being much closer, the BluJays resolution will be able to capture 20 square miles with a 10 centimeter by 10 centimeter resolution. McKee said the difference is about 100,000 times more data per acre.
This is a high quality piece of field equipment that returns incredibly high quality scientific information that just happens to be able to fly, he said.
The BluJay is the third major rollout of the Aggie Air program in its 11-year history, and its capabilities will be a benefit to the wine industry. The E & J Gallo Winery in Northern California will be using the UAVs software to gather data about the soil. A USU press release stated that by using the UAVs to create forecast information, irrigation efficiency will be improved.
McKee said both the Gallo Winery and the USDAs Agricultural Research Service both contributed funding for the project.
Its significant funding, he said, and were going to ramp us our research over vineyards in California, at least in order of magnitude form where we have been working in the last couple of years.
China's gradually increasing economic role in Central Asia since the early 2000s is unsurprising considering the region's geographic proximity to China's dynamic economy. In this context, Beijing has carefully shaped a military strategy in the region, particularly in neighboring Tajikistan. In September 2016, Beijing offered to finance and build several outposts and other military facilities (in addition to the Gulhan post, which was opened in 2012) to beef up Tajikistan's defense capabilities along its border with Afghanistan, whereas China's and Tajikistan's militaries performed a large counter-terrorism exercise in October 2016. These unexpected actions have raised concerns in Russia over rising Chinese influence in Tajikistan.
Chinas gradually increasing economic role in Central Asia since the early 2000s is unsurprising considering the regions geographic proximity to Chinas dynamic economy. In this context, Beijing has carefully shaped a military strategy in the region, particularly in neighboring Tajikistan. In September 2016, Beijing offered to finance and build several outposts and other military facilities (in addition to the Gulhan post, which was opened in 2012) to beef up Tajikistans defense capabilities along its border with Afghanistan, whereas Chinas and Tajikistans militaries performed a large counter-terrorism exercise in October 2016. These unexpected actions have raised concerns in Russia over rising Chinese influence in Tajikistan.
BACKGROUND: Chinas economic expansion in Tajikistan is relatively new. In the early 2000s, Chinas influence in Tajikistan was quite weak and limited due to the lack of transport communications that could connect the two countries. Bilateral trade rates significantly increased only after the opening of a new major highway Dushanbe Kulma. China has invested approximately US$ 720 million in infrastructure improvements in Tajikistan, including the rebuilding, widening and improvement of the road between Dushanbe and Khujand, which has proceeded since August 2007 with equipment, labor, and oversight from China. Another factor that contributed to the empowerment of Chinas economic activity was the availability of financial resources and its readiness to invest even in less important sectors of Tajikistans economy.
The bilateral economic relations entered a new phase during the deepening global economic crisis in 2008, and particularly as Tajikistans relations with Russia deteriorated. In 2009, Russia took a position favoring Uzbekistan in its dispute with Tajikistan over the Rogun Hydro Power Plant, which became the main catalyst that pushed official Dushanbe towards China. Tajikistan, one of the poorest former Soviet republics, is heavily dependent on hydroelectric power imports and regularly experiences electricity outages. Therefore, the construction of Rogun HPP is a matter of life and death for Tajikistan, which urgently needs to increase domestic electricity production capacity. Tajik authorities say the Rogun Dam would be able to produce electricity for the whole country, and also provide parts of Afghanistan and Pakistan with cheap electricity.
Tajik authorities were therefore looking for an alternative partner and economic counterweight to Russia, which became China. While China has actively participated in several sectors of Tajikistans economy, it has been careful to avoid infringing on Russian interests. Chinas main interest in Tajikistan is in power-engineering, which is the most lucrative for foreign investors. However, China has not sought to replace Russia as the main constructor of Rogun HPP and surprisingly, Tajikistans President Emomali Rakhmon announced in October 2016 that the country re-launched the construction of the worlds tallest dam for the hydro plant. In a speech broadcast by state television, Rakhmon said Rogun will start providing electric power in late 2018.
Through its growing economic influence, China has quietly become the pre-eminent economic power in the region. Trade between China and the five post-Soviet central Asian states Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan has risen from US$ 1.8 billion in 2000 to US$ 50 billion in 2013. And Chinas influence in the region, and in Tajikistan in particular, also has a military dimension driven by security concerns. In fact, by increasing its expenditures on security in the Central Asian region, China seeks to create secured buffer zones along its borders with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan. China is primarily wary of the threat emerging from radical Islamism in the region, which could spill over to destabilize Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Province.
IMPLICATIONS: For these reasons, China has set up an anti-terrorism alliance with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan in order to boost coordination with regional countries to tackle a growing domestic militant threat. In this context, China is becoming more militarily active in Tajikistan, which is otherwise considered to be firmly under Russian influence.
On October 2024, 2016, a combined force of 10,000 military personnel from the National Army of Tajikistan and the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China engaged in a five-day counterterrorism exercise in Tajikistans Ishkoshim region, bordering Afghanistan. To date, neither Beijing nor any of its regional partners have publicly commented on Chinas sudden interest in bilateral military cooperation with Tajikistan. Dushanbes willingness to promote ties with Beijing is linked to the growing activity of what it considers domestic radical Islamists, namely members of the banned Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan.
Although these moves could position China as a vital player in Central Asia, Russian experts are seemingly doubtful about the future of Chinas military cooperation with Central Asia. Notably, Russia has an entrenched presence in the region and its largest foreign military base is located in the heart of Tajikistan. Yet while Moscow has not publicly condemned Chinas military activities in Tajikistan, it is hardly comfortable with Chinas growing influence in the Central Asian region. Although Russias presence in the region has weakened over the last decade, it still considers Central Asia as its area of privileged interest.
Russian officials are careful not to dramatize Chinas current activities in Tajikistan, pointing out that the main priority of the military cooperation is border security. Even though Russia has not been invited to join the new quadrilateral alliance, it has sustained a military presence in Tajikistan for over fifty years, and the new military agreement between Moscow and Dushanbe prolongs its deployment in Tajikistan until 2042.
Presumably, China will continue its expansion in the Central Asian region, including in Tajikistan, both economically and militarily. Chinese direct investment in Tajikistan in 2015 amounted to US$ 273 million 58 percent of the overall total. The potential consequences of Tajikistans growing economic reliance on China came into sharper focus in 2011, when Dushanbe agreed to hand over about 1 percent of its territory to Beijing in exchange for debt relief.
Chinas neighborhood policy towards Central Asia indicates Beijings interest in playing a central role in the security field in the region, which is an important part of its multi-billiondollar investment into the Silk Road Economic Belt. China also seeks to ensure that Al-Qaeda- or Taliban-affiliated Tajik Islamists and insurgents will not pose a serious threat to its national security (in particular to the Xinjiang province). Chinas new regional security construct could also involve other Central Asian countries, probably Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, in the future. The new China-Tajikistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan quadrilateral military alliance (excluding Russia) mainly aims to prevent the growing threat of Islamism in the region, which affects all of the participating countries. Geopolitically, China is also interested in establishing a safe zone along its Central Asian borders, whereas the alliance will mostly contribute to strengthening coordination, along with training of military staff and Special Forces.
CONCLUSIONS: China seemingly does not deem economic investments alone to be sufficient for further expansion in Central Asia, for several reasons including language barriers, religion, and incompatible doctrines. Therefore, China actively promotes and funds the establishment of Confucius Institutes and language centers in local universities, and offers study or exchange programs for students from Central Asia.
However, at this stage, Chinas main military focus is on arms export, counterterrorism, border security, and joint military initiatives. Moreover, even though countries in Central Asia are willing to deepen ties with Beijing, most of them, and Tajikistan most of all, are still unable to ignore Russias influence in the region and their heavy reliance on Russia.
AUTHORS BIO: Fuad Shahbazov (@fuadshahbazov) is a policy analyst for Wikistrat Inc. He is the author of the books Syria 1946-2012 and Tunisian model of Democracy in the Arab world.
Image source: en.kremlin.ru accessed on February 17, 2017
| BY Lynchy |
Driving a catalyst for conversation by creating the only person designed to survive a car crash, convincing a bank theres more to life than money, hanging a pair of talking balls on a billboard high above the city street and making the internet very angry indeed, one agency certainly made the work count in 2016 and has come out on top. For a record ninth time Clemenger BBDO Melbourne is Campaign Briefs Agency of the Year.
Clemenger BBDO Melbourne creative chiefs James McGrath and Ant Keogh believe people have better things to do with their time than worry about advertising. They are late for work, they have to dig a hole in their backyard, they have to take their daughter to a Nordic-themed birthday party so who has the time for anything really?
Therefore, when it comes time to talk to them, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne aims to make it count.
We all know the disproportionate number of messages we encounter in our daily lives, says Clemenger BBDO Melbourne creative chairman James McGrath. So being distinctive, recognisable and captivating creatively as always, is vital but the shift to meaningfulness, to being useful, to being confirming of an ideal, reinforcing being a brand worth belonging to, thats what make it count is all about. We also talk about make no pollution, hard to do, particularly when any message should be timely and relevant because of its context.
According to Clemenger BBDO Melbourne executive creative director Ant Keogh, advertising is a bit like if you stopped at a train station, youre hanging out the window and you see the love of your life youve got a few seconds to say something before the train leaves again. You have a few words and whatever you say better count, says Keogh. We have these limited moments to make a disproportionate impression.
This observation paid off, not only with industry recognition but in real life: theres a guy with a Carlton Dry tattoo, memes of TACs Graham spread and mutated around the world, people tweeted angry and hilarious tweets for Snickers Hungerithm and the Bonds Boys campaign continued to elicit startled reactions from newsreaders seeing large talking testicles for the first time.
The ballsy campaign also picked up a truckload of awards from all over the globe, including five Cannes Lions, four Golds at the Clio Awards, First Prize at New York Festivals in Film and Digital, along with countless awards at Spikes, Caples and IAB Mixx.
Yet when it comes to personal standouts, Clemenger BBDO Melbourne chief executive officer Nick Garrett points to NAB and the More Than Money brand relaunch.
Its a huge platform with immense potential and one of those rare comments where communication can drive cultural change on a huge scale for an organisation, he says. But in terms of a pure idea, for me it has to be Graham for TAC because it is one of those special moments that none of us expected, but we all secretly hope for, and its global amplification has been remarkable.
Snickers Hungerithim is also high on his list because of the complexity of making it happen and bringing the idea, technology and supply chain together seamlessly.
Whilst the agency attracted five star ratings at the award rounds, selected as Agency of the Year at CLIO and Network of the Year at AWARD Award, last year was also Clemenger BBDOs biggest financial year in its 70-year history. Revenue grew by 11 per cent and profit margins were up by 13pc. New business was strong on the agenda with the agency winning pitches for Airbnb, Myer Digital, Mattel, AHM, La Trobe University, The Australian Federal Government and the Victoria State Government, along with BCF, 2XU, Ovarian Cancer Australia and more work for Australia Post.
Another major focus for the year was addressing the future of the agencys structure, with Clems Melbourne moving from a creative department to a creative agency by sharing accountability across departments with senior business and leadership teams for each of its clients businesses based on a triangular model. Each team now has a representative from account management, planning and creative and all decisions have to be made collectively with each team responsible for the work, the relationship and the money.
The rest you can read in the latest issue of Campaign Brief, which includes the annual CB Agency Hot+Cold Charts, out next week.
| BY Ricki Green |
Aussie expat and worldwide chief creative officer at J. Walter Thompson Matt Eastwood will present a talk called Passion Trumps Talent for AWARD in Sydney on Wednesday, March 22, 4:30pm at J. Walter Thompson in Pyrmont. Numbers are strictly limited. AWARD and TCC members $28.
Eastwood will reveals how passion and potential go hand in hand. Passion and imagination tend to be thought of as entities that can assist your career, but not necessarily make or break it. Skillsets are what initially qualify you for a job opportunity, and if you happen to be passionate about your profession, you might be one of the lucky ones.
But Eastwood says its time to rethink this misconception. He firmly believes that passion is the strongest indicator of potential, and prefers passion over talent, pedigree and a well-tailored suit.
No matter what the subject, people who are passionate about something are usually more passionate about everything including their work. Thats why its valuable to have everyone from shoe lovers to Formula One afficionados on your team.
Learn more about how passion fuels a creative, dynamic work environment in this exclusive AWARD event.
Sydney 22 March at 4.30 pm, followed by drinks
J. Walter Thompson Sydney
Boardroom, 235 Pyrmont Street, Pyrmont
AWARD & TCC Members $28
| BY Lynchy |
Following on from a series of country-level appointments around its network, Publicis Communications Global CEO, Arthur Sadoun has announced key leadership appointments in the Australia and NZ market.
Michael Rebelo (above) is appointed as CEO for Publicis Communications ANZ, in addition to his current responsibility as CEO for Saatchi & Saatchi Australia and New Zealand. He will report to Global Chief Operating Officer, Loris Nold, and will focus on driving transformation and ensuring that global and local clients are given full access to the Groupes expertise, talents and resources across Publicis Communications.
Andrew Baxter (left) is appointed as Chairman of Publicis Communications in addition to his current responsibility as CEO of Publicis Worldwide. He also reports to Nold and along with continuing to drive growth for clients, will focus on collaboration with other Publicis Groupe solutions hub, including Sapient Inside and the ramping up of Prodigious.
Melinda Geertz (below left) will take the newly created position of CEO for Leo Burnett Australia. Under Melindas leadership, Leo Burnett Melbourne has become one of the best agencies in Australia and in the world. Geertz will work closely with Rebelo to continue to grow the agency across Australia and ensure the right connectivity between the Melbourne and Sydney operations, led by Pete Bosilkovski.
Says Sadoun: Australia and New Zealand are key markets for Publicis Communications; these appointments will allow us to further harness the Power of One to deliver to all of our clients seamless end-to-end solutions that draw on our world-class expertise and resources, no matter where they may be located. I know I can count on Mike, Andrew, Melinda and the teams to accelerate on the great momentum theyve already been building through the recent wins of Tiger Beer global, H&R Block, Caltex, Spirit of Tasmania and Betfair, to name just a few.
| BY Ricki Green |
Photoplay has signed internationally renowned director, Lance Kelleher, who returns to Australia from time spent living and working in the United States and across Europe.
Returning to Sydney for family, Kelleher is excited to devote more time to the local production industry. He joins Photoplay for representation in Australia, New Zealand and Asia.
Now known for creating work that is epic in scope but always intimate in detail, Kelleher found his start in New Zealand as a news and documentary editor and filmmaker. He then began directing music videos that lead him first to Sydney and then on to London. This early training has continued to inform his work as a visual storyteller. His move into advertising now spans a 30-year career that has seen Kelleher direct commercials on every continent. His most recent work includes projects for Herbalife (USA/global), IKEA (Europe), Nationwide Insurance (USA), Jim Beam (Global), VW (China) and Rexona (Australia).
With a talent for dramatic visuals, VFX post, and in-camera stunts, Kelleher has created an impactful legacy. His portfolio includes campaigns for Jaguar, Canon, Renault Global, Lexus, Jim Beam, Qantas, Alfa Romeo, Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, IKEA, BMW, Heineken, Sony and Samsung. Kelleher is the director behind the multi-award winning TAC The Ride commercial (Australia). Over the years, he has accrued creative awards at major international shows such as Cannes, D&AD, One Show, Clios and New York Festivals.
Says Oliver Lawrance, EP, Photoplay: Its been great to get to know Lance over many catch-ups and beers, hes a truly passionate filmmaker driven to make his work truly stand out. The production landscape is changing at a rapid pace and Lance is someone who has truly embraced the filmmaking challenges this entails. Im excited to have Lance back in Sydney and available for local projects.
Says Kelleher: Meeting Oli and the team at Photoplay, I was immediately drawn to their talent and ethos. As a collective of creative people, I have great respect for their work and for the wonderful relationships they have built up in Australia and further afield. Im really happy to have found a home in Photoplay and look forward to working with our countrys finest agencies.
Having secured the film rights to Tim Bowdens bestselling novel One Crowded Hour, Kelleher will co-produce alongside Todd Fellman and Sylvia Wilczynski with writer-director Kim Mordaunt and with assistance from Screen Australia. One Crowded Hour follows Australian combat photojournalist and cameraman Neil Davis who documented areas of extreme conflict in South East Asia for over 20 years.
| BY Lynchy |
Following the agencys win of OCBC Bank in September 2016, GOVT Singapore has announced four senior hires to lead one of Singapores largest accounts.
Leading the OCBC account as Group Account Director is Gloria Tan, who brings with her over 15 years of experience in agencies such as Saatchi & Saatchi, TBWA, BBDO and Leo Burnett, handling the likes of SK-II, Great Eastern Insurance, Singapore Airlines and Standard Chartered Bank. Most recently, Gloria held the position of Business Director at independent Australian specialist agency Ward6. In GOVT Singapore, Tan reports to the agencys Business Director, Jude Foo.
The second senior account handler hired for OCBC Bank is Senior Account Director Jaslyn Lam, most recently from Saatchi & Saatchi Singapore, where she led the Global and Regional management of P&G brand, Pampers. Prior to Saatchi & Saatchi, Lam had stints at DDB working on Health Promotion Board, at TBWA on global and regional digital and brand campaigns for Royal Salute, VISA, Standard Chartered Bank and ANZ, and JWT on Pizza Hut and Listerine. Lam reports to Group Account Director and account lead Tan.
Leading the creative unit of OCBC is Associate Creative Director Mark Lim. Lim has spent the past 11 years of his career in agencies such as TBWA and DDB, and was most recently Creative Director at local creative agency Splash.
Last but not least, is Creative Group Head Andrew Ho. Ho was an integral part of MullenLowe Agency of The Year at the 2016 Singapore Creative Circle Awards. His work for global and regional Unilevers Clear, Lifebuoy, Citra, Knorr and DirectAsia Car Insurance has won him multiple accolades at international award shows such as Cannes Lions,
Spikes Asia, D&AD, One Show and AdStars.
Both Lim and Ho will function as a team and report to the agencys Creative Director, Tim Chan.
Managing Director of GOVT Singapore, Leon Lai, said, We have always believed that Singapore possesses some fantastic talent, and it has truly been an honour to be able to work together with some of the best minds in our industry. Gloria, Jaslyn, Mark and Andrew have put their faith in us despite coming from a multinational network background, and the feeling of assembling this amazing leadership team is akin to the feeling we initially had when we first received news that we had been awarded one of Singapores most coveted accounts in OCBC Bank. In the coming couple of months, we hope to be able to put out some stellar work.
Emily Ratajkowski's Nude And Intimate Photos Leaked From iCloud
Trending News: 200 Private (And Nude) Pics of Emily Ratajkowski Just Got Leaked
Long Story Short
Emily Ratajkowskis privacy has been violated again. A hacker stole up to 200 intimate and nude photos from the models iCloud account and the cyber creep wants to see them published.
Long Story
Remember The Fappening? Well its back.
Metro reports that 200 nude and private photos of model and actress Emily Ratajkowski have been leaked.
The news derives from Helen Wood, a British reality TV star who claims to have been sent a folder in a DM on Twitter, which turned out to be the photographs from Em Ratas iCloud account. The hacker allegedly wanted Wood to include the photos in her Daily Star column.
Last week, I was pondering along through life, when I received a DM on Twitter. No idea who this guy was, but had a peek all the same out of curiosity," she wrote in her column (which didnt include any leaked pics of Em Rata). "Turns out, it was a link to Emily Ratajkowskis iCloud pictures. This clown had inboxed me and asked that I release the full set of naked images in my column.
Wood continued: "To be clear, this wasnt footage of a randy star salivating at the mouth wanging their bits about while fishing for a random on Skype for a sex sesh. This was private stuff, sent between two people," the former escort wrote.
This isnt the first Ratajkowski has been hacked. She was one of the many celebrities to be hacked in 2015, in what got dubbed The Fappening.
The culprit of the 2015 hack, a father, was sentenced to prison time a few months back. So that would count him out of the most recent hack...right?
Own The Conversation
Ask The Big Question
Was this hack carried out by the same group of hackers, or was it a copycat?
Drop This Fact
Ratajkowski has faced plenty of criticism for her revealing photos, but has always stated that it is her body, so she can do whatever she wants with it.
The company, the countrys incumbent fixed and mobile operator formerly owned by Orange, has agreed a contract to use Avanti Communications Hylas 2 satellite to provide the links.
Avanti CEO David Williams said: The project is a great example of how our technology is positively impacting ICT development across Africa. Avantis proven Ka-band technology continues to consistently deliver high-speed high quality connectivity to meet the needs of the most demanding operators and governments.
The hubs to be called Constituency Incubation Hubs (CILs) will allow young adults and entrepreneurs to develop their ICT skills and applications, bringing them into the digital world and enabling them to grow and start new businesses.
There are a total of 290 constituencies as part of the project in Kenya, with 4 CIHs being installed per constituency. Each hub will have a VSAT system, WiFi router and 40 tablet devices, which users will be able to use to connect online and discover new business opportunities.
Kris Senanu, managing director of the enterprise division at Telkom Kenya, commented: As a strategic partner to the Kenya governments national ICT agenda, Telkom Kenya is able to provide end-to-end solutions, tailor-made to meet a growing set of needs for the public sector. The CIH project is demonstrable proof of the confidence placed in Telkom Kenya by the government, through the Ministry of ICT, to realise a key connectivity milestone for Kenya.
Avanti has not put a price on the contract, except to say it is in the millions of dollars. The company has rights to orbital slots covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa, covering a market of over 1.7 billion people. Avanti says it has invested $1.2 billion in a network that incorporates satellites, ground stations, data centres and a fibre ring.
Orange acquired 51% of Telkom Kenya from the countrys government in 2007, later increasing its holding to 70%, but sold its entire stake to Helios Investment Partners in 2016. The government now owns 40% of the company.
Donald Trumps Tweets Are Leading Companies To Take Out Crisis Insurance
Trending News: Trump IS Creating Jobs, And Its All Thanks To His Mean Tweets
Long Story Short
Donald Trumps tweets have been known to bomb company stocks, which has led many companies to seek crisis insurance if the president launches an attack their way.
Long Story
Surely youve heard about Trumps pre-election Twitter tirades, but while some speculated hed cool off when in the White House, he hasnt. The president continues to pound away at his old security risk of a phone, which is particularly bad news for companies.
A couple of weeks ago, Trump put high-end clothing retailer Nordstrom in his crosshairs for choosing to drop his daughter Ivankas clothing line.
My daughter Ivanka has been treated so unfairly by @Nordstrom. She is a great person always pushing me to do the right thing! Terrible! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 8, 2017
Other targets of the career businessman include Lockheed Martin, Toyota, Carrier, Ford, General Motors, Boeing and Macys.
Good news, disloyal @Macys stock is in a total free fall. Don't shop there for Christmas! https://t.co/wpDDCWcLFD pic.twitter.com/vT3uGjiZ9B Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 4, 2015
In total, Yahoo counts at least 60 businesses who have, for one reason or another, drawn Trumps ire.
Considering the very real threat of a Trump tweet attack, what are companies to do? Well, many are turning to crisis management insurance, which helps counsel your business through the Trump attack.
Quartz reports that at least eight companies in Washington were seeking Trump tweet insurance in the first month of his presidency with one company consultant saying they put the attacks on par with an earthquake or a flood.
We are putting them in the same class as a natural disaster: a random event, out of the blue, with a really massive cleanup, said the consultant.
See, Trump is creating jobs in the risk mitigation business, at least.
But paying for Trump insurance isnt the only way to avoid his wrath. You could always support the president, like Linda Bean of L.L. Bean did.
Thank you to Linda Bean of L.L.Bean for your great support and courage. People will support you even more now. Buy L.L.Bean. @LBPerfectMaine Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2017
The problem with the Bean method (economics textbooks can have that one for free) is that supporting the president might not go over well with any liberal Beaners.
Just look at what happened to Uber after they didnt actively go against the immigration ban (although Lyft isnt complaining). Or look at Elon Musk who extended an olive branch to the president and is now being called a crony capitalist.
For some companies, though, theres no reason to be afraid. Businesses like Starbucks and say, Patagonia, who know coastal liberals are their main customers, Trump bashing isnt frowned upon, its applauded.
But if youre a major American company that appeals to most Americans and you dont want to pay for insurance nor kiss Trumps ass, what should you do? Well, I heard Canadas got a decent corporate tax rate
Own The Conversation
Ask The Big Question
Will Trump eventually get more conservative with his Twitter tirades?
Drop This Fact
The Trump team doesnt want any weird domain names popping up, so it bought over 3,000 of them, including TrumpFraud.org.
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The Union Public Service Commission issued a notification for the IES/ ISS Examination, 2017.
Interested candidates can apply latest by March 3, 2017.
Essential details about eligibility criteria for IES/ ISS Examination- 2017:
All the aspiring candidates will be provided with the essential details about the IES/ ISS Exams below. Candidates need to have a glance on the eligibility criteria decided by UPSC who wish to apply for IES & ISS exam 2017.
Eligibility Criteria:
Nationality:
A candidate must be either a citizen of India or a subject of Nepal or a subject of Bhutan or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India, before January 1, 1962, with the intention of permanently settling in India.
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Provided that a candidate belonging to categories above shall be the person in whose favor a certificate of eligibility has been issued by the Government of India.
A candidate in whose case a certificate of eligibility is necessary may be admitted to the examination but the offer of appointment may be given only after the necessary eligibility certificate has been issued to him/her by the Government of India.
Age Limits:
A candidate must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 30 years on August 1, 2017 i.e he/ she must have been born not earlier than August 2, 1987 and not later than August 1, 1996.
Minimum Educational Qualifications:
A candidate for the Indian Economic Service must have obtained a Post-Graduate Degree in Economics/ Applied Economics/ Business Economics/ Econometrics.
A candidate for the Indian Statistical Service must have obtained a Bachelor's Degree with Statistics/ Mathematical Statistics/ Applied Statistics as one of the subjects or a Master's degree in Statistics/ Mathematical Statistics/ Applied Statistics from a University.
Last date for submission of application:
The online applications can be filled up to March 3, 2017 till 18.00 Hours.
Physical Standards:
Candidates must be physically fit according to physical standard for admission to Indian Economic Service/ Indian Statistical Service Examination, 2017.
Fee:
Candidates (excepting Female/SC/ST/PH candidates who are exempted from payment of fee) are required to pay a fee of Rs.200/- (Rupees Two Hundred only) by cash, or by using net banking facility or by using Visa/ Master Credit/Debit Card.
How to apply:
Candidates are required to apply online using the official website: http://www.upsc.gov.in/
Andhra Pradesh Sub Inspector exams results will be out soon on 15, March 2017. Thousands of aspirants had appeared in the Andhra Pradesh SI exams. The recruitment board has also released answer keys for Papers III and IV in the series - A, B, C and D. Candidates can submit their objections to the answer keys before 22, February 2017.
The exam was held to recruit 707 Sub Inspector, Special Police, Special Protection Force, Fire Station Officer and Communications SI vacancies in the state of AP. Aspirants can download the answer key of SI Final Written Test from the official site.
Where were the exams held?
Exams were held on 18, February 2017 and 19 February 2017 in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, Guntur and Kurnool districts of the state.
Posts Available:
SI (Civil) - 355 Posts
Reserve SI - 113 Posts
Reserve SI (SAR CPL) (Men) - 9 Posts
Reserve SI (APSP) (Men) - 209 Posts
Deputy Jailor (Men) - 16 Posts
Assistant Matron (Women) - 5 Posts
For further information, candidates can check it on the official website:
http://recruitment.appolice.gov.in/
Sometimes its good to be reminded of just how good a car is by giving it go once more. In the case of the Mitsubishi Xpander, its the smal...
An ex-Beazley executive is joining AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. in a leadership Role. The Hanover Insurance Group promoted an executive to become the new CEO of Chaucer Syndicates Ltd., its international member company through which it underwrites business at Lloyds of London. Swiss Res Corporate Solutions division named a new head of sales for terroritory covering Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
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A former Beazley executive joined AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. in a leadership role.
Julian Brown took on the position of vice president and Underwriter, and hell be responsible for leading growth initiatives and product development for the insurers London market Managing General Agency Unit. Hell work with Paul Cullum, senior vice president, London MGA, and his team of underwriters, who currently operate in the property and liability market in London.
Brown, a 20-year insurance industry veteran, joins AXIS from specialist insurer Beazley, where he was International Focus Group Leader, with responsibility for teams in London, France and Singapore. Previously, Brown worked for broker SBJ International, where he specialized in international professional lines.
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The Hanover Insurance Group promoted John Fowle to the position of chief executive officer of Chaucer Syndicates Ltd. He is replacing Johan Slabbert, who is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.
Fowle has held a number of leadership positions at Chaucer since joining the company in 2002, most recently serving as chief underwriting officer, with responsibilities for developing and executing the companys underwriting strategy.
Before that, he was the active underwriter at Chaucers main syndicate, 1084. Before Chaucer, Fowle held various underwriting positions in the London and Lloyds markets.
Fowles appointment is pending Lloyds and regulatory approval.
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Swiss Re Corporate Solutions named Loredana Mazzoleni Neglen as head of Sales, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
I n her new role, Mazzoleni Neglen will be responsible for developing and executing the companys distribution and sales strategy in the region. She will be based in Zurich and report to Tony Buckle, CEO EMEA, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions. Mazzoleni Neglen succeeds Antonio Simone, who has been appointed country head, Switzerland.
Mazzoleni Neglen, an Italian and Swiss National, has more than 17 years of experience in the insurance industry. Since joining Swiss Re in 2000, she has held several senior positions in sales and underwriting in EMEA and Asia Pacific. Most recently, she was head Specialties Asia Pacific, based in Singapore, where she was responsible for establishing several specialty lines of business and their underwriting centers.
Sources: The Hanover Insurance Group, Swiss Re, AXIS Capital Holdings.
Ironshore International boosted the capacity for its Terrorism & Sabotage coverage insurance programs. A division of Argo Group International Holdings, combined with a partner, is now offering transactional risk insurance designed to facilitate M&A transactions. RMS unveiled its new Colombia earthquake model.
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Ironshore International boosted the capacity for its Terrorism & Sabotage coverage programs to $400 million, up from the current $375 million limit.
The cover provides insurance protection against damage to commercial and residential property, including business interruption stemming from global terrorist attacks. It is provided on either a full value or first loss basis, with optional policy extensions that can respond to loss due to malicious damage, strikes, riots and civil commotions.
The insurer said that the cover has been increased in part due to the rice of terrorist attacks and incidents of civil unrest around the world. Ironshore offers War & Terrorism coverage globally through its Lloyd Pembroke Syndicate 4000 platform.
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Argo Group International Holdings Argo Pro division is partnering with BlueChip Underwriting Services LLC to provide transactional risk insurance to facilitate mergers and acquisitions.
Plans call for BlueChip to sell and underwrite the insurance, which will include Representational & Warranties, Tax Indemnity and Contingent Liability insurance products.
In turn, Argo Pro will be the lead provider, with capacity provided by Argo Groups Lloyds of London operation, ArgoGlobal Syndicate 1200, which will offer global clients limits of up to $30 million for any one transaction.
Argo Pro provides professional lines insurance products and services for medium and large organizations on an admitted and non-admitted basis.
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Catastrophe modeling firm RMS won Colombian regulators O.K. to begin marketing its new earthquake model to national and global insurance companies who write earthquake risk in the country.
The approval is noteworthy because, as RMS explained, insurers writing earthquake risk in Colombia can only use catastrophe models approved by regulators to determine their probable maximum loss, average annual loss and to manage their capital reserves. RMSs approval follows similar action taken previously regarding AIR Worldwides Colombia earthquake model.
RMS said its new model will allow insurers and reinsurers to access latest scientific understanding of regional earthquake hazard, combined with RMS modeling capabilities, to improve their risk selection and pricing. RMS said its Colombia model is one of eight focused on South America earthquake modeling. The others include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela.
RMS said it developed the models by collaborating with South American seismology and engineering experts.
Sources: Ironshore, Argo Group International Holdings, RMS.
Google has been seeing its top talent fleeing out of their autonomous car project for many reasons, including strategy doubts or leadership change, but the weirdest one is because they got paid lots and lots of money.
The tech giant recruited the first batch of employees in its autonomous car project with an unusual compensation scheme that awarded them with huge amounts of money, based on the projects value.
Bloomberg reports that by late 2015, the numbers became so big that several veteran employees decided that they didnt need the job security anymore and instead opened themselves to other opportunities. Two sources familiar with the matter called it F-you money.
The unusual payout system started back in 2010, when Google unveiled its first self-driving vehicle. The point was to tie the employees pay to the performance of the project, instead of Googles own money. That included cash salaries of course, but some of the people working on the project were given bonuses and equity in the business as well, with the rewards being set aside in a special entity.
After several years, Google applied a multiplier to the value of the awards and paid some or all of it out, with the multiplier based on periodic valuations of the department according to the same sources.
The precise values that the division was measured by and caused the bonuses to become impressively big are not known, with the sources talking about a large multiplier being applied to the compensation packages in late 2015, resulting even in multi-million dollar payments in some cases. It is said that one employee had a multiplier of 16 applied to bonuses and equity amassed over four years.
These big payouts are considered to be a strong factor in Googles talent drain as these came after key milestones were reached and at a time when rivals were recruiting heavily, even though the ultimate goal of the project -a working fully autonomous vehicle- remains years away.
Departures from Googles car division increased in 2016, with some of the employees being dissatisfied with the pace of progress and had doubts about the new head of the division John Krafcik, while others just wanted to start their own autonomous vehicle companies.
Its worth noting that Chris Urmson, previous head of Googles autonomous project, is now working on a startup while other early staff members left to create Otto, an autonomous trucking company that was purchased by Uber. Another former Google exec, Bryan Salesky founded Argo AI which recently got a $1 billion investment from Ford.
Last December, Google detached its car business and made it a standalone unit called Waymo. The payout system was also replaced by a more uniform pay structure that treats all the employees the same.
PHOTO GALLERY
Mercedes-AMG are not only working on their dedicated hypercar, baptized the Project One, but also on a new concept, which will reportedly debut at this years Geneva Motor Show.
Offering a preview of the CLS Shooting Brake replacement, the four-door study is based on Mercedes-Benzs specially modified MRA modular rear architecture, which is also used in the AMG C63, E63 and S63, Autocar reports.
Known as the GT4, it uses the heart of the latest AMG performance models, the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, and is said to feature new twin-scroll turbochargers fitted between the cylinder banks. With this recipe, induction qualities are to be improved over the standard version of the engine.
Gunning for the Porsche Panamera, Audi A7 and BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe, the production version of the GT4 is expected to reach European dealers in 2018. By then, it will adopt the aforementioned lump in two power outputs: 4Matic+ and S 4Matic+. In the latter, output is believed to top the 603 horsepower of the latest AMG E63 S.
The engine could feature a newly developed integrated starter generator (ISG), which will allow it to deliver more power for short periods of time, via the 20 HP electric motor mounted within the transmission, and instant start-up. The ISG uses a 48V electrical system, and the final production version of the car could adopt a lithium-ion battery, of moderate size.
Besides the 4.0-liter V8 engine, a 3.0-liter inline-six unit could join it, probably with the same ISG. Both versions will use latest iteration of the brands dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Pictured is an older rendering based on the AMG GT from Theophilus Chin
Photo Gallery
Not many 3-Series models can turn heads like the original M3 E30, and this example is still in good condition, nearly 30 years after its birth.
Set to hit the SilverstoneAuctions event next weekend on February 25 , at Stoneleigh Park in Coventry, UK, the 1988 M3 is estimated to change hands for around 30,000-35,000 ($37,440-$43,680), which is more than its original sticker price of 26,000 ($32,450) back when it was all-new.
Originally supplied to Germany, the car was then taken to the United Kingdom a decade later, where it was enjoyed by five different owners, before the vendor got it into its possession. Said to have been bought from an Irish collector in 2012, it was used as a daily driver ever since, with its odometer reading close to 112,000 miles (180,247 km).
Offered alongside this classic BMW M3, by separate negotiation, are two sets of wheels, one from Hartge with winter tires, and Cecotto BBS rims. Additionally, a spare engine and gearbox can also be included, for an undisclosed price. The personal number plate isnt included in the sale.
The car doesnt just look ready to hit the road, its also legal to drive, as its accompanied by a fresh MoT, which expires on January 26, 2018.
PHOTO GALLERY
Taking a Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 out for a night ride on a twisty mountain road may seem scary, but in the right hands, this Italian bull can prove to be a delight.
Shot at Mont Ventoux, in the French Alps, this footage will likely leave you craving for more videos like this, but before moving on to it, lets talk numbers.
A 5.2-liter V10 naturally aspirated V10 engine remains the heart of the supercar, which may not be as powerful as the same lump used on its four-wheel drive sibling, but it still delivers 580 PS (572 HP) and 540 Nm (398 lb-ft) of torque.
Going from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes as little as 3.4 seconds, but give it enough space and the needle will eventually point to 320 km/h (199 mph) not bad for a car whose power-to-weight ratio is 2.4 kg/hp.
VIDEO
As a glorified Porsche clone, this Macan-like Zotye SR9 apparently flew too close to a Cayenne and ended up making contact.
The incident took place in Shanghai, and according to CarNewsChina, the SR9 appeared brand new, still wearing dealer tags and a temporary license plate.
The woman in the picture is presumably the driver of the SR9, chatting up the owner of that Cayenne. Unfortunately we dont know exactly what happened and how, nor do we know the full extent of the damage.
Still, there is irony to be found with this incident, just like there was with that crash from last year when a Landwind X7 crashed into a Range Rover Evoque, the very car it was copying in terms of design.
Formerly known as the SR8, the Zotye SR9 is a surprisingly accurate Porsche Macan ripoff, with a slightly longer wheelbase and a few extra inches in overall length, width and height.
Photo via Weibo
Photo: CTV
A flight policy denied a dog owner the ability to see her dying pet.
Robyn Larocques dog Cheech was in Calgary this week being treated for radiation treatment for a tumour. The pet was ready to come home this weekend, but was denied the ability to fly home.
The pit bull-cross flew there a week ago with WestJet, but WestJet's cargo desk in Victoria was closed on weekends. Cheech was unable to fly home with Air Canada because it bans snub-nose breeds from flying.
The Air Canada policy was implemented in 2015 following research and tests.
These breeds are prone to experiencing breathing difficulties especially during air travel, making it distressing and potentially harmful to them, and our decision was made solely out of concern for the safety of these animals, Air Canada said in an email.
Larocque says that Cheech had the OK from the vet to travel.
If my vet said we dont think it would be a good idea for you to fly this dog we would never do this, were trying to save his life as opposed to shorten it or end it, Larocque said.
Larocque wants Air Canada to re-visit the ban and take pets on a case-by-case basis.
If theyre going to have a policy on snub nosed dogs, let it be based on actual research, actual advice from a vet, she said.
Larocque stressed the point that the dog could have died at the airport over the weekend and she wouldn't have been there to say goodbye.
To be alone for an extra 72 hours in a facility, hundreds and hundreds of kilometres away from us, thats not where he needs to be when hes as sick as he is, Larocque said.
The dog was able to fly home on Monday.
with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: RCMP
Sometimes all it takes is a helping hand and that was offered last week by an RCMP officer in Kamloops.
On Friday, a transit bus driver noticed a man in a power wheelchair who appeared to be having difficulty.
Suspecting he might be stranded, the driver notified police.
When Const. Sukhdeep Toor arrived on the scene, the man in the wheelchair said the motor on his chair had broken down. The disabled man had no family to call and no money for a cab.
Toor realized he couldnt fit the wheelchair into his police car to take the man home.
Instead, he asked where the man lived and pushed him in the wheelchair through the snow and slush over six blocks to his residence.
This man just needed a helping hand, said Toor. I was glad to help him get home safely.
Photo: Contributed
The drumming of black-backed woodpeckers is a sure sign the boreal forest is slowly bouncing back from the devastation caused by last spring's wildfire near Fort McMurray.
Woodpeckers are busy in the roughly 5,900-square-kilometre area in northern Alberta that was torched. The birds gorge on bugs that have been attracted to dead and dying trees.
Flames that killed birds and animals or forced them to flee have created conditions for different species to flourish.
"The population of those kinds of woodpeckers will just sort of explode in that early post-fire habitat," said Steve Van Wilgenburg, a boreal ecologist with the Canadian Wildlife Service.
"There are suddenly all these open territories that they can move into."
There are other signs of regeneration across the fire-scarred region. Lush, green shoots from aspens, the predominant tree species in the area, have burst from the burned soil and are a metre high in some areas. The root systems of aspens can survive the flames and heat from wildfires.
Dan Thompson, a research scientist with the Canadian Forest Service, said a warm, wet summer created ideal conditions for regrowth.
Within about 10 years, aspens will be tall enough to appear like a forest again and will grow to pre-fire levels in about 30 years.
Other tree species such as spruce will take much longer to recover.
Dramatic pictures last May of walls of flames consuming stands of trees might leave the impression that nothing could withstand such a destructive fire.
But wildfires have been part of the life cycle of the western boreal forest for thousands of years, Thompson said.
"The ecosystem there is really adaptive to fire," he said. "Even though we had really bad human consequences, the natural consequences of this fire are just a tiny, tiny fraction of what the human consequences were."
The wildfire killed or displaced an unknown number of animals and its aftermath poses different problems for different species.
Deer, bears, wolves and caribou would have tried to move out of the flames' path. Smaller critters such as mice and voles would have sought shelter in burrows deep in the ground.
The challenge for animals will be to find enough food and cover for them to survive. Van Wilgenburg said some animals might have been able to find refuge in areas within the fire zone that didn't burn.
Photo: Contributed
Two motorists discovered one particular peril of not having snow tires: they were arrested for possession of 6.8 kilograms of cocaine after their car slid off a Nova Scotia road.
RCMP say they spotted the car off a rural road in Kemptown at about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.
"They noticed a vehicle in the ditch so they stopped to help," Cpl. Jennifer Clarke said Monday. "It all started with just stopping to provide assistance."
But officers soon discovered both people in the car had outstanding warrants, the driver had been suspended from operating a motor vehicle and they were allegedly carrying a major cache of cocaine.
"It's a lot (of cocaine). Definitely a significant amount for us," Clarke said. "That would be a really good shot in the arm for anyone to pick off a seizure like that, that's a good one."
Despite the slippery conditions, the pair weren't driving on snow tires, Clarke said an omission that likely led to their predicament.
A 34-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman from Moncton, N.B., are facing charges of cocaine possession. They are to appear in court in Truro, N.S., on Tuesday.
It's the second major drug bust stemming from a routine traffic stop in Nova Scotia this month.
Photo: Contributed
Dignitaries met on the front steps of Penticton City Hall on Monday to celebrate a birthday.
In recognition of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce 110th anniversary this year, Mayor Andrew Jakubeit proclaimed Chamber Week.
Chamber President Michael Magnusson said a strong chamber is crucial for a city.
We couldnt do it without the city, and wed like to hope that the city cant do it without us, in the sense that every city needs commerce and commerce obviously needs a city to thrive.
I like to look at as a symbiotic relationship, and if we can further the quality of life in Penticton through the growth of business and an extended tax base, jobs for workers then it's a win-win for everyone, he added.
A series of events will be running this week to mark the anniversary. Details can be found online.
Photo: CTV
Keeping up with the times, the North Okanagan Shuswap School District has banned vaping as well as smoking on any of its premises.
District 83's official trustee Mike McKay recently gave third and final reading to the updated policy.
The policy states: North Okanagan-Shuswap School District is a smoke free district with no smoking, tobacco or vapour product (including e-cigarettes and pipes) use permitted as directed by board policy and provincial law.
All school grounds, buildings and vehicles whether owned or leased by the district shall be free from smoking, tobacco and use of vapour products at all times including evenings and weekends.
Superintendent Glenn Borthistle said there was input from both students and parents, the RCMP and Interior Health before the policy was updated.
"We take our responsibility for wellness and health of students very seriously. We wanted to move on this as quickly as possible," said Borthistle.
Photo: The Canadian Press
The Prime Minister has promised to answer questions from the public in the language they are asked, after receiving a slew of complaints from angry citizens who felt he recently violated the country's bilingualism policy.
On a stop in Sherbrooke, Que., during his January cross-country tour, Trudeau insisted on speaking only in French, even in response to questions asked in English from the province's anglophone minority.
His actions were called "tone deaf" in the media and they triggered a series of complaints to the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages.
A Montreal-based anglophone advocacy group, which sent a critical letter to the prime minister about the town hall, received a formal apology from Trudeau on Feb. 14 and published his letter on its website Monday.
"As for the Sherbrooke town hall, I would like to express my sincere regrets," read the letter, written in English and signed by Trudeau.
"I recognize I should have answered questions in the language they were asked, be it in Quebec or anywhere else in Canada. You can rest assured that I will do so in the future."
James Shea, president of Quebec Community Groups Network, which received Trudeau's letter, said he was satisfied with the prime minister's response.
"Clearly it was a violation of the Official Languages Act that commits the government of Canada to doing business in Canada in the two official languages English and French," Shea said.
Nelson Kalil, spokesman with the languages department, said that's not necessarily correct.
Kalil said Trudeau himself doesn't fall under the languages act, rather, it's the bureaucratic arm of the Office of the Prime Minister, the Canadian Privy Council.
The languages department is investigating whether the Privy Council has any obligation to demand the prime minister answer questions in the language they are asked during town hall events.
Kalil added that his department also received complaints about another stop in Trudeau's January tour after the prime minister responded in English to a question posed to him in French in Peterborough, Ont.
He said an interim report on the roughly 60 complaints his office received will be out in the next few weeks.
For Shea, however, he said Trudeau's response was "gracious" and added, "the case is closed."
Photo: Google Street View
A six-year-old boy has died and his brother was in hospital after both fell through ice north of Calgary.
RCMP Cpl. Curtis Peters says they got a 911 call Monday afternoon from a woman who saw the boys fall through the ice on a canal in Airdrie.
Peters says firefighters got the brothers out of the water.
The six-year-old was taken by air ambulance to Alberta Childrens Hospital in Calgary and was pronounced dead.
The 10-year-old was also in hospital in serious condition and Peters says his prognosis was good.
Peters says recent warm weather has affected the ice in small bodies of water, adding he's not sure if there were warnings to stay off the canal in Airdrie.
"The ponds and the canals in all these areas that take on drainage this time of year,they're not going to be stable, they're not going to be safe to be on. Hopefully we can get everyone to stay away from those."
Peters said it happened in the Bayside neighbourhood of Airdrie.
"All the houses in that area back onto the canal system. It has a park around it and people recreate there."
Monday was Family Day in Alberta, a statutory holiday.
"It's awful, it's pretty hard to talk about it," Peters said.
Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version said the older boy was eight.
Photo: Contributed
One in four Canadians would support a Donald Trump-style ban on Syrian refugees coming to Canada, according to a new poll.
Still, six in 10 Canadians say the government made the right call by standing behind its policy to keep the country's doors open to those fleeing war-torn Syria.
"As the American travel ban on refugees, visitors and immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries creates serious foreign policy differences between Canada and the U.S., border communities in Manitoba and Quebec are bearing witness to the fallout, watching asylum seekers trudging through the snow to cross the border," says the pollster.
"Against this backdrop, the latest survey from the Angus Reid Institute finds public opinion in this country is onside with its governments approach and response on domestic refugee policy, but is showing signs Ottawa may be testing the limits of how many migrants Canadians are willing to accept."
Key findings are:
Six in 10 Canadians say the government has done a good job overall in handling the resettlement of Syrian refugees since taking office in 2015.
Close to half of Canadians say the government is taking in the right number of refugees (Syrian and other nationalities) in 2017. A large group (41 per cent), however, say that the total is too high, while one in 10 say Canada should be granting access to more asylum seekers.
The full poll results can be read on Angus Reid's website.
Photo: Contributed
When you think fashion shows, expensive designer wear comes to mind.
But, the Salvation Army is turning that on its head with its first Thrifty Fashionista spring collection fashion show.
Models will strut the runway Feb. 27, 7 p.m., at the Ramada Hotel.
They'll be sporting casual wear, work outfits and over-the-top party gowns.
The Sally Ann says its local models will "represent the diversity of women today" and will also include Lady of the Lake Michelle Mazur and Kelowna Princess Rachel Sousa.
Tickets are $10 and are available at Salvation Army thrift stores in Westbank, Rutland and on Sutherland Avenue in Kelowna.
The Salvation Army has been helping the marginalized in Canada since 1882 and is the country's largest non-governmental provider of social services.
More snow on the way BC Interior - 9:33 pm
Photo: Contributed
British Columbia's privacy watchdog has launched a probe into a controversial vigilante group.
The Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner confirms it is investigating after receiving a complaint about Surrey Creep Catchers.
No details have been released about the nature of the complaint or the investigation.
Creep Catchers is a loose collection of organizations across Canada that claim to expose people they allege are child sexual predators by posing online as minors before meeting in person to film and berate their targets.
An RCMP officer was arrested and charged last September after a group calling themselves Surrey Creep Catchers livestreamed a sting involving a man they allege was planning to meet an underage girl.
Law enforcement officials across Canada have repeatedly expressed concern about the groups, warning the public that confronting alleged child predators could put people in danger and compromise police investigations.
Photo: Contributed
Kevin Thomson wants to take adventure tourism to new heights in Vancouver.
Specifically, to the top of Lions Gate Bridge.
Thomson has been in talks with the Ministry of Transportation to win approval for his venture, which would see tourists climb ladders inside the bridge's support towers to lookouts 100 metres up.
The climb is not for the faint of heart or the out of shape. The non-stop climb is in a confined space, and the heights are dizzying. Climbers would have safety harnesses though.
The climb may be steep, but so will the price be. Thomson estimates "the $230 to $380 range is in line with similar attractions."
The tourism opportunity here could potentially be quite significant, Transportation Minister Todd Stone told reporters at the legislature on Monday.
But he stressed there are a lot of hoops yet to jump through.
We've made very clear to the current proponent we would only consider moving forward with this if there were financial benefits that could be arrived at to the benefit of the taxpayers of British Columbia, said Stone.
with files from CTV Vancouver
Photo: CTV
UPDATE: 5:50 a.m.
All seven people reported missing Monday at a ski resort near Kamloops have been found safe.
Alan Hobler with Kamloops Search and Rescue says three people were found late Monday in fair condition, but the search at the Sun Peaks Resort continued overnight for the other four.
Hobler says the remaining members of the group that included five skiers and two snowboarders were located at various times after midnight, with the last two spotted and brought to safety about 3 a.m.
There was concern because the seven had entered a hazardous gully where Hobler says they could have ended up in a creek or stranded by the steep terrain.
He says the 18-member search crew was assisted by mild conditions that included a low avalanche hazard temperature of around -1 C.
Rescuers also used infrared-equipped drones to lead them to the last four people because none was believed to be carrying cellphones or other electronics.
The Canadian Press
ORIGINAL: 9:50 p.m.
Rescue crews are searching for as many as seven snowboarders missing at a ski resort near Kamloops.
Alan Hobler with Kamloops Search and Rescue says the snowboarders went out of bounds at Sun Peaks on Monday afternoon.
The rescue team sent 18 members and a drone team to look for the group Monday night.
Hobler says the avalanche hazard level in the area is low and conditions are fairly stable.
He says two avalanche forecasters joined the search to help keep rescuers safe.
Hobler says there's a risk the snowboarders could have been drawn into a gully and that they could end up stranded or in a creek.
Photo: Contributed
A British Columbia man convicted by a jury of wilfully promoting hatred against people of the Jewish religion has lost a constitutional fight over the same issue in court.
Roy Arthur Topham's lawyer argued in B.C. Supreme Court that his client's communication on his website was justified in a free and democratic society and that in this Internet age, the same viewpoints are available in many places.
The Crown noted that the arguments were based on an erroneous assumption that Topham only republished material written by others on his website which wasn't the evidence put before the jury during his trial last November.
In a decision posted Monday, Justice Bruce Butler says that fact that the Internet has increased people's ability to communicate widely doesn't raise a new legal issue.
In fact, he said in his ruling that the Internet may make the risk of harm associated with hate speech a more pressing issue.
The judge dismissed the constitutional challenge, saying Topham failed to identify any new legal issues under the charter and didn't present any evidence that would shift the debate about the hate statements being justified.
Photo: Contributed
A new study suggests more than half of Canadians, especially those with health conditions, are worried the foods they're buying are not what labels claim and preventing falling victim to such scams can be difficult, experts say.
In an online survey conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University, 63 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about the widespread practice known as food fraud. Notably, worries about counterfeited food products coming from Canada were even greater in those study participants with food intolerances.
That's likely because the fallout for someone with allergies eating a mislabelled product can be severe, says lead researcher Sylvain Charlebois.
He calls food fraud "the big elephant in the room."
"People are aware of the problem. They just don't know how to deal with it," Charlebois said.
Ingredient lists are lifelines for people with food allergies, says Beatrice Povolo, the director of advocacy and media relations for Food Allergy Canada, a non-profit organization advocating on behalf of people with food allergies.
"They count on that to be accurate and truthful and complete in order for them to make a decision of whether that would be a suitable product or not," she said, adding deliberate ingredient substitutions are not on the organization's radar at the moment.
Olive oil is the perfect example of a product that frequently contains unlisted ingredients, according to Larry Olmsted, author of "Real Food Fake Food." Sometimes it'll be watered down with peanut or soy oil, he says, and both are allergens.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency receives an average of 40 complaints annually from consumers about potential food misrepresentation, spokeswoman Lisa Murphy wrote in an email, and it investigates each case.
The CFIA has studied the scope of the issue and determined concerns include short-weighting products, substituting ingredients, and making false and misleading claims about products.
Photo: CTV/file photo
A sheriff shortage has let an accused drug trafficker walk free in Victoria.
Defence lawyer Michael Munro says the courthouse shortage is the worst hes seen.
Its been occurring for the last number of weeks or months in Provincial and Supreme Court, and the judges are sick and tired of it," he told CTV.
Due to a lack of court staff, specifically sheriffs, they couldnt get my client into the courtroom, he said. There we were, ready to go. He was in a sheriffs cell downstairs, and there were no sheriffs to bring him into the courtroom.
He says the shortage poses a security risk as well.
The courthouse is a place of high conflict. Peoples tempers are up, its a dangerous place."
Sheriffs union spokesman Dean Purdy says money is to blame.
Sheriffs earn a base wage of $57,000 a year less than correctional officers, transit cops and police.
Many of the sheriffs that are hired on, because theyre the lowest paid peace officer occupation in B.C., they move on to other higher paying law enforcement jobs.
Victoria currently has 22 sheriffs, compared to 35 in 2007.
Justice Minister Suzanne Anton told CTV the department plans to hire more sheriffs.
with files from CTV Vancouver Island
Photo: The Canadian Press
The case of the man charged with murder in last month's mosque shootings in Quebec City will resume March 30.
Alexandre Bissonnette appeared in court this morning as the Crown handed over evidence to the defence lawyer.
Bissonnette faces six counts of first-degree murder and five of attempted murder using a restricted firearm.
The charges are in connection with the Jan. 29 deaths of Mamadou Tanou Barry, Ibrahima Barry, Azzeddine Soufiane, Abdelkrim Hassane, Khaled Belkacemi and Aboubaker Thabti.
The six victims, aged between 39 and 60, were killed when a gunman stormed the mosque and opened fire on men who were attending prayer.
Nineteen people were wounded in the attack.
Photo: Contributed
A cellphone battery and charger burst into flames in an airplane's overhead locker on the weekend, forcing a flight to make an emergency landing.
According to aviation website aeroinside.com, flight crews doused the inside of the locker with fire extinguishers after passengers noticed the flames. They then submerged the phone and charger in water.
The Spring Airlines' flight, which was enroute from Harbin, China, to Nagoya, Japan, diverted to Shenyang, China.
Flight crew donned oxygen masks due to the electrical smell in the plane.
The aircraft landed safely and the cabin crew were credited with bringing the situation under control.
Photo: Contributed
Police say they're investigating notes with anti-Semitic messages that were left on doors at a north Toronto condominium as a hate crime.
They say several residents of the building found notes containing "racial comments" attached to their doors on Sunday.
Local television footage from the building on Monday showed at least one small note bearing the phrase "no Jews" above a drawing of a swastika.
Police say the mezuzah a Jewish religious symbol was removed from several doors.
They say the incident is being investigated as a "hate bias crime" and are asking anyone with information to contact police.
In a statement Monday afternoon, Mayor John Tory said Jewish residents should not have to face hatred at their doorsteps.
"Anti-Semitism has no place in Toronto," Tory said. "These acts, and the people who carry them out, do not represent Toronto or Torontonians."
Photo: The Canadian Press
The Supreme Court appears to be evenly divided about the right of Mexican parents to use American courts to sue a U.S. Border Patrol agent who fired across the U.S.-Mexican border and killed their teenage son.
Justice Anthony Kennedy and other conservative justices suggested during argument Tuesday that the boy's death on the Mexican side of the border was enough to keep the matter out of U.S. courts.
The four liberal justices indicated they would support the parents' lawsuit because the shooting happened close to the border in an area in which the two nations share responsibility for upkeep.
A 4-4 tie could cause the court to hold onto the case and schedule a new round of argument if Judge Neil Gorsuch is confirmed as the ninth justice.
Photo: Flickr - Canadian Forces
Two senior Canadian generals are defending the current strategy for defeating ISIL in Iraq and Syria, which the U.S. military is reviewing following scathing criticism by President Donald Trump.
Brigadier-generals David Anderson and Stephen Kelsey are both based in Baghdad and while Canadian, each holds a key position within the larger international coalition for defeating ISIL.
For the past year, they have watched the fight against ISIL unfold, culminating this week in Iraqi forces launching their long-awaited assault on the extremist group's last major bastion in the country, west Mosul.
But Trump has previously expressed frustration with the pace of the campaign against ISIL, and has given his defence secretary, retired general James Mattis, until the end of the month to find ways to hasten its defeat.
Anderson and Kelsey say it is ultimately up to the U.S. to decide the course it feels is best, but they believe the existing strategy strikes the right balance between speed and Iraq's long-term needs.
They say rushing operations before they are ready or having U.S. and coalition troops doing the actual fighting could cause more harm than good, and so they're hoping that Trump opts to stay the course.
Photo: CTV - File Photo
Los Angeles is famous for celebrities, sunshine and smog... lots, and lots of smog.
But, L.A. doesn't hold a candle to Courtenay. The tiny Vancouver Island community has the second-worst air quality among cities in Canada and the United States.
A report on air quality was published by the British newspaper The Guardian, after gathering data from cities around the world from the World Health Organization.
The study ranked Courtenay No. 2 in North America, behind only the tiny California communities of Visalia and Porterville, situated between L.A. and San Francisco in a valley known as 'America's Salad Bowl.'
Courtenay's poor air quality, according to a CTV Vancouver Island story, is easy to pinpoint.
According to the experts, it is wood smoke, Jennell Ellis of Breathe Clean Air told CTV.
The open burning of big slash piles and land clearing, the backyard burning and then a lot of it is smoke from wood stoves.
Ellis said there have been four air quality advisories in the region this winter alone, lasting well over two combined weeks.
"We had a high health risk warning many, many nights"
Regina was the only other Canadian city listed in the top 10.
While Courtenay has the worst air quality in Canada, according to the report, Ellis is skeptical.
Their numbers arent quite accurate and we might not be that bad, but we definitely have a problem here, she said.
The report shows Canada and the United States are second only to New Zealand and Australia for air quality in the world.
The seven worst cities in the world for air quality are in India and the Middle East.
files from CTV Vancouver Island
Photo: The Canadian Press Russia's Ambassador to the U.N. Vitaly Churkin
The cause and manner of death of Russia's ambassador to the United Nations needs to be studied further, the city medical examiner said Tuesday, a day after the diplomat fell ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission and died at a hospital.
Further study usually includes toxicology and other screenings, which can take weeks. The case was referred to the medical examiner's office by the hospital, spokeswoman Julie Bolcer said.
Vitaly Churkin, who died a day before his 65th birthday, had been Russia's envoy at the United Nations since 2006. He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the U.N.'s most powerful body.
The medical examiner is responsible for investigating deaths that occur by criminal violence, accident, suicide, suddenly or when the person seemed healthy, or if someone died in any unusual or suspicious manner. Most of the deaths investigated by the office are not suspicious.
The Security Council held a moment of silence Tuesday in memory of Churkin, whom U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called "not only an outstanding diplomat but an extraordinary human being."
Russian President Vladimir Putin esteemed Churkin's "professionalism and diplomatic talents," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the state news agency TASS. Moscow has not yet given a date for the funeral.
Diplomatic colleagues from around the world mourned Churkin as a master in their field, saying he had both a deep knowledge of diplomacy and a large and colorful personality.
U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said that while she and Churkin did not always agree, "he unquestionably advocated his country's positions with great skill."
Her predecessor, Samantha Power, described him on Twitter as a "diplomatic maestro and deeply caring man" who had done all he could to bridge differences between the U.S. and Russia.
Those differences were evident when Power and Churkin spoke at the Security Council last month, and Power lashed out at Russia for annexing Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and for carrying out "a merciless military assault" in Syria. Churkin countered that Democratic former President Barack Obama's administration, which Power served in, was "desperately" searching for scapegoats for its failures in Iraq, Syria and Libya.
Churkin died weeks into some major adjustments for Russia, the U.N. and the international community, with a new secretary-general at the world body and a new administration in Washington. Meanwhile, the Security Council is due this week to discuss Ukraine and Syria.
From Moscow's vantage point, "Churkin was like a rock against which were broken the attempts by our enemies to undermine what constitutes the glory of Russia," TASS quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying.
Photo: File photo
A Toronto man has been arrested after allegedly using a camera hidden in a thermos to film people in a washroom.
Police say officers responded to a call about a suspicious incident at the Rexdale Community Health Centre last Friday and seized a silver thermos located in a staff washroom.
They say a pinhole camera was located in the thermos.
Police allege the device was used to film staff members inside the washroom.
They say 48-year-old Wayne Bassaragh has been charged with 10 counts of voyeurism, mischief interfering with property and corrupting morals.
Police say Bassaragh is a chiropodist at the community centre and also has other clinics in the Greater Toronto Area.
Photo: Instagram
CBC Montreal's Daybreak morning radio show got heated on Tuesday morning when the Conservative Partys public safety critic, Tony Clement, ended the discussion by hanging up the phone.
Host Mike Finnerty welcomed Clement on air and at first, the conversation seemed cordial.
Finnerty was questioning Clement's concerns about asylum seekers crossing into Canada after a growing number of people are choosing to walk across the border to claim refugee status. Dozens have been arrested.
On Sunday evening, Clement and MP Michelle Rempel both expressed concerns over illegal crossings, saying they are unsafe and place a burden on local law enforcement.
Their concerns came after Manitoba RCMP said 22 people were intercepted crossing the border near Emerson Saturday.
We have a problem, lets make sure people are crossing our border legally rather than illegally, Clement said to Finnerty on-air.
Clement said he wants the Justin Trudeau government to do more and said that more resources are needed for RCMP to do their job.
Finnerty pushed him further, saying that wasn't the question rather he was asking if the rule be changed to allow claimants to cross in a normal way, by bus or train, instead of on foot.
Things started to get heated and the two were talking over each other.
Thats the law right now, rebutted Clement.
Finnerty challenged back, saying you think they should keep that rule in place? Meaning that people will still try their luck and cross on foot.
Clement said again, that he thinks the RCMP need more resources to prevent that activity.
But Finnerty was quick to respond that pictures have been appearing of RCMP officers welcoming refugees on foot with welcoming arms.
We are a welcoming society, Clement responded.
Are you saying they should act differently? said Finnerty.
No now you are putting words in my mouth, Clement said. I already told you, sir. We should apply the law.
And when Finnerty pressed him again on how to apply that law a dead ring tone followed.
He took to Twitter after hanging up to express his frustration.
Way to go CBC. Taking a serious issue (illegal crossings) to shout me down on the air. Your tax dollars at work. Tony Clement (@TonyclementCPC) February 21, 2017
with files from The Canadian Press
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UPDATED: 2:30 p.m.
B.C.'s finance minister tabled what he said is the province's fifth consecutive balanced budget in the legislature Tuesday afternoon.
And, if given the mandate, he said the three-year fiscal plan would provide seven straight balanced budgets.
As promised in last week's throne speech, the government has opened the purse strings with new funding promised for classrooms, mental health services and other services for families and children.
At the top of the list, a 50 per cent reduction in MSP premiums for households with an annual net income of up to $120,000. The reduction will take effect Jan. 1, 2018.
The government says the reductions mean two million residents will pay no MSP premiums, while another two million will see premiums cut in half.
The province says the cuts will cost $953 million.
"Budget 2017 represents this government's fifth-consecutive balanced budget, showing the benefits of a fiscal plan that includes steady, solid growth and managed spending," said de Jong in introducing the budget.
"There's additional funding for the programs people rely upon and almost $1 billion left in the pockets of British Columbians to let them make the choices that are important to them."
Reviews were mixed.
The pre-election budget includes an additional $740 million for education, $4.2 billion in health care and $796 million for families, individuals and children most in need. Each is funded over the next three years.
The province has also committed $920 million to help in the creation of more than 5,300 affordable housing units, and is raising the threshold for the first-time homebuyers' program to $500,000.
On the business side, the small business corporate income tax rate is being cut from 2.5 per cent to two per cent and PST on electricity will be eliminated over the coming two years.
The government also pledged $13.7 billion over the next three years in new and upgraded infrastructure.
De Jong said the province is forecasting modest surpluses in each year of the three-year fiscal plan. He said by the end of the three-year plan, the direct operating debt, forecast at $1.1 billion, will be 90 per cent lower than in 2013.
De Jong adds there is an opportunity for the province to be free of operating debt by 2020-2021.
The government is forecasting economic growth between two and 2.1 per cent over the next three years.
However, he says those forecasts could change.
"Downside risks to B.C.'s economic outlook include uncertainty in U.S. fiscal and trade policy, ongoing fragility in Europe, slower-than-anticipated economic activity in Asia, exchange rate uncertainty, and the potential for a slowdown in domestic and Canadian economic activity."
The three-year surplus is expected to hit about $760 million.
This is the Liberal government's final budget before the province goes to the polls to elect a new government May 9.
Premier Christy Clark will speak about the budget at a Kelowna Chamber of Commerce luncheon Friday.
Photo: Google Images
Up to 75,000 British Columbians are estimated to be living with hepatitis C, and they are about to get better treatment.
The province is promising better access to treatment thanks to the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance.
This agreement changes the landscape for hepatitis C patients living in B.C., said Health Minister Terry Lake.
Not only are there four new treatment options for what is now a curable virus, but the savings that were negotiated will allow us to cover treatment options for all hepatitis C patients rather than just those in more advanced stages of the disease.
B.C. and Ontario co-led the negotiations on behalf of the alliance.
The collaboration resulted in huge cost savings to drug plans for provinces and territories that are invloved. The agreement also allows treatment to be affordable for patients who are eligible.
Photo: Contributed
The Okanagan Basin Water Board is urging the province to include proper mussel prevention funding and says there isnt much time to stall.
With news of invasive mussels in Montana and the B.C. government gearing up to announce its latest budget, the board is lobbying for funding.
We urge you to immediately allocate permanent, sufficient funding for an expanded inspection and decontamination program, starting with this years provincial budget, said chairwoman Tracy Gray. Prevention now will be far more cost-effective than dealing with a widespread infestation.
Numerous other recommendations were included, such as requiring all watercrafts entering B.C. to go through a inspection station prior to launching in provincial waters.
Gray expressed urgency in the situation.
Time is not our friend in this, and all it takes is one infested watercraft to put our drinking water, our fisheries, our economy, beaches and more, at risk, she said. We dont want to say, we knew this was a concern and we should have done more.
A letter also suggests the invasive infestation be added as a specific hazard under B.C.s Emergency Program Management Regulation to ensure appropriate supports are available to immediately contain infested water bodies.
A study done in 2013 estimated that zebra or quagga mussels could costs $43 million each year to the Okanagan in lost revenue, added maintenance of aquatic infrastructure and irreparable ecological damage.
We need to do as much as possible now, so our kids and grandkids have the same opportunity to walk on our beaches in bare feet like we have, said Gray.
Photo: The Canadian Press
Canada should work to strengthen its ties with China and other countries while ensuring it maintains a good relationship with the United States, former prime minister Paul Martin said Tuesday.
While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has sought to deepen Canada's ties to China, he's also building a relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump who has taken an anti-China stance in many of his comments.
"The Trudeau government should do exactly what it's doing, which is to look to our needs," Martin said in an interview with The Canadian Press.
"And our needs require, obviously, that we have good relationships with the United States and, obviously, that we should establish sound relations with other countries including China."
Martin said pension reform is one of the areas where Canada and China have common interests, because each faces the challenge of a retirement population that's growing faster than its workforce.
"We have an aging population and we, obviously as a country, have to deal with it," he said.
Canada and China will each have only about 2.5 workers per retiree by 2046 compared with Canada's current ratio of four-to-one and China's ratio of about seven-to-one as of 2016, according to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
Martin made his comments following the official launch of a Chinese-language edition of "Fixing The Future," a 380-page book about the creation of the CPPIB in 1997 while he was federal finance minister.
The CPPIB's fund has since grown to nearly $300 billion making it the biggest retirement fund in Canada although it shares the world stage with retirement funds managed by Quebec's Caisse de depot and the Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.
Martin said the CPPIB's collaboration with China's pension reform efforts is the "kind of thing we should be doing."
"At the same time," he added, "we should be establishing the best relationship we can with our largest trading partner, which is the United States."
Asked if he had advice for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Martin replied: "I think the prime minister is doing very well."
Photo: The Canadian Press
Think of the frost fairy on a really bad hair day.
Those are the prospective winners at the Takhini Hot Pools hair-freezing contest that have captured the attention of many through the Internet.
Andrew Umbrich, owner of the hot pools just outside of Whitehorse, says the competition started off in 2011 as a small event that took place over a few weeks every February during the annual Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Festival. But things got a bit hairy in 2015 when a few people from France and one person from Quebec submitted a video of some fantastic frozen hair.
Before then, the coiffure competition would only see about 10 contestants a year, but so far this year they've had 35 photo submissions and Umbrich said they expect many more.
Conditions need to be just right, he said. While the hot springs are always around 42 Celsius, the air has to get at least minus 20 to get the right ice sculpt.
"It's still possible to freeze your hair at (warmer) temperatures, but it just takes a lot longer."
Beards and long locks are best for sculpting, he said, because they allow for ice-covered hair styles that can resemble anything from a Mohawk to Medusa with a frosted coating.
Getting the exact coif take some skill and a bit of experimentation, Umbrich said.
"When you're sitting in 42-degree water, theres a lot of steam coming up. And when its minus 20, 30, 40, the steam is even more pronounced.
"First you wet your hair and all that steam gathers on your wet hair and it freezes very quickly when it meets the minus-40 air."
In the right conditions it takes from 10 to 15 minutes for hair to freeze.
"Some people even use a bit of snow to accelerate it," he added.
Umbrich said he's never heard complaints of hair breaking or getting damaged, and the frosty coating disappears the moment it's dunked back in the water.
Of course, the disadvantages are that it can be cold out of the water, especially for your ears, he said.
"But all they do is just dip their ear in the water. Other than that, you're in 42-degree water. If anything, you might be too hot."
The first-place winner gets $750 and a complementary 30-soak membership, while second and third place get $200 and $100 respectively, along with complementary passes.
Photo: Dustin Godfrey
The City of Penticton is considering the hiring of up to four new staff, which would cost up to $463,000 per year.
That staffing increase would bring the city up to 284 employees up from 280 last year and 273 the year before, but still well below the 300 the city employed in 2008.
There dramatic decrease between 2009 and 2010. This is when we implemented our core services review, where we laid off six per cent of our union staff and 30 per cent of our management staff, human resources manager Gillian Kenny said during Tuesday morning budget talks. However, the work did not dissipate.
Those four new staff include engagement officer JoAnne Kleb, who has already been hired, as well as a process improvement specialist for the finance department, who would be on for a three-year contract.
A sustainability co-ordinator for the operations department and a building inspector development services are also among the potential new staff.
In 2015, the citys staff made up 0.81 per cent of the total population, according to a presentation from Kenny. With an increase of 11 full-time equivalent positions to 2017, and based off of 2016 census population data, the ratio would bump up to 0.84 per cent.
That ratio sits at about average for other smaller cities, according to the presentation, which included examples that ranged from West Kelowna at 0.48 per cent to North Vancouver at 1.05 per cent.
The city is uniquely positioned; we are the central municipality of the South Okanagan, Kenny said. We have our own electric utility as well as a regional RCMP detachment.
Increased staffing hasnt come without its criticisms, however, as the city made the Canadian Taxpayers Federations naughty list last year. One of the reasons cited by CTFs B.C. director Jordan Bateman was the creation of the engagement officer position.
Photo: Contributed
A Penticton man who pleaded guilty to slashing a pizza delivery driver with a box cutter will have to wait a few more weeks to be sentenced.
Dayne Jones, 28, pleaded guilty to assault with a weapon and resisting arrest in connection to an incident on Dec. 14, 2015.
The court heard that the victim, Brian Booth, first attended Jones apartment to deliver a pizza, but Jones was extremely drunk and could not find his wallet.
Booth left with the pizza, but returned later that night after Jones called Canadian 2 for 1 again, demanding another pizza, or else Ill come down there and strangle them, according to the Crown prosecutor.
The Crown states Jones then promptly attacked Booth with a box cutter, resulting in injuries to the victim's face and hand that required upwards of 30 stitches to repair.
Booth fled to his car and drove to hospital where staff called the police. RCMP attended Joness apartment and a significant struggle ensued during the arrest. Joness hand was bloodied and wrapped in a white towel and electrical tape. Several other bloody items, including a box cutter, were also seized.
Defense lawyer James Pennington disputed that the attack was unprovoked, acknowledging that Jones used excessive force, but argued it was more of a fight.
The victim is a franchise co-owner of the Canadian 2 for 1 Pizza, and Pennington questioned why he would return to the home of a man who just threatened his business. Booth is also trained in Jiu Jitsu and had about 60 pounds on Jones.
He added that the blood found at the scene indicated the altercation took place inside the apartment.
The crown requested a two year sentence, followed by probation, maintaining the attack was unprovoked, pointing to Joness own statement where he said he had armed himself with the box cutter before opening the door.
The prosecutor acknowledged that Jones has made significant progress on his mental health, has completed treatment and has shown a great deal of remorse.
Pennington presented a series of previous cases that supported his request for a two- to three-year suspended sentence, or 90 days intermittently. He said Jones has not touched a drop of alcohol since the incident. He has been employed and living at home with parents, who sat with him in the gallery.
The mental health and substance clinician working with Jones told the court a period of custody would be destabilizing, adding that he has been fully engaged in tackling his severe depression and anxiety.
Im regretful of the situation and Im doing my best to get my life on track, Jones told the courtroom.
Counsel has given me a lot of thinking to do, Judge Gale Sinclair said, This isnt happening today.
Jones will return to court to hear his sentence sometime after March 1.
I, amongst about 2 or more thousand people, drive to work in the dark morning and evening hours. This means no light to see road potholes.
Add to this oncoming traffic in only 2 lane traffic, so that our choice is either hit the oncoming traffic, or hit the potholes, which are deep and wide enough to damage our tire rims, affecting our maneuverability, steering, pocketbook etc!
ICBC should not punish us financially for commuting in the dark if we hit potholes.
Catherine Knox
Photo: Contributed
Land line phone service has been restored to 500 customers in Kamloops.
The service was knocked out on Friday when rising temperatures caused snow melt to flood a handful of manholes containing Telus infrastructure.
Cables were damaged, disrupting home phone service for affected customers. Internet, TV and cellphone service were not impacted.
Telus spokesperson Liz Sauve thanked customers for their patience and said technicians worked around the clock to restore service, pumping out water and repairing damaged cables.
Service was restored for the majority of customers on Monday, and was fully restored to all of them this morning.
Todays career and technical education (CTE) looks a lot different from the vocational ed of old. While CTE still includes trades such as welding and nursing, it has expanded to include a greater emphasis on basic education components, as well as self-directed programs that help non-traditional students find their passion, while keeping up with a quickly changing workforce.Students used to study mechanics in auto shop, but todays auto manufacturing plants have few mechanics and lots of computers. To keep current, todays CTE students are trained as computer technicians and can choose to focus on such advanced technologies as fuel cell or electric car design.Most of the changes were seeing echo trends in the broader education and workforce development realm, said Alisha Hyslop, director of public policy at the Association of Career and Technical Education (CTE). In the last couple of years, weve seen a resurgence of interest from policymakers, parents and the broad range of stakeholders, and a lot of recognition of the value of CTE, both academically and in the labor market.The very definition of CTE continues to change with workforce demands. It strives to prepare students to be college- and career-ready by providing core academic skills, as well as technical, job-specific skills. Through 16 career clusters, students can pursue careers as diverse as information technology, agriculture, food, natural resources, law, public safety and security.Whatever the career focus a student chooses, opportunities for CTE are available at high schools and technical schools, and in higher education. The outcomes are promising for both students and businesses. Postsecondary CTE students achieve significantly higher earnings than those who majored in academic fields, according to the 2014 National Assessment of CTE Final Report Meanwhile, demand for CTE grads outstrips supply. The Bayer Corporations Facts of Science Education report pointed out that almost half of talent recruiters at Fortune 1000 companies say they have trouble finding qualified candidates with two-year STEM degrees.Although CTE policy stalled at the federal level with an attempted reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006, ACTE just released its annual report , which shows states continue to invest in CTE and have focused on encouraging and incentivizing industry partnerships.Our school has 11 campuses and we are growing every year, said Gina Riggs, emergency medical services (EMS) director at the Kiamichi Technology Center in Poteau, Okla. Anything in the health sciences is doing really well. We dont have enough seats.This is due, in part, to expanded opportunities for careers, which allow more flexibility and seamless transitions between education and workplace for adults or students who need to earn money right away, according to Riggs.For instance, a student can get a certificate and immediately begin working in emergency medical services. While working, that student can continue to attend community college or start another certificate. Programs such as this allow students to continue to advance their education without taking out loans or leaving the workplace.Additionally, new programs that demonstrate the value of education are appealing to some students who may have struggled in high school. Kiamichis Environmental and Spatial Technology (EAST) program , which promotes student-driven community service projects, allows students to create their own curriculum and study what theyre passionate about while meeting certain criteria. The focus is on self-improvement, growth and critical thinking, said Riggs. EAST prepares them to work on special projects in their community. For instance, one student worked with 3-D printing for autistic children.Responding to specific local labor needs is another way that CTE stays relevant. The Metro Technology Center in Oklahoma City started an aviation program in response to Boeings request for aviation technicians.Integrating technology with education keeps CTE growing. Griggs cites Kiamichis disaster response and EMS training simulator as one example. The 48-foot mobile trailer brings training directly to community health-care providers. The unit includes life-size mannequins capable of breathing, talking, crying, seizing and reacting to health-care provider interventions, allowing emergency medical personnel to practice their critical thinking reactions and skills in a non-threatening environment.John Miller, acting president at Williston State College in North Dakota, said Willistons virtual welding program provides opportunities their students wouldnt otherwise have. Distance students can take advantage of learning online, and so can students who are interested in welding, but are a little shy about using the actual welding unit.In our case, the virtual welders we have are another teaching tool to help our instructor better assist his students, he said. And they are certainly a program enhancement.All of this adds up to a positive future for what was once an uninspiring career choice. CTE is really a hidden gem. If parents knew what it can do for their students, they would push them to take CTE classes so they could graduate with some skills, said Riggs. Were not the same old vo-tech system. Were now the technical education system that helps technology and industry, as well as helping kids succeed in life.
The Red Bank Council of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Local Heroes event at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, from noon-1 p.m.
Members of police, firefighting and emergency medical services agencies that impact the Councils footprint (Red Bank, West Hamilton County, North Chattanooga and Signal Mountain ) will be recognized for their exceptional service.
The meeting will be held at the Red Bank Community Center at 3630 Tom Weathers Dr., behind Erlanger North Campus.
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Neshawn Calloway, guest vocalist, will be performing a song by Duke Ellington with jazz combo, and a Gospel song that was a favorite of Dr. King Littleton H. Mason Singers will perform "Fight On" by Kevin Davidson to end the program Dr. Jonathan McNair, composer of two works on the program, including a world premiere, is also the organizer and main sponsor of the event. He will also be at the piano for a couple of performances.. Previous Next
In appreciation for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s life, legacy, and impact on the civil rights movement, the UTC Department of Fine Arts Music Division will host a gala event, O King, on Thursday, March 9.
"My favorite aspect of Dr. King's work is his combination of tough-mindedness and tender-heartedness: thinking clearly and carefully while speaking truth to power is compatible with acting out of love and compassion for all human beings," said Dr. Ethan Mills, UTC Department of Philosophy and Religion.
O King will take place at the Roland Hayes Concert Hall at the UTC Fine Arts Center, 752 Vine St., at 7:30 p.m. with the presence and support of Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke. This event will be followed by a reception in the Lobby of the Fine Arts Center. Admission and parking are free.
The multi-disciplinary event will feature music ranging from Gospel and Spirituals to Jazz and Classical music by black composers, with performers from across campus and the community.
In between performances, faculty members from the departments of Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Philosophy will be joined by campus and community leaders to offer brief spoken reflections about various aspects of Martin Luther Kings impact on society, and how to benefit from his ideas in todays world.
For more information, visit www.UTC.EDU/Music, or call 425-4679.
Airnet Group, Inc. announced it has been named the 2016 U.S. Education Rising Star Partner of the Year by Microsoft.
The U.S. Public Sector Partner of the Year awards were presented during Microsofts US Public Sector Industry Solution University yearly event, where Microsofts Public Sector executive team was on site to congratulate Airnet for its achievements. Winners were chosen from more than 100 organizations across public sector segment areas of US Government, Education and Health & Life Sciences.
The 2016 Public Sector Partner of the Year Award winners represent the most innovative and transformative work being done across our partner community, serving the mission of customers across U.S. Government, Education and Health & Life Sciences said Curt Kolcun, vice president, U.S. Public Sector, Microsoft.
Over the last two years, Airnet has worked with many education organizations nationally, including county school systems, state and independent colleges and universities, and others to support the adoption of Microsofts Azure Cloud solution, improve customers IT Infrastructure performance and lower costs.
Airnet is honored to be awarded U.S. Rising Star Partner of the Year for 2016, Arlin Grant, chief sales and marketing officer for Airnet said. Our team works hard every day to ensure education organizations see the value of migrating to Microsoft Azure, and we will continue to passionately support the IT Infrastructure needs of education.
The Tennessee Board of Regents Committee on Finance and Business Operations will meet Thursday to continue its discussion of student fee requests by TBR colleges and universities and a draft policy on how TBR will consider university budgets under the FOCUS Act.The committee will meet by telephone conference call at 3 p.m. CST. It has no action items or votes scheduled on the agenda, but rather will discuss items that the committee will act on later.The Finance and Business Operations Committee annually reviews requests for new and increases in existing student fees by TBR institutions.The discussion for fee requests for the next academic year opened with a telephone meeting of the committee on Feb. 7, and will continue Thursday and in future meetings not yet scheduled. All new fees and fee increases for TBR colleges must ultimately be approved by the board of regents.Discussion items on the agenda include: Overview of institutions mandatory and incidental fee requests; and Draft policy on Consideration of University Budgets.The FOCUS (Focus on College and University Success) Act of 2016 creates new governing boards for each of the six current TBR universities. Although the new boards, which are expected to convene for the first time in March or April, which will approve budgets for their campuses, the FOCUS Act also requires the Board of Regents to continue to review and approve budgets for the universities for the limited purpose of ensuring that each university can appropriately cover outstanding indebtedness. The draft policy will outline procedures for reviewing and approving the university budgets.The meeting is open to the public. Anyone wishing to join the conference call as listeners should contact TBR interim communications director Richard Locker at 615-366-4417 or rick.locker@tbr.edu by 11 a.m. CST Feb. 23 for call-in information. Persons with disabilities who wish to listen but require special services to do so should also contact Mr. Locker by 4:30 p.m. CST Feb. 22 to request services.
Students from Georgia Northwestern Technical Colleges (GNTC) Cosmetology program on the Floyd County Campus hosted a special Valentines Spa Day for women from the Floyd Training Center and Highland Rivers Outreach that volunteer regularly for Angle Express, Inc.
The students provided free haircuts, hair styling, makeup services, and full service manicures and pedicures.
Our students have shown a great passion for helping others and thrive on the experience of giving back, said Anna Williams, instructor of Cosmetology at GNTC.
In addition to the services, clients also were provided with a special Valentines gift bags that were donated by volunteers from the Westminster Presbyterian Church.
As the instructors of the Cosmetology program, we hope that giving back to our community will inspire the students to continue to volunteer their time and talents when they are licensed and working in a salon, said Williams.
According to Susan Stephens, instructor of Cosmetology at GNTC, community service projects have become an ongoing part of GNTCs Cosmetology program.
Last year we hosted a Valentines Spa Day for residents of the Hospitality House for Women in Rome, said Stephens. Our students also volunteered their time and talent to the William S. Davies Homeless Shelter in Rome during Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday.
Approximately 200 industry experts from Europe but also Australia, India, Brazil, and the US discussed the way forward for biofuels and materials worldwide, the status of legislation in the European market, and the latest developments in biorefineries at the 9th Lignofuels: Advanced Biofuels & Materials congress in Helsinki, Finland. This included the role of biofuels in decarbonizing transport, pre-treatment and hydrolysis processes, the use as jet fuel and marine diesel, pilot plants, latest R&D work, and national perspectives.
Figure 1. Conference opening by Samanta Fawcett, ACI. (Photo by Ville Vauhkonen; Courtesy of UPM Biofuels)
Lignocellulosic Biorefinery and Biodiesel
First-generation (1G) or conventional biofuels are made from sugar (e.g., from sugar cane), starch (e.g., from corn), or vegetable oil (e.g., from rapeseed). Second generation (2G) or advanced biofuels are made from various types of biomasses, waste and residues, or sources of organic carbon and do not compete with food chain. In a lignocellulosic biorefinery, biomass refined from wood, agricultural residues, energy grass, and other plant material is transformed to C6- and C5-sugars (cellulose and hemicellulose) and lignin, a class of aromatic polymers. Lignocellulose is the most abundant biomass, however, severe conditions for disassembling and additional purification steps are required to convert it into liquid fuels and chemical products.
After pretreatment depending on the process design, lignocellulose can be transformed biochemically (fermentation, anaerobic digestion) or thermochemically (e.g., thermal/catalytic/hydro-pyrolysis, gasification) to higher value intermediates or products. In fast pyrolysis, the feedstock is rapidly heated at >100 Cs1 to a temperature of 400600 C. The liquid yield or bio-oil is a complex mix of hundreds of different organic compounds including anhydrosugars, furanics, aromatics, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and ketones. A major challenge in using bio-oil as a fuel is its high oxygen content. Effective, deoxygenating processes remain a significant hurdle [1]. Lignofuels can also be produced by hydrotreatening wood-based oils, such as crude tall oil, as raw material.
Lignofuels produced by hydrotreating wood-based oils and 2G fuels are called renewable diesel. Biodiesel refers to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) and 1G fuels. It has a blending limitation of 7 %. Renewable diesel is chemically the same as petrodiesel and, therefore, can be used as fuel for vehicles either in its pure form or blended into normal diesel. Advanced biofuels have low CO 2 emissions or high greenhouse gas emission (GHG) reduction, and achieve zero or low indirect land use change (ILUC) impact. By converting grassland and forests to cropland, atmospheric CO 2 levels may increase because grasslands and forests typically absorb high levels of CO 2 . Lignobased biofuels currently make up less than 10 % of global transportation fuels.
Finnish & European Strategy
As conference host nation, Finland is an exemplary ambassador with regards to lignocellulosic biomass. Overall, the Nordic countries have strong competencies in biorefining technologies and want to send a strong signal to the global community.
Nils-Olof Nylund, Professor at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd., Espoo, Finland, introduced the fleet and decarbonization strategy of Helsinki Region Transport (HSL). HSL has tested renewable diesel since 2007 and has cooperated with VTT for about 15 years in research on vehicle performance and alternative fuels.
As advanced after-treatment of the exhaust brings down emissions close to zero, they think that Euro VI vehicles are extremely clean. However, high fuel quality is needed to maintain low emissions. HSL considers the combination of Euro VI vehicles and renewable diesel to be a very good solution for both climate and local air quality.
HSL says that the regulated emissions of a vehicle, mainly NOx and PM (particulate matter), are first and foremost determined by the emission control technology, not the fuel. The carbon intensity of the fuel or the energy carrier is critical for the well-to-wheels (WTW) CO 2 emissions, not the vehicle technology. WTW analysis is a modified cradle-to-grave life-cycle analysis. Therefore, CO 2 assessment should be carried out on a WTW basis, not looking at tailpipe CO 2 emissions only.
HSLs strategy includes running the bus fleet in Helsinki Region on 100 % biofuels by 2020.
Figure 2. Panelists of the first session. Left to right: Harri Laurikka, CEO, Bioenergia Ry The Bioenergy Association Of Finland, Nicholas Oksanen, Poyry, Vantaa, Finland, Sari Mannonen, VicePresident, UPM Biofuels, Lappeenranta, Finland, Riku Huttunen, Director General, Energy Department Of Finlands Ministry Of Economic Affairs And Employment, Helsinki, Finland, Eric C. Wormslev, Director Innovation, Climate Change & Energy, NIRAS, Copenhagen, Denmark. (Photo by Ville Vauhkonen; Courtesy of UPM Biofuels)
Riku Huttunen, Director General, Energy Department Of Finlands Ministry Of Economic Affairs And Employment, Helsinki, Finland, spoke about the Finnish energy and climate strategy. Finland is committed to EUs 2030 energy and climate targets. According to the wealth of a country, the European Commission has outlined different targets for different countries: Sweden, Luxembourg, Denmark, and Finland received the highest targets. Finland has to reduce its emissions of greenhouse gases by 39 % by 2030 compareed to 2005.
Finland is the number three in Europe for renewables (share of renewables in gross final energy consumption). Wood-based biofuels are most produced in Finland.
For the future, Huttunen sees the Finnish economy growing as it does now or even stronger. Till 2030, they want to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 37 % (one-off flexibility mechanism), reduce oil demand by 50 %, and raise the share of renewable transport fuels to 40 %. To make this happen in a cost-effective way, lots of R&D and innovation is needed. The country supports commercialization of new technologies in the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) sector. The main focus is on the promotion of bioenergy and advanced biofuels for transport. [2]
Harri Laurikka, CEO, Bioenergia Ry The Bioenergy Association Of Finland, Helsinki, Finland, reported on Scandinavian examples of bioenergy. He emphasized that it is important to persistently increase carbon stocks of forests and soil in the long-term while promoting the transition away from fossil fuels instead of only narrowly looking at the short-term annual changes of sinks. Afforestation and forest management should in his opinion be treated as equitably as possible in EU legislation. He also claimed that no closed lists for advanced biofuels should be given by the EU. All non-food-based raw materials including biogas should be treated as advanced biofuels.
Nicholas Oksanen, Poyry, Vantaa, Finland, gave an overview on the European market regarding advanced biofuels and materials. In his eyes, this is a business which needs to start on a bigger scale. The question is how to make a business out of it. An important boundary condition for such business is that the wood prize is quite stable.
Oksanen sees the pulp mill in transition: While yesterday and today it produced only one product, the future pulp mill will produce one main product as well as additional value added products. Main challenges are in feedstock resourcing (cost of feedstock, supply chain for getting the wood out of the forest) and uncertain policy (oil price, EU legislation and mandates after 2020).
Sari Mannonen, Vice President, UPM Biofuels, Lappeenranta, Finland, presented the companys way from the pulp and paper business to a wood-based industry producing also new bioproducts such as biofuels, biocomposites, and biochemicals from forest biomass. UPM renewed their business in 2006. With 78 % of Finland covered by wood and with regulation supporting biofuels, UPM sees wood as a versatile raw material. They invested 10 % of their cash flow in R&D towards fuel transformation. They have developed a process to produce renewable diesel in commercial scale with a capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year. The renewable diesel, UPM bioverno, is 100 % made from renewable feedstock, reduces CO 2 emissions versus fossil fuel by 80 %, and uses no biomass from the food chain. The companys process to convert lignin and biofibrills to biochemicals is in market entry stage.
Figure 3. One day before the conference, some conference attendees visited the UPM Lappeenranta Biorefinery, Finland. The first commercial scale wood-based biorefinery. (Photo by Ville Vauhkonen; Courtesy of UPM Biofuels)
Advanced Sustainable Jet Fuel
Aviation is globally responsible for about 2 % of all anthropogenic CO 2 equivalent emissions. The growth of aviation is supposed to almost triple emissions by 2050 with over 2.6 Gt/a of CO 2 in a baseline scenario [3]. Although the aviation industry has set forth voluntary emission-targets, there is currently no fully functioning commercial supply chain for sustainable jet fuel.
Eric C. Wormslev, Director Innovation, Climate Change & Energy, NIRAS, Copenhagen, Denmark, expects that there is an increasing demand for sustainable jet fuel. Airplanes get lighter and more efficient, batteries and solar panels are impossible to be used, so currently there is no alternative to biofuels. However, sustainable jet fuels are four to five times as costly to produce compared to fossil fuels due to high production costs of sustainable jet fuel and historically low contemporary oil prices. In addition, the lack of an international consensus with regards to what constitutes sustainability makes it difficult to industrially produce sustainable jet fuel. However, Wormslev argues there is a market if somebody could produce such fuel. Airports and countries are putting pressure on airlines and an increasing number of commercial flights operate worldwide on a blend of commissioned biofuels. Nordic countries are the leader in this field in Europe due to their strong competencies in biorefining technology.
In the US, a stable commercial production could be likely in the near future.
Figure 4. During the lectures. V. Koester
Pilot Plants and New Technologies
So far, the chemical industry is not able to produce 100 % bio-based basic drop-in aromatic chemicals (i.e., benzene, toluene, xylenes (BTX)) in an efficient, cost-competitive, and scalable process that uses renewable non-food biomass feedstocks. The thermal catalytic biomass conversion technology (Bio-TCatTM) process, a one-reactor catalytic process, will change this, explained David Sudolsky, CEO, Anellotech, Pearl River, NY, USA, by giving an example of their strategic partnership with the brewing and distilling company group Suntory, Tokyo, Japan. They develop 100 % bio-based PET for sustainable beverage bottles out of bio-p-xylene. The process is currently being tested in a pilot plant.
Advantages include that a solid catalyst in just one fluidized-bed reactor is needed, the hydrocarbon product is substantially free of oxygen, only mild hydrotreating is required to remove trace impurities, and the process uses renewable and readily available non-food materials, such as wood, corn stover, bagasse, which are less expensive compared to processes relying on sugar as a feedstock. The latter also avoids competition with the food chain.
Paul OConnor, Founder/Director, BIOeCON Inc., Hoevelaken, The Netherlands, introduced a simple, robust, and feedstock-flexible technology that operates under mild conditions and uses ZnCl 2 nH 2 O as an inorganic ionic liquid. Lignocellulose after hemicellulose removal is treated with the molten salt hydrate ZnCl 2 medium. Cellulose is dissolved. Then hydrolysis of cellulose to glucose, hydrogenation of glucose to glucitol (sorbitol), and further dehydration to isosorbide takes place. The ZnCl 2 hydrate medium intensifies hydrolysis and catalyzes the dehydration [4]. The process has been demonstrated at pilot scale.
Figure 5. Networking break. V. Koester
Karolien Vanbroekhoven, Program Manager, VITO NV, Mol, Belgium, introduces membrane separation technology as a method within the lignocellulosic value chain. Membrane separation processes have attracted widespread attention in biorefinery applications because they provide low chemical consumption, high energy efficiency, low environmental impact, and outstanding fractionation and separation capabilities. Membranes could be used in various stages of biorefining processes for process intensification, product recovery and purification, and bioenergy production.
Europes largest renewable diesel producer, Neste, has a renewable diesel refinery in Singapore and one in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and also produces renewable diesel in a smaller amount at their Porvoo site in Finland. Based on their NEXBTL technology, they produce renewable diesel, jet fuel, naphtha, propane, and isoalkane. Neste uses various different raw materials and constantly expands its raw materials portfolio. Markku Patajoki, R&D Manager, Biotechnology, Neste, Espoo, Finland, spoke about their experience in lignosellulosic biofuels development and the lengthy and expensive way of bringing a new technology to market. Commercialization normally takes at least ten years once it is ready and costs amount to more than 100 M US$. In this regard, long term stability in regulations should be promoted.
To help speed up commercialization, Thomas Ladrak, Sales Manager, Zeton BV, Enschede, The Netherlands, described how small scale commercial plants can be built in a modular way similar to a prefabricated building. This allows scaling-up and developing innovative process technologies to bring them to market with lower costs, faster, and at a high quality standard, he said. When a concrete soil is available, the plant can be reassembled mechanically within eight days.
Figure 6. Networking break. ACI
Legislation and Certification
Biofuels reduce GHG and replace fossil fuels. However, concerns about their overall sustainability have been raised. These include the competition with food production, the use of water and other resources to produce biomass, the release of stored carbon, and impacts on biodiversity if land is cleared to grow energy crops.
As biofuels gain market share and the international trading of biomass, raw materials, and biofuels expands, socio-economic sustainability along the whole supply chain has to be ensured. This includes aspects such as land use, agricultural practices, competition with food, energy efficiency, and GHG emissions, as well as life cycle analysis (LCA). Certification procedures need to be applicable at both global and local levels and relate both to small farmers or foresters and large conglomerates.
Schemes that demonstrate compliance with the sustainability criteria for biofuels and thus are recognized by the European Commission include ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification), Bonsucro EU, RTRS EU RED (Round Table on Responsible Soy EU RED), RSB EU RED, 2BSvs (Biomass Biofuels voluntary scheme).
Norbert Schmitz, General Director, ISCC Systems GmbH, Cologne, Germany, certifies agricultural, forestry and alternative feedstocks and products for various markets, including bioenergy and chemical/technical applications. The globally leading certification scheme has system users in 100 countries. 3,500 companies are using ISCC to prove sustainability along their supply chains. Independent auditors do the controls which include checking all the documents and doing controls on the spot. The company importing or producing biofuels pays the scheme.
In November 2016, the European Commission has released its Clean Energy For All Europeans package, better known as winter package. It contains numerous legislative documents outlining the energy policy to meet the Paris COP21 climate change targets [5].
The Renewable Energy Directive (REDII) for the period 20202030 sets an EU target for renewable energy in gross final energy consumption of 20 % by 2020. EU countries are also each required to have at least 10 % of their transport fuels come from renewable sources by 2020.
The Effort Sharing Decision gives binding targets for annual greenhouse gas emission for Member States for the period 20132020. These targets involve emissions from most sectors not included in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), such as transport, buildings, agriculture, and waste. The national emission targets have been set on the basis of the relative wealth, measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita, of the Member States. They range from a 20 % emissions reduction by 2020 (e.g., Denmark) from 2005 levels to a 20 % increase (e.g., Bulgaria). Collectively, the national targets will by 2020 deliver a reduction of around 10 % in total EU emissions compared with 2005 levels. Together with a 21 % cut in emissions covered by the EU ETS, this will reach the overall emission reduction goal of the climate and energy package, namely a 20 % cut below 1990 levels by 2020.
Timo Huhtisaari, Sustainability And Biofuels Expert, North European Oil Trade Oy, Helsinki, Finland, sees the winter package rather critical and is quite certain that REDII targets will not be met. The global energy trend is that gas, coal, and oil will increase in the next years. Most interesting here is the development of jet fuel in his opinion. As long as fossil jet fuel consumption is increasing, we will not reduce any carbon, Hutisaari said.
To fulfil global decarbonization efforts, it is crucial to have all the feedstock sources available to be able to fulfill the Efforts Sharing Decision. The winter package has to be changed so that efforts are put into the most sustainable and cost-efficient technologies and the demand for alternative fuels is emphasized. He gave an example: E95 (95 % ethanol blend in gasoline) is used in Helsinki and to some extent in Stockholm. It is ethanol with some additives. However, due to the EU excise duties on the sale or use of specific products such as alcohol, they they do not fulfill the EU minimum and are paying twice the tax over diesel in Finland. This shows that it is crucial that excise duties must be levelled between different energies to take energy content and CO 2 into consideration. In addition, manufacturer of cars need to be mandated so that they need to have all vehicles to be certified for high concentrate biofuels combined with hybrids. All fossil fuel companies must have an investment obligation into renewable energy.
There is a significant need for advanced ethanol, but not a real market. Huhtisaari thinks that we have to move faster towards creating higher concentrate ethanol blends in gasoline like E20, E85. For car manufacturers like Volkswagen (VW) it seems to not really matter whether it is E20 or 30. One thing he completely misses in the discussions is what is going to happen to the EU Fuel Quality Directive (FQD) after 2020. He also emphazises that ethanol/ethyl-tert-butylether (ETBE) blending allows blending of other biocompounds like low octane bionaphta. Ethanol can replace diesel in heavy duty transport. Advanced ethanol has the largest feedstock basis in global use.
EUs greenhouse gas reduction targets cannot be met without significant emission cuts in transport. Different types of biofuels will be needed to reach the national targets, thinks Marko Janhunen, Vice President, Stakeholder Relations, UPM Biorefining, Lappeenranta, Finland.
Outlook
The conference showed that there is a lot happening in this young industry which is not profitable yet. At least in Europe there is a lack of investors. Some participants felt that the biofuels industry has to be unified; together they have to look at holistic solutions and benefits instead of fighting for single one and only solutions. Much of the worlds available biomass is underutilized or inefficiently used, according to Andrew Lang, Vice President, World Bioenergy Association, Australia. To lead into the right direction, a close exchange and commitment of the research community, industry, and governance is needed.
The 10th edition of Lignofuels will be held in February 2018 in Europe with location due to be finalised alongside pre-conference site visit. For further information do not hesitate to contact Dimitri Pavlyk, ACI, UK, on +44 203 141 0627 or [email protected] or watch the ACIs webpage.
References
[1] A Perspective on Catalytic Strategies for Deoxygenation in Biomass Pyrolysis, Michael W. Nolte, Brent H. Shanks, Energy Technol. 2017, 5, 718. DOI: 10.1002/ente.201600096
[2] Riku Huttunen, Government report on the National Energy and Climate Strategy for 2030, Publications of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, Finland 2017.
[3] ICAO 2013 Environmental Report, Aviation and Climate Change, Environment Branch of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), 2013.
[4] Cellulose Conversion to Isosorbide in Molten Salt hydrate Media, Rafael Menegassi de Almeida , Jianrong Li, Christian Nederlof, Paul OConnor, Michiel Makkee, Jacob A. Moulijn, ChemSusChem 2010. DOI: 10.1002/cssc.200900260
[5] European Commission, Clean Energy for All Europeans package, Brussels, 30 November 2016.
Clinique Freeman, a freshman at the Chicago Vocational Career Academy, shakes hands with former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. (Keri Wiginton / Blue Sky)
Around a table at Chicago Vocational Career Academy Friday afternoon, the conversation between high school kids and former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan veered between violence and ideas for apps that might help.
Freshman Nikkita Baker told Duncan about an idea for an app that would let students report instances of bullying so teachers could interfere and allow them to be anonymous so they wouldnt be labeled as a snitch.
How did you come up with that? he asked her.
Its a lot of people being bullied she said.
Nikkita Baker, 14, tells former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan about her app to prevent bullying at the Chicago Vocational Career Academy. (Keri Wiginton / Blue Sky)
The group discussed how bullying and social media posts can lead to tension and outbursts of violence. Then Duncan asked how many of the students knew one, five or 10 people who had been shot.
Hands were raised each time.
I just want you guys to know thats thats crazy, he said. Thats not OK. Its not fair that you guys are growing up like that, and that we as adults have let you guys down. And weve got to do a lot better.
Students who know someone who has been shot raise their hands while meeting with former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. (Keri Wiginton / Blue Sky)
Duncan, who was secretary for most of Barack Obama's presidency and served as CEO of Chicago Public Schools before that, sees STEM education curriculum in the science, technology, engineering and math fields as one way to give kids exposure to life beyond violence.
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We have to give kids exposure, he told Blue Sky. We have to give them a glimpse of what exists outside of their block or their neighborhood.
He says a huge percentage of future jobs are in STEM fields, claims there aren't enough workers with those skills and cited a lack of women and people of color holding technical roles. He noted that he believes a STEM path is a good option for many students, but not necessarily the right option for all.
Former Secretary of State Arne Duncan talks with students at the Chicago Vocational Career Academy. (Keri Wiginton / Blue Sky)
You put those three facts together, its a very, very obvious conclusion, he said. The more we can provide exposure, the more we can let kids find their passion, find their interests, it literally opens up a new world of opportunity for them.
Today, Duncan lives in Chicago and is managing partner of Palo Alto, Calif.-based philanthropic organization Emerson Collective, founded by Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve Jobs widow. In the role, Duncan is working on a Chicago-based program to create job opportunities for 17- to 24-year-olds.
But today, hes thinking about planting those seeds in young students.
The freshmen at Chicago Vocational told Duncan about their work with Lumity, a Chicago-based nonprofit that provides STEM education for high schoolers. The students participated in a one-day challenge at Motorola Mobility last month to brainstorm ways to tackle problems in transportation, unemployment and access to healthy food.
In the classroom this semester, students are looking at ways to use technology to address bullying and violence issues. Lumity will work with the groups to determine whether the concepts are viable and will help students develop some of the ideas.
Two student teams will compete against teams from other schools on March 9 at Lumity's annual benefit dinner, where Duncan will be speaking.
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Makiya Wright, a freshman from Roseland, chose to tackle a new transportation idea during the challenge last month. Her team worked on an app called Scholars with Drive that would let parents arrange safe rides to school for their kids. Wright said she takes two buses and a train to and from school each day.
Teacher Alea Allen, from left, talks with freshman Makiya Wright, 14, at the Chicago Vocational Career Academy. (Keri Wiginton / Blue Sky)
You never know what to expect, she said. Theres also violence sometimes at the bus stops, and also its costly.
Wright came to Chicago Vocational to study cosmetology, but now shes thinking about how some aspects of STEM could play in a role in her future. She said she thinks about technology and science to create new beauty products, and she realizes how important math will be for running a business.
Her mother, Ericka Russell-Luckes, said the STEM training has opened her daughters eyes to these different areas.
Ive always supported the fact that she says she likes to do hair shes been doing it for awhile. Shes really, really great at it, she said. But being able to be introduced to the science and technology side of it is maybe expanding that.
The STEM programming with Lumity began this year with freshmen and will gradually expand to all four years, said the organizations executive director, Kara Kennedy. The group runs the program in three high schools, with the goal of 25 percent of those students eventually working in a STEM-related career.
Duncan said he hopes this kind of training will one day be intrinsic to all U.S. schools.
Whether its learning to code, or whether its having an opportunity to do research, or whether it's having an opportunity to design apps that has to start to become the norm," he said. "That has to be not a program, it has to be what we do.
He cited the United Kingdoms decision in 2014 to require coding in all schools. Chicago Public Schools also made computer science a graduation requirement last year.
If thats where the world is going, we need to adjust yesterday, not tomorrow, he said. If we dont I worry about not just our kids lives, I worry about our country's economic competitiveness. The stakes here are large.
mgraham@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @megancgraham
Jacob Lenzini, the son of an organ donor, and Dr. Martin Hertl, a Rush organ transplant leader, discuss the importance of organ donation. (Lisa Schencker/Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)
When Jacob Lenzini's dad died suddenly two years ago, it felt, to the teenager, like the end of hope.
The Park Ridge man, Chris Lenzini, had a stroke, and within a few days was declared brain-dead, the result of a previously undiscovered brain tumor.
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Jacob never thought anything positive could come from the tragedy until he met the man who got his father's heart, a Wisconsin farmer with grandkids. In all, six of Chris Lenzini's organs went to others in need.
"Obviously, nothing can make up for the fact that I lost my dad, but knowing their lives have been saved made a huge difference," said Jacob, now 16. "It really is one of the greatest things my dad did, and he was a great man, he did a lot of great things."
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Jacob was one of many who spoke Tuesday at an event focused on the importance of donation and ways to make Chicago a hub for organ transplantation. Last year, Illinois hospitals performed 1,208 organ transplants, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and now Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, which coordinates organ and tissue donation in Illinois and northwest Indiana, wants to boost that number to 2,000 a year by 2020.
More than 5,000 Illinois residents are waiting for organs, according to Gift of Hope. About 300 Illinoisans die each year waiting for a transplant, according to the Illinois Secretary of State's office.
Representatives of the state's leading medical centers spoke Tuesday about how they plan to pitch in:
Rush University Medical Center plans to double the number of kidney transplants it performs over the next three years with kidneys from living donors. It also plans to use at least 40 kidneys a year from patients who are brain-dead or whose hearts have stopped functioning. Hospitals typically prefer to use kidneys from living, healthy patients because they can have better outcomes and it can be less costly for hospitals, said Dr. Martin Hertl, director of Rush's solid organ transplant program. But using kidneys from deceased donors is an important option for patients who have no immediate living donor options, Hertl said.
University of Chicago Medicine plans to increase its transplant activities by 20 percent over the next five years. It's aiming to help more patients on Chicago's South Side, in southern Illinois and northern Indiana get transplants.
Loyola University Medical Center plans to launch a pancreas transplant program this year.
Northwestern Medicine plans to expand its programs allowing healthy people to donate kidneys and livers and continue its research into building new organs for those in need.
"Imagine a world where patients in need of organs can have a customized organ built just in time," said Dr. Michael Abecassis, director of Northwestern's Comprehensive Transplant Center. "We do it with cars. We should be able to do it with organs."
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Abecassis said such a world might not be as far off as it once seemed.
Until that time, however, transplantation advocates plan to continue working to raise awareness, increase chances for patients to get organs and boost opportunities for potential donors to contribute.
Illinois lawmaker Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, recently introduced a bill that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to register to be organ and tissue donors when applying for driver's licenses or state IDs, though parents would still have the final say until they turn 18.
Conroy's husband is in kidney failure and has been on dialysis for two years. Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said he's talked with lawmakers and expects the bill, which will be in committee Thursday, to "zip through the House without any problems."
Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Chicago can be "a national example of how to help others and give of oneself so others can live fully." He spoke with police Superintendent Eddie Johnson at his side. Johnson revealed last month that he is on a waiting list for a kidney transplant.
"This is what we want to be known for," Johnson said of Chicago and organ transplantation.
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He wasn't the only member of the law enforcement community to speak Tuesday.
Christine Ho, the widow of Chicago police Officer Jonathan Ho, also implored more Chicagoans to register to be organ donors. Jonathan Ho died in 2015 after a car struck his motorcycle while he was off-duty. He was an organ donor.
Christine Ho said her husband was someone who always strove to help others and who loved spending time with his kids. She and Jonathan, she said, used to talk about what types of grandparents they'd be when they got older.
"What will I tell his grandchildren he'll never meet?" she asked. "He was a man who helped."
lschencker@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @lschencker
Amid merger speculation that boosted the company's stock, Oreo-maker Mondelez International announced the launch of a savory snack brand Tuesday targeted at today's health-conscious consumers.
Shares of Mondelez closed at $44.97 Tuesday, up more than 5.8 percent, bolstered by speculation that the Deerfield-based company could once again be a takeover target. Over the weekend, Kraft Heinz withdrew its $143 billion bid for the European firm Unilever, reviving the possibility that a Kraft Heinz could turn its attention to Mondelez.
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Meanwhile, Mondelez, the global snack and confectionary company known for Oreo cookies, Ritz crackers and Cadbury chocolate, attempted to help its own prospects for sales growth by introducing a brand that's in step with consumer trends. The new Vea products, including crunch bars, crisps and seed crackers, contain no artificial ingredients, colors or flavors and no genetically modified ingredients.
They're due on shelves in the U.S. and Canada by July and later will be expanded to other global markets. On Tuesday, Mondelez executives promised that more changes, including possible acquisitions, could be coming in the year ahead.
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"We're actively working to revamp existing products and introduce new ones that are aligned with today's definition of well-being," said CEO Irene Rosenfeld at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York conference on Tuesday.
Mondelez sees opportunity in reduced-guilt snacking.
The company already sells Oreo Thins, a skinnier modern-day iteration of the popular cookie first made in New York City in 1912. Last year, Mondelez launched Good Thins, savory snacks made without artificial ingredients. And later this year, Mondelez will introduce Ritz Crisp & Thins in the U.S., a more contemporary version of a cracker brand that's been around for decades.
Mondelez hopes Vea is the next big thing and introduced it as a power brand, a category that includes the company's other high-performing brands like Oreo, Ritz, Triscuit, Wheat Thins and Chips Ahoy. The company's power brands represent about 70 percent of Mondelez's global revenues.
In an interview Tuesday, Mondelez Chief Growth Officer Tim Cofer said the Vea products would be launched across retail channels, including grocery, convenience and club stores, as well as through online retailers. Flavors will include Thai Coconut and Peruvian Sweet Potato, among others.
"This is a brand developed specifically with millennial consumers in mind. ... This is built to be a global power brand," Cofer said.
In her remarks Tuesday, Rosenfeld outlined global economic and political challenges that have affected Mondelez, such as the slowing growth rate of global gross domestic product and, citing the Brexit vote, the "growing backlash against globalization."
Mondelez's growth strategy includes cutting costs, prioritizing its top-selling brands and creating new products to appeal to today's consumers. The company has worked in recent years to grow its profit margins, making progress even as sales have declined.
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None of it is likely to quash persistent rumors that Mondelez could be acquired by Kraft Heinz, which would be a reunion of sorts. Mondelez came into existence in 2012 when Kraft Foods split into two publicly traded companies. The spun-off North American grocery business, Kraft Foods Group, later merged with Heinz to become Kraft Heinz.
Kraft Heinz, backed by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway and the Brazilian private equity firm 3G Capital, shocked the industry late last week when it confirmed its grand plan to acquire Unilever. But the offer was unceremoniously rejected, signaling that other companies, like Mondelez, could once again be in play.
gtrotter@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @GregTrotterTrib
Amid ongoing tensions over changes to U.S. immigration policy, Chicago Public Schools on Tuesday told principals not to let federal immigration authorities inside district buildings unless they have a criminal warrant.
Principals were also urged to have parents update student emergency contact forms and include backup contacts that schools could turn to if a child's parents were detained.
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The new guidelines to principals from CPS Chief Education Officer Janice Jackson were included in materials that acknowledged community "concern and anxiety about immigration matters" amid President Donald Trump's vows to crack down on people living in this country illegally.
The Department of Homeland Security announced a broad expansion of immigration enforcement priorities, with particular focus on immigrants who have been convicted of any criminal offense or have unresolved criminal charges pending.
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"To be very clear, CPS does not provide assistance to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the enforcement of federal civil immigration law," the district's message to principals said.
A district spokesman said CPS was not aware of any recent efforts by immigration agents to access schools. But according to Jackson's letter, principals have asked how to handle interactions with ICE officials.
Officials told principals to contact CPS attorneys if immigration enforcement agents arrived at their school, according to a brief list of guidelines given to principals. "ICE agents should wait outside while the school is reviewing the matter with the Law Department." School principals also should not share student records with agents, the district said.
As an extra "proactive measure," CPS said schools should encourage parents to update emergency contact forms.
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"If a child is left stranded at your school and you suspect it is because his or her parent is detained, please exhaust the child's emergency contact list," the list of CPS guidelines said. "Please have a staff member remain with the student until the parent, guardian or emergency contact can arrive."
Principals would get more detailed answers to their questions "in the coming days," Jackson's letter said.
CPS attendance dropped considerably last Thursday during a citywide series of pro-immigration demonstrations.
According to CPS, slightly more than three-quarters of the district's Hispanic students attended classes that day a figure the district said was significantly below average.
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"While many of our families have serious concerns and anxiety about recent federal actions and statements, we want to make sure that parents know school is a safe place for all students regardless of their race, ethnicity or country of origin," Jackson wrote.
jjperez@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @PerezJr
Valparaiso University Sophomore Cassidy Wright, 19, of Round Lake, Ill. created her own sweet, simple and satisfying dessert bar recipe using crushed Oreos to salute the cookie's 105th birthday in March 2017. (Philip Potempa / Post-Tribune)
When the Oreo cookie was launched in the United States on March 6, 1912, by the National Biscuit Company, (Nabisco), there's was also another flavor option offered besides the traditional chocolate sandwich cookie with vanilla cream.
A lemon-flavored version, filled with vanilla cream, also was introduced and sold as a "lemon meringue" Oreo sandwich cookie. However, it was discontinued by 1920s.
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While teaching a recent Introduction to Public Speaking course at Valparaiso University, one of my students paid tribute to the Oreo cookie, its history and also shared an easy and delicious Oreo cookie dessert bar recipe for her demonstration speech assignment. That student is Cassidy Wright, 19, a sophomore at Valparaiso University who originally is from Round Lake, Ill., is studying communication, with minors in general engineering and humanities.
Even though many people associate chocolate chip cookies as the most popular choice, according to Kraft Foods the parent company of Nabisco Oreos rank as the world's best-selling cookie with more than 450 billion Oreos produced worldwide since the cookie's debut.
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As Cassidy explained, the cookie's basic recipe also has changed in recent decades.
Originally, the white cream filling consisted of pork lard blended with sugar and a few other ingredients. The This initial recipe was devised by Nabisco's food scientist Sam Porcello. After Porcello's retirement in 1993, Nabisco opted to remove lard from the filling and replace it with partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Starting in January 2006, any trans fat used in the filling ingredients was replaced with nonhydrogenated vegetable oil, making Oreos both Kosher and vegetarian friendly.
Today, Nabisco is a subsidiary of Illinois-based Mondelez International. Nabisco's plant on Chicago's Southwest Side, a 1,800,000-square-foot plant at 7300 S. Kedzie Ave., ceased production of Oreos in July. It used to be billed and ranked as the largest bakery in the world, employing more than 1,500 workers and turning out some 320 million pounds of snack foods annually.
Growing up at our farm, rather than Oreos my mom tended to buy the competing Hydrox brand of chocolate sandwich cookie for our lunchbags, since they were more economically priced. While most people have categorized Hydrox as the knock-off brand for Oreos, Hydrox chocolate sandwich cookies were introduced first. Produced by Sunshine Biscuits Company and first sold in stores in 1908, they arrived on store shelves four years before Oreos.
According to the company's website, the Hydrox name is derived from the atoms that make up the water molecule: hydrogen and oxygen. The cookie's creators were said to be "looking for a name that would convey purity and goodness." The origin of the Oreo name is unknwown. Some food historians say the term comes from the French word "or," which means gold and could have been associated with the cookie's original gold packaging when sold. Other brand researchers speculate the name is a nod to the Greek word of the same spelling oreo, which means "beautiful, nice or well done."
Wright said she likes her Oreo Dessert Bar recipe because can be both dairy-free and vegetarian friendly.
"These bars store well and they are a great pick-me-up snack for studying," she said.
Columnist Philip Potempa has published three cookbooks and is the director of marketing at Theatre at the Center. Mail your questions to: From the Farm, P.O. Box 68, San Pierre, IN 46374.
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pmpotempa@comhs.org
Cassidy's Easy Oreo Dessert Bars
Makes 16 bars
1 (16 ounce) package Oreo cookies
1 (10.5 ounce) package marshmallows
4 tablespoons of butter or margarine (or vegan butter)
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1. Line an 8-inch by 8-inch pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
2. Using a large sealed back, crush Oreo cookies until no large pieces remain and set aside.
3. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter or margarine. Remove the bowl from the microwave and add the marshmallows. Heat the bowl for an additional 30 seconds or as needed to melt the marshmallows.
4. Remove the bowl from the microwave and mix in the crushed cookies. Press the mixture in the foil-lined pan and allow the bars to cool for around 10 minutes, until they are set.
5. Cut the bars into small squares, or tear off pieces to eat and enjoy.
Actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, pictured at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in January, will host the James Beard Awards in Chicago in May. (Christopher Polk / Getty Images for TNT)
Fans of "Modern Family" and glitzy food award shows, rejoice! Jesse Tyler Ferguson is set to host this year's James Beard Foundation Awards in Chicago, to be held May 1 at the Lyric Opera House.
You may be wondering: What does Jesse Tyler Ferguson have to do with food? The actor writes a food blog, Julie & Jesse's Recipes, with former Saveur test kitchen chef Julie Tanous. The two offer a wide range of recipes, including, recently, sweet potato gnocchi and paleo eggnog.
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RELATED: 32 Chicago restaurants, chefs and restaurateurs make James Beard semifinalist list
The media portion of the award ceremony, which takes place March 25 in New York, will be hosted by Andrew Zimmern. The "Bizarre Foods" host has been nominated for 10 James Beard Awards throughout the years and won three of them.
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Last year, Carla Hall from ABC's "The Chew" hosted the main ceremony, while chef Ming Tsai took care of the media awards.
nkindelsperger@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @nickdk
"We're all from different places," says Ardit Dizdari, "but food brings people to the table."
The general manager of Southport & Irving, Dizdari is in the midst of rolling out a series of Unity in Diversity dinners, where the restaurant will play host to immigrant cooks from India, Pakistan, Mexico, Iraq, Ireland and Albania, among other countries. The first dinner will be Feb. 23.
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"When we started talking about this dinner (series) in December, our focus was grandmas," explains Dizdari, "We didn't intend to be political. (The conversation) was 'we all have a different meatball, a different dumpling.' It's about showing commonalities between cultures."
Berta Navarro, who consults for the restaurant and owned Cafe 28 until it shuttered in 2013, is helping Dizdari bring the series to fruition and is cooking the first dinner herself. "We all grew up around our mother's and grandmother's tables I'm a grandma myself. We may have different processes, but the point is we have shared stories."
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While Dizdari and Navarro insist that the original intent was not political, they concede that rising tensions and discussion about immigration on the national level partly inform their goals. "People are sensitive to politics right now," said Dizdari, who is Albanian, "But there's no restaurant that doesn't have immigrant employees. Look around in every kitchen, they're there. They have stories to tell too.
"We want to shed a light on unity in spite of what's happening all over the world."
Navarro agrees. "When I started thinking about this project, my memories sent me back to my grandmother's table. I'm from Mexico Jalisco and I just remember her hosting these big communal dinners, with everyone gathered around the table enjoying themselves. I want to re-create that."
The first dinner ($55) will focus on Navarro's Mexican roots. For starters, she'll whip up sopes, corncakes that are like thick tortillas served with different toppings, in this case, chorizo and potato. Entrees will run the gamut, from slow-braised beef birria to a comforting pozole, a stew of pork and hominy. Tequila, naturally, will make a cameo during the included cocktail hour.
"We hope to introduce people to regional differences," said Navarro. "The music, the food, the tradition of serving this is an opportunity to introduce people to all that in a restaurant setting."
"Regionality is interesting," said Dizdari. "There's not one kind of Mexican, like there's not one kind of American. Look at regions here there's the South, and then there's Boston or the Midwest."
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Future dinners will feature other cooks, cooking together. For example, says Dizdari, three Indian sisters will partner with a Muslim Pakistani matriarch to cook, among other things, dishes from India's Gujarat region. "I've invited my mom to cook Albanian food, and we've invited Irish cooks too," he says. "If guests find this interesting, we'll try to expand the concept to include more cuisines."
Southport & Irving will be hosting these dinners roughly once a month. After Navarro's Feb. 23 dinner, the next, cooked by an Irish immigrant, will be March 24. After that will be an Iraqi-Jewish dinner; then, the Indian-Pakistani partnership described above.
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The profits from each dinner will also benefit a charity of their choice. "It makes sense to give back," said Dizdari. Navarro's pick is Mujeres Latinas en Accion, a Pilsen nonprofit providing services to Latina women from leadership training to counseling.
"I hope the event gets people's attention," said Dizdari. "We have the same story, just different words and different languages to communicate. Food helps make it easier."
Navarro puts it much more simply. "We all have to eat there's always something to talk about."
Southport & Irving, 4000 N. Southport Ave., 773-857-2890, www.southportandirving.com
jbhernandez@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @joeybear85
Pianist Jason Moran and band director Gerald Powell work with students from the Kenwood Academy Jazz Band rehearsing for a concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune). (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)
Kids are talking, laughing, blowing into their horns, pounding their drums and otherwise cranking sound when Jason Moran steps into the band room.
Suddenly the place falls nearly silent.
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Everyone stares at the tall, slender man wearing a hoodie and jeans and bearing an international reputation as a creative jazz pianist and MacArthur Fellowship winner.
"I'm Jason Moran it's nice to meet you all," Moran says to the Kenwood Academy Jazz Band, which has been rehearsing for this moment for months.
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The students know exactly why Moran has come to their school, on South Blackstone Avenue: He's going to rehearse with them for their concert together at one of America's most prominent arts complexes, the Kennedy Center, in Washington, on Friday.
"When he came in, I was like: 'Yeah, it's kind of a butterflies-in-your-stomach excitement,'" freshman trombonist Garrett Powell, 14, says later.
The stakes indeed are high. For everyone in this ensemble knows that nearly three years ago, the Kenwood Academy Jazz Band made history playing the world premiere of Moran's "Looks of a Lot" with him in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 28 Pianist Jason Moran, center, and band leader Gerald Powell conduct a practice of the Kenwood Academy Jazz Band at Kenwood Academy High School Chicago on Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
Moran created the piece, in part, to address gun violence in the neighborhoods where many of these students live. But their triumph on the night of the performance was streaked with tragedy. For less than two weeks before the May 30, 2014 premiere, Kenwood guitarist Aaron Rushing was shot to death. He was three days short of his 16th birthday.
The Kenwood band heroically played on, sounding more formidable during the concert than in any of its rehearsals. Many musicians later said that Rushing was on their minds as they performed. Their work proved so compelling that Moran, who serves as the Kennedy Center's artistic director for jazz, was determined to bring the young musicians to national attention.
"I had such a kind of emotional ride working on this piece with the students here," says Moran after the first rehearsal for the Kennedy Center concert.
"You know, it's one thing to go from the South Side to Chicago Symphony Center. But what if we went all the way to D.C.?"
Kenwood bandleader Gerald Powell (father of Garrett Powell) began preparing the students during winter break, knowing that whatever pressures existed during the Symphony Center premiere would only be heightened at the Kennedy Center. And because most members of the 2014 band had graduated from Kenwood, Gerald Powell would be training a largely new group of musicians for a daunting task that he considers a privilege.
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"It's a great opportunity for them it's no way in the world I could let that go by," says Powell, a respected Chicago jazz musician.
"I've never been to the Kennedy Center, let alone performed in it, and so it's a big event for myself as well."
When Moran cues the young musicians to begin playing, it's clear that the students know the score. They sound big and brawny in thunderous passages, sensitive in lyrical ones.
"It's not as hard as I thought it would be, but it's still a challenge to play it," says reedist Jarrett Crenshaw, 18, a senior.
"It's quite easy once you get used to it," adds drummer Nairobi Tribble, 17, a senior.
Then again, continues Tribble, "Doing that in front of that many people, in front of Jason Moran, is like a little on the edge."
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Trombonist Alyssa Younger, 18, counts herself lucky that she played the piece three years ago and gets another shot at it now.
"I sort of kind of feel old, because I was a freshman when I did it, and it was a new thing," says Younger.
"Last time I didn't too much care because I was a freshman. But now it's like that was a really big thing!
"I put it on college applications and stuff like that. Because I'm just now figuring out that Orchestra (Hall) is like a really big place.
"Actually, my mom told me the Kennedy Center is even bigger so now it's just sinking in to me that we're actually going to do it."
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Bandleader Powell believes that no high school student could fully comprehend the impact of this experience. The value of rehearsing an evening-length work for months, collaborating with a charismatic jazz musician and performing alongside him in a revered concert space "won't hit them until their mid-20s," Powell says.
But the experience can be transformative. For quite apart from the demands of performing this music, these students could learn a great deal about transcending obstacles.
There are "things that students here in Chicago go through that maybe other students in other areas don't have to deal with," says bandleader Powell, referring to Chicago's much-documented violence.
"But they still overcome. They still overcome."
Moran references these challenges starting with the title of the piece, which he drew from a video of Chicago rapper Lil Durk, who noticed police swarming a concert of his and observed, "Looks of a lot of blues" (meaning lights on squad cars).
But Moran's opus stretches well beyond this theme, messages of hope, perseverance and vindication radiating through much of the work. Toward the end, Moran's score quotes Elgar's "Pomp and Circumstance" March No. 1 the ubiquitous graduation march as if to send these students on to future successes.
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"What I hope happens in Washington is that the kids feel like they earned this," says Moran. "And that they have fun doing it, and that they never forget it.
"And I hope that this lasts as a real marker in their timelines.
"Fifteen years from now, if I run into one of them at a jazz festival or a restaurant, then they'll say: 'You know, let's talk about that piece.' I kind of hope that for them."
As for those on the other side of the footlights, "I hope the audience starts to understand the importance and the value in the youth," says Moran.
"I think many times people have talked only about the problems without ever getting their hands wet. So they're talking about this from some platform.
"But they have never gotten down here on the soil."
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With "Looks of a Lot," Moran, Powell, colleague Bethany Pickens and students are doing much more than talking about social issues from a safe distance.
They're taking action, through music.
Listeners at the Kennedy Center are about to find out what they have to say.
Howard Reich is a Tribune critic.
hreich@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @howardreich
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To find videos, photo galleries and complete Kenwood coverage, go to www.chicagotribune.com/kenwoodjazz
RELATED STORIES:
Part One: Kenwood jazz band journeys to Symphony Center stage
Part Two: Kenwood band members grieve for slain guitarist, 15
Part Three: Voices of Kenwood: Taking the stage
Watch the latest movie trailers.
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
Riccardo Muti will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Chorus and Chicago Childrens Choir in the premiere of an oratorio drawn from Prokofievs music to director Sergei Eisensteins unfinished film Ivan the Terrible. (Armando L. Sanchez / Chicago Tribune)
No major 20th century composer enjoyed a closer working relationship with the musical life of Chicago, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in particular, than Sergei Prokofiev.
Chicago is indelibly associated with the world premieres of two of the Russian composer's most important works, his Third Piano Concerto and opera "The Love for Three Oranges," both of which he oversaw here in 1921. As a matter of fact, the performances he gave in Chicago over a period of two decades, as pianist and conductor, launched his American career.
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Beginning with Prokofiev's CSO debut in 1918 and ending with his final appearance with the orchestra in 1937 (when he led the U.S. premiere of selections from his as-yet-unstaged ballet, "Romeo and Juliet"), he appeared with the CSO in no fewer than seven different programs.
Although his initial impressions of our city were disappointing (he found the Chicago of 1918 sooty and unattractive), he later came to relish the attention heaped on him by the city's musical press (one reporter called him "the best-dressed man" in town) and concert audiences, whom he found more receptive to his music than those in New York, as Philip Huscher recounts in his informative essay in the current CSO program book.
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If the Chicago Symphony is lavishing an unusual amount of attention on Prokofiev's music this season this, in honor of the 125th anniversary of his birth the orchestra and Riccardo Muti are reserving their biggest celebratory guns for this weekend's subscription concerts at Symphony Center.
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There, the music director will lead the CSO and Chicago Symphony Chorus, Chicago Children's Choir, vocal soloists and narrators in the CSO premiere of an oratorio drawn from Prokofiev's music to the great Soviet director Sergei Eisenstein's unfinished film classic, "Ivan the Terrible" (1942-45).
Chicago audiences are much more familiar with the cantata Prokofiev based on his soundtrack for an earlier Eisenstein film, "Alexander Nevsky," than they are with the music for "Ivan the Terrible." For various reasons Prokofiev never got around to turning the latter score into a concert work. That task fell to Abram Stasevich, the Russian conductor who had recorded the "Ivan" soundtrack.
The "Ivan the Terrible" oratorio Stasevich created in 1962, nine years after Prokofiev's death, draws from the film script to construct a narration meant to substitute for Eisenstein's richly allusive cinematic imagery. For these CSO performances, Czar Ivan IV will be impersonated by French actor Gerard Depardieu, a longtime Muti friend and collaborator. The spoken Russian narration provided by Depardieu and Yasen Peyankov will tie together the 20 musical cues to produce a dramatic chronology paralleling that of the film.
Eisenstein dropped his plan to shoot a third part of the film following Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's banning Part 2 of the planned trilogy. That official condemnation ended Eisenstein's career as a film director and Prokofiev's as a film composer. Part 2 of "Ivan" wasn't screened in public until 1958, five years after Stalin's death and a decade after Eisenstein's. (Prokofiev and Stalin passed away the same day in 1953.)
Why the ban? Stalin expected Eisenstein's grand cinematic portrait of Ivan Grozny the 15th century Russian ruler who overcame enormous internal and external resistance to unite a fragmented empire to reflect glory on himself: The czar's relentless cruelty could be used as a means of justifying the brutality of Stalin's own reign of terror.
Eisenstein, however, had a more nuanced portrait of Ivan in mind. The czar depicted in the director's brilliantly stylized film is a lonely and sorrowful man, deprived of love, betrayed by his friends. Part 2 suggests Ivan's psychological decline, and that did not sit at all well with his paranoid modern counterpart. The film was withdrawn. "Ivan the Terrible" would languish in obscurity until the Khrushchev "thaw."
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Muti's belief in the high artistic merit of Prokofiev's music for the film dates from the early 1970s, when he conducted the Stasevich reworking for the first time with the Hilversum Orchestra in the Netherlands. He went on to lead performances in London, Philadelphia, New York, Paris, Milan, Florence and Naples, Italy. Critics have long rated his 1977 recording, made with the Philharmonia Orchestra, as a benchmark interpretation.
In an interview last week, Muti recalled that he discovered the score in the early 1970s at a music shop in Vienna. Fascinated, he then sought to familiarize himself with the Eisenstein epic, then little known outside cult circles.
"It's a great film with a fantastic score," he said. "I have conducted 'Alexander Nevsky' many times and I find the musical ideas even more interesting in the later film score. The choral parts and orchestration are richer as well, with all kinds of moods and colors."
At Muti's behest, the CSO screened Eisenstein's unfinished masterpiece Sunday evening at Orchestra Hall. Those who missed the screening, or are unfamiliar with the score, should not feel at a loss, Muti said.
"The music can stand perfectly well on its own it doesn't need the film," he said of the 80-minute sequence Stasevich drew from the three hours of music Prokofiev delivered to Eisenstein. "In many instances, Eisenstein based his visual images directly on music Prokofiev had already written. The music has its own life. All one needs to do is listen."
The conductor's recording of "Ivan the Terrible" the first made in the West served to focus the attention of many listeners on the strengths of Prokofiev's final film score. Since its initial appearance other conductors, and Russian music scholars as well, have taken up the cause of "rehabilitating" the music and bringing it to the attention of a wider public.
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A variety of concert versions now exists on recording. Conductors Leonard Slatkin and Mstislav Rostropovich have released recordings with English-language narration, Slatkin opting for the Stasevich edition (which he introduced to Grant Park in 1977), Rostropovich for an edition prepared by Michael Lankester. Neeme Jarvi has recorded a "concert scenario" compiled by Christopher Palmer that dispenses with the narration and the more fragmentary episodes included in the Stasevich version.
Following the 1997 publication of a new edition collating every piece of music Prokofiev wrote for the film (also some bits that were left out), there appeared a Russian recording, led by Vladimir Fedoseyev, of the complete film music incorporating music from the Russian Orthodox liturgy Prokofiev and Eisenstein selected for use in the movie. The entire film is available on home video (Criterion Collection).
Finally, audience members should not be put off by the fact that the oratorio will be sung and spoken in Russian, since the CSO will employ English surtitles.
"They will be very impressed with the music and, if they happen to have seen the film, will appreciate all the more the genius of Eisenstein," Muti said. "They will go home enriched by the Prokofiev score. For this is not just another evening at Orchestra Hall it is a cultural event."
The only pity, perhaps, is that Prokofiev, who considered Chicago his American home in the early decades of the last century, won't be around for it.
Riccardo Muti will lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and choruses, soloists and narrator in Prokofiev's oratorio "Ivan the Terrible," at 8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave.; $34-$220; 312-294-3000, www.cso.org.
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Sharps and flats
A $50,000 MacArthur Foundation grant awarded to the Chicago Philharmonic Society will fund an exchange with Poland to share works by Chicago composers, connect with Polish musicians and students, and generally increase local awareness of Polish music and culture.
The exchange, which the orchestra announced Tuesday, will culminate in a three-day Chicago festival of Polish music and culture in November 2018. A Polish conductor and vocal and instrumental soloists will take part in orchestral and chamber concerts of works by Polish composers. Concerts will include music of several genres, ranging from classical to jazz to film.
In spring 2018, Scott Speck, the orchestra's artistic director, will travel to Poland with some of the musicians to lead master classes and workshops for music students. They also will perform new classical works by Chicago and American composers.
The Polish consulate general in Chicago is partnering with the society to present the festival. Richard Guerin, a New-York-based advocate for Polish music, is the curator of festival events.
The 18th Handel Week Festival will continue with a program of George Frideric Handel's vocal and instrumental chamber music, 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St., Oak Park; tickets are $30.
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Artistic director Dennis Northway will lead the concluding festival event, a performance of Handel's oratorio "Alexander's Feast," 3 p.m. March 5 at the church; tickets are $35. For further information, call 708-383-4231, or visit www.handelweek.com.
John von Rhein is a Tribune critic.
jvonrhein@chicagotribune.org
Twitter @jvonrhein
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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
The narrative terrain in Irish playwright Marina Carr's work bursts with ghosts. But we're far away from, say, Conor McPherson's "The Weir," where a newly arrived transplant from Dublin finds comfort amid the supernatural stories traded around the fire in a country pub.
"By the Bog of Cats," perhaps Carr's best-known work (Holly Hunter starred in a West End production over a dozen years ago) has its roots in Euripides' "Medea," but its heart and soul is Irish. This comes through most clearly in the play's recurring themes of displacement and dispossession. A literal Irish backwater serves as its physical setting, but it carries some of the weight of the Irish diaspora on its shoulders, just as the characters struggle with the weight of rage, resentment and guilt.
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Hester Swane (Kristin Collins) is the daughter of a "tinker," Josie Swane, who abandoned her in a broken-down caravan at age 7 on the edge of the Bog of Cats. Now nearing 40 and mother to her own daughter, Josie (Elise Wolf), Hester is about to be cut loose again by Josie's father, Carthage Kilbride (Tim Musachio), who is ready to wed the young, lovely (and heir to land) Caroline Cassidy (Kelsey Phillips). But going away quietly isn't Hester's style.
If you know "Medea," you can probably see where this story is heading. Thankfully, Carr isn't doing a mere palimpsest of Greek tragedy with Irish accents. This production at The Artistic Home, directed with a sure and sensitive hand by John Mossman, does tend to blow past the red zone on the vocal histrionics meter from time to time. Yet it is shot through with rich unexpected veins of humor as well as sorrow and anger.
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Carr is produced stateside far less than McPherson or Martin McDonagh, despite a long-running relationship with Dublin's celebrated Abbey Theatre, which has served as a pipeline for Irish dramatists to American stages for decades. It's anyone's guess why that is but to my knowledge, this play hasn't been produced locally since the now-shuttered Irish Repertory of Chicago (not to be confused with the current Irish Theatre of Chicago) produced it in 2001. If nothing else, this production provides a rare opportunity for fans of contemporary Irish drama to see Carr's work onstage.
Mossman and his cast dig into the textures of Carr's script with gusto and sensitivity. Collins gives a bravura performance that manages to meld Hester's swaggering devil-may-care carapace with the gaping wounds of a woman who has never gotten over the pain of abandonment. That pain is one she shares with her rival, Caroline, whose mother died when she was young and left her to the questionable ministrations of her overbearing father, Xavier (Frank Nall).
The ghosts here aren't only in memories. Hester's dead half-brother, Joseph (Kieran O'Connor) shows up bearing scars of their last encounter. (A "ghost fancier," played by John LaFlamboy, does feel like a bit as if Carr is gilding the mystical lily). The show opens with a potent portent Hester dragging a dead black swan onstage. The local eccentric/seer, Catwoman, the Tiresias of the tale, offers dark prophecies in between snacking on mice and lapping up wine at the wedding banquet. (Caroline Dodge Latta's cagily comic but relatively understated performance, enhanced by Zach Wagner's inspired coat of tatty fur, is a highlight.)
The wedding feast for Caroline and Carthage itself provides a grotesque but often hilarious counterpart to the misty tragic world of the bog (evoked by the deliberately flat and not-quite-realistic backdrop by Anders Jacobson and Judy Radovsky, set off by Claire Sangster's chiaroscuro lighting).
Father Willow (Michael Rogalski) falls into tangential musings while saying grace and admits that he wears earplugs in the confession box, rather than hear his troubled flock tell the same stories over and over. Meantime, Carthage's mother (Jane DeLaubenfels), who commits the ultimate faux pas of wearing a long white dress to the wedding, seems to have the same kind of unnatural attachment to her son that Xavier bears for Caroline.
Certainly Carr is far from the first Irish writer to explore "the past happening over and over again" in the land of tortured poets. But she does so in a way that, with only a few lapses, avoids sentimentality and overstated metaphor and drives home the never-ending pain of never feeling loved or wanted enough.
"I'm the one who chooses and discards," Collins' Hester declares early on. But as we have known from Euripides' time to our own, fate has its way with human desires. As Monica Murray (Darrelyn Marx), Hester's sympathetic neighbor who is mourning her own lost child points out, this world doesn't "yield easy to mortal wishes." Artistic Home's production ultimately offers an emotionally rich portrait of a woman who isn't easy to love or to forget.
Kerry Reid is a freelance critic.
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ctc-arts@chicagotribune.com
Review: "By the Bog of Cats" (3 stars)
When: Through April 15
Where: The Artistic Home, 1376 W. Grand Ave.
Running time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Tickets: $28-$32 at 312-811-4111 or theartistichome.org
NEW YORK Pulitzer Prize winners Junot Diaz, Viet Thanh Nguyen and Jane Smiley are among 32 writers contributing to a book of letters responding to the election of President Donald Trump.
Vintage Books told The Associated Press on Monday that "Radical Hope: Letters of Love and Dissent in Dangerous Times" will be published May 2 as a paperback original.
"The anthology offers readers an antidote to despair: it is a salve, a balm, a compass, a rallying cry, a lyrical manifesto, a power source, a torch to light the way forward," Vintage announced.
Edited by Carolina De Robertis, the book will be divided into three sections. "Roots" will explore the historical origins of this time. "Present" will feature letters addressed to contemporary communities. "Seeds" will look ahead to future generations. Other writers will include Karen Joy Fowler, Claire Messud and Lisa See.
"Radical Hope" continues a wave of releases from the publishing world since Trump's stunning upset last November of Democrat Hillary Clinton. "What Do We Do Now: Standing Up for Your Values in Trump's America" is a January release from Melville House that features suggestions for action from Gloria Steinem, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and George Saunders. Gene Stone's "The Trump Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Living Through What You Hoped Would Never Happen" is another January publication, from Dey Street Books.
The Associated Press
Chicago-based Girls Supporting Girls is a small but powerful organization that teaches girls (and boys, despite the name) how to raise money to build schools in countries where girls are often left out of education. (webphotographeer / E+)
In 2013, Judy Sutton Taylor had a couple of back-to-back wake-up calls she knew she had to answer.
First she caught a screening of "Girl Rising," a documentary about nine girls living in Haiti, Nepal, Ethiopia, India, Egypt, Peru, Cambodia, Sierra Leone and Afghanistan and fighting mightily for their right to go to school.
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Then she heard a radio interview with John Wood, the founder of Room to Read, an international nonprofit that works to increase literacy and gender equality in education around the world.
"I knew I wanted to do something to get my own kids more involved and aware," Taylor said. "And I also wanted to help on a more global level."
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She huddled with a couple of friends and established Girls Supporting Girls, a small nonprofit that offers after-school programs to teach kids about the barriers that girls, particularly, face when trying to receive an education in many developing countries. The group is in just three schools so far, but Taylor is hoping to expand across the city if she can attract more volunteers and funding.
Students learn about the state of education in developing countries and brainstorm ways to make it more accessible. They host bake sales and lemonade stands and sell T-shirts and buttons at school events to raise money for schools in Asia and Africa.
"They're learning that it's not so easy for a lot of kids to just walk down the block to a school that's willing and able to accept them," Taylor said.
Even better, they're learning to do something about it.
Girls Supporting Girls partners with Room to Read, which has an established infrastructure to build schools and libraries around the world. Taylor said her group helped raise $35,000 to build a school in northwest Cambodia in 2015, which serves around 155 middle schoolers. And now it's trying to raise $55,000 to build a school in Sri Lanka.
Despite the name, Girls Supporting Girls programs are all coed.
Taylor has twin eighth-graders a boy and a girl and knows firsthand that the work of improving the world isn't limited to a single gender. But girls are disproportionately left out of school in far too many countries, which is one of the things Taylor's group tries to remedy.
"Our primary goal is to help girls because there are roughly 33 million fewer girls than boys in primary schools around the world," Taylor said. (United Nations statistics concur.) "And educating girls betters the chances that entire families are lifted out of poverty."
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I admire so much about Taylor's story. How many of us have thought watching a documentary, riding in our cars, reading an article I should do something about this? But life intervenes. Or the problems feel too large. Or progress seems too elusive.
Girls Supporting Girls remind kids and all of us the wisdom of that lovely Margaret Mead quote:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
hstevens@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @heidistevens13
Girls Supporting Girls will hold its annual fundraiser 6-9 p.m. Thursday night at City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. It's open to the public, and the money raised will go toward funding the Sri Lanka school, Taylor said. Go to gsgbuildbash.com for more details.
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Skiers fill the lifts in 2007 at Stowe Mountain Resort in Stowe, Vt. Colorado-based Vail Resorts announced that it is purchasing the Vermont resort for $50 million. If the deal goes through, it would be Vail's first East Coast resort. Vail owns 10 mountain resorts and three urban ski areas. (Toby Talbot / AP 2007)
STOWE, Vt. Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont is being purchased by the Colorado-based Vail Resorts for $50 million.
Vail said Tuesday in a statement that it had reached an agreement to acquire the Stowe resort from the Mount Mansfield Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of the American International Group.
If the deal goes through, it would be Vail's first East Coast resort. Vail owns 10 mountain resorts and three urban ski areas, including Wilmot Mountain about 65 miles north of Chicago. Vail bought the Wisconsin ski resort last year and made $13 million in improvements to it over the summer.
At Stowe, Vail would acquire all the assets related to the mountain operations at Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Other facilities such as the Stowe Mountain Lodge, Stowe Mountain Club and the Stowe Country Club would be retained by the Mount Mansfield Company.
Vail Chairman Rob Katz says they're thrilled to add Stowe to their family of resorts.
The Associated Press
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July 18, 1982 Church congregation begins taking in refugees The Wellington Avenue Church congregation votes to join the sanctuary movement -- becoming just the second church in the U.S. to harbor refugees who entered the country illegally. The movement, which has roots in the medieval tradition of churches providing sanctuary for those fleeing persecution, was aimed at providing a safe haven for Central Americans running from political repression and violence in their home countries. They were refused asylum here because of U.S. support for the governments of El Salvador and Guatemala. About 20 Chicago-area churches became sanctuaries in the 1980s. Salvadorans wear masks to hide their faces during a visit to Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ on Aug. 9, 1982. (Chicago Tribune)
November 1982 Group becomes national leader in sanctuary movement Recognized for its work in organizing and transporting refugees from El Salvador to a network of welcoming churches around the U.S., the Chicago Religious Task Force on Central America becomes the national clearinghouse for the sanctuary movement. The group distributes books on the sanctuary movement and holds rallies in downtown Chicago to bring awareness to the issues facing Central American refugees. Members of the Chicago Religious Task Force on Central America protest outside the Federal Building on Sept. 16, 1983, in Chicago. (Chicago Tribune)
Jan. 20, 1985 Chicago's chief legal officer: Don't assist the feds A week after 18 workers driving cabs were arrested, Corporation Counsel James Montgomery recommends Chicago not cooperate with federal immigration authorities in arresting immigrants living in the U.S. illegally unless subpoenas are obtained. Chicago's Immigration and Naturalization Service Director A.D. Moyer criticizes Montgomery's suggestion.
March 7, 1985 Mayor encourages 'equal access by all persons' to city services, licenses Mayor Harold Washington signs an executive order ending the city's practice of asking job and license applicants about their U.S. citizenship and halting cooperation by city agencies with federal immigration authorities. Mayor Harold Washington says he took an oath to obey the laws and raises his hand before signing the executive order enhancing Chicago's sanctuary status on March 7, 1985. (Chicago Tribune archives)
Dec. 17, 1985 'Operation Taxicab' rounds up immigrants suspected of living in U.S. illegally Calling cabdrivers who are living in the U.S. illegally "a serious menace," the city's immigration director, Moyer, orders spot checks of drivers' identification at airports and other hangouts. Dubbed "Operation Taxicab," 129 drivers are arrested in a single day -- 51 could later prove they were in the U.S. legally. Though there was no federal law prohibiting employers from hiring workers in the country illegally, Moyer blames Mayor Washington's earlier executive order for opening the door. An abandoned cab is towed following a raid by immigration agents at the Merchandise Mart taxi stand on Dec. 17, 1985. (Chicago Tribune)
April 30, 1987 Feds offer immigrants ways to gain legal status Less than 1 1/2 years after overseeing raids on taxi drivers in the U.S. illegally, Moyer details plans to open four centers to help immigrants with paperwork to become legal U.S. residents. The effort is part of the Immigration Reform and Control Act, a law passed by Congress and signed by President Ronald Reagan to offer a path to legal residence for people in the U.S. illegally since Jan. 1, 1982. A.D. Moyer, Chicago district director for immigration services, points out locations at a April 30, 1987, news conference where immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally can get help. (Chicago Tribune)
Nov. 1, 1987 Sanctuary group urges 'hiring undocumented workers' The Chicago Religious Task Force, a national clearinghouse for the sanctuary movement helping Central American refugees, said in a Chicago Tribune story that it was planning to urge priests, nuns and "employers to break the law by hiring undocumented workers" in the Chicago area, where tens of thousands of the immigrants live.
April 25, 1989 Daley adopts Washington's sanctuary stance Shortly after taking office, Daley signs 13 executive orders including one that reaffirms "fair and equal access" to employment, benefits and licenses to all -- regardless of nationality or citizenship. Mayor Richard M. Daley signs an executive order on April 25, 1989. (Chicago Tribune)
June 4, 1992 Chicago Crime Commission asks for amendment The group asks Mayor Daley to amend the 1989 executive order to allow Chicago police to share citizenship information with the INS to help combat street gangs. Later, Daley says any information about a person involved in serious crimes would be turned over to the feds. (This provision would be added as part of the city's 2012 Welcoming City ordinance.)
March 29, 2006 City's sanctuary policy becomes law The City Council votes -- 44-0 -- to pass an ordinance providing all residents equal access "to the services, opportunities, and protection it provides or administers."
Aug. 15, 2006 Woman seeks church refuge to avoid deportation, reviving sanctuary movement Ordered to be deported, Elvira Arellano and her U.S.-born son take refuge inside Adalberto United Methodist Church in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. She had been arrested in a post-Sept. 11, 2001, sweep of O'Hare International Airport, where she was working as a cleaner. Authorities discovered she had been using a fake Social Security number and had been previously deported to Mexico. Arellano would spend a year living in the church with her story receiving national attention. While awaiting a decision on her application for political asylum, Arellano is living in Humboldt Park with her partner and two sons. Elvira Arellano and her son, Saul, greet supporters at Adalberto United Methodist Church on Sept. 30, 2006. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
Sept. 7, 2011 Cook County won't fulfill ICE detainer requests In a vote of 10-5, the Cook County Board passes an ordinance to free immigrants suspected of living in the U.S. illegally who are jailed in both felony and misdemeanor cases despite federal immigration authorities' requests to detain them. The ordinance was based on a recent federal ruling in Indiana that determined ICE detainers are voluntary requests and not criminal warrants.
Sept. 12, 2012 'Welcoming City' ordinance passes Building on an existing ordinance that prohibits agencies from inquiring about the immigration status of people seeking city services, this ordinance also prevents local police from detaining people solely on the belief that they are in the U.S. illegally, and cooperating with federal agents when they suspect status is the only reason the warrant has been issued. With its introduction in July 2012, Mayor Emanuel said the ordinance would "make Chicago the most immigrant-friendly city in the country." Mayor Rahm Emanuel after the City Council meeting on Sept. 12, 2012. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune)
April 2, 2014 City Council urges President Obama to stop deporting 'individuals with no criminal history' The City Council passes a resolution encouraging Congress and President Barack Obama to pursue immigration reform. "Children and their families should not have to live in fear of government-forced separation," it stated.
Nov. 18, 2015 Alderman pushes for Rauner to reverse decision on Syrian refugees Following the Paris terrorist attacks, 31 governors -- including then-Indiana Gov. and now-Vice President Mike Pence and Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner -- sought to turn away Syrian refugees from their states. In a resolution reaffirming Chicago's sanctuary city status and "refuge for refugees from around the world," Ald. Ed Burke, 14th, says it's up to the federal government to make that decision. Fatima Adris and her son Osama Omarien, 2, were on hand when the City Council backed a resolution asking Gov. Bruce Rauner to reverse his decision on accepting refugees Nov. 18, 2015. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Oct. 5, 2016 City workers, police can't use immigration status for intimidation Following Jianqing Klyzek's case, aldermen amend 2012's Welcoming City ordinance to require that reports of "physical abuse, threats or intimidation" against immigrants, in the U.S. legally or illegally, be sent to oversight agencies that cover the Chicago Police Department and other city agencies. Surveillance footage from the raid on July 31, 2013, shows Jianqing Klyzek, 32, shortly after Chicago police officers entered the Copper Tan and Spa. Klyzek says she was hit in the head by a Chicago police officer while she knelt on the floor. (Image from video via Klyzek's attorney)
Oct. 12, 2016 Municipal ID program launches Suggested in 2015 by a City Council ordinance, Mayor Emanuel launches a program to give all Chicagoans -- including immigrants in the U.S. illegally, the homeless, the formerly incarcerated, young adults and the elderly -- official identification that will not convey information about national origin or legal status. New City Clerk Anna Valencia will oversee the program.
Nov. 13, 2016 Following Donald Trump's election, Mayor Emanuel defends city's stance "Since the Presidential Election, there has been a sense of uncertainty among many immigrant communities in Chicago and across the nation. I want to assure all of our families that Chicago is and will remain a Sanctuary City," Mayor Emanuel said in a Nov. 13, 2016, news release. "Chicago has been a city of immigrants since it was founded. We have always welcomed people of all faiths and backgrounds, and while the administration will change, our values and our commitment to inclusion will not." Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks during a news conference at Lurie Children's Hospital the day following his statement. (Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)
Dec. 5, 2016 City looks for Rauner's backing of sanctuary status A resolution sponsored by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, new Democratic state Comptroller Susana Mendoza and 35 of the city's 50 aldermen calls on Governor Bruce Rauner to issue a statement of "support for cities that welcome our undocumented family members and neighbors and condemn any effort to strip the city of Chicago of federal funding." The resolution calls on Rauner to speak at a special council meeting "held solely for the purpose of discussing the president-elect's plans for cities that welcome and protect immigrants." Asked to respond to the specifics of the city resolution, a Rauner spokeswoman instead issued a general statement reiterating the governor's support for immigration reform.
Jan. 25, 2017 Emanuel defends city from President Trump's threats In response to President Trump's signing of an executive order intended to block federal funding to sanctuary cities like Chicago, Mayor Emanuel says, "There is no stranger among us. We welcome people." The city's aldermen vote to reaffirm that Chicago protects all residents regardless of race, ethnicity, immigration status, criminal record, gender identity and sexual orientation. "You mess with one in Chicago, you mess with all of us," said Northwest Side Ald. John Arena, 45th. Mayor Rahm Emanuel presides over the meeting of the Chicago City Council on Jan. 25, 2017. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Jan. 27, 2017 Chicago advocates condemn Trump's order on migrants Chicago immigration reform advocates and Muslim leaders denounced President Donald Trump's executive order to temporarily block refugees coming to the U.S. while the government reviews screening processes, calling it an effective ban on Muslims in America. In issuing the order, which calls for a four-month halt on all refugee admissions, an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees and a temporary moratorium on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries with terrorism concerns, Trump said he seeks to protect the nation from terrorist attacks. He called for a review of all screening procedures for those seeking immigrant visas to the U.S. Demonstrators converge in reaction to the executive order travel ban on Jan. 29, 2017, outside Terminal 5 of O'Hare International Airport. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)
Jan. 30, 2017 'Safeguarding Sanctuary Cities Act' introduced in U.S. House Rep. Mike Quigley, of Chicago, and 32 Democrats introduce a bill that would "ensure that federal funds cannot be unduly withheld from any state or local authority that limits or restricts compliance with a voluntary immigration detainer request." This bill was introduced during a previous session of Congress but was not advanced.
Feb. 10, 2017 Rauner doesn't take a position on Democrats' immigration plan Asked if he would support legislation to make it harder for federal authorities to access information about immigrants living in Illinois, Governor Bruce Rauner didn't reply yes or no, saying he is "very pro-comprehensive immigration reform" and wants the state "to continue to be welcoming and diverse." Legislation under consideration at the state Capitol would allow schools, medical facilities and places of worship to decline access to federal immigration authorities, and it would limit cooperation and communication between local police and immigration officials. The plans were introduced as part of a broader "sanctuary state" effort to extend statewide some protections like those in Chicago and Cook County, where local laws prohibit government workers and police officers from asking about residents' immigration status. The legislation is sponsored by Democrats, and their party controls the General Assembly. Pressed to provide his position on the sanctuary state idea Friday, Rauner declined. "I've answered it," he said. "I've said what I'm going to say." Gov. Bruce Rauner takes questions from members the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board on Feb. 1, 2017. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
March 15, 2017 Former sanctuary seeker allowed to stay in the U.S. another year following ICE meeting Elvira Arellano, the twice-deported immigration activist whose year of living in a Humboldt Park church a decade ago made her a lightning rod in the immigration debate, was granted a reprieve and allowed to remain in the United States for another year. She is awaiting a hearing on her petition for political asylum, which she filed three years ago. Elvira Arellano, 42, was allowed to stay in the U.S. another year following her annual check-in with Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Chicago on March 15, 2017, the third such appointment since she returned to the U.S. in 2014. (Abel Uribe/Chicago Tribune)
March 27, 2017 U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions says sanctuary cities could lose federal funding Attorney General Jeff Sessions says he is "urging states and local jurisdictions to comply with these federal laws." He says the Justice Department will require compliance with immigration laws in order for the cities to receive grants through the Office of Justice Programs. The Obama administration had a similar policy in place.
July 25, 2017 Justice Department rules intensify crackdown on sanctuary cities like Chicago The Justice Department escalated its promised crackdown on so-called sanctuary cities, saying it will no longer give cities coveted grant money unless they give federal immigration authorities access to jails and provide advance notice when someone in the country illegally is about to be released. In this file photo, Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaks in Columbus, Ohio on Aug. 2, 2017. (Jay LaPrete/AP Photo)
Aug. 7, 2017 Emanuel sues Trump's Justice Department over sanctuary city policy Mayor Emanuel's Law Department files its much-touted lawsuit against President Donald Trump's Justice Department over its effort to withhold some grant funding from so-called sanctuary cities.
Aug. 16, 2017 Sessions blasts sanctuary cities, singling out Chicago During a news conference in Miami, Sessions vowed to continue fighting cities that refuse to cooperate with immigration authorities -- aiming much of his frustration at Chicago.
Aug. 23, 2017 Mother of 6 seeks sanctuary in a Chicago church to avoid deportation Francisca Lino, 50, a Bolingbrook resident and mother of six children -- five of them U.S. citizens -- is taking sanctuary in the same Chicago church that protected immigration activist Elvira Arellano. Lino was scheduled to meet with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, but, instead, she held a West Side news conference at Adalberto United Methodist Church in Humboldt Park. Francisca and Diego Lino, left with their twin daughters Juliana, 15, middle and Judith in the room where Francisca is taking sanctuary. The Lino family along with their supporters gathered at Adalberto Church in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood on Aug. 23, 2017 to announce that Francisca Lino, who was required to turn herself into immigration that day, will instead take sanctuary in the church. (Nancy Stone/Chicago Tribune)
Sept. 15, 2017 Judge rules in city's favor on sanctuary cities, grants nationwide injunction A federal judge in Chicago blocked the Trump administration's rules requiring so-called sanctuary cities to cooperate with immigration agents in order to get a public safety grant.
Oct. 13, 2017 Chicago judge refuses to change ruling on sanctuary cities U.S. District Judge Harry Leinenweber said Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration could suffer "irreparable harm" in its relationship with the immigrant community if it were to comply with the U.S. Department of Justice's new rules requiring sanctuary cities nationaide to cooperate with immigration agents in exchange for receiving public safety grant money.
November 2017 Lino's attorneys file a civil rights lawsuit They allege the U.S. government violated her Fifth Amendment rights and expeditiously deported her in 1999 without due process.
April 19, 2018 Emanuel wins legal victory in sanctuary city lawsuit The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago upholds a nationwide injunction prohibiting Attorney General Sessions from requiring cities to give immigration agents access to immigrants in the U.S. illegally who are in their lockups, in order to get certain public safety grants. Following the ruling, Mayor Emanuel calls on President Trump's Justice Department to hand over grant money to Chicago.
October 2018 Chicago sues Trump administration for withholding police funding The city has already sued over the matter, but now the DOJ has imposed a new round of restrictions, city officials say. Among other things, the new stipulations include requiring local police to inform immigration officials about immigrants in custody who have questionable legal status and allowing them to access the prisoners for questioning.
July 27, 2018 Judge: Feds can't dock sanctuary cities A federal judge sides with the city of Chicago in its sanctuary city lawsuit, ruling that the Trump administration does not have the authority to withhold federal public safety funding from the city if it limits its cooperation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials. Chicago Corporation Counsel Ed Siskel, shown in 2017 addressing the lawsuit against the Justice Department, called the July 27, 2018, ruling "another significant legal victory for Chicago." (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)
May 2019 Pregnant mother of three takes sanctuary inside Chicago church Adilene Marquina Adam, 34, says she was told to report to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Instead, the family takes refuge inside a small storefront church, the Faith, Life and Hope Mission, on 63rd Street in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood. Adilene Marquina Adam with her son Joshua Pino Marquine, 3, inside the Mision, Fe, Vida Y Esperanza church in Chicago on May 22, 2019. (Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune)
Sept. 26, 2019 Mayor Lightfoot upstages ICE press conference Robert Guadian, ICE's newly appointed Chicago field office director, held a news conference to underscore what he said are the dangers of local police not cooperating with his agency in so-called sanctuary cities like Chicago. But outside of ICE's Chicago office, Lightfoot appeared with a group of immigration activists and called Guadian's criticism of the city's sanctuary ordinance "nonsense." Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks at a rally outside the Chicago ICE office on Sept. 26, 2019, to denounce recent actions taken by the immigration agency. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
Oct. 28, 2019 President Trump makes his first visit to Chicago as the nation's chief executive Speaking at the annual gathering of the International Association of Chiefs of Police at McCormick Place, Trump slammed Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson in front of his peers and criticized the type of federal order the city is under to reform the CPD. Trump also called Chicago "the worst sanctuary city in America" and cited the refusal of the city's Police Department under Johnson to detain people in the country illegally for immigration enforcement. President Donald Trump speaks at the International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference at McCormick Place on Oct. 28, 2019. (E. Jason Wambsgans/Chicago Tribune)
Feb. 15, 2020 Border Patrol to deploy to Chicago The Trump administration is deploying law enforcement tactical units from the southern border as part of a supercharged arrest operation in sanctuary cities across the country, including Chicago, an escalation in the president's battle against localities that refuse to participate in immigration enforcement. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot released a video condemning the news that additional agents were being sent to sanctuary cities to help immigration enforcement, and warned residents that they did not have to open doors to anyone who doesn't have a warrant. No matter what the Trump administration does, remember that you have power and you are not alone. Chicago will always stand strong and we will use all of our tools to make sure everyone is safe. pic.twitter.com/q4FPklwxrw Mayor Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) February 15, 2020
Feb. 18, 2020 City leaders call for end to attacks on immigrants Chicago politicians and immigrant advocates vowed to push back against plans by President Trump's administration to deploy tactical units from the southern border to strengthen immigration enforcement in Chicago and other so-called sanctuary cities. U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia contended the timing of the initiative was intended to "instill fear" in immigrants not just about deportation but about participating in the 2020 census. "The timing is no accident," Garcia said at a news conference. "The attempted intimidation has a clear purpose: It is to intimidate our neighbors who are Latino, African American, Asian American communities in particular, not to open their doors. Trump succeeds if we do that. Trump wants us to be undercounted in our communities so that we would lose federal resources and services that are vital to our communities and weaken our political power." U.S. Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia holds a news conference to demand an end to President Trump's attacks against sanctuary cities and in defense of immigrants and refugees at the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago on Feb. 18, 2020. (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune)
April 30, 2020 Judges rule in favor of Chicago in sanctuary city fight with Trump Justice Department President Donald Trump's Justice Department can't withhold federal grants from sanctuary cities such as Chicago that extend protections to undocumented immigrants, a federal appeals court ruled. Mayor Lori Lightfoot said she was delighted by the ruling, saying she "let out a cheer" when she found out about it. The battle started in 2017, when Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the federal government would require sanctuary cities that want federal public safety funding to give notice when immigrants in the country illegally are about to be released from custody and allow immigration agents access to local jails.
Drew Peterson has been transferred out of custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections and into federal prison.
Peterson was transferred to a federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind., a source said. The Bureau of Prisons website Tuesday evening listed Peterson as a registered inmate but did not provide further information. The reason for the transfer was not immediately clear.
The former Bolingbrook police officer convicted of killing his third wife and trying to arrange a hit on the prosecutor who put him behind bars had been incarcerated at Menard Correctional Center in downstate Chester.
IDOC spokeswoman Nicole Wilson released the following statement:
"Drew Peterson has been transferred out of IDOC custody. For safety and security purposes, the IDOC does not discuss details concerning the placement of offenders who are transferred under the terms of the Interstate Compact Agreement."
Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy, disappeared nine years ago. He is the sole suspect in her disappearance, authorities have said, but he has not been charged with a crime related to her case.
Will County state's attorney spokesman Chuck Pelkie said IDOC's decision to transfer Peterson out of its custody had no connection to the ongoing investigation into Stacy Peterson's disappearance.
Drew Peterson's adult son Stephen told the Tribune last month that he believes his father killed his third wife, Kathleen Savio, and is responsible for Stacy's disappearance as well.
Peterson, 63, was convicted last year of trying to arrange from prison for a hit man to kill Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow.
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A 19-year-old man accused of shooting a man in Englewood last month, then shooting him again when the man swore at him, was denied bail Monday.
Rashaad Collins, 19, is accused of shooting a 27-year-old man who was walking home on the 900 block of West 71st Street about 10:10 a.m. Jan. 31. Cook County Judge Peggy Chiampas ordered Collins held without bail in a hearing Monday afternoon on the aggravated battery with a firearm charge against him.
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The victim reported that Collins and another man, who the victim recognized as someone nicknamed "Chicken," fired at him, hitting him in the right leg. The victim called Collins and the second attacker a crude word implying that they were weak, and Collins responded by shooting him in his genitals.
Facebook photos of Collins holding a gun aided in his arrest on aggravated battery charges Friday. Prosecutors could not provide any more information on the second attacker.
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The man who was shot was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn in good condition, according to a police report.
Three men were taken into custody for questioning after a more than five-hour standoff with Chicago police Monday evening in the Jeffery Manor neighborhood on the Far South Side, police said.
About 5:10 p.m., police responded to a call of gunfire in the 9800 block of South Bensley Avenue, according to police. A man then barricaded himself in a home.
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The incident then developed into a barricade situation, and a police SWAT team was called in. The barricade situation ended about 10:45 p.m. with police taking three men into custody.
There weren't any reported injuries, police said.
Drone footage shows S.H. Bell, a Pittsburgh-based firm that stockpiles manganese and other materials near former petcoke sites along the Calumet River. Feb. 18, 2017. (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune) (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)
Dusty mounds of petroleum coke are gone from Chicago, but federal and city officials discovered a potentially more dangerous type of pollution while investigating the black piles that once towered above the East Side neighborhood.
Air monitors posted around two storage terminals on the Calumet River during 2014 and 2015 detected alarming levels of manganese, a heavy metal used in steelmaking that can permanently damage the nervous system and trigger learning difficulties, memory loss and anxiety.
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Investigators have an educated guess about which company is responsible for the pollution. Yet their efforts to pinpoint the culprit and crack down on its emissions have been thwarted for nearly three years.
The chief suspect, S.H. Bell Co., a Pittsburgh-based firm that stockpiles manganese and other materials near the former petcoke sites, has repeatedly ignored city regulations adopted in 2014 that require bulk storage operators to install air pollution monitors around the perimeter of their properties. The company also spurned a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency request for monitoring equipment, prompting the EPA to sue S.H. Bell in federal court last year.
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Now the company, which denies it is responsible for the pollution, is resisting the city's efforts to get the monitors installed before a March 1 deadline S.H. Bell agreed to as part of a legal settlement with federal authorities.
The ongoing dispute highlights the difficulties regulators often face when enforcing public health laws. Environmental lawyers say it will be even tougher to fight polluters if President Donald Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress follow through on plans to gut the EPA's enforcement office and dramatically reduce the agency's workforce.
"Cases like this show why it's so important to have government agencies looking out for communities when corporations dig in their heels and do everything they can to avoid complying with the law," said Mary Gade, who was forced out of the top EPA job in Chicago during President George W. Bush's administration after she forced Dow Chemical to speed up the removal of toxic waste near its Michigan headquarters. "Without a well-trained, experienced enforcement staff, it's easier for companies to cut corners in ways that can harm people."
About 20,000 people, including 1,730 ages 5 and younger, live in low-income, predominantly Latino neighborhoods within a mile of the S.H. Bell facility between 101st and 103rd streets. Parents at Gallistel Language Academy, five blocks away from the storage terminal, said they knew little about the company beyond the dump trucks they see rumbling through its gates.
Unlike the gritty, lung-damaging dust that blew through the neighborhood from petcoke storage facilities, the flakes of manganese that worry federal scientists generally aren't visible.
Researchers who once assumed the health hazards were limited to steelworkers are increasingly concerned about concentrations detected in the air surrounding facilities that handle manganese. Regular exposure to high levels of the heavy metal can cause manganism, a condition with symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease, and make it more difficult for children to learn and remember.
"We thought we had won a big victory, getting the petcoke out of here so it is safe for our kids to breathe outside," said Veronica Gutierrez, president of the Gallistel PTA. "This manganese is all really new to us, but we don't like what we're hearing."
Inspectors began taking a closer look at S.H. Bell in 2014 after reviewing data from pollution monitors the EPA required around two sites operated by KCBX Terminals, a company owned by the conservative industrialists Charles and David Koch, who are major financial backers of congressional efforts to strip the EPA of its powers.
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KCBX shuttered one of its Chicago sites and stopped storing petcoke at the other after the EPA accused the company of violating the federal Clean Air Act and Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration adopted the city's stringent regulations for bulk storage facilities.
The federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, an arm of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, later confirmed the petcoke dust posed a health hazard. Buried in the agency's report about KCBX was another startling finding: The pollution monitors picked up spikes of manganese on days when winds blew from the vicinity of S.H. Bell across the river.
A company spokeswoman said there is no proof it is responsible for the pollution and noted that other facilities in the area also handle manganese, which is used to make steel stronger and more rust-resistant. An email response to questions from the Tribune described the element as a "naturally occurring substance" and an "essential nutrient for human health."
"S.H. Bell believes it has a duty to comply with environmental regulations, and consistently invests in best available technology in order to do so," the company email said.
Court records and other documents detail a contentious history with government regulators.
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office cited S.H. Bell in 2012 for failing for more than six years to have a valid environmental permit . State regulators in 2006 had requested more information about the effectiveness of the company's pollution controls but S.H. Bell never responded, according to the complaint.
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Under city regulations, the company should have installed pollution monitors in 2014. The Chicago Department of Public Health has denied multiple requests for an exemption.
The EPA, citing its authority under the federal Clean Air Act, filed its own request for monitors in March 2015. After giving the company more than a year to comply, the government filed its lawsuit in federal court.
S.H. Bell's attorneys have argued in court documents and letters that the company is struggling financially and shouldn't be required to install the monitors until after it takes steps to tamp down dust. During a September hearing, a company attorney argued the EPA "didn't have a rational scientific basis" for requesting the equipment.
U.S. District Judge Thomas M. Durkin questioned why it took federal prosecutors so long to haul S.H. Bell into court. He also was skeptical of the company's defense.
"I'm very uncomfortable with the fact that a company that claims to be complying with environmental laws won't allow equipment on their property to prove it," Durkin said.
Regulators already have years of experience fighting S.H. Bell in Ohio, where federal and state officials have pushed the company to curb manganese emissions from its facilities near East Liverpool, a struggling factory town on the Pennsylvania border west of Pittsburgh.
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The Ohio EPA has cited S.H. Bell four times since 2008 for allowing manganese dust to blow into surrounding areas. A 2010 federal study found that people living near the Ohio facilities were more likely to suffer body tremors and have problems with motor skills ailments linked to chronic manganese exposure.
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In September, federal scientists reported that average manganese concentrations in East Liverpool were higher during the past two years than they were a decade ago. The findings prompted another crackdown that resulted in a federal legal settlement announced last month.
S.H. Bell agreed to install pollution monitors around its property, install video cameras to track its equipment and take additional steps to reduce manganese dust. The deal also included a common provision allowing S.H. Bell to avoid taking responsibility for the pollution.
John Walke, an EPA lawyer in the Clinton administration who now works at the nonprofit Natural Resources Defense Council, said it is not surprising that companies put up a fight when accused of violating environmental laws. But there are signs the Trump administration may pull back on filing enforcement cases in the first place.
Scott Pruitt, newly sworn in as Trump's EPA administrator, abolished an environmental enforcement division while serving as Oklahoma attorney general and has led or taken part in 14 lawsuits that challenged the federal agency's authority
"We're talking about the bread-and-butter protections that Americans have come to expect," Walke said. "The public assumes somebody is looking out for them, but it takes political will and people enforcing the law to do that."
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Barbara Welch, of Des Plaines, holds up a sign protesting President Donald Trump during a rally at Wabash Avenue and Wacker Drive in Chicago on Feb. 20, 2017. (Terrence Antonio James / Chicago Tribune)
Michelle Brasure recalls little of past Presidents Days, except learning about Washington and Lincoln in grade school.
Artist Debby Spertus remembers coloring in stovepipe hats as a kid, but that's about it.
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Graduate student Samantha Kray says she has virtually no memories of the holiday: "I just remember having the day off."
But Monday, they said, was extremely memorable and meaningful. They joined hundreds of protesters in downtown Chicago to rally against President Donald Trump. Police at the event estimated about 800 protesters attended the rally.
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"I'm doing something for my country, instead of just having the day off," Spertus said.
Buoyed by sunny skies and temperatures in the mid-60s, the protesters chanted, "Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho, Donald Trump has got to go"; took pictures of each other's homemade signs; and listened to speakers who assailed Trump, his Cabinet picks and his policies. In the background, across the Chicago River, loomed the 98-story Trump condo and hotel tower.
The protest was part of numerous "Not My Presidents Day" rallies in U.S. cities.
"Donald Trump does not represent our values, and therefore we refuse to honor him on Presidents Day," local rally organizers wrote on their Facebook page. "He was elected by a minority of the American public but governs as if there's no resistance."
Many protesters said they had a variety of problems with Trump; several who were interviewed had trouble naming the issue that angered them the most. "It's hard to pick just one," said Kray, the graduate student.
Allison McCarthy, a teaching assistant in Evanston, said, "Every day it's something new." She ticked off her concerns: Racism. Immigration. Refugees. Women's rights.
Signs in the crowd reflected the range of issues: "Hands off our EPA." "Babes against bigotry." "Black lives matter." "I stand with Planned Parenthood."
One summed it up: "So many issues, so little sign." And this one yielded many laughs: "Pray for Sweden."
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Brasure came to the rally with her 15-year-old son, Oliver Bunzli, who carried a sign that said "Fake President." She said she is fearful what Trump might do next.
"I'm nostalgic for George W. Bush," Brasure said. "I never thought I would say that."
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Oliver said he doesn't like Trump because "he acts so immature and is disrespectful to those who don't agree with him."
A 9-year-old girl held a sign reading, "My Grandma is a Muslim immigrant." Her mother, Melanie Turek, drew the block letters, and the girl, Sofia, colored them in.
Turek, a teacher from La Grange Park, said Sofia's grandmother is from Egypt. "It saddens me that the leader of our country is making a religion negative in people's minds."
She said she welcomed the opportunity to bring Sofia and her 5-year-old sister, Chloe, to the rally. "They will remember this more than Disneyland," she said.
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Community organizer Michelle Hoppe Villegas said she came to the rally because Trump "is taking the country completely off the rails." She said she is particularly concerned about any ties Trump might have with Russia.
Friend Debby Spertus, the artist, said the rally helped make Presidents Day relevant. "It's an idea we can galvanize around and ask, 'What does the presidency mean?'"
sroe@chicagotribune.com
Masked thieves brokes into a car dealership in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood on the Northwest Side early Tuesday, but they were unable to find keys for any of the cars, police said.
Just before 1:40 a.m., a security company monitoring the cameras of the dealership in the 5200 block of West Irving Park Road noticed five masked men were inside the business, police said.
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One of the men got in through a broken window of a service door, and he then let the other robbers into the business, police said.
The men were not able to find the keys to the vehicles, and they weren't able to leave with any cars, police said.
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No one was in custody.
On Sunday, five cars valued at more than $205,000 were stolen from a Libertyville dealership and later were involved in a high-speed chase in Wisconsin, according to Libertyville police officials.
Sunday's heist came after six cars were stolen Feb. 13 from an Infinity dealership in Clarendon Hills, four BMWs and a Porsche were stolen Feb. 3 from the Autobarn Mazda in Evanston, and five luxury cars were stolen in late January from a Mercedes dealership in Glencoe.
A 22-year-old man has gone missing from the Southwest Side, and authorities are seeking the public's help in locating him, Chicago police said.
Mario Leon, of the 4200 block of South Washtenaw Avenue, in the Brighton Park neighborhood, was last seen Thursday, police said.
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He was wearing a navy jacket, gray sweatshirt, dark blue jeans and brown work boots.
Leon's family said he may be in need of medical attention.
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If located, call 911 or contact Area Central Detectives at 312-747-8380.
An activities assistant at New Trier High School has been charged with theft, official misconduct and unlawful use of an account number following an investigation by school officials and police, according to the Winnetka Police Department.
Jeanine M. Brooks, 36, of the 8500 block of West Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago, was charged as a result of "potential fraudulent activity" discovered by New Trier officials who subsequently notified the Winnetka police, according to a press release issued Monday by police. It said Winnetka police conducted an investigation that included the execution of a search warrant at Brooks' residence.
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Details of the alleged crimes were not immediately available, but the release said they allegedly occurred during the 2016-2017 school year and that Brooks was charged with theft of more than $10,000 but less than $100,000. Brooks was taken to a bond hearing on Feb.18, where bond was set at $25,000, it said. She could not immediately be reached for comment.
New Trier communications director Nicole Dizon said Monday she could not say if Brooks is still employed in the district because it is a personnel matter, but she said an activities assistant typically works with the more than 150 extracurricular student work clubs at the two schools.
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Brian Cox is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.
*Birthday wishes for the governor? How about $5: Gov. Rauner marked his 61st birthday over the holiday weekend, and his political team let supporters know how they could help celebrate.
Saturday was Governor Rauners birthday and we need your help to celebrate! said an email from the Rauner campaign. Were rallying all of Team Rauner to show their support for Bruce by chipping in $5 on his birthday.
The Republican governor in December put $50 million of his own money into his campaign fund for his re-election, and his political aides have said there was plenty more to come an effort to dissuade potential Democratic challengers. He also declared on his tax forms a state taxable income of $188 million for 2015.
Governor Rauner is constantly working to put the people of Illinois first, and his birthday is a great opportunity to show him that he has our support, the fundraising email said. Chip in $5 to wish the governor a happy birthday and to show him that you are on his team as he works to bring back Illinois.
First Lady Diana Rauner also tweeted out a birthday message to her husband on Saturday: Happy birthday to my best friend @GovRauner! I couldn't ask for a better partner and a more loving husband. The governors response: Thanks @ILFirstLady, there's no one I'd rather celebrate with. (Rick Pearson)
*Municipal agenda: Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Brad Cole and other mayors are scheduled to unveil their legislative agenda on Tuesday in Springfield.
The Moving Cities Forward package includes the state automatically paying out motor fuel tax, 911, use tax and gaming revenues an outgrowth of the states historic budget impasse.
In addition, the group also is seeking changes in workers compensation and prevailing wage laws, an expansion of home rule eligibility for smaller municipalities and a consolidation of municipal public safety pension funds. (Rick Pearson)
*Duckworth delivers Democratic response: U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth delivered the Democratic response over the weekend to President Donald Trump, accusing him of a series of broken promises, including saying this is not the presidency we were promised.
Duckworth said Trump broke a promise to fully remove himself from his business interests and to drain the swamp of special interests, who she said who are assisting him in the Cabinet or as advisers. She also said Trump has raised threats to Mexico that could harm U.S. exports and hurt Midwestern farmers.
Duckworth also criticized Trump over former national security adviser Michael Flynn, who was forced to resign after not being forthcoming with Vice President Mike Pence over conversations with the Russian ambassador over U.S. sanctions against Russia.
...President Trumps choice left himself exposed to blackmail, betrayed our countrys interests andjust 24 days into the joblost the trust of the commander in chief and the American people, Duckworth said. Senior Democrats know the American people deserve an independent and transparent investigation into who at the White House knew about General Flynns contacts with the Russians and when they knew it, she said.
Duckworth said, We can and should expect much more from our leaders, but the bare minimum the American people should accept in a president is truth and accountability, standards she said Senate Democrats would work to hold Trump to. (Rick Pearson)
*How they voted, EPA edition: Illinois' two democratic U.S. senators both again voted against a nominee for President Donald Trump' cabinet, this time Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt.
Sens. Dick Durbin and Duckworth joined other Democrats in voting against Pruitt, but Republicans prevailed to confirm him by a 52-46 vote Friday.
"Pruitt has demonstrated time and again his unwillingness to accept the science of climate change and his contempt for the laws protecting our air and drinking water," Durbin said in a statement. "The Trump Administration has made American great for polluters again."
Duckworth and Durbin, along with many Democrats, have often voted similarly on Trump's picks. He has criticized lawmakers for not confirming his cabinet nominees more quickly.
*The Sunday Spin: On this week's show, Chicago Tribune political reporter Rick Pearsons guests were Martha Jo Black, author of Joe Black: More than a Dodger; Michael Mini, executive vice president of the Chicagoland Apartment Association; state Sen. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park; and Steve Ferkau, a volunteer for the Respiratory Health Association who received a double lung transplant in 2000. Listen to the full show here.
What we're writing
*Rauners pivot on Senate budget plan provides political breathing room.
*Democratic U.S. Rep. Bustos won't run for Illinois governor in 2018.
*Federal prosecutors allege Dorothy Brown took bribe, but her lawyer calls it loan.
*Chicago Urban League settles lawsuit with state over alleged school funding discrimination.
*Bob Michel, Illinois Republican leader skilled at compromise, dies at 93.
*Madigan: Lawmakers will consider Rauner's plan to sell the Thompson Center.
*Mayoral candidates square off in suburban election primaries.
*Former CDOT supervisor set for $370,000 settlement after alleged false arrest.
*Little Village streets, restaurants quiet as deportation fears rise.
*Trump to visit S.C. Boeing plant days after workers reject union.
*Schneider's town hall meeting draws large crowd.
What we're reading
President Donald Trump spoke out against anti-Semitic threats Tuesday, but his words were not enough for the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect, whose executive director called the president's acknowledgment of anti-Semitism a "Band-Aid on the cancer of Antisemitism that has infected his own Administration."
"The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community at community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," Trump said after a visit to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.
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He also called his tour of the museum a "meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms." Trump told NBC News earlier in the day that anti-Semitism was "horrible," and was "going to stop."
On Tuesday morning, Steven Goldstein, executive director of the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect, blasted Trump in a Facebook post.
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"His statement today is a pathetic asterisk of condescension after weeks in which he and his staff have committed grotesque acts and omissions reflecting Antisemitism, yet day after day have refused to apologize and correct the record," Goldstein said in the statement. "Make no mistake: The Antisemitism coming out of this Administration is the worst we have ever seen from any Administration."
The statement continued:
"The White House repeatedly refused to mention Jews in its Holocaust remembrance, and had the audacity to take offense when the world pointed out the ramifications of Holocaust denial. And it was only yesterday, Presidents' Day, that Jewish Community Centers across the nation received bomb threats, and the President said absolutely nothing. When President Trump responds to Antisemitism proactively and in real time, and without pleas and pressure, that's when we'll be able to say this President has turned a corner. This is not that moment."
In a tweet, the center wrote: ".@POTUS @realDonaldTrump do not make us Jews settle for crumbs of condescension. What are you going to do about #Antsemitism in @WhiteHouse."
.@POTUS @realDonaldTrump do not make us Jews settle for crumbs of condescension. What are you going to do about #Antsemitism in @WhiteHouse pic.twitter.com/95Z5GP1OBc Anne Frank Center (@AnneFrankCenter) February 21, 2017
Trump's comments came after Jewish community centers across the country were hit with bomb threats, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The organization said in a news release that this was the fourth "series of such threats" this year. They also followed the news that more than 170 gravestones at a Jewish cemetery in Missouri had been found toppled.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Tuesday reported that the vandalism occurred over the weekend and was under investigation.
The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect has its headquarters in New York and an office in Los Angeles, according its website. It has previously been critical of Trump.
The Trump administration in January was criticized for not mentioning Jews in a statement issued on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Trump remembered "the victims, survivors, heroes of the Holocaust" but did not specifically mention Jewish people in the brief statement.
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"I don't regret the words," White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said, when he was asked to defend the statement during a "Meet the Press" appearance.
Priebus added: "Everyone's suffering [in] the Holocaust including obviously all of the Jewish people affected and miserable genocide that occurs - it's something that we consider to be extraordinarily sad."
Trump on Feb. 15 was asked about what he was going to do to about the increase in anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S. since his campaign and Election Day victory. He responded by talking about his electoral college win. And at a news conference Thursday, he was asked about the increase in anti-Semitism.
"Number one, I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life," Trump said. "Number two, racism, the least racist person."
Ukrainian oligarch Dimitri Firtash successfully fought efforts to bring him to face justice in a Chicago courtroom for most of President Barack Obama's second term.
But now an Austrian court has ordered the billionaire who has ties to both the Kremlin and to President Donald Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort be extradited to the U.S. to face racketeering charges.
Taken into custody in Vienna by Austrian police following the court's ruling Tuesday, Firtash is also wanted by Spanish authorities. But the odds of him finally standing before a federal judge in Chicago have gone up considerably.
And Firtash has assembled a formidable all-star American legal team to defend him.
Former U.S. Attorney Dan Webb, Clinton White House counsel Lanny Davis and former Homeland Security secretary Michael Chertoff have all been hired by Firtash, who denies allegations that he bribed Indian politicians while masterminding an international racket that sought to sell titanium to Chicago-based Boeing.
Though none of the legal eagles has appeared in a Chicago court on Firtash's behalf since he was indicted in his absence in 2013, Webb told the Tribune on Tuesday that he has been representing the oligarch "for two and a half years" while Firtash fights efforts to bring him to the U.S.
Webb said he was "very disappointed" that an Austrian appellate court on Tuesday overturned a lower court's previous ruling that the Obama-era U.S. Department of Justice had been politically motivated and was seeking to punish allies of Russian leader Vladimir Putin when it indicted Firtash in the wake of the Russian annexation of Crimea.
Firtash, who had been free in Austria on a bond of $174 million, was taken into custody and must now be brought to Chicago to stand trial unless Austrian Justice Minister Wolfgang Brandstetter intervenes on his behalf, the Austrian court ruled Tuesday. It was unclear what impact the case brought by Spanish authorities will have on the efforts to bring him to the U.S.
The oligarch's business dealings with Manafort are detailed in court filings in a separate, civil case in New York and add an intriguing wrinkle to a case that already had the potential for wide-ranging repercussions. Manafort's ties to Russia are under federal investigation, according to The New York Times.
Asked Tuesday whether the Trump administration might be less interested in prosecuting Firtash than the Obama administration was, Webb told the Tribune that he didn't "want to get out over my skis it's not my place to comment on that."
But he added, "Mr. Firtash had a huge victory in the Austrian trial court where a judge previously found that the case was politically motivated. I'm very disappointed that has been overturned."
Chicago U.S. Attorney's office spokesman Joseph Fitzpatrick declined to comment on the case, or to say when Firtash might appear in Chicago, but thanked "the government of Austria for its close cooperation." Messages sent to the White House and to Manafort were not returned.
Associated Press contributed.
kjanssen@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @kimjnews
At least 10 Jewish Community Centers across the country, including one in Chicago, were the target of bomb threats Monday, according to officials.
A threat to a facility in the 5200 block of South Hyde Park Boulevard about 10:10 a.m. Monday brought police to the scene, but officers and staff found no evidence that the threat was bona fide, according to police. No evacuation was necessary, according to police. The Hyde Park Jewish Community Center is at 5200 S. Hyde Park.
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In upstate New York, a bomb threat that forced the Jewish Community Center to evacuate two buildings in Buffalo and Amherst late Monday morning was part of a nationwide effort that saw at least 10 such centers targeted with similar threats, according to local and national officials.
Similar threats were reported Monday Presidents Day in Cleveland, Houston, Tampa, Fla., Nashville, Tenn., Birmingham, Ala., Albuquerque, N.M., St. Paul, Minn., Milwaukee and Whitefish Bay, Wis., according to media reports and local Jewish Community Center officials.
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In all, 48 JCCs in 26 states and one Canadian province received nearly 60 bomb threats during January, according to an association of Jewish community centers across the nation. Those threats have continued in February.
Following an earlier round of threats there have been at least four instances in which multiple Jewish centers have been targeted with telephone threats on the same day the FBI confirmed that it is investigating the threats.
"The FBI and the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division are investigating possible civil rights violations in connection with threats to Jewish Community Centers across the country," a national FBI spokeswoman said in a statement late in January. She refused to provide further information, citing the ongoing investigation of the threats.
A Chicago FBI spokesman cited the earlier statement as all the information being released by the FBI regarding the threats.
On Monday, the community centers in Amherst and Buffalo, N.Y., were evacuated immediately following the threat phoned in to the Amherst facility. Law enforcement officials searched both buildings, nothing was found, and both centers reopened within 2 1/2 hours.
The bomb threat was made about 11:15 a.m., according to Amherst Assistant Police Chief Charles Cohen. Everyone in the building was evacuated to a nearby location, and the all-clear alert was sounded around 12:45 p.m.
"The NFTA dog helped us with a sweep," Cohen said. "Areas where we couldn't get a dog in were visually checked by officers and staff."
In Buffalo, evacuees were taken to a nearby building. After Buffalo police investigated, the facility reopened by 1:30 p.m., according to witnesses on the scene.
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"They accomplished what they wanted," local JCC Executive Director Richard A. Zakalik said of the people coordinating the threats. "The whole point was to scare and disrupt. Nevertheless, we take it very seriously, and we follow the procedures and protocols that are in place."
Zakalik thanked County Executive Mark Poloncarz, the State Police and other law-enforcement agencies that have reached out to help establish those procedures. And in a written statement to JCC members, Zakalik also praised his staff's professional actions and the members' cooperation in evacuating so quickly.
The Buffalo News via Tribune Content Agency; the Chicago Tribune's Liam Ford contributed.
Different varieties of marijuana are displayed at a marijuana dispensary in Portland, Ore. (Gosia Wozniacka / Associated Press)
When Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure in November to legalize recreational marijuana, Josh Miller saw this as a sign that his time had finally arrived.
The Rhode Island state senator has a reputation among colleagues as a cannabis crusader a battle that, so far, he's lost. For the last three years, Miller introduced legislation to legalize recreational pot, and for the last three years, his efforts have died in committee hearing rooms.
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But now, in a turnaround, some of Miller's colleagues are signaling an interest in legalized weed and raking in the tax dollars that come with it.
"We now have the wind at our backs," said Miller, who introduced his latest pro-pot bill last week. "Seeing our next door neighbor legalize it should help us a lot."
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In the fall, three other states joined Massachusetts in passing recreational pot ballot measures: California, Maine and Nevada. Four other states Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington have legalized marijuana through ballot initiatives as well.
But this year lawmakers in 17 states Connecticut, Minnesota and Hawaii among them have become emboldened enough to introduce more than two dozen measures to legalize recreational pot for adults and tax its sale. The experiences of Colorado and Washington state the first two states to legalize the drug still considered illegal under federal law drive the trend.
This month, Colorado officials released a report showing the state brought in $200 million in tax revenue last year. Washington raked in even more about $256 million. Most of the money goes toward public school systems.
"Our focus is on revenue and bringing in cash to the state as legalization becomes more and more widespread," said Mary Washington, a state delegate from Maryland who introduced a bill recently that would tax marijuana like alcohol. She estimates the state could net $165 million a year. (California estimates that legalized recreational marijuana will bring in about $1 billion a year in state tax revenue.)
Washington, whose district is in Baltimore, has not sponsored pot legislation in the past, but has been a supporter of legalization. She's viewed the issue from a criminal justice perspective after witnessing young black men in her community continuously arrested for low-level possession.
Now, with individuals able to carry up to an ounce of marijuana legally in some states, along with the cash generated from sales, she felt that it's time to join the broader legalization movement. The success of Maryland lawmakers in passing medicinal marijuana legislation in 2014 also makes her optimistic.
"These conversations need to be happening now, in state legislatures," Washington said, adding that even with voter- approved ballot measures, lawmakers are often tasked with hashing out laws that regulate sales. "Why not get it done now? We're elected to do a job. More and more states are moving in this direction."
The legalization of medical marijuana took a similar path.
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Six states passed ballot measures approving medicinal pot from the mid-1990s until 2000. It wasn't until that year when Hawaii became the first to do so through the Legislature. Since 2004, nearly twice as many states have adopted medical laws through legislatures 13 compared to seven passed through ballot initiatives.
Mason Tvert, a spokesman for the Washington, D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project, a group dedicated to ending cannabis prohibition nationwide, said voters led the way on legalizing cannabis for medicinal use before lawmakers woke up.
"Voters saw through the government's reefer madness and led the way on medical marijuana. Those laws inspired citizens in other states to demand action from their elected officials, who could now see that such laws were not just popular, but possible," Tvert said. "The same thing is now happening with broader legalization."
For wary lawmakers, polling is helpful as public approval of legal marijuana is increasing, similar to the country's quick shift in favor of same-sex marriage over the years.
A Pew Research Center survey from October showed that 57% of Americans believe marijuana should be legalized, compared to 37% who believe it should remain illegal. By contrast, a similar Pew poll in 2006 showed almost the opposite 60% believed it should be illegal, compared with 32% who supported legalization.
And a poll released this month by Public Policy Polling showed that 59% of Rhode Islanders support legalization, compared to 35% in opposition. In Rhode Island, where a motorist can drive out of the state in 30 minutes or less, lawmakers fear losing millions of dollars to Massachusetts. So too do lawmakers in Connecticut and New York, where legalization measures are also being debated.
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The polling of Rhode Islanders, mixed with the Massachusetts vote, became enough to change the opinion of Rhode Island state Sen. Ryan Pearson.
He staunchly opposed Miller's past efforts, because he believed, among other things, that edible marijuana, such as cookies and candies, would be enticing to children.
"Then, I saw this shift around the country with other states. It's crept into New England and we see it legal right next door," he said. "Now it's not a matter of if, but when, for legalization in this state. We should take the initiative to get this done right."
The issue of edibles is a widespread concern and Gov. John Hickenlooper of Colorado has warned lawmakers in other states, including California recently, to regulate them carefully.
Still, opposition to legalization can often be seen in the corridors of state capitols.
In Rhode Island, law enforcement agencies have expressed concerns about enforcing and prosecuting people driving under the influence. Moreover, Rhode Island Atty. Gen. Peter F. Kilmartin remains staunchly opposed, saying it's "a complex policy decision that has long-lasting effects and unintended consequences, much of which are still unknown."
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"This is not a decision that should be made lightly," he said in an email. "It must be made with a full understanding of the complications of regulating a new industry, its effect on our youths' development, what impact it will have on our future workforce, the public health implications."
For Miller, despite each of his past efforts faltering in committees, he's seen momentum for his cause over the years.
"One member of legislative leadership would back it, then another. It was a slow trickle," said Miller, who in recent years has met with representatives from Colorado to talk about the ups and downs of legalization.
Rhode Island state Rep. Scott Slater, Miller's House sponsor for the legal pot measure, said pressure is on the state.
"We see legalization moving into the New England area and out here it's a very regional economy," he said. "Why give Massachusetts all the benefit?"
kurtis.lee@latimes.com
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Twitter: @kurtisalee
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump called anti-Semitic violence "horrible" and vowed Tuesday to take steps to counter extremism in comments that followed criticism that the White House had not clearly denounced vandalism and threats targeting Jewish institutions.
Hours before Trump's remarks, Hillary Clinton called on her former presidential rival to speak out against anti-Semitic acts after more than 170 Jewish graves were found toppled at a cemetery in Missouri.
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"The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community at community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," Trump said following a visit to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Trump called the tour "meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms." Earlier, he told NBC News that "anti-Semitism is horrible and it's going to stop."
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The remarks by Trump also appear aimed at easing pressure on his administration, which faces claims from opponents that it has failed to distance itself from extremist ideology and has emboldened right-wing groups through its populist, America-first themes.
The tweet from Clinton did not specifically mention the gravesite disturbances in University City, Mo., but noted increasing reports of "troubling" threats against Jewish community centers, cemetery desecrations and online intimidation.
Clinton's message to Trump came as the president of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder, also urged U.S. officials to recognize that "anti-Semitism is alive and kicking."
"American Jews are worried," Lauder said in a statement. "It is shocking to see that Jewish sites are once again being targeted by criminals."
On Monday, the Anti-Defamation League reported a wave of bomb threats directed against Jewish Community Centers in multiple states, the fourth series of such threats since the beginning of the year, it said, a development that elicited comments from a White House spokesman and Ivanka Trump, neither of which used the phrase "anti-Semitism" or mentioned Jews.
Ivanka Trump's tweet: "America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC"
"Glad to see this," the ADL's Jonathan Greenblatt tweeted about Ivanka Trump's comment. "All Jews need to urge" the president "to step forward & share a plan. His words carry weight. His actions will speak even louder."
The exchanges were particularly noteworthy in part because of Trump's unusual response at a news conference Wednesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to a question about the rise in anti-Semitic incidents around the country. Rather than condemning them, Trump responded by talking about his electoral college victory, describing the question as unfair.
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Trump has been criticized for refusing to describe the threats toward Jews as "anti-Semitism." An op-ed at the Forward, the New York-based newspaper written for a Jewish audience, described Trump's "silence about anti-Semitism" as "deeply disturbing."
When asked again about the rise in anti-Semitic threats, during another news conference on Thursday, the president responded as if he was being personally accused. Trump said that the question was "very insulting" and that he was "the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life."
The weekend's events, coming in the wake of last week's public exchanges with Trump, served to heat up a long-simmering tension between some leaders of the nation's Jewish community and the Trump White House.
The perpetrators of the cemetery vandalism and their motives were not yet established. Police in University City, an inner-ring suburb of St. Louis, were just launching an investigation, reviewing video surveillance at the cemetery, operated on a not-for-profit basis by the Chesed Shel Emeth Society and calling on anyone with information to come forward.
Because of the Sabbath, the cemetery does not operate on Saturday, the director of the Chesed Shel Emeth Society, Anita Feigenbaum, told The Washington Post in a phone interview.
A groundskeeper arrived Monday morning to find gravestones overturned across a wide section of the cemetery, the oldest section, bearing the remains of Jews who died between the late 1800s and the mid-20th century.
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She called it a "horrific act of cowardice," beyond anything the cemetery had experienced in the past.
The cemetery was founded in 1888 by the Russian Jewish community in St. Louis "to aid all Jews who needed burial whether they had the money or not. They started with the burial society and then extended to hospitals and houses that help the poor and the sick. To this day that's what we do. We are not for profit. We help in this horrible time in a person's life."
Feigenbaum had walked through the cemetery during the day and had not yet completed counting the number of damaged stones, most of them pushed over, off their bases. So far she said she had found than 170. Feigenbaum said she was starting to hear from families of people buried there. "We will reach out to the families that are affected," she said.
The cemetery holds the remains of more than 20,000, she estimated.
She said she was getting an "outpouring of support from across the United States" with people volunteering to help with repairs.
Separately on Monday, the Anti-Defamation League reported a wave of bomb threats directed against Jewish community centers in multiple states, the fourth series of such threats since the beginning of the year, it said.
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"While ADL does not have any information at this time to indicate the presence of any actual bombs at the institutions threatened, the threats themselves are alarming, disruptive and must always be taken seriously."
Bomb threats were called in at Jewish community centers in 11 cities across the United States: Albuquerque, Amherst, Birmingham, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Milwaukee, Nashville, St. Paul, Tampa and Whitefish Bay, Wis. Since January, there have been 69 bomb threat calls targeting 54 centers in 27 different states, according to the Jewish Community Center Association.
In Amherst and Buffalo, the community centers were briefly closed after a threat was phoned to the Amherst center. Disruption was the goal, said Richard A. Zakalik, the local New York JCC executive director, to the Buffalo News on Monday. "They accomplished what they wanted," Zakalik said to the Buffalo News. "The whole point was to scare and disrupt."
No devices or bombs were found in connection with the threats; the Jewish Community Center Association described all of Monday's incidents as "hoaxes." The FBI and the civil rights division of the Justice Department will probe the series of calls for federal violations, according to the Star Tribune.
Paul Goldenberg, the director of Secure Community Network, the security affiliate of Jewish Federations of North America, told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that the bomb threats appeared to originate from the "same serial caller." Noting that not every building that received a call decided to evacuate, he said that the community centers were "very well-equipped to handle this." The centers also increased their security measures after the threats, the JCCA noted.
The weekend spate of anti-Semitic threats was not limited to the United States. In Canada, a 70-year-old Toronto woman named Helen Chaiton said that her mezuza, the case containing Hebrew verse traditionally affixed to a doorpost, had been vandalized twice over the weekend. Chaiton and her neighbors also found that the vandals had left behind sticky notes with swastikas, the CBC reported.
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Responding to an inquiry from NBC News about the threats, the White House tweeted back: "Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individual freedom. The President has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable."
The tweet from Ivanka Trump, a convert to Judaism, appeared to be unsolicited and drew generally favorable reaction, but also questions about why her father, the president, seemed reluctant to speak out.
Washington Donald Trump knew a man he named as a senior business adviser in 2010 had been convicted in a major Mafia-linked stock fraud scheme, according to Associated Press interviews and a review of court records.
Trump had worked with Felix Sater previously during the man's stint as an executive at Bayrock Group LLC, a real estate development firm that partnered with Trump on numerous projects after renting office space from the Trump Organization. But Sater's past was not widely known at the time because he was working as a government cooperator on mob cases and the judge overseeing Sater's own case kept the proceedings secret. After Sater's criminal history and past ties to organized crime came to light in 2007, Trump distanced himself from Sater.
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Less than three years later, however, Trump tapped Sater for a business development role that came with the title of senior adviser to Donald Trump. Sater received Trump Organization business cards and was given an office within the Trump Organization's headquarters, on the same floor as Trump's own.
Trump said during an AP interview on Wednesday that he recalled only bare details of Sater.
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"Felix Sater, boy, I have to even think about it," Trump said, referring questions about Sater to his staff. "I'm not that familiar with him."
According to Trump lawyer Alan Garten, Sater's role was to prospect for high-end real estate deals for the Trump Organization. The arrangement lasted six months, Garten said.
The revelation about Sater's role is significant because of its timing and directness, and marks the first time the Trump Organization has acknowledged publicly that Sater worked for Trump after the disclosures of Sater's criminal background. Trump has said that among his secrets of success is that he surrounds himself with the "best and most serious people" and with "people you can trust."
Sater never had an employment agreement or formal contract with the Trump Organization and did not close any deals for Trump, Garten said.
"He was trying to restart his life," Garten said. "I believe he was regretful of things that happened in the past."
Trump did not know the details of Sater's cooperation with the government when Sater came in-house in 2010, Garten said. But Garten noted that U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch praised Sater's cooperation with the federal government, when senators asked about him during her confirmation hearings early this year. She said Sater cooperated against his Mafia stock fraud co-defendants and assisted the government on unspecified national security matters.
"If Mr. Sater was good enough for the government to work with, I see no reason why he wasn't good enough for Mr. Trump," Garten said.
He pleaded guilty in 1998 to one count of racketeering for his role in a $40 million stock fraud scheme involving the prominent Genovese and Bonanno crime families, according to court records. Prosecutors called the operation a pump-and-dump scheme, in which insiders manipulate the price of obscure stocks and then sell them to hapless investors at inflated prices. Five years earlier, a New York State court had sentenced Sater to more than a year in prison for stabbing a man in the face with a broken margarita glass.
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Sater declined to discuss his work with Trump.
"Obviously a Donald-and-the-bad-guy piece is not interesting for me to participate in," Sater wrote in an email to AP. His lawyer, Robert Wolf, said information about Sater in public records and lawsuits obtained by the AP was defamatory. He credited Sater's stint as a government cooperator with potentially saving American military lives, although he did not provide details. Wolf told the AP to write about Sater's past "at your own risk" but did not cite specific concerns.
After his 1998 racketeering conviction, Sater spent more than a decade as an informant on the Mafia and on national security-related matters. Federal prosecutors kept even the existence of Sater's racketeering case out of publicly available court records for 14 years.
During that time, Sater launched a luxury real estate development career. Sealed court records prevented potential customers or partners from learning about his past association with organized crime. Sater altered his name, to Satter, and became a top executive in Bayrock, a development firm that partnered with Trump on the Trump Soho high-rise hotel in Manhattan and other branded luxury real estate deals.
Civil lawsuits including a sealed case filed in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York that was obtained by the AP have alleged that Bayrock engaged in a pattern of misconduct during Sater's tenure, sometimes involving potential Trump projects. The AP obtained a copy of the sealed lawsuit, which was refiled last month, when the original complaint was included as part of a lawsuit Sater filed in an Israeli court. Bayrock's attorney told AP that the firm did not mislead anyone about Sater's past and denied any misconduct. The firm has not yet responded to a version of the complaint refiled in U.S. court last month.
Trump's lawyer, Garten, said Trump had no knowledge of alleged improprieties at Bayrock or reason to believe that Sater was a major stakeholder in Bayrock's projects. Trump only learned of Sater's troubled past when The New York Times reported details in December 2007. In the article, Trump distanced himself from Sater, saying: "I didn't really know him very well."
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Garten said Trump had no further interactions with Sater at Bayrock following the revelations of his criminal history. But a new relationship was formed in 2010 when Trump offered Sater office space and a chance to round up new business possibilities for the Trump Organization.
"The guy's been in business a long time, he's got a lot of contacts," Garten said of Sater.
Associated Press
The Trump administration plans to roll back protections for transgender students, reversing federal guidance that required the nation's public schools to allow children to use the bathrooms and locker rooms that matched their gender identities.
In a letter to the nation's schools, administration officials plan to say they are withdrawing guidance issued by the Obama administration that found that denying transgender students the right to use the bathroom of their choice violates federal prohibitions against sex discrimination, according to a draft of the letter obtained by The Washington Post.
"This interpretation has given rise to significant litigation," states the two-page draft, which indicates that the Education and Justice departments plan to issue it jointly. The draft says administrators, parents and students have "struggled to understand and apply the statements of policy" in the Obama-era guidance.
As a result, the departments "have decided to withdraw and rescind the above-referenced guidance documents in order to further consider the legal issues involved." The letter makes clear that schools must protect all students and that the withdrawal of the guidance "does not diminish the protections from bullying and harassment that are available to all students. Schools must ensure that transgender students, like all students, are able to learn in a safe environment."
A final version of the letter is slated to be issued Wednesday, according to a Republican operative with knowledge of the conversations within the Trump administration on the issue. The administration is expected to release the letter despite objections from Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, who did not want to rescind the guidance, the operative said. Officials with the Education and Justice departments did not immediately respond to requests for comment late Tuesday night.
The reversal would represent a significant setback for the gay rights movement, which made enormous gains under President Barack Obama. It suggests that President Trump, who had signaled during the campaign and in the early days of his presidency that he supports gay and transgender rights, will hew closer to the GOP party line.
"I think that all you have to do is look at what the president's view has been for a long time, that this is not something that the federal government should be involved in, this is a states' rights issue," White House spokesman Sean Spicer told reporters at a daily media briefing Tuesday afternoon, saying that the Education and Justice departments would issue fresh guidance soon.
The decision would not have an immediate impact on the nation's public school students because a federal judge had already put a hold on the Obama-era directive.
But it would instantly affect several legal cases, including that of Gavin Grimm, a transgender Virginia teen who sued his school board for barring him from using the boys' bathroom. The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Grimm's case next month.
A lower court ruled in favor of Grimm based on the Obama administration's position on transgender student bathroom use. The change would at least partially undermine Grimm's case.
Gay rights groups, which expected the Trump administration to change course from the earlier transgender guidance, condemned the move preemptively.
"Such clear action directed at children would be a brazen and shameless attack on hundreds of thousands of young Americans who must already defend themselves against schoolyard bullies, but are ill-equipped to fight bullies on the floors of their state legislatures and in the White House," Mara Keisling, executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, said in a statement Tuesday.
The Obama administration's guidance was based on the position that requiring students to use a restroom that clashes with their gender identity is a violation of Title IX, the federal law that bars sex discrimination. Transgender students and their parents cheered Obama's move to expand the protections, but it drew legal challenges from those who believe it was a federal intrusion into local affairs and a violation of social norms.
The issue of which bathrooms transgender people should be permitted to use has evolved in recent years into a central debate about rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Transgender advocates say that allowing people with gender dysphoria to use their preferred restroom is essential for their health and psychological well-being. Opponents say the accommodations violate student privacy and traditional values.
Many legal experts say that federal law protects transgender students no matter what agency guidance says.
"This administration cannot strip away the rights of transgender students by retracting the guidance - the issue is before the courts now and the law has not changed," said Vanita Gupta, who worked as the head of civil rights for the Justice Department in the Obama administration and issued the original guidance. "To cloak this in federalism ignores the vital and historic role that federal law plays in ensuring that all children (including LGBT students) are able to attend school free from discrimination."
It is unusual for a new administration to overturn such significant civil rights guidance, according to advocates who closely track the issue. And such a reversal is likely to leave schools confused about how to proceed, they say; Obama administration officials said that they developed the transgender guidance in response to requests from school officials.
"Schools repeatedly asked for guidance on how to support transgender students and create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all," said Anurima Bhargava, who helmed the educational opportunities section of Justice Department's civil rights division under Obama. "The guidance has been, and will continue to be, an important and practical resource for schools."
Nearly 800 parents of transgender students wrote to President Trump last week, urging him to keep the guidance to protect their children from discrimination.
"No young person should wake up in the morning fearful of the school day ahead," the parents wrote. "When this guidance was issued last year, it provided our families - and other families like our own across the country - with the knowledge and security that our government was determined to protect our children from bullying and discrimination. Please do not take that away from us."
The Obama administration's directive sparked immediate backlash from those who saw it as a gross overreach of executive power, and several states sued in response.
Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick (R) has been one of the most vociferous opponents of the Obama guidance, calling it "blackmail" and the most important issue for families in schools since the Supreme Court ruled against school-sponsored prayer.
In January, Patrick joined Texas Republicans in supporting a bill that would require the state's transgender residents to use bathrooms and locker rooms corresponding to their biological sex, not their gender identity. He said the legislation was necessary to protect Texans' privacy, including in public schools.
"We know it's going to be a tough fight," Patrick said at the time, according to the Texas Tribune. "But we know we're on the right side of the issue. We're on the right side of history. You can mark today as the day Texas is drawing a line in the sand and saying no."
In an interview in May with The Washington Post, Donald Trump, then the presumptive Republican presidential nomination, said he thought that the government should protect transgender people but that it should be up to the states to decide on the bathroom issue.
"I think it's something where we have to help people - and hopefully the states will make the right decisions," Trump said in the interview.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has been a longtime opponent of broadening LGBT rights. While in the U.S. Senate, he endorsed a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and opposed expanding hate crime legislation to include acts against gay and transgender people.
DeVos, who was narrowly confirmed this month after a contentious hearing, has a more nuanced record on gay rights. By reversing course on the transgender issue, she could again find herself mired in controversy at the outset of her tenure.
DeVos has been accused of hostility to LGBT rights because of her extended family's donations to socially conservative advocacy groups and efforts to ban same-sex marriage. She has tried to distance herself from her family's position; in 2004, for example, she and her husband did not contribute to a ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage in their home state of Michigan, though several of their relatives did.
At her confirmation hearing, she asked senators not to confuse her record with that of her family: "I embrace equality, and I firmly believe in the intrinsic value of each individual, and that every student should have the assurance of a safe and discrimination-free place to become educated," she said at the time. A week later, a spokesman for the DeVos family told BuzzFeed News that DeVos supports same-sex marriage.
The Washington Post's Matt Zapotosky contributed to this report.
I am a Muslim. I do not pray. I do not fast during Ramadan. I drink alcohol and eat pork. I do not believe in God. But I identify as a Muslim. Islam is a large part of the world I grew up in; it is inseparable from home.
The world in which I grew up in Lebanon included practicing and nonpracticing Muslims. It also included many Christians. But my family is Muslim; so is our culture. Extended family celebrations often revolved around the Eids, for which we would buy new clothes and meet for elaborate lunches, the children excitedly hoping for money, the Eidiyya, from the grown-ups. During Ramadan, we met our cousins, many of whom fasted the whole month, for iftar, breaking the fast with them as soon as the muezzin finished his prayer.
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When I think back on my grandmothers, I often remember them praying in a calm, naturally lit room in the back of the house. I would catch a glimpse of them through an open door, white translucent veils running down their shoulders, kneeling down on the prayer mat, murmuring words that intrigued me and that I longed to learn.
I never learned the prayers, but I listened to many stories from Islamic history told by my father, often refracted through the great Muslim historian Ibn Khaldun, whom my father liked to read and quote: deeds of the prophet, his relationship to his companions, the passing of political authority to the caliphs, the struggles that ensued. But I also learned the stories of the caliphs, and especially of the Shiite Imams Hassan and Hussein, at funerals, in which professional readers would recount them in a tearful voice, slowly rising up in pitch, until it turned into cries, sending the mourners into uncontrollable sobs.
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I also learned the Fatiha, the first sura of the Koran, from my mother, who encouraged me to recite it when I had trouble falling asleep as a child. I now recite it when we visit the tombs of my grandparents and uncles and aunts, kneeling by them, one hand on the marble. But I have found myself lately reciting the Fatiha when I am anxious, for example on airplanes, as I have become increasingly fearful of turbulence during flights. I do not recite it unconsciously, unaware of the meaning of the act, but as skeptical as I am, I still find it soothing. Perhaps what it ultimately conjures up is my mother's protection, not God's. But she expressed this protection through this religious gesture, which she probably learned from her own mother. To be a Muslim, to me, is precisely to have inherited these gestures, the rituals with which I grew up, and which have become a part of me.
Does this make me a Muslim according to President Trump's definition? It sometimes seems as if his view of religion amounts to holding a certain set of beliefs (hence the proposed religious test) rather than a memory, a ritual or a culture. I did not choose to be a Muslim, but it was not imposed on me either. It is just part of who I am, just like being Lebanese, or a woman or a (former) resident of Beirut.
So far Trump's ban has not included my country, Lebanon, though it does fall under the rubric of a "Muslim-majority" country. And because I do not wear any religious dress, I have been spared the harassment inflicted by some of his supporters on women who wear the veil. But I still very much feel included when he talks of "Muslims." The problem, of course, cannot be with the different answers millions of us give to the question of being a Muslim; the problem is with the question. It is the wrong one to ask, and for all the wrong reasons.
Loubna El Amine is an assistant professor in the department of political science at Northwestern University. She is the author of "Classical Confucian Political Thought: A New Interpretation."
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Trump's White House is falling apart
To get a sense of how insular and disrespectful, even to its own, the Trump administration has become just 30 days in, consider the case of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.
Tillerson is less empowered on foreign policy matters than the president's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who oversees the Middle East; his personal lawyer, who, reports say, was involved in writing a "peace plan" for Russia and Ukraine; and political adviser Steve Bannon, who has an unprecedented seat on the National Security Council and deep influence on the president's views on a host of foreign and domestic policies.
Meanwhile, Tillerson, one of the most powerful former chief executives in the world, is reduced to reorganizing the State Department bureaucracy, a worthwhile and substantive initiative, but perhaps better left to a deputy, if he could only hire one without prior White House approval.
Speculation has already begun on how long before Tillerson tells President Donald Trump that he didn't sign up to be neutered and irrelevant, and he moves on.
While Tillerson may not stand for the humiliation and waste of his time, Vice President Mike Pence probably will.
Pence has been treated with great disregard and disrespect too.
He mattered so little to the president and those closest to him that they allowed him to look like a fool when he denied that former NSC chair Michael Flynn discussed sanctions with Russia. And just this weekend, Pence was sent to a NATO meeting with the promise that Russia will be held "accountable" for its actions in Ukraine, which makes the reports of a private back-channel communication seeking accommodation with Russia over Ukraine another example of Pence's cluelessness.
But, unlike Tillerson, Pence has reasons to stick around and bear the slights. First, he has an independent base of power through his former colleagues in Congress and with Republican governors. They rely on Pence as the steady go-between with an inexperienced and erratic administration. Ultimately, if Trump succeeds in his first term, it will be because Pence was able to work with Congress to pass some version of tax reform, repeal and replace of Obamacare, and infrastructure investment legislation, all wrapped up in a budget that enacts the Republican dream of lower taxes and massive cuts in entitlements.
Working for Trump must cause people to consider daily whether they have made the right decision for themselves, their families, their country. The Clash lyric "should I stay or should I go" would seem to be the right soundtrack for those who work in the Trump administration. My guess is Tillerson goes, but Pence stays.
Chief White House Strategist Steve Bannon, left, walks with White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus to Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Feb. 17, 2017. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP)
Washington Post President Donald Trump's most colorful foreign policy critic, Eliot Cohen, reacting to appearances by chief of staff Reince Priebus on the Sunday shows, tweeted that Priebus reminds him "of the colorless, beliefless, spineless functionaries of 20th century totalitarians." Well, Priebus, who happily turned over the GOP to Trump, has as much experience as anyone from his job as the Republican National Committee chairman in the "colorless, beliefless, spineless" functionary department.
At the RNC, Priebus was in charge of getting rich people to cough up money and running a political shop that over the years has been overshadowed by the Republican Governors Association, the House and Senate election committees, the Koch brothers, American Crossroads and other entities. To the extent he believes in anything reaching out to minorities and pursuing comprehensive immigration reform, for example, were his aims from the 2013 GOP autopsy report it is only for the moment.
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What is obvious both from his appearances and from recent events is how small and unimpressive Priebus is. He willingly parrots any Trump line no matter how loathsome, as he did in facing Chris Wallace on "Fox News Sunday":
WALLACE: This is what he wrote, "The fake news media (failing New York Times, NBC News, ABC, CBS, CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American people."
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Reince, the president believes that a free and independent press is a threat to the country?
PRIEBUS: No, I think I think for the most part and I understand where he's coming from is that there are certain things that are happening in the news that just aren't honest. And we're not talking about everyone, Chris. We're not talking about all news, but we're talking about something that I guess he's termed as fake news ...
WALLACE: Here's the problem, when the president says we're the enemy of the American people, it makes it sounds like if you are going against him, you are going against the country.
PRIEBUS: Here is the problem, Chris the problem is you're right. Some of these things were covered, but you get about 10 percent coverage on the fact that you get a very successful meeting with Bibi Netanyahu, the prime minister of the U.K., the prime minister of Canada
WALLACE: We covered all of those news conference live. Everybody did.
PRIEBUS: Right. Sure, yes, for about yes, right. But then as soon as it was over, the next 20 hours is all about Russian spies
WALLACE: But you don't get to tell us what to do, Reince.
(CROSSTALK)
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PRIEBUS: nothing is happening. Give me a break.
WALLACE: You don't get to tell us what to do any more than Barack Obama did. Barack Obama whined about Fox News all the time, but I got to say, he never said that we were an enemy of the people.
PRIEBUS: Let me tell you something, he said a lot of things about Fox News, Chris. I thought you ought to go check the tape. He blamed you for a lot of things. And I'm surprised, as someone from Fox, that you forget all of the shots that he took
WALLACE: No, he took the shots. And we didn't like it. And, frankly, we don't like this either, because, you know but he never went as far as President Trump has and that's what's concerning because it seems like he crosses a line when he talks about that we're an enemy of the people. That is concerning.
Lacking Trump's confidence and bravado, Priebus comes across as bitter and whiny.
Meanwhile, Priebus isn't doing his actual job very well, which is to make the White House run smoothly and to establish a clear chain of command. Instead, Steve Bannon pulls a fast one on the president, getting himself put on the principals committee of the National Security Council. Apparently, Trump allies entirely outside the government are ready to negotiate with Russia over Ukraine (!).
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White House aide Stephen Miller reportedly contacted a U.S. attorney directly to instruct him on the arguments (losing ones, it turned out) to defend the travel ban, running way outside his "lane," as they say. Perhaps next time Miller should let lawyers advise other lawyers. ("The Eastern District declined to comment on any contact between [U.S. attorney Robert] Capers and Miller, the 31-year-old former Jeff Sessions aide and America First true believer with no legal background of his own, who a few months ago was warming up Trump's campaign crowds and is now writing executive orders for the President to sign."). Multiple former White House veterans weighed in on Twitter to remark that an aide bypassing the White House counsel and entire Justice Department leadership would have been a fireable offense under the presidents whom they served.
Whether it is the travel ban rollout, Bannon's repeated vetoes of Cabinet secretaries' deputy picks (so that major departments still do not have a No. 2, let alone lower-level political appointees), the botched phone calls with foreign leaders or the Michael Flynn fiasco, Priebus is not performing the key, critical functions of a chief of staff providing the president with all the information he needs, setting a clear process for decision-making and actually executing the president's directives in a clear and timely fashion. Priebus is outmaneuvered and outmuscled by Bannon, leaving him to clean up messes rather than set up a structure to avoid blunders.
The Boston Globe reports:
"The president's impulsiveness and reliance on his own gut reactions don't appear to have any real check within the system he's created. He continues to fire off bizarre tweets, including one that he deleted and then reposted Friday evening where he labeled the news media as 'the enemy of the American people.'
"The White House declined to comment for this story, though on Saturday Trump posted on Twitter his own view: 'The White House is running VERY WELL.'
"There's little to suggest he is right or that the situation will change: None of the power centers in the White House has demonstrated an ability to have a deliberate, tempering effect on Trump. And, up until this point, no one knows how the West Wing will react to the many unpredictable parts of the job."
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Priebus is the chief of staff Trump wants, for now. Priebus' weakness promotes chaos and impulsiveness, which Trump enjoys. Since discipline, order and chain of command are designed to minimize chaos and conflict, a less assertive and respected gatekeeper is essential for Trump. At some point and we hope it's not by virtue of a national security crisis induced by White House dysfunction the president may see that government chaos breeds gridlock, legislative stalemate and policy blunders. When he does, Priebus will be a useful sacrificial lamb.
Washington Post
Jennifer Rubin is a Washington Post columnist.
Photos: 'This Protest Is Real News' & Other Favorite Signs From 'Not My President's Day'
By aaroncynic in News on Feb 20, 2017 9:35PM
Hundreds gathered at noon across the river from President Donald Trumps monument to his own ego for a protest demonstrators dubbed not my Presidents Day, to call out the man for policies they say target marginalized communities.
As human beings it is our job to stand up and fight back when we believe something is wrong, said a protester named Artemis. As our grandparents and parents fought for the right for us to speak and to vote, we would do a disservice to them to have the ability to make change and decide not to.
Demonstrators, who have organized protests around the country for the past two days on the one month anniversary of Trumps inauguration, say that the presidents policies have already done and will continue to do considerable damage to marginalized communities in the United States.
At what point does a body of evidence become massive enough to count as proof? When has a question been answered enough times that it can be put to rest?
When it comes to the safety and effectiveness of vaccines, it sometimes seems as though public health advocates must constantly roll the burden of proof toward a mountaintop that never comes into view.
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The latest salvo against vaccinations came courtesy of Robert Kennedy Jr. and Robert De Niro. At a recent joint appearance, Kennedy offered $100,000 to anyone who could turn up a study showing that it is safe to administer vaccines to children and pregnant women, with a specific call out to concerns about mercury. De Niro was there to lend his endorsement and a patina of Oscar-winning gravitas.
Both men have an unreliable history when it comes to their views about vaccinations. Kennedy's reference to mercury alludes to thimerosal, a preservative once used in vaccines, which he has long maintained can lead to autism. (It doesn't.) A meeting earlier this year between then President-elect Donald Trump (who has hair-raising views of his own about vaccines) and Kennedy caused grave concern within the medical community, myself included. Kennedy claimed Trump asked him to helm a commission on vaccine safety (even though the United States already has a vaccine safety commission), but it has yet to materialize.
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De Niro came under fire for endorsing a film that purports a link between vaccinations and autism, though instead of mercury, it blames the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine. The Tribeca Film Festival, which De Niro co-founded, included the anti-vaccine documentary in its 2016 lineup. After complaints, it was pulled from the schedule, but the actor subsequently touted its message and urged people to see it. Unfortunately, it's clear he hasn't changed his mind since then.
Like most people, I can think of many handy uses for a spare hundred grand, and would gladly sit down and share my experience as a pediatrician with De Niro and Kennedy at great length. It's nearing two decades since I graduated from medical school, and in that span of time I've immunized thousands of patients. Not once have I encountered a case where those immunizations could be plausibly linked with autism.
In the off chance that my word alone isn't sufficient to collect the $100,000, I'm happy to proffer lots of studies that support the safety of vaccines. Studies never seem to settle the question for anti-vaccine activists, but they are the best evidence we could ever have, based on millions of people and using many different types of comparisons, that vaccination is safe for kids.
The explanation for the bogus vaccine-autism link is a constantly shifting target. As noted, both the MMR vaccine and thimerosal have been blamed, and the anti-vaccine movement happily gloms onto both explanations despite the fact that they are completely unrelated. That the various theories never really cohere doesn't seem to give the movement pause. Blurring dark but vague threats, anti-vaccine activists blend them into a miasma through which no given study can hope to penetrate. Uncertainty is good for stoking fear.
When studies show that the MMR vaccine doesn't cause autism, and when the original study suggesting a link is exposed as a fraud? It must be thimerosal! Other studies show no association between thimerosal and autism, and thimerosal isn't even used anymore? The combination of all the vaccines at once is the problem! Produce evidence to support the safety of the current vaccination schedule, and the boogeyman simply adopts another form.
Because much of the evidence in support of vaccines comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, detractors seize on corruption as an explanation for studies with findings contrary to their beliefs. The anti-vaccine movement affords the CDC roughly as much respect as you'd typically give cardsharps and second-rate grifters, and anything the CDC produces is dismissed out of hand. But even if the CDC were a hotbed of malign pharmaceutical industry influence, that doesn't explain why large studies demonstrating the safety of vaccines come from places like Denmark or the United Kingdom, where the CDC doesn't have a lot of pull.
All of this information is readily available to anyone who chooses to look for it 350 health organizations recently reaffirmed the safety of vaccines and highlighted more than 40 of the most respected studies in an open letter to President Trump and yet still Kennedy and De Niro are happy to pretend none of it exists.
Conversely, a growing body of evidence suggests brain differences associated with autism may be found early in infancy well before children receive most vaccines. Changes in the volume of certain brain areas found by MRI may help predict autism in infants with an older sibling who has the diagnosis, according to a recent study in the journal Nature. Other studies have found that alterations in brain cell development related to autism may occur before birth. These findings are clearly inconsistent with vaccines as a cause of autism.
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But none of this emerging research seems to have dampened the fires burning within the anti-vaccine movement. I could resurrect Edward Jenner and Jonas Salk for joint TED talks about the benefits of vaccination, and somehow I doubt it would make any difference at this point. Despite Kennedy's disingenuous plea for evidence of safety, it's not evidence he really cares about. If it were, he could find more than enough for free.
However, if either De Niro or Kennedy read this article and change their mind, I'm happy to take the $100,000 anyhow.
Washington Post
Daniel Summers is a pediatrician in New England.
Coyotes are clever, adaptable animals that once roamed the western two-thirds of North America. A determined federal government extermination campaign in the 1940s and '50s led to the killing of more than 6 million of them. But in recent decades, coyotes have made a comeback, expanding beyond their historic range. They've even taken up residence in Chicago, which hosts upward of 2,000.
Many people, however, still regard them with suspicion and contempt. Mark Twain contributed to this view by describing the coyote as a "slim, sick and sorry-looking skeleton" with a "furtive and evil eye" and "a general slinking expression all over." The belief that the only good coyote is a dead coyote persists among some people in some places.
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Illinois is one of them, playing host to hunting contests whose goal is to kill as many coyotes as possible in a given period say, 24 hours. At one "predator challenge" in southern Illinois in 2015, participants bagged 36 of their quarry.
This year's competition, however, also drew a dozen protesters led by the Humane Society of the United States. It regards the pastime as barbaric the moral equivalent of dogfighting. "Shooting live animals for fun or for target practice is animal cruelty," Illinois state director Marc Ayers told us. California banned such contests in 2014, and the Humane Society would like other states to do likewise.
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Good idea. Unlike deer and ducks, coyotes aren't hunted for their meat. And there's no good excuse for wantonly slaughtering them. Coyotes play a key role in the environment, eating rodents and scavenging carrion. They occasionally prey on small livestock, which is an argument only for allowing the shooting of specific problem animals.
Anyway, the toll in Illinois is modest: Fewer than 10 percent of the sheep and lambs that die each year are killed by coyotes. Experts stress that preventive measures, from fencing to guard dogs, are the most effective remedy.
Defenders of these hunts argue that without such population control methods, coyotes would proliferate to intolerable numbers. But the Humane Society cites scientific evidence that culling stimulates reproduction and predation on livestock. The University of Illinois Extension agrees that "coyote population reduction (removing some or all of the coyotes in an area) is usually unrealistic and always temporary." Wildlife scientist Robert Crabtree, head of the Yellowstone Ecological Research Center, says, "It cannot be over-emphasized how powerfully coyote populations compensate for population reductions."
Trying to protect farm animals or pets by indiscriminately killing these predators is a losing strategy. A better approach is to remove food sources that might attract coyotes, while taking measures to protect the animals they might attack.
In recent years, people in this state and the rest of the country have come to appreciate the presence of native creatures that were once regarded as enemies. That holds for bobcats, wolves, bears and even rattlesnakes one type of which has been granted federal protection in Illinois in an attempt to prevent it from disappearing.
It also applies to coyotes, who have persisted on this continent for more than a million years. They have even learned to adapt to modern humans. Modern humans ought to return the favor.
Editor's note: An earlier version of this editorial misstated Marc Ayers' title. He is the Illinois state director for the Humane Society of the United States.
Mark Oppenheimer writes that as frightening as President Donald Trump feels to many of us, in order to be credible, we need to acknowledge that the rise of anti-Semitism is not unique to Trump, that prior to November, anti-Semitism was rising. He also states that we must support today's scapegoats, Muslims and immigrants, because when any group is targeted, it is unacceptable and Jews are soon to follow. I wholeheartedly agree.
As someone who believes we must challenge Trump's ties to the alt-right, along with his anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim policies, it seems that to be credible, we also need to call out the extreme left, which has too often tolerated anti-Semitism. At a time when minority groups are at risk, if Democrats want to be the inclusive party that stands against bigotry, then they need to protect Jews as well.
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Recently, the Anti-Defamation League and the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect have both adamantly condemned refugee bans and the persecution of Muslims and immigrants. Jonathan Greenblatt, national director of the ADL, has urged Jews to sign up as Muslims if a discussed registry is ever implemented. Yet, Democratic Party chair candidate, U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison, heard in a 2010 tape making comments that promote anti-Semitic stereotypes and prejudice, is supported by many progressive Democrats. While originally accepting Ellison's disavowal of youthful ties to Louis Farrakhan's anti-Semitism, once the tape emerged, the ADL came out strongly against Ellison. Yet, many on the far left continue to support him. Why?
To be credible in the fight against prejudice, the left also needs to fight speech suppression. Instead, on many liberal college campuses, in the name of safe-space for students, speeches that challenge moderate views or create discomfort are blocked. This sanitization of conversation perpetuates the bubbles that allow hate to flourish unchallenged. Justice Louis Brandeis once argued that "fear breeds repression; that repression breeds hate. The path to safety lies in the opportunity to discuss freely supposed grievances and proposed remedies." In 1977, when a Nazi group planned a march in Skokie where many Holocaust survivors lived, the American Civil Liberties Union defended the Nazi marchers' First Amendment rights for this reason. If we silence our enemies, what happens when the marginalized need to speak out?
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These feel like dangerous times for Jews and non-Jews alike. Challenging today's bigotry must be practiced not just preached for all by the left if they're to have credibility delegitimizing hate.
Alana G. Baum, Ph.D., Chicago
Since facts tend to be very flexible things in the custody of President Donald Trump, one wonders what comes next with his self-declared "running war with the media."
His constant cries of "fake news" to any news that does not blow him a kiss ratcheted up to a more threatening tone when he sent this Friday afternoon tweet:
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"The FAKE NEWS media (failing @nytimes, @NBCNews, @ABC, @CBS, @CNN) is not my enemy, it is the enemy of the American People!"
With that he escalated from mere trolling to the ominous bombast of a tin-pot dictatorship. A cooler head, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, assured us Sunday that at least he did not view the media as the enemy. Still I was left wondering what his boss has in mind.
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That's our reality-show president. Remember how delighted he was last year as the Republican candidate by the unauthorized and unlawful leaks that came from hacks of the Democratic National Committee emails?
Now his cheerleading for leaks against other people has turned to condemnation of secrets leaked from his own administration.
The president was particularly upset by the departure of his national security adviser, Michael Flynn, after Flynn admitted to misleading Vice President Mike Pence about conversations he had with the Russian ambassador about U.S. sanctions before Trump took office.
Trump praised the departed Flynn as "a wonderful man" who "has been treated very, very unfairly by the media." Even though it was Trump, not the media, who fired Flynn, the media tend to be too inviting a target for Trump to resist.
A couple of days before he put the media on the same level as Islamic State and other public enemies, he fumed in a morning tweet, "Information is being illegally given to the failing @nytimes & @washingtonpost by the intelligence community (NSA and FBI?). Just like Russia."
A few hours later, he sounded like the "shocked, shocked" prefect in "Casablanca" as he tweeted about "classified information (being) illegally given out by 'intelligence' like candy. Very un-American!"
Un-American? On the contrary, Mr. Trump, welcome to Washington.
Get used to it. You are hardly the first president to discover that our great ship of state leaks like a sieve.
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Washington's biggest scandals often begin with leaks. Think of the Pentagon Papers, the Iran-Contra affair, the Panama Papers or the WikiLeaks disclosures by soldier Chelsea Manning and former CIA employee Edward Snowden.
Leaks big and small are so common that Stephen Hess, a senior fellow emeritus at the Brookings Institution and veteran of four presidential administrations beginning with Dwight Eisenhower's, once categorized types of leaks in a book.
They included the "Ego Leak" to satisfy a sense of self, the "Policy Leak" to bring attention to a proposed policy change, the "Trial Balloon Leak" to test out a proposal, the "Whistleblower Leak" to bring attention to a problem or idea through the press after getting nowhere internally and the "Animus Leak" to settle grudges.
Yet as much as every president is frustrated and infuriated by leaks, the laws against leaking are almost never enforced. That could change under Trump, who ironically would have new tools left by President Barack Obama's administration.
A 2013 report by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, on whose board I happen to sit, found that Obama had pursued the most aggressive "war on leaks" since President Richard Nixon's leak-fixing "plumbers" led to the Watergate scandal.
Under Obama the Department of Justice pursued not only sources and whistleblowers but also journalists, including James Rosen at Fox News and Jim Risen at The New York Times. As with most earlier cases of this sort, the government backed away from that pursuit.
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Is Trump just blowing off steam through his Twitter account, or could his war escalate into full legal combat, putting reporters in jeopardy of jail for doing their jobs? He might find that pursuit to be more trouble than it's worth. The public might prefer to have the information than see journalists go to jail.
Besides, putting reporters in jail might just backfire and make journalists, Trump's favorite foils, actually look sympathetic. He might well prefer to leave us free and an easy target to kick around some more.
Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/pagespage.
cpage@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @cptime
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A Sheridan man and woman have been charged with the armed robbery of a 46-year-old Aurora woman in the parking lot of a West Side strip mall, Aurora police announced Tuesday.
Edwin Sergio Alequin, 37, and Nicole Barkes, 29, both of the 200 block of East Grant Street, Sheridan, each face felony charges in connection to the robbery, which charging documents allege was motivated by a desire for drug money specifically to acquire money to buy heroin.
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Alequin is charged with armed robbery, a Class X felony; aggravated robbery, a class 1 felony; and unlawful possession of a credit or debit card, a class 4 felony, according to Kane County court records.
Barkes is charged with armed robbery, a Class X felony, and unlawful use of a credit card, a class 1 felony.
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Alequin and Barkes pulled the robbery so they could get money to fund their heroin addictions, according to charging documents.
Though the two live together, they were apprehended separately, according to Aurora police reports, while police said Barkes was arrested nearly two weeks ago.
At about 4:35 p.m. Jan. 27, Aurora police responded to an armed robbery in the West Aurora Plaza parking lot on the 1900 block of West Galena Boulevard.
A woman told police she was approached by a man who asked for money and, when she refused, he took out a gun that was later determined to be a pellet gun. The woman, who was not injured, told police when she ran in fear, she heard four "pops," which turned out to be one of the robbers breaking out a window to her car with the butt end of the pellet gun, according to police.
The man grabbed the woman's purse off the front seat and got into an SUV driven by Barkes, which was last seen eastbound on Galena, according to police.
Detectives quickly learned the woman's credit card, which had been in the stolen purse, was used at a gas station in Berwyn and a department store in Forest Park within two hours of the robbery, police said.
After securing video of those transactions, detectives discovered Barkes and could see another subject Alequin was driving the SUV, police said.
Detectives located redlight cameras in the area of the businesses, viewed video from the systems as provided by Forest Park police, and discovered the license plate on a Chevrolet Traverse SUV owned by Barkes, police said in the news release.
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Police confirmed Barkes' identity by comparing her driver's license photo with images taken at the Berwyn and Forest Park businesses, along with two Aurora pawn shops where she was known to do business, according to the news release.
Aurora detectives and community policing officers took Barkes into custody Feb. 9. They went to Sheridan and set up a surveillance on her home, then saw her entering a car registered to one of her relatives and stopped the car on Route 71 in Norway, police said.
Alequin, however, "eluded authorities" until Feb. 17, when U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Fugitive Task Force agents traced him to an Aurora hospital, where he was eventually taken into custody without incident, police said. Aurora police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said the reason Alequin was in the hospital had nothing to do with the robbery.
Alequin was presented with warrants when he was found at the hospital on Friday, Ferrelli said. Aurora police booking reports state that Alequin was arrested Monday on the 1300 block of North Highland Avenue. He would have been processed "after he was well enough to leave the hospital," Ferrelli said.
In addition to the charges stemming from the robbery, Alequin was also wanted by the Kane County Sheriff's Office on a contempt of court warrant.
"This case demonstrated amazing teamwork between different divisions of the police department and an unwavering commitment to putting all the pieces of a complicated case together," Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said in the news release.
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Alequin is next to appear in court at 9 a.m. March 3 before Judge David P. Kliment at the Kane County Judicial Center in St. Charles. His bail was set at $150,000 with 10 percent to apply for bond.
In 2012 he pleaded guilty to harassment by telephone, a 2011 misdemeanor charge out of Plano, and was sentenced to 12 months of conditional discharge, according to Kendall County court records.
Alequin's other previous nontraffic convictions since the year 2000 include possession of between 10 and 30 grams of marijuana in 2005 in Aurora; criminal damage to government property worth between $500 and $10,000 in 2003 in Batavia; possession of less than 2.5 grams of marijuana in 2002; domestic battery causing bodily harm in 2001 in Geneva; and battery causing bodily harm in 2000 in Batavia, according to court records.
Barkes is next to appear at 9 a.m. Friday before Kane County Judge Donald M. Tegeler. She was released Feb. 14 from Kane County custody after posting $5,000 bond.
hleone@tribpub.com
Twitter @hannahmleone
Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity is building a house like this one in Aurora. (Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity / Handout)
From large big box home improvement stores to small mom and pop companies, a Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity house under construction on Spruce Street in Aurora is being built primarily from in-kind donations.
This house will be the 56th house built by Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit that has been building houses in southern Kane County since the early 1990s.
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Families who qualify for a Habitat for Humanity home are working families that do not have the income level or savings for a down payment to purchase a home on their own, Jeffrey J. Barrett, executive director of Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity, said.
With a mission to provide affordable housing for people in need by being a hand up and not a hand out, he added, "Our homeowners do have a mortgage."
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However, Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity acts as the mortgage company and doesn't charge any interest to the homeowner.
"When homeowners make a payment every dollar is taken off the principal," Barrett added.
The Spruce Street home is being built on a piece of property that Habitat for Humanity received through a City of Aurora/HUD neighborhood rehabilitation program, he added.
Initially, the plan was to rehab the home.
Typically, Barrett said, "We will rehab almost anything, but this one was beyond hope."
Once the home was torn down, Naperville-based Torch Architecture developed plans for a one-and-a-half story, three-bedroom, two-bathroom home for Juan and Maria Martinez and their four daughters who have been living in a two-bedroom apartment for the last 10 years.
Both Juan and Maria were born and raised in Mexico. The two met in 2003 when they were both selling Amway products. At the time, Maria was a single mom to two children.
Juan came to the United States in 1992 with his family and worked for 16 years as a machine operator for a company before it went out of business.
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He then went to work for another company which also went out of business. For the last three years, he has worked at an electronics company.
Maria, who began picking strawberries in Mexico when she was 12 years old, came to the United States when she was 17 and began working in a factory.
The Martinez family, like all of Habitat for Humanity families, have committed to providing "sweat equity" hours by working on the house. Depending on the size of the family, Barrett said families are required to contribute 350 to 500 hours in sweat equity helping to build Habitat for Humanity homes, including their own.
Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity typically builds about one or two houses per year; however, in the last several years, it has begun to build more houses each year and is utilizing different methods to fund the building of the homes.
Even with the large amount of in-kind donations for the house on Spruce Street, Habitat for Humanity still had to fundraise for about 20 percent of the cost of the home.
Another home is being built through a Faith Build Project which brings together 32 churches to raise funds, provide material and labor to build the home, Barrett said.
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There is a great need for affordable housing in the area, Barrett said.
"From the retail shops in Naperville to the factories in Batavia and the industrial parks in Geneva, the workers are living here in Aurora," he said.
Apartment rents in the area have gone up so there is even a greater need, he added.
"If we can provide someone with equity in a house as opposed to paying rent," Barrett said, "these homeowners will end up paying less in their mortgage payments than they would in rent."
In addition, he said, when Habitat for Humanity goes into a neighborhood to rehab a home, the neighborhood begins to change.
"Other homeowners begin to do improvements to their own houses," Barrett added.
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Cathy Janek is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser
What: Pancake breakfast
When: 8 to 11 a.m. Feb. 25.
Where: Advent Christian Church, 905 N. Edgelawn Drive, Aurora
Suggested donation: $7 per meal. Children under 10 years old eat for free.
A special census for Yorkville is on hold due to a federal hiring freeze put in place by President Donald Trump.
"We were due to have a special census this spring," Mayor Gary Golinski told aldermen at a recent City Council meeting.
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The city decided to hold a special census last October and sent a $108,000 check to cover the cost of the census, which includes covering salaries for part-time census workers required to get the latest population count.
Trump issued an executive order Jan. 22 that prohibits the hiring of federal civilian employees. The order does not include or apply to military personnel.
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Golinski said the city was prepared to do the special census but was notified recently that due to the federal hiring freeze the U.S. Census Bureau would not be hiring any census-takers "even though we pay the salaries of them."
The mayor said he approached U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (R-Plano) about the dilemma.
"Congressman Hultgren is looking into it. Hopefully, they'll find a workaround or at least give our $108,000 back," Golinski said.
Golinski said he did some research to find out whether other municipalities or villages were in the same predicament.
Golinski said the mayor in Volo, which is located in Lake County, mentioned they were in a similar situation. However, they were recently notified that they could proceed with their special census since they were further along in the process of hiring people than is the case in Yorkville.
"We hope that we can get ours going again," Golinski said.
The mayor said Yorkville would not receive its fair share of tax disbursements from income and motor fuel taxes until an accurate population count is registered with the federal government.
"We stand to lose between now and the next census about $600,000 from tax revenues," Golinski said. He added that's equal to about $15,000 in tax revenues per month going into the city's coffers.
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Golinski said the last regular census was done in 2010, which showed the city with 16,921 residents. He said since then the city has grown by more than 1,000 people. A regular census is done once every 10 years.
According to the presidential memorandum, "no vacant positions and no new positions may be created, except in limited circumstances."
The order does not include or apply to military personnel. The head of an executive department or agency can request an exemption of any positions that pertain to national security or public safety responsibilities.
The U.S. Forest Service was recently granted clearance to hire seasonal workers, some of which are firefighters to fight wildfires.
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Students in East Aurora High School's Survivor Literature class discuss this year's project that is centered around the memoir of kidnapping victim Jaycee Dugard, who will be coming to East High to speak in April. (East Aurora High School / Handout)
Last year, they took to the streets. And roads. And Prairie Path.
In April a group of over 100 students from East Aurora High School walked in the dark for six hours, trekking from Wheaton North High School to Aurora's RiverEdge Park in an exhausting effort to bring awareness to suicide prevention.
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Those blisters and aching feet and the $16,000 raised in this overnight walk were part of a successful project by East Aurora teachers Shane and Sarah Gillespie, who each year focus their literature classes on a different aspect of survival, then guide the students in planning a project around it to raise awareness and funds that go toward organizations working for even more awareness.
After researching a variety of topics, this year's Survivor Lit students voted to put their spotlight on abduction and sexual abuse, using the New York Times best-selling memoir "A Stolen Life," by Jaycee Dugard as inspiration. But instead of lacing up their walking shoes again, more than 160 students have already signed up to be part of an 18-hour lock-in, with each hour representing one of Dugard's unimaginable 18 years being held captive by her kidnapper and rapist.
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Over the course of the fieldhouse lock-in, students will even limit certain activities in an attempt to recreate some of the suffering Dugard endured after she was abducted in 1991 at age 11 on her way to the school bus in Lake Tahoe. Restricting food, bathroom breaks and human contact will be important aspects of the event, some of which were even suggested by Dugard herself in emails to the class.
The lock-in is at the center of the class' fundraising efforts to reach $7,000, which will be donated to the now 36-year-old woman's JAYC Foundation that helps other families reconnect and heal after tragic situations.
And like last year when the students hosted author and suicide survivor Kevin Hines, one of only a few to live after jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge, the lit class is bringing Dugard to East Aurora High School April 25 to speak to the students and, later that evening, at a public assembly.
In talking to the students last week, it was apparent Dugard's courageous words in "A Stolen Life," part of which come from a diary she kept during her latter years in captivity, resonated deeply with the students. Some even brought up their own experiences with abuse, with one young man describing "flashbacks' he went through as he "relived the moments as the chapters went on."
Another student, who said he struggled with abuse at the hands of his father, admitted the book made him realize he was taking his own anger out on a younger brother. Understanding how Jaycee was able to deal with and heal from her experience, he added, "became therapy for me."
The book is a quick and compelling read in which Dugard holds little back, not only describing the kidnapping, rapes, isolation, manipulation and deprivation she endured she gave birth to two daughters while in captivity but also pausing after each chapter to reflect on how those experiences shaped her survival and, just as importantly, her healing.
What Dugard's book did, several students pointed out, was help give voice to all those who are suffering any sort of trauma in silence.
The more they read, researched and talked among themselves, the more they came to understand there are many ways to be held captive.
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While an abduction is obviously not something many will endure, domestic abuse and sexual assault are far too common, noted Erika Farias-Diaz, with victims too often "shutting out the world" as they are forced to keep their secret.
Josue Tecaxco said reading Dugard's words made him more understanding of the abuse a relative went through. "Only by putting ourselves in their shoes and looking through their eyes," he acknowledged, can we come to truly "understand how those who are mistreated feel how they suffer and how they feel trapped."
The book, students also agreed, was more than a litany of horrific experiences. It was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Dugard, an innocent child who became a mother and a woman while being held prisoner in a monster's backyard, was not only able to survive the unthinkable, she found a way to endure and grow stronger, then taking all she learned in those struggles to give back to others.
"It made me feel there are brighter days ahead," noted Elise Robinson. "Her story gives you hope."
And, others pointed out, appreciation.
"We live every day taking so much for granted," said Farias-Diaz. "I need to be grateful for what I have. We are free."
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Contributions to support the visit by Jaycee Dugard and the East Aurora students' campaign to raise awareness about abduction and sexual abuse can be made by going to https://www.gofundme.com/a-stolen-night
Dcrosby@tribpub.com
The Downside To This Record Warmth? Apples At Risk, More Mosquitoes
By Stephen Gossett in News on Feb 21, 2017 6:55PM
Photo: Sean Gallup
Updated 2:00 p.m. While Chicagoans continue to enjoy record February warmth, Illinois climate researchers expressed anxiety about how so much unseasonably high temperatures could impact some plant life and important agriculture, especially certain fruit crops, and result in more pests.
The primary, immediate concern revolves around plant life that has broken dormancy and bloomed early than usual. If a winter-appropriate cold snap were to eventually return before the arrival of the actual spring season, it could lead to a host of damage to those early-appearing buds, according to Jim Angel, Illinois State Climatologist.
"When the cold weather does return we can see a variety frost damage. Some of that is Cosmetic butwhen you look at trees that flower for fruitthat could damage buds and lead to diminished fruit production," Angel told Chicagoist. "That's the big worry now," he added, noting that daylilies have already popped up in his yard. (Reminder: It's February.)
That could spell trouble for some Illinois agriculture. Apple orchards are at particularly high risk, Angel said, while the peach crop more common to southern Illinois plus winter wheat and alfalfa face uncertainty, too. "Growers are nervous about this weather, and there's not much we can do," he said.
Pests tend to increase in following warm winters, also, according to David Kristovich, Head of Climate and Atmospheric Science Section, Illinois State Water Survey. Mosquitoes and other insects, along with burrowing yard pests that are usually diminished by a normal winter could very well be in higher numbers in the spring, Kristovich said.
This potential cycleuntimely warmth followed by plant-damaging frostshas hit Illinois before, most recently in 2012 an 2007. Nationwide in 2007, that perfect-storm combination resulted in an estimated $1 billion in lost agricultural and horticultural crops, according to the US Department of Commerce.
Angel notes that, while the forecast for the next week or so calls for more warm weather, "beyond two weeks, those colder temperatures might return."
The best case scenario? A return to cooler, normal-for-February temperatures, but without a bitterly cold snapa turn of events that Angel sadly calls "a long shot."
"It's not unusual even in late March to get a real, hard freeze, where the temperature doesn't even go above freezing during the day," according to Doug Taron, Chief Curator of the Chicago Academy of Science. "There's lots of uncertainty over what will happen over the next month."
With the recent warm front, Taron has received reports of frogs and butterflies spotted out in the region much earlier than usual. But at least, he said, if the cold returns those animals can "hunker back down."
In the meantime, we suggest enjoying an apple or twoand enjoying not being covered in mosquito bites.
A jury was being selected Tuesday to hear the murder charge against a Downers Grove man accused of killing his mother at a time authorities had targeted him in an immigration scam.
The trial of Michael Zaky Bassaly, 31, was anticipated to begin Wednesday morning in the DuPage County courtroom of Judge Daniel Guerin.
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Guerin told members of the jury pool that the case may be completed for deliberation by Thursday. Selection began around 11 a.m.
Bassaly is accused of the first-degree murder of Yvonne Zaky Bassaly, 61, who was shot to death on Aug. 29, 2013 in her car, which was parked in the lot at St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Burr Ridge.
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Authorities are expected to argue at trial that Bassaly, who along with his mother had emigrated to the U.S. from Egypt, had been representing himself to other immigrants as a federal employee who could help fellow Egyptians attain political asylum in America.
However, Bassaly did not have a government job and had falsified information in the cases of more than 100 Egyptians who had approached him for help, according to courts records.
Authorities say that federal immigration officials had discovered what Bassaly was doing and that he was under investigation. Bassaly drove his mother to the church, intending to shoot her to "protect" her from the results of the investigation, and then kill himself, according to a letter Bassaly wrote that was later recovered by authorities.
"Every asylum case I have done is fake," wrote Bassaly, who noted there were "about 120 or 130 cases."
He wrote his conscious got the "better of me and I could not stay silent."
"I had to report everything knowing full well ... most likely I will spend the rest of my life in a jail cell or get killed by someone in the Egyptian community," he wrote. "I decided to take my own life."
However, after allegedly shooting his mother, Bassaly instead called 911 to report it, according to authorities.
Clifford Ward is a freelance reporter.
Rockler now is open in Orland Park's Lake View Plaza. (Bob Bong / Daily Southtown)
A new store that specializes in woodworking and DIY products opened last week in Orland Park.
Rockler Woodworking and Hardware opened a new, 7,000 square foot retail store Saturday at 15758 S. LaGrange Road in Lake View Plaza.
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Visitors will find a broad range of products that include power tools and laser machines, as well as project ideas, lumber, hardware and finishing accessories. The new store includes dedicated classroom and demonstration space, along with ongoing free classroom demonstrations and a knowledgeable staff to assist with project advice.
"The new Orland Park store reflects Rockler's ongoing efforts to provide the greater Chicago area with more and better access to a truly wonderful educational resource and retail experience for woodworking and DIY tools and supplies," Rockler Vice President of Retail Dana Busch said in a release.
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The official grand opening will be held in April and will include special product demonstrations, manufacturers' representatives, and promotions.
The new Orland Park location is the company's third in the Chicago area and its 36th store nationwide. Other area stores are in Schaumburg and Bolingbrook. The company was founded 63 years ago.
The Orland Park store will employ approximately 12 people.
Cal City Bakery opens in new location
Cal City Bakery moved from its original location on State Line Avenue to its new digs at 816 Burnham Ave. on Jan. 27.
The bakery opened in the former Steffens Bakery at 714 State Line in February 2014.
The bakery serves fresh doughnuts, pastries, strudels, cookies, breads, cakes and wedding cakes.
Hours are 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
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For information, call 708-862-6640 or visit its website at www.calcitybakery.com.
The bakery owner is Jose Rojas.
Top Driver buys A-Orland Driving School
Top Driver driving school announced last week that it had acquired A-Orland Driving School in Orland Park.
Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >
Top Driver, which is the largest private driving school in the Midwest, closed on the deal to acquire Orland Driving School on Feb. 14.
A-Orland Driving was established in 1967 and is one of the best known private driving schools in the southwest suburbs. Top Driver said it would continue to operate out of the majority of A-Orland locations effective immediately.
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Top Driver said in a release acquiring A-Orland extends the company's footprint, visibility and service area. Top Driver previously had classroom locations in Bolingbrook, Oak Lawn, Homer Glen, Manteno, New Lenox and Tinley Park. It also operates at Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox.
Top Driver was founded in 2003 and now has more than 65 locations.
Top Driver CEO Paul Zalatoris said in a release, "Top Driver is excited to have the opportunity to service the driving needs of teens and adults of the southern suburbs of Chicago and the Kankakee region."
For information, visit topdriver.com or call 800-374-8373.
Bob Bong is a freelancer.
Oak Lawn Community High School students in an honors English class incorporate yoga routines into their study of the novel "The Great Gatsby." Teacher Erika Johnson said the fusion of literature and yoga helps students connect to the book. (Erika Johnson photo)
Jay Gatsby never let go of his past. Daisy Buchanan spent too much time worrying about her future.
But the Oak Lawn Community High School students who've read "The Great Gatsby" in Erika Johnson's honors English class have spent time focusing on how to make the most of the present. After reading the classic American lit novel, they had extended discussion of the book in the school dance studio and capped it off with yoga.
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Last summer, Johnson and fellow teacher Jessica Nickless attended a class that combined yoga and literature using the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel. Johnson liked the idea of fusing academics and yoga and arranged to have the yoga instructor, Liz Smith, join her students for a special 2-hour discussion and yoga session about the novel.
"Yoga is in the moment," Johnson said. One of the major themes about the classic American lit novel is that the two main characters dwell on the past or the present, but don't live in the moment.
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"(I'm) teaching along a theme," Smith explained. "Let go of the past. Let go of worrying about the future. Just be here in this moment, in this room, right now." It's a message that can resonate with high school students who may be stressing about college applications and their futures, or dwelling on the history of their relationships with peers, she said.
Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >
Johnson and Nickless had to get approval from English department chair David Johnson for what amounted to an in-school field trip of two class periods.
"He was pretty supportive," Erika Johnson said. "We went over what we found were the merits, and what we thought the students would get out of it."
Smith, a former classroom teacher who runs Serendipity Yoga and Wellness and teaches at a variety of area yoga studios, said she has been trying to build on a traditional book club to fuse yoga into it. She looks for themes in the novels choosing some of her favorites that also are common on teen reading lists and high school syllabuses that can then be focused on during yoga. Some of the titles she is looking at include "Fahrenheit 451," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," and "The Kite Runner."
Johnson said her students gave her positive feedback after the session, and some commented that yoga was much more challenging than they thought it would be, and some said that the yoga breathing exercises were very helpful.
"Our hope is that it helped them connect to the book," Johnson said. She said yoga dovetails well with the social-emotional learning requirements of today's schools, including ways to relieve stress.
"I do think it's definitely something they can use," Johnson said.
Paige Fumo Fox is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
The Chubby Bullfrog in West Dundee will relocate to Spring Hill Mall. (Erin Sauder / The Courier-News)
West Dundee has given the nod to helping a popular dining spot relocate from its current space in the Tartans Crossing shopping center to Spring Hill Mall.
At Monday's meeting, board members approved an economic incentive agreement with Mike Morrison, owner of The Chubby Bullfrog Bar & Grill, which will allow him to renovate the space at 1494 Spring Hill Mall, last occupied more than a decade ago by JJ Finnegan's Food and Spirits.
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"The whole idea is to keep to The Chubby Bullfrog in the confines of West Dundee and this is hopefully a way to make it work," Trustee Michelle Kembitzky said before the vote.
Through the incentive agreement, the village will provide a low interest loan up to $48,000 for a four-year period and a sales tax rebate for a period of five years of 50 percent incremental sales tax.
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Morrison, a Dundee-Crown High School graduate, opened The Chubby Bullfrog bar and grill at 1959 Huntley Road in 2012. He and co-owner Mike Burcker attended Monday's meeting.
"We've worked very hard to make our restaurant work. We just need a bigger space," Morrison said.
In 2015, the restaurant was featured on WGN-TV's "Chicago's Best" television show.
As far as the new spot, just west of the mall entrance between Sears and Macy's, "it's a beautiful space and a was very popular location when JJ Finnegan's was in there," Morrison said. "It's been empty 12 years and it's a mystery why."
Board members praised Morrison for the success he's had with his current location.
"It's a tough spot and you've made it work," Trustee Dan Wilbrandt said. "You've done a great job."
Mayor Chris Nelson calls the relocation "a positive development."
"We wanted them to stay within West Dundee," he said. "So it's a nice complimentary use of the mall and they're taking a space that has been vacant for some time."
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He added the economic incentive was necessary to bring the project to fruition.
"There are some buildout challenges they're experiencing and they required some assistance to surmount those," Nelson said.
According to village documents, Morrison's investment in the new location, including HVAC work, plumbing, electrical and sanitation, will be about $250,000.
Morrison said the loan from the village will help keep the restaurant's operating budget healthy during the buildout "and will keep our focus on quality control, customer experience and retention while in the beginning stages of being open," according to documents.
In a memo to board members, Community Development Director Tim Scott said the relocation and reinvestment of the restaurant has the potential to increase the restaurant's customer base, which in turn would result in additional tax revenue to the village. The mall is in the midst of a nearly $40 million renovation project. In December, the new 37,000-square-foot Cinemark opened in the former J.C. Penney wing.
Morrison thanked board members for their support.
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"My hope is someday we'll be franchising this business and we can talk about our humble beginnings in West Dundee," he said.
Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for the Courier-News.
West Dundee Police Department Sgt. Donald Pate was given the village's most recent Lamplighter Award. (Erin Sauder / The Courier-News)
A familiar face among the community's students, parents and teachers has nabbed West Dundee's most recent Lamplighter Award.
Created by West Dundee Mayor Chris Nelson, the distinguished award is meant to recognize individual employees on a bi-annual basis who go above and beyond the call of duty.
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West Dundee Police Department Sgt. Donald Pate was recognized at Monday's Village Board meeting for his dedication and service to the community and District 300 through his 26 years as a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) instructor.
"This is an honor to present," Nelson said.
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Pate was nominated by West Dundee Police Chief Andrew Wieteska.
Before presenting him with the award, a PowerPoint presentation was shown in Pate's honor. Included in it were accolades from parents and teachers, as well as pictures of Pate throughout the years with some of the students he taught.
He began as a full-time patrolman with the police department in 1972 and was promoted to patrol sergeant in 1976.
"However, he found his true passion in 1992 when he became West Dundee's first DARE instructor," Wieteska said.
After completing his DARE training with the Illinois State Police, Pate taught his first three classes at Dundee Highlands Elementary School, St. Catherine's School and Immanuel Lutheran.
Though he retired from active duty with the police department in 2005 after 33 years of full-time service, he continued to teach the DARE program for several years. He is now retiring from that role.
Wieteska said when putting together the presentation for Pate he went through the former employee's file.
"The number of citizen thank-yous that were in there was unbelievable," Wieteska said. "(Over the years) the letters kept coming in and coming in."
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Pate was joined at Monday's meeting by his family, friends and fellow officers.
"The award is one thing but I was hoping it would be attached to a new car," he joked.
But he was humbled by the recognition.
"It's been a good ride and I couldn't have asked for more," he said. "I just love the kids. Kids are so very important. They're our future. The book, "It Takes a Village" reminds me of this over and over again."
Nelson said the community's children took to Pate just as much.
"I can't see the program working without him," Nelson said. "The connection you made with the kids was very clear. I commend you for dedicating such a large portion of your life to West Dundee."
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Wieteska said the most common reason given by police officers for why they chose that profession is they want to make a difference.
"Without question, Sgt. Pate, you can retire knowing you made a difference," he said.
Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
The 8 Best Candy Shops In Chicago
By Anthony Todd in Food on Feb 21, 2017 5:18PM
A sea of gummies, via Shutterstock
Valentine's Day might be over, but that's no reason to stop eating sweets. Whether you're a lover of chocolate, gummies, sours or vintage treats, somewhere in Chicago is the perfect candy shop for you. Here are our eight favorite candy shops. Did we miss one of your favorites? Please comment to let us know.
The OMG Bar (our favorite chocolate bar in Chicago) at Amy's Candy Bar. Photo via Facebook.
Amy's Candy Bar
Let's start off with a bang: Amy's is probably our favorite candy shop in the entire city. It's not the biggest and it doesn't have the most insane variety of sugary treats, but its selection is perfectly curated. From vintage candies to chocolates, sours to gummies, you can get a snack for every type of candy lover. The interior is adorable, it's right next to an El stop, and they have root beer floats. Plus, their homemade treats (including the expensive but amazing OMG Bar, stuffed with hazelnut, chocolate and sea salt caramel) will keep you coming back again and again.
Amy's Candy Bar is at 4704 N. Damen Ave.
Katherine Anne Confections
But wait, you might say, isn't Katherine Anne Confections a chocolate shop, not a candy store? First, I'm not entirely sure where that line is, since everywhere on this list sells chocolate. More importantly, Katherine Anne Confections doesn't just sell fancy truffles! They've also got a full line of marshmallows and an incredible selection of caramels, which we secretly like more than the chocolatesnot because the chocolates aren't great, but because the caramels are freaking amazing.
Katherine Anne Confections is at 2745 W. Armitage Ave.
Margie's Candies
Sure, the interior decor is a tiny bit creepy and a tiny bit dusty. Sure, the dishes look like they have been around since 1968. And sure, most people are there for ice cream and not for candies. But Margie's Candies (as the name implies) stocks a huge variety of homemade candies and chocolates, and while their flavors aren't as fancy or complex as some modern chocolates, sometime you just want a big hunk of milk chocolate to scarf down. Margie's to the rescue.
Margie's is at 1960 N. Western Ave. and 1813 W. Montrose Ave.
The interior of Candyality's Wicker Park Store. Photo via Facebook.
Candyality
Candyality is probably the most prolific of Chicago's fancy candy stores, with four locations scattered throughout the city. We first encountered Candyality at the Southport location, but these days they are probably better known for their Water Tower shop. No matter where you stop, there will be a huge selection of vintage-style candies, which is what we go to Candyality to seek out. Plus, they do a super cute gimmick where they determine your "Candy Personality" (or your candy horoscope, depending on the location and the day) by figuring out the sort of treats you like to eat. Totally silly and totally adorable.
Candyality has four locations throughout Chicagocheck their website for details.
Aji Ichiban
This Chinatown spot is tucked into the bottom floor of the strip mall off of Archer Avenue, and it's easy to miss if you're not looking for it. But if you're addicted to any Chinese candy and can't find it elsewhere (or if you're looking for a unique treat for a gift, a candy dish or a party) this is the place to go. The variety is insane, though you might have to ask for help reading some of the labels.
Aji Ichiban is at 2117 S. China Pl.
The exterior of Dylan's Candy Bar. Photo via Facebook.
Dylan's Candy Bar
Some Chicagoans might turn up their noses at this New York transplant on Michigan Avenue, but don't knock it till you've tried it. It's filled with giggling tourists, but it's also got the best, largest, most comprehensive candy selection we've ever seen. If you've ever even heard of a sweet, it's probably here, and they've also got an impressive selection of house-branded chocolate bars in every color and flavor imaginable. Tack on their cocktail bar and a candy lover could literally spend an entire afternoon in this mini-candy-theme-park.
Dylan's Candy Bar is at 445 N. Michigan Ave.
Blommer Factory
Blommer is best known for being the source of the delicious chocolate smell that envelops all of downtown during production days, but many people don't realize you can actually get a taste of that chocolately goodness. There's a small factory store behind a fairly unassuming door on Kinzie, and their selections (which include a wide variety of truffles, candies, and chocolate-dipped goodies) are surprisingly affordable.
Blommer is at 600 W. Kinzie St.
Dulcelandia
If you've ever bought a piAata in Chicagoland, there's a strong chance it came from Dulcelandia. They claim to be the largest retailer of Mexican candy in the Midwest, and if you walk into any of their four Chicago-area locations, you won't doubt them for a second. There is literally zero chance you will be able to walk out of Dulcelandia without buying something.
Dulcelandia has four locations throughout Chicago - check their website for details.
Stacks and bags: With the election of President Trump, we have a tireless leader. Did you see the stacks of paper on his desk? The bags under his eyes show that he doesn't sleep. He may be our best president ever.
Buy American: A caller complained about a Speak Out that said Americans should be American and buy American cars. He asked what kind of clothes we wear and what kind of televisions we watch. We wear foreign clothes and watch foreign televisions because of people who bought foreign products and put Americans out of business. General Motors was almost gone but came back from the brink. We lost Pontiac and Oldsmobile. We can't have better jobs when people come here and buy foreign products. That sends jobs out of the country or to nonunion states. Be American and buy American, and we will all be better off.
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Accept responsibility for your actions: The Trump administration sent Navy SEALs to Yemen. We lost a Navy SEAL in Yemen, and a few more SEALs were injured. President Trump said former President Obama started this, and his administration just took it over. During his campaign, Trump said Obama did nothing right, so why did he take on something Obama started? In addition, Trump didn't have to give the go-ahead for the operation. He is the commander in chief. If you put the jacket on, wear it.
Baldwin banter: I think "Saturday Night Live" is hilarious, especially when Alec Baldwin is on. If the president didn't do certain things, Baldwin wouldn't have any material to act on.
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Stand up for America: It does seem that America is becoming a very racist country. I will not be quiet, I will not shut up and I will continue to talk when someone says they had to endure a Democratic president for eight years and now it's their turn. It is their time to stand up and ensure that America remains great.
Show respect for president: This is about the people who complained about the Jimmy Fallon show and "Saturday Night Live." I agree. Jimmy Fallon should be replaced with Jay Leno who respected the president of the United States. They make fun of President Trump on "Saturday Night Live." These two shows aren't anything like "Laugh In" or the "Smothers Brothers." They did their jokes, but they never made fun of the president of the United States. They respected the president.
Medical mafia: The medical society has become the medical mafia. They have seniors where it hurts in our so-called golden years. The gold in old age is theirs. Look at the commercials. Ninety percent of the ads are pharmaceutical ads for old age-related illnesses or greedy personal injury lawyers trying to sue the medical society.
Move forward: The presidential election has been over for a few months. Get over it. Start being a team that works together. Each party is setting a bad example. It's making citizens angry and short-tempered. Let's all move forward for the betterment of our country. Remember that we are the greatest nation in the world. Never forget it.
Need for other nations: President Trump has his own agenda, and some of it might be good. He has to learn how to talk to our allies and not treat them like an old pair of shoes. When our allies run away from us because of Trump, we will be very vulnerable. As powerful as we are, we do need these other nations.
Something to say about Uruguay trip: On February 3, WGN television reported that Eric Trump billed the United States government $97,000 for a trip he recently took to Uruguay. I'm wondering why U.S. taxpayers should pay for a Trump family business trip. In order to ensure no conflict of interest while he is president, Donald Trump signed a trust that transferred his family business dealings over to his two oldest sons. The sons are not to discuss family business with the president while he is in office. My question: Why are U.S. taxpayers being billed for Trump's son's trip? If it was for family business, the Trump organization should pay for it. If it was for U.S. government business, why was Trump's son involved? If the trip involved both the government and the Trump family business, it would set up a questionable conflict of interest. Something isn't right here.
Spicy situation: President Trump is still shooting from the hip. He will say something dumb, and Sean Spicer will be the cleanup man. He will say: We'll get back to you and let you know. This is the real "Saturday Night Live."
Condolences for Linder: I would like to send my sincere condolences out to the family of the late Elgin police Sgt. Tom Linder. I live in the Century Oaks area on Hillcrest, and I remember him coming by here to chat with us. He said if we had any problems, just give him a call. He was a good police officer and a great guy. He will be missed.
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First lady conduct: I must respond to the caller who said we finally have a first lady who conducts herself like a first lady. I should remind the caller to look on the internet to find the first lady doing a total nude layout. Yes, this is good conduct. No other first lady has performed such good conduct.
Cable question: I'm calling to ask if anyone knows of a cable company that is cheaper. My cable bill is very high, and most of the shows are reruns. Does anyone have a suggestion?
Stunned by Senate action: Did you get a load of that Senate floor action that made Sen. Elizabeth Warren sit down and shut up? People were angry because someone told the truth. I'm almost 70 years old, and I've followed Jeff Sessions for many years. I know he is a racist. We are trying to confirm a person, and they shut someone up for telling the truth. What is America coming to?
Editor's note
Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-2460 or email couriernews@tribpub.com. Please include "speak out" in the subject line.
"Jazz is about the future," the impassioned pianist portrayed by Ryan Gosling in the Oscar-nominated musical "La La Land," proclaims. That future is yours for the hearing at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival, running Feb. 23-26.
This is the festival's golden anniversary. The format remains the same high school and college bands from across the country performing in the afternoon and professional ensembles performing at night but to honor the festival's 50th, there will be an opening night concert on Feb. 23 for the first time. The concert will feature three-time Grammy-winner Dee Dee Bridgewater, who in April will receive a Jazz Masters award from the National Endowment for the Arts.
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On Feb. 26, another Jazz Masters honoree, Bill Holman, with his big band, will perform a piece commissioned by the college to commemorate the festival's 50th.
The festival is an opportunity to hear where jazz has been and where it's going. "It's an art form and always trying to break new boundaries," noted Doug Beach, the director of jazz studies who also has overseen the festival for the last 24 years (he has been with Elmhurst College for 39 years). "It is very aware of its history, but also looking to see what can develop from what hasn't been done yet. Jazz is inclusive; it's looking around to see what else can be brought to it. Miles Davis was a leader in bringing contemporary and rock and roll rhythmic approaches."
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The festival evolved from the former American College Jazz Festival, a nationally organized event for which Elmhurst College was one of the regional sites. Winning ensembles and vocalists from each site would get an all-expense paid trip to the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. for a finals competition. "There was some pretty big corporate money behind it in the beginning," Beach said.
Not as much these days, but when the national organization folded in 1973, Elmhurst College administrators such as former Dean of Students Jim Cunningham, lobbied to pick up the torch, which it has carried ever since. Elmhurst College's own jazz program has also grown apace. The college now offers a jazz studies major. The Elmhurst College Jazz Band has toured internationally and in 2014 was a Downbeat magazine Student Music Awards winner in the large jazz ensemble category.
In addition to Bridgewater, the festival's featured performers include on Feb. 24 the Grammy-winning Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (an outgrowth of the former Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Orchestra), the Patrick Williams Big Band on Feb. 25, and on the afternoon of Feb. 26, the Bill Holman Big Band.
"I'm amazed at the creativity these bandleaders bring to the music," Beach said. "Patrick and Bill and the members who compose for the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra write everything their ensembles play. These three groups present in many ways some of the cutting edge music bring written for a large ensemble."
But the raison d'etre for the festival remains its young performers. The opening day of the festival, as per tradition, is dedicated to high school jazz ensembles. "I'm so impressed with the dedication of the musicians and the seriousness with which they take the music," Beach said. "They are not fooling around, they really care about it."
This is especially meaningful at a time when there aren't as many venues for jazz as there once were.
Beach is a firm believer that, to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of jazz's demise are greatly exaggerated. "The festival provides a place for these students to perform, to be heard, and to develop their craft. It also gives them the chance to hear other musicians. You always learn from listening to someone else."
For the past 50 years, Beach said, the festival has helped to nurture jazz's next generation. "A lot of the pros who have performed here over the years played (at the festival) when they were in college."
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So while he is charged with staging the festival, he is also a fan. "I just can't wait to hear the music," he said.
Elmhurst College Jazz Festival
When: Feb. 23-26
Where: Elmhurst College, 190 Prospect Ave.
Tickets: $10-$36 for individual events; $110 for full weekend package
Contact: 630-617-5534; www.elmhurst.edu/jazzfestival
Evanston police gather outside an abandoned house on the 1300 block of Asbury on April 19, 2016. Police annouced at the Feb. 13, 2017 City Council meeting that most crimes were down in the city in 2016 versus 2015. (Bob Seidenberg / Pioneer Press)
Evanston police reiterated their call for residents to lock vehicle doors and remove valuables from them, after announcing last week that vehicle thefts and break-ins increased in 2016 versus the year before.
While incidents of other kinds of theft were down last year compared to 2015, there were 73 reported cases of motor vehicle thefts an increase of nearly 18 percent, police said during a presentation on 2016 crime statistics at the Feb. 13 City Council meeting.
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Police added that burglaries were up 5.1 percent to 329 incidents from the 313 cases the year before.
"Unfortunately there were increases in two notable categories," said Evanston Police Deputy Chief James Pickett.
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"The vehicles in question were often left unsecured," he said.
A number of vehicles were driven off after they were left running and unoccupied, Pickett said.
Most cars stolen out of Evanston were recovered on the West or South Side of Chicago, police said.
Of the automobiles that were burglarized, "more than 90 percent of the vehicles were left unsecured," Pickett said.
Most of those were broken into in the evening or overnight, and often in areas were multiple cars were hit. Most burglarized cars also had something of value in plain sight, like a cell phone, tablet or purse, according to police.
The figures were part of the police department's Part I crime statistics for 2016. Those figures "are the focus of public attention when measuring safety within a community," according to a police department statement, and include murder, criminal sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault/battery, burglary, theft, motor vehicle theft and arson.
Overall, Part I crimes were down 7.2 percent over 2015 and 5.1 percent from 2014.
The police reporting indicates there were 1,811 Part I crimes reported for 2016, compared to 1,952 for 2015.
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According to Evanston police, "theft continues to be the dominant factor" among the city's reported crime and accounted for 1,269 of the 1,811 Part I incidents even though thefts in 2016 were down from 2015.
Specifically, Evanston robberies were down more than 25 percent with 38 reported cases in 2016 and 51 the year before. Thefts dropped nearly 12 percent, going from the 1,440 reported for 2015 to 1,269 last year, according to police statistics.
Also, murders were down in 2016, from 3 to 2.
Reports of aggravated assault/battery, however, rose 9.1 percent over 2015, according to a police statement.
Police explained that theft involves taking something that isn't yours, while robbery taking something from someone else while using force, threat of force, or while armed.
Burglary, police said, is the act of unlawfully entering a place and stealing something.
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Pickett reminded Evanston residents to remember the CLEAR method when dealing with crime. That acronym includes calling the police, locking doors and windows, encouraging neighbors to be aware, avoid leaving valuables visible and recording serial numbers.
gbookwalter@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @GenevieveBook
It's a safe bet the nine candidates running for the North Shore District 112 school board are getting lots of questions about school closings as they make themselves known in the community.
As the Highland Park News kicks off our District 112 election coverage, each hopeful was asked if the district needs to close schools in the near future. Candidates were also asked if they could support closing buildings for the 2018-19 school year if it appears a reconfiguration model won't be ready for a March 2018 referendum.
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All but one candidate views school closings as imperative for financial and educational reasons. Many believe BDR3 the board's earlier plan to close Ravinia, Lincoln, Elm Place and the Green Bay Early Childhood Center was excessive.
Daniel Jenks, Art Kessler and Brent Ross have the backing of the District 112 caucus. The group interviewed seven candidates in early December.
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Four contenders Alexander Brunk, Julie Campbell, Lisa Hirsh and Brent Ross are backed by CARE, a political action committee that originally opposed the $198 million referendum and now is focused on electing candidates aligned with its views.
Alexander Brunk, a member of the 2.0 panel, is a southwest Highland Park father whose children are not yet enrolled in the district's schools. A data analyst for a drug store corporation, Brunk was an active opponent of the district's $198 million referendum that included a middle-school campus in his neighborhood.
Brunk said he's thoroughly reviewed school configuration as a member of the study panel, and believes reorganization is long overdue.
"With enrollment declining, our students are spread too thin across too many classes per grade level," Brunk said.
Brunk said he disagrees with the "all or nothing" approach of the prior school board and does not believe the district should close four schools in a single year. "We have a rich tradition of neighborhood schools that we should strive as much as possible to maintain," he said.
He says the district will have a good sense by fall of its long-term configuration plan regardless of whether a bond referendum is ready for the ballot.
He would support closing one or more buildings and consolidating the dual language program at two buildings to achieve cost savings and improve the learning environment.
Julie Campbell, who serves on the 2.0 steering committee, is an attorney with children at Ravinia school. She's convinced the district needs to close schools in the near future to reduce the financial liabilities, based on the evaluation done by the 2.0 finance committee.
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"The finance committee was comprised of community members from both the 'yes' and 'no' groups, so I trust that the evaluation of the district's financial status was thorough and reasonably accurate," she said.
Campbell says the 2.0 financial model indicates the district can be sustainable with nine schools and needn't close four buildings.
"To over-consolidate at the elementary level will severely impede the district's potential to offer full-day kindergarten in the future," Campbell said. She noted that full-day kindergarten not only benefits students and working parents, but all households because it will increase property values.
"Right now, the district is drastically behind surrounding suburbs in offering full-day kindergarten," Campbell said. "This is negatively impacting decisions by new families to move to Highland Park."
Lisa Hirsh is an Elm Place and Indian Trail parent who has spoken publicly about her efforts to have her son, who is on the autism spectrum, placed in general education classes at his home school, Elm Place. She strongly advocated last fall for keeping Elm Place and Ravinia schools open when both schools were slated for closing under the plan known as BDR3.
"I fully support the Reconfiguration 2.0 process and I'm optimistic that a plan based on sound financial projections and broad community input will be presented to the board before December of 2017," said Hirsh, co-owner of a medical billing company. "Some schools may need to close, not just for financial reasons but for educational priorities as well," Hirsh said.
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She said she would support school closures if a reconfiguration proposal is not ready for the ballot next March, but adds, "I would not support a building closure plan similar to the BDR3 plan."
Hirsh said closures should be carefully planned to be least disruptive to children, educators and the community. She believes the district also must gauge how much change the community will tolerate.
Daniel Jenks says District 112 cannot continue to operate 12 schools and be financially sustainable without a significant tax increase, and recent public opinion surveys indicate a majority of community members are unwilling to support a tax hike.
"The large backlog of deferred capital work on these buildings is the major financial challenge, a situation exacerbated by operating expenses that are rising faster than property tax revenues," said Jenks, who as co-chair of the 2.0 financial committee developed a financial modeling tool with his co-chair.
He said an 8 percent property tax increase would be needed starting next year to keep all 12 schools open through 2030, and that would only cover basic repairs without improvements like ADA accessibility or air conditioning or new programs like full-day kindergarten.
Jenks said he would seriously consider closing some buildings in the fall of 2018 if the 2.0 team does not deliver reconfiguration options to the school board this summer. "I would first consider buildings that are virtually certain to close under any long-term model chosen by the district," he said.
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Jenks, who holds a law degree and an MBA, has been a stay-at-home parent who has taken on community leadership roles. He co-chaired the pro-referendum citizen's group for District 113 in 2013, and currently chairs a Highland Park High School advisory committee that addresses sensitive neighborhood issues.
Art Kessler, an Indian Trail and Elm Place parent who serves on the 2.0 steering committee, said the district will need to cut back on educational programming if steps are not taken to reduce the number of school buildings in the next several years.
"Most of our buildings are severely under capacity to the point where we have classes that are impractically small," Kessler said. "This unnecessarily raises our operational expenses and creates an unfavorable environment both academically and socially for our students."
He's also mindful the district's finances could be adversely impacted by a two-year property tax freeze that's part of the "Grand Bargain" under discussion in Springfield, as well as other legislative proposals.
Kessler said the 2.0 panel is working hard on options that can be voted on in time for a March 2018 referendum. "We will have an idea of what the final configuration of the district will be in plenty of time to plan for the 2018-19 school year," he said.
He believes some parts of the plan can be implemented without a successful referendum because of excess capacity in the district. He said an interim plan that's consistent with the final configuration plan will allow the district to save money and avoid wasteful spending to maintain facilities that will ultimately close.
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Bennett Lasko, a business litigation attorney, served on the Superintendent Citizens Finance and Facilities Advisory Committee (SCFFAC) that studied school reorganization issues from late 2012 to early 2014.
"The cost of operating more buildings than we need is draining resources from education, which is not acceptable," said Lasko. He does not believe anyone who has seriously looked at the issues has concluded that school closings are unnecessary. The conclusion was reached by virtually all of the 50-plus SCFFAC members and dozens of citizens on both sides of the failed 2016 referendum, Lasko said.
On the issue of closing schools for the 2018-19 year, Lasko thought it inappropriate for a potential board member to prejudge.
"The answer should be based on detailed analysis, dialogue and recommendations by the district's full-time professional administrators," Lasko said, noting the decision would need to take into account underlying financial, educational, demographic and facilities issues.
Jane Solmor-Mordini, the only incumbent in the race, has been a vocal advocate for reducing the number of schools and modernizing buildings to better prepare students for the future.
She notes the 12-school model is a legacy from the consolidation of three elementary districts more than two decades ago. She said the model is unsustainable and is limiting the district's ability to deliver education in a competitive manner.
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"All surrounding Illinois school districts with similar student populations operate six to nine buildings, and we must do the same," she said.
While a successful referendum would allow the district to consolidate schools and invest in infrastructure, the district must close some aging buildings and modernize those that that remain with or without a referendum, she said.
"We are spending money we do not have to operate 12 buildings and we are missing out on educational opportunities, like the ability to offer all-day kindergarten, provide for teacher collaboration, and offer truly contemporary middle school education," said Mordini, who is seeking a third term.
Brent Ross, a management consultant who has advised the Chicago Public School system, serves on the Reconfiguration 2.0 committee. He is the father of two young children not yet of school age.
Ross is proposing the district close one elementary school and the Green Bay Early Childhood Center, which he said would ensure financial sustainability.
"Closing Green Bay and one elementary school, reducing non-teacher costs by five percent and pragmatically smoothing our capital plan would make the district sustainable," Ross said. "In other words, this approach would keep the fund balance above 25 percent of operating expenses through 2030."
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The district strives to maintain fund balances equal to at least one fourth of annual spending.
Ross said he would support measures to reduce the number of schools in 2018-19 because his plan is less drastic and disruptive than the board's previous plan.
"The measured change I propose is more in line with the scale of historic closures in other districts," Ross said. He said his plan does not require that students be separated from classmates. Nor is it likely to conflict with any long-term plan offered by the Reconfiguration 2.0 panel.
Steven Welhouse, a construction and real estate attorney, is the only candidate who does not believe District 112 needs to close schools in the near future.
Welhouse, an Indian Trail parent, said the Reconfiguration panel has not completed its work, and has yet to make recommendations that schools close. In addition, he believes the district's budget picture is improving for the first time in eight years, making near-term closures unnecessary.
"The answer to District 112's budget difficulties does not lie in closing schools," Welhouse said. "It lies in reforming our education system, which is neither pro-student nor pro-teacher," said Welhouse. "Personnel cost obligations are uncontrollable and unsustainable and have put us in the position of considering school closures."
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Welhouse said no schools should close until the Reconfiguration 2.0 panel has completed its work, and closures should be implemented gradually, with no more than one or two closed at one time.
This is the first story in a continuing series on the North Shore District 112 school board race. The election will be held on April 4 and early voting begins March 20.
kberkowitz@pioneerlocal.com
Twitter @KarenABerkowitz
The bright new mosaics in the Hinsdale Public Library are designed by artist David Lee Csicsko, but the next mosaic that will be installed is the work of children in a mosaic-making workshop at the library.
Csicsko designed odd, colorful characters on large ceramic tiles that are displayed on the upper wall of the youth services department on the lower level.
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"I was very impressed with them," said Navnita Gupta of Hinsdale. "It's so vibrant and full of nature."
The characters include owls, unicorns and suns. But not all are easy to define. Some suggest walking books, dragons, reindeer, wind-up toys and space aliens.
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Library officials decided Csicsko's artwork would be a good fit for the youth department, which recently was renovated and redecorated.
The walls were a blank canvas for him, said Ridgeway Burns, the youth and young adult services manager.
Csicsko also designed two vertical mosaics of birds perched on top of a tree for two columns in the section, which he calls "the reading forest."
When Gupta saw Csicsko was leading a mosaic-making class for children at the library, she enrolled her 10-year-old daughter, who enjoys art at school.
The class filled up with 18 fourth- through eighth-graders within two hours after registration opened, Burns said. The children worked in small groups filling patterns of birds designed by Csicsko with pieces of colored glass.
Dominic Tortorello, 10, and his sister Lola, 11, worked on different squares. Dominic said the birds reminded him of cardinals. Each one perched on a branch with dark green rectangles representing leaves.
The individual birds then were assembled on either side of a brown tree trunk. Alfonsa Vistian, who works with Csicsko on large projects, explained the next step was to add grout to secure the tiles, finish it and let it dry.
In about two weeks, she said, it should be ready to hang in the library permanently.
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After the mosaics were made, Csicsko talked to the children about his work. He has large pieces displayed in such places as a hospital in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the Loyola School of Nursing and the Belmont CTA station in Chicago.
The CTA wanted to make the station "more imaginative and more friendly," Csicsko said.
He also has illustrated a book, "The Skin You Live In," by Michael Tyler.
Csicsko thinks the unicorn he created for the Hinsdale Library ceramics may develop into a character for a book. He already has a name for the character, Funky the Unicorn, he said.
The children had questions for Csicsko.
Anya Raman, 10, asked which artists inspired Csicsko. He named Pablo Picasso, because "he's a rule breaker." Picasso could draw subjects realistically, but proceeded "to play with what is possible and opened doors for everyone who came after him," Csicsko said.
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Another girls asked who started Csicsko on the path to art when he was growing up.
He said he often got compliments for his artwork, which encouraged him to continue.
"As I got older, I met teachers who were more difficult and wanted me to work harder," which helped him develop his talent.
Csicsko pointed to a boy's T-shirt that read, "The best don't rest," and said it was true.
"To be good at something, it takes a lot of effort," Csicsko said. "You have to practice."
kfornek@pioneerlocal.com
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Twitter @kfdoings
In the wake of what they called "reports about incidents of hate, intimidation and division in Lake County," local leaders on Tuesday morning held an event promoting tolerance at the College of Lake County in Grayslake, where they told stories of fear among minority communities and brainstormed ways to be more inclusive.
At the end of the event, Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor wanted to address "how to transform words into action," he said later.
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So he took significant action himself.
In his remarks to the audience, he noted that, "While Illinois has significant protections for those individuals in our LGBT community, under federal law you can still be denied renting an apartment because you are gay. You can still be denied financing or a mortgage for a house, because you are gay. You can be fired from your job solely on the purpose that you are gay."
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He used the federal policy as an example of the work that is still left to do on civil rights in the United States. And then he asked the crowd to think about, "What would happen if we didn't have that Illinois law?
"Who in your life would that impact? Maybe a neighbor, maybe a family member, maybe it's a co-worker that you know; a classmate here at CLC," Lawlor said. "It could even be your County Board chairman."
After the event, Lawlor, 34, said in a phone interview that he "meant to share with the audience that I'm gay."
Lawlor said he has "never hid" or "lied about" his sexual orientation. He has lobbied in the past for marriage equality and has been active with groups like Equality Illinois, a group advocating for LGBT rights, he said. But Tuesday's remarks were the first time he publicly acknowledged his sexual orientation in a political setting.
"It's all about making sure Lake County is an inclusive and welcoming place," Lawlor said. "And that starts with understanding each other and understanding our differences, and making them into strengths."
Lawlor, a Republican, joined the County Board in 2009 and was elected chairman in 2012, becoming the youngest ever elected to that position. His district includes Vernon Hills and Indian Creek, plus portions of Hawthorn Woods, Long Grove, Mundelein and unincorporated Lake County. He has never married and does not have children, he said.
"I hope it added value to the discussion," Lawlor said of his remarks. "I think it did, by the response that I'm getting."
The two-hour event centered on promoting tolerance and unity, and leaders were asked to sign a pledge to, "make Lake County an inclusive and welcoming community." While Lawlor and Lake County State's Attorney Mike Nerheim, who helped organize the event, both said that prejudice, hateful rhetoric and bullying were not new phenomena, they both acknowledged the role of the national political climate in magnifying those issues.
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"It did seem very divisive," Nerheim said of November's presidential election. "I think all elections can be divisive, but this one seemed particularly divisive."
Looming over the event was the controversy surrounding the presidency of Donald Trump. While the discussion was not specifically about Trump, panel members such as Megan McKenna Mejia, executive director of the Round Lake Park-based immigrant resource nonprofit Mano a Mano, spoke about, "a recent increase in fear and anxiety in the community."
Trump has moved to aggressively change federal immigration policy, ran on a platform suggesting he would deport immigrants who didn't have permission to be in the country and pledged to build a border wall between the United States and Mexico.
Trump himself on Tuesday condemned recent threats targeting the Jewish community, calling them "horrible" and "a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil," the Washington Post reported. He also toured the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, and said it was a "meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms."
Many criticized Trump's remarks throughout the presidential campaign as intended to appeal to prejudice toward immigrants, Muslims and other minorities.
Nerheim said there has been, "an increase in incidents around Lake County" related to such issues. But he acknowledged most of the reports have been anecdotal.
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"There's been fear in our Latino community and our Muslim community," he said.
The event was also hosted by the Partnership for a Safer Lake County, a group of organizations and individuals "committed to ending violence in Lake County," according to a county news release.
"The partnership will combat violence of all kinds, including child abuse, elder abuse, sexual assault, human trafficking, LGBTQ crimes and domestic violence," the news release reads. "It is something that must be done, and cannot be done working alone."
Lawlor said he hopes his comments about his sexual orientation help encourage Lake County residents to embrace both the similarities and the differences between them and their neighbors.
"I haven't hidden it, so why is there a need to do a big, flashy announcement?" Lawlor said of the reason he never talked about being gay so publicly before. "I think it's better and more impactful for me to talk about it in this setting, and on this topic."
lhammill@tribpub.com
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In Remembrance Of Rezkoville, Chicago's Great Lost Urban Wilderness
By Stephen Gossett in News on Feb 21, 2017 4:52PM
Chicago has its fair share of green oases for whenever we urbanites require a quick fix of wilderness. But as much as we adore, say, the Garfield Park Conservatory or the Nature Boardwalk at the Lincoln Park Zoo, there isnt a great bounty of honest-to-god, untamed, non-manicured wilderness to explore within the city limitswhich is why the recent razing of Rezkoville, as its colloquially known, leaves such a sting.
In early December, crews were spotted clearing the site a massive 64-acre parcel of land bordered by Roosevelt, 16th Street, Clark and the riverfrontand by late January, it appeared to be fully leveled and fenced in. With it gone, so too goes the sites curious and unique ecosystem: a place of strange bird sightings; unexpected wildlife; plant life uncommon to Chicago bursting in abundance; and off-the-beaten-path, impromptu trails, much-loved by adventurous cyclists.
All the brush and overgrowth is gone because, really, it was inevitable: a giant swath of riverfront land between the South Loop and Chinatown wont go undeveloped forever. A 2002 plan by former owner and disgraced Rod Balgojevich associate Tony Rezko (hence the name) fell through; but last year, developer Related Midwest announced a 15-year project that would transform the onetime rail yard (vacant since its demolition in 1971) by adding thousands of new residences, plus retail and office space. It will be an entirely new neighborhood, essentially. (A court ruling in 2016 determined that Related partner Nadhmi Auchi owed more than $17 million related to loans involved in the deal, which may potentially stall the timetable.) Either way, the citys long-overdue Wells-Wentworth Connector plan, which will run a north-south road the length of Rezkoville remains scheduled to begin construction next year.
But lost to all that development is one of Chicagos most unique, relatively untrammeled urban escapes. Jana Kinsman, mastermind behind celebrated beekeeping initiative Bike a Bee, said she saw city-rare birds like an indigo bunting, stumbled across a highly unlikely jewelweed patch, and witnessed the distinctly non-urban sight of mud daubers building nests over the course of the past two summers when she frequented (as often as twice a week) Rezkoville. There were coyote tracks, and friends reported spotting foxes, she said. It was a really special, quiet area, with a lot of wildlife that was allowed to exist without the urban din, Kinsman told Chicagoist.
Because it was all neglected, there were so many processes happening there freely without human intervention, she said.
Liz, 33, of Edgewater, echoed Kinsmans fond, in-the-semi-wild memories. Last summer we saw a kind of blue firefly I've never seen anywhere else. Being in the middle of a the city, surrounded by the smells and sounds of a prairie, with the city lights rising up all around you was kind of mind bending, they told Chicagoist.
There is a danger in glamorizing the space as a sort of back-to-nature quasi-preserve/urban-explorer playground. For the homeless tent-city residents who once lined the south branch of the river at Rezkoville, it was a real-life sanctuarynot of the wildlife kind, heavily littered in parts, and not always safe. (Kinsman recalled one homeless woman with whom she became well acquainted and who described a predominantly functional, live-and-let-live environment; but Kinsman nevertheless admitted feeling intimidated at times when going to Rezkoville unaccompanied.)
And theres little doubt that the Wells-Wenworth Connector will be a boon to both the South Loop and Chinatown neighborhoods it will connect, acting as the very sort of (potentially bike-friendly) alternate passage that so many of us initially sought en route to discovering Rezkoville. Also, greater housing density could help moderate rising costs in the area. But given that The 606, Big Marsh, andperhaps sooner than laterSouth Works may soon receive their inevitable, ultimately impossible-to-argue-with makeovers, Rezkoville felt like perhaps the last of a secret-escape kindand certainly the most expansive.
Still, while we pour one out for Rezkovilles inimitable lost ecology, those who loved it still hold out hope that it wont prove so difficult to replicate in the long run after all. Given Auchis legal entanglements, all the new sewer systems that would have to be installed to accommodate Related Midwests development, and the possibility of environmental damage as a result of its old railroad past, could it all somehow stall and allow for another wilderness to sprout?
As Kinsman put it, We hope that its cursed.
(Note: Related Midwest did not return requests for comment. Ald. Danny Solis (25th Ward) did not immediately return requests for comment about relocation of homeless residents or potential environmental risks on the site. This post will be updated as necessary.)
Love it or leave it
To those who feel that our duly elected president is not their president: Remember, this is a free country and you are free to leave at any time. If you choose to stay, then give the man a chance. He is trying to put in place policies that he campaigned on and was elected on, not the lies of the last eight years such as, "If you like you doctor, you can keep your doctor."
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Principal did right thing
Who decided to reprimand the principal instead of the child that was "out of control?" The student was obviously in danger of harming himself or others. I think calling the police to deal with this situation was exactly right. Running out of the school, climbing over a fence, etc. is bizarre behavior for a child. If the staff had tried to manage the situation themselves and the child was hurt, the school would be responsible and liable. This child obviously has behavior problems that will surface again. Will another teacher be held accountable for poor parenting, behavior problems, etc.? Teachers are hired to teach students, not to apprehend and restrain them. I found it interesting that a parent did not pick the child up after the incident. That should tell us something.
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How things have changed
I married a Japanese women in 1951. The government had a policy to discourage servicemen from marrying Japanese women. It took four years of investigations, examinations, interviews and threats of dire consequences to finally obtain permission to marry. Sixty years of happiness followed. I favor immigration. When we purchased our home, our block was an example of the best of America. three black families, a family of Polish immigrants, a family of immigrants from China, an immigrant from the Philippines and one from Japan. I still live here, but things have changed. People died, children moved away and sold their homes. Today, I am surrounded by the new generation of immigrants. Two of the nine adults work, but they get paid in cash so no income taxes. The rest of them are supported by the taxpayer. Food stamps, WIC, LINK, Medicaid, Section 8, and other programs support them. The men drink a lot of alcohol judging by the cans and bottles laying about. The women are pregnant. Five of the adults voted in the last election, registering with IDs bought on Pine Street. This block has transformed from a place to be proud of to a place of shame.
Same planet, same people
We all live on the same planet. What goes on in America or elsewhere impacts all of us. That includes jobs, environment and the well-being of ourselves and others. We all need to get along. That's why there's a United Nations and the European Union, which at least try. This helps prevent wars. Blowing up verbally and or physically might cause mankind's extinction. Think Hiroshima. It will be worse than that for all of us.
Obama already has a holiday
Why should there be a state holiday for Obama's birthday? What did he do that was so significant for him to deserve a holiday? It's called Presidents Day. What more is needed.
Manuals on tape?
Do potential presidential candidates receive job description manuals before, during or after an election? Everyone knows that Trump doesn't read. Do these manuals come in audio versions?
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Crack down on killers
As long as there is soft punishment for the killers, the killing will continue. Capitol punishment needs to come back into service so the killers will have something to think about before pulling the trigger. And if they pull the trigger, then they need to be removed from society. Nobody needs them, black, brown or white.
What a joke
I doubt if the News-Sun was going for humor, but I laughed out loud when I read that both Republicans and Democrats want state employees to continue to get paid, yet both rejected the other side's similar plan. That pretty well typifies the sad state of dysfunction Illinois has become. I have a good idea. If Lisa Madigan wants to force a budget compromise, why doesn't she put the pressure where it belongs, on the executive and legislative branches? Don't pay anyone in the executive branch, and don't pay any of the state legislators until they come up with a budget. It would only be fair.
Twitter @NewsSun
Editor's Note
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Talk of the County is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, please tell us. Call us at 312-222-4554 or email talkofthecounty@tribpub.com. For a continuously updating blog of Talk of the County comments, go to newssunonline.com/talk.
Lincolnwood police are working to reinstitute the town's Neighborhood Watch Program, according to a news release from village officials.
Following the request of Mayor Gerald Turry, the department will work with a group of residents to help "detect and prevent crime," according to the release.
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Volunteers will be trained on how to recognize suspicious and criminal activity which they will report to the police department, the release states.. Police will install window and door decals and parkway signs for interested residents.
"A Neighborhood Watch Program is a wonderful opportunity to assist the Lincolnwood Police Department, help make your neighborhood safer, and meet your neighbors," Turry said in the release.
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Anyone interested in learning more should call police Sgt. Travis Raypole at 847-673-2167 or traypole@lwd.org.
gbookwalter@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @GenevieveBook
A ruined 2012 Toyota Corolla sits in the driveway of the Daily Lane home of Saeed Jellouli and Souad Mahir, which was destroyed by fire Monday morning. Five motorcycles Jellouli had collected also were destroyed in the blaze. (Bill Bird / Naperville Sun)
While his wife was out grocery shopping Monday morning, Saeed Jellouli was working on his computer and their children were home for the Presidents Day holiday.
Jellouli, an instructor at DeVry University in Tinley Park, said it was just before 11 a.m. when smoke began pouring into their Naperville house on Daisy Lane from the garage area "and the fire alarm triggered."
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"It went so fast," Jellouli said of the dizzying spread of the flames. "I tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher" before dialing 911. "I was frantically screaming for the fire department" before getting the children Malak, 16, Selma, 10, and Jed, 12, who uses a wheelchair out of the house safely.
"I had just my pajamas (on,) and my bare feet," Jellouli said. "By the time (firefighters) got here, the garage had collapsed."
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"If there's a silver lining, it's that we all got out safe. But everything is gone. Everything we have worked for is gone."
Naperville Fire Department investigators on Tuesday continued their search for the source of the blaze that gutted Jellouli's house and seriously damaged that of his neighbors. Jellouli said his neighbors were in Wisconsin at the time of the blaze.
The flames left the Jellouli home charred beyond repair and consumed its contents. They also reduced the attached garage to a gnarled, blackened mound of wood and melted metal, and destroyed the family's 2012 Toyota Corolla and the five prized motorcycles Jellouli had collected over the years and kept stored in the garage.
Jellouli said he thought Naperville firefighters were "painfully slow" in arriving on the scene. "For me, it seemed like an eternity because the fire was just eating everything."
Fire Division Chief Amy Scheller said the first contingent of firefighters arrived at the home at 10:58 a.m. Monday, "within seven minutes" of receiving Jellouli's 911 call.
Firefighters "set an objective of six minutes" for arriving on the scene of a blaze or other emergency, and meet or better that arrival time "90 percent of the time," Scheller said Tuesday. She stressed a seven-minute arrival time "is not something that's completely out of the range" of the department's aims.
Complicating matters was the discovery that the fire "was being fed by natural gas," Scheller said Monday in a news release. Nicor Gas employees had to be called to the scene, she said.
Jellouli on Tuesday pointed to a mound of mud left by a backhoe Nicor workers used to get to a gas main. "You could hear the gas line hissing" during the fire, he said. "It was loud."
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The fire also spread to the neighbors' house, seriously damaging the side facing the Jellouli home. A deck fire that erupted at a third home was extinguished quickly, Scheller said in the release.
Firefighters "were able to extinguish the main body of fire within the (Jellouli) garage and home within 30 minutes," Scheller said. "Crews were unable to fully extinguish fire within the (neighbors') home until the main gas line was shut down."
Both houses were deemed uninhabitable by an inspector from the city's Transportation, Engineering and Development office.
The loss of their home, which Jelloui and his wife purchased 13 years ago after immigrating from Morocco 10 years earlier, might be especially painful for Jed Jellouli, who suffers from chronic seizures and last spring received a "bedroom makeover" courtesy of Special Spaces. The nonprofit, Tennessee-based organization creates dream bedrooms for children battling life-threatening illnesses.
Donors and volunteers in April refurbished Jed's bedroom with two custom beds and storage areas. "Mini-makeovers" were provided for his sisters' rooms.
Jed is a student at Scullen Middle School in Naperville. Kelly Knox, a friend of the Jellouli family, said Scullen teachers, students and parents are already rallying to the family's aid.
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"This is the kind of family (where) they are still being gracious, and have a smile on their face, even through all of this," Knox said Tuesday.
Jed requires a specialized wheelchair and feeding instruments "to have a normal day," Knox said. "He didn't even eat Monday," because the wheelchair and other equipment were consumed in the fire, she said.
Knox said Jed's teacher, Olivia Mayszak, has set up a gofundme page for the family, which had raised $1,500 by Tuesday afternoon. Scullen employees are trying to get a discount on a replacement wheelchair, and Special Spaces officials "have already approved redoing the bedrooms" once the house is rebuilt, "so that's super-exciting," Knox said.
Saeed Jellouli said he and his family will live with relatives until the ruins are torn down and the house rebuilt, a process he said he expects to take at least six months.
Knox said donations to the family can be made at www.gofundme.com/jellouli.
wbird@tribpub.com
It's easy to be fooled by the tranquillity with which the play begins.
A priest staying in the American Embassy explains the background of the story. And there's a brief exchange between the ambassador and his son.
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"Everything looks like it's just a quiet little outpost. Until the first three minutes, you think 'well, this is going to be a nice, quiet little play,'" Director Bernie Weiler said. "Then mayhem erupts and never stops."
Pair the non-stop action with witty dialogue, and the result is the Woody Allen farce, "Don't Drink the Water." The play opens Feb. 24 at Steel Beam Theatre in St. Charles, running through March 18. Performances are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday.
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"The script moves along at a very rapid clip," Weiler said. "There's something happening every minute."
Set in the 1960s at the height of the Cold War, the story involves a New Jersey family of three: a caterer named Walter Hollander; his wife, Marion; and their daughter, Susan. The trio is on vacation in an unnamed country behind the Iron Curtain when they are accused of being spies.
"While they're out and about the caterer takes photograph of a restricted area, and they are chased by gun-wielding secret police into the American Embassy, which is led by an ambassador who has been recalled to the United States," Weiler said. "Upon leaving, the ambassador has just turned the control of the embassy over to his son, who is a junior diplomat who has failed in 13 other diplomatic assignments."
As the Hollanders find themselves caught up in an episode of international intrigue, an agreement is made to exchange the family for an Iron Curtain spy who has been captured by the United States.
"That exchange goes awry, and they plan to escape the embassy, which in the meantime has been surrounded by the Communist secret police so they can capture these spies, should they leave the embassy," Weiler said.
Throughout the ordeal, the family argues with those in the embassy, and each other. Walter and Marion fight about the decision to vacation in the foreign country instead of going to Atlantic Beach. And they are disappointed Susan has broken off her engagement with a prominent attorney, only to fall in love with what they perceive to be the incompetent ambassador's son, Weiler said.
"There's something for everyone. There's Communist police coming in and demanding to drag these spies out and shoot them," he said. "There's a priest whose been hiding in the embassy for six years under the same circumstance. And he turns out to be a magician. So there's magic and high hilarity, intrigue and adventure and gunshots."
Written in 1966, "Don't Drink the Water" was Allen's first professionally produced play. When it premiered it was very well received. But when Steel Beam was planning its current season of all comedies, there was some concern about whether the script was dated because the Cold War is over, Weiler said.
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"It doesn't matter because what he writes about how people behave is so relevant to every age. And he's captured it," he said. "He's a really a very brilliant comedic writer, and I think this is his best work."
The way Allen depicts the characters and their method of fighting, will have audience members recognizing their own family members, he said.
"Woody Allen's writing is so precise and funny. The characters are so well-drawn that everyone will recognize either an aunt or an uncle or their parents," Weiler said. "He just captures the way that loving couples argue. It's a beautiful thing."
Throughout the play, nine actors play 13 different characters.
"It's really a very, very accomplished cast," Weiler said. "We're really pleased with the level of acting."
All of the action takes place inside the embassy. And as a farce, that means the action moves along in a very unpredictable way, Weiler said.
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"There's no shortage of plot twists or turns. It's a challenge to kind of keep up with all the action that's going on," he said. "The challenges are that there are so many things happening at once, that the number of people who are running in and out and the number of conflicts that occur. One conversation is interrupted and creates a completely new thing to argue about."
"It's a lovely script," Weiler said. "Something happening every minute."
Kathy Cichon is a freelance reporter for the Courier-News.
'Don't Drink the Water'
When: Feb. 24-March 18
Where: Steel Beam Theatre, 111 W. Main St., St. Charles
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Tickets: $28 Adults; $25 Seniors 62+; $23 Students; $22 Groups of ten or more
Information: 630-587-8521 or www.steelbeamtheatre.com
Iris Yipp (left) and Rose Joseph are shown at a Harry Potter event in this 2007 photo. (Dianne Brogan / Chicago Tribune)
Those close to a local children's bookstore co-founder known for her warmth and imaginative window displays say her spirit lives on in the store.
Rose Joseph, 73, died Feb. 11 after a long battle with cancer, said her son, Aaron Joseph of Oak Park. A memorial was held for the former Magic Tree bookstore co-owner Feb. 17 at Cheney Mansion; there were more attendees than there were chairs, noted Iris Yipp, who founded the store with Joseph.
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Beth Albrecht, who bought Magic Tree from Joseph and Yipp in 2015, called Joseph gracious, generous and creative.
"Rose was amazing. I can't say enough good things about her," Albrecht said. "I'm just trying to keep, to tend this beautiful thing they created."
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The shop opened in 1984. Yipp, Joseph's neighbor, said they wanted to open a neighborhood place and decided on a bookstore. Joseph whose husband, Bertram, was from Trinidad and her neighbors felt a diverse community like Oak Park needed a multicultural book shop, said Aaron Joseph, the second of Joseph's four children.
It was first located at Madison Street and Cuyler Avenue, near Joseph and Yipp's block. About five years later, the shop moved to its Oak Park Avenue location.
"She really had an eye for the opportunity," Aaron Joseph said. A multicultural children's bookstore "was something that was not represented in the market when we were kids, in the '70s and '80s."
Aaron Joseph said his mother a Canadian immigrant, entrepreneur, and a single, working mom is an inspiration to a lot of people.
"She was an interesting woman, because in many ways, she was a revolutionary but she had none of the aggressive personality that sometimes accompanies that," Albrecht said.
Prior to opening the shop, Joseph worked in customer service for TWA airlines, which allowed the family to travel around the world, Aaron Joseph said.
Joseph, who had an art degree and a design background, was known for her creative and elaborate window displays. She created the logo for the shop, modeled after two of her children sitting under a tree.
"She'd get a vision, and she'd follow it through," Yipp said.
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Aaron Joseph said she put the same care and artistic design into her children's Halloween costumes. Joseph and Yipp were early fans of J.K. Rowling, and the shop was known for its trendsetting Harry Potter release parties, among other special events, some of which brought thousands of people to the store and closed Oak Park Avenue, Yipp said.
"We kind of created this wonderful space where families could come," Yipp said. "It was sort of more than a store."
Aaron Joseph admired his mother's quiet brilliance, as well as her determination and strength. Joseph died on the 27th anniversary of her husband's death.
"She told us that's when she was going to die," Aaron Joseph said. "It says a tremendous amount about her will and spirit."
Aaron Joseph said his mother felt it was time to let go of the shop when she and Yipp sold the business to Albrecht, largely because Joseph had been battling cancer and was ready to move on.
"To see the store persevere for 30 years, that speaks to its position as a neighborhood staple and a community hub," Aaron Joseph said. "She felt like they had the right person in Beth."
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Albrecht credited Joseph and Yipp with having "big, welcoming personalities," which made the business stand out over the years. The shop has "encompassed a lot of the morality that Oak Park encompasses," Albrecht added.
"She touched so many lives: children and whole families," said Albrecht, whose own children grew up visiting the book shop. "I hope I'm half as good at this as she was. Her creative spirit lives on in the store."
Caitlin Mullen is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
Park Ridge participants take the plunge into Lake Michigan on Feb. 18 at Clark Street Beach in Evanston. (Michael Schmidt / Pioneer Press)
Hawaiian shorts, bare chests, a tall leprechaun wearing a large inner tube and even a few tutus were among the sights seen from those who splashed into Lake Michigan at Evanston's Clark Street beach in the name of the Special Olympics, representing the Park Ridge community at the 2017 Polar Plunge.
In spite of unseasonably warm weather, participants showed that high temperatures did not take the zeal out of fundraising efforts. For some, it didn't even take the polar out of their plunge.
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"Horrible," acting Mayor Marty Maloney said of the water just after the Park Ridge team plunged. "It was much colder than what I thought it was going to be. Literally, take your breath away. ... Very shocking."
For a so-called "polar" plunge event, temperatures hit 70 degrees by early afternoon on Feb.18, just around the time of the plunge. Water temperatures were around 40.
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Whether the plunge was a challenge was subjective.
"I think it qualifies." Maloney said. "The temperature of the air may not qualify. But the temperature of the water more than makes up for it."
Park Ridge participants take the plunge into Lake Michigan on Feb. 18 at Clark Street Beach in Evanston. (Michael Schmidt / Pioneer Press)
The Polar Plunge is one of several events conducted by Special Olympics Illinois in conjunction with law enforcement. This is Maloney's first year as a plunger.
"I wish I had come out here before. It's a neat thing to see everyone come out for the Special Olympics," he said.
There were 19 Park Ridge plungers for the 2017 Lake Michigan Polar Plunge. This year's team consisted of mostly police officers, department staff, youth commission, elected officials and police explorers.
"[Police departments] in general do a lot more than just protect and serve, they actually participate in things like this, which makes a big difference," 1st Ward Ald. John Moran said. "When they're here with high school students doing this with them side-by-side, it really helps solidify their commitment to the community. It's a great thing. I'm happy to help them, and they all do a great job."
As the Park Ridge team began to retreat from the water, Moran dunked Park Ridge Police Chief Kaminski.
"No, I wasn't expecting that," Kaminski said. "That was great. They want you to do a full immersion, I have a tendency to do the speed in and speed out. ...They wouldn't let me get away with that."
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Each plunger is expected to raise at least $100 for Special Olympics, and each team has a goal. In total, the Park Ridge Police and Community Pact raised $3,920, as of Tuesday afternoon. The team is still accepting donations at www.soill.donordrive.com to meet its $4,500 goal.
In addition to $100 minimum plungers, there are "super plungers" who plunge every hour on the hour for 25 hours, who began the previous day to raise more money
"I did the Polar Plunge for eight years, three in which I was a super plunger," Park Ridge Police Officer Julie Genualdi said. She and Cmdr. Bob Kampwirth were dressed in blues on the beach supporting the Park Ridge plungers.
"This year, we're working. So that's why we're not going in," Kampwirth said. "It's very important. The Special Olympics is a great cause. The athletes are phenomenal people, and any way we can support that cause, we're there for them."
Park Ridge participants take the plunge into Lake Michigan on Feb. 18 at Clark Street Beach in Evanston. (Michael Schmidt / Pioneer Press)
Although she has been a Polar Plunge participant in the past, Genualdi wasn't going in the water and quipped about the extraordinary warm weather.
"This is not fair," she said with a laugh. "The hours of putting Vaseline on my legs so that they wouldn't get cut by the ice is probably something I think they should all experience."
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"It's good," she added. "It will encourage people maybe who will come out and do it again and again and just grow this effort that is so dear to my heart."
Deputy Police Chief Duane Mellema said every person who plunges "brings in more money to a fantastic charity."
"Whether or not it's cold I'm going to enjoy the fact that it's not cold this year," Mellema said. "It's so mild. It's like a regular dip in the lake; it is not nearly as tortuous and cold as it usually is."
Mellema said it was his 10th time as a participant.
"Just a teeny bit," Mellema said about whether the weather took the polar out of his plunge. "It's not as hard when you're coming out and you start warming up right away."
Mellema said he felt the weather contributed to there being more plungers this year. Mellema said he started plunging 10 years ago with three or four participants from the city.
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"It has really picked up in the past couple years. I don't know if that's more involvement with the police department just roping in more people. But it's definitely nice to have a lot more people coming in," said his son, Jake Mellema, 16. "When there's more people, it feels more like a community when you're jumping in. And you really get the sense that there are more people that actually care for the charity, that are actually doing stuff to help promote this."
Jake Mellema is a junior at Maine South and was in his sixth year as a plunger.
"It think it was just about the warmest one that I've ever done. I'm a little disappointed in that aspect. But I mean, it's pretty nice. I get to work on my tan," he said.
Did the weather take the polar out of his plunge?
"Pretty much," he said. "I prefer when it is around like 20-ish and actually cold."
"The first couple of years, that's the way it was, and then global warming ... ruined everything I guess," he said with a laugh.
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As for next year, he smiled as he said he hoped it would be "maybe a little bit colder."
Taryn Galbreath is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
The pain of losing their loved one more than two years ago was still palpable as family members delivered victim impact statements at the sentencing hearing Tuesday for a Hammond man who admitted he killed his friend during an argument.
"You shot him right here in his heart," Cynthia Love, the fiancee of Lonnie Lovell Williams, said as she looked at Jimmie Earl Jacobs Jr.
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Williams, 44, was killed during his birthday celebration on Sept. 24, 2014, at his Hammond home.
Lake Superior Court Judge Samuel Cappas imposed a sentence outlined in the plea agreement of 26 years and eight months in the Indiana Department of Correction. The last three years will be served in Lake County Community Corrections.
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Jacobs, who was originally charged with murder, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
In court last month, Jacobs said that he was in the 1000 block of Bauer Street and got into an argument with Williams, who told Jacobs to leave. A short time later, Jacobs returned to the Bauer Street address in a Chevrolet Lumina and parked near May and Bauer streets. Jacobs said he fired several shots at Williams in sudden heat.
Williams' brother, Kenneth Coleman, said Jacobs' split-second decision to shoot Williams has devastated his family. "You didn't just destroy our family, you destroyed yours as well when you took my brother's life," Coleman said.
Coleman said that Jacobs spent considerable time with Williams' mother at the party. "I personally took a picture of you and my mother," Coleman said.
Jacobs apologized to Williams' family and said he prays for them. "Me and Lovell were good friends. Drugs and alcohol played a big part," Jacobs said. "I hope one day you find it in your heart to forgive me."
Jacobs also apologized to his family and thanked them for their support.
"It's an unfortunate circumstance to see this fact pattern," Cappas said. "A split second changed many, many people's lives for the worse," the judge said. Cappas said Jacobs has always been respectful in court. "I don't know what came over you that day but I wouldn't have expected that conduct," Cappas said.
Ruth Ann Krause is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Nationally-Acclaimed Bartender Takes Mezcaleria Las Flores In A New Direction
By Anthony Todd in Food on Feb 21, 2017 3:36PM
The A Huevo at Mezcaleria Las Flores. Photo courtesy of Mezcaleria Las Flores.
Almost a year ago, a new bar opened in Logan Square. Attached to Johnny's Grill, the bar boasted a huge collection of mezcal, a veteran of Frontera Grill running the show and a commitment to a very intense sort of authenticity (down to the imported drinking vessels). Flash forward a year: a new bartender has taken over at Mezcaleria Las Flores, and she's brought a new, friendly vision (and a new level of complexity) to the menu.
If you're a cocktail geek, you've likely heard of Caitlin Laman. She's been named a Food & Wine Best New Mixologist, she's won the giant national cocktail competition called Speed Rack, and she's been in charge of a bar in San Francisco that's won just about every award that a bar can win: Trick Dog. But after all that success, Laman was really just looking for a little bit of a break.
"When I first came here, I was looking for just a regular bartending job," Laman told Chicagoist. "I wanted to clock in, clock out, and I wanted time to do projects."
However, even after talking to Laman for just a couple of hours, it became obvious to me that, whether she knows it or not, she's not cut out for a regular shift job, and that's not where she ended up. Through a few personal connections (and a lot of experience with mezcal), she ended up at Mezcaleria Las Flores, which had recently lost its opening bartender, Jay Schroeder.
After getting the lay of the land, Laman set about reshaping the menu. Her new take on the bar's identity launched last week. Gone are the "authentic" ceramic drinking vessels ("Super simple pretty glassware is very sexy to me. I think the drink should be the vibrant thing."), and gone is some of the obsessive focus on the more obscure varietals of mezcal, but in their place is a menu that manages to be both more approachable than its predecessor and still one of the more interesting cocktail lists in town. Laman has brought a variety of different spirits onto her list, along with a nerdy love of sherry and vermouth, and has managed to blend that sensibility with Mexican ingredients to create something unique.
While in some ways Schroeder's Mezcaleria felt like an attempt to transport guests to a very spirits-heavy version of Mexico, Laman wants to blend cultures.
"Were in Chicago, were in a very Mexican neighborhood in Chicago, and I think a little bit of both is great," she said. "This is a Chicago Mexican bar." That approach is showcased in a number of ways. Even in the non-mezcal drinks, every drink contains a Mexican ingredient. For example, the "Deep Roots" is a combination of gin, housemade celery syrup and Salers gentian liquor, but the whole thing is topped off by with a blast of hoja santa, a salt mixed with a Mexican herb that I've never seen in a drink that gives the concoction a complex vegetal note.
The Mero Mole. Photo courtesy of Mezcaleria Las Flores.
If you're a fan of classic cocktails, a lot of this menu will look vaguely familiar. "Im giving away my secrets hereIm very much about classic drinks," Laman said. "Theres a lot of cool stuff people are doing these days, but no one has come up with something as wonderful as an old fashioned, or as beloved as a negroni. You can look at every drink on my menu and it comes from a classic." Take the "Mero Mole," which is a thinly-disguised old fashioned, combining bourbon, bitters and a mole-based Amaro with a lot of chile made by CH Distillery. The Chaca Chaca is a French 75 variation, except made with tequila, mezcal and absinthe, along with a personal touch. "I wanted to put hibiscus on the menu because it was such a big part of my life in Mexico, so I put it in the French 75." All of that makes a complex menu unusually approachable because things look vaguely familiar to most drinkers.
"Part of the thing that was important to me was making this menu full of vermouth, sherry and Mexican ingredients easy to read," Laman said.
Don't let a focus on the classics (or Laman's modesty) fool you; there's plenty of interesting stuff going on at Mezcaleria. Take the A Huevo, a frothy, smooth drink unlike any other egg cocktail I've ever tasted - it combines Mezcal with amontillado sherry for a dry, smoky, rich taste that goes down dangerously quickly. Laman thought no one would order it, but it's been the surprise hit of the new menu. Since I'm a loudmouthed vodka hater, it's a surprise that I even love Laman's take on a vodka soda, the "Flor Life," which blends vodka, sherry, vermouth and soda water for what is going to become Chicago's ultimate summer sipper. This is a menu full of personality - Laman's mother even drew all the illustrations on the menu!
The Flor Life. Photo courtesy of Mezcaleria Las Flores.
Laman's also not blind to the fact that she's using Mexican ingredients to make fancy drinks in a gentrifying neighborhood. She's spent time in Mexico, but doesn't pretend that anything here is "authentic"in fact, she isn't sure that really means much.
"We like to argue a lot about whats 'traditional,'" she said. "If you go to 10 bars in Mexico City and order 10 micheladas theyre all going to be different. Its the way that people do things it differs."
So straight pours of mezcal at Mezcaleria are served with oranges, chile salt and cacao salt. Is that "authentic?" At some bars in Mexico, sure, and at others, not so muchbut it tastes good, people like it, and that's what matters.
She's also connecting with the neighborhood. $1 from every "Bridges not Walls," a fruity combination of mexcal, chile, strawberry, basil and lime goes to Darwin Elementary School right down the street, and Laman hopes to make more connections like that in the future.
At the end of the day, Mezcaleria Las Flores is a bar, a place to relax after work. Laman is entranced by Chicago's dive bar scene ("You have the most wonderful dive bars in the world") and her goal is to create someplace where guests want to be, regardless of the complexity of the menu.
"Our job as bartenders is to make people comfortable, from dive bars to wine bars to cocktail bars. People come in from stressful days and they sit down and they need to relax," she said. "Its our job to help them do that."
Watching Laman greet guests, joke with regulars and pour shots on a Thursday night, it's pretty clear that she's fitting into her new city just fine.
Monday
Smoking cessation classes in Gary
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Methodist Hospitals will offer Smoking Cessation classes from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through April 3 at the Northlake Campus, 600 Grant St., Gary. The fee for the session is $60. Based on the American Lung Association's Freedom from Smoking Program, instruction is designed to help individuals develop an approach to quitting that works for them through the use of coping skills, self-monitoring, and stress and weight management. Registration and more information is at 888-909-3627 or MethodistHospitals.org.
Library holiday closing in East Chicago
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The East Chicago Public Library system, including both the main branch, 2401 Columbus Drive, and the Pastrick Branch Library, 1008 W. Chicago Ave., will be closed Monday in observance of Presidents Day. The closing also applies to the library's community centers: King, Owens, Penn, Marktown, Clemente and Heritage Hall. Regular hours will resume Tuesday. More information is at 219-397-2453 or 219-397-5505.
Date set for Savor the South Shore
The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority will host Savor the South Shore-Restaurant Weeks from Monday to March 5, and is seeking restaurants to participate. More than 30 restaurants took part in last year's event, which offers diners discounted three-course menus. Restaurants interested in participating can submit their menu information at www.alongthesouthshore.com/savor. The form includes menu price points and specifics, hours and whether a special lunch menu will be offered. Participation is free and open to all restaurants in Northwest Indiana offering lunch and/or dinner. Restaurants also will have their menus featured on the Savor the South Shore webpage, and will be promoted on the Facebook page and VIP Text List. More information is with Heather Becerra at 219-989-7770.
Grant to benefit homeowners in Gary
Senior residents that are U.S. veterans and are homeowners in Gary could receive weatherization upgrades to their homes through a community improvement grant recently awarded to the city. The city of Gary is a recipient of a $5,000 Community Impact Grant from the Home Depot Foundation. The foundation provides grants and volunteer opportunities to support small home modification projects, weatherization assistance and other improvements for existing homes and other structures. The program also will serve as a training opportunity for veterans living in Gary. Veterans will be able to shop for materials and work alongside the contractor assigned to perform construction work. Applications are available to those fitting the criteria at the city's Community Development Department, 839 Broadway. Applications must be completed by Monday. Residents are asked to bring a recorded deed, a tax bill, an identification card, a utility bill, proof of homeowner's insurance, verification of income and proof of veteran status. The amount allocated for residences will be determined based on need, cost of materials and the number of applications received. Applications will be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-served basis. For information, call 219-881-5075.
Tuesday
Dinner and a movie at Dunes Learning Center
Food for thought is on the menu at the second meeting of the Dunes Dinner Club to be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Dunes Learning Center's Cowles Lodge dining hall, 700 Howe Road, Chesterton. A screening of "The Land, an Adventure Play Documentary" will precede a four-course dinner. Guests are invited to explore the center's trail system before or after the event. Tickets are $60 per person or $100 per couple. The purchase price includes a tax-deductible donation to send local children to camp. Reservations required before Tuesday at www.duneslearningcenter.org/events.
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Free film screening in Porter County
The Porter County Substance Abuse Council will host a screening of "Generation Found" in conjunction with a Providers Network Night at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Portage IMAX, 6550 U.S. 6. The community is invited, and tickets are free for Porter County residents. Mental health providers, substance abuse professionals and police officers are invited to provide information and resources for those in attendance before and after the screening. Tickets are at www.eventbrite.com/generationfound. More information is at 219-462-0946.
East Chicago special education meeting
The School City of East Chicago will host its monthly special education meeting for parents from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the district's administration building, 1401 E. 144th St. The topic will be strategies for handling challenging behaviors. Refreshments will be provided, and children are welcome to attend. More information is at 219-391-4100 or scec.k12.in.us/groups/3600.
Portage Kiwanis Club to host speakers
The community is invited to join the Portage Kiwanis Club at their 7:30 a.m. meetings every Tuesday as they host presentations of local interest. Randi Light, of Enlightened Living, will speak on Tuesday. All meetings are held in the cafe at Porter Hospital, 3630 Willowcreek Road, Portage. More information is at 219-781-3295 or www.kiwanis.org.
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Porter Hospital offers support groups
Porter Regional Hospital has announced upcoming support groups. Hope and Healing, a women's cancer support group, will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Fagen Pharmacy, 3400 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso. More information is with Peggy Banks at 219-983-6128. Beyond the Baby Blues, a support group for mothers struggling with postpartum depression, will meet from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Community Room at Porter Regional Hospital, 85 E. U.S. Highway 6, Valparaiso; and from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Childbirth Melodies, 138 S. Main St., Crown Point. More information is at 219-331-1945 for Valparaiso or 219-782-4149 for Crown Point. The Ostomy Support Group will meet from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday in the community room at Porter Regional Hospital, 85 E. U.S. Highway 6. Information is with Sarah Grcich at 219-309-5939 or Michele Kaplan-Jones at 219-406-0019. A stroke survivor support group for survivors, caregivers and family members will be from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday at the Duneland Family YMCA, 215 Roosevelt St., Chesterton. More information is at 219-983-8355.
Wednesday
Community interest meeting for autism center
Lighthouse Autism Center will host meetings to gauge the level of interest for an applied behavior analysis autism center in Porter County at 2 and 6 p.m. Wednesday at Hampton Inn and Suites, 1451 Silhavy Road, Valparaiso. Lighthouse serves the communities of South Bend, Mishawaka, Plymouth and Warsaw. The meeting is open to all interested parents and professionals. More information is at 574-387-4313, PatS@LighthouseAutismCenter.com or www.LighthouseAutismCenter.com.
IU Northwest celebrates Black History Month
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Indiana University Northwest's office of Diversity, Equity and Multicultural Affairs invites the campus and community to celebrate Black History Month with a series of cultural events spotlighting African-American arts and culture. Films will be screened throughout the month: "The Road to Brown" will be shown at 1 p.m. on Wednesday. Tickets are not required. A guided discussion will take place after each film and light refreshments will be served. All films will be at the Savannah Center, Rooms 205/206, 3400 Broadway, Gary. A Jazz History Concert featuring Billy Foster will trace the history of jazz and its genres from the early 1900s to today, 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Bruce W. Bergland Auditorium, Savannah Center, 3400 Broadway, Gary. Tickets and information are with Tierra Jackson at 219-980-6596 or jacksoti@iun.edu.
Thursday
Franciscan nurse career fair scheduled
Franciscan Health's Dyer, Hammond and Munster hospitals will host a free nursing career recruitment fair for their medical-surgical and critical care units from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday at The View restaurant at Centennial Park, 1005 S. Centennial Drive, Munster. Participants are asked to bring multiple copies of their resumes. Prorated sign-on bonuses will be available for specific positions. There also is a residency program for new nurses. More information is with Mary Jo Erickson at 219-865-2141, ext. 44774, Elsa Martinez at 219-932-2300, ext. 33194, or Heather Hedrick at 219-934-2946.
Friday
Exploring Science program
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Join staff and fellow adventurers for a night of science exploration at 7 p.m. Friday at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor Center, 1215 N. Indiana 49, Chesterton. Megan Korte of the United States Geological Survey is a researcher investigating an endangered species at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. She will discuss scientific investigations in progress within the Great Lakes national parks. More information is at 219-395-1882 or www.nps.gov/indu.
Saturday
Author to speak at Dunes Visitor Center
Pioneering aviator Octave Chanute will be the subject of discussion at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 N. State Road 49, Chesterton. Simine Short, author of the book "Locomotive to Aeromotive: Octave Chanute and the Transportation Revolution," will speak about the life of Chanute, a civil engineer who was a major figure in the development of aviation and a contributor to the Wright Brothers' success. More information is at 219-395-1882 or www.nps.gov/indu.
Community Hospital to offer screening
Community Hospital will provide Coronary Health Appraisals from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster. The screening includes total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1C, blood pressure and body mass index. The fee is $30. Register at 219-836-3477 or 866-836-3477. More information is at www.comhs.org.
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PNW to provide free tax assistance
Students from Purdue University Northwest tax and accounting classes will offer free federal and state income tax preparation assistance to taxpayers/families with incomes of $54,000 or less, individuals with disabilities and elderly residents. The volunteer tax preparers have completed 12 credit hours in accounting, including at least one tax course at Purdue North Central, and passed a rigorous IRS examination on tax rules and filing procedures. Students at the Westville Campus are participating in the Internal Revenue Service's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program with support from the La Porte County United Way. Appointments are required and are available from 9:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturdays through March 25, except March 18. Services will be offered in the Technology Building, Room 109, 1401 U.S. 421, Westville. Hammond Campus students are assisting efforts of the American Association of Retired Persons by providing tax help at several Lake County communities. Following is a list of locations and phone numbers for appointments: Calumet Township Municipal Center, 1800 W. 41st St., Gary, 219-880-4900; Lowell Public Library, 1505 E. Commercial Ave., Lowell, 219-696-7704; Merrillville Municipal Center, 7820 Broadway, Merrillville, 219-769-3501; Schererville Town Hall, 10 E. Joliet St., Schererville, 219-322-2211; Salvation Army, 8225 Columbia Ave., Munster, 219-838-0380; and Crown Point Public Library, 122 N. Main St., Crown Point. Appointments must be made in advance in person on school days at the library. More information is at www.pnw.edu.
Sunday
Annual Heritage Gala
The Gary Section of the National Council of Negro Women will host its Annual Heritage Gala at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, at the Genesis Convention Center, One Genesis Plaza, Gary. The theme for the event will be Fortified by the Past . . . Focused on the Future. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 at the door. Tickets and more information are at 219-808-4795 or 219-689-2158.
Lithuanian Independence Day celebration
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Lithuanian American Community, Inc., East Chicago, and Knights of Lithuania Council 82 of Gary, will host the Annual Lithuanian Independence Day celebration beginning at 1 p.m. Sunday at the American Legion Griffith Post 66, 132 N. Wiggs Ave., Griffith. Lunch will be served. A speaker, soloist and Lithuanian folk dancers will be featured. Tickets are $20. Reservations are with Loreta Vician at 219-614-2498 or lrutav1218@sbcglobal.net.
March 1
Youth winter skill clinics begin
Valpo Parks in conjunction with local partners is offering youth T-ball skills sessions. T-ball clinics will be from 4:30-5:45 p.m. March 5 and 12 for ages 3-6. Cost is $15/resident, $27/nonresident. Registration ends March 1. All clinics will be held at the Valparaiso High School field house, 2727 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso. More information is at 219-462-5144 or www.ValpoParks.org.
IU Northwest to participate in college fairs
Indiana University Northwest will be take part in three college fairs scheduled at St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer. The fairs will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, as well as March 1 and March 14. Last week, St. Joseph officials announced the suspension of activities at the end of the 2016-17 academic year. IU Northwest has promised to waive the application fee for admission for students transferring from St. Joseph's. More information is with Kathy Spicer at 219-980-6848.
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Staff report
Opposition over the planned location of a new South Shore train station at Ridge Road and Manor Avenue continued Monday night at another packed house meeting of the Munster Town Council .
But Monday wasn't the only opportunity for residents to be heard about the proposal.
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The council meets in a study session at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Town Hall. Once the council closes the public comment portion of the meeting they will get on with discussing the contents of a resolution drafted by residents targeting the Northern Indiana Public Transportation District (NICTD) and its West Lake Corridor Project.
The proposed resolution plots several concessions involving the construction of the train station. These include specific height and type of fencing around the station and parking lot, resident-only parking on streets within one mile of the station, widening Harrison Avenue, quiet zones through residential areas, a traffic control study and financial compensation to homeowners within a quarter-mile of the station or train tracks in the event property values decrease.
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Whether council members agree to keep all, some or none of the resolution remains to be seen. Council President Joe Simonetto reminded the residents Monday that the town cannot dictate the project but hopes to be influential nonetheless.
"We're just as confused about a lot of things as you are," he said.
Munster is allocating 34 percent of its annual economic development funds derived from the Lake County Option Income Tax as part of the local match from the Regional Transportation Authority to the federal earmark U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Merrillville, is seeking to fund the South Shore's expansion.
Councilman John Reed explained the town is "buying a seat at the table" so that NICTD officials will strongly consider Munster's wishes with respect to the project. He said the fact the train will come through Munster and that a station will be located in town is not the town's decision and that it will happen, provided the federal funding is secured, whether anyone likes it or not.
"We are here to protect the people of Munster, but you're never going to make 25,000 people happy," Reed said. "We're going to do everything we can to lessen the impact on our residents."
Munster resident Adam Cooper lamented the loss of the bike path near the station, while Jason Lucas questioned the need for the expansion. A daily rider of the South Shore to Chicago, Lucas, who lives in the 8400 Block of Harrison Avenue near the planned station, said more and more people are telecommuting for work and thus questioned the need to expand the commuter railway.
"I don't believe people will move to Munster to be close to a train station," he said. "I moved here for the community."
Jim Masters is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center's new exhibition, "Operation Finale: The Capture and Trial of Adolf Eichmann," recreates the 1961 trial of the infamous Nazi war criminal. This Feb. 16, 2017, picture shows elements from the exhibit, which runs through June. (Mike Isaacs / Pioneer Press)
The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center's new exhibition, "Operation Finale: The Capture & Trial of Adolf Eichmann," takes visitors chronologically through the operation that led to Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann's capture, trial and execution.
The exhibition opened Sunday but the museum held a news media preview event three days before that.
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"Operation Finale" is scheduled to run through June 18 with a series of related programming slated at various times, museum officials said.
"It was essential for (Israeli Prime Minister David) Ben-Gurion that the youth of Israel heard the story of the Holocaust, and it was through this trial that they learned about the Holocaust," Arielle Weininger, the museum's chief curator of collections and exhibitions, said at the Feb. 16 media preview.
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The exhibit showcases how Mossad, the national intelligence agency of Israel, apprehended Eichmann and then smuggled the war criminal out of Argentina and to Jerusalem where he would come before the court.
The filmed trial of the infamous Nazi Eichmann showed him protected in a bullet-proof glass booth as witnesses testified to the barbarous crimes for which he was found guilty.
The lead-up to his capture in Argentina is the stuff of riveting espionage and spy stories, museum officials said, but there is a much greater significance to it too.
"Much of the world learned about the Holocaust this way," said museum CEO Susan Abrams. "It was brought into their living room through radio and television."
"Operation Finale" grew out of the discovery of some of the original pre-digital artifacts used in the covert operation, said former Mossad agent Avner Avraham, exhibit curator. Among them are hand-forged documents, printed case files, a surveillance camera and photos to verify Eichmann's identity and goggles Eichmann was forced to wear so he never knew his destination.
The exhibition takes visitors through the nuances of the operation and the team that targeted Eichmann.
Exhibit artifacts, films and panels tell of how Eichmann remained hidden in captivity in Argentina longer than the Mossad agents had intended.
A chilling highlight of "Operation Finale" is the recreation of the trial in Jerusalem using archival footage projected on three screens.
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Eichmann's response to the trial is seen straight ahead through the actual glass booth where he sat in court more than 55 years ago. On the right screen are prosecutors making their case against him, on the left the often anguished response of those witnessing the trial.
"Operation Finale: The Capture & Trial of Adolf Eichmann" is a co-production of the Mossad-Israeli Secret Intelligence Service; Beit Hatfutsot The Museum of the Jewish People in Tel Aviv; and the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage in Cleveland, Ohio, museum officials announced.
misaacs@pioneerlocal.com
@SKReview_Mike
The New Trier High School Board of Education listens to public comments during a school board meeting on Feb. 20, 2017. (Brian O'Mahoney / Pioneer Press)
The president of the New Trier Township High School District 203 board had a simple message for the hundreds of people who showed up at Monday night's meeting for intense debate about the school's civil rights seminar day next week.
"Our message to the New Trier community is that this all-school seminar day will proceed as planned," Greg Robitaille told a packed house Monday night.
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The seminar program roused opposition from people who say it lacks conservative voices, and equally vehement support from parents and residents who championed the schedule of speakers and workshops as an crucial way for students to ask questions, speak about racial topics they might otherwise be afraid to talk about, and make up their own mind on those issues.
More than 700 parents, students, New Trier district residents and others filed into the Cornog Auditorium at New Trier's Northfield campus an hour and a half before the meeting's public session began, and Robitaille said roughly 100 people put in requests to speak.
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Mark Weyermullen speaks in opposition to the upcoming all-day seminar on civil rights at New Trier High School during a school board meeting on Feb. 20, 2017. (Brian O'Mahoney / Pioneer Press)
Student Isabelle Hauser of Wilmette who opposes the seminar - said when she tried to speak her mind at school, she received backlash from students who didn't share her view.
"There's no balance in the seminar day as planned," she said, adding that racial discrimination is not a problem at the high school.
In the end, 19 people spoke for more than an hour in support or opposition to the day, following an administrative presentation that Assistant Superintendent Tim Hayes said was intended in part to correct misconceptions about what the schedule provided to students.
Most speakers, several of them current or former New Trier students, supported the seminar day, a sentiment that appeared to be mirrored by most of those in the audience, who repeatedly applauded speakers despite Robitaille's request that they not do so.
Callie Baker, front, and Ally Freemond, 17, speak in support of the upcoming all-day seminar on civil rights during the Feb. 20, 2017, school board meeting. (Brian O'Mahoney / Pioneer Press)
Wilmette resident Mimi Rodman, who organized an online petition backing the seminar day, presented more than 5,000 signatures to the board, and said 83 percent of them came from current or future New Trier parents, district residents or alumni. When she asked supporters in the audience to stand up, most of those attending rose to their feet.
But Rodman said the debate was not a popularity contest, noting that "this hasn't been easy for you on the board, or for people on both sides," and said that the minority voice matters.
Several speakers said talk about race might be uncomfortable for students, but was necessary to help prepare students from the overwhelmingly white district for adult life in a world that did not look like New Trier.
"I for one want my children to be ready to engage with the world beyond New Trier," Wilmette resident Ami Campbell said.
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"We as students don't need to be coddled about things that make us uncomfortable Intellectual curiosity is what makes New Trier New Trier," Glencoe's Brett Zaslavsky, a New Trier student, said.
Julia Stoller, a 2011 New Trier graduate and now a teacher in Boston, said she had felt "embarrassingly uninformed" about matters of race after graduating, and wished she had had access to a similar seminar day as a student.
"If people feel threatened about their white privilege, the response to that is to educate themselves," Stoller said.
The "Parents of New Trier" online group has petitioned administrators to add more conservative voices to the seminar. Among its suggested speakers was Chicago pastor Corey Brooks, who said Monday night that "if the goal is education and not indoctrination, that you'd make it a little more fair consider that poverty, not race, is the critical issue, that the real segregation is not racial but economic."
Betsy Hart, a "Parents of New Trier" organizer, said at the meeting that she was thrilled to see the crowd, and it represented the diversity of views that her group tried to bring to the seminar day schedule itself. She said she found it ironic "that people who say they are for open minds and here for inquiry are actually trying to shut us down."
Robitaille ended Monday's meeting by saying he was convinced the current seminar setup was worthwhile, and that he saw no evidence of political or ideological bias on the part of teachers or other seminar planners.
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On Tuesday, people on both sides said Monday's meeting was a success.
"I saw a respectful conversation between people in the community," Rodman said. "We need more of that, everywhere."
Hart claimed victory after board member Lori Goldstein said the district should consider adding parents to the planning process of any future event, and after board member John Myefski said it wasn't appropriate to silence any voice.
Nicole Dizon, the district's communications director, said Tuesday that administrators were pleased with the meeting.
"We were particularly impressed by all the students who wanted to speak and how eloquent they were ... In the end, we felt very good about the level of engagement, the people we heard from, and the ability of the board to discuss what this day is, and is not," she said.
kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com
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Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
Second grade students in teacher Julie Ahern's class at Waukegan's Andrew Cooke Magnet School show the books they received Feb. 17 from the Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield. Club members, rear, brought the books to Ahern, front, and her class as part of Random Acts of Kindness Day. (Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield / HANDOUT)
A book is a dream that you hold in your hand. (Neil Gaiman)
Living without books to encourage dreams, or open doors and windows into broader worlds of knowledge and imagination, is to live without one of the world's great treasures.
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When Waukegan teacher Julie Ahern saw how one of her second grade students reacted to getting a new book on Friday, she could tell that he certainly thought the gift was a treasure.
"He said, 'Do you mean I can keep this?' and he hugged the book and his eyes just lit up," said Ahern, who has taught at Waukegan's Andrew Cooke Magnet School for 22 years.
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Ahern's young charges were the beneficiaries of a donation of 45 books from the Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield. Club president Patti Van Cleave said the donation was the club's effort for National Random Acts of Kindness Day, a day publicized by the Denver-based Random Acts of Kindness Foundation.
"(The donation) isn't particularly random, but it is an act of kindness," Van Cleave said.
Van Cleave said that many Rotary clubs had their own projects for the day. The Winnetka-Northfield club, which was founded in 1924 and currently has 60 members, began working on its Random Acts of Kindness project about a month ago, she said. The group bought the books from the First Book nonprofit organization, which provides books and other learning materials at a discount for schools and programs serving children from low-income families, she said.
Van Cleave said fellow club member Rich Lalley chose the 45 books, enough to provide each child in Ahern's classroom with a title to take home, and one to keep at school. They ranged from biographies of Benjamin Franklin to stories of great American women, poetry for children and much more, Van Cleave said.
The club inserted a bookplate into each volume, showing that the book was donated by the Winnetka-Northfield club, she said, as well as the words of Rotary's "four-way test."
"We recite the test at our meetings," Van Cleave said. "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it beneficial to all concerned? We put that in so the kids understand what we in Rotary are, and what we do in the world."
The club has had a relationship with Ahern for a few years, Van Cleave said. Ahern is a former Rotary Ambassador who said her experience as an ambassador in England convinced her to become a teacher.
Ahern said the relationship with the Winnetka-Northfield group began when she met Lalley, and he invited her to speak to the club.
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"We've kept in touch ever since. About a week ago, he sent me a Facebook message saying, 'Give me a call, I've got a great idea,'" Ahern said of the donation project.
Van Cleave said the donation wasn't the only thing club members undertook on Random Acts of Kindness Day; the club printed business cards that said "You've been the recipient of a random act of kindness" that members could hand out after doing something nice for someone, like picking up the tip for a neighboring table in a restaurant, she said.
"It's fun, and I hope we encouraged our members to hand them out," she said.
Van Cleave invited people interested in joining the Rotary Club of Winnetka-Northfield to attend one of the club's regular Thursday meetings, held from 12:15-1:30 p.m. at the Winnetka Community House. To learn more about the club, it program schedule, and its charitable and service programs, visit www.wnrotary.org.
kroutliffe@pioneerlocal.com
Twitter: @pioneer_kathy
2022 election guide: Here are Pueblo County's top races, ballot issues
Here's what you need to know about the local candidates and ballot questions in the 2022 election, as well as how to vote in Pueblo, Colorado.
Nearly 200 Headstones Vandalized At Historic Jewish Cemetery In St. Louis
By Stephen Gossett in News on Feb 21, 2017 4:23PM
Vandals knocked over nearly 200 headstones at a historic Jewish cemetery in University City, MO, near St. Louis, according to reports. The damage happened the same day that nearly a dozen Jewish community centers nationwide received bomb threats. After prominent political figures such as Hillary Clinton called on President Donald Trump to speak out against the vandalism and intimidations, the White House issued a statement on Tuesday morning denouncing hatred and hate-motivated violencealthough the statement does not mention Jews or specific acts.
Police on Monday confirmed the vandalism on Monday, which happened sometime over the weekend and targeted Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery. The Chesed Shel Emeth Society has been in operation in St. Louis for more than 125 years, according to its website. The cemetery was founded in 1888 by Jewish Russian emigres to serve the Jewish community in St. Louis.
"It's hard to even express how terrible it was," Anita Feigenbaum, executive director of the Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "It was horrible."
Leah Greenberg, co-author of the Indivisible Guide, Tweeted on Monday that her great-grandfather was killed in an anti-immigrant assault and is buried in the cemetery.
My great-grandpa was murdered in an anti-immigrant attack when he was 20 years old. Never saw his son born.
He's buried in this cemetery. https://t.co/4VCrCd5ueh Leah Greenberg (@Leahgreenb) February 21, 2017
Deaths on the damaged headstones ranged between roughly 1921 and 1962, according to reports.
Police do not have any suspects in custody as of Tuesday morning; and they said the possibility of hate crime charges remains open, according to the Post-Dispatch. Officials on Tuesday are taking inventory of the damage and will notify the appropriate families.
Following the cemetery desecration and yet another wave of violent threats to Jewish centersthe fourth round this yearClinton urged the president to speak out. Trump had been largely silent or evasive in terms of addressing the rise in hate incidents that has taken place since the election.
JCC threats, cemetery desecration & online attacks are so troubling & they need to be stopped. Everyone must speak out, starting w/ @POTUS. Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) February 21, 2017
The Anti-Defamation League on Monday made a similar call in the face of Trump's silence. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt said in a statement:
We look to our political leaders at all levels to speak out against such threats directed against Jewish institutions, to make it clear that such actions are unacceptable, and to pledge that they will work with law enforcement officials to ensure that those responsible will be apprehended and punished to the full extent of the law.
Ivanka Trump, the president's daughter and a convert to Judaism, Tweeted on Monday that religious centers and places of worship must be protected.
America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) February 20, 2017
A statement from the White House ultimately arrived on Tuesday morning, although in keeping with a pattern, the administration did not specify that the attacks were directed toward Jewish institutions.
The White House press office said:
"Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individual freedom. The President has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable."
A forceful backlash against the White House's vague phrasing emerged shortly thereafter. Steven Goldstein, executive director of the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect, called the statement "a pathetic asterisk of condescension" in a scathing rebuke.
executive director of the Anne Frank Center calls Trump's statement on antisemitism "a pathetic asterisk of condescension" pic.twitter.com/ni3i3plC9w Kelsey Sutton (@kelseymsutton) February 21, 2017
Donations are being accepted to help repair and maintain the headstones at the cemetery. They can be made here.
Children's author Cao Wenxuan's novel Goat Do Not Eat Heaven Grass is set to be adapted for the stage later this year.
"Goat Do Not Eat Heaven Grass", by Cao Wenxuan. [Photo / chinadaily.com.cn]
The China National Theatre for Children will put on the play on July 7 during the 7th China Children's Theatre Festival.
Cao and Yin Xiaodong, president of the China National Theatre for Children signed an adaptation agreement in Beijing recently.
The book centers on the hard life and adventures of a boy named Ming Zi who was driven away from a remote rural area to a big city to work for a living.
Yin said the reason he chose to adapt this work is the poetic and deep thinking that shone through when the boy faced obstacles. The book doesn't intentionally hide the tragedies in daily lives and the sorrows that children may suffer, yet it emphasizes finding the bright side of human nature and those precise characters despite difficulties and challenges.
"We want to let children learn more about the life mirrored in Cao's novel," Yin said. "We have faith in adapting a successful drama and give a good experience to children who don't often go to theatres."
Cao agreed to make the play accessible to children of all ages, but will target teens aged 13 to 17.
The China National Theatre for Children has proposed establishing a system of graded children's plays, divided into three categories according to ages: 2-6, 7-12 and 13-17.
Chinese conglomerate HNA Group is seeking to expand its finance business and further diversify its operation structure after taking a stake in Deutsche Bank, the first Chinese investor to take a major stake in the bank.
Starting from Feb 15, HNA, the parent behind the country's largest private commercial airline, holds 3.04 percent of Deutsche Bank, according to the statement of the German bank.
HNA's stake is worth over 700 million euros ($740 million) at current share prices.
The purchase makes HNA the fourth-largest shareholder in the German lender, after BlackRock, which holds 6.07 percent, and two sovereign wealth funds that are controlled by Qatar, which together hold 6.1 percent.
In January, HNA expanded its global asset management business by acquiring a majority stake in New York-based SkyBridge Capital, an alternative investment firm founded by Donald Trump's adviser Anthony Scaramucci.
Pang Guoteng, an analyst at Morning Whistle Group, a Shanghai-based internet platform that helps Chinese capital conduct cross-border investment and overseas mergers and acquisitions, said the move has further strengthened the finance business of HNA.
A few years ago, the finance business was a short board of the company, when it failed several times to get a banking license.
HNA's business now includes aviation, finance, real estate, logistics, hospitality, tourism and ecological technology.
HNA Capital, a financial group under HNA Group, has operations in more than 100 countries, and it deals with businesses include leasing, insurance, internet banking, securities and futures. Its total assets have reached over 340 billion yuan ($49 billion), according to the company.
A spokesperson at HNA said Deutsche Bank is very attractive in terms of investment, and HNA is willing to stay as a long-term shareholder in the bank.
HNA said it could buy further shares in Deutsche Bank, and keeps its stake below 10 percent, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The German lender said it welcomed in principle any investor with a long-term view, Reuters reported.
As the largest commercial bank in Germany, Deutsche Bank has suffered losses for two years in a row, and its share prices have been lukewarm.
German media regarded the deal a good move and said Deutsche Bank has been doing business in Asia for many years, and it's natural for Asian investors to inject capital in the bank.
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China's Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) said Saturday that it has sent air quality inspection teams to 18 cities to investigate air pollution.
The teams went to cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and neighboring areas, including Shanxi, Shandong and Henan provinces, according to the MEP.
By Thursday, the teams had found 33 problems after visiting 137 local government departments and companies.
At the county level in Shijiazhuang, capital of Hebei Province, the environmental bureau played the major role in implementing emergency responses to heavy air pollution, but other departments were not actively involved, the statement said.
Small companies producing medical intermediates in Shijiazhuang were highly polluting, it added.
Several companies in Cangzhou city, Hebei, failed to meet requirements for cutting pollutants and power use.
Shanxi Longhui Coal Gasification Company did not shut down its coke oven as required after environmental checks.
In Henan's Hebi city, two construction sites failed to stop working during top-level alerts for air pollution. A company in Hebi poorly managed its pollution-control facility, while another failed to take effective measures to prevent dust.
The teams have forwarded the problems to local authorities for further investigation and correction.
"China will push to revamp industrial and energy structures in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and surrounding areas, home to some 50 percent of China's coal consumption and steel production capacity," said MEP deputy head Zhao Yingmin.
"China will also reduce pollutants by acting on highly polluting companies, promoting clean use of coal and eliminating vehicles with excessive emissions," Zhao said.
A man in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, was placed under investigation for threatening two doctors, blaming them for his aunt's death from pneumonia.
According to the hospital, the man, surnamed Wang, claimed to be a national security worker and said he would take revenge on the two doctors at Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine who sent his aunt to an intensive care unit for emergency treatment on Saturday.
Relatives of the 70-year-old patient insisted that only two traditional Chinese medicine treatments could be used to save her life, and they brought one remedy to the hospital themselves, the hospital said.
Doctors who treated the patient explained her condition to the relatives and received approval - and the signature - of her son. However, a nephew claimed that the emergency treatment caused the woman's death, it said.
Although the hospital asked Wang to take his complaint to a higher authority, he continued to insist that the doctors, surnamed Lu and Zhao, should "pay for what they did", the hospital said. Some witnesses said that Wang took pictures of the two doctors and claimed to know their personal information.
"As a doctor, I did what should be done to save a life," the doctor surnamed Zhao said. "I don't understand why he targeted me. He didn't threaten me face-to-face, but told my colleagues that I should pay."
The police in Qinhuai district received reports on Saturday afternoon and have been investigating the case. They confirmed that Wang does not work for the government.
Yuan Shenghan, a lawyer in Nanjing, said threatening other people does not violate Chinese law if no action results.
"But he could be punished for disturbing public order under China's public security administration law," Yuan said.
The news received wide public attention in China. A top transplant specialist was stabbed just two days earlier in his office in Nanjing.
The specialist, Sun Beicheng, head of Jiangsu Provincial Hospital's liver transplant unit, is said to be one of the country's finest. An alleged ticket scalper locked the door of the doctor's office, stabbed Sun in his left leg, fractured his jaw and cut him around the mouth, later telling police that the doctor had once criticized him for buying up appointment tickets in bulk and selling them at inflated prices to would-be patients.
According to the Qinhuai publicity department, the results of the investigation into Wang's threats will be made public by the end of this week.
An undated photo shows traffic on a road in Beijing. [Photo/China.org.cn]
Beijing will boost green commuting this year to make it account for up to 72 percent of the way citizens travel, with the length of rail transit increasing by over 30 kilometers.
Beijings 16 district governments and 22 departments have been instructed to cap the number of motor vehicles at 6 million, and keep the road network traffic index in the central area within a mild range.
Beijing will conduct a trial run of Line S1, Line Xi Jiao and Line Yan Fang in sections, making the length of rail transit in the city surpass 600 kilometers. Another 40 kilometers will be open exclusively to buses. Moreover, the city will roll out and optimize 40 bus lines on the basis of road conditions and public needs.
The city will also designate 600 kilometers for bicycle lanes alongside landscape construction. Main walkways inside the 3rd Ring Road will be equipped with bike rental booths.
Beijing-Qinhuangdao Highway will be built within the year. Once completed, there will be three direct routes connecting the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
Additionally, six districts will choose five regions to relieve parking difficulties by providing more designated areas, setting up mechanical parking facilities among other measures. At the same time, a financial subsidy policy will be set up to manage public parking.
Microplastics, which are small particles of plastic debris found in cosmetics and cleaning products like toothpastes, is viewed as a major environmental concern along with climate change, ozone depletion and ocean acidification.
A national key research project on microplastics was recently launched in Shanghai to assess their impact on the ecological environment, especially in the ocean.
Led by East China Normal University, the study will be conducted by several college laboratories and research institutions in a time span from 2016 to late 2020 and aims to detect marine microplastics, establish research standards and monitoring procedures and develop ways to control their risks on the ecosystem.
Microplastics, which are small particles of plastic debris found in cosmetics and cleaning products like toothpastes, are too small to be captured through existing wastewater treatment processes and are washed straight into the oceans.
GESAMP (The Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection), an inter-agency body of the United Nations, listed microplastics as a mild killer whose harm is equal to marine garbage. In 2015, it was viewed as a major environmental concern along with climate change, ozone depletion and ocean acidification.
Due to its widespread presence in the oceans and potential harm to marine life, some countries have already rolled out countermeasures to deal with the increasing concern.
The US was the first country to announce that it would ban microbeads use in cosmetics; the European Commission is developing proposals to ban them in cosmetics across the EU, following calls from a number of member states. And the UK government has announced plans to ban microbeads use in related products by 2017.
Environmental agencies should tighten emissions of microplastics in different land- and sea-based activities, formulate stricter punishment measures for violations and accelerate legislation research on limiting the production and use of microplastics, said Professor Li Daoji, chief expert of the project.
Observers say the public also needs increased awareness of their potential harm to marine life and should refuse to buy cleansing products with polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and nylon.
Yang Dongliang, former head of the State Administration of Work Safety, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for accepting bribes and embezzlement on Tuesday by a court in Beijing.
Yang accepted the verdict and will not to appeal.
According to the verdict by the Second Intermediate People's Court of Beijing, from 2002 to 2015 when Yang was vice mayor of Tianjin and a member of the standing committee of the Communist Party of China Tianjin municipal committee, head of the State Administration of Work Safety and other posts, he help others in running businesses, promotions, tenders and other issues, illegally accepting assets worth 28.5 million yuan (US$4.1 million).
In 1999, as head of Tianjin's economic commission, Yang bought an apartment with public funds of 270,800 yuan.
Yang was shown leniency as he pleaded guilty, expressed remorse and returned his illegal gains.
The forthcoming official visit to China by Italian President Sergio Mattarella marks a very significant moment in the long-standing and thriving relations between the two countries.
Though not comparable in size, population or economic power, China and Italy share many historical and cultural affinities. The Republic of Italy and the People's Republic of China were born just three years apart, in 1946 and 1949, respectively. Both republics are the offspring of two ancient civilizations that had a strong influence on other cultures. Fifty years ago, Italy did what China has done in more recent times, transforming itself in less than two decades from a largely agricultural backwater into a most dynamic industrial nation. The life of the Italian and Chinese people is equally centered around the family, and finally, large numbers of Italian and Chinese migrants have historically settled in many countries of the world while preserving their original customs and traditions.
President Mattarella's trip comes at a time when China and Italy's role in the international order face unprecedented challenges. He is the third Italian president to visit China after Sandro Pertini in 1981, when China was about to launch a radical plan to liberalize its economy, and Giorgio Napolitano in 2010 on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
President Mattarella will be in China from Feb. 21 to 26, and after meeting President Xi Jinping in Beijing he is scheduled to visit Shanghai, Chongqing and Xi'an. Italy and China are united by ever-growing economic, scientific and cultural cooperation, which in the last five years has been boosted by a great number of official visits and meetings at the highest institutional levels.
Since the appointment of Ambassador Ettore Sequi as head of the Italian Embassy in Beijing, the China-Italy comprehensive strategic partnership has become "increasingly ambitious and increasingly concrete" as Mr. Sequi and the Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of the PRC with responsibility for European Affairs Liu Haixing jointly described the status of the relations between the two countries at a recent meeting.
Both countries have intensified cooperation in five priority fields, including energy conservation and environment protection, agriculture, sustainable urbanization, health care, aviation and aerospace. The next stage is to align China's Belt and Road initiative with Italy's national development strategies, integrate "Made in China 2025" with Italy's "Industry 4.0," and connect China's "Internet plus" strategy with Italy's technological innovation plan.
As far as cultural relations are concerned, China and Italy are carrying forward a diversified program of activities aimed to enhance mutual understanding and traditional friendship between the two peoples. Italy is a major EU country with worldwide influence and China stands ready to heighten communication and coordination with Italy on the reform of the U.N. Security Council, climate change, sustainable development and other issues.
The Italian president visit couldn't find a better climate in the relations between China and Italy. Both countries are committed to working together for a harmonious relationship and for a peaceful and prosperous future for all of humanity.
Elenoire Laudieri Di Biase ( Twitter account: @ElaudierLaudier ), sinologist from the university of Ca' Foscari and Melbourne University, Australia, is an expert on international diplomacy and psychoanalysis. Senior analyst on China at the Nato Defense College Foundation.
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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Mongolia reaffirmed its commitment to the one-China policy on Monday during the visit by the country's foreign minister, after bilateral relations were disrupted by the Dalai Lama's visit to the landlocked country in November.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil in Beijing on Feb. 20, 2017. [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn]
A long-standing, stable, mutually beneficial and equal relationship with China is Mongolia's primary foreign policy goal, Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil said in Beijing.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi after their two-hour-long talks, Munkh-Orgil said Tibet is an inseparable part of China and Tibet-related issues are China's internal affairs.
Mongolia made efforts to repair ties with China and promised it would never allow future visits by the Dalai Lama, a political exile with ambitions to split Tibet from China under the guise of religion.
Hailing the Mongolian foreign minister's statement, Wang said it was important for the two countries to boost ties from a new beginning.
The two countries should outline high-level communication, synergize China's Belt and Road Initiative with Mongolia's Prairie Road program and promote cooperation in various fields, Wang said.
Munkh-Orgil said the Belt and Road Initiative would bring great opportunities for Mongolia's development, adding that Mongolian Prime Minister Jargaltulga Erdenebat will visit China and attend the Belt and Road forum for international cooperation in May.
He also thanked China for its support during Mongolia's financial difficulties.
Vice President Li Yuanchao also met with Munkh-Orgil on Monday, during which both sides agreed to protect the political foundation for bilateral relations.
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A total of 34 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) were killed on Monday in two separate cross-border airstrikes in northern Iraq, Turkish Armed Forces said in a written statement.
Turkish warplanes killed 23 PKK members on early Monday as the group was planning an attack against the Turkish territory, said the statement.
Another 11 PKK members were killed in the afternoon in a military campaign by Turkish Air Forces, the statement said.
In recent weeks, the Turkish army accelerated its military campaign against the PKK both in Turkish territory and northern Iraq where the group has hideouts for thousands of militants.
Turkish government aims to maintain security and hinder the group attacks before upcoming constitutional referendum on April 16.
As clashes intensified, curfew was imposed in several towns in southeast Turkey where operations are carried out in the area.
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The Russian Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Vitaly Churkin suddenly died on Monday in New York, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
File photo taken on Sept. 25, 2016 shows Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin (Front) addressing United Nations Security Council during an emergency meeting on the situation in Syria, at the UN headquarters in New York. [Photo/Xinhua]
"The Russian Foreign Ministry is saddened to announce the death of Vitaly Churkin, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, on Monday in New York, a day before his 65th birthday," said the brief statement, without disclosing the cause of his death.
The ministry expressed its condolences and hailed Churkin as an "outstanding diplomat," who has served as Russian envoy to the UN since 2006.
UN Secretary-General Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said he was shocked by Churkin's sudden death and mourned him, RIA Novosti news agency reported.
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China extended its support to Mongolia on Monday for overcoming economic difficulties, as Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced a number of measures to help the debt-ridden neighbor.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Mongolian Foreign Minister Tsend Munkh-Orgil in Beijing on Feb. 20, 2017. [Photo/fmprc.gov.cn]
Observers said that since the bilateral ties are emerging from a time of political frustration, Beijing's latest help is a sincere move to assist the landlocked neighbor to diversify its economy.
The measures include providing assistance and favorable loan terms to Mongolia and extending a bilateral currency swap deal that is vital to Mongolia's foreign trade and currency stability, according to a joint news conference after Wang's talks with his visiting Mongolian counterpart Tsend Munkh-Orgil on Monday.
The International Monetary Fund said on Sunday that the country has agreed to implement an economic rescue package proposed by the IMF and refinance bond loans, easing concerns that Mongolia might default on a loan in March.
China supports the aid by international financial institutions to Mongolia, and it will also consider Mongolia's hope to expand exports of mineral, agriculture and husbandry products to China, Wang said.
Since Mongolia is trying to avoid missing a $580 million sovereign-guaranteed debt repayment due in March, the IMF said in its statement on Sunday that the Asian Development Bank, World Bank and bilateral partners, including Japan and South Korea, will provide up to $3 billion in aid.
People's Bank of China, the central Bank of China, will extend a currency swap line to Mongolia worth 15 billion yuan ($2.18 billion), while the IMF said it will offer three-year loans worth about $440 million, Agence France-Presse reported.
Mongolia angered China in November by allowing a visit by the 14th Dalai Lama, who has pushed for separating Tibet from China.
In January, during a phone call between Wang and his Mongolian counterpart, Mongolia said it had reflected deeply on the visit and promised to not allow the Dalai Lama to visit again.
On Monday, Wang said the bilateral relationship "is ready for another start".
Munkh-Orgil, the Mongolian foreign minister, said his country remains true to the one-China policy and Tibet is part of China. Additionally, Mongolia appreciates China's help in addressing economic problems, he said.
He added that Mongolia's prime minister expects to visit China in May to attend the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.
Xing Guangcheng, a senior researcher on Russian and Central Asian studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the helping hand was offered at a time when Mongolia has fixed the trouble brought by allowing the Dalai Lama's entry, which "pushed on China's bottom line".
Zhang Jingquan, a professor on Northeast Asian studies at Jilin University in Changchun, said the measures announced by Wang on Monday "are meeting the desperate need" of Mongolia.
The country could take the improvement in bilateral ties as an opportunity to diversify its conomy and change its inefficient development pattern, Zhang noted.
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About 227 judges and prosecutors were discharged on Monday during the current investigation against the so-called Gulenist Terror Group, announced a Turkish top judicial regulatory body.
According to the state-run Anadolu Agency's report, the recent dismissals bring the total number of discharged judges and prosecutors to 3,886 since the July 15 coup attempt, said the Supreme Board of Judges and Prosecutors official.
Turkey has been conducting an extensive investigation into suspects with alleged ties to Gulenists following the July 15, 2016 attempted coup.
Operations have been ongoing in the military, police and judiciary sectors, in addition to state institutions throughout the country.
The U.S.-based Fetullah Gulen has been accused by Ankara of masterminding the failed coup attempt which killed 248 people and wounded almost 2,200 others.
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U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday named Lieutenant General Herbert McMaster as his new national security adviser.
"He is a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience...he is respected by everybody in the military, we are very honored to have him," Trump said in his Florida residence Mar-a-Lago.
For his part, McMaster said he looked forward to advancing and protecting the interest of the American people.
The appointment came days after former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn resigned after it was revealed that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about his telephone conversation with the Russian Ambassador to the United States, in which he made comments about U.S. sanction on Russia.
McMaster, 54, is considered a military strategist among the U.S. top brass, he has written extensively on the U.S. military failures in the Vietnam War, and has contributed to a shift in tactics in the military campaign in Iraq.
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The Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) continued to advance against the Islamic State (IS) group in the countryside of the northern province of al-Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS, a monitor group reported on Monday.
Violent clashes are still incessant in the countryside of al-Raqqa between the SDF and the IS coupled with heavy shelling targeting the IS positions, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.
The UK-based watchdog group said the SDF has become in control of 12 towns in the eastern countryside of al-Raqqa since starting its attack in recent months.
The aim of the attack on IS in al-Raqqa is to cut off the road between the city and the eastern province of Deir al-Zour, and to completely isolate the city from its countryside as a prelude to storm al-Raqqa, according to the Observatory, which says it relies on a network of activists on ground.
This comes as the IS has suffered losses during battles with the Syrian army in the southeastern countryside of Aleppo province in northern Syria.
The general-command of the Syrian army said Monday that as many as 48 towns and villages have been liberated in Aleppo countryside from IS since the Syrian unleashed a wide-scale military campaign on that region last month.
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The South Sudanese army (SPLA) on Monday dismissed allegations of tribalism leveled against it by former top officials who resigned last week.
SPLA spokesman Brigadier Lul Ruai Koang told journalists in Juba that the army courts were not applying double standards in prosecuting those believed to have committed rapes, killings and looting of property during especially the renewed July clash, last year.
"There are no sacred cows in SPLA when it comes to application of punitive measures and in fact, before and July 2016, 72 out of 82 SPLA officers, noncommissioned officers and men punished for war crimes were from Dinka ethnic group," he revealed.
This came after two high ranking military officers overseeing the army's military courts quit and authored a critical dossier exposing the ethnic favouritism afforded to President Salva Kiir and Army chief Paul Malong's Dinka tribe officers where the former allegedly exempted them from prosecution.
Brigadier General Henry Oyai Ngago, former Director for military justice and Colonel Khalid Ono Loki, the former head of military courts, became the latest officers to quit after the elite Lt. General Thomas Cirilo Swaka, the former Deputy Head of logistics resigned from the SPLA over similar allegations of tribalism and abating of crimes committed against non-Dinka tribes.
"SPLA is not a tribal army. In fact, those officers who had defected are going to be part and parcel of purely tribal outfits that is Agullek, SPLA-IO. To the contrary SPLA has more national composition and outlook," Koang added in a statement.
The renegade officers also accused the army of deliberating fanning ethnic killings in mostly Equatoria and Upper Nile regions where fighting is still ongoing between SPLA-in opposition (SPLA-IO) and SPLA forces.
They added that the SPLA was illegally arresting civilians and subjecting them to torture in detention cells, hence reinforcing various human rights reports by the UN documenting heinous atrocities committed in Yei South West of the capital and in northern towns of Malakal and Bentiu.
"On arrest of civilians, let them provide us with lists of civilians currently in military detention facilities and the leadership will not hesitate to look into circumstances under which they were arrested," Koang said.
Koang also denied allegations of deliberate recruitment of child soldiers in the rank and file of the SPLA.
"We challenge concerned bodies/institutions to go on fact finding mission to SPLA divisions in order to confirm for themselves that we have no child soldiers in our rank and files," he added.
South Sudan has been shattered by civil war that broke out in December 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup. Machar denied the accusation but then mobilized a rebel force.
A peace deal signed in August 2015 led to the formation of a transitional unity government in April, but was again devastated by fresh violence in July 2016.
Tens of thousands of South Sudanese have been killed, with over 2 million displaced and another 4.6 million left severely food insecure, since December 2013.
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Iraqi security forces reached the vicinity of the international airport in western Mosul on Monday, as the troops are pushing closer to the city in a new phase of offensive to drive out Islamic State (IS) militants from its major stronghold in the western side of it, the Iraqi military said.
Iraqi counter-terrorism forces assemble in Bartella town, about 20 km east of Mosul, northern Iraq, on Feb. 20, 2017, preparing to participate in military operations to retake western Mosul. [Photo/Xinhua]
In south of Mosul, the federal police forces and Counter-Terrorism Service freed the hill of Albu Saif, just south of Mosul airport, after clashes with IS militants, leaving many of them killed and destroying a booby-trapped vehicle, a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command said.
The recapture of the strategic hill of Albu Saif is crucial for the Iraqi forces, as the area will give the troops the ability to command IS positions in the southern neighborhoods and inside the airport.
In southwest of Mosul, the army's 9th armored Division and a paramilitary unit of Hashd Shaabi recaptured the villages of Lazaga and Sahaji, after sporadic clashes with IS militants, killing many of them and destroying three car bombs, the statement said.
The troops' advance toward Mosul came after the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on Sunday the start of an offensive to drive the extremist militants out of the western side of Mosul, locally known as the right bank of Tigris River which bisects the city.
"We announce the start of a new phase in the operation (We Are Coming Nineveh) to liberate the western side of Mosul," Abadi, who is also the commander-in-chief of the Iraqi forces, said in a brief televised address, referring to the province of Nineveh, of which Mosul is the capital city.
Late in January, Abadi declared the liberation of the eastern side of Mosul, or the left bank of Tigris, after more than 100 days of fighting against IS militants.
However, the western side of Mosul, with its narrow streets and a heavy population of between 750,000 and 800,000, appears to be a bigger challenge to the Iraqi forces, according to the United Nations estimates.
Mosul, 400 km north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
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Doctors found no sign of puncture on the body of a Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) man, who died at the Kuala Lumpur airport last week, as the cause of death is yet to be determined by results from a lab, a Malaysian health official said on Tuesday.
Medicolegal specimen taken from the DPRK man, which include fingerprints and dental ones, have been sent to a lab for further analysis to determine the cause of his death, Noor Hisham bin Abdullah, director of health in the health ministry, told a press conference.
Hisham did not elaborate on what they found in the postmortem, which was completed on Feb. 15, but said the whole process was "conducted professionally."
He denied media reports, which said a second autopsy was conducted on the deceased man. Until now, no next-of-kin of the deceased man has showed up to help authorities carry out DNA identification, a key step in determining the identity, he said.
Bypassing a question from a reporter on what kind of toxin they found on the body, Hisham said they had to wait for the lab results.
Following the killing on Feb. 13, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had told reporters that the man was Kim Jong Nam, the elder half-brother of DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un.
It is not known when the postmortem results could be released, but an investigation already saw Malaysia in a row with the DPRK. DPRK Ambassador Kang Chol said on Monday that he did not trust the investigation launched by Malaysian police and accused the Malaysian government of colluding with "hostile forces" and pinning suspicion on Pyongyang.
When asked about about Kang's remarks, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said on Tuesday the envoy's comments were "totally uncalled for" and "diplomatically rude," according to the state news agency Bernama.
Malaysia has been having good ties with the DPRK and has no reason to paint a negative image of the country, said Najib, adding "We are very objective."
"They (the DPRK) should help us to find out the truth. That is more important than (making) sweeping and baseless statements," Najib said.
The Malaysian police have detained two female suspects - an Indonesian and a Vietnamese. A DPRK man, working in Kuala Lumpur as an IT engineer, was also arrested.
By Grant Bradley, The New Zealand Herald | Feb. 21, 2017
Sichuan Airlines will begin three direct flights per week between Auckland and Chengdu in southwest China from June.
The airline will use an A330-200 aircraft, with business and economy class configuration and operate initially on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
It is the latest regional Chinese carrier to enter the New Zealand market following the arrival of Tainjin and Hainan airlines during summer.
The flight will only take 13 hours flying directly from New Zealand to the Southwest part of China.
Sichuan Airlines was founded in 1986 and currently has more than 215 routes, including long haul services to Australia, Canada and the United States.
It has a fleet of 120 Airbus aircraft, mainly A330s and A320s.
Chengdu is the provincial capital of Sichuan and also renowned for its fertile land and agricultural wealth.
The airline says it is the home town of the giant panda, City of Brocade, City of Leisure and Eden of the East are several of its widely spread names.
"There is a saying that 'once you come to Chengdu, you do not want to leave' which reveals the charm of this city."
JC Zhi, Sichuan Airlines' New Zealand general manager said the airline was delighted to announce the new service.
"We have great confidence in the New Zealand market and this news clearly demonstrates our ongoing commitment as we open further gateways and services to China."
The flights will depart Auckland at 8:30 p.m. to reach Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport around 6:00 a.m., with a 1:55 a.m. overnight return leg arriving into Auckland at 6:45 p.m.
By Lena Ge, China Aviation Daily | Feb. 21, 2017
Okay Airways has filed an application to the Civil Aviation Administration of China, seeking rights to further expand its network to Philippines in March.
Pending government approval, the Tianjin-based carrier plans to launch a thrice-weekly services to Kalibo from Tianjin and Xi'an, according to a notice released Tuesday on the CAAC's website.
It also applied for a thrice-weekly services between Changsha and Cebu in March.
All three routes will be operated by Boeing 737 aircraft, the CAAC added.
The Air Transportation Department of CAAC is soliciting public comments on the application until February 27, 2017.
Birmingham Airport wants to restart a direct flight link to China. [China Daily]
Birmingham Airport may be close to resurrecting a direct air route to China, while Edinburgh Airport is also hoping to invigorate Scottish tourism and business links with China through its own long-haul connectionas both British airports go on the active hunt for direct flights to the mainland.
For Birmingham, if negotiations with an as yet unnamed airline succeed, it will be the first link between that city and China since 2015, when a Chinese tour operator ran summer charter flights bringing holiday makers to the English Midlands region.
"Demand for flights to China from Birmingham is significant, driven mainly by the Midlands' strong trading relationship with China and we are in discussions with a carrier to reinstate services in the future following our successful Beijing operations in 2014 and 2015," a spokesperson for Birmingham Airport said.
In October, China and the UK's transport departments agreed to increase the maximum number of weekly flights between the two nations from 80 to 200.
There are currently 38 flights a week operated by Chinese airlines between both countries, while British airlines operate 29. The news was welcomed by industry players, however, it is challenging for UK airports that are not large transfer hubs to convince airlines to establish new long haul routes, according to Zheng Lei, director of the Centre for Aviation Research at the University of Surrey.
Zheng said that for the airlines, the biggest concern was demand.
"The airport needs to convince the airline there is sufficient demand in the airport's catchment area. And it's very difficult to get enough traffic for long-haul flights on a daily basis. That's why they operate on hub networks," he said.
"Airports such as Edinburgh, Birmingham and Manchester are not hubs, so it's very difficult to convince airlines to fly direct into their region. They have to rely on local traffic rather than transfers and the local market may not be big enough."
Tourism and transport officials in Edinburghin the top five urban centers in the UK visited by Chinese tourists, have officially lobbied for a direct link with China since 2015.
That's when the City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Airport and Marketing Edinburgh launched the Edinburgh China Air Link Project. Last week the project landed its first commercial sponsor, jeweler Laing Edinburgh.
"Private sector support shows the nature of the commitment the city has to a direct air route," said Rob Laing, head of marketing at Edinburgh Airport.
"Edinburgh is the second most popular destination with Chinese tourists behind London in the United Kingdom, and we want to make sure that any potential airlines appreciate the scale of the support the private sector will offer as well."
A number of major airlines offer direct routes between London and China, including Virgin, British Airways and Air China, while Hainan Airlines connects China and Manchester.
In October 2016, British Airways terminated its direct route from London to Chengdu, stating it was no longer commercially viable.
Crew members get off a plane of Hainan Airlines, a subsidiary of HNA Group Co, after landing at Nansha Islands. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Move aims to expand finance business and diversify operation structure
Chinese conglomerate HNA Group is seeking to expand its finance business and further diversify its operation structure after taking a stake in Deutsche Bank, the first Chinese investor to take a major stake in the bank.
Starting from Feb 15, HNA, the parent behind the country's largest private commercial airline, holds 3.04 percent of Deutsche Bank, according to the statement of the German bank.
HNA's stake is worth over 700 million euros ($740 million) at current share prices.
The purchase makes HNA the fourth-largest shareholder in the German lender, after BlackRock, which holds 6.07 percent, and two sovereign wealth funds that are controlled by Qatar, which together hold 6.1 percent.
In January, HNA expanded its global asset management business by acquiring a majority stake in New York-based SkyBridge Capital, an alternative investment firm founded by Donald Trump's adviser Anthony Scaramucci.
Pang Guoteng, an analyst at Morning Whistle Group, a Shanghai-based internet platform that helps Chinese capital conduct cross-border investment and overseas mergers and acquisitions, said the move has further strengthened the finance business of HNA.
A few years ago, the finance business was a short board of the company, when it failed several times to get a banking license.
HNA's business now includes aviation, finance, real estate, logistics, hospitality, tourism and ecological technology.
HNA Capital, a financial group under HNA Group, has operations in more than 100 countries, and it deals with businesses include leasing, insurance, internet banking, securities and futures. Its total assets have reached over 340 billion yuan ($49 billion), according to the company.
A spokesperson at HNA said Deutsche Bank is very attractive in terms of investment, and HNA is willing to stay as a long-term shareholder in the bank.
HNA said it could buy further shares in Deutsche Bank, and keeps its stake below 10 percent, Xinhua News Agency reported.
The German lender said it welcomed in principle any investor with a long-term view, Reuters reported.
As the largest commercial bank in Germany, Deutsche Bank has suffered losses for two years in a row, and its share prices have been lukewarm.
German media regarded the deal a good move and said Deutsche Bank has been doing business in Asia for many years, and it's natural for Asian investors to inject capital in the bank.
Locals stand beside a China-made locomotive at Port Reitz in Mombasa, Kenya. [Photo/Xinhua]
Unified arbitration mechanism is needed for legal issues due to diverse cultures
This should be the beginning of a busy year for Wang Guiguo. This year he wants his idea of building a modern legal structure for China's new-age Silk Road initiatives to come to pass.
Wang, who is the president of the Hong Kong-based International Academy of the Belt and Road, and is a professor of international law in Beijing, Hangzhou and New Orleans in the United States, published a book in Octoberabout the dispute resolution mechanism for the new Silk Road initiatives proposed and led by China.
The new Silk Road project, which cover both the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, is called the Belt and Road Initiative.
This year, beginning with US President Donald Trump withdrawing the US from the 12-nation trade deal Trans-Pacific Partnership, the need is becoming more acute, Wang said, for China to work with other countries to structure their own free trade systems and related legal mechanisms.
"In fact, how to build a fair, all-round and workable dispute resolution system for international trade and investment is a common task for governments and legal professionals," Wang said.
Whether or not the US or any other country stays in or leaves a free trade pact won't affect the need, he said.
"Globalization is not going to stop," Wang said.
That is also why ideas such as international dispute settlement and international dispute tribunals are more often heard from judicial forums in Europe, he said.
Since 2013, after the Belt and Road Initiative was proposed by President Xi Jinping, China has signed partnership agreements with some 40 countries in the world.
Overall, the Belt and Road Initiative covers 60 percent of the world population and one-third of the global GDP (around $2 trillion). For the past decade or so, it has shown the fastest growth of all regions.
Owing to their diverse legal systems and practices, the implementation of the Belt and Road-related agreements will inevitably give rise to many issues in the governing of trade and cross-border investment, Wang said.
Night view of Caiyuanba Yangtze River Bridge in Chongqing, Southwest China, August 3, 2016. [Photo/VCG]
As the latest addition to China's Free Trade Zone project, Chongqing will focus on policy innovation to become a pivot in the country's Go-West campaignthe national effort to develop the vast western regions, home to energy and mineral resources crucial to its future growthaccording to its FTZ development blueprint.
As the only municipality in western China directly under the central government, the traditional industrial hublocated at the intersection of the Belt and Road Initiative's trade route and the Yangtze River Economic Zonehas witnessed fast and steady economic growth in recent years and led the country's GDP growth rate table for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015.
In 2016, its auto and electronics industries contributed to over half of the city's industrial growth, according to the latest figures from the government.
Chongqing is the country's biggest automobile manufacturing base, producing 3.16 million cars last year. It also made 58 million laptops in 2016, accounting for one third of the worlds' total.
Last year, the city was picked as the operational center of the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity, the third intergovernmental project between the two countries. The initiative will pilot cooperation in fields ranging from financial services, aviation, transportation and logistics to information communications technology.
As a result, the central government is requiring the city's FTZ to play a vital role in the opening up and development of inland China.
Under the Chongqing development blueprint its FTZ, spanning 120 square kilometers, comprises three partsLiangjiang New Area, Chongqing Logistics City and Chongqing Microelectronics Park.
According to the FTZ blueprint, Chongqing will build itself into a pilot zone of inland free trade featuring a convenient investment and trade environment, efficient supervision, complete finance services as well as a sound legal environment for business.
Based on plans for the Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe intercontinental railway, it will become the center of international logistics, inland services trade and inland finance.
"We see the FTZ as principally a logistics and commodities-driven government reform, which is expected to evolve to encompass the whole range of financial and professional services, and beyond," said Du Guoyu, chief representative of the China-Britain Business Council in Chongqing.
"The Chongqing FTZ will first influence companies which currently do not have a presence in the country and are planning their entry. Secondly, it will become an incentive for current UK business when considering restructuring and relocation," Du added.
Zhang Xu, deputy head of Chongqing Automobiles and Motorbikes Association, said the FTZ could help Chongqing manufacturers build an international trade system.
BEIJING - China's civil aviation sector posted strong growth in passenger trips and cargo transportation in 2016, official data showed Monday.
Air passenger trips rose 11.8 percent year on year to 487.8 million last year, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).
That growth was faster than the 11.3 percent increase recorded in 2015 and the annual average rate of 10.4 percent between 2010 and 2015.
Passenger trips made on domestic routes increased 10.7 percent year on year to 436 million in 2016, while those made on international routes surged 22.7 percent to 51.6 million.
During the same period, cargo and mail transportation reached 6.7 million tons, up 6 percent year on year.
China ranks second in the world in terms of passenger and cargo turnover by air, behind the United States.
The country aims to build 44 new airports and complete construction of 30 airports in the 2016-2020 period, most in the mid-west regions, according to a plan released by the CAAC last week.
CAPE TOWN - China remained the leading growth market for South Africa's tourism industry, with year-on-year growth recorded at 38 percent last year, figures released on Monday showed.
The growth in tourist arrivals from China has been consistent over the year, following improvements in the visa application processes in those countries, Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom said.
South Africa can build on this and attract even more tourists from China and other countries, the minister said after Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) released figures which showed a sharp increase in tourist arrivals.
According to Stats SA, international tourist arrivals surpassed 10 million last year, 13 percent more than 2015.
This is well over the global average growth rate for the period. It is estimated that about 1.2 billion international tourists travelled the world in 2016, representing growth of 3.9 percent over 2015.
Britain remained the leading source market for overseas arrivals to South Africa in 2016 (447,840 arrivals) followed by the United States (345,013) and Germany (311,832).
Tourism is a significant economic sector around the world, and it makes a substantial contribution in the developed and developing countries. Tourism now comprises 30 percent of all global service exports.
In South Africa, the role of tourism in the balance of payments has become increasingly important. In 2015, tourism's trade balance with the rest of the world was 36 billion rand ($2.7 billion).
This is a major stabilizing force for the national current account, Stats SA said.
A survey by Stats SA has found that overseas markets are typically associated with leisure tourism and business tourism events, while regional markets, particularly cross-border land tourist arrivals, make an enormous contribution to the economies of many border towns, as well as major cities and popular tourist regions.
Together, the differing travel patterns and behaviours of the various travel markets sustain a large and diverse sector of businesses across South Africa, Stats SA said.
Hanekom commended all the people who are working hard in the private and public sector to develop and promote tourism, and to provide visitors with excellent service and memorable experiences.
"The spectacular growth in tourist arrivals indicates that the close collaboration between various government departments, between the Department of Tourism and industry, and between suppliers and service providers on the ground has paid off," said Hanekom.
"We have done well to capitalize on our status as a value for money destination, offering an array of experiences for all tourist markets," he added.
The latest Tourism Satellite Account indicates that tourism supported 711,746 jobs directly in 2015. The total number of jobs from tourism in 2015 (including direct, indirect and induced jobs) was estimated at 1.55 million, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.
Tourism touches the lives of all South Africans, Hanekom said.
"Given its importance to our economy, we must continue to nurture the sector and drive increasingly impactful and collaborative strategies and programmes for sustained, inclusive growth these markets in the future," he said.
HANOI - First carriage of the train used for Vietnam's first urban railway Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line was hoisted in Vietnam's capital Hanoi at the dawn on Tuesday.
The 13-km Cat Linh-Ha dong Line is constructed by the 6th bureau of China Railway Engineering Corporation.
The first train, which contains four carriages, started its travel from Beijing on Jan 20 and arrived Hanoi on Feb 19, said Tang Hong, the general manager of Overseas Company of CREC told Xinhua, adding that the Chinese-made train applied with Chinese standards and technology.
Although it was raining, the process of hoisting and installing the train attracted more than a hundred Vietnamese journalists and Hanoi citizens. With the announcement of the successful installment of the first carriage, a chorus of claps began.
"The construction of the urban railway, as a symbol of Sino-Vietnam friendship, will ease up the traffic jam obsessed by Hanoi citizens", claimed Tang.
According to Tang, the other three carriages of the train will be hoisted and installed later this week, waiting to be tried when the electricity is connected later this year.
The remaining 12 trains purchased by the project will arrive in Hanoi following the appropriate conditions.
Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng said opinions on withdrawal of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China are biased, as the market plays the key role in allocating global capital resources.
"FDI in any country comes and goes with the development of economy and the change of industry structure," Gao said.
He said the government has noticed that some low-end companies have left the country while high-end industries are starting to invest more in China, because the country is witnessing upgrading of both industrial and consumption structure.
As the total volume of global foreign direct investment sharply declined last year, China attracted nearly 813.2 billion yuan ($126 billion) in 2016, up 4.1 percent year-on-year.
FDI to pharmaceutical manufacturing business, medical equipment industry and high-tech services all saw a notable increase in absorbed foreign investment, surging 55.8 percent, 95 percent and 86.1 percent on a year-on-year basis, respectively.
BEIJING-- China will make careful evaluations and respond accordingly if the United States unveils a detailed plan on the proposed border-adjustment tax, Commerce Minister Gao Hucheng said Tuesday.
China is aware of a recent proposal within the US administration concerning a border tax on imports, said Gao at a press conference when answering a question on US President Donald Trump's posts on Twitter.
All countries should abide by international trade rules when formulating trade policies, the minister said.
He said China does not want to comment on remarks made by US presidential candidates during the election campaign, instead it would rather focus on the new administration's attitude toward trade ties with China.
Speaking of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), Gao said there has been substantial progress in negotiation, but there were still some difficulties to be solved.
China will continue to play a constructive and positive role in the negotiation and make joint efforts with all parties to reach agreements on the remaining issues and conclude the RCEP talks at an early date, he said.
Launched in November 2012, the RCEP talks involve ASEAN and its six major trading partners -- China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia -- with an aim of facilitating expansion of regional trade and investment.
China's Global Newspaper
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By REN XIAOJIN and LI XIANG in Beijing and ZHANG MIN in Tianjin | China Daily | Updated: 2017-02-21 08:12
The office of KinCheng Bank of Tianjin Co in the Tianjin Free Trade Zone. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Programs to support the coordinated development of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei provinceinto a planned new city cluster expected to fuel the growth of the whole Bohai Bay area in the coming decadeswill get the backing of Tianjin's banking sector, senior financial officials from the region said.
They said regulatory committees from the region would also work closely to eliminate any financial risk.
Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province had a combined GDP of just over $1 trillion last year which accounted for around 10 percent of China's 74 trillion yuan ($10.7 trillion) GDP.
The municipalities and the province have signed a memorandum of understanding with the China Development Bank to prepare the way for 210 million yuan in funding in next three years.
Bank of China has, meanwhile, signed a cooperation plan with the Tianjin municipal government to provide 30 billion yuan of loans in the future, while 15 billion yuan in funding is promised between the Pudong Development Bank and Binhai district in Tianjin.
Banking regulation committees in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province should focus on the process, said Wang Wengang, deputy director of the Tianjin bureau of the China Banking Regulatory Commission.
"We are also working to integrate the resources of the three places," Wang added.
He said the aim of the arrangement was for better allocation of financial resources in Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei.
The Tianjin bureau of the China Banking Regulatory Commission would encourage the banks to invest in the clean energy sector, ease the excess capacity problem in steel industry and accelerate industrial upgrading, Wang added.
Tianjin will also set up funds and venture lending projects to support emerging industries, advanced manufacturing sectors and its pillar industries.
Multibillion yuan of funds have been established to reform and upgrade industry structure.
Officials said Tianjin free trade zone would continue to promote the opening up of Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province.
According to Xu Shaoshi, minister of the National Development and Reform Commission, the Tianjin Pilot Free Trade Zone will play a more proactive role, encouraging cross-border investment and financing, equity transactions and entrepreneurship within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region by unifying relevant rules and regulations.
"Financing support plays an important role in promoting the integrated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region," said Zeng Gang, a researcher of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
"It can function as leveraging in promoting infrastructure, industrial restructure and green development of the region."
He added that risks also existed in such programs, but tended to be lower theoretically as they were State-level programs.
"Financial institutions are expected to support the strategic development of the three places but also need to assess the risks accordingly," Zeng said.
Cheng Yu contributed to the story.
Customers try Xiaomi smartphones at an outlet of Xiaomi Corp in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province. XU KANGPING / FOR CHINA DAILY
A recent news report on the battery fire of a Xiaomi smartphone caught my attention, because, as one among the millions of Xiaomi users, I should have concerns about my own safety.
A Xiaomi user, surnamed Wang, claimed that her Redmi Note 3 cellphone, which she bought from one of the country's biggest e-commerce platforms at a price of 1,299 yuan (about $190), caught fire while charging.
She reported the case to Xiaomi Corp, which, before having conducted a thorough investigation, promised to provide a refund and an additional 600 yuan in compensation, according to the Beijing Morning Post.
A consumer would have been pleased by such a swift and considerate response from the phone manufacturer, but wait, that was not the whole story.
Xiaomi allegedly required Wang to sign a confidentiality agreement, which would mandate her not to disclose any information of the incident to the media or the public, should she want to get the refund and additional compensation.
The way that Xiaomi handled the incident made me feel puzzled. To me, the logic is a bit weird, or it could be considered a rash decision or a cheap PR trick, if not amounting to an attempted cover-up.
For Xiaomi, whose brand was valued at 52 billion yuan by the Hurun Brand List, it should have cherished its brand more than anything else and it would be naive to attempt to use less than one hundred dollars to keep the incident hush-hush. If not appropriately handled, it could harm its branding efforts, and the slightest damage to its brand image could easily cost it millions or even billions of yuan.
Just before I started writing this article, I logged on to the Xiaomi website to check the latest developments in the incident, but unfortunately, I did not find a single word about it or investigation progress, as if nothing had ever happened.
For the concerned customer, her safety and dignity should not and could never be measured by a few hundred yuan in compensation, and that simply won't work.
I'd like to thank the user for not agreeing to Xiaomi's offer. The exposure of the incident would at least force Xiaomi to act to eliminate any hidden hazards to Xiaomi users.
Also, industry regulators would probably exert pressure on Xiaomi to improve its battery design and manufacturing.
With Samsung's global recall of its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, which could catch fire while charging, as a precedent, Xiaomi should have taken the incident more seriously.
For branding and confidence-building purposes, it would be advisable for Xiaomi to use the most transparent way to reveal details of the incident and investigations, to keep the public and Xiaomi users informed.
If investigations prove that the fire was caused by a quality defect, Xiaomi would have to bear liability and take remedy measures. Battery design and manufacturing should then be improved, which would be good to all users. And if it was proved otherwise, as caused by inappropriate use such as overcharging, it would help Xiaomi boost its image as a responsible company.
Whatever the findings might be, the incident should serve as a warning for Xiaomi and its likes: always give top priority to the quality of their products and the safety of consumers.
Xiaomi, a six-year-old tech company, has established itself as one of the top smartphone vendors. In 2016, its smartphone shipments were 41.5 million, down about 36 percent from 2015, according to International Data Corpo.
With such a big customer base, it is hoped that Xiaomi will take customers' safety seriously, and take its brand seriously, on its way to achieving its 2017 revenue goal of more than 100 billion yuan.
A worker at a Mobike factory in Hengyang, Hunan province. PENG BIN /FOR CHINA DAILY
Bike-sharing firm hopes funding can help it expand in China and overseas
Chinese bike-sharing startup Mobike announced on Monday it has received a strategic investment injection from Singaporean company Temasek Holdings, as it is locked in a fierce battle with Ofo for dominance in China.
With the deal the three-year-old company has raised more than $300 million since the start of 2017. Mobike did not disclose the specific amount.
Davis Wang, co-founder and CEO of Mobike, said within just 10 months, the Beijing-based company has accumulated more than 10 million users across 21 cities. In the same time frame, it has provided more than 200 million bike-sharing rides.
"With the help of new investors, we will expand presence in China and the overseas markets," he added.
Hillhouse Capital, a leading investment powerhouse, also increased its bet in the company after it led an investment into Mobike in late 2016.
Zhang Lei, founder and chief executive of Hillhouse Capital, said in a statement that the Mobike team has a clear vision for the future of urban transport.
"We look forward to leveraging our global network and resources to help Mobike bring its urban transportation solution to cities around the world."
The new investment came shortly after Mobike signed an exclusive strategic partnership with Foxconn Technology Group in January, which would help double its annual bicycle production capacity to more than 10 million units.
Mobike is competing with Ofo for supremacy in the country's booming bike-sharing sector, which is now one of the most popular investment destinations.
In January, Mobike raised $215 million from investors including the social networking giant Tencent Holdings Ltd, while Ofo clinched an investment of $130 million in October 2016.
In the first week of 2017, Mobike's mobile app had 5.85 million weekly active users. In comparison, the number for Ofo is 1.4 million, data from the research firm iResearch Consulting Group show.
The cash-burning battle between ride-sharing platforms is continuing as they are attracting new users with subsidies, according to Zhang Xu, a Beijing-based transport analyst for internet consultancy Analysys.
"The two sides are all armed with enough cash now. The competition will depend on which can offer better services with lower costs," he said.
"Local governments are preparing to unveil regulation policies. Players need to pay attention to that," he added.
Baidu's self-driving car at an exhibition in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province. Zhu Xingxin / China Daily
Govt gives firm nod to lead deep learning tech lab
Lu Qi, president of Baidu Inc [Photo provided to China Daily]
Search engine Baidu Inc will take the lead with the first national lab on deep learning as China strives to rise up the ranks of artificial intelligence research.
The National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic regulator, has appointed Baidu to lead the national lab on deep learning technologies and applications, as Beijing prioritizes AI development through policy and financial support.
The company will team up with China's leading institutions such as Tsinghua University and Beihang University in areas including deep learning, interactive technologies, visual and sensory technologies and standardized services.
Baidu will also share its rich resources on computing, algorithm and big data, which are crucial to beef up fundamental research in AI.
"We will give full support and abundant resources to the lab to ensure the mission is accomplished effectively and in high quality," said Lu Qi, president of Baidu.
Deep learning is a leading algorithm that aims to improve search results and computing tasks by training computers to work more like the human brain, said Wang Guanchun, chief executive officer of Laiye, a Beijing-based AI company that provides personal scheduling services.
The country is betting on the technology to advance high-end manufacturing as it shifts from an export-driven economy to one that is higher up the value chain.
Fueling the trend is a three-year initiative led by the NDRC and the Ministry of Science and Technology to boost the industry through to 2018, in which China aims to achieve make breakthroughs in core AI technologies, stay in line with global standards on fundamental research, and potentially develop a whole set of transformative technologies on the application front.
"AI should be put on the national agenda as it could transform the industrial, service and even the defense sectors. Baidu is in a good position to lead the lab, considering its vast input in the field," said Wang.
Baidu's Institute of Deep Learning set up a Silicon Valley lab in 2013, tapping the region's talent pool, to gain more muscle to compete with global rivals from Apple Inc to Google Inc.
In January it also hired noted AI expert and former Microsoft executive Lu Qi as its new president, overseeing all business functions.
Tan Tieniu, vice-chairman of the Chinese Association for Artificial Intelligence, said more attention should be paid to the most fundamental groundbreaking work, which is largely dominated by US researchers, and that's what a national lab is meant for.
China's AI industry is worth 9.56 billion yuan ($1.38 billion) in 2016, said market research firm Forward Intelligence.
Wu Xiubo [Photo provided to China Daily]
Chinese actor Wu Xiubo has been appointed Tourism Australia's Ambassador for the 2017 China-Australia Year of Tourism.
The appointment was announced by Steven Ciobo, the Australian minister for trade, tourism and investment, on Feb 21.
The Chairman of the China National Tourism Administration, Li Jinzao, was present.
The China-Australia Year of Tourism celebrates the close relationship between the two countries and recognizes the importance of the China market for Australia's tourism industry.
Steven Ciobo (left), the Australian minister for trade, tourism and investment and Chinese actor Wu Xiubo. [Photo provided to China Daily]
"This year promises to bring Australia and China closer and provide more opportunities for further engagement, be it in tourism and travel or more broadly in trade, sport and culture or social and academic exchanges," says Ciobo.
"China is Australia's most valuable tourism market, with the potential to be worth more than $13 billion by 2020. Last year, 1.2 million Chinese visited Australia. We anticipate this will grow during the China-Australia Year of Tourism and will continue to grow afterward."
Recent initiatives to support two-way tourism between the two countries include the trial of the 10-year visitor visa; the open aviation market services arrangement which removes all capacity restrictions for airlines on both sides; and a new Beijing to Sydney service by Qantas Airways which was launched in January.
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China to build monitoring network for ecological security
Xinhua | Updated: 2017-02-21 07:30
BEIJING - China will build a comprehensive monitoring system by 2020 to implement its ecological "red line" strategy and supervise activities inside the nature reserves, the Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) said Monday.
This will include a space-ground ecological observation system and a ecological security monitoring system linked up to big data and the Internet, according to the ministry.
China will push forward ecological protection during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-2020), as the country still faces a severe condition in this field, said Cheng Lifeng, an official with the MEP.
From this year, authorities will conduct remote sensing monitoring on all national-level nature reserves twice a year, the ministry said, adding that it will build a space-ground observation system with satellite remote sensing technology to monitor ecological changes.
China has 2,740 nature reserves that cover 1.42 million square kilometers of land, 14.8 percent of the country's land territory, said Cheng.
Among them, 446 are national-level reserves, covering 970,000 square kilometers.
China's central authorities issued guidelines earlier this month on an ecological "red line" strategy that will make certain regions protected. The zones will be clearly defined by the end of 2020.
File photo of Lyu Xiwen.[Photo/Xinhua]
CHANGCHUN - Lyu Xiwen, former deputy Party chief of Beijing, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for taking bribes on Monday.
According to the court, Lyu was also fined 2 million yuan (290,816 U.S. dollars), and her illegal gains shall be recovered and turned over to the state treasury.
Lyu was found to have taken advantage of various official posts from 2001 to 2015 to seek benefits for others. She accepted bribes worth 18.79 million yuan.
The Intermediate People's Court of Jilin City in northeast China's Jilin Province said it showed leniency as Lyu confessed to her crimes, expressed remorse and voluntarily returned illegal gains.
Lyu accepted the verdict, according to the court.
Central government ministries and departments responded to public concerns in a series of areas, such as the HIV infection incident in Zhejiang and the development of industry and information technology.
HIV infection
The National Health and Family Planning Commission said that it has paid a great deal of attention to an accident concerning HIV infection in Zhejiang province. The provincial health authorities received a report from the Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, a Grade Three Class A hospital, on Jan 26 that a hospital technician violated standard operating procedures that may have led to the possibility of five patients contracting HIV. After being informed of the accident, the national health commission said that Li Bin, the minister, ordered local authorities to investigate the case, take contingency preventive measures and strictly punish relevant personnel responsible for the accident in accordance with relevant laws.
On Feb 3 and 12, Li convened special meetings, pointing out that medical safety concerns public life and health and any negligence is intolerable. She said the authorities must attach great importance to the accident and guidance should be provided for the local health department to try to reduce any harm from the accident. She also said the internal management of the country's medical institutions must be strengthened to ensure hospital staff strictly abide by operational procedures.
On Jan 31 and Feb 7, Wang Guoqiang, deputy head of the commission, led a team to Zhejiang to investigate the accident and provide guidance in tackling the aftermath. The commission said it will send a team to investigate the case again.
The commission said it had organized two expert panels to discuss the causes of the accident on Feb 4 and Feb 10. Participants at the discussions said that the main causes include lack of medical safety awareness by some staff, porous management procedures for infection prevention and control, the ineffective implementation of relevant rules and a failure to abide by technical rules and standard operational procedures. They said the responsibility awareness of medical institutions must be strengthened, their management improved, potential medical safety risks examined, and education of hospital staff strengthened to ensure the rights of patents are protected.
The commission sent a circular to all hospitals nationwide requiring that they further strengthen medical safety management and convened a meeting of all local hospital and health commission heads to demand that they learn the lessons of the Zhejiang accident. The local health management authorities, in particular, should strengthen supervision to ensure medical safety.
Industry growth
Senior Ministry of Industry and Information Technology officials held a news conference on Friday to share information on China's industrial development with the public.
Miao Wei, minister of industry and information technology, said much headway has been made as China has become the world's top manufacturer and internet power. He said breakthroughs had been made in manufacturing high-end equipment and Chinese enterprises have become globally competitive in areas such as high-speed rail, nuclear power plants and telecommunications. As a sign of China's progress in economic restructuring, emerging industries, such as robotics, mobile internet, cloud computing and big data, have achieved fast growth, he said.
China has set a target of 6 percent growth year-on-year in terms of industrial output and Miao said the target is achievable.
Miao also said that the ministry will join hands with the Ministry of Finance to adjust the subsidy policy for new energy vehicles to prevent false application for subsidies and support the healthy development of the new industry.
Xu Lejiang, vice-minister of industry and information technology, said at the news conference that the ministry will make greater efforts to reduce excessive production capacity in the steel industry.
"The roles of the market and government will be combined in cutting excessive capacity," Xu said.
China to improve government service in townships
Xinhua | Updated: 2017-02-21 07:52
BEIJING - The central authorities have issued a document calling for improved public services at the township level.
The document was issued by the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council.
Township governments should provide quality education in rural areas with suitable teaching environments, safe campuses and support for under privileged students, according to the document.
It called on township governments to offer better training and vocational opportunities to rural residents, and ensure basic social services for special groups including the disabled, migrant workers, and children living in poverty.
Governments at the township level should implement national insurance policies and improve public health services, said the document.
It stressed that ancient villages of great historical and cultural value should be properly protected and developed, adding that township governments should also improve their service in areas such as environmental protection, food safety and juvenile protection.
The document urged governments of county-level and above to provide financial support for infrastructure, public services and other social undertakings in townships, and to encourage loans and investment to small towns and villages.
Township government budgets and spending should be strictly regulated to fend off local debt risks and guarantee fiscal balance, it said.
The document also called for preferential policies for township officials, such as easier promotions and subsidies, to attract talent to work in townships.
Nonprofit institution is expected to have 3,000 students at full enrollment
After spearheading a revolution in e-commerce, the founder of Alibaba Group, billionaire Jack Ma, is setting his sights on China's education system by establishing a private bilingual school.
He and other partners of Alibaba co-founded the Yungu School, or Cloud Valley, in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, where the e-commerce empire is headquartered. The school will span 15 years of education, offering classes from kindergarten through high school.
Yungu aims to give its students an opportunity to make the best of themselves, according to a written reply from the company. Compassion, independence, social responsibility and lifelong learning are among the key traits that the school believes are crucial for students to become global citizens.
The move comes amid mounting scrutiny of China's burgeoning private education market, which was worth 78 billion yuan ($11.3 billion) in 2015 and is expected to grow by up to 15 percent in the next few years, according to estimates from Industrial Securities.
In a revised law in November, China banned profit-centered private schools from the nine-year compulsory education system, which covers the years from primary school to junior high school, because it is a public service to be provided by the government.
Alibaba said its school is registered as a nonprofit organization and will comply with the law. It declined to disclose tuition fees.
At full capacity, Yungu is expected to have 3,000 students. For the upcoming September semester, it plans to enroll 60 students in first grade, and another 48 in seventh grade.
After submitting online applications, candidates will be assessed based on their materials and face-to-face interviews with the student and parents. Prospective candidates do not need to hold a Hangzhou hukou, or household registration.
To meet the needs of bilingual teaching, up to 40 percent of the faculty are hired from a global pool, each having more than five years of teaching experience internationally. The rest are mostly award-winning teachers with experience in domestic educational institutions.
Yungu said it will have a favorable ratio of teacher to students - one teacher for every five students - in a bid to address common problems of public schools such as cramped classrooms. To explore the full potential of students beyond their schoolwork, it also includes personalized modules and social services in the curriculum and pays special attention to utilizing technology in teaching.
China has 162,700 private schools nationwide, which recruit more than 45.7 million students, according to Ministry of Education statistics from last year.
Ma spent seven years teaching English before starting his own business. In 2015, he created an award to help rural teachers, and he established a scholarship program in Australia in January to sponsor disadvantaged students with a demonstrated commitment to cross-cultural understanding and social justice.
hewei@chinadaily.com.cn
A man in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, was placed under investigation for threatening two doctors, blaming them for his aunt's death from pneumonia.
According to the hospital, the man, surnamed Wang, claimed to be a national security worker and said he would take revenge on the two doctors at Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine who sent his aunt to an intensive care unit for emergency treatment on Saturday.
Relatives of the 70-year-old patient insisted that only two traditional Chinese medicine treatments could be used to save her life, and they brought one remedy to the hospital themselves, the hospital said.
Doctors who treated the patient explained her condition to the relatives and received approval - and the signature - of her son. However, a nephew claimed that the emergency treatment caused the woman's death, it said.
Although the hospital asked Wang to take his complaint to a higher authority, he continued to insist that the doctors, surnamed Lu and Zhao, should "pay for what they did", the hospital said. Some witnesses said that Wang took pictures of the two doctors and claimed to know their personal information.
"As a doctor, I did what should be done to save a life," the doctor surnamed Zhao said. "I don't understand why he targeted me. He didn't threaten me face-to-face, but told my colleagues that I should pay."
The police in Qinhuai district received reports on Saturday afternoon and have been investigating the case. They confirmed that Wang does not work for the government.
Yuan Shenghan, a lawyer in Nanjing, said threatening other people does not violate Chinese law if no action results.
"But he could be punished for disturbing public order under China's public security administration law," Yuan said.
The news received wide public attention in China. A top transplant specialist was stabbed just two days earlier in his office in Nanjing.
The specialist, Sun Beicheng, head of Jiangsu Provincial Hospital's liver transplant unit, is said to be one of the country's finest. An alleged ticket scalper locked the door of the doctor's office, stabbed Sun in his left leg, fractured his jaw and cut him around the mouth, later telling police that the doctor had once criticized him for buying up appointment tickets in bulk and selling them at inflated prices to would-be patients.
According to the Qinhuai publicity department, the results of the investigation into Wang's threats will be made public by the end of this week.
cangwei@chinadaily.com.cn
China has set a new record for copyrights, processing more than 2 million new registrations last year, a rise of 22.3 percent compared with 2015, the National Copyright Administration of China said on Monday.
Nearly 1.6 million registrations were publications including literary works and photographs, while 407,774 were software, according to the administration.
The number of software copyright registrations has increased about 40 percent compared with 2015. More than 80 percent of the software works were registered in 10 cities in Guangdong province, along with Beijing and Shanghai.
China's copyright registrations have seen a steady, rapid rise. The number has increased about fourfold since 2011, when the number of copyright registrations was 570,000.
In 2013, China's copyright registrations hit what was then a record 1 million.
"The increase in copyright registrations shows the rise of people's copyright protection awareness," said Du Ying, a professor of intellectual property rights at Central University of Finance and Economics in Beijing. The State's strategy to promote copyright protection and innovation has created a positive environment for copyright, she added.
"Registration is used as concrete evidence when disputes arise," she said.
The vitality of China's cultural products market contributed to the rise, Du said.
luowangshu@chinadaily.com.cn
Xiao Yan (right), a reporter from Xinhua News Agency, interviews a migrant worker on a train heading for Shanghai earlier this month. [Photo/Xinhua]
One year later, president's words continue to resonate with news organizations
Following President Xi Jinping's speech last year on the principles of the Communist Party of China's media and publicity work, the country's major media outlets recently published articles highlighting the changes they have made to news reporting.
On Feb 19 last year, Xi, who is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, visited People's Daily, Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television before presiding over a symposium on news reporting and public opinion.
During the symposium, Xi ordered all news media outlets run by the CPC and the Chinese government to strictly follow the Party's leadership and focus on "positive reporting".
According to Xi, the Party's media work should unite and guide the general public, serve the country's overall interests, tell right from wrong, instill confidence and connect China with the world.
Calling for innovative concepts, content and methods, Xi told media groups to make use of new media's edge in publicity; amplify their voices on the international stage; tell stories about China effectively; and build flagship media with a strong global influence.
On Sunday, People's Daily published an article noting that the past year has seen great changes across all media outlets thanks to the "fresh vitality" engendered by Xi's speech.
The credibility of mainstream media has improved markedly, it said, adding that it has become more influential and that content is more appealing and persuasive.
The article praised the "reasoned voice" of media outlets when covering issues of public concern, such as employment, health services, education and food safety. It also lauded the "creativity and innovation" of online and new media content.
On Friday, a Xinhua article said the media's work in the past year has generated positive energy that has motivated the public to work toward realizing the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the nation. It added that the Chinese media's international communication skills should be honed so stories about China are told effectively.
One of the most high-profile moves to this end has been the rebranding of CCTV's news output as China Global Television Network at the end of last year.
According to CGTN statistics, its content is accessed by about 400 million people worldwide.
Last year, more than 700 People's Daily articles were translated into more than 20 languages and published by major international media outlets.
In the past year, Xinhua has published 4,500 stories a day for overseas audiences, with more than 100 commentaries on international issues carried by mainstream Western media.
Developments were also made in the promotion of overseas social networking platforms operated by leading Chinese media.
Accounts run by People's Daily attract about 35 million followers, while the figures for Xinhua and CCTV stand at about 23 million and 50 million respectively.
While visiting CCTV's multimedia division on Sunday, Liu Qibao, head of the CPC Central Committee's Publicity Department, encouraged all mainstream news providers to prioritize multimedia integration, helping to improve competitiveness and expand their reach.
Shi Anbin, a professor of journalism and communications at Tsinghua University in Beijing, said standards of news reporting and public opinion in China has risen along with the nation's growing strength and international status.
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All textbooks and reference books used from primary school to universities have adopted the phrase "14-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," marking a revision to the current wording, as the new semester began on Feb 20, Beijing Youth Daily reported.
A document on the revision, issued by the Ministry of Education in the beginning of this year, mandates textbooks to fully reflect the crimes committed by Japanese troops in the war, underscoring the continuity of the 14 years of War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression starting in 1931.
Textbooks currently use the phrase "Eight-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," which reflects the date of the beginning of Japan's full-scale invasion of China on July 7, 1937, to the date Japan declared its unconditional surrender on August 15, 1945.
The revision applies to textbooks of all disciplines from primary school to universities and vocational education, and of all courses both prescribed by the state and stipulated by local government.
According to People's Education Press, one of China's main textbook publishers, their textbooks of all disciplines, including Chinese, history, ideology and moral education, politics, and related reference books and exercise books, have completed the revision process.
China was the first nation to fight against fascist forces. On Sept 18, 1931, Japanese troops blew up a section of railway under its control near Shenyang and then accused Chinese troops of sabotage as a pretext for attack. They bombarded barracks near Shenyang the same evening, starting their invasion of Northeast China. This came to be known as the September 18 Incident.
The attacks intensified when Japan's full-scale invasion began after a crucial access point to Beijing, Lugou Bridge, also known as Marco Polo Bridge, was attacked by Japanese troops on July 7, 1937.
The September 18 Incident was the start of the Chinese people's resistance against Japanese invasion, ushering in a prelude of the world anti-Fascist war and delivering a profound impact on world history, said Wang Jianxue, vice-chairman of the China Association of Historians Studying Modern Chinese Historical Materials.
Although both sides of the Taiwan Straits traditionally use the phrase "Eight-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression," the historical research results based on facts prove that the phrase "14-year Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression" to be more accurate, said Xu Yong, expert of anti-Japanese war historiography and professor at History Department of Peking University.
When China marked the 70th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the end of WWII on September 3, 2015, President Xi Jinping said in the opening of his speech, "Seventy years ago today, the Chinese people, having fought tenaciously for 14 years, won the great victory of their War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, marking the full victory of the World Anti-Fascist War. "
Earlier in July 2015, Xi urged researchers to study events from 1931 as well as those after 1937.
Nobel laureate C.N.Yang (left) and Turing Award winner Yao Qizhi. [File photo]
Nobel laureate C.N.Yang and Turing Award winner Yao Qizhi have become Chinese citizens and officially joined the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) as academicians, the academy's faculty office said on Tuesday.
They are the first overseas scientists to relinquish their foreign citizenship to join the official faculty of China's highest scientific research organization. Yang, 94, would join the mathematical physics department, while Yao, 70, would enter the information technology and science department.
"They are both internationally renowned scholars," the office said in a press statement. "Their entry into the academy's faculty will increase the influence of China's scientific circles globally."
Yang and his colleague Li Zhengdao received the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics for their work on parity nonconservation of weak interaction, becoming the first Chinese to win a Nobel Prize.
Yao received the Turing Award, the most prestigious award in computer science, in 2000, "in recognition of his fundamental contributions to the theory of computation, including the complexity-based theory of pseudorandom number generation, cryptography, and communication complexity".
In late 2016, both scientists had relinquished their foreign nationality and submitted their request to join the academy. The faculty office had to implement new interim procedures to accept them.
In recent years, the faculty office is actively trying to build a "big academician family", connecting renowned scholars around the world to advice and contribute to China's major scientific development. There are now 754 Chinese and 78 foreign scientists at the academy.
Jiang on her way to take the subway in Beijing, Feb 14, 2017.[Photo/VCG]
Rugged up in her coat in the chilled spring air, a drowsy Jiang Jingzi walks briskly towards the parking lot outside the railway station in Cangzhou, a small city in North China's Hebei province, on the night of Feb 15.
For the umpteenth time, Jiang returns home to Cangzhou late at night, after leaving work in Beijing.
For a whole year, Jiang kept up this daily routine. Rising at about 6:10am, taking a taxi to the railway station in Cangzhou by 6:50am and catching a high-speed train at 7:23am that delivers her to Beijing 58 minutes later. She arrives at her company at about 9:15am after completing the final leg on the subway.
The inter-city transportation has surprised many for its long distance, and high fees. It's 15 yuan ($2.20) for a taxi, 94.5 yuan ($13.70) for high-speed train and 4 yuan (60 cents) for the subway ride. That adds up to 225 yuan ($33) for a daily return commute, amounting to a monthly cost of almost 5,000 yuan ($726).
While this has caused many jaws to drop, Jiang Jiangzi smiles for her own reasons.
After her university graduation in Beijing in 2009, Jiang chose to stay in the city and became a "Beijing drifter".
She met her husband, who works for Beijing Hyundai Motor, at the end of 2011. By the time they were married, the couple had their own house near the East Sixth Ring Road, each spending about two hours on their journey to work.
In 2015, Jiang's husband was transferred to Cangzhou, leaving Jiang and their 1-year-old baby in Beijing.
Six months later, Jiang decided to start her two cities life. Before that, Jiang's husband had considered finding her a new job in Cangzhou, but Jiang refused as she didn't want to give up her career in Beijing.
"I was surprised by myself that I could hold on the trip for such long time," Jiang said, as she sorted out all the tickets she's collected in the last year.
"I admire what she has done for me and our family." her husband said. Jiang's persistence also won the support from her family.
Jiang said she was mindful of the high transportation costs, but said it was all worthwhile as long as the family could be together every day.
Zhao Muhe studies in class. [Photo/China Youth Online]
He got his first bachelor's and master's degrees in his nineties, and is now working on his PhD. He traveled the world after retirement and learnt to use the internet.
"I won't stop learning new things unless I die," 105-year-old Zhao Muhe told domestic media.
Zhao was born in Shandong province in 1912. He moved to Taiwan at 39, and found a non-teaching job at National Kaohsiung Normal University. Almost 30 years later, he retired from the university. That's normally the time for people to begin a peaceful but boring pensioner's life, hanging out with friends and looking after grandchildren. But that was not for Zhao.
He decided to go to another university, this time to study, not to work. Zhao attended the National Open University in Taiwan in 1999. He commuted to school by bike every day, never missing a single class. He studied late into the night, and it only took him four years to finish the 128 academic credits required to graduate with an arts degree, which he did at the age of 91.
Several years later, Zhao decided to continue his studies. He passed the entrance examination for Nanhua University in Taiwan and got a master's degree in philosophy two years later. He is now auditing classes at National Tsing Hua University in Taiwan as he prepares to earn a doctorate degree. He thinks it's never too late to learn.
In addition to studying, he also fulfilled his dream of touring the world, when everyone else thought that it was impossible for a man of his meager means and old age. He traveled on a shoestring, like many young people do it.
He may look impoverished, but he is not. In fact, he started learning calligraphy from childhood. Years of practice made him a bird-worm calligraphy master. He has donated huge sums of money raised by his calligraphy works to people in need.
Now he is learning to use a computer.
"Internet is no use for a dying man like you, bro," his fellow pensioner said humorously to him.
"But I'm still alive," he replied with laughter.
China expressed its deep condolences on the death of Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.
Describing Churkin as an excellent diplomat who won respect from all who knew him, spokesman Geng Shuang said that his death was a loss for not only Russia, but also for the UN and its humanitarian mission.
"We feel shocked and sad at Ambassador Churkin's sudden death and express our deep condolences," Geng told a regular news conference in Beijing.
Churkin died suddenly in New York on Monday after being taken ill at work, the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
China and Russia, both permanent members of the Security Council and enjoying a comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination, are in close communication on international and regional hotspot issues, Geng said.
"We have been supporting each other and undertaking fruitful cooperation at international organizations and multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations," he said.
China would like to continue to work with Russia and jointly play a constructive role in upholding international peace and security and promoting world development and cooperation, he added.
BEIJING -- China said on Tuesday that it hoped the United States would do what is good to the peace and stability in the South China Sea as a US aircraft carrier strike group began patrolling the region.
"China always respects the freedom of navigation and overflight of all countries in the South China Sea in accordance with international law, but we oppose those who threaten and harm the sovereignty and security of coastal countries under the pretext of freedom of navigation and overflight," said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang at the daily press briefing.
Geng made the remarks while responding to reports that the US aircraft carrier strike group, including Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson, began routine operations in the South China Sea on Feb. 19.
The situation in the South China Sea is becoming more stable under the joint efforts of both China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Geng said.
"We hope relevant countries, especially those outside the region, can respect the efforts made by China and the ASEAN, maintain the good situation, and do more things that are helpful for peace and stability in the South China Sea," Geng said.
Cooperation between China and France plays a very important role in world peace and security, French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said in Beijing on Tuesday while beginning his official visit to China.
Cazeneuve delivered a speech at Peking University that morning. He said both countries have an important role to play on a multilateral level, citing the benefits gained during the Paris Climate Conference held in 2015.
"This shows what we can contribute to the world when China and France work together," he said.
The prime minister also encouraged Chinese companies to invest in France, adding that France is creating a favorable environment for foreign investment.
China and France, which established diplomatic ties in 1964, have been cooperating closely in civilian nuclear power. They are working together on developing a nuclear plant project in Hinkley Point, Britain.
The two countries also have strong cooperation in the aviation industry. An Airbus China A330 completion and delivery center, which is being constructed in North China's Tianjin, will deliver its first A330 jet in September.
Cazeneuve also encouraged more Chinese students to study in France, and said his country is taking measures to keep facilitating visa procedures to attract Chinese tourists.
The department of chemistry at Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University has become the first at an independent Sino-foreign university in China to achieve professional accreditation for its undergraduate degree program.
The BSc Applied Chemistry program was granted accreditation by the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom, one of the worlds foremost professional bodies for chemical scientists.
The accreditation means that upon graduation, BSc Applied Chemistry students will have partially gained the academic requirements needed to achieve chartered status and be able to demonstrate internationally recognized standards of competency as chemists.
Professor Rudi Marquez, head of the Department of Chemistry at XJTLU, said: Gaining chartered status as a chemist recognizes that individuals have well-developed skills, knowledge and professionalism, all key to advancing their careers.
The accreditation of BSc Applied Chemistry means prospective students can be confident that they will study a program that is seen as among the best in the world, which supports them in developing skills that are in line with global practice and in high demand from employers.
The accreditation was granted after a rigorous quality assurance process that involved an on-site visit by a team of Royal Society of Chemistry representatives and academics from Imperial College London and the University of Malaya.
They toured the departments facilities and laboratories, teaching rooms and the XJTLU library, as well as talking to current students about their experiences on the program. The visiting delegation also spoke to staff to learn about teaching practices at XJTLU.
A report, compiled after the on-site visit, commended a wide range of aspects of the program, including the facilities, which were highlighted as some of the best the site visit team had seen.
The department enjoys state-of-the-art equipment that allows students to conduct cutting-edge research in the fields of energy, environmental chemistry, materials science and biological chemistry.
The experience of students on the program was also praised in the report, including the amount of hands-on experience students gain with equipment, and the relationship between staff and students in the department.
Ricardo Lopez, a student in the department, said: The Department of Chemistry at XJTLU is small and allows students direct and easy access to great equipment. I have learned a lot of very useful skills while studying here. The size of the department also makes it really easy to make connections, not just with staff in the department itself, but from others around the University. I have been able to work very closely with researchers in biology, which has given me new perspectives and lines of enquiry, as well as allowing me to better understand the applications of my work.
Toby Underwood, accreditation manager at the Royal Society of Chemistry, said: Accreditation of degrees is an important aspect of the Royal Society of Chemistrys duty as a professional body for chemistry. Not only does it allow us to share global best practice, but through peer review we give staff and students reassurance that the quality of a degree is appropriate for their future careers, and help with mobility if they wish to continue studying overseas. We are delighted with this new engagement with XJTLU and look forward to future interactions.
Professor Marquez said the department was delighted to have achieved this accreditation, which, in addition to demonstrating the high-quality of the program, is a testament to the ambition of staff in the department to develop a program that is a leader among chemistry degrees in China.
Founded in 2006, XJTLU is the largest independent Sino-foreign university in China, a partnership between Xi'an Jiaotong University in China and the University of Liverpool in the UK.
XJTLU is part of a small group of independent Sino-foreign universities operating in China, defined as legally independent entities formed as joint ventures between Chinese universities and international partners.
China will be the guest country at the 2018 Cuba International Book Fair as a sign of historically friendly ties between the two nations and a way to expand cultural cooperation, a senior Cuban official said on Sunday. "Inviting China to be the guest country at next year's fair will be of great importance for our bilateral cultural relation because we have distinct historical ties," Abel Prieto, Cuban minister of culture, told Xinhua.
Prieto said there are high expectations regarding the fair because China's great literature and arts will be available for the Cuban people to enjoy from Feb 1 to Feb 11 next year.
He recalled the Chinese migration to Cuba in the 19th century, saying their footprints in the island have become an important component of what makes up the Cuban nation.
"The book fair dedicated to China will be an important event to remember that tradition, and to update our knowledge of the younger, more recent literature that must be extraordinary. I think it will be a great opportunity for the Cuban people to have closer contact with Chinese literature and arts," he added.
Meanwhile, Juan Rodriguez, president of the Cuban Book Institute, said over the last decade the institution edited about 30 kinds of books by different Chinese authors, but next year's fair will be an opportunity to increase that figure significantly.
"It is a great pleasure to have China as a guest country of honor because our ties and collaborations will increase. Also we'll edit books by Cuban authors that have been published in China and print as many books by Chinese authors as possible," said Rodriguez after closing this year's book fair.
He said the Cuban people had always been eager to learn more about Chinese culture, and the fair, considered the island's greatest cultural event, will be a perfect opportunity.
"We have already worked with the Chinese side in the recently concluded 2017 International Book Fair. We believe China will be a great guest country in the 2018 edition of the event," he added.
According to Rodriguez, the 10-day book fair attracted more than 416,000 people to the colonial fortress of San Carlos de la Cabana, east of Havana.
More than 301,000 books worth 3.1 million pesos ($132,000) were sold at the fair.
(China Daily 02/21/2017 page11)
Eight Chinese companies are showcasing their products
The biennial International Defense Exhibition and Conference kicked off in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Sunday.
Themed "Disruptive Innovation in Defense and Security Technology," the 13th edition of the five-day event has attracted more than 1,200 companies from 57 countries, according to the organizer Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the UAE Armed Forces, as well as Omar Al-Bashir, the president of Sudan, attended the opening ceremony.
The use of drones, robots and digital solutions rose to a global phenomenon among armies across the globe which has led defense companies to develop new solutions in order to bring disruptive technologies to the next level.
Eli Airborne Solutions from Estonia demonstrated at the fair its multi-rotor Elix-XL, which according to the producer can be used for exterior reconnaissance flights after "a few hours of training".
German defense giant Rheinmetall, the 10th biggest producer of military hardware in Europe, showcased for the first time in the Middle East Panoview, a pair of 3D-glasses which equip the commander of a tank with a quasi-robotic eye so that he can look around the vehicle without climbing on the turret of the tank and being exposed to direct enemy fire on.
Rheinmetall has developed a new cyber network security solution. "Our new system called 'cyel equilibrium' can't be hacked because these systems permanently change the IP-address, so that hackers have no static entry point," claimed Oliver Hoffman, spokesman with Rheinmetall.
"The French army is undergoing a major technical upgrade," Major Laure Barbeau told Xinhua. "Under the 'Au Contact' modernization scheme, the French army tanks Scorpion, Jaguar and Leclerc will be modernized by 2020 with digitalization technology in order to produce a tactical effect on the terrain while against enemies."
"Disruptive technology and its impact should be understood and monitored by all military branches of service, because the technology leads to the rise of cyber warfare," Mohammed Al-Bowardi, UAE minister of state for defense said on Saturday.
Protection of military sensitive data was also in the focus of the US company DRS Technologies. The company said it had been awarded an initial five-year contract worth $9.3 million by the US Navy "for updated communications systems that allow ship commanders to securely share real-time tactical data information".
UAE's Siham Al Khaleek Technology and Italy's Leonardo MBDA showcased IDEX Siham3, a UAE-made standalone anti-air and anti-surface weapon system which according to both companies "will allow for a significant reduction in the ship's installation requirement" based on a single mounted system.
Meanwhile, state-of-the-art defense equipment covering all military sectors are being showcased here by renowned global giants including Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, Airbus and Safran.
Covering nearly 1,500 square meters, China's pavilion is composed of eight leading military manufacturers, such as Norinco and Poly Technologies, exhibiting Chinese tanks, artilleries, UAVs, submarines, frigates, laser weapons and missiles.
Dai Ning, Deputy General Manager of Poly Technologies, said: "The Middle East suffers from turmoil over the past years. Our major goal in the region is to help stabilize society, especially help eradicate terrorism."
The fair closes on Thursday. On the opening day, deals worth 4.42 billion dirhams ($1.2 billion) were made, according to the orgnizer.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, visits the Chinese pavilion with Li Pei, vice-general-manager of China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp, at the 13th International Defense Exhibition and Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Sunday.Zhao Dingzhe/ Xinhua News Agency
(China Daily 02/21/2017 page11)
Lin Fengmian visits the National School of Fine Arts in Paris in 1979, where he studied oil painting in the 1920s.[Photo provided to China Daily]
The late painter Lin Fengmian, who challenged convention, is honored with a display of his works in Beijing. Lin Qi reports.
In 1931, master painter Qi Baishi received an artwork from Lin Fengmian, a fellow artist and then-principal of the Hangzhou Fine Arts School (now the China Academy of Art) in the country's east. In the painting Roosters, Lin portrays three white-feathered birds with red crests in light strokes of ink.
Qi treasured the gift, and after his death it was donated with many other artworks he created to the Beijing Fine Arts Academy.
The painting is now on show at the academy's art museum for an exhibition marking Lin's contributions to modernizing Chinese painting and fine-arts education.
Lin was also among the few people to recognize Qi's talent when he was still an unknown artist from Central China's Hunan province.
When Lin headed what is now the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing in 1927, he employed Qi to teach classical Chinese painting.
As spring fever hits, spring bamboo shoots are hitting restaurants and supermarkets. The fresh bamboo is so important to Japanese kitchens that they make use of every part of the plant. The leaves and bark are used as wrappers and the most commonly eaten part is the tender shoots. In Beijing, you can find dishes made from fresh bamboo shoots at Keikiku Japanese restaurant at Hotel Kunlun: We recommend the "fresh bamboo shoots with grilled Wagyu sirloin".
Keikiku Japanese restaurant, Hotel Kunlun, 2 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang district, Beijing. 010-6590-3228.
- China Daily
The fourth Brussels "Le Salon du Chocolat" brought together more than 130 Belgian chocolate manufacturers, distributors and confectioners recently, offering a visual and interactive experience.
Many Belgian chocolate companies such as Leonidas and Pralibel, who took part in the event, expressed their eagerness and willingness to explore the Chinese market and also spoke about the challenges they faced in the market.
The Neuhaus Company, which has chocolate stores in Shanghai, said that although it wanted to open more stores in China, one of the difficulties it faced was not being able to understand the flavor preferences and shopping habits of its Chinese customers.
At the event, visitors were treated to a number of displays. One of the most fascinating scenes was the "chocolate Eiffel Tower" which was 3 meters tall and weighed 350 kg. It was made by a Belgian chocolate master and the chocolate brand Leonidas, and it took about 550 hours to complete the masterpiece.
Chocolate fashion shows were also staged at the event. Besides, chefs did cooking demonstrations using chocolate in their recipes.
A chocolate classroom was also set up for children to let them learn about the production of chocolate.
(China Daily 02/21/2017 page19)
A worker looks closely as containers are unloaded in Qingdao Port, Shandong province. [Photo/China Daily]
The United States registered 20 anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation cases against China involving $3.7 billion in 2016, according to statistics from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Given the rising pressure of trade disputes on China, the election of Donald Trump as US president has raised concerns that the new US administration may seek exorbitant and unreasonable economic concessions from and even stage a trade war with China. Some even cite the trade disputes to say China's economic prospects look gloomier.
Such a view is simplistic. Economic and trade ties between China and the US are by no means a zero-sum game. Instead, they are mutually beneficial. Since the US' huge and still rising "twin deficits" (fiscal and trade deficits) cannot continue forever, Washington needs to launch tangible reforms to correct the situation. It is thus understandable that many US citizens have higher expectations from the Trump administration. But only if the US has a stable and sustainable macro economy can it ensure a healthy and prosperous trade atmosphere for itself as well as China.
As it is different from China's less-powerful trade partners, the US' macroeconomic soundness is very important. So if the Trump administration adopts economic policies that can actually lower the US' national savings deficit, it will also be a boon to China because it will open up a more sustainable external market and an improved international economic system for Chinese industries.
In such circumstances, the best solution for China will be to strike a series of economic and trade deals under reasonable terms. And an adjustment to the synchronized development model by China and the US could result in a simultaneous buildup of their sustainable development capabilities leading to a more stable world economy.
China should seek to strike economic and trade deals with the US that have strong potential to yield mutually profitable results. But such efforts should not be based on wishful thinking. Whether or not a deal can be mutually beneficial also depends, to a large extent, on the US' actions.
Despite his sharp rhetoric, Trump has said he is willing to have mutually beneficial cooperation with China and Russia. The congratulatory message he sent to China ahead of the Lantern Festival and cordial telephone conversation he had with Chinese President Xi Jinping also seem to testify that China-US relations are emerging out of the "gloomy stage".
But quite a few uncertainties still remain that could prevent China-US economic and trade ties from advancing smoothly and limiting bilateral trade disputes within a reasonable range.
Some observers still believe China-US trade frictions will deal a severe blow to China's economy and the risk of a large-scale trade war will prompt Beijing to accept a series of unreasonable demands from Washington. Such an argument is based on the wrong notion that China is still a very vulnerable economy, when the fact is that even a large-scale trade war with the US may not undermine China's economic status in the global market.
China is the world's second-largest economy, and the world's leading manufacturer and exporter. China has also built a complete industrial system that covers almost all categories. And if it manages to keep its economic growth above that of the other major economies, China's status and share in the international economic system will keep rising.
Besides, external economic chaos is unlikely to spell doom for a country such as China that has a strong risk-resisting capability so long as it can manage to avoid domestic turbulences. The continuous rise in its economic strength after the Asian financial crisis and the global financial crisis is enough proof of China's economic resilience in the face of external crises. So, any possible trade war forced on China is unlikely to weaken its economic situation and its development course.
The author is a researcher at the International Trade and Economic Cooperation Institute of the Ministry of Commerce.
Wang Huiyao, president of the Center for China and Globalization, China's largest independent think tank, sees the likely collapse of TPP due to US non-participation as an opportunity to reshape Asia-Pacific trade.[Photo by Zou Hong / China Daily]
Chinese think tanks, be they State-sponsored or private, are inching forward in the global intellectual race. Nine of these made it to the world's top 175 think-tank list prepared recently by the Lauder Institute of University of Pennsylvania. The university report says the United States has the largest number of think tanks (1,835) and China the second largest (435).
The ranking gives an idea of the effectual buildup of Chinese think tanks and how they supplement policymaking. Thanks partly to the concerted endorsement of the central and local governments, China's policies can be rather effectively implemented at all levels with the needed political motivation. China's expanding high-speed railway network, which has greatly changed how Chinese people travel, could well serve as an example of administrative efficiency.
However, without proper consultation with those in the know and the active participation of think tanks, a well-intentioned policy could become ineffective at the expense of public funds.
So, decision-makers should learn from their past mistakes. Including more think tanks in the decision-making process can be a viable solution to make the most of intellectual resources, which are plentiful in both public universities and independent institutions. And if their voices are heard, they could play an important part in improving the country's policymaking.
As China strives to play a bigger role in setting the global agenda, it is important that its major proposals, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road), are translated into universal language. There is no turning back on globalization for China, one of the biggest beneficiaries of global trade, despite the fact that Western economies including the United States and the United Kingdom are inclined to a strategic retreat from global governance: The US has elected a president who during his campaigning threatened trade partners with punitive tariffs, and the UK is working on a "hard" exit from the European Union.
That President Xi Jinping's vocal endorsement of globalization at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January was widely applauded shows that Beijing's voice does matter when it comes to free trade. Chinese think tanks have done a lot to translate, interpret and promote the country's proposals. They should intensify their efforts now as China "goes global", for which they have to expand their talent pools by taking on board more political, academic and business professionals.
Perhaps it is time to introduce the "revolving door" approach to enhance the interaction between think tanks and retired ministers, ambassadors, and directors who held high posts in different government departments.
Diversified funding channels too are needed. In the US many think tanks were set up with leading entrepreneurs' donationsthe Brookings Institution and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace being just two examples. Chinese entrepreneurs are yet to develop such a taste, as they spend most of their donations building schools or houses. Should they be informed of the importance of investing in research institutions, there will be more to expect from what Chinese think tanks have to offer.
The author is head of Center for China and Globalization.
European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini addresses a joint news conference with Libya's Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj (unseen) at the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium February 2, 2017.[Photo/Agencies]
Many European leaders have run out of words to describe the situation in the European Union. But there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel.
On Feb 13, the European Commission updated its economic forecast, saying all the 28 EU member countries will register growth in 2016-17 and 2017-18, although the overall pace of their growth will be less than 2 percent.
This is the first time in a decade that all EU members can expect their economies to grow, although the EU is still "navigating choppy waters", according to a report. But that even the Greek economy is expected to grow at 2.7 percent and 3.1 percent in 2017 and 2018 is a promising sign for the EU.
The forecast is extremely encouraging for the EU, which has been fighting against economic governance loopholes, stagnation and fluctuations over the past few years. Of course, Europeans know how difficult it will be to realize this forcast, because their economies have long relied on expansionary investment programs amid very high debt levels.
Any political developments, such as the United Kingdom's exit from the EU and the upcoming presidential election in France, could become a disruptive factor for the EU's growth if they are not handled properly. Therefore, the EU's decision-makers have to make sure this growth momentum is maintained by passing more policies favorable to growth. To begin with, they should set up an expert team to devise a feasible policy package which will help the EU's economy to keep growing at a stable pace in the coming five to 10 years.
EU politicians have to realize that a feasible development momentum could serve to build a better foundation for the continent to cope with other challenges. They must also realize that sound cooperation between China and the EU, which together comprise up to 1.9 billion consumers, will help drive the EU's economic growth.
The EU has the habit of keeping its cards close to its chest when it comes to dealing with China. Hopefully, now it will act to strengthen the EU-China economic relationship.
On Thursday, Federica Mogherini, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs and security policy, said China is not a threat but an opportunity for the bloc at her meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Bonn. The tone of her remark was different from that of EC President Donald Tusk, who recently described Russia, the US and China as external threats for the EU. But it is disturbing that Germany, France and Italy, instead of sharing Mogherini's views, have asked the EC to erect more barriers for foreign investors in the name of safeguarding the EU's security. Some observers say this is targeted at China, because Chinese investment has been increasing on the continent.
The move demanded by Germany, France and Italy will not be beneficial to the EU, as it is in the interest of the bloc to keep the door to investment open because it creates more jobs in the EU which young Europeans so badly need.
The EU should fulfill the commitment it made to the World Trade Organization when China joined the world trade body more than 15 years ago, that is, to recognize China as a market economy. During recent Beijing-Brussels talks, China has repeatedly requested that the EU fulfill its promise while Brussels has said it is still working to resolve the issue.
The fact is, China can help boost the EU's economic growth in the coming years, but for that Beijing and Brussels have to overcome some thorny issues and lead the world in fighting protectionism.
If they do so, which they are likely to, the light at the end of the tunnel for the EU will not be an optical illusion.
The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau. fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
Xia Ming/China Daily
The second semester of the school year started on Monday, which means that parents will once again be burdened with homework as doing some of their children's homework has become an obligation of the parents. Guangzhou Daily commented on Monday:
It is not uncommon for parents to post an SOS message on their social media, calling for help to finish a school assignment for their children.
Customized homework for students that requires the assistance of their parents is a manifestation of quality education.
But it has become an extra burden for parents, and it means that teachers do not know their students' genuine performance. Children will lose precious learning opportunities and confidence to complete assignments by themselves.
There is no problem in liberating children from the mountains of textbooks and workbooks, or in parents helping their children to solve problems and participating in their children's learning process.
But the problem is that the assignments cannot go beyond a child's age and ability, the need for parental assistance should be limited. After all, homework is an important carrier of school education. It should be led by the school and completed by the students independently.
FLORIDA When Denise Krohn came home to find her goldendoodle Kirby bleeding on the kitchen floor, she at first thought it was a terrible accident. But she soon realized that her home had been ransacked, and that her other dog, Quigley, was lying dead on his favorite blanket in the living room.
Burglars who tore through her hilltop farmhouse north of Albany made off with several televisions, a laptop, some cheap jewelry and change. And, police say, they apparently shot her friendly, goofy dogs on their way out the door.
"It was just a mean, nasty thing," Krohn said.
A year later, the crime remains unsolved. But what bothers Krohn is that police told her that if someone is caught, they would likely get 25 years in jail for burglary, but no additional punishment for killing the dogs.
"It's just not right," she said. "I don't care about the TVs and other stuff. What hurts us every day is losing our dogs."Krohn hopes to gain some measure of justice by making her pets the poster pups for New York state legislation that would make it a felony to harm a companion animal, even by accident, during the commission of a crime. Conviction would be punishable by a $5,000 fine and two years behind bars on top of the jail time for the burglary or other crime.
Dubbed "Kirby and Quigley's Law" for the slain dogs, the proposal currently faces an uphill fight among lawmakers. But if it does pass, experts say it would be one of the toughest animal-cruelty charges in the nation.
Diane Balkin, a former Denver prosecutor who's now with the Animal Legal Defense Fund, likened it to felony murder, a legal rule that allows someone to be charged with murder if they kill someone during the commission of another dangerous crime, even if the killing wasn't intentional.
Sen. Jim Tedisco, a Schenectady County Republican who first introduced the bill five years ago, said he was originally motivated by two cases in which heroin traffickers smuggled drugs in the stomachs of puppies and dogs and were charged with drug crimes but not animal cruelty.
"Attorneys said it had nothing to do with cruelty, they were just smuggling heroin," Tedisco said. "What this bill does is make it clear that if you harm a companion animal while committing another crime, you face an additional penalty."Tedisco's spokesman said the measure is intended to apply only to cats and dogs. But the bill says "companion animals," and a state appellate court once upheld a felony cruelty conviction under the current law of a man who stomped a goldfish to death.
The bill passed the state Senate 59-2 this month but has died in committees in the Assembly the past five sessions. Opposition has focused on whether such a law is really needed.
In the case of Kirby and Quigley, Balkin said the criminal could probably be charged under the existing cruelty law because the shooting was clearly an intentional act. The new law would also cover an unintentional act, such as hitting a pet with a getaway car.
"This bill is unnecessary," said Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, a Brooklyn Democrat. "It's already a crime to assault or kill an animal; it's already a felony if you do it with malicious intent."Lentol said if the point of the law is to deter cruel acts, it makes no sense to expand it to include unintentional harm.
Publicity about Kirby and Quigley led several breeders to offer goldendoodle puppies to the Krohns. They now have 8-month-old Porter and 7-month-old Tedi, who's related to the blond, curly Quigley and looks just like him, right down to the joyful grin.
Krohn has already written a pile of letters to lawmakers and promised to keep fighting for the bill.
US President Donald Trump gesture as he walks on the South Lawn of the White House upon his return to Washington, US, after a weekend in Palm Beach, Florida, February 20, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump now has been in White House for a whole month since he was inaugurated on Jan 20, and it seems like an almost daily tug-of-war between Magic Realism and Hallucinatory Realism in the country.
Magic Realism means using magic ways to describe the reality, while Hallucinatory Realism means using realistic ways to describe an illusion. Both terms are fiction genres.
From views of most US mainstream media and Trump's protesters, the past 30 days were full of protests, chaos, scandals, disarrays, division, confusion and frustration from inside and outside America.
But from views of Trump, his White House aides and his supporters, the newly-inaugurated president is loyal to his campaign pledges, very effective and has done a "wonderful job".
US President Donald Trump and his newly named National Security Adviser Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster (L) speak during the announcement at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida US February 20, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump on Monday named Lieutenant General Herbert McMaster as his new national security adviser.
"He is a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience...he is respected by everybody in the military, we are very honored to have him," Trump said in his Florida residence Mar-a-Lago.
For his part, McMaster said he looked forward to advancing and protecting the interest of the American people.
The appointment came days after former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn resigned after it was revealed that he had misled Vice President Mike Pence about his telephone conversation with the Russian Ambassador to the United States, in which he made comments about US sanction on Russia.
McMaster, 54, is considered a military strategist among the US top brass, he has written extensively on the US military failures in the Vietnam War, and has contributed to a shift in tactics in the military campaign in Iraq.
BRASILIA - Brazil's federal police submitted to the Supreme Court (STF) Monday a report that shows how former presidents Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva and Dilma Rousseff had obstructed the anti-corruption Operation Lava Jato.
The Operation Lava Jato, which unveiled the gigantic corruption ring within state oil company Petrobras, was investigating the former presidents for crimes of influence trafficking.
Marlon Cajado, author of the report, recommended that both former presidents and former education minister, Aloizio Mercadante, be charged.
For Rousseff, the charge relates to her appointment of Lula in March 2016 as her government's chief of staff, a position granting him immunity from all investigations except by the STF.
The police report comes the same week that the STF is to sign off on the nomination of of Moreira Franco as secretary-general of the presidency, a position that provides the same protection from investigation.
However, Franco has been mentioned 43 times by people already arrested within Operation Lava Jato as having benefited from corruption.
Lula's defense team has stated there is no legal basis for the accusations and that Cajado had used "political communications media" to further the case and that Lula was a victim of political persecution by public officials.
UNITED NATIONS - The UN Security Council on Monday condemned "in the strongest terms" a terrorist attack at a market in Somalia's capital city of Mogadishu.
On Sunday, a car bomb blasted at a busy market in Mogadishu, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 40 others.
In a press statement, the 15-nation council called on all states to combat by all means threats to international peace and security caused by terrorist acts.
"The members of the Security Council reiterated their determination to support peace, stability and development in Somalia," said the statement.
"They underlined that neither this nor any other terrorist attack would weaken that determination," it added.
The attack came several days after Somalia elected its new president on Feb 8. No group has yet claimed responsibility for it.
UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Monday that he "learned with shock and sadness" the news of the sudden death of Vitaly Churkin, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations.
"Ambassador Churkin was a uniquely skilled diplomat, a powerful orator with great wit, and a man of many talents and interests," said Guterres in a statement issued Monday night.
"Although we served together for a short time, I greatly appreciated the opportunity to work with him and will deeply miss his insights, skills and friendship."
Guterres paid tribute to Churkin's contributions to the United Nations and offered condolences to his family, and to the Russian government and people.
Describing the late Russian ambassador as an outstanding diplomat, the secretary-general noted that Churkin served his country "with distinction through some of the most challenging and momentous periods of recent history."
For more than a decade, Churkin was "a forceful presence on the Security Council," said the statement.
Also on Monday, former UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon said in a statement issued in Seoul, capital of South Korea, that he was "shocked and truly saddened" to learn of the passing of Churkin.
"During my 10 years as secretary-general, it was a privilege to work with him and watch him represent the Russian Federation with such passion and dedication. He was an outstanding diplomat and an intellectual star," said Ban, who was succeeded by Guterres on Jan. 1 after his two five-year terms as the UN chief.
"His diplomatic skills, quick wit, and ready sense of humor will long be remembered by those who knew him and by those who will study the history of the United Nations in the years to come," said Ban, adding that he extended his "deepest condolences" to the Russian government and, in particular, to Churkin's wife Irina and the rest of his family.
Earlier Monday, Peter Thomson, president of the UN General Assembly, and the UN Security Council respectively issued statements to mourn Churkin's death.
Churkin has been Russian permanent representative since 2006, who succumbed after an apparent heart attack in New York on the eve of his 65th birthday.` Born on Feb 21, 1952 in Moscow, Churkin served as ambassador-at-large at the Russian Foreign Ministry from 2003 to 2006, before his appointment as ambassador to the United Nations. He was Russian ambassador to Canada from 1998 to 2003, and to Belgium from 1994 to 1998.
Standing Committee to meet ahead of NPC's fifth session
The 26th session of the Standing Committee of the 12th National People's Congress will be held in Beijing from Wednesday to Friday. It will prepare for the NPC's fifth session next month. Delegates will discuss the committee's Work Report and the draft agenda for the NPC session.
Internet security company to launch smartphone
Qihoo 360 Technology Co, China's largest internet security company, will launch a new smartphone on Wednesday. A newcomer in the fiercely competitive smartphone industry, the Beijing company had launched a slate of handsets before, but they did not impress the market. The company is also expected to announce its new business strategy for the year.
Hong Kong education show draws 300 exhibitors
A major education and career exhibition will open in Hong Kong on Thursday. The four-day HKTDC Education and Careers Expo 2017 will offer guidance on higher education and career choices both at home and abroad. More than 300 exhibitors will participate.
Insurer to release survey on investor sentiment
Manulife-Sinochem, a Chinese-Canadian life insurer, will release a survey about investor sentiment in Asia on Thursday. The survey will reveal investment preferences across major asset classes in China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia. It will also look into attitudes toward long-term investment.
A reveller takes part in the annual block party Cordao de Boitata during pre-carnival festivities in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil February 19, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
RIO DE JANEIRO Instead of costly and elaborate costumes with glittering sequins, expect more cheap getups featuring fake mustaches, hats and tiaras at this year's Carnival.
Revelers are bargain-hunting ahead of Rio de Janeiro's world famous party, which is about to kick off amid a prolonged economic crisis that is hurting pocketbooks and the myriad businesses that depend on the bash for a large part of their annual incomes.
Many parade tickets have not been sold, sponsors have declined to pony up for street parties and hotels are expected to be emptier than last year's also disappointing blast, when worries about the Zika virus kept some foreign tourists away and the recession depressed local spending.
"Last year was not great, but we still had the 2016 Olympics as a peg to Carnival. Now we can feel there is a reduction," said Cristina Fritsch, head of Rio's travel agents association. "Security is also making people worry at a time when public servants, including the police, are threatening to go on strike."Rio's tourism agency is hoping to attract 1 million tourists who spend about 3 billion Brazilian reals ($950 million) in the city during the Feb. 24-28 festivities. If that pans out, it would be roughly the same amount of revenue as last year.
Hotels estimate they will see only a 72 percent occupancy rate, about 14 points less than last year.
With festivities starting Friday, there are still 800 stand tickets for the parade, which typically sell out right after New Year's Day. Many of the box seats for the float parade, which feature local and global celebrities, have been distributed among the samba schools that put on the spectacle. Organizers say they want to make sure television cameras don't capture any empty spaces.
The backdrop is the worst recession that Latin America's largest nation has suffered in decades. Brazil's central bank estimates the country's economy shrank more than 4 percent in 2016 and unemployment is around 12 percent.
Rio's state government has felt that impact like few others, with public servants having their pay delayed for months. Violent protests have become frequent as the state legislature considers several austerity measures.
In the neighboring state of Espirito Santo earlier this month, military police went on a weeklong work stoppage that coincided with an upsurge in murders and other crimes. The fear that Rio police would stage a similar strike was so strong that resident Michel Temer has activated 9,000 soldiers to patrol in the state of Rio.
In Rio's popular commerce areas this week, stores were filled with products but light on customers. Full Carnival costumes, with prices varying between 30 reals (about $10) and 3,000 reals (about $1,000), were not selling. Instead of glittery pieces for revelers to dress as harlequins, policemen, nurses and Wonder Women, party-goers are most concerned about finding a deal.
Claudio Muniz, who manages a Carnival store in downtown Rio, said sales in January were nonexistent and only in recent days have people started looking for bargains.
"Last year was already bad. People only bought kits," said Muniz. "We didn't raise any prices, but people still think it is expensive."Homemaker Marina Hill is one of the locals spending less. Last year, she bought two costumes, but this year will buy only one that she plans to wear every day.
"I am not spending more than 150 reais ($55)," she said. "It's not easy, but not celebrating would be even worse."Even some good Carnival news nationwide reflects bad news for Carnival in Rio. Stores in Sao Paulo, the nation's largest city, project a rise of 6 percent in sales for party-goers. But that is because many people who usually travel to Rio are staying home.
For the vast majority of Cariocas, as Rio residents are known, Carnival celebrations have always been about street parties, called "blocos da rua."Even the 451 "blocos" this year may suffer.
PARIS An agile thief nicknamed "Spiderman," an antiques dealer and an art expert were sentenced to prison Monday and ordered to pay Paris for stealing five masterpieces from the city's Modern Art Museum worth 104 million euros ($110 million). The paintings by Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, Braque and Fernand Leger have not been seen since the dramatic 2010 heist.
The Paris court convicted "Spiderman" Vjeran Tomic of stealing the paintings and sentenced him to eight years in prison. Jean-Michel Corvez, the antiques dealer who orchestrated the theft, was sentenced to seven years.
Yonathan Birn, who stored the paintings and told the court he destroyed them out of fear of getting caught, screamed at the judge who sentenced him to six years in prison.
His lawyer, Caroline Toby, called Birn's sentence "particularly severe."The court also jointly fined the men an eye-popping 104 million euros for the loss of the paintings, but the verdict did not detail how they might go about raising even a fraction of the fine.
Birn, a 40-year-old expert and dealer in luxury watches, previously told the court he threw the masterpieces in the trash and "made the worst mistake of my existence."Investigators think the paintings were smuggled out of France, although they were not able to prove that, court documents showed. Birn's co-defendants testified he was "too smart" to destroy the masterpieces.
Tomic, a thief with 14 previous convictions, said before sentencing that he got a buzz from the May 20, 2010, overnight break-in. He took advantage of failures in the security, alarm and video-surveillance systems to move around the high-ceilinged museum near the Eiffel Tower.
"It's quite spectacular. There is an adrenaline rush the moment you enter the space," he said. "The sounds resonate from one side to the other."Authorities found climbing gear at his home: gloves, ropes, climbing shoes and suction cups. He removed the glass from a bay window without breaking it and cut the padlock of the metal grid behind it, allowing him to move from one room to another without raising the security alarm.
Tomic was there to steal a painting by Fernand Leger and possibly a Modigliani ordered by Corvez, the 61-year-old antiques dealer who confessed to being a receiver of stolen goods. Tomic said when he came across the Picasso, the Matisse and the Braque paintings, he decided to take them as well.
Several hours after the headline-making burglary, Tomic said he offered the five paintings to Corvez, who said he was "totally stunned" by them.
Corvez said he initially gave Tomic a plastic bag containing 40,000 euros ($43,000) in small denominations just for the Leger, because he was unsure he would get buyers for the other paintings.
Corvez then became worried about keeping the artworks in his shop after several months and showed them to his friend Birn, who agreed to buy the Modigliani for 80,000 euros ($86,000) and to store the others in his studio. The Modigliani was hidden in a bank safe, he said.
Birn said he panicked when police began investigating. He says one day in May 2011 he retrieved the Modigliani from the safe, returned to his workshop to break the stretcher bars on all the canvasses with fierce kicks and then threw them all into the building's trash.
EAU CLAIRE Brielle Paine loves to hear peoples stories and help them whenever she can.
Those qualities have led Paine, now a senior at Eau Claire North High School, to volunteer through Key Club and DECA at her school, and serve at her church.
Its just nice to help people around the community, and I love talking to people, she said.
Shes familiar with the concept. Paine took on a parenting role at a young age, caring for her younger sister and brother as her mother struggled with a narcotics addiction.
For all the help Paine is used to giving, it didnt dawn on her to ask when she could use some herself.
Throughout sophomore year, feelings of sadness and anxiety took over. She found herself missing classes and dropping grades, eating less, and not wanting to attend social events.
She didnt realize it at first but recognizes now how serious it was.
All of the tragedies and responsibilities I experienced at a young age added up, and sophomore year was filled with feelings of depression, she said.
Brielle Paine is North High Schools recipient of the fourth annual Chippewa Herald Extra Effort Award.
A steady build-up
Paine grew up in a small town in Colorado. Her mother successfully battled a narcotics addiction through rehab, but at a young age Paine learned how it felt to be second-best to a little pill.
At about 10 years old, her parents separated, and as the oldest, Paine took on the second parental role at each household.
I usually think about other peoples problems and dont pay attention to my own, Paine said. I dont like discussing things Im going through because I dont want them to worry.
Paine took on the new responsibilities without complaint, but by her sophomore year, everything had piled up a bit too high. Feelings of sadness and anxiety became commonplace, but it took her nearly a year to realize her feelings had a name.
I was home alone taking a bath, thinking there were so many things on my plate, and I thought what if I just went underwater? Everything would just kind of end, she recalls. That was the moment I was like, I dont want to be like this. This has to change.
She went to her mom and dad, knowing how strong they had been getting through addiction and divorce. Her parents encouraged her to seek counseling, which helped, but even more helpful was being able to open up to her friends and family.
I did have people to turn to, but I didnt realize it at first, she said.
Writing release
Another breakthrough moment happened her junior year, in an AP English class with her teacher, Melissa Amyotte.
When Amyotte met Paine, she saw a quiet student who kept to herself toward the back of the classroom. She did what she was asked, but nothing more.
Each semester, Amyotte assigns her students to write a memoir, warning them that its difficult because its so personal.
When Amyotte read Paines moving story of struggling with depression, she said giving it a letter grade was impossible.
So we sat down and talked about the content, and how she was and wasnt dealing with (her depression), Amyotte said. We did get around to talking about mechanics but they seemed so minuscule on the scale of human emotion.
Amyotte continued to check in on Paine, and was pleased to see positive changes by the end of that year. Paine smiled more, with her whole face, and put more effort into her writing. Paine even passed her AP exam, a major accomplishment.
She is becoming more confident in herself and realizing her potential. Her abilities are just astounding, Amyotte said. She doesnt have that emotional struggle anymore.
Meeting Paine today, it would be hard to notice the struggle she had been through. Her smile is bright, and shes always willing to lend a hand.
But Paine knows looks can be deceiving. Her own past reminds her of that.
When I see people acting out or feeling sad, I try to empathize with them because theres probably something else going on. Its not just what is on the surface, she said.
Its a lesson she learned the hard way. Still, shes grateful her parents were always open and honest with her. She knows she can tell them anything, and they are still very close.
They are supporting her in her dream to attend New York University next fall, where she is still waiting to hear back on her application.
Paine is interested in fashion and business and hopes to some day own her own business in that field.
Either way, she loves the hustle and bustle, and cant wait to move to the big city, which shes visited a few times.
Some days are a struggle, but she reminds herself that its just high school, a phrase her dad has said over and over. He always said high school is a difficult time, but life gets so much better after that, she said. So I always remember that, its going to get better, and push through.
With big dreams and plenty of strength, she has her sights set on a bright future.
LONDON A British couple who want their relationship recognized in law without the "patriarchal baggage" of marriage on Tuesday lost the latest stage in their fight to be allowed a civil partnership.
Rebecca Steinfeld (L) and Charles Keidan leave the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, Britain, February 21, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan say they and other couples face discrimination because only same-sex couples are eligible for civil partnerships.The High Court ruled against them last year, and on Tuesday the Court of Appeal upheld the decision by a 2-1 margin.Since 2005, gay couples in Britain have been able to form civil partnerships, which give them the same legal protection, adoption and inheritance rights as heterosexual married partners. Same-sex marriage became legal in 2014.The couple's lawyer, Karon Monaghan, said Steinfeld and Keidan wanted "to enter into a legally regulated relationship which does not carry with it patriarchal baggage, which many consider comes with the institution of marriage."The government says it wants to see the impact of gay marriage on civil partnerships before deciding whether to extend them to everyone, abolish them or phase them out.The three appeals judges agreed the situation was discriminatory, but two of the three said the government should be given more time to decide on the future of civil partnerships.Steinfeld said that although the couple lost, "all three judges agree that we are being treated differently because of our sexual orientation."Keidan said they would appeal to the Supreme Court unless the government agrees to change the law.
Teams Distribute Food, Shoes, Supplies to Afflicted on World Leprosy Day Gospel for Asia-supported workers give help and hope to those living in isolation
Contact: 800-946-2742, pressrelations@gfa.org; www.gfa.org/press
WILLS POINT, Texas, Feb. 21, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- People affected with leprosy throughout South Asia received food, shoes, blankets and household supplies as workers supported through Gospel for Asia (GFA) commemorated World Leprosy Day, held each year to promote awareness and prevention.
Photo: To commemorate World Leprosy Day, a Gospel for Asia-supported worker leads a dedication ceremony in Central India, where a team built a house for a woman affected with leprosy.
GFA teams also launched new leprosy ministries in Southern and Northern India, while in other parts of the country, leprosy patients received meals and fruit, mosquito nets and blankets. About 6,000 people benefitted from these ministry efforts.
"In certain areas of the world, people with leprosy remain among the most rejected and forgotten members of society, yet Jesus himself touched them and healed them," said K.P. Yohannan, GFA's founder and director. "Jesus told us to go and do the works that he did. We, as his representatives, can show these precious people that compassion, health and healing are found in Jesus."
In Central India, a team dedicated a one-room house to a woman affected with the disease. In addition, she and another woman with physical challenges received saris, a typical Indian dress; sheets; blankets; and pressure cookers. A local worker shared the love of Jesus with her.
"I am deeply thankful to this team for understanding my needs and for the love and care, which are beyond my expectation," the new homeowner said. "I will remain grateful to my God and his people."
In one area of Northern India, teams distributed blankets and other items to 50 leprosy-affected families, praying for and counseling each one. At another Northern India site, workers also cleaned wounds and provided medication.
In the same region, GFA-supported teams distributed blankets at a 5,000-member leper colony, where plans are underway to provide tents for the homeless. A team tended to those newly diagnosed by cleaning wounds, helping with housework, providing groceries and praying for the afflicted. Plans are in process to provide a well, bathrooms and a medical camp for colony residents.
One person who suffers with leprosy wept as she shared, "I don't have a husband or children. I am all alone here. Nobody comes to see me. I have been staying here for more than 50 years, and now I cannot go back to my home. I am so thankful to God for those giving me this blanket and coming here and praying for me."
Gospel for Asia hasfor more than 30 yearsprovided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. Last year, this included more than 75,000 sponsored children, free medical services for more than 180,000 people, 6,000 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas presents for more than 400,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry.
To schedule an interview with a Gospel for Asia representative, contact pressrelations@gfa.org.
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(Photo : Norinco) VT-4 MBT at IDEX 2017.
(Photo : Sastind) Scale model of the FC-31 fighter
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China's VT-4 main battle tank (MBT) and the Shenyang FC-31 stealth fighter have become the centers of attraction at China's exhibit showcasing weapons and military equipment built for export at the ongoing IDEX 2017 arms show in Dubai.
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China is displaying a full-size, working version of the VT-4, the only same-size Chinese weapon on show at IDEX. Also known as the MBT3000, the VT-4 was specifically designed and built by Norinco for overseas export.
It's the latest tank model from the Type 90-II tank family. It mounts a 125 mm smoothbore gun and is being touted for its onboard active protection system called GL5 and a laser warning device.
The Royal Thai Army is currently the only foreign user of the VT-4. It has ordered 28 of the MBTs with a future option to buy 153 more.
State-owned Norinco or China North Industries Corporation makes tanks, guns, ammunition and other weapons in wide use by the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
The most popular Chinese weapon, however, is the FC-31 low observable fighter, which is being billed as a multi-role fighter with stealth characteristics. Only a scale model of the fighter is on display at IDEX 2017, however.
Originally called the Shenyang J-31 low observable fighter, the FC-31 was renamed to its current designation in December 2016 to better reflect its role as a fighter intended for export to other countries.
The FC-31 is being marketed as a far cheaper export competitor to the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter has. The FC-31 is an upgraded version of the J-31.
It made its flight debut in the northeastern city of Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, on Dec. 23, 2016. The jet is made by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a subsidiary of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). It costs some $70 million each.
The FC-31 looks like a clone of the F-35 and it's long been widely held in the West the reason for this is the theft by Chinese spies of top secret F-35 plans in covert operations spanning over a decade.
Also called the Gyrfalcon or Falcon Hawk, the FC-31 is powered by two Russian-made Klimov RD-93 turbofan jet engines. During its first test flight in 2012, the first FC-31 managed to stay airborne for only 11 minutes.
Since 2007, spies working for China have stolen secret data -- especially about stealth technologies -- used in the F-35; the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit stealth strategic bomber.
Eight Chinese companies are taking part in IDEX 2017, or the 13rd Abu Dhabi International Defense Exhibition and Conference. IDEX 2017 opened at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center on Feb 19 and will end Feb 23.
The eight Chinese companies in IDEX 2017 are part of the "China Defense" state delegation and are headed by the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for the National Defense of China.
The firms are China North Industries (Norinco); Poly Technologies; China Precision Machinery Import-export Corporation; China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation; China Shipbuilding Trading Co., Ltd.; CETC International; China Shipbuilding & Offshore International Co., Ltd and Aerospace Long March International Trade Co., Ltd.
The Chinese companies are exhibiting models and videos of airplanes, missile systems, tanks, ships, drones, radars and other defense-related products.
Among these made for export weapons are the FD-2000 long-range air defense missile system; the FC-31; the Type 052C guided-missile frigate and the VT-4.
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TagsVT-4 main battle tank, Shenyang FC-31 stealth fighter, china, IDEX 2017, Dubai, Royal Thai Army, People's Liberation Army, FC-31 low observable fighter, F-35, F-22 Raptor
(Photo : Getty Images) Pipelines are seen at the TOTAL oil refinery on January 10, 2007 in Leuna, Germany.
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Two Chinese firms won a total 12 percent of stakes for Abu Dhabi's biggest oil concession, beating other foreign bidders.
Shanghai-based CEFC China Energy Co. snatched the last 4 percent stake for the onshore venture, Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) confirmed on Monday. CEFC will be paying an $888 million signing bonus. China National Petroleum Corp. (CNPC) was also awarded an 8 percent in exchange for a signing bonus of $1.8 billion.
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The deal with ADNOC marks China's debut as a major shareholder in the largest oilfield operator in the United Arab Emirates, Bloomberg pointed. When combined, the two Chinese firms surpassed oil majors BP Plc and Total SA, which have a 10-percent stake each in the onshore concession operated by the Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Petroleum Operations (ADCO).
But the recent deal will help the Middle Eastern emirate to establish a stronghold in Asia, its biggest and fastest market on energy demand in the next 20 years, the International Energy Agency noted. Abu Dhabi is one of the Persian Gulf oil producers that have been eyeing on the Asian market for energy investments.
"You can see the attraction for Abu Dhabi and for China on both sides of this deal," Richard Mallinson, London-based Energy Aspects Ltd.'s analyst, told Bloomberg. "In China, Abu Dhabi sees a huge and growing importer. China's gone to great lengths to establish supply footholds, so there's a real benefit in tapping large and stable reserves."
Both CNPC and CEFC will join the ADCO. Japan's Inpex Corporation and South Korea's GS Energy, with 5 percent and 3 percent stake, respectively, are the other foreign shareholders in the venture. No Asian companies were included in the past concession for the onshore fields.
Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi plans to retain more than half (60 percent) of ADCO's stake. ADCO produces nearly half of ADNOC's 3.15-million-bpd output, which is currently lower as UAE comply with the OPEC supply-cut deal. ADNOC is slated to increase its output to 3.5 million barrels of oil per day next year.
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TagsChina UAE oil, Abu Dhabi, CEFC China Energy Co., China National Petroleum Corp., Abu Dhabi National Oil Co, oil energy, Petroleum
(Photo : Getty Images. ) As counter terrorism measure, Chinese authorities have made it mandatory for all vehicles in Bayingol prefecture in Xinjiang province to install satellite navigation system.
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Chinese authorities are going all out in shoring up security in the insurgency prone Xinjiang province as it issues latest order to mandatorily install 'satellite navigation system' in all the cars travelling across Bayingol prefecture.
As per the order, starting from this Monday all car owners in Bayingol prefecture will have to install 'Beidou Navigation Satellite System,' which is China's indigenous satellite navigation system, very similar to the GPS system.
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"Cars are the major means of transportation for terrorists, and also a frequently chosen tool to conduct terrorist attacks. So it's necessary to use the Beidou system in all vehicles," Bayingol traffic police said on its official Weibo account.
A employee working with Bayingol traffic police told The Global Times that that the satellite navigation system would help to track the cars "wherever they go" and It also "helps car owners to find their cars quickly if it's been stolen by terrorists."
The last date for car owners to install Beidou Navigation System is June 30 and all those who don't they will not be allowed to buy petrol at service stations and nor will they be allowed to resell their car in the second-hand market.
Although Bayingol region has comparatively witnessed less violence than Hotan and Kashgar towns, it is still an important region from security perspective. This is especially because it is the largest prefecture-level division in China. However, It is still not clear whether this latest order will be implemented in the Hotan and Kashgar towns.
Last week, the Chinese security forces held a massive anti-terrorism rally in the provincial capital city of Urumqi, with scores of gun totting Chinese soldiers and policemen strolling through the streets as they were accompanied by armoured vehicles.
The rally was carried out in the wake of recent surge in violence in Xinjiang province after 10 people were left dead and scores of people injured in recent the spate of terrorist attacks. Xinjiang province is China's Muslim-dominated province, where Muslim Uygur community is waging a low-intensity insurgency against China.
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Tagschina, Bayingol Prefecture, Xinjiang Province, China Muslism, China Insurgency
(Photo : Getty Images) Oppo teases 5x photography technology in the upcoming MWC 2017.
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Oppo will be at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017 in Barcelona and currently it has released media invitation with a tagline of Go 5x further, suggesting that the company will show off a new camera technology.
Thechinese smartphone maker has unveiled teasing statement surrounding 5x photography technology, claiming it will change the way mobile photography works. The most obvious theory about Oppos teaser on 5x is optical zoom. It will add lens adjustments to a smartphone camera, without taking up the entire back of the handset similar to Lumia 1020.
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Oppo's relentless pursuit of perfection without compromise has given birth to a remarkable technological breakthrough that will change how the world perceives smartphone photography. This remarkable achievement is the result of an extensive, year-long R&D process, combined with Oppo's unparalleled expertise in smartphone imaging technology, said Oppo's Vice President Sky Li.
Oppo calls the 5x project as the next breakthrough smartphone technology. There is a possibility that Oppo's new and upcoming smartphone photography technology will officially debut on the company's future handsets to be released this year. The company said that it has been working on the technology for a year
Recently, Oppo shifted its focus on front smartphone camera, launching the Selfie Expert F-series in 2016 with its F1 Plus smartphone. Its F1 Plus features a 16MP front camera and the companys own beautification software called Beautify 4.0.
This is not the first time that Oppo introduced a new technology at MWC. In 2016, Oppo launched VOOC Flash Charge, which is a battery fast-charging system that claims that it can charge the 2500mAh battery from 0 to 100 percent in just 15 minutes. The company also unveiled its SmartSensor image stabilisation which was meant to ensure that photos were not shaky.
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TagsOppo, MWC 2017, MWC, Oppo Go 5x further, 5x, smartphone photography, 5x photography technology
(Photo : YouTube) Chinese warships conduct military exercises in east Indian Ocean.
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A flotilla of Chinese warships carried out a drill in the Indian Ocean, a few days after the country finished its training exercise in the disputed South China Sea, state-run Xinhua News reported.
"Chinese #navy flotilla carries out high-seas training in east #IndianOcean," the Chinese news agency tweeted on Tuesday accompanied with several images of the ongoing drill. No further details were revealed.
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According to the Indian Express, earlier this week, Xinhua confirmed to Reuters that a flotilla of warships is heading to the eastern Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific to conduct training exercises at South China Sea. The warships, which include a destroyer that could launch guided missiles, are set to train on sudden attack drills.
Last Friday, three Chinese warships wrapped up their week-long training exercises, which started since Feb. 10, in the South China Sea. Such exercises, particularly by the aircraft carrier Liaoning, have unnerved its neighboring countries, specifically those with long-running territorial disputes.
Yin Zhuo, military affairs experts, told China Central Television that the military exercises were "without an arranged script" and "as close as possible to real combat." He added that regular Chinese navy exercises in the high seas were an "unchangeable trend," although he noted that its long-range naval capabilities are still not enough to secure its interest.
Meanwhile, despite a stern warning from China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday against challenging its sovereignty and security, US aircraft carrier Carl Vinson along with a fleet of supporting warships started patrolling the disputed South China Sea. The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier started its routine operations last Saturday, according to its Facebook page.
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Georgia Right to Life PAC Endorses Judson Hill for Congress
NORCROSS, Ga., Feb. 21, 2017 /
"Senator Hill has a strong pro-life record and we're confident he will be an effective standard bearer to protect innocent human lives at all stagesfrom the pre-born to the elderly and infirm," said Genevieve Wilson, GRTL PAC director.
Hill is one of 18 candidates vying to replace Price, who recently assumed his new position as Secretary of Health and Human Services in President Trump's administration.
A special election for the seat will be held on April 18th. A runoff, if necessary, would be on June 20th.
"I encourage all pro-life supporters in the 6th Congressional district to make it a priority to vote in this important election," Wilson said. "It's critical that we increase the number of pro-life representatives in Congressinnocent lives depend on it."
GRTL PAC only endorses candidates who fully support its principles and positions on all pro-life issues.
Senator Hill was endorsed after signing GRTL's "Personhood Affirmation," which asks candidates to support a Personhood amendment to the Constitution.
Such an amendment would guarantee a constitutional right to life for every innocent human being, from earliest biological beginning through natural death.
Senator Hill a played key role in passing legislation in 2014 that ended federal and state taxpayer funding of state employee insurance plans that paid for abortions.
He also was instrumental in passing legislation in 2016 that terminated parental rights for rapists.
Hill earned his B.A. degree in political science and economics from Emory University and his law degree from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University.
A former federal prosecutor, Hill was first elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2004.
Georgia Right to Life promotes respect and effective legal protection for all innocent human life from earliest biological beginning through natural death. GRTL is one of a number of organizations that have adopted Personhood as the most effective pro-life strategy for the 21st century.
Share Tweet Contact: Genevieve Wilson, Georgia Right to Life , 770-339-6880NORCROSS, Ga., Feb. 21, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- Georgia Right to Life (GRTL) PAC today announced its endorsement of State Senator Judson Hill (R-Marietta) for Congress to replace Tom Price in the 6th district."Senator Hill has a strong pro-life record and we're confident he will be an effective standard bearer to protect innocent human lives at all stagesfrom the pre-born to the elderly and infirm," said Genevieve Wilson, GRTL PAC director.Hill is one of 18 candidates vying to replace Price, who recently assumed his new position as Secretary of Health and Human Services in President Trump's administration.A special election for the seat will be held on April 18th. A runoff, if necessary, would be on June 20th."I encourage all pro-life supporters in the 6th Congressional district to make it a priority to vote in this important election," Wilson said. "It's critical that we increase the number of pro-life representatives in Congressinnocent lives depend on it."GRTL PAC only endorses candidates who fully support its principles and positions on all pro-life issues.Senator Hill was endorsed after signing GRTL's "Personhood Affirmation," which asks candidates to support a Personhood amendment to the Constitution.Such an amendment would guarantee a constitutional right to life for every innocent human being, from earliest biological beginning through natural death.Senator Hill a played key role in passing legislation in 2014 that ended federal and state taxpayer funding of state employee insurance plans that paid for abortions.He also was instrumental in passing legislation in 2016 that terminated parental rights for rapists.Hill earned his B.A. degree in political science and economics from Emory University and his law degree from the Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University.A former federal prosecutor, Hill was first elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2004.Georgia Right to Life promotes respect and effective legal protection for all innocent human life from earliest biological beginning through natural death. GRTL is one of a number of organizations that have adopted Personhood as the most effective pro-life strategy for the 21st century.
The Islamic State terrorist group recently released a video in which they warn Egyptian Christians that more attacks are coming.
In December 2016, a horrific bombing of a Coptic Christian church was carried out by Islamic State militants, killing 28 Egyptian Christians and injuring nearly 50 others. It was the worst bombing attack against Egypts Christians in the nations history, as ChristianHeadlines.com previously reported.
Persecution against Christians in Egypt (known as Coptic Christians) has been steadily increasing. Just last week, an Egyptian Christian schoolteacher was gunned down on his way to work by suspected ISIS militants. The right of Egyptian Christians to build churches has also been under fire.
Now, the Islamic State has released a video in which they claim previous attacks against Christians are only the beginning.
According to SRNNews.com, in the 20-minute video, the Islamic State claims that Christians are their favorite prey.
The video also shows footage of Abu Adbullah al-Masri, who killed nearly 30 people in the church bombing.
Christians make up about 10 percent of Egypts predominantly Muslim population. Egypt ranks 21st on Open Doors 2017 World Watch List of countries where Christian persecution is most severe.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: February 21, 2017
In Nigeria, which is Africas most populous country, Christians dont have time to worry about culture wars. Theyre too busy facing a real one instigated by their Muslim neighbors and by a government that has studiously decided to look the other way. The scope of the violence is so vast as to be almost beyond belief, so let me first give you a snapshot of whats happening on the ground.
Deborah, now 31 and living in a camp for the internally displaced, was captured by the Boko Haram terrorist group and held captive for a year and a half. The Islamists came to her village and slaughtered her husband and family before abducting her and marrying her off to a 20-year-old Muslim terrorist, who complained of her argumentativeness while raping and impregnating her. After Deborah was recaptured following an escape, she received 80 lashes as punishment. She told journalist Douglas Murray that she no longer fears death.
What sort of death would I be running from? Deborah asks. I have already died once.
You could repeat Deborahs basic story countless times in Nigeria. Operation World estimates that Nigeria, which is an officially secular state with a Muslim president, is 51 percent Christian and 45 percent Muslim. Since 1999, the West African nation of about 158 million people has been convulsed by ongoing attempts at imposing Islamic law in eight northern, mostly Muslim states, as well as in four other states where Christians predominate or where the numbers are fairly even.
Things are particularly bad in the north right now. Unarmed Christian villages there are sitting ducks for Muslim Fulani tribesmen, who have been armed with weaponry provided by elements in the national military. According to The Spectator, its religiously motivated genocide, although outside agencies dismiss the violence as tit-for-tat.
The locals darent collect the freshest bodies, the magazine reports. Some who tried earlier have already been killed, spotted by the waiting militia and hacked down or shot. The Fulani are watching everything closely from the surrounding mountains. Every week, their progress across the northern states of Plateau and Kaduna continues. Every week, more massacresanother village burned, its church razed, its inhabitants slaughtered, raped or chased away.
Open Doors USA, as part of its annual World Watch List, says the killings have jumped by a whopping 62 percent in a year. And while Nigeria is No. 12 on the World Watch List of Christian persecution globally, its in the top 10 in terms of overall violence.
And yet its not all gloom and doom in Nigeria. As Tertullian reminded us, the blood of the martyrs is often the seed of the church. Operation World says the country now boasts a strong prayer movement, dynamic church growth, and a growing missionary movement, with more than 5,000 cross-cultural workersmany of them in Nigeria or in other African nations.
So while much of the world has forgotten about Nigerias persecuted Christians, surely those of us in the West cannot. They are our brothers and sisters, and theyre doing great things in the midst of severe trials. Lets hold them up in powerful, prevailing prayer.
Lets also speak up to the new administration in Washington, which says it will stand up for persecuted Christians around the world. Lets remind them of their promises and make sure they follow through.
The Christians of Nigeria need us, and since we are members of the same worldwide Body of Christ, we need them.
Come to BreakPoint.org and click on this commentary for organizations that assist the persecuted, and for information on contacting the White House and State Department.
BreakPoint is a Christian worldview ministry that seeks to build and resource a movement of Christians committed to living and defending Christian worldview in all areas of life. Begun by Chuck Colson in 1991 as a daily radio broadcast, BreakPoint provides a Christian perspective on todays news and trends via radio, interactive media, and print. Today BreakPoint commentaries, co-hosted by Eric Metaxas and John Stonestreet, air daily on more than 1,200 outlets with an estimated weekly listening audience of eight million people. Feel free to contact us at BreakPoint.org where you can read and search answers to common questions.
Eric Metaxas is a co-host of BreakPoint Radio and a best-selling author whose biographies, children's books, and popular apologetics have been translated into more than a dozen languages.
Publication date: February 21, 2017
Britain, America, and other missionary-sending countries are on the decline, and even the reality of the Korean church is grim, said Byung-Gook Yoo, a missionary who has been serving as the president of World Evangelization for Christ (WEC) for six years.
But God will never stop doing missions.
There are studies that say that in 10 years from now, the number of Christians in South Korea will decrease to 2 million, Yoo added. But in the meantime, there are other nations in which Christians are increasing, like China, India, and the Philippines. It seems really difficult for nations that have already become secularized and materialistic to come back around in being a leader for world missions. The role of the Korean church in world missions will also soon decrease in significance after some point.
The day has already come for nations that were once mission fieldsincluding China and Indiato become missionary-sending, and the time will soon come even for Africa, he said. Right now is a very important time to help and invest in emerging missionary-sending nations.
Referring to the Chinese church, Yoo said, It grew in a very short amount of time, but they have a fire and passion for missions. Many Chinese missionaries are going overseas in faith.
The churches in Beijing, Manchuria, Henan, and others are growing very quickly, and many say that that growth simply needs to continue westward. We want to send missionaries to Central Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, Yoo said.
However, Yoo added that there are missionaries in China who live like the homeless due to a lack of financial support, and language and cultural barriers.
The Chinese church has been realizing the importance of training missionaries who go overseas, but they dont have the resources to train on their own. So theyve been reaching out to mission organizations for help, Yoo explained. Hence, there are Chinese missionaries that have been trained and sent by the WEC who are currently doing ministry in Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand, and several are being trained in New Zealand.
Yoo said that evangelization in each continent would be most effective by way of the native people themselves.
Missions in Africa must be done by African people. Theres a limit to the effect that foreigners can have, he said. There are a lot of missionaries that go out to Nigeria, Ethiopia, and other nations. But even if those from other continents dont show much interest to these African nations, missions in Africa can be done autonomously, by the people themselves.
Even in the Middle East, theres a limit to how much foreigners can do, and the impact that they can have. In Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, and other nations in the area, there are ancient Coptic churches and Orthodox churches, but there are also Presbyterian churches and Pentecostal churches, and there are many in these churches that want to do mission work.
Meanwhile, Yoo said that in order for the Korean church to do missions more effectively, there is a need for a collaboration between local churches and mission organizations.
We cant be so caught up in our own groups, he emphasized. In the mission field, people from all nations work together. But if were too busy thinking about the organization, or the church, it limits how much of a role that the missionaries can have in the nations, and the competition and conflicts that may arise between these groups may even hurt the ministry in the mission field.
Its sad that churches are so adamant in wanting to send their own missionaries, and it seems that even after sending the missionaries, many churches fail to take care of them well, Yoo added.
Yoo commended churches for evangelizing to foreign workers and/or exchange students from foreign nations and sending them back to their home countries for missions, but he said that how churches should go about sending the missionaries is a completely different story.
Grassroots missions cannot happen if those people [the foreign workers and/or exchange students] go back to their home countries and simply live in abundance off of the financial support from Korean churches, he explained. This kind of negative effect happens often when churches do not partner with mission organizations and send missionaries on their own. Mission organizations exist to fill the need in areas that churches may be lacking, he said. Yoo added that there are some churches that have experienced this firsthand, and now only acknowledge missionaries when they are sent in collaboration with a mission organization.
Ultimately, Yoo said, In order for the Korean church to be able to resolve these issues, the leadership must first be awake to realize and clearly understand these problems.
The origin of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church is a story of slow, steady separation.
"When the first Methodist Episcopal Society was established in New York (whites), among whom were several colored persons, the two races found no difficulty in the reciprocity of religious fellowship, and the equal employment of religious rights and privileges, but as the church grew popular and influential, the prejudice of caste began to engender negro proscription, and as the number of colored members increased, the race friction and proscription increased, which finally overcame the tolerance of the colored members of the M.E. Society."
So begins the story, in the 1884 account by John Jamison Moore, of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. The church received its official charter on February 16, 1801, about five years after several African Americans from New York's John Street Methodist Church had begun holding their own meetings. Moore, an AME Zion bishop, goes on to give details:
Again the M.E. church in New York, licensed a number of colored men to preach, but prohibited them from preaching even to their own brethren, except occasionally, and never among the whites. The colored preachers, being thus deprived of the opportunity of improving their gifts and graces, as they then stood connected with the white M.E. Society, and prohibited from joining the annual M.E. conference, as itinerant preachers, with their white brethren. Thus restricted in their church relations, they were prompted to seek the privilege of holding meetings among themselves.We set forth these facts because we are frequently asked why we separated from the mother church, and why we don't now return to the mother church and let them take the supervision of us. We simply say in answer to the above query, we could not consistently ...
International Religious Freedom Garners Bipartisan Support in Congress 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative releases IRF Congressional Scorecard
Contact: Lou Ann Sabatier,
WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2017 /
"Having served 34 years in Congress," says former Congressman Frank Wolf, now Distinguished Senior Fellow with the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, "I know that the International Religious Freedom Congressional Scorecard is a much needed tool. The IRF Congressional Scorecard will help recognize and encourage members of Congress who are doing vital and difficult work promoting religious freedom around the globe. Just as important, the Scorecard will inform Americans and help strengthen their voices."
How does the Scorecard work? Members of Congress were evaluated on their public engagement with international religious freedom based on their sponsorship of bills, resolutions, and amendments, related caucus work, and votes in the House and the Senate. Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Chris Smith earned the overall top scores. Thirty-nine legislators (22 Republicans and 17 Democrats) are recognized as "Notable Leaders."
The purposes of the Scorecard are to increase congressional awareness of international religious freedom issues, to encourage legislators to take bold action in support of this cause, and to publicly recognize the work of religious freedom champions.
The 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative scored twenty-five (25) items in the House and fourteen (14) items in the Senate from the 114th Congress. A key achievement was the passage, with overwhelming bipartisan support, of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, which broadens America's ability to advance religious freedom worldwide through enhanced diplomacy, training, counterterrorism efforts, and stronger political responses to religious freedom violations and violent extremism. President Obama signed the Act into law on December 16, 2016.
Congress also declared that atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State against religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
In the words of 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative President and Founder Dr. Randel Everett: "The International Religious Freedom Congressional Scorecard is an educational tool and should not be perceived as an effort to support or endorse specific legislation or candidates. I am pleased that results in this Scorecard demonstrate that religious freedom issues can transcend the partisan divide."
The International Religious Freedom Scorecard can be read online or downloaded at:
Please direct inquiries to: Lou Sabatier, 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, 703-216-2941,
Share Tweet Contact: Lou Ann Sabatier, 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative , 703-216-2941, Lsabatier@21wilberforce.org WASHINGTON, Feb. 21, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- International religious freedom issues are growing in urgency and importance worldwide, and today the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative is releasing the International Religious Freedom Congressional Scorecard for the 114th session of Congress."Having served 34 years in Congress," says former Congressman Frank Wolf, now Distinguished Senior Fellow with the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, "I know that the International Religious Freedom Congressional Scorecard is a much needed tool. The IRF Congressional Scorecard will help recognize and encourage members of Congress who are doing vital and difficult work promoting religious freedom around the globe. Just as important, the Scorecard will inform Americans and help strengthen their voices."How does the Scorecard work? Members of Congress were evaluated on their public engagement with international religious freedom based on their sponsorship of bills, resolutions, and amendments, related caucus work, and votes in the House and the Senate. Senator Marco Rubio and Representative Chris Smith earned the overall top scores. Thirty-nine legislators (22 Republicans and 17 Democrats) are recognized as "Notable Leaders."The purposes of the Scorecard are to increase congressional awareness of international religious freedom issues, to encourage legislators to take bold action in support of this cause, and to publicly recognize the work of religious freedom champions.The 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative scored twenty-five (25) items in the House and fourteen (14) items in the Senate from the 114th Congress. A key achievement was the passage, with overwhelming bipartisan support, of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, which broadens America's ability to advance religious freedom worldwide through enhanced diplomacy, training, counterterrorism efforts, and stronger political responses to religious freedom violations and violent extremism. President Obama signed the Act into law on December 16, 2016.Congress also declared that atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State against religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria constitute war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.In the words of 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative President and Founder Dr. Randel Everett: "The International Religious Freedom Congressional Scorecard is an educational tool and should not be perceived as an effort to support or endorse specific legislation or candidates. I am pleased that results in this Scorecard demonstrate that religious freedom issues can transcend the partisan divide."The International Religious Freedom Scorecard can be read online or downloaded at: www.IRFscorecard.org Please direct inquiries to: Lou Sabatier, 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, 703-216-2941, Lsabatier@21wilberforce.org
A Doll For Boys? Blurring Of Gender Lines Feared With Creation Of First Full-Sized Male Doll
Don't be surprised to see boys playing with dolls one of these days. A U.S. toy company has just unveiled its first full-size male doll, intended not only for girls but for boys as well, Christian News reported.
On Tuesday, American Girl presented the character doll named Logan Everett, which is advertised on the American Girl website as a bandmate and drummer to a female doll character named Tenney.
"Meet Logan, Tenney's bandmate and drummer!" the company's online description of the new doll states.
In a statement, American Girl spokeswoman Stephanie Spanos said the company created the male doll because it's "a top request from our fans for decades."
"We're hopeful Logan will appeal to both girls and boys," Spanos said. "For boys, we know Logan can speak directly to them and give them something unique and special to call their own."
However, criticism greeted the unveiling of the male doll.
"This is nothing more than a trick of the enemy to emasculate little boys and confuse their role to become men," Keith Ogden, pastor of Hill Street Baptist Church in Asheville, North Carolina, was quoted as saying by the Asheville Citizen-Times.
"There are those in this world who want to alter God's creation of the male and female," the pastor continued. "The devil wants to kill, steal and destroy the minds of our children and grandchildren by perverting, distorting and twisting [the] truth of who God created them to be."
Ogden believes the new male doll simply reflects society's gender confusion and lack of morals.
"Now you are going to have little boys playing with baby dolls and that's not cool," he said. "We need to get back to our old values and morals."
"It just doesn't make sense," Ogden added. "It's not natural for a boy to act like a girl. It's not natural for a girl to want to be a boy. ... You've got the government and people who placate this mess instead of telling little boys they can't change their biology."'
Critics fear that the new male doll will blur gender lines and confuse boys on whether it's now normal for them to play with dolls, just like girls.
Archbishop Of Canterbury Warns Of Crisis In South Sudan As Millions Face Starvation
Justin Welby has warned of the 'dire situation' in South Sudan as a state of famine has been declared in parts of the African nation where an estimated 100,000 people are already starving, according to the UN.
The Archbishop of Canterbury appealed in a Facebook post for new humanitarian corridors for aid to reach people in need in the crisis-ridden country, which has been devastated by three years of civil war.
'We stand prayerfully alongside the South Sudanese people and their leaders,' wrote Archbishop Welby, who is visiting several African countries.
'We pray for those on the ground who are delivering humanitarian assistance, that there will be an opening up of humanitarian corridors for the aid that is so desperately needed.'
The comments come as the UN reports that 275,000 children are severely malnourished and more than 5 million people are urgently in need of food, agricultural and nutritional assistance.
'I've seen first-hand the consequences of the volume of refugees attempting to cross the borders to find safety, and the crisis facing those neighbouring countries as well as those in South Sudan,' Welby said.
The famine in South Sudan is the first to be declared since the Somalian famine in 2011, when more than 250,000 people died from starvation over a two year period.
The Archbishop's intervention came as the international children's charity World Vision is warning that almost 5.5 million people - half the country - will face severe food shortages by July if international donors and governments do not urgently work together.
Perry Mansfield, the National Director for World Vision in South Sudan said: 'The situation facing children who were already hungry and going without meals is now rapidly unravelling. If aid, funding and deliveries are not immediately scaled up we should expect to see children facing starvation.'
She added: 'The rainy season is only weeks away and once that arrives the roads become impassable, meaning that millions of people will be cut off from aid. We have a small and rapidly closing window of opportunity to get food into these remote areas, to preposition it, before it is too late."
World Vision is working in partnership with the World Food Programme to provide food assistance to half a million of the most affected people in various parts of the country.
Separately, Christian leaders in Sudan said that state officials in the country plan to demolish at least 25 churches in and around the capital, Khartoum, according to Morning Star News (MSN).
A letter written in June last year from the Executive Corporation for the Protection of Government Lands, Environment, Roads and Demolition of Irregularities of Khartoum State reveals the names and locations of 25 church buildings marked for demolition. The government reportedly claimed the churches were built on land zoned for other uses, but Christian leaders said it is part of wider crack-down on Christianity, MSN reported.
'This is not an isolated act but should be taken with wider perspective,' said Yahia Abdelrahim Nalu, moderator of the Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church's Sudan Evangelical Synod.
Atheist Teacher Faces Backlash After Calling Her Students 'Cretins' For Allegedly Harassing Her In Class
In anger, this teacher called her students "cretins," and now she's facing a backlash.
Susan Creamer, a self-declared atheist teacher, is under investigation by the Florida public school district after she wrote disparaging remarks about her students on a Facebook page for local atheists, The Walton Sun reported.
The teacher said she was forced to strike back after suffering from alleged harassment from her students because of her beliefs.
Writing on the Atheists of Bay County's private Facebook page, Creamer said boys in one of her classes "are taking turns either inviting me to their church or leaving (anonymously) flyers inviting me to church events."
She said when a student sneezes, the boys would loudly say "God bless you!" and look at her.
"I have complained twice to my principal one last month and once today. She has spoken privately to one or two of the little cretins, but it seems to do NO GOOD. I am feeling bullied and harassed," Creamer wrote.
Her Facebook comments came to the attention of the Bay District Schools, which responded by saying that school policy does not allow teachers to criticise students either in person or online.
At least one parent also lashed at Creamer. In a letter of complaint sent to the school, the unnamed parent wrote, "First and foremost she should not be discussing her religious preferences (or lack thereof) with any of these students. Had she not been proudly boasting of her atheism these children would not know of her personal beliefs ... Secondly, as an adult in a professional occupation her choice of words to describe her students is completely unprofessional and completely out of line."
Relatedly, this question may be asked: How should Christians treat or deal with atheists?
For Dr. Jim Denison, founder of the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, it's useless for Christians to argue with atheists.
He said the problem with atheists is that they don't understand Christianity at all.
Nevertheless, he said Christians should not argue with atheists since they cannot argue people into faith.
Denison said what Christians should do is to show the atheists the reality of Jesus in their own lives. "When lost people see the transformation and joy of Jesus in us, they will want what we have," he said.
Captured ISIS Militant Freely Admits Raping 200 Women From Iraqi Minorities, Says It Was 'Normal'
This captured Islamic State (ISIS) militant does not see any anything wrong with raping helpless women and killing other defenceless captives.
"This is normal," said Amar Hussein, a 22-year-old captured ISIS militant, who was presented recently by Kurdish intelligence authorities to a Reuters news crew in his cell in Sulaimaniya, Iraq.
Hussein said he had raped more than 200 minority women in Iraq, mostly Yazidisand he had no regrets whatsoever.
He said he was only following orders from the "emirs," the commanders of his unit, who told him and other militants that they could rape as many Yazidis and other women as they wanted.
"Young men need this," Hussein told Reuters.
It was also "normal" for ISIS militants like Hussein to kill people. He said he had killed about 500 people since he joined the terrorist group in 2013.
"We shot whoever we needed to shoot and beheaded whoever we needed to beheaded," he said matter-of-factly.
"Seven, eight, ten at a time. Thirty or 40 people. We would take them in desert and kill them," he said, adding that he had become highly efficient in his "job" and had never once hesitated in pulling the trigger.
"I would sit them down, put a blindfold on them and fire a bullet into their heads," he said. "It was normal."
It has long been recognised that the ISIS has institutionalised sexual violence and is using it to systematically advance its "key strategic objectives."
In May 2015, the U.N. Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, Zainab Bangura, said there is no doubt that ISIS is using sexual violence as a "tactic of terrorism" in its bid to establish a caliphate in the Middle East.
"Girls are literally being stripped naked and examined in slave bazaars...categorized and shipped naked off to Raqqa or Mosul or other locations to be distributed among [ISIS] leadership and fighters," Bangura said.
ISIS has reportedly even issued guidelines on how female slaves are to be raped. One instruction states that ISIS fighters are free to have intercourse even with girls who haven't yet reached puberty.
As a result of the atrocities being committed on women by ISIS brutes, Amnesty International said in 2014 that some young women in ISIS-occupied areas had committed suicide rather than be defiled by the jihadists.
China Arrests 4 South Korean Missionaries, Expels 32 More After Raids on Churches
No to Christian missionaries, but yes to local churches but only under strict government control.
China has once again underscored this policy following the arrest of four South Korean Christian missionaries and the expulsion of at least 32 others last week, reports said.
The arrests and expulsions reportedly came after a series of police raids on churches as part of an ongoing crackdown against Christian missionaries, according to UCAN.
Prior to their arrest and deportation, the South Korean missionaries were reportedly conducting evangelisation activities in China's northeast Yanji region while at the same time helping North Korean defectors in navigating the risky journey across the Yalu River, which separates China and North Korea.
The South Korean government has confirmed reports that a number of South Korean missionaries had been arrested in China, according to Breibart. It noted that some of the missionaries had been working in China for decades.
Last September, Chinese authorities arrested the Vatican-appointed coadjutor bishop of Wenzhou, Msgr. Peter Shao Zhumin, on the ground that he hadn't been approved by Chinese officials, The Christian Post reported.
Bob Fu, founder and president of China Aid, an organisation that documents persecution of Christians in China, earlier provided an explanation behind China's crackdown on missionaries. Speaking to The Christian Post, he said "the top leadership is increasingly worried about the rapid growth of Christian faith and their public presence, and their social influence. It is a political fear for the Communist Party, as the number of Christians in the country far outnumber the members of the Party."
However, despite Beijing's action, Pope Francis has publicly defended China's practice of religious liberty.
Last month, in an interview with the Spanish daily El Pais, the pope said Christianity is thriving in China, noting that churches are full and religion is practiced freely.
He even said he would love to visit China "as soon as they invite me," according to Breitbart.
However, religious freedom groups have pointed out that religious practice in China is not free at all.
This year, the non-profit group Open Doors has placed China among the worst offenders against religious freedom in the world, ranking 39th in its 2017 "Watch List" of top Christian persecuting countries.
Christian Vlogger Accuses Facebook Of 'Muzzling' Her For Saying Bible Condemns Homosexuality
A Christian vlogger has accused Facebook of 'muzzling' her by removing blog posts where she argued the Bible condemns homosexuality.
'They are muzzling me and my biblical message while Mark Zuckerberg claims that Facebook is unbiased,' said Elizabeth Johnston known online as the 'Activist Mommy' according to LifeSiteNews.
Johnston had her Facebook page frozen three times by the social media site, after she published a post last week which argued the Bible condemns homosexuality. Facebook said they removed her post 'because it doesn't follow the Facebook community standards', and blocked Johnston's account access.
When her page was unfrozen, Johnston returned to Facebook to publicly post complaining about the freeze. That post was then removed and Johnson was blocked from accessing her page for another seven days.
'The post Facebook deleted included no name-calling, no threats, and no harassment. It was intellectual discussion and commentary on the Bible,' Johnston said.
She asked 'why the doctrine of tolerance only applies to those who subscribe to Mark Zuckerberg's Silicon Valley leftist ideology'.
Facebook states that it 'removes hate speech, which includes content that directly attacks people based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation.'
Johnston said she could understand the freeze 'if I were threatening people or posting slander. But this is a classic case of censorship of Christians and our First Amendment rights to free speech'.
She did add that she was 'very appreciative of the platform Facebook gives us to promote family values,' and accepts that Facebook 'has the right to set their own rules'.
Yesterday Johnston posted on her Facebook page in response to the popularity of her story. 'People are sick of the censorship of conservatives on social media!' she said.
Couple Think They're Never Going To Have Baby After Miscarriage But God Blesses Their Faith With Twins
Sometimes God chooses to be silent when people pray to Him, not giving an answer right away. For couples who are praying to conceive, it can get pretty frustrating not getting an answer from God.
Lauren Walker from Texas understands that frustration quite well. After all, she struggled to conceive for almost two years. She went through several fertility treatments and tried just about everything to get pregnant.
Finally, God answered her prayer. She is now 13 weeks pregnant with twins.
Lauren shared her pregnancy announcement in the most creative way on Facebook. In the photo, she posted 452 needles that surrounded two onesies that say "Worth the Wait" and "and Wait and Wait and Wait."
"We prayed for 953 days...452 Needles, 1000's of tears, 1 corrective surgery, 4 clomid/letrozole, attempts, 2 IVF rounds, 3 failed transfers & 1 Amazing GOD," she wrote.
Lauren and her husband, Garyt Walker, first attempted to have a baby in 2014. After a few months, they realised things were actually more difficult than expected. Walker then decided to go for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), a process of fertilisation where eggs are extracted, a sperm sample retrieved, and then manually combining an egg and sperm in a laboratory dish. The embryo is then transferred to the uterus.
Lauren was able to produce five healthy eggs. At one point, she actually got pregnant. But unfortunately, she had a miscarriage.
"I thought we were just never going to be able to have kids. I was in such a horrible state of depression, and confusion, anger and bitterness," Lauren told Inside Edition.
They then took a break from getting another round of IVF treatment, and when they went for it again, God finally blessed them with their hearts' desire: twins.
Lauren said they are expecting the twins, already named Duke and Diana, this August. She hopes her past struggles will inspire anyone who needs it, and that her success story will urge couples never to give up on their dreams to have a baby.
"We also know that there are people out there still struggling. I remember on my hardest days seeing all the baby announcements, it was hard. I would go look at fertility blogs and find someone who was like me having a baby. I wanted to be that reassurance for someone," she said.
GAFCON Issues New Calls For Rebellion Against Archbishop Of Canterbury
The conservative Anglican grouping GAFCON is renewing calls for rebellion against the Archbishop of Canterbury after the Church of England threw out a report keeping the traditional teaching on marriage as between one man and one woman.
The conservative leaders criticised the 'turmoil' in the CofE after the 'almost unprecedented vote against the motion'.
Although the majority of the ruling general synod backed the report, the vote was held across three 'houses' the laity, clergy and bishops with the clergy blocking further progress by 100 votes to 93.
Following the vote, GAFCON is calling for a 'new vision' for the Anglican Communion.
A statement on Monday read: 'Despite its enduring historical symbolism, Canterbury can no longer be the defining centre, but through the Gafcon movement a growing number of faithful Anglicans are now recovering their true identity in the gospel itself as the Bible is restored to its rightful place at the heart of the Communion.'
Following the vote last week Justin Welby and the Archbishop of York John Sentamu called for a 'radical new Christian inclusion' towards gay couples.
In the strongest hint yet of a change in Church policy they called for a new teaching document on sex and marriage that will be based on 'a proper 21st century understanding of being human and of being sexual'.
A letter sent to all synod members the day after the defeat read: 'The way forward needs to be about love, joy and celebration of our common humanity; of our creation in the image of God, of our belonging to Christ all of us, without exception, without exclusion.'
Every bishop will now meet with synod members under their authority 'to establish clearly the desires of every member of Synod for the way forward,' the archbishops said.
They called for a solution that was 'founded in Scripture, in reason, in tradition, in theology and the Christian faith as the Church of England has received it; it must be based on good, healthy, flourishing relationships, and in a proper 21st century understanding of being human and of being sexual.
'We need to work together not just the bishops but the whole Church, not excluding anyone to move forward with confidence.'
Moonlight Star Speaks Of Abuse After Converting From Christianity To Islam
Moonlight star and Oscar nominee Mahershala Ali has spoken movingly of facing discrimination as a black man after converting from Christianity to Islam.
Named after the biblical figure Mahershalalhashbaz the longest prophetic name in the Bible Ali is nominated for best-supporting actor for his role as Juan alongside co-star Alex Hibbert.
The film's all African-American cast has won acclaim after the #OscarsSoWhite controversy last year. But Ali, who rose to prominence for his role playing Remy Danton in House of Cards, has spoken of the abuse he's faced as a black Muslim in the US.
Despite his Christian roots with his mother a minister in blue-collar California, Ali converted to be an Ahmadiyya Muslim.
'My wife stopped wrapping [wearing a head scarf] in New York, as she had so many bad experiences,' he said in an interview with the Radio Times.
'She didn't feel safe anymore.
'But I will say, if you convert to Islam after a couple of decades of being a black man in the US, the discrimination you receive as a Muslim doesn't feel like a shock. I've been pulled over, asked where my gun is, asked if I'm a pimp, had my car pulled apart.'
Although commissioned before the rise of Donald Trump, Ali says he is pleased the film is around now, after the President blocked all travel from seven Muslim majority countries and suspended the entire US refugee programme.
You can watch the Moonlight trailor below:
Not So Much 'Onward', As 'Repent' Ye Christian Soldiers
Key EU buildings are based on the Tower of Babel. The Euro features a glorified image of the Beast of Revelations. Nazi's planned the EU in 1942. And pro-EU Christians have committed 'spiritual treason against almighty God and his kingdom'.
These suggestions are made in a leaflet shared at the UKIP party conference by a group within the party called Christian Soldiers a name that will spark the same levels of 'Oh, good' in Christians as the name Islamic State must create in Muslims. As in - not 'good' at all.
The leaflet, which says that the EU's 'central aim' is to 'abolish our Christian nation state, our nationhood and the ancient Laws & Freedoms bestowed on us by God,' was called 'bizarre' by the Independent, and 'completely bats***' by Buzzfeed's political editor Jim Waterson. Many thoughtful Christians from across the political spectrum will no doubt agree, but this is a mistake. Christian Soldiers are not insane, they are just wrong. And tempting (sorely tempting) as it is to mock them, that's probably not the best thing we can do.
This is not because laughing at those with whom we disagree is always pointless, as some are fond of saying. Satire and comedy have the power, like music and popular culture, to have an impact on society. Ask anyone from the Je Suis Charlie liberals to the conservatives picketing the latest blasphemous film/musical/book/toy to irritate them.
But laughing at Christian Soldiers and calling them crazy ultimately does a disservice to the Church as a whole. And, far more important: it isn't true.
The reason we call them crazy, why we snigger at their leaflets and feel the urge to mock rather than correct is not just because they are wrong, which of course they are. It's because they believe differently. We think of them as simple and a little stupid and credulous and, yes, crazy, because they believe how Christians have for thousands of years believed: with an assumption that the supernatural is real.
They have not learned the sophisticated ways of explaining away the devil and miracles and prophecy that predicts as well as speaks truth to power, poor dears. They cling to the 'super' in superstition and have not managed to become what we are: so much cleverer than the vast majority of Christians who have ever lived. Too clever to see worldly struggles as having spiritual roots. Too clever to see Scripture as beyond time. Too clever to believe in any sin but impoliteness. In this way, Christian Soldiers are like the World Church, who we are so fond of pretending to respect for their depth of faith.
And whether this rather extreme caricature is entirely true or only partly, that's fine. These are perfectly legitimate positions to hold and call yourself a Christian. But to judge others (actively or by implication) for letting the existence of God and the importance of his Son point them to a faith that believes in mystery and the supernatural is not only arrogant, it's stupid hard to defend, rationally. We accept an invisible deity who saves us but draw the line at his knowing the future? Why? It's an acceptable position, but not so unassailable as to justify belittling those without faith enough to effectively remove Deus from the machina.
If the progressive Church is to avoid abandoning the believers in signs and wonders to the clutches of fear-mongers and bigots, we are going to have to give up of this particular arrogance, which is, at its heart, more aesthetic for most of us than theological. It's a question of tactics as much as respect. We don't have to believe how they do. And we certainly don't have to pretend they are right. Because they are not.
The EU is not a Nazi conspiracy, run by Satanists trying to destroy Britain and therefore Christianity. Everybody knows it's a shill for banks. Or something.
It's flawed, anyway, and has done harm as well as good. We can debate that. We can also debate, if we have a mind to, which earthly kingdom truly seems more likely to be represented by the great Beast, the antichrist, the dragon. Smart money, one would think, would be on the richest, the most warlike, the ones with histories of slaves. But that is just a thought. Up for debate.
What is not debatable, I think, is that God's kingdom is not of this world, that the kind of patriotism that sees the betrayal of a human country as a betrayal of the Lord is almost certainly sin, most likely idolatry, and requires repentance.
That's a word I want to hear applied to Christian Soldiers. Not ROFL - rolling on floor laughing - or ridiculous, but Repent. Let's try speaking each other's language, but let's not give up on using it to say some things are just wrong.
Pope Blasts Politicians For 'Populist Rhetoric' And 'Self-Centredness' Over Migrants
Pope Francis today called on politicians to help 'welcome, protect, promote and integrate' migrants and attacked 'self-centredness' which is 'amplified by populist rhetoric'.
The comments follow the ban by the new US President Donald Trump on migration, travel and asylum from seven Muslim-majority countries.
'Faced with...rejection, rooted ultimately in self-centredness and amplified by populist rhetoric, what is needed is a change of attitude, to overcome indifference and to counter fears with a generous approach of welcoming those who knock at our doors,' the Pope said.
'For those who flee conflicts and terrible persecutions, often trapped within the grip of criminal organisations who have no scruples, we need to open accessible and secure humanitarian channels. A responsible and dignified welcome of our brothers and sisters begins by offering them decent and appropriate shelter.'
Speaking to participants of an International Forum on Migration and Peace taking place in Rome, the Pope said the political community, civil society and the Church must share the response to the complexities of the phenomenon of migration today.
'Our shared response may be articulated by four verbs: to welcome, to protect, to promote and to integrate,' Pope Francis said.
He also highlighted the plight of refugees, citing 'children and young people who are forced to live far from their homeland and who are separated from their loved ones'.
The Pope linked migration to the pursuit of human happiness. 'Migration, in its various forms, is not a new phenomenon in humanity's history,' he said. 'It has left its mark on every age, encouraging encounter between peoples and the birth of new civilizations. In its essence, to migrate is the expression of that inherent desire for the happiness proper to every human being, a happiness that is to be sought and pursued. For us Christians, all human life is an itinerant journey towards our heavenly homeland.'
He also emphasised that conflict and other disasters result in forced movement of peoples. 'The beginning of this third millennium is very much characterised by migratory movement which, in terms of origin, transit and destination, involves nearly every part of the world,' he said. 'Unfortunately, in the majority of cases this movement is forced, caused by conflict, natural disasters, persecution, climate change, violence, extreme poverty and inhumane living conditions.'
Francis went on: 'Before this complex panorama, I feel the need to express particular concern for the forced nature of many contemporary migratory movements, which increases the challenges presented to the political community, to civil society and to the Church, and which amplifies the urgency for a coordinated and effective response to these challenges.'
The Pope also talked of a 'duty of civility' and a 'duty of solidarity' in the face of tragedies towards migrants and refugees.
The two-day forum is organised by the new Vatican Dicastery for the Promotion of Integral Human Development in collaboration with the Scalabrini International Migration Network.
Rome's Catholics And Jews Unite In Art Exhibition Celebrating Ancient Biblical Symbol
Rome's ancient Jewish community and top Catholics are uniting to host an exhibition centred around the historic symbol of the menorah - a seven-armed candle described in the Hebrew Bible.
The joint art exhibition, which will open in May, celebrates the iconic symbol revered in Jewish and Christian faith traditions, Crux reports.
The exhibition 'recounts the multi-millennia, incredible and suffered history of the menorah,' organisers said on Monday.
The announcement was made by the Vatican's Cardinal Kurt Koch, Rome's chief rabbi Riccardo Di Segni, and officials from the Vatican Museums and the Jewish Museum of Rome.
'This is an interesting initiative from a cultural point of view and its ideological symbolism,' Di Segni told RNS. 'Although the menorah is essentially considered a Jewish symbol, it also has a history in the Christian world.'
The interfaith show will explore the rich, complex history of the Menorah, which is not to be confused with the nine-armed candelabrum used by Jews at Hannukah. It will include a 2,000 year old stone block bearing the symbol of the menorah recently uncovered by archaeologists in an Israeli synagogue in the town of Magdala.
It will also explore the legend of the solid gold menorah featured in Jerusalem's Second Temple, but stripped from it after the Roman destruction of the temple in 70AD.
Most of the 130 artefacts will be displayed at the Vatican Museums' Carlo Magno exhibit space in St. Peter's Square.
Arnold Nesselrath, deputy director of the Vatican Museums said: 'We have some great works of art, including six or seven bronze candlesticks which also show the Christian tradition of the menorah.
'Many Christian churches simply pointed to their Jewish roots this way.'
Nesselrath said the joint effort, the first of its kind, could show the potential for positive religious cooperation as a counter to the 'conflict' often perceived.
'Fundamentalism is not inherent in religion,' he said. 'We want to do this exhibition to show we can do something positive together and there is a long history of 2,000 years of mutual reference.'
The exhibit will run from May 15 to July 23.
Sunday Swimming Row In Scotland Makes A Splash
Protestors in Scotland are calling for devout Christian sabbatarians to get in the swim with modern life and allow access to a public pool on Sundays.
For some Christians, Sunday remains a holy day of prayer and rest in accordance with the Lord's commandment. Orthodox Jews also revere the laws around the Sabbath which starts on Friday evening at sunset.
A row over the right to swim on a Sunday has broken out in Scotland's highly religious Western Isles after the Scottish Secular Society (SSS) backed a local charity calling for pool access on the Sabbath.
Tensions have been rising in the Isles' capital, Stornoway after a local community organisation, Families into Sport for Health (FiSH) challenged the local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar on the issue last year.
The chair of the SSS, Megan Crawford said: 'It is disheartening to watch a community come together for the betterment of their families, only to have their efforts thwarted by elected representatives abusing their powers.'
The SSS alleges that councillors have repeatedly changed its reasons for not opening on a Sunday, with the most recent being a lack of funding for the pool being open for an extra day of the week.
FiSH has now raised the necessary 11,400, helped by donations from the SSS and the National Secular Society for a 12 month, half day Sunday trial.
When approached with the funding, council leader Angus Campbell denied their request, saying that the pool being closed on Sundays represents 'the views of the majority of people' in the area.
FiSH is now preparing to present a cheque for 11,400 to the CnES this Friday in front of the Stornoway council buildings.
A FiSH spokesperson said: 'We feel it is necessary to hold a public event for this offering as throughout this campaign there has been public confusion. The community saw the crowd-funder as a solution to the stated financial problem as precedent had been set with the swim club. We would like the CnES to provide an official and public statement in light of funds now being available as reasons against opening on Sundays have been ever-changing and the process for achieving community engagement ambiguous.'
U.S. Republicans, Democrats Unite To Support Pastor Imprisoned In Turkey, Ask Turkish President To Free Him
U.S. lawmakers are being hailed by religious rights advocacy groups for their show of unity in calling for the release of a detained pastor in Turkey, Christian News reported.
Nearly 80 members of CongressRepublicans and Democrats from both the Senate and House of Representativeson Wednesday signed a joint letter addressed to Turkish President Recep Erdogan, calling for the immediate release of pastor Andrew Brunson.
The American pastor has been languishing in a Turkish prison since October after being slapped with a false terrorism charge mainly because of his Christian faith, supporters say.
The pastor has spent "Thanksgiving, Christmas, and his birthday locked away in a prison cell in Turkey, the only Christian among 19 prisoners confined in a 10-person cell," according to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ).
The 78 members of Congress who signed the letter express their belief that Brunson is innocent of the charge and that his imprisonment is unjust.
"There appears to be no evidence to substantiate the charges against him for membership in an armed terrorist organization," the letter reads. "Moreover, your government has repeatedly denied regular and appropriate access to legal counsel and American consular services."
It asks that Erdogan "inquire as to the options for promptly deporting Mr. Brunson and ... act on them expeditiously."
The lawmakers warned that Brunson's imprisonment "places significant strain not only on him and his family, but also on the robust bilateral relationship between the United States and Turkey."
Reacting to the lawmakers' initiative, International Christian Concern (ICC) advocacy director Isaac Six said, "We're overjoyed to see such incredible support for Andrew from across the U.S. Congress."
Brunson has been leading a Protestant church in Izmir, Turkey. He and his wife Norine have been living in Turkey for over 20 years.
In October, the pastor was suddenly accused of having "membership in an armed terrorist organisation," specifically Fetullah Gulen, which Turkish authorities accused of instigating a military coup against the Erdogan government in July.
He and his wife were immediately arrested and taken into police custody. Brunson's wife was released 12 days later, but Brunson remained locked up in prison.
Why Do Christians Seem To Think Sex Is More Important Even Than Whether God Exists?
A Martian reading the secular media would deduce certain factoids about the Church.
One, Christianity is all about sex. Two, Christians passionately disagree about sex. Three, Christians consider sex crucially important... far more so than whether God exists. Et cet.
And yet if I were a betting man, I'd be prepared to lay short odds on my being in agreement with the vast majority of Christendom regarding sex. Viz: it's a lot more fun to practise than talk about; talking about it was never much cop and has now become very boring indeed; an awful lot of other things matter a lot more including world poverty, the doctrine of the Trinity and whether or not the congregation really didn't know the tune of the opening hymn last Sunday or was just half asleep.
Thus, when asked if I'd like to comment on the spat in Synod last week I had to confess that I hadn't read the Bishops' Statement; I hadn't read the Archbishops' Radical Inclusion letter; I hadn't even read the Episcopal-Hasbeens' Letter, though for some reason now long forgotten, I'd examined a line-up of mug-shots of the Hasbeens involved.
So it with the effort of heaving myself out of my apathy that I address the subject now with apologies to the minority for whom the subject is obviously of very great personal importance indeed.
Let's start by establishing what most of us can surely agree on:
First, human sexuality is not the most vital issue facing the human race. Whether I am waved through on Judgement Day is really not going to hang on my beliefs about homosexuality. Which is just as well because I'm not at all sure what my beliefs about homosexuality are. Nor have I ever been. (Though I was put in a box on the subject about twenty years ago, when a new contributor to Thought for the Day and naively assuming the aspiration was to stimulate thought, preferably for about a day. Most contributions at the time being thoughts for about three and a half seconds, I over-compensated.) So far in my life as I said on Radio 4's Moral Maze recently I've changed my mind by a hundred and eighty degrees at least four times.
Why the uncertainty?
Because, secondly, scripture doesn't say a great deal about same-sex attraction or what to do about it. Last time I counted, there were half a dozen references in the whole of Holy Writ. Compare that to references to social injustice, for instance...
Admittedly, thirdly, all of those references are negative. Which makes for uncomfortable reading when considering gay people, their loving relationships and what we should do about those who seek to make faithful lifelong commitments.
Fourthly however, from memory most references to divorce in Scripture are pretty negative too. So why is same-sex love the random Rubicon? There seems to be a grossly hypocritical double standard here tolerated by many of us who would claim to draw a holy line in the sand and lay down our lives for biblical truths.
It is also a (more intuitive) biblical truth that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16). And that the marriage template at the beginning of Genesis involves one man and one woman, exclusively, for life. Which means that ever since Synod rescinded the ban on those already married being married twice, there has been a contradiction when it comes to same-sex marriage. I can't for the life of me see how we can logically allow one unbiblical form of church wedding and not another. (Though I can easily see why. Pure homo-sexism: there being more divorces among us than gays; and most of us more easily imagining divorce happening to us.)
The Church was pastorally and theologically sound when she refused services of remarriage but welcomed the blessing of remarriages that had already happened. (Take the heat out of the issue by envisaging the Church in a polygamous society: obviously we wouldn't perform second or third marriages; but would sensibly support those already in place.) If we had stuck to our pragmatic guns, it would have been reasonable to have followed the same procedure for same-sex marriages.
But we didn't, so we're now in a right old pickle of mostly heterosexual hypocrisy and self-righteousness.
Which (fifthly, I believe?) was the sin Jesus seemed to condemn most vehemently. It's hard to see how any Christian could object to Radical Inclusion yes, even of the unwashed and homeless, who backwash into the Communion chalice given that we've been included ourselves. Judging by Our Lord's attitude, a smidgeon of theological fudging and forgiveness seems rather more Christian than aggressive self-certainty... On either side.
So I'm mostly praying for a little more space and leeway, from everyone.
Something which has puzzled me for most of my adult life is the almost ubiquitous requirement for others to agree with us. I was, I now realise, unusually fortunate in being brought up in a large and vocal family, in the centre of a University city. Disagreement was frequent, vociferous and almost entirely amicable. We continued the tradition and no family meal reaches its conclusion without half a dozen passionate disagreements over our kitchen table. My idea of Heaven is of arriving to find that I have been wrong on most things I have ever expressed an opinion on... along with most of my brothers and sisters who have disagreed with me.
A young disciple asked his rabbi for the Jewish tradition on a dilemma. Well, his teacher replied, this school maintains this; and that, that; then there's the other which holds the other.
'Faced with such disagreement,' asked the confused pupil, 'how can we discern the tradition?'
'The disagreement,' said the rabbi, 'is the tradition.'
Anne Atkins is the author of three novels and has contributed to most of the UK's national newspapers. She is on Twitter @anne_atkins.
Why The Church Needs To Rethink Its Attitude To Marriage
A loving couple have just lost a Court of Appeal battle to have a civil partnership. What could possibly be the problem? Civil partnerships have been around for years and provide all the legal protections without the marriage label.
The problem in this case is that the couple is heterosexual, not same-sex. Rebecca Steinfeld and Charles Keidan don't want to get married, but they do want to be formally and legally linked. As it stands, the law only allows gay people to be civilly partnered and they want to change that.
The fact that they lost their appeal might have some conservatives breathing a sigh of relief, thinking the judiciary has had a welcome outbreak of sanity. Why not just get married, if they want to be together? But it's not as simple as that: the judges all agreed the law does discriminate against them, they just thought the government ought to have a little more time to sort it out. Among the options are extending civil partnerships to heterosexual couples, or even according to the QC for the secretary of state for education, Dan Squires, abolishing them entirely.
There's no doubt that the present system is, well, odd, and civil partnership looks very much like marriage by a different name. But for various reasons, some people balk at the m-word. Perhaps most wouldn't bother with a civil partnership, but long-term cohabiters, loving and committed, who may have raised children together, won't get married.
There are all sorts of reasons for this. For some, the word comes with too much baggage. It's an oppressive tool of the patriarchy, perhaps, or it reminds them painfully of their parents' divorce. Some object even to the minimalist wording of the civil marriage ceremony, which only require the parties to say, 'I call upon these persons, here present, to witness that I do take thee to be my lawful wedded wife/husband.' There are no such 'contracting words' in a civil partnership ceremony. And in many social and cultural contexts a marriage is a big deal, requiring a party, expensive and awkward if you aren't a party person.
There are all sorts of questions about it, too. Shouldn't society require people to make some sort of promise to each other if they want the benefits of marriage, however defined? Shouldn't we be able to make a value judgment about it? Why should the state accept that people are atomised individuals, making choices which don't reflect their setting in a whole society? We're all in this together, after all, though the forces of individualism and the worship of the great god Choice are challenging that.
There are particular challenges and opportunities for Christians, too. If heterosexual couples are allowed to enter into civil partnerships, what will their status be if they come to church? They clearly aren't just shacked up together for convenient sex, but they aren't exactly married either. So do we approve, or disapprove, or semi-approve? It's all very awkward.
But it's always awkward when our preconceptions are knocked sideways. Because what this legal conundrum shows us very clearly is that Christians have been leaning on the state's definition of marriage for far too long. We've become obsessed by a word whose meaning and status is administered by Parliament, rather than asking what a really Christian approach to marriage might be. In part, of course, this is because we have a state Church that is deeply implicated in what Parliament decides.
For a very long time Church and state more or less agreed about what marriage was. Given the way marriage systematically disadvantaged women until quite recently, that is rather shameful for the Church. Now they do not. So now is a good time for the Church to do some soul-searching about just how far it wants to be tied to the state's definition of it, and how it can make a declaration of spiritual independence.
One way it can do so is by cutting the link between the civil and the religious elements of the marriage service altogether. We could move to a continental system, where in many countries marriage is always civil and a religious ceremony is optional. Ministers would no longer act as functionaries of the state; they would be ministers of the gospel.
In this understanding, the state is entirely free to define marriage however it wants. The Church is entirely free to define marriage however it wants, too. There'd be a considerable overlap, but there's no reason why they should be identical.
And rather than sterile campaigns for 'biblical' marriage which are really campaigns against gay marriage, Christians could stop teach about love, fidelity and forgiveness; about kindness, patience and stamina; about the rich blessings of a relationship between two people whose roots entwine over the decades, who might decide when they're young that they will grow old together and who walk hand in hand with God all the way.
Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
Hubert de Givenchy: You can feel Diegos fingers in everything he created
The legendary fashion designer discusses his collection of bespoke pieces by Diego Giacometti ahead of our 6 March sale in Paris and offers an exclusive glimpse inside his chateau
You can feel the artists hand, Diegos fingers in everything he created, says Hubert de Givenchy as he discusses his long friendship with Diego Giacometti. The sale of 21 pieces made by Giacometti for the great couturier Les Giacometti dHubert de Givenchy takes place at Christies in Paris on 6 March. Even if my heart tightens at the idea of parting with these objects, thats it, the designer explains. My decision has been taken. What is so interesting about this collection is that it tells the story of a friendship between two artists, comments Pauline de Smedt, Christies Head of Design in Paris. The latter was unusual, she says, because he had two careers: the first was as his brother Albertos assistant, and the second was as an artist in his own right.
The pieces in the collection are all personal and tell a specific story about the relationship between the two men. I was already an admirer of his amazing creations, which he made with a lot of imagination and dexterity, explains M. de Givenchy of how this special relationship began. The man who created iconic pieces for some of Hollywoods biggest names from Audrey Hepburn to Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman was initially seduced by the shape of Giacomettis octagonal tables, of which three very important examples are offered in the sale. Other standout pieces being offered in Paris include Giacomettis bronze of Mill Reef, the famous racehorse owned by Paul and Bunny Mellon. When the horse won the Grand Prix de lArc de Triomphe race in 1971, Hubert de Givenchy presented the first version of the relief to Mrs. Mellon, before ordering one of his own in 1973.
The Celis name is returning to its Austin brewing roots.
Christine Celis, whose father, Pierre Celis, founded Celis Brewery in Austin in 1992, has reacquired the "Celis" trademark and will resurrect the brewery with a 22,000-square-foot facility in northwest Austin.
"Rebuilding the Celis Brewery has been a labor of love that has taken me many years to accomplish," she said in a news release. "We have a new location and new state-of-the-art brewing equipment, but will brew the same great Celis beers like the famous Celis Wit and Celis Grand Cru, to name a few."
The brewery closed in 2001, and Celis-branded beer has been occasionally brewed by other companies. Pierre Celis died in 2011.
About a year ago, Christine Celis and Atwater Brewing Co. of Detroit announced they would collaborate on a brewery in north Austin. At the time, they said they would share the facilities and a brewing staff but produce and sell beer separately. But without the rights to use the family name, Celis had planned to call her project Flemish Fox Brewery and Craftworks.
RELATED: New brewery project a hat tip to Texas' past and future
In Tuesday's announcement, Celis Brewery said it expects to begin production in early spring. It will brew more than 50,000 barrels a year, including Pierre Celis' recipes from both the original Celis Brewery and his earlier days in his native Belgium.
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Texas Monthly readers are wondering: Did Did Tim Taliaferro mean what he said?
In a story posted Monday by the Columbia Journalism Review, Texas Monthly's new editor alarmed the magazine's fans with a discussion of his plans for the magazine.
The story said that Taliaferro, who joined the magazine in November, intends to take Texas Monthly in a "lifestyle" direction, scaling back political coverage and in-depth reporting in favor of more stories about food and travel.
"Texans don't care about politics," said Taliaferro, who took the magazine's reins in November. He also said that "lifestyle sells Texas Monthly better."
TEXAS SIZED DISPUTE: Judge sues for job after refusing to watch LGBT training video
The blowback was hard and fierce. Texas Monthly has a national reputation for hard-hitting stories and in-depth reporting, and its readers were not amused. Within an hour of the story's publication, "Texas Monthly" was trending on Twitter, with readers threatening to cancel their subscriptions.
"And another one bites the dust," tweeted former Houston mayor Annise Parker, linking to the story.
Other readers weighed in:
"That's a shame. Texas Monthly was famous for really deep dive reporting."
"This is just straight up stupid."
"Adios, Texas Monthly."
But hold up. Was this all a misunderstanding?
COMING HOME?: Why the capitol of Texas should have never left Houston
Almost immediately, Taliaferro said his words were misrepresented.
The Columbia Journalism Review quickly defended its story, tweeting out a piece of the transcript from writer Lyz Lenz's interview with Taliaferro:
On Tuesday morning, Taliaferro softened his tone. He posted a note to readers on Texas Monthly's website, saying he "unfortunately gave the CJR the wrong impression." Politics coverage and longform stories, he said, are not going away.
In an email sent through a representative, Taliaferro further explained that while Texas Monthly isn't abandoning politics, the magazine may focus more on in-depth coverage than day-to-day: "Our strength with political coverage is our analysis, our longform, and our voice. There are other outlets better equipped to do incremental legislative coverage."
NEW BOSS: Taliaferro tapped as new editor of Texas Monthly
The magazine's owner, Paul Hobby, said he "strongly refutes" the notion that Texas Monthly won't be covering politics.
Texas Monthly
"Texans and Texas Monthly readers care a great deal about politics and that's why the Texas Lt. Governor is on the cover of the February issue," Hobby wrote in an email. "Strong political coverage will remain the cornerstone to the magazine and any suggestion we would move away from our tradition of fine journalism is patently false."
Hobby's Houston-based private equity firm, Genesis Park, bought Texas Monthly for $25 million in October, and he hired Taliaferro soon after. Hobby is the grandson of former Texas Gov. William P. Hobby and the son of longtime Lt. Gov. William P. Hobby Jr.
In his note to readers Tuesday, Taliaferro tried to explain his remarks:
"What I was trying to point out is that there is much more to the Texas identity," he said.
"Texas Monthly has a long, rich history of investigating and holding those in power accountable, and that history must continue."
Texas Monthly has about 300,000 subscribers and claims a readership of more than 2 million. Since the magazine was founded in 1973, it has won 13 National Magazine Awards and has been recognized for outstanding reporting and writing, art, photography and design.
HELD CAPTIVE: Austin Tice, Texas journalist, held in Syria, still alive
Lenz, the writer of the Columbia Journalism Review piece, defended her story in an email Tuesday morning:
"Taliaferro's comments were reported accurately and given the appropriate context based on the interview he gave with me. That being said, Texas Monthly is home to some of the best long form journalism in the nation and some of the best writers in the world. As an avid fan of the magazine, I'm happy to see [Taliaferro] soften his stance with his most recent note to the readers. And I hope the magazine continues to be a standard bearer of quality journalism in a time when we need it the most."
Mimi Swartz, a Texas Monthly executive editor who lives in Houston, said the flap has revealed at least one thing for sure: "It shows how loyal our readers are."
Texas Monthly readers have a relationship the magazine, she said, and feel they have a stake in how it changes. "And in that way, I think it's different from a lot of other national magazines."
Ileana Najarro contributed to this report.
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see one of the lists put out by Texas Monthly
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for The Humane Society Of The United State
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Danielle Riley Keough, the daughter of Lisa Marie Presley, and granddaughter of Priscilla and Elvis Presley, has led the quintessential life of Hollywood legacy.
Despite the controversy surrounding Lisa Marie Presley's, 49, divorce from her fourth husband Michael Lockwood, her 27-year-old daughter is keeping it together. Presley told the Associated Press she's broke and is living rent free with her daughter Keogh. Presley's 8-year-old twins are in the care of their grandmother, Priscilla Presley according to the 71-year-old's Facebook.
Keough was born to Lisa Marie Presley and Danny Keough on May 29, 1989.
For a short while from 1994 to 1996, she called Michael Jackson, stepdad. And from 2002 to 2004 Nicolas Cage was her stepdad.
Beauty and talent are in the genes for this third-generation performer, so it's no doubt that Keough would grow up to be a fashionista and talented actress, much like her King of Rock and Roll grandfather, whom she never met. You can not deny the resemblance though. It's all in the eyes.
We first saw a curly-haired 14-year-old, Keough on the runway in 2004 during Milan Fashion Week walking for Dolce and Gabbana.
Fashion Week: See the celebs spotted at NYFW
The same year after turning fifteen, the model walked in the Christian Dior show in Paris, France.
For years, Keough was seen frequenting fashion shows, and occasionally her mother, Lisa Marie Presley would join.
Then in 2010, Keough's film career began as she big screen debut as Marie Currie in the 2010 film, The Runaways, working alongside Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart.
Celebrity Twin Trend: First Beyonce, now Madonna, George Clooney and Amal
Keough's grandfather Elvis Presley, starred in more than thirty films during his career.
Following The Runaways, the actress landed roles in several films including the commercially successful 2012 movie, Magic Mike, and Mad Max: Fury Road (2015).
Koeugh received her first Golden Globe nomination in 2017 for her acting skills in the Starz series, The Girlfriend Experience.
Take a look at the gallery above to see Riley Keough's incredible looks through the years.
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Under a new bill proposed by Austin Democrat Kirk Watson, sex on Texas college campus requires a yes.
New legislation filed by Watson on Tuesday would require all institutions of higher education to enact an affirmative consent standard to be tougher on those accused of sexual violence.
CIVIL RIGHTS: Which students are most likely to be reported to police?
The absence of yes should also mean no, Watson said in a statement.
A separate bill would change the definitions of consent in the penal code in three ways, including establishing that consent is absent each time someone knows his or her partner is incapable of understanding the nature of the sexual activity.
>>>Scroll through the above gallery to see some of the key players and issues being debated during the legislative session in Austin
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Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for information in the 2015 death of 19-year-old Frank Medrano.
Crime Stoppers and the Houston Police Department announced the new reward - which comes from funds raised by the victim's family - Tuesday morning, according to Crime Stoppers spokesman Jeff McShan.
The Houston-area construction worker was shot and killed by an unidentified person around 7:30 a.m. on Feb. 18, 2015, while working on a house in the 700 block of South Ella Creek near Rushcreek.
REWARD OFFERED: Help solve one of these cold cases, a $3,000 reward is available
Afterward, witnesses spotted a man fleeing the scene. Police believe the killing came as part of an attempted robbery.
Saturday was the two-year anniversary of Medrano's death.
At a news conference at the time of the crime, Houston police described Medrano as a friendly, hardworking person.
"Frank was kind, honest, and had an infectious smile. He woke up at 5 a.m. to go to work, worked all day, and then spent a lot of time with his family- a big, good, honest family," Sgt. Warren Meeler said.
WHO IS HE?: Found in Ohio, the FBI think's he's from Texas, but have no ID
The shooter is described as being about 5-foot-10 and in his 20s. He had a medium build and wore a black hoodie with a gray stripe on each sleeve.
"If anyone knows something about who killed my brother, we beg you to come forward," his brother Erick Gutierrez said in 2015. "Because, if whoever did this once to someone who was really innocent, he will do it again."
Crime Stoppers initially offered a $5,000 reward, which Medrano's family supplemented with another $25,000. Now, the family has increased its offering and handed the funds over to Crime Stoppers.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308 3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713 222-TIPS.
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see other unsolved homicide cases in Texas
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A Houston man was shot in the back during an overnight home invasion, according to police.
On Tuesday just after midnight, a group of men dressed in red forced their way into Coral Hills Apartments in the 6300 block of Beverly Hill.
ATF agents reflect for the first time on the bloody raid at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco; a judge warns Texas it must curb heat-related prisoner deaths; a look at two of the 600 people suing over the San Jacinto waste pits and a peek at Houston's transit future - all part of this week's in-depth and investigative reporting.
The Raid on Mount Carmel
by St. John Barned-Smith
@stjbs
The ATF agents who were there rarely talk about the raid that kicked off a seven-week siege at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, ending in a shootout and blaze that killed more than 70 people.
They've kept quiet about the worst loss of life in ATF history and the challenges that followed. But the government's decision to return their gear last year brought it all back. Now, more than two decades later, agents shared experiences that have largely gone untold amid a slew of documentaries, books and news coverage.
Jon Shapley/Staff
Fishermen, landowners allege harm from waste pits in suit against owners of San Jacinto River Superfund site
By Lise Olsen
@chrondigger
Now both in their 50s, Rick Kornele and Charles Rayburn met for the very first time late last year in a lawyer's office in downtown Houston, united by the crushing belief that their life-long love for the San Jacinto River and its fish may be killing them. Lifelong fishers and crabbers, Rayburn and Kornele have both been diagnosed with cancer.
They are among 100 people whose claims that they were sickened after a lifetime of consuming toxic seafood from the fouled San Jacinto River are expected to take center stage in a legal showdown that pits 600 residents and property owners mostly from Channelview, Highlands, Baytown and Houston against the companies that inherited the dioxin and PCB-tainted dumping grounds.
Judge's order hits state over heat-related inmate deaths
By Gabrielle Banks
@GabMoBanks
A federal judge has ruled the Texas prison system and its top leaders must stand trial in a civil rights lawsuit over the heat-related death of an inmate, a sharp rebuke that focused new attention on the deaths of more than 20 other inmates in prison units that lack air conditioning.
The 83-page order by U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison - who personally visited a prison in the summer heat - cites the state's own records documenting a heat index of about 150 degrees inside the Hutchins State Jail near Dallas, where inmate Larry Gene McCollum, 58, a cab driver from Bellmead near Waco, died during a 2011 heat wave. He's one of 22 inmates who have died from heat-related causes since 1998.
Metro drawing up long-term Houston regional transit plan
By Dug Begley
@DugBegley
Choose any Houston freeway, and someone living along it thinks that's the place where Metropolitan Transit Authority should put its next big project. A pending long-term regional transit plan, and likely voter referendum as early as November, will determine where Metro goes. More importantly, the two will measure the support Houston region residents have for more buses, longer train routes and other commuter services for increasingly urbanizing suburban communities.
Karen Warren/Staff Photographer
What's clear, transit officials acknowledged during their first in-depth discussion of the transit plan's focus, is that many solutions to traffic congestion will likely stall. "We know we will never have enough resources to build everything," Metro board member Christof Spieler said. "How do we choose which projects are most worthwhile?"
In the wake of bomb threats at the Jewish Community Center in Houston and 10 other cities, Ivanka Trump has used the global forum of Twitter to call for religious tolerance. A convert to Judaism, the president's oldest daughter is married to an Orthodox Jew, Jared Kushner.
Her tweet posted early Monday evening notes that America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance and calls for protection of worship sites and religious centers.
A suspected serial motorcycle thief is in custody after Pearland police say he sped off on several after telling the owners he was going for a test drive.
When local motorcycle groups started to notice a rash of thefts with a familiar pattern, they contacted police.
The suspect, 23-year-old Chaisson N. Porche of Pearland, was going online through Craigslist and Ebay looking for sellers with dirt bikes, police reported. The suspect would arrive at the agreed-to meeting place and ask the seller if he could take the bike for a test spin.
"When the seller granted permission, the suspect would then take off and not come back," Pearland police spokesman James Wells said.
Sometimes the suspect would trade fake car keys as guarantee of his return with the bike, police said.
"These people were trying to sell a product, and it's common place for people to ask if it runs appropriately. They were acting in good faith and letting him test their product," Wells said.
"The motorcycle community is a small and tight one and when you narrow that down to dirt-bike motorcycle riders, it's going to get smaller and tighter," Wells said.
Police are investigating how many bikes were stolen. At least three thefts have been confirmed.
"The end goal is to try and do what they can to recover anything taken without authorization, but unfortunately 100 percent recovery is not always possible in these kind of cases," Wells said. "Normally, products like this can change hands two or three times, and there is not much of a paper trail."
Porche is being held in custody facing charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
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The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Development Company are trying to figure out how to improve the water quality in the Waterway amid problems that have arisen over the past year.
The Development Company already has asked for approval from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to add grass carp to the Waterway to eat the aquatic weeds affecting the quality of the water, according to John Powers, assistant general manager of the township.
The problems came to light last May when Ironman Triathlon officials changed the swim route two days before the competition due to water quality concerns in the canal, with officials stating the water was not suitable for swimming. The entire 2.4-mile swim course then was completed in Lake Woodlands. Ironman Texas officials rely on The Woodlands Township for water testing and assessment, and those results are evaluated according to the Texas Surface Water Quality Standards for Primary Contact Recreation.
DOG RESCUE: How Woodlands fire fighters marked Love Your Pet Day
However, according to information from the township, the water quality in the Waterway is 100 percent the responsibility of The Woodlands Development Company.
The township board wants the problem addressed quickly and discussed the situation Feb. 16.
Board member Bruce Rieser, who also serves as chairman of The Woodlands Visitor and Convention Bureau, said the issue has been a topic of conversation for the CVB.
"Obviously the Waterway is critical and really important to our ability to make (it) an attraction," said Reiser, noting several community members had asked him about the smell of the water.
Maintenance of the water quality of the Waterway is defined in the Waterway Maintenance Services Agreement between the Township and TWDC, according to Powers. He said TWDC is very aware of the poor conditions of the water and has been working to resolve the problems since last June. Per the agreement, the costs associated with maintaining the water quality are not the responsibility of the township.
Officials with TWDC were unable to provide information regarding the water quality before Monday afternoon.
Powers provided information to the board noting that during summer 2016, the water in the upper canal of the Waterway began to experience prolific growth of aquatic vegetation and algae. Beginning early June, the Waterway was treated by the contractor for TWDC regularly. However, the algae growth and aquatic weeds continued to adversely affect the motors of the Waterway boats throughout the summer and fall season. The algae is now under control, but the aquatic weed, Southern Naiad or Bushy Pondweed, is still a problem. The EPA-approved aquatic herbicide for this weed is effective when water temperatures are stabilized at 70 degrees and the plants are actively growing. TWDC is monitoring the water temperature and will apply the herbicide as soon as it is appropriate.
Powers said there have been reports of obstructions in the bottom of the Waterway, such as possible silt/sand bars. TWDC advised that it is working with multiple contractors discussing options on removal of the sand buildup and is investigating long-term solutions to these issues.
Regarding the carp, the TPWD stated the grass carp is are potentially harmful to native resources. Because of its utility as a biological control for aquatic vegetation, the grass carp has been legally introduced into at least 35 states in the United States, including Texas. Currently, only sterile grass carp are legal for use in Texas, and a permit is required to obtain them.
"They are ferocious feeders; they are also ferocious in population," Powers said. "At some point, there will be some population control."
It is unclear how the introduction of carp could affect other fish, plants and animals that survive on the resources in the canal and Lake Woodlands.
Board member John Brown said he was concerned about the water even before he was elected to the board.
"The water quality has been deplorable for more than a year," Brown said. "In the summer, it gets so bad that there is this smell; it's not the aquatic weed in there, it's the algae growing on top. I am concerned about their urgency to rectify the situation."
Brown added he has visited with business owners along the Waterway and their concerns about the smell.
"It is noticeable, especially when it is 100 degrees out there," he said. "It's really bad."
According to board Chairman Gordy Bunch, the township will take ownership of the Waterway in 2023.
"We have in the past asked them to advance that ownership," Bunch said. "It is in the township's interest to maintain that water quality, it's an amenity and an attraction."
Houston police are asking for the public's help identifying men wanted for questioning in the 2016 death of a man in western Harris County.
On July 3, Felipe D. Meza was killed after a fight in a convenience store parking lot in the 8300 block of Boone.
Now, nearly eight months later, police have released surveillance footage of the incident to help track down the men involved.
REWARD OFFERED: Family raises $50,000 for info in unsolved slaying
The footage shows a dark, four-door sedan pulling into the parking lot. Two men in the front seat get out and return a few minutes later - but then the video cuts out.
When it resumes, Meza is seen lunging at one of the men, who punches him to the ground. Both men hop in the car - with a third person in the back - and leave the scene.
Witnesses stayed until paramedics arrived to rescue Meza, but he died of blunt force trauma six days later in a hospital.
COLD CASES: Help solve one of these cases and a $3,000 reward could be at hand
Police do not know the cause of the dispute or the involvement of the men shown on camera, but are interested in questioning them about what occurred.
Anyone with information on their identities is urged to contact the HPD homicide division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see details of cold cases in Texas
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A 52-year-old math tutor will spend five years on probation after pleading guilty Tuesday to having an inappropriate relationship with a student while working at Sharpstown High School last year.
In one of the more unusual scenes at the Harris County Criminal Courthouse, the student, now 19, sat next to Aldo Leiva in court while he filled out the paperwork admitting his guilt. The judge ordered deferred adjudication, which means Leiva will not have a criminal record if he completes the terms of the probation successfully.
Leiva's lawyer said the couple want to continue their relationship, after spending a year apart because of a court order.
MORE TROUBLE: Teen charged with blackmailing woman with revenge sex video
"If they want to have a relationship now, they certainly can," said attorney Gary Tabakman. "I'm not advocating as far as appropriateness of the beginning of their relationship; it's certainly questionable. However that's why he took responsibility."
Leiva made headlines across the country last year when he was arrested for lewd photos he exchanged with the student, with whom he was having a consensual sexual relationship.
The teen was 17, the legal age of consent, when they began dating in the summer of 2015.
However, different laws that govern explicit photographs and the relationship between educators and students meant Leiva was facing up to 20 years in prison.
ON TAPE: 2 teachers, 4 students arrested after camera catches sexual behavior
Last year, state District Judge Brad Hart signed a no-contact order that kept the couple apart.
On Tuesday, they whispered to each other as they sat together in the courtroom.
Leiva will have to perform 250 hours of community service, pay a $500 fine and spend five years on probation. If he violates probation, he could go to prison for 20 years. If he successfully completes it, he will not have a felony conviction on his record.
When the relationship began, Leiva was participating in a tutoring fellowship program. He was not a teacher at the west Houston high school.
OUSTED: Houston area teachers who lost their licenses because of sex scandals
When the teen's mother learned of lewd photographs and text messages, she notified school personnel, and the messages were investigated by the Houston Independent School District police department.
At the time, the teen said she was dating her tutor. She said they held hands, kissed and went on dates, according to court records.
brian.rogers@chron.com
twitter.com/brianjrogers
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see teachers who lost their licenses in sex scandals
If there's a tornado warning or a kidnapped child, your phone might wake you at 3 a.m.
But if there's a cloud of chlorine gas descending on your neighborhood, it's anybody's guess who will let you know, and when.
A state lawmaker has filed a bill to bridge the gap in emergency notification.
It would create a system to push alerts to mobile phones during any chemical mishap that would "substantially endanger human health or the environment."
Chemical fires and releases across Houston in the last year, and the Houston Chronicle's Chemical Breakdown series, have shed light on problems with toxic stockpiles and emergency response. The bill's backers hope the added attention will drive the legislation forward.
The bill would create a statewide "opt-out" system, meaning phone users would get the alerts unless they deliberately choose not to, just as some Amber Alerts and weather warnings are pushed to mobile phones automatically. Currently, decisions about chemical alerts are left up to a patchwork of local agencies, which may release conflicting information or fail to notify the public at all.
That's what happened a week ago when a sulfur-like stench drifted across Houston, said Adrian Shelley, director of Air Alliance Houston. Initial reports linked the smell to a chemical refinery, but officials later walked back that assessment, and the incident remains under investigation. Some residents wondered how the government could be assured the vapors posed no danger, Shelley said.
Under federal law, Texas companies are required to report toxic releases to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality when they exceed a certain amount, which varies with each chemical. The threshold amount for chlorine gas, for example, is 10 pounds.
Under the bill by Rep. Eddie Rodriguez, D-Austin, the commission would use those reports to trigger an alert in the affected area.
"I am proud of HB 1927, a bill that I have joint authored with State Representative Hubert Vo of Houston," Rodriguez said in a statement. "This bill will ensure that Texans receive timely, accurate and useful information regarding toxic chemical spills in an accessible way."
'Imminent threat'
Shelley acknowledged it's not the perfect solution. The commission could make the wrong call. And it might be based on inaccurate or incomplete information from the company. In 2014, when a gas release at DuPont's pesticide plant in La Porte killed four workers, the initial 911 caller from DuPont told a dispatcher that the release posed no public danger. In fact, there was no air monitoring, and the U.S. Chemical Safety Board later determined that the gas could have ignited and exploded.
Those are deeper problems this bill can't address. But "this is a good step in situations where there is a known imminent threat," said Stephanie Thomas, an organizer for Public Citizen who called for better alerts last year after a chemical warehouse fire in Spring Branch.
"My hope is that this can instigate an even larger conversation about how we make sure we relay information properly between the industry and emergency management, and how we support some of the communities where - if you have a volunteer fire department - you are dependent on the industry" to accurately depict the threat, Thomas said.
Unnecessary danger
One solution, Shelley said, might be to indemnify companies against lawsuits that could arise from shelter or evacuation orders that inconvenience people but may be deemed unnecessary after the threat has passed.
The bill will need a Republican co-sponsor to vault it out of committee. Shelley said it might appeal to Rep. Kyle Kacal, R-Bryan, whose district includes the fertilizer depot that blew up in West in 2013, destroying a section of town and killing 15 people. Federal investigators deemed it an unsolved arson, but they also pointed to problems with the way the explosive fertilizer was stored, and with the emergency response, which put firefighters and residents in unnecessary danger.
Kacal couldn't immediately be reached for comment.
AUSTIN -- President Donald Trump's favorability ratings in Texas have improved, according to a new University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll.
The first public statewide poll since Trump's inauguration found that 46 percent of Texas voters approve of the job he is doing as president, while 44 percent disapprove. That's an increase from his earlier numbers in the Lone Star State, mostly thanks to a 21 percent increase in favorability ratings from Texas Republicans.
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Nearly a dozen Republican state lawmakers, mostly from rural and suburban districts, filed a flurry of bills Tuesday aiming to derail plans for a privately-funded high-speed rail line in Texas.
The 18 bills, nine each in the Texas Senate and Texas House, aim to limit Texas Central Partners ability to develop a Houston-to-Dallas line supported by both metro areas, but strongly opposed by many rural landowners and elected officials.
The bills complicate the private companys right to acquire property via eminent domain, strengthen landowner protections, compel state agencies to assess the feasibility of the planned rail line and prohibit the state from ever maintaining or operating a high-speed rail line.
"I still have doubts about whether a high-speed rail project makes sense for Texas" said Senator Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe. Taxpayers should not be expected to pay the bill if the project fails.
Bulllet train bills The following bills were filed this morning, summarized by the authors: SB 973 by Creighton/HB 2168 by Bell (Railroad Determination Before Surveys) - prohibits a private high-speed rail entity from entering private property to conduct a survey unless the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) first determines that the surveying entity is, in fact, a railroad. SB 974 by Creighton/HB 2181 by Cook (Option Contract Protection) - voids any high-speed rail option contracts held by a high-speed rail entity upon a bankruptcy initiated by or against the entity. SB 975 by Birdwell/HB 2169 by Schubert (Security Requirements) - provides a framework of minimum security requirements to be followed during the construction and operation of a private high-speed rail line. Requires the high-speed rail authority to coordinate security efforts with state and local law enforcement, as well as disaster response agencies. SB 977 by Schwertner/HB 2172 by Ashby (No Taxpayer Bailout) - prohibits the legislature from appropriating new funds, or allowing state agencies to utilize existing funds, to pay any costs related to the construction, maintenance, or operation of a private high-speed rail in Texas. SB 978 by Schwertner/HB 2104 Bell (Property Restoration Bond) - requires a private high-speed rail entity to file a bond with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) sufficient to restore property used for the rail service to the property's original conditions if the service ceases operation. SB 979 by Schwertner/HB 2179 by Cook (Right of Repurchase for Non-HSR Use) - prohibits an entity that operates or plans to operate a high-speed rail from using property acquired for purposes other than high-speed rail. If the high-speed rail authority doesn't use the property for that specific purpose, the original landowner must be given the opportunity to repurchase the land. SB 980 by Schwertner/HB 2167 by Schubert (Put Texas First) - prohibits any state money from being used for any purpose related to a privately owned high-speed rail, unless the state acquires and maintains a lien in order to secure the repayment of state funds. Requires that the state's lien be superior to all other liens, effectively making Texas a priority creditor. SB 981 by Kolkhorst/HB 2162 by Wray (Interoperability) - requires an entity constructing a high-speed rail line in Texas to demonstrate compatibility with more than one type of train technology. SB 982 by Perry/HB 2173 by Ashby (High-Speed Rail Feasibility Study) - upon request of a legislator, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) must generate a feasibility study of a proposed high-speed rail project. The study must indicate whether the project is for a public use, whether it will be financially viable, and what impact of the project will have on local communities. See More Collapse
Company officials, in a statement, defended the project, noting Texas needs new mobility options.
"Contrary to the national focus on infrastructure projects that stand to create tens of thousands of jobs and benefit millions of people, it is ironic that the proposed legislation calls for more government regulation in trying to block a free market led project that will create jobs and generate economic development," said Holly Reed, managing director of external affairs for Texas Central.
Since the legislative session began, state lawmakers have said they planned to use Austin to constrain development of the high-speed rail project, notably its rights to survey and acquire rural land. Critics of the company have said it has used heavy-handed tactics to force landowners into sales agreements.
Earlier this month, Texas Central announced about 30 percent of the parcels needed for the 240-mile project are covered under sale option agreements, meaning landowners have agreed to sell the land once the project has the necessary environmental clearances and is ready for construction.
The company, which is said its still finalizing its private funding, will use Japanese bullet train technology to travel between the two metro areas. The trip, company officials said would cost around the same as airline travel, estimated to take 90 minutes. In addition to Houston and Dallas, the company plans a stop near College Station.
Along the route, residents and elected leaders who feel the project doesnt benefit them and ruins the rural character of their communities have banded together to oppose it. State lawmakers, among them Sens. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown, and Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham, and State Reps. Cecil Bell, R-Magnolia and Byron Cook, R-Corsicana, have repeatedly questioned the need for the project.
"Transportation is a critical issue for our state, which requires thoughtful and pragmatic solutions for today and the future," said State Rep. John Wray, R-Waxahachie. "Texas Central has failed to demonstrate a viable or comprehensive plan addressing the real mobility needs of our state, and the legislation filed today seeks to address the legitimate issues posed by this project."
One of the major issues dividing Texas Central and opponents is the company's right to acquire property via eminent domain. The company claims it has rights as a railroad to use eminent domain, though some landowners have challenged that.
Courts, thus far, have issued mixed rulings. In a handful of cases, either courts have not approved the company's requests or Texas Central has pulled the claims. In a Harris County case last month, in which the landowner did not appear in court, Texas Central was granted a default summary judgement allowing it to survey property and declaring it a railroad.
Lawmakers, many who contend Texas Central does not have eminent domain authority, have said many of their concerns focus on landowner rights.
"Texans have always had a deep respect for the land and for the law," Kolkhorst said. "That's why the Legislature must tread lightly when property rights are at risk."
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Bestiality - people engaging in sexual activity with animals - is a problem in the Texas Panhandle, officials say.
It's a big enough problem that Amarillo animal welfare workers are proposing that the city make such behavior illegal.
But don't assume the Panhandle is a hotbed of perversion, said Richard Havens, director of the city's Animal Management and Welfare.
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"Every single jurisdiction experiences what we experience in the Panhandle," Havens said by phone from his office. "Whether they want to talk about it, I have no idea. We have to bring awareness to a problem before we can change it."
Tuesday afternoon, in a work session with the Amarillo City Council, Havens is presenting a proposal to make bestiality a Class C misdemeanor.
Right now, the behavior is not illegal, either in Amarillo or in Texas, one of 13 states with no law against sex with animals. If someone hurts an animal through bestiality and fails to get the animal veterinary treatment, that can be prosecuted, Havens said.
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In the two years he has been director of the agency, Havens said the city has received eight to 12 reports of people engaging in sexual activity with either male or female dogs.
The most memorable case came to the city's attention when a man reported that his wife was engaging in sex with the couple's male dog. He had been suspicious about her and set up a hidden camera, which confirmed his worst fears.
"He was horrified and shocked," Havens said. "It was a PTSD-type thing. The dog sustained no injuries so there was nothing we could do."
If the city council agrees to move forward with consideration of an ordinance, that process could start next week, Havens said. Live-stream coverage or archived video of the council meetings can be seen on the city website.
Meet the Chihuahua mix that was lucky enough to be saved by a Texas police officer and veterinarian after suffering from a heroin overdose.
Appropriately, the pooch was named "Lucky." A Carrollton Police Department officer spotted the dog on the floorboard of a parked truck at a local Home Depot parking lot. The pooch was suffering from a heroin overdose while police say its humans were busy inside the home-improvement store switching price tags.
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Lucky the puppy was taken by the police and the folks at the North Texas Emergency Pet Clinic in Carrollton were able to nurture the pup back to health.
Dr. Stacie Fowler (DVM) works at the clinic and told Chron.com the 4-month-old dog was nearly comatose and "was pretty close to checking out." Through a series of medications administered to Lucky, he was able to recover from the overdose in 24 hours. An employee at the clinic told Chron.com that the pooch is now with Carrollton Animal Control, but they keep receiving calls for information about adopting the young dog.
"He is adorable. He is a tiny little thing. probably only 4 months old and loves to give kisses and is wiggly and wags and is very, very sweet," Dr. Fowler told Chron.com. "He's recovered from something that could have been fatal and thanks to the police staff and the staff here he was able to come out of it."
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The owners, on the other hand, weren't able to come out of the situation as luck as Lucky. Thomas Romero, 46, and Nina Crawford, 38, face charges of possession of a controlled substance/heroin and fraudulent destruction, removal or concealment of writing, according to the Star-Telegram.
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After a woman on Twitter posted that her grandfather was robbed at gunpoint by an undocumented immigrant in South Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott weighed in on the incident.
"Let him know that Texas is coming to his rescue," Abbott responded. "We'll work to protect him and put an end to this."
Cassie Luevano, the South Texas regional director for the Republican Party of Texas, told valleycentral.com her 80-year-old grandfather was held up at gunpoint in the parking lot of a Church's Chicken by a man who spoke Spanish.
She said the man asked her grandfather, Homero Guzman, if he was a citizen and demanded he hand over his ID and wallet.
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Luevano tweeted Friday that her "innocent grandpa (was) targeted by illegals for his ID," according to screenshots obtained by valleycentral.com. Luevano's Twitter account is private.
She said refugees and undocumented immigrants often enter the country through McAllen and asked her followers to share her story so the border could be secured.
Officer John Saenz, McAllen Police Department spokesman, told valleycentral.com: "There's nothing in this report that would indicate any other matter than a robbery."
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The McAllen Police Department did not immediately respond for comment.
Governor Abbott's tweet was met with more than 1,000 likes and retweets and dozens of comments.
One person was confused and asked if the woman was "just assuming an undocumented person did it because there's a refugee center nearby?"
"You're an AWESOME gov!" another said.
kbradshaw@express-news.net
Twitter: @kbrad5
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The Department of Homeland Security Tuesday released a set of documents to deport the majority of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S.
Undocumented immigrants who commit even minor offenses or traffic violations could be deported.
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It implements President Trump's deportation plan through several different measures. Some key points of the memos:
More than 10,000 immigration and customs agents will be hired, which will dramatically increase the number of detention facilities.
Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement will be required to detain and hold undocumented people caught illegally entering the country, thereby ending the "catch and release" practice.
An ICE office will be reserved to support families of people killed by undocumented immigrants.
It will include people who have been living in this country for up to two years.
A program would allow local police officers and sheriff's deputies to operate as immigration agents by helping with deportations.
Undocumented immigrants from Central America could be held in Mexico to await hearings, this would likely require Mexico to accept the terms.
Instead of informing families of the criminal status of alleged undocumented immigrants, ICE will distribute the information publicly.
No directives would affect the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.
"Department personnel have full authority to arrest or apprehend an alien whom an immigration officers has probable cause to believe is in violation of the immigration laws," one memo read. "They also have full authority to initiate removal proceedings against any alien who is subject to removal under any provision of the (Immigration and Nationality Act)."
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The deportation guidelines signed by DHS secretary John F. Kelly go beyond Obama's plan. His administration focused on hard criminals who had been convicted of serious crimes.
WASHINGTON A divided Supreme Court weighed a civil rights case Tuesday stemming from the death of a 15-year-old Mexican boy who was killed by a U.S. Border Patrol Agent firing a pistol across the border from El Paso, an incident that rocked the region and led to reforms in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency.
Seven years after the shooting, the family of Sergio Hernandez says it has been denied justice in American courts because their son collapsed and died on the Mexican side of the border, out of reach of U.S. constitutional protections against unjustified use of deadly force.
The family, after a series of court reverses, is seeking a high-court ruling to allow them to bring suit in Texas against the border agent, Jesus Mesa. Lawyers for Mesa and the U.S. government argue that American legal jurisdiction ends at the border. The case, which already has divided the U.S. and Mexican governments, comes amid separate court battles over President Donald Trump's executive orders on immigration challenging the rights of non-citizens under the U.S. Constitution.
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It is among some 243 shooting along the U.S.-Mexican border in modern times, about a dozen of them involving shots fired by U.S. agents across the border. At least six have resulted in death.
"And every time the Constitution, according to the government, turns off at the border, even though all the conduct happens in the United States," said Corpus Christi attorney Robert Hilliard, arguing the family's case before the justices.
Randolph Ortega, and El Paso lawyer representing Mesa, argued that Mexico has never recognized U.S. legal jurisdiction beyond the border, even if Mexican authorities have championed Hernandez's case.
"The border is very real and very finite," Ortega told the justices. "It is not elastic."
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One of the main hurdles facing Hernandez's family was raised by Chief Justice John Roberts, who wondered about a floodgate of lawsuits against U.S. military officials over civilian casualties from overseas drone strikes. "How do you analyze the case of a drone strike in Iraq where the plane in piloted from Nevada?" Roberts said.
Hilliard said a ruling for Hernandez's family could be limited to cases involving "ongoing domestic, routine law enforcement issues along our Southwest border."
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, one of the liberals on the court, noted that Mesa's actions occurred entirely on the U.S. side of the border. "So I don't understand all this about Mexico," she said. "It's the United States law operating on the United States official who's acting inside the United States. This case has, as far as the conduct is concerned, United States written all over it."
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Hernandez, who was unarmed, reportedly was shot by Mesa while he and three other boys played in a concrete culvert that separates El Paso from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. U.S. officials have alleged that the boys were trying to sneak over the border, and then began throwing rocks when Mesa, on a bicycle patrol, detained one of their friends.
The family and passers-by, some armed with cell phone videos, have cast doubt on Mesa's contention that he fired in self-defense. But in deciding whether the Hernandez suit can proceed in U.S. courts, the justices do not have to determine which version of events is true.
>>>Scroll through the above gallery to see images of border patrol agents working the Texas-Mexico line
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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Many B-town celebrities descended upon their local polling booths in Mumbai to cast their ballot for the BMC Elections on Tuesday. They also asked their followers to make their votes count by showing up at their respective poll centres.
Priyanka Chopra: Deeply affected by Trump's immigration ban . Priyanka Chopra, who could not cast her vote, made it a point to urge her followers on social media to exercise their franchise in the ongoing BMC elections. She tweeted, "To vote is our greatest right. If I was home I'd definitely be voting. Exercise your right! #VoteForMumbai #BMCPolls2017"
To vote is our greatest right. If I was home I'd definitely be voting. Exercise your right! #VoteForMumbai #BMCPolls2017
PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) February 21, 2017
PeeCee is currently fulfilling her 'Quantico' shooting commitments in New York. The actress is continuously creating waves in the US with her talk-show appearances and her upcoming Hollywood debut 'Baywatch'.
BNM anunta concurs pentru postul vacant de expert coordonator (durata determinata) responsabil de control pe teren si din oficiu a sistemelor de plati
* Editors note: Texas Monthly Editor in Chief Tim Taliaferro on Wednesday published an editors note saying he had given CJR the wrong impression in an interview for this story. Read the letter.
The new editor in chief of Texas Monthly plans to pull back from the kind of longform and political coverage that gave the title a national profile to focus instead on lifestyle coverage, website enhancements, and a live-events business.
Tim Taliaferro, who took over after the sale of the magazine to Genesis Park LP, tells CJR it would be foolish to walk away from the history of the magazine, but he hopes to focus on growing the lifestyle vertical because lifestyle sells Texas Monthly better. He added, Literary circles have a bias against lifestyle, but lifestyle is an important part of the magazine, including travel and food.
The change has alums and current staffers worried about the potential for layoffs and the future of the magazine as a home for ambitious journalism and celebrated writing. Several top journalists have left, and others are updating resumes.
Texas Monthly bears the tagline The National Magazine of Texasand it has lived up to the billing. Since its founding in 1973, the magazine has won 13 national magazine awards for public interest, politics, feature writing, and general excellence.
It was a mantle embraced by former owner Emmis Communications Corp, which sold the magazine in October 2016 to Genesis Park, a private equity firm co-founded by Paul Hobby, grandson of former Texas governor William P. Hobby, who owned the now-defunct Houston Post. The buyers quickly found a new editor in Taliaferro, 33, the former vice president for communications and digital strategy for Texas Exes (the University of Texas alumni association) and the editor in chief of Alcalde, UTs alumni magazine.
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Taliaferro spoke with CJR about his plans for Texas Monthly, which are a departure from the magazines long history of in-depth political coverage and longform journalism. Of his plans to scale back local political coverage, he says, Texans dont care about politics. As an example of the coverage he plans to cut back on, Taliaferro cited stories on transgender bathrooms.
Taliaferro replaced former editor in chief Brian Sweany, who told D Magazine that he was going to hole up in his office, grow a beard, and work on a book. Since the sale, senior editor Erica Grieder quit with no new immediate employment plans, and web editor Andrea Valdez left to work as a site editor for Wired. Stacy Hollister, director of editorial operations, also left after the sale.
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Journalists on staff and alums reached by CJR described a gloomy feeling about the changes but declined to speak on the record. The magazine is known as an incubator for talent with writers such as Mimi Swartz, Skip Hollandsworth, Jan Reid, Gary Cartwright, and Pamela Colloff. The editor of The New York Times Magazine, Jake Silverstein, is a Texas Monthly alum.
The next shoe to drop for Texas Monthly employees may be layoffs: The $25-million sale agreement required former owner Emmis Communications Corp to set aside $3 million in severance related expenses. While no layoffs have been announced, when asked about the $3 million in severance, Taliaferro replied, Where did you get those numbers? Then he said the matter was a personnel issue and declined to comment further.
During Taliaferros tenure at Texas Exes, he expanded digital and multimedia offerings. He plans to do the same at Texas Monthly, growing what he calls, comprehensive and immersive digital experiences.
A statement on the Genesis Park website notes that Genesis Park is the third owner of the Texas Monthly brand and will use its deep Texas relationships and media history to drive the brand into digital content, social media, expanded events, merchandising and a broader custom publishing business for the next chapter in Texas Monthlys storied career.
Genesis Park did not respond to requests for comment via phone and email concerning the magazines new direction.
When asked for comment on Taliaferros vision, former Texas Monthly editor in chief Evan Smith, who is now CEO of the Texas Tribune, replied simply, Nah.
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Lyz Lenz is a writer based in Iowa. Her writing has appeared in Pacific Standard, Marie Claire, Jezebel, and the Washington Post. Follow her on Twitter @lyzl.
AFTER DUCKING HIS CONSTITUENTS and protesters this monthby leaving a closed meeting through the back door, in one instanceIllinois Rep. Peter Roskam, a Republican who represents the west Chicago suburbs, hosted 18,000 people for a teleconference call last week through his campaign website.
The day after Roskams telephone town hall, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner fielded questions about his budget through Facebook Live, a platform the Republican has embraced in order to interact with constituents about statewide issues. The video attracted 16,000 views.
The technology enabled both officials to claim rightfully that they were talking with constituents, and large numbers of them at that. But, in the more controlled virtual space, they also were able to avoid potential confrontation with voters and questions from the press. (Roskams staff cancelled a scheduled meeting with constituents earlier this month when a reporter came with them.*)
The urge to control access is getting worse, says Thomas Suddes, assistant professor at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. He says social media provides a false sense of access to elected officials. It used to be that if a person were ducking reporters it was easy to say they were, he says. Now, social media makes the appearance of access for the public as significant as genuine access.
But the appearance of access should not be mistaken for the genuine itemespecially at a time when some politicians are retreating from contentious in-person encounters.
In a searing editorial, the Elgin Courier-News, a suburban newspaper owned by the Chicago Tribune, blasted Roskam for voicing his support for President Donald Trumps legally questionable travel ban under the friendly cover of conservative talk radio. The paper noted that Roskam declined to talk directly to his constituents or answer questions from the media, and did not acknowledge multiple requests for an interview with the suburban Naperville Sun.
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David Pasch, spokesman for Roskam, says the lawmaker has one of the busiest district schedules of any member of Congress. Last year, Roskams schedule included 74 meetings at his district office, 30 roundtable discussions, 113 speaking engagements and 111 tele-town halls like the one he had last week, Pasch says.
In defending his decision not to hold large public meetings with constituents, Roskam (once again on the radio) told WGNs Rick Pearson in an interview that town hall meetings tend to be platforms for people to shout at one another and get angry at one another and leave more upset and disappointed and bent out of shape than when people came. And for proof, Roskam added, just look at the national news.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS IN PARTICULAR are facing tough questions from their constituents back homeabout what will replace the Affordable Care Act if it is eliminated, about their support of some of President Donald Trumps cabinet picks, about changes in environmental policies and a host of other issues. In some districts, the exchanges have become quite heated, and protesters have showed up to voice their disapproval. At a press conference last week, Trump dismissed the town hall protests, saying the protesters are not the Republican people that our representatives represent. He offered no evidence that the concerned citizens are not Republicans.
A staff member at the Little Rock office of Arkansas Sen. Tom Cotton cited recent threats as a reason why the office staff wont meet with voters. A constituent told the Arkansas Times, a weekly alternative newspaper, that the staff has turned off office phones and locked doors. After Cotton promised an organizing group that he would meet with them, the newspaper said it still had questions about who would be let into the town hall event. However, the paper noted, Cottons team does not respond to questions from the Arkansas Times.
The chair of Utahs Republican Party offered a similar argument last week in order to dissuade legislators from attending town halls. A statement posted to the partys Twitter account carried the headline: Utah Republican Party asks Congressional Leaders to Delay Town Hall Meetings Due to Acts of Intimidation and Violence. The statement referenced a recent event held by Congressman Jason Chaffetz, though Chaffetz told The Salt Lake Tribune that it was not a violent meeting, and said he has a duty and a need to hear from everybody in my district.
In Virginia, Rep. Barbara Comstock, who narrowly won her district in November, invited constituents to two events. Her staff promised that shed be there. But she wasnt, Politico reported. Her staff said there were errors in the invitations.
In California, Rep. Tom McClintock held a town hall meeting that attracted hundreds of people, many of whom were unable to go into the event space. Protesters told ABC there was more room inside, but McClintock said the fire marshall claimed it was at capacity. McClintock told ABC that his team planned to cycle members of the crowd into the space, then cancelled that plan and left the event under police escort, citing concerns for his safety. The police chief told The Sacramento Bee that the congressmen was never in danger, and the story pushed back against the McClintock teams characterization of the event.
And in Indiana, The Herald Bulletin in Andersonville, north of Indianapolis, reported that hundreds of constituents were upset when Rep. Susan Brooks met individually with people at a meet the congresswoman event instead of holding a more traditional town hall meeting.
Not all meetings with constituents have ended with politicians leaving out the back door. At a town hall meeting with two Republican state lawmakers on Monday in Tomah, Wisconsin, the 16 people in attendance were polite, if not restrained, says Steve Rundio, editor of The Tomah Journal. He covered the story for the Lee Enterprises newspaper, which has a print circulation of about 3,500.
I just get the impression around here that people are really burned out on politics, he says. They really dont want to talk about it.
He did notice something peculiar, Rundio tells me. The lawmakers seemed to go out of their way to not use President Donald Trumps name, as well as party labels like Republican and Democrat.
I could tell the lawmakers wanted to keep the temperature down, he says.
ABDUL HAKIM-SHABAZZ, a radio talk show host and editor and publisher of a popular Indiana political blog, says he can understand why politicians may prefer a more controlled environment.
These days, local politics is a lot more overall cantankerous, he says. Part of it is because of social media. People will say things online that they would never say to your face, and that is where social media hasnt helped the discourse.
Still, Hakim-Shabazz doesnt condone the use of controlled events to avoid voters or the press. While he follows what elected officials post on social media, Hakim-Shabazz doesnt let them have the last word there; he insists on asking follow-up questions.
I will take whatever the thing they are trying to spin on social media and have them elaborate, he says.
Suddes, the Ohio University professor, says lawmakers in uncontested districts dont have a reason to put themselves in front of constituents and reporters, especially if they perceive that there might be a confrontation.
If you are an office holder in a circumstance where you have a safe seat, the only thing you run risks of doing is crossing a major interest group, he says.
Still, the heightened discourse in the country, however unflattering and uncomfortable for politicians, is no excuse for lawmakers to avoid their constituents or to bypass the press. Ohio Republican Rep. Jim Jordan told The Washington Post over the weekend that he was taking the heated exchanges in stride. Furthermore, he rejected the notion that he shouldnt listen to protesters who might not be his constituents. If there are people here who arent constituents, theyre still Americans. Im happy to talk to them, he told the Post. Thats how it should be.
Correction: This story originally stated that Roskam, rather than his staff, cancelled the meeting. CJR regrets the error.
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Jackie Spinner is CJRs correspondent for Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. She is an associate journalism professor at Columbia College Chicago and a former staff writer for The Washington Post. Follow her on Twitter @jackiespinner.
Ten snowmobilers have died in thinly frozen lakes across the Northeast so far in a relatively mild winter.
Most of the accidents happened in New York state, where officials warned that, despite recent snowfalls, many lakes have not had enough cold days to develop ice thick enough for riding.
There is more unsafe ice this winter, said Col. Andrew Jacob of the New York Forest Rangers. In most places of the state we havent had the bitter cold, below-zero weather you need to get really thick ice.
Surprisingly, most of the accidents have involved men in their 50s and 60s who have been riding snowmobiles most of their lives.
That was the case with Steve Sattler, 67, and his brother Ed, 64, who died this month when their snowmobiles plunged through the ice on Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks as they were riding back to the familys vacation home.
It was unexpected because they were always very careful when they went out on ice, said Linda Sattler, Steves daughter.
We think they became disoriented because the weather was bad, she said. It was snowing and they apparently lost track of the trail that ran along the pond. When they realized where they were, it was too late.
In New Hampshire, a 15-year-old boy drowned but his father was rescued after their snowmobiles fell through ice on Lake Winnipesaukee on Feb. 11. The same day, two men in their 60s died after their snowmobiles went through ice on a different part of the lake. A 54-year-old man was rescued by friends when his snowmobile fell through ice on the Piscataquog River Jan. 21.
In Maine, a 52-year-old Massachusetts man died when his snowmobile went through ice on Messalonskee Lake in early January.
A search was suspended after police spent four days looking for the bodies of two 40-year-old men who disappeared during a snowmobile outing on Conesus Lake in western New York on Feb. 11. All that has been found is their helmets. Meanwhile, a search continues on Lake Champlain for the body of the second of two Vermont men, ages 23 and 32, who rode across to the New York shore the evening of Feb. 9. Their snowmobiles were found in the water Sunday morning. One body was found Wednesday.
Several ice fishermen also have died after falling through ice in the region, including a 62-year-old man who fell into Lake Willoughby in Vermont on Jan. 26 and two men in their 60s who drowned in a bay at the eastern end of Lake Ontario Jan. 23.
This is just not the year to go crossing a lake, said Dominic Jacangelo, president of the New York State Snowmobile Association. No matter how good and inviting it looks, its likely theres going to be a lot of thin ice underneath that snow.
That thin ice is due to a statistically mild winter. In Glens Falls, New York, known as the Gateway to the Adirondacks, the average temperature for January was 29 degrees, 11 degrees above normal, and the temperature rose above freezing on 23 days. The average temperature so far in February is 25 degrees, nearly 6 degrees above normal.
Beyond the thin ice, it already has proven to be a deadly winter for snowmobilers in New York, with 14 total deaths, most involving crashes into trees or other obstructions. That compares with four deaths last year, when there was scant snow, and 10 the year before.
Maine officials report four snowmobile deaths this year.
Ranger Jacob said snowmobile deaths by breaking through ice are uncommon. Jacangelo said he remembers just one other case when two men in their 70s and 80s drove into a lake in Canton, near the Canadian border, in March 2013.
The snowmobile association and state Department of Environmental Conservation put out notices last week warning riders to be wary of thin ice.
None of the 10,500 miles of state-designated snowmobile trails cross lakes, Jacangelo said, adding that one of the purposes of new community-connector trails the state is creating in the Adirondacks is to give a safer alternative to riders who might otherwise travel on a lake.
Cutting across the lake isnt worth it, said Linda Sattler. Take the extra time and go the long way around.
(Associated Press writer John Kekis contributed to this report.)
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
"We applaud your efforts to pursue tax reform that is both big and bold," the letter states. "Incremental tweaks will not level the playing field for American workers or dramatically reinvigorate economic growth."
In a letter to House and Senate leadership, they argued that the current tax system penalizes American factory workers and restrains business investment and economic growth. Among the 16 executives who signed the letter are Dennis Muilenburg of Boeing , Jim Umpleby of Caterpillar , Thomas Kennedy of Raytheon and Gregory Hayes of United Technologies .
More than a dozen chief executives from some of the nation's biggest manufacturing companies called on lawmakers Tuesday to overhaul the corporate tax code and embrace a controversial proposal that would reduce the cost of exports but penalize imports.
President Donald Trump greets Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg during a ceremony celebrating the rollout of the Boeing 787-10 Dreamliner at the Boeing South Carolina plant in North Charleston, South Carolina, February 17, 2017.
The letter underscores the deep division within the business community as Washington debates the most sweeping changes to the American tax system in more than 30 years.
The companies backing the letter are part of the newly formed American Made Coalition and would benefit from the proposal championed by House Speaker Paul Ryan.
That plan would reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 to 20 percent and allow exporters to deduct the cost of production from their taxable earnings. However, companies would not be able to deduct the cost of imports a feature known as "border adjustment" that effectively imposes a tax on those imported goods.
The proposal is similar to the way European countries treat imports under the value-added tax system, and companies have long complained that American products are more expensive overseas as a result.
"This reform is consistent with the tax policies of nearly every other country in the world, and it would effectively end the 'Made in America' tax that creates an unfair advantage for foreign-based companies at the expense of U.S. jobs and economic growth," the letter states.
The plan faces significant opposition from the retail industry, however, and top executives from Best Buy, Target and Gap, among others, flew to Washington last week to press their case at the White House and on Capitol Hill. They have warned the proposal would raise their costs and, by extension, prices for consumers. And they have established their own lobbying group, the Coalition for Affordable Products.
In addition, Ryan's proposal has received a lukewarm reception in the Senate so far. At least two Republicans, Mike Rounds of South Dakota and David Perdue of Georgia, have come out against it. About half a dozen others have said they have significant concerns about how the system would work in practice, jeopardizing Republicans' ability to garner the simple majority required for legislation to pass in Senate under budget reconciliation.
However, the White House has yet to weigh in on the proposal and it could prove the deciding factor in the debate. President Donald Trump has pledged to unveil a "phenomenal" tax proposal within weeks but details remain unclear. During the election, he called for slashing the corporate tax rate from 35 to 15 percent but also repeatedly vowed to slap double-digit tariffs on imports.
Adopting Ryan's plan could fulfill both of those promises. White House spokesman Sean Spicer even floated using revenue raised through border adjustment to pay for the wall separating the United States from Mexico. Trump has, however, previously dismissed Ryan's proposal as too complicated.
On Friday, Boeing's chief executive had the president's ear. Muilenberg has been one of the most outspoken proponents of border adjustment, and Trump visited one of the company's factories in South Carolina for a raucous campaign-style rally.
At the end of his visit, Trump provided few hints of which way he is leaning.
"We are going to lower taxes on American business so it's cheaper and easier to produce products and beautiful things like airplanes right here in America," he said.
JIAXING, China Billionaire investor Wilbur Ross has taken aim at China for what he describes as its unfair trade practices as well as stealing jobs, but at least one of Ross's companies has sought to benefit from off-shoring jobs to China.
In an industrial park in Jiaxing, CNBC went to find a factory in which Ross, who was chosen by President Donald Trump be the next U.S. commerce secretary, had invested.
The site, which opened in 2007 in a city about a two-hour drive from Shanghai, produces denim fabric, and it belongs to an American company, which at the time was owned by a textile group controlled by Ross.
The factory was built as part of an effort to save costs: Production in the U.S. textile industry had been moving overseas, and the company was building up this factory in China while simultaneously downsizing staff in its main facility in North Carolina.
The downsizing was significant enough for the U.S. Labor Department to offer trade adjustment assistance to the American workers.
Ross sold out of the textile operation only weeks before the U.S. presidential election. His office and the denim company declined to comment to CNBC.
The billionaire has repeatedly criticized China, telling U.S. lawmakers in January that the country was the "most protectionist" among large economies, and that Chinese officials "talk much more about free trade than they actually practice."
"I am not anti-trade. I am pro-trade," Ross said at the time, according to Reuters. "But I am pro-sensible trade, not trade that is to the disadvantage of the American worker and to the American manufacturing community."
But as Ross and others in the Trump administration criticize China for stealing jobs, factories on the ground are battling rising costs and people in manufacturing towns like Jiaxing say they are increasingly worried about production moving to even cheaper countries.
In fact, some in the Chinese business community have even conjectured that Ross's experiences in manufacturing and the global supply chain could make him a more moderate voice on China within the Trump administration.
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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (centre R) and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong (C) inspect the guard of honour during a welcoming ceremony at the Istana presidential palace in Singapore on February 20, 2017.
During a visit to Singapore, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that his country was pursuing greater ties across Asia.
"Israel is pivoting towards Asia in a very clear and purposeful way," he told a press conference and dinner event, according to a video from an attendee provided to CNBC Asia.
The language echoed former U.S. President Barack Obama's plan to pivot U.S. diplomatic relations toward Asia, in part to counter China's growing power, but that plan appeared to have been abandoned by the current U.S. president, Donald Trump.
Netanyahu said he was set to visit China next month and that India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi would visit Israel later this year. The comments came during the first visit to Singapore by an Israeli head of state in three decades.
Business ties between Israel and Asia have been growing.
Earlier this year, Israel and China reportedly reached a deal for around 6,000 Chinese construction workers to come to Israel to help with housing construction. Israel has long faced a housing shortage, in part due to a lack of sufficient construction workers.
On Tuesday, Netanyahu was scheduled to visit a Singapore public housing estate, a visit the Israeli prime minister said he requested as he wanted to learn how the island-nation had resolved the issue. Recently, Israeli officials have also traveled to Singapore to study the city-state's public housing system for ideas on how to help ease its own housing shortage. Ironically, in the 1960s, Singapore set up its own system after studying Israel's.
Israel and China have agreed to begin negotiating a free-trade agreement. Additionally, Chinese investment in Israeli technology companies and in infrastructure has been growing and Chinese tourists have been heading to the country.
India and Israel have had long-standing economic, trade and defense ties, with India among the largest customers for Israel's military equipment.
Israel's prime minister highlighted that his country cooperates with Singapore on the economy, trade and technology.
"This strengthens both our countries. We have extraordinary reputations within the world, but the fact is when we combine them, we have an even more powerful brand," Netanyahu said. "That brand is very powerful. We spoke today about collaborating with third countries. We're already doing that in one African case. I think we should do that in many countries in Africa, many countries in the Pacific."
Netanyahu noted that a joint research and development fund with Singapore had already funded 150 projects.
Netanyahu's visit to Singapore followed a visit by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Israel in April, which marked the first visit by a Singapore head of state to the Middle Eastern country, in a trip that included other nations in the region.
Lee noted at the press conference that SingTel , a Singapore telecommunications company, and Singapore state-owned investment company Temasek were both investing in Israel, while many Israeli startups were using Singapore as a base to invest in Asia.
Lee said that he had a "full discussion" with Netanyahu about the developments in the Middle East and the desire for progress on peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. Lee reiterated Singapore's support for a "two-state" solution as the "only way" to bring peace and security.
Netanyahu's visit to Singapore comes hard on the heels of the Israeli prime minister's meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the U.S. this week.
North Korea can generate a lot of instability and will probably be "the single most defining geopolitical challenge" for the Trump administration, a former Asia director at the U.S. National Security Council said.
Evan Medeiros, who was at the NSC from 2009-2015 and the top Asia advisor from 2013-2015 during the presidency of Barack Obama, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Tuesday he was concerned the crisis over North Korea's nuclear weapons program could escalate.
While diplomacy, sanctions, deterrents and military actions were always on the table, expectations for talks with North Korea should likely be low, Medeiros, who is currently a practice head for Asia at consultancy Eurasia Group.
"North Korea doesn't want to give up its nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are key to its survival," he said. "Talks for North Korea are really about getting sanctions relief, playing for time, playing for advantage, trying to get sanctions lifted. And so if that's the case, I think Trump's tolerance and the tolerance of the Chinese may actually be somewhat limited."
Medeiros expressed concern about how U.S. President Donald Trump might react.
"What I worry about is Trump, understanding that his options are relatively limited, feeling like he's a great negotiator, as he tells us all, that he might give talks a try only to learn the lesson that several other American presidents and Japanese prime ministers and South Korean presidents have learned, which is, the North Koreans really aren't serious about talks at all," he said. "In which case, in a year, we could find that the effort at initial talks failed and we're in an escalating crisis."
Concerns about North Korea's nuclear program, and its missile development resurfaced earlier this month when the pariah nation launched a missile, which media reports said flew about 500 km (300 miles) into the Sea of Japan.
The test launch, which came as Trump hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Palm Beach, Florida, marked a significant step forward for North Korea's ballistic missile program.
To be sure, so far Trump's response to North Korea has been fairly low key.
Olivia Harris | Reuters
Malaysian state-owned oil and gas firm Petronas is aiming to sell a large minority stake in a prized upstream local gas project for up to $1 billion as it seeks to raise cash and cut development costs, two sources familiar with the matter said. Petroliam Nasional (Petronas) is looking to sell a stake of as much as 49 percent in the SK316 offshore gas block in Malaysia's Sarawak state, the sources told Reuters, a move that would be among its first major recent sales as it grapples with oil prices that have slumped by half over two-and-a-half years. That slide has squeezed the cash flows of Petronas, hurt its earnings and forced it a year ago to announce a 50 billion ringgit ($11.2 billion) cut in capital expenditure over four years.
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Petronas, which accounts for a third of Malaysia's oil and gas revenue, has also cut its dividend. Sources had told Reuters in September it is considering selling its majority stake in a $27 billion Canadian liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant, although the company denied it. It is now working with an investment bank on the SK316 gas block stake sale and kicked off the process this month, one of the sources said. Petronas did not respond to a request forcomment. Petronas is currently gauging interest from potential buyers, said the sources, who declined to be identified as they were not authorized to speak about the matter. Gas from the NC3 field in the SK316 block feeds Malaysia's LNG export project, known as LNG 9, Petronas' joint venture with JX Nippon Oil & Energy that started commercial production in January. The sources said the stake is expected to include a combination of the producing NC3 gas field, the potential development of the Kasawari field in the same block and other exploration acreage in the block.
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The funds raised could contribute to the future development of the Kasawari field, one of the largest non-associated gas fields in Malaysia, which has an estimated recoverable hydrocarbon resource of about three trillion standard cubic feet. Petronas put on hold plans to develop the field in 2015 after oil and gas prices fell, according to media reports. Prasanth Kakaraparthi, senior upstream research analyst at consultancy Wood Mackenzie said overall capital expenditure for the 316 block is estimated at around $4 billion, of which the upcoming phase of development accounts for nearly 50 to 60 percent. "Given that the second phase of development will involve a significant amount of capital commitment, it's not completely out of the question to think that they might want to bring in some partners to sort of share some of that burden," he said. The stake could appeal to firms such as Indonesia's state-owned Pertamina, Thailand's PTT Exploration and Production and some Japanese companies, the sources said. They said it might also appeal to the Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company, which snapped up Royal Dutch Shell 's stake in Thailand's Bongkot gas field for $900 million last month.
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Uber's CEO Travis Travis Kalanick has sent a company-wide email responding to a blog written by former employee Susan Fowler alleging workplace sexual harassment, according to a copy posted on Twitter on late Monday in the U.S. and confirmed by CNBC, announcing a review led by former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder along with a partner at the law firm of Covington & Burling.
The email also said the Uber board member Arianna Huffington, and recently hired Human Resources head Liane Hornsey, as well as the company's associate general counsel Angela Padilla will join the probe. Among the allegations in Fowler's blog, was a pattern of sexual harassment and gender bias during her roughly year-long employment at the company, including via the internal messaging system.
"On my first official day rotating on the team, my new manager sent me a string of messages over company chat. He was in an open relationship, he said, and his girlfriend was having an easy time finding new partners but he wasn't. He was trying to stay out of trouble at work, he said, but he couldn't help getting in trouble, because he was looking for women to have sex with."
Kalanick's email did not go into details about the claims by Fowler, but did indirectly address gender diversity at the firm.
"There have been many questions about the gender diversity of Uber's technology teams," Kalanick wrote in the email. "If you look across our engineering, product management, and scientist roles, 15.1 percent of employees are women and this has not changed substantially in the last year. As points of reference, Facebook is at 17 percent, Google at 19 percent and Twitter is at 15 percent."
[Editor's note: Uber issued revisions to Kalanick's statement on the other companies' diversity statistics. Those changes have made to the above quote and below reproduction. The original version of his note under-reported the percentage of female employees at Google and Twitter.]
He added that the review would be conducted in "short order."
President Donald Trump wasn't even in office for a month before his administration decided to hold a pep rally for the new Commander-in-Chief in Melbourne, Florida this past weekend.
Um, isn't it a bit early or just plain strange to do something like that?
Not if you're President Trump. Not when he's up against what and whom he's up against. In fact, he may need to hold these kinds of rallies more often.
The Trump team has made many of the typical missteps each new presidential administration makes in its first weeks. That includes the quick resignation of National Security Adviser Michael Flynn, an immigration and travel ban executive order that set much of the country into hysterical protest, and all of this wrapped into the odd and erratic messaging efforts of spokespeople like White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway.
But with a media and political establishment that's quite well-organized and remarkably uniform in its attacks on the new president, deserved or not, these missteps have all be magnified for maximum effect and presented to the public as evidence of a White House in disarray and a president who is, in the words of one veteran national cable network anchor, "unhinged."
Here's the thing: More than half of the country still likely doesn't see it that way. The stock market continues to roar, as the post-election Trump rally hasn't really paused for more than a day or two since the election. President Trump's poll numbers are weak compared to other new presidents at this stage, but his overall approval ratings in the Rasmussen and Gallup polls are both stronger than at any time during the 2016 election. Rasmussen's daily "right track/wrong track" survey has consistently shown a 12-year-high in respondents answering that the country is on the right track since the inauguration. And another Gallup survey from last week shows that 62 percent of respondents see Trump as strong leader who keeps his promises.
But how can the Trump team tap into that decent support? Enter the raucous pep rally complete with First Lady Melania Trump reciting the Lord's Prayer and vowing to remain "truthful, no matter what the opposition says about me." That double shot across the bow was the just the beginning as President Trump himself followed with several references to the news media and his official political opponents as the "enemies" of not just him, but all of the American people.
Like his Twitter account, the rally is President Trump's truly effective way of getting around the traditional media channels to speak directly to the American public. Love or hate his message, it's exceedingly helpful to the Trump team to dictate the timing and tone of those messages. Waiting for the evening network news or even a favored cable news show just isn't as effective.
Other than beating the media to the punch, will this kind of tactic really work? Timing is a key factor in the answer. All the rallies and calls to action can be meaningless if they're done too late or not in the right context. During a low point early in his first term in office, President Richard Nixon called on the great "silent majority" of the nation to be silent no more and show public support for him and his Vietnam War policies. Nixon gave a nationally-broadcast speech in November, 1969 using that "silent majority" term. It worked. Tens of thousands of supporting letters and telegrams poured into the White House and a Gallup poll showed a whopping 77 percent of Americans supported the president's message. Even as Nixon's popularity ebbed and flowed during his first term, he was always able to draw on that direct message to the public that he had made at just the right time. One crucial example of that played out in the spring of 1970 when a group of "silent majority" construction workers stopped being so silent and eventually even physically attacked anti-Vietnam War protesters in Lower Manhattan. That kind of simmering support for Nixon that always seemed to elude the mainstream news media at the time played a big role in his massive re-election victory in 1972.
But Nixon wasn't always so timely. For example, the fact that President Trump held this rally in an airport hangar must not have been lost on those who remember the final days of Nixon's term in office. Long after his fate had been effectively sealed by the Watergate scandal, the Nixon team put together an "impromptu" supportive rally for Nixon at an airport hangar in Caribou, Maine as the president returned from a summit meeting in Moscow. The term "too little, too late" was quite appropriate for that event since about five weeks later Nixon resigned.
This Trump rally, as silly and too soon as it may seem to many, sure looks like it's more like the shrewd "silent majority" variety right now. It served as a chance for the Trump team to continue to remind its detractors that there are plenty of Americans in key states who support the new president and are not even listening to the media's general message about him right now. And it should also remind them that until the Trump opponents start to speak to those people, they won't get much further than they did last November. For Trump, that's a win/win. It's when he's unable to draw a large or enthusiastic crowd at all that he should be worried. And so far, we're not there yet.
Commentary by Jake Novak, CNBC.com senior columnist. Follow him on Twitter @jakejakeny.
For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
From sea to shining sea, thousands of Americans marked Presidents Day on Monday by denouncing the current occupant of the White House President Donald Trump.
"Not My President's Day" rallies were staged in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Philadelphia and more than two dozen other cities across the nation in a spirited display of defiance against a president who has been in power for just one month.
In Trump's hometown, a huge throng rallied outside the Trump International Hotel in Manhattan, with the crowd blanketing the southwestern corner of Central Park and singing "We Shall Overcome."
Many carried signs that read "Not My President" and "Resist" and chanted "No Ban, No Wall" a reference to Trump's executive order on travel by immigrants and his still-unbuilt wall along the Mexican border.
"I'm really concerned for where our country is headed," said Sayief Leshaw, 22, who joined the rally with his boyfriend and another pal. "We've sold out to corporate interests, and Donald Trump's policies are downright offensive."
Sporadic shouting matches erupted in nearby Columbus Circle when a handful of Trump supporters exchanged angry words with rally-goers.
It was the fifth straight day of protests in Gotham against Trump.
A surprise announcement from Beijing last weekend that it had banned coal imports from North Korea is causing a fracas in China's coal market, as traders scramble for supplies of the commodity that is used in steel-making and heating.
In 2016, China imported 22.5 million tons of coal from the hermit kingdom, representing 12.3 percent of its total imports, said BMI Research. The commodity is also a key export for the isolated nation in the Korean Peninsula.
Prices of steel and coking coal are rallying this week as mills will need to meet the shortfall of 22 million tons should the ban be fully enforced.
On Tuesday morning, the most active steel rebar futures on the Shanghai Futures Exchange and coking coal futures on the Dalian Commodity Exchange were both up about 3 percent, extending gains of 2 percent on Monday.
The ban will be a net positive for coal prices, said BMI's global commodities strategist, John Davies.
On Sunday, Elon Musk's SpaceX made history, successfully completing the first commercial rocket launch from the NASA launch pad that also sent astronauts to the moon. The win comes after multiple failures for the SpaceX and Tesla CEO, who wants to change the way people travel and send humans to Mars. Don't miss: The best cash-back credit cards with no annual fee Since his childhood, books have played a crucial role in fueling Musk's ambitions. It's said that he read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica at age nine and would pore through science fiction novels for more than 10 hours a day. When asked how he learned about rockets, Musk reportedly said, "I read books." His voracious reading habit was essential to launching his history-making career.
Here are eight books that shaped the revolutionary entrepreneur: 1. "Structures: Or Why Things Don't Fall Down" by J.E. Gordon
When Musk decided he wanted to learn rocket science, he studied textbooks on astrophysics and engineering. While reading advanced texts on physics may not be for everyone, this book offers a lighter take on the science behind SpaceX. "It is really, really good if you want a primer on structural design," Musk says in an interview with KCRW.
2. "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life" by Walter Isaacson
Ben Franklin, author, inventor, scientist and diplomat, is one of Musk's heroes. "You can see how [Franklin] was an entrepreneur," Musk says in an interview with Foundation's Kevin Rose. "He was an entrepreneur. He started from nothing. He was just a runaway kid." 3. "Einstein: His Life and Universe" by Walter Isaacson
Musk tells Rose he was influenced by the biography of theoretical physicist Albert Einstein, and it's clear why. Some of Einstein's most famous quotes, like "The important thing is not to stop questioning," and "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new," speak directly to Musk's vision for his companies. 4. "Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies" by Nick Bostrom
Though Musk is a futurist and deeply interested in artificial intelligence, he has shared his worries about potential dangers and ethical concerns associated with the technology. Bostrom's book, which deals with the potential challenges presented should computational intelligence surpass human intelligence, is "worth reading" Musk tweeted in 2014. 5. "Merchants of Doubt" by Erik M. Conway and Naomi Oreskes Musk recommends this argument by two historians who believe that scientists with political and corporate connections have purposefully muddied the facts around many public health issues, such as the negative effects of smoking. He posted his recommendation on Twitter in 2013. 6. "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding This classic novel on survival, competition and greed left its mark on the tech entrepreneur. "The heroes of the books I read always felt a duty to save the world," he tells the New Yorker. 7. "Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future" by Peter Thiel
The book, based on notes from a popular class Thiel taught at Stanford University in 2012, focuses on the need for unique thinking among would-be startup founders. Musk says that his Paypal co-founder's book offers an interesting exploration of the process of building super successful companies. 8. The "Foundation" trilogy by Isaac Asimov
In a 2013 interview with The Guardian, Musk says Asimov's books taught him that "civilizations move in cycles," a lesson that encouraged the entrepreneur to pursue his radical ambitions. "Given that this is the first time in 4.5 billion years where it's been possible for humanity to extend life beyond Earth," he says, "it seems like we'd be wise to act while the window was open and not count on the fact it will be open a long time." Check out how Elon Musk got his start.
Crude oil prices could shoot up to $70 a barrel by the end of 2017 as supply and demand levels continue to rebalance in coming months, according to analysts at Citi.
Nearer-term, the research team has raised price estimates modestly by $5 to an average $55 per barrel for the first quarter and by $2 to an average $56 per barrel for the second quarter.
Yet investors will likely have to wait a few more months for a more sustained rise, says Citi in the note published Tuesday, as Brent traded up marginally to around $56 in early European trade.
"Oil prices are not likely to stray far from their current $53-58 per barrel range in the near term as record investor net length and bearish inventory data will likely cap prices until more tangible evidence of a tighter market emerges," write the analysts.
Citi's research team is looking to the second quarter for positive effects from both the reported 93 percent compliance level of OPEC participants in last November's production cut agreement as well as substantial refinery maintenance in Asia scheduled for the spring.
However, a close eye must be kept on delivery timetables, David Ernsberger, Global Head of Energy at S&P Global Platts, told CNBC's Squawk Box on Tuesday.
"There is the shadow looming of new supply coming to market not just from Iran but also from the U.S. and what we're looking at heading into the second quarter is when will that oil come to market and will it begin to take the edge off prices a little bit," he noted.
Looking beyond 2017, Citi's optimism also fades on expectations that increasing numbers of shale producers will be enticed back into the market by more favorable pricing.
However, the impact of shale is hard to accurately predict given the lack of uniformity in the product says S&P Global Platt's Ernsberger.
"One cargo of shale oil is not like another and you don't really know what is going to happen when you put it through your refinery until it lands at your port and that's a little more uncertainty that even the oil refinery industry - which is used to uncertainty - is really willing to embrace right now," Ernsberger explained.
"So there's a stability of new supply issue that really needs to get worked out in the next few years," he added, saying this was the "big story" regarding shale right now.
Not long ago, Americans' knowledge of Denmark more or less started with Hamlet and ended with an unpopular cheese-filled pastry. That has changed since Denmark became a global trend-setter with the food phenomenon Noma, its binge-worthy crime dramas "The Killing" and "Borgen," and a design sense that has everyone coveting blond wood and sheepskins. So it was only a matter of time before Americans started wondering about another Danish wonder: One of the happiest populations in the world, according to annual surveys by the United Nations, among others. Enter hygge (pronounced "hoo-ga"). It's a Danish word without a precise analog, but loosely translated as cozy contentment. It's an important part of the Danish world view people talk about how hyggeligt it will be to get together, and how hyggelig that get-together was. And it's the subject of a lifestyle publishing boom. More than 20 books on hygge have been published in the last year, with more to come. "The Little Book of Hygge" was published in the U.S. last month after a successful run in the U.K. It's been compared to Marie Kondo's "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" and the feng shui movement. It was such a hit in Britain that the Oxford dictionaries named hygge one of its top 10 words of 2016, and Pinterest called it one of its top trends for 2017.
anyaberkut | Getty Images
Appropriate to Denmark's climate (and our winter), hygge is about hunkering down: It's all candles, blazing fires, warm blankets and fuzzy slippers, reading nooks (called hyggekrog), comfortable pants (hyggebukser), wollen socks (hyggesokker) and tea. But it's not about isolation; quite the opposite. Danes plan hyggelig evenings of cooking together or playing board games. It's possible to have hygge while curled up on a rainy day watching TV, but it's heightened if you are part of a casual gathering, preferably in a cozy cabin in the woods. "Like the emergence of fireflies, when we hygger we shine individually but glow in unison to reveal an inclination toward a powerful collective harmony," writes Louisa Thomsen Brits in "The Book of Hygge." Meik Wiking (pronounced "Mike Viking"), CEO of a think tank called The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, describes hygge as "like a warm hug, but without the physical contact." Wiking, author of "The Little Book of Hygge," spoke with NBC's BETTER to explain hygge, the importance of candles and the persistence of Denmark's bleak crime dramas. For those unfamiliar with the concept, how would you explain hygge? I think the shortest label to put on it is "consciously cozy," or "the art of creating intimacy" or "the pursuit of everyday happiness." But I think it's probably best explained with the anecdote that I think also opens the book: I was in Sweden with some friends and we had been out hiking and came back in the cabin and had the fire going and got the stew boiling on the stove and we were just relaxing, kicking back and enjoying silence and each other's company and one of the guys said, "could this be any more hygge?" And then one of the girls said "yes, if there was a storm outside." Because it's also this feeling of being sheltered from the outside. We all have our cozy moments, but what are we Americans missing? I think you're missing the conscious part. That's the feedback I've been getting from readers in France and Poland and Portugal, where I've been they say "I've been doing this all my life. I didn't know there was a word for it." And I think that helps people appreciate it more and I think it helps people both plan for it and acknowledge it when they experience it. I think that's the difference between Danes and a lot of other people, that we have a word that describes that situation, and that makes us more aware of it and perhaps makes us plan for it more and appreciate it more. And then secondly the major difference is that we see it as part of our culture and part of our DNA, the same way Americans see perhaps freedom as part of their culture or DNA.
Faroe Islands, Denmark. Wolfgang Kaehler | Getty Images
Just as an example, I spoke to a mother of two in France a couple of months ago and she said, "Earlier I would have cuddled up with my two kids on the couch on a Sunday afternoon and we would perhaps have had some treats and tea and I would have called that a lazy afternoon and felt guilty about it. Now I call it having a hygge afternoon and feel good about it." I thought that was really nice, that we help people with the word find value and help them understand why this is a good thing and not something they should feel guilty about. You study happiness in general and Denmark specifically. People in Denmark have shorter workdays, universal health care, free college education. Given that, does hygge really have anything to do with their happiness? The welfare state is the biggest explanation. That's why Denmark does well in the happiness rankings there's social security, universal health care, equal opportunities for men and women, free university education all that, of course increases quality of life and happiness. We've been looking at Bernie Sanders and thinking, why are you not electing him? It's interesting that his ideas are considered progressive in the U.S. I think to us, it's not progressive, it's just common sense. But the trouble with that explanation was it doesn't help us understand why Denmark does better than the other Scandanavian or Nordic countries, because Sweden, Finland, Iceland also have the same high levels of welfare, social security and education, all of that. So that's why we looked at the cultural differences. If you look at Denmark objectively, the weather is awful, the taxes are high, everyone wears black and drinks a lot of coffee. You have these bleak crime dramas. You don't look that happy. The weather's not great, that's a given. We do have summer it lasts about three hours. Take the high taxes it's true we pay some of the highest income taxes in the world, but I think it's more important to see there's wide public support for that level of taxation. I think it's because we feel and experience that we get a lot of return in terms of our high quality of life for that taxation. The dramas: There have been a lot of Nordic noir thrillers out of the Scandanavian countries I think it's perhaps because the countries are so safe that people long for some excitement.
People fight with pillows during World Pillow Fight Day in front of the City Hall in Copenhagen, Denmark April 2, 2016. Nikolai Linares | Getty Images
WHEN: Today, Tuesday, February 21st
WHERE: CNBC's "Squawk on the Street"
Following are excerpts from the unofficial transcript of a CNBC EXCLUSIVE interview with Irene Rosenfeld, Mondelez Chairman and CEO, on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" (M-F, 9AM-11AM ET) today, Tuesday, February 21st. Following are links to the video on CNBC.com: http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000594908 and http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000594909.
All references must be sourced to CNBC.
ROSENFELD ON CONSUMERS WANTING INDULGENCE
CONSUMERS STILL WANT INDULGENCE. I THINK THERE IS ALWAYS A SENSE THAT OH, EVERYBODY IS MOVING TO WELL-BEING. WE CERTAINLY, ON OUR INDULGENT BRANDS, WE ARE CONTINUING TO EVOLVING THEM WITH PRODUCTS LIKE OREO THINS, WITH PRODUCTS LIKE BUBBLY CHOCOLATE. AND MAKING SURE WE HAVE PORTION CONTROL PACKAGES. SO THERE'S ALL SORTS OF WAYS TO MEET THE CONSUMER'S NEEDS. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THERE IS NO QUESTION, IT IS A TREND EVERYWHERE IN THE WORLD. AND AS THE WORLD'S LARGEST SNACKING COMPANY, WE INTEND TO CAPITALIZE ON IT.
ROSENFELD ON DEAL SPECULATION
THERE IS A LOT OF SPECULATION OUT THERE. WE CAN'T SPEND A LOT OF OUR TIME THINKING ABOUT IT. IF YOU STEP BACK A SECOND, THOUGH, WHEN I SPLIT THE COMPANY, I DID IT BECAUSE THESE WERE TWO VERY DIFFERENT PORTFOLIOS AND THEY ACTUALLY HAVE SHOWN THEMSELVES QUITE CAPABLE OF CREATING GREAT VALUE FOR THEIR RESPECTIVE SHAREHOLDERS AS SEPARATE COMPANIES. OUR COMPANY HAS CREATED OVER $60 BILLION OF MARKET CAP AS A RESULT OF FOCUSING ON SNACKS. AND WE'RE JUST GOING TO CONTINUE THAT FOCUS.
ROSENFELD ON KRAFT HEINZ CHASING UNILEVER
YOU KNOW, THERE'S LOTS OF FOLKS THAT COME IN AND OUT OF STOCKS. AND AS I SAID, OUR FOCUS REMAINS ON CONTINUING TO DELIVER WHAT WE BELIEVE IS A MORE SUSTAINABLE MODEL OF TOP AND BOTTOM LINE GROWTH.
ROSENFELD ON ACTIVISTS INVOLVEMENT IN DEAL SPECTULATION
I'D LIKE TO THINK IT IS BECAUSE WE'VE CREATED A GREAT COMPANY. I THINK THAT THE OPPORTUNITY WE'VE SHOWN OUR ABILITY TO GENERATE SIGNIFICANT MARGIN EXPANSION. DOUBLE-DIGIT EPS GROWTH, EVEN IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT. I THINK THE POSSIBILITY OF HAVING A PORTFOLIO THAT HAS STRONG CATEGORIES AND GOOD GEOGRAPHIC FOOTPRINT IS AN ATTRACTIVE PROPERTY.
ROSENFELD ON THE PORTFOLIO
I'M QUITE PLEASED WITH OUR PORTFOLIO. I THINK WE ARE IN VERY VIBRANT CATEGORIES. SOME OF THEM ARE SOMEWHAT MUTED IN TODAY'S ENVIRONMENT, GIVEN THE CHALLENGING MACROS AROUND THE WORLD. BUT I'M QUITE CONFIDENT THAT THEY WILL RECOVER OVER TIME.
ROSENFELD ON MARGINS
WE'VE COMMITTED TO MID 16s IN 2017. WE'VE DELIVERED ABOUT 500 BASIS POINTS SINCE 2013. SO OUR MARGIN EXPANSION, DRIVEN BY OUR SUPPLY CHAIN REINVENTION, ZERO BASED BUDGETING, THE GLOBAL SHARED SERVICES INITIATIVES THAT WE PUT IN PLACE ALL OF THAT IS ALIVE AND WELL. AND IT BECOMES AN IMPORTANT SOURCE, NOT JUST OF MARGIN EXPANSION, BUT THEN OF FUEL, TO BE ABLE TO INVEST IN OUR GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES.
ROSENFELD ON REGULATIONS
AS A GLOBAL MULTI-NATIONAL COMPANY HEADQUARTERED HERE IN THE U.S., THESE REGULATIONS ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO US. WE'RE GOING TO NEED TO WAIT AND SEE HOW THE POLICIES EVOLVE. YOU CAN'T REALLY JUST TAKE ONE PIECE OF IT. MY HOPE IS THE PRESIDENT HAS INDICATED HIS DESIRE TO CREATE A VIBRANT GLOBAL ECONOMY. AS A COMPANY THAT DOES BUSINESS IN 165 COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD, THAT'S VERY IMPORTANT TO US.
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While some companies in the U.S. have sent a letter to lawmakers in support of the proposed border adjustment tax, other companies say it's too early to predict the consequences of the tax.
Speaking to CNBC in Boca Raton, Florida, on the sidelines of the annual Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference, ConAgra CEO Sean Connolly said he's hoping there'll be opportunities for growth with the tax in place, but it's "too early" to know the impact of the border tax.
"No one knows exactly how that will play out, but certainly our view is that the best thing that can happen in this country is to get back to growth," Connolly told CNBC's "Squawk Alley." "It impacts everyone differently. But we will try to sit and watch how it unfolds. Certainly we hope there are some opportunities here, but it is too early to tell yet, we'll see."
To spur growth, Connolly said ConAgra is focused on innovation and remarketing beloved longtime food favorites like Slim Jims, Reddi Whip and Peter Pan to millennials.
"To really restart a company the way we have done, you have to rebuild the innovation pipeline from scratch. This is our first wave and it will just compound from here," Connolly said. "The more we can invest in innovation, upgrading our brands and delighting consumers, the better growth and environment we see, and the happier our investors, employees and customers will be."
And even though Connolly is uncertain about what the border tax will bring, he remains optimistic about the economic policies so far.
"We have to watch and adapt as we see things unfold," Connolly said. "But overall I'm optimistic. We have this business and company going the way we want it to."
Connolly wouldn't comment directly on executive orders impacting immigration, but reiterated ConAgra's intention to support its employees.
"You know, we have, being a U.S. food company, we have 13,000 employees, the vast majority of them are here, and they're excited about what we're doing as a company," Connolly said. "We can't be successful without our employees and we will give them every bit of support that we can. They drive value for our shareholders and we're proud to have them on the team."
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect Connolly's quote to the following: "We have this business and company going the way we want it to."
Check out which companies are making headlines before the bell:
Home Depot The nation's largest home improvement retailer reported quarterly profit of $1.44 per share, 10 cents a share above estimates. Revenue also beat forecasts. Home Depot increased its quarterly dividend by 29 percent and announced a new $15 billion share buyback program, as well.
Wal-Mart The retail giant beat estimates by 1 cent a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of $1.30 per share. Revenue was slightly short of consensus, however. Wal-Mart posted a 1.8 percent increase in U.S. comparable-store sales and also saw a 29 percent jump in U.S. online sales compared to a year ago.
Yahoo Yahoo and Verizon announced a revised deal that cuts the price of Yahoo's internet assets by $350 million to a total of $4.48 billion in cash. The two will share liabilities resulting from the Yahoo data breaches which were revealed after the initial deal was struck.
Tiffany The luxury goods retailer struck an agreement with activist investor Jana Partners that will add three new independent directors. One of those additions, former Bulgari CEO Francesco Trapani, will join the search committee seeking out a new CEO for Tiffany. Jana and Trapani together own about 5.1 percent of Tiffany's outstanding shares.
Unilever Kraft Heinz withdrew its $143 billion bid for its rival food company. Unilever had rejected Kraft's approach, but Kraft initially was hopeful the two sides could come to terms on a deal.
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Popeyes will be bought by Burger King and Tim Hortons parent for $1.8 billion in cash, or $79 per share. The initial approach by Restaurant Brands to Popeyes was first reported on February 13.
Dick's Sporting Goods Oppenheimer downgraded the sporting goods retailer's stock to "perform" from "outperform," based on a spate of soft sales data throughout the industry.
HSBC HSBC reported a 62 percent drop in annual profit, with the bank's bottom line falling well short of analysts' estimates. The results reflected significant writedowns from restructuring, among other factors.
BHP Billiton BHP declared a first-half dividend of 40 cents per share, more than double the year-ago figure of 15 cents a share and above analysts' forecasts for a 34 cent payout. The miner's move reflects the rebound in commodity prices, although BHP said it was still prioritizing paying down debt.
Las Vegas Sands CEO Sheldon Adelson told a Tokyo investor conference that a casino-based resort in Japan could cost up to $10 billion to build. The company is bidding for operating rights in what could become the world's second-largest casino market following Japan's legalization of casinos late last year.
General Motors GM got a positive mention in this weekend's Barron's, based on its plan to sell its Opel division in Europe. The paper said selling Opel could free up as much as $1 billion in cash annually.
Microsoft The company's Windows 10 operating system is still under scrutiny by European Union privacy watchdogs, who say they are still concerned about the privacy settings despite a recently announced change. The officials say users lack control over how Microsoft uses their personal data.
A win for far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen would spell the end of the EU but the French are not crazy enough to let that happen, insists European Commissioner Pierre Moscovici.
"I'm confident. I know my citizens and my compatriots well and know they are not going to elect a candidate who is proposing France exiting (Europe). That would be the end of the European project," Moscovici, who is European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, told CNBC Monday.
In a clear nod to the rising populist movements in Europe, the election of U.S. President Donald Trump and the U.K.'s EU referendum, Moscovici, said he believes common sense will prevail as France goes to the polls in the two-round election this year.
"I cannot imagine 50 percent of the French are crazy enough to vote for her," he said.
"I'm quite convinced that she cannot win she never even ever won a regional election in France never ever."
Europe posted solid gains by Tuesday's market close, supported by a strong uptick in oil prices, positive business activity data and a solid performance by the German DAX.
The pan-European STOXX 600 closed near session highs, ending 0.64 percent up with almost all sectors and bourses closing in positive territory.
Germany's DAX led the gains, closing up 1.18 percent supported by solid data, while France's CAC closed up 0.49 percent. Meanwhile the FTSE 100 ended down 0.34 percent with HSBC's performance weighing on the index.
Investors were given a lift during trade, on the back of a better-than-expected euro zone composite Purchasing Managers Index for February, which came in at 56.0 the highest level since April 2011. France meanwhile reported a composite PMI of 56.2 for February, well above analyst forecasts, while Germany also surged to a figure of 56.1 for the month.
The oil and gas sector outperformed its fellow counterparts, as oil prices rose sharply during Tuesday's trade.
According to Reuters, OPEC said it would be sticking to its agreement to cut production, adding that it hoped compliance from the deal would be higher in the future. At the market close, Brent stood at $56.97 per barrel, while U.S. crude hovered at $54.37.
Sticking with commodities, oilfield services company John Wood Group was the STOXX 600's worst performer, after a heavy fall in full-year profits missed market expectations. The company's shares plummeted almost 8 percent.
When Instagram copied Snapchat's popular Stories feature in August it's a tool that lets users share photos and videos for up to 24 hours before they disappear Instagram execs said they did so because Stories was a format lots of other services would copy, too.
"[We] built on a format that Snapchat invented," Instagram's product boss Kevin Weil explained in December. "It's a format, [and] we believe that format will be universal."
That format is becoming universal at least at Facebook .
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On Monday, WhatsApp, which Facebook owns, became the latest Facebook property to launch a Stories feature when it unveiled a new version of its existing status update option that it's calling WhatsApp Status.
Instead of posting a short status message like "out to lunch" to your profile, the new feature lets users share photos and videos in a montage format for up to 24 hours before they disappear.
Sound familiar? It looks and feels very much like Snapchat and Instagram Stories. (Facebook is testing something similar in its core app, too.)
There are some elements that make WhatsApp's version of Stories unique you can share GIFs to your Status, for example, and all Status updates are end-to-end encrypted, which means that once they disappear they really disappear. Videos can be 45 seconds long, not just 10 seconds like on other platforms, and Status updates are only shared with users in your address book, not followers you may not actually know.
But the concept remains the same, as does the reasoning for adding the new feature.
"This is a format that is being broadly adopted, and we're adopting it as well," Randall Sarafa, a product manager at WhatsApp, told Recode. "There are some pretty interesting things that we've done to make it unique to WhatsApp."
WhatsApp has historically been a bare-bones messaging experience it offered a way to send text messages and photos in virtually any network environment, for free. The company's focus has historically been on reliability, which is why WhatsApp is popular in so many markets outside of the U.S. that are still developing network infrastructure, including emerging markets like Brazil and India.
But in the past six months, WhatsApp has started to build more elaborate media features into the app that other messaging services already have. That includes products like video calling and photo-editing features like stickers.
Now it's adding Status (Stories), too, a feature that feels like a more natural fit for services where users are used to sharing publicly, like Instagram. Sarafa says that WhatsApp's users share lots of media within the app, and he believes that will translate to Status as well. Those sharing totals include 3.3 billion photos and 760 million videos sent inside WhatsApp every day, twice as many photos and three times as many videos as were sent one year ago.
Instagram and Snapchat both make money by placing ads alongside user Stories, and WhatsApp just appointed its first COO, a sign that the company is starting to think about monetizing its 1.2 billion monthly users.
But Sarafa reiterated that WhatsApp isn't interested in showing ads to its users, and Monday's update doesn't change that.
"We're not adding ads to WhatsApp, and we don't have plans to do that," he said.
The new status update feature is rolling out to WhatsApp users in the Netherlands and France beginning Monday, and to the U.K., Spain, Italy, Israel and Saudi Arabia later in the week.
By Kurt Wagner, Recode.net.
CNBC's parent NBCUniversal is an investor in Recode's parent Vox, and the companies have a content-sharing arrangement.
No-one in France's business sector believes populist presidential candidate Marine Le Pen will win the presidency in the upcoming general election, the chief executive of France's Publicis group told CNBC Tuesday.
"No-one in business really believes, at least in France, that Marine Le Pen will make it," Maurice Levy, chief executive of Publicis, told CNBC on Tuesday.
Le Pen, leader of the anti-immigration National Front party, has promised to renegotiate the terms of France's membership of the European Union if elected president, though her chances of success appear limited.
"Clearly she is leading in the first round but if you look at history and what has been the case (for) many years there is no chance that she is getting elected," Levy added.
Elections for the new French president are due to take place in a two-round process beginning in April and ending in May.
Levy, who is due to step down in June, was speaking with CNBC on Tuesday ahead of the group's Viva Tech event which is aiming to become the largest tech event in Europe. The chief executive stressed France has been the number one country on the continent in terms of supporting tech start-up companies and expected around 5,000 start-ups to attend this year.
The world's third largest advertising group reported weaker than expected underlying sales in the final three months of 2016 on February 9. Publicis had cited a challenging calendar year that led to a write-down to part of its digital business as a key factor in the earnings result.
President Donald Trump takes the oath of office as his wife Melania Trump holds the bible on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017. Getty Images
One month in, Donald Trump's presidency looks much like his campaign: a continual series of crises. Trump's formula worked in the campaign and led to his surprise victory. So far, however, his administration is having trouble turning his election promises into a functioning government. Trump has been confronted with a series of administrative crises while struggling to move the ball on key policy priorities. He even returned to the campaign trail in Florida on Saturday. More from NBC News:
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Trump travel ban highlights divide in Michigan's immigrant communities At his first solo news conference last week, Trump likened his White House to a "fine-tuned machine." But the president faces a personnel crisis after firing national security adviser Michael Flynn. Trump's first choice to replace him, retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Harward, turned him down. The White House has also been bogged down in side battles over such issues as the size of the crowd at his inauguration to voter fraud conspiracies, sapping attention and draining aides. One of Trump's signature policy initiatives, blocking travel and refugees from seven Muslim-majority countries, has been held up by the courts and widely panned for its faulty deployment. And there are ongoing issues surrounding his potential conflicts of interest and recent reports linking campaign advisers to Russia. Trump has said the focus on those struggles overlooks success elsewhere. He has argued that other executive orders he's signed, besides the travel order, deserve more attention, along with emerging work on foreign policy, trade and energy. Many of his key Cabinet choices have been confirmed despite a wall of Democratic opposition, which delayed their Senate votes and helped derail his first nominee for labor secretary, Andy Puzder. "There has never been a presidency that's done so much in such a short period of time," Trump said. But most of Trump's executive orders are still limited in scope, and some of the more far-reaching proposals face serious obstacles before they can take effect. Congress has yet to send major legislation to his desk, apart from measures to roll back some regulations issued in the last months of President Barack Obama's administration. In many cases, the new administration still hasn't worked out consistent positions on such important issues as health care, immigration and taxes, which makes it hard to judge their progress. There's also still a feeling-out period abroad, as world leaders nervously try to determine which of Trump's more unorthodox proposals were campaign rhetoric and which ones are new policies. At the same time, Trump has attended to some less difficult campaign promises and laid the groundwork for potentially major moves. There's still plenty of time to regroup, but the first 100 days are considered crucial to enacting a new president's agenda. One month in, here's a look at some of the movement Trump has made.
Health care
Trump made no mention in his inaugural address of repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, despite its being a cherished Republican priority. Yet the future of the ACA, or "Obamacare," may end up as the defining policy fight of Trump's presidency. Republican hopes for rapid repeal have been deflated by intraparty disagreements on policy and procedure.
Speaker of the House Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) (3rd L) speaks as (L-R) House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), House Majority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Rep. Diane Black (R-TN) and House Majority Whip Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) listen during a news briefing after the weekly GOP Conference meeting January 10, 2017 at the Capitol in Washington, DC. The House Republicans discussed the repealing of the Affordable Care Act. Getty Images
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wisconsin, says legislation is imminent that would partly repeal and at least partly replace the ACA. But details are scarce, and there's a widening divide between conservatives, who want a cheaper replacement that would likely cover fewer people, and moderates (especially in the Senate) who are reluctant to adopt changes that would take Medicaid or private insurance from those who have obtained it under the law. Part of the problem is that Trump's own orders have been unclear. He initially said he would release his own plan that would include "insurance for everybody" and "much lower deductibles," but so far Congress is taking the lead. Trump said at his news conference to expect an "initial plan" in March, without specifying its origin. It's not yet clear whether he'll intervene if Republican leaders produce legislation that falls short of his coverage goals or violates his pledge not to cut Medicaid spending, which looks especially likely in the House. In the meantime, ACA exchanges are troubled as more insurers pull out, and delays in naming a replacement plan could spook companies further. Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price has taken some steps to try to stabilize the market while the administration works out a replacement.
Immigration and refugees
The Trump administration moved quickly to implement a version of Trump's pledge to enact "extreme vetting" of travelers and a freeze on refugees from countries that pose "security concerns" a climbdown from his initial proposal to ban all Muslim travel to the United States, which almost no Republican official supported. The confusing rollout of the executive order ended up trapping permanent U.S. residents at airports and generating widespread protests. It was blocked by the courts, which prompted an enraged response from the president. Trump has since said he plans to issue a new order rather than continue to defend the original one in court. But there's been other movement on immigration, too. Trump issued executive orders to build his signature wall along the Mexican border, cut funding to so-called sanctuary cities and expand deportations. The Homeland Security Department is considering further directives that could authorize officials to detain and deport certain undocumented immigrants more quickly.
Protestors gather at the Milwaukee County Courthouse where they attend a rally against President Donald Trumps policy on immigration February 13, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Getty Images
The wall, which would require funding from Congress, faces a variety of legal and logistical hurdles, and it's not clear that the White House has much leverage over local governments. But the administration's order broadening its deportation priorities beyond serious criminals might already be having an impact. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials say recent raids and arrests are in line with policies under Obama, but immigration activists say Trump's orders are spurring authorities to go further. In one case, a mother of two children who are U.S. citizens was arrested and deported, even though she had checked in with immigration authorities regularly after a 2008 arrest for using a false Social Security number to work. Other areas are still to be determined. Trump has held off calls from the right to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy, which protects young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, but his long-term position is ambiguous. He told reporters "I love these kids" last week, saying the situation was a "very difficult subject" that required "heart," without elaborating on policy details. His stance on legal immigration and foreign work visas is also unclear, and it could pit advisers against one another.
Courts
This is arguably Trump's biggest success so far. His choice of Neil Gorsuch to fill the Supreme Court seat left open by the death of Antonin Scalia earned universal praise from Republicans, and the rollout has been relatively smooth, even if Trump wasn't always happy with the process. Gorsuch hasn't been confirmed yet, however.
Neil Gorsuch Getty Images
Trade
Trade is another area in which Trump has had at least one significant accomplishment: He formally rejected the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which he attacked regularly on the campaign trail. Trump has continued to criticize Mexico for what he claims are unfair trade practices, and he reiterated his demand that Mexico pay for a border wall, which prompted Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto to cancel a planned meeting. At the same time, Trump has suggested that Congress fund construction of a wall immediately, even if no agreement with Mexico is in place. Republican leaders in Congress sound amenable, but there's no legislation yet. The president said at a news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that he still plans to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, but his primary concerns were with Mexico and not Canada.
Energy
Trump signed executive orders advancing approval of the Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines, a departure from Obama administration policy. Smoothing their progress was a popular promise among Republicans during the campaign, but it faces opposition from environmental groups and Native American activists.
Winds whip across Oceti Sakowin Camp as blizzard conditions grip the area around the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation on December 6, 2016 outside Cannon Ball, North Dakota. Native Americans and activists from around the country have been at the camp for several months trying to halt the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. T Getty Images
There could be more action soon, however. When he was attorney general of Oklahoma, Scott Pruitt, now the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, led lawsuits against the federal government's regulations on emissions tied to climate change. Environmental groups are gearing up for a fight over what they expect to be a major effort to dismantle them. Trump has also questioned climate science and criticized regulations and international agreements surrounding the topic as overly burdensome to business.
Tax reform
Trump campaigned on a pledge to cut taxes, although he was inconsistent on the details and changed plans entirely late in the race. He's identified tax reform as a top priority since winning in November. As with repealing the Affordable Care Act, it's a popular Republican idea on paper, but it's troubled in practice a month into Trump's presidency. And as with health care, Trump has made fairly confusing statements about what he expects from a deal.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a speech outlining his vision for tax reform at his skyscraper on Fifth Avenue on September 28, 2015, in New York City. Getty Images
House Republican leaders want to adopt a new border adjustment tax, which would penalize companies that rely heavily on imported goods, to finance an across-the-board cut in corporate tax rates. Trump criticized the idea shortly before he took office, but he has since indicated that he might be open to it. Manufacturers, whom Trump has emphasized in speeches, like the idea, but big retailers, who rely on cheap goods from abroad to stock their stores, are gearing up for a major campaign to stop it.
Infrastructure
Trump and top advisers like Stephen Bannon have long mentioned infrastructure spending as a top priority to generate jobs and fix crumbling roads, bridges and airports. But so far, there hasn't been much visible movement in Congress. Democrats are usually more enthusiastic about the idea than Republicans, and Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer of New York unveiled a $1 trillion plan last month in hope of attracting the White House's attention.
A bridge collapse on Interstate 5 near Mt. Vernon, Washington Getty Images
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, told reporters last week that Republicans still expect to tackle the issue in some form, but he has previously warned the White House against spending too much.
Foreign policy
Nowhere has Trump broken further from mainstream politics than in foreign policy, with even few Republican lawmakers willing to fully endorse his views. Since taking office, Trump has sent mixed messages on his priorities, with a mix of conciliatory moves and more aggressive ones, and world leaders have expressed deep concern about whether he will undermine the current system of alliances and agreements on trade, defense and human rights. Trump has praised the use of torture even as he says he won't implement it and he has suggested that he might consider seizing Iraq's oil in the future, which Defense Secretary James Mattis reassured Iraq was not the case in Baghdad this week. Trump is noted for his calls for closer relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he praised often during the campaign. That story got more attention after Flynn resigned over his discussions with Russia's ambassador to the United States and reports unconfirmed by NBC News that several Trump aides had contact with Russian intelligence officials during the campaign.
Vladimir Putin Sergei Ilnitsky | Pool | Reuters
Macy's earnings topped analysts' expectations Tuesday, but its top line fell short as it struggled to get consumers into its stores over the holiday period. The retailer sees tough times persisting during the fiscal year that just began, as shoppers continue to spend more of their money online.
Shares of the chain were roughly flat in afternoon trading, having given up their earlier gains.
Here's how the company did in the fourth quarter:
EPS: $2.02 per share, adjusted, versus $1.96 per share, adjusted, expected by a Thomson Reuters consensus estimate
Revenue: $8.52 billion, versus $8.62 billion expected by Thomson Reuters
Comparable sales: Decline of 3.5 percent, excluding licensed departments, versus a decline of 2.5 percent, excluding licensed departments, expected by FactSet
"While 2016 was not the year we expected, we made significant progress on key initiatives that are starting to bear fruit," CEO Terry Lundgren said in a statement. "These include continued improvement in our digital platforms, the rollout of our new approach to fine jewelry and women's shoes, an increase in exclusive merchandise and the refinement of our clearance and off-price strategy."
Like its department store peers, Macy's has been struggling to attract shoppers who are increasingly spending their money online, at off-price stores, and on traveling and dining out.
The company said last month that sales at its established stores fell 2.1 percent in November and December, which was at the low end of its previous guidance. That decline was despite easy comparisons from the previous holiday period when unseasonably warm weather kept shoppers from splurging on winter apparel.
Macy's earnings per share also declined during the fiscal fourth quarter, falling from $2.09 a year earlier.
The department store is taking a number of steps to try to restore its prior sales growth and profitability. On the retail side, these initiatives include expanding its Bluemercury and Backstage businesses.
The chain is also testing some ways it could reduce its reliance on coupons, which have dented its margins. Hoguet emphasized the company would proceed slowly with any changes to its promotional strategy.
As J.C. Penney learned under the leadership of Ron Johnson, moving too quickly away from promotions could alienate discount-seeking shoppers and deliver a blow to the business.
"You will hear more on this subject as we move forward," Hoguet said.
On the real estate side, Macy's reiterated that it still plans to close another 34 stores or so over the next few years. In January, the company released a list of 68 stores that it plans to close, saying it eventually planned to reach 100.
The chain is meanwhile working to boost its value by selling off some of the flagship locations it owns. Macy's has been under pressure from activist investor Starboard to make money off its vast real estate empire.
"I think [Starboard], like our other investors, they want to see our stock price go up. And so do we. We're all aligned in this regard," Lundgren told CNBC Tuesday.
Adding to uncertainties about the chain, reports surfaced earlier this month saying Hudson's Bay had approached Macy's regarding a takeover. Neither company has confirmed the validity of those reports.
"You've heard and talked about the rumors of somebody buying us, and you've probably also heard we're buying them," Lundgren said. "What I can tell you is we're going to do the right thing for our shareholders. We're not going to be a highly-leveraged retailer because those movies never turn out well. We've seen that before."
Lundgren will step down March 23 but continue on as executive chairman. He will be succeeded by Jeff Gennette, who was named Macy's president in 2014.
During the fiscal year that just kicked off, Macy's projects comparable sales excluding licensed departments will fall between 2.2 percent and 3.3. percent. Analysts had been forecasting a decline of 2.2 percent.
However, the department store said it expects sales to decrease between 3.2 percent and 4.3 percent due to store closures. Analysts had been calling for a decline of 4.1 percent.
The company also said it expects adjusted earnings per share to be between $3.37 and $3.62 a share in fiscal 2017, excluding the impact of expected settlement charges related to the company's defined benefit plans.
However, when excluding for an expected fourth-quarter gain on the planned sale of the Union Square Men's building in San Francisco and the settlement charges, Macy's should earn between $2.90 and $3.15 a share in fiscal 2017.
In fiscal 2016, Macy's generated $673 million in cash from asset sales, $209 million of which has been booked.
Correction: This story has been corrected to reflect Macy's beat analysts' earnings expectations.
Martin Shkreli, chief executive officer of Turing Pharmaceuticals LLC, center, and attorney Evan Greebel, left, exit federal court in New York, on Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015.
"Nothing has been able to stop and nothing will be able to stop Mr. Shkreli from trying to turn this trial into a circus as part of a deliberate strategy to obtain jury nullification rather than have the jury focus on and carefully consider the evidence," said the filing by Greebel's lawyers.
Those lawyers go on to say that the "bizarre, one-of-a-kind spectacle" that Shkreli has created since his arrest which includes trolling Hillary Clinton, journalists, women, celebrities and government officials is an intentional effort to "become more polarizing" among the public and potential jurors for his trial so that he will win acquittal.
In addition, Shkreli, 33, has a long-term pattern and practice of blaming others for his own misconduct, according to criminal defense lawyers for his co-defendant, Evan Greebel.
In scathing new court filings seeking to be tried separately from Shkreli, the former corporate lawyer for Shkreli's company claims the pharma bro's chronic lies included misleading his own business lawyers and also said he used them as unwitting "pawns" in his "fraudulent schemes."
Accused securities scammer Martin Shkreli's co-defendant said Shkreli is a serial liar who "is guilty of committing fraud" and is creating a media "circus" to distract jurors from the evidence against him.
The term jury nullification refers to when jurors acquit a defendant even when they believe he is guilty of charged crimes.
The sensational allegations are contained in documents filed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York.
The two men face an upcoming trial in that court on charges they conspired to loot a drug company that Shkreli founded, Retrophin , out of millions of dollars, in part to pay off investors that Shkreli was accused of defrauding at hedge funds that he ran.
Shkreli's lawyer Benjamin Brafman also has filed a new motion to sever the trials, citing the dueling versions of reality offered by the two men.
In that new motion, Brafman wrote that "Martin Shkreli maintains his complete innocence."
"The evidence will show that he did not defraud, steal, lie, or cheat anyone out of money, and that he devoted his best efforts to bringing value to his investors," Brafman wrote.
Brafman said that Greebel's argument about being misled by Shkreli is "patently unfounded and flatly contradicted by the written communications between Shkreli and Greebel as well as other evidence."
Greebel's defense, according to Brafman, is "unfortunate, disingenuous and unfounded."
Brafman told CNBC in a statement, "We believe that it would be quite impossible for either Defendant to get a fair trial if tried together."
"As for Greebel's efforts to try and distance himself from Martin's legal issues, the fact is that Greebel and his firm billed Martin almost $10 million for legal advice during the very period in question," Brafman said in an email. "If not giving him counsel, he should return the money!"
The accusations in the pending criminal case are unrelated to the controversy that first brought Shkreli national notoriety: his having hiked the price of an antiparasite drug by more than 5,000 percent after acquiring it for his other company, Turing Pharmaceuticals.
Greebel is accused of two criminal counts: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit securities fraud. Shkreli is accused of those counts, as well as six others.
Shkreli has pleaded not guilty to the charges, as has Greebel. Greebel's filing notes that the two men disagree about whether Greebel was Shkreli's lawyer as Shkreli claims or solely counsel for Retrophin, as Greebel says.
Shkreli's criminal defense lawyers said they will, at trial, mount a so-called reliance on counsel defense. That means Shkreli will claim he is innocent because his alleged criminal actions were committed after his own civil lawyers told them they were legal.
In his filing for Shkreli, Brafman noted the large legal fees paid Evan Greebel and his law firm, and also says that Shkreli spoke and emailed with Greebel and other lawyers "virtually every day, often dozens of times per day," on every topic facing Shkreli's business. The filing cited "tens of thousands of emails" between Shkreli and Greebel.
"Greebel provided legal advice and insight to Shkreli, which Shkreli followed faithfully," Brafman wrote. "Because Shkreli relied closely on his experienced legal counsel and other attorneys at the firm, Shkreli has a valid 'reliance on counsel' defense."
In their own new legal filing, Greebel's lawyers argue that having him tried with Shkreli would seriously compromise his right to a fair trial, particularly since the two men "have mutually antagonistic and irreconcilable defenses."
The filing said that because of those dueling defenses, "there will be no realistic way for a jury to find both defendants not guilty."
"We will be arguing to the jury that, among other things, Mr. Shkreli is guilty of committing fraud and that Mr. Greebel is not guilty of the charges against him," wrote Greebel's lawyer Reed Brodsky.
In a related document, Brodsky wrote, "United States v. Martin Shkreli and Evan Greebel is the quintessential case that requires severance."
"We will present strong evidence that Mr. Shkreli repeatedly lied to, misled, and omitted material information from Mr. Greebel and other attorneys at Katten Muchin Rosenman," Brodsky wrote, reffering to Greebel's former law firm.
"Indeed, we will demonstrate that Mr. Greebel was an unknowing pawn in a fraud about which Mr. Greebel was unaware," Brodsky wrote.
"We will also demonstrate ... that Mr. Shkreli is seeking to have Mr. Greebel found responsible for his own misconduct in the same way that, over the years, he has repeatedly shifted the blame for himself to anyone and everyone around him."
The filing said that Greebel's lawyers will also argue that Shkreli told third-parties that he had obtained legal advice from Greebel and other lawyers at Katten Muchin when he actually had not received any such counsel.
The filing lists several examples of Shkreli allegedly lying, including one instance in which Shkreli told Greebel that a former Retrophin director was making an "equity investment" in the company, when in fact that man was making a loan to Retrophin.
Brodsky also wrote that, "If asked whether during the period from 2011 through 2014, how Mr. Greebel has come to learn that Mr. Shkreli lied to him, I anticipate that Mr. Greebel would answer that he discovered these lies from his review of documents produced in discovery in this case that he had never seen before prior to the charges filed against him."
The filing for Greebel's motion for severance notes that he comes "from a long line of attorneys going back at least three generations, including his father and grandfather."
"He is a family man, husband, and father of three young children," the filing said.
"The dichotomy between the charged codefendants is stark."
The filing said that Shkreli has a "plan of creating chaos to distract the jury's attention away from the evidence and obtain jury nullification."
"Unlike any other case that we have been able to identify in history, Mr. Shkreli has a stated plan corroborated by his repeated post-arrest actions to disrupt the criminal trial, instill confusion, taint the jury, and apparently seek jury nullification," court documents argue.
Greebel's lawyers argue that because of Shkreli's notoriety, as well as his post-arrest actions and statements, "Mr. Greebel will be deprived of his right to a fair trial."
Their filing argues that while Shkreli has an "extraordinary amount of negative notoriety," Greebel "has absolutely no notoriety."
The filing notes that Shkreli, in a Financial Times interview last November, admitted to having a plan "to make the case 'more polarizing and popular' by creating a circus-like atmosphere and encouraging hostile publicity."
"And he admitted that his goal is to create the same kind of chaos that surrounded the OJ Simpson, Casey Anthony and Sean 'P Diddy' [C]ombs trials to obtain an acquittal as the defendants did in those cases," the filing said.
The Financial Times quoted Shkreli as saying, "I have this fringe theory that I've sort of stress-tested a little bit the more polarizing and popular a case is, the more likely an acquittal," the filing noted.
After citing the Simpson, Anthony, and Combs' acquittals, Shkreli said, "What's fascinating for all these cases? They were all widely seen to be guilty," the filing noted.
Greebel's lawyers argued in their filing that "as part of his calculated effort to become 'more polarizing,' Mr. Shkreli has engaged and continues to engage an almost-daily, if not hourly, basis in deeply offensive attacks on women, the media, public figures and government officials."
An attached exhibit, the filing noted, identifies about "75 examples of news articles, social media reports and video and audio recordings" that reflect "Shkreli's ongoing and deliberate efforts since his arrest to spread hate and hostility."
The filing said that Shkreli's attacks "on women have been extreme, hostile, and unrelenting."
Among them, the filing noted, is Shkreli saying on an online live-stream two days after his arrests that "he would let pop star Taylor Swift listen to an unreleased Wu-Tang Clan album he owns 'in exchange for sexual favors.' "
Shkreli also tweeted on Election Day last fall that he was the "new right-wing boyfriend" of pop star Katy Perry after she tweeted that she was going to cry about the presidential election results.
"Most recently, Mr. Shkreli sexually harassed a married Teen Vogue writer, inviting her to attend the presidential inauguration with him and flooding his Twitter feed with engineered photographs of them together on which he emblazoned ' 'Till Death Do Us Part,' " the filing said.
Shkreli has also "taunted Stephen Colbert with a homophobic slur," and taunted and heckled Hillary Clinton outside her daughter's home after she became ill at a Sept. 11 memorial event last year.
In his own filings, Shkreli's lawyer Brafman painted a picture of Shkreli as a child of "working-class Albanian parents," who was "raised in a modest Brooklyn apartment."
While attending Hunter College High School, "his brilliance and ambition were obvious," the filing said.
The filing goes on to say that while working in a mail room of a hedge fund founded by CNBC's Jim Cramer "[Shkreli] showed a knack for understanding biotech stocks," and had earlier "taught himself the complex chemistry and biology necessary to learn why certain drugs are effective and why others fail."
An employee works in a lab at Momenta Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Shares of U.S. biotechnology company Momenta Pharmaceuticals plunged on Tuesday after the firm said Pfizer , a key supplier for its multiple sclerosis drug, has received a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration.
Momenta's stock shed 15.5 percent on Tuesday, ending the day at $16.05 per share.
In a release on Friday, the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based company said that Pfizer has indicated that the letter does not restrict the production or shipment of the 20 mg dose of Glatopa, a product that is currently marketed by partner Sandoz in the U.S.
The approval of Glatopa 40 mg, ANDA, will be dependent on the resolution of Pfizer facility compliance issues.
"We are fully committed to work with Sandoz and Pfizer to resolve the recently announced warning letter," Momenta Pharmaceuticals President and CEO Craig Wheeler said in a statement on Tuesday.
Glatopa is a generic version of Copaxone, an injection by Teva Pharmaceutical used to treat patients with relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis.
The company said approval in the first quarter of 2017 is "unlikely."
The company's announcement came ahead of its better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings results. The company posted earnings of 60 cents per share on revenue of $34.2 million on Tuesday.
Analysts expected the company to report a loss of 24 cents per share on revenue $22.4 million, according to Thomson Reuters consensus estimates.
Despite Tuesday's losses, the stock is up more than 6 percent year to date.
Here are some of the key stories CNBC is following this hour:
Libya says the bodies of 74 migrants washed ashore in a city on the Mediterranean Sea. The circumstances involving the drowning of the migrants are not yet clear. Migrant deaths have risen to record levels along the Libya-Italy smuggling route.
Italy's taxi drivers staged a sixth day of protests in major cities Tuesday. Demonstrators blocked traffic in central Rome as they pushed the government to crack down on Uber and limousine drivers. Scuffles erupted outside Democratic party headquarters.
Three national monuments in Washington were defaced with graffiti over President's Day weekend, the third major vandalism of memorials in the capital since 2013. The Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and World War II Memorial were hit sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning.
A Mayo Clinic survey reveals that men and women have different motivations for exercising. It found that women exercise to lose weight while men exercise as a form of recreation. But fewer than half knew what their target heart rate should be.
Here are some of the key stories CNBC is following this hour:
President Trump is denouncing recent threats against Jewish community centers. He made these statements while he was touring the newly-opened National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC.
Two commuter trains crashed outside Philadelphia Tuesday morning. No one was trapped, and there are no reports of life-threatening injuries. The trains were not in service at the time of the crash, reports say.
The popular giant panda, Bow Bow, which was born at the National Zoo in Washington, is moving to China. In grand style, the plane dubbed "The Panda Express" is taking off later Tuesday with Bow Bow on board. She's returning to China to help make more pandas.
Jimmy Kimmel will host, La La Land is likely to win big, and Justin Timberlake and John Legend will perform: these are the things that we know about this Sunday's 89th Academy Awards ceremony. But this isn't just a night for the stars to shine: the Oscars are also a huge opportunity for brands and their marketers. From who will wear what on the red carpet designer brands work with stylists to dress and accessorize celebrities, even though one brand told CNBC it doesn't know until the night whether their label has been chosen to which type of tequila gets drunk at the after parties, Brand Oscar is big business.
Alicia Vikander wears a Louis Vuitton dress at the 88th Oscars, in 2016 Matt Petit | Courtesy of AMPAS
CNBC takes a look at some of their marketing efforts this year. The red carpet This year sees Swarovski not only provide crystals for the awards set at the Dolby Theatre, adorning it with thousands of gems, but also launching a collection of "ethical" fine jewelry for the red carpet. It has announced that actors Priyanka Bose (star of "Lion") and Emma Roberts, who appears in the forthcoming "Billionaire Boys Club" movie, will wear pieces from its Atelier Swarovski collection, according to an emailed statement. The brand will collaborate with Red Carpet Green Dress, an organization that runs a competition for designers to create dresses and tuxedos using "environmentally and socially responsible fabrics," according to its website.
Stella Artois has worked with Marchesa on a dress to promote a partnership with Water.org
Meanwhile, Stella Artois is also working on a red carpet outfit to promote its partnership with charity Water.org, according to an online statement. Model and presenter Olivia Culpo will wear the Marchesa-designed dress, featuring glass beads made from Stella chalices during E!'s "Countdown to the Red Carpet" show on Sunday. Stella is also running a three-part "Journey of a Dress" series on E! News' digital network. Brands behind the scenes Swarovski is also a key player inside the theater. Its crystals have adorned the stage set for 10 years, and the brand has worked with production designer Derek McLane for the past five. Last year's set featured more than 110,000 gems.
The stage at the Dolby Theatre at the 2016 Oscars, using Swarovski crystals in a set designed by Derek McLane Scott Diussa | Courtesy of AMPAS
Backstage, Rolex will be exclusive sponsor of the Oscar's green room for the second year running. Last year's featured a "combination of classic style and superlative quality that are the hallmarks of both the Oscars and Rolex," according to an online statement. However the watchmaker would not comment on the cost of its sponsorship, or how it measured the return on its investment when CNBC.com contacted it via email. Rolex has also set up a mentoring program for emerging artists. For those not lucky enough to attend the ceremony, Rolex is sponsoring a party in London, where the event will be live streamed. Guests at the city's Ham Yard hotel will be treated to a midnight feast and espresso martinis. The TV ads Academy Awards broadcaster ABC has sold out of advertising slots during the ceremony, it confirmed to CNBC.com via email. Ad spots are said to cost as much as $2.5 million per 30-second spot, and brands including Adidas, Stella Artois, AT&T, GM, Hyatt, McDonald's, Samsung, Verizon and Walmart are set to advertise during the ceremony. Walmart is the only retail sponsor of the Oscars, and it has worked with Hollywood directors Antoine Fuqua ("Southpaw") and Marc Forster ("Monster's Ball") and "Superbad" creators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg to produce one-minute films based on six items on a Walmart receipt: bananas, batteries, paper towels, a scooter, wrapping paper and a video baby monitor. A teaser ad is currently running on its YouTube channel, with the full films to be released during the ceremony.
Its sponsorship is part of a multi-year partnership with the Academy, and a way for the brand to be involved in "cultural moments," according to chief marketing officer Tony Rogers. "This campaign is celebrating creativity and storytelling, something our customers do every day. A Walmart receipt tells a story as diverse as the customers who shop with us," he said in an emailed statement. Hyatt, meanwhile, will use its Oscars ad to kick off a global campaign, details of which are yet to be released, while Stella Artois will run its "Buy a Lady a Drink" ad with Matt Damon during the broadcast. The parties Elton John has held Oscars' parties for 25 years, raising funds for his AIDS Foundation. This year's "Viewing Party" guests will eat dinner prepared by Gordon Ramsay while they watch the awards via telecast. Sponsors include jeweler Bulgari and low-calorie beverage brand Neuro Drinks, while Chopin Vodka and Clase Azul Tequila will provide the hard stuff at the event at West Hollywood Park.
Mixologist Charles Joly making a Hilhaven Lodge cocktail
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A pre-election "action plan" released by President Donald Trump listed a plan to renegotiate or withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement as the top strategy it will pursue to protect American jobs. But it could be quite some time before a new version of that deal is formally set in motion, according to trade experts. To renegotiate NAFTA, under a law passed in 2015, the White House must open an official 90-day negotiating window with Congress, during which time the legislative and executive branches will debate how the deal should be changed. That hasn't happened yet, according to congressional aides with knowledge of the process. The White House is, however, pursuing informal negotiations, as evidenced by a meeting with leadership from the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways & Means Committee in early February. Press secretary Sean Spicer called the group which included chief strategist Steve Bannon, presidential adviser Jared Kushner and the then-unconfirmed Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross an "all-star team" that would "chart the future of U.S. trade policy."
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer directs trucks entering the United States from Mexico through the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego, California. David Maung | Bloomberg | Getty Images
"The fact that the President met with Congressional leaders on Feb. 2 and discussed NAFTA renegotiation does not mean the U.S. clock has started," according to Ambassador Carla Hills, the primary NAFTA negotiator as U.S. Trade Representative under George H.W. Bush. A senior Trump administration official called that meeting informal, saying the White House would pursue substantive changes in the deal through "proper channels." In the meantime, aides for the House Ways & Means committee and the Senate Finance committee the groups with jurisdiction to rework trade agreements told CNBC they had not received communication from the White House to do so before recess began this week. The purpose of the 90-day period is to allow the Administration and Congress to "develop common goals," according to Ambassador Miriam Sapiro, a former deputy U.S. trade representative under President Barack Obama who today is with public relations firm Finsbury.
Mexico begins 'contingency plans'
President Donald Trump on Tuesday condemned anti-Semitism in his strongest terms so far after criticism that he failed to respond specifically to recent threats at Jewish community centers.
"I will tell you that anti-Semitism is horrible, and it's going to stop and it has to stop," Trump told MSNBC in an exclusive interview, saying he denounces prejudice "wherever I can."
The statement comes amid a wave of threats to Jewish community centers around the country. Federal authorities were investigating threats made to 10 facilities on Monday, according to NBC News. No one was injured and the calls appear to be hoaxes, NBC said.
Trump faced criticism for his recent responses to questions about Jewish community centers getting targeted in the U.S. At a press conference last week, Trump denied that he is personally anti-Semitic but did not explicitly condemn threats against the centers. He told a reporter that his question about the threats was unfair and appeared to think that he was accused personally of anti-Semitic behavior, though the reporter's question did not suggest that.
He also failed to denounce threats in last week's joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump later condemned anti-Semitism in a statement following his tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington.
"The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate
and prejudice and evil," Trump told reporters.
In one instance, vandals toppled headstones of about 170 graves at a historic Jewish cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri.
Asked Tuesday why Trump did not explicitly denounce the threats when he was given a chance last week, White House press secretary Sean Spicer argued that Trump has "been very clear over and over" about his administration's push for unity. He said that Trump may not need to respond to every incident because "he's spoken very forcefully" against prejudice.
Reuters contributed to this report
Then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump holds a sign supporting coal during a rally at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., on Oct. 10, 2016.
President Donald Trump plans to sign executive orders to revise Obama-era initiatives on carbon emissions from power plants, coal mining on federal land and government authority over bodies of water, The Washington Post reports.
The story cites individuals briefed on the proposals and adds new details to previous reports on efforts by the Trump administration to shake up the Environmental Protection Agency's climate change efforts through executive action.
The efforts will take some time to implement and are likely to draw legal challenges.
The Post reports Trump will order the EPA to rewrite the Clean Power Plan, a core part of President Barack Obama's efforts to reduce the country's greenhouse gas emissions and meet its commitments to the Paris Agreement, an international accord aimed at moderating the impacts of climate change.
The rule requires states to devise plans to significantly cut carbon emissions from power plants and was expected to impact coal-fired plants in particular. The Supreme Court delayed implementation as the U.S. District Court considers legal challenges to the rule.
Tyson Foods signage is displayed on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange on Monday, Nov. 21, 2016.
In his first televised interview as CEO of Tyson Foods , Tom Hayes told "Squawk on the Street" that the U.S. Security and Exchange Commission's probe is based on an unfounded lawsuit.
"So the SEC is investigating, is reviewing, because there's an underlying case, an antitrust case, that is baseless," he said. "And really, plaintiffs' lawyers, grasping at straws, grasping at straws. And for us, [the antritust cases are] noise, but it'll last some time."
Speaking to CNBC in Boca Raton, Florida, for the annual Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference, Hayes said there's still a lot of good news. The company just announced that it will make its flagship poultry products antibiotic free, allowing it to potentially boost profit margins. And investors, he says, are on board with the company's moves.
"We're the only company in the last three weeks against our major competition that's actually growing volume," Hayes told CNBC. "So they're excited about our growth story, they're really coming along with us and that's been the exciting part of our story today."
And on President Donald Trump, Hayes seemed optimistic. Tyson, he says, doesn't export a lot to Mexico. While he refused to take a stance on Trump's immigration order, he did say that Tyson has many immigrant employees and is working to provide support for them.
"We haven't taken a stance [on President Trump's immigration order]," he told "Squawk on the Street." "Our view is we want to make sure Tyson is right."
CORRECTION: This story has been updated to reflect the proper text of Tyson Foods CEO Tom Hayes' quote about grasping at straws.
Wells Fargo said Tuesday that it has terminated four senior managers based on its board of directors' ongoing independent investigation into the bank's sales practices.
In a release, the Wells Fargo said four current or former senior managers in community banking have been terminated.
Claudia Russ Anderson former community bank chief risk officer
Pamela Conboy Arizona lead regional president
Shelley Freeman former Los Angeles regional president (now head of consumer credit solutions)
Matthew Raphaelson head of community bank strategy and initiatives
The board met in January and discussed withholding bonuses for senior executives, including Chief Executive Timothy Sloan and Chief Financial Officer John Shrewsberry, The Wall Street Journal had reported.
These terminations follow the bank being fined $185 million by regulators including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau over fraudulent accounts for some 2 million customers.
The practice known as cross-selling created scandalous headlines and shook investor confidence.
The bank fired more than 5,000 staffers over a five-year period after reviewing the credit card and checking accounts for which it "could not rule out the possibility that an account was unauthorized."
Wells Fargo later expressed regret and said it would take full responsibility for "any instances where customers may have received a product that they did not request."
Sloan, on the company's fourth-quarter earnings conference call last month, said the company continues to work to rehabilitate its image.
"We are leaving no stone unturned so that we can emerge from this a better, stronger company," Sloan said.
The executives listed on Tuesday will not receive a bonus for 2016 and they will forfeit all of their unvested equity awards and vested outstanding options, the bank said.
The board said findings are expected before its 2017 annual meeting.
Reuters and CNBC's Jeff Cox contributed to this report.
The growth in nonbank lending is truly staggering, from just 10 percent of the mortgage origination market in 2010 to half of it today, according to Inside Mortgage Finance. Its share is dominant in government-insured lending by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which was particularly aggressive in holding big banks accountable for any mistakes in loan underwriting.
Paul Miller, a banking analyst at FBR Capital Markets, said he believes big banks will return to the market, "but they will need solid protections on reps and warrants" the financial due diligence that's done on both sides of the transaction before a deal can close. He added that banks will also need rules concerning the ability to repay bad loans to be relaxed.
The revolution went largely unchallenged, but that may be about to change if the Trump administration removes regulations on the big banks and stops sending bad loans back to the banks for repayment. Deregulation would open the door for big banks to move back in.
For the past six years, there has been a quiet revolution in the mortgage market: Big banks like JPMorgan , Bank of America and Citibank have moved out and nonbank lenders such as Quicken, loanDepot and Caliber Home Loans have moved in in a big way.
FHA loans are riskier by definition because they require just a 3.5 percent down payment. The big banks moved out of FHA loans almost entirely. Banks that are still in the market are much less competitive in pricing and have therefore dropped in market share.
With the exception of Wells Fargo , which is the largest mortgage lender by a wide margin, big banks have become far less competitive in the overall mortgage market because they have had to shell out billions of dollars in fines and legal settlements resulting from the financial crisis.
"It's become very unattractive from a regulatory perspective," Josh Rosner, managing director at Graham Fisher, said in an interview on CNBC's "Sqawk Box."
Big banks also continue to bear the brunt of mistakes in underwriting and, as a result, protect themselves by charging slightly more for home loans. Wells Fargo declined requests for a comment on potential deregulation.
The Trump administration has not put forward any specifics yet, but the banking sector is expecting changes in some of the more stringent rules put on mortgage lending following the financial crisis. If deregulation happens, nonbank lenders who were able to grow market share so easily will face tougher competition.
"I fully expect that the banks will also step up their exposure to lending a lot more, and I expect it to be more from the regional banks than from the major banks in terms of the sequencing of how lending will grow," said Sanjiv Das, CEO of Texas-based Caliber Home Loans.
Das headed Citigroup's CitiMortgage unit from 2008 to 2013 during the worst of the housing and mortgage crisis. Caliber has been one of the first lenders to begin offering loans to borrowers with less-than-perfect credit. Das said even with deregulation, he believes nonbank lenders will still have the edge.
"The independent lender will continue down the path of continuing to gain market share because they are substantially more nimble and more focused," said Das.
Nonbanks are subject to all Dodd-Frank consumer protections, and they mostly sell their loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, so they are subject to strict underwriting rules. The same with FHA, which nonbanks have moved into the most. Deregulation could create more competition, but, at the same time, it could grow the mortgage business as a whole.
"I think it will benefit us because what I think it's going to do is provide a higher level of volume, so I think industry growth overall is going to be good for the industry and for the consumer," said Anthony Hsieh, CEO of loanDepot, a nonbank lender. "We are prepared for any direction that the new administration would want to take, but certainly I think providing more available credit to the country really is a good direction."
The government still provides 90-plus percent of mortgage financing, with Fannie, Freddie, FHA and Veterans Administration loans. That is expected to change in the new administration, and new regulations on the capital coming into the market will change along with that. Smaller regional banks will surely want to take advantage, even if the big banks hold back.
"I don't expect a lot of competition from the super big lenders, but I do expect that the regional banks will step up their exposure to lending a lot more because the U.S. consumer is still very strong, home buying is very strong, and everyone has to show growth for their shareholders and investors," said Caliber Home's Das.
Unfortunately for all lenders, rising mortgage rates will take overall mortgage origination volume down in 2017, deregulation or not. Refinance volume is already at half the level it was one year ago, and while home sales are expected to rise very slightly, that will not make up for the huge downshift in refinancing.
ROME, N.Y. Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) recently formally opened its Rome campus, completing a $30 million renovation that started in June 2015.
Officials held a ribbon cutting in the Plumley Complex atrium at 1101 Floyd Ave. on Feb. 10, the college said in a news release.
The renovation work included the addition of 48,000 square feet on the Plumley Complex with two wings on either side of the building.
Crews also updated classroom space with equipment to allow for expansion of programs that include educational interpreting, surgical technician, unmanned aerial systems, cybersecurity, and STEM programs. STEM is short for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Crews also merged the library and learning center into a Learning Commons, which includes four group-study rooms, a conference room, a computer lab, math and writing labs, a testing center, and tutoring stations.
The work also included the addition of a dining room and an update of the kitchens and cooking labs for the hospitality programs.
The renovations also included the addition of a 120-person community-event room, and improvements to the parking and quad areas, along with the building entrances, MVCC said.
MVCC described the renovation work as a collaboration with both Oneida County and New York State.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
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What did Eli Drinkwitz say after Missouri's game vs. Kentucky?
At least 10 U.S. lawmakers have written University of California officials about their plan to move IT jobs offshore. It has been called it "ill-advised" and "dangerous," and some have demanded its reversal. But the letters have had no apparent impact, and employees are slated to be laid off Feb. 28.
The next step in the fight is legislation.
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California Assembly member Kevin McCarty, (D-Sacramento), introduced a bill (AB 848) Thursday in the state legislature that's backed by university unions. It would require the University of California and California State University to certify that any contracted work "will be performed solely with workers within the United States."
McCarty's legislation may be too late to help the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF) IT employees scheduled to lose their jobs this month. But it could stop the loss of other IT jobs across the university system.
The agreement UCSF signed with IT services contractor India-based HCL can be used at other campuses, potentially putting hundreds of other IT jobs at risk.
UCSF is laying off about 50 full-time IT workers, plus contractors, and is eliminating vacant posts. Nearly 100 positions will be affected all together. School servers, which were outsourced to a Dell facility in Washington state, will remain in the U.S. But the systems will be accessed by workers overseas, a university official has said.
McCarty notes in his bill that this action has precedent. In 2012, California approved legislation ((AB 2508)) prohibiting the offshore outsourcing of call centers that administered state public benefits program. It was signed into law by the Gov. Jerry Brown, who is still in office.
McCarty's legislation is backed by unions affiliated with university employees, including the University Professional and Technical Employees, a Communications Workers of America local.
"This bill is important as we put a stop to this nonsense," said Kurt Ho, one of the affected IT employees at UCSF. He said U.S. taxes should be used to create jobs in the U.S., not in other countries.
UCSF has said that its $50 million, five-year contract with HCL will save it $30 million. University officials have blamed cutbacks in state assistance and rising healthcare costs for the decision.
But the university is a publicly supported institution, and the outsourcing move has prompted a backlash from lawmakers.
The complaints have arrived in letters written over the last several months and sent to Janet Napolitano, the UC president. They discuss the appropriateness of a public institution sending jobs overseas, and question the role of H-1B visa workers in this shift.
Originally, Labor Condition Application notices were posted at UCSF, indicating plans to bring in H-1B workers. Computerworld received copies of the notices. But the university said that none of the workers is being replaced by H-1B visa holders. This does not remove the H-1B visa use from the discussion. While HCL is far from the largest user of H-1B visa workers, it is in the top 10.
Offshore outsourcing firms are the major users of H-1B visa workers, and increasing numbers of lawmakers say it was never the intent of the program to facilitate offshore outsourcing. "Generally speaking, the H-1B program should never be used to cost U.S. citizens their jobs," wrote U.S. Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.).
Another issue involves the use of public monies to offshore jobs. "I believe that California tax dollars should be used to support high-quality jobs in our state," wrote U.S. Rep. Jared Huffman (D-Calif.).
In a joint letter, U.S. Reps. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) wrote: "This move has potential negative consequences not only on jobs and the local economy, but calls into question the responsibilities of public institutions that receive taxpayer funding."
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), after originally sending the IT workers a form letter that her spokeswoman acknowledged was a mistake, followed up with something stronger.
"I understand that UCSF may need to cut costs for a number of reasons, but I firmly believe that this is not the way to do it," Feinstein wrote to Napolitano. "I urge you to address any budget issues without outsourcing domestic jobs to foreign workers and reconsider the decision to contract with a foreign firm for labor currently being performed by Californians," she wrote.
U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) said: "This decision would set a dangerous precedent that could be used at other campuses, and other institutions, to erode the American workforce."
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa,) the chair of the Judiciary Committee, fired off a long list of questions to university officials, while House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) called the outsourcing decision "ill-advised."
U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.)., told the university its plan "should be reversed," as did U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.).
And the UCSF faculty association argued that it was wrong for publicly funded institution to ship jobs overseas.
"We ask that you immediately rescind this outsourcing of IT services, both because it is not appropriate for a university operating with a majority of its funds coming from public sources to abrogate its responsibility to the public and because the quality of the IT work done will be compromised when workers are not be on-site, indeed may be outside the country," wrote Edward Yelin, a professor of medicine and health policy at UCSF and chair of the UCSF faculty association.
Day two of the Lords debate on the Brexit Bill, and a hundred speakers to go. Can anyone have the strength to listen to all ten hours of this?
Especially as ones attention is drawn to the distressing sight of Lord Humbug, embedded in a row of more distinguished figures. As plain Henry Humbug MP he played a forgotten, but for a day or two vaguely significant, role in a Tory leadership campaign towards the end of the last century.
Humbug has his reward, but looks 20 years older. It occurs to us that he actually is 20 years older. Worse than that, he looks at deaths door, and can hardly totter to his place. What an emblem of mortality, and of the vanity of human wishes.
We did not enjoy listening to Humbug in the Commons, and will avoid his contribution this afternoon in the Lords, but for a moment we feel a twinge of pity for the self-important old fool.
Lord Willoughby de Broke, who with Lords Pearson and Stevens makes up the UKIP contingent in the Upper House, congratulated Theresa May on her Lancaster House speech: It was a transformational speech, it was actually my Lords a UKIP speech.
If he is right, what need is there for UKIP?
The most emotional contributions at the start of the debate came from bereaved members of the losing side. Lord Liddle, a Labour peer who used to advise Tony Blair on European matters, expressed terrible sadness at the referendum result: I hang my head in shame.
He denounced the present leader, Jeremy Corbyn, for never being a European true believer and for leading Labour MPs into the division lobbies alongside a right-wing Tory government dancing to Iain Duncan Smiths tune.
Liddle added that Keir Hardie never flinched in the face of the jingoists and imperialists, but declined to express an opinion about Sir Keir Starmer, who currently leads for Labour on Brexit.
Baroness Kennedy of the Shaws the barrister Helena Kennedy said their grandchildren would want to know: Did you dance to the tune of the Daily Mail? She urged her fellow peers to say: Not in our name!
Lord Lisvane, who as Sir Robert Rogers was Clerk of the House of Commons, warned with lucid authority of the risk that Brexit, if mishandled by Parliament, could lead to a major transfer of power to the Executive. His speech deserves to read in Hansard.
Baroness Kramer, one of the large contingent of Lib Dem peers, claimed in the urgent tone she would have employed in an emergency debate at the Lib Dem conference that the financial services industry was in danger.
But Viscount Trenchard calmed peers by recalling that when he represented Kleinwort Benson in Japan, it derived its standing from the fact it was a British firm, headquartered in London, and this had nothing to do with being a member of the EU.
Baroness Altmann, who served as Pensions Minister, warned that MPs risk rushing headlong into lighting the fuse of a two-year time-bomb, and urged them not to lead the country over a cliff-edge without taking care to put in strong safety nets.
Danger, mixed metaphors ahead! But perhaps leaving the European Union is not a manoeuvre that can very usefully be compared to taking out a pension plan.
Could the Conservatives win the Stoke Central by-election? This was the question posed after Theresa Mays visit yesterday to the constituency.
Until recently, it would have seemed absurd to ask whether Labour could lose Thursdays poll to the Tories. If anyone presented a threat, it was surely UKIP.
But in the course of several dozen conversations with voters in Stoke yesterday, it became clear that the dissolution of tribal loyalties, and indeed of tribal hatreds, no longer favours UKIP.
It has instead created a confused and volatile situation, in which many people who once gave unquestioning support to Labour are not sure who if anyone they will support on Thursday.
At the 2015 general election, Tristram Hunt held the seat with just under 40 per cent of the vote, but a majority of 5,000 over UKIP and the Conservatives, each of whom polled 7,000 votes.
The turnout was 50 per cent, and on Thursday will be much lower. Young voters yesterday expressed a total lack of interest in the by-election, saying things like I dont know anything about it and I dont do anything to do with politics. Perhaps the decline of tribalism which modern-minded people regard as an unmitigated good will lead to sharply declining participation in politics.
Several things are, however, clear from talking to the middle-aged and the elderly. No one expressed regret that Britain is leaving the European Union: in Stoke, that is a source of general satisfaction.
Many people also expressed strong opposition to immigration. Some volunteered their particular opposition to the admission of child refugees from Syria.
Given these opinions, it is perhaps not surprising that the only party leader for whom widespread admiration was expressed was May, for she is implementing Brexit and is determined to reduce immigration.
Jeremy Corbyn is regarded with disfavour, Tony Blair with grave irritation, but the UKIP leader, Paul Nuttall, who is also the partys candidate in Stoke, was often referred to in even more unflattering terms. He has had an unhappy campaign, with each day bringing some fresh embarrassment.
His false claims about the Hillsborough disaster have the additional drawback for UKIP of advertising to the people of Stoke the fact that he is from Merseyside.
At Stoke station, the traveller is greeted by a statue of Josiah Wedgwood (1730-95), holding one of his pots. And fresh off the London train were two Labour MPs, Ed Miliband and Jack Dromey, while a Conservative MP, David Rutley, appeared outside the station, waiting for a lift.
Amber Rudd, Philip Hammond, Chris Grayling, Nick Gibb and David Gauke are among the Conservatives who have recently visited Stoke.
Walking in to the city centre, I met a Labour voter who said: Bring back Harold Wilson! Voters in Stoke seem to be more than usually keen to baffle inquiry by saying things like that.
At UKIPs headquarters, a spokesman said Nuttalls Hillsborough remarks were not as big a problem in Stoke as for the people of Liverpool, and pointed out, with justice, that Labours candidate has suffered his indignities as well. But another UKIP person suggested the Conservatives have, in Jack Brereton, a better and more reliable candidate than either of the other parties.
An unemployed 61-year-old man said of the by-election: Ill be glad when its over. Ive had that many leaflets from each candidate, its ridiculous. He thought UKIP very poor, deeply disapproves of the Conservatives because of the bedroom tax, and is displeased with Hunt, the sitting Labour MP, for doing a runner. But he still thinks he may vote UKIP.
The next people I met were a married couple, Ann and Alan Tranter, who live at Longton, which is one of the six pottery towns but outside Stoke Central. They nevertheless expressed, in vivid form, what many other disillusioned Labour supporters said in a more fragmentary way.
Alan: We definitely vote UKIP. I voted Labour all my life. Never again. Corbyns the main reason. I think Theresa Mays doing a good job. Shes certainly the best leader in the Commons at the moment. Ive never voted Tory.
Ann: I would. I believe shell do what she said.
Alan: Id find it very difficult to vote for the Tories.
Ann: Labour isnt the party it was. And Tony Blair, how he dares to show his face, I dont know. This city has always been Labour, but I dont think we are now.
Alan: Weve got three Labour MPs who voted Remain.
Ann: Which is ridiculous. Blair makes out we dont know our own minds. We know our own minds. No matter what he says, we want out of Europe.
Alan: We didnt want to go in the Common Market in the first place.
Ann: They always said thered be more work in the pots. And what happened? All the pot banks have shut. We had Chinese coming round the pots, copying what we did. I said Im not sitting here showing them what I do. I went to the loo.
Alan: There was 35,000 people working in the pottery industry. Now its down to well under 5,000. We had to go along with all that Common Market rubbish. If Tony Blair came along and offered me a million pounds, I wouldnt change my mind.
A retired foundry worker said of May: Shes better than the last woman Prime Minister. Margaret Thatcher didnt have much empathy for the working class. I think the elections just between two parties here, the Conservatives and UKIP. Labour has no chance, theyre against Brexit. I used to be a Labour voter, but things have changed.
A bricklayer said: Im not interested. Itll be UKIP if I vote for anyone. But it doesnt matter who you vote for, I think Labourll get in. I wonder why weve got a Scouser [Nuttall] trying to represent us. He knocked at my door I didnt realise who it was I said, What are you doing round here? Blair was the best Prime Minister we ever had. He banned all smoking in public places.
An Iraqi who has acquired British citizenship said: Labours going to win, but I voted Conservative. But now really I dont want to go to vote. Now I dont trust the politicians. Cameron said he would stop ISIS, he would stop criminals in Iraq and Syria, but he did nothing. ISIS is like cancer. Its coming to Europe. Its coming to everywhere. Honestly, its very, very dangerous.
I returned to the station feeling confused, but here, thank heavens, I met Henry Bellingham, the Conservative MP for North West Norfolk, who had just been out canvassing.
Bellingham said: A lot of the Labour vote that was edging towards UKIP is returning to them and some of the UKIP vote is coming to us. Nuttall is very accident-prone, and hasnt been professional.
In Bellinghams view, the Conservatives have an outside chance in Stoke. But he added that the Labour MPs he met while campaigning in Stoke looked quite cock-a-hoop because the UKIP challenge is fading rapidly.
I agree with Bellingham. It seems to me that although the traditional loyalty of many voters to Labour is dissolving, it is not melting away fast enough to hand victory to the Conservatives. If Nuttall flops on Thursday, he rather than Corbyn could well be the first victim of Stoke. Copeland, of course, could be a different matter.
Sajid Javid is under fire. The Local Government Secretary was already lumbered with the never-popular task of revaluing the nations outdated business rates, to the alarm of various Conservative MPs, but now he is under fire from his colleagues for circulating a letter which they allege fed them distortions and half-truths about the scale of the changes. The Chancellor has hinted that there might be some reliefs available for small businesses, but for now Javid is left hanging in the wind, the target for negative headlines and interviews by his colleagues.
Ministers proposing controversial policies often come in for criticism, perfectly naturally. But Javid seems to be taking particular flak on this occasion.
Part of that is due to the scale of the changes proposed. But theres also a personal element.
Take the letter which has angered so many MPs, for example. Javid wasnt the only signatory David Gauke, stalwart of the Treasury, also put his name on it. But Gauke is mentioned only in passing, if at all, in the diatribes that have resulted. The Times led its splash with Sajid Javid accused of misleading his own MPs, while The Sun had Cabinet minister Sajid Javid slammed for peddling dodgy figures' and the Mail devoted a leader column to branding him petulant. Theres no suggestion that Gauke bears any greater responsibility for the fiasco than Javid does, but its notable who is getting a drubbing for it.
How did he get into this fix?
Fates like this rarely befall a minister overnight they normally take a bit of working up to, and so it is in the case of the Local Government Secretary. Ordinarily, a politician under fire can expect support and defence from their supporters and perhaps from a patron. In the last 12 months, Javid has lost protection on both fronts.
Think of where he was a year ago. An ardent Eurosceptic who was also an Ayn Rand-reading libertarian, he had a fan base in certain sectors of the Conservative Party who saw him as a likely Leave supporter and either an inheritor of the Thatcherite economic mantle, the person to bring freedom back into the Tory conversation. Some even considered him a possible future leader certainly he looked likely to be a wildcard when the leadership race eventually came and plenty of people were willing to stick their necks out on his behalf.
That grassroots armour was battered away by events. We must take his word that the economic argument persuaded him to support Remain, but if so then he hadnt helped himself by showing more than a little ankle to Leavers before making that decision. In the end, he ended up pleasing neither side by supporting staying in while trying to retain his status as a Brussels basher all the same.
That cooled Eurosceptics enthusiasm, and the Thatcherites were in for the same experience. Despite his enthusiasm for Rand (and the courtroom scene from The Fountainhead in particular), by April he found himself nationalising part of the steel industry. Again, not only did he lose former fans in doing so, but his handling of the Port Talbot storm didnt win him any new ones.
The effect of these two events can be seen in our Cabinet League Table in January 2016, Javid was fourth with a net approval rating of +73.5, but this month he sits in 15th place, his net approval rating having halved to +38.5.
Even then, he still had a powerful patron in George Osborne. Javid was one of Team George, arrayed around the Cabinet table effectively in waiting for the eventual transition of power. The then-Chancellor had considerable clout (we may yet see in the Brexit process the extent to which he still does) certainly enough to cast a protective shield around his supporters.
But Osborne isnt in the Treasury any longer hes on the back benches, quietly carving out a new role for himself under the new management. Without his patronage, and without the backing of the Eurosceptic and Thatcherite parts of the Tory grassroots, Javid has become more vulnerable. Theres no sign that he is going to be sacrificed any time soon, but the experience is an uncomfortable one nevertheless.
As we have previously written, Javid has a crucial job to do particularly on housing, which will be an essential test of Mays pledge to those just-about managing. To get it done, his position needs to be bolstered.
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Homestead National Monument of America is hosting a week of special programs, activities and cake commemorating the sesquicentennial of Nebraska.
Kicking off Statehood Week will be Omaha World-Herald writer David Hendee who will present a program on his recently published book; Nebraska 150 Years Through 93 Counties. This special presentation will take place Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 2 p.m. at the Homestead Education Center. Following Hendees special program there will be a book signing. Copies of the Hendee book will be available for purchase from the Homestead Bookstores operated by Eastern National. At 1 p.m. prior to Hendees presentation, the film Frontier University Dreams will play. This film is about the University of Nebraska, a land grant university established through the Morrill Act..
On Statehood Day, Wednesday, March 1, starting at 1 p.m. with storyteller Darrin Crow followed by the Homestead Harmonizers at 2 p.m. with the finale of the Beatrice High School Jazz Band at 2:30 p.m. The Harmonizers are a barbershop mens choir that has performed at different venues in Middle America. Storyteller Darrin Crow will share stories from a time when settlers were staking their claims. The Beatrice High School Jazz Band will serenade the audience to wind up the day. Birthday cake, provided by the Friends of Homestead, will also be a part of the afternoons activities!
Thursday and Friday, March 2-3 three storytellers will present stories throughout the day. Joel Gajardo and Rosie Cutter will join Crow in presenting The Heartland Storytelling Festival-Celebrating Nebraskas 150th. Each day during the two day festival stories will be told at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m., 12 noon and again at 1 p.m. Festival goers are welcome to bring lunches for the noon performances.
Sunday, March 5 Joe Starita will present his book; A Warrior of the People. The film Medicine Woman, which was produced by Nebraska Educational Television (NET) will show first at 1 p.m. NET Producer Chris Lesiak will introduce the film. Both Lesiak and Starita jointly give a presentation on the film engaging the public in discussion of it. An autograph session will take place after the program. Both the movie and book will be available for sale in the park bookstores.
All sesquicentennial activities during statehood week will be held at the Homestead Education Center and admission will be free. All activities have been identified as Official Events of the Nebraska Sesquicentennial.
Homesteading played a big part in the development of Nebraska with 45 percent of the state settled through the Homestead Act. Each of Nebraskas 93 Counties had homesteading take place. Today, over 93 million Americans are descendants of homesteaders. Superintendent Mark Engler added: everyone is invited to Homestead National Monument of America and explore this National Park Service site that commemorates the changes brought to Nebraska, our Nation and the World through the Homestead Act. Visiting Homestead is a great way to commemorate Nebraskas Sesquicentennial!
Homestead National Monument of America is a unit of the National Park Service located four miles west of Beatrice, Nebraska and 45 miles south of Lincoln. Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is free.
This 10 day road trip in Ireland will show you top sights and provide exciting adventures in the Emerald Isle.
You'll be able to experience lively Dublin, the craggy coastline, famous Irish filming locations, isolated island communities, neolithic burial sites, and medieval ruins.
Along the way, you'll sample some whiskey and a Guinness or two as well as a big Irish breakfast.
This itinerary has been designed for travelers who want the best of Ireland in a compact driving tour.
The timing here is great for those with full time jobs (like us!), as you could leave on a Wednesday night and return 10 days later to have to take only 7 days vacation total.
Ireland is a small country, so you'll be able to dive into the culture, Gaelic language, and history in no time.
Book your rental car, and let's start planning a trip to Ireland in 2022!
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Neighbors of a woman from Springfield had no idea she was stuck in her home for seven months. The smell of human excrement reached the sidewalk while emergency responders worked to remove a 550-pound woman from her living room chair on Thursday evening.
According to Fox News Lucas County Sheriff office reported that Barbara Foster, 75, has been sitting on the chair since July 2016. Her body weakened and her skin molded the chair's shape. The emergency crew were required to wear protective hazmat suits because of the home's unsanitary conditions said Assistant Fire Chief Rick Helminski.
Ms. Foster was so physically weak that her bones were breaking when they were attempting to carry her out of the house. She was then taken to the University of Toledo Medical Center where she is now recovering.
The Toledo-Lucas County Health Department had assessed her house and surrounded the property with caution tape. The house was declared unfit for habitation on Friday.
Neighbors said they didn't know Ms. Foster that well but she had a volunteer from her church that regularly delivered food. The volunteer from Our Lady of Lourdes church told investigators that he had delivered food to her for the past ten years. He said he got used to the smell but called 911 on Thursday because Ms. Foster was not acting herself.
According to News.com.au based on county auditor records, Ms. Foster had become $1400 behind her property taxes. Her first missed payment was on July 2016, the same time she became stuck to the chair.
Lieutenant Carter said that detectives are now reviewing the case for any potential crime. Adult Protective Services through Lucas County Job and Family Services will handle investigations of abuse and neglect on the elderly.
In 2006, Ms. Foster filed a complaint against a woman she had allowed to live with her in return for assistance with chores. The woman was accused of threatening to burn down her house if she was not given $3,000 according to court records from the Lucas County Sheriff's Office.
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Boy Scouts chili feed set today
COLUMBUS -- Boy Scout Troop 212 will host its annual chili feed from 4:30-7:30 p.m. today at the American Legion, 2263 Third Ave.
Homemade chili and chicken noodle soup will be served, along with desserts and drinks.
Admission is a freewill donation, with a recommended donation of $7 for those ages 11 and older and $5 for those ages 6-10. Proceeds will help members pay for summer camp.
Cemetery group to meet today
COLUMBUS -- The first semiannual meeting of the Granville Pioneer Cemetery Association will be held 7 p.m. today at the Cornhusker Public Power District meeting room.
Discussion will include the spring clean-up and work schedule. The public is invited to attend.
For more information, call Dick Gill at 402-564-2046.
OSHA course slated for CCC
COLUMBUS -- A 10-hour OSHA construction industry course will be offered from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. March 1 and 8 a.m.-noon March 2 in the West Education Center, room 179, at Central Community College-Columbus.
The registration deadline is Wednesday; however, class size is limited so early registration is encouraged. The cost is $225.
The course is designed for construction workers, supervisors and other individuals involved in construction activities. It will cover OSHAs general construction safety and health standards.
For more information or to preregister, contact Sue Baer at 402-562-1425; toll-free at 1-877-222-0780, ext. 1425; or email sbaer@cccneb.edu.
Shrine Circus set Wednesday
COLUMBUS -- The Pawnee Shrine Circus will have two shows Wednesday at the Platte County Agricultural Park arena.
The James Cristy Cole Circus showtimes are scheduled for 4 and 7:30 p.m.
The circus will feature elephants, tigers, horses, aerialists and clowns, as well as cotton candy, popcorn and novelties.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. Tickets will be sold at the door.
Farm bureau sponsoring forum
SCHUYLER The Colfax County Farm Bureau is sponsoring a Road to Property Tax Reform forum scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Schuyler fire station.
The event is open to the public.
Presenters will be Trent Fellers, executive director of Reform for Nebraskas Future, and Bruce Rieker, vice president of governmental relations for Nebraska Farm Bureau. They will present the property tax landscape in Nebraska and answer any questions.
Fischer staffer in Schuyler
SCHUYLER -- A member of U.S. Sen. Deb Fischers staff will be at the Schuyler city offices, 1103 B St., from 1-2 p.m. March 1.
Tiffany Settles, the senators constituent services representative and outreach coordinator, will be available to receive feedback and assist with issues.
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Yellow fever outbreak took over Brazil which affected thousands of residents. As of the latest update in regards to the disease, it was confirmed that yellow fever that plagued Brazil possibly came from monkeys.
Thousands of monkeys were found dead in Brazil's forest which was then followed by a series of people getting sick and some were even found dead. NPR reported that Brazilians were once forced to evacuate after yellow fever hit their land in the 1940's. A mass vaccination took place as health care officials strive to eliminate the virus.
It's been two months after the first yellow virus case was confirmed. People living in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil were hit by the virus last December. As of this date, the Brazilian Ministry of Health already confirmed more than 1,000 suspected cases of yellow fever among Brazil's residents.
Anna Durbin, a professor of international health at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins opens up about the dangers that accompany the yellow fever which rampantly spread in the area. Durbin pointed out that only a few cases would surface concerning yellow fever, but the one that recently took place in Brazil turned out to be more alarming.
"What we are starting to see now is a larger number of cases," Durbin stated. "And the concern is it could spread to a city and you'd have urban yellow fever, which they haven't really had in South America in something like 50 years."
CBC also added that Brazil's recent yellow fever case is one of the wort outbreaks in decades. It was suspected that the widespread was caused by howler monkey were in more than 600 of them were found dead in Brazil's Atlantic forest. Sergio Lucena mentioned that the number of monkeys that were hit by the outbreak continually increase making the case more alarming.
Monkeys are said to be more suitable to the disease due to their nature, their habitat and food supply. Researchers are still trying to confirm the root cause of the outbreak but they're already coming to a lead wherein it was mentioned that yellow fever that plagued Brazil possibly came from monkeys.
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Herbal Medicine is considered as an alternative medicine because it is not based on evidences gathered by using scientific method. The scope of herbal medicine is extended to bee and fungal products, as well as shells, minerals and certain parts of animals. Although modern medicine is getting advanced today, herbal medicine is still widely use nowadays.
According to DAILY NATION, patients at western Kenya counties are turning to herbal medicines. They turned to herbalists to cure their diseases because doctors continue to strike and paralyze the services in hospitals throughout Kenya.
Herbalists from Kisii and Kisumu counties are cashing in on the strike to sell herbal medicines to various patients who can't pay for costly private hospitals. There are also a number of poster displays announcing their services.
Three months ago, doctors began their strike and demanding the implementation of a 2013 collective bargaining agreement. Several rounds of negotiations have been made. But they still failed to reach a pay deal.
Enock Nyakeruri, Kisii County Herbalist and Research Center chairman, said that the number his patients increased since the strike started. He also said that the herbs that they are using are very effective especially in diseases like typhoid, impotency, epilepsy, infertility and amoeba.
On the other hand, Jessica Atieno Omuok, a popular herbalist known as Mama Winnie said that when the strike of doctors began on December 5, the patients seeking her service also increased. Mama Winnie treats ailments such as herpes, ovarian cyst, malaria, typhoid and ears and nose problems and is living in Kisule village in Kisumu County.
Another herbalist at the Kisii Stadium named Linda Kemunto said that he had cured a number of patients that are complaining from sexually transmitted infections and stomachache. And as a result of treating her patients successfully, she had gained some trusting clientele.
Herbal medicine is becoming popular in western Kenya counties especially with the continuous strike of doctors. But according to Health Canal, some traditional herbal preparations contain toxic chemicals from animals and plants, as well as pesticides and heavy metals.
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Mario Gutierrez was viciously attacked in the line of duty. Gutierrez shot and killed the felon after he was stabbed. In the hospital the wounded cop asked for the Police Department's psychologist.
Gutierrez, an officer from the Miami-Dade Police department was parked at a gas station when he saw a man pulling a gas hose. The cop acted instinctively and used his taser on the man identified later as Dominique Jean.
Jean assaulted and stabbed the police officer which led Gutierrez to draw and fire his gun. Gutierrez later said he feared not being able to see his family again and it made him angry..
Dr. Scott Allen responded to the call. A police psychologist in the Miami-Dade Police Department since the 1980s, Dr. Allen and the rest of the department's psychological services team are on call 24/7. They respond to scenes where officers face major traumatic events like involvement in gunfire exchanges and getting injured.
Dr. Allen defines a traumatic event being any event is any event that is outside the typical scope of normal human actions. The police department hired him to help lower the incidence of suicide in the force which was high 30 years ago. NBC reported there were 108 police suicides across the US in 2016.
Officer Gutierrez emphasized it's very important for a person to have someone to talk to so that he'll be guided to healing and go back to the normal routines.
"He was in a very dark place."
Last week, Andrew Summerscales, a former cop made his own death report using official paperwork before committing suicide.
Like Gutierrez, Summerscales had a traumatic experience while on the job.
The Guardian reported that Summerscales was one of the first one to respond to a tragedy on September 18, 2012. The victims were his fellow officers and good friends Nicola Hughes and Fiona Bone.
The officer's son, Joshua and his former girlfriend, Carly Weston both agreed that the event gravely affected Summerscales. The police officer struggled with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Weston said Summerscales was in a very dark place. She tried to persuade Summerscales to get help but he refused to.
Summerscales went on a 12-month sick leave after the incident. He went back to work disillusioned and unhappy with the job. The police officer also expressed intentions to take his own life in more than one occasion.
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Vladimir Kara-Murza, a critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin was hospitalized this month after an alleged poisoning. His lawyer said on Sunday that Vladimir and his wife Evgenia have left the country to seek further treatment. They were accompanied by a physician to undergo a rehabilitation course after his second poisoning.
Kara-Murza, 35, first fell into a coma in 2015 after a suspected poisoning. He was then hospitalized February 3 after falling ill, the poisoning led to kidney failure and nearly killed him. Kara-Murza, had been in a critical state of coma before he left. His lawyer Vadim Prokhorov said that the hospital showed the same diagnosis, "toxic effects of unknown substances."
Prokhorov said his client plans to continue to pursue the restoration of democracy in Russia. Kara-Muza and his anti-Putin activist organization, Open Russia, are calling for open elections, a free press and civil right reforms.
According to CNN his wife, Evgenia said he woke up on February 9 from a medically induced coma and has blamed Kremlin for her husband's hospitalization. Her claims cannot be confirmed, and Russia has denied any connection to the illness.
Daily Mail reported that lab tests abroad found high levels of heavy metals in his blood. Russian Investigative Committee had denied his request to probe whether he was a target of intentional poisoning.
Toxic metals most commonly associated with poisoning are lead, mercury, arsenic and cadmium. Toxic metal poisoning may occur as a result of exposure to air or water pollution, foods, medicines, improperly coated food containers, or the ingestion of lead-based paints.
Kara-Murza with his wife and three children live in Virginia. He was in Russia to promote a documentary about the assassination of his friend, Boris Nemstov, a former leading opposition figure. Nemstov was shot to death on a bridge near Kremlin in February 2015; four months after Kara-Murza fell ill.
Kara-Murza's hospitalization triggered US Sen. Marco Rubio, who has urged the White House and the State Department to question Russian authorities about the case.
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The Hebrew Home, a nursing home in Riverdale has taken an unusual step of helping its residents by using medical marijuana. The new program aims to treat various illnesses with an alternative to prescription drugs.
Older Americans from retirement communities and nursing homes are turning to marijuana for relief from aches and pains. Ruth Brunn, 98 has found this as solution to excruciating pain caused by neuropathy. She found marijuana to be less addictive with fewer side effects compared to morphine.
The staff will not store or administer marijuana, but the residents are allowed to buy it from a dispensary. They will be allowed to keep in in locked boxes in their rooms and take it on their own.
According to Geo News, marijuana is still banned by federal law, but has been approved for medical use in 29 states, including New York, and the District of Columbia. Scientific evidence has shown marijuana is effective for treating medical conditions such as neuropathic pain; sever muscle spasms associated with multiple sclerosis, unintentional weight loss, and vomiting and nausea from chemotherapy. Medical marijuana has also helped people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and Parkinson's disease.
According to New York Times, Anita Mataraso, 72, a grandmother of six who is the program director of Rossmoor Walnut Creek said "I would be in a lot worse shape if I wasn't using cannabis, both physically and mentally." She takes marijuana daily for her arthritis and nerve pain. Her retirement community located east of San Francisco has grown to 530 members.
A lot of older people have come to represent the use of marijuana for medical purposes, but questions are being raised about safety and accessibility. Even in states where medical marijuana is legal, older people often cannot get it. Most nursing homes do not allow its use, and many doctors are reluctant to endorse it.
They say not enough is known about the risks in the oldest age groups. There is no shortage in marijuana research, it's just that little of it has focused explicitly on older users.
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For most new mothers it can be devastating if their baby refuses to breastfeed. But for Sarah Boyle, a 26-year-old call center worker, she believes it saved her life. Her son Teddy, now 1, would scream when she tried to feed him with her right breast.
Boyle was concerned and went to see her doctor where she was referred to get a scan and biopsy. She discovered a lump that turned out to be a benign cyst that had been growing for three months. After two weeks she was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"Teddy is my hero - if it hadn't been for him I would never have suspected I had cancer," she said.
New Zealand Herald reported Teddy was born in February last year, five months after her son could tell the milk from her right breast was different and he rejected it. She would offer him that breast and he would completely freak out and scream. Breastfeeding helps a mother and a baby bond, it indicated that Teddy was trying to tell her something was wrong.
In November last year, Boyle had an ultrasound scan at Royal Stoke University Hospital. Two weeks later her she had a biopsy and was diagnosed with am extremely rare disease known as grade 2 triple negative breast cancer. She was told to stop breastfeeding and started chemotherapy.
According to Daily Mail, triple negative breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that does not have receptors for oestrogen and progesterone hormones, or the protein HER2. It is common with women under 40. Treatment is a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Sarah lives with her husband Steven, 28, in Staffordshire. She is now halfway through her chemotherapy treatment. She is now planning to have a double mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction surgery.
"I never imagined that I would be diagnosed with cancer so young but the hospital have been fantastic," said Boyle.
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Federal authorities are reported to be stepping up in their investigation of drug theft in Department of Veterans Affairs medical enters. There has been a sharp increase in opioid theft, missing prescriptions and unauthorized drug use.
NBC News reported that doctors, nurses and pharmacy staff of federal hospitals, mostly affiliated by the VA, have looted controlled substance for their own consumption or street sales. Drugs intended for patients have mysteriously disappeared.
Some VA hospitals are reported to be too lenient in tracking supplies that could have encouraged drug theft. As per congressional auditors, they found four VA hospitals which skipped monthly inspections of drug stocks during spot checks. The oversight has already been noted since 2009.
Jeffrey Hughes, the VA's acting assistant inspector general for investigation, said the drug theft is an area of concern. He recommends monthly inspections to help VA hospitals uncover potential discrepancies and crime.
Opioid abuse in the United States is widespread. Many are concern if drug theft is worse at the VA hospital than in private facilities. According to a report by CBS News, VA secretary David Shulkin said that recognizes that opioid addiction is a crisis. However, the department has not provided a list of VA facilities where there have been reports of missing drugs or disciplinary actions taken.
In 2009, there were 272 cases of drug theft or losses at federal hospitals which include more than 1,100 VA facilities. By 2015, the figures rose to 2,926 though it dipped last year to 2,457.
The office of inspector general estimates that there are nearly 100 open criminal probes in VA facilities involving drug theft or loss. Just this month, VA employees were charged with conspiring to steal drugs at the a VA hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. A pharmacy technician is reported to order 4,000 oxycodone pills, 3,300 lydrocone pills and other drugs which cost the department $77,700. The drug's street value is estimated to be at $160,000.
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COLUMBUS An educational and awareness event is asking participants to put their best hearts forward.
The annual Go Red for Women gathering will be put on next week by the American Heart Association to shine a light on what's called the No. 1 killer among women heart disease.
Heart disease can affect women differently and include warning signs that are different from those seen in men. Go Red was created to inform women about heart health and clear up misconceptions, said Shannon Hilaire, communications director for the American Heart Association in Nebraska.
She said in 2004 the American Heart Association realized there was a huge challenge. About half a million women in America die annually because of heart disease and stroke.
Women werent paying attention. They threw it off as an old-man disease, Hilaire said.
Go Red for Women started to get the word out about the dangers associated with cardiovascular disease and push women to focus on their health. Communities such as Columbus have hosted the event where women gather to learn and share stories for a number of years.
It is a great testament that when women come together, we can open eyes and doors to different ideas, Hilaire said.
This is the seventh year for Go Red in Columbus. It will be held Feb. 28 at Ramada-Columbus. Doors open at 5 pm. for registration, cocktail hour and the start of the silent auction. Dinner and a program will follow at 7 p.m. Tickets for the evening are $40 and can be purchased at www.heart.org/columbusnegored or by calling 402-875-7382.
The event also serves as a fundraiser. This year, the goal is to raise $60,000 locally with all of the money staying in Nebraska, said Liz Zillig, corporate events director with the Midwest affiliate of the American Heart Association.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the country and Nebraska. In Platte County, 28 percent of deaths in 2014 (the latest figures available) were from cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association.
But, Hilaire said Go Red is having a positive impact.
Among those who have attended a Go Red event, the majority have taken steps in their lives to promote heart health. The American Heart Association reported that 91 percent of women who attended Go Red visited their doctor in the past year, 64 percent started to follow a regular exercise routine, 90 percent had their blood pressure checked in the past year and 75 percent had their cholesterol checked in the last 12 months.
COLUMBUS John Lohr has never been afraid to serve.
He spent three years in the U.S. Army, volunteering for a yearlong tour in Vietnam from 1969-70, before a lengthy career with the family business, Lohr Petroleum Company.
In his retirement years, hes been director of the Columbus Community Hospital Foundation and a board member for NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska, Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, First National Bank and Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District.
The Columbus native was elected to represent his community on the city council in 2004, and re-elected to his fourth term in November.
Lohrs involvement with those groups made him a strong candidate for his next role as he was recently selected to serve on the Nebraska League of Municipalities Executive Board.
I feel very privileged to be there. I feel very honored to be there, said Lohr, who, as far back as anyone locally can remember, is the first Columbus resident to receive a spot on the board.
The 15-person executive board appoints new members, and Lohr began expressing his interest in the position during conversations with West Point Mayor Marlene Johnson, a current member and former president of the group.
Id have to say that she was probably my champion with the executive board, said Lohr.
He joined the League of Municipalities about three years ago and already served on the legislative committee for First Class cities.
The opportunity to move onto the executive board didnt arise until Sue Fuchtman decided last year not to seek re-election as mayor of Norfolk, opening a spot on the board. Lohr will serve the final year of her three-year term before seeking a full term.
You just barely get your feet wet in one year, he said.
The executive board, which includes the mayors of Lincoln and Omaha and other municipal officials from across the state, is tasked with developing a legislative agenda for the League and determining what issues to take a stance on.
This includes opposition to legislation viewed as detrimental to municipalities and collaboration with senators to introduce and promote bills that fit the Leagues mission of preserving local control for Nebraska cities and villages.
The nonprofit group, formed in 1909, bills itself as a voice for municipalities at the state Legislature. More than 385 communities that make up 98 percent of the states population are members.
Lohr, never afraid to voice his own opinions, said his time on the Columbus City Council has given him a feel for whats good for cities and what isnt.
The executive council seat will allow him to promote Columbus priorities and bring back information that keeps officials here ahead of the curve.
I hope that the end result will benefit the city, said Lohr.
ALBION Ed Ryan is all too aware of the hold and power of memories.
His experiences nearly 50 years ago during a yearlong tour as an Army infantryman in South Vietnam loom in the front of his mind every single day.
Memory is an incredible thing, said the 70-year-old Riverside, California-based psychologist who will present a seminar March 18 in Albion on post-traumatic stress disorder and the impact it has on people who experience or witness traumatic events.
There hasnt been a day since I got back (in 1968) that some memory of something that happened in Vietnam hasnt come back into my mind, said Ryan, who grew up on a farm outside Greeley before enlisting and serving in the Armys Ninth Infantry Division.
Ryans ticket out of South Vietnam came with a searing memory.
On June 8, 1968, he and a group of other infantrymen got involved in a jungle firefight with the enemy Viet Cong. One the squads men was wounded and went down in the middle of the night, while the others were pinned back and couldnt reach the fallen soldier.
I couldnt get to him, nobody could get to him, remembered Ryan, who was shot up pretty bad trying to rescue the soldier, suffering bullet wounds to his neck and shoulder. The soldiers body was recovered the next morning.
I spent the next three months in the hospital, Ryan said.
Next months seminar, sponsored by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Associates of the Vietnam Veterans of America and Daughters of the American Revolution, is set for 2-4 p.m. in the Caseys Building at the Boone County Fairgrounds.
The PTSD seminar is not only aimed at combat veterans, but encompasses people such as first responders (police, fire, emergency medical technicians and medical providers) and people who have been subjected to child abuse, domestic violence and physical and sexual abuse.
Those people see trauma, too, Ryan said.
Ryan, who still maintains a full-time practice as a psychologist, has been educating people about PTSD and TBI (traumatic brain injury) for more than a decade. He has been an adviser on national and California mental health councils on the conditions for more than a decade.
PTSD leaves some vets with painful symptoms such as flashbacks, avoidance, isolation and hyper-arousal reactions that can include anger outbursts, tension and hyper-vigilance. These emotional and behavioral changes can have devastating effects on someones personal life, and their family and work life as well.
If left untreated, PTSD can spiral into other problems ranging from panic disorder, substance abuse, depression and suicidal feelings. Spouses and children can also be greatly affected by these invisible injuries and their side effects.
Ryan said he tries to teach PTSD and TBI sufferers to understand what can trigger a response to a memory oftentimes something such as a smell, sight, touch, sound or color that can bring on feelings of sadness or anger.
A lot of people dont know where its coming from, and they think theyre going crazy, Ryan said. It does not mean you are crazy. Its an education process, learning to go with the flow, so to speak.
Ryan, who also teaches doctors at VA hospitals about PTSD, knows the disorder is taking a terrible toll on servicemen and women, especially those who served multiple tours of duty in war zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia.
Twenty-two active duty military personnel commit suicide every day, Ryan said.
They do it in suicide by cop (incidents), drugs, alcohol and running into a tree, he said.
Editorial
Fuelling fear and hostility
As the homogenisation of the various interconnected fascist groupings in Australia their normalisation by the media and the two major parties gathered momentum and white noise, on February 10, the fascist PR lobby the Q Society hosted a fundraising dinner at Victoria Universitys city convention centre in Melbourne. The event, deceptively titled defend freedom of speech, was to raise funds for legal fees related to a defamation law suit by Mohamed El-Mouelhy, a Halal certifier.
The Q Society continually pushes the line of Islam/terrorism and is lobbying parliament to ban Halal food certification. The event at Victoria University also made clear the Societys roots in the raving hate of fascist terrorist vigilantes; make mayhem out of unreason and exploit the worst of harboured fears and impulses.
In 2014 the Q Society toured far-right Dutch MP Geert Wilders, who advocates a total ban on Muslim migration. At another money gathering Q Society dinner held in Sydney, Larry Pickering, cartoonist and special guest stated Lets be honest, I cant stand Muslims. Cory Bernardi, former Liberal Party senator, was a key note speaker at the event in Melbourne. Bernardi has been a vocal opponent of Islam, opposes reproductive freedom for women and has linked same sex marriage to bestiality.
Ideologically, the common propaganda line of aligned fascist forces in the industrialised western countries among them National Front in France, Freedom Party in the Netherlands, Alternative for Germany party, UKIP in Britain, its most prominent member the Trump administration is based on a mantra that Western Civilisation (the civilised world) is in a global war against a religion, Islam.
General Michael (Mad Dog) Flynn was Trumps choice as national security advisor who he was obliged to dump when Flynn contravened US law. In his book The Field of Fight, Flynn states: Were in a world war against a messianic mass movement of evil people, most of them inspired by a totalitarian ideology, Radical Islam.
The owner of the right wing US drum-beater news stream Breitbart, Steve Bannon, has used it to forge closer ties to fascist groupings in Europe. Bannon, as Trumps chief strategist, speaks in terms of a global war against Islam. (It is instructive to recall that Tony Abbott, when ensconced in the PMs office, pushed as a priority Australias role in what he constantly called the evil forces ... coming to get us.)
Trump, in his inaugural address, pledged to defend, not the free world, but the civilised world: to lay down a mantra of the west in civilisational and racial terms. This is why for example even if Trump loses the legal battle over his ban on refugees from Muslim majority countries, he will return to it with other measures. Further terrorist incidents will fuel the fear and hostility.
In next months WA elections the Liberal Party will give its preferences to One Nation. This has been explained away by the Turnbull government as being based on One Nations increased sophistication: its normalisation into the political mainstream.
As to the recent Q Society hate fests, an anti-racist student group, in an open letter stated:
Victoria University has a very diverse student and staff population whose human rights and freedom to go about their daily lives are threatened by the repressive and reprehensible ideas of the Q Society.
Providing a venue for the Q Society contradicts the universitys vision of being open and excellent, creating exceptional value for any student from any background and uplifting the communities in which we operate.
It also threatens Victoria University Safer Community strategy which is designed to foster an inclusive and safe environment for staff, students and the broader community.
Hosting the Q Society contravenes the Universitys policy that clearly states that facilities will NOT be made available for: (a) Unlawful activities or activities that may be a breach of University policies; (b) Activities that are in conflict with or deemed incompatible with the Universitys values or strategic direction.
We demand the university issue an apology and donate any money received from the Q Society or any affiliated institution to the Islamic Society of Victoria University or other related student and/or staff bodies.
Abuse and criminal behaviour allegations
This week Seven West Media (SWM), which runs Channel Seven, will seek a permanent ban on public statements by former executive assistant Amber Harrison about her period of employment with the company.
David Horner and Amber Harrison.
The case, which concerns an affair between Harrison and SWMs chief executive, David Horner, is remarkable because of extreme actions the company has taken to silence Harrison and recover company information and equipment they say she retains.
After the affair ended in July 2014 an internal accounting investigation was carried out and Harrison was charged with misusing credit cards and making purchases amounting to $14,000.
She admitted the offence, but later pointed out that senior staff frequently played fast and loose with credit cards, and that she was the only person among 4,000 SWM employees who had been investigated.
She also publicly revealed her affair with Horner. The company claimed it was inappropriate and docked him $100,000, but later promoted him from head of TV to chief executive.
Harrison was not dismissed over the credit card misuse, allegedly because of her poor health, and in an astonishing move in October 2014 the company offered her $100,000 (minus the $14,000) on condition that she return a mobile phone, laptop and copies of emails and SMS transmissions, and enter into a confidentiality agreement.
SWM subsequently claimed she hadnt met these conditions, and hired accountancy firm Deloittes to further investigate her financial transactions. They alleged she had undertaken questionable transactions amounting to $262,000.
Harrison denied this, but the company sacked her immediately. She took them to court, and SWM offered her another $350,000 on condition of confidentiality and the return of the company property.
SWM paid $250,000 plus $50,000 for her legal costs, but then claimed shed discussed the case with journalists, made copies of the documents, and retained the property.
In December last year Harrison alleged publicly that sexual abuse of female employees was common in SWM, that Horner had also misused company credit cards and used cocaine, and that their relationship had adversely affected his professional conduct and her work.
The company denied those allegations and hired lawyers Allens Linklater to investigate SWMs activities and review the 2014 Deloittes investigation.
Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett, now an SWM board member, claims that female members of the companys staff interviewed by Allens Linklater have rejected Harrisons allegations and taken action to defend their reputations, and that the investigation has exonerated Horner from the allegation of credit card misuse.
In February SWM obtained a temporary injunction prohibiting Harrison from further public discussion of the issues. They also threatened her with action under the Proceeds of Crimes Act, and warned other media organisations not to reproduce her tweets about the case.
However, Kennett himself may have breached the injunction by engaging Harrison in a Twitter battle on the day the injunction was issued!
What secrets are in the phone, laptop and documents?
On February 4 this year Harrison declared The lesson for women is dont work for Seven West Media and [dont] expect to be treated equally and with respect. Male executives at Seven West Media have just been given the green light to prey on female staff, and if there is any objection Seven will smash you with their legal juggernauts.
The mobile phone, laptop and documents may contain material confirming those allegations. It passes belief that SWM would pay Ms Harrison $380,000 to regain the property if it was only to avoid further embarrassment from the release of more salacious emails or texts, as Kennett claimed.
Moreover, Kennetts odd statement about certain women having taken action to defend their reputations implies they stand accused of having willingly had affairs with male executives. But that wasnt Harrisons allegation at all. She said they were unwilling victims, and if shes right, it isnt their reputations that need defending but those of the male executives.
Was Kennetts statement a subtle hint that the womens reputations would be under threat if they confirmed Harrisons allegation of abuse? None of the female employees have publicly rejected the allegations, and Sheila McGregor, a non-executive director of the company, resigned the day before release of the Allens Linklater report, sparking rumours that she disagreed strongly with its findings.
For his part, SWM chairman Kerry Stokes has referred to Harrisons allegations as irrelevant and insubstantial. But he himself has described the companys payments to her as compensation, seemingly a tacit admission that she herself was the victim of abuse.
A picture is now emerging of a company where sexual abuse and bullying are commonplace, and where protest will lead to reprisals, if necessary by brutal legal force.
And thats not all. Evidence provided during a 2014 court case referred to payment by Channel 7 of $25,000 to Mercedes Corby regarding her sister, convicted drug smuggler Schappelle Corby.
SWC denied making any payment, but profiting from crime is a criminal offence, and the Australian Federal Police subsequently raided SWCs office, with warrants to prevent the proceeds of crime going overseas. They failed to find incriminating evidence. SWC then sued the AFP, and received a public apology for unnecessary reputational damage.
However, on February 9 Harrison tweeted images of a 2014 email from a Channel 7 executive, saying We got Mercedes signature late last night. So very close. The E-mail was sent two days before Schappelle Corby was released from prison.
Harrison sent another image of an email sent by an executive during the AFP raid, assuring the company it had nothing to worry about, and saying It isnt an offence to pay money and the authorities are entitled to go after the payee.
If the feisty Harrison can produce evidence from the phone, laptop and documents that sexual misconduct is rife within the companys ranks, and/or that SWM did actually pay Mercedes Corby, the sky will fall upon the companys corporate head. That possibility would certainly make sense of SWMs payment of $380,000 to Harrison.
But will this weeks court hearing reveal the answers? As they say, watch this space.
Get re-elected or die!
They call him Ahok, and according to many, he is the best thing that ever happened to Jakarta this enormous, polluted and until recently unloved capital city of Indonesia.
Basuki Tjahaja Purnama Ahok.
Very loosely translated, Ahok is an abbreviation of the Chinese words (yes, he is ethnic Chinese). The meaning is: never stop learning (ban-hok), a piece of advice given to him by his greatest role model his father.
And learning he is! Instead of just doing what his predecessors have been doing for decades aimlessly travelling to Western Europe, the United States and Japan, Ahok goes where he can actually really discover things that are implementable in his city, one so full of grave problems China and Latin America.
Before him, almost everyone gave up on Jakarta. The citys reputation was terrible, and the verdict and diagnoses of many became short and dark: Beyond salvation, beyond repair!
Jakarta has been suffering all imaginable ills: from endemic corruption, toxic bureaucracy and inefficiency, to the epic traffic jams, pollution, deadly annual floods (due to its terrible drainage system), lack of modern garbage collection and garbage processing, appalling filth (rivers and canals clogged with trash, waste covering sides of the roads), notorious lack of green spaces and parks, and the almost total lack of cultural institutions. Public transportation could be described at best as a joke.
The most talented brains were leaving. Expats found it impossible to convince their families to follow them to the Big Smoke (one of the citys nicknames), and most of them decided to settle in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, commuting to Jakarta on a weekly basis.
Capitalist and pro-Western to the core, Jakarta has been offering some of the most cynical images of social inequality on Earth: posh 5-star hotels and shopping malls, and deadly slums in their vicinity. Poor people simply ceased to exist; their plight didnt matter.
Then came Ahok!
In just over two years, Jakarta has changed. Its infrastructure has been getting better: there are new green areas and parks, and new public transportation projects. Canals and rivers are being cleaned and the drainage is improving (as a result, during the rainy seasons, the floods are not reaching their previous devastating levels).
But above all, there is now hope. It lifts and it transforms the entire city and its surrounding areas. Expectations of the people are suddenly high.
Khairul Mahadi, a retired civil servant, is content:
In my opinion, there is great progress achieved under Ahoks leadership, especially when it comes to the public services. There are also some significant changes in work ethics of the local government. Their services are faster, and the culture of bribes is almost gone.
Anton Hinawan, an architect, agrees:
The most important thing about his leadership is that the local governments budget is not used for bribes and corruption. Funds are now used for development, and it is visible. Im very optimistic, and I support his leadership. If elections are fair, he should have no problems of winning.
Elections are right around the corner, scheduled for February 15. Ahok is supported by over 40 percent, which is nearly double the backing enjoyed by the next most popular candidate.
But Ahok is stepping on too many feet, and his anti-corruption drive is not necessarily popular with the elites of the country. Even less so are his attempts to relocate and house the poor, and to provide them with adequate medical care.
His enemies are ingenious and venomous.
Now he is on the election trail, but he is also facing a trial for defaming Islam, a twisted case brought against him by his political opponents and based on a gross manipulation of the language.
To make things worse, some Indonesians loathe him for being ethnically Chinese, in a country that is known for its racial intolerance, for the genocides in East Timor and Papua, and countless anti-Chinese pogroms.
Still, most of Jakartas residents are pragmatic. The Governors performance seems to be much more important to them than his race or religion.
Ms Mustika Purwanegara, a professor at the prestigious Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) is all praises for Ahok:
I admire what he has been doing for Jakarta. He is a great leader, and he works for the people, unlike what we have here in West Java. Other cities in Indonesia should be following his example.
But is he doing too much, in such a short time? Can he really survive in a country that is constantly dragged down by inertia and by the corruption rooted in Suhartos era? Rachmad Mekaniawan, the CEO of a construction management company, Ciria Jasa:
Ahok is insane! But Jakarta needs truly a crazy person as a leader. Who else would dare to start tackling, for instance, seemingly unsolvable problems of capitals traffic congestion by beginning to build various modern modes of public transportation?
Mekaniawan is an Ahok fan, but even he is uncertain about whether the governor can get re-elected, with all those powerful political and economic forces trying to derail his campaign.
Several years ago, in a backroom of a restaurant, a prominent Indonesian businessman told me that no comprehensive public transportation network would ever be allowed to grow in Jakarta, because the foreign car and scooter makers had already totally corrupted the city government. An effective mass transit scheme would significantly reduce their profits.
Still, Ahok dares. Now there are ten-carriage second-hand Tokyo subway trains running on rapidly improving commuter rail tracks, two elevated LRT lines are being constructed, the airport rail link is about to open by the end of 2017, and 11 previously notorious bus-ways are receiving new and modern vehicles.
Suddenly there is hope, but there is also fear.
Late in the evening, I visited his Rumah Lembang in Central Jakarta, a support centre for the Ahoks campaign. There I informally spoke to his two volunteer aides, one Muslim, one Christian.
The atmosphere was tense. It was clear that what is taking place in Jakarta is having an enormous impact on the entire Indonesia. People all over this vast archipelago are watching, and beginning to demand the same changes that are taking place in the capital.
Do you expect the elections to be manipulated? I asked.
Yes We see that there is definitely such a possibility, Im told by Rekky Silalahi. He continues:
Those who are determined to vote for Ahok are already facing some serious problems: like getting their election cards issued
What if the elections are rigged? Would there be an explosion? I wanted to know.
There would be a big one, I was told. If hed lose fairly, than its okay. If rigged, there would be huge trouble.
Southeast Asia is boiling, awakening: Thailand before the coup, Philippines under the present administration, and now Jakarta, the enormous and scarred capital city of perhaps the most complex nation in the region.
Here, changes have come with the new and enlightened leaders. Some of them have managed to plant fragile seeds of hope, something that had not been done for decades, under the Western-sponsored dictatorships and pseudo-democracies.
After that, the expectations of people grow very quickly. And with the expectations comes a strong determination to fight for, to defend even those small gains that have already been made.
Information Clearing House
Israels vision: Terrifying
Empirical historical evidence combined with a little common-sense are enough to tell us the type of future options that Israel has in store for the Palestinian people: perpetual apartheid or ethnic cleansing, or a mix of both.
The peace talks rarely slowed down the Israeli bulldozers and the construction of more Jewish homes.
The passing of the Regularisation Bill on February 6 is all we need to imagine the Israeli-envisaged future. The new law allows the Israeli government to retroactively recognise Jewish outposts built without official permission on privately-owned Palestinian land.
All settlements officially recognised settlements and unauthorised outposts are illegal under international law. The verdict has been passed numerous times by the United Nations and, more recently, pronounced with unmistakable clarity in UN Security Council Resolution 2334.
Israels response was the announcement of the construction of over 6,000 new housing units to be built throughout the Occupied Palestinian territories, the construction of a brand new settlement (the first in 20 years), and the new law that paves the way for the annexation of large swathes of the occupied West Bank.
Undoubtedly, the law is the last nail in the coffin of the two-state solution, but that is not important. It never mattered to Israel, anyway. The talk of a solution was mere smoke and mirrors as far as Israel was concerned. All the peace talks and the entirety of the peace process, even when it was in its zenith, rarely slowed down the Israeli bulldozers, the construction of more Jewish homes or ended the unceasing ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians.
Writing in Newsweek, Diana Buttu described how the process of building settlements is always accompanied by the demolition of Palestinian homes. One hundred and forty Palestinian structures were demolished since the beginning of 2017, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Territories.
Since Donald Trump was sworn in as president of the US, Israel has felt liberated from its obligation to doublespeak. For decades, Israeli officials spoke passionately about peace, and did everything in their power to hinder its attainment. Now, they simply do not care. Period.
They have perfected their balancing act simply because they had to, because Washington expected it, demanded it. But Trump had given them a blank cheque: do as you please; settlements are not obstacles to peace; Israel has been treated very, very unfairly and I will correct that historical injustice, and so on.
Almost immediately after Trump was inaugurated as president on January 20, all masks came off.
On January 25, the real Benjamin Netanyahu resurfaced, dropping his act altogether, and declaring in enviable brazenness: We are building, and we will continue to build illegal settlements.
What more is there to talk about with Israel at this point? Nothing. The only solution that mattered to Israel is Israels own solution, always driven by blind American support, European uselessness and always imposed on the Palestinians and other Arab countries, by force if needed.
The guardians of the grand charade of the two-state solution, who shrewdly crafted the peace process and danced to every Israeli tune are now bewildered. They have been outed by Israels dreadful plans that shot their solution right between the eyes, leaving Palestinians to choose between subjugation, humiliation or imprisonment.
Jonathan Cook is right. The new law is the first step towards the annexing of the West Bank or, at least, most of it. Once small outposts are legalised, they would need to be fortified, (naturally) expanded and protected. The military occupation, in effect for 50 years, will no longer be temporary and reversible. Civil law will continue to apply to Jews in Occupied Palestinian Territories and military laws on occupied Palestinians.
It is the very definition of Apartheid, in case you are still wondering.
To meet the security needs of the settlers, more Jewish-only bypass roads will be constructed, more walls erected, more gates to keep Palestinians away from their land, schools and livelihood will be put up, more checkpoints, more suffering, more pain, more anger and more violence.
That is Israels vision. Even Trump is growing frustrated by Israels shamelessness and audacity. He called on Israel in an interview with Israel Hayom newspaper to be reasonable with respect to peace.
There is so much land left. And every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left, Trump said. He is backtracking on promises he made with regard to moving the US embassy and the unchecked expansion of the settlements and more, as he is realising that Netanyahu and his US supporters have led him to a cliff and are now asking him to jump.
But it matters little, anyway. Whether Trump holds on to his extremely pro-Israel position or reverts to a wishy-washy stance similar to that of his predecessor, Barack Obama, reality is unlikely to change for only Israel is ultimately allowed to influence outcomes.
Israeli lawmakers approval of the bill is, indeed, an end of an era. We have reached the point where we can openly declare that the so-called peace process was an illusion from the start, for Israel had no intentions of ever conceding the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem to the Palestinians.
The Palestinian leadership is hardly blameless in all of this.
The greatest mistake that the Palestinian leadership committed (aside from its disgraceful disunity) was entrusting the US, Israels main enabler, with managing a peace process that has allowed Israel time and resources to finish its colonial projects, while devastating Palestinian rights and political aspirations.
Returning to the same old channels, using the same language, seeking salvation at the altar of the same old two-state solution will achieve nothing but waste further time and energy.
But Israels humiliating options to the Palestinians can also be read in a different way. Indeed, it is Israels obstinacy that is now leaving Palestinians (and Israelis) with one option, and only one option: equal citizenship in one single state: a horrific apartheid and more ethnic cleansing.
In the words of former President Jimmy Carter: Israel will never find peace until it permit(s) the Palestinians to exercise their basic human and political rights.
That Israeli permission is yet to arrive, leaving the international community with the moral responsibility to exact it.
Information Clearing House
Demilitarise Kings
Kings College London has given a misleading explanation about its investments in firms that supply weapons and their components to Israel and Saudi Arabia. Over the past few months, students at the British university have been protesting at its financial connections to the arms industry.
At the launch of Demilitarise Kings.
A group called Demilitarise Kings has researched how the college invests via funds in such companies as BAE Systems and GE. The group has calculated that Kings has invested more than 1.5 million (US$1.9 million) in the weapons trade.
Rather than address the concerns raised by the group, the chief administrator at Kings has tried to fob them off.
Kings College London does not have any direct investments in the arms trade, Edward Byrne, the universitys president, told The Electronic Intifada. We only invest through funds and in so doing seek to balance our financial objectives with wider societal considerations.
Byrne added that Kings uses a fund run by the financial services firm BlackRock, which, according to him, purposely excludes investment in companies that produce controversial weapons.
Distorting truth
Research undertaken by Demilitarise Kings suggests that Byrne is distorting the truth. The research shows that Kings has invested in GE via the BlackRock fund to which Byrne referred. GE provides equipment and services to Israel through the US military aid program.
The corporation is directly involved in the production of controversial weapons. Its aviation division has, for example, provided engines for Apache helicopters, which were used extensively during Israels 2006 attack on Lebanon and its subsequent offensives against Gaza.
Demilitarise Kings has based its research on details obtained under freedom of information rules. The research has been carried out in cooperation with Fossil Free KCL, a campaign group demanding that the university ditch its investments in the oil and coal industries.
Demilitarise Kings has put particular emphasis on the universitys investments in BAE. Britains largest arms firm, BAE is a key exporter of weapons to Saudi Arabia.
In total, Britain has authorised weapons sales worth more than 3.3 billion (US$4.1 billion) to Saudi Arabia since it began bombing Yemen almost two years ago. The weapons sales to Saudi Arabia have continued despite how the British governments own export control organisation has recommended that it would be prudent and cautious to halt them.
BAE also has a subsidiary in Jerusalem and has teamed up with Elbit, a leading supplier of drones to the Israeli military, on a variety of projects. Furthermore, BAE makes components for the F-35 warplanes assembled by Lockheed Martin, the US weapons giant.
Israel has ordered 50 of those warplanes.
Hypocrisy
The administrators at Kings have faced accusations of hypocrisy. Last month activists from Demilitarise Kings disrupted a speech that Byrne gave at the launch of a plan called 2029 Vision.
In his introduction to that plan which looks ahead to the universitys bicentenary in 2029 Byrne writes that the founding ethos of Kings is simply to make the world a better place.
Despite that claim, the university has strong links to institutions that support Israeli aggression.
Kings, for example, hosts the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation (ICSR). The ICSR was formed in partnership with the Interdisciplinary Centre in Herzliya, a city in Israel.
The Interdisciplinary Centre is best known for organising an annual conference at which Israels political and military leaders discuss their strategies. It also runs courses in public diplomacy a euphemism for propaganda that focus on presenting Israels war crimes in a positive light and on countering the Palestine solidarity movement.
Byrnes stance signals a disregard for democracy. In 2014, the student union at Kings voted to support the Palestinian call for boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) against Israel.
The continued investment in the arms industry suggests that Kings is not paying adequate attention to the views of its students.
The Electronic Intifada
Culture & life
Trumps bad news for Palestinians
Right-wing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahus visit to Australia is an expression of support from our right-wing Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull and his entire cabinet. Netanyahu comes here fresh from visiting right-wing US President Donald Trump where (not surprisingly) their views were singularly in agreement. Israels colonisation of the remaining parts of Palestine would clearly be OK with the new US administration.
Right-wing Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.
As the group Jewish Voice for Peace commented on the Trump-Netanyahu meeting: Didnt hear anything from Trump or Netanyahu that indicates any intention to enable Palestinians to have equal rights and freedom.
Emboldened by Trumps extreme-rightwing posture on just about everything, a bare five days after Trumps inauguration as US President, Netanyahu declared on January 25, with regard to the illegal Israeli settlements on Palestinian land, a vital part of Israels process of colonisation of Palestine, We are building, and we will continue to build.
As Palestinian-born author and commentator Ramzy Baroud notes: All settlements officially recognised settlements and unauthorised outposts are illegal under international law. The verdict has been passed numerous times by the United Nations and, more recently, pronounced with unmistakable clarity in UN Security Council Resolution 2334. However, confident as they are of the unquestioning support of their American ally, Israels leaders simply thumb their nose at the international body.
In fact, Israels contempt for the UN and world opinion could not be more obvious. Israel has announced the construction of over 6,000 new housing units to be built throughout the Occupied Palestinian territories, the construction of a brand new settlement (the first in 20 years), and a new law that paves the way for the annexation of large swathes of the Occupied West Bank.
Diana Buttu has described in Newsweek how the process of building settlements is invariably accompanied by the demolition of Palestinian homes. In fact, 140 Palestinian structures have been demolished since the beginning of 2017 alone, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the Occupied Territories.
Any criticism of Israels bulldozing of Palestinian homes, its feverish construction of more and more Jewish homes and its blatant imposition of apartheid on the occupied Palestinian territory, is met with shrill cries of anti-Semitism and suggestions that such criticism is immoral in view of Jewish suffering during the Holocaust.
In fact, however, the Holocaust experience renders Israels unceasing ethnic cleansing of the Palestinians all the more inexcusable. Trump, of course, raised none of these issues with Netanyahu during their meeting. Instead, Trump said that Israel has been treated very, very unfairly, presumably by the UN certainly not by the long-suffering Palestinians. Trump indicated that he would correct the historical injustice of Israels supposed mistreatment.
Says Baroud: The new law [the Regularisation Bill of February 6 which allows the Israeli government to retroactively recognise Jewish outposts built without official permission on privately-owned Palestinian land] is the first step towards the annexing of the West Bank or, at least, most of it.
Even Israels own High Court has described the countrys status in the West Bank as that of a belligerent occupier. Nevertheless, right-wing members of Netanyahus coalition are pressing for annexation of territory in the West Bank, while on his recent UK and US visits Netanyahu noticeably backed away from any commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. That should be alarming to the Australian Jewish community because most of its representative bodies have publicly declared their support for a two-state solution.
To meet the security needs of the settlers says Baroud, more Jewish-only bypass roads will be constructed, more walls erected, more gates to keep Palestinians away from their land, schools and livelihood will be put up, more checkpoints, more suffering, more pain, more anger, and more violence.
It is the very definition of Apartheid, in case you are still wondering.
However, Baroud sees contradictions in Trumps attitude to Israel. Trump doesnt like being taken for granted and Baroud notes that even Trump is growing frustrated by Israels shamelessness and audacity. He called on Israel in an interview with Israel Hayom newspaper to be reasonable with respect to peace.
There is [only] so much land left. And every time you take land for settlements, there is less land left, Trump said. In addition, he is backtracking on promises he made with regard to moving the US embassy and ... he is realising that Netanyahu and his US supporters have led him to a cliff and are now asking him to jump.
Hitherto, the US has nominally at least supported the so-called two-state solution for the Israel/Palestine conflict, a solution that would see a separate Palestinian state beside Israel. Israel however has fought tenaciously to thwart such an outcome. At his Washington meeting with Trump, Netanyahu voiced the extraordinary view that a two-state solution would give rise to a terrorist, Islamic dictatorship, which sounds like something meant to frighten Americans rather than a serious assessment.
As for Trump, he was ambivalent: Im looking at two states and one state. I like the one that both parties like. I can live with either one, Trump said, as Netanyahu laughed.
Lead Palestinian negotiator Saab Erekat, secretary-general of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, lashed out at Trumps and Netanyahus wavering on their commitment to a two-state solution, arguing that the only alternative to two sovereign nations is a single, secular democratic state.
Contrary to Netanyahus plan of one state and two systems, apartheid, the only alternative to two sovereign and democratic states on the 1967 border is one single secular and democratic state with equal rights for everyone, Christians, Muslims and Jews, on all of historic Palestine, Erekat said.
The Netanyahu government however, prefers a policy of aggression and apartheid, which does not augur well in the long term for the people of either Palestine or Israel.
LINCOLN Several hundred demonstrators gathered outside the Grand Manse in downtown Lincoln Tuesday to protest Sen. Deb Fischer's decision not to hold town hall meetings during the current congressional recess.
Meanwhile, inside the building, the news media was barred by the Lincoln Independent Business Association from covering Fischer's address to a luncheon meeting.
LIBA luncheon appearances by public officials traditionally have been open to the media.
"We decided to have members-only at this luncheon," LIBA President Coby Mach said over and over again as he was asked why the luncheon was closed and whether Fischer or her staff wanted it closed.
"The call for no press was a decision on LIBA's behalf," Fischer spokesperson Chanse Jones said.
Toward the end of Fischer's appearance, demonstrators entered the building, gathered outside the meeting room and chanted loudly, turning heads toward the windows inside the room.
"Do your job!" they chanted.
"We want a town hall!"
Law enforcement officers separated the crowd from the meeting room entrance, but there was no shoving and no disturbance. Later, officers would gently and patiently talk the crowd into slowly moving outside the building. No arrests were made.
Fischer left through another exit, avoiding the crowd and the media.
The senator talked about the prospect of business creation and job expansion under the Trump administration and expressed hope that the new administration will negotiate bilateral trade agreements that will be good for Nebraska, according to a tape recording of the meeting later provided to the Journal Star by a participant.
"I am disappointed that (he) withdrew from the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement, but certainly not surprised," Fischer said, because that is what Trump said he would do.
Answering questions about immigration and the accompanying challenge of meeting workforce needs if immigrants who are living and working here no longer are secure, Fischer said border security must come first.
Secure borders are an issue of national security, she said.
After that, she said, immigration reform will be "a step-by-step process."
Fischer told another questioner she voted to confirm the nomination of Betsy DeVos as U.S. secretary of education only after she received written assurances that protect public education.
"I do not want to see a federal role," she said.
Fischer appeared reluctant to support Trump's trillion-dollar infrastructure proposal.
Pointing to the cost, she said: "I don't know that's the way to go."
Fischer told the audience that the election of a Republican president has given her an opening to " (have a) conversation and dialogue with people in the White House and the agencies that help me and Nebraska."
After seven questions and with the loud chanting of demonstrators making it difficult to hear, Mach called an end to the dialogue.
"Senator Fischer always welcomes respectful conversations with Nebraskans," her office declared in a later statement.
"She intends to continue her longstanding tradition of listening sessions across the state like she has always done. As you recall, she held 26 of these sessions last year."
LIBA's decision to close the meeting ran contrary to its usual model of welcoming, and sometimes even inviting, the media to cover luncheon appearances by public officials and political candidates.
The demonstration outside the building followed a national pattern of protests greeting Republican members of Congress during the February recess.
"Start listening to all of us," one sign said.
"Vote her out!" another sign declared.
Other signs called the senator "Trump's puppet" and "Trump's lap dog."
Several protesters said they they felt Fischer ignored their concerns when she voted to confirm DeVos.
Rachel Black, 31, said DeVos confirmation hearings showed she was woefully unqualified to direct the countrys education policy.
Just because a majority of voters in Nebraska elected Trump doesnt mean the states U.S. senators need to rubber-stamp his Cabinet nominees and policies, she said.
They represent Nebraska, the nonprofit worker said. They dont represent the (Trump) administration.
Donna Jarka, 60, held a missing person sign with Fischers photo as she stood on the Grand Manses north entrance steps.
Theyre afraid to stand up to Trump, the Lincoln woman said.
Jarka said she and others need answers from Fischer.
The least the senator can do, she and others said, is hold a town hall meeting.
Maybe a town hall wont bring total agreement, Jarka said, but at least Fischer would hear her constituents.
DiAnn White agreed. The 67-year-old retired teacher doesnt believe Fischer needs to vote no on everything, but she ought to act on concerns of Nebraskans.
DeVos is a done deal we cant change that, said White, who is concerned the new education secretary's policies may harm public school funding.
Fischer needs to get feedback from more than just Republicans, she said.
What about the rest of the state?
Fischer is Nebraska's senior senator. She was elected in 2012, and presumably will seek re-election in 2018.
A Louisiana woman who jumped into the way of danger to help a police officer said she simply did what God needed me to do.
FoxNews.com reports that Vickie Williams-Tillman, 56, noticed that a police officer was being overpowered by a suspect and stopped to help. Williams-Tillman was driving to a store, listening to gospel music on the radio when she took note of the altercation.
A Baton Rouge police officer had confronted a suspect who was asleep in his vehicle around 8 a.m. Drugs were present in the vehicle. When the officer confronted the suspect, the man became violent, grabbed the officers baton, and began hitting him with it. He also tried to grab the officers gun.
Thats when Williams-Tillman came to the officer's rescue. Without losing a moment, she jumped on the suspects back, making it possible for the officer to overpower him.
"I could see in his eyes he needed help," Williams-Tillman recalled. "You don't have time to think about it I did what God needed me to do."
Police reinforcements arrived soon after to take control of the situation.
Williams-Tillman is now being hailed as a hero. Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston-Broome praised her act of bravery.
"Vickie Williams-Tillman epitomizes the true Good Samaritan," Weston-Broome said. "She reached out and offered a courageous and unconditional response to the officer. Ms. Williams-Tillman is a hero and demonstrates the true meaning of loving God and loving your neighbor."
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: February 21, 2017
COLUMBUS The states birthday celebration includes a celebratory stop in Columbus as part of the Nebraska150 Express Tour.
Columbus is one of seven communities selected as a stopping point this summer during a Union Pacific Streamliner locomotive's three-day Whistle Stop Tour marking Nebraskas 150th year of statehood.
Gov. Pete Ricketts, First Lady Susanne Shore and Union Pacific CEO Lance Fritz recently announced the tour that harks back to the early 19th century.
The Nebraska150 Express will provide the opportunity for communities across Nebraska to celebrate in our states sesquicentennial, Ricketts said in a press release. I appreciate Union Pacific, a company that has had such an important and positive impact on Nebraska, taking such a vested interest in our states celebration of its great history.
Columbus was picked as a stop because of its location along the Union Pacific main line.
We worked with the (Union Pacific) Heritage Fleet and we wanted to hit the communities along that main line. We wanted to be able to visit a variety of communities, said Regan Anson, executive director of the Nebraska 150 Celebration.
After departing from Omaha, the train will travel to Columbus, North Platte, Ogallala, Sidney, Gering, Kearney and Grand Island. Each community will host a rally or festival to welcome the passengers in August.
Local festivities are still being planned, according to K.C. Belitz, president of the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce.
Belitz said he was pleased to learn Columbus is one of the stops. The event gives the city a chance to celebrate the state and railroad, which has a long history here and helped the community grow, he said.
Shore said the railroad and Nebraska are melded together.
The Nebraska 150 Celebration is incredibly grateful to Union Pacific for its generous support of this event and commitment to our state, Shore said in a release. Our histories are inextricably linked. We have, in many ways, grown up together. I cant think of a more fitting way to celebrate this historic occasion than with a fun train tour that harkens back to the days gone by.
Invitations were sent to a select group of Nebraska native celebrities and notable figures to be part of the tour in hopes that they will give speeches, take photos and sign autographs for audiences. Public train tours and tickets are not available.
Union Pacific is thrilled to be part of our home states sesquicentennial celebration, visiting communities along the original transcontinental railroad route with our proudly restored, decades-old heritage equipment, Fritz said in the release.
The preliminary schedule for the tour has the train departing Omaha on Aug. 4 and arriving at noon in Columbus. The train will be in North Platte that afternoon. On Aug. 5, the communities of Ogallala, Sidney and Gering are on the schedule. The tour will wrap up Aug. 6 with stops in Kearney and Grand Island before returning to Omaha.
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The number of Croydon families with young children who have become homeless has doubled in the past five years.
Shocking figures obtained by the Advertiser reveal the number of families, physically or mentally ill individuals and elderly people struggling to find a home in the borough.
There may be further problems ahead as radical welfare reform fuels Croydon families' fall into homelessness by capping benefits and delaying payments.
Last year almost 2,000 desperate families and single people in the borough sought support for homelessness.
Croydon Council assessed and accepted 1,255 priority cases, who were deemed to be vulnerable and in need of a roof over their heads.
A startling 86% of those accepted as homeless and in need of council support were households with children 1,084 families in total.
This is a dramatic rise from the 575 households with dependent children recorded in 2012.
There were also eight pregnant women who had been made homeless, and needed the council's help.
Once assessed as vulnerable, the homeless households including those with children are given whatever temporary accommodation is available until a permanent solution can be found.
People may be a forced to live in a hostel, bedsit or B&B.
The highest number of those seeking help, who did not have dependent children, were those who were vulnerable due to medical factors - a total of 69 households.
The third biggest group of those in need were the mentally ill, with 24 households approaching the council or being referred.
The elderly made up the next largest group of homeless households.
Other people within the 1,255 families or individuals made officially homeless had physical disabilities, learning difficulties, were formerly in care, or prison, or a house which was hit by fire or flooding.
Many others 35% of all applications for council help did not fit the priority criteria to be entitled to council homeless duty, and may have ended up on the streets, or riding the bus all night, or flitting from friend's couch to friend's couch. These are mainly working-age men.
Just as more households with children are struggling to maintain a roof over their heads, there has been a significant rise in the number of rough sleepers since 2012.
Five years ago there were 22 people living on the streets, now there are 68 rough sleepers - most of whom have been attacked - , making Croydon the seventh worst area in the country for homelessness.
In 2012 there were 1,749 homeless households in temporary accommodation now there are 3,137, of which a large proportion have dependent children.
Further problems are anticipated by Croydon Council, the housing officer of which has highlighted the impact of government welfare reform on borough households.
The introduction of Universal Credit means there is a delay for benefit payments, which can lead to arrears building up for the most vulnerable, low-income Croydon citizens.
Housing benefit caps mean there is a maximum pay-out for accommodation for those in need but this may not cover their rent, particularly in London.
These changes could lead to evictions for failure to maintain rent payments.
"It's absolutely terrible," said Alison Butler, Croydon Council's cabinet member for homes.
"Welfare reform is just a step too far. If you look at the situation in London, where rents are very high and opportunities for accommodation are low, it just doesn't work."
According to figures collated by politically neutral council officers, from November 2016, the benefit cap has been reduced from 26,000 to 23,000. This has impacted 1,044 people of whom 599 are on housing benefit and 445 are on Universal Credit.
Of those on housing benefit 162 people are losing more than 100 per week and are facing a significant risk of eviction, and 90 of these will require a move to homes outside London and the South East.
READ MORE: Number of homeless people in Croydon 'is same as during the recession'
The remainder will need other interventions to prevent homelessness, and a further 526 households with 1,604 children will be affected by the cap.
Cllr Butler said: "The government needs to rethink its plans, otherwise you're going to get more and more families in this kind of situation.
"Some people have no choice but to approach the council for help, and you have children stuck staying in B&Bs, which nobody wants to see.
"Unfortunately there are no easy answers. We try to build more homes, but that is just like a sticking plaster unless the government changes its stan
Almost 20 years ago, Chris Wysopal was among a group of hackers who testified before U.S. Congress, warning it about the dangers of the internet.
Unfortunately, the U.S. government is still struggling to act, he said. "Youre just going to keep ending up with the status quo," he said, pointing to the U.S. government's failure to regulate the tech industry or incentivize any change.
Its a feeling that was shared by the experts who attended this weeks RSA cybersecurity show. Clearly, the U.S. government needs to do more on cybersecurity, but what?
Public and Private sector
Perhaps, the need for U.S. action hasn't been more urgent. In last year's election, Russia was accused of hacking U.S. political groups and figures in an effort to influence the outcome.
In addition, major internet companies, including Yahoo, have also reported huge data breaches, one of which exposed details to a billion user accounts.
The list of problems goes on and on. However, what the U.S. government's role should be in cybersecurity isn't as clear-cut as one might think. That's because most of the IT infrastructure is in the hands of the private sector, which is constantly churning out new -- and sometimes vulnerable -- tech products. But it's not always the biggest fan of regulation.
"Every year, people talk about improved collaboration between the public and private sectors," said RSA CTO Zulfikar Ramzan. "And of course, every year, it feels like we haven't made that much progress."
Michael Kan RSA CTO Zulfikar Ramzan speaks at RSA 2017.
He predicts the state of cybersecurity will first get worse before it gets better. Nowadays, one relatively simple hack involving a phishing email can affect an entire U.S. election, like it did, last year.
Ramzan recommends that the U.S. fully outline the public and private sectors' roles in cybersecurity, as opposed to leaving this muddled. "That would help things move forward," he said. "Each respective sector can do what they do best."
For instance, the U.S. should be pushing out more standards on IT security, based on guidance from the industry. Meanwhile, the private sector can focus on developing new innovations that government bureaus can beta test and support.
Practical approaches
Others like Wysopal, who is now CTO at Veracode, think the U.S. government is in a unique position to spark change that can reach out across the industry.
Imagine if tech vendors all suddenly decided to build securer products -- not because of any new regulation -- but because they wanted to win bids from a customer.
The U.S. government happens to be one of the biggest customers of technology. So it's in a prime position to demand tech vendors secure their products, which would pass those benefits on to other buyers such as enterprises and consumers, Wysopal said.
"It isnt regulation. Its securing the government and getting that ripple effect," he said.
"But they've never really done that," he added. "They've never put acquisition requirements in place. There's recommendations. But they're not as stringent as we see with the banks."
Experts at the RSA show also brought up the urgent need for the U.S. government to train new cybersecurity talent which is scarce in today's industry and to readily share its intelligence on the latest cyber threats, rather than wait until it's too late.
"Dont tell us what to do, how to do it," said Jeremiah Grossman, chief of security strategy at SentinelOne. "Just tell us what's out there."
"The faster we get the data out to the masses, the sooner we can counteract," he said. "By sharing threat intel data, we force them [the hackers] to change their tactics."
Hard questions
But in the cyber realm, perhaps the biggest challenge facing the U.S. government is what to do about state-sponsored hacking.
The U.S. still doesnt have a clear policy on how to retaliate, which does nothing to discourage foreign governments from striking again. But at the same time, many of these cyber attacks might be considered an act of war, said Mike Rogers, a former U.S. congressman who was chairman of the House intelligence committee.
Michael Kan Former U.S. congressman Mike Rogers.
During a panel at the RSA show, he pointed to the example of North Korea's suspected hacking of Sony Pictures in 2014, which costs millions of dollars in damages.
"Is that an act of war?" he asked. "It's so hard to come to that conclusion, because [these cyber attacks] are happening a million times a day."
In 2007, U.S. officials began realizing they needed a policy around cyberwarfare, Rogers said. But the government still isn't close to defining it, despite wrestling with the topic for years.
"We were having a hard time coming to any agreement, and we're not there yet," he said.
But clearly, something needs to change.
"I think the United States is in cyberwar and most Americans don't know it. And I'm not sure we're winning," he said.
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Phishing messages, spam, and emails with malicious file attachments are assaulting Gmail users at an astonishing rate.
The Google Security Blog states that every minute, the company prevents over 10 million unsafe or unwanted emails from reaching Gmail users and threatening them with malicious attachments that infect a users machine if opened.
At the RSA Conference in San Francisco last week, Google explained some interesting differences between threats to Gmail consumer vs. corporate email inboxes. In a nutshell, business users are at greater risk than individuals.
The Gmail Q1 2017 stats:
Attackers send 4.3x more malware to corporate users than personal users
Attackers send 6.2x more phishing messages to corporate users than personal users
Attackers send 0.4x as much spam to corporate users than personal users
The hackers are smart enough to know there's more to gain from businesses than consumers.
Fortunately for the Gmail recipients, Google's state-of-the-art email classifier detects abusive messages with 99.9 percent accuracy. But there are some harmful emails that will still get through.
To enhance Gmail security, Google recommends:
Turn on Gmail's two-step verification (multi-factor authentication) which is a security system that requires something you know (your login ID and password) and something you possess (i.e. your phone) in order to gain access to a device or app.
Pay attention to the new security warnings in Gmail introduced this past summer. If you receive a message that can't be authenticated or with a link to a dangerous site known for phishing, malware, and Unwanted Software -- don't click.
Enterprise customers (G Suite Enterprise edition users) should consider using Google's new Hosted S/MIME -- which stores incoming encrypted email using Google's encryption.
With billions of malicious emails incoming every day, Gmail users are wise to heed Google's security advise. The 0.1 percent of bad mail that gets through is wreaking havoc on email accounts -- and contributing to the cybercrime epidemic that is costing the world trillions of dollars annually.
Send your comments, as long as they aren't malicious, to our Facebook page.
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DANBURY Almost all immigrants living in the United States without documentation are now subject to arrest and deportation, the Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday in a move to clarify the implementation of executive orders President Trump signed soon after taking office.
City immigrant group advocates, who held A Day Without Immigrants strike and a 500-person rally last Thursday, said they werent surprised by Tuesdays memos, but theyll step up know your rights training sessions in response. Undocumented immigrants in the city shouldnt be afraid, they said, reasserting last weeks rallying cry that city business leaders, lawyers and the large immigrant community will continue to support those in the city without documentation.
Its not scary until something happens around here, said Rolando Castro, who owns two area delis and helped organize last weeks rally and strike. We were all together last week, the people know we all have their backs.
Angelica Idrovo, a Danbury-based CT Students For A Dream organizer, said her group will start knocking on doors, and hold more know your rightsseminars on the heels of Tuesdays news.
Two memos signed Tuesday by DHS Secretary John Kelly in response to two January executive orders by President Trump call for the hiring of 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, more coordination with municipal law enforcement agencies, and say the the department no longer will exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement.
The memos undo President Obama policies that made undocumented immigrants largely safe from deportation if they werent, for example, convicted criminals or recent border crossers. The memos also say ICE will add to the 32 agencies it deputizes to carry out immigration arrests, and will include all qualified law enforcement agencies that request to participate.
The Connecticut ACLU Tuesday released a statement condemning the DHS memos:
This could open the door to unjust, biased profiling in communities across Connecticut. It is critical for community members to loudly and clearly tell their local police departments and town governments not to participate in deporting their neighbors, the ACLU said.
DHS officials still place convicted criminals at the top of a deportation priority list. But now undocumented people who have been charged with a crime, have abused public assistance or been caught with fake documents, will be arrested and deported, too.
Danbury restaurant owner Wilson Hernandez, who also helped organize Thursdays rally at City Hall, said the city immigrant community would gladly uproot criminals, but most undocumented immigrants arent criminals.
Whats a criminal to Mr. Trump? Its so ambiguous, Hernandez said. We have to clearly say immigrants are not criminals, nobody is advocating for criminals, only hardworking people 99 percent of immigrants are hardworking people.
The department will prioritize deporting undocumented immigrants who pose a public safety threat, the memos said. But all of those present in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to immigration arrest, detention, and, if found removable by final order, removal from the United States, added a DHS news release.
DHS officials said Tuesday that their actions should not alarm or cause panic in immigrant communities and there are no plans for mass deportations, according to several media reports. Officials also said the memos wont affect Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, who, too, are protected by Obama-era immigration policies.
blytton@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3411; @bglytton
BRIDGEPORTA month after his co-conspirator pleaded guilty, a lawyer formerly of Easton has switched his own plea and admitted to participating in a scheme that took advantage of distressed homeowners.
Bradford Barneys, 51, pleaded guilty Tuesday in a federal court in Hartford to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire a fraud, according to a statement from the office of Connecticut U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly.
From his law offices in Bridgeport, Barneys provided co-conspirator Timothy Burke a veneer of legitimacy as he defrauded struggling homeowners, according to the DOJ.
Between approximately 2011 to at least 2014, (he) participated in dozens of meetings with Burke, according to a DOJ statement. At the meetings, Burke represented to homeowners that he would purchase their properties and presented to the homeowners quitclaim deeds, management agreements, indemnification agreements, and third party authorizations.
According to officials, Barneys know that Burke was offering a fraudulent lifeline homeowners facing foreclosure. He stood by as Burke arranged fake sales of their homes, promising to take on their mortgage debt. He also helped Burke evict tenants from the houses he rented.
Once they were out of the house, he would rent the properties out and pocket the rental income, as the mortgage bills piled up. Many of the properties were ultimately foreclosed on, according to the DOJ.
When homeowners asked about the status of their property sales, (he) would assure them that their sales to Burke or one of his companies were progressing as Burke promised, the DOJ said. (He) also knew that, once Burke obtained the properties from the homeowners, he would rent them out to tenants.
Property owners, mortgage companies, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ultimately were defrauded as part of the scheme, according to the DOJ.
Burke, 61, pleaded guilty Jan. 24 to mail fraud and tax evasion. He faces up to 25 years in prison, and is scheduled for sentencing in April.
Barneys, who had moved to Odenton, Maryland since the bulk of the fraud occurred, initially pleaded not Guilty according to the Associated Press. He could be sentenced to as many as 20 years in prison. Judge Shea is scheduled to sentence him at the Hartford district court on June 13, 2017.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys David T. Huang and Sarah P. Karwan are prosecuting the case.
The case may have to be made one state at a time, but Connecticut has now weighed in with the findings of an investigation: voter fraud was not an issue in the state in Novembers presidential election.
President Donald Trump has protested ever since the election that millions of people voted illegally, costing him the popular vote, which was won by Hillary Clinton, his Democratic opponent, by some 3 million votes. Trumps victory came in the Electoral College, a weighted state-by-state representative body.
Theres no question that chicanery happens in elections.
Voters rising from the grave still occasionally get their voices heard and long vacant buildings can be miraculously repopulated on the first Tuesday after the first Monday of November.
But even the most skilled political operative - or team of them - would be hard pressed to turn out illegal voters in the numbers alleged by the President.
When you look at the millions of votes cast in Connecticut, the number (of illegal votes) is very small, said Michael Brandi, executive director and general counsel of Connecticuts State Elections and Enforcement Commission, which handles complaints of voting irregularity.
Of the 1.6 million ballots cast in Connecticut in November, 16 ballots are under review, according to Brandi.
And, since 1975, there have been about 90 allegations of improper ballots.
Trump has alleged, among other things, that busloads of people from Massachusetts were brought into neighboring New Hampshire to vote illegally and helped Clinton build a 3,000-vote margin of victory in that state.
Neither Trump nor his aides have offered any proof of their claims. And New Hampshire officials, Republicans and Democrats alike, have said theyve seen no evidence of fraudulent voting in their state.
Connecticut employs a network of safeguards to keep voting as pure as possible.
For one thing, the state participates in a 20-state consortium that allows for detecting duplicate voter registrations.
Applicants have to provide social security numbers.
Drivers licenses used for online registration are checked against the Department of Motor Vehicles database and the drive-only licenses given to immigrants are not valid for voting.
Absentee ballots must be requested and are mailed directly to the voter or a family member. Once they are returned, the name on the voter roll is checked off to prevent the recipient from voting in person.
Studies have found that there are wrinkles in the voting system that could be ironed out. For instance, a 2012 report from the Pew Charitable Trust found that more than 1.8 million deceased people were still on active voting lists, that roughly 2.75 million people were registered in more than one state, that some 24 million registrations were in one form or another inaccurate, and that 51 million eligible people were unregistered.
Part of the reason for the above numbers, the organization found, was the increasing mobility of people.
The Presidents continued insistence that voter fraud played a role in the 2016 election rings more hollow with each passing day.
Google maps
Two fugitives wanted by Georgia police on multiple charges of identify thefts have been arrested nearly a thousand miles away living in Woodbridge.
Ayelet Ellituv, 34, and her husband, 53-year-old husband, Eliahu Shetrit, 53, were wanted by Fulton County, Ga. sheriffs for more than 50 counts of identify theft and fraud in the greater Atlanta area, Woodbridge police said.
President Donald Trump pledged Tuesday to combat bigotry and unite what he called a "divided country" after wrapping up his first visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
"Today and every day of my presidency I pledge to do everything I can to continue that promise of freedom for African-Americans and for every American," Trump said, calling his tour "a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry and hatred and intolerance."
"We're going to bring this country together. We have a divided country that's been divided for many, many years, but we're going to bring it together," he added.
Trump also took the opportunity to address the recent spate of anti-Semitic incidents, heeding calls from Jewish leaders and Democrats to speak out.
He called the recent threats against Jewish community centers "horrible and painful and a very sad reminder of the work that must still be one to root out hate and prejudice."
He was joined at the museum by daughter, Ivanka Trump, Housing and Urban Development nominee Ben Carson and his wife, Candy Carson, Sen. Tim Scott, R-South Carolina, and presidential aide and former "Apprentice" contestant Omarosa Manigault, among others.
The visit was arranged by Manigault, a source familiar with the visit said. The source added that the visit was originally penciled in for mid-January but was effectively nixed at that time by the Secret Service, citing security concerns.
Trump's visit to the museum, which opened last September, coincides with Black History Month. Trump first marked the event at the beginning of the month hosting a listening session with what the White House described as African-American leaders.
The attendees did not include leaders from top African-American advocacy groups such as the NAACP or the National Urban League, but instead featured Trump sitting alongside several of his campaign's top black supporters and members of his administration, including Carson and Manigault.
Last week, Trump again drew questions as he touted his outreach efforts, claiming that Rep. Elijah Cummings, a Democratic member of the Congressional Black Caucus, canceled a meeting with Trump because it would be "bad politics."
Cummings said the story was completely false and that the Congressional Black Caucus had tried to set up a meeting with Trump through the White House without success.
Trump also drew criticism when during his news conference last week asked April Ryan, a veteran White House reporter who is black, if she would help set up a meeting with the black caucus, which Ryan is not affiliated with.
Trump is the second member of the first family to attend the months-old museum in just a week. First lady Melania Trump visited the museum last week with Sara Netanyahu, wife of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Trump made a concerted effort to reach out to African-American voters during the campaign, including through events hosted by his National Diversity Coalition and alongside Carson, the prominent black neurosurgeon who endorsed Trump after dropping out of the GOP primary race.
But Trump's black outreach often came under fierce criticism during the campaign.
With the exception of two visits to predominantly black churches -- one in Michigan and one in Ohio -- Trump largely delivered his message of outreach to African-Americans before overwhelmingly white audiences at political rallies around the country.
His description of African-American life was also often exceedingly dark and broad-brushed, as he equated the lives of poor African-Americans living in inner cities with those of all African-Americans, most of whom do not live in dire straits.
In a frequent refrain, Trump argued that African-Americans lived in conditions worse than those in many foreign war zones and pointedly called on those in the typically Democratic voting bloc to take a risk and support him.
"What the hell do you have to lose?" Trump often asked.
CNN's Joe Johns and Noah Gray contributed to this report.
This story has been updated.
CBC RadioFebruary 21, 2017Louis Theroux's latest documentary film, My Scientology Movie, is a deep dive into the strange world of Scientology.Hamilton Leithauser strikes up a 'lucky' collaboration with RostamLouis Theroux attempts to infiltrate the world of Scientology in his new film.When documentary maker Louis Theroux reached out to the Church of Scientology, to try to create a film about this controversial religion, they swiftly rebuffed his requests. But that didn't stop Theroux.Theroux's latest film, My Scientology Movie, finds ways around its topic including re-enactments of accounts from the former senior executive of Scientology, Marty Rathbun. Also, the film follows Theroux's (sometimes hilarious) attempts at infiltrating the church."I was trying to understand Scientology almost from the perspective of a Scientologist," he explains. "And it's quite a funny religion. We're not talking about ISIS [...] We're not talking about beheadings or hostage-taking, so I think comedy is an appropriate genre for the movie to take place in."My Scientology Movie is out now in Toronto, and will be available in other cities in Canada soon.
We must rethink the U.S. response to infectious disease. Here's why.
What a disappointment the ministerial career of Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid is in danger of becoming.
With his Thatcherite instincts and impressive back story, this self-made millionaire and son of a bus driver appears to have everything going for him and has been talked of as a future Tory leader.
But in the past 12 months his star has fallen. First came the EU referendum, when this most ardent of Eurosceptics fell in line with Project Fear only months after declaring that the costs of membership outweighed the benefits.
What a disappointment the ministerial career of Communities and Local Government Secretary Sajid Javid is in danger of becoming
In March, as Business Secretary, Mr Javid disappeared on a trip to Australia when thousands of jobs hung in the balance at the Tata steel plant in Port Talbot. He then pulled the same trick last week, despite growing uproar over the iniquitous business rates revaluation. This newspaper, and company owners up and down the country, were asking: Wheres Sajid?
But after he and Treasury minister David Gauke sent a spectacularly ill-judged letter to Tory MPs that arrogantly dismissed criticisms of the rates review as distortions and half-truths, perhaps he should have stayed away after all.
Their claim against all the evidence that this antediluvian tax is fair will have enraged every one of the half-a-million business owners facing rate rises of up to 300 per cent, especially as supermarkets and online retailers are in line for rate cuts.
That Mr Javid sent the letter hoping to reassure his fellow MPs, when some are facing staggering average rate rises in their constituencies, displays a woeful lack of sensitivity.
Indeed, this entire episode has shown him to be worryingly out of touch. Thankfully, there are clear signs a rethink is already under way in the Treasury. It cannot come quickly enough.
As for Mr Javid, he should rediscover his political roots, think twice before sending petulant letters and start fighting for British business.
Shes watching you!
She could not speak in the House of Lords yesterday as the Brexit debate began but, with her very presence, Theresa May sent an unmistakable message: Defy me at your peril!
Few politicians can make so clear a statement without saying a word. Just in case any ermine-clad peers had forgotten they have no democratic mandate, here was an emissary from the elected Commons, representing both 17.4million Leave voters and countless Remainers who accept the result and want ministers to get on with it.
She could not speak in the House of Lords yesterday as the Brexit debate began but, with her very presence, Theresa May (top right) sent an unmistakable message: Defy me at your peril!
While Mrs May (circled) was staring down recalcitrant peers, this newspaper hopes she was also taking names of would-be Brexit-blockers
Among the latter group is former Tory leader Lord Hague, who warned that reversing the referendum result would open up the most protracted, bitter, potentially endless conflict in British politics that we have seen since the decades of debate on Irish home rule.
It is a salutary warning, and yet Labour and the Lib Dems are determined to amend the Article 50 Bill in what would be a clear affront to democracy.
While Mrs May was staring down recalcitrant peers, this newspaper hopes she was also taking names of would-be Brexit-blockers. After all, a cull of the bloated upper chamber is long overdue.
Back in 2013, BBC director-general Lord Hall admitted there was a problem with actors mumbling on TV. Four years and countless inaudible dramas later nothing seems to have improved. In fact, viewers of last nights SS-GB about a successful Nazi invasion in 1940 were resorting to subtitles to keep up. At a time of unrivalled technical wizardry in visual special effects, is it too much to ask to be able to hear what people are saying?
Let us be clear. The debate which opened yesterday in the House of Lords is bigger simply than the issue of triggering Article 50 and beginning the arduous process of negotiating Britains way out of the European Union.
It is about understanding the mood of ordinary people towards political elites not just in Britain but across Europe and America. It is about unelected peers appreciating that politics as usual is no longer acceptable.
Whether you like it or not, the vote to leave the EU last June, against the wishes of the majority of the political Establishment, demonstrated a fundamental change in attitude from those who felt their views on everything from immigration to Brussels red tape and City fat-cats were being ignored by the people running the country.
Baroness Smith of Basildon speaks in the House of Lords, London, during the debate on the Brexit Bil
Elites
The same trend is clear in America, where the election of Donald Trump as President was a resounding expression of dissatisfaction with the political status quo. Opinion polls in the run-up to elections across Europe this year show a similar pattern, with far-Right candidates leading in both Holland and France.
Last Friday Tony Blair made a passionate and well-argued case for those who lost the referendum not to give up. He argued that Brexit was not inevitable, and called for pro-Europeans to rise up in defence of what we believe.
His views were repeated in speeches yesterday in the House of Lords by some who felt that the referendum result was the wrong one.
But people have had enough of elites telling them what to do or telling them how wrong theyve been.
Last Friday Tony Blair made a passionate and well-argued case for those who lost the referendum not to give up
And that is why, as we in the House of Lords decide whether to try to block the Article 50 Bill, and what amendments if any should be incorporated into it, it is vital to think of the broader political implications of our decisions.
I am firmly of the opinion that the Lords should not hold up this Bill. Any sign that an unelected second chamber is seeking to thwart the withdrawal of Britain from the EU would be seen as acting in defiance of the people.
It may be within the constitutional right of peers to try to prevent Brexit, but we should think twice before doing so.
I say this with a heavy heart, as someone who voted and argued passionately to stay in the EU. I still believe it is a major mistake to detach ourselves from a European bloc of sufficient political weight to counter the rising power of China and India, never mind an increasingly belligerent Russia and a United States under President Trump.
But the argument is over. Both sides presented their case in my view extremely badly and the people made up their minds.
To ignore the consensus of the people, to dismiss their views, is to denigrate those on whose behalf politicians speak. It is surely the duty of politicians in any democracy to reflect the views of the people. That is why so many MPs, despite believing that we are making a grave error in leaving the EU, nevertheless voted to trigger Article 50.
Yet despite this principled behaviour by MPs, the Liberal Democrats in the Lords are arguing for wrecking amendments to this simple Bill.
These are the same Lib Dems who argued vehemently for an in-out referendum on the EU whatever the outcome of David Camerons negotiations to improve Britains deal within Europe, yet because that referendum did not produce the right outcome refuse to accept the result.
The same Liberal Democrats, too, who favour an elected House of Lords which presumably means they should follow the will of the people and not just the views of those who have been elevated to a peerage.
Perception is all in this debate the significance of which was underlined by the symbolic visit of the Prime Minister to the Lords, where she sat on the steps of the throne in order to listen to the opening speeches.
It is vital that peers involved in this debate appear to be looking after the peoples interests rather than their own. Many of the lords who have been expressing opinions over the past few days have a great deal of experience of the EU, having worked there or having been our representatives as Commissioners.
Yet as this newspaper has pointed out, some of those who served in such capacities have considerable interests in the EU, not least in the form of pensions. And while their contributions to the debate are vital, they must be extremely careful not to put their personal situations before the countrys decision.
These are the same Lib Dems who argued vehemently for an in-out referendum on the EU whatever the outcome of David Camerons negotiations to improve Britains deal within Europe
Challenge
Given the expertise in the Lords, it is reasonable for the Upper House to consider or suggest amendments to the Bill before them.
It makes sense, for example, to reinforce the commitments in the Bill that have already been made in Parliament. Not least, the right of Parliament to have a vote on the final Brexit package after it has been negotiated with Europe.
It is not in any sense acceptable, however, to use the debate to block Article 50, thereby undermining the straightforward legislation which arose from the Supreme Court decision last month that Parliament should have the final say on Brexit.
It is not acceptable in the present climate and with the vote of the British people clearly in our minds, for the House of Lords to determine that Britain should or should not remain a member of the single market, and therefore place the Government in a situation which is entirely contrary to that laid out by the Prime Minister.
In the words of the former Conservative European Commissioner Jonathan Hill, who stood down after the Brexit vote, the Government has to be given a little slack in its difficult task.
That view was eloquently reinforced by the Labour leader of the opposition in the Lords, Baroness (Angela) Smith, who has made it clear that it is not her intention at this stage to challenge the will of the electorate.
Ignored
I am sure common sense will prevail. Most members of the House of Lords recognise their delicate constitutional situation and the even more delicate position democracy faces in light of the alienation from the political process felt by so many.
As I said four weeks ago in the Lords, these wider considerations cannot and must not be ignored.
In other words, the issue of our place in Europe has been decided. There is not going to be a second referendum, much as I wish there could be.
Although those arguing for a vigorous debate are right, the outcome can only be a greater understanding of what we are losing, an appreciation of the difficulty the Government faces in the negotiations in the years ahead and an agreement that we should come together to try to find the best possible deal we can for Britain in the very different world of tomorrow.
That is the task that faces all who remain in public life. It is not an easy road to travel and for many of us not one we would have chosen.
But, if we believe in democracy, it is the will of the people and not the predilections of those in positions of authority which must prevail.
Sir Edward Heath during his days as an MP
Another day, another conspiracy theory. Or, rather, another two conspiracy theories.
First, Wiltshire Chief Constable Mike Veale is said to be 120 per cent sure that the former prime minister Sir Edward Heath was a paedophile.
Furthermore, the police are apparently investigating claims that Heath was part of a satanic sex cult involved in 16 murders.
On the same day, the excitable American crime novelist Patricia Cornwell claimed to have uncovered new evidence to support her long-standing conviction that the real Jack the Ripper was none other than the great painter Walter Sickert.
She is, she says, more sure than ever that Sickert was the Victorian serial killer.
I put his toll at a dozen, maybe as many as 20, or possibly more.
Its hard to know which of these ideas is the more nutty.
A dozen years after his death, Sir Edward (right) remains an unusually unpopular figure, but even his worst enemies doubt he was a paedophile.
Writer Matthew Parris, who worked for Mrs Thatcher before becoming a Conservative MP, has dismissed allegations against Heath.
If Heath was a child abuser, then Im an aardvark, he says.
The case against Sickert might seem, at first, rather more solid.
Fifteen years ago, Cornwell spent $2million researching a book that argued Sickert was the Ripper.
Fifteen years ago, Patricia Cornwell (pictured) spent $2million researching a book that argued Sickert was the Ripper
When the book was dismissed by critics, she spent yet more money on full-page advertisements in the Independent and Guardian demanding her work be taken seriously and arguing that the Rippers victims deserve justice.
Having spent 500,000 and 15 years assembling new evidence, the film director Bruce Robinson published a book two years ago in which he declared himself 100 per cent certain that Jack the Ripper was the eminent Victorian composer Michael Maybrick.
At the same time, he dismissed Cornwells allegations against Sickert as mind-numbing and outrageous . . . nonsense.
For some reason, Ripperologists, as these people call themselves, prefer to collar celebrities for the crimes.
Over the years, books have been written arguing the Rippers murders were committed by, in no particular order, Lewis Carroll, Dr Barnardo, Queen Victorias brother, Sir Winston Churchills father, George Vs brother, William Gladstone, the novelist George Gissing and the poet J. K. Stephen.
It cant be long before someone sets out to prove they all did it together, along the lines of Murder On The Orient Express.
Patricia Cornwells evidence is patchy, to say the very least.
Her new book, Ripper: The Secret Life Of Walter Sickert, revolves around the idea first put about by an unknown man called Joseph Gorman.
In the late Sixties, Gorman announced he was the illegitimate grandson of Walter Sickert.
He subsequently changed his mind, saying he was, in fact, the son of Walter Sickert and the grandson of Prince Albert Victor.
This also made him the great-grandson of Edward VII, and the great-great-grandson of Queen Victoria, and so on and so forth.
Gorman then claimed that the royal physician, Sir William Gull, was the real Jack the Ripper and that Walter Sickert had told him this just before he died, in 1942.
A journalist called Stephen Knight then adapted Gormans claim, stating in his 1976 book Jack The Ripper: The Final Solution that Sickert was a co-conspirator in the murders.
Two years later, Gorman once again changed his mind, saying that his Ripper conspiracy theory was a hoax I made it all up.
Sir Edward Heath, who died in July 2005
He was, it seems, something of a perpetual fantasist.
He once told the author Colin Wilson that he often went to tea with the Queen.
In 2000, he claimed he had been left several Sickert pictures in the will of Sickerts third wife, Therese, even though Therese had not left a will.
However, it is a golden rule of conspiracy theorists that a total lack of evidence is the surest sign of a cover-up. This means that Patricia Cornwell is more convinced than shes ever been.
I wonder if she realises that Walter Sickert once met Edward Heath?
In 1934, the 18-year-old Heath went carol singing near his home in Broadstairs, Kent, and happened to sing outside the house of the 74-year-old Walter Sickert.
Eventually the curtain at the window was drawn aside and through the chink we saw a small, wizened, grey-bearded face, Heath recalled in his 1976 book, Music: A Joy For Life.
Almost immediately, the curtain slipped back again. We waited. Then the door, on a chain, was opened a fraction.
Go away! said Sickert and we left.
For Patricia Cornwells next book, I urge her to join forces with Chief Constable Veale.
Heath And Sickert: The Real Jack The Rippers could prove just the tonic publishers need for a bonanza next Christmas.
It's hard to resist the lure of a spending spree - especially when you've just been handed a 26,000 lump sum.
Donna, 38, a single mother from Southend-on-Sea, who has been on benefits since she was 16, celebrates her windfall with her three sons Reggie, George and Jacob, splashing out on a fancy dinner.
And that's just the start, Donna then squanders the cash on a shopping spree which sees her spend money on new trainers, clothes and a bottle of perfume costing 100.
But Donna's payout is not the result of a lottery win - she's one of the participant's in Channel 5's social experiment The Great British Benefits Handout, where people on benefits are given the equivalent of a year's handouts in one go in order to turn their lives around.
Despite aiming to open her own hair salon, Donna manages to blow 6,000 of the money she was meant to pour into the business in the space of just four weeks.
She is then given the news that her out-of-control spending has put a stop to her plans to open up a salon.
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Donna gets carried away when she's handed 26,000 and goes straight out to spend it on fancy dinners and gifts for her sons
Having been n benefits since 16, the large amount of money is a lot to handle for the single mother-of-three and while she wants to treat her sons she also needs to budget
'It's so easy to do,' she admits. 'Before the week's end you realise you've spent 100 on rubbish.'
After living on benefits since she was 16 and never having a full-time job, the money is a shock to Donna's system.
Flush with cash, on her first day she gives her neighbour 200 and takes her sons for a fancy meal costing 136.
She then takes them on a shopping spree, spending 406 on clothes and trainers - including 100 on perfume for herself - before buying supplies for the salon she doesn't yet have.
Reality sinks in for Donna when she properly considers her finances and has to think about how much it would really cost to open a salon
During a tearful moment Donna says: 'I feel like I have got no emotional support. Its a really big step I have taken, its a really big risk.
'I am frightened I am not going to make it. Thats the last thing I want people to see is me fail, especially my kids and my friends. I have failed at loads of things in my life I dont want to fail at this.'
Welfare expert Lee Healey, then delivers her the news of her out-of-control spending and has to put a stop to Donna's plans of opening up a hairdressing business.
Donna with her sons (L-R), George, youngest Reggie and oldest Jacob. She comes off benefits completely as part of the experiment
Now Donna has to learn to manage her outgoings, and that means cutting back on buying things she doesn't need
After confessing she has not cut hair for three years and has no salon experience he suggests she should go back to basics and try and get a job as a hairdresser.
Donna admits she worries she will run out of money before she's had chance to make a success of herself.
'I was gutted for myself, it was embarrassing to tell people, not all people. But I know I have made the right decision,' she says.
'We are not going to have the money for much longer if I do spend it, and I will end up back on benefits. Ive got to make something of my life because if I dont do it I never will.'
Donna eventually bites the bullet and starts cutting hair again after three years since her last time with a pair of scissors
After handing in her CV to several hairdressers, she invites her first paying customer round to her house to test the waters.
She makes her first 10, but that only covers a small portion of her latest spend - new blinds for her sons' room after they previously went without curtains because she couldn't afford them.
It won't be revealed until a future episode whether Donna has managed to get a job or if she's back on benefits.
The Great British Benefits Handout airs Thursday, Channel 5 at 9pm
Hindus are forbidden from eating beef, but for Casualty star Sunetra Sarker secretly consuming Bovril was her way of rebelling against her heritage.
The actress, 43, is the daughter of first generation immigrant parents who settled in Liverpool from Calcutta, India, a few years before she was born.
But as she delves into her family history for BBC programme Who Do You Think You Are? she confesses as a young girl she turned her back on her Indian roots and instead strived to be as British as possible.
She laughs as she reveals on the show: 'Me and my mates were secretly buying Bovril soup which is unheard of because Hindus don't eat beef, and I probably denied being Indian as much as I could.'
Actress Sunetra Sarker, 43, is the latest celebrity to trace their family history in a bid to learn more about themselves
The actress made a name for herself as Dr Zoe Hanna on the hospital drama Casualty from 2007 to May 2016
As a youngster in Liverpool, Sunetra was more interested about being as English as possible, but goes on an emotional journey while visiting Calcutta. (Right) She starred in Brookside when she was 15
Best known for her role as Dr Zoe Hanna in the long-running hospital drama, as well as parts in Brookside and No Angels and a stint on Strictly Come Dancing, Sunetra said she ignored her own rich culture in favour of her home city of Liverpool.
'I've always been really proud to say that I'm from Liverpool, something that comes so easily to me. The minute anyone says "where are you from?" I say Liverpool, and I really like saying that actually.
Suentra's father Bachi Sarker is a retired doctor and her mother Bisakha is a statistican who taught Indian classical dance. Said Suentra: 'Growing up was definitely an Indian household, mum always wore a sari and a bindi on her forehead. We only ever ate Indian food, even Christmas dinner was Indian.
'I preferred to be more British, so I would speak with a Liverpool accent. As many British, English, Anglicised things I could bring into my life I did,' she said.
Sunetra, who has a son Noah with her ex-husband Nick Corfield, speaks with her mother about her great-grandfather and their history.
She admits her regret at not listening to her mother as a child, because she simply wasn't interested in anything to do with India.
'My mum has always been really good talking about family, but I really didn't see the point in paying attention to my history because we weren't in India.
Her great-grandfather Nuresh was a writer and was friends with 19th century poet Rabindranath Tagore, who some in India was nicknamed 'India's Shakespeare'
Sunetra admits that she ignored her own culture because she was proud to be from Liverpool but now embraces all things Bengali that she missed out on
'I really wish I had paid more attention, because now I am grown up and I know it is not about being cool anymore. My family is all from India and I actually like it and I want to know more about it.'
Sunetra's great-grandfather Nuresh, a writer and political activist, was friends with Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore in the 19th century. His sister, who was sent to prison for her beliefs was also a political activist and was friends with Mahatma Gandhi, leader of the Indian Independence Movement.
During a visit to a school for girls established by one of Nuresh's daughters, Sunetra is overwhelmed with emotion as she listens to the pupils sing the Indian national anthem Jan Gan Man, which celebrates independence.
After visiting old family archives at a residence left untouched after a family member's death, she heads off to meet historian Dr Asher Ingram to find out more about her great-grandmother Labanya.
Sunetra (pictured as a child with her mother Bisakha) rejected her Indian lifestyle in favour of all things British
She breaks down in tears as she discovers her written memories of her childhood from the 1920s: 'The one thing I'd like to know was what she was like, as I'm all about emotions as I deal with those as an actor.
'I was hoping I would find something that would at least give me an idea of what she was like... This is gold dust for me and to my mum and so many other people.'
Sunetra meets with a 92-year-old village local who knew her relatives and takes her through a temple and house that her great-grandfather used to be the landlord of.
After the trip down memory lane, Sunetra discusses the tragic events of her grandmother's death.
Her voice breaks as she said: 'I don't really like talking about how my grandmother died in a really horrific way... She was cooking in her sari and it caught fire and she died.
(Pictured) Sunetra crossing the River Mersey on a Mersey Ferry during filming for the BBC programme Who Do You Think You Are?
'Nobody in the whole family really talks about that, she was really special to a lot of people. That was my grandmother, I never looked beyond her but I think if she knew I was walking through her grandfather's house I think that would make her so happy, and my mum.'
After offering flowers to an idol left behind by her ancestors and feeding the village locals she says: 'This whole journey has been full of surprises, I think I came blind but curious.
'Blind in a way that I am ashamed to say because I was in complete denial of my Bengali roots. I was so keen to be British girl from Liverpool, and I still am.
'That is really what my identity began and ended with for me. And now I couldnt be more Bengali. I'm wearing Bengali clothes, I'm eating Bengali food and mixing with the Bengali locals.
'I am so very grateful, I am grateful to call myself Bengali and I think I have new paths to my identity thanks to everything I have learned.'
Who Do You Think You Are? airs Wednesday on BBC One at 8pm
Widely tipped to marry Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank is making sure that hes well-positioned to take advantage of joining The Firm.
After seven years as her boyfriend, Brooksbank has set up a company called Jack Brooksbank Ltd, which he hopes will make his fortune.
The business will distribute alcoholic drinks and he has managed to win the support of a famous client. Brooksbank, below with Eugenie, has been handed the role of ambassador for Casamigos tequila, the brand part-owned by Hollywood star George Clooney, who, by coincidence, shares an ex-girlfriend with Prince Andrew, Eugenies father.
Widely tipped to marry Princess Eugenie (right), Jack Brooksbank (left) is making sure that hes well-positioned to take advantage of joining The Firm
Brooksbank has big plans for his new company, with his spokesman telling me: In time, Jack will utilise his experience to expand the business.
While Eugenie, 26, attended Newcastle University, Brooksbank, 30, learned his trade in a string of Chelsea pubs frequented by Prince Harry and his court jester Guy Pelly. When Pelly went to work at Harrys favourite Mayfair nightspot Mahiki, Brooksbank followed, becoming the clubs manager.
Pelly has since set up a Mexican-themed club in Chelsea called Tonteria, so hell be delighted his old friend Jack is giving a career as a tequila salesman his best shot.
George Clooney with girlfriend Monika Jakisic
Brooksbank has been handed the role of ambassador for Casamigos tequila, the brand part-owned by Hollywood star George Clooney, who, by coincidence, shares an ex-girlfriend with Prince Andrew, Eugenies father (pictured)
Its not clear if Eugenies parents put in a good word for Brooksbank with Clooney, but Andrew and the Duchess of York, both 57, share some intriguing connections with the 55-year-old actor, who lives in Sonning, Berkshire, with British wife Amal.
Andy was reported to have enjoyed a fling in 2014 with Monika Jakisic, a Croatian model previously courted by Clooney.
The actor is a member of Mayfair members club 5 Hertford Street, where Jack and Eugenie let their hair down with Fergie.
Brooksbank has previously spoken of his dream of opening a chain of country hostelries, saying: I have fond memories of Sunday roasts in pubs with log fires, and its something I want to recreate. The Queens Head has a nice ring to it . . .
Top jockey Scudamore and his wife split up
Hot favourite to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup next month on his horse Thistlecrack, Tom Scudamore is said to have admitted defeat in his marriage.
I hear the 34-year-old jockey has separated from his aristocratic wife, Charlotte, 41. Its very sad, but theyve split, a friend tells me.
The son of eight-time champion jockey Peter Scudamore married Charlotte Stucley in 2005 and they have two daughters. Her brother, George, hosted a lively stag weekend of surfing in Devon for the Duke of Cambridge before his wedding.
Charlottes baronet father, Sir Hugh, and mother, Angie, live for part of the year at Affeton Castle, near South Molton, Devon, and run their 12th-century home, Hartland Abbey, as a visitor attraction.
Being a page of honour to the Queen is a privilege for any young aristocrat, but not one that lasts very long.
The Duchess of Argyll, whose son Archie, 12, was a page, has revealed the conditions for the role, which involves carrying the train of the Queens 18ft Robe of State at events such as the Opening of Parliament.
She says: Before the official letter, we received an informal phone call from Buckingham Palace inquiring about our sons height as a page, apparently youre not meant to be bigger than the Queen.
Ugg! What would HM say, Claire?
Actress Claire Foy was spotted wearing Ugg-style sheepskin boots during a break from filming the second series of the drama in Greenwich, South London
The Queen has worn the same style of 1,000 patent leather shoes handmade by Kensington cobblers Anello & Davide for more than 50 years, but Claire Foy, who plays her in The Crown, prefers more comfy footwear.
The 32-year-old was spotted wearing Ugg-style sheepskin boots during a break from filming the second series of the drama in Greenwich, South London.
And while Her Majesty studiously avoids being pictured eating, Foy appeared to be gobbling a snack. Bang goes her damehood!
The BBCs new Sunday night drama, SS-GB, about a London occupied by Germany during World War II, has won praise from the critics, but its executive producer risks offending viewers. Shes equated Boris Johnson and Donald Trump with the Nazis.
Sally Woodward Gentle says of the series: Ive been developing this for a few years, and I didnt think there was an appetite. I think whats happened since is that were now living in an alternate world with Brexit, Trump and Boris. She adds: We know, as well, that fate can turn really easily. Its terrifying.
Dont her comments reveal much about the mindset at the BBC?
Tony Blair, who provoked derision with his calls to rise up against Brexit, is using his vainglorious new institute to reward his loyal retainers. Former Barclays banker David Lyon and Jason Searancke, of KPMG, have moved from being directors of his shadowy network of companies, to the not-for-profit Tony Blair Institute. Joining them is Catherine Rimmer, his Downing Street aide thought to be paid a staggering 280,000 per year at Blairs company Windrush.
It could be the heavy lip-liner, one guest observed. But it just looked very odd.
Billie Piper was the talk of theatreland for more reasons than one when she picked up a prize for her role in Yerma at the WhatsOnStage Awards.
Guests at the West Ends Prince Of Wales theatre couldnt help but notice the 34-year-old had a visibly larger pout. Her spokesman has previously said: She has never had any surgery to enhance her lips.
It could be the heavy lip-liner, one guest observed. But it just looked very odd.
A 27-year-old nurse has been left confined to a wheelchair and unable to walk, after a tragic accident on Australia Day 2017 saw her dive into a blow-up pool and be rushed to hospital.
Carly Wade, from Melbourne, has been in both Intensive Care and the general ward in the Royal Melbourne Hospital - where she previously worked - ever since.
'This is everyone's worst nightmare. Everything was working out for me, and the next thing I know all I could do was move my arms,' Ms Wade told Daily Mail Australia from the hospital.
'I don't see myself as being brave in the situation. What else can I do?'.
27-year-old nurse, Carly Wade, has been left confined to a wheelchair and unable to walk, after a tragic accident on Australia Day 2017 saw her dive into a blow-up pool (pictured right with her friend in Hawaii)
Carly Wade (pictured in hospital) was rushed to Intensive Care after she dived into the pool and couldn't move; 'this is everyone's worst nightmare,' she told Daily Mail Australia
Ms Wade said she is a very outgoing, extroverted kind of person - she previously travelled the world (pictured) - she had had a few drinks when she decided to dive into the water
Ms Wade celebrated Australia Day like countless other Australian twenty-somethings.
Having spent the afternoon at one friend's house where she had drinks and listened to the Triple J Hottest 100 songs of the year, she was driven by her sister, Samantha - who had not been drinking - to another party in the evening.
'I'm quite outgoing, and a bit of an extrovert,' Ms Wade said.
I was totally aware of everything, I called to my friend Jess to get me out as I knew something bad had happened. But I couldn't feel anything
'I think I was trying to be a show pony and had had a few drinks. I decided I would dive into this plastic blow-up pool from the pool table I was dancing on, and so I tried it.'
The pool contained water that was less than a metre deep.
'Instantly, I couldn't move my body at all. I was totally aware of everything, I called to my friend Jess to get me out as I knew something bad had happened. But I couldn't feel anything,' she said (pictured in India right)
Ms Wade was promptly rushed to the hospital in Melbourne where the doctors ran some scans; they soon found that she had fractured her spine and she was sent to a specialist hospital (pictured in hospital)
'Instantly, I couldn't move my body at all. I was totally aware of everything, I called to my friend Jess to get me out as I knew something bad had happened. But I couldn't feel anything.'
Ms Wade was promptly rushed to the hospital in Melbourne where the doctors ran some scans.
They found that she had fractured her spine and sent her to a spinal specialist hospital for surgery.
'I don't remember my trip there, I don't remember them operating on me,' Ms Wade said.
'I don't think I had any pain. I think I was just in shock.'
'I don't remember my trip there, I don't remember them operating on me,' Ms Wade said. 'I don't think I had any pain. I think I was just in shock' (pictured travelling)
Carly Wade's sister, Samantha, said that she has spent as many as 'ten hours some days trying to respond to all of the messages' of support for her sister
At the same time as Carly Wade was rushed to hospital, her younger sister, Samantha, 26, remembers Carly's best friend banging on her door telling her to go to hospital:
'I was asleep as I had to work the next day,' Samantha Wade told Daily Mail Australia. 'I remember rushing to the hospital when they did the CT scans.'
After she was operated on in ICU, Ms Wade was asleep for a week.
'When I came out of the incubator, I was delirious and confused,' Carly Wade said.
'I had a fever for two weeks, an incredibly high temperature of around 40 degrees and I kept having these crazy nightmares where I thought I could walk and I was somebody else.'
Carly Wade was later moved back to ICU with her fever and chest infection.
'I stayed there until last week and was being fed with a tube until yesterday,' she said.
'Getting the tube removed was one of the best days of my life.'
Since she was rushed to hospital, Ms Wade has spent the past few weeks there, unable to move her body and confined to a wheelchair (pictured with her sister, Samantha and friend, Jess)
She stayed in ICU for two weeks, and developed a fever which saw her temperature rise to around 40 degrees; 'I kept having these crazy nightmares where I thought I could walk and I was somebody else,' she said (pictured in hospital)
Ms Ward is now back on the general ward having physio and occupational therapy.
She has spinal cord damage which has left her unable to feel from the arms down, can only sit up for several hours a day and uses a wheelchair to get around.
'My close friends have been hugely supportive, and I've had hundreds of messages from well-wishers which has been amazing,' she said.
Carly Wade's sister, Samantha, added that she has spent as many as 'ten hours some days trying to respond to all of the messages'.
'My sister has done so much travel over the course of her life, she's been to Central America, Europe and jumped off cliffs in the past,' Samantha Wade said.
'My close friends have been hugely supportive, and I've had hundreds of messages from well-wishers which has been amazing,' Ms Ward said (pictured with her sister)
'I think that's why she's so frustrated. She's done so many crazy things and one small thing that happened in our town has done this.'
Ms Wade's best friend, Megan O'Connor, has set up a GoFundMe page to help to raise funds for Carly Wade and her family as they go through this difficult time.
In just seven days, the page has amassed close to AUD $6,000.
'I will be in hospital for at least another month, I won't be able to work for a year or more and there will have to be modifications made with regards to my life,' the 27-year-old said.
'I'm so grateful for the support.'
You can donate to Carly Wade and her family here on her GoFundMe page.
Only a month after they met each other at the altar and tied the knot, the Married At First Sight brides and grooms faced the prospect of meeting the families in Tuesday night's episode.
The brides accompanied their new husbands home, staying in their houses and meeting their family and friends.
In the episode, many couples' relationships strained under the pressure of everyday life and new surroundings.
In this week's Married At First Sight, the women accompanied their husbands to their home towns
Cheryl visited Andrew's family in Perth, surprising his mother who was expecting Andrew's former bride Lauren
Andrew wrote a song for Cheryl and played it for her on the beach during the week
Cheryl and Andrew, who re-entered the competition last week, started their home stay well but then a faux pas from Andrew quickly changed the mood.
The 38-year-old firefighter had to explain to his loved ones why he had turned up at the family home in Perth without Lauren, whom he married in front of them in Sydney earlier on in the series.
His mother and sister were clearly shocked, but welcomed Cheryl into their home.
'I'm surprised, but pleasantly surprised,' the firefighter's mum said.
'I think Cheryl is a good match for Andrew.'
He then tried to kiss the 25-year-old, who rejected him very quickly
The 38-year-old said it was 'frustrating' to be rejected, and both were clearly unhappy with the interaction
ANDREW'S SONG FOR CHERYL Sitting with you girl Impossible to know What the future holds Where my heart will roam But you shine a light You picked me up when I was low Girl you make me feel like home Advertisement
Later, Andrew - who revealed that he wanted to get his first kiss with Cheryl - set up a picnic for them on the beach.
He then serenaded the 25-year-old hair salon manager with a song he wrote himself while she was in the shower.
Andrew played the guitar and sang for his new match, but Cheryl didn't look impressed.
Afterwards she told him the song was 'really cute', and he gave her the piece of paper with the lyrics.
Andrew then tried to kiss the 25-year-old, pulling her close to him.
But Cheryl was not pleased, pulling away from the older man. 'I don't want to kiss you,' she told him firmly.
Andrew seemed very unhappy with this, telling the camera it was 'frustrating' for him that Cheryl wasn't affectionate.
The 25-year-old told producers that the kiss was 'too much' for her and that she wanted to move slowly after what happened with her matched husband, Jonathan.
Meanwhile Simon and Alene visited Ipswich where the nurse got used to country life
But when visiting his sister (left) Simon was asked hard questions about his future with Alene
He said he 'wasn't going to answer' questions about their future but confirmed they had not slept together
Meanwhile there were also rough times for Simon and Alene, who headed to Ipswich for the week.
While Alene got used to the heat, she also got a taste of country life, feeding cows and enjoying the countryside.
Alene went for dinner at Simon's sister's house, having her first in-depth chat with his family.
Things got tense, however, when Simon's sister started asking him about how he was feeling about Alene, and if he saw a future.
'I'm not going to answer that yet,' he said, becoming withdrawn and agitated. 'I don't know Alene well enough to answer that.'
He was definite about one thing though, give a firm 'no way' when asked if he had slept with his new wife.
Sean and Susan also enjoyed country life, with the truck driver learning about farm chores
But the couple did have difficult conversations about if Susan could fit in on the farm
Also in the country, Susan was getting used to country life on Sean's Queensland farm.
She helped her husband out with all the farm chores, but was not happy about the heat and humidity in the area.
'I've only had two hours sleep,' she said one morning, remarking that it was too hot to get a night's rest.
The couple did get off the farm for one day though, taking a horse and cart ride in the local town and going out for dinner.
Michelle and Jesse went to Adelaide, where the blonde discovered her husband lived with his mum (centre)
While Sharon grilled Nick's friends in Melbourne about how often he saw strippers
Twins Michelle and Sharon were separated again on Tuesday night's episode, with Michelle travelling to Adelaide with husband Jesse, and Sharon to Melbourne with Nick.
Michelle was surprised when she arrived at Jesse's home, which she quickly discovered was actually his mother's house.
'It's a little bit weird that a 31-year-old is living with his mother,' the blonde said. 'It's unattractive to me.'
Meanwhile Sharon met Nick's friends, and had some questions for them about her husband's visits to strip clubs.
While Nick brushed it off again, saying it meant nothing, his friends had only praise for his wife.
'I think he's in love with her, and I've lost $200,' one friend told the producers.
Vanessa and Andrew had to deal with Tommo, Andrew's friend who didn't approve of his wife
And Anthony and Nadia had a difficult day trying to get the wifi to work, with Anthony's temper returning
The final two couples, Anthony and Nadia and Vanessa and Andrew, had smoother times during the week.
Anthony's temper raised its head again when the wifi went down in his apartment and he spent a long time on the phone with customer service.
For Andrew and Vanessa, their biggest challenge was one of Andrew's friends Tommo, who doesn't think the relationship will last.
'My first impression of Vanessa is that I'm a little bit unsure,' he told the camera.
Tommo also said that he didn't see any sparks between the pair, and that he couldn't see it working out because Andrew would never move to Melbourne.
A medium who became the 'face of thalidomide' when she was born with no arms claims she can communicate with the spirits of dead relatives - using her feet.
Mandy Masters hit headlines worldwide in 1962 at the height of the thalidomide scandal when a photo of her as a nine-month-old tot became an iconic symbol of the disaster.
Critics told the 55-year-old's mother she should have had her daughter 'put down' - but Mandy adapted to her disability by using her highly-dexterous toes as fingers and worked as a telephonist, hairdresser and beautician - writing, applying makeup and even cutting hair with her feet.
The married grandmother-of-seven, from Grays, Essex, is now a medium and claims she can channel the spirits of dead relatives by putting her feet on other people's foreheads to channel their spirits.
Mandy Masters, a medium who became the 'face of thalidomide' when she was born with no arms, claims she can communicate with dead relatives using her feet
Mandy hit headlines in 1962 at the height of the thalidomide scandal whena photo of her as a nine-month-old tot became an iconic symbol of the disaster
Thalidomide was originally prescribed as a 'wonder drug' for morning sickness, headaches, coughs, insomnia and colds. Thalidomide babies often suffered missing or deformed limbs and extreme shortening of arms and legs, but the drug also caused malformations of the eyes and ears, genitals, heart, kidneys and digestive system.
Mandy, who believes she was the UK's first thalidomide baby to become a grandparent, said: 'I am just an ordinary Essex girl who happened to be born without arms and is able to connect with the above.
'I have always used my feet as hands, and all my life I have worked very hard to become very successful in spite of my disability,' says Mandy.
'From a young age I always felt different, and when I was 14 and having a hard time and I went to Lourdes and bathed in the water.
'The next day, spirits started communicating with me. At first I thought I was going crazy, but my mum told me they wouldn't hurt me.
'Spirits were approaching me all the time, but sometimes I didn't want to hear it - all I wanted to do in life was find a husband and have children.'
Mandy holding the newspaper cutting from the Sunday Pictorial
Mandy said: 'I am just an ordinary Essex girl who happened to be born without arms and is able to connect with the above'. She added: 'There will always be sceptics, but to see me in action - it is just unbelievable. First I ask the person to relax, then I put my feet around their head'
Thalidomide was marketed as a mild sleeping pill safe for pregnant women - but caused thousands of babies worldwide to be born with malformed limbs. Mandy believes she has achieved most things in life that she wants to despite this
Mandy focused her attention on raising a family, and it was only later that she concentrated on psychic readings.
'After I'd married and brought my children up I rediscovered my abilities and have now been doing what I do for more than 22 years.
'My feet are my hands, so it made sense to use my feet to do body reads. I'm the only person in the world who does this in this way.
'There will always be sceptics, but to see me in action - it is just unbelievable. First I ask the person to relax, then I put my feet around their head.
'I go into a meditative trance and I am able to tell them things about their loved one that I couldn't possibly know - things they had spoken about or done together.
'When I contact the spirit world my voice changes and I am able to speak to them as their relative or loved one, in their voice. No other person in the world is doing this.'
Thalidomide was marketed as a mild sleeping pill safe for pregnant women - but caused thousands of babies worldwide to be born with malformed limbs.
The apparently-harmless drug, which also reduced morning sickness, was first licensed in July 1956 and the first links to birth defects were made in 1961.
Mandy's mum June Hornsby, who died last month aged 79, was prescribed thalidomide during her pregnancy because she was struggling to sleep.
'When I was born without arms and hands doctors told my mum they could take me away so she could have a normal life,' Mandy says.
'As a baby my photograph went round the world and I became famous - it was even used in a history book - but my parents received hate mail telling them they should have had me put down.
The mother-of-two, who has been married to husband Wayne for 36 years, can also drive, type and hold utensils using her toes. The couple are pictured, left and right, on their wedding day
Before Mandy became a medium, she worked as a telephonist answering phones and taking notes in an office and then turned her hand to being a hairdresser and beautician
The mother-of-six had no idea there was anything wrong with her daughter throughout her pregnancy and only discovered Mandy's disability when she was born on September 20, 1961.
The following July, when Mandy was nine months old, she became world famous when a black and white image of her was used on the front page of the Sunday Pictorial newspaper.
Before Mandy became a medium, she worked as a telephonist answering phones and taking notes in an office and then turned her hand to being a hairdresser and beautician.
The mother-of-two, who has been married to husband Wayne for 36 years, can also drive, type and hold utensils using her toes.
Mandy, as a child, who has an eighth grandchild on the way, also believes she was the first thalidomide baby to become a grandmother
Mandy said if the doctors who told her mum to give her away were alive today, she would 'stick her fingers up at them if she had them'
As well as carry out her customary body reads, she also deals tarot cards and reads crystals using her feet.
Mandy realised how far she had come earlier this month when a friend chanced upon a copy of the front page article she featured in at a recent auction, buying it for 50.
And the grandmother, who longs to be a Loose Women guest star, said adapting to life without hands as a baby set her up to make the most out of her life.
Mandy, who has an eighth grandchild on the way, also believes she was the first thalidomide baby to become a grandmother after the birth of her grandson Callum in 1997.
Mandy says that spirits started communicating with her as a child and at first she thought she was going crazy
The 55-year-old said: 'When my mum was pregnant with me she felt like something was wrong, but until I was born my parents had no idea of my disability. The risks of thalidomide just weren't known.
'If the doctors who told my mum to give me away were alive today, I always say if I had fingers I would stick my fingers up at them.
'I wouldn't change who I am for the world. I have always wanted to prove I could make something of my life and have done everything I want to do - except for appear on Loose Women.
'As I grew up when it came to what I would do for work I worked in an office typing and answering the phones. My handwriting is beautiful, and I can use my feet to hold utensils too.
'I also worked as a beautician and hairdresser, doing makeup and cutting hair. I had always done my own, so it made sense to do it for everyone else too, and no one could tell I was using my feet instead of my hands - everyone was quite amazed.
'When my friend discovered the front page I couldn't believe it to see the picture after all that time - and the picture was me. I think it was a sign to show me how far I have come.'
Mandy added: 'I wouldn't change who I am for the world. I have always wanted to prove I could make something of my life and have done everything I want to do - except for appear on Loose Women'
It was a moment made for Hollywood, when popular University Challenge contestant Sophie Rudd snatched victory from the jaws of defeat...by barking a last-chance answer at host Jeremy Paxman.
The oh-so-tense stand-off came in the dying moments of last night's episode of the academic quiz as Warwick University saw off Bristol University in the quarter finals.
And fittingly, it was one of this series' more popular contestants who delivered - with excitable vigour - the killer blow to the opposition.
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I know this one! Brainbox Sophie Rudd thrilled fans of the show last night by correctly answering a question about Austrian director Fritz Lang, which gifted her team victory in a tense battle with Bristol University
Paxman looked characteristically unmoved by the thrilling contest...but the rest of the world went crazy for Rudd's heroic last-gasp correct answer
How did the moment play out?
A typically deadpan Paxman asked: Which Austrian directors first sound film was entitled M?
Clearly knowing the answer, Rudd unleashed it, shouting: 'Fritz Lang!'
As the enormity of what Rudd had done sunk in, she couldn't hide her glee at pushing Warwick a step closer to the elusive final.
And the moment has quickly slotted into University Challenge folklore, with fans taking to Twitter in their thousands to celebrate Rudd's passion for European film.
With just one question left, it was home and dry for Warwick, while a dejected-looking Bristol licked their wounds and headed for the door.
SO, WHO EXACTLY WAS FRITZ LANG? When University Challenge host Jeremy Paxman fired off the question 'Which Austrian directors first sound film was entitled M?', all but Sophie Rudd looked baffled. Fritz Lang pictured at the 1964 Cannes film festival. The director, born in Austria, produced cinematic masterpieces including Metropolis So, who exactly was the Austrian film director? Born in Vienna in 1890, he was an Expressionist dubbed the 'Master of Darkness' who lived much of his life in the US. His most famous work was the 1927 science-fiction film Metropolis. An expressionistic portrayal of a dystopian, capitalist society, it has garnered cult status among movie lovers. When the film was released in 1927, it was more than two and a half hours long. It tells the story of the futuristic city of Metropolis where society is divided into two classes - managers, who live in luxury skyscrapers and workers who spend their lives underground. The mind-bending Metropolis is now considered a classic but it was panned by critics after its initial release in 1927 The two worlds collide when the son of a manager falls in love with a worker, leading to an implosion of the status quo. Metropolis was panned by critics, including the author H.G. Wells, when it was first released. M in 1931 proved more influential at the time and was considered a precursor to the film noir movement. A restored version of Metropolis was screened during the Berlin Film Festival in 2010 where it came to be considered a masterpiece. Advertisement
A shocked looking Rudd realises the enormity of her correct answer, which guarantees a place for Warwick in the semi-final of this year's University Challenge
Victory by a hair's breadth: 120 to 110 was just enough to defeat Warwick's rivals Bristol
...and the team couldn't hide their joy when the final bell tolled to signal the end of the show
Rudd, who sported a pale green shirt with cats on it for the appearance, has become a fan favourite this season for her impassioned expressions.
She joins other viewers' favourites including Canadian Eric Monkman, of Wolfson College, Cambridge who has become something of an internet celebrity thanks to his animated facial expressions and eccentric demeanour.
And Emmanuel College Cambridge's Bobby Seagull has won fans for his interesting name and his cheery approach when trying to fathom out the answers with his team-mates.
A South Dakota representative claimed that limiting abortion rights wasn't an attack on women, using the fact that some fetuses are female to bolster his argument.
Representative Steven Haugaard, 60, used the rhetoric last week in Pierre while arguing in favor of a bill that would increase penalties for doctors who perform abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
'The fact is, half of the abortions include the death of a girl, so it's certainly not an attack against women,' Haugaard, a Republican, said, according to the Argus Leader.
Rhetoric: South Dakota Representative Steven Haugaard (left) claimed last week that limiting abortion rights wasn't an attack on women because some fetuses are female
Family man: The 60-year-old, pictured left with his family, is a father-of-eight and grandfather-of-nine
The lawmaker, a married father of eight who also has nine grandchildren, was defending House Bill 1101, of which he is a sponsor.
If passed, the measure would bump up abortions performed after 20 weeks from a class one misdemeanor to a class six felony.
This means doctors who give women the procedure after that period of time would face two years behind bars at a state penitentiary instead of one year in a county jail, and / or a $4,000 fine instead of $2,000.
Haugaard, an attorney who lives near Renner and identifies as pro-life, views the stricter penalties as a way to keep doctors from giving women abortions.
Medical access: There is currently only one abortion clinic in South Dakota, the Planned Parenthood center in Sioux Falls (pictured)
'I think if physicians understand they're facing a felony in the event they choose to proceed with the abortion when they know the child is pain-capable, they should know that their license is at risk of being taken away,' the politician told the Argus Leader.
Opinions: Haugaard (pictured) lives near Renner and identifies as pro-life
There is currently only one abortion clinic in South Dakota: the Planned Parenthood center in Sioux Falls.
That clinic does not perform elective abortions after 14 weeks, according to Planned Parenthood.
South Dakota banned abortions after 20 weeks of gestation in March last year, with exceptions only if the mother's life is in danger or if a doctor determines the fetus would not survive after birth.
There are no exceptions for victims of rape and incest.
Women who want to get an abortion in South Dakota currently have to go to the facility for a first visit, then wait for 72 hours and return for the procedure.
Weekends and national holidays are not included in the waiting period.
The South Dakota House Of Representatives passed House Bill 1101 by 58 votes to eight last week. The measure now rests in the Senate.
Wellington boots and a waterproof might be the go-to look for a day in the country but Queen Maxima sported a very different outfit when she visited a farm today.
The Dutch royal dazzled in a vibrant pink dress and brown suede heels as she toured the land in Gouderak, in the Netherlands, with husband King Willem-Alexander.
The 45-year-old is rarely seen out without her hat and she did not disappoint today, stepping out in a wide-brimmed woven number with a matching brown bow.
Farmyard glamour: Queen Maxima and King Willem-Alexander in Gouderak, the Netherlands
Vibrant: Maxima dazzled in a vibrant pink dress and tan heels in nearby Bergambacht
Pink perfection: Queen Maxima smiled and waved at well-wishers as she arrived for the visit
Despite the chilly temperatures, Maxima left her coat at home and instead chose a thick brown shawl for the day outdoors.
A beaded necklace and earring set, in almost the same hue of pink as the dress, brought an added sense of fun to the look. Tan leather gloves finished the ensemble.
The royal balanced the busy outfit with a simple but polished beauty look, keeping her hair swept back in a low chignon and opting for a slick of pale pink lipstick.
Famed for her enthusiasm, she flashed her million-dollar smile as she greeted well-wishers in the town of Bergambacht alongside her husband.
Gracious: The 45-year-old queen waved from the moment she stepped out of her car
Supporters: The mother-of-four took the time to speak with elderly well-wishers today
Royal visit: The King and Queen, left, visited a business in Bergambacht today
The Argentinian-born Queen received a beautiful bouquet of flowers and took time speaking to elderly supporters.
The royal couple later posed for photographs at the farm in nearby Gouderak, with the Queen clutching a different bunch of flowers.
The King and Queen, who have four children together, looked very much in love as they smiled for the camera with their arms around each other.
The best place to live in the UK has been revealed and youve probably never heard of it.
While most people might think Manchester, London and Leeds would be the ideal spots for people in their twenties to settle down - South Ribble, an area of Lancashire just below Preston, beats them all, according to a new study.
The borough scored highly across the board when looking at factors considered most important for young adults such as wages, housing prices, well-being and accessibility to other cities.
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St Saviour's Church in Bamber Bridge makes for a scenic backdrop on a summery day in the county
Worden Park is on the outskirts of Leyland, a hidden gem with woodlands and open meadows in the grounds
Leyland is part of the South Ribble county, the statue at the entrance of a local Morrisons supermarket represents the history of the site which was once a bus factory
Warrington, in Cheshire, followed closely behind due to its affordable housing and excellent transport links while Blaby in Leicestershire came third.
Manchester was ranked as number 14, followed by Edinburgh at 15 and Leeds in the 20th spot.
Nowhere in the English capitol and the South East featured in the top 50, as young people are simply priced out of these areas.
The UKs Best Place to Live, which aired on Channel 4, presented by Sarah Beeny, created an index to figure out the top spot for young people to live in Britain.
The old tramline that runs through Cuerden Valley and across Ribble Valley is one picturesque natural delight
The show commissioned Dr Alasdair Rae, Senior Lecturer University of Sheffield, to look at the latest ONS data for 391 local authority areas across the UK comparing nine aspects which were weighted differently depending on how important they are to young people.
Housing affordability was the most critical aspect, followed by the proportion of people aged 20-29 in the area, life satisfaction, happiness and the number of jobs.
In terms of property prices, South Ribble fared well. The areas housing market is healthier than most other parts of the UK, with the average home priced at just over 157,000, making it 138,000 cheaper than the national average and over 425,000 cheaper than London.
Manchester was ranked in the 14th best place to live in the UK and is the place to be for culture and diverse nightlife
And as well as low house prices, the Lancashire borough has a broad range of employment opportunities.
The same number of jobs were created in the area alone between 2004 and 2012 as Manchester and Liverpool combined, according to international auditors Grant Thornton.
BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN THE UK 1. South Ribble 2. Warrington 3. Blaby 4. Copeland 5. Cheshire East 6. Ribble Valley 7. Rugby 8. Warwick 9. Lancaster 10. Cheshire West and Chester Advertisement
But if you do land a job in another city, the borough is well connected. It only takes five minutes to get from the largest town, Leyland, to Preston and commuters can be in Manchester or Liverpool in under an hour.
Big companies have also seen the potential in the little-known district. Waitroses distribution centre is located in the area and it is also home to technology company BAE systems aerospace academy.
And South Ribble council is part of Lancashires ten year City Deal, which is forecast to generate 2.3 billion in investment.
Nicola Adam, resident and deputy editor, The Lancashire Evening Post, said: Theres an awful lot of investment in the area and because our great transport network a lot of business has migrated to the area so theres lots jobs in the area.
The top ten places to live in the UK are all north of London, as younger people are priced out of living south in the captial
The arrival of the oral contraceptive Pill in the Sixties revolutionised birth control, but it could soon be a thing of the past as scientists move closer to developing high-tech versions of contraception for both sexes.
As the Mail reported recently, one option to replace the 'snip' may be an innovative blob of gel.
Under a local anaesthetic, Vasalgel is injected into the same tubes (the vas deferens) that are sealed in a vasectomy.
The holy grail of contraceptive research, the male pill, has so far proved disappointingly elusive. Much of the focus is on developing drugs that rely on hormones
It forms a barrier to stop sperm swimming to the penis. It's easily reversible you'd just need an injection of a chemical to dissolve it.
Here, we look at other advances set to transform birth control.
FOR HIM
'MALE PILL' BLOOD PRESSURE DRUG
The holy grail of contraceptive research, the male pill, has so far proved disappointingly elusive.
One reason, scientists say, is that much of the focus is on developing drugs that rely on hormones such as testosterone.
While effective at stopping sperm production, side-effects such as mood swings, reduced sex drive, acne and blood clots have hampered progress.
One of the most promising non-hormonal alternatives is a 20p pill called nifedipine.
Scientists found that men taking the blood pressure drug were more likely to be sterile while on it.
Nifedipine appears to switch off sperm's swimming ability stopping it from reaching and fertilising an egg.
While effective at stopping sperm production, side-effects to the current male pill include mood swings, reduced sex drive, acne and blood clots have hampered progress
Scientists from Harvard University are testing whether drugs such as nifedipine could be developed as the first male pill. This could be available in five years.
Allan Pacey, a professor of andrology at Sheffield University, says: 'I don't think there will ever be a hormone-based pill for men because of the side-effects.
'But a drug that could control sperm without using hormones and is reversible once you stop taking it could succeed.'
THE SPERM SWITCH
What if birth control was as simple as turning off a light? This is the promise of the Bimek SLV, a device that is surgically inserted into the vas deferens.
It has a hollow channel with a valve inside. In the up position, the valve diverts the flow of sperm back to the testicles, where it's reabsorbed. In the on position, the sperm is ejaculated as normal.
What if birth control was as simple as turning off a light? This is the promise of the Bimek SLV, a device that is surgically inserted into the vas deferens
Because the vas deferens are close to the outside of the scrotum, the device can be switched on and off by pressing the device through the skin.
The procedure to insert it is expected to last 30 minutes. Its inventor, German engineer Clemens Bimek, is believed to be the only recipient so far. Trials on 25 men, due to begin last year, have been delayed.
GEL TO REPLACE THE SNIP
Another gel alternative to a vasectomy has been under development in India for more than ten years.
RISUG (reversible inhibition of sperm under guidance) works like Vasalgel, but also kills sperm when they come into contact with it.
A gel alternative to a vasectomy has been under development in India for more than ten years
Studies suggest gel plugs can leak when the vas deferens stretches around them.
In a study of 25 men who had the RISUG gel jab, 21 had zero sperm count after two months, reported the journal Contraception in 2003.
FOR HER
MORNING AFTER CREAM
Every year, thousands of women rely on the morning after Pill.
It can be taken up to 72 hours after sex, but can have nasty side-effects, including sickness, dizziness, tender breasts and abdominal pain.
Viramal Ltd is working on a morning after cream that avoids nasty side-effects and allows higher quantities of the drug to be absorbed through the skin
Viramal Ltd is working on a morning after cream that avoids these side-effects and allows higher quantities of the drug to be absorbed through the skin and the mucous membranes inside the vagina.
REMOTE CONTROL IMPLANT
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are working on an implant that can be turned on and off by remote control.
This means women who decide they want a baby can switch off the gadget themselves, rather than having to visit a doctor.
Once they have given birth, the device can be switched on again.
Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are working on an implant that can be turned on and off by remote control
The new implant, which is smaller than a stamp, releases small doses of the hormonal contraceptive drug Levonelle.
The implant generates a small electric charge that slowly melts the seal holding the drug in the reservoir.
The remote control can stop it by switching off the instructions that control the release of the drug. It could be available in three years.
SUPPOSITORY MADE OF CURRY SPICE
While it doesn't sound high-tech, a vaginal suppository made from curry spice could be a contraceptive.
Several studies have found curcumin which gives turmeric its distinct yellow colour is an excellent spermicide.
Patients will be put at risk if the Government doesnt back plans to close A&E and maternity units, a leading think-tank warns.
Local health managers are trying to redesign NHS services in their areas so they can be run more cheaply and offer a better standard of care.
But their sustainability and transformation plans could lead to the closure of dozens of A&Es, maternity wards, specialist cancer units and even entire hospitals.
The sustainability and transformation plans could lead to the closure of dozens of A&Es, maternity wards, specialist cancer units and even entire hospitals (file photo)
A report by the Kings Fund today urges MPs to back the proposals even though they are likely to be unpopular with voters.
It warns that not supporting the plans would mean politicians were colluding to allow unsafe departments to remain open.
However, the think-tanks appeal to MPs marks a U-turn on its position last year, when it was critical of the plans.
In a report in November, it highlighted widespread concerns among health managers, with one admitting the idea was a recipe for disaster.
The sudden about-turn has led to speculation that NHS bosses have put pressure on the Kings Fund to be more supportive of the proposals.
Although it claims to be independent, approximately a third of its funding comes from conferences and training sessions attended by NHS staff.
There are 44 sustainability and transformation plans in England, and managers have been working on them since the beginning of last year.
The details have yet to be finalised, but drafts suggest 24 A&Es face closure, along with 11 maternity units and three hospitals. The report states the level of support from politicians is uncertain but their backing will be crucial.
Local health managers are trying to redesign NHS services in their areas so they can be run more cheaply and offer a better standard of care (file photo)
Chris Ham, chief executive of the Kings Fund, said: If youre not willing to support plans of this kind, essentially you are colluding as politicians in the continuation of unsafe services.
Where there is a clear case that hospitals cannot continue providing safe, high-quality care because of a shortage of nursing staff, shortage of medical staff and other factors, then a reluctance to engage in difficult conversations about why the case for change is compelling means the public will continue to access services of a lower standard and quality.
Politicians need to step up to the plate and be brave.
The Kings Fund said any plans that required the closure of vast numbers of hospital beds would have to be reversed because most hospitals have been more than 95 per cent full this winter and A&E units have been overcrowded, with patients queuing on trolleys.
Mr Ham said this meant any managers who had intended to close hospital wards would now be trying to keep them.
He added: Cutting hospital beds when capacity is already at its limits we dont think thats going to happen.
We do not think now is the time to start cutting back on acute hospital beds and capacity anything like on the scale set out in some of the plans.
The British Medical Association told yesterday how the NHS had lost 15,000 beds in the past six years equivalent to closing 24 hospitals.
There is no need for different medicines to tackle 'wet' and 'dry' coughs, scientists claim.
Instead, branding for such products are just a marketing ploy designed to snatch consumer's money, a new review suggests.
All common coughs have the same cause and can be treated with just one medicine, according to a respiratory expert.
There is no need for different medicines to tackle dry and tickly coughs, scientists claim
Professor Alyn Morice, based at the University of Hull, is one of many calling for a change in pharmacy guidelines.
No longer should chemists ask questions to find out whether the cough is 'wet' or 'dry' as it is based on outdated science, he said.
He added: 'The way in which the medical profession in general manage cough is in urgent need of review.
'These arbitrary categories are based on what was once best practice for the treatment of tuberculosis and chronic bronchitis.
'They have no place in the modern-day real world where there is no danger of the previously fit patient with acute cough drowning in their own phlegm.
'From a marketing point of view it's a sound strategy but from a scientific view it is outdated.'
He added that in terms of acute respiratory tract infections, there is little difference between either a dry cough and one producing phlegm.
All common coughs have the same cause and can be treated with just one medicine, according to a respiratory expert
All colds are driven by cough reflex hypersensitivity, he says in a review published in the journal Clinical Pharmacist.
This happens when nerve endings in the throat become super-sensitive to any irritation and this triggers coughing.
Professor Morice's review comes after King's College Hospital, London, researchers conducted the largest cough medicine trial in the UK.
THE GREAT COUGH SYRUP CON Pharmacy cough medicines work little better than a placebo, while other remedies such as echinacea, vitamin C and zinc are not likely to help either. A review of studies on cough medicine found that in 15 of 19 cases, it either had no benefit or the results were conflicting. Researchers from the American Chemical Society said that, at best, all the expectorants and cough suppressants lining pharmacy shelves can offer is a good nights sleep from drowsiness. Advertisement
They found Unicough, a chocolate-based medicine, helped to reduce both frequency and duration of coughs.
Nearly a third of patients taking the new treatment saw their cough symptoms disappear by day four.
While just 17 per cent reported the same effects after taking linctus - a recognised medicine.
Professor Morice said: 'Its the first study to challenge the idea that different types of cough require different medicines.
He added that it further reinforced evidence that classifying coughs as 'wet' or 'dry' is unhelpful.
A 2014 Cochrane review concluded that there is no proof cough syrup can help when you're under the weather.
'There is no good evidence for or against the effectiveness of over-the-counter medicines in acute cough,' the authors declared.
Cough medicines, which usually cost between 3 and 5 for a small bottle, are part of an over-the-counter healthcare industry worth 3 billion a year.
Cocaine addicts could be more likely to develop dementia, new research suggests.
Regular use of the illegal drug causes excessive amounts of iron to accumulate in parts of the brain.
However, high levels of the mineral are associated with the death of brain cells, which has been linked to the neurodegenerative disease.
Regular use of cocaine causes excessive amounts of iron to accumulate in the brain, which is often linked to cell death - a sign of dementia
The research, conducted by the University of Cambridge, examined brain tissue in 44 people who were addicted to cocaine - and 44 volunteers who were not.
In the former, they detected excessive amounts of iron in the globus pallidus, a part of the brain which ordinarily acts as a 'brake' for inhibiting behaviour.
The concentration of iron in this area was also directly linked with the duration of cocaine use, the study published in the Translational Psychiatry journal found.
So, in other words, the longer that participants had used cocaine, the greater the accumulation of iron.
At the same time, the increased concentration of the mineral in the brain was accompanied by mild iron deficiency in the rest of the body.
This suggested that iron regulation in general is disrupted in people with cocaine addiction.
Cocaine disrupts iron metabolism, possibly by reducing the absorption of iron from food, scientists believe
Dr Karen Ersche, lead author of the study, said: 'Given the important role that iron plays in both health and disease, iron metabolism is normally tightly regulated.
'Long-term cocaine use, however, seems to disrupt this regulation, which may cause significant harm.
THE LINK BETWEEN COCAINE AND STIS Cocaine has long been linked to risky behaviour. But a study earlier this month confirmed the suspicions around the popular street drug when it comes to having sex. Users are less willing to wait for a condom before getting under the sheets with a stranger, scientists from Johns Hopkins University discovered. Being 'high' off the stimulant causes people to become impatient - possibly explaining why addicts are more likely to carry an STI. Advertisement
'Iron is used to produce red blood cells, which help store and carry oxygen in the blood.
'So, iron deficiency in the blood means that organs and tissues may not get as much oxygen as they need.
'On the other hand, we know that excessive iron in the brain is associated with cell death, which is what we frequently see in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.'
Dr Ersche believes the most likely mechanism is that cocaine disrupts iron metabolism, possibly by reducing the absorption of iron from food.
But there is no suggestion that cocaine addiction necessarily increases the risk of dementia, the researchers added.
The mechanism underlying the increase in iron in the brain in Parkinson's disease, for example, is different to that in cocaine addiction, as are the affected brain regions.
It was meant to be just a routine surgery.
Instead it led to the shockingly premature death of art icon Andy Warhol.
The pop artist, who was just 58 years old, had entered the hospital for a seemingly simple gallbladder operation.
Less than 12 hours later, he was pronounced dead.
The news sent shockwaves around the world, with headlines questioning how an operation so straightforward could have been deadly.
But in a new analysis Dr John Ryan, a medical historian and retired surgeon, has revealed that the mystery surrounding Warhol's death is not so cloudy.
As the 30th anniversary of his passing approaches, Dr Ryan has published an in-depth breakdown of what went on inside the operating theater.
His conclusion: we should have seen it coming.
Pop artist Andy Warhol went in for a seemingly simple gallbladder operation in 1987 but ended up dying just 12 hours later - shocking the nation. But now, a doctor says we should have seen the icon's death coming
In 1987, newspaper headlines shared in the nation's confusion of how such a young man, who went in for a seemingly simple surgery, ended up dead.
But Dr Ryan says that the media's narrative has been wrong for years.
'This was major, major surgery - not routine - in a very sick person,' the emeritus chief of surgery at Virginia Mason Hospital in Seattle told The New York Times.
According to the doctor, who presented his findings on Sunday at the annual meeting of the Pacific Coast Surgical Association, Warhol's death should not have come as such a surprise.
Looking at the pop artist's medical history, Dr Ryan discovered that Warhol had almost 15 years of gallbladder trouble and a family history of it as well. Warhol's father had his gallbladder removed in 1928, the same year his son was born.
Warhol had been sick for at least a month before his death, although he had attempted to hide it. His fear of hospitals was another factor in his lack of receiving any serious treatment.
And even once Warhol finally went to see leading surgeon Dr Bjorn Thorbjarnarson - famous for treating the Shah of Iran - the artist pleaded for some kind of stay-at-home treatment.
Dr Thorbjarnarson refused, however, and told Warhol he needed surgery. The artist caved and was admitted to New York Hospital (now NewYork-Presbyterian). The surgeon found a gallbladder full of gangrene, so much so that the organ fell to pieces upon removal.
The revered artist had a fear of hospitals which delayed his ability to receive serious treatment
Further medical records research showed Dr Ryan that Warhol was dehydrated and gaunt from having barely eaten in the previous month.
Additionally, Warhol had been taking speed daily for years. And he was still feeling the effects of a brush with death in 1968 after he was shot by Valerie Solanas, a radical feminist writer.
He had been declared dead in the emergency room and had nine damaged organs - Warhol's surgeon gave even odds on the artist lasting the night.
His recovery left him a lifetime of trouble with eating and swallowing, as well as a split in his abdominal muscles that gave him a large hernia.
Warhol's bad luck should be thought of as less like a lightning strike than like being hit by a car while crossing the street Dr Stewart Walsh, National University of Ireland
So in 1987, on top of the gallbladder removal, Dr Thorbjarnarson had to repair Warhol's abdominal wall.
According to reports, the operation seemed to go well, and Warhol was in his room making calls that evening. A private nurse who went to check on him at 4am said he still seemed fine.
But about two hours later, she found Warhol blue and unresponsive, and resuscitation efforts failed. An autopsy concluded that 'ventricular fibrillation' was the cause of death, meaning that Warhol's heart had quivered and stopped.
Stewart Redmond Walsh, a professor of vascular surgery at the National University of Ireland, Galway, has researched sudden death after surgery, and says it's more common than we think.
Newspapers all over the country shared the nation's confusion over Warhol's premature death
Headlines openly questioned how an operation so straightforward could have been deadly
He explained that when a sick body goes through the trauma of a major surgery, the entire body feels the stress, not just the organ being operated on, which can be fatal.
Dr Walsh said although Warhol 'was unlucky', his bad luck should be thought of as less like a lightning strike than like being hit by a car while crossing the street.
When Dr Ryan entered the data from Warhol's case into the new Surgical Risk Calculator of the American College of Surgeons, it put such a patient's chance of dying at 4.2 percent.
The Union health ministry plans to open 79 new blood banks to address the national shortfall. The banks will open in different states across the country including Uttar Pradesh, J&K, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh.
Over the past two years, the ministry has proposed 1,135 government blood banks in the country and planned to operationalise 780 blood banks, out of which 300 blood banks could be made fully operational.
The other existing blood banks are still not upgraded and lack manpower and the latest equipment to help patients in cases of emergency.
The Union health ministry plans to open 79 new blood banks to address the national shortfall
A senior health ministry official said, 'A proposal has been passed for commissioning 79 new blood banks at different states. In many of these cities, work has already started.'
'At present, only 50 per cent of people voluntarily come forward to donate blood, which government is planning take it to 70-80 per cent through awareness programmes,' he added.
In Uttar Pradesh, the government has decided to set up blood banks in Hapur, Shamli, Sambhal and Amethi, whereas in Uttarakhand, the same would be set up in Rudraprayag, Bageshwar and Champawat.
In J&K, blood banks would be set up in Bandipora, Shopian, Ganderbal, Reasi and Samba, while Himachal Pradesh, Lahaul and Spiti have been shortlisted.
Over the past two years, the ministry has proposed 1,135 government blood banks in the country and planned to operationalise 780 blood banks, out of which 300 blood banks could be made fully operational
The Centre has decided to commission at least three blood banks in Karnataka; five in Bihar, Manipur and Assam; nine in Andhra Pradesh and 11 in Chhattisgarh.
Despite being a country with a population of 1.2 billion, India faces a blood shortage of three million units.
While the requirement is 12 million units, only nine million units can be collected. NCR alone faces a shortage of 1,00,000 units per year.
Recently, the Centre gave its approval for the transfer of blood from one blood bank to another to better utilise blood and blood components and fixed an exchange value for surplus plasma available at some blood banks.
This was done to ensure safe blood and enhance access to blood products by patients.
The move was followed by recommendations of the National Blood Transfusion Council.
Two US-based online retailers have come under fire for hurting Hindi religious sentiments by selling footwear sporting the Om symbol and beer with Lord Ganesha's picture on its label.
The separate complaints were lodged at Delhi's Prashant Vihar police station by animal rights activist Naresh Kadyan, who is also the commissioner (headquarters) at Bharat Scouts and Guides.
The first complaint was made against website yeswevibe.com for selling shoes with the Om symbol while another complaint was made against lostcoast.com for using Ganesha's image on beer bottle packaging and labels.
A website called lostcoast.com is the subject of a complaint for using Ganesha's image on beer bottle packaging and labels
The first complaint, seen by Mail Today, states that the symbol Om is affiliated with religious feelings and beliefs of Hindu communities across the globe.
'Deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs, violated the different sections of the laws of land, including 295 A and 153 A of the IPC,' the complaint reads.
Speaking to Mail Today, MN Tiwari, deputy commissioner of police (Rohini district), said: 'The officers have been instructed to take necessary legal action against the complaint soon.'
Meanwhile website yeswevibe.com has been selling footwear bearing the Om symbol
A FIR was not registered till late Monday. Kadyan has written an official letter to the Ministry of External Affairs to register an FIR against the defaulter websites, asking them to remove the products from sale.
The complainant says that the two companies have deliberately disrespected Hindus
According to the website yeswevibe.com, that is thought to be in operation from Scottsdale city in Arizona, is selling the shoes for $59.99.
The website claims that the shoes are handmade and it also promises delivery within two to three days in the US and two to three weeks globally.
When Kadyan contacted the customer care centre via email, he was reverted with a message: 'We'll forward this to our top management and get back to you soon'.
The website lostcoast.com is an award-winning brewery located in Eureka, California.
'This innocuous trend of using Hindu symbols on fashion or marketing accessories reveals the sellers' insatiable greed for making profits,' said Raveena, an activist working with Hindu Human Rights.
The complaint comes weeks after foreign affairs minister Sushma Swaraj warned Amazon to apologise for selling doormats with the Tricolour flag printed on it.
The complaint comes weeks after foreign affairs minister Sushma Swaraj warned Amazon to apologise for selling doormats with the Tricolour flag printed on it
She warned Amazon that their workers would be denied visas to India if the product wasn't removed and an apology issued
The minister also threatened to stop granting visas and rescind existing ones to Amazon officials if the product wasn't pulled from the Canadian arm of the site.
Angry people also took to social media with the hashtag BoycottAmazon before the global online retailer removed the item being sold by a third party on the website.
Under Indian law any desecration of its flag is punishable with fines and imprisonment.
Earlier too, holy symbols on footwear and clothes have raised angry reactions from Hindu community across the globe.
A Seattle-based toiletries firm created controversy with images of Ganesha and Kali printed on toilet seats.
The Army is on a hunt for missiles which can be fired from the ALH Rudra chopper to destroy enemy tanks, under the fast track procedure for urgent acquisition.
Seeking to provide more firepower to its aviation fleet, sources said it is moving a proposal worth over Rs 1,300 crore before the crucial meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council to buy a limited number of anti-tank guided missiles.
The ATGMs sourced from global suppliers would be fired from the helicopters - a weaponised version of the ALH Dhruv manufactured by the HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) - which would be used by both the Army and Air Force.
The Rudra helicopter is a weaponised version of the ALH Dhruv manufactured by HAL
They would also be equipped with the indigenous HELINA missiles when they are ready for operational deployment in future, it is claimed.
Sources in the Defence Ministry said the Army needs missiles which can hit enemy tanks at a distance of seven kilometers in all conditions, claiming that the indigenous HELINA can't do so - but there is doubt whether any foreign-origin missile can achieve the strike distances from a helicopter.
The programme to utilise the weaponised version of the ALH was started over five years ago by the HAL and it handed over the first chopper to the Army in 2013.
The force had initiated a tender to procure helicopter-fired ATGMs earlier also in which private firms from Israel, Sweden and France had participated and their trials were held at foreign locations.
The Army wants to 'urgently' secure missiles that can be launched up to 7km from target
However, none of the vendors could meet the Indian requirement of providing twin-tube missile launchers as the attack helicopters fire from four tube launchers.
'The previous tender had to be scrapped in 2015 as the twin-tube solutions could not be found and having a four tube launcher would have resulted in the boom touching the ground while landing as the Rudra is not a genuine attack machine,' sources in the Army said.
However, the continuous delays in the project have also resulted in the Army postponing its plans to utilise the choppers in anti-tank roles due to the lack of attack choppers in its inventory.
'We are taking clearance from the Defence Ministry under the fast track procedure to buy these ATGMs as they are required urgently for our choppers,' Army sources said.
The Indian Army and the Air Force together are looking to acquire a fleet of 76 weaponised Rudra choppers which would be fitted with a 70mm guns and rocket pods along with four anti-tank missiles with two each fitted on both sides.
The HELINA missile, is a heli-borne version of the NAG missiles developed in the 1980s.
Mohammed Iqbal, 32, the latest ISIS 'recruit' in the custody of Rajasthan Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) has set alarm bells ringing in security and intelligence agencies.
They are now investigating whether money earned from a Chinese goods business was pumped into ISIS accounts in Syria and used to attempt to buy his way out to be a jihadi fighter.
On the face of it, everything about Iqbal - a businessman of Chinese mobiles and goods - looked innocuous.
Mohammed Iqbal, 32, is currently under investigation for alleged links to ISIS
He belongs to a well-to-do Chennai-based family and is married with two children, staying in the upmarket locality of Myalapore.
However Iqbal's undoing began after he was radicalised online.
With two foreign handlers and one local link 'Jameel Khan', Iqbal is now being probed for his alleged links to Shami Witness, now known as Mehdi Masroor Biswas, who was arrested by Karnataka Police in 2014.
He was alleged to have operated the single most influential pro-ISIS Twitter account from India, which was followed by two-thirds of all the foreign jihadis, but its was identity exposed following a Channel 4 News investigation in the UK.
Jameel Ahmed was arrested in October after police claimed they had uncovered evidence suggesting he was handling accounts which provided funds to ISIS
A top source in ATS said: 'Iqbal didn't know Biswas personally but was in touch with him. We believe that the connection between them was beyond just influence. We are still probing as to how they established the contact.'
Biswas was one of the first arrests in the ISIS case, which triggered a series of arrests by the National Investigation Agency.
Iqbal who ran an account 'Travel Haq' on social media sites had deleted his account just before his arrest on February 4, making it difficult for the ATS to establish the link.
Iqbal frequented Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Mecca and Medina but his business interests took him to China seven to eight times.
Iqbal is believed to have been radicalised and convinced to join ISIS online
A year before his arrest, he is believed to have gone through websites of ISIS, drawn by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi's declaration of a caliphate.
Through social media applications like Kik messenger and telegram, Iqbal allegedly established contact with two ISIS handlers Abu Saad al-Sudani, a Sudanese, and Abu Osama Al Somali, a Somalian notorious commander.
Arrested earlier this month in Rajamundri on Andhra Pradesh-Tamil Nadu border, Iqbal spilled the beans of his failed dream to fight along with other ISIS militants in Syria and Iraq to establish a caliphate.
On invitation from Saad, Iqbal made two attempts to reach the warzone in Syria - first, applying for a visa to Turkey to slip into Syria to get trained as an ISIS fighter in one of several ISIS' camps, and secondly, by trying to reach Turkey through the France route,' Rajasthan ATS ADG Umesh Mishra told Mail Today.
'After his failed attempts, Sudani advised Iqbal to raise funds for the establishment of caliphate. Five fund transfers made by Iqbal to [Jameel] Ahmed are now under scanner.
'Four were made from India, one from China through the Western Union to account of Ahmed. Ahmed, 42, was arrested in October last year by Rajasthan ATS. Ahmed who worked in Dubai in an MNC was handling accounts which provided funds to ISIS in Syria, Bosnia and at least four other countries.'
ATS SP Vikas Kumar said: 'All five transactions remained under a lakh of rupees to avoid being under the radar of security agencies. While four fund transfers were made from within India, one fund transfer was done from China, through the Western Union.'
Ahmed admitted that he had provided funds to ISIS through hawala, it was claimed.
'He also said somebody from Tamil Nadu was helping him raising funds. When we went through Ahmed's chat history, 'Travel Haq' appeared multiple times,' Kumar said.
After three months of surveillance, the ATS was able to establish the real identity of Travel Haq.
'Iqbal used Travel Haq as username on social media websites. He has smuggling network spread across Bangladesh and China. Iqbal was arrested with 3.5 kg gold and was locked up in Chennai Jail.
'We are interrogating him to get more details about his other supporters,' said the official.
The Rajasthan ATS has written to MHA to hand over the case to the NIA.
A fresh round of talks between protesting Jats and the Haryana government in Panipat on Monday remained inconclusive as community leaders stuck to their demands and said the stir will continue.
The government's five-member committee headed by chief secretary D S Dhesi held talks with Jat leaders for over three hours and announced to constitute a four-member panel to resolve the issues, including withdrawal of cases registered during the last year's stir.
All-India Jat Aarakshan Sangarsh Samiti (AIJASS) chief Yashpal Malik, who is spearheading the protest, said, 'The agitation will continue till the demands are met.
Yashpal Malik addressing dharna site at Jassia village of Rohtak district
It has been decided that a four-member panel comprising two members each from the government and the Jats will be formed to resolve the matter,' he said, adding that government representatives have agreed to raise compensation for those seriously injured during last year's stir to Rs 2 lakh.
'The meeting was held for over three hours in two to three phases. Understanding has been reached between the Jats and government on two issues and peace will be maintained at all costs in the state,' Dhesi said.
He said the government has provided jobs to the next of kin of 25 of those killed during last year's stir.
'The Jats wanted permanent jobs for the next of kin of those killed in the violence and the government will consider this after discussions with the new panel,' Dhesi said.
The Jats are holding protests across Haryana seeking fulfilment of their demands including reservation as well as compensation and jobs to families of those who were killed during the protest held last year
The chief secretary said after the court verdict, the government will refer the Jats' demand for reservation in government jobs and educational institutes to the Centre.
The first round of talks between the two sides, held on February 11, had also remained inconclusive.
Terming chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar as a wise man, Malik alleged that a few people within the BJP want to destabilise him.
On Sunday, Khattar had said that the Jats' demands will be fulfilled within the scope of law.
Malik said February 26 will be observed as Black Day by Jats and community members will wear black turbans and ribbons and arm bands to protest the government's policies.
'If all our demands are met before February 26, we will call off our agitation. From March 1, we will not cooperate with the government. No one will pay power, water bills and installments of loans that they owe to the government,' he said.
While the BJP is engaged in a pitched battle for supremacy with the SP and the BSP in the fourth phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh, the RSS is silently, but tenaciously toiling at the grassroots level to convert every cadre into an actual vote at the polling booth.
Rejecting any disconnect between the RSS and the BJP senior Sangh, functionaries from state and national level asserted that there is a perfect unison in the efforts of the two arms of the right-wing.
'These are different times for the RSS and the BJP in the regime of Narendra Modi.
Children participate during a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organisational meeting in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
'Unlike in the past, the internal consultation mechanism is so strong that there is no information lag between the two arms and there is no communication lag too. The process is seamless,' said a senior BJP functionary who has an extensive RSS background.
The BJP is engaged in a pitched battle for supremacy with the SP and the BSP in the fourth phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh
The Sangh, said top UP RSS sources, are running a campaign called 'Jan Jagran' for getting the people to come to polling booths and use their franchise.
The campaign, as the name suggests, is aimed at educating people about the significance of exercising the right to vote and thus to give them a clarion call to do so, the first thing in the morning of the voting day.
The RSS, just as in the past elections across India, is also running a campaign under the theme 'Pehle Matdaan, Phir Jalpaan' (first vote and then breakfast) to encourage voters, especially volunteers and cadre to cast their vote positively.
Sources also said while the RSS volunteers were not assuming any formal roles such as booth heads, they were working silently on the ground to muster votes for its political arm.
Also, the RSS is confident that non-Yadav backward castes have had enough of the 'goonda raj' of SP and that their 'unbridled' support would take the BJP past the magic figure to make the next government.
They also said several of their internal reports had indicated that the backward classes and Dalits identified with Prime Minister Narendra Modi , who was seen as a leader of the dispossessed and marginalised, more so after demonetisation.
UP RSS functionaries maintain that Mayawati's Dalit votebank too would be breached by the saffron brigade.
Two people running an adoption centre in West Bengal suspected of selling at least 17 children to couples abroad have been arrested, police said on Tuesday.
The orphanage allegedly sold children as young as six months to families in Europe, America and Asia for between $12,000 and $23,000.
Police arrested the head of the orphanage and the deputy at the weekend after a tip-off from the federal adoption agency.
The orphanage allegedly sold children as young as six months to families in Europe, America and Asia for between $12,000 and $23,000
'In the last two to three years, they have sold at least 17 children,' a police officer told news agency AFP on condition of anonymity.
'We will try to contact the couples and are expecting more arrests in coming days.'
One French couple paid 1.5 million rupees ($23,000) for a child in 2015, he said.
The accused were also involved in running two other homes in the area.
'Two people were arrested after raids in three charitable homes on Saturday night,' Sashi Panja, state women and child development minister, said.
The heads of an adoption centre are suspected of selling at least 17 children to foreign couples
It is unclear how the alleged sales escaped official notice.
Investigators said they had been monitoring the charity since June when child welfare authorities found discrepancies in their records and relocated all the children from one of the homes.
One said the accused ran health camps to identify poor and unmarried pregnant women and convinced them to give away their babies for adoption after paying them.
'They used fake fitness certificates and police stamps to process the adoption applications,' the officer said.
Police are also said to be investigating whether the adoption racket was part of a wider human trafficking operation.
'What is shocking is that the head of the (orphanage) was also running a shelter for destitute women and selling their babies,' Rashmi Sen of the West Bengal state women and child development ministry told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Only 3,011 children were legally adopted by local couples in India between April 2015 and March 2016 (photo for representation only)
'Ongoing investigations will also probe if the women were trafficked to the home to keep the adoption racket going.'
'There are at least 17 children who were housed in this home (in Jalpaiguri) who are untraceable,' Subodh Bhattacharjee of the Jalpaiguri child welfare committee told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
'They were giving children for adoption without our knowledge, violating laid down guidelines.'
'Our own enquiry last year revealed that the children had not been entered into the government system, which mandates recording of every abandoned child,' Sen said.
'In January we moved 15 children from the orphanage to other homes for their safety. They were all below the age of five, some just a few months old.'
India has an estimated 30 million orphans, but the rules governing international adoptions are strict and domestic adoptions remain relatively rare.
Only 3,011 children were legally adopted by local couples in India between April 2015 and March 2016, down from 3,988 in the previous period, according to the Central Adoption Resource Authority.
Experts say desperate couples wanting to adopt in India are often frustrated by lengthy bureaucratic delays and complex rules, pushing them towards the thriving illegal adoption market.
In recent years the federal government has pledged to relax the adoption rules for local couples.
For foreigners and couples of Indian origin living abroad, the number of adoptions has risen by almost half but they remain subject to intense scrutiny, and the adoption process can take years.
The latest scandal comes four months after police arrested 18 people over the sale of newborn babies in the same state.
Thirteen babies were rescued and skeletons of two other infants found near the port city of Kolkata.
Those arrested include doctors, midwives and the owners of charities and clinics and they are suspected of taking babies from women immediately after they had given birth and telling them their children were stillborn.
They were then smuggled out in biscuit boxes and kept at adoption centres before being sold. The scale of the operation is still being uncovered.
Reports of human trafficking in India increased 25 per cent in 2015 compared to the year before, with more than 40 per cent of cases involving children, according to government crime data.
Neil Craven is a senior business reporter and retail correspondent at the Mail on Sunday.
The business rates farce has now descended into outright chaos. Im here to say we were all warned.
Since 2012, I and other business journalists have been scripting the iniquities of this crumbling system which has caused so many firms to stumble and fall.
Five years of warning that this has been coming. That the delay in the revaluation would hurt. That the phased transition over the next two or three years would hurt those already overpaying.
Business rates: Most likely those who will bear that pain of any PR-spun fiddles will be those whose voices are the quietest - small firms, probably not based in London
My concern now is not over what effect this atrocious system will have on the country in the short or medium term - there is, Im afraid, only pain to be borne by someone, whatever the Government does in the coming weeks.
Fiddling with this system - which the Government will undoubtedly have to do to make it look like it is taking action - can only serve, once again, to kick the can down the road.
Most likely those who will bear that pain of any PR-spun fiddles will be those whose voices are the quietest. Small firms. Probably not based in London.
Most likely based in the North or on the fringes economically, furthest from the seats of power and well beyond the cares of the most powerful lobby groups.
No, my concern - my hope - is whether, finally, this will serve as a long-overdue wake-up call. Whether the Government will make any meaningful changes in the long-term.
I would hope that at least the Government admits it has got things wrong. And it can do that by ordering a long-term review.
Having a tax based on property values in todays business world is like having a personal tax based on your shoe size
Because the only way to salvage anything from this crisis is to tear up the current system and start again.
To start afresh with a blank piece of paper and draw up a tax system for commerce and local government funding requirements which fits the modern era.
Having a tax based on property values in todays business world is like having a personal tax based on your shoe size.
I have already seen comments in some quarters about other forms of tax, possibly based on a sales tax (consumers and retailers wont like it - so the Government will never do it) which sounds workable. Or perhaps a simple extension of corporation tax.
Extending VAT also sounds like an equitable solution - but again would not be popular and easy for big lobby groups (who, again, wouldnt like it) to undermine.
Options: Instead of business rates, retailers could be charged a tax based on sales
But a serious overhaul could also include a seriously extended transition time - so that those who were to bear more of the burden in the future would have time to stomach the new reality, perhaps even over a decade or more.
Whatever the solution, change is necessary. Necessary because this Government needs now more than ever to show us all that, when it can see when things are going wrong, it should pause for breath.
The Government needs to show that it can listen; it should be preparing business for Brexit, not hamstringing it.
It needs to acknowledge it can see a mess when it falls headlong into it - and that it is willing to admit that its covered from head to foot.
If it cant do that now, at this moment, then please god help us in two years time. Because Brexit has all the potential to be business rates multiplied by ten.
And if it Brexit does not go to plan, we need leaders who are prepared to take swift action - use levers and controls to which only they have access.
Because the next debacle of this nature could be far more disastrous for the business and economic interests of the nation.
Royal Bank of Scotland defied expectation yesterday, soaring after it cancelled the sale of its Williams & Glyn branches.
Shares in the struggling bank were widely predicted to bomb this week ahead of its results on Friday, when the group is expected to confirm a ninth consecutive year of losses.
RBS, which the Government still has a 72 per cent stake in, had been told to offload its 300 Williams & Glyn branches to meet EU State Aid requirements after it received a 45 billion taxpayer-backed bailout in 2008. But it has struggled to find a buyer.
On the up: Royal Bank of Scotland defied expectation yesterday, soaring after it cancelled the sale of its Williams & Glyn branches
Both Santander and Clydesdale had been among bidders but no deal was ever made. Clydesdale last night formally withdrew its bid.
But now the Treasury has stepped in to change the requirements. Instead it will now deliver a 750 million package of remedies to promote competition in the market, which would see it working with challenger banks.
Nicholas Hyett, equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: This means the years of toil and billions spent trying to divorce its Williams & Glyn division have achieved almost nothing. Its a mark of how bad things have been for the bank that despite a tough alternative agreement shares have still risen. The new agreement should at least be achievable.
A possible downside, however, is that the group will no longer benefit from the proceeds of the sale.
Shares in the struggling bank were widely predicted to bomb this week ahead of its results on Friday, when the group is expected to confirm a ninth consecutive year of losses
Investec increased its target price by 20p to 225p on the announcement, but kept its sell rating.
Shares surged 6.8 per cent, or 16.5p, to 258.9p.
STOCK WATCH: FISHING REPUBLIC Fishing Republic said that revenue should be 40 per cent higher year-on-year thanks to a combination of organic growth and new stores. The company, one of the largest tackle retailers in the UK, has seen sales generated from its website climb 132 per cent over the year. It opened a store in Milton Keynes in January, and two more, in Reading and Ipswich, are planned for the first quarter. Results for the year should be in line with expectations. Shares climbed 1.9 per cent, or 0.75p, to 39.75p.
The FTSE 100 finished fractionally lower at the close, down 0.1 points at 7299.86.
Among the highest risers on the day was Rolls-Royce, which revved up as Goldman Sachs upgraded it to a buy. Analysts expect earnings to improve and added the stock to its conviction list. Shares climbed 6.3 per cent, or 42p, to 708p.
Pearson slipped after Berenberg downgraded it to a sell.
Analysts slashed 100p off their target price to 400p as it said one of the firms major divisions faced problems at the firm had more leverage than it had assumed.
Berenberg said it couldnt see a short-term fix for Pearsons higher education courseware business and couldnt see any ways the firm could save any more cash.
Pearson will publish its full-year results on Friday. Shares fell 3.9 per cent, or 26p, to 642.5p.
Coloured gemstone miner Gemfields tumbled as it reported a 10.9 million loss in the six months to December 31.
The firm blamed the deferral of an emerald auction which had been due to take place in December. Gemfields produced 10.7 million carats of rough emerald and beryl at its Kagem mine, down from 15m in the previous year.
Ruby and corundum production climbed to 5.6 million carats at its 75 per cent-owned Montepuez mine, up from 2.1 million carats in 2015.
Gemfields said a demonetisation programme in India had created uncertainty, but prospects were strong over the long term with an increasing demand for responsibly sourced rubies and a resurgence of colour gemstones in the luxury sector.
Shares spiralled down 4.9 per cent, or 2.5p, to 48p.
Condor Gold climbed on plans to raise 5.24 million from investors to help it further develop its gold mine in Nicaragua.
The gold miner is placing around 8.3 million shares at 62p each. Leading the backers is renowned mining investor Ross Beaty, who has snapped up 1 million of the placing.
The move will increase his stake in the firm to 8.7 per cent, making him the largest shareholder. Shares leapt 3.1 per cent, or 2p, to 67p.
Vice President Mike Pence says European nations need to speed up plans to contribute two percent of their gross national income to NATO and encourage other member nations to do the same.
At a news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday in Brussels, Pence reiterated the Trump administration's position 'that for too long, for too many' the burden of paying for NATO has 'not been shared fairly among our NATO allies.
'That must come to an end,' the vice president said.
The U.S. leader declined to make new threats to nations that don't pay up, but he warned, 'The patience of the American people will not endure.'
At a news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday in Brussels, Mike Pence reiterated the Trump administration's position 'that for too long, for too many' the burden of paying for NATO has 'not been shared fairly among our NATO allies
Pence told nervous Europeans on Monday that President Donald Trump remains committed to transatlantic ties. However, NATO allies they must boost their defense spending in return.
At NATO headquarters, Pence said Trump expects NATO allies to make 'real progress by the end of 2017' towards meeting a goal they set in 2014 of raising defense spending to two percent of GDP over a decade.
Trump said last summer on the campaign trail NATO countries need to pay up or prepare to defend themselves from attacks.
His defense secretary, James Mattis, delivered another stern message at a NATO defense ministers meeting last week. Washington could 'moderate' its commitment to NATO if allies fail to pay their dues, he said.
Invoking the U.S. defense secretary again, on Monday Pence told NATO nations, 'If you don't yet have a plan -- these are my words, not his -- get one. It is time for actions, not words.'
The vice president wasn't, however, prepared to back up Trump's 'or else' style threats.
'Questions about the future we'll just leave in the future as hypotheticals,' Pence said.
But he at the same time warned that American people's patience would eventually run out.
Bringing up Trump's crusade to reform NATO on the campaign trail, Pence said, 'Frankly, it struck a very resonant chord.'
The American people are frustrated 'that as our country continues to make investments in Europe's security, we see European countries falling behind,' he said.
So far, of the 28 NATO members, only the United States, Britain, Poland, Greece and Estonia have met the two percent target.
'America will do our part but Europe's defense requires Europe's commitment as much as ours,' Pence said Monday.
So far, of the 28 NATO members, only the United States, Britain, Poland, Greece and Estonia have met the two percent target - Pence said Monday that has to end
Scores of protesters gathered in the EU quarter of the Belgian capital during Pence's visit, criticizing the Trump administration's attitude towards women, gay people and climate change.
Two female protesters went topless and carried banners saying 'Pence get out of our pants,' while another placard read 'Love Trumps Hate'.
Pence, Mattis and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson have stuck close to established policy during their first foray into Europe despite Trump's previous pronouncements.
But they have also been left to cope with their president's unpredictable remarks, and by a growing scandal over the new White House's links to Russia.
The vice president admitted on Monday he was 'disappointed' that former US national security adviser Michael Flynn had given him 'inaccurate' information about his contacts with Russia over US sanctions before he resigned last week.
However he said he fully backed Trump's decision to accept Flynn's resignation.
Pence also defended Trump's criticisms of the media, whom the president has called 'the enemy of the American people'.
'Rest assured, both the president and I strongly support a free and independent press,' he said. 'But you can anticipate that the president and all of us will continue to call out the media when they play fast and loose with the facts.'
Capping the European trip aimed at allaying fears about the new administration's support, Pence said Washington's backing for the EU remained 'steadfast and enduring'.
'Today it is my privilege on behalf of President Trump to express the strong commitment of the United States to continued cooperation and partnership with the European Union,' Pence said after talks with EU president Donald Tusk in Brussels.
He said after the meeting with Stoltenberg that the United States understand that its economy is tied to Europe's and so it its heritage.
'Looking for ways that we could reassure this weekend leaders of the European Union of our commitment to ongoing cooperation and that maintaining that partnership in the years ahead is hopefully a resonant message that came through, and it's my great privilege to be here to deliver it,' Pence said.
European allies have been unnerved by Trump's criticism of the EU as a vehicle for Germany, his praise of Britain's decision to leave the bloc and his dismissal of NATO as 'obsolete' even as he praises Russian President Vladimir Putin.
But Pence pledged the United States would keep working with Europe to boost the world's two biggest economies, fight terrorism and defend eastern EU states against Russian encroachment.
Tusk, a former Polish premier, said that Europeans 'truly needed' the meeting with Pence and that the 28-nation bloc counted on 'wholehearted and unequivocal' US support.
'Too much has happened over the past month in your country and in the EU... for us to pretend that everything is as it used to be,' Tusk said.
Capping the European trip aimed at allaying fears about the new administration's support, Pence said Washington's backing for the EU remained 'steadfast and enduring'. He's seen today with EU president Donald Tusk in Brussels
Pence also met European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, a former Luxembourg premier, who stressed that the United States 'needs a strong united Europe.'.
Pence's visit came two days after Trump referred, during a rally in Florida, to a non-existent Swedish terror incident and urged people to 'look at what's happening in Brussels' as he listed a series of European cities struck by deadly terror attacks.
Pence said the United States would remain 'full partners' with the EU in fighting terrorism, a Trump priority.
He also pledged it would defend Europe's 'territorial integrity' and said the Trump administration will 'continue to hold Russia accountable' for the violence in eastern Ukraine and demand that Moscow honor the Minsk agreements for a ceasefire due to begin Monday.
An EU source told AFP that Pence's meeting with Tusk was 'very positive'.
'Will it allay all Europeans fears about Trump? No but it was the best we could have hoped for,' the source added.
Trump is expected to attend a NATO summit in Brussels at the end of May and he has also been invited to meet EU leaders.
Eight months after Karen Ristevski' suddenly vanished, her body was discovered wedged under a huge log by a bushwalker.
The grim discovery brought an exhaustive search for the 47-year-old Melbourne mother to an end and gave her family some closure.
But today police who have launched a murder investigation begin their hunt to find Karens killer.
Officers arrived at her family home on Tuesday to break the news to Mrs Ristevski's husband of 25 years and 21-year-old daughter.
Scroll down for video
The search for Melbourne mother Karen Ristevski (pictured) has turned into a hunt for her killer
Officers arrived at her family home on Tuesday to break the news to Mrs Ristevski's husband Borce, 52, (right) and 21-year-old daughter (left)
The 47-year-old's remains were discovered hidden under a log (pictured) by a bushwalker on Monday
Family members broke their silence on Tuesday and said they were happy to have finally found her.
'Devastated that's how she was discarded,' Mrs Ristevski's aunt Patricia Gray told The Age.
'How a person such as Karen, so full of love, life and laughter, could be left, abandoned, discarded with no thought or emotion shown is unforgivable,' she said.
The 47-year-old's cousin Lisa Gray described Mrs Ristevski as a 'beautiful, kind, generous and loving person' before thanking the police for helping the family search for her.
The question of what happened to Mrs Ristevski has gone unanswered since she mysteriously vanished from her home on June 29, 2016.
Mrs Ristevski was last seen leaving her home on Oakley Drive in Avondale Heights in Melbourne's north-west following an argument with her husband.
Since then police have followed up endless leads and searched various areas, but the 47-year-old has not been seen for almost eight months.
Her phone was switched off and her bank accounts have not been accessed since her disappearance.
Mrs Ristevski's husband Borce Ristevski was the last person to see her alive. He said she left their family home after a fight, and went for a walk to 'clear her head'.
Mr Ristevski was questioned by police immediately after his wife's disappearance, but was released a short time later pending further inquiries.
Shortly after her disappearance, actor Samuel Johnson took to social media to plead for his friend to come home.
Johnson, known for his lead role in TV series The Secret Life of Us, described Ms Ristevski as a 'sensitive, generous, intelligent and kind woman,' the Herald Sun reported at the time.
Melbourne mother Karen Ristevski disappeared on June 29, 2016
He said she left their family home after a fight, and went for a walk to 'clear her head'
That same week the family held a conference with media, police revealed that CCTV cameras did not show Mrs Ristevski leaving her home on the day she disappeared.
Police have not suggested that Mr Ristevski has had anything to do with his wife's disappearance.
In the weeks after Mrs Ristevski's disappearance, SES crews, water police and police on motorbikes searched the Maribyrnong River and surrounding areas.
It was also reported by The Australian at the time that the family were struggling with their debts and on the verge of losing their home when she vanished.
Police searched for Mrs Restivski in areas where her body was found on Monday
In the weeks after Mrs Ristevski's disappearance, SES crews, water police and police on motorbikes searched the Maribyrnong River and surrounding areas
Police divers are seen searching for Mrs Ristevski near Gisborne
A month after her disappearance Mrs Ristevski's meth-addicted step-son Anthony Rickard, 32, claimed his stepmother was planning on leaving his father.
Mr Rickard, a father-of-two who has been questioned by police in relation to the 47-year-old's disappearance, previously told the Herald Sun that he did not kill his stepmother, but that he is angry over a family conflict.
Then in August the 32-year-old posted a series of disturbing and unsubstantiated messages to social media which revealed hi troubled relationship with his family.
Among a stream of violent and often incoherent messages Mr Rickard called his father a 'coward,' claimed he watched him do drugs and that he and Mrs Ristevski, who has been missing nearly two months, had an affair.
An information caravan is seen where Mrs Ristevski was last seen before she went missing. The caravan was set up by Victoria Police
A missing poster for the 47-year-old is seen on a pole near her Melbourne home
Police have not suggested that Mr Ristevski has had anything to do with his wife's disappearance
Timeline of Karen Ristevski's mysterious disappearance June 29, 2016: Karen Ristevski disappears from her house on Oakley Drive in Avondale Heights, Melbourne, at about 10am. Her husband Borce, the last person to see her alive, said she went to 'clear her head' after a fight July 11: The missing persons squad is called in to investigate July 8, 2016: Mr Ristevski questioned by detectives and denied any involvement in her disappearance July 13: Actor Samuel Johnson took to social media to plead for his friend to come home July 13: Police and SES scour bushland behind the Ristevski home, near the Maribyrnong River July 14, 2016: Mr Ristevski is asked 'Did you kill Karen, Borce?' ending a press conference appealing for information about her disappearance. The same day, police said CCTV did not catch her leaving the house that morning July 21, 2016: Mr Ristevski claims their home's security cameras stoped working months before her disappearance July 23, 2016: Ms Ristevski's meth-addicted step-son Anthony Rickard, 32, claimed his stepmother was planning on leaving his father July 29: Police divers search another part of the Maribyrnong River, about three kilometres from the Ristevski house September 9, 2016: Neighbour hands police CCTV possibly showing Ms Ristevski's car on the day she disappeared August 11, 2016: Mr Rickard posted a series of disturbing and unsubstantiated messages to social media which revealed his troubled relationship with his family. He claimed their marriage was 'fake', called his father a 'coward', claimed he watched him do drugs and that he and Mrs Ristevski had an affair August 24, 2016: Mr Ristevski's brother Vasco suggested she might have fled to the U.S. or China on a fake passport December 19-20, 2016: Police drained dams and searched countryside at Toolern Vale - just south of where her body was found on Monday February 20, 2017: A bushwalker found the body under a large log on Mt Macedon, about 52 kilometres from the house, and contacted police about 12.30pm February 21, 2017: The body is confirmed to be Ms Ristevski's and police break the news to her family Advertisement
Nephew Chris Ristevski told A Current Affair at the time that he was shocked his cousin, who has struggled with ice addiction, would stoop so low.
'It's outrageous - it's supposed to be his family.'
In September it was revealed that a car driving away from Mrs Ristevski's home on the day she disappeared closely resembled her own one.
CCTV footage captured by a neighbour's camera showed a car resembling the Melbourne mother's, the Herald Sun reported.
Then on December 19 and 20 last year, police drained dams and searched countryside at Toolern Vale - just south of where her body was found on Monday.
Two traffic wardens have been caught taking a 50-minute nap in their branded council car in a permit-only space.
The employees were spotted sleeping in a Lambeth parking services Ford Fiesta on a council estate in Clapham, south London, on Tuesday afternoon.
Passer-by Mitchell Krishnan, 54, took a video of the soporific wardens and could see a pile of forms on one of their laps.
Two traffic wardens were caught on camera taking a 50-minute nap in a Clapham council estate, in south London, on Tuesday afternoon. One of the employees had a list of where they had been (pictured)
The paperwork, which may be considered confidential, detailed where they had been that day.
Mr Krishnan saw the traffic wardens parked in the permit-only space at 4.30pm and at 5.20pm, the council workers left.
The disgruntled passer-by complained about them to Lambeth Council and the incident is being investigated.
The wardens are employed by contractor APCOA, who run car parks around the country, including one at Heathrow airport.
Mr Krishnan told the Sun: 'They've clearly tucked themselves away there so they can skive from work and have a siesta.
'These officers are constantly penalising us for the silliest of things we're getting battered financially by these wardens.
Local Mitchell Krishnan, 54, saw the pair park at 4.30pm and leave at 5.20pm. The Civil Enforcement Officers are employed by firm APCOA, who have been contracted by Lambeth Council to manage their parking services
'They were there for at least 50 minutes, and since there's two of them, that's nearly two hours of government paid time in a government vehicle.'
Firm APCOA were contracted by Lambeth Council to run a car pound and the area's parking services in October 2016.
The eight-year contract is worth 27 million.
In the video, Mr Krishnan circles around the car, which is branded with a Lambeth Parking Services sign on the bonnet and the doors.
The Ford Focus the pair were napping in was branded with Lambeth Parking Services signs on the bonnet and doors. Mr Krishnan complained to the council, who said they are investigating the incident
The wardens, who are wearing hi-vis tabards and are identified as Civil Enforcement Officers, continue to sleep throughout the incriminating clip.
In a statement a spokesman for Lambeth Council said: 'APCOA, our parking enforcement contractor, are currently investigating this matter, and have assured us they will take appropriate action once they have concluded their investigation.'
Last April, Lambeth Council were accused of painting a disabled parking bay around a Renault Clio, then fined the owner 110.
Owner Matt Armstrong called the incident a shocking waste of council tax.
At the time, the council said they would cancel Mr Armstrong's fixed penalty notice.
A truck driver whose unattended truck ran over and killed a North Carolina boy has been sentenced to just 65 days in jail.
The dump truck, which came down a hill, hit five-year-old Everett Copeland on December 26, while illegal immigrant Alejandro Suarez made a bathroom stop.
He had put the truck in neutral and put on the brakes in a Hillsborough subdivision. The boy was taken to Duke University Hospital and died later.
Suarez had entered a plea of 'no contest' on Monday and an Orange County judge accepted it.
Everett Copeland, left, was playing outside his home with three other children on December 26 when he was hit and killed by a truck driven by Alejangro Suarez, right
Everett's father said in court: 'We fully understand that no one intended to hurt Everett, including Mr Suarez.
'Everett's death was preventable. There will always be that ache in our hearts.'
Suarez has been in jail since the death and will be released on February 28.
Suarez, who came from Mexico and has been in the US for 11 years, will be transferred to federal custody.
He had an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer placed on him because he is alleged to be in the country illegally.
It is unclear if Suarez will be deported following his release from jail.
Suarez, who came from Mexico and has been in the US for 11 years, will be transferred to federal custody
Authorities said dirt was being loaded into the truck when it 'rolled away from its work area.'
According to a certified mechanic, the brakes had been applied to the truck but the vehicle was left running before it went down the hill.
The district attorney said workers chased after the truck but were unable to catch up to it before it hit several light poles, then jumped the curb, crashed into a tree and hit Everett.
District Attorney Jim Woodall said Suarez remained at the scene, claimed responsibility and had cooperated fully during the investigation.
Woodall said: 'He acknowledged from the very beginning that he was the driver of the truck, so he was the one responsible for making sure that the truck was properly secured.
'This will affect that family every day for the rest of their lives.'
Attorney Bill Young said Suarez 'feels horrible like any human whose massive mistake would have resulted in this type of tragic outcome.'
A beauty pageant contestant is facing first-degree arson charges after setting her roommate's bed alight during an argument.
Christen McAllister was arrested after police were called to the 300 block of Armstrong street at The Retreat, an off-campus housing community for the University of Louisville's Belknap Campus.
McAllister, 22, was a Top 5 finalist in the Miss Kentucky USA pageant last month.
Christen McAllister was arrested after police were called to the 300 block of Armstrong street at The Retreat, an off-campus housing community for the University of Louisville's Belknap Campus
McAllister, second from left, was a Top 5 finalist in the Miss Kentucky USA pageant last month
Authorities say McAllister admitted to setting the mattress on fire while two roommates were inside the home after she and her roommate got in an argument
The Louisville Metro Arson Bureau said the fire began around 12:15am on February 18, according to Wave 3.
Authorities say McAllister admitted to setting the mattress on fire while two roommates were inside the home after she and her roommate got in an argument.
The confession was captured on a police body camera.
On social media, she claims to be a member of the Sigma Kappa Sorority and studies Marketing at the University of Louisville.
Details of her bond have not been given, but the student continues to share on her personal Facebook page.
No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire.
Christopher Duntsch (pictured), 46, has been sentenced to life in prison for seriously injuring an elderly woman in a botched spine surgery in Plano, Texas
A jury has sentenced a former North Texas neurosurgeon to life in prison for killing two patients and maiming others who had turned to him for surgery to resolve debilitating injuries.
The decision came Monday afternoon, almost a week after the Dallas County jury convicted 46-year-old Christopher Duntsch of first-degree felony injury to an elderly person.
Duntsch was the first doctor in Dallas County to be convicted for a surgery gone wrong, District Attorney Faith Johnson said in a news conference after the sentencing Monday.
'We have done something historic here', Johnson said.
Prosecutors alleged numerous cases of malpractice against the former Plano physician, including that he improperly placed screws and plates along patients' spines, left a sponge in another patient and cut a major vein in another.
One of his victims, Jerry Summers, who he had known since they were children, woke up after undergoing spinal surgery at Baylor Regional Medical Center of Plano unable to move his arms or legs, according to the Dallas Morning-News.
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The charges stem from incidents where Duntsch (left and right) is accused of causing the death of two patients, while mutilating four others - including Jerry Summers, who woke up after undergoing spinal surgery unable to move his arms or legs
Duntsch was the first doctor in Dallas County to be convicted for a surgery gone wrong, District Attorney Faith Johnson (center) said in a news conference on Monday
Summers said in a video testimony played in court earlier this month: 'I don't remember feeling any pain, I just couldn't move.
'It just feels like your body weighs about 10,000 pounds and you cant pick it up'.
In the video, which was shot in January in Summers's Memphis, Tennessee, home so he did not have to travel to Texas for Duntsch's trial, he then demonstrated how he is still unable to move his arms or legs.
Summers's 'botched' surgery took place in February 2012, after Duntsch had offered to perform the basic procedure to rid him of pain and numbness he had in his arm as a result of a previous car crash.
However, the surgery did not go according to plan, with the anesthesiologist who put Summers under revealing he lost more than 10 times more blood than usual during the operation.
Summers now suffers from incomplete paralysis - meaning he is unable to move his arms and legs, but still feels pain and touch.
'I don't remember feeling any pain, I just couldn't move,' Summers (pictured) said in a video testimony played in court earlier this month
Later in the same year, Duntsch operated on Kellie Martin.
Martin bled out and died after the doctor cut through her spinal cord, slashing a major artery, prosecutors allege.
Surgical nurse Catherine Kelly-Lorenz, who was involved with Duntsch for the deadly surgery, said the disgraced surgeon did not seem concerned with what had happened - despite the fact Martin was 'screaming in pain' when she first woke up and had to be put back under.
Another of Duntsch's patients, 63-year-old Floella Brown, also died in July 2012.
Brown suffered a stroke after she underwent spinal surgery, in which the Texas Medical Board found the doctor 'went overboard'.
Kellie Martin, pictured left, died after Duntsch performed a 'routine' spinal surgery, one of two patients prosecutors said died as a direct result of Duntsch's malice. Mary Efurd, pictured right, woke up after surgery barely able to move her legs
Records state Duntsch removed 'bone from an area that was not required by any clinical or anatomical standards, resulting in injury to the vertebral artery'.
Another female patient, Mary Efurd, testified in court last week about injuries she suffered allegedly at Duntsch's hands during another 2012 surgery when she was 74.
During the surgery to help fix her back pain, Efurd lost a half-gallon of blood and the use of her legs, the Dallas Morning-News reports.
'I trusted him, I trusted he would do what was right,' she told the court earlier this month.
Duntsch has his license revoked in 2013, despite him claiming at the time: '99 per cent of everything that has been said about me is completely false'.
The surgery on Summers in 2012 took place at the Baylor Regional Medical Center of Plano (pictured)
The medical board cited abuse of care with six patients when they revoked his license.
A surgeon testifying for prosecutors said it was like letting an amateur loose in surgery.
'The pain wont go away for [the victims]', Johnson, the district attorney, said Monday.
'But we hope they will just have a little joy to know that the person that did this thing to them will be serving a life sentence'.
Duntsch's attorneys argued he wasn't a criminal, just a lousy surgeon.
An affidavit revealed that in an email from December 2011 Duntsch outlined a desire to inflict pain upon his patients.
'I am ready to leave the love and kindness and goodness and patience that I mix with everything else that I am and become a cold blooded killer', he wrote to an employee.
Starbucks is to open its fourth coffee shop on one street - just 300 yards from an independent coffee shop set to be bled dry by the business rates overhaul.
The coffee giant yesterday unveiled plans to open its fifteenth store in Cardiff, and its fourth along the citys busy Queen Street the most on any one street in Britain.
The four Starbucks shops will be just 350 yards apart, within a five minute walk of each other.
Yesterday Charlotte Barker, the owner of neighbouring Coffee Barker, condemned the announcement as an example of the Governments failure to stick up for smaller traders in the face of punishing rate hikes.
A map shows where each of the current Starbucks stores are located, as well as the new shop
The coffee giant yesterday unveiled plans to open its fifteenth store in Cardiff, and its fourth along the citys busy Queen Street the most on any one street in Britain
The four Starbucks shops (one of which is pictured) will be just 350 yards apart, within a five minute walk of each other
Starbucks ran into a tax controversy in the UK in 2012 when it was accused of paying no tax on sales of 1.2bn in this country over the previous three years.
Mrs Barker said it was heartbreaking that multi-national companies seem to get away with murder in their tax bill while smaller businesses like hers are forced to the wall.
Speaking for thousands of struggling businesses, she said: The Government should be sticking up for small traders and not letting these giants control everything.
We are waiting to hear how big our rate rises will be. But it could tip people like us over the edge. The taxman already gets 20 per cent VAT, PAYE and income tax from us along with the rate rises.
In the last six years independent coffee shops have gradually disappeared from Queen Street. However another Starbucks will soon be homed in this empty shopfront
Starbucks ran into a tax controversy in the UK in 2012 when it was accused of paying no tax on sales of 1.2bn over three years (another Queen Street Starbucks, located inside a Next store)
We are being bled dry while you hear about people like Starbucks and so on hardly paying a penny.
Im sure people look at my shop and think it is a dream to run that. But, believe me, it is an uphill battle every day and the Government are making it even more difficult for small traders.
All cities will lost their character and just become one chain unless something is done.
A customer said: How can it be a level playing field when you see Starbucks apparently not pay all they should in taxes?
Really we should be giving tax advantages to small independents who bring character and personal attention to our High Streets.
Mrs Barker has owned her business premises since 1982. It opened as a fashion store but was transformed to a coffee shop six years ago to catch on to the booming demand for coffee.
There are now 20 times as many high street coffee shops to choose from than a generation ago. Demand has boomed with an estimated 70 million cups a day being drunk, more than one for every person.
But in the last six years independent coffee shops have gradually disappeared from Queen Street, the Welsh capitals main shopping area, while the bigger chains have thrived. The independent Atlantic coffee shop closed suddenly just weeks ago.
Dr Eleri Rosier, a senior lecturer in marketing at Cardiff Business School, told how a number of vacant units and short-lived discount shops along the street is a symptom of high-rental costs.
She said: They move in to quickly make their money and then leave. We have lots of empty units that can be really off-putting. Obviously seeing everything closed isnt the most attractive.
MPs fear independent shops be wiped out from Britains high streets under planned rate hikes from April. It is feared the larger, multi-national companies will stay because they can easily afford to stay open.
There are now 20 times as many high street coffee shops to choose from than a generation ago. Demand has boomed with an estimated 70 million cups a day being drunk
The changes, the first revaluation of business rates for seven years, will affect more than 500,000 cafes, shops, hotels, nurseries, schools and hospitals.
Business groups including the Institute of Directors, the CBI and the British Retail Consortium have protested against the planned overhaul. Small traders have also expressed outrage that online giants such as Amazon would benefit.
Announcing the new store yesterday, a Starbucks spokeswoman said: We are opening a new store on Queen Street, Cardiff in April, which will create fifteen new jobs.
We are committed to opening stores with local connections to their communities and the two stores we directly operate on Queen Street feature dual-language Welsh menu boards.
Banning Donald Trump would be against the national interest and only benefit Vladimir Putin because it would divide the West, MPs said yesterday.
The warnings came during fierce clashes in a debate on whether the US President should be given a state visit to Britain.
Sir Simon Burns said a ban would isolate the UK and make it less influential.
The ex-Tory minister and Hillary Clinton supporter added it was a no brainer and Mr Trumps grotesque characteristics should not undermine UK-US relations.
Some 2,000 protesters gathered in Parliament Square as MPs debated petitions for and against a State Visit
The warnings came during fierce clashes in a debate on whether the US President should be given a state visit to Britain
As thousands gathered at Parliament Square to protest against Mr Trumps visit, Sir Alan declared diplomacy matters
Foreign Office minister Sir Alan Duncan defended Theresa Mays invitation to the President, saying a state visit was the most important diplomatic tool in an increasingly dangerous world.
He said working closely with allies was of critical importance and the Government was placing the national interest at the heart of its decisions.
As thousands gathered at Parliament Square to protest against Mr Trumps visit, Sir Alan declared diplomacy matters. He added: The visit should happen and it will happen.
RAGE AT MP'S SEXISM 'DEFENCE' A former Tory minister caused outrage last night as he apparently played down sexist and abusive remarks by Donald Trump. Speaking during a Commons debate on whether to allow the US president on a state visit to Britain, Sir Edward Leigh said that Mr Trumps comments that he would grab a woman by the p***y were horrible, but many other politicians will have made some ridiculous sexual comment in private. SNP MP Hannah Bardell said: Is he seriously suggesting that the comments made in public by Trump and in private, which were recorded and broadcast, on sexual abuse and attacking women, are a legitimate position? Sir Edward replied: As far as I know Ive never spoken like that and no friends of mine have ever spoken like that I completely deplore it and find it ridiculous to speak like that in private. Advertisement
The three-hour debate was triggered by two petitions one against the state visit, with 1.85million signatures, and one in favour, backed by 311,000.
Sir Simon said Britain cannot afford to be isolated and ignore our friends in the wake of Brexit.
He added: We would become isolated, we would become less influential and it would not be in our national interest.
Tory MP James Cartlidge said the UK would gain nothing if it withdraws the offer of the visit.
He said: There is one man who will win and that is Vladimir Putin. There will be smiles all round in the Kremlin because the one thing they want in the Kremlin above all else is to divide the West.
They want the UK and the US to be divided, they dont want a strong transatlantic partnership.
Senior Tory Julian Lewis said castigating Mr Trump would encourage him to retreat into a bunker away from Nato.
He warned MPs could not indulge their opinions when US military support for Europe could stop another world war.
On the opposing side, MPs said ministers should not sell our souls by allowing Mr Trump to come to Westminster and urged Mrs May to drop the invitation.
MPs accused Mr Trump of being disgusting immoral with a protozoan capacity for intellect and a bigot. In the packed debate, they said the Queen had been put in a very difficult position and the theme put forward by Trump is that lies are the truth.
As MPs debated, chants were heard from the 2,000-plus protesters in Parliament Square
Placard: One of the crowd says 'No to racism and no to Trump' outside Parliament
Protesters wearing masks depicting British Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald J. Trump and holding hands demonstrate against the proposed State visit
Protesters gathered in Parliament Square in support of migrant workers against Donald Trump
They held aloft placards with slogans bearing the words, 'Stand with migrant workers'
They were addressed by Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott who condemned the dark shadow of racism and anti-immigrant sentiment
SNP MP Alex Salmond accused Mrs May of fawning subservience. Labour MP Paul Flynn warned America was becoming Orwellian under Mr Trump as he peddled lies as truths
As MPs debated, chants were heard from the 2,000-plus protesters.
They were addressed by Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott who condemned the dark shadow of racism and anti-immigrant sentiment.
SNP MP Alex Salmond accused Mrs May of fawning subservience. Labour MP Paul Flynn warned America was becoming Orwellian under Mr Trump as he peddled lies as truths.
Labour MP Naz Shah said Mr Trumps presidency has been chilling, adding: By rolling out the red carpet, we are endorsing all his views.
Yesterday Mr Trump named Lieutenant General HR McMaster as his new national security adviser to replace Michael Flynn, who was ousted last week.
An Australian gym has been forced to remove advertising for a fitness campaign after it was said to contain inappropriate language.
The Anytime Fitness campaign titled 'F*ck Unfit' was banned by the Advertising Standards Board in February on five platforms - letterbox flyers, posters, social media, outdoor and SMS format.
The campaign featured slogans such as: 'F*CK UNFIT! THIS IS MY YEAR. BEAT THE EXCUSES. SMASH OVER 1,100 WORKOUTS WITH OUR ANYTIME FITNESS APP. GET STARTED WITH A 7-DAY FREE TRIAL. JOIN IN-CLUB AND DOWNLOAD IT TODAY #ANYTIMEWORKOUTS.
Australian gym Anytime Fitness has been forced to remove advertising for a fitness campaign (pictured) after it was said to contain inappropriate language
The campaign titled 'F*ck Unfit' was banned by the Advertising Standards Board in February on five platforms - letterbox flyers, posters, social media, outdoor and SMS format
In one case report, the complainant said their 10-year-old son had collected a flyer with the slogan from their mailbox.
The complaint said: 'I find it extremely offensive, unnecessary. I DO NOT want my children to be exposed to this sort of thing in our daily mail collection.'
Customers are said to have also received text messages sent from Anytime Fitness Munno Para club with the following wording:
'Say F*CK UNFIT with the new Anytime Workouts app. Join in-club today at [insert Club name]. Reply STOP to opt out.
In one ASB case report, a complainant said their 10-year-old son had collected a flyer with the slogan from their mailbox, and said they didn't want their children exposed to that type of langauge
As well as advertising on poster in gyms, letterbox flyers and ads on social media, customers are also said to have received text messages with the slogan advertising gym membership
'Say F*CK UNFIT with the Anytime Fitness & 3 free 30 min PT sessions. Join in-club today at [insert Club name]. Reply STOP to opt out.'
The complaint about a poster read: 'I am not happy with there being #F*ck all over their walls and I find it offensive they think it's acceptable to have this in their inspire quotes. I find it unnecessary'.
Anytime Fitness' response in the ASB report said they had acknowledged the ABS's decision.
'The advertising campaign concluded on 11 February 2017 and our franchise networks have been advised to discontinue use of all marketing materials and advertisements associated with the campaign.'
In the ASB report Anytime Fitness said they had acknowledged the ABS's decision
Anytime Fitness said the advertising campaign with the slogan F*ck Unfit' had ended on 11 February 2017 and all their franchises had been advised to discontinue using the marketing materials
Aside from complaints to the ASB one woman also voiced her disappointment with the campaign on Instagram, posting a photo of an Anytime Fitness poster in Sydney.
She captioned it with: 'Really, #anytimeworkouts? 'F**k unfit' with a picture of a conventionally attractive, thin person? (Points for PoC, I guess...) This and your scaremongering 'too many Australians are fat' mass email are really making me question my decision to sign an 18 month contract a couple weeks ago. Disappointing.'
The company replied and said: 'We are sorry that you feel that way however, this campaign is not intended to offend anyone. The aim of this campaign is to address and challenge a fundamental health problem, being unfit, and highlight how we can help to fight this issue.
Aside from the ASB report one woman (pictured) also voiced her unhappiness with the advertising campaign in an Instagram post, saying she was disappointed and was questioning signing an 18 month contract with the gym
'To us, the use of the F word demonstrates how strongly we feel about it, and that we wanted to spark the attention of those who need the realisation, motivation and support to do something about it.
'We understand being healthy and fit can mean many different things to all of our members, we love that people have different goals and achievements, there is no one size fits all. We celebrate these differences but no matter who you are, every Australian deserves to be fit and healthy.'
An Anytime Fitness spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia they were disappointed in the decision from the ASB, but are respectful of the ruling.
'As the biggest fitness community in Australia, we are committed to inspiring a fitter and healthier nation, which is why we launched the campaign to promote our new 24/7 fitness app.
The campaign ended on 11 February, so marketing materials have already been removed but our future marketing strategy will continue as planned.'
Philip Hammond told restive Tory MPs that he was open to listening to the hardest-hit firms in a bid to help their plight
The Chancellor last night promised a tax clampdown on Amazon and other big online companies as he hinted at help for small shops hammered by business rates rises.
Philip Hammond told restive Tory MPs that he was open to listening to the hardest-hit firms in a bid to help their plight.
But he disappointed backbenchers by declining to commit himself to action to alleviate the impact of the business rates revaluation in next months Budget.
He did, however, pledge longer term reform to level the playing field between large online firms and small high street shops.
He is said to be looking at reforms to the property tax system to ensure that online firms pay their fair share.
The move comes a week after it emerged that Amazon would pay less in business rates for its warehouses while independent stores on the high street face rises of up to 300 per cent.
The first business rates revaluation in seven years will leave more than a quarter of companies facing higher bills. But some online retailers have benefited because the value of their out-of-town premises has fallen, while the value of stores in affluent, urban areas has risen.
A series of MPs who attended last nights 80-minute meeting of the Tory backbench 1922 committee confronted him with examples of firms in their constituencies facing steep rises.
One Tory MP at the meeting said Mr Hammond had said there may need to be some relief for small retailers in areas of high rents.
The Chancellor also apparently warned, however, that he may not be able to do anything soon because the first rates bills were being sent out from next week.
A Treasury source said: Hes open to listening to the issues of those who are hardest hit, but there was no decision either way.
The source indicated that the Chancellor was looking at a longer-term solution to ease the difference between the traditional high street shops hit by the revaluation and the internet giants whose out-of-town warehouses benefit from low rates.
The Chancellor last night promised a tax clampdown on Amazon and other big online companies as he hinted at help for small shops hammered by business rates rises
One point that he raised is one of the challenges of the tax system right now is the challenge faced by the digital economy, he said. Thats something that you cant do something about overnight.
This is a property tax. He made the point that the growth in the digital economy presents a challenge to that type of taxation and thats something that has to be explored with HMRC and other departments.
Last night Tory MP Andrew Bridgen said he was disappointed that Mr Hammond did not spell out concrete help for small businesses.
He added: What ministers need to understand is that all funding for public services is generated by wealth creation from business. It comes from nowhere else.
The Government says 73 per cent of businesses will see their rates cut or stay the same, with some 600,000 firms not paying at all.
Mr Hammond stressed that the revaluation was the subject of consultation with business organisations.
Tamron Hall has been making the most of her unexpected time off over the past month following her sudden decision to exit NBC after 10 years with the network, and on Monday kept that trend going with a little volunteer work.
The former Today anchor offered up her time and kitchen to some of the children from Common Thread, a program created for low-income students in urban areas that promotes diversity and nutrition.
It was a busy afternoon for Hall and her pint-sized helpers, who put together an impressive and healthy meal of fish tacos, Spanish rice and coleslaw.
The group displayed their finished product in a video Hall posted on social media at the end of the day, which also gave her a chance to show off her apron and chef's hat.
Hall's sartorial selections were on display one day prior as well, when she was spotted strolling the streets of Soho in Manhattan with a stylish group of gal pals.
The 46-year-old looked pretty as a peacock on that outing, wearing a colorful and pricey selection of designer duds.
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Today while not on Today: Tamron Hall spent Monday afternoon cooking with five children from Common Thread at her Manhattan apartment (above)
Style stars: The day of giving back came after Hall spent Sunday walking around Manhattan's Soho neighborhood with friends (above)
Colorful clothing: The former Today host took advantage of the unseasonably warm weather while showing off her impressive collection of designer wears
Pretty and pricey: Hall paired a $5,400 Gucci blazer with a pair of the label's $900 pants while carrying a Louis Vuitton bag that costs upwards of $5,000
Temperatures in New York were in the low 60s on Sunday, and Hall was just one of the many city dwellers to hit the streets and enjoy the warm weather.
It also gave her a chance to show off some of her impressive designer wears, starting with her $5,400 grosgrain-trimmed appliqued leather blazer from Gucci.
She wore that over a $160 distressed Ramones tee from Madeworn, which she tucked into her $890 stretch wool and silk-blend straight-leg pants in red that were also from Gucci.
Designer shades and a classic Louis Vuitton bag finished off the look, driving the total price of the stylish ensemble to approximately $10,000.
Hall seemed to be in good spirits while out with her girls, and just as happy during her time lending a hand on Monday.
Hall posted a picture on Twitter Monday of her five little chefs from Common Thread, writing: 'Live from my home @CommonThread mini chefs. We are working together today to bring attention to #nutrition & #Diversity. Now who cleans?'
She followed that up with a lengthy video of her students, one of whom accidentally reveals that the group also got some not so healthy treats from Hall when asked to name his favorite part of the meal.
'Chocolate,' says the boy.
Hall later revealed that the chocolates was all the group got to eat, saying that they did not have a chance to sample their own creations.
She also stressed to the youngsters that chocolate is fine in moderation.
That treat was no doubt much deserved after the group spent four hours cooking and cleaning under the intense and very hot glare of spotlights being used by Common Thread, who were filming Hall's afternoon with the young chefs.
The three girls and two boys who joined Hall also got a chance to show off their on-camera talents in the video posted by the news anchor after the taping was done for the day and before they returned to their parents.
That video also showed Hall giving the children a look through her refrigerator, which was stocked with items better suited for a more adult palate including bottles of San Pellegrino, some pork shoulder and a glass jar containing a probiotic drink to combat bloating.
Hall herself admitted that item was the 'weirdest' in her fridge and being used so she could fit into a 'tight dress at Mardi Gras.'
The eight-minute long video, in which hall also introduced the members of the crew who were filming and her dog, ended with hall thanking fans for their 'sweet messages' and promising to see everyone soon.
Great cause: Common Thread aims to promote diversity and teach nutritional cooking and eating habits to low-income children in urban areas
Filming underway: Tamron Hall (above) posted video of herself on the set of Deadline Crime in Pottsdam, New York on Wednesday
Percolatin': Hall, 46, had been enjoying an unexpected two week vacation after walking away from her job at NBC News following 10 years with the company (above with Mary J Blige in LA this weekend)
The hardworking Hall, who at times hosted upwards of four programs on NBC and MSNBC in a single day, posted a video last week as she returned to work on the fifth season of her popular Investigation Discovery show Deadline Crime.
The show is produced by NBC's production arm, Peacock Productions, but airs on a network that is owned by Discovery Communications.
It marked the end of an epic two-week vacation for Hall, who took full advantage of her time off by spending her first full day away from set cleaning her apartment and closet, and every subsequent day out and about.
Among the spots that Hall was spotted in a little over 10 days were the Super Bowl in Houston, Grammys weekend in Los Angeles, fashion parties in New York and even the 62nd Annual Viennese Opera Ball.
At these events she got to hang with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Jesse Williams, Martina Navratilova and Laurence Fishburne.
Hall suffered a devastating loss in 2004 after her sister Renate was bludgeoned to death and found face down in a swimming pool in Houston.
Although the murder is still unsolved more than a decade later, police speculated the death was the result of domestic violence.
Tamron has spoken in the past about witnessing a physical assault between Renate and a male companion, whom she said she would not name out of fear of retaliation.
The anchor first revealed details of her sister's murder back in 2014 during a Television Critics Association panel for Investigation Discovery.
That is likely a big reason why she wants to hold on to her job as host of the show, despite working with a company tied to NBC.
She has yet to speak about the network, who told her in late January about their plans to replace her time slot with Kelly's program.
On air: Hall stopped by to spend time with Laurence Fishburne and Larenz Tate at the launch of their audio series Bronzeville Series (above)
Big names: Hall hung out with Grey's Anatomy star Jesse Williams (left) BET CEO Debra Lee (right) in LA last weekend
Icon: Hall also ran into tennis great Martina Navratilova while out in Los Angeles (above)
An NBC insider told Dailymail.com that the plan is for the former Fox News darling to get her own hour of morning television that would not fall under the Today brand, would be a new brand, and would cancel the fourth hour of the program all together.
That news comes on the heels of Hall's abrupt departure from the network, who refused an offer of over $2million a year after Today cancelled the third hour of the show which she hosted with Al Roker.
Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb are now expected to move to the third hour and the fourth hour will be cancelled for Kelly.
The news of their cancellation was announced to Roker and Hall on same day it was confirmed that they had beaten Live With Kelly in the key demo for the month of January, according to an insider.
They had won they key demo for eight straight weeks when Today decided to inform them of the Kelly news.
Roker and Hall were told on the last Friday in January shortly after Today ended and just a few minutes before Hall was going on air to host MSNBC Live.
Hall walked away from the money three days later.
She and Roker ended up together at 9 am after Billy Bush was abruptly axed in wake of the Trump p**sy tape scandal.
Kelly's hire, at a reported $12million a year, has reportedly rustled feathers at the Peacock Network, where she is expected to debut this fall.
She will reportedly be moving into a 30 Rock office space in May.
Roker addressed Hall's departure the day after it was announced on Today.
'As some of you may have heard by now, our good friend Tamron Hall has decided to leave NBC News, ' said Roker.
'Personally, Tamron has been not just a co-host here on Todays Take for the past three years but a good friend. And not just to me, to all of us here.'
Roker then added: 'We want to wish her nothing but the best, much continued success and cannot wait to see what her next chapter is.'
Sheinelle Jones, the host of Weekend Today and MSNBC Live who was filling in on Thursday, then added: 'Shes going to rock it, no matter what she does.'
Drink it up: Hall spent her first hours away from NBC at a Dolce & Gabbana party in NYC (above)
Black tie: hall also found time to attend the Viennese Opera (left) and the he 14th annual Woman's Day Red Dress Awards at Jazz at Lincoln Center (right)
Wrapping it up: Hall spent Wednesday at an AIDS fundraiser in Los Angeles (above)
In a statement at the time, NBC hailed Hall as an 'exceptional journalist' while stressing that it was her decision to walk away.
'We are disappointed that she has chosen to leave, but we wish her all the best,' said the network.
A source familiar with the discussions between Hall and the NBC told DailyMail.com: 'NBC News very much wanted Tamron to stay, she was offered a multi-million dollar/multi-year contract and she chose to go.
Hall has long been one of the hardest working personalities on the network, and in the past two months had filled in for both Savannah Guthrie on Today and Lester Holt on NBC World News Tonight while also anchoring the third hour of Today.
On one day in December she filled in for both Guthrie and Hall while also hosting MSNBC Live.
She also hosted Dateline Extra on MSNBC, as well as lending her on-air talents to NBC's coverage of the Westminster Dog Show.
Roker will now anchor the third hour of Today until the show debuts their new morning lineup this fall.
Unlike Hall however, the meteorologist already had a steady gig on Today, and will continue to appear on the program's first two hours when Kelly arrives on the scene.
The news of Hall's departure also caused outrage among many on social media.
That is due in large part to the fact that Hall and Roker, two African-Americans, are being moved out of the time slot to bring in Kelly, a white woman.
'Not a good way to start Black History Month @ NBC letting @TamronHall go. Who's next.... @AlRoker?' wrote one woman on Twitter.
Many on Twitter had that same thought, with some also going after Kelly in their comments, who was called everything from a 'racist apologist' to 'the racist "santa is white" b****.'
And one man wrote: 'NBC purging black faces. If they had any clue, @TamronHall would be co-hosting Today.'
There is still no word on where Hall may be heading next.
Meanwhile, overall ratings for Today have been down 10 percent and 11 percent versus this time last year in the two weeks since Hall has gone, but that is for the entire program and just her segment.
The show has lost an even higher percentage of viewers in the key demo versus this time last year.
Good Morning America and CBS This Morning also posted losses as well over those two weeks in both overall and key demo viewers.
An army of grandparents are saving parents more than 16billion a year in childcare costs, a report claims today.
It says grandparents spend an average of more than eight hours a week looking after their grandchildren.
The estimated nine million-strong grandparent army of childcarers includes 2.7million who are relied on heavily.
The report comes from insurer Ageas in partnership with the International Longevity Centre UK.
An army of grandparents are saving parents more than 16billion a year in childcare costs, a report claims today (file photo)
It calculates that grandparents save families around 1,786 in formal childcare costs per year, a 16.1billion saving across the UK. The average figure is based on grandparents caring for one child, so those looking after siblings could be saving families even more.
The research found two-thirds 65 per cent of grandparents provide some form of childcare for their grandchildren, making it easier for parents to go out to work.
And 68 per cent offer financial contributions to their grandchildrens upbringing, such as payments towards clothes and leisure activities as well as pocket money.
As well as babysitting themselves, 23 per cent of grandparents also say they pay for babysitters so that everyone can have a break.
Baroness Sally Greengross, president and chief executive of ILC-UK, said: It is clear grandparents have become one of the biggest sources of childcare after parents themselves, allowing more parents to work and thereby reducing the costs of childcare.
Nevertheless, how we support and reward this growing unpaid army and how we reconcile an increasing need to work longer for the over 50s, 60s and 70s and shape and expand family friendly policies for all, remains subject to debate.
Thousands of people who are helping to bring up their grandchildren could be missing out on valuable credits which would help to build up their pension, according to research from insurer Royal London suggested.
Under the rules surrounding specified adult childcare credits, if a mother goes back to work after the birth of a child she can sign a form that allows a grandparent, or other family member, to receive National Insurance (NI) credits for looking after the child.
Grandparents who give up their job to look after their grandchild could otherwise be losing out on their state pension rights.
Royal London found an average of just two grandparents per parliamentary constituency were benefiting.
The research found two-thirds 65 per cent of grandparents provide some form of childcare for their grandchildren, making it easier for parents to go out to work (file photo)
Andy Watson, chief executive at Ageas, said: Grandparents are saving working families billions every year.
But grandparent child carers could be harder to find in the coming years. Official figures published last week show the rising state pension age for women is already forcing them to work for longer.
A surge in the number of older women still working pushed the female employment rate up to 70 per cent for the first time since the Office of National Statistics started collecting comparable data back in 1971.
There are 1.3million more women in work since the state pension age started rising for women from 60 in April 2010, when the female employment rate was just above 60 per cent.
The ONS confirmed that the record employment rate is partly due to ongoing changes in the State Pension age for women, resulting in fewer women retiring between the ages of 60 and 65.
The number of the women aged between 50 and 64 employed rose 139,000 over the last year to 4.1million, while the number of men working in the age group rose by just 95,000.
The state pension age for women started to gradually rise in April 2010 from 60 to 65 to bring it in line with mens.
From December 2018, the state pension age will start to increase for both men and women to reach 66 by October 2020.
More than 2,000 people were surveyed for the Ageas and ILC-UK report, which used average childminder costs as a base for its calculations.
Jean-Claude Juncker may dramatically walk out of his top Brussels post just weeks before Brexit negotiations begin amid an escalating row about his plans to reshape Europe, it emerged yesterday.
The outspoken European Commission president is said to have been left furious after several top leaders tried to block the release of his grand blueprint on the future of the EU.
Mr Juncker was determined to present a white paper setting out a vision for how Europe can progress after Brexit at a key meeting of EU chiefs next month.
But it has now emerged the Brussels chief is on the cusp of quitting his lofty role after leaders supposedly rounded in an attempt to block the proposals.
European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker looks on during a joint press conference
His potential departure, which would likely coincide with the triggering of the article 50 exit clause, would send shockwaves throughout Europe.
After recent claims that the EU is facing an existential threat, it was expected that Mr Juncker would use his paper to call for solidarity and a move towards a more federal system.
But leading EU countries, including France, Germany and Holland, expressed concerns about his decision to release the report at a time when Europe is under intense scrutiny.
Some have suggested the plans could lead to even more support for the wave of anti-European parties gaining support across the continent.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is understood to have told Mr Juncker that unveiling the plans at the EU summit in Rome could derail her attempt to seek re-election later this year.
Reports yesterday claimed that Mr Juncker, whose official term runs until October 2019, may decide to leave Brussels if he is explicitly asked to shelve his report.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel
The 62-year-old spoke in public only several days ago about his decision not to stand for a second term and insisted that he is not suffering from fatigue.
The former prime minister of Luxembourg told an international security conference in Munich that he is squeaky, fresh and alive.
His supposed optimism however has also been matched by repeated declarations about the perilous state of European politics, using a recent interview to claim the bloc is in major danger.
Despite behind-the-scenes rumblings over divisions between the Brussels chief and European leaders over the future direction of the EU, Mr Junckers minions clambered to deny the reports yesterday.
One senior spokesman even mimicked Donald Trump by suggesting the claims, originally made by La Repubblica newspaper, represented fake news and alternative facts.
Another member of staff said: The president will serve his whole mandate with lots of energy, enthusiasm and determination.
Speculation about Mr Junckers future came as EU leaders warned Donald Trumps right-hand man that they would not tolerate egoism and arrogance yesterday during a visit to Brussels.
US vice-president Mike Pence was asked to ease the bitter rift between Europe and America after the US leaders previous criticism of the bloc.
But despite Mr Pences offer of a steadfast and enduring commitment to the EU, Mr Juncker used a meeting with his American counterpart to state that Europe is more important than some in the US will think.
Welcoming the White Houses change in approach, European Council chief Donald Tusk delivered a cutting challenge to practise what you preach.
Mr Trump had caused uproar in Brussels with his claims that the EU was simply a vehicle for Germany and suggestions that other countries would follow Britains decision to leave.
US Vice President Mike Pence (left) and European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker attend a press conference in Brussels on Monday
Donald Trump had caused uproar in Brussels with his claims that the EU was simply a vehicle for Germany and suggestions that other countries would follow Britains decision to leave
But Mr Pence said yesterday: Today it is my privilege on behalf of President Trump to express the strong commitment of the US to continued co-operation and partnership with the EU.
The senior republican also sought to ease tensions about US support for NATO, but said Mr Trump expected European countries to implement real progress in boosting spending commitments.
Americas insistence that members of the military alliance should spend two per cent of GDP on military spending has caused growing uproar in Europe.
An attempt to get rid of Commons Speaker John Bercow was in danger of fizzling out last night, as it emerged just five MPs had signed a motion of no confidence in him.
Former Tory minister James Duddridge tabled the Commons motion this month after Mr Bercow criticised Donald Trump when it was suggested the US President would make a state visit to Britain.
Rebel MPs believed they had the support of at least ten Tories, with one report claiming as many as 150 could join the bid to axe Mr Bercow. The Government also indicated it would not lift a finger to save Mr Bercow, with sources saying ministers would be able to vote against him in any bid to remove the Speaker.
But as MPs returned from their half-term recess yesterday, it was revealed that just five Tories had publicly backed the call for him to resign.
An attempt to get rid of Commons Speaker John Bercow (pictured) was in danger of fizzling out last night
The revelation will disappoint Mr Bercows critics who believe many MPs are frightened to speak out for fear of being shunned by him in future debates. Mr Duddridge last night acknowledged that too few MPs were willing to put their necks on the line at this stage but insisted the fight to remove Mr Bercow was not over.
An ICM poll yesterday found that more members of the public want Mr Bercow to go than want him to stay.
Some 32 per cent agreed with the statement John Bercow should resign or be removed as Speaker because he is not impartial, while 30 per cent said he was doing a good job and should stay.
But former SNP leader Alex Salmond said MPs from all parties would stop Mr Bercow being removed over his outburst about President Trump.
Mr Salmond said: To allow this process to be the pretext for another assault on the Speaker is beyond madness.
Fox News correspondent Brenda Buttner died Monday aged 55 after a cancer battle.
Tributes poured in for the long-time host of the network's financial show 'Bulls & Bears'.
Colleagues painted the picture of a modest intellectual, far more concerned with the little things in life, who inspired many with her sharp wit and caring nature.
For eight years from 1990 to 1998, she hosted CNBC's 'Money Club' before joining Fox News in 2000 where she remained for the last 17 years.
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Fox News correspondent Brenda Buttner passed away on Monday at the age of 55 after battling cancer
Colleagues painted the picture of a modest intellectual, far more concerned with the little things in life, who inspired many with her sharp wit and caring nature
The long-time host of the network's financial segment 'Bulls & Bears,' tributes began to pour in after her death was announced on Monday
Fox News' chief White House corresponded James Rosen responded to the news
The reporter graduated near the top of her class at Harvard University and spent two years as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University in the 1980's
Buttner famously told the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel in 1997: 'Women are not afraid to simply admit they don't know about something, which men rarely do, so women realize there is no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to understanding an investment.'
Fox News host Neil Cavuto commented on the quote as he announced her passing on his show, 'Your World' on Monday evening.
He added: 'The thing is, Brenda didn't ask stupid questions.
Fox News host Neil Cavuto announced her passing on his show, 'Your World' on Monday evening
'She asked real questions, and woe to the guest who wasn't ready for them. Brenda kept scores without ever having to settle scores.
'Everyone deferred to her, everyone listened to her. Maybe because everyone respected her.'
He joked that he and Brenda's colleagues said that hers was a 'different bucket list in life' - one that made you consider your own values.
Fox News contributors Julie Roginsky and Nomiki Konst also tweeted their heartbreak at the news of Buttner's passing
Konst said Buttner was 'always warm, welcoming, open-minded and bright'
Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com
'In her sickest moments, battling an unrelenting cancer, there was Brenda, cheering you on,' he said.
'Business journalism is never going to be the same. I just don't know, now that she's gone, whether we'll ever be.'
'Brenda's captured what really mattered in life,' he said.
For Brenda, that was her daughters, animals, and her surprising love of motorcycles.
'No bravado, just brave,' Cavuto continued.
'Incredibly brave.'
Fox News contributors Julie Roginsky and Nomiki Konst also tweeted their heartbreak at the news of Buttner's passing.
The reporter graduated near the top of her class at Harvard University and spent two years as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University in the 1980's, according to Fox News Insider.
This is the shocking moment a disabled pensioner on a mobility scooter is robbed in the middle of the street as motorists drive on by.
The 74-year-old's necklace was snatched as he tried to get away from the thieves on Sunday morning.
Police say he had been driving along Keswick Avenue in Ashton-under-Lyne at around 9.15am when a man ran up behind him.
The suspect got out a map of the London Underground and started asking him for directions, before a woman in what appears to be a long purple dress confronted the victim from the other side.
As the pensioner tried to drive off, the woman stuck her hand out and snatched the necklace, and the pair fled towards Furness Avenue.
Footage of the incident shows the victim in the middle of the street struggling with the robbers, while at least two vehicles pass on by even mounting the kerb to get past.
The two thieves approach the 74-year-old on Keswick Avenue, Ashton-under-Lyne
Several motorists drive by the pensioner as he is confronted but either won't stop, or don't realise that he is being robbed
A spokesman for GMP confirmed they were investigating the incident, and were aware of the CCTV.
GMP said: 'We were called at 9.28am on February 19 to reports of a robbery.
'A man had been driving down Keswick Avenue in Ashton-under-Lyne on a mobility scooter when he was approached from behind by two people and his necklace stolen.
As the pensioner tries to escape the robbers grab his necklace and flee down the road
Police say they are looking for a woman around 40-years-old and a man in his early thirties
'The male suspect is described as being white, in his early thirties, around 5ft 8ins tall and of skinny build. He was wearing a grey woolly hat with a brown jacket and blue jeans.
'The woman was around 40-years-old, 5ft 8ins tall, of large build with shoulder length brown hair.
'Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 using the log number 733 of February 19.'
A man has been charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at Sydneys Central Railway Station.
The 21-year-old woman was sitting on the platform when the man allegedly approached her and indecently assaulted her on 7pm on Saturday 10 December 2016.
The woman pushed the man off her before alerting Sydney Trains staff who then alerted police, who this week arrested a 32-year-old man.
A man has been charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at Sydneys Central Railway Station (stock)
The man was charged at Auburn Police Station on Monday and charged with assault with act of indecency.
A spokesperson for NSW Police told Daily Mail Australia he had been called into the station after an investigation into the incident.
Officers from Police Transport Command had investigated the alleged assault under Operation Artemis.
The man was granted strict conditional bail to appear at Burwood Local Court on 16 March.
A Sudanese man who was on the receiving end of a revolting racist tirade from strangers on the street penned an eloquent response to the men that verbally abused him.
Paul Aleer, a student and Australian citizen, was sitting outside a shopping plaza in the Queensland city of Toowoomba on Friday when a man approached his car.
'[He] mumbled under his breath 'you don't belong here, go back to your country,' Mr Aleer wrote in his viral post.
According to The Chronicle, Mr Aleer was born in a refugee camp and moved to Toowoomba when he was nine-years-old.
Paul Aleer (pictured) was at the receiving end of a revolting racist tirade from strangers on the streets of Toowoomba
A shocked Mr Aleer, who is studying social science and anthropology at USQ, ignored the remarks and believed he misheard the man, and politely responded with an 'excuse me'.
'With the guidance of one of his friends he continued to spray me with words like ''scrub, 'this 'isn't your country, go back you 'black ***t'','
But Mr Aleer wasn't going to sit back and allow his harassers to hurl the disgusting abuse at him without sticking up for himself
'I immediately defended myself by saying ''mate, I've been here for 14 years and in that time I have treated Australia with the utmost respect, I became a citizen and Currently studying at university, what do you do for living?'
'Obviously nothing because you're small minded and uneducated, you're the reason racism still exists today.'
The student and Australian citizen, was sitting outside a shopping plaza in the Queensland city of Toowoomba on Friday when this man approached his car
Mr Aleer was told 'this isn't your country, go back you 'black ***t' by a man who was being guided by a friend
Mr Aleer believes his harassers didn't think he had a mouth or 'even knew how to speak English'
His quick response left the men speechless, Mr Aleer believes they didn't think he had a mouth or 'even knew how to speak English'.
A woman who witnessed the racist tirade approached Mr Aleer and walked him to his car, telling the student 'you're welcome here and you deserve as many rights as we do in this beautiful country'.
Mr Aleer posted: 'I commended her and made sure she knew my appreciation for her kind words. Never in my decade and a half of living in Australia, would I have suspected that a revolting attack occurred in the very eyes of the public.'
A woman who witnessed the racist tirade approached Mr Aleer and walked him to his car, telling the student 'you're welcome here and you deserve as many rights as we do in this beautiful country'
But speaking to The Chronicle, Mr Aleer said 'there's no way in hell I'm going to judge a minority that think like that.
'They were individuals and that was their opinion.
'It just caught me off guard so I guess I wanted to raise awareness that it can happen to anyone.'
He extended his thanks to the woman who came to his aid in the cark park.
'That's the Australia I know and love,' he said.
A son who hit his father's vehicle in a head-on crash killing them both was driving home from a night of partying, a relative said.
Bread delivery driver Jeffrey Morris Brasher, 50, was heading to work at 4am on Fayette County 49 in Alabama when his 22-year-old son Austin Blaine Brasher crashed into his 2006 Ford pickup.
One of Austins cousins Monica Marie Aker, told People: 'Austin did drink and was coming home from partying when they crashed.
'To know that they collided head-on is one of the hardest things to comprehend. Our whole community is just devastated by this'.
Jeffrey was killed instantly. Austin, who was driving a 2004 Chevrolet, was rushed to the hospital, where he died five hours later.
Jeffrey Morris Brasher, 50, and Austin Blaine Brasher, 22, were killed in a head-on car collision with each other early Saturday morning
Austin Blaine Brasher, 22, had been partying before the crash, a relative said
Alabama state troopers say alcohol is a factor in the crash that killed them.
The accident has left the tight-knit community of Bankston, Alabama, reeling.
Signs have been hung in the area asking passersby to pray for the Brasher family as they recover from their loss.
'You really just cannot imagine it', Pamela Brasher Dennis, Jeffs sister and Austins aunt, told People.
'There are no words that can be said. Everybodys life changed on Saturday morning. No ones life will be the same after this'.
The father and son lived in Bankston, and neither were wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash
A memorial to Jeffrey Brasher at a Walmart in Winfield, Alabama
Neither man was wearing a seatbelt, Al.com reported.
Troopers continue to investigate the cause of the crash.
One family member, Jennifer Brasher, took to Facebook to express her distress at the death's of Jeffrey and Austin.
Posting a link to her timeline, she asked 'Can this all be just a dream?'.
The crash occurred on Fayette County 49, one mile west of Winfield, where the 2006 Ford pickup the elder Brasher was driving collided with his son's 2004 Chevrolet
And in another emotional post, Brasher called them both 'her guardian angels now' and said that she 'misses them so much already'.
Another family member, Pam Brasher, said she was devastated to lose them in such a tragic accident.
'Our hearts are broken while our faith remains in Him. There are no words to describe the heartbreaking loss of losing both Jeff Brasher and Austin Brasher. There is peace in knowing they are together but our hearts are heavy knowing that they are know longer here with us.'
A joint funeral is planned for Wednesday afternoon, relatives said.
The Australian Defence Force's gender adviser has claimed the attacks on Yassmin Abdel-Magied were motivated by sexism and has urged other business and community leaders to throw their support behind the Muslim activist.
Last Monday, the 25-year-old writer was met with criticism when she told ABC's Q&A program she regarded Islam to be 'the most feminist religion' during a fiery exchange with Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie.
A petition calling for her to be sacked from the national broadcaster amassed more than 26,500 signatures by Tuesday afternoon, but the ABC said they would not fire the Sudanese-born writer.
Julie McKay, gender adviser to the chief of the Defence Force and partner at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, said the public should be 'proud' of Ms Abdel-Magied and said the activist was targeted for her taxpayer-funded trip to the Middle East because she is a woman, the Herald Sun reported.
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The Australian Defence Force's 'gender advisor' has claimed the attacks on Yassmin Abdel-Magied (pictured) were motivated by sexism and has urged other business and community leaders to throw support behind the activist
Julie McKay, gender advisor to the chief of the Defence Force and partner at PwC, said the public should be 'proud' of Ms Abdel-Magied
'Last week, young women all around Australia learned that it is better to stay quiet, to keep your opinions to themselves, to not aspire to be a visible leader because if you do, you risk being torn down in the most public of ways,' Ms McKay wrote.
'We are calling on all business and community leaders to actively give a platform to young women such as Yassmin, to hear their concerns and take their advice.
'We are better leaders for having done so and Australia would be a better country when we do.'
Ms McKay's call for support has been signed by six other directors, including the Foundation for Young Australians' chief executive Jan Owen, PwC partner Marcus Laithwaite and Rodin Genoff & Associates managing director Rodin Genoff.
Last November, Ms Abdel-Magied went on a speaking tour to repressive Islamic regimes, which was paid for by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade,The Australian said.
She visited Sudan, where 90 per cent of women have undergone genital mutilation.
She also went to Saudi Arabia where women are banned from driving and the United Arab Emirates which has laws allowing stoning for adultery.
Ms Abdel-Magied sparked controversy last week when she told ABC's Q&A program Islam is a 'feminist religion'
Just three days after the heated television debate, Ms Abdel-Magied asked Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Wassim Doureihi (pictured) on social media how she could have better presented her opinion
Ms Abdel-Magied talked to Mr Doureihi on social media (pictured) three days after her appearance on Q&A
Ms McKay said her tour would not have been 'front page news "if" a man had visited the same countries to speak about trade'.
Ms Abdel-Magied, who hosts the Saturday morning program Australia Wide on ABC News 24, was responding to Senator Lambie's call to deport all Muslims who support 'Sharia law' when the fiery debate between the pair began on Q&A.
Just three days after the heated television debate, Ms Abdel-Magied asked Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Wassim Doureihi on social media how she could have better presented her opinion.
Support for a petition calling for her to be sacked from the ABC as a presenter, over her remarks about Sharia, surged from 10,635 signatures late on Sunday night to 20,068 late on Monday afternoon before surpassing 26,500 on Tuesday afternoon.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, which operates in 50 countries including Australia, is campaigning for a pan-Islamic superstate that implements Sharia and has a constitution which calls for the killing of ex-Muslims, known as apostates.
'Salams! Well, I am always happy to take feedback. What specifically was problematic and how can I do better in the future inshallah?,' Ms Abdel-Magied posted on Mr Doureihi's Facebook after he called her arguments 'indeed problematic.'
Mr Doureihi responded: 'First of all, may Allah reward you for your tireless efforts. Not an easy task, but you consistently do so with grace, humility and courage.
In a heated clash with Senator Jacqui Lambie (pictured), Ms Abdel-Magied said her Sharia faith meant obeying the laws of the land on which she was on
Hizb ut-Tahrir, which operates in 50 countries including Australia, is campaigning for a pan-Islamic superstate that implements Sharia (pictured right is Mr Doureihi at a rally in 2014)
Right-wing AltCon News group has called for Ms Abdel-Magied (pictured) to be sacked as the host of the ABC's Australia Wide program
'In a nutshell, you've ended up framing Islam through a secular lens, aimed at a secular people and conscious of the presence of a secular government. The end result was always going to be ugly.'
Ms Abdel-Magied agreed, saying 'it was always going to be a tricky one' before offering to privately message him.
An ABC spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the 25-year-old writer will not be fired despite more than 26,500 signatures on the petition demanding she be sacked.
Sharia is practised as a legal system imposed by faith courts across much of the Muslim world, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen and the Indonesian province of Aceh.
The Sharia system is controversial because it includes harsh punishments, known as 'hudud, where thieves have had their hands amputated in Saudi Arabia, Somalia and in Islamic State-controlled areas of northern Iraq and Syria.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Theresa May last year ordered a review into the 'harm' caused by Sharia courts operating in Britain, when she was home secretary.
An ABC spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the 25-year-old will not be fired, despite a petition with 26,573 signatures calling for her removal (pictured)
The change.org petition calling on the ABC to 'publicly condemn and fire Yassmin Abdel-Magied over pro-Sharia law comments' was posted by a right-wing group called AltCon News.
They argued that while she hasn't called for a new legal system in Australia, her support for Sharia means she is advocating for Islamic faith courts.
'As Yassmin Abdel-Magied made these comments on the taxpayer-funded Q&A program, and as she is a regularly paid commentator on the taxpayer-funded network, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, needs to reassure the taxpaying public that they condemn her rhetoric and that Australians obey one set of laws, that no religious law is higher than the law of the land and that her blatant lies about this law will not be tolerated or funded by the Australian taxpayers,' the petition said.
In the heated clash with Senator Lambie, Ms Abdel Magied said her Muslim faith obliged her to 'follow the law of the land on which you are on.'
The current petition, with more than 20,000 signatures, is seven times greater than another change.org petition last week calling on the ABC to 'apologise' to the Muslim community for allowing Senator Lambie to have a heated clash with Ms Abdel-Magied.
This petition, backed by 49 Muslim activists and community leaders, has attracted a more modest 2,792 signatures since it went live on Wednesday.
Ms Abdel-Magied (right) with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (centre), The Project host Waleed Aly (left) and his wife academic Susan Carland at Sydney's Kirribilli House last year
The writers of the petition calling on Ms Abdel-Magied to be sacked condemned her for 'lying to the public about the merits of Sharia law and the oppressive impact it has on non-Muslim groups, homosexuals and women'.
They also criticised her for posting a follow-up video arguing the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia was cultural and not due to Islam, as other Muslim nations didn't have such sexist restrictions.
'I'm not going to deny it: some countries run by Muslims are violent, sexist and do oppress their citizens,' Ms Abdel-Magied said.
'But again that's not down to Sharia, that's down to the culture, and the patriarchy and the politics of those particular countries.'
Ms Abdel-Magied last year went on a taxypayer-funded trip to Sudan, Saudia Arabia and the United Arabic Emirates to promote a book she had written, but has made no mention of female genital mutilation across the Muslim world or stoning for adultery.
Hardline Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir criticised Ms Abdel-Magied for presenting Islam in a 'secular' way yet she has reached out to this group
Somali-born writer and Islamic critic Ayaan Hirsi Ali has criticised Yassmin Abdel-Magied's appearance on Q&A
Hizb ut-Tahrir's other Sydney-based spokesman, Uthman Badar, has also condemned her on Facebook for presenting Sharia 'in the image of secular liberalism'.
He said she had failed to acknowledge Sharia is a set of laws and not just a personal relationship with a God.
Somali-born writer and former Dutch lawmaker Ayaan Hirsi Ali, an internationally-prominent critic of Islam now based in the United States, has criticised Ms Abdel-Magied's assertion on Q&A last week that 'Islam is the most feminist religion' and how culture, and not Islam, were to blame for the oppression of women.
'That is absurd. Abdel-Magied fits into a familiar pattern, where the government of a free society such as Australia invests a considerable sum in an individual or a group in the hope that the person is a 'moderate' Muslim and will advance the assimilation of their Muslim minority through constructive engagement,' Ms Hirsi Ali, a former refugee, said in a column for The Weekend Australian on Saturday.
'Then the supposed moderate the government has invested in is exposed as a closet Islamist, in this case sympathetic to Sharia law.'
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Abdel-Magied for comment.
Russia could set honey traps for British troops when they deploy to Estonia next month in an attempt to discredit a Nato mission to protect its borders, its top spy chief has warned.
Mikk Marran, the head of the countrys equivalent of MI6, said Moscow will target the soldiers with a huge tool box, which will include fake news.
In Cold War style-tactics, they will attempt to penetrate the soldiers social media accounts to find information for blackmail purposes, he said.
Mikk Marran, the head of the countrys equivalent of MI6, said Moscow will target the soldiers with a huge tool box, which will include fake news
Some 800 UK troops including cyber specialists are deploying to the country in the coming weeks as part of the biggest build-up on Russias borders since the Cold War.
Mr Marran said British and Estonian officials have been discussing the Russian threat to UK troops for months in an attempt to avoid Cold-War style spy games.
He said the deployment will provide a perfect opportunity for Moscow to create a false impression of Western aggression by spreading fake news stories.
Mr Marran said British and Estonian officials have been discussing the Russian threat to UK troops for months in an attempt to avoid Cold-War style spy games
Speaking about the subversive efforts, the director-general of the Estonian Information Board (EIB), told the Times: We are seeing some of it already.
Some degree of noise along the lines of: these troops are not welcome by the local population.
There will be 800 young British soldiers. People will be travelling from their bases to the cities. Probably they [will] do some pub hopping.
We cannot exclude some fights that might be triggered by the opposite team, as we call it in Estonia. For example traditional honeytraps and so forth.
Soldiers from 5th Battalion, The Rifles, will head the British mission, which begins around the end of March.
They will deploy alongside cyber warfare experts and GCHQ specialists trained to counter electronic attacks from Moscow.
Soldiers from 5th Battalion, The Rifles, will deploy alongside cyber warfare experts and GCHQ (pictured) specialists trained to counter electronic attacks from Moscow.
Mr Marran added: Cyber espionage might be used, disinformation campaigns might be used, blackmailing on the basis of stolen data for example.
They have a huge tool box.
The UK troops will be working alongside 300 French soldiers in one of four battalions.
The battalions of 4,000 troops will be spread across the Baltic States and Poland from next month to deter Russia from a Crimea-style invasion of Nato territory.
The deployment will be a fraction of the Russian forces massed along Russias western border.
Last year the Army investigated claims two British troops in Latvia were involved in a brawl as part of a plot by Russia to smear UK soldiers.
The brawl with a group of locals was filmed by a crew linked to a media outlet sympathetic to Russia.
Asked about that incident, Mr Marran said: Certainly it had some Russian background to it.
He spoke after his agency published a report about President Putins attempts to undermine Nato and the European Union.
The fight for equal rights turned physical in a Philadelphia barber shop earlier this week when openly gay boxer Yusaf Mack decided to stand up to a man who had been attacking him online.
Video of the incident, which occurred at the LA Clippers barber shop, shows Mack swinging at a man named Hector Echevarria who had been reportedly been posting comments about him which were derogatory and homophobic.
Hector is seen lying on the ground and cowering for cover, than at one point attempting to stand up, which Mack, 37, reacts to by slugging him in the face and sending him back to the floor.
At the end of the fight, which lasted approximately 30 seconds, Mack grabs a jar full of barber's tools and smashes them on Hector's head.
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Comes out swinging: Yusef Mack beat Hector Echevarria (above)after the man repeatedly made homophobic comments about the openly gay boxer online
Fighting back: He then pummeled Hector with punches until he was cowering on the ground and his face bloody
Some close to the victim wrote on social media that he may have broken his ankle during the fight against Mack, a retired boxer who was outed because of his second career as an adult actor in gay films.
Photos from after the incident show Hector sitting on the floor with an orange towel covering his head and multiple cuts on his face.
He was also complaining about pain in his leg.
The fight did little to stop his attacks on Mack however, and he was posting on social media once again shortly after the fight, which took place last week.
'I rather have a video of some beating me up then a video of someone seeing me take a d*** up my a** any day,' wrote Hector.
He also stated that he and Mack would fight again, seemingly undaunted by the result in their first meeting.
That was followed by more homophobic messages and comments on his Facebook page, which he then made private.
Mack meanwhile has been keeping a low profile, and it is unclear if police plan on pressing charges in the incident.
One person who was present at the fight and appeared to have no connection to either man stated that Hector's head was actually in the sink when the fight began, and was surprised by the sneak attack.
Hector has been busy hiding his comments across social media, also making his twitter account private on Monday.
Mack meanwhile has said he has no issue taking on Hector in a rematch of the fight, which was first reported by TMZ .
The father-of-10 came out after first lying in an interview and claiming to have been drugged and raped when someone identified him as an actor in the adult film.
He claimed that he remembered nothing from the night he made the film, which features him having sex with two men, and woke up on a train with $4,500 and no idea where he had been.
The champ: Hector made his social media accounts private, but did write after the fight he would rather have that on film than getting a 'd*** up my a**' (Mack above in 2012)
Changes: Mack was a newly engaged father of ten when he came out as gay in 2015 after being spotted in an same-sex adult film (above)
The porn company threatened to sue after he made that claim, and he soon backtracked on his statement with an apology.
'This is an issued public apology from my heart. I want to address a few situations with the first being the false claims I made about being drugged during the (DawgPoundUSA.com) film,' said Mack.
'I have never spoke negatively about the company that produced the film although the claim to have been given a drug by someone during set was a lie.
'I was completely aware and fully conscious during the film.'
He also apologized to his fiancee at the time, who he split with after coming out, and his children.
A Russian Instagram model, who risked her life dangling from a 1,000ft-high Dubair skyscraper for a photoshoot, has been forced to sign a statement vowing to never do it again.
Viki Odintcova, 23, was held up only by the hand of a male assistant as she leaned out into thin air from the 1,004-foot tall Cayan Tower in Dubai in a bid to get the perfect Instagram shot.
The Russian model first tilted backwards over the huge drop, before dangling high above the ground from the arm of her bearded helper.
Her video and photos went viral and was brought to the attention of the local police, who dragged her into custody.
Major General Halil Ibragim Al-Mansuri, of the Dubai Police, told The Sun: 'The actions of the Russian woman put her life at risk.'
Despite the telling off, Ms Odintcova said the police should have thanked her for highlighting safety issues at the Cayan Tower.
The Instagram queen, who has more than three million followers on social media, admitted that she was a bit nervous before the stunt.
'I still cannot believe that I did it. Every time I watch this video, my palms get sweaty,' said the St Petersburg-based beauty.
Ms Odintsova posted the video on her social media page where it quickly went viral.
The model is a big proponent of a healthy lifestyle and has said she takes her fitness very seriously.
Viki Odintcova posed for the death-defying photoshoot on top of one of the world's tallest skyscrapers
Ms Odintsova, 23, was only held up by the hand of a male assistant as she leaned out into thin air from the 1,004-foot tall Cayan Tower in Dubai
The Russian model first lent backwards over the huge drop in an attempt to get the perfect Instagram shot
The model is a big proponent of a healthy lifestyle and has said she takes her fitness very seriously
Many of her fans were stunned she performed the stunt without any safety equipment. If she did use any secret safety equipment, it's certainly well hidden from the naked eye.
Some pointed out that she would not have had a chance of surviving if anything had gone wrong.
One commented: 'How can you disregard your life like that? If I was your parent I would smack both you and the guy with the beard!'
Ms Odintcova appears happy during the video, smiling and laughing as she dangles above the ground
The Instagram queen has more than three million followers on social media and admitted that she was a bit nervous before the stunt
Some users accused her of copying another beautiful young Russian, Angelina Nikolau, 23, who has made headlines around the world with her dangerous selfies taken on top of skyscrapers.
The Cayan Tower was the world's tallest building with a 90-degree twist when it opened in 2013.
This record has since been beaten by the Shanghai Tower.
Many of her fans were stunned the beauty (pictured in one of her many Instagram modelling shots) performed the stunt without any safety equipment
Master Wei Yaobin is a ball-breaker and proud of it.
Over ten years this martial arts expert has carved a legendary reputation in city of Luoyang, central China as an 'Iron Crotch Kung Fu' master.
Unsurprisingly he specializes in teaching students how to take blows to the crotch in their stride.
Combatants subject themselves to training that includes battering rams, kicks and bricks to their nether-regions.
It's bound to make plenty of male viewers wince in pain but enthusiasts think it's important for sexual health.
It's a blow that would leave most men on the ground, but Master Wei barely moves
Wei claims that the practice helps combat erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
Hundreds of would-be-masters attend the practice every year, claiming it can cure erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation - despite their being no scientific evidence to back it up.
However in the video both Master Wei and his students seem to take the pain in stride.
His classes attract hundreds of students each year, willing to let their crotch be battered
Hardly any of them move as they take the blow after powerful blow to their nether-regions.
Bystanders - including several women - can be seen gasping in shock and filming as Master Wei and his students put on a public display of strength.
Master Wei says that Iron Crotch Kung Fu was previously an exclusive family practice, but he now wants it to be more 'popular and accepted by the public'
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Thirteen people were arrested in Portland, Oregon, after a small group protesting President Donald Trump clashed with the police.
The demonstrators, who did not have a permit, spilled out onto the streets outside the Federal Building and failed to heed the warnings of police in tactical gear.
The protest was just one of several held across the country as part of the 'not my Presidents' Day' rallies against Trump.
Planned marches took place in New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Chicago and Salt Lake City to mark President's Day while unofficial demonstrations with the same theme cropped up elsewhere.
Protesters even greeted the president on the route from his Mar-a-Lago home to Palm Beach Airport where he boarded Air Force One to return to Washington DC in the afternoon.
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The demonstrators, who did not have a permit, spilled out onto the streets outside the Federal Building in Portland, Oregon, and failed to heed the warnings of police in tactical gear
Margaret Ann Zebroski (pictured) was among the 13 people who were arrested. She had a bloodied nose after she was knocked to the ground and one witness questioned whether police were using excessive force
Police gave protesters verbal warnings to clear the streets. Eight were arrested at SW 3rd Avenue and Madison Street, and another five were arrested blocks away at Southwest 6th Avenue and Salmon Street
Portland police faced off against a group of protesters who were not a part of a planned demonstration later in the day
The planned protest, held an hour later with permitted street closures, occurred without problems with the police. Police deployed pepper spray and 'less-than-lethal munitions' in the earlier clash with protests
One protester dressed as a founding father held a sign declaring Trump was not his president. Another man held a sign that read 'yes you can' in Spanish
Police warned demonstrators in Portland on Monday morning about blocking the roads near the Edith Green-Wendell Wyatt Federal Building at around 11am.
'Officers on bicycles and on foot attempted to maintain order but required assistance from Rapid Response Team officers,' according to a statement issued by the police.
Law enforcement used pepper spray and 'less-than-lethal munitions' in clashes with the protesters.
Eight were arrested at SW 3rd Avenue and Madison Street, and another five were arrested blocks away at Southwest 6th Avenue and Salmon Street.
They consisted of seven adults and six juveniles, all of whom received a traffic citation for failing to obey the police.
Video footage of the arrests show several people pressed to the ground with their arms behind them. Among them was Margaret Ann Zebroski, 66, with a bloodied nose after she was knocked to the ground and arrested.
Ben Thomas questioned whether the police were exercising excessive force, telling the local news channel: 'She was blocking traffic, but is that really worth knocking her to the ground to arrest her? I don't think so.'
A larger rally with permitted street closures was held later in the afternoon without incident, police said.
Protesters filled Central Park West on Monday as part of a 'Not My Presidents' Day' demonstration against Donald Trump
New York: The activists held signs slamming Trump and Vice President Mike Pence as they marched
New York: A protester joins crowds at Central Park West, a stone's throw from Trump's Manhattan bolthole on 5th Avenue
New York: The crowds waved American flags as they marched from noon into the late afternoon for the Presidents' Day protest
In New York, 15,000 people RSVPed to the event on Facebook. Police couldn't confirm whether any arrests had been made on Monday afternoon but the demonstration is thought to have been peaceful.
The organizers wrote on the event page: 'Donald Trump is literally our President, but figuratively, he has attacked every value New Yorkers embody and does not represent our interests.
'We will be staging a rally at Columbus Circle to protest the un-American policies of the current White House.
'He governs as if there's no resistance but there is and on February 20th, we will honor previous presidents by exercising our constitutional right to assemble and peacefully protest everything Donald Trump stands for,' a Facebook announcement of the rally said.
Among their grievances is Trump's plan to cut federal funding to the state to 'turn us against our immigrant population'.
The Los Angeles event was the first to be organized. Its organizers are demanding that Trump face impeachment for his 'Islamophobic' and 'unethical' policies.
New York: activists held a banner to advocate women's rights. In signs they branded Trump a 'fascist' as they marched at Columbus Circle
New York: Activists used some of the president's favorite complaints against him in their signs. One deemed him 'fake', a description he often gives the mainstream media
New York: School children joined the crowds at Columbus Circle bearing signs which read 'Not my president' and 'you re a good president - not!'
New York: Protesters with their homemade signs in New York City. Some labeled the president a 'dump'. One protester dressed up as a beauty queen with hands grabbing at her in a nod to Trump's run in with former pageant winners during the election
New York: The New York City protest was at on the doorstep of the president's Manhattan hotel
New York: The event was organized on Facebook and drew crowds including young children who joined in with their own signs
New York: A common theme among protesters was anger over Trump's immigration ban and threats against undocumented workers
New York: The were expected to gather tens of thousands of people across the country on Monday. It's not yet clear how many turned out though big crowds had gathered by the late afternoon
New York: Protesters wore 'dump' underwear with Trump's face on the behind in another gesture of protest
New York: Street sellers cashed in on the occasion in New York City by selling t-shirts with the slogan 'not my president'
In New York, protesters stretching at least eight blocks chanted: 'He cheats, he lies, open up your eyes' near the Trump International Hotel on the edge of Central Park.
'I think he's got a mean personality,' said marcher Edith Cresmer, a 78-year-old urban planner. 'But the worst thing about him is how he incited peoples' fears and pits them against each other.'
Luis Llobera, 38, and his wife and baby took a train from Westchester County north of the city attend the Trump protest.
'We are not American citizens but our son is,' he said as his wife cradled their 7-month-old, Atlas. 'We want to make sure our son has a government that is right and good.'
Los Angeles was the first protest organized under the hashtag. Activists there showed off their commitment to the cause by dressing up in costume to mock the president.
There were no arrests at the L.A. protest.
In downtown Chicago, about 1,200 people gathered across the Chicago River from the Trump International Hotel and Tower.
Los Angeles: Crowds gathered outside City Hall in Los Angeles on Monday morning for a West Coast effort against the president
Los Angeles: protesters carried enormous signs outside City Hall which bore unflattering portraits of the president
Los Angeles: In California, protesters carrying signs demanding that the president face impeachment
Los Angeles: Protesters in California were in high spirits. Many came dressed in costume while others painted themselves orange to mock the president's skin tone
Los Angeles: Three protesters painted themselves orange to illustrate the imaginary condition they believe has overcome the president
Los Angeles: Activists in California poked fun at the president's hair and also demanded he reveal his tax returns
Los Angeles: A child holds up a sign reading 'defend the constitution' with a badge in the corner reading 'not my president'
Signs spotted in the crowd included My body My Choice and 'Jesus was a refugee,' references to Trump's anti-abortion stance and his efforts to stop admission of refugees.
As people gathered, a group of 25 local musicians called themselves #SAHBRA, 'Sousaphones Against Hate, Baritones Resisting Aggression,' played songs to lighten the mood.
With Monday being a day off for many schools, many parents brought their children to the protest.
Eileen Molony, a photographer from Oak Park, had her 12-year-old son and 9-year old daughter in tow.
'As an immigrant family we feel strongly against the ban,' she said. 'We feel America is about inclusion, but everything Trump has shown is that hes about division.'
Chicago police reported no arrests in the protest, the latest in a series since Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration.
Palm Beach, Florida: Protesters even turned out to line the route the president's motorcade traveled from his Palm Beach home to the airport on Monday
Palm Beach, Florida: The protesters held up signs labeling Trump a 'total meltdown' on the route to the airport
Chicago: A female protester held up a bright pink 'not mine' sign while others demanded to see what the president was 'hiding' by not releasing his tax returns
Chicago: A man holds up a sign calling for protesters to say 'Nyet' - the Russian word for no - to treason in a jab at the president's ties with Putin
Chicago: Women hold signs demanding Trump's impeachment as they take part in a rally in Chicago
Chicago: A young Muslim girl holds up a sign reading 'we need extreme vetting for presidents not refugees!' at the protest in downtown Chicago
Chicago: Protesters hold up signs in Spanish and English protesting against Trump's 'fascist' America
The protests come after another weekend of outrage against the Republican president which drove activists in the US and abroad to the streets in protest.
Celebrities including Susan Sarandon and Russell Simmons joined a Muslim protest in Times Square on Sunday where crowds admonished the 'fascist USA' Trump has created.
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Governor Andrew Cuomo were also in attendance. Simmons, a one-time friend of the billionaire, gave him credit for unifying crowds in protest.
'We are here, unified, because of Donald Trump, so we wont speak too harshly of him tonight today. We want to thank him for bringing us together,' he said.
Washington DC: Protesters filled the streets in Washington DC as they marched past the White House in a Presidents' Day protest
Washington DC: Protesters flocked to DuPont Circle in the nation's capital to protest against the president on Monday
Washington DC: Protesters wore clownish mass to resemble the president and carried bags of Cheeto puffs - a mocking reference to his bright tan
Washington DC: Other groups took on Trump's campaign slogan and twisted it to 'F*** Trump, Keep America Great Again'
Washington DC: 10-year-old Marcel Ast from New Jersey holds up a sign reading 'impeach now' as he's hoisted up on someone's shoulders
Austin, Texas: In Texas there were unofficial protests against Trump in honor of Presidents' Day
Austin, Texas: Jane Shimkus, a resident of Austin, Texas, used Trump's 'bad hombres' quip against him to demand that he be 'deported' from the White House
Salt Lake City, Utah: Residents in Salt Lake City, Utah, also turned out to share their anger over Trump's administration
Salt Lake City, Utah: A protester holds up a sign slamming Trump's immigration policies at the protest in Salt Lake City
Philadelphia: Protesters came out in force just one day after a climate-change march was held
Philadelphia: Protesters held signs denouncing Trump and calling for his impeachment. Pictured right, police on bicycles forming a wall during the protest
There were also protests in Chicago, Los Angeles and Boston where activists lashed out against the 'threat to science' they say Trump's administration is harboring.
Environmental groups and scientists came together for the protest against what they described as an 'anti-science rhetoric' coming from the White House.
The president arrived back in Washington DC on Monday night after holding a rally in Florida on Saturday, where he greeted crowds of fans.
Thousands of his supporters packed an air hangar in Melbourne to hear him continue his assault on the mainstream media in a fired up speech.
First Lady Melania Trump also delivered some rare public remarks at the campaign-style rally.
President Trump was in Florida over the weekend where he gave a fired-up speech to fans at a campaign-like rally in the town of Melbourne on Saturday
The president arrived back in Washington DC on Monday night after spending a long-weekend at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida
Uber announced on Monday that former US Attorney General Eric Holder will spearhead the independent investigation into claims of sexual harassment and gender discrimination alleged by a former employee.
CEO Travis Kalanick addressed the claims made by former engineer Susan Fowler in a company-wide email Monday, and informed employees that Holder, his partner Tammy Albarran and Uber associate general counsel Angela Padilla would head the legal proceedings.
Holder served as Attorney General under President Obama, and has some Silicon Valley experience, after helping Airbnb craft an anti-discrimination policy.
Uber announced on Monday that former US Attorney Eric Holder will spearhead the independent investigation into claims of sexual harassment and gender discrimination alleged by a former employee
In a lengthy blog post on Sunday evening, former Uber employee and best-selling author Susan Fowler Rigetti details a number of concerning incidents she experienced during her year with the company.
Kalanick called the accusations 'abhorrent and against everything we believe in,' and said he's instructed a new chief human resources officer to conduct an 'urgent' investigation into Fowler's claims.
He continued: 'There can be absolutely no place for this kind of behavior at Uber.
'Anyone who behaves this way or thinks this is OK will be fired.'
Uber CEO Travis Kalanick, left, said on Sunday evening that the company will launch an investigation into the serious accusations of former employee Susan Fowler Rigetti, right, who detailed a number of concerning incidents she experienced during her year with the company
TRAVIS KALANICK'S FULL EMAIL Uber CEO Travis Kalanick addressed Susan Fowler's allegations in a company-wide email on Monday, courtesy of Axios: Team, It's been a tough 24 hours. I know the company is hurting, and understand everyone has been waiting for more information on where things stand and what actions we are going to take. First, Eric Holder, former US Attorney General under President Obama, and Tammy Albarran -- both partners at the leading law firm Covington & Burling-- will conduct an independent review into the specific issues relating to the work place environment raised by Susan Fowler, as well as diversity and inclusion at Uber more broadly. Joining them will be Arianna Huffington, who sits on Uber's board, Liane Hornsey, our recently hired Chief Human Resources Officer, and Angela Padilla, our Associate General Counsel. I expect them to conduct this review in short order. Second, Arianna is flying out to join me and Liane at our all hands meeting tomorrow to discuss what's happened and next steps. Arianna and Liane will also be doing smaller group and one-on-one listening sessions to get your feedback directly. Third, there have been many questions about the gender diversity of Uber's technology teams. If you look across our engineering, product management, and scientist roles, 15.1% of employees are women and this has not changed substantively in the last year. As points of reference, Facebook is at 17%, Google at 18% and Twitter is at 10%. Liane and I will be working to publish a broader diversity report for the company in the coming months. I believe in creating a workplace where a deep sense of justice underpins everything we do. Every Uber employee should be proud of the culture we have and what we will build together over time. What is driving me through all this is a determination that we take what's happened as an opportunity to heal wounds of the past and set a new standard for justice in the workplace. It is my number one priority that we come through this a better organization, where we live our values and fight for and support those who experience injustice. Thanks, Travis Advertisement
Huffington Post creator and Uber board member Ariana Huffington has promised to aide the human resources officer in the investigation.
In Fowler's post, titled 'Reflecting on One Very Strange Year at Uber,' the author recounts being propositioned sexually by a manager on her first day at the office.
Using the company chat system, she said that the unnamed manager told her that he and his girlfriend had an open relationship, but that his girlfriend was having an easier time finding sexual partners than he was.
Kalanick called the accusations 'abhorrent and against everything we believe in,' and said he's instructed a new chief human resources officer to conduct an 'urgent' investigation into Fowler's claims
He continued, saying that he wanted to stay out of trouble at work, but that it was difficult because he was trying to find women to have sex with, Fowler said.
'It was clear that he was trying to get me to have sex with him, and it was so clearly out of line that I immediately took screenshots of these chat messages and reported him to HR,' she continued.
According to her account, she joined the company as a site reliability engineer in November 2015. At that time, she says, about 20 per cent of the employees in her field there were women - compared to just three per cent on her last day.
Despite her reporting the incident to management, the manager received no repercussions from his actions apart from a 'stern talking-to', she was told, because he was a 'high performer', meaning he had positive reviews from superiors.
In Fowler's post , titled 'Reflecting on One Very Strange Year at Uber,' the author recounts being propositioned sexually by a manager on her first day at the office
She said that both HR and upper management officials didn't feel comfortable punishing him for what was 'probably just an innocent mistake on his part', and was a 'first offense'.
It was not, however, this manager's first offense, Fowler discovered after discussing the matter further with fellow female employees. She said many women had experienced similar sexual harassment in the office, and some even from the same manager.
In response to Fowler's report of the incident, Uber HR reportedly told her that she could choose to either move to another team and not have to interact with the problematic manager, or remain on the same team - but to be aware that the manager would probably rate her poorly when it came time for performance reviews.
Fowler said that one HR representative explicitly told her that a negative performance review 'wouldn't be retaliation' because she'd been given a choice whether to remain on the team.
Uber HR reportedly told her that she could choose to either move to another team and not have to interact with the problematic manager, or remain on the same team - but be aware that the manager would probably rate her poorly when it came time for performance reviews
Following another incident in which she claims Uber reportedly refused to purchase leather jackets for the six women on the engineer team despite buying them for the over 100 men in the company, Fowler again found herself in a terse meeting with human resources.
Although she had at this point expressed countless concerns via chat and email to the HR team, the representative allegedly told her there was 'absolutely no record' of the incidents she claimed to have reported.
A breaking point for Fowler came shortly after, during a one-on-one meeting with her new manager. She says he told her that she was on 'very thin ice' for her continued convergence with to human resources, and threatened to fire her if she did so again.
She alerted him that such action would be illegal - and again reported the threat to HR and upper management - though no action was taken, she later found out, because of her manager's status as a 'high performer'.
A breaking point for Fowler came shortly after, during a one-on-one meeting with her new manager. She says he told her that she was on 'very thin ice' for her continued convergence with to human resources, and threatened to fire her if she did so again (stock image)
The ramifications for Fowler were substantial during her year with the company, and affected her professionally by having two transfer attempts blocked and rendering her ineligible for the Stanford University computer science graduate program she was enrolled in.
In the post, she claims to have overheard her manager bragging that although the company was losing women, he still had some on his team. The only explanation she says she received for having her transfer attempts blocked were that she was not showing signs of an 'upward career trajectory'.
Fowler has moved on to write a best-selling book on computing theory and has been invited to speak at major technology conferences.
A teenage girl said she was offered money for photographs by a fake modelling agent.
The 15-year-old Queensland girl received the unsettling call last Thursday, she told the Gladstone Observer.
She said an unknown man called her from a private number, offering her thousands of dollars for modelling shoots, and promising her career opportunities and travel.
A teenage girl said she was offered money for photographs by a fake modelling agent. The woman in the picture is not the girl in the story
The girl said she was initially flattered and gave her age and birth month to the stranger, but became suspicious when he said the photographs would be sent abroad and not used in Australia.
'At the start of the phone call, I didn't feel uncomfortable as I don't think the worst of people and what could happen,' the girl told the Observer.
'But at the end once he started promising me and assuring me things, is when I got uncomfortable.'
She said she suspected that the man was aiming to get nude pictures of her.
'It clicked to me... child pornography,' she said.
Queensland police were unaware of the incident, a police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
A spokesperson for the Australian Federal Police said that while the agency participates in projects to protect children online, such as ThinkUKnow.org, individual cases of attempted online scams are a matter for state police.
The girl said an unknown man called her from a private number, offering her thousands of dollars for modelling shoots, and promising her career opportunities and travel (Stock photo)
Australian modelling agencies like Chic Management have warned of potential scams.
On its website, Chic Management advises would-be models to think twice before posting their personal details on casting websites.
The modelling industry network Aussie Elite also warns about scams, saying people should be wary of offers of large sums of money in exchange for pictures.
A helpful resource for people who think they may be the victim of an attempted online scam is the Australian Cybercrime Online Reporting Network.
A woman is in a serious condition in hospital after falling from a convertible Holden Astra.
The 20-year-old woman was travelling in the convertible in Springdale Heights near Albury, New South Wales at 2.45pm on Monday.
Police said she was sitting in the rear of the convertible when the car turned a corner and she fell from the car onto the road.
A 20-year-old woman is in a critical condition in hospital after falling from the back of a moving Holden Astra Convertible in Albury, New South Wales (stock image)
Police said the woman was sitting in the rear of the convertible when the car turned a corner and she fell from the car onto the road (stock image)
She was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, before being taken to Albury Base hospital in a serious condition.
An Albury Base Hospital spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia the woman was then flown to The Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on Monday night in a critical condition.
The circumstances of the incident are being investigated by Albury Local Area Command officers.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Ivanka Trump took to Twitter to show her support for the Jewish community after 11 Jewish Community Centers were targeted with bomb hoaxes on President's Day.
She tweeted: 'America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC.'
On Monday 11 JCCs were evacuated in Birmingham, Cleveland, Chicago, St. Paul, Tampa, Tulsa, Nashville, Milwaukee, Houston and Buffalo after receiving the threats. All appear to be hoaxes and no one has been injured.
They come after the FBI launched a hate crime investigation into JCCs after 60 threats were received in January.
The First Daughter, who flew back to Washington D.C. on Monday after spending the weekend in Mar-a-Lago, converted to Orthodox Judaism when she was 27 before marrying Jared Kushner.
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Ivanka Trump, pictured flying out of Palm Beach with her children yesterday, spoke out against recent attacks on the Jewish community
Ivanka Trump took to Twitter to say: 'We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers' after 11 JCC's had bomb threats in one day (pictured with husband Jared Kushner and their children stepping off of Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland last night)
Ivanka Trump took to Twitter to acknowledge the spike in bomb threats on JCCs. Last week, her father berated a Jewish reporter for asking why the administration has stayed silent
FEBRUARY 20 JCC BOMB THREATS Eleven Jewish Community Centers in the US were targeted with bomb hoaxes on President's Day. JCCs in the following cities were evacuated: Levite JCC (Birmingham) Tampa JCCs and Jewish Federation (Off-site preschool only) Hyde Park JCC (part of JCC Chicago) JCC of the Greater St. Paul Area JCC of Greater Albuquerque Jewish Community Center of Greater Buffalo (both sites) Mandel JCC of Cleveland Jewish Federation of Tulsa Gordon JCC (Nashville) Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston The Harry & Rose Samson Family Jewish Community Center (Milwaukee) Source: JCC Association of North America Advertisement
In regards to the most recent threats, the FBI said in a statement: 'The FBI and the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division are investigating possible civil rights violations in connection with threats to Jewish Community Centers across the country.'
The FBI has labeled these bomb threats hate crimes, not terrorism.
In January alone, JCCs received 60 bomb threats in the US and Canada.
David Posner, director of strategic performance at JCC Association of North America said in a statement: 'While we are relieved that all such threats have proven to be hoaxes and that not a single person was harmed, we are concerned about the anti-Semitism behind these threats, and the repetition of threats intended to interfere with day-to-day life.'
Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner were photographed hosting Shabbat last month, inviting members of Team Trump to observe the Sabbath with them.
Former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton, who is also Ivanka's friend, also took to Twitter and criticized President Trump for not commenting on the attacks or the Jewish cemetery vandalism in St. Louis Monday.
She wrote on Twitter with a link to a statement by JCC North America: '<2 months into 2017: 'JCC bomb threats, synagogue defamed, subway swastikas, Jewish cemetery desecrated. NOW will Trump condemn antisemitism?'
Many took to Twitter to echo Clinton's sentiments, pointing to the President's lack of action towards minority targeted hate.
Although the President himself has not commented on the attacks, White House press secretary Sean Spicer responded to the nationwide threats, telling NBC News: 'Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individuals freedom.'
Chelsea Clinton bashed President Trump's silence towards the recent wave of anti-Semitism
Police investigate a bomb threat at Marin County Jewish Community Center earlier this month. There have been 69 bomb threats at JCCs since the beginning of this year
Investigators with the University City Police Department are working to determine who knocked over or damaged several headstones at a Jewish cemetery in St Louis
VANDALS TARGET JEWISH CEMETERY NEAR ST. LOUIS On February 20, over 100 gravestones were damaged at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery, a historic Jewish Cemetery in University City. Police suspect it was a group crime and not the act of a single vandal. They have not said whether or not it is considered a hate crime. On January 18, several Jewish Community Centers were evacuated because of a bomb threat. Source: Fox2Now Advertisement
'The President has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable.'
Spicer's statement comes less than a week after her father berated a Jewish reporter for asking why the Trump administration has not acknowledged the recent spike in anti-Semitism.
President Trump responded to the Ami Magazine reporter, saying the question was unfair, continuing: 'So heres the story, folks. Number one, I am the least anti-Semitic person that youve ever seen in your entire life. Number two, racism, the least racist person.'
Previously, on November 13, Trump told supporters on 60 Minutes to 'stop it' when it comes to racially motivated attacks.
And many questioned whether or not the White House intentionally failed to mention Jews as victims of the Holocaust when they sent out the statement for the day of remembrance.
After Ivanka's tweet, people started tweeting at her father questioning his silence
An inmate has been stabbed in the neck at Parklea Correctional Centre in northwest Sydney.
The 27-year-old inmate was stabbed in the neck by another prisoner before 9.30am on Tuesday morning and rushed to hospital, according to a Correctional Services spokeswoman.
The inmate suffered non-life threatening injuries and remains in stable condition in Westmead Hospital.
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A 27-year-old inmate was rushed to hospital after being stabbed in the neck
The police believe they have identified the 33-year-old offender but investigations are ongoing, according to the NSW correctional services spokeswoman.
No staff were injured in the attack.
Parklea maximum security centre was embroiled in a staff attack at the beginning of 2016 when 40 prisoners attacked guards.
Officers had to barricade themselves inside a safe room while special ops detained the inmates.
The 27-year-old inmate was rushed to hospital but is in a stable condition
Six teenagers attempting to capture the perfect selfie on an off-limits frozen pond in New York City's Central Park had to be rescued Monday evening when they plunged through the ice.
Police said the unidentified 15 and 16-year-olds fell into the pond around 6pm on Monday at the southern end of the park near 59th Street and Fifth Avenue.
A nearby sign said, 'Danger: Thin Ice Keep Off'.
Ice floats on a pond in New York City's Central Park after six teenagers were rescued when they fell through the ice into the off-limits pond Monday evening
'The kids were playing', Maia Ramirez, a 15 year old who is visiting the city from Paraguay, told the New York Post.
'They were breaking the ice. Some were like, "No its dangerous" and [others] were like, "No, lets [walk on the ice]".
'So after that they all got on together and said, "Lets take a selfie". But when they all went together, it broke and they all went down'.
Ramirez and her mom grabbed one of the numerous orange rescue ladders strapped to the trees near the pond and extended it to the flailing teens in the water.
'I was very scared about what would happen', said Ramirez. 'There was one [boy] who, from the very first minute he went down, he didnt come back up'.
A pile of clothing remains in Central Park after the 15 and 16-year-olds were rescued
An ice rescue ladder lays beside an area where the teens had fallen into the pond
Two other tourists said they jumped into the pond before emergency crews arrived and began pulling the teens out of the water.
'He went in the water, man. I was like halfway in. So yeah, we were just shoveling them out. That was pretty much it', Ethan Turnbull told CBS 2.
'They were out, man. The last one was unconscious, and the other three were failing as well'.
Police and fire rescue units, including divers, responded and pulled the teenagers out of the freezing water.
The deepest part of the pond where the teens fell in was about 18 feet, fire officials said.
A police spokesman said the teens are suffering from some mild hypothermia but are expected to be okay.
A gang member who had been released early from prison killed a veteran police officer and wounded another cop when they arrived at the scene in Whittier, California, after he rear-ended another vehicle.
Officer Keith Boyer died after the suspect involved in the crash on Monday morning pulled out a semiautomatic pistol and opened fire, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
A shootout ensued, and Officer Patrick Hazel was wounded, along with the suspect, identified as a 26-year-old gang member who was driving a stolen car, said Lt. John Corina.
The suspect had killed his cousin earlier Monday, before stealing his car and crashing it three hours later, Corina said.
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Officer Keith Boyer, a 27-year veteran on the Whittier police force, was killed on Monday after he was shot dead by a gang member who was recently released on parole
Police were unaware that the suspect was driving a stolen car, which he had slammed into other vehicle near Colima Road and Mar Vista Street
The officers approached the suspect and started patting him down when he pulled out a gun from his waistband and started shooting
The police officers were responding to what they thought was a routine traffic call at 8.30am on Monday, according to the sheriff's department.
Police were unaware that the suspect was driving a stolen car, which he had slammed into other vehicle near Colima Road and Mar Vista Street in the eastern Los Angeles County suburb.
The officers approached the suspect and started patting him down when he pulled out a gun from his waistband and started shooting, Corina said.
The officers, who were wearing bulletproof vests, returned fire and injured the suspect.
Boyer, a 27-year veteran of the Whittier police force, died in the hospital, while Hazel is reportedly in stable condition.
'Unbeknownst to the Whittier police officers, when they went to pull the car over, they had a murder suspect ... in a stolen car,' Corina said.
'It's extremely tragic,' he said. 'You just never know when officers respond to a call what they are going to run into.'
Sheriff Jim McDonnel said: 'They walked up on the vehicle believing the motorist was in need of medical help and then they ended up in a gunfight for their lives.'
Boyer, a 27-year veteran of the Whittier police force, died in the hospital, while Hazel is reportedly in stable condition
After the shooting, a long line of police cars escorted the slain officer's body from a hospital in Irvine to the coroner's office
Mourners placed candles and flowers outside police headquarters, and fellow police officers saluted his casket
Pictured, Boyer's family members. He was a 27-year veteran on the police force who had recently spoken about retirement
The suspect, whose name has not been released, was treated in the intensive care unit and is now in stable condition, police said.
The heavily tattooed gang member has a history of serious crimes and police believe he was released on parole as recently as a week ago as part of a new scheme designed to cut incarceration rates.
Witnesses said the suspect killed his cousin at 5.30am on the 1400 block of Volney Drive, less than 15 miles away from the scene of the car crash, according to Corina.
He stole his cousin's car, and crashed into another vehicle about three hours later.
'We're still trying to determine why he shot. Obviously, he was in a stolen car. He is a gang member. We're trying to determine if anything else sparked that,' Corina said.
After the shooting, a long line of police cars escorted the slain officer's body from a hospital in Irvine to the coroner's office.
Mourners placed candles and flowers outside police headquarters, and fellow police officers saluted his casket, honoring the first officer from Whittier killed in the line of duty since 1979.
Boyer is the first officer from Whittier killed in the line of duty since 1979
Whittier Police Chief Jeff Piper, who was friends with Boyer for more more than 25 years, told the
'All of us have been grieving,' the chief said. 'And I didn't think I had any tears left.'
Boyer, who joined the force as a dispatcher in 1989 and became a full-time officer in 1990, had recently talked to the chief about retiring.
A divorced father who played the drums, he was 'the best of the best' who was sought for advice by his colleagues and superiors, the chief said.
Federal officials have now said that at least 12 aircraft violated flight restrictions over the weekend around Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago home, where he has been since Friday.
At least five of those planes were 'buzzed' by military aircraft in attempts to contact the offending pilots.
A 'sonic boom' was heard in parts of South Florida on Friday as two F-15s raced at 'supersonic speeds' to intercept eight private aircraft flying near Trump's home.
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F-16s raced to intercept a plane that flew near Trump's Mar-a-Lago home on Sunday. Trump, pictured in Florida on Saturday, is spending his third straight weekend at the estate
The F-15s were deployed from Homestead Air National Guard Base, about 90 miles south of Mar-a-Lago.
A statement reported by Fox News read: 'The intent of military intercepts is to have the identified aircraft re-establish communications with local FAA air traffic controllers and instruct the pilot to follow air traffic controllers' instructions to land safely for follow-in action.'
On Sunday around noon - military aircraft were again called after radio communication couldn't be made with a pilot.
Two F-16s were later able to establish contact with the pilot, who was 'very compliant' and left the airspace quickly, the Orlando Sentinel reported.
Unlike a Friday evening incident, there was no 'sonic boom' heard over South Florida on Sunday, as the fighter jets were not travelling at supersonic speeds near the Palm Beach estate.
The F-15s were deployed from Homestead Air National Guard Base, about 90 miles south of Mar-a-Lago
When Trump is at Mar-a-Lago, there is a no-fly zone within a 1-mile radius of the estate, no private aircraft allowed within a 10-mile radius - which includes Palm Beach International Airport and Lantana airport - and restricted flight within a 30-mile radius
These incidents follow another two weeks prior, in which a private plane flew within two miles of Trump's aircraft on February 3.
The Federal Aviation Administration said it will continue teaching pilots about the new restrictions over the airspace.
No recent sitting president has spent extended periods of time in a non-governmental location in a densely populated area like this.
When Trump is at Mar-a-Lago, there is a no-fly zone within a 1-mile radius of the estate, no private aircraft allowed within a 10-mile radius - which includes Palm Beach International Airport and Lantana airport - and restricted flight within a 30-mile radius, the Palm Beach Post reported.
Two F-16s were later able to establish contact with the pilot, who was 'very compliant' and left the airspace quickly, the Orlando Sentinel reported
Friday incident caused 'sonic boom' to be heard in parts of South Florida. In both cases, local residents could see the planes from below and posted to social media about it
The F-15s were deployed from Homestead Air National Guard Base, about 90 miles south of Mar-a-Lago, pictured, on Friday. It is not known where the F-16s came from on Sunday
Trump is expected to leave Mar-a-Lago around 5pm on Monday. He has spent the past three weekends in a row at the resort, which he termed the 'Southern White House.'
He tweeted Saturday morning: 'Will be having many meetings this weekend at The Southern White House.
'Big 5.00pm speech in Melbourne, Florida. A lot to talk about!'
Discount website Scoopon have announced they will be selling 150 domestic flights across Australia for just $9 each.
At 4pm on Tuesday, the limited number of discounted one-way flights will go on sale online for five legs across the country, including Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Melbourne and Brisbane to Sydney.
While Scoopon has not revealed the airline passengers who score the flights will travel with, they have confirmed all fares include 7kgs of carry on luggage, discounted restaurants and spa packages.
Discount website Scoopon have announced they will be selling 150 domestic flights across Australia for just $9 each (pictured)
At 4pm on Tuesday, the discounted one-way flights will go on sale online for five legs across the country, including Melbourne (pictured) to Sydney, Sydney to Melbourne and Brisbane to Sydney
The flights are available for travel from June 19 to 25, 2017.
The website is only advertising 150 flights, 30 for each departure city. The five legs include Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Melbourne, Brisbane to Sydney, Adelaide to Melbourne, Perth to Melbourne.
While it can be expected the flights will sell out in a matter of minutes, the offer will be valid until midnight on Tuesday.
Scoopon has not announced which airline passengers will fly with, but it is expected to be TigerAir, according to Escape.
In November, the budget airline offered $9 flights across the country from February 1 to March 22.
One-way from Brisbane (pictured) to Sydney is included in the Scoopon deal
At 4pm on Tuesday, the limited number of discounted one-way flights will go on sale online for five legs across the country, including Melbourne to Sydney, Sydney to Melbourne and Brisbane to Sydney (stock image)
The heavily discounted flights are part of Scoopon's 'A-List' 48 hour online sale
An interracial Connecticut couple who had a racial slur spray-painted on their garage door has been fined thousands of dollars for refusing to remove or cover it up.
The N-word has remained on the home of Heather Lindsay, who's white, and Lexene Charles, who's black, for about five weeks, despite a city order to paint over it, the Stamford Advocate reports.
City officials issued the couple a citation, which carries a $100 daily fine, and it has now reached $3,600.
Lindsay said their home has been vandalized multiple times and at least three of her neighbors have yelled the N-word at her husband.
Heather Lindsay (right) and Lexene Charles (left) have been fined more than $3,600 for failing to remove or cover up the N-word that was spray painted on their garage during MLK weekend
The slur has remained on the home, for about five weeks, despite a city order to paint over it
She said Stamford authorities have failed to properly investigate and she won't remove the slur until they do, ABC 7 reports.
Stamford police have made repeated offers to remove the slur from the property at no cost but the couple has refused, Ted Jankowski, the citys director of public safety, told the Stamford Advocate.
NAACP representatives on Monday called for a full investigation, including canvassing the neighborhood and posting a patrol car to make sure the couple is safe.
The City of Stamford issued the couple a citation, which carries a $100 daily fine. Police have offered to remove the graffiti for free, but the couple have refused
'For them to be called n*****, it must be so hurtful that they can easily just erase the board and suffer within, quietly by themselves, and act like nothing happened', Darnell Crosland, legal counsel for the state NAACP, told the Stamford Advocate.
Lindsay has told authorities she will not paint over the graffiti unless they investigate the alleged harassment
'And in fact, thats what the Stamford police asked them to do. They were requested to take the sign down ... and to just act normal, like nothing happened'.
The city's director of public safety said an investigation is underway.
No one has reported seeing or hearing anyone spray painting the N-word on the couple's sheet-metal garage door.
'The incident that occurred is disgusting and it is something the Stamford Police Department continues to have under investigation', Jankowski said.
Neighbor Paul Evanko said he understands the seriousness of the incident but wants the slur removed quickly.
'There are kids in this neighborhood', said Evanko. 'Why do we have to subject them to that?'
Crosland believed removing the slur will make the couple's home a target again.
'We say "no" to that', he said. 'Theyre not going to suffer alone. Were going to suffer with them'.
A Perth child who raped an eight-year-old boy while armed with a weapon has had his sentencing delayed after questions were raised about his capacity to understand the court process.
The 10-year-old boy, who cannot be named, appeared in Perth Children's Court on Tuesday having previously pleaded guilty to sexual penetration of a child under 13 and threatening to kill.
But the court heard that following a psychological report there was the possibility the boy did not understand the court process, so Magistrate Andree-Marie Horrigan ordered an additional report.
A Perth child who raped an eight-year-old boy while armed with a weapon in December has had his sentencing delayed (stock image)
Defence lawyer Neville Barber said he thought the psychologist misunderstood the criminal code regarding capacity.
'(He) is well aware of what he should not have done,' he said.
'On my instructions, he is well aware he did what he should not have done.'
The attack happened in December and the boy has been on bail while awaiting the court outcome.
But shocked parents at the boy's school were outraged to only learn about the attack on social media over the weekend.
Parents gathered outside the school on Monday to share their concerns that the boy was not being supervised properly and some pulled their children out pending the court outcome.
The boy, 10, who cannot be named, appeared in Perth Children's Court on Tuesday (pictured) having previously pleaded guilty to sexual penetration of a child under 13 and threatening to kill
A mother told 6PR radio the accused boy's bail conditions required him to attend school and be supervised in the library during breaks (stock image)
A mother told 6PR radio the accused boy's bail conditions required him to attend school and be supervised in the library during breaks.
'One parent told me that her son had been playing with him at lunch time for the last three weeks,' she said on Monday.
'We just want the best for our children. We want our children to be safe, and of course this child needs help.
'He needs to be in the right care and if he is going to be at the school, he needs to be supervised at all times.'
The school refused to comment to AAP on Monday, but the Education Department said the boy was being 'constantly supervised' by two staff members while at school.
'The school is doing everything reasonably possible to ensure the safety of all students,' a spokesperson said.
The eight-year-old victim does not go to the same school as the offender.
The case will return to court next month.
Three young men have been called to come forward for questioning after a vandalism incident saw seats from a train ripped up and stacked at one end of the carriage.
The mischievous act gained notoriety on social media after images showed the seats piled high on one end of the carriage as the train made its way through the Blue Mountains last Tuesday night.
The police have released images of three young men they would like to question over the Sydney train incident.
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Police are calling for these three young men to come forward to help assist inquiries over the Sydney train seat pile up
The images of the vandalism showing the seats piled up at the back of the train went off on social media
'Police are urging anyone who knows the identity of the three depicted in the images, or anyone with information, to come forward,' NSW Police said in a statement on Tuesday when releasing CCTV stills of the trio.'
Steve Mateer boarded the Intercity train in Katoomba in the Blue Mountains in NSW on Tuesday night only to find all the seats had been ripped off.
'I looked at the guy behind me, who walked in the door behind me, and he was equally as shocked as I was,' Mr Mateer told 7 News.
'I was just bewildered that anyone would go to that sort of length for something so insignificant.'
Blackwing has since been convicted of rape and a slew of additional charges
But men in the home heard noises upstairs and stopped them - with one man subduing one of the women with a samurai sword until cops came
Raven Blackwing, 22, and a 19-year-old accomplice are accused of breaking into the girl's home in West Jordan, Utah armed with a knife
Authorities believe he sent two of his wives to murder a 14-year-old girl set to testify against him for rape in 2014
A polygamist and two of his wives have been charged with the attempted murder of a 14-year-old girl who was due to testify against him for rape.
Raven Blackwing, 24, and a 19-year-old accomplice armed themselves with a knife, cellophane, matches, a screwdriver, syringes and Formalin - a chemical used to knock people out - before allegedly breaking into the girl's home in West Jordan, Utah in 2014.
Their 'shared husband' Kain Blackwing, who currently resides in Beaver County jail, forced his victims to call him 'Lord', and has since been convicted of rape of the 14-year-old girl.
Now, Blackwing and his third wife, Theresa Baker, 25, have been charged with orchestrating the home invasion and subsequent murder plot.
Their 'shared husband' Kain Blackwing, who currently resides in Beaver County jail, forced his victims to call him 'Lord', and has since been convicted of rape of the young girl
Baker also reportedly goes by the name Diana Blackwing.
They face charges of solicitation for aggravated murder, conspiracy to commit aggravated murder and attempted aggravated murder, according to NY Daily News.
Raven Blackwing was sentenced serve up to 15 years in a Utah State Prison. The second woman, who cannot be named because she is a victim of sexual assault, was sentenced to a year of probation.
Kain was charged in 2015 with seven counts of rape, forcible sodomy and three counts of forcible sexual abuse against the accomplice who helped Raven Blackwing break into the girls home, KSL reported.
Kain reportedly met that woman when she was 17, and began a sexual relationship with her. He taught her 'survival skills', and allegedly told her he was a god and 'shen lord'. He also told her that 'if he ever bonded with a woman she became his and the only way out of the relationship was death'.
Raven Blackwing was sentenced serve up to 15 years in a Utah State Prison
Kain will appear in court again for that case on February 28.
It was revealed that Blackwing planned the attack with the two women for 11 weeks, during which time they conducted surveillance on the home.
They reportedly referred to the murder plot as ' playing a video game' and used code names for their targets such as 'Juggernaut,' 'Boss' and 'Guards.'
The 14-year-old girl was staying with her mother and mother's fiance at their home during the time of the break-in. It is believed that the fiance is related to Kain Blackwing.
The fiance was able to stop the attack when he awoke to hear the upstairs floor creaking just before 4am, the Deseret News reported.
When he went to investigate, he came across two people dressed all in black who lunged at him and tried to grab his throat, according to charging documents.
'I heard a creak, and there was silence for about 30 seconds,' he told FOX News 13.
'I went to the bottom of the stairs and saw a couple of ninjas coming down. They were all dark gray or black, and they had black rubber gloves on and masks. All I could see was their eyes.'
Police in Utah say the attack happened near this junction in West Jordan shortly after 4am on Friday
He added: 'My adrenaline was pumping so bad. They grabbed for me and one of them covered my mouth, and the other grabbed my throat, but they were both pretty small so I threw them back and started shouting to get anybody awake that I could.'
Another man in the home heard the noise and went to help, but one of the assailants went for him with a stun gun. He was able to wrestle her and pinned her down until police arrived.
When cops reached the home, they also found one of the men holding Blackwing back with a samurai sword on the couch, according to the charges.
'I grabbed my sword on the mantle, unsheathed it and told her to sit down, that if she moved, she would lose body parts,' the man said.
The 14-year-old girl, who was asleep at the time, was set to testify against Kain Blackwing, just four days after the attack. Blackwing was charged with her rape in July of 2014.
The parents of an eight-year-old boy have been charged with child endangerment and drug possession after their son overdosed on heroin, police said.
Charles Dowdy and Danielle Simko were arrested after their son was taken to the hospital on January 11, where staff found prescription pills and a small bag of heroin inside his sock, according to cleveland.com.
Dowdy, who called 911 and told the dispatcher his son was no longer breathing, admitted to using drugs in their Berea, Ohio, home earlier that day.
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Charles Dowdy and Danielle Simko of Berea, Ohio, were arrested after their son was taken to the hospital from an apparent heroin overdose
Dowdy said he had been in bed with Simko and their son on the 100 block of Milton Street when they noticed his lips had turned blue, according to a police report cited by WKYC.
In an audio recording of the 911 call, Dowdy can be heard telling the dispatcher to hurry.
He explained: 'I think he was sleeping and I think what happened was he rolled over and I dont think he could breathe. I think he was just, like, in the pillow and he suffocated.'
Dowdy also told the dispatcher his son was seven, even though records indicate he is eight.
Paramedics arrived and the boy was taken to the Southwest General Medical Center, where a urine test revealed he had heroin in his system, WKYC reported.
Hospital staff also found pills and heroin hidden inside a toy watch in the boy's sock, according to the local news channel.
Dowdy (left) admitted to using drugs in the house earlier that day, and both he and Simko (right) were arrested at the hospital
Dowdy and Simko were arrested after the father admitted to using drugs earlier that day, and police found narcotics and syringes inside their home.
The two were charged with child endangerment on Friday and held on $150,000 bond.
They are scheduled to appear in court on February 22.
Their eight-year-old son is in the custody of relatives, as Dowdy and Simko have been barred from contacting him.
Berea, a suburb of Cleveland, is in Cuyahoga County, where police said there were at least 46 fatal heroin and fentanyl overdoses in January alone.
At least 14 suspected overdoses occurred over the course of just one weekend, from February 3 to 5, police said.
A body found in bushland is confirmed to be that of missing mother Karen Ristevski, 47, eight months after she disappeared on June 29.
Police on Tuesday evening confirmed the 'badly decomposed' remains discovered 52 kilometres from her Melbourne house on Monday afternoon were hers.
Two detectives from the missing persons squad visited at her $1.1 million two-storey house in Avondale Heights, Melbourne, at about 4.45pm to break the news.
They spent about 50 minutes inside the house speaking to family including her husband of 25 years Borce, 52, and their daughter Sarah, 21, but did not answer questions as they left.
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The body of missing mother Karen Ristevski, 47, (pictured here with husband Borce) has been found in bushland 52 kilometres from her Melbourne house
Two detectives from the missing persons squad visited at her luxury two-storey house in Avondale Heights, Melbourne, at about 4.45pm to break the news
A bushwalker found the body under a large log on Mt Macedon, about 52 kilometres from the house, and contacted police about 12.30pm on Monday.
The fallen tree trunks she was wedged between were so big it was not possible to see her body unless you were standing directly above them.
A nearby resident and regular walker said he smelled a rancid stench in the area for months but assumed it was a dead kangaroo and never investigated, he told 3AW.
Borce Ristevski's brother, Vasco, and his son, Chris - both who have spoken publicly about the death - arrived at the home about 6.30pm.
Chris Ristevski kept his phone glued to his face but neither answered questions. A blonde woman also rushed to the home after the news broke.
Another woman, who said she was just a neighbour, laid flowers at the entrance.
They spent about 50 minutes inside the house speaking to family including her husband Borce and their daughter Sarah, but did not answer questions as they left
Police at the scene where a 'badly decomposed' body was found in Mount Macedon, north of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon
Ms Ristevski's phone reportedly pinged a tower in Gisborne - about 11 kilometres from the site - on the day she went missing
Her family was on Monday told the body might be Ms Ristevski's, who disappeared on June 29 last year, and to prepare for the worst.
The missing mother's brother Stephen Williams reportedly also visited the scene on Monday for about two hours with a red rose in his back pocket.
Ms Ristevski was said to have left the house for some fresh air' after a fight over finances with her husband Borce.
Mr Ristevski's brother Vasco suggested she might have fled to the U.S. or China.
A blonde woman also rushed to the home after the news broke
Chris Ristevski, nephew of ms Ristevski, arrives at her home after hearing that her body was identified keeping his phone glued to his face
Another woman, who said she was just a neighbour, laid flowers at the entrance
Another man arrives at the house to console the grieving family
A third man arrived at the Ristevski house after news of her remains being found broke
The discovery site is about 25 kilometres from the Toolern Vale area where police were searching for her last December.
Missing persons detectives are appealing for anyone who may have walked along the dirt track off Loch Road, or seen any vehicles, to get in touch.
Police were also requesting any people who took photos or videos in the area to contact them.
The discovery site is about 25 kilometres from the Toolern Vale area where police were searching for her last December
Ms Ristevski was said to have left the house for some fresh air' after a fight over finances with her husband Borce
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the remains were being taken for forensic tests to determine the cause of death.
Ms Ristevski's phone reportedly pinged a tower in Gisborne - about 11 kilometres from the site - on the day she went missing.
No one has yet been charged in relation to her body's discovery and police have not yet ruled it a murder.
Timeline of Karen Ristevski's mysterious disappearance June 29, 2016: Karen Ristevski disappears from her house on Oakley Drive in Avondale Heights, Melbourne, at about 10am. Her husband Borce, the last person to see her alive, said she went to 'clear her head' after a fight July 11: The missing persons squad is called in to investigate July 8, 2016: Mr Ristevski questioned by detectives and denied any involvement in her disappearance July 13: Actor Samuel Johnson took to social media to plead for his friend to come home July 13: Police and SES scour bushland behind the Ristevski home, near the Maribyrnong River July 14, 2016: Mr Ristevski is asked 'Did you kill Karen, Borce?' ending a press conference appealing for information about her disappearance. The same day, police said CCTV did not catch her leaving the house that morning July 21, 2016: Mr Ristevski claims their home's security cameras stoped working months before her disappearance July 23, 2016: Ms Ristevski's meth-addicted step-son Anthony Rickard, 32, claimed his stepmother was planning on leaving his father July 29: Police divers search another part of the Maribyrnong River, about three kilometres from the Ristevski house September 9, 2016: Neighbour hands police CCTV possibly showing Ms Ristevski's car on the day she disappeared August 11, 2016: Mr Rickard posted a series of disturbing and unsubstantiated messages to social media which revealed his troubled relationship with his family. He claimed their marriage was 'fake', called his father a 'coward', claimed he watched him do drugs and that he and Mrs Ristevski had an affair August 24, 2016: Mr Ristevski's brother Vasco suggested she might have fled to the U.S. or China on a fake passport December 19-20, 2016: Police drained dams and searched countryside at Toolern Vale - just south of where her body was found on Monday February 20: A bushwalker found the body under a large log on Mt Macedon, about 52 kilometres from the house, and contacted police about 12.30pm February 21: The body is confirmed to be Ms Ristevski's and police break the news to her family Advertisement
Mystery has surrounded the disappearance of Melbourne mother Karen Ristevski ever since she vanished on June 29, 2016.
Mrs Ristevski, 47, was last seen leaving her home on Oakley Drive in Avondale Heights in Melbourne's north-west following an argument with her husband.
Her boutique Bella Bleu closed in February last year, leander caveats put on the family home, and Borce tried to get a loan from a notorious Melbourne loan shark at least twice.
Since then police have followed up endless leads and searched various areas, but the 47-year-old has not been seen for almost eight months.
Ms Ristevski's daughter Sarah (L) and husband Borce (R) were reportedly devastated at hearing the body could be hers
Shortly after her disappearance, actor Samuel Johnson (L) took to social media to plead for his friend to come home
Her phone was switched off and her bank accounts have not been accessed since her disappearance.
Mrs Ristevski's husband Borce Ristevski was the last person to see her alive. He said she left their family home after a fight, and went for a walk to 'clear her head'.
Mr Ristevski was questioned by police immediately after his wife's disappearance, but was released a short time later pending further inquiries.
Shortly after her disappearance, actor Samuel Johnson took to social media to plead for his friend to come home.
Johnson, known for his lead role in TV series The Secret Life of Us, described Ms Ristevski as a 'sensitive, generous, intelligent and kind woman,' the Herald Sun reported at the time.
Ms Ristevski was a successful boutique shop proprietor living in a luxury two-storey house
Police mounted an extensive search for Ms Ristevski over many months but turned up nothing
During a press conference three weeks after the woman's disappearance, a reporter asked her husband whether he killed her.
'Did you kill Karen, Borce?' a Seven News journalist quizzed.
The family cut the media conference short and Mr Ristevski has consistently denied any involvement in his wife's disappearance.
That same week police revealed that CCTV cameras did not show Mrs Ristevski leaving her home on the day she disappeared.
Police have not suggested that Mr Ristevski has had anything to do with his wife's disappearance.
In the weeks after Mrs Ristevski's disappearance, SES crews, water police and police on motorbikes searched the Maribyrnong River and surrounding areas.
It was also reported by The Australian at the time that the family were struggling with their debts and on the verge of losing their home when she vanished.
The missing mother's brother Stephen Williams reportedly also visited the scene on Monday for about two hours with a red rose in his back pocket
Police and SES volunteers search for missing mother Karen Ristevski near Gisborne South northwest of Melbourne in December as part of the long search
A month after her disappearance Mrs Ristevski's meth-addicted step-son Anthony Rickard, 32, claimed his stepmother was planning on leaving his father.
Mr Rickard, a father-of-two who has been questioned by police in relation to the 47-year-old's disappearance, previously told the Herald Sun that he did not kill his stepmother, but that he is angry over a family conflict.
Then in August the 32-year-old posted a series of disturbing and unsubstantiated messages to social media which revealed his troubled relationship with his family.
Among a stream of violent and often incoherent messages Mr Rickard called his father a 'coward', claimed he watched him do drugs and that he and Mrs Ristevski, who has been missing nearly two months, had an affair.
Police divers search a river near Gisborne South northwest of Melbourne in December
No one has yet been charged in relation to her body's discovery and police have not yet ruled it a murder
Nephew Chris Ristevski told A Current Affair at the time that he was shocked his cousin, who has struggled with ice addiction, would stoop so low.
'It's outrageous - it's supposed to be his family.'
In September it was revealed that a car driving away from Mrs Ristevski's home on the day she disappeared closely resembled her own one.
CCTV footage captured by a neighbour's camera showed a car resembling the Melbourne mother's, the Herald Sun reported.
Then on December 19 and 20 last year, police drained dams and searched countryside at Toolern Vale - just south of where her body was found on Monday.
A trial date has been set for a 15-year-old girl accused of stabbing her classmate 19 times to appease fictional internet character 'Slenderman'.
Two motions filed by the attorney for Anissa Weier, one of the two girls accused of the crime, were denied in court on Monday as the case proceeds.
Her lawyer, Maura McMahon, requested that her initial confession be thrown out, and that the jury be selected from a pool outside of Waukesha County, Wisconsin - both of which were not granted.
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Two motions filed by the attorney for Anissa Weier, one of the two girls accused of the crime, were denied in court on Monday as the case proceeds
Victim: Payton Leutner (above) was also 12 years old at the time of the incident. She crawled to a road where a bicyclist found her. She recovered from her wounds and returned to school that fall
When Weier was arrested for the stabbing of her friend Payton Leutner in 2014, she told investigators that 'Slenderman' told her to. She was just 12 at the time.
The judge's striking down of her attorney's request means that the trial can proceed using Weier's original confession. However, McMahon said she wasn't surprised by the court's ruling - a similar motion for the other suspect in the case were denied last week, Fox 6 reported.
Maura McMahon, Weier's attorney, said: 'When you're 12 years old and you don't even truly understand the right to remain silent, how is that a knowing a voluntary right? Particularly when law enforcement simply reads verbatim a list of rights that are designed to be read to an adult.'
Her lawyer, Maura McMahon, requested that her initial confession to the murder be thrown out, and that the jury be selected from a pool outside of Waukesha County, Wisconsin - both of which were not granted
The presiding judge Michael Bohren disagreed, saying that the girl made the statement of her own volition.
He said: 'The interview was voluntary. The statements were voluntary. It was not in a coercive or police conduct situation.'
Bohren also ruled that the jury for Weier's trial would be chosen from a pool of candidates in Waukesha County, despite the trial being widely publicized.
Bohren also ruled that the jury for Weier's trial would be chosen from a pool of candidates in Waukesha County, despite the trial being widely publicized
Morgan Geyser is also charged in the case. She has pleaded not guilty Friday by reason of insanity. Pictured at a hearing in August 2016
He continued: 'The news environment, the public comments that have been stated in this case are not inflammatory to the extent that a fair trial cannot be had.'
McMahon said in regard to the jury - they will just have to create a strong juror- questionnaire and hope for the best.
Weier's friend Morgan Geyser is also on trial for the attack and pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in September. The trial is expected to last for about two weeks.
Weier will stand trial beginning September 11, 2017 while Geyser's trial will begin in October.
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Despite the tech world's movers and shakers flocking to New Zealand for the tranquil way of life, the Land of the Long White Cloud isn't all farms, entrepreneurs and rolling hills.
Out of the public eye is one of the nation's most infamous gangs Black Power, whose members operate in a lawless and hyper-violent world.
Despite being underground, Sydney photographer Casey Morton managed to pry open a window into the lives of member with a set of candid portraits.
Morton earned the trust of the notorious mob - made up of mainly Maori and Polynesian members - in order to shed light on their story.
What followed was a striking glimpse into the gang.
Sydney photographer Casey Morton captured candid photos of members of Black Power, one of New Zealand's most infamous gangs
Bearing full-face tattoos, the gang's appearance lives up to their brutal reputation
Photographer Casey Morton's desire to capture gang members was to 'show them for who they really are'
'I have some relatives who are associates, so I used them to bridge the divide,' Morton told Daily Mail Australia.
'I wanted to show another side to what Black Power is about. The idea was to show them for who they really are and let people make up their own mind.'
He jetted to Christchurch to meet with members of the local chapter and shoot them in a clubhouse.
Wearing blue and black gang colours and bearing full-face tattoos, the gang's appearance matches their fearsome reputation. But Morton said he felt safe.
'Beforehand they laid the ground rules. At times I felt very intimidated by them, but I never felt unsafe,' Morton said.
The tech moguls hot-footing it to New Zealand PayPal co-founder and Facebook board member Peter Thiel has gushed about his great pride in his New Zealand citizenship and how he has found no other country that aligns more with my view of the future. Perhaps what he really meant was exposed, after one of his Silicon Valley chums, the venture capitalist Sam Altman, revealed that, at the first sign of global disaster, he and Thiel would fly to New Zealand. Other uber-rich Americans who have recently bought homes there include the billionaire hedge-fund pioneer Julian Robertson and the Hollywood film director James Cameron. Local estate agents say their U.S. clients rarely intend to live in New Zealand, but cite reasons for their purchases such as the toxic presidential election and the spate of mass shootings in America. In the first ten months of last year, foreigners mainly Australians and Americans bought nearly 1,400 square miles of land there, more than four times what they bought in the same period the previous year. Advertisement
The photos offer a striking glimpse into members of the notorious Black Power gang
Who are the bikie gangs of New Zealand? Gangs in New Zealand have been blasted as a severe social problem, with reports of violent brawls, murders and rapes sparking fear in local communities, since the 1960s. The three largest gangs are Black Power, the Mongrel Mob, and the Nomads - and there is fierce rivalry between them. The groups first formed in the 1950s and by the 1960s even the countrys then prime minister, Rob Muldoon, had partied at a Black Power residence. Muldoon formed a close bond with Black Power, encouraging them to form work trusts and assisting them to find accommodation. A 'Maori urban drift' in the 1960s and the rapid immigration of Pacific Peoples in the 1970s is said to have bolstered their membership - joining a gang was often seen as a solution to the problems people faced. By the 1970s, the gangs had turned further towards organised crime and now they have stringent codes against outsiders. As well as donning menacing face tattoos, some of the Mongrel Mobs, for example, use reviled Nazi symbols as an act of rebellion towards authority. The gangs are influenced by their American counterparts, such as Hells Angels, but also have their own unique codes. Advertisement
The patched vests, in the same way as outlaw bikie gangs in the US, signal the members' status. In order to earn them they must endure a gruelling initiation period that can span a year before they are officially welcomed.
The Black Power was founded in the 1970s to counter the Mongrel Mob, with whom they have a bitter and decades-long rivalry.
Tensions boiled over last month, when shots were fired at a Mongrel Mob member's funeral stormed by Black Power members in Whakatane, in the Bay of Plenty Region in the North Island of New Zealand.
But Morton believes BlackPower are not as violent as they once were, and says there is more to the group than meets the eye.
'The gang is not as violent as they once were, and what I saw on the day felt a lot more like a brotherhood than anything else.'
'At times I felt like I was just hanging out with family, uncles and brothers, but at the same time you also knew and could feel that there was a dark side to them.'
The members are reminiscent of characters portrayed in the 1994 New Zealand film, Once Were Warriors, about life in the slums of Auckland, including an eldest son who leaves his family to join a gang with facial tattoos.
Black Power members are shown wearing blue and black, the colours of the gang
The Black Power gang is made up primarily of Maori and Polynesian men
A patched vest shows the status of members within the Black Power gang, in the same ways as outlaw bikie clubs
Photographer Casey Morton managed to pry open a window into the secretive lives of Black Power members
The photos shed light on the secretive lives of Black Power gang members
Photographer Casey Morton flew to Christchurch to take photos of members of the local Black Power chapter in a clubhouse
The Black Power gang has been described as 'more like a brotherhood than anything else'
Black Power members were photographed over a day and a half to portray their story
The aim of the photos was not to portray the gang members in a positive light, but to photograph them for who they really are and let people make up their own mind
A British ISIS suicide bomber has been revealed as a former Guantanamo prisoner who was handed 1million in taxpayers' money as compensation before fleeing to Syria.
UK national Jamal Udeen al-Harith was photographed moments before blowing himself up in an attack on a military facility near Mosul in Iraq.
Shortly after detonating the explosive-laden car near an army base, ISIS released a statement revealing al-Harith had been fighting for them under the name Abu Zakariya al-Britani.
The Muslim convert - who changed his name from Ronald Fiddler in 1994 - was sent to Guantanamo Bay in 2002 after he was caught by American forces in Afghanistan.
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UK national Jamal Udeen al-Harith was photographed moments before blowing himself up in an attack on a military facility near Mosul in Iraq (pictured)
Al-Harith's British wife Shukee Begum, along with their five children, joined him in Syria in 2015 before fleeing from the Isis-controlled territory
He denied being a terrorist and claimed to have been taken prisoner by the Taliban after visiting the Middle East as part of a 'religious holiday'.
After intense campaigning by Tony Blairs government led by then-Home Secretary David Blunkett, the British citizen was freed two years later.
He launched a compensation claim on the grounds British agents knew or were complicit in his mistreatment and was handed 1million to stay silent.
Using his payout, al-Harith bought a three-bed, semi-detached home in Stockport, Greater Manchester for 220,000, but struggled to find work after his release.
At the time of his release from Guantanamo, David Blunkett said: 'No one who is returned will actually be a threat to the security of the British people.'
But it emerged that, despite security services being fully aware of his previous detention, al-Harith, who worked as a web designer for a time, was able to escape the UK in 2014 to fight with ISIS in Syria, leading to his eventual death.
Al-Hariths brother Leon Jameson told the Times: 'Im not ashamed of him, I never will be. But its his own decision. I can only just give him advice if he needs any.
'All I know is one day he brought a Quran home,' he added. 'We were supportive of it, yeah,we didnt see anything wrong with it at the time and the trouble only started later, seems like hes been dragged into it.'
His journey was revealed following an escape from ISIS-controlled Syria in 2015 by British mother Shukee Begum and her five children.
Miss Begum was married to al-Harith before he left the family home in Birmingham to fight in Syria, and had flown to the war-torn country to try to persuade the fanatic to return to the UK.
The Muslim convert changed his name from Ronald Fiddler to Jamal Udeen al-Harith in 1994, before fighting for ISIS under the new name Abu Zakariya al-Britani
Al-Harith gives testimony before a Council of Europe panel in 2004 (shown right), as part of an inquiry into human rights abuses at Gauntanamo Bay
However, her attempts failed, and she endured a ten-month ordeal being passed between hostages and rebel groups as she tried to escape.
In 2015, she told Channel 4: 'Id love to go back to the UK. The UK is my home. I grew up there. My friends are there. My family are there. Thats where I consider to be home.
'But Im just not sure at the moment, with the track record of the current government, if the UK is somewhere I can achieve justice. I hope Im wrong.'
At the time, she said she was biding her time before returning to Britain because she fears she could face terrorism charges.
Ms Begum, a law graduate from Greater Manchester, insists she did not support the extremists, and says she wanted to persuade al-Harith to return to the family home.
She told Channel 4 News: 'I was thinking about the children's futures. Was he part of it? Will he come back? All these things go through your mind.'
Footage said to have been captured yesterday morning shows Abu Zakariya's reinforced vehicle setting off along a dusty road
The video then cuts to a plume of smoke in the distance after the car bomb is detonated
She added: 'I was seeing on the news at this point that Isis was going from bad to worse So I decided that I was going to try and speak some sense into him.
'At the same time I wanted to see him. I wanted the children to see their father. I wanted the baby to meet his father as well.'
After arriving in Syria, Ms Begum ended up living in a crowded safe-house in the ISIS stronghold of Raqqa, along with dozens of other foreign women looking for their husbands.
TIMELINE OF EVENTS 1966: Ronald Fiddler is born in Manchester to devout Christian parents originating from Jamaica 1994: He converts to Islam, changing his name to Jamal Udeen al-Harith October 2001: Al-Harith travels to Quetta in Pakistan, on a 'religious holiday'. A few day later the US invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan began Early 2002: He is arrested by American forces in Afghanistan after they discover him in a Taliban jail and later transferred to Guantanamo Bay prison 2004: After lobbying from Tony Blair's Labour government, al-Harith is released along with five others. He returns to the UK where he is released without charge, and joins three other prisoners in suing Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld 2009: His case against Rumsfield and the US government is finally dismissed on the grounds of 'limited immunity' for government officials 2014: Despite security services being fully aware of his previous detention, he is able to escape the UK to fight with ISIS in Syria 2015: His British wife Shukee Begum, along with their five children, join him in Syria before fleeing from the Isis-controlled territory February 2017: Al-Harith is killed in a suicide attack near Mosul, Iraq Advertisement
Eventually, Ms Begum and her children were reunited with al-Harith, and the family moved to a house near al-Bab in northern Syria.
But her planned to bring him home failed as she could not convince him to leave.
Ms Begum said she only planned to keep the children in Syria for a month, but after a bag containing her phones, travel money and passports was stolen, she found herself trapped.
She asked her husband to help her get out, to no avail. And she appealed to an Islamic court to give her permission to leave, but was told: 'Women and children belong in ISIS territory.'
She reached safety when she was rescued by Al Qaeda-linked group Al Nusra. Her last known location was in Syria, on the Turkish border.
Al-Harith's back story has resurfaced after pictures online shows him grinning next to what appears to be wires connected to a red-buttoned detonator.
ISIS claim his attack, during a raging battle for control of the city, caused multiple casualties but this has not been confirmed. They gave his name as Abu Zakariya al-Britani.
After his release from Guantanamo, al-Harith spoke of the treatment he received at the hands of the guards.
Speaking in 2004, he told the Mirror: 'The whole point... was to get to you psychologically.
'The beatings were not nearly as bad as the psychological torture - bruises heal after a week but the other stuff stays with you.
'After a while, we stopped asking for human rights - we wanted animal rights.'
He said said he was interviewed upwards of 40 times by American officials - sometimes to 12 hours at a time - and nine times by British agents.
He was finally released with five others and alongside the three men known as the Tipton Three Rhuhel Ahmed, Asif Iqbal and Shafiq Rasul.
Muslim convert al-Harith (left) was sent to Guantanamo Bay in 2002. He has been pictured in the past with fellow Guantanamo prisoner Moazzam Begg (right)
Born Ronald Fiddler, he turned to Islam in the 1990s and changed his name to Jamal Udeen al-Harith.
He travelled to Pakistan during the 90s and settled in North London for a short while with his first wife Debbie Odoffin in 1997.
He later visited Australia for several months in 2000 after striking up a relationship online with Samantha Cook, the daughter of senator Peter Cook.
He stayed with Samantha in Perth up until mid-2000, before returning to Manchester.
In October 2001, he travelled to Quetta in Pakistan, on what he claimed was a religious holiday. A few days later the US invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan began.
He claimed the Taliban locked him up and accused him of being a British spy. A few months later he was found in a Taliban jail by US special forces and transferred to Guantanamo Bay.
Maxine Fiddler, Jamal's father and Maxine Fiddler, Jamal's sister, pictured during his detention at Guantanamo
US authorities considered that he was probably involved in a former terrorist attack against the US.
He was assessed as being an Al Qaeda fighter and considered a high threat to the US.
When al-Harith was released in 2004, he was repatriated to England and released without charge.
This is a scandalous situation, said Tory MP Tim Loughton. So much for Tony Blairs assurances that this extremist did not pose a security threat.
He clearly was a risk to Britain and our security all along. It adds insult to injury that he was given 1million in compensation because of Blairs flawed judgement that he was an innocent.
Liberal Democrat MP John Pugh said: This raises serious questions about the reassurances Labour gave us that this man posed no danger.
CAGE WEBSITE'S GLOWING AL-HARITH REFERENCE The website, originally formed to raise awareness of the plight of prisoners of Guantanamo, still has a profile for al-Harith on its website, from when he was released. It reads: 'Al-Harith converted to Islam in his 20s after reading Malcom X's biography. He has two sisters, Maxine and Sharon. 'His family say he is a gentle, quiet man who rarely spoke of his faith unless asked, and after four years learning Arabic and teaching English at Khartoum University in Sudan, he seemed happy enough to return home where he started to study nursing. At this time, he also established a computer business. He later moved back to Manchester, where he worked as an administrator in a Muslim school. 'He travelled from the UK to Pakistan at the end of September 2001, retracing a journey he had made to Iran in 1993. He paid a lorry driver to take him from northern Pakistan to Iran as part of a backpacking trip, but they were stopped near the Afghan border by Taliban soldiers who saw his British passport and jailed him, in October, fearing he was a spy. He had been away from home only three weeks when he was captured. 'As the operation to mop up al Qaida forces went on into the spring of 2001, he was captured by US forces while being held in Kandahar Jail. He was interrogated by the CIA in Afghanistan before being taken to Guantanamo. 'He was released from Guantanamo and returned to the UK on 9th March 2004. After a few hours of questioning he was released without charge and reunited with his family. Jamal was the first of the British detainees to speak publicly about his ordeal. He married in late 2004 and has three children (aged 3,5, and 8) from a previous marriage.' Source: old.cageprisoners.com Advertisement
Al-Harith (left) is pictured in his early years in Manchester, England, before his detention at Gauntanamo in 2002. His wife Shukee Begum is shown right
It is a kick in the teeth that he was given a fortune in taxpayers money after claiming he was innocent only to flee to Islamic State and pose a risk to the UK.
The Home Office needs to explain how he was able to leave the country so easily despite his background mixing with those at the very top of Islamic terrorism.
ISIS said al-Harith as one of two militants involved in the attack on a Shiite army outpost.
The attack came as Iraqi forces advanced on ISIS positions in the west of the city.
Footage said to have been captured on Monday shows a reinforced vehicle setting off along a dusty road. The video then cuts to a plume of smoke in the distance.
A statement released by the terror group today said: 'The martyrdom-seeking brother Abu Zakariya al-Britani - may Allah accept him - detonated his explosives-laden vehicle on a headquarters of the Rafidhi army and its militias in Tal Kisum village, southwest of Mosul.'
The attack came as Iraqi forces advanced on ISIS positions in the west of the city
Kyle Orton, a specialist in Islamist groups at the Henry Jackson Society security think-tank, said: Fiddler is part of a considerable cadre of people released from Guantanamo Bay who have returned straight to the ranks. This keeps happening so the drive to shut the camp has always been a very, very serious threat.
Allowing people to be put back in the field is a concrete security threat. The drive to release has been disastrous in terms of the consequences for Western security.
Afzal Ashraf, a former counter-terrorism adviser to the United States in Iraq, told the BBC that the incident showed some of the people in Guantanamo Bay were up to no good.
A Foreign Office spokesman said: 'The UK has advised for some time against all travel to Syria, and against all travel to large parts of Iraq.
'As all UK consular services are suspended in Syria and greatly limited in Iraq, it is extremely difficult to confirm the whereabouts and status of British nationals in these areas.'
Terror suspects we gave 1million each to keep them quiet
By Ian Drury, Home Affairs Editor
As many as 16 British citizens and residents received millions of pounds in compensation after being held in Guantanamo Bay.
A deal believed to be worth almost 20million was agreed by the Government after the terror suspects threatened legal action.
The detainees, many of whom claimed they were victims of kidnap and torture, warned they would sue Britain for its involvement in their abuse. Many alleged that UK spies were complicit in barbaric mistreatment at the US military base in Cuba following 9/11.
Ministers settled the case on the grounds that they could not defend themselves against the damaging allegations without harming British security by revealing sensitive intelligence information.
Former detainees of Guantanamo Bay; al-Harith, Moazzam Begg and Martin Mubanga
Then Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, who revealed details of the settlement in the Commons in November 2010, said the deal was confidential but necessary.
A legal battle would have laid bare the depth to which Tony Blairs Labour Government was complicit in rendition and torture but the Tory-led coalition made clear that it wanted to avoid a court case which would have cost up to 50million.
The payouts sparked anger among MPs, who called them money for old rope and said the settlements would give comfort to our enemies.
Up to 1million was handed to each of the former Guantanamo Bay captives, including Binyam Mohamed, who alleged that British agents fed questions to his interrogators.
Mohamed was arrested in Afghanistan in 2002 and sent to a CIA prison in Kabul, then transferred to Morocco, where he claimed he was cut and repeatedly beaten. In 2004 he was sent to Guantanamo, where he was held until his return to the UK in 2009.
Another terror suspect to receive compensation was Martin Mubenga, a joint citizen of both the United Kingdom and Zambia. He was held in Africa, and claimed to have been interrogated by a British man who said he was an MI6 official. They allegedly told him that his UK passport, which he had reported stolen, was found in an Al Qaeda cave in Afghanistan. He was sent to Guantanamo Bay and held for 33 months.
Another recipient was Moazzam Begg, who ran a Muslim bookshop in Birmingham before moving to Afghanistan.
He was captured in Pakistan in 2002 by the CIA, who said he was an Al Qaeda recruiter.
He is now a leading member of the discredited Cage human rights group, described knife-wielding executioner Mohammed Emwazi dubbed Jihadi John as a beautiful young man after he was killed in an airstrike. Shaker Aamer, the last British resident in Guantanamo, also received 1million. The father of four was freed in October 2015, but his release was delayed for at least eight years amid claims the US was concerned about Britains ability to monitor terror suspects.
Mr Aamer, who was held without trial or charge for almost 14 years, was seized in Afghanistan in 2001. He denied accusations that he was a key aide of Osama Bin Laden.
Compensation: (from left to right); Martin Mubanga, Moazzam Begg and al-Harith
He was released after a campaign by the Mail, which argued that although he had questions to answer about his presence in Afghanistan, it was an affront to justice to detain him without charge or trial.
In 2010, then Prime Minister David Cameron ordered Sir Peter Gibson to head the Detainee Inquiry to look into the claims that our intelligence services were complicit in torture. However, it was suspended after two years while police investigated claims that MI6 was involved in the extraordinary rendition of two Libyan dissidents, Abdul Hakim Belhaj and Sami al-Saadi. In 2013 Sir Peters inquiry closed its investigation on the basis that it could not continue while Scotland Yard pursued its own inquiries. The probe was scrapped after prosecutors controversially ruled that no one would stand trial over claims that spies helped to put Mr Belhaj and Mr al-Saadi in the clutches of Colonel Gaddafi in 2004.
However, an interim report by Sir Peter, a High Court judge, found that MI6 agents had not properly raised concerns about sleep deprivation and waterboarding for fear of offending US allies.
Parliaments Intelligence and Security Committee was handed the case as part of its wider inquiry into rendition.
For the first time, it was officially confirmed that politicians knew the UK was involved in the CIAs unlawful programme of torture flights. Mr Cameron was accused of a whitewash after rejecting calls to re-open the Detainee Inquiry.
He re-iterated that the work would be done by Parliaments secretive ISC even though it is subject to a Government veto on the evidence it sees and what it can publish.
In 2010, Mr Cameron had told Parliament an ISC inquiry could not command public confidence. But last June he maintained that giving it the brief was the right approach.
Missing Madeleine McCann's parents have accused the Supreme Court judges who ruled against them in their court fight with ex-police chief Goncalo Amaral of nonsensical 'contradictions.'
Furious Gerry and Kate made it clear through lawyers that they strongly disagreed with the judges' 'erroneous' premise the lifting of their status as 'arguidos' or formal suspects did not mean they were innocent of any involvement in their daughter's May 3 2007 disappearance.
Portugal's Supreme Court issued its devastating put-down earlier this month when it backed Amaral over his hurtful 2008 book 'The Truth of the Lie' in which he claimed the McCanns faked Madeleine's abduction to cover up her death in their Algarve holiday apartment.
Judges angered the McCanns by claiming the July 2008 archiving of the first Portuguese probe into their daughter's disappearance 'was determined by the fact that public prosecutors hadn't managed to obtain sufficient evidence of the practice of crimes' by them.
Kate and Gerry McCann have accused the Supreme Court judges who ruled against them in their court fight with ex-police chief Goncalo Amaral of nonsensical 'contradictions'
The couple's fight-back was laid out in a nine-page complaint revealed today, which was lodged with the Supreme Court last Friday in a bid to invalidate its ruling rejecting the McCanns' libel appeal against Amaral and the makers of a TV documentary based on his book.
The document, drafted by the McCanns' Portuguese lawyer Isabel Duarte and and her colleague Ricardo Correia, says: 'The appellants understand the archiving of the case took place because during the inquiry, sufficient evidence had been collected to show the 'arguidos' had not committed any crime.'
They said the removal of the McCanns' 'arguido' status had legally binding connotations and claimed the Supreme Court judges' argument 'lacked foundation and could be easily altered.'
Accusing them of acting 'frivolously' and contradicting themselves with their statements about the reasons for the 2008 probe archive, they added: 'It cannot be stated that it is not acceptable that the archiving of the case is considered the equivalent to proof of innocence.'
Goncalo Amaral's 2008 book 'The Truth of the Lie' claimed the McCanns faked Madeleine's abduction to cover up her death
Mrs Duarte confirmed at the weekend the McCanns had lodged a formal complaint against the latest court ruling, although she declined to go into detail about why and how they were fighting it.
It was unclear today if another set of Supreme Court judges would deal with complaints about rulings - or if they would be handed to another judicial body to review.
Amaral was ordered to pay the McCanns 430,000 by a Lisbon court in April 2015 after they won round one of their lengthy judicial battle over his book and a subsequent TV documentary.
The former police chief got that ruling - and a ban on selling his book - overturned on appeal in April last year.
The decision by Lisbon's Court of Appeal sparked the Supreme Court fight which was resolved on January 31.
The full 76-page ruling which sparked the new legal challenge by the McCanns was released just under a week later.
Madeleine McCann disappeared from an Algarve holiday apartment on May 3, 2007
Judges made it clear in their decision their job was not to decide whether the McCanns bore any criminal responsibility over their daughter's disappearance and it would be wrong for anyone to draw any inferences about the couple's guilt or innocence from their ruling.
But they added: 'It should not be said that the appellants were cleared via the ruling announcing the archiving of the criminal case.
'In truth, that ruling was not made in virtue of Portugal's Public Prosecution Service having acquired the conviction that the appellants hadn't committed a crime.
'The archiving of the case was determined by the fact that public prosecutors hadn't managed to obtain sufficient evidence of the practice of crimes by the appellants.
'There is therefore a significant, and not merely a semantic difference, between the legally admissible foundations of the archive ruling.
'It doesn't therefore seem acceptable that the ruling, based on the insufficiency of evidence, should be equated to proof of innocence.'
They added, highlighting the McCanns' Tapas Nine friend Jane Tanner's much-questioned sighting of the suspected 'abductor': 'It's true that the aforementioned criminal inquiry ended up being archived, namely because none of the apparent evidence that led to the appellants being made 'arguidos' was subsequently confirmed or consolidated.
Kate and Gerry, both 48, of Rothley, Leicestershire, have said they will sue if 'The Truth of the Lie' is sold in Britain
'However even the archive ruling raises serious concerns relating to the truth of the allegation that Madeleine was kidnapped.'
The Supreme Court judges said the McCanns claimed Amaral's book and the TV documentary based on the book formed no part of case files made public in 2008 and would have damaged the honour and good name of any 'innocent person who had been cleared through the shelving of the criminal investigation.'
But they stated: 'We consider the invocation of the violation of the principle of innocence should not be taken into account here, since this issue is not relevant to the resolution of the question that needs to be decided here.'
They said the 'crucial question' for them was how to resolve the rights of Kate and Gerry McCann to their 'good name and reputation' and the rights of Goncalo Amaral and the other respondents including the book editors to the constitutionally enshrined right of 'freedom of expression.'
Concluding Amaral had not acted 'illicitly,' they ruled his book was not a personal and unjustified attack on the McCanns with a 'defamatory intention' behind it which would not be protected by freedom of speech rights.
Describing the book and the TV documentary based on it as an 'opinion' based on the logic of facts and evidence contained in the criminal case files, they added: 'Our opinion is that rather than an injurious animus, the intention was informative and defensive.'
The Supreme Court ruling meant Amaral was spared having to pay the McCanns the compensation he was ordered to hand them after the first court ruling in 2015.
The payment was frozen when he launched his successful appeal.
Earlier this month it emerged the ex detective, removed as head of the investigation into Madeleine's disappearance after criticising British detectives, was writing a new book about the unsolved mystery.
It is understood he will be critical in the new book of some of the things Scotland Yard did in their review and later ongoing investigation of the case.
Kate and Gerry McCann leave the court house in Lisbon after delivering statements in their case against Portuguese police officer Goncalo Amaral on July 8, 2014
The former cop insisted from day one of his court fight with the McCanns that everything he wrote in his book was based on the publicly available case files.
Kate and Gerry, both 48, of Rothley, Leicestershire, have said they will sue if 'The Truth of the Lie' is sold in Britain.
They said in a statement after learning of the Supreme Court ruling against them: 'What we have been told by our lawyers is obviously extremely disappointing.
'It is eight years since we brought the action, and in that time the landscape has changed dramatically, namely there is now a joint Metropolitan Police and Policia Judiciaria investigation which is what we have always wanted.
'The police in both countries continue to work on the basis that there is no evidence Madeleine has come to physical harm.
The former cophas insisted that everything he wrote in his book was based on the publicly available case files
'We will of course be discussing the implications of the Supreme Court ruling with our lawyers in due course.'
It is believed the McCanns are discussing the possibility of taking the case to the European Court of Human Rights.
The 20,000 page 'Madeleine files' made public in 2008 contained a report by public prosecutors which said:' No element of proof whatsoever was found which allows us to form any lucid, sensible, serious and honest conclusion about the circumstance of Madeleine's disappearance from the apartmentincluding, and most dramatically, establishing whether she is alive or dead, which seems more probable.'
Referring to the McCanns' much criticised decision to leave their daughter, then three, alone with younger siblings Sean and Amelie while they ate tapas nearby, it added: 'We must also recognise that the parents are paying a heavy penalty over the disappearance of Madeleine for their carelessness in monitoring and protecting their children.'
Portuguese police chiefs said late last year they were 'completely in tune' with British detectives still investigating Madeleine's disappearance, appearing to end years of tension between the two forces whose theories on the youngster's fate have differed wildly.
Portuguese prosecutors reopened their probe into Madeleine McCann's disappearance in May 2014, and are now working in close coordination with Scotland Yard's scaled-down Operation Grange probe into Madeleine's fate.
An organization run by a former white supremacist that helps neo-Nazis, members of the KKK and other far-right radicals leave their hateful groups is under threat by federal budget cuts.
Ex-skinhead Christian Picciolini founded Life After Hate in 2009, and uses his understanding of fascist hate groups to encourage others to step into the light.
The group was awarded a $400,000 Justice Department grant in 2016 to continue its work with white extremists.
But Donald Trump is now considering reallocating those funds to groups solely focused on fighting Islamic extremism - putting Life After Hate's unique mission at risk.
Reformed: Christian Picciolini is a former skinhead and the founder of Life After Hate, which gets ex-white supremacists to help other radical right members to leave hate groups
Old times: Piccolini is seen here as a youth with Shannon Martinez, who also reformed and helps the group. But Life After Hate is threatened by Donald Trump's possible budget changes
Helped: Shane Johnson grew up in the KKK, but Life After Hate is helping him acclimate to the wider world. Trump wants to shift all anti-extremist money to counter Islamic extremism
Piccolini said he started the organization because it's hard for white extremists to disengage from the communities that support them.
'Even though I'd abandoned the ideology, I wasn't ready to give up my community and my power and my identity, and I knew how hard it would be for other people to leave this type of ideology or this type of movement,' he explained.
It's a system that other organizations without intimate experience of the white power movement would have trouble replicating.
It is also very much in need, says Mark Potok, a senior fellow with the liberal Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Montgomery, Alabama.
He says it's hard to determine exact numbers, but around 100,000 people might be members in hate groups and several hundred thousand could be linked informally.
'I do think that this is a particularly important moment for this kind of exit work to be happening because we have seen in the last year, year and a half, a real legitimization of these views,' he said.
Last week the SPLC revealed that anti-Muslim groups had increased from 34 to 101 from 2015-2016, and white nationalist and neo-Nazi groups are also on the rise.
However, the Trump administration is now considering redirecting a federal program combating violent extremism of all kinds to solely focus on Islamic radicals - even though several other grant recipients already deal with that issue.
The 'Countering Violent Extremism,' or CVE, project may be changed to 'Countering Islamic Extremism' or 'Countering Radical Islamic Extremism,' sources close to the president have said.
Worried: Martinez, seen today, became a skinhead to deal with the anger of being sexually assaulted. Now she worries that there is a dangerous upsurge in far-right groups
That is a dramatic shift for the CVE. In 2016, Congress appropriated $10 million in grants for CVE efforts, awarding the first round of grants - including Life After Hate's share - on January 13, 2016.
The year before, Dylann Roof became the highest-profile white supremacist terrorist in some time when he shot nine black people inside a historic African-American church in Charleston.
Among others approved for the money were local governments, city police departments, universities and non-profit organizations.
Life After Hate isn't the only group trying to dissolve white power groups; the Philadelphia-based One People's Project was set up both to monitor racist groups and to confront them directly.
Its founder, Daryle Lamont Jenkins - who is black - meets white nationalists at public gatherings and talks one-on-one with to show them there's a way other than hate. Some have never met a black person, he said.
But Life After Hate is unique in that it uses insider knowledge of former white extremists to connect with those still in hate groups.
Ex-racist: Martinez, seen giving a Nazi salute as a teen, talks to white supremacists on Facebook and encourages them to leave the hate groups that form their entire community
Shannon Martinez, 42, is a long-time friend of Piccolini's who was also swayed away from extremism. She now works with Life After Hate, and talks on Facebook to doubting white supremacists.
She grew up in a relatively normal Atlanta family, but rebelled after being sexually assaulted at a party, getting into the punk scene then the skinhead movement.
A photograph shows her and Piccolini giving Nazi salutes in front of a Confederate flag.
She believes she was on a path to prison or an early death when she moved in with the family of her skinhead boyfriend, who was away for Army training. His mother showed unconditional love that pulled her out of the abyss, Martinez said.
Today, she looks at photos of herself from her skinhead days and fights back tears.
'I was filled with rage and anger and the skinheads were the angriest people that I knew and I was kind of like, "Those are my people,"' she said.
She added that 'the ideology was a means of taking something that was ethereal, something that was unnamable, an anger and a rage that I felt, and giving it a focal point.'
Marked: Martinez (seen with her kids) still has a Celtic cross - a white power symbol - tattooed on her leg. She thinks Trump's election 'lit a fire under the butts of the white nationalists'
Those insights allow her to get through to the white supremacists in a way that other groups cannot, Piccolini says.
The need for such an organization is even stronger after Donald Trump became president despite having high-profile backing of neo-Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan.
'The Trump election has absolutely lit a fire under the butts of the white nationalists,' Martinez said. 'It is like, "Our time is coming."'
So, Piccolini says, Life After Hate needs to reach out in a way that only it can.
'We act as a group of people who understand each other,' Piccolini said. 'We understand the motivations of where we came from and why we joined. We understand what keeps people in.
'And we help each other detach and disengage from that ideology and provide a support system for them as they go through that transformation.'
Shane Johnson knows only too well how hard it can be to divorce yourself from a hate group - especially when they are members of your own family.
The northern Indiana man was born and raised in extremism, joining his dad and many relatives in the Ku Klux Klan when he was just 14.
'We were known as the Klan family,' said Johnson, whose body is an elaborate patchwork of swastikas, and fascist iconography. One tattoo, on his left forearm, reads 'ARYAN.'
Johnson later joined a skinhead group, too, but he finally decided to quit after getting arrested, stopping drinking and meeting the woman who is now his wife.
His family didn't like that, he said, and jumped him at a gas station one night after learning he wanted to quit.
Out: Johnson was beaten up by his family when he left the KKK but made it out. Life After Hate is now helping him read the Bible without seeing it as a treatise on racial separation
'When I dropped out they beat the holy hell out of me,' he said.
Since then, Johnson, now 25, has tried to cover some of his racist tattoos with new ones and wears long sleeves to hide remnants of the past he regrets.
Life After Hate is helping him numerous ways, he said, including showing him how to read the Bible without seeing it as a treatise on racial separation, as he had been taught.
Johnson isn't ready to begin counseling others about leaving extremism; he still sometimes longs for his racist buddies and their ways.
But he said his own story is proof that hate doesn't have to be permanent: 'You can get out.'
It was a village bus stop that had been left in a sorry state having been plagued by vandals for many years.
But residents of Walkhampton in Devon now have a stone shelter they can be proud of after it received a stunning makeover by a guerilla interior designer.
The transformation means villagers can now enjoy a homely front room with an arm chair, scatter cushions, throws, pot plants and even pictures on the walls.
Impressive change: Residents of Walkhampton in Devon now have a stone bus shelter they can be proud of after it received a stunning makeover by a guerilla interior designer
Waiting game: The heavily vandalised bus stop in the Devon village has been transformed into one of the cosiest in Britain after being given a makeover by the mystery artist
Residents in the small Dartmoor village say they are thrilled at the transformation of the shelter which they have billed the 'cosiest bus shelter in Devon'.
The unknown designer has lovingly lavished the once bleak interior with divine details and little touches with a Valentine's Day theme.
They include a single red rose, red hearts and matching lampshade, a classy candelabra and even a little wicker basket filled with Celebrations chocolates.
The shelter is served by the 56 Tavistock to Meavy Target Travel bus service and locals were so pleased by their new stop that one added a thank you note.
Pleasant: Residents in the small Dartmoor village say they are thrilled at the transformation of the shelter which they have billed the 'cosiest bus shelter in Devon'
Turnaround: The extravagant and occasional sprucing up of the site has been going on since at least August 2016, according to locals
It read: 'To the person responsible for the fantastic periodic make-overs of the Walkhampton "bus stop", providing a source of amusement for the residents of the village... Thank you!
'To the individual responsible for the nasty, deliberate destruction of the other's efforts... Words fail me.'
The extravagant and occasional sprucing up of the site has been going on since at least August 2016, according to locals.
Bus stop: The shelter is served by the 56 Tavistock to Meavy Target Travel service and locals were so pleased by their new stop that one added a thank you note
Burrator parish councillor Keith Scrivener said: 'There has been a history of vandalism of the bus shelter which has had to be cleaned up time after time.
'Now we have the cosiest bus shelter in Devon. Well done to whoever is responsible for the good dead.'
The Reverend Preb Nick Shutt, West Dartmoor Mission Community rector and a resident of Walkhampton, added: 'I don't know who has done it and I haven't spoken to anybody who seems to know, but it has brought a smile to everyone's faces.
'It's like having our very own Banksy, who likes doing some installation art. It has cheered everyone up and it's nice to have a bit of good news for a change.'
Far-right French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen today cancelled a meeting with Lebanons most senior Muslim cleric saying she objected to covering her hair.
Her political gesture against the Grand Mufti was aimed at asserting French secular values in Lebanon, where the main religions are Islam and Christianity.
It came as the 48-year-old leader of the National Front (FN) tried to boost her credentials as a world leader by visiting the Middle East state.
An aide of Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian, left, gives a head scarf to French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, right, but she refuses to wear it
Marine Le Pen, center, was told of the tradition before visiting the Dar al-Fatwa, headquarters of the Sunni Mufti, in Beirut, Lebanon, today but said 'I won't be veiled'
Ms Le Pens visit to Sheikh Abdellatif Deryans offices in Beirut had been planned well in advance, but when she was offered a shawl to put over her head, she immediately refused it.
This was despite being told about the traditional procedure of covering the head as a mark of respect.
Ms Le Pen said she had visited Al-Azhar, the Egyptian centre of Sunni Islamic learning, in 2015, without covering up. The highest Sunni authority in the world did not require wearing this, so I have no reason to, Ms Le Pen said today.
She told reporters: But it doesnt matter. You pass on my regards to the Grand Mufti, but I wont veil myself.
Praising the political gesture, Florian Philippot, one of Ms Le Pens closest FN aides, said it was a beautiful message of emancipation and freedom sent to the women of France and the world.
Sheikh Abdellatif Deryan is in charge of Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni authority in Lebanon.
Body guards escort a vehicle that carries French far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen, as she drives away from the headquarters leaving the staff at the office baffled
After leaving today, pictured, Ms Le Pen said she met in the past with the Grand mufti of Egypt's Al-Azhar, one of the world's top Sunni clerics, without wearing a veil
In a statement it said it had informed the presidential candidate, through one of her assistants, of the need to cover her head when she meets his eminence, according to the protocol assumed by Dar al-Fatwa.
The statement added that the leaders of Dar al-Fatwa were surprised by her refusal to comply with this well-known rule.
It is common practice for foreign politicians and diplomat to adopt local customs when visiting religious institutions abroad.
Israel, which is next door to Lebanon, expects visitors to wear kippahs - a hat that covers the top of the head - when appropriate, for example.
During a campaign speech in Lyon earlier this month, Ms Le Pen pledged to promote secularism as part of her anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant agenda.
She is currently at the centre of a fake jobs corruption enquiry in France, but is expected to win the first round of voting in presidential elections in April.
However, polls suggest that she will be well beaten in the second in May, when independent Emmanuelle Macron is expected to win.
A Muslim ABC presenter who told Q&A she practised sharia turned to an Islamist who repeatedly refused to condemn Islamic State murders in a shocking television interview.
Youth activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied told Q&A last week sharia to her meant praying five times a day and that Islam was the 'most feminist religion'.
After that polarising appearance the 25-year-old writer, who also hosts an ABC News 24 program, turned to Hizb ut-Tahir spokesman Wassim Doureihi for advice on social media about how to present her arguments.
This is the same man who in October 2014 repeatedly refused to condemn Islamic State's murderous atrocities in northern Iraq - despite being asked 11 times to do so in an 11-minute interview on the ABC's Lateline program.
Muslim activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied (pictured) turned to hardline Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir for advice after her Q&A appearance
Lateline presenter Emma Alberici repeatedly asked the Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Wassim Doureihi to condemn Islamic State atrocities in Iraq
Lateline presenter Emma Alberici had repeatedly asked Mr Doureihi to condemn their violent tactics.
'Answer my question please,' she said after the Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman repeatedly blamed western governments for the rise of ISIS.
'Why will you not point blank condemn the actions of IS fighters?'
At one point, she even asked: 'Are you outraged by the image of an Australian-born child of seven-years-old holding up severed heads like trophies in Iraq or Syria?'
Mr Doureihi replied: 'Let me tell you what I am outraged by.'
But the Lateline host took him to task for avoiding the question yet again.
Ms Alberici also asked: 'Men who cut off the heads of innocent journalists and aid workers, why will you not take the opportunity?'
Ms Abdel-Magied turned to Mr Doureihi for advice on Facebook last week, three days after her Q&A appearance.
He is part of a political group that wants sharia law imposed as part of a pan-Islamic state.
Support for a petition calling for Ms Abdel-Magied to be sacked from the ABC as a presenter, over her remarks about sharia, has surged from 10,635 signatures late on Sunday night to more than 26,800 on Tuesday night.
Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Wassim Doureihi repeatedly refused to condemn Islamic State
Ms Abdel-Magied sparked controversy last week when she told ABC's Q&A program Islam is a 'feminist religion'
Just three days after the heated television debate, Ms Abdel-Magied asked Hizb ut-Tahrir spokesman Wassim Doureihi (pictured) on social media how she could have better presented her opinion
Ms Abdel-Magied talked to Mr Doureihi on social media (pictured) three days after her appearance on Q&A
Hizb ut-Tahrir, which operates in 50 countries including Australia, is campaigning for a pan-Islamic superstate that implements sharia and has a constitution which calls for the killing of ex-Muslims, known as apostates.
'Salams! Well, I am always happy to take feedback. What specifically was problematic and how can I do better in the future inshallah?,' Ms Abdel-Magied posted on Mr Doureihi's Facebook after he called her arguments 'indeed problematic.'
Mr Doureihi responded: 'First of all, may Allah reward you for your tireless efforts. Not an easy task, but you consistently do so with grace, humility and courage.
'In a nutshell, you've ended up framing Islam through a secular lens, aimed at a secular people and conscious of the presence of a secular government. The end result was always going to be ugly.'
In a heated clash with Senator Jacqui Lambie (pictured), Ms Abdel-Magied said her Sharia faith meant obeying the laws of the land on which she was on
Ms Abdel-Magied agreed, saying 'it was always going to be a tricky one' before offering to privately message him.
A petition calling for Ms Abdel-Magied to be sacked from her role as an ABC television presenter reached 26,800 signatures by Tuesday night.
The change.org petition calling on the ABC to 'publicly condemn and fire Yassmin Abdel-Magied over pro-sharia law comments' was posted by a right-wing group called AltCon News.
An ABC spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia on Monday the 25-year-old writer would not be fired.
Ms Abdel-Magied, who hosts Saturday morning program Australia Wide on ABC News 24, was responding to Senator Lambie's call to deport all Muslims who support 'Sharia law' when the fiery debate between the pair began.
Hizb ut-Tahrir, which operates in 50 countries including Australia, is campaigning for a pan-Islamic superstate that implements Sharia (pictured right is Mr Doureihi at a rally in 2014)
Right-wing AltCon News group has called for Ms Abdel-Magied (pictured) to be sacked as the host of the ABC's Australia Wide program
Sharia is practised as a legal system imposed by faith courts across much of the Muslim world, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Nigeria, Yemen and the Indonesian province of Aceh.
It is controversial because it replaces secular law with religious courts.
Full sharia includes harsh punishments, known as 'hudud', where thieves have had their hands amputated in Saudi Arabia, Somalia and in Islamic State-controlled areas of northern Iraq and Syria.
In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Theresa May last year ordered a review into the 'harm' caused by sharia courts operating in Britain, when she was home secretary.
The petition argued that while Ms Abdel-Magied hadn't called for a new legal system in Australia, her support for sharia meant she was advocating for Islamic faith courts.
An ABC spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia the 25-year-old will not be fired, despite a petition calling for her removal (pictured)
'As Yassmin Abdel-Magied made these comments on the taxpayer-funded Q&A program, and as she is a regularly paid commentator on the taxpayer-funded network, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, needs to reassure the taxpaying public that they condemn her rhetoric and that Australians obey one set of laws, that no religious law is higher than the law of the land and that her blatant lies about this law will not be tolerated or funded by the Australian taxpayers,' the petition said.
In the heated clash with Senator Lambie, Ms Abdel Magied said her Muslim faith obliged her to 'follow the law of the land on which you are on.'
The current petition, with more than 26,800 signatures, is almost nine times greater than another change.org petition last week calling on the ABC to 'apologise' to the Muslim community for allowing Senator Lambie to have a heated clash with Ms Abdel-Magied.
This petition, backed by 49 Muslim activists and community leaders, had attracted a more modest 3,000 signatures by Tuesday night, and it also went live on Wednesday last week.
The writers of the petition calling on Ms Abdel-Magied to be sacked condemned her for 'lying to the public about the merits of sharia law and the oppressive impact it has on non-Muslim groups, homosexuals and women'.
Ms Abdel-Magied (right) with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull (centre), The Project host Waleed Aly (left) and his wife academic Susan Carland at Sydney's Kirribilli House last year
They also criticised her for posting a follow-up video arguing the ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia was cultural and not due to Islam, as other Muslim nations didn't have such sexist restrictions.
'I'm not going to deny it: some countries run by Muslims are violent, sexist and do oppress their citizens,' Ms Abdel-Magied said.
'But again that's not down to sharia, that's down to the culture, and the patriarchy and the politics of those particular countries.'
Ms Abdel-Magied last year went on a taxypayer-funded trip to Sudan, Saudia Arabia and the United Arabic Emirates to promote a book she had written, but has made no mention of female genital mutilation across the Muslim world or stoning for adultery.
Hardline Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir criticised Ms Abdel-Magied for presenting Islam in a 'secular' way yet she has reached out to this group
Somali-born writer and Islamic critic Ayaan Hirsi Ali has criticised Yassmin Abdel-Magied's appearance on Q&A
Hizb ut-Tahrir's other Sydney-based spokesman, Uthman Badar, has also condemned her on Facebook for presenting Sharia 'in the image of secular liberalism'.
He said she had failed to acknowledge sharia is a set of laws and not just a personal relationship with a God.
Somali-born writer and former Dutch lawmaker Ayaan Hirsi Ali, an internationally-prominent critic of Islam now based in the United States, has criticised Ms Abdel-Magied's assertion on Q&A last week that 'Islam is the most feminist religion' and how culture, and not Islam, were to blame for the oppression of women.
'That is absurd. Abdel-Magied fits into a familiar pattern, where the government of a free society such as Australia invests a considerable sum in an individual or a group in the hope that the person is a 'moderate' Muslim and will advance the assimilation of their Muslim minority through constructive engagement,' Ms Hirsi Ali, a former refugee, said in a column for The Weekend Australian on Saturday.
'Then the supposed moderate the government has invested in is exposed as a closet Islamist, in this case sympathetic to Sharia law.'
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Ms Abdel-Magied for comment.
Qingqing Rao, 29, pictured, is fighting for her life in hospital after being stabbed in the head by a stranger while walking home in Dagenham last week
A woman is fighting for her life after she was stabbed in the head by a stranger as she walked home.
Qingqing Rao, 29, remains in critical condition in hospital after the attack in Dagenham, east London.
She was rushed to hospital after being found unconscious with serious head injuries and had been walking home across a park after leaving her job as a business analyst in the City.
The attack took place on February 13 and detectives returned to the scene of the crime last night to urge witnesses to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Holmes, leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police's Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: 'Qingqing remains unconscious in hospital in a life-threatening condition.
'Her parents and husband are by her side and desperate to catch the person who did this to her.
'Officers will be returning to the area tonight in the hope someone comes forward with information that could help our investigation.
'If you know anything at all, or saw something suspicious that night, please contact us as soon as possible.
'We are still keeping an open mind about the motive and exploring all lines of inquiry but indications are Qingqing was brutally attacked by a stranger.'
Officers believed she left central London on the night via Liverpool Street and then boarded a bus at Rippleside Cemetery, Barking, at around 9.37pm, getting off three minutes later at Castle Green.
She was found seriously injured by two women around 10 minutes later and officers are appealing for them to come forward and help with inquiries.
It is believe the stabbing occurred as she was walking across the park. Her bag was later found in nearby Goresbrook Road.
Detectives are still appealing for two women who helped paramedics to contact them, as well as anyone else who has information about what happened.
There have been no arrests at this stage.
Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, of the Barking and Dagenham borough, added: 'This was clearly a horrific attack that has left a young woman fighting for her life.
The attack took place in Castle Green park in Dagenham, pictured, on February 13
'Attacks like this are rare but I know our local community will be very concerned about what has happened.
'We are putting extra officers on patrol in the area to offer reassurance and giving every support to DCI Holmes' investigation.
'We do not want to alarm people but it's prudent for everyone to take sensible crime prevention precautions.
'Avoid secluded and poorly lit areas at night, particularly if you're alone, and do tell a friend or family member where you are going.'
Anyone who can help is asked to call incident room on 020 8345 1570, contact police via 101 or by tweeting @MetCC.
To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
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A rare 'fire rainbow' formed in the skies of Singapore on Monday for just 15 minutes.
The incredible ball of multi-coloured light formed 'out of nowhere' behind a cloud on Monday afternoon in North-East District, Singapore.
It was so bright that onlookers even mistook it at first for a UFO as it loomed ominously across the skyline.
Fire rainbows - also known as circumhorizontal arcs - are a rare occurrence caused by light bursting through cirrus clouds at high altitude.
A rare 'fire rainbow' formed in the skies of Singapore on Monday for just 15 minutes. The ball of multi-coloured light formed 'out of nowhere' behind a cloud just after 5pm in North-East District, Singapore.
The incredible phenomenon was so bright that onlookers even mistook it at first for a UFO as it loomed ominously across the skyline
Fire rainbows - also known as circumhorizontal arcs - are a rare occurrence caused by light bursting through cirrus clouds at high altitude
The sunlight is reflected through the ice-crystal clouds into a bright prism of colours.
Pet stylist Bernard Ong, who recorded a clip of the fire rainbow, said: 'I have never seen such a beautiful Mother Nature before. This was totally something amazing.'
'It was quite bright,' he added. 'Someone said it looks like a UFO, too.''
Onlooker Natalie Claudia Wong also captured the fleeting rainbow on her phone at around 5pm before it disappeared just 15 minutes later.
Pet stylist Bernard Ong, who recorded a clip of the fire rainbow on Monday, said that he had 'never seen such a beautiful Mother Nature before'
Onlooker Natalie Claudia Wong also captured the fleeting rainbow on her phone. She said she found herself 'in awe of this beautiful cloud'
HOW DO FIRE RAINBOWS FORM IN THE SKY? The phenomenon was first dubbed a 'fire rainbow' back in 2006, when one was spotted by a Washington journalist. And meteorologist Justin Lock told 14 News that a strict set of conditions are required for such phenomena to appear. They only occur in high-level cirrus clouds, which usually form at about 18,000ft. They appear thin and wispy and are made up of tiny ice crystals. 'To produce the rainbow colours the sun's rays must enter the ice crystals at a precise angle to give the prism effect of the color spectrum,' Lock said, adding the sun must be at an altitude of at least 58 degrees above the horizon. The same sort of thing occurs when we see coloruful sunsets. In those instances, high-level cirrus clouds produce many colours due to the sun's low angle, meaning that we see reds, oranges and purples. Advertisement
Student Wong, 23, said: 'I was walking towards my bus stop when I found myself in awe of this beautiful cloud and the myriad of colours that were bursting out of it.
'This was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, and I literally turned on Facebook Live to share the exact moment that I saw it.
'I was feeling pretty down over the past week, but this immediately lifted my spirits.'
Because such a specific angle is necessary for the colours to be visible, the phenomenon is most common at middle latitudes.
'You're more likely to see this type of rainbow during the summer in North America,' Dayna Vettese, a meteorologist at The Weather Network, told Daily Mail Online two years ago. 'But in places like Europe, the arcs are much rarer.'
A Brazilian television channel has revealed the dancer fronting its Rio Carnival coverage will wear clothes for the first time in 26 years.
TV Globo's dancer, known as Globeleza, has appeared in clips interspersing carnival programming since 1991, with different dancers taking on the role over the years.
But while previous samba stars have performed naked, other than high heels, sequins, a lick or two of shimmery paint - and in some years barely that - a controversial change has been made for 2017.
This year's Globeleza, Erika Moura, has been unveiled as wearing lush, ankle-length, folkloric outfits - and the costume sparked debate after making national news.
A Brazilian television channel has revealed the dancer fronting its Rio Carnival coverage will wear clothes (right) for the first time in 26 years. Normally, dancers they use for the role are naked (left) after from body paint and high heels (left)
TV Globo's dancer, known as Globeleza, has appeared in clips interspersing carnival programming since 1991, with different dancers taking on the role over the years. Erika Moura (pictured) is this year's star
'For the first time, Globeleza is dressed' and 'Who dressed Globeleza?' were among the chorus of headlines.
But the new look handed to Globeleza - a mash-up of Globo and the Portuguese word for beauty - is only one sign of shifting morality in Brazil as carnival goers rehearse for the famously wild pre-Lenten bash starting Friday.
Rio's new mayor Marcelo Crivella, an Evangelical bishop elected last year on the conservative wave sweeping the country, reportedly will not even attend the carnival.
Although this has not been confirmed, the city's culture secretary says he has been deputised to stand in for Crivella on Friday at the traditional handing over of the city keys to Rei Momo, the carnival king who is typically a large, jolly man elected by samba enthusiasts.
Given that the carnival is Rio de Janeiro's biggest annual event, drawing approximately one million tourists, the absence of the mayor might seem odd.
While previous samba stars have performed naked, other than high heels, sequins, a lick or two of shimmery paint - and in some years barely that - a controversial change has been made for 2017
The new look handed to Globeleza - a mash-up of Globo and the Portuguese word for beauty - is only one sign of shifting morality in Brazil as carnival goers rehearse for the famously wild pre-Lenten bash starting Friday. Moura is pictured being prepared for last year's show
Crivella, whose billionaire uncle founded the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, would be the first mayor to miss the first carnival of his time in office.
His absence would be all the starker given that his predecessor, Eduardo Paes, never looked happier than with a beer and a tambourine in hand.
Crivella appears unperturbed by the fuss. His office would only say that it refuses to comment on 'speculation about the destination of the mayor.'
But another former mayor, Cesar Maia, is not amused. 'I understand that because of his religion he doesn't like to dance samba or something like that, but his presence... is obligatory,' he told O Globo newspaper.
Right-winger Crivella may find the Rio debauchery not to his liking, but it is pressure from the left that is having the biggest impact.
Globeleza has long been targeted by activists who saw her nudity reinforcing popular images about black women as sex objects.
Globeleza has long been targeted by activists who saw her nudity reinforcing popular images about black women as sex objects. This year, TV Globo appears to have changed its stance as pictures from its
Globo TV downplayed this year's switch to a clothed Globeleza, merely saying it wanted to 'enrich' the character and that 'the warm reaction of the public shows we took the right path.'
They were also angered by an episode in 2014 when the dancer picked by Globo took flak on social media for being too dark and was replaced the following year by the lighter-skinned Moura.
Globo TV downplayed this year's switch to a clothed Globeleza, merely saying it wanted to 'enrich' the character and that 'the warm reaction of the public shows we took the right path.'
But Luana Genot, who founded a racial equality nonprofit organisation called ID-BR, is celebrating Globeleza's reinvention.
'That's something that the black feminist movement has been struggling to get for years and years,' she said.
'Our struggle right now is for people to see that (black women) cannot be reduced only to this stereotype,' she said. 'People were just turning off the TV and sending a message that black people don't want to be portrayed this way anymore.'
Music is another battleground. Feminists targeting sexual harassment have come up with a new carnival anthem, sung by Bruna Caram and Chico Cesar, that mixes the traditional body-shaking rhythm with a promise of respect: 'It doesn't matter what you wear, I won't touch you unless you consent.'
Erika Moura is performing the role of Globeleza for TV Globo during the Rio Carnival this year
There is also fierce debate over alleged sexism and racism in the lyrics of some of the carnival's classic marching songs, for example in their use of the politically charged word for mixed-race women 'mulata.'
Several street carnival groups, known as blocos, have cut the songs, often written more than half a century ago, from their playlists.
Debora Thome, who founded the feminist bloco Mulheres Rodadas, says the tide is turning.
'It's something new. A lot of people have talked about it for years but not as much as now,' she said.
'In our bloco we play about 10 songs and we choose from music sung by women or composed by women and which have empowering lyrics, or funny ones.'
However, veteran carnival composer Joao Roberto Kelly, whose output of samba hits includes the perhaps awkwardly titled 'Menino Gay (Gay Boy)' and 'Maria Sapatao (Maria the Dyke),' accuses feminists of spoiling the party.
'I've not seen such censorship since the time of the dictatorship,' he fumed in O Estado de S. Paulo daily.
This is the shocking moment a family watched in horror as their pet dog was snatched and eaten alive by a crocodile.
A man could be seen throwing a rope around the reptile as it was swimming in a river in Mexico.
But seconds later, the dog approached the animal and it quickley ended up in the beast's jaw.
This is the shocking moment a family watched in horror as their pet dog was snatched and eaten alive by a crocodile. The giant reptile (left) was spotted in a shallow river in Mexico and seconds later a helpless dog approached it
Its stunned owners watched the crocodile retreat back into the water with the pet in its mouth.
A child could be heard screaming and crying after witnessing the helpless pet being taken away.
The man who was holding the rope desperately tried to pull it back towards him, but to no avail.
The two-minute video clip ends with the crocodile swimming away with the pet still in its mouth.
Donald Trump's former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski has attacked his ex-boss's inner circle for the uneven start to his tenure in the White House.
Lewandowski was fired by Trump on June 20 but remained loyal to the former Apprentice star as he continued his run for the presidency.
Now in a damning interview, Lewandowski has blamed Trump's inner circle of advisers such as Kellyanne Conway, Reince Priebus, Jared Kushner and Steve Bannon for the administration's checkered beginning.
Former Donald Trump aide Corey Lewandowski, pictured, has attacked the president's inner circle over their repeated failures to implement their boss' policy agenda effectively
Speaking to David Axelrod's 'The Axe Files', Lewandowski said many of the recent policy decision announcements such as the immigration executive order were poorly prepared.
He said: 'You have a President who wants to move very quickly, who has a grand vision of what he wants to accomplish and is leaving the details to the staff to implement and (hoping) that the staff understands what that means.
'As I look at the totality of senior staff - and if that's Kellyanne Conway, Steve Bannon, Reince Priebus, Jared Kushner - the senior staff inside of the building, none of them have ever worked inside the government and I think it's both a plus and a minus. You don't know what you don't know.'
Lewandowski criticized several of Trump's senior advisers including Kellyanne Conway
One of the major problems of Trump's first month in office was the need to sack his first National Security adviser Michael Flynn, (right), over conversations he had with the Russian ambassador
Lewandowski was replaced by Republican strategist Paul Manafort, who himself was dropped within two months after stories emerged about his paid lobbying efforts in Ukraine.
Lewandowski urged Trump to exercise more caution when trying to set his agenda.
He added: 'What I think you'll see moving forward hopefully is a measured approach. Not to scale back on fulfilling the promises of the campaign but making sure that you have vetted it properly not only with the right legal entities but also giving a head's up to those people in congress so you don't have backlash from your own party.'
Since taking office in January, Trump has been forced to sack his first choice as National Security Adviser Mike Flynn after the former general was accused of discussing diplomatic policy with the Russian ambassador before the inauguration.
Lewandowski also criticized Jared Kushner, (left), but did not mention his wife, the first daughter Ivanka Trump, who does not have a formal role in the administration
Earlier, he had been forced to ditch New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who was an early Trump supporter along with former New York mayor Rudy Guiliani.
Trump also had to withdraw his choice for labor secretary, Andy Puzder after it emerged the fast food CEO would not have received Senate confirmation.
Also, there are claims of damaging leaks from inside the White House.
Earlier, long-time Trump adviser Roger Stone acknowledged the problem on NBC.
He said: 'I think that in the newest administration you should hire as many experienced capable people who are supporters of yours and who are loyal to Donald Trump from the beginning. The leaking that is coming out of the White House is a manifestation of the fact that there are some people who are not loyal to the president.'
During the campaign, Trump made a virtue of his status as a 'political outsider' with promises to 'drain the swamp'.
He promoted former pollster Conway, 50, to be the first woman to run a presidential campaign.
Steve Bannon spent four years in the Navy before becoming an investment banker
Early in the primaries, Conway worked for Ted Cruz and was even responsible for some attack adverts aimed at Trump, although she is widely respected by the Republican leadership.
She has been described by the New York Times as 'The Trump Whisperer'.
Steve Bannon is the former head of Breitbart News and is Trump's chief strategist. He has been described as a formidable political adversary.
The 63-year-old father-of-three spent four years in the Navy and worked as an investment banker.
He also spent time as a film production, financing Hollywood movies. Under Bannon's guidance, Breitbart News thrived producing news for a right-wing audience.
Donald Trump's White House Chief of Staff is Reince Priebus, a 44-year-old father-of-two and former lawyer.
He was previously the chairman of the Republican National Committee between 2011 and his West Wing appointment in January, and is seen as a key link between the Trump administration and the GOP hierarchy.
Reince Priebus, pictured left, was formerly the chairman of the Republican National Committee; while Jared Kushner, right, husband to Ivanka Trump, is a senior adviser in the administration despite having no political experience
As the administration enters its second month, Priebus is seen as key in pushing forward Trump's promises for health care and tax reform which will require the support of Congress.
Last weekend, he tried to reassure nervous party leaders over Trump's continuing battles with the media over immigration and Russia.
Speaking in Florida, he said: 'Obviously with the White House staff, you're able to walk and chew gum at the same time. The economic team isn't screwing around with the legal case and the lawyers aren't screwing around with tax reform.'
Jared Kushner is a millionaire property developer who owns a New York skyscraper a few blocks from the Trump Tower.
He is married to the President's eldest daughter Ivanka and is a senior adviser in the administration.
The 36-year-old father-of-three is an Orthodox Jew and will not work on the Sabbath.
Due to his status as a member of family, he is seen as key within the administration. It is believed he may have even been behind the decision to ostracize Chris Christie.
An event organiser died in his sleep from a mix of cocaine, Ecstasy and alcohol after he had spent the night partying at a Christmas jumper party.
Darren Batey, 32, had been talking to Paul Sutemire, a man he had previously met at a party, through the gay dating app Grindr in Manchester in 2015, while he was out with friends at the festive party he held every year.
Mr Batey and his friends had gone out in Manchester, and Mr Batey had invited Mr Sutemire back to his flat in Hulme after the party, in the early hours of December 20.
Darren Batey had worked for the Albert Kennedy Trust, which cares for young people in the LGBT community
He was found dead by his flatmate 24 hours after Mr Sutemire had been spotted leaving the apartment.
Mr Sutemire, 33, was questioned by police, but cleared of wrongdoing as tests showed no evidence of violence on Mr Batey's body.
The dead man - whose friends included Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton - had worked for the Albert Kennedy Trust which cares for young people in the LGBT community and had helped raise 100,000 for charities including MacMillan Cancer Support.
Nicknamed 'Sweet Cheeks' the Loughborough University graduate ran gay festival Bolton Pride, volunteered at Brighton Pride and also helped at the 2012 Commonwealth Games in London.
Mr Batey died after taking a cocktail of drugs through the night at an annual Christmas jumper party that he held for friends
The tragedy occurred after Mr Batey threw a party at his flat last December 19 and invited various friends.
Flatmate Adam Bethall told an inquest in Manchester: 'He often used Grindr and it wouldn't be too surprising if someone else was in the flat with Darren.
'That evening Darren had friends visiting and there were a number of friends there. At around 10.30 that night, Darren used Cocaine which he snorted. He didn't have a lot and only takes it on the odd occasion.
'We headed to a few bars in Manchester - Cruz 101 and The Thompson Arms and at around 4am we made our way back home. It was just me and Darren and we got a taxi back together. We said goodnight and we just went to bed.
'I went to sleep and I remember hearing someone else in the flat at around 6am, I heard sexual noises coming from Darren's bedroom. The next morning I woke up at about 9am and got up and got ready. I was going to see my brother in London.
Mr Batey arranged to meet with Paul Sutemire in the early hours of December 21 and Mr Sutemire went to Mr Batey's flat
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton was one of those who paid tribute to the popular event organiser
'I didn't see Darren but I did see someone else in the area - I had not seen this man before.
'At around 11am on the 21st of December I came back to the flat with my mother. When I went to the front door it was unlocked which is very unusual.
'I checked all the rooms and then came to Darren's room. I found him on the bed in a kneeling position with his head down. It wasn't until I saw his colour and his face that I realised. The curtains were closed and the main light was on.
'I panicked and called 999 - it was clear to me that he was dead. I had never seen Darren take any other drugs, I only ever witnessed him taking Cocaine. I had never witnessed him taking ecstasy or methadone.'
Mr Batey was found by his flatmate 24 hours after Mr Sutemire had left the house
Mr Sutemire told the hearing: 'I had met Darren previously at a party - probably about a couple of months before that night. On the 19th of December I wasn't at Darren's party but I had been out myself. I was my work's Christmas party.
'I went home around 1am which isn't far from Darren's house. I carried on drinking with my flat mate and his friend. Darren and I were chatting on the dating app Grindr and we decided to meet up and I got a taxi to his. I can't remember whose idea it was to meet up.
'I had also taken Cocaine. I think I got to Darren's at around 6am. I don't remember anything after getting to his flat, I don't even remember if we had sex.
'The only thing I remember is going to the bathroom at some point to be sick. I remember seeing Adam the next morning.
'I went to go and charge my phone and then I fell asleep on the couch. I woke up and that is when I left - I didn't see Darren before I left. I didn't go back to Darren's bedroom after 9am and when I left the room he was asleep. To my understanding he was alive and asleep and did not complain of feeling unwell.'
He added: 'I didn't have any of his friends on Facebook so I didn't feel it was appropriate to speak to any of them about it when I found out. I didn't find out about Darren's death till a couple of weeks later. It didn't even occur to me that it happened after the night that we spent together.'
Mr Batey was found lying face down on his bed in the foetal position with jogging bottoms around his knees. Tests showed he had died from drug toxicity with traces of MDMA, Cocaine and Methadone in his system and he was also the equivalent of twice the legal limit for driving.
Mr Batey had helped raise more than 100,000 for charities like MacMillan cancer care and counted Antony Cotton as a friend
Det Insp Anthony Lee of Greater Manchester Police said: 'We couldn't speak to the last person who had seen Darren alive. We wanted to investigate further as Adam had claimed that he had heard the couple having sex.
'Mr Sutemire actually left the property at 12.21 hours and was wearing jogging bottoms and grey hoodie. He was carrying his shoes in his hands.'
Recording a narrative conclusion of drugs related death, Senior Coroner Nigel Meadows said: 'There were no signs of any kind of assault or natural explanation for his death. Darren was an adult and if he wished to take drugs and alcohol that was up to him but sometimes that can have very adverse effects. Nobody really knows what the effect of taking these kinds of drugs are as they are not medicinal.
'Mr Sutemire's statement is very vague about that night but there is nothing to suggest that even if they did have sex it was not consensual. We do not know when Darren died only when he was found. It could have been a few hours before he was found or it could have been the night before.
'I will just say that anyone who takes drugs and alcohol are are risking death.'
Following Mr Batey's death Antony Cotton, who plays Sean Tulley in Coronation Street, tweeted his condolences as did Wes Streeting, the Labour MP for Ilford North in London, who knew the dead man through the National Union of Students.
Jean Claude Juncker, pictured in Brussels yesterday, has warned Theresa May he will never agree to a 'cut price' Brexit
Jean-Claude Juncker has warned Theresa May he will never agree to a 'cut price' Brexit.
Brussels is determined Britain will pay its share of existing commitments for the next six years and some officials are eager to get agreement on a 50bn bill before talks move to other matters.
Germany has reportedly agreed with Britain that the any divorce charge should not be agreed in isolation.
But EU Commission President Juncker today warned the bill would still be 'salty' - French slang for large - when it is handed over.
Speaking at the Belgian parliament, he said: 'Our British friends need to know - and they know it already - that it will not be cut-price or zero-cost.
'The British will have to respect the commitments which they played a part in agreeing.
'Therefore the bill will be - to use a rather vulgar term - very salty. It will be necessary for the British to respect commitments which they freely entered into.'
Mr Juncker warned the talk would be lengthy in remarks that will raise fears striking a deal will be impossible in the two year timescale outlined in the treaty.
He said: 'This will be a difficult negotiation, which will take two years to reach agreement on the exit arrangements.
'To agree on the future architecture of the relations between the UK and EU, it will need years.'
Michel Barnier, who is leading the talks for Brussels, wants to hand Theresa May a charge of about 50billion to cover Britain's remaining liabilities before it quits.
He wants agreement on the sum before negotiating anything else, including the future UK-EU trading deal.
But Germany has insisted the negotiations on Brexit itself and the future arrangements can be completed in parallel, The Times said today.
Theresa May (left) wants to take negotiations on the terms of Britain's exit and the future arrangements in parallel but EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier (right) wants to sort out the 'divorce' payment first
German ministers are said to be wary of handing Britain a large bill at the start of the negotiations.
Were Mr Barnier to get his way of sorting out the settlement first and working on the future arrangements later, the strict two year exit timetable under Article 50 of the EU treaties could leave little time for resolving a trade deal.
No 10 yesterday pointed to Angela Merkel's commitment to parallel talks last year, when the German chancellor said: 'The UK has to clearly outline how it sees its future with the European Union. These have to be parallel processes.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has backed Britain's proposal of tackling the negotiations in parallel ahead of the start of official talks next month
'You can't completely cut off the bonds and then after a long, winding negotiating process come up with how one sees the future relationship.
'So a good negotiating process is in all of our interests.'
The squabble over even the timetabling of the talks lays bare the difficulties of the two year Brexit process.
The remaining 27 EU countries have held a series of meetings without Britain since the Brexit vote in an effort to strike a unified position.
Mrs May intended to file her Article 50 notification next month, firing the starting gun on the two year process.
Theresa May plans to start her Brexit talks next month. She is meeting her Cabinet today including (from left) Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson
Home Secretary Amber Rudd was also in Downing Street today ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting in No 10 this morning
The Prime Minister has been engaged in a whirlwind schedule of bilateral meetings, hosting the Spanish and Italians in Downing Street in recent weeks.
Brexit Secretary David Davis has spent the past fortnight on road, visiting Scandinavia last week and spending time in eastern Europe this week.
The series of meetings has led to claims in Brussels Britain is attempting to 'divide and rule' in the Brexit talks by squaring allies before entering formal talks.
Speaking in Estonia yesterday, Mr Davis said: 'We want to see both a constructive discussion, a constructive negotiation leading to a long-term constructive partnership.
'One of the reasons Estonia is one of the earlier countries I have visited is because we are friends, we have similar views on defence, on free trade, on security, a whole range of matters.
'We very much voted the same way inside the European Union, we were mutual allies inside and we expect to continue to be mutual allies when Britain is outside.
'We are good friends, good allies, good mutual supporters and long will that continue.'
Panda watchers are saying a sad and fond 'bye bye' to Bao Bao.
The three-year-old female panda, born in August 2013 at The National Zoo in Washington DC, has spent her last moments in the US and has caught her flight to China, where she will join a panda breeding program.
As part of the zoo's cooperative breeding program with the country, all cubs born here move to China before turning four years old in order to breed with other pandas and keep the genetic lines diverse, said the zoo's website.
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So sad to see you gao! On her last day in the US, Bao Bao was presented with a pink and white ice heart cake
All this for me? You shouldn't have! A week of special events ran up to Bao Bao's departure for China and its breeding program
Bao Bao's special cake was made of bamboo shoots, bamboo, apple, cooked sweet potato, water, pear and leaf eater biscuits
The popular panda left the zoo Tuesday morning and flew from Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia to Chengdu, China. Experts say it is best for pandas to make long trips during the winter, when they are more comfortable due to their thick woolly coats.
Bao Bao is being flown by FedEx, which donated an aircraft as it did for her older brother, Tai Shan, who moved to China in 2010 and which brought her parents, Mei Xiang and Tian Tian, to the zoo in 2000, said the website.
The panda will travel the 16-hour non-stop flight to Chengdu with a zookeeper and veterinarian
Special delivery! Bao Bao will travel with 55 pounds of bamboo, two pounds of apples, two pounds of cooked sweet potatoes and ten gallons of water
The young panda has been getting acclimated to her travel crate for the past several months
Bao Bao enjoys her last days in Washington DC before she headed for China
Zoo keepers carry bamboo that will travel with giant panda Bao Bao as she is heads for her new home in China
The cub won't have to worry about finding overhead bin space or dealing with a talkative seatmate on the 16-hour, nonstop flight. She'll be the only panda on the plane, traveling with a keeper and a veterinarian who will monitor her.
And Bao Bao is being cut some slack on baggage weight limitations. She gets to travel with 55 pounds of bamboo, two pounds of apples, two bags of leaf-eater biscuits, two pounds of cooked sweet potatoes and 10 gallons of water.
Bao Bao may miss her home but zookeepers will be able to communicate with her through hand signals and body language
Dozens of fans gathered to watch Bao Bao's last moments as she was packed into a FedEx truck
Zookeepers gathered to say a sad good-bye to the cuddly panda bear
Bao Bao was loaded into a FedEx crate to make the journey to her FedEx plane and then to China
The panda has her own specialized plane (above) in which she'll travel first class with a zookeeper and vet
The cub has spent the last several months getting acclimated to her specialized travel crate, which she spent longer and longer periods of time in so she would be comfortable when the time came to fly. The crate is 55 inches wide by 75 inches long and 50 inches tall.
Bao Bao's zookeepers speak to her in English, however, hand signals and body gestures are used to ask her to do certain things, and her new Chinese zookeepers will be given those signals.
Bao Bao is scheduled to depart the zoo Tuesday for a one-way flight to China, where the three-year-old will eventually join a panda breeding program
Bao Bao's last day was celebrated with a frozen ice cake in the shape of a Chinese pagoda. In the week leading up to her departure, the zoo held a series of events, including spectators getting to watch Bao Bao paint, and presenting the panda with her traveling 'suitcase' which contained gifts symbolizing her new and old cities.
Fans on Facebook were sad to see her go. 'Lots of love from all of us out here. And when you cry, know that we share your tears. No matter how painful this is, I would do it all over again. Bao Bao is a joy and how lucky we have been to have her in our lives,' wrote Jean Mayo.
Bao Bao is the first surviving cub born at the National Zoo since 2005. In China, she will be reunited with her older brother Tai Shan, who left the National Zoo for China back in 2010, though pandas are solitary creatures and generally don't interact unless its breeding season.
China has begun the process of reintroducing pandas to the wild and the goal is to have Bao Bao's descendants living in their natural habitats.
There is no evidence that Kim Jong-Un's murdered brother died from a heart attack and no puncture wounds or marks have been found on his body, Malaysia's health ministry said on Tuesday.
Kim Jong-Nam - the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un - died after being attacked at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Malaysia's Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said no cause of death has been determined and authorities are still awaiting the results of an autopsy.
'There's nothing to suggest puncture wounds or marks,' he told the Strait Times.
CCTV footage from Kuala Lumpur International Airport shows Kim Jong Un's half brother, Kim Jong-nam, speaking to security guards and officials after apparently being poisoned
Malaysia's Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said no cause of death had been determined
He also denied that more than one autopsy had been held, dismissing media reports suggesting otherwise.
Earlier reports from South Korean media outlets had suggested that the man had died after being pierced with a poisoned needle.
Dr Noor did not say when the lab results would be released, but Health Minister Datuk Dr Subramaniam Sathasivam suggested earlier that they may be available as early as Wednesday.
The only autopsy was carried out on February 15, two days after Jong Nam died on his way from the airport to hospital.
The health director answered questions frm reporters during a packed press conference at Kuala Lumpur Hospital
He also said that no puncture wounds or marks had been found on s body
CCTV footage from minutes before Kim Jong-un's half-brother dropped dead was released yesterday, showing that he sought help at a customer service desk and appeared to explain that he had been attacked by two women.
Kim Jong-nam died en route to a hospital following a seizure after two women allegedly sprayed him in the face with poison.
Minutes after the women confronted him, he told officials at a customer service that 'two unidentified women had swabbed or had wiped his face with a liquid and that he felt dizzy', the Deputy National Police Chief of Malaysia, Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said.
He can be seen on video pointing to his face, as if he was telling the security guards that he had been grabbed by the face.
Meanwhile, North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia on Monday said he would not accept local autopsy results for Kim Jong-nam, and claimed that the older Kim died of 'natural causes'.
Another CCTV video released over the weekend allegedly shows the moment which led to the assassination of Kim Jong-nam.
He can be seen on video pointing to his face, as if he was telling the security guards that he had been grabbed by the face. Kim Jong-nam died en route to a hospital following a seizure after two women allegedly sprayed him in the face with poison
Minutes after the women confronted him, Kim Jong-nam (second from right, walking through the airport) found a customer service desk and told them what happened. Police said that he told officials that 'two unidentified women had swabbed or had wiped his face with a liquid and that he felt dizzy'
A woman in a white top and jeans is seen grabbing the man and holding him back, while another woman sprays a toxic substance in his face.
Jong-nam, who often spoke out against his brother's regime, died on the way to hospital.
Since the incident, police have so far arrested four people carrying identity documents from North Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Those arrested include two women who were allegedly seen approaching Kim on February 13 as he stood at a ticketing kiosk at the budget terminal of the Kuala Lumpur airport.
North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol also called an investigation into the man's death politically motivated and demanded a joint probe amid increasingly bitter exchanges between the once-friendly nations.
A woman in a while top and jeans is seen grabbing the man and holding him back, while another woman is sprays a toxic substance in his face
Kim Jong-nam, pictured, died shortly after the hit squad administered the poison on Monday
Malaysia responded with its own accusations, with a foreign ministry statement saying the ambassador's comments were 'culled from delusions, lies and half-truths'.
The attack spiraled into diplomatic fury when Malaysia refused to hand over Kim's corpse to North Korean diplomats and proceeded with at least one autopsy over the diplomats' objections.
'The investigation by the Malaysian police is not for the clarification of the cause of the death and search for the suspect, but it is out of the political aim,' Kang told reporters Monday, saying Malaysia was in collusion with South Korea, as Seoul tries to deflect attention from its own months-long political crisis.
Police 'pinned the suspicion on us, and targeted the investigation against us', Kang said, calling on Malaysia to work with North Korea in a joint investigation.
Malaysian police have arrested Ri Jong-chol, centre, who is believed to be a North Korean chemistry expert in connection with the murder of Kim Jong-un's half brother Kim Jong-nam
Jong-chol was arrested following a dramatic raid by Malaysian police hunting the killers
Kang referred to the dead man as 'Kim Chol,' the name on the passport found with Kim Jong Nam.
Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak told reporters later Monday that he had confidence in the objectivity of his country's police and doctors.
Malaysia had no reason to 'paint the North Koreans in a bad light,' he said, adding, 'We expect them to understand that we apply the rule of law in Malaysia.'
Autopsy results on Kim Jong Nam could be released as early as Wednesday, said Health Minister S Subramaniam.
The Malaysian foreign ministry said the government has kept the North Korean Embassy informed, telling them that because 'the death occurred in Malaysian soil under mysterious circumstances, it is the responsibility of the Malaysian government to conduct an investigation to identify the cause of death.'
Meanwhile, Malaysian police have arrested a North Korean chemistry expert in connection with his murder.
Malaysia's National Police Deputy Inspector-General Noor Rashid Ibrahim, left, said his officers have identified four North Korean men who flew out of Kualar Lumpur on the day of the murder
Kim Jong-nam, pictured, is believed to have been murdered using a fast-acting poison in Kuala Lumpur airport on February 13 on the orders of his half-brother Kim Jong-un
Ri Jong-chol, 47, who studied medicine and chemistry in Pyongjang was detained in Kuala Lumpur in connection with the murder.
Police are also hunting four North Korean men who flew out of Kuala Lumpur the same day Jong-nam was assassinated.
The four suspects are believed to have been part of a hit squad sent to murder the despotic leader's half brother on the tyrant's orders.
Malaysian police have so far arrested four people - including the chemistry expert - in connection with the murder probe.
Pyongyang, however, said it had no faith in the investigation and claimed Kuala Lumpur was in cahoots with 'hostile forces'.
One of the suspects, North Korean Hong Song Hac, left Malaysia on the day of the murder
Ri Jae Nam arrived in Malaysia on February 1 and left the country on February 13
O Jong Gil was only in Malaysia for a week before escaping on the day of the murder
Ri Ji U is also one of the suspects who Malaysian police are looking for following the murder
Police have released CCTV image in the search for three more men over the murder
Over the weekend, Malaysia recalled its envoy to North Korea and summoned Pyongyang's ambassador Kang for a dressing down. But an unbowed Kang hit back.
'It has been seven days since the incident, but there is no clear evidence on the cause of death and at the moment we cannot trust the investigation by the Malaysian police', he told reporters in the Malaysian capital.
Pyongyang also criticised Malaysia for carrying out a post-mortem examination without North Korean permission - a complaint Kuala Lumpur said was groundless.
'The ministry emphasised that as the death occurred on Malaysian soil under mysterious circumstances, it is the responsibility of the Malaysian government to conduct an investigation to identify the cause of death,' the foreign ministry said.
'The Malaysian government takes very seriously any unfounded attempt to tarnish its reputation. The Malaysian Government views the criticism... as baseless'.
Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam and Siti Aisyah, right from Indonesia have both been arrested
North Korean Ri Jong chol, left is believed to be a chemistry expert while Malaysian Muhammad Farid Bin Jallaludin, right, has also been detained in connection with the murder
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak backed those running the probe, saying it would be 'very professional'.
'I have absolute confidence that they are very objective in whatever they do,' he said in his first comments since news of the killing broke.
'We have no reason why we want to do something that would paint the North Koreans in a bad light. But we would be objective and we expect them to understand that we apply the rule of law in Malaysia.'
Kim Jong-nam is believed to have been murdered in a plot using a fast-acting liquid poison.
One of those arrested has been named by Malaysian police as Ri Jong-chol, 47, from Pyongyang.
It is understood Jong-chol graduated in chemistry and medicine from a North Korean university in 2000, later working in chemistry research in India.
Police also released a photograph of Vietnamese suspect Doan Thi Huong
A diplomatic row has deepened in the wake of the death of North Korean Kim Jong-nam
A police source said it was too soon to conclude that Jong-chol was behind the liquid poison believed to have been used to kill Kim Jong-nam.
'He is being quizzed on this and he is also being questioned about the whereabouts of three accomplices who are still at large,' the police source said.
Police fear, however, that three other men - said to be part of a gang of four men working with two women in Kim's murder - might have already escaped from Malaysia.
Special branch officers studying CCTV footage from Kuala Lumpur Airport, where Kim was attacked last week, have allegedly pinpointed three men aged between 30 and 50 who boarded a flight to another Southeast Asian country immediately after the incident.
CCTV footage shows that the suspects changed their clothes before heading to the departure hall to board their flight.
'The suspects wore grey, purple and green clothing respectively prior to the attack,' said a police source.
The 'LOL assasin' (left) who allegedly murdered Kim Jong-nan, right, by wiping poison on his face may have been 'duped into killing him' by 'friends who told her it was a harmless prank'
It is believed one of the attackers distracted him in the check-in queue while another 'came from behind, locked in a chokehold and administered poison'. Pictured is one of the suspects on CCTV, wearing a white top branded with LOL
A second woman named as Siti Aishah (pictured in the passport profile image), 25, from Indonesia and her Malaysian boyfriend were arrested over the death
How the chillingly audacious murder of North Korean tyrant's brother in a major airport may have involved a poisonous handkerchief and fountain pen
'However, after the attack, they went to a restroom and changed before heading to the departure hall to board their flight.'
Police are convinced this was a preconceived plan as the two women allegedly involved in the attack - and who have claimed they were tricked into believing they were taking part in a TV prank - have told officers there was no sign of their male accomplices after the event.
If the arrested North Korean man, Jong-chol, was part of the assassination team, either directly or indirectly, police believe he would know the names of the three men who remain at large.
This would enable Malaysian police to alert authorities in neighbouring countries to watch for them and detain them.
On Sunday, the Deputy National Police Chief of Malaysia, Noor Rashid Ibrahim, said four other suspects were on the run. He said the men were North Korean and had flown out of the country last Monday, when Kim died.
'I am not going disclose where they are,' he told a room packed with journalists. Interpol was helping with the investigation, he said.
Former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (bottom left) poses with his first-born son Kim Jong-nam (bottom right), in this 1981 family photo in Pyongyang, North Korea
Noor Rashid showed photographs of the four North Korean men police were trying to track down. They were travelling on regular - not diplomatic - passports and are aged 33, 34, 55 and 57.
He also said there was a fifth North Korean man whom authorities wanted to question.
Noor Rashid said Sunday that he expected autopsy results to be released within days.
'We have to send a sample to the chemistry department, we have to send a sample for toxicology tests,' he said.
Investigators also want to speak to Kim Jong-nam's next of kin to identify the body. He is believed to have two sons and a daughter with two women living in Beijing and Macau.
'We haven't met the next of kin,' Noor Rashid said. 'We are working, we are trying very hard to get the next of kin to come and to assist us in the investigation.'
The millionaire father of TOWIE star Cara Kilbey bankrolled the luxury lifestyle of his daughter and her alleged drug dealer boyfriend, a court has heard.
Daniel Harris, 33, is said to be the ringleader of a gang that raked in nearly 500,000 a week selling drugs across London.
When police searched the lavish apartment Harris shared with Ms Kilbey and their daughter Penelope Blu in Theydon Bois, Essex, officers found 116,000 in cash in an Asda shopping bag inside a black holdall in the child's bedroom.
The millionaire father of TOWIE star Cara Kilbey bankrolled the luxury lifestyle of his daughter and her alleged drug dealer boyfriend Daniel Harris (pictured together), a court has heard
When police searched the lavish apartment Harris shared with Ms Kilbey and their daughter Penelope Blu in Theydon Bois, Essex, officers found 116,000 in cash in an Asda shopping bag inside a black holdall in the child's bedroom
In the flat there were Louis Vuitton bags, Brunella Cochinelli shoes and a Hermes jacket.
Miss Kilbey's father Gary, 58, was called to give evidence as part of Harris' defence case.
He explained how he had financed the couple through his business TECH-EN and the spread betting accounts he had set up for each of his three children.
Harris drove a Porsche Carrera, but Mr Kilbey revealed he had confiscated the car from his youngest son Tom, 24, after he lost 50,000 in a single day on his personal spread betting account, and gave it to his daughter and Harris.
He said: 'The Porsche Carrera was bought by my son Tom, and I didn't want him to have a really nice car because he's only 24, but he put a 2,000 deposit down and I paid the balance in 2015.
'But three months later Tom, without my knowledge, traded on my account and lost 50,000 in a single day - now that's unheard of.
Miss Kilbey's father Gary, 58, was called to give evidence as part of Harris' defence case
'So to punish him I took the car off him and gave it to Cara and I bought him a Smart car. He's 6ft 4. '
Mr Kilbey explained how he had set up spread betting accounts for his children 'because I wanted to get my kids some tax free money' and estimated Cara's account would generate her around 70,000 per annum.
When he was asked if Cara was ever short of money, he replied: 'No she was never short of money, if she was I would help her out - there were of course times when I wouldn't help her out.'
He added that he and his wife Ann had bought the flat in Theydon Bois for Miss Kilbey, and that he had been quite relieved when she met Daniel because she slowed her party-hard lifestyle.
'She changed because she fell pregnant - she met Daniel and fell pregnant which was a big shock because we'd only known Daniel five minutes.
'But the good thing was that when she met Daniel and fell pregnant because Daniel's financial situation was quite tight she stopped going to the Ivy and Nobu and was more buy-one-get-one-free down the local shop.
'It was a fundamental change from the negative to the positive and we worked out the profit and loss for the two of them and a plan for going forward.'
Mr Kilbey said he got to know about Harris's previous life as a city trader and decided to give him a certain amount of control over his spread betting accounts.
The couple lost their first baby in 2015 when Miss Kilbey suffered a miscarriage, and almost immediately took a holiday to Abu Dhabi.
Miss Kilbey, who appeared on the first four seasons of The Only Way is Essex, has 458,000 followers on Twitter and 344,000 Instagram followers. She is pictured with Harris
Police found Harris (pictured) had been using an encrypted PGP Blackberry phone and had made computer searches for '250 kilos of drugs' and 'counter surveillance course in UK'
Mr Kilbey said he had insisted the couple take a break, saying: 'Cara had done some high profile magazine shoots of the baby bump and there was quite a lot of emotional pressure.
'She'd had a still birth and that was traumatic to say the least. Daniel was very strong in that situation.'
He said that despite funding the trip, he had still insisted Harris pay for the flights 'because he still has to be a man. He still has to have some responsibility.'
Mr Kilbey added: 'Cara would have flown first or business class for most of her life and on that flight they went economy.'
He explained how he had handed Harris 50,000 in two instalments to help him pay off his tax bill and finance his dream of launching his own CrossFit gym.
He also employed him to help him recover a 425,000 debt owed to Tech-En and described Harris as his 'Man Friday'.
TOWIE star Cara Kibley is pictured right
'He was 100 per cent focused on the CrossFit gym - that rained a little when they lost the baby, but it began to pick up again in August of that year.'
Asked about meals out as a family, he said: 'I paid generally. Daniel always wanted to pay, he's a good man, but he didn't have any money.
'In terms of Cara's lifestyle, she lived the High life before she met Daniel. He didn't enhance that, it was more the other way round.
'But I was happy it was the other way round because she was over doing it.'
Asked about the other luxury goods found in the flat, he said: 'I don't know much about social media and I don't really want to get involved but I know social media was sending a lot of things to Cara.'
He said that since Harris's arrest, Miss Kilbey had been 'Angry, worried - she's a woman with a baby on her own - and confused.'
Miss Kilbey, who appeared on the first four seasons of The Only Way is Essex, has 458,000 followers on Twitter and 344,000 Instagram followers.
Harris was allegedly at the heart of a gang which supplied cocaine across London using moped riders posing as black cab drivers learning 'The Knowledge'.
Police found Harris had been using an encrypted PGP Blackberry phone and had made computer searches for '250 kilos of drugs' and 'counter surveillance course in UK.'
Raids on other alleged gang members led to the seizure of high-purity cocaine with a street value of nearly 1million as well as large quantities of cutting agents and cash, jurors heard.
The cocaine was marked with the labels 'Fox' and 'Cocoa' while the self sealed bags used by the gang were emblazoned with the Union Jack flag, the court heard.
But Harris denies involvement and has insisted his only dream was to open a 'Crossfit' gym.
Bank records show that when he was arrested in March 2016 he had only 75 in his account, the court heard.
Harris, of Theydon Bois, Essex, denies two counts of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and one of possessing criminal property.
The trial continues.
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These are the incredibly rare photographs showing the British ingenuity that brought the dawn of the tank age and changed the Allies fortunes in the First World War.
The images show triumphant British troops atop the world's first tanks, as well as life from the inside manning the machine guns.
These black-and-white photos are taken from the new book 'Armoured Warfare in the First World War 1916 1918' by Anthony Tucker-Jones and published by Pen & Sword Military.
Mr Tucker-Jones said: 'The first tanks came about through the desperate need to break the terrible deadlock in the trenches.
'Interestingly the British, French and Germans took completely different approaches with varying results.
'Although the tank helped secure victory and German soldiers dubbed it "Germanys Downfall" the country was ultimately brought to its knees by the Allies blockade.'
The British military produced 'Little Willie' in Autumn 1915 weighing 18 tonnes, which had a crew of two plus four gunners. It was referred to as a water tank to ensure secrecy.
Mr Tucker-Jones said: 'This led to the strange looking Mark I with its peculiar rhomboid shape, designed to cross trenches with guns in sponsons on either side.'
In one image a Mark II male tank can be seen passing through a crumbling French village in 1917.
Another image shows jubilant British troops hanging onto a Mark IV tank following the Battle of Cambrai in November 1917 where the British army initiated a surprise attack using 476 tanks to penetrate the German trenches at The Hindenburg Line.
Above, Hornsby developed a caterpillar artillery tractor before the war based on agricultural machines. It meant heavier machinery could be carried than traditional horse-drawn artillery
The images also give a glimpse into life inside the tanks, manning the machine guns, as above, in this picture of a Schneider tank gunner manning one of two Hotchkiss M1814 machine guns. This type of tank was developed in France and is considered to be the first French tank, though it was closer to a 'turreted vehicle'
Above, the German A7VU was developed as a copy of the British rhomboid shape but did not go into production before the Armistice. According to author Mr Tucker-Jones, the Germans were reluctant to start the process of developing tanks
Above, a field full of female tanks awaiting delivery. The tanks were first developed as a way to break the deadlock in the trenches
Above, Mark II male with spudded tracks captured by Germans near Arras on 11 April 1917. These types of tanks carried eight crew. Although the Germans favoured other types of warfare, they would make use of any British tanks they captured
Another insight into life inside the tanks is the above 'splatter mask' worn to protect the wearer's face and head inside the tank. According to the book's author, those inside could still be hurt when the tank was hit by spraying shrapnel because the cover on the machines was often made of unhardened steel
Mark I tanks produced as male with 6-pounder guns inside sponsons or female versions with machine guns clad in armoured jackets, pictured. The Mark I was first produced in 1915 and used in combat at the Somme in October 1916. It weighed between 27 and 28 tons and its weaponry was dependent on whether is was a male or female variant
BRITISH TANKS AND HOW THEY GOT THEIR NAME Why were tanks called tanks? Tanks came by their name out of a need to be subtle about the new equipment coming to the battlefield. British commanders didn't want their enemies to guess what they might be about to face, so called the machines 'water carriers' as a code name. It didn't take long before the name was shortened to 'tanks', and it stuck. Mark I: Developed from the Little Willie tank prototype, this was the first British Tank to enter the battlefield in the First World War. Officially, they were called His Majesty's Land Centipede. They first trialled in April 1916. They were more than 32ft long including their tail and 8ft wide, and carried eight crew members. They travelled at 3mph. In total, 150 of these machines were produced. A Mark II tank, used as a stopgap between the Mark I and its real successor, the Mark IV Mark II and Mark III: Superficially identical to the Mark I, there were some key upgrades needed in the first model to benefit the battlefield. The Mark II and Mark III were stopgaps while better improvements were made and were used by training groups only. Mark IV: This model was the true successor to the Mark I, and was a great improvement, with better protection. It weighed between 27.5 and 28.4 tonnes, depending on whether it was female or male, and more than 1,200 of these were produced. It could carry eight crew members at a speedy 4mph. The tank was first used at Messine Ridge in June 1917, then later in the year at Cambrai, where the large number of tanks proved to be instrumental in the battle. Source: Tanks Encyclopedia Advertisement
British Mark I or II male tank identifiable by long-barrelled naval 6-pounder gun, above. Both models looked the same from the outside, but commanders needed upgrades to the Mark I by 1917. According to Mr Tucker-Jones, tanks were 'rudimentary to say the least and were seen as land warships, hence naval terms such as hull and turret'
The Holt 75 model gasoline-powered caterpillar tractor provided the inspiration for the tank. The first full prototype was dubbed Little Willie, and was saved from being scrapped in 1940. Early models of tanks were made with such poor materials that those manning them would be covered in shrapnel when they were hit
Above, the German A7V Sturmpanzerwagen which went into production in October 1917, but only twenty of these cumbersome land fortresses were built. There could be up to 18 men inside one of these overcrowded vehicles and they weighed as much as 33 tons
A number of different FT-17 variants built an initial char mitrailleuse model armed with 8mm Hotchkiss machine gun, above. It was the most revolutionary model, thanks to its moving turret. It was in service until 1949
Belgium was one of the first countries to deploy the armoured car with its Minerva Model 1914. The vehicles had double wheels to support the weight and no doors for better rigidity. The Allied forces were quick to use the vehicles in their offensive tactics and the flat terrain of Belgium lent itself to these machines
A British 15in Howitzer at Passchendaele. This machine was a development of a 9.2in seige Howitzer and Winston Churchill wrote about it in his book, the World Crisis. Mr Tucker-Jones said: 'Although the tank helped secure victory and German soldiers dubbed it "Germany's Downfall" the country was ultimately brought to its knees by the Allies blockade'
German troops familiarize themselves with an enemy tank now under new ownership. Those that fell into enemy hands were utilised but they didn't create as many of their own until the latter part of the war, and some of those didn't see the battlefield before Armistice Day
Jubilant British troops hitch a ride on a Mark IV after the massed tank fleet spearheading attack at Cambrai on November 20, 1917. Mark IV represented a re-siting of the fuel tank and better armour as well as easier transportation. It was first used at Messine Ridge in June 1917
Mark I male tank with its distinctive wheeled steering tail and chicken-wire 'bomb roof'. It was named officially 'His Majestys Land Ship Centipede', but was know colloquially as 'Mother' or 'Big Willie', as a joke directed towards the German Kaiser and the crown prince, both named Wilhelm
MILITARY INNOVATIONS OF THE FIRST WORLD WAR As well as tanks, the First World War was a time of innovation for several other aspects of modern warfare. Tracer bullets were invented by the British Army, perfected by 1916 Flamethrowers: The first design for the modern flamethrower was submitted to the German Army in 1901, though similar weaponry was used by the Chinese and the Byzantines in the medieval period. They reached their full potential in trench warfare, as enemy soldiers would huddle together in one part of a bunker after a mass assault. The flamethrowers could burn people alive, without damaging the surroundings, so the forces could then use the same bunker. Tracer bullets: A British Army invention, tracer bullets emitted small amounts of flammable material that left a phosphorescent trail in order to aid nighttime fighting. The second development was a great improvement as the first model was erratic and only worked up to 100m, but by 1916 the technology was popular. Air traffic control: The US Army installed the first two-way radios in planes during the Great War so by 1916, pilots could send radio telegraphs over 140 miles and between planes during flights. This ended the isolation of pilots who had not been able to get any signals while in the air. Pilotless drones: Developed by the US Army between 1916 and 1917 by Elmer Sperry and Peter Hewitt, it was directed with gyroscopes and a barometer to determine altitude. It was initially meant to be a unmanned aerial bomb, but its technology was too imprecise to be used again ships. It was developed and used until 1925. Sanitary towels: The modern method for handling a monthly period was developed thanks to the introduction of a cellulose bandage material during the First World War. French nurses worked out that the absorbent material was better than anything they had used before, and British and American nurses followed suit. It was picked up and marketed by Kimberley-Clark who launched KoTex in 1920. Royal Navy aircraft carrier HMS Furious, a modified Courageous-class battlecruiser which was the first of its kind to launch and land aircrafts Aircraft carriers: The first aeroplane to be launched from a moving ship happened in 1912, when a biplane took off from a ramp on the HMS Hibernia. But this wasn't an aircraft carrier, as planes couldn't land on deck. The HMS Furious was adapted from life as a battle cruiser amid fears the guns would be too strong and would shake it to pieces. A long platform to launch and land aircrafts was added and the planes were stored underneath the runway in hangers, as they are today. Source: Mental Floss Advertisement
Number 1 Lincoln Machine prototype built by William Foster & Company in September 1915. This model was never engaged in battle and only existed as this prototype. It was then developed into the Mark I which in turn, led to several more versions of the Mark machines
This Mark II male was photographed passing through a crumbling French village in 1917. Of these models, 20 were shipped to France, and 25 stayed at the training ground in Dorset
To counter British tanks the Germans used flamethrowers and artillery. Unlike grenades, flamethrowers could burn alive enemy soldiers in these confined spaces without inflicting structural damage. Mr Tucker-Jones said the Germans saw tanks as 'unchivalrous' and were slow to grasp its utility
'Armoured Warfare in the First World War 1916 1918' by Anthony Tucker-Jones is available to purchase from Amazon for 14.99
This is the nail-biting moment a toddler is almost crushed by the swift chop of subway doors.
CCTV footage shows the infant, who appears to be a girl, riding on her mother's back on the underground system in Nanning City, southern China.
Just as her mother jumps into a train carriage the doors close, and she narrowly misses being trapped.
This is the nail-biting moment a toddler is almost crushed by subway doors
While the mother rushes to catch the train, she also pushes a young boy out of the way in the process.
Unfortunately he isn't able to get inside the carriage and is left waiting on the platform.
According to China News, someone spotted the incident and the doors were re-opened to allow the boy to board.
CCTV footage shows the infant, who appears to be a girl, riding on her mother's back on the underground in Nanning City, southern China
Just as her mother jumps into a train carriage the doors close, and she narrowly misses being trapped
Surprisingly, the woman and the child whom she pushed on the platform are thought to be one family.
Ou Jun, a officer from the Nanning Public Security Bureau told a reporter, said the pair had entered the subway station together and had been talking to each other prior to the incident.
Mr Ou said: 'Perhaps this was the first time they had taken the subway. When they was the train was about to depart, they wanted to jump onto it.'
Subways wardens are now warning people to be less hasty on their commutes.
They say rushing to catch a train can be dangerous and lead to similar incidents, where riders might not be so lucky.
The bodies of 74 migrants have been found washed up on a beach near the western Libyan city of Zawiya, after their attempt to reach Europe ended in tragedy.
The Libyan Red Crescent - the country's equivalent of the Red Cross - said the bodies had been retrieved by its workers.
Red Crescent spokesman Mohamed al-Misrati said the bodies had been recovered on Monday and the migrants appeared to have died during the past two days.
Bodies of 74 people that washed ashore and were recovered by the Libyan Red Crescent, near Zawiya, Libya
The Libyan Red Crescent says at least 74 bodies of African migrants have washed ashore in western Libya
He said local authorities would transfer the bodies to a cemetery for unidentified people in the Libyan capital, Tripoli.
The migrants were all adults, mostly from sub-Saharan African countries, and all but three of them were men, Misrati said.
Harrowing photographs posted show dozens of white body bags lined up along the shore.
Libya is the main departure point for migrants hoping to reach Europe by sea, and the bodies of those who drown attempting the risky crossing are frequently found washed up on Libyan shores.
The mass-drowing is the latest tragedy at sea along a perilous trafficking route to Europe
The bodies recovered by rescue workers, were all adults, mostly from sub-Saharan African countries, and all but three of them were men
A torn rubber boat was found nearby, and it is feared more bodies may surface as similar vessels typically carry up to 120 people.
According to the International Organisation for Migration, the UN's migration agency, the boat had left Libya on Saturday with 110 people on board.
It is feared that some of those unaccounted for could be children.
At least 5,000 people drowned last year while trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean.
Libyan coast guard spokesman Ayoub Gassim said that more than 500 migrants were rescued at sea on Friday and Saturday off the coast of Sebratha, a city to the west of Zawiya.
Local authorities said they would transfer the bodies to a cemetery for unidentified people in the Libyan capital, Tripoli
A volunteer from the Red Crescent looks out to the sea as workers recover bodies washed ashore at the coast near Al Zawiya
The migrants' boats were about 5 to 7 miles from the coast.
Gassim said smugglers were packing larger rubber boats with up to 180 people, dramatically increasing the risk of capsizing.
'We are seeing the new boats, which are not equipped with anything, but they carry more people,' he said. 'This is going to be even more disastrous for the migrants.'
The Libya to Italy smuggling route across the Mediterranean has seen record numbers of migrant drownings in 2016, Fabrice Leggeri, director of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, said last week.
Some 4,579 migrant deaths were documented in 2016, up from 2,869 deaths the previous year and 3,161 in 2014. The real number of deaths is believed to be much higher.
Leggeri blamed the small dinghies and poor vessels used by the smugglers for the high death rate. The smugglers also appear more willing to brave the choppy winter sea. January alone saw 228 recorded deaths, by far the biggest monthly toll in recent years. IOM says the latest tragedy brings the total death toll this year to 365.
More than 180,000 people made the crossing last year, an increase of 17 percent from 2015.
At least 5,000 people drowned last year while trying to reach Europe via the Mediterranean
A torn rubber boat was found nearby, and it is feared more bodies may surface as similar vessels typically carry up to 120 people
Libya was plunged into turmoil by the 2011 uprising that toppled and killed longtime dictator Moammar Gadhafi, and has since emerged as a popular, if extremely dangerous, route to Europe for those fleeing poverty and civil war elsewhere in Africa.
Libya is largely governed by local militias, many of which profit from the trafficking. Rights groups say migrants traversing Libya have been tortured, raped and subjected to forced labor.
The European Union has plans to halt the tide by training the Libyan coast guard and stepping up cooperation with neighboring Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt. But rights groups fear that such measures could leave tens of thousands of migrants stranded in the restive country.
The plan would also require a much stronger Libyan government capable of controlling the country's waters. At present, Libya is split between two competing governments which convene in different parts of the country.
The European Union has plans to halt the tide by training the Libyan coast guard and stepping up cooperation with neighboring countries
Some 4,579 migrant deaths were documented in 2016, up from 2,869 deaths the previous year and 3,161 in 2014
The head of Doctors Without Borders, Arjan Hehenkamp, says the EU plan shows that it is 'delusional about just how dangerous the situation in Libya really is.'
His organization, also known by its French acronym MSF, has aided in the sea rescues. He said survivors have recounted starving in Libyan detention centers and other abuses.
Earlier this month, Italy reached a deal with the U.N.-brokered government in Tripoli, which is not recognized by rival authorities in the east, to train and equip the Libyan coast guard and improve conditions in detention centers.
Mohamed Siala, the foreign minister of the U.N.-backed government, told the AP that 70 coast guards have received training and a second group will follow. He denied allegations by critics that the deal would pave the way for the resettlement of migrants inside Libya.
He expressed fear, however, that the flow of migrants would increase this spring, saying rescue operations have encouraged more migrants to risk the journey.
A One Nation candidate believes black Africans have lower IQs and government welfare is preventing human evolution.
David Archibald, a geologist who is running for Pauline Hanson's party at next month's West Australian elections, wrote an opinion piece for the niche, right-wing American Thinker website, in May 2015.
One Nation's candidate for the mining-rich Pilbara region, in the state's far north, said Africans in the continent's southwest had intelligence quotients which were much lower than the average IQ of 100.
One Nation candidate David Archibald said bushmen in southwest Africa had lower IQs
The One Nation candidate said bushmen in southwest Africa, like these men in Botswana, had average IQs of 60, which is much lower than the human average of 100
David Archibald believes bushmen in southwest Africa, which would include these hunters in Namibia, have IQs at the bottom end of the spectrum
'One major kind of diversity is in the range of human intelligence, with the bushmen of southwest Africa at the bottom end with an average IQ of 60 and Ashkenazi Jews at the top end with an average IQ of 115,' he said.
In the same article, titled 'Genes, Mutations and Behaviour', Mr Archibald said government welfare was also stopping millions of years of human evolution.
'Human evolution, both the enhancement of the good and the winnowing of the bad, has now stopped due to the rise modern medicine and the welfare state,' he said.
'Mutations continue, though, so in theory the human genome is going backwards now.'
Earlier this month, One Nation's federal leader Pauline Hanson hit out at journalists and politicians, including Labor frontbencher Anthony Albanese, who had called for Mr Archibald to be disendorsed for saying single mothers were producing 'lazy and ugly' children.
'To all the fat lazy politicians and fat lazy journalists in the fat lazy media playing fat lazy political correctness, identity politics - the answer is no,' the Queensland senator wrote on Twitter.
One Nation leader Pauline Hanson earlier this month hit out at journalists and politicians calling for David Archibald to be disendorsed over his comments on single mothers
One Nation's candidate for the Pilbara electorate says government welfare is stopping human evolution
David Archibald said government welfare was stopping human evolution by stopping the 'winnowing of the bad'
CONTROVERSIAL ONE NATION CANDIDATES Pastor Lawrence Shave, 73, running in Dawesville, advertised for bikini baristas in 2015 and later for a Russian mail order bride, aged 20 to 44. His ex-wife Michelle Meyers, in Bateman, picketed abortion clinics and said homosexuals were using 'Nazi mind control strategies'. Rozane Bezuidenhout, the Cannington candidate, posted a petition on Facebook calling for the return of white rule in South Africa. Advertisement
In another article for the Australian conservative Quadrant magazine in August 2015, Mr Archibald described gay marriage as 'degenerate'.
'It is possible that the incidence of homosexuality is an acceptable loss, in evolutionary terms, so that the rest of the males can be more male-like.
'Viewed in that way, homosexuality is part of the human condition. But so is marriage it is more than just a social construct.
'A successful culture wouldnt mix the two. A degenerate culture might.'
In the same opinion piece, titled 'Evolution versus Gay Marriage' he said pregnant women in the Middle East were stoned to death during the time of Jesus' birth.
'Marriage as a social institution was reinforced in part by stoning to death women who became pregnant outside of marriage,' he said.
'The miracle of Marys virgin birth has been explained as an act of charity by Joseph in taking in a pregnant woman who otherwise would have been stoned to death.'
Mr Archibald, who is running against Nationals leader Brendon Grylls, is the latest controversial One Nation candidate to be running in Western Australia.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Archibald for a response on Facebook.
Armed Spanish police have arrested a Swedish driver after he was seen speeding the wrong way down a motorway towards Barcelona in a stolen truck carrying gas cylinders.
Officers are said to have opened fire as the man was driving the lorry against the flow of traffic along the Roda del Litoral towards the heart of the city.
The vehicle, carrying dozens of butane canisters, rammed several cars before it was finally stopped on one of the road's exits.
A Swedish man identified as 33-year-old Joakim Robin Berggren was reportedly arrested at gunpoint.
Spanish police have arrested a driver after he was seen speeding towards Barcelona in a stolen truck carrying gas cylinders, it has emerged
The trace of at least one gunshot was visible on the windscreen of the truck, which was small
The vehicle, carrying dozens of butane canisters, rammed several cars before it was finally stopped on one of the road's exits
A Swedish man identified as 33-year-old Joakim Robin Berggren has reportedly been arrested
Spain's Interior Minister, Juan Ignacio Zoido said this morning that it was 'not a terrorist act' adding that the arrested man has 'a psychiatric history'. He was not carrying any form of weapon, the police said.
Officers started chasing the truck after the driver failed to obey orders to stop from police who had seen it driving at high speeds and dropping part of its load.
A regional police spokeswoman said the truck was travelling in the wrong direction along a highway near the north eastern Spanish city's famed harbour around 11am.
Spanish national television TVE reported that the truck had rammed several cars before local police fired several gunshots to stop it.
The trace of at least one gunshot was visible on the windscreen of the truck, which was small.
Officers started chasing the truck after the driver failed to obey orders to stop from police who had seen it driving at high speeds and dropping part of its load
It has been widely reported that 33-year-old Joakim Robin Berggren has been arrested
A regional police spokeswoman said the truck was travelling in the wrong direction along a highway near the north eastern Spanish city's famed harbour around 11am
The vehicle, carrying dozens of butane canisters, was finally stopped on one of the road's exits
Lavanguardia reported that a passer-by was injured by a butane bottle falling from the truck as it sped along.
Barcelona's city hall said the small white truck - which had dozens of orange gas bottles stacked on the back in plain view - had been stolen.
There was no indication as yet whether this was an attempted attack or just a plain robbery.
Mireia Ruiz, a woman who saw the truck from her home nearby, said the driver ignored people screaming at him to stop as he sped down the wrong side of a ring road.
'When people shouted at him, he would laugh and make offensive gestures with his hand,' she told AFP.
Police did not say whether there were any injuries.
There was no indication as yet whether this was an attempted attack or just a plain robbery
Around 20 police officers and at least six police cars were on site, and several gas bottles were lying on the ground
Several cars were hit during the attempted escape, she said, adding that the truck had been stolen earlier in the day in a nearby district
Spain has kept its national security alert to one step below maximum since July 2015, following violent attacks in France and elsewhere
A gas company worker unloads gas bottles from a delivery truck with bullet holes in its windscreen after police fired shots to stop the driver
Around 20 police officers and at least six police cars were on site, and several gas bottles were lying on the ground, an AFP correspondent reported.
The police spokeswoman wouldn't confirm the gunshots but said the driver was being interrogated.
'We detained a person who was of Swedish nationality,' a spokesman for the regional police told AFP.
Spain has kept its national security alert to one step below maximum since July 2015, following violent attacks in France and elsewhere.
Shocking footage has emerged of a violent racial attack on a packed city train - as one passenger hurls vile abuse at an African man before throwing him onto the ground.
The video was captured by a terrified passenger in Adelaide - who watched the attack unfold just metres away and in full view of frightened young children and their parents.
The shirtless attacker, who claimed to be an Aboriginal man, screamed at the African teenager before assaulting him.
A man has been caught on camera attacking a teenager on a train in Adelaide on Monday
A witness said the shirtless man had taken offence to something said by his victim.
'You want to f*** with me?' he screamed.
Before forcing the young African man to repeat him as he screamed insults just inches from his face.
'You say it, say it, you say I love Aboriginal people. This is our land,' he screamed.
'Don't ever disrespect my aboriginal people again.
'The Aboriginal's own this land and I will kill you.'
The 4pm attack took place on Monday - one witness told 7 News she was left 'shaken' and speechless by what she saw.
She said it was 'confronting' and 'disturbing' to see the violent abuse on public transport during the afternoon.
The man screamed at the teenager and told him to respect Aboriginal people
The violent attack happened in front of terrified passengers - as well as children
She also admitted to being afraid the tormentor would turn on other passengers of that he would seriously hurt his young victim.
The shirtless man punch the train's security camera before he got off at his stop.
Police are investigating - there have not been any complaints made to Adelaide Metro.
More than 100 workers have been fired for walking out to take part in anti-Trump 'Day Without Immigrants' protests on Thursday.
In cities all over the US, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in widespread demonstrations against the President's anti-immigrants stance and rhetoric.
Activists called on immigrants to walk out of their jobs to highlight their role in the economy in the light of recent policies, such as a proposed ban on migrants born in some Muslim countries and a suggested wall between the US and Mexico.
More than 100 employees have lost their jobs as a result of walking out to take part in anti-trump Day Without Immigrants protests on Thursday (pictured in Washington)
Hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets in widespread demonstrations against the President's anti-immigrants stance and rhetoric (pictured in Austin, Texas)
Activists called on immigrants to walkout of their jobs to highlight their vital role in society as the crowds marched (pictured in Chicago, left, and Austin, right)
But since the march, more than 100 people in states from South Carolina to New York have lost their jobs for not coming to work in order to take part in protests.
Jim Serowski, founder of JVS Masonry in Commerce City, Colorado, fired 30 workers after telling them specifically that they could not miss work to attend the march.
Defending his actions, he told CNN: 'If you're going to stand up for what you believe in, you have to be willing to pay the price.'
Steve Deese, owner of Encore Boat Builders in Lexington, South Carolina, said he fired 21 employees after their absence 'seriously affected' their production line.
Bradley Coatings Inc., based in Nashville, said that 18 workers lost their jobs after not turning up on Thursday despite being warned of the consequences beforehand.
The company claimed it supports immigrant causes but the firings were a business decision, taken irrespective of the motive for the absences.
There have since been calls to boycott the company, with hundreds of people backing a social media campaign on Facebook.
Bill McNally, owner of I Don't Care Bar and Grill in Catoosa, Oklahoma, said 12 cooks were fired after not arriving for work and giving him no prior warning.
Jim Serowski, founder of JVS Masonry in Commerce City, Colorado, fired 30 workers after telling them specifically that they could not miss work to attend the march
Bill McNally, owner of I Don't Care Bar and Grill in Catoosa, Oklahoma, said 12 cooks were fired after not arriving for work and giving him no prior warning
An advert for new employees on the company Facebook page sparked massive debate, with more than 4,000 comments on the decision to let the cooks go
Carmen Guerrero, an immigration activist, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that six people were fired from Bahama Breeze in King of Prussia, Philadelphia, but the restaurant disputes this
An advert for new employees on the company Facebook page sparked massive debate, with more than 4,000 comments on the decision to let the cooks go.
Carmen Guerrero, an immigration activist, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that six people were fired from Bahama Breeze in King of Prussia.
The restaurant claims no-one was fired but Miss Guerrero alleged they were re-hired quickly to make it look as though no-one had lost their jobs.
At Grace Community School in Bonita Springs, Florida, it is alleged that two employees were fired and four more resigned over the sackings, reported NBC2.
It was initially reported that 25 workers were fired from Ben's Kosher Delicatessen Restaurant & Caterers in Long Island, New York, but the company now disputes this.
It has released a statement claiming that only some workers who put 'physical pressure' on other employees to walkout will lose their jobs, while all others are invited to return to work.
From burger joints to high-class restaurants, scores of restaurants in the political heart of Washington shut down Thursday, as the protests spread across America.
Bradley Coatings Inc., based in Nashville, said that 18 lost their jobs after not turning up on Thursday despite being warned of the consequences beforehand
Steve Deese, owner of Encore Boat Builders in Lexington, South Carolina, said he fired 21 employees after their absence 'seriously affected' their production line
Some restaurants closed out of solidarity with the largely low-earning people who staff them, a strike to show how important foreign born workers are to the economy.
Others shuttered because not enough staff showed up to work in the immigrant-dominated restaurant industry.
From New York to Los Angeles, immigrants stayed home from work, kept their kids out of school, avoided buying gas and otherwise tried to illustrate the cost to America of living without them.
One museum in Massachusetts removed all artworks created or donated by immigrants.
All 18 Washington branches of Sweetgreen closed for the day and one shuttered store, a short ride from the White House, displayed a sign explaining what it was all about.
'The three of us are sons of immigrants,' the trio of co-founders wrote. 'We respect our team members' right to exercise their voice in our democracy.'
Edward Burger, 84, a retired doctor, stood reading that sign and said the protest was a great idea.
Some restaurants closed out of solidarity with the largely low-earning people who staff them. Pictured is a closed cafe in Cambridge, Massachusetts
In Texas alone (pictured), the crowd, which grew to well over a thousand participants, marched from the Austin City Hall to the Texas State Capital
'This question of immigrants and the hospitality of the United States is terribly important, both for them and for us,' said Burger.
'We are closed to support our Hispanic community,' read a sign on a shop in the Mount Pleasant district, home to many Latinos.
The mix of protest, boycott and strike comes as acute fear spreads mainly in Latino communities across the United States because of raids and the arrests of hundreds of illegal immigrants.
Some have been summarily deported as Trump says he is making good on a campaign promise to get rid of unauthorized immigrants.
Anger also remains over his now-suspended ban on entry of all refugees and people from seven mainly Muslim countries.
Undocumented immigrants make up about nine percent of employees in the hotel and restaurant industry in 2014, according to the Pew Research Center.
At least 11million people are living in the US illegally, most of them Latinos.
These are the huge logs missing mother Karen Ristevski's body lay wedged after she disappeared eight months ago.
A bushwalker stumbled upon the grisly sight on Monday afternoon, finally bringing the long-running search to an end and giving family some closure.
While most of the devastated family consoled each other at the family home, her stepson Anthony Rickard responded to the news with one cryptic comment.
The 47-year-old woman's 'badly decomposed' remains were found on Mount Macedon, about 52 kilometres from her house in suburban Melbourne.
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These are the huge logs missing mother Karen Ristevski's body lay wedged between for eight months after she disappeared
Ristevski's 'badly decomposed' remains were found on Mt Macedon, about 52 kilometres from her family home in suburban Melbourne
The fallen tree trunks she was hidden under were so big it was not possible to see her body unless you were standing directly above them.
A nearby resident and regular walker said he smelled a rancid stench in the area for months but assumed it was a dead kangaroo and never investigated, he told 3AW.
Police on Tuesday evening confirmed the body was Ms Ristevski's, having told her family to prepare for the worst the day before.
Her brother Stephen Williams reportedly also visited the scene on Monday for about two hours with a red rose in his back pocket.
The fallen tree trunks she was hidden under were so big it was not possible to see her body unless you were standing directly above them
Police on Tuesday evening confirmed the body was Ms Ristevski's (pictured here with husband Borce), having told her family to prepare for the worst the day before
Asked whether he had been told anything about the body, her stepson Anthony Rickard replied: 'What's to tell?' but did not answer further questions
Two detectives from the missing persons squad visited at her $1.1 million two-storey house in Avondale Heights, Melbourne, at about 4.45pm to break the news.
They spent about 50 minutes inside the house speaking to family including her husband of 25 years Borce, 52, and their daughter Sarah, 21, but did not answer questions as they left.
However, Mr Rickard gave a cryptic comment to Daily Mail Australia just before family flocked to the house to grieve.
Asked whether he had been told anything about the body, Mr Rickard replied: 'What's to tell?' but did not answer further questions.
The self-confessed ice addict has previously made unsubstantiated claims about his mother and family conflict within the Ristevski clan.
Police at the scene where a 'badly decomposed' body was found in Mount Macedon, north of Melbourne, on Monday afternoon
Ms Ristevski's phone reportedly pinged a tower in Gisborne - about 11 kilometres from the site - on the day she went missing
The discovery site is about 25 kilometres from the Toolern Vale area where police were searching for her last December
Ms Ristevski's aunt Patricia Gray earlier said the family was happy she was finally found but 'devastated that's how she was discarded'.
'How a person such as Karen, so full of love, life and laughter, could be left, abandoned, discarded with no thought or emotion shown is unforgivable,' she told The Age.
Her cousin Lisa Gray paid tribute to Ms Ristevski and vowed the family would do everything it could to help bring her killer to justice.
'Karen was such a beautiful, kind, generous and loving person,' she said.
'We will continue to do everything we can to assist police to help find the person responsible.'
Two detectives from the missing persons squad visited at her luxury two-storey house in Avondale Heights, Melbourne, at about 4.45pm to break the news
They spent about 50 minutes inside the house speaking to family including her husband Borce and their daughter Sarah, but did not answer questions as they left
Borce Ristevski's brother, Vasco, and his son, Chris - both who have spoken publicly about the death - arrived at the home about 6.30pm.
Chris Ristevski kept his phone glued to his face but neither answered questions. A blonde woman also rushed to the home after the news broke.
Another woman, who said she was just a neighbour, laid flowers at the entrance.
Ms Ristevski was said to have left the house for some fresh air' after a fight over finances with her husband Borce.
A blonde woman also rushed to the home after the news broke
Chris Ristevski, nephew of ms Ristevski, arrives at her home after hearing that her body was identified keeping his phone glued to his face
Another woman, who said she was just a neighbour, laid flowers at the entrance
Mr Ristevski's brother Vasco suggested she might have fled to the U.S. or China.
The discovery site is about 25 kilometres from the Toolern Vale area where police were searching for her last December.
Missing persons detectives are appealing for anyone who may have walked along the dirt track off Loch Road, or seen any vehicles, to get in touch.
Police were also requesting any people who took photos or videos in the area to contact them.
Another man arrives at the house to console the grieving family
A third man arrived at the Ristevski house after news of her remains being found broke
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said the remains were being taken for forensic tests to determine the cause of death.
Ms Ristevski's phone reportedly pinged a tower in Gisborne - about 11 kilometres from the site - on the day she went missing.
No one has yet been charged in relation to her body's discovery and police have not yet ruled it a murder.
Timeline of Karen Ristevski's mysterious disappearance June 29, 2016: Karen Ristevski disappears from her house on Oakley Drive in Avondale Heights, Melbourne, at about 10am. Her husband Borce, the last person to see her alive, said she went to 'clear her head' after a fight July 11: The missing persons squad is called in to investigate July 8, 2016: Mr Ristevski questioned by detectives and denied any involvement in her disappearance July 13: Actor Samuel Johnson took to social media to plead for his friend to come home July 13: Police and SES scour bushland behind the Ristevski home, near the Maribyrnong River July 14, 2016: Mr Ristevski is asked 'Did you kill Karen, Borce?' ending a press conference appealing for information about her disappearance. The same day, police said CCTV did not catch her leaving the house that morning July 21, 2016: Mr Ristevski claims their home's security cameras stoped working months before her disappearance July 23, 2016: Ms Ristevski's meth-addicted step-son Anthony Rickard, 32, claimed his stepmother was planning on leaving his father July 29: Police divers search another part of the Maribyrnong River, about three kilometres from the Ristevski house September 9, 2016: Neighbour hands police CCTV possibly showing Ms Ristevski's car on the day she disappeared August 11, 2016: Mr Rickard posted a series of disturbing and unsubstantiated messages to social media which revealed his troubled relationship with his family. He claimed their marriage was 'fake', called his father a 'coward', claimed he watched him do drugs and that he and Mrs Ristevski had an affair August 24, 2016: Mr Ristevski's brother Vasco suggested she might have fled to the U.S. or China on a fake passport December 19-20, 2016: Police drained dams and searched countryside at Toolern Vale - just south of where her body was found on Monday February 20, 2017: A bushwalker found the body under a large log on Mt Macedon, about 52 kilometres from the house, and contacted police about 12.30pm February 21, 2017: The body is confirmed to be Ms Ristevski's and police break the news to her family Advertisement
Mystery has surrounded the disappearance of Melbourne mother Karen Ristevski ever since she vanished on June 29, 2016.
Mrs Ristevski, 47, was last seen leaving her home on Oakley Drive in Avondale Heights in Melbourne's north-west following an argument with her husband.
Her boutique Bella Bleu closed in February last year, leander caveats put on the family home, and Borce tried to get a loan from a notorious Melbourne loan shark at least twice.
Since then police have followed up endless leads and searched various areas, but the 47-year-old has not been seen for almost eight months.
Ms Ristevski's daughter Sarah (L) and husband Borce (R) were reportedly devastated at hearing the body could be hers
Shortly after her disappearance, actor Samuel Johnson (L) took to social media to plead for his friend to come home
Her phone was switched off and her bank accounts have not been accessed since her disappearance.
Mrs Ristevski's husband Borce Ristevski was the last person to see her alive. He said she left their family home after a fight, and went for a walk to 'clear her head'.
Mr Ristevski was questioned by police immediately after his wife's disappearance, but was released a short time later pending further inquiries.
Shortly after her disappearance, actor Samuel Johnson took to social media to plead for his friend to come home.
Johnson, known for his lead role in TV series The Secret Life of Us, described Ms Ristevski as a 'sensitive, generous, intelligent and kind woman,' the Herald Sun reported at the time.
Ms Ristevski was a successful boutique shop proprietor living in a luxury two-storey house
Police mounted an extensive search for Ms Ristevski over many months but turned up nothing
During a press conference three weeks after the woman's disappearance, a reporter asked her husband whether he killed her.
'Did you kill Karen, Borce?' a Seven News journalist quizzed.
The family cut the media conference short and Mr Ristevski has consistently denied any involvement in his wife's disappearance.
That same week police revealed that CCTV cameras did not show Mrs Ristevski leaving her home on the day she disappeared.
Police have not suggested that Mr Ristevski has had anything to do with his wife's disappearance.
In the weeks after Mrs Ristevski's disappearance, SES crews, water police and police on motorbikes searched the Maribyrnong River and surrounding areas.
It was also reported by The Australian at the time that the family were struggling with their debts and on the verge of losing their home when she vanished.
The missing mother's brother Stephen Williams reportedly also visited the scene on Monday for about two hours with a red rose in his back pocket
Police and SES volunteers search for missing mother Karen Ristevski near Gisborne South northwest of Melbourne in December as part of the long search
A month after her disappearance Mrs Ristevski's meth-addicted step-son Anthony Rickard, 32, claimed his stepmother was planning on leaving his father.
Mr Rickard, a father-of-two who has been questioned by police in relation to the 47-year-old's disappearance, previously told the Herald Sun that he did not kill his stepmother, but that he is angry over a family conflict.
Then in August the 32-year-old posted a series of disturbing and unsubstantiated messages to social media which revealed his troubled relationship with his family.
Among a stream of violent and often incoherent messages Mr Rickard called his father a 'coward', claimed he watched him do drugs and that he and Mrs Ristevski had an affair.
Police divers search a river near Gisborne South northwest of Melbourne in December
No one has yet been charged in relation to her body's discovery and police have not yet ruled it a murder
Nephew Chris Ristevski told A Current Affair at the time that he was shocked his cousin, who has struggled with ice addiction, would stoop so low.
'It's outrageous - it's supposed to be his family.'
In September it was revealed that a car driving away from Mrs Ristevski's home on the day she disappeared closely resembled her own one.
CCTV footage captured by a neighbour's camera showed a car resembling the Melbourne mother's, the Herald Sun reported.
Then on December 19 and 20 last year, police drained dams and searched countryside at Toolern Vale - just south of where her body was found on Monday.
Consultant anaesthetist Emil Guirguis, 59, built a vile library of abusive images
A Christian doctor found with a sick haul of over 11,000 indecent images of children has launched a legal battle to have himself struck off the medical register.
Consultant anaesthetist Emil Guirguis, 59, built a vile library of abusive images after developing a 'compulsion' for child porn.
The church-goer's double life was exposed after a police raid, but he avoided jail and escaped with just a community rehabilitation order.
Now Guirguis, who took early retirement, has asked for his name to be struck off the register so that he can follow a career as a trader on the stock market.
During his trial, Stoke Crown Court heard how he used the internet search terms 'pre-teen hardcore' and 'paedo' to trawl for thousands of images of youngsters being abused by paedophiles.
The devout Christian - who volunteered his services as missionary in Africa - built an online library of pictures which he kept in folder entitled CP - which stood for 'child porn.'
But his secret double life was exposed when police raided his 400,000 home in Solihull, West Midlands and seized his computer equipment.
Officers also searched Guirguis' second home in Penkhull, Staffordshire, where they seized more electronic devices.
Police examined four lap tops and six computer hard drives and found more than 11,000 indecent images of children and 1,028 extreme pornographic images.
Guirguis initially claimed he had intended downloading adult porn but began looking at child pornography out of 'curiosity' before developing a 'compulsion' to continue downloading the images.
He denied getting any sexual gratification from the pictures claiming he did not realise what he was doing was illegal or that the victims were being abused.
Police found that Guirguis - who had volunteered as a missionary in Africa - had a sick haul of over 11,000 indecent images when they raided his two homes
Last October Guirguis who had worked for a total of 35 years at the Royal Stoke University Hospital and Birmingham Heartlands Hospital escaped with a three year community rehabilitation order after he admitted possessing and making indecent images of children and possessing extreme pornographic images.
But his case has been referred to the General Medical Council, where today the doctor himself - who has taken early retirement - applied to a disciplinary panel to strike him off.
The GMC could have taken a number of disciplinary routes at the tribunal, including a suspension, but it Guirguis decided to use the hearing as a platform to leave medicine on his own terms.
He told the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service in Manchester: 'I've been out of a practice for almost two years now, although I've developed a good level of skills and knowledge.
'I've decided not to proceed in medicine and have trained to do some sales work. I'm exploring the area of doing stocks and shares trading which has given me a chance to do self education.'
Guirguis said that he did not get any sexual gratification from the images and downloaded them after developing a 'compulsion' for child porn
He added: 'Of course I knew anything to do with child abuse is illegal - the act itself - but I was not aware that finding a picture on the screen of a computer is considered illegal.
'Now I'm in a totally different position, I do understand all the facts related to that. One of the elements was a lack of proper knowledge, or ignorance, on my part.
'I was asked whether I took a child protection course during my professional life. As I'm not a paediatric doctor I only did a basic course which is related to recognition of any signs that could indicate a child patient would be abused and then to raise awareness or reach the appropriate channels.
'That did not have any impact on what I have briefly seen on screens which I totally regret because I did not relate the picture on the screen to the actual moment of time when the abuse was happening.
Guirguis wants to be struck off the medical register and plans to embark on a career as a trader on the stock market
'I did discuss that with the counsellor and he referred to my description as 'lack of empathy' at that time. I did not relate the picture to the actual incident, now I do.
'I had to put myself in the position of the child and if I had the slightest degree of trying to live that moment I would have finished because it's unpleasant and it would have been very different. Why I did not do that I didn't fully understand until I was assess by a professional person'.
Earlier counsel for the GMC Miss Helena Duong said Guirguis was held in June 2015 after police from the child exploitation team carried out raids.
She said: 'A number of electronic devices were seized and they found a large number of indecent images both still and moving of children. Dr Guirguis had made a self referral and the images relate to a large amount of photographs and videos.
'In summary there were over 11,000 indecent images of children and it was also apparent that Dr Guirguis had used file sharing software to download indecent images. A folder was created by the user, Dr Guirguis, entitled 'CP' and the police suggest that means 'child porn'.
'He said he had used the file sharing software to download movies and adult porn and he described looking at some of the child pornography out of curiosity but not saving them. He described a compulsion to continue downloading them images but not getting any sexual gratification.'
In total, 1,618 images of category A - the most serious were recovered; 1,072 at category B; 8,320 at category C; and 1,028 extreme pornographic images. The images showed children in pain and visibly distressed as they were being sexually abused.
The MPTS hearing continues.
A builder who torched former AFL star Dane Swan's historic Melbourne hotel and caused millions of dollars' damage said he was in a panic to finish renovations.
Andrew McMahon has pleaded guilty to arson after he set fire last October to south Melbourne's Albion hotel which he had been contracted to renovate.
On Tuesday, the County Court heard McMahon admitted being in a panic to finish the work three weeks before the hotel's official launch.
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Andrew McMahon has pleaded guilty to arson after he set fire last October to South Melbourne's Albion hotel
The fire caused more than $5 million damage to the three-storey building
McMahon torched the historic Melbourne hotel because 'he was in a panic to finish renovations'
'I am sorry, I just thought this would buy me some time,' McMahon told police.
'I was just in a panic.'
The fire caused more than $5 million damage to the three-storey building, which is more than 150 years old.
The cost of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade call-out was $336,000.
Prosecutor John Livitsanos said McMahon set the building alight 18 days before the hotel's official launch party, to which thousands of people had been invited.
The Albion Hotel is part-owned by former AFL star Dane Swan (pictured)
The cost of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade call-out to the fire was $336,000
McMahon set the building alight 18 days before the hotel's official launch party
Andrew McMahon (pictured left) had been contracted to renovate the Albion Hotel
CCTV footage was played to the court showing the accused circling the building on the day it was torched.
When he finally gained access, he set it alight with a match.
McMahon then called 000 to report the fire, claiming he was assaulted by two masked males as he investigated what he thought was a burglary.
The fire was later deemed deliberate and the accused's injuries were believed self-inflicted.
The defence has called clinical psychologist Patrick Newton to give evidence during the plea hearing.
In his report to the court, Mr Newton said anxiety affected McMahon's ability to think clearly about his conduct and his options, and this detrimentally affected his decisions.
The plea is continuing.
A charity has named a toilet block in Gambia after MP Simon Danczuk in a tongue-in-cheek swipe following a row over donations.
London-based Sohm Schools Support dubbed the facilities the 'Simon Danczuk Toilet Block' as part of their programme to improve two schools in a tiny village.
Charity founder and trustee John Walker had initially vowed to name a more prestigious school building in Sohm after the Labour MP for Rochdale.
London-based Sohm Schools Support dubbed the facilities the 'Simon Danczuk Toilet Block' as part of their programme to improve two schools in a tiny village
Grand opening: The charity has named the toilet block in Gambia after Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk in a tongue-in-cheek swipe following a row over donations
It came after they met in 2012 to discuss background information for Mr Danczuk's book 'Smile for the Camera: The Double Life of Cyril Smith'.
But the 69-year-old claims he never got a charity donation in response for his help - and chose to name the school's toilet after the MP following the disagreement.
Mr Walker, who lives in London, said: 'I never had any financial interest in Simon's book but I would have appreciated a charitable donation as recognition for my work.
'I told Simon if he put a couple of grand our way I would be happy to name a building after him.
'But I never received a donation from him so, given the way I felt about it, I thought that toilet block would be appropriate instead.
'It's great that these toilets are up and running and very much appreciated by the students and you can see it on their delighted faces - they are flushed with pride.
Cutting the ribbon: The charity's founder claims he never got a donation in response for his help with Mr Danczuk's book - and chose to name the school's toilet after the MP
Disagreement: Charity founder and trustee John Walker (left) had initially vowed to name a more prestigious school building in Sohm after the Labour MP for Rochdale (right)
'It's a hard squeeze getting money to help these schools but Mr Danczuk's small deposit was a movement in the right direction.
'One of the students told me that when they go to the toilet they now ask if they can "go to the Danczuk".'
One of the students told me that when they go to the toilet they now ask if they can 'go to the Danczuk' John Walker, Sohm Schools Support
Former journalist Mr Walker previously worked for the Rochdale Alternative Paper, which first exposed paedophile politician Cyril Smith back in 1979.
The allegations resurfaced following the former Liberal Democrat's death aged 82 in 2010.
Mr Walker claims after meeting with Mr Danczuk to discuss a book on the politician, he requested a donation as recognition for the information he provided.
He said the cash would have be used to develop a building for one of the schools, such as a science or computer block, that could be named in Mr Danczuk's honour.
Mr Walker claims after meeting with Mr Danczuk to discuss a book on the politician, he requested a donation as recognition for the information he provided
Unveiling: Mr Walker vowed to use a 250 donation to name the toilet block after Mr Danczuk and he unveiled it on a trip on Tuesday last week
But Mr Walker alleges he never got a donation from Mr Danczuk directly - although the book's publisher did give him 250 for the use of a reconstruction of the Rochdale Alternative Paper's front-page expose on Smith on the paperback cover.
Mr Walker, who was acknowledged in the book's foreword along with the paper's co-editor David Bartlett, then vowed to use the donation to name the toilet block after Mr Danczuk and he unveiled it on a trip on Tuesday last week.
Mr Danczuk confirmed he met Mr Walker twice before the book was written but said the trustee had nothing to do with the book - and so did not receive a donation.
However, he added that Mr Walker was acknowledged in its foreword because of the part he played in helping uncover Smith's wrongdoing.
Mr Danczuk said: 'My book has given countless victims of abuse the confidence to come forward and seek justice for the horrific crimes committed against them, and has shone a light on the darker side of Westminster.
'I am sorry for Mr Walker who is clearly confused about his involvement with authoring the book, which evidently has contributed an awful lot to raising the issue of child abuse and continues to help victims deal with their traumatic past.'
A jealous chef was jailed for a minimum of 18 years today for beating his millionaire heiress Chinese girlfriend to death over a phone message from another man.
Jordan Matthews, 23, who claimed to be a black belt in karate, was convicted of murdering Xixi Bi, 24, whose brother says he has 'ripped the heart' out of his family.
His victim moved to Britain for her education and was in line to take over the multi-million pound family business back in Nanjing, China, when she completed her masters in International Business.
But she fell under Matthews' spell in 2015 and would use her wealth to lavish him with gifts and luxury trips abroad.
Before she died the 'brilliant student' was missing lectures because of his months of 'controlling and coercive behaviour' and her weight had also plummeted to 7st.
Xixi went to hospital with a broken jaw a month before she died in August last year and was killed when Matthews flew into a rage after wrongly suspecting her of getting a text message from another man and left her with catastrophic injuries.
Killer: Jordan Matthews, 23, left, a black belt in karate, was jailed for at least 18 years for murdering his wealthy Chinese girlfriend Xixi Bi, 24, right
Abusive: During their relationship Xixi's fell to just 7st and the 'brilliant student' was missing lectures because of his months of 'controlling and coercive behaviour'
As he was jailed for life with a minimum 18 years today her brother Zexun told the court Matthews had 'ripped the heart' of his family.
Chinese media have reported that Xixi's father is a billionaire transport mogul in the food industry.
Her brother told the court in a statement: 'Xixi was needlessly and selfishly killed by Jordan Matthews, a person which she trusted.
'Xixi was a kind, friendly, approachable person. She was intelligent and had the whole world in front of her.
'My father and mother will never get to see Xixi get married, and won't get the opportunity to hand over the running of the company.
'The company was a multi million pound company, and Xixi was in line to take over that company.
'The heart has been ripped out of our family. We as a family will never come to terms with our loss, and Xixi will always be in our hearts however broken they are.'
When Xixi was brutally killed on August 19 last year Matthews claimed he and his girlfriend of 16 months had just had a 'bicker' and called 999 to say she was struggling to breathe.
But when paramedics arrived her body was so battered and bruised one medic thought she was already dead. She died in hospital the next day.
His victim, who bankrolled his lifestyle and trips across Europe, called her a 'worthless piece of s**t' and would tell her he would hit her if she did not perform sex acts on him.
Mrs Justice Davies outlined the abusive relationship between Matthews and Miss Bi from when they met in April 2015.
She said: 'Xixi Bi was a generous and loving young woman.
'When you met Xixi you were unemployed. She was the daughter of wealthy parents living in China.
'She came to the UK for her education ... Xixi provided you with a home, clothing, she bought a car for you. You took what she gave.'
Anger: Matthews has been labelled 'selfish, mindless and gutless' by Miss Bi's family today
Miss Bi's studies started to suffer after she began a relationship with Matthews (pictured together), and he lived off her money and enjoyed trips across Europe
Matthews, 24, called the 999 operator 'darling' as he explained he had been 'really, really horrible' to his diminutive girlfriend - in fact he had rained dozens of blows on her, causing 'massive bruising' and multiple fractures.
His trial heard she went into cardiac arrest at 8.30am on August 19 last year because of complications from her multiple injuries.
After his arrest denied murdering Miss Bi, 24, but pleaded guilty to manslaughter, insisting he had not meant to kill her.
Matthews' texts to his girlfriend revealed he called her a 'worthless piece of s**t' and would beat her around the head
But on Friday a jury found him guilty of murder after a 10-day trial at Cardiff Crown Court.
Born in China, Miss Bi was educated in the UK from the age of 15 and was a post-graduate student at Cardiff Metropolitan University at the time of her death.
Matthews has been labelled 'selfish, mindless and gutless' by Miss Bi's family today, who described her as an 'intelligent and energetic person who had a very bright future and her whole life in front of her'.
In a statement released by South Wales Police, they said she was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister and friend.
'All this was taken away from her, and us, by the selfish, mindless and gutless actions of Jordan Mathews, who brutally killed her for no other reason than jealousy,' they said.
'He has wallowed in self-pity and refused to accept the truth.
'This has meant that we have had to endure having to hear the events of Xixi's death played out in the public arena of the crown court and the media.
'The heart has been ripped out of our family.'
The family thanked the police and the prosecution for their work to ensure 'justice has been done'.
They added: 'We accept the decision of the court and hope that the sentence imposed upon Jordan Mathews will prevent him ever having the opportunity to hurt anyone else and give him time to reflect on his actions.'
Detective chief inspector Gareth Morgan, said Miss Bi 'was enjoying her life living and studying in Cardiff, but that tragically changed when she met Jordan Matthews'.
He said Matthews identified her vulnerabilities and manipulated them with his 'controlling and coercive behaviour which escalated into extreme and sustained violence that led to her death'.
She met Matthews in April 2015 on the dating website Plenty of Fish and they moved in together soon after.
The couple lived first in her apartment at the Hayes in Cardiff city centre before moving to France together so Miss Bi could improve her language skills.
Matthews, who repeated over and over in his police interview how much he had loved his 'amazing girl', said that was the first time he had been abroad.
They returned to South Wales after her visa was rejected and moved into the Ely Road flat in the Llandaff area of the city, which the jury heard was not as nice as Miss Bi was used to.
During their relationship, Miss Bi lost contact with her ex-boyfriend, lost weight, stopped taking care of her appearance and became 'quiet, withdrawn and submissive', according to friends.
Her attendance on her university course dropped and she was forced to resit a year after missing a number of deadlines.
The polyglot, who spoke excellent English, French and Spanish, supported Matthews financially, paying for his clothes, food, accommodation and a car.
Evidence: The day before Miss Bi's death, the student (left and right) had travelled to London to visit a friend who spotted bruising on her face. A month before that she suffered a broken jaw
Lies: A transcript of Matthews' (left) police interview was read out to the jury at Cardiff Crown Court in which he said: 'The last thing I would ever do to my beautiful Bi is kill her'
Meanwhile, her brother said he saw her she wearing very heavy make-up with what looked like bruises underneath and neighbours reported hearing the sound of arguing coming from their ground-floor flat.
She was admitted to hospital the month before her death for surgery on a broken jaw, which she claimed happened when she fell down stairs while wearing heels at home.
TIMELINE OF TORMENT: XIXI BI AND MATTHEWS'S TURBULENT RELATIONSHIP Jordan Matthews and Xixi Bi met on dating site Plenty Of Fish in April 2015. This is how their relationship developed: April 2015 - Matthews and Ms Bi go on a date in Cardiff after meeting online and move in together soon afterwards. March 2016 - The couple have an argument and Matthews sends his girlfriend a message calling her a 'worthless piece of s***'. May 2016 - The victim's brother Zexun Bi notices bruising around her eyes, which she has tried to cover with make-up. Two months later, Ms Bi is admitted to hospital for surgery on her jaw and tells doctors she fell down stairs at home, despite living in a ground-floor flat. August 18 - She spends the day in London with a friend, but Matthews becomes convinced she is cheating on him. August 19, 1.30am - After Matthews picks her up from Cardiff Central station, the fatal assault begins. Matthews claims it lasts for 10 minutes but a neighbour reports hearing crying all night. August 19, 8.30am - Matthews makes a 999 call, telling the call handler: 'Me and her had a bicker last night.' Paramedics arrive and find Ms Bi lying on the bedroom floor as Matthews claims: 'I didn't punch her.' She is pronounced dead in hospital an hour later. Advertisement
The jury heard messages sent between the pair, which included one where Matthews said to Miss Bi: 'F*** you. Stop texting me you worthless piece of s**t.
'You never do anything right. I can't be bothered texting you.'
In another he said: 'I have to hit you repeatedly in the head while screaming at you.'
On the day before she was killed, Miss Bi, who weighed 7st 9lb, arrived back in Cardiff from a trip to London at around midnight and was picked up by Matthews.
They went for something to eat before returning home, where a neighbour was woken at 1am by the sound of a male voice shouting, noises that she told police continued throughout the night.
Paul Lewis, QC, prosecuting, said a post-mortem examination showed Miss Bi had suffered 'numerous and widespread' bruises over her head, face, shoulders, chest, arms and legs, which indicated multiple 'blunt impacts' by fist, knee or foot.
Other bruises were caused by a rod or stick-like weapon, he added.
'The defendant beat Miss Bi to death in her own home and in a vicious, sustained and prolonged attack that he launched upon her,' he said.
As well as new injuries, which included a broken jaw and broken ribs, she was also found to have a number of healing injuries.
Matthews was arrested and told officers he became violent after he saw what he thought was a dating app message on Miss Bi's phone.
He claimed they had argued 'four' times during their relationship but that he had never hit her before.
After hitting her on the night before she died, they made up and had sexual intercourse, he said, adding 'make-up sex was always better than normal sex anyway'.
Matthews told police he had been planning to propose to Miss Bi and offered to show them the ring.
When a ten-year-old girl in Ohio got stuck with her mathematics homework she turned to the police for help.
Surprisingly, an officer was happy to oblige - but unfortunately he ended up answering one of the questions incorrectly.
Lena Draper sent a message to the Marion Police Department's Facebook page after struggling with her fifth-grade maths assignment.
Instead of ignoring her request Lieutenant B.J. Gruber, the officer who runs the page, tried to help.
Lena Draper sent a message to the Marion Police Department's Facebook Page after struggling with her fifth-grade maths assignment
Lena (pictured) asked the police for help with her maths assignment on Facebook
Lena started to list some maths problems, saying 'well I don't understand [8+29] x 15.'
The officer responded: 'Do the numbers in the parenthesis first so in essence it would be 37 x 15.'
The 10-year-old then asked the officer: 'Ok now if I had this (90+27) + (29+15) x 2. Which one would I do first?'
To that, the officer said: 'Take the answer from the first parenthesis plus the answer from the second parenthesis and multiply that answer times two.
'Work left to right doing the work inside the parenthesis first.'
Unfortunately, as some Facebook users pointed out, the officer's advice turned out to be wrong.
The correct answer is to add the numbers in the second parentheses and multiply only that by 2, then add it to the numbers in the first parentheses.
Instead of ignoring Lena's request Lieutenant B.J. Gruber, the officer who runs the page, tried to help
MATHS EQUATION For those in need of math equation help, remember the acronym PEMDAS, which stands for parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition and subtraction - the order in which mathematical operations should be performed in an equation. Advertisement
Her mother, Molly, told ABC News: 'I didn't believe her and asked for a screen shot. I thought it was pretty funny. And I love that they went ahead with it.
'I was happy, but not surprised that they responded so quickly. They are wonderful with their communication with the community.'
She added: 'I thought it was just a goofy life moment to share with some friends, but it seems to really be striking a chord with people.'
After the error was pointing out to him, Gruber joked: 'Hoping it is truly the thought that counts since apparently I cannot!
'Especially since the answer was wrong, it was very nice for Molly to acknowledge our attempt to help her daughter with some math homework.'
A High Court judge has concluded a businessman dubbed 'Africa's youngest billionaire' lied during the latest stage of a cash battle with his estranged wife.
Ashish Thakkar and travel journalist Meera Manek, who are both in their 30s, separated in 2013 after four years of marriage and disagree on the size of the fortune at stake.
He says he has assets totalling less than 500,000 but Miss Manek says he is a billionaire.
Ashish Thakkar repeatedly lied during a battle over his disputed fortune, a judge has found
Meera Manek, 33, who separated from Mr Thakkar in 2013 after four years of marriage, says he is hiding money from her
Mr Justice Moor had been asked to make decisions about who owned business assets.
He heard Mr Thakkar had 'joined forces' with his parents and other family members to create a collection of companies known as the Mara Group.
The judge was told the 'beneficial ownership' of that holding company was hotly disputed.
The judge has now concluded Mr Thakkar, who has worked with former Barclays Bank chief executive Bob Diamond, has a 100% interest in the Mara Group.
He has also concluded Mr Thakkar has a 100% interest in a group called Inspire Holdings.
The judge said Mr Thakkar and two relatives 'repeatedly lied' when giving evidence at a recent family court trial in London.
He is expected to make decisions on how much cash Miss Manek should get after further hearings.
Mr Thakkar, pictured with Hollywood star Sean Penn, will be told how much he should pay Ms Manek at a hearing expected later this year
Mr Thakkar (pictured skydiving) has a 100% interest in two companies, the judge found today
The judge said he heard evidence from Mr Thakkar, 35, Mr Thakkar's father, Jagdish, 68, and Mr Thakkar's sister Ahuti, 41.
He added: 'I find I have been repeatedly lied to by all three respondent Thakkar witnesses.'
A spokesman for Mr Thakkar said today the businessman had 'no comment'.
In July, Mr Thakkar lost an opening skirmish when Mr Justice Moor ruled the couple should not finalise a divorce until decisions had been made on how much Miss Manek would walk away with.
The judge said Miss Manek might be at a disadvantage if she was fighting as an ex-wife rather than a wife.
Mr Justice Moor has heard how Mr Thakkar's parents were forced to leave Uganda in the early 1970s to escape Idi Amin's exile of the 'non-African community'.
A High Court judge was asked to rule on the situation ahead of a battle over the money
They had lost everything and 'started again' in the UK, working in factories and then setting up their own business, lawyers said.
Mr Thakkar was born in Leicester in 1981. His family returned to Africa in 1993 and settled in Rwanda, shortly before hundreds of thousands were killed in a genocide. He saw atrocities as a teenager.
He and his family were evacuated to Hotel des Mille Collines, the hotel in the film Hotel Rwanda, before escaping to Kenya and settling in Uganda.
The judge was told Mr Thakkar left school at 15 with no qualifications and started to trade in computer hardware after his parents lent him about 3,500.
Financial journalists have described Mr Thakkar as 'Africa's youngest billionaire'.
In June 2014, he featured in a Financial Times article which indicated Mr Thakkar had been described as Africa's 'youngest dollar billionaire'. Mr Thakkar told the newspaper: 'I don't like the 'Africa's youngest billionaire' title.'
Riots have broken out in the Swedish suburb that Donald Trump referred to in his speech about immigration problems.
Police were forced to fire warning shots after a group of rioters began setting fire to cars, throwing stones at police and looting shops in the Rinkeby district of Stockholm on Monday night.
A police officer was injured during the clashes, Swedish public service broadcaster SVT reported.
Donald Trump made his confusing remarks about immigration in Sweden at his Florida rally on Saturday.
Trump was initially thought to be talking about terrorism when he warned of 'what's happening last night in Sweden'.
Riots have broken out in the Swedish suburb that Donald Trump referred to in his speech about immigration problems
Donald Trump made his confusing remarks about immigration in Sweden at his Florida rally
But he later claimed he was talking about an edition of Fox News' Tucker Carlson Tonight about immigrant crime in the Scandinavian country.
Trump was mocked widely for his Florida speech, in which he said: 'You look at what's happening in Germany, you look at what's happening last night in Sweden.
'Sweden. Who would believe this? Sweden. They took in large numbers. They're having problems like they never thought possible.'
He later clarified on Twitter that he was denying 'fake news' claims that 'large scale immigration in Sweden is working out just beautifully.'
Police said in a statement that at least seven or eight cars were burned in the district, which has one of the largest immigrant populations in Stockholm, during Monday's disorder.
A police officer was injured during the clashes, according to Swedish public service broadcaster SVT
Police said in a statement that at least seven or eight cars were burned in the district, which has one of the largest immigrant populations in Stockholm
Police later said they suspected that cars had been set on fire to lure them to the scene.
A photographer from the Dagens Nyheter newspaper also claimed that he spent a night in hospital after he was assaulted by a group of 15 people in Rinkeby as he attempted to report the unrest.
'I was hit with a lot of punches and kicks both to my body and my head. I have spent the night in hospital,' he said.
A shopkeeper was also reportedly beaten while trying to protect his store, while another person was also beaten, with both taken to hospital for treatment.
Police later said they suspected that cars had been set on fire to lure them to the scene
Police said between 30 and 50 young men were involved in the violence, which saw two civilians and a police officer taken to hospital
The disorder reportedly broke out after police arrested a wanted person, believed to be a drug dealer, at the subway station in Rinkeby at about 8pm that night.
'It happened in connection with an intervention near the metro station, the officers were to detain a person, our colleagues got stones thrown at them' Eva Nilsson at the police regional command center in Stockholm told Aftonbladet.
While it was initially reported that police had fired warning shots, national public broadcaster SVT later said that the officers, in fact, fired directly at the rioters.
The suburb, north of central Stockholm, has a population made up of 75 per cent immigrants
'That is correct. According to initial reports it was warning shots, however the officers did indeed fire directly at the stone throwers but missed their targets', police chief Tony Lagerkrantz told SVT.
Stockholm police spokesperson Lars Bystrom, said officers were unclear exactly how many people had been involved in the riot, but estimated that the number was between 30 and 50 young men.
'Some may have disappeared, others have been added, it is difficult to get a handle on how many exactly,' he told SVT. 'We have a fairly large number of police officers trained to handle this type of a situation.'
Officers managed to get the violence under control by around midnight, and have now launched an investigation in an attempt to track down those responsible for the disorder.
The disorder reportedly broke out after police arrested a wanted person, believed to be a drug dealer, at the subway station in Rinkeby
Officers managed to get the violence under control by around midnight, and have now launched an investigation
The suburb, north of central Stockholm, has a population made up of 75 per cent immigrants.
'We will make sure to reestablish law and order,' Lars Bystrom, press officer at the Stockholm police told Aftonbladet.
Swedish Minister of Interior Anders Ygeman added: 'The police do not back out, the police are there. It is good that the police intervene, they arrested a wanted person.
'They have expanded their presence in our suburbs and it has led to more interventions, it can also risk getting a bit messy, but in the end it leads to greater security for the residents', he told the national daily SVD.
Milo Yiannopoulos lost his $250,000 book deal on Monday in light of his comments that appear to defend pedofiles
The head of the American Conservative Union is defending his decision to invite controversial speaker Milo Yiannopoulos to the annual CPAC conference even though he withdrew the invitation after videos containing 'out of bounds' comments emerged.
Matt Schlapp, who heads the ACU, told MSNBC's 'Morning Joe,' indicated he was aware of anti-Semitic statements by Yiannopoulos, but decided to invite him to highlight campus free speech issues.
'I think when it comes to what he does on campus You have a right to be heard in America and you have a right to be heard on campus. And its not fair on campus that just voices that emanate from the left seem to be cherished and not voices from the right,' Shlapp said.
But he took back the invitation after videos came out where Yiannopoulis described the benefits of 'coming of age relationships' though the outspoken conservative said he was not defending pedophilia.
'There are boundaries, and over the weekend I was made aware of these comments and it just broke though very important boundaries and we felt like the CPAC stage was not an appropriate place for this any longer,' said Schlapp.
Yiannopoulos, Breitbart's Technology Editor, lost his $250,000 book deal on Monday after video was leaked that showed the alt-right poster boy appearing to defend pedophilia.
Publisher Simon & Schuster said: 'After careful consideration, Simon & Schuster and its Threshold Editions imprint have canceled publication of Dangerous by Milo Yiannopoulos.'
Shclapp said he issued the invitation after meeting with Yiannopoulos.
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Matt Schlapp defended the decision to invite Milo Yiannopoulos to the annual CPAC conference, although the invitation got rescinded
Milo Yiannopoulos claimed he was not defending pedophilia when he said some younger boys could benefit by coming involved in a consensual relationship with an older man. He has now been banned from speaking at the Conservative Political Action Committee conference
'I made the decision. he came to see me. He wanted to give some remarks about his experience on campus where he is often shut down, and there was so much press around his attempt to speak at Berkeley. We think that what happens with these speech codes and the chilling of free speech on campus is un-American, its wrong and hes brave to stand up in those situations.'
Host Joe Scarborough then pressed him on why CPAC couldn't get someone 'that's not an anti-Semite' to speak.
'Joe, its a fair point,' Schlapp responded. 'But the other point is that whether we like it or not he is a big voice in this movement. And we believe that our attendees can handle it and make their own judgments on whether or not they think a speaker is saying what is accurate or being inaccurate or being hateful. I dont want to shield that kind of conversation from our attendees.'
'As a matter of fact a lot of our attendees want to have these kind of choices before them and make their own choices, he said.'
In just one of his incendiary comments, Yiannopoulos told a Minnesota State University crowd that BuzzFeed News media writer Joe Bernstein represents a typical example of a sort of thick-as-pig s*** media Jew, who has all these sort of right, P.C. politics,' the Forward reported.
'Morning Joe' cohost Mike Barnacle tried to give Shlapp a way to back away from his comments supporting the decision to bring Yiannopoulos to the annual conservative confab.
'We like you here. Youre a nice guy. Were gonna give you a chance. You described a few mins ago Milo Yiannopoulos as being brave. You wanna take that back?'
'No. I think when it comes to what he does on campus You have a right to be heard in America,' he said.
'Im comfortable with putting it on the stage and having that conversation having that debate,' he said. 'He was going to have to answer all the tough questions by a moderator who had thought through these controversial statements and was going to challenge him on it.'
'Dangerous' was set to be published under Threshold Editions, the conservative branch of the publisher according to USA Today.
The book deal received backlash since the announcement in January, with many on social media threatening to boycott the publisher.
Yiannopoulos's lewd comments saying relationships in which 'older men help those young boys to discover who they are' seemed to have pushed the company to back out.
After the announcement, the 33-year-old speaker posted on Facebook: 'They canceled my book.'
Milo Yiannopoulos reacted to publisher Simon & Schuster cancelling his book deal
The 'Dangerous' author would have been paid $250,000 for the book
And minutes later: 'I've gone through worse. This will not defeat me.'
On Tuesday, he is slated to hold a press conference about the comments at 3pm in New York City.
The 'Dangerous' author also published and deleted a 10 minute Facebook video emphasizing he wished he had used the term young men as opposed to young boys during 'The Drunken Peasants' clip.
The video of the comments resurfaced after he was slated to speak at the Conservative Political Action Committee.
Just six days ago, Yiannopoulos the wrote on Instagram: 'I asked my publisher, Threshold Editions, for more time to submit the manuscript for DANGEROUS so I could include material about the craziness and rioting at UC Berkeley, UC Davis and UW Seattle.'
'Dangerous' was set to be released on March 14 but was pushed back to June 13.
When the book hit number one on Amazon's best sellers last month, Yiannopoulos posted on Instagram: 'I only know how to win.'
Earlier, Yiannopoulos has been uninvited from the the Conservative Political Action Committee conference because of his comments on gay relationships between boys and older men.
The conservative firebrand was told he will not be able to attend the event this weekend by Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union.
He released a statement on Monday saying his invite was 'rescinded' after the 'offensive' video surfaced.
'We realize that Mr. Yiannopoulos has responded on Facebook, but it is insufficient, he added.
'It is up to him to answer the tough questions and we urge him to immediately further address these disturbing comments.'
The move comes just hours after Yiannopoulos strongly denied that he was defending pedophilia with his comments.
On Monday, he wrote on Facebook: 'I'm partly to blame. My own experiences as a victim led me to believe I could say anything I wanted to on this subject, no matter how outrageous.
'But I understand that my usual blend of British sarcasm, provocation and gallows humor might have come across as flippancy, a lack of care for other victims or, worse, "advocacy." I deeply regret that. People deal with things from their past in different ways.'
The conservative-leaning Reagan Battalion released footage of the online discussion
The conservative firebrand was told he will not be able to attend the event this weekend by Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union. He released a statement on Monday saying his invite was 'rescinded' after the 'offensive' video surfaced
Beitbart's News Editor was taking part in a debate between several American men, one of whom was wearing a superhero-style mask, when he defended 'coming of age' relationships.
A five-minute edited tape of the discussion was posted online forcing the controversial media star to clarify his comments.
Yiannopoulos was due to address the annual Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington this weekend.
After the footage was released, conservatives called for him to be banned.
During the online discussion, Yiannopoulos said: 'This is a controversial view, I accept. But we get caught up in this whole child abuse thing even to the extent we are policing consensual relationships between consenting adults, such as grad students and professors at universities.
'The whole consent thing is not as black and white as people try and paint it.'
Yiannopoulos agreed that the age of consent was 'roughly' at the right age.
Yiannopoulos wrote a second apology on Facebook on Monday. He said that he was abused as a child and felt he could speak freely on the topic
Yiannopulos is due to address the Conservative Political Action Conference 2017
The controversial columnist is often greeted by protests, such as this one earlier this month in Berkeley, California where he was forced to cancel a planned speech due to the demonstration
He continued: 'There are certainly people who are capable of giving consent at a younger age. I would certainly consider myself to be one of them, people who are sexually active younger.
'I think it particularly happens in the gay world, by the way. In many cases actually, those relationships this is one of the reasons I hate the left. This one-size-fits-all policing of culture. This arbitrary and oppressive idea of consent, which totally destroys, you know, the understanding that many of us have, of the complexities, subtleties and complicated nature of many relationships.
People are messy and complex, particularly in the homosexual world. Some of those relationships between younger boys and older men, the sort of coming of age relationships, the relationships in which those older men help those young boys to discover who they are, and give them security and safety and provide them with love and a reliable rock where they cant speak to their parents.'
Yiannopoulos said: 'Pedophilia is not a sexual attraction to somebody 13 years old who is sexually mature. Pedophilia is attraction to children who have not reached puberty. Pedophilia is an attraction to people who dont have functioning sex organs yet, who have not gone through puberty, who are too young to understand about the bodies. That is not what we are talking about.
You dont understand what pedophilia is if you thing Im defending it, because Im certainly not.'
Yiannopoulos suggested a relationship between 'younger boys and older men' can be 'hugely positive experiences for the young boys' saving them from possible 'suicide and drugs'
Yiannopouloswrote an 'apology' titled a 'note for idiots' on Sunday. He insisted he does not support pedophilia and mentioned sex criminals he had 'outed' during his career
Yiannopoulos claimed some teenagers could find a relationship with an older man quite beneficial.
He added: 'In the gay world, some of the most enriching and incredibly life-affirming and shaping relationships, very often between younger boys and older men, can be hugely positive experiences for those young boys. They can save those young boys from desolation, suicide and drug addiction, all sorts of things, providing theyre consensual.'
Later, Yiannopoulos wrote on Facebook blaming deceptive editing and his own 'sloppy phrasing' for any indication he supported pedophilia.
He said he spoke of his own relationship when he was 17 with a man who was 29. The age of consent in the UK is 16.
It's unclear who edited the videos.
The video was published by the Reagan Battalion, a blog that describes itself as 'news, information, commentary, from a conservative perspective'.
According to a Facebook post, Yiannopoulos insisted he should have used the term young men as opposed to young boys.
According to a statement on The Daily Caller, Yiannopoulos attempted to defuse the scandal.
He said: 'I do not support pedophilia. Period. It is a vile and disgusting crime, perhaps the very worst. There are selectively edited videos doing the rounds, as part of a co-ordinated effort to discredit me from establishment Republicans, that suggest I am soft on the subject.'
He added: 'I did say that there are relationships between younger men and older men that can help a young gay man escape from a lack of support or understanding at home. Thats perfectly true and every gay man knows it. But I was not talking about anything illegal and I was not referring to pre-pubescent boys.
'I shouldnt have used the word "boy" when I talked about those relationships between older men and younger gay men.'
Yiannopoulos suggested there may be an ulterior motive in trying to ban him from the event this weekend.
He added: 'This rush to judgment from establishment conservatives who hate Trump as much as they hate me, before I have had any chance to provide context or a response, is one of the big reasons gays vote Democrat.'
Vicar David Fletcher is alleged to have abused a boy while he was a teacher in Bradford during the 1980s and 1990s
A former headteacher who went on to become a Church of England vicar has been accused of sexually abusing a boy for seven years.
David Fletcher, 63, is alleged to have indecently touched the youngster, who was between nine and 15, from the late 1980s and into the 1990s before targeting him again when he was an adult.
During this period Fletcher, who is currently a vicar in East Yorkshire, was deputy headteacher at a primary school and later a headteacher of a secondary school in Bradford.
A man said Fletcher touched him indecently before thrusting his body at him and 'snogging' him.
The complainant has also accused the vicar of sexually assaulting him in a kitchen on a date between 2009 and 2011.
Fletcher denies seven allegations of indecent assault, relating to a child aged between nine and 15, and a charge of sexually assaulting the same complainant on a single occasion when he was an adult.
Bradford Crown Court heard that the complainant had looked on Fletcher as a 'father figure' because his own father was not around.
He has accused Fletcher, now living in Driffield, East Yorkshire of putting his hands up his shirt and touching him indecently.
Prosecuting, Ian Howard said Fletcher inveigled his way into the boy's life, gaining his trust to abuse him.
Mr Howard also told the jury the complainant had also accused a former vicar at St Oswald's Church, Australian national Graham Doyle, of sexually abusing him; however, he was not in court.
Mr Howard said: 'The Rev Doyle is out of the jurisdiction, beyond our shores. He is not being prosecuted.'
A man has accused Fletcher of touching him indecently and 'snogging him' during an alleged attack while he was a child
The court heard that Fletcher changed career paths in 2001 when he was ordained into the Church of England priesthood and became vicar.
It was alleged that years afterwards Fletcher 'came on to' the complainant, then an adult, trying to kiss and touch him.
The man went to the police with his accusations about Fletcher and Doyle in 2014.
When he was arrested by the police, Fletcher denied all the allegations.
Giving evidence to the court by video link, the complainant said he had been a boy searching for a father figure and at the time he thought he had found 'his perfect family'.
He said: 'I respected him and wanted to be loved as part of a family.
Of Fletcher he said: 'He used to kiss me like a girl.'
The man said he was abused by Fletcher when he went to his home at Queensbury to help feed and clean out the goats on the family's smallholding.
The man has also alleged that Graham Doyle would watch him shower and sexually abuse him when he was 12 or 13.
He said: 'Psychologically, I am in a mess because of them.'
Cross-examined by defence barrister Rodney Ferm, the alleged victim agreed he was physically much stronger than Fletcher but said he still felt terrified of him.
The man, who is now married with children, said he had sung in a church choir as a child and was still religious, although he no longer attended church.
The trial continues.
A British DJ accused of murdering a police officer in Bali did not intend to kill him, Indonesian prosecutors have admitted.
Prosecutors on the island have now requested that judges find David Taylor convincingly guilty of fatal group assault, rather than murder. They recommend that Taylor serve eight years in prison.
Taylor, 34, who is also known as DJ Nutzo, confessed to attacking police officer Wayan Sudarsa with a large beer bottle, binoculars, a mobile phone and his bare fists on Kuta Beach.
Taylor claims he acted in self-defence after a row broke out over a missing handbag belonging to his Australian girlfriend, Sara Connor, 46, who was also charged with murder.
The bloodied body of the policeman was found on the beach in the early hours of August 17 last year.
Brtish DJ David Taylor, 34, and his Australian girlfriend, Sara Connor, 46, were both charged with murder. This has now been downgraded
Taylor claims he acted in self-defence after a row broke out over a missing handbag belonging to his girlfriend
Mr Taylor, 34, pretended to hit the 'victim' with a broken bottle as he re-enacted the alleged death of officer Wayan Sudarsa
During the re-enactment Ms Connor was seen straddling the officer and appeared to pretend to strike him with a walkie talkie. Ms Connor denies this ever happened and claims she was told to act scenes that didn't occur
Police say Australian woman Sara Connor was 'definitely involved' in the death of a Bali police officer after she and her British DJ boyfriend were forced to re-enact the alleged murder as part of their trial
The fatal assault charge carries a maximum penalty of 12 years' jail, but prosecutors have requested that Taylor only serve eight years minus time already served.
Authorities said they had decided to bring the lesser charge as Taylor had only been involved in a fight and had 'no intention to kill'.
Prosecutor Agung Jayalantara said: 'The victim was still alive when he left and he died later from swelling of the brain. We believe therefore the appropriate article to charge him with is group attack leading to death.'
One of Mr Taylor's lawyers, Haposan Sihombing, said he would accept the charge 'more gentlemanly' to admit he had taken place in the scuffle than to protest his innocence.
'It was committed by more than my client,' he said.
Changing face: David Taylor pictured before his arrest (left) and during an earlier hearing after he was charged with murder (right)
David Taylor waits inside a holding cell before a trial at the Denpasar District Court in Bali
Police officer Wayan Sudarsa's (left) bloodied body was discovered on August 17 last year. David Taylor and Sara Connor (right) were arrested after the body of police officer Wayan Sudarsa was discovered on the beach in Bali
The lawyer said he would ask the judges to look leniently on Taylor because was young and had no intention to kill.
Both Taylor and his girlfriend face the same three alternative charges - murder, fatal group assault or assault leading to death - but are being tried separately.
The three charges carry maximum sentences of 15 years', 12 years' and seven years' jail respectively.
Australian Sara Connor faces the same charges as Taylor, but is being tried separately
The couple denied murder, with Taylor saying he acted in self defence
Prosecutor Agung Jayalantara told the court in the Balinese capital Denpasar that Taylor had shown remorse although he criticised Connor for being uncooperative. The pair appeared at separate hearings on Tuesday.
David Taylor, 34, who is also known as DJ Nutzo, confessed to attacking police officer Wayan Sudarsa
Mr Sudarsa's wounds are believed to have been caused by a beer bottle.
Taylor, whose father is a vicar, fled the scene with Connor, but were later tracked down after witnesses reported the incident to police.
The fight allegedly began when Taylor 'frisked' the officer in search of Connor's lost handbag.
Prosecutors said that on the night in question, the couple went out for dinner dinner, had some drinks and then went down to Kuta Beach.
When they realised Connor's purse was missing, Taylor confronted Mr Sudarsa but did not get the response from the police officer he was hoping for, as he allegedly felt he was being 'treated as a suspect'.
After the fight, during which Taylor hit Mr Sudarsa with a large Bintang beer bottle, the couple said they left the victim on the beach, and claimed he was still breathing.
Mr Jayalantara said this showed they did not mean to intentionally kill him.
Sara Connor said she was attempting to separate her boyfriend from the police officer
Taylor has previously written to the police officer's wideo, Ketut Arsini, to apologise for his death.
Judges can impose a greater or lesser sentence than that requested by prosecutors but they often follow the recommendation.
Connor's lawyer Erwin Siregar labelled the sentence request 'incredible'.
'It does not make sense, if you see what kind of role David played,' he said.
Accused: Taylor and Connor both denied murdering the police officer in Bali last year
Taylor's lawyer Haposan Sihombing added that 'eight years is too much'.
Taylor, from Stoke Newington in London, has admitted hitting the policeman with a pair of binoculars and a beer bottle during a late-night fight on the beach but insists he was acting in self defence as Sudarsa tried to choke him.
Connor has insisted she is innocent and had simply tried to pull the men apart as they fought.
Bali, a pocket of Hinduism in Muslim-majority Indonesia, is a popular tourist destination known for its tropical climate and palm-fringed beaches. Minor crime is common but murders are rare.
For the last six months, Noor Hasher has been fatherless.
The six-year-old girl from Portage, Michigan, hasn't heard from her dad since their parents divorced and he walked out.
So her 17-year-old brother Mohammad has taken over as her father figure and made the ultimate gesture for her daddy-daughter dance, by being her date.
On the day of the dance, the teenager saw his baby sister sitting on the couch wearing monkey pajamas with a dress over the top.
'Her hair was messy because she had just woken up. She looked silly, but she was looking down at the ground, looking sad,' he told Today.
'I said: "Noor, what in the world are you doing?" She told me about the dance, and said, "I can't go, but I still wanted to dress up."
A 17-year-old Michigan boy took his younger sister to a father-daughter dance at her elementary school, six months after their parents divorced and her father walked out on them. Mohammad Hasher is pictured with his sister Noor (left and right)
Mohammad Hasher tweeted this message, saying 'I'll always be there for you'
'I said: "Noor, stop! I'll take you.'" I didn't think it was something she should have to think about.'
Later that night they went to the event at the 12th Street Elementary in Portage, Michigan, on February 4.
Hasher shared several photos on Twitter February 6, tweeting: 'Got to take my baby sister to her first daddy daughter dance the other night.
'Sorry you don't have a dad but I'll always be there for you.'
The siblings' parents divorced six months ago, according to People.
Both Hasher and his mother Sadia Karamat told the website that the family hasn't heard from the children's father since the divorce.
After Hasher found out about the dance, he went shopping with Noor at a Target store. He said: 'The theme was Alice in Wonderland, so we picked out something fun'
Hasher says that Noor told him to enter a dad dance contest - and that he won and received a candy as a prize
Hasher's father isn't contact with the family anymore due to legal reasons, and the divorce was hard for the Pakistani family, Today reported.
The teen told the website: 'We were sort of abandoned. It's brought (my sister and I) really close.
'We have to depend on each other ... I don't have a dad either, but I'm older and wiser, and I stepped in because (Noor) needs someone to take care of her.'
Hasher went shopping with Noor at a Target store, telling People: 'The theme was Alice in Wonderland, so we picked out something fun.
'She modeled for me, and it was perfect! Everything came together last minute.'
He also revealed that at the father-daughter dance: 'It's so funny, they had a dad dance contest and Noor goes, "You HAVE to enter!"
'So I did! And I won! I got candy as a prize. All the other dads were so salty.'
Noor told People: 'We had a lot of fun. He looked very good and he is so funny.'
In the week before U.S. Vice President Mike Pence visited Brussels and pledged America's 'steadfast and enduring' commitment to the European Union, White House chief strategist Steve Bannon met with a German diplomat and delivered a different message, according to people familiar with the talks.
Bannon, these people said, signaled to Germany's ambassador to Washington that he viewed the EU as a flawed construct and favored conducting relations with Europe on a bilateral basis.
Three people who were briefed on the meeting spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. The German government and the ambassador, Peter Wittig, declined to comment, citing the confidentiality of the talks.
Meeting: Bannon had a conversation with Peter Wittig, the German ambassador to Washington, in which he signaled that he viewed the EU as a flawed construct
Reassurance: Vice-president Mike Pence had been in Brussels where he tried to quell fears among members of the European Union that the Trump presidency was opposed to the trading zone
A White House official who checked with Bannon in response to a Reuters query confirmed the meeting had taken place but said the account provided to Reuters was inaccurate.
'They only spoke for about three minutes and it was just a quick hello,' the official said.
The sources described a longer meeting in which Bannon took the time to spell out his world view.
They said his message was similar to the one he delivered to a Vatican conference back in 2014 when he was running the right-wing website Breitbart News.
In those remarks, delivered via Skype, Bannon spoke favorably about European populist movements and described a yearning for nationalism by people who 'don't believe in this kind of pan-European Union.'
Western Europe, he said at the time, was built on a foundation of 'strong nationalist movements', adding: 'I think it's what can see us forward'.
The encounter unsettled people in the German government, in part because some officials had been holding out hope that Bannon might temper his views once in government and offer a more nuanced message on Europe in private.
One source briefed on the meeting said it had confirmed the view that Germany and its European partners must prepare for a policy of 'hostility towards the EU'.
A second source expressed concern, based on his contacts with the administration, that there was no appreciation for the EU's role in ensuring peace and prosperity in post-war Europe.
'There appears to be no understanding in the White House that an unraveling of the EU would have grave consequences,' the source said.
The White House said there was no transcript of the conversation. The sources who had been briefed on it described it as polite and stressed there was no evidence Trump was prepared to go beyond his rhetorical attacks on the EU - he has repeatedly praised Britain's decision to leave - and take concrete steps to destabilize the bloc.
Capping the European trip aimed at allaying fears about the new administration's support, Pence said Washington's backing for the EU remained 'steadfast and enduring'. He's seen today with EU president Donald Tusk in Brussels
At a news conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Monday in Brussels, Mike Pence reiterated the Trump administration's position 'that for too long, for too many' the burden of paying for NATO has 'not been shared fairly among our NATO allies
But anxiety over the White House stance led French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault and Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, to issue unusual calls last week for Pence to affirm during his visit to Europe that the U.S. was not aiming to break up the EU.
Pence obliged on Monday in Brussels, pledging strong ties between the United States and the EU, and making clear his message was shared by the president.
'President Trump and I look forward to working together with you and the European Union to deepen our political and economic partnership,' he said.
But the message did not end the concerns in European capitals.
'We are worried and we should be worried,' Thomas Matussek, senior adviser at Flint Global and a former German ambassador to the Britain and the United Nations, told Reuters.
'No one knows anything at the moment about what sort of decisions will be coming out of Washington. But it is clear that the man on top and the people closest to him feel that it's the nation state that creates identity and not what they see as an amorphous group of countries like the EU.'
With elections looming in the Netherlands, France and Germany this year, European officials said they hoped Pence, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson could convince Trump to work constructively with the EU.
The worst-case scenario from Europe's point of view was described by Ischinger in an article published last week, entitled 'How Europe should deal with Trump'.
He said that if the U.S. administration actively supported right-wing populists in the looming election campaigns it would trigger a 'major transatlantic crisis'.
Boris Johnson has revealed he was mistaken for Donald Trump in Newcastle as he defended the President's state visit.
The Foreign Secretary has previously admitted to being mistaken for the new US President in New York - using the experience to mock the then long-shot candidate.
Mr Johnson's tone was markedly different today as he insisted the controversial state visit would be a 'great success'.
Boris Johnson admitted to MPs today (pictured) that he had been mistaken for Donald Trump in Newcastle - months after claiming a similar incident in New York
Slide me Both Donald Trump and Boris Johnson have improbably blond hair and their bombastic political style has also been compared
MPs staged a furious debate over the invite last night and scores of politicians tore into Mr Trump as unfit to be welcomed to Britain with the grandeur of a full state visit.
The debate took place to the echoes of a noisy demonstration against Mr Trump outside on Parliament Square.
Mr Johnson's revelation was prompted by former SNP leader Alex Salmond, who recalled his insult he would not go back to New York for fear of being mistaken a second time for Mr Trump.
Mr Johnson made the quip about Mr Trump during the Republican primary campaign after he made controversial claims about the terror threat in London.
But the Foreign Secretary told MPs today: 'I am embarrassed to say that I was mistaken for Mr Trump inI thinkNewcastle, which rather took me aback.
'It also happened in New York, which was a very humbling experience for me.'
MPs are furious at the invite to Donald Trump, pictured arriving back at the White House last night, to come to Britain for a full-blown state visit
Mr Johnson said the state visit would go ahead now the invite had been issued.
He said: 'It is a wholly appropriate thing for the British Government to do, and it will be a great success.'
Crispin Blunt, the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee, asked Mr Johnson if he had suggested to US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson postponing the state visit to 2020.
Mr Blunt said this was the '400th anniversary of the Pilgrim Fathers' and warned occasion could avoid trip becoming a 'rallying point for every discontent in the United Kingdom?'
Mr Johnson said Mr Blunt's suggestion was 'interesting' but had not been raised with Mr Tillerson.
Mr Johnson said during Foreign Office questions: 'It's not one, I'm afraid to say, that I had time to make to our American counterparts.
'Let us see how the matter of the state visit evolves. The invitation has been issued, it has been accepted.
'I'm sure it will be a great success.'
Angelina Jolie opened up about her split from Brad Pitt in a new interview, admitting that the actor is a 'wonderful' father to their six children.
The actress and director spoke with George Stephanopoulos on Good Morning America Tuesday morning to promote her new film 'First They Killed My Father,' and was asked by the anchor if she still believed the words she had used to describe her ex as a parent in an interview from years back.
'Of course,' said Jolie, who then added: 'We will always be a family. Always.'
Jolie, 41, filed for divorce citing the 'health' of her family back in September after Pitt and oldest son Maddox were involved in some sort of skirmish on the family's private plane.
The incident was later investigated by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, who determined there was no reason to press any charges or keep Pitt from seeing his children.
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Opening up: Angelina Jolie was asked in a new interview (above) if she still believed Brad Pitt was a 'wonderful' father despite filing for divorce
Moving forward: The actress said 'of course' Pitt was a wonderful father before adding that she, her ex and their six children will 'always be a family'
Jolie also got emotional at one point when asked about the health of her family in the five months since she made the decision to file for divorce.
'We are ... we are focusing on the health of our family. And so we will be [healthier],' said Jolie.
'We will be stronger when we come out of this, because that's what we're determined to do. '
Jolie spent part of the interview speaking about her six children with Pitt, including son Maddox who was adopted from Cambodia, the country where she filmed her new movie.
The film, which Jolie directed, is about the 1.7million Cambodians who are believed to have been killed under the Khmer Rogue and Pol Pot, the leader of the country's Communist party.
Some believe as many as 3million may have been killed under the dictatorship, which came to power in 1963 and committed mass genocide a decade later.
Close to a quarter of the population died, and as Jolie explained everyone in the country was affected as a result.
That is why she wanted to work with Maddox on the picture.
'I dont know much of my childs birth parents but I believe they would have gone through this war,' said Jolie.
'I wanted to understand him and his culture in a deeper way and I wanted to bring this story to this country in their language.'
And Maddox was with her every step of the way she told Stephanopoulos.
'I talked to Maddox about this film and about doing it, and it was him in the final hour who said he was ready, and that he wanted to understand more, and that he wanted to work on it, and he wanted me to make it,' said Jolie.
'Being with him on set and studying the history of this country with him and being with his people was extraordinary.'
She also added that her son Pax worked on the film as well doing the 'still photography.'
Back in the day: Jolie said that she is still 'determined' to make her family 'healthier' after deciding to file for divorce back in September (family above in June 2015)
Big day: Maddox, 15, is the couple's oldest child and was adopted from Cambodia, the setting of Jolie's new film 'First They Killed My Father' (Jolie at the premiere with Shiloh and Maddox)
Jolie spoke earlier in the interview about what an 'honor' it was to not only be let into the country to film, but also to tell the history of the Cambodian people.
On that note she was asked about refugees, and her opinion of allowing them into our country in the wake of Trump's immigrant ban, which he may reinstate under new guidelines in the near future.
'Who are we? We are people as Americans who represent the world and we have to understand who these people are we're speaking of,' said Jolie.
'And we have to remain tolerant and open and base our policies on facts and civil rights and human rights.'
She then spoke about Loung Ung, the Cambodian human rights activist who wrote the screenplay and was just 5-years-old when she was forced to flee her village because of the Khmer Rogue.
'She is a proud american citizen who has contributed, who makes our country better by her existence and her citizenship,' said Jolie of Ung, who came over to the United States as child.
Jolie later said of the immigrant ban: 'To use fear tactics and summarize groups of people based on their backgrounds based on their religion and to accuse them all of being people we should be afraid of is policy based on fear and is not nearly close to the reality of what is happening and who these people are.'
On a lighter note, Jolie was also asked if she thought Pax and Maddox might be entering the film world after their experience on set.
'I don't know. I think they would probably rather be musicians. I don't know how they feel about film,' said Jolie.
'I think they like the adventure of the crew and they like to be in the thick of it.'
Eat up: Jolie (above eating a scorpion) also spoke about her children's love of bugs in the interview
Snack: Jolie said her daughter Shiloh (seen above last week) 'loves a tarantula, loves a bug'
And she also spoke about her children's love of bugs, specifically Shiloh who 'loves a tarantula.'
Jolie said she is currently learning to cook bugs with more 'flair' for the children.
On Saturday, Jolie made her first official appearance in Siem Reap, Cambodia, for the premiere of First They Killed My Father.
She was joined by her children Maddox, 15, Pax, 13, Zahara, 12, Shiloh, 10 and eight-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.
Maddox was adopted in 2002 from an orphanage in Cambodia, where Jolie filmed the Tomb Raider movie.
In an interview before the film's premiere last week, Jolie said: 'Weve been coming back and forth for 17 years, it feels like a second home to me. The children have close ties to the children here, many of them are their best friends.
She then added: 'Maddox is happy to be back in his country.'
A US Air Force plane used to detect nuclear explosions has been sent to Britain amid concerns over a spike in the levels of radioactivity found in Europe.
The WC-135 Constant Phoenix, which is known as a nuclear 'sniffer' plane, was deployed to RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk last week on an undisclosed mission.
News of the deployment comes amid claims Russia may be testing nuclear weapons, either to the east or in the arctic, after a spike in radioactivity was reported.
The WC-135 Constant Phoenix, which is known as a nuclear 'sniffer' plane, was deployed to Britain last week on an undisclosed mission (file image from a previous mission in 2011)
Air quality stations in Norway, Finland, Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, France and Spain have detected the presence of Iodine-131 at low levels
Air quality stations across the continent detected traces of radioactive Iodine-131 in January and February, which seem to have come from eastern Europe.
The high levels of Iodine-131 has led some to suggest Putin is testing nuclear weapons in Novaya Zemlya near the Arctic.
However, the CTBTO (Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation) ruled out a nuclear test had recently taken place.
In a statement on Monday, the CTBTO said: 'If a nuclear test were to take place that releases I-131 it would also be expected to release many other radioactive isotopes.
'Thus the CTBTO measures isotopes. No other nuclear fission isotopes have been measured at elevated levels in conjunction with I-131 in Europe so far.'
The organisation, which operates a worldwide monitoring system, said that it was not concerned about the reports of Iodine-131 in Europe.
'No detections above typical local historical levels have been observed,' the CTBTO said.
The deployment of the WC-135 aircraft, which detects and identifies explosions from the air and was used after the Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Ukraine in 1986, adds weight to the argument.
The plane was deployed to RAF Mildenhall in Britain (pictured) but it is still not clear exactly why it has been sent to Europe
The US Air Force plane was tracked flying into RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk last week on an undisclosed mission
WHAT COULD HAVE CAUSED THE SPIKE? A NUCLEAR REACTOR LEAK IN EASTERN EUROPE An air filter station in Svanhovd, Norway, was the first place to measure the Iodine-131 in the second week of January. Next it was measured in Rovaniemi, in Finnish Lapland. Within two weeks, it was traced in Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, France and Spain. This movement led the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA) to suggest the particles may have originated in Eastern Europe. It's possible that the particles could have come from an incident at a nuclear reactor. IODINE PLANT LEAK The compounds may also have also come from an Iodine plant. The isotope Iodine-131 is used in medicine to treat to thyroid problems and is produced commercially across Europe. RECENT EVENT The isotope has a half-life of only eight days, so whatever caused the spike must have happened in the first two weeks of January. 'It was rough weather in the period when the measurements were made, so we can't trace the release back to a particular location,' Astrid Liland, head of emergency preparedness at the NRPA, told the Barents Observer. Advertisement
It's arrival comes amid tense times between Russia and the West, with Americas highest ranking military officer General Joe Dunford comparing the political climate to that during the Cold War.
He said that his meeting with General Valeriy Gerasimov, his counterpart in the Kremlin, is 'absolutely critical' as the tension between the two nations verges on breaking point.
It comes after two Russian jets flew low over a Royal Navy destroyer docked off the coast of Romania in a show of force branded 'unsafe and unprofessional' by Navy officers.
And a Russian spy ship armed with surface-to-air missiles with a crew of 200 sailed within 30 miles of a key US submarine base on the Connecticut coastline.
Scores of people filmed a mysterious light travelling through the sky at the weekend and the US Navy released a statement saying its testing of two Trident missiles was 'not in response to any world events'
The US Navy have been contacted for comment on the WC-135 but it has not yet released any official comment on the purpose of its mission.
And while it is not unheard of for the planes to fly to Europe, missions are rare and its arrival coincides with the detection of Iodine-131.
It was first recorded in Norway and have now been found in Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, France and Spain.
The isotope has a half-life of only eight days, which suggests the particles must have entered the atmosphere after a recent event.
The pattern of movement of the particles suggests they may have originated in Eastern Europe, according to the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA).
The pattern of movement of the radioactive particles suggests they may have originated in Eastern Europe, according to the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority (NRPA)
HOW THE 'SNIFFER' TESTS THE AIR The WC-135 is known as the 'sniffer' or 'weather bird' by its crews because of its unique role in the sky. It gathers effluent gasses with two scoops on the sides of the fuselage, which then trap fallout particles on filters that the crew can analyse in real time. They can then use the data to confirm the presence of nuclear fallout and possibly determine the characteristics of the warhead involved. It can use the materials in the air to confirm the type of explosion, for example, whether it is from a warhead or a power plant. The WC-135 can also be used to track radioactive activity, which it did after the Chernobyl disaster in the Soviet Union in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011. One was also deployed near North Korea in anticipation of Kim Jong-un's rocket launches. A WC-135 was also seen transiting into UK airspace in August 2013 raising speculation it was used in Syria after claims chemical weapons have been used. The plane has a maximum crew of 33. However, it usually flies with a minimal crew to lessen the risk of chemical exposure. Advertisement
'It was rough weather in the period when the measurements were made, so we can't trace the release back to a particular location,' Astrid Liland, head of emergency preparedness at the NRPA, told the Barents Observer.
'Measurements from several places in Europe might indicate it comes from Eastern Europe.
'Increased levels of radioactive iodine in air were made in northern-Norway, northern-Finland and Poland in week two, and in other European countries the following two weeks.'
She said it is difficult to pinpoint where the radioactive material came from.
It's possible that the particles could have come from an incident at a nuclear reactor.
An explosion at a plant run by French firm EDF just 75 miles across the Channel added to concerns over nuclear safety earlier this month.
Scientists are yet to explain where the radioactive material came from but the particles may have come from an incident at a nuclear reactor. Pictured above is the Chernobyl nuclear power plant
The company, which is planning Britains first nuclear power station in a generation, was forced to shut down its nuclear reactor at the Flamanville plant in Normandy after the blast caused a fire that left five people suffering from smoke inhalation.
WHY IS IODINE-131 DANGEROUS? Iodine-131 has a very short half life of just eight days, making it very radioactive. When it is present in high levels in the environment, it contaminates food. After it is swallowed it will accumulate in the thyroid. As it decays, it damages body tissue and can cause thyroid cancer. However levels present in the atmosphere today are too low to be damaging. Advertisement
But the compounds may also have also come from an Iodine plant. The isotope Iodine-131 is used in medicine to treat to thyroid problems and is produced commercially across Europe.
Iodine-131 can cause harm because it has a very short half life of just eight days, making it very radioactive.
When it is present in high levels in the environment, it can contaminate food and after it is swallowed it accumulates in the thyroid.
As it decays, it damages body tissue and can cause thyroid cancer.
However levels present in the atmosphere today are too low to be damaging, according to Ms Liland.
She said: 'We do measure small amounts of radioactivity in air from time to time because we have very sensitive measuring equipment.
'The measurements at Svanhovd in January were very, very low. So were the measurements made in neighbouring countries, like Finland.
'The levels raise no concern for humans or the environment.'
President Donald toured the National Museum of African American History in Washington, sending a signal of inclusion to the country in black history month days after defending him during a press conference as the 'least racist' person.
The president viewed a collection that included exhibits on the 'paradox' of Thomas Jefferson's slaveholding, got told about actual slave shackles in the museum's collection, and learned about the bloody slave rebellions led by Nat Turner and Toussaint Louverture.
He called the tour 'a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms.'
'We have a divided country. Its been divided for many many years. But were going to bring it together,' Trump said in formal remarks.
'Today and every day of my presidency I pledge to do everything I can to continue that promise of freedom for African Americans and for every American. So important nothing more important,' the president stated.
Trump summoned Alveda King, the niece of Martin Luther King, Jr., to the podium as gave her a big hug. 'She is a tremendous fighter for justice, and so Alveda, thank you very much.'
King praised him right back, telling the president, 'I love you and your family. You're the best. You're great.'
President Donald toured the National Museum of African American History in Washington, sending a signal of inclusion to the country in black history month. He's pictured hugging Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, at the museum today
'She is a tremendous fighter for justice, and so Alveda, thank you very much,' Trump said. King praised him right back, telling the president, 'I love you and your family. You're the best. You're great'
He was accompanied by Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary designee Ben Carson who got to show the president an exhibit about his own medical achievements - and Carson's wife Candy. Trump's daughter Ivanka was also on the tour
White House official and former 'Apprentice' star Omarosa Manigault took the tour with Trump, too
Trump said of Carson in his remarks after the tour: 'It was very special to accompany him and his family, for the first time seeing the Carson exhibit,' Trump said. 'I love this guy. He's a great guy. Really, a great guy'
The president said his tour was 'a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms.' Carson stands to his right, while King and Ivanka listen to his left
Trump also spoke out forcefully against anti-Semitic attacks on Jewish community centers something he failed to do when asked about them at a press conference last week.
He instead went after the reporter who asked the question and claimed he's the 'least anti-Semitic person you've ever seen in your entire life.'
In remarks at the museum, Trump said, 'The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil.'
He told MSNBC's Craig Melvin in a one-on-one before the speech that he 'of course' denounces anti-Semitism and does so 'whenever I get a chance.'
'I do all the time. And I think it's terrible. I think it's horrible, whether its anti-Semitism or racism or anything you want to think about having to do with the divide,' he said. 'Anti-Semitism is horrible, and it's gonna stop. And it has to stop.'
Haitian general and leader of the independence movement against France, Francois Dominique Toussaint L'Ouverture (1743 - 1803) was among the figures described to Trump and his visiting party at the museum. In 1791 he joined blacks in Haiti in a rebellion to liberate slaves
Among his favorite exhibits was one of the great heavyweight Mohammad Ali.
Smithsonian secretary David Skorton said the president particularly enjoyed the exhibit. "He's a big fan of fighting,' said another official.
Lonnie Bunch told the reporters that that Trump also showed a keen interest in everything he saw, including Nat Turner's Bible.
'It was very nice. A nice educational thing. The kind of thing that I think helps bring people together,' said Carson.
Trump was accompanied on his museum tour by White House official and former 'Apprentice' star Omarosa Manigault and Housing and Urban Affairs Secretary designee Ben Carson who got to show the president an exhibit about his own medical achievements.
'It was very special to accompany him and his family, for the first time seeing the Carson exhibit,' Trump said. 'I love this guy. He's a great guy. Really, a great guy. We really started something with Ben. We're very, very proud of him.'
Carson is a retired neurosurgeon who competed against Trump last year for the Republican nomination for president.
Trump's daughter Ivanka also came along.
'My wife was here last week and took a tour and it was something that she's still talking about. Ivanka is here right now. Hi, Ivanka,' the president said of his adult daughter in his remarks, earning a wave from Ivanka, who was standing behind him and to his left, next to King.
'My wife was here last week and took a tour and it was something that she's still talking about. Ivanka is here right now. Hi, Ivanka,' the president said. His daughter waved back
During his remarks the president also shook his friend's - and future aide's - hand and said: 'We really started something with Ben. We're very, very proud of him'
Carson is a retired neurosurgeon who competed against Trump last year for the Republican nomination for president. He and Trump are pictured in front of his museum exhibit
'Anti-Semitism is horrible, and it's gonna stop. And it has to stop,' said Trump. His daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism
The Senate's only black Republican, Tim Scott, was also present for Trump's remarks. He stood on the other side of Ivanka.
Trump referred to him as 'a friend of mine, a great, great senator from South Carolina.
'I like the state of South Carolina. I like all those states where I won by double, double, double digits,' Trump said. 'And Tim has been fantastic how he represents the people, and they love him.'
The president had been planning a visit to the new Smithsonian museum on the National Mall before his inauguration that was delayed until Tuesday. President Barack Obama delivered remarks at the museum's opening in September. He said Trump should also visit.
Today the sitting president, Trump, gave his predecessor a nod in his remarks from the museum today, saying he was 'honored' to be the second American president to come to the site.
'This museum is a beautiful tribute to so many American heroes,' he said. Trump said his tour was 'not comprehensive enough,' though, and promised, 'I'll be back.'
Trump (C) views an exhibit on slavery during the American revolution while visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington on Tuesday
The president nodded as he toured some exhibits. Museum director Lonnie Bunch escorted him, while a museum official told him about Benjamin Banneker, a surveyor and former slave who helped lay out Washington, D.C. He also was joined by South Carolina Republican Senator Tim Scott.
He also heard about Haitian revolutionary leader Toussaint Louverture, who led a bloody slave rebellion.
During a brief part of the tour where cameras were present, officials could be hold describing slave shackles on display in the museum.
The group was escorted by founding director of the museum Lonnie Bunch and secretary of the Smithsonian David Skorton.
Bunch told the president's group that the museum was about 'humanizing people that have been left out of history.'
Trump said his tour was 'not comprehensive enough,' though, and promised, 'I'll be back'
Trump won election after a heated campaign where rival Hillary Clinton accused him of making racist comments.
The president defended himself as recently as last week, when he got a question about why he hadn't spoken out about harassment as synagogues.
'Number one, I am the least anti-Semitic person that you've ever seen in your entire life,' Trump said. 'Number two, racism, the least racist person.'
The president told MSNBC today that the fake bomb threats on Jewish community centers are 'just terrible.'
'And you don't know where it's coming from, but I certainly hope they catch the people,' the president said. 'I think you maybe have had it for longer than people think, and maybe it gets brought up a little bit more.'
President Donald Trump looks at an an exhibit on slavery during the American revolution while visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington
STUDY UP: Ex-slave, American abolitionist, agent of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society and US Minister to Haiti in 1889, Frederick Douglass
Trump earlier this month gave an odd remark at the White House early this month where he spoke about black statesman Frederick Douglass in a tense that made it unclear if he realized Douglass, a US minister to Haiti, was no longer alive.
'I am very proud now that we have a museum on the National Mall where people can learn about Reverend King, so many other things,' Trump said.
'Frederick Douglass is an example of somebody whos done an amazing job and is getting recognized more and more, I notice. Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, and millions more black Americans who made America what it is today. Big impact.'
He had a chance to study up on Tuesday.
The president walked through an underground gallery that recounts the history of slavery and features objects from a slave ship that went down off the coast of southern Africa.
An airplane is viewed during a press preview at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC on September 14, 2016
RIDING ALONG IN MY AUTOMOILE: A media member looks at rock music icon Chuck Berry's 1973 Cadillac during a press preview at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC
At one point, Bunch talked about a statue of Thomas Jefferson, the slaveholder who penned some of the most stirring calls for liberty in the declaration of Independence. The statue sits near an exhibit titled 'The paradox of liberty'.
Behind the statue is a wall made of bricks with each brick bearing the name of a slave Jefferson owned.
Trump listened and nodded his head while being instructed about the exhibits.
Ivanka Trump viewed glass cases with objects from Jefferson's estate which is not far from a Trump-owned winery near Charlottesville.
She and Omarosa looked on as Bunch mentioned 'actual shackles.'
The group also viewed a bible belonging to Nat Turner, who led a bloody and unsuccessful slave rebellion in the U.S.
This is the shocking moment customers stood and watched an armed robber 'pistol whip' an elderly shop worker before forcing him to open his till while holding him by the neck.
CCTV footage captured the dramatic incident which saw two men dressed in tracksuits and crash helmets burst into the shop in Rainham, east London.
The elderly worker, thought to be in his 70s, is seen selling a customer cans of beer when one of the men, dressed in dark clothing, comes round the back of the till and grabs him by the neck.
He is then seen hitting the trembling man in the head with what appears to be a gun and forces him to open the cash register.
An armed robber wearing a crash helmet burst into a shop in Rainham, east London, forcing a worker to open the till, pictured
At one point the robber even pistol-whips the shop worker to get him to do what he says
The robber grabs a handful of notes and is then seen heading towards the exit.
Meanwhile the other man is seen guarding the door, but steps aside to let another customer in.
The pair then exit the shop and flee the scene on a motorbike that was left outside.
During the incident, the customer who was buying the beer, dressed in a blue jacket and grey t-shirt, is seen standing by in shock at what is happening before him.
The customer who walked in during the robbery then approaches the shop worker after the robbers and left, and appears to be checking his welfare.
A local customer, who asked not to be named, said: 'The customers in the store were obviously in shock whilst the incident was taking place - it happened so fast, and there's not much they could have really done to help, especially in the face of a gun-toting robber.'
He added: 'Two men pulled up by bike in the early evening with their faces obscured by motorbike helmets.
The masked robber then grabs the man by the neck and makes him open the cash register
Another robber, also wearing a crash helmet, pictured, stood guard by the door as the incident took place
'They entered, one stood in front of the counter shouting instructions initially and then proceeded to go behind the counter and accost the employee working.
'The other robber stood guard near the door. A gun was produced by the robber that physically went behind the counter and grabbed the money in the till.
'One of the robbers pistol whipped the employee behind the counter and forcibly removed the money in the till.'
The local added support had poured in from the community for the shop worker.
He added: 'There have been messages of support, numerous people stopping in to ask about him to see if he is okay, and some even giving gifts.
'If there's one positive that has come from the incident is that it has shown the local community of Rainham to be genuinely caring to one of their own.
'To my mind, the community deserves recognition for that, the locals are good people.'
It is understood the Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation.
Meanwhile customers in the shop stood by in shock, pictured, as the robbery unfolded before them
Dick Smith says Australia's housing affordability crisis is the fault of 'ridiculous' immigrant numbers driving up population.
The millionaire entrepreneur and aviator said young people would no longer be able to afford a house as prices in capital cities skyrocket by hundreds of dollars a day.
'A lot of our problems are from this unbelievable population increase,' he told Sky News on Tuesday night.
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Dick Smith says Australia's housing affordability crisis is the fault of 'ridiculous' immigrant numbers driving up population
'You can't drive in Sydney at the moment. The house price are enormous. Young couples can't even afford a house with a backyard anymore.'
The 72-year-old businessman from Sydney's Northern Beaches, who in December threw his support behind Pauline Hanson's One Nation, said each generation was supposed to be better off than the last.
'Yeah, you can buy more LCD TV sets and you can fly to Bali cheaper but the most fundamental right is to get a house with a backyard,' Mr Smith said.
'Young couples can't do that anymore purely driven in 95 per cent of the cases by the enormous population increase mainly driven by ridiculous immigration.'
The entrepreneur and aviator said young people would no longer be able to afford a house because immigration levels were too high
'Yeah, you can buy more LCB TV sets and you can fly to Bali cheaper but the most fundamental right as to get a house with a backyard,' he said
Mr Smith's comments come as new data showed average house prices in Sydney had increased by $222 a day since mid-2013.
But this was tiny compared to the most sought-after suburbs, where prices went up more than $600,000 in the past year, The Daily Telegraph found.
Sydney already has a median house price of $1.1 million, making it the second most expensive housing market in the world after Hong Kong.
An Australian worker on an average full-time salary of $78,832 would struggle to even get a bank loan for a Sydney house, with Core Logic data showing the city now has more houses priced above $2 million than under $600,000.
Property experts blamed rich overseas investors, a decade-long housing shortage, and a large number of immigrants for creating driving demand for housing.
Mr Smith frequently rails against Australia's rapidly increasing population, and the John Howard-era policy of doubling net migration
Mr Smith frequently rails against Australia's rapidly increasing population, and the John Howard-era policy of doubling annual net migration.
He took The Project host Waleed Aly to task for saying a high migration rate was necessary to offset the country's ageing population.
'Yeah, that's absolute rubbish. You don't understand basic economics and all I can say is it's going to get worse and worse,' he said in December.
'Peter Costello said that we've got to have three per cent growth. That doubles everything every 25 years. It gets to most incredible figures. A billion people in the time of 200 years of modern Australia. That would be ridiculous.'
He took The Project host Waleed Aly to task for saying a high migration rate was necessary to offset the country's ageing population saying: 'You don't understand basic economics'
The 72-year-old in December threw his support behind Pauline Hanson's One Nation largely because of its zero net migration policy.
The Dick Smith Electronics and OzEmite founder backed One Nation primarily because of its zero net immigration policy, insisting he didn't agree with its 'anti-Muslim' stance.
'I just have the plan to tell people that her population policy is right, otherwise we will destroy Australia,' he told Network Ten's Studio Ten program.
'What I'm saying is, why don't one of the major parties take on her population policy because that would be sensible.'
Mr Smith regularly cites former federal Labor MP Kelvin Thomson, who noted that annual net overseas migration jumped from 100,000 in 2004 to more than 200,000 in just a couple of years as a result of government policy.
Former foreign minister and New South Wales premier Bob Carr also has called for a cut to annual migration levels.
Move has angered Trump supporters who say it's an attack on their free speech
admitted to editing abusive posts about him from Trump backers to make it look as though they were criticizing the
He also announced plans to block the subreddit's community announcements from appearing on the website's r/all page - a curated list of popular subreddits
He said the website could no longer tolerate the 'antagonistic' behavior of many of The_Donald users
CEO Steve Huffman announced they were cracking down on 'toxic users and poorly behaving communities' last November
Reddit's biggest pro-Donald Trump forum will no longer appear on its visitors' homepage.
Posts from the_donald forum - known as a subreddit - have disappeared from the online discussion site's r/popular page - the first page any new visitors or anyone who is not logged in, are directed to when they visit Reddit.
The page shows the site's most popular discussion forums - with a few exceptions - such as subreddits that users consistently filter out of their r/all page.
The move has sparked fury among Trump supporters who claimed it was an attack on free speech.
'This is their attempt to stunt growth to this subreddit and the mods and users should be f***ing furious,' one user wrote. 'They're censoring us in a sneaky way that makes us think we're not censored,' another added.
'I guess Reddit doesn't believe in free speech,' one user wrote.
CEO Steve Huffman announced they were cracking down on 'toxic users and poorly behaving communities' last November.
In a Reddit post, he explained that he had refused requests to ban The_Donald forum - known as a 'subreddit' - outright. But he said that the website could no longer tolerate the 'antagonistic' behavior of many of The_Donald users.
Reddit has blocked the most popular pro-Donald Trump forum from appearing on its visitor's homepage. This graph shows how many posts are being filtered from the page
He announced plans to block the subreddit's 'stickies' or community announcements from appearing on the website's r/all page - a curated list of popular subreddits.
'The sticky feature... was not meant to circumvent organic voting, which r/the_donald does to slingshot posts into r/all, often in a manner that is antagonistic to the rest of the community,' he said.
Reddit has faced criticism in the past for editing the posts of Trump supporters.
In November, Huffman, one of Reddit's co-founders, admitted he had been secretly changing posts criticizing him, so they appeared to criticize Trump instead.
Huffman said: 'Yep. I messed with the 'f*** u/spez' comments, replacing 'spez' with r/the_donald mods for about an hour. It's been a long week here,' he wrote.
Posts from r/the_donald will no longer appear on Reddit's 'most popular' page
Reddit has faced criticism in the past for editing the posts of Donald Trump (Trump pictured in Washington yesterday) supporters
The move sparked a furious backlash from conservative commentators who attacked the CEO, whose username is Spez, for 'censoring perfectly legitimate discussion'.
'Listen man, I'm not the type that would type f anyone, but unless you change the rules upfront what you did compromises everything about this website,' wrote one Reddit poster. 'You really screwed up here.'
Steve Huffman (above), the CEO of Reddit said he was cracking down on abusive users
'I'm hesitant to join any controversial topic now. It's one thing if a post is deleted, but another when a precedent is set that content can be changed without the author knowing,' another wrote.
Reddit has previously banned a number of controversial, white supremacist 'alt-right' subreddits because users repeatedly violated the sites terms of service regarding harassment and releasing private information of other users.
The most prominent was r/altright, which was shut down earlier this month, alongside r/alternativeright and r/rightyfriends.
The controversy surrounding Reddit is a byproduct of the struggle to walk the delicate balance of combating online abuse while also protecting freedom of speech.
And the online discussion site is not alone in being accused of partisan censorship.
Last year, Facebook was forced to change its rules on Trending Topics after the company was accused of blocking news reports supporting right-wing candidates and causes.
Facebook's Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg met with Glenn Beck and a dozen other prominent conservative commentators after the allegations surfaced on Gizmodo, based on a single, anonymous source.
The story, featuring a former Facebook worker claimed the company deliberately downplayed conservative news.
Facebook also came under fire over accusations its Trending Topics were politically biased (file picture of CEO Mark Zuckerberg)
Then, right-wing activist Lauren Southern complained she was banned by Facebook for complaining on the network over their censorship of conservatives
Then, right-wing activist Lauren Southern complained she was banned by Facebook for complaining on the network over their censorship of conservatives.
Facebook later lifted Southern's suspension claiming it was a 'human error'.
As part of its review, Facebook found that members of the team working on trending topics could temporarily suppress topics if news outlets weren't reporting on them enough.
But said it found no evidence of systemic political bias, though it couldn't discount that a lone wolf might be able to game its system.
As part of the changes outlined Monday, Facebook will stop looking to news outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Huffington Post and Drudge Report to automatically nominate topics for its trending feature. It also automatically nominates topics based on a spike in user posts about a subject.
Twitter also came under fire last year for allegedly censoring conservative gay voices after Breitbart journalist Milo Yiannopoulos was suspended
Spokeswoman Jodie Seth said: 'In our meetings last week, we received feedback that any list - even a good one - inherently raises questions of which publications are included versus which are not. Based on this feedback, we felt that the best approach would be to clear up this issue by removing these lists entirely and focus on surfacing the conversation on Facebook.'
Twitter also came under fire last year for allegedly censoring conservative gay voices after Breitbart journalist Milo Yiannopoulos was suspended and a popular pro- Donald Trump hashtag apparently disabled from the site's auto-complete system.
Yiannopoulos, who espouses anti-feminist and anti-Islam views, and whose college tour recently ended in a riot, had his account suspended shortly after the Orlando gay club shooting after he was particularly critical of Islam.
His account was restored later that day. He claims it was suspended after mass reporting, following a call out by a user with 1.2 million followers to report him. Twitter has not commented.
That same day, Twitter apparently blocked the hashtag #GaysForTrump from appearing automatically when typing.
Malia Obama found herself in the middle of a raging party on an Aspen mountaintop Sunday afternoon while enjoying lunch with a few of her socialite pals.
The 18-year-old intern at the Weinstein company was spotted at Cloud Nine Alpine Bistro on Highland Mountain with pals including Elizabeth, Zachary and Holden Tisch, Tassilo von Furstenberg, Brice Lourd and Audrey Kotick.
The group stuck to water for their afternoon seating at the popular hotspot, but nearby a group of close to 100 were spraying over 200 bottles of Veuve Clicquot while dancing on tables, some shirtless.
DJ, producer and tour manager Matthew Chirichillo, who has worked with everyone from The Eagles, Joe Walsh, Don Henley, Christina Aguilera and One Republic, posted a photo of just a few of the many bottles before they were showered on guests, writing: 'Spraying off Champagne fireworks with a bunch of marvelous maniacs and Obama's daughter.'
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The crew: Malia Obama enjoyed lunch in Aspen on Sunday at Cloud Nine Bistro while skiing with a group of friends (clockwise from left: Malia, Elizabeth Tisch, Audrey Kotick, Monique Lhuillier, Julian Gratry, Jamie Tisch, Crystal Lourd, Danielle Oerlemans, Tom Bugbee, Holden Tisch, Bryce Lourd, Zachary Tisch and Tasillo von Furstenberg)
MALIA'S BILLIONAIRE BUDDIES Elizabeth Tisch (right) and Audrey (left) Elizabeth Tisch (Daughter of billionaire New York Giants chairman and Oscar-winning producer of Forrest Gump Steve Tisch. He has won a Super Bowl ring and an Oscar. Mother is popular philanthropist Jamie, who owns a home in Aspen. Parents are divorced.) Audrey Kotick (Daughter of billionaire Activision CEO Bobby Kotick, whose company released the game Call of Duty. Bobby is dating Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg. Mother is Nina, a writer and family and women's rights advocate. ) Holden Tisch (left) and Brice Lourd (right) Holden Tisch (Daughter of billionaire New York Giants chairman and Oscar-winning producer of Forrest Gump Steve Tisch. He has won a Super Bowl ring and an Oscar. Mother is popular philanthropist Jamie, who owns a home in Aspen. Parents are divorced.) Brice Lourd (Son of money manager Blaine Lourd, whose brother is CAA superagent and Carrie Fisher ex Bryan Lourd. Mother is Crystal Lourd, the VIP Relations Director for Tom Ford on the West Coast.) Tasillo von Furstenberg (left) and Zachary Tisch (right) Prince Tasillo von Furstenberg (Son of Prince Alexander von Furstenberg, who is a partner and director in the fashion company launched by his mother, Diane von Furstenberg. Diane was married to Prince Egan, and is now with billionaire Barry Diller, the former chief at IAC. Mother is Alexandra von Furstenberg, daughter of duty free shop magnate Robert Warren Miller and sister of Marie Chantal of Greece. The couple is divorced and Alexandra is now wed to architectural designer Dax Miller) Zachary Tisch (Son of Steve and Jamie) Monique Lhuillier (left) Julian Gratry (right) Monique Lhuillier (Designer worn numerous times by Michelle Obama while in the White House, including when she met Pope Francis in 2015 after her arrived in Washington DC. Lhuillier was born in the Philippines to a prominent businessman and society figure before heading off to finishing school in Switzerland and design school in Los Angeles. She has designed looks for Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Reese Witherspoon. Julian Gratry (Money manager and boyfriend of Jamie Tisch) Jamie Tisch (above) Jamie Tisch (Second wife of New York Giants chairman Steve Tisch, who married the billionaire in 1996 and had three children - Holden, Zachary and Elizabeth. Moved to New York City after splitting from her husband and soon after broke up with Todd Meister, Nicky Hilaton's ex-husband, when she found emails between him and socialite Serena Boardman. Meister had previously dated Serena's sister Samantha, and Serena was Tisch's real estate broker. Crystal Lourd (left) and Danielle Oerlemans (right) Crystal Lourd (Wife of money manager Blaine Lourd and mother of three boys included Brice who heads up VIP relations for Tom Ford on the West Coast. She is close with a number of A-list stars and spent her 50th birthday in mexico with pals including Gwyneth Paltrow and Amber Valletta. Danielle Oerlemans (Wife of Dutch TV host Reinout Oerlemans and a former professional cyclist who previously dated Lance Armstrong. She won a bronze in the World Championship as a teenager) Advertisement
Get wet: Outside, close to 100 people gathered for a daytime dance party while spraying over 200 bottles of Veuve Clicquot champagne (above @twin_tonic, @sassysuzied and @trickynickydon video of @warrenboone2 & @eisaac17 on Sunday outside Cloud Nine)
Rage: 'Spraying off Champagne fireworks with a bunch of marvelous maniacs and Obama's daughter,' wrote one reveler
Videos posted on social media show large groups joining the outdoor party on Sunday, though Malia appears to have stayed indoors.
'Celebrating the birthday by spraying 200 bottles of Veuve Cliquot at Cloud 9 on Aspen Highlands. I'm doing this every year from now on,' wrote one man on Instagram along with a video of him shooting alcohol on joyful revelers.
Another video showed two men in patriotic jumpsuits similar to those worn by Evel Knievel as they sprayed the crowd, with the caption: 'Team USA.'
Also joining Malia inside the restaurant was a designer who was a favorite of Malia's mom Michelle during her years in the White House, Monique Lhuillier.
She posted a photo of the group at lunch, in which Malia could be seen smiling for the camera with her head covered in a red, white and blue hat that said 'USA.'
Lhuillier, who was there with husband Tom Bugbee, captioned the picture by writing: 'Happy President's Day!! xM.'
Also in attendance were Dutch professional cyclist Danielle Oerlemans, who once dated Lance Armstrong, and her husband Reinout, the former host of the Dutch version of American Idol.
Courtesy of Twin & Tonic
Spray it don't say it: The restaurant can seat 120 people indoors and 130 in the patio (Sunday sprayer on left, restaurant on right)
Get it popping: Bottles line the snowbanks ready to be bust open on Sunday (above)
Pay to spray: A bottle of champagne at Cloud Nine, which only sells Veuve Clicquot, will set a guest back $125
Some of the parents of Malia's young friends were also in attendance, including the Tisches' mother Jamie, who is a philanthropist and hosted Malia at her Aspen home over the weekend.
Their father Steve is the only person in history to win both a Super Bowl ring and an Oscar, with the chairman of the New York Giants having also produced a number of films including Forrest Gump.
Prix Fixe: Most lunch items at Cloud Nine cost $49 and come with soup or salad
Brice's mom Crystal, the VIP Relations Director for Tom Ford, was in attendance too. She is married to money manager Blaine Lourd, whose brother is CAA superagent Bryan.
Not grabbing lunch with the group, or kept out of the picture, was Audrey's dad Bobby Kotcik and Tasillo's dad is Prince Alexander von Furstenburg.
Bobby is the billionaire CEO of Activision Blizzard who is dating Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, while Alexander is the son of fashion designer Diane and Prince Egan, whose great-grandfather founded Fiat.
Cloud Nine is a ski-in and ski-out restaurant located at the top of Highland Mountain, which has just two seatings daily - one at noon and one at 2pm.
It is open for just four hours each day, with the crowd being told just before 4pm that they have to make their way back down the mountain.
Guests can also dine at the restaurant, and are taken up and down the mountain in a snowcat.
Spraying champagne is a tradition now at the establishment, which has a limited but somewhat pricey menu.
The champagne of choice is Veuve Clicquot for most guests, and bottles go for $125. This means that a 200 champagne-spraying party would set a guest back $25,000.
On the food side, guests can start with some $18 steak tartare, a bit of $16 chicken liver pate or a platter of lobster, shrimp and crab for the table to share at a cost of $150 for 'Le Petit' or $250 for 'The Cloud 9.'
Higher: Cloud Nine is located on the top of Highlands Mountain in Aspen (above)
Malia appears to have left Aspen now to return to New York following her long weekend, with the former first daughter doing one of her fellow travelers a nice little favor of the flight home
The main course is usually a choice between gruyere fondue which comes with apple, chorizo and cornichons or the raclette with air-dried beef, pickled onions and potatoes.
Other options include salmon, short rib and bolognese.
All main courses are part of a prix frixe menu which and cost a comparatively reasonable $49, coming with a soup or salad.
To finish it off, there is chocolate fondue and apple strudel.
The biggest problem with dining at Cloud Nine is getting reservation however, and guests must call starting 30 days in advance, with the 120 seats inside quickly filling up and the 130 outdoor seats not the best sport on days that are no sunny or there is heavy snowfall .
A sign is posted outside when the restaurant is full, letting skiers know to not even try to enter.
Cloud Nine is only open for four months every year, and is reportedly the largest purchaser of Veuve Clicquot in the country.
Fashion designer Monique Lhuillier, a favorite of Malia's mom Michelle (above at President Obama's farewell party) while in the White House, was also in attendance and posted a photo of the group
Style star: Michelle famously wore a blue dress by Lhuillier to meet Pope Francis at the White House in September 2015 (above)
Later that day, Malia reported headed out to the club with her friends, stopping by Bootsy Bellows.
That is the same spot where Conor Kennedy, the grandson of Robert F. Kennedy, was arrested after a night of partying in December when he got into a fist fight with a another patron.
'Malia Obama at Bootsy Bellows aspen... what!?' wrote DJ Tritz on Twitter.
Malia appears to have left Aspen now to return to New York following her long weekend, with the former first daughter doing one of her fellow travelers a nice little favor of the flight home.
A fellow passenger wrote on Twitter after landing in the Big Apple: 'Malia Obama reminded me today that I left my gate-checked bag on the airplane. THANKS, OBAMA.'
Brazen fly-tippers are being hunted by police after they dumped 110 fridges on a residential cul-de-sac.
The shameless crooks left behind the heavy load in Kings Norton, Birmingham and city council workers believe it is the worst case of fly-tipping the city has ever seen.
The incident comes after damning figures reveal that Birmingham is the third worst council in the country for cases of fly-tipping, with 21,000 incidents annually, an average of 57 a day.
Brazen fly-tippers are being hunted by police after they dumped 110 fridges on a residential cul-de-sac in Birmingham (pictured)
Birmingham City Council workers said the dumping (pictured) was one of the worst cases of fly-tipping they had ever seen in the city
Environmental officers from Birmingham City Council originally thought they were going to pick up six fridges when they received reports of the dumped load - but were stunned when they counted 110 by the roadside.
Council bosses believe it is unlikely no one heard or saw the culprits dropping such a large number of goods.
Jacqui Kennedy, from Birmingham City Council, said: 'It's outrageous that people think dumping rubbish on a road, blighting our city, is acceptable - it is not.
'Enforcement officers are currently investigating to try and identify the perpetrators, so if you have any information please contact the council.
'I know the local community will be as horrified by this as I am, so I hope anybody with information will be brave enough to come forward.
'This is totally unacceptable and we will prosecute flytippers where evidence is available.
The 110-strong fridge dumping (pictured), comes after Birmingham was revealed to be the third worst council in the country for fly-tipping
BRITAIN'S TOP 20 GROT SPOTS Below are the 20 councils with the most reports of fly tipping last year. Haringey - 39,036 Manchester - 30,386 Hounslow - 22,255 Brent - 18,293 Redbridge - 16,225 Hillingdon -14,032 Gateshead - 12,449 Peterborough -12,045 Leicester City - 9,458 Kensington and Chelsea - 8,903 Edinburgh City - 8741 Manchester - 30,386 Birmingham City - 21,124 Newham - 19,537 Northampton -17,092 Leeds City -16,172 Bradford -13,720 Sheffield City -12,115 Ealing -11,598 Greenwich - 9,268 Basildon - 8,755 Source: ITV Advertisement
'Keeping Birmingham's streets clean is everyone's responsibility - no one wants to live in a dump - so we will continue to clamp down on these criminals, targeting areas where there's a persistent problem.'
Fly-tipping is illegal and offenders can face an unlimited fine and up to five years in jail if convicted at court.
The incident in Birmingham comes after it was revealed that Britain was facing a rubbish crisis.
Many councils are dealing with around 50 incidents a day, while others face more than 100 cases daily.
Local authorities spend around 50million every year dealing with the problem.
Allison Ogden-Newton of Keep Britain Tidy said: 'Fly-tipping is an epidemic. It's reached crisis levels and something needs to be done about it.
'Local authorities are overwhelmed with instances of criminal fly-tipping and we need to address this urgently.'
The political comeback of disgraced former deputy mayor Salim Mehajer has been put on hold as it has been revealed he has been banned from running for a position on his local council this year.
The former councilor from Auburn in Sydney's west was banned from holding civic office for three years following an investigation into corruption allegations.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Mehajer will not be able to work as a politician until the ban expires in November next year.
Former Auburn City Council deputy mayor Salim Mehajer can't hold civic office until after November 2018
The controversial former deouty mayor came into the spotlight after his wedding to Aysha, both pictured on the day
Aysha and Salim are now estranged - Aysha fled to stay with relatives in Wollongong when things soured between the couple
The controversial former politician who has openly described his dreams of becoming the prime minister of Australia found the media spotlight after his wedding his now estranged wife Aysha in 2015.
Mehajer illegally shut down a street in Lidcombe in the city's west for the million-dollar wedding.
Barely a year later, Mrs Mehajer had reportedly packed her bags and left their mansion in Lidcombe, western Sydney, to stay with family in the NSW Illawarra region.
Mehajer was then slapped with an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) taken out in Aysha's name by police in July last year.
Mehajer has often let his ambitions of becoming Australia's prime minister be known
Mehajer illegally shut down a city street on his wedding day
A grieving mother has described her heartbreaking goodbye to her daughter who died in a car crash.
Moments before 16-year-old Lara Glover died, her mother Jayne arrived at the crash scene on State Highway 1 in Marlborough, in New Zealand's South Island.
'I was able to say goodbye It meant everything,' Jayne Glover told the New Zealand Herald.
Moments before 16-year-old Lara Glover (pictured) died, her mother Jayne arrived at the crash scene on State Highway 1 in Marlborough, in New Zealand's South Island
The call came from a friend who was at the scene of the crash.
'I felt so blessed that someone had done that and very, very, very thankful,' Jayne Glover said.
On Sunday Lara and seven friends were driving to the beach when their mini-van rolled.
It has been reported at least five others were injured in the crash.
Four were taken to Blenheim Hospital via ambulance and one was airlifted to Wellington Hospital in a critical condition.
Jayne Glover has asked friends and family not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding the crash.
'There's no resentment. It was just an accident and accidents happen even to the best of us. They're all really good kids. It's just a silly accident,' she said.
NATO jets intercepted Russian fighter jets and bombers flying in formation above the Baltic Sea twice in one week, it has emerged.
On both occasion NATO pilots were scrambled to escort an Il-22 bomber tailed by two Su-27 fighters, according to Lithuania's government.
Vladimir Putin's jets appeared to be on a round trip from Russia to Kaliningrad - the country's province sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania.
NATO jets intercepted Russian fighter jets and bombers flying in formation above the Baltic Sea twice in one week, it has emerged (file picture)
Vladimir Putin's jets appeared to be on a round trip from Russia to Kaliningrad - the country's province sandwiched between Poland and Lithuania
According to Newsweek, the jets came close to allied airspace on February 14 and 16 and only the bomber had its transponder on.
A submitted flight plan was only recorded for one of the three planes in the second flight, while no flight plan was received for the February 14 formation, Lithuania's Ministry of Defence reported.
The reports surfaced at a time of heightened tensions between Putin and the West and is the latest example of NATO jets having to intercept the Russian president's war planes.
In October, a pair of Russian Blackjack bombers were intercepted by fighter jets from four European countries as they flew from the direction of Norway to northern Spain and back.
Britain, France, Norway and Spain all scrambled warplanes as the TU-160 planes 'skirted' the airspace of each country.
The UK deployed RAF fighter jets then intercepted Russian bombers nearing UK airspace twice in four days.
The Russian military aircraft flew in an 'area of interest' off the coast of Scotland in the middle of the night on October 12 and again on October 16, the MoD revealed.
Typhoon jets from RAF Lossiemouth near Elgin, Scotland, were scrambled in response, supported by Voyagers from Brize Norton.
Just days ago Lithuania said it wanted US President Donald Trump's administration to help beef up air defence in the Baltic region as security concerns grow over Russia. A US 'Black Hawk' helicopter takes off for operation 'Atlantic Resolve' from a harbour pier in Bremerhaven, Germany last week
Just days ago Lithuania said it wanted US President Donald Trump's administration to help beef up air defence in the Baltic region as security concerns grow over Russia.
President Dalia Grybauskaite also warned that measures adopted last year by NATO to reinforce its eastern flank 'are no longer sufficient'.
Lithuania, the largest and southernmost of the three Baltic states, plans to buy Norwegian NASAMS medium-range anti-aircraft missile systems in the coming years but would still lack a long-range Patriot-type system.
Poland and Romania host two US missile interceptor stations that are part of NATO's larger European shield, due to become fully operational by 2018.
US and NATO officials insist the system is intended to counter the threat of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, particularly from so-called 'rogue' states in the Middle East.
But with Poland's Redzikowo station just 155 miles from Kaliningrad, Moscow views the system as a security threat on its doorstep.
Last year Russia deployed nuclear-capable Iskander missiles into the heavily-militarised Kaliningrad, which borders both Lithuania and Poland and also holds frequent military drills in the region, rattling nearby NATO states.
President Dalia Grybauskaite also warned that measures adopted last year by NATO to reinforce its eastern flank 'are no longer sufficient'. US tanks are pictured in eastern Romania last week
The Kremlin has denied any territorial ambitions in its Soviet-era backyard and claims NATO is trying to encircle Russia.
Under Moscow's thumb in Soviet times, Poland and the Baltic states have been on edge since Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014.
At a summit in Warsaw last year, NATO agreed to deploy multi-national battalions in each of them.
But Grybauskaite said Saturday that more needs to be done to address Russian military activity and called for speedier decision-making within the US-led alliance.
'We see that Warsaw agreements are no longer sufficient. We need a faster decision-making process,' Grybauskaite said, adding she expected to see progress at a NATO summit later this year.
Grybauskaite also said the US had the 'full right' to push European allies to boost their defence spending to two percent of gross domestic product.
Estonia and Poland are among the few NATO nations that meet the alliance's benchmark, while Lithuania and Latvia pledged to reach it next year.
This brave mother zebra desperately defended her foal after a vicious male rival tried to drown it at a watering hole to assert his dominance over the herd.
The baby is seen upside-down as the male holds it under the water at a lake in Etosha National Park, Namibia.
But the baby manages to get onto its feet and runs away from the attacker, beginning a life-or-death chase.
Male zebras regularly kill foals sired by other males in order to assert their claim to be the dominant male in the herd and ensure they do not become a future rival.
The baby is seen upside-down as the male holds it under the water at a lake in Etosha National Park, Namibia
The killing of a female's young also frees her up to be a potential reproductive partner.
The mother tries to knock the male off course to protect her baby, who runs towards some bushes.
It is not clear whether the foal survived the encounter as the footage cuts out after a minute and 50 seconds.
The video was filmed by wildlife enthusiast Daniel Tjarnen, who called it a 'once in a lifetime sighting'.
He said: 'We were driving up to this waterhole, hoping to get some good sightings and especially hoping to see some predators.'
'As ever with mother nature, trying to predict what you'll see in the bush is never easy. More often than not, you are way off!
But the baby manages to get onto its feet and runs away from the attacker, beginning a life-or-death chase
The mother tries to knock the male off course to protect her baby, who runs towards some bushes
'Instead of predators, we saw this dazzle of zebras drinking from the waterhole.
'We suddenly noticed that one zebra was actively attacking a young foal. First, it was a bit shocking but then I thought - it's the way of nature.'
THE DARKER SIDE OF ZEBRAS Zebras are grouped into harems, which consist of one dominant male with as many as 6 females and their foals. Stallions fight each other for females and regularly steal them from each other. Males will often kill a foal reared outside their harem in order to ensure they do not become a rival. The death of the foal also frees the mother to be a potential reproductive partner. This brutal process ensures that the strongest zebras survive and pass on their genetics to future generations. Advertisement
Many of the people watching reacted differently and wanted to help the foal.
Mr Tjarnen added: 'After a long battle between the male, mother and foal, the zebras disappeared behind the trees.
'I think the baby survived for the time being, but it looked injured. Maybe it was chased off or killed later on by a passing predator.'
Game ranger Richard de Gouveia said the site of males trying to kill their rivals' babies is not uncommon at the reserve.
He added that zebra stallions will sometimes even go as far as stealing females from one another.
He added: 'If the female which is stolen is pregnant, the new male will rape her until such time as she has aborted the pregnancy.
'Abortion would be done by releasing hormones that would cause her body to reabsorb the fetus or miscarry or if she gave birth to a live foal it would be kicked to death by the male.'
It is not clear whether the foal survived the encounter as the footage cuts out after a minute and 50 seconds
President Donald Trump on Tuesday decried anti-Semitic threats against Jewish community centers and promised to work to bridge divisions in the country.
'The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible, and are painful,' Trump said in remarks after visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington.
They are 'a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil,' the president added, having told a reporter earlier in the day that anti-Semitism must stop.
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President Donald Trump on Tuesday decried anti-Semitic threats against Jewish community centers and promised to work to bridge divisions in the country in remarks at the African-American History Museum on Tuesday
At a press conference last week Trump failed to speak out forcefully against anti-Semitism and community center bomb threats.
He instead went after the reporter who asked the question, telling him to be 'quiet' when he tried to interject, and declared himself the 'least anti-Semitic person you've ever seen in your entire life.'
Trump told MSNBC's Craig Melvin in a one-on-one before his Tuesday speech that he 'of course' denounces anti-Semitism and does so 'whenever I get a chance.'
'I do all the time. And I think it's terrible. I think it's horrible, whether its anti-Semitism or racism or anything you want to think about having to do with the divide,' he said. 'Anti-Semitism is horrible, and it's gonna stop. And it has to stop.'
The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect cast Trump's statements today as 'too little too late' in a statement posted to Facebook after this morning's event.
Steven Goldstein, the group's executive director said, 'The Presidents sudden acknowledgement is a Band-Aid on the cancer of Antisemitism that has infected his own Administration.
'His statement today is a pathetic asterisk of condescension after weeks in which he and his staff have committed grotesque acts and omissions reflecting Antisemitism,' Goldstein said, charging that 'the Antisemitism coming out of this Administration is the worst we have ever seen from any Administration.'
At the weekend, more than 100 headstones were damaged at a Jewish cemetery in St Louis, Missouri, the facility's director said.
Nearly a dozen Jewish community centers received bomb threats that prompted evacuations on Monday. All of the threats turned out to be hoaxes.
The FBI and the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division are said to be investigating those incidents, and dozens more reported since the start of the year.
Goldstein chided Trump in his statement for saying 'absolutely nothing' about those incidents yesterday.
'When President Trump responds to Antisemitism proactively and in real time, and without pleas and pressure, thats when well be able to say this President has turned a corner. This is not that moment.'
Trump's White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, scoffed at Goldstein's accusations in his daily briefing. The president was 'unbelievably forceful' today, he said, and has 'been very clear' prior to this about his position.
'He has brought a diverse group of folks into his administration...and I think he has been very forceful with his denunciation,' Spicer said. 'It's ironic that no matter how many times he talks about this, that it's never good enough.'
Trump said earlier in the day that his 'tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms.'
Spicer said the visit was a 'very eye opening and powerful tour for him' and he was inspired after 'seeing the struggles that so many Americans face' to address anti-Semitism.
While Trump's daughter Ivanka, who converted to Judaism, denounced the threats over the weekend, saying on Twitter that 'we must protect our houses of worship & religious centers,' the president had not commented.
Following his museum visit, Trump also pledged 'to do everything I can to continue that promise of freedom for African-Americans and for every American.'
'The anti-Semitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible, and are painful,' Trump said in remarks after visiting the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington
The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect cast Trump's statements today as 'too little too late' in a statement posted to Facebook after this morning's event
Accompanied by Ben Carson, the African American retired neurosurgeon he tapped to head the department of Housing and Urban Development, Trump praised the museum's work honoring 'African American men and women who built our national heritage.'
But it also was clearly intended to assuage concerns raised over Trump's embrace by white supremacist groups and an 'alt-right' movement given a platform on Breitbart, the online news outlet once headed by Trump's chief White House strategist Steve Bannon.
The White House raised eyebrows on International Holocaust Remembrance Day late last month by issuing a statement that made no mention of the six million Jews killed in the Nazi genocide.
When an Orthodox Jewish reporter asked Trump at a White House news conference about a post-election surge in anti-Semitic incidents in America, Trump reacted defensively, telling his questioner to 'sit down.'
As he toured the museum Tuesday, he was asked by Melvin whether he would clear up the confusion by denouncing anti-Semitism, Trump said, 'I do all the time.'
'You don't know where it's coming from but I certainly hope they catch the people,' he said.
The widow of solicitor Pat Finucane who saw him shot dead in front of her and their children has lost her latest legal battle for a public inquiry into his murder.
The republican lawyer, whose clients included IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, was shot 14 times by loyalist paramilitaries in his Belfast home as he ate lunch with his family 28 years ago.
His wife Geraldine Finucane went back to court to appeal against a 2015 judicial ruling that said the decision taken by then Prime Minister David Cameron in 2011 not to hold a full inquiry to the was lawful.
But Court of Appeal judges in Belfast rejected her challenge on Tuesday afternoon.
Upset: Widow of solicitor Pat Finucane, Geraldine Finucane (centre) with her son John (left) and daughter Katherine (second right) speaking outside the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast, after she the widow lost her challenge against the Government's refusal to hold a public inquiry into his murder
Victim: Mr Finucane, 38, left, who represented a number of high-profile republicans, was shot dead in front of his wife and three children in February 1989. David Cameron apologised to the Finucane family in the House of Commons in 2012, right, but refused a public inquiry
Mr Finucane, 38, who represented a number of high-profile republicans, was shot dead in front of his wife and three children at their north Belfast home in February 1989.
Outside court surrounded by her family, Mrs Finucane said: 'Obviously we are disappointed today that the court has not overturned the first result.
Battle: Geraldine Finucane was at Westminster when a 2012 report was published and exposed 'shocking' levels of state collusion in the murder of her husband
'At the same time there is definitely unfinished business, which the court highlighted today'.
Mrs Finucane stressed that her family were not the only ones still pursuing justice for their loved ones in Northern Ireland.
'There are many of us who are seeking truth and justice in different ways,' she said.
Asked if she would consider an appeal to the UK Supreme Court, Mrs Finucane said: 'We won't make a decision on that today. We will be looking at it most seriously.'
Her son John said the family would also be considering a potential civil action.
Mr Finucane's killing, one of the most notorious of the Troubles, is shrouded in controversy amid allegations that the security forces plotted with the gunmen from the outlawed Ulster Defence Association (UDA).
A 2012 a report has exposed 'shocking' levels of state collusion in the murder of Belfast solicitor Pat Finucane.
Police and army officers gave intelligence and even supplied a weapon to the loyalist gunmen.
They proposed the 39-year-old as a target, passed information to the culprits and then obstructed the murder investigation, said the review by Sir Desmond de Silva.
However, he concluded there was 'no overarching state conspiracy'.
Mr Finucane's widow, Geraldine, dismissed the findings as a 'sham' and a 'whitewash' and demanded a full public inquiry into the 1989 killing by Ulster loyalist paramilitaries.
Assassination: Catholic father of three Mr Finucane, whose clients included IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, was shot 14 times in front of his wife and children at the height of the Northern Ireland 'Troubles'
Catholic father of three Mr Finucane, whose clients included IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, was shot 14 times in front of his wife and children at the height of the Northern Ireland 'Troubles'.
The report said the Royal Ulster Constabulary and the military had advance intelligence of a murder plot by the Ulster Defence Association.
But two paramilitaries were acting as paid informers for the British authorities at the time they planned killings, including that of Mr Finucane.
Investigators suggested charging a third man in 1991, but he was instead taken on as an agent.
In September 2004 a loyalist accused of murdering the solicitor, Ken Barrett, pleaded guilty at the start of the trial
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said Mr Cameron was unwilling to open a 'can of worms' over collusion.
In today's ruling the Court of Appeal judges acknowledged that a pledge to hold an inquiry had been made.
But they upheld the Government's right to balance public interest factors, such as costs, when, years later, it opted to commission a review of case papers by QC Sir Desmond de Silva rather than instigate a statutory probe.
Mr Finucane's family have long campaigned for an independent inquiry and challenged that decision through a judicial review.
In his lengthy 2015 judicial review judgment, Mr Justice Stephens told Belfast High Court the then Prime Minister's actions had been lawful and that a full-blown public inquiry would be costly, protracted and could not be confined to narrow issues surrounding the loyalist shooting nearly 30 years ago.
Lawyers for the Finucane family have repeatedly argued that the Government made a commitment to hold an inquiry during peace process negotiations at Weston Park in 2001.
In a scathing report published in 2012 following his review, Sir Desmond detailed shocking levels of state involvement in the case.
That included spreading malicious propaganda suggesting Mr Finucane was sympathetic to the IRA; one or possibly more police officers proposing him as a target to loyalists; and the mishandling of state agents inside the UDA who were involved in the murder.
While he found no evidence of an overarching conspiracy by the authorities to target the solicitor, Sir Desmond said the actions of a number of state employees had 'furthered and facilitated' the shooting.
He also said there had been efforts to thwart the subsequent criminal investigation. While he was prime minister, Mr Cameron apologised to the Finucane family in the House of Commons.
Gordon Ramsay's father-in-law and other family members have been charged as part of a police probe into computer hacking.
Chris Hutcheson, 68, who is the father of Ramsay's wife Tana, along with Tana's sister Orlanda Butland, 45, and her brother Adam, 46, were charged after a probe by officers from the Met Police's Operation Tuleta.
Another of Hutcheson's sons Chris, 37, has also been charged, it was announced today.
Gordon Ramsay's father-in-law Chris Hutcheson (left) and other family members have been charged over hacking claims
Chris Hutcheson, of Druillat, France, and his children Adam, of Sevenoaks, Kent; Orlanda, of south London; and Chris of Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on March 14.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: 'The charges follow allegations that between 23 October 2010 and 3 March 2011, they conspired together to cause a computer to access programmes and data held in any computer without authority, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.'
Operation Tuleta was originally set up to investigate allegations of computer hacking at newspapers.
Ramsay and Tana married in 1996 and have four children together. Tana is understood to have cut off contact with her father and his family some years ago.
Ramsay has not commented on the police announcement.
Alin Apopei, 27, stabbed 25-year-old sex worker Denisa Silmen (pictured together) to death
A jealous boyfriend who accidentally recorded his lover's screams as he tried to decapitate her in a 'sadistic and frenzied' killing has been found guilty of murder.
Alin Apopei, 27, repeatedly threatened to kill 25-year-old sex worker Denisa Silmen and boasted he would get away with it by pretending to be mad.
Then, in July 2015, he followed through with his threats and stabbed Miss Silmen to death in a horrific killing which was recorded on her mobile phone. Her last words were: 'You finished me off'.
Miss Silmen was later found dead at the flat they shared in east London, partially naked and with 'horrendous injuries', including her head almost entirely severed from her neck.
Her chest cavity was also cut open, revealing her internal anatomy, the court heard.
Today, Apopei was found guilty of murder after a jury at the Old Bailey rejected his defence of mental illness. He will be sentenced tomorrow and faces life in jail.
During the trial, jurors heard how the couple had a 'volatile' relationship and Apopei had been violent towards Miss Silmen before.
On one occasion, he told her: 'If you will leave me I shall kill you. If I will go to prison I will pretend I am mad, they will put me in hospital and I will get free from there because I have lots of money.'
In February 2015, Miss Silmen visited a friend in Italy and the defendant turned up on Valentine's Day to surprise her.
During a night out at a Milan nightclub, the victim said she could not take any more and Apopei slapped her, jurors heard.
Miss Silmen then fled to her mother in Romania but later got back together with her violent boyfriend.
But his threatening behaviour continued. The court heard how, a month before the murder, Apopei laughed and threatened her and a friend, saying: 'One day I kill you both.'
On the day of the killing, Apopei was heard by a neighbour to tell his girlfriend: 'Look what's happened, don't play with fire.'
Miss Silmen (pictured) was found partially naked at the couple's London flat and had suffered from 'horrendous injuries', with her head almost entirely severed from her neck
The attack on Miss Silman just after 2pm was recorded on her mobile phone which was activated, either by accident or deliberately.
It recorded the sounds of the couple apparently having sex before a man is heard to say: 'I'm going to kill you now. Shall I give you the first one?' then a slapping noise.
The victim screamed 'oh my God', and Apopei responded: 'What did I do to you? Why did you kill me?' Her last words on the recording were: 'You finished me off.'
Afterwards, Apopei changed his clothes and left the flat with Miss Silmen's mobile phone.
When her friends tried to contact her, he said they would see what happened when you 'play with fire'.
Miss Silmen was found in her room half inside her wardrobe covered in blood with her suitcase on the bed.
Following his arrest, Apopei behaved 'erratically' often laughing hysterically then becoming aggressive. He said: 'I'm guilty. I did do it, but I can't make prison.'
He described his girlfriend as 'a witch' and paced around his cell ranting about devil worship, the court heard.
The court heard psychiatrists had differing opinions on whether Apopei was mentally ill and it was for jurors to decide whether his responsibility for the killing was diminished.
Ms Johnson said: 'It is the prosecution case that the defendant deliberately and viciously stabbed Denise to death because he was enraged and jealous at the prospect of her finally leaving him.'
Following his conviction she told the court there was a 'sadistic' element to the killing. In a statement, the victim's mother Monica Silmen said her daughter had come to Britain for a 'better life'.
She said: 'The light in my eyes died when she died.'
The frontrunner for the French presidency has promised Theresa May a 'fair Brexit' before vowing to try and lure bankers from London to Paris.
Emmanuel Macron visited No 10 for talks with Mrs May today as part of a visit to London to canvass 200,000 French voters in the British capital.
He is leading the race for the Elysee Palace in an improbable run as an independent that appears set to see him overhaul the establishment parties to reach a head to head contest with the Front National's Marine Le Pen.
Mr Macron quit Francois Hollande's Socialist government to campaign as an independent and is now set to beat both the Socialists and Republicans to the final round.
Emmanuel Macron, the front runner for the French presidency, dropped into No 10 for talks with Theresa May, telling her he was committed to a 'fair Brexit'
Mr Macron is the improbable front runner and appears set to overhaul the establishment parties to contest the run off with Front National candidate Marine Le Pen
Downing Street said it had been happy to accommodate Mr Macron's request for a meeting but said the non-engagement policy with Ms Le Pen's far right party was unchanged.
Speaking outside No 10 after his talks, Mr Macron said he assured Mrs May of his willingness to seek a 'fair execution of Brexit' which protects and defends French and European interests.
And he reaffirmed his intention to co-operate with the UK on defence under an 'improved' Le Touquet deal.
Mr Macron said he was concerned about ensuring the rights of French residents to stay and work in the UK after Brexit.
But he added that he hoped to attract his fellow countrymen - many of whom work in London's financial sector - to return home.
'In my programmes I will have a series of initiatives to get talented people in research and lots of fields working here to come to France,' he said.
Marine Le Pen seems unlikely to get a similar reception in Downing Street as No 10 made clear its non engagement policy with the Front National is unchanged
'I was very happy to see that some academics and researchers in the UK because of Brexit are considering coming to France to work.
'It will be part of my programme to be attractive for these kinds of people.
'I want banks, talents, researchers, academics and so on.
'I think that France and the European Union are a very attractive space now so in my programme I will do everything I can to make it attractive and successful.'
Mr Macron accused his main rival Marine Le Pen of the National Front of trying to 'push France into the 19th century' and said her plan to take the country out of the EU would 'kill' the economy and harm middle-class interests.
A hero rower who was attempting to become the oldest man to cross the Atlantic single-handedly had to be rescued from the freezing ocean after his boat capsized.
Graham Walters, 69, was plucked to safety on Monday after his restored historic boat capsized near the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa.
He had only set out the day before from the nearby Spanish island, Gran Canaria, on his attempt to become the oldest man to row single-handedly to Antigua, some 3,000 miles away.
The trip would have taken the rower, from Thurmaston, Leicestershire, three months in grueling conditions.
It is understood his tiny 20ft boat, called the Khaggavisana, overturned during bad weather that has hit the region, creating huge waves and gale-force winds.
Graham Walters, 69, was plucked to safety on Monday after his restored historic boat capsized near the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago off the coast of northwestern Africa
He had only set out the day before from the nearby Spanish island, Gran Canaria, on his attempt to become the oldest man to row single-handedly to Antigua, some 3,000 miles away
He is seen in a life jacket in the video as a rescue team pulls him into a helicopter. His boat, which he bought in 1969, was not seen in the rescue video
The video released by Spain's Maritime Rescue service shows he is safe.
As of yet, there is no update as to his condition, but he is believed to be well.
The footage suggests that he was plucked from the water, with his life jacket having kept him afloat. There is is no sign of the boat in the video.
Walters had intended to raise money for the Help the Heroes fund, a cause close to his heart.
This was the fifth Atlantic row, and his third trip solo.
Had he succeeded, he would have become the oldest person to row any ocean solo and the only one to row the Atlantic east to west solo three times. He is already in the Guinness Book of Records.
It is understood Walters' tiny 20ft boat, called the Khaggavisana, overturned during bad weather that has hit the region, creating huge waves and gale-force winds
Walters rescued the Khaggavisana from a maritime museum several years ago. It was the boat used to make the crossing from England to America back in 1969, when he was in his early 20s. He had spent two years renovating it
His rowing website reported on Sunday night: 'A worrying call from Graham, he's been in 35kn winds since 12.00 and shipping water badly.
'He's hoping the winds will moderate before too much longer.'
Ironically, an earlier bid in 2006 was aborted because the restored boat was deemed not sea-worthy.
Modifications were then carried out, including a sheath of fiber glass to deal with the leaks.
The planned departure from Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria, also had to put off this time for a week because of battery problems.
Rescue crews pulled Walters into a helicopter, like the one pictured above, and he is believed to be well following the ordeal
Walters rescued the Khaggavisana from a maritime museum several years ago.
It was the boat used to make the crossing from England to America back in 1969, when he was in his early 20s. He had spent two years renovating it.
He decided to support Help the Heroes after he helped to rescue the craft of a team of ex-servicemen, all amputees, four years ago who had to abandon their attempt in the Atlantic Challenge.
In 2016, he was also part of a team attempting a record-breaking crossing when a 21-year-old crew member fell into the ocean and died.
Before his latest adventure, Walters said he was very aware of the risks but was well-prepared and experienced and wanted to show people that age was no barrier.
This is the bizarre moment a young couple were caught on camera having sex while on the back of a moving motorcycle.
Police have launched an investigation after the footage, filmed in Encarnacion, south-eastern Paraguay, went viral online.
It was captured by a witness using a smartphone and he could not believe his eyes when he spotted the semi-naked couple.
The woman was lying back on the petrol tank with her short skirt hitched up and her legs were wrapped around the shirtless male rider.
The young semi-naked couple were filmed on the back of the motorbike while it was moving
The video has provoked a lively debate on internet forums across South America and around the world.
Many users pointed out that in addition to their incredibly dangerous sexual antics, neither of the young couple were wearing helmets.
Police are believed to be investigating the incident which happened in the Santa Maria neighbourhood of Encarnacion.
Officers are said to be scrutinising the video in an attempt to identify the randy pair.
The young couple were spotted on the back of the motorbike as it was moving on a busy road
A police spokesman said that they would face a fine of around three million PYG (430) if they were tracked down and convicted.
However, if there was evidence that the biker had been drinking he would face a hefty fine and possibly even prison.
Encarnacion is the capital of the department of Itapua and the third-largest city in Paraguay.
In recent years, it has also become the tourism capital of the country, with its wide beaches and newly completed waterfront boardwalk.
Chris Bryant claimed there is 'clear evidence' of direct Russian interference in British elections
There is 'clear evidence' of direct Russian interference in British elections, a former Labour minister has claimed.
Chris Bryant also warned that many believed some of the highest level security decisions affecting the UK had now been compromised by Russian interference.
Another Labour MP Ben Bradshaw was mocked for claiming it was 'highly probable' the Russian interfered with the Brexit vote via cyber warfare - something ministers say is unfounded.
But fears have grown over Russian funding of dubious news websites based in the UK but far outside the media mainstream.
Mr Bryant raised fears over Kremlin involvement as MPs considered new powers to tackle money laundering, which many have seen as a crackdown on corrupt money flowing into the UK from Russia and other countries.
He said: 'There is now clear evidence of Russian direct, corrupt involvement in elections in France, in Germany, in the United States of America, and I would argue also in this country.
'Many believe that some of the highest level decisions affecting security in the United Kingdom, in Germany, in France and in the United States of America are now compromised by Russian infiltration.'
Donald Trump has been dogged by allegations of links between his senior team and Russia.
Emmanuel Macron, the favourite to become the next French president, has also accused Russia and its state-owned media of using hacking and fake news to interfere with the French presidential race.
Both claims are rejected by the Kremlin.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has denied the Kremlin is seeking to influence Western elections
Mr Bryant went on to criticise both British and US policy towards Russia in recent years.
He said: 'My personal perception was that both David Cameron and President Obama were very reluctant to show a strong arm to Russia, because they thought by pressing the reset button, that was Obama's view, somehow or other you would manage to get major concessions out of Putin.
'I have to say, that has simply not proved to be an effective strategy.
'In every single regard, Putin has simply taken those moments as a sign of weakness and preceded to use force in greater degree.'
It emerged last year that Putin was waging a propaganda war on the UK and the West using a news agency funded by the Kremlin.
Sputnik News, whose UK version operates from an Edinburgh office block, produces news from a pro-Moscow perspective.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragic Jo Cox murder, Sputnik ran a story describing her death as 'timely' for the remain campaign.
This is the moving moment that a bereaved mother met the little girl whose life was saved by her daughter's heart.
Amber Travaglio lost her seven-year-old daughter, Melody, in June 2015. But recognizing the need of other children and parents, she made the brave choice to donate Melody's organs.
And this month Travaglio met five-year-old Peyton Richardson, the young girl who received Melody's heart - and the gift of new life - Fox 8 reported.
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Powerful: This is the powerful moment that bereaved mom Amber Travaglio met five-year-old Peyton Richardson, who was saved after she received the heart of Amber's daughter
Donation: Peyton (left) had her heart ruined by a cold virus and was on a machine for months. When Melody (right) died of an unexplained breathing problem, she received her heart
Melody, of Cleveland, Ohio, had been a healthy young girl until she suffered a sudden and fatal asphyxic asthma attack for reasons that remain unknown.
'I just remember flailing onto her hospital bed with her and holding her, just screaming her name,' a weeping Amber said.
But even through her grief, she knew that Melody - who knitted hats for premature babies and dreamed of being 'a doctor in space' - would want to help others, even in death.
'That heart was irreplaceably special, and I knew it just had more to give this world,' Travaglio said.
That same day, 550 miles away in Atlanta, Georgia, Peyton was celebrating her fourth birthday from a hospital bed with mom Ashlyn Richardson.
Peyton, like Melody, was also a healthy girl laid low by a sudden illness after her heart was attacked by a cold virus, leaving her hooked up to machines for months.
'There was just a three per cent chance of survival,' Richardson said. Then the call came through: Melody's heart was a match for Amber's.
'I just cried,' Richardson said, 'And I kept thinking of that person that lost their child.'
Travaglio was also thinking of where the little girl's heart would go. And so, 20 months later and just before Valentine's Day, she arranged to meet the girl her daughter had saved.
Hospitalized: This was Peyton in 2015. Today she is recovering from visual and physical damage thanks to Melody's heart, which she received in June 2015
Special: Melody was a kind girl who would knit hats for premature babies and wanted to be a 'doctor in space'. Her mom said the girl's 'irreplaceable' heart 'still had more to give'
Both moms were in tears as they met at Richardson's house, the sound of their hearts beating in unison picked up by Fox 8's microphones.
The tears flowed again when Travaglio met Peyton.
'I grew that heart inside of me,' she said afterward, recalling the moment she hugged the young girl, who is recovering well from the physical and visual damage done by the virus.
'I say they are two beautiful girls with one perfect heart,' she said.
Later, on Facebook, she wrote: 'Meeting [Melody's] heart recipient this week brought me some peace and closure, I am forever grateful for that.
'Peyton and her mom are amazing strong people and I am touched and honored to call them family.'
She said she hopes to one day know the names and faces of all the children saved by her daughter's organs.
It appears that Anthony Bourdain is in love, Italian style.
The chef and self-proclaimed film fanatic is reportedly dating actress Asia Argento, who he met last year when she appeared on the Rome episode of his Emmy-winning travel show Antony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.
Bourdain even paid a visit to Argento in Rome on February 9, flying into Italy after a visit to Ferran Adria's new restaurant Enigma in Spain.
The lovebirds could be seen walking around the city hand-in-hand and then sharing a kiss after enjoying dinner at Pommidoro.
The two then returned to their hotel room.
Argento, 41, first met Bourdain, 60, in September, just around the time when it was revealed that he and his wife Ottavia were separating after nine years of marriage.
The actress and Bourdain's ex-wife are near look-alikes and both hail from Italy.
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New couple: Anthony Bourdain is dating Italian star Asia Argento according to multiple outlets in that country (above on February 9 in Rome)
Romance in the air: After dining at famed restaurant Pommidoro on February 9, the two were seen sharing a kiss before returning to Bourdain's hotel room (above on February 9 in Rome)
Happy together: The pair first met last year when Argento appeared on the Rome episode of the chef's travel show, Antony Bourdain: Parts Unknown
Ex: Shortly after Bourdain and Argento filmed the Rome episode of Parts Unknown it was revealed that the chef and his wife Ottavia had separated
The pair have yet to comment on their relationship, but Bourdain raved about Argento back in December when the episode they filmed aired on CNN.
'The episode would not have been possible or be anything like it is without the truly magnificent Asia Argento,' wrote Bourdain in a post that appeared on Medium.
He later wrote in that piece: 'Always honest, completely unsparing. If you ask Asia a question, you are going to get an answer - and she doesnt care if it reflects badly on you - or on herself. Shes going to give it to you straight.'
Argento was also a big fan of the episode, and wrote before it aired: 'It was a true gift rediscovering the eternal city with you @Bourdain.'
Bourdain's Rome episode of 'Parts Unknown' was a remarkable feat, and one that was inspired in some ways by Argento's father.
Dario Argento is considered by many to be one of the great horror directors, and is known for his highly stylized films, among them the 1977 classic Suspiria.
The episode was shot entirely in widescreen and featured no imagery of classic Rome, choosing instead to show only 'the architecture of Mussolini and post-Mussolini era.'
Fan: 'The episode would not have been possible or be anything like it is without the truly magnificent Asia Argento,' wrote Bourdain of Argento (above) before the show aired in December
Unique look: The Rome episode (scene above) was shot entirely in widescreen and featured no imagery of classic Rome
Peas in a pod: Argento was also a big fan of the episode, and wrote before it aired: 'It was a true gift rediscovering the eternal city with you @Bourdain' (above)
Argento helped Bourdain with this by showing him some of her favorite spots and having her sister cook for him.
She even took Bourdain to what he described as a 'bats*** crazy boxing club where we ate pasta ringside as gladiators pounded one another and the crowd hooted and roared.'
Argento is a fan of the sport, and back in August posted a photo of her in gear, writing: 'I love boxing almost as much as I love sex.'
Another big fan of that sort of physical workout is Ottavia, who practices mixed martial arts and often competes in tournaments.
Bourdain opened up about his relationship with Ottavia in an interview with the New Yorker for a story that was published just last week.
He was interviewed for the story while shooting his biggest episode to date in Hanoi, Vietnam with President Barack Obama.
There is a good deal of talk about how difficult it was for Bourdain to maintain a relationship because he is always away and working on the show.
Fighters: Argento is a big fan of boxing (left) while Ottavia practices mixed martial art (right)
Family: Bourdain has a daughter Ariane who was born in 2007, the same year that he married Ottavia (family above at dinner last year)
Casual dinner: Last year, Bourdain managed to score his biggest guest to date when he had dinner in Hanoi, Vietnam with president Obama (above)
Then, in an email to the writer of the story back in August he said the the two were calling it quits, writing: 'Its not much of a change of lifestyle, as we have lived separate lives for many years. More of a change of address.'
He went on to write, jokingly: 'Shes an interesting woman. I admire her choices. But I married Sophia Loren. She turned into Jean-Claude Van Damme.'
Bourdain also wrote that he was happy the couple no longer had to 'pretend.'
The two were set up by Eric Ripert, who employed Ottavia at his restaurant Le Bernardin in New York City.
Bourdain said that he never saw himself as a father but the two decided after some time together to give it a try, and Ottavia was son pregnant.
The same year that they were married the couple welcomed daughter Ariane.
'Im shocked by how happy my daughter is. I dont think Im deluding myself. I know Im a loving father,' said Bourdain in that interview.
He then added however: 'Do I wish sometimes that, in an alternative universe, I could be the patriarch, always there? Tons of kids? Grandkids running around? Yes. And it looks good to me. But Im pretty sure Im incapable of it.'
Smile for the camera: Argento has a teenage daughter Anna and young son (family above in Tokyo last summer)
Fan: After Bourdain met Argento he posted a pic of Dario with his young daughter on Twitter, writing: 'Happy Birthday to the master' (above)
Global star: Argento was first introduced to many in America with her role in XXX (left in XXX, right in Land of the Dead)
Argento has two children, a 7-year-old son Nicola with her ex-husband Michele Civetta and a 15-year-old daughter Anna from her relationship with musician Marco Castoldi.
She shot to fame as a teenager due to her famous father and roles in a number of Italian movies, receiving the Italian equivalent of the Academy Award twice before the age of 20.
Argento then found fame in America with her role opposite Vin Diesel in XXX, and two years later was back with her English language directorial debut, having adapted J. T Leroy's controversial novel 'The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things.'
She has appeared in a number of films over the past decade, most notably Marie Antoinette, Boarding Gate, The Last Mistress and Mother of Tears.
In 2014 she premiered her film Misunderstood at the Cannes Film Festival, which she wrote and directed, telling the press that she was done with acting.
Bourdain was a fan of the film, which he called 'remarkable and beautiful,' and is a big fan of Argento's dad.
After the two met he posted a pic of Dario with his young daughter on Twitter, writing: 'Happy Birthday to the master.'
Professional bass angler Kyle Mabrey was killed when his SUV drove off of Interstate 459 in Alabama and was then struck by an oncoming train Sunday night. He was 42.
Mabrey, a married father-of-two from MaCalla, was part of the FLW Tour and also worked as a respiratory therapist at Birmingham Children's Hospital of Alabama.
Mabrey was a professional fisherman for 14 years and was ranked 286th in the world.
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Freak accident: Professional bass angler Kyle Mabrey, left and right, was killed when his SUV drove off of the road in Alabama Sunday and was hit by a train
Mangled mess: Mabrey's white Chevy Tahoe is seen being hauled away from the scene of the one-vehicle crash in Jefferson County
Mabrey's SUV was pulling a boat at the time of the collision with a Northfolk Southern train, which caused the driver to be ejected from the vehicle
According to investigators, Mabrey was traveling north on I-459 on his way to a fishing spot when his Chevy Tahoe SUV left the roadway and went down an embankment, reported Al.com.
Mabrey's vehicle, which was pulling a boat at the time, landed on railway tracks near McAdory School Road, where the fishing vessel was struck by a Northfolk Southern train.
The angler was ejected from the vehicle on impact and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before midnight.
Mabrey is survived by his wife of 13 years, Elizabeth, and the couple' two children, Evan and Emma.
The fishing league's website indicates that Mabrey had earned more than $288,000 over the course of his six-year career as a pro bass angler.
Fish tales: Mabrey was a professional fisherman for 14 years and was ranked 286th in the world
Like everybody else who knew him, I really admired Kyle Mabrey, Bill Taylor, FLWs senior director of tournaments, tells flwfishing.com. He loved to go fishing with his little boy and always brought that up in our conversations. He would always text me pictures of their fishing results; his closeness with his family was all the world to him.
Mabrey was being honored not only for his fishing prowess, but also for his work as an accomplished respiratory therapist who had helped improve the lives of thousands of ailing children.
Family man: Mabrey is survived by his wife of 13 years, Elizabeth (pictured), and the couple' two children, Evan and Emma
Katie Broome, whose son, Jace, was born at 24 weeks last February and spent the first year of his life at Children's of Alabama, remembered Mabrey for his comforting bedside manner and how he instantly made her son break into a smile the first time they met, she tells the station WIAT.
Mabrey's best friend and fellow FLW Tour pro Blake Nick expressed his shock and dismay at having lost someone who was special to so many people.
Youre talking about a guy who would go fish his heart out all weekend in a tournament and then, come Monday morning, work with kids on ventilators and try to make them as comfortable as he could, he said.
Fellow pro angler Brad Knight, of Tennessee, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Mabreys widow and their children. As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser has drawn a little under $15,000 in donations,
A 16-year-old girl who came to Britain from Poland was found hanged in the toilets at the school where she been bullied, a coroner heard today.
Dagmara Przybysz, who moved to Britain with her family nine years ago, was found dead last May.
At a pre-inquest hearing, police told the coroner they had gathered evidence of bullying in a bid to establish whether cruel jibes and racism from classmates played a part in her death.
Dagmara Przybysz, who moved to Britain with her family nine years ago, was found dead in her school toilets last May
Grief-stricken friends and family paid tribute to the 16-year-old following her tragic death
The hearing heard police and paramedics were called to the Pool Academy, but Dagmara, who lived in Redruth, Cornwall, could not be saved.
Before she died, Dagmara had complained about suffering taunts at school on website ask.fm.
Answering a question about what problems she had at school, she replied 'racism', adding that it makes her sad when friends say things behind her back.
The comments were made three years ago, but, after her death, several friends referred to continued problems.
One friend posted online: 'It is so sad what people do to make people do this stuff. F*****g ridiculous.'
Another friend wrote: 'Such a beautiful girl, died a such a young age because of absolute p***ks.'
Speaking after her death last year, the youngster's grief-stricken grandmother Zofia Dobek said she was at a loss to explain why school pupils hounded Dagmara and made her feel like an outsider in the weeks and months in the build up to the teenager's death.
Speaking from the village of Radgoszcz, west Poland, she told MailOnline: 'When she turned 16 no one even congratulated her.
'I cannot understand this. Why? She was such a lovely girl, so full of life. She was such a beautiful, friendly and helpful person.
'But I can't understand why people didn't like her. Now people are saying my granddaughter had mental health issues. She had no such problems.'
Police investigating the schoolgirl's death have gathered evidence of bullying and presented it to the coroner
Senior coroner for Cornwall Emma Carlyon is looking into the youngster's death and said it was currently unclear whether bullying played a part.
But Detective Constable Craig Daddow, of Camborne CID, confirmed that police had gathered evidence of bullying incidents.
Dagmara's grandmother Zofia Dobek paid an emotional tribute to her granddaughter
He told the hearing in Truro: 'We spoke to many pupils and we gathered evidence that there were incidents in which Dagmara was bullied by a group of girls and she was also pushed in a corridor on one occasion.
'We did not speak to any individuals about the bullying because we do not want to worry them that they are in trouble in a criminal way.'
After the tragedy, school principal Zelma Hill paid tribute to the student she described as a, 'beautiful, bright and creative 16 year old student with a very promising future ahead of her.'
She added Dagmara 'was passionate about fashion and photography.'
Dr Carlyon added that it will be her role during the full inquest hearing to examine the circumstances behind Dagmara's death, but not to attribute blame.
She said: 'We have had one incident and we don't want this to lead to another. We don't want any more young people getting poorly because of this.'
A full inquest hearing is scheduled before the summer, expected to last two days.
The hearing was told around nine witnesses would be called, including Dagmara's mother, boyfriend and several staff from Pool Academy.
If you or someone you know in Australia needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyondblue on 1300 224 636
A Minnesota high school backtracked on its requirement for female students to submit prom dress photos for pre-approval to ensure the gowns were appropriate enough to wear to church.
Girls at Osakis High School in central Minnesota were asked to send in photos of themselves wearing their prom dresses to make sure it complied with the school dress code back in January.
The school of around 350 students changed its mind on the photo submission after it had originally sent out a dress code letter that said girls should feel comfortable enough to wear the outfit to church.
The district said the photos were merely a suggestion on Tuesday but haven't commented on whether attire should still be appropriate enough for church, the Star Tribune reported.
Osakis High School in central Minnesota backtracked on its requirement to have girls send in photos of themselves wearing prom dresses to ensure it complied with the school dress code on Tuesday
The letter released in January says that an acceptable prom dress 'is one that you would feel comfortable wearing to a formal event at your church'
The letter released in January on the school district's website strictly spells out what young women are expected to wear to the dance on April 22.
A portion reads: 'For ladies, an acceptable prom dress is one that you would feel comfortable wearing to a formal event at your church.
'Dresses that expose undergarments, midriff and other low-cut areas, even with a see through material, are not acceptable.
'Length of dresses must be lower than the fingertips when arms are held straight down at sides.'
Despite the letter requesting all questions or appeals on attire to be approved by March 24, the school interim superintendent said it wasn't a requirement, just a suggestion.
'We are not going to require any such photo prior to the prom,' the statement said.
Pictured: Principal of the high school Tim Roggenbuck (left) and the interim superintendent Randy Bergquist (right)
The district said Tuesday that it was merely a suggestion but haven't commented on whether attire should still be appropriate enough for church (pictured Osakis High School)
At the bottom of the letter detailing the rules of prom is a form students are expected to return with their signatures.
It reads: 'It is important for students attending prom to recognize that this event is a privilege and not a right'.
While the dress code goes into specifics on what kind of dresses were deemed acceptable for girls, young men are simply told to wear a tux or dress pants and shirts.
Mark Williams-Thomas theorises that Madeleine McCann left her holiday flat to look for her parents on the night she went missing
The parents of Madeleine McCann are 'baffled' by a TV show hiring an ex-cop to tell the nation what he thinks happened to their daughter.
Kate and Gerry McCann hit out at ITV's This Morning for using Mark Williams-Thomas, now an investigative journalist, for voicing his 'astonishing new theory' about Madeleine's disappearance, a close friend said on Tuesday.
The couple have always insisted their three-year-old daughter was snatched from a Portuguese holiday flat while they were dining in a nearby tapas bar, either by a sex fiend or during a botched burglary nearly ten years ago.
But TV detective Mr Williams-Thomas, believes the unsettled youngster walked out of the unlocked apartment searching for her parents in the poolside restaurant.
The McCann's spokesman Clarence Mitchell said: 'This is pure speculation and as such Kate and Gerry will not be dignifying it with any sort comment whatsoever.'
A source close to the pair said: 'It's baffling a television programme had him on as an authority on the Madeleine case. He's re-invented himself as a criminologist but when did he become an expert on this high profile case? Never!'
The friend added: 'He said he had received a statement from the McCann's saying they were pleased there was an on-going investigation which they hoped would unearth some news but they haven't been in contact with him, neither has their spokesperson.
'It seems he was re-hashing a years-old statement that was circulated to all the media.'
Former police officer, Mark Williams-Thomas, theorises that the child woke up in the middle of the night and wandered off in search of Gerry and Kate McCann who were dining at a Tapas bar in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz.
Williams-Thomas went to the resort just days after Madeleine went missing on May 3, 2007 aged three and has followed the unsolved case since.
Speaking This Morning as part of a new series on unsolved crimes on Tuesday he said: 'On that morning of Madeleine's disappearance, we do know she went to [her parents] Gerry and Kate and said: 'Where were you last night?' he explained.
'Because we know the twins did wake up on days prior to her disappearance.
'And I think as a result of that, Madeline was clearly aware they were in the tapas bar that was in the resort.
'Now the interesting element in that is in order to get to the tapas bar you had to actually come out of the premises, walk on a public road to go back in again.
Madeleine, then aged 3-years-old, vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz as her parents ate at the nearby restaurant
'And that raises a concern I have in regards to Madeleine I believe woke up in the middle of the night, she went looking for Gerry and Kate and she left the apartment and went out.
'Because we know the patio door at the back was insecure.'
Co-host Phillip Schofield had to pause the reporter from theorising further under legal obligations.
Madeleine vanished from an apartment in Praia da Luz as her parents ate at the nearby restaurant.
Detectives are said to be working on a theory that she was kidnapped by a European trafficking gang with an apparent 9,000 sightings of her across the world since she went missing.
At the early stages of the investigation journalists from Portuguese magazine Sol speculated that her parents were involved in the disappearance but allegations against them were dismissed quickly.
Gerry and Kate still hold hope that their eldest daughter is still alive despite being missing for close to a decade.
This could be Operation Grange's final year of searching for the missing child.
They have been concentrating on the notion that she was sold by child traffickers her parents' and their first team of private investigators' initial hunch and could still be alive.
Parents Gerry and Kate McCann were dining at a Tapas bar in the Algarve resort of Praia da Luz, Portugal when their eldest daughter went missing
So far the inquiry, launched in May 2011 on orders of then Prime Minister David Cameron, has cost more than 12 million with topped-up funds set to run out at the end of March.
The McCann source added: 'With no disrespect to this investigative reporter he is forever trying to latch himself onto the Maddie case. He's said this all before and he once stood outside Apartment 5a reporting his same old belief.
'Allowing him on This Morning to air his views won't help the show get in Kate and Gerry's good books. But they're not going to fall out with him over this. It's all based on speculation and it's a free country and they've got enough to be dealing with.'
Former GP Kate and heart doctor Gerry, both 48, of Rothley, Leics, believe Maddie could still be alive and have never given up hope of finding her. They face the heart-breaking 10th anniversary of her disappearance in 10 weeks. She would now be aged 13.
Mr Williams-Thomas boasts he has 'far-reaching experience of working at the centre of high profile investigations.'
The self-styled commentator boasts on his website how he has 'over the last decade reported on the biggest crime stories.'
Shaun Walmsley, 28, has fled the Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool, sparking a major operation to find him by Merseyside Police
The car used to help a convicted murderer escape while on a hospital visit from prison has been recovered.
Shaun Walmsley, 28, fled the Aintree University Hospital in Liverpool on Tuesday, sparking a major operation to find him by Merseyside Police.
The escape car used by the accomplices has now been discovered.
Merseyside Police believe the gold-coloured Volvo number plate MW02 XHE was parked in Fazakerley, Liverpool, from 12pm yesterday with at least one man inside.
It was then seen travelling to Aintree University Hospital, where it was spotted parked from 1.25pm onwards.
Police said after the car was used in the getaway it was discovered back in Adlam Crescent at 8pm last night and has already been towed away for forensic examinations.
Two men, carrying a gun, knife and pepper spray, reportedly jumped out and held up guards so the murderer could escape in the gold-coloured Volvo.
Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said he would calling for an immediate inquiry and writing to the Home Secretary Amber Rudd
Mark Fairhurst, Prison Officers' Association National Executive spokesperson, said: 'Walmsley was transported in a private hire taxi. That is regular protocol in most prisons, unless the prisoner is a Category A prisoner in which case they would go with two armed police officers in a van.
'Walmsley was returning to the taxi after the appointment when he and the two officers were approached by two males.
'One put a gun to an officer's head and the other put a knife to the other officer's throat and they released the cuffs.
'It is a life-threatening situation and they have to do what they can to save their life.
'At the end of the day, they only have an extendable baton and a white prison shirt.
'We have asked for more equipment because we don't have things like stab vests like police do as a deterrent but they have been turned down.
'Even as a visual deterrent, if we looked more like the police do it would be useful to stop events like this from happening.'
WHO WAS ANTHONY DUFFY? Anthony Duffy was stabbed 28 times in Aintree Anthony Duffy was 33 when he was killed by Walmsley and three others in Aintree, Liverpool. He was stabbed 28 times and later died in hospital. Mr Duffy was a cocaine and cannabis dealer who was said to have crossed Walmsley's path when he tried to steal his 60,000 crop because he was annoyed about debts pressure they were putting on his cousin. He is said to have enlisted John Hore to help with the burglary but he was betrayed to his killers by the career criminal. An obituary in the Liverpool paper said he was partner to Stacey and father to three girls, Heidi, Daisy and Faith. His surviving family was praised for acting with dignity throughout the trial. Advertisement
A source told The Sun: 'The cab was just leaving the hospital site when it happened.
'The officers involved are hugely shaken up.
'There will be serious questions to answer about why a convicted murderer was travelling in a minicab in the first place, especially so soon after his conviction.'
HMP Liverpool chiefs have launched an investigation following the incident.
Walmsley, who is serving 30 years for his role in the murder of Anthony Duffy, 33.
The drug-related incident saw the victim stabbed and slashed 28 times, before he died.
Neither of the prison guards were hurt during the incident that took place after Walmsley's appointment.
Walmsley, from Walton, is described as white, 6ft tall and of slim build with dark brown hair and blue eyes. He was last seen wearing dark bottoms and a dark jacket.
The gunman is described as having his face covered and was wearing white shoes, grey tracksuit bottoms with a stripe down each side, a grey hoody and a dark coat.
The second man, who was believed to be armed with a knife, is described as having his face covered and he was wearing a green coat, dark Nike trainers and grey tracksuit bottoms.
A manhunt is now under way and police are carrying out an extensive search of the area.
The gold coloured Volvo found by police in Liverpool on Wednesday following the escape of Walmsley on Tuesday
Officers are appealing for anyone who saw this car to get in touch with information. It is believed it was spotted for a number of hours in a street before going to the hospital in the afternoon
The public are being warned not to approach the killer - described as dangerous - as he could also be in the company of the armed men who ambushed the car.
Merseyside Police Detective Superintendent Natalie Perischine said: 'We are keeping an open mind at the moment.
'Walmsley could still be with the two men that were involved yesterday or he could be with other people.
'The prison officers are physically unharmed but one the men who threatened them had a gun and the other had a knife so they will undoubtedly have been affected by the traumatic event.
'I cannot confirm that Walmsley was taken to hospital in a mini cab, but patient confidentiality prevents me from going into what the appointment was for.
'But anything that happens around Shaun Walmsley leaving the hospital or being treated is not the focus of the investigation, that is for the Ministry of Justice.
'Given the gravity of the offence that Walmsley has committed, it was a murder for which he is serving a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 30 years, so by its very definition it is a really grave offence and was a pre-meditated, violent attack.
'Undoubtedly, Walmsley is a dangerous, violent person and the two other people are dangerous and violent too.
'My advice to member so of public would be not to approach him and call 999 if they see him.
HMP Liverpool chiefs have launched an investigation following the incident
'And to add to that, I would like to add to reassure them we are working extensively to look for him and we will find him.
'It is an extremely rare occurrence and we will not rest until Walmsley is behind bars.'
Deputy General Secretary of the Prison Officers' Association (POA), Andy Darken, said it is 'fairly common' for non-Category A prisoners to be moved in taxis after a risk assessment is done to ensure this is safe.
'There's not a lot of difference if they are held up by armed gunmen in a secure van or a taxi', he told the BBC.
The Mayor of Liverpool Mr Anderson said: 'We have to call for an inquiry into what has gone on and what has happened - I am going to write to the Home Secretary.'
He added: 'This is somebody who is a convicted murderer who could well be in my city or anywhere else.
'We don't know whether he has got out to be part of any drug disputes in the city.'
Mr Anderson said it is a 'tense time' in the city of Liverpool following recent murders and that to him it looks like Walmsley has been able to plan the escape well in advance.
He also said his understanding is that the two prison officers and Walmsley turned up to the hospital appointment in a taxi, but that he is waiting for confirmation of this.
'The issues are; how it has been allowed to happen, why there were only two guards for a category A prisoner, and why he was not in a secure vehicle, if that was the case,' he added.
'Why is it the case he has been able to communicate with people outside, exactly when he was attending a hospital appointment - these are questions that all need to be asked.
'For the people of this city it is an unacceptable breach and lapse of security and we are lucky that the officers were not challenged and the firearm was not discharged in that situation.'
Walmsley was remanded in custody at HMP Liverpool after being sentenced to life in June 2015, with a 30-year tariff, for his part in the murder of Anthony Duffy.
A manhunt is now under way and police are carrying out an extensive search of the area. Pictured is Aintree University Hospital
Mr Duffy, 33, was lured to an address in Aintree in May 2014 and 'repeatedly stabbed'.
Liverpool Crown Court heard Walmsley had a large criminal network with Christopher Kenny, the Liverpool Echo reported at the time.
Judge Clement Goldstone said the two men had decided Mr Duffy needed to be 'eliminated, not only because he was a rival drug dealer, but even more because he had dared to cross them', the Echo said.
The pair along with Kirk Mello, from Kirkby, Liverpool, and John Hore, of Orrell Park, Liverpool, were found guilty of murdering Mr Duffy.
After their sentencing, Merseyside Police said the four men had 'never shown any emotion' and had 'not expressed any remorse'.
A Prison Service spokesperson said: 'A prisoner from HMP Liverpool has escaped while on an escorted hospital visit on Tuesday, February 21.
'The offender involved is described as dangerous and police are advising the public not to approach him.
'We are working closely with the police and are urgently investigating the matter. It would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this stage.'
Speaking to residents near where the car was found, one neighbour said: 'We didn't see anyone get out the car at all, but this road is usually busy because of the hospital parking so we didn't think anything of it. It was parked on the street corner and the police were here about 9pm.'
Another neighbour, who also did not wish to be named, said: 'It's quite normal to see a car there and I missed the police call but I looked out about 10pm and they were taking the car away. It is a terrible story and I really think that the hospital shouldn't let them get away with that.'
Another anonymous resident said: 'For me, the car was there all day so it could have been there before. I had never seen a gold-coloured metallic Volvo before so it was quite distinctive. I saw it parked on the corner but I didn't see the police take it away.'
WHO IS SHAUN WALMSLEY? Shaun Walmsley is one of four men who was convicted of killing drug dealer Anthony Duffy in Aintree. He was jailed alongside Christopher Kenny, John Hore and Kirk Mello. The men denied murder and a trial at Liverpool Crown Court lasted eight weeks in 2015. John Hore, left, was hired by Mr Duffy but he was betrayed and given over to Walmsley and Kenny. Kirk Mello, right, was given a life sentence with a minimum term of 22 years One witness described how Mr Duffy begged for help while two men stabbed him with a 10-inch carving knife and a 'black instrument'. Mr Duffy had enlisted career criminal John Hore, to help with the planned burglary of a 60,000 cannabis farm but prosecutors said he had betrayed him to Walmsley and Kenny. Christopher Kenny was jailed for his part in the crime Walmsley, now 28, planned to escape to Amsterdam but Hore gave his name to the police after his arrest. Walmsley was sentenced to life with a minimum of 30 years. All four received life sentences with jail terms amounting to about 100 years. Liverpool Crown Court heard Walmsley had a large criminal network with Christopher Kenny, the Liverpool Echo reported at the time. Judge Clement Goldstone said the two men had decided Mr Duffy needed to be 'eliminated, not only because he was a rival drug dealer, but even more because he had dared to cross them', the Echo said. After their sentencing, Merseyside Police said the four men had 'never shown any emotion' and had 'not expressed any remorse'. Advertisement
A neighbour of Walmsley said: 'I didn't really know him and had only seen him a couple of times.
'It's a quiet street and everyone keeps themselves to themselves but I think he grew up here and lived with a brother.
'The police helicopter was circling above the street last night so I knew something was going on but wasn't aware of what it was.'
In nearby roads close to the hospital on Wednesday morning, residents were shocked by what had happened.
An anonymous resident said: 'I didn't hear anything or see anything it was only when my partner told me that I heard about it after.
'It is quite shocking at hear that two gunmen were able to turn up and get him.
'I have children so if prisoners are being transported just in black cabs then that is not very good, is it?'
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'I was in all day with my wife and I didn't see anything and never heard anything and I'd have been the first to look at the window if I did.
'If cutbacks mean that they have to transport them using black cabs then that is a bit c***.
'They're going to start asking questions if a convicted killer was being moved in a cab and was this easy to get to.
'But it has happened before all around the country and it will happen again.
'But police are always around in the area so it is no surprise to see them there this morning.'
Another resident, who asked not to be named, said: 'This is the first I have heard of it but I am not too surprised as I remember an identical thing happened a few years ago.
'Once they are past the hospital grounds and the first streets and gardens, it is very hard to stop them and they are gone.'
Police are asking who has seen him, or knows where he is, to contact them on 999 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Under ISIS rule, most of the animals in Mosul zoo were killed or died of starvation.
But now the two emaciated animals left are receiving medical help from aid workers who have come to rescue them.
A veterinary team from charity Four Paws has started treating animals at the Mumtaz al-Nour zoo in eastern Mosul, Iraq today.
The emaciated animals that are left in Mosul Zoo have been rescued by aid workers, who are giving them medical treatment
International charity Four Paws have sent a veterinary team to help heal the animals. Pictured a volunteer holds and apple for a bear at the abandoned zoo
The starving bear is given an apple by an aid worker. Earlier this month, it was revealed that only a lion and a bear were left in the former tourist attraction
Based in Vienna, Austria, the organisation sends aid workers worldwide to rescue bears, big cats and stray animals.
Local volunteers fed a bear with apples and cleaned out the filthy cages while medical professionals.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that only a bear and a lion were left in the former tourist attraction.
An abandoned lion licks its lips before receiving treatment from Four Paws vets. Most of the animals at the zoo in Nour Park, Mosul, were killed by shrapnel or died of starvation
A volunteer washes out a filthy cage in the zoo while the animals are treated by vets. Based in Vienna, Austria, Four Paws sends aid workers worldwide to rescue bears, big cats and stray animals
A vet sqeezes a solution onto a lion's eye. The big cat's muzzle has been tied with black fabric to stop it from biting any of the aid workers
The malnourished animals were found by volunteers close to their former enclosures in Nour Park.
While the city was under the control of ISIS, the zoo was targeted by coalition bombers.
Most of the animals were killed by stray shrapnel and shells.
A volunteer holds out a dead bird to feed to a lion. The big cat pushes its paw through the bars of its cage in anticipation
Vets work on the eyes of a sedated bear. When the Mosul was under ISIS control, the zoo was used as a target for coalition bombers
During the conflict, a shell hit a monkey cage, letting the animals wreak havoc on neighbours.
Faten Amar, who lives across the road, said: 'The monkeys were jumping on the houses, scaring the children and stealing the fruit.
'Ducks and other animals were running around, the whole neighborhood had to run around trying to catch them.'
A vet uses a long dart to anaesthetise an abandoned bear as it walks around its cage. The malnourished animals were found by volunteers close to their former enclosures in Nour Park
In shocking images, the animals stare blankly out of their cages.
The vets have to anaesthetise the animals so they can check them over.
A local volunteer is pictured feeding the lion a dead bird. The starving animal's paw is outstretched in anticipation.
The sedated lion's tongue lolls out as a vet checks his paws for infection. The vets have to anaesthetise the animals so they can check them over
A bear's mouth is winched open with forceps so vets can inspect its teeth
Earlier this month, owner Abu Omar said: 'When the battle intensified, it was impossible for the guard and animal handler to reach them.' Pictured, vets look over a sedated lion
In its heyday, the zoo boasted four lions. After the first two died, the surviving animals ate their carcasses.
Earlier this month, owner Abu Omar said: 'When the battle intensified, it was impossible for the guard and animal handler to reach them.'
Saif al-Bassef, a volunteer sent by the Kurdistan Organisation for Animal Rights, brought the first substantial food for a month. 'It's shameful to watch the animals struggle, they need help. They are not connected to the war,' he said.
A group of volunteers and vets carry a lion by its legs and tail. Saif al-Bassef, a volunteer sent by the Kurdistan Organisation for Animal Rights, brought the first substantial food for a month at the start of February
In its heyday, the zoo boasted four lions. After the first two died, the surviving animals ate their carcasses
A bear paws at its cage in Mosul zoo. Volunteers have been bringing apples for the bear for the last month
The park, which also features colorful children's rides, sits in the eastern half of the city that has recently been retaken by Iraqi forces.
Groups of children jump around in the ruins of the playground, not far from an unexploded bomb and a disused freezer full of ordnance.
Before aid workers could relieve the starving animals, children came to the zoo to feed the lion and bear.
Before aid workers could relieve the starving animals, children came to the zoo to feed the lion and bear
The zoo sits in the eastern part of the city that was recently liberated by Iraqi and Kurdish forces
The park, which also features colorful children's rides, sits in the eastern half of the city that has recently been retaken by Iraqi forces
But there is little food for the animals in a city where the population are starving.
The zoo sits in the eastern part of the city that was recently liberated by Iraqi and Kurdish forces.
The animals were also being fed by the Kurdistan Organization for Animal Rights Protection earlier in the month.
Groups of children jump around in the ruins of the playground, not far from an unexploded bomb and a disused freezer full of ordnance
Milo Yiannopoulos said Tuesday that political adversaries and mainstream media had sparked a 'witch hunt' against him following the emergence of a video in which he appeared to support pedophilia - but said that despite losing his job and a book deal, he would not be silenced.
He used a press conference in New York to fight back after videos were published in which he spoke about 'inter-generational relationships' and was revealed to have said: 'The whole consent thing is not as black and white as people try and paint it.'
The storm cost him first a $250,000 book deal, then a prestigious conservative speaking engagement and finally his job as technology editor of conservative website Breitbart, from which he resigned shortly before the press conference.
'It was a politically motivated witch-hunt and they waited until the most damaging moment,' he said.
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Speaking out: Milo Yiannopolous quit Breitbart on Monday afternoon amid mounting controversy over what he said about 'coming of age of relationships'
Under pressure: The former Breitbart columnist had endured a weekend of criticism for saying: 'The whole consent thing is not as black and white as people try and paint it.'
Quitting: Milo Yiannopolous left his role as technology editor at Breitbart, the conservative website, amid a growing storm over what he said about pedophilia. He arrived at a press conference in New York on Monday to explain his resignation
'They held the footage back, that has been out there in the world for over a year, because they don't care about the victims and they don't care about children. They only care about bringing me down.'
He added: 'They will fail.'
The alt-right figure took responsibility for his words and apologized to the victims of child abuse over his remarks.
He went on to say that this was the first time he had apologized and unlikely would again - as well as saying he had exposed three pedophiles in his time as a journalist.
MILO'S F-WORD PRESS CONFERENCE... AND WHAT HE SAID ON: ...the press: 'They have reported things about me which they know aren't true and f*** you for that' ... sexual abuse: 'It's not the worst thing that's ever going to happen to you. Going bankrupt is worse' ... the publishers of the tape: 'They only care about bringing me down' ...Steve Bannon: 'He made me a star' ... the future 'Im now a performer with millions of fans. I look forward to making you all laugh, cry and think for many, many decades to come' Advertisement
'I do not support child abuse,' he said. 'It's a disgusting crime of which I am a victim.'
He addressed abuse victims directly to tell them 'it's not the worst thing that's ever going to happen to you' before adding that 'going bankrupt is worse'.
He went on to rail against the media and the Left, claiming that the video of his comments had been deceptively edited.
'They have reported things about me which they know aren't true and f*** you for that,' he said to the assembled press.
He said that he had exposed three pedophiles in his journalistic career, adding 'three more than most of my critics'.
'Most journalists have no sense of the country they are reporting on and I do,' he later added.
He also said he believed he has done more for the image of gay people in the 'flyover states' than any other gay rights charities, advocacy groups and publications in the last 30 years.
Yiannopoulos said Breitbart had stood by him and that he had decided to step down to allow them continue with their work, adding that he would now be focused on 'education and entertainment'.
'I don't think this has done any harm for my profile,' he said - announcing that he would be setting up his own website, and returning to speaking at campuses and commercial speaking events very soon.
He opened the press conference, by reading from a prepared statement: 'I am a gay man and a child abuse victim. Between the ages of 13 and 16, two men touched me in ways they should not have. One of those men was a priest.
'My relationship with my abusers is complicated by the fact that at the time, I didn't perceive what was happening as abuse. I can look back now and see that it was.
'I still don't view myself as a victim but I clearly I am that. Looking back I see the effects that this had on me. In the years after this happened, I fell into alcohol and nihilistic partying. It lasted well into my twenties.
'A few years ago, I realized it was time to do something good with my life. I started focusing on work but the black comedy, the gallows humor and the love of shock value from my twenties never really went away.
'I've reviewed the tapes that appeared two days ago in the proper context and I don't believe that they say what is being reported.
'Nevertheless, I do say some things on the tape that I do not mean and that do not reflect my views.'
He added: 'My experiences as a victim led me to believe that I could say almost anything on the subject no matter how outrageous.
'But I understand that my usual blend of sassy, gay, British sarcasm, provocation and gallows humor might have come across as flippancy and lack of care for other victims, or even worse as seems to have been the case in reports, advocacy. I am horrified by that impression.
'I would like to restate my disgust for adults who sexually abuse minors.'
He said that he believed the age of consent 'was about right' and did not believe it should be lowered, adding that he believed the legal age of consent in Germany - 14 - was too young.
Yiannopoulos claimed that a section in the tape where he talked about the age of consent had been edited out.
BREITBART: FAREWELL TO 'BOLD VOICE' Breitbart made a brief statement about Yiannopolous's decision to quit: ' Milo Yiannopoulos's bold voice has sparked much-needed debate on important cultural topics confronting universities, the LGBTQ community, the press, and the tech industry. Milo notified us this morning of his decision to resign as editor of Breitbart Tech and we accepted his resignation.' Advertisement
'I don't believe that sex with 13-year-olds is okay,' he said. 'When I mentioned the number 13 [on the tape], I was talking about myself and the age I lost my virginity.'
The firebrand commentator said he would not apologize for 'dealing with my life experiences in the way that I choose to which is through humor and provocation. No one can tell me or anyone else who has lived through these experiences how they should best deal with those emotions'.
He added: 'But I am sorry to other abuse victims who may have interpreted what I said as flippant or uncaring.'
Yiannopoulos said he 'would never stop making jokes about taboo subjects' and said that in any gay club or drag bar there was 'joke after joke after joke about clerical sexual abuse'.
He complained that he was not afforded the same freedom to make those kind of jokes and blamed the media for 'selectively defining me as a political figure in some circumstances and a comedian in others. And also, of course, because I'm conservative.'
And he said he believed that Simon & Schuster's decision to jettison his book, Dangerous, would make them 'popular at New York cocktail parties' but said other publishers had expressed interest and that he believed it would still be bought by his millions of followers.
The controversy began when a Twitter account, @ReaganBattallion, was used to publish the videos in which Yiannopolous discussed 'inter-generational relationships' and said: 'The whole consent thing is not as black and white as people try and paint it.
Among his comments, he said: 'People are messy and complex, particularly in the homosexual world.
It's over: Milo steps down from the site which had propelled him into becoming one of the most high-profile parts of the so-called alt-right
'Some of those relationships between younger boys and older men, the sort of 'coming of age' relationships, the relationships in which those older men help those young boys to discover who they are, and give them security and safety and provide them with love and a reliable rock where they can't speak to their parents.'
He also said: 'Pedophilia is not a sexual attraction to somebody 13 years old who is sexually mature.'
That led to a storm of criticism aimed principally at Simon & Schuster, the publishing house, for his $250,000 book deal - which it canceled on Monday - and the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), which had invited him to speak later this week, and which rescinded its invitation on Monday.
Breitbart, his employer, had however stood by him. At his press conference he said that he would not be deterred from carving out a career as a conservative and libertarian provocateur.
In quitting Breitbart, he said he did not want to distract from the site's work. In a statement, he said: 'Breitbart news has stood by me when others caved.
'They have allowed me to carry conservative and libertarian ideas to communities that would otherwise never have heard them.
Guarded: Yiannopolous was escorted by minders with earpieces as he arrived for his press conference in New York
Developing row: As the fallout continued from the taped comments, Yiannopolous lost first his book deal (left) and then was told he was not welcome at conservative get-together CPAC, whose chair Matt Schlapp (right) said he was no longer welcome
'They have been a significant factor in my success. I'm grateful for that freedom and for the friendships I forged there.
'I would be wrong to allow my poor choice of words to detract from my colleagues' important reporting, so today I am resigning from Breitbart, effective immediately.
'This decision is mine alone.'
He added: 'When your friends have done right by you, you do right by them. For me, now, that means stepping aside so my colleagues at Breitbart can get back to the great work they do.'
Pressure on British-born Yiannonpolous, 34, had grown on Monday morning as the editor-in-chief of Breitbart, Alex Marlow, called his comments 'indefensible'.
Marlow had offered a defense of his right to speak - and claimed that what Yiannopolous had said was no worse than the actions of liberal favorites including Lena Dunham, who, writing in her autobiography, described touching her sister's private parts when they were both children and Roman Polanski, still wanted for statutory rape.
Mentor: Yiannopolous said that Steve Bannon, the former executive chairman of Bretibart, had made him 'a star'
Politico reported that Marlow told the Breitbart radio show that his columnist's comments were 'indefensible', 'troubling' and 'upsetting' - and a 'total surprise' to his employers.
'He seemed to be speaking from personal experience as a gay man; he also revealed he's a victim of child abuse himself,' Marlow said,
'He himself told me he's never had inappropriate contact with a minor since he was an adult. it's all very upsetting and something we take very seriously at Breitbart.'
But he added: 'We have many examples on the left who have admitted to statutory rape; Lena Dunham had in her book touching her sister's private parts as a child; you have Roman Polanski; you have millions of examples of the left of normalizing behavior, similar to what Milo described.
'There's no evidence Milo has been a predator, and so I do think that is also very important context.'
Breitbart is closely linked to the White House. President Trump's chief strategist, Steve Bannon, was until he joined the Trump campaign, Breitbart's executive chair and had been one of the founding member of its board.
Yiannopolous has credited Bannon as a mentor and said: 'He made me a star.'
Yiannopolous said at his press conference in New York that he had not spoken to Bannon about his resignation.
He added that his immigration status in the U.S. was not tied to a work visa for the publication.
Yiannopoulos said that he has an 01-B visa - designated for aliens of 'extraordinary ability', which means that the current storm is unlikely to affect his presence in the country.
HOW MILO STARTED STORM Video of the Breitbart editor taking part in an online discussion from summer 2016 were posted online by a Twitter account called the @ReaganBattalion - which is linked to a conservative blog. It said it was acting out of concern that he had been invited to CPAC later this week. In the videos he said: 'This is a controversial view, I accept. But we get caught up in this whole child abuse thing even to the extent we are policing consensual relationships between consenting adults, such as grad students and professors at universities. 'The whole consent thing is not as black and white as people try and paint it.' Yiannopoulos agreed that the age of consent was 'roughly' at the right age. He continued: 'There are certainly people who are capable of giving consent at a younger age. I would certainly consider myself to be one of them, people who are sexually active younger. 'I think it particularly happens in the gay world, by the way. In many cases actually, those relationships this is one of the reasons I hate the left. This one-size-fits-all policing of culture. This arbitrary and oppressive idea of consent, which totally destroys, you know, the understanding that many of us have, of the complexities, subtleties and complicated nature of many relationships. Milo Yiannopoulos claimed he was not defending pedophilia when he said some younger boys could benefit by coming involved in a consensual relationship with an older man. He has now been banned from speaking at the Conservative Political Action Committee conference 'People are messy and complex, particularly in the homosexual world. Some of those relationships between younger boys and older men, the sort of 'coming of age' relationships, the relationships in which those older men help those young boys to discover who they are, and give them security and safety and provide them with love and a reliable rock where they can't speak to their parents.' Yiannopoulos said: 'Pedophilia is not a sexual attraction to somebody 13 years old who is sexually mature. Pedophilia is attraction to children who have not reached puberty. 'Pedophilia is an attraction to people who don't have functioning sex organs yet, who have not gone through puberty, who are too young to understand about the bodies. That is not what we are talking about. 'You don't understand what pedophilia is if you think I'm defending it, because I'm certainly not.' Yiannopoulos claimed some teenagers could find a relationship with an older man quite beneficial. He added: 'In the gay world, some of the most enriching and incredibly life-affirming and shaping relationships, very often between younger boys and older men, can be hugely positive experiences for those young boys. They can save those young boys from desolation, suicide and drug addiction, all sorts of things, providing they're consensual.' Advertisement
AND HOW HE DEFENDED HIMSELF
Yiannopouloswrote an 'apology' titled a 'note for idiots' on Sunday. He insisted he does not support pedophilia and mentioned sex criminals he had 'outed' during his career
Police in Thailand, who were hunting for a missing British tourist, have found a body.
Andrew Apperley, 38, was reported missing after failing to return to his hotel four days after going to the party.
Formal identification has not yet taken place, but the tourist's family from Gloucester have been informed.
Andrew Apperley, 38, was reported missing after failing to return to his hotel four days after going to the party.
A spokesman for Gloucestershire Police said: 'Following inquiries with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) we can confirm that a body has been found in the search for Andrew Apperley.
'Our thoughts are with Andrew's friends and family.'
Mr Apperley, from Eastbourne, was staying at the Hotel ibis Samui Bophut in Bophut and went to the full moon party in Ko Phangan on February 12.
He told his mum Linda in a message he would be returning the next day but the hotel reported him missing four days later.
His brother Richard Apperley said he checked in on the morning of the party and left his passport and driving licence with the hotel reception.
His bank told his family his cards had not been used since going to the party, it is understood.
His bank told his family his cards had not been used since going to the party, it is understood.
Two TV actors revealed they narrowly escaped death when their car was swallowed whole by a massive Los Angeles sinkhole.
Bobb'e J. Thompson from sitcom 30 Rock and Zachary Williams from TV drama Lincoln Heights were inside one of the two vehicles that fell into a sinkhole in Studio City on Friday.
The friends said they were fighting for their lives as they escaped from their Honda car as it sunk down into the 20-foot pit that was filled with rainwater.
Williams, 22, was driving his mother's Odyssey with Thompson, 20, when the actor said to TMZ that it felt like the earth moved as his car fell into the gaping hole in the middle of the road.
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Bobb'e J. Thompson, 20, (left) from sitcom 30 Rock and Zachary Williams, 22, (right) from TV drama Lincoln Heights were inside one of the two vehicles that fell into a sinkhole in Los Angeles on Friday
The two friends said they fought for their lives and narrowly escaped death as the Honda Odyssey fell into the 20-foot sinkhole in Studio City
The pair quickly scrambled to make their way out of the vehicle and said they 'were just trying to fight for our lives'.
Williams added they were 'not trying to let it go down like that'.
After the two escaped to safety, they realized a woman from the other car swallowed by the sinkhole still needed to be rescued.
Thompson said she was screaming for help and was standing on top of her overturned car.
LAFD arrived at the scene off Laurel Canyon Boulevard and found the 48-year-old woman in the hole full of rushing water.
She was brought to safety after firefighters lowered a 20-foot extension ladder down, allowing her to climb out standing on top of her upside down car.
The driver of the other car that fell into the sinkhole stood on top of her overturned car as she cried out for help
Thompson played Tracy Jr on the hit NBC sitcom 30 Rock that starred Tracy Morgan
Williams played the recurring character of Malik Dobbers on the ABC Family Channel drama Lincoln Heights from 2007 to 2009
Southern California was battered by gale-force winds and heavy rain that left 130,000 without electricity
The area of Southern California was battered by the strongest storms its seen in years, bringing floods, power outages and trees toppled by heavy winds.
Another roadway on the southbound Interstate-15 was washed away last week leaving a fire truck wobbling on the edge the highway before the road collapsed.
The fire engine ended up falling off the road, but no one was injured, The LA Times reported.
Four people have been killed so far as a result of the fierce storms pouring down in the area. Around 130,000 people were left without power due to the storm on Friday night.
Former suburban Chicago police officer Drew Peterson has been transferred out of an Illinois prison and is now in a federal prison in Indiana
Former suburban Chicago police officer Drew Peterson has been transferred out of an Illinois prison and is now in a federal prison in Indiana.
Illinois Department of Corrections spokeswoman Nicole Wilson said Tuesday that the 63-year-old Peterson was transferred but declined to say why or where, citing security.
The federal Bureau of Prisons said Peterson is in the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Indiana.
Peterson was sentenced to 38 years in prison for the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio, in 2013.
The investigation into her 2004 death was reopened when Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy Peterson, went missing in 2007. Her body has never been recovered.
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Peterson was sentenced to 38 years in prison for the death of his third wife, Kathleen Savio (pictured left), in 2013. The investigation into her 2004 death was reopened when Peterson's fourth wife, Stacy Peterson (pictured right with Drew), went missing in 2007. Her body has never been recovered
Peterson was sentenced to another 40 years in prison last year for plotting to hire someone to kill State's Attorney James Glasgow, the prosecutor who won the conviction in the Savio case.
Savio was found in a dry bathtub with a bloody gash in her head.
It was 23-year-old Stacy's disappearance in 2007 that prompted investigators to exhume Kathleen Savio's body and reclassify her death, which previously had been ruled as an accidental drowning, as a homicide, eventually leading to her husband's arrest and conviction.
The Bolingbrook ex-cop has been named a suspect in Staceys disappearance but was never formally charged in that case, and the investigation remains open.
The 63-year-old had been due for parole in 2047 at age 93, but the additional years added after his hit on Glasgow all-but guarantee he will die behind bars.
MURDER AND NOT AN ACCIDENT: THE CASE OF KATHLEEN'S DEATH The biggest challenge facing prosecution attorneys was that because Peterson's third wife's death was originally deemed an accident, very scant evidence was ever collected let alone stored until they decided to reopen the case after his fourth wife Stacy disappeared. As a result, much of the testimony in the case was hearsay. A neighbor found Kathleen Savio's body on March 1, 2004, face down in a dry bathtub of her suburban home outside Chicago. Her thick black hair was blood-soaked and she had a 2-inch gash on the back of her head. The drowning death of the 40-year-old aspiring nurse was initially deemed an accident - a freak slip in the tub. Some of the testimony from Savio's friends painted a grim portrait of her relationship with he husband. Kristen Anderson testified that Savio told her Peterson once warned her at knife point, 'I could kill you and make it look like an accident.' Savio so feared for her life that she kept a knife under her mattress. A former co-worker of Peterson's, Jeff Pachter, testified that Peterson offered him $25,000 to hire a hit man to kill Savio, though he never followed through. Advertisement
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Australia to hold talks with his counterpart Malcolm Turnbull as part of a historic four-day visit.
He's the first sitting Israeli Prime Minister to visit Australia.
Mr Netanyahu flew in from Singapore with his wife Sara on Wednesday morning and will kick off proceedings with the Australian Prime Minister with a formal welcome at Admiralty House before they sit down for talks at nearby Kirribilli House.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and his wife Sara (right) pictured arriving at Sydney airport on Wedneday
Mr Netanyahu is the first ever sitting Israeli Prime Minister to visit Australia
High on the list of discussion topics is likely to be whether Israel remains committed to a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian conflict and if Mr Netanyahu will heed US President Donald Trump's call to 'pull back' on settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
Mr Netanyahu and Mr Turnbull will sign agreements on technology and air services as well as discuss expanding co-operation in areas including cyber-security, innovation and science.
Two-way trade between Australia and Israel is worth about $1.2 billion a year.
Live animals, aluminium and coal make up the bulk of Australian exports to Israel, whose major exports Down Under are minerals, pearls and gems.
The federal government is particularly keen to tap into Israel's burgeoning tech industry.
In 2015 it chose Tel Aviv as one of its five off-shore 'landing pads' it has established as part of its national innovation and science agenda.
High on the list of discussion topics is likely whether Mr Netanyahu will heed US President Donald Trump's call to 'pull back' on settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank
During the historic visit Mr Netanyahu and Mr Turnbull will sign agreements on technology and air services as well as discuss expanding co-operation in areas including cyber-security, innovation and science
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands with his wife Mrs Sara Netanyahu as he speaks to the media after arriving at Sydney airport
Mr Turnbull said the friendship between Israel and Australia dated back to the establishment of Israel in 1948
Bit of an early start? The Israeli Prime Minister breaks into a yawn as the historic four-day visit kicks off
Security is expected to be tight for his visit, with a pro-Palestinian protest planned at Sydney Town Hall on Thursday
Mr Netanyahu will also meet with Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove and NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian as well as attend a major function for Israeli and Australian business leaders.
Security is expected to be tight for his visit, with a pro-Palestinian protest planned at Sydney Town Hall on Thursday.
Mr Turnbull said the friendship between Israel and Australia dated back to the establishment of Israel in 1948.
'It is anchored in our shared values, commitment to democracy and mutual interest in a rules-based international system and an open, global economy,' he said in a statement.
A group of activists have launched a petition to stop gun ranges using black silhouette targets.
The No More Black Targets campaign claims that black targets contribute to trigger bias and gun violence against African Americans.
'Young black men are three times more likely to be shot by trained shooters than their white peers,' it states on its website, before noting a 'disturbing potential correlation' between the trend and 'the most popular target for shooters to learn to use their firearm is a black silhouette.'
The campaign points to a 2015 study by the University of Illinois which found people not only shot faster at a black target compared to a white one, they were also more likely to shoot a black silhouette.
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A group of activists have launched a petition to stop gun ranges using black silhouette targets (right) and have launched their own colorful, artistic versions (left) as a substitute
Yara Mekawi, from the university, told NPR that one explanation was that when people were firing at black targets it was 'stereotype-consistent,' so was consistent with their expectations.
Another theory is that individuals perceive black targets as being more threatening.
No More Black Targets argue that this 'unconscious bias can be deadly, and we need to fight the deadly epidemic of gun violence towards black people.
'This petition seeks to eliminate the use of the most popular target for shooters to learn to use their firearm: a menacing black silhouette.'
They are calling on gun range up and down the country to abandon black targets and replace them with more diverse target designs.
The collection of activists and artists have even created multiple potential replacement targets in bright colors, patterns and styles.
The No More Black Targets campaign claims that black targets contribute to trigger bias and gun violence against African Americans
They are also calling on the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors to 'update and modernize the instruction and teaching techniques being used to train the majority of law enforcement officers by taking into account recent research on trigger bias.'
The Association was unavailable for comment when contacted by DailyMail.com.
So far, the petition has only garnered 250 signatures but the campaign is slowly gaining traction.
This is not the first campaign to try and change the typical black silhouette targets.
In 2015, a Pennsylvania lawmaker unsuccessfully attempted to ban all targets showing a human form from shooting ranges in the state.
Meanwhile several other states have banned the figures including Massachusetts - although public safety personal can still use them.
A police officer who cheated a farmer after finding a haul of historic gold coins worth 15,000 on his land has been sacked.
PC David Cockle, 50, had a contract allowing him to go metal detecting on the landowner's fields in return for splitting the proceeds of anything he unearthed.
But the Norfolk officer decided not to honour the deal after he dug up ten Merovingian Tremissis coins dating back to the early 7th century.
He did not tell the landowner about the find and instead secretly sold the French coins to a dealer for 15,000 and kept the profits.
PC David Cockle, 50, admitted theft after keeping the haul of gold coins and selling them on for a 15,000 profit
Cockle admitted stealing ten coins between April 2012 and November 2015 at Ipswich Crown Court last month and is due to be sentenced on March 8.
He was sacked on Monday at a misconduct hearing carried out by Norfolk Chief Constable Simon Bailey who said the theft 'was one of the grossest breaches of trust'.
Mr Bailey said it was clear Cockle was allowed to use the land to search for treasure 'because he was a police officer and the farmer liked the idea of a police officer on his land'.
The chief constable added Cockle had let the force down by keeping the coins and had 'most importantly let the farmer down and the wider public'.
The hearing was told the breaches amounted to gross misconduct with the only appropriate outcome being immediate dismissal.
Cockle, who did not attend the hearing, expressed his remorse and apologised in a written statement presented by the Police Federation.
The hearing at Ipswich Crown Court was told he had also failed to report his find to the Norfolk coroner who would have considered if it was treasure trove.
The coins which he sold in three batches over 14 months are believed to have been part of a larger hoard.
Merovingian Tremissis coins were made in Gaul, now France, are said to be very rare in the UK with only around 100 of them found in modern times
Similar gold coins were found in the same field in west Norfolk by another metal detecting fan who also had permission to be on the land.
Unlike Cockle however, the other man reported his find to the authorities, enabling it to be declared as treasure trove.
THE MEROVINGIAN DYNASTY The Merovingians were a powerful Frankish dynasty, which exercised control much of modern-day France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Low Countries. During the Early Middle Ages, the Merovingian kingdoms were arguably the most powerful and most important polities to emerge after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Merovingian Tremissis coins were made in Gaul, now France, and other low countries of Europe and are said to be very rare in the UK with only around 100 of them found in modern times. Advertisement
According to reports, the two finds together potentially made it the largest ever hoard of the type of coins ever found in the UK.
The offence happened when Cockle was living in Wereham near Downham Market, Norfolk. He is now living in Leigh, Lancashire.
Cockle initially denied stealing, but changed his plea to guilty on the day his trial was due to start.
Judge Rupert Overbury adjourned sentencing until March 8 for a pre-sentence report, but told the officer that he was considering giving him a suspended prison sentence.
The judge added that there was a rigid process to be followed if treasure was found.
But he said that Cockle had sold the coins in batches to the dealer on the basis that he legitimately owned them.
Cockle also denied three charges of converting criminal property. Prosecutors said that they would not proceed with the charges.
A Norfolk Police spokeswoman said Cockle had been suspended since being charged in May 2016.
The spokeswoman said he was 'in breach of a contract he had signed with the landowner' to share the proceeds of any find.
She added: 'The investigation was launched after the Norfolk and Suffolk Anti-Corruption Unit received information from a member of the public and Cockle was arrested in November 2015.'
The Utah teen kidnapped by sex traffickers in Las Vegas in January and found in Venice Beach, California, on Friday remembers little about what happened to her, her stepfather has said.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Todd Ellis, 49, of St George, Utah, said 17-year-old Sarah Dunsey has told police everything she knows but it is not a lot.
He also disclosed that she feared being recaptured and beaten by her captors if she tried to run away and said the teen is still terrified that she will be found.
Sarah disappeared from the MGM Grand hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 15, where she had been spending the weekend with her boyfriend.
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Todd Ellis (left) told DailyMail.com his stepdaughter had been spending the weekend with her boyfriend in Las Vegas when she was snatched
Sarah was reunited with her father Michael and stepmother Terri (above) on Saturday after being rescued from 'human traffickers'
Sarah's mother Amie (above with her stepfather Todd) appeared in the video to urge her daughter to 'fight' her kidnappers
Ellis, her stepfather of seven years, says her boyfriend went to the restroom and returned to find that the 17-year-old had vanished after being allegedly sedated with a date rape drug.
She was eventually discovered in Venice Beach, California, on February 17 in the company of two men one of whom has now been released according to Ellis.
The FBI are thought to be investigating but refused to comment on the status of the case when approached by DailyMail.com.
The teenager was reunited with her parents on Saturday morning at UCLA hospital in Los Angeles and driven back to Utah the same day.
According to Ellis, Sarah has now left the family home and is in an undisclosed location with her mother and siblings after becoming afraid she would be found by her captors.
Ellis said: She [Sarah] got really upset when it was reported where we live. She kept saying: Theyll find me, theyll find me. She is really scared.
He added: People have said things like, she was a runaway, she meant to leave [Las Vegas]. She didnt. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Sarah's stepbrothers wept as they were reunited at home in St George, Utah, on Saturday
The teenager disappeared from the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 15
Sarah left her home in Utah to got to Vegas with her boyfreind. She was finally rescued a month later in Venice, California
In her final text message to her loved ones, she said: 'If I die tonight it's a guy named'. The family shared the message in a video plea for her return but redacted the man's name
I said to her, did you never think to try to run away [from her captors]? And she said, No you dont understand. Everybody is connected and they watch and you have to be careful what you say, you have to be careful what you do.
She doesnt remember a lot [about what happened]. She was pretty open with the police but I dont know exactly what was said and we dont know what the charges are.
We now have to let them [the police] do their job.
Sarah disappeared from Las Vegas on January 15 during a weekend away at the four-star MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, which offers rooms starting from $132 per night.
Sarah was found on Friday a month after going missing
Close family friend Dave Cox, 61, told DailyMail.com that her parents believe she was given a roofie the date rape drug Rohypnol while in the casino and was spirited away while her boyfriend was in the restroom.
He said: The story I heard is that the boyfriend went to the restroom, came back out and she was gone. She was given a roofie or something like that. Then they [the alleged traffickers] just took her off.
According to Ellis, the family immediately began searching for Sarah initially keeping the investigation quiet on the advice of trafficking charities before launching a social media appeal on February 5.
The appeal went viral on February 14 after Sarahs mother, Amie Dunsey, 36, released an emotional video message in which she appealed for information on her daughters whereabouts.
Ellis, who says he cannot give too many details because the case is ongoing, said the family were initially helped by a Good Samaritan but that ended after one of our family members tried to call the number.
He claims the Las Vegas police department were initially reluctant to take Sarahs disappearance seriously but says he is not angry because so many kids go missing there.
He added: I can understand. Im not here to criticize. They [the police] have a tough job. Im not here to throw stones at anybody. We understand.
Instead, the family turned detective themselves; working with charities such as Ark of Hope For Children, which specializes in finding sex trafficking victims.
After the Good Samaritan stopped sending information, Ellis says the family pursued other leads that took them to addresses in Las Vegas and San Diego.
According to Cox, who is Ellis boss at Parke Cox Trucking, Sarahs family had staked out addresses in Las Vegas and had been terrified she would be taken to Mexico.
Cox said: They did a bunch of stake outs and things like that in Vegas because they were thinking she was there but as far as I know, they [the alleged traffickers] took her straight from there and right down to Venice [Beach].
I dont know how good the information they [the family] were getting from Las Vegas was. For a while, they thought she was in San Diego that was pretty fearful for them.
They were thinking if something happened in San Diego, they would just ship her across the border and then shed be gone. They were just beside themselves.
Ellis says they had been advised to keep their investigation into Sarahs disappearance quiet in order to avoid tipping off the alleged sex traffickers but, after drawing a blank, decided to launch a social media appeal for help.
When the campaign launched, with a Facebook page called Help Us Find Sarah Dunsey, the first post suggested the family had reason to believe she was still in Las Vegas or possibly California.
A slew of photographs of missing Sarah followed and, when that failed to work, a video was released on Valentines Day in which a clearly distressed Amie issued a plea for the teens safe return.
Surrounded by family and friends, she said: 'January 15 our daughter Sarah Dunsey was abducted from Las Vegas, Nevada; she's being held against her will and Sarah is a victim of sex trafficking.
'This is my absolute worst nightmare. We need Sarah home. I cannot wonder where she is and if she is safe. Please help us find her.
'Sarah this message is for you: I want you to fight. Because I need you, all of us need you. The world needs you, so fight. We are coming to get you.'
Amie was reunited with her daughter at a California hospital this weekend. The two are pictured before her alleged abuduction
Just three days after Amies appeal went viral, Sarah was discovered at an apartment in Venice Beach, where, according to Cox, she had been kept quiet with sedatives.
He said: They kept her drugged for most of the time down there. He [the kidnapper] kept her on a pretty tight rein and would only take her out at night. I just cant imagine how it must have been.
The teenager was taken to nearby UCLA hospital and subjected to a battery of tests, including for rape and sexual assault, before being reunited with her parents at 6am the following morning.
According to Ellis, news of Sarahs discovery felt like being released from every parents worst nightmare.
He said: It was just release from a month of not knowing. From the pain of listening to your wife cry through the night.
Theres no worse pain than listening to and trying to console a mothers cry through the night is she [Sarah] safe? Is she being beaten? Is she being fed?
Theres no words that you can say that can ever ease that suffering. The darkness of the night is brutal. When we finally got her, it was just pure release.
The teenager, who Ellis describes as being a sweet girl and extremely smart was later reunited with her six siblings and step-siblings at the family home in St. George, Utah.
Now Ellis says she needs time to recover from her ordeal and to feel safe again. We definitely just need to spend some quality time together as a family.
Lots of love, being open, being consoling and trying to make her feel safe. Thats the most important thing we can do for Sarah.
Yes, itll be a long road. But hopefully we can turn this into awareness of these issues [sex trafficking] because there are so many kids, so many people, who dont have the support we had.
This is a nightmare no parent should ever have to go through.
One of the largest sailing yachts, which was impounded after the shipbuilder claimed its Russian billionaire owner still owed them money, has been released.
Sailing Yacht A was seized in Gibraltar after shipbuilders Nobiskrug claimed that Andrey Melnichenko owed 9.8 million as an outstanding payment, as well as 5.5m for subcontractors and interest charges.
The sum is in arbitration and the yacht will leave Gibraltar soon.
Super Yacht A, which was impounded after the shipbuilder claimed its Russian billionaire owner had not paid fees, has been released
The 468ft-long superyacht has three 300ft masts that are taller than Big Ben's tower.
It boasts eight floors, a helipad and an underwater observation room.
Mr Melnichenko will receive his prized possession in the spring.
A spokesman for Sailing Yacht A told MailOnline: 'This unfortunate incident is now resolved.
'The yacht will now be handed over to the owner's project team and will leave Gibraltar shortly.'
Its registered owner is Valla Yachts Ltd, a Bermuda company.
Mr Melnichenko will receive his prized possession in the spring
The 468ft-long superyacht has three 300ft masts that are taller than Big Ben's tower
Mr Melnichenko hit the headlines in September when he moored his other 240 million masterpiece, 'Motor Yacht A', on the Thames.
The boat's internal fit-out was set to continue at another shipyard before being handed over to Mr Melnichenko in late Spring.
As the boat made its way to Spain earlier this month, Mr Melnichenko's Project Director, Dirk Kloosterman said: 'This has been the most challenging assignment of my career. I am confident Sailing Yacht A will be the world's greatest yacht in terms of design and technology for the years ahead.
Melnichenko, who has an estimated net worth of $13.4 billion (10.8 billion), is said to favour using the letter 'A' so that his vessels are listed first in shipping registers
Sailing Yacht A boasts eight floors - with a helipad on one of the decks - and an underwater observation room
'Her beauty is breathtaking, and Philippe Starck's astonishing design and ultimate vision will be the subject of many conversations wherever she travels around the globe.
Melnichenko, who has an estimated net worth of $13.4 billion (10.8 billion), is said to favour using the letter 'A' so that his vessels are listed first in shipping registers.
The executive director of a human rights organization founded in Holocaust victim Anne Frank's name exploded on President Donald Trump today as a 'purveyor' of anti-Semitism and called on him to fire a senior White House aide accused on making insulting statements about Jews.
Steven Goldstein blasted Trump on CNN on behalf of the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect for waiting to respond to telephone terror at Jewish community centers and the desecration of Jewish graveyards until today.
'His silence was deafening. His silence is why there is a cancer of anti-Semitism in the White House,' Goldstein said. 'It was just a Band-Aid on a cancer.'
Goldstein said the president and 'his henchman' Steve Bannon, Trump's chief strategist, whom Goldstein also referred to on CNN as 'a notorious anti-Semite,' have 'done nothing to change the circumstances.'
'Our president is creating an incubator of hatred,' he said. 'When you don't respond to anti-Semitism as well as Islamophobia and racism in real time, when you wait days and sometimes a week to respond to attacks, you are sending a signal to the haters.'
The executive director of a human rights organization founded in Holocaust victim Anne Frank's name exploded on President Donald Trump today as a 'purveyor' of anti-Semitism
Steven Goldstein blasted Trump on behalf of the Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect. He said the president was 'creating an incubator of hatred' and called on him to fire Steve Bannon, a senior White House aide accused on making insulting statements about Jews
Goldstein said the president and 'his henchman' Steve Bannon, Trump's chief strategist, whom Goldstein also referred to on CNN as 'a notorious anti-Semite,' have 'done nothing' about anti-Semitism
This morning the president denounced anti-Semistism in remarks at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. and said the threats to Jewish centers are 'horrible and are painful.'
On Facebook, the Anne Frank Center responded with a statement from Goldstein that said the speech was 'too little too late.'
'The Presidents sudden acknowledgement is a Band-Aid on the cancer of Antisemitism that has infected his own Administration,' Goldstein said. 'His statement today is a pathetic asterisk of condescension after weeks in which he and his staff have committed grotesque acts and omissions reflecting Antisemitism.'
Goldstein claimed that 'the Antisemitism coming out of this Administration is the worst we have ever seen from any Administration.'
'When President Trump responds to Antisemitism proactively and in real time, and without pleas and pressure, thats when well be able to say this President has turned a corner. This is not that moment.'
Trump's press secretary, Sean Spicer, scoffed at Goldstein's accusations in his daily briefing. The president was 'unbelievably forceful' today, Spicer said, and has 'been very clear' prior to this about his position on anti-Semitism.
'He has brought a diverse group of folks into his administration...and I think he has been very forceful with his denunciation,' Spicer said. 'It's ironic that no matter how many times he talks about this, that it's never good enough.'
This morning the president denounced anti-Semistism in remarks at the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. and said the threats to Jewish centers are 'horrible and are painful'
Trump's daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism when she married Jared Kushner, now a senior advisor to the president. 'We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers,' she said last weekend on Twitter
On Facebook, the Anne Frank Center responded to Donald Trump's remarks this morning statement from Goldstein that said the speech was 'too little too late'
It was Goldstein's turn to jeer over at CNN after the White House responded to his statement.
'I'm furious. I look at Sean Spicer and what he said, it's preposterous. Sean said, no matter how many times President Trump condemns anti-Semitism - he's never condemned it before today.'
Last weekend more than 100 gravestones were assaulted at a Jewish cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri, its director said. Eleven Jewish centers received bomb threats.
A total of 54 Jewish Community Centers in 27 states have been hit with the hoax calls since the beginning of January, CNN reported, for a total of 69 bomb threats, many of which occurred on January 9, 18 and 31, in addition to yesterday.
'Where was the president?' Goldstein asked Brooke Baldwin on CNN. 'There has to be a fire storm for this president to respond, Brooke, he doesn't respond unless groups like mine just go crazy pleading, begging Mr. president condemn anti-Semitism.'
Baldwin pointed out that Trump this morning said it's time to put a stop to anti-Semitism, before The Anne Frank Center's latest statement came out.
'This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms,' Trump said. 'The antisemitic threats targeting our Jewish community and community centers are horrible and are a painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil.'
Trump told MSNBC's Craig Melvin in a one-on-one before his Tuesday speech that he 'of course' denounces anti-Semitism and does so 'whenever I get a chance.'
'I do all the time. And I think it's terrible. I think it's horrible, whether its anti-Semitism or racism or anything you want to think about having to do with the divide,' he said. 'Anti-Semitism is horrible, and it's gonna stop. And it has to stop.'
After watching the clip of Trump's speech replay, Goldstein asked, 'So what's he going to do? Is he going to fire Steve Bannon, who is a notorious anti-Semite?'
Bannon's ex-wife said her husband made slurs against Jews in their 2007 divorce proceedings. The former Mrs. Bannon said Steve 'did not want their daughter to attend a Los Angeles school because of the numbers of Jews who went to school there.'
'He said that he doesnt like Jews and that he doesnt like the way they raise their kids to be "whiny brats" and that he didnt want the girls going to school with Jews.'
The Trump aide has said through a spokesman that the charges are not true.
The Trump aides former news website, Brietbart, also referred to The Weekly Standard's Bill Kristol as a 'renegade Jew' in a May 2016 article.
David Horowitz, who is Jewish, wrote the article and said after the November election that he alone was responsible for the comment.
Bannon is also associated with the 'alt-right' movement, which has been castigated as racist, although the White House official has said it's nationalist.
Ivanka and Jared are seen exiting Air Force One with two of their children in Florida earlier this month
Trump's daughter Ivanka converted to Judaism when she married Jared Kushner, now a senior advisor to the president, and their three children, Trump's grandchildren, are Jewish.
'America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers,' she said last weekend on Twitter.
Her father had an opportunity last Thursday to speak out, but chided a Jewish reporter asking him a question about anti-Semitism, instead.
The reporter stated that he did not think that Trump was anti-Semetic as he asked him for his response to the increasing amount of threats.
But Trump didn't want to listen, telling him to be 'quiet' and 'sit down' during the East Room news conference, all the while claiming he was the 'least anti-Semitic person you've ever seen in your entire life.'
Three of Trump's grandchildren are Jewish. He's pictured leaving the White House with Jared and Ivanka's daughter Arabella and her brother Joesph on Friday
Reacting on Tuesday, Goldstein said the president has a 'tin ear for the symbolism of love and hatred in our country.
'He couldn't even accept that there was a reporter who was Jewish, who was not controversial, who was not looking to be confrontational. Yet the president saw somebody dressed in a kippah, in Jewish garb, and thought that that person was going to be hostile. That says it all, Brooke.'
He had previously suggested, in a Facebook post just after the incident, that trump had been 'adding magic mushrooms' to his 'chopped liver on matz.'
'To be fair, perhaps you appointed a blue-ribbon panel to come up with the assessment,' he said of Trump's anti-Semitic declaration. 'We can only guess the Judeophiles you appointed: Steve Bannon, Pat Buchanan and David Duke.'
British grandparents murdered by armed robbers on their farm in South Africa have been found dumped in a river.
Grandparents Roger and Christine Solik - who moved from Wales to South Africa in 1981 - were killed in the robbery at their farmland estate.
Police are hunting the armed raiders who broke into their house before tying them up and dumping them in a river.
Christine, 57, was found dead in a river 45 miles from her home and the body of Parkinson's sufferer Roger, 66, discovered the next day.
Roger and Christine Solik (pictured) were brutally murdered by armed robbers on their farm
Neighbours reported finding the couple's home on a farmland estate had been broken into and a search was launched for the 'inseperable' pair.
The couple, from Aberycynon, near Aberdare, South Wales, are understood to have moved to South Africa after getting married in 1980.
In a statement, their four children said: 'Our parents were inseparable and their relationship was something to aspire to.
'It is hard to understand that on their community farmland estate, with rolling hills and endless nature, and neighbours 100m away, that something so violent could happen.
'Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.'
Their children, twins Alexander and Gregory, 32, Jessica, 30, and Brendon, 29, described them as devoted to each other.
Christine (pictured) was found a day before her husband Roger
The family launched a heart-wrenching appeal to find Roger after the body of Christine was found in Impendle, Natal, 45 miles from her home in the the town of Nottingham Road.
They said they had been informed by their local police chief that their mother was dead and their father was missing.
The children said: 'He informed us that there had been a robbery at our family home at the Bend Country Estate, and that our mother Christine Solik had been found in a river murdered some 70km away from the house.
'Our father, Roger Solik, however, is still missing.
'He has fought hard against Parkinson's disease for twenty years. Daily medication is essential for his condition and, no matter how mentally fit he is, without his medication he will become totally dysfunctional within 48 hours.
'It is critical that we find our father soon as he has hours to live.'
The children later said they were 'comforted' by the fact their father's body had been recovered even though he was dead.
Christine returned to Wales just last month for the funeral of her father Glyn.
The couple initially emigrated on a two-year visa but decided to stay.
Their children said: 'Our father was beloved for his wicked sense of humour, his kindness and his passion for food and wine.
'Our mother was the glue that kept us all together with her well-known warmth, and gentle, loving touch.
'They were totally devoted to each other, and to our family, which has always remained extremely close even as we have moved to different parts of the country.
'While the loss of our parents has shattered our hearts, the generous spirit with which they lived and loved the world will never leave us. We will always remember them for this, their gift to the world.'
A spokesman for the South African Police Service confirmed Mr Solik's body was found 3km away from his wife's body. He said: 'We are working around the clock to locate the suspects.'
Karen Matthews, pictured in 2008
The despised mother who has turned to God and, bizarrely, Bear Gryllss motivational DVDs to get over her guilt. The loyal friend who insists a conspiracy has yet to be uncovered. The father whose life fell apart.
And the heartbroken grandparents, who have only old photographs to remember their precious granddaughter by.
This is the real aftermath of the Shannon Matthews story, which was so grippingly portrayed in the BBCs The Moorside dramatisation last week.
Some ten million of us tuned into the tale of the search to find nine-year-old Shannon, who in 2008 went missing from her home in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.
Kidnapped by her own mother Karen, the girl was drugged, tethered to a wall and hidden inside a divan bed all in a quest for the reward money, generated from the publicity, for her safe return.
But what the programme didnt show is what happened after justice had been served on those behind the kidnapping.
Here, we reveal how the scars of Karen Matthewss crime have yet to heal and just what happened to the young girl who was brutally betrayed by the one person she should have been able to trust
The Shannon Matthews story, which was so grippingly portrayed in the BBCs The Moorside dramatisation (pictured)
NEW IDENTITY AND CELEBRITY NAME
The mother, Karen Matthews
Its little wonder her crime earned Karen Matthews the sobriquet the worst mother in Britain and, today, she claims to be still struggling with her guilt.
The now teetotal 41-year-old has, apparently, found religion, with her only friends the members of her church, who regularly meet to watch motivational DVDs by the survival expert Bear Grylls.
In public, she has been keen to cultivate an image of a woman racked with guilt. I asked for forgiveness through prayer, she said recently. I know I did something wrong, but Im not the baddest person people are making out. Im sorry for hurting people.
How the scars of Karen Matthewss crime have yet to heal and just what happened to the young girl who was brutally betrayed by the one person she should have been able to trust
However, while it may be that Matthewss main motivation was money (and with a 50,000 reward offered for the return of her daughter, the sums involved were considerable), those who closely followed the case believe it was also about seeking attention.
Following her release from jail in 2012, after serving half an eight-year sentence, shes had more tastes of fame. One involved being accosted outside a fish and chip shop by a woman who threw a pot of mushy peas at her, while shouting: You evil b***h. I am a mother too!
While Matthews has assumed a new identity, rather curiously for someone who claimed to want to flee the limelight, shes taken the name Kate, after her favourite actress Kate Winslet.
Today, she lives in a seaside resort dubbed Monsters-by-the-Sea owing to Tracey Connelly, the mother of murdered Baby P, also being a resident. The mother-of-seven (whose children have at least five different fathers and have since been taken into care and given new identities) has struggled to create a new life.
Karen Matthews and her then-partner Craig Meehan on the steps of their home in 2008
Shannon: What happened to the young girl who was brutally betrayed by the one person she should have been able to trust
Unable to secure work she told a friend she blames her notoriety, rather than her having no history of working she lives on benefits, but complains about having to get by on benefits of just 25 a week.
Physically, shes all too familiar. Her famous red locks may now be jet black, and shes put on weight, but Matthews is still instantly recognisable. So much so that shes reportedly asked for cosmetic surgery.
The day after The Moorside first aired, she was pictured arranging a window display in a charity shop, sparking speculation that she has a job for the first time in her life (even if it is unpaid).
She complained that the BBC dragging up her history would make her new life untenable.
I cannot go out of the door. Im frightened out of my life. Im shaking like a leaf. Im s*** scared to even get any shopping or anything, she said.
I know I cant stop it, but why does it have to be dragged up again? Why dont they just leave me alone and let me get on with my life?
CONVINCED OF A BIGGER CONSPIRACY
The loyal friend, Julie Bushby
Her friends: Natalie Brown and Julie Bushby
What an unlikely heroine Julie Bushby was. When her neighbours daughter went missing (they lived ten doors apart, but were acquaintances rather than close friends), Julie, who was involved with the local residents association, immediately rallied the community.
Little wonder the writers used no-nonsense Julie with her potty-mouthed language but heart of gold, and played by Sheridan Smith, as their central figure.
Although she was horrified to find out that Matthews was involved in her own daughters abduction, the devastating discovery did not see her turn against her, like most of her neighbours.
Julie admits she felt hurt and conned, but to this day, her loyalty remains unwavering. She even believes Karen wasnt the mastermind of the kidnap plot, saying there are other people who are keeping the real story of Shannons disappearance a secret.
Her friend, says Julie, was weak and manipulated, more childlike than anything else: Im not saying she was totally innocent, but shes not evil. Karen is a child in adults clothing and easily used and manipulated.
The mum-of-three, who remains on the same Moorside estate and still keeps her ducks and geese as portrayed in the series, revealed she visited her friend in prison every month for four years, each time asking Karen why she did it. She stopped visiting when she didnt get answers.
I just wanted the truth. She kept saying other people were involved, Julie said.
After Karen was released from prison all contact with Julie stopped as the terms of her release did not allow it.
Even to this day, I still class myself as a friend to Karen, she insists. She also champions the estate where all this unfolded, challenging claims it was or is a real life Beirut.
Thats no easy task, however. It transpires other residents on the estate have been offering guided tours of the streets where the famous Shannon Matthews lived, for 30 a pop.
HAUNTED AND UNABLE TO FORGIVE
The doubting friend, Natalie Brown
THE BOYFRIEND WHO HAD TO FLEE VIGILANTES 5 TIMES The mothers boyfriend, Craig Meehan Craig Meehan, Karens seemingly hapless young partner No one could have predicted the repercussions the case would have on Craig Meehan, Karens seemingly hapless young partner. While Craig was not deemed involved in either the abduction plot or the elaborate cover story, the ensuing investigation tore his life apart, nonetheless. Police examined computers at the house and found images of child porn on his. He was then convicted of possession of child porno-graphy and sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment although he was released on the same day as he had spent longer on remand. Now 30, he lives the same sort of miserable existence as Karen. He, too, is living under a new name, but its believed he has moved five times.His first move took him to Keighley in West Yorkshire, but after being attacked, he tried another address, but horrified locals there drove him out. While it may seem like he is free to live a normal life (last weekend he was pictured shopping for groceries), its not an easy one. A report this week claimed hed been set on by three men as publicity for the TV series grew. They attacked him near a supermarket and one called him a pervert. Advertisement
Natalie Brown lived next door to Karen Matthews, considered herself a close friend and was first to offer support after Shannon went missing. Natalie threw open the doors of her own home when Karen needed somewhere to stay while police were searching her property, and treated Karens other children as her own.
Yet she was the first of the inner circle to express doubts about Karens odd behaviour and her growing sense that something was very wrong led to her joining Julie in a confrontation that prompted Karens confession.
While Julie still professes friendship, however, Natalie cannot forgive her former friend. She moved away from the estate in the immediate aftermath of the case and is still haunted by the events.
Her doubts started, she said this week, when Karen did the very first interview with reporters outside her house.
I was there when the family liaison officer told her not to do the interview until they had as much information as they could gather. It was owing to previous cases when a child has gone missing and it could put their life in danger.
But Karen did the interview. To me, as a mum, why would you do that when youve been told it could put your childs life at risk?
STILL MISSING THEIR GRANDDAUGHTER
The heartbroken grandparents
The fact Shannons grandparents keep their treasured photos of her in a biscuit tin, carefully out of sight, speaks volumes about the gaping hole left in their lives.
June and Gordon Matthews say it is simply too painful to see the pictures every day.
Although the pair had a fractured relationship with their daughter (they did not approve of her lifestyle and were horrified by her parenting approach, even before the kidnap), they stepped into the breach early in Shannons life, helping to raise their granddaughter.
Her disappearance, and the subsequent discovery that their own daughter was behind it, shattered them.
What Karen did to Shannon is unforgivable, Gordon says. That poor mite. That poor girl. And what she put us through almost killed us. I cant forgive her. She is dead to me.
Gordon is not a well man. He has lost almost 3 stone and been in and out of hospital with anxiety-related issues, something his wife blames on the trauma of the past nine years.
Sian Brooke as Natalie Brown and Siobhan Finneran as DC Christine Freeman in The Moorside
DAD WHOSE WORLD WAS SHATTERED
Shannons father, Leon Rose
Shannons father, Leon Rose pictured leaving Dewsbury Court, Yorkshire in 2008
One of the most upsetting moments in the drama came when police find Shannon had scrawled on her bedroom wall that she wanted to live with her Dad.
Her father, Leon Rose, had been in a new relationship since 1998, but Shannon was a regular visitor to the Huddersfield home he shared with partner Tracey Goldsmith and their two children.
Shannon would stop over every other week, Tracey told us. He thought the world of her.
When Shannon was reported missing, Leon drove to Dewsbury each day to help in the search, initially believing she had run away. Tracey, however, had her suspicions. Things didnt add up. Karen was doing TV appearances, doing appeals and smirking. She was eating in front of the cameras. We couldnt eat because we were sick to the stomach. We felt we were in a horrible dream.
She says Leon was over the moon when Shannon was found. It was like he had won the lottery, but it was better than money. He had his daughter back.
Then the truth emerged shattering the happy ending. Leon was devastated. His ex-partner claims they split in 2008 and it was the stress (over Shannon) that caused the break up. What Karen did led us to split up. Leon, who now works as a photographer, remarried in 2014.
THE PARTNER IN CRIME WHO VANISHED
The accomplice, Michael Donovan
Michael Donovan, the uncle of Karens boyfriend Craig Meehan, was Matthewss co-conspirator. Guilty of kidnapping, false imprisonment and perverting the course of justice, he was also sentenced to eight years in prison, but had already been released by the time Karen got out of jail.
Although Karen has always been presented as the main perpetrator, Donovans role was vital. It was in his home, trapped and drugged under a divan bed, that Shannon was found. Born Paul Drake, he changed his name to Michael Donovan after a character in Eighties sci-fi TV series V.
Michael Donovan, the uncle of Karens boyfriend Craig Meehan, was Matthewss co-conspirator
Neighbours called him a weirdo and even his sister branded him a fantasist. He had been charged with abducting his eldest daughter prior to Shannons kidnap but the case was dropped.
His IQ is so low that he is classed as mentally impaired. When he was jailed, there were fears Donovan would take his own life andwas moved to a suicide watch unit at Wakefield Prison. He was also assaulted and at one point refused to eat, dropping to 8st.
In 2012, while on parole, his actions were called into question again when he was spotted acting suspiciously while sitting on a bench in Leeds. He was returned to prison for a period, and its not know what happened to him after that. Of all the key players, he alone has slid out of public view.
NOT FORGETTING POOR SHANNON
The victim, Shannon Matthews
Ironically, we know least about whats become of Shannon, the girl at the centre of this astonishing saga. She never did come home, but was placed with a new family. She is 18 now and was not consulted on the drama about her life. Did she watch it, though? That is the most chilling question of all.
Police in Alabama are searching for a mother-of-four who vanished without a trace nearly two weeks ago after taking an emergency phone call at work.
Tiffany Nicole Helms, 29, of Gadsden, was last seen on February 9 when she answered a call about a family emergency.
Helms, who has four young daughters, took off from her place of employment at Rapha House Christian Homes in Gadsden at around 11.30am and has not been seen or heard from since.
Missing: Tiffany Nicole Helms, 29, has not been seen or heard from since February 9. She has four young daughters and a newly estranged husband
Mystery call: Helms took off from her place of employment at Rapha House Christian Homes in Gadsden, Alabama (pictured), after getting an emergency call
Relatives reported the woman missing on February 13. Gadsden police Sgt. John Hallman tells Gadsden Times Helms' family are concerned because it is unlike her to go away without letting anyone know.
On Friday, a woman identifying herself as Helms' sister posted a plea on Facebook asking people for help in locating her missing sibling.
Brittany Mewbourn writes that Helms 'may be in severe danger,' and that her estranged husband, George Michael Smith, is also missing.
According to Mewbourns post, just weeks before Helms went missing, she and Smith separated and her brother-in-law allegedly began 'stalking' his ex, the status update reads.
Mewbourn also notes that Smith is a convicted child sex offender and calls him 'a very dangerous individual.
Mom: Helms is pictured here with her four girls. She was reported missing on February 13
Rocky relationship: Helms' sister said in a Facebook post that the 29-year-old and her husband, ex-convict George Michael Smith (right), separated just weeks ago
Police have not named Smith a suspect or a person of interest in the missing person case.
Predator: George Michael Smith, 33, has a 2013 conviction for sexual abuse of a child
Online court records indicate that a George Michael Smith, 33, from Gadsden, Alabama, has a 2013 conviction for second-degree sexual abuse involving a child under the age of 12.
The attack took place in July 2012, according to reporting by WBRC. Smith worked for a traveling carnival at the time.
Tiffany Helms' Facebook page indicates that she and George Smith got married in February 2016.
Helms is described as 5-foot-3, weighing 240lbs with blonde hair and blue eyes. She has numerous tattoos, including two strawberries on her chest.
Anyone with information on Helms' whereabouts is being asked to call Gadsden police at (256) 549-4500.
President Donald Trump has given Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster '100 per cent control' over his team as the new head of the president's National Security Council, White House press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters Tuesday.
'The president has made clear to [McMaster] ... he's got full authority to structure the national security team the way he wants,' Spicer told reporters on Tuesday, a day after Trump announced his selection of McMaster.
Trump's granting of full authority to McMaster follows reports that a previous candidate, Retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Harward, had turned down the post over his inability to pick his own team.
Spicer even said McMaster would be given consideration if he made the case for booting Trump whisperer Steven Bannon from the security council. Bannon earned a spot on the panel of top security officials under an executive order Trump signed in his first days in power.
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President Donald Trump will give Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster '100 per cent' control over his national security team, the White House said Tuesday
'Obviously with something like that, he would come to the president and make that recommendation. But the president would take that under serious consideration,' Spicer said when asked about the hypothetical scenario.
McMaster has been lauded by senators including Armed Services chairman Sen. John McCain of Arizona for his battlefield savvy and intellect.
But since he is a member of the active duty military, the Senate will be a role in his installation, Defense News reported.
Trump was able to install Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn to the top White House security post despite Flynn's longstanding Russia ties which included a paid speech in Moscow in 2015 where he ended up sitting next to Russian President Vladimir Putin in part because the Senate has no role in confirming White House appointees.
President Donald Trump, right, shakes hands with Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, left, at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday
President Trump 'would take that under serious consideration' if McMasters were to recommend removing close advisor Steven Bannon from the National Security Council, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said
Lt. Gen Michael Flynn resigned as national security advisor under scrutiny for his Russia ties
Although Trump has frequently praised Russian president Vladimir Putin, Russia skepticism runs strongly among Republicans and Democrats in Congress.
But the case of McMaster is different since he is active duty military and already has a flag officer position. The Senate already confirms top military officers.
Since McMaster would keep his rank but change jobs, the Senate must reconfirm him, according to the publication.
'General McMaster does not require Senate confirmation to serve as National Security Adviser,' a Senate Armed Services Committee aide told Defense News in a statement.. 'However, if it is the president's desire that General McMaster serve as National Security Adviser while in his current grade of lieutenant general, the law requires that General McMaster would have to be reappointed by the president and reconfirmed by the Senate in that grade for his new position.'
Rather than holding a confirmation hearing, the Armed Services Committee could ask McMaster to agree to testify in the future, a former committee staff director told the publication.
That would give Democrats and Russia critics the opportunity to try to grill him on administration priorities or try to drive a wedge between the security advisor and the president.
Whereas Flynn became a lightning rod because of his Russia ties he ultimately got pushed out over his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. McMaster oversaw a military panel looking to adapt to Russia's military advances, Politico reported last year.
'It is clear that while our Army was engaged in Afghanistan and Iraq, Russia studied U.S. capabilities and vulnerabilities and embarked on an ambitious and largely successful modernization effort, McMaster told the Senate panel in 2016.
In Ukraine, for example, the combination of unmanned aerial systems and offensive cyber and advanced electronic warfare capabilities depict a high degree of technological sophistication,' he said.
In a statement issued Monday, McCain said 'Lt. General H.R. McMaster is an outstanding choice for national security advisor. I have had the honor of knowing him for many years, and he is a man of genuine intellect, character, and ability. He knows how to succeed.'
'I give President Trump great credit for this decision, as well as his national security cabinet choices. I could not imagine a better, more capable national security team than the one we have right now,' McCain added.
Trump's first choice to replace Flynn was retired Vice Admiral Bob Harward, an ex Navy SEAL who reportedly turned down the post after failing to secure the ability to choose his own staff. The disagreement reportedly centered on the role of deputy K.T. McFarland, a former Fox News commentator who is close to the Trump family.
Two sources familiar with the decision told Reuters Harward turned down the job in part over the issue of bringing in his own team.
But Spicer said Tuesday called such reports '100 per cent false.' Spicer said Harward turned down the post for 'financial and family' reasons. 'Admiral Harward made it very, very clear that he wanted this job," Spicer said. 'I would urge people to actually talk to him.'
McMaster has warned that Putin relies on 'propaganda, disinformation, political subversion' and says the U.S. must adapt to Russian reliance on nontraditional warfare.
A prep school graduate convicted of using a computer to lure an underage girl into having sex is back in court pushing for a new trial.
Owen Labrie, from Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate as part of a game of sexual conquest at St Paul's School in Concord, New Hampshire.
He was convicted of misdemeanor sexual assault and child endangerment, as well as a felony computer charge that requires him to register as a sex offender for life.
Labrie, who is now 21 years old, is claiming his trial lawyers failed to challenge the felony charge.
Owen Labrie convicted of using a computer to lure a girl for sex, is back in court pushing for a new trial. He is pictured at Merrimack County Superior Court on Tuesday
Labrie (pictured on Tuesday), from Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate but was found guilty on lesser charges
Attorney Jaye Rancourt served as local counsel and on Tuesday described being virtually ignored by Labrie's out-of-state team.
She highlighted evidence she said could have impeached the credibility of key witnesses.
Labrie is currently out on appeal, but he is under a curfew that mandates he must be home between 5pm and 8am.
His new lawyer, Robin Melone, said the 21-year-old is 'committed to pursuing his studies and justice in his case' in a statement released last week, before going on to bash the original trial lawyers.
Owen Labrie is pictured entering the Merrimack County Superior court with his attorney Robin Melone during the first day of a hearing on whether he deserves a new trial on Tuesday
Owen Labrie speaks with his attorney Robin Melone during the first day of a hearing (left). Melone argues Labrie's (right, in a booking photo taken in March 2016) trial lawyers did not contest the felony charge against her client
'The question now is whether those mistakes were so significant that he was deprived the quality of representation every defendant is entitled to,' Melone said in the statement, according to Boston.com.
If a new trial is granted, Labrie could again face the charges he was convicted of, however the ones he was acquitted of would not be brought back up.
Labrie's lead trial lawyer was JW Carney Jr - who famously once defended the notorious Boston gangster, James 'Whitey' Bulger.
Carney claimed in court documents at the time of the trial, that the court needed to set aside his client's guilty conviction for the computer charge.
Attorney Jaye Rancourt, who served as local counsel, is sworn in during the hearing. She highlighted evidence she said could have impeached the credibility of key witnesses
The lawyer described the law as part of a nationwide effort to prosecute people who 'would troll the internet, trying to entrap children into committing sexual acts with them,' not two teenagers who were flirting with each other through email and Facebook.
However Labrie's new lawyer claims the old legal team was ineffective, and that the law is meant to stop trolling online, but the messages sent between the student and his victim were only on the school intranet.
Melone argued the intranet does not count as an online or internet service.
Labrie's victim, Chessy Prout (pictured), spoke out in an interview last year about what happened to her when she was a 15-year-old freshman at St Paul's
Owen Labrie is pictured being escorted out of the Merrimack County Superior Courtroom on Monday, May 16, 2016
The call for a fresh trial comes after Labrie's victim, Chessy Prout, spoke out in an interview last year about what happened to her when she was a 15-year-old freshman at St Paul's.
'It's been two years now since the whole ordeal, and I feel ready to stand up and own what happened to me and make sure other people, other girls and boys, don't need to be ashamed, either,' Prout, who was 17 at the time of her interview and about to start her senior year at a different school, told the Today Show.
She added: 'I want everyone to know that I am not afraid or ashamed anymore, and I never should have been.'
Prout also said at the time she was disappointed in the decision to acquit Labrie on the felony sexual assault counts.
'They said that they didn't believe that he did it knowingly and that frustrated me a lot because he definitely did do it knowingly,' she said.
'The fact that he was still able to pull the wool over a group of people's eyes bothered me a lot and just disgusted me in some way,' she added.
However, she said that disappointment should not dissuade other sexual assault victims from going to the police and bringing their attacker to justice in court.
'Although it was scary and although it was pretty difficult, I wouldn't be where I am today without having been able to speak up for myself during that time,' she said.
In the interview, Prout broke down in tears as she described how the attack left her with anxiety that sometimes causes her to have panic attacks.
She explained how she hides in her closet during these attacks and that her little sister tries to calm her down.
'She comes into my room sometimes and she'll come into my closet when I'm rocking on the floor and punching my legs, trying to get myself to calm down and she'll try to give me the biggest hug and she'll say, "Chessy you're OK, Chessy you're ok"', the teen said.
A 70-year-old Japanese crime boss has been accused of ordering a female nurse to be stabbed in retaliation for a botched plastic surgery on his genitals.
Satoru Nomura, who heads up the Kudo-kai firm, is said to have been unhappy with the results of his plastic surgery, prosecutors said on Monday.
In order to take his vengeance, he is accused of getting someone to stab a female nurse who was part of the surgical team.
Satoru Nomura (pictured), who heads up the Kudo-kai firm, is said to have been unhappy with the results of his plastic surgery, prosecutors said on Monday
Prosecutors believe Nomura ordered Yoshinobu Nakata to stab the woman in the neck and chest in January 2013, according to Japan Today.
The attack happened on the street in the city of Fukuoka.
Nakata, 41, admitted giving a lift to a perpetrator in the case, but denied attacking or intending to attack her and added he did not know if the assault was organised by the Kudo-kai.
The crime firm's boss underwent cosmetic surgery in August 2012.
Prosecutors say he decided to opt for 'organised retaliation' as he 'unjustifiably resented the failed surgery'.
It is not known what the surgery entailed, other than it was performed on his privates.
A toilet-goer had to be rushed to hospital in China after the bathroom started to crumble around him.
The young boy, 14, surnamed Li, was reportedly using the public washroom at Huangshi city, central China's Hubei province at noon on February 17.
Footage shows the teenager being pulled out of the rubble by rescue workers.
Firefighters were reported to the scene and pulled the boy out of the rubble in 10 minutes
According to People's Daily, he didn't sustain any major injuries and escaped with a slight bump to his head and arm.
The video posted by Pear indicated that the accident happened at midday, so luckily workers could easily locate the boy by daylight.
The cement-built public toilet was located at a car park in a local community.
It appeared that bricks from the upper-floor buckled and fell on the public toilet, breaking the ceiling and wall.
The crumbled public toilet is at a car park in a local community of Huangshi city, Hubei
He suffered minor injuries on head and arms and being sent to the hospital for treatment
Li was reported to be using the toilet at the moment it crumbled.
Members of public noticed he was buried under the rubble and called the police.
Firefighters and policemen arrived the scene and spent 10 minutes to pull Li out from the debris.
Li suffered minor injuries on his head on arms and sent to the hospital for treatment.
Policemen are currently investigating how the collapse came about.
A huge fire ripped through a one-storey high warehouse in south China's Guangxi province yesterday, filling the sky with a huge plume of smoke.
The incident took place at a warehouse near a village in Nanning city yesterday afternoon.
Police crews, ambulances and over 80 firefighters rushed to the warehouse at 4pm and brought under control in an hour. No injuries have been reported.
A fire ripped through two units of a warehouse at south China's Nanning city yesterday afternoon - aerial footage captured the terrifying blaze
A huge plume of black smoke can be seen from afar and pictures quickly emerged on social media sites
A video emerged showing a massive plume of smoke could be seen from afar, reaching up to few storeys high.
According to Huanqui.com, an affiliation to People's Daily Online, two units were set on fire, which one is storing hardware and the other storing chemical fertilisers.
Nanning Fire Department has called rescue teams from eight divisions, a total of 16 fire engines and 80 firefighters to put out the fire.
16 fire engines and 80 firefighters were reported to the scene and put out the fire in an hour
No injuries or casualties were reported in the incident, according to fire service department
A statement has been issued via their official social media account on Weibo, a Chinese equivalent to Twitter, confirming that there are no injuries or casualties in the incident.
Policemen are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Dozens of pictures and videos of the fire have emerged on Chinese social media.
Many eye witnesses said they were alerted to the blaze after spotting billows of black smoke loom over their homes.
An eight-year-old girl is purposely gaining weight in a bid to donate bone marrow to her leukaemia-stricken mother.
Xiao Huixuan, from the city of Shouguang in eastern China, only recently learned she could be a donor match for her mother, Ba Lili, who was struck by disease in 2015.
In less than two months the prep school student has gained around five kilograms. She now only has one kilogram to go before she meets the 30 kilogram weight (66 pounds) requirement for the transplant to take place.
Xiao Huixuan, from the city of Shouguang in eastern China, only recently learned she could be a donor match for her mother, Ba Lili, who was struck by disease in 2015
If you have a condition that affects your bone marrow, such as leukaemia, you may need a transplant to boost healthy blood cells.
For this to succeed, the 'tissue type' of a donor and patient must match very closely.
According to People's Daily, out of all of Ba's relatives, only her daughter was found to be a suitable match.
I tried my best not to cry because my mother would be sad if she heard me crying
Doctors have commended the youngster for her bravery.
She is due to undergo a final assessment before the transplant is green-lighted.
On February 14 Xiao underwent a bone marrow biopsy at the Peking University People's Hospital in Beijing to evaluate her marrows function and to assess for disease.
Because of her age, she could not have any anesthetic to numb her hip bone as a needle was inserted.
If you have a condition that affects your bone marrow, such as leukaemia, you may need a transplant to boost healthy blood cells
Recalling the painful procedure she said: 'I tried my best not to cry because my mother would be sad if she heard me crying.'
Han Tingting, the doctor overseeing the treatment, said the test results will be available in one or two weeks.
The family is hopeful that Xiao will meet the requirements.
Her mother says she has been a massive source of support throughout her illness.
'Xiao often gives me a massage to relieve my pain and she often says, "I love you, Mom" to make me confident,' she explained.
Xiao said she would do anything for her mother, no matter how much it hurt.
She concluded: 'I will endure all of the agonies as long as my mom can survive. I love my mom, and I have to save her.'
A fearsome six-foot (two-metre) long carnivorous worm swam through the sea more than 400 million years ago, scientists have discovered.
The monstrous worm had snapping jaws and sensory bristles used to capture unsuspecting fish.
Scientists found jaws from the giant extinct bristle worm at the bottom of Hudson Bay near Ontario, Canada.
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Scientists have a discovered a six-foot long carnivorous worm with giant snapping jaws that swam through the sea 400 million years ago. Pictured is an artist's impression of the beast
WHY WAS IT SO BIG? Luke Parry, a PhD student at Bristol University, told MailOnline: 'We know the worms lived in warm, shallow tropical seas and this might have enabled them to grow bigger and bigger. 'Another reason could have been competitive dominance. It's possible the worm evolved to be bigger than its rivals so it could get the most food.' 'We've only found one set of fossils so it's difficult to tell how long they were around for or when they went extinct.' Advertisement
They named the worm Websteroprion armstrongi after Alex Webster, a bassist from Death Metal band Cannibal Corpse, which is the favourite band of researcher Luke Parry.
Mr Parry, a PhD student at the University of Bristol told MailOnline: 'Through our research we've managed to describe the largest bristle worm ever known.
'We found jaws of the worm in a remote locality at the bottom of Hudson Bay in Ontario in Canada.
'We then compared the jaws with those of their closet living relatives which are bobbit worms and we managed to work out that this new species was around two-metres long.'
Mr Parry said is not known why the ancient evolved to be so giant.
The fossilised imprint of the new species, pictured, helped scientists work out that the beast was close to six foot (two metres) in length
He said: 'We know the worms lived in warm, shallow tropical seas and this might have enabled them to grow bigger and bigger.
'Another reason could have been competitive dominance. It's possible the worm evolved to be bigger than its rivals so it could get the most food.'
'We've only found one set of fossils so it's difficult to tell how long they were around for or when they went extinct.'
Despite only discovering the jaws of the beast, the researchers were able to work out how the animal might have behaved by studying its closest relatives.
The researchers conducted a 3D reconstruction of parts of the jaw apparatus of the animal, pictured, from CT scanning of the fossil specimens
The jaws of the new species were found at the bottom of Hudson Bay near Ontario, Canada in 1995 before going on show at the Royal Ontario Museum
The new species is related to the 'giant eunicid' worm, nicknamed the bobbit worm, a fearsome and opportunistic ambush predators who use their powerful jaws to capture prey such as fish and cephalopods (squids and octopuses).
Mr Parry said: 'Bobbit worms sit in burrows at the bottom of the sea and use their sensory appendages to monitor what food is going by.
'When they sense prey is near, they snatch it up and pull it into their burrow.'
The new species is unique among fossil worms and possessed the largest jaws ever recorded in this type of creature, reaching over one centimetre (less than half an inch) in length and easily visible to the naked eye.
Lead author Mats Eriksson from Lund University said: 'Gigantism in animals is an alluring and ecologically important trait, usually associated with advantages and competitive dominance.
'It is, however, a poorly understood phenomenon among marine worms and has never before been demonstrated in a fossil species.
The new species is closely related to the iridescent Eunice aphroditois, nicknamed the bobbit worm, pictured, which catches ambushes prey using its razor-sharp mandibles
'The new species demonstrates a unique case of polychaete gigantism in the Palaeozoic, some 400 million years ago.'
The specimens were collected over a few hours in a single day in June 1994, when Derek K Armstrong of Ontario Geological Survey was dropped by helicopter to investigate the rocks and fossils at a remote and temporary exposure in Ontario.
Sample materials from the Devonian Kwataboahegan Formation were brought back to the Royal Ontario Museum, where they have been stored ever since.
David Rudkin, from the Royal Ontario Museum, said: 'This is an excellent example of the importance of looking in remote and unexplored areas for finding new exciting things, but also the importance of scrutinising museum collections for overlooked gems.'
The findings were published today in Scientific Reports.
Not only did the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco cost Samsung billions of dollars, but the exploding Androids also cost them their reputation.
A survey has revealed that Samsung sits at 49th place in this year's Reputation Quotient Rations, which ranks American's 100 most visible companies in 2015, the firm came in third.
Samsung has secured a spot in the top 10 for the last three years, but it appears the failed handsets and arrest of the heir-apparent Lee Jae-yong on bribery charges has tarnished the firm's character.
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An annual survey has revealed that Samsung sits at 49th place in this year's Reputation Quotient Rations (RQ), which ranks American's 100 most visible companies last year the firm came in seventh. Samsung has secured a spot in the top 10 for the last three years
LOSS OF REPUTATION The annual survey, Reputation Quotient Rations, ranked Samsung in 49th place among American's 100 most visible companies Last year, Samsung was 7th and has secured a spot in the top 10 for the past three years. Experts say the exploding Galaxy Note 7 handsets were to blame. The first issue was that the battery components in the Galaxy Note 7 did not fit in the battery's casing. This caused the battery cell's upper right corner to be crimped by the casing. The second round affected the devices sent to replace the original faulty phones. These were caused by manufacturing issues, including poor welding at the battery manufacturer. Experts also believe it was the arrest of Samsung's heir-apparent Lee Jae-yong on bribery charges that also contributed to its diminished character. Advertisement
The Reputation Quotient Rations (RQ) is an annual survey conducted by Harris Poll, an online site that investigates and 'provides opinions on every aspect of life in North America'.
'Best-in-class companies demonstrate that corporate reputation matters to your customers, employees, potential hires, business partners and investors,' said Sarah Simmons, senior reputation consultant at Nielsen, which owns The Harris Poll.
'Not only does it matter, but corporate reputation is critically important to measure and understand in the context of your company's business goals.
'A positive reputation can provide competitive advantages and help your company achieve its objectives while a poor one can obstruct your ability to execute against your business plan.'
Amazon reclaimed the top spot, marking the eighth consecutive year the online retailer has ranked in the top ten, while Takata dropped to the bottom.
When asked which company damaged their reputation the most this past year, most consumers cited Wells Fargo (23%), followed by Volkswagen (9%) and Samsung (5%).
The RQ measures companies' reputation strength based on the perceptions of more than 23,000 Americans across 20 attributes classified into six corporate reputation dimensions: Social Responsibility, Emotional Appeal, Products and Services, Vision and Leadership, Financial Performance, and Workplace Environment.
The reputations of the 100 most visible U.S. companies range from 'excellent' (scores of 80+) to 'very poor '(scores of 50 to 54).
In this year's study, the top nine companies earned 'excellent' scores and 35 companies received 'very good' scores.
It appears that the exploding Note 7 Galaxy handsets and arrest of the heir-apparent Lee Jae-yong on bribery charges has diminished it character
'Samsung has to overcome its tarnished reputation by rolling out a better gadget, and use Lee's arrest as a chance to enhance transparency by cutting off collusive links between business and politics,' said Suh Yong-gu, a professor at Sookmyung Women's University
'The failed Galaxy Note 7 and the arrest of heir apparent Lee Jae-yong on bribery charges are huge negatives,' Suh Yong-gu, a professor of marketing at Sookmyung Women's University, told The Korea Herald.
'Samsung has to overcome its tarnished reputation by rolling out a better gadget, and use Lee's arrest as a chance to enhance transparency by cutting off collusive links between business and politics.'
On August 2, Samsung took the stage in New York to unveil its 5.7 inch handset, a place where the firm also saw an opportunity to take a stab at Apple.
'Want to know what else it comes with', teased Samsung's vice-president of marketing, Justin Denison.
GIRL, 13, SUFFERS MINOR BURN FROM NOTE 7 REPLACEMENT A Minnesota father says his daughter suffered a minor burn to her thumb when her replacement Samsung smartphone melted in her hand last week. Andrew Zuis of Farmington, Minn., said his daughter, Abby, was holding the Galaxy Note 7 in her left hand Friday when it melted. Zuis saidthat the family had acquired the new phone on the day the replacement phones were released. There had been no problem with the original phone, he said. 'It's very fortunate Abby was not injured and was holding the phone,' Zuis said. 'If it was in her pocket, I think it would have been a whole different situation. I'm just very disappointed in Samsung and their product.' Zuis provided KSTP-TV with receipts showing that the family bought a Galaxy Note 7 in August and then exchanged it Sept. 21 after Samsung announced the recall. Andrew Zuis, of Farmington, Minn., showed the replacement Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phone (pictured) belonging to his 13-year-old daughter Abby, that melted in her hand 'She's done with Note 7s right now,' Zuis said of his daughter. A Samsung representative told KSTP that an investigation is underway. 'We want to reassure our customers that we take every report seriously and we are engaged with the Zuis family to ensure we are doing everything we can for them and their daughter,' the representative said in a statement. Advertisement
'An audio jack. I'm just saying.'
Within a few days of the launch, it appeared Samsung was eating their own words after reports surfaced that the Note 7 was bursting into flames.
Just a month after the launch, Koh held a press conference in Seoul, South Korea where he announced the recall of 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 devices that would eventually be replaced with a new and safe Note 7.
Within a few days of the launch, it appeared Samsung was eating their own words after reports surfaced that the Note 7 was bursting into flames. Just a month after the launch, Koh held a press conference in Seoul, South Korea where he announced the recall of 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 devices that would eventually be replaced with a new and safe Note 7
Although the firm was praised for its quick thinking, it was also criticized for announcing these plans prior to establishing a strategy on how to gather millions of phones in 10 countries and get each person a replacement.
In the meantime, Samsung had short-term solutions such as shutting phones off and not using them to a software patch that prevents batteries from overheating. And just last month, the firm announced the results of its own investigation into the problem.
It was found that the faulty batteries from Samsung SDI were not the correct size for the device, according to the people, which caused the overheating.
Issues were also found to occur with Note 7 smartphones carrying batteries made by ATL, which focuses on a manufacturing issue sparked by 'the quick ramp-up in production of replacement phones
The 'ape that's in us all' is being made ill by modern life, scientists have warned.
Gadgets, energy production and processed foods are all confusing our senses.
As a result more people need glasses, there is an an obesity epidemic and pollution is stifling our sense of smell.
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Gadgets, energy production and processed foods are all confusing our senses. As a result more people need glasses, there is an an obesity epidemic and pollution is stifling our sense of smell (stock image)
HOW MODERN LIFE IS MAKING US ILL - Sweets are available all the time which is causing an obesity epidemic. - Synthetic lighting means were are not able to develop such sharp vision. - Looking at screens means we do not develop long-distance vision - Polluted cities disrupts our sense of smell - Our less refined sense of smell means we are not able to pick up on social cues from other human beings. - We don't have to hunt to get our food which allows us to be lazy Advertisement
Experts spoke about their concern for our well-being at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston.
The obesity crisis is in part caused by 'the ape that's in us', said Paul Breslin, professor of nutritional sciences at Rutgers University, quoted in the Independent.
'The love of sugar in humans, I think, can be tied to the fact we are an ape and shared a common ancestor millions of years ago with the other apes on the planetall of which live in forests and are primarily eating fruit, which is both sweet and sour,' he said.
He explained that fruits come and go as the trees come into fruit.
Apes will gorge on sugary foods until there is no more and then they will have to eat leaves and less nutritious food on the forest floor.
However, we are no longer reliant on seasonal fruit - we can fulfill our desire for sugary food all year round.
The professors also encouraged people to get outside as to encourage our vision to develop properly.
'We're inside, we're in fake lighting, we're not spending as much time outside in the context in which our vision system evolved,' said Professor Amanda Melin of Calgary University.
'And our lighting, as well as other things like near work tasks, might be drastically affecting our acuity', she said.
'What we need to do is we need to get outside more in order for our eyeball to grow properly and for us to have the right proportions so that the images are really clearly in focus on the retina.'
Experts at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Boston believe are 'in a state of mismatch' with the world we have created (stock image)
Dr Melin proposed putting policies in place to get kids and young people to go outside more.
Professor Kara Hoover from Alaska University, who also spoke at the conference, said we're 'in a state of mismatch' with the modern world.
She said cutting pollution would improve our sense of smell.
ARE WE BORN LAZY? According to an expert in human physiology at Harvard University, human biology may actually make us predisposed to laziness. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have expended energy tackling prey and looking for wild food and shelter, so were likely to have limited unnecessary bursts of energy-sapping physical activity. But our biology makes a constant trade-off between activity and inactivity, balanced for an environment in which calories are limited. In the modern environment, the free availability of calories coupled with this propensity for inactivity is interacting negatively with the energy-saving genetic machinery, resulting in a boom in conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis. Experts believe that while modern society has developed treatments to tackle the symptoms, regular exercise could help to tackle the root of the problem - providing it is done right and made enticing or necessary. Advertisement
'Pollution tends to disrupt the sense of smell and that puts you at greater risk of things like mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety, and it also puts you at greater risk for physical health [problems], such as obesity, and greater risk for social health, not being able to pick up on social cues from other human beings.
'The greener the city the better the environment would be for our sense of smell,' she said.
Having poor sense of smell means we get less enjoyment from food. It also means we are less able to detect fear or anxiety in others.
'I think it's continuing the theme that we're talking about quite a lot in modern society today, having a better, healthier atmosphere', she said.
Twitter has begun to remove tweets which it deems offensive in a move to further punish abusive behaviour on the site.
The social network recently began limiting accounts after the use of language that Twitter feels is objectionable.
But in a further crackdown, individual tweets are now being removed from public visibility - without informing the people who posted them.
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Twitter is removing tweets it deems offensive without informing users Twitter user John Sweeney @SuperNerdCow was the first to alert others to the removal of his tweet, which he believes was hidden from public view for offensive content
WHAT DOES TWITTER ALLOW? Twitter says it 'prohibits the promotion of hate content, sensitive topics, and violence globally.' But this policy does not apply to news and information that calls attention to hate, sensitive topics, or violence, but does not advocate for it. And it also doesn't apply to commentary about products, services, companies, or brands. The site has been criticised for failing to tackle some high-profile cases. For instance, it has allowed Donald Trump to use it as a platform for what many believe is hate speech. The filter also doesn't appear to be hugely effective yet. MailOnline investigated some of the words not blocked by Twitter found in recent tweets and account names and bios. Racial slurs, homophobic language, 'ablest' slurs, and sexist language have all slipped through Twitter's new censorship feature. Advertisement
Twitter user John Sweeney @SuperNerdCow was the first to alert others to the removal of his tweet, which he believes was hidden from public view for offensive content.
Mr Sweeney shared a satirical meme responding to criticism of the appearance of controversial 'alt-right' Breitbart journalist Milo Yiannopoulos on comedian Bill Maher's US political talk show.
Although the tweet itself was not directed at an individual user and did not contain any offensive language, the attached meme did contain the phrase 'autistic screeching'.
The 'autistic screeching' meme is used on image bulletin board 4chan and elsewhere as shorthand for an overreaction to a given situation.
Tweets that have been ghost deleted still appear on the feed of the people who sent them.
But other user's of the site cannot see the message and any links to the Tweet will forward to a page that says the tweet has been deleted.
This means that users whose tweets have been deleted have no way of knowing their post has been removed from public view, according to reports in Heatstreet
As the offensive material In Mr Sweeney's tweet was contained in an image, rather than the text of the tweet, this would suggest that the image was manually viewed and the tweet containing it removed, rather than automatically detected through the use of filters.
Twitter had been under fire after nearly a decade of failure to address hate and abuse on the site
MILO YIANNOPOULOS'S TWITTER BAN In July 2016, Twitter banned conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos, an editor of the right-wing site Breitbart News. The company accused Yiannopoulos of 'participating in or inciting targeted abuse of individuals.' The move came a day after Yiannopoulos had incited his 300,000 followers to barrage Ghostbusters star Leslie Jones with racist and demeaning tweets. Advertisement
In a video released by Mr Sweeney, a British video games writer and editor for SuperNerdLand, he attributes the deletion to the inclusion of the hashtag #nottheenemy.
The hashtag was created in response to President Trump's perceived hostility to the media, to suggest that journalists are not the enemy.
Mr Sweeney inverted the premise to suggest that the media were overreacting to Mr Yiannopoulos' appearance on the Maher show.
And he believes that Twitter deleted the tweet for editorial or political reasons, rather than due to any offensive content.
MailOnline has contacted Twitter for a comment.
Speaking in the video, he said: 'Twitter has essentially ghost deleted my tweet without telling me. It still shows up to me.
'It's ridiculous, I've not [directed it at] anyone.
'It's a meme, a relatively popular one, until Twitter decided that shouldn't exist. It's a tweet we don't like, it's expressing an opinion we don't like and "bam", it's gone.'
Video posted by Twitter user John Sweeney @SuperNerdCow. WARNING: Contains strong language.
Last week, Twitter launched a new way of censoring offensive behaviour by temporarily restricting abusive users' accounts.
Some users have been notified that their account is limited for 12 hours.
When an account has been censored, only people who follow them can see their tweets or receive notifications.
When limited accounts are retweeted, people outside of that account's network are blocked from seeing the retweets.
Twitter previously launched a new way of censoring offensive behaviour by temporarily restricting abusive users' accounts for 12 hours
Twitter is honing in on accounts for 'abusive behaviour', such as harassing an account that doesn't follow them back, or spamming popular hashtags with external links.
Users have theorised that the temporary blocks are also based on abusive keywords, but this has not been confirmed by Twitter.
Twitter says it 'prohibits the promotion of hate content, sensitive topics, and violence globally.'
But this policy does not apply to news and information that calls attention to hate, sensitive topics, or violence, but does not advocate for it.
And it also doesn't apply to commentary about products, services, companies, or brands.
Twitter launched a new way of censoring politically incorrect language on its site by temporarily restricting abusive users' accounts. Some users have been notified that their account is limited for 12 hours after using language that Twitter deems abusive
The feature was brought in by Twitter to limit harassment on its site.
Twitter had been under fire after nearly a decade of failure to address hate and abuse on the site.
But a search showed that some abusive language was still slipping through.
MailOnline investigated some of the abusive words not blocked by Twitter found in recent tweets and account names and bios.
Racial slurs, homophobic language, 'ablest' slurs, and sexist language have all slipped through Twitter's new censorship feature. These included p**fter, m**g, p**y, p**sy and f**got.
In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon disaster saw 172 million gallons of oil leaked into the sea.
Now, deformed fish that were affected have helped scientists establish how air pollution could be damaging human hearts.
Researchers found traces of pollutants capable of disrupting heart function in the body tissue of mutant fish living in the Gulf of Mexico, the site of a major oil spill.
The pollutants are also present at high levels in the air surrounding cities, and scientists have warned that the chemicals could be posing a major threat to our health.
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Deformed fish affected by the Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 are helping scientists understand how pollution is damaging human hearts. Pictured is a gulf killfish embryo affected by the spill
WHAT IS PHENANTHRENE? Phenanthrene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) found in oil. The chemical enters the environment through car engine combustion as well as oil spills. The pollutant is also found in cigarette smoke and is a known skin irritant. It is known to negatively affect the strength and rhythm of the heart in all vertebrates, including humans. Advertisement
The Deepwater Horizon disaster took place on April 20, 2010, and led to the death of 11 workers.
It is widely considered the worst environmental disaster the US has ever seen.
Dr Holly Shiels, a senior lecturer at the University of Manchester who worked on the study, said: 'These open ocean fish are hard to study in captivity, but understanding what component of the Deepwater Horizon disaster oil negatively affected the heart is really important.
'It could help us distinguish the cardiotoxic potential of environmental catastrophes.
'It also provides insight into the possible cardiac impacts of urban air pollution on public health.'
The chemical, called phenanthrene, is found in crude oil and enters the environment through car engine combustion as well as oil spills.
Scientists from the University of Manchester and Stanford University studied the heart cells of pelagic fish, such as tuna and mackerel, that live in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fish affected by the oil spill suffer from a range of physiological abnormalities. A normal yellowfin tuna larva not long after hatching (top) and a larva exposed to Deepwater Horizon crude oil during embryonic development (bottom)
DEEPWATER HORIZON The rig blew on April 20, 2010, and spewed 172 million gallons of oil into the Gulf through the summer. Scientists are still trying to figure where all the oil went and what effects it had. BP was suspended from performing any new government work in America in November 2012, after it agreed to plead guilty and pay a $4.5billion fine (2.8billion) for criminal charges over the Deepwater Horizon disaster. Advertisement
The team discovered traces of phenanthrene, a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) that is released from oil.
Phenanthrene is known to negatively affect the strength and rhythm of the heart in all vertebrates, including humans.
The use of oil and its derivatives, in particular in car engine combustion, has been a cause of concern for some time, with high levels of air pollutants measured in urban areas around the world, including in the UK.
Dr Shiels said: 'Very little information to date has been available on individual PAH chemical toxicity beyond developmental and carcinogen effects.
'As a result we hope that this study will raise global interest in this important pollutant, given the prevalence of petroleum and PAHs in our environment.'
The research was published in the journal Nature Scientific Reports.
After five years of extensive explorations in the Western Ghats in India, researchers have discovered seven new frog species, known as Night Frogs.
The adorable creatures are among the smallest in the world, and four of the new species are tiny enough to fit on a fingernail.
Despite only just being discovered, the researchers warn that five of the new species are under direct threat of extinction, and urge environmentalists to set up conservation programmes immediately.
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The adorable creatures are among the smallest in the world, and four of the new species, including the Vijayan's Night Frog (pictured) are tiny enough to fit on a fingernail
THE NEW SPECIES The seven new species of night frog are: 1) Radcliffe's Night Frog 2) Athirappilly Night Frog 3) Kadalar Night Frog 4) Sabarimala Night Frog 5) Vijayan's Night Frog 6) Manalar Night Frog 7) Robin Moore's Night Frog Advertisement
Researchers from the University of Delhi discovered the frogs in the Western Ghats, which is known to be a hotspot for biodiversity in India.
Unlike other frogs in the genus that live in streams, the new miniature frogs were found under damp leaves and vegetation.
The researchers were surprised by the relative abundance of these previously unknown species at their collection localities.
Sonali Garg, who worked on the study, said: 'The miniature species are locally abundant and fairly common but they have probably been overlooked because of their extremely small size, secretive habitats and insect-like calls.'
Unlike other frogs in the genus that live in streams, the new miniature frogs were found under damp leaves and vegetation. Pictured is the Manalar Night Frog
The 12.2 mm long Robinmoores Night Frog is small enough to comfortably sit on the Indian five-rupee coin (24 mm diameter)
In the lab, the frogs were confirmed as new species using DNA studies and detailed analysis of sounds the animals produce.
Until now, 28 species of Night frogs were known, but the new finding takes the total to 35 species.
The discovery of the new species can provide useful insights into the evolution of frogs in the Western Ghats.
The Manalar Night Frog measures 13.1 mm, and was discovered from a fragmented forest patch adjacent to tea plantations in the southern Western Ghats
Vijayans Night Frog is 13.6 mm long, and was discovered in the Agasthyamala hills in the Western Ghat
The past decade has seen a huge increase in the number of new amphibian species described from this region.
Of the 1,581 new species of amphibians found globally in 2006-2015, the highest number were from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, followed by the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot, with 103 species described alone from the Western Ghats region.
The researchers were surprised by the relative abundance of these previously unknown species at their collection localities
But the researchers warn that the future of many of the new species may be bleak.
Professor SD Biju, who led the study, said: 'Over 32 per cent, that is one-third of the Western Ghats frogs are already threatened with extinction.
'Out of the seven new species, five are facing considerable anthropogenic threats and require immediate conservation prioritisation.'
The Sabarimala Night Frog is 12.3 mm long, and was found in close vicinity of the Sabarimala Pilgrimage centre in the Western Ghats
Package delivery company United Parcel Service tested home delivery by drone in Lithia, Florida, on Monday, the first step in what the company hopes will be a move toward more automated delivery.
A drone launched from a UPS car roof, flew autonomously toward its destination, dropped a package and then returned to the vehicle, as the driver separately continued on a delivery route.
The Tampa-area test, which UPS said went as expected, came less than a month after UPS said it would push forward investment in automation and technology as the company, along with rival FedEx Corp, struggles with slimmer margins from e-commerce business.
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Package delivery company United Parcel Service Inc tested home delivery by drone in Lithia, Florida, on Monday, the first step in what the company hopes will be a move toward more automated delivery
HOW IT WORKS The system is aimed at rural routes where deliveries are spread out over a large location. It allows drivers to simply pass close to the final delivery destination on a preprogrammed route. Once near, a drone launches from a UPS car roof and flies autonomously toward its destination. There, it drops a package and returns to the vehicle, as the driver continues on a delivery route. Advertisement
'We see this as an exploration into this new technology,' said John Dodero, vice president of industrial engineering at UPS.
The company has conducted drone tests before, and is weighing other uses for the technology, such as in inventory control and helping inspect planes and vehicles within hangars and warehouses.
But UPS has no timeline for when drones might be put into wider use, Dodero said, partly because federal authorities are still developing regulations on how to use the technology.
UPS sees potential particularly in rural routes, such as in Monday's test.
A drone launched from a UPS car roof, flew autonomously toward its destination, dropped a package and then returned to the vehicle, as the driver separately continued on a delivery route
The company has conducted drone tests before, and is weighing other uses for the technology, such as in inventory control and helping inspect planes and vehicles within hangars and warehouses
Cities are dense enough that drivers typically have deliveries grouped relatively close together.
But rural routes are more spread out, and thus more expensive.
If drones can handle some of those deliveries, the company can be more efficient along those areas and lower some costs, Dodero said.
He declined to say whether the company's workforce could be trimmed by attrition as UPS expands drone delivery.
Dodero added UPS is not looking to use drones as a replacement for drivers. 'UPS is never looking to replace our UPS drivers,' he said, calling them 'the face of our company'
UPS sees potential particularly in rural routes, such as in Monday's test. Footage from the test can be seen above
'We have no idea how all that will play out until we find out how to integrate them into the business,' he said.
However, Dodero added UPS is not looking to use drones as a replacement for drivers.
'UPS is never looking to replace our UPS drivers,' he said, calling them 'the face of our company.'
UPS has no timeline for when drones might be put into wider use, Dodero said, partly because federal authorities are still developing regulations on how to use the technology
Cities are dense enough that drivers typically have deliveries grouped relatively close together. But rural routes are more spread out, and thus more expensive. If drones can handle some of those deliveries, the company can be more efficient along those areas
In December, Amazon Air carried out its first drone delivery from its testing site near Cambridge to a farmhouse just 765 yards away.
The package contained an Amazon Fire TV box and a bag of popcorn, and was dropped off just 13 minutes after it was ordered.
Amazon's US billionaire founder Jeff Bezos confirmed the delivery in a tweet earlier that week and posted a video.
'First-ever AmazonPrimeAir customer delivery is in the books, Bezos wrote.
13 min - click to delivery.'
Dodero declined to say whether the company's workforce could be trimmed by attrition as UPS expands drone delivery
The test comes just months after Amazon's first successful tests with drones. In December, Amazon Air carried out its first drone delivery from its testing site near Cambridge to a farmhouse just 765 yards away
New leaks have revealed how far Apple goes to keep its prototype iPhones a secret.
Smartphones are shipped from China to the US in a 'stealth' black case that only shows a small portion of the display.
There are strips of yellow tape on the indicate if someone has tampered with the device and a passport is also included to document how it performed during tests.
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New leaks have revealed how far Apple goes to keep its prototype iPhones a secret. Smartphones are shipped from the supply chain in China to the US in a 'stealth' black case that only shows a small portion of the display
APPLE'S TRICKS Images reveal how far Apple is willing to go in order to keep its iPhone prototype a secret. The leaks show an iPhone 6 Plus being shipped from the supply chain in China to the US. The black stealth case covers the entire handset, leaving just a small portion of the screen and little circles around the cameras and microphone visible. There are also strips of yellow tape on the side that if ripped, indicate someone has tampered with the device and a passport to document how it performed in tests. The prototype also has an engraved QR code on the back, which lets Apple track the device on its travels. Advertisement
The leaked images were sent to MacRumors by Sonny Dickson, who is known for sharing inside Apple details.
Each component or product that is tested they document in the page, Dickson told MacRumors.
The person writes their initials next to it and any notes about it passing or failing or any other comments.
It makes its way through each test/person.
It then is finally sent with its 'passport' from China to Apple.
The passport is put in place for quality assurance/testing control', according to Dickson.
The images sent to MacRumors appear to show an iPhone 6 Plus and on the back of the device is an engraved QR code that Apple uses to keep track of the product on its journey across the Pacific.
Although Apple is known for being obsessed with secrecy, there are times when the cat makes itself out of the bag and into the eyes of the public.
In March 2016, the Chinese website Bastille Post published an image that they claimed was the first possible real photo of the iPhone 7 Plus, which ended up being the final product.
This leak gave away the highly-anticipated dual-lens camera that was surrounding with so much mystery.
The image shows the camera protruding from the back of the smartphone and the pill-shaped enclosure, reports MacRumors.
However, this leak may not be as bad as the blunder that occurred in 2011, when the iPhone 4 was set to come out.
There are strips of yellow tape on the indicate if someone has tampered with the device and a passport is also included to document how it performed during tests. The passport is put in place for quality assurance/testing control'
An Apple employee, Gray Powell left the iPhone 4 prototype in a bar in Redwood City, California, which later found its way into a Gizmodo reporter Jason Chen.
According to media reports in the U.S., Apple employee Gray Powell apparently left the iPhone behind after celebrating his 27th birthday at the Gourmet Haus Staudt bar, not far from the computer giants Cupertino, California headquarters.
Gizmodo said the person who found the phone claimed it was logged into Powells Facebook account and the last post on the social networking site was said to be: I underestimated how good German beer is.
After trying unsuccessfully to return the iPhone to its owner, the finder sold it to a 'mysterious middleman' who then sold it to the website for $5,000 (3,250), Gizmodo editorial director Brian Lam said.
Mr Lam said the phone was shut down remotely by Apple, adding to suspicions that the phone held secrets the company didnt want exposed.
The images sent to MacRumors appear to show an iPhone 6 Plus and on the back of the device is an engraved QR code that Apple uses to keep track of the product on its journey across the Pacific
The device and its photos were shopped around to a number of different publications but Gizmodo ended up purchasing the prototype for its own exclusive coverage ahead of Apple's announcement of the iPhone 4 in June.
Gizmodo eventually gave the iPhone prototype back to Apple, but only after an e-mail back-and-forth with Steve Jobs and a letter from Apple legal demanding that it be returned.
The incident sparked lively debate online over who, if anyone, should be charged for passing around Apple's leaked property.
At 66-years-old the world's oldest known breeding bird, an albatross named Wisdom, has hatched another chick.
The chick hatched two months after Wisdom was first spotted incubating an egg at the same nesting site her and her mate, Akeakamai, use each year.
Almost every year for the past six decades, Wisdom has laid an egg on Midway Atoll, an island in the Hawaiian archipelago.
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At 66-years-old, the world's oldest known breeding bird, an albatross named Wisdom (pictured), has hatched another chick (pictured beneath Wisdom). The chick hatched two months after Wisdom was first spotted incubating an egg at the same nesting site her and her mate, Akeakamai, user each year on Midway Atoll, an island in the Hawaiian archipelago
ALBATROSS FACTS An albatross has an average wingspan of 11ft. They spend most of their days out at sea and spend hours gliding on headwinds. The ancestral Hawaiian name for the bird is moli, which means a bone tattoo needle which was made from the bone of an albatross. The bird was famously mentioned in Samuel Taylor Coleridges epic poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner, where the mariner shot an albatross, which was considered a sign of good luck. As punishment, the mariner was forced to wear the dead albatross across his neck. Advertisement
It takes nearly seven months to incubate the egg and raise a chick to fledge - when young birds develop wing feather's that are large enough for flight.
During that time, Wisdom and Akeakamai, like all albatross parents, take turns incubating the egg or caring for the chick, while the other partner forages for food at sea.
Researchers have already banded the new baby, but haven't named it as yet.
'Wisdom continues to inspire people around the world. She has returned home to Midway Atoll for over six decades and raised at least 30-35 chicks,' said Bob Peyton, US Fish and Wildlife Service Project Leader for Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Memorial.
'Because Laysan albatross dont lay eggs every year and when they do, they raise only one chick at a time, the contribution of even one bird to the population makes a difference,' he said.
Albatross and other seabirds show high nest fidelity behaviors - which means they return to the same nesting site each year.
They start to return from sea to breed in late October, and by the end of November almost every available nesting space on the atoll is claimed by a breeding pair.
'Laysan albatross and other seabirds depend on the habitat protected by Midway Atoll and other Pacific remote wildlife refuges to raise their young,' said Mr Peyton.
It takes nearly seven months to incubate the egg and raise a chick to fledge - when young birds develop wing feather's that are large enough for flight. During that time, Wisdom and Akeakamai, like all albatross parents, take turns incubating the egg or caring for the chick, while the other partner forages for food at sea
Wisdom laid the egg at a nesting site at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (shown) in the North Pacific, about 1,200 miles (1,930 km) northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii
'Thanks to the hard work of our volunteers, we have been able restore the native habitat that the birds need for nesting sites, ensuring a future for these seabirds,' he said.
Layan albatrosses are monogamous animals, laying usually just one egg every other year - which is why Wisdom's fertility and pattern of laying an egg almost every year is so remarkable.
Wisdom was tagged by scientists in 1956 when she was about five years old. Since then, she's given birth to about 41 chicks and has flown more than 3 million miles. Because the birds are seen as a barometer for the ocean's ecosystem and its ability to sustain life, Robert Peyton of the Midway refuge, said: 'Wisdom is an iconic symbol of inspiration and hope'
Wisdom was tagged by scientists in 1956 when she was about five years old.
Since then, she's given birth to about 41 chicks and has flown more than 3 million miles.
Wisdom was tagged by scientists in 1956 when she was about five years old. Since then, she's given birth to about 41 chicks and has flown more than 3 million miles
Because the birds are seen as a barometer for the ocean's ecosystem and its ability to sustain life, Mr Peyton said: 'Wisdom is an iconic symbol of inspiration and hope.'
Experts at the US Fish and Wildlife Service claim Wisdom is the oldest bird they know of in the organisations 90-year history.
The refuge is home to the world's largest colony of albatross - where nearly 70 per cent of the world's Laysan albatross and almost 40 per cent of Black-footed albatross live.
Refuge manager Dan Clark said: She provides to the world valuable information about the longevity of these beautiful creatures.
In the case of Wisdom, she has logged literally millions of miles over the Pacific Ocean in her lifetime to find enough fish eggs and squid to feed herself and multiple chicks, allowing us the opportunity to measure the health of our oceans which sustain albatross as well as ourselves.
Laysan albatrosses breed on the Hawaiian islands of Oahu, at Kaena Point, and on Kauai, at Kilauea Point.
The Midway Atoll Refuge is home to the world's largest colony of albatross - where nearly 70 per cent of the world's Laysan albatross and almost 40 per cent of Black-footed albatross live
About 99.7 per cent of the bird's population of 2.5 million live in the northwestern Hawaiian islands.
Their feeding grounds are off the west coast of North America, including the Gulf of Alaska, and they spend their first three to five years constantly flying, never touching land.
Scientists believe they even sleep while flying over the ocean.
A 53-year-old female tourist has been arrested for feeding breadcrumbs to fish near an ecologically sensitive coral reef.
Olga Smirnova, from Russia, is due to appear in court in Thailand following the incident in the popular tourist hotspot of Phuket Island.
The maximum punishment for the violation of the island's strict environmental laws is a year in prison, a 100,000 Thai Bhat (2,300) fine - or both.
Olga Smirnova, a 53-year-old Russian tourist, was filmed feeding breadcrumbs to fish in the popular tourist hotspot of Phuket Island in Thailand, and later arrested
Smirnova (far left, according to the Phuket News) stands by the beach as she's questioned
Smirnova was allegedly feeding bread to fish close to a coral reef, against the island's strict environmental rules and in defiance of posters erected all over the area. Phuket is one of Thailand's most popular tourist spots
Ms Smirnova is being held in police custody in Phuket's Chalong district because she did not have enough money to make bail.
She was apprehended by officers from the Phuket Department of Marine and Coastal Resources who were carrying out routine checks for illegal activity around Plub Pla Bay.
They say that she was feeding bread to fish close to a coral reef, against the island's strict environmental rules and in defiance of posters erected all over the area.
A Marine and Coastal Resources spokesman said: 'We are taking a very strict stance on this. She has to pay the bail and remain in Thailand until her case is processed by a court.'
The maximum punishment for the violation of the island's strict environmental laws is a year in prison, a 100,000 Thai Bhat (2,300) fine - or both. The police are pictured here with Ms Smirnova
A Russian consulate official said the consul had not received any official notification of the arrest.
But he added: 'We managed to talk to officials at the police station where the woman is being kept.
'The Russian citizen did not have the money needed for bail and that's why she is awaiting trial there.'
Ms Smirnova has been charged with 'feeding fish in a forbidden area or in an area with coral reef', the Russian official said.
She heated up the beach in Miami, Florida over the long Presidents' Day holiday weekend.
And on Monday, Charlotte McKinney covered up her envy-inducing bikini body as she was spotted back in Los Angeles.
The 23-year-old model made a modest traveler as she sported a black hoodie, matching pants, and a denim jacket upon arrival at LAX Airport after her sexy beach romp on the opposite coast.
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Modest traveler: Charlotte McKinney covered up her envy-inducing bikini body as she was spotted back in Los Angeles on Monday after heating up the beach in Miami over the weekend
Charlotte completely covered up her hard-earned tan for her travel day.
The Florida-native hid her famous cleavage beneath a cozy, plain black sweatshirt, which was topped off with a distressed denim jacket.
The five-foot-seven stunner added a pair of matching comfortable sweatpants which were slim-fit to show off her lithe legs.
She completed her laid-back travel style with a pair of stark white Adidas trainers.
All covered up: The model, 23, sported a black hoodie, matching pants, and a denim jacket upon arrival at LAX Airport after her sexy beach romp on the opposite coast
Where's the tan? The Florida-native hid her famous assets beneath a cozy black sweatsuit
Travel style: The blonde beauty pulled her lengthy tresses into a high ponytail and donned a dark black pair of sunglasses. She completed her laid-back look with white trainers
The blonde beauty pulled her lengthy tresses into a high ponytail and donned a dark black pair of sunglasses.
Charlotte made an efficient jet-setter as she rested her large black fringe tote on top of her roll-away luggage.
She was joined by her travel buddy and looked like she had a good flight.
Details: Charlotte made an efficient jet-setter as she rested her large black fringe tote on top of her roll-away luggage. She was joined by her travel buddy who was also spotted in Miami
All smiles: She looked like she had a good flight as she revealed a large smile while grabbing a phone call after baggage claim
What's so funny? Later, Charlotte and her pal both giggled as they were spotted out and about in Beverly Hills
Charlotte revealed a large smile as she caught a phone call after baggage claim.
Charlotte and her gal pal left the airport and headed straight to lunch in Beverly Hills.
The beautiful ladies enjoyed a meal alfresco at hot spot Nate 'n Al's after being cooped up on the long cross-country flight.
Hungry: Charlotte and her friend left the airport and headed straight to lunch in Beverly Hills
Let's dine: The beautiful ladies enjoyed a meal alfresco at hot spot Nate 'n Al's after being cooped up on the long cross-country flight
Good mood: The blonde stunner was in a great mood and looked happy to be back in LA
Biker girl: Charlotte's distressed denim jacket featured the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle logo on the back
The Wilhelmina model had been parading her stunning figure around the beach in Miami with a few gal pals over the weekend.
The bombshell made quite a scene as she frolicked in the sand in multiple revealing bikinis during her stay.
Charlotte was in Miami to celebrate her front cover spot on Ocean Drive Magazine's February issue.
Bikini parade! The Wilhelmina model had been flaunting her stunning figure in revealing swimwear while in Miami with a few gal pals over the weekend
The model-turned-actress is set to appear in five films in 2017, including Baywatch.
The star is cast in an undisclosed role, so fans will have to wait until the bawdy beach film hits theaters May 26 to find out more about Charlotte's part.
She stars alongside Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Zac Efron.
She took some time off from Hollywood to pursue activism in the Middle East.
And on Monday, Lindsay Lohan announced her comeback to La La Land with a new reality TV series called Nerd.
During her appearance on The View, the 30-year-old actress explained the concept behind the show, which she will produce with business partner and manager Scott Carlsen.
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She's back: Lindsay Lohan, 30, announced she's making a comeback to La La Land with a new reality TV series called Nerd
'We just finished the sizzle reel for a show I'm producing and created with my business partner called Nerd. Basically, we'll go to someone and I hijack their social media for 24 hours and their phones and their tweets.
'I dare them to do things that they think they're good at. They'll win money and it goes to proceeds for charity. It's funny too,' the Mean Girls star divulged.
According to a source for TooFab, the show is a crossover of the movie Nerve, starring Emma Roberts and Dave Franco, and MTV's Punk'd with Ashton Kutcher.
Boss lady: During her appearance on The View, Lohan explained the concept behind the show, which she will produce with business partner and manager Scott Carlsen
'I dare them to do things:' Lindsay explained the concept behind the show, which is a crossover of the crime thriller film Nerve and MTV's Punk'd with Ashton Kutcher
Nerve was the crime-thriller film that showed teenagers running around the city doing dangerous dares for money, and Punk'd was MTV's celebrity pranking series.
According to the source, Lindsay's Nerd is currently being shopped around.
'I want to make my own movies, I don't want to have to answer to anyone,' Lindsay revealed during Monday's interview when she was asked about dealing with addiction.
'I want to make my own movies:' Lindsay revealed on The View that to avoid slipping back into addiction, she's decided she doesn't want to answer to anyone but herself
A day before her appearance on the talk show, Lohan took to Instagram to let Disney know she would like to play Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid by posting a photo of herself side by side with the red-headed animated character.
The caption - which was edited sometime between Sunday night and Monday morning - read:
'I will sing again, as #ariel #thelittlemermaid. @disney approve that #billcondon directs it along with my sister @alianamusic singing the theme song for the soundtrack.
Pick me! Lohan took to Instagram to let Disney know she would like to play Ariel in the live-action remake of The Little Mermaid
'...also @kgrahamsfb plays Ursula. Simply because, she is the best. take one. @disneystudios.'
The caption now simply reads: '#thelittlemermaid.'
Lohan, who has been making the rounds doing interviews and attending events since her return to the U.S., will next be seen on Tuesday for an interview with Good Morning Britain.
She may not have been walking in the shows, but Lily Donaldson ensured she'd be the most talked about model during London Fashion Week.
The Victoria's Secret stunner, 30, flaunted her phenomenal figure in an entirely sheer dress for the Burberry show on Monday, but just hours later slipped into a tiny co-ord.
For her first stop of the evening, the blonde bombshell turned heads at Makers House on Manette Street where she oozed glamour in her scanty dress.
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Twice as nice: Lily Donaldson, 30, flaunted her phenomenal figure in an entirely sheer dress for the Burberry show on Monday, but just hours later slipped into a tiny co-ord
Daring to go braless beneath the sheer dress, Lily flashed a hint of cleavage as she strutted into the venue.
In a bid to protect her modesty, the blonde bomnshell donned a tailored jacket which she rolled up just past the elbow.
Also putting her enviably long pins on parade, Lily's dress grazed the top of her thighs, whilst the skirt exposed a pair of large black knickers.
Proving that less is more, the star swapped heels for grungy black biker boots, whilst her golden locks were styled in loose waves.
All eyes on her! Turning heads inside the venue at Makers House on Manette Street, the British model, 30, oozed glamour on the evening
Chest a glimpse! Daring to go braless beneath the sheer dress, Lily flashed a hint of cleavage as she strutted into the venue
Layering up: In a bid to protect her modesty, the blonde bombshell donned a tailored jacket which she rolled up just past the elbow
Leggy lady! Also putting her enviably long pins on parade, Lily's dress grazed the top of her thighs, whilst the skirt exposed a pair of large black knickers
Blonde bombshell: Lily accessorised with a delicate gold necklace
Later in the evening, Lily also offered a look at her impeccably toned abs as she slipped into a scanty co-ord.
Consisting of a tiny crop top and matching skirt, the starlet dazzled as she attended the Burberry afterparty with Love Magazine at Annabel's Club.
Ensuring she wouldn't show off too much, the blonde beauty also donned a long fur coat and thigh high boots.
Two's company: Lily settled in alongside Adwoa Aboah on the front row
Sitting pretty: The models eagerly watched the models storm past
The model - who has 28 Vogue covers under her belt - conquered the catwalk at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris in December.
It marked the seventh time the veteran Angel had stormed the catwalk at the prestigious annual fashion event.
Meanwhile, Lily previously discussed reigniting her passion for adventure after a terrifying accident forced her to change her outlook on life.
Chic co-ord: Consisting of a tiny crop top and matching skirt, the starlet dazzled as she attended the Burberry afterparty with Love Magazine at Annabel's Club
In an interview with The Edit, the star recalled her horse-riding accident which left her unable to walk for three months.
'It readjusted my feelings. It was like, 2Oh, you can hurt yourself"', she said.
Lily enjoyed a period of soul searching, taking time to travel the world before returning to her modelling career.
'I'd (modelled) solidly for a long time and it was great, but I had to take a step back', she said.
Leggy ladies! Lottie Moss dazzled in a baby pink mini dress whilst Ellie Goudling sizzled in a busty blue number at the Burberry after-party
In his longtime feud with Howard Stern, Gregg 'Opie' Hughes might have overstepped his bounds - literally.
The SiriusXM host, 53, said his job as an on-air personality could be in jeopardy after he breached the King of All Media's sealed-off wing of the New York City building both broadcast out of last week, gaining access from a cleaning lady as he live streamed the proceedings on YouTube.
'We'll see if the old man has a sense of humor, cause I think it comes down to him,' Hughes said Tuesday in reference to the 63-year-old Private Parts star, who wields huge power with SiriusXM brass as the face of the company the past 11 years. 'The old man just has to go like that and its over, it's over for everybody.'
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On the rocks? Radio personality Gregg 'Opie' Hughes, 53, said his fate with SiriusXM could be in the hands of his longtime rival, Howard Stern, 63, after he convinced a cleaning lady to grant him access to Stern's sealed-off quarters at the company's New York City headquarters. Hughes (left) was snapped at an NYC film screening in 2014, while Stern was seen in Manhattan in 2013
Behind enemy lines: Hughes breached Stern's sealed-off compound in a clip he live streamed on YouTube
Caught in the crossfire? Hughes told a cleaning lady that he had forgotten something inside the area, to which she granted him access to Stern's facility
Hughes said in a Facebook post: I feel horrible about the cleaning lady and it wasn't right to get her involved,' noting that SiriusXM officials told him that 'her job was never in jeopardy'
Booted: Security quickly caught wind of the breach and asked Hughes and comedian Sherrod Small, seen here, to exit the premises
The incident made for a hot topic on Stern-centric online forums such as Radio Gunk, Dawgshed and Reddit, amid Hughess candid admission that his fate with the company might be up to his longstanding nemesis.
Hughes, who currently hosts The Opie Radio Show afternoons on SiriusXMs Faction Talk channel, explained the course of events during his Tuesday broadcast alongside comedian Sherrod Small.
In the live stream on his YouTube account, Hughes took his online viewers on a tour of the lavish Big Apple broadcasting facility, trailed by Small and comic Vic Henley. As he progressed, Hughes eventually peered down a hall where Stern's since-abandoned fist emblem adorned the door.
Small, in reference to the animosity between the shock jocks, joked they had happened upon 'forbidden territory' and a 'No Opie zone, but that didn't dissuade Hughes from causing a bit of mischief.
Radio rivalry: Hughes said of his feud with Stern: 'I've been at fault over the years, but he's also been dirty.' Stern was snapped filming America's Got Talent in Hollywood in 2015
Lets see if we can go in there, come on, Hughes said as he filmed his approach of the Stern compound, where a cleaning lady in front of the door tended to her job.
Can you let me in? I forgot something - you got a key? Hughes asked the worker, thanking her as she granted him access.
Henley told Hughes, Youre gonna get in trouble, with Hughes responding, Why am I gonna get in trouble? Im just taking a look.
Hughes made his way deep into Stern territory until he was summoned out of the area by security.
Henley told Hughes, I hope that [cleaning] woman doesnt get in trouble, to which Hughes responded, Nah, shell be alright - she doesnt speak English ... shell be alright.
In the doghouse? Hughes (left) said he was 'yelled at for 45 straight minutes' by SiriusXMs president & chief content officer Scott Greenstein (right) in the wake of the security breach. The satellite exec was snapped in December during the companys Bon Jovi concert in Miami
On the air the next day, the broadcasting veteran of more than two decades joked he got 'a Stern talking to' from Scott Greenstein - SiriusXMs president & chief content officer - amid the live streamed security breach.
Instead of preparing for the radio show today, I was getting yelled at for 45 straight minutes, he told Small of his tense pow-wow with Greenstein. They're talking about breaking and entering ... I might be fired, I might be fired.'
The Long Island native said that the executive told him that the incident was out of his hands and under review in the companys legal department.
He said, They're not sure if you've been breaking into other offices, Hughes said. They're saying breaking and entering and I'm saying maybe a bit of trespassing.'
The radio host said he had a regrettable lapse in judgment in the incident.
Ah f---, I knew it was wrong! I knew it was wrong! I said that to [Greenstein], "I know it was wrong, I know ... this might be a bad one. I didn't sleep last night, I knew, I was like, F---, we went too far.
Hughes said he 'didn't think [the cleaning lady] would swipe' him into the area, adding that company officials reassured him that her position is safe.
'There are a------- out there thinking I was getting people fired and stuff - I'll be the one fired before they fire a cleaning lady, trust me,' he said. 'I do feel bad for the cleaning lady, I put her in a bad spot.'
All hail the king! Sirius employees made sure to clear the halls as the satellite star made his way into his wing of the building, as documented in a video Hughes recorded and posted to YouTube channel last fall
Wise-quack: Former co-host Artie Lange joked to Hughes that the scene with Stern and bodyguard Ronnie Mund 'looked a duckling got ahead of the mama duck'
Hughes illustrated how secure Sterns fortress is in a YouTube clip he filmed last October. In it, he was stopped from entering the SiriusXM compound as Stern made his way to his studio. In the brief clip - titled, in part, We're In Lockdown - security cleared the halls as Sterns longtime security chief Ronnie Mund paced ahead of 6ft5 entertainer, who in the past had endlessly ridiculed radio adversaries such as Don Imus and Philadelphia-based John 'The Zookeeper' DeBella for demanding star treatment at their stations.
Hughes said Greenstein asked him why he has issues with Stern.
'I said, "This beef goes back so many f---ing years, but I'll sit down [with Stern] anytime - anytime, and I'll tell him to his face ... why," Hughes said. 'There's a lot of whys - I've been at fault over the years, but he's also been dirty.'
'I win, they lose': Stern told Sean Hannity in 2006 that he had persuaded radio executives with Infinity Broadcasting to prohibit Hughes and former partner Anthony Cumia from ever mentioning his name on their broadcasts. The radio rebel was snapped in LA in 2013
The animosity in question dates back nearly 20 years, when Stern and Hughes (with former co-host Anthony Cumia) both worked for Infinity Broadcasting: Stern with K-Rock, Hughes with WNEW.
Stern, a one-time poster-boy for free speech in his clashes with the FCC, used his clout with upper management, persuading them to forbid Hughes and Cumia from mentioning him on their broadcasts. Stern admitted the ploy in a March 2006 interview with Sean Hannity, who asked him why he would do such a thing as a supporter of free speech.
'I'm a strong supporter in my free speech,' Stern said, adding that he didn't mind being hypocritical in essentially censoring his opponents to protect his brand.
I win, they lose, he said, later telling a caller, I believe in censoring anyone who is my enemy ... I believe in censorship when it benefits me.
Yazoo! Stern's relentless attacks on Philadelphia-based John 'The Zookeeper' DeBella (right) in the 80s and 90s motivated Hughes and Cumia to fight back against the King of All Media, Hughes said
Hughes said he and Cumia took an aggressive approach in their early battles with Stern after seeing other radio personalities try to take the high road, only to wind up decimated by Stern's unrelenting attacks.
'We went at him because we were scared s---less [that] he was going to do to us what he did to every other radio show ... scared that he would take us out like he did DeBella and all those other shows,' Hughes revealed.
Small noted that Stern 'knocked people out of the [radio] business,' to which Hughes said, 'Yes, he did.'
Unwelcome: Former Stern Show intern Steve Grillo (left) revealed to Artie Lange a few weeks back that he'd been asked to leave the Stern compound by co-host Robin Quivers when remarks he made in a Periscope clip surfaced in an online news article
The incident involving Hughes might be particularly sensitive following recent reports of highly-restricted access to the Stern compound amid a rigid corporate culture - even among past show regulars often heard in replays on Sterns two SiriusXM channels.
Former intern Steve Grillo spoke earlier this month with Stern's right-hand man of more eight years, Artie Lange, on the Artie Quitter podcast. He told Lange that on his most recent visit to the studio, hed been informed by co-host Robin Quivers that he was banned from the premises and had to vacate the area immediately.
The reason: Hed ruffled feathers with remarks hed made about the show in a Periscope clip that surfaced in a Radar story.
Opie & Artie: Lange has not appeared on Stern's show since his 2009 departure, but has sat in with Hughes on multiple occasions over the past year
Not his bro: Lange (left) envisioned a scenario in which Stern producer Gary Baba Booey Dell'Abate (right) would pretend not to know who he was during a publicist's attempt to book him on the show. The former co-workers were snapped in NYC in 2006
Can you imagine, you had to leave right now?' said the New Jersey native, whos currently appearing on Judd Apatows new HBO comedy, Crashing. 'Listen to the madness going on over there - its a G**damn nightmare!
In a subsequent podcast this week, Lange joked of a scenario in which Stern producer Gary Baba Booey Dell'Abate pretended not to know who he was when a publicist tried to book him, Apatow and Crashings Pete Holmes on the show. Lange said the publicist told him, When I said to Gary [that] Artie Lange is on [Crashing] too, he said, Who? ... he said he doesnt know who you are. He also says Judd and Pete are not allowed to mention your name.
Daily Mail has reached out to Hughes and Cumia for comment.
She's regarded as one of the most iconic supermodels of her time.
And on Monday, photos revealed that Cindy Crawford looks just as good now as she did at the height of her career.
The former runway strutter's friends and family took to Instagram to send the age-defying beauty well-wishes on her 51st birthday with some heart-warming throwback pictures.
'Happy birthday to my girl:' Range Geber, 54, wished Cindy Crawford - his wife of nearly two decades - a happy 51st birthday on Instagram
Rande Gerber, Crawford's husband of nearly two decades, shared an adorable photo of his wife sitting in his lap on her birthday, 25 years ago.
In the photo, taken in 1992, the gorgeous brunette flashed her megawatt smile as she looked down excitedly on a cake decorated with white icing and juicy strawberries.
The father-of-two wrote: 'Some things never change, just the number. Happy Birthday to my girl.'
Rande and Cindy were married on May 29, 1998.
So sweet: The furniture designer's 15-year-old daughter Kaia Gerber also made sure to send her mom some love on her special day
The furniture designer's 15-year-old daughter Kaia Gerber also made sure to send her mom some love on her special day.
Posting a throwback photo of herself, Cindy, and older brother Presley at Disneyland, the up-and-coming model wrote: 'happy birthday mama, we love you very much.'
Though Kaia is pint-sized in the old photo, she and Cindy could now be easily mistaken for sisters.
Beauties! Longtime friend and clothing designer Gail Elliott shared a black-and-white photo of herself and the model in the 90s
Longtime friend and clothing designer Gail Elliott shared a black-and-white photo of herself and the model in the 90s.
The duo took a smoke break while on a private plane to Barbados, provided by Pepsi.
Cindy was famously a spokesperson for the company and helped turn many Americans onto it.
The caption read: 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Cindy! Having a naughty (cigarette emoticon) aboard the #pepsi #gulfstream from New York to Barbados with @cindycrawford & @joe_coffey in the 90s.'
Stunners: Perhaps the sweetest birthday message, however, came from former supermodel Christy Turlington Burns
Perhaps the sweetest birthday message, however, came from former supermodel Christy Turlington Burns.
In a photo taken by Mario Testino for Vanity Fair, the beautiful pair wear coordinating black outfits and white gold jewelry.
The caption read: 'Happy Birthday to this beauty! We were doubled up right from the start. We shared more in common than the others of our era.
'We were the Americans of our bunch and we were both one of three sisters. I always looked up to Cindy and found her to be both calming and really funny when we worked together.
'She has been a consistent and reliable friend and so supportive of everything I have done over the years. Have an amazing day and year!'
Birthday twins! Meanwhile, the mother-of-two took to Instagram to wish fellow Pisces Rihanna a happy birthday
Meanwhile, the mother-of-two took to Instagram to wish fellow Pisces Rihanna a happy birthday.
In two photos posted side-by-side, the two beauties can be seen wearing similar black mini dresses and black leather jackets.
She captioned the photo: 'Same outfit, different generation. Must be a Pisces thing! Happy to share a birthday with this amazing lady!'
'Kissing 50 goodbye!' Cindy took to Instagram to thank her family, friends, and fans for all the birthday love and well-wishes
The former cat walker later took to Instagram to thank her family, friends, and fans for all the birthday love and well-wishes.
She wrote: 'Kissing 50 goodbye - hello 51! Looking forward to what the year will bring! Thanks for all the birthday wishes!'
Bachelor in Paradise's Josh Murray and Amanda Stanton have some explaining to do.
Murray sat down with ET's Lauren Zima for a Facebook Live interview on Monday and was immediately put in the hot seat over the photos taken at a dinner he shared with his ex-fiancee on Sunday.
The formerly engaged duo were caught on camera kissing in Los Angeles after confirming their breakup in January.
'Who was watching us?' the 32-year-old questioned, with a smile and a laugh.
He's 'single':: Josh Murray sat down with ET's Lauren Zima for a Facebook Live interview on Monday, seen here in a photo he shared the same day to Instagram
Rumors had been circling for a while about the breakup of the couple, who was one of three pairs to get engaged on last summer's Bachelor in Paradise season finale.
Stanton, 26, confirmed that things had ended between them, also to ET in January.
But now it seems things may have rekindled, or that there's at least the possibility of a reconciliation.
Though somewhat hesitant to authenticate the images put in front of him, he admitted freely to meeting the mother-of-two for a meal.
'It was a good evening. We had a good time. Whenever we're together, especially outside of the show and outside all the drama, it's always been a good relationship,' Murray said. 'There were just so many outside forces and outside factors that got involved after we were together on the show, and it was unfortunate for a little bit.'
In the hot seat: Murray was put in the hot seat over the photos taken at a dinner he shared with ex-fiancee Amanda Stanton; the two are seen here in Los Angeles on December 2, 2016
Stanton, herself, previously admitted their breakup had 'been a little hard.'
'I havent really, you know, thought about what to say, but yeah, we did break up. It's sad,' she told ET at the charity premiere party for Nick Vialls season of The Bachelor on January 2.
During Murray's interview on Monday, Zima host wasn't shy about asking the hard questions, and went straight to point to see if the two were now back on again.
'There's a possibility for anything,' Murray said, being somewhat evasive, but he clarified that right now he considers himself 'single.'
Whatever is going on between the two of them, they seem to be on the same page about taking a more private approach to their relationship from here on out.
'It's a tough situation with the kids, and we don't want to kind of fully dive into anything, because we're thinking about them as well,' Murray shared during the talk.
'I don't like talking about my relationships unless everything is great and there's positive things to be said,' he went on. 'There are positive things to be said of course, but there's a lot of things that we still need to talk about, just for moving on as friends or anything in the future, and we're beginning to do that.'
More private: Whatever is going on between the two of them, they seem to be on the same page about taking a more private approach to their relationship from here on out; Stanton is seen here in a social media post from Thursday with her daughters, Charlie and Kinsley
Stanton isn't letting on about anything, at least on social media, with one of her most recent posts from Wednesday showing her in Long Beach, California with her daughters, Charlie and Kinsley, with the caption, 'everything I need.'
Murray also played coy when initially confronted with photos that showed him sharing a kiss with his ex.
'Let's see how Photoshopped they are,' Murray said, as Zima pulled up the pictures.
Then he leaned in to see what she had on her smart phone and said, 'That's not me.'
The ET correspondent chided him, saying, 'Josh,' in a tone that showed she didn't believe him for one second. 'This is a kiss between you and Amanda,' she stated frankly.
'That looks like my brother,' he kept on. 'He looks like me, too.'
'I would be worried if your brother was kissing Amanda, Josh,' she said.
Keeping his cards close: Murray stuck to a refrain that he and Stanton 'had good sushi last night;' the two are seen here in Los Angeles on November 10, 2016
Murray finally let up, asking, 'Who was watching us? Where do you guys come from?'
When Zima asked him if he was happy in the photo in question, he returned to his refrain throughout the nearly 40 minute interview, that they two of them 'had good sushi last night.'
'I wanna know who got that photo,' he said, getting the last word on the subject with a smile on his face.
'This is the first time I've seen her in a while. When I came out this week, I came for one of my friend's events, and I did some other stuff while I was here, and we ran into each other and stuff,' he explained, about their decision to have dinner together.
'You know, we just had long conversations. They were conversations that needed to be had, and [we had] a great dinner.'
So they had some great sushi, and only time will tell the rest.
Josh Gad has been using his social media to pester Daisy Ridley about any secrets she could reveal from the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII - The Last Jedi flick.
But this time the 35-year-old Frozen star has certainly outdone himself.
Gad enlisted in the help of several A-listers including Chris Pratt and Penelope Cruz to help him get answers from 24-year-old Ridley in a hilarious Instagram video posted on Monday.
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Not giving in: Daisy Ridley was pestered for Star Wars: Episode VII - The Last Jedi spoilers in a hilarious clip posted by Josh Gad
Back-up: Questions were asked by A-listers including Penelope Cruz and Chris Pratt
Great moment: Perhaps the most hilarious person searching for answers was JJ Abrams who actually directed Episode VII and is Executive Producer of the entire new trilogy
Perhaps the most hilarious person searching for answers was JJ Abrams who actually directed Episode VII and is Executive Producer of the entire new trilogy.
Josh starts out the video by putting the camera on Daisy and apologizing for previously pestering her for spoilers.
He then leads her to a room in his home as she is surprised to fine it full of many stars who begin to ambush her with questions.
Intrigued: Josh starts out the video by putting the camera on Daisy and apologizing for previously pestering her for spoilers
Pretty: Some of the marquee names querying the starlet included Bryce Dallas Howard who said: 'Did the heels of your boots ever get stuck in the grates of the Millennium Falcon?'
Hilarious: Pratt, 37, does not even ask a question but instead promotes his upcoming projects as he said: 'I'm in Guardians of the Galaxy,' 'Uh Jurassic World opens June 2018' and 'Actually I can answer that; I am in the Avengers'
Some of the marquee names querying the starlet included Bryce Dallas Howard who said: 'Did the heels of your boots ever get stuck in the grates of the Millennium Falcon?'
Pratt, 37, does not even ask a question but instead promotes his upcoming projects as he said: 'I'm in Guardians of the Galaxy,' 'Uh Jurassic World opens June 2018' and 'Actually I can answer that; I am in the Avengers.'
Penelope, 42, spoke in Spanish the entire time and even tried to answer Lucy Boynton's question in her native language.
Double-fisting: Actress Lucy Boynton also asked a question
Stunning: Penelope, 42, spoke in Spanish the entire time and even tried to answer Lucy's question in her native language
Man with a plan: Perhaps the funniest moment of all came when 50-year-old filmmaker Abrams asked: 'Does Luke finally get to say any lines in Episode VIII? Please tell me Daisy'
Aww: At the very end the camera pans back to Daisy who couldn't help but react with a smile
Perhaps the funniest moment of all came at the end when 50-year-old filmmaker Abrams asked: 'Does Luke finally get to say any lines in Episode VIII? Please tell me Daisy.'
At the very end the camera pans back to Daisy who couldn't help but react with a smile.
Other stars included in the hilarious clip included Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr, Star Wars: Episode IX director Colin Trevorrow and screenwriter Derek Connolly.
In tune: Hamilton star Leslie Odom Jr asked if there are any musical numbers
Dynamic duo: Star Wars: Episode IX director Colin Trevorrow (left) and screenwriter Derek Connolly (right) also asked questions
This has been a long-running gag and just a week prior Josh had posted another hilarious video from his trailer as he said that director Kenneth Branagh wanted her to answer a few questions which ended up being centered around Star Wars.
Gad, Ridley and Branagh are working together alongside Cruz, Johnny Depp and Michelle Pfeiffer on crime drama Murder On The Orient Express which is set for release in November of this year.
Fun times: This has been a long-running gag and just a week prior Josh had posted another hilarious video asking her questions about the saga while in a trailer
Singer Lauryn Hill has become a grandmother.
The 41-year-old's oldest son Zion Marley, 19, and his girlfriend welcomed their son Zephaniah into the world over the weekend.
She has yet to comment publicly about the new addition to the family.
She's a grandmother: Lauryn Hill's eldest son, Zion Marley, welcomed his baby son Zephaniah into the world at the weekend making her a granny at just 41
But proud grandfather Rohan Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, took to social media to celebrate the baby's arrival.
And the 44-year-old captioned a snap he reposted from his son's private account with a passage from the Bible saying: 'In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, Fear thou not: and to Zion, Let not thine hands be slack.'
Zion also gushed about his new arrival in a snap, saying: 'If there EVER was a question who I do it for... #myson (sic).'
Growing family: Lauryn, pictured at her 40th birthday in May 2015, has yet to comment on the new addition to her clan
He also shared a snap of his baby's beautiful mother without naming her.
However the teenager paid a heartfelt tribute to her, captioning it: 'Another super strong woman in my life right here! Zephaniah's mother.
'Thank you for bearing him and putting up w everything I put you thru.. idk how you do it but you deserve all the love and all the respect.. you are a WARRIOR bringing in little "Zeph Curry" #LIFE #LOVE.'
Proud grandfather: Rohan Marley, son of the late Bob Marley, posted this adorable snap on Instagram, captioned, 'Jah blessings. We give thanks for life. Welcome to earth little Zepheniah Nesta' along with hashtags joyofmyworld, Marleyboys and Lionorder
Lauryn, who found fame as a member of the Fugees, has five children with Rohan, whom she never married, and a sixth with a man whose identity has never been disclosed.
Meanwhile, the celebrity, who is notorious for turning up late to her gigs, apologized to fans earlier this month after hitting the stage three hours behind schedule for her gig in Pittsburgh on January 31.
She apparently was at the Heinz Hall at 5.30pm but her band was delayed by bad weather and she didn't go on until 11.20pm, playing until 1am for those who stayed, according to the San Francisco affiliate of CBS .
So adorable: The tiny tot was born at the weekend
On Facebook the following day, Lauryn wrote: 'In hindsight, we should have cancelled the performance and rescheduled for a later date, but we decided to try and make it happen.
'We are working on scheduling another performance in Pittsburgh later this month, before the end of the tour, for the people who bought tickets to my show last night.
'More details will be announced over the next few days. We look forward to seeing the fans in Pittsburgh again in a few weeks. Thank you for your understanding.'
They're the hunky Aussie siblings, who continue to make their mark in Hollywood.
But in their downtime, brothers Liam and Luke Hemsworth prefer low-key beach outings - with the duo hitting the surf in Malibu on Monday.
Dressed in a full-body wetsuit, younger brother Liam, 27, led the way as the pair made their way into the ocean.
Hitting he surf: Brothers Liam and Luke Hemsworth were pictured enjoying a low-key surf in Malibu on Monday
Westworld actor Luke, 36, followed closely behind while clutching his surfboard.
The Melbourne-born brothers, whose third sibling Chris was nowhere in sight, showed off their impressive surfing skills as they climbed the waves.
The pair looked focused yet at ease as they worked their way through a swell.
Leading the way: Younger brother Liam, 27, showed his brother how it was done
Anything you can do: Westworld actor Luke, 36, followed closely behind
Crushing it: The Independence Day star is often seen surfing at Malibu beach when he is in the US, but he once said the surf just doesn't compare to back home
On board: The actor's muscly physique was on show in his black wetsuit
Wet, wet, wet: The bearded star was unfazed by the murky, grey skies as he enjoyed himself at the surf
Talent: The Melbourne-born brothers, whose third sibling Chris was nowhere in sight, showed off their impressive surfing skills as they climbed the waves
The Independence Day star is often seen surfing at Malibu beach when he is in the US, but he once said the surf just doesn't compare to back home.
'Surfings my favorite thing to do in the world ... Id rather do that than anything - if I could travel around the world and surf for a living, I would,' he told Men's Fitness.
'The surf in L.A. can be really good, though most of the time here in California the swell is pretty small and its supercrowded because so many people surf.
Having a swell time: Liam made light work of the rough conditions
Doesn't compare: The Independence Day star is often seen surfing at Malibu beach when he is in the US, but he once said the surf just doesn't compare to back home. Pictured: Liam (L), Chris (C) and Luke (R)
Passion: 'Surfings my favorite thing to do in the world ... Id rather do that than anything - if I could travel around the world and surf for a living, I would,' Liam once said
Taking a tumble: The actor departed his surfboard as he fell into the water
He added: 'It constantly blows my mind when I turn up at the beach and, you know, theres a two-foot surf and about a million people out there. That just wouldnt happen where I grew up. We always had consistent swells, but about one-seventieth the crowd.'
Liam is currently engaged to American pop star Miley Cyrus, 24.
Meanwhile Luke, who plays Ashley Stubbs on Westworld, will return to the American series when season two airs later this year.
His age has always been a source of interest on social media.
And with Google search as well as fans previously claiming that Tim Bailey is 63 years old, the Channel Ten weatherman set the record straight on Tuesday's KIIS FM Kyle and Jackie O Show.
'I'm 54,' the reporter began, before humorously adding to co-hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson: 'I'm always going to be a sensational lovemaker.'
'I'm always going to be a sensational lovemaker': Channel Ten weatherman Tim Bailey joked about life at 54 on Tuesday's KIIS FM Kyle and Jackie O Show, after setting the record straight on the mystery surrounding his age
'They say I'm 63,' Tim said live on-air, regarding online speculation of his age.
'I was born in 1963 so I had my birthday on Sunday and I'm 54.
'But between the right ear and the left ear, I'm always going to be 25,' the veteran presenter continued, adding playfully: 'I'm always going to be a sensational lovemaker.'
Ongoing: Tim's comments come shortly after he set the record straight again, in an interview with News.com.au: 'I was born in 1963 which makes me 54, but the 63 thing just keeps going and going and going'
Tim's comments come shortly after he set the record straight again, in an interview with News.com.au.
'People ask me as much about my age as they do about the weather, which is a lot,' he told the publication.
It appears the confusion that surrounded Tim's age, spurred from a misprint years ago that 'snowballed' into an ongoing joke.
'The 63 thing just keeps going and going and going,' Tim added.
The journalist claimed he is constantly questioned by people on Twitter and on the street.
Oops! The confusion surrounding the weatherman's age was spurred by a misprint on Google search
Confused: Fans often taken to Twitter to scout for answers about Tim's real age
Going straight to the source: The weatherman revealed people often ask him about his age as much as 'they do about the weather, which is a lot'
'Does anyone even know how old Tim Bailey is?' one curious fan Tweeted in 2015.
'Hey @dailybailey10 how old are you? The people need answers to this mystery,' another Tweeted, directing the query at the man himself.
'@dailybailey10 hey Tim we're trying to figure out how old you are, but it's hard to find online! Care to share and settle a bet?' someone else asked back in 2014.
Curious: The journalist claimed he is constantly questioned by people on Twitter and on the street
'Hey @dailybailey10 how old are you?' one fan Tweeted earlier this month
'Tim bailey 63 years old? No way,' another wrote, not realising the journalist's real age
Meanwhile, those who went off Google's records were astonished to find the keen surfer has maintained his youthful looks into his sixties.
'Hot off the heels of my discovery that Craig David is only 35, I would like to inform you all that Tim Bailey is SIXTY THREE YEARS OLD,' one fan gasped.
'Tim bailey 63 years old? No way,' another wrote in disbelief.
Meanwhile, Tim revealed his secret to looking fit at 54.
Looking good at 54: The avid surfer credits his youthful appearance to a regime of '500 sit-ups and push-ups Monday to Friday'
'I train in my own backyard and I do 500 sit-ups and push-ups Monday to Friday...but I do that for no other reason than to be able to drink beer,' he told News.com.au.
His rigorous exercise regime should come as no surprise to those who follow him on social media, with the weatherman regularly showing off his physique in board shorts while reporting from tropical locations.
The happy-go-lucky reporter has been with Channel Ten for a quarter of a century, celebrating his 25th anniversary with the network last week.
Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor were left red-faced in front of the great and good of the fashion world as they were turned away from LOVE magazine's star-studded London Fashion Week bash on Monday night.
The former Made In Chelsea stars arrived at Annabel's private members' club in the hope of partying alongside the likes of A-listers Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Jourdan Dunn.
But it's been confirmed to MailOnline that Millie, 27, and Hugo, 30, were turned away at the door of the LOVE and Burberry event because they did not have an invite to the exclusive soiree.
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Ouch! Millie Mackintosh and Hugo Taylor were left red-faced as they were turned away from LOVE magazine's star-studded London Fashion Week bash on Monday night
A spokesperson for LOVE magazine told MailOnline: 'Millie was not a guest at this event. She tried to get in and was turned away.'
A source added: 'Millie and Hugo weren't invited. They were pictured outside Annabel's when they arrived to a flurry of flashbulbs, but they weren't let in.'
The star-studded event was a strictly A-list bash, with the likes of supermodel squad Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid, Jourdan Dunn, Winnie Harlow and Lily Donaldson in attendance to toast the close of London Fashion Week.
And it's little surprise Millie was keen to gain access to the party as an aspiring fashion designer with a successful online brand.
A representative for Millie Mackintosh has been contacted by MailOnline.
Awkward: The former Made In Chelsea stars arrived at Annabel's private members' club in the hope of partying alongside the likes of A-listers Kendall Jenner, Bella Hadid and Jourdan Dunn
Something to hide? After her spectacular show for the camera, Millie suddenly grew camera shy as she hopped into a cab with Hugo
Not now! The couple appeared to exchange a cross word as Hugo pulled a grimace before leaving the do
In spite of her embarrassment, the former reality star looked sexy but sophisticated in a plunging black dress as she arrived at Mayfair's swanky Annabel's Club with her man on her arm.
Millie showed off her sensational figure in her slinky black gown, which flashed her enviably toned stomach with a saucy cut-out across the front.
Pulling into spaghetti straps to show off plenty of her glowing skin, the velvet number then plunged into a low round neck to give a glimpse of her cleavage.
Cinching in at her petite waist, the dress then skimmed her figure to its chic ankle hem - which was made sexier by a racy thigh-high slit at one side, to display her enviably leggy figure beneath.
Your name's not down! It's been confirmed to MailOnline that Millie, 27, and Hugo, 30, were turned away at the door of the LOVE and Burberry event
Off you pop: Millie and Hugo did not have an invite to the exclusive soiree
Reach for the stars: It's little surprise Millie was keen to gain access to the party as an aspiring fashion designer with a successful online brand
Not a smile in sight: The duo didn't look too happy as they headed home
She co-ordinated her outfit perfectly with a pair of pointed court shoes and sleek black clutch bag, while the dress' vibrant red lining added a splash of colour.
She pulled her tresses back into a chic up do to keep all eyes on her show-stopping look as she made her way into the star-studded bash with her boyfriend Hugo.
The former Made In Chelsea hunk dressed up for the occasion in a typically clean-cut grey checked suit, layered on top of a trendy blue shirt and jazzy spotted tie.
Dressed to impress: In spite of her embarrassment, the former reality star looked sexy but sophisticated in a plunging black dress as she arrived at Mayfair's swanky Annabel's Club
Slinky: Pulling into spaghetti straps to show off plenty of her glowing skin, the velvet number then plunged into a low round neck to give a glimpse of her cleavage
Some of the fashion industry's top models, including Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Jourdan Dunn and Winnie Harlow, scored an invite to the hottest bash of fashion week.
Millie and Hugo looked more loved-up than ever as they attempted to make their way into the swanky venue arm in arm - proving their relationship has only gone from strength to strength since moving in together at the weekend.
The beauty took to her Instagram page on Saturday to inform her 1.3million followers that she has moved in with her boyfriend of close to one year.
Accessories are key: Millie co-ordinated her outfit perfectly with a pair of pointed court shoes and sleek black clutch bag, while the dress' vibrant red lining added a splash of colour
Natural beauty: She pulled her tresses back into a chic up do to keep all eyes on her show-stopping look as she made her way into the star-studded bash with her boyfriend Hugo
Millie shared a snap of the couple from Friday night's London Fashion Week bash Fashion Film cocktail party, sponsored by River Island - adding the caption: 'My roomie'.
Millie first dated Hugo in 2011 when they first made their names on the E4 show, yet their relationship was brutally cut short when she discovered he slept with her best friend Rosie Fortescue.
The heiress announced her split from rapper Professor Green in February 2016.
Their two-and-a-half-year marriage was dissolved in just 30 seconds in May 2016.
Suited and booted: The former Made In Chelsea hunk dressed up for the occasion in a typically clean-cut grey checked suit, layered on top of a trendy blue shirt and jazzy spotted tie
Next step: The pair looked more loved-up than ever as they made their way in arm in arm - proving their relationship has only gone from strength to strength since moving in together
Frayed knot! Kendall Jenner slipped into fashion forward cropped oversized knot inspired knit as she attended the same party at Annabel's
Style it out: Her model pals Bella Hadid, 20, Winnie Harlow, 22 and Jourdan Dunn, 26 attended the bash (Pictured L-R)
Party people: Model Lily Donaldson (L) joined the friends at their table as they got their night going as they sipped on Belvedere cocktails
The same week as her divorce was finalised, Millie confirmed she was dating her former Made In Chelsea co-star and ex-boyfriend Hugo.
The happy reveal that she had moved in with love Hugo came days after her ex-husband played a Valentine's prank on his followers as he claimed to be engaged to his model girlfriend Fae Williams.
The recording artist posted a picture of his girlfriend wearing an eye-popping opal on her ring finger.
The tongue-in-cheek caption read: 'Fingers crossed this time ay?' in what appeared to be swipe at ex-wife Millie.
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She's set her fashion fans tongues wagging as she stepped out in a sizzling gold velvet mini dress earlier in the day.
Now making her second outfit change for the evening, Kendall Jenner slipped into fashion forward cropped oversized knot inspired cape as she attended the LOVE and Burberry London Fashion Week Party on Monday night at Annabel's.
The 21-year-old model was sure to make it a night to remember as she arrived at the star-studded bash alongside her model pals Bella Hadid, 20, Jourdan Dunn, 26, and Winnie Harlow, 22.
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Frayed knot! Kendall Jenner slipped into fashion forward cropped oversized knot inspired knit as she attended the LOVE and Burberry London Fashion Week Party on Monday night at Annabel's
Style it out: Her model pals Bella Hadid, 20, Winnie Harlow, 22 and Jourdan Dunn, 26 attended the bash (Pictured l-r)
Keeping to a cream tone, the fashion darling opted to wear her Burberry couture cape's hood up for added sport luxe's vibes as she arrived to the bash.
The E! reality star showcased her enviable figure in a simple raw silk slip dress that grazed her slender thighs as she settled into the night's festivities.
Clutching onto her phone, she accessorised her fashion week ensemble with a number of delicate gold chains around her neck which matched her large hoop earrings perfectly.
Kendall made her attire pop as she applied a slick of vibrant red lipstick across her pout and styled her brunette locks into chic centre-parted chignon.
Picture perfect: The reality star coordinated her pal Bella in her racy leather look while she stopped for a photo with LOVE magazine editor Katie Grand (centre right)
Fashion forward: Kendall styled her brunette locks into chic centre-parted chignon
Striking: The beauty looked incredible in her thigh-skimming look
Hooded beauty: Kendall looked sensational in her fashion forward Burberry couture cape, which was unveiled on Monday's runway show
Model behaviour: Kendall, Bella and model pal Stella Maxwell posed for photos inside the fashion bash
Red hot! Kendall offset her cream two-piece with a vibrant red lip alongside friends Bella and Stella
Knot to everyone's taste! Kendall wrapped her arm around the acclaimed magazine's editor's waist
Stylish duo! Kendall added inches to her statuesque height with a pair of black pointed boots
Chilled: The girls appeared relaxed as they settled into the party atmosphere where they were treated to Belvedere cocktails
Leggy display: The Californian stunner held onto her negligee inspired dress as she arrived at the private members club alongside Jourdan Dunn (R)
Showcasing her personal style, Bella Hadid sported a sultry plunging leather mini dress that featured a kimono style belt as she partied at the event, which saw the A-list guests treated to Belvedere cocktails.
She accessorised her flesh-flaunting look with a matching pair of over-the-knee boots that hugged her slender pins, while she wrapped a goth inspired cross necklace around her neck.
Accentuating her flawless complexion, she kept her beauty look to a minimum as she worked her glossy locks into a side parting.
Party people: Model Lily Donaldson (L) joined the friends at their table as they got their night going
Dance to it! The trio appeared to be having fun as they danced and smiled for photos
It's party time! Kendall seemed to be having a fabulous time with Radio One DJ Nick Grimshaw
Dance moves: The pair appeared to be coordinating in time to the music
Party on: Nick was sharing everything he knows as he and Kendall tried their hands at DJ-ing
All smiles: The models certainly seemed to be letting their hair down at the bash
The pair were joined by fellow model Winnie Harlow, who dazzled in a nineties satin pink look, that oozed Clueless vibes.
Displaying her endless pins, she paired her ensemble with a black turtleneck and eye-catching purple platform boots as she cuddled into hitmaker Ellie Goulding.
The models appeared to have a whale of a time during their fashion week night out as they were joined by runway stars Stella Maxwell and Lily Donaldson at the after-party.
Hell for leather: Showcasing her personal style, Bella Hadid sported a sultry plunging leather mini dress that featured a kimono style belt while Kendall displayed her gold tooth
Having a giggle: Bella shared a giggle with model pal Lily as they celebrated Kendall's s #LOVEME17
Syle mavens: She accessorised her flesh-flaunting look with a matching pair of over-the-knee boot that hugged her slender pins and a goth inspired cross necklace as she arrived at the party with Stella
Hysterical: Lily held her hand to her face as she attempted to contain her laughter with a smiling Bella
Glossy: Accentuating her flawless complexion, she kept her beauty look to a minimum as she worked her glossy locks into a side parting
Oops! Bella suffered a rather revealing wardrobe malfunction as she made her way home in the taxi
Worse for wear: Stella Maxwell showed off her slim pins, while Sofia Richie looked slightly more demure in an all-white ensemble and Winnie Harlow sported towering platform boots
Good party? Stella lounged in the back of a taxi while clutching her cell phone
Meanwhile, Ellie Goulding sent tongues wagging as she joined her ex flame Dougie Poynter at Burberry's Love Magazine party, shortly after attending the Dame Vivienne Westwood and James Jagger's Mad Max bash.
The pop songstress, 30, looked busty in a skin-tight dress as she joined the former McFly singer, 29, for a cosy display during London Fashion Week
The Burn hitmaker oozed sex appeal in the figure-hugging navy dress which perilously plunged down the middle to bare her ample assets.
All cuddles: Winnie paired her look with a black turtleneck and eye-catching purple platform boots as she cuddled into hitmaker Ellie Goulding
Nineties: Winnie dazzled in a nineties satin pink skirt look, that oozed Clueless vibes
Catching up! Jourdan dazzled in her red wool crop top alongside long-time friend Winne
Golden gals: The gal pals were joined by Leomie Anderson at the bash in her show-stopping gold sequin look
Sensational: Helena Christensen showcased her toned pin in a saucy printed midi
Tummy teasing: British beauty Lily flaunted her taut stomach in a slinky crop top and high-waisted mini
She teamed the look with a pair of towering black heels, while her blonde tresses, which framed her autumnal make-up look, effortlessly caught the wind.
Earlier in the night, Kendall took the streets of London like a catwalk, as she headed to Dover Street Market for a fan signing with Love Magazine.
The brunette beauty showed off her sensational figure in a shimmering mini dress of gold velvet and racy leather boots, as she headed out for another evening in the city.
The young beauty truly dazzled in the dress, which stood out from the crowd with its bold gold hue and chic velvet material.
Racy lady: The Burn hitmaker oozed sex appeal in the figure-hugging navy dress which perilously plunged down the middle to bare her ample assets
Reuniting: Ellie Goulding, 30, sent tongues wagging as she joined her former flame Dougie Poynter at Burberry's Love Magazine party, shortly after the Vivienne Westwood bash at LFW on Monday
Blue-tiful! Daisy Lowe, 28, attended the Burberry after-party on Sunday in a sheer gown that clung to her every curve and left little to the imagination as it flashed her nipples
Model behaviour: Helena Christensen looked as stunning as ever in an eclectic colourful striped dress with black lacy panels while Daisy posed with Game Of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie
Styled like an oversized jacket, the frock remained sophisticated with its high neckline and long sleeves, but cinched in at her incredibly petite waist with a ribbon tie belt.
Cutting off at an eye-watering height for added sex appeal, Kendall then gave a flash of her enviably long and slender pins to all as she stepped out for another glamorous evening.
Lengthening her statuesque frame further, she teamed the dress with a pair of leather stiletto boots, which extended all the way up her thigh in a risque touch.
Slinky: Pulling into spaghetti straps to show off plenty of her glowing skin, Millie Mackintosh's velvet number then plunged into a low round neck to give a glimpse of her cleavage
Suited and booted: The former Made In Chelsea hunk dressed up for the occasion in a typically clean-cut grey checked suit, layered on top of a trendy blue shirt and jazzy spotted tie
Edgy: Suki Waterhouse also arrived at the bash in her ensemble from the evenings runway show
Having a blast: Rafferty Law attended the star-studded party in a cricket jumper
Pink to make the boys winks: Lottie Moss slipped into a slinky blush coloured mini for the night
Pink lady: Alice Dellal cut a typically eclectic figure in her crop top and black denim hotpants
Sweeping her hair into a slick up-do to showcase her striking features, the E! reality star tied her look together with a glamorous slick of scarlet lipstick and a smattering of matching gold jewellery, as she headed out to relax with friends.
The brunette has enjoyed a busy few days in London - supporting her best pal Bella Hadid at the Versus Versace catwalk on Saturday night, and exploring different parts of the city, including fashion hot-spot Portobello Road.
While she is better known for posing for photographers however, Kendall had displayed her interest in what goes on behind the camera on Sunday as she embarked on a photo-shoot in Soho Square.
The supermodel had exuded Parisian irreverence in a pair of white wide-leg trousers and a Nineties-inspired cropped denim jacket as she took photos of her well-dressed friends.
It's my party: Rocco Ritchie's rumoured girlfriend Kim Turnbull partied the night away with her female pals
Cheers: Presenter Billie JD Porter (L) and Camille Benett looked sensational at the bash
Work it: Lady Alice Manners, Erin O'Connor and Elizabeth Debicki attended the fun fashion party (Picture l-r)
Demure darlings: Actresses Amber Anderson and Anya Taylor-Joy(R) looked the part at the party
Metallic muses: Adwoa Aboah and Hari Nef(R) wowed in their complementing sequin looks
Kendall turned from model to photographer as she took pictures of each of her friends in the park and next to a telephone box.
It comes as Kendall shared that she has shot several covers for Love magazine during a visit to The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Fallon, 42, showed off her images of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's 3-year-old daughter North West.
'She's a cutie,' said Jenner who looked stunning in a classic Chanel suit.
The Keeping Up With the Kardashians star has also shot Sienna Miller for a Love magazine cover.
'That's un-retouched by the way,' she said as they examined the cover shot.
'There's no retouch, she's just perfect like that,' she praised.
Golden girl: Kendall took the streets of London like a catwalk on Monday night as she headed to Dover Street Market in one of her trademark show-stopping looks
All eyes on me: The young beauty truly dazzled in the striking dress, which stood out from the crowd with its bold gold hue and chic velvet material
Kendall also described how sister Kylie, 19, and mother Kris Jenner, 61, shout so loudly at fashion shows that it almost throws her off her game.
'I've told myself, since my first show, like I never look at the audience, ever. If I do it will mess me up,' she said.
'But Kylieactually, if she's at a show, and my mom usually, I can hear them screaming,' she laughed.
Leggy lady: Cutting off at an eye-watering height for added sex appeal, Kendall then gave a flash of her enviably long pins to all as she stepped out for another glamorous evening
Finishing touches: The beauty swept her hair into a slick up-do
Hectic schedule: The brunette has enjoyed a busy few days in London - first supporting her best pal Bella Hadid at the Versus Versace catwalk on Saturday night
Jenner, who touched down in London over the weekend, was previously in New York City for Fashion Week.
Kendall Jenner made sure to take a break from modelling duties on Sunday by enjoying a hearty takeaway from Nando's with Bella Hadid.
The model, 20, and the reality star turned model, 21, shared a snap from the set of their photoshoot during London Fashion Week.
Sharing the mouth-watering remnants of their chicken wing and garlic bread feast, she captioned the picture: 'nandos lemon wings (sic).'
Clearly enjoying her time in London, Kendall also partied at celebrity hotspot The Box on Saturday night
Sequin stars: Betty Bachz and Noomi Rapace attended the star-studded fashion bash
Karl Stefanovic enjoyed some family time on Monday night, ducking out to get some wine at 9pm as he celebrated his uncle George's birthday.
Karl was seen embracing his uncle warmly and later going out to pick up a bottle of dry red wine in the waterside suburb of Castlecrag on Sydney's North Shore.
Seemingly absent was his new 'girlfriend' Jasmine Yarbrough, who arrived in Sydney last week reportedly to visit her new TV host beau.
Family time: Karl Stefanovic enjoyed some family time on Monday night, ducking out to get some wine at 9pm as he celebrated his uncle George's birthday
Karl appeared to be in good spirits and wore a tight denim shirt with rolled sleeves and the buttons undone to flaunt his chest.
The TV personality, who looked a little bit sunburned, paired the shirt with dark denim jeans and a pair of worn-in brown dress shoes.
Karl also took to Instagram to share an image of himself and his uncle appearing rather festive as they enjoyed the red wine.
Seemingly absent: His new girlfriend Jasmine Yarbrough who arrived in Sydney last week, reportedly to visit her new TV host beau, didn't seem to be there
Catch up: Karl was seen embracing his uncle warmly and later going out to pick up a bottle of dry red wine in the waterside suburb of Castlecrag on Sydney's North Shore
Family time: Karl also took to Instagram to share an image of himself and his uncle appearing rather festive as they enjoyed the red wine
According to representatives at Channel Nine, Karl is off the Today show as he's currently filming another program, This Time Next Year, this week.
Meanwhile, Karl and his 33-year-old love interest Jasmine put on an amorous display as they partied on a boat over the weekend on Sydney's Northern Beaches.
A source close to the LA-based model told the Daily Telegraph that Karl, 'rented a secret hideaway with water views' for the pair over the weekend.
Love nest? Meanwhile, Karl and his 33-year-old love interest Jasmine, pictured here, put on an amorous display as they partied on a boat over the weekend on Sydney's Northern Beaches
Meanwhile, according to a story in women's weekly magazine Woman's Day, Karl and Jasmine are 'so committed to each other' that they are 'looking for a place to rent together in Sydney.'
However the blonde shoe designer, who arrived in Sydney with her sister last week, didn't appear to be at the get together with Karl's uncle on Monday night.
They broke up in May last year after just five months of dating.
So Daisy Lowe was no doubt feeling awkward as she ran into her ex-boyfriend Thomas Cohen and his new girlfriend Zoe Sidel while attending the LOVE and Burberry Fashion Week Party at Annabel's on Monday evening.
The model, 28, looked sensational as she slipped into a stylish negligee while her former flame went for his typical retro style which coordinated with his new 22-year-old love's funky getup.
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Blue-tiful! Daisy Lowe, 28, attended the Burberry after-party on Sunday in a sheer gown that clung to her every curve and left little to the imagination as it flashed her nipples
Daisy and Thomas dated last year, in his first public romance since his wife and Daisy's pal Peaches Geldof passed away following a heroin overdose in 2014, although they sadly split after five months.
The SCUM frontman shares two sons with his late wife, Astala Dylan Willow Geldof-Cohen, four and Phaedra Bloom Forever Cohen, three.
A source exclusively told MailOnline at the time: Daisy and Thomas split about a month ago. Its all very amicable, they had lots of fun and a great time together. It just sort of fizzled out and had run its course.
It was revealed in November that Thomas had found love once more with Zoe, who is the daughter of Rosanna Arquette, as they were spotted out on the town following reports they had celebrated her birthday together in October.
Daisy who? Thomas went for his typical retro style which coordinated with his new love's funky getup, as they attended the same bash as Daisy
That was then... Daisy and Thomas (pictured left last year) split amicably while he went public with Zoe (pictured left last night) in November
Late wife: The SCUM frontman shares two sons with his late wife Peaches Geldof, Astala Dylan Willow Geldof-Cohen, four and Phaedra Bloom Forever Cohen, three.
While Daisy and Thomas' split was amicable, it was no doubt an uncomfortable scenario as they both appeared at the LFW bash.
Daisy turned heads with her flesh-flashing ensemble when she stepped out for the Christopher Kane show earlier in the day.
But she took things a step further as she attended the Burberry after-party in her sheer gown that left little to the imagination and debuting fuller bangs.
Daring to go braless for the occasion, the model flashed her nipples beneath the scanty materials, but didn't seem fazed by the malfunction, beaming broadly as she posed for snaps.
Chest a glimpse! Daring to go braless for the occasion, the model flashed her nipples beneath the scanty materials, but didn't seem fazed by the malfunction
What a waist! Clinging to her hourglass curves, the satin garment clung to her every curve and contour, emphasising her phenomenal figure
Clinging to her hourglass curves, the satin garment clung to her every curve and contour, emphasising her phenomenal figure.
Featuring a sheer hem, the dress also offered a look at her tanned and toned pins, which were elongated by a pair of barely there black heels.
She finished off the look by styling her raven coloured locks in a retro bouffant that framed her pretty face.
That's a wrap: Daisy layered up with a cropped brown leather jacket that she teamed with her baby blue gown and a long gold pendant
Fit to bust! Daisy was certainly not afraid to show off her killer body on Monday, as she put on a particularly eye-popping display at Christopher Kane's London Fashion Week show
Confidence is key: Clearly feeling fierce in her sexy look, Daisy later took to her social media to further show the outfit off (above)
Earlier in the day she gave a seriously saucy flash of her bust as she arrived at the event in a daring plunging midi dress, complete with a sexy thigh-high slit.
The brunette beauty set pulses racing in the retro button-up frock - which she left mostly undone to reveal her famously plentiful cleavage and enviable assets beneath.
Styled like a vintage jacket and shirt, the dress cinched in at her petite waist, before skimming her slender figure all the way to its sophisticated calf-hem.
Adding further sex appeal to the look, the slinky skirt then cut into a daring thigh high split at one side, to display her famously long and lean legs to all as she posed up a storm for the cameras.
Hot stuff! The brunette beauty set pulses racing in the daring button-up frock - which she left undone to reveal a large glimpse of her famous assets beneath
Gorgeous: Cinching in at her enviably petite waist, the dress then skimmed her womanly figure all the way down to its sophisticated calf hem
She accessorised with a simple pair of black pointed court shoes to keep all eyes on her show-stopping look - before layering a selection of bejewelled necklaces around her neck to tease further at her bust.
Proving herself to be every inch a natural beauty, the former Strictly star swept her brunette locks into a loose ponytail to showcase her pretty features to all - which she accentuated with minimal make-up.
Despite her sexy outfit, the stunner swapped a smoulder for her winning smile as she made her way in to take her place on the FROW, alongside the likes of Katy Perry and Alexa Chung.
Finishing touches: She accessorised with black pointed court shoes and a selection of bejewelled necklaces, to tease further at her bust
Star-studded: She was joined by the likes of Katy Perry, who dazzled in a shimmering bardot ensemble (L), and Alexa Chung, who looked typically grungy-chic for the event (R)
Say cheese! Daisy and Alexa happily cuddled up to one another as they took their places on the FROW to view the designer's latest collection
The look marks yet another stylish ensemble for the British beauty, who has attended a whole host of high-profile catwalk shows during this year's London Fashion Week, including House of Holland, Astley Clarke and Versus Versace.
The hectic week sees Daisy getting back to her fashion duties after spending the last few months touring the country with her Strictly Come Dancing co-stars.
As the tour came to an end on Sunday night, the beauty took to Instagram to pay tribute to her partner Aljaz Skorjanec, who she has formed a close friendship with since first appearing on the beloved BBC show in September.
Sharing a photo of the pair onstage together, she wrote to fans: 'For the last time last night.... our waltz- thank you @aljazskorjanec for truly being the greatest partner I could have ever wished for... it was such an honour.
'I love you with all my heart. @strictlycomedancinglive thanks for the best adventure to date! What a company.'
Catching up: The glamorous star caught up with her fellow guests at the bash - including designer Jonathan Saunders (R)
She's normally based on the East Coast, so no doubt was hoping for some sunshine in California.
But Naomi Watts was faced with wet and stormy weather as she stepped out shopping in Los Angeles on Monday.
The 48-year-old actress battled the elements while getting her groceries with a pal.
Pouring down! Naomi Watts was faced with wet and stormy weather as she stepped out shopping in Los Angeles on Monday
The Mulholland Drive actress looked to have come straight from a work out, as she was still in her gym leggings and trainers.
They were, perhaps, not the ideal garments to protect her from the downpour - as the bedraggled beauty attempted to cover up a little in a hooded lightweight jacket from Volcom.
She carried her belongings in a black leather satchel-style bag.
Walk on the wild side! The 48-year-old actress battled the elements while getting her groceries
True to celebrity form, despite the grey skies, the Divergent Series star covered her eyes in sunglasses.
She appeared to be make-up free, and underneath her hood had pulled her blonde tresses into a practical ponytail.
Her assistant appeared to be just as ill-prepared for the gloomy weather in the normally sunkissed city, as she wore chestnut sheepskin boots and had nothing to cover her long blonde hair at all.
Action woman: The Mulholland Drive actress looked to have come straight from a work out, as she was still in her gym leggings and trainers - as she shopped with a pal
Low-key: She appeared to be make-up free, and underneath her hood had pulled her blonde tresses into a practical ponytail
Chilly? Her assistant appeared to be just as ill-prepared for the gloomy weather in the normally sunkissed city
Helping hand: Naomi cheerily looked the other way while her pal loaded her shopping bags into the trunk of her car
Sensible shopper: Naomi responsibly took the time to return her shopping cart
Naomi - who was born in Kent, U.K. but moved to Sydney, Australia when she was 14-years-old - had enjoyed a more lively weekend, as she shared a snap of a star-studded Sunday lunch alongside Isla Fisher, Laura Dern and Aaron Taylor Johnson.
She has sons Alexander, 9 and Samuel, 7, with her ex-partner actor Liev Schreiber.
Naomi is currently filming a new Netflix thriller, Gypsy, in which she plays a therapist who begins to develop dangerous and intimate relationships with the people in her patients lives.
The Trouble With Dad
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When comedian David Baddiels father Colin was diagnosed with Picks disease, a form of dementia, the neurologist explained it meant he would swear uncontrollably, display inappropriate behaviour and be bad-tempered.
Davids response was: Does he have a disease or have you just met him?
Last nights The Trouble With Dad (Channel 4) was about the struggle of David and his two brothers to deal with their fathers illness.
Last nights The Trouble With Dad (Channel 4) was about the struggle of David Baddiel (right) and his two brothers to deal with their fathers illness
It was incredibly touching in places and occasionally sad, but what it was throughout was very, very funny.
The idea of finding comedy in an 82-year-old mans illness may, at first, seem cruel and in bad taste. But if you think about it, seeking humour in terrible circumstances is probably the British number one coping mechanism.
The Baddiel brothers have always had a relationship with their dad based on abusive banter. What Picks disease had done was to remove any kind of filter.
If Colin thought it, he said it. He told his sons they were boring, ugly, annoying and he wished they would all just eff off. I couldnt give a rusty damn, was his response to pretty much everything.
The idea of finding comedy in an 82-year-old mans illness may, at first, seem cruel and in bad taste. But if you think about it, seeking humour in terrible circumstances is probably the British number one coping mechanism
As unfortunate as Colins condition was, David admitted hed far prefer that to the type of dementia where a person just sits and stares at a wall.
The family chose to make the documentary following reaction to Davids recent stand-up show in which he spoke about Colins illness.
Many people contacted him to say their relatives also had Picks, but that there seemed to be very little public awareness of it.
Towards the end of the programme, we saw Colin suffering a kidney infection and becoming withdrawn and silent.
It was at this point that the brothers realised how much they missed the abusive, foul-mouthed dad they admitted to being slightly scared of as children and whod never shown them any affection.
Happily, Colin recovered from his illness in time to tell his sons he couldnt care less about the birthday treat theyd arranged for him and that David had a face like somebodys backside.
The Trouble With Dad was like an unconventional love letter to a difficult man and one many people caring for elderly relatives would identify with.
Jon Richardson: How To Survive The End Of The World
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Another programme that should have been funny, but was an unfocused shambles, was Jon Richardson: How To Survive The End Of The World (Channel 4).
It should have been called Jon Richardson: How To Pad Out A Three-Minute Stand-up Sketch Into One Hour Of TV.
Anyone who has seen Richardson live, or as a team captain on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, will know he is very witty and one of lifes pessimists.
Anyone who has seen Richardson live, or as a team captain on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, will know he is very witty and one of lifes pessimists. Jon Richardson: How To Survive The End Of The World should have been funny, but it was an unfocused shambles
Last night he compiled a list of his fears and then set about talking to experts on how he could tackle risk and stay alive.
He met a woman who swore she could help anyone live to 150 (at a price) and the De Watts family, who bottled and sold fresh air for 80 to the gullible.
There was a man in Canada who had dedicated his life to designing invincibility suits to help defeat death under any circumstances.
One suit was made to withstand a bear attack. The only problem was it took 15 minutes to put on, by which time the grizzly would have eaten you.
She's taking full advantage of President's Day by spending quality time with her kids.
On Monday, Julia Roberts braved the rain and headed to Malibu for lunch with her 12-year-old twins, Phinnaeus and Hazel.
The 49-year-old devoted mother held onto some leftovers as she headed back to her car with her children, who seemed to be in high spirits on their day off from school.
Day off! On Monday, Julia Roberts braved the rain in a coat by Stutterheim and headed to Malibu for lunch with her 12-year-old twins, Phinnaeus and Hazel
The Golden Globe winner was demure in black skinny jeans, a longline gray-black raincoat with the hood pulled low over her forehead, and brown ankle boots with gold hardware.
She completed the off-duty look with a bright green scarf and a pair of seeing glasses.
Her signature brunette tresses seemed to have been lightened, as the waves cascading out of her jacket appeared honey-coloured.
Good times: The 49-year-old devoted mother held onto some leftovers as she headed back to her car with her children, who seemed to be in high spirits on their day off from school
The mom-of-three is often seen wandering about Malibu Country Mart with her children.
Julia Roberts had her twins at 37, and welcomed her 9-year-old son Henry just a few years later, with husband of 15 years Daniel Moder, 48.
The Oscar winner was gearing up for the release of two movies in April.
The first was Smurfs: The Lost Village, for which Julia voiced Smurfwillow, starring alongside Ariel Winter, who voices Smurflily.
Devoted mom: Julia Roberts had her twins at 37, and welcomed her 9-year-old son Henry just a few years later, with husband of 15 years Daniel Moder, 48
The second was Wonder, the dramatic film about a young boy born with a facial deformity determined to fit in at a new school, which also stars Owen Wilson.
The latter's release date was pushed to November 2017.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, after the film performed well in screen testings, Lionsgate decided to push it to around Thanksgiving, a popular time for movies.
Smurfs hits the big screens April 7.
Julia will soon be reunited with Viola Davis, her Eat Pray Love co-star, for an upcoming film titled Small Great Things.
Jonathan Cheban set his Instagram account to private on Sunday after being trolled for his body-shaming of a vegan blogger last Tuesday.
After Nancy Sidley called him a 'furhag,' the 42-year-old reality star viciously retaliated in the comments of her Sophisticated Vegan account.
'Worst looking vegan alive,' the former Celebrity Big Brother contestant wrote. 'If that's vegan give me beef!!!'
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Put in his place: Jonathan Cheban set his Instagram account to private on Sunday after being trolled for his body-shaming of a vegan blogger last Tuesday
Cheban also called Sidley (who wears a size 2) a 'fat, wrinkled mess' with a 'huge chin' and suggested: 'Get some lips.'
'I can't believe @kimkardashian is BFF's with this guy?' Nancy wrote to her 922 followers on Thursday.
'What if North grows up and doesn't want to get any plastic surgery like me? Would he says the same things to her? The Kardashian brand should not be about putting down women based on their looks and he is part of their brand.
'Of course you wear glasses': After Nancy Sidley called him a 'furhag,' the 42-year-old reality star viciously retaliated in the comments of her Sophisticated Vegan account
Cheban also called Sidley (who wears a size 2) a 'fat, wrinkled mess' with a 'huge chin' and suggested: 'Get some lips'
Nancy wrote to her 922 followers on Thursday: 'I can't believe @kimkardashian is BFF's with this guy? What if North grows up and doesn't want to get any plastic surgery like me? Would he says the same things to her? The Kardashian brand should not be about putting down women based on their looks and he is part of their brand'
'#furismurder': The Portland-born animal activist had also called out Jonathan's BFF Kim Kardashian West, Khloe Kardashian (L), and Kendall Jenner (R) for wearing fur
'He is on their reality show and apart of Kim's Hollywood game. People need to call this guy out on body shaming. We are all beautiful just the way we are.'
The Portland-born animal activist had also called out Jonathan's BFF Kim Kardashian West, Khloe Kardashian, and Kendall Jenner for wearing fur over the last year.
On Monday, the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star - whose first appearance on the E! series was in 2009 - took a JetSmarter plane to Paris 'for crepes.'
Snob: On Monday, the Keeping Up with the Kardashians star - whose first appearance on the E! series was in 2009 - took a JetSmarter plane to Paris 'for crepes'
Pictured in 2013 and 1991: Cheban isn't anyone to criticize a person's figure or face, having undergone rhinoplasty since graduating from Fort Lee High School in New Jersey
Any takers? The Hofstra University grad is currently competing on the second season of the British dating series Celebs Go Dating, which airs weeknights on E4
Cheban isn't anyone to criticize a person's figure or face, having undergone rhinoplasty since graduating from Fort Lee High School in New Jersey.
The Hofstra University grad is currently competing on the second season of the British dating series Celebs Go Dating, which airs weeknights on E4.
And while not vegan, the Burger Bandit restaurateur will soon launch his own lifestyle blog, Foodgod.com.
Kanye West stepped out for a solo lunch in Los Angeles on Monday.
The rapper, who continues to sport platinum blonde hair, was seen arriving at a restaurant in the Brentwood neighborhood.
He wore dark jeans and a bomber jacket along with tan boots.
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Where's Kim? Kanye West stepped out solo in LA on Monday for lunch at a Brentwood restaurant
The 39-year-old is back on the West Coast after the rather low-key launch of his Yeezy season 5 collection during New York Fashion Week last Wednesday.
The reception for his latest clothing designs was muted and most of his wife Kim's Keeping Up With The Kardashians family stayed away.
Reality star Kim had, according to insiders, expressed concern about how her husband would cope with the pressure of his runway show following his hospitalization in November for 'temporary psychosis.'
But on Monday Kanye seemed in reasonably good spirits despite being by himself.
Quiet outing: The 39-year-old is back on the West Coast after the rather low-key launch of his Yeezy season 5 collection during New York Fashion Week last Wednesday
Dressed for rainy weather: Kanye wore dark jeans and a bomber jacket along with tan boots and carried a cell phone
Sticks out in a crowd: The rapper is still sporting his dyed platinum blonde hair
Kanye canceled his Life Of Pablo tour as a result of his breakdown and now his NYFW show is out of the way, it's not clear what his plans are going forward.
Wife Kim has begun posting again on social media after an absence following her robbery in Paris last fall.
And the the couple have been spending time with their children North, three, and Saint, one.
Getting better: Kanye was hospitalized in November for 'temporary psychosis' and canceled his Life Of Pablo tour as a result of his breakdown
Good spirits: Kanye flashed the peace sign while exiting Bandera Restaurant
In style: The musician had on a bomber jacket and Yeezy desert boots
She's the bikini babe who traded life as a lawyer to be an Instagram model.
And Pia Muehlenbeck did what she does best on Tuesday, while showing of her bikini body in a poolside snap on Instagram.
The 22-year-old put on a busty display in a black and white two-piece and told her followers she's counting down the days until Bali.
Sizzling hot: Pia Muehlenbeck did what she does best on Tuesday, while showing of her bikini body in a poolside snap on Instagram
'This time next week... Bali,' she captioned.
Gazing at the camera, Pia posed with one hand running through her luscious brunette locks.
Fans of the social media stunner went wasted no time gushing over the image - which garnered 31,000 likes on Instagram.
'That bikini's almost gone!': Social media sensation Pia Muehlenbeck shared a cheeky flashback photo of her previous trip to Bali in May 2015 in a tiny G-string - sending fans in a frenzy
Excited for Bali! She captioned her post, 'This time next week... Bali,' along with a cute palm tree emoji'
'Looking absolutely gorgeous as usual doll!,' one user wrote.
Another commented: 'You look gorgeous as always and have an amazing figure!'
Another fan wished her and boyfriend, Kane Vato, an awesome trip ahead of their travels.
Holiday vibes: Pia last visited hu'u Villa in May 2015 and at the time posted a slew of sexy photos, including one where she appeared to be naked in bed
She first announced her trip to Indonesia in a cheeky throwback post on Saturday.
In the photo, she flaunting her pert derriere in tiny G-string, sending her 1.7 million fans into a frenzy.
One user wrote: 'I think your bum's a little hungry.... that bikini's almost gone.'
Instagram sensation: The 22-year-old regularly showcases her fit figure, including her exercise and diet regime
Pia last visited hu'u Villa in May 2015 and at the time posted a slew of sexy photos, including one where she appeared to be naked in bed, covering her modesty in a quilt.
In a recent interview with Daily Mail Australia Pia revealed she owned approximately 200 bikinis.
The swimwear enthusiast joked: 'I try to cull regularly, but Im like "but I might need this one one day", I'm terrible.'
'Im not a bikini hoarder alright,' she added with a laugh.
They've been dating for two years, having met on Channel Seven soap Home And Away.
And Bonnie Sveen was seen packing on the PDA with her long-term boyfriend Nathan Gooley while out in Sydney's Paddington on Saturday.
The 27-year-old looked radiant and flashed a glimpse of her toned legs in a maxi-skirt with thigh-split as she embraced her assistant director beau.
Still going strong! Bonnie Sveen, 27, looked radiant and flashed a hint of toned thigh as she was spotted packing on the PDA with long-term boyfriend Nathan Gooley in Sydney's Paddington on Saturday
The couple cut a casual figure as they strolled the streets of Sydney's trendy inner-city suburb.
Bonnie showed off her petite upper frame in a simple black tank top, teamed with a high-waisted floral maxi-skirt that revealed a glimpse of her lean legs.
Accessorising with a pair of black strappy flats, a coordinating leather clutch and a delicate silver necklace, the former Home And Away star swept her blonde locks into an effortless up-do with a floral clip.
Low-key: The couple cut a casual figure as they strolled the streets of Sydney's trendy inner-city suburb
Pretty in floral: Bonnie showed off her petite upper frame in a simple black tank top, teamed with a high-waisted floral maxi-skirt
Effortless: Accessorising with a pair of black strappy flats, a coordinating leather clutch and a delicate silver necklace, the former Home And Away star swept her blonde locks into an effortless up-do
Shielding her eyes behind a pair of stylish dark sunglasses, the Channel Seven personality appeared to sport a minimal amount of makeup, drawing attention to her natural beauty.
Nathan, who works at OOW Productions in Sydney, was equally as casual in a black tank top and pair of white patterned shorts.
Camouflage Crocs, a black cap with a logo emblazoned on the front in white, and black sunglasses, finished off the low-key look.
Cool and casual: Nathan, who works at OOW Productions in Sydney, sported a black tank top and a pair of white patterned shorts
Simplistic: A black cap with a logo emblazoned on the front in white, and black sunglasses, worked as low-key accessories
Appearing very much in love, Bonnie and Nathan embraced one another as they strolled the streets, before heading for a juice at Paddington Fresh, followed by a quick bite of sushi.
In quite a playful mood, Nathan was seen holding up his iPhone for paparazzi, zooming in on the text: 'Help Me'.
While flipping his iPhone around revealed the text: 'Luv u!'
Thirsty work: The couple ordered a juice at Paddington Fresh, followed by a quick bite of sushi
Smitten: Bonnie only had eyes for her beau of two years, gazing affectionately during the outing
Last year, Bonnie, gushed to TV Week magazine about having a partner in the same industry.
'He's great. He's in this game too so he gets that there's an interest in my private life,' the Tasmanian-born star told the publication.
'We get each other's work. He has a bit more experience than me on different shows,' she continued.
Content: Last year, Bonnie, gushed to TV Week magazine about having a partner in the same industry: 'He's great. He's in this game too so he gets that there's an interest in my private life,' she told the publication
Timing: Bonnie was single for four years before meeting Nathan on Home And Away
Speculation: Engagement rumours swirled last year when Bonnie was seen with a ring on her wedding finger
Bonnie was single four years before meeting Nathan on Home And Away.
Engagement rumours swirled last year when Bonnie was seen with a ring on her wedding finger.
A spokesperson for the star dismissed the possibility of impending nuptials, telling Daily Mail Australia in May: 'I can confirm Bonnie is not engaged.'
No truth: A spokesperson for the star dismissed the possibility of impending nuptials, telling Daily Mail Australia in May: 'I can confirm Bonnie is not engaged'
Similar interests: Bonnie and Nathan met on Channel Seven soap Home And Away
It was a virtual roll call of high powered Hollywood stars when Aussie ex-pats Naomi Watts and Isla Fisher got together for a girls-only LA lunch date on Sunday.
New York based Naomi was in Tinseltown and met up with friends including good pal Isla, actress Laura Dern, filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson and producer Lisa Rubin.
Fifty Shades Of Grey director Sam, 49, however brought along her much younger husband, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 26, leading Isla to joke that he was a 'stripper'.
Who's who! It was a virtual roll call of high powered Hollywood babes when Aussie ex-pats Naomi Watts and Isla Fisher got together for a girls-only LA lunch date on Sunday
The redhead shared a picture of the get together on Instagram and poked fun at the lone bloke at the ladies luncheon.
The Confessions Of A Shopaholic actress captioned the image, which shows a bashful Aaron sporting a mustache, 'Finally the stripper has arrived!'
Also in attendance was Aussie Emma Cooper, an old friend of Naomi's who is married to television writer Harry Cripps, and top stylist Kate Stirling.
The women had much to celebrate, with Laura Dern's new TV series, Big Little Lies, co-starring Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, about to hit the air.
No boys allowed! Fifty Shades of Grey director Sam, 49, however brought along her much younger husband, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, 26, leading Isla to joke that he was a 'stripper'
Ex-pat BFFS: Naomi and Isla have been friends for many years, posing together at the I Heart Huckabees premiere in 2004 and seen shopping together in New York in 2011
Best mates: They were also inseparable at the 2012 Cannes film festival (pictured) and have caught up with one another regularly ever since they both actresses respectively left Australia
Naomi has started work on TV series Gypsy, in which she plays a neurotic therapist who gets too close to her own patients.
The show is produced by Lisa Rubin, who was present at the lunch, and Sam Taylor-Johnson, also pictured at the luncheon, is one of it's guest directors.
Former Home And Away star Isla has just had success in two different movies, the comedy Keeping Up With The Joneses and the Oscar nominated Nocturnal Animals.
Famous friends: Naomi has a lot of big name buddies including Stella McCartney (L) and actress Julianne Moore (R) who she spent time with recently
Naomi and Isla have been friends for many years, posing together at the I Heart Huckabees premiere in 2004 and seen shopping together in New York in 2011.
They were also inseparable at the 2012 Cannes film festival, and have caught up with one another regularly ever since they both actresses respectively left Australia.
Rooney Mara stepped out in Hollywood on Monday in an all black ensemble that flaunted her slim physique.
The actress, 31, donned skintight leggings and sneakers with a sweater over a gray t-shirt for her solo outing.
Her trip to a West Hollywood spa came as PageSix.com claimed that the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo star and actor Joaquin Phoenix, 42, are 'madly in love.'
Casual attire: Rooney Mara stepped out in Hollywood on Monday in an all black ensemble that flaunted her slim physique
The romance rumors are nothing new as it's previously been reported the two stars fell for each other while making the Biblical film Mary Magdalene.
In January they skipped town over the Golden Globes weekend to spend time together at a desert spa.
Earlier this month they were seen out shopping together in Los Angeles looking very close and happy in each other's company.
Beanie babe: The actress, 31, donned skintight leggings and sneakers with a sweater over a gray t-shirt for her solo outing to a West Hollywood spa
Big romance rumors: Her pamper session came as came as PageSix.com claimed that the Girl With The Dragon Tattoo star and actor Joaquin Phoenix, 42, are 'madly in love'
On set love: The two stars are reported to have fallen for each other while filming the Biblical film Mary Magdalene in Italy last year. They're pictured shooting a scene in November
Meanwhile, the trailer for Rooney's newest big screen release - Terrence Malik's Song to Song - dropped over the weekend.
The film, which also stars Ryan Gosling, Natalie Portman and Michael Fassbender, paints a portrait of love, beauty, music, passion and betrayal against the artsy backdrop of Austin, Texas.
It also has a star-studded supporting cast including Christian Bale, Cate Blanchett, Val Kilmer, Benicio Del Toro and Holly Hunter.
The movie will premiere at South By Southwest on March 10, and then screen in Los Angeles and New York from March 17.
Meg Ryan is getting as much quality time as possible with her daughter before she gets back to work.
On Monday, the Sleepless in Seattle star was spotted out with 12-year-old Daisy True, appearing in high spirits as she enjoyed her only girl's company.
The 55-year-old actress and her preteen took advantage of President's Day - and no school - as they held hands and ran errands after grabbing lunch together in Soho.
Mother-daughter outing: On Monday, Meg Ryan, 55, was spotted out with 12-year-old Daisy True in high spirits as the duo enjoyed each other's company
The pair, who are very close, were dressed smartly yet comfortably for the casual outing - Ryan donned loose, bootcut blue jeans and a purple turtleneck long-sleeve sweater.
The City of Angels actress paired the low-key look with black hiking shoes, black sunglasses, and a brown peacoat.
Meg's golden tresses were allowed to dry naturally into loose waves.
Off-duty: Ryan donned loose, bootcut blue jeans and a purple turtleneck long-sleeve sweater
Daisy - whom Meg adopted from China in 2005, when Daisy was only 14 months old -wore denim pants as well, tucked into black UGG boats and paired with a black longline coat that featured a shearling hem.
After grabbing lunch at a restaurant in SoHo, the duo picked up baked goods before heading home.
The Golden Globe nominee is set to star in the upcoming comedy series Picture Paris.
The show, based on the 2011 short film, centers on a suburban mom whose dream trip to Paris with her husband does not quite live up to expectations.
Comfy: Daisy wore denim pants as well, tucked into black UGG boats and paired with a black longline coat that featured a shearling hem
According to Deadline, this would mark a return to TV for Ryan who, except for occasional guest appearances, has not been a series regular since the 1985 ABC Western Wildside.
Meg also recently revealed her second career: home renovation.
The When Harry Met Sally star appeared on the cover of Architectural Digest and announced that she was selling her Soho loft for $8.7m.
Dessert! After grabbing lunch at a restaurant in SoHo, the duo picked up baked goods before heading home
The apartment is the eighth property she has renovated and she is now looking for a new home to sink her decorating teeth into.
The star said that while renovating so many apartments may sound odd to others, she thought it was linked to her lifestyle as an actor.
'I love renovating. I think it's tied to living the actor's life,' she told Architectural Digest.
Natural: Meg's golden tresses were allowed to dry naturally into loose waves
'As an actor, you are so rarely in control.
'Youre always saying words that someone else has given you, standing in a room that someone else has designed, to create a reality that someone else wants to see.
'But with decorating I am in control; its a chance for me to bring my vision into the world.'
Kerri-Anne Kennerley is reportedly taking part in the Aussie version of Fashion Police and it looks as if she could be slated to take on the Joan Rivers role on the program.
Peter Ford reported on 6PR radio on Tuesday that Kerri-Anne shot for the Foxtel pilot this week, according to TV Tonight.
The chat show involves celebrities praising and slating outfits worn by A-listers on the red carpet, and Joan Rivers was known for making some of the most controversial comments of all.
New role: Kerri-Anne Kennerley is reportedly taking part in the Aussie version of Fashion Police and it looks as if she could be slated to take on the Joan Rivers role on the program
While Keri-Anne is no pushover, the 63-year-old doesn't have quite the same brash demeanour that the late comedienne was known for.
Joan sadly passed away in 2014 aged 81, and the original cast of Fashion Police, including Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Osbourne, continued for a time.
Much like it's American counterpart, the local version appears to be rounding up some well known and colourful personalities.
KIIS 1065 radio host Jackie O is also said to have taken part in shooting for the show this week.
Original cast: Joan was the original host of Fashion Police and was joined by (L-R) Kelly Osbourne, Brad Goreski and Giuliana Rancic
In her honour: After Joan sadly passed away in 2014 aged 81, the original cast continued for a time
Other names who have reportedly filmed for the pilot include radio host Sophie Monk, fashion designer Alex Perry and fashion blogger Patti Huntington.
Joel Creasey will reportedly host the show, and according to Peter Ford the controversial comedian is 'born for this job.'
The gig marks a welcome return to the spotlight for Kerri-Anne, who has been caring for husband John who was left paralysed from the neck down after a fall last year.
Back to work: The gig marks a welcome return to the spotlight for Kerri-Anne, who has been caring for husband John who was left paralysed from the neck down after a fall last year
During an emotional interview on Seven's Sunday Night the TV star admitted, 'I hate this new life to be quite frank. I hate it. It's just awful'.
John, 76, has since regained the ability to speak and some movement in his hands and the couple have sought progressive treatments in the USA.
He was teased after he confessed to sporting an adult diaper during a recent bout of gastro.
But comedian Dave Hughes, 46, didn't let that queezy feeling get the better of him ahead of his stand up show in Adelaide, on Friday night.
The KIIS FM host told co-host Kate Langbroek on their afternoon drive show that he once again depended on the protection of an adult nappy.
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Let it slip out! Dave Hughes he once again depended on the protection of an adult nappy revealing he wore an adult diaper to stand up show in Adelaide on Friday
He was heckled by audience members who knew about his dirty, not so little secret, but fortunately him, he reported no accidents happened during his show.
It was only after his gig that he knew he needed a change and raced back to his hotel room only to be met with Guns N Roses fans clogging up the lobby who wanted to take photos with him.
After relieving himself, Hughesy made the decision to protect the bed he was sleeping on by wearing the nappy to bed.
Crowds going while: The comedian said he was heckled by audience members who knew about his gastro situation
'I went through three nappies,' he admitted much to the amusement of his co-host and producer.
'I didn't really need to go through all three of them, but I thought it felt better with fresh nappies,' he said.
The problem came the next morning when he needed to dispose of the soiled diapers before house keeping arrived.
Not happy! The 46-year-old revealing he'd been wearing the special underwear to fight gastro he contracted on Valentine's Day
Laughs all round! More laughs erupted from co-host Kate (pictured) after the host revealed he didn't buy the special underwear specifically for the gastro - because he already had them
'[There were] three little bins in my room, so I put a nappy in each,' he said.
Thankfully Hughesy said he is all good and better now.
The comedian's struggle was revealed after the producer prompted him to say he had been wearing adult nappies since contracting a nasty bout of gastro on Valentine's Day.
'Very comfortable': Shortly after, Dave decided to embrace his trademark transparency, saying: 'They're very comfortable I won't deny it'
Realising he had been backed into a corner by the show's producers, Dave began to openly discuss his predicament.
'I'm wearing paper undies, I've got an 8 pack... They're very comfortable I won't deny it,' he said told the studio.
More laughs erupted after he revealed already had the nappies following a past medical procedure.
But soon after his businessman instincts kicked into gear when he realised he could be landing some advertising money for his endorsement.
'But with these, I have full confidence!' The fact is they are handy, they're comfortable for wear,' he declared.
She previously appeared on Famously Single.
But it appears Brandi Glanville is no longer single - and in fact, she has a boyfriend that loves to show her off...all of her.
On Monday, the 44-year-old former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star's 'man mate,' also 44, posted a photo in which the couple can be seen in the nude.
NSFW: Brandi Glanville and new beau Donald Friese lay nude together in a shot the 44-year-old posted to his Instagram account on Monday
Donald Friese, known on social media as DJ, took the photo as a mirror pic and posted it to his Instagram account, where he is followed by just over 4k people.
The caption read: 'Loving my V-Day Present #reflection #nofilter #bodyart.'
Though shadows conceal the couple's modesty, the photo is definitely NSFW.
The steamy shot comes just over a week after the pair made their first red carpet appearance together.
First red carpet: Brandi and DJ came out as a couple just in time for Valentine's Day
In an interview with Hollywood Today Live, Glanville dished about her new man, which she has several different names for: 'Mr. Gushy,' 'man-gina,' and 'man mate.'
'The sex is great, so I'm good,' Brandi divulged honestly, 'he's actually hornier than me, which is hard to do.'
When asked about their plans for Valentine's Day, Brandi, who was previously married to actor Eddie Cibrian, replied: 'He has the whole day planned. He's excited.'
She also revealed that they have been together for almost 5 months, but have no plans of getting married anytime soon, as they are both divorcees.
A tamer look: Earlier today, Glanville was spotted having lunch with best friend Kristen Taekman and doing some shopping Calabasas on Monday
Earlier today, Glanville was spotted having lunch with best friend Kristen Taekman and doing some shopping Calabasas on Monday.
The two posted a selfie together, indicating they are the best of friends.
The caption for the filtered photo read: 'Blonde & blonde @kristentaekman & I hanging like the OG bffs that we are.'
Brandi worked a much tamer look for the daytime outing, wearing pair of skintight light denim jeans paired with a cream sweater, layered on top of a white t-shirt.
Blonde and blonder: The two golden-haired beauties posted a selfie to their respective Instagram accounts
Acting coy: Brandi worked a much tamer look for the daytime outing, wearing pair of skintight light denim jeans paired with a cream sweater, layered on top of a white t-shirt
She carried a taupe handbag and for footwear, she opted for brown flats.
The ensemble put her slender 5'10 frame on display.
The mother-of-two's highlighted yellow mane was blown out and split in the center as it cascaded down her chest.
Glanville chose to keep her makeup light and fresh for the outing on President's Day, sticking to mascara, rouge, and a bit of eyebrow pencil.
Lindsay Lohan claimed she was targeted by customs officials at Heathrow Airport because she was wearing a headscarf.
The actress, 30, revealed the incident while speaking to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on Tuesday's Good Morning Britain.
She explained: 'When I was flying to New York recently. I was wearing a headscarf and I got stopped at the airport and was racially profiled for the first time in my life.
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'Freaked out': Lindsay Lohan, 30, claimed she was targeted by customs officials at Heathrow Airport because she was wearing a headscarf
'She opened my passport and saw Lindsay Lohan and started apologizing but said "take off your head scarf".
'I did, I mean its OK. But what scared me was that moment, how would another woman who doesnt feel comfortable taking off her headscarf feel? That was really interesting to me. I was kind of in shock.
'I cant speak for what the purpose of it was. But it was jarring. I got double checked until she realised. No [Id never had that before]. It was strange. It did [freak me out]. Im from New York, born and raised. I was a little intimidated.'
Lindsay was wearing the garment as she had flown from Turkey where she had met with the country's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Respectful: Lindsay was wearing the garment as she had flown from Turkey where she had met with the country's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan
Happy: Lindsay was in fine spirits for her early morning appearance
Candid: The actress revealed the incident while speaking to Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid on Tuesday's Good Morning Britain
The star said she wore the item out of respect for the people of Turkey and kept it on at the airport because it made her less likely to be recognised.
A representative for Heathrow told MailOnline: 'Heathrow respects the cultural and religious needs of all passengers travelling through the airport.
'We work hard to provide our passengers with great service while ensuring everyone remains safe and secure.
Get behind him: The Mean Girls star also claimed US President Donald Trump should be given a chance by those protesting against him
Rumours have been circulating for some time that Lindsay has converted to Islam, however, she was coy when pressed by Piers.
She said: 'I think that me studying the Quran is something I found solace in. You can't just convert to a religion overnight. I just study it, nothing is confirmed yet.
'Religion is a personal belief, my sister's a Buddhist. I don't want to speak on something I haven't finished yet. I find a solace in studying not just the Quran but meditation.
Looking good: The star wore a pink floral dress for her TV appearance
'The Islamic culture, I feel it's a family to me, they've been really good people to me. I want to learn the language so I can discuss situations with them (Syrian issues). It calms me. It's something I'm interested in.'
The Mean Girls star also claimed US President Donald Trump should be given a chance by those protesting against him.
'Its such a double edged sword, said Lindsay. 'I dont agree with his policies and the things that hes doing, but at the end of the day he is the President right now, so whats the point in picking on someone instead of just seeing what theyre capable of or not capable of I cant speak on that because Im not him, I dont know what goes on, Id love to be a fly on the wall in the Oval Office these days.
Unexpected: She explained: 'When I was flying to New York recently. I was wearing a headscarf and I got stopped at the airport and was racially profiled for the first time in my life'
Hollywood hottie: Lindsay looked radiant wearing a slick of pink lipstick and neatly-styled luscious copper locks
New chapter: Since turning 30, Lindsay has a new-found calm and outlook on life
'People are making it overly dramatic. I do think his Twitter needs to be taken away or deleted. I just think you know, dont kick someone when theyre down.'
The star has made no secret of her desire for another Mean Girls film, and she said she 'hopes someone writes me back soon' so that the project can get underway.
Her troubled past has been well-documented, with failed relationships and boozy tales almost overshadowing her film career.
Shedding some light on the difficulties of growing up in the public eye, she said: 'People really like to harp on the past, that was over 10 years ago.
Back to her best: The actress also reflected on her past personal issues
'I think also at the time when I was being hounded by paparazzi it was the beginning of this era. We didn't have Instagram or Twitter, it was the beginning of a phenomenon and I was left to my own devices which isn't great when you're young.'
However, since turning 30, Lindsay has a new-found calm and outlook on life.
She went on: 'When I turned 30 I always aspired for this, I always said when I turn 30 that will be the defining moment of what I want to do. I found a lot of solace I reached inside and what my intentions were in the world. Taking control of my life.
Victim of her surroundings: She blamed a lot of her woes on the LA lifestyle
'I don't think it was ever turning to anything, it (drink) was very accessible when I was 16, 17, 18, 19. I had been working so much and surrounded myself with the wrong people going out drinking was the wrong thing to do. I didn't listen to anyone.
'My dad worked on the stock exchange, on Wall Street then he went away with Jordan Belfort (Wolf of Wall Street) and my mum was taking care of all of us and that must have been really difficult.
'I found therapy through acting. When I had the ability to leave and start my own life is when I should have listened to my mum.
I think so (LA the problem). It moves so fast there, it's easier to surround yourself with any person than it is to be alone.'
Stephanie Davis has followed up her wonderful weekend with a cute snap of her baby son Caben-Albi.
The actress, 23, is besotted with her baby boy and took a picture of him lying peacefully on his back in an oversized outfit with plenty of room for him to grow into.
Wearing a white polo shirt and a grey sleeveless pullover, the little one rested on a personalised cuddly elephant and gazed up at the camera.
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Adorable: Stephanie Davis has followed up her wonderful weekend with a cute snap of her baby son Caben-Albi
With the picture saying more than words could, Stephanie simply posted a love heart alongside the image.
Baby daddy Jeremy McConnell, 26, recently tweeted he'd had an 'amazing few' days meeting his new son.
And Stephanie echoed his sentiment on Sunday as she took to Twitter to share a sweet post about the weekend.
Clearly in good spirits, the former Hollyoaks star hared a post which read: 'A Sunday well spent brings a week of content'.
Chirpy: Stephanie took to Twitter on Sunday to gush about her wonderful weekend after Jeremy McConnell met their son for the first time since it was confirmed he is the father
She captioned the tweet with several smiling face emojis but kept coy as to what had made her so full of joy.
The post coincided with Jeremy's visit to Steph's hometown of Liverpool where he met month-old Caben-Albi for the first time.
The reality star and model tweeted he had 'an amazing few days' with the newborn and is 'feeling blessed' after jetting in from Dublin to see his child.
Sweet words: Clearly in good spirits, the former Hollyoaks star shared a post which read: 'A Sunday well spent brings a week of content'
The news comes after Jeremy spent nine months vehemently denying the paternity of the baby.
Yet when he discovered last week that he is the father, he was quick to step up.
Sources told The Sun that the hunky Irish model is determined not to miss anything from the life of the tot, who was born last month.
Jeremy, who started his romance with Stephanie a year ago inside the Celebrity Big Brother house, learnt he was the father to month-old Caben-Albi last week.
'It was an emotional reunion': When Jeremy discovered last week that he is the father of Stephanie's baby son Caben Albi, he was quick to step up as he reportedly jetted to Liverpool
Feeling blessed: The model tweeted on Friday that he has had an 'amazing few days'
After awaiting the DNA results, having given a swab live on This Morning, the former Beauty School Cop Outs star was unveiled as his parent.
He has now reportedly spent the weekend with his child in Liverpool - where he and Stephanie were thought also to bury the hatchet - and insiders claim he has remained in the city to spend more time with his son.
A source said: 'Jeremy is still in Liverpool with Stephanie at the moment. Theyre using this time to get to know each other again away from the cameras and things are going well.
Conflicting stories: Sources tell The Sun that the hunky Irish model, 26, remains in England with the family as he is determined not to miss anything from the life of the tot, who was born last month
'Its been an emotional couple of days for them both but theyre beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel. Jeremy was keen not to miss out on any more time with Caben and Stephanie agrees its important for him to be there.'
It was revealed earlier in the week that Jeremy had finally met his son and spent time with Stephanie for the first time since their dramatic split.
Having hit it off in January 2016, during their time in CBB, Stephanie sacrificed her outside relationship with now-ex-boyfriend Sam Reece and continued to date Jeremy following their subsequent evictions from the show.
But by May last year things had grown acrimonious and the pair had split up, in what turned out to be a nasty, vitriolic and very public break up.
You're the daddy: After awaiting the DNA results, having given a swab live on This Morning, the former Beauty School Cop Outs star was unveiled as his parent
While Jeremy always insisted he would take a paternity test once the baby was born, there were remarks made that the child was not his; leading to further anger between the pair.
But last week, as the promised paternity test revealed that Jeremy is indeed the father, it seemed that the revelation had bridged the gap between the estranged parents.
A source said earlier his month: 'Stephanie and Jeremy are back on speaking terms. Theyre trying to rebuild a civilised relationship for the sake of Caben they both knew that the situation had to change for things to move forward. Its going to be a slow process but theyre gradually heading in the right direction.'
Yet to meet: Despite sharing a sweet snap of the newborn and gushing he 'loves the little monkey', Jeremy had not met his son at the time of the post
Where or not they will give their relationship another shot or not is another matter, with friends allegedly feeling concern that they will do, for the sake of it.
The insider explained: 'There has always been a spark there even if it did end badly the first time round. They have a child together now everythings changed.'
Jeremy shared a sweet snap of the newborn when the DNA results were revealed, gushing that he 'loves the little monkey' on Saturday.
He had - at this point - not met his son; and was reported that the picture of Caben shared by Jeremy was taken from one of Stephanie's private social media accounts.
First time father: After months of uncertainty, Jeremy, 26, announced on Saturday that he was the father of Stephanie Davis' three week old son Caben-Albi
Not his own: It's been reported that the picture of Caben shared by Jeremy as he announced the news was taken from one of Stephanie's private social media accounts
The reports come after Jeremy broke the news that he is the father by sharing a shot of Caben with his 495,000 Instagram followers.
Captioning the snap, he wrote: Happiest man alive, my new focus.
Showcasing his devotion to the tiny tot, he also wrote on Twitter, 'I'll love this monkey with every bit of me'.
Case of the ex: Jeremys confirmation brings to an end months of acrimony with former Hollyoaks actress Stephanie, who gave birth to their son on January 13
Jeremy appeared on This Morning last week, to address the issue, prior to taking the paternity test and prior to ironing out his differences with the actress.
'I'm upset,' he told hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby as he spoke about the debacle for 'the first and last time.'
Jeremy claimed Stephanie wanted him to sign an 'unreasonable contract' in order to get the DNA results done - the contents of which cannot be discussed for legal reasons.
Jeremy said: 'No man in their right mind would sign that. It's disgusting. She's puppeteering the public. I'm sorry, I just can't.'
Speaking out: 'I'm upset. She's puppeteering the public,' he told Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby
As seen on screen: The reality star had gone to great lengths to determine whether he was the father of Stephanie Davis' son, even taking a DNA test on live television
Tweet then delete: Following his appearance, Stephanie took to Twitter to share a statement in which she called her ex's display 'humiliating' but since deleted the note
Following his appearance, Stephanie took to Twitter to share a statement in which she called her ex's display 'humiliating'.
The now-deleted statement claimed: 'Jeremy has caused Stephanie massive amount of stress, pressure and upset throughout her pregnancy, ruining what for most women is one of the most special time of their lives.
'Jeremy has at no point throughout the pregnancy or after the birth been in contact directly with Stephanie. Jeremy was categorically not banned from the birth nor did he ever ask to attend.'
They were rocked with scandal when Tom Daley was accused of having an 18-month affair with a male model while Dustin Lance Black was working abroad.
But the Olympic diver and his fiance put on a united front on Monday, as they attended the screening of his new series When We Rise at San Francisco's Castro Theatre.
The Team GB athlete, 22, and the American film director, 42, brushed aside the shocking allegations as they wrapped their arms around each other and smiled defiantly.
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Brave face: Tom Daley and his fiance Dustin Lance Black put on a united front at the screening of his new series When We Rise at San Francisco's Castro Theatre on Monday
Tom - who was accused of exchanging explicit messages and having 'physical' liaisons with model Edward William, 27 - looked casual in an all-black outfit.
Meanwhile his partner Dustin kept things quirky in a denim jacket over a shirt and tie, which he teamed with Converse trainers.
The pair looked happy, with Tom wrapping an arm around Dustin, as they attended the screening for the ABC series that Dustin wrote and produced.
And it seems the director was keen to move on from the allegations, as he shared a cryptic Instagram snap of himself looking rainbow on Sunday - which he captioned simply: 'Hopeful.'
Rmour has it: Mr Daley, 22, is said to have exchanged sexually explicit messages with Edward William (pictured), 27, and is also accused of having 'physical' liaisons
United front: The Team GB athlete, 22, and the American film director, 42, brushed aside the shocking allegations as they wrapped their arms around each other and smiled defiantly
All smiles: The pair looked happy, with Tom wrapping an arm around Dustin, as they attended the screening for the ABC series that Dustin wrote and produced
On Sunday Tom was rocked with allegations that he an 18-month affair with male model Edward William while his fiance was working abroad.
The Team GB athlete reportedly met his 6ft 6ins lover in the street and began chatting online in 2014.
A source told The Sun: 'Ed said the messages Tom sent would say things like, "I'm home and horny, can you come round?"
'Others would say, "Lance is away, are you going to be about?"
'Ed told them it was a purely physical relationship with not much emotion involved.
Looking dapper: Tom looked casual in an all-black outfit while Dustin kept things quirky in a denim jacket
''Hopeful': It seems the director was keen to move on from the allegations, as he shared a cryptic Instagram snap of himself looking rainbow
British diver Tom Daley announced his engagement to American writer, director and producer Dustin Lance Black in 2015
'He said Tom was very confident and forward with a huge sex drive.'
The newspaper reported that the pair would meet for coffees at Mr Daley's London flat and also attended.
Their relationship is also said to have become 'an open secret' among the local gay community.
Mr William and Mr Daley's affair ended in 2015 but they have been in touch as recently as this month.
Claims: The newspaper reported that the pair would meet for coffees at Mr Daley's London flat and also attended
Loved-up: Just days before the allegations, the couple shared a sweet Valentine's Day selfie
Mr Daley previously confessed to having an online tryst with another man during a secret relationship break with Lance and has promised to his fiance that it will never happen again.
Footage of the diving ace stripping for online sex has emerged, prompting Tom to confess a number of online relationships to his fiance.
Mr Daley admitted to being on a seven-month break from his then boyfriend as the pair were tied up with demanding work commitments.
Last month, Mr Daley revealed that he knew he wanted to settle down with the 42-year-old film-maker just one week into their romance - and it only took a month of being together before they had the discussion.
Diving into romance: Tom Daley has revealed that he wanted to marry his fiance Dustin Lance Black just one week into their romance
Tryst: Tom recently admitted to having had an online tryst with a fan during a secret break in his relationship with Dustin
'After the first week wed been together, I just knew,' the Olympian told The Mirror. 'And ever since then its just felt like a waste of time not being married to Lance.'
When asked if he'd have seen himself getting married so young, he responded: 'Not at all. If youd have told me five years ago Id have been, "Pff, yeah, sure." But it just felt right. Within the first month wed talked about it.'
As for their wedding plans, he added: 'Its all going well, were looking at dates, but everything is staying under wraps at the moment.
'Who knows what its going to be like, I havent been to a wedding since I was five, so I have no idea. We just want to do what we like. Well just make it us.'
He's the only cast member remaining from Home And Away's premiere way back in 1988.
And Ray Meagher, 72, proved his staying power yet again on Tuesday.
The iconic actor - who plays Alf Stewart - was seen looking animated in deep in conversation with crew on the set, while Ada Nicodemou and other stars were spotted heading home.
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Ever been bit by a crocodile? Home And Away star Ray Meagher looked animated on set of Home And Away on Tuesday, using his hands to describe something to the small crowd that had assembled around him
Dressed in a floppy tweed hat, casual khakis and striped button-up, the actor used his hands to describe something to the small crowd that had assembled around him.
A hunky lifesaver in red and yellow joined a grey-haired man with a script in his back pocket.
Surfboards sat atop an open-backed vehicle branded 'rescue,' the shoot's Palm Beach location making it increasingly likely the scene was beach related.
Ray formed a crocodile-like v shape with hands as he spoke, the gang's eyes giving him their full attention.
How big? The 72-year-old wore a floppy tweed hat, casual khakis and striped button-up, pulling his arms shoulder-length apart as he stared down at the measurement that could have been describing all manner of things
In another image, his bubbly storytelling pose was still present, as a wide-shot showed a thin layer of sand scattered on a road below him.
This time, he pulled his arms shoulder-length apart as he stared down at the measurement that could have been describing all manner of things.
Shot from behind, a short-haired listener's jawline made it seem as if Ray's story was drawing some laughs.
Home time for me: Not around to hear what Ray had to say was brunette beauty Ada Nicodemou, who was snapped carrying a brown shopping bag as she headed home after filming
Not around to hear what Ray had to say was brunette beauty Ada Nicodemou, who was snapped carrying a brown shopping bag as she headed home after filming.
She looked elegant in a summery pink top, her ripped blue jeans hugging her lithe legs.
The low-cut top exposed the bronzed actress' ample cleavage, as aviator sunglasses covered her eyes.
The Cypriot-born star who plays Leah Patterson-Baker on the show was snapped from a side-profile in one image, highlighting her slender frame.
Looking good! The Cypriot-born star who plays Leah Patterson-Baker on the show was snapped from a side-profile in one image, highlighting her slender frame
Blonde beauty Raechelle Banno did hang around after the shoot, greeting the fans who turned up to watch the shoot.
She wore an elegant, uniquely shaped dark top with a colourful pattern running down the middle.
The Olivia Fraser Richards actress moved her hands into a prayer pose in an apparent thanks to the dedicated onlookers.
Hanging around: Blonde beauty Raechelle Banno did hang around after the shoot, greeting the fans who turned up to watch the shoot
At one point, she looked genuinely moved as she touched her hands to her chest, parsing a gracious smile.
Also heading home for the day was Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene Roberts on the show.
The 64-year-old wasn't around for Ray's story time either, not needing to prove her staying power either as the longest serving female cast member of the show's 29-year history.
Thanks for coming! At one point, she looked genuinely moved as she touched her hands to her chest, parsing a gracious smile
Heading home: Also heading home for the day was Lynne McGranger, who plays Irene Roberts on the show. Air swept her short red hair as she looked comfortable in a spotty button-down top and skinny jeans
Her short red hair was whipped in the wind as she looked comfortable in a spotty button-down top and skinny jeans.
The series is now in its 30th season on Channel 7, with Ray recently winning the honour of Australia Medal for his longtime contribution to the country's arts.
He holds the Guiness World Record for the longest serving actor in an Australian serial.
30 down, still animated: The series is now in its 30th season, with Ray being the only cast member remaining from Home And Away's premiere way back in 1988
On top of the world: He holds the Guiness World Record for the longest serving actor in an Australian serial
NRL's The Footy Show returns to Channel Nine on Thursday.
And the stars of the panel show decided to mark the special day by comically comparing it to preparing for the 'biggest day of their lives.'
The short TV commercial features ALL hosts dressed in white wedding gowns as they parody Nine's romantic dating series Married at First Sight before referencing their own network's 'jacketgate'.
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They're all-white! The Footy Show's Erin Molan don strapless wedding gowns in hilarious TV commercial parodying Married At First Sight
Hosts Paul 'Fatty' Vautin, Beau Ryan, Erin Molan and Darryl 'The Big Marn' Brohman begin the commercial frantically preparing for a wedding as a voice over states: 'It's the day they've all dreamt of.'
Beau opens the commercial showcasing his muscular physique with a towel worn low around his waist as he appears hesitant about the day ahead, screaming: 'This is crazy!'
The over dramatics continued with Erin snapping at a makeup artist and asking 'do I look pretty?'
Arriving in separate cars for their 'big day', the ad conveniently hides the male co-hosts wardrobes from neck down, as Erin provides a busty display as she wriggles around in the backseat.
Frantically preparing for Footy season: The over dramatics begin immediately with Erin Molan snapping at a makeup artist in a stunning wedding gown to ask 'do I look pretty?'
Not ready? At one point she screams as she tries to settle her jitters, yelling: 'I'm okay... I'm not okay!' as the 'biggest day of their lives' nears
Pretty boys! Hosts Paul 'Fatty' Vautin, Beau Ryan and Darryl 'The Big Marn' Brohman are hilariously shown waiting for Erin at the aisle in white wedding gowns holding bouquets
At one point she screams as she tries to settle her jitters, yelling: 'I'm okay... I'm not okay!'
As Erin arrives at the outside wedding, she's shocked to see her co-hosts in similar wedding frocks holding bouquets.
'This is ridiculous!' she exclaimed as the men looked at each other in confusion.
'Where's wardrobe? You're ALL wearing white!' The comedic clip also poked fun at Channel Nine's infamous 'jacket gate' between presenter Amber Sherlock and Julie Snook both wearing white, as Erin became angered that all three of her male co-stars had also worn white wedding gowns
The comedic clip also poked fun at Channel Nine's infamous 'jacket gate' between presenter Amber Sherlock and Julie Snook both wearing white, as Erin proceeded to add: 'Where's wardrobe? You're ALL wearing white!'
While no one suggested the option of throwing on a jacket, Beau debated the colour: 'This is actually ivory.'
NRL'S The Footy Show returns on Channel Nine on Thursday.
She regularly shows off her perfect hourglass figure in an array of sizzling photographs.
And Kelly Brook was at it again on Tuesday, albeit in a more simple fashion - posting a snapshot of herself in the bath of her hotel room.
The shot, taken from behind, shows the 37-year-old model and actress gazing at a spectacular view of the Big Apple alongside the caption: 'Bath with a view.'
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Room with a view! Kelly Brook shared an Instagram snap of herself enjoying a bath during a trip to New York City
The brunette's hair is pulled into a bun and she is seen in the water leaning onto the window sill of the room while admiring the scenery.
Kelly is enjoying a romantic city break with her French beau Jeremy Parisi and has been posting an array of selfies with her boyfriend all over the city.
A snap of the pair cuddling up on the Brooklyn Bridge was captioned 'cheesy tourists' while another shot of herself tucking into a slice of pizza was captioned 'Happy place.'
Cheesy selfie! Kelly and her beau posed for a loved up snap on Brooklyn Bridge
Kelly travelled to the city from Malibu with Jeremy on Saturday also posted a snap of themselves enjoying a romantic walk in Washington Square Park.
Not forgetting to experience the culinary delights, the good-looking couple also tucked into frozen sweet treats at Little Italy, and a delicious looking creme brulee in Manhattan.
Kelly also showed off her maternal side as she cradled her adorable nephew Hunter while posing in front of the Brooklyn Bridge.
Enjoying that? Kelly Brook, 37, tucked greedily into a cheesy slice of pepperoni pizza on Sunday in New York
Loved-up: The model and actress has been taking in the sights of the Big Apple with her French beau Jeremy Parisi
Meanwhile, Kelly recently admitted she was 'amazed' that people still wanted her to do a calendar, and felt 'self-conscious' about stripping off.
'I am still amazed that they want me to do my calendar,' she told The Sun.
'That's the only time of the year I go, "Oh God I have got to put a bikini on and have my picture taken.
Quite the mouthful: Jeremy couldn't resist getting in on the pizza action too
Showing off her maternal side: Kelly cuddled her adorable nephew Hunter
'I am just as self-conscious as anyone else. I am in LA right now and I turned up with puny white hairy legs, they have not seen daylight for at least six months.'
Kelly, who has been dating Jeremy for two years now, described him as 'cultural, intelligent and lovely'.
'He's a very private person who has great morals,' she told Weekend magazine last year. 'I know I'm his priority not work, not the limelight, just me.'
Jet-setters: Kelly, who travelled to the city from Malibu with Jeremy on Saturday, seemed keen to document their sight-seeing efforts
Double trouble: Kelly held Hunter while posing in front of the Brooklyn Bridge
The couple met after Kelly 'fell in love at first sight' while watching a video of performing martial arts and got in touch for fitness advice.
Letting their romance progress gradually, they chatted on Skype for six months before finally meeting in person.
And Kelly recently revealed on Twitter that the couple thought outside the box when it comes to romance, and did not celebrate Valentine's Day with a traditional romantic meal.
Feeling insecure: Kelly recently admitted she was 'amazed' that people still wanted her to do a calendar, and felt 'self-conscious' about stripping off
Candid: ' I go, "Oh God I have got to put a bikini on and have my picture taken," ' she admitted
The Kent-born beauty posted a picture of herself in a fast food joint, posing in front of a tray bearing two delicious-looking burgers and a pile of French fries.
While curvaceous Kelly has been taking a break from modelling, she has been hard at work on her movie career.
This year will see the release of her latest flick, Legacy The Movie. The brunette stunner filmed the horror movie in South East Asia.
'Took these little fellas for a romantic stroll': The good-looking couple tucked into frozen sweet treats at Little Italy
She made a foray into the music world with her hits Dance All Night and Dominos.
So Jessica Wright was undoubtedly overjoyed to be rubbing shoulders with industry top dogs as she attended the Universal Music pre-BRIT Awards party in partnership with American Airlines at London's One Embankment on Tuesday evening.
The 31-year-old former TOWIE star was dressed to impress in a plunging navy jumpsuit which made the most of her eye-popping assets and perky derriere.
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Meeting the stars: Jessica Wright was undoubtedly overjoyed to be rubbing shoulders with industry top dogs as she attended the Universal Music pre-BRIT Awards party in partnership with American Airlines at London's One Embankment on Tuesday evening
Jessica soared to fame on the ITVBe show in 2010, when her central storyline was her attempt at musical superstardom with her girl group LOLA before she went it alone in 2012.
Ahead of Wednesday night's BRIT Awards, the great and good of the music industry gathered at the bash Jess ensured she looked her very best.
Her chic navy jumpsuit helped emphasise all her best assets, as she flaunted her flawless curves due to the hourglass silhouette of the one-piece.
With a wraparound neckline, she managed to give just a hint of her perky assets, the result of a boob job in 2011 - boosting her natural cleavage to a 32DD.
Glam: The 31-year-old former TOWIE star was dressed to impress in a plunging navy jumpsuit which made the most of her eye-popping assets and perky derriere
Stunner: Jessica soared to fame on the ITVBe show in 2010, when her central storyline was her attempt at musical superstardom with her girl group LOLA before she went it alone in 2012
Proving she knows how to work all her best assets, she not only flashed her chest but also her perky posterior as she spun and showed off her derriere.
Jess boosted her height and long legs, which she previously tipped as her favourite body part, with a pair of staggering nude heels with a bevy of thin straps.
Illustrating her attention to detail, she paired the look with a nude clutch bag by Yves Saint Laurent with the instantly recognisable YSL monogram on the front.
Shunning her one-time favourite look, comprising of skin-tight dresses and a bold orange tan, she now opts for a more sleek style.
Naughty in navy: Her chic navy jumpsuit helped emphasise all her best assets, as she flaunted her flawless curves due to the hourglass silhouette of the one-piece
Brunette beauty: She wore her bouncy tresses in a chic chignon pulled at the nape of her neck while her make-up was flawlessly styled with a plum lip
She wore her bouncy tresses in a chic chignon pulled at the nape of her neck while her make-up was flawlessly styled with a plum lip.
Jess accessorised perfectly as she wore plush-looking jewelled earrings with a burgundy stone surrounded by smaller sparklers.
She later took to Instagram to share a snap of the evening with her 1.2million followers as she sizzled into the camera while posing with a pal.
All jewelled up: Jess accessorised perfectly as she wore plush-looking jewelled earrings with a burgundy stone surrounded by smaller sparklers
The brunette beauty signed a three single deal with All Around the World Productions in 2012, the same label boasting Tulisa and Dappy on its books.
When she was signed, she revealed: 'I've always wanted to sing. I've been in a girlband since I was 13 and so I've just been working on it for the last few years. I got signed recently to All Around The World Records and they love the track I wrote.'
When she was asked if she had sought advice from her labelmates Dappy and Tulisa, she said: 'I haven't met either of them yet! I think Tulisa's wicked - she does her own thing and is individual.'
She found fame as Lord Alan Sugar's second ever The Apprentice winner in 2006.
But despite securing the business mogul's backing, Michelle Dewberry was battling with a deep depression, and things got so bad she tried to take her own life in 2012.
The 37-year-old star spoke candidly to presenter Helen Skelton on Tuesday's installment of Lorraine, detailing the complexity of her feelings at her lowest ebb.
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Speaking out: The Apprentice's Michelle Dewberry appeared on Tuesday's installment of Lorraine to discuss her battle with depression
Michelle explained: 'I wanted to die. It was a constant absolute certainty that I didnt want to live.
'The only reason I didnt is because I didnt want to hurt my family. You feel like a burden to everyone around you.
'I just felt with absolute conviction I just wanted to die. I wanted someone to scoop me up and look after me and make it all right again.'
Business minded: The TV personality fame as Lord Alan Sugar's second ever winner of The Apprentice back in 2006
Lowest ebb: Things got so bad that Michelle tried to take her own life in 2012
The blonde - who set up her own consultancy and became a Sky News presenter after stint on reality TV - felt compelled to get better for the sake of her mother.
She said: 'My mum was heartbroken. She wanted me to go to the doctors. I went almost out of respect for my mum.
'I went privately and did a lot of private therapy. I wouldnt ever wish it on my worse enemy. I hated myself. It was horrible.'
Seeking help: The blonde - who set up her own consultancy and became a Sky News presenter after stint on reality TV - felt compelled to get better for the sake of her mother
Bouncing back: Michelle looked ready for the boardroom in a chic navy dress and black heels as she left the ITV studios following her TV appearance
The former employee of Lord Sugar now works with The Princes Trust as well as Womens Aid's Give Me Shelter campaign and Comic Relief.
After turning her life around, Michelle is determined to help others with by sharing her story, and implores fellow depression sufferers to seek help.
'You dont deserve to live sad. I dont take my mental health for granted anymore', she explained.
'Its something that happens in spite of your circumstances. You cant get rid of it.'
Charity work: The former employee of Lord Sugar now works with The Princes Trust as well as Womens Aid's Give Me Shelter campaign and Comic Relief
Raising awareness: Michelle is determined to help others with by sharing her story, and implores fellow depression sufferers to seek help
She shot to fame thanks to her fiery nature and explosive rows on Ex On The Beach.
And Jess Impiazzi made sure she stayed in the limelight as she stripped down to a pair of tiny bikini bottoms during a sun-soaked break in Spain.
The 27-year-old reality star went braless under a semi-sheer blue wet T-shirt as she enjoyed a relaxing dip in the pool.
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Revealing: Jess Impiazzi, 27, made sure she stayed in the limelight as she stripped down to a pair of tiny bikini bottoms during a sun-soaked break in Spain
The brunette beauty wore her long hair slicked back off her face and wore minimal make-up aside from false lashes for her sun-bathing session.
Showcasing a n intricte thigh tattoo, she rocked a pair of vibrant multi-coloured bottoms.
After taking a quick dip in the pool, she cooled off and shook her hair back as she sat on the side.
Clearly confident in her toned figure, the reality star arched her back and eased herself slowly out of the water.
Steamy: The reality star went braless under a thin blue wet T-shirt as she enjoyed a relaxing dip in the pool
Natural: The brunette beauty wore her long hair slicked back off her face and wore minimal make-up aside from false lashes for her sun-bathing session
Turning heads: Showcasing a delicate thigh tattoo, she rocked a pair of vibrant multi-coloured bottoms
Her outing comes as Jess, who caused explosive rows and drama during two seasons of Ex On The Beach, recently passed judgement on the latest batch of MTV daters.
She branded blonde beauty Maisie Gillespie the biggest troublemaker and claimed she was 'too cringe' in how she tried to bed the men in the villa.
'Maisie seems to just get with everyone's guy and not give a s***, so I think because of that she is out there to cause trouble,' she told the Daily Star.
'If you wanna be a s***, be a s***, I have no problem with anyone loving a bit of d***, because that's just how it is.
Working her angles: Clearly confident in her toned figure, the reality star arched her back and eased herself slowly out of the water
Racy: After taking a quick dip in the pool, she cooled off and shook her hair back as she sat on the side
She's got a lot of front: Jess inexplicably chose not to wear the matching bikini top under her T-shirt
'The way she comes across is quite cringeworthy with the things that come out of her mouth, it's too desperate.'
Meanwhile, Jess has finally find true love - after becoming engaged to boyfriend Denny Solomona.
The reality star looked over the moon as her rugby player beau, 23, got down on one knee and popped the question outside the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas back in November.
Jess was first linked to the Castleford player last year when they were spotted kissing after a romantic dinner together last May.
Reality star: She shot to fame thanks to her fiery nature and explosive rows on Ex On The Beach
Soaking up the sun: Jess seemed to be enjoying her trip abroad
The loved-up couple later moved in together and even bought a place of their own, before they split in June last year.
However the pair later resolved their issues and rekindled their flame later in the summer - even travelling to Samoa together for Jess to meet Denny's extended family.
Back in December, Jess revealed that she nearly died in a freak accident caused by her dog.
Tension: Jess branded current Ex On The Beach star Maisie Gillespie the biggest troublemaker and claimed she was 'too cringe' in how she tried to bed the men in the villa
Awkward: 'Maisie seems to just get with everyone's guy and not give a s***, so I think because of that she is out there to cause trouble,' she said
The Page 3 girl, who owns a Doberman and Dalmatian, took to Twitter to inform her followers of the shocking incident, that saw her nearly poisoned by gas after her pet pooch managed to cause a leak.
She wrote: 'Went for a bath and the dog jumped on the stove and turned the gas on when I came down I had bad headache! And house is stinking of gas!
'So lucky I noticed before I passed out or lit a candle or something! Jeez!'
They clashed in the South African jungle from day one.
And I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! stars Ash Pollard and Keira Maguire's feud reached a new level of intensity on Tuesday night's episode.
Ash used a few choice words against the former Bachelor 'villain' after Keira claimed she would purposely stop doing Tucker Trials to 'p*** people off.'
'Self-obsessed, repugnant, obnoxious little monster!' I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! star Ash Pollard slams Keira Maguire during Tuesday night's episode after the former Bachelor star claims she might purposely fail future Tucker Trials
Keira's snarky comment about Tucker Trials, of which she has now completed three, came after she insisted there were 'favourites' being picked in the camp.
She claimed Ash, who usually cooks dinner, was given a larger portion compared to her 'not very fair' amount.
'You can see they're uneven. Anyone could. Ash had the biggest bit there. It's like favourites. It's ridiculous!' she ranted loudly so everyone could hear.
'It's like favourites. It's ridiculous!' Keira claimed potion sizings at dinner favoured Ash and other celebrities better, while she had been forced to endure a dish of earth worms, boiled intestines and chicken hearts hours earlier
'I don't want to do any more trials, any more': Her previous Tucker Trials have ended in tears and meltdowns, with the dinner servings forcing Keira to say she didn't want to do any more challenges and hinted that she might 'stop doing stuff to p*** people off'
'I don't want to do any more trials, any more. I may just stop doing stuff. To p*** people off,' she joked with a smirk.
Ash didn't appear to find the comment humorous, lashing out about her co-star in the jungle diary room.
'I have never in my life met such a self-obsessed repugnant, and obnoxious little monster,' she said of Keira.
'I have never in my life met such a self-obsessed repugnant, and obnoxious little monster': Ash didn't appear impressed by Keira's whinging over dinner, lashing out about her co-star in the privacy of the jungle diary room
Later, feeding off each other's hostile energy, Ash mimicked Keira.
Keira said 'I hate this place!', to which Ash mocked her by repeating: 'She loves this place, guys.'
During her first day on camp, Keira revealed to the cameras that she wasn't feeling much love between the pair, saying: 'Ash is an alpha female like I am, so I feel like it's a natural thing we may clash.'
Via the Daily Trust: How the recent Lassa fever outbreak has spread. Excerpt:
Since the recent outbreak of Lassa fever in the country new cases of infections and deaths have been reported. The disease has also been spreading across states.
Lassa fever is an acute febrile illness which was first detected in Nigeria in 1969 and comes with bleeding and death in severe cases, with an incubation period of 6-21 days.
The virus is carried in multimammate rats (the common soft-furred African rat whose female has a double row of breasts), which normally live in bushes and visit nearby homes for food, which they contaminate.
Eighty percent of Lassa fever cases pass unnoticed with symptoms similar in many common diseases as mild fevers, body aches, tiredness and loss of appetite. But severe cases progress with sore throat, cough, vomiting, diarrhoea and unexplained bleeding from body openings.
Some days ago, the Director of Public health in the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ibrahim Adamu,said eight people had died since the reported index case in November 2016.
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Abuja, Dr. Chikwe Ihekwazu, recently, in an interview, said that Lassa fever outbreak is yet to become an epidemic but that there are fears that the continued deaths of Nigerians as a result of the fever might be pointing in a different direction.
Highlight of weekly report of the endemic diseases shared by head, technical communication NCDC, Lawal Bakare, revealed that Lassa fever is currently active in nine states; Ogun, Bauchi, Plateau, Ebonyi, Ondo, Edo, Taraba, Nasarawa and Rivers.
The highlight stated that, since its onset in December. 2016 (Week 49), a total of 196 suspected cases with 40 deaths have been reported.
Of these, 58 have been either classified as confirmed or probable (confirmed 53, probable 5), with 31 deaths (26 deaths in confirmed and 5 in probable). Case Fatality Rate for confirmed/probable cases is 53.4% and 20.4% for all cases (including probable/confirmed and suspected).
Lisa Oldfield has been in the public eye for over a decade as a politician's wife.
Now, it's the 41-year-old's time to shine, as she and husband David Oldfield stepped out on Tuesday for the launch of her new reality TV series, Real Housewives of Sydney.
The pair's outing at Sydney's Woolloomooloo Wharf comes just a day after the raven haired TV personality claimed the couple's 17-year marriage was under strain.
Time to shine: After years as a 'politician's wife' it was Lisa Olfield's time to shine as she and David stepped out on Tuesday for the launch of her new reality TV series, Real Housewives of Sydney
No trouble in paradise? The pair's outing at Sydney's Woolloomooloo Wharf comes just a day after the raven haired TV personality claimed the couple's 17-year marriage was under strain
'We started filming the show when our marriage was on its last legs,' Lisa told New Idea magazine, in an interview published on Monday.
Filming of the series began in October but it would seem things are fine between the couple now, as they put on a public display of affection on the red carpet outside Otto Restaurant.
While David had a glass of champagne in hand, Lisa had both arms around her husband as they posed for photos.
The duo then leaned in for a kiss.
Passionate kiss: While it seems Lisa was hoping for a passionate display, David kept his lips closed before they had a peck on the lips
Moving forward? Their loved up display seems very different to the picture Lisa painted in the magazine
And while it seems Lisa was hoping for a passionate display, David kept his lips closed before they had a peck on the lips.
Their loved up display seems very different to the picture Lisa painted in the magazine, where she revealed: 'We've had a lot of marital problems and I'm very open about them'.
'It's been really interesting filming [the show] because it really held a mirror up to us and made us realise that we're not communicating anymore,' she revealed.
'[The show] made us realise that we're not communicating anymore': Lisa opened up about her marriage woes in a recent interview
Loved up: Clearly communication has been flowing as the couple cuddled up at the event
Clearly communication has been flowing as the couple cuddled up at the event.
At one stage Lisa, who was dressed in a fitted black and white Marchesa dress and pearls, wiped the sides of her face.
It's not known if the controversial TV personality was making a rude gesture or simply fixing her lipstick.
What is she doing? It's not known if the controversial TV personality was making a rude gesture or simply fixing her lipstick
Controversial star: The raven haired TV personality was sure to show her cheeky side also
Classy look: Lisa attended the event dressed in a fitted black and white Marchesa dress and Levendi jewellers pearls
The couple were then pictured mixing and mingling with other guests, which included Lisa's RHOS cast mates.
AthenaX Levendi, Krissy Marsh, Matty Samaei, Melissa Tkautz, Nicole O'Neil and Victoria Rees all attended in busty and glamorous ensembles for the mid-week do.
David too enjoyed an animated chat with his wife's co-stars - it's not known if this was the first time he had met them or not.
Meeting the colleagues: The couple were then pictured mixing and mingling with other guests, which included Lisa's RHOS cast mates
Ahead of the launch of the series, Lisa took offence to her original tagline on the show 'Politician's wife'.
She made such a noise about it that Producers tweaked it to 'Politically incorrect' instead, which made her much happier.
The raven-haired firecracker took to Instagram to vent her frustration over the term 'politician's wife', uploading a screenshot of the ad alongside the caption: 'Can you believe after an enormously successful corporate career @foxtel have labelled me as a #politicianswife?'
Changed! After complaining about being referred to as 'Politician's wife' in the RHOS promos, Lisa had it changed to 'Politically Incorrect'
'Nevermind that my husband left politics 10 years ago! I think I just became a feminist at 41,' adding the hashtags 'first world problems' and 'p**** off'.
Further in her comments she explained to a follower: '... I sold my first company for $43M at 29.
'In context, every other cast member had their achievements lauded in their title, yet I'm relegated to wife status and a career my husband had a decade ago??'
The new Foxtel series launches on Arena TV on Sunday, February 26.
After a high profile marriage to Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, she has kept her relationship with beau Brad Falchuk relatively low key.
And Gwyneth Paltrow and the producer-director made a rare public appearance on Sunday as they headed out for coffee in the Los Angeles city of Calabasas.
The actress wore her blonde hair in a loose slightly dishevelled style while slouchy blue dungarees and a baggy grey cardigan added to the casual look.
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Low key and make-up free: Gwyneth Paltrow plumped for a natural look as she and beau Brad Falchuk headed out for coffee in Calabasas, California on Sunday
Only a slick red manicure and several sparkling rings on her fingers betrayed her more glamorous Hollywood roots.
Brad meanwhile, sported a long sleeved black sweaters and loose fitting grey trousers and trainers as he followed his girlfriend through the car park.
The couple went public with their relationship in an Instagram post back in September 2015 - nearly 18 months after Gwyneth famously announced her 'conscious uncoupling' with husband Chris.
Rare appearance: Gwyneth and Brad Falchuk made their way through a car park together with the producer looking equally casual
The actress's make-up free appearance came two months after she said she was embracing the ageing process.
Now 44-years-old, she told People: 'Of course I have wrinkles [and] grey hair. But I genuinely love it. This is who I am.
'I have been through incredible ups and downs,' she added, 'And I feel so blessed that I have the wrinkles to tell the story.'
Rare showing: Gwyneth and Brad have kept their romance on the down low since they went public with their relationship - pictured in October 2015
And she believes that turning 40 a few years back has given the Oscar-wining star a new lease of life.
'I really believe that when a woman turns 40, she gets a software upgrade, I have never been happier,' she added.
And her career is also going from strength to strength. This year, she stars in the biopic 33 Dias about artist Pablo Picasso and his fraught relationship with Guernica collaborator and lover Dora Maar.
She'll also hit the silver screen in the made-for-TV movie One Hit Wonders directed by Glee's Ryan Murphy.
Tuesday's sudden death cook-off on My Kitchen Rules saw Queensland couple Alyse and Matt axed with measly score of 27/60.
But fans have taken to Twitter to suggest 'winners' Josh and Amy should have also met the same fate.
Also scoring less than 30, avid viewers claimed Josh and Amy didn't deserve to be in the competition as they also 'failed' and 'cooked terribly.'
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With scores like that both teams deserve to leave: My Kitchen Rules fans slam BOTH teams (Elyse and Matt and Josh and Amy) in sudden death cook-off for uninspiring performances and poor dishes on Tuesday night's episode
'They both failed': Fans have taken to Twitter to suggest 'winners' Josh and Amy should have also met the same fate as their rivals, with a measly two-point lead
The two rival teams went head-to-head in the cook-off to earn their spot on the cooking show, with Josh and Amy narrowly claiming victory with a two-point lead.
'With scores like that both teams deserve to leave to be honest. They both failed,' one angered viewer reacted on Twitter.
Judge Pete Evans described Matt and Elyse's three-course meal as a 'bumpy road', while judge Colin Fassnidge added: 'It was a fail!'
Narrow win: Josh and Amy only narrowly avoided eviction, with the judges noting their entree's rice wasn't cooked well and they overcooked the fish, which is supposed to be Josh's specialty
'Nobody deserved to win': One user claimed the head-to-head battle was 'amateurish'
Josh and Amy didn't avoid the harsh criticism for their dishes either, with the judges noting their rice wasn't cooked well and they overcooked the fish, which is supposed to be Josh's specialty.
With lack-lustre dishes, low scores and disappointed judges, the episode was quickly a topic of conversation on Twitter.
'Nobody deserved to win tonight - poor cooking on both side. Very amateurish,' one user said of the uninspiring cook-off.
'I wish both teams could've been booted': Proving MKR's loyal fans are all about the cooking, users claimed their poor scores should have meant they both left the show
'So disappointed': While the judges were noticeably displeased by the contestant's attempts to prove their worth in the competition, avid viewers wished the judges would have made BOTH teams hang up their aprons
Others agreed, by writing: 'I wish both teams could've been booted tonight' and 'So disappointed. I thought BOTH teams would be hanging up their aprons.'
The judges were noticeably displeased by the contestant's attempts to prove their worth in the competition, stating: 'Congratulations, I didn't think a team could fall from grace as much as the first team.'
Colin added: 'We do this for a living. we taste everyday, if there's something not quite right and you give it to us, we're going to taste it.'
Eliminated: Newlyweds Alyse and Matt were sent home, after the two teams went head-to-head in the cook-off on MKR
Dessert tips: Poking fun at the team's poor performances, one viewer joked they should have stuck with store-bought ice cream and chocolate sauce
Ouch! In another blow for the pair, he added about the dish: 'Congratulations, I didn't think a team could fall from grace as much as the first team,' referring to Josh and Amy's bad feedback
Poking fun at the team's poor performances, one viewer joked: 'Both teams would have been better serving Streets ice cream with ice magic on it for desert.'
After describing Alyse and Matt's entree as 'perfect,' Chef and judge Guy Grossi said: 'We started really strong and took a nose dive.'
About their dessert, he added: 'Some of the components didn't come together from a technical point of view.'.
Cooking up a disaster: The pair cooked an entree of sumac spiced salmon with figs, a main of lemon and herb spatchcock with silverbeet and carrot puree and a dessert of banoffee pavlova with peanut praline
Job well done! Josh and Amy remained in the competition for scoring 29 points out of 60, falling back on their main and dessert
Guest judge Karen Martini said their dessert was poor, saying their praline wasn't cooked enough and wasn't a praline, and their banana was burnt and the sauce was lack-lustre.
Josh and Amy fell back on their main and dessert after getting rave reviews for their entree, with Pete saying it proves 'why you are in the competition.'
However Colin delivered the pair a blow, saying to them before giving his final score: 'To be honest, I should of left after the first course.'
Flavour fail: They failed to cook their curry paste in the pan for long enough, meaning flavour failed to come through in the dish
Josh even was worried at one point, saying his dog eats better food than what they had served to the judges for the main.
Upon hearing he had narrowly avoided elimination and had sent their rivals home, Josh said to camera how excited he was.
'We just knocked off our rivals, it feels wicked!' he said with a laugh.
My Kitchen Rules returns to Channel Seven on Wednesday at 7.30pm
They caused stirs while getting hot and heavy on-screen during Love Island last year.
And Cara de la Hoyde proved her relationship with Nathan Massey is as steamy as ever as they enjoyed a sexy romp on the shores during a recent trip to Gran Canaria, in which she lit up the beach with her stunning physique.
The 26-year-old circus performer wowed in a sizzling bikini as she locked lips with her beloved Essex boy, 27, before he enjoyed an appreciative glance at her derriere, which he lauded 'The best bum in the world' on the ITV2 show.
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Love up: Cara de la Hoyde proved her relationship with Nathan Massey is as steamy as ever as they enjoyed a sexy romp on the shores during a recent trip to Gran Canaria, in which she lit up the beach with her stunning physique
Cara and Nathan were victors on last year's second series of the renewed show, which first aired in 2005 before rebooting ten years later.
Having locked eyes in the very first stage of the show, where contestants are told to couple up immediately, the duo remained close throughout.
Now their love appears stronger than ever as they were seen putting on their romantic display while soaking up some winter sun away from the UK's dreary climes.
Cara looked nothing short of sensational as she slipped into her sexy beach look, comprising of high-waisted bottoms with a racy tie extending along the hip.
Wowzers! The 26-year-old circus performer wowed in a sizzling bikini as she locked lips with her beloved Essex boy, 27, before he enjoyed an appreciative glance at her derriere, which he lauded 'The best bum in the world' on the ITV2 show
Locking lips: Cara and Nathan were victors on last year's second series of the renewed show, which first aired in 2005 before rebooting ten years later
Long time love: Having locked eyes in the very first stage of the show, where contestants are told to couple up immediately, the duo remained close throughout
Hot stuff! Cara displayed her peachy posterior for her adoring boyfriend to see
Look at me in the sea! The sexy star dazzled as she stripped down to her tiny ensemble
Having a giggle: The talented star threw her head back with laughter as she enjoyed her trip to the beach
Never leave me! The couple proved just how tight their bond
The unique look was made ever more quirky with the addition of the top which comprised of just loose pieces of material layered over the triangle cups.
Proving her attention to detail, Cara layered her outfit beneath a coordinating kimono which billowed lightly in the warm breeze.
She wore her lengthy raven tresses cascading down her back while pushing the lengths off her face with the help of a trendy pair of sunglasses.
Oh my! Her perky derriere looked fantastic in the high-waisted bottoms
Hot stuff: The unique look was made ever more quirky with the addition of the top which comprised of just loose pieces of material layered over the triangle cups
Into the distance: The couple looked stunning as they lapped up the sunshine
Out and a pout: The star wowed as she paraded along the shores in her bikini
Kicking up a storm: Playful Cara looked stunning as she larked around
Strutting her stuff: The star proved she knows how to work her best bits as she sizzled in the two-piece
Stripping down: She was quick to show off her figure
You spin me right round... Cara was the object of her beau's desire during their turn on the shore
Hold me close! The couple could not resist getting close to one another
Despite being on the beach, Cara was heavily made up with lashings of foundation framing her fluttering eyelashes and plump pout.
With their romance as lively as ever, Nathan larked around his girlfriend, playing the clown as usual, shortly before grabbing her for a steamy clinch.
The duo are fast approaching their first anniversary, having met on Love Island in May, where their romance grew during the seven week stint in the villa.
Cara and Nathan are branching out with their reality roots, as the couple have now signed up to TOWIE where Essex-based Nathan will join some of his best pals, including Tommy Mallet, in the dramatic goings on of the real life soap.
I love you! The duo are fast approaching their first anniversary, having met on Love Island in May, where their romance grew during the seven week stint in the villa
Trouble in paradise: While things certainly seemed steamy during their trip to Gran Canaria, earlier in the trip things were more fraught after Cara was seen throwing a glass of water in Nathan's face in the midst of a blazing row
Legs eleven! Cara was not shy about flaunting her figure as she walked the beach
Shaking her thing! She dazzled as her boyfriend cast some very appreciate glances at her frame
While things certainly seemed steamy during their trip to Gran Canaria, earlier in the trip things were more fraught after Cara was seen throwing a glass of water in Nathan's face in the midst of a blazing row.
Speaking to Daily Star after the argument, the star was insistent she was totally to blame for the trivial argument which unfortunately escalated.
She said: 'It was my time of the month, you know what it's like when they wind you up. It was chucking the water or a punch so I chucked the water.'
Nathan insists his penchant for 'being a wind up' was to blame: 'I'm just a massive wind up. I've not done anything naughty. I lost a hotel key and blamed it on her.'
Building things up: Speaking to Daily Star after the argument, the star was insistent she was totally to blame for the trivial argument which unfortunately escalated
She partied the night away with the great and good of the fashion world at the LOVE magazine x Burberry London Fashion Week bash on Monday.
But Kendall Jenner came over all shy as she arrived at the capital's Heathrow Airport to catch a flight on Tuesday morning.
Covering up her face as she made her way through the terminal, the supermodel, 21, looked worlds-away from the fun she was having with her pals at Annabel's private members' club in Mayfair the previous evening.
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All partied out? Kendall Jenner came over all shy as she arrived at Heathrow Airport to catch a flight on Tuesday morning after boogying the night away at the LOVE magazine bash
Despite the heavy night before, the catwalk queen still managed to look every inch the stylish A-lister as she donned an all-black ensemble.
Showing off her incredibly statuesque figure, Kendall paraded her long and lean pins in skintight leggings.
The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star teamed the look with a simple T-shirt, while adding a sophisticated touch by layering a military styled blazer with large gold buttons.
Kendall dressed down her look by giving her usually heeled feet a rest in a pair of comfortable Vans trainers.
Camera shy: Covering up her face as she made her way through the terminal, the supermodel, 21, looked worlds-away from the fun she was having with her pals at Annabel's
What a difference a day makes! Kendall looked a far cry from her glamour appearance the night before at the LOVE magazine and Burberry London Fashion Week bash
In a bid to stay incognito, the brunette beauty opted for gold-rimmed Aviator sunglasses as she hid her tired eyes.
Kendall looked a little worse for wear as she covered her face with her hand, clearly not in the mood for pictures.
The reality star's gloomy appearance was a far cry from her excited demeanor the night before, where she partied the evening away with her model pals at London's Annabel nightclub after the LOVE x Burberry bash.
Stylish: Despite the heavy night before, the model still managed to look every inch the stylish A-lister as she donned an all-black ensemble
Bareface beauty: Showing off her statuesque figure, Kendall paraded her long and lean pins in skintight leggings
On the move! The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star teamed the look with a simple t-shirt, while adding a sophisticated touch by layering a military styled blazer
Work, work, work: Kendall dressed down her look by giving her usually heeled feet a rest in a pair of comfortable Vans trainers
Kendall let her hair down as she made the most of her night off in the British capital with a whole host of her supermodel pals.
The star shunned her usual girl next door look for a more daring and edgy style, as she donned a gold grill across her pearly whites.
Kendall dared to be different in a statement Burberry cream cape, complete with pom pom detailing, which debuted on the runway earlier in the evening.
Who's that girl? In a big to stay incognito, the brunette beauty opted for gold-rimmed Aviator sunglasses as she hid her tired eyes
Bling: The reality star's gloomy appearance was a far cry from her excited demeanor the night before, where she partied the evening away with her model pals
The quirky cover up was teamed with a bodycon beige dress which flattered her long legs and a pair of heeled ankle boots, adding some extra height.
The brunette beauty was sure to make it a night to remember as she partied alongside her model pals Bella Hadid, 20, Jourdan Dunn, 26, and Winnie Harlow, 22.
The models appeared to have a whale of a time during their fashion week night out as they were later joined by the likes of Ellie Goulding, Nick Grimshaw and Sofia Richie.
Party pals: The star shunned her usual girl next door look for a more daring and edgy style, as she donned a gold grill across her pearly whites (pictured with Lily Donaldson and Bella Hadid)
All eyes on her: Kendall dared to be different in a Burberry cream cape complete with pom pom detailing, which debuted on the runway earlier in the evening
The glamorous socialites are set to compete for attention when Real Housewives of Sydney premieres on Sunday.
But jewellery designer Athena Levendi and model Krissy Marsh appeared content in sharing the spotlight on Tuesday in extravagant red gowns.
The pair, among their Sydney housewife co-stars, descended on Sydney's Woolloomooloo Wharf to celebrate the launch of the series.
Girls night out! The Real Housewives Of Sydney cast wowed on the red carpet at the show's Foxtel Arena TV launch on Tuesday night at Woolloomooloo Wharf, with Athena Levendi and Krissy Marsh BOTH wearing red
Sporting different shades of red, the duo did not appear to pose together one-on-one at the event, instead showcasing their designs by posing alone.
Krissy put on a leggy display in a daring design that gave a glimpse of her inner-thigh with a large front split.
The dress was printed with floral detailing, with its off-the-shoulder design pushing her ample assets to spill over the cut.
She wore her luscious brunette locks down over her exposed shoulders and partnered her look with black strappy heels.
Va va voom! Model Krissy Marsh flaunted a leggy display in a daring design that gave a glimpse of her inner-thigh with a large front split
Athena's ensemble was the most lavish of all, with a satin skirt and rhinestone bralette top with tulle wrapped around her and tied into a bow on her waist.
The painter added luxury to her look with a designer necklace and barrel curls.
Adding to her bright look, she pouted for the cameras with a stylish red lipstick perfectly applied on her lips.
Fit for a princess: Athena Levendi's ensemble was the most lavish of all, with a satin skirt and rhinestone bralette top with tulle wrapped around her and tied into a bow on her waist
Fairytale beginnings: At the launch of the series, due to air this Sunday, Athena added to her bright look by pouting with stylish red lipstick perfectly applied on her lips
Shimmering her way into the event, beauty expert Matty Samaei donned a short sparkly number with silver gladiator heels.
Her outfit was decorated in sequins and beads, as she toted a nude handbag over her left arm.
Matty's makeup was flawlessly applied, with her blonde tresses falling around her face.
Shine bright! Beauty expert Matty Samaei donned a short sparkly number decorated in sequins and beads with silver gladiator heels
Simply stunning! Former Miss Australia Nicole O'Neil went for a more angelic appearance in white with a fitted white frock with frilled straps
Former Miss Australia Nicole O'Neil went for a more angelic appearance in white.
She showcased her slender frame within a fitted white frock with frilled straps.
Nicole partnered her look with nude and silver heels, while toting a brown clutch.
Elegant! Victoria Rees also played it safe with a full-length black frock with a leg split and a minor cut-out over her bust
Victoria Rees also played it safe with a full-length black frock with a leg split and a minor cut-out over her bust.
Not afraid of flaunting their bosoms were co-stars Lisa Oldfield and Melissa Tkautz.
Melissa wowed on the red in a black lace cropped corset top with a low sweetheart neckline that made her busty assets unmissable.
Posing with one hand on her hip, the now reality TV starlet showed off her svelte figure and slender arms, while offering a sultry gaze down the lens.
Out-there stars: Not afraid of flaunting their bosoms were co-stars Lisa Oldfield and Melissa Tkautz
Wow! Melissa wowed on the red in a black lace cropped corset top with a low sweetheart neckline that made her busty assets unmissable
Cheeky! Showing her cheeky side during the launch party, Lisa bent forward on the red carpet to give a full view of ample assets in her low-cut design
Lisa meanwhile was dressed in a fitted black and white Marchesa dress with pearls worn around her neck.
Showing her cheeky side during the night, she bent forward on the red carpet to give a full view of ample assets.
Lisa was also seen having fun with her fellow housewives at the event, including raising Athena's leg for a laughter-filled pose on the red carpet.
Life of the party? Lisa was also seen having fun with her fellow housewives at the event, including raising Athena's leg for a laughter-filled pose on the red carpet
They've been inseparable from the moment their fairytale romance began in late 2012.
But Michelle Keegan wasn't always such a fan of her now-husband Mark Wright, sharing some rather amusing yet scathing views about the former Essex Lothario in her old Love It! magazine column.
In a section from her newly-resurfaced column from 2011 - branded 'Tut Tut, Mark' - the 29-year-old actress aired her views about the ex-TOWIE hunk's poor treatment of then-girlfriend Lauren Goodger - and women in general.
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Ouch! Michelle Keegan hasn't always been a fan of her now-husband Mark Wright, sharing some rather amusing yet scathing views about the former Essex Lothario in her 2011 Love It magazine column
Michelle wrote about her future Mr. Right: 'I love TOWIE! It's one of those shows you don't want to watch, but just can't help turning on.
'I don't know how Lauren can take Mark back so easily, though - it's so cringe!
'I wouldn't' be able to get back with someone who'd slept with lots of girls I knew, but that's just me.'
Mark and Lauren, who were together for ten years on and off, rose to fame on the ITVBe reality series, with storylines revolving around his numerous flirtations with other women, including Lucy Mecklenburgh and Sam Faiers.
'It's so cringe!': Michelle shared of Mark's then-girlfriend Lauren, 'I don't know how Lauren can take Mark back so easily, though'
Reformed womaniser: In a her 2011 column, Michelle aired her views about the ex-TOWIE hunk's poor treatment of then-girlfriend Lauren Goodger - and women in general
Long-term love: Mark and Lauren, who were together for ten years on and off, rose to fame on TOWIE, and viewers saw their realtionship and eventually their bitter break-up play out in front of the cameras
Mark and Lauren even got engaged on TOWIE in March 2011 - only for the Essex lad to call things off five months later - and there has been bad blood between the pair ever since.
A year and a half later, Mark and Michelle met on a group holiday to Dubai and fell madly in love.
In September 2013, less than a year after their New Year's break, the pair were engaged, trying the knot in May 2015.
But it hasn't always been smooth sailing between the happy couple and Lauren, although things are cordial these days.
Whirlwind romance: In September 2013, less than a year after meeting in Dubai, Mark and Michelle got engaged, trying the knot in May 2015. The couple are pictured five months into their relationship
Ahead of his wedding to Michelle, the former reality star took to social media to hit out at his long-term love on Twitter after a war words.
He had seemingly taken issue a Lauren's not-so-cryptic post, reading, 'She's the kind of girl a guy meets when he's too young and he f**ks up because there's too much living to do. But later he realises she's perfect'.,
Mark declared: 'If your reading this, please PLEASE respect my wife and STOP. I wish you well but leave me, my life and my wife out of it. Im sure there is other ways to make money [sic].'
He then went on to re-tweet a series of responses from fans, all supporting his stance.
The wedding itself, a lavish bash for 200 guests, was followed by a luxury two-centre honeymoon, with the couple starting in the Maldives before joining members of both families in Dubai.
She's spent much of the series professing her love for him.
So Ex On The Beach star Nicole Bass will undoubtedly be both delighted and devastated as her beloved ex-boyfriend Jacques Fraser arrive on the shores on Tuesday night's episode of the show.
The 25-year-old former TOWIE star will see the arrival of the hunky South Londoner, who will no doubt be shocked to discover that his former love has heard rumours that he cheated on her - much to her horror.
Ahead of Jacques entrance into the villa he sat down with MTV to answer some heated questions about his intentions for Nicole, who currently has a whopping three exes in the house.
The Essex-born beauty entered the show as Joshua Richie's ex, shortly before her former loves Jack Devlin and Alexzander Leslie arrived on the show - with the latter baring terrible news.
After Nicole blasted Alex for how he treated her, while insisting Jacques Fraser made her feel 'like a princess', he then delivered the crashing blow that her esteemed former boyfriend had cheated on her.
Finally able to have his own say on Tuesday's episode, the hunky newcomer, who is strictly known by his full name Jacques Fraser, revealed some cheeky facts to fans before he entered the show.
Heartbreak: Ex On The Beach star Nicole Bass will undoubtedly be both delighted and devastated as her beloved ex-boyfriend Jacques Fraser arrive on the shores on Tuesday night's episode of the show
Happy times: The 25-year-old former TOWIE star will see the arrival of the hunky South Londoner, who will no doubt be shocked to discover that his former love has heard rumours that he cheated on her - much to her horror
See what he's missing! Stunning Nicole naturally wowed the newcomer
In his clip, he said: 'I'm Jack, 26, from south London. I'm a man's man, you know, say it like it is, got good banter, love the birds.
'Everyone knows me as Jacques Fraser but my real name is Jacques Renee Fraser. The funny thing is, is no one in my family's french.'
Much to her delight no doubt, Jacques then revealed his intention to win Nicole back as he lamented that she is: 'The one that got away'.
He explained: 'I came to the show as Nicole's ex, I've come to get her back. We had a few issues. I'm tryna get her back, she's the one who got away.
Hand on heart: Ahead of Jacques entrance into the villa he sat down with MTV to answer some heated questions about his intentions for Nicole, who currently has a whopping three exes in the house
Wink wink: Jacques Fraser then went on to reveal a bevy of very steamy secrets - which would undoubtedly further deepen Nicole's trust issues
'Met her on a night out. Met her, we started talking as friends and got to know her better, started catching feelings and fell in love. When I was younger I never got attached to birds when they caught feelings I'd just let them go.'
It seems despite his 'catching feelings' with Nicole, it was not enough to keep his eyes from straying, if Alex's revelation is to be believed.
Jacques Fraser then went on to reveal a bevy of very steamy secrets - which would undoubtedly further deepen Nicole's trust issues.
My girls: He said: 'One sexy secret is I slept with three different girls in 24 hours in Ibiza. Another one is I've had sex in the cinema. I can't remember the film. Another is I've had quite a few threesomes'
He said: 'One sexy secret is I slept with three different girls in 24 hours in Ibiza. Another one is I've had sex in the cinema. I can't remember the film. Another is I've had quite a few threesomes.'
From his explanation of his perfect girl, it seems Nicole slots perfectly in, with his love of all natural appearances from his ladies.
He revealed: 'My type of girl is natural, naturally pretty, I don't like the fake look. I dont like the fake look, fake hair, fake lips, fake t*ts, fake personality.'
The upcoming star is determined to find his ideal woman: 'I wanna wake up next to a bird and her looking the same as she did on a night out - not wake up next to her and think: "F**k about".'
Ex On The Beach continues tonight at 10pm, only on MTV
Serious talk: The upcoming star is determined to find his ideal woman: 'I wanna wake up next to a bird and her looking the same as she did on a night out - not wake up next to her and think: "F**k about"
Elizabeth Olsen has been working up a sweat around Los Angeles to stay in fighting form for her forthcoming superhero flick Avengers: Infinity War.
And the actress rewarded her discipline on Monday in Studio City, California, when she popped into McConnell's Scoop Shops for a frozen treat.
The younger sister of actresses Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen sampled four different flavors before selecting one to fill a pint-size order, along with a large cookie that she carried out in her hand.
Sweet deal! Elizabeth Olsen indulged in samples of ice cream flavors on Monday in Studio City, California on a solo outing
The blonde was casual for the solo outing and kept her look simple with jeans, a brown sweater and a black jacket. Her ombre tresses were styled loose and rested around her shoulders, and she opted to go make-up free.
Last week she turned 28 years old and didn't shy away from cake when she celebrated among friends.
And there are more big things ahead for the movie star to celebrate, as her big screen career is busier than ever.
Rewards: The action movie star settled on a pint of ice cream and a cookie
Sweet tooth! The sister of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen walked off with a large cookie in her hand
The movie star is currently reprising her role as Scarlet Witch in the third installment of the Avengers, which will hit theaters next year.
Last month she wrapped promoting her two forthcoming pictures at the Sundance Film Festival, Wind River and Ingrid Goes West.
Just premiered: In Ingrid Goes West, Elizabeth stars as Taylor, a social media celebrity whose online presence enraptures Ingrid, an unhinged woman played by Aubrey Plaza
Haunting: Wind River stars Jeremy Renner as Cory Lambert, a US Fish & Wildlife agent, and Elizabeth as Jane Banner, a rookie FBI agent
In the drama Wind River, she plays opposite her Avengers co-star Jeremy Renner as a rookie FBI agent who teams up with the US Fish & Wildlife agent in the investigation of a dead and raped teenage girl who was discovered in Wyoming's Wind River Indian Reservation.
In the dark comedy Ingrid Goes West, Elizabeth stars as Taylor, a social media influencer whose e-fame enraptures an unhinged woman played by Aubrey Plaza.
Josh Murray seems to be back together with his ex fiancee Amanda Stanton after a two months break. And on Tuesday photo evidence of their reunion surfaced.
The handsome dark-haired reality star can be seen leaning in for the smooch with the pretty, petite blonde after they dined at the Japanese restaurant Katana in West Hollywood.
Later the TV star was seen walking into the Sunset Boulevard Best Western Hotel with his former Bachelor In Paradise co-star.
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The kiss: Josh Murray is back together with his ex fiancee Amanda Stanton. And on Tuesday photo evidence if the reunion surfaced
Date night: The handsome dark-haired reality star can be seen leaning in for the smooch with the pretty, petite blonde after they dined at the Japanese restaurant Katana in West Hollywood
Murray wore a dark jacket and grey jeans with boots. Amanda wore all black with shirt boots and a long-strapped purse.
The beauty had to stand on her tippy toes to give Josh his kiss. He was also seen with his arm around her.
They were also seen hand-in-hand and laughing as if they have not a care in the world.
My place? Later the TV star was seen walking into the Sunset Boulevard Best Western Hotel
The two seemed to be caught up in each other and didn't notice other people on the street.
These photos come out just after Murray talked to ET's Lauren Zima about the snaps.
'Who was watching us?' the 32-year-old questioned, with a smile and a laugh.
He's 'single': Murray sat down with ET's Lauren Zima for a Facebook Live interview on Monday, seen here in a photo he shared the same day to Instagram
Rumors had been circling for a while about the breakup of the couple, who was one of three pairs to get engaged on last summer's Bachelor in Paradise season finale.
Stanton, 26, confirmed that things had ended between them, also to ET in January. In December, TMZ claimed they split after a massive fight at the Jingle Ball at the Staples Center in LA.
Though somewhat hesitant to authenticate the images put in front of him, he admitted freely to meeting the mother-of-two for a meal.
'It was a good evening. We had a good time. Whenever we're together, especially outside of the show and outside all the drama, it's always been a good relationship,' Murray said. 'There were just so many outside forces and outside factors that got involved after we were together on the show, and it was unfortunate for a little bit.'
In the hot seat: Murray was put in the hot seat over the photos taken at a dinner he shared with ex-fiancee Amanda Stanton; the two are seen here in Los Angeles on December 2, 2016
Stanton, herself, previously admitted their breakup had 'been a little hard.'
'I havent really, you know, thought about what to say, but yeah, we did break up. It's sad,' she told ET at the charity premiere party for Nick Vialls season of The Bachelor on January 2.
During Murray's interview on Monday, Zima host wasn't shy about asking the hard questions, and went straight to point to see if the two were now back on again.
'There's a possibility for anything,' Murray said, being somewhat evasive, but he clarified that right now he considers himself 'single.'
Whatever is going on between the two of them, they seem to be on the same page about taking a more private approach to their relationship from here on out.
'It's a tough situation with the kids, and we don't want to kind of fully dive into anything, because we're thinking about them as well,' Murray shared during the talk.
'I don't like talking about my relationships unless everything is great and there's positive things to be said,' he went on. 'There are positive things to be said of course, but there's a lot of things that we still need to talk about, just for moving on as friends or anything in the future, and we're beginning to do that.'
More private: Whatever is going on between the two of them, they seem to be on the same page about taking a more private approach to their relationship from here on out; Stanton is seen here in a social media post from Thursday with her daughters, Charlie and Kinsley
Stanton isn't letting on about anything, at least on social media, with one of her most recent posts from Wednesday showing her in Long Beach, California with her daughters, Charlie and Kinsley, with the caption, 'everything I need.'
Murray also played coy when initially confronted with photos that showed him sharing a kiss with his ex.
'Let's see how Photoshopped they are,' Murray said, as Zima pulled up the pictures.
Then he leaned in to see what she had on her smart phone and said, 'That's not me.'
The ET correspondent chided him, saying, 'Josh,' in a tone that showed she didn't believe him for one second. 'This is a kiss between you and Amanda,' she stated frankly.
'That looks like my brother,' he kept on. 'He looks like me, too.'
'I would be worried if your brother was kissing Amanda, Josh,' she said.
Keeping his cards close: Murray stuck to a refrain that he and Stanton 'had good sushi last night;' the two are seen here in Los Angeles on November 10, 2016
Murray finally let up, asking, 'Who was watching us? Where do you guys come from?'
When Zima asked him if he was happy in the photo in question, he returned to his refrain throughout the nearly 40 minute interview, that they two of them 'had good sushi last night.'
He added: 'This is the first time I've seen her in a while. When I came out this week, I came for one of my friend's events, and I did some other stuff while I was here, and we ran into each other and stuff,' he explained, about their decision to have dinner together.
'You know, we just had long conversations. They were conversations that needed to be had, and [we had] a great dinner.'
He's been forced to wear his left arm in a sling after breaking his collarbone while snowboarding down the slopes in Whistler.
But Brooklyn Beckham refused to let the injury get him down on Tuesday, as he cut a chirpy figure upon returning to London.
The 17-year-old managed to raise a brave smile as he stepped out after the Canadian winter getaway, looking quirky in a pink beanie and ripped jeans.
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Brave face: Brooklyn Beckham, 17, proved that he refused to let his collarboine injury get him down as he cut a chirpy figure when he returned back to London
The eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham kept things casual in a white sweatshirt with a slogan emblazoned on it.
He added a pair of stonewash distressed jeans and opted for comfort in his footwear with classic Vans trainers.
Adding a skater-style beanie to the outfit, Brooklyn smiled as he strolled along the streets for a casual solo outing.
Flash those pearly whites: The teen managed to raise a brave smile as he stepped out after the Canadian winter getaway, looking quirky in a pink beanie and ripped jeans
Cool guy: The eldest son of David and Victoria Beckham kept things casual in a white sweatshirt with a slogan emblazoned on it
Doing alright? He added a pair of stonewash distressed jeans to the look
David and the family were spotted in Canada on Sunday morning preparing to jet back to the UK after their idyllic winter getaway.
Brooklyn wore his left arm in a sling after breaking his collarbone while snowboarding down the slopes in Whistler.
He shared a video of the moment he injured himself on Instagram where he showed his impressive snowboarding ability leading up to the accident, smoothly carving through the powder in the scenic setting.
Cool yet casual: He opted for comfort in his footwear with classic Vans trainers
Hats off to him! He added a dose of colour with a pink skater-style beanie
After seemingly negotiating the trickiest part of the descent, he falls forwards while on an innocuous wide expanse, cracking his bone in the process.
The video, which was viewed almost 400,000 times in the first four hours, was simply uploaded with the caption: 'Broke my collarbone at the end.'
Hours later, he shared an image of his X-Ray, displaying his collarbone ripped apart, putting him out of action for the rest of the trip.
Ouch: The second-generation star also shared the X-ray confirming the injury on his social media
Man down: The model lost control of his body, leading to the a violent impact on the snow
Slope master: Prior to his tumble, Brooklyn navigated the mountain with precision
Getting on with things: He seemed not to be hindered by the black sling
The family appear to be have spent some quality time together in the winter hotspot after a hectic and fraught few weeks.
Not only was Victoria busy preparing for her A/W17 showcase in New York City, emails were then leaked of David reportedly reacting angrily to not being given a knighthood.
The former England captain allegedly branded the Honours Committee unappreciative c***s in the messages, and dismissed lower awards.
According to the revelations, the Honours Committee had already agreed that Beckham's nomination almost certainly proposed by his PR advisers was well 'merited' before a routine check of his tax affairs.
A bit tired? The teenager is no doubt ready to get some rest after the skiing holiday in Canada
Family affair: The Beckhams appear to be have spent some quality time together in the winter hotspot after a hectic and fraught few weeks
An exquisitely crocheted gown ensured she dominated proceedings at the London premiere of her new film on Thursday evening.
But it was a comparatively low key Sienna Miller who stepped out on Tuesday afternoon as promotional commitments for The Lost City of Z continue further afield in the United States.
The willowy British actress showed off her naturally pretty features by opting to go make-up free during an appearance in New York City.
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Natural beauty: Sienna Miller showed off her naturally pretty features by opting to go make-up free during an appearance in New York City on Tuesday
Sienna, 35, added to her relaxed look by sporting a casual grey hoodie over fetching leopard print leggings and a pair of battered Adidas trainers.
A fleece lined winter jacket completed the look, while her tousled blonde locks fell across her shoulders as she hailed a cab.
Accessorising with a colourful striped handbag and carrying a baby pink scooter in her right hand, the actress was hard to miss while waiting on the sidewalk.
Finishing touches: Sienna, 35, added to her relaxed look by sporting a casual grey hoodie over fetching leopard print leggings and a pair of battered Adidas trainers
Sienna had previously dazzled at the London premiere of The Lost City of Z last Thursday evening, while looking phenomenal in a crochet white gown with a sexy bustier detail.
The actress ensured she encompassed both high fashion with sizzling style as she sported underwear as outerwear in the corseted gown.
Sienna has always been known as a style icon since first launching into the public eye when she began her high-profile romance with Jude Law before kicking off her wildly successful acting career with 2004 movie Alfie.
Stunning: Sienna had previously dazzled at the London premiere of The Lost City of Z last Thursday evening, while looking phenomenal in a crochet white gown with a sexy bustier detail
Her trailblazing boho style was a huge hit in the early Noughties and she appeared to return to her old ways in the antique style gown.
The intricate lace of her gown added a plush feel to the look, while the shape accentuated her stunning figure, complete with her perky bust and tiny waist.
Sienna star plays Nina Fawcett in her latest movie alongside main men Robert Pattinson, Charlie Hunnam and Tom Holland, in the true story telling the story of a British explorer Col. Percival Fawcett, who mysteriously disappeared while searching for a city in the Amazon in the Twenties.
The widely-anticipated movie has been lauded in many reviews with the Telegraph deeming the film 'an immediate classic'.
The Lost City Of Z opens in cinemas across the United Kingdom from March 24 and the United States from April 21.
Coming soon: Sienna star plays Nina Fawcett in her latest movie alongside main men Robert Pattinson and Charlie Hunnam
They've been firm friends for years.
So the atmosphere on set was no doubt a relaxed one as Kate Winslet and Idris Elba shared a steamy smooch for upcoming film, The Mountain Between Us.
Putting on a sultry display as they filmed in Vancouver, Canada on Tuesday, the pair proved to be ever the professionals as they got through the scene.
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Pucker up: s Kate Winslet and Idris Elba shared a steamy smooch for upcoming film, The Mountain Between Us as they filmed in Vancouver on Tuesday
Looking close to tears, Kate passionately embraced her co-star as she pulled him in close for a kiss.
Struggling to reach her handsome co-star's 6 3 frame even in wedges, the Titanic actress reached up on her tip toes as she draped herself over him.
Kate also donned a navy polka dot dress for the scenes, whilst a beige satchel was slung over her shoulder.
Two of a kind: They've been firm friends for years so the atmosphere on set was no doubt a relaxed one as they filmed the sultry scenes
Her golden locks were styled in loose ringlets, whilst a neutral make-up palette accentuated her pretty features.
Idris also looked stylish in straight cut jeans and a crisp blue shirt.
Whilst the pair only had eyes for each other, they appeared to be in the midst of chaos as they filmed the scenes.
Pucker up: Looking close to tears, Kate passionately embraced her co-star as she pulled him in close for a kiss
Tiny: Struggling to reach her handsome co-star's 6 3 frame even in wedges, the Titanic actress reached up on her tip toes as she draped herself over him
Looking lovely: Kate also donned a navy polka dot dress for the scenes, whilst a beige satchel was slung over her shoulder
They were no doubt emotional ones as The Mountain Between Us follows the characters of Ashley Knox and Ben Payne as the two survive a plane crash in the mountains.
Ashley (Winslet) is on her way to her upcoming wedding while Ben (Elba) needs to get to a patient in need of surgery, so the latter charters a private plane when their commercial flight gets cancelled due to bad weather.
Fate steps in and the pilot has a heart attack mid-air, stranding the badly-injured strangers, along with the pilot's dog, in the wilderness where they must band together in order to survive.
Blonde beauty: Kate's golden locks were styled in loose ringlets, whilst a neutral make-up palette accentuated her pretty features
Dapper: Idris also looked stylish in straight cut jeans and a crisp blue shirt
Tense: They were no doubt emotional ones as The Mountain Between Us follows the characters of Ashley Knox and Ben Payne as the two survive a plane crash in the mountains
Final scenes? Filming began in December but is expected to wrap later this month
Late additions: Before Kate and Idris came on board, the film had a troubled casting history
Snuggled up: Idris grasped Kate by her golden locks as he looked intensely into her eyes
Emotional: The scenes will no doubt be tense ones
Breaking character: The pair shared a giggle between filming the intense scenes together
Based on the 2011 novel by the same title written by Charles Martin, the script was rounded out with the help of J. Mills Goodloe and Chris Weitz.
The adaptation is being directed by Hany Abu-Assad, who has earned Academy Award nominations for both 2013's Omar and 2006's Paradise Now.
Filming began in December but is expected to wrap later this month.
On a mission: Kate looked steely-eyed as she prepared to film her scenes on the set
Legs eleven: Kate flashed her toned pins in a chic navy polka dot dress
That's a wrap: Kate layered up with a black thick coat and mustard scarf between takes
Making an entrance: Kate dazzled as she emerged from her car onto the set
Before Kate and Idris came on board, the film had a troubled casting history.
Michael Fassbender, Margot Robbie and Rosamund Pike were all at one point attached to the project but dropped out citing scheduling conflicts.
The film, which is expected to be an Oscar contender, is due to be released in October.
Getting shirty: Idris looked dapper as he stepped out onto the set
Making moves: The pair were spotted moving around the movie set in Vancouver
She's known for her style chameleon ways on the red carpet and glitzy after-parties.
And Gillian Anderson, 48, was back to her old fashion tricks as she slipped into a chic Roksanda dress for the UK premiere of Viceroy's House at the Curzon Cinema on Tuesday night.
The Fall star looked chic in her stylish SS17 gown which boasted billowing white sleeves with red cuffs as she posed for pictures.
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Fashion forward: Gillian Anderson, 48, slipped into a chic Roksanda dress for the UK premiere of Viceroy's House at the Curzon Cinema on Tuesday night
Taking the female lead in the historic drama, the mother-of-three made sure all eyes were on her as her chic number featured a key-hole detail in the midst of her chest, teasing at her ample cleavage.
The X Files actress' waist cinching dress boasted a sultry slit in the back of her number that hinted at her toned pins.
She teetered up the red carpet in her black strappy sandals, while opting to forgo accessorises to let her block coloured garment against her alabaster skin do the talking.
Leading lady: Taking the female lead in the historic drama, she made sure all eyes were on her as her chic number featured a key-hole detail in the midst of her chest, teasing at her ample cleavage
Dazzling: Accentuating her delicate features, she worked her blonde coif into a sweeping chignon
Flawless: The mother-of-three aided her youthful complexion with a dusting of warm blush across her cheeks
Pin-credible: The X Files actress' waist cinching dress boasted a sultry slit in the back of her number that hinted at her toned pins
Accentuating her delicate features, she worked her blonde coif into a sweeping chignon while she made her dazzling eyes pop with a shimmering shadow look across her lids.
She's had whirlwind few weeks with the highly-anticipated flick, having travelled with it to the Berlin International Film Festival last week.
The British-Indian drama, directed by Gurinder Chadha, was specifically chosen to screen at the German capital's film festival out of competition on Sunday.
Grateful: Gillian stopped to sign autographs and take photos with excited on the red carpet
Excited: Gillian appeared in high spirits as she chatted to eager fans
Saucy: The TV star's chic ankle-grazing dress featured a saucy silver zip in the back
Also arriving to the premiere was Anderson's co-star Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Evans.
Looking dapper, the Downton Abbey actor worked a three piece suit alongside his long-term love.
Meanwhile, Lily Travers, Huma Qureshi and Jaz Doel - who also star in the British flick - showcased their red carpet fashions in full as they posed for photos.
Making a splash on the carpet, Emeli Sande sported a long gold silk number as she arrived at the premiere with producer Naughty Boy.
Ethereal: Film star Lily Travers sizzled in a thigh-skimming ethereal mini dress for the occasion
Sky-high: She teamed her flirty number with a pair of platform silk heels
All smiles: Also arriving to the premiere was Anderson's co-star Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lulu Evans
Suit up: Looking dapper, the Downton Abbey actor worked a three piece suit alongside his long-term love
Chic: Huma Qureshi (L) and Jaz Doel - who also star in the British flick - showcased their red carpet fashions in full as they posed for photos
Atmospheric: Tanveer Ghani - who stars in the upcoming film - soaked up the atmosphere on the carpet with his date
Going for gold: Emeli Sande sported a long gold silk gown for the evening's cinematic festivities
Premiere pals: The critcially acclaimed singer sported arrived at the premiere with music producer Naughty Boy
The flick takes place in 1947, during the Partition of India, and follows life in the famous Viceroy's House - the official home of the country's President in New Delhi.
It chronicles the life and events of the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, and his wife Lady Mountbatten, played by Gillian.
While Hugh Bonneville portrays her powerful husband, while Michael Gambon plays Hastings Ismay, a General who was Chief of Staff in the House.
Depicting both the couples life in the upstairs-downstairs-esque drama of during the divide between Muslim, Sikh and Hindu Indians in colonial India.
Outfit change: Gillian later changed things yup by opting for a plunging green dress for the annual BFI Chairman's Dinner honouring Peter Morgan with the BFI Fellowship at Claridge's Hotel
Gorgeous in green: The X Files star was truly out of this world as she poised for photos
In good company: Gillian helped Peter Morgan celebrate on his special night
Upstairs lived the Mountbattens and downstairs lived some 500 employees from a mixture of Hindu, Muslim and Sikh backgrounds who served them.
In their time, the Mountbattens were the cause of many rumours in their relationship. One such rumour was that Lady Edwina was engaged in an affair with the then prime minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru.
Tanveer Ghani who stars as the prime minister in the film said there is definitely a romance shown.
He told Daily Mail: 'There is some flirting and it is definitely alluded to in the film, but there are no shenanigans - at all. It's a PG film.
Picture perfect: Hugh Bonneville, director and writer Gurinder Chadha and Gillian posed together on the carpet (Pictured L-R)
'But one thing this film wants to depict is independence, difference and most importantly, love.'
Written and directed by Gurinder Chadha, she said: 'I decided I wanted to make a film about what I call The Peoples Partition.'
'I didnt just want to explore why Partition happened and focus on the political wrangles between public figures, I also wanted to make sure the audience understood the impact of Partition on ordinary people.
The film is set to hit UK cinemas on March 3.
Film fancy: The flick takes place in 1947, during the Partition of India, and follows life in the famous Viceroy's House - the official home of the country's President in New Delhi
Lisa Oldfield might enjoy some of the girlish things in life like make up, jewellery, facials and high heels but the reality star insists she's 'not like other women'.
The wife of former One Nation co-founder David Oldfield has told The Daily Telegraph her motto is, 'I am different from other women'.
The controversial brunette surmises that is, 'because I am probably more like a man'.
Lisa has told The Daily Telegraph her motto is: 'I am different from other women'.
She may see herself as more like a man but the 41-year-old Real Housewives of Sydney star has been known to swear like a sailor, as the saying goes.
In a promotional clip for the show the brassy housewife was seen yelling out 'Oh f****** shut up, you c***!' to partner David.
The Northern Beaches local doesn't spare the bad language around her kids either, raising eyebrows when she traded swear words with her four-year-old son.
According to a report in The Daily Telegraph, Lisa's four-year-old son Albert, Bert for short, called his mother a 'a bloody f**king idiot' in one shoot for the show.
Cool girl: The controversial brunette surmises she is, ' probably more like a man'
Lisa was just as potty mouthed, the exchange starting with the socialite calling her four-year-old son 'a d**khead' when he wouldn't get in a pool.
Although she stars on a show about 'housewives', the business woman considers herself independent from her husband and his career.
She was outraged after being labelled a 'politician's wife' in the first promotional trailer for the reality program.
Not just a wife? She was outraged after being labelled a 'politician's wife' in the first promotional trailer for the reality program
After the outburst: Lisa's official description was altered to 'politically incorrect' in revamped ads and trailers for the upcoming Foxtel program
In response Lisa uploaded a screenshot of the original ad alongside the caption: 'Can you believe after an enormously successful corporate career @foxtel have labelled me as a #politicianswife?'
Despite previously sharing memes poking fun at the women's equality movement in the past, Lisa said being labelled as a 'politician's wife' turned her into a 'feminist'.
She wrote: 'Nevermind that my husband left politics 10 years ago! I think I just became a feminist at 41'.
Politically incorrect: The Northern Beaches local doesn't spare the bad language around her kids. raising eyebrows when she traded swear words with her four-year-old son
According to a report in The Daily Telegraph: Lisa's four-year-old son Albert, Bert for short, called his mother a 'a bloody f**king idiot'
After the outburst, her official description was altered to 'politically incorrect' in revamped ads and trailers for the upcoming Foxtel program.
Lisa proudly showcased the updated advertisement on her Instagram, uploading a photo of a large banner baring her name alongside the new tagline.
Just hours after revealing interview about her split from husband Tarek, this star has confirmed her new relationship is also over.
Flip Or Flop's Christina El Moussa has split with her contractor boyfriend Gary Anderson.
The 33-year-old HGTV star confirmed to Us Weekly via her rep that her romance - which began mid-2016 - was over.
It's over: Flip Or Flop's Christina El Moussa has split with her contractor boyfriend Gary Anderson it was revealed Tuesday. The pair were photographed together for the first time earlier this month in Yorba Linda, California
Her rep Cassandra Zebisch told the magazine: 'Christina is single and being in a relationship is the last thing on her mind.
'She is taking this time to focus on her children and herself.'
An insider told the magazine the pair 'broke up because of too many outside pressures'.
Gary was the first man Christina dated after calling it quits on her marriage of six years to her HGTV co-star and husband Tarek.
Single and ready to mingle: The star's (pictured Tuesday) rep confirmed, ''Christina is single and being in a relationship is the last thing on her mind. She is taking this time to focus on her children and herself'
Back on the horse: Gary was the first man Christina dated after calling it quits on her marriage of six years to her HGTV co-star and husband Tarek
The relationship was subject to a lot of public scrutiny, but Gary and the star were only photographed together for the first time earlier this month in Yorba Linda, California.
The 33-year-old reportedly met the older divorcee after he came to work at her family's home but it was not until she separated from Tarek did the relationship turn romantic.
It is understood Gary was at the home when the police were called in May last year after Tarek stormed off with a gun. Both Tarek and Christina have denied anyone came between their marriage.
Too much: An insider said the pair 'broke up because of too many outside pressures'
Splish splash: The 33-year-old reportedly met the older divorcee after he came to work at her family's home but it was not until she separated from Tarek did the relationship turn romantic
News of her split comes as Christina told People magazine - which she is on the cover of this month - that she is enjoying post-married life.
She said: 'It's invigorating to know I am starting over. It's fun to be able to create my own destiny right now.'
Christina was on a media spree on Tuesday also appearing on Good Morning America, and sat down with Michael Strahan and said she and her former spouse are doing just fine.
Moving forward:Christina was on a media spree on Tuesday also appearing on Good Morning America, to talk about how while she and her estranged husband may have called it quits on their marriage but have no plans to quit television any time soon
'I'm doing really good!' Christina sat down with Michael Strahan and said she and her former spouse are doing just fine
'Honestly despite everything, I'm doing really, really, good,' the house flipper revealed.
The mom of two - Brayden, 18 months, and Taylor, six, - said they have no plans to stop filming Flip Or Flop and currently film together three or four times a week.
'Currently season six is on air and Tarek and I are filming season seven of Flip Or Flop.
Not quitting: The mom of two - Brayden, 18 months, and Taylor, six, - said they have no plans to stop filming Flip Or Flop and currently film together three or four times a week
'We have so much fun on set and we look forward to continuing the show.'
The pair also run real estate seminars together so Christina told Michael they 'will always be working together'.
Christina said they were colleagues way before they were romantically involved, so it is not too much of a stretch to stay professional.
More than just professional: The star said, 'We have so much fun on set and we look forward to continuing the show'
'We met at work so we worked together before we ever started dating. It's our normal.'
The pair also have their children to focus on to ensure they work as a cohesive unit.
'[Co-parenting] is going really good. Our kids are amazing... Our kids are transitioning well. Tarek and I are friends and we have a lot of support from our family.'
Been through worse: Christina - who is currently writing a book about her struggles, including the divorce, and how she coped - said the pair have weathered worst storms than this
Focus on their kids: The house flipper said, co-parenting 'is going really good. Our kids are amazing... Our kids are transitioning well. Tarek and I are friends and we have a lot of support from our family'
Putting differences aside: While they had issues since May, the two have tried to not let that come between them and their children (pictured here August)
Christina - who is currently writing a book about her struggles, including the divorce, and how she coped - said the pair have weathered worst storms than this.
'Tarek and I met 10 years ago at work we went through a market crash... we went through cancer and infertility and now we're going through a very public divorce.
'Despite everything, our primary focus is and always will be out kids and we continue to work together.
Feeling good: The 33-year-old could not stop smiling as arrived at Good Morning America
Going with the flow: the reality star wore a flower print floaty chiffon dress which featured a high neck but a very short skirt
'In the end we are just normal nice people who just want to be the best parents and co-workers we can be.'
New normal: Christina said, 'In the end we are just normal nice people who just want to be the best parents and co-workers we can be'
The former couple will, however, each be telling their 'side of the story' in separate magazines out this week, with Christina the cover story of People and Tarek on the cover of Us Weekly.
Christina's cover reads 'The truth about my divorce' and promises to reveal 'the terrifying day she decided to leave Tarek' as well as talk about her love life, while Tarek's is heralded simple as 'My side of the story'.
In a sneak peek of the People story, Christina said they had started to separate long before they actually called it a separation.
'I think the separation process begins long before people actually separate. So by the time we officially did, I felt like a weight was lifted off me.'
Christina revealed she was struggling after the birth of their son, which followed a miscarriage and IVF treatments, and it took its toll on their relationship.
Magazine face off:The former couple will, however, each be telling their 'side of the story' in separate magazines out this week, with Christina the cover story of People and Tarek on the cover of Us Weekly
Out tomorrow: Christina's cover reads 'The truth about my divorce' and promises to reveal 'the terrifying day she decided to leave Tarek' as well as talk about her love life, while Tarek's is heralded simple as 'My side of the story'
The star went back to work just four weeks after Brayden was born, which she says was 'too soon for me'.
'I was overwhelmed. The tension between me and Tarek was high.
'We weren't able to properly communicate anymore. It got to the point where we weren't even driving to set together.'
Relief: Christina (pictured March) said they had started to separate long before they actually called it a separation, so when their split became public knowledge she felt 'like a weight had been lifted' off her
Hard to find balance: Christina revealed she was struggling after the birth of their son, which followed a miscarriage and IVF treatments, and it took its toll on their relationship
Now that they are moving forward separately and doing well, Christina says they do however, make sure not to talk about dating other people.
The 33-year-old said: 'Tarek and I don't discuss each other's personal lives.
'It is what it is and we are going through a divorce and eventually we will be dating other people. I'm happy for him and whatever steps he takes in his life and I just hope he's happy.'
'I just hope he's happy': Now that they are moving forward separately and doing well, Christina (seen here in March) says they do however, make sure not to talk about dating other people
Did not want to end it: Tarek El Moussa has denied he had any intention to take his own life when police were called to his house in May during an interview with Today show on Tuesday, which was on while his estranged wife also appeared on television
While their split was not revealed until late last year, the television couple had struggled for some time.
Police had been called to their home in May after Tarek armed himself with a gun following an argument, which Tarek discussed on Tuesday morning also.
Tarek - who filed for divorce in January - spoke to Today on Tuesday morning and denied he had ever planned to take his life that day in May despite police being called for an armed 'possibly suicidal' man.
Misunderstanding: The 35-year-old Flip Or Flop star insisted to Today's Joe Fryer that he was not suicidal saying, 'No, no, no. Never. Never. Absolutely never'
For protection: Tarek insists he took the gun - which he is licensed to carry - to simply protect himself while hiking the Chino Hills State Park Main Ridge Trail, even though police were called on May 26 to a report of an armed 'possibly suicidal' man. The star is seen here with one of his guns in a video he deleted after the incident came to light
'No, no, no. Never. Never. Absolutely never,' the reality star said when asked if he had planned to take his life.
The 35-year insists he took the gun - which he is licensed to carry - to simply protect himself while hiking the Chino Hills State Park Main Ridge Trail as 'there's mountain lions, bobcats and rattlesnakes and big wildlife back there'.
'I went out for a hike to scout some trails, it wasn't even a big deal. I didn't understand.'
Wildlife risk: The star said, 'There's mountain lions, bobcats and rattlesnakes and big wildlife back there. I went out for a hike to scout some trails, it wasn't even a big deal'
'I literally thought I was going to die': Tarek revealed on Today that after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013 he was then told he also had testicular cancer (pictured here after his thyroid removal surgery in 2013)
Tarek also revealed on Today that after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2013 he was then told he also had testicular cancer.
'Dealing with thyroid cancer was hard enough and then a few weeks later finding out I had testicular cancer, I literally thought I was going to die.'
While Christina recently posted an Instagram of her ex and the production crew saying filming season 7 had been a 'breeze' and said things were 'fun' during her morning show interview, Tarek was more candid.
Couldn't save marriage: The home flipper said their split, he said, was a long time coming, 'As time went on we got distant from each other, there's a lot going on in our lives, we tried the counselling and it just wasn't working'
'I'm not going to lie and say it's been easy': While Christina recently posted an Instagram of her ex and the show's production crew saying filming season 7 had been a 'breeze', Tarek was more candid
'I'm not going to lie and I'm not going to say it was easy. It's like anything in life, there is challenges.
'But we love filming, that's our job. We've been doing it a long time, and we love releasing a good product for our fans. Just try to fight through it and do the best we can.'
Life & Style reported that she often locked herself in the car to avoid her spouse during breaks in filming and the crew actively avoided too much downtime to minimize her exposure to her ex.
Artificial insemination, embryo transfer and genetic selection have led to significant improvements in animal breeding in recent years
Gene editing, which has raised ethical concerns due to its capacity to alter human DNA, is being considered in the United States as a tool for improving livestock, experts say.
The technique is different than that used in genetically modified organisms (GMOs) because it does not introduce foreign genes, but rather alters already existing DNA.
But scientists and consumer groups say there is not enough evidence yet to shed light on the potential risks of gene editing, particularly regarding its trickle-down effects on the environment and the ecosystem.
"Gene editing is one of the newest and most promising tools of biotechnology," Alison Van Eenennaam, an expert in animal genetics and biotechnology at the University of California, Davis, told the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
It "enables animal breeders to make beneficial genetic changes, without bringing along unwanted genetic changes," she added.
Artificial insemination, embryo transfer and genetic selection have led to significant improvements in animal breeding in recent years.
For instance, in the United States, selective reproduction to improve the milk output from cows has meant far fewer cows in the United States -- nine million today compared to 25.6 million in 1944 -- produce 1.6 times as much milk.
"Thanks to improvements made in the dairy industry through traditional breeding, a glass of milk today is associated with just one third of the greenhouse gas emissions linked to producing a glass of milk in the 1940s," Van Eenennaam said.
Gene editing can complement the toolkit available to breeders today by "precisely introducing desirable genetic variations into livestock breeding programs," she added.
This technique has already been used to make certain animals resistant to disease, such as pigs that are resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory virus.
A tuberculosis-resistant form of cattle was also reported recently out of China.
- Cows without horns -
Van Eenennaam is working on a gene editing technique that allows cows to be born without horns.
Typically, the animals are born with them but undergo a painful process to remove them when they are young so that they don't damage other cows or people working with them.
Some breeds, such as Angus cows, naturally carry a genetic mutation that prevents them from growing horns.
Gene editing has the ability to modify a normal, identical gene in Holstein cows and insert this same genetic variation seen in the Angus.
This trait is then passed down to the cow's offspring.
Other teams of geneticists around the world are hoping to benefit from gene editing techniques.
For instance, it is now possible to alter chickens so that they only lay eggs that produce female chicks, a practice that can double the output of a chicken farm and curb the cruel practice of killing roosters.
Researchers are also working on a variety of chicken that would be resistant to bird flu, a potentially deadly disease that regularly devastates flocks worldwide and can spread to people.
- Potential risks -
Gene editing can also improve plant growth, said Dan Voytas, a professor of genetics and cellular biology at the University of Minnesota who has used the CRISPR/Cas-9 simple yet powerful gene-editing technique to improve soy crops.
"We are probably the first genome-edited product to enter the food supply," he told the AAAS conference.
"We have a soybean product which produces a healthier cooking oil, it is high in non saturated fat, no transfat."
But Doug Gurian-Sherman, a plant pathology expert at the Center for Food Safety, warned that certain applications could be risky.
For instance, research that alters the genes of insects and grains to fight resistance to insecticides and herbicides could introduce mutations in nature that modify entire populations of animals and plants in the course of just a few years, potentially destabilizing the food chain and allowing other species to invade.
"We don't say it's inherently bad or these crops are inherently dangerous," Michael Hansen, senior staff scientist at Consumers Union, told The New York Times recently.
"It's just they raise safety issues, and there should be required safety assessments."
In November, a US Department of Agriculture advisory board unanimously recommended that standards for organic foods exclude gene-edited crops even if they were grown without chemical fertilizers.
Then, the US Food and Drug Administration said in January that all animals whose genomes have been intentionally altered must be examined for safety, much the same way as new drugs are scrutinized before they hit the market.
"It's not yet clear what regulatory status food-animals produced with gene editing will have," said Van Eenennaam.
Bomb threats have been received at 54 Jewish community centers in 27 US states and one Canadian province since Donald Trump became president a month ago
Nearly a dozen Jewish community centers across the United States received bomb threats that led to evacuations Monday, in the latest wave of such attacks since Donald Trump became president a month ago.
The latest phoned-in threats, at 11 separate sites, bring to 69 the total number of such incidents -- at 54 Jewish community centers in 27 US states and one Canadian province -- according to the JCC Association of North America.
It cautioned, however, that all bomb threats made Monday, as well as on three others dates -- January 9, 18 and 31 -- turned out to be hoaxes, and all targeted community centers have resumed normal operations.
The FBI and the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division are said to be investigating the incidents.
Meanwhile, local media reported that more than 100 headstones were damaged at a Jewish cemetery in St Louis, Missouri.
"Over the past weekend, unknown persons knocked over multiple monument headstones within the cemetery," University City police said in a statement.
Police staff declined to confirm the number of damaged headstones at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery as they review video surveillance on the property and nearby businesses for the ongoing investigation.
The Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks extremism, said in a recent report that the number of hate groups is rising and now at near-historic highs, linking it to the surge in "right-wing populism" during a bitterly fought presidential election that "electrified the radical right" and ultimately elected Trump.
- White House condemnation -
The Trump administration denounced the latest incidents.
"Hatred and hate-motivated violence of any kind have no place in a country founded on the promise of individual freedom," a senior administration official said.
"The president has made it abundantly clear that these actions are unacceptable."
Trump's daughter Ivanka, a convert to Judaism who has played a prominent role in his young administration along with her husband Jared Kushner, was quick to denounce the bomb threats on the Jewish community centers.
"America is a nation built on the principle of religious tolerance. We must protect our houses of worship & religious centers. #JCC," she wrote on Twitter.
The JCC Association of North America, vowed that it "will not be cowed by threats intended to disrupt people's lives or the vital role Jewish community centers play as gathering places, schools, camps and fitness and recreation centers."
"While we are relieved that all such threats have proven to be hoaxes and that not a single person was harmed, we are concerned about the anti-Semitism behind these threats, and the repetition of threats intended to interfere with day-to-day life," said the group's director of strategic performance David Posner.
The government has announced that Nepal will hold its first local elections in 20 years this May
Nepal will hold its first local elections in two decades in May, the government has announced, a key moment in the country's fraught transition to democracy.
The impoverished Himalayan nation emerged from a brutal decade-long civil war in 2006, which brought the end of the 240-year-old Hindu monarchy and transformed it into a secular republic.
But deep political divides have prevented it from implementing a new constitution that paves the way for elections, but which the minority Madhesi community says leaves them politically marginalised.
"The government has taken a historic decision. The election will be held in a single phase across the country," Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said following a late night cabinet meeting on Monday.
"Election is compulsory for safeguarding all agendas and implementing the constitution for the functioning of democracy."
Local polls will be held on May 14, paving the way for provincial and then national elections later in the year.
The Madhesis, who live in the densely populated Terai plains bordering India, want the constitution to be amended first and have pledged to protest against the polls.
"We will not take part in the local level election without our demands being addressed," Mahindra Yadav, the chairman of a Madhesi political party, told AFP on Tuesday.
"The election cannot be a success unless we take part in it."
The Madhesis have long complained that the internal borders laid out in the constitution leave them under-represented at the ballot box and in the national parliament.
After the constitution was adopted in September 2015, Madhesi protesters kicked off a months-long blockade of the India-Nepal border that led to a crippling shortage of goods across the country.
An amendment to the constitution currently in parliament proposes to redraw some of provincial borders to address some of the Madhesi parties' demands.
"This is an achievement in a way but the problem is whether the Madhesi parties will be on board. If the Madhesi go for protest it will be impossible (to hold the polls)," Nishchal Pandey, director of the Kathmandu-based Centre for South Asian Studies, told AFP.
Local government representatives were last elected in 1997. Their five-year terms expired in 2002, at the height of the civil war, and their mandate was allowed to lapse.
Corruption has flourished since, hampering the delivery of basic services -- from healthcare to the appointment of teachers at government schools.
"People are fed up with having to pay a bribe even to get a marriage licence. They are fed up with the slow process," Pandey said.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has pledged to kill tens of thousands of people in his campaign to rid his country of drugs
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is a "serial killer" who should be forced out of office, one of his chief critics said Tuesday, as she faced arrest on drug charges she insisted were meant to silence her.
Senator Leila de Lima invoked a famous "People Power" revolution that toppled dictator Ferdinand Marcos three decades ago, in her strongest comments yet against Duterte and his drug war that has claimed thousands of lives.
"There is no more doubt that our president is a murderer and sociopathic serial killer," De Lima told reporters, as she called on cabinet to declare him unfit to lead, and asked ordinary Filipinos to voice their opposition to his rule.
De Lima said the constitution allowed for a majority in his cabinet to force him to step down by ruling that he was mentally incapacitated, and urged it to do so.
If the cabinet members did not, De Lima referred to the mass uprising that ended the "iron fist" of Marcos's dictatorship in 1986.
Philippine Senator Leila de Lima faces arrest over what she says are fabricated charges meant to silence her
"Now the time has come again for us to be brave and stand up to another criminal dictator and his evil regime," De Lima said.
The government last week charged De Lima, a former national human rights commissioner, with orchestrating a drug trafficking ring when she was justice secretary in the previous administration.
De Lima, 57, her supporters and rights groups have said the charges against her are manufactured to silence her as well as intimidate other people who may want to speak out against him.
She could be detained anytime, although the courts hearing the cases must issue an arrest warrant.
When asked about De Lima's comments, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella simply described them as "colourful language" and pointed out that Duterte would allow public demonstrations against him.
Duterte, 71, won presidential elections last year after promising during the campaign to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people.
More than 6,500 people have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte launched his war against drugs
He immediately launched the crackdown after taking office in June and police have reported killing 2,555 drug suspects since then, with about 4,000 other people murdered in unexplained circumstances.
Amnesty International has warned police actions in the drug war may amount to crimes against humanity.
The powerful Roman Catholic Church, which helped lead the People Power revolution, has in recent months begun speaking out against the drug war and on Saturday held a rally against the killings, attracting thousands of people.
But Duterte remains popular with many Filipinos, who see him as the strongman needed to fight drugs and corruption, and there is little expectation of a popular uprising against him in the near future.
President Francois Hollande chides Britain over underaged migrants stuck in France with family in the UK
French President Francois Hollande called Tuesday on Britain to "accept its responsibility" to take in stranded under-age migrants stuck in France who wish to join up with family in the UK.
The issue has been a constant irritant between the two countries, made worse by Britain's decision this month to end an arrangement to take in up to 3,000 unaccompanied minors from Europe.
The scrapping of the so-called "Dubs agreement" by Britain's conservative government has sparked criticism from opposition MPs in London and led to anger in France.
"France is playing its part in the European effort. We expect that our partners do the same, particularly when we are talking about minors on their own," Hollande told a conference on children in conflict zones.
"I call on the United Kingdom to accept its responsibility for adolescents in France at the moment who have family on the other side of the Channel," he added.
Last October, French authorities cleared a squalid camp near the Calais port on the Channel sea separating the countries which was filled with thousands of migrants hoping to reach Britain.
The camp dwellers, many fleeing war in Sudan, Iraq or Afghanistan, were dispersed around France. Children with family in Britain were assured that authorities would help them travel to reach them.
A first wave who arrived in Britain shortly afterwards sparked outrage in the right-wing press, with opponents questioning the age of some of the children who appeared to be teenagers or older.
One conservative MP suggested the new arrivals should undergo dental tests to prove their age.
On February 8, the government announced it would limit to 350, instead of 3,000, the number of unaccompanied young migrants who would be admitted from Europe.
Interior minister Amber Rudd argued that the scheme was encouraging children to travel to Europe and that Britain had accepted thousands of others from camps bordering war-torn Syria.
Prime Minister Theresa May has made reducing immigration one of her priorities since taking office in July following her country's decision to leave the European Union.
Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces gather near a village north-east of Raqa, northern Syria on February 3, 2017
Syrian government officials and opposition figures will gather in Geneva on Thursday for the fourth round of UN-brokered talks aimed at ending their country's brutal six-year conflict.
Here is a breakdown of the forces involved in the complex war, which has killed more than 310,000 people since it broke out in 2011:
- Regime and allies -
The Syrian army's 300,000-strong pre-war force has been halved by deaths, defections and draft-dodging.
It is bolstered by 150,000-200,000 irregulars and supported by 5,000-8,000 men from Lebanon's Shiite militia Hezbollah, as well as Iranian, Iraqi and Afghan fighters.
Key regime backer Russia began an air campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad in September 2015 and has helped Damascus recapture several key areas, including Aleppo city.
Iran has also provided major financial and military support to Assad.
The Syrian army's 300,000-strong pre-war force has been halved by deaths, defections and draft-dodging
The government controls around 34 percent of Syria's territory, including key cities such as Damascus and second city Aleppo. Of the 16 million Syrians who remain in the country, 65.5 percent live in regime territory.
- Rebels -
Syria's opposition comprises a wide range of factions, including moderate rebels and Islamist groups.
Estimates of its total number of forces range from tens of thousands up to around 100,000.
Early on, rebels coalesced under the banner of the Free Syrian Army (FSA), but the opposition has since splintered.
The most powerful is Ahrar al-Sham, which espouses a hardline Islamist ideology and boasts a commanding presence in Idlib and Aleppo provinces.
Representatives of the Syria regime and rebel groups along with other attendees take part in the second session of Syria peace talks at the Rixos President Hotel in Astana, on February 16, 2017
Another key opposition group is the Saudi-backed Jaish al-Islam (Army of Islam), whose leading member Mohammad Alloush has led previous delegations to both Geneva and parallel talks in Astana.
Rebels now hold only around 13 percent of the country, including areas where they are allied with Fateh al-Sham, according to Fabrice Balanche, an expert on Syrian geography.
Around 12.5 percent of Syria's remaining population lives in rebel-held territory.
- Jihadists -
There are two rival jihadist forces: the Islamic State group and former Al-Qaeda affiliate Fateh al-Sham Front.
IS emerged from the chaos of the war to seize control of large parts of Syria and Iraq in mid-2014, declaring an Islamic "caliphate", committing widespread atrocities and carrying out or inspiring deadly attacks abroad.
Rebel fighters, part of the Turkey-backed Euphrates Shield alliance, pose with an Islamic State group flag as they advance on February 20, 2017, towards the city of Al-Bab
Under pressure from an air war launched two years ago by a US-led coalition and fighting on multiple fronts, IS has suffered major losses.
But it still holds 33 percent of Syrian territory, including its de facto capital Raqa, ancient desert city Palmyra and Al-Bab in northern Syria.
Fateh al-Sham Front split in July 2016 from Al-Qaeda in a move analysts said was aimed at easing pressure from both Moscow and the US-led coalition which have regularly targeted its forces with air strikes.
Fateh al-Sham had been closely allied with Ahrar al-Sham since 2015, but infighting broke out between the two factions in January.
Rebel groups were forced to ally with either Ahrar or Fateh al-Sham, which rebranded itself again into Tahrir al-Sham.
- The Kurds -
Syria's Kurds have largely stayed out of the conflict between the government and armed opposition, carving out a semi-autonomous region in north and northeastern Syria.
Their People's Protection Units (YPG) have become a key partner of the US-led coalition fighting IS as part of the Kurdish-Arab Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).
The YPG controls about 20 percent of Syrian territory but as much as three-quarters of the northern border with Turkey. Two million people, around 12.5 percent of Syria's remaining population, live in Kurdish-held territory.
The SDF has launched a drawn-out offensive against IS's stronghold in Raqa.
Syria's UN ambassador and head of the government delegation, Bashar al-Jaafari (C), Syrian ambassador to Russia, Riad Haddad (L), and delegation members arrive prior to the second session of Syria peace talks in Astana, on February 16, 2017
Turkey began an offensive into Syria in August 2016 against IS and the YPG, which Ankara regards as the Syrian branch of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) that has waged a 32-year insurrection inside Turkey.
- Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar -
Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey have provided military and financial support to rebels fighting Assad, who belongs to the minority Alawite community linked to Shiite Islam.
Long accused of turning a blind eye to jihadist activity along its southern border, Turkey has joined the US-led coalition fighting IS and has deployed troops to fight the group in northern Syria.
Although they support opposing sides of the war, Ankara and Moscow have worked closely in recent months to secure a political solution to the conflict.
They brokered a fragile ceasefire between rebels and regime forces in December and hosted talks on reinforcing the truce and other confidence-building measures in Kazakhstan last month.
- International coalition -
A US-led coalition has carried out air strikes against IS and other jihadists in Syria since 2014.
The coalition's members include Australia, Bahrain, Britain, Canada, France, Jordan, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
A woman receives medical care for burns following clashes between the Nigerian military and Boko Haram Islamists in Borno State
The four women lay dazed on the beds of the clinic. The face of one of them was burnt. Another broke her leg during the Nigerian army offensive against Boko Haram Islamists in their village.
Civilians have often been collateral damage in the conflict that has raged in remote northeast Nigeria for nearly eight years, leaving at least 20,000 dead and more than 2.6 million homeless.
The women wait for their wounds to heal in the suffocating heat.
"Boko Haram fighters would come to their village to steal food and hide," a nurse explained. "The army went there and put the women in a truck to evacuate them.
"The military set the village on fire, so the insurgents couldn't hide anymore. But the fire 'jumped' in the truck."
The women, with their heads covered and gold nose rings in the tradition of the ethnic Kanuri group, still look terrified.
They stare at the walls and ignore visitors, afraid that questions will focus too much on the circumstances of the "liberation" of their village.
- Fighters easily blend in -
The nurse says there are no more men left. They were either killed in the fighting, drafted into the civilian militia or forced to join the ranks of Boko Haram.
Some may even be at so-called "screening" centres, where soldiers pass judgement on whether local men have been involved in the insurgency.
Displaced families stand at the main gate of a camp for internally displaced people in Monguno district of Borno State
Such checks, free from any oversight, can take weeks or months, especially if the men are Kanuri like the majority of Boko Haram.
James Adewunmi Falode, a security analyst at the University of Lagos who tracks the conflict, said Boko Haram's resemblance to "ordinary citizens" was making the fight against them harder.
"They are not a military adversary that can be easily identified and destroyed on the battlefield. These people can easily blend into the general population when the situation demands," he said.
Even women and children, who have been repeatedly used by the group as as human bombs, are a potential threat, explaining the tensions between the military and the public.
- 'Just criminals' -
Around Dikwa and a dozen or so other secured major towns, villages have been emptied to prevent them being used by the jihadists as hideouts or resupply points.
The military also wants to stop the mass kidnapping of their inhabitants.
"Before, they (Boko Haram) would read the Koran and try to change us," said Bulama Goni, a former village chief with a white beard in long, flowing robes.
"Now, they are just criminals, asking for money, looking rough and disgusting."
Boko Haram fighters are also starving: Nigerian army tactics have been to slowly choke the rebels, cutting off their supplies of arms and food. The strategy appears to be working.
Civilians have often been collateral damage in the conflict that has raged in remote northeast Nigeria for nearly eight years, leaving at least 20,000 dead and more than 2.6 million homeless
Boko Haram used to attack major towns and cities in northeast Nigeria and in 2014 controlled territory as big as Belgium.
But now it is limited to sporadic suicide bomb attacks and ambushes of military convoys and check-points.
The military's isolation strategy, however, has not seen everywhere secured and has had an effect on the daily life of civilians.
More than five million people are in desperate need of food, according to the United Nations.
"In liberated areas there is no fuel, no communication, no public transport... even the food it's all controlled by the army," said one security operative for a major international aid agency.
"This is a classical counter-insurgency strategy left over from the Vietnam war. It hasn't changed but it's not sustainable," he added.
- Suspicious activity -
Monguno, in the north of Borno state, is a former trading hub near the edge of Lake Chad, the watery border between Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon.
There are currently about 100,000 people in the town's camps. But some 27,000 people are waiting for food distribution.
According to Ibrahim Maina, the coordinator for the Borno state emergency management agency, the last handouts were in November last year. Everyone's face is etched with hunger.
The road linking Monguno to the state capital Maiduguri, 137 kilometres (86 miles) away, has been reopened.
Muhammadu Sanni, goes to the shores of Lake Chad once a week to catch catfish to feed his family. But he says he can't catch a lot.
"If (the military) stop me with a lot of fish, they will think I'm smuggling for Boko Haram," he said, as he fixed his nylon net.
"I will go back to screening and it will take a long time."
With East Aleppo gone, Syrian rebels have a weak hand to play, say analysts
Syrian opposition figures will return to Geneva on Thursday for new UN-sponsored talks with President Bashar al-Assad's regime on their country's six-year conflict.
Since the delegations last gathered in Switzerland in April 2016, rebels have lost their bastion in east Aleppo and seen a new partnership form between their main ally Turkey and government backer Russia.
Where does the opposition stand?
The High Negotiations Committee (HNC) delegation will be led by opposition figure Nasr al-Hariri, with lawyer Mohammad Sabra replacing rebel figure Mohammad Alloush as chief negotiator.
Less than a year after the last round of talks in Switzerland, the HNC is returning to Geneva in a much weaker position, said Aron Lund, a fellow at The Century Foundation.
Aleppo's formerly rebel-held al-Shaar neighbourhood
"With East Aleppo gone, Donald Trump in the White House, jihadis in charge of much of rebel-held Syria, and Turkey in talks with Russia, the Syrian opposition is now stuck with a really bad hand to play," Lund told AFP.
Karim Bitar at the French Institute for International and Strategic Affairs said rebel factions "have pretty much lost all leverage" heading into the talks.
How are rebels doing on the ground?
The fall of Aleppo in December was the single biggest blow -- militarily and in terms of morale -- to the rebel movement since the conflict erupted in 2011.
Rebels now hold just 13 percent of Syria, according to Fabrice Balanche, a geographer at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
That is down from 20 percent in 2015.
By comparison, regime forces and allied militia now hold approximately 34 percent of Syrian territory, where more than 10 million people live, Balanche estimates.
The Islamic State jihadist group comes at a close second with 33 percent of Syria, and Kurdish groups hold about 20 percent.
Will rebel infighting affect the talks?
While the rebel movement has long been fractured, new fissures erupted last month in northwest Syria that have forced opposition factions to choose between jihadists and other Islamist hardliners.
The infighting "diminishes the credibility of the opposition delegation", Lund said, and is a distracting backdrop to the talks.
"Opposition negotiators will constantly have to watch their back to see how the (hardliner) Salafi groups in Syria react to their actions in Geneva. That isn't very helpful," he added.
Can the opposition score any gains?
The Syrian government starts to clean up areas formerly held by opposition forces in Aleppo's Shaar district
Given the Syrian army's gains and the growing momentum of parallel talks sponsored by Russia and Turkey in Astana, the opposition is unlikely to score any major wins at Geneva.
"Theoretically, the UN-led Geneva diplomatic process has much more legitimacy than the Astana talks, which risked turning Syria into a Turkish-Russian condominium," Bitar told AFP.
"But in both negotiation tracks, the principal stumbling block is the same: Assad feels emboldened by recent events and is unlikely to make any significant concessions."
Opposition figures have continued to demand greater humanitarian access, an end to bombardment and sieges and Assad's departure at the beginning of any transition period.
But Lund cast doubts on the possibility of a meaningful transition process in Geneva.
"In my view, talks about a root-and-branch transition away from the current regime were always destined to fail," he told AFP.
Where does IS fit in?
The Islamic State jihadist group -- designated by the United Nations as a "terrorist" entity -- has been excluded from all peace talks and ceasefire deals.
A Syrian pro-government fighter walks amidst the rubble in old Aleppo's Jdeideh neighbourhood
Notorious for its brutal tactics, IS is currently facing simultaneous offensives by Syrian rebels, regime forces and Kurdish militia.
Syria's representative to both the Geneva and Astana talks, Bashar al-Jaafari, has suggested that rebel groups engaging in negotiations should commit to "fighting terrorism" alongside the regime's army.
"Given the current balance of power, the rebel contribution to the fight against IS is likely to be symbolic at best, even if some parties in Geneva end up paying lip service to the idea of a joint effort," Bitar said.
France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen rejects a headscarf ahead of her meeting with Lebanon's Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdullatif Deryan in Beirut on February 21, 2017
France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen capped her visit to Lebanon with controversy on Tuesday when she refused to wear a headscarf to meet the country's top Sunni Muslim cleric.
On her last day in the Mediterranean country, Le Pen arrived at Sheikh Abdellatif Deryan's office in Beirut and was offered a white shawl to cover her blonde hair.
The National Front candidate promptly refused and made a brief statement to journalists before leaving.
"The highest Sunni authority in the world had not had this requirement, so I have no reason to," Le Pen said, referring to her 2015 visit to Al-Azhar, the prestigious Egyptian institution of Sunni Islamic learning.
She said she had told Deryan's office on Monday that she would not don a headscarf: "They did not cancel the meeting, so I thought they would accept that I will not wear the scarf."
"They wanted to impose this on me, to present me with a fait accompli. Well, no one presents me with a fait accompli," the candidate said.
France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen (left) meets with Lebanon's Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros al-Rai in Bekerke, on February 21, 2017
Deryan heads Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni authority in Lebanon.
In a statement on Tuesday, the body said "its press office had informed the presidential candidate, through one of her assistants, of the need to cover her head when she meets his eminence, according to the protocol assumed by Dar al-Fatwa".
"Dar al-Fatwa officials were surprised by her refusal to conform to this well-known rule," it said.
Fewer than a dozen protesters gathered near Lebanon's Zaytuna Bay on Tuesday afternoon to protest against Le Pen's visit.
- 'Fascists flock together' -
"From Beirut to Damascus to Paris to Washington, fascists flock together," one placard read.
One banner read "Fascists out!", and demonstrators carried pictures of Le Pen and US President Donald Trump.
At a news conference to cap her trip, Le Pen insisted she "has never confused the religion of Islam with fundamentalist Islam".
A Lebanese woman holds a "you are not welcome" placard as she demonstrates against a visit by France's far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen to Beirut, on February 21, 2017
"I oppose Islam as a political project. I am fighting a war against fundamentalist Islamists," she told gathered reporters.
Shunned by European leaders over her party's stance on immigration and its anti-EU message, Le Pen aimed to boost her international credibility with her first visit to a foreign head of state, President Michel Aoun.
The FN leader, whose party takes an anti-immigrant stance, also met Prime Minister Saad Hariri, a Sunni Muslim, and Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil.
Islamic dress is a hot-button issue in France, where the full-face veil is banned in public places.
- 'Lesser evil' -
Le Pen's deputy Florian Philippot swiftly lauded her controversial move.
"A magnificent message of liberty and emancipation sent to the women of France and of the world," Philippot wrote on Twitter.
France had mandate power over both Lebanon and Syria during the first half of the 20th century.
Le Pen has met few top foreign officials since taking control of the FN in 2011. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has refused to meet with her.
After leaving Deryan's office, Le Pen headed to Bkerkeh, north of Beirut, to meet Maronite Catholic Patriarch Beshara Rai.
There, she saluted Lebanon's "moderate" culture, "created by Christians and Muslims".
The candidate also met Samir Geagea, who heads the Lebanese Forces party and is a fierce opponent of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.
Geagea, in a statement released by his party, said he had "clarified" to Le Pen that Assad remains "one of the biggest terrorists in Syria and in this region".
In an interview with Lebanon's L'Orient-Le Jour, Le Pen had called Assad "the lesser evil" compared with the Islamic State jihadist group in Syria.
But she insisted at her news conference Tuesday that she had never met Assad and does not support him.
"What I am saying is that in the interest of France, which is my sole perspective, and in the current state of the situation in Syria, there is no alternative to the regime," Le Pen said.
She has criticised the EU's calls for Assad to stand down after nearly six years of war that have left more than 310,000 people dead.
"Marine Le Pen's statements in Lebanon are an insult to the Lebanese people and the Syrian people," wrote Lebanese Druze chief Walid Jumblatt on Twitter.
Flames surge following a reported car bomb explosion at a Syrian pro-government position in Daraa on February 20, 2017
Since the start of Syria's war in 2011, several diplomatic initiatives have stumbled over the future of President Bashar al-Assad. Here is a recap:
- End of Arab solutions -
In January 2012, two months after an initial bid to end the violence, leading Arab diplomats adopt a fresh plan that would transfer power from Assad to a coalition cabinet. The Damascus government rejects the proposal and vows to crush rebel movements.
- Geneva I, ambiguous formula -
On June 30, 2012 in Geneva, global powers draw up a plan that would install a transition government, but which does not spell out what would happen to Assad.
Several diplomatic initiatives have stumbled over the future of President Bashar al-Assad
Among those drafting the proposal are the five permanent members of the UN Security Council -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States -- along with representatives from the Arab League, Turkey and the European Union.
Members of the so-called Action Group for Syria differ over what the plan really means however, with the US saying that it paves the way to a "post-Assad" period. China and Russia, which are allies of Assad, insist it is up to Syrians to decide their future.
- Geneva II, no agreement -
In January 2014, the first talks between Syrian opposition groups and the government are held in Geneva under the auspices of Russia and the US.
On February 15, UN mediator Lakhdar Brahimi calls an end to the talks after a second fruitless session, and resigns.
- Russian offensive/Vienna process -
Syrian government forces have escalated their bombing campaign around Damascus
On October 30, 2015, a month after Russian forces launch an intervention to support Assad, several countries meet in Vienna to explore the chance of a political solution.
They include France, Russia and the US, and also, for the first time, Iran.
In November, a transition outline is drawn up but the question of Assad's future is still not resolved.
On February 27, 2016, a ceasefire is imposed by Russia and the United States.
But on April 22 the truce is shattered by the fierce bombardment of Aleppo by regime forces.
In March and April, three rounds of indirect talks take place in Geneva between Syrian rebels and the government under UN auspices. They are stymied by questions regarding a political transition, and ceasefire violations.
- Moscow, Ankara, Tehran take over -
On August 9, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan meets with Russia's Vladimir Putin to cement closer ties between the two countries. Turkey backs some Syrian rebel groups and had shot down a Russian jet in late 2015.
Two weeks later, Turkey launches an operation in the northern Aleppo province to battle Islamic State jihadists and Kurdish militia.
On December 22, Syrian forces regain control of Aleppo with backing from Russia, after an operation in which tens of thousands of civilians and rebels are evacuated under an accord sponsored by Moscow, Iran and Turkey.
The three players effectively take over the Syrian dossier, imposing on December 30 a ceasefire between the government and rebels.
They organise on January 23-24, 2017, and then on February 16 peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, bringing together representatives of the regime and a small rebel delegation.
However, the meetings, organised for the first time without US involvement, end without major progress.
- Fourth round in Geneva -
Representatives from the opposition and of the regime are due to gather in Switzerland from Thursday for another attempt under UN auspices to end the war.
However, government forces have over the past days escalated their bombing campaign around Damascus, in what the opposition calls a "bloody message" aimed at sabotaging the peace talks.
Australian Sara Connor and her British boyfriend David Taylor are on trial for allegedly killing policeman Wayan Sudarsa whose body was found on a Bali beach in August
An Australian woman and her British boyfriend accused of beating to death a policeman on Indonesia's resort island of Bali are facing a jail term of eight years each in line with prosecutor requests on Tuesday.
Sara Connor, 46, and David Taylor, 34, are on trial for allegedly killing officer Wayan Sudarsa whose battered body was found on a popular beach in August.
The pair were charged with murder over the policeman's death, which carries a maximum jail term of 15 years, but at Tuesday's hearing prosecutors said the accused did not intend to kill Sudarsa.
Prosecutor Agung Jayalantara told the court in the Balinese capital Denpasar they should be convicted of a lesser charge they are also facing -- group assault causing death -- and jailed for eight years each.
Jayalantara said that Taylor had shown remorse although he criticised Connor for being uncooperative. The pair appeared at separate hearings Tuesday.
Judges can impose a greater or lesser sentence than that requested by prosecutors but they often follow the recommendation.
Connor's lawyer Erwin Siregar labelled the sentence request "incredible".
"It does not make sense, if you see what kind of role David played," he said.
Taylor's lawyer Haposan Sihombing added that "eight years is too much".
Taylor has admitted hitting the policeman with a pair of binoculars and a beer bottle during a late-night fight on the beach but insists he was acting in self defence as Sudarsa tried to choke him.
The fight started after the Briton accused Sudarsa of stealing Connor's handbag.
Connor has insisted she is innocent and had simply tried to pull the men apart as they fought.
They fled the scene, but were later tracked down after witnesses reported the incident to police.
Bali, a pocket of Hinduism in Muslim-majority Indonesia, is a popular tourist destination known for its tropical climate and palm-fringed beaches.
Minor crime is common but murders are rare.
Chinese paramilitary police have been out in force across the restive Xinjiang region after a series of violent attacks
A prefecture in China's restive Xinjiang region has ordered all vehicles to be equipped with GPS-like tracking software, police and media reports said Tuesday, as authorities step up an "anti-terrorism" campaign.
All drivers in the Bayingol Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture must install a China-developed satellite navigation system called Beidou "to prevent theft, but also primarily to maintain stability", an officer at the prefectural police headquarters told AFP by phone.
China's Global Times newspaper quoted a police official as saying the policy was needed so that drivers "can be tracked wherever they go" and residents had until June 30 to comply.
Xinjiang is the homeland of the Uighurs -- a Turkic, traditionally Muslim, ethnic minority, many of whom complain of Chinese cultural and religious repression and discrimination.
The region has been racked for years by a series of violent attacks which Beijing blames on exiled Uighur separatist groups whom it says are aligned with foreign terrorist networks.
"Cars are the major means of transportation for terrorists, and also a frequently chosen tool for terrorist attacks, so it's necessary to use the Beidou system and electronic vehicle identification to enhance the management of vehicles," a statement posted to the official social media account of the Bayingol traffic police said earlier this month.
Drivers must pay an annual 90 yuan ($13) fee for the system, the statement said.
Thirty-five percent of Bayingol's more than 1.2 million people are Uighur, according to official 2015 figures.
There were no indications yet that the new policy would be adopted more widely across Xinjiang, a vast resource-rich region near Central Asia.
Tensions are simmering after anti-terrorism military rallies were held last week in three cities, including the regional capital Urumqi.
Under the ralling cry of "Display power to intimidate", 10,000 security personnel paraded through Urumqi, accompanied by hundreds of police and military vehicles, the regional government's official Tianshan website said.
It quoted the Xinjiang Communist Party committee deputy secretary Zhu Hailun as saying such displays were necessary to "build a wall as strong as iron" and that the forces of separatism, extremism and terrorism would be destroyed "with crushing blows".
Last week eight people were killed in a knife attack on a crowd near the city of Hotan, including three attackers who were gunned down by police.
Police last month killed three "rioters" in the same county following a hunt for suspected members of a "violent terror group" linked to a 2015 attack there, according to the regional government's official website.
Uighurs in Urumqi staged bloody anti-Chinese riots in July 2009 that left nearly 200 people dead, according to official estimates, and prompted a massive region-wide security clampdown.
US senator John McCain speaks on the first day of the 53rd Munich Security Conference (MSC) at the Bayerischer Hof hotel in Munich, southern Germany, on February 17, 2017
Influential American Senator John McCain, a critic of President Donald Trump, held talks with Saudi Arabia's King Salman on Tuesday, official media said.
McCain, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, arrived in Riyadh after talks on Syria with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Saudi Press Agency gave no details of McCain's meeting at Salman's office, except to say that the friendly ties between their two countries were discussed.
McCain's visit comes two days before Syria's government and the opposition gather in Geneva on Thursday for a new round of United Nations-brokered talks aimed at ending six years of fighting.
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar have provided military and financial aid to rebels fighting Syria's President Bashar al-Assad.
All are also members of a US-led coalition battling the Islamic State jihadists there.
After his talks in Syria, the Republican senator from Arizona said on his website that Erdogan "described a proposal to establish safe zones in Syria and retake Raqa that should receive serious consideration by the United States".
He was referring to the IS base in Raqa, Syria.
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has expressed optimism that the Trump presidency will be more engaged in the region, particularly in containing Iran which backs the Assad regime and rebels in Yemen.
Assad's other main ally is Russia, against which McCain takes a hard line.
Trump, in contrast, has faced allegations of improper Russian influence on his administration, something he denies.
The New York Times on Sunday called McCain "critic in chief" of the Trump presidency, partly for his defence of traditional Republican foreign policy positions that contrast with those of the president.
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe speaks during a private ceremony in Harare, on February 21, 2017
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, the world's oldest national ruler, turned 93 on Tuesday, using a long and occasionally rambling interview to vow to remain in power despite growing signs of frailty.
He celebrated the day at a private event in Harare with a cake and presents from staff as supporters and ruling ZANU-PF party officials filled state media with gushing messages of goodwill and congratulations.
During an hour-long, pre-recorded television interview broadcast late Monday, Mugabe appeared to grow increasingly tired, pausing at length between sentences and speaking with his eyes barely open.
"The call to step down must come from my party... In such circumstances I will step down," he said.
"They want me to stand for elections... If I feel that I can't do it any more, I will say so to my party so that they relieve me. But for now, I think I can't say so.
- Lavish weekend party -
"The majority of the people feel that there is no replacement -- a successor who to them is acceptable."
Mugabe, who has ridiculed regular reports that he is close to death, spoke about creating jobs in Zimbabwe's wrecked economy, the country's extreme cash shortage and his much-criticised wife.
Sitting in State House, his official residence in Harare, he appeared lucid at some points while at other times he drawled and lost track of his thoughts.
The Zimbabwean opposition used the birthday to say Mugabe was an outdated leader, incapable of solving the country's problems.
Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe's birthday cake featured various rural images as well as a portrait of the world's oldest ruler
The president's main birthday celebrations will be held on Saturday at Matobo National Park outside Bulawayo, where thousands of officials and ZANU-PF faithful are expected to gather.
Large game animals are often slaughtered for the occasion. In previous years Mugabe has reportedly been offered elephants, buffalo and impala for the feast.
The veteran leader, who came to power when Zimbabwe won independence in 1980, is accused of holding onto office through ruthless repression of dissent and election rigging, while overseeing an economic collapse.
The state-owned Herald newspaper published a 24-page supplement of congratulatory messages from government departments and regime loyalists, while state television and radio broadcast tributes and songs of praise.
"As we celebrate his 93rd birthday today, we do so in the knowledge and comfort that our country is in very good and capable hands," the Herald said in its editorial.
The defence ministry message read: "Your wise visionary leadership continues to provide us with clear direction and greater resolve to defend our country."
- Successors jostle -
Several incidents in recent years have highlighted Mugabe's advanced age -- including a public fall in 2015 at Harare airport.
In September of the same year he read a speech to parliament apparently unaware that he had delivered the same address a month earlier.
His party has endorsed Mugabe as its candidate for general elections next year, and he remains widely respected as a liberation hero by other African leaders.
On Friday, his wife, Grace, 51, claimed that Mugabe would be the voters' choice even after he dies.
Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe walks past a cake bearing the number '93' during a private birthday ceremony in Harare, on February 21, 2017
Grace, who has a reputation for extravagance and fierce verbal attacks on rivals, has also said she would use a wheelchair to transport him to election rallies if needed.
She was appointed head of the ZANU-PF women's wing in a surprise move that could make her a possible successor to Mugabe.
"She is very acceptable. Very much accepted by the people," Mugabe said in the interview, without giving further details.
Another leading candidate is Mugabe's vice president, Emmerson Mnangagwa.
A spokesman for the Movement for Democratic Change opposition party wrote a stinging opinion piece in the privately-owned NewsDay paper.
"Today's problems need today's people. Yet you do not even belong to yesterdays generation. At 93, you certainly belong to yesterday but one," wrote Luke Tamborinyoka.
Last year, security forces quelled a series of street protests in Harare that were a rare public expression of opposition to Mugabe's regime.
According to Bloomberg News, Zimbabwe's economic output has halved since 2000 when many white-owned farms were seized, leaving the key agricultural sector in ruins.
1 McCraken Ian Wilkes GhostzapperIvory Empress, by by Seeking the Gold By having three preps, even if he does regress slightly somewhere down the road, dont expect Wilkes to fret over it. He wont allow what happened in last years Tampa Bay Derby to Destin, who peaked too soon, to happen to McCraken. Remember his two Derby wins with Carl Nazger. Unbridled jumped up and won the Florida Derby by 4 lengths and then regressed in the Blue Grass Stakes, finishing third, beaten nearly 4 lengths. Street Sense scored a gut-wrenching victory in the Tampa Bay Derby in his 3-year-old debut and then was upset by 8-1 shot Dominican in the Blue Grass Stakes in a four-horse photo. You can be sure Wilkes has learned from his mentor Nafzger and through his day-to-day training of Street Sense how to have McCraken peaking on Derby Day, not in the prep races, where a loss is not as catastrophic as many trainers believe. Do you think Wilkes panicked when Fort Larned finished a well-beaten third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup as the 5-2 favorite before winning the Breeders Cup Classic at 9-1? Last week I mentioned how McCrakens tail-female family goes back to mare by Nodouble, one of the toughest, most durable, and underrated horses Ive ever seen. Nicknamed the Arkansas Traveler, Nodouble won or placed at nine different distances from 6 furlongs to 2 miles, competing at 12 different tracks, from New York, Maryland, and New Jersey in the North to Florida and Arkansas in the South to Illinois and Michigan in the Midwest and to Santa Anita and Hollywood Park in California. Not only was he tough as nails who could win on the lead or off the pace, he had enough brilliance to win the Met Mile in 1:34 3/5, the 1 1/16-mile San Pasqual in 1:40 2/5, the Hawthorne Gold Cup in 1:59 1/5 and 1:59 4/5 and the Brooklyn Handicap in 2:00 2/5, while defeating Hall of Famers Damascus and Gamely and also Reviewer and Verbatim, while chasing Hall of Famer Arts and Letters all through 1969.
2 Irish War Cry Graham Motion CurlinIrish Sovereign, by Polish Numbers With such a narrow margin between him and McCraken for the top spot, every little addition to their resume helps, and he added to his credentials when O Dionysus, the horse he narrowly defeated in the Marylander Stakes, beat a top-quality field convincingly in the Miracle Wood Stakes, coming home his final quarter in a scintillating :23 1/5. Believe me, I was very tempted to find that sufficient enough to move him up to No. 1, because as Ive stated, I still believe he is the most gifted 3-year-old Ive seen this year and firmly believe he could be something special. It is even more tempting now that Classic Empire is out of the Fountain of Youth and the highly touted Battalion Runner hasnt been seen on the worktab since his last race on Feb. 3. So, who is going to beat this horse? Perhaps Im hung up too much on his back-to-back front-running victories in a year with so many fast, classy pace horses, but I feel there will be several fast horses stretching out that will enable him to sit off the pace. The fact he relaxed so well in the Holy Bull makes one conclude that he was on the lead only because he was that much the best. And if he does take back and wins impressively againbang! zoom! I also keep coming back to all those European classic-winning horses and sires Saint Crespin, Aureole, and Tambourine -- in his female family. In addition, I mentioned my strong feelings for Nodouble in McCrakens female family, and he also appears in Irish War Cry's pedigree on his sire's side.
3 Mo Town Tony Dutrow Uncle MoGrazi Mille, by Bernardini He continues to work sharply at Payson Park, breezing 5 furlongs in 1:01 2/5 for his return in the February 25 Risen Star Stakes, where hell have to face 12 opponents. Dutrow said hes happy and ready to run. He certainly does not have to win the Risen Star. He just needs to be closing in the stretch, and John Velazquez has to keep him off the rail turning for home, as the inside has proven it can often be disaster at Fair Grounds for some inexplicable reason. But year after year, good horses who try to come through on the inside get in all kinds of trouble. With his running style, better to lose ground, which is not really a detriment with that long stretch, and many Derby prep winners at Fair Grounds win with stretch rallies on the far outside. As weve seen, he has not been highly regarded in the polls, especially after the Remsen runner-up, No Dozing, threw in a clunker in the Sam F. Davis. As Ive mentioned several times, I would have loved to seen him come back in a sprint after going 1 1/8 miles already, but having only two preps I understand points are a necessity and the sprint stakes are left hung out to dry. Anyway, well know where he stands soon enough.
4 Mastery Bob Baffert Candy RideSteady Course, by Old Trieste With everyone playing the waiting game to see where he shows up and how he performs, we can only go by how hes training, and his 7-furlong work in 1:25 2/5 was as good a work as Ive seen all year, especially with him starting off about 5 lengths behind his workmate. Once he got rolling it was a beautiful thing to watch, the way he closed in around the turn and began easing clear at the end without any urging, while showing great extension to his stride. He has fluid action with a good deal of power behind it, and was very strong past the wire, going in about :12 3/5 to the seven-eighths pole and then continuing out another eighth in about :13. There shouldnt be any questions about fitness, as there never is with Baffert, and now its just a question of how good he really is. He sure has some big shoes to fill, following American Pharoah and Arrogate. I like the long works and having him break so far behind his workmate, because I still have images of his broodmare sire, Old Trieste, working 6 furlongs in 1:09 flat the week before the Kentucky Derby and totally falling apart in the big race after setting a dizzying pace of :22 3/5 and :45 3/5. One of the great Derby Week quotes was from his trainer Mike Puype seconds after watching that work: I dont know whether to laugh or throw up.
5 Gunnevera Antonio Sano Dialed InUnbridled Rage, by Unbridled Breezed 5 furlongs in 1:01 at Gulfstream Park West. Sano said he went very easily and is a happy horse. He caught him galloping out 6 furlongs in 1:14. With the Fountain of Youth losing a couple of its headliners, he looks to be the main threat to Irish War Cry at this point, as he attempts to make up the 3 3/4-length deficit from the Holy Bull. Of his six grandsires and great-grandsires, five are either classic winners or sires of classic winners and the sixth was a Horse of the Year. Not a bad pedigree for a $16,000 yearling purchase. If you love Irish War Cry you have to give him a legitimate shot in the Fountain of Youth, as he is expected to improve off the Holy Bull after being compromised by the slow pace. But he stayed within reasonable distance of Irish War Cry through the final furlong without losing ground and was striding out beautifully to the wire. Hes no plodder, as evidenced by his victory in the 6 1/2-furlong Saratoga Special, rallying from 6 lengths back off a :45 flat half. So he has shown the speed to run a :46 1/5 half in a sprint and close off it. We saw a demonstration of his turn of foot in the Delta Jackpot, in which he inhaled his field on the turn and drew off with relative ease to win by 5 3/4 widening lengths.
6 Practical Joke Chad Brown Into MischiefHalo Humor, by Distorted Humor Hes getting sharper with every work, breezing 5 furlongs in a bullet 1:00 2/5 in company with Shagaf. The Gotham could take on major proportions if he winds up squaring off against El Areeb, whose plans are uncertain at this time, and California invader So Conflated. With Classic Empire out of the Fountain of Youth, will he now remain in Florida? With only two starts, he needs a good test first time out. Many knock his stretch run when a distant third in the Breeders Cup Juvenile, and use that as a basis for why hes not a two-turn horse; that and his sires penchant for getting horses who were best at a mile to 1 1/8 miles. But I still feel his stretch run was compromised some by the loss of momentum at a crucial point and having to swing out when Not This Time came in and took his path away, on top of coming off that drag out slugfest in the Champagne Stakes, in which he had to run a sub :23 third quarter around the turn just to get into contention and then battle Syndergaard in a gut-wrenching final furlong to eke out a nose victory in 1:34 3/5, which was two-fifths off Devils Bags stakes record, and in which they finished 6 1/4 lengths ahead of the third horse. That race had to have knocked out both horses to some degree. To look for another positive angle I am going to compare his two-for-two record in photo finishes to his great-grandsire Forty Niner, who was involved in an amazing nine photo finishes in a 19-race career, winning five of them, all stakes, and four by a nose, including the Travers and Haskell over Seeking the Gold. Of the four photos he lost, three were to champions Alysheba in the Woodward Stakes run in 1:59 2/5, Winning Colors in the Kentucky Derby, and Risen Star in the Lexington Stakes. So, just maybe it is Forty Niner, a stakes winner from 6 furlongs to 1 1/4 miles, who he will take after. Forty Niner sired Practical Jokes broodmare sire Distorted Humor, who had the exact same reputation as Into Mischief until he sired Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide.
7 Classic Empire Mark Casse Pioneerof the NileSambuca Classica, by Cat Thief One thing you have to say about his journey so far on the Derby trail, it hasnt been dull. Weve already had a troubled van ride, sweating in the post parade, getting agitated at the gate, a lingering foot abscess, a canceled work, not running at Gulfstream, running at Gulfstream, not running at Gulfstream. Now with the Fountain of Youth off the agenda, there is a possibility of pointing for the Tampa Bay Derby. If he doesnt run in that race on March 11 or the Rebel Stakes on March 18 it means he likely would have only one more prep before the Kentucky Derby, and that doesnt seem feasible considering he didnt get much out of the Holy Bull. You would think theyll have to find two races for him. The bottom line is you just dont want to see a horse miss an important race, especially for physical reasons and when hes coming off a disappointing effort. It just leaves too many questions up in the air. Look, he could win the Tampa Bay Derby or Rebel like the champ hes proven himself to be and all will once again be right with the world. What this all means is that I have no clue what to make of him right now. Because of all that has transpired, people might have a tendency to forget just how good he was last year, especially how professional he was in his last two races. But that was last year. His ride on the Derby Dozen has had more ups and downs in a short period of time than the parachute jump at Coney Island.
8 Gormley John Shirreffs Malibu MoonRace to Urga, by Bernstein Shirreffs wife, Dottie, who is the racing manager for the Mosses, described Gormley as a live wire kind of guy. He is very good looking, well-balanced, with a fabulous body and a never give up, competitive nature. He remains sharp with a half-mile breeze in :47 4/5 in company with Victor Epsinoza aboard. Shirreffs is in the same position with Gormley and Royal Mo as Bob Baffert is with his two Derby horses. He has yet to decide which one will run in the San Felipe and which one will run in the Rebel Stakes. Gormley is a colt who was visually impressive in his career debut victory going 6 1/2 furlongs, but still managed to jump a whopping 29 Beyer points to a impressive 93 when thrown into the grade 1 FrontRunner Stakes stretching out to two turns against seasoned stakes horses. After battling on the lead in :45 4/5 in his maiden score, he was allowed to establish a clear lead in :47 in the FrontRunner and no one was able to even threaten him at any point in the race. It was a huge disappointment to see him tire so badly in the Breeders Cup Juvenile when he was unable to get anywhere close to the lead, but he certainly bounced back in the Sham Stakes, showing the ability to sit off a horse and then withstand a hard-fought stretch battle, while running a career-best 94 Beyer. What makes him even more formidable are the number of true stamina influences in his tail-female family.
9 El Areeb Cathal Lynch Exchange RateFeathered Diamond, by A.P. Indy Lynch has thrown the Florida Derby into the mix for his next start, meaning hed have only one more prep. I cant see him waiting that long after his super half-mile breeze in :47 3/5, showing great extension to his stride, ears up, and rider motionless. One would think he needs to run sooner than later. The Florida Derby certainly would test him for class, but weve seen so many inner track horses go from cold weather all winter to the heat of Florida, and horses generally dont handle that as well as they do hot to cold. The Gotham still seems like his best bet on a surface he loves and where he should face better competition. Either way, its time to map out a plan and train the horse accordingly. Unless youre Bob Baffert, it normally is best to have a plan mapped out and not consider every major prep a possibility, but with so many horses nowadays having only one or two starts before the Derby, trainers are more inclined to keep all options open. Lynch at least has two races under his belt already, so he has the luxury of basing his next start on how the horse is doing, how the competition stacks up, and what looks like the best way of getting to the Derby. But until he steps up against better competition we can only speculate where he fits in the Derby picture. So far hes answered all the questions asked of him and has shown he has a powerful engine. And that last work makes me more bullish about him.
10 One Liner Todd Pletcher Into MischiefCayala, by Cherokee Run As the Pletcher machine begins to infiltrate the Top 12, many of the feel-good Cinderella stories begin to depart. You certainly had to be impressed with this colt, who overcame an outside post and never having been farther than 6 furlongs, but still managed to make the local horses look mediocre in the Southwest Stakes, bounding away in the stretch with big sweeping strides to win by 3 1/2 lengths, despite some drifting in and out. But he leveled off beautifully and was getting stronger as he approached the wire. His stride suggests a great deal of agility. What was most impressive was the way he blew right on by Petrov, who made what appeared to be a winning move, charging to the lead and then finishing 8 1/4 lengths ahead of the third horse, Lookin At Lee. With a lofty 102 Beyer and racing wide, and a fast time of 1:41 4/5, will his Ragozin and Thoro-Graph figures be through the roof? A monster jump now, like we saw with the Pletcher-trained Destin last year, could be too much too soon. But the big question with him is distance. Did he pretty much outsprint an ordinary bunch of horses or will he be able to stretch out to classic distances, even though his pedigree doesnt indicate that? He is a complete outcross through five generations and his second dam is a half-sister to Breeders Cup Dirt Mile winner Albertus Maximus and Champagne winner Daredevil, both of whom were basically milers, as was his broodmare sire Cherokee Run. His maternal great-grandsire is Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold, but his best horses were most effective from sprints to 1 1/8 miles. His only top distance horse was in Canada on the grass. Visually, this was an extremely impressive performance, but right now we dont know what he beat and well see if he can duplicate it as he keeps stretching out. He didnt run like distance will be a problem, so all we can do is consider him a legitimate contender until he, or his pedigree, proves otherwise.
11 American Anthem Bob Baffert BodemeisterIndys Windy, by A.P. Indy Baffert pointed out that maybe he can win his second Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) with a horse sired by a Derby runner-up that he trained, specifically Bodemeister, sire of American Anthem, and Pioneerof the Nile, sire of American Pharoah. A great deal is expected of this horse following his gutsy effort in the Sham Stakes (G3), but again it must be pointed out hes had only two career starts, so we really dont much about him at all. To dig in the way he did against a grade I winner in Gormley and fight it out with him all the way to the wire indicates this is a very talented, courageous colt. But despite the head margin at the wire, American Anthems Thoro-Graph number was 2 1/4 points slower than Gormleys. His Beyer figure of 94, however, puts him right there with the leading contenders; not bad for having only two starts. Everyone now sits back and awaits Bafferts decision regarding the plans for him and Mastery. Like with Shirreffs pair, one will stay home for the San Felipe and the other will head to Oaklawn for the Rebel Stakes. All four have tons of speed and appear to want to be on or near the lead, so it will be interesting to see if they can or will even try to take back off the pace in their next race. It might be wise to in the San Felipe with the presence of Iliad.
12 Tapwrit Todd Pletcher TapitAppealing Zophie, by Successful Appeal After a horrendous debut he has improved dramatically with the addition of blinkers, and although his two victories were nothing to rave about and earned him at best mediocre Beyer speed figures, it was impressive to see the runner-up on both occasions finish more than 12 lengths ahead of the third horse, which is something I always like to see. As a $1.2 million yearling purchase at Saratoga, he comes with great expectations and obviously flawless conformation. Yes, he is by Tapit, out of a grade I Spinaway winner, but his overall pedigree is nothing more than solid. Many were impressed with the way he was closing in the final furlong of the Sam F. Davis after being steered to the outside, but it should not be forgotten that he was in receipt of 6 pounds from McCraken, who was not fully cranked, and had a ground-saving trip the entire way. When Jose Ortiz asked him nearing the top of the stretch, there wasnt much of a response and he appeared to be going one-paced as he turned for home. Thats why it was surprising to see him close the way he did after being shifted to the outside. Did he suddenly turn it on once outside of horses or were McCraken and State of Honor beginning to get a bit tired? Whatever the reason, he obviously has to be taken seriously in the Tampa Bay Derby, as he continues to improve.
KNOCKING ON THE DOOR
As mentioned earlier, the Southwest Stakes proved to be a disappointment for the local horses, as One Liner, a horse with only a 5 1/2-furlong and 6-furlong race under him, made them look ordinary. He pretty much dominated the race, putting more than a dozen lengths between himself and the third-place finisher, LOOKIN AT LEE, who had a bit of a rough start, but never threatened. Lookin At Lee joins several of last years top 2-year-olds, Classic Empire, NO DOZING, and WILD SHOT as non factors in their 3-year-old debuts. The big disappointment in the Southwest was the even-money favorite, UNCONTESTED, who never seemed as comfortable on the lead as he did in the Smarty Jones Stakes. Perhaps he just relished the slop last time out. This time he seemed to have a lot of head movement as he set a brisk pace of :22 4/5, :46 2/5, and 1:10 4/5 and never put up a fight when Petrov moved up to challenge at the head of the stretch. He faded to sixth, beaten nearly 13 lengths. Well just have to wait now to see who Baffert and Shirreffs send over for the Rebel and if One Liner returns for that race or heads elsewhere. With only three lifetime starts and two sprints, he is another who looks like hed be much better off for the Kentucky Derby if he had two more races. With only four starts youre bucking the history books, and the feeling here is that this colt needs the mileage under him.
As for runner-up PETROV, I havent given up on him, as he was kept closer to the pace because of a presumed speed-favoring track and then made an early move to quickly dispose of Uncontested, the horse they figured they had to beat. If Pletcher stays home he wins by 8 1/4 lengths and everyone is raving about him. He needs to take farther back and not worry about one horse on the lead. He also needs to save his run for later. This is a very nice horse who always runs hard and gives his all and is going to win his share of stakes.
I went back and forth trying to decide whether to put ILIAD in the Top 12, even with GUEST SUITE and ROYAL MO pounding on the door trying to get in. But Ill wait a week for the Risen Star regarding Guest Suite. As for Iliad, as fast as he is, it must be noted that his half-brother, Melmich, won stakes in Canada at 1 3/4 miles and 1 1/4 miles and placed at 1 5/8 miles, and he does have a couple of Santa Anita distance horses on the turf fairly close up. Having more time to watch the San Vicente again, I love the way he cruised to the lead with Flavien Prats hands perfectly still. Prat needed to go to a right and left-handed whip and Iliad on two occasions gave a swish of his tail indicating he wanted no part of that. I also liked the way he quickly galloped out well clear of the field immediately after the wire. But the reason Im holding off on him for now is that his fractions in the San Vicente were :21 4/5, :22, :24 3/5, and :13 (which would equate to about a :26 quarter). When looking for a Derby horse you want to see that pattern go more the opposite way, rather than have a horse run that fast early and get progressively and noticeably slower. Normally you dont find Derby horses running an opening half in :44 flat in mid-February. So, despite his obvious ability and a pedigree that suggests he should run farther, I need to see him relax more early and come home faster, especially considering this is getting late for a Derby horse not to have run farther than 7 furlongs. He could win the San Felipe like a champion and it wouldnt shock anyone, but lets see him do it first and do it the right way.
It looks as if Japan has found its Kentucky Derby representative for this year when EPICHARIS remained undefeated with a gutsy rail-skimming victory in the Hyacinth Stakes, in which he had to struggle to get by a stubborn Adirato, who had set the early pace. It wasnt until the final yards that Epicharis began to inch away to score by three-quarters of a length. Epicharis, a son of Japans champion dirt horse of 2002, Gold Allure, who captured the Japan Dirt Derby, looks a great deal like his paternal grandsire Sunday Silence, with his near-black coat and similar white blaze. His broodmare sire, Carnegie, won the Arc de Triomphe, as did Carnegies dam Detroit. Epicharis also is inbred to Nijinsky II and has the Rasmussen Factor (RF) being inbred to the great broodmare Special through her son Nureyev and daughter Fairy Bridge, dam of Sadlers Wells. With 50 points, Epicharis has a spot in the Kentucky Derby if his connections choose to follow in the footsteps of Lani. That would again mean a ton more handle revenue for the Derby.
As mentioned earlier, O DIONYSUS put himself in the Derby and/or Preakness picture with a stunning victory over a good field, including Frank Whiteley Stakes winner HIGH ROLLER and New York invader EVERYBODYLUVSRUDY in the one-mile Miracle Wood Stakes at Laurel. The son of Bodemeister made a big wide move on the turn, storming past High Roller and Poseidons Prize to open a clear lead at the eighth pole and then having no trouble holding off Everybodyluvsrudy, who just got up for second over 25-1 shot NO MORE TALK. With his final two fractions in :11 1/5 and :12 flat, O Dionysus came home his final quarter in a swift :23 1/5, completing the mile in 1:37 flat and was actually increasing his lead at the wire. You may recall his trainer Gary Capuano made a major splash back in 1997 when he won the Florida Derby and Wood Memorial with Captain Bodgit, who then was beaten in photos by Silver Charm in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness before an injury prior to the Belmont Stakes ended his career. Well see what path they decide to take. O Dionysus is inbred to A.P. Indy, but it must also be noted that his maternal granddam, Safe at the Plate, is a half-sister to champion sprinter Safely Kept.
SO CONFLATED, a horse weve been touting as a sleeper, thinking he might be able to pick up all the speed in the upcoming Santa Anita races, wound up instead in the Feb. 25 Risen Star Stakes. But when he drew post 14 it was decided to change plans and re-route him to New York for the Gotham Stakes. As I said regarding Mo Town, he doesnt have to win his next race. He just needs to move forward and be competitive with potential rivals El Areeb and Practical Joke. The reason he ran on the Tapeta surface in the California Derby is because he refused to run through the kickback when he finished a head behind Dabster (moved up to first on a disqualification) in a maiden race. He has since worked behind a horse a couple of times and handled the kickback fine. Owner Paul Reddam admitted they had chosen the Risen Star figuring there were no standouts and believing Mo Town was heading for the Gotham, as originally stated. Now that Mo Town is in the Risen Star it makes sense to fill his vacated spot in the Gotham. IRAP, who has finished second in the grade 1 Los Alamitos Futurity to Mastery and second to Royal Mo in the Robert Lewis Stakes as a maiden, will switch from the Gotham and now contest the Mine That Bird Derby at Sunland Park.
The Reddam-ONeill team also sent their Cal Cup Derby winner ANN ARBOR EDDIE up to Golden Gate for the El Camino Real Derby, but was upset at even-money by 48-1 shot ZAKAROFF, who may have been the biggest overlay of the year, having finished only four length behind So Conflated in the California Derby. Ann Arbor Eddie was disqualified from second to fourth for lugging out in the stretch, moving MORE POWER TO HIM up to second. This race likely will not have any impact on the Derby.
If GUEST SUITE runs to his works, hes going be tough to beat in the Risen Star next Saturday. In his last work, the son of Quality Road breezed 5 furlongs in a razor-sharp :59 2/5, fastest of the eight works at the distance. Also working for the Risen Star were Guests Suites beaten foes in the LeComte, TAKEOFF, who breezed a half in :49 3/5, UNTRAPPED, who breezed in :50, and SHAREHOLDER VALUE, who went his half in :48 3/5.
What else is new, Todd Pletcher won another maiden race, this time with first-time starter PATCH, who looked like a beaten horse on the turn and was under an early whip, but like many of Pletchers horses, somehow found a way to win, thanks to a :26 final quarter by front-running 53-1 shot MEANTIME, who he beat by 1 3/4 lengths in 1:37 4/5. Thank goodness for Pletcher he has so many maidens that he can find easier pickins over at Tampa Bay to break up his assembly line of 3-year-olds he has for his all-star cast of owners. First he sent ALWAYS DREAMING to Tampa, where he romped by 11 1/2 lengths at 1-5, and more recently he sent his $1.3 million 2-year-old purchase MONACO there, where he won by a mere 12 lengths at 2-5. Are we looking at a three-horse entry in the Tampa Bay Derby, along with Tapwrit?
It looks as if Pletcher will run one of three horses in the Fountain of Youth Stakes MADE YOU LOOK, a dual stakes winner on grass and beaten 1-2 favorite in the Kittens Joy Stakes who has never run on dirt; SONIC MULE, third in the Swale Stakes and stretching back out in distance after a good sharpener, or THIRD DAY, undefeated in two starts and winner of the Just One More Stakes. All of them would be fairly decent prices against Irish War Cry and Gunnevera, but certainly look more appealing with Classic Empire out of the race. It is important to note that Made You Looks dam is by Unbridleds Song out of the great filly Serenas Song, so dirt certainly looks like a viable option. Conspicuous by his absence from the Fountain of Youth probables is the aforementioned BATTALION RUNNER, who hasnt been seen on the worktab since his last race on February 3. Even if he was going to wait for the Florida Derby, it's a long time without working.
The Bob Baffert arsenal of 3-year-olds continued to grow when he ran 1,2 in a one-mile maiden race, but perhaps not as he expected. Baffert has been high on first timer WEST COAST, but the son of Flatter, out of the top-class filly Caressing, had to settle for second behind stablemate BRONZE AGE, who had tired badly in his first two starts, but managed to wire his field, holding off the late run of West Coast to win by a length in a sprightly 1:35 1/5. Baffert said West Coast is one to watch down the road.
ROYAL MO turned in a sharp half-mile breeze in :48 1/5 in his first work since winning the Robert Lewis Stakes. He is such a big, long-striding colt, it was a surprise, especially to jockey Mike Smith, to see him on the lead in the Lewis. When he breezed him last June he felt it would take him time before he got it because he was so big. As I mentioned a few weeks ago, he has one of the most attractive, finely chiseled heads Ive seen in a long time. Lets see how Shirreffs decides to split them up.
THREE RULES, the king of Florida last year, breezed 5 furlongs in 1:01 3/5 in his first work since finishing second in the 7-furlong Swale Stakes. He is being considered for the Fountain of Youth, as is South American invader HURACAN AMERICO, who worked a mile in 1:41 at Gulfstream.
The Mark Casse-trained first-time starter SOUPER TAPIT obviously is too far behind to be considered a legitimate Kentucky Derby hopeful, but the way he exploded by horses in a mile and 70-yard maiden race at Fair Grounds without the slightest urging, going from last to fast on the far turn, then digging in tenaciously to hold off the fast-closing MULTIPLIER suggests this a colt to watch down the road. What made the race even more impressive was the 7 1/4-length gap to the third horse. The son of Tapit has been known to be a bit of troublemaker and looks for reasons to be bad, but hes finally got that first race in him and justified the high praise for him from the Casse barn. Later in the card, TOTAL TAP captured a mile and 70-yard allowance race in nearly identical time.
Despite his third-place finish in a state-bred stakes at Delta Downs, SAINTS FAN is still considered a possibility for the Louisiana Derby, according to owner-trainer Dallas Stewart, who said he needed the race and could train up to the race. The alternative would be the Crescent City Derby for Louisiana-breds the same day
Mainly Sunni Muslim Turkey and Shiite Iran have been on opposite sides of the conflict in Syria
Diplomatic tensions escalated between Turkey and Iran on Tuesday as the regional powers traded accusations over their roles in the Syria conflict and the Middle East.
The pair have been rivals for centuries but have sought to forge a pragmatic relationship in recent years, with the Islamic Republic strongly supporting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after last year's failed coup.
But mainly Sunni Muslim Turkey and Shiite Iran have been on opposite sides of the conflict in Syria, with Ankara seeking the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad and Tehran, along with Russia, his key backer.
The tensions come with UN-backed peace talks for Syria due to restart on Thursday and Turkey engaged in fierce fighting inside Syria to capture the town of Al-Bab from jihadists.
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu lashed out at Iran in a speech to the Munich Security Conference at the weekend, saying some of its actions had undermined security in the region and urging Tehran to promote stability.
"Iran wants to make Syria and Iraq Shiite," he was quoted as saying by Turkish state media.
Erdogan has also in recent weeks accused Iran of promoting a "Persian nationalism" that had damaged the Middle East.
The Iranian foreign ministry on Monday summoned the Turkish envoy to issue a protest after Cavusoglu's comments while spokesman Bahram Ghassemi warned that Tehran's patience "has limits".
"We hope that such statements are not made again. If our Turkish friends continue with this attitude we will not remain silent," he added.
Turkey's foreign ministry spokesman Huseyin Muftuoglu hit back by saying it was "incomprehensible" to receive such accusations from Tehran who he charged with "not hesitating to push into war zones refugees sheltering from regional crises."
"Instead of accusing countries that have criticised Iran, it should take constructive steps and review its own regional policies."
- 'Recognise interests' -
The angry exchanges have come just after Erdogan returned from a week-long tour to the Arabian peninsula, including talks with the leadership of Iran's arch regional foe and Ankara's Sunni ally Saudi Arabia.
Ali Vaez, senior Iran analyst with the International Crisis Group, said Iran and Turkey feared the other was seeking to capture regional hegemony via proxies on the ground.
"With each failure to find an accommodation, the context of Turkey's and Iran's rivalry has become more complex and disagreements more intractable," he told AFP.
While Turkey has backed rebels in Syria throughout the conflict, Tehran has played a crucial role in aiding Assad. Iran has provided few details over its involvement but has confirmed the deaths of some 1,000 volunteer fighters in Syria.
Ankara has meanwhile warned Iran and its allies in the Baghdad government against using Shiite militia in the assault to recapture the jihadist-held Iraqi city of Mosul.
"It's very dangerous to send Shiite militia into a 99 percent Sunni Arab city," Cavusoglu said on Tuesday.
Harmony between Turkey and Iran is crucial in ensuring the preservation of a fragile ceasefire in Syria -- also backed by Russia -- that came into force at the end of last year as a basis for peace talks.
Although Ankara says Assad should go, the government has occasionally softened its stance, indicating the president could have some role in determining the country's future.
But Vaez said the Syria talks process was reaching an impasse, while the spheres of influence of Iran and Turkey were colliding in Syria.
"Ultimately Turkey and Iran, as neighbours, will have to live with the outcome of the conflicts now burning around them," he said
"Any sustainable solution will require a regional power balance tolerable for both," he said calling on both sides to recognise the other's interests.
The heads of an adoption centre are suspected of selling at least 17 children to foreign couples
Indian police said Tuesday they have arrested the heads of an adoption centre suspected of selling at least 17 children to foreign couples, the latest trafficking scandal to hit the country.
Investigators said children aged between six months and 14 years were sold to couples from Europe, America and Asia for between $12,000 and $23,000 and taken out of the country.
Police in the eastern state of West Bengal arrested Chandana Chakraborty, head of the Bimala Sishu Griha centre, and her deputy Sonali Mondal at the weekend after a tip-off from the federal adoption agency.
"In the last two to three years, they have sold at least 17 children," a police officer told AFP on condition of anonymity.
"We will try to contact the couples and are expecting more arrests in coming days."
One French couple paid 1.5 million rupees ($23,000) for a child in 2015, he said.
The women were also involved in running two other homes in the area.
"Two people were arrested after raids in three charitable homes on Saturday night," Sashi Panja, state women and child development minister, told AFP.
It is unclear how the alleged sales escaped official notice.
Investigators said they had been monitoring the charity since June when child welfare authorities found discrepancies in their records and relocated all the children from one of the homes.
One said the accused ran health camps to identify poor and unmarried pregnant women and convinced them to give away their babies for adoption after paying them.
"They used fake fitness certificates and police stamps to process the adoption applications," the officer said.
India has an estimated 30 million orphans, but the rules governing international adoptions are strict and domestic adoptions remain relatively rare.
Only 3,011 children were legally adopted by local couples in India between April 2015 and March 2016, down from 3,988 in the previous period, according to the Central Adoption Resource Authority.
Experts say desperate couples wanting to adopt in India are often frustrated by lengthy bureaucratic delays and complex rules, pushing them towards the thriving illegal adoption market.
In recent years the federal government has pledged to relax the adoption rules for local couples.
For foreigners and couples of Indian origin living abroad, the number of adoptions has risen by almost half but they remain subject to intense scrutiny, and the adoption process can take years.
The latest scandal comes four months after police arrested 18 people over the sale of newborn babies in the same state.
The gang stole babies from nursing homes, smuggling them out in biscuit boxes and keeping them at adoption centres before selling them.
The scale of the operation is still being uncovered, and the remains of five newborn girls were recovered from one of the homes in November.
China is suspending all imports of coal from North Korea for the remainder of 2017
A North Korean state economic official sought Tuesday to play down the impact of China's shock announcement that it was suspending coal imports from the country for the rest of the year.
The move, which came shortly after another missile launch by Pyongyang and the assassination of its leader's half-brother in Kuala Lumpur, would go much further than the latest UN sanctions imposed on the country over its nuclear and missile programmes.
China is the North's sole major ally and by far its biggest trading partner, with coal the biggest component of its purchases -- according to figures from Chinese Customs it imported more than 22 million tonnes last year, worth nearly $1.2 billion.
It is a crucial foreign currency-earner for the isolated North.
"Of course if we can no longer export things that we used to export, it can have some impact on the companies that are directly involved in exports," Ri Sun-Chol, chief of the economic research institute of the North's Academy of Social Sciences, told AFP in an interview.
But he added: "Direct exports of natural resources have been under great restrictions. So I can't say that it would have substantial impact on the economy."
Ten men, most of them soldiers, are on trial for kidnapping and killing four leading foreign businessmen from the Novotel hotel during fighting in Abidjan in April 2011
The trial opened Tuesday in Ivory Coast of 10 men, mainly soldiers, accused of kidnapping and killing four men from the Novotel hotel in Abidjan in April 2011.
"All the defendants are present," the presiding judge Mourlaye Cissoko announced. "They all have a lawyer."
The case is expected to shed light on the abduction and murder of the hotel's manager, along with the head of Ivory Coast's largest agro-industrial group and two other businessmen in an unexplained crime, while bloodshed raged in Abidjan between rival political factions.
The defendants include General Brunot Dogbo Ble, who was commander of the Republican Guard in the service of Laurent Gbagbo, a former president who refused to step down after losing a November 2010 election to Alassane Ouattara and who clung to power by force.
Gbagbo is himself on trial before the International Criminal Court in The Hague, charged with crimes against humanity during more than four months of conflict in Abidjan that claimed about 3,000 lives.
At night on April 4, 2011, armed men burst into the Novotel hotel in a part of the economic capital under the control of Gbagbo's forces and snatched the French manager, Stephane Frantz di Rippel.
They also kidnapped Yves Lambelin, the French chairman of Ivory Coast's largest private firm, Sifca, his Beninese assistant Raoul Adeossi and a Malaysian, Chelliah Pandian, who ran a Sifca subsidiary, Sania.
According to the new Ouattara regime, which was installed once Gbagbo was arrested on April 11, the hit squad took their victims to the presidential palace, where they were tortured and eventually killed.
Two corpses were found at the end of May in Abidjan's lagoon, but the only body that could be formally identified was Lambelin's.
Five of the men facing trial, including Dogbo Ble, are charged with abduction and murder, while the others are accused of kidnapping and/or making the bodies disappear, supposedly in black plastic bags used to cover bananas.
The trial was meant to start last November, but put off at the last moment until January 31, when it was again postponed because half of the accused were not in court.
The delay aroused anger from defence lawyers and civil parties in the case, who want to find out why the victims died and how far up the chain of command the order was issued.
Faces of fallen journalists are seen on the Newseum's Journalists Memorial in Washington, DC
Journalists in conflict zones are facing unprecedented threats amid a rise in violent non-state actors, a decline in rule of law and increased reliance on freelancers, a media watchdog said Tuesday.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said in a 28-page report that more needs to be done to ensure the safety of reporters deployed to global hot spots.
"The collapse of old political structures, the rise of militias, the failure of Western governments to rein in repressive regimes, and the disruption of the news industry by technology have churned up the threat landscape for journalists globally since the 1990s," the CPJ report said.
The report noted that journalists have become increasingly targets since the early 2000s, citing the 2002 kidnapping and videotaped beheading of Wall Street Journal correspondent Daniel Pearl in Pakistan.
"His death signaled a new era in which violent non-state actors use journalists as pawns in asymmetrical warfare with foreign powers," the report said.
The killings by the Islamic State organization of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, which were broadcast on social media, raised public awareness, but dangers persist, according to CPJ.
"The risks include kidnapping for ransom or political gain, and murder by insurgents who see journalists as surrogates of an enemy too powerful to attack directly," said the report.
"Journalists are caught in crossfire or targeted by drug cartels as a warning to other unwelcome reporters. While technological changes enable more people to engage in acts of journalism, those same changes bring new risks, such as surveillance and tracking."
Some major big news organizations have taken steps to increase safety, but freelancers and local journalists often lack resources and training, according to the report.
In the wake of kidnappings, a number of international news organizations agreed to a set of principles which call for treating freelancers as they would staff, the report noted. But because the guidelines are voluntary, not all organizations follow them.
Some positive signs have emerged, including a greater awareness of the threats and better cooperation among members of the media, it added.
"I think the networks are stronger now than they were 10 years ago, and even stronger than five years ago," Judith Matloff, a journalist and media safety instructor at the Columbia University School of Journalism, said in the report.
"People are working together more and I think that's absolutely critical."
Several third-generation nuclear reactors are under construction, but none has started operating yet
Two nuclear reactors being built in the southern Chinese city of Taishan will come onstream months later than planned, said China General Nuclear Power (CGN), which runs the project together with France's EDF.
"Taishan Nuclear recently organised a comprehensive evaluation on subsequent engineering construction plan and relevant risks, and after due consideration, it is decided to adjust the construction plan of Taishan project," CGN said in a statement filed late Monday to the Hong Kong stock exchange.
The reactors are of the so-called third-generation European Pressurized Reactor (EPR) type which has yet to go onstream anywhere in the world, and their start had been delayed once before, in 2016.
Britain in September gave the green light, with conditions, to EDF and CGN to build such a reactor an Hinkley Point, after a heated debate which included worries about China's involvement.
Following EPR delays in Finland and in France, the two Chinese reactors are set to become the first of their type to go into service anywhere.
"The expected commercial operation of Taishan Unit 1 and Taishan Unit 2 are adjusted from the original first half of 2017 and the second half of 2017 to the second half of 2017 and the first half of 2018, respectively," it said.
Construction of the Taishan plant started in 2009.
Dmytro Firtash faces extradition to the US
Austria detained Ukrainian oligarch Dmytro Firtash on Tuesday over alleged links to organised crime in Spain, shortly after a Vienna court approved his extradition to the US on separate corruption charges.
Police took the gas magnate into custody as he left the packed courtroom surrounded by his lawyers and bodyguards.
The dramatic arrest of one of Ukraine's richest men took place just after the appeals court in Vienna unexpectedly ruled that he should be handed over US authorities.
The shock decision overturned a 2015 verdict by a lower court, which had rejected the US request on the grounds that it was politically motivated.
Although the latest ruling cannot be appealed, the final extradition decision lies with the justice minister.
The prosecutor's office refused to comment on the Spanish case or how Firtash's arrest would affect the extradition ruling.
Authorities in Barcelona had issued a European arrest warrant in November 2016, with media reports saying Firtash was accused of belonging to a criminal organisation which had laundered 10 million euros ($10.5 million) in Spain.
But when the warrant was issued, the tycoon was already under house arrest in Austria over the US allegations.
- 'I want justice' -
Firtash, 51 -- a one-time ally of Ukraine's ousted president Viktor Yanukovych -- is wanted in the US over charges that he and five others paid $18.5 million in bribes to officials in India to secure titanium mining licences in 2006.
The United States argues that its laws applied because the conspiracy involved using US financial institutions, travel to and from the US, and use of US-based communications -- computers, telephones, and the internet.
Firtash was arrested in Vienna in March 2014, but released on a record Austrian bail of 125 million euros ($130 million).
He has denied all charges and maintained he was the victim of a smear campaign.
His legal team argued that he was caught up in a larger battle over the future of Ukraine, where the government has been engaged in bloody fighting with Russian-backed separatists in the east since 2014.
A lower court in Vienna sided with the gas magnate in April 2015 and rejected the US request.
But the appeals court said Tuesday the US had provided "sufficient" proof that Firtash "may have committed the crimes he is accused of".
"(The ruling) means simply that it's up to another country to decide whether he's guilty or not," judge Leo Levnaic-Iwanski said.
The move dealt a blow to Firtash who had said he would "return home immediately" after the verdict, in comments made shortly before the decision.
"I want justice," he told reporters in Vienna.
- Russia ties -
Firtash owns Group DF, a business empire involved in energy, chemicals, media, banking and property in Ukraine and other countries including Germany, Italy and Austria.
He made his fortune importing gas to Ukraine from Russia and Central Asia via his group Rosukrenergo, since disbanded, in collaboration with Russian gas giant Gazprom.
Having backed the 2010 election campaign of Yanukovych, Firtash was able to expand his business interests, acquiring chemicals and fertiliser factories as well as TV channel Inter.
The Russian-backed Yanukovych was ousted in protests in February 2014, and Firtash's arrest in Austria came soon afterwards, although officials deny any link.
Observers say US authorities want to detain Firtash because he holds information on close allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"The case against Firtash in the United States will not be limited only to the bribery allegations in India," said Ukrainian MP Sergiy Leshchenko, a former journalist who used to investigate Firtash's case.
"He is very valuable not only as a defendant but as witness too."
Palestinian journalists hold placards during a demonstration on April 24, 2016, outside the Red Cross offices in the West Bank city of Ramallah, in support of their colleague, Omar Nazzal, who was detained the previous day by Israeli forces
A senior Palestinian journalist has been released after 10 months in an Israeli jail without charge, he told AFP on Tuesday.
Omar Nazzal, 55, was released on Monday after nearly a year in prison and following 13 hearings in an Israeli military court, he said.
Despite that, he added, he never received specific allegations, only a "general accusation" that he was threatening "regional security".
"When my lawyer asked for details, he got only rejections from judges and military prosecutors," Nazzal, a member of the general secretariat of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, told AFP.
He was arrested on April 23 at the border between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan, from where he had been due to fly to a European Federation of Journalists gathering in Bosnia.
Nazzal, a former employee at the Palestine Today newspaper, was detained under Israel's controversial administrative detention laws, which allow suspects to be interned for indefinite periods without charge on evidence often not given to their lawyers.
The Palestinians have labelled his arrest an attack on press freedom and several international organisations have called for his release.
Israel insists that Nazzal was detained for "his involvement in terror group activities", not "because of his activity as a journalist".
He is accused of being in the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a leftist party banned by Israel.
The United Nations frequently calls on Israel to either charge or release those held under administrative detention, who number 530, according to the Palestinian Prisoners Club.
According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, around 20 journalists or journalism students are held by Israel, one of them for more than 20 years.
Mohammed al-Qiq, a journalist with Saudi television channel Al-Majd, has been on hunger strike for 16 days, his supporters said.
Philippine Commission on Human Rights chief Jose Gascon is investigating allegations that Philippine President Duterte (pictured) orchestrated murders while mayor of the southern city of Davao
A probe into whether Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ran a death squad is making progress following crucial whistleblower testimony this week, the head of the country's rights watchdog said Tuesday.
Philippine Commission on Human Rights chief Jose Gascon, who is investigating allegations that Duterte orchestrated murders while mayor of the southern city of Davao, said new evidence from a retired policeman had removed "murkiness" about events in the president's past.
Arthur Lascanas, an ex-officer in Davao, went public this week with claims that Duterte commanded a death squad that killed many people including a pregnant woman, and paid for the assassination of a journalist.
Lascanas said he himself took part in the death squads and even killed his two brothers.
Presidential spokesman Martin Anadanar on Monday rejected all the claims by what he called "a self-confessed hitman".
"We feel that this is an important piece in clearing up what the role of then-mayor, now President, Duterte had with respect to the Davao death squads", Gascon told AFP in Geneva on the sidelines of a human rights conference.
The rights commission had previously investigated claims that while mayor Duterte commanded hitmen in Davao who killed more than a thousand petty criminals.
When that probe ended in 2012, Gascon said his office recommended that charges be brought but prosecutors did not act.
The commission does not have the power to bring cases itself but Gascon voiced hope that the criminal justice system would act if the inquiry uncovered evidence to justify charges.
Arthur Lascanas (pictured), a former police officer in Davao, went public this week with claims that Duterte commanded a death squad that killed many people including a pregnant woman
The commission reopened its investigation late last year after Duterte, who was elected president in May, boasted that he had killed criminals years ago.
He has over the years variously denied and confirmed the existence of a Davao death squad.
But Duterte's political rise has made the investigation and witness protection increasingly difficult, Gascon said.
"We are of course extremely concerned about possible reprisals upon (whistleblowers) because the mayor is now president of the country," Gascon said, while encouraging more people to come forward.
The Philippines' main witness protection scheme is run by the justice department, which falls under the president's authority.
With Duterte in charge the rights commission has "encountered more and more witnesses and victims who are unwilling to approach the whistleblower programme," Gascon said.
The commission has tried to organise alternative safeguards despite limited resources but "our small witness protection programme is currently overbooked," he added.
- Democracy under threat? -
Duterte, 71, won elections last year after promising to eradicate drugs in society by killing tens of thousands of people.
He launched the drug war immediately after taking office in June, and more than 6,500 people have died in the crackdown.
The government has also charged a prominent Duterte critic, Senator Leila de Lima, with drug trafficking, accusations that Gascon called "trumped-up ... political harassment".
The rights chief accused Duterte of apparent disregard for the law and use of state institutions to attack political opponents. He said this may destroy the democratic gains made after Ferdinand Marcos's dictatorship fell in 1986.
"If he continues in the trajectory that he is pursuing, ... ultimately what we might see is a trajectory towards an illiberal democracy where a popularly elected president over time will undermine the democratic institutions."
"We had hoped for better in this country", Gascon added.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday there is no mass deportation underway, even as the Homeland Security Department issued tough new orders to begin a crackdown on illegal immigrants.
'The number one priority is making sure that people who pose a threat to this country are immediately dealt with,' Spicer told reporters at the White House, hours after DHS released two new immigration orders Tuesday.
'The message from this White House and from the Department of Homeland Security is that those people who are in this country and pose a threat to our public safety or committed a crime will be the first to go,' he said.
He said attention would focus on 1 million cases that have already been adjudicated, saying, 'All this does is lay out the exact procedures.'
New moves on enforcement: Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers have been told that there is now no protection for virtually every category of illegal immigrants
The Department of Homeland Security issued tough new orders Tuesday to begin a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigrants, putting nearly all of the country's 11 million undocumented foreigners in their cross-hairs.
Under the policy, the Trump administration would hire thousands more agents to police the border and go after illegal immigrants, and end the policy of releasing people who get apprehended at the border while they await government hearings.
But amid increasing concern among immigrants fearing a roundup, the administration warned there would not be mass deportations involving 'throwing folks on buses.'
'We do not need a sense of panic in the communities, a homeland official said in a press briefing to discuss the orders.
'We do not have the personnel, time or resources to go into communities and round up people and do all kinds of mass throwing folks on buses,' the official said, the Washington Post reported.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said the new policy would 'repatriate illegal immigrants safely, consistently, and humanely'
'Thats entirely a figment of folks imagination,' said the official. 'This is not intended to produce mass roundups, mass deportations.'
White House press secretary Sean Spicer described the new policy directives in dry language. He said the purpose was to 'repatriate illegal immigrants safely, consistently, and humanely.'
He said the guidance was issued 'in order to strengthen the efficient and faithful ex of this countrys immigration laws,' and mentioned the hiring of new immigration officers and legal staff. He also called the creation of a new office for victims of immigrant crime the fulfillment of 'another major campaign promise.'
Two memos issued by DHS Secretary John Kelly order border patrol and immigration officers to deport as quickly as possible any illegal immigrants they find, with only a few exceptions, principally children.
'The surge of illegal immigration at the southern border has overwhelmed federal agencies and resources and has created a significant national security vulnerability to the United States,' Kelly said in a statement announcing the crackdown.
The priority for deportation will remain undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes, but will also include anyone who has been charged or potentially faces criminal charges.
Memo issued: Department of Homeland Security secretary John Kelly also ordered immediate action to begin planning and building a wall along the US southern border with Mexico
However, categories of illegal immigrants deemed as low priority by the previous Barack Obama administration - generally anyone not tied to a crime - are no longer protected.
'With extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement,' the department said.
As for any costs associated with the crackdown, Spicer said the enforcement agencies are 'looking at what this is going to cost and how much and putting a request together.' He mentioned both the use of existing funds and a funding request
One objective of the orders is to stem the flow of illegal immigrant children into the U.S. a flow that spiked during the Obama administration and drew national attention.
'Regardless of the desires for family reunification, or conditions in other countries, the smuggling or trafficking of alien children is intolerable,' Kelly said. His memos call for steps to 'ensure the proper enforcement of our immigration laws against those who directly or indirectly facilitate the smuggling or trafficking of alien children into the United States.'
'All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceedings, up to and including removal from the United States.'
Kelly ordered immediate action to begin planning and building a wall along the US southern border with Mexico.
He also ordered the hiring of another 5,000 officers for the Customs and Border Protection agency and 10,000 for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
The orders effectively launch into action President Donald Trump's promise to begin deporting millions of immigrants, mainly from Mexico and Central America, who had been tolerated during the Obama administration as law-abiding, longtime residents.
Kelly cited a record backlog of 534,000 waiting to be heard by immigration judges.
He said the number of monthly apprehensions spiked by 10,000 between the fall of 2015 and 2016.
The crackdown strategy notably leaves in place the Obama administration's policy for 'dreamers' brought here illegally when they were children.
Despite running on the promise of an immigration crackdown, Trump said at a press conference last week that 'We are gonna deal with DACA with heart.'
He said following his first meeting with President Obama that Obama had asked him to consider keeping the policy in place.
Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLUs Immigrants Rights Project, blasted the new policy.
'These memos confirm that the Trump administration is willing to trample on due process, human decency, the well-being of our communities, and even protections for vulnerable children, in pursuit of a hyper-aggressive mass deportation policy,' Jadwat said.
'However, President Trump does not have the last word here the courts and the public will not allow this un-American dream to become reality,' he added in a statement.
The first order notes that the president has determined that 'the lawful detention of aliens arriving in the United States and deemed inadmissible' is 'the most efficient means by which to enforce the immigration laws at our borders.'
'Detention also prevents such aliens from committing crimes while at large in the United States, ensures that aliens will appear for their removal proceedings, and substantially increases the likelihood that aliens lawfully ordered removed will be removed.'
Jordan's King Abdullah II (L) and and President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meet in Cairo on February 21, 2017
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and King Abdullah II of Jordan agreed Tuesday there could be no concessions on establishing a Palestinian state, the presidency said after talks in Cairo.
The meeting between the leaders of the two Arab countries that have signed peace treaties with Israel came after US President Donald Trump's administration suggested it would not insist on a Palestinian state for a Middle East peace agreement.
"The two sides discussed ways to push the stagnant Middle East peace process, especially in light of US President Donald Trump's administration coming to power," a presidency statement said.
A two-state solution "with a Palestinian state... with east Jerusalem as its capital is a nationalist principle that cannot be conceded".
After meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington earlier this month, Trump said he would entertain a "two-state and a one-state" solution.
But his ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, later tempered this stance, saying Washington "absolutely" supports a two-state solution but wants new ideas on how to move forward.
The two-state solution -- a Palestinian one alongside Israel -- has long been the cornerstone of US and international policy, and the seeming American shift was greeted with hostility from other world powers.
Larry Coryell (R), pictured performing with US drummer Jimmy Cobb (C) performs with Joey DeFrancesco in 2012, was best known for his 1970 album "Spaces"
Fusion pioneer Larry Coryell, one of the first guitarists to win an audience bringing a rock edge to the jazz guitar, has died. He was 73.
The guitarist, who kept a busy recording and touring schedule and had concerts planned well into 2017, died of natural causes at a New York hotel Sunday after playing two nights at the city's Iridium club, his publicist said.
Coryell was best known for his 1970 album "Spaces" in which he stayed true to jazz but brought a new rock power and psychedelic ambience to the music, on which he teamed up with pianist Chick Corea and fellow guitarist John McLaughlin.
Coryell came to be known in some jazz circles as the "Godfather of Fusion" although jazz legend Miles Davis defined fusion with his rockier, improvisational album "Bitches Brew," also released in 1970.
Born in Texas and raised in Seattle, Coryell arrived in New York in the 1960s and immersed himself in the jazz scene but also studied classical guitar and sitar.
In his autobiography, "Improvising: My Life in Music," Coryell said he had wanted with fellow artists to make a "creative statement" that goes in a "modern/progressive direction."
"We wanted to head towards combining the integrity of jazz with some of the glitz and excitement of rock and funk. We felt it was a combination of styles whose time had come," he wrote.
Coryell later left New York for Florida and pursued much of his live career in Europe and Japan, where he said he found audiences more receptive to jazz fusion.
Coryell, a Buddhist, often embraced social issues in his music, if abstractly.
His album "Montgomery" explored the US civil rights struggle, while "Blues for Yoshihiro Hattori" reflected on the infamous 1992 incident in Louisiana where a Japanese exchange student was shot dead while wearing a Halloween costume.
South Sudan President Salva Kiir said government "will ensure that all humanitarian and development organisations have unimpeded access to needy populations across the country"
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir vowed Tuesday the government would ensure aid could reach areas hit by famine after three years of war that has restricted access for humanitarian workers.
The world's youngest nation on Monday declared famine in parts of the northern Greater Unity state, where 100,000 people were facing starvation and another one million were on the brink of famine. A total of nearly five million are going hungry.
Aid groups have slammed a "man-made" famine caused by ongoing fighting in the country where civil war has forced people to flee, disrupted agriculture, sent prices soaring, and seen aid agencies blocked from accessing some of the worst-hit areas.
"It underscores the complete failure by government, opposition forces, and international actors to end the cycle of abuse," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement Tuesday.
In an address to parliament, Kiir said the government "will ensure that all humanitarian and development organisations have unimpeded access to needy populations across the country".
A UN aid official working in the region, speaking on condition of anonymity, welcomed the commitment -- which has been made in the past -- while saying it was "more important that access be granted on the ground".
Map of South Sudan locating regions hit by famine and food shortages
Kiir's commitment could give leverage in negotiations on the ground, she said, as gaining access to hungry communities often meant tricky talks with an array of actors in the crisis.
Some regions are only accessible through air drops of humanitarian aid -- which the UN official said costs seven times more than sending aid by road or barge.
And access is not as simple as permission: aid agencies have to be sure if they give out food aid to a community they won't be attacked by an armed group and have their rations stolen right afterwards.
"There are many types of impediments," said the official.
- 'Abandoned' -
South Sudan was engulfed by civil war in 2013 after President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup against him.
A mother breastfeeds her child who suffers acute malnutrition, at the clinic run by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Aweil, northern Bahr al-Ghazal, South Sudan
The HRW statement launched a withering attack on the leaders of South Sudan as well as the international community, saying both sides in the conflict "have shrugged off international pressure, and spared themselves from any meaningful consequences".
This despite documented cases of large-scale killings, recruitment of child soldiers, rape and torture.
"The people of South Sudan were abandoned by their leaders a long time ago. The UN Security Council and regional organisations have failed civilians. Today's famine is the price of inaction," read the statement.
The European Commission on Tuesday announced an emergency aid package worth EUR82 million ($86 million) for "the most urgent needs in the country" and to help neighbouring countries cope with a massive influx of refugees.
The US State Department expressed serious concern and stressed the crisis was man-made.
"We call on President Kiir to expeditiously make good on his promise that humanitarian and developmental organizations will have unimpeded access to populations in need across the country," acting spokesman Mark Toner said.
"An estimated 5.5 million people-nearly half of South Sudans population-will face life-threatening hunger this year," he said.
"All parties to the conflict must stop impeding relief efforts and allow food and other essential assistance to reach those who need it the most."
Pro-government fighters give food to Yemeni children on the road leading to the southwestern port city of Mokha
Seven million Yemenis are closer than ever to starvation, the UN humanitarian coordinator in the country warned Tuesday, almost two years since a conflict escalated between the government and rebels.
"Seven million Yemenis do not know where their next meal will come from and are ever closer to starvation" in a country of 27 million people, Jamie McGoldrick said.
"Over 17 million people are currently unable to adequately feed themselves and are frequently forced to skip meals -- women and girls eat the least and last," he said in a statement.
Yemen's war pits the internationally recognised government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi against Huthi rebels allied with forces loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh.
The fighting has intensified since a Saudi-led coalition intervened in support of the government in March 2015 after the Huthis seized the capital the previous September.
Since early January, pro-government forces have pressed a major offensive aimed at recapturing Yemen's Red Sea coastline, and retook the southwestern port of Mokha earlier this month.
"I am deeply concerned with the escalation of conflict and militarisation of Yemen's western coast. It is coming at a great cost to civilians," McGoldrick said.
Unexploded rockets have landed inside the rebel-held port of Hodeida, he said, "reducing even further the number of ships and imports" vital for Yemen's food supplies.
"Given that the country is 80-90 percent dependent on imported food staples, I am compelled to raise the alarm," the UN official said.
"If left unabated, these factors combined could accelerate the onset of famine."
Also on Tuesday, the UN children's agency warned that 462,000 children were suffering from acute malnutrition.
The UN aid chief warned last month that the impoverished Arabian Peninsula country was sliding deeper into humanitarian crisis and could face famine this year.
Stephen O'Brien said that without "immediate action", famine was "a possible scenario for 2017".
More than 7,400 people have been killed since the intervention began nearly two years ago, including around 1,400 children, according to the United Nations.
A computer-generated image released by the Serpentine Gallery on February 21, 2017 shows the exterior design for the Serpentine Pavilion 2017 by Burkinabe architect Diebedo Francis Kere
Burkina Faso's Diebedo Francis Kere will be the first African architect to design a temporary pavilion in London's Hyde Park, a prestigious assignment given to a world-famous architect every year.
Kere's design is inspired by a tree in his hometown of Gando that serves as "a central meeting point for life", the Serpentine Galleries said in a statement.
"An expansive roof, supported by a central steel framework, mimics a tree's canopy, allowing air to circulate freely while offering shelter against London rain and summer heat," it read.
Kere said he was interested in the contrast between the carefully landscaped park and "natural landscape as a harsh reality" in Burkina Faso.
He said it was conceived as "a community structure... that fuses cultural references of my home country... with experimental construction techniques".
The Serpentine Pavilion 2017 by the Berlin-based practice Kere Architecture will be unveiled on June 23 and will be open until October 8.
Previous architects of the Serpentine Pavilion include Zaha Hadid, Jean Nouvel and Frank Gehry, as well as Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei.
Kere has previously won plaudits for his project for a primary school in Burkina Faso and has held solo museum shows in Munich and Philadelphia.
He was also one of the architects behind Geneva's International Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum.
Marrakesh, nicknamed the Ochre City for the walls surrounding its old medina district, clinched the top ranking in the top 10 African cities for quality of life
Four Moroccan cities, led by Marrakesh, ranked among the top 10 African cities for quality of life in a new survey published Tuesday.
Marrakesh, nicknamed the Ochre City for the walls surrounding its old medina district, clinched the top ranking, with three other Moroccan cities -- Casablanca, Rabat and Fez -- in the top 10.
"They are cities that are not huge, where real work has been done to improve infrastructure, people's quality of life (and) housing in a stable political context," said Swiss urban sociologist Jerome Chenal, who directed the survey.
The study of 100 cities, which included all of the continent's capitals and its largest urban centres, was based on criteria including social and living conditions, infrastructure, governance and environment.
Johannesburg and Cape Town scored second and ninth, respectively, while Egypt also had two cities in the top 10, Alexandria and Cairo, in the first survey focusing on life in African cities for ordinary people.
The best and the worst African cities
"Until now, rankings for Africa were done for investors and expatriates," Chenal told Afrique Mediterranee Business, the Paris-based magazine that commissioned the study.
"We never asked how people lived, whether young or old, rich or poor," he told AFP.
The Mauritius capital Port Louis came fourth, while Tunis was sixth in the study by Swiss research body Communaute d'Etudes pour l'Amenagement du Territoire at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).
Nairobi and Abidjan, which are magnets for expatriates, scored only 27th and 39th, respectively.
EPFL says it will conduct the study each year in the hope of standardising data on African cities.
The main suspect in Kim Kardashian's robbery last year at a luxury Paris hotel has refused to divulge the whereabouts of a stolen 4-million dollar ring
A diamond that "everyone was scared to sell": More than a month after French police arrested the suspected robbers of TV star Kim Kardashian, investigators are piecing together what happened -- they just haven't found the jewels yet.
Ten suspects were charged last month in connection with the hold-up of the reality star, who was robbed at gunpoint in October of jewellery worth nine million euros ($9.5 million) while she was staying at a luxury residence for Paris fashion week.
Those arrested in Paris and the south of France include Aomar Ait Khedache, known as "Old Omar", thought to be the ringleader of the gang.
In questioning, the 60-year-old said the prize of the haul -- a ring with an 18.88-carat, nearly flawless diamond, was too "identifiable" to sell.
He told investigators he gave the four-million-euro ring to someone whose identity he refuses to divulge, according to statements from his questioning seen by AFP.
Police officers stand guard on October 3, 2016, in front of the Paris hotel residence where US reality television star Kim Kardashian was robbed of millions of dollars worth of jewelry
Five men, some wearing jackets with police insignia, held Kardashian at gunpoint on the night of October 2, making off with several pieces of gold and diamond jewellery as well as the ring.
One of the robbers, Yunis Abbas, fleeing the scene on a bicycle, dropped a diamond-encrusted cross worth 30,000 euros, which was found by a passer-by a few hours later.
It remains the only piece to be recovered from the heist.
- Melted gold -
The villa where a 72-year-old man suspected of taking part in the break-in at Kim Kardashian's luxury Paris apartment is pictured, in the village of Plascassier on January 11, 2017
Khedache told investigators that the other jewellery was dismantled, with the gold melted down into bars.
"There must have been 800 or so grams, worth 25,000 or 28,000 euros," he said, in testimony revealed by Le Monde newspaper last month.
As for the remaining diamonds, a source close to the inquiry told AFP they had probably been sold.
After the robbery the police quickly turned their focus to Antwerp in Belgium, where another suspect, 64-year-old Marceau Baum-Gartner -- known as "Shredded Nose" -- went on eight occasions between October 7 and December 23.
Khedache accompanied him on two of those visits to Antwerp, a jewellery-trading hub.
"It seems that Marceau was having trouble getting rid of the loot during his first trips, and the situation with 'Omar' got tense," the source said.
Unaware that their phones were tapped, Khedache was heard telling Baum-Gartner in November that the ring's sale "was supposed to be done within eight days... it's been a month."
On December 5, Khedache gave three of his accomplices an advance on the sale. Three days later, he went once again to Antwerp with Baum-Gartner.
Investigators think most of the pieces were sold during the trip, because several of the suspects started spending freely.
Some bought cars, while Baum-Gartner asked a property agent about buying land on a 100,000 euro budget.
But most of the gang never saw the colour of the money. On January 9 the police arrested 17 people, most of them with ties to organised crime, and the raids turned up a total of 250,000 euros.
Ten suspects have been charged, but only Khedache and Abbas have admitted taking part in the robbery. The eight others deny any involvement.
The secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, John Kelly, said a crackdown on illegal immigrants was needed to tackle a problem that has "overwhelmed" government resources
The Trump administration issued tough new orders for a sweeping crackdown on illegal immigrants, putting nearly all of the country's 11 million undocumented foreigners in its crosshairs.
The orders sent shivers through US immigrant communities, where millions of people who have spent years building families and livelihoods in the country, most of them from Mexico and Central America, were seriously threatened with deportation for the first time in decades.
Rights groups labeled the move a "witch hunt," warning that mass deportations would damage families with deep roots in the United States and hurt the economy.
But John Kelly, the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who issued the new orders in two memos, said they were necessary to address a problem that has "overwhelmed" government resources.
"The surge of illegal immigration at the southern border has overwhelmed federal agencies and resources and has created a significant national security vulnerability to the United States," he said in one of the memos.
Memos issued by Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly order border and immigration officials to deport as quickly as possible any illegal immigrants they find
Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, warned the new guidelines will "harm national security and public safety."
New York Mayor Bill De Blasio said he refused to turn the city's police officers into immigration agents or its jails into "holding pens for deportation policy that will only undermine the inclusiveness that has helped make New York city the safest big city in the nation."
- Expedited deportations -
The new rules make it easier for border patrol and immigration officers to quickly deport any illegal immigrants they find, with only a few exceptions, principally children.
The priority will remain undocumented immigrants convicted of crimes, as well as anyone who has been charged or potentially faces criminal charges.
However, people deemed as low priority for deportation by the previous administration of Barack Obama -- generally anyone not tied to a crime -- are no longer protected.
"With extremely limited exceptions, DHS will not exempt classes or categories of removal aliens from potential enforcement," the memos said.
"All of those in violation of the immigration laws may be subject to enforcement proceedings, up to and including removal from the United States."
The memos followed up on President Donald Trump's order, issued just after his January 20 inauguration, for authorities to crack down on illegal immigration by tightening enforcement and building a wall along the nearly 2,000-mile (3,145-kilometer) US-Mexico frontier.
Donald Trump ordered the construction of a wall along the nearly 2,000-mile-long US-Mexico border shortly after he was inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States
In the memos, Kelly ordered immediate action to begin planning the wall. He also ordered the hiring of 15,000 more officers for the Customs and Border Protection and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agencies.
The move comes ahead of meetings this week between Kelly and US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto in Mexico, in which illegal immigration and border security will be key topics.
- Sharp policy shift -
The turn in policy follows years in which the Obama and George W. Bush administrations, sought to find a way with Congress to allow most of the long-term illegal immigrants to stay in the country.
"Sanctuary" cities such as Los Angeles have come under fire from Trump's administration for vowing not to cooperate with US Federal authorities in the deportation of illegal immigrants
But Trump campaigned for the White House on a promise to crack down on what he characterized as a source of widespread crime and a drag on the economy.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Trump "wanted to take the shackles off" officials enforcing the laws.
DHS said there are more than 534,000 pending immigration cases in the courts nationwide, and that agents have apprehended more than 93,000 people trying to sneak into the country in October and November alone.
That work "has significantly strained DHS resources," it said.
While Spicer said the policy could evolve beyond the DHS memos, there was no indication of what form those changes could take.
- 'Mass deportation policy' -
Pro-immigrant groups, already nervous after hundreds were arrested in a series of ICE raids on immigrant "sanctuary cities" two weeks ago, expressed shock and outrage.
At the Statue of Liberty in New York a banner reading "refugees welcome" was unfurled.
"Secretary Kelly has unleashed an unprecedented witch hunt on millions of immigrant families," said Angelica Salas, executive director for the Los Angeles-based Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights.
"These guidelines represent an unlawful, expedited process, a dragnet, to remove undocumented immigrants living and working in the US. This is a dastardly approach to a very human issue."
Omar Jadwat, director of the Immigrants' Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, predicted strong legal challenges to the new policy.
"These memos confirm that the Trump administration is willing to trample on due process, human decency, the wellbeing of our communities and even protections for vulnerable children, in pursuit of a hyper-aggressive mass deportation policy," he said.
Israeli soldier Elor Azaria is embraced by his mother at the start of his sentencing hearing in a military court in Tel Aviv, on February 21, 2017
An Israeli military court on Tuesday sentenced a soldier to 18 months in prison for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian assailant who lay on the ground, sparking criticism from rights groups.
Defence lawyers announced an appeal and right-wing Israeli ministers immediately called for a pardon, while the Palestinian government and the victim's family condemned the sentence as too lenient.
Judge Maya Heller handed down the sentence a month after Elor Azaria, 21, was found guilty of manslaughter for killing Abdul Fatah al-Sharif in the southern occupied West Bank in March last year.
He also received 18 months in suspended sentences and was demoted from sergeant to private.
Heller said the panel of three judges had taken into account mitigating factors including the "harm suffered by his family" and the fact Azaria was in "hostile territory" when the shooting occurred.
She added, however, that he had not expressed remorse for his actions.
Azaria will begin his sentence on March 5, the court announced.
Israeli soldier Elor Azaria will begin his sentence on March 5, after his manslaughter trial in Tel Aviv, on February 21, 2017
He has already spent more than 10 months confined to an Israeli military base but this is not included as time served, the court ruling said.
Azaria and his family didn't react in court as the sentence was passed down.
The March 2016 shooting in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron was caught on video by a rights group and spread widely online.
It showed Sharif, 21, lying wounded on the ground, shot along with another Palestinian after stabbing and wounding a soldier, according to the army.
Azaria then shoots him in the head without any apparent provocation.
- Calls for pardon -
Azaria says he feared Sharif was wearing an explosive belt and could blow himself up, taking nearby soldiers and onlookers with him, a claim judges rejected.
The case, which came against the backdrop of a wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks that erupted in October 2015, has stirred controversy.
Some on the right have defended the soldier, a French-Israeli national, but military officials said the trial was important to maintain the institution's reputation.
The Palestinian parents of Abdul Fatah al-Sharif -- who was shot dead as he lay on the ground by Israeli soldier Elor Azaria in March 2016 -- watch the soldier's televised trial, at their family home in Hebron, on February 21, 2017
Azaria entered the packed courtroom to applause from friends.
Dressed in military uniform and smiling broadly, he hugged family members and his girlfriend.
Outside the court, around 100 right-wing demonstrators protested against the trial.
As the verdict was read out the family sat still but afterwards they sang the Israeli national anthem together.
Defence attorney Ilan Katz told reporters outside the courtroom they would appeal the manslaughter conviction as it was "more severe than the punishment he got".
Right-wing Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Culture Minister Miri Regev led calls for a pardon.
"Israel's security demands he be pardoned," Bennett wrote on Twitter.
Supporters of Elor Azaria demonstrated outside the Israeli defence ministry in Tel Aviv, on February 21, 2017
"Elor was sent to protect Israelis at the height of a wave of Palestinian terror attacks. He cannot go to jail or we will all pay the price."
Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called on people to respect the ruling.
But he said: "You have, on the one hand, an exemplary soldier, and on the other, a terrorist who tried to kill Jews".
There was no immediate reaction from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has previously said he too favours a pardon.
- Verdict a 'farce' -
A source close to President Reuven Rivlin, who could hand down the pardon, said no such request had been made as yet.
The reaction from Palestinians and rights groups, however, was anger and disappointment.
A spokesman for the Palestinian government told AFP the sentence was a "green light to the occupation army to continue its crimes".
Sharif's father Yusri told journalists at the family home near Hebron in the southern West Bank the sentence was a "farce".
"What does a year and a half mean? Was he an animal to be killed like this, in this barbaric way?"
Magdalena Mughrabi from Amnesty International said Azaria's initial conviction had "offered a glimmer of hope for accountability for unlawful killings by Israeli forces".
"(But) the 18-month sentence for Elor Azaria does not reflect the gravity of the offence."
Sari Bashi, Israel and Palestine advocacy director at Human Rights Watch, called the conviction an "important message about reining in excessive use of force".
She warned, however, that pardoning him would "encourage impunity".
The trial opened last May at a military courtroom in Tel Aviv's Jaffa district but later moved inside to a tightly guarded military complex.
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) made a major incursion into the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor as part of their push for Raqa
An alliance of Arab and Kurdish fighters seized more than a dozen villages in eastern Syria on Tuesday in their drive to encircle the Islamic State group bastion of Raqa.
The US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) made a major incursion into the oil-rich province of Deir Ezzor as part of their push for Raqa, field commander Dejwar Khabat said.
"Our aim is to cut the road to Raqa and besiege IS... We have liberated 15 villages," Khabat said Tuesday in the town of Makmaneh, which lies on a major highway approximately 100 kilometres (60 miles) east of Raqa city.
He said the IS was dispatching suicide bombers but had not been able to slow the offensive.
SDF fighters on Tuesday set up their base on a hilltop in Makmaneh, digging trenches around it to prevent suicide bombers or car bombs from reaching them.
Backed by air strikes from the US-led coalition, the SDF has seized swathes of territory in northern Syria from the jihadists.
It launched its offensive for Raqa -- the de facto Syrian capital of IS's so-called caliphate -- in early November.
Deir Ezzor province lies just east of Raqa, and is almost completely held by IS. The jihadists also hold most of the provincial capital by the same name, and have been battling regime forces to overrun the city.
The SDF alliance is dominated by the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), but it also boasts several units of Arab fighters.
"We have entered the first villages of Deir Ezzor province," said Abu Khawlah, who heads the 1,700-strong Deir Ezzor Military Council, an Arab component of the SDF.
"Our entry into Deir Ezzor was a big surprise (for IS), and thre will be more surprises coming," he said.
The SDF, which has been lobbying for weapons to help them carry out the offensive, has recently received armoured SUVs from the United States.
A US-led coalition has been carrying out air strikes on IS in Syria and neighbouring Iraq since 2014.
Zones of control in Syria and Iraq
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Tuesday's advance was the SDF's "biggest incursion" yet into Deir Ezzor province.
It also reported 11 people killed on Tuesday in unidentified air strikes on a gas station and parking garage in an IS-held village in the province.
"The death toll could rise because there are at least 35 people wounded, some of them in critical condition," monitor head Rami Abdel Rahman said.
He could not specify which airplanes had carried out the bombing raids.
The province has been targeted in the past by both the US-led coalition and regime ally Russia, who has been waging an air war in support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since September 2015.
More than 310,000 people have been killed since Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011 with protests calling for Assad's ouster.
The National Zoo's giant panda Bao Bao will stay in quarantine for about a month, before entering Chengdu's special breeding program
One of Washington's most popular residents left town on Tuesday: Bao Bao, the National Zoo's uber-popular young female panda, headed to her new home in China.
Bao Bao left Dulles International Airport outside the US capital on a specially outfitted cargo plane for a 16-hour nonstop flight to the Chinese city of Chengdu, home to a special research base for giant panda breeding.
Two zoo personnel will travel with the panda -- along with about 30 kilos (65 pounds) of food -- mainly bamboo, but also apples, cooked sweet potatoes and special biscuits.
Once in China, the 3.5-year-old Bao Bao -- born in August 2013 at the National Zoo -- will stay in quarantine for about a month, before entering the breeding program.
About 60,000 panda lovers visited the zoo over the weekend to say farewell to Bao Bao, some of them traveling long distances. Her departure was shown on Facebook Live on Monday.
Most giant pandas around the world are on loan from China. Any panda cubs born abroad, like Bao Bao, are sent back to China before they turn four.
The National Zoo has played host to pandas since the early 1970s.
An estimated 1,800 pandas live in the wild, mainly in China's Sichuan province.
Dual Olympic champion Grant Hackett of Australia smiles after finishing third in the 400-metre freestyle final in his comeback swim after seven years out of the pool, at Australia's world championship trials in Sydney in 2015
Australian Olympic swimming great Grant Hackett says he will seek treatment overseas for mental health problems after what he called "the toughest week of my life".
The 36-year-old, who went into hiding after his brief arrest last week following a family bust-up, released a statement thanking "mum and dad for helping me through the toughest week of my life".
"I know I have some mental health issues and I am seeking help here in Australia and I will be also going overseas," he said in the statement released late Tuesday.
In 2014, he checked into a US rehabilitation clinic to treat an addiction to sleeping pills.
Hackett's father Neville had reported the former 1500m world record-holder missing, sparking fears for his safety.
The retired swimmer posted a picture on social media showing himself with a black eye, and accused his brother Craig of beating him up.
But Hackett said in the statement he had resolved those differences.
"My brother and I have reconnected and love each other very much - our family has always been our priority," he said.
Police released the double Olympic gold medallist last Wednesday without charge just hours after his family had him arrested following a bout of heavy drinking which led to "uncontrollable rage".
Hackett came out of six years of troubled retirement in 2014 in a bid to make the Rio Games.
But he narrowly missed out on a berth and after the Olympic trials in Adelaide last April, hit the headlines again with a public meltdown on a plane.
Hackett was accused of drunkenly squeezing the nipple of a fellow business-class passenger in an embarrassing incident which prompted him to vow to quit drinking.
He retired after the 2008 Beijing Olympics, having won the 1500m freestyle at both the 2000 Sydney and 2004 Athens Games. He also claimed four world titles in the 30-length event.
But Hackett quickly ran into problems with a messy divorce and allegations he smashed up his Melbourne home in 2011.
LAMBERTVILLE, N.J. (AP) - A United Airlines lobbyist and longtime state official accused of conspiracy in a shakedown benefiting the former chairman of the agency that controls New York City-area airports has died.
Jamie Fox, who held numerous governmental posts during his career, died Monday at age 62, the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home said. The cause of his death was unavailable.
Fox was serving as a lobbyist for Chicago-based United Airlines when, federal prosecutors say, he helped then-Port Authority of New York and New Jersey chairman David Samson re-establish a regular flight to South Carolina, where Samson had a vacation home.
FILE - In this Sept. 18, 2014, file photo, Jamie Fox listens in Trenton, N.J., after New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced that he has chosen Fox to be New Jersey's new transportation commissioner. Fox, a longtime New Jersey official accused of conspiracy in a shakedown involving the former chairman of the agency that controls New York City-area airports, died Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. He was 62. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File)
Samson pleaded guilty to bribery, admitting he pressured United to restart the money-losing flight from Newark to South Carolina so he could travel to his weekend home. He said he schemed with Fox to delay approvals on a project sought by United at Newark Liberty International Airport as a way of getting the airline to re-launch the flight, which insiders jokingly referred to as the Chairman's Flight.
Fox was charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, punishable by a maximum prison sentence of five years upon conviction. He had vowed to fight the allegations against him.
His attorney Michael Critchley had said he would never have jeopardized his reputation by engaging in illegal behavior.
Fox, a Democrat, served as transportation commissioner in the administrations of Democratic Gov. Jim McGreevey and Republican Gov. Chris Christie, who called him "one of the most outstanding public servants I have had the honor to know."
"Regardless of party politics, he stepped forward time and again in service to our state," Christie said in a statement Monday.
Samson, a mentor to Christie, faces up to two years in prison. His sentencing had been scheduled for January but was pushed back until March.
United, the dominant carrier at the Newark airport, discontinued the flight days after Samson resigned from the Port Authority in March 2014. United's CEO and two other high-ranking officials were forced out over their dealings with Samson, and the company agreed to pay more than $2 million in civil penalties.
Christie last year praised Samson and Fox, calling Fox "a very worthwhile and worthy public servant" who "has been convicted of absolutely nothing." He said he was saddened by Samson's guilty plea but called him "an extraordinary person" who "obviously had a lapse in judgment."
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) - Five people were believed killed when a light plane crashed in flames into a shopping mall on Tuesday in the Australian city of Melbourne, officials said.
The five were on a twin-engine Beechcraft Super King Air that crashed about 45 minutes before the Direct Factory Outlet mall in suburban Essendon was to open, Police Minister Lisa Neville said.
The U.S. Embassy in Canberra would not comment on a report that the passengers were U.S. citizens, but said it was working with local authorities.
This image made from video shows the site of a plane crash at Essendon Airport in Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. An official says a light plane has crashed into a shopping mall in the city of Melbourne. (Channel 9 via AP)
"We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who died in today's tragic crash," an embassy statement said.
"We are unable to confirm any details about the nationality or identity of any of the victims. The U.S. Embassy in Canberra and the consulate in Melbourne are working closely with local authorities to assist in any way possible," it said.
Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Leane also declined to say whether the four passengers were Americans.
The plane had taken off from Melbourne's second-biggest airport at Essendon on a chartered flight to King Island, 255 kilometers (160 miles) to the south, officials said.
The mall adjoins the airport.
Leane said it appeared that no one aboard the plane had survived. No one on the ground was injured.
"Looking at the fireball, it is incredibly lucky that no one was at the back of those stores or in the car park of the stores, that no one was even hurt," Leane said.
A pilot reported a "catastrophic engine failure" moments before the plane crashed into a storage area at the rear of the mall, police said.
Police and paramedics rushed to the crash site, where firefighters doused the flames.
A witness who gave his name as Jason told Australian Broadcasting Corp. he was passing the mall in a taxi when the plane crashed.
"I saw this plane coming in really low and fast. I couldn't see the impact but when it hit the building there was a massive fireball," he said.
"I could feel the heat through the window of the taxi, and then a wheel - it looked like a plane wheel - bounced on the road and hit the front of the taxi as we were driving along," he said.
In this image made from video, smoke billows from the site of a plane crash at Essendon Airport in Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. An official says a light plane has crashed into a shopping mall in the city of Melbourne. The mall adjoins the airport. (Channel 9 via AP)
NEW YORK (AP) - Brenda Buttner, host of Fox News Channel's "Bulls and Bears" has died after a battle with cancer. She was 55.
Buttner served as CNBC's Washington correspondent and hosted the network's "The Money Club" before joining Fox News in 2000.
Buttner graduated from Harvard University and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University.
Fox News host Neil Cavuto paid tribute to Buttner on his show "Your World with Neil Cavuto." He praised her intelligence and sense of humor, saying "business journalism is never going to be the same."
Fox News announced her death on Monday.
BEIJING (AP) - The investigation into the death of the exiled half-brother of North Korea's ruler is being conducted in an impartial manner, Malaysia's ambassador to Pyongyang said Tuesday, rejecting accusations from the North that the probe was politically tinged.
Mohamad Nizan Mohamad spoke in China's capital, Beijing, while in transit to Malaysia to where he had been recalled following the death last week in the Southeast Asian nation of Kim Jong Nam.
Kim appeared to have been poisoned at Kuala Lumpur's international airport and police have so far arrested four people carrying identity documents from North Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. Those arrested include two women who were allegedly seen approaching Kim on Feb. 13 as he stood at a ticketing kiosk at the budget terminal of the Kuala Lumpur airport.
Malaysian Ambassador to North Korea Mohamad Nizan Mohamad speaks to journalists as he arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China, from Pyongyang after being recalled by Malaysian government, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Mohamad says at the airport while in transit to Malaysia the investigation into the death of the exiled half-brother of North Korea's ruler at Kuala Lumpur's international airport in Malaysia is being conducted in an impartial manner. Kim appeared to have been poisoned at Kuala Lumpur's airport last week. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
North Korea's ambassador to Malaysia on Monday denounced the country's investigation into Kim's death, calling it politically motivated and demanding a joint probe. Malaysia's foreign ministry responded that the ambassador's comments were "culled from delusions, lies and half-truths."
Malaysian Ambassador Mohamad said the country's investigators were proceeding in a professional manner and would "be very objective and fair to everybody."
"I think the investigation is still ongoing, so just wait and see for that. And we can assure you of the impartiality of the investigation itself because there is no reason for us to be sided with anybody," Mohamad said.
The attack took on added political dimensions when Malaysia refused demands by North Korean diplomats to turn over Kim's body and proceeded with at least one autopsy over the diplomats' objections.
North Korean ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol told reporters Monday that Malaysia was working in collusion with South Korea as Seoul tries to deflect attention from its own months-long political crisis.
Police "pinned the suspicion on us, and targeted the investigation against us," Kang said. Kang referred to the dead man as "Kim Chol," the name on the passport found with Kim Jong Nam.
Malaysian Ambassador to North Korea Mohamad Nizan Mohamad, center, speaks to journalists as he arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China, from Pyongyang after being recalled by Malaysian government, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Mohamad says at the airport while in transit to Malaysia the investigation into the death of the exiled half-brother of North Korea's ruler at Kuala Lumpur's international airport in Malaysia is being conducted in an impartial manner. Kim appeared to have been poisoned at Kuala Lumpur's airport last week. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Malaysian Ambassador to North Korea Mohamad Nizan Mohamad, center, walks past journalists as he arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China, from Pyongyang after being recalled by Malaysian government, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Mohamad says at the airport while in transit to Malaysia the investigation into the death of the exiled half-brother of North Korea's ruler at Kuala Lumpur's international airport in Malaysia is being conducted in an impartial manner. Kim appeared to have been poisoned at Kuala Lumpur's airport last week. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Malaysian Ambassador to North Korea Mohamad Nizan Mohamad, center, walks past journalists as he arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China, from Pyongyang after being recalled by Malaysian government, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Mohamad says at the airport while in transit to Malaysia the investigation into the death of the exiled half-brother of North Korea's ruler at Kuala Lumpur's international airport in Malaysia is being conducted in an impartial manner. Kim appeared to have been poisoned at Kuala Lumpur's airport last week. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Malaysian Ambassador to North Korea Mohamad Nizan Mohamad speaks to journalists as he arrives at the Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, China, from Pyongyang after being recalled by Malaysian government, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Mohamad says at the airport while in transit to Malaysia the investigation into the death of the exiled half-brother of North Korea's ruler at Kuala Lumpur's international airport in Malaysia is being conducted in an impartial manner. Kim appeared to have been poisoned at Kuala Lumpur's airport last week. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
BEIJING (AP) - A prefecture in China's far western Xinjiang region is requiring all vehicles to install satellite tracking systems as part of stepped-up measures against violent attacks.
Traffic police in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture announced the regulation on Sunday, shortly after thousands of heavily armed police paraded in the Xinjiang capital and ruling Communist Party officials vowed to ramp up their campaign against separatists and Islamic militants.
The vehicle-tracking program in Bayingolin will utilize China's homegrown Beidou satellite system, launched in recent years to reduce China's reliance on U.S.-based GPS providers for sensitive applications. Authorities said they will also track cars using RFID technology embedded in license plates.
In this Monday, Feb. 20, 2017 photo released by Xinhua News Agency, vehicles run on the snow-covered road in Urumqi, capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. A prefecture in China's Xinjiang region is requiring all vehicles to install satellite tracking systems as part of stepped-up measures against violent attacks. Traffic police in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture announced the regulation on Sunday, shortly after thousands of heavily armed police paraded in Urumqi and Communist Party officials vowed to ramp up their campaign against separatists and Islamic militants. (Wang Fei/Xinhua via AP)
"In recent years, the terrorist situation around the world has become severe, and cars are the main means of transport for terrorists," said prefectural authorities in an online statement. Authorities aimed to register and track up to 20,000 vehicles, the statement said.
Gas stations will only serve cars equipped with the tracking system, according to a separate local news report. Police officials in the prefecture confirmed the tracking program to the AP on Tuesday but declined to answer questions.
Xinjiang officials have sharply increased surveillance, street searches and police patrols in recent years amid bombings, vehicle and knife attacks blamed on separatist militants from the native ethnic Uighur minority. Uighur activists say economic marginalization and a repressive government presence - including restrictions on Muslim religious and cultural practices - have fueled resentment and feed a vicious cycle of radicalization and violence.
Xinjiang shares a border with Afghanistan, Pakistan and several unstable Central Asian states.
The Chinese government denies religious discrimination and says its policies are needed to maintain stability in a region targeted by militant Islamic radicals.
Despite the constant state of police lockdown, three knife-wielding attackers killed five and injured five others in Xinjiang's far western Pishan county last week, while several clashes between police forces and militants have been reported in recent months in the region's southern towns.
At a Saturday rally in the regional capital of Urumqi, Xinjiang party official Zhu Hailun exhorted rows of rifle-toting soldiers and police in tactical anti-riot uniforms to use their "hot blood and loyalty" to defend the people and deal a "crushing, obliterating blow" against separatist and radical Islamic forces from Central Asia.
Trump taps military strategist as national security adviser
PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - President Donald Trump has tapped Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, a prominent military strategist known as a creative thinker, as his new national security adviser, replacing the ousted Michael Flynn.
Trump announced the pick Monday at his Palm Beach, Florida, club and said McMaster is "a man of tremendous talent and tremendous experience."
Sitting next to Trump for the announcement, McMaster said he was honored to take on the role and added that he looks forward to "doing everything that I can to advance and protect the interests of the American people."
The president's choice further elevates the influence of military officers in the new administration. Trump, who has no military or foreign policy experience, has shown a strong preference for putting generals in top roles. In this case, he tapped an active-duty officer for a post that's sometimes used as a counterweight to the Pentagon. McMaster, who wore his uniform for the announcement, joins Defense Secretary Jim Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, both retired generals, in Trump's inner circle of national security advisers.
The White House said Monday McMaster plans to remain on active military duty.
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Trump tries to move past controversies, toward legislating
WASHINGTON (AP) - As President Donald Trump begins his second month in office, his team is trying to move past the crush of controversies that overtook his first month and make progress on health care and tax overhauls long sought by Republicans.
Both issues thrust Trump, a real estate executive who has never held elected office, into the unfamiliar world of legislating. The president has thus far relied exclusively on executive powers to muscle through policy priorities and has offered few details about what he'll require in any final legislative packages, like how the proposals should be paid for. The White House also sent conflicting signals about whether the president will send Congress his own legislative blueprints or let lawmakers drive the process.
White House chief of staff Reince Priebus told The Associated Press that he expects a health care plan to emerge in "the first few days of March." Pressed on whether the plan would be coming from the White House, Priebus said, "We don't work in a vacuum."
On Sunday, White House advisers held a three-hour meeting on health care at Trump's South Florida club, their third lengthy discussion on the topic in four days. Gary Cohn, the former Goldman Sachs banker now serving as Trump's top economic adviser, and newly sworn in Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin have been leading talks with Republican lawmakers and business leaders on taxes. Neither man has prior government experience.
Republicans long blamed Democrats for blocking efforts to overhaul the nation's complicated tax code and make changes to the sweeping 2010 health care law signed by President Barack Obama. But with the GOP now in control of both the White House and Congress, making good on those promises rests almost entirely with the president and his party.
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10 Things to Know for Tuesday
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Tuesday:
1. TRUMP NAMES NEW NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER
Army Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, who holds a Ph.D. in military history, replaces the ousted Michael Flynn.
2. WHAT WHITE HOUSE WANTS TO HOME IN ON
As Trump begins his second month in office, his team seeks to make progress on health care and tax overhauls long sought by Republicans.
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Conservative group cancels speech by Yiannopoulos
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos has been disinvited to this year's Conservative Political Action Conference after his attempt to clarify past comments on relationships between boys and older men fell flat with organizers.
Hours later, his publisher cancelled his book "Dangerous," which had been scheduled to come out in June.
The American Conservative Union founded and hosts CPAC, which is being held Wednesday through Saturday outside Washington. In a tweet on Monday, ACU chairman Matt Schlapp said that "due to the revelation of an offensive video in the past 24 hours condoning pedophilia, the American Conservative Union has decided to rescind the invitation of Milo Yiannopoulos to speak."
After the polarizing Breitbart News editor was invited, his invitation sparked a backlash. The conservative Reagan Battalion blog tweeted video clips Sunday in which Yiannopoulos discussed Jews, sexual consent, statutory rape, child abuse and homosexuality.
In one clip, Yiannopoulos defends sexual relationships between men and boys as young as 13 years old. He also speaks approvingly of his own sexual relationship with a 29-year-old priest when he was 17.
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Thousands of demonstrators across US say 'Not My President'
Thousands of demonstrators turned out Monday across the U.S. to challenge Donald Trump in a Presidents Day protest dubbed Not My President's Day.
The protests on the federal holiday didn't draw nearly as many people as the million-plus who thronged the streets following the Republican president's inauguration a month earlier, but the message was similar.
Thousands of flag-waving protesters lined up outside Central Park in Manhattan. Many in the crowd chanted "No ban, no wall. The Trump regime has got to fall." They held aloft signs saying "Uphold the Constitution Now" and "Impeach the Liar."
Nova Calise, one of the New York City organizers, said Presidents Day was "a perfect time to protest the person that's currently holding the title of President of the United States," adding Trump didn't share the values of those demonstrating Monday.
A rally in downtown Los Angeles also drew thousands. Demonstrators there called attention to Trump's crackdown on immigration and his party's response to climate change and the environment. Organizers said they chose to rally on the holiday as a way to honor past presidents by exercising their constitutional right to assemble and peacefully protest. They chanted: "Love not hate makes America great."
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Rio Carnival revelers hunt for bargains amid economic crisis
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Instead of costly and elaborate costumes with glittering sequins, expect more cheap getups featuring fake mustaches, hats and tiaras at this year's Carnival.
Revelers are bargain-hunting ahead of Rio de Janeiro's world famous party, which is about to kick off amid a prolonged economic crisis that is hurting pocketbooks and the myriad businesses that depend on the bash for a large part of their annual incomes.
Many parade tickets have not been sold, sponsors have declined to pony up for street parties and hotels are expected to be emptier than last year's also disappointing blast, when worries about the Zika virus kept some foreign tourists away and the recession depressed local spending.
"Last year was not great, but we still had the 2016 Olympics as a peg to Carnival. Now we can feel there is a reduction," said Cristina Fritsch, head of Rio's travel agents association. "Security is also making people worry at a time when public servants, including the police, are threatening to go on strike."
Rio's tourism agency is hoping to attract 1 million tourists who spend about 3 billion Brazilian reals ($950 million) in the city during the Feb. 24-28 festivities. If that pans out, it would be roughly the same amount of revenue as last year.
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Russia's ambassador to United Nations falls ill, dies at 64
NEW YORK (AP) - Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, a veteran diplomat known as a potent, savvy yet personable voice for his country's interests who could both spar and get along with his Western counterparts, died suddenly Monday after falling ill in his office at Russia's U.N. mission.
Vitaly Churkin was taken to a hospital, where he died a day before his 65th birthday, said Russia's deputy U.N. ambassador, Vladimir Safronkov. The cause of his death was unknown.
As Russia's envoy at the United Nations since 2006 and a diplomat for decades, Churkin was considered Moscow's great champion at the U.N., where he was the longest-serving ambassador on the powerful Security Council.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Churkin "an outstanding diplomat."
"Ambassador Churkin served the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation with distinction through some of the most challenging and momentous periods of recent history," Guterres said in a statement.
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Iraqi troops advance on western Mosul as Mattis holds talks
SOUTH OF MOSUL, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi forces advanced Monday into the southern outskirts of Mosul on the second day of a push to drive Islamic State militants from the city's western half, as the visiting U.S. defense secretary met with officials to discuss the fight against the extremists.
With aerial support from the U.S.-led coalition, Iraqi police and army troops launched the offensive Sunday, part of a 100-day-old campaign that has already driven the militants from the eastern half of the city.
Iraqi helicopters fired rockets at the village of Abu Saif early Monday, targeting a hill that overlooks the city's airport. By noon, the forces entered the village and gained control over much of the strategic hill as fighting was still raging.
Separately, militarized police in armored vehicles were moving toward the sprawling Ghazlani military base on the southwestern outskirts of the city.
A U.S.-led coalition has been providing close air support throughout the campaign to retake Iraq's second-largest city. U.S. special operations forces are embedded with some Iraqi units and thousands of U.S. troops are in Iraq providing logistical and other support.
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Teen suicide attempts fell as same-sex marriage became legal
CHICAGO (AP) - Teen suicide attempts in the U.S. declined after same-sex marriage became legal and the biggest impact was among gay, lesbian and bisexual kids, a study found.
The research found declines in states that passed laws allowing gays to marry before the Supreme Court made it legal nationwide. The results don't prove there's a connection, but researchers said policymakers should be aware of the measures' potential benefits for youth mental health.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for all U.S. teens. Suicidal behavior is much more common among gay, lesbian and bisexual kids and adults; about 29 percent of these teens in the study reported attempting suicide, compared with just 6 percent of straight teens.
Laws that have the greatest impact on gay adults may make gay kids feel "more hopeful for the future," said lead author Julia Raifman, a researcher at Johns Hopkins' Bloomberg School of Public Health.
The measures also could create more tolerance and less bullying, making these teens feel less stigmatized. Those effects could also benefit straight teens but more research is needed to determine how the laws might influence teen behavior, Raifman said.
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AP, other media ask judge to order release of iPhone records
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Associated Press and two other news organizations asked a judge Monday to force the federal government to reveal how much it paid for a tool to unlock an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino, California, shooters.
The news organizations said in a court filing there was "no adequate justification" for the FBI to continue to withhold information on the cost of the tool or the identity of the vendor that sold it. They said their requests were narrowly tailored and, contrary to the arguments of the FBI and Justice Department, did not seek information that would jeopardize national security or be exploited by America's enemies.
"While it is undisputed that the vendor developed the iPhone access tool, the government has identified no rational reason why knowing the vendor's identity is linked in any way to the substance of the tool, much less how such knowledge would reveal any information about the tool's application," lawyers for the news organizations wrote in the filing to the U.S. District Court in Washington.
The AP, Vice Media LLC and Gannett, the parent company of USA Today, sued the FBI in September. The news organizations sought to learn more about the mysterious transaction that cut short a legal dispute in which the government won a court order to force Apple Inc. to unlock the work phone of Syed Rizwan Farook, who along with his wife killed 14 people in the December 2015 San Bernardino attack.
The FBI had maintained for weeks that only Apple could access the information on its phone, which was protected by encryption, but announced in March that it had ultimately broken or bypassed the company's digital locks with the help of an unidentified third party. The government has refused to say how it acquired the tool or how much it paid, though FBI Director James Comey dropped a hint in April when he said the cost was more than he would make for the duration of his job- roughly seven years.
RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Instead of costly and elaborate costumes with glittering sequins, expect more cheap getups featuring fake mustaches, hats and tiaras at this year's Carnival.
Revelers are bargain-hunting ahead of Rio de Janeiro's world famous party, which is about to kick off amid a prolonged economic crisis that is hurting pocketbooks and the myriad businesses that depend on the bash for a large part of their annual incomes.
Many parade tickets have not been sold, sponsors have declined to pony up for street parties and hotels are expected to be emptier than last year's also disappointing blast, when worries about the Zika virus kept some foreign tourists away and the recession depressed local spending.
In this Feb. 8, 2017 photo, a man prepares costumes for the upcoming Carnival at the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's world famous party is about to kick off amid a prolonged economic crisis that is impacting locals, tourists and a myriad of businesses that depend on the bash for a large part of their annual incomes. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
"Last year was not great, but we still had the 2016 Olympics as a peg to Carnival. Now we can feel there is a reduction," said Cristina Fritsch, head of Rio's travel agents association. "Security is also making people worry at a time when public servants, including the police, are threatening to go on strike."
Rio's tourism agency is hoping to attract 1 million tourists who spend about 3 billion Brazilian reals ($950 million) in the city during the Feb. 24-28 festivities. If that pans out, it would be roughly the same amount of revenue as last year.
Hotels estimate they will see only a 72 percent occupancy rate, about 14 points less than last year.
With festivities starting Friday, there are still 800 stand tickets for the parade, which typically sell out right after New Year's Day. Many of the box seats for the float parade, which feature local and global celebrities, have been distributed among the samba schools that put on the spectacle. Organizers say they want to make sure television cameras don't capture any empty spaces.
The backdrop is the worst recession that Latin America's largest nation has suffered in decades. Brazil's central bank estimates the country's economy shrank more than 4 percent in 2016 and unemployment is around 12 percent.
Rio's state government has felt that impact like few others, with public servants having their pay delayed for months. Violent protests have become frequent as the state legislature considers several austerity measures.
In the neighboring state of Espirito Santo earlier this month, military police went on a weeklong work stoppage that coincided with an upsurge in murders and other crimes. The fear that Rio police would stage a similar strike was so strong that resident Michel Temer has activated 9,000 soldiers to patrol in the state of Rio.
In Rio's popular commerce areas this week, stores were filled with products but light on customers. Full Carnival costumes, with prices varying between 30 reals (about $10) and 3,000 reals (about $1,000), were not selling. Instead of glittery pieces for revelers to dress as harlequins, policemen, nurses and Wonder Women, party-goers are most concerned about finding a deal.
Claudio Muniz, who manages a Carnival store in downtown Rio, said sales in January were nonexistent and only in recent days have people started looking - for bargains.
"Last year was already bad. People only bought kits," said Muniz. "We didn't raise any prices, but people still think it is expensive."
Homemaker Marina Hill is one of the locals spending less. Last year, she bought two costumes, but this year will buy only one that she plans to wear every day.
"I am not spending more than 150 reais ($55)," she said. "It's not easy, but not celebrating would be even worse."
Even some good Carnival news nationwide reflects bad news for Carnival in Rio. Stores in Sao Paulo, the nation's largest city, project a rise of 6 percent in sales for party-goers. But that is because many people who usually travel to Rio are staying home.
For the vast majority of Cariocas, as Rio residents are known, Carnival celebrations have always been about street parties, called "blocos da rua."
Even the 451 "blocos" this year may suffer.
"Sponsors are gone, city hall doesn't help and no one wants to put their personal items like their cars on sale to celebrate Carnival," said Rita Fernandes, one of the organizers of a "bloco" association. "If there is no help, many of us, including blocos that have been around for 30 years, might be gone soon."
This Feb. 8, 2017 photo shows a workshop where Carnival costumes are made at the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Rio's world famous Carnival bash comes amid an economic crisis. Instead of costly and elaborate costumes with glittering sequins, expect more cheap getups featuring fake mustaches, hats and tiaras at this year's Carnival. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
In this Feb. 8, 2017 photo, women work on costumes for the upcoming Carnival at the Imperatriz Leopoldinense samba school, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazilians are bargain-hunting ahead of Rio's world famous party, which is about to kick off amid a prolonged economic crisis that is impacting pocketbooks and the myriad of businesses that depend on the bash for a large part of their annual incomes. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)
NEW YORK (AP) - Medical examiners who performed an autopsy on Russia's ambassador to the United Nations said Tuesday that more tests are needed to determine how and why he fell ill in his office and later died.
Vitaly Churkin, who died Monday at a hospital at age 64, had been Russia's envoy at the U.N. since 2006. He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the U.N.'s most powerful body.
City medical examiners concluded Churkin's death needed further study, which usually includes toxicology and other screenings. Those can take weeks.
A picture of Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, is displayed while people sign condolences books at the Russian Mission to the U.N. in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. The city medical examiner was expected to perform an autopsy Tuesday on Russia's ambassador to the U.N., who died a day earlier after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The medical examiner is responsible for investigating deaths that occur by criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly or when the person seemed healthy or in any unusual or suspicious manner. Most of the deaths investigated by the office are not suspicious.
Churkin's case was referred to the medical examiner's office by the hospital.
Moscow has not given a date for Churkin's funeral.
Churkin's death brought condolences from diplomats and leaders around the world, with Republican U.S. President Donald Trump calling him "an accomplished diplomat."
"While American officials sometimes disagreed with their Russian counterparts, Ambassador Churkin played a crucial role in working with the United States on a number of key issues to advance global security," Trump said in a statement.
Churkin's counterparts mourned him as a master in their field, saying he was deeply knowledgeable about diplomacy and dedicated to his country while also being a personable and witty colleague.
The U.N. Security Council held a moment of silence Tuesday in Churkin's memory. The honor was announced by the ambassador from the country holding the Security Council's rotating presidency, Ukraine, where Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014 and has backed separatist rebels fighting government forces.
Ukrainian Ambassador Volodymyr Yelchenko didn't add his own statement to the tributes to Churkin, though Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin gave condolences when reporters asked afterward.
FILE - In this Sunday, Aug. 6, 2006, file photo, Vitaly Churkin, Russian Ambassador to the U.N, speaks to reporters as he leaves the building of the French Mission to the United Nations for a private meeting on the U.N. Security Council regarding the Israel-Lebanon conflict. Russian officials said Churkin died suddenly in New York City on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/David Karp, File)
A picture of Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, is displayed while people sign condolences books at the Russian Mission to the U.N. in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. The city medical examiner was expected to perform an autopsy Tuesday on Russia's ambassador to the U.N., who died a day earlier after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative Petr Iliichev, center, joins other diplomats in a moment of silence in the U..N. Security Council, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations since 2006, died suddenly after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission Monday.He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the U.N.'s most powerful body. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
A United Nations security officer raises the Russian flag outside U.N. headquarters, Tuesday morning, Feb. 21, 2017. Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations since 2006, died suddenly after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission Monday. He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the U.N.'s most powerful body. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
FILE - In this Thursday, March 27, 2014, file photo, Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin returns to his seat after speaking at United Nations headquarters. Russian officials said Churkin died suddenly in New York City on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)
A man pauses after signing a condolences book for Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, at the Russian Mission to the U.N. in New York, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. The city medical examiner was expected to perform an autopsy Tuesday on Russia's ambassador to the U.N., who died a day earlier after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The United Nations Security Council observes a moment of silence for Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations since 2006, died suddenly after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission Monday.He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the U.N.'s most powerful body. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative Petr Iliichev, left center, receives condolences from France's Ambassador Francois Delattre, right. center, in the U.N. Security Council, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Vitaly Churkin, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations since 2006, died suddenly after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission Monday. He was the longest-serving ambassador on the Security Council, the U.N.'s most powerful body. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
Flowers are placed by a portrait of the late Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin, outside the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Churkin died suddenly Monday after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission is being remembered by his diplomatic colleagues as a powerful and passionate voice for his nation. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov lays flowers by a portrait of late Russian Ambassador to UN Vitaly Churkin, as Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallstrom looks on, prior to their meeting in the Foreign Ministry guest house in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Churkin, who died suddenly Monday after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission, is being remembered by his diplomatic colleagues as a powerful and passionate voice for his nation. (Sergei Chirikov/Pool photo via AP)
A woman pays her last respect as she offers flowers in front of the portrait of the Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vitaly Churkin outside the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Churkin who died suddenly Monday after falling ill at his office at Russia's U.N. mission is being remembered by his diplomatic colleagues as a powerful and passionate voice for his nation. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal authorities are stepping up investigations at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers due to a sharp increase in opioid theft, missing prescriptions or unauthorized drug use by VA employees since 2009, according to government data obtained by The Associated Press.
Doctors, nurses or pharmacy staff at federal hospitals - the vast majority within the VA system - siphoned away controlled substances for their own use or street sales, or drugs intended for patients simply disappeared.
Aggravating the problem is that some VA hospitals have been lax in tracking drug supplies. Congressional auditors said spot checks found four VA hospitals skipped monthly inspections of drug stocks or missed other requirements. Investigators said that signals problems for VA's entire network of more than 160 medical centers and 1,000 clinics, coming after auditor warnings about lax oversight dating back to at least 2009.
FILE - In this Feb. 14, 2017 file photo, Veterans Affairs Secretary David Shulkin speaks in Washington. Federal authorities are stepping up investigations at Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers due to a sharp increase in opioid theft, missing prescriptions or unauthorized drug use by VA employees since 2009, according to government data obtained by The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)
"Drug theft is an area of concern," Jeffrey Hughes, the VA's acting assistant inspector general for investigations, told AP. He said the monthly inspections could help the VA uncover potential discrepancies and root out crime.
Both the inspector general's office and the Drug Enforcement Administration said they have increased scrutiny of drug thefts from the VA, with the DEA reporting more criminal investigations.
It's not clear if the problem is worse at the VA than at private facilities, where medical experts and law enforcement officials say drug theft is also increasingly common in a time of widespread opioid abuse in the U.S. But the VA gets special scrutiny from lawmakers and the public, given Americans' esteem for ex-servicemembers served by the agency and because of past problems at the VA, especially a 2014 wait-time scandal in which some patients died.
"Those VA employees who are entrusted with serving our nation's wounded, ill and injured veterans must be held to a higher standard," said Joe Davis, spokesman for Veterans of Foreign Wars.
The drug thefts will be among the challenges facing newly confirmed VA Secretary David Shulkin, who served as the department's undersecretary of health while the drug problem was growing. At his confirmation hearing this month, Shulkin said he was proud that the VA identified the opioid addiction problem before others did and "recognized it as a crisis and began to take action."
Still, the VA acknowledges it has had problems keeping up with monthly inspections and said it was taking steps to improve training. It also said it was requiring hospitals to comply with inspection procedures and develop plans for improvement.
It did not respond to AP requests made three weeks ago to provide a list of VA facilities where drugs had been reported missing or disciplinary action was taken, saying it was still compiling the information.
Reported incidents of drug losses or theft at federal hospitals jumped from 272 in 2009 to 2,926 in 2015, before dipping to 2,457 last year, according to DEA data obtained by AP. "Federal hospitals" include the VA's more than 1,100 facilities as well as seven correctional hospitals and roughly 20 hospitals serving Indian tribes.
The inspector general's office estimates there are nearly 100 open criminal probes involving theft or loss of VA controlled substances.
Three VA employees were charged this month with conspiring to steal prescription medications including opioids at the Little Rock, Arkansas, VA hospital. The inspector general's office says a pharmacy technician used his VA access to a medical supplier's web portal to order and divert 4,000 oxycodone pills, 3,300 hydrocodone pills and other drugs at a cost to the VA of $77,700 and a street value of $160,000.
Christopher Thyer, the U.S. attorney overseeing the case, said the employees were abusing their position to steal from taxpayers and "poison the communities we live in with dangerous drugs."
The drug thefts from VA also raise the possibility that patients will be denied medication they need or that they will be treated by drug-impaired staff.
In one case, a former VA employee in Baltimore pleaded guilty on charges that he injected himself with fentanyl intended for patients heading into surgery, then refilled the syringes with saline solution. Patients received solution tainted with the Hepatitis C virus carried by the employee.
Dr. Dale Klein, a VA pain management specialist, said some of his patients suspected they weren't getting the drugs they needed, including one patient with an amputated leg who had to do without morphine because a VA pharmacy said it did not have enough in supply.
Klein, who is part of a whistleblowers network called VA Truth Tellers, ran a VA pain clinic from 2015 to 2016 and has filed a retaliation claim against VA, saying the VA restricted his work after he voiced complaints. The VA has said it was looking into the claims.
Klein described several of VA's inventory lists as inconsistent or a "slapdash rush job." That concern was underscored by the findings from the Government Accountability Office, released last week, that drug stockpiles were not always being regularly inspected. Klein's attorney, Natalie Khawam, says she's heard similar complaints from other clients at their VA hospitals.
The GAO review, covering January 2015 to February 2016, found the most missed inspections at VA's hospital in the District of Columbia, according to a government official familiar with confidential parts of the audit. Monthly checks were missed there more than 40 percent of the time, mostly in critical patient care areas, such as the operating room and intensive care units. That adds to the risk of veterans not receiving their full medications.
The Washington hospital also missed inspections of the facility's pharmacy for three straight months, violating VA policy, according to the official, who insisted on anonymity to reveal findings that weren't public. In the last year, the hospital had at least five incidents of controlled substances that were "lost" or otherwise unaccounted for, according to the DEA.
Other problems were found in VA hospitals in Seattle, Milwaukee and Memphis, Tennessee. Milwaukee had the fewest, which the GAO attributed to a special coordinator put in place to ensure inspection compliance.
Responding to the findings, the House Veterans Affairs Committee planned a hearing on the inspection issue. Its chairman, Rep. Phil Roe, a physician, said failing to follow protocol is serious and "should not be tolerated within VA."
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Follow Hope Yen on Twitter at https://twitter.com/hopeyen1
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP) - A group of suicide bombers with grenades and assault rifles struck outside a courthouse in northwestern Pakistan on Tuesday, killing six people in an attack claimed by a Taliban splinter group.
The attack was the latest in a wave of militant assaults across the troubled country that has killed over 100 people since last week. The brazen suicide bombings have been claimed by mutiple Islamic militant groups.
In Tuesday's attack, three attackers hit the courthouse in the town of Tangi in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering Afghanistan. The victims included a lawyer, a child and four police officers, according to Ijaz Khan, a senior police officer.
A Pakistani volunteer carries an injured child to a hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Police say three suicide bombers have attacked a courthouse in northwestern Pakistan. Charsadda police chief says one of the bombers detonated his suicide vest at the court's main gate while police shot and killed the two other assailants. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
He said police were on maximum alert after receiving intelligence that terrorists could target the courts in Charsadda. One of the bombers threw grenades and detonated his suicide vest at the court's main gate while police shot and killed the two other assailants, according to the district police chief, Sohail Khalid.
The other two also wore suicide vests but did not manage to set them off before being gunned down.
Khalid said 15 people were wounded in the attack and taken to hospital.
Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, a breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban, claimed responsibility in a text message sent to an Associated Press reporter.
In one of the attacks last week, dozens of worshippers gathered at a famed Sufi shrine were killed Thursday when an Islamic State suicide bomber detonated his device inside the shrine's main hall in the southern province of Sindh. The death toll from that attack has reached 90.
The shrine bombing prompted a countrywide crackdown by security forces targeting militants and their hideouts.
Pakistan's army chief, Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa praised police for foiling the attack and "saving many lives," according to the military statement.
Mian Saqib Nisar, the chief justice of Pakistan, strongly condemned the attack in a statement and expressed his condolences for families of those who lost loved ones.
In a latest development, Zafar Iqbal Jhagra, governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, told reporters that fresh talks with the militants cannot be ruled out. "Talks can be held with everyone, including the Taliban," he said.
But he maintained that, "We will not bow before the terrorists."
Pakistan has been at war with Islamic militants for more than a decade. In recent years, it severed peace talks and launched an ongoing offensive against militant strongholds in the tribal regions along the Afghan border, but insurgents have continued to carry out attacks around the country.
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Associated Press writers Ishtiaq Mahsud in Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, and Munir Ahmed and Asif Shahzad in Islamabad contributed to this report.
Pakistani volunteers rush an injured person to an emergency ward at a hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Police say three suicide bombers have attacked a courthouse in northwestern Pakistan. Charsadda police chief says one of the bombers detonated his suicide vest at the court's main gate while police shot and killed the two other assailants. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)
NGHIA BINH, Vietnam (AP) - The family of a Vietnamese woman identified as a suspect in the death of the half brother of North Korea's ruler confirmed Tuesday that she is their relative, but said they believe she didn't knowingly participate in the killing.
Doan Thi Huong is thought to be one of two women seen approaching Kim Jong Nam on Feb. 13 at a Malaysian airport. Kim died later after telling airport personnel that he had been sprayed in the face with a liquid.
Huong and a female suspect from Indonesia have been arrested by Malaysian authorities, along with two men carrying identity documents from North Korea and Malaysia.
Doan Van Thanh, the father of a Vietnamese woman arrested in the death of Kim Jong Nam in Malaysia, looks at an image of his daughter, during an interview at his home in Nghia Binh village in northern province of Nam Dinh, Vietnam, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. The family of Doan Thi Huong arrested in the death of the half brother of North Korea's ruler, confirmed she is their relative, but believes she didn't knowingly participate in the killing. Thanh said he is the father of Huong, but cannot believe she would do such an "Earth-shaking" thing. (AP Photo/Duong Minh Hoang)
Speaking at their simply furnished house in a farming village in Nam Dinh province, Doan Van Thanh, 63, confirmed that Huong is his daughter but said he couldn't believe she would commit such a crime.
"How could she have dared to do such an earth-shaking thing?" Thanh said. "She was scared of rats and toads, she would not have dared to do it."
Huong's niece, 18-year-old Dinh Thi Quyen, said she believes Huong was fooled into taking part.
"My aunt is a very nice and kind person, but she easily trusted other people," Quyen said. "I believe that my aunt was duped into doing it."
Indonesia's police chief has also said that the other female suspect, Indonesian Siti Aisyah, had been fooled into thinking she was part of a comedy show prank that involved spraying men in the face with water.
Thanh, a Vietnam War veteran who lost his right foot in a land mine explosion, said police visited him after Huong was arrested to check her identity and offered to help protect her rights.
Thanh said his daughter left the village about 10 years ago to study at a pharmacy school in Hanoi, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) away, and only occasionally returned home, where she had few friends.
The last time the family saw her was during the Lunar New Year holiday in late January, when she spent five days at home.
Her niece, Quyen, said Huong called her on Feb. 14, one day after Kim's death, and asked her to buy a prepaid cellphone card so Huong could transfer the card's cash value to a shop in Hanoi to pay for a deposit on a dress she liked. Quyen said she purchased the card and sent its identifying number to Huong, but it wasn't clear whether it was then sent to the shop.
Quyen said after the family heard that Huong was arrested in Malaysia, they tried to call her, but could not get through.
Vietnam's state media have reported extensively on Kim's death, but didn't mention the arrest of a Vietnamese citizen until Monday.
The government has said it is still working with Malaysian officials to confirm Huong's identity.
Dinh Thi Quyen, 18-year-old nice of Vietnamese suspect in the death of Kim Jong Nam in Malaysia, checks an image of Doan Thi Huong in Nghia Binh village in northern province of Nam Dinh, Vietnam, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. The family of Huong arrested in the death of the half brother of North Korea's ruler, confirmed she is their relative, but believes she didn't knowingly participate in the killing. Quyen said she believes Huong was duped into taking part. (AP Photo/Duong Minh Hoang)
Doan Van Thanh, the father of a Vietnamese woman arrested in the death of Kim Jong Nam in Malaysia, speaks during an interview at his home in Nghia Binh village in northern province of Nam Dinh, Vietnam, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. The family of Doan Thi Huong arrested in the death of the half brother of North Korea's ruler, confirmed she is their relative, but believes she didn't knowingly participate in the killing. Thanh said he is the father of Huong, but cannot believe she would do such an "Earth-shaking" thing. (AP Photo/Duong Minh Hoang)
TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran's supreme leader on Tuesday used the podium of a pro-Palestinian gathering in Tehran to lash out at Israel, calling the Jewish state a "fake" nation in a "dirty chapter" of history.
The remarks by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were some of his most vitriolic against Israel, Iran's archenemy. Every four years since the early 1990s, Tehran has hosted a similar conference in support of the Palestinian cause, assembling foreign guests and those who oppose Israel.
Speaking to the gathering, Khamenei said Israel was created by bringing Jews from other parts of the world to the Mideast region to settle in the land of the Palestinians to replace its "true entity."
Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei arrives to a conference titled "International Conference in Support of Palestinian Intifada," in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Iran's supreme leader has used the podium of the pro-Palestinian gathering in Tehran to call Israel a "fake" nation and a "dirty chapter" of history. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
The creation of Israel is "one of the dirty chapters of history that will be closed, with the grace of God," he added. Khamenei's speech lasted 33 minutes.
The supreme leader, who has final say on all state matters in Iran, also urged all Muslims to support the Palestinians and "resistance" movements - a reference to anti-Israeli militant groups such as Palestinian Hamas and Lebanon's Shite Hezbollah militants. Iran has always been their staunch ally.
The "resistance movements should have all necessary instruments," Khamenei added and praised those who are part of it in allegedly succeeding in "preventing the domination of the Zionist regime in the entire region."
But he did not appear to endorse an all-our war on Israel, saying instead that it's a "cancerous tumor" that requires a "step by step" treatment. In 2015, Khamenei predicted that Israel would not exist after 25 years.
Some 80 delegations, mainly from Islamic countries as well as pro-Palestinian activists, attended the two-day meeting. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and several government officials also attended the conference.
The venue was decorated with a large map of Israel and the Palestinian territories covered in the colors of the Palestinian flag.
Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, which ousted the pro-western Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and brought the Islamists to power, Iran has not recognized Israel and has supported anti-Israeli groups.
Israel, which seas a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat, has opposed the 2015 landmark deal between Iran and world powers that capped Iran's nuclear activities in return for lifting sanctions.
JERUSALEM (AP) - An Israeli soldier was sentenced Tuesday to 18 months in prison for killing a badly wounded Palestinian assailant as he lay on the ground, in a landmark decision that deepened fissures in Israeli society and drew Palestinian criticism for being too lenient.
Leading nationalist Israeli politicians called any jail time unfair and urged an immediate pardon, while Palestinians dismissed Israel's justice system as a "joke."
The sentencing of Sgt. Elor Azaria culminated a nearly yearlong saga that has bitterly divided the country. While Israel's top generals pushed for the prosecution of a soldier they say violated the military's code of ethics, large segments of the public, including politicians on Israel's nationalist right, sided with Azaria. Even Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave only lukewarm support to his military.
Israeli soldier Elor Azaria is embraced by his mother at the start of his sentencing hearing in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. The court sentenced Azaria to 18 months in prison for the fatal shooting of a wounded Palestinian assailant. The Palestinian, Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, was lying on the ground badly wounded and already unarmed when Azaria shot him in the head. Prosecutors had asked that Sgt. Elor Azaria be sentenced to 3-5 years in prison. (Jim Hollander, Pool, via AP)
Although the sentence was lighter than expected, those divisions showed no signs of easing following Tuesday's sentencing at a Tel Aviv military court. Dozens of people demonstrated outside in support of Azaria, one of them holding a poster that said "Trump would do the same," and hard-line politicians called for his release.
"Even if he erred, Elor should not sit in prison. We will all pay the price," said Education Minister Naftali Bennett, leader of the nationalist Jewish Home Party.
Azaria, an army medic, was recorded on a cellphone video last March as he fatally shot a badly wounded Palestinian who had stabbed a soldier in the West Bank city of Hebron. The Palestinian, Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, was lying on the ground unarmed when Azaria shot him in the head.
Azaria was convicted of manslaughter last month in a rare case of a military court ruling against a combat soldier for lethal action taken in the field.
The verdict marked a victory for commanders who said Azaria had violated army procedures.
But the soldier enjoyed wide public support. In Israel, military service is compulsory for most Jewish men, and soldiers enjoy widespread sympathy.
A Channel 2 TV poll taken after the conviction found that 67 percent of respondents supported clemency. The poll questioned 666 people and had a margin of error of 4.4 percentage points.
Asa Kasher, a philosopher who wrote the Israeli army's code of ethics, said the case has unleashed dangerous trends in the country.
"One shot by one soldier took on the shape of a war between right and left," he told Channel 2.
He said "extremists" initially took up Azaria's cause, and hard-line politicians followed suit. "Anyone with right-wing sentiments enlisted, and everyone in the end rallied behind a soldier who harmed the values of the Israeli army," he said.
Politicians' support for the soldier fueled the resignation last year of then-Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, a former military chief of staff.
He was replaced by Avigdor Lieberman, a hard-line politician who had earlier visited Azaria in court during the trial. Lieberman has since toned down his language, and on Tuesday, he urged the public to respect the court's decision.
Netanyahu, who initially defended the military, later softened his position and called Azaria's parents to console them. After last month's verdict, he called for Azaria to be pardoned. Netanyahu was on a trip to Singapore and Australia this week and did not immediately react to the sentencing.
Kasher said a pardon would be devastating for the military.
"It means you can throw commanders' inquiries out the window. You can throw the military court and its decisions out the other window and the racist atmosphere that says you may kill terrorists even if they are neutralized will rule," he said.
President Reuven Rivlin is not expected to consider a pardon until the appeals process is complete.
The shooting took place at the height of an ongoing wave of violence. Since September 2015, Palestinian attackers have carried out numerous stabbing, shooting and car ramming attacks that have killed 41 Israelis and two visiting Americans. During the same time, Israeli forces have killed 235 Palestinians, most of them said to be attackers.
Palestinians and human rights groups have accused Israeli forces of using excessive force and even harming innocent people mistaken for attackers. But before the video of the shooting, taken by a Palestinian human rights activist, it was difficult to prove these claims.
Human rights groups praised the conviction but dismissed Tuesday's sentence as far too lenient. Prosecutors had sought a sentence of three to five years in prison.
"Azaria's light sentence of 18 months is an expression of disregard for the value of Palestinian life and likewise fails to serve as a deterrent," said Hassan Jabareen, general director of Adalah, an Arab rights advocacy group in Israel.
Issa Karaka, the Palestinian government minister in charge of prisoner affairs, called the sentence a "joke."
"It shows how much discrimination Israeli courts practice against Palestinians," he said.
Prosecution of Israeli soldiers on serious crimes like manslaughter is rare.
According to the Israeli rights group Yesh Din, the military has launched 262 investigations into fatalities on the Palestinian side since 2000, but issued indictments in just 17. Only one of those ended with a manslaughter conviction - in the case of a pro-Palestinian British peace activist who was shot by an army sniper in the Gaza Strip in 2003.
The group says the indictment rate involving Jewish settler violence against Palestinian civilians in the West Bank is just 7.3 percent.
In contrast, Palestinians tried in Israeli military courts are convicted nearly 100 percent of the time, said Qadora Fares, head of the Palestinian prisoners' association, which represents the more than 5,000 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. He said Palestinians convicted in the deaths of Israelis receive life sentences, while crimes like throwing stones carry a minimum six-month sentence and throwing firebombs carry a minimum one year, even if no one is hurt.
The Azaria case bore a resemblance to the murder conviction in Britain of Alexander Blackman, a Royal Marine who was sentenced to a minimum 10 years by a military court for killing a wounded Taliban fighter in Afghanistan in 2011. Such a conviction for a serving soldier is extremely rare in Britain, and supporters, including tabloid newspapers, said Blackman was under extreme stress after heavy fighting and losing close comrades.
Azaria, who has been confined to a base since last year, is to begin his sentence on March 5. He will not receive credit for time served, but will be eligible to seek an early "conditional release" based on factors like good behavior, the army said. His sentence also includes one year probation and a demotion in rank.
The 20-year-old Azaria entered the court smiling and was greeted by applause from friends and relatives. He then had a long embrace with his mother and other family members.
Last month's verdict was accompanied by angry outbursts in the courtroom and protesters outside who briefly blocked streets and scuffled with police. Reactions were more muted Tuesday as Azaria's father, Charlie, took a more calming approach, asking supporters not to disrupt the proceedings. After the sentencing, the family sang Israel's national anthem.
The relatively light sentence still triggered disappointment from supporters.
"The prosecution was thirsty for Elor's blood and the sentencing proves that," said defense lawyer Yoram Sheftel, vowing an appeal.
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Associated Press writers Ami Bentov in Tel Aviv, Daniel Estrin in Jerusalem, Mohammed Daraghmeh in Ramallah, West Bank, and Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.
Israeli soldier Elor Azaria, left, is embraced by family and friends after entering court for his sentencing hearing in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. The court sentenced Azaria to 18 months in prison for the fatal shooting of a wounded Palestinian assailant. The Palestinian, Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, was lying on the ground badly wounded and already unarmed when Azaria shot him in the head. Prosecutors had asked that Sgt. Elor Azaria be sentenced to 3-5 years in prison. (Jim Hollander, Pool, via AP)
Nationalist supporters of Sgt. Elor Azaria react outside the Israeli military court during his sentencing in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Azaria was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his deadly shooting of an incapacitated Palestinian attacker in the West Bank city of Hebron, capping a nearly yearlong saga that has deeply divided the country. The sentence, which included one year probation and a demotion in rank, was lighter than expected. Prosecutors had asked for a prison term of three to five years. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
A man holds a photo of Sgt. Elor Azaria and wears the mask of the US President Donald Trump outside the Israeli military court during Azaria's sentencing in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Azaria was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his deadly shooting of an incapacitated Palestinian attacker in the West Bank city of Hebron, capping a nearly yearlong saga that has deeply divided the country. The sentence, which included one year probation and a demotion in rank, was lighter than expected. Prosecutors had asked for a prison term of three to five years. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
Nationalist supporter of Sgt. Elor Azaria reacts outside the Israeli military court during his sentencing in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Azaria was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his deadly shooting of an incapacitated Palestinian attacker in the West Bank city of Hebron, capping a nearly yearlong saga that has deeply divided the country. The sentence, which included one year probation and a demotion in rank, was lighter than expected. Prosecutors had asked for a prison term of three to five years. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty)
LISBON, Portugal (AP) - A former CIA agent will be handed over to Italy in the coming days to serve a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of involvement in a U.S. program that kidnapped suspects for interrogation, a lawyer said Tuesday.
Sabrina de Sousa spent the night in a women's prison near Lisbon after a Portuguese court ordered police to extradite her, her Portuguese lawyer, Manuel Magalhaes e Silva, told the Associated Press in an interview.
He said she was detained Monday after a two-year fight against extradition and would be put on a plane once formalities between Portuguese and Italian police were concluded.
FILE -- In this file photo taken on April 11, 2007, Egyptian cleric Osama Hassan Mustafa Nasr, known as Abu Omar, who was allegedly kidnapped by CIA agents off the streets of an Italian city and taken to Egypt where he said he was tortured, talks on his mobile as he walks at a Cairo street after attending Amnesty International press conference in Cairo, Egypt. A Portuguese court ordered police to extradite a former CIA agent Sabrina de Sousa to Italy, where she is due to serve a four-year prison sentence after being convicted of involvement in a U.S. program that kidnapped suspects for interrogation, her lawyer said Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2017. De Sousa was among 26 Americans convicted for kidnapping suspect Mustafa Nasr. (AP Photo/Amr Nabil, File)
De Sousa, 61, was among 26 Americans convicted of kidnapping suspect Osama Moustafa Hassan Nas, also known as Abu Omar, from a Milan street on Feb. 17, 2003. She denied involvement in the abduction.
The U.S. rendition program, under which terror suspects were kidnapped and transferred to centers where they were interrogated and tortured, was part of the anti-terrorism strategy of the Bush administration following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Former President Barack Obama ended the program years later.
The U.S. government expressed concern with De Sousa's treatment.
"We are deeply disappointed in her conviction and sentence," acting State Department spokesman Mark Toner said in a statement. "This is a matter that U.S. officials have been following closely. We have asked our European counterparts what their next steps may be, but we are not in a position to detail those discussions."
De Sousa lost several appeals against extradition since her arrest at Lisbon Airport in October 2015 on a European warrant. She had argued she was never officially informed of the Italian court conviction and couldn't use confidential U.S. government information to defend herself.
Once in Italy, De Sousa is expected to be taken to a women's prison in Milan, but her Italian lawyer Dario Bolognesi said he would immediately appeal to the Milan court to defer her imprisonment pending a decision on her years-long request for clemency. Other Americans convicted in the case have received clemency from the Italian president.
Bolognesi met Tuesday with Justice Ministry officials who are reviewing the clemency request and emerged optimistic. Regardless, he said he would also request that De Sousa be granted semi-freedom and serve any sentence doing social work.
He disputed the written ruling by the Lisbon judges that said that the verdict in Italy that provided the grounds for the European arrest warrant was "not final." He said the Italian case went all the way to the highest court and is final.
Magalhaes e Silva, de Sousa's Lisbon lawyer and a human rights expert who said he took her case pro bono, said the European arrest warrant guaranteed de Sousa the possibility of a new trial or an appeal. Those assurances persuaded the Lisbon court to send her to Italy, he said. But last June the Italian authorities retracted that promise in a letter to the court, he said.
"It will be interesting to see what the Italian courts do when there's an extradition based on a European arrest warrant in which Italy guaranteed to Portugal that it would respect certain rights, then like a pariah state it turns around and says no," he said.
De Sousa, who was born in India and holds both U.S. and Portuguese passports, has said she had been living in Portugal and intended to settle there. She was on her way to visit her elderly mother in India with a roundtrip ticket when she was detained.
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Associated Press writer Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed to this story.
CONAKRY, Guinea (AP) - Guinea's government has signed an agreement with the country's two largest teachers' unions, it said, ending strikes that closed schools since the beginning of the month.
At least five people were killed Monday when police reacted to student protests supporting the teachers and demanding an agreement so they could return to classes. The violence wounded 30 others, and police arrested 12, the government said.
The government said teachers would have to wait until September for the salary increases, but other details of the agreement, signed late Monday, were not available. The strikes began in early February for pay raises and better training for contracted teachers.
Souleymane Sy Savane, secretary-general for Guinea's Free Trade Union of Teachers and Researchers, said schools will re-open Wednesday as negotiations continue.
But others said they do not agree with the settlement and want the pay increase as early as February.
"This agreement is binding only for the trade union officials who signed it, and we are basically challenging it until the reevaluation (pay raise) is effective," Kalidou Diallo, the administrative secretary of the union told private radio station Lynx FM early Tuesday.
The unions said Monday that the strike would continue until a pay raise of between 7.5 to 10.3 percent is granted.
Police responded with force to Monday's demonstrations by hundreds of students. The dead were shot at close range by riot police and gendarmerie, according to a hospital worker. The staffer spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the media.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Swedish police on Tuesday were investigating a riot that broke out overnight in a predominantly immigrant suburb in Stockholm after officers arrested a suspect on drug charges.
The clashes started late Monday when a police car arrested a suspect and people started throwing stones at them in Rinkeby, north of Stockholm. Unidentified people, including some wearing masks, also set cars on fire and looted shops.
One officer was slightly injured when a rock hit his arm and one person was arrested for throwing rocks, police spokesman Lars Bystrom said Tuesday. Some civilians who tried to stop the looters were also assaulted, he added.
In this picture taken on Monday, Feb. 20, 2017,a policeman investigates a burned out car in the suburb of Rinkeby outside Stockholm. Police in Sweden said Tuesday they were investigating riots that broke out overnight in a predominantly immigrant Stockholm suburb after officers arrested a suspect on drug charges. Spokesman Lars Bystrom said unidentified people, including some wearing masks, threw rocks at police, set cars on fire and looted shops in Rinkeby, north of Stockholm. (Christine Olsson/TT News Agency via AP)
Another officer fired his gun, not as a warning shot but because he was "in a situation that demanded he used his firearm," Bystrom said, adding "no one was hit."
He declined to give further details, saying the episode would be investigated.
Police were investigating three cases of violent rioting, assaulting a police officer, two assaults, vandalism and aggravated thefts, he said.
"This kind of situation doesn't happen that often but it is always regrettable when it happens," Bystrom said.
NEW YORK (AP) - "Today" show host Hoda Kotb says she has adopted a baby girl.
The co-anchor of the fourth hour of the NBC morning program said in an emotional phone interview Tuesday that she adopted a newborn and named her Haley Joy. The 52-year-old Kotb says the baby was born on Valentine's Day. Kotb says the girl is "the love of my life."
A picture of Kotb holding the baby was shown on-air.
FILE - In this May 19, 2015, file photo, Hoda Kotb accepts the award for outstanding host, news/non-fiction for the "Today" show at the 40th Anniversary Gracies Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Kotb announced on Feb. 21, 2017, that she adopted a baby girl. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
"Today" show anchor Matt Lauer says the girl is the "luckiest" on the planet and Kotb will be "one of the most fantastic moms" he can ever imagine.
Kotb's on-air partner, Kathie Lee Gifford, told Kotb that she was "made to be a mom."
A lot of attention has recently been focused on recognizing fake news.
When a story is made up whole cloth, it is usually easier to identify than a story that has some element of truth, but might still be called fake news. The fact is, there is a buffet of fake news that runs the gamut from fake to half-truth to misleading to deceiving to simply inaccurate.
Such was the case last week when the Associated Press broke a story with a headline that said President Donald Trump was considering mobilization of 100,000 National Guardsmen to round up illegal aliens. That information went out as a breaking news alert to subscribers of news alerts on our App and to our website.
The story piqued my interest so I began digging into the details and determined that we should pull the breaking news listing from our site and from Facebook, which we did within about an hour of it first appearing.
Here is why:
The headline and the story did not match and in my mind, that is misleading. The headline said Trump is considering." But if you opened and read the story it said an early version of a Department of Homeland Security memo." What I discovered is that there was, in fact, a memo that suggested this idea but that memo was never approved by the Secretary of DHS and therefore could not have been considered by the president. Yes, the White House was aware of the early draft, but it was not adopted and according to the White House press office, was never considered.
Some readers called it fake news." I disagree because there was an element of truth in the developing story ... a memo calling for such action did exist. Had the headline and story been that a low or mid-level DHS employee proposed this idea it would have been a true and accurate story. But the reality is, it may not have been NEWS. By framing it as having been considered by the president, it became a news story.
The Sentinel stands behind every story we generate locally as being accurate. Because we rely on a news service like the AP for regional and national news we rely on their judgment for content they submit, especially as stories develop. But rest assured that just as we did in this case, we will make every effort to be sure everything we publish is accurate and passes the fake news smell test and when it doesnt, we won't run it or we will yank it as soon as possible if it slips through.
BEIJING (AP) - Ata Inc. on Monday reported fiscal third-quarter earnings of $10.9 million.
The Beijing-based company said it had net income of 48 cents per share.
The computer-based testing company posted revenue of $39.4 million in the period.
For the current quarter ending in March, Ata Inc. said it expects revenue in the range of $3.8 million to $4.5 million.
The company expects full-year revenue in the range of $66.6 million to $69.5 million.
The company's shares closed at $3.71. A year ago, they were trading at $5.03.
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This story was generated by Automated Insights (http://automatedinsights.com/ap) using data from Zacks Investment Research. Access a Zacks stock report on ATAI at https://www.zacks.com/ap/ATAI
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Keywords: Ata Inc., Earnings Report
MOSCOW (AP) - Ukraine's president called Tuesday for new sanctions against Russia over its decision to recognize passports issued by separatist authorities in eastern Ukraine, while the Kremlin accused Ukraine of denying vital documents to people in the rebel regions.
The Kremlin said its decision is a "humanitarian" move to help residents of rebel-held areas in eastern Ukraine who are suffering from a blockade by Ukrainian nationalists, and says that doesn't amount to recognizing the rebel regions.
The United States rejected the move, calling the passports "illegitimate." In Washington, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Russia's action "undermines efforts to bring peace to eastern Ukraine."
United States Vice President Mike Pence, left, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko meet for bilateral talks during the Munich Security Conference in Munich, Germany, Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017. America's commitment to NATO is "unwavering," Pence said Saturday, reassuring allies about the direction the Trump administration might take but leaving open questions about where Washington saw its relationship with the European Union and other international organizations. (Mykola Lazarenko/Presidential Press Service Pool Photo via AP)
Ukrainian forces have been fighting Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine since April 2014, a conflict that has killed more than 9,800 people. A 2015 agreement on resolving the conflict has been widely flouted by both sides.
As the war continues, a peace plan crafted by two associates of U.S. President Donald Trump and a Ukrainian parliament member caused a stir. The plan, which its proponents reportedly tried to peddle to the Trump administration, calls for measures including leasing Crimea to Russia.
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 soon after Ukraine's Russia-friendly president fled the country in the wake of massive street protests.
Prosecutor-General Yuriy Lutsenko said Tuesday that an investigation would be opened against the parliament member, Andrei Artemenko, on possible treason charges.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday denounced Moscow's documents recognition as contradicting the 2015 peace agreement. Speaking at a meeting with an EU aid commissioner, Poroshenko called for "resolute action, up to strengthening sanctions."
The United States and the European Union have both placed sanctions on Russia for its annexation of Crimea and its support for pro-Russian insurgents in eastern Ukraine.
The February 2015 peace agreement brokered by France and Germany has helped reduce fighting in eastern Ukraine, but clashes have continued and prospects for a political settlement have stalled.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov argued Tuesday that the decision to recognize passports and other documents issued by separatist authorities in the east was aimed to protect the rights of residents.
"The Ukrainian authorities are doing all they can to make life as difficult as possible for the residents of those territories and make it as hard as possible for them to enjoy the most basic rights and freedoms," Lavrov said. "It's hard and often impossible to exercise those rights without documents."
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Jim Heintz in Moscow and Josh Lederman in Washington contributed to this story.
People take part in a rally outside the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Protesters were demanding a stop to trade relations with Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)
People take part in a rally outside the Ukrainian parliament in Kiev, Ukraine, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Protesters were demanding a stop to trade relations with Russia-occupied Ukrainian territories. (AP Photo/Sergei Chuzavkov)
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from a Virginia death row inmate who killed two people during an escape in 2006.
William Morva argued that he should have been allowed to present evidence that he wouldn't pose a risk of future violence if he was spared the death penalty.
But the justices on Tuesday left in place an appeals court ruling that rejected those claims.
Morva was in jail awaiting trial on attempted robbery charges in 2006 when he overpowered a deputy sheriff during a trip to the hospital. He used the deputy's pistol to fatally shoot an unarmed security guard and fatally shot another deputy during a manhunt the next day.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court has declined to disturb the conviction of former New York City councilman Daniel Halloran on bribery and fraud charges.
The justices on Tuesday rejected Halloran's appeal of his 2014 conviction for trying to help another politician buy a spot on the 2013 mayoral ballot.
Halloran argued that there was not enough evidence to convict him. A federal appeals court rejected those arguments last year and upheld his 10-year prison sentence.
The Queens Republican was found guilty based on evidence that he helped Democratic state Sen. Malcolm Smith bribe GOP leaders for their approval to let Smith run for mayor as a Republican.
PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - A senior NATO commander has assured Kosovo that the military alliance will maintain troops in the Balkan country "for as long as it's necessary."
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Europe, Gen. Curtis Scaparrotti, met with local officials and Western ambassadors during a visit Tuesday to Kosovo.
Some 4,500 troops from 31 countries have been deployed in Kosovo since June 1999, after NATO's 78-day air campaign to stop a bloody Serbian crackdown against ethnic Albanian separatists. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia has not recognized it as a country.
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Europe (SACEUR) U.S General Curtis Scaparrotti, speaks during a press conference at the KFOR military headquarters in Pristina in Kosovo capital Pristina on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 during his visit to Kosovo. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
"We will keep in place a flexible, determined presence and will make changes only when the security situation allows. KFOR remain a robust and credible force, capable of carrying out its mission for as long as it's necessary," Scaparrotti said.
He also expressed concern about Russia's attempted influence in the region "particularly in the media with disinformation, political influence, etc."
Earlier this month, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also visited Kosovo to urge it and Serbia to normalize their ties. Tensions between Kosovo and Serbia have been building again after a series of inflammatory incidents.
Serbia, backed by Russia, has also sought to maintain influence in Kosovo's north, where most of the country's Serb minority lives.
NATO's Supreme Allied Commander for Europe (SACEUR) U.S General Curtis Scaparrotti, 2nd front left, visits NATO troops at the KFOR military headquarters in Kosovo capital Pristina on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu)
BEIRUT (AP) - A new report by a Syria conflict monitoring group accuses the government of depopulating Sunni-majority areas in Syria's third largest city as it fights to consolidate its power.
The report released Tuesday by the Washington-based Syria Institute raises ethical questions about what role, if any, the U.N. and other international institutions should play in rebuilding Syria while President Bashar Assad remains in power.
The report says the government's six-year-long crackdown on revolt has disproportionately affected Sunni-majority neighborhoods in the city of Homs while sparing its Alawite residents. Assad is an Alawite.
It says supporting government-managed reconstruction efforts in Homs amounts to rewarding the government for what it says is a "sectarian" strategy of depopulation, and incentivizes further "war crimes."
It says international institutions should hold Assad to account instead.
A family of four, among them a 5-year-old boy, were discovered shot to death at a home in eastern Mississippi Tuesday morning.
Lauderdale County Chief Sheriff's Deputy Ward Calhoun says investigators are pursuing 'numerous leads' after the child and the bodies of three women were found in the community of Toomsuba, near the Alabama state line.
Authorities have not released a motive. They say they do not think the shootings were part of a murder-suicide.
Quadruple homicide: Three women and a 5-year-old boy, all members of the same family, were found shot to death at a home in Toomsuba, Mississippi, Tuesday morning
A 3-year-old girl was found unharmed at the home and taken to a hospital.
A family member of the victims, Demetrus Durr, told The Meridian Star the deceased were his mother, Edna Durr, two sisters, Kierra Durr and Tomecca Pickett, and young nephew, Owen Pickett.
Mr Durr told the station WAPT his surviving toddler niece, Bailey Ruffin, is a special needs child with medical problems.
'Whoever did this, they don't deserve to live,' Durr said. 'Justice is going to have to be served.'
Durr suggested that the person or people responsible for this slaughter were known to his family.
Lauredralde County Coroner Clayton Cobler said neighbors contacted the authorities Tuesday asking to perform a welfare check at a home on Butts Road because they saw no sign of the family on Monday, reported the station WTOK.
Video courtesy of The Meridian Star
Neighbors contacted the authorities Tuesday asking to perform a welfare check at a home on Butts Road because they saw no sign of the family on Monday
A sheriff's deputy who responded to the address at around 7.45am found a shattered screen door with a bullet hole and forced his way inside, finding the bodies.
As of Tuesday afternoon, no arrests have been made in the quadruple homicide, but Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun noted there was no danger to the schools in the area.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) - A New Hampshire prep school graduate convicted of using a computer to lure a girl for sex is in court for a hearing on whether he deserves a new trial.
Owen Labrie (lah-BREE'), of Tunbridge, Vermont, was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate as part of a game of sexual conquest at St. Paul's School in Concord. He was convicted of misdemeanor sexual assault and child endangerment, as well as a felony computer charge that requires him to register as a sex offender for life.
Labrie claims his trial lawyers failed to challenge the felony charge. Attorney Jaye Rancourt served as local counsel and on Tuesday described being virtually ignored by Labrie's out-of-state team.
Owen Labrie listens to testimony at the Merrimack County Superior Court during the first day of a hearing on whether he deserves a new trial, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 in Concord, N.H. Labrie claims his trial lawyers failed to challenge the felony charge. He was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate as part of a game of sexual conquest at St. Paul's School but was convicted of a felony computer charge requiring him to register as a sex offender. (Geoff Forester /The Concord Monitor via AP, Pool)
She highlighted evidence she said could have impeached the credibility of key witnesses.
Attorney Jaye Rancourt is sworn in during the first day of a hearing for Owen Labrie on whether he deserves a new trial, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 in Concord, N.H. Labrie claims his trial lawyers failed to challenge the felony charge. He was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate as part of a game of sexual conquest at St. Paul's School but was convicted of a felony computer charge requiring him to register as a sex offender. (Geoff Forester /The Concord Monitor via AP, Pool)
Owen Labrie speaks with his attorney Robin Melone during the first day of a hearing on whether he deserves a new trial, on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017 in Concord, N.H. Labrie claims his trial lawyers failed to challenge the felony charge. He was acquitted in 2015 of raping a 15-year-old classmate as part of a game of sexual conquest at St. Paul's School but was convicted of a felony computer charge requiring him to register as a sex offender. (Geoff Forester /The Concord Monitor via AP, Pool)
"The Refugees" (Grove Press), by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Viet Thanh Nguyen's new book, "The Refugees," is both timely, given the current debate about refugees in America, and timeless in its exploration of universal human struggles.
This gorgeous collection of short stories recalls Jhumpa Lahiri's "Interpreter of Maladies," but with Vietnam as the loose center around which the richly drawn characters orbit. There's Liem, a newly arrived refugee whose "habit of forgetting was too deeply ingrained, as if he passed his life perpetually walking backward through a desert, sweeping away his footprints." There are longtime residents Mr. and Mrs. Khahn, distant from their American-raised children, as well as those who stayed behind, like Phuong, wistful for a different future. And there's Claire, an American transplant with no familial ties to the southeast Asian nation who explains to her incredulous father that she has a "Vietnamese soul."
This cover image released by Grove Press shows "The Refugees," by Viet Thanh Nguyen. (Grove Press via AP)
Nguyen convincingly takes on the voices and lives of these myriad characters, whose stories highlight not only the unique horrors that drive people to become refugees, but also the universal experiences that affirm their humanity - from the transformation of a 13-year-old "brave enough to say what I had suspected for a while, that my mother wasn't always right" to the heartbreak and turmoil of a woman losing her husband to the fog of dementia.
Nguyen won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for his 2015 novel "The Sympathizer." The writing in "The Refugees" is resonant and evocative, abounding with delightful descriptions: "tears of rust streaking the walls," ''a countertop with black veins in the grouting," ''a white Toyota Land Cruiser speckled with measles of rust."
Above all, the mark of a good short story is a reader's investment in the characters within pages of meeting them - and sadness at having to let them go shortly thereafter. This reader felt that over and over in "The Refugees." It is a must-read.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Pennsylvania's Senate Education Committee chairman is being criticized for saying minority students from "inner city" public schools would do better in vocational careers than in college.
Republican Sen. John Eichelberger (EYE'-kuhl-bur-gur) said during a town hall last week that minority students are being pushed toward college and are dropping out. He says they'd succeed in a less-intensive track.
His comments were reported by the Carlisle Sentinel.
Eichelberger, who's white, tells The Philadelphia Inquirer that he blames failing urban school systems, not skin color, for minority students dropping out of college.
Democratic Sen. Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia says Eichelberger should be removed from the committee chairmanship. Hughes says many minority students are victims of Pennsylvania's unfair school-funding system and some drop out of college because they can't afford it.
During his recent 2017-18 state budget address, Gov. Tom Wolf proudly trumpeted the creation of 82,000 new jobs since he took the oath of office two years ago.
Despite the rosy picture the governor paints, Pennsylvanias unemployment rate has actually increased under the Wolf administration.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Pennsylvania unemployment ballooned to 5.6 percent in December last year, nearly a full point higher than the national average and higher than all of our neighboring states aside from West Virginia.
The day Wolf took office, Pennsylvanias jobless rate ranked 20th among states. Today, the commonwealth finds itself tied with Mississippi, ranked 43rd.
Its no secret that Pennsylvanias recovery from the Great Recession has been glacial. Despite a surging housing market and a bullish Wall Street, the current administrations platform has prolonged economic recovery and frustrated growth. Mounting unemployment is an illustrative case-in-point.
With a mix of small businesses, major corporations, and emerging industries, Pennsylvania is already home to one of the regions most dynamic economies.
Combined with our established manufacturing base, abundant natural resources, world-class institutions of higher education, and our proximity to nearly one-half of the nations population, the possibilities for Pennsylvania could be limitless. Before its potential can be fully realized, Pennsylvania must take meaningful steps to retain current businesses and attract new job creators. It starts with the premise that government itself does not create jobs, but rather cultivates an environment in which jobs can be fostered and grow.
Small businesses are an integral part of our states economy and critical to its success. Small business owners embrace the American entrepreneurial spirit, creating employment opportunities and strengthening the fabric of our communities. Consider that 99 percent of Pennsylvania employers are small firms, employing roughly half of the private sector labor force.
For small corporations, partnerships, and limited liability corporations, the personal income tax is a de facto business tax. Two years ago, Gov. Wolf proposed a staggering 20 percent increase. Last year, he sought to bolster government spending with an 11 percent hike.
Thanks to Republican majorities in the state House and Senate, both efforts to increase the PIT were defeated. Thankfully, the governor seems to have abandoned his pursuit of increased income taxes.
Nevertheless, prolonged unpredictability in our tax climate has created a chilling effect on small business growth and has only served to dissuade young, working-class families from calling Pennsylvania home. Instead, businesses and young working families are flocking en masse to states where constructive government attitudes toward job creation have translated to tangible economic prosperity.
The governor has consistently voiced his disapproval of Right-to-Work laws, which affirm the right of American workers to be free from compulsory unionism. The policy, which Wolf ominously warns strikes at the heart of democratic fairness, is law in 28 other states and is supported by 75 percent of voters.
Unless youre watching the March Madness Tournament, you dont often hear Utah, Texas, and South Carolina, mentioned in the same breath. Utah, the nations fastest-growing state, enjoys an unemployment rate of only 3.1 percent. Texas, the nations second-fastest-growing state, runs a state budget surplus with no personal income tax. In South Carolina, companies like BMW and Boeing have invested billions and employed thousands.
Their commonality? Each is a Right-to-Work jurisdiction.
Surely, even the governor would agree that Pennsylvanias fiscal house could benefit from similar hikes in population and employment, billion-dollar business investments, and voluminous tax contributions. I certainly know what they would mean for the short and long-term economic trajectory of York and Cumberland counties.
Potential union entanglements notwithstanding, Pennsylvanias uncompetitive corporate tax is still the second-highest in the nation. The 9.99 percent rate, which even Wolf calls incredibly obscene, puts Pennsylvania at a competitive disadvantage and sends the wrong message to large-scale employers, which often serve as anchors for small business growth.
Unfortunately, we will need every penny (and more) to accommodate the governors $32.34 billion-dollar spending proposal for next year. His proposed growth in government spending, combined with false revenue projections and a sluggish economy, have resulted in a yet another annual funding crisis.
In desperate search of new money, he suggests bolstering his spending plan with borrowing, divestiture of valuable state assets like the Farm Show Complex, and a billion dollars in new taxes and fees, including an expansion of the regressive sales tax and a job-killing natural gas severance tax.
To grow business, state government must begin operating like a business.
Before adopting these crucial reforms, the governor must work with the legislature to streamline government operations, eliminate fraudulent and wasteful spending, and contain budgetary cost drivers like public pensions and spiraling welfare costs.
Unless and until we establish an environment conducive to growth, tax collections will continue to be anemic and the cost of future budgets will be shouldered by hardworking Pennsylvania families.
State Sen. Mike Regan (R-31) represents parts of Cumberland and York counties.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The Army Corps of Engineers said it won't extend a Wednesday deadline for Dakota Access oil pipeline opponents to vacate their encampment on federal land in North Dakota.
The camp has existed since August and at times has housed thousands of people who supported the concerns of Sioux nations that the $3.8 billion pipeline to carry North Dakota oil through the Dakotas and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois threatens the environment and sacred sites. Dallas-based developer Energy Transfer Partners disputes those claims.
With flooding expected this spring, the Corps on Feb. 3 told the few hundred people remaining in camp that they must take their possessions and leave by 2 p.m. Wednesday.
In this Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, photo, debris is piled on the ground awaiting pickup by cleanup crews at the Dakota Access oil pipeline protest camp in southern North Dakota near Cannon Ball. The camp is on federal land, and authorities have told occupants to leave by Wednesday, Feb. 22 in advance of spring flooding. (AP Photo/Blake Nicholson)
Camp leader Phyllis Young said rain Monday hampered that effort, and that Native Americans also took time out for traditional ceremonies related to the weather. Frozen ground also is making it difficult for people to remove tent stakes, she said.
Corps Capt. Ryan Hignight confirmed that people in camp sought an extension on the deadline to move. But he said the Corps is focused on people's safety and on the environment.
Gov. Doug Burgum also listed Wednesday as the deadline in an evacuation order he issued last week. Spokesman Mike Nowatzki said Tuesday that the deadline hasn't changed. He said arrests are possible if people refuse to leave.
A schedule for emptying the camp, released late Wednesday, calls for the first bus to arrive at 9 a.m. to take those willing to leave to a "transition center" in Bismarck to get a change of clothes, medical screening and hotel and bus vouchers.
The schedule's entry for 2 p.m. says: "Certain individuals in the camps would like to experience a ceremonial arrest which will occur at this time."
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Follow Blake Nicholson on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/NicholsonBlake
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This story has been corrected to show the governor's first name is Doug.
In this Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, photo, debris is piled on the ground awaiting pickup by cleanup crews at the Dakota Access oil pipeline protest camp in southern North Dakota near Cannon Ball. The camp is on federal land, and authorities have told occupants to leave by Wednesday, Feb. 22 in advance of spring flooding. (AP Photo/Blake Nicholson)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Dr. Jill Biden, educator and wife of former Vice President Joe Biden, has been named board chair of Save the Children.
Biden, who still teaches English to college students, said she was honored to be asked to chair the international aid organization's board and thought its emphasis on education was a perfect fit for her.
"I've been an educator for 31 years," Biden said in a phone interview with the Associated Press. "I'm still teaching full time at Northern Virginia Community college, and I think (Save the Children's) emphasis on education fits with my life's work." Biden has traveled around the world to see education programs, including those that help refugee children.
In this Feb. 15, 2017 photo provided by Save the Children, Dr. Jill Biden speaks with students Gus Mathis, right, and Cole Swindle, during Biden's visit with Save the Children at Linden Elementary School in Linden, Tenn. Biden, educator and wife of former Vice President Joe Biden, was named board chair of Save the Children, which focuses on the health, education and safety of kids, announced Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. (Shawn Millsaps/Save the Children via AP)
Save the Children works in more than 120 countries, including the United States, and focuses on the health, education and safety of kids. U.S. operations are headquartered in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Biden traveled to rural Linden, Tennessee, last week to see firsthand how Save the Children literacy programs help kids in the town of 900 that's about 90 miles southwest of Nashville. She said many of her own students have gaps in their education, and that's why the organization's early-childhood education programs are so important.
Save the Children officials believe Biden will be able to help call attention to the organization's mission both here and abroad.
"The work that we do for kids is more needed than ever," Carolyn Miles, president and CEO of Save the Children, said. "We have issues like what's happening in Syria - the horrible things there that are affecting children. We have issues right here in our own country in terms of kids growing up in poverty, and the really huge challenges they're facing." It's time that people get involved to help these kids, and it doesn't matter what political side of the aisle they sit on, she said.
"If they care about kids," Miles said, "we want them to be involved and engaged in what we do with Save the Children."
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Turkey's right to intervene militarily in Cyprus is still necessary given recent actions that have fanned insecurity among Turkish Cypriots, the country's foreign minister said Tuesday.
Mevlut Cavusoglu cited unspecified "attacks" against Turkish Cypriots as an example of why Turkey needs to keep military intervention rights on the ethnically divided island.
Cyprus' 1960 Constitution gives Turkey, Greece and Britain the right to "take action" to restore constitutional order.
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu speaks to the media during a press conference with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in Nicosia, Cyprus, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Cavusoglu says recent Greek Cypriot actions that have fanned insecurity among Turkish Cypriots show that rights for Turkey to militarily intervene on the ethnically divided island are still necessary. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
Turkey invoked that right when it invaded in 1974 following a coup by supporters of union with Greece. The island has since then been split into breakaway Turkish-speaking north and an internationally recognized Greek-speaking south.
A Turkish Cypriot declaration of independence is recognized only by Turkey which keeps more than 35,000 troops in the north.
"Turkish Cypriots want guarantees and when we see these things, I think they're right," Cavusoglu said after talks with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.
Fearing Turkish might, Greek Cypriots strongly oppose Turkish troops and intervention rights staying in place as part of a peace deal and propose an international police force instead.
Cavusoglu also mentioned controversial legislation that would make commemorating a 1950 vote to unite Cyprus with Greece mandatory in Greek Cypriot schools.
The legislation, which passed earlier this month, rankled with Turkish Cypriots and caused ongoing reunification talks to break off, with Akinci and Greek Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades trading accusations about who walked out on whom.
Akinci again urged Anastasiades to get the legislation rescinded so peace talks can move forward.
"This mistake has to be fixed," said Akinci. He said Turkish Cypriots were united in their condemnation of the legislation because they see the pre-indendence drive by the majority Greek Cypriots for union with Greece - for which they waged a four-year guerrilla campaign against British colonial rule - as the root of Cyprus' current woes.
The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Thursday as part of peace talks, but it's unclear if that meeting will happen.
"If he means what he says about wishing for a Cyprus settlement, then he should drop the pretexts," Anastasiades said, referring to Akinci. He added that it's the first time that talks have been halted because of a "minor, insignificant issue."
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu speaks to the media during a press conference with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in Nicosia, Cyprus, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Cavusoglu says recent Greek Cypriot actions that have fanned insecurity among Turkish Cypriots show that rights for Turkey to militarily intervene on the ethnically divided island are still necessary. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, left, shakes hands with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci after their meeting and press conference in Nicosia, Cyprus, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Cavusoglu is in the Turkish Cypriot breakaway northern part of Cyprus for two-day working visit to discuss state of the negotiations of the island. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
A security officer stands guard by the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu as he speaks to the media during a press conference with Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in Nicosia, Cyprus, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Cavusoglu says recent Greek Cypriot actions that have fanned insecurity among Turkish Cypriots show that rights for Turkey to militarily intervene on the ethnically divided island are still necessary. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, left, and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci speak to the media during a press conference after their meeting in the Turkish Cypriot breakaway northern part of the eastern divided Mediterranean island of Cyprus, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Cavusoglu is in the Turkish Cypriot breakaway northern part of Cyprus for a two-day working visit to discuss the state of negotiations of the island. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu smiles during a meeting with the Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci in the Turkish Cypriot breakaway northern part of Cyprus, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Cavusoglu is in the Turkish Cypriot breakaway northern part of Cyprus for two-day working visit to discuss state of the negotiations of the island. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
HAVANA (AP) - Mexican ex-President Felipe Calderon says Cuba won't allow him to enter the country to attend a ceremony organized by a prominent dissident.
Rosa Maria Paya has invited the secretary-general of the Organization of American States to receive a prize from her group in Havana on Wednesday. Calderon wrote on Twitter that he had been invited, but Cuba had denied him a visa. Former Chilean Education Minister Maria Aylwin posted a similar message. OAS chief Luis Almagro has not commented.
Cuban authorities have not responded to requests for comment. Paya is the daughter of Oswaldo Paya, who died in a 2012 car accident. His daughter has accused the Cuban government of causing the wreck, a charge the government denies.
"The Inkblots: Hermann Rorschach, His Iconic Test, and the Power of Seeing" (Crown), by Damion Searls
A bear. A bat. A butterfly.
Images seen in Rorschach inkblots reveal the viewer's unconscious mind, including any serious mental disorders. Or do they? Is the Rorschach test a brilliant diagnostic tool, or a glorified parlor trick?
This cover image released by Crown shows "The Inkblots: Hermann Rorschach, His Iconic Test, and the Power of Seeing," by Damion Searls. (Crown via AP)
"The Inkblots: Hermann Rorschach, His Iconic Test, and the Power of Seeing" raises these questions and lands in the middle. Author Damion Searls concludes, after much throat-clearing, that patients, in partnership with gifted psychologists, may uncover fascinating areas to explore through the Rorschach. But using the results in parental custody lawsuits or other high-stakes arenas, he writes, is fraught with problems.
For instance, what precisely are we testing when we ask people what they see in inkblots? Surprisingly, we don't know. The test's theoretical underpinnings have never been worked out. That hasn't stopped its runaway success.
The 10 cards, printed with symmetrical forms, remain the same as when Swiss psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach first published them in 1921 to accompany his book "Psychodiagnostics." Rorschach's influences included a children's game called klexography, psychoanalysis trailblazers Freud and Jung, and observations of his asylum patients' interpretations of the set of images.
"Rorschach did not conceive of the blots as a 'test' at all: he called it an experiment, a nonjudgmental and open-ended investigation into people's ways of seeing," Searls writes.
Rorschach resisted initial pressure to use his inkblots in schools as an aptitude test. He wrote that the thought of an aspiring student barred from university study because of his work made him feel "a bit like I can't breathe." A systematic collection of test results in a large sample would be required, he wrote, and a solid theoretical basis would need to be established.
Rorschach died tragically at age 37 of peritonitis from a burst appendix a year after publishing "Psychodiagnostics." The inkblots, freed from their creator's control, billowed in popularity as others adapted them to various uses over the decades.
In 1945, a psychiatrist administered the test to Nazi prisoners awaiting judgment in the Nuremberg Trials. In the Sixties, the test peaked at a million uses a year in the United States.
As new data technology emerged in the late 1980s, a new computer program made interpretations based on patient responses to the inkblots. In 2008, Japanese researchers used an MRI to track real-time brain activity of subjects viewing inkblots, finding original and standard answers arise in different parts of the brain.
Pop culture has found the test images irresistible. Andy Warhol made his own series of giant inkblots and titled each of the paintings "Rorschach." Jay Z put one of Warhol's works on the cover of his book "Decoded." Advertisers have used inkblots to sell perfume, investment advice and mobile phones.
Searls, a literary translator of French and German, wades out of his depth when he tries to assess these popularized inkblots as cultural metaphors. The chapter "The Rorschach Test Is Not a Rorschach Test" fails to build a convincing case. But it includes a fun passage where Searls reveals a psychologist tested him with the inkblots and told him he was a little obsessive.
So, there you go: the Rorschach works.
In the end, Searls' obsession with details - gleaned in part from an unpublished archive of source material - grows a bit tiresome. Some readers will find more than they want to know about Rorschach's short life and the subsequent professional feuds over his work's clinical validity and competing scoring systems.
"The Inkblots" is an exhaustive - sometimes exhausting - inspection of a misunderstood psychological test and its inventor. It is impressive to have on the shelf and not always a bear to read. Or is that a butterfly?
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Latest on a plane crash in Australia that killed the Australian pilot and four American tourists (all times local):
12:30 p.m.
An energy consulting firm in Austin, Texas, says its former CEO and co-founder was one of the men killed when a small plane crashed into a shopping mall in Australia.
This image made from video shows the site of a plane crash at Essendon Airport in Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. An official says a light plane has crashed into a shopping mall in the city of Melbourne. (Channel 9 via AP)
Glenn Garland was one of the founders in 2003 of CLEAResult and served as chief executive before retiring in 2015.
Garland was among four passengers killed along with the pilot Tuesday morning when the twin-engine Beechcraft Super King Air went down shortly after takeoff in suburban Melbourne.
In a statement Tuesday, CLEAResult co-founder Jim Stimmel describes Garland as a "visionary" when it came to finding efficiencies in producing and providing energy.
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9:45 a.m.
A Texas law firm has confirmed that one of five men killed in a plane crash in Australia was a founding partner who litigated some of the most prominent bankruptcy cases in the U.S.
Munsch Hardt said in a statement that Russell Munsch had retired but was "one of the best of all time."
Munsch died Tuesday when a light plane in which he was a passenger crashed into a shopping mall shortly after takeoff in the city of Melbourne.
The firm said Tuesday that Munsch was involved in the 2001 bankruptcy proceedings for Houston-based Enron Corp., one of the largest energy companies in the world before its collapse.
He also counseled Nelson Bunker Hunt, the oil tycoon whose financial dealings led to what's considered the largest personal bankruptcy proceeding in history.
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A light plane carrying five people crashed into a shopping mall on Tuesday in the city of Melbourne, officials said.
There were no immediate reports of causalities, but the twin-engine Beechcraft Super King Air crashed about 45 minutes before the Direct Factory Outlet mall in suburban Essendon was to open, Police Minister Lisa Neville said.
The plane had taken off from Melbourne's second-biggest airport at Essendon on a chartered flight to King Island, 255 kilometers (160 miles) to the south, Neville said.
The mall adjoins the airport.
Police Superintendent Mick Fruen said a pilot reported a "catastrophic engine failure" moments before the plane crashed into a storage area at the rear of the mall.
Police and paramedics rushed to the crash site, where firefighters doused the flames.
In this image made from video, smoke billows from the site of a plane crash at Essendon Airport in Melbourne, Australia Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. An official says a light plane has crashed into a shopping mall in the city of Melbourne. The mall adjoins the airport. (Channel 9 via AP)
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Federal prosecutors have accused a North Carolina man of posting threats against non-Muslims online.
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District said 27-year-old Garrett Grimsley, of Cary, appeared before a magistrate on Tuesday.
An affidavit said Grimsley posted a message online last Sunday telling readers "don't go to Cary tomorrow." In a private message, a witness says Grimsley said "For too long the (non-Muslims) have spit in our faces and trampled our rights. This cannot continue. I cannot speak of anything. Say your (prayers), sleep, and watch the news tomorrow. It will only be the beginning . . ."
A search of Grimsley's home turned up an AK-47, four 30-round magazines and approximately 340 rounds of ammunition.
If convicted, Grimsley faces a maximum of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Maryland's ban on 45 kinds of assault weapons and its 10-round limit on gun magazines were upheld Tuesday by a federal appeals court in a decision that met with a strongly worded dissent.
In a 10-4 ruling, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, said the guns banned under Maryland's law aren't protected by the Second Amendment.
"Put simply, we have no power to extend Second Amendment protections to weapons of war," Judge Robert King wrote for the court, adding that the Supreme Court's decision in District of Columbia v. Heller explicitly excluded such coverage.
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, who led the push for the law in 2013 as a state senator, said it's "unthinkable that these weapons of war, weapons that caused the carnage in Newtown and in other communities across the country, would be protected by the Second Amendment."
"It's a very strong opinion, and it has national significance, both because it's en-banc and for the strength of its decision," Frosh said, noting that all of the court's judges participated.
Judge William Traxler issued a dissent. By concluding the Second Amendment doesn't even apply, Traxler wrote, the majority "has gone to greater lengths than any other court to eviscerate the constitutionally guaranteed right to keep and bear arms." He also wrote that the court did not apply a strict enough review on the constitutionality of the law.
"For a law-abiding citizen who, for whatever reason, chooses to protect his home with a semi-automatic rifle instead of a semi-automatic handgun, Maryland's law clearly imposes a significant burden on the exercise of the right to arm oneself at home, and it should at least be subject to strict scrutiny review before it is allowed to stand," Traxler wrote.
National Rifle Association spokeswoman Jennifer Baker said, "It is absurd to hold that the most popular rifle in America is not a protected 'arm' under the Second Amendment." She added that the majority opinion "clearly ignores the Supreme Court's guidance from District of Columbia v. Heller that the Second Amendment protects arms that are 'in common use at the time for lawful purposes like self-defense.'"
The NRA estimates there are 5 million to 10 million AR-15s - one of the weapons banned under Maryland's law - in circulation in the United States for lawful purposes. Asked about an appeal, Baker said the NRA is exploring all options.
But Elizabeth Banach, executive director of Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence, said the decision is "overwhelming proof that reasonable measures to prevent gun violence are constitutional."
"Maryland's law needs to become a national model of evidence-based policies that will reduce gun violence," Banach wrote in a statement.
U.S. District Judge Catherine Blake upheld the ban in 2015, but a divided three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that she didn't apply the proper legal standard. The panel sent the case back to Blake and ordered her to apply "strict scrutiny," a more rigorous test of a law's constitutionality. The state appealed to the full appeals court.
Maryland passed the sweeping gun-control measure after the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre that killed 20 children and six educators in Connecticut. King mentioned the massacre at the start of the ruling.
"Both before and after Newtown, similar military-style rifles and detachable magazines have been used to perpetrate mass shootings in places whose names have become synonymous with the slaughters that occurred there," King wrote. He listed the 2012 shootings at a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado; the December 2015 shootings in San Bernardino, California; and the shootings last year at an Orlando, Florida, nightclub, where 49 people were killed and 53 injured.
King also noted that enacting the law is "precisely the type of judgment that legislatures are allowed to make without second-guessing by a court."
"Simply put, the State has shown all that is required: a reasonable, if not perfect, fit between the (Firearms Safety Act) and Maryland's interest in protecting public safety," King wrote.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump denounced "bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms" during his first visit to the new Smithsonian black history museum on Tuesday.
Trump, in remarks after his tour, called the museum "truly great" and said he would be back to see more of the 3,000 objects illustrating African-American history.
"I'm deeply proud that we now have a museum that honors the millions of African-American men and women who built our national heritage, especially when it comes to faith, culture and the unbreakable American spirit," said the president, flanked by museum officials and African-American politicians.
President Donald Trump hugs Alveda King, the niece of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., while speaking after touring the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
This was Trump's first visit to the new museum, which opened September 24 to great fanfare, including a dedication by then-President Barack Obama and attendance by former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture has become one of the most popular attractions in Washington, with museum officials saying Monday that the building has already had its millionth visitor.
First Lady Melania Trump visited the museum last week with Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"It has truly become a place of healing, reconciliation and celebration where people can embrace not only African-American history and culture, but how that layered history has shaped America's identity," Lonnie Bunch, the museum's director, said Monday.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said one of Trump's favorite exhibits was a shawl given to abolitionist Harriet Tubman by Queen Victoria. "And the president was particularly pleased by the Muhammad Ali exhibit with the quote 'I shook up the world' prominently displayed," Spicer said.
Trump toured the museum Tuesday with a group that included South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and Ben Carson, his rival-turned-secretary of Housing and Urban Development. The museum includes an exhibit dedicated to Carson's rise from poverty to prominent pediatric neurosurgeon, which the group stopped to admire and pose for photos in front of.
"This tour was a meaningful reminder of why we have to fight bigotry, intolerance and hatred in all of its very ugly forms," Trump said.
Trump also used his visit to denounce recent threats against Jewish community centers, calling them horrible. He said the threats "are a painful and a very sad reminder of the work that still must be done to root out hate and prejudice and evil."
Trump, who received only 8 percent of votes from African-Americans during his campaign, vowed to help heal the United States while in the White House.
"We're going to bring this country together. Maybe bring some of the world together, but we're going to bring this country together," he said. "We have a divided country. It's been divided for many, many years, but we're going to bring it together."
President Donald Trump walks with Housing and Urban Development Secretary-designate Dr. Ben Carson, as they pass a exhibit honoring Carson during a tour of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Former longtime Minnesota Orchestra music director Stanislaw Skrowaczewski, who conducted major orchestras in England, Japan and other countries, died Tuesday after suffering a second stroke earlier this month, the orchestra said. He was 93.
Minnesota Orchestra president Kevin Smith was told by Skrowaczewski's family that he died at Park Nicollet-Methodist Hospital in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park, orchestra spokeswoman Gwen Pappas told The Associated Press. An earlier stroke last fall ended Skrowaczewski's decades of conducting.
"It is hard to express all that Maestro Skrowaczewski has meant to the Minnesota Orchestra," the orchestra said in a post on its Facebook page. "Although he traveled the world conducting major orchestras until just last year, he continued to make Minnesota his home across the decades."
Skrowaczewski's last concerts were with the Minnesota Orchestra in October 2016, conducting works by Anton Bruckner, his specialty.
Skrowaczewski (pronounced skroh-vah-CHEHF'-skee) led the Minnesota Orchestra for 19 years, starting in 1960, when it was still known as the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. During his tenure as music director, Skrowaczewski also was instrumental in the creation of Orchestra Hall, the orchestra's home in downtown Minneapolis that opened in 1974.
He continued as the orchestra's conductor laureate, serving on the orchestra's artistic staff for 56 years. His tenure as music director equaled that of the orchestra's founding music director Emil Oberhoffer for the longest tenure in that position.
Besides his work to create Orchestra Hall, Skrowaczewski also was a champion of new music, a celebrated composer and an advocate for the Minnesota Orchestra's union musicians during a 16-month lockout, the orchestra said.
In a statement, Skowaczewski's management company, Intermusica of London, said he "commanded a rare position on the musical scene worldwide as both a renowned conductor and highly regarded composer."
"Skrowaczewski conducted the world's major orchestras and collaborated with some of the musical giants of the 20th century, including Shostakovich, Lutoslawski, Penderecki and Andrzej Panufnik," Intermusica said.
The native of Poland began studying the piano and violin at age 4. He composed his first symphonic work at 7 and gave his first public recital at 11. He won the International Competition for Conductors in Rome in 1956.
Other posts include with the Halle Orchestra in Manchester, England, from 1984 to 1991, and the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony in Tokyo from 2007 to 2010.
He also suffered a stroke in November 2016, which forced him to cancel upcoming appearances with the Dallas Symphony and other orchestras.
A memorial service to celebrate Skrowaczewski's legacy is scheduled for March 28 at Orchestra Hall.
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Follow Jeff Baenen on Twitter at https://twitter.com/jeffbaenen. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/author/jeff-baenen .
Kudos for the opinions
Dear Editor:
Thank you Gary Adkisson for your article Understanding Privilege which was in the Sentinel opinion page Saturday, Feb. 11. I read it three times, each time giving it a thumbs up. Reading it made me feel good.
Also, thank you Charles Allen for your excellent article, Of presidents and citizens that also appeared Saturday, Feb. 11. I wish I had the opportunity to have Mr. Allen as one of my educators when I attended school many years ago ... I am 88 years young.
Then I read Another View, (on the same opinion page) Spend more time in session. Uh oh, time to take a blood pressure pill! The article states the state Senate and House are scheduled to be in session for 43 and 42 days, respectively, in the first six months of the year. Thats simply not enough session days to deal with all the problems facing Pennsylvania.
When I read their salary is $85,339 a year I asked myself, Is this what my tax dollars are going for?
I saved this opinion page. I do not always agree with The Sentinel opinions, this page deserves an A-plus.
Virginia Such
Carlisle
PHOENIX (AP) - Authorities say a Scottsdale man has been sentenced to one year of unsupervised probation and 160 hours of community restitution for false voter registration.
The Maricopa County Attorney's Office says 38-year-old Alan Faygenblat electronically filed a fraudulent voter registration application with the county Recorder's Office last September.
Faygenblat says he wanted to prove a point and show that the county's voter registration process is flawed.
Prosecutors say Faygenblat falsely claimed he was currently a citizen of the United States and was born in New York.
By providing false information, prosecutors say Faygenblat was able to obtain a voter registration card and posted the details of his actions on social media.
They say an investigation confirmed Faygenblat was not a United States citizen, but rather a legal resident from Israel.
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday praised Australia for being "courageously willing to puncture U.N. hypocrisy" on anti-Israel resolutions.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull marked the first visit to Australia by a serving Israeli leader by writing an opinion piece in Wednesday's The Australian newspaper that backed Netanyahu's criticism in 2015 that the United Nations General Assembly had adopted 20 resolutions critical of Israel in the preceding year and only one in response to the Syrian war.
"My government will not support one-sided resolutions criticizing Israel of the kind recently adopted by the U.N. Security Council and we deplore the boycott campaigns designed to delegitimize the Jewish state," Turnbull wrote, referring to the Dec. 23 resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem as a "flagrant violation" of international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, points as he and and his wife, Sara, move toward media after arriving in Sydney, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. Netanyahu is on a 4-day visit to Australia. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
The United States abstained from that vote and Australia, while not a member of the security council, was one of the few countries to publicly support Israel's position.
Netanyahu said he was delighted to read the article at the start of his four-day Australian visit.
"Australia has been courageously willing to puncture U.N. hypocrisy more than once, including this absurd resolution that said the Western wall, the most sacred site for the Jewish people for thousands of years - thousands of years even before the rise of Islam - that this is occupied Palestinian territory," Netanyahu told reporters.
"So the U.N. is capable of many absurdities and I think it's important that you have straightforward and clear-eyed countries like Australia that often bring it back to Earth," he said.
Turnbull reiterated his support for a two-state solution to resolve the Palestinian conflict and described Australia as a committed and consistent friend of Israel.
"I agree with you in that the circumstances of the times ... do appear to create the opportunity where perhaps the moons aligning such that this could be a good time ... for the parties to come back to the table and reach an agreement, but, of course, as with any agreement, it needs two to tango," Turnbull told Netanyahu.
Netanyahu dismissed calls from critics of Israeli West bank settlements, including former Australian Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd and Bob Hawke, for Australia to formally recognize Palestine as a state.
"I ask both former prime ministers to ask a simple question: What kind of state will it be that they are advocating? A state that calls for Israel's destruction? A state whose territory will be used immediately for radical Islam?" Netanyahu said.
Netanyahu and Turnbull signed agreements on technology and air services as well as discussed expanding co-operation in areas, including cyber-security, innovation and science.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, and his wife, Sara, second right, are greeted on their arrival in Sydney, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. Netanyahu is on a 4-day visit to Australia. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, second left, speaks to the media after he and his wife, Sara, left, arrive in Sydney, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017. Netanyahu is on a 4-day visit to Australia. (AP Photo/Rick Rycroft)
WASHINGTON (AP) - Assertions from the White House that immigration-enforcement agents had their hands tied in the last administration are difficult to square with the massive deportations of Barack Obama's presidency.
President Donald Trump's press secretary made a claim about two agencies, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection:
SEAN SPICER: "For so long, the people at ICE and CBP had their hands cuffed behind them." The Obama administration had so many exceptions for who could be adjudicated "that it made it very difficult for the customs and enforcement people to do their job and enforce the laws of this country."
White House press secretary Sean Spicer speaks during the daily press briefing at the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
THE FACTS: Whatever constraints agents might have faced, they deported more than 2 million immigrants during the eight years Obama was in office, more than in previous administrations. They sent back 409,000 in 2012 alone, a record.
Republican lawmakers and some ICE officials did complain that they were directed to ignore some immigrants found living in the country illegally if they didn't have serious criminal histories or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.
Spicer outlined a similar priority, saying enforcement would focus "first and foremost" on those who have a criminal record or post a risk to the public. Still there's little question that enforcement will be broadened.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has signed a pair of memos that eliminate the Obama-era enforcement rules and made clear that nearly any immigrant caught living in the country illegally - not just those with a criminal record - will now be a target for deportation.
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Find all AP Fact Checks here: http://apne.ws/2kbx8bd
HONOLULU (AP) - The Latest on a federal case of defrauding Japanese English-language students of more than $200,000 (all times local):
12:50 p.m.
A man who taught English at a well-known chain of foreign language schools in Japan is pleading guilty to defrauding his students out of more than $200,000.
Rick Mikaele pleaded guilty Tuesday to mail fraud and impersonating a federal officer or employee.
Prosecutors say the Nova teacher told two students he could get them a high rate of return by putting their money into First Hawaiian Bank certificates of deposit.
He sent the students fake bank statements and fake letters to make it look like the U.S. Internal Revenue Service was demanding $7,000 in taxes.
He's scheduled to be sentenced in June, but defense attorney Steve Cedillos says his client needs time to raise the $236,000 restitution. Cedillos says Mikaele travels between Hawaii and Japan, where he and his wife run a concert promotion business.
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10:20 a.m.
A Hawaii man who taught English at a well-known chain of foreign language schools in Japan is expected to plead guilty to defrauding his students out of more than $200,000.
Rick Mikaele pleaded not guilty to wire fraud in July and is scheduled to change his plea Tuesday.
According to an indictment, the Nova teacher told two students he could get them a high rate of return by putting their money into a First Hawaiian Bank certificate of deposit.
Prosecutors say he sent the students fake bank statements and sent a fake letter to make it look like the U.S. Internal Revenue Service was demanding $7,000 in taxes for profit earned on the money.
Mikaele's defense attorney declined to comment before Tuesday's hearing in federal court in Honolulu.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - The federal prosecutors who failed to convict Ammon Bundy returned to court Tuesday to try four lesser-known men who followed Bundy's call to take a hard stand against the government and occupy a national wildlife refuge in Oregon.
Like the defendants in the first trial, the primary charge facing the men is conspiracy to impede Interior Department employees from doing their jobs at the refuge through the use of force, threats or intimidation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow spent a good portion of his opening statement telling jurors that a conspiracy does not have to include people gathering around a conference table and drafting a written agreement.
FILE--This Jan. 27, 2016 file photo provided by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office shows Duane Ehmer, one of the members of an armed group that occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in central Oregon. Opening statements began Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in the second trial stemming from last year's armed takeover of a national wildlife refuge in Oregon. (Multnomah County Sheriff's Office via AP, file)
Barrow acknowledged there was no written agreement, but said circumstantial evidence will show there was a "meeting of the minds" to prevent federal employees from going to work.
The four defendants are Duane Ehmer of Irrigon, Oregon; Jason Patrick of Bonaire, Georgia; Darryl Thorn of Marysville, Washington; and Jake Ryan of Plains, Montana. The men, all free on their own recognizance, waived their right to a speedy trial last fall, preferring to have more time to prepare.
Three of them are also charged with possessing a firearm in a federal facility. Two are charged with depredation of government property.
They were among the more than two dozen men and women who answered Bundy's call to occupy the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge to protest federal control of Western lands and the imprisonment of two ranchers convicted of setting fires on public rangeland.
"The defendants are not being tried for their political beliefs, no matter how baseless, radical and ridiculous they may be," Barrow told jurors.
Andrew Kohlmetz, an attorney representing Patrick, countered that the beliefs of the men are at the heart of the case, because they are what drove them to the refuge. He told the Portland jury of seven women and five men that impeding workers was not one of those beliefs and there was no conspiracy.
"The evidence will fail to show that a single person went there with the conscious desire or goal to interfere with anyone who worked there," Kohlmetz said.
The protesters gained control of the refuge on Jan. 2, 2016. The Bundys were arrested in a Jan. 26 traffic stop away from the refuge that ended with police fatally shooting Robert "LaVoy" Finicum, an occupation spokesman. Most occupiers left the refuge after Finicum's death, but a few holdouts remained until Feb. 11, 2016.
There was no dispute the group seized the refuge and established armed patrols, but jurors last fall bought defense arguments that the takeover was an act of civil disobedience and the government failed to prove a conspiracy against employees.
Barrow and the other prosecutors who lost what initially seemed an open-and-shut case declined interview requests after the bitter defeat, and haven't elaborated on what they think went wrong.
Unlike the first trial, they hired an outside consultant to help them with last week's jury selection process, a sign they believe the seeds of defeat were planted before the first witness was called.
They also hedged their bets by adding misdemeanors such as trespassing to the mix of charges against the four men. The misdemeanor charges will be heard in a non-jury trial after the felony trial ends.
Bundy, the star of the first trial, is expected to appear in the sequel as a defense witness. Though cleared in Oregon, he's in a Nevada jail awaiting trial on charges stemming from a 2014 standoff with federal authorities at his father's ranch near Bunkerville.
The defense plans to put him on the stand for two days, letting him explain the occupation and what it hoped to accomplish.
FILE--This undated photo, provided by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, shows Darryl Thorn, one of the members of an armed group that occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in central Oregon. Opening statements began Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in the second trial stemming from last year's armed takeover of a national wildlife refuge in Oregon. (Multnomah County Sheriff's Office via AP, file)
FILE--This Jan. 27, 2016 file photo provided by the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office shows Jason Patrick, one of the members of an armed group that occupied the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in central Oregon. Opening statements began Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017, in the second trial stemming from last year's armed takeover of a national wildlife refuge in Oregon. (Multnomah County Sheriff's Office via AP, file)
Malaysian officials trying to determine whether poison killed the half brother of North Koreas leader in a busy airport have said post-mortem tests are so far inconclusive.
More than a week has passed since Kim Jong Nam was approached by two women at a budget airline terminal in Kuala Lumpur and apparently sprayed in the face with an unknown substance.
He did not suffer a heart attack and had no puncture wounds, such as those a needle would have left, according to Noor Hisham Abdullah, director general of health, but he did not dismiss poison as a potential cause.
Noor Hisham Abdullah, left, director general of Health Malaysia (Daniel Chan/AP)
He added that medical specimens have been sent to experts for analysis.
The case has perplexed leading forensic toxicologists who study murder by poison. They say the airport attack is one of the most bizarre cases in the books, and question how the two women could walk away unscathed after deploying an agent potent enough to kill Mr Kim before he could make it to hospital.
Some type of nerve gas or ricin, a deadly substance found in castor beans, have been suggested as possible toxins used.
A strong opioid compound could also have been liquidised, although that would probably have incapacitated the victim immediately. Surveillance footage shows Mr Kim walking calmly downstairs to the airports clinic.
The older half brother of North Koreas reclusive ruler Kim Jong Un had spent most of the past 15 years living in China and south-east Asia. He is believed to have had at least three children with two women, but no family members have come forward to claim the body.
The attack spiralled into diplomatic fury when Malaysia refused to hand over the body to North Korean diplomats and proceeded with a post-mortem over the ambassadors objections.
The two nations have made a series of increasingly angry statements since then, with Malaysia insisting it is simply following legal protocols, and North Korea accusing Malaysia of working in collusion with its enemy South Korea.
Seouls spy agency believes North Korea was behind the killing, but has produced no evidence.
Birmingham Childrens Hospital has become the first of its kind in the country to be rated outstanding by the health watchdog, eight years after it faced damning criticism for substandard care.
Most areas within the specialist hospital (BCH) were given either the top rating, or classed as good, following an inspection by the Care Quality Commission, carried out last year.
Inspectors highlighted a number of examples of outstanding practice, including the hospitals safety routines within the paediatric intensive care unit, and approach to care of terminally ill children.
Birmingham Children's Hospital (Joe Giddens/PA)
Its a special day for us after @CareQualityComm announced we are Outstanding! @BWCHBoss explains more... https://t.co/rszJcGAGKF Bham Children's Hosp (@Bham_Childrens) February 21, 2017
The findings, published on Tuesday, also commended the trusts implementation of a rare diseases strategy, describing it as innovative in allowing children to have one appointment with all clinicians rather than multiple visits to different doctors.
Staff at the hospital were found to work together well in a supportive environment where they referred to Team BCH, and were said by parents and children to treat patients and their families with dignity and respect.
Cancer patient referrals were found to meet the treatment targets and all children were seen within six weeks of being referred, inspectors said.
Meanwhile the trusts neonatal services were deemed to require improvement, with the watchdog demanding action to ensure that learning from serious incidents involving neonates ward are shared consistently across the trust.
Were proud to be #ByYourSide with our Outstanding CQC rating. Find out more in this short film with @BWCHBoss https://t.co/R5fYIgtjfP Bham Children's Hosp (@Bham_Childrens) February 21, 2017
So proud of all our staff for helping us to achieve our @CareQualityComm Outstanding rating #Thankyou #ByYourSide Bham Children's Hosp (@Bham_Childrens) February 21, 2017
The trust was also urged to ensure there were appropriate staffing levels within its child and adolescent mental health services to allow effective care.
A report in 2009 found patients at Birmingham Childrens Hospital (BCH) experienced delays in treatment, substandard care and youngsters being redirected to other services.
I've just received a lovely personal email from the Chairman of the CQC.Little things mean a lot #CQCoutstanding Sarah-Jane Marsh (@BWCHBoss) February 21, 2017
BCH was also criticised in the report, ordered by then health secretary Alan Johnson after concerns raised by consultants appeared in a national newspaper, for its shortage of beds, equipment and access to operating theatres, and an ineffective partnership with the University Hospital Birmingham.
The trust was rated as compliant in its previous inspection in 2013.
An Israeli military court has sentenced a soldier to 18 months in prison for his fatal shooting of a Palestinian attacker who lay wounded on the ground.
After an 11-month saga that has deeply divided the country, the sentence against Sergeant Elor Azaria, which included a years probation and a demotion in rank, was lighter than expected. Prosecutors had asked for three to five years.
It still triggered disappointment among protesters who had gathered outside the Tel Aviv court and had hoped to see the soldier walk free. Politicians immediately called for Azaria to be pardoned.
Israeli soldier Elor Azaria is embraced by his mother at the start of his sentencing hearing in the Israel military court (Jim Hollander/AP)
He was convicted of manslaughter last month in a rare case of a military court ruling against a combat soldier for lethal action taken in the field.
The verdict marked a victory for commanders who said Azaria had violated the armys code of ethics, but Azaria generated great support among the public, many of whom see him as a scapegoat for a misguided elite punishing a soldier they say responded to an armed attacker trying to kill other soldiers.
Azaria, an army medic, was caught on a mobile phone video in March shooting the wounded Palestinian, just after the man stabbed a soldier in the West Bank city of Hebron.
The Palestinian, Abdel Fattah al-Sharif, was lying on the ground unarmed when Azaria shot him in the head.
The shooting occurred at the height of a wave of Israeli-Palestinian violence.
Azarias defenders said he shot the assailant in self-defence, and hardline politicians have said he should be either cleared or released with a light penalty, but his detractors, including senior military commanders, said his actions violated military procedures.
Aljaz Bedene fought back from a set down to defeat Paul-Henri Mathieu in the opening round of the Open 13 in Marseille.
The British number four, who is ranked one place below Mathieu at 102 in the world, turned things around at the start of the second set and served 20 aces in a 3-6 6-1 6-4 victory.
He will face another Frenchman, fourth seed Lucas Pouille, in round two.
A police dog will not be allowed to retire with her handler despite a petition gathering more than 35,000 signatures.
Sgt David Evans requested to keep four-year-old Ivy as he left West Mercia Police after 34 years service last week. But the appeal was rejected by the force who said that Ivy was very young and has many years service ahead of her.
The officer said he was heartbroken at the idea of not being allowed to keep the Malinois cross German Shepherd, and his daughter Jennie started an online petition which amassed 4,000 signatures in the first 24 hours.
Sgt David Evans and Ivy (Family handout/PA)
Speaking earlier this month, she said: He is trying to put on a brave front and have meetings with West Mercia to try and come to some conclusion, but he is absolutely devastated at the thought of losing Ivy.
He is willing to offer anything he can to try and get West Mercia to change their minds. And he is overwhelmed at the support that the public have shown him.
Chief Constable Anthony Bangham said a number of options had been considered, but that it was in the best interests of the dog and the force that Ivy carries on working.
Chief Constable's decision on Police Dog Ivy: https://t.co/X2JAllrl5V West Mercia Police (@WMerciaPolice) February 21, 2017
He said: We appreciate that all our handlers form close relationships with the dogs they work with and, understandably, many want to continue that relationship when they retire.
Sometimes at the end of the dogs working life we are able to facilitate this, but we always have to consider the needs of the dog and the force at the time and to meet our obligation to spend public funds wisely and ensure best value from all our resources.
Although the dogs live with their handlers and have close relationships with them, they are not family pets. They belong to the force and are highly valued resources.
India, Rwanda sign MoUs in innovation, aviation and visa requirements
Published: February 21, 2017
India and Rwanda have inked three agreements in the fields of innovation, aviation and visa requirements to boost bilateral relations.
These agreements were signed in Kigali in the presence of Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari and Rwandan Prime Minister Anastase Murekezi during a business forum meet. Vice President is the first Indian leader to officially visit Rwanda. He launched India-Rwanda innovation growth programme.
Three important agreements signed are
Bilateral air service agreement between two countries.
Agreement for exemption of visa requirements for diplomatic and service passports.
Agreement for establishment of an Entrepreneurship Development Centre in Rwanda duly financed by India,
Background
Vice President Hamid Ansari visited Rwanda on the first leg of his 2-nation visit to East Africa. Later he will travel to Uganda, the second leg of his tour to another East African country. Both Rwanda and Uganda are important from Indias viewpoint of trade, especially in the pharmaceuticals, automobiles, mechanical appliances and machinery sectors. Since 2012, Indias trade with Rwanda has doubled and it is one of Ugandas largest trading partners and largest investors.
India-Africa Relations
India is key partner of African nations in the 1950s and 1960s. However in the past decade, India lost influence in Africa to China and other Asian nations.
In recent years, India is seeking to broaden its general outreach to resource-rich Africa and establish its footprint in sub-Saharan Africa.
India has positioned itself as a partner of choice to African countries in areas such as education, healthcare, investment and trade.
In 2014-15, India-Africa trade was almost $70 billion and Indian investments in Africa in the past decade was amounted to $30-35 billion.
The figures, however, are low in comparison with the Africas trade and investment ties with China which is around $200 billion. China has built large infrastructure projects like roads, railways, airports and government buildings in Africa.
Together, President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice President Ansari have visited 12 African nations in 2016.
This was in keeping with PM Modis promise to maintain the tempo of interaction with Africa, made to leaders to 54 African nations during the 3rd India-Africa summit in New Delhi in October 2015.
Month: Current Affairs - February, 2017
Topics: Aviation Hamid Ansari India-Africa India-Rwanda innovation National Visa
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Police in Barcelona fired shots to stop a man who stole a butane gas truck and drove it at high speed against the flow of traffic on a major city road, ramming several cars along the way.
Authorities ruled out terrorism as a motive. Interior minister Juan Ignacio Zoido said the man, a Swedish citizen, has a history of psychiatric conditions and it has not been any terrorist act.
The 32-year-old suspect was arrested after police fired at the trucks wheels to stop it, regional police chief Joan Carles Molinero told reporters.
A police officer guards the truck (Manu Fernandez/AP)
The suspect is being questioned at a regional hospital where he was sent for a medical check-up.
A Brazilian woman suffered a leg injury when she was hit by one of several butane gas tanks that fell off the truck as the man tried to escape by speeding down a road near the harbour.
Mr Molinero said police started chasing the truck after the driver failed to obey orders to stop from officers who had seen it driving at high speed and dropping part of its load.
A police officer guards the truck (Manu Fernandez/AP)
During the chase, the driver took a turn near the harbour and drove against traffic and into a highway exit where several cars were hit. It finally stopped when it crashed against one of the roads walls. Local and regional police officers arrested the driver, who carried no weapons and appeared unharmed.
At the moment we have no indication whatsoever that he was planning a terrorist attack, Mr Molinero said. We are working on the possibility that it could be a person with psychological imbalances or who has consumed substances.
Spain has kept its national security alert one step below maximum since July 2015, following violent attacks across Europe.
The front-runner in the French presidential campaign has said he wants to attract talented workers such as bankers and academics from the UK to his country after Brexit.
Emmanuel Macron was speaking after talks with Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street during a campaign visit to London.
He said he assured Mrs May of his willingness to seek a fair execution of Brexit which protects and defends French and European interests.
.@EmmanuelMacron wants to "improve" UK-France Le Touquet migrant deal - last year he said #Brexit wd mean "migrants are no longer in Calais" pic.twitter.com/J3sdf4LO5b Andrew Woodcock (@AndyWoodcock) February 21, 2017
Mr Macron said he is concerned about ensuring the rights of French residents to stay and work in the UK after Brexit, but added he hopes to attract his fellow countrymen many of whom work in Londons financial sector to return home.
In my programmes I will have a series of initiatives to get talented people in research and lots of fields working here to come to France, he said.
I was very happy to see that some academics and researchers in the UK because of Brexit are considering coming to France to work.
Emmanuel Macron (Stefan Rousseau/PA)
It will be part of my programme to be attractive for these kinds of people.
I think that France and the European Union are a very attractive space now so in my programme I will do everything I can to make it attractive and successful.
Mrs May has repeatedly said she wants an early agreement on the status of EU nationals currently living in the UK but has declined to guarantee they retain their rights to live and work in the country after Brexit.
Theresa May and Bernard Cazeneuve at Number 10 last week (Victoria Jones/PA)
Mr Macron accused his main rival Marine Le Pen of the National Front of trying to push France into the 19th century and said her plan to take the country out of the EU would kill the economy and harm middle-class interests.
Speaking in English, Mr Macron added: Here we are in the sixth French city Because we have 200,000 people. I want to win this election in France, so I want to speak to the 200,000 voters we have here in London.
I want to convince them that France is changing, I want to promote my country and make it succeed in the 21st century and (tell them) that now, in the coming years, they will have a lot of opportunities to come back to France and succeed in France.
Marine Le Pen (Hussein Malla/AP)
Downing Street said the Number 10 meeting was requested by Mr Macron, a former socialist, who last year established the En Marche movement to fight the presidential election as an independent.
As conservative Francois Fillons campaign was derailed by corruption allegations, the Blairite Mr Macron has come from behind to lead the polls for the two-round contest to replace Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace, which takes place in April and May.
Gordon Reid has urged Scotland to stand up to Wales front row this Saturday or face being bullied.
The Dark Blues will hope to get their RBS 6 Nations campaign back on track when Rob Howleys side visit Murrayfield.
Glasgow prop Reid knows they cannot afford to let the visitors get the upper hand at the set-piece after allowing Ireland and France to boss them during their opening two clashes.
The Scots pack came under pressure against the Irish but had their free-running backs to thank as they snatched a narrow victory.
There was no such let-off against France last weekend when Les Bleus dished out a lesson in scrummaging, powering their way to a 22-16 triumph.
| The @Scotlandteam returned to training @Oriamscotland 5 days out from our third @SixNationsRugby test v Wales at BT Murrayfield #AsOne pic.twitter.com/qMGpPmEPjN Scottish Rugby (@Scotlandteam) February 20, 2017
Reid reckons Wales will try to do the same this weekend - but insists Vern Cotters forwards have been putting in extra homework to ensure they do not have their faces rubbed in the mud once again.
He said: Theres still a load for us to work on. Teams will be targeting our scrums and line-out. They werent performing that well against Ireland and France. But I think were getting there. Weve done a lot of work on it in the past couple of weeks so hopefully well be hitting form by the weekend.
What have we done to fix it? A sh*tload of scrums. Weve been working on technique because we know what Wales are going to bring. Weve scrummaged against these guys before. Most of the guys have come up against Scarlets, who Samson Lee and Rob Evans play for.
We need to front up. Wales are going to come out and try to bully us up front - mentally bully us. We just need to stand up for ourselves and stand up for Scotland.
Reid celebrates following Scotland's win over Ireland (Owen Humphreys/PA)
It has long been said that Scotlands failure to master the dark arts of scrummaging has left them at a disadvantage when going up against rugbys top Test sides. But Reid claims there is still a place for playing hard and fair at the highest level of the sport.
Asked how he would describe the Welsh scrummaging style, he replied: Erm, interesting. Yeah, interesting. We always look to be legal and do everything by the book. Its just the Scottish way. We dont look to take shortcuts - we grit our teeth and do things the hard way.
Is that the wrong thing to do when you compare it to some of the methods used by other sides? Not really. We just need to work a bit harder. If there is a problem, well get there.
By Anthony Boadle
BRASILIA, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Brazilian Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said cash-strapped states that sign up for a debt relief program would get three years to repay loans owed to the federal government and private banks as long as they commit to drastic spending curbs.
Meirelles told Globo TV's cable news network on Monday a new bill with the deal's terms would be sent to Congress on Tuesday.
The bill is vital for Rio de Janeiro state to overcome its fiscal crisis and will require states to freeze wage hikes for employees and stop new hiring, while getting them to privatize their banks, electrical utilities and sanitation companies.
States will not be able to give tax breaks or subsidies to companies struggling with a two-year recession and will have to reduce current tax breaks by 20 percent, he said.
In return, they can put off debt payments for three years.
"Any state that joins the recovery plan and carries out the adjustment measures will have a series of prerogatives," Meirelles said in the television interview.
"Debts with the government will be postponed, the payments will be suspended, and also with the private sector. All debts with the financial sector and banks will be extended on the same terms as debts with the federal government," he said.
The program will help shore up the finances of Brazilian states that are experiencing crippling budget crises because of ballooning deficits and falling tax revenues. Rio de Janeiro has not paid salaries for police and doctors since last year.
The speaker of the lower house of Congress, Rodrigo Maia, said he aimed to put the debt bill to a floor vote in the first half of March. Maia told reporters after meeting with Meirelles that its passage would require persuading lawmakers from states with financial troubles they need to tighten their belts.
President Michel Temer vetoed a debt relief bill last year after lawmakers stripped it of austerity requirements.
The state assembly in Rio, which is in the most critical financial shape, refused to vote on spending cuts required to join the debt relief plan. Rio's government even sought a Supreme Court decision to free it from spending and debt limits.
In a surprise vote on Monday, the assembly voted to allow the privatization of the state water and sewer company, CEDAE, a key condition to land a loan from a consortium of private banks
Meirelles said it was a positive first step toward balancing Rio's books.
"Above all, it shows politicians are realizing how serious Rio's situation is and tough measures must be taken to start paying salaries, pensions and suppliers' bills again," he said. (Reporting by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney)
BOGOTA, Feb 20 (Reuters) - Colombia's Marxist FARC rebels can begin surrendering their weapons to the United Nations now that almost 7,000 of them have reached designated demobilization zones around the country, President Juan Manuel Santos said on Monday.
The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace agreement with the government late last year to put an end Latin America's longest-running armed conflict, which killed more than 220,000 people.
The rebels will have turned in all their arms by June, Santos said.
"This weekend the process of mobilization toward the zones was completed and the protocols of the bilateral and definitive ceasefire and the abandonment of arms has begun," Santos said in southern Putumayo province.
Over the past weeks, FARC rebels crisscrossed Colombia on foot and by boat from their jungle and mountain camps to 26 zones monitored by U.N. personnel.
Under the terms of the peace accord, the FARC, which began as a peasant uprising 52 years ago, is to form a political movement in the South American nation.
The accord has been heavily criticized by many, and was initially rejected in a referendum, as being too lenient on the rebels who will be spared jail time. (Reporting by Helen Murphy; Editing by Tom Brown)
By Jessica Jaganathan and Henning Gloystein
SINGAPORE, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Singapore's proposed plan to tax greenhouse gas emissions would probably hit oil refiners hard, ramping up costs in an industry that has been central to the city-state's rapid development over the last half-century.
Monday's announcement that a carbon tax on direct emitters is to be introduced from 2019 shows that Singapore, Asia's main oil trading hub, could be moving towards a longer-term future dominated by cleaner technology and resources.
"It is the first time in the history of Singapore that a budget has placed such a high emphasis on green initiatives linked to tax revenues," said Isabella Loh, chairman of the Singapore Environment Council, an independent non-profit body.
"The announcement clearly underpins the priority of a future-ready and greener economy."
Countries around the world have been under increasing pressure to crack down on carbon emissions, with Singapore part of the historic Paris climate accord that went into force late last year.
In parts of Europe and countries such as Australia, the introduction of carbon taxes or carbon trading schemes has often driven a decline in established refining industries and a parallel surge in investment in clean energy technology.
"The proposed carbon tax on emitters would prove a significant drag on industry profit-margins," said Peter Lee, oil and gas analyst at BMI Research in Singapore.
The government said the carbon tax would probably cover 30 to 40 "large direct emitters" including power stations, petrochemical facilities and semiconductor makers.
But it is Singapore's three refineries, run by ExxonMobil , Royal Dutch Shell and Singapore Refining Company, that would probably need to brace for the hardest blow.
The tax proposal comes as those refineries, with a combined fuel generation capacity of around 1.38 million barrels per day (bpd), grapple with rising competition from China, India and the Middle East